Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 By Pete Schroeder and Hannah Lang WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A top U.S. regulator told a Senate panel on Tuesday that Silicon Valley Bank did a "terrible" job of managing risk before its collapse, fending off criticism from lawmakers who blamed bank watchdogs for missing warning signs. In the first congressional hearing into the sudden collapse of two U.S. regional lenders and the ensuing chaos in markets, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers pressed the Federal Reserve's top banking regulator on whether the central bank should have been more aggressive in its oversight of SVB. "It looks like regulators knew the problem, but no one dropped the hammer," said Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat. Michael Barr, the Fed's vice chairman for supervision, criticized SVB for going months without a chief risk officer and how it modeled interest rate risk, which he said "was not at all aligned with reality." Fed supervisors had flagged such issues with bank management, but they went unaddressed, he added. "The risks were there, the regulators were pointing them out and the bank didnt take action," he said. The failures of SVB, and days later, Signature Bank, set off a broader loss of investor confidence in the banking sector that pummeled stocks and stoked fears of a full-blown financial crisis. A deal to rescue Swiss giant Credit Suisse last week and a sale of SVB's assets to First Citizens Bancshares this week has helped restore some calm to markets, but investors remain wary of more troubles lurking in the financial system. Senior members of the Senate Banking Committee agreed with Barr that the banks had been mismanaged and former executives should be held responsible, but also questioned how the banks could collapse so quickly with regulators on the case. Barr told the committee he first became aware of the interest rate risk issues at SVB in mid-February, while Fed supervisors had been raising issues with the bank directly in months prior to that. Story continues "The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and the general turmoil in the banking sector are the direct result of the failure of regulators, including the agencies we have before us today," said Senator Steve Daines, a Republican. Barr was challenged on whether the Fed's annual "stress test" of large banks would have identified risks at SVB, given that recent tests have not explored how banks could weather rapidly rising interest rates, even as the Fed aggressively hiked borrowing costs in a bid to stem inflation. "It was like somebody going in for a test for COVID and getting a test for cholera," said Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican. Barr agreed it would be "useful" to test for higher rates as well, and said he was looking to expand the breadth of the test in the future. Regulators have vowed to review their rules and procedures after the twin failures while insisting the overall system remains sound. Barr added he welcomed external reviews of regulators' work and expects the Fed to be "accountable" for any shortcomings that are unearthed. Barr and FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg both stressed in their remarks that depositor funds are safe and sound. Both indicated they are looking into tightening rules for banks and applying stricter oversight for firms similar to SVB. Some Democrats, including major bank critic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have also argued a 2018 bank deregulation law is to blame. That law, mostly backed by Republicans but also some moderate Democrats, relaxed the strictest oversight for firms holding between $100 billion and $250 billion in assets, which included SVB and Signature. Barr said he anticipated the Fed would need to strengthen capital and liquidity standards for firms with more than $100 billion in assets. The hearing is the first of what is expected to be several examining the banking tumult. The House Financial Services Committee will hear from the same regulators Wednesday, and congressional leaders have already said they want to question the former CEOs of the two banks on what went wrong. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder and Hannah Lang; editing by Deepa Babington and Anna Driver) (Bloomberg) -- Rob Joyce, the head of the US National Security Agencys cybersecurity arm, said popular video-sharing app TikTok is Chinas Trojan horse and poses a long-term, strategic cybersecurity concern. Most Read from Bloomberg Joyce said it was critical that the US government monitor TikToks Chinese parent ByteDance Ltd. to avoid a security incident five, 10 or 20 years down the line, as opposed to an imminent, tactical threat. Why would you bring the Trojan horse inside the fortress? Joyce said Monday at the Silverado Accelerator Conference in Napa, California. Why would you bring that capability into the US when the Chinese could manipulate the data we see to either include the things they want to present to our population divisive material or remove the things that paint them in a bad light, which they would not like to be exposed to the American people? Politicians and cybersecurity experts have repeatedly raised concerns that TikToks parent company has too much insight into its 150 million monthly US users, and allege that steps the app has taken to separate data is not enough to keep it from a prying Beijing government. TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew faced a grilling during a US House committee hearing last week as he tried to protect his company from a possible ban or forced sale over concerns the app might pose a security concern. During last weeks hearing, Chew said TikTok posed no greater risk than social media giants like Googles YouTube and Meta Platform Inc.s Instagram, claiming his company has put more safeguards in place than any of its Western competitors because of long-standing suspicions. Story continues Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. SAN ANTONIO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehicle thefts continue to rise across the nation as USAA members have experienced an 8% increase in total theft of vehicles since 2021. USAA alone saw more than 20,000 vehicles stolen in 2022 and wants vehicle owners to be aware of how they can help safeguard their vehicles. USAA Logo (PRNewsfoto/USAA) Top 10 States for USAA Vehicle Theft Claims in 2022: Texas California Colorado Washington Florida Georgia Virginia Oregon North Carolina Maryland Keeping your vehicle secure is vital to the safety of yourself, your family, and your belongings. Here are five simple ways you can help prevent vehicle thefts: Never leave your keys inside your car when it is unattended. Always lock your car, even while driving. If you park outside, park in a well-lit area. Keep valuables out of sight from passersby. Install an anti-theft, vehicle immobilizer or tracking system. For additional tips visit usaa.com/protectmycar. USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 37,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com. Copyright 2023 USAA. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change. Auto insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association and its property and casualty affiliates, San Antonio, Texas. Contact: USAA Media Relations External_Communications@usaa.com 210-498-0940 Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usaa-releases-top-10-states-for-vehicle-thefts-301783614.html SOURCE USAA Victoria PLC (LON:VCP) shareholders have seen the share price descend 12% over the month. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been very strong. In fact, the share price is up a full 156% compared to three years ago. To some, the recent share price pullback wouldn't be surprising after such a good run. Only time will tell if there is still too much optimism currently reflected in the share price. With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. Check out our latest analysis for Victoria While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. During three years of share price growth, Victoria moved from a loss to profitability. That kind of transition can be an inflection point that justifies a strong share price gain, just as we have seen here. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that Victoria has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? This free interactive report on Victoria's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 2.0% in the twelve months, Victoria shareholders did even worse, losing 48%. Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 6% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Victoria better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Victoria (at least 1 which is a bit unpleasant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Story continues But note: Victoria may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on British exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Global Market Insights Inc. Vital Signs Monitoring Devices industry is anticipated to register 7.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2032 owing to rising incidence of chronic diseases across the globe. Selbyville, Delaware, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital signs monitoring devices market value is set to reach over USD 10.4 billion by 2032, as per a recent research report announced by Global Market Insights Inc. The swiftly increasing healthcare expenditure, mainly across the emerging countries along with the higher deployment of innovative technologies in treatment facilities will add positive impetus to the vital signs monitoring devices industry outlook. The rising household incomes in countries, such as the U.K., the U.S. and Canada has stirred the higher consumer spending on advanced devices, adding to the increased adoption of wearable medical devices. The increasing focus of physicians on improving healthcare access and optimizing procedural time whilst reducing the overall treatment costs will also drive the demand for vital signs monitoring devices. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/5453 Increasing usage of temperature monitoring devices in medical settings to influence industry Vital signs monitoring devices market revenue from temperature monitoring devices to cross USD 1.7 billion by 2032 due to their rising importance in healthcare, hospitals, and clinics for controlling and regulating the temperature of specific environments. These devices provide quick and non-invasive temperature readings and are hence increasingly deployed for individuals or children that have sensitivity to contact. The rising adoption of infrared thermometers to cater to the thriving need to measure body temperature across medical settings, including hospitals and clinics will also drive the market expansion. Browse key industry insights spread across 342 pages with 382 market data tables & 16 figures & charts from the report, Vital Signs Monitoring Devices Market Size By Product (Blood Pressure Monitoring {Aneroid Blood Pressure Monitors, Digital Blood Pressure Monitor, Blood Pressure Instrument Accessories}, Pulse Oximeters {Fingertip Pulse Oximeters, Hand-held Pulse Oximeters, Wrist-worn Pulse Oximeters, Table-top/Bedside Pulse Oximeters, Pulse Oximeter Accessories}, Temperature Monitoring Devices {Mercury Filled Thermometers, Digital Thermometers, Infrared Thermometers, Temperature Monitoring Device Accessories}, By End-use (Hospitals and Clinics, Homecare, Ambulatory Surgery Centers), Regional Outlook, Industry Analysis Report, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2023 2032 in detail along with the table of contents: Story continues https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/vital-signs-monitoring-devices-market Rising patient inclination for surgeries in hospitals and clinics to enhance product adoption Vital signs monitoring devices market from hospitals and clinics accounted for more than 19% share in 2022 driven by the strong presence of highly skilled healthcare professionals. The influx of several new vital signs monitoring devices in hospitals for providing enhanced outcomes has amplified the patient preference for these healthcare settings. There has been a significant rise in the development for screening initiatives in clinics. The growing number of hospital admissions by patients affected with chronic disorders and to treat heart and orthopaedic ailments will outline the market landscape. Rising burden of cardiovascular diseases to drive vital signs monitoring devices progress in Europe Europe vital signs monitoring devices market is likely to surpass USD 2.6 billion by 2032. The growth can be mainly attributed to the rising number of investments for the progression of technologically superior products. The growing adoption of sedentary lifestyles has led to the rising number of people affected with cardiovascular diseases in the region. Hence, the increasing count of surgical procedures and the thriving preference for advanced treatment will anchor the product demand in the region. Secure a copy of the premium research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/securecheckout/paymenta/5453?gmpaycod=sugmp Innovations and developments to add competitive edge to vital signs monitoring devices industry Some of the leading firms in the vital signs monitoring devices industry include Masimo Corporation, SunTech Medical, Inc, Koninklijke Philips N.V, Nihon Kohden Corporation, General Electric Company, A&D Company Ltd., Dr Trust, Omron Healthcare, Medtronic plc, Smiths Group Plc, Contec Medical Systems Co. Ltd, Nonin Medical Inc. Browse Our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. CONTACT: Contact Us: Aashit Tiwari Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights Inc. Toll Free: +1-888-689-0688 USA: +1-302-846-7766 Europe: +44-742-759-8484 APAC: +65-3129-7718 Email: sales@gminsights.com Read More News @ https://ibmag.com Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Provides Progress Update on Varoglutamstat Clinical Development for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease VIVIAD Phase 2b study in Europe on track for final data readout Q1/2024 Data from all 259 randomized patients presented at AD/PD show no on-target toxicity and no clinical signs of ARIA, broadening evidence for potential of varoglutamstat in AD to overcome the safety challenges of other drug classes Coding enrichment strategy successfully applied for improved baseline assessment of rescuable deficits in attention and working memory in the study cohort VIVA-MIND Phase 2 study in the U.S. steadily progressing and enrolling at 18 sites; status update expected in 2H/2023 DSMB provided unanimous recommendation to continue VIVIAD without modification to dosing regimen, supporting rationale for accelerated uptitration to 600 mg BID dosing Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, March 28, 2023 Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today provided an update on both clinical studies of its lead candidate, varoglutamstat, a small molecule medicine in development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), VIVA-MIND (NCT03919162) and VIVIAD (NCT04498650). Furthermore, the Company presents updated safety data from its European Phase 2b study, VIVIAD, at the 2023 International Conference on Alzheimers and Parkinsons Diseases and related neurological disorders (AD/PD) in Gothenburg, Sweden. We are pleased to report that both of our ongoing studies are progressing steadily, and we continue to broaden the overall data package for varoglutamstat with consistently positive incremental results, commented Dr. Ulrich Dauer, CEO of Vivoryon. Varoglutamstat is strongly positioned as a differentiated oral, outpatient small molecule that has the potential to significantly impact the AD treatment landscape and address ongoing unmet need. Designed to modulate all major hallmarks of AD including Abeta aggregation, neuroinflammation and tau pathology, and also enabling improvement of synaptic function, varoglutamstat captures the key features of a novel drug that has already exhibited a favorable safety profile with no signs of ARIA side effects. We are incredibly encouraged by what we have been able to report to date, and we see a unique opportunity for ultimately realizing the promise of a widely accessible treatment option in AD with the realistic potential to reach the millions of patients in need. Story continues Vivoryon is pursuing a unique and highly differentiated approach to AD treatment, with a meticulously designed clinical development strategy. Grounded in the discovery that the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QPCT) catalyzes formation of the neurotoxic Abeta variant N3pE- Abeta, a key driver of AD pathology, Vivoryon is pioneering small molecule-based therapies to block this disease pathway. Varoglutamstat is designed to prevent N3pE- Abeta formation, rather than aiming to clear existing plaques, making it an intervention upstream of other approaches such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Through a second mode of action, varoglutamstat also modulates neuroinflammation via the CCL2 pathway, which, in turn, has an impact on tau pathology. We are extremely encouraged by the exceptionally low discontinuation rates in both of our studies, added Dr. Michael Schaeffer, CBO of Vivoryon. Vivoryon is acutely focused on lessening the burden of AD for both patients and their families. As we are addressing an elderly patient population, we know how important it is to design a drug that is convenient. These patients typically have to live with and manage many different health conditions at the same time, which heavily impacts their everyday lives. Many feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of medicines they have to take every day and it is therefore our goal to make taking varoglutamstat as easy and convenient as possible. By investigating options to further optimize the formulation of our tablets, we feel that we have the unique chance to facilitate adherence to the correct dosing in our clinical studies and beyond. Clinical development of varoglutamstat Following a meticulously designed clinical development strategy, varoglutamstat was shown to be well-tolerated in both a completed first-in-human Phase 1 study in over 200 participants and the subsequent first-in-patient Phase 2a study, SAPHIR (NCT02389413), which enrolled 120 patients suffering from early AD. Importantly, after only 12 weeks of treatment, this study showed evidence of improving not only pathological hallmarks, but also synaptic function and connectivity, cognition, memory and attention in AD patients, including statistically significant changes from baseline in working memory. Building on these encouraging results, Vivoryon based the selection of endpoints for both VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND on the outcome of SAPHIR, as well as on the regulatory draft guidelines for AD drug development introduced by FDA and EMA in 2018. With these two complementary studies, the Company intends to assess if potential cognitive improvements in patients in the European VIVIAD study will translate into an established clinical endpoint in patients in the U.S. VIVA-MIND study. VIVIAD: European Phase 2b study in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild AD VIVIAD is a state-of-the-art Phase 2b study being conducted in Europe and designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of varoglutamstat in 250 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild AD compared to placebo over the course of 48 to 96 weeks of treatment. The highest dose investigated in the study (600 mg twice daily) was selected by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) as final dose after the dose-escalation portion of the study. Enrollment was completed and the study was adapted to enable longer average treatment duration of participants (anticipated average treatment duration ~82 weeks) in the third quarter of 2022. The primary endpoint is a composite of the Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) focusing on changes in working memory and attention with secondary endpoints including multiple cognitive, safety and biomarker assessments. Highlights from AD/PD poster titled, VIVIAD, a Phase 2b study investigating varoglutamstat in patients with MCI and mild AD: Update on interim blinded safety results (Poster P0315/#2631) As of the data cut-off date of January 5, 2023, over 100 of the 259 participants randomized into the study had been treated for 48 weeks or more Varoglutamstat showed no on-target toxicity and no clinical signs of brain swelling or hemorrhages (ARIA), a clearly limiting class side effect of Abeta antibodies Overall, varoglutamstat was well tolerated in the study to date, with all of the adverse events (AEs) (except for COVID-19 infections) being gastrointestinal, general, or related to the nervous system or skin. Only 14 serious AEs (SAEs) have been reported A low number of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was observed, only 18% of which were considered to be potentially related to study treatment The occurrence of AEs normalized per 100 visits is stable at 31 and as few as 19 participants (6.5%) discontinued the study, with only six (2.3%) discontinuing due to AEs Both the total number of SAEs and the discontinuation rate were considerably lower than the respective numbers at the 800 mg BID varoglutamstat dose in Vivoryons completed Phase 2a SAPHIR study (15% SAEs, 33% discontinuation), while retaining a similar level of target inhibition at the dosing in both studies Data from these participants corroborate the beneficial safety data reported previously for varoglutamstat, with no on-study deaths, no on-target toxicity and no clinical signs of ARIA observed A new coding enrichment strategy was applied to ensure that the majority of participants exhibited rescuable deficits in attention and working memory at baseline, enabling reliable assessment of potential cognitive improvement after treatment Only five of the 259 participants exhibited normal performance on cognitive tests of the CogState NTB at baseline, demonstrating that the strategy of recruiting individuals with evidence of baseline deficits can be an effective method of enriching a study cohort Vivoryon remains on track to report the final data readout from the VIVIAD study in the first quarter of 2024. VIVA-MIND: U.S. Phase 2a/b in patients with early AD VIVA-MIND is a complementary Phase 2 study being conducted in the U.S., coordinated by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a $15 million grant (NIA award number R01AG061146). The study seeks to enroll 180 patients into the Phase 2a adaptive dose-finding portion with the Phase 2b portion, enrolling an additional 234 patients treated at the selected dose for at least 72 weeks, with a total of 414 patients being treated on stable doses of varoglutamstat for 18 months. The VIVA-MIND design was adapted in the third quarter of 2022 to enable all 180 patients to be treated for at least 72 weeks, allowing for the opportunity to progress seamlessly to a potential Phase 3 study. The flexible study design is aimed at increasing the probability of success by broadening option space for adjustments in clinical development based on learnings from VIVIAD and other developments in the field. The primary endpoint for this study is clinical dementia rating scale - sum of boxes (CDR-SB), an established approvable endpoint measuring a combination of cognitive abilities and activities of daily living. Secondary efficacy endpoints include quantitative EEG theta power, ADAS-Cog 13 and others. Exploratory endpoints include mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), quantitative EEG alpha power, relative QPCT activity in CSF and others. Highlighted study updates: Study is ongoing and continuing to recruit patients at 18 sites across the U.S. Vivoryon expects the first cohort to be fully randomized into the study within the second quarter of this year Focus on overcoming the challenges historically impacting AD drug development with a uniquely designed study, serving as a complementary to VIVIAD and following a specific dosing scheme implemented to investigate the feasibility of an accelerated uptitration regimen Objective to reach the 600 mg BID dose, the final dose selected in the VIVIAD study, without requiring slow uptitration to reduce the overall burden on patients and study sites The studys independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recently provided the unanimous recommendation to continue the study without modification Study design allows to potentially transform VIVA-MIND into a Phase 3 study and include further patients beyond the currently planned 414; the decision on actual size will be taken after the readout of the VIVIAD study Vivoryon expects to provide the next update on the VIVA-MIND study in the second half of 2023. As a neurologist confronted with the severe impact this devastating disease has on peoples lives on a daily basis, I am very pleased to see the progress being made in Vivoryons varoglutamstat studies and the hope that this new treatment might offer to patients, commented Dr. Howard Feldman, Professor of Neurosciences and Director of the ADCS at UC San Diego, and the VIVA-MIND study director. While there remains much to be done in terms of research and development for safe and effective disease-modifying therapies that are widely available to patients, I believe that varoglutamstat represents a new approach to reducing the pathological events in AD. The complementary studies, VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, present a strong clinical path forward for varoglutamstat. It is encouraging to see the VIVA-MIND trial receive its most recent DSMB recommendation for the trial to continue forward based on their most recent safety review of March 13, 2023. ### About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by our passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, we strive to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. We leverage our in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. Beyond our lead program, varoglutamstat, which is in Phase 2 clinical development to treat Alzheimers disease, we have established a solid pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including cancer, inflammatory diseases and fibrosis. www.vivoryon.com Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of the Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the Company), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Companys products and forecasts and statements as to when the Companys products may be available. Words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, project, predict, should and will and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Managements current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Companys future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law. For more information, please contact: Investor Contact Stern IR Julie Seidel Tel: +1 212-698-8684 Email: SternIR-Vivoryon@sternir.com Media Contact Trophic Communications Valeria Fisher Tel: +49 175 8041816 Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu Attachment Breeze Airways to connect CRW to at least 5 new destinations CHARLESTON, W.Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice today announced a partnership between the state, Kanawha County, the city of Charleston and the successful new low cost carrier Breeze Airways to connect West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) with at least five cities over the next two years. New nonstop flights to Orlando, Florida (MCO) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) will begin May 31, 2023. The new routes are now on sale at introductory fares of $59 and $49, respectively, one way. At least three more destinations, including New York City, are slated to be added over the next 24 months. Charleston Capital This innovative partnership comes after years of decline in available destinations from smaller airports around the country, including West Virginia International Yeager Airport. The flights announced today will more than double air connectivity to West Virginia's capital. "I've said over and over that our airports in West Virginia are our lifeblood," Gov. Justice said. "They fuel our economy, bring in tourism, and their ripple effects are off-the-charts. CRW is absolutely knocking it out of the park, and it's a testament to West Virginia's resurgence as a top destination for tourism, and as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I'm so proud to welcome Breeze Airways to Almost Heaven, because I know that they will find success here, but above all, they will find a new home among our hills." Breeze was launched in 2021 by JetBlue founder and former CEO David Neeleman with a mission to fill a key gap in America's air-travel offerings: efficient, affordable, direct flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. It was recently named one of the best domestic airlines in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure . Breeze offers travelers the option of three price levels, "Nice," "Nicer," and "Nicest," the latter of which includes a first-class seat on the airline's Airbus A220 aircraft. Story continues "As we look to fill the gaps left by larger carriers in midsized markets, Charleston/Yeager is a great fit for Breeze's business model," said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways' Founder and CEO. "With our new 'Charleston to Charleston' service, we'll connect the West Virginia and South Carolina cities for the very first time, and our new nonstop to Orlando is also adding another currently unserved destination from CRW. We know the Almost Heaven community will enjoy Breeze's affordability, flexibility, and our family friendly policies including free family seating." Breeze has grown rapidly since its founding, now with 145 nonstop routes between 36 cities in 22 states nationally. The airline has ordered 80 brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for 40 more. This summer, Breeze aircraft will be seen touching down in the Mountain State. The partnership includes adding three additional routes in the first two years, including potential service to New York City and the west coast. The announcement follows several years of record-breaking tourism growth in West Virginia and a year in which the state was labeled a must-see tourism destination by publications such as Travel + Leisure , Conde Nast , Lonely Planet , Frommer's , TIME , CNN , and USA Today . An expansion of this magnitude at West Virginia International Yeager Airport is unprecedented. Airport officials are excited about the long-term possibilities created by this new partnership. Those wanting to book a flight to Charleston from Orlando or Charleston, South Carolina, can do so now at www.flybreeze.com or via the Breeze app. ABOUT BREEZE AIRWAYS Breeze Airways began service in May 2021. One year later, it was ranked as the No. 2 U.S. best domestic airline of 2021 by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Breeze now offers a mix of 145 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 36 cities in 22 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features including complimentary family seating - delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are on sale at flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app. ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA TOURISM The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire. Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America's newest national park and 45 state parks and forests. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes. More information at wvtourism.com . PHOTOS AND B-ROLL https://wvtourism.imagerelay.com/sb/07d04254-d816-43d8-ae59-f080120d8707/breeze-airways-announcement ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL YEAGER AIRPORT With competitive airfares to destinations worldwide and nonstop flights to major airports, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) strives to make the travel experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Convenient parking within walking distance of the terminal and security lines with short waiting times make CRW one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the nation. A short drive from downtown Charleston and just a few minutes from the intersection of three major interstates, CRW is a breeze to get to. CRW is located in Charleston but services Huntington and southern West Virginia. More information at yeagerairport.com . MEDIA CONTACTS Gareth Edmondson-Jones Breeze Airways 917 399-9355 Gareth.EdmondsonJones@FlyBreeze.com Lauren Hough West Virginia Department of Tourism 304-352-0513 Lauren.Hough@wv.gov Breeze E190 Plane West Virginia Department of Tourism Logo (PRNewsfoto/The West Virginia Department of Tourism) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wva-gov-justice-announces-historic-airline-partnership-301783781.html SOURCE West Virginia Department of Tourism Signage is seen outside of a Walgreens, owned by the Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., in Manhattan, New York City (This March 28 story has been corrected to say that the increase in wages to $15 was not for pharmacists, in paragraph 2) By Khushi Mandowara and Leroy Leo (Reuters) - Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc said on Tuesday it does not plan to increase wages further, as a shortage of pharmacists eases after the company doubled down on hiring and pay raises last year. A labor shortage during the pandemic prompted Walgreens and other U.S. drugstore operators, including CVS Health Corp and Walmart Inc, to raise minimum wages to $15 per hour. Walgreens has also lost market share to its rivals after closing several stores during the pandemic, and is aiming to regain it by the end of fiscal year 2023 by reducing pay gap and increasing automation at fulfillment centers. "We also made the investment to regaining the pharmacy talent in our stores. And it's working for us," CEO Rosalind Brewer said in an investor call. The company's U.S. retail pharmacy, its core operation, recorded revenue of $27.6 billion in the second quarter ended February, surpassing analysts' estimates of $26.8 billion, as higher prescription drug prices helped soften the blow from declining COVID-19 vaccinations. Same-store pharmacy sales rose 4.9%. Shares of the company rose 4.3% to $34.37 in midday trading. Walgreens, one of the largest U.S. pharmacies, has been looking to expand beyond its core business, with acquisitions of healthcare service operators VillageMD and urgent care provider Summit Health. The health segment saw a sharp increase in revenue to $1.6 billion, driven by the deals. Excluding one-off items, the company reported earnings of $1.16 per share for the quarter, higher than the average analyst estimate of $1.10, according to Refinitiv data. (Reporting by Leroy Leo and Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Rashmi Aich) VERO BEACH, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the second annual Lady Lake Mac N Cheese Festival, Watercrest Spanish Springs swept the competition taking home two top awards for their winning dish. Watercrest Spanish Springs Executive Chef Matt Levinson served his spectacular macaroni and cheese recipe to hundreds of tasting participants at the festival and earned not only the People's Choice Award, but the prestigious Mayor's Award as well. The team at Watercrest Spanish Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care celebrates the success of Executive Chef Matt Levinson taking home the top two awards for his winning recipe at the Lady Lake Mac n Cheese Festival. The Mac N Cheese festival, organized by the Lake Lake Chamber of Commerce, attracted nearly 900 attendees to Log Cabin Park on March 11th, with dozens of mac n cheese recipes vying for recognition. Watercrest Spanish Springs Community Relations Director, Jenn Hutt, an active member of the Lady Lake Chamber encouraged Chef Levinson to enter as a first time participant, as Tony Truax, Environmental Services Director at Watercrest Spanish Springs joined the team for event day prep. Watercrest Spanish Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care is an upscale senior living community located in The Villages of Central Florida. Residents enjoy culinary offerings on a daily basis that are not only diverse and delicious, but also benefit seniors mind health and the aging process. Watercrest Chefs, like Matt Levinson are focused on creating culinary experiences that celebrate life for seniors. "We are so proud of Executive Chef Levinson for showcasing his culinary talents and for our fantastic Watercrest team for their outstanding support and involvement in our local community," says Kathy Wiederhold, Executive Director of Watercrest Spanish Springs. Watercrest Senior Living Group took operational management of the Spanish Springs community in the summer of 2021, implementing Watercrest's signature programming and exceptional quality care and training programs. In just 18 months and in the midst of a global pandemic, the Watercrest Spanish Springs community achieved a complete turnaround in reaching 100% resident occupancy. Story continues Watercrest Spanish Springs is located in The Villages at 930 Alverez Avenue in Lady Lake, Fla. For information, contact the community 352-604-5140. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A five-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest Senior Living Group specializes in the development and operations management of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. www.watercrestseniorliving.com (PRNewsfoto/Watercrest Senior Living Group) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/watercrest-spanish-springs-takes-top-awards-at-the-lady-lake-mac-n-cheese-festival-301783642.html SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group Last years best-performing exchange-traded funds are this years worst. Energy stocks, as measured by the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), have lost 8% so far this year, after last years 64% gain. For context, the S&P 500 lost 19.4% in 2022 and is up 3.6% year to date. While an investment may be expected to give back some gains after a period of eye-popping returns, a routine pullback isnt the only explanation for energys 2023 weakness. More broadly, the market has shifted away from value stocks and toward growth stocks this year. The pivot hasnt been hugethe excesses of 2020 and 2021 certainly havent returned. Just note that the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF (VTV) is down 4% this year, while the Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF (VUG) is up by 13% this year. Thats a significant differential that works against energy stocks, most of which fit into the value bucket. The sector makes up 7.8% of VTV and only 1.7% of VUG. Oil Slides Another factor working against energy this year is the slide in energy prices. Though its rebounded above $70 in recent days, the price of the crude oil benchmark WTI is down 9% this year. The price of U.S. natural gas has done even worse, losing more than half of its value since the start of the year. Obviously, falling oil and gas prices translate into lower earnings for energy companies in most cases. And at least in the short term, these dynamics are unlikely to change. In its March Oil Market Report, the International Energy Agency noted that global oil inventories surged at the start of this year, reaching their highest level since September 2021. The agency forecast that world oil supply should comfortably exceed demand in the first half of the year. OPEC is also reportedly unlikely to act to support prices at its meeting next week. The producer group probably wont change its output targets this year, according to comments by Saudi Arabias energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Story continues Natural Gas Plunges Meanwhile, the outlook for U.S. natural gas prices in 2023 is dismal. A warm winter and rising supply have depressed prices and caused analysts to slash price forecasts. Given a normal-weather summer (or even one standard deviation hotter), natural gas futures likely need to incent shut-ins through the summer, analysts at Jefferies recently said, suggesting that natural gas prices need to be low enough to incentivize producers to shut down their wells temporarily through the summer. Natural gas prices may need to settle below $2/Mcf (one thousand cubic feet) for multiple months. Today, U.S. natural gas prices are hovering just above that $2 level, a far cry from the nearly $10 level at which they briefly traded last summer, when Europe was scrambling to get its hands on every spare molecule of natural gas it could. Since then, European natural gas prices have fallen 86% and the continents demand for U.S. liquefied natural gas isnt nearly as strong as it was. All this suggests that 2023 will be more challenging for the energy sector than 2022. On the bright side, the IEA anticipates things could start to look up later this year, especially for oil. The agency forecasts that the market will swing into deficit during the second half of the year when China is expected to drive world oil demand to record levels. Email Sumit Roy at sumit.roy@etf.com or follow him on Twitter @ sumitroy2 Recommended Stories Permalink | Copyright 2023 ETF.com. All rights reserved Victoria, Re Wan Chai, Hong Kong S.A.R. - (NewMediaWire) - March 28, 2023 - On March 10th, WikiBit, the global blockchain exchange regulatory inquiry platform, organized a roundtable discussion to explore the factors driving the rise of Hong Kong as a major hub for cryptocurrency activities. The event brought together experts and thought leaders from the industry to share their insights on this growing trend. During the panel discussion, participants analyzed the regulatory framework, market trends, and business opportunities that have contributed to Hong Kong's emergence as a new center for crypto-related activities. The experts also discussed the challenges and potential risks associated with this trend and shared their perspectives on the future of cryptocurrencies in the region. The roundtable discussion provided a platform for a comprehensive and informative dialogue on the dynamics shaping the crypto landscape in Hong Kong. WikiBit remains committed to providing valuable insights and resources to promote greater understanding and awareness of the blockchain industry worldwide. Hong Kong's bid to become a digital asset hub is drawing in cryptocurrency companies seeking to capitalize on mainland China's appetite for trading in tokens. With its new regulatory regime for exchanges and plans to legalize crypto trading for retail investors, Hong Kong is increasingly being seen as a more crypto-friendly destination than Singapore, which implemented a crackdown on the sector last year. As the world's fourth-largest crypto market, despite the Chinese government's ban on the sector in 2021, mainland China continues to present a significant demand for digital coin trading. As a result, companies are rushing to establish a presence in Hong Kong in the hopes of capturing this demand. The move to Hong Kong comes as a response to the potential opportunities presented by the city's push to become a crypto hub, with companies looking to gain a foothold in the region's growing market. These developments signal a shift in the dynamics of the cryptocurrency industry in the region, as businesses seek to navigate evolving regulatory frameworks and seize new business opportunities. Story continues As companies continue to flock to Hong Kong, they will face challenges and risks associated with the nascent industry, including regulatory uncertainties, cybersecurity threats, and market volatility. However, with Hong Kong's growing reputation as a crypto-friendly destination, coupled with the increasing demand from mainland China for digital assets, the prospects for the cryptocurrency industry in the region appear bright. A robust regulatory framework not only safeguards the interests of investors but also instills greater confidence in builders and investors alike. In this regard, Hong Kong, the emerging cryptocurrency hub, has been at the forefront of setting new regulatory standards in the industry. With Asia's second-largest economy, Hong Kong has taken proactive steps to safeguard investors while also promoting the growth of the crypto industry. The city has been exploring ways to enhance its regulatory framework to ensure that it aligns with global standards and provides a safe and secure environment for cryptocurrency-related activities. The regulatory regime for exchanges and the recent legalization of crypto trading for retail investors are just some of the steps taken to encourage the growth of the crypto industry in the city. The measures adopted by Hong Kong demonstrate the government's commitment to promoting innovation while also ensuring that investors are adequately protected. As a result, Hong Kong has become an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in the region's growing cryptocurrency market. The establishment of a strong regulatory framework is a positive development for the industry as it provides a sense of stability and predictability that investors and builders need to operate effectively. As Hong Kong continues to lead the way in this regard, other jurisdictions in the region and beyond may look to follow suit, creating a more consistent and transparent regulatory environment for the cryptocurrency industry globally. With China becoming a hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation, there is a growing demand for digital assets among Chinese investors. In conclusion, the emergence of Hong Kong as a cryptocurrency hub, coupled with its strong regulatory framework, presents exciting opportunities for businesses and investors looking to capitalize on the growth of the industry. WikiBit, the global blockchain exchange regulatory inquiry platform, has been closely monitoring these developments and providing valuable insights and resources to promote greater understanding and awareness of the blockchain industry worldwide. Media Contact Organization: WikiBit Contact Person: WIKIBIT CO. LTD Website: https://www.wikibit.com/en Email: bosen@wikiglobal.com Address: 16/F ONE CAPITAL PLACE, RE WAN CHAI - HK City: Victoria State: Re Wan Chai Country: Hong Kong S.A.R. Market Research Future Wine Market Research Report Trends and Insights Information By Type (Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine, Sparkling Wine, and Others), By Packaging Type (Bottles and Cans), By Distribution Channel (Food Service and Retail), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) Competitive Market Growth, Size, Share and Forecast to 2030. New York, US, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wine Market Overview: According to a Comprehensive Research Report by Market Research Future (MRFR), Wine Market Information by Wine Type Outlook, Packaging Type Outlook, Distribution Channel Outlook, and Region - Forecast till 2030, Wine Market could thrive at a rate of 5.95% between 2023 and 2030. The market size will be reach around USD 444.51 Billion by the end of the year 2030. Market Synopsis An alcoholic beverage called wine is made through the fermentation process. Rice, fruits like cherries, berries, or pomegranates, grapes, and other ingredients are used to make wine. Drinking wine has many health advantages, including boosting bone density, lowering cholesterol, lowering risk of heart disease, and many more. Consumers worldwide are world are becoming more concerned about their health due to the negative effects of artificial substances and chemicals in wine, which is worrying them and pushing them to select wine made with organic fruits. Furthermore, the demand for wine with low-sugar or low-calorie claims is driven by growing consumer knowledge of the effects of alcohol on health and weight. Global trends like increased modernization and rising alcohol consumption have pushed the alcohol business to introduce brave and innovative new alcoholic beverage varieties. Other than this, the escalating inclination towards functional wine will further stimulate the industrys growth. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1655 Report Scope: Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2030 USD 444.50 billion CAGR 5.95% Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Historical Data 2021 Forecast Units Value (USD billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered by Wine Type Outlook, Packaging Type Outlook, Distribution Channel Outlook, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Market Drivers Increasing consumption of Wine desire for new and exotic flavors Market Competitive Landscape: The affluent companies in the wine industry include Story continues Accolade Wines (U.K) Constellation Brands Inc.(U.K) E. & J. Gallo Winery (U.S) Treasury Wine Estates (Australia) Shanghai Torres Wine Trading Co. Ltd. ( China) Vina Concha y Toro (Chile) Distell Group Limited (South Africa) March 2022 The Fayard family and Pernod Ricard announced the signing of an agreement for Pernod Ricard to acquire a majority investment in Chateau Sainte Marguerite, a Cru Classe Cotes-de-Provence Rose since 1955, to complete its portfolio of high-end wines. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (150 Pages) on Wine: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/wine-market-1655 Market USP Covered: Market Drivers: The wine industry can anticipate a significant expansion in the coming years due to surge in product innovations and their introduction into the market. Due to increasing wine consumption and adopting a new way of life, the CAGR of the global wine market has gradually increased because of this rising demand and consumption. Market Restraints: Wines are considered high-quality products that cost much more than regular ones. Global trends including growing modernization and rising alcoholic beverage consumption have compelled the alcohol industry to launch fearless and creative new alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the steady shift in customer preferences towards different alcoholic beverages such liqueurs, spirits, beer, and others due to their accessibility at reasonable rates. COVID 19 Analysis COVID-19s impact has given way to numerous repercussions for people worldwide. The aftermath is linked with the significant social and economic burden on people worldwide. Around the world, Due to the compulsory breakdown of on-trade winemakers in several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, to stop the virus' spread, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the wine industry. The current circumstance, however, might help the wine business regain lost customer interest. According to the data, total wine volumes are growing year over year as more consumers buy wine to drink with meals at home, primarily in European and North American nations. On the other hand, it is questionable if the current market and off-trade boom will last once pantry stockpiles are exhausted, the on-trade gradually resumes operations, and consumer behaviors returns to pre-COVID-19 levels. For instance, Pernod Ricard partnered with Sovereign Brands in October 2022 to expand its portfolio of high-end wines and spirits. Buy Now: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1655 Market Segmentation By Wine Type Outlook The wine types in the market include red wine, white wine & rose wine, sparkling wine, and others. By Wine Packaging Type Outlook Bottles and cans as the top packaging type outlook in the worldwide market. By Wine Distribution Channel Food service, as well as retail, are the major distribution channels available in the worldwide market. Regional Insights Europes Wine market held the largest market share in 2022. The most developed wine market is in Europe, where Portugal, Italy, and France have the greatest annual per capita wine consumption rates. Due to its greater population and significant per capita wine consumption, France has one of Europes largest aggregate marketplaces. The greatest wine importers are nations like Germany and the U.K., where wine output is substantially lower than demand. Other than this, the affluent lifestyle led by European customers and social medias massive popularity in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany further enhance the appeal of wine. From 2022 to 2030, the Asia-Pacific Wine Market will experience the fastest CAGR growth. Red wine drinking is a more widespread custom in China, where the color red is thought to bring good fortune. Red wine has one of the biggest markets in China. The accelerated demand or eco-friendly items will be a key trend in the region. The market for wine in North America, which had sales of USD 296.6 billion in 2022, is anticipated to increase at a substantial CAGR throughout the research period. Due to millennials increased interest in trends related to periodization, the region offers significant growth potential. Discover more research Reports on Food, Beverages & Nutrition Industry , by Market Research Future: Still Wine Market Research Report Information by Type (White Wine, Red Wine, and Rose Wine), Distribution Channel (Store and Non-Store), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World)- Forecast till 2027 Global Red Wine Market Research Report: By Type (Sparkling Red Wine and Still Red Wine), Packaging Type (Bottles and Cans), Distribution Channel (Food Service and Retail [Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, and Others]), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)Forecast till 2030 Sparkling Wine Market Research Report: Information by Type (White, Rose, and Red), Distribution Channel (Food Service and Retail), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World) - Forecast till 2030 About Market Research Future: Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis with regard to diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter CONTACT: Market Research Future (Part of Wantstats Research and Media Private Limited) 99 Hudson Street, 5Th Floor New York, NY 10013 United States of America +1 628 258 0071 (US) +44 2035 002 764 (UK) Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com For the second time in recent months, the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill came close to landing a major manufacturing project. Albemarle Corp. considered the 3,500-acre site in southwestern Pittsylvania County for locating a lithium hydroxide processing facility, but chose to take its project to Chester County, South Carolina, instead. Lee Vogler, chair of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, said the Berry Hill megasite's status as a finalist for a second project this year just illustrates its strong selling points. "We would rather land this project than not, but to consistently have projects of this size and scope look at that megasite ... speaks to the quality of that site," Vogler said Tuesday morning. Late last year, a $3.5 billion Ford electric-battery manufacturing project, which would have brought about 2,500 jobs to the region, was shut out of contention in Virginia by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Ford ended up deciding to build its plant in Michigan after Youngkin removed Virginia from consideration for the project due to the projects partnership with a Chinese company. The megasite is owned by RIFA, a joint entity with a board that includes members of Danville City Council and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, said Youngkin had two separate conversations with Albemarle's CEO one lasting a half-hour and the other 45 minutes as part of efforts to bring the project to Berry Hill. Albemarle plans to invest at least $1.3 billion and create more than 300 new jobs with average annual pay at about $93,000 at a nearly 800-acre parcel of land in South Carolina, according to a March 22 news release on Albemarle Corp.'s website. Albemarle's decision came down to geography. Marshall said officials with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership told him the company chose the South Carolina site because of its nearness to its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. "We can't move Berry Hill," Marshall said. He added that the company already had employees in Charlotte trained to perform the work that will be needed at its new facility. "It's quite a distance from Charlotte to this location [Berry Hill]," Marshall said. Vogler said officials had talks with the company about the project for about a year. Albemarle's project would also create more than 1,500 construction jobs, with the facility to product about 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide to help meet the demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, according to the news release. It would also include the potential to expand to up to 100,000 metric tons. "Production at the facility would support the manufacturing of an estimated 2.4 million electric vehicles annually," according to the news release. "It's disappointing," Marshall said of Albemarle's decision. "But you just move forward." There are numerous prospects inquiring about Berry Hill's megasite, Vogler said. "It wasn't long ago that there were not prospects for the site," Vogler said. Now local officials are seeing them every week, he said. That speaks to what state and local officials have doing over the past several years to get to this point, Vogler said. "It's not a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when,'" Vogler said of the chances of a major project coming to Berry Hill. The Berry Hill megasite nearly landed a $5.5 billion Hyundai plant last spring that would have brought 8,500 jobs to the region. The plant opted to locate in Georgia, where it was called the largest economic development plan in Georgia history. I get so excited when new authors are added to the lineup of Central Rappahannock Regional Librarys Online Author Talk series. Some authors are ones Ive read and enjoyed, and hearing them speak brings their works to life. And some authors are ones I havent read yet, but hearing their talks inspires me to want to read their books. It is wonderful to experience famous authors as real people (who knew?) and to learn their personal histories and the research they do to write their books. There are a variety of authors and topics, including fiction, biography, parenting, leadership, young adult, and more, ensuring a fascinating talk for everyone to enjoy. Two to three author talks are scheduled per month, and you can register in advance to watch the live broadcast or watch the recordings after the fact at no charge. You can even submit questions in advance for the moderator to address to the author, and if you attend the broadcasts live, you can chat with other attendees. All talks, upcoming and past, can be found at library.org/crrl/upcoming. Here are the authors scheduled for late March through May, along with their recent works: Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff: New York Times-bestselling historical fiction author Jenoff will discuss her newest work inspired by true stories of courage and sacrifice during World War II. In 1942, Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiance was killed, ending up with her cousin Lily in Brussels. Hannah is desperate to leave occupied Europe and is drawn into the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network, in the hopes of finding a way out. Then Lilys family is arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, and Hannah must decide whether to save herself or rescue her cousins family. Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton. After growing up in the tightly knit seaside town of Mabou and then attending college, cartoonist Beaton heads west to Alberta to work in the camps owned and operated by the worlds largest oil companies in the hope of paying down student debt. To say Beaton experiences culture shock is an understatement, especially after she moves to an isolated worksite with none of the creature comforts to which shes accustomed. Life in the oil sands is harsh and trauma is an everyday occurrence. Beatons talent as a cartoonist is evident as she draws giant machines and vehicles against the stunning backdrop of Albertas wildlife, northern lights, and the Rocky Mountains in her graphic memoir. Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m. Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger: The latest in a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota featuring Cork OConnor, the part Irish, part Ojibwe former sheriff of Tamarack County. In Fox Creek, OConnor is in a race to save his wife, a mysterious stranger, and an Ojibwe healer from mercenaries whose motives are unclear. As Ojibwe healer Henry Meloux walks the woods, his peace is disturbed by hunters looking for a woman named Dolores Morriseau, a stranger seeking the healers wisdom. Meloux guides Morriseau and his great-niece, OConnors wife, to safety deep in the Boundary Waters while trying to outwit the deadly hunters. Meanwhile, in Aurora, OConnor is frantically working to identify the mercenaries and their motives before time runs out. Thursday, April 27, 8 p.m. Raising Antiracist Children by Britt Hawthorne: Nationally recognized teacher and advocate Hawthorne presents a New York Times-bestselling interactive guide to incorporating inclusivity into everyday life and building an antiracist family environment. She breaks this down into four manageable sections filled with questionnaires, activities, and other tools. These include establishing a body-positive home environment, encouraging children to be agents of change, teaching how local shopping can thwart or stimulate a communitys ability to thrive, and recognizing our personal power to implement widespread change. Hawthorne tackles an important, but possibly daunting topic, in a way that empowers parents and caregivers to raise inclusive, antiracist families. Wednesday, May 3, 1 p.m. Not Funny: Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera by Jena Friedman: Friedman didnt set out to be a comedian, but research for an anthropology thesis in college led her to improv, which uncovered a latent funnybone. Today, Friedman has written and produced for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the Late Show with David Letterman, as well as becoming an acclaimed stand-up comedian in her own right. In her work, Friedman doesnt shy away from todays controversial topics, at one point becoming ostracized from the stand-up community after publishing a research paper on sexual harassment in comedy clubs. Now Friedman presents her incisive humor in the form of essays on everything from cancel culture to womens rights. Wednesday, May 10, 8 p.m. Im the Girl by Courtney Summers. While biking to the exclusive resort Aspera to beg for a job, Georgia Avis, 16, is knocked out by a hit-and-run. When she comes to, missing her bag and bike, she stumbles on the body of Ashley James, 13, who was assaulted before her death. Asperas owners take George under their wing and give her an admin job, though she really wants to be an Aspera girl one of the beautiful young women that work more closely with the resorts glamorous side. Then George befriends Ashleys older sister, Nora, and the two begin to research Ashleys assault and death. George is thrown into a world of glamor, privilege, and certain danger as the two draw closer to the truth. Saturday, May 20, 2 p.m. The Online Author Talk series is presented in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and sponsored by the Friends of Central Rappahannock Regional Library. To become a Friend of the Library or learn more, visit crrlfriends.org. A former area teacher pleaded guilty Monday to two charges that carry the possibility of life in prison. Edward D. Gent, 41, of Spotsylvania County pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child under the age of 13. In exchange for Gents plea, two sodomy charges were dropped. The charges stem from incidents in 2018 and 2019 involving a girl who is now 17. According to the evidence presented by prosecutor Amanda Sweeney, Gent was friends with the girls parents and was frequently at their home. The girl also spent occasional nights at Gents home, which the parents were comfortable with in part since Gent was married and had a roommate. In January 2021, the girls mother learned that Gent had been arrested for sexual offenses involving a seventh-grade student in Stafford County. The girl was in a hospital because of suicide concerns, and the mother asked the counselor to inquire about any possible wrongdoing involving her daughter and Gent. A forensic interview was later conducted during which the girl described in detail varying sex acts that began when she was eight years old. At the start of the interview, she stated, You ready to hear what Im about to tell you? Im here to tell you about a person, and I mean some really nasty stuff. Court records state that the girl told the interviewer that as she got older she realized that what Gent was doing was wrong, but by that time shed become attached to him. She said the acts took place in multiple locations, including Spotsylvania. The acts included sexual intercourse when she was 12. The mother said that Gent was a trusted friend and was allowed to take the girl to concerts and other events. She said the girl was a cheerful, normal child but began to experience mental health problems after spending time with Gent. The girl, who no longer lives in the Fredericksburg area, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of Gents actions, court records state. Gent has already been convicted of offenses involving his students, one in Stafford and the other in Caroline County. The Spotsylvania case does not involve one of his students, but the convictions are far more serious than his previous ones. Gent will be sentenced June 30 in Spotsylvania Circuit Court. Swordfish with potatoes, tomatoes and capers Start to finish: 35 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients Four 6-ounce swordfish steaks, patted dry Kosher salt and ground black pepper 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more to serve 1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced 4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced to teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 ounces Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into -inch pieces 14 -ounce can diced tomatoes 3 tablespoons drained capers 2 teaspoons lemon juice cup lightly packed fresh basil, chopped Directions Season the fish with salt and pepper. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Add the fish, and cook, undisturbed, until well browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a thin metal spatula, transfer the steaks to a plate, turning them browned side up. In the same skillet over medium-low, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, pepper flakes and teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, then add the tomatoes with juices and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then cover, reduce to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally and maintaining a simmer, until a skewer inserted into the potatoes meets no resistance, 10 to 14 minutes. Stir in the capers and lemon juice, then nestle the steaks in the sauce and pour in any accumulated juices. Cover, reduce to low, and cook until the fish is opaque throughout, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve sprinkled with the basil and drizzled with additional oil. Local grape grower and fifth generation Nebraska farmer Kara Sousek credits the really great family support for her being selected as the 2023 Ag Family Farm of the Year award-winner at the annual Excellent in Agriculture luncheon on March 21. The awards ceremony, which is sponsored by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizes honorees for Ag Innovator of the Year, Ag Business of the Year and the Ag Family Farm of the Year. Sousek owns and manages Hundred Hills Vineyards, which has land in Prague and Raymond. A horticulture major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the fifth generation farmer hails from a family of Czech immigrants whove been involved in all facets of farming and livestock for decades. I come from a long line of farmers. Were a very Czech family, Sousek said. My moms side comes from a long line of farmers. Several generations ago, (the family) immigrated to America and were farmers. I am the first generation to grow grapes. My dad and uncles have a cow-calf operation, we used to do pigs, and also grew wheat. On Tuesday, March 21, Sousek was on hand at the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerces annual Excellence in Agriculture luncheon, where she was honored with the Ag Family Farm of the Year award, was able to give a speech about her experiences and get celebratory photographs with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. It was unexpected, Sousek said of the honor from the Chamber. I didnt even know we got it until it came in the mail that we were selected. It was such an honor to get that recognition. Sousek credited the deep, robust support from her parents Carl and Susie Sousek as well as her brother, Nick Sousek; grandfather, Frank Sousek, and grape-growing business partner and brother-in-law, Sam Creal, as the main reason her and the family were recognized this year. I said in my speech, I kind of view this as kind of acknowledging that I am surrounded by really great people and really great family that have supported me throughout the years, Sousek said. They are really excited about my passion and my dream for viticulture. Sousek formerly grew both grapes and hops under the old business name Hundred Hills Hops and Vines, however shes stopped growing hops to focus solely on growing grapes. Now, she grows white varieties Edelweiss, LaCrosse and Brianna as well red varieties of Frontenac and Petite Pearl. We tried growing hops, but it is kind of tough in Nebraska providing the amount hops (microbreweries) want, she said of the effort to grow the beer-making staple. It didnt really work well. The grapes are our thing now. Ive been growing since 2014 and bought an already established vineyard. After college, admitting she didnt know what to do at the time, Sousek said she applied for an assistant manager job at Oak Creek Vineyard, where she was hired and had her career tending to vines and growing grapes blossom. I thought I would be growing sort of orchard or vegetable crops, or go back to the family farm, she recalled. I became manager and then ended up started leasing the vineyard when he wanted to retire. I just bought that vineyard last year, and also started renting ground from my parents near Prague and started growing my own vines in 2017. Aside from Sousek, this years honorees included two other local businesses and families that have uplifted the region through their dedication to agriculture. Members of the Benes family who own Fremont Automation were honored with the Ag Innovator of the Year award for their invention of an automated machine that packages chicken parts at Lincoln Premium Poultry. Randy Fujan of Tech Partner LLC, was honored with the Ag Business of the Year award. Tara Lea, executive director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, said Sousek was an inspiration. Kara is a fifth-generation farmer, and how great is that? Lea said. How incredible is that? To say this is the land your great-great-great grandpa started and you are still doing it. Dale Finney was in a personnel carrier when an anti-tank weapon penetrated the side of the vehicle. The explosion blew me to the back of the personnel carrier, the Fremont man said decades later. I thought I was dead and I thought I was en route to either heaven or hell and I was very concerned, because all I could see was red and black. **** Al Crook remembers an ambush in a dense jungle. Hit in the leg by gunfire, Crook put a compression bandage on his heavily bleeding wound. He knew one of two things would happen. Either the bleeding would stop after a while or if the femoral artery had been hit hed bleed to death in 10 to 15 minutes. **** Decades after Finney and Crook served in Vietnam, theyre part of an event intended to remember those who served in the war in Southeast Asia. Fifty years agoon March 29, 1973 the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished and the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Wednesday marks the five-decade anniversary of that date as the nation remembers a war in which more than 58,200 American military personnel died. This weekend, the public has the opportunity to thank and honor veterans like Finney and Crook, while commemorating those who didnt come back. Local veterans organizations will host the Vietnam Veterans Memorial event starting at noon Saturday. The event will take place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Clemmons Park at 16th Street and Luther Road in Fremont. However, if the temperatures not above 50 degrees at 11 a.m. or in case of inclement weather, it will occur at the Eagles Club, 649 N. Main St., downtown Fremont. Mayor Joey Spellerberg will provide the welcome and proclamation for the event. Before that, the Rev. Scott Jensen, chaplain at Methodist Fremont Health, will pray. The Fremont Honor Guard will post the colors and Crook will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Samantha Renner will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America. The laying of the wreaths for all branches of the military will take place. Attendees will hear the list of names of Dodge County area residents killed in action in Vietnam. As each name is read, Vietnam veteran Arthur Alston will ring a bell. The Fremont Honor Guard will provide the Three Volley Salute and possibly Taps. Finney will provide closing remarks. Renner will lead attendees in singing Amazing Grace. The keynote speaker has yet to be announced. After the event, the public is invited for a light meal in the Eagles Club. Crook, who lives in Fremont and is past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854, said he hopes the public will attend to meet, greet and show their appreciation to the veterans. He also believes attendees can trade ideas on how veterans can help other vets in need. Finney, state commander of the In Country Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, also encourages the public to come to the event. More and more Vietnam veterans are coming out of the walls, he said. Theyre opening up more and more. They really need our support. They need guidance to organizations that can help them and they need to realize the mental health support that is available from being around other veterans in these numerous veterans organizations. **** Finney, who served in the U.S. Army, climbed out of the personnel carrier that was hit and helped another wounded soldier. He went on many missions in Vietnam, which he recounted, in part, in a 2016 Tribune story. We were in combat almost constantly. ... We were in so many battles, he said of his infantry unit. Finney lost numerous friends and was wounded several times himself. Hed suffer hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder and repercussions from Agent Orange. After his time in Vietnam ended, he returned home and later met his wife, Sandy, at church. Her first husband, William C. Hurt, is among one of the Dodge County area residents killed in Vietnam. Finney credits God and Sandy for helping him. Between the two of them, they changed me a lot, Finney said. **** After he was initially wounded in that long-ago ambush, Crook was hit again with shrapnel in his right upper back and shoulder area. His platoon of 43 men would suffer many losses during that ambush and major battle and subsequent firefights. Of the original 43, only seven survived and four of those were wounded twice. Crook was awarded four bronze stars. I would gladly give all those back and everything I own to have those young men alive today, he said in a 2016 Tribune article. **** On Monday afternoon, Finney shared a couple more reasons why he hopes people will attend the event on Saturday. I think it would be very beneficial for everyone to come, Finney said, adding that people might come to understand more about their grandpa or great-grandpa. It would really be good for young people to come and learn how to honor those who supplied the freedom that they now enjoy. JERUSALEM (AP) As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put his contentious judicial overhaul plan on hold this week, he vowed to pass the package through parliament one way or another. But he may have a hard time keeping that promise. This weeks about-face has left him weakened and coming up against a wall of opposition he has never before faced in a three-decade political career. For nearly three months, hundreds of thousands of people have repeatedly taken to the streets week after week to demonstrate against the plan, crippling major highways and city streets as they accused him of pushing the country toward dictatorship. Influential business leaders and security men came out against him. The countrys main trade union declared a general strike. Perhaps most worrying for Israel, key military reservists, first and foremost Israeli fighter pilots, threatened to stop reporting for duty. Key international allies voiced concerns and objections. While Netanyahu has the support in parliament to push through the plan, the prospect of continued unrest along with economic, diplomatic and security damage proved too much for him to handle. He understood that hes in a dead end, said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. Plesner said that Netanyahus pause this week did not mark a domestic peace accord between Israelis. Rather its a cease-fire, perhaps for regrouping, reorganizing, reorienting and then potentially charging ahead. As Netanyahu tries to regroup, those obstacles show no sign of disappearing. If anything, his opponents appear to have been emboldened by the success of their protests. The protesters who take to the streets are not stupid, the grassroots protest movement said Tuesday. The government will not be able to pass the judicial coup because the millions of citizens who have protested until now, will not give up. While other protest groups said they would suspend their activities, they also said they were ready to spring back into action if necessary. Much of Netanyahus predicament is rooted in his own legal woes. Since he was indicted on corruption charges in 2019, a string of former partners and allies have abandoned him, plunging the country into five rounds of elections in under four years. When Netanyahu finally was able to secure a parliamentary majority after the most recent vote last November, he required the support of ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist parties to form the countrys most right-wing government in history. These partners have antagonized the United States and other Western allies, as well as Israels new Arab allies in the Gulf, by aggressively pushing for West Bank settlement construction and making controversial statements about the Palestinians. The nonstop crises have distracted Netanyahu from his traditional focus on security and diplomatic issues. Domestically, these partners have alienated large swaths of the Israeli public, primarily secular, middle-class taxpayers, with demands widely seen as religious coercion or infringing on the rights of LGBTQ people, Palestinian citizens and other minorities. Ultra-Orthodox partners, for instance, want to strengthen a system that grants them exemptions from compulsory military service in order to study religious texts. On Tuesday, Netanyahu's coalition pushed through a law allowing hospitals to bar the entry of bread into their facilities during the Passover holiday, when religious Jews do not eat leavened foods. But the governments most controversial move so far has been the introduction of its judicial overhaul. Among its key components are proposals that would allow the ruling coalition to control the appointment of judges and give it the authority to strike down Supreme Court rulings it dislikes. Netanyahus conservative allies say the bill is needed to rein in a system of judges who are unelected and overly interventionist in political issues. But his opponents say the overhaul is a power grab that would weaken a system of checks and balances and concentrate authority in the hands of the prime minister and his extremist allies. They also say that Netanyahu has a conflict of interest in trying to reshape the nations legal system at a time when he is on trial. The protests have brought Israels largest cities to a standstill, disrupted Netanyahus overseas travel and even forced his wife to flee a Tel Aviv hair salon under heavy police protection. The public anger boiled over on Sunday after Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who had urged the prime minister to put the overhaul on hold, citing concerns about the damage to the military. Within an hour, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country, blocking a major Tel Aviv highway and scuffling with police outside Netanyahus Jerusalem home. The unrest continued Monday when tens of thousands of people protested outside the parliament in Jerusalem, while the Histadrut labor union announced a general strike. It was the first time the union has taken such action over a political issue, causing flights to be canceled and closing offices across the nation. Then, Monday night, Netanyahu officially put his plan on hold until the summer session of parliament, which begins at the end of April. In the meantime, he said he would seek a broad agreement. One way or another, we will enact a reform that will restore the balance between the authorities that has been lost, he said. The general strike was quickly halted. Gallant remained on the job, and negotiations began Tuesday night between Netanyahus government and the political opposition. President Isaac Herzog's office, which is mediating the talks, said there was a positive spirit and meetings would continue Wednesday. But a deal remains elusive and Netanyahu remains weak. New opinion polls released late Monday showed a sharp drop in support for the embattled prime minister even with his Likud party. A poll conducted for Channel 12 TV found that 58% of Likud voters opposed his firing of Gallant, compared to just 22% who favored it. Sixty percent of Likud voters supported the freeze of the overhaul plan, while 55% said Netanyahus performance as prime minister is bad. The poll surveyed 502 people and had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points. Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist with the Haaretz daily, said that Netanyahu will struggle to revive the plan. He said the coalition is now divided over the merits of continuing, while the grassroots opposition remains motivated by its successes. ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) The tornado that collapsed the roof and two walls of Jermaine Wells Mississippi home also hurled a massive tractor tire that landed near him in the living room as his wife huddled in the laundry room. The couple survived the Friday night storm, but as they picked through the ruins of their one-story home Monday in Rolling Fork, he said they're not sure how they're going to pay for daily expenses, let alone long-term recovery. Wells, 50, drives a backhoe for a road department in another county, and he said he doesn't get paid if he doesn't work. His wife, a cashier at a local store, gathered loose coins as he looked for clothing in the rubble. I cant even get to work. I dont have no vehicle, no nothing," Wells said. How can we rebuild something that we dont have nothing to build our foundation with? The disaster makes life even more difficult in this economically struggling area. Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the U.S., and the majority-Black Delta has long been one of the poorest parts of Mississippi a place where many people work paycheck to paycheck, often in jobs connected to agriculture. Two of the counties walloped by the tornado, Sharkey and Humphreys, are among the most sparsely populated in the state, with only a few thousand residents in communities scattered across wide expanses of cotton, corn and soybean fields. Sharkey's poverty rate is 35%, and Humphreys' is 33%, compared with about 19% for Mississippi and less than 12% for the entire United States. People in poverty are vulnerable after disasters not only because they lack financial resources but also because they often dont have friends or family who can afford to provide long-term shelter, said the Rev. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Childrens Defense Fund, a national group that advocates policies to help low-income families. We have to make sure people with power policymakers pay attention to and keep their attention on people that are often unseen because they are poor, because they are Black, because they are rural, Wilson told The Associated Press on Monday. On Monday, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency revised the state death toll from the tornado to 21, down from 25. The agency said the new number is based on deaths confirmed by coroners. MEMA spokeswoman Allie Jasper said the agency does not know of any people still reported missing. One person was killed in Alabama. Preliminary assessments show 313 structures in Mississippi were destroyed and more than 1,000 were affected in some way, the Federal Emergency Management Agency told emergency managers Monday. The tornado destroyed many homes and businesses in Rolling Fork and the nearby town of Silver City, leaving mounds of lumber, bricks and twisted metal. The local housing stock was already tight, and some who lost their homes said they will live with friends or relatives. Mississippi opened more than a half-dozen shelters to temporarily house people displaced by the tornado. The tornado obliterated the modest one-story home that Kimberly Berry shared with her two daughters in the Delta flatlands about 15 miles (24 kilometers) outside Rolling Fork. It left only the foundation and random belongings a toppled refrigerator, a dresser and matching nightstand, a bag of Christmas decorations, some clothing. During the storm, Berry and her 12-year-old daughter prayed inside a nearby church that was barely damaged, while her 25-year-old daughter survived in Rolling Fork. Berry shook her head as she looked at the remains of their material possessions. She said shes grateful she and her children are still alive. I can get all this back. Its nothing, said Berry, 46, who works as a supervisor at a catfish growing and processing operation. Im not going to get depressed about it. She spent the weekend with friends and family sorting through salvageable items. Her sister, Dianna Berry, said her own home a few miles away was undamaged. She works at a deer camp, and she said her boss has offered to let Kimberly Berry and her daughters live there for as long as they need. President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi on Sunday, making federal funding available to hardest-hit areas. But Craig Fugate, who headed FEMA when Barack Obama was president, said it's important to remember that the agency will not pay for all expenses after a disaster. In those communities where people dont have insurance and the homes were destroyed, their ability to do recovery will be tested, Fugate said. FEMA provides temporary housing and helps with some uninsured losses, but he said the agency is not designed to replace everything if homes are uninsured or underinsured. Long-term recovery will be heavily dependent on money from Housing and Urban Development. That money wont flow fast, he said. In recent years, FEMA has moved to reduce barriers so that all people, including those from vulnerable and underserved communities, are better able to access our assistance, said FEMA spokesperson Jeremy Edwards. He cited agency changes expanding the types of documents survivors can provide to verify they lived in or own a particular home. Marcus T. Coleman Jr., who heads the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security, said after visiting Rolling Fork he's concerned about both the mental health and financial challenges for people struggling in the tornado's aftermath. Disasters often exacerbate preexisting inequities, said Coleman. Denise Durel heads United Way of Southwest Louisiana, where residents are still recovering from hurricanes Laura and Delta that struck in 2020. The organization has been helping people rebuild damaged homes, and some were uninsured or had too little coverage. Just drive through town, she said. Blue tarps are still there. The houses are in worse shape. Louisiana has finally received a large infusion of federal money to help those still struggling from the two 2020 hurricanes. Durel said if people didnt register with FEMA soon after the storms, they cant qualify for this new money. She said the application process is difficult and requires internet access, but many families were focused on gutting their homes and might not have known about registration or understood its importance. The people in Mississippi have to understand loud and clear: Somehow you have to find a way to get those people registered with FEMA, Durel said. This story has been updated to correct the title for Marcus T. Coleman Jr. He works for the Department of Homeland Security. Rebecca Santana reported from Washington, and Associated Press/Report For America reporter Michael Goldberg contributed from Rolling Fork. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The shooter who killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven weapons in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said Tuesday. The violence Monday at The Covenant School was the latest school shooting to roil the nation and was planned carefully. The shooter had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Hale did not target specific victims among them three 9-year-olds and the head of the school but did target this school, this church building, police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, then we would have tried to get those weapons," Drake said. But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if (Hale) even existed." Tennessee does not currently have a red flag law, which lets police step in and take firearms away from people who threaten to kill. On Tuesday night, Tennessee's governor said one of the victims, 61-year-old substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, was a close friend of his wife, Maria, and that the two had been scheduled to have dinner after Peak taught that day. Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Gov. Bill Lee said, adding that his wife once taught with Peak and another victim, Katherine Koonce, and the women and have been family friends for decades. Hale legally bought seven firearms from five local gun stores, Drake said. Three of them were used in Mondays shooting. Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said Hale bought the guns between October 2020 and June 2022. Hale's parents believed their child had sold one gun and did not own any others, Drake said, adding that Hale had been hiding several weapons within the house. Hale's motive is unknown, Drake said. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Drake said investigators don't know what drove Hale but believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake, at Tuesday's news conference, described several different writings by Hale that mention other locations and The Covenant School. Asked at a Senate hearing whether the Justice Department would open an investigation into whether the shooting was a hate crime targeting Christians, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said federal officials were working with local police to identify a motive. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter's car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from Officer Rex Engelbert's bodycam, shows a woman meeting police outside as they arrive and telling them that all the children were locked down, but we have two kids that we don't know where they are. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles and announcing themselves as police. The video shows officers climbing stairs to the second floor and entering a lobby area, followed by a barrage of gunfire and an officer yelling twice: Get your hands away from the gun." Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. The White House said President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday with Drake, Engelbert and Callazo to thank them for their bravery. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the attack in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police said about eight minutes passed from the initial call to when officers arrived at the scene. Surveillance video shows a time stamp of just before 10:11 a.m., when the attacker shot out the doors. Police said they got the call about a shooter at 10:13. Aaron said in an email Tuesday that dispatch records show officers arrived on campus shortly before 10:22. At about 10:24, officers engaged the suspect, the chief said during the news conference. Within two minutes of that, the suspect was down, according to the dispatch records. There were police cars that had been hit by gunfire. As officers were approaching the building, there was gunfire going off, Drake said. We feel, our response right now, from what Ive seen, I dont have a particular problem with it. But we always want to get better. We always want to get there in two or three minutes, he said, adding that traffic was locked down at the time. Traffic was indeed stopped along a nearby two-lane road with a turning lane as police tried to weave their way to the school. Police have given unclear information on Hale's gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. Later in the day, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. Later Tuesday, at the news conference, Drake referred to Hale with female pronouns. Authorities identified the dead children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Koonce was remembered as someone who would run toward danger, not away from it. I guarantee you if there were kids missing (during the shooting), Katherine was looking for them, friend Jackie Bailey said. And thats probably how she got in the way just trying to do something for somebody else. She would give up her own life in order to save somebody elses. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the school is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville. It has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade and roughly 50 staff members. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Authorities originally reported 40 dead, but later said some may have been counted twice in the confusion. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. The institute said almost all were from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador. In the video, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards did not appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead ran away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adan Augusto Lopez, Mexicos interior secretary, confirmed the authenticity of the video in an interview with local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney generals office. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said. The deaths forced the government to rent refrigerated trailers to hold the migrants bodies, Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui told reporters. The detention facility is across the street from Juarezs city hall. At a nearby hospital, Viangly Infante Padron, a 31-year-old Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the U.S. with her husband and three children, waited for her husband, who was being treated for smoke inhalation. The previous evening, she was waiting outside the detention center for his release when the fire broke out. There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration," she said. The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived. She saw several dead bodies before finding her husband in an ambulance. I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didnt see him anywhere. Earlier, about 100 migrants gathered Tuesday outside the immigration facilitys doors to demand information about relatives. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman with her two children, ages 2 and 4, was seeking her half-brother, Orlando Maldonado, who had been traveling with her. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she said. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Authorities did not immediately answer that question. Marquez and Maldonado were detained Monday with the children and about 20 others. They had been in Juarez waiting for an appointment from U.S. authorities to request asylum. They were staying in a rented room where 10 people were living, paying for it with the money they begged in the street. I was at a stoplight with a piece of cardboard asking for what I needed for my children, and people were helping me with food, she said. Suddenly agents came and detained everyone. Everyone was taken to the immigration facility but only the men were placed in the cells. Three hours later, the women and children were released. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or for the asylum process to play out. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. After that, Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar started campaigning to inform migrants there was room in shelters and no need to beg in the streets. He urged residents not to give money to them and said authorities would remove them from intersections where it was dangerous to beg and allegedly a nuisance to residents. Migrant advocates who recently denounced more aggressive tactics said Tuesday that the immigration facility was over capacity and that the site of the fire was small and lacked ventilation. You could see it coming, the advocates' statement said. Mexico's immigration policy kills. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. Mexico's immigration lockups have seen overcrowding, protests and riots from time to time. In October, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities. At a Mass celebrated in memory of the migrants, Bishop Mons. Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos lamented the sudden grief that had descended upon the migrant community. The shout, the cry of everyone is enough, enough of so much pain, enough of so much death," he said. This story has been correct to show the age of Viangly Infante Padron is 31. Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernandez and writers Guadalupe Penuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. A Colorado Springs official ruled a bar on Platte Avenue can retain its liquor license after nine shootings in and around the business last year. Colorado Springs Municipal Judge Matthew Ramirez, acting as the city's administrative hearing officer, ruled last week Paradise Nightclub and Restaurant could retain its license because it broke a pattern of violent activity in October as part of reopening with a new name under the same ownership. The bar was previously known as Babilonia Bar and Grill and that version of the business closed in August. The bar "has rebranded its business model to attract different clientele and be a good neighbor. In doing so, Licensees revenues have declined dramatically. The Hearing Officer recognizes and commends the Licensees efforts," Ramirez wrote. The ruling followed testimony by neighboring property owners, an adjacent business owner and a Colorado Springs city councilman during a hearing earlier this month about the violence and shootings from January through June last year. A neighborhood association, Historic Knob Hill, filed the objection to the bar's liquor license in December and helped organize the testimony opposing the license renewal. Bar owner Juliet Romero-Garcia said in her defense she spent significant time and money rebranding the bar and ended Friday hip-hop nights because the popular events that attracted hundreds of people tended to attract violence to her business. "I was scared for my life," she said. Will Cook, the nightclub's attorney, highlighted how the business cooperated with police by adding security cameras. "The licensee is not denying there was a problem. We are denying there are continuing problems," he said. The bar has not seen problems since it reopened in October, Colorado Springs police Sgt. Jeff Edmonds said during the hearing. He noted that there used to be a pattern of violence and he met with the bar's owner to work on deterring crime. Sign Up for Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. During the course of the hearing, witnesses reading from police records and media accounts highlighted each shooting. In one case, a security guard for the bar shot a 20-year-old man who threatened him with a handgun, KKTV reported. Romero-Garcia said in one case bullets came through the bar. 7th Wave Carwash owner Craig Bridgmon witnessed the aftermath of a shooting when he pulled up to his business to find it blocked off with crime scene tape and a saw a victim getting loaded into an ambulance. "There was blood and also blankets or peoples clothes," said Bridgmon, who had to clean up the blood. Months prior, in January 2022, a man under 21 broke into a home Bridgmon owns on the property of his carwash, he said. Reading from a police report, Bridgmon said the man involved in the burglary confessed to underage drinking and had come from Babilonia. Despite the evidence, Neighborhood Watch block captain Jacques Sears said he wasn't surprised the business was allowed to retain its liquor license. "The businesses seem to have priority over the neighbors and the rest of us in town," said Sears, who testified against the bar. However, Sears said he was concerned nine shootings and many other 911 calls to the police about the bar did not constitute a pattern of fights, violent activity or disorderly conduct that can result in the revocation of a liquor license under city code. "What the hell has to happen over at that place for it to be considered a pattern of violence. ... Blood all over the neighborhood, bullets flying all over the neighborhood that affects me," he said. While the bar has not seen problems since October, he expected to see more crime over the summer when it is more comfortable to party outside. An undisclosed veteran-owned business that provides shared access to secure facilities plans to spend $33 million over four years to expand into Colorado Springs creating nearly 70 high-paying permanent jobs and bringing in almost $1 million in new revenue to the city. Bob Cope, the city's economic development manager, presented the plans for "Project Jade" to the City Council during a work session Monday. He recommended the council approve next month a resolution authorizing a four-year economic development agreement between the city and the still unnamed business that provides flexible access to classified facilities for use by industry and government partners. The company plans to secure an existing commercial space in Colorado Springs and renovate about 60,000 square feet, mostly of secured facilities, Cope said. The proposed Project Jade agreement would be for a term of four years, during which the business expects to spend $33 million to improve facilities and purchase machinery and equipment, according to a staff presentation. To help fund its expansion, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade's Economic Development Commission this month approved up to $763,182 in economic incentives for Project Jade, The Denver Gazette reported. The city of Colorado Springs would also offer up to $202,485 in economic incentives for the project, according to a staff presentation. The agreement would generate 35 high-paying jobs over three years, including site leads, security and IT specialists, with an average annual salary of $165,000, the presentation showed. Sign Up for Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "So, very good jobs," Cope said. "... Thirty-five (new) employees generates quite an economic and fiscal impact." When accounting for additional jobs that could be created indirectly or through induced demand over the four-year agreement, that number rises to 67 new permanent jobs, Cope said. Cope estimated the agreement would grow the local economy by about $57 million over four years and would generate, after incentives are accounted for, $868,386 in new city revenues during that time. Over 10 years, Cope said the project could grow the economy by $115 million and bring in $1.8 million in new revenues. A resolution approving the four-year Project Jade economic development agreement is scheduled to come before the City Council at its regular meeting April 11, Cope said. Colorado could soon establish a statewide limit on donations made to candidates in local elections, if a new bill is passed into law. House Bill 1245 would cap donations from individuals at $250 and donations from small-donor committees at $2,500 in municipal elections, among other requirements. The bill cleared its first vote Monday in the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Bill sponsor Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, said the bill is intended to decrease the role of money in local elections, restricting the influence of wealthy individual donors and encouraging candidates to connect with more people in the community. Over the past several election cycles, we have seen a disturbing trend in the amount of money pouring into our local elections, Parenti said of her district. I can tell you it is having a negative impact on the atmosphere in our community, well beyond the end of election season. ... I hope to get in front of this before it becomes a problem for more town across our state." Some critics counter that the bill's provisions are excessive and unworkable," calling the measure an administrative burden. Local elections in many Colorado cities have gotten increasingly expensive in recent years. Even with the citys contribution limits, the candidates in Denvers current mayoral race have raised $5.3 million through the end of February, compared to the 2019 race, which saw only $4.6 million raised in the entire election and runoff. In Colorado Springs a city without any caps developers, business interests and outside groups have heavily backed certain candidates in the upcoming April 4 election. Defend Colorado, a nonprofit that does not have to disclose its donors, has given $300,000 to two committees backing City Councilman Wayne Williams for mayor. At the same time, a committee backed by a Denver-based business called Stand Against Monopolies LLC has put $100,000 into ads blasting Williams. Both Denver and Colorado Springs are home rule cities. Because Denver has its own campaign donation limits, HB 1245 would not apply to the city. However, there is some question about whether the bill would apply to Colorado Springs despite being home rule, since it doesnt have its own limits. Elizabeth Steele with the nonprofit Colorado Common Cause said even if HB 1245 doesnt apply to all cities, it will make a difference in leveling the playing field for voters and candidates. Steele said it will increase the value of support from everyday citizens, and make it easier for candidates who arent independently wealthy to run for office. HB 1245 might not address some of the issues we are reading about related to money in the mayoral races in Denver and Colorado Springs but it will address other important contests throughout the state where large money interests can easily outspend and out-speak the voices of ordinary citizens, Steele said. The bill is backed by several groups, including America Votes, New Era Colorado and the League of Women Voters of Colorado. Other organizations are opposing the bill, such as the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, Colorado Municipal Clerks Association, Colorado Municipal League and city of Colorado Springs. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Denver mayoral candidates' finances hint of tight race ahead of April 4 election Karen Goldman with the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association said most clerks dont really care about the donation caps. Instead, she raised concerns about other elements of the bill intended to increase transparency in campaign contributions, calling the proposed changes excessive and unworkable. Goldman objects to a provision in the bill that requires campaign contribution reports to be kept on file for 10 years up from the current one-year requirement. "While some municipalities are up to date with digital records, we have a lot of very, very small municipalities that dont have the staff, the capacity or the capability to keep those digitally, Goldman said. Its going to be a question of where you keep them, how you keep them. Other opponents criticized the bill for requiring the campaign contribution reports to be made available to the public free of charge, and for adding earlier filing deadlines. As drafted, the bill requires candidates to report their contributions 90 days, 60 days, 30 days and 15 days before an election, and 30 days after an election. Currently, the earliest report is due 21 days before an election. While proponents said these provisions are in the best interest of the public, helping to inform voters on where candidates are getting their money, opponents described them as an administrative burden. Parenti amended the bill Monday to remove the first reporting deadline 90 days prior to an election and to clarify that, even though the reports must be publicly available without charge, the municipal offices can choose how theyre made available. For example, keeping a printout in a box in the office or uploading scans onto a public website. Other amendments exempted towns with populations below 1,000 from adhering to the new filing schedule, and removed a part of the bill that would have prohibited political parties from contributing to candidates in local elections, limiting them to $250 instead. Heather Stauffer with the Colorado Municipal League said the amendments are good, but they dont fully get to our concerns. The bill ultimately passed the committee in a 6-3 vote, with all Democrats voting "yes and all Republicans voting no. Rep. Ken DeGraaf, R-Colorado Springs, said he supports limiting money and increasing transparency in local elections, but voted against the bill as a placeholder for the concerns that have been raised. The bill will next face the full House for a vote in the coming weeks. Clash among powerful developers, dark money groups dominate Colorado Springs elections As school District 49 redraws its director district boundaries, effectively writing board member Ivy Liu out of office come November, its legal investigation into her conduct concluded with no charges. D-49 launched the investigation last November for possible criminal or civil action after identifying behaviors the board said misrepresented the district, such as using aliases on social media to accuse the district of critical race theory indoctrination. Neither the school board nor the district will pursue criminal or civil action against Liu, according to a board report. The investigation identified matters of significant concern that could be legally pursued by individual plaintiffs rather than the board. In short, it now is clear that the allegations (by Liu) about certain educational matters, e.g., use of CRT/indoctrination, were unfounded, and that accusations about the Boards decision making and policy adoptions in the fall were also without merit, the boards general legal counsel Brad Miller wrote in an email to all board members and district CEO Peter Hilts on Jan. 29. In a statement to The Gazette, Liu said the investigation's conclusions against her are based on conjecture and the district still lacks evidence of wrongdoing. The report was made public in February at the request of Liu and in agreement with other board members. Every single one of those slanderous allegations have fizzled due to lack of evidence, Liu said. The report alleged Liu blocked people from social media accounts she used to discuss official board business, which likely was illegal activity pursuant to current federal precedent. Individuals who were blocked could initiate further legal action, according to the report. Altogether, it is somewhat unnerving to observe an elected public official exhibiting these sorts of behaviors, the report stated. In November 2021 Liu was elected to a two-year term that is set to expire this year. Following the districts redrawing of boundary lines, her home address falls within fellow board member Jamilynn DAvolas director district, making her ineligible to seek re-election for the director district she currently represents. She will be eligible to run for DAvolas seat once her term ends in 2025. Voters in D-49 chose in 2015 to transition away from an at-large model, in which all board members represent the district as a whole, to a director district model, in which each board member is elected to represent one of five areas within D-49. Board members must live in the area they represent, and per statute, director districts must be nearly equal in population size based on the most recent U.S. census data. Growth in D-49 has dramatically changed its layout since the new model was adopted. Boundaries that once saw 3.2% variance between director district population sizes in 2015 now have more than 43% variance. From a list of four proposed boundary adjustments, the board selected the option that would result in the least percent of population variance between director districts, with 5%. Both Liu and board Vice President Rick Van Wieren were impacted by the redistricting. The board approved the revised director district boundaries in a vote of 3-2 at a Feb. 22 special meeting. DAvola and Liu dissented. District CEO Peter Hilts said during the meeting that the redistricting was a matter of complying with statute, which required as near-equal director districts as possible. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. But according to Liu, the move is the latest in a series of attempts to remove her from her seat, a claim that board members and district officials have repeatedly and publicly denied. This was outright gerrymandering, an act of dishonesty and lack of integrity, Liu said. This action was taken specifically to block me out. Tensions came to a head during the November 2022 board meeting in which the board voted 3-2 to censure Liu, demanded her resignation and announced its investigation into "willful and repeated behaviors that constitute failure to meet her fiduciary responsibilities to the districts students, staff, parents, taxpayers and residents. Despite initially calling for the use of an outside investigative firm at a cost of up to $10,000, the board report said using a third-party investigator would have been costly and ineffective. District legal counsel Brad Millers firm, Miller Farmer Law, instead conducted the investigation at no extra cost to the district. The report also states that the district had no power to conduct subpoenas or depositions despite initial claims it intended to do so. The firm conducted interviews and reviewed Lius social media postings, recordings of District 49 board meetings and email exchanges. The investigation allegedly found Liu discussed district and non-district matters on social media using several aliases and pseudonyms such as Sky Dancer, New Dawn Rising, Hannah Cyrus, Running Against Wind, Lily Poon and Leo Junger. Under the name Helen Weels, an alias she used as recently as January, she accused several board members of voting to bring critical race theory into the district, Millers email states. Such statements, according to the report, falsely depict district operations and cause harm to D-49s reputation. The board in 2021 voted to pass a resolution prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory within district schools. D-49 is believed to be the first district in Colorado to have approved such a ban. In December Liu stated we are teaching this [CRT] content. She has not fulfilled a request to identify current D-49 curricula containing CRT content, the investigation stated. "Brad Miller sent me the list of allegations and asked me to confirm them," Liu wrote in her statement. "Then he plays judge and jury by spin doctoring my refusal to respond as a confirmation of his allegations and admittance of guilt." As elected public officials, board members receive limited governmental immunity for actions they take on behalf of the district. This protection allows them to vote on controversial resolutions without fear of lawsuit repercussions. Areas of concern outlined in the report will not be legally protected in the event of a private lawsuit. It is assumed Liu made the controversial statements in good faith, according to Miller. There is no allegation that she was consciously untruthful. Sometimes simple misunderstandings can be amplified in the public sphere, Millers email reads. It is assumed that she solely has acted in a desire to represent the best interests of the District and its constituents. The district will now move forward without further debate on the topics investigated and refocus its attention on real substantive areas," Miller said. Editor's note: District CEO Peter Hilts and board President John Graham did not immediately respond to request for comment. The family of an Aurora woman, whose dentist husband is accused of slowly poisoning her, set up a GoFundMe Monday to raise money for the couples six children who have ...lost their mother and their father in a recent tragic event that has shocked and saddened us all, according to the webpage. James Craig, 45, was arrested and formally charged with Angela Craigs murder by 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner last week. Angela Pray Craig, 43, died March 18 three days after she was rushed to the hospital complaining of a severe headache and dizziness. According to the 52-page arrest affidavit, her brother Mark Pray drove her to University Hospital March 15 at around 11 a.m. That afternoon, Mrs. Craig suffered a seizure and never recovered, investigators said. According to the affidavit, James Craigs dental practice partner pulled a nurse aside at that time and asked the hospital to check for Potassium Cyanide. Angela Craigs autopsy was completed by the Arapahoe County Coroner last Thursday, but the toxicology results have not been released Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Hospital sources, who asked not to be identified because they werent authorized to speak publicly, told The Denver Gazette the womans door was guarded by security personnel who made sure that James Craig could not enter the room. The GoFundMe notes that Angela Craigs death has been ruled suspicious and provides a link to the redacted arrest affidavit. Her family held a private memorial in the Denver Metro area last week. Craig was arrested and formally charged with first degree murder with intent after deliberation. During the Thursday hearing, he waived his right to having his preliminary hearing within 35 days. His next court appearance is April 7. As of this writing, the GoFundMe had raised nearly $5,000. Jacci Bendt never imagined she would be where she is today after working as a bartender at Buffalo Wild Wings for a decade. Bendt, an estimator for Reconstruction Experts headquartered in Denver, said it feels empowering to be able to do her job. In addition to feeling accomplished in her role as an estimator, she said her male coworkers treat her as an equal. Typically you wouldnt see a woman estimator. You dont see a whole lot of them anywhere, to be honest, said Bendt, who recently started her career in construction. I just feel like a boss lady, which I havent really felt before because I was just a bartender. I mean, I did a really, really good job, but its a little different. Its a different environment and you get treated differently. So it [has] just felt great being alongside these guys who have been doing construction for a lot of years. She's teaching herself how to use job-specific software, something that Bendt, in turn, is teaching to her team. Its been kind of [an] amazing transition for me because I wasnt sure what I was going to walk into, Bendt said. Because I always thought the same thing: Construction is kind of a guy job. So, when I came into it and it was just so welcoming I was kind of amazed, honestly. Female construction workforce rising Women accounted for 10.9% of the entire U.S. construction workforce in 2022, according to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which drew data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Comparatively, women make up 46.8% of the overall workforce in the U.S., according to BLS. In 2012, women only made up 2.4% of the construction industry, the data show. Women also have a small pay gap compared to men in the industry, earning an average of 95.5% of what men make in construction, according to NAWIC. Most women in the construction industry remain in office and administrative positions and only 4% in skilled trades, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Colorados construction industry workforce faces three big challenges in coming years: Aging workers who will soon be retiring faster than replacements can get trained; a booming housing market thats driving demand and a glaring under-representation of women construction workers. Experts said the industry has been working to overcome that gender gap. Tami York, Reconstruction Experts' vice president of administration and general counsel, has seen more women in the industry over the years. Just over 13% of her company's employees are women, higher than the industrys national average. The company, which has completed projects in Colorado, Florida, Texas and California, specializes in reconstruction services, restoration, remodels and preconstruction in the residential and commercial markets. York said she believes through her own experiences that men are much more open-minded about women coming into the legal or construction industries today than in the past. They are also seeing the benefits women bring to the table, York added. I think there has been, in the past, a barrier for women, York said. But I will tell you that I am inspired every day by the women I work with and the younger generation of women that Im seeing coming up through the ranks, not just in the legal profession but in the construction industry. I think that those barriers are being torn down. York joined as the company's in-house counsel in 2013 but has been working with RE since 2003. She decided to go into legal construction after taking her landlord to small claims court and winning her case. York was inspired to help others like herself and to hold people accountable for their actions. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Ashley Douglas, Colorado regional vice president at Reconstruction Experts, said a firm with a robust women representation offers a lot of advantage. "We all team up together the men and women in our company. We provide that full aspect of service, which you dont typically expect from a construction industry, she said. Douglas uncle, father and grandfather were all in the construction industry, which also drew her in. She started at RE 14 years ago. Douglas believes that women can bring a certain approach to being in a clients home and providing customer service, so having men and women on a team translate to a more comprehensive approach. Not to say men are bad at customer service thats not the case at all I think we just kind of bring a unique perspective that, when working together with men and women, its a more holistic customer service approach, Douglas said. Ali Kronebusch, chief sales officer at Reconstruction Experts, echoed the sentiment and added that the industry also has a lot to offer to women. I find that with womens characteristics and our ability to really thrive in a dynamic environment and have that emotional IQ, what we can bring to the table is a voice that aligns with construction and the industry itself, Kronebusch said. Troubleshooting, empathy, critical thinking its such an incredible industry that I dont think women think about it when they think about what they want to do to build their careers. Advice to next generation York, who said her career goal was to become a secretary, never dreamed about getting to where she is now. Aim higher than you think you can, York said. Have a bigger aspiration for yourself than what you ever thought or dreamed." She added: "What I tell women today, especially young women, is had I dreamt for myself something [like] where I am now. Kronebusch, too, grew up around construction. Her dad is a general contractor, general electrician and a master electrician. The industry has been in the family's DNA for more than 50 years. Her uncles are also general contractors. Kronebusch went to school for political science, thinking she would become an attorney, but when she left school, she found that her passions lie elsewhere. Instead, she went into multifamily property management and then into reconstruction of occupied space. Think about what drives you as a person, Kronebusch said. I promise you that whatever makes you get out of your bed every day, theres a position within construction companies for you. The key though is making sure you find that right construction company and that culture that will support you as a woman, or a male, to grow successfully within the industry. Bendt said she still gets to meet new people, among other benefits, of working in the industry. If youre not happy, just change it and take the plunge, Bendt said. Try something new, it could change your life. Douglas, too, encouraged women to explore the construction industry. Im happy to speak with any ladies who are interested in learning more about the field," she said. "Its a fun place to be. Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags on all public buildings to be lowered to half-staff early Tuesday in honor of the victims of Monday's mass shooting in Nashville. Flags will remain lowered to half-staff from the announcement Tuesday morning until sunset on Friday, according to a news release. The order comes after Monday's shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville that left three 9-year-old children, the school's top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian dead. President Joe Biden made the proclamation, ordering United States flags on all public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff. His proclamation states: "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 31, 2023. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations." Lia Conace has been located and is safe, according to a statement released by the Colorado Springs Police Department on Tuesday, 39 days after her parents reported her missing from her home in Colorado Springs. Additional information related to the circumstances of her disappearance have not been released. The Police Department announced March 20 that it was searching for a missing 15-year-old last seen in Colorado Springs over a month ago. Lia's parents reported her missing to police on Feb. 17, according to a news release. She was last seen at her home in the 5200 block of Statute Drive and is described as 5-foot-2 and 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Lia was believed to be traveling to visit another juvenile acquaintance in Jefferson County, Indiana; however, local authorities did not locate her at the acquaintance's address. The acquaintance told authorities they have not had contact with Lia since her disappearance. Lia had also not responded to messages from friends or reached out to family members, police said. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Investigators believed Lia to be endangered and could be between Colorado and Indiana, but she did not have money or a known means of transportation. "Additional case specific facts have led investigators to be concerned for her welfare," police said in the news release. Anyone with information related to Lia's whereabouts was asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000 or, to remain anonymous, 719-634-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. Legislation banning so-called facility fees at Colorado hospitals and clinics purports to be looking out for the consumer but in fact would undermine our states health care providers and backfire on patients. House Bill 23-1215 was amended in a House committee last Friday following an outcry from providers. However, the changes dont come close to fixing whats wrong with the measure. That explains why every major hospital system is opposed to HB 1215. Lawmakers of both parties should oppose this bill if they value the critical care Colorados hospitals and clinics provide to all of the public, including our most vulnerable citizens. Facility fees typically are those fees on a medical bill for outpatient care that fund a hospitals or other providers core functions. In other words, all the things that provide treatment other than the physicians themselves. It means nurses, x-ray and lab techs, reception staff, security and maintenance personnel, behavioral health services, social workers the list goes on. Even as amended, HB 1215 still would ban facility fees for preventive care services, telehealth and primary care a wide range of basic medical care on which many Coloradans depend. That stops hospitals and hospital-based primary care clinics and telehealth services from being reimbursed for their nurses, certified nursing assistants, registration staff, behavioral health counselors, social workers, housekeeping staff and more. That, in turn, will blow up on patients statewide. It will force some clinics to close outright and cut off patients access to care. A spokesman for the nonprofit UCHealth system told us there are key telehealth services, for example, that are wholly reliant on facility fees for their operation. Virtual behavioral health services for veterans and others; nurses who are lactation experts; pharmacists who consult virtually with patients thats just a smattering are all dependent on UCHealth charging facility fees. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. UCHealth also offers primary care to the public through its A.F. Williams Clinic. The clinic treats patients using behavioral health experts, social workers and case managers, as well as nurses and certified nurse assistants. All must be paid for. What was the inspiration for HB 1215? Supporters say they want to curb surprise billing for facility fees, which sometimes are rejected by insurers, leaving patients with the tab. Backers also claim the bill will advance hospital transparency. Yet, UCHealth and all the states other hospital systems already support greater transparency efforts and can point to strides they have made in that regard. Its not HB 1215s transparency provisions that have drawn their opposition, of course; its the bills attempt to cut off the providers lifeblood. Certainly, lawmakers shouldnt try to address billing disputes with insurers by monkey-wrenching health care providers ability to pay for themselves. As noted in coverage last week by our news affiliate Colorado Politics, HB 1215 is based on a model bill proposed by the National Academy for State Health Policy, which according to the watchdog website InfluenceWatch is a left-of-center organization funded by the liberal Arnold Ventures fund. So far, only Connecticut and New York have banned facility fees. Colorado policymakers shouldn't wreak havoc with basic medical services simply to serve a narrow ideological agenda from the political fringe. Whatever presumed problems HB 1215s backers aim to solve, going after providers is a misfire. Rather than championing consumers, the bill slams the door on countless patients by cutting off essential health care services. Lets hope thats not this legislatures idea of health care reform. The gazette editorial board Today begins the week leading to the April 4 election. We urge all voters to study the candidates. We hope The Gazette Editorial Boards endorsements serve as a useful resource in each voters quest to vote for a positive future. Mayor Wayne Williams: Finding someone more qualified than Wayne Williams to lead our city would be difficult at best, given his experience as City Councilman, chairman of Colorado Springs Utilities and former Colorado secretary of state. More importantly, we advocate Williams as mayor for the same reason the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association and the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters have endorsed him. Hes a proven leader we can count on to stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement and to prioritize public safety in the citys budget rather than the pet projects that too often consume elected officials. Public safety is a significant part of the reason Mayor John Suthers supports Wayne Williams as well. As a former district attorney, U.S. attorney, and Colorado attorney general, Suthers ranks among the countrys most qualified law-enforcement experts. As Suthers leaves office, he wants to make sure citizens who put public safety first will continue to lead Colorado Springs. Like Suthers, Williams has substantial executive experience. As the Colorado secretary of state, Williams was lauded nationally for running an elections system other states could learn from. In small towns, every citizen knows their leaders personally. In a city the size of Colorado Springs, thats impossible. But those of us who know Williams know him as a kind, trustworthy, thoughtful man with morals, ethics and sound judgment. As an accomplished attorney, he could be making much more money outside public service. He is running for the best of reasons: because he sincerely cares about Colorado Springs and wants to make it even better. In addition to public safety, Williams prioritizes investing in and maintaining infrastructure. He views parks as a crucial element of his citys high quality of life. And, more than any other candidate, he understands the importance of using water wisely. He insists we maintain enough water in reserve for existing residents before extending the citys borders. By almost all considerations and as verified by nationwide surveys Colorado Springs epitomizes a city of progress. To maintain our trajectory, take the advice of ground-level law enforcement, Mayor Suthers and an assortment of business and civic leaders who entrust Wayne Williams to run city governments executive branch. City Council, at-large Lynette Crow-Iverson: An entrepreneur and registered nurse who recently sold her successful health care business, Crow-Iverson has volunteered time on a long list of boards and commissions in Colorado Springs. She is leading the effort to renew the Trails, Open Space and Parks program on this years ballot, and last year she oversaw the successful campaign to renew the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority. Crow-Iverson understands the importance of supporting law enforcement in its efforts to make our communities safer. As she explains on her campaign website, We do not want to see Colorado Springs turn into other large cities, such as Denver, where homeless and lawlessness drive out residents and businesses. With her entrepreneurial spirit, her selfless willingness to volunteer and her support for public safety, Crow-Iverson will make a superb addition to the Colorado Springs City Council. David Leinweber: A Colorado native and small-business owner, David Leinweber exemplifies Colorado Springs. Hes an outdoorsman, and hes put his money where his mouth is when it comes to his passion for Colorado Springs parks and wildlife. In 2015, he founded the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, a group with a mission to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry for the Pikes Peak region through leadership and collaboration. His Colorado Springs Fly Fishing Film Tour raises $20,000 a year to serve disabled veterans. Leinweber has focused his campaign on finding ways to improve access to mental health treatment, public safety and responsible growth. He correctly sees many of the issues facing our community as stemming from mental health, and he has a multistep plan on how to improve mental health in Colorado Springs. He is a longtime, trusted community leader with a proven record of management and working with local government. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Brian Risley: Like Leinweber and Crow-Iverson, Brian Risley also comes into the council race with a long track record of civic engagement. A Colorado Springs native and professional architect, Risley has served on the Downtown Transit Hub Task Force, the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority Advisory Committee, the Pikes Peak Stormwater Task Force, and the El Paso County Planning Commission. With this much experience, Risley is equipped with abundant expertise unusual in City Council candidates. Risleys campaign has focused on making Colorado Springs more affordable and safer. He understands smart growth, emphasizes that development must respect existing neighborhoods and will ensure the city manages its water resources prudently City Council, District 3 Michelle Talarico: As a mother, grandmother, and longtime community leader in Colorado Springs, Talarico has seen many changes since she attended Colorado College in City Council District 3. Talarico is a strong proponent of law enforcement, the outdoors and small businesses. District 3 is the heart of Colorado Springs and has a long tradition of fantastic City Council members, and Talarico ought to be the next. Endorsements by former Councilman Richard Skorman and Mayor John Suthers reflect her ability to build bridges, coalitions and relationships. The public can expect her to quickly become a go-to member of the council eager to serve her constituents, resolving problems for Council District 3 and getting things done for her community. Vote Yes on Issue 1 to Renew TOPS People choose to live and work in Colorado Springs, in large part, for its natural beauty. That might be less common if voters had not protected it by choosing to invest one penny of every $10 purchase to buy, improve and maintain natures beauty by funding the citys Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program. Its an easy process to make sure this program continues. Simply vote yes on Issue 1 before the election ends the evening of April 4. This is not an investment that asks voters to trust politicians, cross their fingers and hope for the best. The Trails, Open Space and Parks program is a proven asset. Voters enacted it in 1997. Since then, TOPS has constructed more than 53 miles of trails, conserved more than 7,500 acres of open space and built or improved 67 parks. Residents constantly, and often with good reason, complain about city programs and services even in well-run cities like the Springs. Yet, in 26 years we have seldom if ever received letters and phone calls from residents complaining about what TOPS delivers for a small investment. The program is a popular and whopping success. Issue 1 does not repeat does not propose a tax increase. It merely continues the tax at its current level for another 20 years past the current expiration date of Dec. 31, 2025. It will pay for maintenance of the amenities we have and provide funding for acquisition and conservation of new trails and open space. TOPS ensures the conservation of untouched land that would otherwise be developed and altered forever. Protect our unique community. Keep it beautiful, healthy and fun. Vote yes on Issue 1. The Gazette Editorial Board The Esplanade at East High School in Denver in the Spring is a beautiful entrance into one of the most beautiful places in my hometown. There are trees, open spaces, active student gathering spaces, and the historic feel of the building itself that dominates the landscape at Colfax and Josephine. It is a picturesque tapestry. The Esplanade is both intimate and expansive when you are 16. The nooks around the schools exterior were so well known to me. I spent a lot of time at East High in the late 1980s in Drama Club and participating in sports. We had an open campus for lunch, so it was my habit to either picnic outside or wander to the nearest Greek, pizza, or sandwich shop with a group of friends. I usually ate a packed lunch on the steps out front of the building. Additionally, I was a neighborhood kid and walked every day the 10 blocks and back. Trust me, Spring is the best season on the Esplanade. The schools main drag feeds directly into an entrance at City Park, and proximity to East Colfax encourages students to be exploring their new lives as adults. The first time I voted I was in the grand entrance inside East on a machine that had levers and a curtain. I also remember the violent events that happened while I was there. I remember being on lock-down one day because fugitives were in the neighborhood. Police cars were everywhere. I remember a big gang fight involving many people right out in front of the E. I remember a brutal fight in the girls bathroom. Porcelain fixtures made for a bad, bad outcome. There were no guns that I saw, but everyone knew they were probably there. I am sure upon posting this, a few people will reach out to remind me about another crazy event I havent immediately remembered at school. Violence as a way of communicating is not new. It has always been there. The choice to promote and use violence has always been there. But our response is what is missing. People dont take action but numbly absorb and reflect our emotions instead and feel thankful it wasnt them, this time. Today, on this blustery winter day, Im reading the news about a shooting that happened on the Esplanade and I cant help but wonder why everyone is surprised. But the difference I feel is that even in the 80s people took action and tried to make a difference. Living in proximity to East Colfax in the 1980s provided me many opportunities to see what societal responses to violence might look like. I remember there was at least an attempt at discussion and motion on social issues catalyzing violence as modus operandi in our citys social contracts. Mayors initiated and strengthened responses to neighborhood violence and reached out to their communities encouraging parks and recreation instead of gangs. The Guardian Angels were people who actually walked up and down Colfax and made their physical presence known to help improve safety for people living in the neighborhoods. Police were more respected and used persuasion and authority to exert power before using tasers and guns. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. We are shocked and saddened, until we are not, by the violence on college campuses, grocery stores, elementary schools, movie theaters. Those headlines are so ubiquitous they become background chatter in between the incidentals of our individual lives. The violence has always been there but our response is lacking. I am a teacher. Im trying to do my part in affecting change by telling the hundreds or thousands of students I work with over my long career that people matter, kindness is perpetual, gratitude is the best way to cope with trauma. Violence is a human emotion we all have a choice to either feed, starve, or extinguish in ourselves. This is the rite of passage to adulthood for children in America, how to live with violence, and it is my part in my small sphere to prepare children for this rite of passage. On my resume it says I teach math and science, but thats not really my job. Thats extra credit. We have idly raised too many generations of people who now expect to be shot or see someone shot, just by virtue of making it to adulthood, in the normal course of their day. The gun debate is the greatest show, but guns are everywhere. I dont know what anyone elses part is, but I think everyone should ask themselves how they can own a part of the discussion about violence and to behave within a framework that hedges against our violent tendencies. It is not a problem of that other neighborhood, that other school, that other city, and it never was. Something some of you might consider in the future: Ill tell you that deciding to teach children is not for the faint of heart, but is a wounded profession with a deep need for good people who want to help raise a better society. Consider a few years of service as a teacher, aide, paraprofessional, or board member or someone working for a public school. Show smaller humans how to be nice to others. Consider it a national opportunity for civility to interrupt this perpetual human aggression toward other humans that dominates us. Something that everyone can do in the near future: Denver and Colorado Springs will finally elect new Mayors this Spring. Go vote. People matter. Leadership matters. Jennifer Tarbox is a Denver native and East High Graduate, and is currently a Middle School teacher in District 11 in Colorado Springs. Whats coming next? City Administration has ruined going downtown for my husband and I. The parking by permit only, no parking, and parking meters outside the actual downtown area is pathetic. Now they are determined to ruin Old Colorado City by putting in parking meters in the free parking lots. Bike lanes, parking by permit only, parking meters whats next? Mary Gallivan Colorado Springs The beauty of a PIF Heres an easy fix to the Old Colorado City (OCC) parking lot dilemma ripped from the developers playbook: PIF. Whats a PIF? If you have to ask, thats proof that its already working. The beauty of a PIF is that its based on ignorance. PIF stands for Public Infrastructure Fee. Still confused? Basically its a small percentage usually around two percent added to the retail purchase price of goods within the boundaries of special district approved by city council.A PIF could easily fund the maintenance of OCCs parking lots and eliminate the need for parking meters. For example, the parking lot at Scheels is owned and operated by a Business Improvement District (BID) controlled by developers and funded with PIF fees collected from Scheels and the other retail outlets located within the district. The reason theres virtually no push back against PIFs is: 1. People dont know where these special taxing districts are located. 2. Theres a lack of adequate signage at the retail outlets to alert the consumer. 3. Customers dont ask for or carefully scrutinize their sales receipts. In fact, none of the 25 candidates for city office have even addressed PIFs in their platforms because voters are reluctant to complain about PIFs because the fees often amount to less than the loose change found between the cushions of their living room sofas. Kirk Mueller Colorado Springs A shortage of teachers Recently listened to National Public Radio broadcast focused on the nation-wide shortage of teachers particularly in math, science, foreign language, and special education. The broadcast caused me to reflect upon my four years on the Colorado Springs District 11 school board initiative nearly 20 years ago, where the board conservatives tried to introduce pay for performance and increase basic starting teacher salary without a union to $70,000 commensurate with the type of education and experience. Those two initiatives were met immediately with hash rejection by the District 11 local teachers association leaders, saying all teachers were the same, and should be paid equally. That socialist perspective is destroying public education across our nation. It is time to get unions out of public schools and get back to schools being there for the benefit of the children, not for the benefit of adults. I believe we as a nation are willing to pay for better qualified teachers, at all levels. We need local and national leadership willing to stand up to unions without regard to political ideology for the sake of our nation. The survival of our democratic republic depends upon a well-educated citizenry. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Willie Breazell Colorado Springs Continued uncontrolled growth Regarding the editorial in Fridays Gazette, Thank developers for high quality of life in Springs I have a few comments. It was stated that older baby boomers had a romantic view of Colorado Springs in the 1950s. As one of those boomers who grew up in this city I disagree. The city was safe, clean and beautiful. As children we were safe to roam the neighborhood and at night we didnt have to lock our doors. People who lived here could afford to own a home. It was a good place to live. Of course I understand we need growth to have a healthy, thriving city but this explosive, uncontrolled growth has caused so many problems in our beautiful city, crime being the number one issue. The county commissioners and city government continue to approve new developments even though the infrastructure and water are not in place. Our roads are a disaster. They are not listening to the established neighbors of Mountain Shadows or the neighbors of the area considered for the Constitution extension. It is time to vote the current government out and vote in people who are not beholden to developers. This continued uncontrolled growth and lack of unaffordable housing must stop. Bigger is not necessarily better. Patricia Leveille Colorado Springs Trusting a physicians input It was nice to hear a physicians input on Colorados RHEA progression (DR Perille RHEA 2.0). As a physician who practiced maternal care I used Progesterone off label to prevent recurrent miscarriages in some of my patients. Why progesterone cannot be used for abortion reversal off label requires some head shaking. Knowing that the American Medical Association forbids doctors to participate in lethal administration of drugs in capital punishment I find it hard to understand how lethal drug use to terminate pregnancies can then be acceptable. Medications are supposed to heal and sustain health. The grand tradition of the uninhibited market place of ideas the first amendment ensures cannot be trampled to prevent Pregnancy Resource Centers from communicating their solutions to women in a crisis pregnancy. So much of what I read in my medical journals promoting abortion care is written by attorneys and public health officials. Our Legislature is pushing abortion and gender affirming care through our entire medical system and I would like to see other physicians inputting into the merits of this direction. If their training was to preserve life and to heal their patients at all cost, this input would be life changing. After all, no one can deny that a fetus is a human being. John OKeeffe M.D. Colorado Springs A new convenience store chain that's expanding to the Pikes Peak region could mean the end of an era for a half-century-old shopping center on Colorado Springs' east side that's been known more for its quirky location over the years than as a retail hot spot. QuikTrip, the Tulsa, Okla.-based chain of nearly 1,000 convenience stores in 17 states, has submitted a proposal to Springs city government officials that shows it has contracted to buy the Polo Center, northeast of Academy and Palmer Park boulevards. QuikTrip would demolish the roughly 40,000-square-foot shopping center to make way for a 5,312-square-foot store and an eight-pump, covered fuel station, according to the proposal. It would be QuikTrip's second store in the Colorado Springs area. The chain is building a roughly 8,200-square-foot travel center southwest of Baptist Road and Interstate 25 in Monument, north of the Springs; QuikTrip launched the larger-format, travel center stores a few years ago to serve heavily traveled areas and roadways and to leverage the chain's distribution network around the country, Aisha Jefferson-Smith, QuikTrips corporate communications manager, said via email. We are expanding our travel center network around the country," she said. "We have one under construction in Monument ... and one in development in Pueblo. As part of our travel center strategy, we will build standard c-stores (convenience stores) in strong positions in the metro areas near our travel centers. Asked about the timetable for the store proposed on the site of the Polo Center, including when QuikTrip might complete the property's purchase and when demolition and construction would begin, Jefferson-Smith said the chain "is in the early planning stages of this development." Still, she said later in her email that "we look forward to opening our doors late summer of 2024." QuikTrip plans to hire more than 20 people and that the store would be equipped with a kitchen to prepare fresh, made-to-order food, sandwiches, wraps, salads and drink items, Jefferson-Smith said. A limited liability company apparently controlled by Denver-based Dikeou Realty bought the Polo Center out of foreclosure in early 2012, El Paso County land records show. Dikeou representatives didn't return multiple phone calls about the fate of the shopping center. Built in 1970, according to land records, the 3.35-acre Polo Center is a retail island, of sorts. It sits south of LaSalle Street and north of Palmer Park Boulevard and is sandwiched between the northbound lanes of busy Academy Boulevard on its east side and Academy's southbound lanes on its west side. Its location in the middle of Academy provides great visibility and access; thousands of motor vehicles pass by daily and both north and southbound motorists can turn into the shopping center without driving to the next stop light on Academy and making a U-turn. As convenient as the Polo Center might be, however, many tenants have left the aging shopping center over the years going out of business or flocking to faster-growing parts of town. A recent check shows only five tenants remain: the House of Yakitori II and Tan Phat restaurants, a State Farm insurance agent, Ramsels' Watch Repair and Eyewear Repair of Colorado. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. And though not as trendy as shopping centers along Powers Boulevard farther east or in the red-hot InterQuest area on the Springs' north side, the Polo Center has been a favorite location for businesses such as House of Yakitori II, which features Japanese dishes. The restaurant is marking its 30th year at the Polo Center, said owner Reilly Fetter. He and his wife, Saira, bought the restaurant about six years ago from Reilly's parents, Sid and Chalee Fetter. Reilly said an uncle opened a House of Yakitori around 1991 in the Audubon shopping center southeast of Union Boulevard and Van Buren Street in the central part of the Springs. His parents then opened the Polo Center location in 1993; though Reilly now owns the business, his parents still help out. The Polo Center has been a great location for the family owned restaurant, Fetter said, and many customers are familiar with the location, which has ample parking. Early on, the restaurant occupied one space, but then knocked down a wall, took over another space and doubled its footprint. Fetter said he didn't know about the Polo Center's possible sale until told about it last week by The Gazette. He and his wife signed a new three-year lease in December, though Fetter said the shopping center owner can terminate the deal with six months notice. "It's heartbreaking," Fetter said. "My family has been in this area for over 30 years, with this business we've had over three generations. I grew up in this business. It's heartbreaking, it really is." If the restaurant must move, Fetter said he'd hope to stay in the same area of the Springs or possibly move farther north. "I put my faith in God that we're going to be OK," he said "We're hard-working people. It's just going to be a struggle to kind of find a new place when the day does come. Really, there's nothing we can do but wait and plan. But no matter what, it's heartbreaking." State Farm insurance agent John Hall, who's leased space at the Polo Center since January 2001, also didn't know about the shopping center's possible sale and demolition until told about it by The Gazette. He's on a month-to-month lease, but now knows he might have to prepare to move. "Shock and surprise," Hall said of the changes coming to the shopping center. "The first thing I'm going to do is try to get in touch with the owner and find out if it's true. ... And then from that step, I would be proactive, of course, and look for a new location so that I'm not further caught off guard and being reactive. I have to take care of my business." The Polo Center is showing its age, Hall said. Among several problems, its roof leaks and the parking lot has its share of potholes, he said. Still, the owners are quick to make repairs and have been responsive when he calls, Hall said. "It's a great location," he said. "The city's grown, where a lot of things have (moved), of course, north and east. It's kind of outgrown the location with where all the new buildings and population has gone. But we still enjoy being there because it's still central. We've got a lot of (clients) that know us at that location." QuikTrip might be considering additional Colorado Springs locations. Preliminary submittals made by QuikTrip to city planners show it's looking at sites west of Academy and Austin Bluffs Parkway and near Academy and Flintridge Drive. QuikTrip opened its first three Colorado stores last year in Denver, Bennett and Firestone; a fourth opened in Parker in late February, according to online news stories. More than 90% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, according to the National Education Association. In Colorado, lawmakers want to put an end to that practice. If passed into law, House Bill 1208 would reimburse full-time, licensed public school teachers $1,000 each year to pay for school supplies, with a new refundable state income tax credit. The tax credit would run through Jan. 1, 2027. The bill passed its first vote in the House Education Committee last week. "Our teachers are incredibly important, some of the most important people who we have in our state, because they're educating the next generation," said bill sponsor Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta. "They're the ones we need to hold up." Before the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers spent an average of $479 per year on classroom supplies, according to a U.S. Department of Education survey. In recent years, other estimates have put the average annual out-of-pocket costs at around $750, with 20% to 30% of teachers spending more than $1,000. Under the bill, in addition to classroom supplies, teachers could use the $1,000 tax credit on field trips, professional development, supplemental educational materials and other items that "improve the quality of the educational services that they provide." The legislature has attempted to create such a tax credit several times before, with at least five similar bills introduced since 2019. Those efforts all failed to make it to a full chamber vote. Trying to avoid the fate of its predecessors, HB 1208 deviates from the failed bills in two key ways: more money and for fewer teachers. While previous bills set the tax credit at $500 or $750, HB 1208 is the first to reach $1,000. More significantly, though, HB 1208 also limits the tax credit eligibility to full-time, licensed public school teachers. The previous bills included all K-12 teachers and paraprofessionals who work at least 900 hours per school year. Some of the bills even extended to counselors, principals and aides. "From my research on why these bills failed constantly, it's because everyone keeps wanting to add their group to the boat," said bill sponsor Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. "This core group of licensed teachers is a group that, I think, everyone can agree should be in the boat." While Marshall hopes limiting the scope of the bill will finally get it though the legislature, the decision lost the bill support among Republicans, who have been behind all of the previous legislative efforts to create the tax credit. Despite HB 1208's bipartisan sponsorship, all Republican members of the House Education Committee voted "no" on Thursday. All Democrats voted "yes," earning the bill 7-4 approval. Republican opponents said the bill was unfair for only applying to licensed teachers, saying it should apply to unlicensed teachers as well. They said unlicensed teachers commonly work in charter schools, rural areas and military communities. "This bill values one group of teachers over another," said Rep. Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. "It doesn't matter whether they're licensed or not, they're going to be paying out-of-pocket regardless." Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Colorado lawmakers propose $38.5 billion state budget Rep. Don Wilson, R-Monument, tried to amend the bill to make the tax credit open to unlicensed teachers in addition to licensed teachers. Committee chair Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, rejected the amendment for going beyond the scope of the bill title. Marshall defended the choice not to include unlicensed teachers, saying licensed teachers have to pay for their licensure and continuing education, and have "shown a commitment to the profession." Marshall also said if he includes unlicensed teachers, it would open the floodgates for the advocates who are pushing him to add other groups, such as counselors or private school teachers. But the eligibility of the tax credit was not the only concern regarding the bill. The Colorado Parent Teacher Association opposed HB 1208, saying it is not the right solution for the issue of underfunded schools in Colorado. Former state Sen. Evie Hudak of the Colorado PTA called the proposal "insulting," saying it is "only a band aid." "A $1,000 tax credit won't make up for the thousands of dollars that teachers are underpaid annually," Hudak said. "The only solution to this issue is to adequately fund public education." Marshall said the bill is not meant to address education underfunding, arguing that it is only supposed to fix the specific problem of teachers paying for supplies with their own money. He said he's heard of the issue for the last 50 years, and the fluctuating amount of education funding hasn't changed it. Kevin Vick, vice president of the Colorado Education Association, agreed that the bill won't solve all funding problems, but said the organization supports it for the help it will provide. Vick, a high school social studies teacher in Colorado Springs, said his wife is an art teacher who just started teaching at a new middle school this year. The school has no art budget, so his wife has had to fund all of the supplies herself all year, amounting to thousands of dollars, he said. "We know just how much out-of-pocket money our educators spend on making sure their kids have the supplies necessary for high-quality learning," Vick said. "Knowing how dire the situation is, CEA will always support efforts to get money in the pockets of teachers." While the bill advanced out of the House Education Committee, it still faces an uphill battle in the rest of the legislature. The tax credit created by the bill would cost the state $17.7 million in 2023, and around $35.8 million each subsequent year. In January, a Senate committee killed a similar Republican-backed bill, Senate Bill 30, with Democratic opponents arguing the money would be better spent on broad education funding. That bill would have costed $19.1 million in 2023 and around $39 million in subsequent years. HB 1208 will next face the House Finance Committee in the coming weeks, where McLachlan said it will be up to the committee to determine if the bill is financially feasible. Metro Denver's youth violence: Teen gun deaths 'normalized' amid persistent shootings Colorado's second-highest court last week overturned a woman's felony menacing conviction because a Boulder County judge effectively barred jurors from hearing evidence suggesting she acted to defend herself against a sexual assault. In Michelle Nicole Couch's 2019 trial, jurors learned that Couch had twice pulled a knife on the alleged victim while the two were engaged in intimate behavior. They did not learn about Couch's earlier warning to the victim that she would not be having sex with him. District Court Judge Bruce Langer had told the defense that if they asked about Couch's statement, which implied Couch drew a boundary around what she was comfortable with, the prosecution could introduce damaging information about her criminal history. "This ruling had important consequences," wrote Judge Timothy J. Schutz in the Court of Appeals' March 23 opinion. A three-judge panel for the appellate court noted that jurors were confused about the level of consent in Couch's interaction with the victim, and the omission of her statement affected the fairness of her trial. Couch and the alleged victim returned to his home late one night. Couch told the man she would not have sex with him. The two began making out, but at one point Couch brandished a pocketknife. The victim acknowledged he was "playing with lines a little bit," but continued making out with her. Couch then pulled out the knife with the blade open, which halted the interaction. Couch left the home and called 911. When police arrived, they arrested her. Langer believed Couch's advisement to the victim was hearsay, meaning an out-of-court statement aimed at proving the truth. The judge allowed the defense to ask the victim about Couch's statement, but if they did, Langer would permit the prosecution to introduce evidence about Couch's criminal history. The defense opted not to bring up Couch's statement about having sex. Langer also did not instruct jurors that they could find Couch acted in self-defense. After jurors submitted multiple questions about whether Couch viewed the encounter as consensual which Langer declined to ask the witnesses they convicted her of felony menacing. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. On appeal, Couch argued it was unfair for jurors to be shielded from evidence that could corroborate her defensive response to the victim's advances after previously drawing the line for him. "That statement was not hearsay because at the end of the day, it just doesnt make any difference whether it was true or not," public defender Mark Evans told the Court of Appeals panel at oral arguments. "It impacted her perception of events because having provided that line to (the victim), it was more reasonable for her to believe when he started to try to push over it, that she was at risk of being subject to unlawful physical force." The appellate panel agreed with Couch. "Whether a person has consented to sexual contact is directly relevant to the question of whether an assault is being committed," Schutz wrote, "and, hence, directly relevant to a determination of whether the person was justified in using physical force to resist the perceived assault." He elaborated that Couch's statement to the victim would have allowed the jury to better understand Couch's reaction to the victim's advances. In the absence of that evidence, the questions jurors raised about consent suggested the jury "could have assessed Couchs deployment of the knife within a wholly different context," Schutz added. The panel's decision came days before the Colorado Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in another case out of Boulder County also featuring Langer as the trial judge in which jurors did not learn about a purported hearsay statement relevant to the victim's consent in a sex assault case. The Court of Appeals similarly ordered a new trial in that case, finding Langer relied on a "nonexistent evidentiary rule" to exclude the statement. The case is People v. Couch. Colorado Christian University has a new president, university officials announced Tuesday. The Lakewood-based university said its board of trustees picked Eric Hogue as its next president. Hogue, who currently serves as vice president of university advancement at CCU, will assume the post on June 1. Eric Hogue is uniquely qualified to lead the University during a tumultuous time for Christ-centered higher education, Wil Armstrong, chairman of the universitys board, said in a statement. As a natural leader and gifted orator, he brings an infectious passion for Colorado Christian University. He is a true champion for Christ-centered higher education. The university picked Hogue following a nationwide search that lasted nine months, the university said. Hogue will replace Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, who served as president for six years before transitioning to the role of chancellor in August 2022. Tim McTavish, a trustee, had assumed the role of interim president following Sweeting's transition. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Susan Rutherford, a trustee and human resources executive who chaired the search committee, said as the panel's members got to know Eric better, it became clear he should be the next leader. "We stacked him up against the highest caliber of candidates, and he came out well ahead," Rutherford said. Previously, Hogue served as the chief development officer of William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. He is a theologian, pastor and media professional. Hogue authored The Winning Side of the Ask: The Heart and Skills of the Donor-Centric Professional Fundraiser, a book on how nonprofits can design a thriving philanthropic culture. Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University offers a "Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth." The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. It has more than 9,800 students on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. Walking into Jack Quinns Irish Pub and Restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs, customers might feel as if theyve been suddenly transported across the Atlantic. From the music to the generous portions of traditional dishes (as well as contemporary American cuisine for the less adventurous), right down to the furniture most of which is imported from Europe Jack Quinns may be the most Irish establishment west of the Emerald Isle. And that, according to managing partner Meredith Klube, is the entire point. Thats what an Irish pub is about, said Klube, who has worked at the pub in nearly every capacity since 1998. Good music, good libations, good food. We want it to feel like youre in Ireland when you walk in the door. Its the Celtic ambiance, and the welcoming demeanor of the staff, that has kept Jack Quinns up and running for 2 decades, Klube said. And on Thursday, the pubs 25th birthday, the bar is throwing a party not for itself, but for the customers who have sustained the Irish pub through the flush years as well as the lean times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We just really want to thank the community, Klube said. COVID was difficult. The support from the community really kept us going. Thats why were having the party. The building, at 21 S. Tejon St., is one of the oldest in downtown Colorado Springs, dating back to the late 19th century, according to Quinns management. In the early 1900s, the building was a drugstore. Before owner Bill Sasz and his former partners acquired the building in 1997, it had been a flower shop. The new owners wasted no time in bringing their own slice of Ireland to the downtown location. Just about everything on the first floor, including the mirrors, the bar, the furniture and the light fixtures, came from Ireland, Klube said. An Irish company designed the interior. Irish carpenters and painters did the finishing work. And fittingly, the pub opened its doors in March 1998. Klube, who was hired in August of the same year, started out as a server. A few years later, she moved into management. She also did event planning and human resources work until she invested in 2017. That is true for a lot of our staff, she said. Our head chef started out as a dishwasher. Almost all of our management team started out at (entry-level) positions, like host, or server, or bartender. We try to promote from within whenever we can. The feeling of ownership is one of the reasons staff members stick around so long, Klube said. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. We consider our employees family, she said. Our staff has a really low turnover rate, which is unusual, especially in this industry. I think the customers and guests see that and feel at home here. The staff and management work tirelessly at making Quinns more than just a place to eat and drink, Klube said. Community involvement has been a guiding principle since the pub first opened its doors, from its continued support of local police, firefighters and the military, to its sponsorship of the Jack Quinn Running Club, a motley group of jogging enthusiasts (they refer to themselves as drinkers with a running problem) that holds its meetings at Quinns every Tuesday evening. We have people who met here, got married and had what we call Quinns Babies, Klube said. We have (former employees) who keep coming back even though they no longer work here. Theyre all part of our community. On Thursday, the day before St. Patricks Day, the pub is pulling out all the stops. Drinks will cost the same as they did in 1998. Longtime customers who remember local musician Brian Clancy will be in for a nostalgic treat, according to management. I was able to convince (him) to come out of retirement to play one more show, Klube said. Clancy, who retired in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, said Klube's enthusiasm and persistence finally won him over. The people at Jack Quinn have paid their dues," he said. "Theyve worked very hard to keep that place open. So when they asked me to come back for one more show, I told them I would. They deserve it. The owners and managers expect a lot of former staff members to be on hand as well. Our first general manager is coming back, all the way from Ireland, Klube said. Were really excited about that. Most importantly, the staff at Jack Quinns plan to open their collective arms to the longtime customers who have loved the Irish pub for 25 years. This community has done so much for us, Klube said. This party is our way of saying, Thank you. ISIS and the Assyrians: Intergenerational Trauma The Arabic letter "n" (inside red circle), signifying "Nasrani" (Christian), on an Assyrian home in Mosul. (AINA) -- Why do the various social and political impediments throughout the years still continue to paralyze an entire nation? Why are the embittered divisions sewn between the ranks of churches, parties, and factionalists unable to be healed? And most importantly, to the question that every Assyrian asks: why does the situation only continuously worsen? Can no solutions or plans be enacted by Assyrians for their own general betterment regardless of locale? Such queries, and many more, tend to consistently plague the Assyrian collective psyche--and rightly so. All of this to say that the Assyrian identity has been on a constant and unthwarted path of fragmentation with no relief in sight. The answers may lie in what researchers call intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma manifests primarily epigenetically, where the traumas inflicted upon one individual may be passed onto their children. This doesn't necessarily dictate an alteration or mutation in the genetic code, but an alteration in what segments or genes within genetic code get expressed or silenced. In other words, what genes are effectively turned on or off in an individual may be inherited from their parentage, either to the detriment or benefit of the individual with the epigenetic inheritance. In a study examining the progeny of female 9/11 survivors, children born to these mothers were noted as having lowered cortisol hormone responses, the same as their mothers. This is important, as cortisol, "the stress hormone," essentially determines how well one responds to stress. Severe traumas due to constant massacres and persecutions are not new to the Assyrian population, and certainly would have had similar effects. However, with an understanding of intergenerational trauma, so too come the dangers of a general feeling of collective victimhood. The roots of such a mentality could be seen as far back as the Ottoman Millet System, which divided Assyrians amongst their religious denominations, rather than secular lines. Divisions along religious lines rendered the subjects of the empire more divided and more obedient, and thus easier to oppress. What makes this even more sinister is that such a mentality is mostly unconscious, as one does not willingly identify as a victim devoid of self-derived will and destiny - at least, not normally. After the long period of continuous atrocity and oppression experienced in Mat'Assur, the Assyrian homeland, a state of intergenerational trauma was realized, and was carried over even into the world-wide Assyrian diaspora. People suffering from this condition go through a few phases, though primarily via two pathways. Those still active in politics or civic life enter either a powerless mindset, or an escapist mode of thought. The former should be very familiar to Assyrian readers, especially as it is all too common that the Assyrians simply accept their lot as second class citizens in their own homeland. Therein, whilst still active, these people come to harbor a powerless outlook on life. They do not believe that their efforts will deliver them from the collective bondage. As for the people in the second camp, escapism comes often in the form of religious fervor. The plights of the Assyrians are blamed on God. "God has cursed us" is an all too common motto utilized amongst Assyrian circles. Thus far, the people suffering from the powerless and escapist mindset are still active in Assyrian civic or political life. However, as time wanes, and intergenerational traumas only gain traction, the idea of Assyrians as victims begins to cement in the mind of those already in the two phases. This, of course, is only exasperated by the constant retreat of the Assyrians in every area of life, be it territorially, military, culturally, or even intellectually--the tides are seemingly too great to stem. Thus, those partaking in the powerless mindset shift over to the apathetic one, and the escapists likewise to the practice of submission. Both the escapist and the submissive Assyrians are inactive in civic and political matters. The escapist counts on salvation in the other life, and all atrocities visited upon them or their kin no longer matter. The Assyrian who submits begins to work with the very people who've oppressed the Assyrians. Even passivity in the face of oppression is a form of submission, in this case. The escapist Assyrian takes all their time and resources out of Assyrian political and civic organizations, no longer devoted to the loftier ideal of the Assyrian Question. They now devolve into sheer hedonism, and all other Assyrians who interact with a person in this mindset are made to lose hope. The Assyrian who has submitted, on the other hand, joins factionalists like the many separatists groups, or even oppressive forces, such as the KRG [Kurdish Regional Government]. Both can also take up a religious or factionalist zeal, preaching of an eternal damnation awaiting all Assyrians for sins committed eons ago. They, too, have a downward pull on all Assyrians who interact with them. Unfortunately, this also means that more and more Assyrians enter the inactive states, exacting what researchers have dubbed the "self fulfilling prophecy." The effects of the self fulfilling prophecy have been the fracturing of the Assyrian identity, the halting of rituals, and the degeneration of the Assyrian language in the face of acculturation. This has only been spurred on further as the majority of Assyrians eventually moved into the diaspora host-nations, carrying the collective victimhood mentality with them, yet lacking the nurturing effect of living on their own soil. In other words, whilst the atrocities in diaspora are many-fold lessened, the great distance and permanent exodus come to fuel the collective victimhood mindset, as the Assyrians no longer have the same connections to their lands that they did decades ago. There are, however, methods which can be employed in the hopes of countering the detriments of both geographic distance and systematic oppression. For starters, a sense of historical consciousness aimed towards gaining insight into one's individual life as affected by the past is a must. Another method explored in the study is that of introspection which deals with the physical afflictions and manifestations of neuroses or psychoses. Developed by Bessel van der Kolk, introspection is aimed towards mitigating the severe traumas of acts such as rape or torture, ultimately resultant in PTSD, and certainly uncurable by medications alone. Here, physical activities such as yoga, at the very least reduce the effects of the PTSD suffering person. This comes in especially useful when dealing with Iraq's severe lack of psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists--not to mention general dislike for the field countrywide. In fact, the study found that the very word "depressed" is often perceived as a taboo, forcing claimants of the condition to instead invoke the cultural euphemism of "pain in the colon." Of course, this pain in the colon comes from no other place but the internalized chronic depressions that run rampant yet unrecognized throughout Iraqi society, of which Assyrians are a part. The study was also focused on the narratives of Assyrians who survived the traumas inflicted by ISIS. Their stories were gathered via interviews and cross-examined with pre-existing psychological and historical literature in order to garner a greater understanding of what is effecting Assyrians on a macro level. Tragically--though unsurprisingly--many of the traumas of 2014 were found as having been a source of embodied mental and even physical pain, hence the studies brief exploration of Kolk's introspection method. To name a few symptoms: sleepless nights, constant regret, and emotional pain for what had happened in the Nineveh Plain were duly noted. In addition to psychological remedies, it was found that there existed a general sense amongst Assyrians that a force of their own people protecting their own towns and villages was of primary necessity, instead of relying upon false promises of protection from others outside of their communities. This, of course, arose from the belief that had such a force existed and not been disbanded before the Islamic State's invasion of the Plain, that then much of their sorrows could have been avoided. Even today, the very existence of the NPU [Nineveh Plain Protection Units] is in jeopardy due to political back-and-forths, and co-opting of the force by third-party factions. In other words, it is not economic repression or psychological traumas alone that are a thorn in the side of the Assyrians in Nineveh Plain, but also a lack of safety and trust in the pre-existing security forces in the contested region--not to mention an insufficient mental health system and the destruction of Assyrian cultural heritage by ISIS in 2014. Thus, it is a combination of factors contributing to the masses of hope-bereft Assyrians multiplying, year by year. Interestingly, while the study recommends the methods of historical consciousness, gaining insight, and introspection, it has also found that other coping mechanisms amongst the Assyrian communities already exist. In diaspora, for example, Assyrians often idealize the situation back home or the realities of their history, creating a false impression of the reality on the ground. This coping mechanism as a rejection of reality also means departure from the painful prospects on the ground. Introspection and historical consciousness, on the other hand, demand that the painful realities be faced and dealt with so that a number of lessons may be derived from the past and used for the rejuvenation efforts in the present and future. Instead, Assyrians have rarely ever studied their own histories, and when they have, they've done so with a distorted magnifying glass, choosing to look at some things, whilst ignoring the glaringly obvious. Those living in Mat'Assur, on the other hand, had a far more realistic outlook, adjusting their hopes to reality--even while remaining largely ignorant of the same patterns that had forsaken their ancestors in a similar manner to the troubles which engulfed them in 2014. Some of the interviewees affected by ISIS, for example, failed to make any comparisons between their plights and the mass plight of the Hakkari and Urmia Assyrians from Iranian Azerbaijan in 1917. In other words, their suffering was viewed as singular: cut off from all previous atrocities. In the literature review section, it was explained that such a mentality is not new amongst Assyrians, as during the 1843 Bedr Khan Beg and Nurrallah Massacres, the Assyrian tribes did not come to one another's aid due to an ingrained faith in the tribal system, meaning a belief that what one tribe suffered was unlikely to be visited upon the other. Only, in these histories, they were all thrown into the fires. To conclude, while there is much more work to be done in the field of psychology in regard to the modern Assyrians, time is unfortunately the staunchest of enemies. Not only does evidence fade day-to-day, but so does memory. Stones are broken and pages are burned or sold at black markets. The collective memory and attentional resources of the Assyrians is what is primarily at stake. Assyrians can no longer afford to be stuck in the age-old trance of collective victimhood emanating from the long, darkened corridors of intergenerational traumas. Throughout, the study makes recommendations for further research, should Assyrians in the field decide to mantle this responsibility. After all, the study of psychology provides now the understanding of trauma that Assyrians have lacked for so many centuries--this lack having robbed them of all intrinsic motivation, inward inspiration, and courage, relegating them to the eternal wait for outside aid from "greater powers" than they. Now, this nation may see that the greater power can only come from within. The deterioration of the macroeconomic scenario threw a bucket of cold water on the commodities. O iron orewhich engaged in a strong recovery movement in recent months, is already showing signs of slowing down with the uncertainties surrounding Chinese demand, while the Petroleum has lost some steam in recent weeks as markets come back to weighing the possibility of a global recession. The commodity slowdown has directly impacted equities. Not even OK (VOUCH3) It is Petrobras (PETR4), two big names on the Bolsa and Ibovespa, came out unscathed. After talking with Brazilian investors, the XP Investimentos came to the conclusion that positioning in commodity companies was less obvious than before, with Vale and Petrobras appearing more in the territory short/underweight (sale). After the news of bank collapse SVB Financial Group It is Signature Bank in the United States, in addition to the crisis of the Credit Suisse which culminated in its sale to the UBS Group, investors lost a little interest in commodities, waiting for a less uncertain scenario, says the brokerage. Investors were not very enthusiastic about buying commodities until there was more visibility to see if the SVB/Credit Suisse was a one-off case or the beginning of something bigger, he highlights, in a report published this Sunday (26). On the other hand, the domestic macro and political scenario in Brazil has further deteriorated, and commodity producers and their exposure to dollar-linked revenues provide a hedge (protection) important, adds XP. According to the institution, with oil prices currently at the level of US$ 70-80/barrel, the positive long-term perspectives have lost strength. Investors are more likely to believe in higher prices from the second half of 2023 onwards. To top it off, the recent announcement of a crude oil export tax in Brazil could be increased by more taxes if oil prices rise. As a result, we saw more investors positioning themselves in companies abroad or directly in the commodity, says XP. Both Petrobras shares and Vale shares have accumulated a drop of approximately 7% since the SVB crash. PETR4 Risks Most investors remain short or underweight for Petrobras, says the brokerage. Looking at the coming years, under the Lula government, the consensus believes that the companys profitability and cash generation will decline. It is still not known for sure, however, the speed of deterioration. Investors heard by XP raised some points of discussion, such as the new pricing of fuelsthe possible changes in corporate governance, the new policy of dividends and other cash drain risks. Investors are wondering if Petrobras will try to buy RLAM, Braskem (BRKM5) or even a distributor (the assets of Vibra [VBBR3] or from Raizen [RAIZ4]), raises the realtor. On the issue of dividends, investors believe that the level of distribution will become another source of rivalry between Fernando Haddad, Minister of Finance, and some PT members opposed to maintaining the massive payments of recent years. VALE3 risks With an eye on the process of reopening China and with questions about the sustainability of the iron ore rally, investors are mostly negative with stocks of mining It is steel industry. XP says investors are seeing increased risks of a potential increase in royalties or even higher income tax rates that could affect the companys results. On the other hand, investors seem to attribute a good generation of value in the medium/long term with Cosans investment (CSAN3) in the mining company. Investors seem to have the Gerdau (GGBR4) as the preference of the universe of mining and steel companies, being the most bought name, although not an option with high conviction, completes the XP. A Polk County couple is suing an Iowa veterinarian for allegedly intercepting and withholding records indicating their dogs death was due to negligence. In a lawsuit filed in Polk County District Court, Jennifer and Chris Higgins of Polk County allege Mobile Animal Health Care and Dr. Linda Stroh provided veterinary services for their dog, Hailey, a 4-year-old Weimaraner. The couple claims that prior to Hailey being spayed on March 23, 2021, the dog went into heat but Mobile Animal Health Care assured them that wouldnt pose an issue for the surgery. On the day of the procedure, an employee of Mobile Animal Health picked up Hailey at the Higgins home, then returned the dog later that same day. Hours later, Hailey stopped breathing, then died while en route to Blue Pearl Emergency Veterinary Hospital. Haileys owners requested a necropsy, which they paid for. Over the next several days, the couple allegedly contacted Blue Pearl multiple times to check on the status of the necropsy report and were ultimately informed that Stroh had contacted Blue Pearl and advised them to send her the report so she could inform the couple of its findings. The couple alleges they never received the necropsy report from Stroh and were not contacted by the veterinarian as to what the report showed. They eventually obtained a copy of the report from Blue Pearl. According to their lawsuit, the report indicated Haileys death was due to negligence with regard to the spaying procedure. The couple claims Mobile Animal Health Care ignored their subsequent request for Haileys medical records, although the records were turned over in response to a certified letter citing the state law requiring disclosure. The medical records allegedly showed the procedure had been performed by someone unknown to them: Dr. Leah Braas. The records also stated that estrous indicating Hailey was in heat, which can increase the risks associated with spaying was observed prior to the procedure being performed. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the defendants by failing to properly assess the risks created by spaying a dog in heat, failing to adequately suture certain incisions, and failing to properly close the surgical incision. The lawsuit also seeks unspecified damages for the defendants causing emotional distress by providing incomplete information as to the cause of Haileys death and by failing to immediate provide the requested necropsy and other medical records. The defendants, who include Stroh, Braas and Mobile Animal Health Care, have yet to file a response to the lawsuit. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Braas or anyone at Mobile Animal Health Care on Friday. Chris Higgins said Friday that he and his wife filed a complaint about Haileys treatment with the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine but were not informed of the outcome. Board records indicate no public action was taken by the board against any of the defendants in the case. In the past five years, the Board of Veterinary Medicine has imposed public disciplinary action against only three veterinarians. The last time the board took any such action was in March 2021. Forest City man who was arrested in February for allegedly going to an Iowa state trooper's residence and beating on his front door with a skateboard while wearing a fox mascot head and a tail and carrying a large knife is facing seven more charges after a series of incidents March 7. According to court records, 26-year-old Noah Nathanael Nelson went to a residence on the east side of Forest City around 6:22 p.m. wearing a dark cloth over his face with his hood up. Nelson also allegedly had an ice auger. The affidavit states that Nelson knocked on the door and asked if the auger belonged to the residents, which it did not. Police were called after he was asked to leave multiple times. Police eventually located Nelson on 340th Street. That affidavit states Nelson attacked the officer with the auger and a scuffle ensued during which Nelson attempted to disarm the officer of his Taser. After Nelson was arrested and taken to the Winnebago County Jail he refused to enter his cell, eventually attacking three officers while being forced into the cell. After the events earlier this month, Nelson now faces seven more charges and up to 23 years in prison. The charges include: Assault on persons in certain occupations -- use display of weapon; a class D felony. Three counts of assault on persons in certain occupations -- bodily injury; an aggravated misdemeanor. Assault on persons in certain occupations -- intent of injury; a class D felony. Third-degree attempted burglary; an aggravated misdemeanor. Disarming a peace officer; a class D felony. Nelson is facing 28 years for the previous charges of: First-degree attempted burglary - class C felony. Second-degree criminal mischief - class D felony. Going armed with intent - class D felony. Assault with intent to inflict serious injury - aggravated misdemeanor. First-degree harassment - aggravated misdemeanor. Interference with official acts - serious misdemeanor. Trespass - serious misdemeanor. Assault on a peace officer resulting in injury -- aggravated misdemeanor. A jury trial has been scheduled May 10 for all charges. North Iowa history in photos: Families of the late 1800s, early 1900s Roy Harris and Mother 1918.jpg 15 Elsa family 1936.jpg 6 Carl-Elsa-carriage 3.jpg CLear Lake Central Park 1907.jpg Mason_City_1202.jpg Mason_City_1205.jpg Mason_City_1206.jpg Mason_City_1210.jpg Mason_City_1217.jpg Mason_City_1218.jpg Mason_City_1219.jpg Mason_City_1220.jpg Mason_City_1222.jpg Mason_City_1115.jpg Mason_City_1123.jpg Mason_City_1011.jpg Mason_City_1013.jpg Mason_City_1107.jpg Mason_City_1110.jpg Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird appointed Lanny Zieman, an attorney with the Iowa Division of Labor, to run the state Office of the Consumer Advocate. The consumer advocate is tasked with representing consumers and the public in matters dealing with gas, electricity, telecommunications and other utilities, including in proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board. Im excited that Lanny has stepped up to serve Iowans in this important role, Bird said in a press release. Lanny is a strong advocate and leader who has devoted his career to service. He will be an effective and practical voice for utility consumers. Ziemans appointment is subject to a two-thirds confirmation by the Iowa Senate, and he is set to begin March 31. The previous consumer advocate, Jennifer Easler, resigned from the position before Bird, a Republican, took the office after defeating Democrat Tom Miller in the November 2022 election. Since then, Craig Graziano has served as the states acting consumer advocate. As an Iowa farm kid at heart, Im honored that Attorney General Bird has trusted me to be Iowas next Consumer Advocate, Zieman said in the press release. I look forward to working with the rest of the Consumer Advocate team to speak up for Iowans interests in reliable and affordable energy. The appointment comes as Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to soon sign a sweeping government reorganization bill, which makes changes to the attorney generals office and the consumer advocate. Under Senate File 514 which passed out of both the Senate and House this month the attorney general, and not the consumer advocate, would have the responsibility over hiring the employees in the consumer advocate office, and they would be at-will employees rather than merit-based. The consumer advocate would still be subject to Senate confirmation every four years, but would serve at the pleasure of the attorney general rather than for a set term. The bill would also remove the requirement that the consumer advocate be an attorney. The consumer advocate is involved in requests from three companies to build carbon dioxide pipelines in the state, which need approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. The projects have galvanized activists opposed to the state granting them eminent domain authority, and the Iowa House last week passed a bill that would limit eminent domain rights for the projects. In an interview shortly after taking office, Bird said she was looking for a candidate for the office that would champion affordable, reliable energy. What Im looking for is someone who understands energy here in Iowa, and who understands the needs of consumers, she said. That consumers need affordable energy. Zieman was an attorney for the Iowa Insurance Division before moving to the labor division, and he serves as an assistant staff judge advocate in the Iowa Air National Guard. He was previously a utility litigation attorney for the Air Force, the press release said, and has also worked in private practice. A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, Zieman is an Iowa native and currently lives in Ankeny. ROME The Florence museum housing Michelangelos Renaissance masterpiece the David invited parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit after complaints about a lesson featuring the statue forced the principal to resign. Florence Mayor Dario Nardella also tweeted an invitation for the principal to visit so he can personally honor her. Confusing art with pornography was ridiculous, Nardella said. The board of the Tallahassee Classical School pressured Principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign last week after an image of the David was shown to a sixth-grade art class. The school has a policy requiring parents to be notified in advance about controversial topics being taught. The incredulous Italian response highlights how the U.S. culture wars are often perceived in Europe, where despite a rise in right-wing sentiment and governance, the Renaissance and its masterpieces, even its naked ones, are generally free of controversy. Sunday's front page of the Italian daily publication Corriere della Sera featured a cartoon by its leading satirist depicting the David with his genitals covered by an image of Uncle Sam and the word Shame. Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained about a lesson including a photo of the David, a 17-foot nude marble sculpture dating from 1504. The work, considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, depicts the Biblical David going to fight Goliath armed only with his faith in God. Carrasquilla has said two parents complained because they werent notified in advance that a nude would be shown, while a third called the iconic statue pornographic. Carrasquilla said in a phone interview Sunday that she is very honored by the invitations to Italy and she may accept. I am totally, like, wow, Carasquilla said. I've been to Florence before and have seen the David up close and in person, but I would love to go and be a guest of the mayor. Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell'Accademia, where the David is displayed, expressed astonishment at the controversy. "To think that 'David could be pornographic means truly not understanding the contents of the Bible, not understanding Western culture and not understanding Renaissance art, Hollberg said in a telephone interview. She invited the principal, school board, parents and student body to view the purity of the statue. Tallahassee Classical is a charter school. While it is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, it operates almost entirely independently of the local school district and is sought out by parents seeking an alternative to the public school curriculum. About 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the three-year-old institution, which is now on its third principal. It follows a curriculum designed by Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan frequently consulted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on educational issues. Barney Bishop, chairman of Tallahassee Classical's school board, told reporters that while the photo of the statue played a part in Carrasquillas ouster, it wasnt the only factor. He declined to elaborate, while defending the decision. "Parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture, Bishop said in an interview with Slate online magazine. Several parents and teachers plan to protest Carrasquilla's ouster at Monday night's school board meeting, but Carrasquilla said she isn't sure she would take the job back even if it were offered. There's been such controversy and such upheaval, she said. I would really have to consider, Is this truly what is best? Marla Stone, head of humanities studies at the American Academy in Rome, said the Florida incident was another episode in escalating U.S. culture wars and questioned how the statue could be considered so controversial as to warrant a prior warning. What we have here is a moral crusade against the body, sexuality, and gender expression and an ignorance of history, Stone said in an email. The incident is about fear, fear of beauty, of difference, and of the possibilities embedded in art. Michelangelo Buonarroti sculpted the David between 1501-1504 after being commissioned by the Cathedral of Florence. The statue is the showpiece of the Accademia, and helps draw 1.7 million visitors each year to the museum. "It is incredibly sought-after by Americans who want to do selfies and enjoy the beauty of this statue, Director Hollberg said. The museum, like many in Europe, is free for student groups. There was no indication that any trip would be subsidized by the city or museum. Officials believe the fire that damaged Woodberry Hills Elementary School and left its cafeteria kitchen unusable was arson. A suspect is being held in the Danville City Jail. The Danville Police Department arrested and charged David Avery Meyer, 20, following the Saturday fire that occurred at Woodberry Hills Elementary School. Meyer has been charged with burning or destroying a building by fire; careless damage of property by fire; and trespass on church or school property. On Saturday, the Danville Police Department was called to assist the Danville Fire Department with an arson investigation at the elementary school. A Danville Utilities worker initially spotted Meyer in the woods nearby the school, where he had set a stump on fire, according to a news release from the police department. The utility worker and members of Danville Fire Department engaged with Meyer until police arrived. He was detained by police without incident, according to the police department. Its still under investigation, Danville Fire Department community risk deduction director Shelby Irving said of the incident. Classes resumed Monday at the school, but students had their meals prepared and delivered from Galileo Magnet High School and ate them in their classrooms, Irving said, adding that there is no smell of smoke or fire at Woodberry Hills. School maintenance workers spent the weekend airing out, mopping and cleaning the cafeteria, she said. Cafeteria workers at Woodberry Hills school will be working at Galileo while the kitchen is being repaired, said Danville Public Schools spokesperson Lanie Davis. The fire was reported at 11:47 a.m. Saturday after a passerby saw smoke coming from the loading dock just outside the schools cafeteria, Irving said. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 11:50 a.m., she said. They found heavy fire and smoke coming from the back corner of the school at 614 Audubon Drive in the northern part of the city. Material at the loading dock at the north side of the building was on fire and flames had extended into the building, Irving said. They were able to make a quick knockdown, she said. But once they sprayed water on the fire, the cold water caused the hot windows to shatter. Once that fell apart, the fire went into the [kitchen], Irving said. DFD crews made an interior attack on the fire with a quick knockdown and other units searched the interior of the school to verify that no one was occupying the building, according to a news release from the fire department. While the kitchen was left unusable, there was no damage to the dining room, Irving said. The fire did not extend to the roof, according to the report. The incident resulted in about $120,000 worth of damage at the school, Irving said. The release did not detail the extent of the damage, however Danville Public Schools spokesperson Lanie Davis confirmed to the Register & Bee there was quite a bit of damage to the kitchen area of the school. The Danville Fire Marshals Office and Danville Police Department crime scene are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. In all, 16 members of the fire department responded to the school with three engines, a ladder truck, a support unit and a command unit. In addition to the police department helping on scene, the Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Utilities and maintenance crews from Danville Public Schools also responded. Jennifer J. Wyatt officially announced her candidacy for clerk of court in Pittsylvania County in a statement to the Register & Bee. A resident of the Mount Hermon Community, Wyatt has lived in Pittsylvania County her whole life. I have served others my entire adult life, she said in her statement. The clerk position is all about serving and helping others; that is all I know. After graduating high school, she joined the United States Marine Corps, she said in her announcement statement. While in the Marines, she served in combat as a military police officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When she came home from her tour of duty, she earned a college degree and was hired by Danville Sheriff Mike Mondul to work at the Danville Sheriffs Office. She worked her way through the ranks and is now a lieutenant and the re-entry coordinator in the jail, her statement said. In addition, she is an instructor for the Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy and a firearms instructor. A certified Glock armorer, she also teaches self defense and situational awareness classes for seniors in the community. Just like the clerks that have served previously, I will carry on high ethical standards, integrity and professionalism, she wrote in her statement. It would be an honor to be elected by the people, to serve the people. Wyatt is a mother to three children and has three stepchildren with her husband, Scott. Trooper: Burke County school bus driver fell asleep behind the wheel CHRISSY MURPHY The News Herald (Morganton, N.C.) CONNELLY SPRINGS A school bus driver was cited after troopers said she fell asleep behind the wheel of the bus before it crashed into a tree last Thursday morning. It was just after 6:30 a.m. when state troopers were dispatched to Johnson Bridge Road near Paige Street, according to a release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Troopers found a Burke County Public Schools bus had gone off the road to the right and hit a tree, the release said. Tooper C.M. Casey told The News Herald troopers learned the driver fell asleep, causing her to go off the road. Cheryl Shuffler, the public information officer for BCPS, said there were five students on board along with the driver and a bus monitor. Only minor injuries were reported and no one was transported to a hospital, Shuffler said. The Highway Patrol said everyone was evaluated at the scene by EMS. Shuffler said the bus serves students from East Burke Middle, East Burke High and Ray Childers Elementary schools. The bus driver was cited for failure to maintain lane control, the Highway Patrol said. There were no signs of impairment. George Hildebran Fire and Rescue responded to the scene along with NCSHP and Burke County EMS. This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available. Men tunnel out of Virginia jail cell, then are found at IHOP Gavin Stone, Daily Press Two Newport News inmates tunneled through their jail cells wall and escaped on the afternoon of March 20, law enforcement officials said, only to be found hours later at an IHOP restaurant in Hampton. John Michael Garza, 37, and Arley Vaughn Nemo, 43, were missing from a routine headcount at the Newport News Jail Annex about 7:15 p.m. Monday. Jail staff later discovered they had burrowed through the wall of their cell. The tunnel led to the exterior of the building and the men made it over the security wall, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Garza, of Hampton, had been in jail since Dec. 19 on charges of contempt of court, probation violations and failure to appear. Nemo, of Gloucester, had been in custody since Oct. 7 on charges including credit card fraud, credit card larceny, forgery, possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, contempt of court and a probation violation, according to the sheriffs office. Law enforcement sought the publics help in apprehending them in the hours after their escape. Hampton police arrested the men around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday after they were found sitting at a table at a restaurant in the 1000 block of Mercury Boulevard, according to police spokesperson Ernest Williams. Williams said the pair gave themselves up peacefully, adding that Hampton police received a tip from someone at the restaurant who had seen them in news reports. A spokesperson with the Newport News Sheriffs Office confirmed the men were arrested at an IHOP restaurant but did not provide details Tuesday morning about the the inmates manner of escape. Statesville man killed when lawn mower flips into pond Statesville Record & Landmark A Statesville man died on the afternoon of March 18 after flipping a lawn mower into a pond in the 300 block of Elmwood Road. Alfredo Quintero, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Maj. Troy Miller of the Iredell County Sheriffs Office. Miller said Quintero was mowing near a pond and was on a steep embankment. He apparently flipped the mower into the pond. A family member called after finding the mower in the pond. Iredell EMS, Iredell Rescue and Cool Springs Fire Department responded and were able to get Quintero out from underneath the mower. Miller said this appears to be a tragic accident. ASHEBORO Investigators say they have identified the juvenile who allegedly made a bomb threat that prompted the evacuation Monday morning of the North Carolina Zoo. The zoo, which plans to reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, evacuated 1,046 children and 326 adults from the grounds and contacted school groups and others who were known to be on route but had not yet arrived, zoo spokeswoman Debbie Fuchs said Monday. All zoo staff were also evacuated from the property, Fuchs said. Animals were fed that morning and keepers resumed tending to the animals once they received the "all clear" from authorities. The zoo remained closed to guests for the rest of the afternoon. The Randolph County Sheriffs Office said it responded about 10:43 a.m. to the threat, which was made electronically directly to the zoo. Deputies and park rangers worked to secure the zoo perimeter during the evacuation. At 11:48 a.m., after a protective sweep, five search teams were deployed to search all public areas of the zoo, according to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. A secondary search of all public areas was conducted and no suspicious items were located. The Greensboro Police Department Bomb Squad was requested to be on standby in case they were needed, but Randolph deputies were able to render the zoo safe and clear the scene at 1:39 p.m., authorities said. Investigators identified the origins of threat and the juvenile who conveyed it, sheriff's officials said in a news release. A juvenile petition will be filed with the Department of Juvenile Justice. A petition does not list a specific charge(s), which will be determined by the Juvenile Intake Counselor and detectives upon conclusion of the investigation, and after consultation with the District Attorney's Office, according to police department spokeswoman Amanda Varner. The child's age and gender will not be released, Varner said. Asheboro High School posted a notice on its Facebook page that students who were visiting the zoo that morning were returning to campus as a result of the evacuation. Asheboro City Schools also posted on its Facebook page that all Balfour Elementary students visiting the zoo were returning to their campus for the rest of the school day. All guests who had tickets for the zoo on Monday those who were evacuated and those who were unable to visit at a later time Monday will receive a refund, Fuchs said. CONNELLY SPRINGS A man tried to hide from law enforcement in a hand-dug hole behind a home last week after running away from a deputy responding to a routine call for service. Austin Michael Neece, 26, had outstanding arrest warrants for parole violation, identity theft and resisting a public officer when he ran from a deputy who was responding to a routine call for service on N.C. 18 South on Thursday, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriffs Office. When the deputy responded to his original call, he saw Neece drop a chainsaw and run toward a wooded area behind the home, the release said. Deputies searched the vehicle Neece ran from and found 10.5 grams of methamphetamine, a white powder substance and drug paraphernalia, the release said. Deputies searched the property where Neece fled and found some items that had been reported stolen earlier in the day. It wasnt long after deputies cleared the property that the Burke County Emergency Communications Center received a call that Neece was back on the property, the release said. Multiple deputies and detectives responded to the scene along with troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. They saw Neece, but he ran from them again, the release said. A person at the scene told law enforcement Neece was armed with a handgun when he ran from them, prompting law enforcement to call for the Burke County SWAT Team to respond, the release said. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Drone Operation Team also was called to the scene. Investigators tracked Neece to the area of 7360 Della Drive, where he had been spotted by several anonymous callers, the release said. They searched the residence and property before finding Neece hiding in a hand-dug hole behind the residence, the release said. Neece was taken into custody without any further incident and was served with the outstanding warrants. Records from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety show Neece already has previous felony convictions of: Possession of a firearm/removal of a serial number Breaking and entering Larceny over $1,000 Receiving a stolen vehicle Possession of a schedule II controlled substance Larceny after breaking and entering Attempted providing contraband to prisoners Neece currently is being held under no bond at the Burke County Jail, and was given an additional $5,000 secured bond for one of the charges against him, the release said. More charges are expected against Neece, the release said. Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing column honoring local high school students and their achievements. Helena High School senior Foster Smith lives up to his name fostering a curiosity for life and all its labyrinths. I enjoy doing things for the sake of doing them, said Smith. I wouldnt consider myself a super goal-oriented person as much as an experience-oriented person, and that takes me a lot of places. Smiths family moved from Lincoln to Canada for five years before returning to Helena, where Smith has spent most of his high school years. His parents are both physicians, which has given them the flexibility to live in various places, such as New Zealand when Smith was a child. He has one younger sister. Courtnay Crowell, Fosters mother, describes him as kind and curious. Hes pretty self-directed, said Crowell. Weve been so excited that (Buffy Smith) has worked with him so much in computers because his dad and I dont really understand what hes doing, but were just very proud of him. The 17-year-old Smith had always been into technology growing up, but he started to become very interested after joining a computer science (CS) class his sophomore year taught by his favorite HHS teacher, Buffy Smith. Last year, he took fifth in the nation in Java and also competed in other programming languages such as Python and C++. Despite having the same last name, Foster and I are not related, stated Buffy in Smiths nomination form. He is, however, the type of person I would be happy to call a relative. Instead, I am privileged to teach him at HHS for the third year in computer science and second year in Cisco. He excels in both. Smith has earned 10 CS concurrent credits through Helena College, which is the maximum for the CS dual-credit program. Hes now doing a paid IT internship with Mountain-Pacific Health Care for eight hours a week after school. The IT department has been letting me read through some of their source code and getting more understanding in SQL (a programming language), which has been interesting, said Smith. Its a good opportunity to work in a company that is similar to what I might be working in in the future. He also did an internship with Lewis and Clark County last summer with geographic information systems. It was two parts. Part of it was making ArcGIS StoryMaps, which is basically a drag and drop website thing for the public works department, and the other part was mapping Forestvale Cemetery with a GPS unit, said Smith. Last summer, Smith also participated in the Massachusetts Institute for Technologys Beaver Works Summer Institute in Quantum Software, a four-week intensive program for high school seniors that teaches STEM skills through project-based and workshop-style courses. He stated that it was virtual but still a good experience. Other activities Smith participates in are Science Club, Key Club, band where he played the alto and tenor saxophone, piano lessons, cross-country, National Honor Society and hes the president of Business Professionals of America. In his free time, he enjoys writing programs, listening to podcasts, playing music and walking with his two dogs. Smith also organizes and manages the meal planning spreadsheets for Gods Love and delivers food prepared by his church, Big Sky Unitarian Universalist, to the homeless shelter as well. I find it really gratifying (doing community service), said Smith. Also knowing that I am in a place of privilege -- I really want to give back and make sure Im not being selfish and keeping it for myself. After high school, Smith is looking at MIT, Montana State University, University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. He can also attend the University of Alabama for free with his National Merit finalist status. Hes hoping to be a professor and/or a researcher on the theoretical side of the fields of math or computer science. Like every parent, I want him to be satisfied, to contribute to making the world a better place and to be surrounded by people who love him, Crowell said. ... Its hard to describe Foster, but we are continuously surprised and pleasantly amazed by what hes doing and how hes growing. Despite repeated failures over a three-year period to address deficiencies in its application, a gravel pit proposed east of Shepherd finally met all of its statutory requirements and has been permitted by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. DEQ announced issuance of a permit for the 67-acre Donnes site in a Thursday press release. Riverside Contracting Inc., of Missoula, plans to extract up to 690,000 cubic yards of gravel from the acreage near the corner of Shepherd and Frey roads. Deficient Yet in several emails from DEQ, Riverside was repeatedly asked and failed to address issues identified at a 2019 community meeting where residents had expressed concerns. As late as Oct. 4, 2022, a DEQ environmental science specialist said Riversides plan of operation still had not adequately addressed concerns regarding protection of the shallow groundwater resources that local residents use for drinking water and domestic needs; provisions for noise and visual impacts on nearby residential areas; the interrelation of the pit hydrology to the neighboring Crooked Creek watershed; and maintaining the conveyance of irrigation water through ditches contained near and within the site or the interrelation of pit hydrology with the ditches. As a result, DEQ told the company the application was not acceptable. The letter goes on to note it is the third notice of unacceptability identifying extensive, significant deficiencies in your application regarding the plan of operation, hydrology, and impact on adjacent and nearby landowners. Change By Nov. 14, Riverside had responded to DEQs request for information, but in a Dec. 20 letter to the company, the state agency again said Riverside did not fully address the deficiencies noted by DEQ in October. In a Feb. 22 letter from DEQ, Riverside was granted another 30 days to address the deficiencies this after almost four years of back and forth. The agencys unit coordinator signed the February letter to Riverside as the DEQs scientist, who had been overseeing the matter, had resigned to take another job. Although the timing of the scientists departure and the approval of the permit seem suspect, DEQ public relations specialist Moira Davin said that was not the case. They (Riverside) had met all of their deficiencies, thats why the permit was issued, she said. The permitting process for the Donnes open-cut mine took longer than average, Davin said, but the amount of time it takes to finalize a permit can be dictated by the gravel company. She said once deficiencies in a permit application are identified by DEQ, the company has up to a year to respond. DEQ, on the other hand, has less than a month to respond, Davin said. With each submittal to DEQ, Riverside got a little closer before finally providing enough information to move forward with the permit, said Dan Walsh, DEQ Mining Bureau chief. Mining According to details contained in the permit, Riverside will dig three 20-foot deep pits over time. To conduct the work, equipment such as a crusher, pug mill and screen, an asphalt plant, loaders and haul trucks will be utilized. The company has paid a bond of more than $422,000 in accordance with state requirements. Several Shepherd-area residents had opposed the mining, worried about its impact on residential wells and nearby Crooked Creek, a Yellowstone River tributary. The approved application does not address previous deficiencies identified by the DEQ, including protection of the shallow groundwater resources that local residents use for drinking water and domestic needs, resident Kati Grove wrote in an email. She also cited concerns about the interrelation of the gravel pit to the hydrology of nearby irrigation ditches. Hydrology reports included in the application indicate water levels could drop by as much as 8 feet in area wells, yet it was approved anyway," she added. But the DEQ document stated, the operation will not dewater or pump groundwater and therefore will not influence the groundwater levels or flow direction. Dust control measures will also be implemented. Slow go Authorization of the gravel pit took so long that two new homes were constructed adjacent to the site, with their septic systems within 150 feet of the pits boundary, according to the permit. Other changes on the ground also occurred. In 2020, neighbors filed a lawsuit in District Court against landowners Frank and Cindy Donnes, who own the land where the pits will be located. The lawsuit also named neighbors to the north and south of the proposed mine, according to a Yellowstone County News story. The lawsuit contended the Donneses had dug trenches to dewater their property that was flowing onto their land. New legislation may have also played into the delayed permitting process. In 2021, House Bill 599 was enacted, despite complaints from conservation groups. House Bill 599 made changes to the public engagement process and removed DEQs authority under the Opencut Mining Act to require noise mitigation, place restrictions on hours of operation, and assess nearby water resources, the DEQ wrote in its news release. However, since the Donnes permit was reviewed under prior law, DEQ had conducted a water resources assessment to review potential impacts on hydrology, which included nearby streams, ditches, wetlands, groundwater and water rights, the agency stated. Once the legislation was enacted, Riverside Contracting had the opportunity to have the Donnes site reviewed under the new legislation, but chose to remain under the prior law, DEQ said. A representative for Riverside did not return a telephone call for comment. Elsewhere Last year the revised law caused heartburn for some rural residents near an Arlee gravel pit. Resident Hannah Talbot told the Missoulian she was frustrated by how the new rules limited public notification and involvement in the process. The Arlee gravel pit will also be mined by Riverside Contracting. In the last Legislature, supporters of the measure had cited the slow process of permitting, the amount of documentation required and the high demand for building materials like sand and gravel for road and construction projects as reasons for the change. Because the Donnes site was considered under the old rules, public comments, issues related to water, wildlife, noise, visual impacts and hours of operation were revised in the permit, DEQ said. For example, if the Donnes pit temporarily operates outside of the typical hours stated in the permit (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), temporary extended hours would have to be published in the local newspaper, and the operator would be required to provide written notification to Yellowstone County Commissioners and residents within a half-mile of the site. Additional measures would also be implemented during night operations such as lights focused downward to minimize light pollution and reverse-activated strobe lights rather than beeping to minimize noise pollution. In a hearing Friday evening, Hamilton Republican state Rep. Ron Marshall advocated for his bill to take half of the funding that tobacco prevention efforts in the state get from a tobacco settlement and put it toward the states children's health insurance program. Montana receives cash annually from a 1998 settlement agreement that was struck between 46 states and 60 tobacco companies over the cost of tobacco-related health care. In 2020 the state got about $24 million from the settlement, which is based on cigarette sales. The number has generally decreased over the years as fewer people smoke, said several people who testified against the bill last week. Of the 40% of the funding that goes into the state tobacco trust fund, 32% goes to tobacco prevention and 17% goes to the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. Marshalls bill would flip those ratios. Were just switching those two slices of the pie, Marshall told the House Human Services Committee. He cited that funding goes to the tobacco quit line, and that cigarette smoking rates are lower than theyve been in the past. Supporting the bill was a spokesperson from the state Department of Justice and Rep. Jane Gillette, R-Bozeman. Gillette said she wanted to amend the bill to use some of the new 32% pot of money to pay for evaluation of how effective and efficient state health programs are. The bill saw far more opponents however. Those who spoke against the legislation argued the funding pays for far more than the tobacco quit line and would hamper disease prevention efforts that help stop or treat early cancers tied to tobacco use. Todd Harwell, division administrator for public health and safety at the state health department, said the bill would cut funding for tobacco use prevention and chronic disease prevention by 47%, or $4 million. The cut would hit programs that screen for breast and cervical cancer, which can be tied to smoking; as well as asthma programs; home visiting for early childhood support; and also diabetes prevention, heart disease and stroke. Several teens from Powell Countys React Youth Coalition also testified against the bill, saying they find tremendous value in the funding for their program to help educate teens and work with their peers toward a goal of being the first tobacco-free generation in Montana. Others who spoke against the bill included representatives for the medical field. Stacey Anderson, on behalf of the Montana Primary Care Association, said centers screened more than 51,000 people for tobacco use in 2022 and made more than 44,000 referrals for cessation and intervention. In response to a question from a legislator, Mary LeMieux with the state health department said the state has not overspent its funding for CHIP, meaning that theres more money in the account than is being spent on the program already. If the bill were to pass, Gillette said, that means the state could divert the $5 million it contributes to the program back to the general fund. The House Human Services Committee did not take immediate action on the bill Friday, but a vote is expected this week in advance of a procedural deadline April 3. A bill to create a memorial for organ donors on the Capitol Complex has made it out of a Senate committee, but not without some objection. House Bill 585, co-sponsored by Rep. Marvin Weatherwax Jr., D-Browning, advanced out of the Senate State Administration Committee on Monday with a 8-2 vote. It will now move to the Senate floor. The bill would establish a memorial on the east portion of the Capitol Complex for Montanas organ donors and requires private funding. The bill passed out of the House 68-31 on March 2. The Capitol Complex Advisory Council at its Dec. 5 meeting, approved the Governors Office of Community Service progressing with the proposal to the state Legislature but not allowing any money from the state general fund to be used to pay for it. Council members also reviewed Bozeman architect Kenneth J. VanDeWalle's sketch of the memorial. The project is estimated to cost $300,000-$400,000. Patrick Yawakie, representing the Blackfeet Tribe, said the U.S. Health and Resources Administration notes there are 104,234 people on the transplant. He also said 17 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. The Governors Office of Community Service wanted to create an outdoor memorial to honor organ donors and their families. The memorial is called The Threshold of Life: A symbol of hope for those in waiting. Sarah Sadowski, director of the Governor's Office of Community Service, told the committee there are 196 Montanans awaiting an organ transplant. The proposed memorial would be built in the northeast portion of the complex, behind the Montana Supreme Court building and along an existing path in an area now known as Capitol Park. According to state law, a bust, plaque, statue, memorial or monument may not be displayed on a long-term basis in the Capitol Complex or on Capitol grounds unless it is approved by the Legislature. I think this is a very nice gesture and I think it will be a very important thing for those who have received an organ and as well as for those who have donated an organ, Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-Great Falls, said. It really is a huge decision, she said. Sen. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork who said he is an organ donor and has family members who are organ donors said the state is going to devote energy and time and asked if the memorial is worthwhile. I have lots of stuff I just dont bring because it is taking up our time and money, he said, adding that while it is nice, he did not know if it was a worthwhile venture. I know we all get to vote our own conscience, but I dont see a need for it, madam chair, he said, later adding next session he would bring 10 similar bills and there would be plaques all over the building. He and Sen. Dan Bartel, R-Lewistown, voted against the bill. McKamey said she had no problem with it as long as it is paid for by private donations and approved by the Capitol Complex Committee. Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, asked if anyone knows what the memorial would look like, a comment made by another lawmaker earlier. Sen. Denise Hayman, D-Bozeman, said she hoped the object would engage people to consider being organ donors. She said its a lovely thought to do something for a total stranger because most of the time that is what happens. Its probably the ultimate giving I just think we should celebrate that. Hayman will carry the bill to the Senate floor. Tribal leaders from Montana and Idaho are traveling to Washington, D.C., to increase pressure on Canada over selenium contamination in American waters caused by Canadian mining. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho announced Monday that leaders of both tribes "are rallying support with bipartisan U.S. government allies this week, including congressional allies and administration officials." Both tribes are part of the larger Ktunaxa Nation, which spans the U.S.-Canada border around Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. The Ktunaxa Tribal First Nation in British Columbia has for years been at the fore of pushing the Canadian government to address selenium contamination from runoff water at massive open-pit coal mines around Sparwood and Elkford, northeast of Fernie. The toxic runoff comes primarily from waste rock at mines operated by mining giant Teck Resources. It flows into the Elk River. The Elk River flows into the Kootenai River at Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir spanning the U.S.-Canada border and held back by the Libby Dam. From the Libby Dam in Montana, the Kootenai River flows through Libby and Troy, and then into Idaho. Selenium levels above tribal, state and federal regulations and high enough to harm wildlife have been documented throughout so-called "Lake K" and the Kootenai River (Kootenay in Canada) downstream of where the Elk River flows into it. "The Nations demand is clear," the CSKT and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho stated Monday. "The Biden administration must ramp up the pressure on the Canadian government to stand up to Teck Coal and finally join with the United States to establish an Indigenous-led watershed board under the Boundary Waters Treaty, to address mining pollution in the Kootenay Watershed from Teck Coals Elk Valley coal mines in British Columbia." Rich Janssen, head of the CSKT Natural Resources Department, said in an interview Monday that tribal leaders aim to meet with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the State Department's office for Canadian affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of International and Tribal Affairs, and the assistant secretary for water and science within the Department of the Interior. He said that "Every time we go back to D.C., we intend to meet with the highest levels of government that we can." For years, the tribes of the Ktunaxa Nation in both countries have pushed the U.S. State Department and its Canadian counterpart, Global Affairs Canada, to refer the issue to the International Joint Commission. The commission is a bi-national entity created by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty primarily to address disputes over contamination flowing between two countries that share a continental border riddled with lakes, rivers and reservoirs. A reference would spur the IJC to convene a bi-national "watershed board" of experts and stakeholders who would analyze selenium contamination in Lake Koocanusa and advise on solutions. Such a board would likely include scientists, tribes and governments of all levels from both nations. The State Department has indicated willingness to refer the matter to the IJC. Global Affairs Canada has turned away from a joint-reference in the past year. In trace amounts, selenium is essential to animal health. But in greater concentrations it accumulates in fish and bird ovaries, which leads to fewer eggs hatching, animals hatching with birth defects, and young that die before they can reproduce. Federal commitment The tribes' announcement came one day after U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a joint statement that mentioned selenium contamination in Lake Koocanusa. The statement, issued Sunday after Biden's first official trip to Canada as president, stated: "The United States and Canada also intend to reach an agreement in principle by this summer to reduce and mitigate the impacts of water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed, in partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, and in order to protect the people and species that depend on this vital river system." Prior to Biden's trip north, Senator Jon Tester, D-Mont., sent the president a letter on March 21 outlining issues he hoped Biden would address. Among them was selenium in Lake Koocanusa. The senator wrote that the contamination degrades water quality and aquatic life, which in turn hurts outdoor recreation "and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' treaty-guaranteed water and fishing rights." "I urge you to request a referral to the International Joint Commission to resolve this critical transboundary water quality issue," Tester wrote. A reference to the IJC has emerged as a major sticking point between the two nations as pressure mounts to address selenium in Lake Koocanusa. After 18 months of efforts toward a draft joint reference supported by the CSKT and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho the Ktunaxa Nation said that Global Affairs Canada notified the tribe via email in April 2022 that it would not support an IJC reference for Lake Koocanusa. Global Affairs Canada has since walked back that position, stating that it is not opposed to a reference. In May 2022, all six IJC commissioners sent a joint letter to Biden and Trudeau raising concerns that selenium in the Elk River and Lake Koocanusa watershed was causing increasing conflict between interested parties and rights holders on both sides of our shared border. The IJC highlighted selenium levels of 9.46 parts-per-billion (ppb) in the Elk River, 4.99 ppb in Lake Koocanusa and 1.4 ppb in the Kootenai River. Levels as high as 150 ppb have been detected around Teck's mines. In the U.S., water quality is more strictly regulated under the federal Clean Water Act than water is in Canada. Montana developed a site-specific standard of 0.8 ppb for Lake Koocanusa, citing state, tribal and university studies that found that current levels of selenium are harming fish there. In September 2022, a Teck spokesperson stated that "Teck is committed to protecting water quality on both sides of the border, including in the Koocanusa Reservoir. We have three water treatment facilities removing about 95% of the selenium from treated water, water quality is improving, and more water treatment facilities are being built and coming online. So far we have invested $1.2 billion in water quality with plans to invest a further $750 million over the next two years." But the company refuses to state what percentage of overall runoff into the waterways it is able to treat. Janssen said that "We all know the Elk River mining is polluting our waters. The science backs it. We're not against mining, we're against mining that's polluting." He's gone to Washington before to urge action on selenium; this time he'll join in remotely while top tribal leaders visit in person. He said that any action on the issue "really seems to hinge on Canada, on what they're not doing ... a lot of talk and no action. And the impacts are happening here on our side of the boundary." "I'm hoping they finally come to the table," he said, "or it could be that Canada's waiting for our next election, hoping to wait us out." In their statement Monday, the tribal leaders decried the stalled diplomacy and said that "Canada has dragged its feet for over a decade" since the first Ktunaxa request for an IJC reference 11 years ago. "Promises have been made by the Canadian government and then broken before, CSKT Chairperson Tom McDonald said. "It is encouraging that this joint statement (from Biden and Trudeau) acknowledges that action needs to be taken, but clear pressure needs to be focused on ensuring Canada lives up to its commitment. This cannot just be more empty words. This is the perfect time for Prime Minister Trudeau to take a strong stand for the environment and for the people." Have you observed any farm field work being done this year? Have you observed your sump pump running more than usual? There is a connection between the two of your observations. Mother nature shut off the spigot last fall when the harvest was quick, and saved it up for the spring, and now wet and cold conditions have turned the tables on the farming season. In September and October river levels dropped, and southbound grain barge traffic came to a near halt. The Mississippi River was displaying its sandbars and rock shoals more than its water. But for the past few weeks, the river depth gauges of the US Geological Survey are indicating Corn Belt rivers and streams are pushing the limits of their banks and flooding as begun to occur in some nearby farm fields. That includes the Illinois River downriver from Havana to its confluence with the Mississippi. Havana is expecting the approach of moderate flooding on Friday, and points farther south will be approaching those water levels in early April. The Big River at Byrnesville, Missouri, southwest of St. Louis, rose 18 feet from Friday through Sunday. The Meramec River, just west of St. Louis rose 20 feet during the same period, thanks to heavy rains late last week. Other locations across southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana are also reporting rivers and streams well out of their typical banks. In fact, the Geological Survey is reporting high water levels as far north as the southern shores of Lakes Michigan and Erie. That means farming in the Eastern Corn Belt is going to be delayed because farm fields are soaked and tile lines will have a lot of work to do as quickly as possible. There are yield and grain price impacts hiding in that. Director Dennis Todey of the USDAs Midwest Climate Hub said late last week, Spring planting may face an increasing risk of delays in eastern areas. Illinois is included in his geography. But he has a lot of concern about the northern sectors of the Corn Belt, where a heavy snowpack covers Minnesota and the Dakotas. But how serious is that? Todey says, The overall impact is still difficult to assess because soils were dry going into the winter. Near-surface soils have become wetter, but deeper soil moisture profiles are likely still somewhat dry (though there is substantial uncertainty). If so, soils may dry more quickly after snow melt. While soil temperatures in Central Illinois are too cool for corn planting, they are OK for soybeans with a good treatment coat. Todey says, Soils are still generally frozen north of I-80 and west of the Great Lakes. 4-inch soil temperatures are in the 40s in southern parts of the Corn Belt. Drought has largely been eliminated in the eastern Corn Belt and has swung to wet soils which are increasing the risk of delayed spring planting. But when that snowpack begins to melt, one cannot imagine the volume of water looking for a creek, stream, and river to head toward the gulf. Nearby farm fields will be flooded. Another yield and grain price impact. DECATUR Phillip J. Gehrken, the Forsyth man who videoed himself shooting his former best friend to death at point-blank range, was sentenced to 50 years in prison Tuesday. Gehrken, 54, was ordered by Macon County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith to serve the sentence at 100%. He got 25 years for murder and another 25 years because he had used a gun as the murder weapon. Gehrken killed 51-year-old Kevin Cooper on the evening of July 11, 2021, by shooting him repeatedly in the face during a confrontation on an Argenta business property owned by Gehrken. The defendant was convicted at a murder trial in February in which jurors repeatedly watched the video that captured the crime. Cooper, his friendship having deteriorated into a bitter dispute over money and other issues, had appeared as the aggressor who had come to fight Gehrken. Passing sentence, the judge noted that Gehrken can be heard repeatedly telling Cooper that he did not want to fight him. But then from there what we have is Mr. Gehrken pulls out a gun while video taping the entire incident, and essentially shoots him in cold blood, said Griffith. Certainly it was not self-defense, and the jury did not believe it was self-defense. Gehrken, however, continued to plead his case. Reading a statement earlier to the court and speaking in a voice choked with sobs, he had described Cooper as a friend and brother but also a violent man many who knew him had come to fear. The defendant stuck to his claim that he had no choice but to use lethal force: ... I take full responsibility for my actions, he added. But as God is my witness, it was self-defense. Your honor, I am begging you to set aside this verdict and grant me a new trial this is a total miscarriage of justice. Several family members had spoken on Gehrkens behalf, describing a friendship with Cooper that stretched back more than 30 years and included shared holidays to Disney resorts and family trips. Karah Gehrken, the defendants 27-year-old daughter, said Cooper had even been her godfather. It breaks my heart Kevin is no longer with us and it breaks my heart even more that its at the hands of my own father defending himself she added. The family and friends of Cooper, who leaves two daughters, also spoke before the sentencing and struggled to comprehend how the two mens friendship could end in savage violence. I will never understand how you, Phil, could kill a person that you shared so much of your life with, said Kate Pagel, 52, a friend of both men. You grew up together, you owned a business together, you worked together, you traveled together, you partied together and more Pagel said she had, eventually, found it in her heart to forgive Gehrken. But the victims sister, Vickie Cooper, 59, said that remained a bridge too far for her. I do hope that with the time you have left on this earth, time that Kevin doesnt get to have, that you will see him in your sleep every night as we do, said Cooper. My God says I must forgive you, but I am not there yet. And honestly, I dont know if I ever will be. Defense attorney Monroe McWard, who had recommended a minimum 45-year prison term, filed a motion to reconsider the sentence. The judge said he will hear that motion April 4. Updated mugshots from the Herald & Review Joseph A. Williams William A. Hosea Randolph Hayes Byron D. Theus Jetrevius O. Jarrett Phillip Gehrken Emmanuel White Aaron L. Hand DECATUR Carlos Saucedo-Nava is trying to convince a judge that the massive beating he inflicted on his ex-girlfriend who suffered multiple shattered bones in her face and had to be treated with a medically-induced coma was a case of self-defense. Saucedo-Nava, 27, is pleading not guilty to charges of attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery. The Decatur man is being tried in a bench trial before Macon County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Geisler that got underway Monday afternoon. Assistant States Attorney Stephen Friedel used up much of the hearing playing for the court recordings of Saucedo-Navas interrogation by Decatur Police Detective Brad Hall. The defendant is heard admitting he beat the then 27-year-old woman on the morning of Sept. 3 in the bedroom of his home in the 1000 block of North Hill Street. Saucedo-Nava seemed surprised during police questioning that he was being charged with attempted murder, even after hearing the woman was being airlifted to a regional trauma center; she would end up spending more than 40 days in hospital. Saucedo-Nava never mentioned to police any claim of self-defense but, under questioning from defense attorney Susan Moorehead, he told the judge that was because he was trying to protect the victim, who had been convicted of a previous domestic battery for hitting him. So he had decided to take the fall and had hoped to face nothing more than a domestic battery charge. Now he risked being convicted of trying to kill his former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child, it was time for him to tell the truth, he claimed. Saucedo-Nava said he had wanted the woman out of his life but had nevertheless become enraged when he found, he said, that she had been sending naked pictures of herself to another man. That had resulted in a violent argument, the latest of many, and he said the woman had slashed at him with a knife. He then defended himself by punching her repeatedly in the head. Medical evidence produced in court said she might have died but for emergency medical intervention and the prosecution maintains that Saucedo-Nava was the sole aggressor who had dished out a savage, rage-filled beating that left blood spattered all over his bedroom. It is the states position that the defendant, with intent to commit the offense of murder, struck her repeatedly without regard for her safety, without regard for her health, and at the level which is indicative of wanton cruelty Friedel said. He had earlier filed a motion, which the judge accepted over defense objections, that if convicted, Saucedo-Nava should face an extended sentence if the court finds he was guilty of an exceptionally brutal, heinous act. The bench trial ran out of time Monday and Geisler said he will hear closing arguments Wednesday morning. Updated mugshots from the Herald & Review Joseph A. Williams William A. Hosea Randolph Hayes Byron D. Theus Jetrevius O. Jarrett Phillip Gehrken Emmanuel White Aaron L. Hand If you want to help kids, regulate social media. Teenagers seem more interested these days in being on social media apps than reading classic novels. But on those rare occasions that a 14-year-old may actually want to pull, say, "Lonesome Dove," off the school library shelf, he may not be able to if Texas state Rep. Jared Pattersons READER Act becomes Texas law. The Texas epic contains some sexual content and mentions prostitutes so it might need to be banned, the Frisco, Texas, Republican said recently during a contentious hearing. It was a surreal moment that revealed just how ridiculous the book ban debate has become. "Lonesome Dove" won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Pattersons law would require vendors to rate titles containing sexual content. Those deemed sexually explicit could not be sold to public school districts. Schools would have to get parental permission before a student could access sexually relevant material in the library. Roughly 80 people spoke at the hearing, which continued past midnight and ended with the bill pending in the committee. Thats where it should stay. Lawmakers have legitimate concerns about some titles. But swaths of books, including many classics, would undoubtedly get caught up in the wide net theyre casting. Parents are in the best position to decide which books their children should or shouldnt read. Getting them to read at all is a battle in itself. Which brings us back to those social media apps. A recent study by the child advocacy group Common Sense Media found that about three-quarters of U.S. teens have watched online pornography by 17. Social media was the second-highest source for this content, behind porn websites. If Patterson and other legislators were serious about protecting children, they would be more concerned about the way tech companies serve kids violence and sex on a platter and leave school libraries alone. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Givin Tree in New Braunfels expands pop-up prom event to help local kids look their best A man living in Brookford for more than five years has been arrested in connection to a 1994 cold case in Kentucky. Robert Daniel Shelton, 59, was charged with kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault, according to a news release from the Owensboro Police Department in Kentucky. He is also facing rape charges in Indiana. In December of 1994, a 19-year-old female was kidnapped near Brescia University, assaulted in Owensboro and then taken to Indiana where the assault continued, the Owensboro Police Department said. The victims name was not released. The cold case was recently revisited by the Owensboro police. The department contacted the Indiana State Police, who had DNA evidence on file. The Indiana State Police retested the DNA and developed a suspect, Owensboro police said. On March 1, the Brookford Police Department, Owensboro police, Indiana State Police and the Hickory Police Department executed a search warrant for a DNA swab from Shelton, Brookford Police Chief William Armstrong said. On Wednesday, detectives received a match from DNA evidence related to the cold case, Owensboro police said. On Friday, the Brookford police arrested Shelton at his home, Armstrong said. Shelton is listed on the North Carolina Offender Registry. According to the registry, Shelton was convicted in 1996 of second-degree rape, second-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse. The offense occurred in Daviess County, Kentucky, on Feb. 15, 1996. According to the registry, the victim was 13 at the time. Shelton was 32. Shelton was released from prison in November of 2002. Shelton previously lived in Kentucky, Armstrong said. Armstrong said there had been no legal issues with Shelton while he was living in Brookford. Armstrong said the Brookford Police Department did receive complaints when neighbors discovered that Shelton is a registered sex offender. A man who lives in Newport on the N.C. coast was arrested Monday in Catawba County following a 25-mile police chase. Christian Jovani Osorio Cruz, 23, is charged with attempted murder, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon and larceny of a motor vehicle, the Carteret County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Newport is in Carteret County. The county is home to Beaufort and Morehead City. Cruz also faces charges of assault on a government official and damage to property, Claremont Police Chief Gary Bost said. Bost said while the stop sticks were being deployed to deflate the tires of the wanted mans vehicle, the suspects vehicle swerved toward but did not hit Capt. Allen Long. That action led to the assault on a government official charge. The stop sticks were damaged, Bost said. The chase began in Iredell County along Interstate 40 and ended in Catawba County. A statewide alert had been issued for Cruz. Cruz was intercepted while operating a stolen truck on Interstate 40 and failed to stop for law enforcement, the Carteret County Sheriffs Office said. Catawba County Sheriffs Office Capt. Aaron Turk said the chase ended at the intersection of G E Plant Road and Tate Boulevard Extension in Catawba County. Catawba County deputies joined the pursuit at Exit 130 on Interstate 40, Turk said. Cruz was wanted by the Carteret County Sheriffs Office in connection to the stabbing of 39-year-old Antonio Jose Hernandez Gomez. The stabbing occurred at the Seascape Mobile Home Park, at 446 Nine Foot Road, in Newport late Saturday night, the Carteret County Sheriffs Office said. The Carteret County Sheriffs Office said the stabbing was the result of a disagreement between roommates. Following the stabbing, Cruz fled the scene in a truck belonging to Gomez, the Carteret County Sheriffs Office said. The Carteret County Sheriffs Office said the truck Cruz was driving during the police chase was Gomezs truck. Gomez was transported to Carteret Health Care then to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Gomez had multiple stab wounds all over his body but did not die, the Carteret Sheriffs Office said. HICKORY The Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center is partnering with the North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) and The Hickory Hub to host a Funding Your Small Business event. This in-person event will take place on Tuesday, April 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It is open to all businesses looking for expertise and tools to get funded. Anna Jackson, SBTDC business counselor, will share funding options for your small business. Jackson will cover the current financial landscape for small businesses, funding fit for different business needs and stages and the SBTDC's tried and proven approach to loan request preparation and attracting investors. This event will be held at The Hickory Hub, located at 375 Main Ave. NE in Hickory. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and socializing followed by the program at 6 p.m. To register for the Funding Your Small Business event at The Hickory Hub and/or for more information, contact Suzanne Wallace, director of the CVCC Small Business Center, at 828-327-7000 ext. 4917 or email swallace823@cvcc.edu. RALEIGH On March 22, representatives of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) visited the North Carolina State Legislature to advocate for the state's aging population. STHL delegates and alternates met with senators and representatives from their districts and presented five priorities for consideration. Austin Michael Neece, 26, had outstanding arrest warrants for parole violation, identity theft and resisting a public officer when he ran from a deputy who was responding to a routine call for service on N.C. 18 South on Thursday, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriffs Office. When the deputy responded to his original call, he saw Neece drop a chainsaw and run toward a wooded area behind the home, the release said. Deputies searched the vehicle at the residence and found 10.5 grams of methamphetamine, a white powder substance and drug paraphernalia, the release said. Deputies searched the property and said officers found items reported stolen earlier in the day. It wasnt long after deputies cleared the property that the Burke County Emergency Communications Center received a call that Neece was back on the property, the release said. Multiple deputies and detectives responded to the scene along with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. They saw Neece, but he ran from them again, the release said. A person at the scene told law enforcement Neece was armed with a handgun when he ran from them, prompting law enforcement to call for the Burke County SWAT Team to respond, the release said. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Drone Operation Team also was called to the scene. Investigators tracked Neece to the area of 7360 Della Drive, where he had been spotted by several anonymous callers, the release said. They searched the residence and property before finding Neece hiding in a hand-dug hole behind the residence, the release said. Neece was taken into custody without any further incident and was served with the outstanding warrants. Records from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety show Neece already has previous felony convictions of: Possession of a firearm/removal of a serial number Breaking and entering Larceny over $1,000 Receiving a stolen vehicle Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance Larceny after breaking and entering Attempted providing contraband to prisoners Neece currently is being held under no bond at the Burke County Jail, and was given an additional $5,000 secured bond for one of the charges against him, the release said. More charges are expected against Neece, the release said. " " Rivera's legacy is especially apparent in New York City, the activist's old stomping ground. public domain A lot of civil rights heroes appear to come in perfect packages, above reproach. Rosa Parks was a hardworking, soft-spoken woman; Mahatma Gandhi prized modesty and peace. Yet, even some of the most praised leaders faced controversy and criticism Gandhi has been accused of racism, and Martin Luther King Jr. has been chided for his extramarital affairs. But Sylvia Rivera, a gay and transgender rights activist, definitely did not fit a pacifist mold. In an episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson share the story of Rivera, who was neither quiet nor careful. Rivera became part of civil rights lore as the person who allegedly started the Stonewall riots by throwing the first Molotov cocktail at a police officer. (Rivera disputed this account, insisting she only threw the second one.) Advertisement Her legacy as an activist was hard-fought. Born in 1951, Rivera had run away from home and was living on the street in New York City by age 11. She used sex work to scrape out an existence, and was welcomed into the drag culture of the city. Rivera was only 17 when the Stonewall riots demonstrations after a police raid on a gay bar credited with catalyzing the modern LGBTQ rights movement took place in 1969, but they galvanized her and other protesters to act. As a trans activist, Rivera wasn't just fighting for the rights of gay people. Rivera was extremely keen and vocal about including transgender and gender nonconforming people in the movement for civil rights. (It should be acknowledged that terms describing gender identity have gone in and out of preference; Rivera used the terms "transvestite" or "transgender" at various stages, for instance, and later shrugged off any label for herself.) Getting the "mainstream" gay rights movement to include trans or gender nonconforming people wasn't an easy sell, however. Rivera was extremely involved in the Gay Activists Alliance lobby of the New York City Gay Rights Bill, and was even arrested for gathering signatures for its petition. But she was devastated when her fellow activists pulled trans and drag rights from the bill to cater to a straight audience. "As badly as I knew this community needed that bill, I didn't feel it was justified for them to have it on my sweat and tears, or from my back," Rivera said in a 2001 talk. Though Rivera died in 2002, her presence is still notable, especially in New York. The Sylvia Rivera Law Project provides legal services to gender nonconforming, intersex and trans folks, and Sylvia's Place provides services for LGBTQ youth. The corner of Christopher and Hudson streets in New York City was officially renamed Sylvia Rivera Way. But that's just a peek at what Sylvia fought for. Join Tracy and Holly as they give you more of a glimpse into Sylvia's life and legacy, and the history of the LGBTQ civil rights movement's early days on the below episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class. Now That's Cool An early pioneer of trans youth outreach and community building, Rivera and fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson co-founded a group called Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries in 1970 to provide food, shelter and guidance for homeless LGBTQ youth. "The variations usually have to do with the time of her abduction by Hades," Martin says. "In our oldest evidence the so-called Hymn to Demeter, from around 600 B.C.E., she clearly is carried off in springtime. She's attracted by a blooming narcissus flower in a meadow full of other sorts of blossoms, and it then acts like a trigger on a trap door she goes to pluck it and Hades flies up on his chariot." But Martin says audiences had trouble with that tale from the start. "Already in ancient times, however, people were wrestling with this whole story both because it is so touching and because it was tightly connected with the all-important Mysteries of Eleusis outside Athens, that promised some sort of eternal happiness after life for everyone," he says. "They tried to explain the details in various ways." Advertisement One of those ways involves manipulating the often confusing, usually disturbing overlaps in Greek mythology family trees. "It is weird and disturbing that Zeus, first of all, who is the father of Persephone by his own sister Demeter, basically allows his brother, Hades, to abduct (or even rape) her," Martin says. "In ancient times, allegory was the main tool used to interpret unpleasant or opaque stories. So Persephone was allegorized as spring or the growth of crops; her mother was goddess of grain (called in Latin ceres, hence 'cereal'), making the equation easier. And her disappearance was taken to equal the dead of winter when crops do not grow. So some versions have her disappear in autumn, to make the facts fit the story." There are other variations too, particularly around the relationship between Persephone and her mom. "In the Hymn to Demeter, Persephone does come back to see her mother, after a spectacular sort of hunger strike by Demeter, who causes crops to wither because she finds out her daughter has been abducted and gets Zeus to tell Hades to let the girl return to Earth," Martin says. "Demeter has the power because without her grain, there can be no sacrifices to the gods, so they get starved out, as it were." Martin is careful to point out that in this particular version, it's not the disappearance of Persephone that causes the lack of crops, but the anger of Demeter. "And again, it's not winter but late spring/summer," he says. N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the bill that expands Medicaid on Monday, making North Carolina the 40th state to join the federal program and expand coverage. Ninety percent of the cost will be picked up by the federal government. Medicaid expansion is a once-in-a-generation investment that will strengthen our mental health system, boost our rural hospitals, support working families and so much more, said Cooper. This is a historic step toward a healthier North Carolina that will bring people the opportunity of better health and a better life. This is a historic moment that will transform the health and well-being of North Carolina, said the Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kody H. Kinsley. Medicaid expansion is foundational in improving access to health care in rural areas, for better mental health and for veterans, working adults and their families. For 600,000 people, Medicaid expansion is life-changing. Expanding Medicaid has been a top priority for Governor Cooper since he took office. Since 2017, he has worked within the confines of state law to begin the expansion of Medicaid, even when Republican legislators sued him in federal court to stop the process. Without Medicaid expansion, North Carolina has missed out on an estimated $521 million each month that could go to improving mental health and helping rural hospitals remain open. Support and praise is coming in from politicians, business people and nonprofit agencies. Most cite the help that will be provided to the states working poor. Many also point to the help it will provide for the states hospitals and health care providers. It took 13 years for North Carolina to join the expansion. This is a momentous day North Carolina has finally expanded Medicaid. More than 600,000 North Carolinians will get health insurance, our rural hospitals will get stronger, and thousands of people will get jobs, said N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. Im grateful to Governor Cooper for leading this long, hard fight to make sure North Carolinians can get good health care, no matter how much they earn. While we can't get back the nearly $40 billion the legislature passed up over the past decade of inaction or the six rural hospitals that shut their doors, we are hopeful that our people and hospitals will be healthier going forward. This is truly a case of better late than never. The Chamber's reaction The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus applauded state leaders Monday as a bill that expands Medicaid across North Carolina officially became law. After several years of working with our legislative delegation and other chambers throughout the state on this, we are thrilled to see Medicaid expansion happen in North Carolina, said Barbi Jones, executive director, The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus. This bill will help 6,000 workers in Cabarrus County who currently fall between the Medicaid gap and the ability to afford health care subsidies. We have also seen in other states where Medicaid was expanded, health care costs were reduced for small businesses, another priority for The Chamber. Closing the health insurance coverage gap for approximately 600,000 individuals in North Carolina is expected to lead to more labor force participation and worker productivity, as covered individuals are more likely to seek preventive care, testing, medication, and mental-health services, leading to reduced rates of absenteeism. Ensuring that a healthy workforce has options for affordable health insurance and access to affordable health care is critical to North Carolinas economy. Medicaid expansion is projected to drive $2.9 billion in new business and health care activity in North Carolina and add 37,200 new jobs statewide. Atrium Health pleased The following is a statement from Eugene A. Woods, chief executive officer of Charlotte-based Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part: This is a historic occasion for the people of North Carolina as we celebrate the long-awaited passage of Medicaid expansion. The passage of this monumental legislation will save lives and make health care more affordable and accessible for approximately 600,000 of the most vulnerable residents in our state, in rural and urban communities alike. As the largest Medicaid provider in the state, Atrium Health has advocated for Medicaid expansion for many years, on behalf of the patients we serve. We appreciate the partnership with Governor Cooper, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore for their steadfast commitment to overcome obstacles and put the interests of our communities as the highest priority. At the heart of it all, this is a big step forward for our entire state that will usher in a healthier tomorrow for all. State NAACPs reaction N.C. NAACP President Deborah Dicks Maxwell issued the following statement following the historic signing into law of Medicaid expansion by Gov. Roy Cooper: "The North Carolina NAACP celebrates the enactment of the Medicaid expansion in North Carolina today, a long-awaited move that will transform the lives of countless residents, particularly those from marginalized communities. As a community that suffers from higher rates of chronic health conditions and a greater likelihood of being uninsured, expanding Medicaid will help bridge the gap and ensure equal access to the health care Black and brown North Carolinians need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of unity in overcoming political divides to prioritize the well-being of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina NAACP will continue our steadfast advocacy for health care justice and work to ensure the benefits of this expansion reach every corner of our state." American Heart Association North Carolina has made the historic decision to expand Medicaid coverage and ensure more families impacted by heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions have access to health care, said Nancy Brown, chief executive of the American Heart Association. Forty states and the District of Columbia have now prioritized the health of their residents by expanding Medicaid, and we continue to urge the remaining states to follow suit so more people can access needed care to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Expanding Medicaid in North Carolina will save so many lives, said Peg OConnell, chair of the statewide Care4Carolina coalition and American Heart Association volunteer. We applaud and celebrate the North Carolina Legislature for recognizing the urgency in expanding Medicaid this year and for ensuring that North Carolinians who have fallen in the coverage gap for so long will now have opportunities to get adequate medical attention they need to treat and prevent heart disease and stroke. Until now, many North Carolinians who made too much money for Medicaid and too little money for private insurance were left in a coverage gap, often putting off doctor visits and not being able to afford needed medication. This could lead to untreated risk factors for heart disease and stroke or even death. It is estimated that more than 500,000 citizens would now have access to Medicaid under this legislation. A large body of research shows that Medicaid enrollees have far better access to care than the uninsured and are less likely to postpone or go without needed care due to cost. Rates of access to care and satisfaction with care among Medicaid enrollees are comparable to rates for people with private insurance, said OConnell. We also know that Medicaid coverage of low-income pregnant women and children has contributed to dramatic declines in infant, child, and maternal mortality in the U.S. Heart disease is a top killer of North Carolinians. For people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease or recovering from heart attack or stroke, access to affordable and adequate health insurance is a matter of life and death. Hundreds of thousands of working families, veterans, and small business owners will be able to have access to high quality, affordable health care and get the medication they need to stay healthy. Closing the coverage gap will also help support rural hospitals and dramatically improve the quality of life for thousands. American Lung Association Eliminating disparities and improving access to quality, affordable health care is vital for all, especially for the more than 1.3 million North Carolina residents who currently live with a lung disease like asthma, COPD, or lung cancer, said Danna Thomson, director of Advocacy for North Carolina. The American Lung Association commends North Carolina leaders on this bipartisan effort to close the coverage gap and expand Medicaid. Medicaid expansion provides quality, affordable health coverage to low-income adults. In North Carolina, this equates to 600,000 residents having access to affordable health care. Medicaid expansion covers preventive services such as quit smoking treatments, lung cancer screenings for individuals at high risk, and pneumonia and influenza vaccinations. States that expanded Medicaid have seen numerous benefits in expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, and reducing health disparities, including many that directly benefit patients with asthma, COPD and lung cancer. Sheriffs see the benefits The N.C. Sheriffs Association issued a statement praising expansion of Medicaid: Sheriffs across the state take seriously their responsibility to care for the mental and physical well-being of inmates in their custody. In county jails across North Carolina, both large and small, a significant percentage of inmates are suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues, and physical health issues that should be treated by medical professionals in a medical facility rather than in a county jail. The Association believes expansion of Medicaid eligibility to this segment of the states population will likely reduce the number of individuals who commit crimes often caused by mental or physical health issues or substance abuse issues. A healthier population is likely to be less involved in the criminal justice system and end up in jail. Less people in jail means fewer medical expenses being passed on to county taxpayers, said Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, the Associations president. This momentous accomplishment will enhance public safety not only for inmates needing access to health care but also for future potential victims of crimes. Not everybody is happy Opponents of the bill argued that it doesnt go far enough to address supply-side problems. This course reversal on Medicaid expansion is hugely disappointing, said Donald Bryson, president of the John Locke Foundation. [The legislatures] failure to meaningfully address supply-side problems will only exacerbate the statewide health care shortage and drive up wait times and costs for the general public. House Bill 76, the bill which authorized the expansion, passed the Senate 44-2. Twenty-five years ago, when a powerful state senator quietly and suddenly advanced a bill that would have allowed the leaders of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to transform the giant and successful health insurance nonprofit into a for-profit company, advocates, consumers, average citizens, and ultimately, the full General Assembly, took a stand. For more than a half-century, Blue Cross had been afforded all manner of public assistance and preferential treatment in the form of tax and premium breaks as it grew into massive institution that employed thousands of people who served millions of customers. So state legislators passed a law mandating that if Blue Cross converted to a for-profit, it wouldnt be allowed to leave the states residents high and dry. Instead, the law specified that the would-be converters could have the name, but its assets would be transferred to a publicly controlled charitable trust for the benefit of the states citizenry. In so doing, the legislation protected and preserved a vital public asset and ensured the nonprofits directors could never realize a massive, publicly subsidized windfall. The strength of the 1998 law was validated five years later when Blue Cross started a conversion to a for-profit. But Blue Cross abandoned those plans amid worries that consumer premiums would rise and the insurers concerns that conversion could result in the company being subjected to regulatory restrictions that would make Blue Cross less competitive. Now, however, as Lynn Bonner reported on Monday for NC Policy Watch, Blue Cross is back trying for yet another bite at the apple: House Bill 346 and Senate Bill 296 would allow Blue Cross to create a holding corporation into which it could transfer assets, property and ownership of subsidiaries. The holding corporation would not be subject to insurance company regulations. What this means, as a practical matter, is that Blue Cross would be able to establish a nonprofit holding company exempt from the 1998 law. The new company could then make all manner of deals and quietly transfer nonprofit value to for-profit uses. The original Blue Cross corporation would remain, but it would literally be a shell of its former self and, as such, the idea of transferring its assets to a public trust be meaningless. Interestingly, the politics surrounding the legislation, which is scheduled to be heard for the first time in a House committee on Tuesday, are reminiscent in many ways of those that surrounded the initial conversion proposal. Like its original counterpart, the 2023 bill was introduced quietly and without fanfare by an enormously powerful sponsor (or, in the present case, a raft of sponsors) the kind of backing that normally spurs the impression that the bill is, as the saying on Jones Street goes, wired. But another striking similarity thats arisen in 2023 involves the rapidly mounting opposition: As it was a quarter-century ago, that opposition is passionate and convincing. Whats more, one of the most important leaders of the anti-conversion opposition from the 1990s is still on the job: Martin Eakes the charismatic MacArthur Foundation genius award winner who founded and leads the Durham-based Self-Help Credit Union, and who also helped lead the initial fight against Blue Cross going for-profit. Eakes shows no interest in allowing the new legislation to sail through. He told Lynn Bonner with characteristic bluntness and persuasiveness that the proposal is a betrayal of the public trust and made clear he would be helping to spearhead efforts to stop it. Eakes and company are marshaling a formidable opposition team, including Nicole Dozier, the leader of the North Carolina Justice Centers Health Advocacy Project, which also played a key role in the 1997-98 battle, and current Republican state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who blasted the new bill as a backdoor route to get around the conversion statutes the General Assembly passed in the 1990s [that] undermines the ability of the Department of Insurance to regulate for the public interest. Their shared and powerful message: The legislation constitutes a cynical effort to evade the 1998 law and drain Blue Crosss publicly subsidized assets for private gain, and it needs to be stopped. Of course, none of this means that Blue Cross isnt or hasnt been a generally solid public citizen down through the decades thats served the state well. Indeed, State Treasurer Dale Folwells recent decision to oust Blue Cross from its role as the administrator of the State Health Plan was a highly questionable act based on questionable criteria that seems likely to significantly and unnecessarily disrupt the healthcare of thousands of North Carolina state employees, retirees, and their dependents. Indeed, its hard not to wonder if the new conversion proposal might be in some way connected to that decision. That said, theres also no getting around the fact that Blue Cross was established by, and for the benefit of, the people of North Carolina. Ultimately, it belongs to us and legislators should say no to this blatant attempt to loot its assets. include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Former Vice President Mike Pence has said he won't resist every aspect of the subpoena from the special counsel investigating the events of Jan. 6, 2021. Nonetheless, the dispute isn't over. Nor is the necessary conversation about the nature of the office Pence held a conversation with potential lessons for the current VP, Kamala Harris. Originally, Pence suggested that as presiding officer of the Senate, he was a member of the legislative branch, and thus was shielded by the Constitution's speech and debate clause from being questioned about the Capitol riot. His stated position is that he'll resist only inquiries involving his legislative duty of presiding over tabulation of electoral votes. If the compromise is acceptable to prosecutors, we may not have to test the age-old question of whether the vice president is or is not an officer of the executive branch. Yet the answer matters and not only because as long as politics is defined by litigation and investigation, there will be many more subpoenas. A clear answer might be helpful to the present holder of the office. The U.S. Constitution is vague on whether the vice president is part of the executive or the legislative branch. Apart from overseeing the process of counting electoral votes, the only job the Constitution specifies for the VP is presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. Well, that and remaining available in case the presidency should become suddenly vacant. Pence isn't the first vice president to claim that the Constitution makes him part of the legislative branch. Dick Cheney made a similar assertion. So did Harry Truman. The chain goes back to Thomas Jefferson, who in a much-quoted 1797 letter used the notion to push back against critics who feared that he would have too much influence on newly elected President John Adams: "I consider my office as constitutionally confined to legislative functions, and that I could not take any part whatever in executive consultations." The contemporary scholarly consensus leans toward the view that the vice president is best understood as a member of the executive branch who has some legislative duties. That's a reasonable position. Yet the argument the other way isn't absurd. The role's history has been complex. In the early 1800s, the vice president's duties included nominating members of Senate committees. In 1841, when John Tyler became the first VP to succeed a president who died in office, a member of the Senate rose to explain why Tyler no longer presided over sessions of that body: "He was now an executive, not a legislative officer" implying that until Harrison died, the vice president had been part of the legislature. This was also the public perception of the day. A 19th century etiquette tome advises that on formal occasions, the vice president should be seated only as "the constitutional first officer of the legislative branch." In an era when visiting cards were the polite way to request appointments, cards for the VP were left at the Capitol. And until the 1960s, he had office space only in the Senate building. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. So clear was the tradition that in 1903, when the Cincinnati Enquirer editorialized against allowing the vice president to attend cabinet meetings or even advise the president, the newspaper cited a simple ground: "The Vice President, until he is called to the Executive chair, is a part of the legislative establishment. The Constitution distinctly makes him so." To be sure, these and many more examples don't prove that the current scholarly consensus is wrong. Indeed, I think it's probably right. My only claim is that the debate is worth having. Which brings us back to Kamala Harris. Supporters say that Harris's tumultuous tenure reflects the thankless and even impossible assignments the Biden administration has handed her. Fair enough. But if the VP is a member of the legislature, what's the basis for the president's power to give the vice president assignments in the first place? After all, she doesn't work for him. There's an episode of "The West Wing" where President Jed Bartlet wants Vice President John Hoynes to go to Texas to give a speech in favor of gun control. When Hoynes demurs, Bartlet says "Texans don't like that you have the courage of your convictions?" Hoynes responds: "They're not my convictions. They're yours." That's Harris's dilemma, and the dilemma of every modern VP: the expectation that it's her job to submit to the will of the commander in chief. But if the Constitution makes the vice president a member of the legislative branch, the expectation is incorrect. She's free to chart an independent course. Why does this never happen? Because every occupant of the Oval Office dangles the same big carrot: support for becoming the party's next presidential nominee. This is where Pence's argument for what amounts to a 19th century conception of the office presents Harris with an opportunity. If she, too, adopts the view that she's a member of the legislative, not the executive, she might find the freedom to address the issues she actually wants to, in a voice entirely her own. include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Just when you thought politics couldn't possibly get any worse, it does. Just when you thought our divided nation couldn't get any more fractured, it does. The partisan, Marxist Democrats seem poised to finally get what they have wanted for a long time, the destruction of The United States of America. They are doing it through Donald Trump. The Soros-backed district attorney of New York is attempting to put former President Trump in jail, and you can be sure it's being done with the approval of the entire Biden regime. If they actually go through with it, this is not going to be pretty. Remember 75 million people, or what Biden likes to call "MAGA republicans," voted for President Trump in the last election. Most of those voters support him to this day. And even those who don't, would never transfer their allegiance to the Democrat left. So if this partisan prosecutor moves on his threats, he will have unleashed outrage in tens of millions of Americans. I didn't watch it myself, but I've read what Tucker Carlson said on his show. He made the point that indicting former President Trump could lead to the permanent destruction of the United States justice system. I don't believe that is an exaggeration. It certainly will mean that millions of conservative American voters will feel even more disenfranchised than they already do and will have even less faith in the justice system going forward. Carlson acknowledged that former presidents could indeed be indicted if they have committed a crime. However, in this case Donald Trump is the current frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president and the abuse of the justice system by these partisan hacks to take out a political opponent is all too obvious and would be unprecedented and dangerous. Many nonpartisan legal scholars and pundits have pointed out that the charges are unsubstantiated and in any case do not rise to the level of an indictment. "The whole thing doesn't make any sense at all on a legal level," Carlson said. "On a political level, it does because Trump is running for president." "If the Democratic Party is allowed to do this, allowed to crush the presidential front-runner, the main threat to their power, with a bogus criminal case, where does that leave us? We're done because that precedent will live forever and voters will never again determine the outcome of a presidential election. It's remarkable when you think about it," Carlson continued. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. "What happens if they get away with this? No one seems to be thinking this through. Everyone's all spun up, but what happens if they get away with this? If they use the Justice Department in full view of everyone to settle a political score and to keep the White House, just to take a guy out of the race who seems to be doing fairly well, we'll destroy the justice system and that's not a small thing." "A functioning justice system has kept this country peaceful for hundreds of years," Carlson said. "The purpose of a justice system is to administer justice so that citizens don't have to do it themselves. You outsource that duty to the government. But what happens when you take that away, when there is no justice system?" "What happens when the Department of Justice decides that its goal is not justice but protecting the ruling class at all costs?" Carlson asked. "Think about that. People are still going to demand justice. The desire for justice is an inherent human desire. We are born with it. But if there's no neutral place to do it, some people will decide they're going to have to do it themselves. Now, we don't know exactly what that's going to look like, but we can say for certain it's going to be really ugly." I honestly don't know what the strategy could be behind the constant harassment of Donald Trump and the belittling of his supporters except for the desire to tear the country apart. In his book, "Rules for Radicals" Saul Alinsky absolutely encouraged anarchy and provoking societal chaos for the purpose of destroying capitalism and American culture. Perhaps that is the ultimate goal of these despicable people in power. If so, they're off to a hell of a start. (COMMENT, BELOW) The history of the Vietnam War will receive renewed national attention as Wednesday, March 29, marks the 50th anniversary of the last U.S. combat troops leaving that country in Southeast Asia. However, memories of Vietnam are never far from the thoughts of the veterans who were deployed there more than five decades ago. "Vietnam is in my mind everyday," said Jack Little of Mattoon, who served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. During interviews with the newspaper this week, he and fellow Vietnam veteran Michael Neal of Charleston reflected on their service. Little, who grew up in Lerna, was working at a Texaco station in Mattoon when he was drafted in July 1969. He ended up serving in Vietnam for a total of 14 months, the first few months of which were spent with the 1st Infantry Division. Little said he found that he enjoyed sitting in the door of his unit's transport helicopter with his legs dangling out when they were inflight. "I took a lot of pictures from the helicopter flying over villages or over the river," Little said. Something the young infantryman did not enjoy was the sound of the helicopters fading away into the distance after dropping his unit off in the jungle. Little said he sought to be a door gunner on a helicopter, but was prevented by his poor eyesight. "I thought, 'I have to get out of the field.'" Neal, who grew up in Decatur, said he was working for the Wabash Railroad when he and two friends, Glen Martin and Tim Tish, faced the prospect of being drafted. He said they subsequently decided to take a two-year enlistment offer from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 without considering that this would involve then being shipped from basic training almost immediately to Vietnam. The Charleston veteran said he was was assigned to logistics, while Martin became an infantryman and Tish became a mortarman. Neal said he soon came under fire for the first time while on perimeter patrol. He tried to seek shelter in a sand bag-lined bunker as rockets rained down, but found that he could not get through the door. Neal said he then realized that he was holding his rifle horizontally across his chest and it was too wide to fit through the entrance that way. "I was panicked," Neal explained. He added that fear was ever present for him and fellow military service members in Vietnam. "I was scared plenty." After the 1st Infantry Division was sent home, Little said he was reassigned to the Americal Division/23rd Infantry Division because he still had time left on his deployment. He said the reassignment did have the benefit of him being posted to the headquarters company for perimeter security. Little said he, like other service members, was exposed to the U.S. military's Agent Orange chemical defoliant during his time in Vietnam. Little asked an old sergeant once about what the airplanes were spraying and was told, "Don't worry about it. It's not going to hurt you." Little said he was afflicted by prostate cancer and melanoma later in life due to this exposure. 'I have been very fortunate that has been it so far," Little said, adding that many other veterans have not been so fortunate. Neal said he was at the logistics base camp in his bunk when he read a letter from home saying that his friend and fellow Marine, Martin, had been killed in Vietnam. Neal said he was shocked to hear this news and know that people back in Decatur heard about his friend's death before he did. "I sat there and cried like a baby," Neal recalled. He later found out that Martin died in a Jeep accident in Vietnam. As Neal's deployment started to wind down, he was able to stay in contact with Tish. Neal said Tish was discharged first and agreed to wait for him in Los Angeles. Neal said he was discharged in April 1969 and then spent three to four weeks hanging out with his hometown friend and fellow veteran before returning to Decatur. "We took the time to hash out things," Neal said, adding that this experience helped ease him back into civilian life. He later met his future wife, Carla Snow, while attending Lake Land College in Mattoon on the G.I. Bill. Little said he returned home to Mattoon on Feb. 14, 1971 (Valentine's Day) after experiencing hostile comments and indifference from some travelers along the way, which was a common experience for service members returning from Vietnam. Little said he he didn't want to think or talk about his service for a long time. The Mattoon resident said he later began mulling over memories of a wounded comrade, nicknamed "Omaha," that he had helped place in a helicopter. He never knew if "Omaha" made it. Little said his wife, Jan, suggested he try to contact him, so he did with the assistance of a helpful Nebraskan telephone operator in 2005. Since then, Little said he also has connected with other veterans from the 1st Infantry Division. Little said he now actively keeps a lookout for other Vietnam veterans so he can exchange a now commonplace greeting with them. "It is all over the place, 'welcome home,'" Little said. Today in History March 29 Today is Wednesday, March 29, the 88th day of 2023. There are 277 days left in the year. Restaurateur Claire Calvin pays tribute to the barbecue of her native state with her latest venture, East of Texas, which opened March 21. This Tex-Mex barbecue restaurant is at 907 S. Broad St., in an area that is seeing a fair amount of development, including the opening of Lesser Known Beer. Co. last year and a planned food hall in the former Coca-Cola bottling plant on S. Marshall. Calvin, who also owns The Porch Kitchen and Cantina and Alma Mexicana, bought the East of Texas building the former Cox. Roofing Co. with Joe Williams in 2021. Williams, who is not a partner in the restaurant, and Calvin also bought the building next door, at 905 S. Broad. So far, they have two tenants there, LAvenue Boutique and Synergy Winston-Salem. A bar is coming soon. Calvin said that the impetus for the new restaurant began as a search for a kitchen for her growing wholesale business of take-home meals. Those meals, sold at The Porch as well as such stores as Buies Market, were taxing The Porchs kitchen. We really gained a lot of wholesale business during COVID, doing take-home meals, Calvin said. We were outgrowing the space at The Porch. I had looked at this building before, and when I found out it was still on the market, I decided now is the time. The large building allowed Calvin to build two kitchens. One, in the rear, is dedicated to wholesale production. The one near the dining room serves the restaurant, which is a large indoor-outdoor space that can seat about 250 people. The indoor area has cement floors, tall ceilings with exposed ductwork, and three garage-style doors. A bar counter spans the length of one wall, which features artwork by Beth Spieler. At one end is what will be a private dining room for parties. There also is ample seating in the main dining/bar area. The inside opens onto a sprawling patio. The area closest to Broad has comfortable chairs and firepits. The lower patio, abutting the restaurant, has plenty of room for kids of all ages to play, and the restaurant is equipped with cornhole, spikeball, jenga and other games. An upper patio, still under construction, will have bocce courts and a place for bands to set up for live music. Well eventually have bocce tournaments, and there will be a lawn where people can listen to the music, Calvin said. The space spans the full block from Broad to Popular, and cars can access the parking lot from either side. The restaurant is casual. Customers order at the counter, and they get a text or their name called for pickup when their order is ready. Just outside the indoor dining area, bridging the area between the kitchen and patio, is the heart of the restaurant, a J&R Oyler wood-fired, rotisserie smoker. This is the Cadillac of smokers, said pitmaster Michael Daugherty, who used to be the chef at The Porch. The smoker is big enough to hold 60 or 70 beef briskets, but is more likely to hold a mix of brisket, pork shoulder, chicken and other meats at any one time. And its not just meat that East of Texas is smoking. It also smokes whole heads of cauliflower for vegetarian tacos, tomatoes for salsa, and even cheddar cheese for a charcuterie plate. Briskets want to cook at 195 degrees, so I have to cook everything else at 195 degrees, too, Daugherty said. The 10- to 12-pound briskets cook for 12 to 14 hours. I get here at 3:30 a.m., Daugherty said with a smile. I drink espresso from 3:30 to 3:50, and I get the smoker going by 4. East of Texas is using white oak and hickory from Lees Firewood in Huntersville that can be air-cured to be as dry or as wet as they want to order. The wood is loaded outside. The lining of the wood chamber is ceramic, which is very good at retaining heat and thus makes the smoker very efficient. The smoker is built into the wall of the building so that the food is loaded from indoors onto the shelves of the rotisserie. By April 15, the restaurant expects to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but so far has been operating with more limited hours. The dinner menu itself is subject to change, but the heart of it always will be the smoked meats. Brisket always will be available, Calvin said, and probably some kind of chicken, but the other proteins may vary from day to day or week to week. This is not a straight barbecue restaurant, Calvin said, noting that it serves tacos, too. And the barbecue is different in different parts of Texas. Ours is probably most similar to central Texas. The other day the proteins were brisket, chicken and pork shoulder. But in the future, the menu may include lamb or turkey, too. Entrees are divided into three types: sandwiches, tacos and trays. There is a chopped-beef sandwich, an East of Texas burger and a ranch-hand burger (topped with brisket). Sandwiches run $14 to $16. Tacos ($13 to $16) include the Hill Country, with cauliflower, queso, avocado, pumpkin seeds and salsa verde. Other tacos feature brisket, pork or chicken each with their own house-made salsa. The one salad on the menu comes with a choice of protein. And there are three appetizers wings, the Trinity Tray (salsa, guacamole and queso), and the Texas charcuterie (Czech-style Texas sausage, pickled carrots, smoked cheddar, pecans and Ritz crackers). Then there are the trays, which feature smoked meat and are sold in three sizes by weight: 10 ounces, 1 pound and 2 pounds. They come with one, two or three sides, respectively, plus tortillas, slaw, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream and roasted jalapeno. The largest size can feed four to six people. Choices of sides include refried beans, barbecue pinto beans, corn salad, mac n cheese and cheesy squash and potato casserole. Tray prices (which are subject to change) start at $18 for the 10-ounce cauliflower tray and go up to $85 for the 2-pound brisket tray (which feeds four to six people). The kids menu includes grilled cheese, cheeseburger, and chicken or beef taco (all $8 each) and each comes with cotton candy, a side and a drink. Desserts right now are three types of cookie sandwiches ($6 each): oatmeal raisin with cream-cheese frosting, chocolate sugar cookie with lemon curd buttercream and brown-butter chocolate-chip with Nutella buttercream. The bar offers six N.C. beers on tap, plus a selection of bottled beers, including such Texas brands as Shiner Bock. Signature cocktails ($10 to $12) served in reusable aluminum cups include the Houston House Margarita with Lunazul Blanco tequila, Triple Sec and lime; the Texas Fizz, with Tangueray gin, lemon, orange, grenadine and Champagne; and the Bluebonnet with TX Straight bourbon, blueberries, lemon, simple syrup and soda. The restaurant also has a machine for mixing frozen margaritas and other frozen drinks. Calvin has said that virtually all of the dishes at East of Texas are different from what is served at The Porch or Alma Mexicana even the guacamole here is different, more rustic, she said. Some of the recipes youll see here are versions of classic dishes that I grew up eating, and others are things weve developed just for this project, she wrote on the menu. For BBQ aficionados, its similar to what youd find around Austin. Calvin added that she is experimenting with different ideas, but said that overall East of Texas is her attempt to recreate memories she had of growing up in Houston and visiting family across Texas. That involves not only the food but also the welcoming, family atmosphere. I want to have the best barbecue I can make, but hospitality is the No. 1 thing, she said. I want people to come and have fun. PHOTOS: East of Texas restaurant opens on S. Broad Street Q: We live in a community with a homeowners association. The covenants indicate that any architectural modifications must conform to the Harmony of the Community. The term harmony is very ambiguous and non-descriptive and has been interpreted and enforced in an arbitrary manner. A resident may not know what the lack of harmony means, until they are cited with a violation of the infraction. The community does however have another document, titled Architectural Control, which does explain some but not all of the criteria for architectural modifications. My question is, can a homeowner be cited and penalized for an infraction based on an arbitrary reference to the term Harmony of the Community, if the infraction is not disclosed in writing in the Architectural Control document? Shouldnt this information be disseminated to all residents upon the settlement of their property closing and occupancy? K.M. Answer: SAM reached out to George Humphrey, a local attorney, who said answering specific questions about a particular community is difficult. The readers question is a tough one to answer without knowing the contents of all the associations documents, Humphrey said. For example, is there an architectural review committee that reviews and approves a project before an owner begins work? Is this a board function? Do the associations documents describe a procedure for citing or fining alleged violators to include notice of the purported violation and the opportunity for their response? Even if the associations documents are silent on certain items, North Carolina statutes can apply if, for example, the association wants to fine a member of the community for a violation. NC law describes the steps an association must take to do so, as well as the alleged violators rights. Buyers also should look carefully at all documents when dealing with HOAs. When a community association involved, the buyer should be on notice of the associations documents, such as the bylaws, declaration, and rules and regulations, prior to purchasing the property through the standard offer to purchase and contract used in most residential real estate transactions, Humphrey said. These documents must be carefully reviewed, and a decision made whether their plans for the property could run afoul of requirements that are already a part of the community. Moving Wall is coming to Triad The members of VFW Post 5352, 618 Edgewood St., Kernersville, let us know that they will be hosting the Vietnam Moving Wall from April 28 through May 1. According to travelingwall.us, the wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. After the dedication of the Washington memorial in 1982, several veterans got together and built two replicas of the wall that travel throughout the United States from April to November each year. The Moving Wall, which began in 1984, gives people throughout the country the opportunity to experience the wall. Kernersville will be the Moving Walls only North Carolina stop this year. Shredding event canceled The shredding event at Kernersville Moravian Church scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to mechanical problems with the truck. It will be rescheduled as soon as possible. The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted unanimously on Tuesday to remove two Republican members of the Surry County elections board who refused to certify election results despite their finding basically no flaws in the way voting was conducted. Meeting in the Surry County Courthouse in Dobson, the state board, with one member absent, voted 4-0 to remove Tim DeHaan and Jerry Forestieri from the Surry County Board of Elections, approving the complaint filed against the two by Bob Hall, the former director of Democracy NC. DeHaan and Forestieri had authored a letter they submitted to their county elections board that took issue with a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Loretta C. Biggs that prevents change-of-residence challenges being made to a voters eligibility to cast a ballot. The two also objected to state elections rules that directed local boards to not hear such challenges. DeHaan and Forestieri lodged their complaint during the canvass held Nov. 18 by the county elections board to certify the results of the Nov. 8 election in Surry County. The two board members said in their letter that because of the Biggs ruling and actions to enforce it by the state elections board, they dont consider the election laws as administered by the state elections board to be either legitimate or constitutional. The two at first wanted to submit their complaint about the ruling on voter challenges to the state board along with the county certification. When that turned out not to be possible, DeHaan signed the certification of the election but Forestieri did not. The 2022 general election in Surry did see an allegation that a poll worker had improperly told voters that one of the candidates in the Dobson town election had died. The result was a re-run of the town election on March 7. When the elections board met to canvass those results on March 17, both DeHaan and Forestieri refused to sign the certification. They again objected that court and state election board directives prevent challenges against voters who have moved away. There were no disputed ballots in the town election. Hall, in his complaint against the two Surry members, said they had used the election canvass to dispute the law. He said he doesnt like some judicial rulings as well, but Im not going to turn around and not do my duty. By not signing the canvass, Hall maintained, the two Surry board members were disparaging the state elections board as well. The motions to remove the men from the Surry elections board were made by Stacy Four Eggers IV, the sole GOP member of the state board present. GOP member Tommy Tucker was absent. Eggers said that while Forestieri and DeHaan could personally disagree with a judges opinion or a memo about election procedures from the state board, members of county elections boards do not have the discretion to choose not to follow those kinds of directives. Eggers motions to remove the two members found that their acts amounted to attacks on both a court decree and actions of the state board, and were thus violations of election law regarding the duties they were supposed to perform. I appreciate your concern about voter integrity but this is a missing of the forest for the trees, Eggers said. During the hearing, Forestieri said he and DeHaan didnt break the law but chose the law over a memo issued by state election officials. A witness called by DeHaan testified that he had witnessed a case in which someone who had moved away from the county a year before was allowed to vote in the May 2022 primary because of his inability to challenge the voter. DeHaan said his letter last Nov. 18 had not been intended for public distribution, and called its release an illegal leak. He maintained that the law does not require him as a member to certify the election, but that the county board do so. He asserted that the Biggs ruling against challenging voters allows voter fraud to occur: Without knowing for certain who a voter is how can we be certain of counting only legal ballots? DeHaan said, explaining his decision to not sign one of the certifications. DeHaan used some of his time to attack Hall as a liberal activist, and suggested Hall had improperly inserted himself into state election decisions in the past. That led to objections from Hilary Klein, Halls attorney, but Damon Circosta, who chairs the state board, said he would allow all the comments because he wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to say all they wanted to say. There was no immediate word on whether the two Surry elections board members might appeal the decision of the state elections board. If they do appeal, that appeal would have to be made at Wake County Superior Court, according to state law. Appeal or not, DeHaan and Forestieri were removed from the Surry elections board immediately. The vacancies will be filled by the state elections board. That could happen in June, when the state elections board names all board members statewide, or earlier if it decides. A bill filed Tuesday in the N.C. House calls for a study into whether changes in how electricity is bought, sold and transmitted in North Carolina could protect the state from widespread power outages like those experienced during a period of record-breaking cold weather last December. The Christmas Eve blackouts were an alarming wake-up call for the General Assembly, said Rep. Larry Strickland, a Republican from Johnston County and co-sponsor of the proposed legislation. Obviously, our current system is not reliable enough. Its simply unacceptable in modern North Carolina that cold weather should leave our people, many of them sick or elderly, alone in the frigid dark. Thats not just embarrassing, it seriously threatened peoples lives. House Bill 503, named the Storm Resiliency Act, would fund a study led by the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory at UNC Chapel Hill with input from an independent consulting firm with expertise in wholesale electricity markets. The study would conclude with recommendations to the General Assembly by the start of its 2025 session. Ask the experts Hundreds of thousands of Duke Energys North Carolina customers, including in areas of the Triad, lost power for extended periods on Christmas Eve as temperatures plunged into the single digits. While demand soared as customers tried to stay warm in bitter cold conditions, multiple Duke Energy facilities impacted by the extreme weather including the natural gas-fueled Dan River Station in Rockingham County failed to generate electricity for extended periods. Duke also initiated planned, rolling blackouts in an attempt to balance energy supply and demand. There was minimal impact on solar and wind-energy production. Nearly a half-million Duke customers in North Carolina were without power at 9 a.m. on Dec. 24, according to the website poweroutages.us. North Carolinas residential, industrial and commercial consumers deserve the most reliable power supply possible at the lowest cost, said another co-sponsor of House Bill 503, Republican Rep. Kyle Hall of Stokes County. If there are ways we can lower costs while improving reliability for the people of North Carolina, we should take a close look at them. By enacting this bill, well ask the experts and see what they recommend. A similar study commissioned by the South Carolina legislature in 2019 found that electric customers in that state could save as much as $362 million per year if recommended reforms are enacted, according to preliminary results released last week. Its time for North Carolina to follow suit, one prominent clean-energy advocacy organization suggested Tuesday. While our neighbors to the south are ahead of us in investigating potential savings from energy market reform, this bill can help North Carolina catch up and identify how to deliver lower-cost, more dependable power for all residents across the state, said Cassie Gavin, director of policy at the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association. Regional approach Among the potential areas of study in North Carolina proposed in the newly filed bill is the possibility of the state creating or joining an existing regional transmission organization, or RTO. Duke Energys issues related to the December cold snap illustrated the potential advantages of the company being part of an RTO, according to some energy experts. In the Southeast, most electric grids operate independently over limited areas, Simon Mahan, executive director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, explained in a January review of the weather-related outages. For example, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress serve a combined 4.5 million customers over a 53,000-square-mile area within North Carolina and South Carolina. However, the northeast corner of North Carolina is part of the PJM Interconnection, an RTO serving all or part of 13 states, including virtually all of Virginia. While Duke declared an Energy Emergency Alert 3 and conducted rolling blackouts, the chunk of North Carolina covered by PJM suffered limited interruptions. If a utility in the Southeast runs into trouble, if they have a power plant that comes offline for whatever reason or cant get fuel, it makes it more difficult for our utilities in the South to get enough power to run, Mahan explained. So they have to import power from their neighbors and sometimes, as we saw (in December), they have to go into these extreme measures of turning off power to their customers. At points on Christmas Eve, demand from Duke Energy Carolinas customers, including those in the Triad, exceeded the companys electricity production by as much 1.5 gigawatts, according to the U.S. Energy Information. The gap reached 2.8 gigawatts for Duke Energy Progress. Meanwhile, Dukes Carolinas operations were importing as much as 1 gigawatt of power at a time from PJM. In fact, Dukes struggles created a regional energy bottleneck of sorts, Mahan said, An entire portion of the United States was being impacted by the low amount of generation and the high demand the Duke customers were causing at the time, he explained. Shouldnt lag South Carolina The Brattle Group, an international economic consulting firm, estimated in 2019 that energy market reform in North Carolina could save North Carolina utility customers as much as $600 million a year. Those findings, and those just released in South Carolina, justify moving forward with a fresh look at North Carolinas energy market, suggested Rep. John Torbett, a Republican and co-sponsor of House Bill 503. North Carolina shouldnt lag South Carolina, Torbett said. The South Carolina study showed the considerable savings common-sense market reforms can achieve. We should find out how much we can save for North Carolinians while enhancing reliability. The state House cleared Tuesday the revival of a controversial Republican-sponsored bill that would force all sheriffs to cooperate with federal ICE officers and appears destined for another veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Republican-sponsored House Bill 10, with Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, as primary sponsor, is titled Require Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE. The bill cleared the House by a 71-44 vote with the pivotal support of three Democrats, including Rep. Cecil Brockman of Guilford County. Following an expected veto as Cooper did with similar legislation in 2019 and 2022 it would take just one of the 49 House Democrats to vote for a veto override to allow HB10 to become law. Brockman's support may be the most intriguing since Guilford sheriff Danny Rogers is against the legislation in HB10, as are the other Democrat urban sheriffs. ICE stands for the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Senate Bill 50 contains the same language as HB10. Although SB50 has not been acted upon since being submitted Feb. 1, it is expected to pass the Senate given the 30-20 GOP supermajority. Which means HB10 is serving as the litmus test for the legislation. It was the fourth time that HB10 had been placed on the floor calendar since it cleared the House Rules and Operations committee on Feb. 28. The previous times were March 6, March 9 and March 16, each time only to be withdrawn back to the Rules committee. The legislation requires all sheriffs to hold suspects in certain crimes for at least 48 hours when their immigration status is unknown or they are in the country illegally. Bill sponsors said HB10 and companion Senate Bill 50 contain language that they believe address Coopers concerns about the previous bills. Instead of requiring a query of ICE on any infraction of anyone who is brought into a jail, it only requires an inquiry when someone is accused of the most heinous crimes, Hall said. They would be held long enough for ICE to come in and do their job in a more controlled environment rather than in local communities in a much more dangerous environment. The second major difference reflects concerns expressed by Cooper about potential criminal penalties for sheriffs who decline to cooperate with ICE in detaining inmates. Urban opposition Although more than 90 sheriffs in North Carolina comply with ICE requests, several Democratic sheriffs, including Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough of Forsyth County, have limited their cooperation. Those sheriffs also have stated their opposition to the previous ICE legislation. The Forsyth Sheriffs Office issued a statement after Senate Bill 101 cleared the legislature on July 1, 2022, that included a quote from Kimbrough. We will continue to do what is moral, what is legal and what is right, Kimbrough said. We have been and will continue to be a law-abiding law enforcement agency. Other sheriffs have made similar statements. Hall told the Judiciary 2 committee that the non-cooperating sheriffs are putting partisan politics ahead of public safety. This bill would end that controversy because I believe they will follow the law if this (bill) is passed. But if they wont, there are a number of remedies already in law, including potential removal from office, and a judge can require a sheriff to follow the law. Hall said during the floor debate that most ICE detainees are transferred within 24 hours, much less the 48 hours permitted in the bill. Opponents say voters in those counties elected Democratic sheriffs knowing their stance on ICE cooperation, and the bill is an attempt to usurp their authority. Opposition perspective Critics of the ICE legislation say the measure could increase jail time for suspects who have otherwise met the conditions for release. They also point out it would force sheriffs offices to investigate the immigration status of anyone booked into the jail. Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham, told the committee she is concerned that HB10 would expand the categories of individuals subject to the 48-hour hold, including for non-serious crime, to make time to check their immigration and potential criminal status. Hall said HB10 would not allow that. Being held for 48 hours for non-serious crimes can change someones life for good, Morey said, citing potential loss of job as an example. Bill prospects After being dormant since March 2021, SB101 was fast-tracked in the final week of the regular 2022 session. Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, was among the cosponsors. The controversial bill cleared the House by a 65-49 vote on June 30 and the Senate by a 25-19 vote on July 1 both along partisan lines. Cooper vetoed the bill on July 11. There was no veto override attempt the rest of the 2022 session. This law is only about scoring political points and using fear to divide North Carolinians, Cooper said in his 2022 veto statement. As the states former top law enforcement officer, I know that current law already allows the state to incarcerate and prosecute dangerous criminals regardless of immigration status. This bill is unconstitutional and weakens law enforcement in North Carolina by mandating that sheriffs do the job of federal agents, using local resources that could hurt their ability to protect their counties. A bipartisan bill that aims to prohibit the use of predatory real estate service agreements will receive its first committee hearing Wednesday. House Bill 422, titled Unfair Real Estate Agreements Act, is set to be heard at noon in House Judiciary 1 committee. Its lead primary sponsor is Rep. Kyle Hall, R-Stokes, who has a portion of Forsyth County in his district. Hall also is a Realtor. Companion Senate Bill 344 has Sen. Joyce Krawiec, a Republican, and Sen. Paul Lowe, a Democrat, among its primary sponsors. Also in support of both bills is state Attorney General Josh Stein, who said the legislation addresses his concerns about oppressive, long-term Right to List service agreements. A major focus of the bills is addressing the business model of MV Realty of Florida, which has been sued by Stein for marketing and selling these agreements. The summary for both bills, provided by the N.C. Justice Department, said the impetus is that several real estate companies have been using a predatory business model to target seniors and financially insecure homeowners with cold calls, even those on the Do Not Call registry. A Justice Department review of the lending practice determined that in the states four largest Multiple Listing Service areas Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro-Winston-Salem and Asheville there have been more than 2,000 homeowners that signed an agreement with one of these firms since fall 2000, and they have listed a combined 86 properties. The companies offer to provide cash payments, typically less than $1,000, to homeowners in exchange for agreeing to exclusively utilize that companys services to list their property at any time over the next 40 years. What bill sponsors say is concerning is that the signed contracts include a memorandum that is filed with the county that serves as a lien on the propertys title. The contract purports to be binding on current homeowners and property heirs, and the lien complicates the homeowners ability to refinance, access home equity or transfer their property, according to the summary. Property owners can terminate agreements early, but must pay a penalty equal to 3% of the market value of the property which represents the commission the company would have earned for listing the home and the company gets to determine the homes value pursuant to the contract. Krawiec said that having been in the real estate business for many years, I understand how complex many real estate contracts can be. I am constantly looking for ways to simplify the process and protect consumers from the many bad actors looming out there. Krawiec said that consumers need to understand contracts presented to them without having to have a law degree to translate. Every homebuyer and seller should be able to read a buyer/seller contract and feel comfortable that they are protected by the laws of North Carolina, she said. Bill details The legislation, which the state Justice Department helped draft, is supported by AARP, NC REALTORS and the NC Real Estate Commission. The bills defined a real estate service agreement as a written contract between an agent, service provider, person and either the residential homeowner or a potential buyer to provide services, current or future, in connection with the maintenance, purchase or sale of residential real estate. According to the bills, it is unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to other parties who may become owners of that real estate in the future. The bills would prohibit the recording of such agreements so that the public records will not be clouded by them and provides remedies for owners who are inconvenienced or damaged by the recording of such agreements. The bills would declare that such an agreement is unfair if it is effective and binding for more than one year from the effective date of agreement and has any of the following characteristics: It purports to be tied to the land or is binding on future owners; Expressly allows for assignment of the right to provide those services without notice or consent of the owner or buyer; Purports to create a lien, encumbrance or other real property security interest. There are some exceptions in the proposed bills that include: a home warranty plan; insurance contract; maintenance or repair agreement entered by a homeowners association; provisions of a regulated utility service; property management contract; and certain liens. The bills would provide consumers with the ability to recover damages, costs and attorneys fees that may be proved against the agent, service provider or person named in the agreement. Hall said North Carolina property owners deserve peace of mind (knowing) that our laws prevent bad actors from taking advantage of them with unfair, confusing and misleading sales contracts. Thats why Im proud to introduce this legislation to protect consumers with straight-forward and clear contracts, he said. MV Realty lawsuit The attorney generals office took legal action last week against real estate brokerage firm MV Realty and the companys leaders alleging that they violated North Carolinas laws by tricking homeowners into signing oppressive, 40-year real estate agreements. Stein is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions, restitution for consumers, and other monetary penalties. Stein said in a statement that the filling of the bills come as his office is taking MV Realty to court to put them out of business because we allege theyre preying on vulnerable people. We also need a law to make sure that other companies cant copy their fraudulent playbook, Stein said. According to Steins statement, his office has received more than 20 complaints about MV Realty, which began doing business in North Carolina in August 2020. It has signed up more than 2,100 North Carolinians to its Homeowner Benefit Program, typically homeowners who are facing financial hardships and are in need of cash. Those homeowners tend to be contacted through online ads, robocalls and texts. According to the statement, MV Realty claims it will pay a homeowner a small upfront cash payment with no strings attached as long as the homeowner agrees to use MV Realty as their listing agent if they sell their home. But MV Realty doesnt tell homeowners that if they accept this deal, they are locked into exclusive 40-year agreements that even survive their deaths. MV Realty also places a lien on the homeowners property to ensure it can enforce its agreement, even though it claims in its advertising that it doesnt place liens. These liens make is difficult or impossible for homeowners to sell their homes or tap into its equity. If a homeowner wants to be released from the agreement, MV Realty charges them a penalty that is at least 10 times the upfront payment they received. MV Realty has even filed lawsuits against homeowners to prevent them from selling their homes and to collect its penalty. If a homeowner does ask an MV Realty real estate agent for help selling their home, these agents sometimes fail to do even basic tasks like putting up a for sale sign. Consumer complaints against MV Realty can be filed at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint or by calling 877-5-NO-SCAM. An N.C. Senate bill cleared the chamber Wednesday that aims to help at least 20 state government agencies find North Carolinians to fill vacancies some that have been open for up to 10 years. Bipartisan Senate Bill 239, entitled Reduce barriers to state employment, represents an employment collaboration between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and bipartisan bills in both legislative chambers. The vote was 49-0. It now heads to the House for consideration. Meanwhile, a parallel House Bill 210 was recommended Tuesday to the House floor by its Rules and Operations committee. Some state agencies have had more than 1,000 job positions open since July 2021, according to the state Office of Human Resources. For example, the state Department of Health and Human Services had nearly 1,100 jobs vacant in December. North Carolina started the 2022-23 school year with more than 11,000 public school openings, while the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has a 20% vacancy rate. Cooper recently issued Executive Order No. 278, which directs the Office of State Human Resources, in coordination with Cabinet agencies, to take a series of steps to help more people with relevant work experience and skills to get state jobs without an academic degree. Cooper said the order comes at a time when many state agencies continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining the skilled workforce essential to ensuring North Carolinians have safe, effective and efficient government programs and services. You dont necessarily need to have a degree to be great at your job, and North Carolina is in need of talented people who can get things done. Sen. Kevin Corbin, a Republican representing Chowan and SB 239s primary sponsor, said he was asked by officials with the State Employees Association of N.C. whether SB 239 was an attempt at not providing raises to current or future state employees. The legislation, Corbin said, has nothing to do with raises, nor do I intend for it to be, but everything to do with getting qualified people to state jobs and opening up these jobs for more people. Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, said we know we have an acute shortage of workers in many state agencies and positions have become difficult to fill. Many of them do not need a four-year college degree, and this bill recognizes that fact. Coopers executive order requires that a statement be added to state job postings clarifying that directly related experience can serve as a substitute to education for most state jobs. Meanwhile, the Office of State Human Resources and state Cabinet agencies are being asked to review job classifications that do not currently allow experience to substitute for education to determine whether a degree is actually required to do the work. We want more qualified candidates to apply for positions across state government, said Barbara Gibson, the states Human Resources director. People who have been working in a similar role successfully for years should be on equal footing with applicants with academic degrees. Cooper is encouraging local governments to take a similar approach in reviewing their human resources policies to eliminate unnecessary barriers to employment. According to Coopers news release, there are at least 1,400 permanent and temporary jobs posted on the State of North Carolina Careers portal at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina. Interested candidates can create an online profile in the system, and then apply directly for positions. Email alerts can be set for job categories, locations and other factors, including remote or hybrid work schedules. Lincoln organizations will receive nearly $1.7 million in pandemic-related housing aid from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The department Monday announced more than $4.2 million in grants through the Pandemic Relief Housing Program to five Nebraska nonprofits, including two in Lincoln. Family Service Association of Lincoln is receiving $1 million to construct four duplexes with two- and three-bedroom units that will be reserved for immigrants and/or refugees. Neighborhoods Inc. will receive $660,000 to provide down payment assistance for up to 12 refugee and/or immigrant households. The Economic Development Department also Monday announced $10 million worth of Rural Workforce Housing Land Development Program grants that will go to 12 rural communities. The only Southeast Nebraska community receiving a grant is Beatrice, which will receive $1 million. A news release from the department did not specify what the grant is for. Both the Pandemic Relief Housing Program and the Rural Workforce Housing Land Development Program are state programs created to distribute American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Nick Woodward remembers few details following those life-saving moments Saturday afternoon. He describes it as tunnel vision. Maybe an overdose of adrenaline. It all happened so fast. He recalls later washing his hands and then, after a short discussion with the rest of the Hafnicks, a local cover band that features Woodward on the drums, insisting they play the scheduled second set. Never mind that he couldnt name the first song the Hafnicks played without later consulting the set list. It was La Grange by ZZ Top. Not that it matters. Insisting that the band keep playing wasnt an act of bravado by Woodward, a show-must-go-on mandate. If anything, it was just the opposite. At that moment, he wanted needed something familiar. He craved control. When youre sitting behind the drums, its something you can control, said the Beatrice native, who now is a pediatric dentist in Elkhorn. All of a sudden, you feel like youre in a familiar situation and a familiar environment. You know what youre supposed to do and you know whats going to happen. It was just what the doctor or in this case, dentist ordered. Minutes earlier, at about 3 p.m., the Hafnicks an eclectic group consisting of a dentist on the drums and a bassist who is a college biology professor were between sets at Frontier Harley-Davidson when Woodward looked toward O Street to see a vehicle flying through the air. With phone in hand, he ran toward the now overturned Kia Sportage, calling 911. When he got to the car, chaos ensued. Some guys had gotten out and there was a lot of screaming and yelling, Woodward said. They were saying someone was on the ground. Still on the line with dispatchers, he told them about the victim, then began performing CPR. As a trained medical professional, hes earned his CPR certification, but Saturday was the first time hed used it on someone other than a mannequin. Proper CPR calls for 120 compressions, or beats, per minute and trainees are often advised to keep time to Staying Alive by the Bee Gees. Even though the Hafnicks, a group of six that prides itself on blues and rock n roll covers, would never play a tune from the disco era, the rhythm required to play the drums was to his advantage. Whether or not I was anywhere close to 120 beats per minute, who knows, he said. Id like to think I was. No one was counting, but the CPR was effective, said bandmate Mike Herman, who teaches biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Staff members at the Harley-Davidson dealership told us that the paramedics told them that Nick had saved this womans life, Herman said. Woodward tried to pass it off as being in the right place at the right time, but knew it was more than that. It is absolutely a life moment, he said. Its interesting, because its not something you ever want to do, or not anything you wish someone else to experience. Woodward was in the right place at the right time at least where Rang was concerned because he knew what to do. Two days later, Woodward, still in a state of shock, is relieved to know that Rangs condition has been improved to critical but stable, according to Lincoln Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Jamie Pospisil. Ive been trying to keep an ear out, he said of Rangs improving condition. Today was music to my ears. It was huge relief. If I had heard that things had gone the other way, I dont know how I would have dealt with that. Top Journal Star photos for March 2023 Two men were killed Monday afternoon and a 27-year-old woman was arrested after her car struck and killed them, according to the Lincoln Police Department. Emergency crews were called to The Lodge apartment complex just south of Nebraska Parkway near 40th Street at about 1:20 p.m. The men, who were in their 40s, were struck by a car outside the apartment complexs clubhouse, Assistant Police Chief Jason Stille said. Police Chief Teresa Ewins said at a news conference Monday afternoon that authorities believe the woman, a resident in the complex, purposefully hit the two men. At 1:32 p.m., the woman was arrested near the scene on suspicion of two counts of second-degree murder. She was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and later booked in the Lancaster County Jail. The investigation is ongoing as the police interview witnesses and review video footage. Stille said the men were thought to have been employees at the apartment complex. Ewins declined to name the suspect or victims Monday afternoon. Police on Tuesday identified the 27-year-old Lincoln woman accused of purposefully running over and killing two men in south Lincoln on Monday but provided few new details about what led to the brazen daytime attack. Taylor B. Bradley was arrested near the scene on suspicion of two counts of second-degree murder for her alleged role in the tragic event that killed two men in their 40s, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said. Bradley was taken into custody near The Lodge apartment complex just south of Nebraska Parkway near 40th Street, where emergency personnel responded at about 1:20 p.m. Monday on a report of a car-pedestrian collision. Bradley is accused of running down the two men in a grassy area outside the apartment complexs clubhouse, Ewins said at a Tuesday news conference, where she declined to identify the victims and provided few details about the incident. I would love to be able to answer that question, you know, What led up to somebody intentionally running others over? Ewins said. It is its part of the investigation and were really looking into what happened. Unfortunately, theres witnesses that saw parts of it, but not the entire interaction. Ewins said the two men, who first responders pronounced dead at the scene, were maintenance employees working at the complex, where Bradley is a resident. The police chief said investigators spoke with a substantial number of witnesses and have reviewed surveillance footage that showed there definitely was ... intent in the collision that killed the men, but Ewins declined to describe what in the video led police to that conclusion. Its really hard to really present that at this time, because we dont have all the evidence, and I dont want to taint the investigation with giving that out too soon, she said. Both victims were longtime employees of Perry Reid Properties, which has managed the sprawling complex just south of Nebraska Parkway for nearly a decade, said Tom Huston, who serves as general counsel for the company. More than 24 hours after the incident, Huston said the company remains baffled by Mondays attack and what might have led up to it. Were mystified why this occurred, Huston said. Huston said Bradley has been a tenant at the property for less than a year and the company hadnt had any previous documented run-ins with her. According to our records, we had no prior negative contact with her, he said. There wasnt a service call I know there were some rumors that she was undergoing an eviction. That is not true. Weve been fully cooperative with the police trying to figure out what would have triggered this. Huston said the property owner turned over surveillance footage to police that captured much of the attack from the nearby clubhouse. Huston had not reviewed the video, he said, but said that deep tracks left by Bradleys 2015 Subaru indicated she left the roadway and chased the employees at a high rate of speed. The company called in grief counselors for the victims colleagues, Huston said. Its a tragedy for our employees and their families, he said. And, frankly, some of the other employees that were witnesses to it I mean, theyre hurt. Which is understandable. ... It is traumatic for them. Police arrested Bradley 12 minutes after the initial call came in, at 1:32 p.m. Monday. She was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and later booked in the Lancaster County Jail, where she is being held without bond ahead of her initial court appearance, set for Wednesday. She has not yet been charged with a crime. Ewins said authorities had collected a blood sample from Bradley for drug and alcohol testing but did not indicate whether she was suspected to be under the influence of either at the time. Its unclear to investigators whether Bradley had any interactions with the victims prior to Mondays incident, Ewins said. Its also unclear how fast she was going when she struck the men with her car. The police chief pleaded with area residents who may have witnessed the incident or captured video of it to come forward to police if they havent. Anything will help, she said. Residents can call the police department at 402-441-6000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600. Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers A federal judge Monday dismissed a lawsuit from an inactive fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln alleging school administrators leveled multiple suspensions against the organization in retaliation of its members political speech. U.S. District Court Judge John Gerrard tossed the lawsuit from the Lambda Nu chapter of Phi Gamma Delta better known as Fiji alleging UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green and another administrator had violated members First and Fourteenth amendment rights. The lawsuit, which was filed in February 2022, originated with a series of suspensions leveled against the fraternity dating back to January 2017, when participants of a Womens March alleged members of Fiji had hurled sexually harassing comments at them. UNL opened a Title IX investigation into the chapter, but the investigation did not result in any sanctions against the fraternity. A second parallel investigation did find numerous violations of UNLs Student Code of Conduct, however, and in March 2017, UNL placed Phi Gamma Delta on suspension through 2020. That suspension was later lifted early in the spring of 2019. But in February 2021, UNL once again launched an investigation into Fiji after allegations surfaced that underage students were drinking alcohol in the chapter house in violation of the student code of conduct. After a hearing in the spring of 2021, Phi Gamma Delta was placed on probation until Dec. 18, 2021, the end of the fall semester. While it was on probation, a sexual assault reportedly occurred at the chapter house at 1425 R St., which resulted in a new round of investigations and sanctions. Ultimately, UNL suspended the fraternity through 2026. No member of Fiji was arrested or charged in relation to the reported sexual assault. Attorneys for the fraternity, in court filings, alleged Green and Andrea Barefield, the director of student conduct and community standards, stigmatized the chapter and deprived it of due process by public statements that were made. The fraternity also argued it had been targeted for enhanced punishments because of its members support for former President Donald Trump, speech protected by the First Amendment. In a 31-page order, Gerrard said he found the arguments brought by the fraternity alleging it had faced harsher sanctions unconvincing. Not only were some of the claims brought after the statute of limitations had expired, Fiji didnt challenge the conclusion of the conduct boards decision when it was placed on probation in the spring of 2021, nor did it face an enhanced punishment, he pointed out. The chapters threadbare allegations are insufficient to state a plausible retaliation claim, especially considering the protected speech occurred more than four years before the allegedly retaliatory conduct, Gerrard wrote. The court also said without demonstrating a connection between the fraternitys protected speech and the universitys decision to revoke its status as a recognized student organization, there was no way to reasonably infer the universitys motivation was to suppress Fijis free speech. Gerrard also disagreed with the fraternitys claim that a tweet from Green about the alleged sexual assault in August 2021 had violated members Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process, even though it referred to the investigation as well as the chapter being on probation. According to the (fraternitys) complaint, the UNLPD was investigating a rape that allegedly occurred at the chapter house, Gerrard wrote. And at the time of this investigation, the chapter was on probation for previous violations of university policies. Greens tweet denouncing sexual assault and telling students that sometimes the legal process sometimes just doesnt feel like justice did not stigmatize or defame the fraternity. At most, there is a nibble (less than a scintilla) of evidence that Chancellor Green was possibly implying guilt of the accused when he expressed that the legal process does not always feel like justice, Gerrard wrote. The plaintiffs simply have not stated sufficient facts to plausibly allege that this first statement by Chancellor Green, implicitly or otherwise, made a provably false assertion about them. Gerrard dismissed the fraternitys complaint and a request for declaratory judgment. In a statement, UNL said it remained confident that it acted appropriately in suspending Phi Gamma Delta in September 2021. That action was supported by the simultaneous decision of the fraternitys national organization to suspend the UNL chapters charter, spokeswoman Leslie Reed said. We are pleased that the court found in favor of the university and has dismissed the case. Photos, videos: Protests at UNL after reported sexual assault at Greek house UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.27 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 UNL protest, 08.26 Watch Now: Drone video shows how huge Wednesday night UNL rally was Watch now: Protest Wednesday night in downtown Lincoln Phi Gamma Delta fraternity Temporarily Closed, 8.25 Phi Gamma Delta fraternity Temporarily Closed, 8.25 Phi Gamma Delta fraternity Temporarily Closed, 8.25 Watch Now: Protest at Fiji house Protest Aug. 28 protests The Lincoln City Council on Monday approved the annexation of 77 acreages in southeast Lincoln, which was opposed by residents who live there, but agreed to delay implementation until July. Delaying the annexation will allow the Southeast Rural Fire District which currently provides fire protection to the acreages on the 445 acres bounded by 70th and 84th streets, Pine Lake and Yankee Hill roads to collect all the property taxes for 2023, said Councilman Richard Meginnis, who introduced the amendment. The rural fire district will lose the property tax revenue from those acreages once the city annexes them, which amounts to about $8,000 of the district's $133,000 annual budget, according to Chief John Wiese. That will make it harder to provide service to other property in the district, rural firefighters told the council at a public hearing last week. Acreage owners also worried they wouldn't have adequate fire protection if they are annexed because there are no fire hydrants for Lincoln Fire and Rescue to use. Unlike the rural district, LFR does not have tankers that carry large amounts of water to an area. But Meginnis and other council members said they were confident Lincoln firefighters could protect the acreages. I believe Lincoln Fire and Rescue does a fantastic job, said Councilwoman Sandra Washington. Lincoln Fire Chief Dave Engler has said the fire station at 66th Street and Pine Lake Road very near the acreages will allow a response within 1 to 2 minutes and the ability to contain most fires using the water on its rigs. If a fire is larger before firefighters arrive, theyll likely have to call on the Southeast Rural Fire Department for mutual aid. Washington said buying tankers for Lincoln Fire and Rescue would be her top priority, something Engler said the department has considered for some time but has not yet included in the budget. Typically, the city annexes property after developers request it as part of housing or commercial projects on the outskirts of town. In this case, the city requested the annexation because the land in question is essentially surrounded by city property. Property owners appealed to the city to hold off until the city annexes land farther south, which it is likely to do eventually. Council members acknowledged the change wont be easy for property owners, who have lived on those acreages outside city limits for years, but said it was time to make them a part of the city I think delaying it until we annex all the area wouldnt be right because we dont know how the city will grow, Meginnis said. Along with acreage owners' concerns about inadequate fire protection is the cost of hooking up to city sewer and water, which they said would make it unlikely for residents to do it, and that means the city couldnt put fire hydrants in the area. As long as homeowners arent close enough to a city water line that hooking up is required, they can decide whether to do so by requesting a special assessment and paying the cost which can be thousands of dollars over 20 years. Theyll also have to pay the city wheel tax, will likely see their property taxes rise and will have to comply with city animal ordinances and pay pet licensing fees. Several homeowners, who own everything from alpacas and horses to chickens and goats, expressed concerns over that, though city officials said theyd work with homeowners. The council passed both the annexation and the amendment to delay implementation unanimously. Top Journal Star photos for March 2023 A year ago, Nataliia Bohuta had no plans to ever visit Nebraska. She spent more than a decade teaching at a private Christian school in Ukraine and tutoring students in English. But Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year forced her from the war-torn country, and she arrived in Lincoln in April 2022. Now, she's using her experience as a teacher to help her fellow Ukrainian refugees learn English through a Lincoln Literacy class. Nebraskas 2023 Teacher of the Year says she is being bullied on social media by a member of the State Board of Education. Renee Jones, a Lincoln High School teacher, said Monday that Kirk Penner, vice president of the state board, has been expressing his disdain for her since she was selected teacher of the year in October. That included a Twitter post by Penner last Friday that triggered heated responses over the weekend. On Sunday, Jones posted on Twitter that because of Penners past social media posts, someone asked me if my family was safe. Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that is it okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you, she wrote in the post. Penner has criticized Jones for months particularly over the issue of drag queens, which become a hot debate in the Nebraska Legislature. Last October, Penner homed in on the fact that Jones had taken part in a drag queen story hour session last March at SXSW EDU, an international education conference. Jones had posted at that time on her personal Facebook page about her excitement in attending the session. She also said, You better believe Ill be buying a few new inclusive childrens books. A screenshot of the post was circulated online by several conservative social media users and Penner in the months following. Penner said that he disagrees with Jones purchasing of books featuring drag queens and believes she meant the purchase was intended for her classroom. On Friday, Jones clarified on social media that she was interested in buying the books for her own children. Where does it say she was buying them for her children? Penner said. I dont know what to tell you if you read the Facebook quote and think that it says I am buying for my own children. That is not how that reads. Penner referred to that post for the first time Oct. 20, the day Jones was surprised with being named teacher of the year, then tweeted about it again the next day. He quoted another post on Twitter that showed a video of the conference. What in the world is going on! There is NO REASON this should be part of any education conference and should NEVER be hyped by the teacher of the year! he wrote. On Jan. 31, he tweeted about it again with a photo of him testifying in support of LB374, dubbed the Parents Bill of Rights and Academic Transparency Act, which was introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil. Trying 2 protect our kids from radical agendas in some schools, Penner wrote. Yes, we use taxpayer money 2 attend professional development encouraging childrens books of men dressed as women. Jones said in an interview Monday that it was a lie to say the district paid for her to go to the conference. She used her own personal time and money to attend. Hearing in Lincoln today on LB374 Parents Bill of Rights. Trying 2 protect our kids from radical agendas in some schools. Yes,we use taxpayer money 2 attend professional development encouraging childrens books of men dressed as women. @NEGOP @LCRPNE @dcrponline @NebraskaFreedom pic.twitter.com/7AyUIRUtvs Kirk Penner (@KirkPenner) February 1, 2023 On Friday, Penner posted an image on Twitter showing that Jones had liked tweets from Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic party chairwoman, after Penners Jan. 31 post. Kleeb said then: Id trust a drag queen over you with my kids every day and twice on Sunday. Laughter, love, kindness...thats what Ive seen when drag queens read to kids in libraries. And what I hear from you is fear, hate and cruelty. Penner tweeted Friday: Since it is drag queen day at the Unicameral.we are battling for our kids and this crap needs to stop. The narrative youre spreading is inaccurate and harmful, Jones said in a tweet to Penner on Friday. You have this amazing platform where you could be focusing on teacher retention and compensation, yet this is what you spend your energy on? Over the weekend, because of the Nebraska State School Board Vice-Presidents bullying- someone asked me if my family was safe. Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that is it okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you. There Renee Jones - Nebraska Teacher of the Year 2023 (@ReneeJonesTeach) March 26, 2023 A state ed board bylaw says members have the responsibility to make it clear when they are speaking or writing on their own behalf that they are not representing the board. It doesnt mention social media only that board members should add a disclaimer when expressing personal views. The boards code of conduct also says that members should encourage the free expression of opinion by all board members. Patti Gubbels, state board president, said in an email Monday that she has no comment except that Penners tweets dont represent the State Board of Education. He is speaking as an individual, not on behalf of the board, she said. Jones said she disagrees, because Penners Twitter profile features his official State Board of Education head shot and says District 5 State Board of Education. Members expressing personal views online has been an issue in the past for the board. In 2015, the state board crafted a resolution asking then-board member Pat McPherson to resign after racist blog posts were found to be posted on his blog since 2011. He never ended up resigning. Jones said she wants Penner to say at the April 14 board meeting that his tweets were dishonest. She also wants the board to issue a public statement saying that Penners comments dont represent the board and that the board still supports her. Nebraskas teachers of the year often visit the state board to give updates and weigh in on current projects theyre working on. I support the LGBTQ community. I also respect that Mr. Penner and I have different opinions on Drag Queen Story Hour, Jones said. However, his actions have caused defamatory statements to occur. These are images of people charged with a crime in Racine County. Booking photos are provided by Racine County law enforcement officials. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted. MOUNT PLEASANT Microsoft is looking to enter an agreement to purchase 315 acres of land in Mount Pleasant for $50 million. The tech giant's goal is to develop a data center on the purchased land and spend a total of $1 billion on its development over the next decade-plus. The purchased land will be in the east section of area III of Tax Incremental District No. 5, a part of the Foxconn development in the village. Microsoft is interested in acquiring and developing all of the land lying south of Braun Road, north of C.T.H. KR, east of the Canadian Pacific Rail right-of-way and west of 90th Street in TID 5. The Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County, Racine County Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Milwaukee 7 today announced the purchase agreement Monday in a news release. Microsoft was attracted to this location because it is primed for development, Mount Pleasant Village President David DeGroot wrote in the release. Through local investments, we have transformed this area of Mount Pleasant and equipped it with the infrastructure necessary to support a major investment by Microsoft. Todays announcement is just the start of our mutual collaboration and Microsofts long-term commitment to the local community, Paul Englis, Microsoft director of community engagement, wrote in the release. The proposed development will be considered by the Mount Pleasant Village Board on Thursday and the Racine County Board at its April 11 and April 18 meetings. If both boards approve the agreement, Microsoft will purchase 315 acres of land from the village at a cost of just over $50 million by July 31. Foxconn will receive proceeds from the purchase as a partial reimbursement of net of costs for the original purchase. The agreement will not lessen any of the obligations that Foxconn has with the village over the land. It also does not provide any new benefits to Foxconn. If the agreement goes through, phase one of Microsoft's development will commence no later than July 2026, according to the news release. A second phase is planned for no later than July 2033. "Microsoft is coming to Mount Pleasant," DeGroot said in Mount Pleasant Village Board meeting Monday. Meet Kala, Mount Pleasant's new electronic detection canine Dream team Kala Going to work Quite the sniffer Kala the K-9 officer demonstrates her electronic detection abilities Kala A police dog you can bring home RACINE Two police officers from Racine County have pleaded not guilty to drunken snowmobiling during an off-duty incident in northern Wisconsin. Racine Police Investigator Todd Lauer and Racine County Sheriffs Lt. Shawn Barker both entered pleas in court stemming from their arrests Feb. 11 in Vilas County. Court appearances were scheduled Monday for Lauer and April 4 for Barker on the non-criminal traffic citations. However, both entered written pleas of not guilty, and were therefore not required to make those court appearances. No trial date has been set in either case. Watch: Off-duty police captain repeatedly asks sergeant to stop filming DUI arrest An Oklahoma City police sergeant refused to turn off his body camera while arresting an off-duty police captain for drunk driving. Barker has already served a 10-day suspension at the sheriffs department as a result of the incident. Lauers status with the city police department remains unclear. In disclosing details of Barkers suspension, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said the lieutenant had committed a tremendous off-duty mistake. Lieutenant Barkers actions fell far short of my expectations, and he earned his suspension and loss of pay which is my highest personal level of suspension prior to pursuing termination, Schmaling said. I will never tolerate this kind of poor decision-making or irresponsible behavior. The Vilas County Sheriffs Department reported finding both law enforcement officials allegedly intoxicated while they were snowmobiling together in Eagle River shortly before 1 a.m. Feb. 11. The sheriffs department reported that Lauer had a 0.14 blood-alcohol content nearly double the 0.08 threshold for drunken driving or snowmobiling and that Barker refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. In addition to snowmobiling under the influence, both were cited for failing to stop at a stop sign. Lauer, 38, was cited for operating a snowmobile with a prohibited alcohol content, and Barker, 55, was cited for refusing to take a breathalyzer. If found guilty, each could face fines of several hundred dollars, although the exact amounts were not immediately clear. Barker was suspended for five days in 2019 after he crashed a vehicle into a utility pole near his home but did not report the traffic incident to law enforcement until the next day. He later paid about $500 in fines for two traffic citations. Both Lauer and Barker were the subjects of internal investigations within their respective departments following the Vilas County snowmobiling incident. Lt. Michael Luell, spokesman for the sheriffs department, said Barker was suspended without pay for 10 days as a result of the incident. The suspension has been completed, and Barker is back to full duty, Luell said. No details have yet been released about the departments investigation. Sgt. Kristi Wilcox, spokeswoman for the city police department, declined to comment on the departments investigation of Lauer or on whether he remains on-duty. Both officers live in the Town of Burlington. Neither could be reached for comment, and court records do not indicate whether either has hired a lawyer. By Rob Morse. Mar 25, 2023 Democrat politicians in California want to disarm their citizens. That is old news. A decade ago the California legislature imposed certain safety features on handguns. The legislature also required that manufacturers pay a fee and submit samples of their products to the state. The official rationale for this gun-control was to establish a roster of so called safe handguns. Only the approved firearms could be sold at gun stores. The infringement on the right to bear arms is so obvious that only a judge could miss it. Watch this if you have doubts. You can buy an unsafe firearm at a gun store if you are a law enforcement officer or on a list of approved state employees. You read that correctly. Police dont need safe firearms, but you and I do. The guy who walks down the street with a gun on his hip needs to be less safe than your neighbor who has her gun locked in a safe next to her bed. What do judges drink at night to accept these excuses? Firearms manufacturers can only add a new gun to the California roster if their gun has all the newly required safety features. Unfortunately, there are no guns in existence that have all of them. None. Of the thousands of different models of firearms sold all across the country, not one of them meets the California requirements. Naw, that doesnt sound like a restriction on the right to keep and bear arms at all, does it? You can buy an older model gun that is considered safe enough, but you can only buy it because it was grandfathered onto the roster. ..... 1. Yes. Police officers should be the only ones armed in the council chambers. Period. 2. Yes. Such a ban is allowed by state law, and the city council should consider it . 3. No. The possibility of violence is always present, but disarming everyone isnt the answer. 4. No. Its unwise to change the city ordinance based on one unfortunate incident. 5. Unsure. Some steps must be taken, but its hard to say if a gun ban is necessary. Vote View Results KEARNEY Choosing a career is a huge decision, and a career fair can help students see the opportunities and options available. The Nebraska Department of Labor is holding a career fair Thursday at Kearney High School for area junior and senior students. Seniors participated in mock interviews earlier in the school year, so this is the opportunity to take that experience and knowledge one step further by discussing job openings to pursue a career. Over 35 businesses and military representatives are scheduled to attend and discuss their businesses and careers with the students. There are businesses of all kinds represented, including retail, architecture, military, health care, law enforcement, contractors, manufacturing, internet, distribution and others. A few of the businesses that will be on hand include Cash-Wa Distributing, Chief Industries, Nebraska Department of Transportation, Mosaic, Commonwealth Electric Company, Bryan Healthcare, Buckle, Wilkins Architecture Design Planning and so many others. Students will be able to spend time visiting businesses and discussing career choices. KEARNEY Next time someone feels like killing ducks at Ravenna Lake, video cameras might catch them in the act. Video surveillance is a must out there, especially because of the ducks, Commissioner Bill Maendele of Kearney said Tuesday after the Buffalo County Board of Commissioners learned playground equipment soon will be added at the Ravenna Lake and campgrounds. Maendele said the county should take measures to prevent animal killings or other problems at the lake, where 16 ducks were shot in January. Twelve of the ducks were found dead. Four birds survived the shooting, but one of them later was killed by a bobcat and coyotes killed the remaining three. The ducks were Ravenna Lakes unofficial mascots because they entertained children and campers. A group of retired men had been feeding and visiting the ducks daily, but whoever killed the birds stole that bit of enjoyment from the retirees. Steve Gaasch, facilities director for Buffalo County, confirmed Tuesday that the investigation into who is responsible for killing the ducks still is waiting for a breakthrough. Theres a $500 reward for information, but two months have passed since the killings, and still there are no leads. A donor offered $50 to purchase more ducks, but that hasnt happened. Gaasch said there are six nesting pairs of Canada geese honking at the lake, but the sound of quacking ducks is no more. In recent years, a number of improvements have occurred at the lake and campgrounds 1 mile east of Ravenna. Gaasch described the next improvement a rustic childrens playground at Tuesdays county board meeting. The $90,240 in playground equipment will include swings, climbing features and slides, and it will be built from native robinia wood, also called black locust. The Kearney Area Visitors Bureau and Ted Baldwin Foundation gave $60,000 in grants, and the county is paying the rest, about $30,240. Also at Tuesdays meeting, the county board approved April 25 as the day to open bids for remodeling and expansion of the county offices at 2022 Ave. A, across the street from the Kearney-Buffalo County Law Enforcement Center in downtown Kearney. The project estimate is $350,000. Adult probation services and mental health professionals who assist law officers on some calls currently are housed in the building. The probation services will be moved to a county-owned building on Central Avenue in south Kearney. Several functions housed in the joint law enforcement center then will be moved to the former probation offices. KEARNEY For many college students, spring break is a time to relax and hang out with friends. They head to sandy beaches, snowy ski resorts or sprawling cities to have some fun before the final stretch of the school year begins. Thats not the direction one group of University of Nebraska at Kearney students went. Instead of visiting a popular tourist destination, they spent the week in Benton, Kentucky, population 4,800. Kinzee Derr, Ella Hanson, Seneca Hertel, Abigail Huntley, Olivia Janssen, Amelia Moore, Ben Slaymaker and Ellie Weis are all part of Christian Student Fellowship (CSF), a nondenominational campus ministry that organizes annual mission trips during spring break. This year, the group partnered with Helping His Hands, a disaster response organization thats currently rebuilding homes in western Kentucky, where a December 2021 tornado outbreak caused significant damage. Accompanied by CSF staff, the eight Lopers met up with students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and South Dakota State University before traveling together to the Bluegrass State. They spent four days in Benton, working alongside a team of about 60 people tasked with rebuilding a local couples home. Derr, Janssen and Weis had never been on a mission trip before, but they jumped at the chance to serve others. I thought it was a really good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try something new, said Weis, a sophomore elementary education major from Kearney. Also, I really enjoyed getting a lot closer to the other people in CSF during this trip and I wanted to meet new people, which definitely happened. Janssens decision was guided by her faith and future profession. Being a social work major, I really love to interact with people and serve people. That can take a variety of forms, so I knew this would be a really good experience for me, the sophomore from Aurora said. As members of CSF, the UNK students already try to emulate Jesus traits. But they didnt know theyd also need his carpentry skills. Luckily, a lot of the guys were very patient with those of us who didnt know what we were doing, Weis said with a laugh. The UNK students helped install metal siding, build a deck and run electrical wiring. They also got to meet the homeowners. They usually had tears in their eyes, said Derr, a first-year pre-nursing student from Harvard. I think they were really grateful. Theyve been dealing with this for so long. In addition to the homebuilding, the group removed wallpaper, painted, cleaned and completed other projects at the church where they stayed. During the downtime, they engaged in spiritual conversations and connected with other members of the team, which included college and high school students from across the country. It was really neat to meet all the other people, Janssen said. Even though we come from different places and different backgrounds, we share the same values. All three UNK students say their faith and gratitude grew during the week. I met so many loving people and saw the impact you can have, even with just this one couple, and Ive really been reflecting on that, Derr said. Thats just an amazing outcome from this trip. My biggest takeaway is not to take anything for granted, Weis said, because in that one day, their whole house was destroyed. I think it gave me a renewed feeling of gratefulness and a realization that every day matters. I would recommend this experience for anyone. Its just a great trip, Janssen said. Theyre willing to work with anyone who wants to help other people. And you might learn about construction, as well, she added with a laugh. Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services is short-staffed. Typically, the department has eight people on per shift, but until it hires more first responders the firefighter paramedics are working with seven-person teams. Jason Thom, Chippewa Falls fire chief, said hes looking to hire seven more people immediately to work as firefighter paramedics. The department needs to fill four of those positions to keep up with its staffing numbers from the last few years. Three of the positions are new, after a public safety referendum passed last November Chippewa Falls taxpayers agreed to exceed the levy limit by $1,222,791 per year, starting in January 2023, to add three full time fire/EMS positions as well as a new police officer, plus provide a first responder pay raise to the police and fire departments. Looking ahead a few months, there will also be a member of the fire department who is retiring, and that position will need to be filled, leaving the expected total of new hires in 2023 at eight people. Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services Department is a full-time career department that manages two fire stations in the city. A full roster consists of three shifts with eight firefighter/EMTs, the fire chief, a fire inspector and a department administrative assistant. The three new fire/EMS personnel positions will help the department keep up with high call demands. If we have more staff, that's really a high benefit. We want the best possible staff out there in the field, Greg Hoffman, the mayor of Chippewa Falls, said in November. When you call for paramedics to come, I want the best paramedic that you have and, I'm gonna be honest with you, theyve been to my house numerous times. Believe me, it's the expertise of the paramedics which kept me alive. In 1990, Chippewa Falls EMS took over local ambulance service and added that to part of the fire department in the city, former fire chief Lee Douglas said. At that time, Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services had 26 full-time firefighter EMTs. Fast forward to today. We went from around 750 calls per year annually and now this year we will most likely surpass 3,600 calls. We are doing that with the same (number of) staff, Douglas said. I feel like this department in the city has been as fiscally responsible as possible. But were now seeing that 500% increase in call volume. We're at the point where we need to be able to staff another ambulance full time on a 24/7 rotation. Thom, who took over as fire chief in January, said the department is in the process of purchasing a fifth ambulance and recruiting new staffers. We are not fully staffed, he said. We're working hard at it. We've been in contact with the tech schools. We've tried to be creative, Thom said. Unfortunately, it's not just isolated to our department. It's not a Chippewa Falls problem. It's not a Chippewa County problem, not a Wisconsin problem. It's nationwide. There's a shortage of firefighter paramedics. Thom said he never imagined there would be a shortage of workers in his field. There's obviously a lot of things that play into that. So yeah, it's been difficult. We do have some people out there that have expressed some interest and maybe don't have all of their training yet, but we've been in contact with them and are working with them and talking with them and hopefully we can get some of those people to fill some of those spots and at least get back to where we were with eight people per shift, he said. And then we can work on adding those three referendum positions. In October 2022, Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services began offering $2,500 signing bonuses to new employees in an effort to improve recruitment numbers. The signing bonus comes in two payments. New hires receive $1,250 upfront and $1,250 after 12 months of work for the department. Thom said this money helps defray moving costs and helps new hires cover education and training costs. The hiring bonus is in effect until the end of 2023, Thom said. At that point we will revisit it, he said. Thom said there are a lot of potential candidates out there to fill the departments open positions. COVID-19 disrupted the industry as well as having an effect on enrollment at the tech schools, including Chippewa Valley Technical College, which trains many of the local first responders. There are a lot of potential students out there as well. We've been working with the high schools trying to promote them, hopefully steer some of those students our direction or not even our direction, but into this field, this profession, Thom said. It's going to take a little bit of time. I don't know if there's a quick fix to it. But over time, we'll fill those positions and we'll be back to full staff plus the referendum positions. CHIPPEWA FALLS Stanley W. Davidson, 75, of Chippewa Falls passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Stan was born with a twin brother on July 31, 1947, in Osseo, Wisconsin, to Millard and Leola (Crow) Davidson. He graduated from Osseo High School in 1966 and went to work at Presto making ammunition for the war. He married, and to this union were born two children: Derek and Melissa. The couple later divorced. In 1999, on a blind date set up by family, he met the love of his life, Joyce Spaeth. They were united in marriage on Sept. 9, 2005, and to his family were joined five stepchildren: Terry, Pam, Sharie, Jim and Sheila. Together, the couple enjoyed square dancing, traveling, vacationing, cruises, trips to the casino, campfires and their summer garage parties. Stan loved everything outdoors. He marveled at the beauty of nature, and enjoyed storytelling, always taking his time without being in a big hurry. Stan was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved spending time at the farm riding around on the tractor. He loved spending time with family and friends, going to grandkids events, watching the Brewers and Packers play, and enjoyed his years on the bowling league. Stan was a very loving and wonderful husband, dad, stepdad and grandpa. He never complained about anything and made sure to give everyone a big hug. Left to cherish Stans memory are his wife, Joyce; his children: Derek Davidson and Melissa (Brent) Lunde; stepchildren: Terry (Donna) Spaeth, Pam (Rob) Spaeth, Sharie (Kevin) Ermatinger, Jim (Joyce) Spaeth, and Sheila (Dan) Dittman; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings: Steve (Karon) Davidson and Pat Indrebo; sister-in-law, Hanna Davidson; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Preceding Stan in death were his parents; his grandson, Carson Lunde; great-grandson, Logan Rubenzer; brother, Richard Davidson; sister, Jean Riphenburg; and brother-in-law, Vern Indrebo. The family would like to extend a special word of gratitude to the Mayo Health Cancer Team, St. Josephs Hospice Team and Pastor Dan Wonderly for their loving care of Stan. A time for visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dan Wonderly officiating. Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family. Please share your memories and condolences online at pedersonvolker.com. Two men have been accused of breaking into a camper Feb. 14 and stealing $1,000 worth of clothes and jewelry. Justin D. Neumann, 42, La Crosse, and Zachary E. Pupp, 41, Houston, Minnesota, were charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court with felony counts of burglary and misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property. Neumann also faces a felony bail jumping charge, and Pupp faces a misdemeanor bail jumping charge. According to the criminal complaint, Neumann, Pupp and an unidentified third male broke into a camper parked at Motel 6 on Rose Street. The victim reported missing a $500 Michael Kors jacket, a $300 Michael Kors bracelet, a $200 pair of Michael Kors shoes and a pair of carts. He also reported damage to the camper door and that the interior of the camper was in disarray. The victim told police there may be additional items missing but that he would need to go through the camper first. Police reviewed surveillance footage provided by the hotel. It allegedly shows Neumann acting as a lookout while Pupp and the unidentified male entered the camper. The complaint says the two exited with items, loaded them on a cart and wheeled them into the hotel. Neumann and Pupp reportedly returned to the camper two hours later and exited with more items. Neumann was arrested March 20. He is being held in the La Crosse County Jail on a $2,500 cash bond. His next court appearance is an April 14 calendar call. Pupp was arrested after a March 23 traffic stop. He is being held in the La Crosse County Jail on a probation hold. His next court date is an April 3 preliminary hearing. Most popular camping gear categories Most popular camping gear categories #5. Camping furniture #4. Tents and shelters #3. Coolers and chests #2. Backpacks #1. Sleeping bags and air beds Josephine Butler (18281906) was born in Northumberland, England. Her father was a social reformer and fought for the abolition of the British slave trade. Butlers second cousin on her fathers side was the British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834. She married in 1852, and she and her husband had four children. In 1863, their 6-year-old daughter, Evangeline, died after falling from a banister. Butler tried to cope with her grief by throwing herself into social work. Folklore from the time includes the story that after the death of her daughter, Butler pulled herself up and went outside in order to find someone who was in a worse situation than she was. What Butler found was the appalling treatment of prostitutes by the British government and the rampant trafficking of children in the sex trade. Butlers work to improve the treatment of prostitutes involved calling for the removal of the Contagious Diseases Acts. Created to protect public health (though mostly British army and naval officers), the Contagious Diseases Acts caused forced medical exams of working prostitutes, what Butler called surgical rape. In 1886, she succeeded and the acts were repealed. During her investigation into the affects of the Acts on prostitutes, Butler discovered that some of the prostitutes were children. She discovered a massive import business of women and children: large-scale human trafficking to fuel the British sex trade. To prove this was a problem, Butler gained the help of the editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, William Thomas Stead. Since Butler was not in a position to portray a man looking for business in the world of child prostitution, Stead stepped in and was quickly able to purchase a 13 year-old girl, from the girls mother, for only 5 pounds. Butlers role in womens history was not only as an advocate and activist; before her death, she wrote over 90 books and pamphlets, effectively documenting for history the experience of women and children in the sex trade during her time., The ROTC Eagle Battalion at UW-La Crosse outpaced 45 other teams to claim victory Feb. 24-25 in the Northern Warfare Challenge. Teams from throughout the Midwest traveled to the Coulee Region to compete in what organizers describe as the hardest race in ROTC. This years event began with several challenges at Fort McCoy rifle marksmanship, knot-tying, treatment of a hypothermic casualty and fire-starting and ended with a 17-mile ruck march through La Crosses Hixon Forest trail system. Winning the Northern Warfare Challenge was a great accomplishment for the Eagle Battalion, said Brian Knutson, chair of UW-Ls Military Science Department. With the trail covered in snow, with a thick layer of ice underneath, the course was even more challenging. Also new this year was a partnership with the River City Running Club, which hosted a ruck run community event allowing participants to see the cadet teams in action. Overall, Knutson said he is proud of the Eagle Battalions performance during the competition and of all the hard work people put in behind the scenes. This was a whole program effort, with all of our cadets and cadre manning checkpoints, monitoring team safety on the course, supervising each portion of the competition and coordinating with La Crosse Parks and Rec and Fort McCoy for the use of trails and facilities, Knutson said. We could not be prouder of all the cadets and cadre in the Eagle Battalion for creating such a great event to show off our great schools, parks and city. The Reserve Officer Training Corps program offers students the opportunity to develop leadership traits imperative to success in both the military and civilian sectors. The Eagle Battalion, as they are collectively called, consists of cadets from UW-L, Viterbo University and Winona State University. Upon completing their undergraduate degree, cadets commission into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. Jontu, a 26-year-old western lowland gorilla, arrived at Brookfield Zoo in early February from Saint Louis Zoo. Since his arrival, the silverback (adult male gorilla) has been behind the scenes getting acclimated to his new surroundings. RACINE Two people are recovering from gunshots after a weekend shooting incident near 17th Street and Taylor Avenue. The Racine Police Department said both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting that occurred about 2 p.m. Friday. The incident took place in the 2300 block of 17th Street, although police did not disclose whether it was a residence, business or other place. Sgt. Kristi Wilcox, the police department spokeswoman, described both victims as adult men. Both victims arrived at a hospital after police had been contacted. An investigation into the incident is underway. Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Janet Protasiewicz raised five times what conservative Dan Kelly received between early February and late March, with monetary transfers from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin comprising the majority of that amount. The donations from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin were fueled largely by two $1 million donations in the latest reporting period from billionaires who frequently donate to liberal campaigns. The Republican Party of Wisconsin didnt raise nearly as much, but far exceeded the $56,061 it raised in the first five weeks of 2023. Protasiewicz received nearly $12.4 million to Kellys $2.2 million between Feb. 7 and March 20, with just over $8 million in cash coming from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. She spent nearly $10.6 million, including $8.3 million on TV ads, in the latest reporting period to Kellys $2 million. Kelly spent around $340,000 on TV ads. Protasiewicz had just over $2 million left on hand at the end of the reporting period. Kelly had around $400,000. The latest reports underline Protasiewiczs continuing fundraising domination against her opponent in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which will be decided April 4. Just under $3.2 million of what she raised came from individual donors, still around 50% more than what Kelly brought in. Outside groups have been boosting Kelly on television, with the conservative candidate having no TV ads until March. But Protasiewiczs money goes further in the race than the outside expenditures because candidates have access to lower ad rates. And while the outside groups cant coordinate spending with Kelly because of a state law, Protasiewiczs spending on her own ads gives her team the ability to craft the exact message they want voters to see. Protasiewiczs support from the Democratic Party also gives her campaign a strategic boost. The state party has helped fund several internal polls over the last reporting period to advise her campaign on where voters stand in the race. Kelly funded just one internal poll in the latest reporting period. Protasiewicz spokesperson Sam Roecker declined to disclose details of the campaigns internal polls. Kelly has repeatedly criticized Protasiewicz for receiving money from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He said he wont receive monetary donations from the Republican Party of Wisconsin to avoid having to recuse himself, though he received around $450,000 in in-kind donations from the group. Protasiewicz has said she would recuse herself from Democratic Party of Wisconsin cases because of their massive donations to her. Besides the $8 million in monetary donations she received from the group, it also gave her around $800,000 in in-kind donations. I fault my opponent for taking such enormous sums of money from a party who will have interest come before the Supreme Court on a regular basis, Kelly said at a Dane County Bar Association forum last week. And it might not be the party itself, but it might be other people who bring cases in which the Democratic Party is interested in. State parties The state Democratic Partys fundraising advantage over the Republican Party reflects Protasiewiczs advantage over Kelly. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin raised nearly $6.9 million from Feb. 7 to March 20, and spent around $10.1 million during that time. The organization had $270,000 left on hand at the end of the reporting period. It received $1 million in donations from Democratic donor George Soros and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The Republican Party raised around $1.76 million and spent $1.15 million during that period, with just over $1 million left on hand. It received a $500,000 donation from GOP donor Elizabeth Uihlein. 8th Senate District In the race for Wisconsins 8th Senate District seat, Democratic candidate Jodi Habush Sinykin, of Whitefish Bay, continues to outraise her GOP challenger, Rep. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, leading up to next Tuesdays election for the seat previously held by longtime Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills. Habush Sinykin reported raising more than $836,000 between Feb. 7 and March 20, including almost $324,000 from individual donors. Knodl reported raising more than $260,000, including about $55,000 in individual donations, over the same timeframe. Despite the fundraising advantage, Habush Sinykin faces some historical challenges in the upcoming election. A Democrat has not held the seat since 1992, when Darling won the district, but several communities encompassing Milwaukee, including those in the 8th Senate District, have seen their GOP margins trending downward over the years. The 8th Senate District is located north of Milwaukee and includes portions of Whitefish Bay, Brown Deer, Cedarburg, Grafton, Menomonee Falls and Germantown. A victory by Knodl would secure Republicans a two-thirds majority in the chamber. Republicans are two seats short of a two-thirds majority in the state Assembly. Both chambers need supermajorities in order to successfully override a governors veto. A two-thirds majority would give the Senate enough votes to remove from office a state official who has been impeached by the Assembly. Under the Wisconsin Constitution, lawmakers can remove a state official for corrupt conduct in office, or for crimes and misdemeanors. 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. Madison philanthropist W. Jerome Frautschi said Tuesday he is pledging $10 million to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation to help the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Museum build a new $120 million facility Downtown. The existing Wisconsin Veterans Museum opened in 1993 in part of a 10-story building at 30 W. Mifflin St. on Capitol Square, but the space leaves no ability to expand, which limits the museums ability to execute its mission, Frautschi said. Gov. Tony Evers has proposed spending $9 million to buy the current site and do preliminary engineering work on a new museum in his proposed biennial budget for 2024-25. The remaining public funding would be in the 2026-27 biennium. The 10-story building, now privately owned, is assessed at $6.6 million for 2022. I support the Wisconsin Veterans Museums goal of building a brand-new state-of-the-art facility at 30 West Mifflin Street, as it continues to advance my goal for a cultural arts district in Downtown Madison, Frautschi said in a statement. The proximity to the new Wisconsin History Center, the State Capitol, and the Madison Childrens Museum creates the opportunity for great synergies between the organizations. Frautschi and his wife, Pleasant Rowland, have contributed broadly and deeply hundreds of millions of dollars to many of the citys major projects, including Overture Center, the Wisconsin History Center, the Madison Youth Arts Center, the Central Library, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra facility, UW-Hospital, the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, the Urban League of Greater Madisons Black Business Hub, One City Schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County. Independent missions In the 2010s, there were discussions about a shared development for a new Wisconsin Historical Society history center and Veterans Museum, but in 2019 it was determined that the best way for both museums to make their respective missions was to proceed independently. Last week, the Historical Society shared a preliminary design of a glassy, modernistic $160.5 million new history center at the top of State Street on Capitol Square. The five-story, roughly 100,000-square-foot history center will rise on the site of the existing, undersized museum at 30 N. Carroll St. and adjacent properties at 20 and 22 N. Carroll St. In 2021, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the state started a process to determine the museums requirements and develop a vision for a new $120 million facility. The Veterans Museum Foundation aims to raise $40 million in private contributions. Frautschis $10 million donation is the first major gift. Mr. Frautschis gift represents the cornerstone of the foundations campaign to fund the new facility capable of housing the legacy of our current and past Wisconsin Veterans service and sacrifices to our nation and her people, Daniel Checki, chairman of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation board, said in a statement. On behalf of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation board of directors and Wisconsin veterans past and present, we thank him for his continued and generous commitment to support this new endeavor on the Capitol Square, he said. Im thrilled at todays announcement, said Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, who represents the core Downtown. Our states veterans deserve an institution that commemorates their service to our country. It makes all the sense in the world to keep the museum at the top of State Street. No longer adequate The Wisconsin Veterans Museum dates to 1901 when it was established as the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall in the state Capitol. It is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate since 2014, one of only three in Wisconsin, which gives it access to the Smithsonians unparalleled collections and scholarship. The current facility was adequate when it opened 30 years ago, but it is no longer so and the museum, which uses the first three floors and basement of the building, cant fully execute three major parts of its mission, museum director Chris Kolakowski said. There is insufficient exhibit space to cover Vietnam to the present; education space is small with room for 50 people at most and lacks in capability to host more than lectures or small events; and the building and its HVAC is 55-plus years old and the museum needs upgrades to a state-of-the-art system to ensure proper care for artifacts on display and the archives, Kolakowski said. The museum study, completed in early 2022, considered many locations outside, in, and around Madison, he said. Among its findings, the study determined that the top of State Street outside the museums doors is the most-trafficked pedestrian corner in the entire state, validated the museums future program requirements, and more. The vision incorporates the needs of the current historical collection while making room for current and future veterans, Kolakowski said. It includes expandable and changeable exhibit space, plus expanded amenities that will add capacity to the museums ability to execute its mission. Amenities would include updated exhibits, a bigger gift shop, more archives space, and more classroom and event space, Kolakowski said. We envision the museum as more than just galleries and artifacts it is a living place to connect veterans stories with the people of Wisconsin and beyond. It is a place to help bridge the civil-military divide, he said. One of the reasons to prefer the current location for the Veteran Museums future was the synergies with the Historical Museum, Overture, Capitol, Childrens Museum, Central Library and State Street, he said. Execution of the plan, including acquisition of the current museum building from its owners, will require partnerships and resources from the state Department of Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation, Kolakowski said. Jeff Richgels can be reached at jrichgels@madison.com; Dean Mosiman can be reached at dmosiman@madison.com. Photos: Souvenirs of Service: The Things They Kept at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service 12-11052021153230 Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service 11-11052021153230 Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service 08-11052021151633 Souvenirs of Service 09-11052021151633 Souvenirs of Service 10-11052021151633 Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service Souvenirs of Service DNA gleaned from a half-eaten burrito led to the arrest in Boston Tuesday of a Madison man charged with the May 2022 firebombing of the Madison headquarters of anti-abortion group Wisconsin Family Action. Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, 29, was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport with a one-way ticket to Guatemala City, according to Timothy M. OShea, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Roychowdhury was charged with attempting to cause damage by means of an explosive. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Tuesday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell set a detention hearing for Thursday. Roychowdhurys attorney, Brendan O. Kelley, who is listed in online court records as a federal public defender, declined comment when reached by phone by The Associated Press after Tuesdays hearing. If convicted, Roychowdhury would face a minimum of five years in prison. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Prosecutors identified Roychowdhury with the help of DNA evidence found on a partially eaten burrito thrown away in a fast-food bag in March. Police had been tracking his movements on security cameras since January after tying two people, one of whom was later identified as Roychowdhury, to visually similar cursive-writing graffiti on the grounds of the state Capitol in January. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said detectives were committed to finding the person responsible for the arson, even when tips and leads were limited. Their persistence is proof that hateful acts do not have a place in Madison, Barnes said in a statement Tuesday. I applaud their work and want to thank our federal partners for all of their help leading up to this arrest. Failed to ignite In the early hours of May 8, 2022, someone attempted to throw a Molotov cocktail through the window of Wisconsin Family Actions office at 2801 International Lane near Dane County Regional Airport, authorities said at the time. The improvised explosive failed to ignite, but a separate fire was started. The incident came days after a leaked U.S. Supreme Court decision that presaged the overturning of the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade. The outside of the building also was sprayed with graffiti depicting an anarchy symbol, a coded anti-police slogan and the phrase, If abortions arent safe then you arent either. In November, after six months with no arrests, Wisconsin Family Action President Juliane Appling questioned whether the Madison Police Department had slowed the pace of its investigation because of the groups anti-abortion stance. At the time, Madison police spokesperson Hunter Lisko said the department was working on the case with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and rushing the investigative process could potentially jeopardize future legal proceedings. Appling did not immediately return a voicemail message Tuesday. Im very proud of the tireless and determined efforts the combined federal, state and local team put in to identify and arrest this individual, ATF Special Agent in Charge William McCrary said. I can assure you, our ATF Certified Fire Investigator invested long hours into this case. It is very satisfying to me to see that this alleged perpetrator has been placed in custody. DNA and graffiti According to an investigators affidavit filed with a criminal complaint: Roychowdhury was identified as a person of interest in March. Forensic biologists matched Roychowdhurys DNA, which was present on the Molotov cocktail, the cloth used in it and a lighter left at the scene in May 2022, to the DNA on the burrito and fast-food bag in mid-March. Two months earlier, police noticed the similarity in the cursive-style handwriting featured in the Capitol graffiti, which said We will get revenge, and the writing on the Wisconsin Family Action office building. While reviewing video footage from nearby parking ramps in an attempt to identify the two people seen on Capitol security cameras, police spotted them in the Tenney Plaza parking ramp and later leaving in a white Toyota pickup truck. Police later tied the vehicle to Roychowdhury after running the rear license plate number, visible on parking ramp cameras, and linked it to his Madison residence. In early March, police saw Roychowdhury park his truck in a park-and-ride lot on Madisons Southeast Side. Officers watched for about 15 minutes from 100 feet away as Roychowdhury sat alone in the truck. They then watched him get out of the truck to throw out a brown fast-food bag before driving out of the parking lot. Police then retrieved the bag from the trash, which was the only thing that had been thrown away in the time police had been observing Roychowdhury. The discarded bag included a half-eaten burrito, which police swabbed for DNA, crumpled and used napkins and four unopened hot sauce packets, all of which were then shipped off the ATF lab. Federal Election Commission records show Roychowdhury donated $27 to ActBlue, a software company that hosts fundraisers for Democratic political candidates and left-leaning causes, in 2020. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Administrators at a Wisconsin elementary school stopped a first-grade class from performing a Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet promoting LGBTQ acceptance because the song "could be perceived as controversial." Students at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha had prepared a rendition of "Rainbowland" for their spring concert, but school officials struck the song from the lineup last week. Parents in the district say the decision was made because the song encourages LGBTQ acceptance and references rainbows. Superintendent James Sebert, who did not immediately return a call on Monday, confirmed to WITI-TV in Milwaukee that administrators had removed "Rainbowland" from the first-grade concert because it might not be "appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students." He also cited a school board policy against raising controversial issues in classrooms. Sebert has previously prohibited rainbows and pride flags from being displayed in Waukesha classrooms and suspended the school district's equity and diversity work in 2021. "Let's all dig down deep inside, brush the judgment and fear aside," the song from Cyrus' 2017 album "Younger Now" goes. "Living in a Rainbowland, where you and I go hand in hand. Oh, I'd be lying if I said this was fine, all the hurt and the hate going on here." First-grade teacher Melissa Tempel said she chose the song because its message seemed universal and sweet. The class concert's theme was "The World" and included other songs such as "Here Comes the Sun," by The Beatles and "What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong. "My students were just devastated. They really liked this song and we had already begun singing it," Tempel said Monday. Administrators also initially banned the song "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppets but later reversed that decision, according to Tempel. Parents have been angered by the song's removal, Tempel said. But she was more concerned about what the ban and other district policies against expressing LGBTQ support meant for students. "These confusing messages about rainbows are ultimately creating a culture that seems unsafe towards queer people," she said. Spokespersons for Parton and Cyrus did not immediately respond to emails on Monday asking for the artists' thoughts on the ban. Wisconsin school board races, including in Waukesha, have become increasingly partisan in recent years. Republicans saw big gains across the state's school board races in 2022 and have used the positions to challenge policies from rules about transgender kids to COVID-19 restrictions. Political postcards supporting La Crosse School Board candidates Deb Suchla and Scott Neumeister were sent without approval from either candidate by the 1776 Project PAC, an out-of-state political group. The postcard, paid for by the New York-based political action committee, stated support for the two candidates due to their stances on transparency and family values. Suchla took to Facebook to condemn the postcard and express that it was not approved by her campaign. Social media has helped her spread the word about the inaccurate flier and answer questions. I dont agree with some parts of whats on (the postcard), Suchla said in an interview. I support transparency and good government. But I do not support book banning. I do not support discrimination against any students, particularly students that are struggling with gender identity. Neumeister did not respond to requests for comment. However, Suchlas original Facebook post said Neumeister did not authorize the flier. Quite frankly, this has been a little detracting from (the campaign) because my campaign message should be my campaign message, not somebody elses, Suchla said. The 1776 Project reached out to Suchla about a month ago asking if she needed help with her campaign, but Suchla didnt respond. She also has declined endorsement requests from both parties. This is a nonpartisan seat. Ive worked very hard to run a nonpartisan campaign, Suchla said. Im disappointed that, not only this flier, but other parts of this campaign, have become partisan. The website for 1776 Political PAC states the group is committed to abolish critical race theory and The 1619 Project essays about this countrys history of slavery from school curriculum. The group is dedicated to electing school board members nationwide who want to reform our public education system by promoting patriotism and pride. In 2022, the 1776 Project endorsed more than 100 school board candidates in states such as Florida, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania putting in over $3 million to help them get elected. 1776 is backed by a variety of donors, including thousands of individual contributions from across the country, according to OpenSecrets. The group also received a $900,000 donation from Restoration PAC, funded heavily by Richard Uihlein, a billionaire businessman and Republican mega donor. Lake Geneva officials have given final approval to have a handicap parking stall established in front of a Downtown restaurant. Members of the Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved, March 13, to install a handicap parking stall in front of Simple Cafe, 525 Broad St. The handicap stall was recommended by the city council's finance, licensing and regulation committee, March 7, and by the pubic works committee, Feb. 27. Several residents have requested that a handicap parking stall be established in front of the restaurant. Former Mayor Tom Hartz, co-owner of Simple Cafe, said he feels another handicap stall is needed near the area of his business. "We are absolutely in favor of increasing access for all of our residents and all of our visitors," Hartz said. "We think a handicap stall in the 500 block of Broad Street is warranted. There's one across the street. There's one around the corner." Hartz said he hopes the stall will be accessible for wheelchairs. "The one across the street has access for wheelchairs. The one around the corner doesn't," Hartz said. "I would respectfully suggest that this one here, that's being contemplated, has access for wheelchairs on that side of Broad Street." Lake Geneva is required to have 20 handicap parking stalls (2%) among its paid parking stalls. The city currently has 35 handicap parking stalls. Residents who have a valid handicap placard or license plates may park for free. However, the placard may not be used if the person with the disability is not present. The fine for a handicap parking violation is $150 in the City of Lake Geneva. The Florence museum housing Michelangelos Renaissance masterpiece the David invited parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit after complaints about a lesson featuring the statue forced the principal to resign. Florence Mayor Dario Nardella also tweeted an invitation for the principal to visit so he can personally honor her. Confusing art with pornography was ridiculous, Nardella said. The board of the Tallahassee Classical School pressured Principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign last week after an image of the David was shown to a sixth-grade art class. The school has a policy requiring parents to be notified in advance about controversial topics being taught. The incredulous Italian response highlighted how the U.S. culture wars are often perceived in Europe, where despite a rise in right-wing sentiment and governance, the Renaissance and its masterpieces, even its naked ones, are generally free of controversy. Sundays front page of the Italian daily publication Corriere della Sera featured a cartoon by its leading satirist depicting David with his genitals covered by an image of Uncle Sam and the word Shame. Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained about a lesson including a photo of the David, a 5-meter tall nude marble sculpture dating from 1504. The work, reflecting the height of the Italian Renaissance, depicts the Biblical David going to fight Goliath armed only with his faith in God. Carrasquilla has said two parents complained because they werent notified in advance that a nude would be shown, while a third called the iconic statue pornographic. Carrasquilla said in a phone interview Sunday that she is very honored by the invitations to Italy and she may accept. I am totally, like, wow, Carasquilla said. Ive been to Florence before and have seen the David up close and in person, but I would love to go and be a guest of the mayor. Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dellAccademia, where the David resides, expressed astonishment at the controversy. To think that David could be pornographic means truly not understanding the contents of the Bible, not understanding Western culture and not understanding Renaissance art, Hollberg said in a telephone interview. She invited the principal, school board, parents and student body to view the purity of the statue. Tallahassee Classical is a charter school. While it is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, it operates almost entirely independently of the local school district and is sought out by parents seeking an alternative to the public school curriculum. About 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the three-year-old institution, which is now on its third principal. Barney Bishop, chairman of Tallahassee Classicals school board, has told reporters that while the photo of the statue played a part in Carrasquillas ouster, it wasnt the only factor. He has declined to elaborate, while defending the decision. Parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture, Bishop said in an interview with Slate online magazine. Theres been such controversy and such upheaval, she said. I would really have to consider, Is this truly what is best? Marla Stone, head of humanities studies at the American Academy in Rome, said the Florida incident was another episode in escalating U.S. culture wars and questioned how the statue could be considered so controversial as to warrant a prior warning. What we have here is a moral crusade against the body, sexuality, and gender expression and an ignorance of history, Stone said in an email. The incident is about fear, fear of beauty, of difference, and of the possibilities embedded in art. MDT/AP Dr Martin Luther King has taken a crowd of nearly 25,000 people to the steps of the state capital of Montgomery, Alabama to highlight black grievances. The procession marks the end of a five-day march which started in Selma last week and it brings to a close a month of civil rights protests in Alabama. Troops policed the roads surrounding the capital and army helicopters hovered overhead as the crowd swelled to nearly 25,000. Dr King, who addressed the protesters from a podium in the square, described the trek as one of the greatest marches in the history of America. Our aim is not to humiliate and defeat the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding, he added. Dr King tried to present a petition of black grievances to Governor George Wallace but he refused to meet the delegation. The civil rights leader said he would ask trade unions to refuse to transport or use the states products and he urged the Federal Government and the Treasury to withdraw all assistance from the area. Dr King also said that demonstrations would have to continue where essential conditions remained unmet. When the march began last week, large bombs were planted at a black church, a funeral parlour and a leading black lawyers home. They were later discovered and detonated by experts from the army base at Anniston, Alabama. To prevent further attacks, US President Lyndon Johnson gave the marchers the protection of nearly 3,000 troops, plus FBI and local police assistance. But three days ago Viola Liuzzo, a white civil rights advocate who had been ferrying demonstrators to their homes, was shot dead on a lonely stretch of road near the route of the march. Meanwhile, leaders of the Ku-Klux-Klan movement have reportedly tried to contact President Johnson to dicuss his aversion to their organisation. There was no immediate response from the US President, who recently launched a scathing attack on the group, describing it as a band of hooded bigots, whose loyalty was not with the United States. Courtesy BBC News In context The protests came just months after the signing of the Civil Rights Bill which created equal rights regardless of race, colour, religion or national origin. The Voting Rights Act, which banned literacy tests and poll taxes which had previously been used to prevent black people from voting, was introduced in August 1965. But many states acted quickly to circumvent the law and most of the decade was marked by race riots and assassinations. Further riots followed in Los Angeles in August 1965. They lasted six days and left 34 dead and a further 1,000 people injured. Dr King was assassinated in April 1968 and this led to riots in 100 US cities. Black people continued to remain at a disadvantage when looking for work, and programmes of affirmative action were introduced during the 1970s under President Nixon. Alibaba founder Jack Ma has resurfaced in China after months of overseas travel, visiting a school yesterday in the city where his company is headquartered and discussed topics such as artificial intelligence. Ma founded e-commerce firm Alibaba in the 1990s and was once Chinas richest man. He has kept a low profile with few public appearances since Nov. 2020, when he had publicly criticized Chinas regulators and financial systems during a speech in Shanghai. Shortly afterward, authorities put the brakes on the initial public offering of Alibabas financial affiliate Ant Group, which had been set to raise $34.5 billion in what would have been the worlds largest share offering at the time. Alibaba was later investigated and fined $2.8 billion for breaching antitrust rules as Chinese authorities cracked down on the once-freewheeling technology industry. In the past year, Ma has been travelling, with reports of sightings in Europe, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong. His itinerary has been closely watched as a barometer of Beijings attitude towards private businesses. Yesterday, Ma visited the Yungu School in Hangzhou, in eastern China, that was established by Ma and other partners of Alibaba, according to a WeChat post by the school. Ma discussed technologies such as the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, and spoke of his passion for learning. Alibaba did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese government has been seeking to raise confidence in the private sector after regulatory crackdowns, on technology, education, online gaming and financial companies, and harsh COVID-19 restrictions slowed the economy. Earlier this month, Chinas newly-appointed premier, Li Qiang, sought to reassure entrepreneurs and investors by saying the government would provide unswerving support for the private sector. The commitment to this was unequivocal and steadfast, he said. Ma stepped down as Alibaba chairman in 2019, saying he hoped to focus on philanthropy. In January, he ceded control of Ant, the financial technology firm, amid a revamp of its shareholding structure. The same month, a top Chinese central bank official said that the crackdown on the internet industry was basically over. ZEN SOO, HONG KONG, MDT/AP The essence of Chinese-style democracy is to respect and safeguard human rights, experts said last weekend. Its purpose is to realize common prosperity for the large Chinese population, achieve coordinated development of material gains and civilization and people and nature, and pursue peaceful development, said Chen Youwu, dean of Guangdong University of Technologys School of Law. The leadership of the Communist Party of China is another important characteristic of Chinese-style democracy, which is implemented in a whole-process way that differs from Western-style democracy, Chen said at a forum hosted by Central South Universitys Human Rights Center. The core of Chinese-style democracy is to let people make the decisions. All the power of the country belongs to the people, and the happiness of the people is the biggest human right, he said. Lu Guangjin, deputy head of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, said that similar to many other countries, Chinese people won democracy after fighting for it relentlessly, and they attach great importance to it. However, it should also be remembered that due to the corruption and incompetence of the ruling class in early modern China, Chinese people did not enjoy democracy. The CPC liberated Chinese people from oppression and exploitation and enabled them to make their own decisions and win political and human rights, he said. Each country has its own style of democracy, and the standard to evaluate a countrys democracy is whether it has safeguarded the peoples interests and is supported by the people, he said. Chinese-style democracy, which has some characteristics in common with democracies in other countries, is unique because it is socialist, people-centered, whole-process and still under development, he said. There are profound historical and social reasons for China to embark on a democratic path different from Western ones. To easily overlook Chinese-style democracy is unwise, and history has proved that imposing one countrys democratic style on another cannot lead to democracy, he added. He Zhipeng, dean of Jilin Universitys School of Law, said democracy is only one type of governance model. Moreover, democracy is a type of human right, and its implementation might influence other rights, he said. Western-style democracy is based on voting, capitalism and partisan rivalry, while the ideal Chinese-style democracy features whole-process participation and consultation of different political parties, and aims to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, he added. Chang Jian, director of Nankai Universitys Research Center on Human Rights, said democracy also has its shortcomings, as there are all kinds of people who have different voices. So in order to realize democracy, compromises need to be made and such policies can sometimes be the worst ones. In order to overcome the shortcomings, Western countries have chosen elections and parliament to reach consensus, while China focuses on the Partys lead and lets the Party coordinate different opinions, he said. Chinas whole-process peoples democracy means democracy in elections, policymaking, grassroots-level governance and enterprise management as well as democracy in international relations, he added. ZOU SHUO, China Daily, China Daily Two of the most successful racers at the local Grand Prix (GP) event, Michael Rutter and Rob Huff, are returning this November to the Guia Circuit. Rutter and Huffs made this announcement on the sidelines of the unveiling of their wax figures by Madame Tussauds, which as of yesterday are on display at the Macau GP Museum alongside other six highlighted figures of worldwide motorsports. Nine-times winner of the local Motorcycle GP, Rutter told the media that the fact that he has now been immortalized in a wax figure at the GP Museum is one more reason to return to Macau, noting that since the borders returned to normal after three years of Covid-19 restrictions, this makes everything easier and is impossible to say no to. Racing in Macau since 1994, the British rider nicknamed The Blade confirmed that he will return in November to race in what will be another special edition of the Macau GP, celebrating 70 years of the competition. This year also marks the 55th edition of the motorcycle race, a competition that returned last year after a two-year hiatus (2020 and 2021) when the event did not take place due to the restrictions imposed on the entry of foreign racers, who compose the totality of the motorcycle paddock. The wax figure of Rutter will join the motorcycle currently displayed, as it has been for many years now, in which Rutter won the 2003 edition of the Motorcycle GP. Returning once again to Macau this November, will also be the Brit Rob Huff, the most successful touring cars racer in Macau with 10 wins under his belt. It was confirmed to the media yesterday that he will be once again racing at the Guia Circuit this year, although he has not yet confirmed which race he will be entering. Amazed at being also immortalized in the local museum with this wax figure by Madame Tussauds, Huff is said to be a fan of the work and has visited several Madame Tussauds Wax Museums, never guessing that one day he would be featured in one himself. Huffs wax figure will also be featured next to the Lada Granta in which he won Race 2 of the 2014 Guia Race of Macau. The Australian government took a major step toward implementing a key climate policy that would force chief greenhouse gas polluters to reduce emissions, with the minor Greens party pledging their support yesterday. The center-left Labor Party administration said the so-called Safeguard Mechanism reforms are essential to Australia reaching its target of reducing its emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade. The reforms would create a ceiling on the nations emissions and force Australias 215 biggest polluting facilities to reduce their emissions over time. The Climate Council, a leading climate communicator, described the reforms as the first Australian legislation in a decade that would regulate greenhouse gas pollution. With the support of the Greens 11 senators, the government only needs the backing of two unaligned or minor party senators to get the reforms through the upper chamber. Greens leader Adam Bandt said a hard cap on emissions would mean that half of the 116 new coal and gas projects proposed in Australia would not go ahead. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed under the cap has not been made public. The cap would be reduced over time as polluters scaled back their emissions. The Greens, through the negotiations, has secured a big hit on oil and gas, Bandt told reporters as he confirmed his partys support for the reforms. The legislation was passed yesterday by the House of Representatives, where Labor holds a majority of seats. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Safeguard Mechanism is the vehicle to achieve our commitment for 43% reduction by 2030. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that without the mechanism, Australia would only reduce its emissions by 35% by the end of the decade. Today were a big step closer to passing the Safeguard Mechanism reforms through Parliament, Bowen said. The reforms would reduce Australias greenhouse gas emissions by 205 million metric tons (226 million U.S. tons) by 2030, equivalent to taking two-thirds of Australias cars off the road in the same time, Bowen said. Big polluters would be able to buy carbon credits to help achieve their emission reduction targets. But polluters that use carbon credits to achieve more than 30% of their abatement would have to explain why they were not doing more to reduce their own emissions. Opposition climate change and energy spokesperson Ted OBrien rejected the reforms, saying capping emissions would drive Australian industrial investment offshore to China and India. This is not a plan to decarbonize the Australian economy but rather a plan to deindustrialize it, OBrien said. The conservative opposition created the Safeguard Mechanism when it was in power in 2016. But the emission limits were so high that the 215 major polluters, which account for 30% of Australias emissions, were able to increase their emissions by 4%. The previous government had set a less ambitious target of reducing Australias emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030. The Climate Council welcomed the Greens deal with the government as a historic agreement. This will be the Federal Parliaments first reform to genuinely cut pollution in a decade, Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said in a statement. The Australia Institute, a left-wing policy think tank, was critical that the reforms would allow some new fossil fuel projects to proceed, though fewer than under the current mechanism. Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Glenn Walker said the most important task for the Australian Parliament was to rule out new fossil fuel mines in favor of clean, future-proof industries. ROD McGUIRK, CANBERRA, MDT/AP The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is calling for local participants for the 2023 China International Import Expo, which will be held between Nov. 5 and 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) (NECC (Shanghai)). Participants must be enterprises registered in Macau, and offer products produced locally. Otherwise, they must be agencies for products from lusophone countries or providers of professional services catering to the lusophone market. The expo introduces itself as a significant move for the Chinese government [] to give firm support to trade liberalization and economic globalization and actively open the Chinese market to the world. Related The science and technology research and development facility at the Concordia Industrial Park in Coloane is expected to open soon, the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) announced yesterday. On the sidelines of an institute event, Chair Prof. Joseph Hun-wei Lee, MUST president, told the press about the prospective event. The 10,000-square-meter facility will house several state- to international-level laboratories, such as a marine life lab appointed by the Ministry of Water Resources, and a mass-scale respiratory disease outbreak prediction lab. Lee pointed out that the new facility will be the home for research and development for several faculties. It will be the space for cross-disciplinary experiment and development. Lee said the facility would help nurture talents in cross-disciplinary studies. Last year, the MUST inaugurated the Faculty for Innovative Engineering, which in Lees opinion will help consolidate the institutions resources in science and engineering. It will also provide pathways for new bachelors degree programs, with a new program opening in the coming September. He expects the number of students in science and technology programs to double. Lee added that the MUST would constantly strive for global accreditations and open on-par new science and technology programs that suit the needs of the Greater Bay Area. He hopes that in the future, the institution will be able to establish facilities in Hengqin. MUST confers honoris causa degrees The MUST conferred yesterday doctoris honoris causa upon 14 recipients as part of the celebrations for its 23rd anniversary. Those honored included Haruki Murakami, writer of the influential Norwegian Wood and 1Q84, as well as Laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Franz Kafka Prize; Chua Lam, writer and food critic; Prof. Peter Doherty, Nobel Laureate and immunologist; and Prof. Zhao Yupei, surgeon and president of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, among others. Additionally, seminar sessions were also held to discuss arts, diplomacy and space. A new center for the protection of Palace Museum heritage is being built in the SAR and will be completed in two to three years, said an official from the Palace Museum in Beijing, as cited in a report issued by China Daily. The Macau center will have two major functions protecting the cultural heritage of Macau, and designing cultural offerings related to the Palace Museum, which is also known as the Forbidden City, according to Dong Dan, deputy director of the International Exchange Department of the Palace Museum. We want our Macau center to be different from its counterpart in Hong Kong, which displays exhibits mainly on loan from Beijing, said Dong in a press conference, according to the report. Data from the museum shows that the Hong Kong Palace Museum has welcomed more than 900,000 visitors since its opening last July. It has a collection of 900 treasures borrowed from the Palace Museum in Beijing, covering ink paintings, calligraphy, ceramic and cultural artifacts related to the imperial families that previously inhabited the Forbidden City. Dong also added that the Palace Museum aims to spread Chinese culture through products to be exhibited and sold at the Macau center. Macau is a popular tourist destination and we hope tourists visiting from across the world will take home our products and learn about Chinese culture, added Dong. Since Macaus return to China in 1999, the Palace Museum has held 31 shows in the SAR. The latest was Auspicious Beginning: Spring Festival Traditions in the Forbidden City, an exhibition showcasing the imperial traditions of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In addition to cultural exchanges with Macau and Hong Kong, the Palace Museum has expanded cooperation with counterparts overseas, demonstrating the philosophy, methods and techniques of Chinese archaeology. Staff Reporter SJM Resorts, S.A. is collaborating with six artists from the Macau Youth Art Association as part of an on-going effort toward nurturing local artistic talent. On March 30, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and the art association will jointly unveil Blossoms at Grand Lisboa Palace A Group Exhibition by Macaus Emerging Artists, an exhibition of large-scale art installations featuring blossoming flowers in springtime on display in the integrated resort. In addition to these exhibits, Grand Lisboa Palace will host monthly weekend art workshops, according to the gaming operator. The six artists from the Macau Youth Art Association are: watercolourist Julia Lam; gongbi painting specialist Leong Kit Man; watercolourist Kuok Hoi Leng; Liu Xinjue, who focuses on healing and beauty in her work; as well as Dor Lio and Chiang Wai Lan both well-known for their fairytale artistic styles. A Japanese student showed up to graduation as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys lookalike, wearing his signature olive-colored, snug-fit T-shirt and khaki trousers to show his support for Ukraines fight against Russia. Most graduation ceremonies in Japan feature graduates in suits or formal dress. But Kyoto University has its own tradition of students who opt for different attire on their special day. This year, Zelenskyy was the star at the event. I am President Zelenskyy, the student told local TV network Yomiuri. He said it took him three months to grow his beard. He decided to be his lookalike for the graduation ceremony Friday, because since December, when I was growing out my beard, I was told I look like President Zelenskyy. His performance was not just a comical cosplay. The student, who goes by Amiki on Twitter, was holding a sign carrying messages expressing his support for Ukraine, along with a passage from Zelenskyys speech in December at the U.S. Congress. In the video from TV Osaka, he said he respects Zelenskyy as the real man among men. We stand for Ukraine! Justice will prevail in the end, I hope so. Glory to Ukraine, he tweeted. The student also held a wooden shamoji a rice serving spoon like the one that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented to Zelenskyy as a gift during his secret trip to Kyiv last week. The rice paddle is a specialty of Hiroshima, where Kishida is from, and bears a prayer for victory, but was bitterly criticized by opposition lawmakers as nonsense. Giving a rice serving spoon to the leader of a country at war didnt seem appropriate, the student said. Nonetheless, Im happy if the Ukrainian people were pleased and the traditional prayer behind it was conveyed. Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky retweeted a scene from the video of the Zelenskyy lookalike, as well as the students tweets showing solidarity for Ukraine. MDT/AP Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou departed for a tour of China yesterday, in what he called an attempt to reduce tensions a day after Taiwan lost one of its few remaining diplomatic partners to China. Ma is visiting in a private capacity, bringing a delegation of academics and college students for exchanges, as well as members of his family, but the trip is loaded with political meaning. Mas policies brought Taiwan and Beijing to their closest relationship ever, but his exit from office was overshadowed by massive protests against a trade deal with the mainland and his successor has focused on bolstering ties with the U.S. and defending the autonomy of the democratically governed island that is part of Chinas territory. Current leader Tsai Ing-wen is expected to launch a 10-day diplomatic tour of her own Wednesday, ostensibly to visit the islands remaining allies in Latin America. She will stop in the U.S., Taiwans biggest unofficial partner and supplier of arms. Mas visit comes amid rising tensions. Beijing has stepped up pressure against Taiwan in recent years, poaching its diplomatic allies while also sending military fighter jets flying towards the island on a near daily basis. On Sunday, Honduras established diplomatic relations with China, leaving Taiwan with only 13 countries that recognize it as a sovereign state. Ma, a member of the opposition Nationalist Party (Kuomintang), will land in Shanghai before starting his visit in nearby Nanjing. He is expected to tour the mainland from March 27 to April 7, stopping in Wuhan and Changsha, as well as other cities. He is bringing college students from Taiwan to meet with fellow students from Shanghais Fudan University and Changshas Hunan University. Ma has framed the visit as a bid to lower the tensions in cross-strait relations through people to people exchange. I hope through the enthusiasm of the youth and their interactions to improve the cross-strait mood, so bring peace faster, and earlier, he said to reporters ahead of his departure on Monday afternoon. He also said it would be his first time visiting China. His trip has not drawn much controversy in Taiwan, where the public is used to seeing Kuomintang politicians visit China. However, it has been criticized by some political opponents and activists. A former mainland student leader in the 1989 Tiananmen square protests called on Ma to cancel his trip. If you have even a strand of affection for Taiwan you should announce the cancellation of your trip, said Wang Dan, a Chinese dissident who previously lived in Taiwan, on his Facebook page. A handful of protesters from a pro-independence group held a demonstration at the departures area at Taoyuan airport before Mas departure. On the other side, a small group of people from the pro-unification camp also came to the airport to show their support. Cross-strait relations are like flowers blossoming in spring and both sides are a family, they shouted. The trip is also a chance for him to honor his ancestors, ahead of Tomb Sweeping Day on April 5. During the festival, which is celebrated in Taiwan and China among other countries, families visit ancestral graves to maintain the burial grounds and remember the dead. Ma will not go to Beijing, but may meet with Chinese officials. Ma met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in 2015, while he was still in office. The meeting was the first between the leaders of the two sides since Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 during the Chinese civil war, but was considered more symbolic than substantive. In 2016, the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party won national elections and Beijing cut off contact with Taiwans government, citing Tsais refusal to endorse the idea that Taiwan and China are one country. HUIZHONG WU & JOHNSON LAI, TAOYUAN, MDT/AP The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will extend the program that currently offers discounts and special benefits to Hong Kong visitors who visit Macau to include all overseas tourists arriving in Macau via Hong Kong, MGTO director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said yesterday on the sidelines of the unveiling of the wax figure at the Macau Grand Prix Museum. The aim is to attract more visitors from overseas, taking advantage of the program targeting Hong Kong residents. She also said that a subsidy plan targeting foreign group tours as well as those from Taiwan will be launched soon as well. According to figures cited by Senna Fernandes, so far a total of 2,048 groups have arrived in Macau after the resumption of this type of traveling in February. MGTO says that over 2,000 groups account for over 60,000 visitors, and from these 542 groups arrived from Guangdong province, involving a total of 17,000 visitors. A large majority of the group tours (1,439), which account for some 41,000 people, have applied for the overnight staying subsidy from the MGTO, she added. The director of MGTO assured the media that the Office has inspectors on sites and will increase the inspections of tour groups. So far, four tour guides from the mainland were found to be illegally operating in Macau. Senna Fernandes said that over 330 inspections have been made on this matter since January this year. Tokyo has demanded that China release a Japanese national who was detained in Beijing earlier this month on suspicion of spying, Japans top government spokesperson said yesterday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference that Japans Embassy in China was informed by Chinese authorities that a Japanese man in his 50s was taken into custody in Beijing earlier in March. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that the Japanese citizen is suspected of engaging in espionage activities in violation of the criminal law and the Anti-Espionage Law of the Peoples Republic of China. All foreigners who visit and live in China must abide by Chinese laws, and those who break the law and commit crimes must be held accountable according to the law, Mao said at a regular news briefing. He said that similar cases involving Japanese citizens have occurred repeatedly and urged the Japanese government to strengthen education among its citizens and send them reminders. In Tokyo, Matsuno said the Japanese government had demanded the early release of its citizen. Japan also requested that Chinese authorities allow the man access to Japanese consular officials. He said Japans government is providing as much support for him as possible, including communicating with relevant parties. A Japanese pharmaceutical company, Astellas Pharma Inc., acknowledged that the man detained is its employee, but declined to disclose further details, including his name, position and whether he is based in China. The company said it was seeking information from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. More than a dozen Japanese citizens with business or other connections to China have been arrested in the past over allegations including spying. A Japanese diplomat was detained for questioning in 2022 and released hours later, prompting strong protests from Japan. Tokyo and Beijing have been increasingly at odds in recent years as Japan considers Chinas growing influence in the region as a threat to its national security and the economy. MDT/AP Just a few days after being branded a war criminal in an international arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin was talking peace with his most important ally, Chinese president Xi Jinping. The setting for the get-together was the late-15th-century Faceted Chamber, the ornate throne room of Muscovite grand princes and czars. The main topics of discussion were fittingly grandiose: How should hostilities in Ukraine end? And after the war is over, how should the international security system be reshaped? The reaction of many in the West to the proposals put forward by China and discussed with Russia has been notably suspicious of intentions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned the world not to be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China to freeze the war on its own terms. Such sentiment is understandable. Putin launched a brutal, unprovoked war in Ukraine. Amid the heightened emotional environment of missile attacks on civilians, horrific atrocities against ordinary citizens and deportation of children from Ukraine, even a cool evaluation of ways to end the fighting, declare a cease-fire, and begin talks by the belligerents has led to accusations of appeasement. And the peace plan put forward by China on Feb. 24, 2023, and discussed with Putin during a March 20-22 meeting in Moscow has been criticized as overly vague and lacking concrete suggestions. In such circumstances, it can be difficult to consider what the interest of the other side might actually be in bringing the killing to an end, and their sincerity of any purported efforts to do so. But as a historian, I ask, what does the world look like from the other side? How has the run-up to the war and the war itself been understood by Russia and China? And what do Xi and Putin envision a post-conflict world to look like? Playing by the rules but whose? The rulers of both Russia and China see the West-dominated rules-based international order a system that has dominated geopolitics since the end of the Second World War as designed to uphold the global hegemony of the United States. The two mens stated preference is for a multilateral system, one which would most probably result in a number of regional hegemons. This would include, to be sure, China and Russia holding sway in their own neighborhoods. Xi put the matter rather gently during his Moscow trip: The international community has recognized that no country is superior to others, no model of governance is universal, and no single country should dictate the international order. The common interest of all humankind is in a world that is united and peaceful, rather than divided and volatile. Reflecting his more street tough style, Putin was more blunt. Russia and China have consistently advocated the shaping of a more just multipolar world order based on international law rather than certain rules serving the needs of the golden billion, he said, referencing a theory that holds that the billion people in the richest countries of the world consume the greatest portion of the worlds resources. Continuing in this vein, Putin said the crisis in Ukraine was an example of the West trying to retain its international dominance and preserve the unipolar world order while splitting the common Eurasian space into a network of exclusive clubs and military blocs that would serve to contain our countries development and harm their interests. China as peacemaker? Beijing appears intent to play the role of negotiator-in-chief in this transition to a multipolar world order. After its success shouldering aside the United States and brokering a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, China has turned its attention to Ukraine. With its peace proposal on Ukraine, China has deftly established certain principles to which other nations would eagerly subscribe. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community, holds the first principle in language that would be hard to object to. But those anodyne sentences point in two directions at once. Upholding sovereignty appears, at first, to be aimed at Russia a year after it had so clearly violated the sovereignty of neighboring Ukraine. But the principle also can be read to include the conflict over Taiwan, which is recognized by Beijing and most other states as a part of China. It is perhaps no accident that the plans wording comes as the U.S., which officially recognizes the position that Taiwan and mainland China are one country, has toughened its stance, vowing to defend the island should it be invaded.To Beijing, the United States appears intent on turning a rival, China, into an enemy. Nations, China asserts, have the right to enhance their security but not at the expense of others. This principle echoes directly one of Putins most frequently expressed reasons for the conflict with Ukraine: the expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe and the alliances promise to expand further by admitting Georgia and Ukraine. In Putins view, such NATO encroachment is an existential threat to Russias security interests. But the Chinese plan also rejects Putins nuclear saber-rattling: The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed. Meanwhile, the Chinese strongly insist on the need for an immediate cease-fire and the start of negotiations, a call that Washington vehemently rejected as a concession that amounted to diplomatic cover for Russia to continue to commit war crimes. What will Russia settle for? Russias aims in the Ukraine war are simple enough to dissect, though they have been reduced after the effective Ukrainian resistance to the initial invasion. Instead of taking over all of Ukraine, and perhaps setting up a puppet government, Moscow has been forced to accept limited territorial gains in the Donbas and the coastal crescent linking both the region and Russia with Crimea. Reduced though they are, such Russian goals are completely unacceptable to Ukraine and to the Western alliance and, indeed, to all countries that accept that principle that international borders cannot be legitimately changed unilaterally by military force. Although not clearly spelled out, this principle is even contained in the very first sentence of the Chinese peace plan: Universally recognized international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. That notwithstanding, Putin has welcomed the intervention of China and the plan in general terms. Rival global ambitions So whats in this for Beijing, given that to many, the peace plan is already a non-starter? The conflict in Ukraine is not only devastating to the two belligerents involved, but destabilizing for states around the world. In the short run, China may be benefiting from the war because it consumes attention and armaments from the West and diverts its gaze from East Asia. The U.S. pivot to the east a planned refocusing from the Obama administration onward aimed at countering the perceived threat of China has stalled. But there is an argument that Xi is most concerned with Chinas renewal of economic development, which would rely on less confrontational relations with Europe and the United States. Stability, both domestically and internationally, works to Chinas economic advantage as a major producer and exporter of industrial goods. And Beijing is mindful that a slump in foreign demand and investment is hitting the countrys economic prospects. As such, Beijings new role as peacemaker whether in the Middle East or Eastern Europe may indeed be sincere. Further, Xi may be the only person on the globe able to persuade Putin to think seriously about a way out of war. Standing in the way of peace, however, is not only the current intransigence of Russia and Ukraine. The United States long-held foreign policy aim of maintaining its indispensable nation status runs counter to Russia and Chinas ambition to end American global dominance. It presents two, seemingly insurmountable, rival ambitions. Ronald Suny University of Michigan, MDT/The Conversation JERUSALEMOne of the oldest surviving biblical manuscripts, a nearly complete 1,100-year-old Hebrew Bible, could soon be yours for a cool $30 million. The Codex Sassoon, a leather-bound, hand written parchment to me containing almost the entirety of the Hebrew Bible, is set to go on the block at Sotheby's in New York in May. Its anticipated sale speaks to the still bullish market for art, antiquities and ancient manuscripts even in a world wide bear economy. Sotheby's is drumming up interest in hopes of enticing institutions and collectors to bite. It has put the price tag at an eye-watering $30 million to $50 million. Last week, Tel Aviv's ANU Museum of the Jewish People opened a week long exhibition of the manuscript,part of a whirl wind worldwide tour of the artifact in the United Kingdom, Israel and the United States before its expected sale. "There are three ancient Hebrew Bibles from this period," said Yosef Ofer, a professor of Bible studies at Israel's Bar Il an University: the Codex Sassoon and Aleppo Codex from the10th century, and the Leningrad Codex, from the early 11thcentury. Only the Dead Sea Scrolls and a handful of fragmentary early medieval texts are older, and "an entire Hebrew Bible is relatively rare," he said. Codex Sassoon Starting a few centuries before the Codex Sassoon's creation,Jewish scholars known as Masoretes started codifying oral traditions of how to properly spell, pronounce, punctuate and chant the words of Judaism's holiest book. Unlike Torahscrolls, where the Hebrew letters are devoid of vowels and punctuation, these manuscripts contained extensive annotation instructing readers how to recite the words correctly. Precisely where and when the Codex Sassoon was made remains uncertain. Sharon Liberman Mintz, a senior Judaica specialist at So the by's, said that radio carbon dating of the parchment gave an estimated date of 880 to 960. The codex's writing style suggests its creator was an unspecified early 10th-century scribe in Egypt or the Levant. "It's like the emergence of the biblical text as we know it today," Mintz said." It's so foundational not only for Judaism, but also for world culture." Though it's certainly ancient and rare, scholars say the Codex Sassoon doesn't match the pedigree and quality of its contemporary the Aleppo Codex. "Any Masoretic scholar in their right mind would take the Aleppo Codex over the Sassoon Codex, without any regret or hesitation," said Kim Phillips, a Bible expert at the Cambridge University Library. He said the scribal quality was"surprisingly sloppy" compared to its counterpart. The Aleppo Codex, dated to around 930, has been considered the gold standard of the Masoretic Bibles for around 1,000 years. The Codex Sassoon's margins contain an annotation from a later scholar who say she checked its text against the Aleppo Codexreferring to the manuscript by the Arabic title a-Taj, "the Crown." "The Aleppo Codex is more precise than the Sassoon Codex,there's no doubt,"Ofer said. "But because it's missing (a third of its pages), in those parts that are absent, there is great significance to this manuscript." The Codex Sassoon's 792 pages make up around 92% of the Hebrew Bible. These venerable manuscripts were protected and treasured by Syrian Jewish communities for centuries until the 20th century. How the Sassoon Codex survived the ages is an epic in its own right. Manuscript's history A note on the manuscript attest to its owners in centuries past: A man named Khalaf ben Abraham gave it to Isaac ben Ezekiel al-Attar, who gave it to his sons Ezekiel and Maimon. It later migrated east to the town of Makisin in what's today northeast Syria, where it was dedicated to a synagogue in the 13th century. Sometime in the following decades, the synagogue was destroyed and the codex entrusted to Salama ibn Abi al-Fakhr until the synagogue was rebuilt. It never was rebuilt, but the book survived. Its where abouts for the next 500 years remain uncertain until it resurfaced in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1929, and was bought by a legendary collector of Jewish manuscripts whose name it still bears. David Solomon Sassoon was a Bombay-born son of an Iraqi Jewish business magnate who filled his London home with a massive collection of Jewish manuscripts. "His capacity was astounding, both in terms of number but also in terms of what he was able to find," said Raquel Ukeles, head of collections at Israel's National Library. Sassoon roved across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa buying up old books, and by his death in 1942, he had a massed over 1,200 manuscripts. Sassoon's estate was broken up after he died and the codex was sold by Sotheby's in Zurich in 1978 to the British Rail Pension Fund, which had started investing in art several years earlier, for around $320,000. The pension fund flipped the Codex Sassoon 11 years later for 10 times its hammer price. Jacqui Safra, a banker and art collector, bought it in 1989 for $3.19 million and is now putting it up for auction. Not quite priceless If the target price is realized, the Codex Sassoon could not only eclipse the most expensive Jewish document ever sold the 2021 sale of the Luzzatto Machzor, a 14th-century prayer book, for $8.3 million. It also could break the record for the priciest historical document ever sold at public auction. That honor is currently held by a 1787 copy of the U.S. Constitution sold in2021 for $43million. Yoel Finkelman, a former curator of Judaica at Israel's National Library, said that prices for Judaica manuscripts have skyrocketed in recent years, but Sotheby's proposed range is " a different league." Few institutions, and only a small handful of ultrawealthy collectors, could afford such a price tag. There is precedent, however, of museums joining forces to buy prized manuscripts or philanthropists donating their purchases to libraries and other bodies. Ukeles said that the National Library managed to purchase seven of Sassoon's manuscripts when his collection was auctioned off in the 1970s,"but this one got away. And so for us, this is an opportunity to bring this great treasure home." Whining. Stubborn. Utterly unhelpful. Thats how a Dane County judge described the behavior of an attorney representing the owners of the former Paisans building in a lawsuit over an unpaid utility bill. The lawyers miscues mean the building owner is now on the hook for the full amount. Greg Rice and Rice Investors LLC, the owners of the Downtown building at 131 W. Wilson St., must pay about $258,000 to Madison Gas and Electric in a default judgment handed down by Circuit Judge Jacob Frost on Monday. Rice had a chance to keep the litigation against him from being settled so soon. But his attorney, Cynthia Fiene, didnt meet a deadline to respond to the lawsuit because she couldnt figure out the courts electronic filing system, according to court records. Fiene didnt send her response to the lawsuit to MGEs lawyers either, a response that could have been sent via fax, mail, delivered in person or possibly by email. An attorney who refuses to become proficient with e-filing must either hire staff to do so or move to an area of law other than litigation, Frost said. The statute does not provide an exception for attorneys who hate technology or find themselves struggling to become proficient at it. Fiene did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Fiene had until Aug. 29 to respond to the lawsuit, 20 days after MGE first served its complaint against Rice. But Fiene didnt file anything until after the court had closed on Aug. 29, Frost said. This is careless, not excusable neglect, Frost said. On Aug. 31, MGE asked the court to rule in its favor since Rices answer to the lawsuit was late. Rice asked the court to dismiss the claims against him. Frost ruled in favor of MGE last week. Fiene accused MGE attorneys of misconduct without providing any evidence to support the claim, Frost said. As the saying goes, people in glass houses should not throw stones, Frost said. Frosts rulings on Rices unpaid utility bills come after more than a year of legal battles over the derelict, deteriorating Downtown building that overlooks Lake Monona and once housed the popular Paisans Restaurant. A Dane County judge found Rice in contempt last June for failing to perform court-ordered inspections of the building. The building has been closed three times since September 2021 over a crumbling underground parking garage that is currently being held up by about 3,200 metal braces. Plans for redeveloping the property continue to work their way through the city approval process. The proposal from developer Terrence Wall would demolish the building and erect a $35 million, 15-story structure with apartments and space for businesses. In January, the citys Plan Commission approved the development, which will go to the Urban Design Commission for final approval on Wednesday. Responses to the Wisconsin State Journals candidate questionnaire. The general election is April 4. (I) denotes incumbent. Anthony (Nino) Amato Age: 71 Family: Two adult daughters (Nikki and Katrina) and four granddaughters (Lucia, Juliette Rose, Marin and Azure) Job: UW-Platteville College of Engineering adjunct professor in energy, environment and society and sustainability policy and practices Prior elected office: Madison City Council from 1975 to 1977 Other public service: Member, State Elections Commission Voter Accessibility Advisory Committee; chair/president Business & Industry Advisory Board, College of Engineering Sustainability Renewable Energy Systems (SRES), UW-Platteville; honorary chair and board member, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging & Health Groups; co-chair, We Are Many United Against Hate Public Policy Committee; chair, Strengthening Neighborhood Ties Neighborhood Public Safety & Engagement; boardpmember and Audit Committee chair, Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans (Retirees Representing: AFT, AFL-CIO, UAW, WEAC, USW, IBEW, AFSCME, SEIU); member, University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinic Authority Board; former president and vice president Wisconsin Technical College System Board of Directors; advisory board chair, UW-Madison School of Education (College Affordability); chair, City of Madison Community Site Selection Committee Goodman Pool Site; co-chair, Task Force Madison-Dane County Public Health Departments Unification and Merger; chaired Mayor Baumans Task Force on Race Relation and Racial Profiling; chaired Dane County Executive Falks Economic Development Summit & CNA Career Ladders; elected two consecutive terms as the vice-chair, the NAACP of Dane County Education: Master of arts in evidence-criminal justice and public policy administration from UW-Madison; bachelor of science in political science and Wisconsin Teachers Certification in secondary education from UW-Madison Nikki Conklin (I) Age: 38 Family: Three children: Andrew, 18; Zaria, 16; and Xyla, 2 Job: Madison City Council member Prior elected office: Madison City Council member since 2021 Other public service: Since 2021: Common Council Executive Committee; the Community Development Block Grant Committee; Disability Rights Commission; Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee; and the Sustainable Madison Committee. Past membership on the Lussier Community Education Center board of directors Education: Bachelors degree in human services with social work training certificate from Upper Iowa University, 2020; associate degree in human services from Madison College, 2016 Email and website: nikki4madison@gmail.com and www.nikki.vote Q&A What experience or insight do you bring to this race that your opponent doesnt have? Amato: Thirty-Five years of senior leadership experience in environmental and economic sustainability and public policy; a proven track record in bringing culturally and political diverse political groups together; an in-depth understanding of local, county, state and federal public policy development; and decades of City of Madison constituent relationships race-relations community accomplishments Conklin: As current alder, I have the skills and vision for helping Madison reach its full potential. As a Black mother working, living and raising my three children in District 9, I have experienced firsthand the issues that need tackling in this district and Im actively working for positive change. I have a holistic view that focuses on addressing root causes to give our community what it needs to thrive. What is the most important issue in this election and how would you address it? Amato: Reducing the epidemic of gun violence, shots fired, home and auto thefts, burglaries, homicides and weekly physical assaults on innocent citizens. Based on President Barack Obamas Task Force of 21st Century Policing and my professional experience in preparing UW college students in becoming empathetic police officers a focus and increase staffing of neighborhood policing, build trust among neighborhood residents and their family members which leads to safer neighborhoods, while reducing crime through citizen cooperation and overall improves the public safety of your city. Unlike my opponent, I support increased funding for neighborhood policing. Conklin: As alder of District 9, my priorities are quality affordable housing, equity and justice, and safety for all. I know healthy communities equal safe communities. I have and will continue to be a strong advocate for Madisons extremely successful Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) program. I will continue to work closely and collaboratively with MPD and invest in youth employment and violence prevention. List three of your top budget priorities. Amato: 1) Maintaining the same level of staffing for police, fire, garbage pick-up, snow removal, street maintenance and clean-up and city park maintenance; 2) immediately examine public safety essential capitol items only for 2024 and place on hold all nonessential capital construction; 3) immediately freeze all vacant full-time and part-time positions and outside contractors (expect police and fire), and form task force to identify organizational restructuring and unification cost-efficiencies for city agencies, excluding police and fire. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway more than tripled challenger Gloria Reyes fundraising and also outspent her opponent between Feb. 7 and March 20, according to the last campaign finance reports before April 4 general election. But both campaigns fell short of the fundraising and spending sums for the same six-week reporting period in the mayoral campaign between Rhodes-Conway and former Mayor Paul Soglin four years ago. Rhodes-Conway, elected to a four-year term in 2019, started the reporting period with $8,382, raised $75,525, spent $54,605 and ended with $29,302 in the bank. She also had $16,905 in incurred obligations and $1,870 in loans. All told, the mayor has raised $114,688 and spent $102,315 from Jan. 1 through March 20. Mayor Rhodes-Conway greatly extended her fundraising lead during this period, outraising her opponent over three to one, campaign manager Alec Piefer said. This is in no doubt due to her decisive victory in the primary. The mayor won 60% of the vote and Reyes 28% in a three-way primary on Feb. 21. Reyes, a consultant and former nonprofit executive, deputy mayor, Madison School Board president and city police officer, started the reporting period with $28,803, raised $28,893, spent $36,073 and ended with $16,623 in the bank. Altogether, Reyes has raised $60,162 and spent $43,540 from Jan. 1 through March 20. The primary taught us that we needed to expand our circle and talk to the residents of Madison, Reyes campaign manager Chandra Chouhan said. Madison has responded to us by rewarding us with the Wisconsin State Journal endorsement and contributions to further expand our vision. This has helped us to create radio, TV, text, Facebook, and Youtube advertising. We are thankful to every Madisonian that has invested in the future of Madison with Gloria. A striking difference is the amount of money from committees. Rhodes-Conway got $21,569 during the six-week reporting period and $28,669 from Jan. 1 through March 20. Reyes received $325 during the same reporting period and $1,682 from Jan. 1 through March 20. Four years ago, in total contributions, Rhodes-Conway received $125,754 during the reporting period, and $156,818 from Jan. 1 through March 18, 2019. Soglin got $77,265 for the reporting period, and $112,601 from Jan. 1 through March 18, 2019. We have heard from donors that they are more focused on the Supreme Court race and do not believe that the mayors opponent is a serious challenger, Piefer said. The Reyes campaigns most recent filing exemplifies that. With the question of a womans right to choose on the ballot, the Supreme Court race is taking center stage here in Madison, as it is throughout the state, Chouhan said. In addition to supporting Janets campaign, Gloria wants to see a justice who believes in choice on the Supreme Court. We are incredibly humbled to receive the majority of our support from here in Madison. Out-of-state money Under state law, individuals, candidate committees and political action committees can each donate up to $5,399 in the mayoral race. In the latest six-week reporting period, Reyes got 12 gifts of $500 or more, including four donations of $1,000 or more. She received five contributions from individuals with out-of-state addresses. Rhodes-Conway, meanwhile, received 38 gifts of $500 or more, including 11 donations of $1,000 or more. The mayor received 61 contributions from individual donors with out-of-state addresses, but some were multiple smaller contributions from the same place. The mayor has family on both coasts and friends spread out across the country, many of those individuals are supporting her, Piefer said. She has a strong network and is doing what every candidate is told to do: ask everybody in your network to contribute to your campaign. Rhodes-Conway also got far more from committees. She received nine contributions of $1,000 or more, including two of $5,000, from among 15 contributions totaling $21,569 from committees during the six-week reporting period. Five out-of-state committees delivered $9,250 of the total. The organizations that the mayor has received contributions from are progressive institutions that uphold Madisons values, Piefer said. Nobody should be concerned that she received support from labor unions or organizations that assist women candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, or candidates with a STEM background. Reyes had two contributions from committees totaling $325 during the six-week reporting period. The mayors campaign is being funded by out-of-state interests while our campaign is being funded by Madison and Dane County residents, Chouhan said. If you want Madison to be run by out-of-state interests, Satya Rhodes-Conway is your candidate. We in Madison want our city to be run by those who have invested and live in our city. The community should be concerned because people who dont live in Madison and are not invested in Madisons future are setting the citys direction, Chouhan said. Reyes, who spent $36,073 during the reporting period, had two expenses over $5,000, including $5,488 to Wells Print and Digital of Madison for mailers and $8,000 to campaign manager Chandra Chouhan. Rhodes-Conway, who spent $54,605 during the reporting period, had four expenditures over $5,000, including $9,000 to Run the World Digital of Madison for ads, and three expenditures totaling $39,325 to The Pivot Group of Alexandria, Virginia, for mailings. She also had an incurred obligation of $16,905 to the Pivot Group for mailing postage. Medicaid coverage for new mothers would be extended to a year after birth under a resurrected bipartisan proposal coming before the state Senate insurance committee for a hearing Wednesday. Among the few legislative measures supported both by anti-abortion groups and a wide array of Democrats, the proposal is part of a nationwide push for expanded medical care for new mothers that gained ground after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers would almost certainly sign the bill, which is included in his budget proposal. Its separate introduction is in line with plans by the Republican-controlled Legislatures budget-writing committee to strip Evers two-year state budget proposal down to its base and add the provisions that GOP lawmakers want in the final document. Insurance coverage disruption for postpartum women can be very detrimental to positive health outcomes for both the mother and her newborn baby, and also has an effect on providers, health systems and payers, Sens. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, and Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, and Reps. Donna Rozar, R-Marshfield, and Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, said in a memo to legislators. For example, ongoing care is required for many mothers with chronic conditions exacerbated by pregnancy. Nearly half of all Wisconsin legislators signed onto the bill, SB 110. About 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy or delivery complications each year, and three in five of those deaths are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Wisconsin, between 25 and 45 women die during or within one year of pregnancy, the state health department said. Maternal mortality is five times greater among Black women than white women in Wisconsin, according to the health department. The bill would allow pregnant women to receive Medicaid benefits for a year after they give birth, up from the current standard of 60 days. Theres no estimate of the proposals cost included in the bill proposal, but Evers budget document states the extension would cost just over $34 million for the next two fiscal years. Pregnant women with incomes up to three times the federal poverty level who make $43,740 for a single person and $74,580 for a family of three qualify for Medicaid, or BadgerCare, in Wisconsin. Once the postpartum coverage period ends, the limit returns to the poverty level, or $14,580 for a single person and $24,860 for a family of three. A previous version of the bill received a public hearing in 2021 but didnt receive a vote in the Senate or Assembly. The measures reintroduction follows moves from Republican states to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers, part of a GOP push supported by anti-abortion groups in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning the constitutional right to an abortion. Spokespersons for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMaheiu, R-Oostburg, did not respond to requests for comment. In his 2021-23 budget, Evers proposed a one-year extension, but the Republican-controlled Legislature only approved a Medicaid extension from 60 days to 90 days for postpartum women. The Department of Health Services 90-day extension waiver to the federal government has yet to be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Eight states, including ones with Republican legislators and governors, are planning to implement a 12-month postpartum Medicaid extension, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. And 29 states, as well as Washington, D.C., already have implemented that extension. Among the dozens of groups that support the measure are the Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, SSM Health, Wisconsin Hospital Association and the anti-abortion group Wisconsin Right to Life. DURHAM, North Carolina President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Republicans' ideas for cutting the budget could undermine U.S. manufacturing and help China dominate the world economy. Speaking at a semiconductor maker in North Carolina to highlight his policies, Biden is trying to shape public sentiment as he faces off with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., about whether the federal government should raise its legal borrowing capacity. McCarthy sent a letter Tuesday saying that talks should start about possible spending cuts in return for the debt limit increase. Biden has said Republicans need to put forth their own budget plan before negotiations start. Without an agreement, the federal government could default on its financial obligations. The president tried to ratchet up pressure on Tuesday, saying that the GOP demands on the budget would only empower China, the country's key geopolitical rival. Being tough on China was a core part of the identity of former President Donald Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House in 2024, and his Make America Great Again movement. The Democratic president said their objections to his policies would instead strengthen China. It would mean ceding the future of innovation and technology to China, Biden told the crowd. Ive got news for you and for MAGA Republicans in Congress: not on my watch. Were not going to let them undo all the progress we made. Biden's trip to Wolfspeed follows the Durham-based company announcing plans last September to build a $5 billion manufacturing facility in Chatham County that is expected to create 1,800 jobs. Biden won passage last July of a $280 billion legislative package known as the CHIPS Act, which was intended to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry and scientific research. It's nothing new for the Biden administration to highlight the CHIPS Act, the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, the $1 trillion infrastructure legislation and a roughly $375 billion climate bill major legislation that the Democratic administration steered into law before Democrats lost control of the House. But now, just weeks after Biden unveiled his own budget it includes $2.6 trillion in new spending his administration is looking for chances to lean into its battle with Republicans over spending priorities and who has better ideas to steward the U.S. economy in the years to come. Republicans have rejected Biden's budget but have yet to unveil a counteroffer to the Democrats' blueprint, which is built around tax increases on the wealthy and a vision statement of sorts for Bidens yet-to-be-declared campaign for reelection in 2024. Besides Biden's visit to Wolfspeed, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and other senior administration officials will fan out to 20 states over the next three weeks to highlight the impact of Biden's economic agenda, according to the White House. Biden has said he intends to run for a second term but has yet to formally launch his reelection campaign. His effort to highlight legislative victories could also give him an opportunity to present voters with images of an administration focused on governing as Trump braces for a possible indictment. Trump is being investigated over payments during his 2016 campaign to two women who alleged affairs or sexual encounters with him. The ex-president denies being involved with either of the women porn actor Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal. Trump narrowly won North Carolina in 2020. Among the other states that Biden and administration officials will be visiting in the weeks ahead are Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Wisconsin crucial battlegrounds that Biden won in 2020 and states expected to be competitive again in 2024. RACINE Two police officers from Racine County have pleaded not guilty to drunken snowmobiling during an off-duty incident in northern Wisconsin. Racine Police Investigator Todd Lauer and Racine County Sheriffs Lt. Shawn Barker both entered pleas in court stemming from their arrests Feb. 11 in Vilas County. Court appearances were scheduled Monday for Lauer and April 4 for Barker on the non-criminal traffic citations. However, both entered written pleas of not guilty, and were therefore not required to make those court appearances. No trial date has been set in either case. Barker has already served a 10-day suspension at the sheriffs department as a result of the incident. Lauers status with the city police department remains unclear. In disclosing details of Barkers suspension, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said the lieutenant had committed a tremendous off-duty mistake. Lieutenant Barkers actions fell far short of my expectations, and he earned his suspension and loss of pay which is my highest personal level of suspension prior to pursuing termination, Schmaling said. I will never tolerate this kind of poor decision-making or irresponsible behavior. The Vilas County Sheriffs Department reported finding both law enforcement officials allegedly intoxicated while they were snowmobiling together in Eagle River shortly before 1 a.m. Feb. 11. The sheriffs department reported that Lauer had a 0.14 blood-alcohol content nearly double the 0.08 threshold for drunken driving or snowmobiling and that Barker refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. In addition to snowmobiling under the influence, both were cited for failing to stop at a stop sign. Lauer, 38, was cited for operating a snowmobile with a prohibited alcohol content, and Barker, 55, was cited for refusing to take a breathalyzer. If found guilty, each could face fines of several hundred dollars, although the exact amounts were not immediately clear. Barker was suspended for five days in 2019 after he crashed a vehicle into a utility pole near his home but did not report the traffic incident to law enforcement until the next day. He later paid about $500 in fines for two traffic citations. Both Lauer and Barker were the subjects of internal investigations within their respective departments following the Vilas County snowmobiling incident. Lt. Michael Luell, spokesman for the sheriffs department, said Barker was suspended without pay for 10 days as a result of the incident. The suspension has been completed, and Barker is back to full duty, Luell said. No details have yet been released about the departments investigation. Sgt. Kristi Wilcox, spokeswoman for the city police department, declined to comment on the departments investigation of Lauer or on whether he remains on-duty. Both officers live in the Town of Burlington. Neither could be reached for comment, and court records do not indicate whether either has hired a lawyer. It's been two years since Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey joined other Republican governors in cutting unemployment benefits. Ivey and her cohort of conservatives insisted that businesses were having trouble finding enough workers because the extra financial support $300 a month that congressional Demo-crats had pushed through in a COVID relief bill was making folks lazy. That conservative maneuver, of course, has failed to produce more workers. Businesses are still desperate for help. That's just one reason why the United States ought to happily invite in more migrants from south of the border: We need more workers. According to economists, payrolls show that about 2.5 million fewer people are employed now than before the pandemic. Early retirements explain some of the drop-off. When COVID struck, some workers in their 50s decided the risks presented by leaving their homes and mingling every day simply weren't worth it. But even without the pandemic, the United States could have expected a wave of retirements to hit the workforce. That's because the population is aging. I've been slightly bemused by the fierce French protests over President Emmanuel Macron's insistence on raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.Here in the United States, the retirement age for anyone born in 1960 or later the age at which Social Security benefits pay in full is 67. And some in Congress are considering raising it. Full pensions at 64 seem generous. If the French seem a bit, well, indulged, they share with Americans the fundamental demographic conundrum that has led to the critical state of retirement funds: a lot of retirees and not enough younger workers. Those younger workers pay for the pensions enjoyed by the retirees. The U.S. and Western Europe share the fate of advanced nations where decent health care has led to longer life spans, while at the same time, younger adults have decided to have fewer children. This country's birth rate is now below what demographers call the "replacement rate" enough children born so that younger workers can fully replace older folks leaving the workforce. As it is, the cohort of Americans 65 and older is expected to rise from 17% of the population to 23% by 2060. (China, too, is faced with a rapidly aging population. Its problem stems from its decades-long policy of restricting families to just one child. By the time it finally reversed the policy in 2015, the demographic shift was already underway.) Immigrants, though, have helped the U.S. avoid the plight of nations such as Greece and Italy, which are facing what some have called a "silver tsunami." Those countries face not only severe strains on public pension funds but also slowing economies, constrained by the lack of younger workers. The Greeks and Italians, however, have not exactly been welcoming toward immigrants. Three years ago, Greek authorities, for example, took to pushing refugee boats back out to sea, frustrated by the waves of migrants reaching their shores. Across Western Europe, including Italy and France, xenophobic politicians have gained support as immigrants have sought unsuccessfully, in many cases to assimilate and gain an economic toehold. Sadly, the U.S. is following the pattern. While anti-immigration sentiment had been burning hotter among conservative voters through the start of the 21st century, Donald Trump threw gasoline on it, opening his presidential campaign by bashing Mexicans. Since then, xenophobia has become such a widespread sentiment among Republicans that Congress couldn't even agree on a bill to grant the well-vetted "Dreamers," brought to the U.S. as children, a path to citizenship. What a mistake. While jingoistic critics contend that many immigrants are a drain, studies simply don't bear that out. Most of them work and pay taxes. They start businesses. They revive neighborhoods. As a group, immigrants tend to commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. Even those who are less skilled benefit the economy and the social order. They take jobs that Americans don't want cleaning, butchering, harvesting. And who is going to take care of the seniors who end up in nursing homes, which are already experiencing staff shortages? We call ourselves a nation of immigrants. We need to let more of them in. Tucker won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2007: cynthia@cynthiatucker.com. Twin Falls Rep. Greg Lanting spent his Monday afternoon watching the College of Southern Idaho softball team play at home against Snow College. Rep. Lance Clow was back home in Twin Falls, too. It wasnt because the Idaho Legislature had concluded its work. It was only because the House was adjourned until Tuesday as the Senate opened another week at the Boise statehouse with some 50 bills and other business on its reading calendar three days after Republican legislators had hoped to conclude the 2023 session. Thats not all. The bulk of the states 2024 fiscal year budget remains up in the air including the K-12 public schools budgets and the Medicaid budget that is being rewritten after failing to clear the House, even with seven of eight Magic Valley legislators voting in favor of the $4.7 billion package of mostly federal funds. This is the first time the Senate has been behind us, said Clow, a Republican in his 10th year in the House. While the Senate plays catch-up, the House waits. The Legislature is required to approve a balanced budget before it can wrap its session. Weve got some biggies to talk about, Lanting told the Times-News before heading to First Federal Softball Field to watch the nationally ranked Golden Eagles, who won both games against the Badgers. The Medicaid budget is likely to remain among the trickiest conversations. House Bill 334, which included funding for five programs including expanded Medicaid, approved in 2018 by Idaho voters, 61% to 39% failed in a 36-34 vote in the lower chamber last week with disapproving Republicans raising concerns about the overall cost. Rep. Douglas Pickett, R-Oakley, was the lone Magic Valley legislator to vote against the budget. In a Tuesday morning email to the Times-News, Pickett explained his thought process and signaled support for an amended version of the bill that will come up for vote this week. My vote on the Medicaid funding was simple. The budget did not take into account the savings that will accrue from the process of removing ineligible participants that is taking place right now. Already, some 13,000 ineligible participants have been notified and removed. Including funding for their services in the bill was an overappropriation to an already bloated and out of control budget, Pickett said. Increased Medicaid funding poses a serious threat to our future ability to adequately fund schools, roads, and other necessary functions of government. Frankly, this should have been taken care of by the Department in their initial budget. He added, Since the vote, corrections have been made to the budget, resulting in tremendous savings to the taxpayers and I will be voting for the amended bill. While the rising cost of health care, coupled with the states growing population, makes it so the budget is going to increase, Rep. Chenele Dixon, R-Kimberly, said the people had spoken with their 2018 vote to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income adults. It is a lot of money, Dixon told the Times-News during a Monday phone interview. But it is important for people to know that just under $1 billion comes state funding. Thats also a lot of money but just under $1 billion is a lot different than $4 billion. Lanting concurred. Im a firm believer that the people told us they wanted Medicaid expansion. Its a massive amount of money, but its staying here to pay doctors, to pay nurses, to pay hospitals. The money is staying mostly in Idaho. The Republican legislator added, Medicaid helps a lot of people. Im surprised the budget is that high, but I think thats a symptom of the overall cost of health care, isnt it? Clow also pointed to the 2018 vote to explain his support for the budget, though the total number provided reason for pause. But most of that is federal money, Clow told the Times-News during a phone interview. Im one who believes if we dont take the money, its just going to another state. But there are some who will vote no just because there is federal money (in the budget). He added, I trust the JFAC committee enough on their numbers. The Senate did clear some of its backlog on Monday, voting 22-12 to pass a bill criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors, an amended version of a bill that passed in the House about six weeks ago. Twin Falls senators were split: Glenneda Zuiderveld voted for it; Linda Wright Hartgen voted against it. The measure, which bars transgender and transitioning children, or children with gender dysphoria, from receiving hormones or puberty blockers, drew immediate criticism from the ACLU of Idaho. All Idahoans deserve access to medical care, Leo Morales, the organizations executive director, said in a statement. This bill actively singles out a group of people based on transgender status and criminalizes parents and physicians for seeking or providing standard medical care based on the patients unique circumstances and experience. It infringes on privacy, medical choice, and it harms Idaho families. Also Monday, Gov. Brad Little vetoed House Bill 292, which he described in a statement as a hodgepodge of policy items intermingled with property tax relief. Specifically, Little opposed the elimination of March elections for local school districts and expressed concern about infrastructure bonding and transportation funding. Lets get property tax relief done right this session. The simplest solutions are usually the best solutions, and I believe we can extract the property tax portions of House Bill 292 and deliver a true property tax relief bill this session, Little said. A property tax relief bill this session needs to be simple and carried out in a way that does not harm public schools, does not hold up needed transportation projects, and does not reveal more unintended consequences. The people of Idaho deserve simple property tax relief that will endure over time! By Monday afternoon, the Senate had moved forward a replacement bill and voted 32-3 in favor of it, the Idaho Capital Sun reported. The House will see it next. Q: I have a friend who told me her older sister taught school at North View, a rural schoolhouse north of Buhl in the Melon Valley area. Have you ever heard of it? Or seen anything written about it? A: The North View community was not included in the forming of school districts and tax monies apportionment, reported Mareda and Cecil Wright of The Knowledge Box: Country Schoolhouses to Current Schools of Twin Falls County, Idaho. The book can be checked out at Buhl Public Library or Twin Falls Public Library. The early residents seeking education for their children, constructed a one room shack to serve as a classroom, until other arrangements could be made. The community appealed to the State Legislature and by a special act of the legislature, they were able to form a district. A mill levy was set up to the full amount allowed by law. North View School was located at 1633 E. 4500 N., Buhl. In 1912, a two room building was erected with cloak rooms and an entrance way, the Wrights wrote. The school was constructed on two acres of land with ample room for a ball diamond and playground equipment. According to a newspaper article, the area had not been officially named. One of the carpenters working on the school told the patrons, if they would let him name the district, he would paint the name on the school without charge. Worthy Olds looked at the beautiful view of the Soldier Mountains to the north and decided to call the community North View. The teachers of the Northview school are Miss Nena Barry and Miss Mary McCormick, the Twin Falls Daily News reported on April 5, 1919. The school served as a church. World War II service club supported by the community ladies met in the school. In 1923, the North View Grange was chartered, and they too used the building, they wrote. Sometime after 1931, a teachers cottage was built next to the school. It was a small one room unit with a kitchen. In the fall of 1937 the original school burned The new school was rebuilt in the exact same location and a basement was included. The basement with hardwood floors was used as a gymnasium, auditorium and as a community meeting hall. The auditorium included a stage with a beautiful curtain, the Wrights wrote. A former student reminisces that the entrance into this school had 12 steps with railings on each side. The access door was between two storage doors on each side. Past the entry way was an entrance into the bell tower with a rope, which was heavy and hard to pull. All eight grades were represented with the typical first through fourth grades in one room, and the upper grades in the other room; a wide hall separated the two rooms. A library consisted of a few books for students to read when their lessons were completed. Small chairs arranged in a semi-circle were set around the teacher during reading. Students sat at long desks with ink wells. A storage room had supplies of ink and paste. The one outhouse with three seats sat in the back corner of the property, wrote Wright. There was a three sided shed and almost a barn to house the horses for those who rode to schoolA pit was dug for vaulting; they had shot-put, while track meets were common with other area schools. Another student remembered a pump house for water with a flagpole on top The school was eventually remodeled with a bathroom that included a toilet and sink with running water. In 1947, the North View School consolidated with the Buhl School District. The community purchased the building from the Buhl School Board for $2,615 and organized the North View Community Hall Association, the Wrights wrote. In the spring of 1970 the North View Grange turned in its charter. In early 1971 the board of trustees decided that with no further use for the building it would be auctioned off. Following the auction, all original donors in the purchase of the building were repaid, including all outstanding bills. The remaining $1,400 was divided among the other service clubs in Buhl. The building was sold to a private individual to be used as a home. SALT LAKE CITY Chinas global influence campaign has been surprisingly robust and successful in Utah, an investigation by The Associated Press has found. The worlds most powerful communist country and its U.S.-based advocates have spent years building relationships with Utah officials. Legislators in the deeply conservative and religious state have responded by delaying legislation Beijing didnt like, nixing resolutions that conveyed displeasure with Chinas actions and expressing support in ways that enhanced the Chinese governments image. The APs investigation relied on dozens of interviews with key players and the review of hundreds of pages of records, text messages and emails obtained through public records requests. Beijings success in Utah shows how pervasive and persistent China has been in trying to influence America, said Frank Montoya Jr., a retired FBI counterintelligence agent who lives in Utah. Utah is an important foothold, Montoya said. If the Chinese can succeed in Salt Lake City, they can also make it in New York and elsewhere. Here are some key takeaways: Legislative and PR victories The AP review found that China and its advocates won frequent legislative and public relations victories in Utah. Utah lawmakers recorded videos of themselves expressing words of encouragement for the citizens of Shanghai in early 2020, which experts said likely helped the Chinese Communist Party with its messaging. The request came from a Chinese official as the government was scrambling to tamp down public fury at communist authorities for reprimanding a young doctor, who later died, over his warnings about the dangers posed by COVID-19. Around the same time, Utah officials were thrilled when Chinas authoritarian leader Xi Jinping sent a letter to fourth-grade students in Utah. A Republican legislator said on the state Senate floor that he couldnt help but think how amazing it was that Xi would take the time to write such a remarkable letter. Another GOP senator gushed on his conservative radio show that Xis letter was so kind and so personal. The letter was heavily covered in Chinese state media, which quoted Utah students calling Xi a kind grandpa a familiar trope in Chinese propaganda. State lawmakers have frequently visited China, where they are often quoted in state-owned media in ways that support Beijings agenda. Utah is not like Washington D.C., then-Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, told the Chinese state media outlet in 2018 as the former president ratcheted up pressure on China over trade. Utah is a friend of China, an old friend with a long history. FBI scrutiny Utah Republican Sen. Jake Anderegg told the AP he was interviewed by the FBI after introducing a 2020 resolution expressing solidarity with China in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. It won nearly unanimous approval. A similar resolution, proposed by a Chinese diplomat, was publicly rejected by Wisconsins Senate. Anderegg said the language was provided to him by Dan Stephenson, the son of a former state senator and employee of a China-based consulting firm. Stephenson and another Utah resident, Taowen Le, are among Chinas most vocal advocates in Utah. Both men have supported and sought to block resolutions, set up meetings between Utah lawmakers and Chinese officials, accompanied legislators on trips to China and provided advice on the best way to cultivate favor with Beijing, according to emails and interviews. Both have ties to what experts say are front groups for Beijing. After embassy officials tried unsuccessfully last year to get staff for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to schedule a get-together with Chinas ambassador to the U.S., Le sent the governor a personal plea to take such a meeting. I still remember and cherish what you told me at the New Year Party held at your home, Le wrote in a letter adorned with pictures of him and Cox posing together. You told me that you trusted me to be a good messenger and friendship builder between Utah and China. Both men said their advocacy on China-related issues were self-directed and not at the Chinese governments behest. Le told AP he had been interviewed twice over the years by the FBI. The FBI declined to comment. Tailored approach Security experts say that Chinas campaign is widespread and tailored to local communities. In Utah, the AP found, Beijing and pro-China advocates appealed to lawmakers affiliations with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, better known as the Mormon church, which is the states dominant religion and one that has long dreamed of expanding in China. Le, who converted to the church decades ago, has quoted scripture from the Bible and the Book of Mormon in his emails and letters to lawmakers, and sprinkled in positive comments that Russell Nelson, the churchs president-prophet, has made about China. Part of broader trend Beijings success in Utah is part of a broader trend of targeting sub-national governments, like states and cities, experts say. It is not unusual for countries, including the U.S., to engage in local diplomacy. U.S. officials and security experts have stressed that many Chinese language and cultural exchanges have no hidden agendas. However, they said, few nations have so aggressively courted local leaders across the globe in ways that raise national security concerns. In its annual threat assessment released earlier this month, the U.S. intelligence community reported that China is redoubling its local influence campaign in the face of stiffening resistance at the national level. Beijing believes, the report said, that local officials are more pliable than their federal counterparts. Authorities in other countries, including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, have sounded similar alarms. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington told the AP that China values its relationship with Utah and any words and deeds that stigmatize and smear these sub-national exchanges are driven by ulterior political purposes. TWIN FALLS Drugs with a street value of $1.3 million were seized Sunday morning after a traffic stop, police say. Included in the drug bust by the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office was 11.7 pounds of fentanyl, potentially enough for two million lethal doses, and about 2.7 pounds of heroin, records say. The drugs were found in a hidden compartment in a car driven by Jorge Morales Martinez, 23, of Chihuahua, Mexico, according to court records. Martinez, who is being held on a $2 million bond, faces charges of trafficking in heroin, possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) with the intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). The driver, who a deputy said was at times shaking badly, said they just put it in there and told me to drive, a deputy said. The events leading up to the arrest began at 10:30 a.m. when a Twin Falls County deputy saw a pair of identical gray Kia Optimas northbound on U.S. Highway 93, both with temporary registration tags from Arizona. That aroused suspicion, and the deputy followed the vehicles. When he put on his turn signal to get between the two cars, the vehicle in the back sped up to leave no room. Then, when the deputy activated his overhead lights, the second car swerved toward the patrol vehicle, police say. The deputy noted in an affidavit that it isnt uncommon for there to be two vehicles involved during the transportation of drugs, and for drivers of chase vehicles to try to prevent law enforcement officers from stopping the lead car which contains drugs. The deputy pulled over the lead car near Pole Line Road and Parkview Drive in Twin Falls for a speeding violation. Martinez said he was traveling to Seattle from Arizona and that the vehicle belonged to a cousin, but didnt know his first name, according to the deputy. The deputy noted that the vehicle contained a figure of a patron saint many drug dealers consider good luck. Martinez consented to a search of the vehicle, the deputy said, and upon checking the trunk, found suspected fentanyl in five brick-shaped packages and two smaller packages of heroin. Later, Martinez admitted to having a small baggie of meth in his pocket, court records say. After the drugs were found, Martinez admitted to transporting them and said one of the reasons he does it is that he thinks his family is in danger in Mexico. The drugs will be sent to the state lab for further testing. Martinez appeared Monday before Judge Benjamin Harmer, who ordered that the defendant be assigned a public defender. His preliminary hearing is set for April 7. A heavily armed former student killed three young children and three staff in what appeared to be a carefully planned attack at a private elementary school in Nashville on Monday, before being shot dead by police. Chief of Police John Drake named the suspect as Audrey Hale, 28, who left behind a manifesto and had maps of the school detailing surveillance and entry-exit points. This handout video grab image courtesy of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released on March 27, 2023 shows suspect Audrey Hale holding an assault rifle at the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee.Hale killed three young children and three staff in what appeared to be a carefully planned attack. AFP The suspect was prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement, the police chief told reporters following the latest outburst of gun violence in the United States. In an interview with NBC News, Drake said the suspect was likely plotting a broader attack, as the manifesto indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them. Armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, Hale entered The Covenant School, a Christian academy, from a side entrance, allegedly shooting through a door firing multiple shots while advancing through the building, according to police. ADVERTISEMENT Police identified the six victims, saying one of the three children was eight years old and two were aged nine, while the adults killed were aged 60 to 61. One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is listed as head of the school on the academys website. There was some initial confusion about the shooters gender identity, but police later said Hale was transgender. Officers were on the scene within about 15 minutes of receiving the first emergency call at around 10 a.m. (1500 GMT), engaging the shooter, who returned fire before being shot dead, police said. Television images showed children holding hands as they left the school. One photograph showed a child sobbing through the window of her yellow school bus as it pulled away from the crime scene. Avery Myrick said her mother, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Covenant, hid as shots rang out through the school. She said she was hiding in the closet, and that there was shooting all over and that they had potentially tried to get into her room, and just that she loved us, Myrick told WSMV4 television, an NBC local affiliate. On Monday night, as the country digested another mass shooting that claimed the lives of children, people left flowers and stuffed toys at a growing makeshift memorial outside the school. Some kneeled in prayer. Stacie Wilford, a nurse, said it was so scary to have a shooting so close to home. She lives nearby and has an eight-year-old who attends a school only two miles down the road from The Covenant School. AFP Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. The Marcos Jr. administration is planning to implement reforms in the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) retirement and pension system to avoid a fiscal collapse caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the reforms would end automatic pensions for servicemen after 20 years in the service, and instead start their pension at 57 years old (a year after their mandatory retirement age), and pensioners would no longer receive payouts indexed to the salary of active personnel of single ranks. The pension fund covers personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Corrections. In a Palace press briefing, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expressed support for two other proposals: The reform to apply to all active personnel and new entrants; and ADVERTISEMENT Mandatory contributions will be required for active personnel and new entrants, similar to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pensioners. Diokno cited issues in the current pension system, such as how it is non-contributorymeaning retirement pensions and benefits are fully funded by the national government through annual appropriations despite having no contribution from the retirees. Under the proposed new pension scheme, the Department of Finance chief said all those who are in active service and the new recruits will have to pay. He said should these reforms take place, automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of similar ranks must be removed. The MUP pension is automatically indexed to the salary of the personnel of the same rank. In other words, if you are a retiree [and] if you are a general getting X amount of money, if the salary of the incumbent is doubled, you get your pension doubled also, the Finance chief said. Diokno said he also found it ridiculous that when military and uniformed personnel who choose to retire as early as 40 years old get pensions up to age 90. We have to really address that issue. Its not sustainable. I said, if this goes on, there will be a fiscal collapse, he said, describing reforms in the MUP system as the elephant in the room. To date, Diokno said both Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. have agreed with all four proposals. Asked how much military and uniformed personnel will be contributing to the new MUP pension system, the DOF chief said it will be a gradual contribution. For the first three years, their contribution is 5 percent of the salary and then the contribution of the national government (NG) will be 16 percent, he said. And then for the next three years, it will be increased to 7 percent and then the NG share will decline to 14 percentYears thereafter, the MUP share will be increased to 9 percent and NG 12 percent, he added. Diokno likewise expressed confidence that the military and uniformed personnel would not have issues with the new MUP system. In 2018, their salaries were doubled. Thats why their contribution was increased gradually from 5 to 7 to 9 percent. I think they understand that they have to cooperate with the rest of society, otherwise the government deficit will balloon, he said. Meanwhile, Diokno was also hopeful that the Marcos administration would succeed in pushing for the proposed reforms in the MUP retirement and pension system in Congress. I think President Marcos Jr. is in the best position to push through with this reformRemember that he is the first President who was elected by a significant majority, 60 percent. So, he really has very strong support and hes willing to spend his political capital for this because he can see that if we do not do this there will be a fiscal collapse in the future, he said. Mr. Marcos also has a very strong control of both houses of Congress so its going to be less problematic for him to push forward such a major reform, he added. With Charles Dantes Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. The last straw: Rejection of govt bid to suspend drug war probe President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will no longer get involved with the International Criminal Court after it rejected the governments request to suspend its investigation into the Duterte administrations bloody war on drugs that took the lives of thousands of suspects. We dont have a next move. Thats the extent of our involvement with the ICC. That ends our involvement with the ICC, Mr. Marcos said. The appeal has failed. In our view, theres nothing more that we can do At this point we are essentially disengaging from any contact.. (or) communication with the ICC. In its decision, the ICC Appeals Chamber said it saw no persuasive reasons to support a suspension. The ICC said this means the prosecutor may proceed with the investigation while the Appeals Chamber considers Manilas main appeal against the probe. ADVERTISEMENT Mr. Marcos maintained that the government will not cooperate with the international bodys investigation. We ended up in the same position that we started with and that is we cannot cooperate with the ICC considering the very serious questions about their jurisdiction and about what we consider to be interference and practically attacks on the sovereignty of the republic, he said. So thats pretty much it, we have no longer any recourse when it comes to the ICC. The ICC in January authorized the resumption of its investigation into the drug war and the Davao Death Squad killings in the Philippines. In March 2019, under the leadership of then President Rodrigo Duterte, the architect of the bloody war on drugs, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute that established the ICC. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who was Dutertes Justice secretary, said the rejection of the governments appeal by the ICC was an indictment of the countrys judicial system. He said the ruling will have serious and far-reaching consequences for the Philippines. It places us in the same class of rogue nations where the rule of law is not respected, Guevarra said. It is an indictment against our entire legal and judicial system, and it encroaches on our sovereignty as an independent and law-abiding nation. In rejecting the Philippines appeal, the ICC Appeals Chamber said the government failed to explain the Courts lack of jurisdiction or to provide an explanation of the implications and scope of the investigation. It also pointed out that the local investigation can proceed even with the ongoing ICC investigation. The Philippines sought a reversal of the ICCs decision to resume the probe into the Duterte administrations controversial war on drugs, which according to human rights organizations has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. In February, Marcos said he would not cooperate with the ICC inquiry into the abuses during the previous administrations war on drugs. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla declared that the ICC cannot enter the Philippines to conduct its investigation and impose a different rule of law. Right now, were telling them we can do it. Give us your complaint and we will do it, Remulla said in an interview with ANC. But if they insist on doing it, well, good luck to them, because they cannot enter our country to impose a rule of law different from ours. And our rule of law here is run by Filipinos, he said. Remulla said the countrys appeal was a part of diplomacy. We have to exhaust all diplomatic means to get the message across We had a discussion about it before he (referring to Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra) proceeded to file the final pleading, he said. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in March 2019. Remulla, who has described the ICC probe as an irritant, denounced its decision to reopen the inquiry before the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying that an unjustified external interference rarely serves human rights. Senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday said the appeal made by the Philippines was a courteous assertion of the countrys sovereignty. However, he noted that its denial has no binding effect. It will not clothe the International Criminal Court (ICC) with jurisdiction, as there was none in the first place, Tolentino said. He said the ICC should recognize the fundamental pillar of the international legal order, which is sovereignty. For her part, detained former senator Leila De Lima said President Marcos, who she described as Dutertes defender, should realize that the ICC is determined to enforce the Rome Statute so long as the Philippine government does not undertake a serious, in-depth and comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the masterminds of Dutertes drug war killings. No amount of simulated investigations or the token prosecution of small fry will fool the ICC into withdrawing its mandate insofar as taking jurisdiction over crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines is concerned, she said. She said the Philippine government should also stop spending government funds to counter the ICC process. She said this only benefits those being investigated by the ICC, and not the Filipino people. The Solicitor General, further stated De Lima, should just refer the international lawyer he hired to Duterte and let the former President foot the bill for his own defense, instead of spending public funds for the personal and private interest of Duterte. Let Duterte and his co-conspirators in the drug war face the music before the ICC. Be on the side of humanity. Be on the right side of history, she also said. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Heres what happened locally on March 28 over the past century, as reported in this newspaper, which went from being called the Henry Bulletin to the Daily Bulletin to the Martinsville Bulletin: 1923: You are invited to a Silver Tea which will be given by the girls of Class No. 11 at the home of Miss Mabel Stultz on Brown street, Friday evening, 8 to 10 oclock. You are cordially invited. 1948: The provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act were explained to members of the Optimist Club last night at the regular bi-weekly meeting at the Club Martinique by John Page, director of public relations at the local plant of the Du Pont company. Mr. Page said that while polls show a majority of workers are opposed to the law most of them favor its provisions. 1973: These ads: 8-Track Stereo One Selection TAPES No Returns, No Guarantee$1.99. News Den, Virginia Ave., Collinsville./8 Track Stereo TAPES 2 for $5. Two days only! Friday & Saturday. 500 Numbers to choose from. * Country & Western * Popular * Rock * Soul Eagles, Downtown Martinsville, Collinsville Shopping Center. 1998: SALEM The proposed Interstate 73 is vital to the economic development of Martinsville and Henry County, Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, told the Commonwealth Transportation Board this morning. Things have not gotten markedly better in my area from an economic viewpoint, Armstrong said at a public hearing before the board. Essentially were just holding our own down there, and without question, I-73 would be a huge economic boost. 1998: Facing a revenue crunch, Henry County Administrator Sid Clower says its time for the board of supervisors to at least start talking about a tax increase. I have to get policy guidance from them. The school budget request is $2 million more than last year, and we dont have anywhere near that amount of money coming in The women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Upsilon Delta Zeta Chapter of Martinsville held their sixth annual Girlz Rock Awards Saturday at Chatmoss Country Club. The program is held to recognize people of Martinsville and Henry County who have worked to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. The Patrick County Administration Building third floor boardroom was packed full of citizens in support of funding to keep the community pool open. Amy Corns of Stuart Park and Recreation Association, also known as DeHart Park, came to speak to the Patrick County Board of Supervisors (PCBOS) during its regular meeting Monday evening on behalf of getting local funding to continue running the community pool, DeHart Park Pool, that has been funding itself for more than 40 years. She began by thanking the board for supporting the pool in the past and even helping repair structure damage to the pool in 2013 and 2014. She appeared before the board not to discuss DeHart Park as a whole, but to request $15,000 in funding for pool operating costs. DeHart Park Pool is the only public pool within a 75-mile radius of Stuart that is not supported by local funding, Corn said. Im proud that we, DeHart Park Pool, have been able to maintain a self-sustaining budget for over 40 years, Corn said. But as it is already the most expensive pool within the 75-mile radius, it needs aid from the county; the financial help it needs cant come from raising admission rates, Corn added. If you compare the expenses and the revenues of the pool over the past few years, you will see that we are a break-even pool, Corns said. She added that she understands why, if it is a break-even pool, the board would wonder why they would need to consider giving the pool funding. Corn said it was due simply to a raise in minimum wage and cost of chemicals for pool upkeep. We are requesting that the pool be added to the yearly county budget as a line item in the amount of $15,000, Corn said. Our hope is that we the county, the town and the park can all work together for the common goal of supporting our local pool which in turn supports our county and town businesses as well as tourism. The money would be specifically designated to cover the costs of chemicals, repairs, maintenance and utilities, Corn said. DeHart Park is an important part of the community, and the pool is an integral part of summer activities in the park, Norma Bozenmayer said. The pool will not be able to operate without the additional funding. Bozenmayer added that an estimated 120 to 150 people use the pool daily when it is open, and more than 2,000 people use it on the Fourth of July. PCBOS Chair Clayton Kendrick said the board would see what it can do and try to have an answer by Wednesday evening. In other matters: Kurt Bozenmayer spoke in public comment to ask the board to be more transparent with the public and more thoroughly explain what is happening, especially with the budget process. Malcolm Roach spoke in the public comment section about solar farms, urging the board to put a hold on solar inquires until the Patrick County Planning Commission is able to put ordinances in place. Frank Pettway from Patrick County Parks and Recreation talked to the board about getting additional funding for the five local parks, not listing a specific amount but rather just asking for any amount that is possible. We need help to maintain and continue growth of our parks, Pettway said. The board gave permission to move forward with a recommendation from the insurance committee that would add an increased employer contribution to county employee health insurance to the budget so that there would be no increase to employees. The board put off making a decision about increasing funding to Piedmont Community Services (PCS) until PCS comes to speak to the board with details about the funding. Theyve given us empty promises all year ... I would love to support them, but they need to support us, PCBOS Board Member Doug Perry said. The board approved a funding request from West Piedmont Planning District Commission for an increase of $845. PCS along with the Blue Ridge Regional Library, the Patrick County Sheriffs Office, the Patrick County building inspector, the Public Service Authority, Patrick County Tourism and Patrick County Economic Development will be invited to speak with the board about requests at the 6 p.m. public hearing Wednesday in the Patrick County Administration Building. If not possible, they will be invited to speak at the next PCBOS meeting on April 17 which was moved due to the Easter holiday. The City of Martinsville will hold a public hearing on affordable home financing Thursday evening in Council Chambers. The City has partnered with a consultant team from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business on a project to assess the state of affordable financing options for its citizens and businesses, an announcement from the City states. The UVA team wants to hear directly from the public on the impact that access (or lack thereof) to affordable housing options has made on their investment and purchasing decisions, it states. The desired outcome of the project is to recommend options that the City and its organizational partners can pursue to expand financial access and boost economic activity in Martinsville. Results of the project are expected to be presented at a City Council meeting in April. The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers, Martinsville Municipal Building, 55 W. Church St., Martinsville. Opinions also can be shared over a survey at https://tinyurl.com/MartinsvilleFinancing. The Portuguese Foreign Minister on Monday ruled out any basis for the possibility that Angola had sent mercenaries to Russia in the invasion of Ukraine. We do not see any basis for a news item that talks about mercenaries, we do not believe it has any basis and therefore it is a matter that does not concern us, said Joao Gomes Cravinho, on the sidelines of the 16th extraordinary meeting of the council of ministers of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), which Luanda hosted on Monday. At issue is a news release in Portugal that told of the sending by Angola of 100 mercenaries to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine, an issue minimized by Cravinho, who is in Luanda as part of the CPLP and said he had not had the opportunity to speak with his counterpart on bilateral issues. We have a dialogue that is permanent, Minister Tete Antonio was in Lisbon a few weeks ago, we are now together in this meeting of the CPLP in Luanda and we will be together very soon in other meetings, stressed the Portuguese leader, stressing that the two countries have a dialogue that is permanent, highlighting the important contribution that Angola is giving to resolving the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRCongo), he emphasized. The head of Portuguese diplomacy welcomed the role of Angola in the region, which now materializes through the sending of Angolan military forces to that neighboring country in the process of cantonment of rebel groups in eastern Congo. Recalling that he was previously defense minister, Cravinho stressed that no country sends its forces lightly to other parts of the world, particularly where there is a possibility of conflict. The President of Cape Verde, Jose Maria Neves, promulgated the amendment to the arms law proposed by the government and approved by the parliament, but informed the National Assembly that he will request the review of constitutionality of two articles. In a note released today, the Presidency of the Republic states that the head of state decided to promulgate the act of the National Assembly that proceeds to the first amendment to Law No. 31/VIII/2013, of May 22, on the legal framework of weapons and ammunition, increasing the criminal frameworks and the typification of crimes, considering, on the one hand, the broad favorable vote that it earned and, on the other, the concern for security underlying the act. However, in a letter to the president of parliament, Jose Maria Neves states that he will submit to the successive review of constitutionality the provisions of paragraph f) of no. 1 of article 90 and the part that adds articles 90b and 90c, of article 4, on types of weapons and criminal moldings. Article 4, on types of weapons and criminal frames, because the laws of the National Assembly must respect the Constitution of the Republic, in particular the material regime, provided for in Article 17 of the Constitution, safeguarding other constitutionally protected rights or interests, in respect for the principle of proportionality. In this regard, it should be noted that the option for successive monitoring arises from the recognition that the parliamentary initiative deserves substantial reception, especially since ten years after the adoption of the legal regime on weapons and ammunition, its updating and improvement is fully justified, taking into account the experience of its application, he justifies. This legislative change has been prepared by the Government since 2019, following the worsening of crime, particularly in the city of Praia, with groups using white and handmade firearms. He left the office with peace of mind. But disappointed by his designated successor, whom he now accuses of authoritarianism, former Botswana President Ian Khama intends to make a comeback on the political scene and take over the reins of the country in next years presidential election. The transition between the two men had, however, been exemplary in 2018: after ten years in power, Mr. Khama had resigned at the end of a second term, as provided by the Constitution. His vice-president Mokgweetsi Masisi, whom he himself had chosen as his successor, had then unsurprisingly taken over. Political life in Botswana is generally quiet. The diamond-producing country is one of Africas most stable democracies. But now the former head of state is promising a fierce campaign to unseat his 60-year-old replacement, whom he sees as a threat to democracy in the southern African country. I have to fix the mistake I made in appointing Masisi as my successor, he confessed in an interview during a visit to Johannesburg. It was a huge mistake, which the country regrets. He totally undermined democracy, human rights, the rule of law and interfered in the judicial system, he said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: (from left) First author John Klement, a 2022 graduate of MCG's MD/PhD program who is now an internal medicine resident at Stanford University; Kebin Liu, PhD; and co-first author and former AU graduate student Priscilla Redd, PhD. Credit: Michael Holahan, Augusta University Cancer that has spread to areas like the lungs can apply the brakes to a natural pathway that should recruit killer T cells directly to where it has metastasized, scientists report. That newly found strategy used by tumors that have spreadand are consequently more deadlymay help explain why sometimes promising immunotherapies designed to help the immune system kill cancer don't, says Kebin Liu, Ph.D., cancer immunologist in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical College of Georgia. It also may mean an additional therapeutic maneuver is needed to stop some tumors, which often are diagnosed after they have spread, says Liu, corresponding author of the study in the journal Cancer Cell. T cells are drivers of the immune response which cancer tries to waylay, and drugs like Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and OPDIVO (nivolumab), also known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, try to set these "killer" T cells free. The mutual target of cancer and these drugs is PD-1, a protein and natural checkpoint that enables T cells to be turned on or off. The protein PD-L1 naturally binds to PD-1 to effectively turn the T cells off, which is a good thing, when helping avoid, for example, an overzealous immune response to your own body tissue which results in conditions like lupus. But cancer usurps this natural switch to protect itself in a move dubbed "immunoescape." "PD-L1 is the brake," say Liu. "The PD-L1 cancer cells express is in direct response to the PD-1 that T cells express. One of the reasons people may not have the success you would expect with immunotherapy is the smartness of the tumor in using PD-L1." Cancer binds to the PD-1 on T cells, effectively turning them off. Drugs like Keytruda bind to and block the receptor for PD-1 on T cells to keep them free to attack. But Liu and his colleagues have found that there is more to the story, particularly when it comes to the spread of cancer, which is responsible for more than 90% of cancer mortality. Immune cells called myeloid cells talk to T cells and can also both activate and prevent these frontline responders from attacking an invader like cancer or a virus. Myeloid cells also express PD-1. Liu and his colleagues found that metastatic tumor cells also directly engage with the PD-1 on these myeloid cells, where they suppress a natural pathway that produces type 1 interferon, which they found is essential to bringing "killer" T cells right to the spreading cancer's doorstep. Interferon is a natural protein made by our cells that is known to help the body fight invaders like a virus or cancer. It's also synthetically produced to treat a variety of conditions from skin cancer to hepatitis. "The tumor uses PD-L1 to bind to the PD-1 on the myeloid cells therefore the myeloid cells cannot produce interferon to help the T cells infiltrate the tumor," Liu says of their findings in cancer metastasis. They found that the signaling pathway for this interferon is essential to the recruitment of killer T cells to, in this case, the site of cancer that has spread to the lungs. They found in this scenario the PD-L1 from cancer cells interacts directly with the PD-1 on myeloid cells to suppress interferon's production. They already are working to see if this happens at other common sites for cancer spread like the liver. The lung and liver are usual sites of metastasis for a variety of cancers, Liu notes. Breast cancer, for example, is known to spread to the bone, brain, liver and lung, according to the National Cancer Institute. The liver and lung are also major sites of metastasis for cancer of the kidney, melanoma, as well as ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Primary lung cancer can spread to a number of sites including the adrenal gland and liver but also to the other lobe of the lung. Liu is also pursuing a more direct approach for targeting cancer's metastatic disease maneuver, working with biomedical engineers at Boston University on a molecule that will force the tumor cells themselves to express interferon so they cannot escape being invaded by T cells. "We want to put a bomb inside the tumor's house," he says. Type 1 interferon alpha was the first immunotherapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration and there is emerging evidence that type 1 interferon enables conversations between immune cells that are in the tumor's supportive microenvironment, they write. They and others have shown that type 1 interferon induces both PD-1 and PD-L1 in myeloid cells. And type 1 interferon has been shown to be silenced in areas of cancer spread. More information: John D. Klement et al, Tumor PD-L1 engages myeloid PD-1 to suppress type I interferon to impair cytotoxic T lymphocyte recruitment, Cancer Cell (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.005 Journal information: Cancer Cell This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Geographical distribution of school nurse participants. Credit: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010481 Two recent studies surveyed school nurses working across the UK about their current working practices and experiences of working during the pandemic. Dr. Sarah Bekaert RN, Senior Lecturer in Child Health at Oxford Brookes University, said, "This research has highlighted the vital role school nurses play in the identification and prevention of issues that are likely to negatively impact young people as they navigate their teenage years, and then transition into adulthood." "Our findings call for advocacy by policymakers and professional organizations to enable school nurses to lead in the evolving public health landscape. It calls for sufficient numbers of school nurses to respond to the emerging and ongoing health needs of children and young people." Over 60% of those surveyed reported that their contact with children and their families reduced during the pandemic, while 86% experienced obstacles to identifying safeguarding or child protection needs. Over 79% reported that their ability to work with known vulnerable children and families was negatively impacted. The research also warned against an over-reliance on technology and emphasized the importance of school nurses having in-person access to the children they work with. "Face-to-face contact with children is essential for the provision of safe and holistic care, and should be supplemented rather than replaced by alternative approaches," said Dr. Bekaert. "This is imperative for building trust, ensuring confidentiality, and to enable holistic assessment when working with children and young people." The increase in child protection referrals during the pandemic meant that school nurses saw a shift in working practices towards a predominantly reactive approach. Over 74% of the nurses surveyed reported an increase in their workload. "During the research we heard about a range of innovative methods introduced during the pandemic to work with children, and as one would expect, this included an increase in the use of online platforms to facilitate contact," added Dana Sammut, co-author of the study and research associate at the University of Birmingham. "This allowed nurses to adapt quickly and work flexibly, but these new ways of working were not without challenges. "Working online meant that children became less visible and accessible to school nurses. This resulted in unprecedented challenges for school nurses, whose work centers around an ability to build therapeutic relationships with the children they care for. In addition, there were children and families who either didn't have access to technology, or the ability to use it to effectively participate." Dr. Georgia Cook, a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford Brookes University explains, "Many of the school nurses surveyed reported feelings of exhaustion, stress and low morale as a result of the pressures they faced during the pandemic." "This came at a time when school nurse numbers were already dwindling. Policymakers need to recognize and promote the integral role of school nurses in carrying out preventive public health work." "Governments and local authorities could do this by commissioning school public health models that place experienced school nurses in leadership and coordination roles within school communities." "This should be supported by a sufficient workforce though, and bolstering school nurse numbers will be key to meeting the increasingly complex needs of children and young people in the wake of the pandemic." Sharon White, Chief Executive Officer of the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA), which was part of the advisory board of the study, said, "The findings of this study further amplify the urgent need for reinvestment into the school nursing workforce." "As trained, skilled, experienced and highly qualified nurses, they have a critical role to play in the promotion, prevention and protection agenda for safeguarding children and young people. The current exponential rise in need set against a very concerning downward school nursing workforce trajectory is of great concern regarding our ability to continue to safeguard children." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A rock'n'roll myth has been debunked by researchers who discovered drugs don't spark creativity. The University of Essex and Humboldt University of Berlin psychological study has revealed narcotics are the least effective way to inspire imagination. In a blow to fans of hard-living musicians, writers and artists, the research found that complex training programs, meditation and exposure to culture are the best ways to find a muse, with alcohol and pharmaceutical amphetamines such as Adderall failing to influence inspiration whatsoever. Dr. Paul Hanel, from Essex's Department of Psychology, said, "We examined hundreds of papers to uncover the best ways to boost creativity and I hope the findings will help the growing number of people who rely on their creativity to earn a living." "What worked best were complex training courses, meditation, and cultural exposure such as, studying abroad. We believe it is a positive message that drugs do not enhance creativity, given the side effects of drugs." The studypublished in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Artsexamined the findings including thousands of people to expose the mysteries of creativity. The research showed training which highlights mental techniques that unpack the creative process has the best long-term impacts. And discovered mindfulness activities like meditation and open thinking boosted imagination in the short term. It was also found that visiting different countries and experiencing their cultures unconsciously expands horizons. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for fostering creativitywith people responding better to different situations and techniques. It is hoped the research will help schools and employers better understand creative thinking. Dr. Hanel said, "Although it once seemed the preserve of artists, creativity is everywhere in the modern world. "Everyone from family businesses through to giant companies needs to produce material to show their wares on social media. "This could be the difference between success or failure for many people and I hope that this study will help them find inspiration." The lead author Jennifer Haase from Humboldt University of Berlin added, "There are many ways to enhance and encourage creative thinking. Creativity is not a skill to be learned and then applied. Creativity results much more from a situational fit between the cognitive mindset and the creative challenge." More information: Jennifer Haase et al, Creativity enhancement methods for adults: A meta-analysis., Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts (2023). DOI: 10.1037/aca0000557 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Students with morning classes on more days of the week had a lower grade point average. a, The distributions of grades are shown for courses with class sessions that took place exclusively in the morning (starting before 12:00), exclusively in the afternoon (starting at 12:00 or later) or in both the morning and afternoon. The number of morning-only (AM), afternoon-only (PM) and morning/afternoon (MIX) course grades is indicated on the plot. b, Box plots show the distribution of grade point average by the number of days per week that students had morning classes. Boxes show the median and interquartile range. Whiskers show the 10th and 90th percentiles. Sample sizes are displayed at the top of each bar. Effect sizes (Cohens d) with 95% CIs and the bootstrap sampling distributions are plotted for days with morning classes (1 to 5 days) versus having no morning classes. Data were compiled from 33,818 unique students over six semesters. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01531-x Digital data from university students in Singapore suggest they could be getting better grades if their classes started later. The findings, from tens of thousands of students, were published by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers and colleagues in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. Research in recent years has shown that postponing the start time of high schools improves the amount of sleep that students get and reduces their sleepiness during school hours. But findings are mixed about whether this has a positive impact on grades. To determine the impact specifically on university students, Associate Professor Joshua Gooley, from Duke-NUS' Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders Program and colleagues used student Wi-Fi connection data, log-ins to university digital learning platforms, and activity data from special sensing watches to conduct large-scale monitoring of class attendance and sleep behavior of tens of thousands of university students. "We implemented new methods that allow large-scale monitoring of class attendance and sleep behavior by analyzing students' classroom Wi-Fi connection data and their interactions with digital learning platforms," said Dr. Yeo Sing Chen, first author of the study and a Duke-NUS Ph.D. graduate. From the data, the researchers found that early class start times were associated with lower attendance, with many students regularly sleeping past the start of such classes. When students did attend an early class, they lost about an hour of sleep. Morning classes on more days of the week were also associated with a lower grade point average. "If the goal of formal education is to position our students to succeed in the classroom and workforce, why are we forcing many university students into the bad decision of either skipping morning class to sleep more or attending class while sleep-deprived?" asked Assoc. Prof. Gooley. "The take-home message from our study is that universities should reconsider mandatory early morning classes." The researchers drew insights using the Wi-Fi connection logs of 23,391 students to find out if early morning classes were associated with lower attendance. They then compared the data with six weeks of watch-derived activity data from a subset of 181 students to determine if the students were sleeping instead of attending early morning classes. They also analyzed activity data with the day and night patterns of digital learning platform logins of 39,458 students to determine if early morning classes were associated with waking up earlier and getting less sleep. Finally, they studied the grades of 33,818 students and the number of morning classes these students were taking to determine if it impacted their grade point average. The team is now investigating differences between class attendance, sleep, well-being and academic performance between early birds and night owls. "We expect to find that evening-type students will be at a learning disadvantage in early morning classes and have lower class attendance, shorter sleep, poorer mental health and lower grades compared with their peers," said Assoc. Prof. Gooley. More information: Sing Chen Yeo et al, Early morning university classes are associated with impaired sleep and academic performance, Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01531-x Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour Cancer tissue visualized in 3D: the cells involved in a tumor can be differentiated using a unique method. Credit: Marc Latzel By analyzing tumors in unprecedented depth, the Tumor Profiler project represents an important step along the road toward personalized cancer treatments. And the team have already recorded initial successes: In a study focusing on skin cancer, tumors shrank in about one third of patients. Heinrich B. was seriously ill. His diagnosis: melanoma. The 41-year-old accountant had already been told of multiple metastases in his skin when a computer tomography conducted in 2017 detected offshoots in his lungs too. Hopes were raised by a course of antibody-based immunotherapy, only to be dashed again by a relapse when new metastases appeared. The active cyclist suffered badly from his physical weakness. More sessions of chemotherapy and immunotherapy were unsuccessful. With all therapy options for Heinrich B. exhausted, his doctor no longer knew how to proceed. Melanoma is the most malignant form of all skin cancers and the fifth most common cancer in Switzerland. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year, men and women being equally affected. 62-year-old teacher Sabine M. was also struggling with a metastatic melanoma. Having remained undetected for so long, the cancer was able to dig into deeper layers of her skin, spread through her body's blood and lymph channels and form its metastases. In such cases, treatment is difficult. The disease had such an impact on her health that the dedicated German teacher could no longer supervise her class through to their Matura exams. She told a friend, "I'm metastasized through and through." She coined the phrase herself, evidence of her desperation. Every cancer is different Although Heinrich B. and Sabine M. were both diagnosed with skin cancer, every cancer is different. Traditionally, cancers have always been described using the name of the organ where they first occur, such as skin, breast or bowel cancer. "But we now know that this is not only an outdated view of things, but also one that is not entirely correct," says Andreas Wicki, professor of oncology at UZH and senior consultant physician at the University Hospital Zurich where he is deputy director of the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology Clinic. Tumors that originate in different organs, for example, can actually be more similar to one another in biological terms than different types of tumors from the same organ. Currently, about 200 various cancer diseases are known. For many of these cancers, research conducted over recent years has managed to identify the genetic alterations specifically responsible for the tumors. But differences can occur even in the same patient. "This is when metastases differ genetically from the primary tumor," Wicki explains. On a molecular basis, therefore, each cancer is unique and characterized by the combination of its mutations. If these differences can be taken into account when oncologists consider treatment, therapies that generate only adverse side effects and no medical benefit can be omitted. Conversely, the risk of failing to prescribe a promising therapy decreases. Personally tailored treatments For Sabine M. and Heinrich B., a new opportunity arose three years ago when they heard about a study forming part of the Tumor Profiler project. In this study, the Tumor Profiler team vowed to analyze the cancer of each individual patient right down to the cellular and molecular level, with the aim of using the analyses to deliver promising therapy recommendations to the patient's oncologist as rapidly as possible. This could result in new alternatives also for patients like Sabine M. and Heinrich B. who had already exhausted all existing therapy options. Both cancer patients decided to take part in the study. Led by Andreas Wicki, it started with 240 patients, 95 of whom suffered from metastatic melanoma and the rest from metastatic ovarian cancer or acute myeloid leukemia. Once samples had been taken from biopsies on the study participants, including Heinrich B. and Sabine M., it was important that the sensitive cells were sent to the seven participating laboratories as quickly as possible; more than a hundred researchers then had about two weeks to evaluate the samples. This was a major logistical challenge, as each of the seven specialized laboratories focused on one specific method. Within the scope of testing, factors being examined included DNA, RNA, proteins in the cancer cells, and cells in the immune system. "What is new and revolutionary about our approach is our combination of analytical methods and our data processing pipeline," Wicki says. This is how samples from Heinrich B. and Sabine M. reached the laboratory run by Lucas Pelkmans, professor of molecular biology at UZH. He is responsible for carrying out in vitro drug tests. In Switzerland there are about 180 cancer drugs approved by Swissmedic, about 60 of which are regularly used in cancer treatments. The researchers work with known drugs or with a new mix of drugs and test ex vivo how the tumor cells of cancer patients react to them. The aim is to understand which processes in the cell are influenced by which drugs and whether certain drugs, which have not previously been used for the specific type of cancer under examination, work in the specific sample. This is how new treatment options are created. One result from the tests: in certain cases it may be better to use drugs that are approved for other types of cancer than to work with the standard therapy. Understanding the tumor In another laboratory, UZH professor Bernd Bodenmiller and his team also analyzed Heinrich B. and Sabine M.'s tissue samples. "We've succeeded in developing a unique method that enables us to visualize dozens of biomarkers in the tissue simultaneously," says Bodenmiller, director of the Department of Quantitative Biomedicine at UZH and professor in the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich. "We look at the immune cells and the tumor cells and see how they act in spatial terms and how they potentially communicate." The biomarkers give the researchers a picture of the state of the tumor. "We recognize the components of a tumor and how they interact. This allows us to target and disrupt its function with the use of drugs." The last links in the chain are the Leonhard Med Secure Scientific Platform Service and Nexus Personalized Health Technologies at ETH Zurich. Here, the data from the seven laboratories are compiled and analyzed with the help of data specialists and algorithms. The ETH data scientists compile the data for the interdisciplinary tumor board. Afterwards, the treating oncologists discuss the new treatment with their patients. "We've developed an advancement in oncology, one that serves the patients," says Mitch Levesque, UZH professor of experimental skin cancer research, one of the researchers involved in the study. Good news The work conducted by the Tumor Profiler team was able to help Heinrich B. and Sabine M. too. A few weeks after his biopsy, Heinrich B. received a new immunotherapy based on the laboratories' analysesand over the next few months, his tumor shrank. It was the same story with Sabine M., who was given a new immunotherapy in combination with a kinase inhibitor: drugs that bind specific enzymes and inhibit their function. For some of the patients in the study with melanoma, the researchers were able to draw a surprisingly positive conclusion: "We were able to help a third of the cancer patients who'd exhausted all other options by prescribing an individually tailored mix of drugs based on their tumor profiler analysis. Their tumors shrank," Andreas Wicki reports. "And in more than half of the participants, the tumor growth could at least be stabilized." A success storyHeinrich B. and Sabine M., at least, are happy. Heinrich B. can ride his bike long distances again and Sabine M. is back teaching at school, albeit on a reduced schedule. Big data in oncology: The Tumor Profiler Project In the Tumor Profiler project, around a hundred clinicians and researchers from the University of Zurich, University Hospital Basel and ETH Zurich have joined forces in seven specialized laboratories to break new ground in cancer research and treatment. Researchers from University Hospital Zurich are contributing to the project too. Using complementary scientific methods, the researchers analyze samples from cancer patients and pass the results directly on to the treating oncologists. They're also working on creating a better understanding of the mechanisms of cancer diseases. "The researchers are establishing innovative technologies and developing novel therapeutic approaches based on data-driven medicine," says Beatrice Beck Schimmer, Professor of Anesthesiology at UZH and Vice President Medicine of University Medicine Zurich (UMZH), which funds the project. The new and truly experimental aspect of the Tumor Profiler project is that virtually every cell is analyzed, including its environment. As a result, data are obtained that are not only of direct help to cancer patients but, due to the vast amounts collected, generate large pools that provide valuable clues to the many and varying types of genetic and molecular cancer. "Profiling the tumors results in 43,000 individual data points," explains oncologist Andreas Wicki. "The data will enable us able to take the molecular profile of a cancer patient and derive the perfect therapy." That, at least, is the long-term goal of the use of big data in oncology. The Tumor Profiler project offers precision medicine tailored to the patient, while promoting data-driven medicine. "All of this has an incredible impact for our patients, and also for society as a whole," Beck Schimmer concludes. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Overall, 4.7 percent of students with disabilities experience homelessness across seven states and Washington D.C., according to a study published online March 28 in Pediatrics. Emily Bock, from the Boston University School of Public Health, and colleagues compiled data from state departments of education and federal homelessness data to quantify students with disabilities experiencing homelessness in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The proportion of students with and without disabilities experiencing homelessness was calculated. Changes in homelessness in Massachusetts counties were examined compared with the 2018 to 2019 school year. The researchers found that 4.7 percent of students with disabilities experienced homelessness across the seven states and Washington, D.C., compared with 3.0 percent among students without disabilities (disability to no disability homelessness ratio, 1.58). The highest and lowest proportions of students with disabilities experiencing homelessness were seen in Washington, D.C., and New York and in Connecticut, respectively. Comparing 2018 to 2019 with 2019 to 2020 statistics in Massachusetts showed little change. "Students with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness are a particularly vulnerable population and quantifying this population for the first time will provide policymakers with valuable information to be able to act to better support these students," the authors write. More information: Emily Bock et al, Homelessness and Disability in Public-School Students, Pediatrics (2023). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-059885 Journal information: Pediatrics Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Flow-chart detailing clinical care pathway for patients diagnosed with diabetes (from general medical practitioner to general dental practitioner, and appropriate triage Level 1, 2 or 3). Adapted from NHSE commissioning standard 2019 (National Health Service, 2019). Level 1 = general dental practitioner with no enhanced skills; Level 2 = enhanced skill practitioner but not at specialist level; Level 3 = specialist in periodontology. Credit: Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13807 Close collaboration between family doctors and periodontists and other oral health professionals is necessary for an effective prevention, early detection and management of widespread systemic health conditions, affecting millions of patients everywhere. That is one of the main conclusions of the new paper titled "Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases: consensus report of the joint workshop by the EFP and the European arm of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe)," which has just been published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. This consensus report, authored by 18 global leading experts in periodontology and family medicine, updates and improves the scientific evidence supporting that gum disease, in particular periodontitis or chronic inflammation of gums, is independently associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, or COVID-19 complications. The paper builds on the scientific reports from previous workshops organized by the EFP with the International Diabetes Federation on links between gum disease and diabetes in 2017, and with the World Heart Federation on associations between gum disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2019. "Both reports suggested that family doctors have a pivotal role in the implications of the associations between conditions, since they treat most patients with diabetes or CVD after all," sums up David Herrera, lead paper author, chair of the EFP's Workshop Committee, and chair of this workshop. "Our paper presents a critical update of the evidence supporting the associations between periodontitis and very important systemic conditions, but our main objective was to understand the interpretation of this information by the family doctors, and the derived implications, developed to improve the management of our patients' health," explains Prof Herrera. The document advocates for family doctors and oral healthcare professionals to work together in preventing, detecting and treating these major systemic health issues, in exchanging information and mutually referring their patients, and in promoting healthy lifestyles among them. There is consensus in considering gum health-related input as essential for family physicians to correctly manage their patients' overall health. For example, it is recommended to periodontists and family doctors to implement effective strategies for early detection of gum disease in primary healthcare centers, and of CVD and diabetes in dental practices. General practitioners are encouraged to seek information about the periodontal health of their patients, and oral health professionals about the cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. Specifically, this consensus report is based on the outcomes of the Focused Workshop on Periodontology and Family Doctors, a joint scientific initiative by the EFP and the European branch of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe) which was held in Madrid last summer with sponsorship from EFP partner Curasept. The workshop's aim was to draw up a set of recommendations for a new approach to the systemic impact of periodontitis on overall health conditions. Currently the EFP is preparing an outreach campaign based on the paper, targeting specific groups such as primary care and dental patients, policymakers, family physicians, dentists, periodontists, and dental hygienists. Higher risk of CVD and diabetes "When treating patients with periodontitis, oral health professionals should inform them that their risk of CVD is higher. Also they are suggested to collect a careful history informing of reported CV risks factors including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, and to screen for other CV risk factors, as physical activity, excess of weight, blood pressure, or lipids or glucose management. If the patient presents obvious risk factors, they should be advised to consult with their family doctor and to adopt active lifestyle measures as weight loss, smoking cessation, and physical activity," advises Lior Shapira, past EFP president (2021-22), workshop co-chair, and paper co-author. "In the case of patients with diabetes or prediabetes, family doctors are invited to inform them of a higher risk of suffering from a gum disease, so they need to go to their dentist and screen their gums health. Besides, gum inflammation is a major risk factor to develop a metabolic disease such as diabetes. Importantly, at the dental practice we can screen periodontitis patients and identify those with diabetes or prediabetes who haven't been previously diagnosed, which may save their lives. All in all, the main conclusion is that we, dental professionals, need to be in touch with our patients' family physicians all the time," Prof Shapira adds. "The current split between dental health professionals on one side, and systemic disease professionals on the other makes no sense," explains Shlomo Vinker, president of WONCA Europe, paper co-author and workshop chair. "We should strive for great integration and better sharing of information. More collaboration on screening, prevention, and referrals would clearly benefit our patients and the public health." More information: David Herrera et al, Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases: Consensus report of the Joint Workshop by the European Federation of Periodontology ( EFP ) and the European arm of the World Organization of Family Doctors ( WONCA Europe), Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13807 Provided by European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Three-dimensional culture of human breast cancer cells, with DNA stained blue and a protein in the cell surface membrane stained green. Credit: NCI Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Surgeons can play a key role in reducing breast cancer disparities by increasing their awareness of where disparities exist and having open conversations with their patients about their needs to initiate referrals early on in their care, according to a new collective review article published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS). Despite improved screening and treatment options for breast cancerthe most common cancer diagnosed in women excluding skin cancersmany populations face significant barriers to screening and treatment options for breast cancer. Following a well-received in-person panel discussion on breast cancer disparities held at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress in October 2022, an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, which included surgeons, a radiologist, and public health researchers, convened to explore these disparities in more detail for a research article in JACS. "Many breast surgeons may already be aware of some of the disparities that exist in regard to breast cancer care, but we wanted to illustrate the wide scope of the problems and raise awareness among general surgeons and other healthcare provides who treat breast cancer patients," said Kathie-Ann Joseph, MD, MPH, FACS, senior author of the study and a professor of surgery and population health at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. "Whether you work in a rural or city hospital, these are real issues that we deal with and face every day." A new collective review article published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons takes an in-depth look at disparities in breast cancer care and how surgeons can drive change to reduce these disparities. Credit: American College of Surgeons Areas of disparity While disparities are multifactorial, the researchers identified four specific areas where disparities remain concerning: screening, genetic testing, reconstruction, and access to fertility-preservation treatments for cancer patients (also known as oncofertility). "These are topics that are often overlooked. We sort of assume that most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer may require these services and that they are readily available. But unfortunately, depending on geography or the type of hospital that a patient is being treated, many of these services may not be available," explained Dr. Joseph, who also serves as vice-chair for diversity and health equity at NYU Langone Health. "Or if they are available, certain patients may not have the full breadth of access for some of these services or treatments." Variable access to screening: Many women may not have access to or be able to afford some of the latest screening technologiesincluding 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)even with health insurance. These technologies are increasingly used to screen for breast cancer and monitor women at high risk of the disease and/or who have increased breast density. The pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges by delaying screening for some women. "There are differences in what screening services are offered, so I think we need to be asking: How do we make sure that people have equal access to the latest technologies so that they can anticipate the same great outcomes that other women can have?," said Angelena Crown, MD, FACS, first author of the study and a breast surgeon at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, Washington. "If we can find more cancers at an earlier stage, then we can really start seeing improvements, not only in survival but also in the quality of life associated with the treatments that are required for more advanced breast cancers." Genetic counseling and testing: Cancer care that integrates knowledge of genetics remains critical for the health of patients with cancer and their families. However, most genes associated with an increased breast cancer risk were first identified in Northern European Whites. As a result, women from different racial and ethnic groups who undergo genetic testing are more likely to receive inconclusive results, also known as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). "I think there is a need for patient and clinician education about the importance of genetic testing for breast cancer prevention, screening, and targeted therapies," said Allison Kurian, MD, MSc, a study co-author and professor of medicine and population health at Stanford Medicine. "It is also important for surgeons to recognize the unequal burden of VUS results. Surgeons should be ready to explain the implications of VUS results to patients and refer them to additional genetic counseling when appropriate." Access to fertility preservation: A growing number of women of childbearing age (< age 45) are diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for about 11% of the population of breast cancer patients. For these women, fertility preservation is vital for family planning purposes but can be cost-prohibitive for a large majority of patients. "It's really important for providers to think about the quality of life that these women are going to have. Most of these women are going to be diagnosed with curable disease, meaning anything less than stage 4, and they are expected to have long, healthy lives," Dr. Crown said. Reconstruction surgery: Patients who undergo a mastectomy have several options for reconstruction, including implant reconstruction or tissue (flap) reconstruction, where a woman's own tissue from other parts of her body is used to reconstruct the breast. However, even with laws requiring some states to cover reconstruction, insurance and geography may still dictate what kind of reconstruction a patient is likely to receive. "Oftentimes, having a tissue-based reconstruction is ideal for many patients but that may not be feasible, depending on the type of training the plastic surgeon has, and the availability of the procedure at a specific hospital," Dr. Joseph explained. Language and health literacy barriers can further impact the information available to a patient. Strategies to improve care Recognizing the magnitude of these disparities, the researchers outlined key steps that breast cancer centers and surgeons can take to improve equitable care: Advocate for patient navigation programs, which can improve rates of screening and increase patient satisfaction. Open treatment centers in underserved communities, and when possible, implement flexible hours and help patients with access to travel and childcare assistance. Assist with community-led health efforts and produce educational materials in a variety of formats and languages. Improve the representation of minority groups in clinical trial research and improve diversity within the oncology workforce through dedicated programming and mentorship opportunities. Increase funding of safety-net hospitals, which often treat a large proportion of low-income, uninsured, and other vulnerable populations, and increase research dedicated to addressing health disparities. Refer patients, independent of their insurance status, to resources, such as grants or charitable programs, that can assist with coverage for genetic screening and fertility preservation, when possible. Integrate genetic testing into oncology care by employing a genetic counselor in oncology clinics and/or offering online counseling and testing protocol, which may extend access to patients in rural areas or to those who have limited access to transportation and/or time off from work. Unique role of surgeons Surgeons are often the first point of contact in a patient's journey through breast cancer. Surgeons can be important drivers of change, the authors noted, by maintaining their awareness of existing disparities and providing additional resources to patients when possible. "One way to make a difference today is to be aware that access to breast cancer services is sub-optimal in many places, and that if you help your individual patients get access to necessary screening or treatment, you are already doing something good," Dr. Crown said. "By initiating conversations early, surgeons can actually expedite patient care and give patients access to more options. We can really shape what that future life looks like for patients starting right there on day one in the office." "Finding small ways to help address disparities, even if it's just referring a patient for one program that they would not have known about before, can make a huge difference for all our patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer," Dr. Joseph added. "It just starts with that one small step. There is hope, but it requires work." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Taxes on sugary drinks reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and unhealthy weight gain in pregnant women, reports a new UC San Francisco study of more than 5 million women. Published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, this is the first study to examine how sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes affect the health of mothers and children immediately before and after birth. Researchers compared mothers who were living in cities that had SSB taxes in effect while they were pregnant to mothers in cities with no SSB taxes. In addition to significantly lowering the risk of diabetes and unhealthy weight gain in pregnant mothers, there was a much lower risk of having an overly small fetus. "All three of these outcomes are important for health later in life, for both the mother and child," said senior author Justin White, Ph.D., associate professor of health economics at UCSF's Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies. "If you can reduce risk at this key developmental stage, it can have long-lasting health benefits." In the general population, sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. SSBs are the largest source of added sugar for pregnant individuals, who consume 50% more calories from added sugar than is recommended, the authors wrote in the study published March 24, 2023. Time-varying association between sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and primary health outcomes. Note: These plots of the time-varying differences in outcomes between those in SSB tax cities vs. comparator cities are estimated from Callaway-Sant Anna event-study difference-in-differences regressions. Quarterly estimates are relative to the quarter just prior to SSB tax implementation (quarter -1, dotted line). 95% confidence intervals calculated from robust standard errors. Credit: American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.016 A strong policy argument Researchers used national birth certificate data to study 5,324,548 U.S. pregnant women and their offspring from 2013 through 2019. At the time, the five cities with SSB taxes were Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Oakland and Berkeley, and data from those cities were compared with dozens of cities without the taxes. SSB taxes were associated with a 41.4% lower risk of gestational diabetes; a 7.9% lower risk of unhealthy weight gain for gestational age; and 39.1% lower risk of infants being born small for gestational age. Researchers controlled for demographic and city-level factors that could have accounted for differences, such as race, socio-economic status and retail environment. The taxes didn't appear to affect blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy, or low birthweight and preterm status of the infant. About 50 countries have implemented SSB taxes in the last decade, and research indicates they have helped reduce consumption of sugary beverages. Research on the health effects is limited, however, with one large study in Mexico showing a reduction in obesity rates while another in Mauritius showed no effects. At the same time, modeling studies indicate that SSB taxes lower the risk of chronic disease in the general population. "It can be challenging to measure the effects of sugary drink taxes on health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, which can take decades to develop," said White. "But showing that we can improve health during the relatively short, and critical, window of pregnancyand thus have lifelong health effects for the mother and childmakes a strong policy argument for these taxes." More information: Kaitlyn E. Jackson et al, Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and perinatal health: A quasi-experimental study, American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.016 Journal information: American Journal of Preventive Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Incidence of confirmed cases (per million population) in Kano state/LGA. Credit: New Microbes and New Infections (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101100 Low vaccine coverage and weak infrastructure have fueled a recurrence of diphtheria in Nigeria, especially in rural areas beset by poor access to healthcare services, public health experts say. The highly contagious bacterial infection which affects a person's nose, throat and skin is potentially fatal. But it can be prevented in children with a pentavalent (five-in-one) vaccine. As of 15 March, 21 states had reported a total of 1,064 suspected cases79 percent of them in Kanoaccording to a situational report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Of those, around a third (389) have been confirmed. The majority (78 percent) of confirmed cases are children aged two to 14 years and 62 of them have died from the disease. The NCDC officially declared an outbreak of diphtheria on 20 January after it was notified of suspected cases of the disease in Kano and Lagos states on 1 December 2022. But experts say that Nigeria's routine immunization coverage has been poor and fluctuated significantly over the last decade. "The persistence of diphtheria in Nigeria has been linked to various factors, including low vaccine coverage, insufficient vaccine storage and transportation," say researchers in an article on potential solutions published in the March issue of New Microbes and New Infections. "Low accessibility to healthcare facilities, especially in rural regions, exacerbates the issue, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment." Ritik Agrawal, lead author of the article and a public health consultant at the Regional Medical Research Centre in Odisha, India, tells us that inadequate disease surveillance and response systems, marked by a lack of resources, personnel, and cooperation between government agencies, impedes the effective detection and response to diphtheria outbreaks. Agrawal says that the Nigerian government must step up efforts to prevent future outbreaks of diphtheria following the recurrence. Nigeria had recorded diphtheria outbreaks in the past, most significantly from February to November 2011 in rural areas of Borno, northeast, Nigeria. Bassey Okposen, the director of disease control and immunization at Nigeria's National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), says that immunization is being stepped up in the country. "We have supplied additional pentavalent vaccines to all the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory for vaccination of children less than four years and additional 500,000 doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccines to Kano state for the vaccination of age group four to 14 years and the health care workers," he explains. Salma Ali Suwaid, head of the emergency pediatric unit at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, said at a webinar organized by the NCDC early this month (6 March) that in Kano, north west of Nigeria, only 20 percent of children aged four to 14 years were fully vaccinated with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. She said ten percent were partly vaccinated and 54 percent not vaccinated. She said the gap in coverage was resulting in more cases and deaths in the state. Suwaid cited the case of an unvaccinated eight-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with hemorrhagic diphtheria and died within one hour of admission. Public health experts are calling for more action to help prevent future outbreaks. "The first step is to increase awareness about the disease and the vaccine among the community, healthcare workers and policymakers, which can help in early detection, prevention and control and increase vaccination coverage," Agrawal explains. "Additionally, improving access to healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, can help in early detection and prompt treatment of diphtheria cases, which can prevent further transmission." More information: Ritik Agrawal et al, "Nigeria on alert: Diphtheria outbreaks require urgent action"A critical look at the current situation and potential solutions, New Microbes and New Infections (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101100 Provided by SciDev.Net TUESDAY, March 28, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Overall, 4.7 percent of students with disabilities experience homelessness across seven states and Washington D.C., according to a study published online March 28 in Pediatrics. Emily Bock, from the Boston University School of Public Health, and colleagues compiled data from state departments of education and federal homelessness data to quantify students with disabilities experiencing homelessness in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. The proportion of students with and without disabilities experiencing homelessness was calculated. Changes in homelessness in Massachusetts counties were examined compared with the 2018 to 2019 school year. The researchers found that 4.7 percent of students with disabilities experienced homelessness across the seven states and Washington, D.C., compared with 3.0 percent among students without disabilities (disability to no disability homelessness ratio, 1.58). The highest and lowest proportions of students with disabilities experiencing homelessness were seen in Washington, D.C., and New York and in Connecticut, respectively. Comparing 2018 to 2019 with 2019 to 2020 statistics in Massachusetts showed little change. "Students with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness are a particularly vulnerable population and quantifying this population for the first time will provide policymakers with valuable information to be able to act to better support these students," the authors write. An informational sign depicting Indigenous history was vandalized and torn from its base near the south end of Beartracks Bridge in Missoula over the weekend, prompting outrage from elected officials and on social media. The Missoula Police Department is investigating the incident, but so far no suspect or motive has been identified. "The (Confederated Salish and Kootenai) Tribes are saddened to learn about the vandalism of the interpretive signage at Beartracks Bridge," said Tribal chairman Tom McDonald. "Our elders and staff put so much time into developing these special signs." McDonald said they support the full prosecution of the parties that caused the damage. "We also appreciate the strong sentiment by many in the community who have reached out in support of our efforts to create meaningful partnership and educational resources for the community about the Indigenous people who have lived on this landscape since time immemorial," he said. State Sen. Shane Morigeau, a Native American lawmaker from Missoulas Senate District 48, took to Twitter to express disappointment. Sad deal, Morigeau wrote. Sometimes it feels like we cant have anything nice. Hope we find who did this hateful act. The sign was installed last October before the dedication of Beartracks Bridge on Indigenous Peoples Day. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Selis-Qlispe Culture Committee, the city and the county hosted a community celebration and powwow. Many speakers that day mentioned the informational signs as an important piece of the new bridge. In fact, the Culture Committee created the design and narrative on the signs. Grizzly Bear Tracks, or Sxuytis Smxe in the Selis language, was a highly revered sub-chief of the Selis people in the 1700s. It is so fitting to name this bridge in honor of Sxuytis Smxe, Grizzly Bear Tracks, a leader of the highest stature among the Salish people, said Martin Charlo, the CSKT Tribal Council secretary, at the dedication. This is a big moment in the building of mutually respectful relationships between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the city and county of Missoula. The sign was apparently ripped out of the concrete and thrown down the stairs near the bridge at some point over the weekend. "Not only did our staff and elders spend a lot of time on this effort, but the staff for both the City of Missoula and Missoula County worked tirelessly to ensure these signs showcased the special and unique history of our people and our community," McDonald continued. "We are disappointed by this situation, but also committed to immediate restoration of the site with our partners, the city and the county." As images of the sign circulated on Twitter, many people commented that they were disgusted by the act. Needless to say, it is disappointing to see this installation that was dedicated just a few months ago vandalized in really such a violent fashion, said county commissioner Dave Strohmaier, who coordinated with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the re-naming of the former Higgins Avenue Bridge. It would be bad enough if the sign itself was defaced, but someone really had to work at this to completely yank it out of the ground and destroy it the way they did. Strohmaier said the signs were paid for by a collaboration between many different groups, including the City of Missoula, the Downtown Missoula Partnership, the county and the Tribes. The Tribes paid about $6,400 for design and printing of the display, with the county adding another $1,000 for installation. The take-home message for me is it demonstrates why signage like this is necessary for our community, Strohmaier continued. The sign that was damaged, if you look at the title, said Building relations of mutual respect. So its ironic that this is an act of complete disrespect. "So as troubling as it is, this reaffirms to me that we need to double down on education to inform members of our very own community why it is so important to show respect to one another to understand our shared culture and the cultural landscape of this place that goes back millennia." Paul Kim, a Missoula historical geographer, said he was appalled at the vandalism. The vandalization of signs and memorials that speak to the historical injustice and displacement experienced by the Salish people should upset every Missoulian, Kim said. Its well past time we acknowledged Missoulas diverse racial histories from Bear Tracks Bridge to the Chinese cemetery in the lower Rattlesnake to the St. Pauls African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am thankful for the prompt response by our County Commission and the City Council and stand united with the many Missoulians advocating to bring this citys full history to light. Daniel Carlino, a Missoula City Council member, said hes been told that the citys Parks and Recreation Department is storing the sign and will fix it and put it back. Missoula has a lot of work ahead of us to build a better relationship with the communities who are Indigenous to this land, Carlino said. As a community, we must push back against hate crimes and work together on the ongoing fight towards justice. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Missoula Police Department's non-emergency number at 406-552-6300. When Danielle Vazquezs auntie texted in a group chat about a new program that would make legal services more accessible to tribal members, Vazquez jumped on the opportunity. Vazquez, Chippewa Cree, knew the tribal court on the Rocky Boy Reservation like tribal courts statewide was overworked, understaffed and lacked resources. The Chippewa Cree Tribal Court has 22 employees, and in 2022, it had 1,731 new criminal cases and 567 active civil cases. As of March 21, 6,585 criminal and 832 civil cases were pending in the court. Vazquez wanted to help, so she enrolled in the new Montana Tribal Advocate Incubator Project. In the new program, called TAIP, the Montana Legal Services Association partnered with tribal courts statewide to recruit, train, mentor and support people to become tribal lay advocates. Valerie Falls Down is the tribal advocacy coordinator for the Montana Legal Services Association. She said in 2021, the organizations tribal law practice group had one attorney to address referrals from tribal communities. In 2021, she said they received more than 200 such referrals. That was a high caseload for one attorney, Falls Down said, adding that the pandemic made things worse. A lay advocate can represent tribal members in tribal court for common civil legal matters such as divorce and custody, landlord-tenant disputes, wills and probate as well as real estate and land issues. The free 12-week course is virtual and features legal experts from across the state. After completing the course, participants are expected to take their tribal bar exam, and upon passing, are given a $1,000 stipend to start their own legal business on their reservation. The course provides travel stipends for in-person opportunities, supplements the cost of the tribal bar exam and provides ongoing mentorship from legal experts. Vazquez, who works full time for Montana Women Vote, said she was especially thankful for the courses flexibility. The course meets virtually after work hours once a week, and students receive one assignment each week. It was just enough work to manage while still having a job, Vazquez said. Vazquez took the bar in January and is awaiting results. Once she passes, she hopes to start her own business on the Rocky Boy Reservation to help tribal members access justice. The TAIP program requires that lay advocates offer a modest means rate (between $60 and $120 an hour) so community members can afford their services. The median household income on the Rocky Boy Reservation is $35,000 half the national average. Erica Shelby has helped family and friends navigate the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Court system for free, and shes seen firsthand the barriers to justice. So many people are frustrated with the tribal legal system, she said. Not a lot of our members can afford attorneys. Our Indian people dont have resources to access good local attorneys. For dissolution of marriage, most attorneys charge between $4,000 and $10,000. The first consultation can cost hundreds, whereas ours is free. Shelby, who enrolled in the TAIP program, said when she signed up, she was skeptical. I thought, this is going to be impossible, she said. Most people dont understand how complex our (tribal) legal system is, but Valerie is Native American. She does understand the system, and she sees the gaps. Shelby said the course surpassed her expectations. When I think of federal Indian law, I think of policy, she said. I thought it was going to be about the philosophy of tribal law. And you get that, but when it comes down to it, its a hands-on training about being in court and having clients. Upon completing the program, Shelby plans to open her own business on the Flathead Reservation. She expects to handle domestic violence cases, cold cases that become public and other civil court matters. She said the TAIP program has better prepared her to advocate for Indigenous people. For anyone planning to advocate for their community, this is a must-take program, she said. Without it, youre not able to be anywhere near as effective. If you are interested in joining the TAIP program, which begins in May, contact Valerie Falls Down at 406-248-7113, ext. 322 or at vfallsdo@mtlsa.org. Falls Down will also have an informational booth at the Kyiyo Pow Wow on April 21 and 22. When Shellie Mitchell borrowed $900 from her son years ago to start a restaurant, she didnt realize that 16 years later her and her daughter's diner would be named by the Small Business Administration Montana District as the Woman Owned Small Business of the Year. This years Montana SBA award winners are not only a testament to the grit and resiliency of Montana small businesses, SBA Montana District Director Brent Donnelly said Friday in a news release, but also an inspiration as they highlight the opportunities entrepreneurship affords to make tremendous impacts to our families and our Montana communities. Mitchell and daughter Aimee Myles said Tuesday during an interview at the 24-hour cafe they were stunned by the news. Im not sure how many nominees there were, but no matter what Im surprised and shocked, Mitchell said. Montana has 129,180 small businesses, according to the 2022 Small Business Profile by the SBAs Office of Advocacy. These are businesses with 500 employees or fewer and make up 99.3% of all Montana businesses. There are 250,680 small business employees, making up 66.8% of Montana employees. The SBA says 46% of those businesses are owned by women and women make up 46.8% of the workforce. Myles said she was happy with the amount of growth and resilience the restaurant which features the "Holy Cow!" in which diners can super-size their portions has had in the past couple years despite COVID-19 and other challenges. All this comes after Shellies relocated about 2 miles in the past year from 3122 US Highway 12 E. to a location twice the size once occupied by Perkins. They opened in the 5,736 square-foot location July 7. Myles said customers came to the new location. They followed us, she said. They were happy for us. Im extremely happy we did it, Mitchell said. Their seating grew from about a capacity of 83 to 213. Myles said they probably serve about 1,000 customers a day and have plans for improvements. She said new carpeting and windows are on the agenda, so that the breeze does not seep in. They credit Casey Connors, a vice president of Valley Bank, for nominating them for the SBA award. They also say he was vey supportive in helping them move to a new location. Without him, none of this would be possible, they said. Connors could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Mitchell and Myles said they would continue to do tasks for the community, such as raise money for July 4 fireworks in East Helena. Among their appreciative customers is Doug Kralicek of Helena. I think its a great restaurant, he said during breakfast Tuesday, noting their motto of Nothing fancy, just good food. She (Mitchell) just keeps growing and growing, Kralicek said. If they had a place twice this size shed fill it up. In terms of the changes and the move, Mitchell and Myles remain optimistic. Im extremely happy we did it, Mitchell said. Were enjoying it and our customers are enjoying it, Myles said. National Small Business Week will be observed April 30-May 6. A local presentation will be made to Shellie's during that time. For more information about National Small Business Week, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW. In order to cope with the demand, food manufacturers started cutting the warehouse step out of the chain, shipping from their plants directly to supermarkets. But at the retail end, other challenges emerged. As stores rushed to install plexiglass sneeze shields for cashiers and equip employees with protective gear, consumers increasingly began ordering their food online, either from stores or food delivery services such as Instacart, FreshDirect and Peapod. Before the pandemic, about 3 percent of grocery stores' business was e-commerce, according to Baker. While hard figures aren't yet available, retailers have seen rises ranging from 12 and 20 percent, he says. This is significant, because buying groceries over the internet turns out to be surprisingly labor-intensive. "As a customer, I normally pick my food and put it into basket myself," Baker says. "Now, grocers have to do it." There's only so much labor to handle those orders, which is forcing grocery stores to schedule curbside pickup and delivery windows days in advance, due to the demand. (Here are more details from GroceryDive on how e-commerce grocery services scrambled to keep up.) Advertisement Additionally, the sudden surge in e-commerce means that store employees or delivery-service workers are grabbing groceries and products off the same shelves that old-school in-person shoppers are relying upon, so there's not as much stuff for them. To fix that problem, Baker says, some retailers have been setting up separate, automated micro-fulfillment centers, which get their own shipments of groceries. The micro-fulfillment centers are a grocery industry trend that most likely will accelerate, according to Baker. Additionally, even before COVID-19 retailers, such as Walmart had begun to look at using autonomous vehicles to make deliveries. At some point in the future, it may be that when you order groceries online, robots will handle much of the process of getting it to you. That could make it a lot easier to get food during future pandemics. For the present, though, U.S. food supply chain will continue to depend upon human labor. Even with added precautions that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19, especially if the virus rapidly spreads in rural areas the way that it has hit urban populations. There are worrisome signs that is already happening. An analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that mostly rural counties saw a 125 percent increase in coronavirus cases and a 169 percent increase in coronavirus-related deaths in the two weeks prior to April 27, which was higher than cases in metro counties, where a significant part of the U.S. population lives. "Categories which are produced in indoor, large-scale labor intensive plants (such as meat) are most at risk," explains Karan Girotra, a professor of operations, technology and information management at Cornell University and an expert in supply chain, explains via email. "As social distancing is harder in these factories, employees are financially insecure, labor is often migrant labor, and there is limited access to health care for these employees. So they are vulnerable and given the high level of consolidation, even one facility or one breakout can take significant supply off the market. Labor is the weakest link in these categories." Now That's Interesting A poll conducted in mid-March on behalf of online loan marketplace LendingTree found that 63 percent of Americans had purchased supplies related to the coronavirus outbreak, such as food, cleaning products and medication, with the average consumer spending $178.44. Advertisement Originally Published: Apr 16, 2020 The Georgia Bulldogs offered a scholarship to class of 2024 wide receiver Amari Jefferson in July of 2022. Out of the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jefferson ranks as the nations No. 341 overall player, No. 32 athlete and No. 5 player in Tennessee. Jefferson tweeted on Tuesday that his top 12 schools are Georgia, Alabama, Miami, Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson, Florida State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Georgia Tech, Colorado and Penn State. The 6-foot-1, 195 pound prospect explained what he likes about Georgia when talking to Rivals.com. The first school to really recruit me hard and make me a priority, Jefferson told Rivals. They have been excellent to me. Kirby (Smart) watching my game on a Friday night before his team played Auburn on Saturday really stood out to me. Jefferson took a recent visit to Athens, per his Twitter account: According to 247Sports, Jefferson plans to visit Athens again on June 16. He also reportedly set a visit to Alabama on June 9. Jefferson spoke with Rivals regarding to Alabama and Nick Saban: Nick Saban believes in my ability and offered me himself in his office. Hearing that from the GOAT carries a lot of weight. Story originally appeared on UGA Wire A tractor-trailer driver is facing charges after being accused of hitting and killing men who were changing a tire on the side of the interstate, Tennessee police said. A group of eight men were traveling in a Chevrolet Express van along Interstate 81 in Kingsport, Tennessee, on March 26, according to a news release from the Kingsport Police Department on March 27. The front left tire of the groups van went flat, causing the driver to pull onto the side of the road. Five of the passengers got out of the van to work on changing the tire, police said. Saul Carrera, 60, from New York, was driving a red Peterbilt tractor-trailer on the interstate, according to police, when he veered off the right-hand side of the road. Carrera sideswiped the van, hitting all five of the pedestrians who were working to repair the tire, police said. The tractor-trailer then drove down the interstate a little further before jack-knifing and overturning on the side of the interstate, police said. Four of the five men hit were killed, including Jesse James Delacruz, 49; Jose Urbano Serrano Ramos, 25; one man who was not identified and a 17-year-old whose name was not released. The fifth man, another 17-year-old, was taken to the hospital with suspected major injuries, according to police. He remains in the hospital in critical condition. The three men who remained in the van were not injured. Police say Carerra was operating the tractor-trailer while impaired and issued an arrest warrant. Carerra remains in the hospital in stable condition with injuries sustained during the crash. He is charged with four counts of vehicle homicide by intoxication, reckless aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment, driving under the influence in a commercial vehicle and failure to exercise due care. Police said Carerra will be taken into custody once he is discharged from the hospital. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Kingsport is 94 miles northeast of Knoxville. Story continues Dashcam shows car catapult into air after being hit by a detached tire on highway Dangerously intoxicated man hospitalized after others force him to drink, GA reports say Six found dead near flipped car after crash on Tennessee interstate, officials say 1-year-old run over and killed after wandering behind family friends car, GA cops say As a thriller-comedy-drama set in a luxurious (fictional) hotel chain with some of the worlds most beautiful locations as the backdrop, fans are desperate to know where The White Lotus season three will be set. Season one, which debuted in July 2021, offered up a slice of paradise in Hawaii while season two, in December 2022, transported audiences to the Italian island of Sicily. Escapism, living vicariously through uber-rich hotel guests and a hefty dose of Schadenfreude has defined the first two seasons of The White Lotus. Season three will be no different except for the setting, which lends itself to an entirely new theme. In an interview with NPR, the shows creator Mike White said he actually had a different idea for season two and how the Italian hotela renovated convent at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palacehad an impact on his planned narrative. The original idea was more [about] heavy hitters in business, more about power. And then I got there and I was like, This is not the right place for that kind of topic, he said. It gave me the idea that to focus more on sexual jealousy and adultery and infidelity and a more operatic kind of bedroom farce. Heres everything we know about The White Lotus season three. More from StyleCaster Where is The White Lotus season 3 set? Where is The White Lotus season three set? Multiple sources confirmed to Variety that Thailand will be the setting for season three, though the network HBO declined to comment. Given that the first two seasons of The White Lotus were shot at Four Seasons resorts in Hawaii and Italy, its possible that the third season will take place at one of the luxury hotel giants four properties in Thailand; which are located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle. Production has yet to begin, but sources told Variety that White has been spending time in Thailand scoping out sites. Story continues Whites friend, former Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, accidentally said a bit too much in an interview with Vulture published on February 16, 2023though he got the region kind of right, maybe it was a red herring after all? Mike White is a very close friend of mine. He and I had been in Tokyo together. I think thats where the next oh, Im not giving anything away. I might call him again as soon as this is over. "The White Lotus" season 2 Click here to read the full article. Image: Courtesy of HBO.In December 2022 after the finale of season two aired, White did hint at the possibility that season three would be set somewhere in Asia. He said in an interview with Variety: The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. He had already mentioned in an interview with StyleCasters sister site Deadline before season two premiered that he was already thinking about season three. I think itd be fun to maybe go to a whole different continent. You know, we did Europe, and maybe Asia, something crazy like that, that would be fun. Aubrey Plaza, who starred as Harper in season two, explained to Newsweek in October 2022 that the setting is integral to what story is told; it even serves almost as a character unto itself. I think the environment is very much a part of the show. Its like a character, the location, she shared. So I think the show is very informed by the energy of kind of being on this volcanic Italian island and I think the show is more focused on sexual politics rather than cold, colonialism, and, in my opinion, the money and those kinds of issues that the first season dealt with. So I think thats it, theres a slight shift in kind of focus. There is a lot about relationships and cheating, jealousy, sex, like, things like that. As for season one, the cast and crew worked under strict COVID-19 guidelines at the Four Seasons Resort in Maui at Wailea. Everyone was tested every day, they werent able to leave the resortthe bubble of it, White told Hawaii Public Radio in July 2021. In an interview with The New Yorker in July 2021, White also explained that the show was inspired by his own childhood and his familys vacations to tropical destinations. When I was little, I would go to Hawaii with my family. My dad was a minister, so we didnt have a lot of money. It was my first experience of being somewhere other than where I lived, he said. The Hawaiian culture is very specific, and theres something very magnetic and beautiful about it. After I made Enlightened, I actually was able to buy a place there. I was hoping to be Paul Theroux and have my Hawaiian writers retreat or something. And it is such a paradisiacal, idyllic place. He continued, But its also such a living microcosm of so many of the cultural reckonings that are happening right now. There are ethical aspects to just vacationing there, let alone buying a house there. The longer I spent time there, the more I realized just how complex it is. And it just felt like that might be interesting as a backdrop to this show. Murray Bartlett, Jolene Purdy, Natasha Rothwell, Lukas Gage. Image: HBO Max/The White Lotus In November 2022, HBO announced The White Lotus had been renewed for a third season. Reflecting on The White Lotus humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, its impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows, Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming and head of HBO drama series and films, said in a statement, per Variety. And yet, hes only continued to reach new heights in season two, which is the ultimate testament to Mikes raw, unparalleled vision. His courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humor and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort weve come to adore. We couldnt be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together. White expressed his excitement, too. I feel so lucky to get this opportunity again and am excited to reunite with my amazingly talented collaborators, he shared in a statement. The White Lotus is available to stream on HBO Max. Heres how to watch it for free. StyleCaster Shopping Newsletter Sign Up Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think youll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission from the sale. Best of StyleCaster A man will spend the next few years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a 2018 shooting death. David Andrew Barnes, 37, was sentenced Monday to spend between three years, two months and four years, 10 months in prison after he pleaded guilty last month in the August 2018 shooting death of 49-year-old Roger Dewayne Hoglan, court officials told The News Herald. Previous News Herald articles said the shooting happened after Barnes and Hoglan got into an argument at a home on Costner Road in eastern Burke County on Aug. 15, 2018. Hoglan reportedly got in his car while Barnes was standing near the back of it, with both a witness and Barnes saying Hoglan started to back the car up. Barnes argued Hoglan was trying to run him over, and Hoglan ended up running over Barnes foot, a previous News Herald article said. When Barnes was moving away, he pulled out a gun and fired a shot into the car the shot that ended up killing Hoglan, the previous article said. Barnes has no other previous convictions in North Carolina, according to a records check on the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website. He got credit for 210 days about seven months he already spent behind bars while the case was pending, so he could be out of prison in two and a half years. Bianca Chan was not surprised that she fell in love with Latin early in her high school career. What surprised her, however, is how studying the ancient Roman language would also stir up a love for womens history and womens studies. Our class would often translate Latin poetry and stories by famous Roman poets into English as a way to practice our Latin grammar and vocabulary, Chan said. I personally saw that the works we translated were exclusively voiced by males. Chan, now a junior at North Carolina School of Science and Math Morganton, decided to bring these two interests together by writing a novel entirely in Latin. I wondered about womens stories or what it would have been like if it was portrayed by a woman instead, she said. Praeterita Vox Antiquae Romae, which translates into The Forgotten Voice of Ancient Rome, is the story of Mila, an aspiring writer who, in a dream, travels back to 15 BCE. In her dream, she meets Thalia, a young woman who dreams of being a writer. Through these encounters, Mila learns what it might have been like for a woman to pursue writing in the male-dominated ancient Roman world. Beyond just a way to continue her studies in Latin, Chan uses the story to explore the perception of women in the male-dominated ancient Roman world and sheds light on the lack of female voices in ancient Rome. Women were not given a voice in society, Chan said. They also could not get any education, so they were expected to be confined to domestic tasks. Along the way, Thalia and Mila discover that bias against women is not relegated to the ancient world. Chan said many of the stereotypes that originated in the Greco-Roman world still influence thought today. Society still views women in power as aggressive, evil or greedy, she said. Thats exactly how they viewed women who had a little bit of power in the Roman Empire. Chan also said it was commonly assumed that if a woman was able to publish something it was only because she had the help of a man. She believes these biases still exist today. I think thats definitely still prevalent today, she said. For example, if a woman writes an incredible piece, they still say, Oh, its because a man helped her write this. Chan said she hopes her work can shed more light on these kinds of stereotypes and assumptions while also breathing new life into the Latin language. I recognize that since Latin is a dead language now and its no longer spoken, I wanted to bring that back to life, she said. Chan said it took some creativity to bring this ancient language into the modern world. Latin uses a very limited selection of vocabulary, she said. For example, Latin doesnt have a word for bookcase, so, I sometimes had to use other simple words to depict the actions of the characters. Praeterita Vox Antiquae Romae is currently available on Amazon at rb.gy/hs23mn. The Quaker Meadows chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has raised $20,000 in matching funds to qualify to receive a Marion Stedman Covington challenge grant. This means we have earned $10,000 from the Covington Foundation, said Janie Matthews, chapter regent. The matching funds were raised in 13 months. The funds will be used to help preserve the historic Gilboa Methodist Church, located near the Salem community in Morganton. The chapter continues its work with the Western Conference of the United Methodist Church toward establishing a nonprofit foundation, the Historic Gilboa Foundation, to preserve the site. The Historic Gilboa Foundation has received approval from the state for its articles of incorporation. The next step is to get a solicitation license for fundraising. The property will be surveyed May 16 so the Western Conference of the UMC can deed the church and cemetery to the foundation. Gilboa is considered the mother of Methodism in the county, and its congregation dates to 1793. This oldest framed church in Burke County, built in 1879, is on the National Register of Historic Places. One known Revolutionary War patriot Aaron Stacey is known to be buried there. Instrumental in the work to preserve Gilboa are DAR members Marsha Riddle and Andrea Kiser of Morganton and the Rev. Dana McKim, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Morganton. Additional funds are needed for the churchs roof, estimated to cost more than $40,000. Painting and other property repairs are needed. The money held by Quaker Meadows DAR will be transferred to HGF when the incorporation is finalized. The Covington grant was the result of Marion Stedman Covingtons (1916-2005) charitable work. She was born and raised in Asheboro, where her father was a textile manufacturer and founder of the Stedman Corporation. Covington had a long history of volunteerism and philanthropy, with memberships and involvements in numerous state and national organizations. Her lifelong passion was North Carolina historic preservation, and she became a leader in that movement for more than 15 years. The Covington Foundation is based in Greensboro. Additional grants mentioned in past articles for Gilboa Church have been received from the following foundations: Burke County-based Huffman-Cornwell Foundation, the J. Alex and Vivian G. Mull Foundation and the Americana Corner Foundation in Georgia. Butte police reports Fourth offense Monica Agnes Cramer, 44, of Butte was booked into the jail around 1:20 a.m. Friday for driving under the influence (fourth or subsequent offense) and careless driving Mercury and Shields streets Cramer found herself stuck in the ditch. When an officer approached her vehicle, she allegedly appeared to be under the influence. She was taken to the Butte Detention Center and a Breathalyzer showed she was reportedly twice over the legal limit. More DUIs Other people issued citations recently for driving under the influence include: Ben Jerome Hildreth, 48, of Butte was booked into the jail late Thursday night for misdemeanor aggravated DUI. He was arrested near the intersection of Argyle Street and Harrison Avenue. A trooper with the Montana Highway Patrol arrested Tyce Bryant Doherty, 27, of Butte just before 1 a.m. Friday for driving under the influence (refusal). Sean Patrick McCarthy, 32, of Butte, was arrested just after 2 a.m. Friday for misdemeanor aggravated driving under the influence (first offense). He was arrested by a MHP trooper near the intersection of Jackson and Quartz streets. Near the intersection of Busch Street and Gilman Avenue, Robert Patrick Stepper, 26, of Butte was arrested late Friday night for the misdemeanor offenses of aggravated DUI and careless driving. Pointed a firearm Ted Dean Williams, 39, of Butte allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and was arrested Friday afternoon for felony assault with a weapon and the misdemeanor offense of partner or family member assault. The incident reportedly occurred in the 600 block of West Silver Street. Accidental arrest An accident occurred Friday night near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and George Street. Darren Lee Smith, 47, of Butte was the driver of one of the vehicles. He was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant, along with the misdemeanor offenses of no liability insurance in effect, failure to identify self and vehicle, and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license. Family dispute John Lawrence Zagranis Jr., 39, of Butte reportedly got into a dispute with a family member at the Rosalie Manor, 1125 S. Main St. He was arrested at around 2:45 a.m. Saturday for the misdemeanor offense of partner or family member assault. Felony forgery Desireray Carolyn Mongar, 29, of Butte was arrested just after midnight Monday by a MHP trooper on a felony warrant for forgery/counterfeit. Causing problems While officers were investigating a disturbance, Edmond James McSweeney, 32, of Butte was allegedly causing some problems. He was booked into the jail just after midnight Monday for the misdemeanor offense of obstructing a peace officer. Further reports Two intoxicated men disputed their bill at a Harrison Avenue restaurant but when the police were called, they relented and paid the bill. A couple was arguing at a residence on Dusty Lane, but when officers arrived, they decided to tone it down. It was reported that the locking mechanism on a vehicle parked outside the Acoma, 56 E. Broadway St., had been tampered with. A man and woman living on Trinity Loop got into a verbal argument. When the police were called, the duo decided to calm things down for the night. A man was cited for damaging the door at Journey Church, 2055 Florence Ave. A computer was reportedly stolen from La Quinta Inn, 1 Holiday Park Dr. Prosecutors say a man accused of firing several gun shots into a house on Hummingbird Lane, causing a man to drop to the floor to avoid being hit, had broken up with a girlfriend who lived there. The girlfriend, her father and his wife were all home in the early morning hours of March 7 when 21-year-old Conner Tex Thomas Webster fired at least four bullets from a 9mm handgun into the house, prosecutors say in newly filed charging documents. Authorities provided a few basics about the incident when Webster was initially arrested and charged with attempted deliberate homicide just hours after the shooting took place, but provide more details in the new documents. Webster is to be arraigned Thursday before District Judge Kurt Krueger and if convicted faces up to life in prison. He remains in the Butte jail with bail set at $500,000. Prosecutors did not state a motive for the attack but when police asked the man, his wife and his daughter who might have done it, the latter said she had a former boyfriend who had a light-colored truck and often carried a 9mm Sig Sauger semi-automatic pistol. She also stated he previously made concerning statements about his firearms and the use of his firearms, such as claiming he had several road rage incidents where he pulled a gun on other drivers, prosecutors said. Webster told police they had broken up in November. The father said he observed a light-colored truck back into his driveway just after 1 a.m. on March 7 and when he turned on the lights in the living room, which illuminated him, he heard a pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, prosecutors said. Hummingbird Lane is south of town in a fairly rural area and the house has a driveway a quarter-mile long, with the nearest neighbors several acres away. The father was standing near a picture window when the shots rang out and as he dropped to the floor, he noticed sheetrock powder falling from the ceiling. When he stood back up, he could see a light-colored truck slowing exiting the driveway and he called 911. When officers arrived, they immediately noticed shards of sheetrock on the floor in the living room, a bullet hole in the picture window, one in the wall and possible ricochet damage from bullets inside the house. The officers also noted a window at the back of the house that had a bullet hole through it that they believed was caused by the bullet that had entered the front picture window, prosecutors said. Police believe there were at least five rounds shot at the house and at least four of them entered the home. The father had been asleep on the couch because of a medical procedure scheduled that morning and awoke to a tapping sound before the shots were fired. It was snowing that night, there were fresh tire tracks on the driveway and police found a bullet casing to a 9mm gun outside the house. After talking with the daughter, they went to Websters home where he lives with his father. There was a light-colored truck in the driveway with defrosted windows and other signs it had been driven recently. Officers saw a semi-automatic handgun on the drivers seat with loose ammunition. Websters father let them in the house and they woke up Webster up and read him his rights. He appeared to be intoxicated, prosecutors said, and claimed he had gone to work and then went home. His timeline changed throughout the conversation, however, and he said he last fired the pistol about a month ago behind the Montana Tech campus. But an officer found a 9mm casing under the passenger side windshield wiper of Websters truck. He was taken to jail and prosecutors charged him later that afternoon. Peer pressure is alive and well these days, not just in your local junior high but also in our state Legislature. As some legislators work hard to make our state government work, those in the supermajority regularly remind us that their will, and no other, is to be done. That because Republicans won the largest numbers of seats in both houses, they need not pay attention even to their own constituents, let alone make compromise with those elected in the other party. Tactics include strong-arming their own membership for failing to support House Budget committee recommendations in bloc votes. By steam rolling fellow delegates who attempt to represent their constituents have been told instead to tow the party line and not even to discuss budget issues. At least two female delegates have been intimated by their own leadership in attempts to silence them; one even resigned. A quick reminder of basic principles of participatory democracy reflects the subversion taking place. Citizens elect their representatives who are charged with representing the peoples collective will, not substituting the individual will of the loudest voice or a cabal of powerful insiders. To ignore the needs of the minority has real consequences for our neighbors. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the states budget (House Bill 2) where amendments were rejected that could have supplemented Medicaid expansion to provide continuous eligibility, and appropriated dollars for Montana food banks, undermining crucial safety nets for the elderly Likewise support for comprehensive school and community treatment (CSCT) for mental health and addiction programs and counseling in local school systems went unfunded for another session. Attempts to assist those with housing needs went unheard as an amendment to allocate funds for the Montana Emergency rental assistance program was rejected. Ongoing funding for rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism also went by the way side. These bills are not extremist ideas or attempts to subvert the American way. These are efforts to help those most in need low income people with medical bills, mental health issues and a lack of basic housing. Archie Bunker would have enjoyed whats happening in Helena. What did he like to say to those that disagreed with him? Just shut it. Lawmakers are back in Helena for the second half of Montanas 68th Legislative Session, and thanks to the public speaking up, weve had a few good wins that protect our clean air and water and public lands. However, there are some bad bills looming in the second half of this Legislative session, and time is running out to defeat them. First, the good news. Any bill not related to revenue, appropriations, or constitutional amendments that does not pass one legislative chamber before the transmittal deadline cannot move forward, which means that a handful of crummy bills have now died. Good riddance to SB 497, a sneaky bill targeting prescriptive easements that would have harmed Montanas best-in-the-nation stream access laws. The Legislature tried to push this through at the 11th hour, but thanks to many of you, your Senators received thousands of messages urging them not to pass this bill and it died on the Senate floor, showing that grassroots advocacy and public lands access are still priorities in Montana. Another bad idea called SB 357 would have done away with permanent conservation easements, making the maximum amount of time for a conservation easement 40 years. Perpetual conservation easements are really important tools for wildlife habitat and large landscape conservation as well as for keeping farmers and ranchers on the landscape, especially critical as development is booming across the state. Montanans spoke up, and this bill didnt make it out of committee. Unfortunately, some bad bills are moving forward, and we only have a few weeks to stop them. Maybe the worst idea is the plot for lawmakers to steal millions of dollars in marijuana tax revenue from Habitat Montana, arguably the state's most successful and popular conservation program, the same program that helped pay for the new Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area and the recent Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area addition. SB 442, HB 669, and HB 462 would redistribute how recreational marijuana tax revenue is spent in Montana. Over the next biennium, these bills would strip tens of millions of dollars in voter-approved revenue from the Habitat Montana Program and permanently block the program from tapping those funds again. Lawmakers are claiming its just a question of priorities (so Montanas wild places and public lands arent a priority?), but dont let them fool you. While HB 669 sends all revenue except that earmarked for the HEART fund to the general fund, HB 462 and SB 442 set up false choices. There is enough revenue to go to the programs outlined in HB 462 and SB 442 as well as continuing to fund Habitat Montana at current levels while still having extra revenue to send to the general fund. Just a couple of weeks ago Governor Greg Gianorte bragged at a press conference in Helena about increasing access to public lands through over 100,000 acres in the Big Snowies alone. So why is he trying to gut the program that paid for it? Now is the time to contact the Governors office and ask him to respect what Montanans voted for, and keep marijuana tax revenue funding for conservation. Tell him, and your representatives, that Montanans need more Big Snowies and more access to public land for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing, not less. As the state continues to grow and evolve, the only way to keep this the Last Best Place is to fight for what makes Montana special. It all started on a late morning on a highway. A camera panned to the cab of a large semi-trailer truck. The driver wore a plaid shirt and a day's growth of beard. Next to him was a mysterious hitchhiker in expensive clothes that were ripped and a fresh head wound. He got out at Genoa City. And he stayed. That's how "The Young and the Restless " began in March 1973, and a lot of people also stuck around Genoa City. The soap opera celebrates its 50th anniversary this month as the No. 1 daytime drama for 35 consecutive years, with fans growing up alongside the actors. "I think a huge reason why the audience has stuck with us for so long is because we are the same people. We are family members. We show up every day sometimes more than a regular family member," says Lauralee Bell, a star and daughter of the show's founders. Created by the late William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell, "The Young and the Restless" concerns the goings-on of several Midwestern families, some of whom have a lot and some who don't. William Bell was head writer for decades, giving the show a singular vision, unusual for soaps. Lauralee Bell, an Emmy-winner who plays good-girl Christine Blair Williams and first joined the show in 1983, says her dad would likely not be surprised by the show's new milestone. "He said if you have two families that come from different backgrounds and good, solid characters, it's endless material." The CBS soap has helped launch the careers of such primetime and film actors as Vivica A. Fox, David Hasselhoff, Adam Brody, Tom Selleck, Penn Badgley, Shemar Moore, Eva Longoria, Justin Hartley and the late Paul Walker. Eric Braeden plays the male lead Victor Newman, a villain of the highest quality who once kept his wife's lover locked in his basement. Professor Elana Levine, who teaches media studies at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and wrote "Her Stories: Daytime Soap Opera and US Television History," says the staying power of soaps is that they get passed down from one generation to the next. "What streaming TV has shown us is that serialized narratives and stories that continue from episode to episode are really appealing and engaging," she says. "Soaps did that before anybody and are the maximum version of that because the story is going for decades." Trailblazing topics Among the cake-flinging food fights and evil twins on "The Young and the Restless," there have also been important firsts it aired the first live facelift on TV, back in 1984, and when veteran actor Kristoff St. John died in 2019, the cast and crew held a funeral for his character, bringing tears to a returning Moore. It became the first daytime drama with a character who had a mastectomy, it was the first soap opera to broadcast in HD and, perhaps most importantly, it welcomed leading Black actors in the 1980s before many other soaps. "'The Young and the Restless' attracted a big African American audience starting at that time because they were putting Black characters, front center, more so than some of the other soaps were," says Levine. That's a legacy Bell is proud of and she puts it squarely as a result of her parents, whom she calls hard-working creators who demanded a lot from their writers and actors, even their kids. "My dad was not afraid of of being first. All the social issues he dealt with date rape, AIDS, alcoholism, all of that. He really felt that if our audience bonded with these characters that they would learn," says Bell. "If we could even help one person, it was worth it." Show veteran Melody Thomas Scott recalls a story that featured infant CPR, which is nothing like the adult version. "I think Bill and Lee wanted the world to know the difference," she says. On the soap, a baby swallows a coin and Victor Newman of course becomes the hero by showing viewers the correct CPR technique. "We got so many calls in our 'Y&R' office the day after that episode aired, some mothers in tears, so grateful," she says. "That is the ultimate goal of sneaking in some social issues because it can save lives. It can change people's lives." Epic character arcs One of Bill Bell's hallmarks was telling stories in real time, for instance waiting for a couple's first hand holding, then waiting a while before their first kiss. "If the audience doesn't believe it and grow with them, it's hard to buy sometimes," his daughter says. The soap always stayed in the realm of reality: No getting possessed by the devil in Genoa City. Scott is celebrating her 44th year on the show as Nikki Newman, a poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Her character has gone from a tempestuous, alcoholic stripper to the serial's luminous and resourceful leading lady. She says the show has stayed true to Bill Bell's vision of a show with compelling characters played by beautiful people. Visually, the soap has stayed lush and elegant, with plenty of fresh flowers or candles onset. "We look different from any other show," she says. Bell not only had a knack for storylines he also knew his actors. Scott recalls being surprised when Bell paired her bratty character with tycoon Victor Newman, two people she thought had nothing in common. "We discovered that we had this chemistry that we certainly didn't expect. But I think Bill, in all of his wisdom, somehow saw it in us," she says. "You can't force yourself to have chemistry with another actor. It just either is or isn't. So we are eternally grateful that Bill was so psychic in knowing that we would click." Family legacy The Bell family has continued to be part of the DNA of modern soaps, with Lauralee acting, her brother Brad serving as executive producer and head writer for sister soap "The Bold and the Beautiful" and brother Bill Jr. as president of the family production companies who made a deal for "The Young and the Restless" to be seen overseas, with versions in Israel, Canada, Turkey and France, among others. That mysterious man in the show's very first scene was Brad Elliot and ahead of him was plenty of drama a love triangle with a pair of sisters, a marriage, the heartache of a miscarriage, a diagnosis of blindness and a divorce petition. Surgery restored his sight but his marriage never recovered. He left Genoa City after five years. The show continued. When Lauralee Bell looks at the TV landscape today, she sees variations on what her parents created in primetime shows like "The Crown" and "Succession." "Every show is a soap, every nighttime show is a soap, all of these streaming shows are versions of soap operas," she says. "So we're all sort of a little tired of the soaps-are-on-their-way-out well, every show is a soap, really." ___ 100 best TV dramas of all time 100 best TV dramas of all time #100. Ozark (2017present) #99. Entourage (20042011) #98. Person of Interest (20112016) #97. Fringe (20082013) #96. Supernatural (20052020) #95. Homicide: Life on the Street (19931999) #94. House of Cards (1990) #93. Please Like Me (20132016) #92. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (19551962) #91. Horace and Pete (2016) #90. Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) #89. Anne of Green Gables (1985) #88. Jesus of Nazareth (1977) #87. John Adams (2008) #86. Succession (2018present) #85. The Knick (20142015) #84. Neon Genesis Evangelion (19951996) #83. Generation Kill (2008) #82. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) #81. After Life (2019present) #80. Louie (20102015) #79. The Expanse (2015present) #78. The Night Of (2016) #77. Luther (2010present) #76. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) #75. Big Little Lies (20172019) #74. The Handmaid's Tale (2017present) #73. Boardwalk Empire (20102014) #72. The Punisher (20172019) #71. Hannibal (20132015) #70. Spartacus (20102013) #69. Mr. Robot (20152019) #68. Suits (20112019) #67. Vikings (2013present) #66. From the Earth to the Moon (1998) #65. Pose (20182021) #64. Wentworth (20132021) #63. Endeavour (2012present) #62. Monster (20042010) #61. Line of Duty (20122021) #60. North & South (2004) #59. Atlanta (2016present) #58. Friday Night Lights (20062011) #57. Battlestar Galactica (2003) #56. Naruto: Shippuden (20072017) #55. Justified (20102015) #54. Deadwood (20042006) #53. The Newsroom (20122014) #52. Mindhunter (20172019) #51. Shameless (20112021) #50. The X-Files (19932018) #49. Doctor Who (2005present) #48. Mad Men (20072015) #47. Sons of Anarchy (20082014) #46. Daredevil (20152018) #45. Dexter (20062013) #44. Normal People (2020) #43. I, Claudius (1976) #42. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (19841985) #41. Lonesome Dove (1989) #40. Anne with an E (20172019) #39. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017present) #38. The Shield (20022008) #37. Fleabag (20162019) #36. Oz (19972003) #35. This Is Us (2016present) #34. BoJack Horseman (20142020) #33. The Crown (2016present) #32. Six Feet Under (20012005) #31. Battlestar Galactica (20042009) #30. Rome (20052007) #29. Downton Abbey (20102015) #28. Better Call Saul (2015present) #27. House (20042012) #26. Westworld (2016present) #25. House of Cards (20132018) #24. Steins;Gate (20112015) #23. Cobra Kai (2018present) #22. The West Wing (19992006) #21. Freaks and Geeks (19992000) #20. Attack on Titan (2013present) #19. Twin Peaks (19901991) #18. Peaky Blinders (2013present) #17. Narcos (20152017) #16. Black Mirror (2011present) #15. Stranger Things (2016present) #14. Pride and Prejudice (1995) #13. When They See Us (2019) #12. Cowboy Bebop (19981999) #11. Fargo (2014present) #10. The Twilight Zone (19591964) #9. Firefly (20022003) #8. True Detective (20142019) #7. Sherlock (20102017) #6. The Sopranos (19992007) #5. The Wire (20022008) #4. Game of Thrones (20112019) #3. Band of Brothers (2001) #2. Chernobyl (2019) #1. Breaking Bad (20082013) 100 best TV dramas of all time #100. Luther #99. Horace and Pete #98. House of Cards #97. Please Like Me #96. Jesus of Nazareth #95. Louie #94. Battlestar Galactica #93. John Adams #92. Generation Kill #91. Anne of Green Gables #90. The Knick #89. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena #88. Alfred Hitchcock Presents #87. The Night Of #86. Boston Legal #85. Twin Peaks: The Return #84. Entourage #83. Hannibal #82. Spartacus #81. Big Little Lies #80. The Punisher #79. Person of Interest #78. Mr. Robot #77. The Expanse #76. Cobra Kai #75. Westworld #74. Ozark #73. Suits #72. Vikings #71. House of the Dragon #70. 1923 #69. From the Earth to the Moon #68. North & South #67. Pose #66. Wentworth #65. The Newsroom #64. Dopesick #63. Deadwood #62. The Queen's Gambit #61. Atlanta #60. Daredevil #59. Mindhunter #58. Boardwalk Empire #57. Justified #56. Sons of Anarchy #55. The X-Files #54. The Crown #53. Doctor Who #52. Shameless #51. Endeavour #50. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #49. Homicide: Life on the Street #48. Lonesome Dove #47. Anne with an E #46. The Shield #45. Oz #44. Rome #43. Six Feet Under #42. Friday Night Lights #41. Line of Duty #40. House of Cards #39. Invincible #38. Battlestar Galactica #37. Fleabag #36. Downton Abbey #35. This Is Us #34. Dexter #33. The Offer #32. Mad Men #31. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel #30. House #29. Severance #28. 1883 #27. Stranger Things #26. Yellowstone #25. I, Claudius #24. Steins;Gate #23. Pride and Prejudice #22. Freaks and Geeks #21. Twin Peaks #20. BoJack Horseman #19. Black Mirror #18. Narcos #17. Peaky Blinders #16. Succession #15. When They See Us #14. The West Wing #13. Fargo #12. True Detective #11. Better Call Saul #10. Firefly #9. The Last of Us #8. The Twilight Zone #7. Sherlock #6. The Sopranos #5. Game of Thrones #4. The Wire #3. Band of Brothers #2. Chernobyl #1. Breaking Bad President Joe Biden says Republicans budget plans could undermine U.S. manufacturing and help China dominate the world economy. Being tough on China has been a core part of the identity of former President Donald Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House in 2024. Biden says the GOP push to cut his incentives for clean energy would mean ceding the future of innovation and technology to China. He spoke Tuesday at a semiconductor maker in North Carolina. Biden is trying to shape public sentiment as he faces off with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy about whether the federal government should raise its legal borrowing capacity. A downloadable app that has been voiced by Star Wars actor Mark Hamill is triggered when air raid alarms sound in Ukraine. He urges people with his grave but also calming baritone to take cover. He also tells them when the danger has passed by signing off with May the Force be with you. The actor told The Associated Press that hes admiring Ukraine's resilience from afar in California. Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion is now in its second year and it reminds him of the Star Wars saga. Hamill is also fundraising to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces. Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosted their Annual Meeting & Recognition night Thursday, March 23, at the Merrill Hotel. We are extremely thankful for each and every one of our members. There were many accomplishments in 2022 and in 2023; we will strive to make this year amazing, Brad Bark, GMCCI president & CEO, said. Our mission at GMCCI is to be a catalyst for advancing our regions economy, improving our quality of life and enhancing our members success. Throughout the night of this annual banquet, GMCCI took the time to celebrate and honor the various milestones and achievements of its staff and members. The board chair position, which was previously held by Gage Huston, was given to Joey Krieger. Several GMCCI members took home awards, including Michael Fredrickson, who was recognized as Young Professional of the Year, and Tasha Phillips, who won Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Also winning an award was the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Departments Nick Gow, who received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Throughout his time in Muscatine, Gow has volunteered with Keep Muscatine Beautiful, YPN, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Muscatine Branching Out, United Way of Muscatine and Boy Scout Troop 426, as well as various city events. It was an honor to receive the Volunteer of the Year award, Gow said. Giving back to the community that I was born and raised in is very important to me. I had the opportunity growing up in Muscatine to see and experience several individuals and families that volunteered and gave back to our great community, and it inspired me to get involved in our community, and to volunteer my time to help Muscatine prosper. Gow said he hoped that the younger generations of Muscatine would be inspired by not just his volunteer work but the work that others had done as well. I hope that it will help inspire them to give back and volunteer their time to help Muscatine continue to be a great place to live, to work, and to play, he continued. According to a list of year in review highlights provided by GMCCI, the organization saw 34 new members in 2022, bringing its total membership number to 334. GMCCI also performed 20 ribbon cuttings, gave out 10 start-up grants as well as two micro loans, held 10 community events and sold $86,645 #MakeitMuscatine gift cards throughout the past year. OAKVILLE Roy Patterson III, 40, of Oakville, remains in the Louisa County Jail after being charged with attempted murder on Saturday. He allegedly entered another mans home and shot him. According to court records, Patterson is also charged with first-degree burglary, going armed with intent and possession of a dangerous weapon while under the influence. The attempted murder and burglary charges are both Class B felonies carrying a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Going armed with intent is a Class D felony that can bring up to five years in prison. Carrying a dangerous weapon under the influence is a serious misdemeanor that can bring a sentence of up to a year in prison. The incident remains under investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and further charges are pending. A news release issued by the Louisa County Sheriffs Office reported on Saturday the office had received a 911 call that had been transferred from Mercer County, Illinois, at about 1:15 a.m. Saturday. The caller, Jack Leffel, of 107 W. River Road, stated he had been shot. Louisa County Sheriffs deputies, Columbus Junction police, Oakville First Responders and Wapello ambulance all responded. The responders reported Leffel had been shot once to the abdomen from a reported shotgun. Medical staff assisted on the scene. Leffel was transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Burlington, where he is in critical but stable condition. Leffel told officers that Patterson had shot him after an altercation in the home and had left. Deputies and officers responded to Pattersons residence at 103 E. River Road in Oakville and found Patterson outside where he gave himself up and was arrested. Officers determined an altercation had occurred where Patterson entered Leffels residence with a semi-automatic shotgun and a dispute took place. Patterson then allegedly shot Leffel. According to the arrest report, Patterson told officers he and his wife had gone to Leffels residence earlier in the evening to have a few drinks. Patterson said his wife had left and gone home while he stayed. After he arrived at his home, his wife reported she saw Leffel pour something into her drink. Pattersons wife reported he had gone into the bedroom and returned with the shotgun and an AR-15 rifle. Patterson later took the rifle and left it at his residence before driving to Leffels. Patterson told officers he drove to Leffels and confronted him. During the altercation, Patterson said he discharged his shotgun. He then drove home and told his wife he had shot Leffel in the abdomen. The report said Patterson had a blood-alcohol level of .106, which shows he was intoxicated at the time of the shooting. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 3. Patterson has retained a private attorney. Nearly three dozen House Democrats raised concerns this week about the Biden administrations use of a smartphone application for migrants to request an appointment to seek asylum, the latest in mounting criticism from the presidents own party over his border policies. Vice President Kamala Harris has visited a site in Ghana where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. During her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris insisted on exploring past wounds. She skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish that reeks from this place, and the horrors endured by the people who passed through its walls; mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived were sold into bondage in the Americas. The nations first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. The government will take stern action against unscrupulous individuals stealing subsidized fertilizers to repackage and resell them to make quick money, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said. He said the government has also put on notice cartels who register as farmers with intention of reselling the commodity at higher prices. CS Linturi warned that such unscrupulous businessmen and women will be crushed by the government. Speaking at Kapenguria National Cereals and Produce Board NCPB depot during the inspection of distribution of subsidised fertiliser, the CS said those involved in the business will be dealt with by the law adding that the government has mounted a crackdown to eliminate the vice. Linturi said the subsidized fertilizers are meant to help Kenyan farmers to increase production and reduce the high cost of living which has been agitating wananchi. Such cartels are criminals like the bandits we are dealing with in Kerio Valley. It is not acceptable to overcharge farmers when the government is cushioning them to help boost food security by lowering the cost of production, reiterated Linturi. He said the government will only release the subsidized fertilizer to genuine farmers who were captured in the registration exercise conducted. The Ministry is also digitizing farmers records to avoid cases of double registration of farmers who have land in different counties through working closely with County governments to deliver the subsidized fertilizer closer to farmers, the agriculture CS stated. He noted that the Kenya Kwanza government is keen on improving food security in the country through subsidy programmes and so far 8,000 people had been employed during the programme. West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin called on the National Government to allocate more funds to agriculture which is the bedrock of the countrys economy. We need to establish irrigation projects in the semi-arid zones since a huge portion of our county is characterized by the same, he said. He hinted that through partnership with the National government, farmers will be able to produce food at a lower cost through fertilizer and seed provision incentives. Governor Kachapin called on the national government to open cereal boards in far flung areas like Sigor and Kacheliba to enable farmers to access fertilizer and maize seeds. Farmers had decried the unsteady supply of the fertilisers with some noting that they have to spend several nights at Kapenguria Town for them to have access to the commodity. We are happy with the supply of the timely supply of the subsidized fertilizer in our region but the major undoing is that we only have one depot to serve the expansive county. There is also under-staffing at the depot which makes us experience long delays, said Augustine Psinen, a farmer. Psinen appealed to the NCPB to consider establishing more depots to serve farmers from far-flung areas of the vast county together with hiring more staff to fast track the sales of the fertilizer. Celebrated Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau was one of four Kenyan women who emerged winners at the just concluded Ladies in Media Awards (LIM). Kate Actress scooped the African Female Actor of the Year, beating Darlyn Adu Gyamfi (Ghana), Melissa Kiplagat (Kenya), Temitope Olowoniyan (Nigeria), Haillie Sumney (Ghana) and Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (South Africa). Thank you so much Ladies in Media Awards and to you my peeps, asanteni sana. This is our win, Kate Actress said in a social media post. Other Kenyan winners were Swahili Prime-Time News Anchor Fridah Mwaka who won Outstanding Female News Anchor of the Year and radio personality Maria Makau who won the Emerging Female Radio Personality of the Year award. Thank you so much to my African family, especially my Kenyan brothers and sisters for believing in me and going all out and voting for me, Makau said. On her part, NTV News presenter Fridah Mwaka, who was hosting the LIM awards event, said she was humbled. I am humbled, I dont know what the future holds but I can say I am truly humbled for the steady growth, thank you, Africa, she said. Communication expert Lizz Ntonjira won the African Female Author of the Year. She said: Wow! We brought it home to . Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. Im beyond grateful Im so honoured & humbled by this recognition. Meanwhile, Citizen TVs Victoria Rubadiri received special recognition for the impact she has made in her decorated career. The Kenyan nominees for this years awards were:- Melissa Kiplagat Female Actor of the Year(Netflix Country Queen) Kate Kamau Female Actor of the Year Wanjira Longauer Female Radio Personality of the Year Miss Tess Female Radio Personality of the Year Lizzy Ntonjira Female Author of the Year Janet Mbugua Female Humanitarian of the Year Violetta Ngina Female Personality of the Year Fridah Mwaka Female News Anchor of the Year Sonia Carol Influencer of the Year Maria Makau Female Radio Personality of the Year Kenya and Germany will prioritise the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to boost trade. The move, the two countries said, will reduce the costs of business and ease the movement of goods and services. President William Ruto explained that the removal of NTBs will also enhance investments by German businesses in Kenya. This will improve the balance of trade that is currently in favour of Germany, he said. He made the remarks on Monday when he met President of Germany Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Schloss Bellevue, Berlin. The two leaders pledged to strike a deeper and broader economic cooperation for the prosperity of their countries. Earlier at Potsdamer Platz, Dr. Ruto invited German businessmen to invest in Kenyas micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. He said Kenya stands to benefit from the worlds most experienced, organised and resourced German establishments. The backbone of the German economy, generating at least 60 per cent of jobs, he observed. He made the remarks when he met Dr. Markus Jerger, the Chairman of Der Mittelstand-German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). According to Dr Jerger, BVMW represents the interests of more than 3.3 million individual enterprises in the country. The President noted that the Government is committed under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to supporting small enterprises to blossom. That is why we have put more than Sh50 Billion in the Hustler Fund to provide affordable credit to millions of Kenyans who depend on the MSME sector for a living. Dr. Jerger noted that there are huge opportunities for us in Kenyas value addition programme. We can invest in cold storage technology to reduce post-harvest losses. We are alresdy doing it in Senegal, he said. The rallying call to German multinationals to put their resources in Kenya was emphasised during the Germany-Kenya Business Forum at Haus der Wirtschaft in Berlin. The President argued that undergone huge transformation that promises businesses a return on their investment. He added that Kenya is stable with a vibrant and friendly environment to trade and invest. We have a robust environment with an open and business-friendly regulatory regime, he said. This, he noted, has been underpinned by a strong reputation for the rule of law. He told the Forum that Kenya is ready to partner with businesses, especially in the areas of renewable energy, infrastructure, digital economy, housing and agriculture. Investing in Kenya will offer enterprises access to the EAC, COMESA, the Tripartite Free Trade Area and AfCFTA markets of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 Trillion, he said. -PCS Kenyas Climate and environmental activist Elizabeth Wathuti has received the Amnesty International Chair award. Announcing the honor, Ghent University in Belgium said Wathuti was awarded for her contribution to human rights worldwide. Elizabeth Wathuti is the 2023 laureate of the Amnesty International Chair. She is being honoured by UGent for her prominent role as an environmental and climate activist. Acknowledging the award, Wathuti said: Deeply honoured to receive the 2023 Amnesty International Chair Award! For a long time, the environment has been seen as something out there, beyond us and somehow separate from human affairs, but we are learning the hard way that this separation is a dangerous illusion. The activist also had the opportunity to make a public address in Ghent. In her acceptance speech, Wathuti acknowledged that it may not be obvious to everyone why an environmentalist & climate activist was receiving a human rights award. For a long time, the environment has been seen as something separate from human affairs so we have organized ourselves into different tribes environmental defenders and human rights defenders and focused on our separate domains but we are learning the hard way that this separation is a dangerous illusion. By giving me this award, Amnesty International and the University of Ghent are recognising our common cause. We are all defenders of a dignified life. We are all defenders of this beautiful planet that we call home. The work that I do is deeply rooted in nature. Elizabeth Wathuti also paid tribute to Kenyas first Nobel Laureate and environmental activist Wangari Maathai. This evening, Im reminded of these great words from Professor Wangari Maathai, In the Course of History, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach the higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now. President William Ruto has invited German businessmen to invest in Kenyas micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. He said Kenya stands to benefit from the worlds most experienced, organised and resourced German establishments. Dr Ruto noted that the sector is the backbone of the German economy, generating more than 60 per cent of employment opportunities. He was speaking on Monday in Potsdamer Platz in Berlin when he met Dr Markus Jerger, the Chairman of Der Mittelstand-German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). According to Dr Jerger, BVMW represents the interests of more than 3.3 million individual enterprises in the country. The President noted that the Government is committed under its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to supporting small enterprises to blossom. That is why we have put more than Sh50 Billion in the Hustler Fund to provide affordable credit to millions of Kenyans who depend on the MSME sector for a living. He noted that so far, the uptake of the facility has been encouraging. Dr Jerger noted that there are huge opportunities for us in Kenyas value addition programme. We can invest in cold storage technology to reduce post-harvest losses. We are already doing it in Senegal, he said. Later, the President held talks with the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA) led by its Chairman Michael Schumann and agreed on the approaches to bringing more German and international businesses to Kenya. The Association cited food processing, digital economy, intellectual property rights, among others, as some of the potential areas to invest in. -PCS Kisumu, located in Kenyas Nyanza region, is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It enjoys countless advantages thanks to its strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. It is one of the ideal places in East Africa where one can watch the sunset over water without being at the coast. Over the years, the city has emerged as a critical transport hub for the East African region, making it a strategic location for business and investment. In this blog post, we explore why investing in plots of land in Kisumu is a smart move. Robust Tourism Kisumu City is a popular tourist destination in Kenya. The citys tourism sector is driven by its diverse attractions, including wildlife, camping, business meetings, rich Luo culture, exciting fish dishes, beach visits, and boat rides. This has led to a rise in demand for holiday homes, hotels, and Airbnb rentals, making it an ideal location for investing in the hospitality industry. Investors can take advantage of this trend by investing in the hospitality industry. For example, they could build holiday homes that cater to tourists who want to experience Kisumus diverse attractions. Alternatively, they could invest in hotels or Airbnb rentals that cater to business travellers who come to Kisumu for meetings. Strategic Location Kisumu is strategically located in the heart of Western Kenya, making it a key regional transport hub. The town enjoys a robust and diverse transport system via road, railway, and air through Kisumu International Airport. This makes travelling to and from Kisumu from any part of the country convenient. For example, if youre travelling from Nairobi to Kisumu, you can take a flight that will get you there in less than an hour if you dont want to take the bus or drive yourself there. The town is also well connected to neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania, making it a gateway to East Africa. Therefore, the strategic location of Kisumu makes it an ideal place for businesses that want to reach customers across Western Kenya and East Africa. Investors can take advantage of this by buying land or investing in businesses catering to these markets. Growing Infrastructure Over the past decade, Kisumu has been enjoying key infrastructural projects such as the revival of the railway line, Kisumu port, construction of Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, upgrading of the Airport to international standards, and the construction of several interchanges. The revival of the railway line, for instance, has made transportation easier and more efficient in Kisumu. This is not to mention how the upgrade of Kisumu port allows it to handle larger cargo ships which, in turn, will lead to increased trade activities in the town. The construction of Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium will also bring about a lot of sporting activities in Kisumu, leading to increased tourism activities. The construction of interchanges has also helped ease traffic congestion in Kisumu. Collectively, these projects have been contributing to the growth of the real estate sector in the town, making it an ideal location for investing in plots of land. Positive Economic Growth Kisumu envisions a sustainable, innovative and dynamic city through a recent physical development plan. The World Bank-funded Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) is helping improve the citys infrastructure and key amenities. Additionally, Kisumu is set aside as a Special Economic Zone by the World Bank. This means the region will become a manufacturing hub, industry, and accessories processing hub. These developments are spurring the growth of the real estate sector in the city, making it an ideal location for investing in plots of land. Entry of Real Estate Realtors Real estate companies such as Username Investments have set base in Kisumu City with attractive land projects such as The Domain, Kisumu Dala, which is located in Kibos along Mamboleo Miwani tarmac road. It is close to Kibos Sugar Company, the Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) main campus, and Makini Schools. This project offers a perfect entry point for investors to venture into the Nyanza region. If you are interested in investing in affordable plots of land in Kisumu City, it is a great place to start. The Domain by Username Properties investment offers eighth-acre and quarter-acre plots with essential amenities such as water, electricity and graded access roads, making them ideal for immediate residential development. Monday, March 20 1535 There was a minor problem with the sink in one of the bathrooms at Lyman Park. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. 1917 Police cited an unlicensed driver near Main/Charter Oak. 2218 Following a traffic stop on Main Street, police arrested a 30-year-old Calistoga woman on suspicion of DUI. Tuesday, March 21 0821 A vehicle swerved to miss a school bus and hit the mirror of a city vehicle near Elmhurst/Main. Nobody was hurt. 0839 Police installed a Flock license plate camera on Pope Street. 1320 Police cited a driver near Charter Oak/Main. 1526 Report of multiple vehicles double-parked (and in one case triple-parked) and blocking the eastbound lane of Grayson Avenue. 1746 An officer helped drivers exchange information after a collision on private property near Vintage Avenue. Wednesday, March 22 0828 Police accompanied firefighters to investigate a possible gas leak near Oak/Tainter. 1100 Police cited a driver near Madrona/Main. 1146 Report of a possible drunk driver on Main Street. Police stopped the car and determined the driver was not drunk. 1353 Report of a large white van parked in a red zone near Main/Spring. It was gone when police arrived. 1425 Non-injury hit-and-run near Main/Adams. 1659 Report of a possible drunk driver on Main Street. Police stopped the car and determined the driver was not drunk. However, the driver was cited for being unlicensed. 1829 A pedestrian on Madrona Avenue reported being approached by a driver in a gray Mustang who stopped next to her before speeding away. 1921 Report of two loose dogs near Allison Avenue. 2006 Police cited a driver for speeding and crossing over double yellows on Main Street. 2302 Police cited a driver for speeding and a crosswalk violation on Main Street. Thursday, March 23 0440 Police cited a driver on Highway 29. 1433 Someone smelled natural gas near Dean York Lane. 2009 Report of a driver tailgating and traveling without headlights. 2118 Police were told to be on the lookout for a car that had been involved in a hit-and-run in Napa. Friday, March 24 0031 Police cited a driver near Highway 29/Stice Lane. 0043 A solo vehicle collision brought down power lines near Silverado Trail and Glass Mountain Road. The Trail was closed until Friday afternoon. 0844 Police cited a vehicle parked on the sidewalk near Spring/Stockton. 1253 Multiple callers reported a person screaming at people and acting crazy near Main/Adams. Police located the person and warned them about their behavior. 1319 Medical aid for a man who collapsed while working out at a Main Street gym. 1445 Report of a utility line hanging low over the sidewalk near Hunt/Monte Vista. 1553 Multiple callers reported a woman accosting people entering and exiting the library. Police arrested the 30-year-old St. Helena woman for a probation violation. 1710 A dog was found at Oak/Andrea. Its owner arranged to pick it up. 2028 Police cited a driver for running a red light on Main Street. 2100 Medical aid on El Bonita Avenue. 2119 Report of a Charger and a Camaro racing and almost causing a collision on Highway 29 near Rutherford. 2309 Police cited a driver for speeding near Highway 29/Zinfandel Lane. Saturday, March 25 1019 Police cited a driver for expired registration near Starr/Meadowcreek. 1021 Police cited a driver near Main/Pine. 1328 A dog was loose near McCorkle/Allison. A passer-by knew its owner. 1751 Report of a fire in an empty lot on Quail Court. The caller extinguished it. 1946 A pet parakeet was found in a backyard on Chiles Avenue. 2229 Police cited a driver near Highway 29/Deer Park Road. 2336 Police cited a driver near Highway 29/Whitehall Lane. Sunday, March 26 0217 Following a traffic stop on Main Street, police arrested a 29-year-old Clearlake man on suspicion of drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and two misdemeanor warrants. 1050 A phone, car fob and cash were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Mitchell Drive. 1826 A wallet was found on Main Street. 2019 Report of a possible drunk driver near Main/Pope. Police stopped the car and determined the driver was not drunk. Monday, March 27 0751 Someone cut a lock on a tool pod on Grove Court sometime after 4 p.m. Saturday. Nothing appeared to be missing. 0801 Police took a report on a missing person. 1254 Report of a dog barking on Rosebud Lane. 1442 Police took a report on a fraudulent loan. 1617 A woman called 911 to ask what time it was. Police told her to use 911 only for life-threatening emergencies. 1654 Someone found a loose dog near Spring Mountain/Elmhurst and brought it to the police station. Its owner came to pick it up. 2152 An officer tried to stop a car near Silverado/Pratt, but the dark-colored sedan took off at approximately 80 mph. Neighboring law enforcement agencies were told to be on the lookout for it. PHOTOS: Training for an active shooter situation in St.Helena Ideas flowed at a recent forum on how to manage Napa Valley water, which is the lifeblood for local cities, world-famous wine country and the environment. Save Napa Valley Foundation formerly Growers/Vintners for Responsible Agriculture and other groups put on the Napa Water Forum. It took place Friday, March 24 in the Native Sons of the Golden West building in downtown Napa. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. This is not in lieu of the county, but another voice in addition to the county, said Mike Hackett of Save Napa Valley Foundation. Im a firm believer in using as many resources as you can to come to the best conclusion. Heres the situation water runs from local mountains in streams to the Napa River, giving life to fish and other aquatic life. The Napa River runs for about 50 miles from Mount St. Helena through the Napa Valley to San Pablo Bay. Some water is captured behind dams that form reservoirs for local cities. Some water seeps into the aquifer, becoming groundwater that feeds streams and the Napa River during the hot summers and provides well water for vineyards, wineries and homes. But theres only so much water. As throughout California, local controversies swirl over how supplies can serve both human endeavors and nature while both thrive. Peter Moyle, co-founder of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis, talked about how Napa County has a reconciled ecosystem. The idea is to protect native birds, fish and other species while also recognizing that the system is different than before the arrival of Europeans. It means theres no going back to the prior condition, he said. Moyle set forth a challenge. He said the goal could be to have the Napa River be free-flowing from headwaters to estuary, even during drought years. That didn't happen during the recent three-year drought. Stretches of the river above the tidal reaches north of the city of Napa went dry during the summer. The situation of Putah Creek in Solano County came up. Monticello Dam was built across Putah Creek in the late 1950s to create Lake Berryessa reservoir. That left the lower stretches of Putah Creek going dry at times, such as during the 1987-1992 drought. City of Davis environmentalists sued. A settlement with the Solano County Water Agency resulted in a less confrontational, team approach, strategic water releases from Lake Berryessa into Putah Creek and the hiring of Rich Marovich as streamkeeper to spearhead such things as habitat restoration. To see the recovery of the salmon is just astonishing, Marovich said at the forum. But, if the Putah Creek story may hold some lessons for Napa County, forum participants also noted the Napa River has different circumstances. For example, there are multiple dam operators with reservoirs, not just one. Napa County has 14 water agencies five cities and nine special districts, though not all have reservoirs. Brendon Freeman, executive officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission of Napa County, talked about the possibility of some type of countywide water district. Lucas Patzek, executive director of the Napa County Resource Conservation District, talked about fish. There are 50 species in the Napa River and estuary. Fish are in indicator of the health of the watershed, he said. The district and other groups and agencies are looking at fish barriers along waterways that keep steelhead trout from reaching spawning grounds. These barriers range from dams to road culverts. Fifty-five barriers remain. Fifteen are either dams for reservoirs or are below negligible upstream habitat and aren't targeted for removal. Ten are being worked on, leaving 30 to be addressed, Patzek said. People love nature and fish and beavers and all those things, Patzek said. Clean water is important to everybody. Those are issues that really bring people together." City of Napa Deputy Director of Utilities Joy Eldredge talked of ways the city might try to squeeze out more water amid drought. One is purified water, which entails cleaning up sewage water. Can we take recycled water and treat that with advanced treatment to the point where we can drink it, use it as drinking water? she said. We are looking at that right now. The forum was upbeat. But an incident roiled the waters prior to the event. Organizers expressed frustration that Napa County didnt participate, though asked to speak about its state-required Groundwater Sustainability Agency. The GSA is governed by Napa County supervisors and oversees groundwater use in most of Napa Valley. Attendees at the forum included Napa County Supervisors Joelle Gallagher and Anne Cottrell. But no county staff members or consultants involved with groundwater spoke. The county is discriminating against a community-based organization like Save Napa Valley Foundation because the foundation is offering additional voices and ideas to the mix, Hackett said. This isn't meant to be in lieu of county efforts, he said. Interim County Executive Officer David Morrison addressed the issue in an email to the Napa Valley Register. The forums theme this year focuses on construction projects to improve fish habitat in the upvalley, which is not within the authority of either the (county) Flood Control District or the GSA and is why we are not participating, Morrison said. Water Audit California, one of the forums organizers, in 2021 sued the county over groundwater pumping and later dropped the lawsuit. Morrison said that legal action wasnt the reason the county chose not to participate. Hackett agreed that the county has no jurisdiction over fish passage, but said groundwater issues also involve the interconnection with surface water. Plus, the forum looked at groundwater monitoring, he said. Napa Water Forum 2023 the Refugia Project was sponsored and/or organized by the Save Napa Valley Foundation, Mennen Environmental Foundation and Water Audit California. Photos: Napa Valley Faces and Places, March 26, 2023 U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson responded to Monday's deadly school shooting in Nashville with a call for congress to pass tougher gun legislation and "save lives." Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. "Congress has the power to help save lives and reduce gun violence," the St. Helena Democrat said in a news release, following the shooting deaths of three students and three adults at Covenant School in Nashville. "The shooting in Nashville is a horrific tragedy that is going to leave a lasting impact on the students, teachers, staff, and the entire Covenant School community. It does not have to be like this we can act and pass legislation to save lives." Like President Biden, Thompson supports a ban on assault-style rifles in the United States. "When will Republican leadership have the guts to stand up to the gun lobby and join us in passing reforms that will help keep our kids safe in school and save lives," said Thompson. "Let's put my Bipartisan Background Checks Act up for a vote and get it to President Biden. This legislation will reduce gun violence, and if my colleagues truly care about protecting American children, this is an easy step for them to take." Reps. Thompson and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, reintroduced the Bipartisan Background Checks Act on Feb. 1. Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, which killed 20 children and six adult staff members. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act was first introduced in the 116th Congress by Thompson and was passed in the House by a vote of 240-190, and again passed in the 117th Congress and passed the House by a vote of 227-203. The bill languished in the Senate due to the filibuster. Photos: Scenes from the mass shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville Benjamin Kennedy, a PhD student in education at UC San Diego, remembers what it was like to attend school in California as a transgender student. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. From kindergarten to his senior year of high school, Kennedy said he experienced bullying and physical assault when trying to use the bathrooms that aligned with his gender identity. In 2021, Kennedy joined a state committee of high school students, parents, advocates and experts that explored how to expand gender-inclusive bathrooms on campuses. "Trans people are not a monolith," Kennedy said. "But often our experiences of discrimination and harassment are pretty consistent across the board." In the committee, students said they had been late to class going across campus to find a private bathroom. Others expressed worries about outing themselves by asking for the key to the single-use bathroom. Some talked about experiencing dehydration and urinary tract infections as a result of avoiding the restroom at school. To address this, state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, has introduced Senate Bill 760, which would require public schools in California to provide gender-neutral bathrooms for students by 2025. These restrooms are to remain unlocked during school hours and can be converted from an already existing gender-segregated bathroom, according to the bill text. "At some point in everybody's day, you have to use the facilities," Newman said. "And if you're a transgender, nonbinary, or questioning young person, having to navigate that challenge especially if you haven't come out to your friends or family it creates an immense amount of stress, anxiety, and even physical pain." The legislation builds on California's groundbreaking move a decade ago to require that schools allow students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity instead of their assigned sex at birth. Since then, transgender issues have become a major front in national culture wars, with blue states pushing to expand rights and protections for transgender people and red states passing laws to limit them. Public schools are a frequent target of both the liberal and conservative laws. Newman's bill would require schools to post signs identifying gender-neutral bathrooms, stock them with menstrual products, and provide easy access to them without help from staff. SB 760 does not specify if the restrooms should be designed for one person or with multiple stalls. "Trans and nonbinary students are not asking for special treatment," Kennedy said. "They deserve to be safe as their holistic selves at school, and a part of that is being able to use the bathroom just like everybody else." The California law that requires schools let students use campus bathrooms in accordance with their gender identity does not require gender-neutral restrooms on campus, Newman said. The idea for a gender-neutral bathroom is that it would be available to any student, regardless of their gender identity. "This bill will provide a safe space for students who identify as trans or nonbinary youth to not fear bullying or harassment, and to have better peace of mind when going to school," said Jorge Reyes Salinas, the communications director at Equality California, a co-sponsor of SB 760. According to one survey, 45% of LGBTQ and nonbinary students avoid using gender-segregated bathrooms at school because they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Another study found that youth who experienced bathroom discrimination were about 1 times more likely to attempt suicide. Joshua Dineros, a senior studying politics at the University of San Francisco, grew up in California and said he did not feel safe using the restroom during the school day. He came out as trans late in high school and was uncomfortable asking for the key to the gender-neutral bathroom. He brought up these concerns while a part of the state committee studying school bathrooms. "It's not just an LGBTQ+ issue," Dineros said. "It's an issue about safe schools and bathrooms for all kids on campus to feel like they can use the restroom and not have to wait until they go home." Some schools in California already offer the types of restrooms the bill would require. In 2016, the Santee Education Complex became the first school in the Los Angeles Unified School District to open an all-gender bathroom. But last year, a Long Beach high school paused a neutral locker room project after a small group of community members spoke out against it. And in March, Assemblymember Bill Essayli, R-Corona, introduced AB 1314, which would require California school districts to notify parents that their child is gender-nonconforming or transgender. "We are seeing constant attacks against trans people, and especially trans youth in schools are becoming a battleground for political attacks," Salinas said. Greg Burt, the director of California Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group, said he is in favor of SB 760 if the gender-neutral bathrooms are limited to single-stall restrooms. But the bill text isn't clear about that, Burt said. "We are completely against multi-stall bathrooms that any sex can go into," he said. "Once you make the bathroom a place where anybody can go in, both male and female, you're making these bathrooms less safe. You don't want to put them in a space where they could start abusing each other." Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican party official and San Francisco attorney whose clients include former President Trump, said schools should prioritize academics instead. "Our state's failing schools need to focus on performing better in educating the two genders of kids rather than performative virtue signaling," she said in an email. "Girls are entitled to their own private spaces for safety and modesty reasons. If this passes, the gender-neutral bathrooms must not come at the expense of women's safety and privacy rights." Newman said the bill was written with the presumption that the all-gender bathroom would be converted from a single-use restroom on campus. The aim is to provide private spaces to students without school districts needing to construct new buildings or spend too much, he said. "We're not endeavoring to create a new category of bathroom that's shared-use by a whole bunch of people," Newman said. "What we're trying to do is solve a very specific problem and give a young person the privacy to relieve themselves." Californias protracted teacher shortage isnt over yet, but it seems to be getting better. There has been a significant increase in the number of credentialed teachers entering the work force in recent years and a decline in the number of under-prepared teachers in classrooms. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Between the school years ending in 2017 and 2021 there was a 35% increase in the number of teachers who completed a California teacher preparation program and earned a preliminary credential, a reversal of the downward trend of the previous decade, according to state data. In the 2020-21 school year, 16,554 teachers prepared in California earned preliminary credentials, according to a brief recently released by the Learning Policy Institute, a nonprofit education research organization. About 3,000 others were prepared out of state. We are one of only a few states seeing an increase in entrants to teaching while most states are still seeing declines, said Linda Darling-Hammond, State Board of Education president and chief executive officer of Learning Policy Institute. About 3,300 more fully prepared teachers entered teaching in 2021 than in 2019, and 2,500 fewer people were on emergency permits, she said. Nationally, the number of people completing teacher preparation programs fell 22% between 2013 and 2019. California is one of eight states to increase the number of teachers entering the profession during that time, according to the Learning Policy Institute. California has made big investments in teacher recruitment Darling-Hammond credits California initiatives to recruit and retain teachers for the increase in teaching credentials. The state has invested $1.2 billion since 2016 to address teacher shortages. Among the largest expenditures is $515 million for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, $401 million for the Teacher Residency Grant Program, and $170 million for the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing program, all which offer teacher candidates financial support, according to the Legislative Analysts Office. The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency also recently launched a work group to develop a teacher apprenticeship program in the state. But will these efforts be enough? The estimated need for teachers this school year was 22,143, according to the California Department of Education. Nearly 5,800 interns and 6,100 teachers on emergency permits were teaching without preliminary credentials in 2020-21, the most recent school year for which data is available. And by 2025, another 15,000 credentialed teachers are expected to be needed as transitional kindergarten is expanded across the state. State education experts are cautiously optimistic. Susan Kemper Patrick, an LPI researcher studying the teacher shortage, calls the news encouraging, but acknowledges that there are still teacher vacancies in schools that principals cant fill. Patrick also is optimistic about a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing survey of 60,000 people who completed teacher preparation programs in the state. Ninety percent of those surveyed between 2016 and 2020 were satisfied with their preparation. The survey also showed changes in how teachers are prepared, with 10% taking part in teacher residency programs, Patrick said. A report by the National Center for Teacher Residencies found that 89% of graduates of teacher residency programs remain in the profession for at least three years. Teacher preparation programs try to keep up with the demand California State University teacher preparation programs, which educate the majority of California students, increased enrollment by 27% between 2019 and 2021, when it had nearly 12,000 teacher candidates in its program. The University of California had 645 teacher candidates enrolled in 2022. About half of the states teachers are prepared at dozens of private colleges and universities. CSU has been an anomaly, said Shireen Pavri, CSU assistant vice chancellor of educator and leadership programs. Nationwide enrollment in teacher preparation is definitely down. We have been bucking the trend to a pretty large extent. Pavri expects enrollment figures in teacher preparation programs will continue to increase, but not at such a rapid rate. Teacher preparation programs are competing with the need for young people to get into the work force earlier, she said. Its reflective of the times we live in, Pavri said. Sometimes there is a need for a salary that will put them at a higher wage right out of school. Despite the recent growth, enrollment in CSU teacher preparation programs is still substantially below the 19,235 students enrolled 20 years ago. CSU officials are making a concerted effort to increase the number of teacher candidates in their programs by working with partners like California Community Colleges to make it easier for students to enter teacher preparation programs, Pavri said. University officials also are trying to get the word out about state grants for teacher candidates. Pavri is hopeful the funds will entice teacher candidates who have left teacher preparation programs to return. It has historically been an extremely rewarding career option, impacting families, siblings and communities, Pavri said. I cant think of another career option this rewarding. Although some campus teacher preparation programs are full, there are enough seats across the system to accommodate all interested students, she said. Teachers say higher pay would make them stay The teacher shortage has been blamed on many things including the Great Recession, when thousands of teachers were pink-slipped and lost their jobs, discouraging future generations of educators, as well as the challenges of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey of teachers by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools revealed that 40% of teachers have considered leaving the profession. Most of the 4,600 teachers who took the survey say increasing pay would be the best way to improve teacher retention, followed by smaller class sizes, stronger discipline policies for students, better staffing and more manageable workloads. Its time to focus on teacher retention, Pavri said. How do we enhance salaries and working conditions and prepare the workforce, and honor the skills and science they bring to their work? she said. TEACHING PERMITS AND CREDENTIALS Emergency permits School districts without enough qualified teachers can request emergency permits or waivers for teachers without a credential, or for credentialed teachers to teach a subject outside their credential. Preliminary credential Teachers who complete all required coursework, tests and student teaching can earn a preliminary credential. Clear credential After additional training and mentorship during the first two years of teaching teachers earn a clear credential. Los Angeles school worker strike just latest in growing trend across US Los Angeles school worker strike just latest in growing trend across US Larger and more frequent work stoppages Union leaders seek 30% pay raise Shorter average strikes One main message can be extracted from the speech of the leader of Azerbaijan on March 18: he openly and literally said that Armenia must accept Azerbaijan's conditions and agree to carry out border delimitation under those conditions. Otherwise, there will be no peace treaty. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Thursdays Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government. "This is difficult to describe other than as an act of aggression against Armenia and a gross violation of agreements reached at the highest level because the statement adopted as a result of the quadrilateral meeting in Prague on October 6, 2022 states that Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the Alma Ata Declaration of 1991, by which both sides recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. They confirmed that it will serve as a basis for the work of commissions on [border] delimitation issues," he said. The Armenian PM noted that a similar statement was adopted by the President of Russia, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and the President of Azerbaijan on October 31 of the same year in Sochi, and it states that they agreed to refrain from the use of force or the threat thereof, to discuss and resolve all problematic issues exclusively on the basis of mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders in accordance with the UN Charter and the 1991 Alma Ata Declaration. "After these statements, which directly state that [the former] Soviet borders have become national borders, Azerbaijan continues to talk about [conducting border] delimitation on the basis of some historical maps, which is absolutely unacceptable for the simple reason that it contradicts the written arrangements reached at the highest level.. This practice of Azerbaijan to violate agreements is the reason why we continue to insist that reliable international mechanisms are needed for the implementation of both the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty and the agreements reached in the Stepanakert-Baku format regarding the security and rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh," said the Armenian premier. US 'deeply concerned' by Azerbaijan's checkpoint in Lachin corridor Edmon Marukyan: Peaceful Armenians of Artsakh taken hostage by Azerbaijan Kanaani: Iran's military program is solely defensive Ministry of Defense of Armenia: The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan has spread disinformation Erdogan: Putin to take part in fuel delivering ceremony to Akkuyu Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh makes a statement Kosovo Serbs boycott local elections An Armenian serviceman was lethally wounded in a position in Sotk Armenians in Great Britain remember Armenian Genocide victims Azerbaijan establishes checkpoint on Lachin-Stepanakert road Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day rally in Berlin Azerbaijan blocks Hakari bridge on Artsakh-Armenia border Faro Palace in Marseille in Armenian tricolor Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Green Sunday AK Party office in Istanbul attacked Spain shipping Leopard 2 to Ukraine Teenager hit by Toyota car Russian citizens evacuated in Khartoum Turkey represents Iranian interests in Albania US military evacuates diplomats from Sudan Armenian PM Pashinyan visits memorial Fire breaks out in Martuni town The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh: The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan released another provocative statement Blackout threat at major events in France Young men lost in Artsakh found Baku "worries" for Armenia Updated Turkey earthquake death toll Greek City Times: India and Greece conduct exercises Earthquake hits Greece Trump: I have 'very good relationship' with Putin NATO delegation arrives in Azerbaijan Facebook bans Armenian Genocide memorial frames ARF Hay Dat European Office prepares lawsuit Armenia Ombudsperson delivers welcome speech at CoE RA Ombudsperson receives CoE delegation Head of Armenian Community of Georgia attacked in Tbilisi MEP Kovatchev: Baku must stop aggression against Armenia Pashinyan stressed the importance of launching Nvidia Research Center in Armenia Armenia's representative presents objections to Azerbaijan's case before the International Court of Justice Albania cancels visa-free travel for Russian citizens UN worker killed in Sudan clashes 1 dead after small-engine plane crashes in Lithuania European Union has already trained 16 thousand Ukrainian soldiers: Josep Borrell Health ministry: Planned surgeries partially resume in Karabakh Armenia deputy PM Mher Grigoryan attends Eurasian Economic Commission Council meeting in Moscow MOD: No Armenia military convoy, escorted by Russian peacekeepers, entered Karabakh Armenia, Lithuania sign Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in technology, innovation (PHOTOS) Yerevan theater, cinematography institute has new rector Israel to deliver 2 satellites to Azerbaijan Parliament vice-speaker: Armenia stated that Karabakhs right to self-determination is limited by Azerbaijans wish Ruling force MP: You should close doors of Armenia ARF organization Chris Skinner to Lead Digital Transformation Workshops for Armenian Businesses Caucasus Muslims Board chair calls Armenian Church for friendship shamshyan.com: There are dead, injured after SUV falls 350 meters into canyon in Armenia Quake occurs in Caspian Sea Azerbaijan army incursions, criminal acts are video recorded in Armenias Tegh village (VIDEO) Stoltenberg: NATO, allies discussing matter of sending various planes to Ukraine China MFA: No one has right to interfere in Beijing-Moscow relations Iran, Jordan FMs to meet to normalize relations Trump calls North Koreas Kim Jong Un very smart, cunning, ruthless PM: There is plan to build National Stadium of Armenia in Academic City Sweden FM wants to cancel Armenian Genocide commemorative events to please Turkeys Erdogan Prosecutor General: 37,612 crimes recorded in Armenia last year US State Dept.: Ensuring cessation of hostilities, particularly in Karabakh, is of great importance to Blinken Economy minister: Armenia does not in any way try to help Russia to circumvent sanctions Armenia PM congratulates several Arab countries leaders on Muslim holiday Eid Al-Fitr Karabakh FM holds online meeting with Russian political analysts, experts Armenia to have new state foundation for construction, management of Academic City Armenia PM: Government has invested $1.2bln in provinces since 2018 Newspaper: 71 properties belonging to Armenia MOD are put up for sale Armenia authorities in hurry to build customs office on Turkey border Armenia introducing system of mandatory military service for women on voluntary basis Azerbaijan MFA sends note of protest to Russia foreign ministry Istanbul governorate bans holding Armenian Genocide commemoration Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at Armenian combat positions in Verin Shorzha CSTO chief announces risks related to situation in Karabakh, on Armenia-Azerbaijan border More than 600 people have already been killed in Sudan conflict Russia MOD: Ceasefire violation recorded in Karabakh Storm hits earthquake-hit Turkish city: one dead, more than 30 others injured Shots fired at Erdogan's party office The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the release of Kara-Murza President Aliyev decides to fight against Azerbaijan history, Telegram channel says Armenia official: Motorway leading to Karabakh via Kornidzor village will be completely ready by end of May Armenia, Iran, India MFAs hold trilateral political consultations in Yerevan Yerevan mayoral election slated for September Borrell announces nomination of new EU ambassador to Armenia US denies reports that Iran navy forced its submarine to surface in Strait of Hormuz Iran navy forces US nuclear submarine to surface in Strait of Hormuz Armenia premier to Louis Bono: Azerbaijan's aggressive policy is inadmissible Karabakh police: Azerbaijanis fire at civilians doing agricultural work Lukashenko: Russia, Belarus will resist attempts to pull them into 3rd World War Catholicos on demanding Armenia PM Pashinyans resignation: Our fatherly exhortation not limited by time Catholicos of all Armenians: I cant imagine that Artsakh can be part of Azerbaijan Turkey starting extracting natural gas from Black Seas largest field Yerevan prison inmate stabs 3 jail employees Shahriar Heydari: We advise Azerbaijan authorities not to test Iran's patience Armenia PM on Karabakh legislature factions: Not ruled out that they misunderstood this time as well PM: Armenia also ready for CSTO monitors to be deployed here Armenia's Pashinyan: Not yet fact that we are signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan Artak Beglaryan: Dictator Aliyev openly acknowledges that he considers Armenia to be 'eternal enemy' Due to the blocking by Azerbaijan of the only road connecting Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) with Armenia, 14 patients from the Republican Medical Center of Artsakhand with serious diseases of the oncology and pathologies requiring emergency surgical interventionshave been transported Tuesday to specialized medical institutions of Armenia, with the mediation and escorting of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Also, eleven patients, who had been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment, returned to Artsakh together with accompanying persons, the Artsakh Ministry of Health informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. Scheduled surgeries continue to be suspended in the medical centers of Artsakh. Five children remain in the neonatal and intensive care units of Arevik Medical Center. Five patients remain in the intensive care unit of the Republican Medical Center, and one of them is in critical condition. A total of 229 medical patients have been transported so far from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and assistance of the ICRC. Washington is worried about the advancement of the positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. This was stated by Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, during Mondays department press briefing. He informed that US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried had a telephone conversation with the foreign minister of Azerbaijan earlier, and expressed concern regarding the movements of the Azerbaijani military. According to the representative of the US State Department, direct dialogue between the parties is key to resolving this issue and reaching a lasting peace. "There is not a military solution to this conflict. Well continue to facilitate discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan bilaterally as well as with partners, and as well as throughout multilateral organizations as well," Patel added. The Artsakh Ministry of Foreign affairs has issued a comment on Azerbaijan's proposal to hold a meeting with the representatives of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The comment reads as follows: In connection with another proposal made by the Azerbaijani President's Office to hold a meeting between representatives of Azerbaijan and Artsakh in Baku in early April, we consider it necessary to reiterate the principled position of the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh regarding possible discussions with Azerbaijan, their modalities and objectives. The Republic of Artsakh has always advocated and continues to advocate for dialogue and a peaceful, negotiated solution to all existing problems. We have never refused contacts with the Azerbaijani side, which is evidenced by the meetings held between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan with the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in Artsakh. The conditions proposed by the Azerbaijani side regarding the place and agenda of the meeting, as well as the context in which the proposal was made, indicate that the goal of the Azerbaijani authorities is not to have genuine discussion on existing problems, but to disrupt a possible dialogue or to impose their own political agenda through coercion, blockade, creating unbearable living conditions and the use of military force. In this regard, we consider it necessary to recall that three days ago, on 26 March, the Azerbaijani armed forces, in flagrant violation of the trilateral ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020, crossed the line of contact and moved further into the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, in the direction of the unpaved road Stepanakert-Lisagor. Moreover, on 27 March, the Azerbaijani armed forces made another attempt to take control of the mentioned road, which is the only possibility of emergency communication between the communities of Shushi region and other settlements of the republic under the conditions of blockade. We reaffirm our readiness, in line with the established practice of previous meetings, to meet with the representatives of Azerbaijan with the mediation and at the deployment site of the command of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent in Artsakh to discuss issues of ensuring the normal life activity of the people of Artsakh and the proper implementation by the parties of their obligations, in particular, those related to the unimpeded functioning of the Lachin Corridor. In this context, we consider the reopening of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia through the Lachin Corridor and addressing the humanitarian, infrastructural and other urgent issues caused by the blockade to be a priority The authorities of Artsakh are also open to discussing other issues, which would not be aimed at imposing ready-made solutions on the part of Azerbaijan, but the search of mutually acceptable solutions to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation of tension. We emphasize once again that the continued blocking of the Lachin Corridor and aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh are unacceptable and in no way contribute to creating an environment conducive to dialogue. We are convinced that only proper implementation by Azerbaijan of its international obligations, both under the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023, may testify to Azerbaijan's willingness and interest to address issues through dialogue and negotiations without resorting to coercion and the use of force. We reiterate the inadmissibility of politicisation of dialogue on technical and humanitarian issues and emphasise that the political issues of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement must be discussed in an agreed and internationally established negotiation format, based on the equal rights of the parties and the existence of solid international guarantees for the implementation by the parties of their obligations. The devaluation of the Russian ruble in 2023 may lead to the fact that the purchasing power of the Russian population will decrease; that is, Russian residents will be able to purchase fewer goods and services with the same amount of money. Armenian economist Tatoul Manaseryan said this during Tuesdays discussion on the topic of "Armenia and the main directions of development of Eurasian integration in the foreseeable future." "Naturally, in that case, we will have a reduction in the amount of exports of goods from Armenia to the Russian market. And due to the devaluation of the ruble, Armenian products will become uncompetitive in the Russian market," he added. In turn, according to Manaseryan, it is impossible to talk about modern realities in Armenia, Russia, and the rest of the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) without taking into account and assessing the sanctions being imposed by the West. At the same time, as per the economist, it can be predicted that as a result of these sanctions, there will be losses both in the economy in general and in the financial sector. In particular, investments, the amount of private remittances will decrease, and the drop in the solvency of the market may lead to a decrease in the amount of goods being exported from Armenia. "The participation of Russian capital in our economy is quite large. And in such a situation, investments will also decrease, as in case of sanctions, Russia cannot implement investment projects in our country at the same pace. Russian capital has a large share in the banking system, so problems may arise here. If the sanctions remain in place for a long time, the problems may increase. But it is to be hoped that that solutions will be found anyway. Of course, Russia is not a country where sanctions will have a unilateral negative impact. The West is also suffering [from these sanctions]. Many companies from America and many European countries have operated in the Russian market with considerable profit; that is, the losses are not unilateral. "In our opinion, some trends of 2022 may continue in 2023 as well. It is safe to predict further growth of business activity, which this time may be below 9 percent if there will be no external contributing factors and prerequisites. Our forecasts are somewhat different from the forecasts of influential international organizations in terms of numbers, but they coincide with the forecasts of positive trends. Thus, in September last year, the EBRD [(European Bank for Reconstruction and Development )] had predicted an 8 percent growth in Armenia's economy in 2022, and a slowdown to up to 4 percent in 2023. At this phase, the mentioned forecast remains unchanged at the level of 4 percent," the economist added, in particular. The Constitutional Court of Armenia has publicized the text of its decision on the case of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Armenian News-NEWS.am learns from the Constitutional Court's official website. The textin Armenianof the aforesaid decision of the Constitutional Court is accessible here. As reported earlier, on March 24, the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued its decision, "Regarding determining the matter of compliance of the obligations stipulated in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court with the Constitution [of Armenia]." And the Constitutional Court ruled that the obligations stipulated in the declaration on the retroactive recognition of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court comply with the Constitution of Armenia. The matter was discussed in a written procedure. The decision is final and takes effect from the moment of its being issued. At the end of 2022, the Armenian government had petitioned to the Constitutional Court on this matter. Reflecting on the matter of recognition of the Rome Statute, according to the government, is due to the fact that an opportunity arises to call Azerbaijan to account for its war crimes. The Rome Statute was signed on July 17, 1998, but Armenia had not ratified it until today because in 2004, the Constitutional Court of Armenia had considered the obligations of this agreement as contradicting several provisions of the then-constitution of Armenia. The Constitutional Court, in particular, had decided that the obligation laid down in the agreement on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, according to which the International Criminal Court complements the domestic criminal jurisdiction bodies of Armenia, does not comply with Articles 91 and 92 of the Constitution of Armenia. According to Article 91 of the 2004 Constitution of Armenia, justice in Armenia is administered only by courtsand in accordance with the constitution and laws. And in the cases provided by the law, trial is carried out with the participation of jury. And Article 92 stipulated that the courts of first instance, the appeal courts, and the Court of Cassation are the courts of general jurisdiction of Armenia. The development strategy of Armenia's economy should be based on the development of export potential in several existing growth points. For the development of foreign trade, it is necessary to use all the opportunities of EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) to integrate into the world economy, and this will enable Armenian producers to achieve a considerable scale of effect. Economist Ashot Tavadyan said this during Tuesdays discussion on the topic of "Armenia and the main directions of development of Eurasian integration in the foreseeable future." According to the economist, in 2022, Armenia recorded a considerable increase in commodity circulation. Compared to 2021, Armenia's exports increased by 77.7 percentfrom $3 billion to $5.4 billion, and it is predicted that this trend will continue until about the middle of this year. It should be noted that the single and free market of the EAEU mainly contributes to the growth of exports. In 2022 alone, Armenias exports to the other EAEU countries increased 2.8 timesfrom $883 million to $2.5 billion. Compared to this, exports to the EU in 2022 increased by 17.8 percentfrom $656 million to $773 million, to China decreased by 2 percentfrom $403 million to $395 million), and to the Middle East increased by 2.8 timesfrom $351 million to $984 million. The dynamics of growth towards the EU and China is due to the fact that 97 percent of Armenia's exports to China and 37.8 percent of its exports to the other EAEU countries are non-ferrous metal ores. Tavadyan noted that since the establishment of the EAEU, Armenia's exports to the member countries of this have increased about 10 times. In 2015, EAEU accounted for about 15 percent of Armenia's total exports, in 2021 this ratio was 29.3 percent, and in 2022 it was already 46.8 percent. Russia is the main trade partner of Armenia. The share of the latters exports to Russia is the most diversified, and mainly finished products are exported to Russia. An increase in the total percentage to the other EAEU countries was also recorded. Exports have increased in all EAEU countries. "It is interesting that if in 2017 the exports [of Armenia] to Russia were dominated by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, then already in 2018, and then in 2019, the export is more diversified. And the diversification has a continued trend, which also shows the importance of the EAEU market and Armenia's membership in the EAEU. Let us also note that the main export product of the EAEU in the non-standard 2022 is not alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but equipment, the export of which has increased more than 10 times during the year. This is the re-export from third countries to Russia, which also reflected positively on the growth of exports and GDP in general," the economist noted. The delegation led by the speaker of the Republic of Armenia National Assembly (RA NA), Alen Simonyan, on Tuesday met with the President of the German Bundestag (Parliament), Barbel Bas, within the framework of its working visit to Germany. After the private conversation of the heads of parliaments Alen Simonyan and Barbel Bas took a tour in the Bundestag, after which the meeting in extended format took place. At the meeting the stable development of the friendly relations of the two countries and the deepening of inter-parliamentary cooperation were highlighted, stating the importance of parliamentary multi-layer cooperation and the deputies mutual visits between the National Assembly and the Bundestag. The RA NA President noted that Armenia greatly emphasized the application of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the appreciates the support of Germany in this issue. Presenting the post-war situation and speaking about the necessity of urgently solving the security issues in the region, the RA NA President noted that most people miss no less devastating developments around Armenia and the Armenian-populated Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in the South Caucasus. At the request of the Bundestag colleague, Alen Simonyan presented in detail the Lachin Corridor, the danger threatening 120,000 Artsakh people being under blockade and the humanitarian multi-layered problems. He noted that Azerbaijan, continuing the policy of ethnic cleansing, creating unbearable conditions, instigates the Armenian population to forced displacement before the whole world. The RA NA President reminded the President of the German Bundestag that on February 22, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a decision with legal mandatory force on taking urgent measure against Azerbaijan, obligating Azerbaijan to undertake all necessary means for ensuring the unimpeded movement of persons, transport means and cargos through the Lachin Corridor. We expect from our German colleagues to undertake practical steps, for ensuring the immediate implementation of the Court decision by Azerbaijan through the implementation of punitive measures against Azerbaijan, he stressed. He added that Armenia welcomes the efforts of the German side aimed at peace in the region, thanking the Government of Germany for supporting the decision of deploying the EU long-term monitoring mission in Armenia. The sides discussed the opportunities of active cooperation in the parliamentarism, parliamentary diplomacy and democracy. Regarding the turbulent situation containing threat against peace, the sides documented the need of long-term peace. The Head of the Bundestag thanked the RA NA President for comprehensive information, direct and open conversation on the region, Armenia and the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, noting that within the framework of her powers she is ready to make efforts for promoting to rectify the situation and to strengthen the democratic values. She added that that wars are human evil, and first of all break destinies, causing pain and suffering, which is an admissible and rejectable by the civilized mankind. At the end of the meeting, the RA NA President invited the German colleague to Armenia on an official visit. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, on Tuesday received Marcos Gomez Martinez, the Ambassador of Spain to Armenia, whose respective diplomatic residence is in Moscow. The interlocutors commended the positive dynamic of the development of relations between Armenia and Spain and exchanged views on the prospects of deepening the political dialogue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. he opportunities of expanding the bilateral cooperation in number of spheres, including economy and information technologies, were discussed. Given the fact that Spain will assume the Presidency of the EU Council starting from July different topics of the Armenia-EU partnership were touched upon, including the deployment of the EU Civil Monitoring Mission in Armenia. During the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on topics related to regional security and stability. Minister Mirzoyan touched upon Azerbaijan's actions, including the recent aggressions against Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), the rhetoric at the highest level and the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, emphasizing that such actions of Azerbaijan do not contribute to Armenia's efforts to establish lasting peace in the region. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the importance of lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor as well as the importance of sending an international fact-finding mission to the corridor. Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: On Saturday, Baku took control of the alternative road connecting Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) to Armenia. In Artsakh, they have suspicions that the Baku-Yerevanmore precisely, the Pashinyan-Aliyevarrangement is working. As often as [Armenias PM] Nikol Pashinyan talks about Azerbaijan's genocidal policy in recent times, he claims just as often that there will be a peace treaty [between the two countries]. He said this at the government [Cabinet] meeting last week. And the signing of the peace treaty, according to the Prague arrangement, means the de jure recognition of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. Our compatriots from Artsakh believe that, by closing the last road with Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan is trying to insure his power so that he sign the treaty calmly, not thinking that the people of Artsakh will move to Yerevan via that road, with all the consequences arising from it. According to the theory of Artsakh residents, the road will be [re]opened some time after signing the treaty; but they will allow a limited number of people to leave, and until then they will implement social programs for those who emigrated from Artsakh, trying to alleviate the anger of the stateless Artsakh residents. We received the following answer to our remark: And why is the Russian side participating in all this? After all, the de-Armenianization of Artsakh will mean the withdrawal of the Russian contingent from the South Caucasus: "If two of the parties are not against [it], the third party shall adapt to that situation. Besides that, the de-Armenianization of Artsakh is not a matter of one or two days." Activist, writer and justice advocate Anthony Ray Hinton will deliver the keynote address at Emory Universitys 178th Commencement ceremony, scheduled for Monday, May 8, on the Emory Quadrangle. Hinton, author of The New York Times 2018 bestselling book The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, will receive a Doctor of Letters degree. By transforming unfathomable tragedy into positive advocacy and action, Anthony Ray Hinton has sent a powerful message of hope, says Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. His freedom was unjustly denied for nearly 30 years, yet he found peace and forgiveness and has dedicated himself to spreading truth and light in the world. On May 8, I will be very proud to welcome Mr. Hinton to our campus, listen to the moving words he will share with our graduates, and confer upon him an honorary degree from Emory. On Dec. 17, 1986, Hinton entered Death Row in Alabama for crimes he did not commit. He spent the next 30 years in custody until the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) secured his freedom. Hinton now serves as an EJI community educator and a tireless and powerful advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. He also works with LifeLines, which supports prisoners on Death Row through letter writing. Im so honored to serve as Emorys commencement speaker this year, says Hinton. I always value the opportunity to share what Ive learned with young people getting ready to embark on their own journeys. I want to make sure young people know that even on the nights where there are tears (and there will be those nights), the sun will shine again. Honorary degree recipients Two other individuals will receive honorary degrees at Emorys Commencement: philanthropists and health care advocates James Cox Kennedy and Sarah Kenan Kennedy, who each will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Jim Kennedy is chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation supports conservation and the environment, early childhood education, and empowering families and individuals for success and health. He launched Cox Conserves, a sustainability program at Cox that seeks to send zero waste to landfills by 2024 and become carbon-and-water neutral by 2034. Sarah Kennedy, one of Atlantas most active, compassionate and effective civic leaders, serves on the Executive Advisory Council of the Emory Brain Health Center a body whose members serve as ambassadors locally and nationally, contributing to the mission of the center through philanthropy, networking and advocacy. Through personal and foundation giving, more than $90 million has been gifted to Emory, including landmark investments in patient care, brain health and cancer. Their contributions in the areas of sustainability, early childhood education, health care and the arts have helped improve the quality of life in our community. Beijing supports follow-up Saudi-Iran talks: Xi Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, presides over a meeting between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Beijing in March. File photo: Xinhua President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, discussing a wide range of subjects, including supporting follow-up talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday. Xi recently helped broker a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this month to restore diplomatic ties. Prince Mohammed, who is also the kingdom's prime minister, voiced appreciation for Beijing's initiative to support "efforts to develop good neighbourliness" between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran, Saudi state news agency SPA said. The two leaders stressed the importance of strategic ties between Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, and economic powerhouse China, a main trade partner of Gulf states, it added. Xi said the two countries will firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, and make more contributions to promote peace, stability and development in the Middle East, state media reported. Earlier this week, oil giant Saudi Aramco raised its multi-billion US dollar investment in China with two deals that are the biggest to be announced since Xi visited the kingdom in December, where he attended a summit with Gulf Arab leaders. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran are expected to meet during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan after Riyadh and Tehran agreed, following talks in Beijing, to revive relations after years of hostility that had threatened stability in the Gulf and helped fuel conflicts in the Middle East. (Reuters) 5th Little Girl from Birmingham church bombing Sarah Collins Rudolph to speak at SIU by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Sarah Collins Rudolph, who survived the 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, church bombing that became a galvanizing point in the Civil Rights Movement, will share her insights at Southern Illinois University Carbondales Morris Library on Wednesday, March 29. Collins Rudolph will be at the librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and includes a reception. Linda Flowers, president of the Carbondale branch of the NAACP, will conduct the interview with Collins Rudolph. We are privileged to host Ms. Sarah Collins Rudolph on campus, John Pollitz, dean of Library Affairs, said. The 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church was an act of domestic terrorism that shook the nation. As the sole survivor of that tragedy, her story helps us gain new insight into the evil that can exist in our country at a time when we seem to be inured to the tragedy of children being killed, and her experience will show us one path to striving for social justice. Collins Rudolph was 12 years old when dynamite that Ku Klux Klan members planted blew a hole in the church wall near where she and four other girls had gathered in the basement while preparing for Sunday school on Sept. 15, 1963. Her 14-year-old sister, Addie Mae Collins, and their friends Denise McNair, 11, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley, both 14, died in the blast. Collins Rudolph lost sight in her right eye and still has pieces of glass inside her body. Collins Rudolph is known as the Fifth Little Girl for being the lone survivor of the five girls. She co-authored the 2020 book The 5th Little Girl: Soul Survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing. The FBI notes that more than 20 people inside the church were also injured. The bombing was also profiled in filmmaker Spike Lees Academy Award nominated 1997 documentary Four Little Girls. Collins Rudolph will be selling copies of her book at the African American Museum of Southern Illinois in University Mall in Carbondale, from 5-7 p.m. today, March 28, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Eurma C. Hayes Community Center, 441 E. Willow St., Carbondale, if books are still available. The campus event is sponsored by SIUs Morris Library, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and Walter Green. Zhengzhou [China], March 28 (ANI/PRNewswire): On the morning of March 27, the Organizing Committee of Memorial Ceremony to Ancestor Huang Di in his Native Place held a press conference in Beijing, announcing that the Memorial Ceremony to Ancestor Huang Di in his Native Place will be held on April 22, 2023 in Xinzheng, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. Online and overseas memorial ceremonies will be held at the same time. The theme of the Memorial Ceremony to Ancestor Huang Di in his Native Place in the year of Guimao (2023) was "Peace, Concord and Harmony with the Same Root, the Same Ancestor and the Same Origin". The agenda of the ceremony included nine items recognized as national intangible cultural heritage projects announced by the State Council of China: gun salute in the grand era, dedication of flower baskets, offering incense with cleansed hands, worshipping rituals, reading of the worship texts, singing the chant, worshipping with music and dance, praying for the blessing of China, and harmony between heaven and earth. At that time, the CCTV-4 of China Media Group, Phoenix Satellite Television and key network platforms at home and abroad carried out the live global broadcast. This year is the first full opening of the park of Huang Di's native place after planning and upgrading. The broadcasting of memorial ceremony will be the first time to present a panoramic view of the construction of the scenic area of Huang Di's native place, which is a major highlight of the ceremony that is different from previous years. Before the start of the nine agendas of memorial ceremony, there will be a simple, rustic and solemn park opening ceremony in front of the Root-searching Gate of Huang Di's native place, highlighting our reverence for our humanistic founder - Huang Di. Since the launch of online ancestral memorial ceremony in 2020, the global Chinese have made paying homage to Xuanyuan through the Internet an important feature of the ancestral worship ceremony of Huang Di's native place. The online ancestral memorial ceremony despite of differences in geography and time has not only drawn much interactive participation, but also attract more and more young people to pay attention to and participate in the ancestral memorial ceremony. This year, the online ancestral memorial ceremony has been comprehensively upgraded according to the requirements of the Grand Ceremony, combining with new technologies. The online ancestral memorial platform standardizes the rituals and etiquette, maintains consistency between online and offline ancestral worship, strives to expand on contextualization, immersion, visualization and interaction, amplifying the effect of network communication and stimulating the powerful synergy of global Chinese praying for China. The platform aims to build "a national important site in the inheritance and innovation base of Chinese historical civilization", "a place for the children of Yanhuang to find their roots, a place for pilgrimage of Chinese culture, a place for experience of Chinese civilization, and a place for practice of Chinese national education". The demonstration of the cultural brand is based on the theme of "Tour in Henan*Reading China", highlighting the charm of "root" and "soul" of the culture of Huang Di, our humanistic founder. At the technical level, it uses technologies such as metaverse and XR (mixed reality) to launch XR light show, AI virtual technology videos, cultural IP, SVG special effects, interactive games and other products to integrate multi-dimensional communication as well as enhance the attractiveness and influence of the ceremony. Contact: Zhang YiTel.: 0086-371-67182663E-mail: zhengzhoudwxb@163.com This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 28 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Promotion4u is proud to announce its launch as a cutting-edge digital marketing company in India. It is a team of skilled and experienced marketers who specialize in delivering top-notch digital marketing solutions to businesses of all sizes. The main goal is to help businesses grow their online presence, increase website traffic, and convert those visitors into paying customers. With many years of experience in the digital marketing industry and various diverse projects under the belt, the brand understands what it takes to succeed in today's competitive online world. Promotion4u offers various digital marketing services, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Promotion4u believe every business is unique, and tailors the marketing strategies to each client's needs and goals. Checkout the other branchesDigital Marketing Company in DelhiDigital Marketing Company in Lucknow Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Promotion4u's SEO Services are designed to improve website visibility and increase organic traffic. The team of SEO experts at the company performs in-depth keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and content creation to ensure that his client's website ranks high on search engine result pages (SERPs). Social media marketingIn any digital marketing strategy, social media plays an important role. Promotion4u's social media services include content creation, community management and social media promotion. The team of social media professionals has the skills and experience to help clients build strong social media presences and engage with their target audiences. Promotion4u understand the importance of having a strong social media presence in today's digital landscape and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. The team of experts is well-versed in the latest social media trends and algorithms and utilizes this knowledge to develop customized strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. Email MarketingUsing email marketing to build customer relationships and increase sales is an effective way to increase sales. The team of email marketing experts work closely with the clients to develop email campaigns that resonate with the target audience and achieve their marketing goals. Content MarketingDigital marketing relies heavily on content. Promotion4u's content marketing services include content creation, distribution, and promotion. The team of content marketing experts deeply understands how to create content that attracts and converts website visitors. Pay-per-click (PPC) AdvertisingPPC advertising is a highly effective way to drive targeted website traffic. PPC services from Promotion4u include keyword research, ad creation, landing page optimization, and campaign management. The team of PPC experts at the company has a proven track record of delivering high ROI to clients across various industries. Promotion4u's team of PPC experts is ready to help business owners who want to grow their business with SEM/Google paid ads and incorporate them into their marketing plans. The services help clients achieve a significantly higher return on investment both effectively and efficiently. The team is made up of talented and experienced digital marketers who are passionate about helping companies reach their full potential have a proven track record of delivering superior results to clients and strive to provide world-class service that exceeds expectations. One of the core values is transparency and to believe it is important to keep the customers informed about every step, and provide regular updates and reports, so the clients are always aware of their campaign progress and results. Innovation is another core value the team believes in. The brand constantly researches and tests new digital marketing strategies to stay one step ahead and provide clients with the latest and most effective marketing solutions. The team also believes in building long-term relationships with customers. Also, to understand the business and strive to be a valuable partner in the success. The team takes the time to understand the needs and work closely with the customers to develop a marketing strategy that fits the goals and budget. At Promotion4u, the team strive to provide exceptional value to the customers to offer competitive prices and strive to provide the best quality at affordable prices. The brand believes digital marketing should be accessible to all businesses, regardless of size or budget. Promotion4u aims to stay at the forefront of the digital marketing industry by investing in the latest technology and tools to provide the clients with the most effective marketing solutions. As Promotion4u evolves as a company, the brand looks forward to working with companies of all sizes to help them achieve their online marketing goals. Whether it's a small business just starting or a large company looking to expand its online presence, the team can help with the goals. The Promotion4u team is dedicated to helping clients achieve their marketing goals through customized and innovative strategies. Find out how digital marketing services can help grow the business by contacting us today. Website: https://promotion4u.in/ This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) Hollywood actor Liv Tyler is all set to return to Marvel Studios for the upcoming action film 'Captain America: New World Order' after fifteen years. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a US-based media house, Tyler has joined the cast of Captain America 4, currently titled 'Captain America: New World Order'. She will reprise the role of scientist Betty Ross. Ross is the daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who was played by the late William Hurt in several films and will now be portrayed by Harrison Ford in the new instalment. Tyler was first seen in Marvel's The Incredible Hulk' which was released in the year 2008, the second feature, after 'Iron Man' launched the MCU. It starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the lead role, with the actor famously exiting the franchise and being replaced by Mark Ruffalo for 'The Avengers' in 2012. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Tyler's Ross was not seen again, though over the years, actors from that film have appeared in other projects. Hurt's Ross had a role in Captain America: Civil War (2016), while Tim Roth, who played the villain Abomination, was a key part of the Disney+ series She-Hulk. Tim Blake Nelson, another Incredible Hulk alum, is also returning for New World Order, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Helmed by Julius Onah, the film is all set to hit the theatres on May 3, 2024. Tyler is known for her seminal work around the turn of the century, appearing in movies such as Armageddon and Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, not to mention such 1990s classics such as Empire Records. She was one of the stars of HBO's acclaimed The Leftovers, and had a run on Fox drama 9-1-1: Lone Star, reported The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Actor Kangana Ranaut came out in support of Priyanka Chopra, who recently opened up about her exit from Bollywood. Supporting Priyanka and taking an indirect jibe at filmmaker Karan Johar, Kangana shared a picture with Priyanka on her Instagram story. In the picture, the 'Fashion' actors are seen holding hands together. Kangana wrote, "Truth remains Cruella has done big favour on us by bullying and isolating us... PC became a Hollywood star and I produced and directed my own film which is releasing this year..." In a tweet thread, Kangana attacked Karan, saying, "This obnoxious, jealous, mean and toxic person should be held accountable for ruining the culture and environment of the film industry which was never hostile to outsiders in the days of AB or SRK.His gang and mafia PR should be raided and held accountable for harassing outsiders..." https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1640561719704707072 In another post, she mentioned, "Media wrote extensively about her fall out with Karan Johar because of her friendship with SRK and movie mafia Cruella who is always looking for vulnerable outsiders saw a perfect punching bag in PC and went all out in harassing her to a point where she had to leave India." https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1640561209429889025 During a conversation with Dax Shepherd on his podcast 'Armchair Expert', Priyanka Chopra revealed why she started looking for work in the US, saying, "I was being pushed into a corner in the industry. I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, and I am not good at playing that game so I kind of was tired of the politics and I said I needed a break. This music thing gave me an opportunity to go into another part of the world, not crave the movies I didn't want to get but I would require to schmooze certain clubs and cliques of people. It would require grovelling and I had worked a long time by then that I didn't feel like I wanted to do it." Kangana called Karan Johar the 'flagbearer of nepotism' on his show 'Koffee With Karan' and keeps on attacking him for his undisputed influence on the Hindi film industry. (ANI) The doctors protesting against the Right to Health Bill passed by the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the Rajasthan Assembly last week took out a massive rally here on Monday due to which the medical services across the city remained affected. As per the provisions of the Right to Health Bill, every resident of the state gets the right to avail free Out Patient Department services and In Patient Department services in all public healthcare facilities apart from getting similar healthcare services free of cost at select private facilities. The bill was passed last week despite protests by the opposition BJP, besides an agitation by a section of doctors seeking the legislation's withdrawal. On Monday, the doctors took out a foot march from SMS Medical College at around 11 a.m. The rally passed through several areas of the city to eventually culminate at the medical college, covering a distance of 4.5 km. Earlier on Sunday, a meeting of the doctors' delegation was held with Chief Secretary Usha Sharma but it ended without any conclusion. Meanwhile, people continued running from pillar to post to seek medical services. Resident doctors are still on strike in hospitals attached to government medical colleges in Jaipur and other cities of the state. As resident doctors have been on strike for more than 7 days, the problems of the patients in Jaipur's SMS and other hospitals are continuously increasing. Meanwhile, the Health Department has sought information from all districts regarding the status of the hospitals' operations. The Police Commissionerate in Jaipur has also sought similar details about the hospitals operating in the area. Further, fear of action has started troubling the doctors who came out on the streets to protest the Right to Health Bill. There is a fear that the government may harass them through a police case. Secretary of Private Hospital and Nursing Society Dr. Vijay Kapoor said that the government should not put any kind of pressure on the resident doctors and other doctors who are supporting the doctors' agitation. "If the government takes any action against these doctors, the protest will intensify," he said. --IANS arc/pgh ( 371 Words) 2023-03-27-23:12:01 (IANS) The recovery was made from the area near Toor village. Further information is awaited. Earlier this month, BSF recovered over three kgs of drugs from Amritsar's D S Pura Border Out Post. "Field intelligence was gathered by NCB Chandigarh that a drone from Pakistan had dropped contraband in the Ajnala sector which smugglers are trying to retrieve. Based on specific input of NCB, a joint search ops was carried out with BSF at BOP D S Pura," BSF said in a press note, adding that during the search total of 3.040 kg suspect Heroin was recovered from the field. Earlier in February, BSF had foiled a smuggling bid and recovered approximately 2 kg of heroin in the village Dalla Rajput in Punjab's Amritsar District. Acting on a tip-off, on February 16 at 1:30 pm, BSF troops carried out an area domination patrol near the village of Dalla Rajpur in Amritsar when they observed one packet of the suspicious item lying in a paddy field. "During the search, the force said, two packets of narcotic items suspected to be heroin weighing approximately 2 kg have been recovered by BSF Troops wrapped in a white cloth," BSF had said. (ANI) The attack was reported from the Covenant School in Nashville, a private Christian school for students in pre-school to sixth grade, when the students are roughly 11 or 12 years old, the BBC reported. The Nashville Fire Department, in a tweet, said that there are "multiple patients" from an incident at a local school, and the area remains "an active scene". Nashville police said they had "engaged" the shooter, who is now dead. According to its website, the school has approximately 200 students. --IANS vd/arm ( 126 Words) 2023-03-27-22:32:02 (IANS) The Special Cell of Delhi Police has solved a blind extortion case within three days of the incident and arrested two members of the gang. DCP of Special Cell (South Western Range), Ingit Pratap Singh, said the accused, who have been identified as Dinesh Kumar Sah and Kishore, had demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion money from a businessman named Bahadur Singh Rawat. Kishore, a resident of Mangolpuri, had suggested Dinesh to use the name of gangster Neeraj Bawana who also belongs to the same area. Initially, a case was lodged at the Khayala police station in this regard. But Keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter, the investigation of the case was transferred to the Special Cell. "We examined the CCTV footages of the area and identified the Scooty being used by the accused. Thereafter, the ownership of the vehicle was checked and the same was found to be registered in the name of Dinesh Kumar Sah. A search for the Scooty and its owner was initiated with the help of human resources and technical surveillance, and finally the vehicle was traced," the DCP said. Following his arrest after a raid, Kishore revealed that the Scooty belonged to Dinesh who was the mastermind behind the crime. Thereafter, Dinesh was apprehended from Peeragarhi. "After lengthy interrogation and analysis of call detail records, it was been revealed that the complainant is the owner of an MCB manufacturing firm, Elixir Engineering & Electrical Industries. Dinesh is also in the same business running 'SAH Enterprises'. "Around 10 years ago, Dinesh used to work in complainant Bahadur Singh Rawat's firm as a labourer and later he left the job over petty issues. Thereafter, Dinesh started the same business. However, he suffered huge losses, whereas Bahadur's business flourished. Due to enmity and greed, Dinesh conspired with his labourer Kishore to extort money from Bahadur," the officer said. --IANS atk/arm ( 326 Words) 2023-03-27-22:42:03 (IANS) A number of contractual health workers voicing concern over their future and pressing the government to regularise their jobs staged a protest outside the bungalow of Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary here on Monday. One of the protesting workers said they should be given permanent appointments as they have been serving the people for more than a decade. The protesters also sought a change in the rules in the new group 5 recruitment by Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB). Another protester said those health workers who have been working for 10 to 15 years need to be adjusted (for positions) without any exams as the posts in the department are vacant. "This is not the first time contractual healthcare workers are raising their voices to get attention to their demand. We did not receive anything except a bunch of assurances from the government. It has been 15 to 20 years, but no relief has been given to the contractual employees and no adjustments were made. The BJP government had implemented a policy on June 5, 2018 but we did not receive the benefit of that too," Contractual Employees Union State Executive President, Jitendra Singh Bhadauria said. He further stated that healthcare workers who helped others receive Ayushman cards for others are, however, not eligible for these cards. "We are not even eligible for BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards... we are not eligible for insurance. So, we request the minister to accept our demand so that we can return to our workplace and serve the public," he added. The opposition Congress has also extended its support to protesting healthcare workers, saying the government should resolve the issue. "The Madhya Pradesh government should issue amendments to the rules of recruitment examination of healthcare workers without delay. The future of 7,000 contractual health workers of Madhya Pradesh is at stake because of the advertisement issued for the recruitment examination," said former chief minister and state Congress unit chief Kamal Nath. --IANS pd/pgh ( 344 Words) 2023-03-27-22:44:03 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court decision of accepting the report of the OBC Commission constituted by the state Government which paved the way for holding the urban local body (ULB) polls in the state. "The government was committed to OBC reservation and took all the action within the time limit given by the Supreme Court. Following the rules of reservation in a lawful manner, the Uttar Pradesh government is committed to conduct urban body elections in a time-bound manner," UP CM said. The Supreme Court on Monday gave the green signal to conduct civic polls in Uttar Pradesh with OBC reservation and directed the State Election Commission to issue election notification within two days. The Supreme Court has accepted the report of the OBC Commission constituted by the Yogi Government regarding the civic elections. This order of the top court has dealt a severe blow to the plans of the opposition to obstruct the reservation for OBCs in the civic elections. The opposition had filed a petition in the High Court regarding OBC reservation in the civic elections and tried to influence the government's decision. While hearing the matter, the High Court had given the decision to hold the civic body elections immediately without OBC reservation, on which Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had made it clear that the state government was committed to all sections of the society. After this, the government constituted the OBC commission and appealed against the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. On which, while hearing on March 27, the Supreme Court directed the commission constituted to ensure OBC reservation to file its report by March 31, prohibiting the order of the High Court to hold immediate elections. The commission visited 75 districts to prepare its report and after the survey submitted the report to the government on March 9. On the other hand, the report and recommendations of the commission were filed by the government in the Supreme Court on March 15. (ANI) An FIR has been filed against three teachers, including the head mistress, of a government school in Bihar's West Champaran district for brutally assaulting a Class 5 student who was five minutes late in coming back, police said on Monday. The incident occurred in a government upper middle class school located at Shankar Yadav Tola village in the district on March 23. The victim's parents filed an application with Bagaha SDM and Bathwaria police station and the matter is under investigation. As per the complaint lodged in Bathwaria police station, the victim claimed that he had taken permission to go to the toilet and head mistress Sharita Devi granted him 5 minutes for the purpose. The student returned to the student in 10 minutes which made Sharita Devi angry and she allegedly beat him. When the student argued with her, two other teachers Krishna Kumar and Dharmendra Kumar took him into a class room and brutally assaulted him after closing the door. The victim revealed his ordeal to his parents on Thursday. The parents along with other villagers immediately went to the school where they found him weeping inside the school premises. The parents immediately went to Bathwaria police station and lodged a written complaint against three teachers. The victim's father claimed that he had some dispute with Sharita Devi and she had beaten his son in anger. "After the medical examination and statements of other students, we have registered an FIR against three teachers and further investigation is underway," said Amit Kumar, SHO of Bathwaria police station. --IANS ajk/vd ( 275 Words) 2023-03-27-23:08:03 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu, on her maiden visit to West Bengal on Monday said that the people of the state have always been cultured and progressive. "The people of Bengal are cultured and progressive. The land of Bengal has given birth to immortal revolutionaries on one hand and prominent scientists on the other. From politics to the justice system, from science to philosophy, from spirituality to sports, from culture to business, from journalism to literature, cinema, music, drama, painting and other art forms, Bengal's remarkable pioneers have found new ways and methods in many fields," she said on the first day of her visit to the state. Murmu attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of West Bengal in Kolkata. Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the government and the people of West Bengal for the warm welcome. President further lauded the state saying that sacrifice and martyrdom, culture and education have been the life ideals in the land of Bengal. "Even after reaching the highest pinnacle of success, the people of Bengal maintain their connection with their soil and keep on increasing the glory of Mother India. The people of Bengal have always given priority to the ideals of social justice, equality and self-respect," she added. The President expressed her happiness noting that a street on the former East Esplanade, in Kolkata has been named 'Sido-Kanhu-Dahar'. "Such initiatives give strength to the ideals of our freedom struggle, especially to the self-confidence and self-pride of our tribal brothers and sisters," Murmu said. Murmu reached Kolkata on Monday for her two-day visit to the state. President Murmu will visit Belur Math today, according to the official statement of the President's House. "She will also grace the celebration of the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank in Kolkata," the release said. Later, the President will visit Shantiniketan where she will grace the annual convocation of Visva-Bharati. (ANI) A day after former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray cautioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against criticising the VD Savarkar, CM Eknath Shinde on Monday hit out at Wayanad MP saying that the latter should go and stay at the Andamans jail like Savarkar if he can. "The citizens of Maharashtra are upset with what Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi should go and stay at the Andamans jail for one day if he can," Shinde said on Monday while talking to reporters. He further announced to organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state. "We will organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state to inform about the sacrifice of Savarkar," Shinde said. Maharashtra CM also said that insulting Savarkar means insulting the people of the country. "Veer Savarkar's insult by Rahul Gandhi is condemnable. He (VD Savarkar) dedicated his life to the country and Rahul Gandhi is insulting him along with criticising our country's democracy abroad. Insulting Savarkar means insulting people of the country," he added. Taking a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray for diluting the Sena's core principles by joining hands with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shinde said, "Those who used to say earlier they won't tolerate the insult of Savarkar were wearing black bands in support of Rahul Gandhi. It's unfortunate. They (Uddhav Thackeray) said they won't tolerate Rahul Gandhi's remarks. Will they beat them with shoes the way Balasaheb Thackeray did?" Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified from Lok Sabha last week following a court verdict in a defamation case, said that he is not Savarkar. "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone," Rahul said on Saturday in a press conference following his disqualification as an MP after conviction in a defamation case. Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament following the Surat court order convicting him in a criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Thackeray had also warned Rahul Gandhi to not insult Vinayak Savarkar adding that demeaning Savarkar would create "cracks" in the opposition alliance. "Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice. We will not tolerate the insult of Savarkar," Uddhav said. "Veer Savarkar is our God, and any disrespect towards him will not be tolerated. We are prepared to fight, but insulting our Gods is not something we will tolerate," he added. However, Shiv Sena (UBT faction) whose Sena faction is an ally of Congress and the NCP in the state skipped the dinner organised by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for all like-minded Opposition parties at his residence on Monday. (ANI) Congress MP and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, Manish Tewari has suggested the Chairperson of the Committee Jayant Sinha to "forthwith examine allegations against Adani Group made by Hindenburg Research". In a letter to Sinha dated March 24, it suggests that the Committee summon SEBI and RBI, officials from LIC, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other regulatory bodies "to ascertain whether there were any failures on their part on the Adani issue." The letter has also been signed by Congress MPs and members Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari. "We find it surprising that this Committee is prepared to have a hearing on the recent SVB bank-run. The said bank is based in California and has little to no effect on the regulatory mechanisms of our country. Yet the Committee is unwilling to have a discussion on the Adani affair which struck a blow to investor confidence in our own capital market," the letter read. "Finally, may we respectfully point out that it is not required for Members of Parliament to present evidence before exercising their privilege of freedom of speech provided for in Article 105(1) of the Constitution. This privilege is wide and unfettered and extends to meetings of parliamentary committees. It does not require the presentation of evidence beforehand (vide Griffith and Ryle, "Parliament: Functions, Practice, and Procedures"). In any case, allegations regarding the Adani Group are in the public domain and have been debated outside the house for weeks now. Under these circumstances, we would like to urge you to summon representatives of RBI, SBI, LIC, and any other relevant stakeholders to examine the Adani affair in detail," it added. Earlier on Monday, the opposition led by Congress staged a protest in the Parliament complex and led a march towards Vijay Chowk against the Centre over the Adani Group issue and Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as MP from Lok Sabha. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hit out at the Centre and said that the opposition leaders are wearing black attire to show that democracy is being trampled in the country. Kharge alleged that the Centre used the probe agencies to bend those who did not bow before the government. "I thank the opposition leaders for raising their voice against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification. Why are we here in black clothes? We want to show that PM Modi is ending democracy in the country. He first finished autonomous bodies, then they put up their own govt everywhere by threatening those who had won polls. Then they used ED, CBI to use bend those who didn't bow," Kharge said. Explaining the advantages of the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee, the Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition said that there will be transparency after the report is out. He further questioned the government stating that there will be more number of representations from the BJP and its allies in the JPC. "They ask for authenticity for everything in the Parliament. The government has not been able to answer the questions raised by us. MPs of 18 parties are here today. Not a single party is missing. We are asking for a JPC on the matter. The truth will come out. Records will be checked. Whatever will come out, will be known to all. There will be transparency. Why are you scared of constituting a JPC? You have a majority. You (BJP) will have more members in the JPC or will have your allies," he said. "You are scared which means that there is something fishy. So we are all together today to show unity," Kharge stressed. Calling it a black day for democracy, the Congress leader said that the government disqualified Rahul Gandhi as MP from Lok Sabha with "lightning speed" and emphasised that neither Rahul Gandhi nor the opposition parties will be deterred. "In Rahul Gandhi's case, what he said in an election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, the case is filed in Surat, Gujarat. Because you wanted a favourable government. You want to use the police, you want to use, I can't say judiciary, but you want to use for your purpose to defame Rahul Gandhi. It is a black day in democracy. The BJP government disqualified Rahul Gandhi with lightning speed. Rahul Gandhi will not be scared. The opposition parties will not be suppressed no matter how much you try to do so. We will not bow. We will try to launch a campaign in this regard," he said. The opposition MPs held a meeting on Monday at the chamber of LoP Rajya Sabha and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in the Parliament building on Monday to formulate the strategy for the day. The opposition parties which participated in the meeting include DMK, Samajwadi Party, JD(U), Bharat Rashtra Samithi, CPI(M), RJD, Nationalist Congress Party, CPI, IUML, MDMK, Kerala Congress, TMC, RSP, AAP, J-K NC and Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction). Trinamool Congress MPs had also participated in the meeting which came as a huge development following Rahul Gandhi's suspension as MP from Lok Sabha. (ANI) Understanding the needs of the local people in remote areas, the Indian Army on Monday organised a veterinary camp under Operation Sadbhavana at Dabbar near Dabrah village in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. "The livelihood of people of the Dabrah village is mainly dependent upon the rearing of livestock. However, the area is deprived of basic veterinary facilities. Considering the hardship faced by the villagers and to assist the community members, Advance field Veterinary Hospital HQ 71 Sub Area Udhampur conducted a veterinary camp under Operation Sadbhavana", said the officials. Reportedly, the camp provided free distribution of veterinary medicine and veterinary guidance to ensure better health of the livestock. Colonel Krishan Atri, Commanding officer, of Advance field Veterinary Hospital was the Chief Guest on this occasion and also interacted with the Livestock owners regarding their problems of livestock. He also made the livestock owners aware of the various diseases of livestock and precautions. Nearly 6,200 animals of 240 beneficiary farmers were treated, as informed by the officials. "The Indian Army veterinary team carried out treatment of goats, cattle and sheep of the village. Apart from onsite-specific treatment with the assistance of a diagnostic lab set up by the hospital, medicines for various disease conditions, nutraceuticals and feed additives were distributed to the farmers. Several minor surgical procedures, vaccinations, pregnancy diagnosis, infertility cases, farriery and dental procedures were performed at the camp", the officials said. The officials also said that civil veterinary administration under the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Udhampur provided the necessary support for the camp. Other state departments involved in rural development like Horticulture, Agriculture, and sheep husbandry put up their stalls at the campsite. "Response from the livestock farmers was overwhelming and the interactive session on livestock management was found highly educational for the farmers. Villagers appreciated the conduct of the camp and requested the Army to provide such a helping hand by the Army on a regular basis. The camp achieved the aim of rendering treatment to sick animals at their doorsteps and professional advice on various aspects of animal health management", one of the officers told ANI. (ANI) A parliamentary party meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is scheduled to be held on Tuesday in Parliament. This will be the first meeting of the BJP to be held in the second phase of the budget session of Parliament. The weekly meeting of the BJP in the Parliament takes place every Tuesday when the House is in function. All MPs including Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in this meeting. The budgetary process in Parliament's budget session was completed on Monday with the two Houses passing the Finance Bill 2023 amid vociferous protests by opposition members over their demand for a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani issue. The opposition members were also protesting against the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. Discussion on crucial issues including the recently passed Finance Bill and ongoing protests are likely to take place in this meeting. Lok Sabha approved the Finance Bill 2023 which had an amendment from the bill approved by the House last week. The bill with an amendment moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was passed earlier in the day by Rajya Sabha. The bill was passed amid ruckus in the two Houses over opposition demand for a JPC on the Adani issue. The change related to Securities Transaction Tax levied on the sale of options trading. The government had said earlier that there was an inadvertent mistake in the STT charges on options. "The rate intended was 0.0625 as against the present rate of 0.05," the government had said. The bill had hiked STT on futures trading from 0.017 per cent to 0.021 per cent. Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2023 with 64 amendments on Friday amid din created by sloganeering by the Opposition parliamentarians who continued with their demand of a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced adjournments on Monday, the 10th successive day of protest by the opposition parties over their demand. The Rajya Sabha passed five bills within minutes amid ruckus. The House passed the Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2023; The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2023; The Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2023; The Appropriation Bill, 2023 and The Finance Bill, 2023. The opposition parties, who have been pressing a JPC probe into the Adani issue, had come out in support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his disqualification from Lok Sabha last week. The parties held a black protest against the government on Monday. A meeting of opposition parties was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the evening. They decided to continue their 'black' protest on Tuesday against the BJP-led government over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi and "trampling upon democracy in the country" and a final call will be taken in the morning, sources said. Leaders from DMK, NCP, JD-U, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, CPI-M, CPI, AAP, MDMK, TMC, RSP, RJD, National Conference, IUML, Samajwadi Party and JMM were among those present. Shiv Sena (UBT) was not present amid its concerns over Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning VD Savarkar. In a tweet later, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that leaders of 18 parties were present. Opposition members took out a march in the morning wearing black attire or bands as part of their protest. Days after his disqualification, Rahul Gandhi was sent notice by the Lok Sabha House Committee to vacate his official bungalow. The budget session of Parliament started on January 31. The union budget was presented on February 1. The second part of the Budget session has seen continuous disruptions over opposition demands. The BJP has been demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the United Kingdom. (ANI) Congress MPs gave suspension of business notice and adjournment motion notice to the respective Houses of Parliament to discuss the Adani issue and Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as MP from Lok Sabha. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari gave suspension of business notice under rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss the "failure of Modi Govt to investigate opaque overseas investment of nearly Rs 20,000 Crores by offshore companies linked to the Adani's into Adani Group of companies." Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the Adani Group issue and the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi. Congress MP Manish Tewari gave an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi. Congress MP and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, Manish Tewari has suggested the Chairperson of the Committee Jayant Sinha "forthwith examine allegations against Adani Group made by Hindenburg Research". In a letter to Sinha dated March 24, it suggests that the Committee summon SEBI and RBI, officials from LIC, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other regulatory bodies "to ascertain whether there were any failures on their part on the Adani issue." The letter has also been signed by Congress MPs and members Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari. "We find it surprising that this Committee is prepared to have a hearing on the recent SVB bank-run. The said bank is based in California and has little to no effect on the regulatory mechanisms of our country. Yet the Committee is unwilling to have a discussion on the Adani affair which struck a blow to investor confidence in our own capital market," the letter read. "Finally, may we respectfully point out that it is not required for Members of Parliament to present evidence before exercising their privilege of freedom of speech provided for in Article 105(1) of the Constitution. This privilege is wide and unfettered and extends to meetings of parliamentary committees. It does not require the presentation of evidence beforehand (vide Griffith and Ryle, "Parliament: Functions, Practice, and Procedures"). In any case, allegations regarding the Adani Group are in the public domain and have been debated outside the house for weeks now. Under these circumstances, we would like to urge you to summon representatives of RBI, SBI, LIC, and any other relevant stakeholders to examine the Adani affair in detail," it added. Earlier on Monday, the opposition led by Congress staged a protest in the Parliament complex and led a march towards Vijay Chowk against the Centre over the Adani Group issue and Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as MP from Lok Sabha. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hit out at the Centre and said that the opposition leaders are wearing black attire to show that democracy is being trampled in the country. Kharge alleged that the Centre used the probe agencies to bend those who did not bow before the government. "I thank the opposition leaders for raising their voice against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification. Why are we here in black clothes? We want to show that PM Modi is ending democracy in the country. He first finished autonomous bodies, then they put up their own govt everywhere by threatening those who had won polls. Then they used ED, CBI to use bend those who didn't bow," Kharge said. (ANI) West Bengal minister Shashi Panja said that crimes against children and women should be condemned and slammed the BJP for doing 'politics' over the alleged murder of a seven-year-old girl, whose body was found inside a jute bag on Sunday evening in Kolkata's Tiljala area. "This is a crime that should not be committed. There is no scope for BJP to speak about it. It's very unfortunate that we see politics in this. Crime against children and women should be condemned," said Shashi Panja. The Minister lauded Kolkata Police for nabbing the culprit but termed it the incident very "unfortunate" to be unable to save the child. "Kolkata police have done a remarkable job. They have caught the culprit. They have examined all the evidence. We will enquire what was the motive, it is unfortunate that we could not save the child," Panja added. Meanwhile, taking cognisance of the incident, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Monday said that the notice would be sent to the DGP and Chief Secretary of the state. According to police, the girl was missing from Sunday morning and her body was found inside a suitcase at a neighbour's flat in the evening. Police have arrested the accused, who hails from Bihar, and are trying to ascertain the motive behind the murder. The accused has been identified as Alok Kumar. "On Sunday we received a complaint about a 7-year-old girl gone missing near PS Tiljala. During the search, the body of the girl was found inside a suitcase in a house in an apartment complex. Accused Alok Kumar was arrested immediately after. He has been remanded to police custody," Subhankar Bhattacharya, DC, South East Division told ANI. The police said the body has been sent for post-mortem to ascertain if the child was abused. Prima facie, officers said the injuries were mainly on her head and her hands were found tied. It has been alleged that the accused had no child from his marriage and killed the girl on the advice of a tantrik. Enraged by this incident, the locals agitated and started demanding action against the accused. The locals are alleging that the girl was abducted and murdered before being stuffed inside a suitcase. "Later some people started stone-pelting, 2 people were arrested in this regard; a few others were detained for spreading unrest. The situation is peaceful," Bhattacharya further said, adding that however, the situation is under control and section 144 is not imposed in the area. (ANI) Family of Umesh Pal, the lawyer who was abducted and killed, on Tuesday said that they want the mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, a prime accused in the case to be given the death sentence stating that they want his "empire of terror to end". "...We don't have the strength to fight a case in the time to come. He (Atiq ahmed) should be sentenced to death by hanging. If he is sentenced to life imprisonment, he can do anything from jail. He got my son killed from jail. He won't let us live if he remains there..." Umesh Pal's mother Shanti Devi told ANI ahead of a hearing of the case in Prayagraj court Umesh Pal's widow Jaya Pal said, "I hope court sentences him to death by hanging. If he lives, perhaps we won't be able be alive. Maybe it would be us next. If he is gone only then will terror be gone..." "I want Atiq Ahmed's empire to end, I don't want him to be alive. I urge the court to give him a death sentence," she said. Meanwhile, security has been deployed outside the residence of Umesh Pal in Prayagraj. The five time MLA Atiq Ahmed was brought to Prayagraj jail from Gujarat's Sabarmati jail on Monday to be produced in Prayagraj Court today, which will deliver the verdict in the kidnapping case. All accused in the case, including mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed's brother Ashraf, will be produced in court. Ahmed is also an accused in the 2005 murder case of BSP MLA Raju Pal. Umesh Pal, who was a prime witness in the Raju Pal murder case, was shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24 this year.Ahmed is the main accused in the Umesh Pal murder case. Umesh Pal, the prime witness in the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, and his two security personnel were shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24 this year. District Bar Association, Prayagraj said that the hearing will not be held in any other cases except the Umesh Pal abduction case today in the MP-MLA court of Prayagraj. "A letter was written to Minister of District Advocates Association by Presiding Officer of MP MLA Court. A request also has been made to pronounce a verdict on March 28 itself," the Association said. Security has also been increased outside Naini jail in Prayagraj and a heavy deployment of uniformed personnel was seen outside the jail premises today. Ahmed was on Monday brought to Naini jail in Prayagraj from Sabarmati jail in Ahmedabad by road covering a distance of over 1,300 kilometres in around 24 hours. He was escorted by a 45-member team of Uttar Pradesh police. Judge of Special MP MLA Court Dr Dinesh Chandra Shukla will give a verdict in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case today. The court had reserved the verdict on March 17 after the completion of the hearing. On 25 January 2005, BSP MLA Raju Pal was murdered. Devilal Pal and Sandeep Yadav were also killed. Umesh Pal, the main witness in the Raju Pal murder case, was abducted on February 28, 2006. Atiq Ahmed had allegedly abducted Umesh Pal from a Land Cruiser vehicle near Phansi Imli of the Dhumanganj police station area. Keeping him in his Chakia office, he was beaten up and electrocuted. Atiq had made Umesh Pal give a written statement in his favor on March 1, 2006, that he was not present at the scene and did not want to testify. Umesh Pal filed a case of kidnapping in Dhumanganj police station in July 2007 after the formation of the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh in 2007. A case was registered against former MPs Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf, Dinesh Pasi, Ansar Ahmed alias Ansar Baba, Khan Soulat Hanif. Police has named Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf Dinesh Pasi, Ansar Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, Javed, Farhan, Israr, Abid Pradhan, Ashiq Malli and Ejaz Akhtar as accused. One of the accused Ansar Ahmed died. Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf and Farhan are in jail. The rest of the accused are out on bail. In 2009, the court framed charge on the accused and the trial of the case began. In 2016, in this case, an attempt was made to throw Umesh Pal from the fourth floor of the court premises to make him withdraw. An FIR has been registered in this matter at the Colonelganj police station. Various applications were filed on behalf of the accused to stop the trial of the case. Umesh Pal filed an application in the High Court demanding early settlement of the case. Allahabad High Court ordered to complete the hearing of the case in two months by March 16, 2023. During the trial, the prosecution produced 8 witnesses and the defence produced 50 witnesses.Umesh Pal was murdered on February 24 after returning from defending this case. In the Umesh Pal kidnapping case, an FIR has been registered in the Dhumanganj police station under IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 364 A, 341, 342, 504, 506, 120 B and 7 CLA Act. (ANI) Amid the uptick in COVID cases in the national capital, a health expert has said that carelessness by the people is the main reason behind it and there is a need to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. The expert said that COVID cases are mostly asymptomatic and more such cases will be delivered as the testing is increased. "COVID positivity rate has gone up to 9.1 per cent. We need to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. The mask must be part of our culture. The reason behind the spike in cases is that we're being careless. The cases are there but are not so symptomatic. Some of the cases which are rising are also incidental. If we increase testing, there is a possibility that we detect many more cases which are asymptomatic," Dr NK Gupta, Pulmonologist, Safdarjung Hospital told ANI on Monday. The expert said that the Safdarjung hospital is prepared in case of the worsening of the COVID situation. "Just like seasonal influenza is increasing, COVID will increase in the same manner. As far as preparedness is concerned, there is no need to panic. We are fully prepared. We have 210 beds now. We don't have any dearth of oxygen support. Even if the situation worsens, we are fully prepared," he said. Meanwhile, following the increase in COVID cases in the national capital, mock drills were conducted in the Delhi hospitals on Sunday to review preparedness. A mock drill was conducted in this regard to analyze the preparedness in case of a steep rise in COVID cases. During the drill, arrangements including ambulance, admission facility, emergency services, COVID wards, and oxygen and ventilator availability were analyzed. Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, believed to be the largest for COVID patients in the city, has 450 beds reserved for the infected patients. LNJP Medical Director Dr. Suresh Kumar told ANI that there are nearly 2,000 beds in the hospital, out of which 450 have been reserved for COVID patients. "There are a total of two thousand beds in our hospital, out of which 450 beds have been reserved for COVID patients. These are all oxygen beds. However, at present, we have only two COVID patients under treatment. Till a month ago, there was not a single COVID patient in LNJP, but in the past, four patients were admitted here, out of which two have recovered, while one is still on the ventilator and one is on oxygen support," he said. The doctor informed that a team of 20 doctors has been constituted for COVID patients and training is being given to new doctors for the COVID ward. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness status of the entire spectrum of management of the COVID19 pandemic in view of the upsurge in cases, with States and UTs through a Video Conference. Union Health Secretary referred to the message of PM Modi from the high-level review meeting held on 22nd March 2023 and advised States to be on the alert and ensure preparedness for COVID19 management. He cautioned States and UTs against any complacency and advised them to follow up on the priorities listed in the joint advisory issued today by the Department of Health Research and the Department of Health and Family Welfare on March 25 2023. He stressed ramping of testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Urging everyone to follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour at all times. (ANI) A 4 year old girl was allegedly molested by a doctor at his clinic in North West Delhi's Adarsh Nagar, police said on Tuesday, adding they have arrested the accused doctor. Police said that they have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and other sections of IPC after the mother of the victim filed a complaint "The accused doctor has been arrested," said an official of Delhi police. The alleged incident of molestation that took place on Sunday came to light on Monday after the victim's mother filed a complaint. As per the complaint, the girl had pain in her stomach and her mother took her to a clinic near the house at Adarsh Nagar on Sunday. "When she went inside the clinic with the girl, she remembered she had forgotten her wallet outside. The mother told the police when she went inside, she found the doctor had put his hand inside the girl's dress. Following this, she informed the police about the matter on the same day," read the complaint. "We have filed an FIR under POCSO and other sections of IPC after the mother of the victim filed a complaint on the same day," an officer of Delhi police said. "The matter is being investigated," the officer added. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Tuesday said, India and African nations have strengthened their ties based on a mutually beneficial relationship encompassing a number of spheres. "India and African nations have strengthened their ties based on a mutually beneficial relationship encompassing a number of spheres. One of the most important areas of cooperation has been in the field of defence and security where the two regions have been working together to promote peace and stability," said the Army chief at India-Africa Army Chiefs' Conclave. Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army further said that India values Africa's role in inspiring the freedom struggle. Addressing the Army Chief's Conclave, held on the sidelines of the India-Africa Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023), he said, "Over the centuries, India and Africa had shared a deep and abiding connection between each other. Dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation 2500 years ago when African merchants traded Pearl millet and sorghum for Indian oil and spices. India values Africa's role in inspiring our freedom struggle." "We (India-Africa) face common threats of terrorism and violent extremism that have the potential to adversely affect our development goals. Strengthening our cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism was one of the 10 guiding principles for cooperation with Africa announced by the PM in 2018," the Army chief further added. Drawing parallels between Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, the Army Chief said that they led resistance movements against colonialism and imperialism. "Mahatma Gandhi developed the concept of non-violence and peaceful resistance that greatly influenced Nelson Mandela. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela led resolute and formidable resistance movements against colonialism and imperialism," he said. Army Chief Manoj Pande said that one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries has been in the field of defence and security. "It would be apt to say that the relationship between our defence forces is a vital component of that overarching partnership between the regions." Mentioning the connection between the countries he said that the Indian armed forces have traditionally been connected with their African counterparts as early as 1957. "The Indian Army helped to establish the Military Academy in Ethiopia. In 1964 the Nigerian defence Academy was established cooperation in the field of training continues today as nearly 200 African training. We have offered a total of 11 172 Army, Navy and Air Force vacancies on training courses to our partner nations in Africa," he said. "Together, India and Africa represent one-third of humanity and the Indian diaspora spread across 46 countries in Africa accounts for approximately 12.5% of the total Indian diaspora worldwide. These large numbers are reflective of the vast potential for cooperation between us in various fields," the Army chief said. The second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX- 2023) between India and 23 nations of the African continent commenced on March 21, at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. The exercise anticipates regional unification between Africa and India for everyone in the region's growth and security (SAGAR). (ANI) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday said that he is "ready for open discussion" challenging the Congress on the reservation issue in the state. Kateel said that the Bommai government has taken the right decision to scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. The decision has been taken so as not to cause injustice to any community. "Congress is playing politics in this issue. I am ready for an open discussion on this matter. It's an open challenge to Congress", said Kateel. "DK (Shivakumar)'s statement told that if their government comes to power then they will scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. Let them remove it if they have the guts. Everyone should get social justice. In that regard, our government has done a good job", Kateel told the media. He also said that Congress is against the ideals of Gandhiji and Ambedkar. On the incident of stone pelting on BS Yeddyurappa's house, Kateel said that it was politically motivated. Congress on Sunday said that if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly election, it will restore reservation for the Muslim community under the OBC list that has been scrapped by the BJP-led government in Karnataka. Addressing mediapersons here Congress State President D K Shivakumar said, "I am confident that Congress will come to power after the next 45 days. We will scrap all these reservations as there is no base in this there was no report while making this decision." He stated that the communities of Vokkaligas and Lingayats will also reject the newly offered reservation quota given to them by the BJP. "Vokkaligas and Lingayats are people who are called 'annadatas'. They plough the land and give food. They are landowners. We don't want any of their reservation as minorities are our brothers and this is a country for all the communities. Our country is very rich in our culture. BJP has taken their 4 per cent and distributed 2 per cent each to Vokkaligas and Lingayats. The Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva Lingayats are rejecting this offer," the Congress leader said. Shivakumar also termed the current reservation system in the State under the BJP government "a mockery". "Reservation in Karnataka is a mockery. It is unconstitutional. They think reservations in the State can be distributed like their property but it is not a property it is a right. The minorities of this soil have their own rights. We don't want their 4 per cent to be scrapped and be given to major communities," the Congress Karnataka chief said. In a cabinet meeting held on Friday, the Karnataka government scrapped the four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims and distributed it to two dominant communities, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. It also decided to move OBC Muslims to the 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. While addressing a public meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Reservations provided to the minority was not as per Constitution. There is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion." "Congress Government due to its polarisation politics provided reservation to the minority. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) scrapped that reservation and provided reservations to Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities," he added. (ANI) New Delhi, March 28 (ANI) The Central government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that there are boundary disputes arising out of the demarcation of boundaries and claims and counterclaims over territories between 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the information while responding through a written reply to a query of Dravina Munnetra Kazhagam Member of Parliament TR Paarivendhar. "There are boundary disputes arising out of demarcation of boundaries and claims and counter claims over territories between Haryana-Himachal Pradesh, UT of Ladakh-Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra-Karnataka, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Meghalaya, Assam-Mizoram," said Rai when asked, "whether the Union Government is aware of the fact that there have been many disputes including border dispute, arresting of fishermen and capturing their fishing boats and beating of innocent labour who have migrated among many Indian states". "Further, some issues regarding the unauthorised entry of fishing boats and trawlers into the territorial waters of other coastal states and UTs were brought to the notice of Southern Zonal Council and its Standing Committee," he said. Asked whether the Union Government has any data about the number of one state's people who have been arrested, or died in other States for want of other reasons during the last three years, the Minister said "no such data is maintained centrally." Rai, however, said the approach of the Central Government has consistently been that interstate disputes can be resolved only with the cooperation of the state governments concerned and that the Central Government acts only as a facilitator for amicable settlement of the dispute in the spirit of mutual understanding. "However, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues advisories to states and UTs, from time to time, to maintain law and order and ensure that any person who takes the law into his or her own hand is punished promptly as per law," the MoS added. (ANI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched Artificial Intelligence (AI) based Chatbot helpline service to facilitate the detection of missing children. The helpline service is integrated with a WhatsApp number, where people can raise complaints about missing children. Taking to Twitter, Bhagwant Mann said the government aims to protect women and children at every turn. "Launched 'Chatbot' with the support of police for the safety of women and children and missing children in Punjab...Helpline no. Now with Whatsapp no. It has also been issued to women who are disturbed by society to register their complaints... The purpose of the government is to protect women and children at every turn," he said in the tweet. The Punjab DGP also tweeted about the AI-based chatbot stating, "WhatsApp 95177-95178 to interact with Punjab Police Chatbot Helpline for Children". "After sending the text to the said WhatsApp number, some AI-based questions will be asked. After they are answered, the information will be sent to the District Control Room, so that the concerned police stations can be informed. 24 hours after the start of the investigation, the '181' helpline number will stay in contact with the complainant," the video tweeted by the DGP stated. Addressing the gathering, CM Mann said, "The Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of serving the country by making countless sacrifices. He said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. "In the changing scenario the challenges for the force have increased manifold due to which comprehensive reforms in its functioning is the need of the hour," he added. Underlining the need for modernization of the Police force on scientific lines, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people by redressing their complaints at their doorsteps through online service. He said that apart from keeping a strict eye over law and order, the Police force needs to focus on community Policing also. "The entire justice delivery system needed to be reformed from its roots and the Police is one of the core concern areas of this system which required some radical changes immediately," he added. Citing the example of the Sangrur parliament constituency, he said, "The state government has started installation of state-of-the-art CCTVs to keep a hawk-eye on every nook and corner of the district. This will be replicated across the state so as to effectively monitor law and order situation thereby reducing this burden from Police". As per a government release, the CM lauded the initiatives being taken by the Police force to introduce modernization in the department. He also expressed concern over human trafficking and said that this menace needs to be dealt with heavy hands for which the out-of-the-box idea of the Police to launch Chatbot is a 'welcome step'. Describing the Chatbot initiative as a 'new dawn' for reforming the police system, he said that "A developing country like India needs ultra-modern tools such as WhatsApp Chatbot and other online modules to resolve public issues quickly". Giving a clarion call to women to be at the forefront in every sphere, CM Mann said, "In an unprecedented manner the state government has deputed seven women as Deputy Commissioners and five women as five Senior Superintendents of Police". "These officers help in motivating women to come forward and become the partners of earning in their families, which will automatically resolve the social evils such as dowry, harassment and female foeticide thereby paving way for women empowerment," he further said. He added, "The girls are outnumbering the boys in every field and given a chance they can excel in any field. The youth are the foundation stones of society and the state government is leaving no stone unturned to provide them with world-class education opportunities so that they will become an integral part of the socioeconomic growth of the country." (ANI) Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel reacted to Directorate of Enforcement (ED) searches at different locations in Raipur on Tuesday and said that it seems that ED has no office in BJP-ruled states. "Industrialists, businessmen, transporters, MLAs, officers, farmers -- there is no section left which has not been raided by ED. But it seems there is no ED office in MP, UP, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Karnataka. As long as there was Uddhav Thackeray's Government in Maharashtra, central agencies were active there. When there was a change of Government there, the agencies became of no use there." Alleging BJP's center and state leaders behind the raids, CM said "All of this is being done at the behest of BJP's state-level and national-level leaders. ED should be impartial. They don't raid Karnataka which has a '40 pc Government' and where Rs 6 Crores was found at an MLAs' residence. Adani saw a decline of 60pc in his assets following the Hindenburg report but ED doesn't raid him" Chhattisgarh. ED on Tuesday reportedly carried out search operations at separate locations in Raipur at the office belonging to a Congress leader Ram Gopal Agarwal at Gore Parisar under Civil Lines police station and residence of industrialist Kamal Sarda at Shankar Nagar in mining and alleged coal levy scam. CRPF personnel remained present at both locations as the ED officials conducted raids. Targeting BJP for Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the parliament Baghel dissected the series of event and labeled it as Amit Shah's chronology. "Understand the chronology in the words of Amit Shah, as soon as Rahul Gandhi spoke in the Lok Sabha or did a session in Raipur, since after that the Lok Sabha was not allowed to run by the ruling party, in the name of seeking apology. On February 7, as soon as Rahul Gandhi made a statement over a particular thing, by February 16, standing in the High Court, stay was vacated in the case pertaining to 2019 and hearing was completed by March 16. The decision came on March 23 and the membership was canceled on March 24." Bhupesh Baghel was interacting with media ahead of leaving for Lucknow. (ANI) Officials said that the 17-year-old female student was found hanging inside her hostel room on Monday night. She was immediately rushed to Gayatri Hospital in Kommadi, but the doctors declared her brought dead. "She was a native of Chodavaram Mandal of Anakapalli district," the police said. A suicide note was recovered from there, in which, the victim complained of being unwell and visited the hospital for twice. "Prima facie it appears to be a case of suicide. The exact reason behind the incident is not clear yet," a senior official with Palem Police said. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. We are further looking into the case, he added. (ANI) The central government on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that students who returned to India from Ukraine will be offered a single chance to clear the MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations without enrolling in any existing medical colleges. "The students may be offered a single chance to clear the MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations (Both Theory and Practical) as per existing NMC Syllabus and guidelines without being enrolled in any of the existing Indian Medical Colleges. They can give and clear the examination within a period of one year. Part I, followed by Part II, after one year. Part II will be allowed only after Part I is cleared," the centre informed the court. ASG Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the centre, apprised these facts to the bench of Justices B R Gavai and Vikram Nath. The centre informed SC that students can give and clear the examination within a period of one year. Part I, followed by Part II after one year. Part II will be allowed only after Part I is cleared The government also informed the apex court that theory examination could be conducted centrally and physically, on the pattern of the Indian MBBS examination and practical could be conducted by some designated government medical colleges, assigned the responsibility. Centre apprised the SC that after clearing these two examinations, they would have to complete two years of compulsory rotatory internship, the first year of which will be free and the second year paid as has been decided by NMC for previous cases. It also informed SC that the committee has emphasised that this option be strictly a one-time option and not become a basis for similar decisions in future and shall be applicable for present matters only. The Central Government also apprised the top court about the committee, which deliberated on the issues as directed by the Supreme Court on three occasions January 11, February 2 and March 2. At the meeting held on February 2 and March 2, the representative from the various states and Union Territories along with the NMC also joined the meeting via virtual conference and expressed their views on the issues raised. The States voiced their reservation about the quality of education and training the FMGs might have and hence had reservations about accommodating them in colleges mid-way during the course. The committee, in compliance with the order of the top Court, has recommended with regard to addressing the issue of students pursuing medical education abroad in Ukraine/China and have returned in their penultimate year and studied online classes after return, the centre said. After hearing the submission made by the Centre, the Supreme court disposed of a batch of petitions filed by medical students who returned back to India from Ukraine. The Court had earlier asked the Union Government to constitute a committee of experts to find out solutions for the students' situations. The court remarked that these students can be a national asset when the country is facing a dearth of doctors. The court was also considering a batch of petitions filed by the students, who completed the courses online and secured completion certificates from foreign universities but could not complete clinical training. The court had observed that these students could not undergo their clinical training in their foreign universities due to unforeseen events and they cannot go back to their universities because they have subsequently completed their courses. Earlier the top court had suggested the central government to develop a transparent system and a portal to issue the grievances of the evacuated medical students from Ukraine and seek permission to continue medical studies in India. The Centre had submitted before the Supreme Court that in consultation with the National Medical Commission (NMC), it has taken proactive measures to assist returnee students from Ukraine but added that transferring these students to colleges in India would seriously hamper the standards of medical education in the country. In the affidavit, the Centre had said the Government of India in consultation with the NMC, the apex medical education regulatory body in the Country, has taken proactive measures to assist returnee students from Ukraine while balancing the need to maintain the required standard of medical education in the country. The affidavit was filed by the Centre on a batch of pleas filed by Indian students who have been evacuated from Ukraine and seeking permission to continue medical studies in India. (ANI) Cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas on Tuesday apparently contradicted health minister Parsadi Lal Meena's statement and said that if necessary, the Rajasthan government will step back amid the ongoing protest by doctors in Rajasthan against the Right to Health Bill. "We do not want confrontation with the doctors and want them to end the strike. If required, the government will take four steps back." Earlier on Monday, Rajasthan's health minister Parsadi Lal Meena said that the government would not take back the bill at any cost. "If there's any problem with the bill, then we are ready to hold a discussion but the bill won't be taken back. At any cost, we will not take back the bill," Meena said while talking to ANI. However, Pratap Singh further said, "Right to Health Bill has been brought in the interest of the public as government intention and thinking is to make Rajasthan first state in the country to have Right to Health Bill." Pratap Singh also offered himself to a mediator between government and doctors and said "if doctors are having any problem they can share, I had talks with CM and the Deputy CM also wants this deadlock to be ended. A government never enters a fight for prestige and if in public interest it has to step back then it will. I would also request the doctor to find a solution through talks." Private hospitals and doctors in Rajasthan have been protesting against the Right to Health (RTH) bill through a work boycott urging the state government not to implement it. Rajasthan, last week passed the Right to Health Bill, which gives every resident of the state the right to avail free Out Patient Department (OPD) services and in Patient Department (IPD) services at all public health facilities, becoming the first state to do so. (ANI) Atiq Ahmed, who was never punished in any case in the last 43 years, despite a hundred cases being registered against him, was finally given life imprisonment on Tuesday, in what could serve as an example for the whole country. The Uttar Pradesh government in a release stated, "What could not be done in 43 years in Uttar Pradesh has finally been done during the government of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Awarded rigorous life imprisonment by the MP-MLA court in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case". "The Mafia don Atiq Ahmed, who had never been punished in any case despite having been accused in hundred cases, would now have to spend the rest of his life behind bars," the release added. An MP-MLA court in Prayagraj on Tuesday sentenced mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed to rigorous life imprisonment in the Umesh Pal abduction case. The Court pronounced life sentences to Atiq Ahmed, Dinesh Pasi and Khan Saulat Hanif in the case and has also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on each of the three. However, the seven other accused in the case, including Ashraf, the brother of Atiq Ahmed have been acquitted. It is noteworthy that a total of 11 persons including Atiq were made accused in the 17-year-old case, out of which one accused has already died. Notably, Atiq has been involved in several serious cases, including murder, kidnapping, rioting, extortion, loot, dacoity and illegal land grabbing. The release added that the Yogi government has shown the mafia its "right place", and the punishment is an 'example' for the whole country. "During Samajwadi Party's rule, the same Atiq Ahmed roamed around freely, giving the impression to the common man that the road of law ended even before the entry gate to his dwelling. Things had reached such a position that mafia and gangsters had a respectable community in the state," the release stated. The release added, "The people of the country and the state have also seen that when there is better co-ordination between the prosecution and the police and it is coupled with effective lobbying in the court, no matter how big a criminal is, he cannot escape the legal dragnet". The case pertains to the kidnapping of Umesh Pal, a witness to the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal. Umesh Pal was abducted 17 years ago on February 28, 2006, by Atiq and his henchmen allegedly to change his testimony. Pal was tortured and forced to give affidavits to change their testimonies. After getting free from them, Umesh Pal reached the police and got a case registered against the gangster and his henchmen in this regard. The court, on Tuesday, sentenced Atiq and other two accused to rigorous life imprisonment under Section-364A/34, Section-120B, 147, 323/149, 341, 342, 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 7 of Criminal Amendment Act (CLA). Atiq Ahmed was brought by Uttar Pradesh police from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Jail to Prayagraj's Naini jail on Monday after an over 24-hour long drive from Gujarat. After the verdict, Shanti Devi, mother of Umesh Pal said, "He (Atiq Ahmed) was sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping my son but he should be given a death sentence for killing my son. I have faith in UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the judicial system". Jaya Devi, the widow of Umesh Pal said, "We are satisfied with the judgement as of now. Atiq Ahmed should be given a death sentence for killing my husband. We want justice and I request UP CM Yogi Adityanath to help us. If he and his brother will survive, it will be a problem for us and the society". The government further stated in the release, "There was a time in SP government when cases against this mafia were withdrawn. SP leaders were accused of sharing stage with Atiq on public forums, who also used to contest elections on their party's symbol. Atiq had become an example of the nexus between politicians and the mafia". "It is the result of CM Yogi's zero tolerance policy towards crimes and criminals that the impregnable fort of the mafia, once considered above law, has crumbled today, making the mafia and its supporters agitated and nervous," the release added. (ANI) The arrested accused have been identified as Rajesh Kumar, David Kumar, Sunny Deol, Jitender Shisodia and Yogesh Sharma. According to officials, Mandawali Police received information regarding the alleged gambling racket, the information was brought to the knowledge of the Senior police officials and permission for the raid was obtained. Police conducted a raid on the given address and found five people playing cards with stake money. Rs 50,090 cash and gambling records were also seized from their possession, officials said. A case under relevant sections of The Public Gambling Act has been registered at Mandawali Police Station, and the police were further looking into it. (ANI) The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal of the Customs Department filed against Adani Power Maharashtra Ltd. (APML), Adani Power Rajasthan Ltd. (APRL), Maharashtra Eastern Grid Power Transmission Co. Ltd. (MEGPTCL) and others in alleged over-valuation of imported goods matter. A bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Sanjay Karol in its order stated, "We are of the considered opinion that the matters are concluded by the findings of fact recorded by the authorities below and the impugned order(s) does not require any interference at our behest. The appeals accordingly stand dismissed." The apex court after hearing both sides dismissed the appeals filed by Customs Department against APML, APRL, MEGPTCL and others. The top court found that the project cost of APML, APRL and MEGPTCL was either similar or lower than the price of peers/competitors, Adani Group in a press release stated. "Price is lesser than the benchmark per megawatt cost fixed by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The Contract was an EPC contract awarded to the lowest bidder following worldwide bidding called International Competitive Bidding," it added. The top court thereby upheld the findings of both the lower authorities i.e. Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT). It confirmed that there was no overvaluation in the import of capital goods. APML and APRL following International Competitive Bidding (ICB) imported goods required for setting up Thermal Power Projects in the state of Maharashtra and Rajasthan, a press release from Adani Group said. Likewise, a consortium led by PMC Projects (India) Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the contract following ICB, imported goods for setting up of a Transmission Line and Substation package for MEGPTCL, it added. In May 2014, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) issued SCNs to APML, APRL, MEGPTCL and others alleging over-valuation in the import of capital goods. "In 2017, the Adjudicating Authority of DRI i.e. the same authority who issued the SCNs after dealing with them in detail, held that all the imports were genuine being undertaken at arm's length and concluded that the value declared is correct is not required to be re-determined. SCN was dropped. On appeal by Customs Department, Appellate Tribunal after hearing both sides elaborately, in 2022 dismissed the appeal filed by Customs Department and confirmed that there was no overvaluation while importing the equipment by Adani," the release stated. Customs Department then challenged Appellate Tribunal's orders before Supreme Court. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that management is an important factor in the socio-economic development of the country. Singh was addressing students of Symbiosis University in Pune on the "Role of Youth in Nation Building." He said that management has been an integral part of the Indian knowledge tradition. "We all are aware of the role of management in the progress of a nation. Management is a very important factor in the socioeconomic development of the country. Management helps in making the functioning of an organization more effective and in shaping the culture of the organization," Singh said. He added that in modern organizations, management works like a backbone. Whether it is the efficient use of human, physical, or financial resources, all are part of management. The country is moving forward in the 'Amrit Kaal', and the role of youths associated with management is going to be huge. The country is moving ahead at an unprecedented pace; it is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, he said. Singh added that be it exports or inflow of FDI, income tax or record collection of GST, the nation is doing great on every front. Over the years, India has emerged as a preferred and trusted investment destination for the world. And the role of management students in this journey is much appreciated, who can play an important role in our economic progress. The government has created such an ecosystem that by taking advantage of which youth can bring a revolution in the economic sector, he said. "We have freed the country from rules and regulations, which were no longer relevant. Many rules and laws were being followed for many decades, which were working as obstacles in the path of the youth who wanted to move forward. We have seen many entrepreneurs stop the work they have started because of red tape. And by abolishing and replacing such rules and regulations, we have promoted ease of doing business," he said. In the year 2014, many banks suffered due to NPA and losses. They were not in a position to give new loans. To deal with such problems, the government made many reforms. The government did an important job of reviving the public sector banks by capitalizing on them. Banks, which till now were running in losses due to NPA or other similar reasons, we revived them and today Banks are doing well in the market and have come in a position to provide loans, he added. "Youth are playing important role in taking the country to the world stage. Young doctors, engineers, and IT professionals have made their mark all over the world and raised the name of India. Today, more than 90,000 start-ups are running in our country, and most of the youth power is working behind them. There are above 100 unicorns in the country. The reason I compare young energy with Nuclear Energy," he said. (ANI) The second day of the 2nd Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting commenced at Gandhinagar, Gujarat with the opening remarks by G20 Co-chair for India, Richa Sharma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasised the need to collaborate with the G20 countries and engage in an inclusive, consensus-driven approach and actions to address climate change. She expressed her gratitude to the delegates for their active involvement in the first ECSWG meeting and the Focus Group Discussions between the two working Group meetings on the three thematic priorities. She reaffirmed India's commitment to facilitate tangible outcomes to build a strong foundation before passing on the baton to the Brazil Presidency. Acknowledging the work of past Presidencies and the deliberations on the three priorities during the 1st ECSWG, Sharma highlighted the importance of receiving inputs during the technical sessions which would help shape the outcomes for each priority. She further expressed that consistent and enthusiastic participation from all delegates will greatly facilitate the process of finalizing the draft Communique. The representatives from the Troika (Indonesia and Brazil) echoed the Co-Chair's remarks on the expected outcomes from the G20 India Presidency. As per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate ChangeThe inaugural session was followed by the first technical session of the day on Water Resource Management, led by Debashree Mukherjee, Special Secretary, of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The presentations made during the session highlighted the need for efficient management of water resources to achieve the overarching UN Sustainable Development Goals and also addressed global water challenges such as climate change, population growth, and increasing water demand. " Thematic presentations were also made on Namami Gange -an integrated Conservation Mission to accomplish effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of Ganga, climate-resilient infrastructure - water storage/ Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), participatory groundwater management, Jal Jeevan mission - a project to provide safe and adequate drinking water by 2024 to all households in rural India, and Swachh Bharat - the project on Universalization of Water Sanitation and Hygiene and its effects. These presentations further corroborated the ever-demanding need for such initiatives to address the depleting level of groundwater at an alarming rate" the ministry added Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change further said that the focus of the second technical session was on land restoration and sharing of best practices on this topic. In his opening remarks for the session, Bivash Ranjan, Additional Director General of Forest, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change highlighted the key inputs collated from the deliberations of the 1st ECSWG, focused group discussions and the written inputs shared by the member countries. The deliberations on the subject were in favour of a collaborative and consensus-driven approach, directed at how the key inputs are being incorporated in the development of the proposed outcomes under the India Presidency. Further, Bivash Ranjan appreciated the constructive inputs shared and the active participation of the countries in developing the outcomes proposed by the Presidency. The session saw engaging discussions by the delegates on the two priority landscapes identified under India's Presidency, which are forest fire-impacted areas and mining-affected areas. Experts representing organisations like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) delivered presentations on the proposed Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap (GIR) on land restoration in correlation with climate change mitigation and adaptation actions, and draft publications were proposed as a compendium of best practices and development of a knowledge sharing platform respectively. (ANI) A cabinet meeting chaired by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday approved the creation of three new tehsils in three different districts in the state. The three new tehsils include 'Chaigaon Makhan' in Khandwa district, 'Bargawan' in Singrauli and 'Soytkala' in Agar-Malwa district. The cabinet also approved the posts for the efficient operation of the new tehsils. The cabinet meeting chaired by CM Chouhan was held at Mantralaya on Tuesday. The councils of ministers also approved the capital plan of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited for setting up a new super critical thermal power unit of 1x660 MW capacity expansion unit at Amarkantak Thermal Power Station at a cost of Rs 4665.87 crores. The thermal power station is located in Chachai in Anuppur district. The unit will be implemented by a joint venture formed between MP Power Generating Company Limited and SECL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. For the financial support of the project, 70 percent loan will be provided by the financial institutions, 15 percent share will be provided by SECL and the remaining 15 percent share will be provided by the state government from the budget to the MP Power Generating Company from 2022-23 to 2028-29. This unit is being constructed keeping in view of the future energy requirements of the state. There is a plan to start commercial production from the unit in 2027-28. Besides, the Cabinet approved the 'Skill Development Scheme' in the field of agricultural mechanisation. Under the scheme, a 10-day training will be given in the drone school being established in the field of agricultural mechanisation. Apart from this, 6000 youth will be given training to operate large agricultural machinery in three years, which will help the youth to establish self-employment. The council of ministers approved Rs 22.73 crores for it. The objective of the scheme is to promote agricultural mechanisation in the state. The cabinet also gave administrative approval for Chentikheda major irrigation project in Sheopur district costing Rs 539 crores for 15,300 hectare area. Through the micro irrigation method, 11,118 hectare area of 16 villages of Vijaypur development block and 4,112 hectare area of 16 villages of Sabalgarh development block will get the benefit of irrigation facilities. The cabinet also approved the establishment of a new agricultural college in Panna district under Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya, Jabalpur. For its establishment, non-recurring expenditure of Rs 51.90 crore and recurring expenditure of Rs 31.20 crore was approved for three years. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday ordered a re-survey for the Atal Expressway in order to save the agricultural land that were getting in the way of the expressway. CM Chouhan said, "The survey conducted for the construction of this expressway has revealed that it encroaches farmer land. Therefore, a re-survey should be conducted, so that farmers do not lose their valuable land." "The development of the Chambal region and the welfare of the people is the priority of our government. To ensure Chambal region doesn't lag in development, Atal Expressway is being constructed from Sheopur, Morena, and Bhind. Approximately, Rs 8000 crore will be spent on this," CM Chouhan said. With the construction of this 308-kilometre-long road, better connectivity of the Chambal region with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will speed-up development. Chouhan instructed that maximum government land should be used. The land should be marked afresh so that the land belonging to farmers are not used in the expressway. The survey work on the Atal Expressway should also be done in this connection, he stressed. The chief minister discussed with the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar about the Atal Expressway through video conference on Tuesday. Chouhan said with the construction of this expressway, farmers would also be able to do their farming along with industries. Besides, with the opening of new industries, the youth would find jobs and the doors of development would open rapidly. Tomar said, "Small and marginal farmers number more in the country. 2-4 bighas of land are very useful for small farmers. If the land of small farmers are utilised for the construction of the Atal Expressway, then they will face hardship and would lose the soil on which they till. A re-survey of the Atal Expressway must be done keeping in mind the interests of the small farmers." CM Chouhan has undertaken multiple initiatives and projects in the region for the welfare of farmers. Atal Expressway will also change the face of the area, Tomar said, adding that with the construction of the expressway, small and medium industries will be set-up, which will lead to the rapid development of the area. Tomar added, "The Atarghat bridge, connecting Sabalgarh to Karoli, has been completed. It will be convenient for people to travel to Karoli once the bridge opens. They won't have to go to Karoli via Morena, Dhaulpur, Bari as they will be able to reach Sabalgarh and Karoli from Shivpuri through this bridge." (ANI) Rajnath Singh was delivering the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw memorial lecture on the topic 'The role of youth in nation building' organised by Symbiosis International University in Pune. Addressing the event, Defence Minister said, "First there should be a sense of self-confidence that we will make India Atmanirbhar. In 2014, we used to do the defence export of only Rs 900 crore but since India has adopted Indianisation, today we are doing the defence export of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 16,000 crore". He said about being confident that by 2026, the country will be doing approximately Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore in export in the defence sector. "There is a need to create an eco-system and more than the eco-system, there is generate self-confidence among ourselves, as with self-confidence, anything is possible," he added. He said that he is proud of the defence forces for the kind of procurement they have done of indigenous items. "The 80 per cent of items, they have procured are indigenous items," he added. (ANI) Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the BJP is trying to bring together smaller parties in Bihar, that are believed to be upset with CM Nitish Kumar, into its fold, informed sources. As part of this ploy, Bihar BJP chief Samrat Chaudhary and state in-charge Vinod Tawde have started chalking out strategies. Keeping the 2024 polls in mind, the BJP has made several changes in its organisation, under which several state presidents have been changed. Samrat Chaudhary has been made the state chief replacing Sanjay Jaiswal. Samrat Chaudhary on Tuesday also met the Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde in Delhi. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the political developments in Bihar and also discussed the strategy to bring the small parties who are angry with CM Nitish Kumar into NDA for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The first effort of the party will be to bring the small parties into its fold. The second attempt would be to make a dent in the vote bank of Mahagathbandhan. Notably, within 24 hours of leaving JDU and forming a new party, Upendra Kushwaha had met the then Bihar BJP president, Sanjay Jaiswal. This clearly indicates that Kushwaha will definitely try to help BJP in "cutting down" Nitish's votes. BJP is also trying to cut JDU's votes through Nitish's self-caste and RCP Singh, who was a minister at the centre from JDU quota, the sources added. BJP is already trying to bring Chirag Paswan into its fold, by giving Y category facility. The party is also giving Z-category security to Mukesh Sahni of VIP to keep him on his side. Similarly, the party is also trying to bring HUM leader and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi on its side before the Lok Sabha polls. In this chain of events, Samrat Chaudhary also recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament House. It is pertinent to note that Bihar has 40 Lok Sabha seats, and ever since RJD and JDU came together in Bihar, BJP is working on a new strategy and making a dent in the OBC vote bank. Back in August last year, Nitish Kumar ended his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led (BJP) National Democratic Alliance. Nitish Kumar joined hands with Tejashwi Yadav under 'Mahagathbandhan' (Grand Alliance) after quitting his former alliance partner BJP and became the chief minister of Bihar eight times. JD-U and BJP had fought the 2020 assembly polls together and Nitish Kumar was made the chief minister of the alliance though the BJP had won more seats. Nitish Kumar's ties with BJP stretched over two decades and he was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1996. (ANI) Central agencies with whom MoUs are signed includes National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), National Forensic Science University (NFSU) for prevention of narcotic drugs in the country. Apart from that NCB has also signed bilateral agreement and MoUs with foreign countries on the behalf of Government of India to contain trans-border drug trafficking. A 44 total bilateral agreements of MoUs on drug related matters and sharing security co-operation with different countries for combating illicit trafficking of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences were signed, said MoS Home Nityanand Rai. (ANI) The farmers, inhabiting the world-famous 'Dal Lake', associated with Lotus Stem (Nadru) got a new lease of life with the Jammu and Kashmir government extending them value addition and handholding services in selling their produce in the international market. The newly formed and promoted Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), comprising 250 farmers from Dal interiors, has recently exported two consignments to UAE thus making their presence felt in the international market. The initiative of forming this FPO is in line with the government's commitment towards empowering farmers to sell and promote their produce in potential national and international markets. This significant program of the J-K government has recently been mentioned in Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's, monthly radio address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat'. Addressing the nation in the 99th episode of his Mann Ki Baat programme, Prime Minister spoke about Kashmir's Dal Lake which is known for its delicious Lotus stems. "Lotus stems are known as Nadru in Kashmir and demand for Nadru is continuously increasing due to which farmers cultivating Nadru in Dal Lake have formed an FPO with the support of Srinagar district administration," he had said. Prime Minister took pride in the fact that these farmers recently sent two consignments to UAE saying that this success has increased the income of hundreds of farmers. The Kashmiri Lotus stem famously known as Nadru prepared from the roots of the lotus flower is a delicacy found on the table of every Kashmiri home. The lotus stem is being cultivated in various lakes of Kashmir valley, the major being Dal Lake of Srinagar. The farmers in the area of Dal Lake often complained that the price they got for the harvest was not enough due to the lack of market linkages for their produce and the meagre individual produce of the farmers. Considering the uniqueness of Nadroo (Lotus Stem) as a delicacy, the district administration of Srinagar met the entrepreneurial farmers and after preparing a blueprint approved the FPO in December 2022. The FPO is being supported by NABARD under the 'Central Sector Scheme of formation of FPOs'. The FPO has been registered as 'Dal Lake Lotus Stem Farmers Producer Company Ltd' under the Companies Act. Within a short span of time, the FPO has mobilized a total number of 250 shareholders in the Dal lake area of Hazratbal. The FPO has also registered a company-owned registered brand of Nadru involving the marketing of hygienically procured and top-graded Nadru (Lotus stem). The FPO having its office in the Hazratbal area of the Srinagar district is also in the process of expanding its business in the value addition/primary/ secondary processing by establishing value addition units of Nadru in the area. With the support of the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, the FPO has recently been able to export two consignments of Nadru to UAE fetching a very high price to the producers, an official said. The official added that the FPO scheme is an institutional mechanism to reduce the cost of production, increase per-unit production and facilitate better market linkage so as to enhance the income of farmers. He said that in the coming days, the FPOs like that of 'Dal Lake Lotus Stem Farmers Producer Company Ltd' will be promoted in the district to provide better backward and forward integration in the marketing of agriculture and horticulture produce. (ANI) The high court was hearing a petition seeking his release, by a man who claimed that Amritpal Singh was in "illegal" custody in Jalandhar. The Advocate General clarified that Amritpal Singh was not arrested and the police was trying its best to arrest him. "Punjab is passing through a sensitive stage and national security is involved. As such, the arguments addressed should be limited to the contentions raised in the habeas corpus petition," he said. After hearing counsel for both the parties, Justice N.S. Shekhawat asked the petitioner's counsel to show evidence that Amritpal Singh was in illegal custody of the police. He said the state's categorical stand was that Amritpal Singh had not been arrested. Amritpal Singh has been evading arrest, changing his location and looks multiple times, since March 18 when the police launched a massive crackdown to arrest him. A new video of Amritpal Singh with his aide Papalpreet Singh has surfaced, purportedly showing Amritpal Singh walking in a street in Delhi without a turban and wearing a mask. --IANS vg/vd A ( 213 Words) 2023-03-28-19:14:04 (IANS) The accused have been identified as Omar Faruk and Manirul Islam. According to the BSF officials, the accused were later handed over to Police Station and Custom Office, in Hingalganj for further legal action. "The accused were apprehended by carrying out a special search operation in Barakul river. During a search of the apprehended smugglers and the surrounding area, the troops recovered a total of 14 fish pin balls from 05 bags. The estimated value of seized fish pin balls is Rs 1,40,000," the officials said. According to the BSF, during preliminary questioning, both the apprehended smugglers revealed that they work as carriers for a notorious Bangladeshi smuggler. "They were to get 3000 Bangladeshi Taka for smuggling these fish pin balls from India to Bangladesh," BSF said. (ANI) Congress and other Opposition parties are contemplating moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla next week on the ground that opposition members are not being allowed to speak, the sources said on Tuesday. As per the sources, the proposal was kept in a meeting of Congress MPs. "Opposition parties may bring a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday. The proposal was kept in a meeting of Congress MPs. Congress is talking to other Opposition parties in this regard," the sources told ANI. The trigger for the development came following the notification disqualifying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a day after his conviction in a defamation case as well as claims that the Opposition was not getting a chance to raise the Adani issue. However, it needs the backing of at least 50 members to move a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. It is important to note that for the no-confidence motion to be moved, the House has to function. Meanwhile, in solidarity with Rahul Gandhi and against his disqualification, Congress MPs, leaders and workers staged a 'Loktantra bachao mashal shanti march' near Red Fort where the police detained several party leaders and workers. Congress General Secretary, KC Venugopal alleged that the protestors were stopped everywhere. "You should see the plight of democracy in the country. We are doing a peaceful torchlight march. Yesterday we discussed this with the police and commissioners and they agreed. Today, they stopped our workers everywhere," Venugopal said. (ANI) The plight of Uyghur refugees in Thailand and Pakistan is due to the use of economic clout as a political tool by China, reported Voices Against Autocracy (VAA) - a private, non-governmental organisation based in Vienna, Austria. The death of an Uyghur refugee in a detention center in Thailand and fears of another refugee in Pakistan being deported to China provide clues to the plight of refugees fleeing Xinjiang fearing Chinese persecution. Uyghurs are witnessing a new challenge, they are being detained not only in other countries but also in China itself, fearing persecution. This is a function of the Chinese using their economic clout as a political tool. Precisely for this reason, the Islamic world has maintained a stoic silence on the plight of the Uyghurs, reported VAA. Post 9/9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, China and Pakistan increased their cooperation, and Pakistan repatriated numerous Uyghurs to China. Notably, Pakistan is now home to about 3,000 Uyghurs. In Pakistan, many refugees who do not have UNHCR identity cards have been warned by police that they could be deported to China, reported VAA. Incidentally, in the case of Niyaz Ghopur, an Uyghur refugee in Pakistan, and eight family members. Pakistani officials threatened to arrest all eight family members and said they had no legal documents allowing them to stay in the country. Although Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country, most governments have been China's allies and have therefore expressed support for China's policies in Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, and at the UN Human Rights Council. Pakistani officials have also come under pressure from Beijing over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Belt and Road Initiative's flagship project to improve Pakistan's infrastructure for better trade with China and further integration of countries in the region, reported VAA. The context in which such incidents occur is China's increasing assertiveness in ensuring that countries to which Uyghurs flee also follow their dictates. This is happening through a combination of economic and political pressures. Sufficient evidence has been accumulated over the years of how China monitors and monitors Uyghurs fleeing Xinjiang in search of a better life abroad. This allows them to follow the comings and goings of most refugees. Rising Chinese influence around the world has countries cautious about giving too much relief to the Uyghurs, and Thailand and Pakistan both provide examples of the conditions they find themselves in, reported VAA. Abdulaziz Abdullah, an Uyghur refugee from Xinjiang, recently died at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center from alleged police neglect and raised concerns about the treatment of the more than fifty Uyghur refugees detained at the center since 2014. His son Muhammad Abdullah, who lives in Kayseri, Turkey, said in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) that his family fled Xinjiang because of his father's repression and repeated arrests. Abdullah and his family fled China in late 2013 and arrived in Thailand with the help of border smugglers in early 2014, where they were detained by Thai immigration authorities. Abdullah is reportedly not the first Uyghur to die in immigration detention in Thailand. He is the fourth Uyghur to die in Thai immigration detention. In 2018, another Uyghur refugee also vomited blood and died in detention, reported VAA. Dolkun Isa, President of the World Uyghur Congress, has called for a full and public inquiry into Abdullah's death. "We followed the situation closely from the start. The WUC issued a report on her case and other similar cases," Isa told VOA. "The Thai authorities should conduct a full and publicly available investigation into the death of Abdulaziz Abdullah, end the indefinite and arbitrary detention of the Uyghur refugee group, release Uyghur refugees detained in Thailand, and allow Uyghur refugees access to resettlement," said Isa. (ANI) Pakistani-origin Humza Yousaf has won the Scottish National Party leadership contest and is set to become Scotland's First Minister replacing Nicola Sturgeon. The 37-year-old son of Asian immigrants is set to become the first person of colour to serve as Scotland's first minister, Al Jazeera reported. The Scot of Pakistani heritage, a Sturgeon loyalist, defeated Kate Forbes, the country's finance minister and Ash Regan, who quit the government in opposition to proposed changes to gender recognition, as per the Al Jazeera report. "I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland. I will work every minute of every day to earn and to re-earn your respect and your trust," Yousaf said in his acceptance speech. Yousaf won 52% of the final votes cast, running on a platform dedicated to delivering Scottish independence, combating the cost-of-living crisis. The development comes less than six months after Rishi Sunak became the first British Prime Minister of Indian origin. Yousaf will lead the Scottish National Party (SNP) as a successor to Nicola Sturgeon, who stepped down last month after eight years as leader of the party. In a victory speech in Edinburgh, Humza Yousaf said, "From the Punjab to our parliament, this is a journey for our generations." Yousaf said he has a "passion" for Scottish independence and is in favour of "using our devolved powers to the absolute maximum effect to tackle the challenges of today." Humza Yousaf said, "I will ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear." He stressed, "The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever," Taking to his official Twitter handle, he stated, "From Punjab to Pollok, people from across the world & here at home have been offering me their good wishes, grateful for all the kind msgs I have received. Can I thank Kate & Ash in particular for their kind words of support. We're united as a team who will deliver for Scotland." He further stated, "Elected as leader of @theSNP is the biggest honour of my life. If Parliament votes for me as FM tomorrow, it is my solemn commitment to serve all the people of Scotland. For now, after a long day I have promised a v sleepy 3yr old I will be telling her tonight's bed time story." (ANI) Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for dragging its feet on elections in Punjab, Geo News reported. The apex court sought guarantees from the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to bury the hatchet for free, fair, and transparent elections. These developments took place during the hearing of the plea regarding the date for general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, heard the plea, as per the Geo News report. During the hearing, the court also issued notices to governors of two provinces through the chief secretary. Pakistan's Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said, "The court only needs assurance from both sides. The elections should be peaceful, transparent, and fair. If the government and PTI want elections, they have to give assurances." He further said that the parties will decide what those assurances would be like and not the court. Umar Ata Bandial said that the parties should evaluate what is good for the people and what is not. He said, "Pakistan's Constitution was not made for only setting up or toppling the governments," as per the news report. He stressed that the constitution was interpreted while keeping the life and happiness of people in mind. He called the current situation "alarming" and emphasised that the polls will be conducted when the "conditions are favourable," as per the news report. Pakistan's chief justice noted that the country's atmosphere had become poisonous due to political intolerance, according to Geo News report. He called the present political situation "terrible" and added, "Politicians are at each other's throats." He called on both government and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government to decide what is best for the people of Pakistan. In his remarks regarding the Election Commission of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial said that it was merely an institution. He further said, "The election commission requires facilitation and support for [conducting] polls." Last week, the ECP announced postponing the election in Punjab until October 8. After ECP's announcement, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) against the electoral body's decision to delay the elections in Punjab, The Express Tribune reported. Pakistan's electoral watchdog said the polls could not be held in Punjab on the scheduled date under the circumstances conveyed to it by the law enforcement agencies, finance, defence and interior ministries, Punjab chief secretary and others, who all opposed the elections on various grounds, The Express Tribune reported. Furthermore, the ECP withdrew its notification regarding the polls in Punjab and postponed the voting for the provincial assembly until October 8. It further said that the fresh election schedule will be announced in due course. (ANI) Faced with mounting protests, including by at least one minister, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced that his government will delay his controversial justice bill to the next parliamentary session. The delay comes from a will to reach a broad consensus, he said in a TV address to the country, the BBC reported. As protests raged and calls were made for a general strike, halting flights from Tel Aviv and led to McDonald's shutting, Netanyahu had called on the protesters on all sides "to behave responsibly and refrain from violence". A little earlier, a key party in the governing coalition - the far right Jewish Power party - said it has agreed to back a delay to the legislation, if it is submitted in the next session of Israel's parliament. In his address, Netanyahu said that there are currently two camps in Israel, and the country "does not need" this tension to go on. He said some people are rejecting military service, "which is in itself a big crime". This came as the Israel Army called on soldiers to continue to carry out their duty and act responsibly amid social divisions over the government's plans to overhaul the judiciary. There were reports that several people had refused to turn up for their spell of mandatory military service. Netanyahu also said that his government will never accept a civil war, and they are facing "a crisis that is a real threat to national unity". Netanyahu said he strived to find a solution as the country was at a "dangerous cross road". He alleged an "extremist minority" was ready to divide the nation and that the crisis obliges everyone to act responsibly. --IANS vd/arm ( 296 Words) 2023-03-27-23:22:02 (IANS) Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to back down on controversial plans to overhaul the country's judiciary on Monday, amid unprecedented nationwide strikes including a shutdown of the international airport, CNN reported. Israel's Histadrut trade union which coordinated the strike said that some government ministries, the country's three biggest cities, banks, ports and many other companies and agencies were on strike on Monday and added that essential services such as hospitals and firefighters were to operate on a Saturday schedule, CNN reported. Netanyahu said he would delay votes on the remaining legislation until after the Knesset's Passover recess in April "to give time for a real chance for a real debate." In a televised address, Netanyahu said that he was "aware of the tensions" and is "listening to the people." He further said, "Out of the responsibility to the nation, I decided to delay ... the vote, in order to give time for discussion. However, Israeli PM Netanyahu hinted that the halt was only temporary. He stressed that the overhaul was necessary, and added that criticism of refusal to train or serve in the military in protest at the planned changes. He said, "Refusing is the end of our country," as per the news report. After Netanyahu's announcement, Histadrut labour union leader Arnon Bar-David announced that a general strike, which swept across the nation on Monday would now be called off, CNN reported citing its affiliate Channel 13. Arnon Bar-David warned the Israeli PM against reviving the legislation. Arnon Bar-David said, "If the prime minister returns to aggressive legislation he'll find us facing him. Legislation without consent will be met with a general strike." Under the proposals, the Israeli government will have control over the appointment of judges, and parliament would have the power to override Supreme Court decisions, according to a CNN report. The Netanyahu-led government also sought to change the procedure of how judges are chosen and remove government ministries' independent legal advisers. On Sunday, Israeli PM fired his defence minister Yoav Gallant, who had called for a halt to plans to overhaul the country's court system, CNN reported. Netanyahu's office announced Gallant's removal in a statement after he became the first member of the cabinet to break ranks over the proposals, which have sparked weeks of protests." Yoav Gallant called for a halt to the judicial reforms in a speech on Saturday. He said going ahead with the proposals could pose a threat to Israel's security. Protests had erupted in Israel's capital Tel Aviv after Netanyahu fired his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for challenging his judicial overhaul plan. The plan to remake the courts -- which would give Netanyahu's government greater power to handpick judges, including those presiding over his corruption trial, in which he is charged in three cases and faces potential prison time -- has pitted liberal and secular Jewish Israelis against more right-wing and religiously conservative factions, along a fault line long in emerging, Washington Post reported. (ANI) US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) termed the school shooting at Nashville which claimed the lives of six people as "sick" and said that the US has to do more about gun violence and stressed that "it's ripping the soul of this nation." Biden's remarks come after a person killed six people, including three children at Covenant School in Nashville. He also called on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban and said that the shooter in Nashville reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol. While addressing the Small Business Administration Women's Business Summit, Biden said, "It's just sick. You know, we're still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it's heartbreaking. A family's worst nightmare." US President lauded police for responding within minutes to end the danger. He said, "We're monitoring the situation really closely Ben, as you know and we have to do more to stop gun violence. It's ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation ripping at the very soul of the nation. And we have to do more to protect our schools so they aren't turned into prisons." Biden said, "the shooter in this situation reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol two AK-47. So I call on Congress, again, to pass my assault weapons ban. It's about time that we begin to make some more progress." Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the person who killed six people at Covenant School in Nashville on Monday has been identified as Audrey Hale. According to Drake, Hale is a 28-year-old Nashville resident, CNN reported. The six victims included three students who were all 9 years old, the Metro Nashville Police Department said in a tweet. Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted, "The 6 victims fatally shot by the active shooter at Covenant School are identified as: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61." The shooter had drawn detailed maps of Covenant School, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in a press conference. Drake said that the suspect in Monday's shooting was armed with three firearms, CNN reported. Drake further said that the shooter entered the school by shooting through one of the doors. The shooter was once a student at the school, CNN reported citing initial findings from police. According to CNN, John Drake said, "We've also determined that there were maps drawn of the school in detail of surveillance, entry points, et cetera. We know and believe entry was gained through shooting through one of the doors, is how they actually got into the school." (ANI) Pakistan, which is going through a worst economic crisis amidst growing political instability, is now facing a daunting task to keep the Judiciary intact as two judges of the Pakistani Supreme Court have challenged the powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), saying the apex court "cannot be dependent on the solitary decision of one man, the Chief Justice", Geo News reported. In a 27-page note for the apex court's March 1 verdict in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suo motu, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail called it important "to revisit the power of 'one-man show' enjoyed by the office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan [Umar Ata Bandial]," as per the Geo News report. The decision of the judges came after the Supreme Court of Pakistan served notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan, adjourning the hearing on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petition challenging the electoral body's decisions to delay Punjab Assembly polls till October 8, as per the news report. It reads, "This court cannot be dependent on the solitary decision of one man, the Chief Justice, but must be regulated through a rule-based system approved by all Judges of the Court under Article 191 of the Constitution, in regulating the exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 184(3) including the exercise of suo motu jurisdiction; the constitution of Benches to hear such cases; the constitution of Regular Benches to hear all the other cases instituted in this Court; and the constitution of Special Benches." Expressing their views against running a "one-man show", Justice Shah and Justice Mandokhail stressed that it results in a concentration of power in the hands of one individual, making the system more susceptible to the abuse of power. The judges said that a collegial system with checks and balances helps "prevent the abuse and mistakes in the exercise of power and promote transparency and accountability." The two judges further said that collegial system ensures good governance as it rests on collaboration, shared decision-making and balance of power,Geo News reported. The document reads, "When one person has too much power, there is a risk that the institution may become autocratic and insulated, resulting in one-man policies being pursued, which may have a tendency of going against the rights and interests of the people." The two judges said that the judicial system stands on public trust and confidence and stressed that the "one-man show needs a revisit as it limits diverse perspectives, concentrates power, and increases the risk of an autocratic rule." They said that the chief justice was conferred with wide discretion in the matter of constituting benches and assigning cases to them. The two judges termed it "unbridled power" enjoyed by the chief justice in taking up any matter as a suo motu case and forming special benches that have "brought severe criticism and lowered the honour and prestige of this court." (ANI) The tradition of the production of yarns from nettle plants is still kept alive by the people of Lauri Gewog of Bhutan. Moreover, they are also getting a good income out of it, Bhutan Live reported. Despite the fact that the practice has been abandoned in many regions of the nation, the residents of Lauri Gewog claim that their capacity to produce nettle yarns was hampered by the accessibility of imported clothing. Nettle plant has traditionally been used to make ropes, jackets, bags and blankets among others. The practice of making yarns from nettle plants lost its popularity in many parts of the country after cotton became readily available. With the help and support of the Agency for the Promotion of Indigenous Crafts in 2016, the practice was revived. A villager who makes nettle yarn is Lhazom from the Lauri chiwog. She claims that the majority of the villagers engage in direct nettle yarn sales and only produce textiles in response to orders. Lhazom collects nettle plants which are easily available in the forest. The plants are cut to extract fibre from its stem. It is then dried before undergoing a series of processes to make yarn, according to Bhutan Live. "From clothes to blankets, our parents used to make everything from nettle yarns. The tradition nearly disappeared until the government intervened. The practice was revived and we were trained by the government to produce yarn and started producing it again. Although I cannot spin the nettle yarn daily, I can earn Nu 5,000 to 6,000 from whatever I can produce during my spare time. We will earn more income if we are able to spin more yarns," Bhutan Live quoted Lhazom as saying. Nowadays, Lauri Gewog is home to 20 households that produce nettle yarn, most of which are exported to Thimphu. "Previously, we didn't offer nettle yarn for sale. We have only recently begun selling them. I am not able to collect nettle plants from the forest like others. So, I do not earn much compared to others," said Mindu Chenzom, a resident." In a separate statement, Gyeltshen, another resident said, "Currently, a kilogram of nettle yarn costs Nu 1,800. We didn't sell nettle yarns before," Bhutan Live reported. (ANI) Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy on Monday met the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Chief, Rafael Grossi and discussed the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, Al Jazeera reported. Informing of the meeting with Rossi, Zelenskyy took to his Twitter and wrote, "Met with @rafaelmgrossi to discuss the security of our energy industry & nuclear plants. Primarily, the ZNPP still used by Russia for radiation blackmail of the world. The longer Russia occupies the ZNPP, the greater will be the threat to the security of Ukraine, Europe & the world." During the discussions, the Ukrainian President also raised the issue of safety concerns regarding the nuclear power plant and added that it could not be guaranteed as of now due to the escalation in tensions between Kyiv and Moscow. According to comments on Zelenskyy's official website, Al Jazeera reported that Zelenskyy told Grossi that the workers at the Zaporizhzhia factory were always under pressure from the Russian occupying forces, who he claimed were disregarding safety regulations and interfering with technological procedures. "Holding a nuclear power station hostage for more than a year -- this is surely the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of European or worldwide nuclear power," Zelenskyy said later in his nightly video address, according to Al Jazeera. Located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, the ZNPP is Europe's largest nuclear power plant by the number of units and output. After the start of the Ukraine conflict in February last year, the station and surrounding area went under the control of the Russian forces and have since been shelled multiple times. Russia and Ukraine blame each other for the attacks. (ANI) Hungary's National Assembly (parliament) has approved Finland's NATO membership bid, said the chairman of the session, which was broadcast on the Assembly's website, TASS reported. "The decision has been made," he announced after the overwhelming majority of lawmakers had voted to ratify Finland's application to join the North Atlantic Alliance. As many as 182 out of 199 Hungarian lawmakers cast their votes in favour of Finland's NATO membership, with six voting against it, TASS reported. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry's State Secretary, Tamas Menczer, who addressed the debate on behalf of the government, pointed out that the Finnish armed forces were ready to integrate into the bloc's institutions, which would boost the security of all member states. The Our Homeland nationalist party was the only parliamentary faction to oppose the decision, saying that the move by Russia's neighbouring country to join NATO "is one more step towards a world war." Six members of Our Homeland suggested that the vote be postponed and Hungary hold nationwide consultations on the issue. They also called for a moratorium on NATO's further expansion, TASS reported. After Turkey approved the process of ratifying Finland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the US last week had welcomed the decision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said that America encourage Ankara to "quickly ratify Sweden's accession protocols as well." In the statement, released by the White House last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, "The United States welcomes President Erdogan's announcement that he will send Finland's NATO accession protocols to the Turkish Parliament and looks forward to the prompt conclusion of that process." In the statement last week, Sullivan further stated that Sweden and Finland, both countries are strong, capable partners that share NATO's values and will strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European security. "The United States believes that both countries should become members of NATO as soon as possible," the statement read. Earlier, Turkey approved the process of ratifying Finland's accession to NATO. (ANI) Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of Lok Sabha Secretariat will organise a seminar on the theme 'Seven decades of the Constitution of India' on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of Independence of India, in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs in PRIDE Main Lecture Hall, Parliament Library Building on Tuesday. The Seminar will be organised in the context of India's Presidency of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO). Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi will inaugurate the seminar. Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Member of Parliament and former Chief Justice of India, Justice Arun Mishra, Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission and former Supreme Court judge, and Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairperson of National Green Tribunal and former Supreme Court judge will be distinguished speakers at the Seminar. AALCO is an international governmental organization, headquartered in New Delhi, having forty-seven member states from Asia and Africa. It serves as an advisory body to member states on matters of international law. Over the years, AALCO has been able to forge close links with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Law Commission (ILC). MoS for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi said, "For the benefit of diplomats & officials of Mission in New Delhi, it felt appropriate to organize this seminar during India's Presidency and commemorate 75 Years of Independence of India." "To have an interactive experience on the freedom struggle of India and to make of its Constitution, as a part of the seminar, a visit to the Parliament of India is also being arranged for the participants," she added. The objective of the seminar is to present the Constitution of India to the diplomatic community in New Delhi. The topic broadly covers: (i) Seven decades of the Indian Constitution; (ii) the Indian Constitution and Human Rights, (iii) Indian Constitution and Internationalism. Nepal Ambassador to India Shankar Sharma, who is also to attend the seminar said that Nepal wants to learn many things from the Indian constitution. (ANI) Amid the controversy and legal cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case, the government of PM Shehbaz Sharif recently released the 466-page record of Toshakhana from 2002 to 2023 on the website of the Cabinet Division, Islam Khabar reported. According to the details released on the website, Pervez Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and Imran Khan took away hundreds of gifts when they were in power. In fact, one report claims that from Nawaz Sharif to Imran Khan, all the former rulers left only one thing in the Toshakhana and that is nine books that were gifted to them. If this allegation is true, it reflects the absolute depravity of those who come to power in Pakistan. None of the rulers took these books while going home. These books were sent to the library later. This is the extreme level of intellectual and moral depravity and corruption that Pakistan has fallen to and necklaces, watches and many other expensive gifts have not been found in the Toshakhana. This is the real face of almost all the rulers of Pakistan and legislation has been resorted to for self-protection, Islam Khabar reported. As one commentator notes, in the civilized world, people are given facilities and privileges in return for taking taxes, but in Pakistan, the rich do not pay taxes. The Toshakhana department, established in 1974, stores gifts and other expensive items received by Pakistani public officials. Its rules make it compulsory for officials to report the gifts and other such materials received by them to the Cabinet Division. Only the President and the Prime Minister are exempted and can keep gifts that cost less than Pakistani Rupee (PKR) 30,000. They can also retain the expensive gifts from Toshakhana by paying a certain percentage of their value assessed by the government, Islam Khabar reported. Notably, clerics of the Darul Uloom Jamia Naeemia, Lahore have decreed that the law of Toshakhana is illegal, adding that it was against Shariah to purchase gifts from Toshakhana at a lower price. The clerics have claimed the gifts were not the personal property of an Individual, but the trust of a country and the nation. They should be utilized for public welfare, Islam Khabar reported. This latest edict comes after the Cabinet Division released the 21-year record of Toshakhana on its website. Amongst those who issued the edict are clerics of the Darul Uloom Lahore, including Raghib Naeemi, who is also a member of the Council of Islamic ideology (Cl), Sheikh Mutti Mohammad Imran Hanafi, Mufti Muhammad Nadeem Qamar, Mufti Muhammad Arif Hussain and Mufti Faisal Nadeem Shazil. The decree states that as per Islamic law, gifts, big or small, are properties of the state and should be collected in the official treasury. They declared that purchasing the Toshakhana items at a lower price was against Shariah law. The decree states that Prophet Muhammad has warned against retaining a gift by a government official, Islam Khabar reported. According to the Hadiths, the gifts presented to a government official are meant to be deposited in the state repository, the decree stated. Purchasing Toshakhana gifts at a lower price is akin to betrayal and breaking of trust, it added. The clerics said the Chief Justice should play his role in amending the law pertaining to the state repository, Islam Khabar reported. The Toshakhana reference case has been at the centre of the news after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered the expulsion of Imran Khan as a member of Pakistan's National Assembly and ordered criminal proceedings against the former Prime Minister. The issue arose when Imran Khan, who became Prime Minister in 2018, refused to disclose details of the many presents he had received during his time in office on demand from a journalist under the Right To Information (RTI) law. The request was declined by the PT-controlled central government citing concerns that doing so would severely impact relations with other countries. The journalist then lodged a complaint with the Federal Information Commission (FIC) after the Cabinet Division refused to disclose the Toshakhana details of Imran Khan. The FIC instructed the Cabinet Division to furnish it as per the RTL However, the Imran Khan-led government failed to comply with the directive, prompting the requesting party to approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to enforce the FIC's decision. In April 2022, the IHC had ordered the government to furnish the information, but before it could process, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) took over from the Imran Khans administration. Subsequently, details of Imran Khan's Toshakhana action were leaked to the media, On 4 August 2022, Members of the National Assembly (MNA) from the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), part of the new ruling alliance of the PML-N government in Pakistan, filed a reference with the Speaker of the National Assembly, seeking ousted PM's disqualification as a member of the assembly as well, Islam Khabar reported. The reference alleged that the Prime Minister had failed to declare the money earned from the sale of the gifts in his statement of assets and liabilities, which all legislators are required to submit annually to the ECP. In a disclosure letter to the ECP, the former Prime Minister admitted to selling four presents from Toshakhana but claimed that he bought them from the government by paying a percentage of their value. According to a Dawn report, in a letter to ECP Khan admitted that he sold the gifts at a premium and used the proceeds to construct an approach road to his Banigala residence, Islam Khabar reported. On 21 October 2022, Imran Khan was disqualified from the National Assembly for five years by the ECP after he was found guilty of concealing facts about selling expensive gifts. A four-member bench, headed by Pakistan's Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, announced the verdict according to it criminal proceedings were to be initiated against Imran Khan for misdeclaration. Despite Increasing the retention amount from 20 per cent to 50 per cent of the assessed value under his regime, Imran Khan retained some of the most expensive gifts at a rate of 20 per cent. As a result, the average retention amount paid by him on all gifts over a period of about three years worked out to be just 27 per cent, Dawn newspaper wrote quoting ECP reports. As per ECP estimates, Khan made a profit of PKR 104.78 million on the gifts he retained and sold. The ECP also stated that Imran Khan did the transactions of gifts from Toshakhana following the procedure for acceptance and disposal of gifts. However, the expulsion by ECP was necessitated based on the reference from lawmakers as the PTT chief had "intentionally and deliberately broken the laws Pakistan is thus a bankrupt nation with a bankrupt polity. Corruption is at a level unseen before and the Toshakhana disclosures demonstrate complete disregard for the rules and regulations. In a sense, Imran Khan is only the tip of the iceberg The Toshakhara reference case against Imran Khan provided an excuse for the PDM government to disqualify the former PM. However, the larger malaise afflicting Pakistan's polity needs a surgical strike, otherwise, it will be too late to save the country. (ANI) An Indian-origin man stabbed a 37-year man outside Canada's Vancouver Starbucks cafe and was charged with second-degree murder, Global News reported citing local police. The suspect, 32-year-old Inderdeep Singh Gosal, was arrested at the scene. Paul Stanley Schmidt, 37, was stabbed outside the cafe at the corner of Granville and West Pender streets around 5:40 pm on Sunday following a "brief altercation," according to police. After the incident, he was taken to the hospital where he took his last breath. Schmidt's mother, Kathy, said he was at Starbucks with his wife and his young daughter, according to Global News. "Paul lived for his wife and his daughter... that was his whole life," Kathy said over the phone, adding, "This man has ruined so many lives." Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said police are appealing for more witnesses and video to help them determine a motive in the killing. "There's a significant amount of evidence to tell us what happened. What we are focusing on now is why did this happen. What are the events that transpired in the moments leading up to this very serious crime ... that's something that may take some time for us to fully understand," he said. "We believe there are people likely nearby, people who witnessed it, people who were in the area who can help us to understand those questions," he added. Giving more details about the incident, Alex Bodger, an eyewitness to the incident, said it was very traumatising to see and hear, reported Global News. "It's not something you think you would see walking down the street in Vancouver on a Sunday," he said. Bodger said the suspect went back into the Starbucks shop after the stabbing and all he could hear was people screaming. "Every time I think about the situation I get this feeling in my chest which is pure fear," he added. Police don't believe the two men knew each other, and Addison said the circumstances leading to the stabbing remain under investigation. He added that a video of the incident is circulating on social media, and appealed to the public not to share it further, according to Global News. "It's a graphic video. We are encouraging people not to share that video. We are encouraging people, if you've got video, if you are a bystander, if you are a witness, please come forward and speak to our investigators, provide it to our investigators," he said. "Please don't share it on social media. What you have could be important evidence in this very serious case," he added. (ANI) Roughly nine million people in Afghanistan are on the verge of facing acute starvation amid the unprecedented economic and humanitarian crisis, according to a UN World Food Program (WFP) report, Khaama Press reported. Executive Director of the UN World Food Program (WFP), David Beasley warned that starvation could hit Afghanistan hardest if funding is not received immediately. Beasley wrote on Twitter that the world cannot turn its back on the Afghan people in this hour of unprecedented crisis, and donor countries and aid organizations should generously contribute to help the people of Afghanistan during these difficult times, according to Khaama Press. Decades of complex and protracted conflicts, combined with a changing climate, gender inequalities, rapid urbanization, underemployment, and the recent regime change in the war-torn country pose considerable challenges in efforts to achieve zero Hunger and improved nutrition in Afghanistan. About half of Afghanistan's population lives below the poverty line, and food insecurity is on the rise, largely due to conflict and insecurity cutting off whole communities from livelihood opportunities. As per the latest UN reports, nine out of ten Afghans do not eat enough, and roughly two-thirds of the population, or 28.3 million people, are projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2023, nearly four million more than last year. Since the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, followed by a severe economic crisis, the problems of ordinary people have been compounded by droughts and floods. Families are struggling for survival as they have no other means of income to feed mouths other than relying on humanitarian aid, according to Khaama Press. Women and girls in Afghanistan are the hardest hit by the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis, and by the gender-based restrictions on their fundamental rights to education and work. (ANI) Pakistan Army is now gearing up to tackle the widespread anti-army campaign launched by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with its own set of systematic campaigns online as well as offline, The Pakistan Military Monitor reported. The campaign is set to begin at the school level, first in Punjab. According to Pakistan Military Monitor, Imran Khan had kicked off a massive anti-army campaign on all media as soon as he was forced to resign as the Prime Minister last year by the then army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Once a patron of the former premier, Bajwa and his men were pilloried across Pakistan like rarely any other army chief before. Imran went up to call for the court martial of Bajwa. When Bajwa left, it was generally thought the new chief would find the atmosphere better. But General Asim Munir had rubbed Imran Khan the wrong way when he was the DG ISI. Khan forced Munir's removal after he objected to certain pecuniary actions of Khan's wife. It was therefore not surprising that within a few months, Khan began to target General Munir, although not so much with virulence as he reserved for his former patron, Bajwa. According to The Pakistan Military Monitor, with elections inevitable any time in near future, the army is keen to wrap things around to their advantage in the face of Imran Khan's belligerent popularity. With other political parties unable to match Khan's noise and posturing, the army's priority is to regain the lost prestige and respect, two key factors in their power play at the domestic level. The army as part of the clean image campaign, has decided to start from schools and other educational institutions. In the past, the school children were the army's first stop for building their image. The army had a flourishing programme called `A Day Out With Pakistan Army` for students where they were informed about the army's various programmes. General Raheel Sharif had similarly launched Know Your Army for school and college students. The new plan is to launch an awareness campaign in all schools in Punjab, to begin with. These campaigns will include presentations on how the army is engaged in the protection of country's frontiers, supreme sacrifices by Pakistan armed forces for the country, Pak armed forces' services in suppression of anti-national elements, Pak armed forces' role in elimination of terrorism and Pak armed forces' services for rehabilitation of people during natural calamities including earthquakes and floods. The District Education Authorities of Punjab have written to all schools to conduct the programmes for the Pak armed forces without delay. (a sample of the letter related to Gujranwala, Punjab). The plan is to prevent Imran Khan's poisonous campaign damaging the army's prestige among young students, according to The Pakistan Military Monitor. (ANI) Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is facing difficulties in cabinet expansion as the ruling coalition continues to remain divided over the allocation of ministries. A key meeting of ten parties in the new coalition in Nepal, formed last week after the PM's vote of confidence, held on Tuesday afternoon couldn't reach an agreement. The meeting where leaders of ten political parties onboard came together on Tuesday to reach an agreement ended without a conclusion, leaders who were present in the meeting said. "Another round of meetings has been called for 9 am (local Time) on Wednesday," a leader from Nepali Congress confirmed. "We will again meet tomorrow morning at 9 am to discuss further the cabinet expansion. Also, the Prime Minister has presented the basic plans and policies of the government. Parties will hold an internal discussion on it and we will meet again tomorrow morning," Ramesh Lekhak, Senior Congress leader, told ANI. According to the leaders present in the meeting, the differences and demands of parties onboard the coalition led the 3 hours long discussion to inconclusive. The Nepali Congress in Tuesday's meeting had claimed 9 ministries whereas other coalition partners also demanded a higher number of ministerial posts on board the cabinet. Prime Minister Dahal now is holding 16 ministerial posts after the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) deserted the cabinet under his leadership. Dahal on March 20 was able to secure 172 votes in favour of 10 parties. While doing so, Dahal ditched the CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli. Angst with Dahal's move to ditch the coalition and agreement to share power for 2 and a half years each between the parties, opposition CPN-UML had decided to remain in opposition. Dahal on 20 March, received a vote of confidence from the Nepali Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janamat Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party, three independent lawmakers and the Rastriya Janamorcha. With the hung parliament and excessively overcrowded ministerial enthusiasts from the coalition partners, Nepal's Prime Minister is set to embrace the Hercules task of forming a 25 membered cabinet. The lifespan of the Nepali Prime Minister over the post is largely dependent on the fragile coalition. This time also, Dahal has agreed to split the five years tenure on a 2-1-2 years basis with CPN-Unified Socialist (US) and the Nepali Congress. As per the leaders of the parties, Dahal will retire from the post after remaining in position for 2 years paving the way to CPN-US for a year and then the Nepali Congress will lead the government until the nation goes for the poll in 2027. But doubt remains whether the parties would go on that run. (ANI) Three months after the reversal of its zero-Covid mandate, China appears to be grappling with the economic and social fallout of the sudden change in its policy. Chinese government's portrayal of a rebound in economic activities appears to be in contrast with reports of widespread dissatisfaction among various sections of society. A crucial aspect of it is the rising resentment among common workers on issues of pay and other benefits. While it may be partly attributed to the faulty implementation of policies by various institutions, observers also view it as a long-term outcome of Beijing's conscious pivot away from public welfare policies. The last few months have witnessed a considerable uptick in workers' protests in various parts of the country. The latest one has been reported from Jiangxi province where a group of teachers protested in Leping city on March 23 against low wages and other benefits. The teachers protesting in front of the Leping Middle School expressed their dissatisfaction on the issue of the large gap between teachers' salary vis a vis public servants. They were seen accusing the provincial government of ill-treating them for many years. The protestors holding banners with slogans and demands also resolved to fight for their legal rights at par with those of public servants. Although national legislation stipulates that teachers' remuneration must be at least as much as that of public servants, the income gap between the two groups has grown not only in salaries but also in other benefits. The protests remind of a similar one in Jianyang in the Sichuan province in 2019 when public school teachers protested to demand better pay and other benefits. Hundreds of teachers had contended that they were paid much less than other public servants in the region. The recent protests by teachers come on the heels of those seen in Wuhan in February 2023. Here, thousands of retirees had gathered for two days in Zhongshan park to confront local officials and the police to demand the repeal of cuts in government-provided medical insurance for seniors. As a result of the restructuring of the national health insurance system, local governments have reduced the amount of money deposited into personal accounts. In some videos circulating online in January 2023, retirees from Guangzhou were also seen staging a similar protest to protest the reduction in government contributions towards their health insurance. Notably, the wave of protests is not limited to teachers or public workers. After the abrupt end of the "zero Covid" regime, the vast system deployed for virus surveillance and testing collapsed, resulting in the sudden unemployment of various workers. Now, the public authorities have to confront anguished pandemic-control workers who are demanding wages and jobs. In January 2023, hundreds of protesting Covid workers in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing were seen hurling objects at police officers in riot gear. The workers said to be involved in a pay dispute with a Covid test kit manufacturer were seen kicking and tossing boxes of rapid antigen tests onto the ground. In the eastern city of Hangzhou, several workers reportedly climbed the roof of a test kit factory while threatening to jump in protest against non-payment of benefits. The protests were widely blamed on the sudden U-turn on Covid policy by the country without serious planning and coordination. The protests also expose the growing strain on the finances of China's local governments. The "zero Covid" policies followed by the country for over three years are reported to have burdened those localities with additional costs as revenues dried up. The crisis of finances at the local level is also reflected in the problems faced by regional banks and financial institutions. Last year, the country had seen protests by many depositors who had lost their savings with the small local banks and other institutions. Over time, social frictions may rise further with a slowdown in economic growth and an ageing population. Overall, the developments paint a picture of a growing but increasingly unequal economic society in China. When the country is already among the most unequal ones, the need is to be more responsive towards the vulnerable public lacking a real political voice. (ANI) Talks between the central government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan will be possible only if the former prime minister admits his wrongdoing and apologises to the people for all the things he has done, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, Geo News reported. While addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday, PM Sharif said that he was of the opinion that talks between them will start after Khan says sorry to the public. He also stated that PTI Chief had violated the International Monetary Fund agreement. Pakistan's debt has surged by 70 per cent during the tenure of his government, Pakistan PM claimed and added not a single project was initiated, reported ARY News. Talking about Khan, PM Shehbaz said that PTI Chief first blamed the US for removing him from the post and then took a U-turn and said that the conspiracy was not planted by America. The premier observed that differences in the society are increasing and one segment of society thinks that Imran Khan's government was removed through 'US intervention', and the incumbent government is 'imported.' Friendly countries got annoyed with Pakistan during Imran Khan's regime, claimed the premier and added that they are trying to repair ties with the friendly countries and the superpower US. While addressing the assembly, Sharif came up with another claim that Khan has hired firms for lobbying in the United States, according to ARY News. Imran Khan used to say they [opposition] members are 'thieves' and they should not meet with the foreign envoys but now he is meeting with the foreign ambassadors in opposition. Lobbying firms are giving statements against Pakistan, which is not acceptable, the premier maintained. No one is making him accountable for 'denting' Pakistan's narrative. "Enough is enough... now the law will take its course." The prime minister also criticised 'social trollers' of Imran Khan for politicizing the Lasbela tragedy in which a sitting Lieutenant General and other high-rank officers were killed while carrying out relief and rescue operations in Lasbela, as per the report in ARY News. In August, the six army personnel on board including Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali died in a crash that was caused due to bad weather, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). "The wreckage of an unfortunate helicopter which was on flood relief ops found in Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela. All 6 officers and soldiers including l Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali embraced shahadat. ...Accident occurred due to bad weather as per initial investigations," Director-General (DG) ISPR said in a tweet. (ANI) Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday called on the Taliban to release education activist Matiullah Wesa, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. Karzai, in a tweet, said he was disappointed with the arrest of Matiuhulla Wesa, an education activist and appreciated Pen path's activities in Afghanistan. "I am disappointed about the arrest of education activist Matiullah Wesa by the Taliban," Karzai said, adding, "Wesa and Pen Path have conducted appreciable activities for education in various parts of Afghanistan since 2009, according to Khaama Press. "I see Wesa and Pen Path's activities in favour of Afghanistan and call on the Taliban to make utmost efforts to free the activist and cooperate with him to expand his activities," he added. Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, also expressed his concern over the arrest of Pen Path founder Wesa and called on Taliban authorities that "his safety is paramount and all his legal rights must be respected," Bennett said in a tweet on Tuesday. In addition, the UN Mission in Afghanistan also called on the Taliban to release Matiullah Wesa and asked to "clarify his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family". Wesa, a famous education and human rights activist who advocated for girls' education and founder of Pen Path, was arrested by the Taliban on Tuesday close to his house in Khoshal Khan in the west of Kabul. Wesa has created educational opportunities for thousands of girls across Afghanistan since 2009. Since the closure of the girls' school by the Taliban, Wesa travelled to more than 20 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan to provide thousands of girls' students with educational resources, according to Khaama Press. (ANI) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried paid a bribe of USD 40 million to a Chinese government official to get access to those accounts which are allegedly frozen by Beijing, a federal prosecutor alleged on Tuesday, according to New York Post reported. The details of his 2021 bribe were included in a new indictment against Bankman-Fried, filed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan. "Samuel Bankman-Fried aka 'SBF' authorized and directed a bribe of at least USD 40 million to one or more Chinese government officials," the indictment states. "The purpose of the bribe was to influence and induce one or more Chinese government officials to unfreeze certain Alameda trading accounts containing over USD 1 billion in cryptocurrency, which had been frozen by Chinese authorities," it adds. The feds allege the shaggy-haired accused fraudster sought to unlock USD 1 billion in cryptocurrency in accounts that had been seized by the authoritarian state, reported New York Post. The bribe was successful and Bankman-Fried and his cohort gained access to the accounts, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office said. The FTX founder's trial is scheduled for October, according to WSJ. Bankman-Fried in December was arrested and extradited from the Bahamas on fraud and conspiracy charges related to the implosion of FTX. Last week, prosecutors unveiled a new indictment charging him with additional crimes. Prosecutors said that Bankman-Fried stole billions of dollars of FTX customer funds, in addition to misleading investors and lenders. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty and denied committing fraud and stealing customer funds, according to WSJ. Earlier, he was arrested in December and even the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB) has taken custody of FTX deposits valued at more than USD 3.5 billion as of November 12, according to a statement from SCB. Earlier, in January, Sam Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to wire fraud and securities fraud charges over the collapse of his trading platform, The Hill reported. Prosecutors alleged that Fried was illegally using his customer's money to purchase real estate, political donations and investments at his hedge fund, Alameda Research. (ANI) A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson has claimed that PTI social media activist Arshad Siddiqui has been missing since Sunday morning and police are yet to tell his family about his whereabouts, Pakistan-based The News International newspaper reported. "The disappearance of PTI social media member Arshad Siddiqui is alarming. He is a resident of Karachi's Mahmoodabad and left his residence at 8 am to go to work. However, the police have not revealed any information regarding Arshad's arrest so far," Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), Shahzad Qureshi, said in a statement issued on Monday, The News International newspaper reported. According to the statement, the attitude of the police in Siddiqui's "abduction case" was unsatisfactory. "There is a smell of political revenge behind the mysterious disappearance of Arshad Siddiqui," it stated. PTI parliamentary leader in the Sindh Assembly Khurram Sher Zaman in a statement appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice of political vendetta. More than 30 hours have passed, but Arshad Siddiqui has not yet been recovered, he said. Zaman alleged that the Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government was directly involved in the kidnapping of PTI workers. Siddiqui's arrest had not been disclosed nor had he been presented in any court yet, he said, adding that the government could not however discourage those who loved Imran Khan, according to The News International newspaper. He said it is shameful to arrest and harass youths, as the arrests of youths in Pakistan are sending a negative message to the world. Sindh PTI president and former federal minister Ali Zaidi said our social media team member Arshad Siddiqui had gone missing from Karachi, and his disappearance was a kidnapping case. If the imported government was behind Siddiqui's disappearance, it would cost them dearly. Aftab Siddiqui said the mysterious disappearance of PTI's social media team member was unacceptable and the Sindh government should recover him. (ANI) The Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) has urged the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to stop covering former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed as he smokes cigars at press conferences, which can have an impact on the next generation. It has also asked the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to issue a broad directive telling media outlets not to feature anyone who encourages smoking. According to the letter signed by Sanaullah Ghumman, general secretary of Panah, the organisation has been trying to reduce cardiovascular disorders since 1984. The letter stated, "This association had also put in its good share in helping people who suffered in the natural disasters that struck the nation in the past and are also helping poor patients get expensive cardiac investigations, angioplasty, stents and cardiac surgery at various hospitals. The president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by virtue of his position is our patron-in-chief. Panah works closely with policymakers to advocate for policies to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and many other fatal diseases." The letter added that Panah has been running an aggressive campaign against tobacco use in the country as a part of the Heart Disease Prevention programme because tobacco is one of the leading causes of heart and many other fatal diseases. The letter also read, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, a renowned politician of Pakistan always waves his cigar and its pack during his media talks while saying: "I have been the federal minister of Pakistan several times." In Pakistan, as many as 1,200 new children turn smokers every day, the letter stated. According to Dawn, Ghumman asserted that it was against Pakistani tobacco control rules to depict smokers in the media and that media outlets could face legal repercussions for doing so. He said, "We also request the media that they should show responsibility and not give coverage to people while smoking as it gives a wrong impression to the young generation," reported Dawn. (ANI) Home and Away spoilers follow. Next week on Home and Away, Ziggy seeks support from her loved ones. Elsewhere, Nikau makes a discovery about Felicity's secret struggles, while Mali faces a dilemma about his future in the Bay. Here's a full collection of 12 big moments coming up. 1. Theo is honest with Kirby Channel 5 Theo has been trying to prevent Kirby from discovering his stalker's latest unsettling behaviour. When the stalker makes direct contact with Kirby, it forces Theo to change his stance as he explains about this mystery individual sending doughnuts to the house. Theo confirms that he has already blocked the fan following advice from Rose, so Kirby decides to do the same. 2. Kirby and Theo break bad news to Remi Channel 5 Kirby and Theo are unhappy when Justin and Mac propose the idea of them performing as a duo until Remi and Eden are back in action. Despite this, they soon realise that they may have to consider the idea as the band's finances are running too low. Kirby and Theo leave Remi upset when they explain Justin and Mac's suggestion. Remi refuses to give his blessing, but when Mac challenges him to stop being so stubborn, he reluctantly changes his mind. 3. Ziggy goes missing Channel 5 Ziggy is struggling to connect with her new baby and feels exhausted after the night feeds. She expresses her concerns to Dean that the baby hates her, but he's reassuring in response and points out that she's doing a great job. Unconvinced, Ziggy goes missing from the Astoni farmhouse without any warning and leaves Dean alone with the baby. Dean gets several Summer Bay residents on board with searching for Ziggy. Marilyn and Roo also offer to look after the baby while Dean concentrates on finding Ziggy. When Justin finds an exhausted Ziggy sleeping in one of the cars at the garage, it paves the way for her to open up and seek support over how she's feeling. 4. Mali faces a dilemma Channel 5 Dean realises that he needs to spend more time supporting Ziggy with the baby, so he asks Mali if he'd be willing to take over the board shop full-time. Mali is taken aback as this wasn't their original deal, but Dean reveals that he might have to permanently close the shop if Mali isn't interested. Story continues Mali explains his dilemma to Rose admitting that he feels a responsibility to his family, who live two hours up the coast, and he's reluctant to leave them. Rose continues to grow closer to Mali and playfully suggests that the board shop may not be his only reason to move permanently to Summer Bay. 5. Nikau discovers Felicity's alcohol stash Channel 5 Tane reassures Nikau over Felicity's recent erratic behaviour, suggesting that she just needs some time and support. Nikau realises there's more to it when he goes to find some fresh towels and discovers Felicity's secret stash of alcohol. Nikau confronts Felicity and she begs him not to stay anything to Tane. After giving it some thought, Nikau decides to tell Tane and Cash what's going on. 6. Felicity leaves Tane crushed Channel 5 Felicity goes into denial when Tane and Cash both ask her about her recent drinking. She insists that they're blowing it out of proportion, but is wrong-footed when they find yet more booze in her bag. Unable to accept that there's a problem, Felicity moves out of the Parata house and into the caravan park leaving the future of her relationship with Tane uncertain. 7. Felicity makes a scene at Salt Channel 5 Felicity continues to help herself to bottles of alcohol from Salt's storage cupboard. This sparks a row with Gabe, who's annoyed that Felicity's carefree approach to the bar's supplies is affecting Mac's profit margins. Felicity causes a scene during Theo and Kirby's first official performance as a duo. She storms off, pulling the plug on the music as she leaves. 8. Alf and John fall out Channel 5 Tane snaps at John over some Wi-Fi problems at the Surf Club. When John is reminded that it's his responsibility to keep these issues in check, he proposes a full tech upgrade for the building. Sadly, Alf feels undermined when John sets the ball rolling without speaking to him first. Irene convinces John to bring some muffins to Alf by way of an apology. Unfortunately, John manages to make matters even worse when he tactlessly suggests that the IT guys could teach Alf a thing or two. 9. Eden's memories of Cash start to return Channel 5 Eden experiences a flashback of a time that she was in bed with Cash. When she then bumps into Cash on the beach, she's hit with a second memory that had previously been lost following the crash. Cash is worried about Eden and tries to check that she's okay, but she's rattled by her memories and warns him to back off. John steps in to take Eden home and agrees to keep her company until her housemates return. 10. Remi gets the wrong idea over Bree and Xander Channel 5 Bree confides in Xander on the day of Jacob's funeral. She reveals that she has plenty of support from people who knew Jacob, but has also received some messages calling her a murderer. Remi sees Xander comforting Bree and gets the wrong idea over their dynamic. He bitterly accuses Bree of moving on with her new flatmate. In a moment of anger, Bree snaps that Remi's controlling behaviour is starting to remind her of Jacob. 11. Remi threatens to leave Channel 5 Xander sets the record straight with Remi by insisting that there's nothing going on between him and Bree. This does little to improve Remi's mood, especially when he watches Theo and Kirby perform their first official gig without him. Remi later tells Bree that he's struggling with the double rejection from her and the band. Not seeing a future for himself in the Bay, he vows to leave. 12. Justin's daughter returns Channel 5 Justin is surprised when his teenage daughter Ava arrives back in the Bay without warning. When Justin calls Ava's mother, he discovers that she ran away following arguments at home. After hearing about Ava's wayward behaviour, Justin questions her about a boy she has supposedly been talking to online. As Ava settles in, it becomes clear that she's a huge fan of Lyrik and Theo in particular. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like Zach Wahls Iowa Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls is resharing a video of a speech he made in 2011 about being the son of a lesbian couple, and its as relevant as ever. 12 years ago, I gave this speech in front of the Iowa House. Now Im the Iowa Senate Democratic leader, and were still fighting Republican attacks [on] LGBTQ+ kids and families, Wahls noted on TikTok. The TikTok post has already amassed 1.2 million views. In a subsequent post, Wahls called out Iowa Senate Republicans for voting on an education bill that he said is effectively a "don't say gay or trans," book-banning, forced-outing bill. "This legislation is going to make life a lot harder for our public school students and families and especially LGBTQ students," Wahls said. He explained that the bill now moves to the state's House and urged voters to contact their representatives to vote against it. Wahls gave the 2011 speech as Iowa legislators were considering an amendment to the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. That would have nullified a 2009 Iowa Supreme Court ruling that established marriage equality in the state, making it only the third one with equal marriage rights for all couples. The amendment never passed, but conservative lawmakers have introduced it again this year. Republican legislators also recently introduced a bill that would permit Iowa residents to deny recognition to same-sex marriages if they have religious objections. That and the constitutional amendment have little chance of passing. But Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed bills into law that ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors and prevent trans students from using the school restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. In the video, Wahls, then a student at the University of Iowa, mentioned that same-sex marriage comes up frequently in classroom discussions, including the question of whether same-sex couples can raise children. Most people dont really have an answer, he said. And then I raise my hand and say, Actually, I was raised by a gay couple, and Im doing pretty well. I scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. Im actually an Eagle Scout. I own and operate my own small business. If I was your son, Mr. Chairman, I believe Id make you very proud. Story continues Im not really so different from any of your children, he continued. My family really isnt so different from yours. After all, your family doesnt derive its sense of worth from being told by the state, Youre married, congratulations. No. The sense of family comes from the commitment we make to each other to work through the hard times so we can enjoy the good ones. It comes from the love that binds us. Thats what makes a family. What legislators were voting on with the amendment, he said, was not to change families but to change how the law views them. You are voting for the first time in the history of our state to codify discrimination into our constitution. You are telling Iowans that some among you are second-class citizens who do not have the right to marry the person you love, he said. He said he expected to hear much testimony about how damaging same-sex couples are to their children, but he pointed out that no one had pegged him as the son of a same-sex couple without being told. And you know why? Wahls said. Because the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character. About 1,000 miles away from the worst school shooting in Texas history and one of the nations most botched police responses ever, Metro Nashville police respond to a school shooting with urgency and teamwork painfully absent in Uvalde. Amid a wailing siren, officers move quickly throughout the Covenant School, a private Christian academy, some with raised assault rifles, but others with pistols, shouting door! door! as they turn the knob on doors to classrooms and bathrooms searching for the shooter. They race up a concrete stairwell Go! Go! Go! they shout before confronting the shooter in a second-floor lobby with a large scenic window. They fire rounds of gunfire. Moments later, the shooter lies dead. Fourteen minutes passed Monday from the first 911 call to the time police stopped the attacker, who killed three children and three school employees. It was absolutely professional, very, very brave, said Robert J. Louden, a professor emeritus of criminal justice and homeland security at Georgian Court University in New Jersey. It is the epitome of what police should be doing. 'Above and beyond':Nashville police moved fast, saved lives in Covenant shooting, experts say A child weeps on a bus leaving the Covenant School in Nashville after a mass shooting at the school Monday morning. Three students and three adults were killed before the shooter was killed by police on the scene. Nashville and Uvalde school shootings timelines are vastly different The Nashville shooting response police released body camera footage Tuesday stands in deep and haunting contrast to what happened 10 months ago at Uvalde's Robb Elementary School, where an army of heavily armed police officers paced in the hallway for more than an hour as the gunman remained in a classroom. This was a 180-degree difference, Louden said. They sized up the situation, they entered, and they did not hesitate. The latest school shooting and video showing an effective and swift police response served to only traumatize Uvalde families, according to some of their social media posts, and deepen the hurt of May 24. It took 14 minutes, FOURTEEN MINUTES to respond and kill that (shooter) in Nashville, Kimberly Garcia, who lost her daughter, Amerie Jo, in the Uvalde shooting, posted on Twitter. How did that take 14 minutes but took SEVENTY-SEVEN MINUTES in Uvalde? Story continues 14-minute timeline: From the Nashville school shooter's break-in to how police responded 74 minutes, 8 seconds: Inside the police response to the Uvalde shooting Ameries stepfather, Angel Garza, wrote on Twitter: Seeing that body camera footage brings back so many memories and thoughts. The officers that breached the room had zero riot shields. Just heartwhats your response to that Uvalde Police Department? Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat from San Antonio whose district includes Uvalde and who has sharply criticized state law enforcement for its Uvalde response, posted on Twitter: "Nashville police neutralized the killer in 14 minutes. Then in less than 24 hours later they released body cam footage. Meanwhile, (the Texas Department of Public Safety) let the Uvalde killer wreak havoc for 77 minutes and made legislators sign NDAs to view footage. Ten months later, they have YET to be transparent." The degree to which the failed response in Uvalde played any role in the effective Nashville deployment is not clear. But Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake emphasized the officers urgency: We will not wait. I was hoping that this day would never come here in this city, but we will never wait to make entry and to stop a threat. Quick release of Nashville shooting video likely tied to Uvalde, professor says National policing experts told the American-Statesman and the USA Today Network on Tuesday that the flawed response at Robb Elementary served as a clear reminder to the law enforcement profession about the role of police when confronting an active shooter. It would have been on my mind, certainly, said Ronald Runkel, a retired supervisor and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives special agent who has analyzed school shootings. James Bernard Pratt Jr., a Fisk University associate professor of criminal justice and the program coordinator of homeland security and criminal justice, said the police response and the quick release of information, including body camera footage, has likely been influenced by the Uvalde shooting. More:How a false tale of police heroism in Uvalde spread and unraveled A lot of the time, weve seen historically police departments want to wait and provide as little information as possible to make sure the public is OK, but also give time to vet things, he said. In this moment, in this instance, I think Uvalde did in fact inform how people are presenting the duty and the role of police in these circumstances. Police have trained since the 1999 Columbine High School shooting to immediately kill an active shooter, rather than wait for an armored SWAT team or even backup to arrive. Police response during Nashville shooting saved lives Texas authorities, including Gov. Greg Abbott, initially hailed the Uvalde police response as heroic, even as authorities refused to release video of the response. Two months later, the tale of bravery collapsed when the Statesman published the hallway video showing the policing breakdown. Investigators and the public still do not fully understand what happened in Uvalde. Texas Department of Public Safety officials have said that Pete Arredondo, then the school district's police chief, treated the shooter as a barricaded subject rather than an active shooter. More experienced officers, including those from the DPS, also did not take control of the scene. It remains unclear if a faster police response in Uvalde could have saved lives. However, experts said they fear the Nashville shooter had ample firepower including three guns to cause more bloodshed. Minutes, not hours, saved lives, said Todd McGhee, a 24-year veteran with the Massachusetts State Police a step in the right direction in the evolution of training in large cities. "I would say that under extreme circumstances, they went above and beyond," said McGhee, who gives training on defense tactics and gun safety. "Those first-responding officers were the model response in how active shooter response should be. Nashville school shooting renews gun control push: 'How many more classrooms must become crime scenes?' "It could have been as bad as Uvalde, he said. Jesse Rizo, whose niece, Jackie Cazares, died in the Uvalde shooting, could barely find words after watching the Nashville video. Im almost speechless, he told the Statesman on Tuesday. "The things that stood out right away theres nothing but leadership. The guy has a pistol in his hand. A pistol, no shield, theres no helmets. They dont run and hide; they dont retreat. Its day and night, he said. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Nashville school shooting police response vastly different than Uvalde Students at The Ohio State University gathered Monday evening to mourn Henry Meacock who fell to his death during a spring break vacation to Mexico. >> TRENDING: Nashville shooting: Police release video of pursuit, killing of school shooter Meacock, 19, fell from a balcony on March 15, while on spring break, after he attempted to reach for an item someone dropped, according to fellows friends who traveled with him during the trip. The news of his death deeply impacted his friends and fellow students. And, in remembrance of his life as well as to mourn a tragic loss, The Ohio State University campus held a vigil open to all students. WBNS reported from the scene and obtained testimonials from other students and friends regarding the relationship they shared with Meacock. I gained a brother for life, said one of his friends during the candlelight vigil. This guy could change the entire atmosphere, another student recalled. Danny Meringolo, one of Meacocks friends, echoed the sentiment stating that Meacock totally embodied the things that do matter. You know he made you feel special, and I think thats something that really goes a long way, and you dont forget those types of things ever, Meringolo stated. A nearby, local bar held a fundraiser in Meacocks honor with all the proceeds going to the deceaseds family. The phone call that those parents got, thats every parents worst nightmare. When things go bad on this campus, the community steps up. They stick together and give these kids a place to celebrate his life, bar owner Scott Ellsworth said. The Ohio State University also released a statement stating, Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time. They also offered students with consultation services and employees with assistance programs to help cope with the loss. You die twice. You die first when you stop breathing and you die a second time when someone says your name for the last time. No one will ever say his name for the last time, said Meringolo. More than 2,000 decomposed ram skulls unearthed in a newly discovered warehouse in the temple of the ancient pharaoh Ramses II will help archeologists uncover more details about one of the oldest Egyptian cities and its leader. In an announcement Saturday, Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said a mission led by the New York Universitys Institute for the Study of the Ancient World discovered the skulls while excavating near the northern precinct of the temple in Abydos, about 270 miles south of Cairo. The sacred city of Abydos is one of the oldest and most important sites of ancient Egypt, according to the World Monuments Fund, which works to conserve key structures in partnership with the Egyptian antiquities ministry and the American Research Center in Egypt. The American archaeological mission at the University of New York working near the King Ramses II Temple of Abydos unearthed more than 2,000 decomposed ram heads dating back to the Balthlemian era, as well as a huge building from the Sixth Dynasty era. The American archaeological mission at the University of New York working near the King Ramses II Temple of Abydos unearthed more than 2,000 decomposed ram heads dating back to the Balthlemian era, as well as a huge building from the Sixth Dynasty era. "With its valuable inscriptions and numerous funerary monuments, Abydos has perhaps contributed more than any other site in Egypt to our present understanding of the history of state formation, linguistic development, and architecture in Ancient Egypt," the World Monuments Fund said. The large number of embellished rams, among other discoveries, could provide insight into the life and history of this ancient temple, which was first discovered more than 150 years ago, according to the statement. Archeologists found the remains of a number of animals, including goats, dogs, cows, deer and an ostrich, perched beside the rams heads, according to the statement. Dr. Sameh Iskander, head of the mission, told CBS News that rams' heads were "obviously offerings that were made to the temple of Ramses during the Ptolemaic period, which shows even 1,000 years after Ramses II, that he was still revered." Some of the heads were still mummified, while "others could have been mummified, but the wrappings or the covers of mummifications were not there anymore," Iskander told CBS. The team also found parts of statues, hills, remains of ancient trees, clothing and leather shoes. Story continues The American archaeological mission at the University of New York working near the King Ramses II Temple of Abydos unearthed more than 2,000 decomposed ram heads dating back to the Balthlemian era, as well as a huge building from the Sixth Dynasty era. The American archaeological mission at the University of New York working near the King Ramses II Temple of Abydos unearthed more than 2,000 decomposed ram heads dating back to the Balthlemian era, as well as a huge building from the Sixth Dynasty era. Rams were known to be worshiped at an unprecedented level in Abydus during Ramses IIs ruling, but the discovery suggests the animals remained significant because skulls were left there a millennium after the pharaoh's rule, the statement said. The architecture of the newly discovered building is distinctive and unique and will contribute to researchers understanding of the city, the statement said. Who was Ramses II? According to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Ramses II, commonly known as Ramses the Great," is one of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs. Before his death in 1213 BC, ancient Egyptians knew Ramses, who ruled Egypt for about 70 years, as a fierce warrior and keeper of harmony and balance. The American archaeological mission at the University of New York working near the King Ramses II Temple of Abydos unearthed more than 2,000 decomposed ram heads dating back to the Balthlemian era, as well as a huge building from the Sixth Dynasty era. More coverage from USA TODAY Camille Fine is a trending visual producer on USA TODAY's NOW team. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2,000 ram skulls found in Egypt pharaoh Ramses II's ancient temple Two more Rowan County students had elevated carbon monoxide levels and were taken to a hospital Monday. A student got sick on a substitute bus, the Rowan-Salisbury Schools district said. Substitute bus No. 315 stopped at Millers Ferry Volunteer Fire Department and two more students said they were sick. Those two kids were taken to a hospital for evaluation, the district said. ALSO READ: 7 students treated for carbon monoxide exposure after getting sick on school bus The rest of the students were moved onto another substitute bus and the afternoon route resumed. Not the first time Bus No. 315 stopped at the same station that responded to another bus, No. 372, last Friday when several other students reported feeling sick. Seven of the students on Bus No. 372 were treated for elevated carbon monoxide levels on Friday. That bus was eight years old and passed an inspection a week ago with no issues. Theres no timeline for when it will go back into service. It is unclear what is causing of the carbon monoxide levels. We are committed to discovering all potential causes for these medical emergencies in these past two days, the district stated Monday night in a news release. We are working with several groups to investigate and plan steps moving forward. Testing The RSS director of transportation tested bus No. 315 Monday when he arrived, and it indicated zero carbon monoxide gases were in it. Bus No. 372 was tested on Friday and also had zero carbon monoxide levels onboard, the district said. Two members of the RSS District staff, including the transportation director, rode on the route on bus No. 104 Tuesday with the students to monitor any issues and tested the bus again. We are also working with experts to investigate any other possible issues with the bus or with additional factors outside of the bus route, the district said. No students got sick on Tuesday. The staff members detected 0 ppm on bus No. 104 during the entire route, and no carbon monoxide was detected using a meter. Story continues We do not know what it came from yet Workers were monitoring the area outside Hanford Dole Elementary School Tuesday. The chief of emergency services said they were checking carbon monoxide levels where students wait for the bus. Today we are going to go to the school where they load the kids home, and one of my fire marshals will be there with a CO device to see if he can get any readings from that. Thats about all we can rule out right now, Chief Allen Cress said. They have already checked the school and the buses where the kids reported getting sick. Both came back with zero reads, according to emergency services. Theyve even checked the home of one of the students who got sick -- that home was also a zero read. We do not know what it came from yet, Cress said. Theyre continuing to monitor students for carbon monoxide poisoning. Theres a lot of different ways, nausea and vomiting or some of the symptoms, Cress said. We do have monitors that we can put onto anybody to see what their carbon monoxide levels are inside their body. (PREVIOUS: 2 more students show elevated carbon monoxide levels in Rowan County) At least seven people, including three children, were killed after a shooter carrying assault-style rifles opened fire at a Tennessee elementary school Monday, authorities said. Three children and three staff members at The Covenant School in Nashville were killed in the attack. The names and ages of the victims were released Monday evening. The children were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Nashville Police chief John Drake said in a press conference that two of the children were 9 and one was 8. The staff members were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Police shot and killed the shooter, identified to NBC News as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a transgender woman. Officials say Hale had conducted surveillance and had detailed maps, as well as a document. Drake said during a press conference the suspect appeared to be a former student of the school, but he was unsure when Hale attended the school. "I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building," Drake said as he described the events before and after the shooting. Image: Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on March, 27, 2023. (Jonathan Mattise / AP) The shooting on March 27 unfolded at The Covenant School, a private Christian school and church on Burton Hills Boulevard in Nashville. Don Aaron, public affairs director of the Metro Nashville Police Department, said at press conference Monday the first calls about an active shooter at the school came in around 10:13 a.m. CT. An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023 The shooter entered the school through a side entrance and was armed with at least two assault-type rifles and a handgun, Aaron said. Story continues Nashville police officers who arrived on the scene entered the school on the first floor and heard shots coming from the second floor. The officers "immediately went to the gunfire," Aaron said. The officers "engaged" Hale in an upper level of the school building, described as a "lobby-type area," and killed the shooter, Aaron said. The scene of a shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (WSMV) The three children were taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead after arriving, John Howser, chief communications officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said in a statement to NBC News. Two other adult victims were pronounced dead at the Adult Emergency Department at Vanderbilt, Howser said. The names and ages of the victims have not been released. One officer was injured by shattered glass, officials said. Police said students at the school, who range from preschool students to sixth graders, were being taken to Woodmont Baptist Church to be reunited with their families. Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney said firefighters and rescuers helped bring students out of the school and tried to keep them from seeing the scene. "We were on scene to help them mitigate anyone from seeing exactly what else was going on," Loney said. "But were sure they heard the chaos surrounding this." The average enrollment of The Covenant School has ranged from 195 to 200 students in recent years, according to the school's website. There are 33 teaching faculty at the school. On a normal day of class this year, there would be 209 students and 42 staff members at the school, Aaron said. The Covenant School was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to the school's website. Investigators were reviewing video footage from the school to learn more about the attack, Aaron said. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A photo appears to show Jared Cantrell, highlighted in blue, and Quentin Cantrell, highlighted in the yellow circle, entering the U.S. Capitol Building through the Upper West Terrace Door around 2:40 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Update: Eric Cantrell was sentenced on March 27, 2023, to three months of probation and ordered to complete 40 hours of community service and pay $1,510 in fines and restitution. Eric Cantrell pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges filed against him. Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this story misidentified the hometown of Anna Morgan-Lloyd. She is from Bloomfield. Two Indianapolis men and a Greenwood man were arrested Thursday in connection to last years Jan. 6 Capitol riot, according to federal court documents. The men were identified as Jared Cantrell, Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell in a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. A tipster told investigators that Jared Cantrell and his two cousins were in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, and that Jared Cantrell posted photos to social media from inside the U.S. Capitol Building during the riot, according to the criminal complaint. The social media accounts were linked to Jared Cantell via his verified phone number, according to investigators. Previous coverage: Here's the latest on 9 people with Indiana ties charged after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot More: Indiana woman becomes 1st person to be sentenced in Capitol riots, will not serve time Investigators say these two photos were posted on Jared Cantrells Instagram, which appear to have been taken inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Two images posted to the Instagram account show Jared Cantrell, identified by the tipster, inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, according to the criminal complaint. Investigators identified several posts of interest from Jared Cantrells Facebook page from the day of the riot and the following day. The posts read I was one of the first 50 in, forceful entrance and I do not think I broke any laws. I have not been to the (Capitol) before and was a big reason I went in the first place. I didnt go over any barricades or push through any police, according to the criminal complaint. Story continues An investigator compared videos from the riot to photographs of the three men from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, according to the criminal complaint. Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell were identified in a video showing the men on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6 during the riot, according to investigators. Investigators say Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell were on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. A closed-circuit television from inside the U.S. Capitol Building captured all three men entering the building near each other, according to the criminal complaint. Cellphone records for all three men indicate their phones used a cell site that provides service to the inside of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, according to the criminal complaint. The three men face charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. A photo appears to show Andrew Cantrell, highlighted in the red rectangle, entering the U.S. Capitol Building through the Upper West Terrace Door around 2:40 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. They were arrested at their homes in Indiana. First appearances for the men were held at a federal courthouse in New Albany on Thursday March 10, said Chris Bavender, a spokesperson for the FBI's Indianapolis office. Jared Cantrell, 38, and Quentin Cantrell, 54, currently live in Indianapolis, while Eric Cantrell, 51, lives in Greenwood. All three men were released following their initial appearances, pending further proceedings in Washington D.C., according to the FBI. Nine other people with Indiana ties have been arrested and charged in connection with the riots at the U.S. Capitol last year. A Bloomfield woman became the first person sentenced for her role in the insurrection and a guitarist from Columbus was the first person charged in the attack to enter a plea. Attorneys for Jared Cantrell, Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell were not yet listed in court records. The three men did not immediately return requests for comment for this story. Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 3 Indiana men arrested in connection with U.S. Capitol riots Ukrainian soldiers of the 28th Brigade guard their position close to Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Monday, March 27, 2023. | Libkos, Associated Press Russian strikes hit areas of eastern Ukraine this week, while Ukraine fought back with strikes of their own into Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine. Concerns about Russian-controlled nuclear power plants in Ukraine are on the rise while President Vladimir Putin warns that he is considering stationing nuclear weapons in Belarus as early as the summer. Here are some key updates in the war between Russia and Ukraine. 1. Russian rocket attack in Kramatorsk Missile strikes hit Sloviansk in the Donetsk region Monday, killing at least two people and injuring 32. The rubble removal has finished, Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of Donetsk region military administration, said, per CNN. All the injured are being provided with the medical treatment, including being taken to the hospitals of the neighbouring regions. Shortly after that attack, a Russian rocket struck a kindergarten and school in the eastern city of Kramatorsk Monday night no casualties were reported, but six houses and one nonresidential building were damaged in the attack, CNN reported. Ukraine is preparing to go on the offensive, striking a university in Melitopol, where Russian military was using the building as military barracks and an administrative building for Russian security forces, according to The Wall Street Journal. 2. Putin warns he could station nuclear weapons in Belarus by summer On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed he could station nuclear weapons in Belarus by the summer, positioning the weapons in a country that borders three countries that belong to NATO Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. He said on Russian state television that 10 Belarusian warplanes have already been retrofitted to carry nuclear weapons, and a facility to store the weaponry could be prepared to house them by July 1, The New York Times reported. Since the invasion of Ukraine, many have heightened concerns over possible nuclear war, but U.S. officials believe the risk of their use is low, per the Times. Story continues 3. Concerns grow about Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in March 2022, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using the plant as blackmail. It is currently receiving the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown, The Associated Press reported. Experts are concerned about the possibility of nuclear fallout, and the International Atomic Energy Agency placed experts in charge of monitoring all four of the nuclear power plants in Ukraine to minimize risk of accident, starting last week. I met with IAEA head Rafael Grossi. The topic is clear: the security of our energy industry, our nuclear plants. First of all, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russia still uses for radiation blackmail of the world, Zelenskyy said, per CNN. No other terrorist has reached such depths in his cynicism, in which Russia constantly seeks and finds a new bottom. 4. Actor Orlando Bloom meets Zelenskyy, children affected by Ukraine war British actor Orlando Bloom met with Zelenskyy and with children affected by the war in a visitors center on Sunday. Bloom is a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations childrens organization, Vanity Fair reported. Zelenksyy posted on Instagram, During the meeting, we discussed humanitarian aid projects, issues of reconstruction focused specifically on the interests of children. @unicef and our teams will work in several directions, bring victory closer and return a happy childhood to Ukrainian children. Former President Donald Trump walks to the stage to begin his Make America Great Again Rally in Waco, Texas, Saturday, March 25, 2023. | Associated Press On Monday night, former President Donald Trump made his first appearance on Fox News since announcing his bid for president in 2024. Although he has been at odds with the cable network in recent weeks, Trump spoke to host Sean Hannity about the classified documents found at Mar-A-Lago, his relationship with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and how he would solve the Russia-Ukraine conflict if he was president. According to Semafor, Fox News had put a soft ban on Trump because of Fox News owner Rupert Murdochs feelings about Trump. Murdoch reportedly wants the Republican Party to move on to a new candidate. Trump has been critical of Murdoch on social media platform Truth Social, particularly when it comes to Fox News coverage of his claims about election fraud. How does Rupert Murdoch say there was no election fraud when 2000 Mules shows, on government tape, that there were millions of stuffed ballots, Trump asked over Truth Social while referring to Dinesh DSouzas election denial film. Here are five things Trump told Hannity in the interview, which aired Monday night. Hannity and Trump said that handling of classified records would be the biggest problem for Hillary Clinton and also criticized President Joe Biden. Joe Bidens got 1,850 boxes in Delaware, Trump said. Now they say hes getting paid off by China and hes got boxes stored in Chinatown. Hes got boxes in University of Pennsylvania, as well as in Bidens beautiful Corvette. Nobody talks about that, Trump said. What he did is so bad. He then alleged that the FBI told him the documents needed to be under a double lock and key and that there was no need for a raid. This is election interference, he said, before saying he got more supporters because of the raid. Remember this. This is the Presidential Records Act. I have the right to take stuff, he told Hannity when asked if he had looked through any of the boxes. Trump said he has given the FBI everything, including tapes they didnt ask for. I wasnt holding anything back, he said, before hinting about the tape of the raid itself the FBI supposedly doesnt want released. If possible, theyve asked me and Ive so far adhered to it, Trump said before Hannity stopped him and said, Ill take that tape. Story continues Trump described the raid as terrible, adding that the way theyve treated people is terrible. Related Hannity asked Trump about whether Republicans should embrace the tactics of the Democrats by encouraging mail-in voting and ballot harvesting. In response, Trump said: Mail-in ballots are automatically corrupt. If you have mail-in ballots, youre going to have a very dishonest election. The former president then cited France as an example of a place where mail-in ballots were replaced with paper ballots. And by 10 oclock in the evening, everyone was happy it was announced and that was it, he said. Hannity rephrased the question, saying that these were tactics Democrats are currently using, to which Trump responded that Republicans had no choice but to go along. Hannity spent time digging into Trumps relationship with DeSantis. Trump said that the two werent friends, and that he doesnt know him well. He was one of over 150 people that would go on television and defend me. And he was no Jim Jordan, Trump said. Trump said during the interview that he is responsible for DeSantis political success. Ron came to see me, tears in his eyes ... Will you endorse me? I said, Ron, youre so far behind, I cant imagine that if you got George Washingtons endorsement combined with the late, great Abraham Lincoln ... I dont think you could win, he said, while saying that GOP opponent Adam Putnam was beating DeSantis by 30 points. Trump said that DeSantis would be working in a pizza parlor place or a law office if he hadnt received Trumps endorsement. Related About the threat of a nuclear war, which would make WWI and WWII look like patty cakes, Trump said he would solve the crisis in Ukraine within 24 hours by sitting down with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Theres a very easy negotiation to take place, he said during the interview. But I dont want to tell you what it is because then I cant use that negotiation. It will never work. Now, a year and a half thats a long time. I cant imagine something not happening. The key with that is the war has to stop, Trump said. A woman knew right away that her Maryland Lottery scratch-off was a winner but was still shocked by the the sum, officials said. Juana Arriola, 53, of Frederick County, had $20 and decided to pick a mix of scratch-off games to play, according to a March 27 news release by the Maryland Lottery. Arriola, originally from Honduras, chose seven scratch-off tickets and instantly knew she had won with a Lucky Times 10 ticket but didnt know shed scored a $100,000 prize, officials said. I knew right away it was a winner, Arriola told lottery officials, but I couldnt believe it was for $100,000! After double-checking her win with the cashier, the woman left the Waverly Beer & Wine in Frederick to tell her sister and three sons the good news, officials said. She signed her instant ticket and hid it beneath her bed until she claimed the prize, according to the release. Arriola plans to use the winnings to buy her parents a new home in Honduras and save the rest, officials said. I am so happy, Arriola told officials. I honestly cant describe this kind of happiness. Frederick is about 50 miles northwest of Baltimore. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Navy veteran uses lucky nickel to scratch MD lottery tickets. It finally paid off Lottery player uses birthday on tickets for a year then win has her in a panic 20-year-old rarely plays lottery but last-minute decision to buy ticket pays off big FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Florida communities are still actively recovering from Hurricane Ian's wrath six months ago while preparing for the start of another hurricane season in just a few months. The deadly Category 4 storm reached Florida on Sept. 28 and wreaked havoc as it destroyed lives, businesses and homes, with many people still displaced today. Tropical Depression 9 formed into Tropical Storm Ian on the night of Sept. 23, getting stronger as it made its way to the coastal U.S. As it began its approach to Florida, damage in the Gulf of Mexico could be seen in Cuba's Pinar del Rio as the storm ripped off roofs while making landfall as a major Category 3 hurricane. Ian made a third and final U.S. landfall in South Carolina two days after slamming into Florida. The track of Hurricane Ian. Including the entire path of the storm, power outages during Ian likely added up to at least 13 million. Cuba experienced an island-wide blackout when Ian tore across the western side of the island. The Carolinas reported thousands of outages when Ian made its final landfall Sept. 30. Hurricane Ian is now the fourth-strongest storm to make landfall in Florida, with maximum winds of 150 miles per hour. IT WAS HORRIFYING: WATCH AS FLORIDA MAN RIDES OUT HURRICANE IAN IN HIS BOAT Today, there's a lasting impact of all the lives that were lost from Ian. According to the state's medical examiner, 149 died in Florida because of the hurricane. Most of the fatalities reported in Florida were in Lee County. Thats where popular barrier islands like Pine Island and Sanibel Island were wrecked by storm surge and powerful wind as Ian came ashore, cutting them off from the mainland and complicating rescue operations. "It was the scariest thing Ive went through, and I hope we never have to do it again," said Darcy Bishop, a Hurricane Ian survivor who fought off rising floodwaters to save her disabled brothers. Stories of tragedy and loss were separated by heroic acts as families fought ting to save their loved ones. Story continues "I just wanted to save my brother," Bishop said. "My other brother in a wheelchair, I got him out of the wheelchair to the landing, and I had to inch him stair by stair as the water rose." FEARING DEATH, PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE: SANIBEL ISLAND WOMAN SURVIVES IAN'S HISTORIC WRATH While spring break visitors around ground zero of Fort Myers Beach might not visually see a lot of the progress, there's still a lot of work to be had. Fort Myers Mayor Kevin B. Anderson said there were about 300 homes that were uninhabitable after Ian. About 50 of those homes will probably have to be demolished. "It's getting people to take the threat of a storm seriously and to evacuate when that order is issued," Anderson said. "As we saw, we had extensive loss of life in the county. We didn't suffer any in the city, but we did in the county." Anderson said the citys fire department did upwards of 200 rescues in the first 12 hours after the storm passed. "I think one of the biggest wins was getting the debris picked up as quick as we did. As you know, the debris is a constant reminder of what just happened," he added. Sanibel Island Mayor Holly Smith warned people it would be a long road ahead after the island saw substantial damage. Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel Causeway, the three-mile long bridge connecting Sanibel Island to Florida "Our power grid is out. The water is being worked on. Our sewers are being worked on. We have a city that were rebuilding," Smith said after the storm. "Were going to be a living a different way for a while." Wednesday is the last day for residents and businesses in Fort Myers area to apply to get that debris picked up as part of efforts from emergency management. The 2023 hurricane season is set to begin on June 1, and the fading La Nina pattern will impact this year's hurricane season activity. A 6-year-old boy has now died following a vehicle crash involving a driver fleeing police that also killed his mother, California police reported. Hercules police announced the childs death in a Monday, March 27, news release posted on Facebook. Charges against the other driver will be upgraded, police said. The 6-year-old was critically injured in a crash Thursday, March 23, that killed his mother and also injured his twin brother, police said in an earlier news release. Contra Costa County sheriffs deputies notified Hercules police of a stolen 2021 Mazda SUV at 7:27 p.m., the release said. An officer spotted the SUV and gave chase. After a short pursuit, the SUV crashed into a 2017 Nissan, police said. The driver jumped out and ran away but was later arrested at a liquor store. It was the most horrific thing I (have) ever seen in my life. It was terrible, witness Tony Dhillon told KGO. The 31-year-old woman driving the Nissan died at the scene and her twin boys were taken to a hospital, the release said. The names of the woman and the 6-year-old boy who both died have not been publicly released. Ralph Ellsworth White III, 20, of Vallejo, faces charges including pursuit causing death or great bodily injury, vehicular manslaughter and possession of a stolen vehicle, police told KRON. Police ask that anyone with information call 510-724-1111. Hercules is a city of 26,000 people about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco. Skydiver dangles from power lines after overshooting landing, California officials say 9-year-old girl sexually assaulted in childrens area of library, California cops say 7-year-old found dead near California beach where stranger found his brother alone A man was allegedly under the influence when he crashed an all-terrain vehicle that resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy, Ohio police say. The crash happened at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in West Portsmouth, where 42-year-old Jeremy Bryant was operating the ATV with 7-year-old Wyatt Moore as his passenger, according to the Scioto County Sheriffs Office. Bryant and Moore were thrown from the ATV when the vehicle struck a wire, a news release states. Wyatt was taken to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, where he died from his injuries, authorities said. He was considered a beloved first grade student at Sciotoville Elementary Academy. In the coming days, weeks and months ahead, lets please keep these members of our Tartan family in your thoughts and prayers, the school said in a Facebook post. The sheriffs office said Bryant was arrested at a separate hospital in Columbus. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment and operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Additional charges are possible, according to the sheriff. Wyatt lived at the same address as Bryant, but the sheriffs office did not specify their relationship. Russia launched attacks against nine Ukrainian oblasts over the past 24 hours, killing eight civilians and wounding 66, Ukraine's Defense Ministry media center reported on March 28. Russian attacks were reported in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts in the east, south, and north of Ukraine. According to the report, Russia struck a total of 124 settlements using mortars, tanks, artillery, S-300 missiles, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), Kh-31 cruise missiles, drones, and tactical aviation. Seventy-six infrastructure facilities have been hit. According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia launched 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones and two guided bombs to attack the country overnight on March 28. Ukraine's air defenses shot down 14 drones, said the Air Force in the morning. An 80-year-old Grass Valley woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in rural Northern California, authorities said. The other driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The crash happened shortly after 3 p.m. on Brunswick Road near Highway 174 in Nevada Countys Cedar Ridge area, the California Highway Patrols Grass Valley office said in a news release. CHP officers and fire personnel responded to find a woman trapped inside a 2006 Mercedes. She was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP officials said. Investigating officers determined that the other driver, identified as 81-year-old Gerald Nelson of Colfax, was driving a 1994 Dodge pickup truck on westbound Brunswick Road when he failed to negotiate a sharp curve and crossed into incoming traffic, authorities wrote. The Dodge broadsided the Mercedes before crashing into a pole and street sign, according to the CHP. Officers said they determined Nelson to be under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. Nelson was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then booked into the Nevada County Jail, authorities said. The deceased victims identity will be released by the Nevada County Coroners Office pending notification of family. The six victims of the mass shooting at a private Christian school in Tennessee included three 9-year-old children, the school's headmaster, a substitute teacher and a school custodian, officials said. The shooter was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun when they shot through locked doors of The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday, entered the school and killed six victims inside, police said. The attacker, a former student of the school, was confronted by police officers and fatally shot around 14 minutes after the attack began, police said. Nashville Shooting (Jada Scruggs via Facebook) Officials identified the three children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kenney and Hallie Scruggs, all students at the small Christian private school. The school is part of The Covenant Church, a Presbyterian church where Hallie's father serves as lead pastor. The Tennesseean reported Evelyn was a third grader at The Covenant School. Her older sister, a fifth grader there, spoke at a vigil Monday evening at Woodmont Christian Church, according to the Tennessean. "I dont want to be an only child," Evelyn's sister said through tears, according to the Tennessean. Nashville Shooting (Katherine Koonce via Facebook) Covenant's head of school, Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, was among the adult victims. On the schools website, Koonce wrote the school is "about more than simply educating our students." She added the schools mission was "helping children become who God intends them to be." Michael Hill, a 61-year-old custodian, and Cynthia Peak, a 61-year-old substitute teacher, also died in the shooting. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the shooter, Audrey Hale, 28, had carefully planned the attack with a document, detailed maps and surveillance. Michael Hill, victim of the Nashville Christian school shooting (Michael Hill via Facebook) "Theres some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school," Drake told NBC News' Lester Holt. Drake said the shooter might have targeted The Covenant School, but didn't appear to have singled out any victims. She targeted random students in the school ... whoever she came in contact with, she fired rounds," Drake said of the shooter, who he later said was transgender. Story continues Two of the three firearms used in the shooting were legally obtained in the Nashville area, Drake said. Investigators searched the attacker's vehicle and residence after the attack, and found a document and other writings. "We have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident," Drake said Monday. "We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place." Nashville Shooting (Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images) Drake added there appeared to be other locations the shooter intended to target, according to the document and writings investigators found. "It indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them," Drake said. A team of five officers confronted the attacker on the second floor of the school, and two of them fired shots, authorities said. Drake commended the officers for their quick actions, saying in a press conference it could have been "far, far worse." The officers prevented more deaths at the school, Nashville Mayor John Cooper said during a press conference. "Let us praise our first responders, 14 minutes, 14 minutes, I believe under fire, running to gunfire," Cooper said. This article was originally published on TODAY.com As a public service, The Tennessean has made this content free. Follow the latest updates on the Covenant School shooting as they happen in our live blog here. Ten months ago, law enforcement in Uvalde, Texas, hesitated to engage an active shooter at Robb Elementary School for more than an hour, giving a former student time to kill. A top Texas law enforcement official later said there were enough armed police officers wearing body armor to halt the shooting three minutes after it began. Nineteen students and two teachers perished. On Monday, the Metro Nashville Police Department received its first call of an active shooter at Covenant School, a private Christian academy for preschoolers through sixth graders, at 10:13 a.m. Within ten minutes, at least five officers, including Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo, made their way through classrooms inside the building. Four minutes after that, it was over. Police fatally shot suspect Audrey Hale in a lobby on the second floor. Three children and three adults died in the shooting, but Nashville police made a point to illustrate their urgency in their response time and actions. Todd McGhee, a 24-year veteran with the Massachusetts State Police, said MNPD's response is a prime example of how acting swiftly can save lives. Video released: Police release body camera, surveillance footage of Covenant School shooting "I would say that under extreme circumstances, they went above and beyond," said McGhee, who trains defense tactics and gun safety. "Those first-responding officers were the model response in how active shooter response should be. "It could have been as bad as Uvalde, based on what Hale had for firepower." The suspect was carrying "significant ammunition" and three guns, according to police. McGhee described the episode as a step in the right direction in the evolution of training in large cities. "We will not wait," MNPD Chief John Drake said. "I was hoping this day would never ever come here in this city, but we will never wait to make entry and to go in and stop a threat." Story continues Drake said during a Tuesday news conference that Hale legally bought seven weapons from five different gun stores, three of which were used yesterday during Monday's shooting. Hale suffered from an undisclosed emotional disorder, Drake said. James Bernard Pratt Jr., an associate professor of criminal justice and the program coordinator of homeland security and criminal justice at Fisk University, said police response time and the quick release of information, including body camera footage, was likely influenced by the issues in Uvalde. '180-degree difference' How the Nashville school shooting police response compares to Uvalde "A lot of the times, we've seen historically police departments want to wait and provide as little information as possible to make sure the public is OK, but also give time to vet things," Pratt said. "In this moment, in this instance, I think Uvalde did in fact inform how people are presenting the duty and the role of police in these circumstances." Lynda Williams, a former deputy assistant director for the secret service and current professor at Middle Tennessee State University, agreed. Williams said a lack of training contributed to the issues in Uvalde. "Being a former special agent of the secret service for 30 years, we trained for what ifs," Williams said. Arriving at Covenant School to engaging with shooter In body-worn camera footage released early Tuesday, officers are arriving at the scene of the shooting in separate vehicles. Lets go! Engelbert shouted, as he pushed his way into the building. They began scanning classrooms and adjacent bathrooms on the schools first floor. With alarms sounding in the background, officers calmly but forcefully communicated with each other. A still image from body-worn camera footage of Metro Nashville Police officers entering The Covenant School during a mass shooting where three children and three adults were killed Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. The shooter was killed by police on the scene. About 90 seconds after entering the building, officers heard something. It sounds like its upstairs," one said. Within seconds, they encountered Hale. Police fired, killing Hale. Nashville police response times increased in 2022 A recent report actually highlighted an across-the-board increase in Nashville police response times from 2018-2022, especially in the last two years. Shooting calls especially stood out in the report. While the average response time hit a low of 10.3 minutes in 2019, it tripled last year to 30.8 minutes. What we know about the victims: Victims of Covenant School shooting include daughter of pastor, head of school The report was released by the Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board. A shortfall in officers may be partly to blame for increased response times, MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron told The Tennessean. As of fall 2022, the department was 164 officers shy of the 1,608 it is authorized to employ in a fast-growing city. This does not account for 87 trainees working their way through the police academy. Nashville is home to more than 678,000 people, according to the latest Census data. The Nashville region as a whole, which includes 16 counties, topped 2.1 million people in 2022. Regional leaders project that to surpass 2.5 million by 2040. Responding with urgency, training Based on their response, MNPD's patrol officers have been properly trained in eliminating an active shooter threat. McGhee said training to respond to threats has drastically changed since the Columbine shooting in 1999. Before that Colorado school shooting that killed 15, McGhee said, any active shooter issues would be met by tactical teams like SWAT. Twenty-four years later, McGhee said every officer needs to be prepared to stop a threat. McGhee said one flaw with Uvaldes response to their May 2022 shooting, was first responders did not take out the threat. It was 77 minutes later where a tactical response team killed the Robb Elementary gunman. "What we saw with Uvalde was the lack of response, the lack of leadership and the lack of incident command. What transpired was a broken system," McGhee said. Old methods, McGhee said, would have police train at 25 yards in shooting targets, then move in all the way to three yards. Now, officers are asked to address situations in real time, with either real people or mechanical dummies sitting in cars and then exiting as police approach. Its split-second training like that, McGhee said, that better prepares officers. And waiting for commands to make movements or fire shots is no more. Uvalde used a static approach, McGhee said, failing to address the shooter quickly and putting lives at risk. Pratt said it appears Nashville officers moved swiftly. He said police at The Covenant School were close by and tried to do their job the right way, which prevented more bloodshed and expedited public communication. Uvalde may have informed how they moved, Pratt said. As Nashville police arrived at Covenant School, Hale was firing rounds from a second-floor room. The officers moved ahead, following the gunfire. In Uvalde, static. "Fortunately, we did not have a lack of response like in Uvalde," McGhee said. "Those officers did a tremendous job with taking on fire and still advancing and not waiting for SWAT." Pratt echoed those sentiments. What went wrong (in Uvalde) was several things. I think communication with parents and community members. I think that immediate action was lacking there," Pratt said. Pratt has family who are police officers so he understands they are going into dangerous situations. But he added a caveat. If this is the name of your job, then its expected you are prepared and ready to take the risk thats necessary to protect the least of these," Pratt said. Rachel Wegner, Gary Estwick and Chris Gadd contributed to this story. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Covenant shooting: How Nashville police response compares to Uvalde A view of the TikTok app logo is pictured in Tokyo, Sept. 28, 2020. | Kiichiro Sato, Associated Press Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Monday said he would absolutely support a federal TikTok ban, a policy idea gaining traction among U.S. politicians, from state legislatures to the White House. Privacy concerns exist on nearly all social media sites, but the issues regarding TikTok are glaring, the governor said during a Monday morning appearance on Fox Business Varney & Co. I agree that there are data privacy issues with all social media companies. But what we know about TikTok and whats happening in China, and their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, I would absolutely support a ban on TikTok, Cox said. Related Coxs comments come amid growing calls for the U.S. government to rein in TikTok, which has been labeled a national security threat by some lawmakers. Just four days earlier, TikToks chief executive Shou Chew fielded questions from skeptical U.S. representatives on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, who called the company a threat to national security, personal privacy and teen mental health. Coxs interview also coincided with an Associated Press investigation that found strong ties between Utah lawmakers and the Chinese government, pointing to a yearslong effort by China to build relationships among the states powerful. According to the report, Utah lawmakers delayed and opposed legislation and resolutions that were critical of China. President Joe Bidens administration has also signaled that it wants TikToks parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or it could face a possible U.S. ban. However, on Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Commerce Ministry said the country would firmly oppose a forced sale, according to The New York Times. And a ban would face a steep legal challenge, with a federal court ruling that former President Donald Trump did not have the authority to bar Google and Apple from selling TikTok on app stores. Story continues Cox in December issued an executive order prohibiting the use of TikTok on all state-owned electronic devices. The federal government and other states have enacted similar bans. Chinas access to data collected by TikTok presents a threat to our cybersecurity, Cox said in a statement after the ban. As a result, weve deleted our TikTok account and ordered the same on all state-owned devices. We must protect Utahns and make sure that the people of Utah can trust the states security systems. On Mondays Fox Business interview, he referred to the order, calling the issue very important to us. A bill making its way through the U.S. Senate, endorsed by the White House, would clear the way for a TikTok ban by giving the federal government the ability to restrict technologies from China. And while the idea of a ban is gaining approval among both parties, not everyone in Washington supports it. Congress has not received a classified briefing around the allegations of national security risks regarding TikTok, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, in her first TikTok video. So why would we be proposing a ban regarding such a significant issue without being clued in on this at all? It just doesn't feel right to me. A spokeswoman told The New York Times Ocasio-Cortez had created the TikTok account more than a year ago but hadnt posted on the app until now. Cox on Monday pushed back on Ocasio-Cortezs remarks. That previous congressperson talking about how its the same as all these other (social media companies), it is not, he said. Mondays Fox Business interview was the latest national media appearance for the governor, who has been touting two bills signed into law last week that will enforce drastic changes to how teens in Utah interact with all forms of social media. One bill would prevent teens from using social without their parents permission, effectively requiring every Utahn to prove their age before creating an account for the parents who do consent to their teens using social media, the state will further regulate social media companies, prohibiting them from things like targeted ads for teens and showing up in search results. The other bill restricts social media companies from using algorithms catered for teens that could be considered addictive. An suspected robber was shot multiple times after targeting a man in a wheelchair who turned out to be an armed veteran, Texas police told news outlets. The veteran was waiting at a bus stop in downtown Houston in order to catch a ride home around 8:40 p.m. on March 27, when the suspect walked up to him and tried to steal his bag, police told TV station KTRK. He pulled out a gun and opened fire on the suspect, hitting him several times, KPRC reported. The suspect ran but collapsed a short distance away, police told KHOU. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and was last reported in stable condition. The victim remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, outlets reported. 75-year-old Lyft driver fights for life after customer repeatedly stabs him, MI cops say Homeowner fires back after accused burglar shoots his dog, Texas police say Man tosses woman wrapped in blanket off 4th-story balcony, Oklahoma cops say Three stabbed after neighbor flirts with mans wife at family gathering, Texas cops say Jodie Turner-Smith (PA) Jodie Turner-Smith has said raising her biracial daughter has helped heal her own conversations around colourism. The British actress and model, 36, welcomed her first child with her actor husband Joshua Jackson in April 2020. Turner-Smith has revealed she did have to initially pause when they considered trying for children as she realised they would have a completely different experience to her growing up. She told Elle UK magazine: Its interesting because I had a lot of resistance to becoming a mother and, throughout my life, I always said if I were to have children, I wanted to have black, black babies so that I could affirm them as children with the love that I felt I needed to have been affirmed with by the outside world. Then I fell in love with my husband and we talked about having kids. I did have this mini pause, where I was like, Shes going to be walking through the world not only having an experience that I did not have, but looking like people that, in a way, Id always felt a little bit tormented by. Now that Ive got this little, tiny, light-skinned boss, I feel like its the universe teaching me lessons. Ive been given a daughter who looks this way to heal my own conversations around colourism. The actress added that she loves her daughter so much but recognises the responsibility of preparing her for the world. The best thing that we can do is let them touch the earth and be grounded and real as real as one can be when you have the level of privilege that obviously my child has, she said. Im not acting like shes not a nepo baby. But I worked damn hard to have a nepo baby! Turner-Smith has starred in a number of hit films including 2019 crime drama Queen & Slim as well as action thriller Without Remorse and sci-fi drama After Yang. She has also recently portrayed Anne Boleyn in Channel 5s series about the former Queen of England. The actress admitted that growing up with a lack of role models who looked like her did affect her psyche. Story continues Youve never seen anybody who looks like you held up as beautiful. That definitely affected my psyche, she said. Anyone who has known me throughout my life would say,Oh, Jodie has very high self-esteem. But it affected me, I just faked it till I made it. It wasnt until adulthood that I began to come into myself. For a long time, people would even say to me, Youre so pretty for a dark-skinned girl. The May issue of ELLE UK is on sale from 30 March. blank journal Credit - Getty Images A consistent journaling routine can be transformative. Research suggests its a reliable way to increase your health and happiness: It can relieve stress and anxiety, improve depression symptoms, enhance memory retention, and boost optimism. That resonates with Margaret Ghielmetti, author of Brave(ish): A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist, whos been journaling for most of her 63 yearsstarting with a small, white diary that required a golden key to access her childhood thoughts, and evolving through many Marimekko and Moleskine beauties. Growing up, she journaled about the confusion of being an introverted kid and her all-consuming crush on her eighth-grade science teacher. As an adult, she keeps what she calls Trip Reports: journal entries documenting her travels, which she can share with her parents, who are too frail to accompany her. Journaling is extremely therapeutic, and thats why Ive been at it for years, says Ghielmetti. She appreciates having access to a lifetime of memoriesjournals are like a personal archiveand after writing in one, she feels unburdened and satisfied. Its been a constant companion to me. One reason why journaling is so powerful is because it promotes mindfulness, says Alison McKleroy, a therapist and author of The Self-Compassion Journal: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Kindness in Your Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions. She sees the practice as a beautiful, radical act of caring for yourself. It can help us identify the harsh ways we talk to and about ourselves, and begin to understand why and shift our language. Journaling is also an effective way to reexamine things were stuck onlike past failuresand figure out what we learned from them and how to move on. It can be a way to put the past back into the past and complete it, so you can create anew, she says. Its really taking some space to offer yourself clarity and compassion. But ask anyone whos ever bought a fancy new notebook and then stumbled upon it six months later, pages blank: Consistency can be challenging. Here, experts share eight strategies to actually stick to a journaling routine. Story continues More from TIME Name why youre doing it As you begin journaling, tap into your deeper motivations. Why is developing this practice important to you? How do you hope it will improve your life, and what do you expect to get out of it? It could be a commitment to health and well-being, or to joy and happiness. It could be committing to learning and growth or meaning and purpose, McKleroy says. Whatever the reason, really connecting to why youre doing it is crucial. She recommends putting a sticky note on your journal that encapsulates why youre embarking on this new journey. It might say meaning and joy, for examplea big-lettered reminder of what you stand to gain by filling up those pages. Make a standing journaling appointment One of the best ways to establish a new habit is to tag it onto an ingrained one, says Asaf Mazar, a behavioral scientist and postdoctoral research fellow at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This is often called habit stacking: linking a new behavior to one you do automatically. It helps ensure theres a designated time and place for whatever youre vowing to do. What happens a lot of times is people think, Im going to journal, Im going to exercise, and that it will just kind of happen sometime throughout the day, he saysbut it never does. Instead of leaving things to chance, plan to journal for 15 minutes as you enjoy your morning coffee, immediately after your nighttime shower, or around the same time as some other time-tested ritual. Create ridiculously achievable goals Setting doable benchmarks can help keep you motivated and focused, says Masica Jordan-Alston, a psychologist and assistant professor in the department of counseling at Bowie State University in Maryland. That could mean aiming to hit a specific word count or number of pages each day. Or, you might pledge to journal for a certain amount of timeand it doesnt have to be long. Say, Im going to journal for five minutes today. Im going to journal for three minutes, Jordan-Alston suggests. If you only have one minute, you can draw a picture, just to get your thoughts out. Try different formats and tools Theres no need to feel tied to or limited by pen and paper. Lots of people journal in other ways: Jordan-Alston, for example, has years of journal entries stored in the Notes app on her phone. After her brother died, she adopted a video-journaling routine and shared some of what she was feeling on her social-media platforms. You can keep an audio journal in your phone as well, she says. I do it as Voice MemosI have tons of them. There are a variety of other speech-to-text tools that can also assist. Or you could download an online program. The app Day One offers helpful templates and the ability to password-protect your journal, and it captures things like your location so you can sort through past entries on a map. Diarium allows you to dictate your thoughts with a speech-recognition tool, and you can attach photos and drawings. And Dabble Me sends regular reminders to journal via emailwhich you can do simply by replying to the message. Minimize barrierseven the tiny ones The smallest obstacles could prove to be the biggest reasons why you fail to stick to a journaling routine. If youre going the pen-and-paper route, make things easier for yourself by ensuring your journal is always within eyesight, Mazar says. If you have to dig through a drawer to find it, youll probably move on to something else. It can also be helpful to opt for a bright color, like hot pink or orange, which increases the odds that your journal will stay in your line of sight and on your mind. Make sure, too, that you always have easy access to fully functioning pens. If youre tired, and you want to journal, but there isnt a pen next to you at that very moment, its more likely youll give up, Mazar notes. It sounds silly, because its such a small obstacle, but thats just how we work. Experiment with different journaling styles Journals dont always revolve around wordsor traditional sentences. There are times when Im just freestyling poetry, Jordan-Alston says. Others will feel most drawn to art journaling, which typically means blending color, words, and images on a page. Jordan-Alstons 9-year-old daughter enjoys doodling in a journal; to her, its the best form of self-expression. Bullet journaling is another popular approach. These journals typically dont have lined pages; instead, there are sections to log to-do lists and aspirations, and to track things like fitness or fertility, often using shorthand and symbols. You could also opt for a gratitude journal, which is designed to record what youre grateful foroften, for example, three things per day. Lean on prompts One of the challenges to consistently journaling can be figuring out what to do with all that blank space. If the words dont come easily, consider utilizing a promptthere are lots of books and websites that list options. For example, some people like the rose, bud, thorn approach, which means logging a rose (something positive that happened), a bud (something youre looking forward to), and a thorn (something bothering you or that you need help with). Writing letters to your future or younger self can also be powerful, McKleroy says. I have people write letters to different parts of themselves, and that can be really lovely, she says. Like the part of you thats scared, nervous, or sad. Enlist an accountability partner Sharing your journaling practice with a friend or family member can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable. Experts suggest starting a journaling group with friends or finding an online community to share your progress with. Dont feel comfortable broadcasting your most private thoughts? Jordan-Alston instructs her students to share just one thing with their accountability partner. It doesnt have to be everything, she says. And remember: Theres a big payoff to tapping into your vulnerable side, whether you keep your musings to yourself or share them with others. When you want to get strong, you exercise and lift weights, Jordan-Alston says. When you want to restore your brain, you journal. Alamy Stock Photo - Alamy "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Its been more than two decades since the body of Woodlawn High School senior Hae Min Lee was found at Leakin Park in West Baltimore, Maryland. For years, it seemed like an open-and-shut case. In 2000, Lees ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed, who has maintained his innocence, was sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison for her murder. Then Syeds case garnered national attention after it became the subject of the podcast Serial in 2014. Syeds conviction was vacated in September 2022, but on Tuesday, a Maryland appellate court reinstated it due to a procedural issue. The legal saga has had many twists and turns, but there might be just as many questions surrounding the case now as there were then. Meanwhile, justice for Lee remains elusive. What is certain is that the 18-year-old woman was last seen on January 13, 1999, driving her 1998 Nissan Sentra on her way to pick up her 6-year-old cousin and then head to her job at LensCrafters, The Baltimore Sun reported at the time. She never showed up to either. Professionals and amateurs, alike, have scrutinized and studied Lees murder and Adnan Syeds trial and subsequent legal proceedings, including the U.S. Supreme Court denying to hear an appeal for a new trial in 2019. Here, we piece together the timeline of accounts as they reportedly happened in the 1999 teen murder case. December 1998: Syed and Lee break up. Although their relationship was kept a secret because of both religious and cultural differences, classmates Syed and Lee dated in 1998 and broke up in December of that year, according to court records. January 1, 1999: Lee and Don Clinedinst go on their first date. According to the Undisclosed podcast, Lee goes on her first date with her LensCrafter co-worker Don Clinedinst, who happens to be the son of the store manager. January 13, 1999: Lee disappears. What happened on this particular day depends on who you talk to. As described by Syed to Serial, he goes to his photography and English classes and then calls his friend Jay Wilds, offering to lend him his car during his lunch period. Wilds then drops Syed back off at school, where he has a free period and then arrives late to his psychology classit started at 12:50 p.m., but he entered at 1:27 p.m., as his teacher notes. Story continues After class, he goes to the Woodlawn Public Library to check his email and chats with friend Asia McClain. Then he goes to track practice. Wilds picks him up, and the two go to a friends house. Its while hes there that Officer Scott Adcock calls Syed asking if he knew where Lee was. The student told the official that he was suppose[d] to get a ride home from the victim, but he got detained at school and felt that she just got tired of waiting and left, according to the 2019 appeal. Syed then picks up food on his way to meet his dad at the mosque for evening prayers, Serial reported. Meanwhile, Wilds version of the day changed throughout his interviews and testimony. In his testimony at the second trial, he says that he and Syed drove to Security Square Mall and claims that Syed reportedly told him he was going to kill Lee. That afternoon, he says that Syed asked him to pick him up at Best Buy, where Syed shows him Lees body in the trunk of her car. They leave the car at a park-and-ride lot. That night they bury Lees body in Leakin Park and leave her car in a residential parking lot. As for Lees family, all they knew was that she didnt show up to pick up her cousin, which is when they reported her missing. Classmates last saw her leaving school around 2:15 p.m. February 9, 1999: Lees body is found in Leakin Park. Maintenance worker Alonzo Sellers, known as Mr. S on Serial, claimed he was drinking a 22-ounce Budweiser while driving when he made a pit stop. I had to go to the bathroom so I pulled over, and I went further in the woods so no one could see me, he said on the HBO docuseries The Case Against Adnan Syed. I walked around through the bushes and everything, and I got back that way, and I was getting ready to urinate. When I looked down, I seen something that looked like hair, something was covered by the dirt. And I looked real good again, and thats when I seen what looked like a foot. He later becomes a suspect because he walked 127 feet to find a place to use the restroom. Sellers had a previous record as an alleged streaker. Autopsy results later show that Lee was strangled, The Baltimore Sun reports. February 12, 1999: Anonymous calls inform the police to look into Syed. HBO - HBO Baltimore City police detective Darryl Massey received two anonymous phone calls telling him to look into Lees ex-boyfriend as a possible suspect, the Undisclosed podcast reported. There was a reward of $3,075 from CrimeStoppers for information on the case leading to the indictment. February 28, 1999: Syed is arrested. In the wee hours of the night, Lees car is found around 4:30 a.m., and around 6 a.m., Syed is arrested at his home on the 7000 block of Johnnycake Road. He is 17 at the time but charged with first-degree murder as an adult. Lees 16-year-old brother, Young Lee, speaking for his grandparents and mom, tells The Baltimore Sun that the news provided some closure and some peace. But they were just as shocked. We were kind of surprised because she told us that he was one of her best friends, he said. March 1, 1999: McClain writes Syed a letter. Just after his arrest, McClain writes a letter to Syed and details talking to him in the library on January 13, Serial reported. December 15, 1999: A mistrial is declared. The Syeds trial begins the second week of December and quickly ends as a mistrial, the court appeals papers say. January 2000: The second trial begins. A second court proceedings begin, the papers say. February 25, 2000: Syed is convicted. Following a six-week trial and two-hour jury deliberation, Syed is found guilty. He remains calm as handcuffs are being put on him, saying, Ill be alright... I have faith in the Lord. I know I didnt kill her. The Lord knows I didnt kill her, The Baltimore Sun reported. March 25, 2000: McClain writes an affidavit. Family friend and attorney Rabia Chaudry asks McClain to write an affidavit after Syed is convicted, Serial reported. June 6, 2000: Lees mother gives an emotional testimony, and Syed is given a life sentence. Elizabeth Malby/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service - Getty Images Lees mother, Youn Wha Kim, says she moved to America from Korea to give her kids a better life. I would like to forgive Adnan Syed, but as of now, I just dont know how I could, she says. When I die, my daughter will die with me. As long as I live, my daughter is buried in my heart. The paper says she almost collapsed as she stepped off the witness stand and that her sobs from outside the courtroom could still be heard inside. Judge Wanda K. Heard gives Syed a life sentence plus 30 years. March 19, 2003: Syeds appeal is denied. Syeds first appeal is denied by the Court of Special Appeals, according to court records. December 30, 2013: Syeds petition for post-conviction relief is denied. After hearings in the Circuit Court between November 2010 and October 2012, Syeds petition for post-conviction relief is denied, according to court papers. October 3, 2014: Serial debuts. The creators of the public radio show This American Life debut the podcast series Serial, hosted by Sarah Koenig, about the Lee murder mystery. In it, Koenig talks to Syed who says he is innocent. November 20, 2014: Syeds family gives their first interview. Syeds brother Yusef talks to CBS This Morning and admits he listens to the Serial podcast. I wake up as soon as they put it on, he said. Some days Ill be like, This is a really great episode, and some days Ill feel down and depressed. February 6, 2015: Syed can appeal the post-conviction relief denial. Syed is given the chance to overturn the Baltimore City Circuit Court ruling that denied him post-conviction relief, thanks to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, Vulture reported. November 6, 2015: The post-conviction relief case is reopened. Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service - Getty Images The case is reopened to take into account McClains new testimony, new cell phone data, and allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel as well as prosecutorial misconduct, according to Harpers Bazaar. February 2016: The hearing takes place. The five-day hearing includes witness testimonies from McClain, as well as a cell phone expert, Harpers Bazaar reported. June 30, 2016: Syed is granted a new trial. Justice Martin Welch vacates the original conviction, saying there should be a new trial. However, Syed is not allowed out on bail while he waits for the new trial. He ends up waiting more than two years. March 8, 2019: The trial is then denied. In a sudden twist, the Maryland Court of Appeals votes 4 to 3 to reverse the decision, denying a new trial saying, There is not a significant or substantial possibility that the verdict would have been different, the Associated Press reported. August 19, 2019: The Supreme Court is asked to look at the case. Syeds lawyers asked the nations highest court to look into reversing the states decision. November 25, 2019: The Supreme Court rejects bid for a new trial. Without comment, the Supreme Court decided not to open a new trial. We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court, but by no means is this the end of Adnan Syed, attorney C. Justin Brown told AP at the time. There are other legal options, and we are exploring each and every one of them. Family friend and lawyer Chaudry added: He is hanging in there. He knows that none of us are basically giving up. He has a great legal team. He has a lot of public support, and walking away is not an option. September 19, 2022: Syeds conviction is vacated. Baltimore City Circuit Court judge Melissa M. Phinn vacated Syeds conviction, effectively setting him free. Phinns decision came after prosecutors told the court they lost faith in Syeds conviction in light of new evidence and violations in the governments turning over evidence. October 11, 2022: Prosecutors drop charges against Syed. Prosecutors dropped all charges against Syed, eliminating the possibility of a retrial. December 12, 2022: Georgetown University hires Syed. Syed began a full-time job as a program associate for the Georgetown Universitys Prisons and Justice Initiative, the Washington Post reported. One of his roles is providing support for an undergraduate class called Making an Exoneree, in which students seek to help free innocent people in prison by examining their cases and creating documentaries. March 28, 2023: Syeds conviction is reinstated. In a 2-1 decision, a Maryland appellate court panel reinstated Syeds murder conviction after deciding a lower court violated the right of Lees family to attend the September 2022 hearing in the case in person, the Washington Post reported. The decision ordered that the Baltimore Circuit Court conduct a new legally compliant, transparent hearing on prosecutors motion to vacate the case, after Young Lee, who lived in California, argued he received less than one business days notice of the hearing at which Syed was freed. Lee attended the September hearing via Zoom. The courts latest decision is delayed 60 days to allow the parties involved time to assess how to proceed. For now, Syed remains free outside of prison. Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after a hearing on Sept. 19, 2022, in Baltimore. | Jerry Jackson, The Baltimore Sun via Associated Press On Tuesday, the Appellate Court of Maryland reinstated Adnan Syeds conviction for the murder of Hae Min Lee. Syed was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend Lee when they were both in high school. His case was featured on the first season of the podcast Serial. Last year, I reported for the Deseret News that Lees family had released a statement saying that they werent satisfied with what the court said about why his conviction was originally vacated. The family filed an appeal, which led to Syeds conviction being reinstated. Related Even though Syeds conviction was reinstated, he wont go back into custody, per NPR. The court ruled that Young Lee, a family member of the victim, wasnt given enough notice to attend the hearing. Syed will have another hearing where Lee will be given enough notice to attend. At the new hearing, its possible that Syeds conviction will be vacated again. According to NBC News, the investigation into Lees death is still ongoing and the prosecutor believes that theres evidence pointing to other suspects. His conviction was vacated on Sept. 19, 2022, and the prosecution had found two new suspects whose identities werent public. As I reported for the Deseret News, the prosecution dropped all charges because of DNA evidence that reportedly excluded him from being a suspect. The date of the new hearing has not yet been announced. Marylands second-highest court reinstated the conviction and sentence of Adnan Syed, the man whose murder investigation and trial was the center of the hit podcast Serial, saying a lower court violated the rights of the victims family when it vacated his conviction last year. The Maryland appellate court ruled in a 2-1 decision that the circuit court that vacated Syeds conviction did not give the family of Hae Min Lee, the teenage girl who Syed was previously convicted of killing, ample notice to appear at the hearing. It was unclear whether Syed would be ordered back to prison after the appellate court asked that a new, legally compliant and transparent hearing on the conviction take place. Syed was 17 when he was arrested for the killing of Lee, his ex-girlfriend, in 1999. He was sentenced to life in prison after his 2000 conviction. But supporters of Syed maintained his innocence and campaigned for his conviction to be overturned through the courts. His story later became the center of the blockbuster podcast Serial, hosted by investigative journalist Sarah Koenig. Syed has always maintained his innocence. A Baltimore Circuit Court in September vacated Syeds ruling at the request of city prosecutors, after an investigation found that prosecutors at the time mishandled potential exculpatory evidence and raised the possibility of at least two viable alternative suspects. Prosecutors then dropped the charges against Syed, citing DNA evidence that had cleared him. But Lees brother appealed the decision to vacate the conviction, saying he was given less than one business days notice of the hearing that dropped Syeds conviction. The appellate court said its mandate would be put on hold for 60 days to allow the parties to decide how to proceed from its decision to reinstate the conviction and sentence. The Baltimore City States Attorney Office told The Hill that it was in a holding pattern as it waits for the appeals process to play out and did not answer whether it expected Syed to be sent back to prison. Story continues This office is currently conducting a review of the decision, a Baltimore City States Attorney spokesman said in a statement to The Hill. We must allow the appeals process to play itself out, Mr. Syed and his legal team may file for an appeal to the Maryland Supreme Court, and we must respect their rights to do so until those rights are either heard or that request is denied; we are in a holding pattern. Any further comment would be premature at this time. Counsel for Syed told The Hill that they thought the appearance of Lees brother at the vacatur hearing via Zoom was sufficient, saying Syed would appeal the ruling to the Maryland Supreme Court. The Appellate Court of Maryland has reinstated Adnans convictions, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms. Lees brother did not appear in person at the vacatur hearing, Erica Suter, Syeds lawyer, said in a statement. There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon. For the time being, Adnan remains a free man. We remain optimistic that justice will be done. We intend to seek review in Marylands highest court, the Supreme Court of Maryland, and will continue to fight until Adnans convictions are fully vacated. Updated at 6:24 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Adnan Syed leaving court in September after his conviction was tossed Jerry Jackson / The Baltimore Sun / Tribune News Service via Getty Images A Maryland appeals court on Tuesday reinstated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed , the Baltimore man who has spent two decades in prison for the 1999 killing of ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee and who was featured in the first season of the hit 2014 podcast Serial . In a 21 decision , the Appellate Court of Maryland decided that the rights of Lees California-based brother had been violated because he was only given one business day of notice about the critical hearing where Syeds conviction was vacated. After some scrambling, Young Lee was able to get access to the hearing virtually but he said he had wanted to be there in person. Allowing a victim entitled to attend a court proceeding to attend in person, when the victim makes that request and all other persons involved in the hearing appear in person, is consistent with the constitutional requirement that victims be treated with dignity and respect, the judges wrote in their decision on Tuesday. As such, the judges vacated the lower courts order, reinstated Syeds conviction and sentence, and ordered a new hearing. But they also issued a mandate that paused the effect of their decision for 60 days in order to give the parties time to work out next steps. Syed attorney Erica Suter, an assistant public defender and the director of the Innocence Project Clinic at the University of Baltimore Law School, said in a statement that they would appeal to the state's highest court. "We agree with the dissenting judge that the appeal is moot and that Mr. Lees attendance over Zoom was sufficient," Suter said. "There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon. For the time being, Adnan remains a free man," Suter added. "We remain optimistic that justice will be done." Rabia Chaudry, an attorney who has previously advocated on Syeds behalf, wrote on Twitter, We stand by the integrity of the evidence that exonerated Adnan and urge the Baltimore Police and States Attorneys office to find the source of the DNA on the victims shoes and find Hae Min Lees actual killer. Story continues After 23 years behind bars, Syed was freed from prison in September by a Baltimore judge who vacated his 2000 conviction for murder. Prosecutors had asked the judge to toss Syeds conviction, saying they could no longer stand by its integrity upon learning that potentially exculpatory evidence about two other potential suspects was never shared with Syed's original team in what is known as a Brady violation. This information was not available to the Defendant in his trial in 2000, and the State believes it would have provided persuasive support substantiating the defense that another person was responsible for the victims death, prosecutors had said. In comments he originally made via Zoom at the hearing last year, Young Lee emphasized how his family has not been able to get closure in his sisters killing. Ive been living with this for 20 plus years and every day when I think its over, when I look and think its over or its ended it always comes back, Lee said. UPDATE Mar. 28, 2023, at 21:27 PM More on this Fifteen years and the most popular podcast of all time later, Adnan Syed, the subject of Serial, has a petition seeking a retrial for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. | Jimmy Anderson According to ABC News, Adnan Syed was ordered to be released by a judge on Monday. His case recently was the subject of news inquiry because new evidence, including new suspects, came forward as the result of investigation. Syeds case was featured on the podcast Serial, bringing it to the forefront. Syed was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee when they were both in high school. His case was featured on the first season of Serial. Here is a brief timeline of events related to the death of Hae Min Lee. Jan. 13, 1999 According to The New York Times, Lee disappeared after leaving school. Lee died by manual strangulation. Feb. 9, 1999 According to Harpers Bazaar, Lees body was found in Baltimores Leakin Park. Feb. 28, 1999 The Washington Post reported that Syed was arrested in conjunction with Lees murder. Syed had dated Lee in high school. At the time of Lees death, Syed and Lee were both seniors at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Dec. 15, 1999 Harpers Bazaar reported that Syeds first trial ended in a mistrial: After jurors accidentally overheard an exchange in which the judge called Syeds attorney Cristina Gutierrez a liar, a mistrial was declared. 2000 According to the podcast Serial, Syeds second trial ensued and Syed was convicted on Feb. 25, 2000. He was convicted on the basis of a witness testimony and cellphone data. March 19, 2003 According to an opinion filed on March 19, 2003, in the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, Syeds request for an appeal was denied by the court. The opinion began, The states evidence was sufficient to prove that appellant committed those offenses. The opinion relied on the witness testimony of Jay Wilds as evidence that Syed committed the murder. Nov. 6, 2015-March 9, 2019 BBC reported that the podcast Serial led to new evidence emerging in the case. On the basis of this new evidence, Syed was granted a new trial. Some of the evidence presented in the podcast was used in this new trial, including evidence for an alibi. Harpers Bazaar reported that during the 2016 hearing, new evidence emerged that caused the judge to vacate Syeds conviction in 2018. Then, in 2019, Syeds conviction was upheld. Story continues Sept. 19, 2022 Syeds conviction was vacated. The New York Times reported that the prosecution has 30 days to proceed with a new trial or must drop the charges against Syed. Syed was put on home arrest until this 30-day period ends. The prosecution allegedly has found two new suspects, but neither of these suspects are known to the public. Sept. 20, 2022 Serial released a new podcast episode with updates on the case. The New York Post reported that Lees family released a statement about the latest updates. The familys attorney stated, They just wanted to be given specific reasons why it was appropriate to vacate this conviction, but what they got instead is a bunch of general vague assertions that basically boiled down to, Trust us. We, the State Attorneys Office, believe that there is a problem with this conviction. And for the family, that doesnt cut it. As of Tuesday, the family has not announced if it will file an appeal. Oct. 11, 2022 The prosecution dropped all charges against Syed after additional DNA testing excluded him as a suspect, according to The Associated Press. March 28, 2023 Syeds conviction was reinstated, but he wont go into custody, per NPR. A Maryland appeals court has reinstated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed, the subject of the hit podcast Serial who was freed last year after 23 years behind bars for the 1999 death of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee. State law provides victims the right of prior notice of a hearing on motions to vacate convictions, and the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled Tuesday in a 2-1 decision that the lower court violated that right with regard to Lee's brother, Young Lee. The Lee family filed an appeal last year and argued that they were not properly notified about the hearing that led to Syed's release. The appeals court asserted that it "has the power and obligation to remedy those violations, as long we can do so without violating Mr. Syed's right to be free from double jeopardy," and ordered a new hearing on the state's motion to vacate the conviction. "We remand for a new, legally compliant, and transparent hearing on the motion to vacate, where Mr. Lee is given notice of the hearing that is sufficient to allow him to attend in person, evidence supporting the motion to vacate is presented, and the court states its reasons in support of its decision." According to the Associated Press, Syed will not immediately be taken back into custody. Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after being released from prison in 2022 Lloyd Fox/The Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after being released from prison in 2022 A spokesperson for the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office said in a statement to EW that the office is reviewing the decision and "any further comment would be premature at this time." A spokesperson for the Maryland Judiciary told EW that the court does not comment on opinions, and they speak for themselves. Syed's attorney, Erica Suter, said in a statement to EW, "The appeal was not about Adnan's innocence but about notice and mootness. The Appellate Court of Maryland has reinstated Adnan's convictions, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms. Lee's brother did not appear in person at the vacatur hearing. We agree with the dissenting judge that the appeal is moot and that Mr. Lee's attendance over Zoom was sufficient." Story continues Suter added, "There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon. For the time being, Adnan remains a free man. We remain optimistic that justice will be done. We intend to seek review in Maryland's highest court, the Supreme Court of Maryland, and will continue to fight until Adnan's convictions are fully vacated. Ensuring justice for Hae Min Lee does not require injustice for Adnan." A Baltimore judge overturned Syed's conviction last September after finding that prosecutors failed to disclose evidence regarding two alternative suspects, thereby committing what is referred to as a Brady violation. While prosecutors did not concede that Syed is innocent, they said they no longer had faith in his conviction. At the time, Syed had been serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. As explored in the first season of investigative podcast Serial, Syed and Lee were seniors at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County when Lee disappeared in January 1999. Her strangled body was discovered in a forest three weeks later. Syed, who was convicted in 2000, has maintained his innocence and spent years appealing his conviction. Related content: Maryland's appeals court reinstated Adnan Syed's murder conviction Tuesday, roughly six months after Baltimore prosecutors provided new evidence in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee. Syed, whose conviction was made famous by the podcast "Serial," was released from prison in October after Baltimore City State Attorney Marilyn Mosby said DNA evidence supported his innocence. Lee's family had filed an appeal, arguing that they were not properly notified of the efforts to release Syed last year. The Maryland appeals court ruled in their favor, saying officials failed to provide sufficient notice for Lee's family to attend the hearing. Adnan Syed leaves the courthouse after being released from prison on Sept. 19, 2022, in Baltimore. (Lloyd Fox / The Baltimore Sun via Getty Images file) A new hearing will be held about the evidence to vacate Syed's conviction; the previous murder charges have been reinstated in the interim. Tuesday's decision and the new hearing are seen as a procedural issue, and there is no reason to believe Syed will be sent back to prison. The prosecutor has indicated that there is evidence pointing to other suspects and that the investigation continues. Lee's family said they were delighted with the court's decision. We are equally pleased that the Appellate Court is directing the lower court to conduct a transparent hearing where the evidence will be presented in open court and the courts decision will be based on evidence for the world to see," the family said in a statement. Erica Suter, an attorney for Syed, said in a statement Tuesday that the appeal was "not about Adnans innocence but about notice and mootness." "There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon," Suter said, adding that Syed's team intends to seek a review in state Supreme Court. "Ensuring justice for Hae Min Lee does not require injustice for Adnan." Syeds family friend Rabia Chaudry, an attorney who took his case to "Serial" producer Sarah Koenig, tweeted that she would host an Instagram Live session Wednesday to discuss the development. In the interim, Rabia said, she stands by "the integrity of the evidence that exonerated Adnan and urge the Baltimore Police and States Attorneys office to find the source of the DNA on the victims shoes and find Hae Min Lees actual killer." Story continues A tribute to Hae Min Leein a Woodlawn High School yearbook (Hayes Gardner / The Baltimore Sun via Getty Images file) Lee was 18 when she was found buried in Baltimores Leakin Park. Investigators targeted Syed, her ex-boyfriend, as the prime suspect. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2000. Advocates have said that the evidence used to convict him was unreliable and that police ignored leads to other potential suspects. Last year, Baltimore officials said a round of new DNA testing on Lees skirt, pantyhose, shoes and jacket showed DNA belonging to multiple contributors. Syeds DNA was not found in the new tests. The state said there were two other potential suspects in Lee's murder, one of whom had threatened to kill her. Syed's case was subject to a Brady violation, as prosecutors failed to disclose the evidence to his defense team. Prosecutor Becky Feldman said moments before a judge vacated Syeds conviction, The state has lost confidence in the integrity of this conviction and believes that it is in the interest of justice and fairness that his convictions be vacated. Feldman contacted Lee's brother, Young, on Sept. 12 to let him know the state was filing a motion to vacate the conviction, according to Tuesday's ruling. He was then given only a few days' notice of the hearing time, which would have required him to fly from his home in California to attend in person. Hae Min Lee and Adnan Syed at Junior Prom. (HBO) The majority opinion in the appellate court ruling said the result of a hearing will be to either reinstate the initial conviction or vacate it again. "Accordingly, the violation of Mr. Lees rights can be remedied without violating Mr. Syeds constitutional right to be free from double jeopardy," the ruling said. Suter, one of Syed's attorneys, had argued that teleconferencing by Zoom was sufficient to satisfy the Lee family's rights to attend the hearing and discuss the impact vacating the conviction would have on them. I think we would be in different circumstances if the state did not provide Mr. Lee a Zoom option. But we are in very different times now, Suter said at the appellate hearing in February. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Stuart R. Berger noted that Lee's family does not have a right to speak at hearing over whether to vacate a conviction and that electronic attendance was most likely sufficient to satisfy the family's rights. The trial judge also allowed Lee's brother to make a statement to the court. "Ultimately, the court provided Mr. Lee with both the attendance he was entitled to, and the judge exercised her discretion in affording him the opportunity to participate," Berger wrote. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Consumer advocates, environmentalists and Chicago residents gathered in front of the Chicago offices of Peoples Gas this week to call on the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject a proposed rate increase from the gas utility. Several advocacy groups, including the Citizens Utility Board, Blacks in Green and Illinois PIRG participated in the protest. The event drew around 100 people, including Valerie Carroll, a resident of West Englewood. In February, 37 percent of residential gas customers of the majority Black neighborhood were more than 30 days late on their bill, according to the companys filings with the ICC. I need the ICC to say no. Dont raise these prices. Our paychecks are not going up, but our bills are, Carroll said. We cant afford it. The reality of it is we cant afford it. I have my granddaughters at home and when they go to bed, they have to put on their onesies with socks just so I can manage. Is that fair to them? No. But I cant do anything about it. I cant afford it. Peoples Gas petitioned the ICC to raise gas rates in January. This began a regulatory process in which representatives of the company will make their case to the ICC as to why the rate increase is necessary. Several interest groups have already filed petitions in the case, which is expected to last until late this year. The proposed increase is the largest in state history and would raise the cost of gas for Chicago customers by $11.83 per month, on average, according to an analysis from the Citizens Utility Board. CUB is an independent nonprofit organization created by the Illinois General Assembly which intervenes in ICC cases on behalf of utility consumers. This would be the first traditional rate increase for Peoples Gas in nine years, although during that time, other factors have resulted in increases to consumer bills. One of those factors is the qualified infrastructure plant charge, an automatic increase to bills that the state approved in 2013. The law allowing Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas to levy QIP charges is scheduled to expire at the end of the year. Story continues Peoples Gas said in a January news release that the increase would not affect a typical customers bill due to falling natural gas prices. The release also noted that the increase will help pay for infrastructure improvements, particularly upgrades to the pipes that carry natural gas around the city. Many of the pipes are from the 1800s, Peoples Gas spokesperson David Schwartz said in an email. Modernization is crucial for safety, for the reliable delivery of energy to keep Chicagoans warm, and to stop leaks that harm the environment. The companys ongoing pipe replacement program, which originated with a federal push for infrastructure upgrades more than a decade ago, is the subject of sharp criticism from watchdog groups. Illinois PIRG Director Abe Scarr said the program has been mismanaged and that it hasnt reduced risk in proportion to its cost. Year after year, Peoples Gas busts its budget and falls woefully short of its pipe replacement goals, Scarr told the crowd on Monday. Illinois PIRG and CUB, which oppose the rate increase, have both filed motions to intervene in the ongoing ICC case, meaning they will offer their perspective to regulators and offer testimony supporting their positions. Downstate rate increases The request for gas rate increases in Chicago comes alongside similar requests from the states largest utilities. Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois, which together serve more than 4.2 million gas customers around the state, are all currently seeking rate increases. These cases were all filed in January and come with similar estimated increases in gas costs. Nicor customers could see a $9.28 monthly increase, North Shore customers could see a $6 monthly increase and Ameren gas customers could see a $6.68 monthly increase, according to CUB. CUB director David Kolata called this an unprecedented rate-hike barrage in early February. He also noted that CUB will fight each of these increases. In an email to Capitol News Illinois, Ameren Illinois echoed Peoples Gas claim that falling gas prices will result in most consumers bills not increasing. The company also echoed Peoples Gas reasoning for the rate increase, saying that the money will go to infrastructure improvements. With global energy challenges and increasingly volatile weather patterns, investments in natural gas infrastructure are needed to maintain a resilient and reliable energy delivery system, meet federal pipeline safety regulations, and prepare for the transition to cleaner, renewable energy technologies, Ameren spokesperson Tucker Kennedy said in an email. The legislatures role Some advocates and lawmakers think that more consumer protections are needed. Now is the time to take action with legislative and regulatory changes, Blacks in Green founder Naomi Davis told the crowd on Monday. Davis and other members of her organization were in Springfield last week to advocate for House Bill 2172, which advocates call Peoples Utility Rate Relief Act. The bill would make energy rates more affordable, create stronger protections and improve oversight, in the words of the bills sponsor, Rep. Will Davis, D-Homewood. Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, D-Chicago, was there on Monday alongside other Democratic Chicago lawmakers including Reps. Will Guzzardi and Kam Buckner. This is not just about blocking these rate hikes, said Pacione-Zayas. Its about how we live up to the intent of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and move away from fossil fuels into decarbonization. When asked if she expected to see any legislative action taken on utilities and affordability, Pacione-Zayas said that heating affordability intersects with, among other things, affordable housing and post-pandemic changes to welfare programs. All of this is on the table, and I think a lot of it will come up with budget discussions, she said. Although Guzzardi said that he is working with other lawmakers to introduce legislative reforms, he noted that ultimately, utility rates are up to the ICC. We created a body to govern these rate hikes and thats the Illinois Commerce Commission, he said. Weve got some great new appointees in the Commerce Commission so Im really hoping those folks step up, take their jobs seriously and take a closer look at this rate hike. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide, as well as hundreds of radio and TV stations. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Afghan refugees waiting to be processed after arriving on an evacuation flight at Heathrow Airport A new plan to move Afghan refugees out of hotels and into permanent homes in the UK has been announced. Afghans in "bridging hotels" will be written to and given at least three months' notice to move, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said. Labour said the government was "serving eviction notices" with no guarantee of suitable housing for families. Mr Mercer said new people arriving from Afghanistan under government schemes would not be housed in hotels. Speaking in the Commons, he said the new plan meant Afghan refugees living in hotels who turn down an offer of housing would not receive a second offer. The new plan applies to Afghans who have arrived in the UK under two resettlement schemes: the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), which focuses on women, children and religious minorities, and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), for Afghans who worked for the British military and UK government. In August 2021, thousands of people fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took back control of the country. Many refugees have since been living in hotels across the UK. Mr Mercer said the thousands of people who left Afghanistan were housed in "bridging hotels" which were never meant to be permanent. He added that of the 24,500 people now living in the UK under the two resettlement schemes, about 8,000 remained in hotels, with about half of those being children - costing 1m a day. The government says that Afghans make up a fifth of all people living in bridging hotels. Mr Mercer said the long-term residency in hotels has "prevented some Afghans" from putting down roots, committing to employment and integrating into communities, as well as creating uncertainty. But campaigners said the new policy would cause anxiety and upheaval for refugees who had already experienced trauma, and could leave Afghans at risk of becoming homeless. After its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK pledged to resettle up to 20,000 more vulnerable Afghans under the ACRS. Story continues The government will begin writing to families and individuals housed in hotels at the end of April, giving them "at least three months' notice" before they are forced out, Mr Mercer told the Commons. He promised "generous" support, with trained staff based at hotels to provide advice - including Home Office staff and charity workers. The veterans minister said 35m of funding would help councils provide increased support and the local authority housing fund would be expanded by 250m. The increased fund for local authorities will help councils to source homes for Afghan refugees currently in hotels, the government says. Mr Mercer noted there was a "national duty" owed to Afghan refugees who helped British forces during the war. He added that "in return, we do expect families to help themselves" and where an offer of accommodation was turned down, "another will now not be forthcoming". He said: "At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available." Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer announced the plan in the Commons Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council said the government's plan risked people being left "homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain". He said: "This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated." Government plans to resettle Afghans who had worked with the UK during the war were initially named Operation Warm Welcome. Mr Solomon added: "To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure on Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval." Labour called on the government to ensure no Afghans would be left homeless. Shadow defence secretary John Healey accused the government of "serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans - half of whom are children - with no guarantee they will be offered a suitable, settled place to live". He said: "Never mind 'Operation Warm Welcome', never mind the warm words from the minister today. He has confirmed the government is giving them the cold shoulder." Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael the public would "have no faith in this initiative". "They have proven time and time again they cannot treat refugees, including women and young children, with the respect they deserve." Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson said the government's promise of help for those who remained in danger in Afghanistan was "utterly hollow". She said she had repeatedly raised the case of five British children who were still "living in hiding" in Kabul and had been "abandoned" by the government. The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils would need extra resources to help find and fund the accommodation or there would be a risk of a further increase in homelessness. Matiullah Wesa is a prominent advocate for girls' right to study A prominent Afghan campaigner for female education has been arrested by the Taliban, even as teenage girls and women remain barred from classrooms. Matiullah Wesa, 30, had often received threats - he has spent years travelling across Afghanistan trying to improve access to education for all children. The Taliban did not say why Mr Wesa is in custody. His house was also raided. His arrest follows the detention of a number of other activists who have been campaigning for women's education. In February Prof Ismail Mashal, an outspoken critic of the Taliban government's ban on education for women, was arrested in Kabul while handing out free books. He was freed on 5 March but has not spoken out since then. Mr Wesa is one of the most prominent education activists in Afghanistan and, via his charity PenPath, has been campaigning for girls' right to study since the Taliban barred female education in 2021. His last tweet - on Monday, the day of his arrest - was a photo of women volunteers for PenPath "asking for the Islamic rights to education for their daughters". Men, women, elderly, young, everyone from every corner of the country are asking for the Islamic rights to education for their daughters. Penpath female volunteers calls for girls education and their rights to education #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign pic.twitter.com/gekG7fsGKj Matiullah Wesa (@matiullahwesa) March 26, 2023 The UN's mission in Afghanistan has also highlighted Mr Wesa's case and called on the Taliban to clarify his whereabouts and the reasons for his detention. Mr Wesa was arrested after he came out of a mosque in the capital Kabul on Monday. Story continues "The Taliban came in two vehicles," a person close to the family told the BBC. "He was handcuffed and put in the car. "Today at 10am, the Taliban went to his house and raided it. They turned it upside down, threatened his family against speaking out, seized phones, documents and computers. Matiullah's brothers were briefly detained and then released with a warning." Mr Wesa has travelled to hundreds of districts in Afghanistan over the past decade to promote the cause of education. The PenPath network he founded has more than 2,400 volunteers across the country. They help set up local classrooms, find teachers and distribute books and stationery. The ban on girls attending secondary schools has not stopped Mr Wesa. "The damage that closure of schools causes is irreversible and undeniable," he tweeted last week. Women's rights have been gradually eroded since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces. Only boys and male teachers were allowed into secondary schools when they reopened in September 2021. There was a brief spell of hope following an announcement in March 2022 that girls would be allowed to attend secondary schools. But tearful schoolgirls were turned away after what appeared to be an abrupt U-turn by the Taliban leadership. They said girls would be allowed to return to school after "a comprehensive plan has been prepared according to Sharia and Afghan culture". But in December 2022, female students were also barred from universities. The Taliban say schools and universities are only temporarily closed to women and girls until a "suitable environment" can be created. But women are severely curtailed in other ways too. The Taliban have decreed that women should be dressed in a way that only reveals their eyes, and must be accompanied by a male relative if they are travelling more than 72km (48 miles). And last November, women were banned from parks, gyms and swimming pools, stripping away the simplest of freedoms. The enforcement of the rules is different in different areas, but the rules create an environment of fear and anxiety. The restrictions have continued despite international condemnation and protests by ordinary women as well as activists speaking up on their behalf. They have also hindered the work of foreign aid groups after the Taliban said women could not work in domestic and international NGOs except in the health sector. Some organisations were forced to suspend services at a time when the country is reeling from a severe economic and humanitarian crisis. Read more of our coverage on Afghanistan The government has announced new funding to relocate more than 8,000 Afghans who are currently living in hotels in the UK. The government says this will help move refugees into permanent homes, but critics say it risks making some Afghans homeless. How many Afghans have arrived in the UK? The government says that more than 24,000 people have arrived in the UK from Afghanistan as of December 2022, including British nationals. Of these, more than 21,000 have been resettled under Afghan refugee schemes. Most came as part of Operation Pitting, the British military operation starting in August 2021 to evacuate British nationals and Afghans from Kabul. About 2,000 came before Operation Pitting 15,000 arrived during Operation Pitting 7,000 have arrived since In written evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Raphael Marshall, who previously worked on the Foreign Office's Afghanistan crisis response, estimated that between 75,000 and 150,000 people had applied for evacuation in August 2021. He estimated that 5% of these received assistance. The Home Office said another 1,400 former staff and their families had already been relocated since 2013 under an earlier scheme. What are the Afghan resettlement schemes? In April 2021 - before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan - the government launched the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme. Under the scheme, Afghans who worked for the British military and UK government - for example, as interpreters - could apply to settle permanently in the UK, rather get five years' residency which was previously offered. The government also opened the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) in January 2022, which it says will allow up to 20,000 refugees to settle in the UK. This scheme focuses on women and children as well as religious and other minorities in danger from the Taliban. Immediate family members of those eligible under either the ACRS or ARAP schemes are also eligible for resettlement in the UK. Story continues In 2022, 4,629 Afghans were resettled under these schemes but most are people who worked for the UK before Kabul fell in August 2021. Only 22 were brought in because they were vulnerable or at risk refugees. How do the resettlement schemes work? As part of an initiative called "Operation Warm Welcome", local councils have been allocated funding packages of 20,520 per person over three years. The funding will help refugees to enrol in education, find work and integrate in their new communities. The government is providing an additional 10m in the first year for housing costs, then 5m and 2m in the two following years. What other support is the government providing for Afghan refugees? The government has announced a new 35m fund to help local authorities move around 8,000 Afghans out of hotels and into permanent homes across the UK. It will also add a further 250m to the local authority housing fund. The refugees will be given three months to vacate their hotels for relocation. The Refugee Council has expressed concerned that some Afghans may be left homeless by the new measures. The Home Office says that more than 9,000 Afghan refugees are still living in hotels while another 9,000 have either been moved to a permanent home or are waiting to move in. In February 2022, the Home Office said that accommodating Afghan refugees in hotels cost 1.2m per day. How can other Afghans come to the UK? They can come through the UK Resettlement Scheme which prioritises refugees from regions in conflict. In 2022, 36 Afghans came through this route. The other main way to settle is to seek asylum after arriving in the UK. However, proposed changes to the UK immigration system mean that people deemed to have arrived illegally could be sent to Rwanda for processing. The number of Afghans arriving in the UK on small boats having crossed the English Channel has increased sharply: In 2020, 494 crossed in small boats In 2021, 1,437 crossed in small boats In 2022, 8,633 crossed in small boats Home Office statistics also show that nearly 11,000 Afghans and their dependents applied for asylum in 2022. How many people did other countries evacuate? The US evacuated the largest number of people from Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power. Afghans wait to be processed after arriving in the US on an evacuation flight From 14 August to 28 August 2021, it got 113,500 people out. Other countries evacuated much smaller numbers over that period, according to official statements and press releases: Germany - more than 5,300 Italy - more than 5,000 Canada - more than 3,700 France - around 3,000 Since August 2021, some countries have continued to carry out occasional evacuations. On December 3 of that year, France announced that it had evacuated 258 people from Afghanistan. There was also an increase in the number of Afghans who applied for asylum in some EU countries such as Greece, France and Germany. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson along with 18 sheriffs and 10 solicitors called for judicial reform. ALSO READ: Massive protests, strike erupt in Israel over court reforms Executive branch involvement in the selection process of judges is necessary, the group stated in a news release Monday. The judiciary affects everyones everyday life, particularly when it comes to public safety, Wilson stated in the news release. It doesnt matter what your religion is, your race, your political ideologyeveryone wants to feel safe. Giving the executive branch involvement and input in how we select our judges will help bring accountability, transparency, and confidence to our criminal justice system. Judges in the Palmetto State are selected through the Judicial Merit Selection Commission and voted on by the legislature. Wilson and the bipartisan law enforcement coalition are advocating for reforming the JMSC and giving the executive branch meaningful representation in that process. We need immediate judicial reform in South Carolina, said First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe. Ive heard great ideas from every corner of the state about judicial reform, and they are all better ideas, in my opinion, than what we have now. The push for judicial reform will continue for years, Wilson said. VIDEO: Activists continue discussion on police reform A screenshot from Red Gaia, a film by South African director Udesh Chetty. Chettys narrative short film, which he describes as a tone-poem meditation on life, death and rebirth, destruction and creation and the cycles of existence will be featured at the upcoming AI International Film Festival. | AI International Film Festival A new film festival focusing on the good, the bad and the ugly of emerging artificial intelligence tools was originally set to debut in 2021, but ongoing COVID-19 restrictions at the time put the effort on hold. Now, the AI International Film Festival is set to raise the curtain on a slate of some 60 films from around the world from creators who have either focused on exploring the societal impacts of artificial intelligence or employed artificial intelligence tools to produce their projects. The event, scheduled for May 12-14, is poised to ride a tidal wave of interest, controversy and commentary thats followed recent advancements in artificial intelligence tools like inquiry driven natural language processors ChatGPT and Bard and image generating engines that include DALL-E, Jasper and others. Related AI Film Festival founder Bert Holland said the competitive festival received almost 200 submissions from filmmakers in some 30 countries and included work ranging from animated shorts to full-length features. Documentary explorations, comedic turns and tales of bleak futures wrought by AI systems run amok all figure into the mix. Holland said the festival is aiming to expand the conversation about, and understanding of, the current and future implications of fast-evolving artificial intelligence tools. AI has been in development for years, and weve just witnessed a major advancement, Holland said. Theres a growing concern that general public and students need to know more. This technology will be the driver of a lot of changes the world is going to be going through, and we need to be prepared for them. Holland said the festival also includes a contest open to Utah high school and college students, offering over $1,000 in prize money and a screening at the AI International Film Festival awards ceremony. Story continues Student entrants can create and produce 1- to 5-minute films of any genre using ChatGPT, AI gaming technology or both. According to festival organizers, the entries will be judged by international filmmakers, festival staff and faculty in partnership with local universities, colleges and educational institutions. The submission deadline for student films is May 10. Holland said screenings for about 40 of the festival films will take place on May 12-14 at Metropolitan Redstone Cinemas in Park City, and there will also be virtual options that will include an expanded slate of festival content. A sampling of films selected for screening at the festival Red Gaia: A 13-minute narrative short film in English, Hebrew Sanskrit and Tibetan by Udesh Chetty (USA). Alone on the dying red planet, among the ruins of human civilization, one last android desperately guards the last essences of life. In her pursuit for meaning, she finds her own soul hanging in the balance. The mesmerizing voice of the android is Natasha Loring. Red Gaia is a tone-poem meditation on life, death and rebirth, destruction and creation, and the cycles of existence, drawing inspiration from: The Bhagavad Gita. Dantes Purgatorio. The Kabballah. The Tibetan Bardol Thodol. As well as the legendary science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. Honey, Im Home: A 24-minute narrative short film in Russian by Den Zarubin (Russia). Honey, Im Home is a gorgeous film-noir, exploring the tension between a killer and the victim, between AI assistant, customer service and client, and between life and death. The idea of the film arose at the moment of making a decision to order sushi by phone, Zarubin said in an artists statement. The comic idea has transformed into a satirical genre story, where we can assume a near future in which artificial intelligence will be able to help by consulting human clients and in rather delicate moments. Utopia: A 44-minute narrative documentary in English by Angela Andersen (Germany). In no time, Big Tech has created an amazing new world. Welcomed by many, even when it came upon us all with uncalculated risks. But the tides are changing. A realization that unwarranted consequences of these convenient tools, thrills and distractions might need oversight is gaining speed and muscle. In this context, Utopia focuses on Mark Zuckerbergs Metaverse and Elon Musks vision to pair many human brains with implanted computer chips while also building an escape hatch to other planets. Just in case humanity will fail on Earth. This film invites its viewers to be involved in a discussion on where humanity is heading. Festival organizers said virtual and in-person attendees will be encouraged to rate the films and vote for Audience Choice Awards in several categories. In-person attendees can participate in live discussions with international directors, actors and crew at select screenings. A panel discussion on May 11, featuring industry professionals, international filmmakers and academic experts, will explore how artificial intelligence tools are poised to reshape the world of cinema. To learn more about the AI International Film Festival, including how to purchase tickets and find a list of festival films, visit aifilmfest.org. Generative AI could lead to "significant disruption" in the labor market, according to Goldman Sachs. AP Generative AI could lead to "significant disruption" in the labor market, says Goldman Sachs. Researchers at the company estimated that the new tech could impact 300 million full-time jobs. AI systems could also boost global labor productivity and create new jobs, according to the report. Generative artificial intelligence systems could lead to "significant disruption" in the labor market and affect around 300 million full-time jobs globally, according to new research from Goldman Sachs. Generative AI, a type of artificial intelligence that is capable of generating text or other content in response to user prompts, has exploded in popularity in recent months following the launch to the public of OpenAI's ChatGPT. The buzzy chatbot quickly went viral with users and appeared to prompt several other tech companies to launch their own AI systems. Based on an analysis of data on occupational tasks in both the US and Europe, Goldman researchers extrapolated their findings and estimated that generative AI could expose 300 million full-time jobs around the world to automation if it lives up to its promised capabilities. The report, written by Joseph Briggs and Devesh Kodnani, said that roughly two-thirds of current jobs are exposed to some degree of AI automation while generative AI could substitute up to a quarter of current work. White-collar workers are some of the most likely to be affected by new AI tools. The Goldman report highlighted US legal workers and administrative staff as particularly at risk from the new tech. An earlier study from researchers at Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University, also estimated legal services as the industry most likely to be affected by technology like ChatGPT. Manav Raj, one of the authors of the study, and an Assistant Professor of Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, told Insider this was because the legal services industry was made up of a relatively small number of occupations that were already highly exposed to AI automation. Story continues Goldman's report suggested that if generative AI is widely implemented, it could lead to significant labor cost savings and new job creation. The current hype around AI has already given rise to new roles, including prompt engineers, a job that includes writing text instead of code to test AI chatbots. The new tech could also boost global labor productivity, with Goldman estimating that AI could even eventually increase annual global GDP by 7%. Read the original article on Business Insider [Source] Air Canada has announced its plan to incorporate artificial intelligence for customer service issues. Speaking to The Globe and Mail, Air Canadas Vice President and Chief Information Officer Mel Crocker said the airlines experimentation with AI integration for customer service support would begin sometime in the summer. Explaining one of the simple issues a passenger may encounter, Crocker said, So, in the case of a snowstorm, if you have not been issued your new boarding pass yet, and you just want to confirm if you have a seat available on another flight, thats the sort of thing we can easily handle with AI. The announcement came just over two weeks after Marvel star Simu Liu voiced his frustration on Instagram over the airlines staff, whom he called "unpleasant" and "unprofessional." More from NextShark: Olympic figure skating star Nathan Chen to release deeply personal memoir and childrens book Crocker said the airline also hopes the software will be able to resolve more complex issues down the line through learning from past interactions. An improvement in AI technology would mean that customers would no longer have to wait on the phone for an agent and, subsequently, call center agents could begin focusing on more complex problems. While the idea may sound intriguing for employers and AI developers, labor advocates raised concerns over the job security of the affected employees. More from NextShark: Chinese nationals hold anti-Xi protest in NYC on Halloween We are already looking into how AI is going to change the jobs of our members, Kaylie Tiessen, an economist at Unifor, the countrys largest private-sector union, told the publication. Whats critical for us is that companies consult the people who actually do the job to understand what skills they have been using to execute the task. Meanwhile, Crocker claimed that the airline is approaching the matter differently. "Were not going into this with a view of killing jobs," he said. "But if we can use a human to solve something that requires a human touch, and technology to solve something that can be automated, we will do that." Story continues More from NextShark: Heartbroken Olivia Rodrigo condemns Texas elementary school shooting during LA performance Employers have reportedly argued that by implementing AI into their workforce, the technology would take over the mundane jobs that some workers do not like doing. In return, the workers would be free to perform tasks that programs cannot accomplish, giving them a chance for better pay. Although the investment cost for AI technology was higher compared to how much Air Canada pays its customer service staff, Crocker believes the company will save more with automation as the technology improves. The Air Canada VP, however, clarified that lowering costs is not their main focus. More from NextShark: All-women engineering team from Philippines win UNESCO hackathon with their clean water solution "But thats not our primary reason for doing this," he said. "The biggest benefit of AI to us is that it fundamentally creates a better customer experience. And happier customers means they are travelling more with Air Canada." Outside of Canada, about 73% of consumers from the Asian-Pacific region are expecting to see improvements in AI services, such as human-like quality, according to a recent customer experience report released by Zendesk. Some of the upgrades to the AI customer service system mentioned in the report include the softwares ability to tackle complex problems and integration with voice-based AI and synthetic agents. Adrian McDermott, chief technology officer at Zendesk, said businesses should now make changes and improvements in their AI as consumer demands are growing rapidly. North Carolina became the 40th state to expand Medicaid after Gov. Roy Cooper signed expansion legislation into law Monday. The enactment came after politicians reached across the aisle in recent weeks in a bipartisan effort to expand Medicaid to cover adults with low incomes. Alabama can and should become the next state to expand Medicaid, Alabama Arises Cover Alabama campaign director Debbie Smith said. Cover Alabama is a nonpartisan alliance advocating for quality, affordable health coverage for every Alabamian. Seeing this legislation come to fruition in a bipartisan effort brings hope to Alabamians as we look to make our state the next to expand Medicaid, Smith said. As a fellow member of Southerners for Medicaid Expansion, we celebrate this milestone achievement for North Carolina and hope it is just the beginning of whats to come for the rest of the region. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill Monday expanding Medicaid coverage in his state. Alabama is one of 10 states left that have not yet adopted Medicaid expansion. The humanitarian and economic benefits of Medicaid expansion in Alabama Medicaid expansion in Alabama would help nearly 300,000 people access potentially life-saving health care. Most of them make too much to be eligible for Alabama Medicaid (more than $4,475 a year for a family of three) yet too little (less than $24,860 a year for a family of three) to qualify for Marketplace subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Closing Alabamas health coverage gap also would invigorate the states economy, research shows. Medicaid expansion would create 20,000 new jobs and save the state almost $400 million over the next six years, according to a report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. That report also projects that Medicaid would have an estimated positive economic impact of $11.4 billion over the same period. Momentum for Medicaid expansion has been building in Alabama. A 2022 Cygnal poll for Alabama Arise found that 72% of Alabamians, including 66% of Republican voters, support Medicaid expansion. Numerous states with Republican-led legislatures, such as North Carolina and South Dakota, recently have taken action to close the coverage gap. Story continues It makes perfect sense from a budgeting standpoint North Carolinas legislation will provide health coverage as early as January 2024 for nearly 600,000 people who were previously in that states coverage gap. An estimated 2.9 million enrollees have traditional Medicaid coverage in North Carolina. Sen. Phil Berger was among the Republican legislators who championed the bill to close North Carolinas coverage gap. Berger told PBS that he initially opposed expansion, but ultimately changed his mind. The reality is that, with the way the federal program is designed, more often than not, what you have is a situation where folks who would be eligible for Medicaid in the expansion population are people that are actually working full time, Berger said. Berger went on to say there is no precedent for the federal government walking back its commitment to paying 90% of the cost of covering people eligible under Medicaid expansion. We have seen almost every iteration that you could have of (federal government) control by one party or the other or joint control. And they havent changed that 90-10 split, Berger said. In my view, it's something that we ought to do. And it makes perfect sense from a budgeting standpoint at this time. A health coverage blueprint for Alabama Medicaid expansion in North Carolina has provided Alabama with a blueprint on how elected officials, business community leaders and statewide advocates can come together and bring expanded coverage and prosperity to the state. The North Carolina business community demonstrated its support with 20 chambers of commerce signing onto a resolution in favor of expansion. Their research indicates that statewide expansion would drive $2.9 billion in new business and health care activity and add 37,200 new jobs statewide. Cover Alabama sister organizations such as the North Carolina Justice Center and Care4Carolina have played a critical role in getting expansion across the finish line in their state. Our mission at the North Carolina Justice Center is to make opportunity and prosperity a reality for all, which requires access to quality and affordable health care, said Hyun Namkoong, deputy director of the Health Advocacy Project at NCJC. We are thrilled with last weeks announcement of Medicaid expansion for the people of North Carolina. And we hope that this milestone will motivate other states to finally grant affordable health care to their residents in the coverage gap. Cover Alabama is a nonpartisan alliance of more than 120 advocacy groups, businesses, community organizations, consumer groups, health care providers and religious congregations advocating for Alabama to provide quality, affordable health coverage to its residents and implement a sustainable health care system. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama should follow North Carolina's lead and expand medicaid By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Google parent Alphabet asked a U.S. federal judge on Monday to dismiss a Justice Department lawsuit alleging that the search giant illegally abused its dominance of online advertising. The government, which filed the ad tech lawsuit in January along with eight states, had argued that Google should be forced to sell its ad manager suite. Google has denied any wrongdoing. "In the more than three years that it has been investigating Google's ad tech business, the United States has received more than two million documents from Google and taken over thirty depositions of Google witnesses," the company said in a court filing late on Monday. "Yet plaintiffs remain unable to find support for their claimed antitrust harms." Google argued that the case should be thrown out because the government had erred in defining the online advertising market and improperly excluded powerful competitors such as Facebook. It also said that the government's estimate of Google's ad exchange as having "more than 50%" of the market fell short of the 70% needed to allege market power. The company also said the government was wrong to assert that Google's acquisitions of DoubleClick and AdMeld, both more than 10 years ago, harmed competition. Antitrust enforcers approved both transactions at the time. Google urged a hearing to consider the motion to dismiss. The case is being heard by U.S. Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department's ad tech lawsuit follows a separate lawsuit filed in 2020, at the end of the Trump administration, that accused Google of violating antitrust law to maintain its dominance in search. That case goes to trial in September. The Biden administration has sought to toughen antitrust enforcement. Alongside the Google suit, it also has a long list of merger challenges. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by David Gregorio and Gerry Doyle) The number of shootings continues to mount across the United States, resulting in more and more people living through multiple traumatic instances of gun violence. Several Americans are speaking out about their experiences being impacted by more than one massacre, including the Nashville school shooting on Monday, in which the lives of three children and three adults were abruptly ended. - Journalist and survivor - Joylyn Bukovac, a reporter for local TV station WSMV 4, was covering the Nashville shooting when she revealed to viewers that the event brought back painful memories. "This is something that hits very close to home for me. Many of you might not know this, but I'm actually a school shooting survivor," she said. When she was in the eighth grade, she said, a gunman opened fire in the hallway of her school. She told viewers that she "wasn't really ready to talk about it for two years," and urged others to be "very gentle" with the students who experienced tragedy Monday at their school. "Let them talk when they're ready because the shock that they're going to be feeling coming home is going to be unfathomable." The video of Bukovac's Nashville report went viral, prompting messages of support to flood in. "I just want people to know they aren't alone," she said later in a tweet. "I don't talk about it much, but I think about what happened on February 5, 2010 often," she said, adding she also wants to "discuss solutions." "As a mom, I am worried for the future," said Bukovac. - Illinois to Tennessee - Another video has also gone viral: that of a woman, herself the survivor of a previous mass shooting, bursting into a press conference in Nashville to make an impassioned plea against gun violence. Ashbey Beasley and her son were attending a Fourth of July parade last year in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, when a gunman opened fire, killing seven. Beasley said in a tweet that she was "on a family vacation" in Nashville, when the school shooting occurred. Story continues "Aren't you guys tired of being here and having to cover all of these mass shootings?" she asked the press conference. "How is this still happening?" She later told CNN that she had been planning to have lunch with a friend on Monday who lost her son in a mass shooting at a restaurant five years ago. But the friend told Beasley that another one of her children was in lockdown due to the Nashville school shooting. "This is where we are at, we have children living through multiple mass shootings. What are we doing?" asked Beasley. - High school to university - Emma Riddle survived a deadly shooting at her high school in 2021 and hoped to never experience such a nightmare again. But just over a year later, she found herself locked down at Michigan State University, as a gunman killed three other students. "14 months ago I had to evacuate... when a fifteen year old opened fire and killed four of my classmates and injured seven more," she tweeted the night of the February 13 attack. "Tonight, I am sitting under my desk... once again texting everyone 'I love you.'" "When will this end?" she added. Her father, Matt Riddle, later said that because his daughter had experienced a prior school shooting, she knew what "she needs to do in these situations." "I don't like that she has those tools -- I wish she didn't -- but she does," he told ABC News. "Her safety and sense of peace has been ripped away twice in 14 months because America continues to choose guns over kids," he later added on Twitter. iba/vgr/des/bfm Those who have long advocated for part of Ames High School to be named after a widely beloved former theater teacher may soon get their wish. Ames Superintendent Julious Lawson said during Monday's school board meeting that it's the official recommendation for the high school's performing arts space to be named after Wayne "Hank" Hansen. Hansen, originally of Manilla, Iowa, taught speech and English in Ames for more than 30 years and built the high school's theater program, according to his obituary. He died in September 2020 in Ames at the age of 80. Dozens of supporters have written testimonies on Hansen's behalf about the positive impact he had on their lives and professional trajectories. People have been reading those submitted statements to the Ames school board at meetings for about a year, seeking for the high school's new theater space to be named after Hansen. There has also been a Change.org petition active for two years in support of the new theater space being named after Hansen. More than 2,000 people have signed that petition. There will be a full school board vote ahead on whether to actually attach Hansen's name to the high school theater. Board president Sabrina Shields-Cook said the vote would probably come at the next meeting, which is scheduled for April 10 at 5:30 p.m. Its exciting to have this come to fruition," Shields-Cook said. Lawson said he would find out in the meantime if the high school's theater space is officially designated as an auditorium or as a performing arts center. Phillip Sitter covers education for the Ames Tribune, including Iowa State University and PreK-12 schools in Ames and elsewhere in Story County. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com. He is on Twitter @pslifeisabeauty. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames school board to vote on naming theater after Wayne "Hank" Hansen A bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature would curtail a popular path to a teaching credential, potentially removing hundreds of educators in high-needs areas from classrooms and throwing up roadblocks for future teachers. In rolling back a hard-won, five-year-old overhaul of the states teacher licensure system, the change would have an outsized effect on special education; instructors who are native speakers of Somali, Hmong and other languages spoken in immersion schools; career-technical instructors; and educators of color, who currently make up 6% of the states teacher workforce. Up to 4,400 educators could be affected, including thousands who had been promised full licenses after three years as provisional teachers. But many now would be forced to go back to school and re-earn their credentials at a traditional college of education in the state once their temporary license expires. Most devastating for the states highest-needs students: The proposed change could impact 2,000 special educators, a category of teachers in desperately short supply. A 74 analysis of newly available state data reveals that schools serving the children with the most profound and intense disabilities would lose the largest share of their teaching staff many needing to replace two-thirds, or more. A number are located in rural areas that have long struggled to recruit educators with specialized skills. More than 84% of Minnesota school systems report not being able to hire enough of these teachers, particularly those specializing in autism spectrum disorder, emotional behavioral disorder and learning disabilities. In Minneapolis, a school for students with volatile behavior would lose six of its 10 teachers. A public charter school catering to autistic students would lose four of its six faculty members. Three rural multidistrict programs serving children whose needs are too specialized for their small, home districts would lose three-fourths of their teachers. Story continues A number of language-immersion schools and career-technical education programs could lose two-thirds of their teachers, while numerous schools where 90% or more of students are impoverished stand to lose 50% to 75%. Who would fill those suddenly empty classrooms is unclear. The affected teachers earned their credentials under a reformed system that was intended to ensure that enrolling in traditional colleges of education is not the only way to become a Minnesota teacher. But the board created five years ago to oversee that system is dominated by in-state training programs and the statewide teacher union that represents their faculties, and has tried repeatedly to repeal most of the new ways to qualify for a teaching license. The idea of once again requiring the vast majority of would-be teachers to enroll in colleges of education is rooted in the belief they will be better educators, says Yelena Bailey, executive director of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. We have had really good experience with people who did [traditional] teacher prep, Bailey told The 74. People who have demonstrated mastery of professional standards tend to do better and stay longer. This claim, however, is not based on any localized analysis of the proposed reform or the states teacher training landscape. Minnesota requires schools to evaluate teachers but does not compile or analyze the resulting data. Nor has it examined the effectiveness of its teachers colleges or of educators with non-traditional backgrounds who were licensed after the system changed in 2018. The board has asked lawmakers for $800,000 to help the special education teachers pay to earn new credentials a subsidy that works out to $400 a head. The bill would leave intact a brand-new rule allowing experienced teachers licensed in other states to work in Minnesota, as well as a handful of startup training programs outside of higher ed for people with a bachelors degree in a field other than education. Data Analysis Top 50 Schools with the Highest Percentage of Tier 1 & 2 License-Holders Data analysis by Beth Hawkins/The 74 In 2016, after a decade of pushback by the education college lobby and the union, the states Legislative Auditor recommended a wholesale reboot to Minnesotas teacher credentialing system. In addition to being virtually impossible to navigate for anyone who did not graduate from a traditional training program, the auditors noted, the rules for who qualified for a license were arbitrary and contradictory. Educators hoping to move to the state with degrees or teaching experience elsewhere often were required to submit course syllabi, exam results or other old, hard-to-resurrect information to prove their preparation was substantially equivalent to what they would have learned in Minnesota. If they could not show that, they were told to take classes or work toward a new degree from one of the states colleges. Among other problems, this made it nearly impossible for a teacher trained at a Historically Black College or University or a Tribal College to get a license without starting over an issue in a state with a nearly all-white teacher corps. For some native speakers of Somali, Hmong, Karen and other languages hoping to work in immersion schools, as well as plumbers, mechanics, IT specialists and other people hoping to teach in career prep programs, there werent and, in many cases, still arent Minnesota training programs for their particular license area. In a bipartisan compromise opposed only by the colleges of education and the union, in 2017 lawmakers created the new board and rules allowing people who had not earned a degree from an in-state college of education to demonstrate their teaching abilities with other credentials or classroom experience elsewhere. Related Minnesotas Board of Teachers Stonewalls Teacher Licensing Changes to the Point of Contempt Under a new, four-tiered system, people who completed a Minnesota educator preparation program could get permanent tier 3 and 4 licenses. Those using the new alternate criteria were limited to temporary tier 1 or 2 credentials. Tier 1 licenses are good for one year and may be renewed three times perhaps more if the teacher works in a high-needs area. Tier 2 was the chief category designed to provide alternatives to earning a degree at a Minnesota teachers college. Anyone with a tier 2 license which requires significantly more experience than tier 1 who gets good classroom evaluations for three years is eligible to apply for a full credential. By last year, the first in which most were eligible, 99 tier 2 licensees had moved up to permanent credentials. Opponents started pushing back even before the reform went into effect for the 2018-19 school year. Out of the gate, however, the tiered system proved popular and effective at licensing educators to work in shortage areas. Within three years, 4,400 of the states 80,000 working teachers were on a tier 1 or 2 license, with another approximately 8,000 holding other, pre-existing, credentials that allow certain teachers to work outside their area of licensure. The first two times the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board asked lawmakers to sever the path from a short-term to a permanent license, dozens of teachers with Ph.D.s and years of experience in other states showed up to protest. Their main argument was that even in its infancy, the new system was quickly diversifying the ranks of the states educator workforce. One-fourth are people of color, compared with 6% of Minnesota teachers overall. This year, with union-backed Democrats in charge of all three branches of state government, a third version of a bill to change the new system is enjoying relatively smooth sailing. Its chances were helped by an amendment that would grandfather in some teachers currently moving from temporary to permanent status. Its unclear how many would qualify for that protection. Document courtesy ED Allies A number of educators and school system leaders have complained that lawmakers this year limited the testimony they would hear in opposition to the bill. Among those who ended up submitting written statements instead were associations representing the states school boards, school administrators, rural districts and the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education. The chair of the state House Education Policy Committee, Laurie Pryor, did not respond to requests for comment regarding complaints about restrictions on the number of testifiers. None of the debate has touched on the disproportionate impact rolling back the new law would have on special educators, who have been in short supply for decades. Right now, tens of thousands of children with disabilities are not getting legally mandated pandemic recovery services because there are not enough teachers with the credentials to serve them. Last summer, one of the largest employers of tier 1 and 2 educators, Minneapolis Public Schools, announced it was moving its academic recovery services for its most challenged students online a possible violation of law because it could not find enough educators to staff its programs. Almost two months into the 2022-23 school year, the 28,000-student district was still short about 130 special educators. In March, Minneapoliss tier 1 teachers started to get their annual notices that they are being excessed removed from their jobs for potentially weeks or months, pending a district decision to rehire them. Because of the shortages, they typically have more alternatives than other teachers who lose their jobs, which translates to churn for the schools that lose them. This exacerbates instability for schools, says Paula Yadel Cole, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of Educators for Excellence. They think, If theres another district thats willing to hire me, thats where I am going.' Understaffed special education classrooms pose problems that compound on one another, she adds. A shortage in an individual school puts pressure on the remaining special educators to serve larger caseloads. The solution often proposed state-funded scholarships for these teachers to enroll in traditional colleges of education still leaves root causes of the special educator crisis unaddressed. Theres this denial, I think, Cole says. I am just worried we are not taking this teacher shortage seriously. Related Yes, Theres a Shortage of Special Education Teachers. And Thats Nothing New For two decades, advocates and policy experts have decried a nationwide lack of flexibility in training, recruiting and compensating special ed teachers. Educators who want to work with students with disabilities often have to do extra coursework which means more debt to take a job that involves significant amounts of paperwork and, in the case of teachers who work with behaviorally challenged kids, responsibility for a segregated classroom. To the barriers to persuading teachers to enter special education, add the hurdles to keeping them there. Research shows that some 20% of new special educators who also hold general-ed licenses dont choose to work in special education. Among those who do, turnover is higher than in other specialties. One study found that between the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years, special educators were 11% more likely to leave the classroom and 72% more likely to change schools than general education teachers. According to an analysis published two years ago by the Learning Disabilities Association of Minnesota, less than a fifth of those with the appropriate licenses are working in special education, while more than a fourth of inactive teachers hold special education licenses. Some 38% of teachers who fall into the long-existing categories special permission and out of compliance are working in special ed. Few Minnesota districts have experimented with paying special educators more in recognition of their extra training and higher workloads. However, St. Paul Public Schools recently announced that, in anticipation of 70 unfilled special education positions for 2023-24, it will pay a $10,000 bonus to qualified applicants including teachers already in the district who are willing to change assignments. It will also give $2,000 to any current tier 2 special educator who earns a tier 3 credential by November 2023. Related Special Ed Kids Were Shunted Back Online. Is It a Move to the Virtual Basement? In February, a number of Educators for Excellence members some at risk of losing their hard-to-fill jobs signed a letter asking lawmakers to wait to determine whether the licensing rules truly need to change until there is data on how well the teachers who have taken advantage of the new credentialing system are doing. Sadly, this provision has been attacked every single year in the five years since it became effective they said. Why rush to dismantle the system before weve had an opportunity to see the full impact on student experience and achievement? Disclosure: Walton Family Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and the Joyce Foundation provide financial support to Educators for Excellence and The 74. Amsterdam launched a campaign on Tuesday to discourage tourists planning drug- and alcohol-fuelled parties -- starting with young British men. The Dutch capital has long been trying to curb rowdy behaviour such as stag parties, especially near the famed red light area where sex workers operate. The new campaign, dubbed "Stay Away", will involve people searching online for some getaways in Amsterdam receiving special warnings. "The campaign will commence in Great Britain, aimed at males in the age category of 18 to 35 years," Amsterdam city council said in a statement. "This online discouragement campaign is aimed at nuisance tourists who want to visit Amsterdam to 'go wild', with all the ensuing consequences." It would be expanded to "potential nuisance-causing visitors from the Netherlands and other EU-countries" in the coming year, it said. People searching for terms such as "stag party Amsterdam" or "pub crawl Amsterdam" will be shown warning advertisements," it said. The ads would show the "risks and consequences of anti-social behaviour and excessive drug and alcohol abuse" including fines, arrest, criminal records, hospitalisation and health issues. Amsterdam recently announced a ban on smoking cannabis in the Red Light district, coupled with further restrictions on alcohol consumption and earlier closures for cafes, bars and sex clubs. Authorities are also looking at moving sex workers to large "erotic centres" to the outskirts of the city. cvo/dk/rox WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., whose district includes the site of Monday's mass shooting in Nashville, received widespread criticism from gun control advocates for a Christmas photo he posted in 2021 of his family posing with guns. The photo, which remained on the congressman's Facebook page as of Monday night, shows his wife and two of his three children smiling and holding firearms in front of a Christmas tree. "MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Ogles Family," the post reads, adding in quotes: "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." Gun control advocates resurfaced the photo Monday after a gunman killed three students and three adults at The Covenant School, a private school in Nashville. More: 'A family's worst nightmare': Biden reacts to Nashville shooting, urges assault weapons ban U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., who represents the area in Nashville, Tenn., where a gunman killed six inside a school Monday, is seen here in a photo on his Facebook account in December 2021. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a transgender man, was killed by police. The suspect used two "assault-type" firearms and a handgun, according to police. "The tragedy of the latest mass shooting is listening to Tennessee politicians who refuse to call it a shooting but who engaged in behavior that caused this to be more likely when they glorify guns," said Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jamie was killed in the Parkland, Florida, shooting in 2018. "Tennessee Rep @AndyOgles, is this you with your family?" The tragedy of the latest mass shooting is listening to Tennessee politicians who refuse to call it a shooting but who engaged in behavior that caused this to be more likely when they glorify guns. Tennessee Rep @AndyOgles, is this you with your family? pic.twitter.com/LJGnUKqJdA Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) March 27, 2023 Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, whose district includes the site of the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting that killed 23, shared the photo on Twitter. Story continues "How much more bloodshed will it take?" Escobar wrote. "Its. The. Guns." A spokeswoman for Ogles did not return a message seeking a response. More: Nashville school shooting renews gun control push: 'How many more classrooms must become crime scenes?' Ogles, in a statement earlier in the day, said he and his family are "devastated" by the shooting. "As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. I am closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials. Thank you to the brave first responders who have provided support throughout this tragedy." Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., left, speaks to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Jan. 5. Ogles, a conservative freshman congressman elected in 2022, is the former mayor of Maury County, Tennessee, south of Nashville. Tennessee's 5th congressional district, held by Ogles, was previously represented by Democrat Jim Cooper, who opted not to run for reelection last year after 32 years in Congress. Cooper served a district made up almost entirely of Democratic-leaning Nashville. But Tennessee Republicans redrew the lines last year to include conservative suburbs and towns around Nashville in a successful bid to add an additional Republican seat in the conservative state. Ogles has been under fire this year over questions about his educational and career history, including mispresenting his college degree. Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nashville shooting: Congressman Andy Ogles posed with guns in photo The No. 4 train at Biltmore Station as it heads on its final run from Asheville on Aug. 8, 1975. Todays burning question revolves around passenger railroads returning to Asheville and will that pipe dream ever happen? Got a question for Answer Man or Answer Woman? Email Interim Executive Editor Karen Chavez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column. Question: What happened to Amtrak expanding service to Asheville? Will it happen and when? Answer: Asheville has had no official passenger rail service since 1975, but there have been attempts for decades to return it to the mountains. We saw a genuine chance at that two years ago when President Joe Bidens American Jobs Plan included $80 billion for Amtrak to expand to new cities, as well as address repairs, modernize its rail system elsewhere and improve existing corridors, we reported at the time. The closest operating station to Asheville is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a little over an hour away by car. Past reporting:New plan adds Amtrak rail service from Asheville to Salisbury More:Asheville passenger rail connection, after 43 years, now has chance at funding According to the White House in January of this year, President Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak, with a $66 billion investment in rail. After waiting years for new federal funding, 2023 will be a year in which major rail projects along the 450-mile Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, and Boston, receive their first significant funding. A city bus is driven past Asheville City Hall May 22, 2020. In part of a 76-page plan, Amtrak proposed a new corridor service between Asheville and Salisbury, about 2 1/2 hours east of Asheville by car. "This new corridor increases mobility options for Western North Carolina to link with several large North Carolina cities as well as the Northeast via Southeast Corridor/Piedmont/Carolinian connections at Salisbury," the plan said. A new Wilmington-Raleigh corridor was also proposed. Theres a feasibility study to look at capital cost estimates, potential ridership and operating costs underway, a North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesperson said. Story continues More:Answer Woman: Speeding on Blue Ridge Parkway seems high in Asheville; Who enforces limits? More:Answer Man: How will the last winter affect leaves in Asheville, WNC? More:Answer Woman: What's opening in the former Vincenzo's, Polanco restaurant? The feasibility study regarding passenger service to Asheville is still a work in progress, Lauren Haviland, a spokesperson with the NCDOT, confirmed in an email. We expect it to be complete in the next couple of months. Feasibility studies provide a conceptual capital cost estimates and initial estimates of ridership and operating costs. The study was started last year. It is being conducted by NCDOT with support from a consultant, she said. We will, of course, keep an eye out for that feasibility study when its published. 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: Answer Man: What's the latest on Amtrak expanding to Asheville? Anthony Joshua returns this weekend, fighting Jermaine Franklin in a main-event clash in London. Joshua, 33, is bidding to put back-to-back defeats by Oleksandr Usyk behind him, with a win essential for the Briton if he is to get back to world-champion status in the future. In the opposite corner will be Franklin, the American heavyweight who lost a narrow decision to Dillian Whyte in the English capital in November. Prior to that bout, 29-year-old Franklin was unbeaten in his professional career. Heres all you need to know about his record and Joshuas: Joshuas professional record is 24-3, with 22 of his wins having come via KO/TKO. The Britons three losses have come against Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk. Ruiz Jr stopped Joshua in the seventh round in 2019, taking the unified heavyweight titles from him, before Usyk beat AJ via unanimous decision (117-112, 115-113, 116-112) in 2021 to do the same. While Joshua avenged his loss to Ruiz Jr with a points win over the Mexican-American, he could not replicate that feat in his second meeting with Usyk, who emerged a split-decision winner (113-115, 116-112, 115-113) last August. Meanwhile, Franklin is 21-1 as a pro, with 14 of his wins having come via KO/TKO. His last fight marked his first loss, as he was a majority-decision loser to Whyte though many viewers felt that Franklin had won. Whyte was by far the highest-profile name that Franklin had fought at that point, with Joshua now taking that status from his old rival. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed fellow congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greenes latest comments blaming gender-affirming care for the school shooting in Nashville. Metro Nashville Police officers shot and killed Audrey Hale after he killed six people, including three nine-year-old children, at Covenant Presbyterian School. Hale reportedly identified as transgender and used he/him pronouns. Law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. The shooter reportedly previously attended the school and used two assault-style rifles and a handgunin the mid-morning attack. Police reportedly found a manifesto that could offer a motive for a crime. Theres right now a theory that we may be able to talk about later but its not confirmed, and so well put that out as soon as we can, Police Chief John Drake said. Ms Greene almost immediately pointed to the shooters supposed gender identity in a series of tweets. How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender Nashville school shooter taking? Everyone can stop blaming guns now. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) March 27, 2023 How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender Nashville school shooter taking, the Georgia Republican tweeted. Everyone can stop blaming guns now. But Ms Ocasio-Cortez slammed the remarks after House votes on Monday evening. It's absolutely disgusting and she should be looking into a mirror as to why she's defending and posing with the same weapons that are being used to kill children, teachers & educators, she told The Independent. But Ms Greene defended her words in a heated exchange with The Independent and noted how Hales gender identity was all over the news. It's not about their identity, she said. It's the questions or this is what kind of hormones are they on? What kind of medications are they taking for mental illness? What is causing this aggression in this biological female who identifies as a male for them to go in and murder children? Ms Greene also referenced a recent interview with Hollywood actress Jane Fonda where the double Oscar-winner said in response to anti-abortion laws Well, Ive thought of murder. Fonda later said she was joking. But these are important things, Ms Greene said and. It's important because what will testosterone do to a biological woman? She's taking tons of testosterone trying to make herself look like a man. Two maintenance workers of a Nebraska apartment complex were intentionally run over and killed by a resident, police say. Taylor Bradley, 27, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder following the incident Monday, March 27, at Lodge Apartments in Lincoln, police chief Teresa Ewins said in a news briefing Tuesday streamed by KOLN. Its unclear what led to the incident. Ewins said Bradley purposefully located the maintenance workers and drove with intent into them. The maintenance workers were discovered in a grassy area of the parking lot and were pronounced dead at the scene, the police chief said. They have not been publicly identified, but Ewins said they were both men in their 40s. This is a tragic event for the families and all involved, as well as our community, Ewins said. Bradley was apprehended about 10 minutes after officers were dispatched to the apartment complex, police said. She lives at the complex. There were multiple witnesses to the crash, and Ewins said surveillance footage also captures the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincoln police at 402-441-6000. Bradley was jailed in the Lancaster County Department of Corrections. Driver runs over officer after ramming patrol car during chase, Alabama police say Driver runs over man accused of pointing gun in road rage clash, California cops say Off-duty cop is run over after removing drivers girlfriend from bar, Texas cops say Apple is once again facing accusations of cracking down on union organizers. The Communications Workers of America union (CWA) has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) asserting that Apple illegally intimidated and fired workers at Houston and Kansas City, Missouri stores in retaliation for their labor organization efforts. The ex-employees in Kansas City were ostensibly cut loose for being slightly late, calling out from work or even making typos in timesheets, but were also made to sign a "release of all claims" to get their severance pay. They couldn't challenge Apple's practices once they left, in other words. In Houston, Apple allegedly questioned workers individually about their union support and offered improved conditions if they dropped their labor support. Those that persisted in pro-union activity were disciplined and threatened with deteriorating conditions, the CWA claims. Only two US stores, in Oklahoma City and Towson, Maryland, unionized in 2022. Abroad, a store in Glasgow became the third. Other employees, such as those in St. Louis, Missouri, have filed for union elections. Staff in Atlanta called off a vote last spring after accusing Apple of intimidation tactics. We've asked Apple for comment. The company has historically opposed unionization efforts, reportedly holding mandatory anti-union meetings. Apple is also said to have withheld benefits from unionized workers at the Towson store while claiming that they needed to strike a collective bargaining agreement. The firm has tried to head off labor movements by raising wages, expanding benefits and relaxing schedules. Fights between tech giants and their rank-and-file workers aren't new. Labor organization in tech reached a fever pitch in 2022, with workers at companies like Activision Blizzard, Amazon and Microsoft either unionizing or making their displeasure known. Those brands, meanwhile, have frequently tried to block unionization attempts. The CWA's charges suggest those battles are continuing well into the new year. Apple TV+ is getting a new limited series, the company announced yesterday, that is about a deep-cover investigator who infiltrates online hate groups to prevent violent attacks and mass shootings. The Savant will have eight episodes and stars Jessica Chastain. The show is inspired by the true story published in 2019 by Cosmopolitan writer Andrea Stanley, who will consult on the Apple TV+ series. A release date has yet to be announced. Stanleys article, Is It Possible to Stop a Mass Shooting Before It Happens? is one that will send chills down your spine. But thats probably a familiar feeling by now. Many of us are already aware of the mass influx of hate speech on the internet. The chase of getting the bad guy? Oh, man, that feels good, K, the anonymous investigator with the alias The Savant, told Stanley. The nickname stems from Ks keen ability to track hateful men online and determine if/when theyll go from trolling misogynists, white supremacists or other extremists hiding behind computer screens to violent, frightening murderers. According to the article, K has reported tons of violent men to the FBI, such as Michael Finton, a 29-year-old who posted disturbing videos of Islamic extremists on Myspace and would later attempt to bomb the Paul Findley Federal Building in Springfield, Illinois. Besides her profession, not much else is known about K, except that she joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school, has a degree in justice and public safety and studied rapists and murderers when she worked for a state-run agency that reinvestigates capital-murder cases. K eventually applied for a job with the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) to monitor online hate groups. Apple didnt share in its press release how similar the series will be to the Cosmopolitan story. "The storyline and character details are being kept under wraps, the company wrote in the announcement. Online hate, misinformation and harassment have circulated the internet for quite some time. In 2018, the ADL found that 37% of Americans were subjected to extreme hate online. Story continues And while the January 6 United States Capitol attack in 2021 urged tech companies like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to incite policies to identify and remove harmful content, reports continue to come out about major social media platforms failing to curb online hate. Lately, Twitter CEO Elon Musk has been under fire after restoring problematic accounts, including Neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin (@WorldWarWang), and his overall leniency toward toxic internet culture. Earlier this month, YouTube updated its profanity rules, which are more relaxed about the use of strong language. The platform also unsuspended Trumps YouTube channel. The Army found that 2,100 of its facilities had mold issues after a unique service-wide inspection of all of its active-duty barracks and office buildings between November and January, according to data provided by the service. Service officials inspected nearly 70,000 facilities including barracks, child care facilities and Army-owned housing, the service said. The majority of buildings found to have mold issues were located in humid climates, such as Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Stewart, Georgia; and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The inspections were done after a series of stories from Military.com exposing mold infestations in Army barracks, such as Fort Bragg and Fort Stewart, where beds and bags were covered and destroyed by mold, and photos showed walls and ceilings covered with black fuzz. Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues. Read Next: Army Pulls Recruiting Ads After Jonathan Majors' Arrest "The Army is committed to providing safe, quality housing, barracks and other facilities for our soldiers, families and civilians," Scott Malcom, a spokesperson for the Army's Installation Management Command, told Military.com in a statement. "A critical aspect of this commitment is ensuring all facilities are free of hazardous mold." Inspections were ordered in a directive from Army Secretary Christine Wormuth in October after the mold problems became public. Last year at Fort Bragg, roughly 1,100 soldiers had to be relocated to new living quarters due to spiraling mold issues in the damp climate. Twelve barracks at Fort Bragg were set to be demolished this year, five years ahead of schedule, and an additional five are set to be remodeled. Garrison officials at Bragg scrambled over the summer to accommodate the displaced soldiers after the barracks were effectively condemned. Roughly half were given a housing allowance, a move typically reserved for higher-ranking or married troops. Story continues Military.com was first to detail the scope of moldy and otherwise unlivable living conditions at some of Bragg's barracks. After a senior noncommissioned officer raised the issue behind the scenes with Wormuth, she dispatched officials to inspect the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, the service's top enlisted leader, also toured some of the buildings. Senior Army leadership, including Wormuth and Grinston, have made soldier quality-of-life issues -- such as mold-free housing -- a top priority but have faced an uphill battle with replacing half-century-old barracks. Mold issues are nothing new to the Army. Aging barracks often have poor ventilation, shoddy construction and inconsistent support from maintenance teams. For the first time, the new Army inspection data shows the scope of the problem, which until now has been exposed largely by anecdotes reported by the media. That has drawn attention to the issue but provided an incomplete picture of mold problems, which have been the bane of the rank and file for decades. At the heart of the matter are funding and a lack of notable support on Capitol Hill to boost living standards for soldiers. The Army is seeking a massive cash boost of $288 million in funds to construct new barracks, far above the $49 million in the current year's budget. Even that funding hike comes nowhere near what the service might need. So far, there has been no significant movement on Capitol Hill to supercharge funding for barracks and other living quarters in the coming budget. The proposed funding for 2024 would pay for only five new barracks, one each at Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts; and two at Fort Bragg. A report last year from the Congressional Budget Office found that to fix up just two installations with the greatest need for new barracks -- Schofield Barracks and Fort Bragg -- would cost $11.2 billion. -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Army Will Check for Mold in All Barracks and Facilities as Service Grapples with Housing Conditions WASHINGTON The U.S. Air Forces March 13 test of a hypersonic weapon was not a success, the service secretary told lawmakers Tuesday. Frank Kendall indicated the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon program may be in jeopardy. The service, he said, is more committed to HACM [the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, the services other major hypersonic weapon program] at this point in time than we are to ARRW. The ARRW effort has struggled a little bit in its testing program, Kendall told the House Appropriations Committees defense panel during a hearing on the fiscal 2024 budget request. He said an ultimate decision on whether to continue with the program could come as part of the FY25 budget process next year following a study of the failed March test and possibly two more test launches. Hypersonic weapons travel at speeds topping Mach 5 and are highly maneuverable, making them difficult to track and shoot down. China and Russia have invested considerable resources in developing these weapons for their militaries, and several U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern that the country is not doing enough to field its own hypersonic capabilities. The Air Force on Friday revealed it had conducted the second test launch of a fully operational prototype ARRW off the coast of southern California earlier this month. But the Air Force did not reveal details about the test or its success in that statement, only saying it met several of the objectives. That language differed from an Air Force statement in December about a previous ARRW test, in which the service said the weapons release was successful and met all objectives. The Air Force declined to comment further on the March test and its results when contacted Friday by Defense News. Kendall did not detail how the March 13 test fell short in his testimony. We did not get the data that we needed from that test, he told lawmakers. Theyre currently examining that, trying to understand what happened. Story continues Kendall said the Dec. 9 ARRW test, which was also with an operational prototype, was a very successful flight, which was a big step forward before the one that just occurred. The Air Force has two more ARRW prototypes it plans to test after the studies on the failed test are done, Kendall said. Well probably have to make a decision on the fate of ARRW after we complete the analysis, and hopefully do those two tests, Kendall said. Well revisit it, I think, as we build the 25 budget to see what will be done in the future. The Air Force received nearly $115 million in research, development, test and evaluation funds for ARRW in FY23, down from $308 million the previous year. The service has requested $150 million in RDT&E funds for ARRW in FY24 but no procurement funds, and budget documents are silent on what the programs R&D funding could be in subsequent years. However, HACM received $423 million in FY23, and the Air Force wants to spend nearly $382 million on that programs RDT&E in FY24. The services budget documents map out a plan for spending nearly $1.5 billion more on HACM between FY25 and FY28. Kendall said HACM an air-launched, boost-glide missile system based on technology the Air Force developed with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has been reasonably successful. We see a definite role for the HACM concept, Kendall said. Its compatible with more of our aircraft, and it will give us more combat capability overall. Disturbing artwork created by Nashville school shooting suspect Audrey Hale has come to light as police revealed that the killer drew a cartoon outlining Mondays attack. Hale, the 28-year-old accused of killing six in a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, ran an art website called AH Illustrations. Hales work showcased on the website ranges from the disturbing to the childlike, including a creepy drawing of Jack Nicholson in horror movie The Shining. Chillingly, the word MURDER is scrawled backwards across the disturbing image, a reference to the movie. Theres also a whole section titled Mad World which is filled with sprawling patterns and perhaps more eerie given the age of Hales victims theres a whole trove of childlike images. Drawings of a smiling multicolour turtle and a teddy bear duck dressed in a scarf wouldnt look out of place in an elementary school, like the one Hale allegedly terrorised before being shot dead by police. Another image on the website appears to show Hales feet with the phrase To be a kid forever and ever across it as Hale is now accused of killing three small children. The website also features a self-portrait of Audrey the Artist alongside a bio which describes the soon-to-be school shooter as on a mission to change the world. Hale writes that I am a freelance Illustrator and Graphic Designer who creates logos for businesses. The mass killers illustrative style is self-described as whimsical and with a light-hearted feel. Audrey Hales artwork included this drawing with murder spelled backwards (AH Illustrations) Aside from art, I enjoy binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports. There is a child-like part about me that loves to go run to the playground. Animals are my second passion, so I also enjoy spending time with my two cats, Hale writes on the website, which had not been taken down as of Tuesday. Hale, who went to art school in Nashville, is said to have used those creative skills to prepare for Mondays mass shooting. Story continues Nashville Police Chief John Drake told CBS Mornings on Tuesday that Hale had left behind a cartoon plan of the massacre and detailed maps of the scene as part of a manifesto. We have a manifesto, we have a booklet, that shows the exactly what she had planned to do, he said. We have maps that show the entry point into the school, the weapons that were going to be used, the clothing that she was gonna wear, and she had drawn it up, almost like a cartoon character. It was exactly what she had on during this incident. Based on some maps, the police chief said that Hale was believed to be planning to carry out other attacks on a local mall and targeting family members. Another image on the website appears to show Hales feet with the phrase To be a kid forever and ever across it as Hale is now accused of killing three small children (AH Illustrations) We strongly believe there was going to be some other targets, including maybe family members, and one of the malls here in Nashville, he said. And that just did not happen. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Chief Drake said that investigators are still working to establish a motive for the horror attack but confirmed that as a former student at the christian school Hale had some history there. What detectives have said so far is theres possibly some resentment for having to go to that school, he said. The website also features a self-portrait of Audrey the Artist alongside a bio which describes the soon-to-be school shooter as on a mission to change the world (AH Illustrations) Just after 10am on Monday morning, Hale allegedly drove to the elementary school armed with two assault rifles and a handgun. There, Hale broke into the school building by shooting through the glass side doors and climbing inside. Once inside, the shooter stalked the corridors, killing three small children and three staff members. Students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney all aged nine and three staff members Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61, all died in the attack. Responding officers fatally shot the assailant at 10.27am 14 minutes after the first 911 call reporting an active shooter came in at 10.13am. Bodycam footage, released on Tuesday morning, captured the officers searching for the shooter. The officers move from classroom to classroom, clearing each room while searching for the assailant, as sirens emergency alarms ring out overheard. Drawings of a smiling multicolour turtle and a teddy bear duck dressed in a scarf wouldnt look out of place in an elementary school, like the one Hale allegedly terrorised (AH Illustrations) While clearing the rooms, gunshots are heard being fired elsewhere in the elementary school building. The officers then encounter Hale in front of a window in the atrium on the second floor of the school. The 28-year-old former student is then shot dead by two veteran officers. Minutes before the shooting, Hale had sent some chilling final messages to a friend warning that something bad is about to happen. Averianna Patton said that Hale sent the messages via Instagram at 9.57am on Monday morning, revealing plans to die by suicide and saying that she would soon be reading about the upcoming events on the news after I die. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote. Ive left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Ms Patton said she later learned what her friend had done. Hale does not appear to have had any criminal record prior to Mondays massacre. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. The murder trial for an Army sergeant who shot and killed a protester during demonstrations in the summer of 2020 began on Monday in Austin, Texas. The shooting occurred during Black Lives Matter demonstrations that erupted across the Texas state capital and the rest of the United States nearly three years ago. Sgt. Daniel Perry, who was stationed at Fort Hood at the time, was driving for Uber to make extra money in downtown Austin on the night of July 25, 2020, when he encountered a large crowd of protesters. They were illegally blocking city streets that night according to police, as protesters in Austin and elsewhere had done during the weeks of rioting. Sgt. Daniel Perry claims that he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed an armed protester in downtown Austin in the summer of 2020. Among the protesters was 28-year-old Garrett Foster, who was carrying an AK-47. Perry's defense team says that the demonstrators encircled and starting pounding on his vehicle and that Foster raised the firearm at Perry, prompting him to open fire with a handgun he legally carried for self-defense. "When Garrett Foster pointed his AK-47 at Daniel Perry, Daniel had two tenths of a second to defend himself. He chose to live," Doug OConnell, an attorney for Perry, told Fox News Digital in a statement. "It may be legal in Texas to carry an assault rifle in down town Austin. It doesnt make it a good idea. If you point a firearm at someone, youre responsible for everything that happens next." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP 'HUGE' PARTS OF AUSTIN LEFT 'UNPOLICED' AFTER CITY CONTRACT FIGHT TRIGGERS MASS OFFICER EXODUS Other protesters who witnessed the altercation, meanwhile, told the Texas Tribune that they thought Perry "incited the violence" and "intentionally, aggressively accelerated into a crowd of people." Garrett Foster, left, was shot and killed at a protest in downtown Austin in July 2020. Perry drove to a safe location away from the scene and called 911 to report what happened. Officers spoke to Perry that night and released him, but a grand jury returned an indictment for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon one year later in July 2021. AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT TURNS TO AI AS STAFFING CRISIS LOOMS Story continues The indictment itself was not without controversy. Detective David Fugitt, the well-respected lead investigator in the case who is known locally as the "godfather of the homicide unit," claimed in a sworn affidavit in August 2021 that prosecutors under Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza, one of several district attorneys who have been funded by leftwing billionaire George Soros, forced him to remove exculpatory evidence from his presentation to the grand jury. "It became clear to me that the District Attorneys Office did not want to present evidence to the grand jury that would be exculpatory to Daniel Perry and/or to show that witness statements obtained by the family of Garrett Foster and/or their attorneys were inconsistent with prior interviews such witnesses gave the police and/or the video of the incident in question," Fugitt wrote in the affidavit. Garza's tenure as DA has been controversial from the start. A local news investigation found that his office has dropped hundreds of felony cases. Garza has also sought and obtained indictments against nearly two-dozen APD officers who responded to the 2020 riot violence, which included an attempt to take over police headquarters in downtown Austin. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Sgt. Perry's defense team will be calling Detective Fuggit, the lead investigator, as a witness to testify at trial because prosecutors do not intend to call him, O'Connell said. The Travis County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday evening. Jury selection began on Monday. Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller and Bryan Preston contributed to this report. A file picture of an olive baboon A baboon has been killed after being on the loose for over two weeks in a Taiwan city, sparking an outcry and allegations of animal cruelty. The olive baboon was believed to have escaped from a zoo, and was first spotted on 10 March in Taoyuan city. After several unsuccessful attempts, authorities captured the primate on Monday with a tranquiliser dart. But it died shortly after, with officials saying the animal had been found with gunshot wounds. That has prompted criticism of authorities' actions. Search teams had been set up across the region in the past fortnight, as the baboon zig-zagged through various districts. Local media outlets reported that those tracking it were armed with tranquiliser darts, while others were put on "baboon watch" shifts. The baboon was reportedly already seriously wounded when it fell into a net trap laid by officers from the city's agriculture bureau on Monday. Members of the public have questioned why officers failed to pay attention to its injuries - which the agriculture bureau said were initially missed. Public outrage about the death of the animal - which had not harmed anyone during its wandering - has also been fuelled by a lack of transparency from authorities. Police have launched an investigation into how it died. One hunter who had been assigned to the search admitted to local media that he had fired his shotgun, but said he only used it under the instruction of a different government agency. Taiwan's Business Today also reported that locals also took issue with the "flippant" reaction of an agriculture bureau official, who was caught on camera as he photographed the wounded animal, saying, "I want my preschool daughter to be able to tell her classmates, 'My dad caught the baboon, I didn't lie to you.'" The public criticism prompted Taoyuan's mayor Simon Chang to issue a statement on Tuesday. He said those responsible would face legal consequences. Story continues "Some of our colleagues did not manage the situation in a prudent and professional manner," he wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday. "They have failed to uphold our respect for animal welfare which is expected of agricultural authorities." The incident has also highlighted the lack of zoo regulations in Taiwan. Zoos in Taiwan are managed by the education department rather than animal experts, as they are legally considered "social education institutions". An opposition lawmaker called the baboon's death a "tragedy of administrative failure". Baboons are generally indifferent to humans, but they do attack when provoked, and are potentially very dangerous because of their sharp teeth and claws. Mike Fleiss, who created the hit ABC reality TV dating show Mike Fleiss, who created the hit ABC reality TV dating show "The Bachelor," recently announced he's stepping away from the show. The creator of The Bachelor has decided to unhitch himself from the popular reality TV dating show after 21 years. Mike Fleiss, who created The Bachelor back in 2002, announced on Tuesday that he is parting ways with the ABC franchise and its various spinoffs, according to Variety. The announcement came one day after the shows current bachelor, Zach Shallcross, proposed on air to Kaity Biggar, though sources said Fleiss hasnt been day-to-day on the show for the past decade, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich and Bennett Graebner will be taking over the show, all of whom have long-term ties to The Bachelor franchise, according to Variety. In a statement to the media, Fleiss congratulated Shallcross and Biggar and praised the people replacing him: First and foremost, congratulations are in order for Zach and Kaity. I wish them a long and happy life together. I want to thank WBTV and ABC for 21 extraordinary years. Theyve found the perfect creative team for me to entrust The Bachelor franchise and keep this lightening in a bottle bold and moving forward. Let the journey continue. The Bachelor debuted in March 2002, with Alex Michel as the first man to carry the title. Although he didnt get married to his final choice, runner-up Trista Rehn became the first star of The Bachelorette when it debuted in January 2003. Fleiss has also executive produced other spinoffs, including Bachelor Pad, Bachelor In Paradise, and The Bachelor Winter Games. He also had his own personal dramas. In 2019, his then-wife and former Miss America Laura Fleiss accused him of verbal and physical abuse and said he demanded that she get an abortion. The Los Angeles Times reports she dropped the charges after getting a $10 million divorce settlement. Related... Bank of England The Bank of England is on "heightened" alert for further turmoil in the banking sector, its governor has said. However, Andrew Bailey told MPs the recent problems facing lenders had not caused stress in the UK banking system. Officials have tried to calm investors since Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank failed, sparking concerns about the stability of other lenders. In Europe, worries over the strength of Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse led to a rushed takeover by rival UBS. Nerves among investors have sparked sharp falls in banking shares around the world. Mr Bailey told MPs on the Treasury Committee that the Bank of England would "go on being vigilant". He said we were in a period of "very heightened, frankly, tension and alertness". The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was the biggest US banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis, and left depositors struggling to get their money out. The collapse was linked to recent rises in interest rates which had hit the value of SVB's assets. US regulators had to step in to protect customers, while the lender's UK arm was rescued by HSBC. The episode has generated heated debate in the US about whether SVB was subject to appropriate supervision and if officials responded properly to its collapse. At a hearing in Washington on Tuesday, financial regulators called the failure "a textbook case of mismanagement," casting blame on SVB leaders for failing to adjust strategies as interest rates rose last year, despite warnings from officials. But they faced questions from senators who said the episode had also revealed failures in oversight. "It looks like regulators knew the problem but nobody dropped the hammer," said Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana. UK banking officials admitted to MPs that the speed of the SVB's collapse had taken them by surprise and may mean that banking rules may need updating. Story continues Mr Bailey said it was "the fastest collapse from health to death" since the UK's Barings Bank failed in 1995 after suffering heavy losses resulting from fraudulent investments. Sam Woods, the chief executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority, noted that SVB UK saw about a third of its deposits - 3bn - withdrawn on one day. He twice suggested to the MPs that the stress tests applied to UK banks to make sure they can withstand a crisis would need to be looked at, given how new technology meant deposits could be withdrawn electronically in seconds. However, Mr Bailey told MPs he did not think the UK was in a position similar to the 2008 global financial crisis, when banks stopped lending to each other, plunging the world into a deep recession. He added that while rising interest rates were "an issue" for US banks, they were less likely to affect UK lenders because they were regulated differently. In the US the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, Michael Gruenberg, said the SVB saga had shown the increased risk of bank runs at at a time when "money can flow out of institutions with incredible speed in response to news amplified through social media channels". He and other regulators in the US expressed support for strengthening banking rules, changes which some politicians such as Elizabeth Warren have championed. But stricter regulation is opposed by Republicans - reducing the chance of it happening. A restaurant brings Texas-style barbecue to South Carolina and customers cant get enough. So much so, it now ranks as the No. 1 place to eat barbecue in the Palmetto State, according to results published March 23. Lewis Barbecue, located in the popular tourist destination of Charleston, topped the list after the restaurant review website Yelp studied restaurants that serve the smoked staple. It then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning barbecue over time, results show. Yelp stoked the longtime barbecue debate after users gave Lewis Barbecue more than four out of five stars. Some customers took to the website to praise the restaurants beef brisket, pork ribs and other favorites. And several said they were fans of the barbecue joints inviting atmosphere and quality customer service. While Lewis Barbecue has expanded its footprint to Greenville, its location on North Nassau Street in Charleston is the one that received the honor from Yelp. John Lewis, who grew up in Texas, started his namesake restaurant in 2016, according to its website. Over the years, he has become known for his legendary beef brisket, the restaurants most popular dish and one that historically has helped to define barbecue from the Lone Star State. Meanwhile, South Carolina is a state that boasts a variety of barbecue sauces but only one smoked meat reigns supreme. As Southern Living reported in January, winning over a bunch of pork-eating Carolinians is part of what makes Lewis Barbecues success impressive. Barbecue in South Carolina means pork and only pork, the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism said on its website. Other things, such as beef and chicken, can be barbecued, but only pork is referred to as barbecue. The rankings were released after a different Charleston barbecue joint earned the top spot on another statewide list. Southern Living recently named Rodney Scotts Whole Hog BBQ the best in South Carolina after it surveyed its readers, The State reported March 10. Ready for a spring getaway? This SC travel destination ranks among nations trendiest The best place to live? This county tops the list in South Carolina, new rankings show Fresno Unifieds middle schools are getting new laundry machines for students who need them less than a year after the teachers union proposed investing in free laundry for students. Are the two connected? Some leaders in the district think so. What it shows, Fresno Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla told The Bees Education Lab, is that our proposals really have honed in, even from last year, (on) a real need across the system. The district made the announcement at a March 8 board meeting, a few weeks after Trustee Andy Levine highlighted the efforts of Fort Miller Middle School teacher Eric Calderon to raise funds to buy replacements for the campus. It became really apparent to us how important and how critical the washer and dryer are to the campus, said Deputy Superintendent Misty Her, and this initiated a district-wide assessment. A washer and dryer will now be baseline equipment for our middle school sites moving forward, she added. So the middle schools will soon receive information regarding the replacement and repair cycle. Six middle schools, including Fort Miller and Ahwahnee, Hamilton, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Terronez, will receive one new washer and dryer set each by the end of April, according to district spokesperson Diana Diaz. With the addition of two new washer and dryer sets for Hoover High School, Diaz said the district is investing just over $14,000 in laundry machines this year. Last April, FTA proposed the district invest roughly $1 million in free laundry service for students by 2026 in their first draft of proposals for the current contract bargaining cycle. I was in full agreement with them then, Levine said of FTAs laundry proposal. I thank them, he added, for being one of the groups that brought this issue forward. Links between attendance and laundry access This district-wide change might not have happened without Calderons efforts at Fort Miller. He told the Ed Lab that he noticed some of his students would show up in the same dirty sweater or sweatpants daily. Story continues Then, we kind of started to dive deeper. He began examining the schools attendance data. Are our kids not showing up because of this very reason? He and other staff started calling families of chronically absent students to see what the school could do to help keep their kids in class. One of the top reasons (was) that they did not have clean clothes, he said. What I would call a basic human need was affecting attendance for our student population. This issue is hardly unique to Fort Miller. Fresno Unified has struggled with high chronic absenteeism rates for years, with the percentage of chronically absent students climbing above 50% last year. To respond to this need among his students, Calderon first tried gathering donations himself using the platform DonorsChoose. The fundraiser didnt gain much traction until Levine shared it on social media and later highlighted it at a board meeting. That launched conversations behind the scenes between FUSD administrators. By March, the district announced theyd cover the cost of the machines not only for Fort Miller but across all the districts middle schools. Fort Miller Middle School teacher Eric Calderon shows how the schools current dryer door is held shut by a piece of duct tape on Monday, March 27, 2023. Calderon, with help from trustee Andy Levine, was able to secure funding for a new washer and dryer for not only Fort Miller, but all middle schools throughout the district to give low-income students access to laundry equipment to keep their clothes clean. It was kind of embarrassing to talk to teachers about While Fort Miller hasnt received the new machines, theyre already implementing systems to ensure students can easily access them. Theyve already selected a room toward the back of the campus to house the machines, Calderon said. Choosing a semi-private location at the school was important to protect the privacy of families who want to use them. This issue hit close to home for Fort Miller alumna Alexis Somonski. Coming from a low-income family, the 22-year-old Fresno State student said she couldve benefited from free laundry service in school. It was kind of embarrassing to talk to teachers about, she said, so I never really brought it up. It sounds bad, but kids can be mean sometimes, she added, and you dont want your classmates knowing that youre struggling with these things. Now that the district is investing in this resource, however, she hopes the school will make sure parents know about it. Because, you know, some parents arent really open about their home situations. The machines will be free to use, Calderon added, and likely available during school hours only so staff will be on site. The unions similar proposal Bonilla applauded the districts move as a step in the right direction and said he hopes the district makes sure to broaden the assessment and repair of laundry machines to high schools as well. Free laundry for students wasnt the only investment related to students social-emotional needs that FTA proposed, however. The union recommended spending $1 million annually in clothing and school supplies for students who need them, for instance, and $500,000 on opening school parking lots up at night with paid security for the districts unhoused families to park their cars. The student-related investments in FTAs initial draft of proposals totaled roughly $55.1 million. Many of those remained intact in the first set of bargaining priorities the union shared with FUSD in the fall. I would encourage Superintendent (Bob) Nelson, the school board, and all district leadership to re-evaluate their stance on the rest of the unions proposals moving forward, Bonilla said. I hope that they also recognize that our ideas which now theyre implementing one by one across the board have validity, Bonilla said, and that they will work us to implement all of them. The district exchanged its first set of bargaining priorities with the FTA in November. The contract with FTA is set to expire this June. Education Lab Newsletter Get stories that matter on education issues critical to the advancement of San Joaquin Valley residents, with a focus on Fresno. Sign up, and join the conversation. SIGN UP The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bees Education Lab at its website. How to become an Isa millionaire At the last count, there were 2,000 Isa millionaires in Britain and the top 60 have pots averaging a whopping 6.2m. But becoming one does not just happen overnight it takes time and patience. An Isa is an all-important tax shelter for your savings where you will escape tax on dividends, capital gains tax on any profits when you sell, as well as income tax. The level of contributions, as well as the investments you decide to place inside an Isa and how they perform, are the main drivers that will determine whether you can one day reach the 1m savings milestone. Here, Telegraph Money explains how you can do it. Work out the returns you must achieve To get to a million pounds, investors will need to max out their Isa each year and for investments to provide a certain level of returns. Someone who put the full allowance in their Isa each year since their launch in 1999 and who earned a steady 5pc return a year would have built up a pot of just over 484,000 not even halfway to reaching the 1m mark. To reach 1m an investor would have needed to have invested the full Isa allowance each year and to have earned 11 pc each year since. If you include going all the way back to Peps the precursor to Isas you would have needed annual returns of 6.5pc. Investing over the long term has paid off for many who started when Peps were introduced in 1986. The age of customers who have grown their Isa pots to 1m plus is around 73, according to data from stock brokers. At brokers AJ Bell, the youngest Isa millionaire is just 35. The investments millionaires have used Listed investment funds have powered Isa millionaire portfolios at Interactive Investor, and account for the largest share of Isa portfolios: 42.5pc compared to just 8.2pc for unlisted funds. Alliance Trust and Scottish Mortgage are two of the most common investment trust stocks found in the average Isa millionaire top 10 holdings. Investment trusts, the oldest form of collective investment in the UK, have several advantages over unlisted funds, according to advocates. One of these is their ability to hold back some of the income they receive from their underlying investments in good years to pay out to investors when times are tougher. Story continues They can borrow money to invest extra than that provided by their investors to boost performance in an upturn. Many also have great track records for paying dividends. The downside is they can be expensive to trade, with many brokers charging flat fees for the purchase of shares, while units in unlisted funds can be purchased for a negligible fee. Many investors have had success from unlisted funds, however. Popular funds among Isa millionaires include Rathbone Global Opportunities, Lindsell Train Global Equity, Fundsmith Equity and Fidelity Special Situations. They have also cashed in on rising share prices and dividends from individual stocks. FTSE blue chips are widely held in Isa millionaire accounts. They include Shell and BP; Lloyds Banking Group and Aviva; Diageo and Rio Tinto. There are no passive funds in the top 10 at brokers Interactive Investor. These funds use computer algorithms to automatically track an index such as the FTSE 100. A common thread here is being almost fully invested. Isa millionaires only have an average of 5pc cash in their portfolios compared to 10pc across all Isa accounts, so they are putting more of their money to work, says Dzmitry Lipski, head of funds research at Interactive Investor. Long term this can help avoid cash drag," he adds. The fastest way to get to 1m To get to 1m as quickly as possible, the first step is to invest the maximum each year. It is arguably easier to become an Isa millionaire today, with a 20,000 a year allowance for savers (assuming you can afford to put away the maximum), compared to older investors who started out when Isas launched in 1999 with a 7,000 limit. If you started saving today and the Isa limit remained at 20,000, it would take you 25 years to become an Isa millionaire, assuming an average annual return of 5 pc. The next key part of your strategy could be to invest early in the tax year. It means you will have up to an additional year in the market, which will also help power portfolios in a rising market, as more of your assets are invested for longer. When it comes to selecting investments youll need a diverse, balanced mix according to your risk appetite. However, you may wish to consider listed funds which have been a good bet for many over the years. A total of 28 investment companies would have made investors more than 1m if they had invested the full annual Isa allowance in the same company each year, according to research from the Association of Investment Companies, a trade body. Investing the full Isa allowance each year from 1999 to 2023 a total of 286,560 and reinvesting the dividends into one of the five investment companies below would have generated a tax-free pot of over 1.4 million at the end of February. These top five performing funds are: HgCapital, Pacific Horizon, Scottish Mortgage, Allianz Technology and abrdn Asia Focus. Among the common investment themes in these listed funds are technology and smaller companies. While these figures are compelling, it is not advised to have all your money in one investment or one investment type. The average Isa millionaire portfolio includes 28 holdings, according to AJ Bell. Laura Suter, head of personal finance at the firm, says: Focus on steady climbers that will gradually increase your wealth over time, rather than putting all your money in higher risk investments that could drop significantly, or at least give you a much more hair-raising ride on the way. Make sure youre sticking to a risk level youre comfortable with and that your portfolio is well diversified. Betting on a few stocks rising in value could be a recipe for disaster if the sector nosedives or the company hits some trouble. Lots of those who make it to millionaire status will invest directly in stocks, rather than entirely in funds. But you should only take this route if you know that you have the time and inclination to research and monitor the stocks regularly. Experts insist that getting rich slowly is a smart strategy. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: Isa investors dont take enormous risks. Their focus is to consistently invest as much as possible of their annual allowance, as early as possible in the tax year, in a diverse and balanced portfolio. And theyve done this every year for decades. Telegraph Money's top 25 funds list includes some of this newspaper's favourite investments, whether investing in British firms, globally, for income or for growth. Why long-term investing works Investing over a long period is a tried and tested strategy. The sooner you start saving the more you can put aside, and early contributions are the most valuable because they have the longest to grow. Compounding will also boost returns. In simple terms, your money earns a return in the first year and both the original cash and the return benefit from any growth in the second year. In the third year your investment is further enhanced by any returns achieved. This snowball effect is known as compounding. Can buzzing sounds effectively keep elephants away from African farms? | Adobe.com A new device that generates the sound of buzzing bees is being used to keep elephants away from African communities. And its working, as evidenced by footage captured in Liberia on March 3 by the organization Elephant Research and Conservation. The device is called a BuzzBox and was developed by Martyn Griffiths, Wild Survivors board chairman, according to The New York Times. It provides a way to keep elephants away from African communities without physically harming the animal or endangering any humans. That has potential to reduce elephant-human conflict. The article said research on the relationship of bees and elephants started in 2002, when Maasai honey hunters told researchers that trees inhabited by beehives were never damaged by elephants. Save The Elephants, a charity dedicated to conserving elephants, reports on its website that the three-month audio study was the result of a unique cross-border collaboration between Elephant Research and Conservation in Liberia, Kenya-based Save the Elephants and Wild Survivors in Tanzania. Related The website said BuzzBoxes have a remote sensor with a five-meter radar and can be attached to objects like trees and posts. The New York Times reported the BuzzBox can be programmed to two high-frequency strobe lights and six different soundtracks, including barking dogs. BuzzBox inspiration Lucy King, head of Save the Elephants human-elephant coexistence program, started studying elephants fear of bees in 2006 and applied what she learned to create specialized wire fences upon which beehives hang like pendulums. In 2017, researchers found beehive fences successfully keep elephants away 80% of the time, per The New York Times. Save The Elephants said the beehive fence was good at keeping crop-raiding elephants out of farms, leading to adoption by 23 countries across Africa and Asia. Inspired by the beehive fence project, Griffiths designed the BoxBuzz. Quoting Elephant Research and Conservation, Save the Elephants reported that five years later, the design has evolved from a costly concept design using off-the-shelf sound modules to a low-cost proprietary design adaptable to many different use cases, including deep in the forests of West Africa. Story continues Related King called the BuzzBoxes such a wonderful story of collaboration, partners linking up and working together to research peaceful and effective ways to keep elephants away from communities and reduce human-elephant conflict. Save the Elephants provided the initial research and funding, Wild Survivors provided the Buzz Box technology and Elephant Research and Conservation provided evidence that the elephants responded, King said. Thousands of church members sing during the 2016 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. George Frey/Getty Images During the first weekend of April 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold its semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. Tens of thousands of members will attend in person, with millions watching from home. Over two days, Latter-day Saints often called Mormons will hear an array of talks from religious leadership. But another speaker will likely be a member of the churchs auditing department, who, if he follows tradition, will state that the institutions financial activities from the past year were administered in accordance with Church-approved budgets, accounting practices, and policies. No further specifics are typically provided. This yearly ritual may seem striking in the face of the churchs February 2023 agreement to pay a US$5 million fine in a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. According to its press release, the SEC concluded that the church went to great lengths to obscure its investment portfolio. A church statement expressed regret that its leaders had followed faulty legal counsel and insisted that the fine would be paid through investment returns rather than members donations. The settlement came on the heels of other controversies about the churchs taxes and financial portfolio, which journalists and whistleblowers have estimated at around $100 billion. These revelations have raised questions concerning the ethics of a religious organization amassing such a large amount of wealth, and how it is balanced with charitable giving. But headlines often overlook the long and surprising history of the modern churchs financial success as well as the continued anxiety surrounding its economic reserves. Share and share alike Mormonism was born through the spiritual quest of Joseph Smith, who was raised amid Americas Second Great Awakening during the early 1800s, a period of Christian revivals. His parents were religious seekers who struggled to find a fulfilling church, and tussled with the young countrys financial turbulence. Smiths father had lost savings in an ill-fated ginseng deal, plunging the family into two decades of poverty. Story continues It is no surprise, then, that when Smith formed his own church, its teachings included a sharp critique of the capitalist system. Early converts to what was originally called the Church of Christ, organized in 1830, were encouraged to consecrate all their goods to their new religious community so it could redistribute resources to those in need. It was one of many communal experiments Americans attempted during the antebellum period as religious innovators offered alternatives to what they believed was a dangerous and uncaring economic system. Smiths earliest revelations denounced individualism and urged believers to share their property and resources with one another. Yet financial difficulties, personal clashes and other challenges doomed the experiment from the start. Within just a few years, the new churchs leaders had already abandoned the consecration ideal. In its stead, Smith directed members to donate surplus property to help pay off the groups immediate debts and then to donate one tenth of all their interests annually. This commandment commenced a practice of tithing that still exists today, though it has been interpreted in different ways over the years. Hardscrabble years Over the first two decades of the churchs existence, the Latter-day Saints had to relocate their headquarters multiple times including seven years in Nauvoo, Illinois, a focus of my historical research. By the time the Saints reached Utahs Great Salt Lake in 1847, leaders and members alike largely embraced the economic system that Smith had previously decried. A drawing of Salt Lake City from a book published in 1875. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images A series of national economic crises during the late 19th century further tested the churchs finances and financial ideals. In addition, the governments decision to prosecute polygamists amid growing criticism of the churchs plural marriages crippled the regions economy until Latter-day Saint leaders renounced the practice in 1890. Facing financial ruin, the churchs prophet and president in 1899, Lorenzo Snow, urged members to redouble their commitment to tithing. The church formalized its expectation that members donate 10% of their annual income to remain in good standing. To this day, Latter-day Saints are expected to meet with local bishops every year and state that they have paid a full tithe. By 1907, Snows successor, Joseph F. Smith, jubilantly announced that tithing income had paid off all the churchs loans. He even predicted that if the current rate continued, we expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose. Bust to boom Donations only increased over the following decades, however, as the church continued to grow rapidly. The prosperity of the 1950s enabled an ambitious construction agenda for the next decade, as the church built over a thousand new meetinghouses and temples for its exploding membership. Yet high spending, poor financial management and unwise or unlucky investments brought another financial crisis, and the church soon found itself cash-poor. By 1962, the budget had amassed a $32 million deficit. Leaders ceased offering detailed financial reports, which had been inconsistent yet common staples at the churchs General Conference. Things started looking up the next year when N. Eldon Tanner, a successful Canadian politician and businessman, joined the churchs leadership and modernized its financial structure, investing any surplus. The church was once again on solid financial footing by the end of the 1960s, though it did not resume the release of detailed financial reports. Instead, Tanner empowered a private economic team to continue growing the faiths portfolio. Decades of membership growth, tithing donations and lucrative investments resulted in the modern churchs massive accumulation of wealth. This financial success has enabled it to oversee a worldwide church with nearly 17 million members of record, tens of thousands of employees and countless volunteer and charitable programs. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints historic temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. George Frey/Getty Images Its investments became so profitable in the early 2000s that, according to the SEC report, church leaders explored ways to shield their success from the public. According to one whistleblower, church authorities feared that greater transparency would discourage members from further tithing. Giving to God While the church reports giving over $1 billion in charitable aid last year, some members and observers alike critique leaders for not donating more, given the vast size of its investment portfolio, which is almost twice the size of Harvards endowment. The issue also raises important ethical questions regarding a religious institutions obligations toward its own members. Should Latter-day Saints, especially those who are struggling financially, still donate a tenth of their income to a church whose reserves are likely deep enough to pay off more than a decade of expenses? The seeming discrepancy between the transparency required of individual members and the churchs own lack of accountability has unsettled some members. Yet many believers emphasize that their tithings purpose is not merely to add to the churchs coffers but to help build the kingdom of God their donations are primarily offered for spiritual reasons, not worldly ones. And investments are also a safety net for the faiths growth: Leaders likely hope it can support rapidly growing membership in lower-income countries. As absurd as it may be to call a $100 billion dollar portfolio a rainy day fund, the churchs turbulent history may have led leaders to see it as just that. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Benjamin Park, Sam Houston State University. Read more: Benjamin Park does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Russian President Vladimir Putin Vladimir Putin has announced that Russian tactical nuclear weapons will be stationed in Belarus. This new sabre-rattling was clearly intended to intimidate the West, and the free states of eastern Europe in particular; once deployed, these weapons systems would threaten a swathe of the continent from the Baltic States in the north, to Romania and Moldova in the south east. But there is also another motivation behind the decision. As even his old allies lose faith in the Kremlins power, Putin is becoming deeply paranoid. Its no coincidence that the announcement coincided with Belarus Freedom Day, an event which the Belarusian opposition, which is hounded and suppressed by President Alexander Lukashenko, marks each year. It was, after all, a thinly veiled threat. The Kremlin was sending a clear and unambiguous message: with its nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus, it would feel entitled to crush any serious pro-western rebellion against Lukashenko. As the secretary of Ukraines national security and defence council Oleksiy Danilov put it, Belarus has become Putins nuclear hostage. This muscle-flexing reflects a changed geopolitical landscape, with the Kremlin breaking one of the core tenets of its long-term political posturing against the US. Putin has always maintained that Russias withdrawal of nuclear weapons from the territory of ex-Soviet states in the 1990s demonstrated a good faith approach in contrast with Americas continued stationing of weapons in Europe. But theres no longer much point maintaining the pretence that it is Russia, not the US, that respects the sovereignty of eastern European nations. The nature of the Kremlins respect is all too plain to see in the horror unleashed daily in Ukraine. Its no wonder that those states still aligned with Russia are beginning to rethink their position. Mass unrest in Georgia will have seriously spooked the Kremlin. The Georgian government pursues a cynical balancing act between Russia and the West, aiming for EU membership while simultaneously ramping up economic cooperation with Moscow. Russian links among the nations powerful oligarchs contrast sharply with the publics pro-western leanings. Story continues Earlier this month, the Georgian government dropped a proposed law affecting foreign-funded entities that was seen as an attempt to bring Georgia closer to Russia. Febrile protests met with a harsh police response, and western diplomats I spoke to wondered whether the unrest may give rise to a revolutionary pro-western movement similar to Ukraines Maidan uprising. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Black Sea, Russia has lost the influence it had within the EU before the invasion began. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the EU leader keenest to keep up relations with Putin, said in recent weeks that shifting geopolitical realities may necessitate a change in attitude. And other countries wanting to join the EU despite long-term friendly relations with Moscow increasingly see ties with Russia as a hindrance. Serbia, the Kremlins strongest ideological ally in Europe, may be another country at a tipping point in casting off Russian influence. Popular support for Russia remains strong, but the nations political establishment is coming to realise that in light of the invasion of Ukraine, a hoped-for EU future holds no place for close ties with Putin. A western-brokered agreement between Serbia and Kosovo the breakaway nation which Serbia and Russia do not recognise appears all but agreed, potentially removing a major stumbling block in Belgrades slow pivot away from Moscow. Serbias government may also be subtly bracing the public for the potential imposition of sanctions on Russia in line with western demands; Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic on Sunday admitted that Serbia may end up sanctioning Russia if the consequences of not doing so become sufficiently serious. Russias power in eastern Europe has been ebbing away for years, but the invasion of Ukraine has rapidly accelerated the process even with regimes that Putin previously saw as close allies. The longer the war goes on without victory for the Kremlin, the stronger the political and public impetus will become for countries like Serbia and Georgia to cast off whats left of suffocating Russian influence. The enormity of Putins strategic mistake in invading Ukraine encompasses more than just NATO expansion and the destruction of his vital energy stranglehold on Europe. It is also, slowly but surely, costing him his few remaining European friends. Putting nuclear weapons in Belarus is a desperate attempt to safeguard his closest alliance. The Cincinnati Bengals have signed two more unrestricted free agents ahead of the 2023 season. Wide receiver Trent Taylor has re-signed to a one-year contract, and cornerback Sidney Jones IV has signed for a one-year deal, according to the Bengals Twitter. >>Bengals to sign Orlando Brown Jr. for four years at $64M Taylor, a six-year player from Louisiana Tech University was drafted in the fifth round by the San Francisco in 2017. We have re-signed unrestricted free agent WR Trent Taylor to a one-year contract for the 2023 season. Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 27, 2023 He joined Cincinnati as a free agent in the 2020 offseason. Jones is a six-year player from the University of Washington. He was originally a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. We have signed unrestricted free agent CB Sidney Jones IV to a one-year contract for the 2023 season. Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 27, 2023 President Biden on Tuesday spoke to the Nashville police chief and two Metro police officers who responded to the elementary school shooting the day prior, thanking them for their response. The president talked to officers Michael Collazo and Rex Engelbert, the police officers who have been credited with confronting and killing the shooter. Biden thanked them for their bravery and quick response, according to the White House. He also separately spoke with Nashville Police Chief John Drake, who has been tasked with detailing to the public the events surrounding the shooting. Biden spoke to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and Nashville Mayor John Cooper (D) about the shooting on Monday evening. Earlier on Tuesday, Collazos and Engelberts body camera footage was released, showing the moment officers found the shooter. Collazo is a nine-year veteran of the police department, Engelbert is a four-year veteran and the two have been hailed as heroes on social media, The Tennessean reported. The shooting took place at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, with a 28-year-old opening fire and killing three children all 9 years old and three adults before being fatally shot by police. The shooter, identified as Audrey Hale, moved through the school armed with three guns, two of which were assault-type weapons. Biden on Tuesday argued that he cant do much more to curb gun violence other than plead with Congress to act, blaming lawmakers for their lack of legislation to ban assault weapons. Theres a moral price to pay for inaction, the president said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. US-POLITICS-HISTORY-BIDEN U.S. President Joe Biden, joined by Representative James Clyburn (D-SC), Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL), Reverend Al Sharpton, and fellow activists, pray after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 5, 2023, to mark the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Credit - Mandel NganAFP/Getty Images The 2023 Summit for Democracy, beginning on March 28, is a genuine personal commitment from President Biden. And rightly sofor democracy is under assault around the world. Only 20% of the worlds population live in countries that non-profit group Freedom House judge to be fully free. But the great danger is not just that democracy is under attack, but that the rule of law and systems of accountability are being eroded in all areas of life. Impunity, in other words, is the rising global instinct of choice. The notion that rules are for suckers is on the march, and everyone is paying the pricefrom civilians in conflict zones to future generations staring down the long-term effects of the climate crisis. As I wrote during the first Summit for Democracy in 2021, framing the defense of democracy within the wider battle for accountability would sharpen the Summits agenda, and build greater buy-in from many of the Global South countries for whom the framing of democracy versus autocracy has not been convincing. The recently released Atlas of Impunity, published by the Eurasia Group and the Chicago Council for Global Affairs, highlights how widespread impunity has become. The Atlas, which is based on more than 65 independent, credible global data sources, scores 197 countries and territories across five areas of impunity: abuse of human rights, unaccountable governance, conflict and violence, economic exploitation, and environmental degradation. Each of these sites of impunity reflect the concentration and abuse of power. By using impunity rather than democracy as the prism through which to understand global challenges, the Atlas captures the multidimensional nature of global challenges. This approach also highlights the work required from all countries, whether they are democracies or not. The great powers, especially the United States, are a case in point: the U.S. ranks 118th out of 163 countries in the Atlas, putting the U.S. closer to countries in the Global South like Argentina or South Africa than to countries like Germany or Japan. Although most residents in the U.S. enjoy full civil liberties and low levels of mass conflict or violence, the U.S. has a higher level of impunity than many of its high-income peers due to middling scores on discrimination, inequality, and democratic access. The countrys arms exports are an even bigger negative factor. Story continues Read More: Guns in America An impunity framing also acknowledges that while accountability is essential to democracy, a democratic system of government alone is insufficient to guarantee an accountable society. It should be a strong point of emphasis in the Summit for Democracy that democratic countries like the U.S., India, Israel, and Malaysia all perform more poorly on human rights indicators than on governance measures. Similarly, while many liberal democracies like Canada perform well on most indicators of impunity, its poor performance on environmental degradation highlights the spaces impunity continues to thrive even within otherwise accountable societies. As the Atlas of Impunity highlights, impunity is the driving force behind many of the worlds greatest shared challenges. But the Biden administration will miss an important opportunity to achieve its goal of uniting countries around a common global agenda if it fails to link its defense of democracy with promotion of the rule of law. As the international reaction to the war in Ukraine has shown, critical swing voters in the international system have not been swayed by arguments from the West about the vital need to defend Ukraine. Two-thirds of the worlds population live in countries that are officially neutral or supportive of Russia, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, and these countries do not fit into a convenient axis of autocracy. They include South Africa, India, Indonesia, and Brazil to name four democratic countries, as well as plenty of the undemocratic world, and many in between. Instead, the Biden administration should use the Summit for Democracy to situate the defense of democracy within the wider global battle for accountability, which would widen the coalition and speak more directly to the concerns of these swing voters. With this impunity framework in hand, here are three things the Summit for Democracy could do to launch a global accountability agenda and fight back against rising impunity around the world: First, attendees at the summit should commit to holding their own governments and militaries accountable for abuses. The U.S. Department of Defense has taken an important step in this direction through the recently released Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which puts protection of civilians at the core of military missions, creates conditionality for U.S. security partners and establishes better pathways for accountability when civilians are killed. Second, participants should pledge to support accountability mechanisms in the international system. The measures here range from the technocraticlike support for the now defunct Group of Eminent Experts investigating the war in Yemento the more political, including support for the International Criminal Court. Then there are even more ambitious proposals, like the idea of France and Mexico to suspend the U.N. Security Council veto in cases of mass atrocities. Finally, acts of impunity will not be deterred through acts of accountability alone. That will require systems and cultures of accountability to counter systems and cultures of impunity. Summit participants build countervailing power against impunity by partnering with private sector and civil society groups to develop a global counterculture of accountability, starting with transparency over state and non-state actors violating the global rule of law. The Summit for Democracy is an important and rare moment to bring a large swath of the world together to unite for a common global agenda. It is critical not to misuse this moment or leave behind potential coalition partners. By using the fight against impunity as its rallying cry, the Biden administration can build a truly global coalition, establish a clear agenda not only on democratic governance but on a range of shared challenges, and start the fight back against impunity in a world overrun by it. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and Israel are discussing a planned visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but no invitation has been extended yet, a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Any such invitation could give the embattled Israeli leader a boost after he faced some of the biggest protests in Israel's history over bitterly contested plans for a judicial overhaul. There have been general talks about a visit by Netanyahu, according to a personal familiar with the discussions. "No invitation extended and no dates yet," the person said. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that U.S. President Joe Biden plans to host the Israeli leader in coming months, citing U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides. He said no date had been set. Nides, in an interview on Israeli radio, said he expected any planned meeting to take place after the Jewish festival of Passover ends April 13, the Times reported. "He obviously will be coming,"Nides said. "I assume after Passover." Netanyahu on Monday delayed a decision on the judicial overhaul amid fears that Israel's worst national crisis in years could fracture his coalition or escalate into violence. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Representatives for Netanyahu had no immediate comment. The United States welcomed Netanyahu's delay of the judicial overhaul decision. Biden had shared his concerns about the overhaul directly with Netanyahu, the White House said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and David Holmes) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, amid demonstrations after he dismissed the defence minister as his nationalist coalition government presses on with its judicial overhaul, in Jerusalem, March 27. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, amid demonstrations after he dismissed the defence minister as his nationalist coalition government presses on with its judicial overhaul, in Jerusalem, March 27. President Joe Biden will soon host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House despite alarm among many Israelis and Americans about Netanyahus attempts to expand his power by weakening Israels judiciary. Tom Nides, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, suggested a visit was imminent in an interview with Israeli radio on Tuesday just hours after Netanyahu said he would slow down his power grab. He obviously will be coming ... I assume after Passover, Nides told Israels Army Radio, referring to next months Jewish holiday. Theres no question that the prime minister will come and see President Biden. They have been friends for 40 years. The Biden administration has been cautious in its criticism of the Israeli leader, even as tens of thousands of Israelis have protested Netanyahus judicial plan and experts have warned it could permit corruption and dangerous far-right policies. Netanyahus critics and many Democratic lawmakers say the president should be more assertive both for the sake of Israels future stability and because of Bidens own promises to promote democratic values worldwide. John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters on Monday that Biden wants a compromise between the Israeli leader and his opponents. He declined to say whether Netanyahu would still participate virtually in the Biden administrations Summit for Democracy conference this week. The United States shouldnt be prescribing that Israelis out in the streets to save their democracy meet Netanyahu part of the way in his bid to undo it, Dylan Williams of the influential Jewish American group J Street tweeted on Monday. Biden should be standing in solidarity with them and let them decide their path forward, he said. Story continues The news of the likely visit came after the Biden administration had for months been vague about when Netanyahu might receive an invitation to the White House. Nides suggested to the New York Times that a date had not yet been decided and the visit ultimately could be canceled. At least another month or two could pass before the visit, a U.S. official told The Times of Israel, citing Washingtons interest in first avoiding flare-ups between Israelis and Palestinians during Passover and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Netanyahu and his hardline allies still plan to push through their judicial changes later this year to give the parliament far greater power over judges. And while Netanyahu appeared to make a concession over the plan by announcing a halt, his controversial coalition partner Itamar Ben Gvir said he got an olive branch too: the establishment of a new national guard under his direct control. Ben Gvir is a previously fringe figure who has been convicted for supporting a Jewish terror group and for inciting racism against Palestinians. While facing charges of bribery and fraud which he denies Netanyahu regained Israels top job in December 2022 by forming an alliance with Ben Gvir and other politicians who had long been shunned by the Israeli mainstream. Related... US President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned Israel it "cannot continue" pressing for deeply controversial judicial reforms -- now on hold -- which have prompted months of unrest and criticism among Western allies. "Like many strong supporters of Israel I'm very concerned.... They cannot continue down this road, and I've sort of made that clear," Biden told reporters during a visit to North Carolina. "Hopefully the prime minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) will act in a way that he will try to work out some genuine compromise, but that remains to be seen," Biden said, adding he was not considering inviting the Israeli leader to the White House, at least "not in the near term." Arriving back in Washington, Biden repeated his concern over the situation in Israel, where Netanyahu has been accused by opponents of riding roughshod over Israeli democracy in an attempt to strengthen his own power. Asked if Israel's democracy is at an inflection point -- a phrase Biden frequently uses to describe the danger facing democracies worldwide -- the US president said: "I don't know that they're at an inflection point but I think that's a difficult spot to be in and they've got to work it out." He called for the controversial judiciary law to be dropped. "I hope they walk away from it," he told reporters. sms-mlm President Biden on Tuesday said he hopes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks away from plans to pursue reforms to the countrys judiciary, which has drawn criticism from U.S. officials and sparked protests and work stoppages in Israel. Like many strong supporters of Israel, Im very concerned, and Im concerned that they get this straight. They cannot continue down this road, Biden told reporters after a speech in North Carolina on the economy. Hopefully the prime minister will act in a way that he can try to work out some genuine compromise. But that remains to be seen, Biden added. Biden said Netanyahu wont be invited to visit the White House in the near term. Upon arriving back at the White House on Tuesday evening, Biden said Israel was in a difficult spot, and he hoped Netanyahu would abandon his pursuit of the judicial reform legislation. The comments were Bidens most critical to date as Netanyahus conservative government has in recent weeks attempted to push through reforms to Israels judiciary that would effectively allow the government to choose judges on the countrys top court. Critics of the law say it would erase checks and balances that are central to democratic governance and in particular, that it would protect Netanyahu from court cases in which he faces charges of bribery and corruption, erase key protections for minority groups in the country and threaten efforts to preserve a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Netanyahu on Monday announced his government would delay pursuing the reforms for at least a month, until the next parliamentary session. That announcement came one day after massive protests. The Biden administration had for weeks expressed its concerns about Israels plans, with the president raising his worries in a call with Netanyahu earlier this month and a National Security Council spokesperson on Sunday saying they were deeply concerned about the latest developments. Story continues But officials also sought to walk a careful line, as Israel is a critical and long-standing U.S. ally in the Middle East that enjoys widespread support on Capitol Hill. I want to stress that all of that concern comes from a place of respect, and friendship and admiration for the Israeli people, and for Israel as a country and Israels democracy, John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters on Monday. Netanyahu himself responded to Bidens remarks on Twitter Tuesday, saying that he appreciates Bidens longstanding commitment to Israel. Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends, the prime minister added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden has acknowledged the uphill battle any attempt to pass new, stronger gun laws would face on Capitol Hill, even after yet another mass shooting at an American school claimed six lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He told reporters on 28 March that his administrations executive actions to date have reached the limits of what he can do as president, absent any legislative action from Congress. I have gone the full extent of my executive authority to do, on my own, anything about guns, said Mr Biden, who added that the legislative branch needs to act if the US is to have any new laws governing the availability of firearms, particularly the military-style rifles that have become the weapon of choice for mass shooters in recent years. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre. Its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. And so, I think the Congress should be passing the assault weapons ban, he added. Its a demand he has given lawmakers dozens of times since entering office in 2021. Within his first two years in office, there have been roughly 1,400 mass shootings. He has referenced a federal ban on assault weapons, called on Congress to renew an assault weapons ban or pledged that his Democratic allies will do so roughly 70 times since entering office, according to The Independents review of his public statements and remarks via Factba.se. On 27 March, a heavily armed assailaint carrying two assault-style rifles and a handgun fatally shot three children and three employees inside a Nashville school. That afternoon, the president once again called on a divided Congress to pass an assault weapons ban, saying that its about time that we began to make some more progress. Weeks earlier, upon signing an executive order to expand bipartisan gun reform legislation he signed into law last year, he told Congress to finish the job and ban assault rifles. During his State of the Union address before Congress weeks before that, he urged lawmakers to ban assault weapons once and for all. Story continues What in Gods name do you need an assault weapon for except to kill someone? he said in remarks after the massacre of 19 children and two teachers inside an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas last year. Its just sick, he added. And the gun manufacturers have spent two decades aggressively marketing assault weapons which make them the most and largest profit. For Gods sake, we have to have the courage to stand up to the industry. The Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act, known as the federal assault weapons ban, was enacted in 1994 and expired in 2004, with several failed attempts in Congress to renew the ban after a series of massacres involving high-powered rifles that were previously impacted by the law. The president, who was then a senator from Delaware, played a major role in passage of the 1994 legislation as part of that years massive anti-crime package enacted by then-President Bill Clinton. A study from Northwestern University found that the ban prevented 11 public mass shootings within the decade it was in effect. The study also estimates that keeping the ban in place until 2019 would have prevented 30 public shootings that killed 339 and injured 1,139 people. Last year, the Democratically controlled House of Representatives narrowly voted to renew the ban, which stalled in an evenly divided Senate. Since taking office, Mr Biden has had more success in enacting new gun safety legislation than any president since Clintons two terms in the 1990s. Last year, the president signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety law in almost 30 years, according to Mr Biden. That measure clarifies licensing requirements for firearms dealers and laid out enhanced background check requirements for gun purchases, including a review of juvenile records for anyone 16 years of age or older who attempts to purchase a firearm. His executive order announced on 14 March will accelerate and intensify the administrations work to combat the proliferation of high-powered weapons and illegal guns to save more lives, more quickly, Mr Biden said. Though Mr Biden has had some success in enacting gun safety laws, what he has done hasnt gone as far as that 1994 bill went. A majority of Americans support believe laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, according to 2022 polling from Gallup. But with Republicans who are dead set against such measures in control of the House of Representatives, and a de facto 60-vote threshold for any legislative action on any matter in the Democratic-controlled Senate, it is unlikely that Congress will make any progress towards any new laws that would restrict the availability of firearms in the United States. How many more children have have to be murdered before Republicans in Congress will step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban, to close loopholes in our background check system, or to require the safe storage of guns, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said from the briefing room on 27 March. By Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose DURHAM, North Carolina (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday his administration had done what was possible to address the banking crisis with available authorities, but added the White House response on the matter was "not over yet." "We've done what we need to do executively. I feel confident things are settling out. The markets seem to be responding," Biden told reporters before departing North Carolina to return to the White House. Asked if his administration had exhausted its unilateral moves, short of congressional action, to address stress in the banking sector, Biden said: "No, it's not over yet. We're watching very closely. I think my team has handled it very well so far. And rather than get ahead of myself here, I think let's let things move the way they are." The president said his administration was also looking at legislative changes in response to the crisis, although that could prove difficult in the split Congress. "I'm not sure whether we get much legislative change. But we're looking at that as well," Biden said. The failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and, days later, Signature Bank, set off a broader loss of investor confidence in the banking sector that pummeled stocks and stoked fears of a full-blown financial crisis. The Biden administration quickly adopted a series of emergency measures to protect depositors in the two banks, while the Federal Reserve provided additional liquidity to help banks across the sector cover depositors' needs. Biden told reporters last week that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation could act to guarantee deposits above $250,000 if other U.S. banks failed, but said he expected mid-sized banks to survive current strains in the sector. A deal to rescue Swiss bank Credit Suisse last week and a sale of SVB's assets to First Citizens Bancshares this week has helped restore some calm to markets, but investors remain wary of more troubles lurking in the financial system. Earlier in the day, a top U.S. regulator told a Senate panel that SVB did a "terrible" job of managing risk before its collapse, fending off criticism from lawmakers who blamed bank watchdogs for missing warning signs. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Jamie Freed) Waning Assyrian Community Holds on in Northeastern Syria St. Mary's Church in the Assyrian village of Tal Nasri was blown up by IS in 2015 before the group's fighters retreated from the Khabour villages, 2/2/2023. ( Lyse Mauvais/Syria Direct) Tal Tal, Syria -- The village of Tal Tal, on the banks of the empty Khabour River in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, is a ghost town. On an overcast day in early February, the air in the village is cold and crisp but carries no sounds. Here and there, clothes left out to dry and plumes of thick smoke sputtering out of the dark pipes of fuel stoves betray human presence behind the peeling facades of seemingly abandoned houses. Other than these subtle signs of life, Tal Tal is eerily silent, absent the expected hum of cars, the bleats of sheep and the shouts of children. Less than a decade ago, Tal Tal was home to dozens of Assyrian families--members of an Aramaic-speaking Christian community widely considered to be among the most ancient peoples of the Levant. In the 1920s, thousands of Assyrians took refuge in northern Syria after fleeing the 1915 genocide perpetrated by Turkish nationalists against Christian minorities in the Ottoman Empire. Others found refuge in northern Iraq, controlled by Britain at the time. But in 1933, they were uprooted again following the Simele massacre, during which the newly established Iraqi army destroyed 60 of 64 Assyrian villages, murdering an estimated 10,000 people. Fleeing persecution, some 15,000 survivors marched west towards northeastern Syria, then under the French Mandate. These refugees built a cluster of 35 villages and towns on the banks of the Khabour River, a tributary of the Euphrates that flows northwest to southeast through Hasakah province. For several decades, their community thrived and became renowned in the region for its rich pomegranate orchards and neatly kept vineyards. But in 2015, disaster struck. Fighters from the Islamic State (IS) attacked the villages, destroying churches and kidnapping more than 250 people. Thousands fled: Out of an estimated 15,000 Assyrians who lived along the river before the war, less than 1,000 are left today, several Assyrian leaders told Syria Direct. A century after the genocide that first displaced them from their homeland in southeastern Turkey, the rise of IS scattered the community once more, driving thousands into exile in Europe, North America and Australia. More than eight years later, despite the territorial defeat of IS in 2019, most have not returned. Left largely empty, their villages now shelter the survivors of other conflicts: thousands of internally displaced people fleeing Turkish military operations against areas of northeastern Syria controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)--a Kurdish-led military coalition that also encompasses Arab, Syriac and Assyrian units. But the prolonged presence of the displaced has fueled tensions around land use and property rights, stoking many Assyrians' fears of being permanently dispossessed of their villages. On February 23, 2015, life came to a standstill in the Assyrian villages along the Khabour. Meriem, a young Assyrian woman, was 15 when IS attacked and abducted hundreds of people, including her and her relatives in the village of Tal Shamiram. "IS' attacks turned my entire life upside down," she told Syria Direct in Tal Tal, where she now lives with her husband and two children. "I lost my happy village, my neighbors. My family was scattered abroad. There was constant fear." By the end of May 2015, the Syriac Military Council and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) managed to drive IS out of the Khabour villages. In February 2016, IS released the last abductees, including Meriem, in exchange for ransom. Like other survivors, she hoped life would go back to how it once was. But these hopes quickly vanished, as violence continued. "People started coming back after the area was liberated from IS, but then Turkey and its affiliated factions started carrying out regular strikes," Matei Hanna, a spokesperson for the Syriac Military Council, an Assyrian-Syriac military body that is part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), told Syria Direct. Tal Tamar and surrounding villages lie along the western fringe of SDF-controlled parts of Hasakah province, near an active frontline with territories controlled by Turkish-backed opposition factions and pro-regime forces. Turkish-backed groups regularly shell villages along the Khabour, like Meriem's native Tal Shamiram, while the SDF targets areas located further west. Active conflict makes the area nearly "unlivable," residents say. In recent years, shelling has damaged churches and essential infrastructure, such as power lines. Fields near the frontlines are left fallow due to the fear of bombardment. Makeshift settlements But while few Assyrians have returned to the banks of the Khabour, newcomers have found a refuge in empty villages and homes. The road leading to Tal Nasri, another Assyrian village, is dotted with makeshift shelters set up by internally displaced people. In the village, nearly every building is inhabited, with two or three families sometimes sharing the same house. Some have patched broken walls and missing roofs with tarps, piled cement blocks to divide courtyards into smaller spaces and crafted single-room shelters along the walls of concrete compounds. In an olive grove standing behind the rubble of the destroyed St. Mary's Church, children chop trees for firewood. "We came here four years ago to seek refuge because we heard the Assyrian villages were empty, but we have nothing to live on here," one displaced mother of five told Syria Direct, standing at the door of her one-room house. In a neighboring house, a white tarp divided the main room to separate two families: 11 people in total. Several displaced families from Ras al-Ain live in a community center once used for village celebrations in Tal Nasri, Hasakah province, 2/2/2023. ( Lyse Mauvais/Syria Direct) These families started to arrive in Tal Nasri in 2018 following Turkey's Operation Olive Branch, in which Turkish-backed fighters seized the Kurdish-majority enclave of Afrin in northwestern Syria. Fleeing heavy Turkish bombing, thousands of mostly Kurdish families moved towards SDF-controlled Hasakah province. At first, they received a warm welcome. "When the refugees arrived from Afrin, they were welcomed in the Khabour villages by Assyrian authorities," Mahmoud Karo, the deputy in charge of IDP affairs at the Board of Social Affairs and Labor of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the de facto government in SDF-controlled areas, told Syria Direct. "We came to arrange electricity for them and install generators." In total, Assyrians opened 1,750 houses in their villages around Tal Tamar, including the entire village of Tal Nasri, which was home to 650 people before the war. The initiative was led by the local bishop (matran) of the Assyrian Church of the East, and the houses were distributed by the Committee for the Protection of Absentee Properties (CPAP), a local body that manages vacant properties. The remains of the destroyed Mar Odisho Church in Tal Tal, an Assyrian village in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, 2/2/2023. ( Lyse Mauvais/Syria Direct) The following year, new Turkish incursions into SDF-controlled territories brought the frontline closer to Tal Tamar, and many of those from Afrin who settled there fled, Karo said. In their wake came thousands of Kurds and Arabs newly displaced from the countryside of Ras al-Ain, which was seized by Turkey in late 2019 during Operation Peace Spring. "This second wave of displacement was much more spontaneous," Karo recalled. Arrivals were more chaotic and were not coordinated by local community members like those from Afrin. By November 2022, more than 16,000 displaced people lived in the whole sub-district of Tal Tamar, making up around one third of the total population. 'Strangers in our own homes' As the number of displaced people increased, tensions began to brew with their Assyrian hosts over land and property use. Many of those initially hosted in the Assyrian villages were relatives or acquaintances of local families, like Abu Ahmad, a Kurdish-Assyrian man displaced from Ras al-Ain to Tal Tal in 2019 with his family. "Two weeks before the bombing started in Ras al Ain, people in Tal Tamar called us to warn us that an attack was imminent," Abu Ahmad, who was part of an Assyrian military organization and was well-connected with local leaders in Tal Tamar, recalled. "They told me: Bring your wife and your children, come here, there is a house ready and waiting for you." For local leaders in the CPAP, tasked with managing the property of Assyrians living abroad, lending houses to people they already knew filled a dual purpose: On one hand, it was a humanitarian gesture. On the other, it allowed them to have people they trusted on the ground to keep the villages alive. A vineyard in the countryside of Tal Tamar, 2/2/2023. ( Lyse Mauvais/Syria Direct) But as displacement intensified in 2019, it grew increasingly difficult to regulate who lived in the villages. Localized clashes cropped up as Assyrians protested against newcomers grazing their cattle in their fields, chopping trees and vines for firewood or modifying the layout of houses to host multiple families. Several Assyrians openly accused some of the families of being "fakes,"not displaced, but squatting in the villages to get aid--a perception that is likely exaggerated. "These IDPs may receive some form of assistance, but it's most likely symbolic--a few blankets, some food, some fuel for heating once in a while," Karo of the AANES Board of Social Affairs said. "There's no coordinated international assistance to the area, and no long-term support." Still, local leaders perceive the lingering presence of displaced outsiders as a threat. "We feel like strangers in our own homes," Boulos Odisho, the head of Tal Tamar's CPAP, summarized. "We agreed to host people for humanitarian reasons, but it's becoming permanent." Some, like Gabriel Moushe, the head of the Assyrian Democratic Organization Party, expressed "serious fears that this situation will lead to permanent demographic change." These concerns intensified in August 2022 when the village of Tal Nasri was targeted by what several Assyrian leaders called "an attempt to settle by force."Abu Ahmad, who was there, recalled that "around 300 people arrived all of a sudden with 50 pickups, furniture, generators. With all they were bringing, it was clear they were here to resettle in the village. They broke locks and doors, and moved into the houses." As families scrambled into the vacant houses, residents of the village called the Sutoro, an Assyrian-Syriac police force, which eventually expelled the squatters in coordination with the SDF. But the incident, which lasted days, left a lasting impression. PART II -- Protecting properties As tensions between displaced people and host communities intensify in the Khabour villages, members of the Assyrian community are increasingly worried about the fate of land and property they left behind in 2015. This worry is familiar to many Syrians. Across all parts of the country, people face increasing difficulties protecting their property rights since the onset of the war. This is partly due to the legal chaos created by war and the collapse of institutions, but also because parties to the conflict have illegally seized homes, land and property left behind by displaced people and refugees. "During the war against IS, we could see there were multiple threats against the properties of emigrants, against houses, against agricultural lands," Sanharib Borsom, the chairman of the Syriac Union Party, a Syriac-Assyrian party in northeastern Syria, told Syria Direct. "We needed a way to defend the rights of absentee owners." In response, Assyrian political leaders and clergymen established a mechanism to control absentees' property within the courts of the AANES. But over the past eight years, the initiative has faced multiple challenges, including criticism from within the community itself. The Committee for the Protection of Absentees' Properties In 2014 and 2015, the local authorities in northeastern Syria that preceded the AANES--which was formally established in 2018 by a Kurdish-led coalition of Kurdish, Arab, Syriac and Assyrian parties--issued several decisions to restrict the sale of property whose owners were absent. One law, Decree 20 of 2015, granted special protections to Syria's Yezidi and Christian minorities, who were allowed to form committees to manage properties whose owners were missing or left the area. At the time, Syrian Yezidis and Christians were fleeing their villages en masse to escape the threat of IS, and their land was being sold with little oversight. Assyrian political leaders welcomed the measure. They were generally concerned that their community along the Khabour would disappear altogether in the wake of the massacres committed by IS, and the resulting depopulation of the area. Many of them saw preserving the historically Assyrian character of these settlements as an essential condition for the community to return in the future. "Most of the original inhabitants of the Khabour emigrated outside of Syria, but there's a portion that remains in Hasakah and Qamishli, some in regime areas, or in neighboring countries," Borsom said. "These communities will return to their villages if they are safe and there are livelihood opportunities." Based on Decree 20, in 2015, members of three Syriac and Assyrian parties (the Syriac Union Party, the Assyrian Organization and the Assyrian Democratic Party), alongside clergy from various Assyrian, Syria and Chaldean churches, jointly established the Committee for the Protection of Absentee Properties (CPAP) to manage Christian absentees' properties and represent them in court. This regional CPAP was then split into various local branches, made up of local community leaders. In Tal Tamar, the committee is made up of 10 members selected by the local bishop. "The CPAP is the legal representative of absentee owners in AANES courts and institutions," Borsom, of the Syriac Union Party, explained. "If absentees cannot come in person, because they are unable to travel, or their life is in danger in Syria, the committee watches over their interest here." Legal and military threats Since it came into being in 2015, the committee's Tal Tamar branch has had to confront a multitude of threats to property rights. One of the most salient ones is linked to the conflict of jurisdiction between the AANES and the Syrian government: the AANES and the regime each have their own system of courts in northeastern Syria. Although the AANES controls most of the region, decisions issued by regime courts remain legally valid. What's more, the AANES does not have a land registry, so property transactions can only be fully certified by regime courts. The overlapping systems have led to a host of legal problems, including the proliferation of fake property documents certified in Syrian government courts amid rampant corruption. "There's been dozens of cases across all Christian communities of people trying to claim absentee properties as theirs, using forged documents that are certified by Syrian regime courts," Borsom said. "There are judges, notaries and lawyers who are all working hand in hand to certify forged documents in exchange for bribes." In Tal Tamar, farmland is particularly coveted and lands belonging to absent owners have sometimes been sold despite the opposition of the local CPAP. Yet as an organization created following a decision by the AANES, the CPAP is not recognized by the Syrian regime and is usually powerless in regime courts. But the regime is not the only issue. Several CPAP members told Syria Direct that ongoing military activities are a major threat to property rights--including operations carried out by the SDF. According to Odisho, who sits on the Tal Tamar CPAP, the SDF and affiliated groups have taken over nine villages located on or near the frontline with Turkish-backed groups in recent years. "Some of our villages near the frontline have been taken over for military needs and to protect us," Odisho said. "Part of my land is now on or around a military airbase, but I don't receive any compensation for the area I can't farm or the lost harvest," he said. Other members of Tal Tamar's CPAP said members of the SDF have forcibly seized houses without any military justification. In Tal Feyda, which is not directly on the frontline, CPAP member Edmond Kariakos witnessed the seizure of a house belonging to an absentee family by members of the SDF. "They asked me for the key to the house, but I refused. So they simply broke the door and moved in," Kariakos told Syria Direct. "There are now a dozen SDF soldiers staying inside." According to Odisho, attempts to recover the house failed because AANES courts do not look into military matters. Syria Direct could not independently verify these allegations, but the same accusations were echoed by several Assyrian political leaders, who said the SDF military presence in the Khabour villages, while justified by the ongoing threat of a Turkish attack, made the area unlivable for civilians. "Even properties that weren't destroyed by IS are now in danger due to military operations and the presence of dozens of tunnels dug by the SDF near the frontline," Moushe of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, which is not part of the AANES coalition, said. "I don't see the military purpose of these tunnels. Of course, in border areas and in the countryside the situation is very different. But inside cities and villages they are a risk factor that can damage buildings." The SDF acknowledges the existence of these tunnels and military points, but claims they are justified by military needs. "Of course in areas located on the frontline there is a military presence and there are military operations, " Hanna of the Syriac Military Council said. "But you can visit the rest of the area and see for yourself. Our goal is to keep civilians out of harm and keep them away from the front. We do not use people as human shields, like IS did." A contested system Despite their efforts to protect the rights of absentees, the CPAP also faces critiques, including from within the Assyrian community. Shortly after Decree 20 of 2015 was announced, providing for the formation of the committees, de facto authorities in Hasakah had to retract it due to popular backlash. The law's opponents believed it gave authorities too much control over absentees' properties. In 2020, the AANES tried to adopt the same measures once more through Law 7 of 2020, but had to cancel these just a week later due to popular opposition. Despite this, the CPAP and its local branches remained in place once established--though not uncontested. Although set up to protect the rights of absent property owners, the Tal Tamar CPAP, for example, does not include any Assyrians living abroad, who have limited control over the fate of their property. The committee also does not include any women, which raises questions about whether it represents the whole community, and its eagerness to protect the specific rights of female property owners--in inheritance and divorce cases, for example. The CPAP system may also entrench preexisting power dynamics within the villages. Tal Tamar's 10 committee members, who were not elected but rather selected as already recognized local figures, wield enormous power. They represent owners in court, allocate houses and approve rental contracts between absentee landlords and local farmers in line with their stated goal of keeping properties within the community. Usually, the CPAP rejects attempts by absentee owners to sell to non-Assyrian or non-Christian buyers. The committee also decides who gets to farm and graze their flocks on agricultural lands left behind by absentees, which can be a source of contention. "We distribute farming rights over their lands to the people who are still here. We don't let absentees put someone on the land on their behalf to get revenues," Odisho said. "Those who stayed behind have priority." As a result, absentee owners have limited control over their properties, while displaced people have no legal documents securing their presence inside Assyrians' houses. After five displacements and four years in Tal Tal, Abu Ahmad is still in a precarious situation. He has no rental contract or direct relationship with the owner of the house he now lives in. Everything is mediated by the CPAP, which means he could be evicted any day with little recourse. PART III -- The future of the Khabour Many Assyrians still living along the Khabour watch the transformation of their villages and the disintegration of their community with great pain. Most of those who stayed behind are elders who refuse to emigrate and abandon their lifelong homes. "We are the last ones left, four families," an elder from the village of Tal Tal told Syria Direct, standing in the rubble of the Mar Odisho church bombed by IS in 2015. "Life is miserable: There's no water, no electricity, everyone is gone. If things continue like this, in 10 years there won't be a single Assyrian in Tal Tamar." Despite Assyrians' attempts to keep their properties within the community, and thus prevent the long-term settlement of other groups in their villages, it is unclear whether those who sought refuge abroad will return permanently to the area. Stuck between the demands of this dwindling minority and the growing needs to host people displaced by war, how does the AANES plan to manage these villages? And how do Assyrians themselves see the future of their community? A dying Eden The IS attacks in 2015 were the tipping point that sparked the mass exodus of the last Assyrians from the Khabour. But large-scale emigration out of the region actually began years before the war, prompted by a mix of environmental, economic and political factors. "Even before 2011, Assyrians and Syriacs were steadily emigrating due to the bad economic situation and the lack of rights they had here as a minority group," Moushe told Syria Direct. The Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights, a human rights monitor based in Sweden, estimates that only 15,000 Assyrians lived in the area in 2010, down from what Moushe estimated to be around 22,000 in the early 2000s. Environmental factors also played a large role. In the 1990s, the underground springs that feed the Khabour River, which are located around the city of Ras al-Ain at the border between Turkey and Syria, started to dry up due to overpumping on both sides of the border. This was in turn connected to transformations in land use: once a rain-fed area primarily used by nomads to graze their cattle, from the 1950s on the Khabour Basin became an agricultural powerhouse practicing increasingly intensive irrigated farming. A dry irrigation canal near the town of Tal Tamar, 2/2/2013. ( Lyse Mauvais/Syria Direct) This ecological crisis took a major toll on the Khabour villages. By the early 2000s, the river stopped flowing year round, and farmers had to drill wells to water their summer crops. The decrease in water flow also impacted downstream reservoirs that fed an extensive network of irrigation canals, and irrigated surfaces in the Khabour Basin dwindled. Many Assyrian farmers moved out of their villages to the nearby city of Hasakah, where amenities were better. "Many families in the village didn't depend only on agriculture, some had an office job and a house in Hasakah," Meriem recalled. "When the river dried, many people moved there permanently. Those who could afford to drill a well continued to farm, and others left the land as it was, unirrigated." Economic decline, coupled with the repressive environment that prevailed in Syria under the Assad regime, turned the Khabour villages into a land of emigration well before the war. "Assyrians have been thinking about emigration for a very long time, and after the war, a lot of people regretted not having done it before," Meriem said. This in turn enabled the 2015 exodus, since there were already multiple Assyrian communities in European and Western countries prepared to host them. Will Assyrians return to their historic homes? The ecological crisis that pushed many farmers out of the Khabour villages in the early 2000s has only grown worse since the start of the war. In 2021, the construction of several makeshift dams in areas controlled by Turkish-backed groups upstream reduced the river's flow to a historic low. And even if the water returns, irrigation canals are no longer operational because pumps and iron gates have been looted and water stations damaged during the war. Combined with military instability, the lack of water makes life in the Khabour villages increasingly difficult. Some observers wonder whether emigration, the "biggest threat faced by Assyrians in northeastern Syria" according to Moushe, can truly be reversed. So why are Assyrian leaders in northeastern Syria so adamant on keeping properties within the community, if more than 90 percent of the Khabour's pre-war population of 15,000-22,000 has left? "It's true that most Assyrians emigrated," Borsom acknowledged. "But thousands of them come back every year, staying in their houses for a few months to visit relatives, to take care of their land. If there's a displaced person in their house, they can no longer keep that connection." At the same time, displaced newcomers play an essential role in sustaining the rural economy of Tal Tamar. Even before the war, many Assyrian landowners hired Kurdish and Arab day laborers to farm their land, a role now largely filled by the displaced residents of the villages, for whom agricultural work is often the only option available. Many Assyrians perceive the protection of the Khabour villages as essential to preservation of their community in Syria as a whole. "Our people suffered attempted genocide at the hand of IS," Borsom said. "Today, we face the very real prospect of this community disappearing in Syria. We have a duty to prevent this, and to give hope to the people who are still living in the area who haven't left. That includes preserving absentees' properties, so that one day they can return." This return is hoped for by many, but seems increasingly unlikely as years pass and Assyrian refugees build new lives abroad. "Of course, there will be returns through the regular visits of emigrants to Syria," Fadi Antoine, a member of the CPAP for Hasakah's Christian community, told Syria Direct. "But permanent returns will not take place unless there's a political solution to the war, because people have nothing to come back to," he added. Between a rock and a hard place The most pressing concern for Assyrian political leaders and the members of Tal Tamar's CPAP, they told Syria Direct, is the prolonged presence of displaced people, which they worry could lead to permanent demographic change. "Our demand to the AANES is to relocate these people, either by expanding existing IDP camps or by creating new ones," Kariakos of Tal Tamar's CPAP said. But the de facto authorities are stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, the AANES, which was established by a coalition of Kurdish, Arab and Syriac and Assyrian parties, is particularly sensitive to the concerns of minorities who form an important part of its support base beyond the Kurdish population. The fate of the Khabour villages is a test of its commitment to protect these groups, and the AANES has adopted a "very clear" stance on the issue, according to Karo, of the AANES' Board of Social Affairs. "We categorically reject any attempt to change the demography of the region, and the AANES will not bring anyone--internally displaced people or others--to live in these villages. We will not do anything to aggravate the original residents' fear of demographic change." But on the other hand, there is no alternative solution in sight for the thousands of displaced people currently living in the Khabour villages. An estimated 413,000 IDPs live in AANES-controlled areas. Many do not live in formal camps, but in informal settlements with limited access to water and electricity. They are less easily reached by humanitarian actors, either because it is easier to funnel the humanitarian response through official camps, or because they live too close to active frontlines. In 2021, Tal Tamar's CPAP formally requested that the AANES gradually relocate displaced people living in the Khabour villages. In response, the AANES relocated families living in Qaber Shamiyah, Tal Baloua and Tal Makhada to the Serekaniye camp, Karo said. But other relocations are unlikely to take place in the near future. "Moving people to camps is not a solution," Karo said, "They are supposed to get smaller over time, not expand," and humanitarian funding for northeastern Syria is steadily decreasing. And newcomers who settled in the Khabour villages, now facing additional displacement, have nowhere to go. "At first we thought our presence in Tal Tamar was temporary, but years passed and we couldn't go back. So in 2021, we tried to move to Washokani camp to at least get some humanitarian support, but it was too late," an elderly woman from Ras al-Ain living in Tal Nasri, told Syria Direct. "The camp administration didn't accept us." Like their absent Assyrian hosts, the displaced people now living in Tal Tamar were uprooted by war. They, too, have been chased out of homes and lands they one day hope to return to. But as years pass with no political solution in sight, they are stranded in dire living conditions while relations with their host community sour. "The only long-term solution is for all Syrians to return to their areas of origin," Karo said. But as Turkey continues to destroy essential services and choke the Khabour River --once the lifeline of Assyrian villages--the future of the area and its potential rebirth is more uncertain than ever. Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield What is going on with all of the violence that we are seeing of late? Has it always been there and we are more aware of it because of social media and recording cell phones? Or Is it increasing? We see violence on the news and in social media around the world. It is somewhat distant but still unsettling to witness the increasing levels of aggression and unrest. In France, riots have become a regular occurrence, while the Ukraine-Russia war continues to devastate lives and displace millions. Even in New Zealand, a country typically known for its peaceful nature, protests and counter-protests have led to hostility and division. But lately it seems like there is more violence even at home. As a proud member of the Kelowna community, I cannot help but express my growing concern over the escalating violence we are witnessing in our city. The recent attack on Gagandeep Singh, and the assault on a 15-year-old girl and her friend by a group of other teens this past weekend serve as stark reminders we cannot afford to be complacent in addressing the issue. It is crucial we come together as a community to understand and combat the root causes of this disturbing trend. Violence is not the answer. Rather, it only exacerbates existing issues and creates more pain and suffering. If this is true, why is there more violence? It is clear a stronger focus on public safety is needed now more than ever. This includes investing in community programs, increasing law enforcement presence and working to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence. As a community, we must support these efforts and strive to create an environment where all our residents feel safe and protected. So where do provincial politicians come in? In Nanaimo last week, business owners and residents peacefully protested the lack of provincial supports and intervention. I think they are correct. Our elected officials have a significant role to play in this process. It is their responsibility to listen to the concerns of their constituents and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues affecting our communities. They also give this feedback to the public safety minister, who can instruct the RCMP to increase its activities to protect public safety. Despite a year of prodding by my B.C. Liberal colleagues, in addition to the general public, it is only in the last few months any action has been taken. But there is more that can be done. Government must be proactive in addressing the factors that contribute to violence. It is only through its leadership and commitment that we can hope to see real change. As a community, it is time for us to wake up and recognize the urgency of this situation. We must come together to address the rising violence in Kelowna and beyond. Lets engage in open and honest dialogue, focusing on the root causes of these issues and work collectively to create a safer, more peaceful world for everyone. My question to you this week is this: Do you feel safe in Kelowna? I love hearing from you. Please email me at [email protected] or call the office at 250-712-3620. Renee Merrifield is the B.C. Liberal MLA for Kelowna-Mission. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden said on Tuesday he was concerned about the possibility that Russia would send tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. "They haven't done that yet," Biden told reporters at the White House. "It's worrisome." (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Chris Reese) By Steve Holland, Arshad Mohammed and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Despite tensions between them, President Joe Biden has so far avoided an acrimonious public confrontation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while trying to make clear he opposes a judicial overhaul that has shaken the close U.S. ally. In the last three months, Biden and senior members of his team have expressed alarm about Israeli plans for settlement expansion on the West Bank and about violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Most troubling for the White House, however, was Netanyahu's plan to reshape the Israeli judiciary system to give the government greater control over appointments to the Supreme Court. The decision propelled Israel into a national crisis with massive protests that forced Netanyahu to delay the move on Monday. Biden, who has known Netanyahu for about 40 years, has been direct with him in private phone calls, aides say, while publicly expressing support for Israel, the strongest U.S. ally in the Middle East. "The main operating premise toward this Israeli government is to avoid whenever and wherever they can any sustained public confrontation with Netanyahu," said Aaron David Miller, a Middle East analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank. "They don't want a fight. It's bad politics and its bad policy. It's messy and awkward," he said. U.S. administrations have long been wary of criticizing Israel in part due to the power of pro-Israel lobby groups in Washington, its role as a close ally and the support the country enjoys among ordinary Americans. The U.S. population largely has favorable views of Israel, home of major religious sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims. A Gallup poll earlier this month showed that consistent with prior years, Americans view Israel much more favorably than they do the Palestinian Authority, 68% versus 26%. Emblematic of the Biden approach was a White House statement issued on Sunday night urging "Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible" as the protests there grew. Story continues "We haven't taken a hands-off approach," said a senior administration official. "We understand that theres a domestic political process that's playing out. So weve been very clear that we have concerns over this reform legislation and weve also said very clearly that we want there to be a compromise found. So were watching this very closely." Dennis Ross, a veteran U.S. peace negotiator between Israelis and Arabs, said the Biden administration had expressed its misgivings about Israels judicial proposals but had done so privately where possible. Ross, who is now at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank, said he thought that approach of largely making the case in private was the proper one. Halie Soifer, chief executive officer of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said the way the Biden administration has handled this crisis thus far is in keeping with Biden's commitment to the U.S.-Israel partnership. "And sometimes friends are most honest with each other behind closed doors, and it appears that that is what is happening here," she said. But, keeping a distance from Netanyahu, Biden has yet to invite him to visit the White House since the Israeli began his sixth term as prime minister in December. A senior administration official said on Tuesday there is no plan as of yet for Netanyahu to visit but "Israeli leaders have a long tradition of visiting Washington, and Prime Minister Netanyahu will likely visit at some point." On the other hand, there have been no administration threats to limit U.S. funding to Israel which, according to a March 1 Congressional Research Service report, is the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign assistance since World War II. There is historically little appetite in the U.S. Congress to take such a step and the United States depends on Israel in a region where Western concerns about Iran have been growing. (This story has been refiled to fix the title of Halie Soifer in paragraph 14) (Reporting By Steve Holland, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Alistair Bell) U.S. President Joe Biden, joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, speaks on student loan debt in the Roosevelt Room of the White House August 24, 2022 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong/Getty Images Republicans introduced a resolution to overturn Biden's student-debt relief on Monday. Education Sec. Cardona said it's a "shame" for the millions of borrowers who would benefit in the GOP lawmakers' districts. The resolution faces a tough road ahead, requiring passage through both chambers and Biden's signature. President Joe Biden's administration wants to be sure millions of student-loan borrowers know that some of their representatives are trying to block them from getting student-loan forgiveness. On Monday, 37 Republican senators, led by Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, and Joni Ernst, introduced a resolution to overturn Biden's plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt and end the student-loan payment pause using the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a congressional oversight tool. The CRA allows Congress to overturn rules put in place by a federal agency, like student-debt relief, and it differs from regular legislation in that it allows senators to fast-track the bill by avoiding filibusters and new amendments, getting it quickly to a vote. "President Biden is not forgiving debt, he is shifting the burden of student loans off of the borrowers who willingly took on their debt and placing it onto those who chose to not go to college or already fulfilled their commitment to pay off their loans," Cassidy said in a statement. But Education Secretary Miguel Cardona disagrees. After the Republicans introduced the resolution, Cardona said in a statement that those lawmakers "represent millions of borrowers who have applied for student debt relief." "It's a shame for these borrowersthe overwhelming majority of whom make less than $75,000 a yearand their families that their representatives are working so hard to deny them critical relief," Cardona said. "Instead of working to support hardworking students and borrowers, Republicans in Congress would rather give trillions of dollars in tax breaks to the super wealthy and the biggest corporations." Story continues Biden's plan to cancel student debt has been paused since November due to two conservative-backed lawsuits seeking to permanently block the relief. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the cases in February and is expected to issue a final decision by June, and until then, millions of borrowers are waiting to see if they will have to resume payments this year with or without a reduction to their balances. Still, Republican lawmakers don't want to wait for the Supreme Court decision. GOP Rep. Bob Good is expected to introduce the House version of the CRA this week, and the resolution could come to a floor vote soon after. To be sure, the resolution needs to pass through both chambers of Congress and get Biden's signature, so it's unlikely to succeed, but it could earn some Democratic support. Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, for example, told The Washington Examiner that she'll "review the full text of the CRA when it is released, but like I said before, I disagree with President Biden's executive action on student loans because it doesn't address the root problems that make college unaffordable." And Sen. Joe Manchin, a centrist Democrat, previously called the debt relief "excessive." The White House continues to hold confidence that its debt relief plan will prevail, and Press Secretary Karine-Jean Pierre stressed the importance of the relief, and called out the millions of borrowers that would benefit from it, in a Monday press briefing. "While Republicans in Congress are pushing for tax breaks for ultra wealthy and large corporations, they're also introducing measures to deny millions of their own middle class constituents from getting the student debt relief they need and deserve," Jean-Pierre said. "We're talking about more than 2.1 million borrowers who have applied for student debt relief in Texas, more than 380,000 borrowers in Louisiana, more than 250,000 borrowers in Iowa." "These are hardworking borrowers who, for the most part, make less than $75,000 a year," she continued. "They're asking for a little extra breathing room as they prepare for loan payments to restart. And how are their Republican elected officials responding? They're bent on denying middle class families the relief they need." Read the original article on Business Insider NEW YORK (AP) Not to be rude, but are you living your best life? Are you sure? Might you be destined to be something else? Do you know what that could be? Those are some of the deep questions residents of the fictional town of Deerfield are dealing with as they confront fulfilling their life potential in the new Apple TV+ series The Big Door Prize premiering Wednesday. The show is in many ways about the idea of the road not taken, and that no matter how happy or fulfilled you think you are, theres always this curiosity about the other path, says David West Read, showrunner and executive producer. The premise is this: One day a mysterious machine appears in the local store, offering to reveal to every user a specialized card printed with what they should be, like Meteorologist, Healer, Storyteller and Undertaker. This isnt something you typically see on television. Definitely not wrapped in the form of comedy and magic, says show star Gabrielle Dennis. It definitely has you looking within and asking these questions, which can be both a beautiful and scary experience. Each of the 10 half-hour episodes of The Big Door Prize takes turns exploring how members of the community are handling their results. Some quit their jobs, some begin new hobbies, others act differently. The school principal gets Biker and soon is riding on a motorcycle until she crashes it and goes to the hospital, where she meets a doctor and falls in love. At her wedding, she credits the machine for connecting her to her new husband, but was that what the machine meant? The series is based on a novel by M.O. Walsh, which appealed to Read's love of stories that mix humor and heart with a magical or sci-fi element. He happened to read it during the pandemic, and the book seemed more timely than ever. In real life, I saw people hitting the pause button for the first time in a long time and thinking about like, Whats that thing I havent done like learning guitar, baking bread, taking up a hobby or breaking up with my partner?' he says. Story continues The spine of the series is a married couple played by Chris ODowd and Dennis. O'Dowd's character a cheerful high school teacher is unmoored by the destabilizing effect of the machine. When he suddenly learns that his wife enjoys spicy food and men with tattoos, he asks her: What will I find out next? That you also enjoy meth? ODowd says it was interesting to play a man wondering about his life's destiny because the actor says he himself almost never stops to consider his own happiness, despite outside pressures. We are given in the modern world just such a high bar for what happiness can be, I think, because of social media and because of this kind of constant portrayal of the wonderful and the beautiful out there, he says. Read, an Emmy-winning writer from Schitts Creek who penned the story for the Broadway hit & Juliet, says the couple at the center of the new series get curious answers from the machine. Part of whats compelling for me about them is that they dont know how to get there. They dont have a clear directive. Their cards are ambiguous and and frustrating, he says. If only life were that simple that we all knew exactly what it was that was going to make us happy and we could just go out and do it. But knowing that, on some level, you feel like maybe you could be happier, but you dont know how to get there, is much more interesting to me. One of the show's most compelling characters is the town's priest, played by Damon Gupton. It's the priest who must try to understand whether the machine is part of some grander plan and how faith fits in, not to mention grief and addiction. This show is heartfelt and aspirational, but I wanted it to also contain some darkness to feel like it represented the full spectrum of experiences that people can have with this machine, Read says. On the lighter side, Dennis' character uses the disruption to speak up for herself, start doing things for herself. For her, its a very big question to explore because sometimes as a mom and a wife, some women feel that they lose themselves, she says. As for what ODowd wishes he'd see if he asked such a machine, the answer is a sense of humor. I would want it to on both sides be written the words Please Turn Over, he says, laughing. ___ Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits MADISON - With a week before the election for the state Supreme Court, liberal candidate Janet Protasiewicz continues to eclipse her conservative opponent Dan Kelly in fundraising this time with the help of three out-of-state billionaires who have each given $1 million to the state Democratic Party. This year's state Supreme Court race is unlike many others, with control of the battleground state's highest court up for grabs and the issue of abortion front and center. The national implications of the race have drawn unprecedented donations from across the country. More:Wisconsin's Supreme Court race holds high stakes. Here's a breakdown of issues the next court could hear, from abortion to voting rules. Between Feb. 7 and March 20, Protasiewicz received $12.4 million in donations while Kelly received $2.2 million. About $8 million of Protasiewicz's donations were from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Billionaire financier George Soros donated $1 million the state Democrats on Feb. 22, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave $1 million on March 14 and Tulsa philanthropists Stacy and Lynn Schusterman made four donations in March totaling $1 million. The Schustermans had previously donated $40,000 to the party. Philanthropist George Soros, founder and chairman of the Open Society Foundations. California physician Karla Jurvetson who has focused her donations on female candidates and in 2020 gave nearly $15 million to boost Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the Democratic presidential primary also gave $500,000 to the state Democratic Party. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's campaign committee also gave $12,000 to the state Democratic Party on March 13. In an interview with the Journal Sentinel last week, Protasiewicz said it is a good thing that the Supreme Court race is drawing national attention and donations from around the country. "That helps me to communicate with people all over the state," Protasiewicz said. "That gives me the ability to be on TV. That gives me the ability to be on digital. That gives me to ability to travel all over the state and meet people." Story continues Republicans were quick to criticize the Soros and Pritzker donations. "George Soros and J.B. Pritzker's million-dollar contributions underscore that Protasiewicz will simply be a progressive rubber stamp," said Rachel Reisner, spokeswoman for the state Republican Party. "Theyll drop whatever cash needed to buy her a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat because her pro-criminal record aligns with their agenda." GOP megadonor Liz Uihlein, an Illinois resident who co-founded the Pleasant Prairie-based shipping supply giant Uline, donated $500,000 to the state Republican Party on March 10 the most of any individual. Her husband, Dick Uihlein, is supporting Fair Courts America, a super PAC that has spent nearly $5 million in 2023 on ads to boost Kelly. Dick Uihlein has donated $4 million of that total. The Uihleins, who live in the northern Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, are two of the top GOP donors in the nation and have individually donated nearly $150 million to elect Republicans since the 1990s, with much of that money spent since 2012, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. State Democratic Party spokesman Joe Oslund took aim at the Uihlein support. "We encourage Dan Kelly and the Wisconsin GOP to terminate their arrangement as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dick Uihleins cardboard box factory before Uihlein-funded January 6th rioters get another chance at shredding the Constitution that Dan Kelly claims to love so deeply, Oslund said. Elizabeth Uihlein and Richard Uihlein. Records show Kelly's campaign received contributions from members of two groups that have featured in Protasiewicz ads critical of Kelly. The first ad focused on the Zignego family, who own a road construction business in Waukesha. In the TV ad, Protasiewicz noted Kelly initially recused himself from a case brought by Timothy Zignego in 2019 over the state's voter rolls because the lawsuit was scheduled to be before the high court while he was on the ballot in 2020. After he lost to Justice Jill Karofsky, Kelly issued an order saying he would participate in the case. The Protasiewicz ad tied Kelly's decision to rejoin the case to $20,000 worth of campaign donations from the Zignego family. Kelly's campaign called the allegation a lie, noting that Kelly was ultimately not involved in the case's outcome as it was decided after his term had expired and Karofsky had replaced him. Since the primary, six members of the Zignego family have given a total of $20,050 to the Kelly campaign. Kelly also received $32,750 in contributions from the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty's Board of Directors. In a second ad, Protasiewicz accused Kelly of using his connections to WILL to benefit the organization's clients when he heard six cases between 2017 and June 2019. The ad points out that Kelly accepted more than $14,000 in campaign contributions from WILL board members and served on an advisory panel for the firm before being appointed to the Supreme Court by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2016. A Kelly spokesman said he did not start fundraising until after all the WILL cases were heard, so those donations would not have influenced his decisions. Kelly served on WILL's Litigation Advisory Board from 2011 to 2012. Even though both ads left out significant facts, a Protasiewicz spokesman criticized the donations from the Zignego family and WILL's board. "Dan Kelly's donors know that if they support him now, he'll bring back corruption to the court and rule in their favor every chance he gets, just like last time," said Sam Roecker, a spokesman for Protasiewicz. "No amount of money can hide the truth that Dan Kelly is a corrupt extremist who has no place on the court. But Kelly's campaign pointed the finger back at Protasiewicz. "Janet Protasiewicz is a hypocrite of the highest degree who has repeatedly lied about Justice Kelly's record and character," said Kelly spokesman Ben Voelkel. "If she wants to see corruption and scandal, she should look in the mirror." Contact Daniel Bice at (414) 313-6684 or dbice@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanielBice or on Facebook at fb.me/daniel.bice. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Soros, Pritzker and Uihleins pour millions into Supreme Court race Farouk Abdulhak and Martine Vik Magnussen were students at Regent's Business School in central London and part of the same young international social set The son of a Yemeni billionaire has admitted involvement in the death of a Norwegian student found raped and strangled in Mayfair, but will not return to the UK to face justice. Martine Vik Magnussen, 23, was found dead in 2008 under rubble in the basement of a block of flats where her university friend, Farouk Abdulhak, was living at the time. Police believed she had been raped and murdered, but the only suspect in the case - Mr Abdulhak - left the UK for Yemen before her body was discovered. He has never returned. Now, more than 15 years after the killing, Mr Abdulhak has spoken for the first time about the incident and claimed to the BBC that Ms Vik Magnussens death was the result of a sex accident gone wrong. The two were students at Regent's Business School in central London and part of the same young international social set. Yet a post-mortem examination found that Ms Vik Magnussen died from compression to the neck and her body had 43 cuts and grazes that were said to be typical of an assault or struggle. In a series of text messages exchanged with a BBC reporter investigating the case, Mr Abdulhak, who was 21 at the time of the death, wrote: I deeply regret the unfortunate accident that happened. I regret coming [to Yemen]. Should have stayed and paid the piper. BBC special correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi with Martine Vik Magnussen's father, Odd Petter Magnussen - Bard Gundersen/BBC Asked for clarity about the circumstances of Ms Vik Magnussens death, Mr Abdulhak said: It was just an accident. Nothing nefarious Like I told you just a sex accident gone wrong. He went on to tell the reporter he was unable to recollect exact details of the incident because of his cocaine use that night. No one knows because I could barely piece together what happened, he said. On the night in question, Ms Vik Magnussen had been celebrating her end-of-term exams with friends and left the Maddox nightclub in Mayfair with Mr Abdulhak at around 3am. At some stage, they returned to his flat in Great Portland Street. Mr Abdulhak flew out of Britain the following day, around 24 hours before Ms Vik Magnussens semi-naked body was discovered. Story continues The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Yemen. Mr Abdulhak is the son of Shaher Abdulhak, who ran a business empire that spanned the Middle East. He was the richest man in Yemen at the time, counting Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former president of Yemen, among his close friends. Shaher Abdulhak died in 2020. The former president died three years earlier. Not prepared to return to the UK Speaking to the BBC reporter on a phone call, Mr Abdulhak said he was not prepared to return to the UK, adding: It's too cold there. I don't like the weather ... I don't think justice will be served. I find that the criminal justice system there is heavily biased. I find that they will want to make an example of me being a son of an Arab, being a son of someone rich. In response to Mr Abdulhaks comments, Ms Vik Magnussens father, Odd Petter Magnussen, told the BBC: [Mr Abdulhak] tries to portray it as a mutual, sort of, accidental outcome of a sex act. Its definitely been a sex act, but it has been forced on Martine, as far as I can understand from all the information Ive gathered all through the years. He added that Mr Abdulhak needed to explain to police in the UK what happened to Ms Vik Magnussen, so that my family and myself can get some peace of mind. The BBC also spoke to a close friend of Mustafa Norman, Mr Abdulhaks father, who revealed that the former president of Yemen met with the student when he left the UK. Mr Norman, a former Yemeni diplomat, said: Ali Abdullah Saleh was sympathetic to Shaher, because theyd had a relationship for so long. He made sure he didnt have to hand the boy over. He also saw Farouk after the incident. Ali Abdullah Saleh wanted to reassure him that nothing would happen to him. Diplomatic row In the aftermath of Ms Vik Magnussens death, Scotland Yard said Mr Abdulhak was one of Britain's most wanted men. David Miliband, then foreign secretary, personally intervened, promising to do all he could to ensure the "shocking" case was resolved. But a one-off extradition request was turned down by the Yemeni foreign minister in February 2009, prompting a diplomatic row. The investigation will be broadcast in the documentary This World: Murder in Mayfair at 9pm on BBC Two on Tuesday. It will also be available on the BBC iPlayer. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is on the trading block. One team that reportedly is headlining the trade market is the Buffalo Bills. However, the Bills are downplaying that talk. Bills general manager Brandon Beane called the talk of them going after Hopkins and others as just social media discussion. Hes on the Arizona Cardinals, he told Matt Parino of Syracuse.com in Phoenix. What I would say is social media is social media. Dont take that too far. He added, Our name gets thrown into a lot of things, sometimes weve done 1% (of whats been reported). Beane couldnt really say anything about Hopkins, He is under contract with the Cardinals, so commenting on him would be considered tampering, even though the Cardinals have permitted teams to reach out to Hopkins and his agent. Yes, Beane downplayed it but it doesnt mean that they dont have interest. He just cant tell anyone publicly that they want him. Listen to the latest from Cards Wires Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. More DeAndre Hopkins! Cardinals allowing teams to speak to DeAndre Hopkins, agent Jonathan Gannon preparing as if DeAndre Hopkins will remain with Cardinals Teams interested in DeAndre Hopkins want Cardinals to come off asking price Story originally appeared on Cards Wire A Black and Japanese student living in Japan had to sit alone at his graduation ceremony because his hairstyle violated rules. The post A Black And Asian Student In Japan Wasnt Allowed To Participate In His Graduation Due To His Cornrows appeared first on Blavity. As VICE reported, for this monumental moment, the anonymous 18-year-old wanted his hair to look neat and fresh since he has curly-textured hair, so he got cornrows after discussing the style with his father, a Black New York native. When he arrived to celebrate his accomplishment with his classmates, the school staff told him he must sit in a different section than his peers and remain seated when his name was called due to his braids. In Japan, most schools have stringent rules they do not compromise, called burakku kousoku. These rules cater to the majority of the country, which is 98.5% Japanese, and arent inclusive to the 1.5% of minorities who live there. These rules can create an environment that allows discrimination against minorities from different cultural backgrounds, like the unnamed student who doesnt have straight hair like the countrys native population, which a local politician agreed to. I was surprised to see a response similar to the old U.S. racial segregation policy of separate but equal. Why do you have to worry about the hairstyle? Its a graduation ceremony, tweeted Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People. The teenagers school is in Hyogo, a prefecture of Japan in the Kansai region of Honshu. And despite this story sparking conversations around school policies in Japan, the country has been practicing this for decades. School rules on physical appearance and clothing are familiar to Japan, as the government has enforced policies to help schools maintain a particular structure and image. Some authorities have even gone as far as dictating the color of students underwear, VICE reported. Story continues Unhappy about what his son had to endure during a once-in-a-lifetime moment, the biracial teenagers father shared his thoughts about how this makes the infrastructure of schools like a prison. They strictly enforce obedience in the form of hairstyles, skirt lengths, underwear colors, and so on, as an act of showing that the human being belongs entirely to the school and is a servant of the school, the dad told Japanese media outlet Mainichi Shimbun. The teen told VICE World News he wasnt trying to violate the schools rule but simply embracing his heritage. This hairstyle is part of my fathers roots and is my culture as a Black man, the unnamed teen said. In the hours after the shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday, some conservatives rushed to blame the massacre on the suspects gender identity, connecting the tragedy to their national crusade against transgender rights. Little is so far known publicly about the motives of the shooter, whom police identified as a transgender former student of The Covenant School who resented having to attend the facility. Six people were killed, including three 9-year-old students and three staff members. The shooter was killed by police, who are still investigating. As Republicans across the country move to ban trans literature from school libraries, pass laws outlawing gender-affirming care for trans youth and prepare to campaign on fighting against woke values on gender and sexuality, the combination of a trans shooter at a Christian school sparked a firestorm as social conservatives claimed vindication. Image: Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on March, 27, 2023. (Jonathan Mattise / AP) Transgender killer targets Christian school, the cover of the Rupert Murdoch-owned New York Post blared in giant letters, while the #TransTerrorism hashtag trended on Twitter. There have been dozens of mass shootings this year, and researchers have found that 98% of such attacks are carried out by men. But some far-right politicians and activists used the Nashville shooting to baselessly claim there is an epidemic of trans/non-binary mass shooters, as Donald Trump Jr. put it on Twitter. Some conservatives including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Fox News host Laura Ingraham suggested hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness were a factor, despite no public information about whether the shooter was taking such drugs. Everyone can stop blaming guns now, Greene tweeted. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, whose campaign last year focused in part on conservative cultural grievances, said on Twitter that if a trans shooter targeted a Christian school, there needs to be a lot of soul searching on the extreme left. Giving in to these ideas isnt compassion, its dangerous. Story continues JD Vance speaks at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio (Tom E. Puskar / AP file) Advocates for transgender inclusion, meanwhile, warned that the incendiary reactions would lead to an escalation of attacks on LGBTQ rights. Kim Spoon, an activist who has protested new Tennessee laws targeting transgender health care and drag performances, said she didnt recall many politicians declaring that there was something wrong with all cisgendered, white men after other mass shootings. This has nothing to do with gender," she said. "Its easy access to guns. The online debate took on a familiar pattern, with Democrats arguing for more gun restrictions and conservatives blaming other factors in this case, gender identity. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., wrote on Twitter, Some of the things being said about trans people on this platform tonight are so vile, and followed up by retweeting a commentator who wrote simply, Its the guns. Charlie Kirk, the founder of the powerful conservative group Turning Point USA, countered that argument, writing on Twitter, Instead of banning assault rifles we should ban gender affirming care for kids. Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, which promotes stricter gun laws, said it seemed the list of what gun extremists have blamed for mass shootings keeps growing: violent video games, mental health, not enough doors, too many doors, and now gender identity. What they dont want to talk about is that only in America is a shooter able to get their hands on the assault weapons one equipped with an arm brace that were used to commit this atrocity, she said. House Republicans are trying to roll back a new Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rule to regulate controversial stabilizing braces, one of which appeared to be used in the Nashville shooting. And a GOP bill before the Tennessee Legislature would loosen the states gun laws, lowering the legal age to obtain a permit to carry a firearm from 21 to 18 and allowing permit holders to carry assault-style rifles in public. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) At the same time, several GOP-controlled state legislatures including in Tennessee recently have taken steps to limit access to gender-affirming medical care, criminalize transgender performances and ban discussions and books about transgender people from schools. Former President Donald Trump opened his re-election campaign with a promise to punish doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors, which he equated to child abuse and child sexual mutilation. And at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, the Daily Wire host Michael Knowles called for the eradication of transgenderism from society. Anti-trans backlash had already begun trickling down to local levels hours after the shooting. At a tense Tennessee school board meeting Monday evening, a mother cited the shooting in Nashville in her call for the district to ban what she called satanic library books depicting sexual relationships and LGBTQ people. We just had a young man who has fooled himself into thinking he was a woman kill six people, the woman said, incorrectly describing the suspects gender. If that is not a testimony of how messed up this whole trans strategy is then I dont know what is. Spoon, the local progressive activist, attended the school board meeting in Clinton, Tennessee, a few hours from Nashville. The anger in the room as parents called for books to be pulled from shelves felt primal, she said, different from previous board meetings. Theyve been saying for months, We are worried about children, Spoon said. Were protecting the children from these drag queens. Now theyre seizing on this to say, See, told ya. While condemning the shooting, she said shes afraid the rhetoric in its aftermath will lead to retaliatory violence targeting transgender people. I didnt sleep at all last night, Spoon said. Im worried after reading all these hateful comments. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Rescuers work to take the injured and the corpses of the victims out of the premises after a fire at an immigration detention center in Northern Mexico Getty Images / Stringer At least 39 people were killed in a fire that broke out late Monday at a migrant detention facility in the northern Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, in what The Washington Post called "one of the deadliest tragedies in years involving foreigners crossing Mexico to reach the United States." The fire started shortly before 10 p.m., the National Immigration Institute (INM) said in a statement. At least 68 men from Central and South America stayed at the center in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas, the institute stated. The facility hosts migrants waiting for their requests for asylum in the U.S. to be processed. INM officials say that at least 29 migrants were wounded in the blaze, in addition to the 39 confirmed dead. Most of the victims were Central American migrants, although some were Venezuelan, said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The INM said it "energetically rejects the acts that led to this tragedy" without elaborating on what those acts were. The fire was allegedly set by migrants who were told they were going to be deported, the president said at a press conference. "In the door of the shelter, they put some mattresses and set them on fire," Lopez Obrador said. "They never imagined that would cause this tragedy." "Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez," The Associated Press explains, where shelters for migrants awaiting asylum have become overcrowded. The level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident "when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso." You may also like How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday 'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad Photo: Shane MacKichan/Richmond News Richmond RCMP responded to calls of gunshots fired in the parking lot outside Tim Hortons at Richmond Centre mall in July 2019. A man shot in a drive-by shooting at Richmond Centre has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing a restricted firearm. In a newly released March 10 decision, Vancouver provincial court Judge Reginald Harris said RCMP responded to shots at the mall on July 29, 2019. Once on scene, they found Robert James Patrick Kinnear, who had been shot multiple times. He received injuries to his abdomen, thigh and arms. Investigators at the time believed the shooting to be targeted. Harris said police attempted to provide aid to Kinnear, who resisted them lowering his pants, saying he didnt want to be exposed in public. But, when he was taken to Vancouver General Hospital, a doctor told police Kinnear had a gun in his underwear. An officer stepped forward and observed a handgun in Mr. Kinnears groin/buttocks area, Harris said. The barrel of the gun was in his buttocks and pointed upward toward his torso while the handle was pointed forward toward Mr. Kinnears testicles. Harris said while the 9mm Polymer 80 model PF940C semi-automatic did not have a bullet in the chamber, the magazine contained eight 9 mm hollow point bullets. At the time of the offence, Kinnear was bound by five lifetime firearm prohibitions. Mr. Kinnear carried a loaded handgun to a public place, thereafter, and knowing he was going to the hospital, he continued to carry the handgun, Harris said. The risks to all were extreme and the many possible scenarios that could have occurred are too many to list. And, Harris said, when he had an opportunity to surrender it, he had the wherewithal to avoid detection by claiming he was concerned about being exposed in public. In 2007, Kinnear pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and was sentenced to eight years for fatally stabbing a 20-year-old man in a fight outside a North Vancouver apartment in 2006. Kinnear also has convictions involving firearms and a conviction for possessing a firearm contrary to his prohibition. There have also been media reports that Kinnear is allegedly associated with the Wolf Pack criminal organization. Given credit for time served prior to sentencing, Kinnear must serve a further four years and three months. It seems unkind to mark down any drama that tries to find its way through the continuing tensions in Northern Ireland, but the problem with BBC Ones Blue Lights is that theres no one to really root for. All the characters in the story are either loathsome or pathetic, with some a mix of both. It does tend to mirror the politics in the province in recent times, incidentally, but thats not really the point. Blue Lights is the story of three probationary officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Grace Ellis, Annie Conlon and Tommy Foster, played with a kind of uncharming naivety by Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin and Nathan Braniff, respectively. They spend much of their time getting stoned (not in the nice way) and being derided and mocked by their colleagues, who seem to resent the idea that anyone would actually want to do the job they do. Not a happy lot. Through their usual police work stopping suspicious cars, being called out to neighbour disputes and getting assaulted just because theyre police officers their lives become entangled with the locals, and will do so for the rest of the series (assuming they survive). These citizens comprise an unstable single mum (Angela Mackle, portrayed by an impressively out-of-her-head Valene Kane), her easily led son Gordy (Dane Whyte OHara), who is drifting into crime, and the deeply evil men of violence who are preying on the family led by the McIntyres, a father and son team of chilling demeanour. Our hapless junior cops also manage to offend some sinister British MI5 agents, the sneaky beakies, whose unofficial presence everyone knows about, and everyone resents (about the only thing all of the Northern Irish protagonists might agree on). The main weakness in all of this is that the police trainees are so useless that you dont actually want them to succeed even against the terrorist scum of the earth. This is especially true of probationary police officer Grace Ellis (Brooke), who, despite warnings from the security services and her more worldly wise colleagues, insists on wanting to help Angela and her boy Gordy, a foul-mouthed petty criminal who seems to enjoy being an apprentice monster. The British spooks keep trying to tell the goofing wannabe PSNI plods that the Mackles are OOB, out of bounds, but Ellis, previously a social worker, wants to make her corner of Northern Ireland a nicer place, even if it means blowing the cover on an MI5 covert operation. When she says to her more experienced, and realistic, mentor officer: Have you ever thought theres maybe a different way of doing this job? you really do share his evident irritation. What the writers, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, do get very right is the sense of sheer exhausting frustration of policing a place where the usual challenges are overlaid with ethnic-national hatreds and the ever-present possibility of assassination. It doesnt take long to realise why coppers in Northern Ireland used to go around in armoured Land Rovers with the Army in support, and why their interventions in some neighbourhoods have to be limited to 10 minutes; after that a wee crowd gathers, and the bricks and bottles, or worse, come out. There are flashes of gallows humour, almost literally, but the gloom is otherwise unrelieved, and frankly is a bit tiresome to watch. Theres a story, apparently well founded, that in the early 1970s as the violence during the Troubles was escalating towards uncontrollable levels the clubbable, avuncular Tory home secretary of the day, Reggie Maudling, flew out to Belfast. His visit was to see if some start could be made on peace and a political agreement. After a day or two of being yelled at and dodging the bullets, Maudling clambered back into his RAF transport and said: For Gods sake, bring me a large Scotch. What a bloody awful country! Its a regrettable attitude, and one that sadly typified so much of successive governments attitudes towards the province and the agonies that its people had to endure. A lot has obviously changed in recent times, particularly in policing, but Blue Lights is a reminder that trouble for the PSNI is never that far away. An older Boalsburg man and a State College police officer were assaulted Saturday after a teenager entered the mans home before dawn, borough police wrote in a statement Tuesday. The homeowner called 911 after he woke up about 5 a.m. Saturday to find an unknown 15-year-old inside his home along the 100 block of West Main Street, police wrote. He was assaulted after confronting the Centre County teenager, police wrote. The man locked himself inside a bathroom and called for help. The teenager did not listen to commands from police officers. He fled before charging at and assaulting an officer, police wrote. The teen was detained after he was shocked with a Taser stun gun. It was the second time this year borough police deployed a Taser, borough police Capt. Greg Brauser wrote in a text message to the Centre Daily Times. The teenager also attempted to assault workers at Mount Nittany Medical Center and a second officer, police wrote. The homeowner was released from the hospital after being treated for facial injuries. Brauser described the police officers injuries as minor. A written allegation which works as a charging document against those younger than 18 in Pennsylvania accused the teen of burglary, aggravated assault and more. He is detained at the Central Counties Youth Center. It was not immediately clear if he has a defense lawyer. An investigation is ongoing. Those with information about attempted break-ins or other suspicious activity in the area may call police at 814-234-7150, email police@statecollegepa.us or submit an anonymous tip online. Investigators also asked for assistance from any residents who have surveillance cameras. The department urged people to keep their homes locked, use exterior motion lights and immediately report any suspicious behavior. Peter Mathews found a Vietnamese soldier's diary while he was serving with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. More than 50 years later, he decided to find its rightful owner. KY ANH DISTRICT, Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam On a spring evening at the end of January, Ha Huy My received the phone call his family had been waiting for. A few days before, local officials had contacted him looking for information about his uncle, who had died in 1967 in the war. At his family home, nestled beneath its red tile roof among a village of blue and green houses by the sparkling sea, Huy My wondered: Why are they asking? About his uncle who had gone to war and died so long ago, a man named Cao Van Tuat, a man he never really knew? Then, a short time later, he heard a rumor about a fallen soldiers diary that had been found by an American veteran. The diary was elegant, apparently, with poetry and drawings etched amid the entries. The American soldier had found it on a battlefield. For his job, for wartime strategy, the thing to do would have been to hand it over to military intelligence. But the book was too beautiful to hand over. So he had kept it, hidden away, for more than 50 years. In the space of so much time, the American vet had come to realize the book was not too beautiful to hand over. It was too beautiful to keep. The American was a man named Peter Mathews. He had no idea who had written the diary. But he wanted to find that Vietnamese soldiers family and give it back. At first, Huy My couldnt imagine how he was involved. He had been only 2 years old when his uncle left for the war and never came back. I personally did not know his handwriting, Huy My said. He had never even seen his uncles picture. Even as he started to realize why local officials had called him, Huy My was unsure. The book was reportedly filled with poems by renowned Vietnamese poets like Te Hanh and To Huu, which Huy My assumed his uncle had not had the chance to study in school before he left for war. The worst thing, he thought, would be to take this diary as his uncles and be mistaken. Ha Huy My never knew his uncle, Cao Van Tuat. He left for the war when Huy My was 2 years old and only sent one letter home. It would be a tremendous sin and guilt had the diary belonged to some familys loved one, he said. We would be like robbing away their deceased members memento, a treasure to the family. Story continues But then, the official called and confirmed the names of the soldiers parents Huy Mys grandparents and the soldiers older sister Huy Mys mother. That was when we were sure it was my uncles, he said. He poured cups of warm lid eugenia tea and sat down in his home. It was early March by now, and outside, the peach and apricot trees dotted the village with blossoms. Huy My, a rice and soybean farmer, was more than 60 years old himself. Though he remembered almost nothing of the day his uncle left home in 1963, he knew that tomorrow would be a day just as important for his family. The American veteran, Peter Mathews, was set to arrive. He would come to the village of Cao Thang. He would meet the family. He would be carrying Cao Van Tuats diary. Now, Huy My said, we just want to be able to touch it, to see it for ourselves. Peter, 1967 The four days of fighting came amid one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. U.S. soldiers launch rockets Nov. 21, 1967, during the battle of Dak To in Vietnam. It was during this, one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War, that Peter Mathews and his unit began searching a cache of supplies for North Vietnamese intelligence. Mathews, an Army sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division, was sweeping through an area of South Vietnam's Central Highlands near Dak To with his unit. In November 1967, they had flown in to help the 4th Infantry Division, which was engaged in the fight for a nearby airstrip. They were preparing to leave when Mathews found the book. The soldiers in his unit had been rifling through backpacks left at the bottom of a hill, known to the Americans as Hill 724, named for its elevation above sea level. North Vietnamese soldiers would often drop their backpacks in a staging area rather than carrying the heavy packs up a hill while fighting, Mathews said. Mathews pale blue eyes scanned the stash left on the ground. His teams job was to look for anything useful, any notes that could give them an inside look at battlefield plans. Instead, wrapped in plastic, he found a work of art. Mathews was struck by the elegance of the diary's pages, with intricate drawings and what appeared to be poetry. With no way to know if its owner was alive or dead, he simply put it in his pocket. Mathews was struck by the elegance of the books pages, which were decorated with intricate drawings of flowers and landscapes and what appeared to be poetry, songs and journal entries. He didn't know what the handwritten words meant, but it looked as if the booklet was a personal diary, not a military document. Instead of handing it over to commanders, Mathews put it in his pocket. And there it remained for much of the next month until his tour ended in December 1967. "I just thought it was such a beautiful thing," he recalled. "I was amazed by the detail, the artistic ability. "Maybe I should have turned it in, but I just couldn't part with it," he said. "It didn't look to me like military or secret information. I didn't show it to anyone. I just put it in my pocket." Peter Mathews in Vietnam in 1967. By the end of that year, he was back home in New Jersey. There, the troubles he left behind were still waiting for him, plus the ones he brought home from war. Vietnam, 1967 Cao Van Tuat was 21 and living with his family in a small village in the province of Ha Tinh. His village lay beneath the distant mountains, on a small river near a sparkling sea. His family earned a living growing rice and catching fish. They sent him to school, but by 1963, he was ready to fight. The village and surrounding region had sent a flow of thousands of young people in North Vietnam heading to the southern front to fight the Americans in the war. Ha Tinh, government reports show, sent 92,912 young men and women more than 10% of the provinces population and mobilized more than 330,000 civilians and 10,600 young volunteers in the war effort. By the wars end, 28,455 of them would not return. Tuat joined the North Vietnamese troops and left home in March 1963. He left behind his parents, an older sister and two younger sisters. His family did not even have a photograph of him to hold on to. The soldier sent one letter home shortly after he enlisted. It would be nine years later before they received his death certificate. The story they had of the end of his life had no artwork, no poetry, nothing to remember him by. We did not know where he was, how his life was on the battlefield. We didnt even know where he died, Huy My said. For the whole nine years before we heard of his death, our family was thinking, and wishing, he was alive. He did not send many letters. All communications were complicated and rare back then. All they knew from official records was that he had been killed, somewhere on the battlefield, in 1967. Cao Van Tuat's death certificate. His family was left knowing almost nothing about how he died, or how he had lived in the last years of his life. They didn't even have his picture. Peter, 1967 In December 1967, about a month after he found the diary, Mathews returned to New Jersey. He wanted the war put behind him, so he tucked the diary away. All the same problems he had when he left before the war were still there waiting for him, plus the new burdens he brought home. Mathews had come to the United States from the Netherlands four years earlier, in 1963. He landed just a week before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He had lived in New Jersey and worked odd jobs for a few years before he found someone willing to sponsor him for a green card. Then, just months after getting the documentation, he had been drafted into the U.S. Army. When I was drafted I was young and stupid, he said. I was a young guy and I went along. I had to they gave me the option to go home or go there. Mathews was a machine gunner during the war. He eventually became a squad leader in the 1st Cavalry, which was tasked with flying in to help other units if they needed backup. Finally, in 1967, he came home. By the time Mathews returned, school was secondary, he said. I had to make a living. He applied for citizenship, thinking he was immediately eligible because of his military service, but he was denied because the Vietnam conflict was not a formally declared war. By the next summer, those rules had changed, and Mathews became a U.S. citizen. He got married shortly after returning home, but that marriage lasted just four years, ending in divorce, he said, because of his drinking problems and depression. He remarried, began a small construction business and focused on raising his four children. The diary he had stuffed in his pocket on the battlefield now stayed in a box in his attic in Bergenfield, New Jersey. But every once in a while, someone would come to visit, and he would pull the book out to let them see. People called it the book from the enemy. Vietnam, 2023 Just a year after Tuat was killed, his youngest sister, who loved singing and dancing and was almost finished with school, died in a bombing. As a strategic zone and a main traffic hub for troops and the flow of materials from the North to the Southern battlefields, as well as Lower Laos and Cambodia, the province of Ha Tinh was a prime target for American airstrikes. According to Vietnamese records, 200,000 tons of bombs were dropped on the province during the war. An American aircraft sits in rubble amid attacks by North Vietnamese forces after the battle of Dak To in 1967. One of those bombs fell as the 17-year-old girl was hanging out with friends after school. It tore off her legs, and she bled to death. At the time, in 1968, the family had not yet learned of Tuats death. Before she died, she was still thinking she could meet her brother at the other end of the war, Huy My said. It turned out they died just months apart. Tuat had a girlfriend from the same village, who is now in her 80s. They promised each other that after his return, his family would visit her house to ask for her hand. But it was wartime, I think few would hold out their hope, Huy My said. Huy My, the little boy whose uncle had gone away to war, had been the first grandchild in the family. As a child he lived with his grandmother, who gave him stories to remember. My aunts and uncle showered me with love, he said. My uncle, I was told, loved taking me out to the beach to play in the afternoons. He liked carrying me around on his back, roaming around the village. Huy My grew, and eventually he also went to war, in 1981 in Cambodia, fighting against the Pol Pot regime. At the time I thought of my uncle, of how he gave up his life for the peace of this country, he said. I wanted to follow his footsteps. Time passed and Huy My became a farmer like his family. He lived long enough that he has to pause to remember some things now. To remember how his family moved from the home where they lived by the beach then its a seaside resort now. To remember the dates his other relatives have died. But its his job to remember. As the familys only son, Tuat would have traditionally been the one expected to continue the bloodline, take care of his parents as they got older, and after they died, care for their altar, a place in Vietnamese homes where families traditionally pay homage to their ancestors. In Vietnamese culture, family members who die are honored at an altar with incense, prayers, flowers and other offerings. Tuats family never learned where his body was buried. His sisters family has cared for his altar since his death. But in time, Tuats sisters grew older. As their health declined, Huy My had to take over. For the past seven years, he has been the one to honor his uncle. On Lunar New Year this year, Huy Mys family, and families all across Vietnam, again lit incense at their altars and called to their relatives who had died. It was Jan. 22, 2023. That day, as with each Lunar New Year, Huy My worried about who would eventually care for his uncles altar. The next generation would have no way to remember Tuat not even a picture of him. Four days later, on the other side of the world, a newspaper story appeared. In it was a man with pale blue eyes and a shock of silver hair, carefully cradling the yellowing pages of a diary. Peter Mathews had begun posting pages from the diary on social media, looking for more information in the hopes of one day returning the book to its author or his surviving relatives. Eventually, a newspaper story chronicled his search. Peter, 2023 More than a half century after he left Vietnam as a soldier, Mathews, now 77, was reminded of his time in the Army as he was working in a clients home. He spotted a non la, a traditional conical straw Vietnamese hat, in the mans home office. The client had adopted two children from Vietnam and had visited the country several times. Mathews told him about the diary, and he offered to have one of his friends translate some of its pages. Mathews began posting pages from the diary on social media, looking for more information in the hopes of one day returning the book to the soldier or his surviving relatives. As he got some of the pages translated, to Mathews' surprise, one of them held the soldier's name and address. Mathews social media posts seeking answers got him only so far. So he contacted a reporter in New Jersey. A story about his quest on northjersey.com caught the attention of a reporter in Vietnam. Mathews already knew the idea of a lost soldiers diary held a special place in Vietnamese popular imagination. In late January, a story in the Bergen Record described Peter Mathews' quest to find the diary's owner. In 2005, a wartime diary found by an American soldier had become a sensation when it was published in Vietnam. The diary, published as Last Night I Dreamed of Peace, was a personal account of the war experiences of Dang Thuy Tram, a young doctor who cared for wounded Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers before she was killed in 1970. It sold nearly half a million copies within a year and a half. Peter had even made inquiries about getting this diary published, but they never seemed to go anywhere. A newspaper story, though, has a way of changing things. When the Vietnamese reporter noticed the story about Mathews in 2023, he noticed the soldiers home address was listed as in the province of Ha Tinh. How the story began: He found an enemy soldier's diary after a Vietnam War battle. Now he seeks its owner Vietnam, 2023 When a Vietnamese reporter forwarded him information about an American newspaper story, Tran Nhat Tan, the provincial chairman of Ha Tinh, set about his work quickly. Tan scoured records and called family members to verify dates and information gleaned from the diarys pages. The search for Tuats identity was complicated by just two small letters in a middle name. The book carried the name Cao Xuan Tuat. The file of soldiers from Ha Tinh listed an entry for Cao Van Tuat. Records showed 36 soldiers from Ky Anh District with the last name Cao who had died in the war, nine with the name Tuat, and just one with both. The names that the soldier had written of his father, mother, sister and hometown address were identical to the ones that Huy My had given. Another soldier from Ky Xuan commune who joined the army at the same time as Cao Van Tuat recognized the handwriting from a photo. With that information, Tan and other local officials confirmed the diarys author was Tuat and called his surviving relatives to give them the news. Vietnamese officials speaking with Cao Van Tuat's family. This time Huy My knew that the rumors he had pushed out of his mind were true. The diary had belonged to his uncle. His family would even be able to explain the confusion about the name. Tuat, at birth, had been given the common middle name Van. But like many people, he tired of his middle name and casually used another one. As an artist and poet, he chose Xuan, meaning spring. Local officials soon arrived in Cao Thang, a quiet village that sits somehow untouched by the industrial development that has stormed much of Vietnam. They were there to see Huy Mys mother and aunt Tuats sisters. With them, they brought pictures of the pages from within the diary, their brothers handwritten notes and drawings. When the two women saw the pages, they wept. Peter, 2023 At home, Mathews held a diary that had been with him for 56 years. He understood it would not be his for long. Its next journey was already beginning. Tan, the local official in Vietnam, had emailed the reporter in New Jersey and also asked Shannon Gramse, a writing professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage who had recently visited Ha Tinh as part of an educational exchange program, to help him connect with Mathews. Within days, Mathews was flooded with requests from Vietnamese publications looking for interviews. To accommodate the 12-hour time difference, he would give late-night interviews over Facebook Live. More than a dozen pieces were published in Vietnam, detailing the search for the soldier and his familys emotional response to the books discovery. Two weeks after the initial story broke, Mathews and his wife, Christine, were planning a trip to the country he had left 56 years ago as a young soldier. Vietnam Airlines had offered to fly the couple from San Francisco to Vietnam. The journey would mean a long flight, then a shorter one, then a long drive, then a shorter one as local authorities would shuttle them closer. Their destination would be a village below the mountains, near the mouth of a small river, where blue and green houses cluster together by a sparkling sea. Mathews would be going back to a country he had known only as a soldier, carrying the diary that belonged to the enemy, to give it to a family he had never met. And he quietly made a promise. He had shown the diary to people in the past, to friends and visitors who called it the book from the enemy. But now that he knew who wrote it, and knew to whose family it belonged, he promised himself that when he arrived in Vietnam, they would be the first ones to see it. Peter Mathews holds Cao Van Tuats diary. Becoming reality: Vietnam vet traces war diary author after amazing sleuthwork. Now he'll visit the family Vietnam, 2023 Tuats family waited. They had spent six decades not knowing anything about the man they lost. Now, they would see his handwriting, his drawings, perhaps even his last thoughts. Its like having him send us a message years after the war, Huy My said. Huy My sat, pouring tea, in his family home. His mother, Tuats sister, was overjoyed at the news of the diary, he said, but because of difficulty walking after a stroke, she did not plan to attend the next days ceremony. Instead, she looked forward to meeting Mathews at her home. It would be the first time she ever sees an American in flesh, Huy My said. The family hopes information in the book will lead to the discovery of Tuats grave. Some of the books pages detail where the Tuats unit was stationed, and names of some of the people who were there. Some of those soldiers are still alive, Tan said, and officials plan to meet with them to learn more. Huy My said he was grateful to the veteran for keeping the diary safe and in good condition through so many years. Without him the diary would hardly make its way back home. Not a single drop of hatred or grudge we ever hold against him, he said. We lost our beloved uncle, but I understand it was war, and they were on different sides of the battlefield and had to shoot each other for their life. Outside, a thick layer of springtime haze hung over the village, obscuring the mountains beyond. It was war, he said. I used to be a soldier, so I know. People died when others survived. When the family sees the book and touches its pages, it will be like bringing a piece of his soul home, he said. But that was not all. Now, even for a man with no photograph, there would be something to remember him by. Though he had not yet touched his uncles diary, he had seen photos of its pages, and had transcribed some into a notebook of his own. He wrote for his mom, as if he knew his fate, Huy My said. As if he did not expect she would see him again. One passage had been written and dated the eve of the Lunar New Year. Families would have been gathering that night, but Tuat was writing in his diary without his family, far from home. The nephew reached for his own copy and began to read aloud. I am away from you, missing you a thousand times Even though there are mountains and rivers between us I could feel you are waiting for me in the middle of this cold night I pray for your better health Dont yearn for my return. Peter, 2023 It had already been a long trip, and Mathews hadnt even reached his destination, when he emerged to face a wall of cameras. There had been the 22-hour flight from the U.S. Then another two hours in the air to Vinh, a city near the coast, which was the closest airport to Tuats home village. Next would come car rides and ceremonies and handshakes. But as soon as Mathews and his wife landed, the questions began. A dozen reporters and camera operators at the airport. More reporters waiting in the hallway of their hotel. A circle of other television crews a few steps away. How do you feel getting back to Vietnam after nearly 60 years? they asked. Are you happy that you are about to meet the family of the diarys owner? Do you still keep in touch with other veterans? What do they think of you returning to Vietnam to give back the diary? How did your wife help you with postwar PTSD? What is your wish for the future of the U.S. and Vietnam? Mathews, sitting in a hotel armchair with a beer placed next to him, tried to answer them all without looking tired, and without making it a political event. I am not a politician, he answered the last one. I am not here for that. I am here on a humanitarian mission between myself and Vietnam. Then the reporters asked him to show the diary to the crowd and the cameras. No, he said. I had promised myself before, that as this notebook now is finally in Vietnam for the first time after 56 years, I want the family to be the first one to take a look at it and to touch it. Vietnam, 2023 Peter Mathews arrives at the home of relatives of Cao Van Tuat, who died during the war in 1967. Asked, earlier in his visit, about the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, he replied, I am not a politician. ... I am here on a humanitarian mission between myself and Vietnam. Sunday morning arrived, and with it, crowds. Since early morning, neighbors had come in and helped Huy My prepare a few pots of hot tea, dishes piled with peanuts and local peanut candies called Cu-do. Outside, a crowd of neighbors gathered. Local authorities, traffic police and security amassed in the yard and spilled around the low concrete fence. Mathews was being followed by a Vietnamese newspaper and at least two documentary crews. Other media outlets also followed his journey, some step by step. When Mathews caravan arrived, it included leaders and officials from all levels in Ha Tinh, a doctor, along with the throngs of media and security. Curious locals pressed at the edges, their phones held high. But really, there were just a few people he was there to see. Mathews and his wife filed into the three-room home. Huy My stood with the couple by the altar, amid a loud buzzing noise, trying to show them the pictures of the deceased family members, and the one who was missing a photo. Now, his diary would be there, they said, replacing the hollow space on the altar. The men then held hands, and together stepped out to the yard to take a family picture with the lost soldiers two sisters. Mathews sat next to the older sister, Cao Thi Dieu, who was in a wheelchair, trying to exchange words amid the frenzy. Peter Mathews sits next to Cao Van Tuat's older sister, Cao Thi Dieu. Mathews and Huy My walked to the minibus parked at the gate waiting for them, still with cameras pointing at them from all angles, their hands squeezed tight together. The caravan zigzagged through rice paddies and acacia-covered hills to the communal hall for the ceremony to mark the diarys return. The building sits next to a memorial that honors members of local armed forces. It honors those who were killed in wars it calls the Anti-French and Anti-American Wars, and the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. Here, dozens of stone plates list the names of soldiers who died, with their dates of birth, enlistment and death. Nearly all of them were in their late teens or early 20s when they died. One of the names is Cao Van Tuat. Inside the communal hall, the stage was draped with red and green curtains and decorated with a white bust of Ho Chi Minh, and his quotes addressed to Communist Party members written in yellow on red boards. On top of the display was a board: Glorious Vietnamese Communist Party. Peter Mathews and his wife Christine at the home of Ha Huy My in Cao Thang to burn incense at the family's altar of ancestors. Mathews walked in, a shock of silver hair in a blue and white shirt. His pale eyes surveyed the crowd, which included Vietnamese veterans who fought for the northern army. Its been a long time, 56 years since Ive been in Vietnam, he said. And last night I had several interviews with some of the TV crews, and I was very tired and feeling sick all the time. But just thinking about today, the tiredness was gone. The group was helped to the stage: Mathews and his wife. Huy My and his wife. And Cao Thi Nong, 78, Tuat's younger sister. Mathews shook Nongs hand, and held it for a moment, before handing her the dark brown notebook. She nodded a few times and tried to smile. Camera shutters burst all at once. Then, she was guided to a glass box prepared nearby. She placed the book on a red velvet tray inside. Peter Mathews, relatives of local veterans and local officials at a memorial in Ky Xuan. The book had been with him since the war, Mathews said. When he would, on occasion, show it to people, they would call it the book from the enemy, he said, his voice breaking. But every time people said that, and I showed them the book, theres this power of him that turns it around, and the word enemy was not used anymore. The power of the book is that even the people who are skeptical and call it the book from the enemy, every time they see the drawings and the writings, the word 'enemy' disappears. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How US veteran found Vietnamese soldier's diary and delivered it home Novelist Ann Patchett released a powerful video the day after the Covenant School shooting. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) Ann Patchett is helping Nashville mourn with books and dogs. On Tuesday, the novelist shared that her bookstore, Parnassus Books, is open to the community in the wake of the mass shooting at the Covenant School, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults. While the team had closed the store in the wake of Monday's tragedy, a planned event for families and their dogs to celebrate the latest release of Dav Pilkeys Dog Man went on as planned Mar. 28, serving as an opportunity for those grieving to swing by and, hopefully, create opportunities for healing. Were here if you need a place to be today. If your kids need a moment to just be kids, well still be hosting our Dog Man Celebration event from 3-5pm. Graphic novels and shop dogs aplenty. We love you, Nashville. pic.twitter.com/6H6xfOmQ0e Parnassus Books (@ParnassusBooks1) March 28, 2023 We just want to send out our love to our friends and our neighbors and our customers at the Covenant School down the street, an emotional Patchett, holding her dog Sparky VanDevender, said in a video shared to Twitter. Were not here to sell you books. Were here because we love you and were your friends and were a place to come. We want you here with us. So, if you dont know what to do today and you dont know where to go, come here and be with us and hold a dog and just know that we care. Patchett, who was recently awarded a National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden, echoed those sentiments to Yahoo Life while touching on the importance of creating safe havens for communities in mourning. "One of the many wonderful things about independent bookstores is that they give us a place to be, she says. "We celebrate at Parnassus, we dance, we launch wonderful books, we host story time readings. Today we mourn." Story continues Sometimes you need a place to go when youre alone or with your family or wanting to meet friends, she adds. Sometimes you need a place to go when you want to hide, when you cant imagine what could possibly make you feel better, when you dont feel like being by yourself. Sometimes you just need to hold a book or hold a dog. Sometimes you go to a bookstore because youre looking for a particular book and sometimes you go to a bookstore because its the only place you can think of that makes any sense. Sarah Arnold, marketing and communications director for Parnassus, was present in the store as news of the shooting unfolded. She remembers the stress her team felt as they realized the tragedy happened at the Covenant School, where many of their customers have personal ties. We were all in shock. You dont know what to do with yourself, and you feel pretty helpless, she tells Yahoo Life. Since we opened in 2011, we have always had the goal to not just be a bookstore, but a place for the community to gather, whether that's during author events or for something like our Dog Man celebration. On any given day, we want to be a place where people can meet and feel happy and at peace among fellow readers. Thats why, Arnold says, she and Patchett thought it was important to open up their doors for others who are grieving as a way to show unity and compassion and to lead by example so other small businesses can do their part as well. Small businesses are unique because we have such strong community ties, Arnold explains. Its really important in times like these to reach out to your community and hold them close, and let them know that you have a space where they can just be. We are in a unique position to be able to do that. That was especially clear on Monday, when Arnold and her team found themselves at the center of the scene, as rows of firetrucks lined their street. Even more emotional was the fact that Parnassus happened to be close to the reunification center, where parents were told to wait to be reunited with their children. Thats why we made the decision to close [on Monday], she explains, out of respect for what had happened to those families who lost loved ones, and also just to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles and the parents trying to reunite with their children. But today we're back, she notes. We want to be that place for folks to come and let kids be kids for a minute, let parents feel like their kids can enjoy themselves in public and give the parents a minute of peace as well. As for Patchett, she says simply being present right now for those who need it is the most important thing. We love our community in joy and in sorrow, she tells Yahoo Life. We just want you to know youre welcome here, today and all the other days, at Parnassus and at all the other bookstores. Im the spokesperson for independent bookstores so I feel comfortable saying this: no matter where you are, we want you here with us. Reach out to your community and let them know that you're there and that you care about them, adds Arnold. That's really all we can do right now. Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. A border guard inspector has been arrested in Chernihiv Oblast in Ukraine. The suspect had been collecting information about the guarding and defence of the Northern part of the Ukrainian border for the Russian secret services. Source: Security Service of Ukraine (SSU); State Border Guard Service of Ukraine; Prosecutors Office of Chernihiv Oblast Details: The SSU says the inspector, who was part of the Chernihiv Border Guard unit, was recruited by an FSB personnel officer before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After the invasion began on 24 February 2022, the Russians "activated" their accomplice to carry out reconnaissance and sabotage activities against Ukraine in wartime conditions, the SSU says. Russia was primarily interested in combat orders and the engineering and technical equipment of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service in Chernihiv Oblast. This was the classified information that the Russian agent had to find, photograph and then hand over to his FSB handler via the Telegram messaging app. The occupiers needed this intelligence information to prepare and carry out a series of sabotage operations in the border region in the north of Ukraine. Quote: "Nevertheless, the SSU members were proactive they uncovered the traitor in time and detained him when he attempted to pass on the restricted information to the aggressor. Based on the evidence gathered, the SSU investigators served the detainee with a notice of suspicion under Art. 111.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law)." Details: In the course of the search, mobile phones belonging to the suspect were found and seized. The phones contained information which the suspect was supposed to hand over to the Russians. The court has now ordered that the detainee must remain in custody without being granted bail. The suspect was uncovered and arrested by members of the SSU in Chernihiv Oblast in cooperation with the Chief Directorate of Internal Security, the central administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Employees want to feel valued and appreciated at work. But bosses are bad at giving praise. Robyn Phelps/Insider Bosses have forgotten how to say "good job" and it's driving employees to quit When was the last time your boss told you "good job" and really meant it? If you're like many American workers, your answer is probably "not recently." According to a Gallup survey of more than 15,000 American workers, just 32% of people felt engaged in their jobs at the end of 2022, and the number of workers who reported being actively disengaged climbed during the pandemic. Most importantly, just 30% of workers surveyed by Gallup said they had "received recognition or praise for doing good work" over the past week. Another survey by the HR software company Workhuman found that more than half of the workers they spoke to didn't feel valued by their employer. And this epidemic of neglect is driving employees away. A 2021 study by the global management-consulting firm McKinsey found that the top-two reasons people quit their jobs are because they don't feel valued by their company or their manager. Staff turnover hit an all-time high in 2022, with over 50.5 million people quitting their jobs. People have offered a wide variety of explanations for this Great Resignation whether it's companies adopting remote or hybrid work or a generational shift in attitudes about work but all of them make it clear that the pandemic was a catalyst that brought to the fore a long-term, underlying problem in the workplace: People aren't happy. While pay and working conditions go a long way in making people feel more favorably about their jobs, evidence is mounting that job satisfaction really comes down to a more basic human need. A 2023 report by Achievers Workforce Institute found that a staggering 79% of employees would rather stay in a job where they feel valued, even if it meant making less money. People want to feel appreciated for the work they do telling your employee a simple "well done" might be the difference between whether they stay or go. The dopamine hit When a person receives praise or a compliment, it starts a chemical chain reaction. The brain's hypothalamus is triggered and begins to produce dopamine, the same chemical that is released when a person exercises or laughs. Dopamine makes us feel satisfied and motivated. And when employees feel happy and rewarded by their jobs, they are also more productive. A six-month study of British Telecom's call-center staff by the Centre for Economic Performance found a direct link between employee happiness and productivity. Story continues "An awful lot of this comes down to very basic psychology: How do people feel safe, as opposed to threatened?" Tera Allas, the director of research and economics in the McKinsey UK and Ireland office, told me. "We know that if you feel threatened, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, and you can't be creative, you can't serve your customers very well, you can't problem solve as effectively. It's really bad for your health, obviously, but even from a purely business perspective, organizations should realize that if their employees are constantly in a state of fear, or in a state of stress, they're going to produce a worse outcome." And employees who feel unappreciated or stressed are also more likely to find a new job. According to the AWI survey, employees who don't feel that they're recognized for their work are 39% more likely to say they will job hunt. The McKinsey study found that while employers assumed pay, work-life balance, and well-being were the main motivators for people leaving their jobs, employees reported that feeling valued and a sense of belonging at work actually trumped the other factors. Fifty-four percent of respondents said that not feeling valued by their organization was one of their top-three factors for leaving, 52% said it came down to not feeling valued by their managers, and 51% said a top factor was not feeling like they belonged. These feelings were particularly strong among non-white workers. Pandemic shift While praise has also been critical to creating a good employee experience, the need for managers to tell workers "good job" became more important during the pandemic. Being valued is "one of the most basic and fundamental aspects of being a human," Dr. Natalie Baumgartner, the chief workforce scientist at Achievers Workforce Institute, told me. Once people were removed from their regular work routines and isolated at home, Baumgartner said, they began questioning what was important to them, and many began to reframe how they thought about their job. The authors of the McKinsey study wrote that the pandemic left employees "craving investment in the human aspects of work." As employers grapple with the post-pandemic needs of their workforce, it can be easy for them to slip into thinking that their staff is only motivated by higher salaries or financial benefits. And while fair pay is certainly an important issue and can make workers feel more valued, it isn't the only part of the equation. "We need to expand how we think about value," Baumgartner said. Instead of just thinking about someone in terms of their monetary value, she said that "being valued can be understood in terms of who you are, and the impact you have on others." Tera Allas said there are two key reasons employers find it hard to grapple with the importance of valuing their employees: "If you're a boss, you don't really see and feel what it's like to be in the front line." If managers don't fully understand the effort or work required to produce a certain outcome, it can be hard for them to grasp what is worthy of praise. This gap in understanding often results in a lack of empathy from managers.. Allas said that in addition to not knowing what to praise, managers also struggle with how to properly value employees. "It's much harder to do something about the problem of staff not feeling valued than if you think the problem is pay or terms and conditions," she told me. Changing a policy or giving someone a pay raise is a quicker and simpler fix than changing your entire work culture to ensure people feel respected but if companies want to keep their workers around, the change is necessary. How to really mean it when you give an employee praise For employees to really feel valued at work, it's important that they are recognized on a regular basis. "We know that at a minimum, an employee should be receiving that kind of recognition and appreciation from their manager at least once a month," Baumgartner said. "Ideally, even more often as long as it's really authentic and meaningful, more is better when it comes to recognition." She also pointed out that small gestures of recognition on a frequent basis can have an outsized impact. Even a small thanks or a casual "well done" can greatly improve an employee's overall experience. While a simple acknowledgement of good work can be a powerful tool, Baumgartner told me that a simple "thank you" isn't sufficient to truly appreciate employees' work. "When we talk about recognition, we're really clear that it has to feel meaningful, it has to feel personal, and it has to reflect the impact that you have," she told me. "There is no price tag we can put on the feeling that gives us as humans." In particular, the appreciation people receive needs to feel authentic, but in a survey of over 36,000 employees by the workplace software company O.C. Tanner, 43% of respondents felt that the recognition they receive at work feels more like an empty gesture than meaningful feedback. The report emphasized that box-ticking approaches to offering praise is detrimental to employees' sense of belonging. And for it to truly work, positive feedback must be embedded in a company's culture. "For recognition to come across as genuine and meaningful, it can't be an afterthought but must be given with intent, with the recognition giver shining a light on the individual's achievements," Robert Ordever, O.C. Tanner's European managing director, told Fortune. "Giving appreciation publicly in front of leaders and peers also elevates the moment, making it truly memorable." Mindy Shoss, a professor of psychology at the University of Central Florida, told me that sometimes the small things can make a big difference. "I've seen leaders at companies even giving a handwritten note to someone saying, Thank you, I saw you went above and beyond. And that made a difference," she said. Shoss said that a critical part of a manager's job is "to keep the organization healthy, which means paying attention to the signs of 'ill health' in relationships or in people's feelings." Other positive-reinforcement techniques could include employee-of-the-month programs, training and skills workshops, regular bottom-up and top-down feedback processes, and transparent town hall meetings. Peer-to-peer recognition is also an important way employees can feel valued. A report from "The Spanish Journal of Psychology" of over 1,800 employees found that peer-to-peer recognition had twice as much impact on well-being than recognition from managers. With more companies operating remotely or in a hybrid setup, it may be harder for employees to see what their coworkers are doing and acknowledge their accomplishments. If managers encourage staff to commend each other, it can help fill that gap. Brian Kropp, the group vice president of the HR firm Gartner, wrote in an article for the Society for Human Resource Management that the less time between an employee doing something and them earning recognition for it, the better. Research shows that positive reinforcement has a greater impact in real time. In a fast-moving market, companies must also communicate their values and culture to would-be employees. "There's research that people start looking for signals of whether this is going to be a good place to work from the moment they apply for a job, at the interview, and during the onboarding," Shoss said. Making sure this is clear from the outset can help attract the best talent. Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace is not a simple task, but one that, if done well, goes a long way to increase employee well-being and happiness, improve engagement and productivity, and prevent people from wanting to leave. Working out the best methods and practices for doing this in your office might be exploratory, slow work, but it doesn't need to be hard. All the evidence shows that putting time into thinking about easy and low-effort ways to incorporate praise and staff recognition is well worth it. After all, telling an employee "well done" is itself a job well done. Molly Lipson is a freelance writer and an organizer from the UK. Read the original article on Business Insider A Boston man is being held pending a dangerousness hearing after being charged with assaulting a security guard during a disturbance at an AMC Movie Theater in Dorchester, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said Tuesday. Two of the mans daughters were also arrested in the incident. Freddie Bates, 47, was charged Monday with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, assault and battery, affray, trespassing, and disorderly conduct, Hayden said in a statement. Judge Pamela Dashiell ordered Bates held pending a March 30 dangerousness hearing. At 8:25 p.m. on Friday, Boston police responded to a call to remove a belligerent patron from the AMC Movie Theater at 25 District Avenue in Dorchester, Hayden said. Theater staff told officers that Bates, in the theater with his four daughters, made female employees uncomfortable with various comments, including asking them out on dates. Theater security asked Bates to leave after he became aggressive and started screaming profanities at one of the guards. With Boston police on scene, Bates ran up to one of the guards and punched him in the face, Hayden said. While the two men were involved in a physical altercation, two of Batess daughters punched the guard. The guards firearm fell off his waistband and was later found outside in a balled-up jacket held by one of Batess daughters. Officers returned the firearm to the security guard after confirming he was properly licensed. While searching Bates after his arrest, officers seized a Hopkins & Allen .22-caliber pistol loaded with five rounds, Hayden said. One of the two daughters who had earlier punched the security guard became angry seeing her father in handcuffs and spit at the guard. Both juvenile daughters were arrested and arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court, Hayden said. One of the juveniles, 16, was charged with larceny of a firearm, assault and battery, possession of a firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without a license. The other juvenile, 17, was charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct. Story continues Bates has a 25-page criminal record, with convictions for violent and non-violent offenses including assault and battery, indecent assault and battery, larceny, illegal firearm possession and violating a probation order, Hayden said. It is disturbing that this individuals behavior, with his daughters present, resulted in physical violence and multiple arrests. The presence of an illegal firearm makes the incident even more frightening. I applaud the security guards for the restraint they showed in their efforts to de-escalate the situation. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, and the licensed firearm was quickly recovered, Hayden said. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Mary Raymond says loading 55 infected cows to be killed was one of the "worst things" she ever had to do A young dairy farmer has spoken about her family being left in tears after a major outbreak of bovine TB. Mary Raymond said loading the 55 infected cows onto a lorry to be killed was "the worst thing I've ever done". It comes as the Welsh government unveiled a new strategy for tackling the disease over the next five years. Two new taskforces are to be set up, with the aim of eradicating bovine TB in Wales by 2041. Ms Raymond, 20, said her family farm near Croesgoch in Pembrokeshire has been battling the disease for more than three-and-a-half years. "We had 55 cows test positive altogether," she said. "I came home [from university] for the weekend because I wanted to be with mum and dad because it's a horrible thing to go through." "Afterwards we all sort of went our separate ways on the farm and had 10 minutes to ourselves, a moment to cry," she said. "All of us did because it was so emotional and draining". "Everyone has put so much time and effort into raising those cows from calf and then you're with them for their whole life - you feed them, you milk them, you calve them," she said. "Then all of that just seems like a waste because nothing comes of it." The family farm has been battling bovine TB for more than three years She explained that most of the neighbouring farms were also affected, with Pembrokeshire classed as an area of high prevalence for the disease. Farms that have been hit face strict restrictions, with cows testing positive taken away and killed. She urged the Welsh government to work more closely with farmers on measures to combat TB. "If they listened to what Welsh farmers want maybe there wouldn't be such negativity surrounding the relationship between government and farmers on TB," she said. The Welsh government said its TB eradication programme was making "good progress". Between 2009 and December 2022, new TB incidents fell by 49% in Welsh herds while prevalence decreased by 32%. At the end of December 2022, 94.7% of herds were TB free. Story continues But 9,516 cattle were still slaughtered as a result of the disease last year. Current rules say cattle testing positive for TB must be slaughtered on their farms A new five-year plan for tackling the disease was launched in the Senedd by rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths following a public consultation. It includes a commitment to set up two new taskforces - a publicly appointed programme delivery board and technical advisory board on TB. These will be made up of people with expertise in the area, from farming and wildlife organisations to vets and academics. Their role will be to challenge and provide advice to the chief veterinary officer for Wales and the Welsh government on reaching its 2041 goal. At end of December 2022, 94.7% of Welsh herds were TB free. One of the technical advisory board's first tasks will be to review the practice of slaughtering pregnant cows infected with TB on farm, following warnings from many in the industry about the mental toll this is taking on farmers. A specific project is to be launched focusing on Pembrokeshire, working with local farmers and vets to try and drive down numbers of infected herds there. TB-free Wales Ministers also want to see Welsh farms getting involved in trials for a new cattle vaccine against TB, which are currently underway in England and have been described as a potential "game changer". Ms Griffiths said: "Good progress has already been made, with the long-term trends showing a decrease in cases. "However, government cannot do this alone. Partnership working is needed with our farmers and vets to reach our goal of a TB-free Wales." "We need the government to work with the industry," says Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz Sam Kurtz, who speaks for the Welsh Conservatives on rural matters, said TB would only be removed from herds by everyone "collaborating and working as one". "For too long our industry had been left with little hope of ever seeing TB eradicated in Wales," he said. "We need the government to work with the industry to give the industry that all important hope, and all of us to work together." The Welsh government continues to rule out badger culling, despite calls from farming unions, and says it will push ahead with badger vaccination projects. These will include a programme on Holy Island off Anglesey, with the potential to extend across Anglesey. Plaid Cymru agriculture spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor told the minister it was "foolish to disregard culling" of badgers in areas where TB was present. "Badger culling, therefore, has to be part of the solution," he said. "Until we see the vaccine [for cattle], and in view of the scientific evidence that culling is an important tool in areas where infection exists, will the minister allow a controlled culling programme in those areas?" Ms Griffiths said she had "consistently ruled out an English-style widescale cull". A new study shows five minutes of breath work, even for children, is more effective than mindfulness meditation. | Adobe.com Feeling stressed? Take a breath. And if your children are stressed, too, you can get them doing breath work, as well. Breath work is a trendy word for an ancient concept: controlled breathing. A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that just five minutes a day of breath work leads to a greater reduction in anxiety and negative thoughts than mindfulness meditation. Among the authors recommendations is a practice called cyclic, or physiological, sighing, which involves deep inhalations and prolonged exhalations. According to Stanford University researchers, cyclic sighing slows the heart rate and has a soothing effect on the body. Article @StanfordMed about our labs discovery (Clinical Trial) of 5 min Cyclic (Physiological) Sighing as a potent way to reduce anxiety 24/7. For reducing stress/elevating mood Cyclic Sighing outperforms meditation or other practices. https://t.co/qvOjSkBkYx Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) February 10, 2023 While all of the participants in the Cell Report Medicine study were adults between the ages of 18 and 81 with the mean age coming in just a hair shy of 28 these same techniques can also help the little humans among us we call kids. In fact, not only are the results likely generalizable to children, such short exercises are perfectly designed for kids, Dr. David Spiegel, one of the studys authors and director of Stanford University School of Medicines Center on Stress and Health, told the Deseret News. The fact that we saw this kind of benefit with such a short intervention, if anything, it would be better with kids because their attention span is shorter than adults, said Spiegel, who is also medical director of Stanfords Center for Integrative Medicine. Story continues Cyclic sighing All of the breath work helped to some extent, but the one that clearly did the best was cyclic sighing, said Spiegel, who explained that he and the other researchers believe that cyclic sighing is effective because it favors the parasympathetic nervous system over the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your bodys response to stress, getting you amped up and ready for fight or flight. Think of it as the uphill. The parasympathetic nervous system is the opposite its the downhill, helping to soothe your body after the fight or flight response occurs. The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with rest and digest because it helps regulate digestion, as well. The trick to getting your parasympathetic nervous system to kick in via cyclic sighing lies in the ratio: Its got to be a 1:2 that is, you exhale for twice the amount of time as you spend inhaling. Breathe in, hold the breath and then inhale again, filling your lungs all the way. Then slowly let it out. (Spiegel himself will walk you through it on this YouTube video.) For kids, you could conceptualize this as filling a balloon which never takes just one breath and then slowly letting the air out. While cyclic sighing might be tough for the littlest ones to get a hang of, other breathing techniques are effective, as well. Children can use deep breathing to help them throughout the day, whether theyre feeling overwhelmed or anxious, need to relax or go to sleep, to calm their body after exercising, or even just to pause and reset when they are high energy, according to the website of Childrens Health, a pediatric health care provider in north Texas. Here are a few exercises to try at home with your kids. Smell the flower An easy-to-remember phrase helps children take a deep breath and then to exhale. Just instruct them to Smell the flower, blow out the candle. Another similar exercise, the flower breath, has children visualize a flower, breathing in the scent and breathing out the petals. Watch the Yoga Guppy to see how its done. If your kids are into animals, you can piggyback on their interest and teach them to do animal breaths like bear breaths or giraffe breaths. (You can adapt this for young dinosaur fans, as well.) Snake breaths, as explained here by the Childrens Bureau of Southern California, are another fun one: they entail breathing in for three seconds, holding it for one, and then hissing the breath out. And dont forget about dragon breaths, too. Breaking out a bottle of bubbles can also be a way to get your kids doing some breath work without even realizing it. Related Box breathing But we shouldnt have to trick our kids into doing breath work. Not only are children pretty smart, they dont enjoy being upset. Children want to calm down just as much as we want them to calm down. So when my kids are having meltdowns (and Im managing to not have one along with them), I articulate that we need to breathe. Then I get down on my knees so Im at eye level, I hold their hands if theyll let me, and I lead them by saying, Lets breathe together. In-two-three-four, hold-two-three-four, out-two-three-four, hold-two-three-four. And then I model it for them. For those of you who need a visual for this technique, which is called 4-4-4-4 breathing, or box breathing, the Childrens Hospital of Colorado offers this cute expanding and deflating sun to follow. Note that its important to teach and practice these techniques when children are calm; its hard to learn when were upset and our brains are amped up. Belly breath There are also lots of fun childrens books to read about breath work. Check out this one: Belly Breath by Leslie Kimmelman. I read it with my 5- and 7-year-old at bedtime and it gets us practicing our breath work when were calm and relaxed. Kira Willeys book Breathe like a Bear offers 30 different short, simple breathing and mindfulness exercises that kids (and parents) can do anywhere anytime they need to feel grounded. Another useful title is Breathing Makes it Better, which was written by clinical psychologist Christopher Willard, who teaches at Harvard Medical School. Not only does this book remind children to breathe, it also teaches them to identify the bodily feelings that signal that they are upset or anxious. Brian Cox has said he has enormous sympathy for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. (Getty Images) Brian Cox has called Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "victims" and said he has "enormous sympathy for them". The Succession star has clarified comments he made recently in Haute Living New York magazine, in which he said the Suits star "knew what she was getting into" when she married into the Royal Family. Cox, 76, told the Radio Times: Im a bit angry about that. Because that whole thing has been taken out of context. I actually have enormous sympathy for them. Read more: Brian Cox heckles Succession's Jesse Armstrong for anti-royalist Emmy's speech Theyre the product of an institution which is moribund and shouldnt exist any more. But thats a difficult situation where [Meghan] comes from, and its understandable that she sees something [appealing] and it does look like a fairytale. Brian Cox has called Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'victims' of an institution that 'shouldn't exist'. (AP) "But it was a fairytale that went horribly wrong." He added: I think theyre victims." The Scottish actor said he supports Scottish independence and the dissolution of the monarchy as he believes the royal institution fundamentally, in this day and age, doesnt make any sense. Brian Cox meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2007. (Alamy) The Braveheart star also confessed he only accepted his CBE in 2002 because his late sister Betty was a royalist. Betty, who died recently at the age of 92, was the eldest of Cox's three sisters and helped raise him. He said: If it wasnt for my sister, I wouldnt be here. She was my constant in my life. And she was a great royalist. So the reason I accepted the first time around was [because] it honoured her as much as anything else. Because she was a believer. Brian Cox stars as fearsome media mogul father Logan Roy in Succession. (HBO) At the Emmy Awards in 2022 Cox stood up for the Royal Family after Succession creator Jesse Armstrong made a dig at King Charles in his acceptance speech. Cox interrupted: "Keep it royalist, keep it royalist!" Read more: Actor Brian Cox claims he was 'touched up' by Princess Margaret The Bourne Identity star, who published his memoir Putting the Rabbit in the Hat in 2021, has previously spoken of an intimate encounter he shared with Princess Margaret when he was just 23. Watch: Brian Cox reveals what he stole form the Succession set Photo: Glacier Media At the last official count, there were 3,500 Canada Geese in Vancouver. But that was in 2016 and the "number will have increased substantially since then," according to the City of Vancouver. A report produced the same year as the count estimates that the geese population could get as high as 5,900 by 2025. "We know there are several thousand in the West End alone," a spokesperson for the city said in an email, and a current study is underway to determine a more updated figure. Canada Geese can live for up to 20 years and a single breeding pair can produce 90 to 150 direct descendants in their lifetime (based on an average of five to eight eggs per year). As the additional generations mature the numbers really add up. They also have inefficient digestive systems and produce a lot of excrement for their size compared to other species. In a recent media release, the city expressed concern over the damage that "a thousands-strong flock" could cause to public parks and green spaces in Vancouver. They eat grass, dig holes, and pollute beaches, swimming pools, and fields with their droppings. "They defecate on average every 12 minutes, presenting a significant challenge in cleaning up after them," says the city. "311 often receives complaints about the geese and their droppings, usually in the summer." Geese are also aggressive during mating season and destroy juvenile salmon habitats by eating the protective sedge grasses in local estuaries. The city has a plan to combat the hoard but they are asking for the public's help for it to be effective. City's plan to deal with Canada goose population Vancouver is an ideal habitat for Canada Geese and they have no natural predators so the city hopes to humanely reduce the population with a method known as addling. Addling involves replacing laid eggs with previously frozen ones so that the geese will continue to sit on the eggs but they will never hatch. Eventually, the goose will move on. The approach is considered humane by the BC SPCA and PETA and Park Board staff are trained to addle with minimal disturbance to the birds. However, the city needs the public to report nests when they see them. Typically geese like to nest on balconies, ledges, and rooftops which Park Board staff wouldn't otherwise have access to. If residents see signs of nesting geese they are asked to report it online, call 311, or email [email protected]. A lone alert or aggressive goose standing in the same spot day after day is a strong indicator that there is a nest nearby. According to the city, in the last decade, thousands of eggs have been addled by the Park Board which has reduced the growing population. Today's geese are reportedly descendants of several different subspecies of Canada Geese, introduced to Vancouver in the 1960s and 1970s to "enhance wildlife viewing and hunting." Interestingly, it is legal to hunt up to 10 geese per day in B.C. but illegal to feed them and all other wildlife in Vancouver. People caught feeding geese could incur a fine of up to $500. Feeding geese can not only contribute to the defecation problem but it can also make them lay more than one "clutch" (batch of eggs) per season which doesn't occur naturally without human interference thus totally undoing the addling program. Police found Brian Scott Williams bleeding to death on the front lawn of a southside Indianapolis home after banging on its door and begging for someone to call 911. Near where Williams lay slumped on the grass was a trail of violence spent shell casings, splatters of blood, a busted back fence, a discarded purple cell phone wallet, and more bullet shells leading toward an adjacent home in the 3400 block of S. Meridian Street. Williams gave officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department his name and told them he was 53 years old. Emergency medics rushed him by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he died Friday, roughly 30 minutes after police were dispatched. A coroner later ruled Williams' death to be "homicide by multiple gunshot wounds" after recovering five bullets from his body, according to court documents. Police say Williams was shot three times by a friend's family member. Then, while trying to run away from his alleged attacker, he was shot twice more. More:Court records: Indy man took money from nonprofit to solicit teen, pay for sex Less than 24 hours into their investigation, homicide detectives arrested Antwone Ervin, 21, in connection to the fatal shooting, according to a probable cause affidavit for Ervin's arrest. On Friday, a witness told police that he, Williams and Ervin were the only three people at home during the time of the shooting. Williams was a frequent guest, investigators learned, and was known to their family members as "Scotty." At one point, while all three men were hanging out in the living room, the witness said he left to use the restroom, then he heard three gunshots. The witness told investigators "Williams did not do anything" to provoke the attack. "You shot me," Williams allegedly said before fleeing out the back door, records state. Ervin told homicide detectives during an interview that he couldn't recall how many times he fired the gun, nor did he see if Williams had a weapon, according to the affidavit. He left the home through the front door but paused in in the driveway when he spotted Williams hopping the fence into a neighbor's backyard. Story continues Ervin told detectives, "...either (Williams) was gonna' make it outta' the house, or I was gonna' make it outta' the house," according to the affidavit. More:A scalding bath killed an Indianapolis baby. Her mother is facing charges 2 years later. Police said they found two shell casings in the neighbor's backyard, which investigators matched to a Glock pistol Erwin said he purchased to protect the house from intruders, according to the affidavit. Witnesses said Ervin fled the scene in his car, a red Chevrolet Camaro with white stripes, that Indiana State Police found abandoned in the southbound lane of I-465 with a flat tire. After matching the registration of the vehicle to Ervin, a search warrant found a Glock pistol under the driver's seat, records state. Homicide detectives learned that Ervin was picked up by a family member who later brought him to investigators in order to provide a statement. When questioned about the shooting, Ervin couldn't provide a clear motive except that he felt like he was being targeted, according to the affidavit. Police arrested him Saturday after the interview. The Marion County Prosecutors Office will review the case and determine a final charging decision. More:Nick Johnson, coach fired by Huntington University, facing new felony sexual battery count John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: INDIANAPOLIS CRIME: S. Meridian St. shooting suspect Antwone Ervin arrested The video received 4.5 million views on TikTok. Kennedy Olson Hart via TikTok A bride filmed a workout routine with her bridal party on the morning of her wedding. Some commenters said the idea of exercising at a wedding celebration sounded like a "nightmare." Others thought the activity might help the bride with nerves, instigating a debate on TikTok. A bride who filmed herself leading a workout routine on the morning of her wedding sparked a huge debate about the concept on TikTok. On March 8, Kennedy Olson Hart, who has 1,191 followers on TikTok, posted a video with an on-screen caption that read: "POV: it's your wedding morning." The clip showed her standing at the front of a group of women and leading them through a workout routine involving jumping jacks, jogging, and dance moves. As the bride, she was dressed in white, while most of the other people wore black. "I highly recommend!!" Hart wrote under her post. The TikToker told Insider she teaches a fitness class at a local gym once a week and decided to teach her regular Saturday slot the morning before her afternoon wedding ceremony. She added that she felt wearing all white was "fitting for the day," and that the group taking part in the routine included a mixture of regular attendees of her fitness class and members of her bridal party who wanted to tag along for the day. The six-second video became Hart's most viral post to date, receiving 4.5 million views, and sparked a heated discussion in the comments as viewers expressed strong opinions about the idea of working out on your wedding day. Many viewers said they thought the idea of exercising early in the morning as a bride or bridesmaid would be exhausting, especially considering the fact that it often takes a whole day to do hair and makeup, and get dressed for the ceremony. Some also said they would be worried about doing intense exercise because of the risk of injury on such a significant occasion. Story continues Others said they disliked the idea of doing group exercise as a bridal party activity, preferring to drink or relax instead, adding they would not want to take part, even if it was the bride wanted. "As a bridesmaid, I'll be cheering you on in the corner with my mimosa," one commenter wrote. "This is my worst nightmare," another person wrote. But some people said they thought the group workout would be a good way to bond as a bridal party before a wedding, or that exercising could help the bride with her nerves. However, a handful of these people said that something they considered more relaxing, like yoga, might be a better way to achieve this goal. A 2016 article on Women's Health recommends that brides "stay chill" on the morning of their wedding, citing celebrity yoga and pilates instructor Kristin McGee, who suggested doing "relaxing and restorative" exercises like stretches on the day of the ceremony. On TikTok, weddings and wedding etiquette are explosively popular topics, with creators sharing their thoughts on some of the most common wedding dos and don'ts, such as how to dress if you're a wedding guest, or whether it is OK to ask for a plus one to the ceremony if you were not given one on the invitation. In March, a TikTok creator faced backlash for sharing a video of a pale green wedding guest dress that some viewers said looked too similar to white, and would therefore be an insult to the bride. In December 2022, Camille Lescai, a bride who decided to defy tradition by wearing a pink gown to her wedding, was criticized intensely by viewers who did not approve of her choice. Lescai told Insider at the time that she did not understand why her post about her personal wedding dress choice was so controversial on the platform, and that she felt the online hate she received might prove discouraging to other women who wanted to make bold and unconventional choices on their wedding day. "What bothered me the most is the potential unintended consequences that the hate might create. It's not just attacking me, but all the people who are watching from the sidelines," she said. Apart from her wedding workout post, Kennedy Olson Hart has shared several clips detailing her love of fitness and exercise routines. She has also shared other clips from her wedding day on TikTok, including her first dance with her husband, and their exit from the reception. For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here. Read the original article on Insider Ohio fire departments get funding boost for essential equipment COLUMBUS The Ohio Department of Commerces Division of State Fire Marshal has announced the recipients of the 2023 Fire Department Equipment Grants, which include 154 fire departments in 70 counties throughout the state totaling $1,374,761.07. In Richland County, the Franklin Township fire department was awarded $10,000. Allowable equipment within the grant includes protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, communications, and other miscellaneous equipment. The fire departments were selected based on a variety of criteria, including the fire departments annual budget, number of fire incidents, and the resident population served by the fire department. Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, be in compliance and have submitted incident fire reports for the designated year. Mansfield City Schools to begin inter-district open enrollment Mansfield City Schools will be accepting open enrollment applications from April 1 through May 15 for the 2023-2024 school year. If your student is currently open enrolled or you are considering open enrolling your student for the coming year, this application period is the only time that you will be able to apply for open enrollment. For more information go to mansfieldschools.org. There you can download the open enrollment form and return it either via email to centralreg@mansfieldschools.org or print and mail it to Central Registration, 856 W. Cook Road, Mansfield, 44907.For more information on open enrollment, call 419-525-6400 ext. 1040 or ext.1033. Chocolate expert to present at AUs Environmental Lecture Series on Thursday ASHLAND Ashland Universitys 2022-23 Environmental Lecture Series continues Thursday when guest Romi Burks, a professor of biology at Southwestern University, presents Save the Earth: 10 Reasons to Buy Better Chocolate. The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in Ronk Lecture Hall of the Dwight Schar College of Education (340 Samaritan Ave.), and the first 75 in-person attendees will have the option to sample several varieties of chocolate. Story continues The presentation is free and open to the public. Burks will discuss how all cacao grows at origin within the equatorial belt (except for Hawaii) and examine how the taste of chocolate depends on where it grows, how the cacao gets fermented and the drying and packaging process of cacao. Shell also delve into the manufacturing process, which occurs in the industrialized Global North, leading to considerable economic disparities and raising questions about social justice and environmental conversation. Upcoming meeting: Shelby City Schools Board of Education, 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, conference room, Shelby High School, 1 Whippet Way, Shelby This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Franklin Township Fire Department awarded equipment grant While neighboring states allow recreational and medical marijuana use, Idaho remains strictly bud-free. In total, 21 states across the U.S. have legalized recreational marijuana, and 37 states have allowed medical use. Idaho is one of just four states yet to even decriminalize marijuana, along with Wyoming, Kansas and South Carolina. But with several weed-friendly states only a few hours drive from Boise, what happens if someone crosses state lines with marijuana in their possession? Heres what to know about Idahos marijuana laws: What does the law say about marijuana in Idaho? The possession, growing, selling, distribution and use of recreational marijuana are illegal in Idaho. State law is tough on marijuana offenses. Fines can run in the thousands, plus years in jail. Heres how the penalties shake out for manufacturing, transporting and possessing marijuana in Idaho: Less than 3 ounces for personal use Misdemeanor with a minimum fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year incarcerated. 3 ounces to 1 pound for personal use Felony with a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to five years incarcerated. 1-5 pounds or 25-50 marijuana plants with intent to distribute Felony with a minimum fine of $5,000 and at least one year incarcerated. 5-25 pounds or 50-100 marijuana plants with intent to distribute Felony with a minimum fine of $10,000 and at least three years incarcerated. More than 25 pounds or more than 100 marijuana plants with intent to distribute Felony with a minimum fine of $15,000 and at least five years incarcerated. The maximum number of years of imprisonment for possessing marijuana in Idaho is 15 years and a maximum fine of $50,000. What happens if you cross Idaho state lines with pot? Idaho law is pretty straightforward: It is illegal to possess marijuana in the state, regardless of where it was purchased. If you purchased marijuana while in Oregon or Washington state and then traveled to Idaho with it, you have broken the law. It doesnt matter if the marijuana was purchased legally. As soon as it crosses Idaho state lines, its considered contraband. Story continues Its not only a marijuana possession charge youll have to worry about, too. You could be charged with drug trafficking if caught, which is a federal crime, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. What if youre caught with weed at an Idaho airport? The Transportation Security Administration is not looking for drugs when they screen fliers, but if they find marijuana or other drugs, they will refer the matter to law enforcement. TSAs screening procedures are focused on security to detect potential threats to aircraft and passengers. When TSA officers are screening for weapons or other harmful items and find an illegal substance, it will be reported to local law enforcement, according to the TSA. Can Idahoans purchase pot in other states? Idaho residents can purchase legal recreational and medical marijuana in other states. Just like alcohol, anyone purchasing recreational marijuana in Oregon, Washington, or any other state in which marijuana is legalized must be at least 21 years old. Can you consume marijuana and then travel back to Idaho? Yes, but only if youre not driving and dont have any marijuana in your possession. Under Idaho Code Title 18 Chapter 80, driving while intoxicated is not only limited to alcohol but drugs as well. A first-time driving under the influence charge is a misdemeanor in Idaho and could carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail and a drivers license suspension of up to 180 days. A third-time offender within a 10-year span will be charged with a felony, a maximum fine of $5,000, up to five years in jail and a drivers license suspension of up to five years following release from prison. ALBANY, N.Y. Each day in recent weeks, the sounds of rallies and protests by activists and Democratic lawmakers have filled the cavernous granite and concrete halls of the New York State Capitol most of the noise aimed at halting Gov. Kathy Hochul's agenda. Progressives are demanding the first-term governor expand immigration rights, increase the minimum wage, tax the rich and drop a proposal to toughen controversial bail laws. Suburban, moderate lawmakers want her to revamp a sweeping, first-in-the-nation plan that would require municipalities to build more housing. Budget season in Albany always leads to warring factions, but this years battle is particularly perilous after Hochul narrowly won a full term as the state's first woman governor and after Democrats became the target of national party scorn when Republicans flipped three House seats , helping the GOP claim the majority. At a moment when many are looking to Hochul to unite Democrats in New York, fearing disaster in 2024, the governor is having the opposite effect. Progressives from New York City, who largely control the state Legislature, feel emboldened to push a left-leaning agenda after a decade of strong-arm tactics from ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. And Hochul, long a moderate, is struggling to advance priorities that include tough-on-crime policies and making the state more affordable. It's a volatile mix thats left the governor with limited political capital and her party as splintered as it has been in years. I wish she would listen to the voters and not the high rollers, state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), a leading progressive and chair of the Senate Labor Committee, said in an interview, adding that Hochul is being influenced by corporate interests who helped her raise a state record $50 million for her election. Hochul still has the power to shape budget negotiations in coming days and weeks since she holds the purse strings ahead of the April 1 start of the fiscal year. New York lawmakers typically wrap most major legislative proposals into the state budget each year, so winning support for her agenda will be her highest priority as discussions wrap, likely in April if a deal isnt reached in the next few days. Story continues Hochul has struggled all year to get traction in the Legislature. She got rolled by Democrats in the state Senate last month when they resoundingly rejected her pick, Hector LaSalle, to be the state's top judge a first-of-its-kind rebuke by lawmakers who deemed him too moderate for their taste. Hochuls trying a new tactic this month by aligning herself with former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is pumping $5 million into ads and mailers in lawmakers' districts to boosther priorities. While the move will certainly put pressure on lawmakers worried about how their constituents will view the messages, its also serving to anger fellow Democrats who think the mailers cross a line. What's she's doing is weaponizing her identity and allowing billionaires to use her to continue the same old Albany politics, Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Queens) said at a news conference last week referencing Hochuls status as the first woman governor. Hochul appears ready to dig in on her priorities, looking to beat back opposition to toughening bail laws on violent suspects and making the high-cost state more affordable by forcing new housing in the suburbs. She also wants to show that shes got a firm grip on her office as she looks to set the tone at the Capitol for her four-year term and takes the reins of a divided state Democratic Party after succeeding Cuomo, who resigned in 2021. Democratic values get clouded when people from the socialist side say they represent what the party stands for, Hochul said. "My job is to bring it together, instill confidence in voters in the Democratic Party and go forth into a whole new era," the governor said earlier this month, when asked by POLITICO about the party's future. Some New York City Democrats are still calling for the resignation of state party chairman Jay Jacobs, who lost all four House seats in his Long Island backyard and is fighting with liberals by blasting them as too far left for the state as a whole. "There is a concerted, clear and definite unrelenting effort by folks from the far left to unseat moderate, progressive incumbents," Jacobs said in a recent interview. "And it's all about power." Jacobs said that, if the Legislature keeps pushing the party further left, it will alienate moderate voters in the suburbs and upstate which, he said, was the reason Republicans flipped four House seats on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley and upstate. "The people who abandoned the Democratic Party, for the most part, abandoned the Democratic Party because they felt that our party has moved too far to the left," he continued. "The more we continue to do that, the more voters in these areas we will lose." So far, Hochul has stood by Jacobs, but his presence continues to irk liberals. Some groups said Hochul needs to make New York a progressive capital in the nation to counter Republicans in Washington and in red states. "The governor in the last election struggled to communicate most directly with voters, and now this is a movement in the budget to say: message received," said Sochie Nnaemeka, the director of the labor-backed Working Families Party. Some Democrats said it's important that the party find common ground heading into 2024, when all 26 House seats and 213 state legislative seats will be on the ballot again. "We have to take back the House in 2024. We need to make Leader [Hakeem] Jeffries Speaker Jeffries, and in order to do that, we have to figure out what didn't go so great and what did well and how we do more of that," Sen. Jamaal Bailey, the Bronx Democratic Party chairperson, said. The tension at the Capitol is almost palpable. And it was apparent as soon as the six-month legislative session started in January. "In a lot of areas, the governor was a drag on the ticket . That's just a fact. So how much does that contribute to what we're seeing now? I don't know. I think the people who are most aggrieved aren't here anymore. They lost," said Sen. James Skoufis, a Hudson Valley Democrat and part of the conference's more moderate faction. "But it's clear, regardless where it comes from, there is tension between a lot of the Legislature and the governor." How does it end up? "There are two paths forward," Skoufis surmised in the wake of the LaSalle rejection. "The place proverbially blows up for session, and the other is we hit a reset button. Obviously, I hope it's the second." Bulgaria is likely to sell a huge amount of ammunition to Ukraine through intermediaries, which could significantly affect the course of the war. Source: EURACTIV; European Pravda Details: The Bulgarian Defence Ministry has reported that they will supply old ammunition worth nearly 175 million to the state-owned VMZ military plant and, in return, will receive new ammunition. Former Defence Minister Boyko Noev told bTV in an interview that the goal is for the vast amounts of old ammunition from the warehouses of the Bulgarian army to go to Ukraine Quote: "This is the largest rearmament of the Bulgarian land forces in recent history. Thats a huge amount of ammunition hundreds of thousands. There is a huge increase in the price of ammunition, and VMZ will sell this ammunition through intermediaries to Ukraine," the former minister said. "This is an amount of ammunition that can turn the tide of the war in some directions on the Ukrainian front," Noev added. The Bulgarian army has stockpiles of Soviet-standard ammunition, which the Ukrainian army needs to fuel its vast stock. EURACTIVs investigations have reported that arms supplies to Ukraine worth billions of euros from Bulgaria have not stopped, despite the official claims of the authorities in Sofia. On Monday, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov commented that the scheme with VMZ was only agreed to "for the purpose of renewing wartime stocks" for the army. He added that this is part of the decision of the National Assembly to "provide support for Ukraine". Stoyanov did not answer what his ministry would do with the ammunition. President Rumen Radev, who runs the country as a presidential republic in the absence of a regularly elected government and parliament, has publicly opposed arms supplies to Ukraine. A few days ago in Brussels, the president announced that Bulgaria will sell arms and ammunition to other European countries on the condition that they will not be sent to Ukraine, despite the parliament's decision in mid-December that the army would send military aid directly to Ukraine. Story continues If the ammunition is sent from the army to the military plant and then exported through intermediaries to Ukraine, Radev can continue to tell his supporters that Sofia is not helping Kyiv. Bulgaria is one of the EU countries that has not confirmed its participation in the EU plan to purchase 1 million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ammunition for howitzers during a training exercise at a German military base in Munster, May 10, 2022 Bulgaria will transfer old ammunition worth nearly EUR 175 million ($190 million) to state-owned military plant VMZ, who will forward them to Ukraine through intermediaries, Noev said. Read also: Bulgaria to expand artillery shell production Bulgaria will replace the shipment with newer ammunition. This is the largest rearmament of the Bulgarian land forces in recent history. Thats a huge amount of ammunition hundreds of thousands. There is a huge increase in the price of ammunition, and VMZ will sell this ammunition through intermediaries to Ukraine. This is an amount of ammunition that can turn the tide of the war in some directions on the Ukrainian front, Euroactiv quoted the former minister as saying. Bulgaria possesses old Soviet-era ammunition the Ukrainian Armed Forces need for their tanks, howitzers, anti-tank grenades, multiple rocket launchers, and AK-47 assault rifles. Despite Sofia's official claims, Bulgaria has provided arms to Ukraine worth billions of dollars over the past two years, Euroactiv reported. Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on March 27 that the VMZ plan is needed to renew Bulgarias military stocks. Read also: Bulgaria to send serious arms package to Ukraine Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said that Sofia sells weapons and ammunition to European countries on the condition of not transferring them to Ukraine. His claims contradict the parliaments Dec. 2022 decision to provide Kyiv with direct military aid. Radev dissolved the parliament in early Feb. 2023 and ordered the government to suspend supply until elections are held. Bulgaria will have a snap election on April 2. Read also: Bulgarian parliament votes for military aid to Ukraine The VMZ plan should be able to work around the presidents commitment to not supply Ukraine, Euroactiv explained. Bulgaria has already covertly supported Ukraine in one of the most crucial periods of the Russian full-scale invasion. Bulgaria covered up to one third of the Ukrainian army's needs, as well as up to 40% of tanks, cars, and diesel fuel supply for the military from April to August 2022, German news site Welt reported. Story continues Read also: Bulgaria secretly supported Ukraine in first six months of war, investigation shows Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A sign marks the entrance to a gender-neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. (Toby Talbot / Associated Press) For the record: 3:34 p.m. March 29, 2023: An earlier version of this article said Joshua Dineros came out as trans in high school. Dineros identifies as queer. Benjamin Kennedy, a PhD student in education at UC San Diego, remembers what it was like to attend school in California as a transgender student. From kindergarten to his senior year of high school, Kennedy said he experienced bullying and physical assault when trying to use the bathrooms that aligned with his gender identity. In 2021, Kennedy joined a state committee of high school students, parents, advocates and experts that explored how to expand gender-inclusive bathrooms on campuses. Trans people are not a monolith, Kennedy said. But often our experiences of discrimination and harassment are pretty consistent across the board. In the committee, students said they had been late to class going across campus to find a private bathroom. Others expressed worries about outing themselves by asking for the key to the single-use bathroom. Some talked about experiencing dehydration and urinary tract infections as a result of avoiding the restroom at school. To address this, Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) has introduced SB 760 , which would require public schools in California to provide gender-neutral bathrooms for students by 2025. These restrooms are to remain unlocked during school hours and can be converted from an already existing gender-segregated bathroom, according to the bill text. At some point in everybody's day, you have to use the facilities, Newman said. And if you're a transgender, nonbinary, or questioning young person, having to navigate that challenge especially if you haven't come out to your friends or family it creates an immense amount of stress, anxiety, and even physical pain. The legislation builds on Californias groundbreaking move a decade ago to require that schools allow students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity instead of their assigned sex at birth. Since then, transgender issues have become a major front in national culture wars, with blue states pushing to expand rights and protections for transgender people and red states passing laws to limit them . Public schools are a frequent target of both the liberal and conservative laws. Story continues Newmans bill would require schools to post signs identifying gender-neutral bathrooms, stock them with menstrual products, and provide easy access to them without help from staff. SB 760 does not specify if the restrooms should be designed for one person or with multiple stalls. Trans and nonbinary students are not asking for special treatment, Kennedy said. They deserve to be safe as their holistic selves at school, and a part of that is being able to use the bathroom just like everybody else. The California law that requires schools let students use campus bathrooms in accordance with their gender identity does not require gender-neutral restrooms on campus, Newman said. The idea for a gender-neutral bathroom is that it would be available to any student, regardless of their gender identity. This bill will provide a safe space for students who identify as trans or nonbinary youth to not fear bullying or harassment, and to have better peace of mind when going to school, said Jorge Reyes Salinas, the communications director at Equality California, a co-sponsor of SB 760. According to one survey, 45% of LGBTQ+ and nonbinary students avoid using gender-segregated bathrooms at school because they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Another study found that youth who experienced bathroom discrimination were about 1 times more likely to attempt suicide . Joshua Dineros, a senior studying politics at the University of San Francisco, grew up in California and said he did not feel safe using the restroom during the school day. He came out as queer late in high school and was uncomfortable asking for the key to the gender-neutral bathroom. He brought up these concerns while a part of the state committee studying school bathrooms. Its not just an LGBTQ+ issue, Dineros said. It's an issue about safe schools and bathrooms for all kids on campus to feel like they can use the restroom and not have to wait until they go home. Some schools in California already offer the types of restrooms the bill would require. In 2016, the Santee Education Complex became the first school in the Los Angeles Unified School District to open an all-gender bathroom . But last year, a Long Beach high school paused a neutral locker room project after a small group of community members spoke out against it. And in March, Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) introduced AB 1314, which would require California school districts to notify parents that their child is gender-nonconforming or transgender . We are seeing constant attacks against trans people, and especially trans youth in schools are becoming a battleground for political attacks, Salinas said. Greg Burt, the director of California Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group, said he is in favor of SB 760 if the gender-neutral bathrooms are limited to single-stall restrooms. But the bill text isnt clear about that, Burt said. We are completely against multistall bathrooms that any sex can go into, he said. Once you make the bathroom a place where anybody can go in, both male and female, you're making these bathrooms less safe. You don't want to put them in a space where they could start abusing each other. Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican party official and San Francisco attorney whose clients include former President Trump, said schools should prioritize academics instead. Our states failing schools need to focus on performing better in educating the two genders of kids rather than performative virtue signaling," she said in an email. "Girls are entitled to their own private spaces for safety and modesty reasons. If this passes, the gender-neutral bathrooms must not come at the expense of womens safety and privacy rights. Newman said the bill was written with the presumption that the all-gender bathroom would be converted from a single-use restroom on campus. The aim is to provide private spaces to students without school districts needing to construct new buildings or spend too much, he said. We're not endeavoring to create a new category of bathroom that's shared-use by a whole bunch of people, Newman said. What we're trying to do is solve a very specific problem and give a young person the privacy to relieve themselves. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Central Coast cannabis mogul who bribed a San Luis Obispo County supervisor and filed a false income tax return was transferred to a residential reentry program after serving about a third of his sentence, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons confirmed to The Tribune. Helios Raphael Dayspring, 36, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to paying late Supervisor Adam Hill $29,000 in unreported cash payments in person with no one else present. He also gave Hill cannabis products on multiple occasions free of charge and paid for multiple meals, bringing the total to around $32,000, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. Dayspring is the founder and former majority owner of Natural Healing Center. The company sold three of its cannabis dispensaries to a large marijuana retail company for more than $22 million in May. Dayspring was serving his time at the adjacent Satellite Prison Camp at U.S. Penitentiary Tucson, but was transferred to community confinement overseen by the Long Beach Residential Reentry Management Office on March 23, the Bureau of Prisons said. He spent around seven months at the federal Tucson prison. Community confinement means the inmate is either in home confinement or a residential reentry center, also known as a halfway house, the federal agency said. Dayspring qualified for the transfer under the First Step Act, which allows inmates who have been found to have a low risk of recidivism to partake in recidivism-reducing programs and productive activities, the prison agency said. Dayspring is expected to be fully released from federal custody on Jan. 2, 2024, the agency said. Filberto Hernandez Ramirez, a farmworker from the Mexican state of Jalisco, typically picks citrus and grapes in the San Joaquin Valley. But hes had less work this winter, due to a series of powerful storms that have saturated the regions agricultural fields. He and his family were already struggling to get by on his reduced income when a storm slammed into Tulare County on March 10. A nearby creek breached and water flooded their apartment in Lindsay. We lost belongings, Hernandez Ramirez said through tears in Spanish. We lost things that cost time and effort to buy. Hernandez Ramirez and his family are among the thousands of people across the state navigating flood losses. In Tulare County, as well as Planada, in Merced County, and Pajaro, in Monterey County, undocumented workers have proven especially vulnerable this winter: Unable to work due to the rains and unable to claim unemployment benefits, many are finding themselves struggling to make rent and feed their families. That has spurred workers and advocates to call for unemployment benefits and disaster relief for undocumented workers. Sarait Martinez, executive director of the Centro Binacional para el Desarollo Indigena Oaxaqueno, or the Binational Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities, said farmworkers worked through COVID-19, wildfires and drought, and now are seeking work amid the ongoing floods. She said they should have access to aid, regardless of their immigration status. Though we contribute, she said in Spanish, we do not have access to a safety net. Tulare County farmworker seeks relief after flood The Hernandez family used to live in a three-bedroom apartment at the Linnell Farm Labor Center, a county-managed housing complex in Visalia. Both Filberto and Araceli Hernandez, his wife, worked in fields surrounding the city. However, Araceli had to stop working in the fields several months ago when she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Story continues With the loss of his wifes income and his undocumented status, Hernandez Ramirez said his family became ineligible for farmworker housing. They moved to their current two-bedroom apartment in Lindsay, about 30 minutes away from Visalia, in November. Here in Lindsay, were charged $1,000 for rent, Hernandez Ramirez said. There, in Linnell, we paid about $380 in rent and still had money to pay other bills. And as their rent increased, Hernandez Ramirez said his work has petered out. With the rains spanning across the winter, five-day work weeks have become rare. Now Im earning about $300-$350 a week because were working two or three days, he said. La Abeja, a newsletter written for and by California Latinos Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around Latino issues in California. Filberto Hernandez Ramirez shows a picture of his familys dog, Coco, in Lindsay, in Tulare County, on March 22, 2023. Hernandez Ramirez said he wanted to prevent Coco from getting injured or swept away by the water as the familys apartment flooded on March 10. The family was aware that the region is prone to flooding, and their concerns grew as Lewis Creeks water levels rose. Their apartment is about a block away from the creek. On March 10, everything here flooded, said 25-year-old Aide Hernandez, Hernandez Ramirezs daughter. The water flowed into the rooms, the kitchen was like a pool. Hernandez Ramirezs wooden chest of drawers, the familys velvet red couch and his wifes wedding dress were waterlogged. The list of lost possessions continued to grow as mold kept spreading through the familys belongings. Upon entering the apartment more than a week later, the pungent smell of mold choked visitors. The carpet still covering all floors except the bathroom squeaked under the pressure of boots stepping into the living room. Though the water had drained, it was undeniable that the Hernandez familys home had significantly flooded and needed drastic restoration. Undocumented workers need safety net access, advocates say In Fresno County, other farmworkers have reported a loss of pay, too. Natividad Ortiz, Simitria Rendon and Yurivia Rendon are Mixteca working mothers from Oaxaca whose household incomes have been reduced because of the prolonged rains. Workers said they cant work until the saturated ground dries out and its safe for them to walk through the fields. Were having trouble paying rent and bills, Rendon said in Spanish. When it rains, we lose working hours, were not working now and need money to pay living expenses. Yurivia Rendon, who attended the celebration of the birthday of revered Mexican President Benito Juarez at Courthouse Park in Fresno on March 21, said she has not worked in the fields for several days because of heavy rains that have flooded fields. The three women also said in Mixtec they are having trouble paying for their childrens school supplies and clothes, Rene Martinez translated to English. Hes a youth coordinator with Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales, or the Indigenous Front of Binational Organizations, and works closely with Mixtec families. Right now, unemployment benefits would be a big help, especially since whenever we stop working, we need support to make those payments, Martinez said, translating for the group. Any help would be a big help. A bill introduced in the state legislature in February 2022 would have provided unemployment benefits to undocumented workers through the proposed Excluded Workers Pilot Program. Though the proposal grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also aimed to support workers amid climate emergencies. Of the 17.1 million workers across California, 1.1 million approximately 1 in 16 is undocumented, reported UC Merceds Community and Labor Center. Undocumented workers collectively contribute $3.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill in September, but some advocates are calling again for unemployment and disaster relief benefits for undocumented workers. Water sat in the Hernandez family homes backyard after it flooded in Toolville, a Census-designated community in rural Tulare County, on March 22, 2023. Family members said they are concerned about potential pesticide and fertilizer pollution in their yard since their home is very few feet away from citrus fields. We need a system, infrastructure, that supports (undocumented and farmworkers) in times like these, Sarait Martinez of CBDIO said in Spanish. We saw the impact COVID-19 has had in these communities, and we need to prioritize these benefits and relief infrastructure. She said the proposal known as Safety Net for All would support people amid the statewide storms and flooding. We know a lot of crops and harvesting times have been impacted, she said. And people are still trying to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, last years drought harvest and now this. People wont have work for months while fields recover. Hernandez Ramirez called for state leaders to look out for farmworkers in rural communities. We are the ones who produce for politicians, for people with more resources, to have their fruits and vegetables, he said in Spanish. For produce to reach their homes healthy and safe, and they dont look out for us. Through tears, Hernandez Ramirez said farmworkers havent received the treatment they deserve. For farmworkers, there are very few resources. There isnt much help, Hernandez Ramirez said. We need more. Join the conversation Reporters from The Fresno Bee, Sacramento Bee and Vida en el Valle will meet with advocates and policymakers to talk about how farmworkers are being affected by climate change and recent floods. Were inviting the community to submit questions via the RSVP page and join the live broadcast session on Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.. You can find more information at https://bit.ly/3FVGG1K. Photo: The Canadian Press FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday. The charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act raises to 13 the number of charges Bankman-Fried faces after he was arrested in the Bahamas in December and brought to the United States soon afterward. FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. He has remained free on a $250 million personal recognizance bond that lets him stay with his parents in Palo Alto, California. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors out of billions of dollars before his business collapsed. The alleged bribes stemmed from the operation of Alameda Research, which is affiliated with FTX, Bankman-Fried's global cryptocurrency exchange. The indictment said Chinese law enforcement authorities in early 2021 froze certain Alameda cryptocurrency trading accounts on two of China's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The accounts, it said, contained about $1 billion in cryptocurrency. Bankman-Fried understood that the accounts had been frozen by Chinese authoritIes as part of an ongoing probe of a particular Alameda trading counterparty, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried failed several attempts to unfreeze the accounts through the use of lawyers and lobbying, Bankman-Fried ultimately agreed to direct a multimillion dollar bribe to try to unfreeze the accounts, the indictment said. The bribe payment of cryptocurrency then worth about $40 million was moved from Alameda's main trading account to a private cryptocurrency wallet in November 2021 and the frozen accounts were unfrozen at about the same time, the indictment said. Meanwhile Tuesday, Bankman-Frieds lawyers also sent Judge Lewis A. Kaplan a new to limit him to a laptop and a phone and block him from using any other cellphones, tablets, computers, video games or smart devices with internet access other than electronic devices owned by his lawyers that he might need to prepare for trial. Kaplan set a Thursday hearing in the case. A mailbox stands in the floodwaters that have innundated farms near the community of Stratford, Calif., on March 21, 2023. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) A winter of epic snow and rain had brought California's "phantom lake" back to life and threatened towns and farms in the process. Once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, Tulare Lake was largely drained in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the rivers that fed it were dammed and diverted for agriculture. This month, after powerful storms, rivers that dwindled during the drought are swollen with runoff from heavy rains and snow, and are flowing full from the Sierra Nevada into the valley, spilling from canals and broken levees into fields. Here is a history of Tulare Lake from the pages of The Times. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times) What is the history? This is not the first time Tulare Lake has reemerged. It also happened in 1997, another epic rain year. But officials say it was 1983 when the lake last reached a high point, amid heavy rain and snow runoff that submerged about 82,000 acres. "Every 15 years or so, in the wake of a record winter storm or heavy spring snowmelt, the dams and ditches cannot contain the rivers. When that happens, the great inland sea, at least a hint of it anyway, rouses from its slumber," Mark Arax wrote in The Times that year. Arax described the history this way: Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this basin has a strange, slightly menacing feel, wet or dry. While it qualifies as desert, averaging less than 10 inches of rain a year, it also happens to sit at the foot of one of the nations most generous watersheds, the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Before agriculture subdued the mountain rivers, much of the southern San Joaquin Valley was transformed each spring into marsh teeming with tule elk and antelope, honkers, and gray and Canada geese. No land sat lower than this basin, the terminus of the Tule, Kaweah, Kings and Kern rivers. The shallow lake that sprang from their waters dubbed La Laguna de los Tulares by Spanish explorers covered more than 1,200 square miles, bigger than the Great Salt Lake. On rafts and canoes made from the thick tule reeds, Yokut hunters fished for salmon, perch and sturgeon while the women waded far into the waters to dig for clams and mussels. Story continues A truck navigates through a flooded pistaschio grove near Cororan, Calif., on March 21, 2023. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) So bountiful was the harvest that white settlers named the area Mussel Slough, and commercial fishermen in the 1870s plied the lake in schooners and steamers and caught terrapin turtles served as delicacies in San Francisco restaurants. Visitors never forgot the roar of the big birds alighting. An immense body of wild geese whose wings and cries as they moved from place to place caused this kind of roaring noise, wrote Charles Nordhoff, a New York journalist who penned one of the first travel books about California in 1873. A noise like the rush of a distant railroad train. In 1880, in the name of reclamation, the state Legislature allowed newcomers to buy marshland for $2.50 an acre, $2 of which would be refunded if they helped construct a levee system. This touched off a decades-long stampede of sandlappers, the derisive name given farmers who cultivated swampland. Tulare Lake may have continued to turn up blue on most maps but it was pretty much a mirage. Floodwaters from a break in levees in the vast and fertile San Joaquin Valley engulf structures of a farming operation near Corcoran, Calif. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Arax wrote more about Tulare Lake. What is happening now? As The Times' Ian James and Susanne Rust reported, Tulare Lakes sudden reemergence has fueled conflict in one of Californias richest agricultural centers, as the spreading waters swallow fields and orchards and encroach on low-lying towns. In a region where the major agricultural landowners have a history of water disputes, the floods streaming into Tulare Lake Basin have reignited some long-standing tensions and brought accusations of foul play and mismanagement. Residents in rural towns such as Alpaugh and Allensworth fear their homes wont be prioritized for protection from the rising waters. And as the water has overwhelmed canals, tensions have flared over where the floods should be directed, and which farmland should go under first. The view of native Californians In satellite images of the San Joaquin Valley, the footprint of the old lake bed stands out as a darker, grayish area in the patches of farmland. In the days before the damming of rivers, the lake could stretch for 790 square miles, four times the size of Lake Tahoe, with depths of 30 feet. Storm clouds leave a dusting of snow on the mountains at the edge of the vast and fertile San Joaquin Valley. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Before white settlers arrived in the Central Valley in the 1800s, Tulare Lake was the center of life for the Native Yokut people who lived by its shores and along the rivers. Then farmers began diverting water and claiming land in the lake bottom. More than a century later, members of the Santa Rosa Rancheria of the Tachi Yokut Tribe live near what was once the lakes north shore. The tribes leaders have agreed to diversions that will channel some of the floodwaters onto their lands, easing pressure on the system while helping to recharge groundwater. The lakes rise is just a very small reminder of what was once here, said Leo Sisco, the tribes chairman. The phantom lake, which the tribe calls Paashi, remains central to its spiritual beliefs. Its traditional songs include passages that say when the water rises, thats the lake telling us, OK, its time for you guys to get out of here now, said Robert Jeff, the tribes vice chairman. So thats when our people would pack up, Jeff said, and wed head to the mountains, to our other villages, until the water receded. Its time to move to higher ground, he said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. MILAN The Canadian government is considering the purchase of as many as 16 P-8A surveillance aircraft from the American company Boeing without a competition, despite objections from Quebec-based business Bombardier. On March 27, Canada announced Boeings P-8A Poseidon is the sole available aircraft that conforms to all operational requirements outlined in the Canadian Multi-Mission aircraft project. The effort is meant to provide the military with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and more. In view of exploring this option in more detail, Canada has submitted a Letter of Request through the U.S. governments Foreign Military Sales program outlining the requirements and requesting an offer, Public Services and Procurement Canada, a federal department, said in a statement. These include up to 16 P-8A aircraft and associated equipment and initial servicing, as well as access to intellectual property and technical data. The letter does not commit Ottawa to buying the fleet. A final decision will ultimately rest on affordability, capability offered and advantages to Canadian industry. The country has sought a replacement for its CP-140 Aurora fleet for some time. The Lockheed Martin-made aircraft has been in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force since the 1980s and will need to be retired by 2030. A Boeing spokesperson told Defense News that the company and its Canadian industry partners CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace and Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada, and StandardAero are committed to delivering industrial and technical benefits to significantly expand the countrys defense industry. Bombardier, which had planned to offer its Global 6500 aircraft as a replacement for the Aurora, has argued that a Canadian-made solution must be considered on an equal footing. Canada has the opportunity to leverage its [domestic] aerospace industry to provide a multimission aircraft that will be the standard for decades to come, Bombardier spokesman Mark Masluch said. Performance should matter. Canadian jobs should matter. And sustainability matters most. Story continues Bombardier has been in contact with Defence Minister Anita Anand regarding the matter, and the company is eagerly awaiting a response, he said. Rivals with a history The competitors have been at odds for years, even entering into a trade dispute in 2018 over the sale of Bombardiers 100-seat CSeries jets, which Boeing complained to the U.S. government were sold to air travel company Delta below their cost of production. Bombardier ultimately won. Ottawa had issued a request for information in February 2022, outlining 13 mandatory requirements for the eventual platform. Among the core ones are an aircraft with secure and non-secure line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communication tools; the ability to conduct multi-spectral sensing; and the ability to access external information sources in real time or near-real time. What could play in the P-8A Poseidons favor is its air-to-air refueling capability, one that the Aurora aircraft lacks. In addition, the fact that four out of five of Poseidons operators are Five Eyes members may be beneficial on some level when considering tactical interoperability, shared logistics and infrastructure elements. That intelligence-sharing alliance is made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Although there is no official contract yet, this does represent a step in the right direction for Boeing, after recent setbacks it suffered in regard to Canadian industry prospects. In 2021, its KC-46 failed to qualify for the Royal Canadian Air Forces Strategic Tanker Transport Capability program. And in December 2022, the Public Services and Procurement Canada ruled out the participation of the F/A-18 block III Super Hornet in the future fighter capability project. Canada's self-proclaimed Crypto King, accused of duping investors and accruing losses in the tens of millions of dollars, was allegedly kidnapped in the middle of the night in December and driven around and tortured for three days as he begged his landlord to pay $3 million in ransom, according to news reports citing new filings in bankruptcy proceedings. A 750-page trustee report related to bankruptcy proceedings against Aiden Pleterski details allegations that the 20-something was kidnapped from downtown Toronto in December. Rob Stelzer, appointed bankruptcy trustee on the case, told CTV News Toronto he was informed by Toronto police that Pleterski had been kidnapped. CTV News Toronto reported that transcripts from court examinations with Pleterskis father and landlord detailed the allegations further. FLORIDA COUPLE REPORTEDLY KIDNAPPED IN HAITI; STATE DEPARTMENT AWARE OF REPORTS OF 2 US CITIZENS MISSING Aiden Pleterski allegedly blew millions in investor funds on luxury vacations. "He was taken. They basically held him for approximately three days, drove him around different, various parts of southern Ontario, beat him, tortured him, allowed him to make specific phone calls to specific people only," his father told a courtroom in December. "I was not one of those people that he was allowed to contact." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The landlord said Pleterski told him he has no one else to call and asked him for $3 million as a ransom payment. "I received multiple calls from Aiden, but it was late at night and then at around 1:30 a.m., I finally had enough, and I picked up the call," the landlord told the court on Feb. 9. "I said, There's absolutely nothing that I can do." DEMOCRAT SCHUMER WARNS NYC SKIN-ROTTING ZOMBIE DRUG TRAFFICKED FROM MEXICO COULD MAKE FENTANYL SEEM TAME Aiden Pleterski is accused of spending tens of millions in investor dollars to fund his luxurious lifestyle. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation also reported that court documents allege Pleterski was released three days late but still ordered to come up with the money fast. "We cannot confirm any information that would identify a victim, or witness," a spokesperson for Toronto Police said in a statement to Fox News Digital when asked about the case. Story continues Toronto police did not respond to questions about the identities of the alleged kidnappers or if any arrests have been made. Aiden Pleterski, right, was allegedly kidnapped and held hostage for three days. Fox News Digital also reached out to Ontario Provincial Police regarding the incident but did not hear back before publication. The trustee report, released on March 14, says Pleterski invested less than 2% of the more than $40 million given to him by investors. Instead, he allegedly spent nearly 38%, almost $16 million, on luxury cars, private jets, and elaborate vacations, according to CTV News Toronto. Willis Gordon is one of five Democratic candidates seeking to become mayor of Canton. CANTON Willis Gordon hasn't taken a vacation in more than 10 years. The 33-year-old has authored two books, served in the U.S. Navy, formed a musical band, started his own company and assisted with political campaigns. He is the veterans affairs chairman for the Ohio NAACP and one of five Democrats vying to be Canton's next mayor. "I'm motivated to run for mayor of Canton because I love our city, and I have deep concerns about our future," Gordon said in a Canton Repository mayoral candidate questionnaire. Among his concerns are the city's increase in violent crime, high rate of childhood poverty, and loss of businesses and population. Gordon said Canton's challenges require the dedication and "know-how" he possesses. "I have never shied away from a challenge, whether it has been to serve and defend our country in a time of war in some of the most hostile regions in the world or protecting and promoting the welfare of our citizens of Canton," he said. "Canton desperately needs new, strong, innovative leadership. The failed politics of the past just won't cut it." The Stark County Board of Elections initially disqualified Gordon as a candidate for a lack of valid petition signatures. The board then certified his candidacy after he submitted affidavits to show enough signatures were valid. More:Q&A with Canton mayoral candidate Willis Gordon Read more:Willis Gordon on using his voice for change, shares his Stark County favorites Meet Willis Gordon Gordon is a resident of Burnham Hills, a residential neighborhood just north of Martindale Park. He graduated from GlenOak High School in 2008 and received a bachelor's degree in history from Kent State University in 2022. After his high school graduation, Gordon served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was deployed twice for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He received the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, National Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Story continues Willis Gordon, 33, is a graduate of GlenOak High. In 2015, he founded Willis Gordon Enterprises for his musical, comedy and other creative work. Gordon is a board member of the Stark County Library Foundation and a member of the Plain Local Alumni Association. He also operated the Stark County sheriff's concealed handgun license office in Massillon. His political involvement began in 2004 with field organizing, and he's also been involved in political strategy the past 10 years. Gordon worked on Barack Obama's U.S. Senate and presidential campaigns and Ken Harbaughs congressional campaign. Hector McDaniel, who was the veterans ambassador for Kent State University's Stark campus, said Gordon had ambitions to serve the public back when he was a student. "Conversations he and I have had over the years have always been somewhat around him seeking some kind of public office to better his community," he said. McDaniel, who bested Gordon in the 2020 Stark County NAACP election for president, emphasized that the NAACP is bipartisan and his comments are not representative of the organization. He said Gordon, who served in the NAACP administration prior to McDaniel becoming president, was well-known in the community for his music and outgoing personality. Gordon is a "visionary," McDaniel said, who wants the Canton community to prosper. Political goals Gordon's first priorities would be to improve public safety, economic development and infrastructure if he takes office. His plan to reduce crime focuses on violent offenders and reinstating the Gang Task Force, which ended around 2009 and was criticized by local pastors who said it unfairly targeted Black residents in high-crime neighborhoods. Gordon said reviving the unit wouldn't revive past problems because his administration would ensure "constitutional and community policing" and well-trained officers. "I will also establish a Youth Corps for the city of Canton, which will provide educational opportunities, job programs, spiritual support, mental health counseling, drug counseling, and other programs to get our kids out of the street and back on track," Gordon said. Having lost his older brother to gun violence in Cleveland, Gordon said, he knows the pain caused by "senseless violence" and will work harder than anyone else to end it. He also recognizes the need for police reform "something you do with police, not to police." In 2020, Gordon met with city leaders in Canton and North Canton in his former role as political and community outreach chairman for the Stark County NAACP. He helped bring their police departments into compliance with "8 Can't Wait" reforms. The national campaign created by Campaign Zero recommends eight policies, including banning chokeholds, to reduce the number of people killed by police. Read more:Canton revises rules on police use of force The 2020 police changes also included formal policies not to hire officers with a history of misconduct. Gordon said there's always room for improvement, however, and proposes hiring mental health professionals to respond with police on certain calls and funding training related to police response tactics. In addition, he'd create an independent police auditor office similar to Akron's with one to two civilians providing police oversight. "We also have to unburden the police," he said. "We cannot expect them to be priest, psychologist, bodyguard, and babysitter. Bringing in additional resources and reforms is the most pro-police thing we can do." Gordon wants to seek funding for high-speed train connections between Canton, Akron and Cleveland, "creating jobs as well as creating a major regional metropolis." He also would pursue U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and state grants for a comprehensive neighborhood stabilization plan, which would focus on safety and upkeep in the city's residential areas. "I really believe that the quality of life of any community is determined by the vitality of their neighborhoods and residential areas," Gordon said. "Canton is a city of neighborhoods, but our political leadership, in their haste to promote the Hall of Fame Village and downtown, has neglected our neighborhoods." When it comes to the local economy, Gordon said, the mayor should be the "chief ambassador, advocate and investor." He would create an economic development plan with strategies for business recruitment and establish affordable childcare for Canton residents. As part of his Youth Corps proposal, there would be a tuition forgiveness program for local students who work in the area for five years. He also believes investing in reliable public transportation, broadband internet access and the arts will help retain and attract residents to Canton, which he feels has lost its identity. "I think that we're having some trouble believing that we can do bigger things or believing that we can be a great city, again, and a thriving hub for people where young people can stay and put down roots," he said. Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP Canton mayoral candidate Willis Gordon. Mayoral forums The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Canton Repository, and the League of Women Voters of the Canton Area are hosting public forums with the mayoral candidates in advance of the May 2 primary: The chamber and Repository will host The Future of Canton: 2023 Mayoral Primary Forum at 6:30 p.m. April 4 on the main stage of the Cultural Center Theater at 1001 Market Ave. N. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. The event will feature the only Democratic candidates because the Republican candidate is unopposed in the primary. Registration is required and $20 tickets can be purchased through the chamber's website: https://www.cantonchamber.org/2023-mayoral-primary-forum. The ticket revenue will cover the site rental and any excess will be donated. The event will be recorded and available afterward to the general public. The League of Women Voters of the Canton Area will host a forum for all mayoral candidates at 7 p.m. April 13 in the Timken Commons, 521 Tuscarawas St. W. The event is free and open to the public. For more details, go to: https://cantonlwv.org. Meet the candidates The Repository also will profile the five Democratic candidates this week. Republican Roy Scott DePew is unopposed in the primary. The profiles will appear in the newspaper and at CantonRep.com as follows: Monday: Kimberly D. Bell Today: Willis Gordon Wednesday: William V. Sherer II Thursday: Bill Smuckler Friday: Thomas West This article originally appeared on The Repository: Willis Gordon thinks Canton is due for a turnaround By Ryan Suppe, State Politics Reporter The late discovery of a major flaw may have killed a sweeping property tax relief bill, which would direct hundreds of millions in state funds to residential homeowners. Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoed the bill yesterday after a state official found the proposal would put the states bonding ability at risk. In a veto letter, Little called the bill a hodgepodge of policy items intermingled with property tax relief. The Republican governor said the proposal jeopardizes ready-to-go transportation projects by re-ordering where sales tax revenues go. Little also objected to removing the March bond election. A property tax relief bill this session needs to be simple and carried out in a way that does not harm public schools, does not hold up needed transportation projects, and does not reveal more unintended consequences, Little said in a news release. Read my full story here. Senate clears new property tax bill after veto After the governors veto, the Senate quickly patched the property tax relief and school construction funding proposals onto a separate bill, House Bill 198. Largely the same as the original proposal, the new bill does not include language related to transportation funding that raised concerns, and it excludes the bond and levy election date removal. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill after a brief debate. The only opposition centered on the rushed process. Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins, said the Senate didnt have enough time to read the bill. I feel like this is a disservice to the people that we represent, Carlson said. The new bill heads to the House, which is back in session today after a short recess. What else happened? The Senate cleared House Bill 71 , which criminalizes gender-affirming health care for transgender minors . The bill heads back to the House because it was amended to move the prohibition to another section of code than was originally proposed. The House overwhelmingly passed the bill last month, and now it awaits the governors signature. The Senate State Affairs Committee advanced a bill that would prohibit transporting a minor to another state for an abortion. The House passed House Bill 242 earlier this month. It moves to the full Senate. Story continues What to expect today 7 a.m. House Ways and Means. House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, is scheduled to propose legislation related to the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation fund, a transportation project fund sourced by sales tax revenue. Gov. Brad Little vetoed House Bill 292, in part, because the bill altered the transportation funds priority access to sales tax in favor of property tax relief. Find the full list of committee meetings and agendas for the House here, and for the Senate here. Track other bills Keep track of high-profile bills as they go through the legislative process. You can find yesterdays updates here. If you like this newsletter, forward to a friend or colleague, and they can sign up here. Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Captain America in Falcon and the Winter Soldier. (Marvel Studios) The Star-Spangled Man with a plan is back in Captain America: New World Order. Well not quite yet, but he will be. Sam Wilson aka The Falcon aka the new Captain America is getting his own solo movie after the success of his team up mini-series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Captain America: New World Order is set to be the tenth instalment of Marvels Phase 5 which kicked off with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and will serve as a sequel of sorts to the series. Read more: Every upcoming MCU movie Here is everything we know about the film so far. Captain America: New World Order release date So far, what we know is that film-wise Captain America will follow Nia DaCostas The Marvels, with a release date of 3 May, 2024. Its release date comes before Thunderbolts which will pick up threads of other MCU characters like Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier. Captain America: New World Order cast Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Marvel Studios) The casting announced for Cap 4 already has people excited. Talking about taking on the mantle of Captain America from Chris Evans, Mackie told Yahoo: My Cap, hes not a superhero. "He doesnt have a super-serum. So his superpower is his humanity. So I think with him he has to come to the stage with a very different understanding of what it is it to be a good guy or be a bad guy, and what are the decisions that make you tow that line in the way that you did. I just see him as more of a humane Cap, as opposed to a Cap of judgment, where this is right, or this is wrong. There are decisions that make you choose right or wrong. Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Marvel Studios) And [hell have] a flyer costume, Mackie added in regards to Sam Wilsons new winged red, white and blue threads. Cause its leg day every day [in the gym]. We going straight spandex, none of this cotton stuff. We doing straight spandex. Read more: Who is Kang the Conqueror? Not only is Anthony Mackie back as Sam Wilson / Captain America marking his eight appearance in the MCU, but hell be joined by Harrison Ford as former General and Secretary of State Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross. Story continues Harrison Ford will play Thaddeus Ross in the MCU. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Ford takes over the role from Wiliam Hurt who played him from 2008s The Incredible Hulk until 2021s Black Widow following his death from brain cancer. Fords iteration will see the character moved up to being President of the United States suggesting once again Ross will be trying to control superheroes. Ford has signed on for two films, this one and Thunderbolts which will follow on. Ed Norton and Liv Tyler in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. (Alamy) Also returning from The Incredible Hulk is Liv Tyler's Betty Ross, marking her first appearance in the MCU for 15 years. She's the scientist daughter of Thaddeus Ross who was Bruce Banner's love interest when Ed Norton played the Hulk. Read more on Deadline: Liv Tyler set for Captain America 4 return as Betty Ross (2 min read) As well as Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson is also back as Dr Samuel Sterns from the 2008 film. Nelson was last seen as Bruce Banner's ally who had gamma-radiated blood dripped into an open wound showing him mutate. Tim Blake Nelson as we last saw him in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. (Marvel Studios) Since then theres not been much from him, but its suggested that Nelson will be taking on Sterns villainous alter-ego The Leader to cause trouble for Wilson. Back from Falcon and the Winter Soldier is Carl Lumbly as Isiah Bradley, a former super soldier now living a normal life. Bradleys arc in the show showed that Black Americans were undervalued in the past and that will clearly weigh heavily on Sam going forwards. Read more: Everything we know about Secret Invasion Lumblys grandson Eli, portrayed by Elijah Richardson, also becomes the superhero Patriot in the comics. Whether that happens in the film or not remains to be seen. (L-R): Eli Bradley (Elijah Richardson), Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. (Marvel Studios) Also back is Joaquin Torres portrayed by Danny Ramirez. In the series he was an Air Force Lieutenant on the hunt for the Flag Smashers, but as promised by Marvel he will have a beefed up role in the movie and will don the Falcon suit as the second iteration of the character. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) in in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. (Marvel Studios) New cast members announced for the film include Emmy-nominated Israeli actress Shira Haas as Sabra, a character from the comics linked with the mutants. In the comics shes a Mossad agent with super powers like healing, strength and stamina as well as the ability to grant superpowers to others and transfer her life force. making the film feel like an intentional intrigue story. Read more: Who are the Young Avengers? Also in the cast is Xosha Roquemore though her role has not yet been disclosed. Roquemore is best known for roles in Precious, The Disaster Artist and Black Monday. Captain America: New World Order plot (L-R): Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) and Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Marvel Studios) Little is known about the plot outside of the so-far announced characters but we do know it will follow on from Falcon and the Winter Soldier is showing Sam grapple with being a Black Captain America in a world of heightened tensions. Mackie has spoken about the weight that the name Captain America brings and the inclusion of Lumbly as Bradley suggests that this will still weigh heavily on Wilsons shoulders adding some much needed emotional weight. Bringing back Sterns as an antagonist also suggests that this will be about bringing back threads from Phase 1 and making them relevant again, just as She-Hulk brought back Abomination. Who is making Captain America: New World Order? (L-R) Anthony Mackie, Carl Lumbly, Danny Ramirez, and Julius Onah pose during D23 2022. (Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb) Captain America: New World Order is being directed by Julius Onah. Onah previously directed science fiction sequel The Cloverfield Paradox and independent drama Luce. Both of these give a feel for what Marvel are looking for in a director. Luce was very much about race and psychological exploration, while Cloverfield Paradox showed that Onah could handle a large ensemble, visual effects and the confines of working within a franchise, both of which bode well as he takes over the reigns of the franchise from previous directors Joe Johnston, The Russo Brothers and Kari Skogland. Read more: Ant-Man 3's post-credit scenes explained The screenplay is being written by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson. Spellman was both writer and show runner on Falcon and The Winter Soldier while Musson also worked on scripts for the series suggesting that this will be as much as a sequel to the series as it is a new iteration of Cap. Captain America: New World Order will be released 3 May, 2024. An argument between two women ended with one in jail and the other in the hospital. Gulfport Police Department responded to reports of a shooting Monday evening at the 2800 block of Sixth Avenue, according to a release issued. Upon arrival at around 5:19 p.m., officers found a woman suffering injuries from being run over by a vehicle. Detectives learned that an argument turned into a physical altercation between the injured woman and Labrittani Keaira Watts, 22, of Gulfport. When the victim left the home with her three children in tow, Watts shot the vehicle several times. The victim jumped out of her moving vehicle and tried to flee on foot but was ultimately hit by her vehicle. Watts fled on foot, but officers later located and charged her with one count of aggravated domestic assault and three counts of aggravated assault. Watts is held at the Harrison County jail on a $400,000 bond set by Judge Nick Patano. Watts also had felony warrants through Biloxi and Mobile at the time of her arrest. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. A Carnival Cruise ship is being credited with saving three boaters after the Coast Guard received a distress beacon, officials said. Coast Guard officials said they received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon at 7:22 a.m. on March 26 from a 44-foot recreational boat, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Office. The boat, named Snail Mail, was taking on water, 386 miles off the coast of Alabama. Coast Guard officials said watchstanders in contact with the Snail Mail deployed an automated mutual-assistance rescue system to search the area around the boat for any commercial vessels that might be in the area. Close by was a Carnival Cruise ship, Valor, and the watchstanders instructed the cruise ship to head toward the Snail Mail and assist in the rescue. The cruise ship arrived near the sinking Snail Mail and sent out its rescue boat, Coast Guard officials said. All three people on the Snail Mail were rescued and taken back to the cruise ship where they were examined by the ships doctor. #BREAKING: The @USCG and the Carnival Valor rescued three boaters from a vessel taking on water 386 miles offshore Alabama! Read the full story here: https://t.co/3hBBUdGa65 pic.twitter.com/IdZJ2pMC8K USCG Heartland (@USCGHeartland) March 27, 2023 The Coast Guard said all three boaters were in stable condition aboard the Valor. Special thanks to the crew of the Carnival Valor for rescuing all three people aboard the sinking vessel, Lt. j.g. Gretchen Gochnour said in the release, the Coast Guard encourages commercial mariners to participate in AMVER and self-report their location as this played a pivotal role in this rescue. Story continues Skydiver dangles from power lines after overshooting landing, California officials say Woman unintentionally spends night in Death Valley after getting lost looking at stars Friend couldnt find teen who fell off jet ski in Florida bay. Rescuers rush to water Here it comes, bro! Watch as massive avalanche powder cloud engulfs Utah mountains An exhaust pipe of a car in Berlin, Germany Countries in the European Union have approved a landmark law that will ensure all new cars sold from 2035 must have zero emissions. Poland voted against the law, while Italy, Bulgaria and Romania abstained. The agreement was delayed for weeks after Germany called for an exemption for cars running on e-fuels. E-fuels are argued to be carbon neutral because they use captured CO2 emissions to balance out the CO2 released when the fuel is combusted in an engine. The new law had been expected to make it impossible to sell internal combustion engine cars in the EU from 2035. However, the exemption won by Germany will now help those with traditional vehicles - even though e-fuels are not yet produced at scale. The EU will say how sales of e-fuel-only cars can continue later this year. Passenger cars and vans are responsible for about 12% and 2.5% respectively of total EU emissions of CO2, the main greenhouse gas, according to the European Commission. Earlier this month the UN warned that the world was likely to miss a target for limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5C. The new EU law will require all new cars sold to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035, and 55% lower CO2 emissions from 2030, compared to 2021 levels. Germany's late opposition came after EU countries and politicians had already agreed the 2035 phaseout and caused anger among some EU diplomats. "As a matter of principle, we don't like this approach. We think it is not fair," Spanish energy minister Teresa Ribera said, adding that current assessments suggested e-fuels were too expensive to become widely used. Porsche and Ferrari are among the supporters of e-fuels, which they see as a way to avoid their vehicles being weighed down by heavy batteries. But other carmakers including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Ford will use electric vehicles to decarbonise. German transport minister Volker Wissing said Tuesday's agreement would "open up important options for the population towards climate-neutral and affordable mobility". EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans added: "The direction of travel is clear: in 2035, new cars and vans must have zero emissions," A Charlotte light rail controller says he was fired for how he handled the May 2022 Blue Line derailment despite being told the train was clear to run. Light rail controller Terry Creech was fired on June 23 by the Charlotte Area Transit System after being suspended with pay following the derailment, according to a termination letter he provided to The Charlotte Observer. The letter says Creech committed two safety violations after the derailment. While it is confirmed that your actions did not contribute to the trains derailment ... our records do confirm that the proper procedures were not followed, the termination letter says. The role of a light rail controller is similar to an air traffic controller. Creech controlled all train movement on CATS Blue and Gold lines, he said, and the May derailment happened on a weekend when upper management wasnt working. Creech says the train car shouldnt have been put on the track in the first place. He found out later the light rail vehicle that derailed received maintenance for a wheel malfunction two days earlier. But Creech said he was told at the beginning of his May 21 shift that it was cleared to run with no more concerns. Charlottes entire light rail fleet must be repaired to fix a part defect that was found after a train derailment in May 2022. The Charlotte City Council found out about the derailment and faulty equipment Monday night, nearly one year after the derailment occurred. Brent Cagle, interim Charlotte Area Transit System CEO, said he found out about the derailment two weeks ago, several months after assuming his interim executive role, when the North Carolina Department of Transportation asked for a corrective action plan. The only person who was terminated in all of this was me, Creech said. They needed someone to put it on. CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle revealed to the Charlotte City Council this month that a Blue Line train derailed in May 2022 due to a faulty axle bearing. To fix the issue, Cagle said CATS is working with rail company Siemens Mobility to expedite repairs on each train, which is expected to take several years. CATS did not provide comment by Tuesday morning after The Charlotte Observer provided questions Friday. The Observer also hasnt received a response to a public records request for personnel information allowed to be released under North Carolinas public records law. CATS: Creech did not perform inspection The termination letter said Creech did not instruct the rail operator, the person driving the train, to do a walkaround inspection of the vehicle after being told the train was unable to move, shaking badly, and unsafe to operate. Story continues Creech said the operator informed him he felt resistance from the train, but was able to move forward. So he instructed the operator to move to the next station to let passengers off so they could fully troubleshoot the issue. The train continued to have problems and the operator said they didnt feel safe. Thats when Creech said he told the operator to stay put and sent a maintenance employee. CATS Rail Operations and Facilities General Manager Deltrin Harris said in the termination letter telling the operator to move to the next station was a violation of troubleshooting policy. This judgment and instruction created an unsafe environment for the riding public and CATS employees and caused more damage to the infrastructure, roadway and (light rail vehicle), the letter says. The second safety violation cited in Creechs termination letter was an overrun red light. While Creech was responding to the derailment, a different rail operator asked to pass a red light and did so before receiving permission. A wheel on a Blue Line train came off the light rail on May 21, 2022, while 24 passengers were on board. CATS blamed that on Creechs inability to multitask when he should have ensured all trains nearby stopped during the derailment. Neither one of those incidents wouldve occurred if the train was functioning correctly, Creech said. If the train was not put back in service, none of this would have happened. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and local officials have both said delayed maintenance was the root cause of the May 21 derailment and the train should never have been cleared to run. Creech said he was surprised by the media attention the derailment received and said stuff like this doesnt usually get out to the public at CATS. Creech runs a youth writing and poetry nonprofit and has been serving as executive director full time since leaving CATS. CATS said two other derailments occurred in 2022, but both were in the rail yard. The Observer asked if the Blue Line derailed prior to 2022 and is awaiting a response. Creechs timeline of events Heres the timeline of events on Saturday, May 21, according to information Creech wrote and provided to CATS. Creech clocked in at 11 a.m., relieving another controller from their 14-hour shift. That controller reported nothing out of the ordinary. At 11:12 a.m., a Blue Line rail operator traveling north called Creech, saying his train was acting weird and jerking a lot. Creech called maintenance and told an employee to meet the operator at Scaleybark station. He told the operator to continue to Scaleybark station. The operator called back, saying he didnt think he would be able to make it to the station. Creech told him to aux on and off the train resetting its internal computer. The problem continued, so Creech told the operator to put the train in neutral and gradually move it forward. The operator was unable to do this in a safe manner. Creech told the operator to stay still until maintenance arrived. When maintenance arrived, they realized the train had derailed. The only working supervisor was operating the Gold Line at the time, and the chief rail controller did not answer several phone calls, Creech said. Creech said he held trains in both directions while he reported the incident to the necessary parties and requested a bus to transport light rail passengers. At noon, the same rail controller Creech relieved earlier in the day returned to control the Gold Line. The chief rail controller arrived shortly after, and Creech informed her of the mornings events. Two days later, Creech was told the derailed light rail vehicle had been pulled off the Blue Line on a different shift. Creech said he was not aware of this during his shift on May 21. What happens next? Repairing the problem that caused the derailment will cost the city of Charlotte $30 million. The city also needs to fund replacements for its aging bus fleet. Wednesday night, members of the Metropolitan Transit Commission, a CATS policy board, voted to seek a third-party investigation into issues that include a May 2022 light rail derailment. Commissioner @leighaltman requests CATS to proceed with drafting a request for proposals "to engage a third-party transit consultant to perform an operational investigation to establish facts related to the train derailment and other organization "failures" pic.twitter.com/jNK4SFhO8A genna (@GennaContino) March 24, 2023 Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman made the motion and since has requested CATS to draft a request for proposals from consultants. Cagle said in an email to Altman that CATS is working on that for the MTC to review. This story will be updated. Re. Gary Lynchs letter Both are right and wrong (Castanet, March 27) Gary, your insights were very fair and thoughtful. You are correct, I wanted to leave all of this behind, especially after your objective opinion. Why (letter writer Lloyd Vinish found the need to be so defensive and insulting about my letter, in my book, does not make him look good. You're right, I ignored his original letter, (not blaming honest poor people which was written three-quarters down in his letter in a small paragraph) It would have been really admirable if he'd left well enough alone but why he couldn't makes me wonder about him. We are all upset with taxes, unfair government funding towards refugees (although as soon as we say that we're in trouble. Of course they need help but not at the expense of natural born Canadian citizens). The fact this wasn't good enough for Lloyd makes me question him - hope there aren't too many people such as Lloyd who have this attitude. The fact is, the cost of living, housing, etc is out of control. Of course there are people who take advantage of the system, which makes people such as myself (70 years old who've worked their whole life) angry. However, there are a lot of well-to-do people who are way too entitled. Beverly Ryder Caution prevailed in Israel Tuesday ahead of the first talks between the government and opposition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused controversial judicial reforms which sparked a general strike and mass protests. With the crisis far from over, President Isaac Herzog's office said he had invited representatives of the ruling coalition and the two main opposition parties "for a first dialogue meeting" at his residence from 7:30 pm (1630 GMT). After three months of increasing tensions that split the nation, Netanyahu bowed to pressure in the face of a nationwide walkout Monday which hit airports, hospitals and more, while tens of thousands of reform opponents rallied outside parliament in Jerusalem. "Out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill" to allow time for dialogue, the prime minister said in a broadcast. The decision to halt the legislative process marked a dramatic U-turn for the premier, who just a day earlier announced he was sacking his defence minister who had called for the very same step. The move was greeted with scepticism in Israel, with the president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank remarking it does not amount to a peace deal. "Rather, it's a ceasefire perhaps for regrouping, reorganising, reorienting and then charging -- potentially -- charging ahead," Yohanan Plesner told journalists. - 'Ruse or bluff' - Opposition leader Yair Lapid reacted warily, saying Monday he wanted to be sure "that there is no ruse or bluff". A joint statement Tuesday from Lapid's party and that of Benny Gantz, the former defence minister, said such talks will stop immediately "if the law is put on the Knesset's (parliament's) agenda". The opposition had previously refused to negotiate over the reforms -- which would hand politicians more power over the judiciary -- until the legislative process was stopped. "The goal is to reach an agreement," Netanyahu said in a statement Tuesday. Story continues Activists who have led nearly three months of protests against the reform package vowed to continue their rallies. "This is another attempt of Netanyahu trying to gaslight the Israeli public in order to weaken the protest and then enact a dictatorship," the Umbrella Movement of demonstrators said. "We will not stop the protest until the judicial coup is completely stopped," it added in a statement. - 'No turning back' - The crisis has revealed deep rifts within Netanyahu's fledgling coalition, an alliance with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted "there will be no turning back" on the judicial overhaul, in a tweet Monday. Fellow far-right cabinet member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, had pressed his supporters to rally in favour of the reforms. Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party revealed on Monday that the decision to delay the legislation involved an agreement to expand the minister's portfolio after he threatened to quit if the overhaul was put on hold. Writing in the left-wing daily Haaretz, political correspondent Yossi Verter said the pause was "a victory for the protesters, but the one who really bent Netanyahu and trampled on him is Itamar Ben-Gvir". The affair has hit the coalition's standing among the Israeli public, just three months after it took office. Netanyahu's Likud party has dipped seven points, according to a poll by Israel's Channel 12 which predicted the government would lose its majority in the 120-seat parliament if elections were held. The fate of the ousted defence minister, Yoav Gallant, was unknown on Tuesday with speculation in Israeli media that he could be reinstated. Gallant, who had warned the crisis threatened national security, on Monday welcomed "the decision to stop the legislative process in order to conduct dialogue," his team said. mib-rsc/it/dv The controversial move by the Fresno City Council to rename a major 10-mile stretch of road through southeast and southwest Fresno for late farm-labor leader Cesar Chavez is effectively a done deal without a second council vote. The City Council voted 6-1 on March 9 to adopt a resolution renaming Kings Canyon Road, Ventura Street and California Avenue as Cesar Chavez Boulevard. At that time, council members anticipated that a second vote would be necessary, largely due to what Councilmember Miguel Arias described as an expectation of a veto by Mayor Jerry Dyer. A mayoral veto would trigger a second vote if the council wanted to override it. But Arias, who represents southwest Fresno, and Councilmember Luis Chavez, whose district includes southeast Fresno, confirmed that a second vote wont be needed on the action. Since the mayor didnt veto it, its final, Arias said. In a response to the resolution, Dyer urged the council to reconsider the action and consider reducing the amount of roadway being renamed, to lessen the impact on businesses and residents. Arias said this week that under the citys processes, changing the name of an existing street can be done by resolution, a one-time action that requires a majority vote of the city council, subject to approval or veto by the mayor. But naming a new street requires a city ordinance, a process that involves two separate council actions: one to introduce the measure and a second vote to finalize it. Chavez, who died in 1993, would have reached the age of 96 on Friday, which is also a state and federal holiday recognizing him. The name change will affect Kings Canyon Road in southeast Fresno from Temperance Avenue on the east to Cedar Avenue; Ventura Avenue and Ventura Street through downtown Fresno between Cedar Avenue and Temperance and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; and California Avenue in southwest Fresno from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Marks Avenue. Areas of the streets that are in Fresno County islands are not affected unless the county Board of Supervisors takes similar action to rename them. Story continues Concerns over effects of the name change I am supportive of naming a street in Fresno after Cesar Chavez, especially in light of Fresnos large Hispanic population and our location in the heart of Californias agricultural region where Mr. Chavez helped so many farm workers and their families, Dyer wrote in his March 20 letter to the City Council. But, he added, the process has many residents in southwest Fresno feeling forgotten and disheartened. Dyer noted the objections voiced by many Black community members at the March 9 council meeting over the inclusion of California Avenue in the name change. Frankly, in the eyes of some, the process undertaken to pursue the street naming has felt counter to the spirit of the great man in which we are aiming to honor, he wrote. Of almost two dozen people who addressed the City Council at the March 9 meeting, only three spoke in favor of the name change. Some cited costs associated with making the change, while others cited geographic and historical reasons for keeping the existing street names. Pastor B.T. Lewis of the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in southwest Fresno said the prospect of changing the name of California Avenue is another of 1,000 cuts killing the history and heritage of the African American community in our city. While the name California Avenue may seem benign to people unfamiliar or even insensitive to the cultural history of southwest Fresno, California Avenue continues to be a landmark of measurable significance for our community, Lewis told the council. No other area in this city represents the history and heritage of African Americans like southwest Fresno, he added. The blood of our ancestors literally saturates the soil of southwest Fresno. To change California Avenue to Avenida Cesar Chavez from Highway 99 to Marks is an insult and blatant disregard for our presence in the city. Dyer also noted the potential for additional cost besides changing street signs. This is a cost that is yet to be fully determined, but would need to consider all the businesses and residences that will require address changes, modifications to websites, advertisement, signage, licensure, business cards, brochures, etc., the mayor said. But, he added, because the City Council passed this resolution with more than a super-majority vote, a veto would simply prolong the agony of enduring another public discussion with the same outcome. As an alternative, Dyer urged the council to revisit the issue to consider an outcome that honors the please of the Southwest Fresno community for California Avenue to remain as it is and an outcome that honors the spirit of community engagement without marginalizing another historically underserved population. I am proud to support moving forward with renaming both Kings Canyon and Ventura to Cesar Chavez Boulevard, he added. What happens next The March 9 resolution states that this resolution shall be effective upon final approval. Its unclear just how soon the name change may become evident through changing street signs and other physical manifestations. In its 2022-23 budget, the city council earmarked $1 million to cover the costs for replacing city street signs at intersections, changing Caltrans signage for freeway exits, and other expenses associated with the change. From Temperance Avenue on the east to Marks Avenue on the west, there are approximately 100 intersections at which street signs will need to be changed to reflect the new name. Thats in addition to the off-ramps from the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 99 to Ventura Street in downtown Fresno. The council members who sponsored the resolution Esparza, Chavez and District 7 Councilmember Nelson Esparza, whose district is bounded in part on the south by Ventura/Kings Canyon said in a statement that they are working closely with the Dyer administration to facilitate the name change. They said the city is also preparing support for businesses and residents to access city resources to defray the cost of changing the name. This is an exciting moment in the history of the city of Fresno, said Luis Chavez, the lead sponsor of the resolution. Fresno now joins the ranks of virtually every major city in the United States and names a street to honor a civil rights icon from our own community. Paul F. Chavez, son of the farm-labor leader, said he and his family are grateful for the honor. For us it is especially meaningful for Fresno to have a street named for Cesar Chavez in the city where the movement was officially founded and has played an important role in its ongoing work, Paul Chavez said. This historic street naming is also a tribute to the countless men, women and children who marched alongside my father in the quest for fairness, justice and opportunity for those most in need Arias, Esparza and Luis Chavez said they are organizing a ceremony to celebrate the street renaming with the Cesar Chavez family. Police arrested a man Tuesday they were searching for after they said he shot his former girlfriend during an altercation before he fled in a stolen Mustang, prompting a brief lockdown of nearby schools on Monday morning. Alan Hunter Burgener, 40, was wanted in connection with the incident and was considered armed and dangerous, Chandler police said. At 10:33 a.m. Monday, officers found a woman with injuries that were not life-threatening when they responded to reports of a shooting in the area of North Santa Anna and West Harrison streets near North Dobson Road in Chandler, according to police. She was taken to a hospital. The woman was injured after a gun was fired during a fight between her and her former boyfriend, identified as Burgener, according to police. Chandler police spokesperson Sgt. Emma Huenneke said it was not clear whether Burgener intended to shoot at the woman. Burgener fled, broke into a nearby apartment and then stole a silver 2017 Ford Mustang convertible bearing a Washington license plate, police said. At 2:41 p.m. Tuesday, Chandler police confirmed on Twitter that Burgener was in custody. Police said that a shooting did occur, but neither Burgener nor the officers involved were injured. Police were tipped on Burgener's possible location at around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a call from a citizen. "Within an hour, he was taken into custody," Huenneke told reporters. Burgener, however, was taken to a local hospital for unrelated medical conditions, Huenneke told reporters on Tuesday. We can confirm that Alan Burgener is in custody. An officer involved shooting did occur, but neither Alan nor the involved officers were injured. There will be a heavy police presence in the area while this investigation is conducted. Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) March 28, 2023 In 2013, according to Maricopa County Superior Court records, Burgener was convicted of the misdemeanor offense of trafficking of stolen property. He was also convicted of minor drug charges in 2003 and 2013, court records show. Story continues The incident where Burgener's ex-girlfriend was hurt led to nearby schools being placed on lockdown and a shelter-in-place for residents. An investigation into the incident remained ongoing. Republic reporter Kye Graves contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chandler police: Man in custody after shooting ex, stealing Mustang Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday! The Charlotte Observer Mobile Newsroom is off to our next stop the communities in the Beatties Ford Road corridor and were excited to meet them. Beginning next month, The Observer will be at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. We will be in residency there for the next six to eight weeks to learn more about this community, the issues they care about and to cover it in ways weve never done before. To kick things off, the branch will host Meet the Charlotte Observer Staff Monday, April 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. We invite the community to come and tell us about your neighborhood and your concerns. Bring your questions and conversation and learn more about how we do our jobs. The Charlotte Observer is seeking nominations for local education superheroes, people who are making a difference inside and outside of the classroom in K-12 education. Many people help make a school run well. We want to honor those unsung heroes in the Charlotte area. Have someone in mind? Let us know! Were looking for public, charter and private school employees or volunteers in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina. Anna Maria Della Costa explains how you can nominate someone. A wheel on a Blue Line train came off the light rail on May 21, 2022, while 24 passengers were on board. A Charlotte light rail controller says he was fired for how he handled the May 2022 Blue Line derailment, despite being told the train was clear to run. Light rail controller Terry Creech was fired on June 23 by the Charlotte Area Transit System after being suspended with pay following the derailment, according to a termination letter he provided to The Charlotte Observer. While it is confirmed that your actions did not contribute to the trains derailment ... our records do confirm that the proper procedures were not followed, the termination letter says. Genna Contino shares more from the letter. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has plans and funding for a new elementary and relief high school in south Charlotte. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released proposed feeder patterns yesterday for a new high school being built in south Charlotte. Story continues Officials presented the draft scenario to a packed cafeteria at Myers Park High School to gather input and feedback. The district will continue to have community engagement sessions into April before presenting to the school board. Board members are expected to vote on plans May 23. Anna Maria Della Costa breaks down the proposed maps. The Mountain Candy IPA is the top seller at Sycamore Brewing. Sycamore Brewing is back! Its new South End location will open in May. Last year, the local brewery shut down its original location at 2161 Hawkins St., trading it in for a brand new spot still under construction next door at 2151 Hawkins St. Its new home will have 10,000 square feet of space that anchors The Line, a 16-story office building. Heidi Finley has the details on the opening. 5. Some more stories to read --- Thats it for now. Thanks for reading! If you dont already, subscribe to the Charlotte Observer here. If youre already a subscriber (thanks!), download our iOS or Android app to stay connected. Find more updates at charlotteobserver.com, and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok to see more from us. Enjoy your day! Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can sign up here. A Chester Arbys employee is accused of using customers credit cards to commit fraud, detectives said. Deputies said DiQuavis Riquon Johnson was involved in taking pictures of credit cards that he was given at work. According to investigators, Johnson used the card information to buy a variety of items online. ALSO READ: Very traumatic: Sophisticated scheme swindles couple out of life savings Their investigation led authorities to a Chester County home on March 23, where they found several of the items bought with the stolen card numbers, the Chester County Sheriffs Office said. Detectives wouldnt say exactly how much was stolen but, in just one case, a report says he spend more than $500 at Walmart. That same day, deputies found Johnson at his home and took him into custody. He was charged with four counts of transactional credit card fraud $500 or less in a six month period. We had a numerous amount of people contact us at the office letting us know theyd been involved in credit card fraud, Chester County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Londa Pringle said. ALSO READ: NC man indicted for alleged $2 billion insurance fraud scheme The common denominator in it all, from those numerous tips, was Arbys, she added. Investigators said more charges are expected against Johnson and potentially others as well. They said their investigation revealed the drive-thru window was part of Johnsons crime scene. He was taking pictures of peoples credit cards in the drive-thru of Arbys, Pringle said. The sheriffs office is asking everyone to review their credit card transactions since November 2022. If you find a fraudulent transaction on the card, and if the card was used at the Chester Arbys (1622 J A Cochran Bypass), reach out to the Chester County Sheriffs Office at 803-377-6117 or send an email to Fraud@chesterso.com. I would definitely suggest they check their bank statements if not weekly, but monthly, just to make sure no charges pop up that they didnt authorize, Pringle said. Deputies are working to identify all the victims in this case, which will help them pursue the appropriate charges. (WATCH BELOW: Feds seek seizure of 2 homes owned by NC woman accused of healthcare fraud) Latino voters are more likely than Black voters to vote for moderate Democrat Paul Vallas in the Chicago mayoral race and less likely than white voters to support progressive Democrat Brandon Johnson, helping to keep the race neck and neck, according to a poll released Tuesday. The poll of registered voters that was provided early to NBC News showed that 42% of Latinos who have decided how theyll vote in the April 4 runoff support Vallas, who is white and is not Latino, compared to 24% of Black voters. Meanwhile 31% of Latinos said theyd vote for Johnson, a progressive Democrat who is Black, compared to 40% of white voters, according to the poll conducted by BSP Research for a coalition of Latino and Black nonprofit groups and Northwestern Universitys Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy. More than a quarter of Latinos are undecided. Most of Vallas' support is from white voters, at 49%, while 48% of Black voters said they plan to vote for Johnson. The wild card on April 4th is the Latino vote, Jaime Dominguez, an associate professor of instruction at Northwestern, said in a statement. And neither candidate appears to have a lock on this electorate. Yet, turnout will be critical given the Latino share of undecideds. Overall, the poll showed the runoff is tied, with each candidate getting 40% of the vote; some 20% of all voters are undecided. When undecided voters were asked who they are leaning toward supporting, the race remained tied at 44%, with the biggest increase in votes coming from voters in the "all other" racial category. Johnson saw the biggest increases when undecided voters with a preference were combined, gaining 7 percentage points with Black voters and 12 percentage points with voters in the "all other" race category. Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas shake hands after their debate in Chicago on March 18, 2023. (Mustafa Hussain for NBC News) 'Still outreach to do' We can see from the results, as far as low-income voters and minorities, theres still outreach to do to those communities that can swing the election, said Stephen Nuno-Perez, an analyst and pollster with BSP Research. Story continues Nearly half of the Latinos and half of the Black voters who were polled said they had not been contacted about getting out to vote. The issue of race is a defining factor in the tight runoff election in one of the nation's most segregated cities. The city saw racial division in the primary, with Johnson faring poorly in Latino districts carried by Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., while Vallas racked up big wins in working and middle-class white communities, according to an analysis by the Brookings Institution, a liberal think tank. Johnson did well in parts of the city where there is a mix of ethnic groups and white progressives. The runoff follows a nine-way primary in which the lead traded several times before Vallas and Johnson finished as the top two vote-getters. But since neither got a majority in the February primary, the race is to be decided in a runoff. Garcia, the primary's only Latino candidate, was a favorite early on, but finished fourth. Chicago has never had a Latino mayor. According to the poll results, one factor in the runoff is confusion about Vallas' ethnic roots. More than a third of Latinos said in the poll that they thought Vallas, a grandson of Greek immigrants, was Latino. In Spanish, with the double "l" pronounced as a "y," vallas can mean fences or hurdles. In the poll, more than 3 in 4 Latinos, 76%, said they are more likely to vote for a Latino candidate than a non-Latino running for the same office if they have the same qualifications. However, nearly three-quarters of Latinos and 71% of Black voters said their community is better off if Black people and Latino people work more closely together. Similar majorities of Black voters and Latinos thought they had a great deal or fair amount in common with each other when it comes to government, elections and politics. But while about 68% of white voters thought they and Latinos had a great deal or fair amount in common in those categories, just 54% of Latinos thought so. The poll of 1,500 people conducted March 15-23 has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%, although the error margins are larger for each specific racial or ethnic group. Black and Latino leaders clashed in 2020 over redistricting. That could open a door for Vallas with Latino voters, but Latinos who supported Garcia may want to stick with a progressive in the race, which is Johnson. "With such a tight race, we needed to come in and do the work on the ground and move Latino voters, especially in the southwest (of Chicago) where Chuy got his support," said Mayra Lopez-Zuniga, political strategist for Mijente PAC, which is backing Johnson in the race. In the primary, Garcia was the only candidate to spend any campaign money on Spanish-language advertising, at least $118,000. While many Latino voters speak English, the latest census data showed that about 35% of Chicago families do not speak English at home. Spanish is the second most common language spoken in Chicago. Vallas has spent $158,557 on Spanish-language advertising, or 3.1% of the $5.1 million hes spent on ads since the start of the runoff. Johnson has spent $73,930 of $2.75 million, about 2.7%. That includes spending on television, radio and digital communication. In southwest Chicago, the organization La Casa Norte is working with Hispanic Federation to turn out Latino voters and get younger voters registered. The group also launched public service announcements with Illinois Latino Agenda to promote its VotaYaChicago campaign, said Jose Munoz, La Casa Norte's executive director and CEO. The poll was funded by Hispanic Federation, Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative, Latino Policy Forum and Latino Victory Project. CORRECTION: (MARCH 28, 2023, 1:49 pm ET) A previous version of this article misattributed a quote about La Casa Nortes public service announcements. It was made by Jose Munoz, CEO and executive director of La Casa Norte, not Luis Gutierrez. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The People's Republic of China has assigned a new ambassador to North Korea. Ambassador Wang Yajun reportedly arrived in North Korea on Monday to begin his term of office in Pyongyang. China is among a small group of North Korean allies with fully functioning foreign missions in the country. SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT: 'I WILL MAKE SURE NORTH KOREA PAYS THE PRICE FOR ITS RECKLESS PROVOCATIONS' "As agreed between China and the DPRK, the new Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun arrived in the DPRK on March 27 to assume office," said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning. She made the remarks at a Tuesday press conference in Beijing. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Mao emphasized the "friendly" relationship between the two communist countries few other nations have autonomous embassies or consulates within North Korea. FORCING NORTH KOREA TO 'DISMANTLE ITS NUKES' WOULD BE A 'DECLARATION OF WAR' "China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers," Mao said. "In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, China-DPRK relations have entered a new historical period and kept making new progress." China is often cited as North Korea's strongest ally and a key protector of the controversial, increasingly nuclear-capable nation. US AND ITS PARTNERS STAGE WARFARE DRILLS AS JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA STRENGTHEN ALLIANCE AGAINST CHINA, NORTH KOREA Pedestrians walk up a stairway in Pyongyang. "We believe that with his assumption of office, Ambassador Wang Yajun will play an important role in advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK," Mao concluded. China's friendship will most likely prove valuable as North Korea faces escalating tensions with South Korea and the United States. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promised last week to punish North Korea for the communist nation's recent series of "provocations." US-SOUTH KOREA DRILLS DETER NORTH KOREA, PENTAGON CLAIMS HOURS AFTER NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES ICBM Story continues "North Korea is advancing its nuclear weapons day by day and conducting missile provocations with unprecedented intensity," said Yoon. Pedestrians walk in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang He continued, "The South Korean government and military will drastically strengthen our three-axis system in the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements and provocations, and will further solidify security cooperation with the United States and also trilaterally with the United States and Japan." Russia's military leadership has likely committed some Kremlin-backed private mercenary Wagner Group elements to the Russian offensive on Avdiivka in order to reinforce its recent limited advances on the city, the Institute for the Study of War said in its latest update. Avdiivka is located in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast, just 10 kilometers from the city of Donetsk, occupied by Russia since 2014. It has recently become the site of intense battles as Russia attempts to advance on the city. The ISW cited Ukrainian Tavriisk Defense Forces Spokesperson Colonel Oleksiy Dmytrashkivyskyi as stating on March 25 that Ukrainian intelligence believes that Wagner could appear in the Avdiivka area. The D.C.-based think tank also reported that an obituary appeared on the Russian social media network VK announcing the death of Wagner Group fighter Yevgeny Malgotin in Avdiivka on March 20. According to the obituary, Malgotin fought with the 2nd Russian Volunteer Detachment of the Army of Republika Sprska, commonly referred to as the Bosnian Serb Army, in 1992, the ISW wrote. Surviving Avdiivka: Russia intensifies assault on city deemed a second Bakhmut AVDIIVKA, Donetsk Oblast Avdiivka is an eerie city to drive into in March 2023. One year into Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, but nine years into the Donbas war, the compact city just 10 kilometers from the center of occupied Donetsk is barely holding on. There is little choice Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell Malgotin's combat experience could be a sign that Wagner fighters in the area are of a higher caliber than the convict-based force that Wagner has committed to Bakhmut, the site of the war's heaviest fighting as Russia tries to lay claim to the city. The Wagner Group, founded and led by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin confidant Yevgeny Prigozhin, began a campaign to recruit Russian prisoners in mid-2022 to fight in the war against Ukraine. Prisoners were offered an official pardon in exchange for six months on the battlefield. Story continues Prigozhin announced that Wagner had completely stopped recruiting prisoners to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine on Feb. 9. According to the ISW, Russia "may have decided to deploy certain Wagner elements to the Avdiivka area in recent weeks to support exhausted and lower-quality (Russian-backed proxy militant) elements in their efforts to take the settlement." "If such Wagner fighters have been fighting near Avdiivka, their involvement may help explain the limited tactical gains made in the area over the past week," the ISW wrote. A battle in the intense diplomatic war between China and Taiwan is being fought in Latin America, where Honduras has become the latest country to ditch Taipei and align itself with Beijing. Paraguay will be the next front as it holds a presidential election in April, with opposition candidate Efrain Alegre having vowed to reevaluate relations with Taipei if he wins. After Honduras' severing of ties with Taiwan on Sunday, only Paraguay and 12 other countries now maintain diplomatic relations with the self-ruled democratic island: Guatemala, Belize, Haiti, the Holy See, Eswatini, and seven small Caribbean and Pacific island nations. Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, is set to visit Guatemala and Belize this week seeking to boost ties after Honduras and others recently shifted their allegiance to China: Nicaragua in 2021, El Salvador in 2018, Panama in 2017 and Costa Rica in 2007. She will also have stopovers in New York and Los Angeles. "We are facing a geopolitical recomposition of the world," Honduras analyst Zoyla Madrid, recently retired from the National University, told AFP -- with China one of the "imperial poles" vying for Latin American support. In that race, the decision by Honduras was a blow to Washington, said Madrid. "The United States has always counted on Honduras geopolitically and militarily, in fact Honduras has seven US military bases," she said. The United States has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but "a robust unofficial relationship," according to the State Department. It is Taiwan's most significant ally and largest weapons supplier, despite having switched recognition to Beijing in 1979. - 'Do as I say, not as I do' - China considers Taiwan part of its territory, to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Under its "One China" policy, it does not allow countries to recognize both Beijing and Taipei. After the Honduras move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington has offered its "support to people on Taiwan" but that it also stood by the "One-China" policy. Story continues "Countries have to make their own sovereign decisions about their foreign policies," he said. "We leave that to them." Honduran sociologist Pablo Carias told AFP that Washington's position amounted to "Do as I say, not as I do." "The United States is recommending that we do not establish relations with China and yet they have relations," he said. For Paraguay's former foreign minister Eladio Loizaga, it seemed unlikely his country would switch recognition to Beijing "although it cannot be ignored that there is very great political pressure." Added analyst Hector Cristaldo: "Looking at the numbers, there is nothing to discuss" when it comes to Paraguay's diplomatic loyalty. "It is not the same to do business with Puerto Rico as with the United States," said Cristaldo. Before deciding to cut ties, Taiwan claimed, Honduras had asked it for money, saying it would "not engage in a meaningless cash diplomacy contest with China." - 'More openings for China' - Latin America has been crucial to the diplomatic struggle between Beijing and Taipei since they separated in 1949, after the Chinese civil war. The communists seized power in mainland China, while the nationalists retreated to Taiwan. Sung Wen-ti, a lecturer on Taiwan studies with the National Australian University, said Taiwan would be disappointed about losing another ally. But it likely "assigns just as high, if not higher priority (to) strengthening relations with other leading countries around the world, countries like the US, Japan, Australia, and Europe, for example." Sung added Taiwan has been playing an increasingly prominent role in the worsening rivalry between the United States and China. And while the United States increasingly needs to "prioritize where it spends its strategic resources" there may be "more openings for China... in terms of economic assistance to make friends in Latin America, Africa, Pacific Islands," he said. nl-hro/fj/mlr/mdl/mlm (Bloomberg) -- On the rooftop of his home beside green onion and wheat fields in Chinas Shaanxi province, Li Lifeng has installed dozens of solar panels that glisten in the winter sun. For the past five years, hes been among more than 2.4 million Chinese homeowners each doing their own small part to clean up the worlds biggest source of planet-warming carbon emissions. Most of that rooftop solar has been added in the past two years, as China offered support for local governments to boost installations, and raised power rates to businesses, making generating their own electricity more attractive. The resulting renewables boom saw China build more small-scale solar last year than the total new clean power capacity in any other country. Roughly one of every five panels installed worldwide in 2022 was fixed atop a Chinese home or business. Most Read from Bloomberg For Li, the decision was financial. The 52-year-old owns a noodle shop and two rowhouses about an hour outside of Xian in central China. With one son about to get married and another preparing for college, he and his wife wanted to secure another income source before they retired. Since connecting its first panel to the grid in early 2018, Lis family has made more than 62,000 yuan ($8,963) selling clean electricity. You cant get this much return putting money in the bank, Li said. China already has the worlds biggest wind and solar fleets but its electricity grid remains heavily reliant on coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. A spike in energy prices after Russias invasion of Ukraine and prolonged droughts that hit hydroelectric generation prompted China to ramp up coal-fired generation last year, even as it raced to expand renewables capacity. Story continues If the worlds second-largest economy is to meet President Xi Jinpings goal of reaching net-zero by 2060, however, itll have to do more to phase out fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government is already constructing vast wind and solar farms in the countrys sparsely-populated inland deserts, but the infrastructure needed to connect them to the megacities of central and eastern China is costly and not fully built. Space to erect utility-scale renewables is running out in more densely populated regions, especially coastal provinces like Shandong and Hebei. The government is also under pressure to balance the energy transition with a separate initiative to preserve natural habitats after decades of rampant industrialization. So its weaponizing the countrys rooftops in the climate fight instead. China added more than 51 gigawatts of small-scale solar power last year. About 40% of its total solar capacity now comes from rooftops and backyards, including some projects that helped bring power to remote villages and isolated monasteries for the first time. The national government initially supported all solar projects with generous subsidies guaranteeing high enough payouts to make investments profitable. As solar panel prices fell, it allowed the subsidy program to lapse at the end of 2021, and local payouts have since either shrunk or disappeared. In their place, Beijing launched a pilot program in 2021 that helps local governments pool smaller projects together for big orders, drawing more developers and helping to reduce costs. Cities were encouraged to cover almost a third of commercial buildings and a fifth of farmhouses in panels by the end of 2023, setting off an unprecedented boom in small-scale solar installations. Longi Green Energy Technology Co., the worlds biggest solar power equipment manufacturer, expects the country to add 60 gigawatts in small-scale solar this year and keep expanding by about 20% annually for the foreseeable future, according to Niu Yanyan, who heads its domestic distributed photovoltaic business. Chinas buildings and rooftops have the potential to host more than 1 terawatt of solar power capacity, almost the same size as the entire existing global industry, according to the manufacturer. Demand has grown so much that Longi last year introduced its first panels designed specifically for the rooftop solar market, which are more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Its not just households. Rooftop solar installations on factories and commercial buildings have grown dramatically in recent years after energy shortages led to a series of prolonged blackouts that hit production. Chinese businesses are also facing increased pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions, both from their own government and foreign clients seeking to decarbonize their supply chains amid growing investor scrutiny. After widespread power shortages in late 2021, the government allowed utilities to charge industrial and commercial users higher power rates, which has helped propel the transition among businesses. At the Yuanzheng Incubator in an industrial park in Xian, more than 300 rooftop panels generate half the electricity the complex consumes. Home to more than 20 companies that manufacture products including electronics and prosthetic limbs, it now saves about 42,000 yuan on electricity bills each month. The panels were installed by Jinze Power Group, a solar equipment retailer and project constructor whose distributed solar business doubled in both 2021 and 2022. In 2015, we would be pretty happy if we sold a few dozen panels for distributed solar, said Liu Jihong, the head of project development. Now, signing deals for thousands of panels is like an ordinary day. The outlook isnt entirely sunny, however. The breakneck pace of installations has made it difficult for grids in some regions to handle all the new electricity generated when the sun is shining. Shandong, home to the most rooftop solar in China, asked householders to suspend generation during the Lunar New Year holiday in January to protect the grid as power demand dropped. Its one of a handful of provinces piloting spot power trading programs to better manage supply and demand and the local government recently published rules that allow negative prices to discourage generation when theres excess electricity. Increasingly liberated, localized power markets could well lead to more volatile power prices and more unstable incomes for people like Li. Some coastal regions are now requiring or encouraging new rooftop installations to be connected to battery storage, an expensive prospect. And while some local authorities operate their own incentives schemes, the expiry of national subsidies means new rooftop solar projects are less profitable than they were, even though equipment costs have fallen. In the next couple of years, theres still room for massive growth, but itll have to be done in a more sustainable way, said Cosimo Ries, an analyst with consultancy Trivium China Ltd. Li is a return customer when it comes to rooftop solar. Having already made back the 60,000 yuan outlay to install his first system, he took a nearly-100,000 yuan loan in December to build a second with brand new Longi panels vaulted high above his rooftop. If Lis worried about taking on that much debt as he prepares for retirement, hes not showing it. We are farmers, so we dont get much in monthly pension payments, Li said. Revenue from the solar panels will help ease the pressure on the kids to provide for us when we get old. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Photo: The Canadian Press In this screen grab from surveillance video tweeted by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Audrey Elizabeth Hale points an assault-style weapon inside The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 27, 2023. The former student shot through the doors of the Christian elementary school and killed several children and adults before being killed by police. (Courtesy of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) The person who killed three children and three adults at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven firearms in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before the attack, police said Tuesday. The violence Monday at The Covenant School is the latest school shooting to roil the nation. Three 9-year-old students were killed, as well as the head of the grade school, a custodian and a substitute teacher. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Police said the shooter did not target specific victims. Authorities said Hale was not on their radar before the attack. Police say Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter's car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from Officer Rex Engelbert's bodycam, shows a woman greeting police outside as they arrive at The Covenant School on Monday. The kids are all locked down, but we have two kids that we don't know where they are, she tells police. OK, yes, ma'am, Engelbert replies. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Upstairs are a bunch of kids, she says. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles. Metro Police, officers yell. Let's go, let's go, one officer yells. As alarms are heard going off in the school, one officer says, It sounds like it's upstairs. Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Get your hands away from the gun," an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police earlier said Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police have said 14 minutes passed from the initial call about a shooter in the school to when the suspect was killed, but they have not said how long it took them to arrive. Surveillance video of The Covenant School grounds released by police shows a time stamp of just before 10:11 a.m., when the glass doors were shot out by the shooter. Police said they received a call about a shooter at 10:13 a.m. but have not said precisely what time they arrived, and the edited bodycam footage didnt include time stamps. A police spokesperson didnt immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking when they arrived or whether any version of the video includes time stamps. Police have given unclear information on Hale's gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The victims were children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age 9. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove Hale but said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. President Joe Biden said he had spoken to the Nashville chief of police, mayor and senators in Tennessee. He pleaded with Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons. The Congress has to act," Biden said. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famous Bluebird Cafe, beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. At The Covenant School, officers began clearing the first story when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. The surveillance video released Monday shows the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next, an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. BEIJING (Reuters) - A spike in air pollution in China in the first quarter of this year was driven by a post-COVID industrial recovery along with unusually warm weather, a government official said on Tuesday. Rising industrial output and the pursuit of economic growth in some regions caused a jump in emissions, said Liu Bingjiang, director of the department in charge of air pollution at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). The consumption of gasoline and diesel also returned to normal levels after China scrapped its "zero-COVID" restrictions at the end of last year, he said. "This is where the problem lies - how to coordinate between economic development and environmental protection," he said. Liu said some regions had been pursuing high-polluting industrial projects in order to push economic growth, driving up pollution. But unfavourable weather contributed to the smog, with temperatures hitting record highs for the time of year in some parts of the north, making it harder for pollution to disperse. The lack of cold air contributed to smoggy weather in the north in early March, he said. Cold fronts from Siberia usually help to blow away the pollution. In the first two months of the year, average concentrations of hazardous airborne particles known PM2.5, caused mainly by burning fossil fuels, rose 8.5% to 51 micrograms per cubic metre, according to data released by MEE in March. The World Health Organisation recommends levels of no more than 5 micrograms. Earlier in March, two sources told Reuters that China was considering cutting crude steel output by about 2.5% this year while extending a two-year policy to cut emissions in the world's largest steel industry to meet its target to cut carbon emissions. Air pollution was worsened by sandstorms in March. Liu said the number of sandstorms was now four times higher than in the 1960s, a consequence of rising temperatures and lower precipitation in the deserts of north China and neighbouring Mongolia. (Reporting by Ningwei Qin and David Stanway; Editing by Robert Birsel) BEIJING (Reuters) -China's President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, discussing a wide range of subjects including supporting follow-up talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, state media CCTV reported on Tuesday. Xi recently helped broker a surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Middle East rivals, earlier this month to restore diplomatic ties, in a display of China's growing influence in the region which is being warily watched by the United States. Prince Mohammed, who is also the kingdom's prime minister, voiced appreciation for China's initiative to support "efforts to develop good neighbourliness" between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran, Saudi state news agency SPA said. The two leaders stressed the importance of strategic ties between Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, and economic powerhouse China, a main trade partner of Gulf states, it added. Xi said the two countries will firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, and make more contributions to promote peace, stability and development in the Middle East, state media reported. Earlier this week, oil giant Saudi Aramco raised its multi-billion dollar investment in China with two deals that are the biggest to be announced since Xi visited the kingdom in December, where he attended a summit with Gulf Arab leaders. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have voiced concern about perceived disengagement by main security guarantor the United States from the region and have moved to diversify partners with an eye on national economic and security interests. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran are expected to meet during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan after Riyadh and Tehran agreed, following talks in Beijing, to revive relations after years of hostility that had threatened stability in the Gulf and helped fuel conflicts in the Middle East. (Reporting by Ethan Wang and Bernard Orr; Additional reporting by Clauda Tanios in Dubai; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Jacqueline Wong) By Nicoco Chan NANJING, China (Reuters) - People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwan's ruling party has criticised. Ma, in office from 2008-2016, is the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. He is visiting amid heightened tension as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan into accepting Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party has questioned why he is visiting just after China took away another Taiwanese diplomatic ally, Honduras, on Sunday, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries. In comments in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where the man celebrated for overthrowing the last Chinese emperor in 1911 and ushering a republic is buried, Ma praised Sun's contributions. "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors," Ma said, in comments provided by his office. Ma used wording in Chinese meaning people of Chinese ethnicity, rather than referring to their nationality. Descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors is an expression referring to a common ancestor for Chinese people. Most Taiwanese no longer identify as Chinese, according to polls. Sun is officially still considered the father of the Republic of China, which remains Taiwan's official name. Sun is also lauded by the Communist Party for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty, but the governments in Beijing and Taipei do not recognise each other. Ma's visit is part of outreach by Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), to China in hopes of reducing tensions. The KMT traditionally favours close relations with China, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Story continues Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rejected as China considers her a separatist. She says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Ma, a senior KMT member, said he hoped for peace. "We sincerely hope that the two sides will work together to pursue peace, avoid war, and strive to revitalise China," he said, again using an expression that refers to the Chinese people as an ethnicity rather than a nationality. "This is an unavoidable responsibility of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, and we must work hard." Ma is not scheduled to meet with any senior Chinese leaders on this trip. He and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Singapore in 2015. (Reporting by Nicoco Chan; Writing by Ben Blanchard. Editing by Gerry Doyle) Top Republican lawmakers criticized former President Donald Trump over his decision to highlight the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol during his first 2024 campaign rally. People who violated the law should be prosecuted. And they have been, Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn told NBC News. Trump kicked off his campaign event in Waco, Texas, with a song called Justice for All, performed by a choir of featuring individuals imprisoned for their roles in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter I just frankly dont understand this, you know, retrospective look, he added. When it comes to running for president or any other office, people dont want you to relitigate all your grievances in the past. They want to know what your vision for the future is. And so, I dont think its a formula for success. Footage from the insurrection as well as actors portraying rioters in jail cells played as the choir sang the national anthem, which was overlapped with a recording of Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The song and video are just the latest move by Trump to depict the Jan. 6 Capitol attack as a peaceful protest, continuing the narrative peddled by some Trump supporters. 'They're coming after you': Donald Trump attacks prospective indictment during Waco rally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., an ally and staunch supporter of Trump, also disapproved of the move. There will be no effort on my part to whitewash Jan. 6," Graham said. "I think the best thing for President Trump to do is to focus on the problems people are facing today. There's no way you're gonna convince the American people that Jan. 6 was anything less than a horrible day in America." Senate Minority Whip John Thune, who previously condemned the Jan. 6 violence, questioned Trump's decision. "Its living in the past, Thune said, according to NBC News. And I think most more people want to hear about the things youre going to do to make the future better and brighter for them. Story continues Attacks on investigations and DeSantis: Takeaways from Trump's first major 2024 campaign rally 'Everybody looks for an edge': Some GOP defend Trump. 'It's about winning' While some Republican lawmakers spoke out against Trump's move to highlight the Jan. 6 rioters, others were more reserved in their response. "I didnt see it, but you know, when you do those rallies or you get into a campaign, you use all things at your disposal. I cant say its good or bad, but Im sure hes trying to get people fired up, Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville said, according to NBC News. Everybody looks for an edge. Bottom line, its about winning, he added. Trump currently faces three civil lawsuits that accuse him of inciting the Jan 6. attack on the Capitol. However, the former president has argued that he deserves immunity from all the lawsuits, saying he urged participants to "peacefully and patriotically" protest the 2020 presidential election. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump blasted by GOP allies over Jan. 6 riot video, song during rally GOFFSTOWN, N.H. - Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie predicts that in a 2024 Republican presidential nomination race that's shaping up to be combustible, "its not going to end nicely" for former President Donald Trump. And Christie, a former two-term Republican governor and 2016 presidential contender whos seriously mulling another White House run, argued that hes got the debate chops to potentially take down Trump should he face off with the former president, who four months into his third White House run remains the clear front-runner in the early GOP nomination national polls. Christie made his comments as he headlined a nearly two-hour long town hall on Monday evening in New Hampshire, the state that holds the first primary and second overall contest in the GOP nominating calendar. "You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco," Christie said during a town hall the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anslem College, which for over two decades has been a must stop for presidential hopefuls and candidates of both parties. CHRISTIE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THERE'S A PATHWAY TO BEATING TRUMP, DESANTIS Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a 2016 Republican presidential candidate who's considering another White House run, headlines a town hall in New Hampshire at Saint Anselm College, on March 27, 2023, in Goffstown, N.H. Christie was referring to his heated exchange with Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida at a nationally televised debate in New Hampshire days ahead of the 2016 Republican presidential primary a face-off that pundits awarded as a knockout blow to Christie. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Because thats the only thing thats going to defeat Donald Trump. And that means you have to have the skill to do it and that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back at you and right at you," Christie then emphasized. "So you need to think about whos go the skill to do that and whod got the guts to do it. Because its not going to end nicely, no matter what. His end will not be a calm and quiet conclusion." Christie, who is considered one of the best communicators in the GOP and was known during his tenure for the kind of in-your-face politics that Trump has also mastered, was asked by Fox News after the town hall if he thought any of the other actual or potential contenders in the emerging Republican presidential field also had the debate skills to effectively take on Trump. Story continues FIRST ON FOX: CHRISTIE TRIP TO NEW HAMPSHIRE SPARKS MORE 2024 SPECULATION "I dont know the answer to that question but what I would say is no one has to wonder if I do," the former governor emphasized. Christie placed all his chips in his campaign for president seven years ago in New Hampshire. However, his campaign crashed and burned after a disappointing and distant sixth-place finish in New Hampshire, far behind Trump, who crushed the competition in the primary, boosting him towards the nomination and eventually the White House. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a 2016 Republican presidential candidate who's considering another White House run, headlines a town hall in New Hampshire at Saint Anselm College, on March 27, 2023, in Goffstown, N.H. Christie became the first among the other GOP 2016 contenders to endorse Trump and for years was a top outside adviser to the then-president and chaired Trumps high-profile commission on opioids. However, the two had a falling out after Trumps unsuccessful attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Biden. The past two years Christie has become one of the most vocal Trump critics in the GOP. "I dont want to hear anybody in this room saying ah you know youre saying this because youre a never-Trump," Christie told the audience. "I was the first one on the bus and I worked all the way thru Election night 2020 for him." WHO'S IN AND WHO'S ON THE SIDELINES YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2024 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE But Christie added to applause "I got off the train when he stood up in the West Wing of the White House behind the seal of the president and told us the election was stolen when he didnt have one fact to back it up. Im sorry. Thats when I get off. Because the truth matters." Trump, at a speech to supporters early this month at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), stressed that "I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution." He repeated the line on Saturday night in Waco, Texas, as the former president held his first campaign rally of the year. "Guess what everybody. No thanks," Christie said to a splattering of applause from the crowd. "The only person he cares about is him. And if we havent learned that from Election Day 2020 to today, then we are not paying attention." Christie reiterated that "we are the party of me right now. Its about him and nothing else. You cant win as the party of meyouve got to win as the party of us." The New Hampshire Democratic Party, taking aim at Christie after the event, said "during his New Hampshire town hall, Christie went after his friend and former boss, Donald Trump. The only problem? Christie cant undo the years he spent praising, supporting, and cosigning the extreme MAGA agenda." Christie, in a jab at some of the other actual or potential candidates in the 2024 GOP nomination field, criticized what he called "Trump lite" candidates. "Thats going to lose as certain as he lost in 20, as we lost the House in '18, as we lost the Senate in 21, as we underperformed in 22," he argued. Christie also jumped into the growing debate in the GOP over the war in the Ukraine. While many in the GOPs traditional hawkish wing firmly back supporting Ukraine and criticize President Bidens administration for not doing enough to assist Kyiv, they face an increasingly more vocal wing of anti-war voices from the MAGA wing of the party. Christie spotlighted a recent comment by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that the Russian war against Ukraine was a "territorial dispute." The comment created a firestorm of pushback from many in the GOP in recent weeks, although DeSantis later emphasized that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was a "war criminal." "I heard Gov. DeSantis a week or two ago call whats happening with Ukraine in Russia a territorial dispute," Christie said. "When you roll tanks and artillery into a free country in an attempt to take their land and their lives by force, thats an authoritarian aggression. That is not a territorial dispute." DeSantis, who remains on the 2024 sidelines as of now but is widely expected to enter the race and is seen as the top rival to Trump. In an interview that ran last week on Fox Nation, the conservative governor whose seen his popularity among Republicans across the nation soar the past three years, said "stay tuned" when asked about a potential presidential run. Christie also zeroed in on a DeSantis comment from a "Fox and Friends interview in February. The Florida governor, criticizing the Biden administrations Ukraine policy, said "they have effectively a blank check policy with no clear strategic objective identified and these things can escalate. And I dont think its in our interest to be getting into proxy war with China, getting involved over things like the borderlands or over Crimea." The former New Jersey governor urged "someone please place a wakeup call to Tallahassee. Hasnt he seen whats going on. Fentanyl is coming over our southern border from China and killing 100,000 Americans a year. I call that a proxy war. Theyre flying intelligence-gathering balloon over our country with blatant disregard for our country. I call that a proxy war." And Christie argued that "it is naive to say we want to avoid a proxy war with China. Were in one." Fox News reached out to DeSantis political team for reaction but had yet to receive a comment at the time the story published. In an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of his trip to New Hampshire, Christie reiterated that hell make his 2024 decision in the next 45 to 60 days. He explained that the three factors going into his decision will be "seeing a pathway to winning believing that you have something at that moment to offer the country that it needs to hear," and whether he would have the support of his family. "If I answer yes to all three of those questions, then Ill run. If I answer no to one of them, then I wont," he said. And on Monday, he told the crowd at the town hall that when it comes to a timetable, "I think its June is probably the latest you can get in. Because the first debate is in August and if you want to be a serious candidate in this race, youve got to be on that stage in August and start making your case." WASHINGTON For someone who says he doesn't know if he's running in 2024, Chris Christie certainly sounds like a candidate, taking aim this week at political rivals on both sides of the aisle. The former New Jersey governor blasted Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence during a town hall Monday evening, and earlier in the day he slammed President Joe Biden for his response to the Nashville school shooting. Christie took issue with Biden making small talk about ice cream and introducing himself as "Dr. Jill Biden's husband" just before delivering a formal response to the attack that killed three, 9-year-old students and three staff members. More: Chris Christie slams Trump, DeSantis, Pence in New Hampshire, considers 2024 GOP campaign What did President Joe Biden say? WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks while hosting the Small Business Administration's Women's Business Summit in the East Room of the White House on March 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. "My name is Joe Biden. I'm Dr. Jill Biden's husband. I eat Jeni's ice cream chocolate chip," Biden quipped Monday afternoon before his speech about the "sick" and "heartbreaking" shooting. The crowd in the East Room of the White House laughed, and Biden doubled down. "I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs," he said to more laughter. "You think I'm kidding? I'm not." When Biden began his speech about Nashville, the president described it as a family's "worst nightmare" and said "we have to stop gun violence." "It's ripping our communities apart," he said. He called on Congress to pass his assault weapons ban. 'A family's worst nightmare': Biden reacts to Nashville shooting, urges assault weapons ban What did Chris Christie say about Biden? Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., Monday, March 27, 2023. Christie picked apart Biden's tone and quips about ice cream before delivering his formal response on the school attack the nation's 129th mass shooting this year. "To say that he misunderstood the moment would be an understatement," Christie said on Fox News Monday. "The president is watching, you'd hope before he comes down there, the awful scenes from the shooting and the reactions of family members and friends of people in that school. And to be coming down, joking about the fact that he's Jill Biden's husband and looking for chocolate chip ice cream is hardly the way to start it." Story continues There's no room for joking in the midst of a tragedy like the one that killed three children and three staff members "certainly not from the president of the United States," Christie said. He also accused Biden of "playing politics" by calling on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban while people are still grieving. Candy Woodall is a Congress reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at cwoodall@usatoday.com or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nashville shooting: Chris Christie slams Biden for joke after attack Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), once a key ally of Donald Trump, on Monday spelled out the best way to challenge the former president-turned-2024 Republican candidate in the GOP primary debates. You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco, because thats the only thing thats gonna defeat Donald Trump, Christie told the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on Monday, referring to his 2016 primary debate skewering of Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio. And that means you gotta have the skill to do it and that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back and right at you, Christie said. You need to think about, whos got the skill to do that and whos got the guts to do it, he added. Because its not gonna end nicely. No matter what. His end will not be a calm and quiet conclusion. 2024 Watch-NEW: @GovChristie -in New Hampshire at a @nhiop townhall - touts his debate skills in potentially taking down #DonaldTrump in a #GOP showdown - its not going to end nicely.his end will not be a calm and quiet conclusion" #2024Election#FITN#FoxNews#njpoliticspic.twitter.com/4lPI7Ao4g0 Paul Steinhauser (@steinhauserNH1) March 27, 2023 Christie challenged Trump for the GOP nomination in 2016 and has teased a 2024 run. Story continues After dropping out of the 2016 race, Christie firmly endorsed the reality TV personality before souring on him over his 2020 election lies. Related... MANCHESTER, N.H. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wondered if the Republican field has what it takes to stop former President Donald Trump. Christie challenged Republicans to find someone who can do to Trump what I did to Marco Rubio a callback to his 2016 debate-stage evisceration of the Republican senator from Florida because thats the only thing thats going to defeat Trump. You have to be fearless, because he will come back and right at you, Christie said. And that means you need to think about whos got the skill to do that, and whos got the guts to do that, because its not going to end nicely. Christies former supporters in New Hampshire hope itll be him. We definitely need somebody strong and optimistic, said Hillary Seeger, a conservative activist who backed Christies 2016 presidential bid. We need to have somebody that can win the primary and the general election. Christie reunited a group of his New Hampshire backers on Monday night, when he returned to the state for a town hall at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics a prerequisite for any presidential hopeful followed by a private dinner with close friends, former supporters and some donors. Christie was cagey about whether he is actually running for president again. But if he is hes said a decision could come in 45 to 60 days he spelled out a clear lane for himself as Trumps critic in chief. Christie doesnt see one in what is shaping up to be the 2024 Republican field. Theyre going to wriggle right up next to him and say Im almost like him, but Im not quite as bad, Christie said of his would-be rivals. Let me tell you something, everybody. Thats going to lose as certain as he lost in 20, as we lost the House in 18, as we lost the Senate in 21, as we underperformed in 22. Christie later told reporters that no one has to wonder whether hes got the chutzpah to take on Trump. But just as Christie puffed up his own abilities, one audience member at Saint Anselm College openly questioned his credentials in that arena. Christie had plenty of opportunities to take down Trump in 2016, before he dropped out after a dismal sixth-place finish in New Hampshires primary, so why didnt he do it then? Story continues Christie chalked his performance in that primary up to strategic error one that he doesnt plan on making again. Trump said a few weeks ago: I am your retribution. Guess what everybody? No thanks, Christie said. The only person he cares about is him. And if we haven't learned that since Election Day 2020 until today, we're not paying attention. Christie also took direct shots at former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hitting the former for not doing more to stand up to Trump and the latter over his mangled forays into foreign policy. Russias invasion of Ukraine is not a territorial dispute, as DeSantis said in now-walked-back remarks, but an act of authoritarian aggression, Christie said. And the U.S. doesnt have to worry about being dragged into a proxy war with China over Ukraine as DeSantis suggested because were in one. But even as he jabbed his would-be rivals, Christie also spoke repeatedly of injecting optimism and civility back into politics that these days is defined by anger and retribution. And his old supporters who gathered in Manchester on Monday consider that to be a selling point for potential presidential candidates like Christie and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, another moderate-leaning Republican considering a run. You have Trump, and you have the alternative to Trump, former New Hampshire GOP Chair Wayne MacDonald, who chaired Christies 2016 campaign in New Hampshire. Once you start comparing his record in New Jersey with DeSantis record in Florida, you're going to see a much more viable and effective leader than Governor DeSantis is. And I think that's going to enable him to emerge as the alternative to President Trump. Southlake Caroll school board members voted Monday to leave the nonpartisan Texas Association of School Boards, citing objections to policies that favored diversity and to using tax dollars for services that could be found at a cheaper price. The vote was 5-1 with Michelle Moore voting against the resolution over concerns that the district needed more time to evaluate the ramifications of pulling out of the association and ensuring that services could be found elsewhere. The association provides training, policy guidance and risk management to school districts. The district spent $11,000 on the membership and approximately $20,000 on services, according to superintendent Lane Ledbetter. Before the vote, board president Cameron Bryan read the resolution, and also read a statement that said elected officials have a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers and that the school board association pushes an ideology that our community specifically and overwhelmingly rejected at the ballot box. Bryan also said that while the association has a corner on the market, the organization doesnt have a monopoly on services, and that he is confident the district can find comparable services for insurance and policy guidance elsewhere for less money. Board member Andrew Yeager agreed. This is truly an historic event for this district and for the state of Texas, he said. This is an opportunity for us to break away from a monopoly, from a non-governmental agency. Monopolies also stifle new ideas. Board member Hannah Smith said Carroll needs to be free from the undue influence of TASB agendas. However, Moore cautioned the other board members to hold off on the decision until they had information about comparable services. I think we need to pause for a minute, Moore said. We dont know if things will be available for competitive prices, were jumping ahead here. Moore said she is concerned about the policy guidance the association provides, and that Carroll may spend more in the long run to have the districts attorneys review policies. Story continues But several board members said the Texas Education Agency offers legislative updates on policy changes. On Friday, state Rep. Brian Harrison, a Republican from Waxahachie, posted on Twitter that the Carroll school district is leaving the Texas Association of School Boards and praised its leadership. Harrison sent a letter to all school districts in January asking them to consider leaving the Texas Association of School Boards because of the organizations divisive agenda. Harrison included the text of the letter in his tweet about the Carroll school district. In his letter, Harrison wrote that it took almost a year for the the state association to leave the National School Boards Association after that organization called for federal investigations into parents actions at school board meetings. He also criticized the Texas Association of School Boards over issuing new legal guidelines on transgender policies in school districts that appears to encourage school districts to refrain from reporting child abuse and to obscure information regarding children exhibiting gender dysphoria from their parents. Harrisons letter also said the vast majority of Texans support conservative values and the rule of law. The Carroll school board resolution reflects what Harrison wrote and, along with calling for the district to leave the association starting in 2024, it directs the superintendent to put out requests for risk management services and other services needed. Several speakers in the audience also applauded the districts move away from the association. Marvin Lowe, a Frisco school board member, came to Mondays meeting to voice his support and said he ran for election campaigning for Frisco to leave TASB. It didnt make sense to me that we were taking marching orders from TASB. It just didnt make sense. When I saw that you guys decided to to put forth a resolution disassociating from TASB, Im telling you, its like I won election again, he said. Lowe added that he hopes other school boards will follow Carrolls lead. But Jennifer Schutter, a parent in the Carroll school district, said she is concerned as a taxpayer about increasing costs if Carroll left TASB. The community outreach work of Derry City and Strabane District Council has been praised in a report on climate action across the UK. The council was the first in Northern Ireland to create a climate adaption plan and commit to net zero by 2045. Now, its work has been highlighted by the charity CPD in its report Building Local Resilience. Cities and companies use CDP to monitor environmental impact, with the findings helping to guide climate strategy. The report, based on data from 60 UK local authorities including two in Northern Ireland, found heat and flooding were the top climate hazards. Almost every local authority (98%) reported a climate hazard in their area, including extreme heat, flooding and heavy rainfall. 'Collaborative approach' In Derry City and Strabane, "increasing summer heatwaves and flooding events, such as the August 2017 floods which affected more than 400 homes and businesses" are being experienced, the report said. More flooding struck last summer, with six people needing to be rescued. A number of adaptation measures have been identified by the council, including a community resilience officer who works with communities and local agencies to develop plans to tackle problems. Cathy Burns, the council's climate programme manager, told CDP that Derry City and Strabane takes "a collaborative approach to adaption". She said that working across departments to best utilise expertise, while engaging with the most vulnerable, was part of the process. The CDP report found that in 92% of the 60 local authorities examined, low-income households were found to be among the groups most affected by climate hazards. The other groups most affected were: Those with vulnerable health (in 77% of the authorities examined) Children (73%) Minority communities (65%) More than three quarters of local authorities (77%) reported health being affected by climate change, with heat-related illnesses, mental health impacts and injuries or deaths caused by extreme weather events being the most widespread consequences. Story continues Almost all the councils involved in the report have an emissions target (98%) and mitigation plan (90%). The number of local authorities that have an adaptation plan has increased to 77%, up from a third in 2018, and almost all are implementing adaptation actions such as flood defences and reforestation (97%). Maia Kutner, CDP's global director of cities, states and regions, said the UK was "no longer immune" from the ravages of climate change. "From the hottest year on record in 2022 to multiple floods, droughts and thousands of wildfires, the country is experiencing just how severe climate change really is - and, unfortunately, its knock-on impact on health and vulnerable communities." She said many councils were adapting to climate change "with commitment and agility" and that "with their closeness to communities on the ground and ability to deliver tangible impact, local authorities are vital champions for climate action". Derry City and Strabane District Council is one of two councils in Northern Ireland which report their climate data to CDP. Belfast City Council was awarded an A rating for its efforts to tackle climate change by the organisation last year. I fell off my chair to read in the media recently a U.S. school principal was forced to quit after a Grade 6 parent complained Michelangelos statue of David is pornographic. Americans are different alright. It is perfectly fine to show, daily on television, many extreme and violent programs and movies that include torture and mass killings. They, in turn, give a sad and wrong educational sample to the younger generation. But a beautiful piece of art is pornographic? Unbelievable! Robert van Bruinessen, Lake Country Robin Wolfenden was practicing yoga on her balcony on a spring morning in Nashville when she heard the sirens -- the sound of first responders rushing to the scene of America's latest school shooting. The next day she laid six stones -- a Jewish tradition -- for the victims at the entrance of the nearby Covenant School, where a 28-year-old former student broke in and stalked the halls, killing three staff and three young children. "These kids are innocent children," Wolfenden told reporters, worried for her grandsons who are five and eight years old, only a few years younger than the students killed at the Covenant Presbyterian Church-affiliated elementary school on Monday. Mass shootings are grimly frequent in the United States, and Nashville residents were in shock Tuesday after their city joined the nationwide roster of those that have experienced an armed assault on a school. "It's just unimaginable to think that these beautiful kids are not going to come home again," Lisbeth Melgar, who brought her two children to see a growing memorial to the victims outside the school, told AFP as she gently tucked her daughter's hair behind her ear. Melgar was among several parents who brought their young children among the stream of mourners visiting the memorial as the sun set on Tuesday, many of them in tears among the flowers, stuffed toys, and white crosses decorated with blue hearts. Her daughter Alessandra, 11, said security had been tightened at her school Tuesday in the wake of the attack, with authorities only letting a few people at a time through the gate. Her mother said there would be meetings this week with parents to discuss security, "because we do believe that we need to put more security in our schools." "It definitely hits home for me today," said Stacie Wilford, a nurse at a local medical facility and mother to an eight-year-old at a nearby school. "I live a mile and a half away so it's in your back door and it's so scary," she told AFP. Story continues "You drop your kids off in the mornings and you don't think that you could get a call like this. It's just devastating. That just -- I can't even fathom." Carolyn Lucas's children also attend a school just a 10-minute walk away from the scene of the shooting. "I feel like our souls were shattered. It's unfathomable yet completely expected. You know, why wouldn't it happen to us?" she asked. Despite the rate of gun violence in the country, Lucas said it's still easy to think it won't hit one's own community. But, she said, "Of course it will. Gun violence sees no race or religion... it doesn't discriminate against anybody. "We have to do better." - 'Heartbreaking' - Kaylee Franzen, 22, who came with her 21-year-old friend Gabriella Massey to pay their respects, shares the same sentiment on gun violence. "You hear about this happening all the time. And I don't think we've ever been somewhere where it's been so close and that in itself was really heartbreaking," said Franzen, a senior at the private Christian Belmont University in Nashville. She said the shooting made the two women want to do something, even just by bringing flowers to the site of the makeshift memorial at the church property entrance, which was guarded by a police cruiser Tuesday. "Even though this doesn't necessarily help anything, it sends a message that things need to change, and that thoughts and prayers alone aren't something that fixes or can aid the situation," she said. That same message dominated a rally seeking more gun regulation that was held in Nashville on Tuesday. It had been planned before Monday's attack. "It's horrifying to live in a world when we have to be afraid to educate our children," local mother Lisa Coffman told the rally. To AFP she added: "You don't think it's going to happen in your city. "And then when it does, you can't stop shaking." sw/caw/mlm/st/mtp Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released proposed feeder patterns Monday for a new high school being built in south Charlotte. Officials presented the draft scenario to a packed cafeteria at Myers Park High School to gather input and feedback. The district will continue to have community engagement sessions into April before presenting to the school board. Board members are expected to vote on plans May 23. This is the second time CMS has sought community feedback. Last year, south Charlotte parents rallied around existing boundaries and circulated petitions when draft scenarios emerged. CMS is redrawing lines because of a new high school under construction at 12218 North Community House Road, near Interstate 485. It will shift feeder patterns in August 2024 and relieve overcrowding at the districts three largest high schools Myers Park, Ardrey Kell and South Mecklenburg. Providence High, seven middle schools and 12 elementary schools also would be impacted, according to the presentation. The district is including a south Charlotte middle school in the engagement sessions that could be part of a nearly $3 billion November bond package. It potentially will relieve overcrowding at Community House, Jay M. Robinson and Rea Farms middle schools. The earliest the new middle school would open is the 2025-2026 school year. First, Mecklenburg County Commissioners need to put a bond referendum on the ballot, and then voters would have to pass it. This map shows outlines of high school boundaries after the opening of a new high school in southern Mecklenburg County. The yellow outline shows the boundaries of the new school, which has boundaries that stretch west to east from near Carowinds to the Raintree Country Club area. The new high schools boundaries run north to south from Pineville-Matthews Road into the Ballantyne area. What schools would be impacted? The new draft for the relief high school would affect students at: Ardrey Kell, Myers Park, Providence and South Mecklenburg high schools Carmel, Community House, Crestdale, Jay M. Robinson, Quail Hollow, Rea Farms and South Charlotte middle schools Ballantyne, Endhaven, McAlpine, Olde Providence, Pineville and Sharon elementary schools. FULL PRESENTATION: See the full proposal released Monday about south Charlotte boundaries High school students affected In the new draft, most high school students in the southernmost tip of Mecklenburg County would attend Ardrey Kell High. Students living in the Ballantyne area and parts of Pineville would attend the new relief high school. Story continues Most of the new high schools district would sit in the current attendance area for South Mecklenburg High. South Mecklenburg would draw students from the Sterling, Beverly Woods and Huntingtowne Farms neighborhoods. Myers Park High would draw students from Sharon, Montclaire and Cotswold neighborhoods, among others. Some students currently in the Myers Park district would be transferred to South Mecklenburg or Providence high schools. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has plans and funding for a new elementary and relief high school in south Charlotte. Elementary school changes In the new draft, the following elementary schools would be rezoned to the relief high school beginning the 2024-25 school year. Ballantyne Elementary: rezoned from Ardrey Kell High Endhaven Elementary: southern section rezoned from Ardrey Kell High Endhaven Elementary: northern section rezoned from South Mecklenburg High McAlpine Elementary: western section rezoned from South Mecklenburg High McAlpine Elementary: eastern section rezoned from Providence High Pineville Elementary: rezoned from South Mecklenburg High. The southern section of Sharon Elementarys attendance zone would moved from Myers Park High to South Mecklenburg High, according to the draft plan. The northern section of Olde Providence Elementary zone would be moved from Myers Park High to Providence High. Middle school changes While elementary schools would transition in August 2024, the latest draft moves middle school students in the 2025-2026 year. Students from Community House and the new relief middle schools would attend Ardrey Kell High. Students from Jay M. Robinson middle school and Quail Hollow students with Pineville addresses would attend the new relief high school. Students from South Charlotte and parts of Crestdale middle schools would attend Providence High. Students from Carmel middle and Quail Hollow middle, except those with Pineville address, would attend South Mecklenburg High. What are parents saying? A pair of parents started petitions on change.org when CMS shared initial draft scenarios last year. Laura Grant, a parent who lives in the Myers Park High zone, told The Charlotte Observer in December shes concerned about the way the district is handling rezoning efforts and wants better transparency. Grant is a parent of a 10th-grade student at Myers Park and seventh-grader at Randolph IB Middle School. Grant started her petition, which now has nearly 1,000 signatures, in late November because current and former parents of Sharon Elementary students do not want to be split off. In an update to her petition last week Grant wrote Sharon and Carmel students will indeed be rezoned to South Meck and we are being targeted unfairly. Many will have students that are disrupted in the middle of high school, or, like me, would have children at two different high schools, Grant said. Late Monday, Grant said she doesnt understand why CMS will move an estimated 55 children. It makes for a longer home to school distance and violates their principle that elementary schools are the feeders to high school, she said. We seem to be easy pickings. Deborah Martin started a petition on change.org in January asking for CMS to fix the Olde Providence Elementary feeder pattern, which previous draft scenarios will make worse, Martin wrote. The petition has more than 680 signatures The Olde Providence community is overwhelmingly in favor of rezoning all Olde Providence Elementary students to Providence High School, Martin wrote. The draft proposal Monday would do what those parents have asked. Parent Christy Gannon, who lives in the Olde Providence Elementary school boundary, says the new draft is the best news we could have hoped for. However, we acknowledge this current draft is a big change for families, Gannon said. We still have concerns about how CMS will handle the grandfathering of students. We are hopeful that they will allow children to finish where they start. Whats next The scenarios CMS released Monday are drafts. Parents are encouraged to attend community engagement sessions on the first proposals at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in South Mecklenburg High Schools cafeteria and via a Zoom meeting noon on Thursday. Community engagement sessions for the second draft of scenarios are 6:30 p.m. April 19 at Ardrey Kell High School and noon April 20 via Zoom. Other meetings include 6:30 p.m. April 20 at Providence High School, and noon April 21 via Zoom. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., May 9 during the school board meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks during a forum discussing the proposed UCHealth and Parkview merger at the Rawlings Library on Wednesday. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser came to Pueblo last week to solicit input from residents about the proposed merger between UCHealth and Parkview Health System before his office approves it. Weiser told the Chieftain his office wants a full understanding of the merger and came to town to hear Puebloans' thoughts and concerns. If we weren't able to do a full analysis now, the risk would be to approve it thinking one thing when really something else was the case, Weiser said. Weiser has been collecting input from people in Pueblo on the merger since March 10 and Puebloans have until March 31 to submit their comments or concerns to UCHealthParkview@coag.gov. Some people in attendance for Weiser's listening session last week expressed concern about what the community oversight would look like on Parkviews board of directors. The proposed merger announcement from UCHealth and Parkview stated Parkview would maintain a local board of directors composed predominantly of Pueblo residents. Thats something I want to make sure is set up in a proper way, Weiser said. In the merger announcement, both entities said the proposed merger would see UCHealth invest nearly $200 million into the Pueblo community over a 10-year period and help the hospital continue its partnerships with local universities and community colleges to develop the states health care workforce and help stabilize Parkviews finances. They also said a $5 million donation from UCHealth to the Parkview Foundation would establish a long-term fund to support patients. Theresa Trujillo, a community organizer, said the community has concerns about how that $5 million donation will impact Puebloans who have medical debt, which she described as significant. She said the hospital is not solely responsible for that debt and that denied claims from private insurers contribute to the issue. More:Pueblo's Parkview Health System and UCHealth finalize merger What does that (donation) mean for things like community benefit, when weve seen a lower uninsured rate overall in the last decade but not additional investment of community benefit dollars in the community? Trujillo asked. Story continues Others in attendance spoke about the financial woes Parkview has faced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed hope that a merger could alleviate some of those struggles. Some people pointed to those financial challenges as the reason for Parkviews decision to close its 25-bed, in-patient adult psychiatric unit. A Parkview spokesperson last year told the Chieftain the hospital experienced decreased utilization by payers for inpatient psychiatric services. That closure, some shared Wednesday, has left Pueblo with one less resource to address mental health needs across the community and puts more pressure on organizations that do provide mental health services. Weiser called it a disconnect to not have or have a limited amount of those services. Whether its in the context of this merger or more broadly, (thats something) Im going to keep focusing on, Weiser said. Weiser added that he did not have any specific concerns when he first heard of the proposed merger but is aware that it means change. He mentioned during the session that he hadnt yet had a discussion with UCHealth about the merger but wants to hear their responses to the questions, thoughts and concerns people have sent to his office. Anytime you have change, theres always risk, he said. Sometimes theres benefits, too, so you want to understand what the potential benefits and risks are and ... determine if it is a positive change or not. Weisers office is reviewing the merger as required by the Colorado Hospital Transfer Act to ensure it doesnt result in a material change in the charitable purposes to which the assets of the hospital have been dedicated and that assets dont leave the state, the AG's office announced in a news release earlier this month. His office also said the state attorney general must consider whether there are reductions in the availability or accessibility of health care services in the communities served by the hospital. UCHealth and Parkview, each of which are nonprofits, said the former would not assume operations of the latter until at least mid-2023. Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @josuepwrites. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Colorado AG visits Pueblo to collect input on Parkview, UCHealth merger Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) questions TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew last week during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) In a remarkable display of bipartisanship, Congress last week went to war with TikTok. The House Energy and Commerce Committee grilled Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew about the platform's independence or lack thereof from the Chinese Communist Party. The five-hour hearing was contentious. Chew did his best to dodge loaded questions about alleged spying on U.S. users by TikTok and its China-based parent company, ByteDance. The questioning also delved into Chinese persecution of Uyghurs and whether the Chinese Communist Party could weaponize its access to massive amounts of data generated by TikToks 150 million U.S. users. Outside the hearing room, TikToks lobbying efforts were somewhat more successful. TikTok influencers flooded the halls, the press and, of course, TikTok feeds with scorn about how out of touch American political leaders are. "This is so embarrassing, one user wrote in a caption to a clip that garnered more than 10 million views. I swear to god we need to get competent and younger people in office." Congress is kinda lame, TikTok-verse decides, read a Politico headline. Maybe, for a change, Congress isnt the one being lame? Finding a historical precedent for our rivalry with China is difficult. Pundits and politicians like to talk about a new Cold War, but the analogy is misleading. The Soviet Union had moderate success peddling ideologically seductive ideas about politics and economics to American activists and intellectuals partly because it tried to put those ideas into practice, but it didnt have much to sell us in terms of goods and services. It's almost the other way around for China. Outside of some ideological backwaters, few people envy Chinas political system, but many like to buy or use Chinese stuff. Thats fine. And if China had a different political system, and different political ambitions, few would care about the national security issues raised by TikTok. Its ambitions, however, are obvious. Its been less than two months since the U.S. caught China using a spy balloon for surveillance. Story continues Does having TikTok on your phone mean having a spy balloon in your pocket? Defenders of the app argue that the government hasnt provided evidence of user data being accessible to China-based employees of ByteDance. But there is such evidence. Everything is seen in China, a member of TikToks trust and safety department said in leaked audio from the company. ByteDance admitted to using TikTok to track and spy on journalists. But focusing on TikTok as if its just like an autonomous company misses the point. By law, ByteDance is a resource of the Chinese state, which has been stealing intellectual property, hacking government systems and using other Chinese firms, such as telecom giant Huawei, for espionage for years. The evidence of Chinas brutal political system is even more obvious for those not distracted by cool dance videos. China has forced up to a million Uyghurs into massive reeducation camps. It has crushed democracy in Hong Kong. Human rights abuses and cultural cleansing in Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and other ethnic minority regions have been documented for years. We didnt have social media when I was in high school in the 1980s, but it would have been unimaginable to use anything like TikTok if it had been made in apartheid South Africa. Well, China has its own system of apartheid, but its apparently uncool to care much about that. Fortunately, some policymakers still care about such things. The British parliament exposed TikTok for its efforts to censor any mention of Chinas persecution of Uyghurs. ByteDance even tried to ban any use of the Uyghur language on the platform. This is worth keeping in mind when TikToks defenders try to paint themselves as champions of free expression. Its no coincidence that China bans TikTok (and Facebook and Twitter) inside the country in favor of state propaganda-compliant platforms. Still, there are some plausible 1st Amendment issues with trying to ban or force the sale of TikTok, just as there were when the U.S. government forced Russia Today to register as a foreign agent under U.S. law, because foreign powers aimed at sowing discord in the country do not have carte blanche access to constitutional protections. TikTok defenders wave all that away, mostly because they just like TikTok. But some, like Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), are trying to make the case that TikTok is a victim of American bigotry toward the Chinese. Im sorry, but such water-carrying for China is whats truly lame. @JonahDispatch This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editor's Note: the story has been updated to reflect that Chillicothe's new transportation options, like on-demand transit and the trolley, did not raise the income tax or require the city to borrow money. CHILLICOTHE Prominent community members met Friday morning during the State of the Community address to look at Chillicothe's upcoming year, including the Hopewell World Heritage designation, repairs of historic buildings and changes to infrastructure. The annual event hosted over 100 people, including the City of Chillicothe and the Ross County Commissioners, to discuss current projects and challenges ahead. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. Melody Young, the Executive Director of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau, said voting will take place in September and the final decision will be made in October. The bureau is busy preparing the county and local businesses for the increased tourism the designation will bring to the community. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park celebrated its centennial year on March 2. The bureau is placing 87 wayfinding signs across the county at various entrance points, including the border of Chillicothe and Frankfort, Kingston and Bainbridge. More: Chillicothe's revival from COVID showcased by visitors bureau Young said American Indian tribes, Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service are collaborating to create a Hopewell website to "help people learn about the sites prior to coming to Ohio." The bureau recently purchased technology to help translate conversations in multiple languages to better connect with visitors, regardless of a language barrier. The organization is also working on an informational sheet in various languages and will collaborate with business owners to create multi-language menus. Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney discussed upcoming city projects but started by touching on the extreme change in the city's finances. He said that it is recommended to keep two months of revenue in reserve. Ten years ago, the city had about 10 days worth of income in the general fund. He said the city was "basically living paycheck to paycheck." Story continues At the beginning of this year, the general fund balance was $3.9 million, equivalent to about two months of operating revenue. Feeney said the fund increased by 780%, indicating a positive change in the city's finances. Since 2015, Feeney said the city has spent an average of $1 million per year on paving. The city has worked with ODOT on the Bridge Street project, set to break ground in 2025, to add lanes of traffic, sidewalks, a roundabout and a new access street to the bike path. Feeney also expressed gratitude for the start of renovations for the wastewater treatment plant, costing about $65 million. "The area around the plant isn't going to smell like poop," Feeney laughed. Repairs are expected to be completed in 2026. A large achievement of the city was the success of its new transportation options, which Feeney said did not require raising income tax or borrowing money, but did increase tourism. Ross County Commissioner Dwight Garrett discussed the upcoming county projects scheduled for this year and beyond. Three historic structures are being evaluated for repairs: the Ross County Courthouse, the old jail, and the LCMB building. Garrett said fixing these three structures would cost about $3 million. The commissioners are collaborating with Green Township to encourage housing development and rehabilitation efforts at market value rates, enabling individuals and families to afford homes and housing. "Ross County is in dire need of affordable housing and Green Township is trying to assist in that need," Garrett said. Feeney also addressed the housing crisis, stating that there are almost 100 families in Ross County who have housing vouchers but can't find a place to stay. He said the housing development and home repairs have been included in the city's 2023 budget. Garrett discussed the income coming from local solar farms, the jail project that is scheduled to be completed this year and preliminary plans for a US-23 interchange that would help with traffic following the construction of the Cohen Orthopedic medical center. More: Cohen Orthopedic building medical facility A rendering of a new Cohen Orthopedic healthcare facility in Ross County that is set to open in 2024. South Central Ohio Job and Family Services Director Jody Walker presented an update on the county's workforce. The unemployment rate in Ross County was 4.2% in January, meaning that unemployment has steadily decreased in the last few years with the rate being 4.9% in 2022, 5.7% in 2021 and 5.8% in 2020. Walker said the unemployment rate is at the lowest it's been in the last 15 years. However, Walker said employers are still struggling to fill jobs. The labor participation rate, which addresses how many people are working or actively looking for work, has steadily decreased. Female labor force participation is 67.5% in Ross County versus 75.1% nationally. Male labor force participation is 62.6% in Ross County versus 82.3% nationally. "There's no reason that someone wants to work today that they can't get a job today. There are plenty of opportunities," Walker said. "There's still a large group of people that still have not reentered the workforce." More: Ross County Children's Services levy passes Mike Throne, Chillicothe-Ross Chamber or Commerce President and CEO, discussed the chamber's strategic plan to restructure and expand during the next two years. Mike Throne, Chillicothe-Ross Chamber or Commerce President and CEO, discussed the chamber's strategic plan at Chillicothe's 2023 State of the Community event. The main goal of the chamber is to deliver maximum value to its membership. Some objectives are to restructure its investment levels and dues and increase staff development, increasing staff development hours by 20% annually. In the second phase of its strategic plan, the chamber aims to create and encourage a diverse and inclusive chamber reflective of the community. To achieve this, the chamber plans to create and recruit a diverse board of directors, support businesses run by people of color and women and support policies that promote and respect diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. "We exist to make Ross County the best place for business and people to grow and thrive," Throne said. "I'll admit we have a long way to go on this process, but all journeys begin with a single step." Future priorities for the near future are to establish a 501c3 foundation to support education and business-related initiatives and to grow the chamber to reach underserved communities in southern Ohio. Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Contact her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe's future infrastructure discussed at State of the Community Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised Republican House Oversight & Accountability Committee Chairman James Comers attempts to interfere with the Manhattan district attorneys investigation into former president Donald Trump. Mr Comer, along with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, sent a letter to Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to compel him to testify before Congress. The three chairmen sent the letter to Mr Bragg after Mr Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this month that he would be indicted within a few days. Mr Braggs office is currently investigating Mr Trump allegedly paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about a supposed sexual liaison, which Mr Trump denies. Your decision to pursue such a politically motivated prosecutionwhile adopting progressive criminal justice policies that allow career criminals [to] run[ ] the streets of Manhattanrequires congressional scrutiny about how public safety funds appropriated by Congress are implemented by local law-enforcement agencies. In addition, your apparent decision to pursue criminal charges where federal authorities declined to do so requires oversight to inform potential legislative reforms about the delineation of prosecutorial authority between federal and local officials, they wrote in their letter. But Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who sits on the Oversight & Accountability Committee, criticised Mr Comers attempts to interfere with the investigation. I think what the chairman is attempting to do is completely inappropriate, she told The Independent. It breaks total precedent and then, frankly, isn't really grounded in much logical or historical precedent and I think hammering that home is going to be ... a matter of continued importance. Ms Ocasio-Cortez is the second-ranking Democratic member of the committee, behind ranking member Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who led the second impeachment trial of Mr Trump. Mr Braggs office also criticised the letter last week, noting there has been no notification, other than illegal leaks from the Justice Dept. and the DAs office. The passage of additional gun restrictions on Capitol Hill appears to be unlikely, after a 28-year-old shooter killed three 9-year-olds and three adults at a private Christian grade school in Nashville. The suspected shooter had no criminal background and was able to legally purchase seven guns from five local gun stores, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake. The shooter was armed with two assault-style weapons and a handgun, authorities said. Congress was able to enact a law last year that enhanced background checks for gun buyers under 21 and added funding for mental health services and school security, but Democrats say that wasn't enough. President Joe Biden on Monday and Tuesday urged Congress to pass legislation banning assault-style weapons which Congress couldn't do even when Democrats controlled both chambers in 2021 and 2022. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, in his opening prayer Tuesday called on senators to do more than offer their sympathies: "When babies die at a church school, it is time for us to move beyond thoughts and prayers," and he warned, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing." Throughout the day Tuesday, GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ignored questions from reporters about the Nashville shooting or the possibility of more gun legislation, and by Tuesday afternoon had issued no statement about the mass shooting or the people killed. Senate chaplain implores lawmakers to "move beyond thoughts and prayers" after Nashville school shooting Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican who represents the Knoxville area, said Congress isn't going to fix the problems that led to Monday's shooting. "We can pass all the laws we want," Burchett told CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns on CBS News' "Red and Blue" Tuesday. "It was already in a gun-free zone. We do that all the time up here we pass laws, and then they really have no effect. You've got to deal with what's at the heart of this. It's evil, some even would say demon possession, even, but go further, we've got a mental health crisis in this country." Story continues Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty, the junior senator from Tennessee, said he's focused on the families of the victims, not the "politics" of the matter. Asked Tuesday about an assault weapons ban, Hagerty replied, "I'm certain that politics will waive into everything, but right now I'm not focused on the politics of the situation. I'm focused on the families and the victims." Sen. John Thune, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, said it's too soon for any movement on gun legislation, such as universal background checks. "It's premature," Thune told reporters Tuesday. "There's an ongoing investigation, and I think we need to let the facts come out." Still, not all Republicans are resistant to the possibility of more gun control laws. "I don't know if there's much space to do more, but I'll certainly look and see," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina. Graham said he wouldn't vote for an assault weapons ban, adding that if Democrats think that's the solution, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer should to bring it to the floor. "If you had an assault weapons ban, I wouldn't vote for it, but bring it up, if you think that's the fix," he said. "You know, Senator Schumer's in charge. Do you think that fixes the problem? Bring it up. Let's vote. I'm not afraid to vote." Caitlin Huey-Burns, Rebecca Kaplan, Alan He and Jack Turman contributed to this report. Stocks close higher as banking fears subside Texas judge strikes down Affordable Care Act requirement Aaron Judge hits home run on baseball's opening day after breaking American League record More than 80 congressional Democrats, led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), urged the Biden administration to strengthen proposed rules on soot pollution in a letter Tuesday. The letter calls the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) January proposal, which would set the standard for fine particulate matter in the air at 9 to 10 micrograms per cubic meter, insufficient; instead they call for a standard of eight instead. This standard, the members wrote, is in keeping with the recommendations of the EPAs Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. The committee has said the higher standard would save double the amount of lives annually by 2032. The federal government has an obligation to remediate environmental injustices that for too long have been shouldered most by Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities across our country, Markey said in a statement. No one should have to breathe unhealthy, toxic pollution on their doorstep or in their backyard, he added. EPA has an opportunity this year to strengthen our nations air quality standards, save countless lives, and put health and environmental justice front-and-center in our fight against toxic pollution. Markey co-led the letter with Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Calif.). The EPAs proposed rule, announced in January, is itself a tighter limit than the standard of 12 micrograms implemented in 2012 under the Obama administration, which the Trump administration opted to leave in place in 2020. Markey and his colleagues are not the first to call the proposed Biden standards inadequate. Soot pollution exposure has been linked to premature deaths and heart and lung issues. It is a particular concern among environmental justice advocates as it disproportionately impacts low-income and minority communities. After the January announcement, environmental organizations also called for the stricter 8-microgram standards. The Environmental Defense Fund said in a report that this standard would save about 15,000 more lives a year than 10 micrograms, the looser interpretation of the proposed new EPA standard. Story continues The World Health Organization has gone further, calling for a standard of 5 micrograms. Weve received the letter and will respond through appropriate channels, EPA spokesperson Khanya Brann told The Hill in an email. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Pharris Frank was recently chatting with a friend who asked him how it felt to win $1 million. Frank had won a $1 million North Carolina lottery prize in July 2021. I told him that I was going to double it, Frank, 41, told North Carolina Lottery officials, according to a March 28 news release. The next day, Frank, who lives in Davie County and works in construction, was out of town for work when he bought a $20 Diamond Dazzler scratch-off ticket from Handy House in Morehead City, officials said. When Frank scratched that ticket, he wasnt sure if what he saw was real, he told officials. He had won $2 million doubling his first prize. I didnt know if I was dreaming or not, he said. I was just in shock for a while. After seeing his prize, Frank called his wife and told her, I did it again, he told officials. Its cool because the first time I won it was two miles from my house and this time I was four and a half hours away, Frank said. What are the chances of me being down there at that exact moment in time? Choosing to take the lump sum payment, Frank took home $855,006 after taxes, according to officials. He used his first prize to pay for his wedding, and now he plans to take his wife on a trip. Davie County is about 60 miles north of Charlotte and about 280 miles west of Morehead City. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Lottery player wins second huge Virginia prize. The scratchers were calling out to me Big lottery win helps couple take their honeymoon trip 57 years after their wedding Lottery player mind-blown after winning Virginia lottery jackpot. Is this real? 'Bachelor' creator Mike Fleiss. (Amanda Edwards / Getty Images) Mike Fleiss, the creator of ABC's "The Bachelor" franchise long a flagship of the network, and one regularly rocked by controversy and scandal is leaving the show's executive ranks. The announcement came one day after the conclusion of the latest season of "The Bachelor," in which star Zach Shallcross proposed to Kaity Biggar. Fleiss gave no specific reason for his departure but said he was leaving the franchise in capable hands. He also gave thanks to the show's producer, Warner Bros. Television. "First and foremost, congratulations are in order for Zach and Kaity. I wish them a long and happy life together," he said in a statement. "I want to thank WBTV and ABC for 21 extraordinary years. Theyve found the perfect creative team for me to entrust The Bachelor franchise and keep this lightning in a bottle bold and moving forward. Let the journey continue." The franchise will be taken over by Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich and Bennett Graebner, who will be executive producers and showrunners. Ehrlich and Graebner are veterans of the franchise, while Freeland was the former showrunner of the "Bachelor" franchise in Canada. Since its premiere in 2002, "The Bachelor" has been one of the most valuable franchises on the Disney-owned ABC and one whose history has been clouded by criticism of its lack of racial and ethnic diversity and its handling of the subject onscreen. "The Bachelor" cast its first Black male lead, Matt James, after an outcry from fans in the summer of 2020, only to see James' season unravel in a firestorm over racism that eventually led to the departure of longtime host Chris Harrison. Fleiss himself had also been at the center of scandal in recent years. In 2019, a Los Angeles County judge ordered Fleiss to stay 100 yards away from his estranged wife, Laura Kaeppeler Fleiss, after she filed a complaint alleging that hed verbally and physically abused her during an altercation between the two that was caught on security cameras at the couples Hawaii home. Kaeppeler Fleiss withdrew the complaint against Fleiss, who denied the alleged assault, when the couple divorced two weeks later. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Photo: Drew Angerer (Getty Images) Clearview AI, the shady US facial recognition firm whose surveillance tech is used by at least 2,400 law enforcement agencies, says police have run nearly a million searches using its service. The companys database of images scraped from social media sites now reportedly numbers around 30 billion, a staggering 50% increase from figures reported just last year. Despite repeated fines and years of pushback from civil liberties organizations, the figures suggest business is still booming for Clearview. The companys CEO, Hoan Ton-That, revealed those estimates this week in an interview with the BBC. Gizmodo was unable to confirm Ton-Thats estimates so they should be taken with a heaping spoonful of salt. Still, the growing numbers show growth in Clearviews core surveillance business model even as states and local municipalities appear ever so slightly more interested in pushing forward new data privacy protections. Comprehensive federal data privacy laws, on the other hand, still look like a pipe dream. Read more Clearviews data collection methods have come under fire from privacy advocates who believe the company collects billions of face scans without first obtaining content. That means anyones publicly available Facebook or Instagram selfies could, in theory, one day be used by law enforcement to connect them with a crime. Its appalling that a company could steal billions of our photos, but its even worse that the police are paying them for that data, Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn told Gizmodo. The police should be investigating Clearview AI for theft, not awarding it contracts. This sort of surveillance capitalism chills democracy and puts us all at risk. Clearview did not respond to Gizmodos request for comment. Story continues Police feel emboldened to use Clearview Those estimated 1 million face searches conducted by police reportedly involve a wide range of alleged crimes, ranging from murder to simple shoplifting. Speaking with the BBC, Miamis Assistant Chief of Police Armando Aguilar revealed his agency used Clearviews technology 450 times per year. Several of those searches were allegedly used to assist in murder cases. Aguilar went on to insist his agency considers the tool to be closer to an initial tip rather than a final piece of evidence. We dont make an arrest because an algorithm tells us to, Aguilar told the BBC. We either put that name in a photographic line-up or we go about solving the case through traditional means. Regardless of whether thats true, multiple wrongful arrests and jail sentences have already occurred as a result of police using Clearviews tools. Ton-That, the Clearview CEO, told the BBC he attributes those wrongful arrests to poor policing. New search figures suggest Clearview is doubling down on its core businesspolice surveillanceover previous flirtations with private business Last year, Clearview outlined a path towards a theoretically more restricted one-to-one face match identification verification system it hoped to one day deploy in schools, banks, and other private firms. That apparent pivot came just weeks after a historic settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union which essentially barred the company from selling access to faceprints from its database to a majority of US private businesses. With its private sector business potential on shaky ground, Clearview has even more incentive to lean into its established relationships with US law enforcement. Theres simply no justification for using public tax dollars to buy stolen private photos, Fox Cahn, who supports broad city and state bans on facial recognition technology, said. And all too often, elected officials dont even know that this is happening. Clearviews core business faces mounting opposition, both in the US and abroad. Around 17 US cities including Portland, Berkeley, and Oakland have passed legislation restricting government use of facial reactions. On the federal level, Democratic lawmakers have sent letters to Departments of Justice, Defense, Homeland Security, and the Interior urging them to cease using Clearview or risk undermining the notion of public anonymity as its currently underwood. Outside of the US, Australia and Canada have taken some of the toughest stances against the company yet with the latter country essentially pressuring Clearview to retreat from its borders entirely. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Several perplexed Boise residents complained of corporate greed at a Monday hearing and urged the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to deny a request from Veolia to substantially raise rates for its water services. Its not like we can choose where we go and get our water, said Tabitha Fuerstenau, a Veolia customer, during a public hearing at the PUCs office. The people of Idaho are already struggling. Veolia, the worlds largest supplier of water services, proposed a general rate increase of 24.1% for its 260,000 Idaho customers in September. The request can be approved, rejected or modified by the PUC. If its approved as-is, residential customers would see an average increase of $7.59 on their monthly bills, or about 25 cents per day. Rates for commercial customers would increase by an average of $27.92 a month, and $25.46 for public authorities. Veolia spokesperson Madeline Wyatt previously equated the increase with the cost of a cup of Starbucks in an interview with the Idaho Statesman. Its a quarter a day (for residential). Its a cup of Starbucks a month that were talking about, Wyatt told the Statesman by phone. The 24% sounds like a huge amount of money, but for the average residential customer, its $7 a month. If the request is approved, Veolias revenues would increase by $12.1 million per year. The company operates more than 1,300 miles of underground water mains across the Treasure Valley. Fuerstenau, a longtime Simplot employee with an accounting degree, spoke about Veolias financial statements and how the company reported historic results upon emerging from the global pandemic. Fuerstenau also testified about her disabled sister, who is on Social Security and receives less than $1,000 per month. She said her sister lives with her grown children because she cant afford to pay rent in the Boise area. Its not a big deal when you are a person who has. It is a big deal when youre a person who does not have, Fuerstenau said of the proposed rate hike. There are people in southwest Boise who go tonight to get food boxes. Story continues Steve Kisley, an 83-year-old Avimor resident with Parkinsons disease, told the PUC he came to the hearing with his son-in-law just to listen, but when he heard Veolia was requesting a rate hike of 24.1%, he felt compelled to testify. Kisley moved to the region to be with family during his last stages of life. Hearing the numbers that are put out by the people here its an increase that seems a whim. Thats unheard of, Kisley. Big money always gets big money, but I dont have big money. For people like us who are on a fixed income I cant go out and bring that into the budget. Veolia, based in France, said in a customer notice that it made a slew of expensive investments in the Treasure Valleys water quality over the past two years, including replacing old pipes, building storage tanks and upgrading treatment plants. The company said the additional revenue the rate increase provides would help recoup $70 million it spent on those improvements. It listed some of its largest capital projects in a news release about the rate case. Veolia acquired Suez, previously the Boise areas largest water supplier, in a $15.4 billion merger in early 2022, according to reporting by the Statesman. Suez bought the parent company of United Water Idaho in 2000 and formally rebranded it in 2015. United Water Idaho was the successor to Boise Water Works, which began serving Boise in 1890. Joel Festerly, a Boise resident and Veolia customer, said at the hearing that water rates are already high and he worries about how the proposed hike would affect families and businesses. Theres a lot of us that arent doing really well, Festerly said. And when I think about raising my children and having to get on them, like my parents did, like: Hey, shut that water off. Hey, dont play in the sprinklers. Hey, who left the water running? The idea of having to regulate what days your kids play on the Slip N Slide thats a little bit much but I think thats a reality for a lot of us. The city of Boise, Ada County, Micron and former Ada County Commissioner Sharon Ullman have filed petitions to intervene in the rate case, indicating they have a stake in the outcome. Ullman and the deputy prosecuting attorney for Ada County were in attendance at Mondays hearing. This is the first time Veolia has filed for an increase, but its predecessor, Suez, last filed a request in July 2020 to increase rates by 22.3%, according to PUC spokesperson Adam Rush. The request from Suez was approved in April 2021, but at a much lower rate 8.75% over two years. It raised an additional $3.9 million in revenue, instead of the $10.2 million the company originally sought. By the time the request was approved, Veolia had purchased 30% of Suez shares. LeeJoe Day, a former customer of Veolia, told the Statesman he moved to Boise in 1999 and got a job at Eagle Water Company laying pipe and reading meters. He later worked for Suez. Day said he believes utility companies do what every good negotiator does and start negotiations off with a substantially high number so the other party is more likely to meet them in the middle. I find it to be corporate greed in the most extreme, Lay said. When you own a monopoly, you can charge whatever you want. Rush told the Statesman after the hearing that, in addition to the residents who testified in person, about 55 people have left written comments on the PUCs website. The deadline to submit comments for the record is April 7. The utilities commission is holding a technical hearing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4 at its office at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, Suite 201-A in Boise for the parties involved in the case to present witnesses, testimony and exhibits. To watch the technical hearing online, visit idahogov.webex.com and enter meeting number 2450 028 9817. The password is April4Hearing. To listen over the phone, call 1-415-655-0001 and enter meeting number 2450 028 9817. Boise water company looks to raise rates 24%, cites improvements. Public to get its say What new report says about Idahos worsening housing shortage for those who need it most Eagle Road pedestrian bridge had humble beginnings. Its now a $3.2M project Victoria Alonso Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images DC isn't the only superhero studio plagued by behind-the-scenes drama. Marvel Studios is also grappling with crises on multiple fronts, as not only is actor Jonathan Majors facing assault charges, but a top producer who was fired is threatening legal action. Disney claims she was ousted over an "indisputable" breach of contract, but she has accused the company of silencing a "gay Latina who had the courage to criticize" them. A shock ouster The Hollywood Reporter broke the shock news on March 20 that Marvel executive Victoria Alonso had abruptly exited the company. She's a 17-year veteran of the studio who had been with Marvel going back even before the first Iron Man came out, and she was an executive producer on all of Marvel's films since The Avengers in 2012. In 2021, Alonso was promoted to president of Physical, Post Production, VFX, and Animation. The reason for her exit wasn't initially clear. But it came after Marvel was facing mounting criticism for the quality of its visual effects in recent releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and for alleged turmoil during the post-production process. In February, anonymous visual effects artists told Vulture that Quantumania was "severely understaffed" and that an "unrealistically short" deadline forced them to work long hours and led to shortcuts being taken on the project. After her ouster, Vulture reporter Chris Lee tweeted that "so many" visual effects sources "have told me Victoria Alonso was singularly responsible for Marvel's toxic work environment." However, The Ringer's Joanna Robinson, who has been working on a book about Marvel, tweeted that this a "gross mischaracterization" and the "opposite of what I've heard from every person who has ever worked with her." But The Hollywood Reporter soon revealed that Alonso was ultimately fired over an alleged breach of her contract. She was a producer on the movie Argentina, 1985, which was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. It was distributed by Amazon, not Disney, so sources told the Reporter that Alonso violated a 2018 agreement in her contract preventing employees from working for competing studios. Story continues The Reporter's sources also alleged that Alonso didn't ask permission to work on Argentina, 1985, and when Disney learned of the project, the company forbade her from promoting it, only for her to do so anyway. She even walked the red carpet of the Oscars as a producer of Argentina, 1985 despite a Marvel movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, also being nominated. Disney co-chair Alan Bergman and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige were both "super annoyed at yet another example of Alonso prioritizing her personal endeavors over the company," Puck reported. The decision to fire her was "made by a consortium including human resources, Disney's legal department and multiple executives including" Bergman, Variety reported, adding that Alonso was "blindsided." Striking back But Alonso is hitting back hard against these claims, and Deadline reports she's weighing legal action against Disney and Marvel. She has hired Patty Glaser, an attorney who is suing Disney's Lucasfilm over the firing of a producer from a Star Wars show in an unrelated case. In a statement to Variety, Glaser insisted that Alonso had Disney's "blessing" to work on Argentina, 1985 and dismissed the "ridiculous" idea that she was fired "over a handful of press interviews" about the film. Further, Glaser claimed that Alonso, "a gay Latina who had the courage to criticize Disney, was silenced." This apparently referred to the fact that Alonso called out then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek's initial inaction over Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill in 2022, publicly urging him to "take a stand against all of these crazy outdated laws." But it's worth noting that Chapek was fired last year and replaced as CEO with Bob Iger, who had already condemned the bill when Alonso made those comments. Finally, Glaser claimed that Alonso was "terminated when she refused to do something she believed was reprehensible." She didn't elaborate, but Deadline reported that this appears to refer to an unspecified "disagreement with a Disney executive, who is not Iger." Alonso was "told that she could no longer do interviews or media" after her comments on the Don't Say Gay bill last year, Deadline also revealed. "There is a lot more to this story and Victoria will be telling it shortly in one forum or another," Glaser warned. In response, Disney told Deadline it's "unfortunate that Victoria is sharing a narrative that leaves out several key factors concerning her departure, including an indisputable breach of contract and a direct violation of company policy." Alonso is set to publish a memoir (with a Disney imprint) titled Possibility Is Your Superpower in May, so we could potentially hear more from her then. But between this and the apparent beef between DC stars Dwayne Johnson and Zachary Levi, the juiciest superhero movie drama may no longer be taking place on screen. You may also like How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday 'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify the trial date. Jury selection is April 13, and the trial begins April 17. A Delaware judge on Tuesday said he can potentially compel Rupert Murdoch, the controversial and influential chair of Fox Corp., to testify in an upcoming defamation trial regarding accused lies perpetuated by Fox News. During a Tuesday status hearing on Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News and its parent company, New Castle County Superior Court Judge Eric Davis told attorneys for both parties that case law is clear in granting him authority to compel corporate officers like Murdoch to the witness stand. He also batted down potential excuses for Murdoch, who is 92 years old, to avoid the witness stand. He noted he had a letter claiming that Murdoch had COVID-19, has no knowledge of the facts pertinent to the case and would otherwise be inconvenienced by a trip to Wilmington. Davis referenced statements apparently made as part of Murdoch's recent engagement announcement in which he and his fiancee said they look forward to traveling between residences in New York, California, Montana and London. Fox News chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch on Nov. 1, 2017, in New York City. "That doesn't sound like someone that can't go from New York to Wilmington," Davis said. Attorneys for Fox Corp. sought to clarify that they didn't mean to imply Murdoch was too infirm to travel. Instead, they said there would be "no reason" for him to testify in front of a jury as he has already sat for a seven-hour deposition in the case. Davis said there are other aspects of the case, including whether it will go to trial, that he must decide before a debate over whether he will compel specific witnesses to testify. Tuesday's three-hour hearing will be one in a series ahead of a scheduled April 17 trial date in which attorneys hash out largely technical questions dealing with the mechanics of the trial. Here's a rundown of things to know: What's the lawsuit about? Dominion, a Denver-based voting machine manufacturer, claims Fox recklessly amplified lies from supporters of former President Donald Trump, lies that blamed Dominion voting machines for Trump's election loss. Story continues The company sued Fox News and its parent company Fox Corp for defamation in New Castle County's Superior Court in 2021. The lawsuit claims that Fox News knowingly aired false allegations about Dominion "because the lies were good for Fox's business." Dominion claims the lies led to its employees being harassed and "irreparable economic harm" to the once-obscure company. In defense, Fox officials have argued they were simply reporting allegations made by newsworthy figures without reporting the allegations were true. They argue the company is protected by the First Amendment and a reasonable viewer would know that on-air personalities did not present allegations regarding Dominion as fact. Dominion has to prove that Fox knowingly published false information about the voting machine company or recklessly disregarded information showing that the claims were not true in order for the court to award damages from the media company. What's gone on so far? An example of how Dominion intends to prove its case was presented during a pretrial hearing earlier this month. Arguing that Fox executives knowingly allowed false information to be disseminated, lawyers pointed to the deposition of David Clark, a Fox News executive in charge of weekend programming. Clark testified that he did not believe the election was rigged. Yet Dominion lawyers argued that their evidence shows Clark allowed hosts of shows he oversaw to book Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani as guests, even watching pretape footage that featured these claims. There has also been a steady flood of revealing text messages and deposition testimony showing the underpinnings of Fox's conservative influence machine and what the company brands as news programming. What happened Tuesday? Tuesday's hearing largely dealt with the mechanical aspects of trial, the composition of the jury and specific rules regarding how information will be presented to that jury. Arguments included: How much information attorneys have to share about which witnesses they intend to call at trial. How deposition information in lieu of live testimony will be presented to the jury. What types of questions the attorneys will be able to ask certain witnesses. How many potential jurors each side could strike and how many alternate jurors would be selected. How attorneys for the Fox defendants have objected to every one of the exhibits Dominion attorneys have said they intend to present at trial. Objections by Fox News to the public disclosure of informational slides previously presented during a court hearing earlier this month. What's next? Two weeks ago, both sides spent two days making arguments to Davis, the judge, seeking for him to rule in their favor without a trial, which is scheduled for April 17. Davis has not indicated when he might rule on those motions so for now the trial is on track for some six weeks of trial testimony in Wilmington's King Street courthouse next month. Why Delaware? The blockbuster lawsuit could affect public discourse, journalism and Republican's primary television mouthpiece permanently. So why is the conflict being litigated in a courthouse in little old Wilmington? It's because both Dominion and the Fox defendants are each Delaware corporations. And it is the latest big-ticket legal fight to occur in Delaware for that reason. Billion-dollar disputes involving CBS Corp., Facebook, Tesla and other major companies have all come through Delaware in recent years. Read More: Local litigation: A Delaware judge will decide if the $1.6 billion Fox News defamation lawsuit goes to trial 'My Pillow' guy lawsuit: Dominion Voting Systems sues MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Court filings: 'Shockingly reckless': Fox News hosts privately shot down Trump's 'big lie' over election fraud Fact check: What's true about the 2020 election, vote counting, Electoral College This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What's new in Dominion-Fox News defamation case in Delaware The countdown to the 2024 election is on with candidates beginning to announce their intentions to run for Senate seats or give them up. Democrats currently have a narrow majority in the upper chamber, but that will be tested next year. Thirty-four seats in the Senate will be up for grabs in the upcoming election, with Democrats (including independents who caucus with Democrats) currently occupying a majority 23 of those seats. The majority party will seek to defend their incumbents in key races again Republican rivals as they look to maintain their slim majority in a presidential election year where President Joe Biden will likely be seeking his second term. Some members of the House are throwing their names on the ballot for a seat in the upper chamber, while a handful of senators have launched campaigns for reelection. Others have announced they would not be seeking another term, like California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the longest serving senator in the state, who announced in February she will be retiring. Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow has also said she would not be running in 2024. The third-ranking Democrat's departure leaves the GOP with a pickup opportunity in a swing state. OnPolitics: What the 2022 midterms will mean for the 2024 election Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter Here are the candidates who have announced their Senate plans for 2024: Candidates running for Senate include Gallego (AZ), Banks (IN) and Porter (CA): Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC Chairman Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., speaks at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) event on November 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. Story continues More: Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego announces Senate bid, set to challenge Sen. Kyrsten Sinema OnPolitics: Trump's GOP support craters, poll shows. Here's who is on the rise for 2024. Senators seeking reelection include Kaine (VA), Brown (OH) and Gillibrand (NY): Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown is up for reelection in 2024. He told Spectrum News he will be running to keep his seat in a race that already includes Republican challenger Matt Dolan. Brown has served in Congress since 2006. Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine. Kaine announced he will be running for reelection in 2024. Im a servant. I love Virginia. Im proud of what Ive done," he said during his announcement. The former vice presidential candidate was first elected to the Senate in 2013. New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Gillibrand announced her reelection bid to serve a third term in the Senate. She has served in Congress since 2009, winning the last New York Senate race by wide margins. Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen. Rosen publicly confirmed she is running for reelection in 2024, telling POLITICO in October, "I am all in. Im definitely running." She previously served in the House before winning a Senate seat in 2018 after defeating the Republican incumbent. Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott. Scott is running for reelection to keep his Senate seat after rumors circulated that he may launch a 2024 presidential bid. "I ran to fight for Floridians and that is exactly what I am going to keep doing. Ive never lost a race and I dont intend to now," he posted on Twitter. Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. Tester is seeking reelection after serving in the Senate since 2007. Montanans need a fighter that will hold our government accountable and demand Washington stand up for veterans and lower costs for families," he tweeted. Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Warren will seek a third term in the U.S. Senate, saying there remains a lot more weve got to do in a video announcing her re-election bid. Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey: Casey, first elected in 2006, announced he will seek a fourth term to represent Pennsylvania in the Senate. "Theres still more work to do to cut through the gridlock, stand up to powerful special interests, and make the lives of hardworking Pennsylvanians easier," he tweeted. Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin: Baldwin is running to serve a third term in the Senate. She was first elected in 2012 and became the state's first woman and the first openly gay member elected to the U.S. Senate. I'm committed to making sure that working people, not just the big corporations and ultra-wealthy, have a fighter on their side," she said in a statement. USA TODAY Poll:Democratic support for Biden in 2024 surges after midterms as Trump takes a hit More: In search of the perfect president: What Americans say they want, from age to gender Senators not seeking reelection including Feinstein (CA), Stabenow (MI) and Braun (IN): California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Feinstein is the Senate's longest serving female senator and announced in February she will not be seeking reelection. The 89-year-old was first elected to office in 1992. Democratic Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee will be vying for her seat. "The time has come," Feinstein told reporters of her decision to not run for reelection. Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow announced at the beginning of the year she will not be running to keep her Senate seat in 2024. Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the U.S. Senate," she said, adding, "When my term ends, I intend to begin a new chapter in my life that includes continuing to serve our state outside of elected office while spending precious time with my amazing 96-year-old mom and my wonderful family." Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun. Braun has his sights set for a different public office: the governor's mansion. The first-term senator announced he would run for governor in 2024 just one month after November's midterm elections, leaving his Senate seat open for a GOP newcomer in the solidly red state. Other lawmakers not running for office: Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz. Spartz, who was first elected in 2021 announced she is not seeking reelection to keep her seat in the House or running for a Senate seat in 2024. In the leadup to her announcement, Spartz had been considering a run for an open senate seat that Sen. Mike Braun will vacate to run for governor. Rep. Jim Banks, Spartz's Indiana colleague in the House, previously announced he would be running for the Senate seat. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate 2024: Here are the candidates who have announced already Justin Dowling and Ann Claire Crawford had a surprise wedding. April Pinto Photography Justin Dowling and Ann Claire Crawford had a surprise wedding on March 3, 2023. They documented the event with a video that was filmed like an episode of "The Office." A trailer of the video went viral on TikTok. Justin Dowling and Ann Claire Crawford never imagined getting married after they met online and fell in love in 2017. As Crawford told Insider, both she and Dowling had been married before they met, so they didn't think it would be right for them. But when the pandemic hit, the Texas-based couple started rethinking things. "We started talking more about entertaining the idea of getting married just in case we need to make medical decisions," Crawford said. Over brunch on a trip to St. Louis in April 2021, they decided they would get married, but Crawford had one caveat: She wanted the wedding to be a surprise. They decided to have a surprise wedding. April Pinto Photography "Justin was immediately in love with the idea. We decided on a date right there in the restaurant," Crawford said. They planned their surprise wedding for March 3, 2023, telling their loved ones they would be getting married at the courthouse on March 23 and inviting them to their "engagement party" on their actual wedding date. Only their closest friend John Moore, who would officiate the wedding, and their friend Tye Shirley, who hosted the wedding at her venue Towering Oaks Event and Retreat Center, knew what would really happen. They revealed the surprise after the guests arrived. YouTube/VirtuReel "Our families didn't know, the wedding party didn't know, and the guests especially didn't know," Crawford said. After they welcomed everyone to the event, Crawford quickly changed into a wedding dress, and the couple surprised their guests with their wedding ceremony. They even managed to have a wedding party, providing aprons with prints of dresses and suits on them to make the group look uniform. Crawford said her maid of honor uses it daily to cook. The wedding party in their aprons. April Pinto Photography Although the event was a surprise to their guests, Dowling and Crawford had planned it painstakingly with the help of CM Promotions. They also hired April Pinto Photography, Babe's Chicken, Andy's Floral Events, Picture This DFW, and Dallas Event Audio to make the wedding happen. Story continues They also tapped VirtuReel's Michael Perez and Rachael Burleson to document the surprise wedding, though they didn't want a traditional wedding video. To go along with the fun energy of the day, Dowling and Crawford requested VirtuReel film a mockumentary-style wedding video inspired by "The Office." "'The Office' is our favorite TV series. Justin and I have a tradition that every Christmas day we watch every Christmas episode of 'The Office,'" Crawford said. "We are constantly quoting it, and our absolute favorite episode of the series is Jim and Pam's wedding." Crawford thought it would be fun to create their own wedding mockumentary, and Dowling loved the idea. VirtuReel released a trailer of the full episode, which includes clips of the couple talking directly to the camera, a montage of scenes of the wedding set to "The Office" theme song, and clips of their wedding party wearing their aprons. During the event, Dowling and Crawford were also given awards for being the best actor and best actress at a surprise wedding, nodding to the Dundie Awards on "The Office." "Justin, John, and I gave them a list of questions to ask the guests and they interviewed them throughout the night," Crawford said of how they helped VirtuReel create the mockumentary video. "We filmed scenes before the guests arrived for the episode." VirtuReel had never taken on a project like this before Dowling and Crawford's wedding, the videographers told Insider. They got awards at the wedding. April Pinto Photography "They explained their vision, and we were honestly pretty nervous to attempt filming this way," Perez and Burleson told Insider. "Luckily for us, Ann Claire and Justin absolutely delivered on the first scene we put together," they told Insider. "That set the tone for the day, and we knew then that this might actually work and their video might actually be hilarious." The teaser of the wedding video VirtuReel shared on TikTok on Friday has already amassed over 1 million views, to Crawford and Dowling's shock. "I never even dreamed our surprise 'Office'-style wedding would go viral," Crawford said. "We had so much fun planning and partying with our family and friends. We just wanted everyone to be surprised and have a great time." Perez and Burleson said they plan to release the full episode on Dowling and Crawford's wedding on the VirtuReel social-media channels once it's finished. Read the original article on Insider Seattle Police officers were dragged through the streets early Tuesday while trying to stop a suspicious car. After that, a chase through Georgetown ended with a dramatic crash involving two police SUVs. Seattle Police said the chaos began when officers tried to pull over a silver Honda Accord before 5:45 a.m. The driver fled, but the car was found by other officers. At some point, officers and the suspect were outside their vehicles when the suspect fought off the officers, got back into the car and drove off, dragging four officers behind. They had non-life-threatening injuries. He actually dragged the officers, causing minor injury, and the vehicle also rammed another vehicle while he was trying to flee from the location. Responding officers were able to stop the vehicle, said Det. Judinna Gulpan, spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department. Eventually, the car was stopped on South Michigan Street. KIRO 7 obtained video from an SDOT camera that showed the collision between the two police vehicles and the suspects car. The video shows one police SUV strike the car, causing it to spin, and then the two police vehicles collided with it at both its front and back, essentially sandwiching the car between the two police SUVs. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Seattle police said the crash happened during the recovery of a stolen car and a suspect is in custody. Traffic was snarled when police closed all westbound lanes of South Michigan Street. Danny Brown spoke to KIRO 7 shortly after the collision. He said that the commotion around the Georgetown chase roused him. I was woken up with sirens wailing. Thats not normally my alarm clock, but I heard this real strange revving from an engine and it was being pursued by Seattle police officers at a high rate of speed, said Brown. The suspect, a 34-year-old man, was arrested on assault, DUI and trying to elude police. Crash involving 2 @SeattlePD vehicles & another vehicle @ 800 S Michigan St Georgetown area - details coming @KIRO7Seattle 6:55 AM pic.twitter.com/6QYXb3MXfn Ranji Sinha (@RanjiKIRO7) March 28, 2023 Xi Jinping China started talking about the earliest possible start of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. What prompted it to do that? Here, China thinks more about being beloved, and I will try to explain what I mean. Beijing and Moscow are two countries that believe that their system of government, namely totalitarianism, is the best way to develop society. In this regard, they are twin brothers, they support each other and believe that if the world had just such a socio-political system, then everything would be wonderful. And now China finds itself in a situation where a critical moment is really coming, and this critical moment is connected with the fact that its ideological ally can lose. If they are both together it means that some plans can be thought of, well, maybe not right away, but later. Yes, Russia will change, it will be a little less totalitarian, but it will never be democratic, because thats impossible by definition. That is, there are chances that China, together with this other new future Russia, will keep this niche of totalitarianism under control and try to spread this ideology further around the world. Read also: Zelenskyy expresses interest in dialogue with Xi Jinping, but China yet to extend invitation "Let's start negotiations, let's stop the war on any terms, just to preserve this totalitarian Russia" But the situation is changing, and this one and only real support of China is being defeated. China has been left alone with the rest of the democratic world, and it has very serious problems. It is obvious that under these circumstances, China would very much like the war to stop immediately and go into a freeze, which is what Putin is talking about and what Xi Jinping and all other Chinese leaders are repeating. So, I think that the signal here is not to someone across the border: it is a cry of desperation, it is that China is starting, just like Russia is now, to beg "let's start negotiations, let's stop the war on any terms, just to preserve this totalitarian Russia". At least that's how I read these messages. Story continues Read also: Ukraine calls UNSC meeting, China call still pending, exclusive with Mykolaiv mayor India, in this version of the distribution of the world, we consider as part of the democratic world, because India is a country where there are no obvious signs of a totalitarian government. Yes, India's position in this conflict is difficult. Yes, it wants, like some other countries, to receive dividends from it, primarily economic, and it is already doing so. It does not want to unequivocally take the side of Ukraine as a victim of aggression. But at the same time, this is still not a position of one hundred percent support for Russia, it is a neutral position, which, in my opinion, is unfair to the country that is the victim of aggression. This is a position that undermines international law to a certain extent, but it is not a position of support for the aggressor, and that is not bad either. There is still a chance to continue work here, and it seems to me that the chance is quite large if we combine the efforts of Ukraine, the United States, and civilized countries, and here we can come to some more or less positive solutions. And in the situation with China, such solutions are not yet visible. Read also: China supplied rifles and body armor to Russia in 2022, Politico reports The head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang, believes that the situation in the war has reached a "critical moment". In my opinion, he is speaking about the fact that this moment will mean the loss of the Russian Federation. So, if now the Ukrainian armed forces, having accumulated the appropriate resources of all parameters, from human to technical, go on a counteroffensive and expel the Russian army from the territory of Ukraine, this will mean the military defeat of the Russian Federation, and this is a critical moment for China, because behind this defeat on the battlefield will be the defeat of the Putin regime. So it will either change or collapse. And together with it, the structure that he keeps intact so far, i.e. the Russian Federation, may collapse. So this is a really critical moment for the Chinese, and because of that China wants to freeze the situation and make it as favorable as possible for the Putin regime and thus, to a certain extent, sides with Putin. Although this is only political right now, according to Western intelligence China has not crossed the red line and has not supplied Russia with lethal weapons. I don't think it's about the risks of using nuclear weapons, seeing as the leaders of the five nuclear powers have declared jointly that there can be no winners in a nuclear war and it cannot be started, because it will be the beginning of the end for everyone. I think that the Chinese understand this perfectly, no worse than Putin himself. Therefore, it seems to me that this is not about any additional hints about nuclear weapons. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Almost every morning without fail, Michelle Loglisci goes into her basement to check for water and to scan her cellar walls to determine if the cracking and crumbling of her foundation is getting worse. I can either live my life, pay my bills or replace my foundation; I cant do both, said Loglisci, a Monson resident who discovered the concrete she and her husband used when they built their home more than two decades ago contained pyrrhotite, a naturally occurring mineral that rusts on exposure to air and water. Michelle Loglisci, a Monson homeowner, can't afford to replace her foundation but checks its deterioration daily. Theres nothing I can do, except advocate for help, Loglisci said. She is a member of Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Foundations, a group of homeowners who discovered the same issue in their foundations and are now pushing state legislators to fix the problem. More:Homeowners fear crumbling home foundations may become larger issue in Central Mass. And lawmakers from Central and Western Massachusetts have stepped up. They have filed two bills to address the issue, one that would require all quarries in the state producing aggregate for cement be tested for the presence of pyrrhotite, and a second that would establish a fund to reimburse homeowners for their repair and replacement costs. Conn. legislators establish grant pool to help homeowners If Connecticut can find a way to help homeowners, so can Massachusetts, Loglisci said. So far, 700 foundations have been replaced in Connecticut. To date, the problem with crumbling foundations has been identified in 1,500 to 2,000 Massachusetts homes, all built between 1983 and 2015 in certain areas of the state. The cement mixture that was used in the foundations contained tainted aggregate mined in a Willington, Connecticut, quarry and sold by the J.J. Mottes Concrete Co., according to a Connecticut governmental website detailing the problem. Pyrrhotite is prevalent in the Acadian metamorphic belt in the geological formation known as the Brimfield Schist. That geological formation runs through Connecticut, Massachusetts and into Canada. Pyrrhotite has been described as an innocuous mineral that presents no danger to human health. Story continues Map of where pyrrhotite could be found in Massachusetts Except that when the mineral is exposed to water and air, it expands, forms cracks and turns concrete into powder. And it can cause a structure to collapse. There is no fix, no amount of patching and painting, that can stop the process. The only thing that works is to remove and replace the foundation. Experts say that procedure could cost between $250,000 and $450,000, and with the damage and loss of equity, refinancing a home to remediate it can become next to impossible. It can also make a house impossible to sell. Insurance companies have decreed the issue a material defect, and, as such, do not cover the replacement costs, said Karen Riani, a Holden resident who has replaced her foundation. Emotional toll Speaking Tuesday at a legislative information session hosted by Sens. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, and Rep. Brian Ashe, D-Longmeadow, Riani told those in attendance more than 50 homeowners, realtors and legislators that she spent $280,000 on the project. Sen. Anne Gobi is urging colleagues in the state legislature to address the issue of crumbling foundations in central and western parts of the state and pass two bills that would offer financial help to home who need to replace them. That was 80% of the cost of the house when we purchased it in 2013, Riani said. The whole project took 14 weeks and took an emotional toll on her family. We picked up the stone patio ourselves, took down the back fence ourselves, took down a stone wall ourselves, Riani said, explaining they wanted to save on some costs. They dont warn you about the amount of dirt. The contractor demolished the concrete basement floor, garage floor and walls. The house was lifted and suspended over the hole where the foundation had been. Utilities were taken out. The landscaping suffered. Her lawn was a giant mud pit. This project is not for the faint of heart; it is a terrible stress on the mind, body and spirit, Riani likes to quote from Lisa Burns, a Connecticut homeowner and realtor who suffered through the project. Officers with the Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts attended the hearing. Their concern: They want to sell a dream home, not one that will become a nightmare in the long run. Pyrrhotite an issue in Canada, Conn. The problem came to light almost 20 years ago in Connecticut and in Canada. Homeowners noticed the cracks, crumbling and dust produced by the contaminated concrete and advocated for help. Connecticut created a reimbursement fund granting affected homeowners $190,000 toward foundation replacement costs through a bonding initiative and by tacking $12 onto every homeowner insurance policy. Three of the states largest insurance companies - The Hartford, The Travelers Companies and Liberty Mutual - have kicked in grant funding as well. Holden homeowner Karen Riani explains the process and costs, both emotional and financial, of replacing her crumbling foundation at a legislative information session March 28. Not just individual homes Riani said crumbling foundations is not just a homeowner issue, its a community issue. There are schools, office buildings, municipal buildings in Connecticut that are affected, Riani said. And once Massachusetts homeowners learn their foundations could be tainted, they may seek financial relief through requesting a property tax abatement. That could eventually affect municipal services including road repairs, fire and police services, schools and libraries. This affects the whole community, Loglisci said. It behooves us to address the issue, bring it to an end and not kick the can down the road. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. debates bills to address pyrrhotite in home foundations. TAIPEI (Reuters) - The speaker of the lower chamber of the Czech parliament told Taiwanese lawmakers on Tuesday that her country and Taiwan are bound together by freedom and democracy, pledging to always stand with the island's people. Taiwan has sought to bolster ties with fellow democracies as it faces stepped up pressure from Beijing to accept Chinese sovereignty, and has found a welcoming audience in central and eastern Europe given the shared history of authoritarianism. Addressing Taiwan's parliament, Marketa Pekarova Adamova said Taiwan and the Czech Republic share the same story. "Developing freedom and democracy is our responsibility," she said, speaking in Czech with her remarks translated into Mandarin. "Dear lawmaker colleagues and dear people of Taiwan, I guarantee you we are with you now, we will continue to be with you and under any circumstances we are in the same boat together. Because you are with us, so we are with you," Pekarova Adamova added, to applause. Although the Czech Republic does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Pekarova Adamova is visiting with a delegation of some 150, mostly businesspeople. China has objected to her trip, as it does to most official visits to Taiwan. The democratically elected government in Taipei rejects China's sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Newly elected Czech president Petr Pavel drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing in January after taking a call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, a clear shift from his predecessor's attempts to win Chinese business. Pekarova Adamova's trip to Taiwan follows one by Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil in 2020. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) The founders of the once-lauded Chicago startup Outcome Health lied to clients for years as part of a fraud of staggering scope and ambition, a government prosecutor alleged during closing arguments Tuesday in the federal trial of three former executives. Prosecutors kicked off closing arguments Tuesday morning in the criminal trial against former Outcome CEO Rishi Shah, former President Shradha Agarwal and former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Brad Purdy, who are accused of perpetrating a $1 billion fraud scheme. The closing arguments come after more than eight weeks of testimony and more than five years after the once high-flying company began to unravel. Advertisement Outcome was once one of the most talked about tech companies in Chicago, at one point rising to a reported valuation of more than $5 billion. Outcome placed screens and tablets in doctors offices and waiting rooms that ran educational content and pharmaceutical ads. Federal prosecutors, however, allege that Shah, Agarwal and Purdy lied about how many doctors offices had screens and tablets running their content and then used those exaggerated numbers to overcharge drug companies for advertising and inflate revenue figures used to get loans and raise money from investors. Shah, Agarwal and Purdy now face charges of mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges, some of which carry sentences of up to 30 years in prison. None of the defendants testified during the trial. Advertisement Government prosecutor William Johnston spent the first part of closing arguments Tuesday morning detailing how the trio allegedly hewed closely to a fraud plan that included inflating the numbers of offices where they told drugmakers their ads could play, under-delivering on those promises and then concealing their actions. Johnston focused, in particular, on Outcome founders Shah and Agarwals alleged roles in the scheme, aiming to poke holes in one of the defenses main arguments. Defense attorneys have argued that a fourth former employee, Ashik Desai, was responsible for the fraud, and kept information from Shah, Agarwal and Purdy. Desai has already pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and spent more than two weeks testifying earlier in the trial about his actions and those of the defendants. Johnston, however, spent Tuesday morning describing how Shah and Agarwal were involved in email discussions in 2012 and 2013 about giving pharmaceutical companies lists of offices where their ads could run that included offices with no screens. Those discussions predated Desais start at the company in late 2013, when he was 20 years old, Johnston argued. It was the defendants, not Ashik Desai who started this fraud, Johnston said. In Desai, the defendants found a smart but impressionable worker who would follow their lead and take the fraud to new heights, Johnston alleged. Its true, from 2014 onward, Desai was running the day-to-day of the fraud. He wore many hats and every single one was given to him by Shah and Agarwal, Johnston said. They empowered him to run the fraud. Johnston also took aim at Purdy, highlighting an email between Purdy and Desai in 2013, in which Desai tells Purdy he heavily inflated metrics related to ads running on tablets and asked Purdy to let me know whether we should stay away from that. Purdy responded, four days later, saying they should discuss it further the following week. If Desai were secretly committing fraud on his own, why would he loop in the COO and seek guidance? Johnston asked the jury. Advertisement Johnston also showed the text of a conversation from 2015 between Purdy and a former analyst and whistleblower. During that conversation, Purdy asked the analyst for certain tablet metrics. The analyst then warned Purdy that, Theyre not real, and asked, Are you sure youre comfortable sharing non-real stats? Purdy told him to send them anyway, and said, Well Im comfortable reusing existing SS data for these purposes. Johnston argued that the defendants strategy was to fake it until you make it, and around 2016, they were ready to make it. But professionalizing a company that had flourished through fraud was no easy task. They sought to take their business to the next level through an audit by well-respected firm Deloitte, he said. As part of that audit, all three defendants claimed to have no knowledge of fraud at the company. The company was then able to secure an $89 million loan with a $20 million line of credit. As a result, Agarwal received a $7.5 million dividend and Shah got a $30 million dividend. But the company couldnt easily outrun its past, he alleged. A string of analysts left the company, with several citing ethical concerns in their exit interviews or questionnaires. Before a new executive was to start, Shah and Desai traded voice messages around Christmas 2016 discussing ways to deal with under-delivery of screens for clients and affidavits. When the new executive started and discovered the issues, he confronted Shah. Instead of expressing concern, Shah suggested that the executive didnt fit Outcomes culture, Johnston said. That executive left the role after only a few weeks. Closing arguments are expected to last for another day or two, with defense attorneys taking their turns after government prosecutors. The jury will then deliberate. The jurors have spent eight weeks listening to attorneys and witnesses and looking at communications between company leaders and employees. The government must prove to the jury that the defendants committed fraud beyond a reasonable doubt, and that they did so with the intent to defraud. The defense has argued that Desai alone was responsible for the fraud, corrupting those who worked beneath him and keeping information from the defendants. Theyve argued that jurors must consider the fact that Desai could get a reduced prison sentence for testifying in the trial of Shah, Agarwal and Purdy, as part of an agreement with the government. Advertisement Outcome and its leaders have faced a number of legal actions in recent years, following a 2017 Wall Street Journal article that exposed the alleged fraud at the company. Outcome settled a lawsuit by investors in early 2018, after investors alleged the company misled advertisers and investors about the companys performance. At that point, Shah and Agarwal stepped down from daily operations of the company, and, six months later, resigned from their board positions. In 2019, Outcome, as a company, agreed to pay $70 million to pharmaceutical companies to resolve a federal fraud investigation. As part of the agreement, Outcome admitted that from 2012 to 2017, former executives and employees perpetrated a scheme to defraud its clients most of which were pharmaceutical companies by selling advertising inventory that it did not have, the Justice Department said in a news release. In March 2021, Outcome combined with company PatientPoint to create a new firm called PatientPoint Health Technologies. A suspect was arraigned last week in connection with a deadly social club shooting last summer, as authorities still search for his alleged accomplice. The violent crime stemmed from an exchange of words, according to the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office, and ended with one man dead and another man seriously injured in the parking lot of Mojitos Country Club on July 4, 2022. 29-year-old Ivanildo Cabral succumbed to his injuries that night. 1 man killed, another seriously injured in shooting outside Randolph club Shawn Johnson, 29, of Worcester, was arrested last Wednesday around 8:30 a.m. at a North Main Street dwelling in Webster, officials said. He entered a plea of not guilty to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, armed assault with attempt to murder, mayhem, and carrying a firearm. He was held without bail pending a pre-trial conference in May. 29-year-old Jovani Delossantos of Worcester is facing a slew of charges including murder and mayhem in connection with this crime. Police say he is still at large and are urging the public to remain vigilant. A third accomplice, 28-year-old Bianca Chionchio, was indicted in December, charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly driving Johnson and Delossantos to New York after the shooting and returning home without them. She was freed on $5,000 cash bail after entering a not guilty plea. She is due back in court in June. Anyone with information about Delossantoss whereabouts is asked to call Randolph Police. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Father-of-two Brett Dymond, 38, died of sepsis on Mothers Day. (GoFundMe) A father-of-two died of sepsis on Mothers Day after noticing a spot on his leg a few days earlier. Brett Dymond, 38, from Hillingdon, west London, had his life support switched off on 19 March after suffering three cardiac arrests and brain damage in ICU. His wife Charlene had called non-emergency number 111 when he struggled to walk, felt weak and had hallucinations, family friend Kelly Sims said. She added before this he felt "like he was coming down with something and a spot appeared on his leg which spread with swelling. Read more: Vaccines could be delivered in a puff of air instead of a needle Dymond, who has two sons Tommy, two, and Reiss, 16, had gone to work despite feeling ill but was forced to come home early, Sims added. She said he was advised to go to the hospital to be checked and was admitted for sepsis before succumbing to the illness on Mothers Day. Dymond's sepsis was later verified as being caused by necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating bug) and haemolytic strep A, which infected his blood and caused multi-organ failure. He had been put into an induced coma and on kidney dialysis to help save him, with a doctor describing him as the sickest patient they'd seen in ICU in the last five years. Sims, who set up a GofundMe for the family, wrote: Charlene, Tommy and Reiss have just lost their entire world on Mother's day! Read more: Police seize 17 dogs after animal attack on girl, 6, on residential street in Manchester She added: This was the devastating news that we all feared, that it was the end of the road for Brett, a selfless young man with a pure heart, and a wife and children who needed him. We lost our Son, Father, Husband, Brother, uncle, Cousin and friend on Mother's day! With all of this in mind we would like to raise as much money as possible towards the cost of his funeral, as being so young, there was no plan or insurance in place. This will hopefully take away some of the financial pressures they will now be facing to help make sure the next chapter is the happiest it can be, under the circumstances. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which arises when the bodys response to infection injures its own tissues and organs. Symptoms can include shock, fever or increased breathing and confusion. Editors note: This is the second installment of a 2-part series. Read Part 1 here. The U.S.-Mexico relationship is under strain from fentanyl smuggling, as politicians on both sides of the Rio Grande scramble to respond to a drug trade that now kills more than 70,000 U.S. nationals every year. The synthetic opioid has largely replaced other less-lethal recreational substances on the front burner of regional drug control efforts. The rise of fentanyl has been a boon to cartels like Sinaloa and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), whove found the drug has few drawbacks from a commercial perspective. That threat has rattled a decades-long history of cooperation on anti-drug efforts, a partnership already under strain by rhetoric from the United States during the Trump administration, and by a whiplash shift in internal security policies under Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The problem is that its easy to go back to an era which we had fortunately left in the past and which we seem to be inching back to, which is the U.S. would point at Mexico and say, Mexico is the springboard of all the drugs coming into the United States. And Mexico would conveniently and jingoistically retort, if were the springboard youre the swimming pool,' said Arturo Sarukhan, who served as Mexican ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2013. Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the United States, speaks at Dentons NAFTA 2.0 Summit on October 11, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Dentons) While the half-century drug war has often caused friction between the two neighbors, the fentanyl crisis is deadlier than previous drug flows, both to users in the United States and increasingly in Mexico, and to victims of drug violence south of the Rio Grande. The scuffle over fentanyl also risks upending decades of economic integration that has rendered the United States economically vulnerable if the relationship reaches a breaking point. Its always been an asymmetrical relationship, but theres certainly been moments where it has been much more asymmetrical than what it is today. I think that mistrust is rife again, said Sarukhan. Story continues The springboard and the swimming pool Lopez Obrador, whose style and policies often mimic the centralist, nationalistic presidents of the late 1960s to the early 1980s, has unabashedly adopted a bifurcated message: transactional toward the United States, nationalistic toward his base. Lopez Obrador has twice met with American lawmakers in recent weeks and has openly discussed bilateral efforts to combat transnational crime. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador shows statistics about the decrease in violence in Mexico during a press conference in Mexico City on January 20. (Photo by Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images) They want us to help control the money and the arms, Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) told The Hill, noting that multiple Mexican law enforcement officials were killed as they apprehended Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. [Lopez Obrador] says were getting hammered out here. Because these drug dealers have 50 caliber weapons. They turn them on our soldiers and you have a slaughter. And they said, these weapons that we capture 50 caliber all come from the US, he added. So what they want from us is help, cooperation, make sure that the money stops flowing, and make sure that the weapons stop flowing. Correa was part of a bipartisan delegation that met with Lopez Obrador on Feb. 20. A larger delegation, including eight senators and four representatives, met with the Mexican leader in Mexico City on March 19. In a wide-ranging four-hour conversation and lunch, the U.S. delegation led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) dove into the minutiae of bilateral issues including GMO corn exports, migration, North American economic integration, cartel violence and fentanyl. Over the years, our security cooperation has promoted safety and security in both countries, and as the Mexican people are seeing every day, the Mexican government is unfortunately failing to meet its side of the responsibilities, Cornyn said on the Senate floor last week. Still, Lopez Obrador promised to personally engage China on ways to reduce trans-Pacific shipments of fentanyl precursors, according to Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who were at the meeting. But Mexican officials largely see U.S. enforcement-heavy supply-side strategies as proven losers that also raise violence levels in their home country. This multibillion-dollar criminal business touches the very core of our societies, following the deadly path of chemical precursors coming from Asia, drugs going north transported and distributed within the United States and guns and bulk cash crossing the border to the south, leaving death, corruption and broken families everywhere, wrote Reyna Torres Mendivil, consul general of Mexico in Chicago, in an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune published last week. For many decades, we have faced extremely complex problems surrounding the consumption, trafficking and production of drugs. History has repeatedly demonstrated that a strategy of threats, finger-pointing and hollow narratives created for political purposes never works, added Torres. Meanwhile, some in the GOP have escalated tensions with Mexico, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) saying he would introduce legislation to allow the use of the U.S. military against Mexican cartels. Graham said the bill would label drug cartels as terrorist organizations, telling Fox News it would set the stage to use military force if necessary to protect America from being poisoned by things coming out of Mexico. In an exchange with Graham at a Senate hearing Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Mexican efforts to prosecute cartel heads and bust fentanyl labs, but said he would certainly consider slapping the foreign terrorist organization label on cartels. House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) endorsed the idea and took it a step further, suggesting agreement with plans to bomb Mexico-based labs. I believe we should have a military presence at the very least on the southern border, if not across the border, he said in an interview earlier this month on Fox News. One of the things we learned post-Trump presidency, is that he had ordered a bombing of a couple of fentanyl labs, crystal meth labs, in Mexico, just across the border and for whatever reason the military didnt do it. I think that was a mistake. Weve got to take a firm position against Mexico, he added later. Lopez Obrador, despite his overtures to some U.S. lawmakers, has jumped into the cross-border rhetorical repartee, at one point referring to some members of Congress as interventionist, arrogant wimps. The pipeline keeps flowing As fentanyl raises tensions between the two neighbors, cartels are flooding the zone. According to CBP data, the number of fentanyl seizures has remained more or less stable since the pandemic, but the average size of each bust has more than doubled by weight. That sharp increase points to increased production of the drug in Mexico. Yes, I think Mexican criminal groups have been ramping up their production. There may not be an exact correlation like 40 percent increase in seizures meaning a 40 percent increase in supply but when seizures go up this radically, theres little other explanation, said Adam Isacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America. I believe we should have a military presence at the very least on the southern border, if not across the border. James Comer (R-Ky.), House Oversight Chair And according to the State Department, Mexico was the source of 96 percent of the illicit fentanyl that entered the United States in fiscal 2022. Mexicos near-monopoly on illicit fentanyl exports to the United States began when China adopted some controls on fentanyl-related substances in 2019, according to the State Departments 2022 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. Production of most illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues detected in North America has since shifted to Mexico, although the precursor chemicals required to produce fentanyl still largely originate in the [Peoples Republic of China], reads the report. Still, Mexico does not officially recognize any fentanyl production in the country. National security authorities have no record of fentanyl production in Mexico, rather they identify our country as a traffic zone for that opioid and its precursors, which come mainly from Asia, reads a statement released last week by the countrys foreign ministry. That statement followed a meeting in Washington between Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Mexican Ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma and Mexicos 52 consuls in the United States, convened to respond to GOP calls for military intervention against the cartels. Ebrard told his countrys top diplomats in the United States that they would not allow Mexico to be run over by its northern neighbor, and referenced the hundreds of Mexican soldiers who have died in the war on drugs. But fentanyl smuggling data suggest Mexicos own efforts to tamp down fentanyl production and trafficking are failing. Mexican authorities, including Lopez Obrador, have touted their governments seizure of more than 6,000 kilograms of fentanyl since 2018. Lopez Obrador said earlier this month his administration has impounded fentanyl in a way that no one [else] has done, though CBP impounded more than 6,000 kilograms at the southern border in fiscal 2022 alone. The drug has become a boon to the cartels in part because of its physical and chemical properties. Fentanyl is scentless, can be pressed into pills or different shapes such as luggage or auto lining, and can be transported as a liquid, solid or powder. But the drug is mainly attractive to cartels because it is cheap to produce, yet can be sold at upmarket rates in the U.S. According to an August report by the Wall Street Journal, the precursors to make a kilogram of fentanyl cost around $200, while the raw materials to make the same amount of heroin run around $6,000. Yet the wholesale price of a kilogram of fentanyl in the United States can reach $90,000, nearly as much as the $100,000 price of a kilo of heroin, according to 2019 data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. That huge profit margin means cartels can throw volume at the border accounting for massive government interdictions and remain profitable, more so than with other drugs. The bulk of fentanyl is impounded in ports supervised by CBP from San Diego and Tucson, Ariz. The Arizona ports have seen a sharp increase in the number of fentanyl seizures: So far in fiscal 2023, CBP has impounded nearly three times as much fentanyl there as it did in fiscal 2021. The concentration of smuggling through Arizona and California matches Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intelligence going back years that points to the Sinaloa and CJNG criminal organizations as the major players in the fentanyl trade. The move to Arizona has not gone unnoticed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday traveled to Nogales, Ariz. to announce Operation Blue Lotus, which led to the seizure of 900 pounds of fentanyl in the week between March 13 and March 19, a significant jump from recent weekly averages. This Administration has a multi-pronged strategy to combat the scourge of fentanyl that is devastating communities across the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security works every day to prevent it from coming across our border, said Mayorkas. In the past two years, DHS has seized more fentanyl than the previous five years combined. But we must do more. Updated at 9:37 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Virginia state Del. Danica Roem (D) and Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Joanna McClinton (D) are among those nominated for this years Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award, an honor EMILYs List presents to women serving in local office. The nominees for the annual award from EMILYs List which works to elect Democratic, pro-choice women in office were first shared with The Hill. The organization will formally announce the names on Tuesday, then the public can vote on a winner. Nevada state Rep. Shea Backus (D), California state Rep. Sabrina Cervantes (D), Florida state Rep. and House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D) and Georgia state Rep. Michelle Au (D) were also nominated for the award. Each legislator in our inspiring and diverse set of nominees this year has dedicated their careers in office to protecting our rights to reproductive health care and advocating for bills that will increase opportunities for marginalized communities, ensure inclusivity in their states, and make a measurable impact on the local level for women and working families everywhere, EMILYs List President Laphonza Butler said in a statement. EMILYs List awards the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award annually to an extraordinary woman serving in local or state office who shows the sort of commitment to community, dedication to women and families, and determination and civility that have been the highlights of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords career. Previous recipients include former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, former Boston City Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley (D) and Texas Judge Lina Hidalgo. Roem made history in 2017 when she became the first openly transgender person to win an election and be seated in a state legislature. She formerly worked as a journalist before running for office in 2017. McClinton in February became the first woman to be elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, assuming the role after her predecessor stepped down. She is also just the second Black individual to hold the title. McClinton, first elected in 2015, was previously a public defender. Story continues Backus was first elected to the Nevada Assembly in 2018, becoming the first Native American woman to serve in the Silver States legislature. Cervantes, who has served in the California state Assembly since 2016, holds the title of the first Latina millennial elected to the Golden States assembly. According to EMILYs List, 39 of her bills have been enacted, including ones pertaining to maternal health care access and safeguards for sexual assault victims. Driskell made history last year, becoming the first Black woman to serve as minority leader in the Florida House, and Au is the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the Georgia Senate. This years award marks the first since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last summer, leading to action on abortion on the state level. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we have seen an unprecedented and dangerous increase in states banning and restricting abortion, and it has never been more important for pro-choice champions to raise their voices in state legislatures and stand up against violent rhetoric and attacks on our freedom, Butler wrote in a statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Daniel Dewayne Aikens asserted his innocence in three Monroe and Alexandria bombings before he was sentenced Tuesday, but then switched to referring to himself as "the defendant" when saying he never meant to harm anyone. U.S. District Judge Dee Drell sentenced Aikens to 16 years for the late 2019 and early 2020 bombings that had Alexandria on edge for days as law enforcement tried to track him down. He was convicted by a federal jury on all eight counts he faced three counts of making a destructive device, three counts of possession of a destructive device in violation of the National Firearms Act, one count of using an explosive to commit a federal felony and one count of conveying malicious false information. Daniel Dewayne Aikens was sentenced Tuesday to 16 years in federal prison for three bombings in late 2019 and early 2020 in Monroe and Alexandria, including at the now-closed PayDay Today. The government had asked Drell to sentence Aikens anywhere from almost 26 years, at the minimum, to 29.5 years at the maximum. But Drell said he wouldn't go outside federal sentencing guidelines in sending the former teacher to prison. He asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog if Aikens had been "undercharged" in the case. Bynog said she had researched statutes when deciding what charges to bring, and many didn't fit the circumstances of the three bombings. "I have not stopped being a good citizen," said Aikens as he made a statement before sentencing. He listed some of his achievements, including being a teacher and an officer in the Louisiana National Guard. He also denied he'd ever put his children in danger, but Bynog told Drell that an explosion inside Aikens' home that destroyed his oven and damaged his kitchen took place while his kids were at the house. Kitchen destroyed:ATF agent details 'blast scene' in home during Daniel Aikens' trial for Alexandria bombing She said the evidence and testimony at trial showed "how intent Mr. Aikens was on carrying out his horrible mission." The bombings took a lot of planning, and people's lives were threatened in all three bombings, she said. John Matthew, the victim of the Monroe bombing on Sept. 12, 2019, wasn't in court, but he sent a letter to be entered into the record. Matthew was burned on his face and arms when a rigged pressure cooker exploded in a trash can outside his Cloyd's Beauty School. Story continues He and a student had taken cardboard boxes to the trash. The device exploded seconds after he saw it inside the trash can, he testified. The victim in the Jan. 2, 2020, explosion at the now-closed PayDay Today business on MacArthur Drive in Alexandria testified about how the experience has changed her. She said it's made her paranoid and that she always watches her surroundings. Woman:Man who set off bomb knew my name, address, details about 3 children Since the explosion, she's been diagnosed with and remains under treatment for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, she said. "I don't like to go anywhere now," she said. The woman was the sole employee working at the loan business and answered a call from Aikens, who pretended to be looking for his grandmother's lost keys. As he talked to the woman, a device he'd left outside exploded. Aikens then told her he had set off the bomb and threatened her and her children if she didn't get him $10,000 from a bank. "His whole voice changed the minute the bomb went off," she testified during the trial. The other bombing happened at a convenience store on Jackson Street in Alexandria on Dec. 20, 2019. No one was injured in that incident. Drell sentenced Aikens to six years each on seven of the convictions, all to be served concurrently. But one count, the use of an explosive to commit a federal felony, has a mandatory 10-year sentence that must be served after he's completed serving his six years. Aikens was fined $20,000 and placed on three years supervised probation. Drell said the sentence he issued Tuesday is not intended to run at the same time as any other sentence that might be imposed on him. Aikens faces a second-degree murder charge in Grant Parish in the Dec. 31, 2017, death of Keelien Darquis Lewis, 29. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain said in August 2020 it was the federal investigation into the bombings that provided what they needed to get an arrest warrant for Aikens in connection to Lewis' death. Aikens had become a person of interest in the investigation just days after Lewis' death, he said. Lewis was employed by Aikens through his lawn-care business and was found dead in his Dry Prong home. Lewis' mother, Lakishama Lewis, was in court Tuesday to see Aikens sentenced. The earliest possible trial date in that case might be in October or even some time in 2024, said Grant Parish District Attorney Jay Lemoine. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Daniel Aikens sentenced to 16 year for Alexandria, Monroe bombings Boyloso/Getty Images Nathan Traller's daughter, Nathalie, was diagnosed with cancer in seventh grade. There were no treatment protocols for her cancer, so she fought to be included in a clinical trial. This is Traller's story, as told to Kelly Burch. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nathan Traller. It has been edited for length and clarity. During spring break when she was in seventh grade, my daughter, Nathalie, complained of a headache. I specifically remember saying, "It's not anything serious." But it was. Later that spring, Nathalie went to the doctor for something minor, but the doctor was concerned. They ordered a chest X-ray, which showed a mass near her heart. We were immediately admitted to the children's hospital's cancer floor. There, Nathalie was diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that occurs mostly in young people. The thing about ASPS is that it can grow and spread without making trouble to alert you to it. By the time Nathalie was diagnosed, she had tumors in her brain, lungs, and chest, near her heart. She had stage 4 cancer. After a meeting with her oncologist, Nathalie and I went out to lunch. She said, "Daddy, what did the doctor say we could do?" My heart lurched because there was no treatment protocol for ASPS, which doesn't respond to chemo. It was so hard to digest that there was nothing in the books about treating ASPS you don't expect to hear that in this day in age. I felt I had to find a cure for Nathalie Once doctors told us there was no standard of care for treating ASPS, I felt that the burden of treating Nathalie shifted, in some way, onto my shoulders. My wife and I pored over medical journals. We enrolled Nathalie in a clinical trial, but the drug didn't work for her. Meanwhile, Nathalie was having surgeries to remove tumors that had become painful or dangerous, but there were always more popping up. In my research, I found that some cancers similar to Nathalie's were responding to immunotherapy drugs. There were clinical trials for these treatments, and Nathalie would have been able to enroll in them if only she were 18. Story continues With every roadblock we encountered, I drilled down to the reasoning for it, and it never held up. Doctors had information on safe dosing, and there was no scientific reason to exclude people under 18. In an effort to keep patients safe, the system had inadvertently built barriers for pediatric patients. If you were the youngest, you were the last in line for science's latest innovations. Our family contacted government officials, drug companies, and the press. All we wanted was access to these trials, which were Nathalie's only hope. After 8 months, Nathalie was given access After one surgery to remove a tumor, Nathalie was in the intensive-care unit. But she wanted to walk. The nurses gave their blessing, and our whole family trailed her around the atrium of the hospital. That was always Nathalie's attitude: "What can we do next?" As her parents, we had to keep up. It paid off. After we advocated for eight months, including many polite but firm conversations with drug companies, a representative from the drug manufacturer Genentech reached out. Through the company, Nathalie was given a compassionate-use allowance that would let her get the experimental treatment. Nathalie was thrilled to be the first pediatric ASPS patient to take this drug. And it was promising we could see a tumor on her scalp shrink, and she had minimal side effects. For the first time ever, her cancer was responding to therapy, and we were incredibly grateful to have Nathalie on the drug for about a year. Unfortunately, the cancer had a head start. Nathalie died in 2015. She was 16. I continue to fight for better treatments Even as we endured the absolute horror of losing a child, our family knew our work wasn't done. We continue to advocate for more research on pediatric cancers and access to potentially lifesaving treatments for young patients. After Nathalie took the drug, Genentech started a pediatric clinical trial. The company told me that wouldn't have happened without Nathalie's work. Her tenacity also changed how clinical trials include people under 18. In December, Genentech announced Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug that had helped Nathalie. When a representative from the company called me, I immediately had a flashback to that moment when Nathalie asked me what we could do. Now when other families face an ASPS diagnosis, they'll at least have an answer for their children; there's now a treatment protocol. Nathalie wanted to try everything, right until the end. This approval doesn't bring Nathalie back, but it speaks to who she was. She wanted access to the best science could offer her. Now she's helped ensure that for other kids. Read the original article on Insider (Bloomberg) -- The number of people who are running for president in 2024 is growing slowly. The Republican presidential primary field remains small by historical standards. Most Read from Bloomberg So far, just three Republicans have announced their bids. By this time in the 2020 cycle, there were 16 Democrats running for the chance to face off against then-president Donald Trump. And in 2008, when there was no incumbent, there were already eight Democrats and eight Republicans in the race. This time around, Trump was the first to launch his bid, shortly after the November midterms. That early entry into the race and the strong position of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to run, have given a number of potential contenders pause, said Republican strategists. Ninety-five percent of the oxygen in this race is being taken up by two guys right now, said Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist who has worked on four presidential campaigns. Already one potential contender has bowed out, as former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a longtime Trump antagonist, announced in early March that he wont run for president. Still, there is time. In 2012, Republicans didnt start filing to challenge incumbent Democrat Barack Obama until mid-April. And there are signs that other candidates are eager to get into the 2024 primary, especially as Trumps legal woes grow. Republicans Who Have Announced a 2024 Presidential Bid Donald TrumpFormer presidentAnnounced: Nov. 15, 2022Trump is seeking to become the first former president since Grover Cleveland to be elected to a second, non-consecutive term in office. He faces potential legal problems over his attempts to overturn his 2020 loss in Georgia and mishandling of government records that could complicate his campaign. Story continues Nikki HaleyFormer U.N. AmbassadorAnnounced: Feb. 14, 2023The former governor of South Carolina, Haley served as United Nations ambassador under Trump. She made an indirect attack on the 76-year-old as well as President Joe Biden, who is 80, by calling for mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75. Vivek RamaswamyBiotech executiveAnnounced: Feb. 21, 2023A former biotechnology executive and hedge-fund partner, Ramaswamy is known for his opposition to ESG investing and other woke corporate actions, which he attacked in his book Woke, Inc. In his first run for president, he remains a longshot. Republicans Who Might Challenge Trump Ron DeSantisFlorida governorRecently reelected to a second term, the Florida governor regularly makes national news with his legislative proposals, including one that stripped Walt Disney Co. of some authority over its Orlando theme park after the company criticized a law that limited instruction on sexual orientation in Florida schools. Mike PenceFormer vice presidentEven if he werent considering a primary run against his former boss, the former vice president was already unlikely to rejoin Trump as his running mate for the 2024 campaign, after an angry mob threatening to hang Pence stormed the US Capitol on Jan. 6. Mike PompeoFormer secretary of stateAnother Trump appointee who may run against his old boss, the former CIA director and secretary of state already decided against a 2020 run for the US Senate from his home state of Kansas. But a national book tour for his memoir, Never Give an Inch, is a sign he is considering a presidential run. Tim ScottUS Senator Along with Haley, who first appointed him to the Senate, the South Carolina senator could make things interesting in an early primary state that helped propel Trump to the presidency. His Faith in America listening tour has included a stop in Iowa, another early state. Chris ChristieFormer New Jersey GovernorChristie would be the rare candidate who lost to Trump in 2016 coming back for another round. Despite the fact that he endorsed Trump and advised his campaign after bowing out, the former governor has signaled that he would go after Trump hard in a rematch. Glenn YoungkinVirginia Governor The former Carlyle Group co-CEO had no prior political experience before he was elected governor of Virginia in 2021. Hes made several moves, from meeting with donors to agreeing to a CNN town hall, that indicate he's seriously considering a run. Chris SununuNew Hampshire Governor Hailing from a political dynasty that includes a governor and a US senator, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has said hes definitely thinking about a 2024 run. Unlike other potential contenders, hes taken a more combative approach to Trump. Democrats Challenging Biden Marianne WilliamsonSelf-help authorAnnounced: Feb. 25, 2023A best-selling self-help author who first ran for president in 2020, Williamson is the only candidate to say shell challenge Biden in the Democratic primary. While polls have shown that many Democrats would like to see a different nominee, theres little appetite among the potential challengers for a primary fight. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A fire that killed at least 39 people at an immigration detention center in northern Mexico is the latest in a series of tragedies involving US-bound migrants. Every year many thousands of people fleeing violence and poverty risk deadly accidents, drowning and crime during a long and treacherous journey overland from South or Central America. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 7,600 migrants have died or disappeared in transit in the Americas since 2014. Of those, around 4,400 people perished or went missing on the US-Mexican border crossing route, according to the United Nations agency. In addition to this week's fire tragedy, here are some of the worst disasters involving irregular migrants transiting through the Latin American nation in recent years: - In January 2021, the charred bodies of 16 Guatemalan migrants allegedly massacred by cartel hitmen colluding with corrupt police were found in the northern state of Tamaulipas, along with three dead Mexicans. - On December 9, 2021, 56 mostly Central American migrants were killed and dozens injured when a people smugglers' truck carrying around 160 people overturned in the southern state of Chiapas. - On June 27, 2022, more than 50 migrants died after they were abandoned in a scorching hot tractor-trailer truck in San Antonio, Texas after crossing over to the United States from Mexico. - On February 7, 2023, eight Guatemalans and one Honduran died when the truck they were traveling in fell into a stream in the northern state of Nuevo Leon. Five Mexicans also died. - On February 19, 2023, a bus carrying migrants from South and Central America crashed on a highway between the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Puebla, leaving at least 17 people dead and 15 injured. jg-dr/mlm Russians spread a fake video showing an unknown person in a Ukrainian military uniform allegedly shooting at a civilian car with a woman and a child inside. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Quote: "A video has been posted online recently showing an unknown person in a Ukrainian military uniform allegedly shooting at a civilian car with a woman and a child inside. It is a piece of Russian fake news and a hostile psychological operation. The video was allegedly taken from the woman's dashcam." Details: The Defence Intelligence calls the video a primitive fake one and points to evidence that indicates that it was staged. The videos location is in the occupied territory between Donetsk and Makiivka; One of the sources who shared this video was a profile with a nickname Yury Alekseich Z V; Ukrainian soldiers put solid crosses on their vehicles. The video shows the crosses of the Wehrmacht; Dashcams are [currently ed.] banned in Ukraine, even in the deep rear and the west of Ukraine; The body of the car allegedly driven by the Ukrainian military was made in Russia and has never been delivered to Ukraine; Poor editing. At 01:35, a soldier fires a rifle in the immediate vicinity of the car. But there are no loud sounds of shooting. The car window is open. The conversation was happening through the window. There is no sound of the window closing. When the car is driving back, you can hear the window open again. There was a shot, because the video shows the flying of the shell casings. At that moment, there should have been at least some sound. Another indication of the demonstrable fake nature of the video is the fact that even a number of Russian propagandists, Telegram-channels and opinion leaders criticised it, and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which first posted the video accusing Ukrainians of "Nazism", later removed it. Quote: "The Russians are trying to discredit the Ukrainian Armed Forces further, to show them as cruel and insane, and to create a conflict with representatives of the Muslim community. This time with the Crimean Tatars. From the dialogue between the soldier and the woman who was driving, it can be understood that she supposedly belongs to the Crimean Tatar people. At the same time, the video turned out to be a complete failure and another stupid fake news by Russian propaganda, which in its sick fantasies does not respect any ethical norms or topics." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Most of the components that make up Iranian Shahed drones are made by Western countries, which can be bought on Aliexpress. Source: Video made by Radio Liberty Details: The video suggests that it is possible to shoot down Shahed drones with small arms. The border guard in the video says that he shot down such a drone flying at an altitude of 150 metres. The journalist shows the place where Shakhed-131 and Shakhed-136 were taken after the downing to study what was inside. A representative of Ukrainian Defence Intelligence said that there is usually a warhead of 40-50 kilograms inside the drone. The most valuable part of the drone is the CRPA antenna, which is used to resist electronic warfare. Defence Intelligence said that all components can be purchased on Aliexpress. Quote: "After disassembling Shahed, Ukrainian specialists came to the conclusion that most of the components were made by Western countries. And due to sanctions, these parts were not supposed to get to Iran." Details: Intelligence officers share similar details with Western partners, so that they would limit their imports to Iran due to sanctions. Studying the components of Iranian drones allows the Ukrainian military to look for better ways to counter them. Background: On the night of 27-28 March, an air-raid warning was announced in several of Ukraines oblasts. Russians attacked using combat Shahed-136/131 drones and guided aerial bombs from the north and the southeast (Bryansk Oblast and the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov). According to updated information, air defence shot down 14 out of 15 kamikaze drones and reconnaissance UAVs launched by Russia. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Adnan Syed, center, the man whose legal saga spawned the hit podcast Serial, exits the Cummings Courthouse a free man after a judge overturned his 2000 murder conviction. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun) Marylands second-highest court on Tuesday reinstated the convictions of Adnan Syed, sending the case back to a Baltimore courtroom and prolonging the legal saga made famous by the Serial podcast. In a split decision, the Appellate Court of Maryland ruled the September hearing that wiped away Syeds guilty finding in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee has to be redone because city prosecutors and the presiding judge failed to give Lees brother, Young Lee, adequate notice to be able to attend the proceeding in person. Advertisement Young Lee filed a notice of intent to appeal shortly after Syed walked free, but then-Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby utilized her broad prosecutorial authority to dismiss Syeds charges. Judges Gregory Wells and Kathryn G. Graeff, of the states intermediate appellate court, found that the circumstances of Lees appeal merited the rare step of reinstating Syeds conviction and charges after prosecutors chose to drop them. The judges, however, stopped short of allowing Young Lee to present or challenge evidence at the hearing, as his attorneys requested in an appeal. Advertisement Nonetheless, David Sanford, one of Young Lees attorneys, said he was delighted the appellate court found his clients rights as a crime victim representative were violated. [ A timeline of Adnan Syeds journey through Baltimores criminal justice system ] We are equally pleased that the Appellate Court is directing the lower court to conduct a transparent hearing where the evidence will be presented in open court and the courts decision will be based on evidence for the world to see, Sanford said. Their decision means Syed, who got a job with Georgetown University following his release, abruptly goes from being an exoneree to convicted murderer at least in the eyes of the law. Erica Suter, Syeds attorney, said she planned to appeal the decision to the Maryland Supreme Court, and that she and her client remain optimistic that justice will be done. There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon, Suter said. For the time being, Adnan remains a free man. Tuesdays ruling does not mean Syed will return immediately to prison, with the court ordering a 60-day window before its ruling takes effect. Syed always maintained that he was innocent in the killing of his high school ex-girlfriend. Lee, 18, was strangled to death and buried in a shallow grave in Baltimores Leakin Park. Investigators soon developed the theory that Syed, a popular honors student at Woodlawn High School, couldnt handle it when Lee broke up with him. He was 17 at the time of his arrest. A judge handed down a sentence of life plus 30 years in prison after he was convicted of murder in 2000. Syed was incarcerated approximately 23 years. Advertisement Appeal after appeal failed, but Syeds break came when city prosecutors began reinvestigating his case alongside his defense attorney. Prosecutors said the joint probe revealed alternative suspects who should have been disclosed to Syeds defense attorney decades earlier, meaning he didnt get a fair trial and his convictions should be discarded in the interests of justice. The Maryland Supreme Court is likely to hear Syeds appeal because of the nature of the ruling and the dissent filed in the case, said Steve Klepper, a veteran appellate attorney at Kramon & Graham. The state Supreme Court also could block Syed from having to return to custody if the court agrees to hear his appeal. Mosby said in a statement Tuesday that the courts ruling sets a dangerous precedent over a prosecutors ability to reverse an injustice. We notified the victims family in line with Maryland law and best practices, and they attended virtually and spoke, Mosby said. To now send this case back to court prolongs the pain for the Lee family, and leaves a cloud hanging over a man who deserves to be free, Adnan Syed. David Jaros, faculty director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law, said the courts ruling worried him. This is exactly the kind of case where it would make sense for the courts to not overturn and to put the onus on the legislature to clarify exactly the kind of rights they meant to bestow upon victims, Jaros told The Baltimore Sun. Advertisement Appellate Judge Stuart R. Berger echoed Jaros sentiments in his dissenting opinion. Imposing more specific requirements on victims rights is policy matter suited for the General Assembly or the state judiciarys Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, not the appellate court, Berger wrote. Bergers argument that certain issues are best left up to lawmakers oftentimes wins out in the state Supreme Court, Klepper said. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General represented the state in Young Lees appeal. Though it represents local prosecutors in all criminal appellate cases, the attorney generals office supported Lee. We are pleased that the Court in this case has recognized the victims right to be provided meaningful notice of a vacatur hearing and the right to attend that hearing in person, said Aleithea Warmack, a spokeswoman for the attorney generals office. If Syed chooses not to appeal, or the state Supreme Court hears his case and rules against him, he likely would be back before Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn for a redo of the September 2022 hearing that initially set him free. Advertisement At that hearing, Baltimore prosecutors told the court about the people they considered alternative suspects in Hae Min Lees murder. Last October, Mosby appeared to have set Syed free for good when she dismissed his charges, citing the absence of his DNA on a pair of shoes found in Hae Min Lees car. The appellate judges expressed skepticism about Mosbys reasoning for certifying Syeds innocence in a footnote to their opinion. Ms. Mosby did not explain why the absence of Mr. Syeds DNA would exonerate him, the judges wrote. They cited a case that found, according to the judges, where there was no evidence that the perpetrator came into contact with the tested items, the absence of a defendants DNA would not tend to establish that he was not the perpetrator of th[e] crime. If Syeds case does return to a Baltimore courtroom, it will be handled by a new attorney former prosecutor Becky Feldman has left the office and under the administration of new States Attorney Ivan Bates. Bates took office in January but said while campaigning he believed Syeds conviction was flawed and that Syed should be freed. Advertisement A spokesman for Bates said his office was reviewing the appellate courts decision, but was in a holding pattern until the window for further appeal passes. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday said there will be powerful effects on military readiness if Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) continues to hold up more than 150 Pentagon nominees over an abortion policy in the Defense Department. Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) the U.S. is facing one of the most complex times with foreign adversaries and approving the Pentagons nominees is absolutely critical in terms of the impact on the force. Not approving the recommendations for promotions actually creates a ripple effect in the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be, the defense secretary said. The effects are cumulative and it will affect families, it will affect kids going to schools its a powerful effect and it will impact our readiness. Tuberville followed through with a promise to delay civilian and flag officer nominations in the Pentagon on March 8, protesting a new DOD policy providing leave and reimbursement for servicemembers who need to travel to get an abortion. The GOP senators hold forces the Democrat-controlled Senate to consider and vote on each nomination rather than approving them in batches, dragging out the process. Tuberville, a member of the SASC, has said he will continue to stymie the nominations until the Defense Department rescinds the new policy. On Tuesday, he vowed to prevent the military from becoming politicized, arguing the new Pentagon policy circumvented congressional authority by forcing the government to pay for abortions. This is about not forcing the taxpayers of this country to fund abortion. Thats been a bipartisan consensus for more than 40 years, Tuberville said. The American taxpayer [is] on the hook to pay for travel and time off for elective abortion. The Defense Department allows for abortions in the case of rape or incest or if the health and life of the woman is endangered. In the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade last year, the Pentagon vowed to continue to allow abortions at military treatment facilities, including in more than a dozen states with more restrictive laws. Story continues Protesters for and against abortion demonstrate outside the Supreme Court on June 27 in the aftermath of its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Peter Afriyie) In February, the Defense Department updated its policies to include the reimbursement and leave procedures. Previously, service members would pay out of pocket for travel costs at a civilian hospital. Republicans have blasted the policy, including SASC ranking member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and have questioned the Defense Departments position that not facilitating some abortion access could impact readiness. Conversely, a group of 36 Senate Democrats and two Independent senators sent a letter to the Pentagon on Monday expressing support for the new abortion policy. Austin on Tuesday said nearly 1 in 5 servicemembers of U.S. troops are women who dont get to choose where they are stationed close to 80,000 of them are in states with limited reproductive health care access. The defense chief also said the new policy is based on strong legal ground. Updated at 4:08 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As a growing number of liberal Democrats come out in opposition to a TikTok ban, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus said Tuesday that such a blockade remains a possibility. I dont think anybodys closing any door at this point, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) told reporters in the Capitol. The comments arrive as lawmakers in both parties are intensifying their scrutiny of the enormously popular video-sharing app, citing its ties to Chinas autocratic government. The Energy and Commerce Committee staged a fiery hearing on the topic last week, when TikToks CEO was hammered by Republicans and Democrats alike. And members of both parties are lining up behind efforts to rein in the company, citing concerns about national security, individual privacy and the mental health of users. Some proposals would ban the company from the U.S. outright. After last weeks hearing, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the Energy and Commerce panel, said the scrutiny is necessary because of the threat that TikTok poses to our youth. I think it was the most bipartisan hearing Ive ever been a part of, she said. Amid that barrage, however, a small but growing group of progressives has emerged to defend the company and the right of Americans to access its services. In recent days, prominent members of the liberal squad including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) have all voiced their staunch opposition to a TikTok ban, noting that American-owned social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have all been dogged by concerns about privacy, security and mental health. We should create actual standards and regulations around data harvesting and privacy violations across social media companies like many countries around the world have already done not ban particular platforms we dont like, Omar said Tuesday in a statement. Story continues Aguilar acknowledged the internal disagreements about TikToks fate, but attributed them to natural cultural differences between older lawmakers, like him, who grew up before the internet, and younger members, for whom social media is second nature. This has less to do with ideology and more to do with generation, he said. Thats the environment that they were raised in, and part of the reason why they came to Congress is to engage and to have these discussions. I dont begrudge that at all; I think thats healthy, he continued. We need to also overlay that, when you get here, our ability to govern, our desire to govern, with an eye toward national security, with an eye toward competitiveness, with an eye toward protecting the personal privacy rights of individuals across this country. Asked pointedly if a TikTok ban is still on the table, Aguilar suggested it is. We look forward to the steps ahead, he said, but I dont think any door is closed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Senate Democrats on Tuesday made their most forceful push yet against narratives linking immigration and the fentanyl crisis, slamming Republicans for their attempts to entangle the two issues. Data shows the vast majority of fentanyl enters the U.S. through the cars of American citizens, a fact highlighted repeatedly by Democrats as GOP lawmakers increasingly cast blame at Mexico in the fight against fentanyl. Some are pushing the narrative that asylum seekers are smuggling fentanyl across the border when the facts tell a different story, said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is predominantly U.S. citizens entering illegally at ports of entry who are bringing these dangerous drugs into the United States. So its hard to understand why some have opposed funding for technology like non-intrusive inspection systems to help Customs and Border Protection officers to detect fentanyl in vehicles coming through these ports of entry. The reality is, DHS is working aggressively. Senators on Tuesday signaled a willingness to increase funding for equipment to screen for drugs at border checkpoints amid a steady surge in fentanyl deaths in recent years, a limited point of agreement as the parties remain highly divided over the border. The consensus around better screening comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week credited new equipment as a factor in seizing 900 pounds of fentanyl in a week, a massive haul. More than 90 percent of fentanyl seized by DHS is detected at border checkpoints, while an analysis of sentencing data shows American citizens accounted for 86 percent of convictions for fentanyl trafficking. This problem has risen under Republican presidents, Democratic presidents. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue. This is an American crisis, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said at the hearing, where Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified. Story continues To present this as a problem that is just a Mexico problem, and not discuss the facts that the weapons the cartels are using the majority, according to your testimony are coming from the United States, that the majority of the people we are arresting coming across the border, trafficking, that they are coming through the ports of entry, means that we have to look to solutions that meet the facts of the crisis, Booker said. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he saw the need to boost screening at ports, but he also reiterated prior calls to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a determination that would fall to the State Department, Mayorkas noted. I would like to work with you where I can. You need more money for interdiction. I will work with Senator Durbin to get it to you, Graham said. But he wants the U.S. to take a more aggressive posture towards cartels an issue where the Mexican government has stressed it needs U.S. cooperation to stem the flow of weapons purchased in America and funneled to cartels. What are we going to do about the poisoning of America? So heres what I would say: America is under attack. Our nation is being attacked by foreign powers called drug cartels in Mexico, Graham said during his opening statement. In some cases, however, Republicans pushed back on data about fentanyl at the border which indicates the portion of drugs smuggled between ports of entry is just a trickle compared to what is being driven through in cars. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) repeatedly called DHS statistics about the high percentage of seizures at ports of entry a made up number, alleging that those crossing between ports of entry could be carrying drugs. You have no idea how many of those people were carrying fentanyl or other drugs with them? Do you? Cornyn asked. DHS reports show fentanyl seizures at ports of entry have topped 90 percent each of the last seven years, though it estimates that that it interdicts just a fraction of the drugs smuggled across the border. Republican seized on an exchange with U.S. Border Patrol chief Raul Ortiz who earlier this month in an appearance before House Republicans agreed that the U.S. is not meeting the definition of operational control of the border as defined under the Secure Fence Act of 2006. Under the law, such a standard is only met when not a single person illegally enters the U.S. Mayorkas dismissed the standard in response to a question from Graham. By that definition, no administration has ever had operational control. So the way I define it is maximizing the resources that we have to deliver the most effective results. And we are indeed doing that, he said. Rafeal Bernal contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nearly two dozen House Democrats proposed legislation this week that would prohibit the Department of Defense from discriminating against transgender people who want to serve in the military. The bill from Rep. Sara Jacobs, R-Calif., is aimed at stopping Republicans from reestablishing former President Trumps ban on enlisting anyone with gender dysphoria or who has already undergone gender transitioning. President Biden reversed that decision, and Jacobs and 22 other Democrats in the House are pushing for a new law that would prevent that Trump-era policy from returning. "Anyone willing and able to serve our country should be able to serve authentically," said Jacobs, who is also vice chair of the Congressional Equity Caucus and co-chair of the Transgender Equality Taskforce. SENATE GOP PLOTS CONFRONTATION OF WOKE PENTAGON AS MILITARY READINESS, MORALE PLUMMET "Discrimination of all kinds, especially against the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, prevents our military from recruiting and retaining the best and brightest and weakens military readiness," she said. "As our military faces recruitment and retention challenges, we need to ensure that our policies reflect our militarys values of equality, diversity, and inclusion." In 2017, Trump announced on Twitter that the military would "not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military," because the military must be focused on "decisive and overwhelming victory" and cannot be "burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP WHAT BIDEN'S WOKE MILITARY HAS WROUGHT Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., wants to pass legislaiton that would protect transgender people who want to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. While Biden took down that policy, Republicans have been looking to bring it back. In February, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., proposed legislation to again prohibit anyone with a "history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria from serving the military," with only some limited exceptions. Story continues "Biden has turned our military into a woke social experiment," Rubio said last month. "It is a stupid way to go about protecting our nation. We need to spend more time thinking about how to counter threats like China, Russia, and North Korea and less time thinking about pronouns." SERVICE MEMBERS SOUND ALARM AGAINST EXTREMELY WOKE MILITARY Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio hopes to restore the ban on transgender service and says the military should not be a "woke social experiment." Rubio and Banks noted that the military does not allow people with peanut allergies to serve, and that people who were treated for ADHD must get a waiver to serve, while anyone with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is allowed in. Banks said Bidens move to allow transgender people to serve was "purely political." Under the GOP bill, all transgender people or those with a history of gender dysphoria would be banned from military service unless they have been stable in their biological sex for three years prior to joining. Anyone seeking gender reassignment surgery and those who have already had surgery would be banned. Those already in the military could continue serving if they are stable in their biological sex. The GOP bill would also require the Defense Department to use its Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to use only biological sex as a gender marker and allow no other means of identifying gender other than the sex of the person at birth. A deputy was arrested after an investigator found that hed been sending inappropriate text messages to a girl who was a victim in a sexual cyberharassment case, according to a Florida sheriffs office. The deputy, Charles Cruz, 35, was working as a patrol deputy on Feb. 19 when he responded to a call at the home where the victim lived, according to a news release from the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Deputies were called to the home for a report that someone had thrown an object through a window, the sheriffs office said. Investigators thought that the person accused of sexually harassing the minor online may have thrown the object, according to the sheriffs office. Cruz began to text the girl while investigating the report of the object thrown through the window, the sheriffs office said. The contact became more inappropriate, and he asked the girl if she would meet him in person, according to the sheriffs office. Investigators with the Orange County Sheriffs Office Sex Crimes Unit who were looking into the girls sexual cyberharassment case discovered the text exchanges with Cruz on the girls phone, the release says. A detective posed as the girl and started to text back and forth with Cruz, according to the sheriffs office. Cruz made sexually explicit comments to the person he believed was the minor, the sheriffs office said. Cruzs attorney, Harold Uhrig, told McClatchy News that he did not want to comment on the case while it was still going through court. We have defenses, he told McClatchy News. The case is a long way from over, and until its over, we probably wont have any comment for the press other than that. Authorities arrested Cruz on Feb. 24, and he was charged with soliciting a minor via computer, the sheriffs office said. He was relieved of all law enforcement duties without pay, according to the sheriffs office. These are very serious criminal allegations, and there is no place in the Orange County Sheriffs Office for anyone that would abuse their power to victimize a minor, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said in a statement. To make matters worse, this deputy preyed on a young woman who was already a victim of sexual cyberharassment. As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty. He will never patrol the streets of Orange County again. Story continues Cruz began working with the sheriffs office in August 2021, according to the release. The office will conduct an administrative investigation once his criminal proceedings are complete. Orange County is in central Florida. The county seat is Orlando. Mom finds camera husband hid in bathroom to record children, California cops say 9-year-old girl sexually assaulted in childrens area of library, California cops say Inmate recruited others behind bars to kill her family members, Florida cops say Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is planning to visit Israel next month to discuss relations between the United States and Israel, The Jerusalem Post and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem announced Tuesday. DeSantis is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Faces of Israel event on April 27 in front of about 400 attendees, where he will be visiting with other members of a Florida and Asia delegation, The Jerusalem Post reported. Other speakers at the event include U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides and David Friedman, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel. DeSantis has traveled to Israel before, as he led a trade delegation to the country in 2019. He has previously said that he promised to be the the most pro-Israel Governor in America and has touted Floridas strong relationship with the country. A few months after my inauguration for my first term as Governor of Florida, I traveled to Israel for a state visit with the largest ever trade delegation from the Sunshine State to the Jewish State, DeSantis said in a statement, The Jerusalem Post reported. Since that time, we have strengthened the relationship between Florida and Israel through increased investment by Israeli companies in our state, fighting the scourge of BDS, and being home to the fastest growing Jewish population in the United States, he continued. At a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, Florida serves as a bridge between the American and Israeli people. Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) is a Palestinian-led movement that began in 2005 when Palestinian civil society organizations called for boycotts, divestment and sanctions as a form of nonviolent protest against Israeli authority over Palestine. His visit comes as tensions in Israel are high amid proposed judicial reforms, which would allow the government to overrule Supreme Court decisions and give the executive more power to appoint justices. This proposal, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparked protests across the country, as U.S. officials have voiced their concerns about the ongoing situation in Israel. Netanyahu fired Israels defense minister over the weekend, which also led to more outcry from protesters in the streets. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This Colorado canyon is lined with red rock arches and getting there is half the adventure. Cavan Images/Getty Images When you think of soaring arches carved out of red sandstone, Utah likely comes to mind. But right across the border in Colorado is a lesser-known, yet similarly impressive sight: 35 natural arches tucked in a canyon on a 123,400-acre preserve. These arches, which makeup the worlds second largest concentration of arches, are unknown to most. Known as the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches, the soaring rock formations are set along Rattlesnake Canyon among the colorful cliffs and pinnacles of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches are one of Colorados best-kept secrets for a reason. Unlike Arches National Park, which makes walking under a red rock arch as easy as completing a half-mile hike, the journey to Rattlesnake Canyon takes time and grit. Getty Images The easiest way to see the arches is to drive in and then complete the journey on foot. Those with a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle can drive to the upper trailhead on the Black Ridge Access Road, which is typically open from April 15 to Feb. 15. From the upper trailhead, hikers pass a series of eight arches early in the 6-mile round-trip journey. The journey to the arches is longer and more strenuous for those who visit when the Black Ridge Access Road is closed or those who dont have a car that can get to the upper trailhead. In this case, the journey to Rattlesnake Canyon requires a 16.4-mile round-trip hike on the Pollock Bench Trail, which eventually becomes the Rattlesnake Canyon Arches Trail. Getty Images Either way, visitors who are willing to make the trek are treated to a series of jaw-dropping arches along the upper rim of Rattlesnake Canyon. According to the tourism website for the neighboring town of Grand Junction, Colorado, The Rattlesnake Canyon Arches, formed in a 150-foot-high layer of Entrada sandstone, is scattered along a mile of the canyons upper rim. The smooth, salmon-colored sandstone was deposited more than 175 million years ago in the form of sand dunes on an ancient coastline. As the ancient inland sea disappeared, erosion started sculpting contoured alcoves in the cliff with wind-blown grit, frost wedging, and quick runoff thinning out the alcoves until holes appeared. Trickling water later enlarged the holes, leaving todays magnificent parade of arches. Story continues Alberto Loyo/Getty Images Today, hikers can pass by and in some cases, through the sky-high arches, which are the crown jewel of the unique southwestern Colorado landscape. In addition to seeing several arches, hikers will get views over the canyon, spot rock pinnacles, and enjoy the dry, high-desert landscape thats home to desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mule deer. Meanwhile, turkey vultures, golden eagles, and hawks can often be spotted soaring above the arches. The Pollock Bench Trail is less than 15 minutes from downtown Fruita, Colorado, and less than 30 minutes from Grand Junction, Colorado, by car. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Diane Belfiglio, assistant art professor at Walsh University, died over the weekend. She was a prolific artist who exhibited her works locally and outside of Ohio, including at juried art shows. CANTON Award-winning artist and Walsh University professor Diane Belfiglio is being remembered for her talents, kindness and campus contributions. Belfiglio died suddenly Saturday at age 66. She was a lifelong resident of Plain Township. She was recently recognized by the Ohio Arts Council for her paintings, which have been exhibited locally and across the state, including at current and recent exhibitions. "She was an amazing artist, she was an amazing mother," Belfiglio's sister, Victoria Belfiglio, said Monday. "She worked harder than anybody else I know. She worked so hard and was very successful, both professionally and in the love of her family and her children. And her little granddaughter was the light of her life." Public calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Canton, 2585 Easton St. NE in Plain Township. Belfiglio had been the current president of the congregation, her family said. A private service by invitation only will follow. "Succulent Shadows" is a painting by Walsh University professor and artist Diane Belfiglio. Belfiglio received the 2023 Ohio Arts Individual Excellence Award. Walsh University President Dr. Tim Collins said Belfiglio was a conduit for students to learn about art, which "from the Catholic worldview, is integral in our education because it is universal, transcending time and space, race, age, and politics." Collins said her "commitment to keeping spirits high with our students is legendary," adding that "she taught her students communication skills, creative expression, and how to feel the exhilaration of completing something new, original and beautiful through art. "The state of Ohio, our local community, and Cav Nation has lost a wonderful teacher and person she is gone but will not be forgotten." More:Heart of Stark: Artist receives Excellence Award from Ohio Arts Council More:Five questions with Diane Belfiglio whose artwork is featured at North Canton Library Belfiglio won Ohio Arts Council award A 1974 graduate of Oakwood High School, Belfiglio received her bachelor of fine arts degree in drawing, painting and graphics from Ohio State University in 1978, and a master's degree in painting from Syracuse University in 1980. Story continues After having taught at Syracuse, Kent State University and the University of Akron, she joined Walsh's faculty in 2000, where she received numerous faculty awards. At Walsh, she was assistant art professor and also served as studio coordinator. As adviser for Walsh's art club, Belfiglio designed and directed 15 community art installments on campus and throughout the community, the university said. Her own artwork varied in painting style, including oil pastel on paper, acrylic on canvas and watercolor on paper. Earlier this year, Belfiglio received a 2023 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award in the visual arts two-dimensional category. She was one of 75 Ohio artists and among 33 painters awarded $5,000 each. Belfiglio's submission featured 12 of her watercolor paintings created between 2020 and 2022. She also received the award in 1981. Her paintings are available for viewing and purchase at https://www.belfiglio.com, Victoria Belfiglio said. Diane Belfiglio, right, is shown with fellow staff and administrators at Walsh University, including Walsh President Dr. Tim Collins. Belfiglio, an assistant art professor, also was a longtime artist, exhibiting her paintings at galleries and museums both locally and outside the area. Exhibitions include the Zanesville Museum of Art Belfiglio's paintings were exhibited in numerous shows and at many galleries and museums, including in more than 200 group and solo shows regionally, nationally and internationally. Her work is currently being featured in a solo show at the Zanesville Museum of Art in the Linn Auditorium through Aug. 12. Additionally, her paintings had been accepted into the Ohio Artist Registry 2023 Juried Exhibition, which was on display until last week at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Her works are permanently displayed at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum in Tokyo, Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown and the Canton Museum of Art, Walsh University said. "Artist's Journey," an exhibit of late Stark County artist Diane Belfiglio, was on display at the Little Art Gallery at North Canton Public Library in 2021. During a 2021 interview with The Canton Repository, she explained why she loves art. "When you're a professional artist, it's a calling that you're like born to this, but I did have some seminal moments as a child," Belfiglio said. "When I was 7 years old, my first piece of art was published in Highlights children's magazine I still have the magazine." Recalling being a student in Plain Local Schools, Belfiglio said: "I was just drawing with a regular pencil and couldn't get much dark out, and (an art teacher) put an ebony pencil in my hand, and when I figured what that pencil could do, I was completely hooked. ... And I just kept wanting to draw all the time. I wanted to create all the time, and when I went to declare my major at Ohio State, I declared an art major. "... Making art is somewhat of a meditative experience for me," she said. "So that sense of beauty and calm, I think, comes across in my work." "Artist's Journey," an exhibit of late Stark County artist Diane Belfiglio, was on display at the Little Art Gallery at North Canton Public Library in 2021. 'Diane always saw the flowers.' An outpouring of sadness and fond memories were expressed on social media, including by fellow artists, friends and others in the creative community. The Canton Museum of Art posted a statement on behalf of the staff and board. Calling Belfiglio a "sweet and talented friend, patron and mentor," the museum said she "was an amazing contributor to our education programs and a constant presence through many exhibitions, a treasured part of our collection, a treasure to the Canton/Stark County arts and creative community. "Her bright smile and joyful outlook will be missed by so many. Diane always saw the flowers." Canton-based artist David Sherrill, whose paintings are shipped and sold across the country and internationally, echoed those sentiments. "The world lost a very beautiful person," he posted online. "I have nothing but happy memories of Diane Belfiglio. I'm just heartbroken to hear that bright light has gone out." Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com On Twitter @ebalintREP This article originally appeared on The Repository: Walsh University mourns death of art professor Diane Belfiglio Endangered Missing Person Alerts are issued sparingly to ensure they get urgently needed attention. One issued last week has indeed done that, raising questions about whether a 6-year-old child with serious disabilities slipped through the cracks and, if so, how it happened. According to Everman police, Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez has been missing since November. Though police initial sent out an Amber Alert, which is focused on likely abductions, this case has every bit of the urgency and peril. Child Protective Services has regularly been involved with his mother, how did the agency just realize, based on an anonymous tip received March 20, that he was missing? Should she have lost custody? Were any neighbors or friends aware of or curious about Noels disappearance? Should other social-service agencies or health care providers have raised alarms? The case involves multiple countries, a deported biological father who is in Mexico, a relocated stepfather and remaining family who are either in Turkey or India. Everyone hopes there is a surprisingly simple explanation, but theres no time to lose. The Tarrant County District Attorneys Office should determine immediately if its time to build a case. Noel has serious disabilities including a chronic lung disease that requires medical treatment and occasional oxygen treatment. While some family members said theyd seen the boy recently, Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said those claims were disproved, though he added that almost all of them have been highly cooperative with police. After the CPS tip, police said, Noels mother Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, told them the 6-year-old was in Mexico with his father. When Texas CPS spoke to Noels biological father, they realized his mother had lied, because the father is confirmed to have been deported before his son was born. Police also learned that Noels four siblings have been absent from school and their mother had asked Everman ISD about unenrolling them. Noel was not enrolled in school, but should that have raised red flags? So far, Rodriguez-Singh hasnt cooperated with police. Story continues In addition to the CPS inquiries, Rodriguez-Singh and she also had an extensive criminal history involving alcohol-related offenses. Wed really like to talk to Mom, Spencer said Monday. So far, theres no physical evidence that Noel has been harmed or taken anywhere. But that seems of little comfort. What I do know is that a 6-year-old, severely disabled boy cannot be accounted for and is missing, the mother has not been willing to cooperate with investigators to help us simply assure the child is safe, and we desperately need the publics help, Spencer said Sunday. Of all the issued in 2021, the majority of kids were found to have been taken by family members, not strangers, and because of custody issues. Just one was due to human smuggling and four were due to criminal activity. We hope, for Noels sake, that his disappearance is due to family issues gone awry, not malice. We hope he is found soon. Whatever happens, the public needs thorough investigation and answers to whether government failed a child so badly in need of protection. Alex Cochran, Deseret News Editors note: This commentary is part of an ongoing Deseret News series exploring ideas at the intersection of faith and thought. This month marked an obscure but notable anniversary. On March 16, 1849, American author Herman Melville first published Mardi, his third book and first proper novel. With its circuitous plot and numerous philosophical rabbit holes, it was largely met with shrugs of puzzlement and the novel is not often read today. In fact, Mardi is probably most recognized simply for its role as precursor to Moby-Dick considered by many to be the greatest American novel (if not the greatest novel of all time). However, Mardi is also notable in that it was heavily influenced by another American volume published in the 1800s namely, the Book of Mormon. This will come as no surprise to those familiar with Melville. The son of a library owner, Melville was a voracious reader. His interests were vast, although no topic occupied his mind more than that of the metaphysical. Throughout his life, Melville grappled with questions of faith, doubt and God. The authors inner conflict is summed up in a line from Mardi: I am dumb with doubt; yet, tis not doubt, but worse: I doubt my doubt. Both a skeptic and a true believer all at once, Melville agonized over how to find truth and how to know the true nature of God, all amid the seeming corruption of modern Christianity. Joseph Smith Jr., a man who similarly sought truth and a path to God, would have undoubtedly found a fitting companion in Melville. Although no proof exists the two ever met, their lives overlapped for nearly 25 years. And the available evidence suggests that Melville was familiar with Smith, the Book of Mormon and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Related Smith and Melville both grew up in upstate New York. Smith was born in 1805 and Melville in 1819. Although their respective hometowns of Palmyra and Albany are about 200 miles apart, they were connected by the Erie Canal. Gossip about Smith and his activities in Palmyra would have naturally traveled up and down the canal. Story continues Smith never got the chance to read Melvilles work in his life, however. He was killed by an angry mob in the summer of 1844, two years before the publication of Typee, Melvilles first book. It was during the spring of 1830, when Smith was 24 and Melville was just 10, that the Book of Mormon was published. After 5,000 copies of the first edition were printed, they were disseminated by Latter-day Saint missionaries throughout the eastern United States. In 1832, when Melville was 13, missionaries came to his hometown of Albany, where they distributed copies of the Book of Mormon. Along with Smiths claims to have miraculously translated an ancient text came the declaration that Jesus Christ had appeared to him personally. Referencing that conversation, Smith carried an equally bold message that all modern Christian sects were now corrupt in one way or another, and that many of the plain and precious truths of Christs gospel had been lost. The Book of Mormon was said to help remedy these losses. Melville, never one to shy away from the heretical or from calling out fellow Christians on hypocrisy, would undoubtedly have been intrigued by Smith. His novels reveal a man who would not have been as appalled by Smiths assertions as the more pious of his generation. In fact, they most likely thrilled him. The Book of Mormons astonishing origin story alone would have been enough to attract Melville; its claim to be uncorrupted Christian scripture from an ancient civilization would have made it all the more enticing. Its worth remembering the words of historian Nathan Hatch, who described the Book of Mormon as a document of profound social protest, an impassioned manifesto by a hostile outsider against the smug complacency of those in power and the reality of social distinctions based on wealth, class, and education. This is precisely the kind of book Melville would have loved to get his hands on. And in fact, Melville makes various references to Joseph Smith and his followers throughout his body of work. The prophet Joseph Smith is mentioned by name in one of Melvilles poems, The New Ancient of Days. And the Book of Mormon itself makes an appearance in Melvilles 1852 novel, Pierre, when it is lent by one character to another. Other references to Mormon pilgrims pop up here and there. But the influence of the Book of Mormon is most apparent in Melvilles first novel Mardi, where he borrows themes and even whole characters from it. For instance, it is in Mardi where we encounter Alma the prophet, leader of a proto-Christian sect of Indigenous peoples whose teachings are referred to extensively. Mardi and the Book of Mormon both begin their respective narratives with sacred sea voyages and the abandonment of civilization. Both feature truth-seekers on quests to escape the normal and discover more pure and real versions of religion and life. Similarly to the Book of Mormon, Mardi reaches its climax as the protagonist witnesses tremendous volcanic upheavals and earthquakes that destroy an entire island. These scenes are immediately followed by the witnessing of an Indigenous Christian utopia. One cannot help but think of a similar narrative arc present in 3rd Nephi. Melville wrote to a friend in 1849 encouraging him to accept his new text into his library: If Mardi be admitted to your shelves, you may ... find some contentment in the thought, that it has afforded refuge to a work, which almost everywhere else has been driven forth like a wild, mystic Mormon into shelterless exile. Although cryptic, this statement suggests Melville understood the Latter-day Saints and their struggles. Clearly, the Book of Mormon was on this young authors mind. The following year, Melville wrote, I love all men who dive the whole corps of thought-divers, that have been diving & coming up again with blood-shot eyes since the world began. Joseph Smith, speaking of himself in 1842, stated: Deep water is what I am wont to swim in. Melville seemed to have respect for Smith as a thought-diver, and viewed him through a much more forgiving lens than his 19th century peers. Both men endured heavy persecution for speaking against the religious institutions of their day. Critics of both men accused them of blasphemy and irreverence. Melville shared with Smith the frustration of being accused of being a fraud by cynics. Melvilles first two books, Typee and Omoo, were personal memoirs of his adventures at sea. They recount the true story of his experiences being captured by (and escaping from) a tribe of Polynesian cannibals. When Melville first attempted to sell the manuscript for Typee, publishers rejected it. They stated that his story could not possibly be true and was therefore without value. Skeptics and doubters of his memoirs irritated Melville to no end. Even later in his life, he always maintained their veracity. In a similar vein, the controversy surrounding the origins of the Book of Mormon were no secret to Melville. The facts of the life of Joseph Smith his groundbreaking teachings, his history of victimization and ostracization, and finally his death at the hands of an angry mob are what propelled him to heroic outsider status in Melvilles mind. Although Melvilles fascination is nowhere more apparent than Mardi, connections can also be found in Melvilles most towering achievement, Moby Dick. Echoes and allusions of a search for God in the books central metaphor have received astute attention over the years. On closer attention, that same wild, mystic reference that shows up in Mardi in reference to the Latter-day Saint people, reappears in the titular chapter of Moby Dick, chapter 41. The narrator Ishmael, echoing Nephis opening lines, states: I, Ishmael, was one of the crew; my shouts had gone up with the rest. A wild, mystical, sympathetical feeling was in me; Ahabs quenchless feud seemed mine. Throughout his work, Melvilles intimations and descriptors of the Saints were linked to sympathy for others in their apparently unattainable pursuits. Like the Book of Mormons own Ishmael accepting Lehis seemingly impossible quest to join him in the wilderness, Ishmael of Moby Dick cannot help but feel sympathy for Captain Ahabs. In one of the most beautiful passages of Moby Dick, Melville muses: Would to God these blessed calms would last. But the mingled, mingling threads of life are woven by warp and woof: calms crossed by storms, a storm for every calm. There is no steady unretracing progress in this life; we do not advance through fixed gradations, and at the last one pause. But once gone through, we trace the round again; and are infants, boys, and men, and Ifs eternally. This eternal round invoked has no mention in the King James Bible. It is, however, mentioned in the opening chapters of the Book of Mormon: For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. That Americas greatest novelist found inspiration in Joseph Smith is apt. Both were men who abandoned the sinking ships of society to chart their own courses through the storm. Giordano J. Lahaderne is an English teacher and author. His latest novel is The Mambo Wizard. Recognition of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides Gains Momentum in Australia Professor Dr Melanie O'Brien (front left), with youth representatives of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities advocating for the recognition of the three indigenous Christian genocides carried out by the Ottoman and Republican Turkish authorities at the turn of the 20th Century. Momentum is building for Australian parliamentary recognition of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides ahead of the annual commemorations of the three catastrophes. Associate Professor Dr Melanie O'Brien, president of International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) participated in the Joint Justice Initiative (JJI) Advocacy Week held at the Commonwealth Parliament. The commemorations of the three genocides serve as a reminder of the mass atrocities committed against indigenous Hellenic, Assyrian and Armenian communities by the Ottoman and Republican Turkish authorities in the early 20th Century. Approximately 1.5 million Armenians, 750,000 Assyrians, and 350,000 to 500,000 Greeks (including Pontic Greeks) were killed during the genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire between 1914 and 1923. Dr O'Brien, a global historical authority on genocide studies spoke to parliamentarians about the atrocities. "We are delighted Dr O'Brien was our inaugural guest for the JJI Advocacy Week this year," said Michael Kolokossian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU). Dr O'Brien talked to parliamentarians about her book From Discrimination to Death: Genocide Process Through a Human Rights Lens. Dr O'Brien has worked closely with Australian Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek organisations and was a keynote speaker at the 2018 National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, including the commemoration for the centenary of the holocaust of Smyrna in Sydney, in September 2022. "Being part of this Joint Justice Initiative delegation is an important way that I can represent the International Association of Genocide Scholars." "Our members conduct scholarly work with the goal of preventing and punishing genocide and aim for our work to influence policy and lawmakers," said Dr O'Brien. "It is crucial that Australia recognise the genocide of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic populations of the Ottoman Empire by the Ottoman and Republican governments." "It is important to acknowledge the reality of the crimes committed against the victims, survivors and their descendants -- some of whom are Australian citizens -- and to contribute to the prevention of future genocides." O'Brien said. Peter Stefanidis the president of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia said that a key factor in the success of JJI's Advocacy Week was the involvement of youth leaders. "Combining our resources on the key issue of genocide recognition continues to expand as the Hellenic, Armenian and Assyrian communities of Australia together develop the leadership skills of the next generation." The inaugural JJI Advocacy Week was held before Armenian Australians commemorate the 108th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and as Azerbaijan's blockade of the Republic of Artsakh nears 100 days. Formed in March 2020, the JJI is a joint advocacy effort aimed at achieving parliamentary recognition of the genocides of the Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes from Australian Commonwealth, state and territory parliaments. The four defendants charged in the ComEd bribery scheme are, from left, consultant Jay Doherty, lobbyist and former ComEd executive John Hooker, retired lobbyist Michael McClain and former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore. (Chicago Tribune photos) Shortly after being confronted by FBI agents in 2019 and deciding to cooperate in an ongoing bribery probe, then-ComEd Senior Vice President Fidel Marquez secretly videotaped a lunch meeting in Springfield with one of House Speaker Michael Madigans most trusted confidants. The FBI had instructed Marquez to ask Madigans associate, Michael McClain, what he should tell ComEds new CEO about their scheme to funnel payments to a roster of Madigan-approved allies through a consulting company owned by Jay Doherty, a longtime ComEd contract lobbyist. Advertisement Marquezs hidden recorder was rolling as McClain munched on pizza at Saputos, a popular restaurant in Springfield frequented by the political crowd including Madigan himself. The contract with Doherty is under the CEOs budget, Marquez said on the video recording, as McClain paused to wipe his hands and sip a diet soda. I never had to touch it. Now somebody needs to talk to Joe (Dominguez) about it. ... I dont know what they do. I dont know if I can tell Joe what they do. Advertisement Fidel Marquezs hidden recorder captured a conversation with Madigans associate Michael McClain at Saputos in Springfield, Illinois. (U.S. Attorney's Office) (Chicago Tribune Handout) McClain explained that the payments were going to former Chicago aldermen and precinct captains. Its a favor, he said. And if the IRS ever asked questions about their work, Dohertys got to prove it, not them, McClain added. Marquez agreed. However, he said he didnt know how Dominguez, a former federal prosecutor from New Jersey whod taken over as ComEds top executive, would react. Right. I dont either, McClain replied. And he could just as easily require something in writing, but I would say to you: Dont put anything in writing. The recording was among a series of pivotal conversations played for the jury Tuesday in the ComEd Four trial, where four Madigan associates, including McClain, are accused of conspiring to bribe the then-powerful speaker in order to win his influence over ComEd legislation in Springfield. [ ComEd Four bribery trial: What you need to know ] The videos, along with dozens of recorded telephone conversations and internal emails, have taken jurors to the heart of the conspiracy allegations, and have also painted a stark portrait of power politics as it was played under Madigans Democratic regime, with a stream of jobs and benefits flowing from ComEd to people connected to the speakers operation. In addition to the nearly $1.3 million paid to Dohertys subcontractors, Marquez testified Tuesday about related schemes to get former McPier boss Juan Ochoa appointed to ComEds board even though he was held in very low regard by many in the Hispanic community, and to hire a slew of summer interns sent from Madigans 13th Ward, including kids whose grades were well below the companys standards. Former ComEd Senior Vice President Fidel Marquez in 2012. (Warren Skalski/ for the Chicago Tribune) Other potentially damaging videos played in court Tuesday included a conversation where Doherty acknowledged to Marquez that the Madigan guys hed been paying as subcontractors did nothing for him on a day-to-day basis but keep their mouth shut. And weeks later, Marquez recorded a meeting at ComEds offices where he, McClain and longtime ComEd lobbyist John Hooker explained to Dominguez that the Madigan subcontracts were merely a different version of the states old-style political patronage system, which started with the utility hiring meter readers from Madigans ward decades ago. Advertisement So, thats just what weve, weve always done for, good lord, over 20 years now, McClain said. Because we cant really do meter readers, we dont have em any more. McClain, Doherty, Pramaggiore and Hooker are all indicted on charges of bribery conspiracy in the case, which is now in its third week. Madigan and McClain, meanwhile, are facing separate racketeering charges alleging an array of corrupt schemes, including the bribery plot by ComEd. Fidel Marquezs hidden recorder captured a conversation with Michael McClain, John Hooker and Joe Dominguez on March 5, 2019 at ComEd offices. (U.S. Attorney's Office) The defense has argued that what prosecutors say was bribery was actually nothing more than honest, legal political lobbying, and that there was no evidence Madigan did anything to directly help ComEd in exchange for benefits that flowed to his cronies. Attorneys for the defendants, who will get the chance to cross-examine Marquez beginning on Wednesday, have sought to paint him as an opportunist who cooperated with the government to save his own skin. Theyve also pointed out that Marquez was being coached by investigators on what to say in the conversations he recorded. Advertisement [ Feds star witness takes stand in ComEd Four trial, testifying utility worked to gain leverage with Michael Madigan ] Marquez began his testimony Monday by telling the jury about being confronted by the FBI in January 2019. After FBI agents played some of the wiretapped recordings he was captured on, he decided to cooperate and make secret recordings of his colleagues. He ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of bribery conspiracy and faces up to five years in prison, but if he testifies truthfully, prosecutors will recommend no jail time, he said. Defendant Michael McClain, center, exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for the day during the ongoing ComEd Four trial on March 28, 2023. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) At the outset of his testimony Tuesday, Marquez was asked why he agreed to cooperate. After hearing those wiretap recordings, um, I uh, uh, with all these hires and requests, it was something, I understood why were were doing it, Marquez said. I didnt like it. ... But I was concerned. Were you scared? Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu asked. Yes, Marquez testified. Advertisement Another video played Tuesday morning showed a meeting at Marquezs ComEd office on Feb. 13, 2019, where Doherty explained the origins of the scheme to slip the cadre of Madigan-backed subcontractors onto his own lobbying contract with ComEd. On the video, Doherty said his contract with ComEd goes all the way back to Frank (Clark), the former CEO. I started working for Commonwealth Edison, thank you Lord, in 1985, Doherty said, pausing to look skyward. Then Doherty levels with Marquez, saying, This is just you and me talking. I dont even know who else knows this. He then told Marquez a story about getting a call one day years ago from Hooker, who said he had a subcontractor, former Ald. Frank Olivo from Madigans 13th Ward, who needed to be paid through Dohertys firm. 'Jay, Ive got a sub for you, Doherty recalled Hooker said. Were gonna pay him every month and you just pay him. As he spoke, Doherty silently held up four fingers, which Marquez said indicated Olivo was paid $4,000 a month. ComEd lobbyist Jay Doherty on a 2019 undercover video allegedly used his fingers to illustrate how he was told to pay former Ald. Frank Olivo, an ally of House Speaker Michael Madigan, $4,000 a month as a subcontractor. (U.S. Attorney's Office) From there, Doherty ticked off other subcontracts with Ed Moody, a former Cook County Recorder of Deeds and longtime 13th Ward precinct captain; Ray Nice, another 13th Ward precinct captain; and retiring 23rd Ward Ald. Mike Zalweski, a longtime Madigan ally. Advertisement Over the years, Dohertys contract with ComEd ballooned to $400,000 a year, with much of it going to pay Madigan political friends, according to trial testimony. Doherty joked on the video that the extra cash running through his firm made it look like I make a gillion dollars. As he had with McClain, Marquez asked Doherty for details about what work the subcontractors did, under the guise that Dominquez would be inquiring since the funds had come from Pramaggiores budget. What do you have them doing? Marquez asked. Well, not much, to answer the question, Doherty said. ... They keep their mouth shut, and you know. But do they do anything for me on a day-to-day basis? No. Also on video, Doherty said ComEds money comes from Springfield and that the contract should not be tinkered with. He said he has every reason to believe that McClain talks directly with Madigan about it. Advertisement My bottom-line advice would be, If it aint broke, dont fix it with those guys, Doherty said. Defendant Jay Doherty exits the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for the day during the ongoing ComEd Four trial on March 28, 2023. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Three weeks later, Marquez video recorded another meeting, this time with him, Hooker, McClain and Dominguez, where they informed Dominguez about the arrangement. McClain explained the system of subcontractors evolved over the years as Madigan and other politicians no longer had opportunities to recommend political friends to ComEd through a sort of old-school patronage operation because basic jobs, such as for meter readers, were no longer needed. McClain said it wasnt just Madigan who asked the company to find jobs. McClain also explained that former Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, had recommended that ComEd hire former suburban GOP Sen. Tom Walsh as a lobbyist and he was added to the company lineup in Springfield. Thats what we do, right? McClain said. McClain then ticked off the reasons they were on the payroll. Advertisement So what we have is ... Zalewski. Used to be an alderman and his son is chairman of the revenue committee, McClain told Dominguez on the video. Um, Ray Nice, whos a top three precinct committeeman. ... Theyre all, theyre all good, solid people. Dominguez eventually approved keeping the subcontractors on Dohertys contract, equating their deal to a lobbying team that doesnt work full speed all year but then can make things happen at a magic moment that makes keeping them on board all worth it. Jurors also listened to a recorded call between Marquez and Pramaggiore from Feb. 16, 2019, that contained candid conversation after she left ComEd to become CEO of Exelon Utilities, including how she wanted Marquez to avoid seeing the subcontractor issue blow up while ComEd still had legislation pending in Springfield. We do not want to get caught up in a, you know, disruptive battle where, you know, somebody gets their nose out of joint ... and then we get forced to give em a five-year contract because were in the middle of needing to get something done in Springfield, she said. When asked who Pramaggiore was worried about getting their nose out of joint, Marquez said: Michael Madigan. Also concerned about company dynamics, Pramaggiore worried that Dominguez is going to do a victory lap and have another thing on her, viewing her business rival as a very insecure person. Advertisement Listen to the audio: Prosecutors also played a secretly recorded video Marquez made of him at lunch with Hooker at the Union League Club in late January 2019. It appeared as though the camera was hidden in Marquezs shirt because the top of Hookers head and eye glasses were often the only thing visible. At times, the camera pointed toward the ceiling. (Dohertys) got three subs with him right now. You know they come and go. I gotta think how to sit down with Joe and explain that, Marquez says on the recording with Hooker. I totally expect him to push back. Marquez testified that over the course of eight years, ComEd paid Dohertys subcontractors hundreds of thousands of dollars, even though they had no particular expertise and ultimately did virtually no work for the utility. Some seemed to be downright incompetent, Marquez said. I know that they were brought on as a favor to Michael Madigan, Marquez testified Tuesday. For Madigan to see ComEd positively. So that he could perhaps be helpful for our legislative agenda in Springfield. Marquez returned to talking about how putting Ochoa on ComEds board was another example of trying to please Madigan, saying Pramaggiore first called in 2018 when McClain requested considering him for one of our open positions on the board. Advertisement Marquez said he, Dominguez, and Ochoa met for a get-to-know-you dinner at III Forks restaurant in Chicago in September 2018. The dinner was arranged by Pramaggiore, who by then was at Exelon, Marquez said. Once word got out that Ochoa was getting lined up for the $78,000-a-year board job, however, Marquez said reaction was very negative. Juan Ochoa, especially within the Latino committee at large, wasnt well liked and well respected ... the opinions stemmed from that, Marquez said. Marquez also testified extensively about an alleged scheme by Madigan, through McClain, to repeatedly and aggressively push to place students in ComEds summer internship program who had previously worked in the 13th Ward headquarters doing jobs like shoveling snow and took on other menial tasks. Marquez said ComEd typically hired 100 to 150 interns each year, mostly university students studying math, science, or engineering and set minimum grade point averages to qualify. Marquez described how Madigan had his own internship pipeline, and McClain worked hard to get 10 or more internships set aside for the 13th Ward as a favor to Madigan. Because we wanted to stay in a favorable light with Michael Madigan, a favorable light for our legislative agenda, Marquez said. Advertisement Marquez testified occasionally one of the 13th Ward candidates didnt meet GPA requirements but Marquez would waive them. One of the interns Madigan sent had a GPA of 1.1, according to emails shown to the jury. Hearing she didnt make the cut, McClain, who hadnt been notified of the students grades, wrote, Boy, we are playing harder than we have in the past. When Marquez told him about the low GPA, McClain wrote back, Holy Mackerel. Even mine were higher than that number!!!!!!!!! Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Prosecutors also presented evidence mostly in emails that showed how the McClain-Madigan-ComEd job train included hiring a disbarred lawyer to seeking jobs for the sons of Tom Donovan, once Richard J. Daleys top aide, who later ran the Chicago Board of Trade. Other requests illustrated the closeness of the McClain and Madigans family as well as the pettiness of some of the requests made to Marquez. In one instance in 2012, Madigans daughter, Nicole, even emailed McClain about a power outage. F.Y.I. Dad asks that I send this email to you. Tiffanys power went out, she wrote. Advertisement McClain forwarded the email to Marquez. Later that day, he emailed Nicole back with good news: Power is back on. Fidel Marquez dropped and did... Enjoy. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com rlong@chicagotribune.com Donald Trump in Waco, TX Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images When former President Donald Trump took the stage in Waco, Texas, on Saturday for his first major campaign rally of the 2024 election cycle, he preceded his remarks by standing solemnly as the PA system blared "Justice For All." That is, his iTunes-topping recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance interspersed with the Star Spangled Banner recorded with an assist from the "J6 Choir" of accused participants in the Capitol riot currently housed in a Washington D.C. correctional facility. That Trump would direct such reverence to those particular supporters is hardly new; he has spent much of his post-presidency championing their and ultimately, his own cause. But to many observers, Saturday's rally, held in a city infamous for the government's disastrous 1993 raid on a Branch Davidian compound that killed more than 70 members of the apocalyptic religious sect, was more than just Trump's typical post-electoral grievance airing. Rather, by ahistorically invoking the virtue of the Jan. 6 attack at the site of what's since become a shibboleth for right-wing, anti-government sympathizers, some worry Trump has embraced an even more dangerous strain of far-right extremism than ever before. A 'train whistle' Calling Waco "hugely symbolic" for the far right, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism cofounder Heidi Beirich pointed out the city's significance for multiple strains of extremisms, including anti-government groups and Christian nationalism, telling USA Today that Trump is "trying to tap into" that sentiment. He's doing so by presenting himself as "being unjustly accused, like the Branch Davidians were unjustly accused and the deep state is out to get them all." Citing the timing of Trump's rally to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Branch Davidian siege, Southern Poverty Law Center Data Analytics Deputy Director Megan Squire told the publication she couldn't "fathom what that's about other than just a complete dog whistle actually forget dog whistle, that is just a train whistle to the folks who still remember that event and are still mad about it." Story continues The Waco rally came after days of heightened rhetoric from Trump on his Truth Social platform, journalist Mike Giglio pointed out in The Intercept, after the ex-president warned of "death and destruction" and other increasingly apocalyptic predictions should he be indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The cumulative effect, Giglio explained, is that "these statements channel the same anxieties that Waco has long stirred about the existential danger of a federal government controlled by Democrats." "In the case of Waco, it is not just a provocation but a signal, likely to be read by those who have used force on Trump's behalf as an invitation," CNN's Nicole Hemmer wrote ahead of this weekend's rally. "For Trump, whose first term ended with an assault on the U.S. Capitol, the choice to rally in Waco sends a clear message that will energize proponents of far-right extremism among his base." "His choice of Waco on the anniversary of the Branch Davidian standoff was to embrace the right-wing extremists who gave him the violent protests he craves," anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project asserted. "His followers got the message, loud and clear." The Los Angeles Times also made explicit the connection between Trump's recent pivot even further right with the events of Jan. 6, writing that "some of his recent rhetoric, including at the rally, has echoed language he used before the 2021 Capitol insurrection by a mob of his supporters seeking to stop the transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden, who won the presidential election." PBS News similarly linked Trump's ongoing attacks on DA Bragg with "a powdery substance [...] found with a threatening letter in a mailroom at Bragg's offices" the day before the rally. The substance was later determined to be nontoxic. 'He should be running from that' Even some of Trump's onetime reliable allies at Fox News seemed alarmed by the former president's new wholehearted embrace of the Jan. 6 attack, with Fox & Friends cohost Brian Kilmeade calling the rally's use of the J6 Choir "insane." "He should be running from that, period," Kilmeade suggested. "I don't care his point of view, that is not a good thing for him. I thought that was absolutely awful. Even though he is winning in the polls, that will not help." Not that Trump may have much of a choice. As conservative commentator David French wrote in The New York Times after the Texas event: "if you think for a moment that there's any Trumpworld regret over the Jan. 6 insurrection, the rally provided a decisive response." But, French noted, that rebuttal may be less a conscious decision than one of sheer momentum. "There may have been a time when Trump truly commanded his movement," French wrote. "That time is past. His movement now commands him. Fed by conspiracies, it is hungry for confrontation, and rallies like Waco demonstrate its dominance." You may also like How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday 'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad ALAUSI, Ecuador (Reuters) -The official death toll from a landslide in Ecuador rose to 11 on Tuesday evening as families and rescue groups worked to find dozens of people still missing after large amounts of earth smothered buildings and a stadium in the small city of Alausi. Using spades, relatives dug through the dirt in places they believe their loved ones were when the landslide hit in the Andean province of Chimborazo on Sunday night after heavy rains. About 67 people were still missing as of Tuesday, according to Ecuador's disaster agency, and around 32 survivors had been rescued. "We've not received help, we've been searching since Monday, we cannot leave our relatives here in the earth," said a tearful Sandra Caranqui, 32, on Tuesday. She and other family members were searching for her missing father and four siblings following the landslide, which authorities said affected about 163 buildings and 500 people. "We no longer have hope that they're alive," Caranqui said. "They've been in there for two days." Professional rescuers also worked through the night using digging equipment. Jorge Montanero, chief of the city of Guayaquil's fire department rescue group, told journalists the search would go on. "While we have even a pinch of hope and faith we will continue even though exhaustion may be greater," he said. President Guillermo Lasso visited the area on Monday night and offered to extend the rescue operation to find the missing. With fears that more landslides could be triggered, the government has ordered some 600 homes be evacuated, with three shelters set up to care for those affected. Ecuador's disaster agency had warned of potential landslide danger for a 247-hectare (610-acre) area in Alausi in February, which included part of the zone where Sunday's landslide hit. Heavy rains destroyed roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Lasso last week declared an emergency in 14 provinces because of the weather and an earthquake on March 18. (Reporting by Tito Correa and Karen Toro in AlausiWriting by Oliver Griffin and Alexandra ValenciaEditing by Rosalba O'Brien and Grant McCool) image of people standing on stage performing in the Little Mermaid musical Brandy ran in glass slippers as Cinderella, so Halle Bailey could swim in the ocean as the Little Mermaid. Cinderellas fairy godmother must have left out this minor detail during her song because no one could have predicted this day would come. While Bailey is adding color to the movie screens, she is not the only Black mermaid in the sea. It is a momentous time in Black girl magic history. Disney Cruise Lines newest ship, The Wish, honors the inclusion of Black representation from its design to its onboard activities. The hallways near the Untangled Salon are home to artwork featuring beautiful Black children dressed as princesses and princes. The ship also has a The Bayou lounge, inspired by Disneys first animated Black princess, Tiana, and her hometown, New Orleans. Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line The ships musical performances of The Little Mermaid In Travel Noires experience of the musical in the summer of 2022, we watched as Princess Ariels understudy, her best friend Sebastian, and her arch nemesis Ursula were played by Black women and men. The performance gave us chills, wondering if we missed the collection plate between all the amens and hallelujahs geared towards Sebastian played by Montel Butler who takes you to church during the iconic number Under The Sea. RELATED: Disney Announces Treasure Will Be The Newest Ship To Join Its Fleet Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line. Disney Wish Disney The Little Mermaid Janae Hammond was a familiar face onboard for those who witnessed her talents early on as she played Princess Tiana from the Princess and the Frog on the Disney Wish and the Princess Ariel understudy. And while were all supposed to be upset with Ursula played by Rachel Fobbs for manipulating our beloved Ariel, youll find that you cant help but to want more as Fobbs serenades the audience with her incredible voice. In an interview with Travel Noire, Rachel Fobbs shares the inspiration behind her dream-come-true role. Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line. Disney Wish Disney The Little Mermaid TN: What inspired you to audition for this role? Rachel Fobbs: I worked with our wonderful director, Amy Corcoran, before. She is really an advocate for girl power a feminist through and through, and its amazing. I asked her, where are you going next? Ill follow you anywhere? She told me was going to Disney, and I said Im going to audition. Story continues TN: What was your reaction when you got the call? RF: I auditioned in August 2021 and got the call the following November. Its a dream come true. Every girl grows up wanting to be a Disney princess, but, of course, I wanted to be the Disney Sea Witch. Im blessed that I made it through, and Im excited to be here. Its my first time working for Disney. TN: Do you feel like youre carrying a weight on your shoulders knowing that many people dont get to see many Black women playing Ursula? RF: I feel like Disneys very conscious decision to reflect the world we live in and let every child see themselves on the stage. Its exciting to be a part of that vision and this new age of what Disney is all about. TN: What do you hope people experience when they see the show? RF: This is a new retelling of The Little Mermaid. Its more modern and more focused on Ariel finding her voice and identity in this world. I think its an exciting chance for kids to come and see themselves to figure out what they want to stand for and who they want to be. For people who love The Little Mermaid, youll still have everything you know and love about the musical. Every song is still there. Its still the same story but feels fresh in a way where Ariel is not a damsel in distress. She takes charge and creates a path for herself, which feels really good. TN: Is there anything else you want people to know about this show that you feel is important? RF: Im always going to plug Ursula because shes my girl. Shes going to be doing a lot of exciting new things. Shes also going to be using her magic a lot more. This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. The parent of a North Shore Elementary School second-grader opted not to let their child see the movie after the school sent permission slips. Days later, Emily Conklin filed a formal complaint. Years after schools in Pinellas County, Florida, started including Disneys Ruby Bridges in its Black History Month curriculum, a parents complaint has halted the showing on one campus pending a review. The 1998 film tells the story of young Black girl Bridges, who was a 6-year-old pupil when she integrated a Louisiana school in 1960. The plan to desegregate New Orleans public schools was met with so much hate and protest, federal marshals were assigned to escort the child to and from school. Earlier this month, according to The Tampa Bay Times, a parent of a second-grader at North Shore Elementary School in St. Petersburg opted not to let their child see the movie after the school sent permission slips. Days later, Emily Conklin filed a formal challenge with the Pinellas County school district. The scenes of white people threatening and hurling racial slurs at a little Black girl, she wrote, could teach students that white people hate Black people. A young Chaz Monet stars as the namesake of the 1998 Disney film, Ruby Bridges. After years, its annual inclusion in Pinellas County schools Black History Month programming has ended after one parents complaint. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/Channel Awesome) In response, county school officials banned the showing of the movie at North Shore until a review committee weighs in, though other district schools can still use it. Thats not fair, opponents of the ban say. In an open letter to the community, a group representing the interests of Black public school students asked why one parents complaint should affect all of the schools families, The Tampa Bay Times reported. Many from historically marginalized communities are asking whether this so-called integrated education system in Pinellas County can even serve the diverse community fairly and equitably, wrote Ric Davis, president of the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students. In an earlier case this year, after the district banned The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, from its high schools, officials said they were following a state rule to err on the side of caution when someone raises a concern about classroom or library books, reported The Tampa Bay Times. Story continues Lawmakers in Florida, as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis, have claimed to want facts about race presented honestly while also making clear they dont want students to feel uncomfortable. But many in the state call the guidelines vague, and dozens of book challenges and bans have followed. The district has not yet scheduled reviews of Ruby Bridges or The Bluest Eye. One state group watching the districts actions, the Florida Freedom to Read Project, has offered support for getting the movie back into all schools, according to an area leader, parent Raegan Miller. It is distressing to me, Miller said, according to the Times, that one parent has, again, been able to have a resource removed from our schools when the vast majority of parents consented to their children seeing the film. While acknowledging the political climate that has educators second-guessing decisions on whats allowed in the classroom, Davis said the historical accuracy of Ruby Bridges and other material will not change just because someone objects, The Times noted. Conklin did not respond to the outlets requests for comment. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Disney movie about Ruby Bridges banned from Florida school appeared first on TheGrio. Disney has shut down its metaverse division and laid off all of the team's 50 or so members as part of a broader restructuring process, according to The Wall Street Journal. It was just over a year ago when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek tapped company veteran Mike White to lead the team in its task of finding interactive ways to tell Disney's stories using new technologies. While the rest of team has lost their jobs, White will remain at the company, though it's unclear what role he's taking on going forward. The executive's plan to launch an Amazon Prime-like subscription service for Disney has reportedly also been scrapped. It would've created a single user experience for Disney+, the company's retail operations and its apps that people use to purchase food and merchandise at Disney theme parks. Chapek was hopeful and optimistic about Disney's future when it came to the metaverse and previously said that the company should excel at "blending... the physical and digital experiences." He called the metaverse "the next great storytelling frontier." The division's closure doesn't necessarily mean that Disney is abandoning its metaverse ambitions for good, though. As The Journal notes, Bob Iger, who returned as CEO to replace Chapek in November 2022, showed that he also sees a future in the metaverse when he joined the board of an animated avatar startup. While Iger may have another strategy in mind, it may take some before we hear about it. Disney has been under pressure from investors to implement serious cost-cutting measures, and it previously announced that it was going to lay off 7,000 employees. According to TechCrunch, it will have three rounds of layoffs, with the first one taking place this week. The metaverse team might simply be one of the first teams impacted by Disney's significant restructuring efforts. In the note TechCrunch obtained, Iger said the company will send a larger round of layoff notifications in April and will notify the last affected employees before the beginning of summer. This article originally was published by the Georgia Recorder on March 27, 2023. The Georgia Recorder is an independent, nonprofit news organization focused on connecting public policies to the stories of the people and communities affected by them. We bring a fresh perspective to coverage of the states biggest issues from our perch near the Capitol in downtown Atlanta. We view news as a vital community service and believe that government accountability and transparency are valued by all Georgians. The Georgia General Assembly sent a controversial bill to the governors desk Monday to create a new disciplinary board for the states local district attorneys. On the 39th day of the 40-day legislative session, the GOP-controlled House approved the creation of a prosecuting attorneys oversight commission by a 92-77 vote, largely along party lines. The commission would have a five-member investigative panel and a three-member hearing panel to review complaints lodged against prosecutors and dish out punishment that could include removal from their elected office. Senate Bill 92 also specifies the prosecutors and solicitors responsibilities, including reviewing each case individually to determine probable cause and making a charging decision based on the details of the case. Democratic lawmakers and other critics argue that the Republicans plan removes prosecutorial discretion to deciding how cases should be prioritized in each community. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, investigating former President Donald Trump for election interference after he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020. Republicans also criticized Athens-Clarke District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez after she said she would not prioritize low-level marijuana possession charges. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Jan. 12, 2023, in Atlanta. We have grounds for removal and its very narrow, Dallas Republican Rep. Joseph Gullett said while defending the legislation. If theres a complaint there must be a sworn affidavit detailing personal knowledge of the facts supporting the complaint. If theres disciplinary action, that can be appealed to the Superior Court of the county where the district attorney or solicitor general served. Story continues According to Lilburn Democratic Rep. Jasmine Clark, the bill gives the commission too much latitude to dismiss a prosecutor from office, including for not pursuing cases at their discretion. Who decides whats the willful and persistent failure to carry out their duties? Clark asked during the hour-long debate Monday. If both bills pass, the commission would write and adopt the rules. Gullett and other supporters say the state oversight will provide a better chance of getting rid of bad district attorneys rather than waiting until the next election or clearing a high bar like a criminal indictment of the prosecutor. Police officers and judges are now subject to similar commissions that can impose penalties. Atlanta Democratic Rep. Tanya Miller said the timing of the bill suggests Republicans may not be pleased with the record number of minority women appointed as lead prosecutors over the last couple years. It undermines democracy by silencing local voices while really doing nothing at all to make our community safer, she said. Stanley Dunlap has covered government and politics for news outlets in Georgia and Tennessee for the past decade. The Georgia Associated Press Managing Editors named Stanley a finalist for best deadline reporting. The Tennessee Press Association honored him for his reporting on the disappearance of Holly Bobo. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia General Assembly approves district attorney disciplinary board A DNA match led to detectives getting answers in a 28-year-old cold case, leading to the arrest of a Hickory man. In December 1994, a 19-year-old was kidnapped while leaving a friends home near Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky. Investigators said she was assaulted in Owensboro and then forced to drive to Indiana, where they said she was raped. Breaking Catawba Co- a nearly 30-year old sexual assault and kidnapping case out of Kentucky ends with the arrest of a convicted sex offender. We just got video of the arrest and Im going through court documents now. Details tonight on channel 9 eyewitness news at 530 pic.twitter.com/ve3ysxfJe8 Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) March 28, 2023 Owensboro police said they recently reviewed the case and contacted the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The lab said they still had DNA evidence on file that was entered before the Combined DNA Index System, a national database, was created. ALSO READ: Judge orders police to release DNA testing results to family in 1990 cold case The state police were asked to reopen their case and retest the DNA, which brought to light a potential suspect. State and local police worked together to follow up on the lead. On March 22, Owensboro detectives were able to find a match and identification for the suspect DNA. On Friday, officers from the Brookford Police Department in Catawba County served a warrant out of Owensboro on Robert Shelton, 59, on charges of kidnapping and sexual abuse first-degree. Shelton, from Hickory, also faces charges of rape from the Indiana State Police in connection to the cold case, investigators said. A DNA match led to detectives getting answers in a 28-year-old cold case, leading to the arrest of a Hickory man. A viewer shared video with Channel 9s Dave Faherty of police arriving at the home to arrest Shelton. To know that this is right here is crazy, said neighbor Kimberly Green. I moved to this area thinking it was a nice little quiet neighborhood and out of the way. This is crazy. Story continues Faherty asked the Brookford police chief how Shelton reacted when he was arrested. ALSO READ: DNA evidence used to make arrest in 1984 killings of mom, son, CMPD says Was he surprised? Faherty asked. He didnt seem to be, Chief Willie Armstrong said. He kind of was tipped off previously in March. And he didnt seem to be fazed by it at all. He says he doesnt remember much nowadays. Some neighbors said they werent surprised by the arrest. They said they already knew Shelton was on the North Carolina sex offender registry. Faherty checked state records and learned Shelton was sentenced to 10 years of prison time for another rape and sexual assault in Kentucky back in 1996. One woman said she and others were concerned for their safety and are thankful for the arrest. I praise God for that because he would stand out and watch me. Every time I pulled up, he would come out and watch, she said. (WATCH BELOW: Cornelius Police Chief says the search for Madalina Cojocari is not a cold case) After nearly 30 years, Fayetteville police have solved a rape case thanks to DNA testing, officials said Monday at a news conference. The sexual assault happened Sept. 25, 1992. Investigators got a break in the case in September when Roy Junior Proctor, 46, of the 100 block of Kinsington Circle, submitted a DNA sample when he was charged with another crime, according to Sgt. Jeremy Glass with the Fayetteville Police Department. Proctor was arrested at 8 a.m. Monday while at work at Smithfield Packaging in Tar Heel. He is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and larceny of a motor vehicle. Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins answers questions Monday during a news conference to announce an arrest in a 1992 kidnapping and sexual assault case. More: Fayetteville police report deadly shooting in area of Morganton Road, Ingleside Drive Roy Junior Proctor, 46, of the 100 block of Kinsington Circle, is charged in a 1992 rape, assault and kidnapping. Police Lt. Michael Petti said the assault took place in a wooded area of Harnett County. The victim told police she was cleaning the offices at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street when she was knocked unconscious and driven to Harnett County, according to a news release. She was beaten and sexually assaulted and left for dead, Police Chief Gina Hawkins said during Monday's news conference. Her vehicle was later found at Lafayette Memorial Park with 3 Horsemen spray-painted across the hood, the news release said. Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West speaks at a news conference on an arrest in a 1992 cold-case kidnapping and sexual assault. After receiving a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistances National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, the Fayetteville Police Department created a Cold Case Sexual Assault Unit, the release said. More: Fayetteville police investigate more carjackings at apartments Petti was informed about the DNA match by the State Crime Lab, and the case was reopened in 2015. Deanna Gerdes, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center of Cumberland County, said this was the one case she thought would never get solved. This morning, I had the privilege of notifying the victim and alerting her that an arrest had been made, Gerdes said. Story continues Gerdes said while driving to the victim's home, she was nervous. When I pulled in the driveway, the victim knew why I was there, she said. The victim asked if she could call her family so that they could hear that an arrest had been made. According to Gerdes, the victim said, This is the beginning of the last chapter of this story for me. Hawkins said the investigation is ongoing. Police are looking for two other suspects in connection with the case. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who attended the news conference, said when the state legislature reconvenes, he intends to propose legislation that DNA be collected from anyone arrested for assault on a female. Stein said had that been done, this case could have been solved sooner. Proctor was held at the Cumberland County Detention Center with bail set at $1.10 million. Support local journalism with a subscription to The Fayetteville Observer. Click the "subscribe'' link at the top of this article. Staff writer Melody Brown-Peyton can be reached at mbrownpeyton@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3568. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville police make arrest in 1992 case after DNA match identifies suspect A doctored photo of people carrying Japanese flags has been shared repeatedly in social media posts that falsely claim it shows a demonstration in Seoul following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo in March 2023. The original image actually shows supporters of then president Park Geun-hye waving South Korean flags during a January 2017 rally opposing her impeachment. A blog user who took the original photo told AFP that he altered the picture to "poke fun" at Park's supporters . "Today, in the middle of Seoul. They're going crazy," reads the Korean-language post shared on Facebook on March 18, 2023. The post includes an image that appears to show people carrying Japanese flags in a rally near Seoul's City Hall. Screenshot of the misleading post, captured on March 23, 2023 The claim circulated online shortly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks in Tokyo on March 17, 2023, pledging to renew diplomacy after years of tension between the two countries. While some welcomed the thawing of Korea-Japan relations, others criticised Yoon for conceding to Japan's position on the issue of compensation for victims of forced labour by Japanese companies during World War II. The image also circulated alongside a similar claim elsewhere on Facebook here, here and here. The claim, however, is false and the image has been doctored. Doctored image A reverse image search found the image was previously posted on the South Korean forum DPrime, on February 25, 2019. A commenter pointed out that the image could have been doctored and gave a link to a Naver Blog post. But the Naver Blog post has been made private and is no longer accessible to the public. When contacted by AFP on March 22, 2023, the blog user, who goes by the username "The King", confirmed that he took the original photo on January 27, 2017, when supporters of South Korea's then-president Park Geun-hye were protesting her impeachment. Story continues He also provided AFP with three screenshots from his blog post displaying both the original photo and the altered image, which is identical to the one shared in the misleading posts. Below are the screenshots from the Naver Blog post: Screenshots of the Naver Blog post, displaying both the original photo and the altered image The blog user told AFP that he had altered the photo himself, replacing the South Korean flags with Japanese flags, in order to "poke fun" at Park's supporters. The Naver Blog post reads in part: "There was a pro-Park demonstration scheduled to take place at City Hall today." It continues: "The South Korean flag flew proudly in the hands of heroes who fought for independence. But why must our proud national flag be reduced and shamed in the hands of these [protesters]?" The photo was taken a month after the South Korean parliament voted to impeach Park, the country's first female president, in December 2016, over a corruption scandal involving her close aide. The corruption scandal and impeachment saga gripped the nation for months. In the weeks leading up to constitutional court's decision in March 2017 to uphold Parks impeachment, protesters those who demanded her ouster and those who supported the conservative president held rival rallies Below is a screenshot comparison of the doctored photo in the misleading post (top left), the doctored photo made by the Naver Blog user (top right) and the original photo taken by the Naver Blog user (bottom), with some identical landmarks marked by AFP: Screenshot comparison of the doctored photo in the misleading post (top left), the doctored photo made by the Naver Blog user (top right) and the original photo taken by the Naver Blog user (bottom) Protest placards Conservative protesters in South Korea are known to carry the South Korean flag, called the Taegukgi, when they take to the streets, earning them a nickname: "Taegukgi brigades". Placards held up by protesters, visible in the original photo taken by the Naver Blog user, also show it was taken during a protest against Park's impeachment. Below is a screenshot of the original photo (top) and the cropped images of the protesters' placards (bottom): Screenshot of the original photo (top) and the cropped images of the protesters' placards (bottom) In the photo's lower right corner, one protester can be seen holding a red placard with yellow Korean text that reads: "A false impeachment, completely invalid." The same placard was seen in other pro-Park rallies, as shown in 2017 photos from local news outlets such as here, here and here. Another protester, seen towards the bottom left of the photo, can be seen holding a white and red placard that reads, "Pro-North leftist. In Myeong-jin OUT". The same sign can also be seen in photos from other pro-Park rallies in 2017, published in local news reports here and here. In Myeong-jin is a South Korean pastor and politician who briefly served as the acting chairman of Park's Saenuri Party following the impeachment vote in December 2016. He was slammed by Park loyalists for refusing to defend the disgraced president. In resigned as the party's leader in late March 2017, nearly three weeks after Park was removed from office. A popular trend from the 2010s called "beezin'" is apparently getting new buzz since appearing on TikTok, causing doctors to warn of its potential harm. "Beezers" claim that applying Burts Bees lip balm to their eyes does everything from get them high, intensify the effects of alcohol and keep them awake for a full night of partying or studying. "Yes me and my friend are obsessed with this," one user commented on TikTok video. FLORIDA DOCTOR ISSUES VIRAL BBQ GRILL BRUSH WARNING ON TIKTOK AFTER CHILD'S VISIT TO HER EMERGENCY ROOM "I do it to try and stay awake," another TikToker said. Through a viral TikTok trend, teens are applying Burt's Bees Lip Balm to their eyelids and experts are responding. "This was my gateway drug," another said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP But doctors say it does not do any of those things and its dangerous, especially if the product gets into the eye. "Anytime someone talks about putting any product that's not specifically made for the eyes or the eyelid near the eye, you're asking for trouble because the eyes and the eyelid are very sensitive parts of the body," Dr. Patrick Harkins, an ophthalmologist in Waco, Texas, told Fox News Digital. EYE SPY A BIG PROBLEM: CALIFORNIA DOCTOR REMOVES 23 CONTACT LENSES FROM ONE WOMANS EYE "They react very differently than a lot of other places. So anything that is not specifically formulated for eyelid or eyeball use is probably not a good idea," he added. Earlier this month, the University of Michigan Hospital released a public warning on its website titled, "Beezin': The dangerous TikTok trend involving Burts Bees." There, it's noted that "beezin'" is not only ineffective, but risks are involved. When "beezin'," the ingredient that a person senses is menthol, which has a cooling effect wherever you put it, Harkins said. "Menthol is in mouthwash, toothpaste and certain ointments and things," Harkins said. "If you've ever used it, immediately you feel this kind of tingling, cooling effect, which is just a sensation you get when you put it on the skin," he added. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm contains peppermint oil, according to the product's list of ingredients. The brand's Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm contains menthol. Story continues It appears that those who are "beezin," have been using the Beeswax Lip Balm on TikTok. VIRAL TIKTOK TREND HAS PEOPLE 'MOUTH TAPING' THEMSELVES BEFORE BEDTIME AS DOCTORS EXPRESS CAUTION Eyelids are very thin and have the ability to absorb substances more easily than other parts of the body. Harkins said that neither menthol nor peppermint is safe to use on eyelid skin, as it can result in infections or worse. Moreover, "beezin'" will not create any actual "high" for people, he noted. A representative for Burt's Bees told Fox News Digital that its beeswax lip balm product has been around for more than 30 years LEMON COFFEE' TREND ON TIKTOK SHOULDN'T BE DONE, HEALTH EXPERTS SAY "Its crafted with ingredients from nature like beeswax, coconut oil, and of course peppermint oil all selected to care for lips," the representative continued. "It may be 100% natural origin, but that doesn't mean it can go on eyes. Burts Bees tests all of its products, including the Beeswax Lip Balm to ensure they are safe for their intended use. We recommend that people use our products as directed." MOM SHARES BABY MEDICINE HACK IN VIRAL TIKTOK: WORKED LIKE A CHARM Harkins echoed this noting that products with menthol or peppermint oil are formulated specifically for certain parts of the body, like the lips, he said. The menthol and peppermint quality in the lip balm gives off "this kind of tingling, cooling effect, which is just a sensation you get when you put it on the skin," Patrick Harkins, M.D. told Fox News Digital. "When it gets in the eye, it can cause an inflammatory response, which is going to create a red, irritated eye," he said. "It can be treated, but it certainly can be very uncomfortable." Then theres the risk of infection, especially with something that could have been used on other parts of the body, according to Harkins. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "Putting a lip balm that's been used on your or someone else's lips on your eye is probably a really bad idea because its possible to spread infection that way," Harkins said. This TikTok trend is making a comeback, but experts are telling viewers to not partake in this trend "If it's on TikTok, don't do it," Patrick Harkins, M.D. shared. "I would be more worried specifically just about an inflammatory reaction, but that can lead to vision loss, scarring, all kinds of problems." Harkins best advice: "If it's on TikTok, don't do it," he said. "That's my parting advice. I guess that's more of general advice, but medical too." Fox News Digital reached out to TikTok for comment. A $3 million bail was set Tuesday for a Chicago Transit Authority employee charged with aggravated battery in the beating of a 54-year-old man at a Blue Line station who later died. The attack, prosecutors said, lasted nearly an hour and was captured entirely on surveillance video. We hear things in this building every day of violent nature, Cook County Judge Barbara Dawkins said at the bond hearing. But this shocks the conscience throwing a person over a railing ... kicking him without provocation, grabbing him by the hood, dragging him the list goes on and on. Advertisement CTA customer service assistant Emmett Richardson, 39, of the Douglas neighborhood on the South Side, had been a CTA employee for a little over two years at the time of the attack at the LaSalle Blue Line station Saturday. Transit agency records show an employee by the name of Emmet Richardson. [ CTA employee charged with battery after alleged Blue Line beating, death ] At the bond hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said that at approximately 2:05 a.m. Saturday, the 54-year-old man arrived at the train station in 150 W. Congress Parkway. He was pushing a wheelchair with property, stumbling around and sometimes on the ground on the platform until 3:17 a.m. Advertisement At that time, video surveillance captured the man apparently sleeping with his legs on the ground and his torso resting on the seat of the wheelchair. It was then that prosecutors said Richardson arrived and engaged with the man in a violent manner. At no point is the victim seen trying to defend himself or, more significantly, engage with the defendant, Assistant States Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said at the bond hearing. The defendant can be observed kicking the wheelchair multiple times, causing the victim to completely fall to the floor. Richardson then went up the elevator and back down. He then allegedly shoved the 54-year-old onto the escalator and followed him up to the mezzanine area. Once there, Richardson allegedly tried to pull the man by his foot but lost his balance and almost fell. Prosecutors said that at that point, Richardson became even more visibly irate. He rushed at the victim, yanking and pushing him over the railing at the top of the escalator, causing the victim to land on his back, Scaduto said. The defendant is then seen on the video surveillance grabbing the victim by his hood. Richardson violently yanked the hood of the mans jacket, prosecutors said, dragging him across the floor and toward the top of an 11-step stairwell. He then allegedly pushed the man down the stairs. Richardson then kept leaving and coming back, on two occasions, prosecutors said, pouring bottles of water on the man lying at the bottom of the stairs. Scaduto said Richardson then propped the man up against the railing into a seated position and struck him in the head and face multiple times. Richardson then allegedly pulled the man by his foot, causing him to fall down a second flight of stairs. At that point, prosecutors said, the man was completely motionless. During the next several minutes, prosecutors said, Richardson left and came back multiple times, repositioning the other mans body. Advertisement An unidentified woman then arrived and spoke with Richardson briefly, though surveillance video did not capture audio of their conversation, prosecutors said. In the video, Richardson can be seen gesturing toward the stairwell, at which point the woman walked over and peered below to where the man was lying motionless. She then left the mezzanine area, and was not present at the scene when officers with the Chicago Police Department arrived. Richardson then called 911 to report an unresponsive but breathing man at the bottom of a stairwell at the station. The Chicago Fire Department located the mans body upon arrival. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Cook County medical examiners office has not publicly identified the man because his next of kin have yet to be notified of his death. The office had also not revealed the cause of the mans death, citing pending toxicology studies. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Police officers on scene spoke with Richardson, who identified himself by name and said that at about 3:40 a.m., he had been doing a platform track check when he saw the man sitting on a wheelchair, surrounded by drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors noted no drug paraphernalia was observed on video or found when police arrived. Prosecutors said Richardson claimed the man had overdosed and did not say he touched or attacked the victim. He told officers he was assisting the man up the stairs when he lost consciousness and collapsed. A witness, a customer service manager for the CTA, who has known Richardson for 10 months told authorities they have issued him a couple of verbal warnings for his treatment of customers and attitude issues, prosecutors said. The witness identified Richardson in the surveillance video. Advertisement Richardsons attorney said he is a lifelong resident of Cook County, regularly volunteers in his community and neighborhood doing food drives for homeless people. I cant ignore that at 3:15 this man is on video, alive (and) at 4:30 a.m., he was pronounced dead, the judge said. I dont think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out how he died. The judge set the next court date for April 5 at the Skokie Courthouse. adperez@chicagotribune.com As a trans man and a non-binary person, we find ourselves moved to tears and laughter explaining the significance of International Transgender Day of Visibility on Friday. On a daily basis, we relish moments of joy, like finding out that 24 Hour Fitness lets us use our correct names and genders in creating membership accounts. But we are always conscious that trans+ people (those with gender identities outside the binary) are still fighting for our lives. This is true not only in red states but here in Sacramento, too. Our lives are too often reduced to dehumanizing political debate that erases our experiences and those of countless other trans+ Americans. We are simply trying to live our lives, existing is to be in a fight we didnt choose to be in and one that seems never-ending. Opinion The sheer amount of time a trans person spends fighting for the dignity that others take for granted the fight to belong boggles even our minds. This includes time spent trying to find healthcare providers who are understanding, or to even access healthcare at all; finding a restroom that feels safe to use, or going about our business without people asking inappropriate and intrusive questions. We are also fighting over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced so far this year alone in state houses across the nation, including here in California. These awful pieces of legislation range from Californias Assembly Bill 1314, requiring teachers to out their trans students, to a recently passed law in Mississippi banning the use of public funds for gender-affirming healthcare for minors. With these proposed laws, coupled with a society basked in anti-trans discrimination and stigma, its no wonder our trans youth are at some of the highest risk for suicide and homelessness, or why trans adults experience poverty at more than twice the rate of the general population. Its not because of their identities, but because of environments that are unsafe and unsupportive. Story continues Despite all of this, the trans community is equally about joy, resistance and affirmation. Evan, as a former Capitol staffer, is so happy that the Capitol has a restroom Rainer can comfortably use. One didnt exist when Evan transitioned genders there less than ten years ago. For Rainer, trans visibility is when their co-workers correct their pronouns when they are misgendered so that they dont have to. Evans trans visibility is when his family organized an intimate surprise party for him when his legal name and gender was successfully changed. For the occasion, they wore pins that said We heart Evan. Its about Rainers mom, a high school teacher, providing support for LGBTQ+ students by sharing her story about having a nonbinary child. Evan considers trans+ visibility to be when he secures rights and protections for the trans+ community as he engages in his advocacy work. And, for Rainer, its the euphoria that comes with wearing their binder with a pair of Dickies one day, and a dress the next (and Doc Martens with both, obviously). On this Trans Day of Visibility, we recognize that trans+ communities are not a monolith, and embrace all trans identities and individualities. Trans people are part of every community communities of color, with all abilities, ages and sexual orientations. And, for the record, if there are more openly trans young people than there used to be, its because weve created safer spaces for them to be themselves. Trans+ communities are not going anywhere, and trans visibility is about making the world an easier place for trans people to exist in. All were asking is to exist safely and comfortably, and to be visible in whatever way we choose. Evan Minton (he/they) is a nationally recognized transgender advocate whose fight for gender affirming healthcare reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Rainer Apostol (they/them) is beginning their career as a non-binary staffer in the Capitol with a passion for advocating for LGBTQ+ communities. A county in Washington could have done more to prevent a dog attack that nearly left a jogger dead, according to a lawsuit. Gyongyi Maas was jogging in King County on Feb. 22, 2022, when she was viciously attacked by two dogs that were living at a nuisance property, says the lawsuit, which was filed on March 21. Neighbors and people in the community, about 15 miles northeast of Tacoma, had repeatedly reported the property and the dogs to law enforcement and animal control in the years and months leading up to the attack, the lawsuit says. The property was known to have squatters living in the house as well as aggressive dogs that were often seen charging at neighbors, according to the lawsuit. Two people who were living at the property were repeatedly cited for animal control violations, but the dogs were never impounded, according to the lawsuit. While county officials ordered the dogs owners to remove the animals from the area, officials never had the dogs microchipped or permanently took them away from their owners, according to the lawsuit. King County had notice and was very aware of the continued presence of vicious dogs on the subject property dogs that repeatedly attacked innocent persons in vicinity of the subject property, constituting a nuisance, the lawsuit says. A spokesperson for the county declined to comment. The attack Maas went for a jog in the neighborhood at around 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 22, 2022, the lawsuit says. As she approached the nuisance property, two large dogs ran out from the property, crossed the street, and started viciously attacking her in the street, the lawsuit says. The dogs dragged her to the ground, bit her legs, torso, arms, head, and face; broke bones in her arms, tore flesh from her leg, ripped out her hair and pulled off her clothing, according to the lawsuit. Terrified neighbors tried to help her as the dogs dragged her through the street, according to the lawsuit. Several neighbors called 911, the lawsuit said. One of the dogs bit one of the neighbors, who then went back to his home, got in his vehicle and tried to scare the dogs off of Maas by driving as close to them as possible and honking his horn. Story continues The dogs dragged her lifeless body like a rag doll back toward the property, according to the lawsuit. Deputies arrived on scene about 15 minutes after the attack began. One of the deputies yelled at one of the dogs attacking Maas, causing it to charge at him, according to the lawsuit. The deputy shot the dog, which scared the other dog off of Maas and caused it to run back to the property, the lawsuit says. While waiting for medical aid to arrive, Ms. Maas lay naked in the middle of the street, bleeding from multiple severe lacerations to her arms, legs, torso, and head, the lawsuit says. Broken bones were protruding from her forearm. She was taken to a hospital where she underwent extensive surgical intervention and medical treatment, according to the lawsuit. She suffered permanent injuries and will have to undergo additional surgeries in the future. The aftermath Maas recently went for a jog for the first time since the attack happened more than a year ago, one of her lawyers, Melanie Nguyen, told McClatchy News. King County officials negligently, willfully, and recklessly exposed members of the Lakeland North community to danger by failing to remove the dogs from the nuisance property and address the issue of illegal squatters, the lawsuit says. I think in our profession its unfortunate that the government really doesnt act and things dont really change until someones seriously injured or killed, Nguyen said. So our hope is that counties, all government entities really, do their job. The lawsuit is seeking damages of an amount that is yet to be determined but including medical expenses, lost wages and other costs. Man grossly disfigured by K-9 wins $1.35 million, lawyers say. This isnt justice Bystanders leg permanently damaged after she was shot by cop, Colorado lawsuit says 7-year-old with special needs has PTSD after restraints used at school, WA lawsuit says Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus A Wisconsin elementary school administration told a first-grade teacher that her class could not sing a song by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus that celebrates acceptance because it might be controversial. The songs title, Rainbowland, seems to be the source of the problem. A Heyer Elementary teacher in Waukesha suggested the song Rainbowland for the upcoming concert, so the music teacher asked the schools principal whether it was appropriate. Concerned enough to inquire further, the principal checked with the school district about the tunes appropriateness. However, the districts central office deemed the song too controversial after reviewing it under District School Board Policy 2240. This policy addresses controversial topics in the classroom. The school district said there was a suggestion from the music teacher to use a different song. So district officials now say first-graders will sing Rainbow Connection by Kermit The Frog. That song was also initially banned from the program, most likely because of the rainbow title. However, an uproar from parents caused the district to reverse the scrapping of the childhood favorite. None (@) According to Melissa Tempel, the first-grade teacher, elementary kids have a spring concert every year where they can showcase their talents. This year, she tells The Advocate, the music teacher sat with her and suggested several titles, from Louis Armstrongs What a Wonderful World and the Disney theme park rides Its a Small World to the Muppets Rainbow Connection and Miley Cyrus and Dolly Partons Rainbowland. Officials at the school did not elaborate on the potential controversy surrounding the song. Its name, however, includes the word rainbow, and in a school district taken over by right-wingers, this word and all things colorful seem to be taboo. The School District of Waukesha wrote in a statement that it would have no further communication about the Heyer Elementary situation, but that this entire matter has been reviewed, and the outcomes are fully supported by the Superintendent, adding, at no time was the Board of Education involved in this matter. Story continues Tempel is a bilingual elementary educator with 20 years of experience. She holds a masters degree in cultural foundations of education. A collaboration with Rethinking Schools, an equity and racial justice publisher, gave her the opportunity to co-edit two books: Pencils Down and Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality. While choosing not to criticize board members personally, Tempel said that the right-wing takeover of the local school boards has resulted in hostile policies toward LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and their families. Due to a recent policy change, preferred pronouns are no longer acknowledged or permitted in Waukesha schools, and multiple colors on masks and lanyards are prohibited. Thats to avoid being misconstrued as showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community which is considered political, she says. Tempel notes that the districts ban on rainbow signs and using certain words affects students sense of belonging, particularly in middle and high school. In addition, due to uncertainty about how much teachers can say, teachers struggle to support students questioning their gender identities and facing discrimination, she says. A recent GLSEN survey reinforces the reality that the LGBTQ+ community and public school teachers are not indoctrinating students nationwide into a radical liberal sexualized agenda. The study found that topics around LGBTQ+ issues are rarely discussed in a structured way in schools, but if those subjects are addressed, they greatly benefit the young people exposed to the information. State College residents looking for a weeknight stargazing activity can check out Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Uranus line up in the night sky soon. The planetary alignment should be visible in central Pennsylvania for a few days, but one evening will offer the best views, according to Star Walk. The formation will be especially rare, People Magazine reports, because it includes Uranus, which is usually difficult to see. The last planetary lineup took place in June, with Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. That particular alignment may not occur again until 2040. Heres when to see the five planets align in the night sky this week. Whens the best time to see the lineup in State College? For the best glimpse at this event, the Associated Press reports skygazers should look to the western horizon right after sunset Tuesday. The sun will set at approximately 7:31 p.m. in State College Tuesday. Your best option is looking out over a water horizon that is perfectly flat and wide open with nothing to block your view. Another option is a large field with no trees or buildings, the Farmers Almanac says. Its ideal to find an area without light pollution, and NASA advises stargazers to head at least 20 to 30 miles from city limits. You will probably need a pair of binoculars to spot Mercury and Uranus, according to AP, but Venus, Jupiter and Mars should be visible to the naked eye. State College residents may see a cold, cloudy night Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS State College office forecasts a 20% chance of precipitation with a low around 28 degrees. The Central Pennsylvania Observers will hold a Skywatch event at 8 p.m. April 7 at Bernel Road Park. The CPO will host a Skywatch for the public at Bernel Road Park, 4/7/23, 8 PM. Members will provide telescopes for viewing celestial objects such as planets and the Moon. Members of the Penn State Department of Anthropology will present "Stories Under the Sky." Central PA Observers (@CPO_club_org) March 17, 2023 If you miss Marchs planetary alignment, Star Walk reports you can see Mercury, Uranus, Venus and Mars align the evening of April 11. Story continues Full moons in 2023 After Marchs planetary alignment, be sure to check out the full moon in early April, as well as supermoons later on in the year. Heres the rest of this years full moon calendar, with information from Space.com: April 6: Pink moon May 5: Flower moon June 3: Strawberry moon July 3: Buck supermoon Aug. 1: Sturgeon supermoon Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year) Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon Oct. 28: Hunters moon Nov. 27: Beaver moon Dec. 26: Cold moon Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources. SAN ANTONIO If Donald Cerrone could pass the Cowboy torch to anyone, its Yair Rodriguez. Cerrone, who was announced as a 2023 UFC Hall of Fame inductee this past Saturday, was known for his willingness to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. His Cowboy moniker also came from his outdoors lifestyle, which newly crowned interim featherweight champion Rodriguez shared with him for a good portion of his career. Yair Rodriguez, thats my dude, Cerrone told reporters backstage. Him winning the interim title made me so happy. I remember training with him before he was in the UFC and yes, hes hard to deal with I went to bat with him on two different occasions with Hunter. Like, thats my dude. Lets figure it out. He lost his passport, he couldnt get a visa. It was a whole bunch of but he means business. When he goes out there, you see him throw and be ready, and like wow, hes the one. Related Donald Cerrone reacts to UFC Hall of Fame announcement: 'I'm taken away and honored' Twitter reacts to Yair Rodriguez's interim title win over Josh Emmett at UFC 284 Yair Rodriguez def. Josh Emmett at UFC 284: Best photos Cerrone provided plenty of insight into Rodriguez, who has grown to have quite the career. But the most valuable piece of advice he taught him was just to enjoy the journey. Hes been a big part of my entire career, Cerrone added. I would literally call him like, Hey, we got another camp, you want to come down? I know you also have a fight. And he was like, Yeah, Ill be right there. And he would literally just drive from Mexico to my house, and he would come train. He was just always like my No. 1 fan. He was always there, riding bikes with me, lifting with me, swimming with me. Whatever I wanted to do, he was there and in return, I taught him how to have fun and enjoy the journey. So its cool that it worked, and he listened and enjoyed it, and now look at the motherf*cker, right? Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie Several dozen schools across Bulgaria were ordered shut on Monday and Tuesday after receiving emailed bomb threats with suspected links to Russia, police said. "The main lead of investigators is that these are hybrid attacks somehow linked to Russia," Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said. Bulgarian authorities have requested assistance from its partners' intelligence services -- in particular from the United States -- in an effort to identify the perpetrators of the threats, he added. The emailed bomb threats originated from Google accounts, authorities said. One such message seen by AFP read: "There are TNT charges placed in all schools. Soon all your schools will explode. I hope you die." The prosecutor's office said it was probing a crime against the republic, or terrorism, and was working to establish the source of the attacks. The alerts prompted the evacuation of dozens of schools in the capital Sofia, the Black Sea cities of Burgas and Varna, Sliven, in eastern Bulgaria, and Pleven, in the north, causing panic among the public. So far no explosives have been found in the schools. In total, 102 bomb threats have been recorded since Monday. The attacks come just days ahead of general elections in Bulgaria on Sunday, with most polling stations being set up in schools. Yet, voting would go ahead as planned unless some real threat were to arise, Demerdzhiev said. ds/kym/ea JUAREZ, Mexico A fire in a dormitory at a Mexican immigration detention center in Juarez left dozens of migrants dead, a government agency said Tuesday, in one of the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Juarez, a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Mexico's National Immigration Institute reported at least 39 people died and 29 were injured and are in "delicate-serious" condition. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire, the agency said. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at his morning news conference in Mexico City said the fire was started by migrants at the center during a protest after learning some of them would be deported. The migrants stacked mats up against a door and set them on fire not knowing it "would cause this terrible disgrace," Lopez Obrador said. A migrant is rushed to the hospital after a fire broke out at a Mexican immigration detention center in Juarez on Monday, March 27, 2023. On Tuesday morning, the charred exit of the National Migration Insitute building was all that remained visible of the fire. Mexican National Guard soldiers stood watch as morning cross-border commuter traffic continued over the nearby Stanton Street bridge to El Paso. A group of Venezuelan men gathered across the street. Daniel Silva, of Venezuela, said he has spent four weeks in Juarez with his wife and children trying to get an appointment through the CBP One app to enter the U.S. without luck. He has been selling coffee on street corners to make ends meet. He said he didn't believe the official version of events, that officials couldn't put out a fire started by the migrants themselves. "Why would they leave a jail alone? They can't leave detained people alone," he said. It was the deadliest incident inside a Mexican immigration facility in recent memory. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and the governmental National Human Rights Commission had been called in to help the migrants. Story continues Immigration center fire in Juarez: 'a horrifying indictment' Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum-seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abuse and using excessive force in rounding up migrants, complaining that municipal police were questioning people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. "The 39 lives lost last night in Ciudad Juarez are a horrifying indictment. The systems of enforcement that we have erected to patrol people who migrate are steel hands in velvet gloves, and death is part of the overhead. We are all responsible, tweeted Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute, a faith-based El Paso-Juarez border issues community group. More:'Super-dumb kids.' Teen migrant smuggler accused of murder in deadly West El Paso crash Mexico's national immigration agency said Tuesday that it "energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy" without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the U.S. border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. And the country's immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexico's largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. The National Migration Institute said the fire broke out around 10 p.m. Monday. The migration institute said Mexican authorities were contacting the consulates of different countries to begin the process of identifying the dead. This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information becomes available. The Associated Press contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Juarez fire: Dozens dead at Mexico migrant detention center building A new viral video shows a drag queen straddling a young girl during an LGBTQ pride event at a North Carolina school that enrolls students as young as 14. A video obtained by Libs of TikTok showed multiple adults laughing and watching a drag performer appearing to give a lap dance to a student at Forsyth Technical Community College last Wednesday. The public college has two on-campus high school programs that begin enrollment in ninth grade. Photos posted by the schools official Instagram account showed drag queens posing with young girls. The school told Libs of TikTok that the event was open to students of all ages. $15 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS WENT TO ANTI-RACISM, SOCIAL ACTIVISM PROGRAMS FOR KIDS "These students, like all college students, are open to attend any student event," the school said. "Forsyth Tech is committed to being a place of promise for our students. In order to fulfill that promise, we have clearly spelled out our mission, vision and equity statements." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Promotional materials for the 2023 Pride Festival, which was held at a restaurant on campus, advertised four drag queens, a "drag performance" and "free food, drinks, music & activities." Drag queen "Pickle" reads from a book during the Drag Queen Story Hour program at the West Valley Regional Branch Library, July 26, 2019, in Los Angeles. At least one Christian church, Parkway United Church of Christ, attended the event, according to photos posted by organizer Forsyth Tech PRIDE Club on Facebook. A program of the Forsyth County Health Department, Prevent Ongoing Spread of STIs Everywhere (POSSE), set up a free HIV and STI testing station at the event and repeatedly promoted it on its Facebook page. Rich Kuntz, also known as Gidget, reads to children during Drag Queen Story Hour on March 21, 2019. "So excited to be apart (sic) of Forsyth Techs PRIDE Fest!" POSSE wrote Wednesday. Forsyth Public Health Director Joshua Swift issued a statement to Fox News Digital Tuesday evening saying POSSE had spent $58 in taxpayer funds for supplies for the event, but he also disavowed "the actions that allegedly took place." "P.O.S.S.E, which stands for Prevent Ongoing Spread of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) Everywhere is an outreach section of Forsyth County's Department of Public Health," Swift said. "Our staff is committed to meeting the people we serve where they are. We believe we assign an appropriate amount of attention on the LGBTQIA community around education and prevention of sexually transmitted infections." "Our staff was aware that there would be drag performances but was not involved with planning the event and had no information regarding the age of the attendees," he continued. "We spent $58 on supplies from the department's operational budget which is funded locally and in-part by the State of North Carolina. We do not condone the actions that allegedly took place during the event." Forsyth Tech declined to provide comment beyond its earlier statement. The mother of a young boy who was injured by a hit-and-run driver said she was stunned when police arrested one of her neighbors. Channel 2s Michael Seiden was at the familys apartment on Wexford Hills Parkway in Smyrna Tuesday, where the accident happened on Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In an exclusive interview with Seiden, Quenese Luckett said her nightmare began late Sunday morning, just hours before friends and family were scheduled to gather at the Cumberland Pointe apartments in Smyrna for Neils birthday celebration. With family and friends watching, Neil decided to take his birthday gift, a childrens go-kart, for a test drive. Thats when witnesses say he was struck by a car. Everything just happened so fast, Luckett said. It was like, Boom! TRENDING STORIES: Neighbors told police the driver stopped for a moment and then took off. Police later arrested one of Lucketts neighbors on two felony charges. Neil suffered a concussion and a broken femur. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The last 24 hours is pretty much been chaos, Luckett said. We were just released from the hospital last night. Smyrna police arrested the driver, now identified as Victoria Conner. An arrest affidavit shows shes facing two felony charges. Seiden learned that Conner is the childs neighbor and lives a couple buildings away from where the crash happened. I could never, ever just do that, Luckett said. That was just so disgusting. Pathetic to me. Just pathetic. Seiden stopped by Conners home, but when she answered the door, she declined to comment. Right now, its unclear if Conner has hired an attorney. Doctors told Luckett that it will be a long road back to recovery for Neil, who is currently using a wheelchair. Story continues I am thinking positive and Im praying that m son is able to fully be able to walk again, Luckett said. The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with Neils medical expenses. A dual-language option for English and Spanish speaking students in Grapevine-Colleyville schools may be coming to an end after the school board heard a presentation Monday that recommends phasing it out. Board members were told that the two-way dual language program is failing students and growing less popular, something that resonated with some on the board but left others questioning why the program would be ended instead of fixed. The final cohort of two-way dual language students would enter middle school in the 2026-27 school year. No decisions were made and the board will be required to vote before any action can be taken. The school district offers a dual language program only for students whose native language is Spanish, known as a one-way dual language program, and another for both English and Spanish native speakers known as two-way. District staff said they were making adjustments to both programs to account for low performance in recent years, but the two-way program would still be phased out despite those improvements. Parents are pulling students out because of poor performance, and it does not garner as much interest as it once did. Students in Grapevine-Colleyville schools have for the last 13 years had the opportunity to enroll in a two-way dual language program starting in elementary school. To date, the program is in a format in which students learn in English for one week then in Spanish the next, alternating back and forth. The changes to the program would include transitioning students to learning in both English and Spanish every day, with certain subjects taught in each language. That alteration would put the program in line with what is practiced in most other districts in the area that offer two-way dual language opportunities. District staff said the failures of the program are seen in STAAR test scores, with 22% lower performance among students in the two-way dual language program compared to students in monolingual classes. Story continues Board member Jorge Rodriguez questioned why the program would be fixed now for students who are continuing but phased out anyway. You are making the program successful, Rodriguez said. I dont see the reason, then, to stop the program. Youre changing it. The program is different, its better. So what is the reason to cancel it? Board member Becky St. John agreed with Rodriguez, saying that if the program was being fixed well enough for enrolled students there is no reason to remove the option for future students to enroll. We would be doing an incredible disservice if we eliminate the one opportunity for students to learn a language at our elementary schools, St. John said. School district staff told Rodriguez and St. John that the programs lack of popularity wouldnt be solved by the changes made to fix low performance in the STAAR test, but the two board members said the problem with interest in two-way dual language has more to do with poor marketing. We should take advantage of this opportunity and expand it and offer something that the competing districts around us are offering because I think were going to hear a big sucking sound of students leaving our district for others that offer it and we definitely cannot afford that, St. John said. She added that the only way the district has marketed the two-way dual language program has been by putting it on the website. Thats not sufficient, she said. While some residents who spoke at Tuesdays meeting said the program was a failure and should be written off as such, the majority of the 12 speakers echoed the same concerns as Rodriguez and St. John. They and the board members also questioned why data from the 2020 and 2021 school years was not considered outlier information because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on education across the state. Parents and board members said they had concerns with the way parent input was solicited. District staff told the board the only parents on a committee formed to discuss the fate of the dual language programs were also employees of the school district. Some parents added that the only times they were invited to town halls to learn about the possible changes, the events came with short notice and did not mention that the two-way dual credit program was on the chopping block. Tracey Showers drove to Jewel to pick up her daughter from work, and grabbed a loaf of bread and carton of orange juice for good measure. The pair rode to their home together, side by side in the SUV. Showers called her husband to let her know they were almost home, he said. Advertisement She was in good spirits. She parked at the rear of her Austin residence. But within seconds, she was shot in the head. Showers, 55, was killed outside her Austin home on Feb. 28 in an act of violence seemingly random and stunning for its brazenness. Advertisement Now authorities have alleged the slaying was the culmination of an alleged crime spree that prosecutors say started with an armed robbery in Oak Park. Baseer Muhammad, 23, robbed a couple at gunpoint and took the keys to their Audi, prosecutors alleged, along with an accomplice who took part, even though his movements were tracked to the scene via an electronic-monitoring bracelet. Muhammad continued on the spree alone, according to prosecutors, driving away in the stolen SUV. He exited the vehicle, prosecutors said, walked up to a man sitting in a car and fired four shots. The man was unhurt. Finally, prosecutors say, he pulled up next to Showers SUV and shot her. It happened right outside our home, her husband, Pernell Showers, said. I dont understand what triggered this. I dont understand why it happened. Muhammad is charged with first-degree murder in the killing, along with other felonies in connection with the alleged spree of violence prior to the death. A Cook County judge ordered held him without bail on Saturday. An attorney for Muhammad did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On the night his wife was killed, Pernell Showers was home upstairs when he heard his 24-year-old daughter scream. As he rushed down the stairs, his daughter called him on the phone. Moms down, she said, according to Showers. Moms been shot. Outside, he saw his wife laying on the ground, with his daughter holding her. He checked for a pulse, and found none. He tried CPR. Police arrived and asked him to step back. Advertisement Weve got people who may or may not have issues, may or may not be functioning correctly, roaming around with guns and violence in their hearts, Showers said. No reason, no rhyme. Chicago police detectives used large swaths of surveillance video and the data from the alleged robbery accomplices electronic monitoring bracelet to track Muhammad from the first robbery to the killing nearly 3 miles away, according to a proffer to the court during Muhammads bond hearing. A request for comment from Muhammads lawyer was not immediately returned. It started in the 200 block of Madison Street in Oak Park, when a husband and wife parked a silver Audi Q5 and started walking, according to the proffer. They were confronted by two masked men, Muhammad and the accomplice, prosecutors alleged, who showed handguns and robbed them of a bag, wallets, a cellphone and keys to the Audi. Surveillance video captured Muhammad and the accomplice leave the accomplices home, blocks from where the married couple parked the Audi, the proffer said. It picked them up again, in the same clothes, walking toward the married couple. The accomplices electronic monitoring bracelet, ordered by a judge in connection with a pending gun charge, tracked him to the location of the robbery, the proffer said. A statement from the Cook County sheriffs office said monitoring staff noticed he left his home site and called him to order him back home, where he returned. The alleged accomplice hasnt been charged in connection with the robbery, and did not participate in the later shootings, court documents say. A spokesperson for the Cook County states attorneys office said police are still investigating. Cook County prosecutors have requested a hearing over his release status, alleging he violated the terms of his release earlier this month. Advertisement Electronic monitoring ankle bracelets transmit a GPS location for defendants, who may be allowed by a judge to attend work, school or other functions deemed necessary. The countys electronic monitoring program has occasionally become a political flashpoint by city leaders faced with addressing gun violence, with Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2021 calling on judges to stop releasing people charged with violent crimes on electronic monitoring. A Tribune analysis though found that Lightfoot and other police leaders relied on flawed information when calling for crime reduction policies that involve jailing more people. For Pernell Showers, it was the audacity of the robbery allegedly committed while electronic monitoring tracked their movements that struck him. Given the fact that youre being tracked, somehow you still did this? Pernell Showers said. Youre not aware, or unafraid, it could be brought back to you? It just seems senseless. Surveillance video showed Muhammad and the second man drive away in the Audi, and then video picked up the men running with items from the robbery near the alleged accomplices home, the proffer said. Later, surveillance video captured Muhammad alone leaving an alley near the entrance to the other mans home and walk toward the last location of the Audi, the proffer said. Electronic monitoring showed the alleged accomplice remained home. Surveillance video from the Austin and Central Green Line stations captured the Audi traveling down the street, and private surveillance video picked it up again in the 1400 block of North Lorel Avenue. Advertisement A man was sitting in his car alone on Lorel, when he reported he saw the SUV stop. Muhammad got out, walked to the mans car and fired at him, the proffer alleges. Surveillance video then tracked the Audi as it made its way to Tracey Showers home. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Pernell Showers no longer parks in the back of his home, instead keeping his car elsewhere to avoid the place where his wife was killed. Its hard to be in the house, he said, but the family also wants to hang onto the good memories they made in 18 years living there. The charges filed in the case brought some relief, he said, but anger as well. He struggles to understand the randomness of the shooting, but knows the cycles of violence in the city. I dont know how something like this could actually happen. Well, I know how it happens, he said. Its not even the summer. Tracey Showers loved her three grown children, he said. She delivered food to elderly people homebound at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She volunteered at a local food pantry. Advertisement She was very giving of her time, her husband said. In June, they would have celebrated 20 years of marriage. mabuckley@chicagotribune.com In 2013, a small group of Eagle residents, made up of avid walkers and bikers, began urging the Idaho Transportation Department to make one of its highway bridges over the Boise River safer for pedestrians. Ten years and $2 million later, the city of Eagle is preparing to open its Eagle Road pedestrian and bike bridge over the Boise River. The bridge aims to provide walkers and cyclists easier access across the Boise River along Eagle Road. For years cyclists and walkers have had to traverse the bridge, shoulder to shoulder, with cars traveling 55 mph across the state highway. Those experiences are what led Rick Tholen to start an advocacy group, Walk and Ride Eagle, for the bridge 10 years ago. Tholen has lived across the river from downtown Eagle for a decade and has spent that time making the treacherous journey on a bicycle across the bridge. When people think about their youth, they remember how liberating it is to be able to get out on their bike and do stuff to go get an ice cream without Mom or Dad having to drive them, Tholen told the Idaho Statesman in 2019. No parent is going to let their kid make that crossing alone. Its been four years since the Statesmans initial story on Tholens effort to make a safer river crossing. With only weeks before the bridge opens for public use, Tholen recalled the projects origin story and its changes. The bridge, which was completed earlier this month, runs adjacent to Eagle Road and is attached to the Eagle Greenbelt along the Boise River. Tholen said he thought a simple and cheap fix could make Eagle Road safer. What started as a push for a barrier between cars and pedestrians on Eagle Road turned into a $3.2 million project for the city. This started from humble beginnings, when all we wanted was a safe place on the highway bridge to walk, and came to a $3.2 million bridge, Tholen told the Statesman in an interview at the Alchemist Coffee Shop in downtown Eagle. How does it evolve to something like that? Story continues Rick Tholen, a 71-year-old bike activist and director of the nonprofit Walk and Ride Eagle, worked to get the city of Eagle to build a pedestrian/bike bridge across the Boise River on Eagle Road. The bridge is scheduled to be open to the public in mid-April. ITD slow to help pedestrians The Eagle Road bridge connects many of the large subdivisions south of the city to the hub of downtown Eagle. Tholen thought the solution to the issue could be simple. He first asked the department if they could put barriers between the lanes of cars and the shoulder so pedestrians are barricaded from traffic. The jersey barriers take up 3 or 4 feet, Tholen said. So then maybe wed have a 5-foot path to walk behind these, and that would be fine. But in a phone call, Tholen said a department official told him that option would put the barriers too close to traffic. In an email, Aubrie Latimore, spokesperson for ITD, told the Statesman that the department had concerns with adding pedestrian access to a busy highway road. While we do not prohibit pedestrians or bicycles from using the existing 8- to 10-foot shoulder on the highway, we do have concerns with reducing the current paved travel way and promoting additional recreational use of the roadside that could impact the safety of other users, she said. Then, Tholen said he suggested reducing the speed limit from 55 to 35 mph over the bridge. But the answer was also no, he said. ITD officials said they couldnt reduce the speed because it would impact traffic movement. Tholens last suggestion was to build a new bridge for pedestrians and bikers that would attach to the existing Eagle Road bridge. The idea gained some traction from the city and the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, which conducted a feasibility study on the project. The city, Walk and Ride Eagle, the Two Rivers Community, a subdivision south of the river, and ITD proposed a bicycle pedestrian bridge adjacent to the west side of Eagle Road, the Statesman reported in 2019. The $1.3 million project would connect the bridge to the shoulder of the Idaho 55 bridge, spanning 240 feet. But months later, the department pulled out of the plan. The Statesman reported that a department spokesperson said the Eagle Road bridge could not accommodate the additional load of an attached bridge. Building a detached bridge added $1 million to the original estimate. It wasnt necessarily what I wanted or what it could have been, Tholen said. Tholen said he thinks if ITD had been more open to a speed limit decrease or concrete barriers, it would have been a cheaper fix for the safety issue. He worries that because of a multi-million-dollar bridge, the city will have less money for any future bike and pedestrian or park projects. The Eagle Road pedestrian bridge will connect downtown Eagle to its residential subdivisions north of State Street. Eagle bridge is a legacy project for city, staff Despite the financial challenges and some setbacks, Nichoel Baird Spencer, long-range planner for the city of Eagle, is excited to finally open the bridge to the public I spend a lot of time talking about the future, Baird Spencer said by phone. So its really rewarding to see a project be completed. Its very rare that you get a legacy project, something my grandson will be able to say that his grandma helped make that happen. Those are exciting things for me. Baird Spencer agreed that roadway projects in Ada County can be difficult to navigate, since cities do not have authority over the roadways. They are either managed by the Ada County Highway District or ITD. It was a different philosophy that ITD had, she said. ITD policy does not advocate for pathways and trails or sidewalks in their right-of-ways. That is up to the city where the highway is located, she said. We had to work through that, Baird Spencer said. We had a mid-course correction where we went all the way through initial study of an attached bridge, and then it wasnt an attached bridge. We then had to go into a whole new engineering study of how that bridge would function. In its statement, ITD said officials spoke to the city and Tholens citizen group about pedestrian safety on Eagle Road and offered options. Ultimately those options were not pursued over concerns with operations and maintenance, Latimore said in the email. Funding was another hurdle the city had to jump. Baird Spencer said it took five years to plan the bridge and another five years to find funding sources. Eventually the city got nearly the whole project funded through Federal Transportation Alternative Program and Surface Transportation Block grants. The city allocated $200,000 toward construction. The bridge is an important connection for the city of Eagle, Baird Spencer said, but also the entire valley. The city is planning a ribbon cutting for the bridge on Friday, April 21, Baird Spencer said. Dozens of Eagle, Avimor residents testify at hearing. Heres what happened 6 hours later He was thrown from wheelchair on Eagle Senior Center bus and died. Fallout has been swift A brilliant setting sun illuminates the sky above the mosque of Munigi, a small clapboard building in troubled eastern DR Congo serving Muslims displaced by the M23 conflict. Worshippers are preparing to break their Ramadan fast in the camp, on a lava-strewn field just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the front lines. Their circumstances -- cramped together in makeshift huts -- are far bleaker than the dazzling sunset behind them. Some 500 Muslims live in the Munigi displaced persons' camp, where access to food and water is severely limited. "The first ones arrived nearly a year ago," said Ali Assani Mukamba, the local imam, speaking of Muslim displaced people. Walking through the mass of tiny huts, built hastily on the field of volcanic rock, he explains that one of the biggest problems is a lack of fresh water. "To wash before prayer, we're sometimes forced to rub ourselves with dust or mud," Mukamba said. As night falls, Muslim worshippers pass around a platter of rice and beans, while a pale bulb comes on to light up their mosque. - 'Killed by the M23' - Abda Juma Buranga, one of the Muslim elders in the camp, said they are only able eat their iftar meal -- which breaks the fast -- because of charitable donations. He fled his native village of Kibumba, less than 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the camp, when M23 fighters launched an attack in November. "I lost 25 members of my family, cousins, aunts, nephews," the 65-year-old said. "They were all killed by the M23". The Muslim community in Munigi makes up a tiny part of the huge number of people who have fled the M23 in North Kivu province. This month, the International Organization for Migration said the crisis has displaced almost 900,000 people. A Tutsi-led group, the M23 first came to international prominence when it briefly captured North Kivu's capital Goma in 2012 before being driven out. The rebels took up arms again in late 2021 after years of dormancy, on claims that the government had ignored a pledge to integrate its fighters into the military. Story continues The M23 has since captured swathes of territory in North Kivu, and is now threatening to cut off the roads leading to Goma, a trade hub of over one million people. - 'We're suffering' - "In 2012, I didn't flee when the M23 arrived," said Aisha Furaha, sitting on a rock in Munigi camp with her head bent low. The M23 returned "with more brutality" during its second campaign, according to the 40-year-old woman. The rebels had threatened to loot and kill, Furaha said, adding that she and her 10 children had fled their home under a hail of gunfire. Now, she and her family sleep on the ground in a hut in Munigi, where she said there isn't enough room for everyone. M23 fighters are still in position across North Kivu, and on hilltops near Goma. According to reports by independent experts for the United Nations Security Council, Rwanda is backing and equipping the rebels. Kigali denies the claim. Abda Juma, the Muslim elder in Munigi, said he wanted the international community to force Rwandan President Paul Kagame to withdraw the M23. "We're suffering a lot," he said. ah/at/eml/lcm Billy has been interested in wildlife photography for about five years A teenager has won two major photography prizes on the same day. Billy Evans-Freke, 16, won the RSPB Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year as well as the South Downs National Park photography award in his age category. Billy, who is from East Sussex, said he was "in shock" and "still can't quite believe it". He has been interested in photography since the age of ten. The teenager won the RSPB prize after capturing an image, named Branching Out, of a young tawny owl in woodland near his house. Billy took the photograph after hearing a commotion with a blackbird and the high-pitched squeak of an owlet. The second image, titled Golden Egret, was taken at Cuckmere Haven and won the South Downs National Park photography award for his age group. Billy said he was walking there with his mum and dogs when he spotted the egret in "the perfect spot". "I was crawling along the path and eventually I got there and the light came out from behind the clouds and it was perfect," he said. Billy first became involved in photography about five years ago when a local wildlife photographer sparked his interest. "Ever since then I knew it was something I wanted to do," he said. He said the trick to taking a great picture was "right place, right time". "You just have to spend the time out in nature and once you have that knowledge, it's kind of everything else happens." "When you have a passion you just follow it, and I just love wildlife, so it's something that I really enjoy doing," he said. Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. All pictures subject to copyright. A child weeps on a bus leaving the Covenant School in Nashville after Monday's mass shooting. (Nicole Hester/Tennessean) Another 200 children became survivors of gun violence Monday, this time in Nashville, when a 28-year-old armed with high-powered weapons broke into their school and opened fire, killing three 9-year-old classmates and three adult staff members. The kids, along with employees of the private elementary school, join the growing number of Americans who have been touched by gun violence, who have had to shelter in place or run for their lives or confront the possibility that their lives will soon end by a bullet. And they also join the ranks of mourners for family, friends and colleagues who could not be protected or escape. Just how common is it to be a survivor? Outside the Nashville school, Joylyn Bukovac, a local television reporter covering the killing rampage , shared that she, too, had survived a shooting at her middle school in 2010. At another point, a woman crashed a television news conference , asking, Arent you guys tired of covering this? That was Ashbey Beasley, who had been at the July 4 parade in Highland Park, Ill., last year when a gunman opened fire on the crowd, killing seven people. Beasley was in Nashville visiting family and was going to have lunch with Shaundelle Brooks, whose older son was killed in a 2018 mass shooting at a Waffle House. The women bonded over their gun control advocacy. But Brooks got word that her younger sons high school was on lockdown because of the gunfire nearby. I couldnt even fully process it, Beasley told the Washington Post . What do you say? Because only in America can you survive a mass shooting and go and make a friend who is the victim of a mass shooting and then go to meet that friend for lunch and end up in the middle of another mass shooting event. When we look beyond horrific headline-grabbing mass shootings, the tally of loss and sorrow compounds. Just in the last week , two administrators were shot at a high school in Denver and a student was shot in the parking lot at a high school in Dallas. Each day, children and adults are killed or maimed in shootings in neighborhoods, homes, houses of worship, grocery stores and movie theaters. Even some of the most powerful people in the nation members of Congress are not immune. There is no safe place. Story continues How much longer before most Americans can count themselves as survivors of gun violence? What does that do to the national psyche? For parents to say goodbye to their children each morning with the lingering fear it will be the last time they see them. For young people who are trained by the culture to constantly scope out exit routes in case there is a shooter. Were a country that purports to care about human life, yet we tolerate frequent mass casualties from guns. While conservative legislators in Tennessee and other states spend their time trying to ban books or drag queens, curtail gender-affirming care for transgender youth, or whitewash public school curriculum in the name of protecting children, they refuse to take meaningful steps to reduce the leading cause of their death in America: gun violence. President Biden on Monday again called on Congress to ban assault weapons and close gun background check loopholes. A majority of Americans support stronger rules on the sale of guns and feel increasingly dissatisfied with the nation's failure to more strictly regulate firearms. But too many state and federal lawmakers, mostly Republican, won't buck the gun lobby and its extreme ideology that even common-sense restrictions amount to government oppression. So, instead, Americans live with another kind of oppression the crushing fear that they might be the next victim or survivor of gun violence. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is contending with what its director dubbed a new frontier of invisible threats to its mission, with foreign militaries sharpening their electronic warfare and cyber capabilties. The MDA is tasked with developing and deploying layers of missile-killing systems to protect the U.S. as well as its deployed forces and interests abroad. Key to the assignment is detecting whats actually incoming, calculating where it will land and quickly deciding the best means of interception, all of which is made more difficult by jamming and cyber harassment, according to Navy Vice Adm. Jon Hill. When I look at the future, and I think about the problems we face, beyond all of those different trajectory types and warhead types, for me it becomes the electronic attack and protection side of the house, he said at a March 24 event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. We have to make sure we are as resilient as possible. Weve been working on the cyber aspects. Electronic warfare is a fight for control of the electromagnetic spectrum, relied upon for communications, situational awareness, weapons guidance and more. The Defense Department is attempting to rebuild its related arsenal after decades of post-Cold War atrophy and years spent in the Middle East fighting less technologically-savvy forces. US Indo-Pacific Command seeks extra $274 million for cyber Hill on Friday said the constellation of threats that exists and continues to evolve today is a far cry from previous years. Adversaries have really upped their game in this area, he said, which means you have to up your game in defense, which also means its harder. Both China and Russia, the top national security hazards, according to U.S. officials, are developing advanced missiles that can be launched from the air, ground and sea as well as below the waves. And newer systems take advantage of decoys and other countermeasures to hide and misdirect, ultimately boosting survival rates. Story continues The future is how do you deal with these different kind of attacks well have on the system, that are beyond just jamming, Hill said. Its going to be hard. The MDA for fiscal 2024 requested nearly $11 billion, up from its ask of $9.6 billion in 2023 and $8.9 billion in 2022. The budget blueprint has $346 million for what the MDA this month called flight, ground and cybersecurity testing. It also allocates $39 million to continue innovation, science and technology programs meant to explore leap-ahead and disruptive technologies that can be folded into missile defenses. AMSTERDAM (AP) Throw another mammoth on the barbie? An Australian company on Tuesday lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct pachyderm, saying it was meant to fire up public debate about the hi-tech treat. The launch in an Amsterdam science museum came just days before April 1 so there was an elephant in the room: Is this for real? This is not an April Fools joke," said Tim Noakesmith, founder of Australian startup Vow. "This is a real innovation. Cultivated meat also called cultured or cell-based meat is made from animal cells. Livestock doesnt need to be killed to produce it, which advocates say is better not just for the animals but also for the environment. Vow used publicly available genetic information from the mammoth, filled missing parts with genetic data from its closest living relative, the African elephant, and inserted it into a sheep cell, Noakesmith said. Given the right conditions in a lab, the cells multiplied until there were enough to roll up into the meatball. More than 100 companies around the world are working on cultivated meat products, many of them startups like Vow. Experts say that if the technology is widely adopted, it could vastly reduce the environmental impact of global meat production in the future. Currently, billions of acres of land are used for agriculture worldwide. But don't expect this to land on plates around the world any time soon. So far, tiny Singapore is the only country to have approved cell-based meat for consumption. Vow is hoping to sell its first product there a cultivated Japanese quail meat later this year. The mammoth meatball is a one-off and has not been tasted, even by its creators, nor is it planned to be put into commercial production. Instead, it was presented as a source of protein that would get people talking about the future of meat. We wanted to get people excited about the future of food being different to potentially what we had before. That there are things that are unique and better than the meats that were necessarily eating now, and we thought the mammoth would be a conversation starter and get people excited about this new future, Noakesmith told The Associated Press. Story continues But also the woolly mammoth has been traditionally a symbol of loss. We know now that it died from climate change. And so what we wanted to do was see if we could create something that was a symbol of a more exciting future thats not only better for us, but also better for the planet, he added. Seren Kell, science and technology manager at Good Food Institute, a nonprofit that promotes plant- and cell-based alternatives to animal products, said he hopes the project will open up new conversations about cultivated meats extraordinary potential to produce more sustainable foods, reduce the climate impact of our existing food system and free up land for less intensive farming practices." He said the mammoth project with its unconventional gene source was an outlier in the new meat cultivation sector, which commonly focuses on traditional livestock cattle, pigs and poultry. By cultivating beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, we can have the most impact in terms of reducing emissions from conventional animal agriculture and satisfying growing global demand for meat while meeting our climate targets, he said. The jumbo meatball on show in Amsterdam sized somewhere between a softball and a volleyball was for show only and had been glazed to ensure it didnt get damaged on its journey from Sydney. But when it was being prepared first slow baked and then finished off on the outside with a blow torch it smelled good. The folks who were there, they said the aroma was something similar to another prototype that we produced before, which was crocodile," Noakesmith said. "So, super fascinating to think that adding the protein from an animal that went extinct 4,000 years ago gave it a totally unique and new aroma, something we havent smelled as a population for a very long time. ___ Associated Press reporter Laura Ungar contributed from Louisville, Kentucky. Students at Elizabeth Forward High School will return to the classroom in April after a fire damaged the building in February. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Fire severely damages Elizabeth Forward auditorium; Community raises money to support students A letter sent to parents from the superintendent on Monday confirms students will be back in the building on April 11. PHOTOS: Fire burns through roof at Elizabeth Forward High School The district is providing time for parents and guardians to visit the building and review reports. The school building will be open to parents and guardians for walk-throughs on Tuesday, April 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Remote classes will be canceled on April 3 and 4 to complete building and classroom preparations. Spring break, scheduled from April 5 to April 10, is not impacted by the cancellation, but a makeup day is scheduled for May 16. The district will continue to provide updates to parents as they approach the return to the building. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Human remains found in Pittsburgh identified as Etna woman who went missing over 3 years ago Bethel Park man shot and killed in Bloomfield; Suspect arrested Eric Clapton coming to Pittsburgh VIDEO: Thousands remain without power after severe weather Saturday DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Congressmen Mark Takano and Adam Schiff U.S. Reps. Adam Schiff and Mark Takano, both Democrats from California, Tuesday called on Twitter CEO Elon Musk to address the rise in hate speech, including anti-LGBTQ+ speech, on the platform since he took it over last fall. They cited a study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, also released Tuesday, that notes the volume of tweets characterizing LGBTQ+ people as groomers has increased 119 percent since Musk assumed control October 27. New studies have demonstrated, once again, that hate speech has dramatically increased on the platform. As a result of these studies, we have new data showing that Twitter is not adequately or consistently acting on the hate speech on the platform, Schiff and Takano wrote in a letter to Musk. The congressmen had written to Musk in December, after multiple reports came out demonstrating that since late October, when you initiated numerous layoffs and changes at the company, hate speech has dramatically increased on Twitter, they stated in the new letter. Musk responded by tweeting that one of them had a brain that was too small. In the first letter, they cited particularly the rise in anti-Semitic and anti-LGBTQ+ speech. Some of it, in addition to racist speech, has been directed at them; Schiff is Jewish, and Takano is gay and Asian American. Unfortunately, our letter was only met with open hostility and a false public attack that did not provide the requested data, they wrote Tuesday. Your various tweets to our offices included a decrease in hate speech was followed by massive amounts of antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ comments and threats against us on both of our Twitter accounts. The two lawmakers said they are writing again following new data available that contradicts Musk's comments that hate speech is decreasing on the platform. Schiff and Takano cite research from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), which found that anti-Semitic tweets had increased by over 106 percent. Story continues Additionally, the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) released a new study today, which shows there was a 119% increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and slurs on the platform under your leadership, they wrote. This follows a February study from CCDH which demonstrated the harms that you have brought to the platform by reinstating tens of thousands of accounts that were espousing antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ, bigoted, misogynistic, and racist ideologies. Most notably they found that just ten of those hateful accounts have accumulated over 2.5 billion impressions on Twitter since December. Schiff and Takano's letter references the CCDH's findings that Twitter will gain $6.4 million each year from advertising revenue by just reinstating five accounts known for their anti-LGBTQ+ content. Those five are Libs of TikTok, Gays Against Groomers, Chris Rufo, James Lindsay, and Tim Pool. The first three were named by the Anti-Defamation League in its list of the top Online Amplifiers of Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism, according to a CCDH press release. Lindsay is known for popularizing the phrase OK groomer and was banned from Twitter before Musks takeover. Pool was cited by watchdog group Media Matters for appearing to blame the victims of the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting and for spreading anti-transgender propaganda. Schiff and Takanos letter asks Musk what steps hes going to take to address hate speech and when; if he has a plan to increase safety for users, particularly those who are LGBTQ+ or Jewish; and how Twitter enforces content moderation and if it will share that process with the public. In the CCDH press release, CEO Imran Ahmed said, Hate-filled lies about LGBTQ+ people are spread online to dehumanize fellow citizens and whip up fear purely based on whom they love or how they identify, and is mirrored by an alarming rise in real-world violence. This isnt an accident. Elon Musk put up the Bat Signal to homophobes, transphobes, racists and all manner of disinformation actors, encouraging them to flood onto Twitter. Not only has Musks ownership of the platform coincided with an explosion of the hateful grooming narrative, but Twitter is monetizing hate at an unprecedented rate. Ahmed added: Twitter must decide if they believe in the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, or if they want to continue profiting from and normalizing hate. They cannot do both. The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ rights organization, also slammed Twitter over CCDH's findings. Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign senior vice president, programs, research, and training said in a statement that the U.S. is facing a surge of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks as extremists continue to traffic in dangerous disinformation about our community. These threats have caused a rise in verbal and physical abuse, with nearly one-in-five of any type of hate crime being motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias with a continued epidemic of fatal violence facing transgender people, particularly Black transgender women," Brown said. "Social media platforms have a responsibility to their users to create a space where the exchange of opposing ideas does not result in physical harm, or discriminatory legislation. Tesla CEO Elon Musk leaves the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco, California. Twitter boss Elon Musk has announced a shake-up of the social media platform's paid Twitter Blue feature. From 15 April only verified subscribers will have posts recommended to other users and be allowed to vote in polls. Under the policy, posts from non-paying accounts will not be included in the "For you" stream of recommended tweets. Last week, the firm said it would remove the verified status of some "legacy" accounts, which date from before Mr Musk bought the firm. Users currently pay $7 (5.70) a month for blue-tick verification, which also allows access to additional features. Mr Musk said the changes were "the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle." "Voting in polls will require verification for same reason," he added. In an earlier post, Mr Musk said paid verification significantly increases the cost of using bots and makes it easier to identify them. Starting April 15th, only verified accounts will be eligible to be in For You recommendations. The is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle. Voting in polls will require verification for same reason. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 27, 2023 However, the move has been criticised by some social media users. A former worker on Twitter's verification team who asked to remain anonymous told the BBC: "Our number one goal for my team was to protect users from real world harm and this screams the complete opposite to me." "Verified users will use their power and their presence on the platform to influence anything from misinformation to actual harm for users all around the world. It's a silent threat that no one is seeing," they added. Analysis box by James Clayton, North America technology reporter When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he was full of lofty ambitions about bringing back "free speech" . Story continues He wanted the platform to be "maximally trusted" and said this "isn't a way to make money". Yet Twitter policy now feels very different to those ideals. Realising that it was difficult to increase advertising revenue, Musk turned to a subscription based model. The sell initially was to give users a "blue tick" verification, if they paid a monthly fee. But the paying users didn't come in their droves. Stuck with flagging advertising revenue, and a stuttering subscription model - Musk has decided to take the nuclear option. There are two algorithms on Twitter - the "For you" stream of recommended tweets and stream of tweets from people you follow. Elon Musk's new policy will now essentially preclude non-paying users from taking part in one of those streams. It means unverified Twitter users will be far less likely to have their tweets liked or retweeted. Combined with Elon Musk's winding down of misinformation checks - this could be an extremely dangerous moment for Twitter. I've spoken to former employees who think this could be manna from heaven for trolls and people pushing misinformation. It also raises an existential question for Twitter. It was supposed to be fairly meritocratic place - with tweets rising by the quality of their content. It was a big part of Twitter's success. But now, that appears to have been swept away. Twitter Blue had a chaotic initial launch in November, as people started impersonating big brands and celebrities and paying for the blue tick badge in order to make them look authentic. Many pretended to be Mr Musk himself. This forced Twitter to pause the feature after less than a week, before it was relaunched the following month. Twitter Blue has since been used by controversial groups, including Taliban officials and their prominent supporters in Afghanistan. Verified users have their tweets amplified above other accounts. Subscribers also have access to additional features including an edit button, among other perks. Previously, the blue tick was used to indicate that high-profile accounts were authentic. It was given out by Twitter without a subscription fee - but only the firm itself decided who got one. Last week, Twitter said it would also start phasing out its "legacy verified programme" and remove some "legacy verified checkmarks" from 1 April. The firm added that users needed to pay to "keep your blue checkmark on Twitter". Bots on social media platforms can hurt their ability to grow advertising revenue or paid-for subscriptions. Mr Musk has often expressed concerns about how many fake or spam accounts are on Twitter. At one point he put his $44bn plan to buy the social media platform on hold as he queried the number of bots disclosed by the firm's previous management team. A Lehigh County man is accused of embezzling $2.4 million from a Bensalem-based gaming company over seven years. On Monday, Michael Bull, 47, of Emmaus, was arraigned on charges alleging he embezzled the funds from KGM Gaming LLC since 2015. Bull is charged with dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, theft by deception, theft, receiving stolen property, identity theft and related offenses. He is free on 10% of $500,000 bail. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office and Bensalem police said in a news release that Bull, who was hired as the company's accountant in 2014, began issuing himself checks within a year. Bensalem Detective Stephen Clark served search warrants on Citizens Bank to get Bull's banking records, which showed Bull issued himself 288 checks, totaling $2,404,960, officials said. Bull turned himself in Monday. At this point in time were investigating the allegations against Mr. Bull," his attorney Matthew Quigg said Monday. "And well have more comment at a future date. A KGM Gaming spokesperson said the company had no further comment when reached Monday afternoon. KGM Gaming, on Samuel Drive, is a supplier of cabinet housings for slot machines and furniture for casinos. The company recently installed software that detects suspicious transactions. Man sentenced in Bensalem shooting:Man sentenced to 11 years in prison for shooting, attempted robbery inside Bensalem hotel Woman charged with stealing:What police say a Bensalem woman bought with money she stole from high school band boosters For subscribers:'He should be locked up forever': Bensalem man gets 20 years in prison for 'sextortion' How an accountant stole $2.4 million, according to police During an internal audit, the company found that Bull was listed in the payroll system as a vendor, and he had issued checks to himself, according to police. Bull would trace the signature of the CEO on unauthorized checks before he deposited them into his personal bank account, authorities allege. Story continues Bull also entered fraudulent vendor invoices and would change the payee name on the check to his own, officials said. He was fired in December when the missing funds were discovered, according to the release. Bull's criminal complaint states that the company's CEO confronted him about the funds in late December, and Bull agreed to work out a repayment plan. However, he only ended up paying $10,000 instead of immediately cashing in $100,000 in bonds and other investments to pay the company, court documents state. After Bull was fired, investigators found a piece of a check that had the CEO's signature on it inside Bull's desk, police said. The CEO believed that was what was used to trace his signature, police said. Bull's preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 4. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Lehigh man accused of embezzling $2.4 million from Bensalem company Hello, Chicago. Ive been at the Chicago Tribune for 10 years now and Ive covered a little bit of everything in that time, from annual charity drives to mass shootings to the daily car wreck that is city politics. Advertisement This is my second mayoral race and the first being lead City Hall reporter. People ask me every day: Whos going to win? Paul Vallas or Brandon Johnson. I cant answer that. I dont know. Advertisement Early turnout so far is favoring wards Vallas took in the early round of voting. To win, Vallas will need enough support from moderate Latino, white and Black voters to supplement his conservative white base. Johnson needs to win Black voters who supported Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the Feb. 28 election, do well with moderates and clean up among his progressive base. But we wont know whos done what until election night. What we do know is that the Tribune will keep you covered in the next week, reporting from the final candidate debates, campaign trail and doing critical background work on the issues and candidates to keep you informed. Keep reading. Youre valued. Even the folks who spend their time yelling at me on Twitter. Gregory Pratt Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Here are the top election stories you need to know this week. Subscribe to more newsletters | COVID-19 tracker | Compare home values by ZIP code | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy | Todays eNewspaper edition Vegetation hangs from a tree on the 2400 block of South State Street at the site of the former Harold L. Ickes Homes, Aug. 23, 2022, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) Proponents of the school also have their hopes for renewed momentum pinned on the new mayor. Chicago Public Schools indefinitely postponed town hall and planning meetings regarding the site in February, following an upswell in opposition. Read more stories on the issues the Chicagos next mayor could face: the citys finances, the future of CPS, crime and how race played a factor in creating the runoff. Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas shake hands before a debate at ABC-7 studios in downtown Chicago on March 16, 2023. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Contributors have given a combined $9.2 million to both campaigns since the mayoral runoff began this month. And with about two weeks to go until Election Day, contributions will undoubtedly continue to stream in. Soldier Field and Museum Campus can be seen July 25, 2022, at the stadium in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) The lakefront wards are home to historic housing stock and city landmarks, including the Museum Campus and Soldier Field, the University of Chicago and the South Shore Cultural Center. A future landmark, the Obama Presidential Center, will have a much-discussed, but still to be defined, impact when its due to open in 2025. Advertisement Mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, a Cook County commissioner, left, and Paul Vallas, a former CEO for Chicago Public Schools, pose for portraits before meeting with members of the Tribune Editorial Board and staff at the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center on Jan. 23, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) For those candidates who didnt win outright in the Feb. 28 Chicago election by gaining more than 50% of the vote, there is one more election in Chicago the runoff on April 4. Heres what you need to know before Election Day. Paul LaGrassa, key judge, right, carries an American flag while Bryan Keane, election coordinator, puts up a poster marking an accessible entrance before the start of voting at the Boathouse at Park #571 in Chicagos 11th Ward on Feb. 28, 2023. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Chicago voters will head to the polls again on April 4 to cast their ballots for mayor and City Council in runoff races. Here are the Chicago Tribune Editorial Boards endorsements for the runoff election. Insider Source; Alyssa Powell/Insider An employee at e-commerce firm Rokt shared a photo of a colleague in blackface, shocking colleagues. Rokt's leaders responded to the incident, but many employees felt they didn't go far enough. The episode, and claims involving drugs and sexual remarks, raise questions about Rokt, which plans an IPO. Employees at Rokt were shocked when an employee shared a photo of a colleague in blackface during a Zoom meeting in 2020. The Zoom meeting, a company-wide get-together, was held just a few weeks into COVID-19 lockdowns. An employee shared the photo, from an event in 2012, that appeared to show another employee in blackface and dressed as Michael Jackson. A handful of workers expressed their dismay in the meeting's chat box. "Did my eyes just see what it was?" recalled one of more than a half-dozen former employees who told Insider they saw the photo. "It was almost like you were seeing a naked picture." Elizabeth Buchanan, the company's chief commercial officer and the wife of CEO Bruce Buchanan, acknowledged what had happened in an all-staff email sent out that night and later viewed by Insider. She included brief apologies from the person pictured as well as the person who presented the picture, who happened to be related to a cofounder of a previous iteration of the company. Rokt said that both employees completed a session of unconscious bias training with an expert facilitator, who also held a session for the whole company. But Bruce Buchanan doubled down. Current and former employees recalled him saying at a later all-hands meeting that blackface a racist performance from the Jim Crow era where white performers colored their faces to mock Black people was not a big deal in Australia, where Buchanan and the offending employees are from. Buchanan denied saying this. Rokt CEO Bruce Buchanan. Rokt "We were all, in America, like, 'We don't need to learn about blackface from you,'" the second former employee said. Buchanan said this criticism was based on a mischaracterization of his remarks. Story continues The incident was one of several that Insider learned about when interviewing more than 30 current and former employees of the e-commerce company, which was recently valued at $2.4 billion by investors. Interviews with dozens of employees painted a picture of a "family business" that's been slow to mature. Some said that Rokt executives engaged in or tolerated misogynistic conduct, as well as excessive drinking and drug use, and resisted holding employees accountable for alleged bad behavior. One lawsuit brought by a former employee alleged a co-founder encouraged female employees to get their "beach bodies" ready ahead of a company retreat. The company denied all of the claims but paid an undisclosed sum to settle the case in 2019, according to court filings. Another woman's lawsuit claimed the CEO told her he'd like to see her in a bikini. Buchanan denied saying that. Rokt, which sells e-commerce marketing and advertising tools, focused on post-transaction sales, to big companies like Disney, Domino's, and JCPenney, says it's on track to go public. Read Insider's investigation into Rokt's workplace here. Read the original article on Business Insider As Pennsylvania struggles to recruit first responders and fund emergency services, a trio of bills would give counties more flexibility to spend tax money on EMS systems. While two are optional and work on the local level, one bill would recreate a state licensing exam instead of relying on a federal version. House Bill 68, introduced by Rep. Brad Roae, R-Meadville, would allow counties to redirect a $5 vehicle fee to fund EMS. Current law allows the revenue to go toward maintenance of county roads bridges. This legislation would allow counties to continue to do that or they could use the money to help support EMS, Roae noted in a legislative memo. Some counties have never enacted the $5 fee and they would not be required to do so. Counties would also be permitted to use some of the money for roads and bridges and the other part of it to support EMS. A similar proposal, House Bill 67, and also introduced by Roae, would allow counties to use money from a hotel tax to fund EMS instead of tourism promotion. EMS is in a crisis in Pennsylvania, Roae said. Each year there are fewer paramedics, fewer EMTs, fewer career ambulance services, fewer volunteer ambulance services, fewer ambulances in service available for calls, etc. The change is due to more pressing needs than local tourism funding. Tourism is not in a crisis and tourism promotion is not in a crisis, Roae said. He said counties could use all of their hotel tax revenue for tourism, if its a high priority in their area. Or, they could split the money in any percentage between tourism and EMS, or they could devote the entire amount to emergency services. Roaes other bill, House Bill 65, would replace the federal licensing exam for EMTs and paramedics with a state exam. Until 2013, Pennsylvania used a state exam before switching to a federal one. He said students in the state have lower passing rates on the National Registry exam because the scope of practice nationally is greater (than) what PA laws and regulations allow. Story continues Some instructors are not teaching students to do things they cannot legally do in PA but there are still questions on the National Register exam on those skills, Roae said. Limiting an exam to what will be expected of Pennsylvania residents could make it easier to get more first responders in the workforce. Having test questions limited to what EMTs, EMRs and paramedics in PA are actually allowed to do should increase the exam passing rate and increase the number of emergency responders, Roae said. EMS officials have warned that the system across the commonwealth is on the brink of collapse, as The Center Square previously reported. Low pay and reimbursement rates have made it difficult to retain existing workers and hire new ones. WASHINGTON (AP) Two Texas companies have resolved Clean Air Act violations with the Environmental Protection Agency by agreeing to reduce emissions of planet-warming methane and other harmful pollutants wafting from the nation's largest oil and gas producing region. EPA announced Monday that Matador Production Company has agreed to pay $6.2 million in fines and mitigation measures related to 239 oil and gas well pads in New Mexico. Permian Resources Operating agreed earlier this month to pay $610,000 and make improvements to its equipment to settle environmental violations. The enforcement actions came after EPA flew a helicopter equipped with a special infrared camera that can detect emissions of hydrocarbon vapors that are invisible to the naked eye. EPA announced a new round of overflights in August, four days after publication of an investigation by The Associated Press that showed 533 oil and gas facilities in the region are emitting excessive amounts of methane and named the companies most responsible. Colorless and odorless, methane makes up about 95 percent of natural gas and a potent greenhouse pollutant that traps 83 times more heat in the atmosphere over a 20 year period than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. The AP used 2021 data from the group Carbon Mapper to document massive amounts of methane venting into the atmosphere from super emitters across the Permian Basin, a 250-mile-wide bone-dry expanse along the Texas-New Mexico border. A partnership of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and academic researchers, Carbon Mapper used an airplane carrying an infrared spectrometer to detect and quantify the unique chemical fingerprint of methane in the atmosphere. Hundreds of sites were shown persistently spewing the gas across multiple overflights. EPA has said the timing of its 2022 overflights was not related to APs story and that similar aerial surveillance had been conducted in years past. The federal complaint filed against Matador said unlawful emissions were observed in 2019, while Permian Resources was cited for evidence collected during overflights in 2020. Story continues EPA spokesman Timothy Carroll said federal regulators have initiated additional enforcement actions based on the agency's 2022 flyover. He declined to provide the number of additional companies currently facing potential sanctions, citing the ongoing investigations. Methane emissions in themselves are not illegal under current federal law, but the Clean Air Act does regulate other pollutants also contained in the gasses emitted during fossil fuel production, such as volatile organic compounds that contribute to health problems including asthma, lung infections, bronchitis and cancer. Air quality in the Permian Basin is at risk of not meeting national standards, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We will continue to work with the State of New Mexico to ensure that oil and gas production operations are operating within the law to improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities. EPA said its settlement with Matador will result in a reduction of more than 16,000 tons of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. There will be additional reduction in emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases equal to about 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide equal to taking more than 6,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for one year. Emails and a voicemail seeking comment from Matador Resources Company, the Dallas-based corporate parent of Matador Production Company, received no response. Emails to Permian Resources, based in Midland, Texas, also received no response. The voicemail for a phone number at the company listed for media inquires was not accepting new messages on Tuesday. ___ Follow AP Global Investigative Reporter Michael Biesecker at twitter.com/mbieseck New Jersey Superior Court Judge Nicholas Peter Conforti, a legal giant in Sussex County courtrooms for over five decades whose legacy and esteemed reputation spread far and wide, died March 17 in Florida at the age of 79. Conforti, who lived in Sparta with his wife Cecelia, retired from the criminal division on Nov. 9, 2013 at the age of 70, the mandatory retirement age written into the state constitution in 1947. Instead of a well-earned rest, the stalwart judge retook the bench and actively worked on recall, continuing to preside over cases just eight months shy of his 80th birthday. Retired judges on recall, or assigned temporarily for special hearings and projects to allow permanent judges to focus on their primary responsibilities, cannot serve beyond the age of 80. Conforti died in Naples, Florida, where the couple had been vacationing the last three months, although the veteran judge had continued working in a virtual capacity, his wife told the New Jersey Herald after his passing. State Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti waits as prospective jurors take their seats during the first day of jury selection for the retrial of Jacob Gentry on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. He and his wife raised six children and he was a doting grandfather to 13 grandchildren, whom he showed unwavering support and would never miss a game, performance or event in which they were part of, family wrote in his obituary. Conforti was 39 when he was appointed to the Superior Court bench by Gov. Thomas Kean and confirmed by the state Senate in March 1983. Conforti spent a majority of his years in the criminal court in Sussex County, although he did spend time in the family and law division of the Morris and Sussex vicinage. Conforti, who grew up in Elizabeth and Roselle Park in Union County, moved to Sussex County in 1971 and founded a law firm in Sussex Borough. He went on to serve as a municipal court judge in the borough and other towns including Byram and Sparta for 10 years before he was appointed to the Superior Court division. He obtained his law degree from Rutgers School of Law in Newark in 1968 after he graduated magna cum laude in 1965 with a degree in political science from St. Vincent College in Pennsylvania and graduated from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada at Reno, where he also served as a faculty advisor. Story continues Accolades aside, Conforti proved his flexibility as a magistrate judge, and his sense of balance, when he laced up a pair of roller skates and joined a wedding party in September 1981, marrying a couple at the Hampton Roller Rink, according to an article from the Feb. 15, 1983 edition of the New Jersey Herald. N. Peter Conforti, seen in a photo run in the New Jersey Herald on Feb. 15, 1983, a month before he was confirmed by the state Senate to take the bench a Superior Court judge in Sussex County. N. Peter Conforti: A compassionate judge with a wry humor Conforti was touted as an exemplary judge, friend and mentor to dozens of judges and former law clerks in part due to his astounding patience and endless compassion, said state Superior Court Judge Stuart Minkowitz, the assignment judge for the Morris and Sussex vicinage. His sensitivity in the courtroom was two-fold: He made constant efforts to address not only the impact crimes had on victims but also recognized the need for rehabilitation for defendants charged with crimes through his work with alternative programs such as the recovery court and the Intensive Supervision Program, or ISP, said Glenn A. Grant, administrative director of the courts. Gregory Mueller, Sussex County's first assistant prosecutor, echoed similar thoughts, stating that the veteran judge had an "innate sense of fairness and genuine concern for the people that appeared in his courtroom." Mueller, who practiced law for 25 years before Conforti as prosecutor and defense attorney, believes "The Judge," as he was well-known in the community, was "one of the best jurists in the state." While a consummate professional in the courtroom and a judge in the "highest sense," Grant said, Conforti's wry sense of humor was always on display, whether out to dinner with friends or with a quick courtroom quip that "at times, made it difficult to keep a straight face," added Mueller. He was a "pillar" in the legal community who will be fondly remembered for his integrity, patience and his sense of humor, said Kelly Sherwood, who spoke on behalf of the Sussex County Bar Association where she serves as president. Sparta attorney George Daggett, who has been a local attorney for 55 years, said Conforti had the ability to keep it professional in the courtroom but he proved a good friend outside of it. The men and their spouses once vacationed together in 1985 at the Daggetts' house in Cape Cod, where they enjoyed good laughs and wine coolers, Daggett recalled. State Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti exits Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church following a funeral service the late Judge Edward Gannon in Boonton on February 20, 2016. Daggett would often text his friend and the two would share jokes, although Daggett said he would write 30 words compared to Conforti's one- or two-word response that albeit brief, captured the situation "perfectly," Daggett laughed when he spoke to the Herald this week. He was a trusted mentor who developed strong relationships with his many law clerks including two Sussex County assistant prosecutors, Jerome Neidhardt and Laura Nazzaro. Nazzaro fondly remembered her time assisting Conforti as a post-graduate clerk, stating that it was "impossible" for her to put into words how much he will be missed and how much he meant to her and the legal community. "He was not only my mentor, but I considered him family," she said, adding that "no one will be able to fill his shoes." Neidhardt said his time serving as judicial clerk for Conforti between 2002 and 2003 was "one of the best years of my life." "I learned a lot from him and got to know him a little," Neidhardt said. "He was not only very smart and wise, but he was very kind with an incredible memory who would remember many things about prior interactions with people, and he always had a kind word for us based on those prior shared experiences." State Superior Court Judge William J. McGovern III, who retired last year and is working on recall in the county's civil division, said he has forever been connected to Conforti through his late father, William J. McGovern, who had a prolific career as a county attorney and who had a close bond with Conforti. McGovern, who died in 2000, and Conforti "tangled" with each other in court, but meshed well socially, McGovern III said. After his father's passing, McGovern III said he had a "living memory" of his father through Conforti, who he also practiced law in front of. In fact, McGovern said, the first case he tried solo as a defense attorney in municipal court was before Conforti, where he gained a lot of valuable experience. Aside from his personal connection to Conforti, McGovern III remembered the "smart and intelligent" man as someone who not only was a big family man who adored his wife and family, but was fond of the New York Yankees and anything Irish or Italian. He was a true 'Renaissance man' who was well-versed, loved good wine, good people, good food and good times and was always reading a book, McGovern III recalled. Conforti was a well-traveled man and he and his wife enjoyed visiting family in Ireland, England and Italy as well as the beaches in Florida and their second home in Spring Lake, his obituary states. State Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti smiles as the Rev. Msgr. Kieran McHugh delivers an opening statement and prayer during a Sussex County Bar Association Memorial Service at the Historic County Courthouse in Newton Wednesday, June 8, 2011, for legal professionals who have recently passed away. But it was the jurist's 40-year legacy on the bench, where his acuity and compassion shined, along with his quick-wit and intellect outside the courtroom that many have reflected on in their own words, whether on social media, in passing or in the courthouse, where staff in the Sussex County Judicial Center have placed a painted photo of Conforti on a easel in the main entrance. "He was a real force to reckon with and a very bright guy with a great, great reputation among judges and among attorneys," said McGovern III. A visitation was held Monday at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church in Sparta, where the Conforti's were members. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday morning from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Burial is private. Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers. Lori Comstock can be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194. This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: NJ Superior Court Judge dies: Nicholas Peter Conforti was 79 ESG Investing Britains savers big and small are locked in conflict over whether or not to go woke with their investments. The City of London is awash with self-described ethical or green investment funds promising to grow pension and Isa portfolios, while also making the world a better place. But there are a growing number of high profile critics from within the industry. In 2021 Tariq Fancy, a former chief investment office for sustainable finance at the worlds biggest money manager, BlackRock, said the vast majority of ethical funds have little to no demonstrable impact on the environmental and social causes that they invoke in their marketing. BlackRock pointed to the spectacular success of its long-term chief executive Larry Fink but the accusations caused shockwaves. Then last year Stuart Kirk, global head of responsible investing at HSBCs asset management arm, was suspended after he hit out at climate nut jobs during an event and asked who cares if Miami is six metres underwater in 100 years?. Where does that leave DIY investors working out what to put in their Isas? More investors turn to ESG funds Hilary Jayne took voluntary redundancy and retired 11 years ago, and received a large payout. She wanted to grow the value of her savings, but feared that traditional investing would support companies that are contributing to the climate crisis and avoiding taxes. Hilary Jayne - Polly Hancock Theres so many horrible things going on in the world, she says. You do just feel useless and helpless, but money is one of the few things that is yours and you can control it. You can use it to help invest in things that are positive, that are coming up with solutions rather than actually causing the problems in the first place. Jayne, 66, who used to work in IT for British Airways, is among a growing number of investors that want long-term investments to reflect their values, according to Bestinvest, an investment platform. Jason Hollands, managing director of Bestinvest, says rising demand for this type of investment approach now generally referred to as ESG (environment, social and governance) investing, but also often dubbed to as responsible or sustainable investing has seen an explosive growth in the number of funds being offered that claim ESG credentials in recent years. Story continues While more choice is good, many of the funds out there have limited track records and so we are only just starting to see how they will perform across an economic cycle, he adds. Jayne invests in high-risk peer-to-peer loans to invest in several companies including Renewable Heat Holdings, a company that makes heat pumps and Nottinghamshire YMCA, which is developing a community and activity village in Newark-on-Trent. In her Isa, she invests in two stock market funds run by Triodos, a bank that only lends money to companies that meet its sustainability criteria. Her portfolio also contains the Triodos Sterling Bond Impact Fund, which invests in corporate, green and social bonds, as well as government bonds. But not all investors are jumping on the bandwagon. Real change will be driven by the big oil firms Thomas Lewis, 25, worries that theres a lot of murky waters around ESG at the moment. I dont feel like theres a lot of transparency around it, he says. Lewis, from Salisbury, says fossil fuel giants should have more incentives to invest in positive changes rather than being targeted by boycotts. He believes they will form an important part of the transition to net zero. Thomas Lewis - Jeff Gilbert Instead, Lewis is focusing on maximising his annual returns. Given the turbulence in the stock market following events like the mini-Budget and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, he is focused on protecting his savings from losses. His returns average about 5pc a year. An administrator at a financial planning firm, he has recently moved most of the money in his Isa into gold as a hedge against volatility in the stock market. Nearly a third (30pc) of the money in his AJ Bell account is invested in iShares Gold Producers, an exchange-traded fund, which tracks the performance of companies producing gold. It is up 6pc since the start of 2023. He has also put 16pc into Sainsburys shares, which have been performing well. Another 15pc is invested in National Grid shares, which have benefited from rising energy bills. Lewis says he wanted to cash in on the boom in the energy sector but oil company shares prices had become too high for his liking. He used to have more money invested in the popular Vanguard LifeStrategy fund range. But he has become wary of this type of tracker fund that simply mirrors stock markets indices. I just dont think investing in the whole of the market at the moment is a good strategy, he says. By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has agreed to allow retaliation against countries that put undue economic pressure on EU members to change their policies, such as the trade restrictions the bloc says China has imposed on Lithuania. Representatives of the European Parliament and the Council, the grouping of EU countries, reached a provisional deal on the anti-coercion instrument (ACI) early on Tuesday. The proposal is designed to counter a spillover of geopolitical tensions into trade. An EU report on the ACI referred to the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, China and Turkey using trade as a political tool. A prominent recent case involves Chinese trade practices against Lithuania, after the latter allowed Taiwan to set up a de facto embassy there. The EU says Beijing imposed blocks on Lithuanian exports and pressured companies to remove Lithuanian content from supply chains when exporting to China. The EU is challenging China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the issue, but WTO cases typically take well over a year to resolve. Beijing has said accusations that it is targeting Lithuania are "pure fabrication". Bernd Lange, overseeing the matter in the European Parliament, said it was possible the new counter-measures proposal would be applied in the Lithuania case and for possible retaliation by Beijing after the Netherlands decided to limit semiconductor technology exports to China. Under the ACI, EU governments would vote on whether a third country's economic measure amounted to coercion. If dialogue failed, the bloc could impose restrictions, such as higher import tariffs or limited access to EU public tenders. The entire process would take up to one year, although the threat of retaliation is designed to serve as a deterrent. "Sometimes it's necessary to put a gun on the table, even knowing that is not used day-by-day. This instrument is a last resort," Lange said. Story continues The legislation should take effect in the second half of 2023 and is envisaged more to apply to new instances of economic coercion, rather than existing cases. Some EU countries had been sceptical about the measure over concerns it could be protectionist and spark trade wars. The EU would take action if a "qualified majority" of countries supported doing so, unlike sanctions for which individual EU governments have veto power. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Mark Potter) The 27 EU member states gave final approval Tuesday to a ban on sales of new fossil fuel cars by 2035, after Germany dropped a last-minute blocking effort. The vote was a formality after ambassadors on Monday backed the milestone agreement. The majority of the bloc's energy ministers rubber-stamped the ban on Tuesday during a meeting in Brussels, with only Poland against. Bulgaria, Italy and Romania abstained. The ban on internal combustion engines is a critical part of the bloc's push to be climate-neutral by 2050, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It was actually due to be approved earlier this month but Berlin frustrated its EU partners by withdrawing its support and demanding an exemption for synthetic fuels. Germany's move was controversial since the deal had already passed under the traditional EU legislative process. The fuels that Berlin sought exceptional rules for are still under development and must be produced using low-carbon electricity. Environmental activists oppose such fuels. But manufacturers in Germany, one of the world's largest vehicle-producing nations, said the fuels could allow combustion engines to be used beyond 2035. Critics said Germany's block was a result of domestic politics, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz under pressure to keep a coalition made up of his social democrats and rival Greens and liberals together. His liberal partners wanted the exemption. There was a breakthrough on Saturday after weeks of wrangling between the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, and the German transport ministry to resolve the row. Vehicles with combustion engines can continue to be registered after 2035 if they only use fuels that are neutral in their CO2 emissions, German transport minister Volker Wissing said on Saturday. "With the EU Council's final vote today the EU has taken an important step towards zero-emission mobility," the commission's climate chief Frans Timmermans tweeted. raz/dc/ea London came out on top as the crypto hub of Europe in terms of venture capital investment in 2022, with $1.6bn invested in 2022. Photo: Getty Europe has a higher number of crypto startups than any other world region, and London is its "crypto hub", a new study has found. A study by web3 investment firm Rockway listed 3,977 cryptocurrency and web3 startups as having their headquarters in Europe. Europe had the largest number of startups working on blockchain and crypto solutions, with the US listed as the next highest region, with 3,357 startups. Read more: Crypto live prices London came out on top as the crypto hub of Europe in terms of venture capital investment in 2022, with $1.6bn (1.3bn) invested in 2022. "London remains the crypto hub of Europe, followed by the Swiss crypto valley hotspots of Zug and Zurich. Berlin and Paris compete for 3rd place", the study said. European companies accounted for 20% of total global early-stage crypto startup funding. Photo: Getty However, Mike Crosbie, CBO at poundtoken.io, claims the study failed to include that the UK ranks as one of the lowest in Europe for percentage of crypto ownership amongst the population. "For London to truly become a crypto hub beyond just venture capital backing, we must encourage greater integration through awareness and education at a policy level. "Only then will the country and capital fully benefit from blockchains positive effects on the economy and daily life", he added. Crypto startup funding Across the world, cryptocurrency venture capital funding hit $31.4bn in 2022, with Europe also leading the way. European companies accounted for 20% of total global early-stage crypto startup funding. The most dominant sub-category for investment was financial services within web3. In Europe, investment in startups expanded, reaching an all-time high of $5.7bn in 2022, which bucked the overall downward trend, as global and US venture capital funding in the cryptocurrency sector contracted in the same year. Read more: 'Dressing digitally' pins hope on blockchain to clean up fashion's carbon footprint However, "while Europe holds its weight in early-stage company funding, US companies dominated funding rounds of around $100m", according to the study. Story continues Europe fell behind the US in the number of startups with over a million dollars of funding and companies with a value of over $1bn, known as unicorns. European startups that have reached unicorn status include institutional crypto custody company Copper.co, currently valued at $2bn, which raised $181m in its series C investment round. Crypto startup Blockchain.com, now valued at $14bn, also became a unicorn company. Watch: Web3: Venture capital still pouring into crypto, claims head of Outlier Ventures | The Crypto Mile Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Jamala (centre) sang at a vigil in London on the anniversary of the Russian invasion in February A drag homage to Eurovision, a former winner and a post-apocalyptic opera will be part of a cultural festival staged by UK and Ukrainian artists in Liverpool for this year's song contest. The full line-up of performances, exhibitions and art trails for the EuroFestival in May has been unveiled. It features 24 events, 19 of which involve collaborations between artists from the two countries. The city is hosting the song contest on behalf of Ukraine, who won last year. The winners normally stage the following year's show, but it was deemed too dangerous to hold the annual televised extravaganza in Ukraine this year following the Russian invasion. The main event will comprise of semi-finals at the M&S Bank Arena on 9 and 11 May, then the grand final on 13 May. EuroFestival will run alongside it across Liverpool from 1-14 May. Highlights announced on Tuesday include: Jamala presents QIRIM to the world - Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a live premiere of her album, based on Crimean Tatar folk songs, on the official fan village stage (11 May) EuroCamp - A "three-day queer fantasia" of music, fashion, circus and cabaret in Chavasse Park, with events including The Best and The Wurst of Eurovision - in which drag performers will do battle by recreating classic Eurovision moments (9-10 May) Chornobyldorf - Opera Aperta's show at the Invisible Wind Factory will depict the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, featuring "folk and classical singing with physical theatre, dance, unique musical instruments and cinematic video-novels" (1-2 May) Protect the Beats - 2,500 sandbags will protect the Nelson Monument to reflect how statues in Ukraine are being protected from bombardment, while a short film will show "how music remains at the beating heart of Ukrainian culture" (1-14 May) Soloveiko Songbird - A walking trail to find 12 giant national birds of Ukraine (known as nightingales in England), representing regions of Ukraine and decorated with traditional designs, with visitors "invited to listen as they share the stories and songs of their homeland" (1-14 May) Welcome To Eurotopia - A "supergroup" featuring Liverpool musicians Natalie McCool and members of Stealing Sheep and She Drew The Gun plus Ukrainian performers will launch the EuroVillage main stage (5 May) Land & Sky, Home & Dreams - Children's kite-making workshops in New Brighton and four cities in Ukraine, culminating in a "simultaneous flying finale, representing their soaring dreams and shared aspirations" (dates TBC) Sound of Freedom - A mural on the Tempest Hey Building will celebrate "the cultural identity of the nations through music" as part of Ukrainian curator Katya Taylor's global The Wall project (1-14 May) With Fire and Rage - In this audio walking trail available on a phone, Ukrainian artists will recount their experiences, "from music concerts in metro stations during air raids, to smuggling artworks out of cities as rockets fall, to creating subversive street art under Russian occupation" (1-14 May) Home - Another trail, this time organised by the Open Eye Gallery, to spot Ukrainian photographs and UK poems in train stations, venues and other public spaces. You can then upload your own poem, lyric or letter (5 May-July) Dialogues - Ukrainian artist Alevtina Kakhidze and Liverpool's Ellie Hoskins will show "their humorous take on life as they observe the world around them" in an exhibition at the Bluecoat and on posters outside the gallery (1-14 May) A Place of Hope - Unity Theatre on Hope Place will host free theatre performances, poetry, exhibitions, panel discussions and creative workshops by Ukrainian artists (2-11 May) Xpresia Festival - Independent arts and music venues in the Ten Streets area will host British and Ukrainian creative producers and curators to celebrate visual arts, electronic music, DJs, live music, theatre and cabaret and creative technology (dates TBC) Story continues Four events had already been announced - a submarine parade through the streets; a rave held simultaneously in Liverpool and Kyiv; an installation in Liverpool Cathedral recreating a train carriage used to flee the war; and the English National Opera performing their take on Eurovision classics. Claire McColgan, director of Culture Liverpool, said the festival's commissions would be "evocative, thought-provoking, joyous, celebratory, reflective [and] hopeful". She said: "No other Eurovision host city has ever curated a creative programme of such scale and scope, paying homage to the culture and heritage of both Liverpool and Ukraine in the most unforgettable way." Jamala said performing her new album in Liverpool was "an essential mission for me", explaining: "It is a record that my team and I literally saved from the rubble last year - an album that preserves the beauty and greatness of my home culture." All the build-up, insights and analysis is explored each week on a BBC podcast called Eurovisioncast. Eurovisioncast is available on BBC Sounds, or search wherever you get your podcasts from. Destiny Arriaza, left, Lindsay Barajas and Kelda Rivero, all of Pasadena, socialize at a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Venture into an L.A. boba shop on any given weekend and you may just find a space transformed by K-pop fans throwing a party for their favorite musical artist. Life-size cardboard cutouts of beautiful Korean men greet you by the door. Shrieks of delight echo as enthusiastic fans find the perfect souvenir or the playlist switches to a beloved track. Avoid stepping into someones photo op by keeping an eye out for the streamer backdrops and glamour shots of the events idol of honor. Colloquially called cupsleeves, these fan events are becoming increasingly common in Southern California. They began in Seoul and other Asian cities as a way for K-pop fans mostly girls and women to meet others like them in person, not just online. Cupsleeves get their name from the ubiquitous rounds of cardboard that hug to-go beverages. At each event, fans can pick up a commemorative cupsleeve designed specifically for the occasion. All thats required is the purchase of a drink. Cupsleeves carve out spaces of celebration and community in boba shops and the cafes are happy for the business boost. The cash register with cupsleeves on display during a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Fans hold merch and their freshly sleeved cups of tea during a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) In Southern California, there are roughly 10 K-pop events happening every week, with most taking place in Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to Cali Kpop Weekly , an Instagram account that tracks K-pop events. In 2021, they started popping up more, says Leanne Yuen, 23, a BTS fan who lives in Alhambra and attends roughly one cupsleeve per month. Now, there are so many, I can barely keep track of them. At their most basic, cupsleeve events are an excuse for K-pop fans to hang balloon letters and spend the afternoon talking about their idols. Traditionally, they are tied to an artists birthday, the anniversary of a groups debut or the release of a new single or album. These cupsleeve events [are places] where fans can just come together and be themselves and not be afraid to be judged, says Jane Wishashan, 30, the co-founder of Euphoria Dance , a group that curates events for K-pop fan communities in Los Angeles and New York City. I think it's hard sometimes to go out and put yourself out there as a fan, especially in this day and age where people may not always understand what K-pop is, and just see what media or society portrays the typical K-pop fan as you know, screaming, obsessive fangirls. Story continues Destiny Arriaza grips a sticker in her manicured hand during a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Diana Ruvalcaba takes a picture of Johanna Koo next to K-pop decor. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) There are screaming fangirls at K-pop concerts, of course, just as there are men who yell, boo and swear at sporting events. And yet, fangirls are the ones who get pathologized. At cupsleeves, K-pop fans dont have to encounter those who assume there is something inherently unhealthy in how they choose to spend their leisure time and money. If youre a K-pop fan living in L.A., its possible to fill entire weekends with K-pop activities. In the same February weekend, Euphoria Dance organized a belated celebration for BTS members V and Jins birthdays at Pasadenas R&B Tea, while Play KPop Cafe in Little Tokyo hosted a two-day cupsleeve celebrating BTS members Suga and J-Hope. In Norwalk, at Besteas Boba, NCT member Ten got his own birthday party. Fans of the Boyz could celebrate Juyeon at cupsleeve events in Koreatown and Fairfax. The Fairfax event took place at hello82 LA, an 8,000-square-foot space that the K-pop content and e-commerce brand opened in December to regularly host cupsleeve events. We didn't invent the [cupsleeve] concept, says Sang Cho, co-founder of KAI Media, which owns hello82. It's been around. But we thought, by providing the same things the fans would do anyway, we would be more connected with the fan base. Chibi pins for sale during the cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Portraits of K-pop stars on a table at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) About 1,000 people attended hello82s event for the Boyz, which ran out of signed albums and cupsleeves designed by the group. Even when these things are out, once people are there, they're with their friends or they're meeting new friends, says Cho. What's really great about these events is that you see people making lasting relationships. Cupsleeve events have started to expand beyond K-pop into other underserved, stigmatized fandoms. During the same weekend, at Monterey Parks Macchiato , fans of the queer Chinese web novel Mo Dao Zu Shi (or one of its many adaptations) gathered to celebrate the birthday of character Lan Wangji. They cosplayed, played games organized by the hosts and listened to the soundtrack from the story's live-action TV adaptation, The Untamed. Most of the people at the Lan Wangji event had never been to a cupsleeve before. Some came because unlike Hollywood franchises or even anime there are few organized opportunities for fans of danmei (Chinese stories that feature men in romantic relationships) to gather. Others came to meet fandom Twitter friends for the first time in person. Caitlin Baul, and Traci Doramal take a selfie with life-size standees of K-pop artists at a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Emily Lien, a longtime manager at Macchiato, first learned about cupsleeve events when the cafe started hosting them at both its Monterey Park and downtown L.A. locations last year. It hosts two or three per month that bring in anywhere from 100 to 300 people, Lien estimates, depending on the popularity of the fandom. It does help us to grow our business, says Lien, noting that there are two other boba shops within spitting distance of the location. A lot of people probably have never heard of Macchiato until they attend one of the cupsleeve events hosted by the group they follow. Most weekends, friends Lizette Perez and Patty Wong sell BTS merchandise together at cupsleeve events across Southern California. Like other vendors, they started as fans going to cupsleeve events and then decided to start their own small businesses, designing and selling merch. When Perez, 35, was laid off from her job after 10 years, she decided to make selling BTS-themed candles, stickers and T-shirts a full-time pursuit . Votive candles featuring various K-pop stars. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Pictures on the wall during a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) Perez estimates that she makes 90% of her sales at cupsleeve events, but she also attends to make friends and talk to other fans. I can honestly say I'm happy with what I'm doing, says Perez. Ive spent so much time not being happy or working for somebody else's dream, or somebody else's passion, right? And it wasn't mine. So right now, I'm just doing me and Im OK. Cupsleeve events can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars to throw. Fan organizers sometimes make that money back with raffles, but its not guaranteed or expected. It's something that non-K-pop fans don't really understand, says Wishashan. Especially in this day and age, it can be hard to find kindness. And so it can be a bizarre concept that these people took the time to make these [cupsleeves] themselves with their own money, and now they're giving them, by the hundreds, for free to these people that they'll never see again? That's not something that I encountered until I came into this community. Displays of merch at a cupsleeve event at R&B Tea. (Eric Thayer / For The Times) This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The owner of a Chicago-area construction company, Alex Nitchoff, 56, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to bribe a Cook County public official and two counts of using a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate the acts of bribery. According to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, between 2016 and June 2019, Nitchoff, of Lemont, is alleged to have conspired with others to bribe Lavdim Memisovski, a commercial group leader at the Cook County assessors office. Memisovski assessed property values for Cook County commercial properties and reviewed property tax appeals for commercial properties. Advertisement Prosecutors say Nitchoff and others gave Memisovski home improvement materials and services, as well as contracts for electrical work, jewelry, meals, tickets to sporting events and other items, with the purpose of influencing Memisovski in his work as commercial group leader. In return, prosecutors allege, Memisovski made sure that appeals of property assessments related to Nitchoff and his business associates were routed to him so he could extend deadlines for the filing of appeals and reduce assessed property values. Advertisement Nitchoff is facing a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison for the bribery charge. Each charge of using a facility of interstate commerce can carry up to five years in federal prison. As part of a grand jury criminal probe into former 34th Ward Ald. Carrie Austin, a 2019 subpoena sought information on records relating to several interrelated companies and their officers, including 995 LLC, Koal Enterprises, Mako Properties Inc., Maxwell Services and, importantly, Oakk Construction, of which Nitchoff was president. In March 2021, former Chicago city inspector Joseph Garcia pleaded guilty to fraud in a case stemming from the federal investigation of Austin. Later that same year, Austin and her chief of staff were indicted on federal bribery charges for allegedly having been given home-improvement perks from a developer seeking to influence them. As a rehab specialist for the city, Garcia had falsely claimed to have inspected homes supposedly worked on by Company A and found the work completed as required, according to his plea agreement with prosecutors. The city then paid the company up to $100,000 for replaced porches when the work hadnt actually been done, according to the plea. Back in 2021, the Tribune confirmed Company A was Nitchoffs Oakk Construction. adperez@chicagotribune.com With a burgeoning food scene and nearby wine region, Australias capital, Canberra, pairs small-town charm with big-city energy. David Reist Until I got thirsty, Canberra didnt feel like a city. A leafy network of straight and circular boulevards around a large lake, the sleepy capital of Australia was ridiculously accessible by car. From the Midnight Hotel in the hip Braddon neighborhood, where I started my visit, it was less than a 10-minute drive in one direction to the Parliament House that houses Australias legislative branch. Ten minutes in another direction would get me to Pialligo Estate, a 55-acre estate with a vineyard, olive grove, and vast vegetable plots serving their restaurant. Pialligo also has a platypus. None of that was what I expected to find in a countrys capital city. So, lulled by the rural feel, I decided to explore Canberra on foot. It started well. My first stop was Corella, a restaurant and bar just around the corner from the hotel, where I ate succulent prawn buns with spicy zucchini and kangaroo nduja and drank excellent wines from Ravensworth, Bryan Martins minimal-intervention winery in nearby Murrumbateman. A 10-minute walk took me next to Bar Rochford, where generous bartenders dispensed sips across a wooden bar surrounded by low-lit booths, with mellow jazz on vinyl. Then it was just eight minutes to the elegant comfort of Cicada Bar, with its plum carpets and swivel chairs that matched the concrete pillars, and a comprehensive sake list hinting at the establishments secret life as the anteroom to Mu, a 10-seat Japanese degustation restaurant. I could have managed a half-hour stroll to my next destination, too, except that, growing complacent, I attempted a small detour to Commonwealth Park to see the war memorials, a 19th-century cottage thats now a museum, and that lake. I wound up hovering beside a roundabout, unable to cross, as cars whizzed unfeelingly past. Eventually, hot and thirsty, I sought refuge at Paranormal Wines, where co-owner Max Walker made it all better, pouring me wine after terrific wine. He paired those pours with an impromptu crash course in the small community of local winemakers, from young guns like Sam Leyshon at Mallaluka, to Ravensworths Martin, also the winemaker at Canberra Districts best-known winery, Clonakilla. (Martin, Walker shared, has mentored many of the areas younger winemakers, including Leyshon.) Story continues Bibek Shrestha / Courtesy of Pialligo Estate Heirloom carrots, hummus, and sunflower seeds at Pavilion Dining on the Pialligo Estate At the final stop on my bar crawl, Pilot, James Dickson-Hoyle doesnt call himself the sommelier (we like to keep things a little less formal), but he ably matched superb wines to dish after strong-flavored dish: an unfiltered Semillon from the Hunter Valley (like a baby fino) with mussels; Tasmanian star Natalie Fryars fresh, savory pink fizz with bonito; a lightly menthol, velvet-soft Coonawarra Cabernet Franc with an insanely spicy chard salad. Related:How to Find the Best Wines from Australia Having learned my lesson, for the rest of my visit, I traveled by car, with one memorable exception: a dawn hot-air balloon ride. Soaring above the city, over an eagle statue and a trio of kangaroos grazing near Government House, I couldnt see any vines, but it turned out that they were marvelously close. (Id just been floating in the wrong direction.) To see the vines, I drove 40 minutes to Lake George Winery, which has three eco-cabins at the top of the sloping vineyard with wonderful views of the moon above, or wombats below. Owner Sarah McDougall, an 11th-generation Australian, has five children as well as 300 acres of mountain. She is a miracle of competence and, better yet, kindness. Tasting Riesling and unfiltered Pinot in her winery, I smiled at a young woman Id seen working in the winery earlier: Carla Rodeghiero. Try her wines, too, suggested McDougall, opening one, and Im glad I did. Her Sapling Yard cellar door in Bungendore, a quaint little town of one-story clapboard houses just south of Lake George, wasnt yet open (it is now), and her wines were superb. Courtesy of Corella Corellas oysters with finger lime and scallops with lemon myrtle ponzu and pickled chile Also just 40 minutes from the city center is Helm Wines, where Ken Helm, one of the original founders of Canberras wine scene along with two fellow scientists, is still very much present. They used to call us the PhD vignerons, he recalled as he showed me his little tasting room. He then walked me around his vineyards, filling my head with information about his winemaking ancestors from Heidelberg in Germany, his start in the industry, and his low opinion of sheep (ground lice!). After serving me a series of excellent wines, he directed me down the road to The Vintners Daughter, where his daughter Stephanie has her own small winery and corrugated-iron tasting bar, along with two young kids and a couple of beady-eyed emus. Courtesy of Ovolo Nishi Original artwork and earthy textures inside Ovolo Nishis Original Sun rooms Just over Mount Majura from Canberras city center, I found Mount Majura Vineyard. Helen Hunter, who manages the winerys tasting room, had been in advertising in Sydney before giving it all up to work at the vineyard. Now, she looks out on mountains and vines and the extraordinary wide skies of rural Australia every day and has no regrets, even if, as she wryly acknowledges, its less glam when Im picking roo poo off the veranda! The wines are terrific, especially the sparkling and three single-site Tempranillos, which are all wildly different despite coming from vineyards just a few hundred feet apart. Back in the city, where I was now staying at the citys new boutique hotel Ovolo Nishi, I was lucky enough to eat at Aubergine, with its sophisticated dishes beautifully paired to rare Australian bottles, before it closed after a 14-year run. Chef Ben Willis and sommelier Lucas Woods are now on the loose, and, given the dynamism of Canberras dining scene, that means just one thing: More superb food and wine will be on the menu shortly. Where to eat and drink Peter Tarasiuk Bar Rochfords Long Lost Lover cocktail with eau-de-vie, Mallaluka Riesling, Marionette curacao, and Peychauds Upstairs on one of Canberras main roads, this is the laid-back yet hip bar we all hope to find on our travels. This calm bar with an impressive sake list, near the Canberra Museum & Gallery, is also the anteroom for much-lauded Mu. This charming, small restaurant in the newly fashionable Braddon district has a good wine list to accompany the local ingredients. Once the police stables, now a pizza joint, Cork Street Cafe still has a circa-1870s lockup, barely bigger than an outhouse, standing outside. This 19th-century inn in Gundaroo is now an excellent restaurant where they match the tasting menu to Canberra District wines. Ash St. George Paranormal Wines casual dining room A spare boutique and bar with snacks, this is the place to get acquainted with the most exciting players in Canberras burgeoning hipster wine scene. This vast estate a short drive from the city center features vineyards as well as a market grocer, smokehouse, cafe, and restaurant. A 30-seat, tasting menuonly restaurant focused on Australian produce, including a great selection of Aussie wines. Where else to taste Sue and Dave Carpenter planted vines up above Bungendore in the 1970s; their son Chris is now winemaker, and the wines have been biodynamic since 2008. A large tasting room and a much-awarded winemaker, Celine Rousseau, who hails from France, give this winery international reach. I have loved the elegant yet powerful Shiraz Viognier from Clonakilla for years, but the regions standout grape variety is surely Riesling. If you dont muck it up, everyone here should be making a great Riesling, says Clonakilla general manager David Reist. One of Canberras OG winemakers, Ken Helm makes stellar dry Rieslings and succulent Cab Sav. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Up to 85% of men have experienced premature ejaculation, according to estimate. EmirMemedovski/Getty Images Premature ejaculation is when a man orgasms sooner than he or his partner would like during sex. It is treated with a range of medications, including antidepressants. New research suggests exercising could be a good alternative to medication. Running regularly could help to treat premature ejaculation, new research suggests. The paper, which was published last month in Trends in Urology and Men's Health, looked at 54 studies on PE with a total of almost 3,500 participants. It compared the results of standard PE medication to alternative treatments. The authors said the findings should prompt more research into the potential of physical activity for managing PE. There isn't a set definition of PE, but it was defined in the study as when semen leaves the body sooner than wanted during sex. Gordon Muir, consultant urologist at the Cadogan Clinic, a private clinic in the UK, told Insider that PE is a very common problem that can affect all age groups. An estimated 30 to 85% percent of men have experienced it, according to the study. According to Mayo Clinic, biological and psychological factors can cause the condition, including depression, and worrying about PE. PE can be acquired, where the problem starts after the person becomes sexually active, or lifelong, where issues start during their first sexual encounter. Muir said: "There are a number of treatments that can be helpful, but they are all intrusive to some degree and will depend on whether they are single or in a steady relationship." These treatments include erectile dysfunction medication such as Tadalafil that increases blood flow to the penis, as well as sprays and wipes that desensitize it. Anti-depressants such as Sertraline that can delay orgasm can also be used, while sex therapy can help with PE by easing anxiety towards sex. The paper found exercise could be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation One of the studies discussed in the paper looked at the impact of physical activity on PE in 105 patients. Story continues The patients were put into three groups: a control group who did no exercise for 30 days, a second group who ran for at least 30 minutes five days a week, and a third who took dapoxetine another antidepressant commonly used to treat PE. The group who ran and the group who took the drug both saw significant improvements with PE, with no significant difference between the two. The authors said this suggested that exercising for longer than 30 minutes at least five times a week helped delay ejaculation. However, Muir said: "I have patients who are professional sportsmen and international athletes who have problems with premature ejaculation and have never seen a real-life difference." Pelvic floor exercises may be helpful for those with premature ejaculation The study also assessed research on pelvic floor exercise in combination with other treatments. Muir said that there isn't much evidence to suggest pelvic floor exercises help treat PE. But Karly Coltman, a pelvic health physiotherapist from Sydney Pelvic Clinic in Australia, told Insider that pelvic floor muscles do have a role in maintaining erections, as well as ejaculation. She said that if your muscle function is weak or tight, it can lead to PE. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles and using the pelvic floor muscles during sex to defer ejaculation also known as edging are techniques used for people who suffer from PE, she said. Read the original article on Insider WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tibet is dying a "slow death" under Chinese rule, the head of the India-based organization known as Tibet's government in-exile said on Tuesday in a first address to the U.S. Congress. Some Tibetan activists lament what they see as a fading focus on alleged abuses in Tibet amid growing concerns in Washington and other Western capitals about China's expanding military, pressure on democratic Taiwan, and crackdowns in Hong Kong and on minority groups in China's Xinjiang region. "If PRC (the People's Republic of China) is not made to reverse or change its current policies, Tibet and Tibetans will definitely die a slow death," Penpa Tsering, known as the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), told a bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing via video link. The Sikyong role was created in 2012 after the Dalai Lama, Tibetans' 87-year-old spiritual leader, relinquished political authority in favor of an organization that could outlive him. A congressional source said it was the first such address by a Sikyong to a congressional body, and it is likely to anger Beijing. Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of fomenting separatism in Tibet and it does not recognize the CTA, which represents about 100,000 exiled Tibetans living in around 30 countries including India, Nepal, Canada and the United States. China's Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the hearing. China has ruled the remote western region of Tibet since 1951, after its military marched in and took control in what it calls a "peaceful liberation." China denies wrongdoing there and says its intervention ended "backward feudal serfdom." Uzra Zeya, U.S. under secretary of State for democracy and human rights, told the hearing that China continued to "wage a campaign of repression that seeks to forcibly Sinicize" the 6 million Tibetans in the country and eliminate Tibetan religious, cultural and linguistic heritage. Story continues Recent reports on government-run boarding schools and involuntary mass DNA collection in Tibetan areas "shock the conscience," said Zeya, who as special coordinator for Tibetan issues leads U.S. support for Tibetans. Beijing has refused to deal with her. Republican Representative Chris Smith, who chairs the commission, said there was a global focus on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, but "we cannot take our eyes off the ongoing genocide being committed against Tibetan people." Actor and long-time Tibet activist Richard Gere told the hearing that Chinese policies in Tibet increasingly "match the definition of crimes against humanity." (Reporting by Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Leslie Adler) A woman runs on a trail with overgrown plants in Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville, N.J. Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the best, and worst, U.S. cities for seasonal allergies in 2023. | Jose F. Moreno, Associated Press Around 26% of U.S. adults experience seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reported. While currently it might feel like much of the country is stuck in a perpetual winter, when allergy season finally hits, its expected to hit hard. Based on pollen scores and other data, these are the worst and best cities for people with seasonal allergies, according to the AAFA. Luckily for allergy-afflicted Utahns, three Utah cities make the ranking for the best cities in the country for people with seasonal allergies. Methodology: To compile these rankings, the foundation analyzed the 100 most populated U.S. metropolitan areas in the contiguous United States. The five major factors that influenced their rankings are pollen scores for trees, grass, and weed pollen, over-the-counter medication use, and the number of allergy specialists. Related Allergies and climate change: According to several climate researchers and previous Deseret News reporting, climate experts claim that human-caused climate change is resulting in longer, more intense allergy seasons. According to the Deseret News, Climate Central reported the growing season in the U.S. has been steadily growing since 1970, meaning that the period of time plants produce pollen is longer, making for prolonged periods of time for allergy symptoms to flourish. Based on findings from a study at the University of Utah, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that warmer weather results in more pollen production, which will also cause allergies to feel more vigorous. A number of smaller-scale studies usually in greenhouse settings on small plants had indicated strong links between temperature and pollen, said William Anderegg from the University of Utahs biology department, per the USDA. This study reveals that connection at continental scales and explicitly links pollen trends to human-caused climate change. Story continues How to cope with allergies: Unfortunately, there is no cure for seasonal allergies, but there are ways you can keep symptoms at bay. It is commonly known that there are several over-the-counter medications meant to treat allergies, or individuals can meet with their doctor to see which drug is right for them. These can include pills, nasal sprays and decongestants. However, there are ways to help dampen allergy symptoms without medication, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic recommends removing the clothes youve worn outdoors upon entering your home in order to avoid pollen transferring to furniture in your house. It is also helpful to take a shower after being outside for a long time to remove any pollen from your hair and skin. People with allergies should avoid going outside on days when wind speeds and pollen counts are high. There are several apps and pollen trackers available online which can send alerts when allergies are expected to be particularly rough. Clearing the air in your home is another way to reduce allergy symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says that air conditioning with air filters and using portable air filters in bedrooms can help to treat allergy symptoms. Worst cities for seasonal allergies in 2023, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Wichita, Kansas. Dallas, Texas. Scranton, Pennsylvania. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sarasota, Florida. Cape Coral, Florida. Orlando, Florida. Des Moines, Iowa. Greenville, South Carolina. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Houston, Texas. Little Rock, Arkansas. Miami, Florida. Lakeland, Florida. Raleigh, North Carolina. Palm Bay, Florida. Tampa, Florida. Greensboro, North Carolina. Rochester, New York. Best cities for seasonal allergies in 2023: An extremist religious group says it has rented the Raleigh Convention Center for its annual Passover celebration. The Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge, or ISUPK, is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that has chapters across the United States. Its considered one of the extremist sects within the Black Hebrew Israelite Movement, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks and fights antisemitism. The Southern Poverty Law Center calls the ISUPK a hate group and one of the most prominent sects within the Radical Hebrew Israelites group. Since the late 1960s the Radical Hebrew Israelites ideology splintered to form increasingly anti-Semitic, anti-white, anti-LGBTQ, xenophobic and misogynistic sect of groups who preach they and only they are the true Israelites of the bible and perpetuate the anti-Semitic belief that so-called Jews have stolen their identity and birthright, according to the SPLC. The Raleigh Convention Center is owned and managed by the city of Raleigh. The centers website shows its holding a private Passover celebration on April 1, at the same time the ISUPK says it will be at the convention center. We received the details that they were hosting a Passover Observance dinner for families, said Kerry Painter, director and general manager of the convention center, in an email Tuesday. We treated the event as we would any other booking, Painter continued. After contract review, and details of the event were solved, we contracted for use of our ballroom. We expect that they will adhere to all contract terms. Visiting Stagville, Black Wall Street The celebration is just one event in a multi-day itinerary in the Triangle, according to the ISUPKs social media accounts and websites. Tickets for The Lords 54th Annual Passover at the convention center are $200 per adult. Starting on Wednesday, the group is holding events in Clayton, Raleigh and Durham through Sunday. On Thursday, events includes tours of Black Wall Street and the Stagville Plantation state historic site, and a party at the Durham Armory, a city of Durham facility. Story continues The city of Durham did not respond to an email sent Tuesday morning. A phone call and text message to Durham Mayor Elaine ONeal was not returned. Stagville Plantation was one of the largest plantations in North Carolina, with more than 900 enslaved people. The upcoming visit wouldnt be the first time the ISUPK has visited the site in northern Durham County. One of the groups YouTube channel shows leaders of the ISUPK getting a tour of the large barn, built by enslaved craftsmen. The caption of the video says FORGET Auschwitz & Buchenwald ...You NEED to SEE The Stagville Plantaion (sic). Auschwitz was the largest concentration camp operated by Nazi Germany in Occupied Poland. Buchenwald was the largest concentration camp within 1939 Germanys borders. Another YouTube video shows the groups leader General Yahanna responding to a radio DJs question about the SPLCs hate group classification. Yahanna said it was absolutely untrue and asked why the SPLC wasnt calling the New York Police Department or Los Angeles Police Department hate groups. How are you going to call us a hate group? Yahanna said. Youve got to call the whole United States a hate group at this point. So, you see, they call us a hate group because we turn around and say the white man is the devil for the things he has done. And the word devil just means adversary, he said. This man has been an adversary to Black and brown people for the last 400 years. And it hasnt let up yet. Street teaching concerns The SPLC says there are five ISUPK groups in North Carolina: Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Greenville and Fayetteville. But the groups have shown up in other locations including in downtown Raleigh to engage in street teaching. The ISUPK is known for its street teaching, sometimes reading scriptures but also antagonizing pedestrians in downtowns across the United States. The groups website and social media includes dozens of clips of sidewalk confrontations between ISUPK members and passersby. In a TikTok video, members of the ISUPK can be seen at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh yelling into a microphone accusing another nearby religious group of being pedophiles . The video was posted in February. Another February TikTok video from Moore Square shows an ISUPK member talking to a Black man about his white girlfriend. We are taught to love every-damn-body except for loving ourselves first, the ISUPK speaker said. Loving yourself meaning you choose your people over no oppressors daughter. On social media, as recently as this past week, people have complained about the group and shared their encounters with the group at Moore Square and throughout downtown. Its one reason the city of Raleigh is considering a new ordinance that makes harassment a criminal misdemeanor. Theres a group that comes out to Moore Square and screams obscenities at people, said Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. Harasses people. Weve gotten a lot of complaints. And so thats part of it. And then the other part is the abortion protest. Upcoming ordinance vote The Raleigh City Council vote was 7-1 with Council member Mary Black the lone vote against the ordinance on March 21. Afterward she said she wanted to better understand how the ordinance would balance the rights of people to protest and the real concerns of harassment. The ordinance will be placed on the agenda of the April 4 City Council meeting because state law requires two votes for ordinances that include criminal offenses. During the March 21 meeting, City Attorney Robin Tatum said the ordinance offers additional remedies for people who are experiencing harassing conduct in some public spaces in the city. We do have authority to regulate threatening or intimidating conduct, she said. What it does is prohibits harassing conduct in public spaces, which are streets, sidewalks, alleys, public property or any city owned property. And it would prohibit any person from harassing another person in a public space, Tatum said. And basically, that happens if you are following a person with the intent to threaten or intimidate them, or in a manner that would place any reasonable person in fear of their safety, or if they surround or crowd or corner a person and physically interfere with their movement through a public space with the intent to intimidate them. The Raleigh city attorney did not return a phone call about the ISUPK renting the Raleigh Convention Center Tuesday afternoon and, last week, declined to comment on the ordinance. The Raleigh Police Department did not respond to N&O questions about the group at Moore Square and in downtown Raleigh. The claim: Israel attacked the 'largest Russian warship in the Black Sea,' liberated Crimea A March 21 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows clips of soldiers, tanks and various military operations. "Crimea is Liberated: Israeli Navy has blown up Largest Russian Warship in the Black Sea," reads the video's caption. The video was shared more than 50 times and viewed more than 37,000 times in six days. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks Our rating: False There are no credible reports that Israel has directly intervened in the war in Ukraine. Israel has given humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but it hasn't provided military assistance. Israel not fighting in Ukraine, but has provided humanitarian aid Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and previously illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. Despite the post's claims, Russia still occupies the peninsula, though Ukraine has carried out attacks on the region, There are no credible reports of Israel becoming involved in the war in Ukraine. The Facebook video was posted on March 21, but Israel's Minister of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not mention the conflict or the sinking of any ship in statements released around that time. Israel has given "food, medicine, water and other humanitarian aid" to Ukraine, but it has not provided any military equipment, according to Politico. That hasn't stopped Ukraine from asking for additional help, however. In late October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked that Israel's leaders consider providing air defense systems, a plea he has repeated several times since the war began, according to Reuters. Israel has condemned the invasion of Ukraine but has reportedly been wary of antagonizing Russia due to Russia's status as a power broker in neighboring Syria, where Israeli forces frequently attack pro-Iranian militias. Arrest warrant issued for Vladimir Putin over war crimes by International Criminal Court Fact check: Video shows military equipment being shipped to Texas, not Ukraine Story continues Israel has approved export licenses for the possible sale of "anti-drone jamming systems" to help Ukraine counter Iranian-made drones used by Russia, according to a March 15 report from Axios. On March 18, Ukraine marked the ninth anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea by vowing to regain all of its territories occupied by Russia, as USA TODAY previously reported. Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Crimea that same day to mark the anniversary. USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment. Check Your Fact also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Israel has given aid to Ukraine but isn't fighting there A fake news report shared in multiple social media posts has falsely claimed that a Myanmar medical student scooped an award in Europe for developing a supplement that improves eyesight. AFP found the man pictured in the posts is in fact from the United States and studied medicine at the University of North Texas. He played no role in the development of the supplement and authorities in the Philippines have even warned against consuming it. "Everyone who has blurry eyesight - read this. No contact lenses will be needed anymore, reads a Burmese-language Facebook post published on March 8. The post -- shared more than 1,300 times -- contains a screenshot of a newsreader from Myanmar state broadcaster MRTV accompanied by text that claims a new supplement can help restore eyesight "without surgery". A screenshot of a misleading Facebook post taken on March 28, 2023 It links to an interview with a university student named "Ma Wai Khine" that was purportedly conducted by major Philippine media outlet ABS-CBN. The story carries the ABS-CBN logo at the top of the page but the URL is not from the news company. The lengthy but poorly written report says the medical trainee has been studying in Germany and formulated a supplement called Crystalix that can allegedly counter deteriorating eyesight. It even claims the student received a European award for the product and that major US pharmaceutical companies have offered big money for the rights to the invention. Below is a screenshot of the misleading article: A screenshot of the misleading article taken on March 20, 2023 Similar false claims that Crystalix originated from a Myanmar medical student have been shared in other posts on Facebook including here, here and here. But AFP found the student pictured in both the news story and the Facebook posts is actually a man named Kendrick Lim from the United States. A reverse image search on Google found the same photo in an article on the website of the Health Science Centre (HSC) at the University of North Texas. This report confirms Lim's identity, while his name and the HSC logo can clearly be seen on his duty coat, as highlighted in red by AFP below: Story continues A screenshot of the HSC article taken on March 20, 2023 HSC told AFP that Lim is not from Myanmar and was not involved with the development of Crystalix. Crystalix can be found on the websites of several online retailers in India, including Amazon and Flipkart, but AFP was not able to confirm its manufacturer through a Google search. A separate website claiming to be the official seller of the product can be found here. AFP also found that Philippine authorities have issued a warning against consuming the supplement. The country's Food and Drug Administration said in 2021 that since the product had "not gone through the evaluation process of the FDA, the agency cannot assure its quality and safety". On March 28 this year Philippine authorities told AFP that Crystalix had still not been approved by the FDA. "Please be informed that the product is still NOT REGISTERED to this Office as of 28 March 2023," the agency's Food Safety Unit said in an email. A keyword search on Google found Crystalix in the FDA warning list along with a photo of the supplement in an attached PDF file. The document is shown below, with Crystalix highlighted in red: The Philippine FDAs warning with Crystalix highlighted in red The fake ABS-CBN report includes quotes from someone said to be an ophthalmologist for the Myanmar government. He claims Crystalix "regulates blood flow to the eye" and that vision will improve after one to two weeks of use. However, AFP was unable to find any evidence that the product benefits a person's eyesight or can treat eye conditions. Family of a 24-year-old Junction City man thought to be missing for one week say they are desperate for answers as they try to locate him. Jordaline Infante and Madeline Familia, his cousins, told The Star on Monday that Familia was last in contact by phone on March 19. On Monday, as his second daughter turned two years old, he did not call, Infante said, another sign of worry as he normally keeps up with family from afar through social media and other contact. They live in New York, Florida and Puerto Rico. Familia moved to Junction City in northeastern Kansas as he was with the National Guard stationed at Fort Riley, Infante said. Roberto Familia, 24, of Junction City, Kansas, has been out of contact since March 19, his family said. Theyre concerned for his wellbeing. In his last contact with family, they say Familia used distressing language and exhibited signs of being in a state of delusion or paranoia, possibly stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder. He also used cryptic language suggesting he might be dead if no one hears from him, Infante said, prompting additional concern. Over the past few days, they say the family has contacted every hospital in Kansas and looked through arrest reports in hopes that Familia is well but unable to contact them. Theyve also been in contact with police in Junction City, Infante said, and discovered that he was apparently not staying in his apartment any longer. Infante said her family has had difficulty getting a missing person report completed with Junction City police as the family lives out-of-state. She said her aunt would be making the 21-hour drive from Florida to meet with police in the effort to find Familia. She is desperate for answers and just wanting some hope, Infante said, adding: We just want to get his case out there because someone somewhere may know something that we dont know, and Im hoping that this reaches them and ultimately just brings him home. Roberto Familia, 24, of Junction City, Kansas, has been out of contact since March 19, his family said. Theyre concerned for his wellbeing. Family was asking anyone who may have information concerning his whereabouts to contact them at help.findroberto@gmail.com. Five months after a shooter killed five people in the Hedingham neighborhood, the family of the Raleigh police officer killed in the mass shooting has received a new home, fully paid-off. The family of Gabriel Torres was welcomed into their mortgage-free home over the weekend through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which offers housing support to law enforcement officers, veterans and their families. Gabriel Torres, 29, was fatally shot while leaving his home for work on Oct. 13, 2022. Four other people died while two others were injured after they were shot, including another police officer during a standoff with the suspect. Jasmin Torres and the couples young daughter, Layla, received their new home through the foundations Fallen First Responder Home Program, the foundation announced Tuesday. The program pays off the mortgages of families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty and leave behind young children, including those who died from illnesses related to 9/11. There are some things in life that you just do not expect to happen, Jasmin Torres said in a statement. I never expected to tragically lose my husband last October. I did, however, expect our normal routine. He was supposed to make it to work alive come home alive. He did not get that chance. Torres was off-duty and not in uniform at the time of his death. The foundation reached out to Jasmin Torres after his death. Tunnel to Towers helped restore my diminished confidence to tackle life head-on with my daughter, Jasmin Torres said. The unexpected happened again, this time in the most incredible way ever. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson attended the private ceremony, The Raleigh Police Department is extremely grateful for the love, benevolence and support Tunnel to Towers has given to Jasmin and Layla, she said in a news release. Their commitment to honor the lives of our fallen heroes and their families across the nation is remarkable. Story continues Who was Raleigh Police Officer Torres? Torres had been with the police department for 18 months. Before that, he served as a Marine at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. He was a Marine from November 2016 to February 2021, reaching the rank of sergeant, according to information provided to The News & Observer by the U.S. Marine Corps. In Galatians 6, we are called to carry each others burdens, Raleigh Police Maj. Brian Harrison said in a statement. Hopefully today will ease part of Jasmin and Laylas burden .... (by providing) a safe place for Layla to grow up, a place where family always has a place to stay, and a place where friends and family can come to honor the life and service of Gabe. Officer Torres dedicated his life to his country, community and family, Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller said in the news release. He served in the Marines before serving the citizens of Raleigh. He is a hero, and I am honored to welcome his family into our family and provide them with a forever home. Gabriel Torres, 29: Raleigh shooting victim was a calming presence on police calls Unsplash Farmers and hikers know the cocklebur as nothing more than a pest. The invasive plant, found across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, takes over fields and poisons the pigs and horses that unwittingly ingest it. And the fruits distinctive spine-covered burs hitchhike along the clothing and fur of unwitting passersby and can be a pain to remove. According to new research presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biologys annual meeting this week, a third group of people might be interested in the cocklebur: skincare aficionados. Food and nutrition researchers at Myongji University in South Korea tested fruit extract from Xanthium strumarium, the scientific name for the cocklebur, and found it had a litany of beneficial properties for skin cells, from enhancing wound healing to tamping down inflammation to even defending against damage from UV radiation. Cocklebur has been used extensively in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine to treat all manner of ailmentsincluding headache, asthma, arthritis, itching, and even leprosy, Myongji University nutrition researcher Eunsu Song told The Daily Beast in an email. Song, who led the research, added that prior studies had not focused on the plants effect on healing and fortifying the skin, which could make it a promising cosmetic agent. Cocklebur in the wild. Matt Lavin Song looked at how cocklebur fruit grown in China and Korea affected biochemical processes in several different human skin models. Fruit extract increased cultured human skin cells production of hyaluronic acid, a moisture-retaining substance produced naturally by humans. Critically, as we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, leading in part to older-looking, less hydrated skin. The fruit extract also affected how quickly skin wounds healed, though to different extents. Korean cockleburs applied to a reconstructed human skin model led to faster wound closure than Chinese cockleburs did, though both sped along the process. According to the tests, Korean cocklebur fruit extract also blocked an inflammatory enzyme better than both the Chinese cocklebur fruit and another compound known to reduce inflammation. Story continues Its not yet known why the Korean cocklebur fruit outperformed the Chinese one in the experiments, Song said, though the conditions under which theyre grown may have something to do with it. Plants produce differing levels of chemicals based on factors in their environment like soil, sunlight, and water. They may have different compositions of bioactive compounds even though they are the same species, Song added. Invasive Pythons Are Apparently Taking Over South Florida The next step, Song said, is to drill down the exact reasons why cocklebur fruit seems to work as well as it does, and begin testing its effectiveness on models closer to living, breathing humans. But dont go slathering cocklebur fruit extract on your face just yetremember the part about the plant poisoning animals that eat it? Cocklebur fruit contains a toxic compound that can damage the liver in high concentrations. Finding the proper concentration seems very important and would be key to commercializing cocklebur fruit extracts in cosmetics, Song said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Helen Schubert owned a public relations firm in Chicago for more than 55 years and also taught PR at Roosevelt University. Helen wanted her friends and students to be the best they could be, said Marilyn Hallett Granzyk, a colleague and friend. She was an encourager. Advertisement Schubert, 92, died of a sudden heart-related complication Feb. 25 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said Diane Margelowsky, a second cousin. Schubert had lived in Streeterville. Born Helen Celia Schubert in Wisconsin, Schubert grew up outside Cedarburg, just north of Milwaukee. She received a bachelors degree in liberal arts and journalism in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she also wrote for the student newspaper. Advertisement Schuberts early career was in public relations in Chicago, as a writer and account executive at the Philip Lesly Co. She was director of public relations for the United Cerebral Palsy organization in Chicago in 1961, and started in 1962 as the public relations director and administrative coordinator for the four-level National Design Center, which opened in 1964 and was located in Marina City. A March 1965 Tribune article described Schubert as a pixyish whirlwind with all the diversity of talent her job demands. In 1967, Schubert opened a public relations consulting firm bearing her name. She specialized in representing clients in the interior design, furniture and apparel industries, although she also represented nonprofit clients as well. Clients over the years included the American Society of Interior Designers and the Midwest Bookhunters Fair. Helen Schubert (Linda Lucht) Schubert was elected president of the Womens Advertising Club of Chicago from 1981 until 1983, and named Chicago Ad Woman of the Year in 1987. In the late 1960s, Schubert also led the Chicago chapter of Women in Communications, and worked to raise awareness about womens rights among Illinois voters. She also was part of a group championing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a mentor to me, and she was so great to talk to and listen to she had wonderful career advice, said Barbara Arnold, who met Schubert through the Women in Communications group. In 1990, Schubert was named to the Womens Hall of Fame for the city of Chicago by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. At the induction ceremony, she told the Tribune that she had been part of a group of female friends who had been helping one another as well as other women in the civic and professional arenas. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > She was a networker before the word networking was even used in social networking, said Linda Lucht, a friend and colleague. She was probably the best networker around but you would never know it because she was very modest. She also was a great listener and had a memory like an elephant. Advertisement Schubert taught public relations classes at Roosevelt University from 1993 until 2008, and won the Tim Ryan Award for part-time instructors there in 2007. She also taught public relations courses for a time at the Latin School of Chicago. Schubert was on numerous boards, including the womens board for the American Cancer Society from 1988 until 1996, and she was on the board of Fashion Group in Chicago from 1988 until 1996. There were no immediate survivors. A service was held. Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. To purchase a death notice, visit https://placeanad.chicagotribune.com/death-notices/. To suggest a staff-written obituary on a person of local interest, e-mail chicagoland@chicagotribune.com The FBI arrested a suspect in the firebombing of a Madison, Wis. pro-life pregnancy center on Tuesday, nearly one year after the Mothers Day attack. Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, of Madison, was arrested in Boston and charged with one count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive, the Department of Justice announced. The FBI made the arrest after using DNA from partially eaten food to link Roychowdhury to the crime. The complaint alleges that Roychowdhury used an incendiary device on May 8, 2022 to terrorize and intimidate Wisconsin Family Action, which offers maternity care, ultrasounds, and other alternatives to abortion. Last June, the FBI said it would be investigating assaults on pregnancy-resource facilities across the country following the leak of the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. In January, the bureau said it would be offering a $25,000 reward to sources who could provide information about suspects in a spate of attacks on pro-life pregnancy resource centers. This group of local and federal law enforcement officers has worked, with the federal prosecutors, diligently and creatively to move the investigation forward, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. OShea for the Western District of Wisconsin said, according to the DOJ summary. This case is an example of the results law enforcement can achieve when local and federal law investigators work as a team. On that early morning in May, police arrived at the scene of the office to find what appeared to be exploded Molotov cocktails. Police observed one broken mason jar burned black sitting under a broken window, a lighter, and another mason jar filled with clear fluid that smelled like an accelerant, according to the DOJ report. On the walls outside the center, the perpetrators left a threatening message: If abortions arent safe then you arent either. They drew a large A with a circle around it and the number 1312 on another wall, the numerical rendering of ACAB or All Cops Are Bastards. The Wisconsin center said it believed those responsible to be affiliated with a leftist anarchist group called Anarchy 1312. Story continues Police collected DNA from the scene of the crime and a forensic biologist matched it to DNA recovered months later from leftover food Roychowdhury disposed of. Law enforcement arrested Roychowdhury at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday, before the accused was scheduled to depart for Guatemala City. Roychowdhury will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston Tuesday and presumably federal court in Madison at a later date. If convicted, the suspect faces a mandatory minimum punishment of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. More from National Review Federal officials have offered up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of Roy McGrath, chief executive officer of the Maryland Environmental Service and Naples resident. In this file photo, he speaks during a news conference at the State House in Annapolis, Md., on April 15, 2020. McGrath failed to appear in court as his trial on federal fraud charges was set to begin. The search for clues around the whereabouts of a Naples fugitive has reached new grounds, leading federal investigators to ask for the public's assistance and a reward of up to $20,000, officials said Tuesday. U.S. Marshals and the FBI are offering a combined reward for information leading to the arrest of Roy C. McGrath, 53, of Naples. He is the Maryland governors former chief of staff and faces felony charges. The U.S. Marshal's Office said McGrath used his position in state government to steal thousands of taxpayer funds, awarding himself a severance payout of $230,000 when he left his position as executive director of a state environmental services agency to become the governors chief of staff, and forged documents to make the payout appear as if the governor approved it. McGrath failed to appear in Baltimore for trial on March 13. McGrath is a fugitive and considered an international flight risk, officials said in a press release. Police impersonation:Naples man accused of impersonating deputies, attempting to pull over Collier detective Lawsuit filed in fatal crash:Victim's family files civil lawsuit against Naples attorney accused in fatal hit, run On Oct. 5, 2021, McGrath was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. During his October 2021 court appearance, McGrath entered a plea of not guilty and was released pretrial on the condition that he appear at all scheduled court dates. On June 28, 2022, a superseding indictment charged McGrath with destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations. McGrath is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 145 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Roy McGrath: Naples fugitive prompts FBI intervention, $20,000 reward Image: Anelo (Shutterstock) The FBIs cybersecurity division has been purchasing bulk internet data from a little-known tech firm based in Florida, Motherboard reports. Team Cymru, which calls itself a global leader in cyber threat intelligence, sells access to bulk web traffic and tells clients it can act as a gateway to a super majority of all activity on the internet. It has previously been found selling its services to a number of other federal agencies. Motherboard nabbed the details of the FBIs contract via a Freedom of Information Act request. The 4-page FOIA document is heavily redacted and doesnt given much away about the broader purpose of the bureaus data acquisition. However, it does show that, in 2017, the government paid a total of $76,450 for the information haul. Just what the bureaus Cyber Division ended up doing with that data isnt exactly clear, although Motherboard notes that the data in question is what is known as netflow data, which, in some cases, can allegedly be used to track cybercriminal activity. Companies like Cymru typically purchase the data from internet service providers, then resell it to law enforcement agencies, Motherboard states. Read more The FBI isnt the first federal agency to be found purchasing data from Team Cymru. Last September, it was reported that multiple agencies within the U.S. military had spent millions of dollars to procure a powerful internet monitoring tool from the Florida firm, dubbed Augury. According to advertising materials, Augury allows a user access to bulk internet traffic logs. In some cases, the data being provided could include access to peoples email data, browsing history, and other information such as their sensitive internet cookies, the outlet reported. Until recently, Cymru also apparently had a relationship with a somewhat less obvious partner: the internets most well-known privacy browser, Tor. Story continues Indeed, last year, Tor users began to question why the project appeared to have an infrastructure partnership with the creepy Florida company. Why is Tor being hosted on Team Cymrus network, a data broker known to sell internet backbone data to companies [?], one forum user questioned, in May of 2022. The user posted a screenshot that appeared to show a DNS lookup of the Tor project that tracked back to Team Cymru. Another user pointed out that Rabbi Rob Thomas, the CEO of the company, appeared to be a member of the Tor Projects board of directors. In October of 2022, after Cymrus contract with the U.S. military was publicly revealed, Tor officially announced it would be halting its partnership with the data broker. Previously, Cymru had provided hardware and other resources to the privacy network, according to Tor Project executive director Isabela Fernandes. Its unclear just how extensive that partnership wasor what, exactly, it was being used for. Citing conflicts of interest, Fernandes announced that Tor no longer found it tenable to continue to accept Team Cymrus donations of infrastructure. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Israels political crisis is far from over. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have relented to unprecedented public pressure and paused his contentious plans to overhaul the countrys judiciary, but experts warned that the battle for the countrys future may only be beginning. The group leading the protests in which hundreds of thousands flooded the streets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and launched a general strike said Tuesday that they would keep up the pressure, even as the public unrest dissipated and the countrys figurehead president invited negotiating teams from rival political factions to a meeting to begin talks toward a potential compromise. Netanyahu, re-elected in November to lead his country for a third time, was scrambling to salvage his political future and his countrys international reputation. And in the firestorm over his judicial moves, Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges, which he has denied. With President Joe Biden playing a role in persuading Netanyahu to think again and with Washington signaling a long-awaited invitation to the White House may now follow the U.S.s foreign policy is tied up in its allys internal crisis, too. Heres whats at stake and what could happen next: What is the fight all about? While Israels domestic feud erupted onto the global stage Monday, it has been spiraling for months. In January Netanyahu, two weeks after he was sworn in, announced plans to overhaul the countrys Supreme Court and allow politicians a greater say in its appointments and decisions. Under the plans, the Knesset, Israels parliament, would be able to pass laws even if the court had declared them illegal. They would also give Netanyahu and his allies the final say in appointing the countrys judges. Critics argue that the proposals would deal a potentially fatal blow to the countrys system of checks and balances, which are not enshrined because Israel does not have a written constitution. Opponents have framed the move as a power grab by Netanyahu to entrench his rule and the power of his right-wing allies, who hold a fragile majority in the Knesset. Story continues Netanyahu argues that he is merely bringing his country in line with other major democracies and rebalancing power toward elected lawmakers. Netanyahu announced a pause to divisive judicial reforms moving through parliament, after months of street rallies that drew tens of thousands. (Marc Israel Sellem / AFP - Getty Images) Mass protests began soon after, with tens of thousands marching in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for months. The protests intensified suddenly Sunday night after Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for expressing concerns that the divisions over the bill were harmful to Israels security. On Monday trade unions called a general strike, grounding planes and shutting down shopping malls. Netanyahu eventually gave in to the pressure, telling the nation in a prime-time address Monday night that he would put the plans on hold for a month and would seek a compromise with his political opponents to avoid civil war. For many the news was greeted as a relief, but the scale of the protests and Netanyahus history of political maneuvering gave others pause. Had the bill been passed, I think we would have gone down the path of losing our democratic character, because without judicial independence, preservation of the rule of law and the protection of human rights, you cant really talk about liberal democracy in the true sense of this term, said Guy Lurie, a research fellow at the Jerusalem-based Israeli Institute for Democracy. But one thing that I want to emphasize is that this is not over: The government very clearly said that theyre not withdrawing the proposals altogether. Who are the two camps? The protesters, thousands of whom waved Israeli flags outside government offices and the Supreme Court on Monday, included many of Netanyahus long-standing political enemies, including trade unions and youth groups. But opposition to the judicial overhaul had spread far beyond, drawing in business leaders, diplomats and, crucially, Israels vaunted military. Many of those who joined the protests were moderate, secular Israelis without political affiliations who were concerned about the threat to the countrys democracy. Theres a large liberal segment of society, and, I think even more so, there is a majority of Israelis who think that the [legislative] process was flawed and that any kind of change of such a constitutional significance must be made to a wide consensus, Lurie said. Netanyahu is considering a delay to his judicial overhaul after protests escalated, while the countrys main trade union joined a national strike which halted international flights. (Kobi Wolf / Bloomberg via Getty Images) By the time Gallants public warning prompted Netanyahu to fire him, concerns about the impact on Israels security had been mounting at home and abroad after fighter pilots and military reservists threatened not to serve. They were ultimately joined by workers from tech startups and McDonalds in Mondays general strike. On the pro-government side are ultranationalist right-wing parties and activists who agree with Netanyahu that the Supreme Court is a barrier to the governments political goals. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were among the far-right leaders who encouraged supporters to turn out in force Monday night. Thousands heeded the call in Jerusalem, some arguing with anti-government protesters, although little reported was violence. What about the Palestinians? Netanyahus ruling coalition is made up of religious, nationalist far-right parties that oppose Palestinian statehood and support contentious Israeli settlements in the West Bank. While this government is in power, the prospect of statehood for Palestinians, or even relative peace, looks bleak but a weakened Supreme Court could allow even more construction and possible annexation in the West Bank. Israeli judicial reform protests. (AFP - Getty Images) I think the long-term ramifications or potential ramifications of the governments agenda and policies are still there. Its not just the Palestinians its the Palestinian Muslim minority within Israel and the other minorities at risk within Israel, Lurie said. Those citizens have largely sat out the protests, many viewing Israels democracy as long tarnished by its treatment of them and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. There has been a string of violent incidents in the West Bank and east Jerusalem this year, including the deaths of 11 Palestinians in a single raid by Israels military in February. What role has the U.S. played? Netanyahu this week spoke warmly of his 20-year friendship with Biden while admitting that they have not always agreed. That may have been an understatement, at least in the case of the judiciary overhaul: The Biden administration had used a mix of careful public statements and intensive behind-the-scenes discussions to prod Netanyahu to come up with a compromise. Speaking to reporters Tuesday from North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Biden described himself as a "strong supporter" of Israel and said he was "very concerned" about Netanyahu's move to overhaul the judiciary. "Im concerned that they get this straight," he said. "They cannot continue down this road. Ive sort of made that clear. Biden added that he would not invite Netanyahu to the White House in the near future. The two men spoke by phone on March 19 in a conversation that became contentious, according to a person with knowledge of the call. John Kirby, a White House National Security Council spokesman, told reporters Monday that Bidens message to Netanyahu was that he needed to design a way forward that was based on compromise and that could result in that sort of consensus support. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, said in an interview with Israels Army Radio on Tuesday that Netanyahu would most likely receive an invitation to the White House relatively soon. The White House believes that the judicial plan has most likely been abandoned, a senior administration official told NBC News on Monday night. Netanyahu is due to speak at a virtual summit meeting of the worlds democracies this week amid calls for him to be disinvited. What now? Although Netanyahu is still in power, he is weakened, and much more could be trouble ahead. Its difficult to see how he could really return to business as usual, Lurie said, pointing to polls that suggest Netanyahu and his allies would lose if the country were to hold yet another election. President Isaac Herzog announced that he would host negotiating teams from the opposition and the governing coalition for their first meeting late Tuesday. But the Umbrella Movement Against Dictatorship in Israel, a protest group, said in a statement Tuesday that Netanyahu was starting negotiations only to buy time and that it will pass the law at the start of the next parliament session. I feel relief but with doubt, Tel Aviv resident Fega Gutman told The Associated Press on Tuesday, adding that Netanyahu over the years promised us a lot but didnt always fulfill, unfortunately. Netanyahu has delayed his contentious judicial overhaul plan after a wave of mass protests. The Israeli leader said said he wanted Netanyahu leads a fragile coalition featuring far-right nationalists who may not be impressed with his bending to popular, liberal opinion. And with a rancorous and vocal public ready to protest again, the bills passage into law would not be smooth. Political uncertainty also imperils Israels status as a burgeoning economic powerhouse in the region, as well as its sense of security as violence soars in the West bank and Iran presses ahead with its nuclear ambitions. With little clarity over what might come next, more far-reaching solutions might be viewed as necessary. One of the conclusions from this episode is that withdrawing the governmental proposals might not be enough, Lurie said. The fragility of Israeli democracy, he added, might necessitate a grander constitutional change that will bring about stronger protections of judicial independence and human rights. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says fighting has intensified near Europe's largest nuclear power plant located in Ukraine. Hi, I'm Nicole with an update on Russia-Ukraine and other top world stories. The director general of the U.N.'s nuclear energy watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said the increased active combat increases the possibility of a war-related accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The Vienna-based agency has a rotating team based at the plant. The six reactors are shut down and the plant has been receiving the electricity it needs to prevent a meltdown through one functioning power line. Grossi said while in Ukraine on Tuesday that he will probably head to Russia in the coming days to ramp up talks on safeguarding the facility. Also in the news, Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest nuclear saber-rattling has not prompted the U.S. to alter its strategic stance, the White House said Monday. Putin announced plans Saturday to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, an ally that shares borders with Russia, Ukraine and three NATO countries. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the U.S. has not seen "any indications" the Kremlin intends to use nuclear arms. More Russia-Ukraine news: European Council President Charles Michel has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression for as long as necessary, adding that EU leaders will massively ramp up ammunition production to send to the war-torn country. French President Emmanuel Macron intends to discuss a resolution to Russias invasion of Ukraine when he meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month during a trip to Beijing and Guangzhou. Germany said late it has delivered the 18 Leopard II tanks it had promised to Ukraine. Poland, Canada, Norway and Portugal have also delivered promised Leopard tanks. Click below for more global headlines from USA TODAY: This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fighting intensifies near Europe's largest nuclear power plant LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) A group of lawmakers is continuing this week to filibuster all bills that come before the Nebraska Legislature even the ones they support in protest over a bill that would ban gender-affirming treatments for minors. Supporters of that bill say theyre trying to protect children from making body-altering decisions they may later regret. Opponents say it's an unconstitutional overreach meant to marginalize LGBTQ+ people. Filibusters are rare in most U.S. state legislatures, but common in Nebraska. Lawmakers use the tactic in each session of the unique one-chamber Nebraska Legislature to try to force compromise on contested bills. This streak of filibusters is the longest in the state's history and lawmakers behind them vow to block every bill through the end of the 90-day session. Here's a look at how it could play out: WHAT'S A FILIBUSTER? It's a political maneuver that extends debate on a bill in an effort to delay or block its passage. Burning that debate time can also delay votes on other bills and can force lawmakers to work longer days. While filibuster rules vary across the U.S., they bring to mind a lawmaker giving lengthy speeches on the legislative floor to stop a bill, as Jimmy Stewart's character did in the 1939 classic movie, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." In 2013, Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, a Democrat, drew national attention by speaking for 13 hours straight to try to stop legislation restricting access to abortion. In Nebraska, lawmakers can seek to delay bill votes by introducing amendments and motions to it, which are debated by the entire body. WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NEBRASKA? For weeks, a single Omaha Democrat has filibustered nearly every bill to come before the Nebraska Legislature. The move from Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh makes good on a threat she made to conservative lawmakers promising to stonewall all legislation if they advanced a bill out of committee that would outlaw gender-affirming therapies for those under 19. It is one of roughly 150 bills targeting transgender people that have been introduced in state legislatures this year. Story continues Now, she's got backup. Cavanaugh paused her filibuster for a day earlier this month after the bill was scheduled for debate, believing it did not have the votes to advance. But after eight hours of debate over three days, the bill passed, thanks to a Democratic legislator who voted with Republicans. That led other lawmakers to pledge they would join Cavanaugh in filibustering every bill for the rest of the session. HOW DOES THE FILIBUSTER WORK IN NEBRASKA? Nebraskas filibuster rules are less severe than in other states, some of which forbid lawmakers from sitting, taking a bathroom break or speaking on anything other than bill being filibustered. The Nebraska rules also allow them to discuss pretty much whatever they want, as evidenced by Cavanaugh's monologues on everything from her favorite Girl Scout cookies to the plots of animated movies her children have watched. Nebraska rules, instead, place time limits on filibusters. Bills must go through three rounds of debate to pass, and up to eight hours of debate is allotted for the first round before a cloture vote or a vote to end debate is taken. If the bill is uncontested, it can get through that process and be voted on much sooner. But if its filibustered, it usually takes the full eight hours. The second round gets up to four hours of debate, and the final round gets up to two hours. If a cloture vote gets 33 or more votes, debate ends and a vote is taken on the bill. If cloture gets less than 33 votes in any round the bill is considered dead for the year. Former Sen. Ernie Chambers, a left-leaning former lawmaker from Omaha, served 46 years as a state senator and mastered the use of the filibuster to try to tank bills he opposed and force support for bills he backed. But he had a knack for convincing lawmakers to change their minds, often within days. The Nebraska Legislature is also the only one in the U.S. that is officially nonpartisan. But each of its 49 lawmakers self-identify as Republican, Democrat or independent and tend to propose and vote for legislation along party lines. Republicans hold 32 seats, while to Democrats hold 17 seats. Although bills can advance with a simple majority, it takes a supermajority 33 votes to end debate to overcome a filibuster. That's more than the 30 votes needed to override a governor's veto. WILL IT WORK? It remains to be seen whether filibustering lawmakers can run out the clock before the session ends or sway other lawmakers to vote down the trans health bill. The effort has succeeded in stunting the work of the Legislature this session. Speaker of the Legislature Sen. John Arch acknowledged last week that the effort has already stymied the number of bills lawmakers will be able to pass, even though he added nighttime debates starting this week. Nearly 200 bills passed in the last 90-day session in 2021. This year, the Legislature is on track to pass only a fraction of that before it adjourns in early June. Not a single bill has passed, and only 32 have advanced from the first round of debate. The minority has had some success in filibustering bills. Last year, progressive lawmakers used it to block an abortion ban and a law allowing people to carry concealed guns without a permit. The effort has not derailed the trans health bill, which advanced from the first round of debate last week. The filibuster is getting some pushback from other Democrats. I don't have the luxury to blow up everything, said Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, adding he wants to tackle bills related to criminal justice and improvement of school and child services. Maria Bartiromo figures prominently in Dominion's $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News. (Roy Rochlin / Getty Images) A former Fox News producer has altered her deposition testimony in the defamation case against the network, claiming she was coerced by company lawyers to give misleading answers. Abby Grossberg was fired Friday by Fox News days after she filed her lawsuit in New York and Delaware that alleged discrimination based on gender, religion and disability. Her suit claims she was bullied and subjected to sexist and antisemitic comments while working as head of booking for the Fox News program Tucker Carlson Tonight. An amended lawsuit, which changes a number of answers she provided in the deposition testimony she gave last year, was filed Monday. Grossberg had been moved to a role as head of booking on "Tucker Carlson Tonight" last year after working as senior booking producer for Sunday Morning Futures, the weekly show hosted by Maria Bartiromo. Bartiromo's program figures prominently in Dominion Voting Systems defamation suit against Fox News. Dominion is seeking $1.6 billion in damages, claiming Fox News deliberately aired former President Trumps false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election to placate its viewers, who were fleeing the network in anger over how it called the state of Arizona for President Biden. Guests on Fox News made false claims about Dominion's ownership and said that its machines were used to manipulate votes to favor President Biden. Fox News has maintained that the allegations were newsworthy and that its reporting is protected by the 1st amendment. A Fox News representative said in a statement that Grossberg was terminated last week for disclosing privileged company information in her suit. Last week, our attorneys advised Ms. Grossberg that, while she was free to file whatever legal claims she wished, she was in possession of our privileged information and was not authorized to disclose it publicly," the representative said. "We were clear that if she violated our instructions, Fox would take appropriate action including termination. Ms. Grossberg ignored these communications and chose to file her complaint without taking any steps to protect those portions containing Fox's privileged information. Story continues The statement reiterated the companys assertion that Grossbergs claim is riddled with false allegations against Fox and our employees. Grossberg said Fox News attorneys manipulated her deposition testimony to create the false narrative that nothing falls through the cracks at Fox News and paints a false picture of her as an inept journalist who ignored relevant warnings from Dominion and disregarded the truth. She also said she was told to downplay the importance of ratings at Fox News, despite her knowledge that Bartiromo was obsessed with them. Grossbergs amended complaint alleges she was forced by attorneys to not discuss her workload on the program, where Trumps lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell were given free rein to present false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Grossberg said Fox News lawyers instructed her in prep sessions to downplay how overworked and understaffed she was, as well as diminish her actual position at the network. The amended suit said Grossbergs deposition testimony, as manufactured by Fox News, put her and Bartiromo squarely on the frontline of the Dominion/Fox lawsuit so they could be scapegoated as sacrificial female lambs. Grossberg's suit included corrections to her deposition testimony, which now details how her workload impaired her ability to vet guests and verify information presented on "Sunday Morning Futures." In her deposition testimony given last year, Grossberg was asked if she felt obligated to correct any misinformation given by guests on Sunday Morning Futures. She said no. Grossberg's filing amended her answer to say, "Yes, because ('Sunday Morning Futures') was an interview show, Maria tried to get to the bottom of stories through conversation, and although our guests had the right to answer how they pleased, it was Maria's responsibility to push back against untrue statements with facts, or follow-up questions, which I always prepared for her." Grossberg also changed an answer to a question about whether she and Bartiromo were "open and honest with each other" when they worked together. "I tried to be open and honest with her, but don't believe that Maria Bartiromo was always open and honest with me," Grossberg said in her revised testimony. Another change she made was to a reply to being asked if she trusted the producers she worked with at Fox News. Grossberg replaced her answer of "yes" with, "No, I don't trust all the producers at Fox ... they're activists, not journalists and impose their political agendas on the program" Grossberg said her previous answers were "based on what I understood and took away from the deposition preparation sessions I had with Fox's legal team, which were coercive and intimidating." "I felt that I had to do everything possible to avoid becoming the 'star witness' for Dominion or else I would be seriously jeopardizing my career at Fox News and would be subjected to worse terms and conditions of employment than offered to male employees as I understood it," she said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Arturo Holmes - Getty Images From books to songs, school districts have been enforcing bans that restrict the content students can be exposed to. Most recently, a first-grade teacher from Waukesha County, Wisconsin, revealed that multiple rainbow-themed songs, including one by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, were banned from her students' spring concert. According to Waukesha County's The Freeman, Melissa Tempel, a duo language teacher at Heyer Elementary School, revealed news of the ban on social media. On Tuesday, March 21, Melissa Tempel took to Twitter, writing, "My first graders were so excited to sing Rainbowland for our spring concert but it has been vetoed by our administration. When will it end?" The single appeared on Cyrus' 2017 studio album Younger Now. The Freeman reports that Tempel worked with parents and the school's music teacher to come up with songs for their spring concert and decided to "do a theme about the world." Tempel said her school's music teacher discover "Rainbowland" and thought the students would love the song because it was catchy. The outlet revealed that two first-grade teachers came up with "rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie, and they added another song in Spanish called "De Colores," which is about the colors of the world. "It was a slow song, so we thought we should pick "Rainbowland" because it is faster. So the kids won't get bored with slower songs," Tempel explained. On Tuesday, March 21, Tempel told The Freeman that she received an email sent to the music teacher by the school's principal informing them that they wouldn't be able to perform "Rainbowland." She was told the students couldn't perform "Rainbow Connection" due to a complaint. "It was determined that Rainbowland could be perceived as controversial according to SDW Board Policy 2240. The teacher was asked to pick a different song for the first-grade concert, which ended up being Rainbow Connection by Jim Henson. That song is great for first graders and fits in their concert theme as well, Waukesha County Superintendent Jim Sebert said in an email to The Freeman. Story continues In 2021, the Waukesha School District removed signage with flags and posters about Pride, Black Lives Matter, Thin Blue Line, and others from classrooms. According to Sebert, "Policy 2240 has a number of areas that it covers, and remember these are six- and seven-year-olds. The main question was is the song appropriate for the age level and maturity of the students." As Tempel's tweets took off on social media, many Twitters asked questions about the school district's explanation for banning the song. "They're still not giving an answer," the teacher wrote. She later followed up saying that the district claimed Miley Cyrus was too "controversial," but she thought it had more to do with Dolly Parton's work as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. "Oh well, I cant stop my students if they still sing Rainbowland. Its a fun, catchy song," she added on Twitter. Despite the ban, The Freeman reports that the students will perform "Here Comes the Sun," "It's a Wonderful World," and "Rainbow Connection." You Might Also Like The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has trapped and killed two mountain lions that officials said had become habituated to living in Hailey, posing a public safety threat. In a news release last week, Fish and Game said a female mountain lion and her offspring were frequenting a home in eastern Hailey. Officials said the three animals were consistently moving around the home, and a resident had left the home one day to find the adult lion feeding on a deer kill in the front yard. Fish and Game said the lion acted aggressively toward the woman, who went back inside the home. The agency clarified in a news release Tuesday morning that the adult lion had hissed and bared its teeth at the woman. The agency set live traps near the home on March 16 and captured one of the young mountain lions the next day. According to officials, they began to seek potential sites that would accept young lions, such as an accredited zoo, but did not find a place that would accept the animal. Fish and Game killed the young lion on March 17. Terry Thompson, spokesperson for Fish and Games Magic Valley region, told the Idaho Statesman in a phone interview that it wasnt clear how old the animal was. He described it as a juvenile. These were not tiny kittens by any means, Thompson said. The live traps remained in place, and the adult female mountain lion was trapped last Tuesday. She was killed the following day. These are never easy decisions on our part, said Thompson, adding that killing animals is counter intuitive to why most Fish and Game employees pursue wildlife management careers. Officials said the traps have since been removed, though a second young mountain lion has not been captured. The agency said trail camera footage has not shown the mountain lion in the area in recent days. According to the earlier news release, the agency doesnt typically catch and release the predators. Officials said predators tend to return to the area they were relocated from or may be killed in territorial disputes with other predators at the site where theyre relocated. Story continues Mountain lion habituation an ongoing issue near Hailey Officials said the Magic Valley Fish and Game region has received 85 calls about mountain lions since Oct. 1 of last year, as well as reports of non-fatal lion attacks on pet dogs. According to the agency, its conservation officers have worked with residents to block off areas where lions might bed down near homes. Officers have also hazed mountain lions with rubber bullets, buckshot, aerial crackers and pepper balls. Fish and Game said conservation officers have also been extremely busy removing numerous lion-killed deer and elk from neighborhood yards to reduce the chances of a surprise encounter with a lion protecting its food source. For the last several years, the Wood River Valley has had conflicts between mountain lions and humans, particularly in winter when the lions prey move into populated areas. People in Hailey are starting to get fatigued by the number of lions in town, Thompson said. Fish and Game told the Idaho Statesman in late 2019 that it had seen an unprecedented spike in mountain lion sightings and attacks. Officials at the time theorized that robust mountain lion populations and residential sprawl likely contributed to the increase in conflicts, which included numerous fatal attacks on pets. Fish and Game said the winter of 2019-2020 was the last time officers killed a mountain lion in the Wood River Valley over human conflicts. One lion was killed in January 2020, one in December 2019 and a third in January 2019. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz will testify Wednesday before a Senate panel chaired by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is leading an investigation into the coffee chains labor law violations. Schultz is scheduled to testify Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. and you can watch it here via the committee livestream. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will question Schultz over allegations that Starbucks illegally intimidated, harassed and fired Starbucks workers who helped organize unionization efforts. The hearing itself is titled No Company is Above the Law: The Need to End Illegal Union Busting at Starbucks. Schultzs appearance comes after months of criticism from Sanders over Starbucks interactions with employees attempting to unionize, and a scathing ruling by the National Labor Relations Board in favor of organizers. The history: Heres why Bernie Sanders is going after Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz Nearly 300 Starbucks stores have voted to form a union since December 2021, when a Buffalo location became the first to unionize. The movement has inspired workers at other companies to unionize for the first time, but its also prompted a sweeping crackdown on organizing from Starbucks. Sanders to grill Schultz over role in union-busting Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at a hearing on COVID vaccine pricing on March 22, 2023. Sanders has been pushing Schultz to testify for months and recently threatened to subpoena the longtime Starbucks executive. Sanders will use the opportunity to directly implicate Schultz in leading anti-union tactics that have been deemed illegal. Sanderss committee staffers wrote in a Monday report that Starbucks has become the most aggressive union-busting company in America under Schultz, who returned to the company as interim CEO in March 2022 before abruptly resigning last week. Since the first store unionized, the NLRB has levied more than 80 complaints against Starbucks more than any other company and more than 200 workers have been fired for taking part in organizing activities, according to Starbucks Workers United. Story continues According to complaints, Starbucks has responded to organizing efforts by reducing workers hours, firing union organizers, withholding benefits from stores that voted to unionize and even closing some of those locations. A former Starbucks manager in Buffalo testified in August that he was told to find reasons to punish pro-union workers. For far too long, Starbucks and its multi-billionaire owner have acted as though those laws do not apply to them, Sanderss committee staffers wrote in their report. Courts have found labor violations The National Labor Relations Boards top prosecutor, Jennifer Abruzzo, poses for a portrait at National Labor Relations Board headquarters in Washington on Monday, June 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades) Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull said that Schultz will share his vision and belief for the company as its founder and will be prepared to address Sanderss questions, including those related to the companys continued compliance with U.S. labor law. Starbucks maintains that it has not fired or punished any employee for supporting, organizing or otherwise engaging in lawful union activity. But several judges have ruled otherwise. Judge says Starbucks committed egregious and widespread labor violations fighting unions An administrative law judge ruled earlier this month that Starbucks violated labor laws hundreds of times and demonstrated a general disregard for the employees fundamental rights. The judge ordered Starbucks to rehire seven fired workers in Buffalo and provide back pay. The ruling states that Starbucks must post a notice in its stores promising not to surveil or threaten workers, and Schultz must read the message to the Buffalo workers himself. Starbucks is appealing the decision. Last September, Starbucks was forced to rehire seven fired baristas in Memphis after an appeals court ruled against the company. And a federal judge in Michigan ruled in February that Starbucks must rehire another fired union organizer. Fired Starbucks worker will testify Wednesday Starbucks employees and supporters react as votes are read during a union-election watch party Dec. 9, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex, File) Maggie Carter, a Knoxville, Tenn.-based Starbucks barista, and Jaysin Saxton, a former Augusta, Ga.-based Starbucks worker and union organizer who was fired in August for leading a walkout, will testify at the hearing. The Starbucks workers will discuss the union-busting tactics theyve experienced firsthand, according to a spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United. Theyll speak to lawmakers on a second panel directly after Schultz, who will testify before the committee alone. The NLRB filed a complaint in December alleging that Starbucks illegally fired Saxton and refused to negotiate in good faith with union representatives for the location, which unionized in April 2022. The board is asking a judge to order Starbucks to rehire Saxton and provide back pay. Starbucks used a march on the boss as a reason to fire me, attempt to silence me, and to put fear into my coworkers, Saxton said in a December statement. Schultz resigned early ahead of hearing Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz speaks at the Starbucks annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) Schultz announced on March 20 that he would resign effective immediately, ending his third stint as Starbucks CEO nearly two weeks earlier than anticipated. While Starbucks requested that another company executive testify instead, Sanders said that Schultzs retirement didnt change anything. Laxman Narasimhan, a former PepsiCo executive, is Starbucks newest CEO. Narasimhan hasnt said how hell approach unionization, only stating that hell spend one day a month working as a barista. Starbucks workers at 100 stores staged a nationwide walkout on Wednesday the day of the companys annual shareholder meeting and a bargaining session as a message to Narasimhan. Investors were set to vote on whether Starbucks must undergo an independent investigation into the companys commitment to the right to collectively bargain. We are hopeful that Laxman Narasimhan will chart a new path with the union and work with us to make Starbucks the company we know it can be, Starbucks worker and union organizer Michelle Eisen said in a statement last week. Top Republican to take aim at NLRB Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) leaves an all Senators briefing in the Capitol on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 to discuss the recent unidentified objects detected and shot down. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the committees ranking member, will make sure serious accusations are fully vetted and that no one is above the law, according to spokesperson Ty Bofferding. However, Cassidy will also point out that many allegations levied against Starbucks are still being litigated and is expected to criticize the NLRB for increasingly siding with unions. Republicans and corporate lobbyists have bemoaned that the board is pushing for pro-labor policies under the leadership of Jennifer Abruzzo, a former union official. Theyve requested an investigation into allegations that NLRB officials coordinated with Starbucks Workers United organizers during union elections. Cassidy will also highlight the serious accusations of NLRB employees weaponizing the non-partial agency against American employers on behalf of labor unions, Bofferding said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. After heated oral arguments on March 14, Illinois is waiting on a decision from the state Supreme Court on the future of the Pretrial Fairness Act. The law, if it goes into effect, will eliminate the long-standing money bail system to make safety not wealth the deciding factor in who is released and who stays in jail pending trial. Opponents of progress have lobbed only scare tactics, not solutions, in a $40 million campaign launched last year during the midterm elections to undermine the Pretrial Fairness Act and its supporters. Determined to keep us stuck in the status quo, they argue that a system based on money and wealth is necessary to keep Illinois safe. Yet Illinoisans see through the scare tactics. A poll taken by public opinion research group Impact Research released after the November elections found that 60% of respondents had either a favorable or neutral view of bail reform. Advertisement Why does support for bail reform remain high despite the relentless attacks? Its not because people do not care about safety. Crime is a top concern for many Illinoisans. Thats true across the country, as both fear of crime and fearmongering about crime have increased in recent years, the Pew Research Center reported in October. Support remains strong because people know that we urgently need change. And they know that the Pretrial Fairness Act and other bail reform measures across the country align with common sense on what makes communities safe and brings more justice to a system that has for too long failed to deliver on it. [ Seth Limmer, et al.: The end of cash bail will make our criminal justice system more fair ] We can look to other places that have not only passed bail reform, but also implemented it, to validate that support. Take New Jersey, for example. Bail reform went into effect in 2017 and functionally eliminated money bail, moving to a system akin to the Pretrial Fairness Act. In the first two years, pretrial incarceration rates fell by more than 20%, and violent crime dropped by more than 30%. Advertisement In New York, where bail reform has been much maligned because judges do not explicitly consider public safety in their pretrial decisions, unlike Illinois new law, a recent study of the citys courts by the Data Collaborative for Justice found that eliminating money bail for many misdemeanor and nonviolent felony offenses still reduced recidivism a win for public safety. A recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice examining jail incarceration and violent crime across dozens of jurisdictions that implemented bail reform found no correlation between fewer people in jail pretrial and any increase in violent crime. Meanwhile, years of research show that money bail increases pretrial detention, which in turn decreases safety one study found that any amount of time in jail makes a person more likely to be arrested again in the future. [ Editorial: First step in fixing the SAFE-T Act? Leave partisan pettiness at the door. ] Opponents of progress will continue their scare tactics by cherry-picking far less robust and reliable data. For example, a recent bail reform study out of Yolo County, California, relied on a sample size of only 100 cases from one small county, compared with the tens of thousands used to examine bail reform and crime rates in New Jersey and New York. Another frequently cited study concluding that bail reform increased crime in Cook County has been thoroughly debunked for misrepresenting and manipulating the data. The evidence and facts show that bail reform works. In anticipation of the state Supreme Courts decision, now is the time for all those who work in our courts of law and halls of government to come together to successfully implement the law by implementing the infrastructure for pretrial services in every county, comprehensive data collection, and sufficient training and resources for legal professionals. Enough of the scare tactics. The Pretrial Fairness Act is exactly the solution the state needs to deliver safety and justice. Insha Rahman is vice president of advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice, a national research and policy group. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The smell of sizzling hamburgers filled the air on a pleasant September evening in 1989. Neighbors and their children socialized in the yard of Staff Sgt. Bill Foulk's Ash Street fixer-upper. Then a car rolled up in front of the Tacoma, Washington, house and a gang member fired a shot into the air. Suspecting more bullets were on the way, Foulk called his Army base for backup. BATTLE FOR ARMY ACCOUNTABILITY CONTINUES, SAYS FIRST SOLDIER TO HAVE RECORD CLEARED AFTER RECRUITING SCANDAL "'I'm about to come under attack,'" Foulk remembered saying. "'I need every available Ranger at my house now.'" The ensuing gunfight between the Army Rangers and men identified by police as members of the Hilltop Crips has gone down in military history. Crime was at an all-time high in Tacoma during the late '80s and early '90s, fueled by gang violence, drive-by shootings and drugs. Foulk, who was stationed at nearby Fort Lewis, bought a condemned home on Ash Street for $10,000 in 1987 and got to work making it a home. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Before long, gangs turned his version of the American Dream into a nightmare. Residents described the Hilltop neighborhood as rabid, and they feared for their lives walking out the door, according to a Seattle Times article. "We had a gang-related shooting, Crips and Blood, a shooting on the street out here," Foulk told Fox 13. "And typically you would call the police and no one would ever show up." DOMESTIC EXTREMISM BILL WOULD CRIMINALIZE FREE SPEECH, CREATE 'MINISTRY OF TRUTH,' ADVOCACY GROUP WARNS Foulk and his neighbors took pictures of the comings and goings of a home that had a reputation for being a crack house. They also wrote down license plate numbers, drawing the ire of the neighborhood ne'er-do-wells. When Foulk organized a cookout for Ash Street families on Sept. 23, 1989, the harassment wasn't far behind. Gang members threw bottles and fruit at the partygoers. They threatened to burn the house down and "fire up after dark," Foulk told the Associated Press in 1989. Then around 6:30 p.m., Foulk said someone fired what he considered a "warning shot" in front of his house. Story continues He immediately called the base for backup. Parents sent their children away and charted a plan with the approximately 15 Rangers. US PUTS WORLD ON NOTICE WITH RETALIATION AIRSTRIKE AFTER IRAN-DRONE KILLS US CONTRACTOR Around 9:20 p.m., someone shot at Foulk's house, and he said the Rangers returned fire. "It was like being on a military firing range when somebody says commence fire," Foulk recalled to Fox 13. "It was pow pow pow, gunfire from every direction. You could hear bullets hitting the house." Some 300 rounds were fired, shattering windows, damaging cars, and piercing the walls of Foulk's home. But when police arrived, they didn't find anyone who had been injured. Foulk said several of the attackers were hit and speculated that other gang members may have taken them to the hospital. CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Police took semiautomatic rifles, a shotgun and handguns from the Rangers and said they arrested two gang members on previous warrants. None of the Rangers were arrested, though police were frustrated residents hadn't called them sooner. There is a fine line between self-defense and vigilantism," a police spokesman said, according to the AP. Foulk lives in the same house three decades later. He left one bullet hole in the siding, a battle scar from one of the Rangers' wildest missions on American soil. Teresa Romero felt sad that it comes down to organizations like the United Farm Workers to provide help to this Merced County community whose farmworker population has been hard hit by recent flooding. You know, it is very sad that we have to step up again and again, said the United Farm Workers president while about two dozen volunteers provided boxes of food and others took applications for a $600 debit card for qualified residents at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School on Sunday (March 26). When we marched last year, I remember thinking, This is shameful that 56 years later we continue to march to bring attention to the needs of our workers, Romero said. That should not happen. These are people that are essential workers. Theyre professionals. They are the ones that are putting food on our tables every single day. They were working during the pandemic when its cold, when its hot, when theres a fire. How much more can we ask of these people? A man carries a box of food during the distribution of food to about 400 families who were impacted by flooding in Planada. The distribution by the United Farm Worker took place at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School on March 26, 2023. The food distribution and debit card signup came a month after heavy rain caused a break on a levee along Miles Creek and allowed escaping water to flood streets, businesses and homes in the unincorporated community of about 4,000. While Romero was explaining the qualifications for a debit card to help with COVID relief inside the school library, Jose sat on the base of a light post hoping to get some help. There is no work. And since everything is flooded, there is no work, said Jose, who preferred to only use his first name. Right now, we are waiting to see if something is fixed so that we can get back to work. United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero addresses volunteers who later helped distribute food to about 400 families in Planada who were impacted by recent flooding. The distribution took place at Cesar E. Middle School on March 26, 2023. Jose, 62, and others like him would normally be pruning the many vineyards that make grapes a $90 million-plus crop in the county. He hasnt worked in 15 days, and has to find a way to provide for his family of three. His wife works in the fields and a packing house, but there has been no work for her, either. To make matters worse, the rain ruined the roof on his porch and must now be repaired. His house was spared because he replaced the roof last year. Story continues Jose a Planada resident since 1976 and originally from Yuriria, Guanajuato, Mexico also worries that its time to complete the operation on knees he injured two years ago. Unlike more than 70% of farmworkers who are undocumented, Jose is a legal resident. But, he speaks mostly Spanish and has trouble finding resources available to him. School provides support, space for displaced students Ildefonso Nava, principal at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School for 17 of the 20 years the school has been open, was among the volunteers. His school is providing classroom space for about 100 students from Planada Elementary School which is still fixing flood-damaged areas. It was devastating that we had the flood in January, said Nava. A good chunk of our community works in ag-related work, so anytime agriculture is impacted, our community is impacted. Nava said residents were displaced by the flooding, and some are in the process of getting back to their homes. Volunteers sort food into foxes during the distribution of food to about 400 families who were impacted by flooding in Planada. The distribution by the United Farm Worker took place at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School on March 26, 2023. If we can impact the home, then it impacts the children. That impacts our students, said Nava. Schools, said Nava, are the hub of the community and provide more than education and meals to its students. The school provides information to families, as well as social and emotional support, he said. Mi Pueblo Foundation provided eight pallets of food from lettuce and squash to Lunchable meals and spaghetti for distribution in Planada. We give food to the farmworkers that are the ones who feed us, said Carmelo Castaneda, founder and director of the foundation, which also provides legal help to farmworkers. Castaneda, a law firm investigator, has worked for attorney Fernando Chavez and was 13 years old when he met farmworker leader Cesar E. Chavez. Among those sorting the bread, potatoes and other food for distribution were members of the Cesar Chavez Lowrider Club. Club president Andrew Rodriguez, a maintenance mechanic who lives in Corcoran, said members want to help the workers who put food on the table. Were not so worried about the storms right now, but all that snow in the mountains that will be melting in the summer and generate more flooding, said Rodriguez. $600 for COVID relief The UFW worked with the USDA to provide the $600 for COVID relief to those who worked in the fields or packing houses, said Romero. Roman Pinal, statewide organizing director for the United Farm Workers, helps a family apply for a $600 debit card from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for pandemic relief. The event took place March 26, 2023 at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School. In many cases, the programs that existed during the pandemic were excluded because theyre undocumented, said Romero. We are able to make sure that every farmworker, whatever their legal status, would benefit. The union, she added, is pushing cities, counties, the state and federal government to be accountable for their cities and their people. We cannot just leave it up to non-profit organizations or the UFW, said Romero. They have to step up and have to do something to help. Romero said farmworkers are the backbone of agriculture. If we dont have them, were not going to have a secure food source, she said. So lets treat them as human beings, as the important workers and essential workers that they are. Every county, every state and the federal government need to step up. PORT ORANGE As Tropical Storm Ian was blasting through Volusia County in September, Virginia Bennett was trying to drive home when she unwittingly motored straight into the worst flooding in Daytona Beach around Nova Road and International Speedway Boulevard. Bennett's car stalled, and she had to be rescued from the rising floodwater. When she finally made it to her South Daytona home, she found nearly a foot of murky water sloshing around inside her house. Arlisa Pertiller has been navigating a different type of nightmare. She and her five children have been living in rental houses with leaking roofs, malfunctioning electricity and air conditioners, bats, insect infestations, and rats. Bennett and Pertiller, and the thousands of other Volusia County residents who have been battling similar problems, are the reason why the FAITH group has chosen to focus on flooding and affordable housing in the year ahead. More than 1,000 people packed into Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange Monday night for the FAITH group's annual action assembly. In the upcoming year, FAITH wants to focus on reducing flooding and expanding affordable housing. "They are the twin evils of problems, but if we all work together we can get there," Jackie Mole told the crowd that packed inside Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange Monday night for FAITH's annual action assembly. Bennett and Pertiller were among nearly two dozen speakers at the FAITH rally. Mole, who's with Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal church in Daytona Beach, got a standing ovation from the more than 1,000 FAITH members who are ready to get to work on expanding the county's affordable housing stock and mitigating floods. Flooding help heading to Daytona Beach:After 15 years of trying, Daytona Beach getting $3 million for flood mitigation study Persistent Daytona Beach flooding:Low elevation makes Daytona's Midtown vulnerable to chronic flooding Affordable housing top FAITH priority:Affordable housing, civil citations for kids discussed at annual FAITH rally FAITH is a nonprofit organization comprised of 30 theologically and racially diverse religious congregations in Volusia County. The 23-year-old organization zeroes in on what it considers to be the most pressing community problems, and then persistently urges local elected officials to take action that will remedy those problems. Story continues FAITH was a key player in getting Daytona Beach's First Step Shelter built and has also been involved in youth criminal justice and other issues. Flooding and affordable housing strategies FAITH is hoping to convince local elected officials to create affordable housing trust funds and impose linkage fees on residential and commercial development to create a revenue source for the construction of low-cost housing. Daytona Beach has already done a study on linkage fees, and the study recommended charging $5 $7 per square foot on commercial development and $10 $15 per square foot on new residential development. Daytona Beach city commissioners are holding a workshop meeting Wednesday evening to discuss linkage fees. Arlisa Pertiller told the crowd at Monday's annual FAITH action assembly about the struggle she's had with subpar rental housing that has lacked heat and air conditioning, and has exposed her and her five children to rats, bats and insects. FAITH members also want local governments to try to get a piece of the $244.9 million in the Resilient Florida grant program that can be used for infrastructure improvements that could ease flooding problems. A dozen local governments are already taking steps to apply for the grant money. More than 64,000 properties in Volusia County are considered to be at high risk for severe flooding over the next 30years. That represents 35% of all Volusia County properties. A property is deemed to be high-risk if it has a 26% or greater chance of flooding. In the past decade, Volusia County has had six 100-year-storm events, which is at least 13 inches of rain within a 24-hour period. Volusia County has also had three 500-year-storm events in the past 10 years, which is at least 18 inches of rain within a 24-hour period. FAITH had a committee that studied flooding for the past two years. They concluded Volusia County needs updated flood forecasting to determine who's at high risk and who should get flood insurance. They want local governments to do flood vulnerability assessments, update their flood maps, and identify their infrastructure's weakest points. FAITH also wants local governments to incentivize new development that makes flood mitigation a priority, and publicize their stormwater maintenance schedules. After Tropical Storm Ian was done thrashing Florida in late September and pushed out into the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach's Midtown neighborhood remained under water for days. Pictured is Nova Road looking north and the Midtown neighborhood to its east still swimming in floodwater surrounding the two-story Gardens of Daytona apartment buildings and one-story Caroline Village public housing units. At the beginning of March, Congress approved spending $3 million to fully fund a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works study that will jumpstart planning and design for critical stormwater and flood protection projects in Daytona Beach. The federal government is providing all $3 million for the study, which is expected to begin this spring. The approval for that funding and the study all but guarantees there will be tens of millions of dollars more coming out of Washington, D.C., for projects that will help restore and rebuild Daytona Beach's infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of flooding. Estimates for the work needed in Daytona Beach alone run in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Daytona Beach, state and federal leaders had been trying for 15 years to line up funding for an Army Corps of Engineers flood mitigation study. Most elected officials skip FAITH rally A lot of what the FAITH group wants to do to tackle flooding and housing problems relies on the seven Daytona Beach City Commission members and the seven Volusia County Council members. All 14 were invited to Monday night's action assembly, but only Mayor Derrick Henry showed up. Daytona Beach City Commissioner Ken Strickland did meet with FAITH members prior to the assembly, and he answered their questions in a conversation that was recorded and played Monday night. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry was one of only two elected officials who attended Monday night's FAITH annual action assembly at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange. The other elected official at the meeting was Wendy Anderson, chair of the Volusia Soil & Water Conservation District. Henry and Strickland are both supportive of the approaches FAITH wants to take to create more affordable housing. City Commissioner Monica Paris talked to FAITH members in recent weeks, and City Commissioners Stacy Cantu and Paula Reed said they'll talk to FAITH members in the near future. Two speakers Monday night voiced their disappointment with the elected officials who skipped the two-hour action assembly. "Ignoring the problem does not mean it, or FAITH, will go away," said the Rev. Phil Egitto, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. "We will not be ignored." Pedro Dash, who's with Tubman King Community Church in Daytona Beach, was also unhappy with the extremely low turnout of elected officials. "That's a total lack of respect for every one of us here," Dash said. "Please remember this when it's time to vote." You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County's flooding and housing problems top priority for FAITH A Florida couple was kidnapped in Haiti earlier this month and they remain detained, their family says. Jean-Dickens Toussaint and Abigail Michael Toussaint, of Tamarac, Florida, were traveling to Jean-Dickens Toussaints hometown of Leogane, located in the southern part of the island country, to celebrate the festival of Rara and visit sick relatives. The couple was on a public bus March 18 when it was stopped by gangs, Nikese Toussaint, Jean-Dickens Toussaints sister, told the Associated Press. The couple and another person were snatched from the bus by alleged members of a gang in the area. The couples family has said the group is demanding $200,000 for each of the people kidnapped. It is not unusual for gangs or other groups in Haiti to refuse to release kidnapped people, even after receiving payment, the Associated Press reports. Violence in the country has increased since the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021. In the first two weeks of March, clashes between gangs have been responsible for 208 deaths, 164 injuries and 101 kidnappings, according to the United Nations. Nikese Toussaint said her family has been in touch with the FBI. The FBI declined to provide additional details to USA TODAY. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that it is aware of reports of two American citizens missing in Haiti. 'The pain gets a little harder' Jean-Dickens Toussaint has been allowed to make two phone calls in recent days. He told his family that he and his wife are tied up, and he has not confirmed whether they are being given food or water, the Associated Press said. Jean-Dickens Toussaint is an accountant, and Abigail Michael Toussaint is a social worker. The couple has a son who turns 2 years old on Tuesday. Were trying to smile, Nikese Toussaint told the Associated Press, describing video calls with the boy. We have to smile with him, and give him love, and at the same time we get a little smile (from him), and thats when the pain gets a little harder. Story continues Christie Desormes, the couples niece, told NBC Miami that the family is devastated. You feel angry it happened, and then you feel numb at the same time, because it doesnt feel real, Desormes said. The State Department urges Americans not to travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime and civil unrest. More coverage from USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida couple kidnapped in Haiti, held for ransom, family says With judges divided about what it means to post threats, a state appeals court upheld the detention of a Duval County public school student who had a kill list of teachers. A panel of the 5th District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision Monday, rejected arguments that the state did not have probable cause that the student violated a law that makes it illegal to send, post or transmit threats. The student, identified by the initials N.H. because she is a minor, had a piece of paper on her school desk that a teacher saw. The paper threatened to kill the teacher and another teacher. The students mother later told authorities that she had found a journal that included plans to kill people. The student was arrested, with a judge finding probable cause for the charge and releasing her to intensive home detention, according to Mondays ruling. In challenging the judges order, an attorney for the student argued that she did not send, post or transmit the threat and, as a result, probable cause did not exist. The appeals court focused on whether she posted the threat by leaving it on her desk in view of the teacher. Judge Joe Boatwright, in a majority opinion joined by Judge James Edwards, agreed with a prosecutors position that because N.H. publicly displayed the kill list on the top of her desk at school, she had posted it within the meaning of the statute. There is no indication that N.H. tried to hide the written threat that she placed on her desk; rather, she placed the kill list on her desk, in plain view in a public setting where her teacher was able to view it, Boatwright wrote in the 12-page opinion. Therefore, N.H.s acts can be characterized as the posting of a writing that threatens to kill another person in any manner in which it may be viewed by another person. But Judge John MacIver disputed the majoritys position that N.H. had posted the threat and wrote that the state has not criminalized bad thoughts. Story continues The text of the statute does not prohibit the writing alone, but rather the sending, transmitting, or posting of the writing, MacIver wrote. Imagination and fantasy, in writing, is recognized as just that. That the fantasy may evince something more and provides a strong incentive for some form of familial and social intervention, but it is not criminalized. What the state has criminalized is the making of threats. The difference between a disturbing thought that has been reduced to writing and the making of a threat is the existence of a communicative act sending, transmitting, or posting. That petitioner (N.H.) was caught at her desk with the writing is not the same as petitioner taking any step to communicate the thoughts as a threat. The ruling did not provide details about the school N.H. attended, her age, or when the teacher saw the threat. The decision came on the same day that three children and three employees were killed by an adult shooter at a private school in Nashville. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. President Joe Biden ordered flags at half-staff today to honor those who were killed at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. In response to Bidens proclamation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout the state until sunset on March 31. Live updates:Bodycam footage shows police confrontation with Nashville school shooter: Updates On Monday, a heavily armed shooter entered a Nashville Christian school and killed six people three students and three staffers. The Covenant School students who died Monday were all 9 years old, and the staff members were in their 60s. The shooter was killed by responding officers, police said. The attack was the nation's 129th mass shooting of 2023, according to Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks gun violence data. The assault also marks the 89th shooting on K-12 school grounds in 2023 an average of one every day according to the K-12 School Shooting Database. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Why are flags at half mast in Florida? Facebook Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood made good on his promise to personally welcome the New Jersey man who allegedly threatened to kill him because he stood up to antisemites. The Florida lawman was standing at the foot of the escalator as just-extradited Richard Golden, 38, arrived at the airport. Hope you enjoy your stay. Welcome to Florida, Chitwood told Golden as officers led him away. Golden was rousted earlier this month from the Monmouth Junction home where he lived with his mother after investigators traced comments on 4Chan to his computer. Just shoot Chitwood in the head and he stops being a problem. They have to find a new guy to be the new problem, Golden allegedly wrote. But shooting Chitwood in the head solves the immediate problem permanently. Just shoot Chitwood in the headmurder him. OF COURSE Man Who Threatened Anti-Hate Sheriff Lives With His Mom At the time of Goldens arrest, Chitwood said, I cannot wait to meet him when he gets off the plane. On Monday, the sheriff explained why that was important to him. I wanted him to look in my eye and say, Youre the guy I wanna put a bullet in your head, Chitwood said. Be a man. He came down the escalatorhe could have said something. He didnt say a word. Chitwood mocked Golden as a keyboard commando and snarked, Thats who we need to be afraid ofapparently referring to the suspects schlumpy appearance. The sheriff says he has become a target in extremist chatrooms because of his public condemnation of pathetic neo-Nazis who have set up shop in his county. He said that authorities are still investigating a handful of other threats by nutballs. Meanwhile, he is selling T-shirts with slogan Scumbag Eradication Team and pacifiers emblazoned with Mike Chitwood Hurt My Feelings. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A six-week abortion ban is now teed up for a floor vote in the Florida Senate after clearing its final committee hearing Tuesday afternoon. In the bills final committee hearing in the Senate, public comment took up the bulk of the roughly five-hour proceeding, as the Senate President requested everyone get an opportunity to voice their opinion on this emotional topic. Supporters argued Floridas current 15-week ban is less restrictive than bans adopted in other states and has led to the procedures reaching a 14-year high in 2022. Our state right now, right now cause all the states around us, has become an abortion factory, said abortion opponent James Calkins. Opponents expressed anger and made it clear they felt as though their voices werent being heard. I have pleaded with you every year to acknowledge and consider the strife of Floridians who so desperately want a choice and a right to their own bodies and their own medical decisions, said abortion rights supporter Hannah Folk. The bill includes exemptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks, but for other women, abortion rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers argue the restrictions would effectively act as a total ban, partly because Florida also requires women to wait 24 hours after their initial visit before obtaining the procedure. We will be the only state in the United States that requires this very strict two in-person visits and a six-week abortion ban, said Senate Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) who pitched an unsuccessful amendment that would have done away with the 24-hour waiting period. In her close, Senate Sponsor Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) noted after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade, states were given the choice to regulate abortion and argued the bill reflects the choice of the majority of the Legislature. I present this bill to you because last year 82,192 children didnt have a choice about whether or not their life would be taken from them, said Grall. Story continues Ultimately, the bill passed on a party-line vote. The restrictions would only take effect if the Florida Supreme Court rules to uphold the states current 15-week ban. That case is likely months away from a final resolution. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. One of the three children killed in a shooting Monday at The Covenant School in Nashville was the 9-year-old daughter of a former Dallas pastor. In a statement on its website, Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas said that Chad Scruggs, current lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, served for several years as associate pastor at the Dallas church. His daughter Hallie Scruggs was identified as one of the Nashville shooting victims, along with two other 9-year-olds, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney. Three adults substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; head of school Katherine Koonce, 60; and custodian Mike Hill, 61 also were killed by the shooter. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old former student Audrey Hale, was fatally shot by police. The Park Cities Presbyterian Church family is incredibly saddened by the unimaginable tragedy today at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, the Dallas church said in a statement. Covenant Presbyterian Church is a sister church of Park Cities Presbyterian and many of our members have deep friendships and family connections there, the statement said. We weep deeply for the unimaginable sorrow that our friends at Covenant Presbyterian Church and School are suffering and will continue to suffer, Park Cities Associate Pastor Paul Goebel said. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we will suffer alongside our friends and grieve together, but not as those without the hope of Jesus. At noon Tuesday, Park Cities will hold a time of prayer in its sanctuary, at 4124 Oak Lawn Ave., for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Child care will be available. We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie, Park Cities Senior Pastor Mark Davis said. Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need. Blood doesnt know a political party, former Obama administration education secretary Arne Duncan told theGrio. Questions of gun control and other efforts to stop schoolhouse and other mass shootings are dominating conversations in Washington, D.C., and around the nation, after Mondays deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. A woman pays her respects at a makeshift memorial for victims outside the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church following a shooting, in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 28, 2023. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Blood doesnt know a political party, said former Obama administration education secretary Arne Duncan, who remembered viewing the aftermath of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut during his time in office. At some point, the educator said, we have to say this is too much. Its been too much. At the White House, President Joe Biden called on Congress to act on gun control legislation as hes done repeatedly one mass shooting after another before another child is senselessly killed in a preventable act of gun violence. The president, who signed an executive order on gun control two weeks ago, told reporters on Tuesday morning before boarding Marine One, I have gone the full extent of my executive authority to do, on my own, anything about guns. The demand for congressional action comes as White House officials are sending prayers for the families impacted by the Covenant School shooting, where six people were killed; three children and three adults. The suspect, a former student of the school, was fatally shot by police responding to the scene of the crime. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre posed a question to reporters attending the daily briefing Monday. WASHINGTON, DC MARCH 27: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre talks to reporters during the daily news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on March 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. Jean-Pierre talked about Mondays school shooting that left six dead in Nashville and called on Republican lawmakers to support an assault weapons ban. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) How many more children have to be murdered before Republicans in Congress will step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban, to close loopholes in our background check system, or to require the safe storage of guns? said Jean-Pierre. This latest shooting takes place in Tennessee, known to have some of the weakest gun laws in the nation. One of those laws allows an adult 21 years or older to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, in Tennessee without a permit. Story continues According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, in 2020, Tennessee had the 10th-highest gun death rate in the country and 19th-highest gun export rate. Former Secretary Duncan and others, like former Ohio Governor John Kasich, have been studying the civil rights movement in hopes of identifying a remedy to Americas chronic gun violence. One of the examples gun control advocates are examining is the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a political and social campaign that helped end the racial segregation of the Souths transit system. WASHINGTON, DC JULY 18: Education Minister Arne Duncan speaks during the Lets Read. Lets Move summer reading event series at the Education Department on July 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images) Like many major movements in the United States, young people were instrumental in driving change to laws that were considered unjust or outdated. Duncan is calling for a national boycott of schools until new gun control measures are put in place. He told theGrio exclusively that such a boycott would be complicated and a massive sacrifice, however, sometimes it takes young people just like in the civil rights movement to bring needed change. What if children around middle school, elementary, high school said they refused to go to school until not just our school, but our community, is safe? he queried. As the nation is coming to grips with this latest school shooting, Education Week, which tracks the number of shootings in the nations schoolhouses, found that the Covenant School tragedy marks the nations 13th school shooting in 2023. Mondays shooting was also the deadliest school shooting at a kindergarten through 12th-grade school since May 2022, when an 18-year-old former student shot and killed 19 students and two teachers at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school. The one-year anniversary of the Uvalde school shooting is closely approaching. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Former education secretary calls for school boycott amid Nashville shooting appeared first on TheGrio. Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas concedes with his wife, Sharon, by his side during his election night watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel, April 4, 2023. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Our city is at a pivotal crossroad. We are losing people and businesses as problems with crime, schools and underinvestment in communities mount. We are losing institutional knowledge from the executive branch as well as the legislative branch. The city needs leadership someone who can bring us together. Someone who can build a team and put our city on a path to global greatness. The city cannot take four more years of fighting and dissension while moving backward, or a mayor learning the office while leading it. We need someone with proven leadership skills and the ability to bring us together. Advertisement That is why I am supporting Paul Vallas for mayor of Chicago. I did not come to this decision lightly. After much deliberation and several discussions with both candidates, I believe that Paul is the best candidate to significantly move our city forward. Paul has the strongest plans to make our neighborhoods safe, secure jobs and community investment, shore up minority participation and bring trades back to schools. Advertisement As a leader of one of the most diverse communities in our city, it is clear to me that we need a mayor who will focus on collaboration. Paul has demonstrated a willingness to soundboard ideas and shift his approach with the counsel of those who have the best interests of our citys most vulnerable people at heart. . It is important that the next mayor represent the entire city, build our neighborhoods and downtown, prepare our kids for college and the trades, and uplift our police and hold them accountable. And that he advocate for safety and justice. While I do not always agree with Paul, when I think about the strong tenets of our campaign, I think that Paul will more readily carry them out. The No. 1 issue facing Chicago is public safety. Although crime has touched all of our communities, the harsh reality is that Black and brown communities are some of the least safe, and, I would argue counterintuitively, some of the most under-policed. Statistics and lawsuits show that police are not in the neighborhoods that need them the most, and that there is even more disparity in response times between these communities and their white counterparts. In addition, solving crime in these same communities is even less likely emboldening criminals even further. We have to take a comprehensive approach that includes not only our police but also a real commitment to violence intervention, alternative responses to 911 and significant youth engagement. That means using the police officers we have more effectively and equitably so that police can serve as a deterrent to crime. That also means filling the ranks with police who look more like the diversity that our city celebrates. Paul is not only committed to more equitably distributing police, but hes also willing to adopt our plan for a workweek of four days on and three days off so that we can have more police in all of our communities and give police the predictability and rest that they deserve. Paul also shares my commitment to uplifting our officers and holding them accountable. And thus, he is equally committed to funding, implementing and enforcing the consent decree. [ Kathleen OToole and Charlie Beck: Chicagos consent decree can improve policing for everyone ] I am also excited that Paul will adopt our violence intervention plan, which will put hundreds of millions of dollars per year into gun violence prevention and give individuals at highest risk for gun violence an incentive to come into the formal economy. The gun violence prevention efforts would scale up existing programs and introduce a model that focuses on balancing the need for individual accountability with financial and other incentives for help. There would be a community approach, including clergy, police, clinicians and other stakeholders to provide wraparound services to the individual and family. This would come with a responsibility for trauma-informed care and job training that will lead to jobs and self-sustainability. If we effectively allocate violence intervention resources now, along with investments in Black and brown communities, and increase student engagement, especially after school, we should not be back here in 20 years. Advertisement There is precedent for this type of investment. We did it in the early 20th century when white immigrants were struggling and killing each other. Our social response to crime in white working-class immigrant communities was massive investment, the New Deal, housing, workers rights, economic security, Social Security, home security and police reform. Thats why I am elated that Paul wants investment on the South and West sides to be his legacy. I will hold him to that and his commitment to significantly increase minority participation in city contracts especially for African Americans, which is down under the current administration. As a former teacher and educator, I commend Pauls commitment to making sure that we have strong neighborhood schools, uplifting and incentivizing teachers, and strong Chicago Public Schools leadership, working with a future elected school board and student engagement. In addition, I appreciate him talking to the trades and tech businesses about bringing apprenticeship programs and jobs of the future back to the schools. While I am committed to helping our city and the next mayor no matter who wins, I am wholeheartedly supporting Paul Vallas. Ald. Sophia King represents Chicagos 4th Ward and is chair of the City Councils Progressive Caucus. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. NANJING, China (AP) Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou began a 12-day tour of China with a symbolism-laden visit to the mausoleum where a founding figure revered in both China and Taiwan is entombed. Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, the capital when Ma's Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang) ruled China in the early part of the 20th century. The party claimed to be the legitimate ruler of China for decades and is seen as more sympathetic to integration or unification with the mainland than the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. There, he paid tribute to Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China and the Nationalist Party, giving a short speech and then bowing in front of the memorial. The people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation, are children of Yandi and the Yellow Emperor, he told a group of Chinese and Taiwanese reporters who had been allowed to follow him on the trip, referring to mythical emperors revered as founders of Chinas dominant Han ethnicity. Ma's tour of China comes as tensions between Taiwan and China rise, aggravated by an antagonistic U.S.-China relationship. Taiwan, where the Kuomingtang retreated after losing the civil war in China, is today a self-governed democracy and the U.S. is its largest unofficial ally. China, however claims the island as its own. Ma's tour comes a few days after Taiwan lost yet another diplomatic ally to China, which has spent the past seven years pressuring countries to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. He has framed the trip as an effort to lower tensions by promoting exchanges, bringing Taiwanese college students with him on the visit, and has said he hopes that his trip could help lower tensions. Observers expect the visit to be more symbolic than substantive. Both sides must pursue peace, otherwise, neither will have a future, he said. Ma praised Sun, who advocated for a modern Chinese nation and the overthrow of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. It was Sun who founded the Republic of China in 1912, and ruled over the mainland, very briefly. After the retreat to Taiwan, the Kuomingtang continued to call their nation the Republic of China. Meanwhile, the Communist Party took over the mainland in 1949, and renamed the country the Peoples Republic of China. Story continues Outside the mausoleum, a crowd of curious onlookers and tourists gathered in the morning to see if they could catch a glimpse of the former President. Most of the regular tourists expecting to be able to see the mausoleum and the surrounding park found themselves blocked from entering, though a lucky few who had reserved in advance were allowed to enter the site. Even though there are some difficulties on the official front, as long as there are benefits to the public and you can build a good foundation, then this will be good for the unification of both sides, said Chen Shao'an, who had come to the mausoleum to see Ma. Ma is also visiting the China Modern History Museum, which is the site of the old Presidential Palace in Nanjing. - Wu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Olivia Zhang in Nanjing contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of Taiwan's ruling party is the Democratic Progressive Party, not the Democratic Peoples Party. An education activist who campaigned for girls' access to schools in Afghanistan has been detained by Taliban authorities in Kabul, his brothers and the United Nations said Tuesday. The Taliban government barred girls from attending secondary school and then university last year, making Afghanistan the only country in the world to issue such restrictions on education. Matiullah Wesa, the founder of PenPath, was stopped by men outside a mosque after prayers on Monday evening, his brother Samiullah Wesa told AFP. "When Matiullah asked for their identity cards, they beat him and forcefully took him away," he said. "He has been arrested for his activities in the education sector. He never worked with anybody else, neither with the previous government. He only worked for PenPath." The UN mission in Afghanistan confirmed on Twitter that Matiullah had been arrested. Samiullah Wesa was also arrested later on Tuesday along with another brother, Wali Mohammad, a fourth brother, Attaullah Wesa, said in a video statement posted on Twitter. They were "caught, handcuffed and taken away", Attaullah Wesa said. "We condemn this horrific act, this unlawful act... We are people of the pen... we are not going to compromise in our fight," he said, adding that authorities were also looking for him. Taliban officials have so far not responded to requests for comment. PenPath has for more than a decade dedicated itself to communicating the importance of education to elders in rural villages, helping to reopen schools for girls and boys closed because of violence and establish libraries. - Visiting rural areas - Since the ban on secondary schools for girls, Matiullah Wesa has continued visiting remote areas to gather support from locals. "Men, women, elderly, young, everyone from every corner of the country are asking for the Islamic rights to education of their daughters," he said in a tweet hours before his arrest. He vowed last week, as the new school year started without teenage girls, to continue his campaign. Story continues "The damage that closure of schools causes is irreversible and undeniable. We held meetings with locals and we will continue our protest if the schools remain closed," Matiullah Wesa tweeted. Pakistan peace laureate Malala Yousufzai, who as a schoolgirl was shot by the Pakistani Taliban separate from the Afghan Taliban but with a similar ideology - called on the Taliban to release him. While banning girls from school, the Taliban are also arresting champions of education, she tweeted. - 'Gender persecution' - The Taliban government have imposed an austere interpretation of Islam since storming back to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of the US and NATO forces that backed the previous governments. Taliban leaders have repeatedly claimed they will reopen schools for girls once certain conditions have been met. They say they lack the funds and time to remodel the syllabus along Islamic lines. Taliban authorities made similar assurances during their first stint in power, from 1996 to 2001, but girls' schools never opened in those five years. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said in a recent speech in Geneva the Taliban authorities' policy was to "repudiate the human rights of women and girls" in Afghanistan. "It may amount to the crime of gender persecution, for which the authorities can be held accountable," Bennett said. - 'Raise your voice' - The order against girls' education is believed to have been made by Afghanistan's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and his ultra-conservative aides, who are deeply sceptical of modern education -- especially for women. It has stirred criticism from within the movement as well as sparking international outrage, with some senior officials in the Kabul government as well as many rank-and-file members against the decision. Matiullah Wesa is the second leading educator to be arrested in recent months for campaigning for girls' education. Authorities detained veteran journalism lecturer Ismail Mashal in February after Afghan media showed him carting books around Kabul and offering them to passersby. It followed a live appearance on television in which he tore up his degree certificates to condemn the Taliban government's restrictions on women's right to work and education. Bennett, the UN special rapporteur, expressed alarm at Matiullah Wesa's arrest: "His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected." Rights group Amnesty International called for his release. "Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban as de facto authorities have arbitrarily arrested, detained and tortured people who peacefully demanded protection of their rights," Amnesty said on Twitter. Pashtana Zalmai Khan Durrani, the head of Afghan nonprofit education provider Learn, said: "Raise your voice for him". qb-jd/pbt/tjj New clashes erupted in France Tuesday between protesters and police as tens of thousands took to the streets to show their anger against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform which has sparked the biggest domestic crisis of his second mandate. The day of action is the tenth since protests began in mid-January against the law, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. The movement has become a major challenge to Macron who won a second term in elections last year. Last Thursday saw the most violent clashes yet between protesters and security forces, as tensions erupted into pitched battles on the streets of Paris. The police have also been accused of using excessive force -- both by protesters and rights bodies including the Council of Europe -- and this has further fuelled the anger of demonstrators. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 13,000 members of the security forces were being deployed on Tuesday -- 5,500 of them in Paris alone. The number, a record, was justified by "a major risk to public order". In the western city of Nantes, protesters threw projectiles at security forces who responded with tear gas, an AFP reporter said. A bank branch was set on fire as were rubbish bins around the city court. Police in Lyon in southeastern France used water cannon and employed tear gas in the northern city of Lille after protesters caused damage including smashing the glass of a bus stop. In Paris, police fired tear gas and launched a charge after some people at the head of the protest, dressed in black with their faces covered, raided a grocery store and then sparked a fire as the march closed in on Place de la Nation in the east of the city. At least 22 people were arrested in the capital by the afternoon, Paris police said. Protesters delayed trains at Gare de Lyon station in Paris, walking on the rails and lighting flares in what they described as a show of solidarity for a railway staffer who lost an eye in a previous protest. Story continues - 'No discussions on law' - Rubbish collectors in the capital are from Wednesday suspending a three-week strike that has seen thousands of tonnes of garbage accumulate in the French capital, the CGT union said. But it said this move was to allow coordination with workers "so we can go on strike again even more strongly" as fewer workers were now striking. Nearly two weeks after Macron forced the new pensions law through parliament using a special provision, unions have vowed no let-up in mass protests to get the government to back down. A state visit to France by Britain's King Charles III, which had been due to begin on Sunday, was postponed because of the unrest. Macron on Monday met Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, other cabinet ministers and senior lawmakers for crisis talks at the Elysee Palace. "We need to continue to hold out a hand to the unions," a participant in the meeting quoted Macron as saying, although the president rejected any revision of the pensions law. Borne has scheduled talks over three weeks with members of parliament, political parties and local authorities, while still hoping to meet union leaders. Laurent Berger, the head of the moderate CFDT union, called for the appointment of a mediator between unions and the government as "a gesture in favour of cooling off, and finding a way out". Hard-left CGT union leader Philippe Martinez said: "The aim is the withdrawal" of the pensions law. But government spokesman Olivier Veran said the law was no longer up for discussion. "It's in the past now," he said. The CGT union said that 450,000 people had taken part in Tuesday's protests in Paris, almost half of the number who it said took part in the capital in a giant protest last Thursday. - 'Nothing is changing' - Young people were prominent in Tuesday's protests, with many blockading universities and high schools. Jo Zeguelli, 19, a student at the Sorbonne university in Paris said: "Nothing is changing. Macron does not seem like he is listening to us." Yasmine Mounib, another 19-year-old student in the northern city of Lille, said she agreed with the protesters. "But they should keep some trains running for students. This is costing me my education," she said, adding she was going to miss her 8:00 am (0600 GMT) class despite getting up at four. Mass transit in Paris was heavily affected, with traffic both on metros and suburban trains disrupted. The Louvre in Paris, the world's most visited museum, was closed on Monday after workers blocked entry. As on previous strike days, the Eiffel Tower in Paris was also shut on Tuesday. bur-jh-sjw/ach (Bloomberg) -- One of Frances most prominent union leaders said he had been invited by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to meet early next week to discuss the governments pension reform plan that triggered a 10th day of nationwide protests Tuesday. Most Read from Bloomberg The government sent unions an emailed invitation to meet next Monday or Tuesday, the head of the CFDT union, Laurent Berger, told TMC TV network. We will attend. Weve discussed it among ourselves, he said, citing conversations with other unions. We think, collectively, that we need to go to bring our proposals. Bornes office didnt reply to a request for comment. Bornes willingness to speak with union representatives is in line with an offer President Emmanuel Macron suggested himself in a TV interview last week. However, its unclear where they might find common ground. Unions have been urging Macron to hit the brakes on his unpopular pension reform, insisting opposition remains strong even as turnout dropped. Around 740,000 took part in marches across the country Tuesday, down from at least 1.09 million last Thursday, according to numbers from the Interior Ministry. Strike participation also declined. For the French leader, backing down would raise questions over his pledge to balance the books and spur the labor market with pro-business reforms. The French Pension Advisory Council estimated the current system could cost the public finances at least 0.5% of GDP annually over the coming decade. But pushing ahead by enacting the law risks a prolonged conflict and further splintering parliament, where he has already lost his absolute majority and relies on opposition lawmakers to pass texts in a conventional manner. Story continues While scuffles broke out in Paris and other cities during protests on Tuesday, it appeared there was significantly less violence than in protests over the past week that ended in chaos, with hardcore fringes clashing with riot police. Another round of strikes and protests is planned on April 6. The president has attempted to appease the situation by promising to account more for workers in future reforms, including with a measure to force companies to share more of their profits when conducting share buybacks. A defining image of the strikes has been the thousands of tons of trash piling up in the streets of Paris during a three-week strike by garbage collectors. However, the public services branch of the CGT union said the walkout would be suspended from Wednesday due to dwindling numbers. --With assistance from Marie Patino, Valentine Baldassari, Caroline Connan and Jenny Che. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Striking workers blocked the train tracks serving one of Pariss main railway stations as nationwide protests continued. This video shows the protesters waving burning flares and flags as they walked along the tracks to cause disruption at Gare de Lyon. The passing of a controversial pension reform plan has sparked scenes of chaos across the country It comes after a French minister warned that violent demonstrators intend to destroy, to injure and to kill. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. PARIS (Reuters) -France's top court on Tuesday definitively rejected an extradition request from the Italian government to deport a group of 10 former leftist militants for acts which occurred over 30 years ago. "The Court of Cassation dismisses the appeals ... considering that the reasons adopted by the judges, which are part of their assessment, are sufficient," France's highest appeals court said in a statement as it upheld the ruling. The League party of Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the decision as "disconcerting". Italy has long sought the extradition of the former guerrillas, who were given refuge in France on condition they renounced violence following the so-called "Years of Lead" of left and right-wing terrorism from the late 1960s to the 1980s. In April 2021, France arrested seven former Italian leftist militants after harbouring them for decades following their conviction in Italy on terrorism charges. The group concerned by Tuesday's decision consisted of those seven people and three more, all aged between 62 and 89. Last year, a decision by a lower court not to extradite them on grounds of their human rights, had sparked a rift between Rome and Paris, with some Italian politicians accusing French judges of taking an "unacceptable" decision. Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party who later became the country's prime minister, last summer called it "unacceptable and shameful" not to deport the militants. Amongst those concerned by Tuesday's ruling was Giorgio Pietrostefani, a co-founder of the Lotta Continua (Continuous Struggle) group, sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the 1972 murder of Milan police commissioner Luigi Calabresi. Members of the Red Brigades, including Marina Petrella, Roberta Cappelli and Sergio Tornaghi, all sentenced to life in prison for taking part in various murders and kidnappings, are also among those who have avoided extradition. (Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Marine Strauss; additional reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by GV De Clercq and Christina Fincher) By Imad Creidi and Philbert Girinema DOHA/KIGALI (Reuters) -Paul Rusesabagina, who was portrayed as a hero in the film "Hotel Rwanda" about the 1994 genocide, has arrived in Qatar after being released from prison in Rwanda last week, Rwanda's government spokesperson said on Tuesday. Rusesabagina, a U.S. permanent resident, was sentenced in September 2021 to 25 years over his ties to a group opposed to Rwandan President Paul Kagame that has an armed wing. He was released on Friday after his sentence was commuted following months of negotiations between Washington and Kigali. Washington's historically close ties with Rwanda have been strained by Rusesabagina's detention and by U.S. allegations, denied by Kigali, that Rwanda has sent troops into neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and supports rebels there. Rwanda has said that Rusesabagina's release is the result of a shared desire to reset the U.S.-Rwanda relationship. The 68-year-old former hotelier landed in Doha on Monday, Rwanda's government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told Reuters. From Doha, he will return to the United States, U.S. officials have said. "Hotel Rwanda" portrays Rusesabagina's success in saving more than 1,000 people during the genocide in 1994 by sheltering them in the besieged hotel that he managed in Kigali. During his trial Rusesabagina acknowledged having a leadership role in an opposition group but denied responsibility for attacks carried out in Rwanda by its armed wing. The trial judges said the two wings of the group were indistinguishable. In a letter to Kagame earlier this month, Rusesabagina wrote that if he was pardoned and freed, he would abandon politics and spend the rest of his days in the United States "in quiet reflection". Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front took power after capturing the capital Kigali in 1994, ending the genocide during which an ethnic Hutu-led government and militias had killed 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus over 100 days. (Reporting by Imad Creidi and Philbert Girinema; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Aaron Ross, Himani Sarkar, Peter Graff) French authorities raided five banks on Tuesday as part of an investigation into suspected cases of massive tax fraud and money laundering, prosecutors said. Some 150 investigators conducted searches in Paris and the financial district La Defense, the financial prosecutor's office (PNF) said in a statement. The raids follow five preliminary investigations that were opened in December 2021 in connection with suspected money laundering and aggravated suspected tax fraud related to dividend payments, the statement said. The operation "required several months of preparation", the statement said, and involved 16 investigating magistrates and more than 150 financial investigators. Prosecutors from Germany, where similar tax frauds came to light in recent years, were also involved in the raids, the statement added. A spokesman for Societe Generale confirmed to AFP that the French bank was being searched by authorities, but he said he did not know the reason. French rival BNP Paribas and its Exane unit, financial group Natixis and British banking giant HSBC are the other targets of the raids, according to Le Monde newspaper. - Disappearing dividends - A group of European news outlets published an investigation dubbed the "CumEx-Files" into the tax fraud in 2018. Its title referred to trading of shares with ("cum" in Latin) and without ("ex") dividends. The amounts involved are suspected to have reached 140 billion euros ($151 billion) over a period of 20 years, the media group said in 2021. Tuesday's raids stem from so-called "Cum-Cum" tax fraud. "The fraud involves a foreign shareholder in a company listed in France temporarily transferring the shares he owns to a French banking institution, around the date the dividend is paid out," the PNF said. The aim is "to avoid paying the tax applicable to the payment of this dividend," it added. Banks are suspected of acting as intermediaries in the practice and even charging a commission to the investors taking part. Story continues A German court in December sentenced lawyer Hanno Berger to eight years in prison over the "cum-ex" tax scam, convicting him of three counts of aggravated tax evasion. The regional court found that the 72-year-old -- believed to be the original mastermind of the scheme -- helped arrange fraudulent transactions at German bank M.M. Warburg between 2007 and 2013 that cost Berlin's treasury 278 million euros. In addition to the jail time, the court ordered 13.7 million euros ($14.8 million) of personal revenues from the scheme to be confiscated from Berger's accounts. Berger only partially admitted wrongdoing during the proceedings, insisting that some of the transactions were legal at the time. gd-mpa-bp/lth-tgb/sjw/gw The plot could have come from one of controversial French author Michel Houellebecq's own dark novels -- an ageing writer features in a porn film, only to regret it later. But the drama played out for real in a Dutch court on Tuesday when a judge rejected a bid by the top-selling novelist to ban an erotic movie in which he himself stars. A trailer released in January showed the shirtless 67-year-old kissing and fondling a young woman in bed in the movie, "Kirac 27", Dutch filmmaker Stefan Ruitenbeek said. Houellebecq, whose best-selling works include "Submission" and "Atomised", complained that the film damaged his reputation and that he had signed an unfair contract under the influence of alcohol. An Amsterdam judge disagreed. "It is incomprehensible why Houellebecq participated in the recordings if he found the agreement really problematic," the judge said in a written ruling, dismissing the author's application and ordering the writer to pay 1,393 euros in costs. Houellebecq found the verdict "very disappointing", his Dutch lawyer Jacqueline Schaap told AFP. "Mr Houellebecq is seriously considering an urgent appeal," she said. In February Houellebecq lost a similar bid in a French court. - 'Porn star' - It's a bizarre chapter even by the standards of the bad boy of French literature, whose books sell millions but who is often accused of misogyny and far-right sympathies. It began during a dinner in Paris in November 2022, when Houellebecq's wife Lysis told Ruitenbeek that the writer wanted to "make a porn film to counter his gloom", according to the judgment. The director filmed Houellebecq having sex in Paris with a woman called Jini van Rooijen, a philosophy student with whom the director works. The French author and his wife then came to Amsterdam in December, where they signed a contract for the film. The director said in the trailer that Houellebecq got in touch after his honeymoon in Morocco was called off due to security fears, and that he was depressed because Lysis had "spent a month booking prostitutes" only for it to fall through. Story continues "I told him I knew plenty of girls in Amsterdam who would have sex with a famous writer out of curiosity, and that I would arrange the hotel for him if I had permission to film everything," said Ruitenbeek. But Houellebecq said in court papers seen by AFP that the contract put him "at the mercy" of Ruitenbeek. "I was tired, the day had been long and the necessary wine had already been drunk", the writer said. "I don't have the ambition to become a porn star at my age," Relations were severed soon after the filming, and deteriorated even further after the release of the trailer. The writer also complained about Ruitenbeek giving an interview to the Vice news site in February, in which he said that Houellebecq was "really good in bed". - 'Integrity' - The Dutch judge found that while the contract was "far from balanced" and gave the director extensive rights, it was not illegal. The evidence was "insufficient to assume that his judgement was impaired by fatigue and alcohol" or depression, the ruling added. Ruitenbeek said he was relieved by the decision. "It has always been my intention to make a portrait with integrity. Hopefully Michel is happy with the result," he said in a statement released by his lawyer. Houellebecq is a controversial writer, and often accused of tapping into right-wing fears over Islam in France. In 2015, Houellebecq published the international headline-grabbing "Submission" about a Muslim winning the presidency He was tipped as a contender for the Nobel Literature Prize last year, although it ultimately went to Annie Ernaux of France who called Houellebecq's ideas "completely reactionary and anti-feminist". dk/pvh A wave of protests was expected to intensify in France, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to fight a controversial plan, pushed by President Emmanual Macron, to raise the retirement age. French media was reporting that as many as 900,000 people were expected to protest on Tuesday, objecting to Macron's plan to raise the retirement age from 62 from 64. Ten days of protests have led to huge mounds of trash on the streets of Paris because garbage workers were continuing to strike over the issue, and fires have been burning outside streetside cafes. Smoke bombs were being let off outside the airport, according to video posted to social media. All retirees in France receive a state pension, which is funded by a specific tax on those currently working. However, between the countrys lower birth rate and longer life expectancies, the current pension system is projected to face a shortfall in the next decade. The grim future of the pension system has prompted Macron to make the proposed change a key priority of his second term, arguing that reform is necessary. Macron has argued that raising France's retirement age will make the country's pension system financially sustainable in the future. He pushed the legislation through French Parliament last week without a vote, due to a special constitutional article. Dig deeper: Why is France protesting over President Emmanuel Macron's move to raise retirement age? A message that reads, 'Democracy 49.3', is daubed on the side one a tram carriage as demonstration take place across France after the government pushed a pensions reform through parliament without a vote, using the article 49.3 of the constitution, in Nice, southern France, on March 28, 2023. - France faces another day of strikes and protests nearly two weeks after the president bypassed parliament to pass a pensions overhaul that is sparking turmoil in the country, with unions vowing no let-up in mass protests to get the government to back down. The day of action is the tenth such mobilisation since protests started in mid-January against the law, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images) ORIG FILE ID: AFP_33C78MC.jpg Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Protests intensify in France over plan to raise the retirement age Lauren Giesler holds a sign with photos of her daughters as she joins other mothers at a rally at the state Capitol on March 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, the day after a shooting at a Christian elementary school in the city. (John Amis/AP) Again, America grieves. Monday morning, an assailant wielding two assault-style weapons and a pistol gunned down three students, all age 9, and three adults at a small private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the eighth mass killing at an American K-12 school since 2006, according to The Associated Press, and the 130th mass shooting in the country this year. If Americans are growing numb to the horrific regularity of mass shootings at schools, they shouldnt. No one with any sense of humanity should allow themselves to brand shootings at schools as simply the world we live in or the sad reality today. Advertisement The attack at the Covenant School should do much more than evoke grief and empathy. It should shake Americans into action. Theres still much to learn about the shooter. Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28 and transgender, once attended Covenant and may have, as Metropolitan Nashville police Chief John Drake told reporters, harbored some resentment for having to go to that school. Still unknown is whether Hale had exhibited any behavior to warrant scrutiny that could have helped prevent the attack, though there are reports that the Hale was under doctor care for an emotional disorder. Advertisement But one thing police say they do know: Hale legally obtained two of the firearms brought to the school. Thats where everyday Americans come in. It is past time for any citizen to countenance voting for a lawmaker, whether at the state or federal level, who refuses to support a ban on assault-style rifles. Such a ban isnt an end-all solution. But it would take off the streets a weapon that has become synonymous with Americas mass shootings epidemic. Assault-style rifles are built for mass killing. An AR-15 bullet wields three times more speed and energy than a round from a handgun. Together with high-capacity magazines, assault-style rifles serve the sole purpose of inflicting mass carnage. We have written many times about the scripted argument Republican legislators make after every mass shooting: Its not the gun, its all about the person brandishing it. And, yes, clearly guns do not fire themselves. But how many mass shootings, how much bloodshed at schools, will it take for Americans to realize this crisis should be tackled solely with a nonpartisan approach? After the Sept. 11 attacks, Americans collectively rallied against the threat of terrorism. The scourge of mass shootings shouldnt be treated any differently. We know that America has been here before, many times. The 2012 massacre of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, horrified the nation and Congress response was far from robust enough. After 17 students and teachers were gunned down at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, surviving students spoke out for stricter gun laws and inspired thousands of high school students across the country to back their cause with protests. More school shootings followed. Will Covenant mark a tipping point? It should. But only if Americans do more than just grieve. Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. In the face of competition from two low-cost start-ups, Frontier Airlines announced flights to two new destinations from Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Tuesday and says its poised to have its busiest summer at RDU since arriving in the Triangle more than a decade ago. Frontier says it will begin flying nonstop to Chicago Midway and Houstons George Bush Intercontinental airports in mid-June. Like much of its service from RDU, the Chicago and Houston flights will be seasonal. With the new routes, Frontier will operate 112 departures a week from RDU this summer, with nonstop service to 20 destinations. Thats the most flights from the Triangle for the airline since its first planes appeared at RDU in 2010. Frontier will fly to Chicago on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and will join Southwest with service to Midway. Frontier will compete with United to George Bush airport in Houston and will operate Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The airlines schedule currently runs through mid-August, though it will soon be extended, according to Josh Flyr, vice president, network and operational design. Flyr said several of the flights added for the summer season will likely be extended through the fall. We have been impressed with the strength of the RDU market, so our expectation is that a number of the markets we have historically flown through Labor Day will continue in 2023 through the New Year holiday, he wrote in an email. The expansion comes as rivals Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines have arrived at RDU and quickly added to their schedules. Breeze made its inaugural flight in February and by June will be flying to eight destinations. Avelo, which began with a single flight to New Haven, Connecticut, last year, expanded to six Florida cities this winter and will begin flying to three more cities in June. Both airlines got their start in the spring of 2021. A few days before Christmas, a joint law enforcement task force found nearly 9,000 pounds of cannabis worth almost $15 million during a raid in a suburban neighborhood in Antioch, Calif. The California Department of Cannabis Control believes that the four houses searched in the bedroom community 45 minutes outside San Francisco were linked to China. Mexican cartels have a long history of importing, growing and redistributing illicit cannabis in the United States. But Chinese investors, owners and workers have emerged in recent years as a new source of funding and labor for illegal marijuana production. What is known from interviews with state law enforcement officials, experts on the international drug trade, economists and lawmakers is that the number of farms funded by sources traceable back to Chinese investors or owners has skyrocketed. Chinese owners and workers have become a larger presence at illegal grows in Oklahoma, California and Oregon, they say. In Oklahoma, close to 3,000 of the states nearly 7,000 licensed marijuana farms have been flagged for suspicious activity by law enforcement over the last year. Those operations are now being investigated for obtaining their licenses fraudulently and/or for selling into the illicit market, according to Mark Woodward, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The agency believes that 2,000 of those farms have a Chinese connection supplying workers, funding or both. Of the more than 800 farms the OBN has shut down in the last two years for operating illegally, Woodward said roughly 75 percent are linked to China. I would comfortably say over 600 of those we've linked to Chinese investors and Chinese organized crime; some sort of a nexus to back to China, he said. Law enforcement in southern Oregon in 2021 reported as many as 20 different nationalities linked to illegal grows. But the increasing amount of Chinese funding and what lawmakers and some experts say is the potential influence of the Chinese Communist Party has caught the attention of legislators and law enforcement alike. Story continues Weve seen in recent weeks that the CCPs malign influence knows no bounds and, unfortunately, the cannabis industry is not immune to these tactics, Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio), a co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and former prosecutor said in a statement to POLITICO, referencing a Chinese surveillance balloon spotted in early February over Montana. Do we want to cultivate an environment in which [marijuana growing] happens with safeguards and oversight or continue to turn a blind eye and allow illicit operations like these to flourish? he added. Much is still unknown about Chinese-funded cannabis cultivation including whether the money is coming from groups with connections to the Communist Party, and how much of the cannabis produced through Chinese-funded grows stays within the U.S. or leaves the country. Its also not clear how deeply involved Chinese organized crime syndicates are in American cannabis cultivation. The Chinese government has a complicated relationship with organized crime, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of the Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors. Despite the Chinese Communist Partys strict stance on drugs, the triads which run global crime networks distributing chemicals needed to manufacture methamphetamine and fentanyl, among other potentially dangerous substances often curry favor with the CCP by functioning as extralegal enforcers for the government, Felbab-Brown said. The CCP in turn often allows them to continue their operations, though it does not control them. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., told POLITICO that the Chinese government takes a zero tolerance attitude to drugs, and has been rigorously combating drug production, trafficking and other kinds of drug crimes. The Chinese government asks its citizens to refrain from engaging in any illegal or criminal activities while they are abroad Liu added. Felbab-Brown cautioned that there is a lot that experts still do not know about Chinese triad involvement in cannabis production. There is a wide range of actors in China who are involved in drug trafficking, she said, explaining that the same could be true for drug operations in the U.S., encompassing massive organized crime operations and mom and pop enterprises alike. It's really important to be very careful about what actually lies behind [these grows], she added. Whats clear about illicit cannabis production in the U.S. is that its booming. Roughly 75 percent of the $100 billion cannabis market in the U.S. remains illegal, and roughly two thirds of that illicit weed is grown domestically, according to data from Whitney Economics, which analyzes the cannabis industry. The U.S. Border Patrol has seen a sharp decline in the amount of marijuana crossing the nation's borders: The agency seized 582,000 pounds of marijuana in 2020, but just 155,000 pounds in 2022. Some Chinese workers find work at illegal grows in Oklahoma, California and elsewhere through Mandarin-language ads. A 2022 NBC investigation spoke to laborers from China working at unlicensed cannabis grows in California who found their jobs through Mandarin-language websites in New York. A 2020 Searchlight New Mexico investigation found Chinese workers traveling to illegal grows in New Mexico from Los Angeles after seeing Mandarin-language ads run on WeChat, a social media app. Woodward said that similar ads have also been used to attract workers to Oklahoma. In California, the Department of Cannabis Control says Chinese triads have been nominally involved in illegal cannabis production for decades, but that theres been a recent increase in the number of actors and money that may have originated in China. The DCC also said that some but not all of the Chinese-funded grows theyve encountered are operated by Chinese triads. This notion that you now have Chinese actual funding for illicit cannabis, it's definitely new, and it cuts directly across the interests of Mexican drug trafficking groups, said Felbab-Brown. It's interesting to see whether it continues growing, [and] how that's going to affect relations between the Mexicans and the Chinese [criminal groups]. Congress wants to put more scrutiny on Chinese ownership of farms, something that multiple senators of both parties suggested could help thwart the illicit cannabis problem. At the beginning of February, Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the PASS Act, a bill that would limit the ability of investors or owners from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran to acquire American agricultural land and agribusinesses. The bill has a total of nine cosponsors, of which Tester is the lone Democrat. The Chinese embassy in Washington told POLITICO they do not support the legislation and oppose any abuse of state power to obstruct normal economic and trade relations with China. Tester said that his legislation would address many of the issues with Chinese investment in illicit cannabis farming, but also added that the method of sorting between Chinese investment and investment from Chinese Americans was something that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States part of the Treasury Department would need to determine. Look, it's not going to be easy to enforce, he said in an interview. But it can be enforced. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and is a cosponsor of the PASS Act, suggested requiring Chinese investors or owners interested in purchasing agricultural land or other agribusiness property to prove they are not linked to the Chinese Communist Party. It's probably harder to prove that they're not connected than to prove that they are, because of Chinese law itself, Cramer said. The North Dakota senator says that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States already has the authority to hold a shipping container that comes to the U.S. from certain parts of China under the presumption that it may be associated with Uyghur forced labor. Similar determinations could be made by the agency in the case of agribusiness. Cramer is not the only Republican senator drawing a connection between all Chinese business and the CCP. You don't have Chinese business activity without the Chinese Communist Party either knowing about it, being involved in it, or looking the other way and ignoring it, Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma also said. Felbab-Brown says there no solutions right now to this problem because there are too many question marks lingering over Chinese funding and workers in the illicit cannabis industry. Answering questions about exactly what groups are funding illicit cannabis grows and where the cannabis is going is the key next step to knowing what the growing presence of Chinese investment in illicit cannabis cultivation means and how best to deal with it. The function of illegal cannabis grows may pose a challenge for the PASS Act approach, since many are not on agricultural land. Sometimes, like in Antioch, they are in suburban homes or other buildings not intended for agribusiness. They are often also purchased or rented by a third party, keeping the true funding source far from the lease. In Oklahoma, Woodward said many of the cultivation licenses deemed fraudulent by the OBN were fronted by locals posing as the primary license holder. These organizations I can't overstate how much effort they take to layer or protect their identity, said Bill Jones, DCCs chief of law enforcement, explaining that they do so through LCCs and straw ownership. You don't have heads of the Chinese or Mexican cartels buying these properties. A proposed bill to increase penalties for fatal hit-and-run crashes has returned to the California state Assembly after prior failures. AB 1067, or Gavins Law, passed through the states Public Safety Committee on Tuesday in an unexpected vote that the bills sponsor called a miracle. Were pleased and surprised, Assemblymember Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, said during a Zoom conference following the committee hearing. Gavins Law is named for Gavin Gladding, a 43-year-old vice principal at Clovis Unifieds Fort Washington Elementary School. Gladding was training for a marathon in 2018 when he was struck and killed on Friant Road in north Fresno. The driver who hit him had been drinking and fled the scene to avoid a DUI arrest. He also hid evidence of the crime, including a broken windshield. AB 1067, legislation first introduced in 2019 by Patterson, looks to increase the criminal penalties in cases like Gladdings to a maximum of six years (with judicial discretion), while closing a loophople that benefits DUI drivers. The current penalty for a fatal hit and run is four years. In Gladdings case, the driver was sentenced to three years. He served 13 months. Gladdings mother spoke at the committee hearing Tuesday, calling the sentencing a get out of jail free card. Rita Gladding said that nearly a fourth of pedestrians killed nationally are victims of hit and run, and that her family was collateral damage for callous drivers. Fresno promoter Mike Osegueda also testified at the hearing. His sister Courtney Osegueda was killed by a hit-and-run driver while leaving work in Oakland in 2021. The driver was arrested but remains out on bail awaiting trial. The woman was likely intoxicated at the time of the crash, Osegueda said. That cant be proven because she left, he said. And that is the loophole. This wasnt the first time either had told their stories. Rita Gladding, mother of Gavin Gladding, speaks while standing next to her grandchildren, Isla and Carter, during a rally to show support for Gavinas Law on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Keith Tice Park in Fresno. Rita Gladding has testified four times since Gavins Law was first introduced four years ago. Story continues Osegueda spoke in 2021 before the Public Safety Committee, when the bill was passed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, only to fail to get needed support there. The first version passed the Assembly in 2020 but failed in the Senate Public Safety Committee. The difference this time around may be that the bill got signed off by two influential members of the Public Safety Committee, Patterson said, including Mia Banta, D-Oakland. These are people who dont usually vote for enhanced sentencing penalties, Patterson said. But for some reason both were touched. Patterson hopes those voices will lend needed support as the bill moves through the Assembly Appropriations Committee and eventually the Senate. This is step one of the process, Patterson said. Weve been here before. We are ready and prepared to tell Gavins story again. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The General Dynamics Land Systems-made Stryker combat vehicle is the U.S. Armys platform for its Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system, which was rapidly developed and deployed to Europe to fill an urgent capability gap. The company has now put the same SHORAD capability on a 10-ton robotic ground vehicle. GDLS displayed its Tracked Robot 10-ton, or TRX, technology demonstrator first unveiled as a robotic combat vehicle in October 2020 at the Association of the U.S. Armys Global Force Symposium on March 28. This time the focus is on air defense with the operationally proven M-SHORAD turret. The M-SHORAD is a Stryker A1 combat vehicle-based system that includes a Moog turret and a mission equipment package designed by Leonardo DRS. That package includes Raytheon Technologies Stinger missile launcher. The Army has fielded M-SHORAD to four battalions, but were trying to demonstrate the ability to go beyond that both in the Stryker formations and heavy brigade formations, i.e., our heavy divisions, according to Scott Taylor, GDLS director of U.S. business development. But we may have a potentially interesting idea with a TRX with SHORAD payload for our infantry or lighter infantry divisions, Taylor told Defense News in an interview ahead of the symposium. The TRX SHORAD robotic vehicle is part of a family of short-range air defense vehicles that GDLS is creating to show whats possible, according to Kendall Linson, the companys business development manager for Stryker. A robotic SHORAD solution can go to the tactical edge of the battlefield, providing soldiers a standoff capability from the enemy, Linson said. GDLS is also developing a SHORAD Stryker with a laser weapon, known as the Directed Energy M-SHORAD. The first vehicles wrapped up testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, two weeks ago ahead of its first fielding to a platoon, according to the company. Also in development is a high-power microwave solution for the Stryker using Epirus Leonidas high-power microwave capability designed to destroy drone swarms. GDLS is also planning to integrate the capability onto the TRX by the end of the year. ATLANTA (AP) A new Georgia commission to discipline and remove wayward prosecutors would be the latest move nationwide to ratchet up oversight on what Republicans see as woke prosecutors who aren't doing enough to fight crime. The Georgia House voted 97-77 on Monday for Senate Bill 92 to create the commission. The Senate later sent the measure to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature or veto. Kemp has previously voiced support for the concept. The Georgia bill parallels efforts to remove prosecutors in Florida, Missouri, Indiana and Pennsylvania, as well as broader disputes nationwide over how certain criminal offenses should be charged. All continue anti-crime campaigns that Republicans ran nationwide last year, accusing Democrats of coddling criminals and acting improperly by refusing to prosecute whole categories of crimes including marijuana possession. All the efforts raise the question of prosecutorial discretion a prosecutor's decision of what cases to try or reject and what charges to bring. Carissa Hessick, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said the Republican push tries to reverse a sea change in prosecution. Hessick, who directs the Prosecutors and Politics Project, said that for the first time voters are confronted with meaningful debate about prosecutors' policies. I think it's happened because several years ago, there was a push to try to use the office of prosecutor to address mass incarceration and injustices within the criminal justice system, she said. That movement was successful in a lot of places. Georgia Democrats intensely oppose the measure, saying majority Republicans are seeking another way to impose their will on local Democratic voters. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has decried the measure, claiming it's a racist attack after voters elected 14 nonwhite district attorneys in Georgia in 2020. Willis pushed herself to the center of the controversy even as she's mulling charges against former President Donald Trump for interfering in Georgia's 2020 election. Some have viewed it as Republican retribution against the Atlanta prosecutor. Story continues But the energy behind the bill has not been against Willis, whom in addition to targeting Trump is pursuing a tough-on-crime offensive against alleged gang members. Instead, many Georgia Republicans are most angered by Deborah Gonzalez, a district attorney who covers two counties including Athens, Kemp's hometown. She's under fire for refusal to prosecute marijuana crimes, an outflow of prosecutors working under her, and failure to meet court deadlines. Thats the whole point of this bill, is to restore public safety in places where you have rogue district attorneys who simply are not doing their job, said Georgia Republican Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens. The effort was born from frustrations involving a white Republican prosecutor in suburban Atlanta who was indicted for bribery related to sexual harassment claims. He lingered until he pleaded guilty to unprofessional conduct and resigned in 2022. Some Democrats were interested in similar measures for a time because of Jackie Johnson, the coastal Georgia district attorney later charged with hindering the police investigation into the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Democratic interest cooled after voters ousted Johnson. Now they say Republicans should respect the will of local voters. Rep. Tanya Miller, an Atlanta Democrat and former prosecutor, on Monday described the bill as a a power grab by the majority party to usurp the will of the voters by putting this body in the business of overseeing duly elected prosecutors throughout this state. Crucially, the Georgia bill mandates that a prosecutor must consider every case for which probable cause exists and can't exclude categories of cases from prosecution. A similar bill pending in Indiana would let an oversight board appoint a special prosecutor to handle cases when a noncompliant prosecutor refuses to charge certain crimes. Hessick said considering every case individually is an unrealistic standard because prosecutors turn away many more cases than they accept. She said the Georgia law is less likely to change prosecutors' decisions about which cases they pursue than to muzzle their ability to talk about their decisions. It's designed to stop them from running on these platforms of reform, Hessick said. The rules could also target prosecutors who declared before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 that they would not prosecute abortion-related offenses. Seven current Georgia district attorneys made such pledges, among dozens nationwide. In some states, such laws could face hurdles. A New York court struck down a 2018 commission to investigate prosecutorial conduct after district attorneys sued saying it gave state lawmakers too much oversight over independent offices. Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2021 signed another version into law. The commission isn't yet operating because some members haven't been appointed, a court spokesperson said. Georgia lawmakers can already impeach district attorneys and solicitors general elected prosecutors in some Georgia counties who handle lower-level cases. But they say impeachment would take up too much of lawmakers' time. Instead, the new commission would investigate and make decisions. A prosecutor could appeal a decision to a state-level court, and eventually to the state Supreme Court. Impeachment is proceeding in Pennsylvania, where state House Republicans voted in November to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for reasons including his failure to prosecute some minor crimes, his bail policies and management. Krasner sued to challenge the impeachment's legality, and a divided state court ruled for him, finding impeachment articles didn't reach the needed legal threshold. Plans for an impeachment trial in the Republican-majority Pennsylvania Senate have been on hold while that decision is appealed. In the meantime, the Republican majority that voted to impeach in the House is now a Democratic majority. It's unclear what that will mean for any trial. Other governors and legislatures have moved more directly to remove prosecutors. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren in Tampas Hillsborough County in August. A federal judge found DeSantis illegally targeted Warren because hes a Democrat who has publicly supported abortion and transgender rights and because it would politically benefit DeSantis. But the judge wrote he had no power to reinstate Warren, leading the Democrat to appeal to the state Supreme Court. In the meantime, the prosecutor that DeSantis tapped to replace Warren has resumed prosecuting some misdemeanors including suspended licenses, disorderly conduct and panhandling that Warren had stopped bringing to trial. The GOP-led Missouri legislature is also maneuvering to override a Democratic prosecutor St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. It would let Republican Gov. Mike Parson appoint an additional special prosecutor for five years in any jurisdiction where the homicide rate exceeds 35 killings per 100,000 residents. The bill was drafted with St. Louis in mind. Also, Missouri Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey is seeking to remove Gardner from office, alleging negligence in her job. If a judge agrees, Parson would appoint her replacement. A hearing date hasn't been set. ___ Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, Alana Durkin Richer in Boston and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report. Israel "Izzy" Scott, 4, died in June after drowning during a swim lesson in Augusta. A swimming safety law introduced by Augusta-area legislators after a tragedy is headed to the desk of Gov. Brian Kemp after passing the Georgia House on Monday and the Senate passing the House amended version of the bill on Wednesday. Named after 4-year-old Israel "Izzy" Scott, who drowned during a private swim lesson in Burke County on June 14, 2022, the legislation, SB 107, requires the Department of Public Health to develop a model safety plan for private swim lessons and for instructors to implement a safety plan before offering lessons. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 169-0 to applause from lawmakers, it had previously passed the Senate on March 1. Scott's family were present and recognized by lawmakers. The final passage in the Senate on Wednesday was without fan fair bill sponsor Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania spoke briefly in favor of it before the amended version passed 51-3. Prior to the vote, Rep. Lynn Gladney, D-Augusta, spoke to legislators about the day that Scott died. Izzy's Law:'Izzy's Law' introduced in the Georgia Senate, named for 4-year-old who drowned Safety Plan:Izzy's law, aimed at mandating safety plans for swim lessons, passes in the Georgia Senate "On this fateful day, Izzy, who was normally a vibrant, exuberant child who absolutely loves superhero Black Panther and dinosaurs and playing with his older brothers and sisters, he has a moment of pause, and he is slightly hesitant about going to the lesson that day, and says to his mother, 'What if I drown?'" Gladney told the House. Gladney went on to highlight the number of accidental drownings involving children; more than 4,000 annually across the country. "It is a good bill. It has provisions that protects other families like the Scotts from this awful fate of ever having this experience again," Gladney said, before asking her colleagues to back the bill. After the passage of the bill, House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, took a moment to address the family. Story continues "Our hearts go out to you. What a beautiful young man he was," Burns said. "His memory will last in your family and in this state for years and years to come, as Izzy's Law is part of who we are." The model safety plan developed by the Department of Public Health will include suggested student-to-instructor ratios, secondary supervision of lessons, allowing parents and guardians to be present and participate in private lessons, and that at least one instructor or assistant be CPR certified. By April 1, 2024, all private swim instructors would have to have an aquatic safety plan in place that addresses all of these points before offering lessons or face a misdemeanor charge and up to a $200 fine. The instructor who was giving the lesson when Scott drowned, Lexie TenHuisen, was charged with involuntary manslaughter. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Izzy's Law on swim instruction safety passes House, heads to Governor Boris Pistorius "Promised delivered: 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks arrived in Ukraine today, as well as sets with ammunition and spare parts," the minister said. Read also: German Leopard-2 tanks arrive in Ukraine German tanks play a key role at the combat field, he added, emphasizing that more tanks were delivered than promised. "We can be relied on," Pistorius said. After some hesitation, Germany approved on Jan. 25 that it would deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, as well as allowing their re-export by other countries. Read also: Bundeswehr believes Ukraine will use Leopard tanks, Marder IFVs at front in March Berlin agreed to send 18 Leopard 2s. In total, nine countries will transfer over 150 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. The tank coalition continues to grow, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on March 15. Besides the 18 German Leopards, Ukraine received two armored repair and recovery vehicles and an additional three Leopard tanks from Portugal as of March 27. Germany has sent Ukraine 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, with Pistorius confirming on March 20 that the first shipment was on its way. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Bloomberg) -- Germanys ruling coalition struck a deal to back a bundle of climate protection and infrastructure measures after three grueling days of talks were required to reach an accord. Most Read from Bloomberg Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-party alliance of his Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats were trying to put recent public squabbling behind them and push ahead with enacting policies that are important for Germanys technological and environmental transition. The measures included a surprise increase of the truck toll and a decision to invest 80% of the revenues in the modernization of the railway network starting next year, Ricarda Lang, co-leader of the Greens, told reporters on Tuesday in Berlin. These were not easy negotiations by any means, and it was a struggle in very many areas, Lang said. FDP leader Christian Lindner, who is also finance minister, said that the planned ban of oil and gas heaters, a pet project of the Greens, is off the table. There will be no obligation to exchange existing heating systems, Lindner said. We will financially support citizens who choose to modernize their heating systems with a program out of the climate and transformation fund. They began their meeting at the chancellery in Berlin on Sunday evening before talks were halted without a deal early on Monday afternoon. Officials reconvened on Tuesday morning and eventually emerged around 8 p.m. to announce they had reached an accord. That it took the coalition partners so long to overcome their differences will do little to dispel the impression that the government is already something of a spent force after only 15 months in power. Strange Decisions Story continues SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil said that coalition leaders had very consciously agreed to not wrap up their talks under time pressure in order to avoid strange decisions which in the past often had been made in similar situations. It took longer this time to get things clarified and that should not become the rule in coalition talks, Klingbeil said. One of their most pressing tasks has yet to be tackled: agreeing on next years budget. The process has already been delayed and is more complex than in recent years due to Lindners insistence on restoring a constitutional limit on net borrowing. The so-called debt brake was suspended to allow generous government spending to offset the impact of the pandemic and the energy crisis. We have achieved real breakthroughs, real paradigm shifts and thats why the result simply speaks for itself, Lindner said. So if we get together for three days and always manage to achieve such profound results that will change the country, then in the future we should go into retreat for three days every month. (Updates with comments from party leaders starting in the fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Olaf Scholz and Mark Rutte We continue working together to achieve a just and lasting peace and a prosperous future for Ukraine by providing sustainable financial and humanitarian aid as well as military equipment and sufficient training in order to enable Ukraine to defend itself, the declaration says. Read also: Netherlands to supply Ukraine with shells for Leopard tanks Germany and the Netherlands will explore possibilities to collaboratively procure ammunition for Ukraine. The two countries are committed to maintaining, and where possible increasing, the pressure on Russia to stop the war, including through further restrictive measures. Read also: Germany to increase Ukraine military aid fivefold Countering sanctions circumvention is a key priority to tackle at the European level, including effective data sharing and analysis, engagement with the private sector, diplomatic outreach, and additional sanctions, the report says. The Netherlands and Germany reaffirm their strong commitment toward ensuring accountability in accordance with international law for crimes and other atrocities committed on the territory of Ukraine through appropriate, fair, and independent investigations and prosecutions at the national or international levels. Impunity is not an option, the declaration says. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Google can add another antitrust investigation to its stack. This one has been opened by Spain's competition authority, the CNMC, which said today it's concerned about possible anti-competitive practices related to the licensing of news content by local publishers. In a press release it said it is investigating "a series of practices that could involve an abuse of Google's dominant position vis-a-vis the publishers of press publications and news agencies established in Spain" [NB: We've translated the text from Spanish with machine translation]. "In particular, these practices would consist the possible imposition of unfair commercial conditions on the publishers of press publications and news agencies established in Spain for the exploitation of their content protected by intellectual property rights," it also wrote. "On the other hand, the investigated behaviors would also include practices that would constitute acts of unfair competition that could distort free competition and affect the public interest." The competition authority said it is acting following a complaint by the Spanish Center for Reprographic Rights (aka, Centro Espanol de Derechos Reprograficos or CEDRO). We've reached out to all concerned. News licensing is an area where Google has faced severe sanction in Europe already. Back in July 2021, France's antitrust authority fined the tech giant over half a billion dollars for breaching an order to negotiate copyright fees with news publishers for reuse of their content. That followed the EU a copyright reform, agreed back in 2019, that extended IP to snippets of news content -- requiring platforms like Google to negotiate with publishers. Spain transposed the EU reform into its national law in November 2021, paving the way for a return of Google News to the country. Story continues Google's news aggregation service had closed in Spain in 2014 after the country passed a law that aimed to force Google to pay a collective licensing fee for the news snippets. The EU copyright reform replaced the prior fee regime with a requirement to negotiate with individual publishers -- and Google News duly reopened in Spain in June 2022. At the same time, the company also announced it would launch its News Showcase product in the country. Google's News Showcase product was spun up by the tech giant in fall 2020 as lawmakers in Europe and elsewhere were zeroing in on making it pay for news content reuse -- creating a licensing vehicle it could use in the looming, inexorable negotiations with publishers. It's not immediately clear whether the Spanish probe will focus on Google's News Showcase licensing arrangements or on copyright fees talks -- or both. While it remains to be seen what Spain's investigation of Google's news licensing practices will finally determine -- the authority has up to 18 months to conduct the probe -- it said its preliminary information-gathering phase found "indications of possible infringement". Germany's antitrust authority, meanwhile, has already pushed back over Mountain View's practices in this area after starting to scrutinize its news-related fine print in summer 2021. The regulatory attention on Google from the German FCO -- which is currently armed with beefier powers to tackle Big Tech than other European countries (thanks to a 2021 update to competition law squarely targeted at digital giants) -- has led to Google offering a series of concessions over how it operates News Showcase locally, including an offer not to include the showcasing of licensed content in general search results (which is one trigger for antitrust concerns). The News Showcase product provides the prospect of raised visibility for participating publishers, since the offer is for Google to feature participants' content to users across a number of touchpoints. However that could create a disadvantage for publishers who don't pay Google (i.e. if it leads to their content being less visible in Google's general Internet search, given its continued dominance of the Internet search and content discovery market). Google has also sought to co-mingle negotiations with publishers over News Showcase with what are, under the pan-EU reform, legally required talks over copyright fees -- something France's watchdog slapped down in its hefty enforcement in mid 2021. Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas escalated their attacks on one another as Chicagos mayoral race entered the final week of campaigning before the April 4 election. Monday morning, Vallas held a rally with trade unions supporting his campaign where he denounced an effort to place lawn signs around the city linking him to former President Donald Trump. Advertisement The interesting thing is they are showing up on the South and West Side, Vallas said, in response to a question about Vallas for Mayor signs with a MAGA 2024 logo that have sprung up largely in the citys Black neighborhoods. So we all know whos putting them up. We know that. We know that. In fact, weve got some videos of people putting them up. Its really insulting to the voters to think that they can pull these stunts and get away with it, Vallas added. But thats the arrogance. Advertisement Maybe Im late to this but this isnt a campaign sign Ive seen before pic.twitter.com/GbkMb9cFY2 hank sanders (@hanksanders_) March 26, 2023 In the afternoon, Johnson spoke to the City Club of Chicago, where he defended his taxation and public safety plans and deflected criticism over his past support for the defund the police movement. He also said he had nothing to do with the signs that aim to tie Vallas to Trumps Make America Great Again slogan. On the first topic, Johnson reiterated his argument that asking rich people to pay their fair share of taxes is a wholly Democratic ideal and lambasted his opponents handling of Chicago Public Schools pensions under his watch as Paul Vallas budgetary wizardry. Vallas says Johnson is misleading voters on his tax plan. My opponent is raising taxes $800 million, Vallas said. He talks about this being tax the rich. The income tax that hes proposing that now hes running from that incidentally would generate well over half the money that hes claiming hes going to generate in the $800 million is not a tax the rich tax. Johnson has accused Vallas of mischaracterizing his plans and denied floating a city income tax. Vallas has often countered that he left with a budget surplus at the end of his time as CPS CEO from 1995 to 2001. But he also oversaw changes that shifted annual payments from the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund that critics say hurt the system over the long haul. Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer, also said Vallas is lying when he warns that Johnson wants to defund the police, adding that its a Republican scare tactic that was also deployed against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and President Joe Biden. I wouldnt reduce the CPD budget one penny, Johnson said. But let me keep repeating this: Im not going to defund the police. Paul Vallas has lied. Hes lied about everything else. So nobody should be surprised anymore. Advertisement Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson speaks to the media after giving a speech to the City Club of Chicago at Maggiano's Banquets on March 27, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas answers questions from reporters after receiving the endorsement of plumbers union members in Chicago on March 27, 2023. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) The dueling attacks reflected both campaigns goal to characterize the other as too extreme for Chicago. The MAGA signs linking Vallas with Trump are an effort to connect him with an unpopular Republican and weaken his argument to voters that he is a lifelong Democrat. As Johnson sought to downplay criticism over his public safety plans at a time when Chicago residents remain concerned about high crime, he ramped up his retorts and said that the defund attacks against him are racist. Paul knows that you cant fill 1,600 police officer vacancies in Chicago. Not overnight. When the entire country is trying to find and recruit officers, can we afford to wait for 1,600 vacancies when you live in Austin, where within the last four years there are more homicides in my neighborhood than the entire North Shore combined? Johnson said. I wake up to violence every single day. Dont tell me that our safety comes down to a doggone hashtag. Its racist and its ridiculous. When asked again about his previous support for reallocating police budgets during the City Club member question-and-answer portion, Johnson playfully reminded the crowd that it was his 47th birthday: I thought that someone else was going to come in and give me a gift, and then you ask this question. Thats some bogus setup there. Then Johnson grew more serious and spoke about the police killing of George Floyd. No, no, listen. I understand the characterization of that. I actually do, Johnson said. We say mistrust, but its far more dramatic than that. It is the number of lives that have been lost because of police brutality, police murder that affects people differently when thats not your experience. And youre talking to people about a hashtag and defund? Because we have not taken the cries of people seriously the brother said he could not breathe and I said that Im not going to defund the police. Wouldnt it just be easy to believe a Black man when hes telling you the truth? Advertisement Though his City Club speech mostly focused on finances and crime, Johnson also addressed educational topics Monday during a press gaggle in which he waffled over what he wants done about selective enrollment schools, which he has criticized in the past for contributing to inequality within CPS. He began by responding to a question by saying, Look, we cannot afford to have a stratified school district where you have to apply in order to have access to a quality school. But he did not answer follow-up questions on what changes he wants to see in the application process and instead repeated that parents want fully funded neighborhood schools and an equitable, just system. The campaign later issued a statement clarifying Johnson would not phase out selective enrollment schools but also lamenting how families are having to navigate an arduous application process. Earlier in the day, Vallas spoke about his support for organized labor while touting the endorsement of unions like Plumbers Local 130, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2 and Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2. At the same time, Vallas blasted Johnsons ties to his biggest labor backer, CTU. The more they can divert attention from Johnsons candidacy, the fact that hes still bought and paid for by the Chicago Teachers Union, the fact that when he retires he will have a teacher pension despite the fact hes only worked four years as a teacher, Vallas said. The more they can make that, or try to make it about me, the less he has to say about his plans to defund the cops. The less he has to say about how he would stand up to the teachers union. Advertisement Organized labor has been divided between Vallas and Johnson. Trade groups, like plumbers and electricians, have supported Vallas, while Johnson has received an endorsement from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which represents thousands of city workers, the CTU and Service Employees International Union Locals 1 and 73. Google already provides some context around search results to help you understand the news, and now it's adding more tools to make sure you see the broader picture. To start, there's a new Perspectives carousel that provides viewpoints from experts, journalists and "other relevant voices" for a given news topic. You may see actors and critics' takes after the Oscars, for instance. Perspectives will be available soon in the US for English users. You can also learn more about the writers behind news stories. An "About this author" feature tucked inside "About this result" will show creators' backgrounds and encourage the use of trustworthy sources. Google is rolling out the author info worldwide in English, and you'll also find it in the Perspectives carousel. The company is simultaneously upgrading some of its existing features. "About this result" will be available for all search languages in the days ahead. Advisories for rapidly developing stories are coming to French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese users, too. And if you put an organization's web address into a search, you'll now get "About this page" info toward the top. You'll have a better sense of whether or not that organization's site is worth visiting. The extra features help flesh out Google's larger bid to fight misinformation and promote news literacy through education, fact-checking and supplemental info. Ideally, searchers will both look for more reliable info and escape media bubbles that reinforce biases. It's not clear how well the additions will help in practice (it requires a desire to double-check content, after all), and this won't fend off bias accusations against Google itself. However, they may be especially useful to students wanting to verify the quality of their sources for essays and research papers. US House of Representatives Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee had few solutions to offer after Monday's mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. In response to a question about stopping mass shootings, he said "we're not gonna fix it." He added that his personal solution for keeping his daughter safe is to homeschool her. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee offered few solutions in the wake of a tragic mass shooting that left three children and three administrators dead in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. On Monday, a 28-year-old shooter reportedly used assault-style weapons to kill three 9-year-olds and three staff members at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. Burchett told reporters after the tragic event that his solution is to simply keep his child at home. Speaking to reporters on Monday, hours after the shooting, Burchett was asked, "What else should be done to protect people like your little girl?" "Well, we homeschool her," Burchett said in response. While answering a separate question about how to quell school shootings, he also said "we're not gonna fix it." "I don't see any real role that we could do other than mess things up, honestly, because of the situation," Burchett added, commenting about how people can 3D print guns now. "Criminals are gonna be criminals. And my daddy fought in the Second World War, fought in the Pacific, fought the Japanese, and he told me, 'Buddy, if somebody wants to take you out, and doesn't mind losing their life, there's not a whole heck of a lot you can do about it.'" Burchett had much stronger words on March 7 after his state passed a law banning drag performances in public spaces, telling Newsmax: "We don't put up with that crap in Tennessee." Burchett's office did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. In the weeks ahead of the shooting in Nashville, state lawmakers worked to relax gun control laws in the state, pushing forward legislation that would lower the minimum age for carrying guns from 21 to 18. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee congressman who represents part of Nashville, also offered "thoughts and prayers," after the mass shooting, which largely fell on deaf ears given a 2021 Christmas photo with his family where he, his wife, and children are holding guns. Read the original article on Business Insider Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) on Tuesday decried a South Carolina bill that would criminalize abortion as a homicide and allow women who undergo the procedure to become eligible for the death penalty in the state, criticizing the GOP for not finding a more middle-ground approach to the contentious issue. There were 21 members of the South Carolina state legislature that, not only did they draft a bill, but they actually filed a bill that would criminalize women who had abortion and charge them with murder and in the state of South Carolina, murder can mean execution, Mace said in an interview on The Hills Rising. In a sense, the state, if it were to pass it will never pass, thankfully but they were going to give more rights to a rapist than the woman who had been raped. They were going to put women up to the death penalty who had abortions for any reason, Mace said. Republican lawmakers in South Carolina put forward a bill that would redefine person under state law to include a fertilized egg, which would then receive the protection of the states homicide laws. The bill would include exceptions for women who get abortions because of the threat of imminent death or great bodily injury, but not for rape or incest. Mace, who has said she was raped at age 16, has taken a more moderate stance on abortion, distancing herself from many in the Republican party. She said the GOP learned nothing from the November midterms, when GOP candidates lost a number of key races and failed to take control of the Senate, if they continue with the partys current abortion stance. And so you see these conversations happening and actual legislation being filed. And its like, what the hell is going on here? This is not right, and certainly doesnt show any compassion to women. And we as Republicans, as a party, learned nothing from the midterm election if that is the playbook going forward, she said. The South Carolina lawmaker said her district transformed from mildly pro-choice to vast majority pro-choice after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade last summer, and she warned that the GOP could face a rough 2024 if it acknowledges how important the issue is to some swing voters and look for a middle ground. Story continues People can be pro-life but also not want the laws to change. And the Republican Party was tone deaf on this issue. Its going to hurt us in 24. Itll hurt our chances of winning the White House back, and were going to be in a dog fight to win and keep the majority in 24 in the House, Mace said. Her talk on Rising echoes sentiments she summarized on an op-ed last week for Charlestons Post and Courier, blasting the state-level bill. You heard that right. Some S.C. lawmakers are so pro-life, they want to extend the death penalty to women who have been raped. I think we may have to disagree after all, she wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican members of Congress and prominent far-right voices have seized on the fatal shooting of three nine-year-old children and three school employees in Nashville to promote legislation targeting transgender people and bans on gender-affirming healthcare. Law enforcement officials have identified the suspected assailant as a trans man, a detail that GOP lawmakers and far-right personalities with large social media platforms have used in their attempts to undermine threats of violence against LGBT+ people and suggest that trans people, not the proliferation of high-powered firearms, should be regulated and criminalised. LGBT+ advocates have argued that media personalities and elected officials have exploited the aftermath of the shooting to shift blame towards trans people and depict trans people as mentally ill, echoing falsehoods and rhetoric that has surrounded a wave of legislation targeting gender-affirming care in recent years. Far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has proposed federal legislation to outlaw gender-affirming care for trans youth, said everyone can stop blaming guns now. There have been at least 129 other mass killings so far this year. Her congressional account also was briefly suspended on 28 March after she baselessly suggested that trans people and antifa were conspiring to commit mass violence. New York Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised Ms Greenes absolutely disgusting remarks, telling The Independent that the Georgia Republican should be looking into a mirror as to why shes defending and posing with the same weapons that are being used to kill children, teachers and educators. Ohio Senator JD Vance said the extreme left needs to do a lot of soul searching after giving into transgender ideas, an apparent reference to widely established medical standards for caring for trans people. Far-right activist and failed congressional candidate Laura Loomer called the shooting in Nashville an LGBTQ inspired terrorist attack. Story continues Kingsley Cortes, a former aide on Donald Trumps 2020 presidential campaign, appeared to be the only Republican to float the idea that the availability of guns should be restricted in the wake of the attack but only for trans people. If you identify as transgender and/or are undergoing hormone therapy you should NOT be allowed to legally purchase a firearm, she wrote. Donald Trump Jr falsely stated that there has been an incredible rise of trans/non-binary mass shooters in the last few years, a statement that does not bear out in fact. The vast majority of mass shootings are committed by cisgender white men. Maybe, rather than talking about guns we should be talking about lunatics pushing their gender affirming bull****on our kids? he added. All but four of the 172 shooters identified in mass shootings since 1996 were cisgender men, according to The Violence Project. A suspect facing more than 300 charges for the mass shooting inside a Colorado Springs LGBT+ nightclub that killed five people and injured 17 others last year has been identified by attorneys as nonbinary. The 22 year old defendant ran a neo-Nazi website and used gay and racial slurs online, according to law enforcement. Extremism experts argue that the suspects alleged identity could be dubious trolling. In the immediate aftermath of the Nashville attack, far-right trolls flooded Twitter and other social media platforms to falsely link the shooting to a prominent transgender activist who was the victim of several unrelated harassment campaigns. After the release of police body-worn camera footage showing officers fatally shooting the assailant, anti-trans trolls shared images celebrating the killing of a trans person specifically. A front-page headline from the right-leaning New York Post said transgender killer targets Christian school. When hundreds of white men commit mass shootings, its a societal problem, but when one trans person commits a mass shooting, its a trans problem, wrote Alejandra Caraballo, a trans activist and clinical instructor at Harvard Laws Cyberlaw Clinic. The actual problem is that this country is unable to do anything at all to stop gun violence. The Republican party will blame anything and everything before they do a thing about guns. And so this will just keep happening, said Ari Drennan, LGBTQ+ program director for media watchdog Media Matters. Murdering children in a school is a senseless, vile, abhorrent act, and an all-too-common crime in this country. Other countries have exogenous hormones, and mental illness, and video games. Other countries do not have widespread private ownership of assault rifles. Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) March 28, 2023 Anti-trans legislation and rhetoric have also consumed right-wing media, this years Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, and, increasingly, congressional committees, where lawmakers in Washington DC are mulling national bills that mirror the proposals dominating state capitols. There are nearly 2 million people living in the US who identify as transgender, representing fewer than 1 per cent of all Americans. Yet states are increasingly engaged in legislation and policies to restrict or eliminate access to gender-affirming medical care and other support systems. Eight states have enacted laws or policies banning gender-affirming care for young trans people, and at least 10 states are considering similar measures. More than half of all trans youth in the US between the ages of 13 and 17 are at risk of losing access to age-appropriate and medically necessary gender-affirming care in their home state, the Human Rights Campaign has reported. I am concerned that this one crime by a bad person will be used to justify stripping more rights away from a vulnerable group, as weve seen in other moments in history, Ms Drennan told The 19th. Trans people are four times more likely than cisgender people to be the victim of a violent crime, including rape and assault, according to a 2021 study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. The killings of trans people have more than doubled from 2017 to 2021, when at least 59 trans people were killed in homicides, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. A Florida Republican lawmaker who has used his position in the state Legislature to shepherd sweeping, sometimes controversial education reforms into law, says he is considering applying to take the helm at Florida Atlantic University. And Gov. Ron DeSantis office says he would be a good candidate. Rep. Randy Fine, a conservative firebrand from Palm Bay who is running for the state Senate, told his Facebook followers on Monday evening that the governor approached him to see if he would be interested in becoming the universitys next president. Fine first told The Florida Standard, a conservative-leaning blog, that he was being encouraged to apply. Ive not been looking for a position of any kind, let alone this, Fine later told the Herald/Times in a text message on Tuesday. But it is incredibly flattering to be asked and I owe it due consideration, he said. The university began its search for its next president in January, and it is scheduled to hold listening hearings on the matter next week. While a new state law prevents the public from knowing the identities of the presidential candidates until they hit the final stages, DeSantis and Fine are publicly chiming in midway through the process. FAU is part of the state university system and has more than 30,000 students enrolled at its main campus in Boca Raton and satellite locations. Rep. Fine has been a leader on education issues, and we think hed be a good candidate for the role, DeSantis communications director Taryn Fenske said in a text message to the Herald/Times. The possibility of Fines leading FAU comes as DeSantis and Florida Republicans fight against what they perceive to be liberal bias in higher education and as faculty increasingly raise concerns about diversity initiatives and academic freedom being impacted by a highly politicized environment. Fine, a Harvard University graduate and a longtime gaming executive who is now retired, has long been considered one of Tallahassees most vocal and controversial lawmakers. Story continues Much of his focus in recent years has been on battles over cultural issues that align with DeSantis agenda, including sponsoring legislation to bar the teaching of critical race theory and ending treatment for transgender minors. This year, Fine is sponsoring legislation that would penalize venues that allow minors into drag performances in an effort to shield children from sexualized content. House bill sponsor Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, presents the bill Friday, March 24, 2023, in the Commerce Committee as several drag queens seated behind him watch the proceedings. Fine, who has been entrusted by Republican legislative leaders to chair key education budget committees, has drawn statewide attention for several other proposals. He floated the possibility of shutting down the University of Central Florida in 2019 after officials were found to have misspent millions of dollars in state funds on construction projects. He proposed withholding millions of dollars from school districts that imposed strict mask mandates during the pandemic. He played a role in the states expansion of school vouchers in K-12. And pushed to require schools to address antisemitic behavior the same way they address racial discrimination. When it comes to higher education, Fine has used his influence to single out state universities and faculty members to prove the point, his bills are needed, a move that some faculty members have viewed as a strategy to restrict academic speech. There are limits to what is acceptable in the discussion of academic freedom, Fine told the Herald/Times in December 2021 when sponsoring anti-critical race theory legislation. There are constraints that we put on things, and we do not believe taxpayer money in the state of Florida should be used to advance this racist, evil ideology, which is as un-American as it comes. Aside from legislation, Fine drew attention in April 2022 for calling a Brevard County School Board member a whore, according to text messages obtained by Florida Today. The newspaper also reported that Fine tried to interfere with state funding for the Special Olympics and the City of West Melbourne, which Fine disputed. Andrew Gothard, the president of United Faculty of Florida, the states higher education union, said Fines record doesnt match FAUs. We think Rep. Fine will not be a good fit, Gothard said. We hope that the search committee looks elsewhere in determining the next president. The selection process Last June, former FAU President John Kelly announced he would step down from the top role and become president emeritus to complete certain projects. In September, the universitys board of trustees named an interim president: Stacy A. Volnick, who served as the chief operating officer and vice president for administrative affairs at the time. FAU launched the search for its next president Jan. 26. The universitys board of trustees hired AGB Search, a DC-based firm, to lead the initiative. As part of the process, the search committee held two in-person listening sessions in February and will hold three more online next Monday. Its impossible to know whether Fine applied for the position. Lists of candidates applying to lead Floridas public universities remain confidential until the final stage, in accordance with a state law passed last year. Supporters of that bill at the time claimed it would encourage more people to apply, while critics condemned it as a method to further politicize college campuses. Ultimately, the 15-member search committee will decide. Its members include Alan Levine, a member of the board of governors, and Ava Parker, the president of Palm Beach State College. Joshua Glanzer, an FAU spokesman, said the presidential search committee is looking for candidates but keeping their names secret for now. We are aware of the comments made recently by Rep. Fine about the presidency of Florida Atlantic University. Rep. Fine is a wonderful servant to his constituency and the state, Glanzer said. However, the FAU Presidential Search Committee will follow a strict process to determine FAUs ninth president. We will follow the process in accordance with state law, and we will search far and wide. If Fine were to be selected, he would join several other former Republican lawmakers who have taken leadership roles in Floridas higher education system. Those include Sen. Ray Rodrigues, who was recently named chancellor of the state university system; former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who now leads the University of Florida, and Richard Corcoran, the interim president at New College of Florida, previously served as the states education commissioner and House speaker. Twitter/@brenonade Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) reacted to the horrific Nashville school shooting on Monday by essentially saying theres nothing that can be done. At the same time, he also offered up a perplexing and tone-deaf response when asked what he would do to protect young children, simply noting that he homeschools his daughter. Speaking to reporters hours after a 28-year-old former student shot and killed six people at a private Christian school, Burchett contended that there were no solutions to the ongoingand uniquely Americanplague of mass shootings. Three precious little kids lost their lives, and I believe three adults, I believe, and the shooter of course, lost their life too, he declared. So, its a horrible, horrible situation. And, were not gonna fix it. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) on school shootings: "We're not gonna fix it." pic.twitter.com/yZZCbJleUA Brennan Murphy (@brenonade) March 28, 2023 Burchett continued: Criminals are gonna be criminals. And my daddy fought in the Second World War, fought in the Pacific, fought the Japanese, and he told me, he said, Buddy, he said, if somebody wants to take you out, and doesnt mind losing their life, theres not a whole heck of a lot you can do about it. The Tennessee lawmaker was then asked if Congress had any responsibility in the wake of this latest school shooting, prompting Burchett to claim that he and his fellow representatives would only make things worse. I dont see any real role that we could do other than mess things up, honestly, because of the situation, he replied. Like I said, I dont think a criminal is going to stop from guns, you know, you can print them out on the computer now, 3-D printing, and, theres really, I dont think youre going to stop the gun violence. Rather than pass any gun regulations or restrictions, Burchett suggested that a better solution may be to pray the murders away. Story continues I think you got to change peoples hearts, the congressman said. You know, as a Christian, as we talk about in the church, and Ive said this many times, I think we really need a revival in this country. REPORTER: "What else should be done to protect people like your little girl?" BURCHETT: "Well, we homeschool her." pic.twitter.com/BTKEfkKbUM Brennan Murphy (@brenonade) March 28, 2023 At one point, a reporter asked the GOP lawmaker: What else should be done to protect people like your little girl from being safe in school? Burchett replied that it wasnt a personal concern of his. Well, we homeschool her, he responded with a shrug. But you know, thats our decision. Some people dont have that option and frankly, some people dont need to do it. I mean, they dont have to. It just suited our needs much better. 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. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trumps extraordinary tribute over the weekend to people convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol was a step too far for some Republican senators, including one of his top allies in Congress. I think the best thing for President Trump to do is to focus on the problems people are facing today. There is no way youre going to convince the American people that Jan. 6 was anything less than a horrible day, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who is supporting Trumps 2024 campaign despite the former presidents role in inciting the attack on Congress, told HuffPost on Monday. Graham said that suggesting the violent Jan. 6 riot involving hundreds of Trump supporters was a walk through the park is offensive to me. Its not reality. It was one of the worst days in American history, and it needs to be viewed that way. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said he didnt believe focusing on past events like the Jan. 6 attack was a recipe for success for any candidate seeking political office. I never have seen somebody successfully get elected to office running on something that happened in the past. I think people want a positive vision for the future, Cornyn said. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), meanwhile, expressed dismay that footage from the Jan. 6 insurrection was displayed on big screens while Trump appeared on stage. I was disappointed to see the way that he utilized clips of that day. That was a bad day for this country, Rounds told HuffPost. What happened on that day was as close to an attempted insurrection as weve seen in a very long time, and I dont think any of us should be proud of that day. As footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is displayed in the background, former President Donald Trump stands while a song, As footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is displayed in the background, former President Donald Trump stands while a song, "Justice for All," is played during a campaign rally Saturday at Waco Regional Airport in Texas. With a hand over his heart, Trump opened his rally in Waco, Texas, on Saturday with a song called Justice for All that was recorded by a choir of people imprisoned for their roles in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The recording is being used to raise funds to support the families of Trump supporters locked up on charges related to the violence on Jan. 6, 2021. In the track, Trump is featured reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Story continues That the event Trumps first official rally since announcing his bid for the White House was held about 17 miles from the site of the federal governments 1993 siege on the gun-hoarding Branch Davidian religious sect that left scores of people dead, sent an unmistakable message to far-right extremists, experts said. It also came one day after Trump raised the specter of violence should he become the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges over hush-money payments made before his 2016 election to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claimed theyd had an affair 10 years earlier. Most Republican senators have been willing to break with Trump over his support for Jan. 6 convicts given that their lives and the lives of their staff were put at risk during a harrowing assault they personally experienced. But few are willing to publicly rule out supporting Trump in the future over it. I dont blame him for people taking the law in their own hands, Graham said on Monday when asked if Trumps embrace of Jan. 6 convicts would shake his support for the former president. People were going to blow up the [Democratic National Committee] headquarters before he even spoke. The point is I will not be part of any effort to normalize January the 6th. Asked twice if he would support Trump if he won the GOP nomination, Rounds said only that he is looking at a number of other very qualified individuals who I think would do a great job as president of the United States. But another Trump ally, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), suggested Trump is using the Jan. 6 attack on Congress to gin up his base voters in what is expected to be a crowded Republican primary. Most any politician is going to use anything they can to get an edge, Tuberville said. I think as he speaks hes trying to get everyone fired up at the beginning of his campaign. Hey, its all about motivation and getting people fired up for a common cause. Now is he right or wrong? I dont know, Tuberville added. The voters have to answer that. Related... Nineteen Republican state attorneys general are siding with parents in a lawsuit against a Massachusetts school district that encouraged their childrens gender transition and shut the parents out of the decision by claiming the parents werent support enough. Led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the AGs filed an amicus brief in the case against Ludlow Public School in Massachusetts brought by parents Stephen Foote and Marissa Silvestri. The couple says their school deliberately kept them in the dark about their children's gender transition, secretly promoted social transitioning" and actively subverted the parents requests for school personnel to stop. The school also referred to their two children by new names and pronouns, the parents said. A lower district court ruled against the parents, who then appealed to the First Circuit. GOP AGs from 19 states argued in their brief that the First Circuit needs to respect parental rights. "When a student considers transitioning gender, parents have a fundamental, constitutional right to be involved in that decision-making process. Yet school districts across the country, strong-armed by ideologically driven advocacy groups, have shut parents out of the process and trampled on their fundamental rights," the AG's brief said. "This Court should therefore reverse or, at a minimum, remand for new analysis." DESANTIS ADMINISTRATION EYES EXTENDING FLORIDA'S PARENTAL RIGHTS LAW TO GRADES K-12 READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A protester voices support for the promotion of transgender ideology in schools during a march in October 2022. "School districts cant shut a parent out of their childs decision about their gender identity because the child objects or because the school believes the parent isnt supportive enough of an immediate gender transition," the brief said. The brief explained that during the 2020-21 school year, Foote and Silvestri sent their children B.F., an 11-year-old girl, and G.F., a 12-year-old boy to Ludlow Public Schools. "In December 2020, they learned that B.F. talked with one of her teachers about depression, low self-esteem, and possible same-sex attraction. Silvestri emailed B.F.s other teachers, informing them that they would be getting B.F. professional help and asking that no one have any private conversations with B.[F.] in regards to this matter," the brief explained. Story continues "But when B.F. emailed her teachers that she identified as genderqueer two months later, a school counselor disregarded that request and met privately with B.F.," according to the brief. PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR WHOM? WAPO COLUMNIST ATTACKS RABBLE-ROUSING PARENTS OVER SCHOOL ISSUES "After that meeting, the counselor emailed school staff and told them to conceal B.F.s new name and pronouns from her parents," the brief said. Around the same time, Foote and Silvestri learned that their son, G.F., had also expressed an alternate gender identity. The brief noted that the schools librarian who was affiliated with Translate Gender, an organization that shares resources about gender and gender identity was meeting secretly with both children. Attorneys general from around the country are weighing in on a Massachusetts case about school officials who pushed two children to transition into different genders. "In these meetings, the librarian actively promoted gender experimentation. And earlier in the school year, he gave students in B.F.s sixth grade class an assignment to make biographical videos, where he invited students to include their gender identity and preferred pronouns in their videos. He also encouraged B.F. to visit Translate Genders website," the brief said. The brief said the parents complained to the school administration for concealing critical information about their kids, but that those complains were "brushed aside" and that the school claimed their actions were consistent with school policy. The school said Foote and Silvestri were exhibiting "thinly-veiled intolerance" by asserting their parental rights. The brief said even though the district court ultimately ruled against the parents, it still admitted that "it is disconcerting that school administrators or a school committee adopted and implemented a policy requiring school staff to actively hide information from parents about something of importance regarding their child." PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS' WINS ZERO VOTES FROM DEMS WHO ATTACK IT AS 'FASCISM,' 'EXTREME' ATTACK ON SCHOOLS A photo of a Pride Progress flag, which includes colors from the Transgender Pride Flag. Andrew Beckwith, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, a nonprofit that advocates for parental rights in the state, told Fox News Digital in a statement they are grateful the AGs "recognize the harm that far-left gender ideologues are doing to children and parents in states like Massachusetts and have joined us in taking a stand against their destructive and unconstitutional actions." "As the brief emphasizes, we are seeing more and more school policies popping up in states around the country that sacrifice parental rights and children themselves at the altar of radical gender ideology, and we hope that this strong statement by the attorneys general will make the First Circuit Court of Appeals think twice about green-lighting these policies and practices," Beckwith said. Republican attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia also signed onto the brief. On Monday, Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, dissented from the Supreme Courts decision not to review a lower court case involving the environmental activist Steven Donzinger, who was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court. For Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, the basic constitutional principle of separation-of-powers was violated when the Department of Justice declined to prosecute Donzinger, but the district court judge took it upon himself to appoint a special prosecutor. In their view, the judge assumed the dual position as accuser and decisionmaker a combination that violat[es the] due process rights of the accused. However much the district court may have thought Mr. Donziger warranted punishment, the prosecution in this case broke a basic constitutional promise essential to our liberty, argued Gorsuch in the dissent. In this country, judges have no more power to initiate a prosecution of those who come before them than prosecutors have to sit in judgment of those they charge. The facts of the case go back to the 1990s, when Donzinger, an environmental lawyer, represented Indian tribes suing Chevron, then named Texaco, for polluting the Amazon rainforest. At Chevrons urging, the case was moved from New York to Ecuador, but the company later came to regret that move after Donzinger won a stunning judgment of $8.6 billion. Chevron went on the counteroffensive in New York after the judgement, securing non-enforcement of the judgement by arguing that it had been procured by illegal means, namely fraud and bribery. The district court also granted Chevron discovery into Donzigers holdings and ordered him to surrender all of his electronic devices for forensic imaging. When Donzinger refused to comply fully, the court held him in contempt and referred it to the U.S. attorneys office for prosecution. That office would later respectfully decline and so Judge Lewis Kaplan appointed three private attorneys as special prosecutors. Story continues In a similar case in which a special prosecutor was appointed in a contempt case after the DOJ declined to prosecute, Judge Charles Kornmann promptly recused himself after making the appointment. The judge appointed to replace Kornmann would later dismiss the case. In the Donzinger case, Kaplan did not recuse himself. Writing in the Volokh Conspiracy, law professor Josh Blackman argued that that recusal at least eliminated an inherent conflict of interest. I dont think a judge can remain a neutral arbiter if he appointed the prosecutor. [E]very court and every party has acknowledged that the court-appointed prosecutors in this case did not exercise judicial power, wrote Gorsuch. The court-appointed prosecutors here exercised executive power and were accountable through the Executive Branchs chain of command running ultimately to the President. The special prosecutors were therefore not properly accountable to the executive branch. Highlighting the confused (but surely executive) nature of the prosecution in this case, the United States supplied the Second Circuit with two different briefs offering different theories. One brief came from the court-appointed prosecutors, another from lawyers within the Department of Justice, Gorsuch continued. The district court favored the legal brief of the court-appointed prosecutors. The situation led Gorsuch to ask: Exactly what law gives federal district courts the extraordinary power to appoint inferior executive officers to serve as prosecutors in proceedings before them? To Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, Rule 42 of Federal Criminal Procedure, cited by the Second Circuit, was not enough to provide sufficient cover. After all, it was enacted by the Supreme Court, not directly by Congress. The notion that the Constitution allows one branch to install non officer employees in another branch would come as a surprise to many, Gorsuch wrote in reference to the court-appointed prosecutors, illustrating the separation-of-powers issue at the center of this case. Who really thinks that the President may choose law clerks for my colleagues, that we can pick White House staff for him, or that either he or we are entitled to select aides for the Speaker of the House?, he continued. Our Constitution does not tolerate what happened here, Gorsuch concluded. No other justice except Kavanaugh joined the dissent. Four votes are required for the Court to grant certiorari. In Blackmans view, Justices Sotomayor and Jackson could be expected to go along with a grant on a matter of such concern to criminal justiceBut alas, this case involved the separation of powers, and potentially the non-delegation doctrine. Indeed, it is commendable that two of the Courts more conservative members were willing to stand up for Donziger a celebrity on the left, but a scourge on the right, Blackman added. More from National Review Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this week signed into law one of the largest private school voucher expansions in the nation, following similar moves by several other conservative states since the start of the pandemic. The new legislation, which has an unclear price tag, mimics new options in Iowa, Utah and Arkansas, which passed major private school choice bills this year, as well as Arizona and West Virginia, which also offer all or nearly all students in their respective states the option to use taxpayer dollars to cover private school tuition or other expenses. Teachers unions and other groups have criticized the measures, saying they will rob public schools of already scarce funding and allow private schools to discriminate against students, including those with disabilities. Some parents, however, applaud the new laws, including parents who already send their kids to private schools. DeSantis hailed the new Florida legislation when signing the measure into law Monday at a private, all-boys Catholic high school in Miami. After pandemic closures: School choice remains popular following COVID. What it means for students and schools. The legislation makes all Florida students eligible for taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools a roughly $8,500 award that Democrats deride as a taxpayer supplement to wealthier parents with kids already enrolled in private education. Christopher Columbus High School, where Education Commissioner Manny Diaz noted that his son is a 2016 graduate, carries a $15,400 cost for tuition, fees and textbooks next year, according to its website. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses a joint legislative session on Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. DeSantis and Floridas ruling Republicans, however, praise the universal school choice approach. With the governor a likely contender for the GOP presidential nomination, the voucher expansion is another policy step certain to appeal to Republican voters across the nation. The state of Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice, DeSantis said. Todays bill signing cements us in that number one position. Story continues Under DeSantis: Educational model wanted students 'to be nice.' That's now controversial in Florida. Hitting the trail in Iowa: Ron DeSantis makes his Iowa caucuses debut with stops in Des Moines, Davenport 2024 preview?: Ron DeSantis does a book tour to discuss his Florida record - not Donald Trump The expansion sped hastily through Florida's Republican-controlled House and Senate, where House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, had made the push his top priority. For weeks during the session, the House estimated the cost of the expansion as $209.6 million to public schools, while a Senate analysis had tagged it at $646 million. The Florida Policy Institute, a progressive research organization, had said the real cost of private school vouchers for taxpayers would prove more around $4 billion. The Senate now is recommending setting aside $2.2 billion for private school voucher spending. There is concern that the voucher programs are getting too expensive, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa said Monday. Other states move forward with universal choice Arizona and Iowa are among the states that have recently embraced universal voucher programs. Arizona underestimated its overall cost, which soared when more parents with children already in private schools accepted the state aid than had been anticipated. This could be devastating to Florida public schools, Driskell added, saying that Florida is now financing two educational systems, private and public. Renner, however, said that giving parents the choice to send children to whichever kind of school they want will make all schools improve. Florida's 2.9 million school children would be eligible to use the average $8,500 per-pupil in state and local dollars proposed for next year at any school they like. Youre going to see great, great things in education in Florida as a result of this bill, said Renner, who joined DeSantis at the Miami bill-signing. The Florida Policy Institute, though, warned the expansion not only is a massive shift of public dollars, it also will upend an institution public education. "The potential impact on the funding for public education in our state the bedrock for our communities, economy, and children's futures is a looming risk to our state," said Sadaf Knight, CEO of the Florida Policy Institute. Florida has steadily expanded its private school vouchers over the two decades since then-Gov. Jeb Bush introduced the first-in-the-nation Opportunity Scholarship program for low-income students in 1999. Vouchers once overturned by court That program was later overturned by the Florida Supreme Court, which ruled it violated the state constitutions requirement that Florida have a uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality system of free public schools. But changes to the law and subsequent court rulings have opened the door to the latest expansion. This bill is a major game changer, DeSantis said. He added, Its not just about philosophy, although it certainly involves that. Its results. DeSantis pointed to the states strong performances in 4th-grade reading and math scores. He also hailed the states high rankings with the Center for Education Reform and the Heritage Foundations, organizations that advocate for school choice. The legislation removes income-eligibility requirements that are part of current voucher programs. Instead, students would be eligible to receive vouchers if they are a resident of this state and eligible to enroll in kindergarten through grade 12 in a public school. A tiered priority system would be included to help students from families with more modest incomes to receive vouchers. Students whose household incomes are less than 185% of the federal poverty level, or roughly $51,000 for a family of four, would get first priority, with the priority scale ranging up to four-member families with a $111,000 income. Home-schooled students could receive voucher funds. And the legislation promises a reduction in state regulations over public schools, which supporters say will make public schools more attractive to parents. DeSantis portrayed a free market competition for students between private and public schools. They either offer a product that parents want or they dont, he said. John Kennedy is part of USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @JKennedyReport. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: DeSantis signs Florida's biggest school voucher program expansion VinFast hands over first 27 VF 9 cars to customers Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast, a subsidiary automaker of conglomerate Vingroup, held a series of ceremonies on May 27 in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to deliver its first batch of 27 VF 9 EVs to customers. The handover of the EVs just after over a year of debuting affirms the companys production capacity and speed as part of the global automobile market. The VF 9 model has a six-seater design that has been inspired by business class aircraft cabins, with two captain seats in the second row, combined with a large armrest. These features aim to provide customers with a feeling which is both luxurious and spacious. Furthermore, the VinFast VF 9 also has two trims, the Eco and Plus. It is integrated with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and a set of smart entertainment and utility applications (Smart Services). After the handover ceremony took place in the three major cities, VinFast will deliver the EVs nationwide according to the order number of the deposit, with customers able to pick up their EVs either at the store or at home. Along with the six-seat design, VinFast VF 9 also has a seven-seat option which is expected to be delivered to customers in the near future. Le Thi Thu Thuy, vice chairwoman of Vingroup and Global CEO of VinFast, emphasised that the handover of VF 9 model marks the beginning of a series of events that VinFast will continue to organise on a global scale moving forward. She revealed that the company plans to export the second batch of VF 8 EVs to the international market and hand over the VF 5 Plus in the Vietnamese market this April. Following the Vietnamese market, VinFast expects to roll out export plans for the first VF 9 batch to international markets, as well as opening sales of VF 6 and VF 7 models over the coming months, Thuy said. I believe that VinFast's high-quality electric cars will meet all customers' needs, bringing maximum satisfaction to customers not only in Vietnam but around the world," she noted. With a $12 million budget surplus, Arlington Heights village leaders will offer a tax abatement to residents this year. The Village Board voted 9-0 to approve plans for disbursement of $1.6 million of those funds to be used as a tax abatement to residents an average of a $50 tax credit reflected on the second installment of 2022 tax bills for homeowners with a $375,000 home. The remaining funds will be used for shortfalls in police and fire pension funds, unfunded mandates and village infrastructure, officials explained. Advertisement Were in a very fortunate position, Village Manager Randy Recklaus told the board. The village has run a surplus the last couple of years and has been able to maintain a flat tax [with no increase in the villages portion of the tax bill] the last four years. The larger surplus, he said, came from higher than expected revenue from the food and beverage tax, state income tax allocations, an economic upturn, and as a result of the state changing the way sales taxes are distributed. Advertisement Property tax abatement is not something weve done before, he said. This is an actual temporary reduction in everyones property tax bill. The 2022 taxes you pay in 2023 will be reduced. According to Recklaus, village staff plan to use the remaining funds to allocate $2 million to the villages fleet fund, $2 million to the firefighters pension fund, $2 million to the police pension fund, $3 million to lead service line replacements, $1.2 million to the water and sewer fund to increase the pace of water main replacement, $500,000 to the municipal parking fund and $100,000 to the capital projects fund. Recklaus said staff also plan to recommend to the board in the coming months the elimination of vehicle stickers and dog tags starting in 2024, saving residents an additional $72 annually while freeing up village staff to provide other services. Mayor Tom Hayes said this was the first time in his 32 years on the board there was a tax abatement to residents. We very much appreciate your leadership and guidance and direction and efficiencies to make this happen. This doesnt happen by accident, it happens with good financial management, he said about village staff. Trustee John Scaletta, who is not seeking another term in the April 4 election, said this was the largest surplus ever, and when he looks back, the fiscal year 2022 budget was created in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when much of the area was shut down. So, he said, village planners were very conservative on village income numbers. However, Scaletta asked village Finance Director Tom Kuehne why more of the surplus wasnt used to abate property taxes. Whats important to remember, were in uncertain economic times right now and will be in next few years, Kuehne said. We looked at where we are now and looked at where we are five years from now. A lot of these transfers [to other village funds] go to smooth out property tax this year and future years. Advertisement He said the additional money will pay down the villages unfunded liability and actually lowers taxes in the future. The $4 million total amount going to the pensions will save us $9.8 million from now through 2040 in amortization that actuaries use, Kuehne explained. The general fund pays the fleet fund and weve had an increase of 15% in the cost of public safety vehicles. The money has to come from somewhere. Were setting up the fleet fund for the future so we dont have to hit the general fund so hard and raise taxes that much more in the future. Scaletta said leaders are investing in this villages future. Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during a congressional hearing on March 23 in Washington D.C. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) Superstar Pride was in his bed at 2 a.m. one morning, writing the words to what would become the Mississippi rapper's breakthrough hit, "Painting Pictures." He knew it was special by the time it left his pen, and quickly uploaded it to YouTube and Audiomack to watch the song spread. He was happy with its initial surge, but it wasn't until he uploaded the track universally through United Masters that he was able to start posting it on the short-form video app TikTok, which raised its reach exponentially. "TikTok was the last platform I had to conquer," he said. Pride uploaded a snippet of him rapping along to "Painting Pictures" in February, sporting his inventive "shag" haircut that was short on top and long in the back. The video racked up millions of views, while scores of user-generated parodies rapping the lyrics "and mama, don't worry, you raised a gangster, I'm a survivor" pushed it into the Billboard Hot 100 (The song is currently No. 25). "I f with all of them," he said of the myriad TikTok clips built around "Painting Pictures." "A couple stood out to me, I saw someone with an airplane, and another guy had a Suburban. It was crazy." Pride's story is far from unique. In the past several years, TikTok has become the dominant platform for burgeoning artists to make a name for themselves; not only via their own short-form videos, but those of others who use their music to soundtrack their own content. Artists from Doja Cat to Lizzy McAlpine to Ice Spice, to name but a few, have enjoyed meteoric rises thanks in part to the platform, connecting with fans through humor, authenticity or both. The app has also given second life to songs whose moment had seemingly passed look no further than Fleetwood Mac's 1977 hit "Dreams," which resurfaced on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020. Last year, TikTok's end-of-year report highlighted that all but one of the 14 songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 were "driven by significant viral trends on TikTok," from Harry Styles "As It Was" to Jack Harlow's "First Class" to Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit." Story continues "In the early days of streaming, people said it would democratize music," said Bill Werde, who directs Syracuse University's Bandier music program and publishes the Full Rate No Cap newsletter. "But I don't think it did, because when you lower that barrier of entry, it becomes very difficult to break through. Major labels, and other companies and artists with substantial marketing budgets, were really advantaged on Spotify. "TikTok came along though, and really turned that notion on its head," Werde continued. "Anyone could break on TikTok, and anyone did break." In the United States, however, TikTok faces an uncertain future. Earlier this month, the White House endorsed a bill that would give President Biden the authority to ban TikTok in the United States, or force ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns the app, to sell to an American company. Government officials have called the app a "national security threat," citing the potential for China to force Bytedance to turn over the data of its American users, or spread misinformation to turn its citizens against its country. Last Thursday, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle peppered TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew during a congressional hearing, demanding answers on everything from data privacy to drug use while generally appearing unaware of how the app actually worked. "Whenever there's something involved with music, like the [Parents Music Resource Center], it feels so weird because the people asking the questions are not that familiar with what it is," said Jonathan Daniel, founder of Crush Music, which manages the careers of Miley Cyrus and Green Day among others. "It's not really their fault the people grilling TikTok, they probably just got on the app when they started the investigation. They're not experts in it." Both Daniel and Werde called the hearing "theater," after the members of Congress provided no evidence of actual misuse by the Chinese government. Still, both say there's a realistic chance the government follows through with the ban. "I do think there's a possibility [that TikTok is banned], which is more a comment on my lack of faith in our current leadership than any comment on what I think should happen," Werde said. "There's two issues that have publicly united politicians in the last six years, and they're both music one is Ticketmaster, and the other is TikTok. And I think they're wrong on both." PinkPantheress and Ice Spice, whose "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" became a TikTok smash, appear at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday. (Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for iHeartRadio) What effect a shutdown would have on the music industry is up for debate. TikTok currently boasts 1 billion monthly active users worldwide, 150 million of whom live in America. While TikTok was the first (and, many feel, the best) to develop a discovery-based algorithm centered around short form videos, heavyweight competitors Meta and Google have released similar products in Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, respectively. Should TikTok be banned in the U.S., there's potential for a significant migration to one or both of those platforms (or Spotify's new TikTok copycat, which allows users to scroll through snippets of songs and playlists catered to their taste). "I think the TikTok algorithm is really good at feeding you content that is relatable, and another platform may be less effective in that respect," Daniel said. "But I think there would be a small percentage of naysayers. People would just migrate to a different platform and watch the same thing." Labels and A&Rs have become increasingly reliant on TikTok to sign new artists and market their existing ones (which not everyone is happy about). Now several years removed from TikTok's initial burst, Daniel feels a shift from the label side is already happening, noting how it's relatively easy to have a song go viral but harder for the artist to sustain momentum beyond the initial interest. "I definitely hear rumblings from the big labels that it's not as worth it to chase those songs. They want to go back to building artists," Daniel said. Werde agreed that label executives have become too reliant on TikTok, but understands the impulse. "Companies want to invest in fan bases," he said. "They want to see that an artist has some foundation to build on." Yes, he continued, "labels do sometimes overindex on things that work, but at the same time, we've never really seen anything work the way TikTok is working. You'd have to go back to the days of 'TRL' on MTV to find a platform capable of moving the needle the way TikTok does." TikTok has helped boost music streaming numbers, and record company revenue, to new heights. Midia Research estimates 414.4 million people were subscribed to a music streaming service in 2020, growing to 523.9 million in 2021, and 616.2 million in 2022. TikTok signed licensing deals with the three major record groups several years ago (Sony Music in November 2020, Warner Music Group in January 2021 and Universal Music Group in February 2021). In the wake of the platform's exponential growth, labels are looking to cash in Bloomberg reported in November the major labels were asking for increased royalties, in addition to a share of advertising revenue, in exchange for permission to use their expansive music catalogues. With the global music industry's growth rate slowing, more favorable contract terms could prove a multibillion-dollar cash infusion. "YouTube made a lot of noise a couple months ago that they'd paid out $6 billion to [music] rights holders [from July 2021 to June 2022]," Werde said. "But $2 billion of those dollars just came from user-generated content that had music in it, which YouTube was able to put an ad against. So that's the number that gives you the clearest sense of the potential of this business." Beyond that, it's artists like Superstar Pride who would stand to lose the most in the absence of TikTok's algorithm. The success of his song sparked a bidding war among labels for his services, although he's opted to remain independent for now. While Reels and Shorts may offer a somewhat-suitable imitation, there's no guarantee those platforms would have the same reach, or that the communities he and other artists have fostered on TikTok would travel with them to a new platform. "I'd lose connection with a lot of people," Pride said of how a TikTok ban would impact him. "It would cut off opportunities. TikTok is global... It's a free plane out of here." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Roots in Maryland, Rhodes scholar, executive producer of a documentary, and an affinity for service as a tool for social uplift. All of those aspects describe the states new governor, Wes Moore. But they also mirror components of the man organizing his administration as chief of staff. Fagan Harris new job is a contrast to his early employment, couriering copies of the Maryland Gazette on a paper route he had as a kid. These days, instead of delivering the news, hes helping to shape it as the person managing the day-to-day operations of the governors office. While slinging the Gazette newspaper might show his Maryland bona fides, his most recent position as president and CEO of Baltimore Corps, a social enterprise organization that he founded in 2013, shows what he might be able to do for the state from Annapolis. Fagan Harris, center, speaks after being named chief of staff by Wes Moore on Nov. 14, 2022. Behind him from left to right: Eric Luedtke, named chief legislative officer, Amanda LaForge, named chief legal counsel, Lt. Gov.-Elect Aruna Miller, and Gov.-Elect Wes Moore. That same organizational skill that he used in his former position, said Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, R-Lower Shore, a former chief of staff for two members of the U.S. Congress, he can now basically transfer to his position as a chief of staff. The connection between his present role and his past one registers with Harris too. Were very much in startup phase of this government, said the chief of staff, during a March 22 phone interview, a few months into the job, and so that is very familiar to me from my Baltimore Corps days. Bringing connection to a broader Maryland Like Harris, Hagerstown Del. Brooke Grossman, D-Washington, is new to the Annapolis scene. She recalls meeting him on the day she was sworn in alongside dozens of other delegates in January. Her first encounter left an impression on her. He knew who I was, said Grossman, and he already knew what was important to us (in Hagerstown). Their initial conversation included a discussion about keeping in Moores budget the $100 million in funding that the previous governor proposed for improvements to Western Marylands portion of Interstate 81, Grossman said. Story continues Del.-Elect Brooke Grossman, center left, listens to Sen. Paul Cordeman, center right, speak to representatives from the Washington County Board of Commissioners at Hagerstown Community College on Dec. 7, 2022. We hear this at home all of the time, that were kind of left behind for the big cities, and I didnt feel that at all, she said of their first conversation. I didnt feel like I needed to explain to him what was important. He already got it. For Harris, who attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Maryland before attending Stanford University in California for college, hes on the frontlines of the governors effort to have an expansive view of the state, both fiscally and administratively. We (in Maryland) are more than just the core of the state, which is what we focus on kind of in our media and our culture and our conversation, Harris said. We really try to reflect that in the governors budget, to make sure that were investing equitably across the state. The Washington County delegates thanked the administration in January for including the I-81 funding. The administration also has backed a bill to help bring broadband internet to more remote areas of Maryland. More:Boarding the bus to the 21st century: Somerset County brings broadband to over 1,000 locations The biggest connection that the Moore administration might bring may not be WiFi or roads, however, but rather the bonds between the government and the people. The governor has testified in support of his legislation before the General Assembly, a noted difference by legislators of both parties, from his predecessor. The administration is also holding its cabinet meetings across the state, meeting first in Baltimore County in February and Frederick County in March. The goal is to hit every jurisdiction across the state of Maryland obviously this year, Harris said. Thats what I mean by were doing it differently. Were creating a new rhythm for the state government, and a new way of working, he said. Fagan could see the spark in me Where that rhythm and approach comes from appears to be "Charm City," both the name of the PBS documentary that Harris executive produced alongside his wife, a filmmaker, and the location where he started his organization, Baltimore Corps, leading it for almost a decade until taking the chief of staff role. What started in 2013 as an insight to connect mission-driven professionals with positions that would scale their social justice impact in the city through training and professional development, received a new impetus after a young Black man was killed while in police custody in 2015. Following the Freddie Gray uprising, Baltimore Corps had this novel idea that you can support people at the time from West Baltimore who have ideas about how to move forward, said Brittany Young, a native Baltimorean who received the Corps inaugural award and a $10,000 planning grant to start her own non-profit in the city. Her idea focused on dirt bikes and their connection with programming for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Del. William Wivell, R-Washington, left, speaks with Brittany Young, center, and members of the B-360 organization, which works with young riders outside the hearing room in Annapolis on March 2, 2023. Young received funding from Harris' Baltimore Corps to start B-360. Young, once a chemical engineer, recalls submitting the application for the Corps Elevation Award at around three oclock in the morning and not expecting to be selected for the award. Fagan could see the spark in me, said Young, founder of B-360, in a phone interview. Her organization is set to receive $3 million in federal funds this year to increase staffing and acquire a permanent campus for the group that has, since its inception, reached 9,000 individuals, currently operating programming in 12 Baltimore rec centers, three libraries and two schools. Another beneficiary of Baltimore Corps may be citizens of the state of Maryland, depending on the success of the administration. Moore served the founding board chair of the startup, growing the relationship between the two Rhodes scholars nearly a decade apart. Im doing everything I can to help build the scaffolding to support his vision One area of the nascent administration that has been particularly affected by the pairs Baltimore Corps-bond is the governors service initiative, including the construction of a new department of service and civic innovation. The work in Baltimore Corps that I did in partnership with the governor, the founding board chair of it, was absolutely great training for this, Harris said. Were literally building a government agency. Were standing up a whole new kind of organ of government. Im doing everything I can to help build the scaffolding to support his vision, the former Baltimore Corps president said. Moores vision, dating at least back to the campaign, has been to be the state thats going to bring a service-year option for every single high-school graduate. With approximately 58,000 high school graduates in Maryland each year, the work to turn that vision into policy and practice is immense. More:Moore calls for gap service year after high school. What could it mean for Maryland? His experience and knowledge is a tremendous benefit not only to me, but to every aspect of the office, said Moore, in a statement, highlighting specifically the benefit of Harris experience during the creation of the service year program. On his first full day in office, Moore signed an executive order to create the new service department. Discussions have proceeded in the Legislature about codifying the cabinet entity as bills to establish the service program make their way through the legislative process. All the while, Harris, U.S. Senate-confirmed in 2021 as a board member of the national volunteering agency AmeriCorps, has been at work building the bones of the 18-member organization, budgeted for $13.6 million in Moores proposal for next year. More:Gov. Wes Moore's first official actions involved ethics, service and money. What to know In addition to the search for a secretary for the department, Harris said he has been involved in: everything from opening the bank account, to hiring the team, setting the regulations that govern the agency, setting its goals, its metrics, what its going to do in its first year, what its going to do three years, what its going to do in 10 years. Harris said the governor will make a final decision on the secretary of service this week. The new department runs more than $4 million more than the previous governor spent on an office overseeing volunteerism. Like with his previous position, Harris has been focused on not only the day-to-day, but the purpose. The values of creating an equitable service experience thats deeply rooted in peoples communities so that service is accessible to everyone, and that it leads to meaningful career opportunities, meaningful education opportunities, he said. Thats really what its about. In this file photo, Gov.-Elect Wes Moore, at right, speaks to the men in the Changed Life Recovery Program at the Frederick Rescue Mission in Frederick, Maryland on Jan. 16, 2023. The mission was Moore's first stop on the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. And thats something that we learned it at Baltimore Corps, the new chief of staff said, and now we have the opportunity to take it statewide. Lessons from a former chief of staff As Harris begins the role, a chief of staff from the last administration remains wanted by U.S. marshals after skipping a court date earlier this month related to financial improprieties while in government. The Lower Shores Sen. Carozza, who served as Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlichs deputy chief of staff, called being in a chief of staff position or an elected position very humbling during a March 21 phone interview. She said she's in the process of setting up a formal meeting with Harris to discuss a couple of issues in her district. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, R-Lower Shore, speaks on the Senate floor introducing groups in the gallery from Somerset and Worcester counties on Feb. 2, 2022. Before becoming a state legislator and serving in the Ehrlich administration, Carozza recalls a meeting she had with a former chief of staff for the governor of Ohio to learn the role she took. As long as you put public service first, then you know youve done everything you can to support your constituents, Carozza said. The chief of staff has to bring all the pieces together. Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: The governor of Marylands chief of staff leans on past role as CEO ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greeces center-right Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday called a general election on May 21, in the aftermath of a train disaster that has reduced his partys long-standing majority in opinion polls. The Feb. 28 train crash in northern Greece left 57 people dead. The disaster stirred public anger, cutting a lead by the conservative New Democracy party by about half to 4 points over its left-wing main rival, Syriza. The country needs clear skies our work continues more boldly and with fewer compromises, Mitsotakis said during a televised Cabinet meeting. Mitsotakis, the 55-year-old son of the late former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, has remained popular throughout his four-year term. But more recently his reputation has been dented by allegations of wiretapping by state security services, as well as the governments failure to protect rail network safety. The election is unlikely to produce a new government. Because of information provided by JCPS, a previous version of this story incorrectly explained the process in which a new reading curriculum will be implemented. Superintendent Marty Pollio does not need board approval to adopt it. Jefferson County Public School leaders have homed in on a literacy program that will likely be implemented across the district next year, but one community organization is urging district leaders to reconsider the selection. Hundreds of people showed up at Male High on Monday night for the annual Nehemiah Action Assembly," hosted by CLOUT (Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together). While multiple topics were discussed, the section of the night regarding JCPS focused on CLOUT's research on literacy programs and the organization's stance that the program favored by the district lacks enough evidence that it will successfully improve its dismal reading scores. The audience laughed when organizers directed their questions to an empty chair brought on stage, adorned with a sign bearing the name of JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio, who did not attend the event. Between the Lines: An investigation into why Kentucky's kids can't read In an op-ed published in The Courier Journal last week, CLOUT leaders Tom Gardner and Jonathan Berkley outlined their issues with the Expeditionary Learning literacy program that JCPS favors and their reasons for instead supporting the Direct Instruction program. Both are rooted in the science of reading but take different approaches. Hundreds gathered at the CLOUT organization assembly on Monday evening at the Male High School auditorium. Mar. 27, 2023 The organization invited Pollio to the meeting to ask if he would commit to pausing the Expeditionary Learning implementation and to implementing the Direct Instruction model in 15 schools. The explanation for Pollio's absence, CLOUT leadership said, was that he said he didn't want to come to the meeting and say no to their requests on stage. The organization insinuated it was a surprise Pollio didn't show repeating that he did not decline his invitation until 4:30 p.m. Monday but there also was no indication Pollio ever showed agreement with their requests. Story continues The debate over literacy programs in Kentucky's schools has become increasingly controversial in the wake of The Courier Journal's publication of a series, Between the Lines, that investigated why tens of thousands of students across the state, including in Jefferson County, are failing to learn to read. Less than half - 38% - of JCPS third graders meet the state's bar for reading proficiency, according to the most recent test results. And during the same time frame, a Courier Journal analysis found that on average, third graders at just 22 of 90 JCPS elementary schools scored at or above the national average for reading. Having strong reading skills by the end of third grade is especially critical, experts say, as students start facing more complex texts and are expected to read independently. Related:Now is the time to address Kentucky's literacy problems. But will lawmakers act? Pollio told The Courier Journal on Monday afternoon that a committee has been focused on selecting a new literacy program for the district since April and last year he told The Courier Journal the district's new approach to reading instruction will be backed by science including the need for direct instruction in phonics. That committee is comprised of central office staff and teachers, but it doesn't appear teachers have been involved throughout the entire process. "The (teachers' association) had representatives involved a year ago selecting material for Choice Zone schools and I think that process informed this process, which I believe began shortly after winter break," JCTA President Brent McKim told The Courier Journal on Monday night. Interested in education? Sign up for our educational newsletter, The Hall Pass The committee's recommended program is rooted in the latest reading science, but CLOUT takes concern with "the lack of research that exists on the programs effectiveness," the organization's op-ed states. Additionally, CLOUT pointed out that the EL program can require longer planning times for teachers than allowed by their union contract. "We dont want our teachers to have another burden placed on them in these challenging times of new school start times, new student assignment plan, teacher shortage, student absenteeism, etc.," the op-ed states. More:JCPS board to vote Tuesday on proposal to change school start times Despite these concerns, Pollio intends to move forward with implementing the EL program next year and he will make a presentation to the board during April's meeting, JCPS spokeswoman Carolyn Callahan said. "It really is a good quality balance of all five areas of literacy instruction," Pollio said of the EL program, which received a positive rating from EdReports, a nonprofit focused on reviewing instructional materials. Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio expressed his frustration with the release of standardized test scores, considering the challenges of returning to in-person classes after COVID-19 interruptions. Sept. 28, 2021. CLOUT's stance against it and agreeability instead with the Direct Learning program, Pollio said, wasn't brought to his attention until the end of February. Since, "We have explored and did our due diligence with (that program) but there is not another large district in the U.S. that we could find that uses Direct Instruction across the whole district," Pollio said. "I have to trust the experts who have hundreds of years of combined experience in this work and the other districts who have seen success with it," Pollio said of why he wants the EL program implemented districtwide. As far as the length of planning time teachers will have to give to the new program, Pollio argued that "the implementation of new curricula across all elementary and middle schools, would never be easy." "What we have found in conversations with other districts is that the first year of implementation can be challenging, but after, teachers have really grabbed on to it and feel it is highly successful." Contact reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: CLOUT calls on JCPS to halt reading program changes, Pollio declines Washington A dozen Senate Democrats forcefully denounced a sweeping border restriction President Biden hopes will deter migration, telling the administration in a formal comment on Monday that it would violate U.S. asylum law if it moves forward with the proposal. The Biden administration's proposed regulation would disqualify non-Mexican migrants from asylum if they cross the southern border unlawfully after failing to seek refuge in other countries en route to the U.S. Administration officials have argued that, unless the policy is enacted, migrant arrivals will spike to record levels later this spring, when a pandemic-era border restriction known as Title 42 is set to lapse. But the group of Democratic senators called the proposed asylum restriction "unlawful" and "counterproductive," joining thousands of migrant advocates and organizations, including the United Nations refugee agency, in formally imploring the administration to immediately withdraw the regulation. The proposal, the Democratic lawmakers wrote in their comment against the proposed rule, is a "revised version" of a near-total ban on asylum that the Trump administration enforced briefly in 2020, before it was struck down in federal court. "Although we support the administration's goal of managing migration at the U.S.-Mexico border by creating new efficiencies in the asylum system, this rule violates our legal obligations to protect refugees fleeing persecution and usurps Congressional authority by adding unlawful bars to asylum eligibility," the senators added. The public comment in opposition to Mr. Biden's proposal was led by senators Bob Menendez and Alex Padilla, and also signed by senators Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Patty Murray, Ron Wyden, Ben Cardin, Ben Ray Lujan and Mazie Hirono. The scathing rebuke from a dozen Democratic Senators and allies of the White House on most policy matters illustrates the tricky political situation Mr. Biden has found himself in two years into his presidency amid an unprecedented migration crisis along the southern border, where migrants have been arriving in greater numbers and from more countries than any time in U.S. history. Story continues CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO - JANUARY 09: Immigrant families from Venezuela arrive back into Mexico after being expelled from the United States on January 09, 2023 to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. / Credit: / Getty Images After border arrivals spiked in late 2022, Mr. Biden announced an overhaul of his administration's strategy to manage migration in early January. To deter illegal crossings, officials increased the number of countries whose citizens could be swiftly turned back to Mexico under Title 42 if they entered the U.S. unlawfully. While U.S. border officials have expelled hundreds of thousands of migrants under Title 42 since the public health law was invoked in March 2020 by the Trump administration, the U.S. could only expel Mexicans and some Central Americans to Mexico before Mexican officials agreed to accept Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans in January. Mr. Biden's administration simultaneously expanded opportunities for migrants to enter the country legally, allocating 30,000 spots per month for migrants with American sponsors to fly to the U.S. and allowing vulnerable migrants in Mexico to secure appointments to enter the country along official border crossing through a phone app. With the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency set to trigger Title 42's termination on May 11, the administration is planning to deter migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully through the proposed asylum restriction, which would allow officials to more quickly deport those who cannot prove they are exempt from the rule. While Mr. Biden's recent strategy has so far led to a sharp drop in the number of migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally across the Rio Grande and other unofficial crossings, it has faced significant criticism from progressives and Republicans, though for different reasons. Migrant advocates and some Democrats have argued the new strategy relies on restrictive asylum policies similar to ones enacted by former President Donald Trump. Republican lawmakers, on the other hand, have said the administration lacks the legal authority to accept tens of thousands of migrants each month outside the regular visa system. Pointing to the reduction in illegal border crossings since January's policy changes, the Biden administration has portrayed the criticism from Republicans as inconsistent with their calls to reduce unlawful migration. In response to the progressive criticism, the administration has rebuffed accusations that its strategy resembles Trump-era policies, highlighting the creation of new legal migration channels. Its proposed asylum restriction, it has argued, also contains broader humanitarian exemptions than the Trump administration's attempts to disqualify migrants from U.S. sanctuary. Six killed in Nashville school shooting including three children Shooter kills three children, three adults at Nashville grade school How concerning is Putin's latest nuclear threat? Tropical Guadeloupe's attractions lure tourists and cruise liners Territory : Guadeloupe Status : Overseas department of France Population : 465,000 (UN, 2012) Capital : Basse-Terre Area : 1,705 sq km (658 sq miles) Major languages : French (official), Creole dialect Major religion : Christianity Life expectancy : 76 years (men); 84 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit : euro Main exports : Bananas, sugar, rum, vanilla Internet domain : .gp International dialling code: +590 Map of Guadeloupe Known to its one-time Carib indian population as "karukera", or "island of beautiful waters", the French territory of Guadeloupe is a centre of Caribbean Creole culture. French, African and Caribbean influences infuse its music, dance, food and widely-spoken patois. Guadeloupe's economy is kept afloat by public salaries and credits from Paris. Unemployment has been a long-running malaise, although its effects are tempered by France's generous social security system. Agriculture revolves around sugar cane and bananas; the latter is troubled by regional competition and the phasing out of preferential European quotas. Some of Guadeloupe's residents are descendants of the original colonists Tourism is important. Visitors, most of them from France, are drawn to Guadeloupe's resorts, beaches, waterfalls and forests and the territory is a port of call for cruise ships. Guadeloupe is prone to earthquakes and hurricanes. Mount Soufriere, Basse-Terre's volcano, last erupted in the 1970s. Visited by the explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493, who named it after a Spanish monastery, the territory was home to Carib indians who resisted Spanish attempts to settle the islands. French colonists arrived in the 17th century, wiping out the Carib population. The settlers brought slaves from Africa to work on plantations and Guadeloupe prospered thanks to the trade in sugar and tobacco. Swedish rule There were several British occupations in the 18th and early 19th centuries - and a brief period of nominal Swedish rule - before the territory was restored to France. It became a French "department" in 1946, and from the 1980s, a region of France. Story continues Although support for the status quo is strong, a campaign for secession from France flared in the 1980s when pro-independence groups bombed hotels and government buildings. Discontent at the rising cost of living led to violent protests early in 2009, and France sent in troops when rioters killed a trade union official. The French government raised wages for the low-paid, a key demand of the protestors, who ended a general strike in March. From your smartphone and TV to even your washing machine, you can find semiconductors in almost everything you own. Right now, the Biden Administration is accepting applications from companies that want federal money to build factories to make semiconductors. Part of the Bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act includes $39 billion in federal grants for those projects nationwide. This month, the Biden Administration outlined several requirements for companies that want this money. Those includes encouraging recipients to work with labor unions and government organizations and even requiring some to work with community groups to offer child care. They have to make commitments about how they treat their workers, about the kinds of corporate practices that they engage in, and even make commitments about making sure that workers will have access to affordable childcare, said Bharat Ramamurt, deputy director of the National Economic Council at the White House. He said these requirements are intended to help attract a diverse workforce in particular more women. One of the things that we see in the survey data time and time again, is a reason that women are not choosing to participate in the workforce is because the cost of childcare is too expensive, said Ramamurt. But Republican Senators are now accusing the Biden Administration of using this federal funding to pursue what they call controversial policies. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and three other Republicans sent this letter to the Department of Commerce about it this month. They want those requirements removed because they argue it would reduce these jobs. In a written statement to the Washington News Bureau, Senator Tillis said Its reckless for the Biden Administration to try to impose a partisan mandate that threatens the goal of the CHIPS Act. But the White House says these guidelines are also about transparency. Theres going to be a lot of reporting that the companies have to do to show that theyre meeting all the requirements that we put into those grant agreements, said Ramamurt. Story continues The Biden administration says companies with approved plans will be announced this summer. Below is the full statement from Senator Thom Tillis, R North Carolina: I supported the CHIPS Act because it made a much-needed investment to bolster American innovation and strengthen our ability to counter the growing threats posed by Communist China. Its reckless for the Biden Administration to try to impose a partisan mandate that threatens the goal of the CHIPS Act to expand Americas semiconductor manufacturing capacity, which is why Ive called for the administration to immediately reverse course. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), a gun rights proponent who represents the Nashville district that includes the school where six people were shot dead on Monday, has offered thoughts and prayers to the victims families. My family and I are devastated by the tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville this morning, Ogles statement said. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost. As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. I am closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials. The freshman congressman attracted swift backlash from Democrats, gun control advocates and other social media users, who highlighted a gun-glorifying Christmas photo he posted on Facebook in 2021. In the image, Ogles and his family, including children, pose with large firearms. The tragedy of the latest mass shooting is listening to Tennessee politicians who refuse to call it a shooting but who engaged in behavior that caused this to be more likely when they glorify guns. Tennessee Rep @AndyOgles, is this you with your family? pic.twitter.com/LJGnUKqJdA Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) March 27, 2023 Those who spoke out included: Fred Guttenberg, who became a prominent gun control advocate after his daughter Jaime was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting; Shannon Watts, founder of gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action; Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas); and Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio). How much more bloodshed will it take? Escobar tweeted. Its. The. Guns. Landsman said he had spoken with Ogles just last week about their kids. If someone like Andy would say, hey, we dont need these kinds of weapons, we could make some real change, Landsman wrote. Ill ask him this week. Story continues Ogles office did not immediately return a request for comment. THIS is last year's Christmas card from Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican who represents the district that Covenant School is in in Nashville. #tnlegpic.twitter.com/IpkLzZs5m5 Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 27, 2023 How much more bloodshed will it take? Its. The. Guns. https://t.co/7XxskatLnR Veronica Escobar (@vgescobar) March 27, 2023 Andy and I talked just last week about our kids. It was a nice conversation. I had no idea that he feels so strongly about assault weapons. If someone like Andy would say, hey, we dont need these kinds of weapons, we could make some real change. Ill ask him this week. https://t.co/JdJiF8Gx5V Greg Landsman (@GregLandsman) March 27, 2023 Ogles represents Tennessees 5th Congressional District, which includes The Covenant School. A 28-year-old killed three students all aged between 8 and 9 and three adults at the private Christian school on Monday, police said. The shooter, who authorities said was wielding a rifle, an assault rifle-style pistol and a handgun, died after being shot by police. On Ogles campaign website, he said he would fight tirelessly to protect Second Amendment rights. It states: Disarming the people is the most effective way to enslave them, and we must remain vigilant when anyone seeks to erode our civil liberties. Formerly the mayor of Maury County, Tennessee, Ogles touts on his House bio that he was recognized as Tennessees most conservative mayor. In February, Ogles was exposed for embellishing many elements of his resume, including the degree he studied and his work fighting international sex trafficking. He wasnt the only gun-toting lawmaker to send prayers Monday. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who shared a very similar family Christmas photo in 2021, was also reamed for her futile message about the violence. Related... The real Pope Francis. Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images An AI-generated image showing the Pope in a luxurious puffer coat went viral over the weekend. Its creator spoke to BuzzFeed about his belief that laws should regulate the technology. "I just thought it was funny to see the Pope in a funny jacket," he told the outlet. A man who created a viral fake image of the Pope wearing a white puffer coat told BuzzFeed about his concerns that using AI to create images of celebrities and public figures "might be the line." After first being posted to Facebook and Reddit last Friday, the image was reshared across social media with one tweet reaching over 200,000 likes. Some just joked about the head of the Roman Catholic Church appearing to wear a luxurious garment more suited to Paris Fashion Week than the Holy See, but its virality sparked conversation about the ethics of AI image generators. In a tweet seen over 4 million times, Ryan Broderick, writer of the web culture newsletter Garbage Day, said "Balenciaga pope might be the first real mass-level AI misinformation case." It was generated with Midjourney by Pablo Xavier, a construction worker based in the Chicago area, who declined to share his full name with Buzzfeed over privacy concerns. "As far as using it for regular images, if you want to do a Vincent van Gogh, I feel that kind of stuff is fine," he told the outlet. "Using it for public figures, that might be the line." He said it was "definitely scary" that "people are running with it and thought it was real without questioning it." And while he hadn't considered the impact of AI images before, added: "It's definitely going to get serious if they don't start implementing laws to regulate it." The realism of the image was possible due to Midjourney V5 released on March 15 which can accurately reproduce public figures, among other updates. Fake pictures of Donald Trump being arrested were the first to spread, with the former president even sharing another AI-generated image of himself, per the BBC. Story continues And in 2019, the Pope warned Silicon Valley that AI and other technological advancements could "lead to unfortunate regression to a form of barbarism." BuzzFeed reports that Pablo Xavier grew up in a Catholic family but doesn't follow the religion today. He added that he had "no ill will" and "just thought it was funny to see the Pope in a funny jacket." "I figured I was going to get backlash," he told BuzzFeed. "I just didn't think it was going to be to this magnitude." Read the original article on Business Insider Streetsboro residents Tim and Tamia Woods, whose 17-year-old son James committed suicide in November after a sextortion incident, spoke during a recent press conference in Independence announcing a proposed state law designed to increase parental notification requirements for social media platforms. James Woods' case was the first for four involving juveniles in Streetsboro who were victimized in sextortion cases. The most recent was reported on Saturday. For the fourth time in recent months, a juvenile has been a victim of sextortion in Streetsboro. "Most importantly, this victim did the correct thing by immediately telling their mother and then making a report with the Streetsboro Police Department," Police Chief Tricia Wain posted on Facebook Tuesday afternoon. "It is important to make the report quickly to save any digital evidence." Sextortion is a crime that has gained wide attention nationwide. Typically, it involves an adult posing as a juvenile who makes contact with a juvenile victim online. The perpetrator manipulates the victim into sending photos and/or video of a sexual nature and then threatens to release the images online if the victim does not provide more images or money. Wain told the Record-Courier that the latest incident was reported Saturday. The juvenile, who Wain is only identifying as a high school student, got into a conversation with someone through a social media app. "There was at least one picture that was shared and then after that, there was no money exchanged," she said. "To my knowledge, it just became high-pressure tactics to get additional pictures to prevent the initial image from being shared." Wain said the incident is being investigated. Streetsboro police are working with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is based in Cuyahoga County. These cases, however, can be difficult, especially if the perpetrator lives outside the United States. Two Portage County men sentenced for their roles in sextortion schemes Two Portage County residents recently were sentenced for sextortion schemes. In February, a Kent man was sentenced in Portage County Court of Common Pleas to 24 years in prison after pleaded guilty in a sextortion case that involved an unidentified number of juvenile victims, boys and girls, globally. A Ravenna man was sentenced in federal court to more than 12 years in prison in February for sextorting several female victims, one of them a juvenile. Story continues Wain said these cases can be challenging to identify and prosecute a suspect, particularly when the cases originates outside the country. "The Ivory Coast and Nigeria are two of the biggest sources of these offenders," she said. Police chief wants sextortion victims to know they're 'are not in trouble' This latest case is the fourth sextortion incident in Streetsboro in recent months, according to police. After Streetsboro High School senior James Woods died by suicide in November, it was discovered he had been a victim of a sextortion scheme. This month, a Streetsboro Middle School student reported to his mother that he had been sextorted after he paid an individual $200 in gift cards. Woods' parents, Tamia and Tim Woods, have become activists in the fight against sextortion, including starting the Do It For James Foundation. Both are expected to be the featured speakers, along with a representative from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, at a mental health and safety forum 6-8:30 p.m. May 10 at Streetsboro High School. The Woods spoke at a recent press conference hosted by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in Independence to announce a proposed state law, the Social Media Parental Notification Act. It would require social media companies to obtain verifiable parental consent before permitting minors under 16 to use these platforms. Wain said the Streetsboro incidents do not necessarily mean that juveniles in the city are being especially targeted. "I think that we've gotten the information out enough that the kids are comfortable coming forward," she said. "This is happening at epidemic proportions, you know, around the country. I think that us sharing the information and getting it out and letting them know that they're not in trouble and that this is a criminal on the other end, has allowed those conversations to take place where maybe they're not happening as much elsewhere." Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com. This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Another Streetsboro juvenile reportedly target of sextortion scheme The body goes through both mental and physical changes when someone is thinking about self-harm. Here's how, and what we can all do to help. The body goes through both mental and physical changes when someone is thinking about self-harm. Here's how, and what we can all do to help. If youve ever felt alone in experiencing suicidal ideation, please know youre not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.2 million adults have seriously considered suicide, and the numbers rose in 2021 from 2020. Its immeasurably hard to think about. After the news comes out about celebrities dying by suicide, you may have seen friends post the suicide hotline on Facebook. In the wake of Stephen tWitch Boss suicide in December 2022, hypnotherapist Keeylee Miracle wrote an important Twitter thread about an aspect of suicidal ideation our society doesnt talk about as much: the hormonal and neuroscientific perspective. Its like a hostile brain takeover, she wrote, urging people to take proactive measures (which well get to in a bit). Other than serving as a reminder about how intricate suicidality actually is, this understanding helps us do two main things: empathize with people without judging them, and support them (and ourselves) preemptively and effectively. But what exactly does all of that look like? There is no one common pathway to a suicide attempt, said Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer at The Jed Foundation. We often look to construct narratives about why someone attempts suicide such as a job loss or relationship ending but the truth is that most people who attempt suicide do not have one reason but instead have multiple life events leading to the attempt. She added the person may even experience ambivalence, having thoughts about wanting to die and wanting to live. As cheesy as it may sound, knowledge is power here. Understanding suicidality is like any other subject for mental health: The more we educate ourselves, the better the treatment we are able to offer the client, said James Atkison, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks in Lubbock, Texas, who specializes in trauma, PTSD, suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury, depression and anxiety. Story continues Keeping that in mind, lets talk about the physiological side of suicide that isnt brought in as much. Below, experts share whats really going on in the brain. (The key takeaway here: Take people seriously if theyre thinking about or are actively harming themselves.) Hormone Sensitivity In The Brain Thoughts of suicide have been associated with major hormonal fluctuations and changes in the brain. Many clinicians and doctors see this as a cry for attention when there is mounting evidence that it is more likely the result of neurobiological hormone sensitivity, as seen in those diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), that may drive suicide risk and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors in those assigned female at birth, Atkinson said. He added that when these individuals discuss their mood-related concerns with providers related to their period, some providers dismiss them because of the stigma, which can become dangerous. Serotonin Abnormalities As you may already know, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between your brain and body. It influences your mood, sleep, memory, sexual desire and more. So, when youre feeling sad, your serotonin levels may be low or messed up. This phenomenon can actually be seen in patients who have died by suicide. Biological studies in postmortem patients who committed suicide are very limited, but have given some insights into the neurobiology of what causes suicidal ideation, said Dr. Julian Lagoy, a psychiatrist in San Jose, California. Research points to serotonergic abnormalities, which contributes to impulsive and aggressive behavior that leads to a suicidal attempt. Activation Of Brain Circuits While no one brain pathway is responsible for controlling suicidal thoughts, several brain circuits are at play, according to Erickson-Schroth. There has been increasing research in recent years into the neuroscience of suicidal thoughts and attempts, with studies demonstrating the involvement of multiple brain circuits having to do with future thinking, decision-making, emotion regulation and impulsivity, she said. Mental And Physical Fatigue While research is limited, ties between brain chemistry and symptoms/causes of suicidal ideation are everywhere, anecdotally. What we do know is that when people are in a suicidal crisis, they often have a reduced ability to think creatively or engage in problem-solving, and may also have some distorted thinking, such as believing that no one cares or that they are a burden to others, said Doreen Marshall, vice president of mission engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They may also be having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, and notice changes in their appetite and energy levels, all of which can be connected to changes in the brain. Short-Term Thinking And Lower Impulse Control Suicidal ideation and tunnel vision are closely linked, too. Marshall said individuals considering suicide often cant see any other answer to resolving their pain. Lagoy added that the neurochemical changes can lessen impulse control, which is what leads to tunnel vision. To further understand this, Atkinson recommended reading Rethinking Suicide by Dr. Craig Bryan, saying its a great resource that helps us see that suicide is the last option for clients when they feel overwhelmed by life and can see no other options that will help them. Talking with others about suicide will not encourage them to think about it or do it, but it may save a person's life. Talking with others about suicide will not encourage them to think about it or do it, but it may save a person's life. How This Knowledge Helps Us All While its important for us as a society to validate mental health as much as physical health, seeing how mental health is also physical can help people understand it and take it more seriously. When someone experiences a suicide crisis, their brain is not functioning in an optimal way, and it may be difficult for them to alleviate the pain that they are in, Marshall explained. So just as you wouldnt lecture someone whos in an acute health crisis, she added, avoid doing that during acute mental health crises, too. On that note, its important to remember that just because a situation doesnt seem overwhelming to you doesnt mean its not real for someone else. Stress, for example, can impact our biology and hormone levels, as well as our mental health, but not all of us will experience stressors in the same way, Marshall added. Our brains respond differently when we are under stress, and our brains are unique in their biology and how they respond to stress. This info also brings awareness to how complex and difficult suicidality is. We can use this knowledge to help us not blame or judge anyone who has suicidal ideation, and therefore be able to empathize with and help them more effectively, Lagoy said. How You Can Help Yourself Seeing providers who understand this can be crucial. As mental health providers, we can advocate for clients who vocalize these complaints, Atkison said. It is not unheard of for a counselor or social worker to call the doctors office, with the client in the room, to help advocate for our client to be heard. Erickson-Schroth mentioned certain types of therapy that can prevent suicidal thoughts from turning into attempts. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (CBT-SP) are a couple she said are underutilized. The importance of being proactive with your mental health cant be understated either, according to Marshall. She listed some helpful tips, such as getting treatment, sleeping enough, spending time outdoors, exercising, surrounding yourself with supportive people, practicing coping skills and more. Medication is another important part especially serotonergic medication, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro and Paxil, according to Lagoy. And again, dont wait until youre feeling suicidal. Talk to a doctor about starting a pill ASAP, if needed. (GoodRx coupons are an example of pharmaceutical coupons that can help financially.) Taking the time to have a real conversation about mental health with those around us, as well as modeling taking care of our own mental health, can make a difference for someone who is struggling in silence.Doreen Marshall, vice president of mission engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention How You Can Prevent Suicide In Other People While suicide prevention is paramount (and not discussed enough), its also not something thats entirely in your hands alone. We should never blame ourselves if someone we love dies by suicide, Erickson-Schroth said. While interventions can help, it can be hard to predict whos most at risk and when theyre most at risk, she added. When you feel concerned about a loved one, reach out and offer support. Erickson-Schroth said this is the most important step. Its OK to say suicide, she said. Its a myth that bringing up suicide will give someone ideas. Research shows just the opposite, that talking about suicide provides a sense of relief and increases the chances that someone will reach out for help. If the loved one doesnt seem to want your help, The Jed Foundation advised continuing to reach out, spending time doing fun things with the person and bringing in a professional. If the person is a kid, especially, she encouraged teaching them emotion regulation skills, such as taking deep breaths, practicing self-compassion and cultivating positive experiences, early on. Given the numbers, its likely you know someone who has considered suicide (whether you know about it or not). And all of us play important roles in preventing suicide. Taking the time to have a real conversation about mental health with those around us, as well as modeling taking care of our own mental health, can make a difference for someone who is struggling in silence, Marshall said. For resources on how to have this difficult conversation, Marshall pointed to afsp.org. Community care is an important part of the conversation, too. Erickson-Schroth said debt can increase the risk of suicide, and livable minimum wages can decrease the risk. While you may not be able to do much here, if youre not an employer, you can donate to mutual aid funds and loved ones who need it. If you dont have money to share, thats OK, too: Another way to help is by connecting with others in your community through volunteering, workshops, support groups, etc. She mentioned the powerful benefits of connection when it comes to peoples sense of belonging and worth. Policy-wise, you can advocate for safe gun storage. Because many suicide attempts are impulsive, means reduction has been shown to decrease suicide rates by limiting access to lethal means, Erickson-Schroth said. States with laws that require safe gun storage have lower suicide rates, and programs that encourage those with firearms to give them to a friend or family member while they are experiencing difficult emotions can save lives. For clinicians, Atkison recommended the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality. It is a way of talking about and responding to those with suicidal ideation that make the conversation easier for all involved, as well as providing excellent documentation for the decision to hospitalize or not, and it does not always mean you have to send the client to the hospital, he said. Lastly, Erickson-Schroth shared some hope: 90% of those who survive a serious suicide attempt do not go on to die by suicide later, she said. Most find the help they need to be more actively engaged in life and connected with their communities. Ultimately, this scientific understanding will hopefully lead to more empathy and suicide prevention efforts. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also get support via text by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources. Related... Vice President Harris on Tuesday reflected on the horrors of slavery and the need to learn from history in emotional remarks after touring an old slave trading post on the coast of Ghana as part of her weeklong visit to Africa. Being here was immensely powerful and moving, Harris said as her voice cracked. When we think about how human beings were treated by the hundreds of thousands in this very place that we now stand, the crimes that happened here, the blood that was shed here. There are dungeons here where human beings were kept. The vice president stood at a lectern along the coast with canons in the background shortly after she and the second gentleman toured Cape Coast Castle, which was built in the 1600s and became a hub for the Atlantic slave trade. Harris, who is the first African-American to serve as vice president, stopped at the site as part of a three-day trip to Ghana. She was seen wiping her nose and taking several deep breaths as a tour guide showed her the female slave dungeons and the Door of No Return, where slaves would be forced onto ships for the treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered. It cannot be denied, Harris said. It must be taught. History must be learned. And we must then be guided by what we know also to be the history of those who survived in the Americas, in the Caribbean, those who proudly declare themselves to be the diaspora. Harris said she would take from her visit the need to fight for justice and freedom for all people and human rights for all people. The trip to the former slave trading outpost came as part of a weeklong trip to Africa for Harris, who is the highest ranking Biden administration official to travel to the continent to date. She met with Ghanaian leaders and community members on Monday and will travel this week to Tanzania and Zambia. The visit to the continent comes as the Biden administration has sought to be more intentional about its outreach to Africa. The vice president on Monday announced $100 million in funding to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in the region, which is aimed at combating violent extremism and other forms of instability that threaten key Democratic allies in Coastal West Africa. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. CAPE COAST, Ghana (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. With her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris was insisting on remembering the painful past even as she stood earlier Tuesday before a monument commemorating Ghanas independence, envisioning a grand future between the U.S. and Africa propelled by innovation on the continent. "The horror of what happened here must always be remembered," she said from the fort as the sun set over the water. It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned." The nation's first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. The events on her second day in Ghana are part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Cape Coast Castle is one of dozens of fortresses in West Africa that held slaves, many of them in Ghana. The government here has viewed preserving them as part of its historical responsibility. Harris skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish that reeks from this place, and the horrors endured by the people who passed through those walls; mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived were sold into bondage in the Americas. And yet, they survived," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. She said the endurance and determination of the African diaspora in the world should be admired. All of us, regardless of our background, have benefitted from their fight for freedom and justice," she said. During their tour, Harris and husband Doug Emhoff walked past a plaque commemorating a visit by Barack and Michelle Obama, the nations first Black president and first lady. The couple walked along the stone ramparts flanked by cannons, pausing to gaze out over the sea as waves crashed on the rocky shore below. Story continues She passed through white archways and down a darkened path leading through the infamous door of no return, through which slaves left the coast and never came back. Harris choked back tears, her hand on her mouth, as she approached. She placed a white bouquet of flowers, given to her during the arrival ceremony, at the entrance to a women's dungeon nearby. Tour guide Kwesi Blankson said he told the vice president about how captives would sometimes gaze up through the holes in the dungeon ceiling and pray to the gods and sing songs. He sang one to her, about wishing for death, because death means freedom. He described the tour as a solemn moment, like a graveyard. Harris has proved to be a potent messenger in Ghana, and thousands waited hours earlier Tuesday at Independence Square for a chance to see her speak at the Black Stone Gate monument. Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first Black vice president of the United States, she said to huge cheers from the crowd. And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child. Tracy Sika Brobbey said its a special moment to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible. Its like a blessing, she added. During her remarks at the monument, Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning a future that is propelled by African innovation. Much of her remarks there focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. Its something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continents innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create ones own future. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africas future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own, she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them dreamers and innovators; Africas population has a median age of 19. It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. ___ Long reported from Washington. Inflation came to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph County Health Agency last Thursday, as the board increased fees for immunization and environmental permits for water, septic, and restaurant inspections. New fees begin April 1. Branch County Commissioner Tom Matthew expressed concern a $23 administration fee charged for each immunization shot would discourage people from seeking the service, especially children for receiving vaccine protection. He suggested one administrative fee plus the cost of the vaccines for each visit. I think $23 per shot administrative fee is very excessive. Are we saying, 'Don't come in here, go to your doctor, we are too busy?' Matthew said. A child receives a vaccination. Health officer Rebecca Burns said the administrative fee covers syringes, clinic expenses and staff time in the complicated world of providing medical services. I would like to assure you that we do bill Medicaid, or these other insurance companies, and the administration fee is picked up by them. Burns added under the federally funded Vaccines For Children program, if they're uninsured, and they don't have insurance at all, and they qualify, we're not charging them any fees. Burns said there is another program for adults to fill that niche with those individuals who do have difficulty paying. Those programs pay the administrative costs per shot. Burns explained with private insurance, if you go to your private doctor, you're paying an office visit. We don't charge an office visit. We're simply trying to recoup the cost to do business. The health officer also explained the agency likely will not get the full $23 from private insurance in their fee schedule. If the insurance pays us less than $23, we take it." The same goes for Medicaid which only pays $7 per shot. Finance director Theresa Fisher explained to the board at the end of the year, (Medicaid) looks at the whole picture, how many shots and what services that you provide, because it's more than just immunization shots. Story continues Medicaid looks at what it cost to provide those services. Then they've tried to make this whole through Medicaid cost-based reimbursement dollars. Board chair and Hillsdale County Commissioner Brent Leininger urged the board to set a $23 administrative fee. Brent Leininger If the board does not charge that proposed fee, we're going to receive less reimbursement from the insurance company, which is then going to mean we now have to increase the appropriation figure to our local counties to offset that cost. Leininger doesnt want to pay increased insurance costs, But you know, at the end of the day, we're going to pay for it, whether it's from the fee for service to the insurance company, or that increased local appropriations to each local county. The increases passed unanimously. Subscribe: Follow local government. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter Annual restaurant inspection fees increased by $40 to $435. New septic permits increased $38 to $235. New well permits went up by $18 to $215. Some redundant fees were eliminated. The total estimated increased for the year was $38,761, about 10%. Fees for these permits in the three county district were still below those charged in surrounding counties. Paul Andriacchi Environmental health fees increased last in 2019. Director Paul Andriacchi said paid staff milage along went up from $.535 to $.665 per mile in four years. We have also experienced increases in employee wages, building costs, utility costs as well as trying to keep up with the ever-rising cost of living rate nationwide. Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DReidTDR. This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Health agency increases fees for immunization, wells, septic systems, and restaurants I have a lot of identities Democratic state senator, mom, breast cancer survivor, gun owner. The last one may surprise some people, but I am a strong proponent of the Second Amendment. As a mother and a woman, I am keenly aware of the dangers that exist in our society. Safety is one of my No. 1 priorities, and being a gun owner affords me the ability to protect myself and my family. As a gun owner, I respect the rules and responsibilities that come with ownership. Thats why I securely store my guns and keep them out of the reach of my children and their friends. And I am part of the 87% of N.C. gun owners who support universal background checks. Sydney Batch Far too many dangerous individuals, including those with a history of domestic violence or serious mental health problems, try to get their hands on these deadly weapons, wishing to do harm to themselves or others. This is not an abstract worry for me. In 2018, a man was convicted of felony counts of communicating threats and cyberstalking me. He is due to be released from prison in the coming months, and a background check is all that is stopping him from being able to acquire a gun and carry out his threats against me. In the Senate, I have fought for common-sense gun safety reform, like universal background checks, which would make it harder for the wrong people to get guns. These reforms are supported by the majority of my fellow gun owners. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have voted down every attempt to make our communities safer, from universal background checks to red flag laws. Now my Republican colleagues in the N.C. General Assembly have voted to repeal the states pistol permit requirement, which would allow individuals to buy pistols without a background check, a critical tool law enforcement relies on to keep our communities safe. Last Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed this dangerous bill, citing the risks it poses to community safety, and in particular, survivors of domestic violence and children. Because as if the elimination of background checks wasnt enough, the bill also allows guns on some school properties, increasing the chances that a child could find and access a deadly weapon. Story continues Gun violence is on the rise in North Carolina. And as Mondays shooting at a school in Nashville showed, our children are at particular risk. From 2012 to 2021 in our state, gun deaths among children increased more than 200%, according to the annual report from the states Child Fatality Task Force. Guns are now the leading cause of death for children, killing more children n North Carolina yearly than car accidents do. As a mom, my heart aches when I drop off my sons at school, knowing that they are at risk of being harmed by someone with too easy access to a firearm. It seems like almost every week, my husband and I get notified that a gun was found on school grounds somewhere in Wake County. Theres nothing worse than feeling powerless to keep your children safe. Despite the agonizing fear of parents and widespread opposition from responsible gun owners, Republicans in the N.C. legislature are doubling down on their stance and fighting to override the governors veto. In a week where we should be celebrating 600,000 North Carolinians getting healthcare through Medicaid expansion, we are once again fighting tooth and nail to prevent the next mass shooting and stop the carnage of gun violence in our communities. And carnage it will be. After Missouri repealed its pistol permit rules in 2007, the states murder rate increased 14% over the next five years, while murder rates dropped 5% nationwide. My Republican colleagues have been presented with these statistics and yet remain unmoved. They are intent on making it possible for any individual, no matter how dangerous, to acquire a deadly weapon, no questions asked. Well, I have one question. Why are my Republican colleagues ignoring the will of gun owners, parents, N.C. voters, and our duly elected governor, to make us less safe? Sydney Batch is a N.C. state senator who represents Senate District 17. She lives in Wake County. A Lake Country Fire & Rescue team fights a stable fire early Tuesday morning, Nov. 15, 2022. The needs of the multi-community fire department is the subject of referendums in the city and town of Delafield in April. DELAFIELD - On April 4, voters in both the city and town of Delafield will decide how hot of an issue fire department resources are to their communities. Both municipalities are jointly served by Lake Country Fire & Rescue, a department that also serves the towns of Delafield and Genesee and the villages of Chenequa, Nashotah, Oconomowoc Lake and Wales. But the two Delafield communities combined have a population of nearly 16,000, more than the total of the five other communities, elevating the concentration of fire services in each. Fire officials are essentially asking Delafield residents, by choice, to pay more to help relieve a staffing crisis that has forced fire stations to close and slowed response times. It's part of a plan to transition the department to full-time rescue and fire workers within the next three years. While both referendums carry the same goal, the wording is different to address the varying financial mechanisms of each measure. How is the city's referendum worded? The city of Delafield's measure would shift the costs from property tax levy to an annual fee, one which would generate additional funds for fire and rescue services. Its referendum reads: "Wisconsin Statutes authorize the City of Delafield to assess a fee for fire protection and emergency medical services. A 'YES' vote would support the assessment of an annual fee on an ongoing basis to increase fire protection and emergency medical staffing resulting in improved response times. The assessment of this fee will result in a reduction of the property tax levy by $705,584. A 'NO' vote would oppose the assessment of a fee, which would worsen response times due to the continued closures of fire and emergency medical stations. The results of the referendum are binding on the Common Council. A single-family home or residential condominium unit would constitute one (1) emergency service equivalent unit. "Beginning with the December 2023 tax bill that funds the 2024 Budget, should the City of Delafield establish an annual fee on an ongoing basis for fire protection and emergency medical services of not more than $450.00 for each emergency service equivalent unit and an amount based on square footage for all non-residential parcels, and subject to annual adjustments determined by the Common Council?" Story continues How is the town's referendum worded? The town of Delafield referendum keeps the costs within the traditional tax levy, but asks voters to allow the town to exceed levy limits imposed statutorily by Wisconsin. It reads: "Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Town of Delafield for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2024, is limited to 1.314%, which results in a levy of $2,469,375. Shall the Town of Delafield be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2024, for the purpose of retaining 7 full-time firefighter/paramedics and to hire 7 additional full-time staff for the Lake Country Fire and Rescue fire consortium that services the Town, by a total of 19.033%, which results in a levy of $2,939,375 and on an ongoing basis, include the increase of $470,000 for each fiscal year going forward?" What led to these proposals? The issue of paying more for fire services revolves around several factors, but fire officials have said the problem ultimately would require some financial assistance from the state, either through shared revenue or laws that allow communities to go above current levy limits to address fire services. At the heart of that plea were certain facts, including that call times have increased 34% due to staffing shortages. Without any promise outside funding, the LCFR Fire Board has proceeded with a $3 million, four-year plan to replace the department's current "fractured" paid-on-call model with more full-time firefighters, a more costly approach that also promises to reduce call response times. Fire department staffing problems exist all throughout Waukesha County The issue of suburban fire and rescue services, particularly on the western side of Waukesha County, has reverberated over the past decade. How the topic has been addressed varies. Lake Country Fire & Rescue began pushing for financial changes in each of its jurisdictions last year, though not every community has taken the issue to voters thus far. Some have opted to deal with costs as an annual fee. The Western Lakes Fire District, which likewise serves seven western Waukesha County communities, sought to double its budget through a referendum in August 2022. That measure failed in five communities (the towns of Merton, Oconomowoc, Ottawa and villages of Dousman and Summit) and passed in the city of Oconomowoc and village of Lac La Belle. Voters in the town and village of Mukwonago, by contrast, voted to approve funding for six additional full-time firefighters in November 2022. Certain communities have opted, or tried, to join neighboring fire departments. The Eagle Fire Department, serving both the village and town, merged with the village of North Prairie department to form the new Kettle Moraine Fire District on Jan. 1, 2022. There will be upcoming information sessions about the referendums Voters can learn more about the referendum and ask questions during upcoming informational sessions hosted by LCFR staff and local officials. Info sessions will take place at the city of Delafield fire station, 115 Main Street, on: Sunday, March 26, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 6 to 8 p.m. And at the town of Delafield fire station, W302 N 1208 Maple Ave., on: Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Quinn Clark contributed to this report. Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or james.riccioli@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jariccioli. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Delafield voters to consider funding for Lake Country Fire & Rescue In the two years since hundreds of rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol and caused more than a million dollars' worth of damage, several people with Indiana ties have been arrested and charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Two of them have made history in the ongoing prosecution. A Bloomfield woman became the first person sentenced for her role in the insurrection and a guitarist from Columbus was the first person charged in the attack to enter a plea. Jan. 6 Capitol riot:Investigation 'far from over' All are all in various stages in their court cases. Here are the statuses: Arthur Reyher and Jessica Reyher From: Brownsburg Status of case: Arrested March 15, 2023 The Reyhers are accused of being among the first among the rioters to enter the tunnel on the Lower West Terrace at the Capitol and push against the wall of police officers. A criminal complaint said the couple entered the tunnel three separate times to help push. At one point, an officer was pinned against a shield and door because of the force, court records said. Investigators arrested the couple after an anonymous tip informed them they were posting about their involvement in the riot on Facebook. During interviews, police said Arthur Reyher confirmed they were at the Capitol and they believed the 2020 election results were fraudulent. Both face a felony charge of civil disorder and four misdemeanors in connection with the riot. Nancy Barron From: Patriot Status of case: Barron has a jury trial scheduled in July. A criminal complaint alleges she spent several minutes inside the Capitol, yelling expletives and asking the whereabouts of House Leader Nancy Pelosi. She turned herself in to authorities on March 15. Her initial hearing was held in the federal courthouse in New Albany. Barron faces charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Story continues Briggs: Indianas Jan. 6 Republicans are thriving Dona Sue Bissey From: Bloomfield Status of case: U.S. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan sentenced Bissey on Oct. 12, 2021 to two weeks incarceration, 60 hours of community service and a $500 fine after Bissey pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Bisseys Facebook posts led to her arrest and criminal charges alleging her involvement in the Capitol attack, records show. More: FBI: Southeast Indiana woman yelled 'charge' before breaching U.S. Capitol during Jan. 6 riot Agents arrested Bissey late February after witnesses submitted tips to law enforcement showing her posts and photos inside the Capitol on Facebook. Bissey told Facebook friends she had to pick glass out of her purse after entering the building, court records show. She called Jan. 6 the "Best (expletive) day ever!!" Another witness told investigators that Bissey often talked about her support for QAnon conspiracy theories at her now-shuttered hair salon in Indianapolis. She faced federal charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Related: FBI arrests two Indiana women in connection with Capitol riot Eric Cantrell, Jared Cantrell, Quentin Cantrell Investigators say Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell were on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Investigators say these two photos were posted on Jared Cantrells Instagram, which appear to have been taken inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. From: Greenwood and Indianapolis Status of case: The Cantrells have a bench trial scheduled in April. Jared Cantrell and his two cousins are accused of illegally entering the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. A tipsters told the FBI the Cantrells were in Washington, D.C. that day and Jared Cantrell posted photos of himself inside the building on social media. Investigators said a video also shows the other two, Eric and Quentin Cantrell, on the West Terrace and entering the U.S. Capitol building during the riot. The three men were arrested in their Indiana homes and had their first appearances on March 10, 2022, at the New Albany federal courthouse. Eric Cantrell was sentenced on March 27, 2023, to three months of probation and ordered to complete 40 hours of community service and pay $1,510 in fines and restitution. Eric Cantrell pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges filed against him. Charges filed against Jared Cantrell and Quentin Cantrell remain pending. The two men are charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building Related: 3 Indianapolis-area men arrested in connection with U.S. Capitol riot Michael Greene From: Indianapolis Status of case: The jury trial against Greene and five other members of the Oath Keepers kicked off at the start of February. As of Thursday the court was still selecting the jury. He was was indicted on five charges including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging any duties, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds and tampering with documents or proceedings. More: Indianapolis man, Oath Keeper arrested in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol riot Greene, who is also known as Michael Simmons, is a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right anti-government militia group. Many other members of the group have been arrested in connection to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Ian Horvath From: Plymouth Status of case: Horvath entered a guilty plea on Jan. 23 to a charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He has a sentencing hearing scheduled for April. Horvath was wearing a furry hat with a raccoon tail when he entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to testimony by an Indianapolis FBI agent who investigated the Plymouth resident. Multiple surveillance footage stills submitted to the federal D.C. judge overseeing his case allegedly show Horvath inside the building after rioters breached its doors and flooded its halls. Horvath's photos were published on the FBIs website soliciting information from the public about alleged Jan. 6 participants. They grabbed the attention of one of Horvaths former classmates, who called the federal agency in August 2021 to identify Horvath as the man in the pictures, according to the agent. Horvath spoke with authorities on multiple occasions the following month. He admitted that he was the person in the photos, the agent wrote in an affidavit, and that he broadcasted the events from the Capitol that day. Horvath advised agents that he streamed some of the activities on his Facebook live account, the agent stated. After spending about 30 minutes inside the building he was allegedly caught on camera exiting the Capitol and telling other rioters, Come on in, all are welcome. He faces four charges, including two charges of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and two charges of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Dale Huttle From: Crown Point Status of case: Dale Huttle and his nephew, Matthew Huttle, are scheduled to appear next in court in April. Dale Huttle and his nephew were arrested in connection with the U.S. Capitol breach after video and photos captured them on the grounds during the riot. Dale Huttle has been charged with numerous felony and misdemeanor offenses related to the breach, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon, interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder and more. Court documents state Dale Huttle, 61, was seen among a crowd during the attack on the Lower West Terrace trying to push through a bike rack placed by police as a barrier. In one image, Dale Huttle is seen holding an American flagpole and striking two officers on the steps. Thirty minutes after that interaction, Dale Huttle was seen on body camera footage grabbing a Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer's baton and yelling "Surrender." Matthew Huttle From: Hebron Status of case: Matthew Huttle and his uncle, Dale Huttle, are scheduled to appear next in court in April. Matthew Huttle and his uncle, Dale Huttle, were arrested in connection with the U.S. Capitol breach after video and photos captured them on the grounds during the riot. Matthew Huttle, officials said, was captured on video inside the Capitol Building minutes before 3 p.m. during the riot. Officials said he is believed to have briefly left the building before re-entering for another 10 minutes, when he is said to have gone into "multiple" offices, the Crypt area and a number of hallways. Kash Lee Kelly From: Hammond Status of case: Kelly was sentenced in November to 60 days in prison after pleading guilty to one count of violent and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The Hammond man faced a drug charge that predated the Capitol riot and related to his time as a Latin King gang member, the Chicago Tribune reported. Authorities later became aware of his federal charges of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Court records show Kelly posted photos of himself climbing a wall at the Capitol with a US flag. In one caption, he wrote, "the day we let the Traitors who constantly push the divide in OUR country know that we are done playing their games." Mark Mazza From: Shelbyville Status of case: Mazza was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty in June to assaulting, resisting or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license. Federal agents arrested him in his Shelbyville home. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds, civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers with a dangerous weapon in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. Agents in court documents said police retrieved Mazza's gun on Capitol grounds that day, which they traced and linked to him. Video footage also showed him among the crowd trying to break into the West Front Terrace, holding the door open for rioters and swinging a baton at police. Mazza reported the gun stolen to Shelbyville police two days after the Capitol breach, claiming it was taken from his car at a Hard Rock casino in Ohio. 'The charges are extremely serious': Latest Hoosier Capitol rioter's case shocks judge Anna Morgan-Lloyd Corrections and clarifications: A previous version of this story misidentified the hometown of Anna Morgan-Lloyd. She is from Bloomfield. From: Bloomfield Status of case: Morgan-Lloyd was sentenced to three years of probation in June 2021. Morgan-Lloyd traveled to D.C. with Bissey on Jan. 6 to attend Trumps rally, federal prosecutors said. The FBI arrested Morgan-Lloyd after a Greene County Sheriffs Office employee notified the authorities when she attempted to obtain a gun permit weeks after the attack and recognized her from Facebook posts showing her involvement that day. Morgan-Lloyd agreed to plead guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, a federal misdemeanor. In her plea, Morgan-Lloyd wrote she felt ashamed the rally for Trump that day turned violent, and realized her participation likely fueled the ones who were violent to continue rioting. For that I am sorry and take responsibility, she wrote. It was never my intent to help empower people to act violently. Morgan-Lloyd said shes since learned by watching movies and reading books recommended by her attorney, such as Schindlers List and Just Mercy. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth accepted the plea and sentenced her to three years of probation, a $500 fine and 120 hours of community service. Related: Indiana woman to plead guilty in Capitol riot wrote reports on 'Schindler's List,' more Jeffrey Munger From: Goshen Status of the case: Munger was sentenced to 30 months of probation in October after pleading guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Munger admitted to climbing through a broken window to enter the U.S. Capitol building during the Jan. 6 riot, according to a federal court document. He told investigators he went inside the building because the crowd behind him was pushing him into a corner and the only way to leave the area was through the building, according to court documents released by The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. Using a map provided by the investigators, Munger circled the area where he entered the building. Munger entered through a window near the Senate Wing Door on the northwest side of the U.S. Capitol building, according to court documents. Closed circuit video from the U.S. Capitol building appears to show Munger climbing through the window at about 2:50 p.m. then exiting through the Senate Wing door 14 minutes later, according to court documents. Munger told investigators he took photos while inside, but said he never heard any commands from law enforcement to exit the building. He told investigators he walked down the hall, saw people smoking marijuana then decided to leave, according to the statement of facts document. Jonathan Ace Sanders Sr. From: Vincennes Status of case: Sanders was sentenced to three years of probation in November 2021 after pleading guilty to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. It wasn't social media posts or photos that turned law enforcement on to Jonathan Ace Sanders for entering the Capitol building Jan. 6. His criminal investigation started at a bakery in Vincennes, Indiana. Six days after the Capitol riot, the FBI received a tip from someone they believe was Sanders' coworker at Lewis Bakery. The person said Sanders bragged to them about being just 70 feet away from where Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Capitol police inside the federal building. On Jan. 14, law enforcement visited Lewis Bakery and interviewed Sanders. He admitted to traveling to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 5 with two friends to attend the "Stop the Steal" rally. He also admitted to entering the Capitol building and documenting the rotunda area with photo and video. When shown a still image from surveillance footage taken inside the Capitol building, a witness who attended the rally with Sanders told law enforcement that he believed he saw Sanders among the mass of people in the still image. "It looked like Ace," the witness said, using Sanders' middle name. Sanders was arrested in Vincennes on May 25. He was charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. More: Vincennes man gets 3 years probation for trespassing at Capitol on Jan. 6 Jon Ryan Schaffer From: Columbus Status of case: Schaffer has pleaded guilty to two charges of obstructing an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a weapon. He is cooperating with the federal prosecution of members of the Oath Keepers. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. Jon Ryan Schaffer turned himself in to the FBI over 10 days after the riot. The Columbus native and former heavy metal guitarist of the band Iced Earth was photographed inside the Capitol arguing with police and holding a can of bear spray, a pepper-based irritant. Schaffer initially faced six charges, including engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disrupting the orderly conduct of government business, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building, and demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Schaffer pleaded guilty to two of the charges against him, both felonies, that carry up to 30 years in prison. He became the first U.S. Capitol defendant to enter a plea. In his plea, Schaffer admitted to being one of the founders of the Oath Keepers, a right-wing militia group that describes itself as a non-partisan association of current and formerly serving military, police and first responders. Federal prosecutors are pursuing conspiracy cases involving members of the Oath Keepers connected with the Jan. 6 attack, believing the group pre-planned the riot to disrupt Congress certification of election votes. Schaffer is not charged in the Justice Departments conspiracy case against the organization. Related: Indiana native, Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer, who stormed U.S. Capitol pleads guilty Israel Tutrow From: Greenfield Status of case: Tutrow was sentenced in December 2021 to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Photos of Tutrow began circulating after the insurrection, showing him wearing a black beanie hat with TRUMP lettering. Court records allege the Greenfield man could be seen moving from inside to outside the U.S. Capitol. A witness told investigators that Tutrow said he felt sick with anxiety following the riot. He originally pleaded not guilty on May 3 to all four charges: knowingly entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct that impedes the conduct of government business, disruptive conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He later entered a plea agreement for the last charge. On Dec. 21 U.S. Judge Amy Jackson ordered Tutrow to three years of probation and a $500 fine toward rebuilding the Capitol. Joshua Wagner of Indianapolis is his co-defendant. Related: Two Central Indiana men plead not guilty to federal charges in Capitol insurrection Antony Vo From: Bloomington Status of case: Vo has a jury trial scheduled for June. As chaos unfurled inside the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, former Indiana University student Antony Vo looked at peace happy, even as he stood alongside a woman who law enforcement believe is his mother and posed for a photo that was later circulated by members of his college fraternity. "My mom and I helped stop the vote count for a bit," Vo wrote to a friend through social media. A Donald Trump supporter who witnesses say leans libertarian and engages in conspiracy theories, Vo allegedly entered the U.S. Capitol building illegally Jan. 6 after attending the pro-Trump "Stop the Steal" rally that took place the same day in Washington, D.C., according to court documents. He was arrested on July 21 in Bloomington. On Aug. 10 he pleaded not guilty to four federal charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. 'I helped stop the vote': Bloomington man charged in Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot Joshua Wagner From: Indianapolis Status of case: Wagner was sentenced to 30 days incarceration in February 2022 for a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol Building. Joshua Wagner, of Indianapolis, turned himself in to law enforcement after witnesses said he became very scared and worried once the FBI published his photo on a wanted poster, becoming the second Hoosier taken into custody for storming the Capitol. Investigators in court records said witnesses told them Wagner picked up Israel Tutrow, another defendant, around 2 a.m. Jan. 6 to drive to Washington for what initially began as a rally for then-President Donald Trump. Photographs showing both Wagner and Tutrow inside the Capitol emerged the following days. Wagner is shown wearing a red beanie hat with TRUMP stitched in white lettering. Related: Two Central Indiana men plead not guilty to federal charges in Capitol insurrection IndyStar reporters Lawrence Andrea and Jake Allen contributed to this report. Contact Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com or 317-503-7514. Call IndyStar courts reporter Johnny Magdaleno at 317-273-3188 or email him at jmagdaleno@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @IndyStarJohnny This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jan. 6 Insurrection: See status of Indiana residents who face charges FIRST ON FOX The Heritage Foundation released a report Tuesday that says the U.S. is in a new Cold War with China, and that the U.S. must take several steps to defend itself from Chinas economic, military and cultural efforts to supplant American leadership. "Whether politicians and pundits in Washington care to acknowledge it or not, the United States is in a new Cold War with the PRC, an adversary even more capable and dangerous than the Soviet Union was at the height of its power," Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said in a forward to the report. "Critical supply chains, from vital rare-earth elements to key pharmaceutical products, remain largely or wholly dependent on the PRC," he said. "The COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how much of the U.S. economy is reliant on the PRC for essential goods and services." The report finds that China is also working on U.S. soil to subvert U.S. culture by establishing itself on college campuses and in U.S. cities, where Chinese authorities seek to regulate the activities of Chinese Americans. Because of these steps, and the broad rivalry seen on issues such as economic strength and military prowess, the report finds that the bilateral relationship "increasingly bears all the hallmarks of a cold war." CHINA WANTS TAIWAN FOR MORE THAN HISTORICAL VALUE, COULD DISRUPT GLOBAL POWER DYNAMIC: EXPERTS Chinese President Xi Jinping waves to members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing this month. It is a message that is likely to resonate with Republicans in Congress House Speaker Kevin McCarthy argued in December that the U.S. has entered a Cold War with China but also many Democrats who have joined with the GOP this year to pass legislation that recognizes the need to treat China less as an ally and more as a strategic threat. In early January, more than two-thirds of House Democrats voted with Republicans to establish a new House committee to examine Americas strategic competition with China, and many voted with the GOP to block the sale of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Chinese entities. Story continues READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP After a Chinese surveillance balloon was spotted over U.S. territory and was shot down by the Biden administration after it was allowed to cross the entire country at 60,000 feet, every Democrat voted with Republicans in the House to condemn China and demand more information about the incident. Additionally, this month, all House Republicans and Democrats voted to pass a bill demanding the declassification of all information that links China to the COVID vaccine. "From unleashing COVID on the world and facilitating the Fentanyl crisis to espionage and intellectual property theft at our universities, Communist China has made clear they are more than a competitor," said Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. "The CCP is our greatest adversary and must be treated as such." BIDEN SAYS CHINA-RUSSIA PARTNERSHIP IS VASTLY EXAGGERATED DURING CANADA VISIT "For the past three decades, America operated under the naive belief that the era of great power competition was over," added Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "Now, we are facing the single greatest threat our nation has ever known." Both lawmakers praised the Heritage report for offering a blueprint on how to counter China, which the report warns has the capacity to be a long-term threat to the U.S. and its allies. "To win the New Cold War, this plan calls for sustained U.S. economic growth, greater political will, stronger external partnerships, secure borders, synchronized economic and security policies, resilient supply chains, enhanced military deterrence, and U.S. energy independence," it said. "This plan simultaneously exposes the Chinese Communist Partys aggressive tactics against the U.S. and represents a call-to-arms for all segments of U.S. society, including state and local governments, the private sector, the American people, and U.S. allies and partners abroad." Among other things, the report calls on the executive branch to deny Chinese government access to Defense Department-funded research projects, eliminate all Chinese police operations in the U.S. used to control Chinese Americans, ban Chinese-owned apps like TikTok, work with state and local governments to prevent Chinese companies from winning contracts to build infrastructure, and exert tighter controls over Chinese land purchases in the U.S. CHINESE SPY BALLOON FIASCO REQUIRES FULL REVIEW OF US AIR DEFENSES, DAINES SAYS AT MALMSTROM AFB VISIT It recommends tighter sanctions against Chinese entities that contribute to the flow of fentanyl across the border. The report insists on a series of steps aimed at strengthening the U.S. economy, so the U.S. is in a better position to compete against China. That includes setting up reliable supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals outside of China and boosting protection of U.S. intellectual property. It calls on policymakers to beef up U.S. defense capabilities to deal with China that includes rebuilding the depleted U.S. Navy fleet and taking steps to arm Taiwan against a possible Chinese invasion. Additionally, it recommends an investigation into how COVID spread and holding China accountable for its role in the pandemic. "Until a transparent and thorough investigation is conducted with full Chinese cooperation, the U.S. should suspend funding and cooperation with Chinese laboratories on biomedical research," it said. Last week, we told you about Hestia Rooftop, a modern Asian restaurant with a rooftop bar, opening in Ballantyne Village in the Panorama tower adjacent to the AC Hotel. Before the opening, our team got a sneak peek of the new hot spot that features expansive views and a menu that stretches beyond upscale. Heres more about what we learned: At Hestia, where the kitchen is led by executive chef Dustin Hildebrandt, diners will find an array of dishes crafted with premium ingredients such as Wagyu beef, caviar and fresh seafood. Theres an omakase experience available by reservation for $150 or $300 per person in which the chef will choose your menu for the evening. And Hestia owner Jane Wu is laser focused on providing a phenomenal restaurant experience at the highest elevation in Ballantyne. Ballantyne is such a nice area, Wu said. Now, we want to bring more vibes, more energy. The restaurant is well poised to become one of the citys top fine dining hot spots. When we posted an update with a photo gallery, CharlotteFive readers reacted mostly favorably: Glad to see things happening in Ballantyne so I can go there for more than just doctor appointments, Jenn Brimmer quipped on our Facebook page. Had just asked someone about when this spot would open. Excited for a great rooftop down this way, @shes_a_plus wrote on our Instagram post. Yessssss! Finally bringing cool restaurants over here instead of Southend!!! said @timacurlz on the same post. The cocktails Hestia has a lineup of 11 signature cocktails to choose from, including the Berry Ballantyne with Absolut Berry Acai Vodka, Lejay Cassis, blackberry puree and sparkling sake ($16); the Uptown Hustle with Elijah Craig Bourbon, Italicus Bergamatto, fresh apple and strawberry juice ($16); and the Smoked Buddah with Iwai 45 Japanese whisky, Plantation Stiggins Fancy Pineapple Rum, yuzu citrus and ginger syrup ($17). I ordered the expertly crafted Hornets Nest in Jalisco ($16), made with Altos Resposado, Ramazzotti Amaro, blood orange syrup, pineapple and lemon juice and Id definitely order another. Story continues Hestia Rooftops Hornets Nest in Jalisco is made with Altos Resposado, Ramazzotti Amaro, blood orange syrup, pineapple and lemon juice. Three spirit-free cocktails are also available: the Tropic Sanda with mango Calpico, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice and ginger beer ($8); Kyuri Lychee with lychee Calpico, fresh lime juice, matcha powder and cucumber soda ($8); and Ringo without a Star, with Lyers non-alcoholic whisky, allspice syrup and fresh apple ($9). The sushi You can watch as the sushi chefs led by executive sushi chef Eiji Ozaki work their magic on fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and New York City. Maki house rolls range from $14 for a spicy tuna roll to market price for Golden Scallop with two-color soy paper, tempura scallop, avocado and cucumber topped with grilled scallop and chopped spicy scallop or the Robusuta with tempura lobster and cucumber topped with lobster salad, caviar and microgreens. My favorites? The Carolina ($15) with Ebi shrimp, avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, spicy mayo and eel sauce; and the Spider Deluxe ($26) with tempura soft shell crab, snow crab mix and soft shell crab mix, cucumber, bonito flakes and spicy mayo. (Im all about sauces, and spicy mayo is king.) The Carolina maki at Hestia ($15) with Ebi shrimp, avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, spicy mayo and eel sauce. The Wagyu beef Heres where youd be hard-pressed to find a fine dining experience in Charlotte that matches up. Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson of contemporary Japanese restaurant NIKU X in Los Angeles has partnered with Hestia to bring his Tomahawk Tasting Menu experience to Charlotte, cooked tableside. Our team here is really a true rock star team, Wu said. Michelin-starred chef Shin Thompson of NIKU X in Los Angeles has brought his Tomahawk Tasting Menu experience to Hestia Rooftop in Charlotte. I had one bite of the Wagyu Supreme Tomahawk, dry aged 45 days. Ill explicitly emphasize that this presentation costs $399, and its cooked in front of you. It is melt-in-your mouth tender, and it is exquisite. Hestias Wagyu Supreme Tomahawk, cut into slices for a tasting. If youre not quite able to drop that kind of dollar on dinner but are still Wagyu curious, you can purchase various A5 cuts starting at $30 for 2 ounces of tri-tip. The A5 Wagu portions at Hestia come on a golden bull and are cooked in front of you. The rooftop Charlotte has many exceptional rooftop bars and restaurants, as CharlotteFive has previously noted. But the view from the Panorama Tower stretches for miles, even on the cloudy day I visited. As night takes over, the patio is accentuated with red lighting thats moody and dare I say sexy. Put it on your Charlotte bucket list. Hestia Rooftops patio after dark. Location: Ballantyne Village, 14819 Ballantyne Village Way Charlotte, NC 28277 Menu Cuisine: Modern Asian, sushi, steak Instagram: @hestiarooftop High Council of Justice ready to consider complaints against judge in high-profile underage rape case Judiciary council member Roman Maselko assured that "no one will be covered up." The High Council of Justice noted that registered complaints about the judge's disciplinary offense and her report of "interference in (her) activity" will be investigated and given an objective assessment in accordance with the law. According to Maselko, the court proceedings changed the qualification of the crime from a more serious one (rape) to a less serious one (sexual violence), stating that "this is what allowed for a relatively lenient punishment to be applied to the rapists." Read also: Third suspect indicted, faces up to seven years in prison in date-rape party case "But this was not initiated by the court, but by prosecutors, and the judge could no longer apply the more serious qualification," Maselko wrote on Facebook on March 28. "Therefore, when sentencing, the judge was significantly limited by the position of the prosecutors and had to take into account the actions of the accused (sincere repentance) and the opinion of the victim." At the same time, Maselko emphasizes that "there are also questions to the judge," but the HCJ has the right to check her actions only by initiating disciplinary proceedings it can be opened only if a disciplinary complaint is filed. Read also: Russian snipers abused 4-year-old, raped her mother outside Kyiv in March 2022 Reuters "If a complaint is filed against the judge, the HCJ will ensure its objective consideration as soon as the disciplinary practice is restored," assured Maselko. "We are not going to cover anyone up." The High Council of Justice pointed out that it has no authority to interfere in court proceedings, assess the evidence available in the case, verify the legality and validity of court decisions, or comment on them. Read also: Russians raped and killed civilians during retreat from Lyman, intercept shows For example, verification of the legality and validity of a court decision is the competence of a higher court, i.e. the court of appeal. The Office of the Prosecutor General announced on March 27 that the prosecutor's office would appeal the verdict. Story continues The crime took place in August 2021. Three underage residents of the village of Verkhni Vorota committed "acts of a sexual nature" against a 14-year-old girl in the basement, as the court characterized it. The teenagers filmed everything to blackmail her. They later uploaded the video of the abuse online. On March 16, 2023, a judge of the Volovets District Court sentenced the teenagers to five years in prison, but released them from punishment, giving all three of them a two-year probationary period. In reaching its decision, the court took into account that the defendants are minors, have no criminal records, pleaded guilty, and repented. The court also relied on "positive character references" written by schoolteachers. They considered imprisonment "too severe a punishment." The incident and verdict caused a backlash among public figures and politicians in Ukraine, who criticized the actions of the judges and teachers. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine CHICAGO (AP) The survivor of a mass shooting last July 4th outside Chicago rushed to the scene of the latest such tragedy Monday in Nashville, expressing disbelief that one had occurred again. Are you freaking kidding me right now? Ashbey Beasley told the Chicago Tribune by phone as she drove to the scene of the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, in which three children and three adults were killed before the shooter was killed. Beasley had stopped in Nashville on her way back from her 12th trip to Washington since the July 4th Highland Park tragedy to lobby members of Congress to pass a federal assault weapons ban. The shooter killed at least seven people and injured more than 30 others. Beasley was about to meet Shaundelle Brooks, the mother of a young man killed in a 2018 mass shooting, in which four people were killed at a Nashville Waffle House. That's when Brooks called to say her surviving sons school in Nashville was on lockdown because of the shooting at The Covenant School. What are our lawmakers doing? Like, what are they doing?" asked Beasley. "I cannot believe this is happening. A group of hikers was rescued after trekking for six hours and getting stranded on a Hawaii summit, officials said. The four hikers were about 4 miles from the start of the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail in Moanalua Valley when they called for help at about 2:20 p.m. on Monday, March 27, the Honolulu Fire Department said in a news release. After arriving shortly before 2:30 p.m., the fire department said it began to search for the group by air and came up with a ground search plan. The fire department said it airlifted and dropped off a rescuer to search for the hikers by foot. The rescuer found the group around 3:10 p.m., confirming none of the hikers were injured, and led them to an area to be airlifted, according to the fire department. The department said it transported the hikers in pairs to a nearby landing zone. The Moanalua Middle Ridge, which is about 10 miles north of Honolulu, is considered challenging, according to HAWAII Magazine. The 11- to 12-mile trek takes about eight hours to complete. Hiker plunges 100 feet from trail before rescue helicopter rushes in, officials say Hiker making illegal trek up 4,000-step staircase gets stranded, Hawaii officials say 57-year-old gets stuck in thick brush on snowy walk, WA cops say. Drone helps in rescue The victim of a deadly shooting near Kerman was identified Monday by the Fresno County Coroners Office. Paul Valenzuela, 40, of Kerman was killed Saturday before 6 p.m. at Jensen and Yuba avenues, according to the coroner. Deputies were called to the area and found Valenzuela withering from a gunshot wound, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said. He died a short time later. Detectives were investigating to determine what led up to the shooting, which took place in an orchard during a disturbance involving four men, including Valenzuela, said spokesman Tony Botti. The person believed to be the shooter was detained on Saturday, but had not been arrested as of Monday, Botti said. Detectives are preparing to turn the case over Fresno County District Attorney prosecutors, who will determine if the shooting was justified, Botti said. Detectives asked that anyone with information about the case contact Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters A fire at a migration detention center in Mexicos northern border city of Ciudad Juarez on Monday night left 39 people dead, according to reports. The blaze at the office of the National Migration Institute (INM) in Chihuahua state, just south of El Paso, Texas, led to 37 deaths inside the facility followed by another two deaths in hospitals, according to El Diario de Chihuahua. Dramatic Details Emerge on Rescue of Americans Kidnapped in Mexico The outlet reported that the disaster is the worst tragedy to occur at a migrant center in the city. The facility, which is near the Santa Fe International Bridge connecting Mexico with the U.S., was reportedly holding around 70 people at the time the fire broke out. No official statement has yet been given as to the cause of the fire, and officials have not confirmed what happened. Local media reports have suggested that there may have been some type of disturbance or protest inside the facility before the flames erupted in the mens section of the complex. Images taken by reporters show a chaotic scene of ambulances, paramedics, and police attending to people outside. Others show people lying on the ground wrapped in foil blankets. News agency EFE reports that many of the people inside the facility were Venezuelan migrants attempting to enter the U.S., though no official statement has yet been released concerning the victims nationalities. INM officials had conducted an operation to round up migrants from the streets of Ciudad Juarez before the fire broke out. Some local media reports have suggested that victims were trapped inside the building as the disaster unfolded. This is going to be long, easy until 5 or 6 in the morning, there are many corpses, one paramedic said outside the facility, El Heraldo de Chihuahua reports. The outlet also cited a Civil Protection source as saying that most of the victims died from suffocation rather than burns, though no official statement has been made about the victims cause of death. Story continues The number of migrants in the area has risen dramatically over the last year, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. In the fiscal year to September 2022, migrant border crossings reached a record 2.76 millionover one million higher than 1.72 million figure recorded in the previous year. The increase has largely been driven by a sharp uptick in the number of Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Cubans attempting to cross into the U.S., the CBP said. Monday nights tragedy comes as the Biden administration plans to end the Trump-era Title 42 immigration approach. The policy, which was first introduced during the COVID pandemic, allows border officials to deny migrants entry to the U.S. to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Title 42 is still in effect after a Supreme Court ruling in December, but its thought the policy could be scrapped on May 11 when the public health emergency on COVID is ended. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) House Republicans plan to deliver a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday for classified cables related to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking an unprecedented effort to force the release of sensitive documents to Congress. Rep. Mike McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Associated Press on Monday that he had spoken with Blinken earlier in the day when he was notified the agency would not be turning over a so-called dissent cable written by diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul shortly before the August 2021 withdrawal. We have made multiple good faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information, McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement. Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee. The July 2021 communication warned Blinken about the potential fall of Kabul via a special dissent channel," which allows State Department officials to issue warnings or express contrarian views directly to senior agency officials, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The State Department made a direct offer last week before McCaul made his subpoena threat about the dissent cable in particular to share the substance of the cable via a briefing, according to a March 22 letter obtained by the AP. "The Department is prepared to discuss a path that would communicate to you the circumstances and substance of the requested cable exchange, as an extraordinary accommodation," the letter read. "The Department trusts that this accommodation will address the Committees request for information while preserving the confidential nature of the Dissent Channel. The effort to force the release of the cable is the latest in a series by McCaul and other House Republicans to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they have called a stunning failure of leadership" after Taliban forces seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, far more rapidly than U.S. intelligence had foreseen as American forces pulled out. Story continues Kabuls fall turned the Wests withdrawal into a rout, with Kabuls airport the center of a desperate air evacuation guarded by U.S. forces temporarily deployed for the task. A single explosive device that day killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members. McCaul made the Afghanistan-related document requests in January, upon becoming chairman of the committee, but has said he faced pushback from the department as he pursued his investigation into the withdrawal. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters Monday that while he recognizes the importance and the keen interest in this cable, it would be a rare move for any secretary to turn over those documents to Congress. It is a unique way for anyone in the department to speak truth to power as they see it without fear or favor. And they do it by the regulations we have established for these cables in a privileged and confidential way, Patel said. Its vital to us that we preserve the integrity of that process and of that channel. Since the Dissent Channel was created in 1971, in part to address U.S. diplomats concerns over the Vietnam War, the State Department has held communications closely. Nearly all such cables are classified to protect the integrity of the process and the identities of dissenting Foreign Service officers. They are not generally intended for public consumption, however, some have been leaked to the press, often by their authors. According to the National Security Archives at George Washington University, at least 123 Dissent Channel cables have been sent since 1971. The vast majority of those have remained classified and the State Department has long objected to efforts to force their release. The basic contents of some Dissent Channel cables have become public, including in the Afghanistan withdrawal case. One of its authors was given an award for Constructive Dissent in 2022 by the union that represents U.S. diplomats. ___ AP Diplomatic Writer Matt Lee contributed to this report. House Republicans subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken late Monday, compelling him to turn over a July 2021 dissent cable from U.S. officials in Afghanistan reportedly warning of the grave risk that the government there would collapse. The subpoena, signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas), comes after a tense exchange between the two men last week, when McCaul described the State Departments reasoning for withholding a document as bullshit and gave Blinken until Monday to turn over the document as well as his reply. This committee is empowered by the U.S. Constitution to conduct oversight of the State Department, McCaul said in a statement. We have made multiple good faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information. Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee. The American people deserve answers as to how this tragedy unfolded, and why 13 U.S. servicemembers lost their lives. We expect the State Department to follow the law and comply with this subpoena in good faith. McCaul views a dissent cable authored by at least 23 diplomats serving at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul as critically important to understanding why the Biden administration failed to anticipate the rapid fall of the American-backed government and takeover by the Taliban. Taliban forces took Kabul on August 15, complicating an already difficult exit process for the U.S. The fall of the city required the return of some military forces to help secure Hamid Karzai International Airport and aid with a rushed evacuation of citizens and allies just two weeks ahead of a total drawdown of forces. The cable has been sought by leaders on both sides of the committee since before the completion of the withdrawal at the end of August 2021. However, the subpoena is the first from McCaul, who has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan. Story continues While more than 100,000 U.S. citizens, residents, and Afghan allies were airlifted from the country many who assisted the U.S. in its 20-year effort were left behind. Last week the State Department told the committee in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that they would be willing to sit for a briefing to describe the contents of the cable. The Department is prepared to discuss a path that would communicate to you the circumstances and substance of the requested cable exchange, as an extraordinary accommodation, the letter said. The Department trusts that this accommodation will address the Committees request for information while preserving the confidential nature of the Dissent Channel. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said Monday that the department should not undermine what is designed to be a confidential way for diplomats to speak to leaders. It is a unique way for anyone in the department to speak truth to power as they see it without fear or favor. And they do it by the regulations we have established for these cables in a privileged and confidential way, Patel said. Its vital to us that we preserve the integrity of that process and of that channel. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For the first time in over 10 years, the United States has witnessed a nationwide decrease in year-over-year median home prices, but the opposite has been seen in Tri-Cities. A study from the National Association of Realtors found that the median price for all types of existing homes fell by 0.2% in February 2023 compared with February 2022 to a median price of $363,000. The last time the U.S. saw a year-to-year decrease was from June 2011 to June 2012. Conscious of changing mortgage rates, home buyers are taking advantage of any rate declines, National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun stated in a news release. Moreover, were seeing stronger sales gains in areas where home prices are decreasing and the local economies are adding jobs. The Tri-Cities, and all of Benton and Franklin counties, are behind the national curve in price decreases. ZIP codes including Kennewick, Pasco and Richland have seen a 3.8% increase in median home value over the past year. As a result, home prices for the same Columbia Basin-area ZIP codes remain well above the national average. As of February 2023, the median home value for the corresponding ZIP codes was $419,800 a $56,800, or 15.6%, increase. Across the western U.S., home values have decreased on average by 5.6%. The same data also shows that existing-home sales have reduced across the west by 28.3% in the last year. According to data from Zillow, ZIP code 99353 which mostly includes West Richland saw the smallest yearly increase at 2.5%. The median price for the same ZIP code remains higher than the Tri-Cities average at $470,384. ZIP code 98506 in Burbank, Wallula Junction, Ash and Le Grow saw the largest increase at 4.88%. The median price is $433,143, above the national and Benton and Franklin counties averages. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, housing markets in the western U.S. are primarily responsible for the year-over-year decrease. Home values in the Midwest and South have increased over the past year, while houses in the Northeast and West have decreased. Story continues Figures from the Tri-City Association of Realtors in February 2023 showed an average home price of $452,100, about 2.6% lower than in 2022. This is around 42% higher than the February 2022 average. At the end of 2022, realtor David Retter of Sothesby International Realty told the Tri-City Herald he anticipated 2023 would be a steady year for the local market. I think people will get back in the mood to want to (consider buying), Retter said. When you look at the demands and the economy, were in a similar position to 2008-10 where the rest of the nation was in a recession, but we stayed steady. House budget writers proposed a $69.5 billion operating budget for the two-year, 2023-25 biennium on Monday. We still hear from our constituents and communities across the state about significant unmet needs in K-12 education, in behavioral health, in housing affordability and homelessness, in workforce development and beyond, House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, said at a news conference Monday. Our proposed budget addresses these needs, and it does so even though we saw a reduction in our revenue forecast last week. Our strategies for addressing our greatest challenges are mutually reinforcing and funding one area at the expense of others wont get the job done. The proposed operating budget does not rely on any new tax increases, although there is still discussion in the Legislature about a real estate excise tax proposal to increase affordable housing services, Fitzgibbon said. He noted that proposal will remain in consideration until the end of the session. The proposed House budget leaves open the possibility of Gov. Jay Inslees proposed $4 billion housing referendum to fund affordable housing in Washington over the next several years. Our members want to see a greater level of effort on affordable housing and providing access to affordable housing across the state, Fitzgibbon said. Fitzgibbon noted that the bond proposal will remain under consideration, and said that it will likely be discussed until the end of the session. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement Monday in response to the House proposal. Im very encouraged to see the House propose larger investments to avert more homelessness in our state, he said. It is most heartening that the House put in the budget the funds necessary to implement our housing bond proposal that would build thousands of necessary housing units. The stage is now set for discussions between the House and the Senate to develop a budget that will go big so people can go home, his statement said. Story continues Additionally, the House budget writers maintained a 9.8% reserve in its proposed budget, or about $3.2 billion in reserves, according to Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Those strong reserves position us well to maintain our excellent credit rating without sacrificing critical government programs and services, Ormsby said. Senate budget writers released their budget proposals last week, with a proposed $69.2 billion for the operating budget, and a $7.9 billion proposal for the capital budget. On Friday, the Senate passed its capital budget unanimously. The House and Senate will negotiate and come to an agreement for a final budget that must be passed by the end of the legislative session on April 23. Here are some of the proposed expenditures from the House operating budget proposal. K-12 House budget leaders are proposing $1.9 billion in funding for students, teachers and schools. Special education funding in particular was one of their top priorities this year, said Rep. Steve Berquist, D-Renton, vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, and as such budget writers have proposed $179 million for special education student support. House budget leaders also are factoring in a $570 million salary adjustment and healthcare cost increase for educators in K-12 learning. While a proposal to provide all K-12 students with free school lunch did not pass the Legislature this year, lawmakers are proposing $85 million for free meals for certain students in the proposed operating budget. Berquist also said that with the proposed $82 million this year for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program that the program is on its way to being fully funded in 2027. Housing and human services House lawmakers are proposing $175 million for emergency housing as well as rental assistance in their version of the operating budget. Additionally, House budget writers are proposing $150 million towards a covenant homeownership program, which would help some first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. In total, $704 million is proposed for affordable housing costs for the next biennium. Additionally, House lawmakers are looking at $60 million for encampment response, and an additional $27 million for the Housing and Essential Needs referral program. Food assistance programs would get a $128 million boost in support, and $44 million would be added to increase funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other cash assistance programs in the state. Climate and natural resources The Climate Commitment Act will see some large investments under the proposed budget from House lawmakers, with $316 million going towards the program. The CCA was first passed in 2021 and its purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. Additionally, $45 million is proposed for forest health and wildfire protection, as well as $25 million for biodiversity protection. The new Republican-led House of Representatives on Monday ordered the State Department to hand over a dissent cable by diplomats which warned of risks as US troops withdrew from Afghanistan. Representative Mike McCaul, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was sending a subpoena to make good on a threat he made Thursday at a hearing to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had offered a compromise of a briefing about the memorandum. The internal cable, sent through a longstanding channel for dissent as President Joe Biden ended America's longest war, was widely reported to have voiced concern -- presciently -- that the Western-backed government would quickly collapse as US troops left. "We have made multiple good-faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information," McCaul said. As troops rushed to evacuate Afghan allies, a bombing outside the Kabul airport on August 26, 2021 killed 13 US troops and some 170 Afghan civilians. The Islamic State-Khorasan group claimed responsibility. "The American people deserve answers as to how this tragedy unfolded, and why 13 US servicemembers lost their lives," McCaul said. Blinken told the committee that the State Department would cooperate but that he wanted to preserve "the integrity of the process" and make sure that diplomats in the future are free to express dissent internally. The State Department "followed up with the committee to reiterate its willingness to provide a briefing about the concerns raised and the challenges identified by Embassy Kabul, including in the dissent channel," department spokesman Vedant Patel said. "The committee chose instead to issue a subpoena," he said. "The department remains committed to providing the committee with the information it needs to conduct its oversight function, and has already provided thousands of pages of documents responsive to the committee's request." It remains unclear what the committee would do if the State Department refuses to deliver the full document and if it would seek court action to enforce the subpoena. Story continues Then president Donald Trump's administration reached a deal with Taliban leaders that involved the withdrawal of all US forces. Biden delayed implementation by several months but went ahead, saying the United States had no vital interest in maintaining forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban swiftly took over Kabul, restoring an Islamist state toppled by a US-led coalition after the September 11, 2001 attacks. sct/dw State Department officials are consulting with Haitian grassroots organizations, academics and others to see how the United States can help tackle the countrys ongoing gang violence and instability. The consultations, which have included discussions with over 230 individuals and organizations, are ongoing and part of the priority the country is being given under the Global Fragility Act. A long-term strategy that was rolled out last year, the idea behind the act is to support programs through a 10-year commitment that prevents violent conflicts before they erupt and fosters conditions for growth that help stabilize the country. The hope is that by taking a long-term policy framework for the United States approach to assistance in Haiti, rather than short, erratic disbursements, the U.S. and Haiti will see better results. Critics have long accused the U.S. and others in the international community of being shortsighted when it comes to aid programs, or not showing a long-term commitment to ensure that programs work. As a result, the funding dries up and the program ends. The White House first announced Haitis selection as a priority country last year. A public summary of the plan was finally released Friday as President Joe Biden was wrapping up a visit to Ottawa with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Biden had hoped to convince Trudeau to lead a military intervention into Haiti, where ongoing gang violence and kidnappings are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Trudeau instead announced additional support for the Haitian National Police. Biden said he wasnt disappointed. However, he acknowledged that the crisis demands a sense of urgency beyond strengthening the police, which is going to take a little bit of time. Gangs have now taken the place of the government, Biden said, acknowledging that the U.S. is looking at whether or not the international community, through the United Nations, could play a larger role in this event, in this circumstance, but there is no question that there is a real, genuine concern. Story continues Haiti joins several other countries including Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and a group of West African coastal states as priority countries under the Global Fragility Act. This is not the first time the U.S. has tried to approach assistance to Haiti in a new way. After the countrys deadly 2010 earthquake left more than 300,000 dead, the Obama administration touted trade instead of aid and focused assistance outside of the capital in hopes of encouraging many of the more than 1.5 million left homeless by the quake to relocate. A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, however, detailed how efforts to help the country rebuild fell short. Projects have been stymied by cancellations, reduced budget allocations and cost overruns and delays, the report found. On Monday, the United Nations continued its appeal for international support for Haiti to help address the root causes of the crisis. The Haiti director for the United Nations World Food Program, Jean-Martin Bauer, said Haiti remains a country in desperate need of international support. Haiti cant wait. We cant wait for the situation here to get more difficult before the international community reacts and comes in, Bauer told journalists during a noon briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York. Theres been a lot of talk about supporting the political process in Haiti, about improving security in the country. All of those are important but they wont be viable unless there is a robust humanitarian response. Nearly half of Haitis 12 million residents currently do not have enough to eat, Bauer said. Hunger weakens any effort to stabilize the country, he warned. Bauer said the escalation in armed violence is affecting Haitians ability to feed themselves and forcing some to drink rainwater, amid an ongoing deadly cholera outbreak because of lack of access to potable water. Proponents of the new U.S. funding strategy say they are well aware of the challenges but believe the crisis in Haiti requires a more effective approach. The proliferation of armed gangs and kidnappings is making it difficult for assistance to reach the population and for people to move around. Last week, the United Nations reported that fresh clashes between warring armed gangs in Port-au-Prince had left at least 187 people dead in less than two weeks. The month of February saw the highest cases of reported kidnappings, 259, in a single month, since the U.N. began tracking abductions in 2005. On Monday, the State Department reiterated its warning that U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart the country now in light of the current security and health situation and infrastructure challenges. Kidnapping is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens, a spokesperson said. The spokesperson declined to say how many U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Haiti. Last week, a Tamarac family pleaded for help after two of their loved ones, Jean Dickens Toussaint and his wife Abigail Toussaint, both 33, were taken hostage by a gang while riding on a bus along a gang-controlled road on March 18 south of the capital. The gang is reportedly asking for $200,000 per person after initially receiving a $6,000 ransom payment. The couple still had not been released as of Monday afternoon. Our Travel Advisory for Haiti is a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest, the State Department spokesperson said. Humza Yousaf The new SNP leader Humza Yousaf is set to be formally elected as Scotland's next first minister. He has pledged to be a "first minister for all of Scotland" after being chosen by party members to replace Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Yousaf, who had been serving as health secretary, also vowed to "kickstart" a grassroots campaign that would "ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear". Our correspondents look at some of the other issues which are looming in his in-tray. Analysis box by Lisa Summers, health correspondent, Scotland Humza Yousaf is well aware of the mammoth task required to fix the problems across health and social care. More than 600,000 people are on a waiting list; A&E departments are regularly full; one in every six patients in hospital cannot get out, despite being ready to be discharged. He is leaving a pretty unpleasant in-tray for whoever he appoints to succeed him as health secretary. Every year more money is channelled into the health service but it is still not enough to meet growing demand. Patients are getting older and sicker, drugs costs are going up, and staff pay demands keep growing. Scotland may have avoided nurses' strikes - but this week junior doctors start a ballot on whether to walk out over pay. The government's track record on the NHS is never far from a political rammy, but increasingly those working within health and social care are asking policy makers to step back from arguing between themselves and give some candid consideration to what kind of reform is needed. The new FM says his priority is to recover and reform the NHS but he won't deviate from its founding principle, to be free at the point of use. But to deliver that will have to involve unpopular decisions about what the healthcare system can and cannot afford. Analysis box by Jamie McIvor, news correspondent, BBC Scotland Before the pandemic, the Scottish government saw education as its defining mission. It wanted to be judged by its progress raising attainment and helping children and young people from disadvantaged areas. As the "continuity candidate" Mr Yousaf can expect to have his government's performance on education scrutinised closely. Story continues Inevitably, the pandemic has thrown up new problems which are still real issues. Some teachers are well aware of the long-term effects the disruption to education during 2020 and 2021 continue to have on both the academic and personal development of some pupils. There has been a rise in the proportion of university students from disadvantaged backgrounds in recent years and universities are on course to meet long-term targets on this. But worries have been expressed that it is sometimes proving harder for other young people - who are not necessarily actively advantaged - to get places on certain courses. There is a legitimate, underlying debate to be had about the extent to which the education system alone can help young people overcome the effects of poverty and disadvantage. Does more of the focus need to be on poverty and disadvantage itself? The Scottish government would argue many of the levers to do this lie at Westminster but opposition parties argue more could be done by Holyrood. Finally there is the relationship between the Scottish government and education professionals. Can the government properly reset its strained relationship with teachers after the recent strike? Will the abolition of the qualifications agency the SQA, announced nearly two years ago, amount to more than a restructuring and a rebrand? Analysis box by Douglas Fraser, business and economy editor, Scotland Scotland's business lobbies hope for a reset in their relations with Bute House. Several feel their concerns have taken a low priority under Nicola Sturgeon. As evidence, they point to a raft of reforms that are making it more expensive to do business. The highest profile during the leadership campaign has been the deposit return scheme (DRS), All three SNP leadership candidates say it cannot go ahead, at least on its current schedule. This is a policy associated with Green ministers, and change would require negotiation with them. They have signalled a willingness to give ground on the way it impacts small firms. There follow question marks over limiting the marketing of alcohol, the tax and regulations affecting private landlords, marine protections, and growing hostility to further oil and gas investment. There are longer-term challenges: improving road transport as it affects freight, ferries as they affect island economies, and the uncertainty hanging over support for green business activity, such as retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, which will be necessary to hit climate change targets. There's the clamour, notably from retailers, to reform business rates. And there is a question mark over economic strategy. That starts within devolved powers, where the year-old strategy is seen as more a wish list than an action plan. It extends to a plan for an independent Scotland's economy - its currency, relations with the European Union and trading with the rest of the UK, and how it could spark the growth necessary to fund big ambitions. Analysis box by Kevin Keane, BBC Scotland environment correspondent Tackling climate change was one of Nicola Sturgeon's priorities, with the Scottish Parliament setting some of the most ambitious targets in the world. But year after year those targets have been missed and the government's independent advisers have said Scotland's lead has been lost. So the new first minister will have to take a grasp of these failures, whether they like it or not, because the 2030 and 2045 targets are legally binding. It may not be popular either. It's often been said that we've "done the easy stuff" like decarbonising our electricity supply networks. What comes next will require big spending and big change, like installing heat pumps in millions of homes and creating a charging network to facilitate drivers switching to electric vehicles. With environmental groups increasingly using the courts to hold governments to account, this also isn't something that can be put off indefinitely. Analysis box by Pauline McLean, BBC Scotland arts correspondent During her eight years in government, there were few book festivals that Nicola Sturgeon didn't attend as guest chair or simply an avid reader. Passion for culture rarely translates into policy or funding, but her regular attendance of cultural events, far beyond her own constituency, was an important endorsement of the value of culture in Scotland. Humza Yousaf has indicated he would like to continue that support, and indeed make it more of a priority for the Scottish government. He seems to appreciate that it's a vast and differing sector - which contributes to many other strands, such as education, economy and climate change. Many organisations provided an important lifeline during the pandemic - look at Scottish Ballet's dance for health classes, which reached millions online, or Scottish Opera's Breath Cycle project, which aimed to help those whose lung health was compromised by long Covid. The funding body Creative Scotland - and Screen Scotland - warned last year of a "perfect storm" caused by cuts, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. An appeal for extra funding was met instead with the threat of 10% cuts. Although that decision was reversed, it doesn't abate that perfect storm which has already led to the closure of some organisations like the Nevis Ensemble. Brexit and visas are the new concerns for those who've weathered the storm so far. None of these are simple, single issues to be filed away. Whether the new first minister will choose to make them a priority in his burgeoning in-tray is another matter. Young people have spoken to Newsbeat about what they want from Humza Yousaf Humza Yousaf has taken over the job Nicola Sturgeon held for more than eight years. He's become the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the country's first minister. For many people in their teens and 20s, it's the biggest political change in Scotland in their adult lives. BBC Newsbeat spent a week speaking to young people across the country to find out what they think about some of the big issues facing the new SNP leader. Scottish independence One of the things Nicola Sturgeon was best known for was her desire to make Scotland independent. That would mean breaking away from the rest of the UK, and giving the government more control over its own laws and political decisions. Catering student James was 10 years old in 2014, when Scotland held a referendum on becoming independent. In the end, 55% voted to remain inside the UK and 45% voted for independence. The 19-year-old says he remembers stickers - Yes or No - depending on which way people planned to vote. "You still see them now," he says. "Folks still have them on their cars and everything... mostly Yes." Catering student James was in primary school at the time of the 2014 referendum Humza Yousaf's said he's pro-independence, but so far he's sounded more cautious than Nicola Sturgeon on the issue. But it isn't the topic on the minds of most young people Newsbeat speaks to. Melanie's view is straightforward: "It doesn't interest me at all. "They need to focus on the prices of stuff. The cost of living's going up far too much and people are struggling far too much." Cost of living One person who's definitely felt the cost-of-living crisis hitting her bank account is 21-year-old Jody, from Dundee. She's now based in Fort William, studying adventure education in the West Highlands and working in a soft play centre. One big cost Jody's cut down on is rent - she's swapped living in a flat for a 20-year-old Maxus van she now calls home. "It's a bit raggedy and rusty, but inside it's lovely and has everything I need," she says. Jody says the van's fridge, small cooker and tiny heater have "definitely helped me to live cheaper". Story continues "The cost of petrol is the only thing I have to really worry about." Jody says living in her van has saved her money on rent - but it can get very cold Jody she also has to contend with some brutal winter temperatures - something she says she only survived thanks to a sleeping bag onesie her mum bought for her. She says her experience has highlighted the need for a "balance of what people have and what people need". Even in Fort William, she says, there are "too many people, not enough houses" and rent costs are too high. "A lot of people, even adults and older people are living in shared houses," she says. "That would be good to be sorted." Representation Humza Yousaf's made history as the first ethnic minority leader of a devolved government and the first Muslim to lead a major UK party. And young Scots in the diverse Pollokshields area of Glasgow hope his victory means he will give more of a voice to people from a South Asian background. "As a South Asian myself I think it's a pretty good thing our community is being represented," the 20-year-old Ismail Ahmed says. "I feel like Pakistanis, or even just South Asians in general, don't really have a big representation. "And now that the first minister, the person that's controlling the country, is a South Asian, it just shows that there'll be more representation." Ismail says their new leader is more relatable than Nicola Sturgeon Climate Nicola Sturgeon set ambitious climate targets for Scotland - but it's repeatedly missed them. If he wants to catch up that could mean unpopular decisions for Humza Yousaf. Especially in places like Aberdeen - the "oil capital of Europe" - where many are employed in the off-shore rigs off the coast. Jimmy, who talks to Newsbeat while walking his dog along the coast, tells us his dad works off-shore which is not unusual for the area. "Growing up in Aberdeen you always know somebody who works off-shore so it's certainly an industry that I would say affects everybody in the city and the north-east," he says. But he's not against changing the way things are done. "If it's a managed transition I would move towards cleaner and greener energy, I think that's a good thing." Climate campaigner Cerys wants the Scottish government to move more quickly on helping the climate Cerys is a member of climate campaign Fridays for Future - a group that's welcomed Humza Yousaf's stance on phasing out fossil fuels in favour of renewables. She says "oil and gas is something we have to transition away from as quickly as possible". But Cerys acknowledges that it's "incredibly important that oil workers and their families are supported" in any move away from fossil fuels. Things are changing - a little further up the coast from Aberdeen you can see a huge wind farm and a new harbour dedicated to supporting green energy. But for campaigners like Cerys it's not enough. "Aberdeen could be the renewable energy capital of Europe instead of the oil capital," she says. Gender rights One issue that's dominated coverage of Scottish politics this year has been the row over trans rights. The Scottish parliament voted to make it easier for people to change their legal gender, but the UK government blocked the move. Humza Yousaf says he'll challenge the blocking of the bill in the courts, but only if legal advice supports this. The issue was put back in the spotlight this year when Isla Bryson, a transgender rapist, was jailed for attacking two women before changing gender. Andie, 27, who identifies as non-binary, spoke to Newsbeat in Lenzie, near Glasgow. "It's kind of scary to be a trans person in Scotland and also the UK right now," Andie says. Andie thinks the backlash against the Gender Reform Bill has been a setback for LGBT people. "It took me a long time to figure out who I was," says Andie. "I think that's because I didn't have people in my life like me and people in Scotland didn't understand it." The Gender Reform Bill has generated fierce debate from supporters and opponents Nicole, 25, from Edinburgh, is opposed to the changes to the gender laws and worries they'll make single-sex spaces like "accommodation, sport and women's refuges" less safe. This is one of the reasons critics, including high-profile opponents like JK Rowling, say the plans are an attack on women's rights. Nicole's not convinced by the argument that other countries have relaxed self-identification rules without an increase in attacks on women. "A lot of the time it's difficult to track because you're recording by gender identity and not sex, then you can't trace the impact," she says. But Andie says the proposed changes don't put women's rights at risk. "Those rights are still there, we're not asking to take them away, we're just asking for us to have rights too." Engaging young voters Perhaps the biggest challenge for Humza Yousaf will be getting young people to pay attention to politics at all. Lots of those who spoke to Newsbeat said they didn't bother with it. "I don't really look at news," catering student James told us. "I only look at it if something big happens." And Jody, who lives in her van, said: "I find the news quite depressing, quite anxiety-inducing so I try to stay away from it." But there might be some hope. Remember those 16 and 17 year olds given a vote in 2014? More than 100,000 of the 3.6 million who turned out to vote were in that age group. So maybe they can be convinced to come back again. Listen to BBC Newsbeat's special Scotland's next first minister on BBC Sounds. Newsbeat logo Follow Newsbeat on Twitter and YouTube. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. Parliament of Hungary Of the 199 deputies of the Hungarian parliament, 182 voted for the ratification of the protocol on Finland's membership in NATO, with six voting against the motion. Read also: Hungary says it will block Ukraine joining EU and NATO because of Ukraines education law Hungary and Turkey were the last of NATO members to approve Finland and Sweden joining the alliance after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. Turkey is now the only NATO member country whose parliament is yet to approve Finland's application. Sweden and Finland simultaneously filed bids to join NATO in May 2022 amid Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Applications must be ratified by the parliaments of all NATO member states. Read also: Ukrainian ombudsman Lubinets meets with his Turkish counterpart On Jan. 29, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara could agree to Finland's entry into NATO before Sweden's, amid diplomatic tensions with Stockholm. On March 26, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that the Parliament hadnt ratified the applications of Sweden and Finland to join NATO yet, due to "disrespectful behavior of the political elites of the two countries towards Hungary." Read also: Hungary says it will block Ukraine joining EU and NATO because of Ukraines education law After Finland and Sweden ultimately join the alliance, NATO's border with Russia will more than double. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine FIRST ON FOX: Hunter Bidens former business partner, John Robinson "Rob" Walker, appears to have visited the White House at least 16 times when President Biden was vice president. Walkers name resurfaced a couple of weeks ago when House Oversight Committee Republicans said they obtained records showing members of the Biden family received more than $1 million in payments from accounts related to Walker and their Chinese business ventures in 2017. Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., obtained the records after subpoenaing Bank of America, which revealed that "at least three family members" received lucrative payments from a bank account belonging to Walker, who worked with Hunter, President Biden's brother Jim, their business associate James Gilliar and Tony Bobulinksi in a failed joint-venture called Sinohawk Holdings, which was meant to be a partnership with now-bankrupt energy firm CEFC, a Chinese Communist Party-linked company According to a committee memo, "Biden family members and their companies began receiving incremental payments over a period of approximately three months" from Walker. House Oversight chair James Comer, R-Ky., is leading a probe into the business dealings of Hunter Biden and other members of the Biden family. TOP TIKTOK LOBBYIST PREVIOUSLY ADVISED TECH EQUITY FIRM WITH CLOSE TIES TO HUNTER BIDEN "In the beginning, the White House denied having any knowledge or the fact that their family was involved in any sort of way, shape or form with the CCP. But now we have bank records that reveal otherwise," Rep. Comer told host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. "We don't know what the Bidens did in return for this money. The lawyer said that it was seed capital for a business. We haven't been able to find a business. Right now it looks like the Biden family just pocketed this money." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP According to visitor logs reviewed by Fox News Digital, John R. Walker, a former Clinton administration official and husband of Betsy Massey Walker, who was a top aide to then-second lady Jill Biden, was listed visiting the White House twice in 2009, five times in 2011, four times in 2012, twice in 2013 and once in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Story continues Fox News Digital reached out to the White House multiple times seeking confirmation with over a dozen dates that show a John R. Walker visiting the White House during the Obama-Biden administration, but they did not respond. On May 13, 2011, Walker is listed as visiting the White House to meet with David Lane, then-President Obama's assistant and Counselor to his chief of staff. A Fox News Digital review also found that Lane is a longtime associate of Walker, Hunter Biden, and Hunter's longtime business partner Eric Schwerin, who visited the White House during the Obama-Biden administration at least 27 times respectively. Two days before Walker met with Lane at the White House, Hunter invited Lane to a BBQ at his house, prompting Lane to reply, "Looking forward to it, Hunter. See you soon." Fox News Digital inquired about the nature of the meeting and whether there were discussions at the BBQ about the upcoming White House meeting, but Lane did not respond. Walker and his wife also did not respond to requests for comment. The following year, Schwerin floated Lane's name in an email to Hunter Biden as a potential reference for Rosemont Seneca Technology Partners (RSTP), an affiliate of Hunter's now-dissolved Rosemont Seneca Partners, to use for prospective clients when they practice their due diligence. In a July 2012 email from John DeLoche, one of the RSTP partners, to Walker, Schwerin, and Hunter, he says, "One thing that is important on which we could be stronger in this list is references from formerly or sitting elected officials to show depth of Washington relationships. For example, having a name like John Kerry on this list is fantastic." "I think Devon [Archer] adding John Kerry to the list wasn't helpful as far as the expectations now on our end but what about adding Amb. David Lane (not sure if it is kosher given his position but he was a former employer of ours so it would seem legitimate)," Schwerin told Hunter, appearing to refer to the Department of Commerce, where they both likely met Lane in the late 1990's under then-President Clinton. Walker, who acknowledged in a 2017 email that he has been "acting as a surrogate for H[unter] around the country and abroad pursuing opportunities" would go on to email a list of references to the group email, including Lane and saying Lane would be a reference for Walker, Schwerin, and Hunter. It is unclear whether Lane, who was just sworn in less than two weeks earlier as Obama's U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture, fielded any calls on their behalf vouching for them. In addition to the White House visit with Lane, seven of the visits were listed as tours of the White House grounds, and two of the visits have no reason listed. Other potential visits included attending a holiday reception on December 2009, a reception at the Executive Office of the President (EOP) in December 2013, and attending what appeared to be the July Fourth celebrations on the South Lawn in July 2011 and 2014. The White House official associated with the July 2011 visit appears to be Ashley Williams, who has served in multiple roles in the Biden and Obama administrations. INVESTMENT FIRM OF FORMER OBAMA-BIDEN OFFICIALS HOSTED MULTIPLE CCP-TIED COMPANIES AT 2015 LUNCHEON Months later, in October 2011, Walker attended a staff dinner at Joe Biden's vice presidential residence (VPR), according to the visitor logs. Emails from Hunter Biden's infamous abandoned laptop show that Walker's wife worked for the Office of the Vice President as second lady Jill Biden's personal aide until at least 2013 based on her government email being used. First Lady Jill Biden lists Walker's name in her 2019 book. The revelations come after House Oversight Committee Republicans demanded Walker give a transcribed interview after they say they obtained records through a subpoena of Bank of America that a bank account belonging to Walker and his company Robinson Walker LLC received $3 million from State Energy HK Limited, which was affiliated with CEFC. The Republicans said Walker then paid out more than $1 million to Hunter, James Biden and Hallie Biden, the widow of President Bidens son Beau who was romantically involved with Hunter. When confronted about the bank records by a reporter on the White House lawn May 17, President Biden denied that the payments were made. "That's not true," the president said. Hunters legal team accused Republicans of pushing a "baseless right-wing conspiracy theory" with a spokesperson stating the capital was part of "good faith seed funds." "Here we go again as Rep. Comer takes something old and tries to make it new by wrapping it in a wild and baseless right-wing conspiracy," a spokesperson for Hunter Bidens legal team said. WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 07: (L-R) Former U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. President Joe Biden arrive at a ceremony to unveil the official Obama White House portraits at the White House on September 7, 2022 in Washington, DC. The Obamas portraits will be the first official portraits added to the White House Collection since President Obama held an unveiling ceremony for George W. Bush and Laura Bush in 2012. "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," the spokesperson said. "As part of that joint venture, Hunter received his portion of good faith seed funds which he shared with his uncle, James Biden, and Hallie Biden, with whom he was involved with at the time, and sharing expenses." The spokesperson, though, confirmed the payments: "The accounts so dramatically listed by Rep. Comer belonged to Hunter, his uncle and Hallie nobody else." DNIPRO, Ukraine (AP) A deal to protect Europe's largest nuclear power plant from a catastrophic accident due to fighting in Ukraine could be close, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday, but warned that intensified combat in the area has increased risks to the facility. In an interview with The Associated Press a day before he was to cross the front lines for a second time to visit the plant, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he felt it was his duty to ramp up talks aimed at safeguarding the facility. He met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would most probably head to Russia in the coming days. There is an increased level of combat, active combat in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Grossi said. My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant. Grossi has long called for a protection zone to be set up around the plant, which is very near the front line of the war. But so far, an agreement has been elusive. It is a zone of extreme volatility. So the negotiations are, of course, affected by the ongoing military operations, Grossi said. I would not characterize the process for the last few months as one that has not led to any progress. The nuclear agency head said he has maintained a professional dialogue with both Russian and Ukrainian officials as he seeks a deal to ensure ... that there is no radiological accident, major catastrophic accident, in Europe. I think it's close, he said of the possibility of a deal. Obviously, obviously, I need a political commitment, political decision. And in this case, what I want to stress is that what they would be agreeing is on the protection of the plant. They are not agreeing with each other. They are agreeing with the IAEA. They are agreeing with nuclear safety and security. This is a very important element which I believe should be taken into consideration. Story continues The negotiations are specific to preventing a nuclear disaster at the plant and not aimed at securing a broader cease-fire, Grossi stressed. What we are doing, the way we are presenting things is as a series of principles or commitments that the IAEA presents and everybody would be able to support, he said. So in my opinion this should make an agreement possible, not impossible, not utopian, not something for which we should be waiting for months and months on end. The head of the nuclear agency said he sees an increased level of danger due to the fighting. I think the principle here is to avoid an accident, and the possibility of having it is increasing. This is a matter of fact. The U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog, which is based in Vienna, Austria, has a rotating team permanently based at the plant. The power station's six reactors are in shutdown and the plant has received the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown through one remaining functioning power line. Plant personnel have had to switch to emergency diesel generators six times during the 13-month war to power essential cooling systems. When backup power supplies might be needed again is absolutely unpredictable, Grossi said. Its because of the shelling, its because of the drone, it's because of an attack, it's because of an offensive operation or a defensive operation. So its not something that you can really plan for," he noted. "It is occurring, has been occurring. And if we base ourselves on what we have been seeing, its going to happen again. Military analysts expect the fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian forces to further escalate as spring progresses and the now muddy ground hardens, allowing heavy military machinery to advance on the battlefield. There is talk about offensives, counter-offensives, Grossi said. The concentration of troops, concentration of military equipment, heavy weaponry has grown exponentially in the area near to the plant, which of course, makes us believe that the possibility of an accident, of a renewed attack ... could grow. While the last direct shelling of the plant occurred in November, the surrounding area was still being hit, the nuclear agency chief said, noting that we have far more military activity, and more is announced. The IAEA head said he has discussed the situation at the highest levels with both sides and was still discussing different scenarios that could lead to the creation of a protection zone around the plant. This proposal is about preventing a nuclear accident. It Is not to create any situation which may have a military advantage or disadvantage or a legitimization of the situation, he said. So I have to walk this fine line talking to both, trying to make it so that both understand very well that a radiological accident ... here and also on the Russian side, would be extremely serious, and its something that we really need to avoid. Grossi's return to Zaporizhzhia to visit the power plant also aims to consolidate the presence of the IAEA, which is indispensable, to provide technical assistance of nuclear safety and security, to give an objective, impartial impression of what is really happening here, he said. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Idaho already has some of the most extreme abortion restrictions on the books, with nearly all abortions banned in the state and an affirmative defense law that essentially asserts any doctor who provides an abortion is guilty until proven innocent. And now Idaho Republicans have set their sights on hindering certain residents from traveling out of state to get an abortion. House Bill 242, which passed through the state House and is likely to move quickly through the Senate, seeks to limit minors ability to travel for abortion care without parental consent. The legislation would create a whole new crime dubbed abortion trafficking which is defined in the bill as an adult who, with the intent to conceal an abortion from the parents or guardian of a pregnant, unemancipated minor, either procures an abortion or obtains an abortion-inducing drug for the minor. Recruiting, harboring, or transporting the pregnant minor within this state commits the crime of abortion trafficking, the legislation adds. Abortion trafficking would be a felony, and those found guilty would face two to five years in prison. The legislation also includes a statute allowing the Idaho attorney general to supersede any local prosecutors decision, preemptively thwarting any prosecutor who vows not to enforce such an extreme law. Since the bill would criminalize anyone transporting a pregnant minor without parental consent within the state to get an abortion or to obtain medication abortion, it could apply to an aunt who drives a pregnant minor to the post office to pick up a package that includes abortion pills. Or it could target an older sibling who drives a pregnant minor to a friends house to self-manage an abortion at home. Either violation would carry a minimum sentence of two years in prison. The legislation doesnt actually say anything about crossing state lines, but Republican lawmakers are creative. Most pregnant people in Idaho are not traveling to obtain an abortion elsewhere in the state, since nearly all abortions are illegal in Idaho; theyre traveling to the border with the intent of crossing state lines, likely into Washington, Oregon or Montana, to get an abortion there. Story continues Technically, theyre not criminalizing people driving in Washington state with a minor. The crime is the time that someone is driving the minor in Idaho, said David Cohen, a law professor at Philadelphias Drexel University whose work focuses on constitutional law and abortion policy. Theyre going to say what theyre doing is just criminalizing actions that take place completely within Idaho, but in practice what theyre criminalizing is the person helping the minor, Cohen, who also litigates abortion-related cases with the Womens Law Project nonprofit, told HuffPost. State Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R), one of the sponsors of the abortion trafficking bill, said plainly that the intent of the legislation is to limit minors ability to travel out of state without parental consent. Its already illegal to get an abortion here in the state of Idaho, she told HuffPost. So, it would be taking that child across the border, and if that happens without the permission of the parent, thats where well be able to hold accountable those that would subvert a parents right. In the past, a bill like this would have been brushed aside as political fodder, never to become law. But Idaho has seen a Christian white nationalist insurgency in recent years, helping to create a legislature thats quickly gone down the far-right rabbit hole including by introducing legislation that would bring back firing squad executions, or make it a crime punishable by life in prison for a parent to get gender-affirming care for their transgender child. My colleagues are just rabid about denying all access to abortion care.Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the country has yet to find the floor on how extreme abortion restrictions can get and Republicans in Idaho are actively testing the waters. The far right has an incremental plan. Its death by a thousand cuts on many things, but theyre especially unrelenting on abortion, Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) told HuffPost. My colleagues are just rabid about denying all access to abortion care. Its really harmful to women, and its harmful to our state. The abortion trafficking bill is rapidly advancing through the Legislature. It passed along party lines in the state House (57-12-1) earlier this month with less than 10 minutes of floor discussion. The final roadblock for the bill was the Senate State Affairs Committee, which on Monday agreed to hold a full Senate vote. A handful of amendments, which dont substantively change the bill, were added on Monday, meaning the bill will head back to the House for a full vote after the Senate vote takes place. Its extremely likely to pass in the Senate, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 4 to 1, and in the House, which has already passed the bill once. Gov. Brad Little (R), a devout anti-abortion advocate and the first governor to enact a copycat of Texas infamous bounty hunter abortion restriction, is likely to sign the bill into law. Wintrow is prepared to fight the legislation in the Senate, but shes only one of 18 Democrats in a Legislature of 105 members. Shes not optimistic, despite being acutely aware of just how devastating a bill like this could be for minors, physicians and the greater health care system in Idaho. It feels terribly inevitable that this bill will pass, said Wintrow, who has been teaching gender studies at Boise State University for over 20 years. Thats what were facing. Thats my fear. Thats the pit in my stomach. Ehardt stressed to HuffPost that the bill is about parental rights. What we want to make sure of is that parents are the ones who are in charge of their children. Parents are the ones who need to be involved in helping to make these decisions, she said. A parent absolutely still has the right to take their child across the border and get an abortion, Ehardt added. The parent still has the right to cede that power and authority to someone else, such as a grandparent or an aunt, to take that child, should they be pregnant, across the border and get an abortion. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) said it's Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) said it's "terribly inevitable" that the abortion trafficking bill will pass into law. The language in the Idaho legislation is ripped nearly word for word from a model law published by the National Right to Life Committee, a leading anti-abortion group, just weeks before Roe fell. Idaho Right to Life, a state-level organization of National Right to Life, crafted the bill that Ehardt is leading through the Legislature. What was once viewed as an extremists dream agenda is now very real. This is the first of what will probably be many states that pass provisions like this because it does seem to be something that the movement wants, at least for minors. Whether they expand it to adults, too, we will see, Cohen said. But at least for minors, this seems to be part of the blueprint. And Idaho is now the first state thats putting it into reality. Missouri has had a similar law on the books since 2005, although Missouris statute has a civil penalty. Idahos goes farther with felony punishment and seeks to create an entirely new crime under the states criminal code. Most teenagers and adolescents voluntarily include at least one parent in abortion decisions. But for the minority of those who dont, its often for good reason. Studies show that requiring parental involvement can increase the risk of harm or abuse, delay care and lead minors to seek out dangerous alternatives. The risk of abuse is especially acute for LGBTQ kids. And parental consent laws are common. Currently, 36 states require some kind of parental involvement for a minor to receive abortion care. Almost all of those states have a judicial bypass process that allows a minor to obtain approval from a court without alerting their parents, although this procedure is time-consuming and confusing, and it puts up many logistical barriers for young people who have few resources. Idaho state Rep. Lauren Necochea (D) brought up this issue during the brief discussion on the House floor this month before the bill passed. There are cases where a minor might not feel safe telling their parents they need abortion care, she said. It could be an abusive family situation. It could be any number of circumstances that make it feel unsafe for a 17-year-old to go to her parents, but maybe she has a big sister who can help her out, Necochea added, noting that the bill would prohibit a minor from talking to a sibling or other trusted relative about plans to obtain an abortion. The phrasing of this law is very strategically trying not to impede on the right to travel but focusing more on the states right to interfere with young peoples medical decisions.Rebecca Wang, legal support counsel at If/When/How Several national health groups agree that a minor should not be required to involve their parents in decisions to obtain an abortion, including the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. But targeting minors is why such legislation works. They have fewer rights than adults in some situations, allowing lawmakers to litigate away critical health care for adolescents. (Just look at what Florida, Tennessee and a dozen or so other states are doing to gender-affirming care for trans youth.) Its a very creative way of getting around the legality of this, Rebecca Wang, legal support counsel at the reproductive justice nonprofit If/When/How, told HuffPost about the Idaho bill. The phrasing of this law is very strategically trying not to impede on the right to travel but focusing more on the states right to interfere with young peoples medical decisions. I certainly see this as part of the trend of chipping away at the right to travel. For her part, Ehardt said she took on this bill because of her passion for parental rights. She is not looking to limit any adults ability to travel across state borders to get abortion care for themselves. I cant speak for what any organization or someone else may try to do, but as far as Im concerned this is a way to handle parental rights, she said. I am not interested in carrying legislation to try to restrict someones ability, if they are pregnant and they are an adult, to go somewhere else [out of state]. Similar to other abortion restrictions, the legality of the bill is suspect. And since people travel around Idaho and across state lines every day, its unclear how it would be enforced. Between the legal jargon and constant confusion around abortion limitations, the legislation is likely to simply have a chilling effect. This is another one of those laws that seeks to create an atmosphere of not being able to trust the people around you. They [Republican lawmakers] are relying on a network of people around a person seeking care to potentially report them to authorities, Wang said. The very real effect we will see is adults who are supportive of a young persons right to get an abortion are going to be quite hesitant to offer that assistance, and be concerned that they might be prosecuted and go to jail as a result of this, she added. Thats concerning because young people, more than anybody, need additional community support to access services. Restricting anyones ability to travel looks and sounds unconstitutional. But in the U.S. a country where the Supreme Court repealed nearly 50 years of precedent, lawmakers are vowing to surveil and prosecute pregnant people, and a lawsuit with no scientific basis is threatening access to medication widely used for abortion and miscarriage care whats constitutional or unconstitutional is up for debate. There is nothing clear about current Supreme Court case law that mandates the result that I think is right, which is that this is unconstitutional, Cohen said. And because its not clear from the case law, I think motivated judges are going to have the ability to decide one way or the other based on how they feel about abortion. In his concurring opinion for Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh did state that the right to interstate travel is still constitutionally protected. But since the abortion trafficking bill is crafted in a way that only pertains to travel inside Idaho, lawmakers may have found a loophole. Rebecca Gibron, the CEO of a Seattle-based Planned Parenthood affiliate, told HuffPost that her organization will meet the legal battle wherever it is. This wouldnt be the first time that the Idaho Legislature and the governor put bills into law that are unconstitutional. We have challenged them and won, said Gibron, who heads Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky. Theres no way this bill is constitutional, and if its passed there will absolutely be a legal battle. Idaho can bet on that. CORRECTION: This story has been amended to reflect that Missouri passed legislation similar to Idahos in 2005, though the Missouri law does not carry a criminal penalty. Related... A man from Idaho has broken the states 13-year northern pike fishing record with a catch that was more than half a pound heavier than its predecessor. Thomas Francis reeled in a 40.76-pound northern pike from Hayden Lake in North Idaho, according to a press release and Facebook post shared by the Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG). On Friday, March 24, the government-operated fishing and hunting agency, revealed Francis caught the record-breaking pike, which measured 49 inches in length and 26.5 inches in girth. INDIANA FISHING RECORD BROKEN FOR 3RD TIME AFTER ANOTHER ANGLER BREAKS RECORD TWICE ON SAME DAY Photos of Francis holding the record-breaking pike show the length of the fish is wider than his shoulders. The record-breaking northern pike Thomas Francis caught from Hayden Lake in North Idaho on March 21, 2023, reportedly weighed 40.76 pounds. Certified Weight Fish Records on the IDFG website say Francis caught his record-breaking northern pike on Tuesday, March 21. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Pike is what I go after all the time," Francis told the IDFG, in a statement. "I spend almost everyday fishing for pike. As soon as the ice is off and until it comes back. " Francis reportedly used an 80-pound test line and a lure to catch his record-breaking pike. He told the IDFG that he used the same gear and practiced the same approach he usually does whenever he goes pike fishing. ALABAMA FATHER AND SON CATCH RECORD-BREAKING, 162-POUND ALLIGATOR GAR There was ice on the lake, so Francis had cast his lure to the edge of the ice instead of from the shore, he recalled to the IDFG. "When my lure hit the water, I let it sink all the way to the bottom. As soon as my lure hit the bottom, I felt her hit." Francis told the IDFG. "She almost immediately started peeling drag, a lot of it." "I immediately headed for the dock to try and find a boat with a scale and tape measure," Thomas Francis told the IDFG after catching a record-breaking pike from Hayden Lake in North Idaho on March 21, 2023. "She pinned herself to the bottom and just kept going, peeling drag the whole time," he continued. "I knew that wasnt normal, and I could tell it was something special." Eventually, the pike changed direction and swam to the lakes surface, which clued Francis into how "huge" the fish really was. MASSIVE GREAT WHITE SHARK CAUGHT AND RELEASED AT FLORIDA BEACH: 'THIS WAS SOMETHING BIGGER' Story continues Francis told the IDFG he suspected the pike could be a state record fish after he finally reeled the pike in. "I immediately headed for the dock to try and find a boat with a scale and tape measure," Francis told the IDFG. "We found a boat with a scale, and the fish pegged the scale out at 30 pounds, so we knew we needed to find a bigger scale." Francis went off to find a certified scale and when he did, he weighed the pike in at 40.76 pounds. The IDFG confirmed the weight to be a new state record and made its formal announcement three days later. VIRGINIA FISHERMAN REELS IN RARE LARGEMOUTH BASS FROM RIVER: 'HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT' The previous northern pike record in Idaho was caught in 2010 from Lower Twin Lake in North Idaho, and it reportedly weighed 40.13 pounds and measured 50.75-by-22.75 inches. Northern pikes are considered a carnivorous game fish, according to various fish encyclopedias. The species can be found throughout North America. In the United States, the fish is often found in "upper mid-western states," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The fish can also be found in parts of Montana, Idaho, Alaska, Vermont, West Virginia, Kansas and the Great Lakes region, according to an invasive fish species profile published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Francis told the IDFG he enjoys pike fishing in North Idaho because "they are the biggest fish we can go after" in the area. Northern pikes (also known as Esox Lucius) are a carnivorous game fish that can be found in various bodies of water in the U.S. "I like having pike around," he said. "I fish for them almost every day." Fishing record hopefuls can submit certified weight record applications and catch-and-release record applications online, according to IDFGs news release announcing Francis' catch. A staff member of the IDFG must sign off on the catch in order for it to be recognized as an official state record. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Getty Images I'm a mom of three kids and former school teacher. At one point, I had to hide 24 fourth-grade students in a closet in total silence during a drill. When my own kids started going to school, I feared for their lives. Nothing prepared me for how to get 24 fourth graders to hide in the classroom closets without making a sound during a shooting drill. There was no college course about how to do it, no simple steps to follow. It was a preventive measure I learned out of necessity. After the 1999 Columbine, Colorado, school shooting, lockdown drills became part of the educational landscape. Schools began practicing for gun violence the way they practiced for emergencies like fires. It was my job to not only teach kids how to read but also protect them from a shooter. As an elementary-school teacher, I loved decorating my classroom to create a colorful, cozy space that fostered learning. I still remember how odd it was to see the cheerful bulletin boards inches from where my students were hiding during a lockdown drill. I couldn't understand how those two extremes fit together. It didn't make sense. It still doesn't. Since I had my own children in the early 2000s, lockdown drills in school are all they've ever known. They never went to school without knowing where to hide, how to stay out of sight, and what to do if they're in the bathroom when the alarm went off. It's a part of their educational experience I could never have imagined, not in my town not in the US. Kids are still scared We've all learned to adapt. I'm no longer teaching, but my colleagues have all mastered whatever skills they can to keep their students safe. They block windows and lock doors. They keep kids quiet and find ways to reassure them even in silence. Lockdowns across the country may be routine, but emotions still run high. Just as teachers meet the unique learning needs of each student, they meet the emotional needs that come with every lockdown drill. Teachers find a delicate balance between the seriousness of the situation and offering the comfort students need. Story continues Sending my own kids to school is terrifying Just like every parent, I worry about my kids. I worry about not being there to protect them. I worry that we're not doing enough. I worry that they will not come home. From the first time I sent them to their elementary classes, only days after the shooting in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, to watching them walk out the door for high school, I was afraid this could happen at their school. And I've worried every day since. Teachers will step up, even when they are scared Once I had my own kids, I faced the reality that protecting my students could leave my kids without a mom. I knew I would do it, just as I would protect a child on the street from getting hit by a car. But I can't help but think that in a role where I should be focusing on teaching kids how to read, it shouldn't feel this scary. I know what it is to be one person responsible for the safety of dozens. It's a heavy burden. I can only trust that the teachers who guard my children are teachers for the same reason I was: to help children. Most days, that looks like helping them learn a letter sound or understand multiplication. Other days, it looks like protecting them from the unthinkable. Read the original article on Insider NEW DELHI Indias Defence Ministry has awarded three defense contracts to state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd. worth a cumulative of about 67.5 billion rupees (U.S. $824.1 million) without holding a competition with other vendors. The Indian military currently buys the majority of materiel from state-run defense companies on a single-vendor nomination basis, while the share of private defense contractors constitutes barely 15%. The ministry on March 24 announced it signed a contract worth about 30 billion rupees with BEL for Himshakti integrated electronic warfare systems. The governments Defence Research and Development Organisation, which designed and developed the Himshakti, said the technology will help the Army in mountainous terrain. The system features several new-generation technologies such as ultraviolet very high-frequency directional finders and jammers. The government ordered two Himshakti systems from BEL on a nominated single-vendor basis, despite private defense contractor Tata Power SED having previously won a $115.37 million deal for the supply of two similar systems in a multivendor competition. The ministry maintains its Project Himshakti will bolster the local economy and provide employment opportunities. And on March 23, two separate contracts were awarded to BEL for the supply of locally made Arudhra ground-based, medium-power radars and DR-118 radar warning receivers to enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of Su-30 MKI fighter jets in service with the Air Force. The DR-118 deal is worth about 9.5 billion rupees. The ministry noted that the majority of subassemblies and parts will be sourced from domestic manufacturers. The Su-30MKI fighters were earlier integrated with R-118 [radar warning receivers], which employed analog technology, which has inherent limitations; whereas DR-118 has adopted digital technology in processing the inputs, said Daljit Singh, an independent defense analyst and retired officer in the Air Force, and it would be a significant improvement over the previous model, and it is indeed a positive development toward self-reliance. The eight Arudhra systems are the first indigenous, multifunction, rotating active phased array radars with digital beam-forming technology. They are to replace legacy TRS-2215 and PSM-33 radars supplied by the French company Thales. The deal is worth about 28 billion rupees. BEL said the Arudhra is locally developed and manufactures the technology based on the a DRDO design. The system is expected to enhance the Air Forces surveillance capability. NEW DELHI A massive manhunt in India for a Sikh separatist leader has failed to find its target for more than a week. But authorities no-holds-barred search including the deployment of thousands of paramilitary soldiers, a statewide internet blackout and a high-speed chase has captured the attention of the nation and the world. Police accuse Amritpal Singh, a 30-year-old self-styled preacher who seeks a sovereign Sikh homeland, of disrupting communal harmony, among other mounting charges. Officials say they are worried he could stir violence in his home state of Punjab, where thousands of people were killed in the 1980s as the Indian government battled a bloody insurgency for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. The crackdown has unnerved the public, said Sukanya Singh, a university student in Amritsar, Punjabs second-biggest city. There is panic buying because we dont know how long it will go, the 20-year-old, whose last name is common among Sikhs and who is unrelated to Amritpal Singh, told NBC News last week. Half of my dormitory is empty; everybody just wanted to reach a safe space. As the search for the preacher began March 18, authorities blocked mobile internet and SMS services, restricting communication for Punjabs 27 million residents almost the population of Texas. Service was gradually restored over several days, though it is still out in some parts of the state. There seems to be no sense of control of the situation, Sukanya Singh said of the governments actions. Amritpal Singh manhunt in India. (Narinder Nanu / AFP - Getty Images) In their effort to apprehend Singh, Indian authorities have arrested more than 200 people and enforced heightened security measures in Punjab, a state in northwestern India that borders Pakistan. Journalists and activists who have been commenting on the situation in Punjab, including prominent Sikh figures abroad, say their Twitter accounts have been blocked in India at the governments request. The Twitter account for the Punjabi-language version of BBC News was also blocked in India on Tuesday. Story continues Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Twitter, which previously reported that India had made more requests to take down journalists tweets than any other country, also did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The search for Singh has reverberated internationally, with Sikh activists protesting outside Indian embassies and consulates in the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia. Beyond the disruptions caused by the manhunt, protesters say they are calling attention to broader human rights issues in Hindu-majority India, the worlds largest democracy, and the treatment of religious minorities by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist government. Sikhs make up about 1.7% of Indias population of 1.4 billion. In Britain, where Sikhs are the fourth-largest religious group, a security review is underway after protesters pulled down the Indian flag and smashed a window at Indias High Commission in London on March 19. India summoned Britains most senior diplomat over the incident and has since removed some temporary security barricades outside the British High Commission in New Delhi. Not much is known about Singh, who spent years living in the United Arab Emirates and did not come to prominence until recently. Upon his return to India last year, he abandoned his clean-shaven look and began wearing the traditional robes of his avowed hero, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a Sikh separatist leader who was killed by the Indian army in 1984. Since then, Singh has been at the forefront of the Khalistan movement, using social media to spread his message and garner support. His speeches and videos have gone viral on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, not just in India but also among the large Sikh diaspora in the U.S. and elsewhere, where the movement still has whispers of support. In February, Singh and hundreds of his supporters, some of them armed, stormed a police station in Punjab demanding the release of one of his aides. Afterward, Indias governing Bharatiya Janata Party demanded Singhs arrest. The search for Singh has had a severe impact on businesses, schools and tourism, with many people canceling visits to Punjab. While police say the internet blackout was an attempt to prevent unrest and curb fake news, rights groups criticized it as a violation of fundamental rights. Indian authorities must stop using overbroad reasons like those of public safety to impose internet shutdowns over millions of people, Amnesty India said in a statement last week. India orders more internet shutdowns than any other country including 84 last year, or almost half the global total, according to Access Now, an advocacy group based in New York. Tanmay Singh, senior litigation counsel at the Internet Freedom Foundation, said the internet blackout in Punjab was disproportionate and prima facie illegal and a tactic used too often by the Indian government. This internet suspension order followed a fill-in-the-blanks method on the same template because there is no application of mind, he said. Amritpal Singh protests in India (Narinder Nanu / AFP - Getty Images) The closest police appear to have come to apprehending Singh was on March 18, when they intercepted his convoy at a checkpoint outside a village in rural Punjab. The Mercedes carrying him managed to speed away, Indias Tribune News Service reported, citing a police affidavit. Livestreams and videos of the ensuing police chase were uploaded to Facebook and Twitter by Singhs associates until internet service was disrupted. Singh was later seen on CCTV footage having changed clothes before escaping on a motorcycle, Punjab Inspector General Sukhchain Singh Gill said at a news conference last week. Authorities have arrested multiple people accused of helping Singh elude police. After the violence and extremism of the 1980s, there is no popular support in Punjab for the Khalistan movement, said Ronki Ram, a professor of history at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India, who specializes in identity politics. But Singhs ideas resonate with young Sikhs who are struggling economically and feel marginalized by the government, he said. Ram said Singh had filled a huge political vacuum in Punjab, whose challenges include drug addiction and a growing water shortage. Singh is also the head of Waris Punjab De, or Punjabs Heirs, a group that participated in mass protests by Indian farmers who are disproportionately Sikhs from Punjab against proposed agricultural reforms that were withdrawn by the Modi government in 2021. The spectacle created by the manhunt has divided the public and left Punjabs problems unsolved, Ram said. There needs to be constructive dialogue with the people, he said, not a crackdown. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sen. Cory Booker sent a letter to the heads of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection on Monday criticizing the newly rolled-out CBP One a mobile application that allows asylum-seekers to secure an appointment with CBP to get through U.S. ports of entry. The United States is a beacon of hope for many around the world seeking safety and freedom. Unfortunately, migrants now have to contend with the CBP One app as the sole method to schedule asylum appointments, which has been plagued by technical problems since its introduction, Booker told HuffPost in an emailed statement. We must ensure that our asylum process is just and equitable and protects those who are fleeing violence and persecution in a way thats consistent with our nations most fundamental ideals, he added. The letter, first seen by HuffPost, comes as the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold an oversight hearing of DHS on Tuesday. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, one of the recipients of Bookers letter, is scheduled to testify. CBP One launched in January as a part of the Biden administrations attempt to make border processing more efficient as Title 42 a public health order restricting immigration due to the coronavirus is set to expire in May. But CBP One, touted as DHSs official app, has been riddled with problems including technical and access issues for many families. Booker CBP One Letter by Rowaida Abdelaziz CBP releases a limited number of appointments each day, but migrants have reported a slew of issues while trying to secure those appointments. Many dont have cell phones that can access the internet or any phones at all. Poor connectivity and cell phone service were also a concern. Even if the CBP One app was as efficient, user friendly, fair, and inclusive as possible which I hope one day it will be it would still be inherently discriminatory, reads Bookers letter, noting the resources an individual must have to successfully navigate the application. Story continues When DHS first launched the app which is the sole method for Haitians, Nicaraguans, Cubans and Venezuelans to seek humanitarian parole it was also only available in English and Spanish, despite the fact the majority of Haitian nationals only speak Haitian Creole. In February, CBP added a Haitian Creole translation, but error messages still only appear in English, Booker notes. Appointments are inaccessible for anyone who cannot read. Migrants are also required to snap a picture and enter how they are traveling either by land, plane, or boat but many have said the app failed to register their photos because they are Black or have darker complexions. I remain deeply concerned that the technology used to capture faces with darker complexions has not been adequately tested and structurally disadvantages Black asylum seekers and urge the agency to address the issue, said Booker wrote. Pregnant, nursing mothers and migrants with large families also have a host of issues with the CBP One process. The senator said that although CBP and State Department officials have acknowledged the problems users are reporting, more improvements are needed. While the expansion of opportunities for asylum seekers to have their claims heard is vital, I am disappointed that precautions were not taken before our government made the CBP One app the sole avenue to schedule appointments, said Booker. Related... woman on phone In the original Mary Poppins film, the nine year old Michael Banks accidentally starts a bank run by demanding back his tuppence coin. The dynamics had barely evolved when in 2007, Northern Rock saw runs outside its branches, heralding the start of the 2007-08 global financial crisis. A year on, when Bradford & Bingley ran into trouble, the Bank of England had spotters outside the bank's branches but were relieved to see no such queues for the nation's TV cameras. But the dynamics of bank runs appear to be evolving - and heading off such panics may be getting harder. I have often pondered the following question: what would the 2007-08 financial crisis have been like in the current era of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok? That question may now be being inadvertently and not wholly positively answered by the current banking jitters. Silicon Valley Bank saw the fastest bank run in US history according to the head of the US central bank, Jerome Powell. His vice chair Michael Barr told the US Senate yesterday that "social media saw a surge in talk about a run, and uninsured depositors acted quickly to flee", pulling their funds "at an extraordinary rate of $40bn (32bn)in one day". On the following day SVB anticipated "even greater outflows" and so "panic prevailed among SVB's remaining depositors". These are utterly staggering sums. The contagion was cross-continental. The Bank of England told MPs on Monday that SVB UK, its British arm, had lost 3bn, or 30%, of its deposit base on the same day. Governor Andrew Bailey earlier this week said: "One of the lessons that we have to take from Silicon Valley Bank, and it's not the only example, is in an age of social media, the speed at which runs can take place. And in an age of digital banking, the speed at which social media can be translated into loss. This is very different from the Northern Rock-style queue at the branch". 100m sprint He pointed to looking at changing the regulations on bank safety to see if they "match to that sort of dynamic that's taking place". Story continues The dynamic is a combination of instant internet banking and social media, meaning that a system built on credibility, faith, and trust are now inherently more fragile. Think about the leading lights in tech on WhatsApp groups or Slack, advising the companies they are invested in to withdraw all their cash. "Bank run" doesn't quite capture it. SVB was more of an 100 metre world record Olympic bank sprint. And while SVB had its own special dynamic, with depositors concentrated in one industry, and with most deposits not covered by normal saver protections, these concerns do apply more widely. A search of "bank run" on key social media over the past two weeks revealed a wide range of figures advising people to withdraw their cash from similar institutions. Some of this was wrapped up into distrust of mainstream "experts" versus trust in cryptocurrency. Part of the success of Bitcoin, and crypto in general, has been evangelical scepticism of normal banking. This is now a vocal and noticeable online community, which was not present during the 2008 financial crisis. people outside SVB Bank All of this has not been helped by communications difficulties over what is and is not covered by US deposit guarantees. The bottom line is that it is reasonable to conclude that a low trust environment bred on social media has a material impact on the fragility of a system built on faith. That in turn might require a regulatory response. The head of the Bank of England's regulator, the Prudential Regulation Authority's Sam Woods, told MPs yesterday that it might have to change its assumption about how quickly deposits can flee a bank. At the moment what is known as the Liquidity Coverage Ratio assumes that a bank might only lose 0-20% of its retail deposits or 20-40% of its corporate deposits over a period of one month. A reminder: SVB UK lost 30% of its deposits in a single day. The current regulation seems likely to be changed, but the flip side of that will mean that banks might not be able to lend as much into the economy. Perhaps this is an overreaction to the very special case of SVB. It is a careful balancing act. Other jurisdictions are also pondering whether to increase the amount of deposits covered under protection schemes. It is a fair criticism, however, that it is unrealistic to imagine businesses can bank, and run payrolls, from dozens of bank accounts, designed to protect all their deposit balances. The good news is that the UK regulatory system has performed well so far. SVB UK was obliged to turn into a subsidiary last year, and that meant it had the assets to be sold on intact to HSBC, without taxpayer funding. But the way we calculate the safety of banks may change quickly as a result of this month's "Insta-run". Metropolitan Nashville Police Department YouTube Nashville police on Tuesday released harrowing bodycam footage from cops who responded to the shooting at a private Christian school that left three children and three adults dead. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were called to The Covenant School at 10:13 a.m. Monday for reports of an active shooter. Just 14 minutes later, the suspected shooteridentified by authorities as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Halewas shot dead by officers on the second floor. Warning: graphic footage below MNPD Officers Rex Engelbert, a 4-year veteran, and Michael Collazo, a 9-year veteran, were part of a team of first responders to the Covenant campus [Monday] morning and immediately entered the building, the department said in the description of the footage released on YouTube. Both of those officers fired on the shooter, who was killed. This is their body camera footage. The video begins with images from Engelberts bodycam. It shows him arriving at the school and taking a rifle from the back of his police vehicle. Approaching the school, an adult wearing a lanyard tells him: The kids are all locked downbut we have two kids that we dont know where they are. MNPD Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo. Nashville Metro Police Engelbert then enters the building. Inside, sirens can be heard blaring overhead as officers move through the school clearing empty classrooms and bathrooms. At around two minutes and 40 seconds into the tense operation, what sounds like gunshots can be heard. I think its upstairsit sounds like its upstairs, Engelbert says to another officer as he runs towards a staircase. On the second floor, Engelbert joins other armed officers. The sound of gunfire is much louder and apparently much closer. The group then move down a corridor toward the sound of the gunfire. At the end of the corridor, Engelbert spots the shooter standing by a large window and opens fire. The suspect collapses to the ground and officers move in, firing more shots. One officer can be heard yelling at the shooter to stop moving and repeatedly telling them to get your hand away from the gun. Collazo can then be seen moving firearms away from the shooter, who is collapsed on the floor. Story continues Quiet Ex-Student in Nashville Massacre Had a Manifesto The video also shows footage from Collazos bodycam as he enters the school and heads upstairs to confront the shooter. He too opens fire and can be heard saying suspect down before moving the firearms. Nashville police said Hale was firing through the second floor window at officers as they arrived downstairs. Hale was armed with an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol, and a handgunand used the guns to shoot through a locked side entrance, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday. Photos showed Hale had personalized the guns with illustrations and the name Aiden, which Hale used on some social media profiles. Footage from the shooting showed Hale wore camo print pants, a black tactical-style vest and fingerless gloves. In a news release Monday evening, authorities identified the victims of the massacre as three nine-year-olds named Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs. The adults killed were identified as school custodian Mike Hill, 61, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and head of school Katherine Koonce, 60. A motive for Hales attack has yet to be established, but Drake suggested resentment toward the school may have played a role. On Tuesday, a friend of Hales shared details of messages Hale sent to them apparently minutes before the shooting started. Family members and former friends described Hale to The Daily Beast as a quiet, transgender art student who had recently transitioned to using he/him pronouns. 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. Welcome to Investigative Stories from Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent's newsletter that walks you through the most prominent investigations of the past week. If you are fond of in-depth journalism that exposes war crimes, corruption and abuse of power across state organizations in Ukraine and beyond, subscribe to our investigative newsletter. To support our journalism, please become a patron of the Kyiv Independent. Pledges start from just $5 a month. Top investigative stories ______________________________________________ Slidstvo.Info: Russian Olympic athletes receive salary, awards from the countrys army, promote military service Some Russian Olympic athletes officially serve in the countrys National Guard, a military formation participating in Russias war against Ukraine, an investigation by Slidstvo.Info found. The athletes serve, get paid, and receive awards on behalf of the military formation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reported on Jan. 25 that it is searching for a pathway to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in the upcoming 2024 Summer Games in Paris, overruling the previous recommendation to keep them out of international sporting events. IOC President Thomas Bach said the pathway concerns athletes that dont support Russias war against Ukraine. However, many Russian athletes have a direct affiliation with the Russian military and National Guard, Slidstvo.Info found. According to the publication, Olympic gymnast Denis Abliyazin, who took part in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, is a senior lieutenant with Russias National Guard, who received military awards from the Guards leadership and Russias President Vladimir Putin. Olympian skiers Aleksandr Bolshunov and Denis Spetsov reportedly received ranks of captains in the Russian National Guard. The publication also obtained documents proving that yet another Russian Olympic athlete, biathlete Eduard Latypov, who participated in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, is an active serviceman and is being paid by the Russian Defense Ministry. In April 2022, two months into the all-out Russian war, Latypov got promoted to lieutenant and received a state award from the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Story continues The Olympic medals not only bring athletes awards from the Russian army but also new ranks, which consequently boosts their salary, Slidstvo.Info found. According to the publication, the Russian military uses Olympic athletes to promote military service. Watch the full video with English subtitles via the link. The full article in English is available here. RFE/RL: Ukrainian defense enterprise Motor Sich sells aircraft engines to Iran through Belarus, bypassing US, EU sanctions Motor Sich, Ukraines major aircraft engine manufacturer, sold engines used in Russian military planes through Belarus to Iran, circumventing sanctions imposed on Iran by the U.S. and European Union, according to an investigation by Schemes, the investigative wing of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. After a series of scandals, the company, owned by pro-Russian tycoon Viacheslav Bohuslaiev, was nationalized by the state. The claim is based on the documents leaked to the journalists. The papers were extracted by law enforcement from the office of Bohuslaiev, now under arrest for an alleged illegal supply of military equipment for Russian military planes. The paper trail reportedly mentions three Iranian companies. Among them are Design and Manufacturing of Aeroengines (DAMA), also known under its second name Turbine Engine Manufacturing Industries (TEM), as well as Iran Aircraft Industries (IACI) and Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA). Since March, all three companies have been under Ukraine-imposed sanctions. They are allegedly connected to the Iranian military-industrial complex. According to Ukraines register of sanctioned companies, HESA and DAMA have been involved in producing the Shahed drone, which Russia uses in its attacks on Ukraines civilian infrastructure. DAMA has purchased supplies for HESA, including from Motor Sich. According to one of the negotiation protocols obtained by RFE/RL, Bohuslaiev suggested Belarusian company Belvneshpromservice as an intermediary for trading with the Iranian DAMA, arguing that supplying to Iran directly could endanger Motor Sich's foreign trade. However, the company Bohuslaiev brought in, Belvneshpromservice, is also under U.S. sanctions for trading with the military-industrial complex of Syria and Iran, according to RFE/RL. The journalists also found that Motor Sich appointed an Iranian national to promote the companys products in Iran. He is the director of New Aviation Technology and System (NATS), a company that has not been sanctioned yet. Read the story in Ukrainian via the link. NYT: International Legion fighters lie about military experience, misuse donations Foreigners arriving in Ukraine to help it fight back against Russian aggression sometimes fabricate their military records and misuse donations they collect for the International Legion, an investigation by The New York Times found. Having reviewed more than 100 pages of documents from inside volunteer groups and interviewed more than 30 sources, The New York Times concluded that the International Legion and other volunteer groups are in a crisis, with recruitment stagnation and inner fighting. According to the publication, different groups of volunteers accused one another of misdirecting funds they had raised for the Legion. The internal documents allegedly show that the military formation is also struggling to attract new recruits. Many foreigners who joined in the first days of the war had reportedly lied about their military and combat experience and are unfit for fighting. One official told the newspaper that in the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the International Legion spent 10 minutes or less checking each volunteers background. Read the full story by NYT here. To find out more about the troubles in the International Legion, read the Kyiv Independents award-winning two-part investigative series about the Legion: Part one: Suicide missions, abuse, physical threats: International Legion fighters speak out against leaderships misconduct Part two: International Legion soldiers allege light weapons misappropriation, abuse by commanders Media: Russia-installed leader of Crimea starts private army with ties to Wagner Group The new private army launched by Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed leader in the occupied Crimea, is allegedly linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group fighting in the Russian war in Ukraine, according to an investigation by iStories, an independent Russian media outlet. The new private army, called Convoy, was reportedly founded in Crimea in March. Journalists of iStories link this event to the alleged alliance recently formed between Prigozhin and Aksyonov. Aksyonov has publicly supported the Wagner Group backer in his conflict with Russias Defense Ministry. iStories found that Convoy is tied to Prigozhin through one of the leaders of the newly-created private army in Crimea. He is a fighter with the code name Mazai, who journalists identified as Konstantin Pikalov, an associate of Prigozhin and a curator of the Wagner Group in Africa. The new military formation reportedly has T-80 and T-90 tanks, as well as means of electronic warfare. Read the story in Russian via the link. Media: Ex-Ukrainian riot police officer helps Russia abduct children, threatens them with beatings Russian media outlet The Insider identified Valerii Astakhov, a former Ukrainian riot police officer, as the man threatening to beat up Ukrainian children abducted by Russia from occupied parts of Kherson Oblast. In March, Moscow released 17 Ukrainian children who were kidnapped and held in Russian-occupied Crimea for half a year. One of the freed children told The Insider that Astakhov was one of the childrens captives and was threatening to beat kids with a metal stick. The interview child said that one of the kidnapped girls was beaten by Astakhov. Back in 2014, Astakhov, then part of the Berkut riot police, allegedly took part in dispersing the protests during the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution that eventually ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Following the Russian occupation of Crimea later that year, Astakhov reportedly moved to the occupied zone, became a Russian citizen and started serving in Russias Internal Affairs Ministry on the peninsula. Read the story in Russian via the link. IMF Read also: IMFs new $15 billion program for Ukraine nearing conclusion The week in the financial markets did not start on Monday at all, as it was a busy weekend for the Swiss banking regulator and the bankers who worked at the country's two largest financial institutions. The former two largest, that is, because on Monday morning, there was only one left. Credit Suisse did not survive this spring, leaving the arena due to American IT people and its bad reputation. It became a victim of the decline in confidence in banks, which began because of the folks in Silicon Valley. At the end of last week, it seemed that the worst for the bank was over, and the fall in bonds had managed to be stopped. But no one could stop the depositors who had begun to take their money out of the bank. This left no choice for the Swiss Central Bank, which in turn left no choice for the other industry giant, UBS, hinting that if it did not buy its competitor, then it would be worse for everyone. And the central bank helped them find the money to buy Credit Suisse. In the end, almost everyone was satisfied, save for the holders of one specific type of Credit Suisse bonds. As it turns out, sometimes in Switzerland theyre able to work quickly and precisely like a Swiss watch These were sent to pasture, referring to a clause in the conditions for issuing these bonds, which allowed this to be done by the decision of the regulator. And the Swiss Central Bank did not wait for long, especially since the Swiss authorities quickly put together another legal basis for this case. As it turns out, sometimes in Switzerland theyre able to work quickly and precisely like a Swiss watch, once again hinting that it is necessary to read the terms of a bond issue, even though this is unlikely to change anything and is unlikely to force a wide range of investors to do this. While they complain, angrily calling Switzerland a "banana republic," the Central Bank has thrown up its hands. Among those hit hardest was, for example, one of the world's largest investors, PIMCO. Story continues This event did not drastically affect global markets, as everything was fortunately taken care of before Monday morning, and the failure of PIMCO left many contentedly gloating. And as a result, only Asian exchanges collapsed, which opened too early and thus prompted the formulation of a local Ukrainian conspiracy theory that Chinese speculators traders woke up on Monday morning and suddenly found out that Comrade Xi had flown to Moscow and therefore were very upset. The U.S. market fell slightly over the week. The S&P 500 lost 12 points for the week and will open on Friday morning at 3948 points. Here the mood was influenced by the Fed. Many traders and speculators hoped that after the mini-bank crash in the U.S., which had sunk a Swiss bank, the American regulator would come to its senses and would not go for a further increase in rates, in light of what this had already led to and what else it could lead to. But the regulator did not cave into pressure and once again raised the rate, this time by 25 basis points upsetting the markets, of course. I am glad at the same time that oil continues to trade below the usual level. Basically, during this period, a barrel of Brent was worth about $75, having risen slightly towards the end of the week. Read also: Switzerland greenlights confiscation of Yanukovych assets Events in Switzerland and abroad had little effect on the Ukrainian market. In the end, any global turbulence can have an impact on the Ukrainian economy at this point really only through the IT market. However, the happy time for Ukrainian IT specialists, where 10 employers were fighting over each employee, has ended, in part due to the increase in rates from the Fed. The key event in Ukraine was the signing of the SLA with the IMF under the new program. It still has to be approved by the Fund's board, but this, as always, is more of a formality. Thus, the IMF has joined the list of countries and organizations supporting Ukraine, prescribing a long program, which will, apparently, duplicate the plan for European integration. And it won't let Ukraine do stupid things. In particular, the Fund prescribed that the country's budget should not be deprived of taxes in the near future by canceling them or lowering rates. In total, Ukraine will receive something around $15-16 billion. At the same time, the Fund had to change its rules in order to be able to lend to Ukraine during wartime by requiring that this can be done if other creditors take the responsibility not to give up support and share this heavy burden. Having thus conveyed, at the same time, a hello to the Chinese, who have brought half of Africa to their wits end with their loans and are now washing their hands of the situation, not wanting to contribute to the exit of these countries from the debt hole. After all, why did the Chinese do all this in the first place? The signing of the IMF program hurt foreigners who had bought Ukrainian domestic debt. They waited with bated breath for April 1, when it was believed that they would be allowed to withdraw money from Ukraine. At least, that's what they were promised a year ago, when the war was just beginning. It seems even foreign investors had their own Arestovich, and their own April Fool's Day. It is clear that the IMF and other creditors who manage taxpayers' money would not be very happy if what they gave to Ukraine immediately left the country to the accounts of financial investors, who are often very disliked by the average taxpayer. Therefore, now the Ukrainian central bank, immediately after reaching an agreement with the IMF, also told everyone to bugger off, saying that nothing could be withdrawn in the near future, and that investors could only repatriate coupons that they receive starting April 1. At the same time, this is helping the Ministry of Finance to fulfill its plan for borrowing, because now foreigners are likely to actively buy new bonds (or old ones) with a large discount for the money that they have stuck in Ukraine. Which is very important, given the growth of the budget deficit by UAH 500 billion and the risk that it may be forced to be partially financed by the money press. That could have a very negative impact on the hryvnia, which has been the most stable currency in the world for half a year now. Read also: IMF chief Georgieva visits Irpin, meets with Zelenskyy P. S. What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise Oscar Wilde Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A 29-year-old Arizona man is facing criminal charges in the death of a Sedgwick County Sheriffs deputy in a crash last fall less than a week after the deputy had gone on patrol by herself. Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, died on Oct. 7 after her patrol car was hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee around 9:30 p.m. at 135th West and 29th North while she was heading to a disturbance call. Carter, a Bel Aire resident who joined the Sheriffs Office as a jail deputy in September 2020 and graduated from the academy in July 2022, died at the crash scene from what a coroner determined were multiple blunt force injuries, according to her autopsy report. She had been on patrol alone for six days at the time. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter has said the driver of the Jeep, Kelvin Burgett, failed to stop at a stop sign posted on 29th Street and hit Carters patrol car on the drivers side, causing her death and serious injuries to himself. Burgett, a Prescott Valley, Arizona resident, was formally charged Tuesday morning with two crimes at his first appearance in Sedgwick County District Court: involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while suspended. Court records that give more details about exactly what transpired leading up to the Oct. 7 crash are expected to be made public in the coming weeks. Burgetts next court date, a preliminary hearing, is scheduled for April 10. A defense attorney listed for him in court records did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday morning. Your good deeds go with you: Sedgwick County Deputy Sidnee Carters funeral A missing 11-year-old girl was rescued in Pennsylvania after authorities say they were able to find her location thanks to her iPad's geolocation. Pennsylvania state troopers were notified of the missing child on Sunday, who was last seen riding her bike towards Youngwood in western Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland District Attorney's Office said in a statement. Authorities arrived on the scene and found the girl's bicycle near a gas station, where a bloodhound team picked up the child's scent. The child was found later that day, and police arrested 43-year-old Keith Lilliock, charging him with luring a child into a motor vehicle and interference with the custody of children, authorities said. More: Boston teenager dies in 'freak accident' while skiing, family says Nashville updates: Bodycam footage shows police confronting Nashville shooter; attacker had bought 7 guns iPad leads to child rescue Investigators on the scene learned the child had an iPad with them and were able to ping the geolocation of the iPad. When authorities pinged it, it showed the iPad was at a home near Latrobe, about 10 miles east of Youngwood. Authorities arrived and discovered the girl at the home and arrested Lilliock on Monday. What happened? The girl told police she was trying to ride her bicycle to Pittsburgh to see her sister when she took a break at the gas station where she was last seen, the district attorney's office said. She then walked to a nearby Dollar General, where she was confronted by Lilliock. He told the child he would drive her where she was headed once he closed the store for the night, authorities said. Surveillance video seen by troopers showed Lilliock and the child speaking for over 20 minutes. Police said Lilliock drove the girl to his house, where he went inside and left her in the car for five minutes, before she said he touched her. "The victim told police Lilliock rubbed her leg and touched her stomach area under her shirt before she asked him to take her to a friends house in Latrobe," authorities said. Story continues When asked by authorities, Lilliock admitted to offer the girl a ride by denied touching her, the district attorney's office said. Lilliock was denied bail and is currently at the Westmoreland County Prison. Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: iPad tracking used to help police rescue abducted 11 year old PA girl Iranians celebrate Hassan Rouhani's presidential election victory in May 2017. Majid Saeedi/Getty While the Iran nuclear deal may never be revived, there are still ways to engage and avoid conflict. Sanctions relief and good-faith engagement can go a long way to ease tensions and avoid a nuclear Iran. John Reid Wilcox is a research analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The trend lines in US-Iran relations today make for grim reading in Washington. Faced with unrelenting US pressure, Iran's leaders are regularly meeting with Russian and Chinese officials and pledging unprecedented levels of cooperation. Iran's nuclear program recently crossed a key threshold into production of weapons-grade uranium. American policymakers today face a key inflection point in the bilateral relationship, and the "no nuclear deal, no crisis" dynamic appears increasingly unsustainable. Hawkish analysts are calling for a renewed Iran strategy focused on a formal exit from the dormant or dead JCPOA, increased sanctions coordination and interdiction efforts, and forward deployment of US military assets. But this amounts to little more than a rehash of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy, which failed to achieve any of its stated objectives and instead led Iran to ramp up its nuclear program and increase its proxy attacks. The ultimate coercive tool for the US would be an act of war an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities or key military centers. But Washington's willingness to use the military option is less than credible today. An attack on Iran could not be subcontracted out to Israel; such a major endeavor would require US participation. But would President Joe Biden, or any other US president, be willing to stake a term's worth of political capital on such a tremendous risk? Donald Trump with a copy of the memorandum withdrawing the US from the Iran nuclear deal. AP Amidst the backdrop of the US's disastrous efforts in the Middle East over the past two decades, a desire to focus on China, and the long war in Ukraine, the Islamic Republic is probably not immediately fearful of an attack. Additionally, many Israeli and American officials openly admit that an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities might do very little to set back its nuclear progress. Indeed, attacks may incentivize Tehran to proceed more quickly with its nuclear program. Story continues If coercive tools fall short of achieving key American objectives, engagement options could still offer a better way out of the nuclear stalemate. Since the Trump administration's exit from the JCPOA, a diplomatic asymmetry has halted progress in the nuclear talks. Tehran had no means of dispute resolution after the US's unilateral exit and no way to recover lost revenues after the US stepped out of compliance with the accord. It remains skeptical of the credibility and durability of a US commitment to provide sanctions relief, and its dangerous security environment and rigid revolutionary ideology preclude the possibility of a first step towards Washington. Some tools of engagement are still available to the Biden administration which could change this calculus and induce Tehran back toward accepting curbs on its nuclear program. First, Iranian assets frozen abroad (particularly in South Korea and Iraq) have long been discussed as part of a package to return to the JCPOA but have never been released by Washington. Second, Tehran has voiced understandable concerns about the limited practical impact of US sanctions relief Washington should signal that in the event of a nuclear agreement, it would take steps to provide proactive assurances to investors and financial institutions that sanctions have been verifiably lifted. Third, in the event of serious Iranian interest in restoring a nuclear accord, the US should be prepared to decouple a deal's curbs on Iranian nuclear advances from the IAEA's longstanding safeguards probe into potential past undeclared nuclear activity, and apply diplomatic pressure as such. Photos of President-elect Joe Biden and President Donald Trump are burnt at a protest in Tehran in November 2020. Majid Asgaripour/WANA via REUTERS Such steps may not be sufficient to restore the JCPOA the original terms of the deal will likely never return due to the diplomatic damage of recent years, and a broader rapprochement is off the table in the medium-term. But these measures could be enough to signal enough good faith to shift Tehran's perceptions and build momentum for an interim agreement which restores international monitoring access to Iran's nuclear facilities and stops its production of weapons-grade uranium. Paired with private US messaging to China, they could also bolster multilateral diplomatic efforts to pressure Iran back into curbing its nuclear advances. Iran's domestic uprising has captured global attention and must merit a mention. The IRI's hardliners continue to consolidate power via a bloody and brutal crackdown on its citizens and have continued to badly damage the state-society relationship. The "Women, Life, Freedom" movement deserves Americans' attention and solidarity. But US policymakers can do little to alter the direction of this social movement and extensive attempts to do so could backfire. Abandoning diplomatic efforts to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear bomb risks paving a path toward the IRI's further entrenchment and creating new, dangerous post-revolutionary scenarios involving unsecured nuclear material. The proposals provided here face a stark uphill battle in the current domestic and geopolitical environments. But for Washington, resigning itself to the worst-case outcome risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Without any momentum towards a new deal, the likelihood of a new crisis grows greater. John Reid Wilcox is a research analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Read the original article on Business Insider Israelis protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan earlier this week (AP) The political chaos that has engulfed Israel goes well beyond a bitter battle over controversial plans to potentially defang the countrys judiciary and the mass protests the proposals have sparked. The root cause sits at the volcanic core of the country. It is the reason why there have been five elections in less than four years, and why some argue there may be a sixth on the horizon. Israel is bitterly - maybe even irreparably - divided. And that identity crisis is coming to a head. And at least for now, there does not seem to be any way to marry what are vastly - existentially - different visions of how the state should run into something workable On Monday, after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem, the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced he would temporarily freeze the plan to overhaul the judiciary. In a prime-time televised speech, Israels longest-serving premier said he would begin setting up negotiating teams, a move he said would avoid civil war. In a nutshell, the government plan would give Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges (he denies the allegations) and his allies the final say in appointing the nation's judges. It would also give the parliament, which is currently controlled by his allies, the authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions with just a basic majority. It would limit the court's ability to review laws. Critics say it would make it difficult to declare a prime minister unfit for office and is designed to protect Mr Netanyahu during his own legal proceedings. Mr Netanyahu and his supporters say that is wrong, and that the changes will stop the courts encroaching and overreaching powers. Israel is incredibly fractured at all levels but in simplistic terms right now on one side are the supporters of Mr Netanyahu and his coalition of far-right ultra-nationalist and religious parties. On the other side at least at this juncture is pretty much everyone else. Story continues Benjamin Netanyahu (Reuters) Attempts by Mr Netanyahus government to push through this controversial judicial overhaul have only widened the cracks both within his supporter base and with between his opponents. Out of those cracks has erupted the angry demonstrations seen in recent weeks. There appears to be no consensus anywhere, but if a comprise can be reached, what might it possibly look like? A senior opposition source told me they believe they have a responsibility to try with the negotiations but no one is under any illusions that it will be easy... There isnt much trust in Netanyahu." The main issue is the protection of Israels democracy but the wider effect has been the galvanizing of Israels liberal camp in response to an attack on its core values," the source added. Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a veteran Israeli pollster said that even within Mr Netanyahus ruling coalition there are fundamentally different aims for what they want to accomplish. Netanyahu protection is only part of it." She said, adding his allies want a more religious "illiberal" and "annexationist Israel". The parties of the opposition, right now, want a fundamentally liberal democratic Israel." Adding to the confusion is the fact that the "opposition" is itself fractured. Those who have come out against the judicial overhaul include everyone from left-wing secular youth protesters to centre-right parties led by former members of the security establishment and now according to some polls alarmed supporters of Mr Netanyahu's own Likud party. Demonstrators block streets as they protest the judicial overhaul plans (AP) Dr Scheindlin said that other than arriving at minor agreements over very specific aspects of the judicial programme, discussions over the proposals will likely result in just "another standstill". With even his own Likud party supporters are divided over the judicial overhaul, pressure is building on Mr Netanyahu. Hence him p[laying for time. Rafi Smith, who for years has been the main pollster for Likud, told me he has not seen such low popularity ratings in five years: the party could potentially lost as many as five of the 32 seats it secured in last autumns elections if another vote was needed. According to Mr Smiths polls, Mr Netanyahus coalition has dipped below the razor-thin majority needed to hold on to power. They are losing seats to the centre parties Most of the [the country] is between 54 to 60 per cent opposed to the judicial programme, he said. It is a very deep conflict, society in Israel is very torn apart. It is deeper than only the judicial system," he added. Even those who back the governments plans have warned about the threat of division. Professor Avi Bell of Bar Ilan University's Faculty of Law has been very vocal in his support for Mr Netanyahu's reform package that he has called long overdue and absolutely necessary. The political crisis is only peripherally related to judicial reform, he told me. It is much more an issue of the changes in Israeli politics in recent years Politics are more polarised and more extreme. He said he believes that a clash is inevitable. So, while the judiciary has been the flashpoint this time, there will be other fractures on the horizon. This identity crisis will persist, until the extreme polarisation in Israel ceases to exist. But that prospect appears remote. Jana Kramer is still shaken by the Nashville school shooting that left six people, including three children, dead. "My brains not even computing words right now because everyones like, How are you? What are you wearing? And Im like, I dont really care what Im wearing. I care about my kids and I want to go home if Im being totally honest," she told Fox News Digital on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. She continued, "Its awful, its terrible. My kids are fine, but theres kids that arent, and thats not OK. And something has to change. Its heartbreaking. Thats where my brain is at the moment." Jana Kramer told Fox News Digital she wanted to leave the carpet at the iHeartRadio Music awards and go home to her children in Nashville, where a school shooting took place earlier today. Six people were killed when a 28-year-old woman opened fire at The Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school, in Nashville, Tennessee, authorities said. The shooter killed three students and three adults. IHEARTRADIO MUSIC AWARDS: HEIDI KLUM, JANA KRAMER AND SHARNA BURGESS SHOW SKIN ON RED CARPET The mom of two shared that the school is 15 minutes from the school her children, Jolie, 7, and Jace, 4, who she shares with ex-husband Mike Caussin, attend. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "We have friends that go there and friends kids that go there. Nashville is a very close community. We know a lot of people that were there, so its juststill a little shake," she said. "Something has to happen. Prayers are a lot but we need more." Before the red carpet, Kramer shared a post on her Instagram stories confirming her kids were safe. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Jolie and Jace are okay. My heart is absolutely breaking for the children and families right now" she wrote. "Why. Why. Why. I just will never understand. Please Pray." On another slide, she shared a photo of her kids, saying "It wasnt their school. I know someone that works there though and we have friends that have kids thereit all just feels too close to home." "We shouldnt have to fear dropping our kids off at school and fearing them not coming home" she continued. Story continues She added, "Just want to squeeze them asap. First flight out tomorrow am now." During the IiHeart Radio Music Awards broadcast, host Lenny Kravitz offered remembrance for the victims and their families. Lenny Kravitz hosted the iHeart Radio Music Awards for 2023. "Our hearts are heavy and we are with you Nashville. We love you," Kravitz said. ""And America: We must do better and we will do better." Jen Shahs prison sentence has been reduced by a year. The "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star is now expected to be released from prison in August 2028, after she was initially sentenced to 6 years in January, according to the National Bureau of Prisons website. Her initial release date was August 2029. "We have not yet been advised as to why Ms. Shahs sentence was reduced," a rep for Homeland Security Investigations in New York told Fox News Digital "I have spoken with my client Jen Shah over the phone this week she is doing well and remains committed towards making her victims whole," Shahs manager, Chris Giovanni, told Fox News Digital in a statement Tuesday. "She has initiated her payments towards restitution, and we hope to have her home as soon as possible so that she may resume life with her family and work, putting this chapter of her life behind her." JEN SHAH PRISON NIGHTMARE: REALITY STAR STRUGGLED TO REPORT FOR 78-MONTH SENTENCE OVER TELEMARKETING SCAM Jen Shah's sentence has been reduced by a year. Shah pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a telemarketing scheme that targeted the elderly. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Shah and her longtime assistant, Stuart Smith, were "each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing through which they victimized 10 or more persons over the age of 55, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years," the Department of Justice said in a release published at the time of their arrests. The 49-year-old reality star detailed her emotional struggles after reporting to prison last month. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I want to run back into my husband's arms, because I know he will make this nightmare end," Shah wrote in a journal entry shared on Instagram by her husband, Sharrieff, whom she shares two children with, Sharrieff Jr. and Omar. Story continues "I feel physically sick. I feel like I don't belong here. I thought I could do this but I've decided I can't. I want to go home right now, but I know that is impossible. Please Allah help me, please." "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah reported to prison in Texas last month. Shah initially pleaded not guilty in 2021 but entered a guilty plea one year later as part of an agreement in which a money laundering charge was dropped. She agreed to forfeit $6.5 million and also pay restitution up to $9.5 million. Shah and Smith allegedly used third-party names for their business entities, according to the initial indictment. The pair allegedly told victims to use encrypted messages as forms of communication and instructed users to send payments to offshore accounts. JEN SHAH SURRENDERS TO TEXAS PRISON, BEGINS 78-MONTH SENTENCE FOR ROLE IN TELEMARKETING SCAM "Shahs fraud scheme targeted and exploited vulnerable, often elderly, working-class people. She and her co-conspirators built their publicly lavish lifestyles on the false promises of financial independence offered to their victims victims who, to them, were merely leads to be bought and sold," said Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York. "Shahs crimes have had deep, lasting impacts on the lives of her victims, and todays significant sentence and forfeiture reflects the seriousness of her crimes." Jen Shah wrote in a journal entry shared by her husband that turning herself in was a "nightmare." Shah is serving her sentence at Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas. Fox News Digital has reached out to Federal Prison Camp Bryan for comment. Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report. Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in "Murder Mystery 2." Scott Yamano/Netflix Jennifer Aniston said that Adam Sandler "ripped my skirt" while filming their new Netflix movie. She said there was a particular scene where they have to roll on a bed and he kept rolling onto her. Sandler said that Aniston then "ran around skirtless" on the "Murder Mystery 2" set. Jennifer Aniston said that Adam Sandler ripped her skirt while they were filming a bedroom scene in "Murder Mystery 2." In the Netflix sequel, which premieres on Friday, Sandler and Aniston return as married couple Nick and Audrey Spitz, who are trying to solve the kidnapping of their friend, the Maharajah (Adeel Akhtar). In a recent interview with MovieWeb, the pair were asked about funny moments from the set, prompting Sandler to talk about a scene in which the married couple roll around on the bed in their apartment. "When I would dive into the bed and roll on you and I caught your dress one time. I caught something," Sandler said. Aniston then jumped in: "We had this big bed in the movie, where it's the biggest bed in the world, and we'd get on, and we'd roll off of it. And Adam kept rolling onto me." Sandler then said that Aniston got up and loosened her clothes, but the "Friends" star interrupted to say: "You ripped my skirt. You took my skirt off." Adam Sandler giving a speech at Jennifer Aniston's Hollywood Walk Of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2012. Steve Granitz/WireImage Sandler added: "The skirt came off and Aniston ran around, skirtless." Aniston laughed before saying in a high-pitched voice: "He took my skirt off." "Murder Mystery 2" is the third movie in which Aniston and Sandler appear together as love interests. However, the pair have actually been friends for over 30 years. Last week, while promoting the Netflix movie on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Aniston joked that the only advice she receives from Sandler is criticism about her love life. Aniston also said that she looks after Sandler on set with "a little arsenal" of Chinese herbs and smoothies. "I very much love to take care of him," the 54-year-old actor said. "He's so concerned with taking care of everybody else, which he really does, and he doesn't take care of himself. I'm sorry for calling you out on national television, but you have to know this." "Murder Mystery 2" is available to stream on Netflix from March 31. Read the original article on Insider Jeremy Renner has shared how his daughter has healed him amid his recovery from a snowplough accident that left him in critical but stable condition earlier this year. The Hawkeye star celebrated his daughter Avas 10th birthday on 28 March with a sweet tribute shared to his Instagram Story. Renner, 52, posted a father-daughter picture of the pair as he reflected on how shes helped him since being crushed by a large snowplough outside his home in Nevada last January. Happy 10th Birthday to you!!!! he began the birthday tribute. So very proud of you in every way. Your hugs and your love have healed me so incredibly fast. I stand up for you, and I am stronger than before because of you. I am your father, I am your protector, and I am only yours. He signed the message: I love you, Daddy Renner, who shares daughter Ava with ex-wife Sonni Pacheco, has continued to recover ever since he was run over by a snowplough on New Years Day while trying to save his nephew from the 14,000-pound PistenBully snowcat vehicle. The Arrival star had suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in the incident and later revealed he had broken more than 30 bones. Just this week, the Marvel actor showed fans he was on the mend when he shared a video of himself walking on an anti-gravity treadmill as part of his physical therapy. Its like having a cane, he said in the video, adding that the equipment enables him to feel less weight. Now is the time for my body to rest and recover from my will, Renner captioned the video. Jeremy Renner says daughter Ava healed him in birthday tribute (Instagram / Jeremy Renner) Since returning home from the hospital, the action star has shared updates of his recovery on social media, including his workout routines for rehabilitation. In one video posted last February, Renner was seen working out on an exercise bike while using a handheld pole to help push his left leg. Whatever it takes, he wrote in a caption over the video. Renners daughter Ava isnt the only one helping the Avengers star since his snowplough injury. His Marvel co-stars have also shown their support for Renner amid his recovery. Mark Ruffalo, who stars as the Hulk opposite Renners Hawkeye, called the actor an inspiration to all after he shared a video of himself walking on a treadmill just months after the accident. Story continues Last January, Renner shared a selfie from his hospital bed just days after he was run over by the 14,000-pound snowplough. He captioned the post: Thank you all for your kind words. Im too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all. The selfie received an outpouring of love and support from Renners Marvel co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt. Speedy recovery buddy. Sending love your way! the Thor star wrote, while the Guardians of the Galaxy actor said: Continued prayers your way brutha. Richard Golden, the New Jersey man who urged people in an extremist chat room to put a bullet in Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood's head, appeared before a judge at the jail Tuesday afternoon. Golden, 38, of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, was brought to Volusia County on Monday. Charged with second-degree felony written threats to kill or do bodily injury, Golden was ordered held on $100,000 bail. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Golden did not say a word as he stood before the judge and only nodded when County Judge Robert Sanders called out his name and read the charge. According to investigators from various agencies that included the South Brunswick Police Department, the FBI, the Seventh Judicial Circuit's State Attorney's Office, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, and the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange, Golden called on white supremacists and hate groups to murder Chitwood. Sheriff Mike Chitwood gets death threatNew Jersey man arrested for posting death threats online aimed at Sheriff Mike Chitwood New Jersey man threatens sheriffRichard Golden: What we know about the man accused of threatening Sheriff Mike Chitwood Golden made the threat after Chitwood denounced a white supremacist group, the Goyim Defense League, for spreading fear and antisemitic hate literature about the Jewish community in Volusia County. "Just shoot Chitwood in the head and he stops being a problem," Golden wrote in the chat room, according to the sheriff. "They have to find a new guy to be the problem. But shooting Chitwood in the head solves an immediate problem permanently. Just shoot Chitwood in the head and murder him." Golden is anti-police, antigovernment, unemployed, and lived in a back bedroom at his mother's New Jersey home, investigators said. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: White supremacist sympathizer who wanted sheriff murdered jailed Representative Jim Jordan (R., Ohio) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel demanding an explanation as to why the agency deployed federal agents to visit Twitter Files journalist Matt Taibbi. Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, sent the notice on Monday requesting more information on the timing and circumstances of the raid on Taibbis house in New Jersey on March 9. Federal agents were dispatched to Taibbis residence the very same day that the investigative journalist appeared before the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, also chaired by Representative Jordan. According to the letter, first obtained by the Wall Street Journal, Taibbi notified Jordan that the IRS instructed him to phone the federal agency four days later, and he was later told that both his 2018 and 2021 tax filings were requested because of concerns over identity theft. Taibbi shared his 2018 tax submission with the Select Committee, which showed that his filing was electronically accepted and that no problem was registered with the return for more than four-and-a-half years, the Journal editorial notes. While Taibbis initial 2021 return was rejected twice despite his accountant using an IRS-provided pin number. Taibbi added that the issue at stake is not monetary and that the federal agency actually owes him a considerable amount of money. During Taibbis visit to Capitol Hill, Representative Stacey Plaskett (D., V.I.) denounced the former Rolling Stones journalist as a threat. Mr. Chairman, I am not exaggerating when I say that you have called before you two witnesses who pose a direct threat to people who oppose them. When Jordan laughed at this comment, Plaskett replied, Its funny when people have to go through that? This is unacceptable. Plaskett derided Taibbi as a so-called journalist and repeatedly insisted that there was no real evidence publicized in the Twitter Files showing coordination between the federal government and the social-media platform. Story continues Ranking Member Plaskett, Im not a so-called journalist, Taibbi countered. Ive won the National Magazine Award, the I.F. Stone Award for Independent Journalism, and Ive written ten books, including four New York Times best sellers. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fl.) engaged in a similar line of hostile questioning. Being a Republican witness today certainly casts a cloud over your objectivity. Elon Musk spoon-fed you his cherry-picked information, which you must have suspected promotes a slanted viewpoint or, at the very least, generates a right-wing conspiracy theory. You violated your own standards, and you appear to have benefitted from it, the Florida representative told Taibbi. However, I decided the Committee should probably know, Taibbi told National Review about the unannounced IRS home visit following Wasserman- Schultzs comments during the hearing raising the matter of Taibbis income. According to Taibbi, the IRS is now saying theres no problem. The IRS did not respond to NRs request for comment. Just ahead of testifying, Taibbi released a new installment of the Twitter Files revealing that the social-media company had established a Censorship-Industrial Complex whereby agencies such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NGOs including the Atlantic Council and National Endowment for Democracy regularly consulted with the social-media platform in an effort to censor or downplay posts they found objectionable. 9. Asked if Twitters marketing department could say the company detects misinfo with help of outside experts, a Twitter executive replied: pic.twitter.com/oYjKUqE96I Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 9, 2023 According to the communications obtained by Taibbi, much of which he has published in the Twitter Files, Twitter had a policy of censoring even information that it accepted as true if that info had a chance of inducing vaccine hesitancy among readers. More from National Review Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson Jodie Turner-Smith is getting candid about motherhood, with the Queen & Slim star sharing that having a light-skinned boss of a daughter has changed how she sees herself and colorism. The post Jodie Turner-Smith Says Raising A Biracial Daughter Changed How She Sees Herself And Colorism appeared first on Blavity. Turner-Smith explained to Sex Educations Ncuti Gatwa for ELLE UK that she felt a lot of resistance to becoming a mother before settling down with her husband Joshua Jackson. However, when considering taking on the role, she envisioned mothering Black babies. She understood the love they needed and what the world would deny them, and she desired to provide them with that appreciation and confidence. But then she fell in love, and as she and Jackson discussed expanding their family, she had a mini pause. Raising a child with a completely different experience in the world was daunting for her. I was like, Shes going to be walking through the world not only having an experience that I did not have, but looking like people that, in a way, Id always felt a little bit tormented by,' Turner-Smith told Gatwa. Turner-Smith could not be prouder of now 2-year-old Janie, who she said is hilarious and thrilled about her nepo baby status. I love this little girl so much, she told Gatwa. Shes so funny. Its a big job to prepare children for the world. The best thing that we can do is let them touch the earth and be grounded and real as real as one can be when you have the level of privilege that obviously my child has. Im not acting like shes not a nepo baby. But I worked damn hard to have a nepo baby! Though Turner-Smith was concerned about how shed mother Janie, doing so has shifted her perspective and inspired her healing. Now that Ive got this little, tiny, light-skinned boss, I feel like its the universe teaching me lessons. Ive been given a daughter who looks this way to heal my own conversations around colourism, she shared. Turner-Smith and Gatwa, who made history as Doctor Whos first Black lead, also reflected on the 36-year-olds monumental role in Queen & Slim and how it may have led to her Hollywood typecasting her. Gatwa suggested that casting directors may only see her as an intense, dramatic actor, but Turner-Smith has comedic aspirations. I want to do everything. I feel like, why limit myself? Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler: when the two of them do their thing together, its so f**king hysterical. Im so proud of myself because I was cracking Adam and Jen up. I had so much fun, and let me just say, Jennifer Aniston is so cool, she said. John Leguizamo joked that he would start taking white people's roles in Hollywood since white people had been cast in Latino roles, starting with playing Gwyneth Paltrow in a TV series about her ski trial. Theo Wargo/Getty; Rick Bowmer/Pool/AP John Leguizamo joked that "if white people can take" Latino roles, he'd "take theirs." Leguizamo said he'd cast himself as Gwyneth Paltrow in a TV series about her ski-accident trial. Leguizamo has been outspoken about the dearth of Latino representation in Hollywood. While highlighting Latino underrepresentation in Hollywood, John Leguizamo joked that he might take a role from a white actor by playing Gwyneth Paltrow in a movie about her ongoing ski-accident trial. The actor, who stars in Prime Video's "The Power," is guest hosting "The Daily Show" after the departure of its host Trevor Noah. On Monday's episode, Leguizamo spoke about the phenomenon of white actors like James Franco, who was cast as Fidel Castro in the film "Alina of Cuba," being cast in Latino roles. "Well, guess what? If white people can take our roles, I'm going to take theirs," Leguizamo said. "When they do the TV series based on Gwyneth Paltrow's ski-accident trial, I'm going to be Gwyneth Paltrow," he continued, before launching into an impression of the actor and Goop founder. Paltrow is in court after a retired optometrist, Terry Sanderson, sued her in 2019 claiming that she was at fault when she crashed into him on a ski slope in 2016. Paltrow, who has disputed parts of Sanderson's story, countersued, saying that Sanderson ran into her. Leguizamo has been outspoken about the dearth of Latino representation in Hollywood, writing an open letter to the industry in the Los Angeles Times in 2022 about the long-standing issue. "You may think Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bad Bunny, J Lo, Benicio del Toro and I are the only ones, but you are wrong," he wrote. "There are millions of Latinos, and we were just among the few to be allowed through." A USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study published in 2021 of 1,300 of the top-grossing films from 2007 to 2019 found that only 3.5% of leads and co-leads in those films were Hispanic or Latino, despite the group composing 18.7% of the US population. Story continues In December 2022, Leguizamo told Insider that it was "odd" to act opposite white actors like Al Pacino, who played a Latino character in the film "Carlito's Way." He recounted another instance in which he said he was denied a role because of an "unspoken 'Latin quota'" in a film, adding that the director told him he couldn't "have two Latin people in the movie." "I can't tell you how many times in my career I've been told at auditions that I sound too Latino, not Latino enough, that Latinos don't want to watch other Latinos, all sorts of madness," he said on "The Daily Show." Read the original article on Insider Jonathan Majors has been charged with assault and harassment after an altercation involving a woman in a New York apartment. A representative for the actor has denied any wrongdoing. New York City police responded to an emergency call at an apartment in Chelsea at 11.14am on Saturday (25 March). According to a police statement, they determined that the actor was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman. The woman told police that she had been assaulted and was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries to her head and neck. The man, who police identified as Majors, was placed into custody without incident. His relationship to the woman is described only as domestic, per The Los Angeles Times. Following the arrest, the Manhattan DAs office confirmed (via Variety) that Majors was charged with several counts of assault in the third degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and one count of harassment in the second degree. Majors, 33, is no longer in police custody. Majors in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania (Marvel Studios) On Sunday, Majors lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, claimed that the woman was the aggressor and has now recanted her allegations. Jonathan Majors is completely innocent and is provably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows. We are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently, Chaudhry said in a statement, provided to The Independent. The US army has since pulled its recruitment ads starring Majors, adding that it was deeply concerned by the allegations. Majors most recently starred as Kang in Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania alongside Paul Rudd, and is rumoured to appear in the forthcoming second season of Loki opposite Tom Hiddleston. Earlier this year, he also starred in Creed III with Michael B Jordan and Tessa Thompson. Majors other credits include the HBO drama Lovecraft Country, and the 2021 western The Harder They Fall. After Nueces County Attorney Jenny Dorsey was given two weeks to amend a petition seeking the removal of District Attorney Mark Gonzalez, a visiting judge issued a citation on Monday allowing a trial by jury. Judge David Peeples of Bexar County was assigned to the case by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht after 319th District Judge David Stith and Presiding Judge Missy Medary of the 5th Administrative Judicial Region recused themselves from the case due to possible conflicts of interest. Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez looks through an evidence binder during a hearing on a petition seeking his removal from elected office on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the county courthouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dorsey filed the amended petition last week. She said Gonzalez could appear in court as soon as April 3, depending on when he's served. The order for issuance and service of citation signed by Peeples states that the defendant shall appear and answer by 10 a.m. on the first Monday following the fifth day after service. Gonzalez will not be suspended from office pending this trial, the order states. Order by callertimes on Scribd The citation came after a Nueces County conservative activist filed the initial petition against Gonzalez in January. The 118-page petition filed by Colby Wiltse, a Nueces County resident and Texas state director for the conservative group County Citizens Defending Freedom, accuses Gonzalez of incompetence, official misconduct and failure to give bond, and alleges he's mishandled high-profile murder cases and criminal dismissal rates, resulting in backlogged cases and a shortage of prosecutors. Colby Wiltse, the executive director of Nueces County's chapter of County Citizens for Defending Freedom, listens to County Attorney Jenny P. Dorsey during a hearing on Wiltse's petition seeking the removal of District Attorney Mark Gonzalez from elected office on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the County Courthouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. During its March 8 meeting, the Nueces County Commissioners Court consulted with outside legal counsel on whether the county is required to provide representation for Gonzalez. The commissioners voted to seek guidance from the Texas Attorney General's Office before making a decision. A spokesperson for the Texas Attorney General's Office told the Caller-Times last week that it received the opinion request March 14 and had not yet issued an opinion. A spokesperson could not immediately confirm Monday whether an opinion has been issued. Story continues Gonzalez appeared in public comment during the Commissioners Court's meeting last week to ask the county to cover the cost of his legal representation. More news Opinion: Texas GOP, far-right activists meddling in Nueces County affairs Consultant: Second-floor expansion of Bob Hall Pier would be unsound District Attorney Mark Gonzalez asks Nueces County to pay legal fees in removal petition This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Judge to allow trial in petition seeking removal of Nueces County DA REUTERS/Mike Segar A federal judge reduced Sam Bankman-Frieds ability to engage with the online world on Tuesday, ordering that he have access to just two electronic devices: a phone without an internet connection, and a laptop that can visit just a small number of websites. To make sure he complies, the devices will be equipped with monitoring software. Additionally, because the FTX founder is under home confinement at his parents residence, their devices will also be safeguarded against his use. The parents electronics must be password protected, and special software will take a photograph of the person using the devices every several minutes. If Bankman-Fried receives visitors at the house, those individuals will be screened with a handheld metal detector by a security guard to check for phones or other electronics. Bankman-Fried landed in this position after repeatedly angering both prosecutors and the court. In January, he contacted the general counsel of FTX on an encrypted app, writing that he would really love to reconnect and see if theres a way for us to have a constructive relationship. The move sparked allegations that he may have been trying to influence a possible witness in his case. REVEALED: Sam Bankman-Frieds Mystery Bail Co-Signers More recently, Bankman-Fried infuriated the court after using a virtual private network, or VPN, to watch the Super Bowl. The former crypto billionaire has since been barred from using both encrypted chat apps or a VPN, except as permitted by the court. According to Tuesdays order, Bankman-Fried will be allowed to visit websites related to his defense, such as government web pages, his law firms website, and those related to FTX. He will also have access to 16 media sites (sadly, he seems not to be a Daily Beast reader), Amazon, Doordash, and a few other pages. The restrictions are no doubt an adjustment for Bankman-Fried, who was once known to conduct interviews while playing the online video game League of Legends (thats now banned, too). Story continues The order was perhaps not the worst news for him on Tuesday, however. Prosecutors also released a superseding indictment that charges the 31-year-old with conspiring to bribe at least one Chinese official in 2021, claiming that he transferred tens of millions of dollars in crypto after authorities froze his hedge funds accounts. Bankman-Frieds indictment now clocks in at 13 counts. 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 top federal judge for the D.C. district court has issued a swift rejection of former President Donald Trump's assertion of executive privilege to prevent former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying before a grand jury investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. At the same time, the judge issued a ruling that narrowly upheld parts of a separate legal challenge brought by Pence's attorneys, who have argued Pence should be exempt from providing records or answering certain questions that align with his duties as president of the Senate overseeing the formal certification of the election on Jan. 6, 2021. According to sources, D.C. Chief Judge James Boasberg ordered that Pence should have to provide answers to special counsel Jack Smith on any questions that implicate any illegal acts on Trump's part. MORE: Pence indicates he won't challenge all aspects of special counsel's subpoena, as more details emerge Pence's team had argued that such communications could run afoul of the Speech and Debate Clause that shields officials in Congress from legal proceedings specifically related to their work. "The DOJ is continuously stepping far outside the standard norms in attempting to destroy the long accepted, long held, Constitutionally based standards of attorney-client privilege and executive privilege," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News. "There is no factual or legal basis or substance to any case against President Trump," the statement said. "The deranged Democrats and their comrades in the mainstream media are corrupting the legal process and weaponizing the justice system in order to manipulate and influence an election in which President Trump is dominating all across the board." The special counsel's office declined to comment to ABC News. A spokesperson for Pence did not immediately respond. Boasberg's rulings came just four days after his and Pence's lawyers appeared at the district court to argue their challenge to the subpoena from the special counsel. Story continues PHOTO: FILE - Mike Pence is seen at Fox News Channel Studios, Feb. 22, 2023 in New York City. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images, FILE) It was not immediately clear whether Trump or Pence's legal teams are planning to appeal the rulings. Pence has previously vowed to fight the subpoena to the Supreme Court if necessary, most recently telling ABC's Chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, "We're going to respect the decisions of the court, and that may take us to the highest court in the land." The February subpoena to Pence demanded he provide documents and testimony related to the failed attempt by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election and followed months of negotiations between federal prosecutors and Pence's legal team. Boasberg's orders followed upon another recent ruling by his predecessor in the role as D.C.'s chief judge, Judge Beryl Howell, who similarly rejected Trump's claims of executive privilege over the testimony of multiple other top aides, including his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. In a letter reviewed by ABC News, White House special counsel Richard Sauber informed Jack Smith that President Joe Biden would not be asserting executive privilege over Pence's testimony. MORE: Special counsel investigating Trump asks judge to compel Mike Pence to testify "These events -- which reflected the most serious attack on the operations of the Federal Government since the Civil War -- threatened not only the safety of Congress and others present at the Capitol, but also the principles of democracy enshrined in our history and our Constitution," Sauber wrote to Smith in February, after Smith had reached out the White House to determine whether the president planned to assert privilege over Pence's grand jury appearance. "In light of these unique circumstances, President Biden has determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the public interest with respect to the efforts to thwart the orderly transition of power under our Constitution." Judge rejects Trump's privilege claims over Pence testimony in Jan. 6 probe originally appeared on abcnews.go.com We must, we must, we must increase our bust! Familiar to generations of women, the iconic chant for bigger bosoms has been recited in front of mirrors and behind closed doors for more than 50 years and remains a lasting legacy from Judy Blumes groundbreaking 1970 novel Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret. With its frank conversations around puberty, sex and religion, Blumes young adult book has touched the lives of adolescent girls everywhere, reassuring them that zits, periods and those first flutters of sexual awakening are all just normal parts of growing up. Between social media and the internet, theres not much that we dont talk about nowadays. Back in the 60s and 70s, however, when the book was first published, topics like the aforementioned were mostly taboo, relegated to whispers in school hallways or late-night sleepovers. But Blume changed everything. This book spoke to young girls as women for the first time, and it allowed us to be ourselves, TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager said while speaking at the New York movie premiere of the book's adaptation. Even so, Blumes books werent exactly fodder for dinner conversation. It was what we read under the covers with the flashlight, Jenna said. Deemed controversial for its portrayal of Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader coming to terms with moving to a new town, interfaith parents and her changing body (including gasp! menstruation), the book was banned from many library shelves. More than a half century later, Blume still remains on the list of frequently banned authors according to the American Library Association. Did Blume know that her novel would be incendiary? Not even a little bit. I had no idea what I was doing, Blume said while speaking at the same event. I knew nothing about writing. I didnt know anybody who had ever written, but I had all this stuff inside me and it spilled out." Within six weeks, shed finished her first draft. The rest, as they say, is history. Story continues Since 1969, Blume has written 29 books, including beloved novels like Blubber, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Forever, Wifey and Summer Sisters. Combined, theyve sold more than 90 million copies and have been translated into 39 languages, per her website. I remember, once, somebody saying to me, 20 years from now, Judy, do you think theyll be reading your books? And I was like, I dont know and I dont really care as long as somebody is reading them now, Blume said. Retired from writing, Blume, 85, currently runs Books and Books, an independent bookstore that she co-founded with husband George Cooper in Key West, Florida. She said women of all ages regularly come into the store to meet her. Often, she said, there are a lot of tears. I think its because when they meet me, its their childhood, Blume shared. She said that the upcoming Are You There God? film, out on April 28, is for all women, but especially for those who grew up reading the book. First and foremost, its for the ones who will recognize, theyll recognize where they were when they read it, she said, and theyll remember. TODAY.com asked some of those women what Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret means to them and how the book impacted their lives. Heres what they said. Susan Evans, 52 Susan Evans When I was a preteen in the early 80s, my friends and I all found Judy Blume. She spoke of subjects that were either swept under the rug or spoke of clinically or biologically. She spoke directly to us about teen experiences. We started unofficial period clubs, anxiously awaiting growing up in ways that were special for girls. Some things from the book were already outdated sanitary belts and giant pads! No way! I was so delighted when I picked up the book again last year to reread it before the movie comes out and I saw that some of the out-of-date things were updated. She has and always will be a progressive author. As a Jewish girl I was so excited to read about her experiences with Judaism with her grandmother. Now, as a mom parenting my Jewish children with their Catholic dad, I see it from a different, interfaith perspective. As they say, representation matters and fiction books with Jewish characters are hard to find. Karen Abad, 37 Karen Abad said the book helped her in her move to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. (Courtesy of Karen Abad) In sixth grade, I attended my schools Scholastic Book Fair and picked up Judy Blumes Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret because it had the word God in it and I felt like it would be a book my parents would approve of if they ever saw it in my room. Growing up in a Catholic and Christian Filipino household, there were lots of conversation topics that were off limits, sex being one of them. So, it was a huge surprise to me when I started reading Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret and realized it was about puberty and sex. I felt like I was in a secret club and I was learning about things that I wasnt allowed to ask about, let alone, think about. It was also in many ways normalizing feelings that I had growing up, but could never explore or discuss. I spent eight years of my adolescence living in Saudi Arabia, where I observed a very strong gender dichotomy. A lot of the concepts of the book were so foreign to me, like parties with boys playing spin the bottle and two minutes in the closet. For 8th grade, my family immigrated to California and for the first time I felt like I was experiencing the life that I had read about in the book. As Ive gotten older, I realized that Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret not only was a roadmap for me to navigate puberty, but it was also something that became important to me as I experienced the culture shock of moving from the Middle East to America. I am extremely grateful that the book exists and helped the weirdo in me feel just a little bit more normal when I felt like I had no one to confide in. Erin Rehberg, 40 Erin Rehberg first read I am not much of a rereader, but I have read this book no fewer than ten times. Each time, I am transported back to the feelings that I had as a preteen. I first read this book when I was around 10 years old. My mom bought it for me at a book fair at my elementary school, and the whole time I was reading it, I felt so seen as someone who was on the cusp of puberty. I also wondered to myself the whole time I was reading, Does my mom realize what this book was about? I think the power of the book is that it took so many topics that felt taboo, at least at that time, and discussed them in a way that felt so relatable. I think we all wonder if we are normal at that age, and Margaret helped me feel normal. Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret helped me realize that fictional stories are so powerful for helping us feel like humans. It is so important that all people, but especially young people, have access to books like Blumes that make us feel like our experiences, and the changes we make as adolescents, are part of a larger shared experience. Sherri DePersia, 52 Sherri DePersia said I will never forget my friend in second grade having that book out at recess. We would sneak into a huddle and read it. It was so funny. Im still good friends with them and we still talk about it. I loved all her books. Brittany Bustos, 27 Brittany Bustos said My mom gave me Are You There God? Its Me Margaret to read when I was about 10 or 12, the same age she was when she read it. When I read the book, I shared so much of what Margaret was facing: The idea of falling in love, the impact of puberty and getting a period for the first time, which was a big struggle for me growing up because I just didnt understand it. While I read other books that teleported me to other worlds, this book always will be a pinnacle in the timeline of my life. It was something I loved along with my mom, and it kept me realizing that I wasnt alone in this big scary thing called growing up. Jenna Scuteri, 31 Jena Scuteri said the book provided her comfort about the I can picture Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret still sitting on the bookshelf in my childhood bedroom, a book I read many, many times. My mother bought me the book around the time the nurse pulled the fourth grade girls aside for a special health class, where you learn about the female reproductive system, but mainly the upcoming and looming topic of the period. The preteen time in life can be challenging and confusing and this book made you feel like you were not alone. As a Christian, I also enjoyed Blumes insight into asking God for help during this time (and questioning), especially to be like her peers. Julie Scaringella, 53 Julie Scaringella is a Judy Blume die-hard fan. (Courtesy Julie Scaringella) Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret is my all time favorite book. In fourth grade, my teacher read the class Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and after that I read every Judy Blume book I could. I have read Margaret every year of my life since then. I know it by heart. Christa and Caelyn Dean, 47 and 13 Christa and Caelyn Dean bonded over Judy Blume. (Courtesy Christa Dean) I read Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret in the mid 80s. Back in the day, moms didnt necessarily have open conversations with daughters about a lot of these topics boys, religion, body development, so it became a must-read for so many girls. Just to know that Margaret, like so many of us, struggled with not understanding her feelings was a comfort. I couldnt wait to share this book with my daughter, Caelyn, who loved Judy Blumes "Fudge" books (so did my son). I think I jumped the gun by giving it to her too early she was mortified! But she picked it back up on her own and it became a favorite of hers as well. According to Caelyn, I didnt want to read it at first, but my mom convinced me and now I love it. Joan Steven, 53 Joan Steven started a third grade revolution by reading "Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret" was the first Judy Blume book I read. I went to a small private Catholic school and read it in third grade. I started talking with all my friends about bras and periods. At the time, I had no clue what a period was and I distinctly remember mispronouncing bra so no one had a clue what I was talking about. With it being such a small school I graduated with 37 people teachers got wind of a bunch of third grade girls talking about periods and bras. That was not anything that was talked about that early in my school. At the time, my mom was my Brownie troop leader and it one of my best friends dad was an OB/GYN. My mom arranged for my friends dad to come to a Brownie meeting and talk about the reproductive system to a bunch of third graders. I remember being so embarrassed but glad that my mom did this. Margaret Lavallee, 56 This book gave Margaret Lavallee her mantra. (Courtesy Margaret Lavallee) I must, I must, I must increase my bust. Still my mantra all these decades later. Throughout the month of March, TODAY.com is celebrating women across generations who have made history and continue to move the conversation forward by breaking stigmas, sparking dialogue and inspiring the next generation. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Results of the vote on a resolution in support of Ukraine Results of the vote on a resolution in support of Ukraine during the General Assembly Emergency session on Russian aggression against Ukraine vote at UN Headquarters. Members of the UN voted to approve a resolution of the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and a halt to the fighting. The vote was 141 for, 7 against, and 32 abstained, 13 countries did not vote. Credit - Lev Radin-Pacific Press/LightRocket It seems like the worst April Fools joke in history, but an indicted war criminal, Vladimir Putin, is about to take control of the U.N. Security Councilwith the implicit blessing of the United States, France, and the U.Kjust weeks after his global criminal indictment. On top of this, the man just designated as Putins emissary to address this session of the Security Council is his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovwho stormed out of the Security Council this fall when confronted with evidence of Russia atrocities against Ukraine. Last month a G20 summit in New Delhi erupted in laughter when Lavrov complained that Ukraine started the war by attacking Russia. How can the U.S. watch as this speeding car heads towards the cliff? In 1986, as First Lady, Nancy Reagan coined the expression Just say no! regarding drug abuse. The U.S. must use every ounce of its influenceincluding exercising its rarely-used veto powerto block Russian President Vladimir Putins crony at the U.N. from assuming the Presidency of the U.N.s Security Council and abusing the platform of the U.N. to whitewash Russias genocidal war in Ukraine. On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin asserting that There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for an array of atrocities and war crimes committed against non-combatant civilians since his invasion last year of their peaceful sovereign neighbor Ukraine. There are five permanent members of the Security Councilthe U.S., China, France, Russia, and the U.K.which are collectively known as the P5. Each of them individually can veto any resolution. Story continues The Security Councils ten elected members, which serve two-year, rotating, nonconsecutive terms, are not afforded veto power and of course no other U.N. member nations have that power. In the decade since Putins return to office in 2012, Russia has exercised that valuable power a stunning 24 times, twice a year. China has used it ten times, once a year. But the U.S. has only exercised that power three times over the decade. What could be a better cause than now to use that power now. According to Article 27 on the U.N. charter, any member nation that is a party to a dispute must abstain from voting. Last year, in violation of Article 27 and several articles of the U.N. Charter, Russias vetoed a Security Council draft resolution intended to end the Russian Federations military invasion of Ukraine. As a party in the dispute and as an aggressor nation, Russia should have recused itself from voting and been denied its veto power. That proposal, submitted by Albania and the U.S., gathered support from 11 Security Council members but was vetoed by the Russian Federation. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates all abstained. That resolution of, the 15-member Council would have deplored, in the strongest terms, the Russian Federations aggression as being in violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the Charter of the United Nationsan obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. This was followed by a sweeping show of global unity with, 141 countries voting in favor of an UNGA resolution demanding an immediate end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian blocked this, too. Shelby Magi and Yulia Shlamov of The Atlantic Council promptly and accurately condemned this situation stating that it makes mockery of the Security Council. Astoundingly, history is repeating itself as, improbably, Russia also obtained control of the UN Security Council just after they launched their invasion on Ukraine a year ago. Russia exploited that positionpart of a long history of Russian shenanigans at the U.N.to shamelessly promote a false counterfactual narrative of Ukrainian neo-Nazis while burying meetings, speakers, and resolutions which did not align with their diabolical agenda. For example, they anointed pro-Russian counterfeits as Ukrainian civil society activists at Security Council meetings to show that ostensibly Ukrainian civil society despised Zelenskyy and would welcome Putins rule with open armswhich has been laughably disproven over the past year. They promoted disinformation about the evil Ukrainian regime and their own peaceful intentions intended to juxtapose Putins omniscient brilliance against a supposedly cowardly Ukrainian government which would flee at the first sign of troubleeven though President Zelenskyy courageously refused to leave Kyiv. Russia further manipulated the rules of the U.N. to force unprecedented institutional condemnation of economic sanctions through procedural skullduggery, which was then feverishly broadcast by the Kremlin to third world countries to undermine peaceful economic blockades of Russia. Russia further convened nonsensical meetings on biological weapons and war mosquitos that Ukraine supposedly manufactured and non-existent dirty bombs that Ukraine is supposedly using deep within Russia. On top of all this, Russia has never been admitted as a U.N. member nation, let alone a legitimate member of the U.N. Security Council. No nation, including Russia, has even been grandfathered in a surviving nation of a former fallen empire. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 thirteen of the fifteen former USSR republics, from Armenia to Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, were required to apply to membership. Only Ukraine and Belarus had standing, as having been among the original members since 1945. Nowhere in USSR diplomatic statements, was Russia identified as the equivalent of the 15 member USSR. One cannot simply join the U.N. by expressing its wish to joinit must be ratified through the formal process. With no application for membership, no review of a nomination, and no ratification vote, Russia is simply not yet a nation with any legal standing at the U.N. The U.S., across political parties and Administrations, has been reluctant to exercise its UNSC veto power as career diplomats often possess a near determination for compromise and backchannel conversation but there are moments to stop the conversation and take a stand. It is times like these that the U.S., the U.K., and De Gaulle had in mind in 1941 when they called for an international postwar peacekeeping institution with, crucially, veto powers by five superpowersif their membership is in good standing. In the next five days, the U.S. merely needs to take a stand, saying no to Russias presidency, and calling to bypass Russia for the next nation in line to lead the Security Council. Protesters deny causing a public nuisance after climbing the QEII bridge in Dartford, which saw traffic being stopped by police Two protesters caused "gridlock for miles around" after they scaled the Dartford Crossing bridge and police closed it to traffic, a trial heard. Just Stop Oil activists Morgan Trowland, 40, of Islington, London, and Marcus Decker, 34, of no fixed address, deny causing a public nuisance. Using climbing equipment they climbed 200ft (60m) up the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge cables, the prosecution said. They then unfurled a protest banner and "rigged up hammocks and stayed there". The bridge linking the M25 over the River Thames between Essex and Kent was closed from 04:00 BST on 17 October until 21:00 the following day, the prosecutor said. "This closure caused gridlock for miles around throughout that period, which we say was the point," prosecutor Adam King told Basildon Crown Court in Essex. "Morgan Trowland, while up there, arranged interviews with the press and posted on social media from a Just Stop Oil account. "One post was a video of him setting out the group's demand that the government immediately stop issuing oil licences. "Small businesses lost, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of pounds, people missed loved one's funerals, children were left on the side of the road waiting for buses." The two protesters deny causing a public nuisance after climbing the QEII Bridge to the east of London, which saw traffic being stopped by police Mr King said there may be evidence about climate change and what the defendants "sought to achieve", but he told jurors: "We're not here to litigate the government's climate change policy." He said the pair came down at about 17:30 on 18 October "with the help of police and a very tall cherry picker crane", but the bridge was not reopened to traffic until later. In police body-worn camera footage shown to jurors, the protesters confirmed to attending police that they were there to protest and not for a suicide attempt. Jurors were also shown drone footage of the two men, on the vertical uprights on opposite sides of the bridge, with their hammocks set up and banner displayed. The trial continues. Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk Justine Bateman accepts her changing physical features even if the internet wont. The former Family Ties star opened up about aging in the public eye in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia that aired last week. I needed to Google something to do a little research and remind myself of something that happened when I was famous, she said. So, I put in my name, Googled my name Justine Bateman and then the autocomplete came up, which was looks old. Bateman, 57, estimated she was 40 or 42 at the time. Actor and author Justine Bateman visits AOL's Build Series to discuss her book 'Fame: The Highjacking of Reality' on Oct. 10, 2018, in New York City. Actor and author Justine Bateman visits AOL's Build Series to discuss her book 'Fame: The Highjacking of Reality' on Oct. 10, 2018, in New York City. I was like, What? And I looked at the pictures that they had as evidence, and I couldnt see what they were talking about, she said. I just dont give a shit about what people think, she added. I think I look rad, Bateman continued. I think my face represents who I am. I like it. The actor, who wrote a book about beauty two years ago, also said in the interview that she feels sad for women who use fillers and Botox to hide the effects of aging, as theyre not enjoying life. I feel sad they are distracted from the things that theyre meant to do in life, with this consuming idea that theyve gotta fix their face before anything else can happen, Bateman said. Im saying, forget about your face! That is what Im saying, she added. Get rid of the fear that is making you think that the fact that your face is wrinkled is going to X-out a bunch of opportunities for you. Bateman joins a small but mighty number of prominent women including supermodel Paulina Porizkova, who was also featured in the 60 Minutes Australia interview who shun cosmetic procedures. Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis shared her thoughts on Botox during an interview with Today last year in which she said she was dissatisfied with the cosmetic injection. I did plastic surgery. I put Botox in my head, the Everything Everywhere All At Once star said. Does Botox make the big wrinkle go away? Yes. But then you look like a plastic figurine. Story continues Now, Curtis said, she tells her daughters: Dont mess with your face. Related... By Cooper Inveen ACCRA (Reuters) -U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech to thousands of young Ghanaians on Tuesday in Accra on women's empowerment, and toured a coastal building that was the last stop for Africans sold into the transatlantic slave trade. Her visit to Ghana, the first stop on an African tour that will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia, is part of a charm offensive by Washington as it seeks to counter-balance the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent. Harris used the stop to promise American partnership, exhort African nations to do more for women, and to speak about the importance of learning difficult history, in an apparent reference to recent Republican push to strike some lessons from U.S. classrooms. In a speech in front of Black Star Gate, a monument built on the site where Ghana declared independence from Britain in 1957, Harris said that by the middle of the century, one in four people in the world will be African. "That of course means what happens on this continent impacts the entire world," she said. Citing examples such as the pioneering of mobile phone payments in Kenya or healthcare deliveries by drone in Rwanda before such services existed in the United States, Harris said innovation would be key to Africa's future success. "We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, not only for the people of the 54 countries that make up this diverse continent, but for the American people and people around the world," she said. Harris underlined deep gender disparities in Africa, saying the United States would work alongside African partners to close those gaps. "On the continent of Africa we know women grow a majority of the food, yet they are less likely to own the land they farm. They represent a majority of frontline healthcare workers, but face disparities in health outcomes," she said. Story continues "Women are entrepreneurs, yet have limited access to capital and markets. They are peacemakers and bridge builders, yet continue to be under-represented at the table where decisions are made." To cheers, she said that the economic empowerment of women would benefit not only themselves but also their children, families, communities and the entire economy. The U.S. can also partner on digital inclusion and good governance and democracy, Harris said. She described the latter as "a work in progress, including in my own country", an apparent allusion to the turbulence seen in U.S. politics and elections in recent years. TOUR OF SLAVE CASTLE Later, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, toured a 17th-century slave fortress in Cape Coast, one of many coastal buildings active during the transatlantic slave trade that forcibly removed 12.5 million people, mainly from Central and West Africa, and sent them to work across the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean. She appeared moved during the tour, taking several deep breaths, according to a pool reporter traveling with her. She laid flowers in the female slave dungeon and went through the so-called "Door of no Return" where slaves were shipped out. Emhoff wiped his eyes, according to the pool reporter. "Being here was -- was immensely powerful and moving, when we think about how human beings were treated by the hundreds of thousands in this very place that we now stand, the crimes that happened here, the blood that was shed here," Harris said from Cape Coast Castle. "They came to this place of horror -- some to die, many to starve and be tortured, women to be raped -- before they were then forcibly taken on a journey thousands of miles from their home to be sold by so-called merchants and taken to the Americas, to the Caribbean to be an enslaved people." Harris said the horror of what had happened there must be remembered. "It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned," she said. Republican-led states, including Florida, Georgia and Texas, have enacted new laws to limit teaching about the role of racism in the United States. (Writing by Estelle Shirbon and Jeff Mason, editing by Giles Elgood, Heather Timmons and Jonathan Oatis) A revealing moment from Kate Middleton and Prince William has gone viral after appearing on TikTok. A fan account posted a video showing the now Princess of Wales tasting a delicacy during her and Prince Williams royal tour of the Caribbean last year. During the taste test in the Bahamas, Middleton confidently ate a piece of conch, a seafood that is rumored to have the same effects as Viagra. In the clip, the mother of three can be heard teasing her husband, saying, "Im a little bit more adventurous than William." He responded, "I can handle it." The Princess of Wales tried Conch Salad during a visit to a Fish Fry a quintessentially Bahamian culinary gathering place which is found on every island in The Bahamas on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON PLAY THE DRUMS DURING VISIT TO BOB MARLEYS HOME AMID PROTESTS IN JAMAICA READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A video of Kate Middleton boldly trying Conch, rumored to have Viagra like side effects, recently resurfaced and went viral. The royal couple completed an eight-day tour of the Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean in March 2022 on behalf of The Queen, intending to strengthen the U.K.s ties with Commonwealth countries as Queen Elizabeth marked 70 years on the throne. They shared some other cute moments, showing off their dance moves in Belize, and playing drums in Jamaica at the home of Bob Marley. However, the trip overall was met with controversy and protests from locals over Britains colonial past. Before their tour came to an end, William released an unprecedented statement reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future," said the 40-year-old. "In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon." The now Prince and Princess of Wales completed an eight-day Commonwealth tour on behalf of The Queen in March 2022. While the future is unsettled for the former colonies, the Prince of Wales said he wanted to continue serving them through the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries with historical links to Britain. The queen was head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign, and King Charles III, Williams father, has now taken her place. NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 01: Kelly Ripa attends The Actor's Fund Career Transition For Dancers 2017 Jubilee Gala at Marriott Marquis Hotel on November 1, 2017 in New York City. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images Kelly Ripa told Variety that in her early years at "Live!" she had to share a bathroom with the audience. She said that she had to do this while pregnant, which was "extraordinarily exhausting." At the time, Philbin had a private bathroom and office. Ripa worked from a janitor's closet. In a recent interview with Variety, Kelly Ripa revealed that she had to share a bathroom with the audience during her early years cohosting "Live with Regis and Kelly" even though Regis Philbin had a private bathroom and she was pregnant for some of that time. "We have a studio audience like 250 people! and I have to queue up," Ripa told Variety chief correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister. "Particularly when I was pregnant, it was extraordinarily exhausting to have to wait in line. I have to host the show, and I'm still waiting in line to use the bathroom." "It just seemed, you know, a very needlessly difficult situation," she continued, noting that the people she was standing in line with to use the bathroom "couldn't believe it either." Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa on "Live." WABC Ripa, who is Variety's "Power of Women" honoree, also recalled that she was forced to use a janitor's closet as an office, and didn't even get that space until she was on "Live!" for more than three years. Even in 2012, after Philbin had left the show and Michael Strahan joined the rebranded "Live with Kelly and Michael," Ripa said she was initially told that the newly available office space was being saved for the "new guy." "And I looked at them, and I said, 'I am the new guy,'" Ripa remembered. "I just moved my things. I forced my way into the office because I couldn't understand how I would still be in the janitor's closet and somebody new would come in and get the office." The former "All My Children" star also said that ABC only agreed to her current salary, which Variety reported as "in the range of $20 million per year," because they "had to." Story continues "I was trying to walk out the door and close it behind me. And I think they really figured out rapidly that they had screwed up in a major way, and it was not a good look," she said. Rips with cohost Ryan Seacrest. Daytime Emmy Awards 2021/Contributor/Getty Images Ripa said she enjoys her working environment with cohost Ryan Seacrest today, though the "American Idol" host will be leaving "Live!" after season 35, which is currently airing. He'll be replaced with Ripa's husband, Mark Consuelos, which wasn't the couple's idea. She's been open about being treated poorly by executives in the past, particularly around 2016 when ABC executive Ben Sherwood began planning to poach Strahan from "Live!" for "Good Morning America," and everyone reportedly insisted that Ripa was not to be informed. Since that experience, she's been more open about her fight to help women get paid and treated fairly in the workplace. AP Photo/Charles Sykes In her 2022 memoir, "Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories," Ripa recalled the "petty" list of dealbreakers she was given before she was offered the role of permanent co-host. She said that, per her contract, "there would be no wardrobe services or budget," adding that that "never happens on any show." Additionally, she said she was told there would be no paid maternity leave. Read the original article on Insider A Central Kentucky farmer has admitted selling cattle he had pledged as collateral when getting a significant loan and not using the proceeds to pay the loan. Peter Alex Cox, of Boyle County, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Lexington to a charge of unlawful conversion of loan collateral, according to court documents. Cox obtained a line of credit beginning in 2013 from Central Bank Agricultural Credit Association (Ag Credit) that ultimately increased to just over $1 million. Most of the credit amount was secured by the Farm Service Agency, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cox pledged beef and dairy cattle he owned as collateral on the loan. On May 22, 2019, Cox showed lenders more than 800 cattle he was using as collateral, but between then and Oct. 22, he sold hundreds of cattle under a fake farm name, High Ridge, according to his plea agreement. His intent was to keep FSA and Ag Credit from getting any notice of the sales or any of the money, his plea agreement said. Cox also sold the cattle at unauthorized locations to keep buyers from checking with the credit association on whether they were pledged toward a loan. Coxs cattle sales totaled more than $1.1 million between May and October 2019, but he didnt make payments on his loan as required or notify the lender, his plea document said. Cox agreed to make restitution payments totaling $984,500, with $913,936 to FSA and $70,563 to Ag Credit. The charge is punishable by up to five years in prison. Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves scheduled sentencing in July. More than 100 bills and resolutions passed by the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly have become law with or in a few cases, without the signature of Gov. Andy Beshear. There are still two more days left in the legislative session Wednesday and Thursday so this story will be updated as more bills receive final passage and the Republican supermajority seeks to override Beshears vetoes on some of their priority pieces of legislation. Heres a rundown of Kentuckys newest laws as of now: What has Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law? House Bill 1: This measure will lower the states personal income tax rate from 4.5% to 4% and was a major priority of Republicans in the statehouse. Beshear said that he had concerns about long-term repercussions for potentially funding state services, but appreciated that the bill would put at least a couple hundred dollars in the pockets of most Kentuckians. House Bill 157: This bill creates the Urban Search and Rescue Program in Kentucky, to be housed under the Division of Emergency Management. House Bill 448: This allocates $20 million to the Rural Housing Trust Fund in the wake of natural disasters in Eastern and Western Kentucky, both of which created their own housing issues. The money comes from already-established WKSAFE and EKSAFE funds formed after tornadoes wracked Western Kentucky and historic floods ravaged Eastern Kentucky. House Bill 594: Gray machines will soon be banned in Kentucky following Beshears signing of House Bill 594 from Rep. Killian Timoney, R-Lexington, making the ban take effect ninety days after session ending. House Bill 3 & Senate Bill 162: Two measures aimed at improving Kentuckys troubled Department of Juvenile Justice. House Bill 3 would allocate almost $20 million for renovating and reopening a juvenile detention center in Louisville, following the citys closure of its facility at the end of 2019 due to budget cuts. Senate Bill 162 raises the starting DJJ security worker salary to $50,000, and does the same for prison security staff in the Department of Corrections. The laws also require greater care be paid to the mental health of youth in the system. Senate Bill 9: Called Loftons Law after University of Kentucky student Thomas Lofton Hazelwood, this measure will criminalize hazing, making it a Class D felony to intentionally or wantonly engage in hazing if it results in death or serious physical injury to a minor or a student. It would also be a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly engage in hazing, punishable by up to a year in jail. Hazelwood, 18, died of alcohol toxicity in 2021 after he was found unresponsive in the FarmHouse Fraternity house after drinking approximately 18 one-ounce shots of bourbon within 45 minutes. Senate Bill 20: TikTok is banned from state-owned devices and networks following this bill becoming law, adding Kentucky to the ranks of states cracking down on the popular social media app due to security concerns. Senate Bill 99: Following reports that charitable donations to the commonwealth were distributed to people unaffected by the December 2021 tornadoes in Western Kentucky, this law requires a report and analysis of all relief funds to the Legislative Research Commission at the end of each fiscal year. What became law without Gov. Andy Beshears signature? Kieran Culkin recalled growing up amid his older brother Macaulay's post-"Home Alone" fame. Kevin Mazur/MG22 / Contributor / Getty Images; Kimberly White/Getty Images for Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Kieran Culkin recalled feeling bad for his brother Macaulay amid his post-"Home Alone" fame. Culkin currently stars on HBO's "Succession," now in its fourth season, as Roman Roy. Culkin said he remembered thinking, "That sucks for him." Kieran Culkin recalled feeling bad for his older brother, Macaulay Culkin, after his sibling became famous at age 10 following his starring role in "Home Alone." Kieran, who currently stars in HBO's "Succession" as Roman Roy, spoke with Esquire about the effects of his brother's fame not only on Macaulay himself, but the whole family. "Poor fucking guy," Kieran said of his brother. "He was little and having to try to accept that level of fame as a reality." "Even at that time, as a kid, I remember thinking, 'That sucks for him,'" Kieran continued. Macaulay played Kevin, a child accidentally left behind on a family vacation who is forced to defend his home from robbers, in "Home Alone," which was released in 1990 when the actor was ten years old. Kieran, too, briefly appeared in the film as Kevin's younger cousin, Fuller. "Home Alone" turned Macaulay into a star, and as Esquire reported, it turned the family into a paparazzi spectacle, especially during their parents' split in 1995. Kieran, then 13, wrote a plea to the court asking for it to prevent media from covering the ensuing custody fight, but it was denied. Culkin said he now refuses to speak with Access Hollywood, given prior coverage of his family, and the New York Post. Macaulay previously recalled his experience with post-"Home Alone" fame in a 2020 interview with Esquire, saying that he enjoyed acting because "I was good at it and I knew it." Eventually, during his parents' split and the custody fight, he removed his parents from his trust fund when he was 15 years old. "Look, I mean, it sucks," he told Esquire. "But: It coulda been worse, you know? I wasn't working in a coal mine. I wasn't a child soldier. My father was not sexually abusing me. Certain fucked-up things happened, but fucked-up things happen to kids all the time and they don't come out the other end. I've got something to show for it, man." Read the original article on Insider The inadvertent release of the personal data of LAPD officers led to threats and a lawsuit. (Patrick T. Fallon/For The Times) Twitter has suspended the social media account of an anti-police website for violating its rules against inciting violence after a union for Los Angeles police sued the owner of the website that offers a "bounty" for the killing of police officers. The Twitter account @killercop1984 was suspended after the Los Angeles Police Protective League last week sued the owner of the "killer cop" website, accusing him of publishing their photos on his website and putting out a "bounty" on them. In a tweet mentioned in the lawsuit, the site's owner, Steven Sutcliffe, who posts under the handle @killercop1984, allegedly wrote, Remember, #Rewards are double all year for #detectives and #female cops." The tweet included an image of a monetary reward for killing an LAPD officer, the lawsuit says. Sutcliffe has repeatedly defended his right to criticize the LAPD. "They are trying to silence my free speech. The truth cannot be retaliatory. It is 1st Amendment protected speech," he told The Times last week. "We are appreciative of Twitter acting swiftly to take down this dangerous website that called for the murder of Los Angeles police officers," Craig Lally, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League that represents LAPD officers, said in a statement. "This was not about freedom of speech or public discourse, this was about protecting officers and their families and for that we are grateful that this site is suspended." The lawsuit is the first legal action stemming from the LAPD's release of the names and photos of almost every sworn officer more than 9,300 officers, including some who work undercover as part of a public records request. The department did not intend to release the information about undercover police. A police watchdog group posted the images online earlier this month. Mayor Karen Bass in a tweet over the weekend called the release "an unacceptable breach that put lives of our officers and their families at risk" and said she expects a "full accounting" of how it happened. Story continues This is an unacceptable breach that puts the lives of our officers and their families at risk. I expect there to be a full accounting of how this happened and a clear plan to prevent this sort of incident from happening again.https://t.co/aIlXBNnqBP Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) March 26, 2023 The lawsuit, filed Friday on behalf of Officers Adam Gross, Adrian Rodriguez and Douglas Panameno, asks that the photos and other identifying information be taken down from the killercop.com site. According to the suit, a later tweet on the account allegedly included a link to a database of officer photos, along with the caption, Clean head-shots on these #LAPD officers. A to Z. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Sutcliffe claim that the alleged threats, combined with their photos being circulated online, have caused them emotional distress. In an interview Friday, Sutcliffe called the lawsuit "malicious." "It's retaliatory. It is vindictive and frivolous," he said. "Their motion is filled with lies." Sutcliffe has run into legal trouble before for online threats. In 2003, he was convicted in federal court of felony charges of using a website he had created to threaten executives at Global Crossing Ltd., a fiber-optic network company in Beverly Hills from which he was twice fired. The photo database of officers was turned over by LAPD officials in response to a public records request by a journalist with the nonprofit newsroom Knock LA, then posted online by Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, a group that wants to abolish traditional law enforcement but in the interim has pushed for radical transparency. The "Watch the Watchers" database includes each officer's name, ethnicity, rank, date of hire, division/bureau and badge number, as well as a photo of the officer. After the site's launch, department leaders revealed that they had inadvertently released photos of officers working undercover and began an internal investigation to determine how the mistake occurred. Sources have said that the undercover officers whose identities were compromised in the release may number in the dozens, if not hundreds. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in an interview Friday that he supports the league's efforts to have the photos taken down from Sutcliffe's website. The LAPD is investigating whether the solicitation for violence against officers was criminal in nature, he said. The posts, the nature of the posts, theyre not just intimidation. Theyre threatening, and they may constitute a crime," he said. The chief said he has taken steps to address the safety concerns of those whose photos were released. We erred in the sense that theres photographs that are in there that should not have been in there," Moore said. Now, but that ship has sailed. All those photographs are out here. What I find concerning is that as I feared ... actors or individuals who are now taking this information and attempting to intimidate or scare and frighten. The lawsuit followed on the heels of the union filing a formal complaint over the handling of the photo data. The complaint was filed against Moore and Lizabeth Rhodes, director of the LAPDs Office of Constitutional Policing. Moore has asked the inspector general to take over the probe into the release of the data to avoid a conflict of interest. Multiple LAPD sources not authorized to discuss the photo scandal said Rhodes, who oversaw the photo disclosure, should have ensured that any officer working in an undercover capacity was excluded from the information release. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. One the of killers in the murder of Placer County teen Justine Vanderschoot was denied parole for the second time last week, the Placer County District Attorneys Office said. Daniel Bezemer, 38, pleaded guilty to the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend in 2003 and led them to Vanderschoots body on a property in Applegate. Bezemer admitted to police that he had strangled her with the help of his roommate, Brandon Fernandez, and buried her alive. Her body was recovered weeks after her death, the district attorneys office said. Bezemer was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Fernandez received a 15-year sentence. After a six-hour hearing in which the Vanderschoot family and Bezemer spoke, the board voted to deny parole on March 23. Daniel Bezemer in 2003 The sheriffs office thanked the nearly 30,000 people who signed the petition and wrote letters to the states department of corrections demanding Bezemer and Fernandez remain in prison. District Attorney Morgan Gire said he was pleased with the outcome of the hearing. Bezemer planned and carried out the cruel and vicious murder of Justine, he said in a statement. . . . A beautiful young life was senselessly taken, leaving a loving family and an entire community devastated. The Vanderschoot family has shown incredible strength and grace throughout this process, and we are honored to fight alongside them for justice for Justine. Bezemer can appeal the decision to be considered for parole in five years. (Bloomberg) -- Leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea is ready to use nuclear weapons anytime and anywhere, delivering a new threat as a US aircraft carrier group arrives in South Korea. Most Read from Bloomberg Kim made the comments while visiting a facility producing nuclear bombs, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday. State media released images of Kim standing with military officials among his arsenal of warheads. Kim reiterated his call to exponentially increase North Koreas nuclear arsenal, which is aimed to defend the eternal security of the state and the regional peace and stability from A to Z. The visit to the facility came as North Korea has rolled out new weapons to deliver nuclear strikes in recent weeks and pledged an unprecedented response to joint military drills between the US and South Korea. This is a significant size improvement over prior North Korean nuclear weapons, and possibly design advance, George William Herbert, an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said on Twitter about the warheads shown in the photographs. North Korea is estimated to have about 80 to 90 warheads, the Seoul-based Korea Institute for Defense Analyses said in a paper released in January, adding Kim was looking to have between 100 to 300 over the long term. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier group is due to arrive in Busan on Tuesday as part of efforts to strengthen the combined military posture of the allies, South Koreas Defense Ministry has said. North Korea raised tensions to new levels the last time a US Navy carrier group was in South Korea about six months ago, which included firing its first missile over Japan in five years. Story continues That visit by the USS Ronald Reagan carrier group included anti-missile drills that also involved South Korea and Japan, which raised the ire of Pyongyang. Although there have been no announcements of joint drills again among the three for this visit by the USS Nimitz, the carrier group conducted exercises with South Koreas navy Monday as part of field training known as Warrior Shield. North Korea test-launched two short-range ballistic missiles Monday, adding to its barrage in recent weeks that has included two intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to deliver a nuclear warhead to the US mainland and about a dozen rockets that could be used in nuclear strikes against South Korea and Japan. Those two nations host the bulk of Americas military personnel in the region. Among the new weapons rolled out by Kims regime have been an underwater drone it says can deliver a nuclear strike capable of causing a radioactive tsunami. South Koreas Defense Ministry on Monday said it doubted the claims by North Korea. North Korea, which had fired 15 ballistic missiles from Feb. 18, has for years called joint drills a prelude to an invasion and nuclear war. The US and South Korea in January announced plans to step up the scale of their military exercises. Japan, which North Korea regards as mortal enemy, has also joined some of the drills in recent months. The drills were scaled back or halted under former President Donald Trump to facilitate his talks with Kim. North Koreas nuclear weapons arsenal only grow larger and more potent as the talks sputtered. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The Kings wont get the storybook ending that would have come with clinching a playoff berth on their home court, but one way or another they will likely secure their spot Tuesday or Wednesday. The Kings suffered a 119-115 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at Golden 1 Center. They will travel north for a two-game set against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday and Friday before returning to Sacramento to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. That promises to be a day of celebration for fans who havent seen the Kings make the playoffs since 2006. Sacramento can clinch a playoff bid if the Golden State Warriors lose to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. If that doesnt happen, the Kings will be able to clinch Wednesday with a win over the Blazers, a Los Angeles Clippers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies or a Timberwolves loss to the Phoenix Suns. Record: 45-30 Current position: No. 3 in the Western Conference Who they would play: If the playoffs started today, the Kings would play the No. 6 seed, the Timberwolves, in the first round of the playoffs. Homecourt advantage: Yes, the Kings would currently have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, which will begin April 15. Next up: The Kings will play the Trail Blazers on Wednesday at Moda Center. Games remaining: 7 Magic number for playoffs: 1 The top six teams in the West will secure automatic playoff berths. The Timberwolves and Warriors are tied for sixth, 6 games behind Sacramento. The Kings can clinch with one more win or one loss by either of those teams. Magic number for homecourt advantage: 1 The top four teams in the West will have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns (40-35) are a distant fourth in the West followed by the Clippers (40-36), Timberwolves (39-37), Warriors (39-37) and Pelicans (38-37). The Kings only need one more win to put the Clippers, Timberwolves, Warriors and Pelicans out of reach, thus securing homecourt advantage as one of the top four seeds. This is an excerpt from Incoming, BuzzFeed News morning newsletter dedicated to making sense of this chaotic world we live in. Join the club. Six people, including three children, were fatally shot at a private Christian grade school in Nashville The shooting took place at the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. Metro Nashville Police Department A 28-year-old shooter opened fire at a school in Nashville on Monday, killing six people . The shooting occurred at the Covenant School on Burton Hills Boulevard, the Nashville Fire Department confirmed . The school is for students from preschool through sixth grade. The children were transported to the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt where they were pronounced dead after arrival. They were identified by police as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9-year-olds. The staff members killed were identified as Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian; and Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the Covenant School. The shooter entered the schools side entrance around 10:15 a.m. on Monday morning with at least two assault-style rifles and a handgun, which were purchased legally, police said. Officers found a "manifesto" as well as a map drawn of the school in detail, of surveillance, entry points, et cetera," Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. Additional written material found in the suspect's car revealed that he planned to target multiple locations. Police identified the shooter as Audrey Hale, who they initially said was a woman but later clarified was transgender. According to a LinkedIn profile, Hale used he/him pronouns. Hale is believed to be a former Covenant School student , and was killed by 10:27 a.m. after being engaged by Metro Nashville police. One year after choosing not to support new gun regulations, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is praying for school shooting victims Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address on Feb. 6, 2023, in Nashville. Mark Zaleski / AP After the deadly Nashville mass shooting, Republican Gov. Bill Lee tweeted that he was "praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community." Lee's prayers come roughly nine months after he announced he did not support restricting firearms or stronger gun control laws, according to the Associated Press. In June 2022, he signed an executive order , along with other Republican governors, calling for enhanced school safety measures, but the executive order didn't mention "guns" once. Lee didn't immediately respond to BuzzFeed News' request for comment. A mom who survived the July 4 shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Illinois found herself once again at the scene of a mass shooting on Monday . Ashbey Beasley said she was in Tennessee to visit her sister-in-law, when Fox News and other stations caught her interaction with reporters after the shooting. "Aren't you guys tired of being here and covering this?" Beasley asked. "Aren't you guys tired of being here and having to cover all of these mass shootings?" Gun violence in the US is a leading cause of premature death in the country. As of March 27, at least 4,202 people have died from gun violence this year, and another 5,676 have died by suicide, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive . As of March 27, there have been 130 mass shootings, six of which have been in Tennessee. Story continues SNAPSHOTS Elon Musk announced that starting April 15, only Twitter Blue subscribers will appear in the For You feed. This comes a few days after Twitter announced that legacy verified accounts will lose their blue checkmark starting April 1 unless they sign up for paid Twitter Blue. We spoke to the guy who created the viral AI image of the Pope that fooled the world. Pablo Xavier said it was definitely scary that people are running with it and thought it was real without questioning it. Olivia Wilde issued a scathing statement after legal documents in which Jason Sudeikis was accused of trying to "litigate" her "into debt" were made public. The leaked documents contain information about Wildes exact income, as well as claims that Sudeikis acted in bad faith and engaged in intimidation and trickery tactics. The 5,000-mile-wide seaweed mass approaching Florida has some low health risks Sargassum seaweed on Miami Beach in 2020 Pedro Portal / Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images A headline-grabbing seaweed blob (which experts say isnt a blob at all) continues to grow in the Atlantic and is expected to eventually wash ashore along the Caribbean and Floridas east coast sometime this summer. Made of a brown algae called sargassum, this particular patch of seaweed is making the news because of its size; its estimated to be 5,000 miles wide, or about double the width of the US. Its about the same size or bigger than the one that hit in 2018 , which was the largest ever and affected shores from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. When piled up and left untouched on sand, sargassum can decompose, releasing hydrogen sulfide , methane, ammonia, and other harmful gasses into the air that can cause respiratory problems. The seaweed contains heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic that can be toxic to the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs. In large quantities, rotting sargassum can also support the growth of disease-causing germs, such as fecal bacteria. However, the risk to the general population is low . Strong coastal winds will likely dilute most of the toxic gasses, and local communities are likely to sweep away as much sargassum from their shores as they can. But experts warn that people who live or work on or near affected beaches may be more likely to develop headaches or feel nauseous if sargassum is left to rot. It's not the end of the world, and Florida is not going to be buried in seaweed. But you have to assess the risks and what you're comfortable with, said Mike Parsons, a marine science professor at the Florida Gulf Coast University. IMAGE OF THE DAY A child weeps while on the bus leaving the Covenant School, following a mass shooting at the school in Nashville on March 27, 2023. Nicole Hester / USA Today Network via Reuters A Kentucky couple was married by the real-life Cocaine Bear and it hurts to see other people live your dreams Cassie Lopez via KY Fun Mall Nearly four decades after he died from ingesting too much cocaine that fell from the sky, Cocaine Bear officiated his first wedding . The stuffed black bear, who has been on display at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington since 2015, swapped his cowboy hat for a top hat to preside over the wedding of Armando Elizondo and Alexandra Venturino, a Pikeville couple on Monday afternoon. More famous in death than in life, the local Kentucky-area legend became even more popular after director Elizabeth Banks's eponymous movie hit theaters in February. In the film, Cocaine Bear is portrayed as a ferocious coke fiend who mauls humans and goes to great and violent lengths to get its fix. (In real life, the bear's body was simply found in the woods in 1985 among ripped open packages of cocaine, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said at the time.) Kentucky law requires marriages to be presided over by a human, and the couple was later lawfully wedded by Griffin VanMeter, the co-owner of the store, the store's spokesperson, Anne Livengood, said. "Just to make sure it's actually binding," Livengood told BuzzFeed News. Still reading, eh? Seems like you might want to get this in your inbox. No pressure though. Just some food for thought. US-SHOOTING-SCHOOL-WEAPONS Mourners prayed at a makeshift memorial for victims outside the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church following a shooting, in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 28, 2023. Credit - Brendan SmialowskiAFP/Getty Images A Nashville community is in mourning after a heavily armed shooter killed three children and three adults on Monday at a Christian elementary school. The assailant, who police say was a former student at the Covenant School, entered through the buildings side door with three weapons, including an AR-style rifle, just after 10 a.m. The shooter was shot down and killed by authorities 14 minutes after the first 911 call was made, Nashville Mayor John Cooper told CBS News. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing, the Covenant School said in a statement to WZTV, a television station in Nashville. Law enforcement is conducting its investigation, and while we understand there is a lot of interest and there will be a lot of discussion about and speculation surrounding what happened, we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our community. Since the massacre, the community has gathered to grieve and held vigils for the six victims, whose names and ages were announced by the Metro Nashville Police Department. This most recent shooting marks one of 130 mass shootings in the U.S. since the start of the year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Heres what we know about the victims of the Nashville school shooting. Mike Hill Police say 61-year-old Mike Hill worked as a custodian at Covenant School. Im just in shock and disbelief . my heart is broken I do not understand why someone would shoot up a school with precious babies inside, a woman who identified herself as Hills niece wrote on Facebook, according to NBC News. Story continues A GoFundMe page that was started by a group of Nashville parents to raise money to cover the costs of Hills funeral, as well as other expenses and causes, says he was the father of eight children. Katherine Koonce Katherine Koonce, 60, served as the Head of School at the private Christian elementary school. She began working at the school in July 2016, after serving as an Academic Dean at Christ Presbyterian Academy, according to her LinkedIn profile. Cynthia Peak Cynthia Peak was a 61-year-old substitute teacher for the Covenant School. She is survived by her husband and three children. Hallie Scruggs Hallie Scruggs, 9, was the daughter of the lead pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. The Covenant School was founded in 2001 as a ministry of that church. Chad Scruggs previously served as an associate pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCPC) in Dallas. We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie, said PCPC Pastor Mark Davis, in a statement. Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need. Evelyn Dieckhaus A 9-year-old student at the Covenant School, Evelyn Dieckhaus was creative and an absolute delight, a family friend told The Missourian. During a vigil Monday evening, Dieckhaus tearful sister reportedly said I dont want to be an only child. William Kinney Also 9 years old, William Kinney was a student at the Covenant School. As former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other candidates prepare to compete in the 2024 Republican presidential race, Kansas legislators are weighing a change that would significantly expand how many residents will vote on who should be the partys nominee. The GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature is fast-tracking a bill to provide the state Republican and Democratic parties the option to have state-run presidential primary elections next year instead of the current party-run caucuses. By all accounts, hundreds of thousands of voters would cast a ballot in even a low-turnout primary, compared with about 73,000 Republicans and 39,000 Democrats who participated in the 2016 caucuses. Past Republican caucuses have involved party-led events in every county on a Saturday, while Democrats in 2020 held their caucuses using a ranked-choice mail-in ballot. A primary which would be held on a Tuesday and include numerous polling locations just like a typical election would cost taxpayers approximately $5 million, according to estimates from election officials. Kansas has used party-run caucuses in past presidential elections with very few exceptions. A state-run primary hasnt been held since the early 1990s. The push for one now comes weeks after a tumultuous leadership contest within the Kansas Republican Party. State party officials elected former Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown, who promoted election conspiracies during his failed run for Kansas secretary of state, won by a two-vote margin in February. I think for us, for the next year, democracy is worth the cost, Helen Van Etten, a former Kansas Republican national committeewoman who was Browns sole opponent in the leadership election, told lawmakers last week. Van Etten was the first person to testify in favor of a primary at a Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee hearing last week. She didnt mention Brown, instead focusing on how a primary would boost turnout making it easier for individuals to vote in advance and expanding the number of hours someone has to vote. Story continues Republican caucuses in the past have typically only allowed voting for two or three hours instead of government-operated polling sites that are open for a whole day. Browns critics have questioned his ability to competently manage the party and a presidential caucus is arguably the most logistically complex operation a state party undertakes. Mike Kuckelman, the former Kansas Republican Party chairman, was a vocal opponent of Brown in the run-up to the election, warning that he wasnt qualified to lead the party. Kuckelman said last month that the party caucus is significant and we need to be able to count on the state party to get that task done. If we cant, were going to have to do something in short order to accomplish it, Kuckelman said. But lawmakers and other officials have publicly dismissed suggestions that providing a primary option is related to Brown. State Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who chairs the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said he didnt think there were concerns with party leadership running a caucus. Predicting a large field of Republican presidential candidates, Thompson said a primary is a much more transparent and inclusive process and I think youre going to get a better result. The field could include former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a former Wichita congressman. If he runs, Pompeo could receive an outsize vote share in his home state if hes still in the race when Kansas Republicans vote. But thats a big if Pompeo has yet to announce whether he will run and he is currently polling at close to 1% nationally. Brown didnt respond to a request for comment. In a newsletter to Republicans earlier this month, he signaled he likes a primary system but also asked for feedback. A caucus is less expensive than a primary, BUT it is hugely human-capital intensive, Brown wrote. I worked on the caucus in 2016 and Ive seldom been more exhausted than I was that night. After urging Republicans to share their thoughts with legislators, he said: I prefer the winner-take-all primary election model and I want your opinion. Under a winner-take-all system, all of Kansas delegates would be awarded to the primary winner. Some state parties allocate delegates based on the proportion of the vote candidates receive. Even if the Legislature approves a state-run primary, party officials would still decide how to assign delegates. Voting on Tuesday, not Saturday The legislation under consideration, HB 2053, as currently drafted would authorize a state-run presidential preference primary for both parties on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The parties could opt out by providing notice by Dec. 1. March 19 comes after Super Tuesday on March 5, when numerous states will hold primaries and caucuses simultaneously. If the race remains competitive after Super Tuesday, Kansas would take on greater significance as campaigns fight for delegates. In 2016, both Trump and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas descended on Wichita on the day of Kansas Republican caucus to rally supporters. Cruz won 48% of the vote to Trumps 23%. On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who visited liberal-leaning Lawrence ahead of the caucus, swamped former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 68% to 32%. Traditionally, Kansas has been later on the primary schedule and from both parties there were arguments that for the amount of money this is costing, its not really worth it, said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University in Topeka and a longtime observer of presidential campaigns. The Kansas Senate is expected to debate the bill as soon as Tuesday, after the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee approved it on Friday. The measure, which was introduced just last week, is moving at an unusually quick pace. Senators have also used a procedural maneuver that will allow the Kansas House to send the bill to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly with just one more vote once the Senate passes it. A spokeswoman for Kelly didnt respond to a request for comment. Democrats ready to back primary Under the proposal, unaffiliated voters would be allowed to choose a party and cast a ballot on Election Day a choice that likely favors moderate candidates with strong support among independents, as well as candidates who appeal to voters who typically dont vote or participate in party politics. In 2016, Trump, at that point a party outsider, often won these low-propensity voters. The primary system itself often aids candidates who can build bases of support beyond the party grassroots. Caucuses tend to help candidates who can win over networks of party activists, who tend to be more conservative or more liberal than the overall electorate and are more committed to navigating the sometimes byzantine rules that govern these party-run events. For voters, the simplicity of primary elections translates into higher turnout. For instance, the 10 states with the highest voter turnout in the 2020 Democratic presidential race were all primary states, according to data compiled by Statista, a market and consumer data provider. Republicans didnt have a competitive nominating contest that year. This time its Democrats who may not have a significantly competitive contest. President Joe Biden is expected to run for reelection but hasnt officially announced his candidacy yet. While he is currently the nations oldest-ever president at 80 and concerns exist about his age, no major candidates have so far entered the race except Marianne Williamson, a self-help author who also ran in 2020 but didnt attract significant support. The Kansas Democratic Party has expressed tentative support for a state-run primary. Newly-elected chair Jeanna Repass said its extremely expensive for the party to essentially conduct its own statewide election. She said if the party holds a caucus using a mail-in ballot, the printing and postage would cost upwards of $800,000. Initially, we view this favorably because of the undue financial burden this puts on the individual state parties to run a presidential primary, Repass said. The legislation would authorize a primary in 2024 only. The Legislature would have to pass another bill if it wanted to make the change permanent. Proponents have described the decision as an experiment that, if it goes well, may pave the way for Kansas to adopt a primary system permanently. But others question the one-time decision to offer a primary. This is a taxpayer-funded bailout of the Republican Party, how this is being presented, said Davis Hammet, president of the Kansas-based civic engagement group Loud Light. Hammet said he has deep concerns with the caucus system, saying it disenfranchises many residents. But moving Kansas away from it should involve a serious conversation that began at the beginning of the legislative session, not on the current tight time frame, he said. State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, a Wichita Democrat, expressed similar reservations. The ranking Democrat on the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, Faust-Goudeau said she would prefer that any changes are permanent rather than temporary. Were making a lot of changes and our voters some will know and some wont know and some watch TV and the news and theyll know or dont know, Faust-Goudeau said. But my concern is doing it this one time and then going back to the normal procedure. The Stars Katie Bernard contributed reporting The Kansas Senate approved a bill Tuesday aimed at ensuring parents can remove their child from classroom activities to which they object. The chamber voted 23 to 17 to pass the bill, which is a substantially weakened version of parental rights policy Republicans have sought in Kansas and nationwide in recent years. This is not a bill of rights, it is just the parents right to direct the education and upbringing of their children, said Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican. The bill now heads back to the Kansas House where negotiators from both chambers will work out differences in their versions of the policy. Both chambers passed versions of the bill with far less than a two-thirds majority needed to overcome a gubernatorial veto. The opposition from Democrats and moderate Republican comes even though the Republican have substantially weakened the policy in the past year. The Senate fell four votes short Tuesday while the House fell nine votes short last month. The parental rights push emerged in Kansas and nationwide as a reaction to parental anger over COVID-19 mitigation measures in schools and curriculum dealing with race and gender. A bill passed by Kansas Republicans last year, which failed to become law following a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, was deemed the parents bill of rights. Kelly referred to it as the teacher demoralization act. It outlined a broad range of rights afforded to parents in the state and would have allowed parents to challenge content in a course, impacting its ability to be taught in a class at all rather than simply whether their own child would be exposed to it. The version the Senate narrowly passed Tuesday outlines that parents can remove a child from a school assignment or activity if that assignment is not included in approved curriculum and standards or impairs the parents sincerely held beliefs, values or principles. The bill further outlines that those exemptions do not excuse the student from completing alternative assignments to receive course credit. Unlike the previous version, the bill did not give parents the opportunity to affect what is being taught to the whole class. Story continues I think folks listened to what happened in floor debates as well as committees and listened to testimony and really acknowledged what was being said, Baumgardner said of the new version. Its less useful if theres so much conflict and so, from this standpoint, it really was response to what we heard from parents, what we heard from schools and community members. Despite the lessened impact of this years bill, and efforts to adjust language so that public education groups would be more amenable, top public education groups, including the Kansas National Education Association and Kansas Association of School Boards, remained opposed. Our elected school board members have told us that they dont support the legislature mandating bureaucratic tasks that take time away from the classroom and from kids education, Leah Filter, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of School Boards, said. Unfortunately, this bill does that. Opponents to the bill argued it was a solution to a problem that doesnt exist, parents, they said, already had the ability to ask for their child to be pulled from an assignment they disagreed with. Its an unnecessary burden on teachers and administrators, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said. But proponents say it is still necessary to outline that in law. Brittany Jones, a lobbyist for Kansas Family Voice, which backed the Legislation, said the changes were made to resolve confusion between the bill and separate legislation that sought to require all curriculum information be posted online. A House version of the bill had combined the two policies last year. Theyre two very different discussions, ones a fundamental understanding of the rights parents have in the educational process and the other is a more specific application of that, Jones said. We wanted to make sure people understood that this is the bigger conversation that most Kansans can agree on. Bob Beatty, a Washburn University Political Scientist, said the push for parental rights began in COVID but has extended into culture wars over gender identity and sexual orientation. In Kansas, he said, its complicated for Republicans by a strong culture of support for public education. Even if theres acknowledgment about the need for a parents bill of rights there is a strong worry that it has been politicized to the extent that it could harm the ability to attract teachers, Beatty said. He noted that the policy, even if it is weaker than the original legislation, would help Republicans play to their base in primary elections. Rep. Adam Thomas, an Olathe Republican who chairs the House Education Committee, said that even if the bill doesnt become law he was happy with the progress made bringing public education advocates to the table. Last year, he said, lawmakers were told the bill was too specific. This year, he said, hes been told its too broad. Youve got to keep the conversation going. Lets find something thats more palatable, Thomas said. Theres got to be a middle ground somewhere. And it may be the case that they just dont want anything. Weve got to get to 84 (votes), and if we dont we keep trying, Thomas said, referring to the number of votes needed to override a veto in the House. The Stars Jenna Barackman contributed to this report. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba speaking virtually at the opening of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter informal meeting on March 28, 2023. (Photo: Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani/Twitter) Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO will "guarantee the security of the European continent for the next decade," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said at the U.S.-Adriatic Charter informal meeting on March 28. Kuleba was speaking online as an honorary guest of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter informal meeting in Skopje at Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani's invitation. "The Adriatic Charter contributed to the accession of the Balkan states to NATO. Ukraine is currently on the way to becoming a member of the Alliance, so we understand how important it is," Kuleba said. The U.S.-Adriatic Charter was signed in 2003 by Albania, Croatia, and North Macedonia, and the U.S. Its goal was to promote stability and cooperation between the Balkan countries and move them closer to NATO membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro became members in 2008, while Serbia and Kosovo became observers in 2008 and 2012, respectively. Out of all the members, only Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of NATO. Kuleba went on to say that Ukraine is securing the defense of the European continent with military aid provided by its western allies and that Russia was the "most destructive and aggressive power in modern history." According to the results of a survey published by the Bertelsmann Foundation on March 22, 65% of Europeans support Ukraine joining EU in the next few years. Ukraine obtained EU candidate status in June after applying for membership a few days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The results of a poll conducted by the Rating Group in January found that a record 86% of Ukrainians support their country joining NATO. Los Angeles parents demanded higher quality education for their children in the third year of pandemic learning, with an emphasis on recovering social-emotional and academic learning skills. In a poll conducted in the 2021-22 school year by GPSN and the Loyola Marymount University Center for Equity for English Learners, parents expressed the need to close learning gaps caused by the pandemic with access to high quality tutoring and emotional enrichment programs. The poll first conducted by GSPN on 500 LAUSD families in the 2020-21 school year indicates the majority of Black families were not committed to keeping their students enrolled in L.A. Unified schools. Parents said they wanted expanded summer school instruction, more college/CTE courses and better access to high-quality tutoring programs. This years poll was an opportunity to revisit the goal of strengthening their influence on the decisions our educational leaders make about the future of students and Los Angeles schools, the report stated. We dove back into questions we asked the previous year to see how families perspectives changed after returning for a full year of in-person learning during the ongoing pandemic. Here are five key findings from the report: 1. Parents showed increasing support for social-emotional learning: After a full year of pandemic learning, 47% of families reported wanting tools to meet students emotional and mental health needs. Last year, just 26% of families expressed interest in social-emotional learning tools. GPSN 2. Families of color were less likely to report having access to individualized tutoring and more likely to want more tutoring: Only 59% of families of color report having access to individualized tutoring, 18 percentage points lower than white families. Additionally, 27% of white families and an overwhelming 73% of families of color report wanting to see one-on-one tutoring provided at their school. Story continues GPSN 3. Black parents were less committed than other parents to keeping their kids enrolled in LA Unified schools: When asked whether they planned to keep their children in Los Angeles Unified schools longer term, 82% of families said they were very or extremely likely to stay in the district. But there are slight differences when families of different groups are asked this question: compared to 90% of white families, only 67% of Black families were committed to staying. This news comes after LAUSD reported decreasing enrollment in its campuses, losing students who moved out of state because of the rising cost of living in California; and students switching to non-LAUSD schools with looser COVID restrictions. GPSN 4. Transparency on curriculum is a priority: Across families of different income levels and racial backgrounds, there was a 22 percentage point increase in the number of families that want more access to information on what is being taught in their schools and a 13 percentage point increase in the number of families that want to see information on their childs access and progress on grade-level, high quality curriculum. GPSN 5. New Superintendent Alberto Carvalho needs to be held accountable and be evaluated: 91% of families agree the superintendent should be evaluated on the new strategic plan. The plan prioritizes providing students with the support, knowledge, and skills to reach their full academic potential, graduate college and be career ready. GPSN This article is part of a collaboration between The 74 and the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism. Laceys Equity Commissioners, who sit on an advisory board created to help shape city policy, largely view their recent Black Forum as a success, but one commissioner is disappointed that key officials did not attend the gathering. Others expressed concern about the venue for the event when the commission met Monday to discuss the forum. The Black and African American community forum was held last week at New Life Baptist Church in Lacey. Commissioner Thelma Jackson said she is disappointed that Lacey City Council members and North Thurston Public Schools board members and administrators did not attend the meeting, although she acknowledged that some North Thurston employees were in attendance. Its unfortunate that more elected people werent there to hear what Black citizens of Lacey had to say about living in the city and feeling included, she said Commissioner Annie Clay did not defend their decisions not to attend the forum, but she did say that as a white person, she wasnt sure if she should attend, wanting to make sure the meeting was super safe, with no conflict and no idea of judgment. I just wanted it to be your space, she said. Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong reminded the equity commission that they are an advisory body of the city council. You are working for the council and what you hear and bring back in front of the council is all part of the process, she said. The equity commission, too, received some written feedback, including a comment that expressed disappointment in holding the forum at a church. Jackson said the meeting was in a space adjacent to the church sanctuary. It was not a religious gathering and it was not a secular gathering, she said. It had none of those implications. However, during last weeks forum, one person asked the group whether they should pray before the meeting started, but Jackson quickly cut him off. No, she said. Commissioner Jon Hegwood, who identified himself as a queer person of color, said he and others in the community were concerned about what he called the anti-transgender rhetoric on the New Life Baptist Church website. Story continues As a commissioner, I cant say I wasnt hesitant in going in the first place, he said. I wanted to be there in solidarity but Baptist churches havent always been a safe place for me. Commissioner Alanis Blackburn asked him to cite what he was referring to on the website, and so he did. Under a section of the website called What We Believe, bullet point No. 19 begins with, We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female. Jackson again defended the use of the space next to the sanctuary, emphasizing that it had no association with church doctrine or beliefs. It came down to location, size, free parking and accessibility, she said. We have limited venues in the city of Lacey, she said. Hegwood acknowledged the importance of Black-led churches to the Black community, but said its also not a high bar to find one that doesnt promote anti-trans rhetoric. Its a great conversation for when we plan the next forum and consider new venues, he said. Equity issues at North Thurston schools among topics raised at Black community forum Irish workers are being given six weeks severance per year of service, the Sunday Times reported. View Pictures/Getty Images Google could offer severance packages worth $320,000 to some workers being laid off in Ireland. That's according to the Sunday Times, which says employees are being offered six weeks severance per year worked. The tech giant is laying off 240 employees in Ireland across sales, tech, and support services. Google staffers in Ireland made redundant as part of the company's 12,000 global cuts could be offered severance packages worth more than 300,000 ($320,000), British newspaper the Sunday Times reported this week. The tech giant announced plans to lay off over 12,000 workers globally in January, in a major cost-cutting drive. Some 240 workers at its Irish offices were affected including 85 in sales, 80 in technology, and 75 in support services, according to the Sunday Times. Those being laid off are being offered severance packages that constitute six weeks of wages for every year worked at the firm, per the newspaper. While the Sunday Times did not provide any specific examples, it noted that if any staffer who had worked at the company since it opened its Irish office in 2003 was laid off, they could be in line for over $320,000 in severance. Staff who are part of the redundancies will be put on paid leave for 90 days, the Sunday Times reported. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider. CEO Sundar Pichai wrote about the layoffs in a memo, in January: "The fact that these changes will impact the lives of Googlers weighs heavily on me, and I take full responsibility for the decisions that led us here. "Over the past two years we've seen periods of dramatic growth. To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today." The memo mentioned that US employees will receive a minimum of 16-weeks of severance pay with two weeks for every additional year at the company. In February, some laid-off workers learned that they would be receiving fewer stock units as part of their severance package because of an "inaccurate calculation," two laid-off employees told Insider's Rosalie Chan. Google confirmed that it miscalculated the amount of stock workers would get in severance, with one worker saying that some would be receiving tens of thousands of dollars less than expected. Read the original article on Business Insider MADISON One of the state's largest dairy farms will pay a settlement without admitting fault over manure-spreading concerns in Kewaunee and Door counties between 2018 and 2020, after approval by the Legislature on Tuesday. Kinnard Farms, a factory farm, agreed to pay $215,000 to settle a number of allegations of pollution stemming from the farm's handling of manure spreading, as well as failing to submit updated documents on storage facilities between 2018 and 2020. The settlement also calls for Kinnard Farms to submit to the Department of Natural Resources plans for and complete upgrades to two waste storage facilities and a feed storage area. The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee approved the agreement without debate. The money gathered from the settlement will be deposited into the state's general fund, according to the approval. More:Kewaunee County factory farm sues the DNR over new permit that limits animals, orders water monitoring Kinnard Farms owner and operator Lee Kinnard said in a statement that the farms decided to settle rather than face a lengthy and costly dispute. He said the farms look forward to pursuing state-of-the-art manure management technology. Kinnard is one of Wisconsin's largest dairy farms, housing about 8,000 cows. Kewaunee County, in northeastern Wisconsin, is home to 16 industrial farms and has been struggling with agricultural pollution for years after testing showed levels of contaminants in residents' private drinking water wells. The farms are known as CAFOs, concentrated animal feeding operations. According to the settlement, there were a number of infractions investigated by the state, including: Several applications of manure that resulted in ponding or runoff into nearby waters. Manure applied to fields with shallow depth to the bedrock, risking groundwater contamination. Manure applied too close to private wells. Not including all necessary details in nutrient management plans. Failing to submit timely engineering evaluations for a feed storage area, waste storage facilities and annual nutrient management plans. Failing to identify restrictive features on maps for four fields in its nutrient management plan. Story continues Kinnard is also involved in a lawsuit against the Department of Natural Resources, over permitting changes that limited the number of animals the farm could have to the current number, and required that the farm install groundwater monitoring wells to ensure that nutrients from manure spread on fields wasn't impacting the drinking water supply for people in the area. While the farm is fighting the requirements, community members celebrated them last year, saying they felt like their voices and concerns were heard by the state. Residents have sometimes experienced brown, foul-smelling water coming out of their taps and testing has shown elevated levels of ammonia and phosphorus in drinking water, both indicators of manure. That lawsuit is pending, with no upcoming hearings scheduled. More:Massive factory farms called CAFOs are on the rise as small family operations fade. Here is why they're controversial in Wisconsin CAFOs have become a controversial topic in particular because of the need to get rid of manure, and the risk to groundwater, which in many areas serves as the main source of drinking water. In Kewaunee County, residents in the area around the farm have faced issues with nitrates in their drinking water, as well as issues with odors coming from the large farms. Other concerns are the lighting from barns, damage to roads by trucks entering and leaving the farms, and the treatment of animals housed at the operations. Second farm settles case over not having permit to operate a factory farm A settlement between Schiferl Farms and the DOJ was also approved Tuesday morning after the farm was found to be operating without a pollution discharge elimination system permit. According to the settlement, the Wood County farm was large enough to require a permit but did not have one. The farm will pay $35,000, and owners Randy and Alan Schiferl agreed to apply for a permit with the DNR. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kewaunee County dairy CAFO's legal settlement approved A group of bipartisan lawmakers has called on the U.S. Postal Service to strengthen its internal processes to reduce change of address fraud, which each year allows fraudsters to redirect thousands of people's mail, including bills, checks and bank statements. U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ, 5th) and other House lawmakers want USPS to make it more difficult for fraudsters to hijack a person's mail by ensuring USPS verifies the identity of the person submitting the change of address request. In the bipartisan letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump administration appointee who oversees USPS, the House lawmakers are also pushing USPS to allow anyone the ability to freeze an address change, just as someone would freeze their credit report to prevent fraud. Change of address fraud is costing our families millions of dollars and its costing trust in their local post office. Unfortunately, because of an egregious lack of oversight and action at the post office, far too many residents have to worry that they could be the next victim of change of address fraud," said Rep. Gottheimer in a presser on Monday. The bipartisan letter comes soon after TechCrunch reported the case of a former Microsoft executive whose mail was rerouted by criminals who filed an address change on the former executive's behalf. It's a low-tech hack that can have major consequences, including loss of earnings and identity theft. The former executive caught the bogus address change quickly, but thousands of other victims each year aren't so lucky. Change of address fraud exploits gaps in how USPS handles the change to a person's address when they move. Most people request to change their address online for a small fee of $1.10 to help prevent fraud, yet many still rely on filing a paper change of address form at their local USPS post office branch. USPS processed more than 36 million changes of address in 2021 alone, but the number of victims caught out by change of address fraud is rising every year. The post office's watchdog, the USPS' inspector general, recorded more than 23,000 cases in 2021 where someone had fraudulently filed a change of address request with USPS. Story continues A spokesperson for the USPS inspector general told TechCrunch at the time that USPS is supposed to check a person's government ID like a passport or driver's license when filing a paper change of address form. TechCrunch found that USPS relies almost entirely on trusting the person signing the paper form, often without any verification checks at all. Gottheimer said the "shocking surge" in change of address fraud is also affecting victims in his New Jersey district, including one local resident whose address was fraudulently changed without their consent allowing criminals to obtain her bills, bank statements and Social Security number. "Families deserve to know that the Postal Service is doing everything they can to ensure their mail, checks, bank info, veterans benefits, tax returns, Social Security checks and life-saving medications are safe from thieves," said Gottheimer. Lawmakers raked banking regulators at the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) over the coals during a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday after the agencies failed to act on signs that Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was in trouble, mobilizing instead to bail out depositors after it had collapsed. While Democrats argued for stronger legislation on the banking industry and Republicans focused on lapses in regulatory practice, it was the regulators themselves who bore the brunt of the criticism from both parties. For over a year, regulators were saying to this bank, straighten up and fly right, and they never did a damn thing about it, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) said. You did not have to be an accountant to figure out what the hell was going on here. If you find as part of your review that certain individuals were clearly negligent in the performance of their duties, are you willing to recommend they be fired? Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) asked Fed Vice Chairman for Supervision Michael Barr, who is currently leading an investigation into SVBs collapse and why regulators werent able to stop it. No sign of failed bank leaders A sign for a Silicon Valley Bank private branch is displayed in San Francisco, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The recent failure of the Silicon Valley Bank was unlike a traditional bank run. It involved Twitter, internet memes and message boards and happened at unprecedented speed. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) The CEO of the failed SVB, Greg Becker, who was also a board member of the San Francisco Federal Reserve, did not appear before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday despite widespread agreement that the bank failed due to incompetent management. The backstory: FDIC spent $20 billion to handle Silicon Valley Bank collapse The issue of why bank bosses should be allowed to serve on the boards of regulatory bodies that have authority over them went largely unaddressed, although there is newly proposed legislation to prohibit the practice. The blame game over the collapse of SVB and the bailout of its depositors well above the standard $250,000 FDIC insurance limit is playing out over the expanse of the U.S. financial system, with lawmakers blaming regulators, regulators blaming bankers and bankers blaming the herd mentality of bank runs supercharged by social media. Story continues What will Congress do? Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) speaks with Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) during hearing on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 to discuss the recent bank failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank along the federal response. The legislative response to the latest bank collapses is still evolving, but Democrats led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) have been arguing for the restitution of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis but scaled back during the Trump administration in 2018. Chair Gruenberg, will you commit to using your authority to undo the rollbacks that your predecessor initiated and to strengthen the rules and supervision for banks with greater than $100 billion in assets? Sen. Warren asked FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg on Tuesday, referring to more recent banking regulations that were loosened in regard to midsized banks. I certainly think its appropriate for us to go back and review those actions in light of the recent episode, Gruenberg responded. Warren has proposed legislation that would subject banks of the size of SVB to stricter regulations in the form of greater capital and liquidity requirements. The progressive firebrand: Warren takes center stage in banking fight after SVB collapse In 2018, I rang the alarm bell about what would happen if Congress rolled back critical Dodd-Frank protections: banks would load up on risk to boost their profits and collapse, threatening our entire economy and that is precisely what happened, Warren said in a statement earlier this month. The question of whether all U.S. bank deposits are now implicitly backstopped by the FDIC and by extension U.S. taxpayers in the same way they were for SVB and Signature Bank was also raised during the hearing. The decision to cover uninsured depositors at these two institutions was a highly consequential one, Gruenberg said. By May 1, well deliver a report including policy considerations to take that into account. When we were looking at the systemic risk determination with respect to these institutions, we were thinking about the risks to the broader financial system, not the particular depositors, Barr said. The proposals: Banking legislation piles up as wobbly market evolves Republican Sen. J.D. Vance (Ohio), himself a former venture capitalist, argued for expanding the FDICs implied insurance policy which he said should be considered a bailout across the banking industry. What Id like you guys to consider doing is extending the same implied offer that you gave to the Silicon Valley Bank uninsured depositors, to do it a little bit further down the banking ladder so that everybody benefits from the rule that you guys have created for Silicon Valley Bank, he said. Public sector bank bailouts for badly managed banks are very unpopular among Americans. A recent poll by Ipsos found that 84 percent of Americans agree 56 percent agree strongly that taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for irresponsible bank management, including 85 percent of Democrats and 86 percent of Republicans. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. At least 38 people were killed as a fire broke out at a migration center along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to officials. Authorities on Tuesday believe the fire was caused by a protest initiated by some of the migrants detained at the center "after, we think, they found out theyd be deported, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. Based on initial reports, migrants put small mattresses at the door of the shelter and set them on fire "as a form of protest," Lopez Obrador said at a news conference Tuesday morning. "They didnt imagine this would cause this misfortune." Anthony Gonzalez, a Venezuelan migrant who was held at the facility last week after U.S. authorities sent him back to Mexico, told Noticias Telemundo he finds it hard to believe migrants could have started the fire, because they are held behind padlocked doors and they take everything from you before entering. Thats like a jail, Gonzalez said in Spanish. The fire began after 9 p.m. Monday at the migration center run by the National Migration Institute in Ciudad Juarez, the agency said in a statement. The migrants at the facility had been detained by authorities. The country's National Migration Institute lowered the death toll on Tuesday evening from 40 to 38 following visits to hospitals across the city where victims had been taken and releasing the names of the fatal victims. The institute did not immediately reveal the cause of the fire. It said that it strongly rejects the acts that led to this tragedy, without elaborating on what they may have been. Dozens more people were injured, 29 of whom were taken to four hospitals in "delicate-serious condition," the agency said, adding that 68 men from Central America and South America mainly Venezuela were being held in the facility at the time. Guatemalas General Directorate of Migration confirmed that 28 of the dead were Guatemalans. According to the countrys prosecutor general, which has opened an investigation, 13 Hondurans, 12 Salvadorans, 12 Venezuelans, a Colombian and an Ecuadorian were among the 68 people affected by the blaze. Story continues Consular teams were also being engaged to further identify the dead, officials said. El comisionado del @INAMI_mx, @fgymexico, visita los hospitales locales para verificar el estado de salud de las personas migrantes hospitalizadas tras el incendio en la Estancia Provisional del INM en Ciudad Juarez, #Chihuahua. pic.twitter.com/l0ZUIJjgAo INM (@INAMI_mx) March 28, 2023 Smoke started coming out of everywhere Images showed rows of bodies laid out under silver sheets as rescue teams, firefighters and police responded. Amid the chaos, a Venezuelan migrant, Viangly Infante, had been desperately looking for her husband, Eduard Caraballo, 27. Caraballo was one of many migrants who had been picked up by Mexican authorities Monday and detained at the National Migration Institute center, Infante said. I was here since 1 in the afternoon waiting for the father of my children, and when 10 p.m. rolled around, smoke started coming out from everywhere, she told Reuters. Her husband survived, Infante said, by dousing himself in water and pressing against a door. Mexico fire at Migrant camp kills 37/ (Herika Martinez / AFP - Getty Images) Francisco Garduno Yanez, the commissioner of the National Migration Institute, was visiting the hospitals where the injured migrants were taken to check on their health conditions, the agency said in a tweet. The agency also said immigration authorities will provide Visitor Cards for Humanitarian Reasons to the injured and will cover the medical requirements for a speedy recovery. Migrants who are seeking refugee status or were victims of crimes in Mexico can be eligible for the cards. Betty Camargo, the state programs director at the Border Network for Human Rights, a human rights advocacy and immigration reform organization in the U.S.-Mexico border, said she has been speaking to migrants who witnessed the fire at the center and the events that preceded it. Authorities inside the center told some of the detained migrants they were being deported, even though many of them had temporary work permits that are renewed every month, Camargo said. The migrants said they were told such permits would be taken away from them, she added. Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights, said such migration centers should not be detention centers." Most migration centers run by the National Migration Institute are meant be processing centers and "a centro de alojamiento" (shelter) meant for short stays for migrants in transit. That has prompted the organization to call for an investigation into the fire. The facility, in Chihuahua state, is on the Mexico side of a bridge that connects Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas. Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants trying to make the journey across the border to the U.S. Its shelters are full of migrants waiting for opportunities to cross or who are waiting out the asylum process. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow of migration to the U.S. border under pressure from Washington, its National Immigration Institute has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com At least 39 migrants have been killed and dozens more injured after a fire broke out at a Mexican immigration detention centre close to the US border. The deadly blaze erupted in a dorm room of a facility in Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico, just across from El Paso, Texas, late on Monday, Mexicoss National Immigration Institute (INM) confirmed on Tuesday. Mexicos president Andre Manuel Lopez Obrador blamed the lethal blaze on a protest among migrants who set fire to highly flammable mattresses upon learning they would be deported, he said in remarks on Tuesday. In total, 39 people died in the blaze while another 29 were injured and rushed to four local hospitals, according to the INM. Those who were injured are said to be in delicate-serious condition, the agency accounced. They are being treated at the Mexican Red Cross, the Mexican Social Security Institute 6, the General Hospital and the Family Hospital. The agency said that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. Telemundo reported that the blaze started when a rally broke out in the mens area of the facilities at around 10pm. At the time of the fire, there were 68 adult men from Central and South America staying at the migrant centre, said the INM. Harrowing images captured the aftermath of the blaze, showing rows of bodies lying under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility while ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue were also on the scene. At least 39 migrants have been killed and dozens more injured (AP) Mondays fire marks the deadliest incident inside a Mexican immigration facility in recent memory. Mexicos attorney generals office has launched an inquiry into the matter and has investigators at the scene, while the governmental National Human Rights Commission has also been called in to help the migrants impacted by the tragedy. It is with deep sadness and grief that we learned of the fire that occurred inside the INM in Ciudad Juarez, the citys federal dupty Andrea Chavez shared in a statement on social media. Story continues The countrys immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration centre in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Image taken from a video showing aftermath of fire (AP) Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the US from Mexico. Migrants from Central and South America have arrived at the Texas-Mexico border seeking asylum in the after fleeing violence, corruption and poverty in their countries. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the US border under pressure from the American government, its National Immigration Institute has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. US authorities have turned away thousands of people seeking asylum since 2020, when then-Donald Trumps administration invoked a public health order to curb migration during Covid-19. Federal agents have used the Title 42 order more than 2.6 million times to prevent asylum seekers from entering. A separate so-called Remain in Mexico order also expelled asylum-seeking migrants to Mexico while their asylum cases play out in US courts. President Joe Bidens administration intends to expire the public health emergency order in May, and in January, the White House introduced an immigration plan to allow 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the US with legal permission to work in the country for two years. The high level of frustration among migrants stuck in Ciudad Juarez was on display earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. US authorities blocked their attempts. White House national security council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said on Tuesday morning that the the tragic loss of life in Ciudad Juarez is heartbreaking. Our prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and those still fighting for their lives. The United States has been in touch with Mexican officials and stands ready to provide any needed support, she added. The Associated Press contributed to this report Recent heavy rain sent a massive landslide crashing down on a small community in Ecuador, killing at least 14 people and leaving 67 still missing as of Wednesday. Early Monday, a large torrent of mud, rocks and other debris swept over the village of Alausi in Ecuador's Andean region in the central part of the country, about 140 miles south of the capital, Quito. The landslide, estimated at nearly a half mile long, plunged down the hilly terrain burying dozens of homes, trees and other buildings, trapping many villagers and injuring 33 people, according to Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat. The initial death toll was placed at 16, but that figure was revised later on Monday. Residents look over the site of a landslide that buried dozens of homes in Alausi, Ecuador, Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) President Guillermo Lasso visited the scene of the disaster Monday night as hundreds of emergency crews worked frantically to search for survivors. So far, 32 people have been rescued from under the landslide, according to the agency. Lasso said he saw "first-hand the search-and-rescue work being carried out by experts" and assured the community that the rescue efforts would go on "as long as is necessary." Paramedic Alberto Escobar told The Associated Press it was unlikely more survivors would be found because of the time that had elapsed but that the search would continue unless it rained. There is a "buildup of tons and tons of earth," making it difficult to find survivors, Fernando Yanza, a firefighter working to rescue those trapped, told AFP. The buildup of earth "takes away the small amount of space for oxygen," he added. "My mother is buried" under the mud, Luis Angel Gonzalez, 58, told the AP. "I am so sad, devastated. There is nothing here, no houses, no anything. We are homeless (and) without family." Area residents said they heard tremors on the mountain before the landslide, which was triggered by heavy downpours in the region over the past several days. Story continues Many residents, in addition to those who had lost their homes, were ordered to evacuate, and temporary shelters were set up to assist those displaced by the disaster. "We went to the shelter, but my mother didn't want to," Sonia Guadalupe Zuna told the AP. "Later, my daughter went to convince her. When they walked along the rails, everything collapsed. They arrived covered in dirt and crying." GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Overall, about 500 people were impacted by the landslide, which also destroyed part of the Pan-American Highway. Officials said about 60% of the local water service was also affected. The deadly landslide comes a week after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake killed 16 people in southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. A man was arrested on multiple drug and weapon charges on March 24 after Lexington County deputies searched his car at a local gas station. Derrick Bright, 43, after deputies say they found approximately 850 ecstasy pills, 30 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of marijuana and two handguns in the car, according to a Tuesday news release from the Lexington County Sheriffs Department. The sheriffs department said Brights car was searched with probably cause but did not elaborate on what led to the search. Deputies were at a gas station on Highway 321 near Gardners Terrace Road last week where they made contact with Bright in the parking lot, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in a news release. Bright was arrested at the scene and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. He has since been released on bond, according to county court records. Concrete is ubiquitous. A mainstay of the construction industry, over 10 billion cubic meters of concrete is used every year. It's also responsible for up to 8% of CO 2 emissions: one ton of ordinary Portland cement creates somewhere between 800 and 900 kilograms of CO 2 emissions. Finnish startup Carbonaide has just raised 1.8 million (~$1.9 million at today's exchange rate) in seed funding to knock down concretes carbon emissions, but not the construction industry. Our goal at Carbonaide is to create a more sustainable future with cutting-edge tech that doesnt just reduce the carbon emissions of construction materials like concrete, but that traps more CO 2 than they emit throughout their lifetime, explains Tapio Vehmas, Carbonaides CEO. It is very natural that the constructed environment becomes a CO 2 sink, as it is the largest volume of man-made material. Carbonaides process binds carbon dioxide into precast concrete using an automated system at atmospheric pressure. By reducing the quantity of required cement content and mineralizing CO 2 into the concrete itself, Carbonaide believes it can halve the carbon dioxide emissions of traditional Portland cement concrete. If it can introduce industrial waste products, for example, industry slag, green liquor dregs, and bio-ash into the process, it has the potential to produce concrete with a negative carbon footprint. The next step for Carbonaide is to scale the technology into a production line at its factory in Hollola, Finland, which is where this seed funding round comes in. The goal for this funding round is to scale the technology into an industrial-scale pilot factory. With the funding, we can implement the technology into a precast concrete production line that allows carbon curing as a part of the industrial process, says Vehmas. When we have done that, we will know exactly the cost structure and needed parameters for effective curing, because it does need to add up. Story continues Can we develop technical solutions that also make sense commercially? Low-carbon products have to have a lower price than normal products. Otherwise, we can't be sure that our technology will prevail, says Vehmas. Carbonaide has calculated that a fully operational chain could mineralize up to five tons of CO 2 per day and increase production by 100-fold of its carbon-negative concrete products, but its not just about making this type of concrete industrially scalable. Carbonaide also needs to bring the naturally conservative construction industry with it. The technology must fit in perfectly, otherwise, it won't make a change, says Vehmas. "The industry is very conservative, but there is a good reason for that. We build structures that are meant to last, and by being conservative, we can ensure that they will remain in the future. Its easy to say that if something isnt broken, it doesnt need to be fixed, but Vehmas recognizes how the carbon footprint of concrete is breaking the Earth, and it does need to be fixed: I want to see how a low-carbon industry can become a reality in highly conservative markets. If we can make this happen, maybe our generation will have some hope to pay our carbon debt for future generations. Importantly, Vehmas has experience in the construction industry that he can bring on this quest, and he believes that the investment that Carbonaide has raised validates both its necessity and viability. I also have 20+ years of experience working with concrete, meaning I have dealt with industry my whole adulthood. I basically live and breathe concrete. That helps a lot when introducing new technology into a highly conservative industry, says Vehmas. This investment is a sign of good progress for us because we've received the support and backing of players in the industry already. Backing for Carbonaide comes from Lakan Betoni and Vantaa Energy, which led the seed funding. The round was completed with public loans and in-kind contributions from Business Finland and other Finnish concrete companies and strategic investors. The concrete and energy companies supporting Carbonaide are doing so in more ways than just financially. They are also able to provide CO 2 for Carbonaides processes, because believe it or not, while too much carbon dioxide is fizzing its way into the atmosphere, the captive kind that we need for everything from concrete to soda is in short supply. If Carbonaides pilot factory goes to plan, Vehmas hopes that it can have a planet-saving impact on the construction industry. After the piloting, our goal is to commercialize the technology. We want to make this process easy to implement by packing the technology into a modular unit that is easy to install and enables easy implementation of the technology on-site, says Vehmas. If everything goes as I dream, our technology will start a process where the constructed environment becomes a carbon sink in the future, not a source of massive emissions. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. King Charles III and Queen Consort Camillas trip to France was supposed to be an exciting goodwill tour ahead of his coronation, but the striking workers and protests made it a less-than-ideal time to visit. It seems that the royals age might have had something to do with the postponement. More from SheKnows With French President Emmanuel Macron trying to raise the retirement age to 64, he really cant have a 74-year-old working royal and his 75-year-old wife waltz into the country at such a tenuous time. Royal expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop, author of Elizabeth & Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage, and Monarchy, told the Mirror that the terrible optics were behind the cancelation of Charles tour. There's a growing movement against the royal family ahead of King Charles' coronation. https://t.co/nxs4ctilqf SheKnows (@SheKnows) March 20, 2023 With the upheaval showing no sign of stopping it was only a matter of time before Emmanuel Macron postponed King Charles first state visit. The optics would have been terrible for both parties, she noted. Amid riots against his efforts to raise the pensionable age to 64, the last thing the French President needed was another security hazard, especially in the form of a 74-year-old working King from a country where the retirement age has already been raised to a hardcore 68 for future generations. Click here to read the full article. Buy: Elizabeth & Philip $21.11 Dunlop remarked that this latest disappointment is a blow for the new King since hes endured a turbulent first few months as monarch. After consistently dealing with protestors in the U.K., the last thing Charles needs is tear gas, water cannon, and cobblestones in France. He selected the country for his first visit to help foster better bilateral relations just like his mom. Story continues It is no coincidence that the late Queens first overseas visit with Philip was to Paris in 1948 three months pregnant with Charles, morning sickness did not prevent Princess Elizabeth from wowing the crowds with her beautiful French and handsome husband, Dunlop said. The trip was seen as a fresh start for the neighboring countries post-war. As of now, there is no rescheduled date on the calendar, but Charles goodwill tour will have to wait and hopefully, his tenure on the throne will take a turn for the better. Before you go, click here to see the 100 best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Launch Gallery: 35 Photos of Prince Charles & Princess Diana During Their 15-Year Marriage Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI - Getty Images We have entered the "police are searching for a motive" stage of the cycle. That usually arrives the morning after. There was another American mass murder on Monday, this time at an elementary school in Nashville, and because this is one of those spasms of American bloodletting that we've decided we care about, we'll spend a day or two having a pantomime debate about what to do in response while examining, with varying levels of interest, the background of the shooter. In this case, the identity of the murderer did appear to break the usual mold, and it will get plenty of attention. But there is no "motive" for killing nine-year-old children, not if "motive" means "a reason for doing something." There is no "reason," no explanation or justification grounded in any kind of logic, to shoot kids in math class with high-velocity bullets from an AR-15 that will destroy their bodies for life even if they survive. We are searching for order, for some cause-and-effect, where there is none. I was in a philosophy class one day back in college when a fellow student flipped out on the professor for supposedly advocating an atheist (or at least anti-Christian) worldview. He screamed at him and stormed out of class. The teacher was sort of bemused afterwards, but he also did mention the kid had some previous behavioral issues at the school. It wasn't the first time he'd blown his top in a classroom setting. Some students pretty quickly sounded the alarm: what if he comes back, and what if he's carrying something with him? This was in Nashville, too, and Tennessee was a gun anarchy state even before the Supreme Court took further steps to turn the whole country into the same. The professor quickly agreed we should adjourn the class and leave the area. David Hume could wait. Thankfully, nothing more came of it that day. But I've thought a lot about what could've happened. Run-hide-fight and all that, the joys of being an American. The same uniquely American freedom I feel when I scan for the exits in crowded public places, just in case. The same freedom I feel when I think about what it might be like to get hit by a bullet from an AR-15. But I've also thought about the aftermath. Folks on campus would probably be interviewed by local news, who'd ask about the shooter and his "motive." Was he a troubled kid? Was he a loner? Were there any signs he was on the cusp of committing mass murder? Story continues BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI - Getty Images I guess this would've been an incident where there was some identifiable cause-and-effect. The student seemed to believe the teacher was brainwashing us all with secular ideology. It could be classified as an "affront to God," and he may well have said something in that vein while berating the professor. Here, I suppose, there was a "reason": he didn't like what the professor was saying. It set him off. But would that really have been the "reason" he shot people? Maybe it's helpful to look at other cases. There's Dylann Roof, who shot nine people during Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, a historically Black congregation. He has made no bones about the fact that he was acting on his beliefs as a white supremacist. He seemed to be a full-fledged neo-Nazi, and he's not the only mass shooterhere and abroadmotivated by racial grievance. "Somebody had to do it," Roof told police, adding that "Black people are killing white people everydaywhat I did is so minuscule compared to what they do to white people every day." This is a motive, however fucked it may be, to the point that you could classify it as terrorism. But a significant share of the mass shootings in the United Statesquite a phrase to writeinvolve someone (almost always a man) getting fired and then shooting up their workplace. There again there seems to be a cause-and-effect. Maybe they're just mad about getting fired, maybe they always hated their coworkers. But are these the only people who've gotten fired or hate their coworkers? Is that really the reason they murdered a bunch of people? The school shooters might not like some of their classmates, and they might be loners (though the narrative on that, which began with Columbine, isn't as clear cut as you might think), but is that really why they shot up the school? And then there's the guy who walks into the mall and starts shooting complete strangers. Does he really have a "motive" for doing that? And all this is before we get into how, while some shooters display plenty of warning signs beforehanddomestic violence is a major oneothers don't, and none of it seems to prevent them getting guns in America and shooting people. Part of our quest for The Reason This Happened is to preserve some sense of control over our own fates. If we just figure out all the right red flags, or learn how to profile a future mass shooter, we can avoid becoming their victims. We can prevent the next one, or at least be somewhere else when it goes down. And then another one happens, and we're forced once again to face the fact that we're living another day because we weren't at the wrong place at the wrong time. The shooter might have had some things in common with some other shooters, but usually it's that he was a young man between the ages of 16 and 25. Doesn't exactly narrow things down. Even when it's not typical, like in Nashville, it doesn't tell us much about the next one. The chaos of it, the unreason, is too much to bear. It's far better to tell ourselves the person was an angry loner seeking revenge against people who slighted him than to grapple with the prospect that this is a kind of savage American ritual. It would help, of course, if the many outposts of the mass media were able to come to some agreement not to offer any details about the shooter at all. At this point, we know about the domestic violence factor. If indeed it is their desperation to be seen and heard and remembered that drives them to join the ritualistic bloodletting, we should deprive them of that. Maybe the local sheriff is duty-bound to go public, but it's not incumbent on the rest of us to amplify it. There is no public interest in it anymore, not that such concerns always factor into news coverage. But this prescription probably stands about the same chance as gun control, and that's the most obvious remedy in the world. Every country has psychos, but nobody seems to do psycho gun murderers like America. Could it be all the guns we have, and that they dont have? Hell, no! Something something, Chicago . Criminals don't follow gun laws? Well it's a lot easier for them to get a gunfor themselves, or to sell someone else on the black marketnow that they can steal it out of some open-carry aficionado's car outside the Piggly Wiggly. Mark Makela - Getty Images More guns means more criminals with guns. It means more psychos with guns. It means guns are cheap and easy to get. There are more than 400 million guns in Americamore than we have citizens. While there are sound arguments that people should be permitted to have a handgun to defend their castle, or a hunting rifle for sport, or even a shotgun for either, American gun culture has spiraled out of control within a kind of parallel-dimensional logic. The operating theory of American life, as confirmed last year when the Supreme Court overturned a 110-year-old New York gun law to make the state more like Tennessee, is that you need a gun to defend yourself and your family against all the other people with guns everywhere you go. (I remember the first time I was patted down going into Rippy's on Broadway in Nashville because, while politicians in the state legislature might have thought it was a good idea to allow people to carry guns in bars, the management did not.) This might be fun for the gun manufacturers and the gun retailers, who want to sell more guns, but it's not much fun for those of us whose right to live in a civilized society has been infringed. The simple truth is that American gun culture is not freedom, it is tyranny, and it has succeeded in dragging us all into this stupid, vicious world. The gun proliferation activists have remade America in their image: more guns, everywhere, all the time, along with ample talk that they are stockpiling guns out of some kind of proto-revolutionary fervor. They are positioning themselves to "fight a tyrannical government," which really means, to take this fantasy to its endgame, "shoot at American soldiers." And who elected these people to decide the government has crossed the line into tyranny? Certainly not the citizens who elected the government. David McNew - Getty Images And this, I suspect, is at the very root of why we spend so much time on pantomime debates about whether Thomas Jefferson and James Madison wanted every American 18 and older to have easy access to a weapon that can destroy the bodies of 20 people in a minute. It's why we're always searching for The Motive. It's better than confronting the fact that a section of the American populace is heavily armed and at least talking like they want a confrontation. Every day that they are not challenged is one where the guns are serving their purpose as a tool for projecting power. The gun fanatics are using the threat of force to impose their will on other citizens, and violating their rights with impunity as they do so. You might believe the Second Amendment confers an individual right to bear arms, which the Supreme Court decided in...2008, but once the bullets start whizzing through the town square, the rights of the rest of us start to come into play. But these regular spasms of mass murder do not actually hurt the cause of gun proliferation activists, which is why, along with the GPAs' strange brand of militant obtuseness in any argument, these events never have much effect on our politics or policy. The killings are an ongoing, ritualized testament to the chaos of our atomized world, to the higher importance of individual self-defense in this state of nature they've dragged us all into, a place where the government and the policethe people we all agreed as a polity to grant the power to use force to keep ordercan't help you. When you go to school, the mall, the office, a concert, or a little league game in America, you stand a better chance of getting shot by some random psycho with a gun than in any other rich nation, and they call this freedom. I call it tyranny, and the role of the mass murdererswitting or notis to convince you this is a cycle you cannot escape. Maybe they're right. Maybe we should all lose ourselves in silly little John Wayne fantasies, where if we'd just been at the scene we'd have fought off the psycho with our tactical scopes. It makes about as much sense to me as assigning a "motive" to some guy who kills kids because they were sitting in the wrong classroom at the wrong time. The only answer we have is the "how." You Might Also Like Republican senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday sounded the alarm on the poisoning of America caused by the massive inflow of fentanyl into the U.S. from Mexican drug cartels. What are we going to do about the poisoning of America? Graham said at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. So heres what I would say: America is under attack. Our nation is being attacked by foreign powers called drug cartels in Mexico. Fentanyl has killed 70,000 Americans a year, the senator said. As the border crisis has devolved into catastrophe, illegal narcotics made in Mexico have been trafficked into the U.S. Many states and their small towns as well as big cities have suffered high death tolls from the smuggling. In 2022, almost 300 people in New Hampshire died after ingesting fentanyl. When the Japanese attacked America at Pearl Harbor, they killed about 3,000 Americans; 9/11 when we were attacked, about 3,000. This is the largest attack on American homeland by a foreign power in the history of the nation, he said. Graham demanded again, as he has many times before, that the drug cartels operating between Mexico and the U.S. be classified as foreign terrorist organizations. The military should also apprehend and destroy the sites where the drug is manufactured, he suggested. The Drug Enforcement Administration in 2022 seized 50.6 million fentanyl pills and over 10,500 pounds of fentanyl powder. Earlier this month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the fentanyl situation has improved under the Biden administration. Because of the work that this President has done, because of what weve done specifically on fentanyl at the border, its at historic lows historic levels that we have been able to record a number of personnel working to secure the border because of what weve been able to do, seizing that fentanyl, she said. Weve done it in a historic way. Thats because of what this President has done. More from National Review Gary Lineker has won his 4.9 million ($6.04 million) legal battle with British tax authorities. The former England striker turned host of the BBC's flagship Match of the Day television programme, was told he should have been classed as an employee of both the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer. His Majesty's Revenue and Customs took Lineker to court over what it said was an unpaid bill of 4.9 million that should have been paid on income received between 2013 and 2018. It came as part of legislation, known as IR35, designed to clampdown on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies. But Lineker repeatedly insisted he had paid the correct amount of tax and tribunal judge John Brooks ruled Tuesday the law did not apply to the 62-year-old because there were direct contracts between the presenter and both the BBC and BT Sport. Lineker tweeted later Tuesday: "Thanks for all the congratulatory messages. I am pleased that the Tribunal has endorsed my contention that I have not failed to pay any taxes or National Insurance by reason of the IR35 rules." But an HMRC spokesperson, responding to the tribunal's verdict, said: "We do not agree with its decision that the rules cannot apply in this case and we're considering an appeal. "It is our duty to ensure everyone pays the right tax under the law, regardless of wealth or status." Lineker, the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day, did not front the show for one Saturday earlier this month after being taken off air in an impartiality row. He was criticised for comparing the launch of the UK government's new asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany. However, his removal sparked chaos across the BBC's sporting coverage as presenters, pundits and commentators showed their backing for Lineker by refusing to work. But Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter, returned to the programme the next week following a compromise agreement that included the corporation launching an independent review into its social media guidelines. jdg/jc Five members of an extended Treasure Valley family were sentenced to prison last week, nearly five years after being indicted for running a business that sold counterfeit cellphones and accessories, the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho announced Monday evening. The five family members Pavel Babichenko, Piotr Babichenko, Timofey Babichenko, David Bibikov, and Mikhail Iyerusalimets were found guilty of a range of crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, in August 2022. Two other defendants, Kristina Babichenko and Anna Iyerusalimets, were acquitted on all counts. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill sentenced the five people found guilty to forfeit a combined $51.9 million, and three of them must spend multiple years in prison. The five individuals were part of a group that would purchase counterfeit Apple and Samsung phones in Hong Kong and China, smuggle them into the U.S. and then sell them on Amazon and eBay, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. The devices were repackaged in the Treasure Valley and advertised to consumers as genuine and new. In more than a decade of operation, the family sold about $41 million worth of counterfeit devices, according to court records. My office is committed to protecting Idaho consumers, businesses, and the public from fraud of all types, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit said in a news release. The convictions, sentences, and financial recovery, in this case, reflects our ability to work with our law enforcement partners to take down large-scale and long-term international fraud enterprises. Here were the sentences handed down, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office: Pavel Babichenko: Six years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $21,000 fine. A $33.7 million forfeiture money judgment was also entered. Piotr Babichenko: Four years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. A $3.3 million forfeiture judgment was entered. Story continues Timofey Babichenko: Four years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,500 fine. A $9.2 million forfeiture judgment was entered. David Bibikov: One month in federal prison, nine months of home detention and three years of supervised release. A $4.7 million forfeiture judgment was entered. Mikhail Iyerusalimets: Two months in federal prison, nine months of home detention and three years of supervised release. A $953,411 forfeiture judgment was entered. This $349,900 property on Cole Road in Boise is one of the buildings that federal prosecutors say the Babichenkos must forfeit if theyre convicted of dealing in counterfeit phones. The case began in August 2018 when 10 individuals were indicted. Artur Pupko was also part of the operation and pleaded guilty to several charges under a plea agreement in 2019. Gennady Babichenko had his charges dropped in August 2021 and Natalya Babichenko was found not guilty in September 2021. A hearing will be held to determine restitution and the repayment of public defender fees. These sentencings are the result of law enforcements unrelenting work to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, said acting special agent in charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Salt Lake City FBI in a news release. Robert and Jenna Brownell dine at Roy's in Hawaii for their 50th anniversary. A longtime figure in Polk County politics announced Monday that he will retire after his current term as Polk County supervisor after his wife's diagnosis with Alzheimers disease. Robert Brownell, a Republican who is currently serving his sixth term on the Polk County Board of Supervisors, confirmed Monday night that he won't be running for re-election in 2024. He announced his decision on WHO-TV, saying he was stepping down in part because of his wife's condition and in part to give someone else a chance to serve. Brownell's district includes Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes, Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant and Mitchellville. In a March 19 column for the Register, Brownell wrote that his wife Jenna, with whom he celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 2021 trip to Hawaii, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in February 2022. More:Although Trump administration cuts refugees, Republican Polk County supervisor works to aid them By mid-June, he said, she could not recognize him. They marked their 51st anniversary at a care home for people with late-stage Alzheimer's. With the diagnosis, given to him by his wife's doctor in a brief morning phone call, "All the plans wed had about our years ahead, the planning and saving, the night shifts at Yellow and Roadway, the various election campaigns, her work in insurance and jobs at the Iowa Legislature," the former trucking company manager wrote, "in just 60 seconds, it all evaporated." Brownell also wrote of the effect on him as her caregiver. "By May, I was overwhelmed," he wrote. "The disease ramped up aggressively, I felt like I had both hands in a dike holding back an ocean of despair and horror. On my side of the crumbling dike, it was all fear and, frankly, panic. I wasnt eating properly, not working out. I was isolating." He praised "the miracle of friends and family rallying around" them, helping them cope until a bed opened for his wife at the Arbor Springs late-stage Alzheimer's care facility in West Des Moines, "where she is getting terrific care." Story continues Brownell was raised in Cedar Rapids, attended Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri, and graduated from Kennedy High School in his hometown. He attended the University of Northern Iowa as an undergraduate and Drake University for post-graduate work. He was a branch manager for Yellow Transportation in Des Moines for 15 year and held management positions with Roadway Express across the Midwest. Brownell was elected to the Clive City Council in 1985 and became mayor of Clive in 1993 before his election to the Polk County Board of Supervisors in 2000. Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Brownell to retire as Polk supervisor after wife's Alzheimer's diagnosis Lori Harveys recent Instagram story had a message about her relationship with Damson Idris that was heard loud and clear. On Monday, the model appeared to put recent breakup rumors to rest with a photo she posted on her Instagram story. In the post, Idris can be seen smiling at the camera as hes seated in the drivers seat of a car. My fine ass Uber driver, she wrote in a text overlay of the post. Idris has also responded to the recent breakup rumors via his publicist, who told Newsweek on Monday that reports about a split were completely false. Damson and Lori are still going strong and very much together as a couple, the publicist said. Rumors that the two had split began spreading on the internet last week. The gossip spurred wide reactions and quips from Twitter users who ridiculed the high-profile couple and especially Harvey for seemingly splitting after just a few months. Lori Harvey and Damson Idris photographed on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles, California. Lori Harvey and Damson Idris photographed on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles, California. Harvey and Idris made their relationship Instagram official back in January after fueling dating rumors for weeks prior. The Snowfall actor talked about his relationship with Harvey in a sit-down interview with Complex published on Monday. He said that their relationship has been great, though he didnt divulge further details about their romance. With my private life today, with my relationship today, its great, life is great, he said. Harvey had previously opened up about some of the criticism she has received for her public dating life. She told E! News host Adrienne Bailon in January that she lets much of the gossip and criticism roll off my shoulder. Related... John Boyega (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) John Boyega is remembering how he set out his stall at the very beginning of his career. Fresh out of drama school, he told his agent: Dont put me in no EastEnders, dont put me in no The Bill, dont put me in any of that. He says this with force, from a room in Los Angeles, eyes steely. Distancing himself from some of the traditional routes into the industry for young actors was a mark of supreme confidence. Boyega knew the kind of projects he wanted and didnt want to be associated with. He was clear with his friend and agent Femi Oguns about the way forward. Not to toot my own horn, but I had strict rules for Femi when I first signed with him. I want something that can be relatable, but unique. It has to have a spin on it. So far, the plan is working perfectly. From his first screen role as a fresh-faced, alien-fighting teen in 2011s Attack the Block, to playing a Star Wars stormtrooper in three of the franchises films (2015-2019), to a security guard wrongly accused of murder in Detroit, the 31-year-old has played a diverse and rich range of characters, each bearing little resemblance to the others, or to himself. I dont really play roles that relate to me, he explains. You always have to do some form of research work, even if its someone from your own environment. At the end of the day, you are just acting; you havent lived that scenario most of the time. When Attack the Block hit the cinemas, Boyega was a fresh-faced 19-year-old. Hed made his National Theatre debut while still a sixth-form college student, before training at Londons Identity Drama School. Every time, he wants to make a mark in a different way. His latest film role tests his chameleonic abilities further. In Breaking, written by director Abi Damaris Corbin and the British playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, the actor plays Lance Corporal Brian Brown-Easley, a retired US Marine. While still possessing the charm frequently flaunted on chat shows and red carpets, Boyega is noticeably subdued. Perhaps the conversations sombre tone reflects the films gloomy true-life subject matter of the film itself. In the dramatic thriller, Boyegas character is a man on the brink. When a flawed governmental system denies Brown-Easley access to his disability benefits, a relatively humble sum of $892, the soldier makes an extreme choice. To ensure that those in power finally take notice of his struggle, Brown-Easley walks into a bank and calmly informs the teller that he has a concealed bomb, instructing her to call the police and the local TV station. All apart from two employees are allowed to leave the building, as Brown-Easley, frantic, figures out what to do next. But he doesnt actually want the banks money, or to hurt anyone its eventually revealed that he has no bomb on him. Brown-Easley simply wants to be heard. Story continues In the 2018 article on which the film is based, writer Aaron Gell noted how unassuming and gentle Brown-Easleys demeanour usually was, and how calm he seemed when he entered the bank. The thing that everyone remembered about the man in the light grey sweatshirt was how composed he was, how polite and respectful, it began. Boyega is also wearing a light grey sweatshirt today, perhaps in unconscious solidarity with the man he portrays. I want people watching to learn about what happened to Brian; what he faced, Boyega says. The way civilians relate to the military is significantly different [in the US, compared to the UK]. Its much more of a bigger world out here in America. As Brown-Easley, Boyega is magnificent. Its one of the best performances of his career. Hes gaunt, bruised and utterly dejected, the life seemingly drained out of him by a system thats repeatedly told him that his voice didnt matter. Notably, Boyegas first day on set for this role took place exactly four years after the real Brown-Easley stepped into the Windy Hill Road branch of Wells Fargo, in Atlanta. Sadly, and predictably, Brown-Easley didnt leave the bank alive. Though the story is extraordinary in its specifics, it illuminates an unfortunate aspect of many peoples experiences of living on the margins of society. Its a reflection of how Black peoples lives are systemically disregarded, and often only deemed worthy of media attention after tragedy strikes. Its a topic that Boyega cares about deeply. Boyega as the doomed US Marine in Breaking (Universal Pictures) In June 2020, Boyega gave an energising speech at the London Black Lives Matter protest, one of several that emerged after police killed George Floyd, an unarmed Black American man. Speaking passionately into a megaphone for just under five minutes, the then-28-year-old expressed his own heartbreak at the situation. I need you to understand how painful this s**t is, he cried, to be reminded every day that your race means nothing. Nearly instantly, his speech went viral. Many felt as if he was the perfect conduit to express the burning rage of the moment. Boyega was confirmed as being for the people; his act of unity established him as a celebrity who was firmly aware of societys injustices. Weeks later, he made headlines again after publicly speaking out about his treatment as part of the Star Wars films. After making his debut in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, Boyega found that his character, Finn, was effectively sidelined as the franchise went on. He publicly criticised Disney for their treatment of actors of colour, compared to storylines of substance given to the white stars. You guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley, you knew what to do with Adam Driver, he told GQ, expressing his frustrations. But when it came to Kelly Marie Tran, when it came to John Boyega, you know f**k all. Boyegas frankness sent shockwaves through the industry, so rare it was to hear of an actor speaking out against their powerful employer. Thankfully, the results of his outspokenness were positive. When Moses Ingram was faced with racist abuse after starring in Obi-Wan, the company was quick to defend her and criticised the behaviour of prejudiced fans open support that Boyega didnt feel when he was in the same position. When Boyega speaks out, people take notice. Three years on, Boyega has mixed feelings about his Black Lives Matter speech, and the attention it was given. I dont fixate on it, he says. I feel its something thats highly commented on; it kind of blocks you out of your own experience. I sometimes dont even know what to say, but I definitely think it has helped me organise, and actually do things to help people directly. With minimal publicity, Boyega has visited schools and youth organisations across London in his time off work, speaking to young people and seeing how he can help with making their experiences better. Born in Camberwell, Boyega grew up in nearby Peckham with his Nigerian parents a mother who worked as a carer and a Pentecostal pastor father and two older sisters. He remains close to his family, and gives his sisters credit for keeping him aware of whats hot online when he falls behind from fan-made memes about him, to the freshest takes on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. After more than a decade in the public eye, does it feel different for him to be back at home in Peckham? Problem child: Boyega (center) in Attack the Block (Optimum Releasing) Damn, thats how I know if you lot got rich, you lot would be gone! He breaks into a sudden boom of laughter. You lot appears to be Boyegas collective term for journalists, and not necessarily a term of endearment. Clearly, he finds the idea of feeling out of place in his pre-fame south London haunts incredulous. Its not like that, he says, his mouth still holding an amused smirk. Ive never had a detachment from home that makes me feel different. Ive never lived properly in LA. Ive always been back and forth, so Ive kept myself [grounded]. Young kids that grew up in my dads church, I still talk to and go and see, he continues. You just keep yourself connected to that world. To the people there, they dont even care We see John all the bloody freakin time. I keep that connection there. For all his success, Boyegas refreshingly un-Hollywood. Though important to him, acting is a job going Method, and living in the role 24/7 isnt an option. I take it off like its socks, he says with a half-shrug. I cant help it. For Breaking, we were filming in LA, and I was staying nearby in a house with my best friends. By the time I got home from set, theyre just being their regular selves cracking jokes, laughing. There aint no Brian no more. Its days before the Oscars when we speak. Despite early projections, Black actors such as Tills Danielle Deadwyler and Boyegas co-stars in The Woman King, Viola Davis and Lashana Lynch, went unrecognised by the Academy, with no nominations. Weeks before, only white people were rewarded at the Baftas, sparking criticism about how little progress has been made, despite previous promises. The thought of getting a Bafta, an Oscar is all good and well, but who came to see your film? When an institution recognises you, you do get much more recognition, and opportunities in the future, he says. Much more people see your project. I do think, for those who see themselves [worthy], they should get nominated for what they work hard for. Sheila Atim, Lashana Lynch, Viola Davis, they did sick! In 2020, Boyega was awarded a Golden Globe for his portrayal of police officer Leroy Logan in Red, White and Blue the third film in Steve McQueens historical anthology, Small Axe. As much as he looks upon his achievement with pride, however, Boyega admits that adding to his collection of accolades isnt something that crosses his mind. Its more about you lot having an interest, coming and seeing the stuff I make, he reasons plainly. Thats the first thing. The thought of getting a Bafta, an Oscar is all good and well, but who came to see it? Despite the experience being far from idyllic, Star Wars still occupies a special place in Boyegas heart, and he looks back at moments with his castmates fondly. Watching the trailer for The Force Awakens for the first time; working with Daisy, building that chemistry with Oscar [Isaac], incredible, he says. Those are the moments I always think about, and I still cherish to this day. People sending me pictures of stuff with my face on, like weird panties and oranges. Those times were crazy. Oscar Isaac and Boyega in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Lucasfilm Ltd) Its impossible to predict the genre, or type of role that youll see Boyega in next. It makes sense, then, why Boyega had an opinion on Idris Elbas statement on no longer categorising himself as a Black actor. In February, Elba explained that hed stopped describing himself in this way as he found it made some put him in a box, unfairly limiting the expectations of the kinds of roles he could play. I think we should fixate on who is typecasting and putting actors in boxes because of [race], Boyega tweeted in response, turning the focus on those in power. Not on making weird adjustments for them. We continuously focus on what we have to do so they dont do this or that. Very worrying. We BLACK and thats that. Ahead of our chat, Im warned off asking Boyega any questions directly about Elba and his comments; but its clear that having the freedom to play any part he wants to is something that drives him. Later this year, hell star alongside Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris in They Cloned Tyrone, a sci-fi comic mystery that sees them banding together to uncover a government conspiracy. Its another opportunity to be somebody else, he says. Im just gonna keep on going till I run out of people. Breaking is available to rent and own now Striking railway workers gather listen to unions speeches at the Gare de Lyon train station, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Paris. A new round of strikes and demonstrations is planned against the unpopular pension reforms that, most notably, push the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. | Thomas Padilla, Associated Press As France heads into its 10th day of strikes and protests against French President Emmanuel Macrons pension reforms, hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to join in demonstrations across the country Tuesday. The protests against Macrons plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 has sparked new strikes Tuesday that are expected to affect refineries, bin collections, rail transport, air travel and schools, according to The Guardian. How many protesters are expected to rally in France on Tuesday? CNN affiliate BFM reported that there are 240 rallies planned in France on Tuesday, with almost 900,000 protesters expected to participate across the country. Around 100,000 people are expected to protest in Paris. Related In response to the protests, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 13,000 police officers were deployed across the country, with half of them in Paris, according to The Associated Press. The Louvre closes due to protests Hundreds of protesters blocked the entrance to the Louvre Museum Monday, The Independent reported. Blocage en cours du Louvre par le secteur de la culture! pic.twitter.com/elU6t2iKSB Jeremie Rochas (@JeremieRochas) March 27, 2023 Social media footage shows protesters inside the museum as well, prior to the Louvre announcing that it would close due to the protests. Le musee du Louvre bloque! pic.twitter.com/OieGHhTbe6 Sud education 95 (@sudeducation95) March 27, 2023 Due to public strikes, the Musee du Louvre is not able to be open for now. We thank you for your understanding, read a tweet from the museums twitter account on Monday. Top Vietnamese, Chinese legislators hold online talks Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue held online talks with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji on March 27. Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue (R) holds online talks with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji on March 27. The talks took place right after the first session of the 14th NPC, and it is also the first contact between key leaders of the two countries so far this year. Chairman Hue conveyed wishes and regards of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He extended his congratulations to China on the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the first session of the 14th NPC. He also congratulated Zhao on his election as Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, noting his belief that under the leadership of the Chinese Party and State in the new tenure led by Xi, Chinese people will fulfil set targets and tasks. Zhao, for his part, said the talks aim to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two Parties, States and peoples, expressing his willingness to work together with the Vietnamese legislature to materialise common perceptions and agreements reached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries. He thanked Vietnam for inviting Xi and other senior Chinese leaders to visit the country this year, and informed that he stands ready to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time. He also invited Hue to visit China. At the talks, both sides affirmed that they treasure the long-standing friendship a valuable asset shared by the two Parties, States and peoples, and agreed to persistently cooperate in realising development targets and visions under the common perceptions. The two sides will continue with all-level contacts and people-to-people exchanges, promote the bilateral trade cooperation in a balanced and sustainable fashion, satisfactorily control disputes at sea, ensure peace and stability in the region, and optimise existing mechanisms to speed up collaboration across spheres. The two legislatures should cooperate substantively in all fields to implement such common perceptions, and serve as a friendship bridge of the two countries peoples, they shared the view. Hue suggested China expand the import of goods, especially agricultural products that are of Vietnams strengths, and create optimal conditions for Vietnamese goods to transit through third country via the Asia-Europe railway. The two countries should work to soon launch large-scale, high-quality investment projects, remove obstacles to some industrial cooperation projects, coordinate to push ahead with Chinas non-refundable aid projects, enhance road, rail, maritime and aviation links, and step up exchanges between their citizens, especially youngsters, he continued. The Vietnamese leader also highlighted the communications work that helps to raise public awareness of achievements by each country as well as the traditional friendship between the two Parties and countries. He suggested the two sides maintain peace and stability, and satisfactorily control and settle issues emerging at sea in line with the common perceptions and agreements, including the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, respect the legitimate and legal interests of each other, and persistently address disputes and disagreements by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), effectively and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon reach an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Zhao said the two sides should intensify contacts and exchanges via the Party channel, especially strategic exchanges between senior leaders in order to put forth orientations for the relations between the two Parties and countries. He suggested continuously deepening the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership by carrying forward the role and operational efficiency of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, and promoting investment and transport projects. China is willing to facilitate the penetration of Vietnamese agricultural products into its market, contributing to boosting the bilateral trade ties, he pledged. Regarding the legislative ties, Hue suggested the two sides continue implementing the cooperation agreement signed in December 2015, and invited young Chinese parliamentarians to attend the ninth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians slated for September in Hanoi. The top legislators reiterated their commitments to coordinating closely to strengthen the legislative ties practically and effectively, contributing to strengthening the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Montana Brown has revealed she recently had a pregnancy scare (Instagram) Montana Brown has revealed she recently had to go to hospital after suffering a pregnancy scare. The former Love Island star, 27, is currently pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Mark OConnor. She confirmed earlier this month that the gender of their baby is a boy. Taking to Instagram on Monday, the Hertfordshire native said she had experienced every expectant mums worst nightmare when she became concered over her babys reduced movements. Uploading a series of pictures of her and her partner at a hospital, she explained: Recently.. feeling grateful that everything is all healthy and looking ok definitely so emotional when you overthink whats going on in your body and movements differ between days. I had reduced movements which were all explainable but its so nerve wracking when its your first time going through it all. So thankful for the wonderful NHS and really glad we decided to go with a local hospital rather than in London. Going on to praise her other half for being by her side throughout the ordeal, she continued: Also so grateful for my wonderful partner too, has been a bit of a stressful few days but so beyond thankful for my good health, good people around me and phenomenal professionals in our hospital. Expanding further on what led her to seek medical help in a clip shared to Instagram Stories, she said: If you guys havent been pregnant before... when you start getting movements, youre supposed to track those movements, and if you see any changes then you should go the day centre or the triage. Explaining that her babys kicks are all day every day, especially in the evening, she said she could see limbs flying out of my stomach but that alarm bells rang when she couldnt feel anything for two nights. Brown confirmed that her hospital trip took place last week and that the doctors did plenty of checks before telling her that everything was okay. Right now you're just sitting on the metaphorical tarmac planning your warm-weather escape. Time to score one of these and be ready for takeoff. (Photos: Target) Funny thing about spring: No sooner do you notice the newly warm-ish temps and additional sun, no sooner do you find yourself stepping outside and detecting the smell of grass in the air, no sooner do you think, "Aaah, it's gorgeous out!"...then you suddenly think, "Uggh I gotta get the %&#* outta here!" That's right; with longer days and shorter sleeves come thoughts of travel. And, hey, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is only two months away, so it's not too early to start planning your next vacay. How convenient, then, that Target has got deals on a few smart, sturdy pieces of luggage that would be perfect companions. Target Hardside Large Checked Spinner Suitcase $168 $210 Save $42 You can't go wrong with classic, stylish black of course, but since you may find yourself waiting for this at the baggage carousel, you might want to consider the more eye-catching Champagne and Puritan Gray, which are also on sale. $168 at Target It's a fact of life: Nobody likes having to check (and then wait for) a big bag. Also a fact of life? You're going to need one of these if you're planning a trip of any length. A third fact? This behemoth from Open Story, now over 20% off, is the one to get. Measuring 29" x 20" x 12", it features TSA-approved locks, an indestructible polycarbonate shell, interior compartments galore and a 10-year warranty! "Taken these back and forth multiple times from USA/Canada and Vietnam," related this globetrotter. Their verdict? "Sturdy, no damage and spacious!" Target Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase $136 $170 Save $34 Available in the same three shades as its big brother, above, this carry on can also be scored in beautiful Denim Blue. $136 at Target Made of the same durable exterior as the 29" checked spinner, this carry on can be used as a companion piece for that multi-country, two-month odyssey you're planning, or as a stylish carry all for that weekend when your rich friend invites you to their seaside villa (or, you know, for that obligatory schlep out to the suburbs to see your folks). Features a built-in USB port for charging your electronics on the go and, at 21.5"x 14" x 9.75", it will, of course, fit in any plane's overhead compartment. "Travel about once a month for the past year, primarily for work, but also a couple international vacations," said a frequent flyer. "It has held up great. At first I was weary about the hard case, but with the amount of orginizational features it is amazing. I traveled to Europe with this and it held way more than I expected. Buying a second one for my husband." Target Day Trip Backpack $64 $80 Save $16 Here's an idea: Pack it now and be ready to bolt on that morning when you decide to call in "sick" and go out and play. You're looking at the taupe variety, but this is also available in classic black. $64 at Target Sometimes the best getaway you can hope for is a six-hour hike in the mountains or an afternoon on the beach. That's no reason not to treat yourself to a new bag! This one, made of water-repellent nylon, is a 22-liter model, and if you choose to get some work done on during your off-time idyll (boo!) or want to make it your new everyday pack, it'll fit a 16" laptop. Said this gadabout: "Perfect travel backpack. I use it as my carry on on the plane. It held everything I needed it to, including laptop, Beats headphones, a book, wallet, etc." Target Commuter Backpack $40 $50 Save $10 Officially, this color is Thistle, but because 1) Open Story's not the boss of us! and 2) We're in a springtime state of mind, we're calling it Lilac. Deal with it. (Oh yeah: available in black and taupe too.) $40 at Target Don't let its name mislead you: Yes, of course this can be Monday-to-Friday sidekick, and you'll look damn good together (we love the handles on top; can't you just see yourself walking down the street, swinging this to and fro, without a care in the world?), but it's also perfect for the impromptu overnight or weekend jaunt, even if you're going waaay out of town. Don't believe us? Read on.... "I bought this bag just shy of a year ago when on vacation in Arizona. I've traveled to and from again and again, and started nursing school in the Pacific Northwest six months ago...meaning, I am constantly drenched in rain and carrying ridiculously heavy books daily. I use it for school, for volunteer shifts, for clinicals... all this and it STILL looks brand-new." The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. Dating a world-renowned hairstylist has already started to rub off on Lukas Gage. The White Lotus actor spoke publicly about his relationship with Chris Appleton for the first time Monday. Appearing on Today to chat about his role on Netflixs You, he was complimented by the hosts on his new haircut before being asked what Appleton thought about it. I think this mane needed to be tamed, Gage quipped, before adding: I also needed to be tamed. The chat then turned to Appleton, who is set to appear on Today later this week. I feel very happy, very lucky and very much in love, Gage said of his new beau. Hes a good-looking man. Theres something about being in London. I think I got a taste of the Brits and couldnt help myself. Pointing to a recent snowboarding trip as well as their vacation in Mexico that first ignited rumors of a romance, he went on to note, We have fun together. We go on adventures. Watch a clip of Lukas Gages Today interview below. It was a marked change from Gages interview with The New York Times earlier this month, when he played it more coy. If they want to think that, they can, the actor said, when asked if fans should interpret photos of him and Appleton on Instagram as confirmation of a relationship. Im a pretty open book about most things in my life, but I have a problem with the culture of everyone needing to know everybodys business and nothing can be sacred. Its a weird line that Im still trying to figure out. More recently, however, hes been a bit less evasive. Bake me into a pie, he wrote on Appletons Instagram, beneath a carousel of images of the couple. Appleton, who has created signature looks for Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry, first confirmed that he and Gage were dating in a March 16 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. Im very happy, Appleton said. Im very much in love, and I feel very grateful to be able to share my time with someone very special. Story continues Last week, the two men happily posed for photos together while attending the 2023 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in Los Angeles. Lukas Gage (left) and Chris Appleton at the 2023 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards. Lukas Gage (left) and Chris Appleton at the 2023 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards. Related... Lyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are relinquishing their leadership roles to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum. Under the new order announced Monday, Green will step down as Lyft's CEO effective April 17 and Zimmer will give up his role as the San Francisco company's president at the end of June. David Risher, who helped build Amazon into an e-commerce powerhouse, will replace Green as CEO. Green will remain involved with Lyft as its non-executive chairman while Zimmer will be vice chairman after he leaves management. The shake-up comes about a month after Lyft disclosed that it suffered a $588 million loss for the final three months of last year, more than doubling from the same 2021 period, and provided a dismal outlook for 2023. That deepened a downturn in Lyft's stock, which has pushed its shares below $10, a roughly 80% drop from their price at the end of 2019, just a few months before the declaration of a global pandemic brought the demand for ride-hailing services to a screeching halt. While Uber's ridership has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, Lyft hasnt yet found a way to get back on track, causing its losses to mount and investors to bail of its stock. Uber diversified its operations to include food delivery a popular option during government lockdowns that kept people in the habit of opening the Uber app. In a research note, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives described Lyft's past six months as a "train wreck" that dictated a change in command. He said Risher had so much work in front of him that Lyft might eventually explore a sale. A deal wouldn't cost as much as it would have a few years ago, given Lyft's current market value has fallen below $4 billion, down from about $14 billion at the end of 2019. In a prepared statement, Risher said he was gobsmacked when he was first approached about becoming Lyfts CEO and is now prepared to take this business to new levels of success. Story continues Hired as Amazon's 37th employee, Risher proved so instrumental to the Seattle company that when he left its founder, Jeff Bezos, posted a thank you note crediting Risher for helping to create a business that "is all about: working hard, having fun, making history." With consumers curtailing e-commerce shopping following the pandemic, Amazon has announced 27,000 layoffs since late last year. Risker had been running a San Francisco nonprofit called Worldreader focused on helping young children to read. Uber, also based in San Francisco, went through a far more tumultuous change in leadership in 2017 when its co-founder Travis Kalanick was forced out in a high-profile power struggle that was dramatized last year in a TV series on Showtime. Uber is now run by Dara Khosrowshahi, who has been trying to turn the company into the transportation equivalent of Amazon. Demonstrations against French President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform are drawing more and more radical protesters, with up to one in five voters approving the use of violence to further the cause, according to polls. Since January, weekly demonstrations organised by trade unions have drawn millions of people nationwide, with the marches remarkable for both their scale and their overwhelmingly peaceful nature. But last Thursday's demonstrations appeared to mark a turning point, with more than 400 security forces injured and hundreds of fires lit in the streets of Paris. Further clashes took place on Tuesday in the capital, as well as in other towns including Nantes in western France, with hundreds of anarchists spotted in the crowds alongside outraged voters. "I don't think peaceful demonstrations are enough " Jerome, a 49-year-old French civil servant told AFP on Tuesday as he joined the demonstration in Paris, asking for his surname to be withheld because he worked for the state. "If there's no violence, people don't talk about it. "A few smashed windows, who cares? They won't go to hospital," he added. His friend and fellow civil servant Ludovic, 48, agreed that violence could be a legitimate last resort, including against the police. "It's understandable. It's exasperation," he said. "After being ignored for so long, if that's only thing left to use, then that's the way it is." A poll by Toluna Harris Interactive on Tuesday suggested that one in five respondents (18 percent) "approved" of violent means to further the goals of the movement. Among people who said they backed the protests, the figure rose to 25 percent. - 'Yellow Vests' redux? - The clashes have sparked a debate about whether the scenes of smashed windows, tear gas and fires -- carried live by French and international news channels -- help opponents to Macron's reform, or distract from the cause. Only four years after the anti-government "Yellow Vest" protests shook the country, some fear a repeat of the weekly clashes that left 11 dead, 2,500 protesters injured and 1,800 police hurt. Story continues After a weekend protest against a reservoir in southwest France left two protesters in hospital, the France 5 news channel held a debate on Monday evening titled "Violence: is our democracy sick?" "The violence is not the issue here," argued Helene Gardes, a 29-year-old special needs teacher, at the demonstration on Tuesday. "Most people in the country are against this reform. They come and march peacefully, so focusing on the violence is missing the point." Trade unions have called for the strikes and protests to continue while also condemning the so-called "casseurs" (vandals) responsable for clashing with police and damaging property such as shops, cars and banks. "I'm worried about it," Laurent Berger, the head of the moderate CFDT union, told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the risk of clashes. "You'd have to be reckless to not worry about it." Macron remains defiant and is on the verge of pushing through a rise in the retirement age from 62 to 64 having used a notorious constitutional power to pass the legislation without a vote in the National Assembly. French security services had warned that the protest movement could turn more radical. Many young people at the demonstration on Tuesday said they had decided to protest because of what they saw as Macron's contempt for democracy and public opinion, which is overwhelmingly against the reform. "In France, we had the Revolution," Maxime Peraut, a 22-year-old postman and musician, told AFP, referring to the famed 1789 uprising against rule by the Bourbon royal family. "I think we need to do something similar to move on to something new and start again on better foundations." adp/sjw/jmm Maddie Abuyuan / BuzzFeed News; San Diego Superior Court Bang. The night was still and cold when the first bang shattered the silence of the Chula Vista neighborhood, on a street nudging San Miguel Mountain and far from the hum of San Diego traffic. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. A dog started barking, growing louder and more intense as more bangs rang out. Finally, a minute and 20 seconds after the barrage began, the eighth and final bang sounded. The dog became quiet. Thirty minutes later, the neighbors surveillance camera recorded the sound of the children playing outside. It was 10:30 p.m. and the temperature had dipped below 50 degrees. What were the kids doing outside at this hour, on a school night in January? the neighbor wondered. Their mother, Maya Millete, a successful civilian contract specialist for the US Navy in San Diego, had been captured on a surveillance camera earlier in the evening on Jan. 7, 2021, ushering the children inside the million-dollar home she shared with Larry, her husband of 20 years. But even with the noise and her children playing so late, she didnt come out. Maya was never seen again. Handout Initially, police investigated Mayas sudden disappearance as a missing person case. Her husband told them the couple had been having problems and that he believed shed left him. But her family immediately suspected trouble: They organized volunteers to search the hillsides, called local hospitals, and brought in an investigator. It was the investigator who ran across the neighbors surveillance camera that captured the bangs, which were never conclusively determined to be gunshots. None of the neighbors cameras showed Maya leaving the house alive. Larrys arrest on suspicion of Mayas murder was announced nine months later on Oct. 19, 2021, and to this day, her body has never been found. But police documents and court testimony have revealed the staggering amount of circumstantial evidence in the case: the phone call Maya made to a divorce attorney , the increasingly desperate messages that prosecutors said Larry sent seeking magic spells to harm her, the odometer that showed he drove hundreds of miles right after her disappearance that he allegedly couldnt account for to authorities. Story continues When the case goes to trial, it will all contribute to the corpus delicti, the Latin phrase meaning body of the crime even though a body is not part of the evidence. No body murder cases depend on a totality of evidence to prove a crime took place, and though it may be less tangible than a traditional prosecution, they have an incredibly high success rate: About 8687% of the defendants are found guilty, Tad DiBiase, a former federal homicide prosecutor who now studies and tracks no body murder cases , told BuzzFeed News. I think that's because prosecutors only take the strong cases to trial, DiBiase said. They're not going to take a weak no-body murder case because the defense is so obvious: We don't even know if she's dead, right, let alone whether this guy had anything to do with it. What happens in Larrys case remains to be seen; a trial has been set for Oct. 9. But based on the evidence shared by prosecutors so far, Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring agreed there is a strong suspicion of his guilt during a preliminary hearing earlier this year. And while Larrys defense lawyers have used the fact that no body was found to argue that Maya is still alive, prosecutors stressed that the 39-year-old mother would not abandon her children and the life she worked so hard to create. "She did not just fall off the face of the earth," Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles argued. She lived for and adored her children. She would not and did not leave, voluntarily, her children. Maya and Larrys romance began in paradise. They met in Honolulu, where her family had immigrated from the Philippines. But instead of plumeria, the fragrance that surrounded their beginnings as a couple was from the french fries at the McDonalds where they worked as high school students. They married young, at age 19. He joined the Navy and they eventually relocated to San Diego, where she continued her college education. After graduating, she began a career as a civilian contractor; when Larrys military service ended, he too became a civilian contractor, working in the optometry department of the Naval Medical Center San Diego. They had three children and bought a five-bedroom house in an upscale neighborhood in Chula Vista, a 30-minute commute from their jobs in the city. It wasnt lavish wealth, but theyd come a long way from McDonalds: They drove expensive cars and traveled. Maya owned designer handbags and jewelry; Larry had a massive gun collection , including seven assault rifles, three shotguns, and five handguns. Police would later find a photo on Larrys cellphone of the couples 4-year-old son standing on a table surrounded by firearms. Maya was devoted to her children and thrived at work. She enjoyed hiking and the outdoors, singing and playing the guitar. She loved music, and tattoos of musical notes cascaded across her shoulder and collarbone. At some point, however, she stopped loving Larry. She had at least one affair , which Larry suspected and tried to stop, testified Mathew Grindley, an investigator for the San Diego County district attorneys office. In the year leading up to her disappearance, the couple argued and reconciled, but ultimately, Maya decided to finally end the marriage that she found toxic. I want to be happy, and happy is not with you, reads a handwritten letter addressed to Larry that police found on a bookshelf in their primary bedroom. I've been gone mentally and emotionally for a very long time, which you failed to notice until I found the strength to initiate physically leaving. Let me find my peace; I cannot find it with you, the letter concludes. The letter was dated Aug. 29, 2020, and police arent sure whether Larry ever read it. If she found peace, it was only in death: Prosecutors allege that Larry killed her on Jan. 7, 2021. Facebook Throughout 2020, according to communications and other electronic history presented by prosecutors in court, Larry made increasingly desperate efforts to save his crumbling marriage and dominate his wife to make her love him, be submissive, and above all, stay. Family, friends, and investigators testified at the preliminary hearing that he changed the lock on their safe, tracked her movements, diverted money from her personal bank account , accessed and monitored her credit card and emails, text messages, and social media accounts sometimes even sending messages himself from her accounts , pretending to be her or, more brazenly, identifying himself. The couple briefly separated in early 2020; she moved in with her brother and sister-in-law , but returned to Larry about six weeks later. But according to her sister-in-law Genesis Tabalanza, he kept close tabs on her. He secreted one of their childrens phones in her car so he could track her movements and even followed her himself, including to her workplace, where he once confronted her and a male coworker when he saw them sitting together in the mans truck, she said. That was the day that, Genesis added, Maya returned with Larry to the Tablanzas apartment, packed up her things, and moved back home. Larry didnt just allegedly follow Maya to work he actively interfered with her job, one former boss testified. In early 2020, Larry emailed Mayas boss at the time, Derek Sopp, requesting that he move one of Mayas male coworkers to another division . Im trying to help May get her bearings back and focused, Larry wrote, according to an email presented in court. I think it would help her reset herself, and our relationship as well. In another email, Larry allegedly wrote that she had gotten a little too personal with the coworker and that its putting quite a strain on our relationship. As a result, Sopp testified, she resigned and took a job elsewhere, saying she wanted to try something different and that it would be best for her marriage. In a series of texts to her brother Jay-R Tabalanza on Aug. 12, 2020, which were shown in court, Maya described Larrys behavior as toxic and mentally abusive. He NEVER lets me be by myself. He checks all my emails, messages, messengers, FB posts. He even checks my VENMO app. And then what? Hell just tighten the reins more. Grindley testified that in late 2020, Maya sent messages to Larry demanding that he stop playing subliminal messages on devices that were allegedly installed around the house. Genesis said Larry told her that these included messages he had recorded like "I love you" or "Love me" hidden in the background of the white noise. San Diego Superior Court Chula Vista Police Detective Lorenzo Ruiz testified about Larrys internet search history, showing screenshots of the searches that included subliminal wife training, training your wife subliminal, and training your wife subliminally to suck cock. The most alarming, perhaps, were Larrys requests to spellcasters. James Rhoades, an investigator for the district attorney, testified that between September 2020 until her disappearance, Larry sent more than 1,000 messages to a number of different online spellcasters, paying $1,154.05 on more than 70 spell purchases. Larry also allegedly ordered a love wanga, dolls that according to one astrology retailer website summon the forces of the night, supernatural forces that could work in behalf of the person who possesses it. The love wanga specifically promises to help a past lover to return or a present lover to commit. Police also found books about magic spells one was titled Magical Love Spells during a search of the Milletes home. According to court documents , Larry sent messages at least once a day to psychics, spirit channelers, and white light practitioners to purchase spells and/or ask for help to make Maya obey him, fall back in love with him, and, as he grew more desperate, incapacitate her through injury or illness so that she would have to rely on him. Rhoades showed some of these messages in court during the preliminary hearing: I would like a powerful love spell to bind my wife, May Millete, to me forever. To have her love me unconditionally like I love her. If you are able to cast a spell to cause bodily harm or cripple without killing. Is there a spell you can cast for May to be dependent on me and weigh her down? Meanwhile, their marriage continued to fray. Prosecutors played in court a video they said Maya had secretly recorded of an argument she was having with Larry in October 2020, in which her husband seems to confront her about having an affair with a coworker. So thats enough for you to wish death on me, all the time? she asks her husband in the video. The messages took a darker turn on Dec. 27, a week before she was last seen, when one said, Please Punish May and incapacitate her enough so she can't leave the house. It's time to take the gloves off. San Diego Superior Court If something happens to me, its gonna be Larry, Maya told her sister, Maricris Drouaillet. She testified that she shared this during a conversation with her family during their New Years Eve vacation in Glamis, California, when she revealed she intended to leave Larry and asked them to lend her money for a divorce attorney. Get ready: Im gonna file for divorce, and its gonna be messy, Maya said, according to Maricris. Its gonna be a messy divorce. As the family was celebrating amid the sand dunes, Larrys messages for spells allegedly became even more specific, revealing that they were riding dirt bikes in the desert and asking, Can you hex to have her hurt enough that she will have to depend on me and need my help. Shes only nice to me when she needs me or sick. Thanks again. Maybe an accident or broken bone. Days after their return from the trip, Maya messaged Maricris and another sister asking to borrow money and to help sell some of her jewelry and designer Louis Vuitton handbags. Larry controlled their finances and she was strapped for cash, Maya told her sisters. I need to borrow 10K for divorce attorney, Maya wrote. Can I pawn you guys my Rolexes? Also can you take some of my LVs.. the ones he wont notice as missing or not being declared? Maya allegedly had reason for concern: Larry had once choked her until she passed out, she confided to one friend, according to police . Larry himself alluded to assaulting his wife in an internet search that included is manhandling a wife physical abuse? and physical abuse manifesting years after in a marriage, according to Grindley, one of the district attorneys office investigators. San Diego Superior Court Grindley also said that a few weeks before her death, on Dec. 16, Larry had searched the internet for flunitrazepam and its brand name Rohypnol, commonly referred to as a date rape drug, and other sedatives. Common over-the-counter meds to incapacitate adults was another search. When asked by Larrys defense attorney whether Grindley believed Larry was poisoning his wife, he said yes. I cant factually say he was poisoning her, he said. I can see other evidence that backs up. That includes messages Grindley found from Maya to Larry and posts on her private social media account that Larry was giving her vitamins that made her drowsy and that she refused to take them anymore. Larrys messages to the spellcasters were becoming increasingly violent, Rhoades testified. Im desperate to calm her down. Make her sick and keep her really sick. My wife May is adamant about getting divorced. Shes saying were over and shes done trying. Thank you, please dont abandon me. She just tells me she wants to co-parent. Not as husband and wife. Shes out of control and pushing, I think she wants me to snap. On Jan. 6, he called in sick, telling his supervisor he was mentally, physically, and emotionally spent. His boss could see why: Larry had shared a screenshot of a text message he received that day from his wife. I DONT WANT TO BE YOUR WIFE ANYMORE, Maya texted Larry. Im filing whether you like it or not. I should have left a long time ago and this time Im not going to look back and say that again. On. Jan. 7, in the last call Maya would ever make, she scheduled an appointment with a divorce attorney for the following week, on Jan. 12 . She didnt want Larry to know yet the family would be celebrating their daughters 11th birthday in Big Bear that weekend, and she didnt want anything to spoil it. Meanwhile, Larry was texting his boss, Im not right and Im about to lose it, Grindley testified . And then, in a message sent at 3:02 p.m., he allegedly told a spellcaster: Im shaking inside ready to snap. San Diego Superior Court Mayas last known communication was at 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 7, when she shared an ad with her family on Facebook Messenger. After writing spellcasters every day for months, Larry sent no messages on Jan. 8. On Jan. 9, prosecutors said, he asked a spellcaster for all hexes to be lifted on Maya but requested that further hexes be placed on the man he believed to be Mayas boyfriend. Early on Jan. 8, at 6:35 a.m., Larrys phone was turned off and it stayed off for 12 hours, until 6:33 p.m; he said he simply forgot it at home. Larry had a busy day. At around 6 a.m., a neighbors surveillance camera captured the familys black Lexus SUV being repositioned in the driveway. Although it was already parked with its back to the garage, a driver can be seen pulling it forward and then backing it in closer to the garage, at an angle that blocks the view into the car and the garage. Larry later claimed that he was loading tangerines and trail mix because he was taking his 4-year-old son to the beach on a chilly, foggy winter day. The SUV pulled out of the driveway at 6:45 a.m. and didnt return home until just after 6 p.m. that evening. Police later calculated that the vehicle had been driven about 444 miles that day . The driving distance from the Milletes house to Solana Beach (where Larry had claimed hed gone, but could not accurately identify on a map, according to police) was under 40 miles. If hed actually gone there, that would still leave 350 miles approximately the driving distance to Phoenix unaccounted for. Specific satellite navigation details about the 2015 SUVs route were not available, but a police search of its infotainment system found that two and a half hours before his 6 p.m. arrival, Larry had entered his address for directions to get home. That evening, Mayas younger brother, Jay-R, came by the house. He didnt know about the series of bangs or Larrys unusual movements, but he was concerned that he hadnt heard from his sister, he testified. His niece answered the door and told him that Maya had been locked in her room for 11 hours now and she hasnt fed us. Larry told Jay-R he had just gotten home from work a lie. Mayas father, Pablito Tabalanza, visited the house on Jan. 9 because Jay-R told him something bad happened. In court, he testified through an interpreter that Larry had called him more often during 2020 than usual and wanted him to help persuade Maya to stay with him. At the house, Larry told Pablito that Maya was in the locked bedroom and didnt answer when he knocked. Pablito asked Larry if he had a key. There was no need to search for it: Larry had it in his pocket and unlocked the door. The fact that the room was empty was perhaps less surprising than the fact that Larry had a key; only Maya was supposed to have access to that bedroom, Pablito said. Later that night, Mayas sister Maracris not Larry was the first person to report Maya missing. Larry never joined any of the search parties over the following days and months; he maintained that she was still alive and had selfishly left on her own. May, my wife, had expressed interest in leaving the family, he wrote in a September 2021 court declaration seeking to block his in-laws from having visitation with their grandchildren. She has been intoxicated more frequently, out drinking with friends and with her relatives. Facebook Despite her familys view that Maya would not abandon her children, career, and material possessions, police at first seemed to believe Larry when he said she chose to leave because of their marital problems, according to an investigator who worked with Mayas family. Billy Little Jr., who began helping the family search for her several days after her disappearance, told BuzzFeed News the police at first accepted Larrys story about what happened: Sometimes they get tunnel vision: They were having family problems. She took some money, she left town, whatever. They start listening to that narrative, and then they close their mind. And they don't see the stuff that you and I would find to be obvious. And they're not willing to listen. With an urgency that Little and the family believed lacking in police, he got a head start on the case. He knocked on the Milletes front door, showed his identification, and Larry let him in and gave him a tour of the house . (Larry would later claim in a court filing that Little posed as an agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service [NCIS] and entered his home under false pretenses.) There, Little found a hole in the wall next to Mayas bedroom door that he said had been freshly repaired. Police later photographed the patch themselves and shared the image during the preliminary hearing. Lets say the door is locked and you wanted to break in the door or get through the door. You could punch through that hole, reach through the other side, and unlock the door from the other side, Little speculated . Little was the first one to ask neighbors to share the footage obtained by their surveillance cameras, including the series of bangs, and shared his discoveries with police, he said. Police executed their first search warrant of the Millete home on Jan. 23, two weeks after she was reported missing. Should police have acted sooner? Even Jay-R, though alarmed and anxious about the lack of communication from his sister, was reluctant to intervene at first, feeling it would be intrusive to press Larry, the man he considered a brother for two decades. But a closer look at what happened before her disappearance raises clear suspicions, Judge Moring said at the preliminary hearing. To believe Larrys story that Maya ran away, the judge said, the court would have to be convinced that Ms. Millete abandoned her life, which included three young children, whom she adored, an ailing mother, siblings with whom she was incredibly close, ownership of a million-dollar home, a six-figure income from a thriving professional career, personal savings and wealth in the form of stocks, expensive purses, and jewelry, extremely close relationships with friends, and her newly purchased beloved Jeep Wrangler. There is a marked contrast in the defendants actions before Ms. Milletes disappearance and afterward that provides a strong suspicion of his guilt, the judge said, before ruling that Larry would be tried for murder. Her family and community conducted massive searches for Maya until nearly the fall of 2022. They created a website, HelpFindMaya.com, dedicated to the search efforts. Slowly their efforts shifted away from active searches to prayers. They held a vigil in her honor to mark the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, and a hike on the second anniversary on the trail near Mayas house where she so often hiked herself. #HelpFindMaya became #JusticeForMaya. On Jan. 25, 2023, the day a judge ruled that Larry would be tried for Mayas murder, the Facebook page once dedicated to finding her posted the news with a short caption: One step closer to #justice. BuzzFeed News Don't forget to subscribe to our true crime newsletter, Suspicious Circumstances, to get true crime deep dives delivered straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here. More on this Disparities among these communities have existed for decades, Chauncia Willis, CEO and founder of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, told theGrio. Mississippi residents devastated because of the deadly tornado that ripped through several counties last week have a long road to recovery, a Biden official told theGrio. Its just heartbreaking and devastating to see the damage, said Marcus Coleman, director of the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More than 20 lives were lost and the extremely rare EF4 tornado destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. Federal officials quickly responded to the natural disaster and are assisting state and local authorities and community organizations to ensure that the needs of victims are met. A view of the destruction in Rolling Fork, Mississippi on March 26, 2023 after deadly tornadoes and severe storms tore through the state. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) On Sunday, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe and Sharkey counties, unlocking federal aid and resources for Mississippi victims, including federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as loans to cover uninsured property losses. President Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden will visit the damaged areas of Rolling Fork, Mississippi on Friday to meet with first responders, state local officials and community members. Members of the Biden-Harris administration, including Coleman, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, were also on the ground to assess the damage and provide support to residents. Most of the victims in Mississippi are Black and poor. In Rolling Fork, where much of the damage occurred, nearly 80 percent of the population is Black and the median income is just over $38,000, according to U.S. Census data. Chauncia Willis, CEO and founder of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM), noted that the mostly Black residents of Rolling Fork were at a disadvantage before the tornado hit, exposing a larger equity issue as it relates to emergency preparedness. Story continues Disparities among these communities have existed for decades, Willis told theGrio. They had poor or no internet and cell capabilities, no access to a nearby tornado shelter the nearest was 17 miles away and many probably were living in substandard structures that were no match for the estimated 170-mph winds. She continued: These communities have some of the highest poverty rates of anywhere in the country. It is important to understand that poverty is a powerful barrier. Poverty is a barrier to resilience, barrier to recovery and a barrier to survival. (L-R) Barbara Nell McReynolds-Pinkins and Tracy Harden hug near the walk-in cooler in which they and seven others took shelter as a tornado hit and destroyed Hardens restaurant on March 27, 2023 in the area of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) Despite the federal assistance being provided to help impacted communities, rebuilding will take years and some parts of town may never fully recover. There are no easy answers, Coleman said, noting that the impacts of climate change are causing frequent natural disasters, particularly in the South. We still have people recovering from the tornadoes in Selma; people recovering from the tornadoes in Mayfield, Kentucky, and of course now in Mississippi, theres a lot of complexities for a whole new set of folks. The Biden official said victims will be traumatized and working through grief for a long time. Understanding the economic challenges and beyond for those impacted, the administration said it is committed to supporting victims through an intersectional and interagency approach that will include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture and Commerce, as well as the Department of Education to support children navigate the disruption in their lives. We, alongside our federal government partners, will be doing it together to make sure that the community can continue their road to recovery from these devastating storms, said Coleman. The director, whose role involves partnering with faith-based organizations and non-profits on the ground, said he was especially moved by the ways in which local groups, including historically Black sororities and fraternities, teamed up with the Red Cross to provide food, water and shelter. Coleman said churches, in particular, often provide a needed refuge for communities that suffer when natural disasters occur. They are a necessary resource for those whose lives have been turned upside down, he emphasized. I think when we talk about the role of just the faith community broadly, it can show up like providing that very invaluable emotional and spiritual care, their presence and solace, he said. Willis of I-DIEM said federal assistance for Rolling Fork residents, and all victims of emergency disasters, must be equitable for those who need it most. Lack of equity contributes to the negative impacts that we have seen in landmark disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and continue to see today in Rolling Fork, she said. These communities will continue to face additional challenges, including navigating federal assistance programs, finding employment and rebuilding in a community with limited resources without intentional efforts for equity. (L-R) President Joe Biden speaks as Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell look on during a visit on Sept. 29, 2022 to FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP) (Photo by OLIVER CONTRERAS/AFP via Getty Images) More notably, she said, disasters like this push people further into poverty, which can result in generational poverty. In the meantime, Biden officials and partners said they would remain in the community of Rolling Fork and surrounding areas to ensure that they are registering victims for federal assistance. Were going to continue to meet people where they are, said Coleman. Gerren Keith Gaynor Gerren Keith Gaynor is the Managing Editor of Politics and White House Correspondent at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post For majority Black Mississippi tornado victims, Biden official says its a long road to recovery appeared first on TheGrio. It's more than the spices. Peter Frank Edwards Sallie Ann Robinson doesn't mind discussing Daufuskie Deviled Crab, on one condition. She simply won't share her methods, passed down from generations of Gullah family members. "I'll talk as long as they don't want the recipe, because I don't give that up," she told Southern Living. Daufuskie is a special place. An island only accessible by water, its off the coast of Hilton Head, South Carolina. A ferry take tourists to visit. Simply embarking on the shore gives travelers a sense of a slower, unplugged life. The calm is contagious. Home to around 400 full-time residents, Daufuskie was once populated by former enslaved people that bought property after the Civil War. These families made a living by logging, farming, and harvesting seafood. Mostly isolated on the islands on the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, they developed their own African Creole language and customs, referred to as Gullah. When the jobs left the island, many had to move to the mainland to find work. Present day Daufuskie still has Gullah homes, cemeteries, and a few residents, like sixth generation islander Sallie Ann. She's a born storyteller with the published books to prove it, as well as a talented chef thats hosted events everywhere from her Daufuskie table to the Smithsonian. Shes cooked for Food Network, the Travel Channel, and Georgia Public Broadcasting. With a well of limitless energy, Sallie Anns devoted her life to spreading Gullah culture on Daufuskie and beyond. The island is in her blood and influences every dish she creates. The secret to Daufuskies famous deviled crab is no different. "Its the crab," she says. "I make orders, but they need to be fresh. It's about the freshness of the blue crab meat." Sallie remembered harvesting crabs as a child, a little piece of chicken tied to a throw line made of string. It took patience and skill to reel in the crab without alerting it to danger, careful to get behind it for the scoop out of the water so that it couldn't run away. Story continues That crab was boiled and the meat picked from the shell. If you've never picked a crab, it can be take a long time to finish, full of tiny cuts and frustration to yield a small amount of reward. The experienced hands of Sallie Ann's family always made short work of the job to make deviled crab to sell or eat for dinner. The original idea for Daufuskie Deviled Crab came from ladies selling lunch to the loggers and seafood processors. "Back then, folks used to hustle and find means to make money. Selling food was one of them," Sallie remembers. One enterprising woman made a mixture of breadcrumbs, spices, and crab and stuffed a discarded shell. After cooking, the satisfying entree was named "deviled" because of the hot spices used. The water around Daufuskie Island is brackish in color. On stormy days, it churns into whitecaps, even in the river, that push up that salt-filled, briny air. All those mineral and salt that fill the water give all the fresh seafood a special taste. Its almost sweet. That's the inspiration for many coastal cooks and the push behind Sallie Ann's recipes: She never tastes seafood as delicious as Daufuskies, not matter where she travels. If you visit the Lowcountry, you can find original Daufuskie Deviled Crab on the island in several spots. If you want Sallie's, shes available with some advance notice as a personal chef. Time moves slower on island, but it's worth it. For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. Women are being urged to attend their mammograms following Kelly Hoppen's breast cancer diagnosis. (Getty Images) Kelly Hoppen has urged women not to put off their mammograms, revealing her breast cancer diagnosis came after eight years of avoiding screenings. The former Dragons Den investor and designer, 63, who learned just last month she is cancer-free, now feels compelled to share her story to encourage others not to skip their breast health checks. Appearing on Monday's episode of This Morning after writing about her personal experience in the Daily Mail Hoppen said, "I'm a really sensible woman but I had the fear of god in going and getting tested for more than eight years. "I kept putting it off." After "suddenly" deciding to go, despite not having any symptoms, she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Hoppen had the cancer cells removed, as well as the tissue around it. Read more: Samantha Womack reveals she is breast cancer-free but having ongoing treatment 'as a prevention' She's sharing her story to urge women to attend their breast screenings. "I can't be the only person that feels this way," Hoppen said. "I knew that if I went [to a mammogram] and I was checked and they found something they would be able to do something, but I still didn't go like a child, I didn't want to know." There are various reasons why some women are skipping their breast screenings. (Getty Images) Missing mammograms There are nearly 56,000 new cases of breast cancer each year, according to Cancer Research UK. While this might seem daunting, there is also a 76% survival rate, with a good chance of recovery if it's diagnosed early enough. All women who are 50-70 years-old are invited by the NHS to a free breast cancer screening every three years (those over 70 can also arrange an appointment through their GP or local screening unit), to help boost early detection. As well as attending routine mammograms, checking for symptoms yourself can also help with alerting your doctor and spotting early signs. But concerns about the procedure, along with COVID disruption saw a 44% fall in the number of women screened for the disease nationally in 2020-21 according to NHS England. Story continues Screening is vital in helping the NHS identify cancers at an earlier stage and in 2021-2022 the NHS breast screening programme led to cancers being detected in 20,152 women across England, which otherwise may have been diagnosed and treated at a later stage. New national figures on Cancer Survival in England, show that 91% of women diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer, where the tumour is small (stage 1), have a survival rate of at least five years. In comparison, the five-year survival rate for diagnosis at a late stage, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (stage 4), is 39%. Read more: Sarah Beeny, Olivia Newton-John and celebs who have shared their breast cancer story According to Healthtalk.org there are various reasons some women are choosing not to attend their mammogram, ranging from being too busy to being deterred by a fear of pain or discomfort during the screening appointment. "Some women choose not to go because they feel fit and healthy and do not think they are at risk of developing breast cancer," the charity continues. "Studies suggest that a few women don't go for screening because they are afraid of being diagnosed with breast cancer. "Other research has found that some women are put off going if they've had a 'false positive result' one where something is seen on the mammogram but this turns out not to be cancer. "Being referred to a breast clinic for further tests after a screening can be worrying and can deter women from attending in future," the charity adds. What is a mammogram? Breast screening (often referred to as a mammogram) is a breast health check. "NHS breast screening uses a mammogram, which is an x-ray test, to spot cancers at an early stage when theyre too small to see or feel," explains Professor Cliona Kirwan, chair of Prevent Breast Cancers scientific advisory board. "Breast screening can pick up breast cancer before there are signs or symptoms." Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early. (Getty Images) Who can get a mammogram? In England, breast screening is offered to all women aged 50 to 70. "Mammograms tend to be less effective for women under 40, as younger womens breast tissue can be more dense, which makes it harder to spot changes in the x-ray images," Professor Kirwan explains. However, if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have been found to have an increased risk of cancer, you may be eligible for screening before the age of 50. Read more: 'This Morning' agony aunt Deidre Sanders reveals cancer diagnosis after missed mammogram What is involved in a mammogram? If youre going for your first-ever mammogram, its normal to feel a bit apprehensive about it. "Many women worry about the potential pain or associate the scan with a breast cancer diagnosis which can be enough for some to skip the screening altogether," Professor Kirwan explains. While it is fair to say some women do find the screening uncomfortable, the appointment itself will only take around half an hour and itll be over before you know it. "Its a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing, as you will need to undress to the waist," Professor Kirwan advises. "Its also worth skipping deodorant on the day of your scan as images are also taken under your armpits and having aluminium around that area can affect the results." You may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your medical and family history, if you have had previous breast surgery, including breast implants, and if you are having hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Your mammogram will be taken by a female practitioner who will place your breasts one at a time on an x-ray machine and compress them each for a few seconds. Pictures of the breasts will be taken from different angles, including the part around the underarms. Will it hurt? Although it may be uncomfortable, Professor Kirwan says it will only last a few seconds and isnt harmful. "It may not be the most pleasant procedure, but going for a mammogram will provide peace of mind and can also catch breast cancer at an earlier stage, making it more treatable," she adds. Watch: Anxious about mammograms? This device may help you self-check for breast cancer Mammogram misconceptions Some people are concerned that the x-rays themselves can cause breast cancer, due to the radiation (measured in millisieverts) associated with mammograms. This risk is however very low. "A mammogram is 0.4 millisieverts," explains Professor Kirwan. "To put this in context, we are exposed to about 3 millisieverts just from the atmosphere alone each year, and so a mammogram is an eighth of what were exposed to annually. "In theory, a mammogram can cause breast cancer, but we find about 600 times more cancers, than are caused by breast screening, and so many, many more lives are saved from breast screening," she adds. Read more: Women's chances of surviving breast cancer increase by 60% with brisk daily walk or cycle ride How long will it take to get my mammogram results? You should expect to receive your results no later than two weeks after your mammogram. "Only around one in 25 women will be called back for further assessment, but dont panic if you require further testing it doesnt necessarily mean that you are facing a cancer diagnosis," Professor Kirwan says. "You may be recalled if the image taken on your scan wasnt clear enough, this should be mentioned in your recall letter, and would be referred to as a technical recall. "It is more common to be recalled after your first mammogram, as there arent any mammograms to compare to." How often do I need to have a mammogram? The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 50 to 70 for screening every three years. This means that some people may not have their first screening mammogram until they are 52 or 53 years. If you are older than 70, you can still have a screening every three years if you speak with your GP, but you won't automatically be invited. Women are asked to check their breasts regularly. (Getty Images) The importance of being breast aware NHS England are also keen to urge women of all ages to be aware of their breast health and to know how to check themselves for cancer symptoms. Being breast aware means getting to know how your breasts look and feel at different times and telling your doctor straight away if you notice any unusual changes. It takes only a few minutes to perform and can help detect breast cancers at an earlier stage. It is important that women continue to look at and check their breasts regularly, even if they have had a recent mammogram. Anyone who has noticed any abnormal changes should contact their GP as soon as possible. Women are encouraged to use the TLC method for checking their breasts and can visit Breast Cancer Now for more information: TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything new or unusual? LOOK for changes. Does anything look different? CHECK any new or unusual changes with your GP. More information on NHS breast screening checks is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screening-mammogram and you can find your local NHS breast screening service here. A man is in custody after barricading himself in a hospital room with his 97-year-old mother (Screenshot / WNYT) A 61-year-old man is in custody after barricading himself in a hospital room with his 97-year-old mother in Albany, New York. The Albany Medical Center went into lockdown on Monday when the man shut himself and his mother in a room with a gun, which was later found to have been a BB gun, according to WNYT. Albany Police spokesperson Steve Smith said that all the staff here are accounted for and safe. All the patients here in the hospital are safe. The man and his mother were both evaluated on Monday. The initial report of a person with a weapon at the hospital reached police at 2.40pm. A Code Silver was announced at the hospital, meaning that theres potentially an active shooter situation, leading to businesses in the area shutting down. Rebecca Speenburgh told WNYT said her family had just said their last goodbye to a loved one who had just passed when a nurse entered the room. We said our goodbyes. We were about to pack everything up and leave, and then the nurse came in and was like, Um, were on lockdown, like, you cant leave, she said. Police used a flashbang at one point during the lockdown as a distraction, Mr Smith added. While it produced a loud noise, he wanted to ensure the public that it was not used in the hospital. Law enforcement said patients were cared for and that no hospital employees were in danger. Some appointments had to be cancelled but the hospital continued to provide care for patients in critical condition. Our staff is resilient. Theyve faced a lot of challenges in the last couple of years, a spokesperson at Albany Medical Center, Matt Markham, said according to WNYT. Tonight is just another example of how hard they work, and how everybody really looks after each other here at Albany Medical Center. There have been no charges filed in the case as of yet, police said. The lockdown lasted for about four hours, with the suspect, who remains unnamed, being taken into custody around 7.15pm on Monday, according to the Times Union. Story continues The incident started after the man became aware that his mother was being transferred to another clinic, prompting him to threaten staff. Were still trying to figure out what happened after that but he then barricaded himself in the room with a handgun, Mr Smith said, according to the paper. About an hour and a half before the incident was over, the man had been isolated to a single room and negotiation with law enforcement began. This allowed security measures to loosen, and staff could be relieved by the evening shift workers. Authorities have identified a victim in what is now being called a homicide investigation after an assault in the Downtown Crossing area last week. Barry Whelan, 46, of Woburn, was taken off life support on March 24 due to injuries he sustained on St. Patricks Day, according to Boston Police. The cause of Whelans death was blunt force trauma, officials say, and is now being investigated as a murder. Police responded to the TD Bank ATM on Winter Street around 9 p.m. on March 17 for a report of Whelan laying face up and unconscious, an incident report confirms. Arriving officers say they saw no obvious injuries, but EMS says a small abrasion to the back of Whelans head was visible. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Sources tell Boston 25 News that investigators believe the man was sucker punched and that police have reviewed surveillance video in connection with this investigation. The investigation is still active and anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Boston Police. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A 20-year-old man driving a stolen car is dead after crashing on Highway 240 near the main entrance to Columbia Park. Washington State Patrol said Christopher I. Hernandez was behind the wheel of the Toyota Camry before it crashed early Tuesday. Kennewick police had spotted the tan Camry on Edison Street with plates that didnt match the car shortly before 3:30 a.m. A man driving a stolen Camry from Pasco crashed and died on Highway 240 in Kennewick at Columbia Park. When the officer signaled the car to stop, the driver sped away, Kennewick Sgt. Chris Littrell told the Herald. Since Washington state law currently doesnt allow police pursuits for that kind of crime, officers shut off their lights. They did continue to follow the car at a distance. The Camry turned east onto Highway 240 but the driver lost control, hit a berm in the median, crossing into the westbound lanes and crashed, said WSP Trooper Chris Thorson. Kennewick police were the first to arrive but the driver had been thrown out onto the ground. Officers tried to save his life but he died at the scene, said officials. He wasnt wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the Washington State Patrol. The Camry had been reported stolen from Pasco earlier in the night, Littrell said. Police are continuing to work to identify the driver, Thorson said. The man didnt have any identification on him. The westbound lanes of Highway 240 were closed at the junction with Highway 395 between 3:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. A detour was set up to divert traffic around the crash. ANDERSON, Ind. A former Muncie man awaiting trial on a firearm-related charge in Delaware County now also faces an obstruction of justice count in Madison County. Thomas Marvin Fairer Jr., 39, most recently of Anderson, allegedly swallowed a bag containing a synthetic drug designed to mimic the effects of marijuana when approached by a Madison County sheriff's deputy on March 11. According to court documents, Fairer was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a woman he was prohibited from contacting, under the terms of a protective order, at the time of a traffic stop in Anderson. Another bag of the synthetic drug was also found in one of the ex-Muncie man's shoes, according to the deputy. More:Henry County parents arrested on neglect charges Fairer last week was charged with a total of four crimes obstruction of justice, invasion of privacy, possession of a controlled substance and domestic battery in a pair of cases filed in Madison Circuit Court 3. He is scheduled to stand trial May 15 in Delaware Circuit Court 1 on two charges filed last September unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana. In that case, a Delaware County deputy said Fairer had possession of a gun when authorities investigated a report of a conflict in south Muncie that also involved the same woman as in the Madison County investigation. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal record, which includes convictions for burglary, domestic battery, possession of a controlled substance and theft. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Man faces firearm charge in Muncie, obstruction count in Anderson Author Rape Conviction Overturned (AP) A man who spent 16 years in jail after he was wrongfully convicted of raping writer Alice Sebold in 1981 will be paid $5.5m by New York state in a settlement, his lawyers said. The settlement would end a decades-old lawsuit against Anthony Broadwater, 62, whose conviction for raping the author was overturned in 2021 in an emotional court hearing where he broke down. "I appreciate what attorney general James (New York attorney general Letitia James) has done, and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice, Mr Broadwater said in a statement relayed by his attorney David Hammond. We all suffer from destroyed lives. A New York state court judge concluded that the case against Mr Broadwater was deeply flawed as he was exonerated of the crime in 2021. Ms Sebold was an 18-year-old, first-year student at Syracuse University when she was raped in a park near the campus in May 1981. She informed the campus security personnel immediately about the attack and went to the police. She described the chilling details of the attack and the ensuing prosecution in the memoir Lucky published in 1999. She wrote that she saw a Black man in the street months after being raped and was sure that he was her attacker and used the fictitious name Gregory Madison for the person who raped her. He was smiling as he approached. He recognized me. It was a stroll in the park to him; he had met an acquaintance on the street, Ms Sebold wrote of the man she saw in the street. Hey, girl, he said. Dont I know you from somewhere? She described her attacker to the police who created the sketch but it did not resemble Mr Broadwater. Anthony Broadwater broke down into tears after hearing Alice Sebolds apology (YouTube/ Syracuse.com) Mr Broadwater, who was 20 years old at the time, had returned home from a stint in the Marines to spend time with his ill father, who died shortly after he was sent to prison. Mr Broadwater was arrested five months later but she failed to identify him in a police lineup, picking a different man as her attacker. However, she said she realised she made a wrong choice and identified Mr Broadwater in court. Story continues Mr Broadwater was tried and convicted in 1982 after an expert said microscopic hair analysis had tied Mr Broadwater to the crime. That type of analysis has since been deemed junk science by the Department of Justice. He was released from prison in 1999 but still had to register as a sex offender until his conviction was vacated in November 2021. His attorney argued that the case relied on Ms Sebolds identification of him in the court and a discredited method of microscopic hair identification. William J Fitzpatrick, who is the current district attorney for Onondaga County, the central New York county that includes Syracuse, joined the motion to vacate the conviction, noting that witness identifications, particularly across racial lines, are often unreliable. Alice Sebold apologised to Broadwater, saying her was justice not to perpetuate injustice (AP2007) In 2021, the case was overturned by Justice Gordon J Cuffy of Supreme Court in Onondaga and he was no longer required to register himself as a sex offender. Mr Broadwater has also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse and an assistant district attorney as well as a police officer who were involved in prosecuting him. That case is pending. The settlement was signed last week by lawyers for Mr Broadwater and Ms James but it has to be approved by a judge before it becomes final. The author of the bestselling The Lovely Bones apologised to Mr Broadwater in a 2021 statement released to The Associated Press and sent to Mr Broadwater. After the apology was read out loud, he burst into tears. She wrote that as a traumatised 18-year-old rape victim, I chose to put my faith in the American legal system. My goal in 1982 was justice not to perpetuate injustice. And certainly not to forever, and irreparably, alter a young mans life by the very crime that had altered mine. In response, Mr Broadwater accepted her apology but said it is still painful for him because he was wrongfully convicted. It comes sincerely from her heart, Mr Broadwater told Syracuse.com. She knowingly admits what happened. I accept her apology. It was a big relief. It must have taken a lot of courage to come to terms and make that apology. A man died following a shooting early Tuesday in Kansas City, according to police. Officers responded to calls of a shooting around 12:30 a.m. near Independence Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard, said Sgt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman with the Kansas City Police Department, in a news release. Police found the unresponsive man with an apparent gunshot injury inside a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Emergency medical crews declared him dead at the scene. Investigators believe the shooting took place in the parking lot in front of the gas station, and multiple people within the area may have witnessed the incident. This was the 38th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. There had been 34 killings at this time last year. Police urge anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to an arrest. A man has been indicted on charges that he murdered a married couple found bludgeoned to death in their Marshfield home and also killed the couples dog, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said Tuesday. A Plymouth County grand jury on Tuesday indicted Christopher Keeley, 28, on two counts of murder in the deaths of Carl and Vicki Mattson, both 70. He was also indicted on one count of animal cruelty for killing the couples dog. Keeley is currently being held without bail. On Nov. 29, 2022, at approximately 9:19 p.m., Marshfield Police received a call requesting a well-being check at a home at 75 Gotham Hill Drive. When officers arrived, they found the bodies of a man and woman with obvious signs of trauma. The Mattsons, who were bludgeoned and stabbed, were declared dead at the scene. State and local police detectives developed probable cause and identified Keeley as a person of interest in the double homicide. A warrant for his arrest was issued. 25 Investigates: Marshfield double murder suspects criminal history uncovered Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Fusion Center issued a BOLO alert for Keeley, and a 2019 black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators recovered and secured the Jeep, which was not occupied, in an Avon parking lot. On Dec. 2, 2022, Keeley was taken into custody in Miami Beach, Florida for an unrelated incident. Working with Massachusetts State Police, authorities in Florida detained Keeley on the Massachusetts warrant for two counts of murder. Keeley waived his right to rendition in Florida, and Massachusetts State Police returned him to Massachusetts on Dec. 16, 2022. On Tuesday, Keeley was also indicted on one count each of misuse of a credit card and larceny of a motor vehicle. Keeley will be arraigned in Plymouth Superior Court at a later date. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Jacksonville man who confessed to murdering a father of four in front of his toddler was implicated in the crime by his own phone, bank and vehicle records. Henry Tenon An arrest warrant released in the case Tuesday shows detectives built a case against 62-year-old Henry Tenon after initially locating him using the make and model of his car. They then tied him to a second defendant, Mario Fernandez Saldana, using cellphone and bank records including three handwritten checks the latter wrote to Tenon. Both men were charged with the murder of 33-year-old Jared Bridegan of St. Augustine in February 2022 in Jacksonville Beach. Fernandez Saldana has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Earlier this month, Tenon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against Fernandez Saldana. Fernandez Saldana is married to Bridegans ex-wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez. She has not been charged in the case, but both arrest warrants note the couple's "highly acrimonious divorce," something also mentioned by prosecutors when they announced Fernandez Saldana's arrest. Jared Bridegan's death: Here's what we know about the fatal shooting in Jacksonville Beach Henry Tenon plea agreement details: What can triggerman be sentenced to after pleading guilty in Jared Bridegan killing? More on Tenon: Who is Henry Tenon, the first suspect arrested in the death of Jared Bridegan? According to police, a Ford F-150 was spotted on surveillance footage near the scene where the murder occurred, in the Sanctuary neighborhood in Jacksonville Beach. A tire found in the road, believed to have been placed there as a ploy to get Bridegan out of his car, also belonged to a 2004 Ford F-150 Lariat.Using vehicle records, detectives located Tenon and "began to focus on Tenon as a potential suspect." The warrant says detectives conducted witness interviews, issued more than 77 subpoenas, and served more than 30 search warrants in their investigation. Story continues Mario Fernandez Saldana "[The] investigation revealed a single link between Jared Bridegan and Henry-Tenon: Mario Fernandez Saldana," the warrant says. "Tenon was a tenant in a home on Potomac Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida, owned by Fernandez Saldana. Fernandez Saldana is the current husband of Shana Gardner, Jared Bridegan's ex-wife. Investigation into Bridegan's background revealed a highly acrimonious divorce from his ex-wife, Shanna Gardner, and a contentious relationship with Gardner and Fernandez Saldana."The warrant says detectives also found "evidence of payment from Fernandez Saldana to Tenon" in the form of "three handwritten checks." And although Tenon initially said he'd had no contact with Fernandez Saldana after his lease on the Potomac Avenue home ended in February 2022, "this claim was belied by phone toll records which showed that Tenon and Fernandez Saldana had 35 phone contacts in February, 30 phone contacts in March, and 5-7 phone contacts in May and June," the arrest warrant states. Fernandez Saldana is scheduled to be arraigned April 4. This story was first published by First Coast News. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jared Bridegan: How police tied Henry Tenon to Microsoft exec's slaying After another mass shooting took the lives of six people, including three 9-year-old children, at a Nashville, Tennessee, school, Senate Chaplain Barry Black used his opening prayer to urge lawmakers to take action. Lord, when babies die at a church school, it is time for us to move beyond thoughts and prayers, Black said as the Senate opened for business on Tuesday. Remind our lawmakers of the words of the British statesman Edmund Burke: All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. Lord, deliver our senators from the paralysis of analysis that waits for the miraculous. "When babies die at a church school, it is time for us to move beyond thoughts and prayers. Remind our lawmakers of the words of the British statesman Edmund Burke: 'All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.'" -- Senate @Chaplain_Black#Nashvilepic.twitter.com/7nP11shNmR Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) March 28, 2023 Black, a retired Navy rear admiral, has served as the Senate chaplain for over 20 years. Hes the first Black person to hold the position. Although he rarely strays into politics, Black has delivered several pointed prayers over the years, scolding senators with a deep, authoritative voice. For example, during the 2013 government shutdown, he asked God to save us from the madness and deliver us from the hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable. He also admonished senators during the 2020 impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump to remember that patriots reside on both sides of the aisle. In this image from a video, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts smiles as Senate chaplain retired Navy Adm. Barry Black wishes him a happy birthday during the opening prayer during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. In this image from a video, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts smiles as Senate chaplain retired Navy Adm. Barry Black wishes him a happy birthday during the opening prayer during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. Story continues The phrase thoughts and prayers is a standard political refrain right after mass shootings. Yet, gun rights advocates argue nothing more can be done to address shootings. Last year, Congress passed a law that included modest curbs on buying guns and funds to boost mental health care and school security, but Republicans have steadily resisted calls for more stringent gun control measures. I would say weve gone about as far as we can go, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Monday following President Joe Bidens call to reinstate an assault weapons ban. Related... Mariah Carey and Megan Thee Stallion. (Evan Agostini / Invision/AP; Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) One year after L.A. Pride moved from its longtime home in West Hollywood, SoCals flagship LGBTQ+ event returns with a star-packed bill comparable to any on L.A.s music festival scene. R&B-pop icon Mariah Carey and hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion will lead the lineup of this years L.A. Pride in the Park, which takes place in Chinatowns Los Angeles State Historic Park on June 9 (with Megan) and 10 (with Carey), followed by the traditional parade through Hollywood on June 11. The remaining music performers will be announced at a later date. Weekend passes begin at $89, single days at $49. Having two women of color headline the event was very intentional, said Gerald Garth, the board president of L.A. Pride. Both have been groundbreaking in their own rights by centering womens empowerment. Mariahs been a fan favorite among the LGBT community for decades, and shes been a great friend and supporter, and Megan is the same. Carey's perennial holiday hit, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," topped the Billboard Hot 100 yet again in December; all told, she has 19 No. 1 singles, the most for any solo artist. Megan Thee Stallion's latest album, "Traumazine," debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in August. In a statement, Carey said she was "thrilled and honored to be a part of L.A. Pride, to celebrate love and inclusion," while Megan Thee Stallion saw the fest as "an incredible event [that] advocates for diversity, inclusivity and equality, so Im honored to perform." The 2023 edition comes after perhaps the most tumultuous period in the fests history. After missing out on its 50th anniversary due to the pandemic, and then butting heads with the city of West Hollywood over questions about the event's race and gender inclusiveness and ambitions for top-tier music programming, L.A. Pride and its parent firm, Christopher Street West, moved the parade one neighborhood over into Hollywood and the music fest into Chinatown. Christina Aguilera, Anitta and Kim Petras headlined last years festival, the first since the pandemic hit, and Paula Abdul was the first icon grand marshal of the parade. Story continues A separate West Hollywood Pride event took its place in the longtime gay mecca, where Cardi B and Janelle Monae made cameos in the parade. While tens of thousands attended both events in a jubilant return, Garth said that the typically exuberant gathering will have to acknowledge the scale of challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in L.A. and nationwide, as anti-trans and anti-drag bills are proposed and passed across the country. Pride began as a protest, Garth said. We fold in moments of celebration, and this is a great festival, but there is also a responsibility to uplift the communitys needs, like health and wellness alongside specific workshops and programming for Black artists, Latin film-industry professionals and queer women in comedy. Drag performances, a generations-old staple at Pride events and in wider LGBTQ+ culture, have come under attack in states like Tennessee and Florida, which have either banned many drag performances or begun investigations into performers. Bills in 22 states, including Utah and Texas, have specifically targeted gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth. While its hard to imagine any such law passing in California today, just 15 years ago voters in the state passed a ballot initiative to ban gay marriage. Pride month has always been a celebration of resilience, but Garth knows that backsliding is possible. We recognize what our responsibility is within the movement, to prioritize safety and use our platform to elevate our principles, Garth said. Im from the South, and a great deal of my advocacy was using what I had when I had it. None of us have to do everything, but all of us have to do something. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Mark Hamill salutes onlookers at a 2019 "Star Wars" event in Los Angeles. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) The intergalactic conflict of space opera "Star Wars" has made its way into the real-life war between Ukraine and Russia. "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill is the voice of a Ukrainian smartphone app that warns residents of incoming air raids. In the widely used Air Alert app, Hamill delivers the safety warnings in character as "Star Wars" hero Luke Skywalker, speaking with urgency as sirens blare. "Attention," he says. "Air raid alert. Proceed to the nearest shelter." "Dont be careless, Hamill continues. Your overconfidence is your weakness. And once the threat of possible air attacks passes, Hamill gives a proper Jedi sendoff: "Attention. The air alert is over. May the Force be with you." Hamill has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout the conflict. In recent months, he's also used his Luke Skywalker persona to raise money, including signing "Star Wars" posters to raise funds for the Ukrainian government and partnering with Ukraine for a campaign to buy reconnaissance drones. The United24 campaign has so far raised more than $300 million, enough funds to purchase 1,4000 drones, according to its website. The webpage includes images of Hamill from the "Star Wars" films, as well as a video that has the actor telling potential donors, "In reality, things are not like the movies there are no superheroes wearing capes, Jedi knights, time machines or magic wands. Instead there are millions of people standing up to real evil and they all need real support." When speaking recently about lending his voice to the air-raid application, available for Android and Apple phones, Hamill told the Associated Press that "a fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically ... Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm," he continued. Although the application has received media attention in recent days, it was released shortly after Russia invaded in Ukraine in February 2022. The app with Mark Hamill's voice was already in use during President Biden's trip to Ukraine last month. Story continues The app typically rings alongside air-raid sirens posted outdoors throughout Ukraine's cities and warns of incoming Russian missiles, bombs or deadly exploding drones. On some days, alerts can ring every few hours throughout the day and evening. Although actual harm doesn't materialize after every alert, many air raids result in death. On Friday, Russian long-range strikes killed at least 10 civilians and wounded 20 others in several areas throughout the country, including five who died at an aid station. Earlier last week, a Russian drone strike struck a high school and dormitories south of Kyiv, killing at least nine people. Hamill's voice has provided consolation to some Ukrainians who live under constant threat of deadly strikes. Olena Yeremina, a 38-year-old business manager in Kyiv, told AP that she at first found Hamills May the Force be with you sign-off humorous, but now embraces the levity the fictional character provides. Its a very cool phrase for this situation, she said. I wouldnt say that I feel like a Ukrainian Jedi, but sometimes this phrase reminds me to straighten my shoulders and keep working. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. From March 27 to 29, maestro Valery Gergiev with the Mariinsky Orchestra will feature in three concerts at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, featuring Russian works by Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Shostakovich as well as pieces by French, Italian, German and Austrian composers, including Debussy, Mendelssohn and Bruckner. Gergiev will also lead the China NCPA Orchestra in a concert on March 30 featuring Chinese cellist Li La. "It has been nearly four years since I performed at the NCPA. I am very happy and honored to be back," the conductor said before the concert on March 27. "I went to the Forbidden City today, which reminded me how significant and deep Chinese culture is," he added. "These concerts mark the re-start of international cultural exchange." The concerts are among the first by international musicians the NCPA will be presenting since the COVID-19 pandemic, and follow the recent China-Russia talks in Moscow when President Xi Jinping visited about a week ago. "China and Russia have a long and rich history. The relationship between the two countries will be richer," Gergiev said. "I want to work with young Chinese musicians and Russian musicians equally, as always." Asked about the pieces expected to be performed during the concerts, the conductor said the works from Russia and other countries reflect cultural exchange. "Great music belongs to the world, not just one country," he says. "Musicians are good at hearing and it is natural for musicians to break 'walls'. Musicians unite people, not fragment them." "I visited 40 to 50 countries every year over the past 30 years and now I am wiser. I travel to about 30 countries every year for reasons not connected to music," he says. "Now I have more concerts in Russia and am happy about that. I love performing in smaller cities and for people who may not have many opportunities to watch great concerts." Mark Ruffalo has called Jeremy Renner an inspiration to all after the actor shared that he is able to walk on a treadmill months after his New Years Day accident. On Sunday (26 March), Renner posted a clip to Twitter in which he can be seen walking. I now have to find OTHER things to occupy my time so my body can recover from my will, the Hawkeye star wrote, accompanying the post with the hashtags: #Mindful #Intended #Recovery. The following day, Ruffalo retweeted the post, adding: Amazing. An inspiration to all. #Inspired. Ruffalo stars as the Hulk (AKA Bruce Banner) opposite Renners Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the 15-second video, Renner can be seen on a high-end treadmill. It was shared nearly three months after he broke more than 30 bones and suffered serious injuries following a snowplough accident on New Years Day. During the video, Renner speaks with another man and explains that using the treadmill feels like walking with a cane. The January accident left Renner in critical but stable condition after his snowplough ran him over at his property outside Reno, Nevada. At the time, the actor was met with an outpouring of support from his fans and Marvel co-stars, including Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Taika Waititi and Chris Pratt. In another update last week, the Marvel star celebrated the return of the snowplough, which had been previously taken by the Washoe County Sheriffs Department in order to rule out any potential mechanical failure of why it may have started to roll. The Avengers star wrote: Shes finally making her way home! alongside a photo of the machine. Story continues In February, Renner shared a clip of himself using a fitness machine with only one leg. Whatever it takes, he wrote in the caption, referring to a quote from his Marvel costar Chris Evans (who plays Captain America) in 2019s Avengers: Endgame. In a second post, the Hurt Locker star shared a photograph of himself reading The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. He captioned it: Mental recovery too. Family is everything, but so are Saturdays spent at the skating rink! A new Disney Channel coming-of-age comedy, Saturdays, explores the life of 14-year-old Paris Johnson, along with her closest family and friends, while also honing in on the skate culture that is still so relevant to the community. The post Marsai Martin, Golden Brooks, Omar Gooding And More On Disney Channels Black Family-Led Series Saturdays And Skating Culture appeared first on Shadow And Act. Paris is big-hearted, an extrovert, and a lot in a positive way, series lead Danielle Jalade told Shadow and Act of her character. Furthermore, her castmates and besties on the show Daria Johns and Peyton Basnight shed light on the sisterhood that is reflected throughout the series. Its important to see sisterhood, said Johns. So young Black girls have a chance to understand, Hey, were here for each other. This is how we love each other. We express our love, [and]how we communicate with one another, and it helps you see Black love and Black friendship as well. Basnight added, I really hope that this brings them so much joy and happiness as they watch the show come to life. And I really hope it inspires the generation, all of them, truthfully that they can have representation now for the African American community and so many other minorities and for everyone in general. I really hope that they get inspired. In terms of inspiration, executive producer Marsai Martin spoke about how some of her own family experiences were displayed in the show. I come from a very supportive family, supportive parents as well, which their style of parenting has always been helping to guide you, but not be you, said Martin. But more of learning from your mistakes and only here to guide you if you need anything, but at the same time joking around and not hovering over their children and I think thats really what we wanted to show here something that felt very natural, especially in a Black family household, but everyone can relate to it in some way. Story continues The parents of Paris Johnson and her brother, London Johnson, just so happen to be sitcom royalty thanks to their iconic roles on fan favorites like Girlfriends and Smart Guy. Because of that, Golden Brooks and Omar Gooding arent your average television parents. Hes the fun, loving dad, said Gooding of Cal Johnson. Hes kind of level-headed theres an episode where Deb (Golden Brooks) and Paris have an issue and shes being a little overbearing, wanting to be in her daughters life and its Cal who steps in and says, Baby, cut your mom some slack.' For Brooks, the representation that her character brings is more than just fulfillingits necessary. Saturdays represents fun. It represents skate culture, Chicago culture, but above all, its about Cal and Deb and how much we love these kids, she explained. We do all the zany, fun stuff, but at the backdrop of it all is the love and support we have for [the children]. Jermaine Harris (London Johnson) echoes the same sentiment but sheds light on why coming-of-age stories like those being shared throughout the Saturdays episodes capture a feeling that is all too familiar. London Johnson has taught me that time is of the essence, but so is the time you spend with people, said Harris. Hes a character that just loves spending time with his best friend, Derek, who Tim [Johnson Jr.] plays in the show. And they spend a lot of time together in the lab where they make music and just chill, but also, he spends a lot of time with his sister Paris, whether that be getting into some wild adventure, and ith his parents. It reminds me of how much time I spent with my family and my friends growing up and how I appreciated that time. Not only is he best friends with Johnsons character on-screen, but the brotherhood is actually art imitating life. Its so important to have somebody who has your back, you know, and London and Derek, theyve got each others back. They love each other, but also, weve been friends for many years, this is my brother right here, Johnson said of Harris. So its like, it kind of reflects that relationship. Saturdays airs every Friday on Disney Channel, with episodes available for streaming on Disney+ the following day. By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) -A Maryland appeals court on Tuesday reinstated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed, who was found guilty of the 1999 killing of his former girlfriend in a case that drew attention after the podcast "Serial" raised doubts about his guilt. After an investigation identified problems with the case, a circuit court judge last year vacated Syed's conviction in the murder of Hae Min Lee and ordered his release. He had served more than 20 years in prison. The judge left it to prosecutors to decide whether to retry him and they decided to drop the case. On Tuesday, a Maryland appellate court panel, in a 2-1 decision, ordered a new hearing into the matter, saying the lower court had violated the right of the victim's family to attend a critical hearing in the case. "This Court has the power and obligation to remedy those violations, as long we can do so without violating Mr. Syeds right to be free from double jeopardy," the panel said in its ruling. "Accordingly, we vacate the circuit court's order vacating Mr. Syed's convictions, which results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence," it said. The panel did not specifically order Syed back to prison, but allowed for a two-month delay in the "mandate" of its decision to allow the parties "time to assess how to proceed." Syed has maintained he was innocent and did not kill Hae Min Lee, who was 18 when she was strangled and buried in a Baltimore park. The podcast "Serial," produced by Chicago public radio station WBEZ, drew national attention to the case in 2014. An attorney for Syed said he remains free and the latest decision was not about Syed's innocence but more about proceedings. The attorney said Syed's team will seek a review in the Supreme Court of Maryland. "The Appellate Court of Maryland has reinstated Adnans convictions, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms Lees brother did not appear in person at the vacatur hearing," Erica Suter, Syed's counsel, told Reuters. Story continues "There is no basis for re-traumatizing Adnan by returning him to the status of a convicted felon." Prosecutors filed a motion last September to vacate the conviction after conducting a yearlong investigation alongside a public defender representing Syed. Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn subsequently ordered Syed to be released from prison, where he was serving a life sentence. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Deepa Babington and Stephen Coates) BOSTON - If all 200,000 newly-eligible undocumented immigrants apply for a driver's license next fiscal year, their applications would far exceed the number of first-time license applications the Registry of Motor Vehicles issues every year. On average, about 120,000 people in Massachusetts get a driver's license for the first time each year, according to the Department of Transportation. Under the new law the state passed last year, which was upheld by voters who shot down a repeal effort at the ballot box, Massachusetts residents without legal status will be eligible to apply for a license for the first time July 1. With a few months until this new group of people will become eligible all at once, the Registry of Motor Vehicles is preparing for an influx of applicants. The registry anticipates hiring approximately 140 new workers and has already started that hiring process and planning for July, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. For some agencies, such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, that are facing worker shortages and hiring struggles, the state is offering sign-on bonuses for new workers. But the Registry of Motor Vehicles said it is currently not considering this tactic to fill the extra 140 positions. The fiscal 2023 state budget included about $9 million for initial start-up costs for the Registry and Gov. Maura Healey is recommending that $28 million be spent in fiscal 2024 to implement the law. The Healey administration has repeatedly said that standard Registry of Motor Vehicles fees will offset the investment to bolster the registry's capacity. "And just one really important point, the fees that are collected, the vast majority of the resources that we're asking to be allocated, we will be recouping when folks are coming in to obtain their licenses, like everybody else who goes to the RMV and pays a fee," Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said recently during an appearance on WCVB's "On The Record" program. Story continues If all 200,000 newly-eligible residents apply for a license in fiscal 2024, fees could more than counterbalance the governor's recommended $28 million in funding, according to the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The registry would receive about $30.5 million in total revenue from the permit application fee, the road test fee and the license issuance fee from the new applicants, according to the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. If perhaps 70,000 of the 200,000 individuals also have a vehicle and plan to execute Registry of Motor Vehicles transactions in connection with that vehicle, including paying the plate registration fee and the title fee, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance said, the registry would receive an additional $9.4 million. As of January 2022, a typical five-year car license costs $75, driver's education certificates cost $15, registration fees can cost up to $100 and title certificates $75, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The $28 million Healey recommends, if approved by the Legislature, would be used to train staff to verify new ID documents from other countries, hire more customer service representatives and road test examiners, invest in new technology to expand service operations and develop procedures to ensure data privacy, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca said at a department of transportation board meeting last week. "Our registry leaders have been preparing for this both in personnel, you also have individuals who help with the driver's tests themselves, language acuity, so we are gearing up to make sure we're ready and have those adequate assets," Driscoll said. "These dollars are important to make sure we can do that, and again a lot of these resources are going to be recouped as members of the undocumented community come in to take those licenses, or take their driving tests." The Legislature overrode former Gov. Charlie Baker's veto of the licensing bill to make it law. Baker said last year that the Registry of Motor Vehicles lacks the expertise to verify the many types of documents that other countries issue and which will be relied upon as proof of identity. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. may see flood of new drivers, fees FIRST ON FOX Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is introducing a war powers resolution that calls for the removal of United States armed forces from Somalia, excluding those assigned to protect the U.S. Embassy. "The American people have extremely low confidence in our military leaders and their ability to assess their own efficacy. How do they expect Americans to believe their justification of occupying Somalia when they cant even determine who in their own training programs will lead a violent coup afterwards?" Gaetz said in a statement. "While the Congressional War Machine has decided to rage on in Syria, they must explain how continuing the occupation of Somalia best serves the interests of the American people at home. If they cannot, it is incumbent upon the Congress to bring our troops home from Somalia," the congressman said. The war powers resolution would force a vote in the House of Representatives within 18 days of the resolution's introduction. It would also mandate the removal of U.S. armed forces from Somalia no later than 365 days after the resolution's adoption. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. MATT GAETZ WANTS ALL US TROOPS PULLED FROM SYRIA, CLAIMS BIDEN LIED ABOUT MILITARY PRESENCE "When the House debated my resolution to withdraw troops from Syria, both Republicans and Democrats argued the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force against Afghanistan serves as a global permission slip for every neocon fantasy. They will argue the same for Somalia," Gaetz said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP House GOP and Democrat members teamed up last week to kill a similar resolution from Gaetz that would require the U.S. to remove roughly 900 service members stationed in Syria, who some argue are beating back terrorists who could threaten the U.S. homeland if left unchecked. The resolution ultimately failed in a 321-103 vote that split both parties; Republicans opposed it in a 171-47 vote, and Democrats rejected it 150-56. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. GAETZ INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO END MILITARY AND FINANCIAL AID TO UKRAINE, URGE PEACE DEAL Story continues Those against placing a small force in Syria argue that force is there without any authorization from Congress. The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is used as justification for such a move, with the argument that the resolution authorizes action against those who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. Gaetz and others members argue that Congress needs a more current authority to send troops abroad than one that was passed more than 20 years ago. Proponents for removing the service members also said the U.S. needs to stop acting as a "global police force" and should remove itself from Syria despite warnings that the country could play a determining role in the strength of ISIS and other terrorist groups. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., talks with reporters as they walk down the steps at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 12, 2023. MATT GAETZ CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO FBI'S RELIANCE ON SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER "I do not believe that what stands between a caliphate and not a caliphate are the 900 Americans who have been sent to this hellscape with no definition of victory, with no clear objective and purely existing as a vestige to the regime change failed foreign policies of multiple former presidents," Gaetz said. Gaetz, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, filed that resolution in late February following a Feb. 17 report from U.S. Central Command that four U.S. service members were wounded during a U.S. and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) helicopter raid in northeastern Syria that killed a senior ISIS leader. Fox News' Peter Kasperowicz contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he opposes repeal of the 2002 and 1991 authorizations of force against Iraq, arguing that that authority bears directly on the threats we face today in Iraq and Syria from Iran-backed terrorists. McConnell, who is home recovering from a fall earlier this month, is weighing in for the first time as the Senate is poised, as soon as Wednesday, to repeal the decades-old authority for the Iraq war. While supporters say the repeal would reinforce todays strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, McConnell and other Republican opponents say a withdrawal of those war powers would project U.S. weakness in the Middle East and embolden Iran and other terrorist groups. I am opposed to Congress sunsetting any military force authorizations in the Middle East, McConnell said. Our terrorist enemies arent sunsetting their war against us. And when we deploy our servicemembers in harms way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can. The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing former President Donald Trump's America First message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war. Almost 20 GOP senators have signaled they will vote for the repeals, likely giving Democrats the votes they need to approve the two measures. I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years, said Indiana Sen. Todd Young, the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things dont go well. The October 2002 votes to give President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that Bush administrations allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless. In the end, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops died in the war. Story continues Young noted that there is other existing authority for President Joe Biden, along with past and future presidents, to order military action. But lawmakers fear the Iraq war powers could be used for purposes Congress never intended. Trumps administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but it has otherwise been rarely used. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican who voted for the Iraq war authorization in 2002 but is now voting for repeal, said that two decades ago there was more deference to a presidents authority in the case of an imminent threat. But since the Iraq war, she said, theres more hesitation to have open-ended authorizations for the use of force, and the fact that these authorizations have been in effect for so many years diminishes the role of Congress in declaring war. The Senate rejected several Republican amendments to the bill Tuesday that were intended to put the brakes on the repeal, including some aimed to ensure that the U.S. is able to protect troops and personnel against potential Iranian aggression. GOP senators opposing the repeal raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria, including a drone strike last week that killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, followed by a rocket attack that wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks. Iran right now is the threat, said Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican who offered an amendment that would require the Director of National Intelligence to assess that the repeal would not degrade the effectiveness of United States-led deterrence against Iranian aggression. The amendment was rejected, 38-57. Supporters of the repeal, including Biden and his administration, have argued that it would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing on Wednesday that American troops have the ability to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops from attack. Austin noted that a separate 2001 authorization for the use of military force against al-Qaida and other insurgents allows the U.S. to have forces in the region conduct missions against the Islamic State group. That would remain in place under the Senate bill. As we go forward, its always good to look at the authorities and make sure that we evolve them if thats required, and so you have my commitment to work with leadership and with you to continue to do that, Austin said. It is unclear whether the House will take up the legislation. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has signaled possible support, even though he previously voted against it. When the House voted on a similar repeal two years ago, 49 Republicans voted with Democrats to withdraw the measures. Republicans opposed to the repeal have argued that the Biden administration has not been tough enough on Iran, and that vacating the war powers in place now will not help. While the Senates been engaged in this abstract, theoretical debate about rolling back American power, Iran has continued its deadly attacks on us, McConnell said in his statement. Young argued the opposite. Hes ignoring the fact that over recent decades, weve had the 2002 authorities on the books, and that has, in no way deterred attacks from occurring, Young said of McConnells statement. Game, set and match. INDIANTOWN In a boardinghouse with multiple families, a man stabbed his wife in front of their young daughter Monday evening, Martin County sheriff's Chief Deputy John Budensiek said. The woman died from her wounds en route to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. Pedro Mateo-Andres, 39, of Indiantown, was arrested at the residence and faces a charge of first-degree murder. More:Smoke from smoldering fire forces closure Monday of South Fork High School in Martin County; may reopen Tuesday More:Mental Health Courts in Martin, Indian River counties bracing to lose state grant money Deputies arrived at the house in the 14000 block of Southwest Cherokee Drive around 5 p.m. to find Mateo-Andres on top of a woman who had multiple stab wounds, Budensiek said. The chief deputy said Mateo-Andres told investigators he stabbed his wife because he believed she was cheating on him and planning to leave him. The couple's daughter, who is about 3 or 4 years old, witnessed the stabbing, Budensiek said. She was taken to the Sheriff's Office briefly so the Florida Department of Children and Families could find a place for her to stay. The stabbing happened as other families were in the house, and one of the adults called 911 during the attack. Deputies arrived soon after they received the call, kicked down a door and found Mateo-Andres on top of the woman. "The suspect immediately when (deputies) came in the door was kind of surprised and was taken into custody by them," Budensiek said. The woman was airlifted to the hospital, but died on the helicopter. SafeSpace is a nonprofit that provides safety, support and shelter to domestic violence victims across the Treasure Coast and can be reached on a 24/7 hotline at 772-288-7023. Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@tcpalm.com. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Indiantown man arrested in connection to fatal stabbing of wife Pet care is anything but cheap. According to the American Kennel Club, the lifetime cost for small dogs, which have an average life expectancy of 15 years, is approximately $15,051, while large dogs, which have an average life expectancy of 10 years, have a lifetime cost of $14,480. Other estimates tell a different story. According to Forbes, the lifetime cost of a dog can be anywhere between $17,650 a year to a shocking $93,520, depending on size, breed and care required. But what about from the beginning? How much do some pups cost if you're looking to purchase rather than rescue? We have you covered on what is the most expensive dog, plus other pricey pooches. The lifetime cost of a dog can be anywhere between $17,650 a year to a shocking $93,520, depending on size, breed and care required. Pups galore: The 30 most popular small dog breeds in America What is the most expensive dog? The Tibetan mastiff is considered the most expensive dog, as it has sold for thousands and even millions. In 2014, a Tibetan mastiff puppy was sold for nearly $2 million in China, according to AFP, which cited a report in Chinese newspaper Qianjiang Evening News. The dog was sold at a premium pet fair in the eastern province of Zhejiang for 12 million yuan, around $1.95 million, to a property developer. The pup was 80 centimeters (31 inches) tall and weighed 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds). This wasn't the first time this breed of dog had a high price ticket. In 2011, another Tibetan mastiff puppy sold for $1.5 million, according to NBC News, which reported the animal was the most expensive dog sold at the time. According to the AKC, the Tibetan mastiff is a "watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating" working breed and affectionate with family, yet distant to strangers. On average, males of the breed can weigh between 90 to 150 pounds, while females weigh 70 to 120 pounds. The minimum heights for a Tibetan mastiff are 26 inches for males and 24 inches for females. How much is that doggie in the window? Try $2M What are the top 10 most expensive dogs? Fetching for a high price tag? Here are the top 10 most expensive dogs and their average prices, according to Reader's Digest: Story continues Tibetan mastiff ($3,000 to $5,000) Black Russian terrier ($3,000 to $5,000) Samoyed ($2,500 to $5,000) French bulldog ($2,500 to $4,000) Lowchen ($2,500 to $4,000) Cavalier King Charles spaniel ($2,500 to $3,500) Bernese mountain dog ($2,500 to $3,500) Biewer terrier ($2,500 to $3,500) Staffordshire bull terrier ($2,000 to $3,000) St. Bernard ($1,500 to $3,500) How often should you walk your dog? Best practices for keeping your pup healthy. What human foods are safe for dogs to eat? Here's what is and isn't safe for your pet. What is the least expensive dog? Not all pooches cost hundreds or thousands. If you rescue a dog, adoption fees can range from $50 to $500 with an average fee of $300, according to rescuepets101.com. The North Shore Animal League America breaks down its adoption fees: Puppies (up to 6 months): $350 Adult dogs (over 6 months): $100 Puppy mill rescues (over 6 months): $250 Small breed and pure breeds (over 6 months): $250 In dog years: These are the longest living dog breeds in the United States Pet care: What we know about your pet's health and common behaviors Just curious?: We're here to help answer life's everyday questions This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the most expensive dog? The most expensive dog breeds, ranked Credit - Shutterstock Mental illness is a notorious thief, stealing joy, peace, and ease from the estimated one billion people worldwide who suffer from it. Now, it appears that mental illness steals still more too: years and youth. According to new research presented Mar. 26 at the European Congress of Psychiatry in Paris, people suffering from a range of psychiatric conditionsparticularly depression, bipolar disorder, and anxietycarry markers in their blood indicating that their biological age is older than their chronological age. The findings, presented by Julian Mutz, a post-doctoral research associate at Kings College London, were based on a robust survey he and his colleagues conducted of more than 110,000 blood samples maintained at the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database containing blood and genetic samples from more than half a million U.K. residents. The samples are cross-indexed with the donors age, gender, and medical history, providing a detailed portrait of the overall health of a representative sampling of the U.K. population. Mutz and his colleagues used the biobank data to study blood for 168 different metabolites, including cholesterol, fatty acids, inflammatory markers, and more, all of which can indicate a persons biological age. Some of those markers increase with age, says Mutz, some decrease, and some have a nonlinear relationship, so they would increase for a number of years [and then decrease]. Among the key metabolites Mutz and his colleagues studied were creatine, an amino acid involved in muscular health, which tends to decrease with age; fatty acids, which also decrease with age; and the inflammatory markers known as c-reactive proteins, which can be indicators of declining heart health. The researchers then compared the blood analyses to the records of the patients age, as well as to baseline questionnaires they answered between 2006 and 2010 regarding their mental health and whether theyd ever been diagnosed with any clinical condition. The data in the biobank is also linked to primary care records and hospital inpatient records. Story continues More from TIME Read More: Theres a Mental Health Crisis At Work Because Life Is Changing Too Fast The results of all of this analysis were striking. On the whole, Mutz found, patients with bipolar disorder had a biological age that was two years greater than their calendar age. For depression, it was one year older, and for anxiety conditions it was 0.7 years older. This helps explain why, at least on average, people with mental health disorders tend to have a higher prevalence of age-related diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, Mutz says. Multiple large population studies, including one of nearly 7.4 million people that appeared in the Lancet in 2019, have found that men who suffer from mental health conditions have a 10-year shorter life expectancy than the general population; for women, its seven years shorter. The estimates differ a little bit depending on the diagnosis, Mutz says. For example, people with schizophrenia or a psychosis have a greater difference in terms of life expectancy than people with depression or anxiety. Going forward, Mutz hopes that his findings can help researchers gauge the effectiveness of mental-health interventions, using ongoing blood studies of people receiving psychiatric therapy to help determine how effective the treatment is. I could imagine a randomized control trial where we look at, say, exercise, which is very helpful for physical health and mental disorders, says Mutz, and see if it improves overall biological aging. Keeping track of these molecular aging clocks can be useful in providing care. Firefighters were at the scene trying to rescue people from the burning building At least 38 people people have died at a migrant processing centre in Mexico in a fire that officials say started during a protest against deportations. Many of the victims had travelled from Central and South America trying to get to the US. The blaze at the facility in Ciudad Juarez broke out shortly before 22:00 local time (04:00 GMT) on Monday. The city, located across the Rio Grande river from El Paso, Texas, has seen an influx of people in recent weeks. Many have been heading to the US border in expectation of an end to Title 42, a pandemic-era policy which gives the US government the power to quickly expel migrants trying to cross its border. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said migrants had set mattresses ablaze. "It was related to a protest they started, we think, when they learned that they'd be deported," the president said. "They didn't think that would cause this terrible tragedy," he added. Photos from the scene show body bags lined up on the pavement outside. Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) lowered the death toll to 38 from 40, saying a visit to hospitals where victims were being treated had confirmed the lower number. Local media say the migrants inside the building where the blaze happened had been picked up by the authorities on Monday and taken to the centre. The facility is located near the Stanton-Lerdo Bridge, which links Mexico and the US. Twenty-nine people were also injured in the blaze. Some 68 men from Central and South America were inside the centre - which is run by the INM - when the fire happened. A statement from US Customs and Border Protection said they were "prepared to receive and process those who were injured in the fire and are being transported via ambulance from Mexican to US medical facilities for treatment". Mexican authorities said the dead and injured included people from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela, El Salvador, Colombia and Ecuador. Story continues Twenty-eight Guatemalan citizens were killed in the fire, the country's foreign minister Mario Bucaro told reporters. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a "thorough investigation". A spokesman said Mr Guterres would "continue working with the authorities of countries where mixed movements of people occur to establish safer, more regulated, and organised migration pathways". The US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, said the tragedy was "a reminder to the governments of the region of the importance of fixing a broken migration system and the risks of irregular migration". Title 42, which allows US border officials to deny individuals entry to the US "to prevent the spread of communicable disease", was first implemented at the start of the Covid pandemic. The Biden administration has announced its intention to end the use of the Trump-era policy, but for now it remains in place. Since the announcement, the number of migrants in Ciudad Juarez awaiting the possible lifting of the restrictions has swelled. Recently hundreds of frustrated migrants, mostly Venezuelan, tried to force their way over an international bridge into El Paso from the Mexican city. US officials imposed physical barricades saying the group had posed "a potential threat to make a mass entry". The 2023 Festival of German Cinema in China kicked off at the Broadway Cinematheque MOMA in Beijing on Friday. "Films are the best ambassadors for cultural exchange. They have the power to create new perspectives, promote mutual understanding and foster dialogue, even in the most challenging times," said Frank Rueckert, the charge d'affaires of the German embassy in China, at the opening. Until April 2, cinephiles of German cinema can flock to two Broadway Cinematheque locations (MOMA and APM) and the Goethe Institute in 798, to enjoy a total of 14 new German films. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the FGC in China, organized by German Films with the support of the Goethe Institute in China and the Broadway Cinemas. Over the last 10 years, the FGC in China, a platform for showcasing the very best of German cinema to audiences in China, has introduced 129 German films of various genres. According to Anke Redl, representative of German Films in China, this event had been scheduled for 2022 November as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic ties, but postponed due to COVID-19. Therefore, this festival screens the finest German cinematic works made in both 2021 and 2022, all of which have caused quite a stir at film festivals around the world. Opening the festival was Rabiye Kurnaz vs George W. Bush, directed by Andreas Dresen, which scooped two Silver Bear awards for best screenplay (Laila Stieler) and the best actress (Meltem Kaplan) at the Berlinale 2022. The film is a true story of a German-Turkish mother's five-year-long legal battle to free her son Murat Kurnaz, who was unlawfully detained at Guantanamo Bay in 2001. Other critically-acclaimed films featured at the 2023 FGC in China include The Exam by Shawkat Amin, nominated as the best movie at the 2022 Beijing International Film Festival and Axiom by Jons Jonsson, nominated as the best film for the Encounters section at the 72nd Berlinale. Chinese actress Huang Yao is the ambassador for this year's event. Huang rose to fame with her leading role in the 2018 feature The Crossing, which won her the Best Actress of Fei Mu Awards in the 2nd Pingyao Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon International film Festival. She was also the lead actress of director Zhang Lyu's The Shadowless Tower, which was one of two Chinese-language films competing for top awards at the 73rd Berlinale. For the closing ceremony on April 2nd, a special screening of three Chinese short films by Cheng Yu, Zhang Dalei, and Zhao Hao, which competed at the 73rd Berlinale, will be held at the Goethe Institute and their directors will be invited to have a Q&A with the audience. The festival organizers said they plan to stage the next FGC in China at the end of 2023 and will strive to bring the Chinese audience the anti-war epic All Quiet on the Western Front by Edward Berger, which has just hoovered up four Oscar awards. Emergency crews outside an immigration center in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where a fire killed at least 38 people. (Associated Press) The surveillance video is short, but brutal. Taken from inside a migrant detention center in northern Mexico, it shows flames spreading quickly inside a locked cell, and detainees pleading for help. As black smoke billows, several guards are seen hurrying away without attempting to rescue the prisoners from the growing fire. At least 38 migrants were killed and dozens more were injured Monday night in the blaze at a National Migration Institute lockup in Ciudad Juarez, just south of the U.S. border, according to authorities. It was the deadliest incident in recent memory at Mexico's notoriously crowded immigration holding centers and another reminder of the many perils faced by migrants trying to reach the United States. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire began around 10 p.m. after migrants learned that they were going to be deported to their home countries and ignited mattresses in protest. He said most of the dead were from Central and South America. They never imagined it would cause this terrible tragedy, Lopez Obrador said. A Mexican federal official with knowledge of the case who spoke on condition of anonymity offered a different motive for the protest, saying it began because 68 men were packed into a cell meant for no more than 50 people with no access to drinking water. The wrapped bodies of migrants lie outside a detention center near the U.S.-Mexico border after the deadly fire. (Associated Press) The fire provoked outrage on both sides of the border, with migrant advocates blaming U.S. and Mexican authorities for policies they called inhumane. "Its not like these incidents just happen out of thin air," said Stephanie Leutert, director of the Central America and Mexico Policy Initiative at University of Texas at Austin and a former Biden administration official. "Youve got the U.S. and Mexicos restrictive immigration policies and border enforcement efforts that create the conditions." Many said the fire is evidence that Mexico is not equipped to manage and care for the record number of people who have been stranded in the country while trying to reach the United States in recent years. Advocates warn that the crisis is likely to worsen this summer, when the U.S. rolls out a new policy to turn back even more asylum seekers to Mexico. Story continues "As the U.S. continues to implement policies that push asylum seekers back into Mexico, humanitarian infrastructure in the country is increasingly strained and more people are stuck in highly vulnerable situations," said Rafael Velasquez of the International Rescue Committee. Rescuers spent hours Monday night and early Tuesday morning pulling remains from the burned building. Bodies, wrapped in silver thermal blankets, were lined up on the ground. On Tuesday, U.S. border officials said that they would be allowing victims of the fire to enter the United States to receive medical treatment. The detention center was still smoldering in the afternoon as dozens of migrants descended on the site to demand information about loved ones who they feared had perished inside. "They were left to die!" one migrant shouted at authorities. "Why do they treat us like dogs?" another asked. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan, was desperately searching for her brother, 30-year-old Orlando Maldonado. She said that they both had been detained Monday along with her husband and their two young children. Their crime: begging for money for food along a busy Juarez street. Marquez, her husband and the children were eventually released because the Mexican government is not equipped to detain families. But she said her brother was taken to a room at the center packed with many other men. She said she spoke to him briefly through a set of steel bars. "I managed to see my brother and he told me, 'Don't let me die, get me out of here,'" she said. "But what could I do? My words don't count for anything here. So I left." When she heard about the fire, she rushed back to the center, eager to tell authorities about the tattoo of a crucified Jesus Christ on her brother's right arm. They said that they had no information about him but that if he survived, he may have been taken to another immigration center or to one of several area hospitals. Marquez said she lacked the bus fare to go search for him. The death count was still in flux Tuesday, with the government reporting 40 victims at one point before revising that to 38. According to the Mexican attorney generals office, the dead and injured included 28 Guatemalans, 13 Hondurans, 12 Salvadorans, 12 Venezuelans and one citizen each from Colombia and Ecuador. It was unclear whether some of the migrants had been previously deported from the United States. In recent months, northern Mexican cities have been overwhelmed as a result of recent Biden administration policies that limit the ability of migrants from four countries Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti and Cuba to seek asylum at the border without first making an appointment via a smartphone application. The system has been riddled with glitches and offers limited appointments, which fill up within minutes. Some migrants have waited months at the border. Tensions have been particularly high in Juarez, where shelters housing people hoping to cross into the United States are overflowing and stranded migrants have been asking for food and money in major intersections and sleeping on the sidewalk near border crossings into El Paso. We have exceeded our capacity to provide attention, said Miguel Angel Gonzalez, president of a church-based network of shelters in Juarez. He said his networks 15 shelters have been completely full for the last six months. City officials have publicly criticized the migrants, with Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar recently imploring residents to not give migrants money, insisting that they can find work. In a March 9 letter, several dozen migrant advocacy groups urged the city to investigate abuses by police and immigration officials. They said that during arbitrary detentions, officials have questioned migrants about their legal status, extorted and stolen money from them and destroyed their documents. The letter described an incident in early March in which they said police violently and arbitrarily detained migrants in a downtown cathedral as well as another incident the following week in which members of the army, the national guard and the city police swarmed a hotel where migrants were staying, sending a clear message of intimidation. Tensions boiled over a few weeks ago when hundreds of people mostly from Venezuela tried to force their way across an international bridge to El Paso before they were stopped by U.S. authorities. The numbers of migrants in cities such as Juarez are expected to grow in coming months as the Biden administration prepares to implement a new policy that would further restrict access to asylum at the border. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, federal officials have used a public health measure called Title 42 to prevent migrants from seeking asylum at the border and to quickly expel those who attempt to enter the United States. With that border policy set to expire in May, the Biden administration last month unveiled a new plan that would make migrants ineligible for asylum if they enter the U.S. without permission and fail to apply for protection in another country on their way. Some could still request asylum at an official port of entry, but would generally be required to do so using the smartphone app. Human rights advocates say the new system is likely to strand even more people along Mexico's famously treacherous migrant trail. In recent decades, migrants trying to cross Mexico have died at the hands of organized crime, as well as while riding atop cargo trains and while packed into overcrowded trailers lacking ventilation. They have also faced abuse from immigration agents, advocates say. Mexicos immigration agency said this year that 105 of its agents had been reported to the internal affairs office for corruption. The deadly fire was the most dramatic illustration to date of the crisis that has engulfed Mexican border cities and towns since successive U.S. administrations under Presidents Trump and Biden strong-armed Mexico into taking back U.S.-bound migrants arriving at the international line. Yet despite U.S. efforts at deterrence, migrants have not stopped trying to reach the border. Tens of thousands of people continue to stream north, fleeing poverty, conflict and political repression. Panamas government said last week that 50,000 migrants entered the country from Colombia through a treacherous stretch of jungle known as the Darien Gap in the first two months of 2023, five times more than in the same period last year. "Mexico is the last mile for people facing humanitarian crises around the world," said Velasquez, of the International Rescue Committee. Mexico's migrant detention centers have seen protests over conditions from time to time. Last year, riots broke out at a detention center in the northern border city of Tijuana and another in the southern city of Tapachula. A 2020 fire at a migrant facility in the southern town of Tenosique killed one migrant and injured others. Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations' special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, also blamed the fire on government policies. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this," he wrote on Twitter. "The immigration detention of adults, in accordance with International Law, should be an exceptional measure and not a general one. At a special Mass in Juarez on Tuesday for victims of the fire, Bishop Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos implored his parishioners to remember that a migrant "is a person, not a statistic, ... a child of God who must be treated with dignity, respect and love." "Enough," he said of policies that dehumanize immigrants. "What is happening to us? What have we become?" Times staff writers Linthicum and McDonnell reported from Todos Santos, Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez, respectively, and special correspondent Minjares from Ciudad Juarez. Staff writers Leila Miller and Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in Mexico City, Andrea Castillo in Washington and Hamed Aleaziz in Healdsburg, Calif., contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Mike Myers in The Love Guru. (Alamy) A former bodyguard has claimed that he was fired by Mike Myers for making 'eye contact' with him during the making of 2008's The Love Guru. The allegation was made by Canadian radio presenter Jay Brody in response to a tweet celebrating Keanu Reeves helping out the crew on the set of John Wick 4, Brody tweeted: "People saying that he shouldnt be praised for helping have no idea what its like working in film. Mike Myers had me fired off the set of The Love Guru because I made eye contact with him, and I was there as his body guard Give Keanu his roses" Read more: Mike Myers branded a 'diva' on 'horrible, nightmarish' The Cat In The Hat shoot Speaking to Yahoo, a representative for Mike Myers denied that the actor had any bodyguards while working on The Love Guru, and has no knowledge of this incident. Later, while hosting his show Carly and Jay on Sonic Radio, Brody said was offered the job while working as a guard for an agency. "Sounds easy enough," Brody said of the offer to work with the Austin Powers star, "I've done this before. They're like 'here's the catch: you can't look at him'," saying he was warned that if he looked at Myers, he would be fired. Mike Myers in 2008's The Love Guru. (Alamy) "I'm sitting on the set, first day, first hour, we don't know what he looks like, I don't know what he looks like yet, and I see a man approaching in a long wig with a fake beard, and I'm like 'I think that's Mike Myers'. "And I looked down to not look at him, because I don't want to get fired. But I realise I can let just anyone in to the trailer, so I look up, I catch his eye for a second, I give him a nod to let him know I'm cool, and I look away, and within an hour I get a phone call letting me know that I'm fired, and I have to get off set because I broke this weird rule." Read more: Wayne's World director denies stressful shoot Story continues There have been complaints about Myers' on-set behaviour in the past including one by Amy Hill who worked with the comedian on The Cat in the Hat. Mike Myers in 2003's Cat In The Hat. (Alamy) Hill said working with Myers was "a horrible, nightmarish experience" telling the AV Club: "He had his handlers dress his trailer, and his area was all covered with tenting because he didnt want anybody seeing him." "I dont think he got to know anybody. Hed just be with his people and walk away. People would come and then hed stand there. There was a guy who held his chocolates in a little Tupperware. "Whenever he needed chocolate, hed come running over and give him a chocolate. Thats what divas are like, I guess. Or people who need therapy." Read more: Actors who were massive divas on set Myers was also allegedly difficult to work with on Wayne's World with director Penelope Spheeris saying the Austin Powers star was "emotionally needy and got more difficult as the shoot went along". Watch below: Mike Myers reveals he didn't leave home for days after Queen Elizabeth's death Former Vice President Mike Pence. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images A federal judge ruled that Pence must provide testimony in the federal investigation into January 6. Pence had sought to block the special counsel's subpoena. A federal grand jury is investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in January 6. A federal judge has ordered former Vice President Mike Pence to testify before a grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, according to multiple news reports. In a sealed ruling handed down on Monday, US District Judge James Boasberg dismissed Trump's attempt to prevent Pence from appearing before the grand jury, rejecting his legal team's claims of executive privilege, or the president's right to keep communications confidential. Yet Boasberg, the chief judge of the federal district court in Washington, DC, decided that Pence can refuse to answer some questions related to him presiding over Congress' joint session to certify the 2020 election results on January 6. The judge's order delivers the latest blow to Trump and win to US special counsel Jack Smith, who's been overseeing the investigation since Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed him in November. Earlier this month, Trump also lost his bid to block subpoenas issued to several of his former officials, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, to provide more testimony in the grand jury investigation. Trump had similarly invoked executive privilege, but a federal judge dismissed his claims. Smith had subpoenaed Pence for testimony and documents related to the probe in February. Both Pence and Trump had sought to block the subpoena, with the former vice president arguing that since he was acting as president of the Senate on January 6, he was protected by the Constitution's "speech and debate clause," which shields Congress members from providing testimony about their work. Pence and Trump's legal teams could seek to appeal Boasberg's ruling. Spokespeople for Pence and Trump did not immediately return requests for comment. Story continues As vice president, Pence played a mostly ceremonial role overseeing the certification of the 2020 election results as Congress met on January 6. Though Trump and his allies had repeatedly sought to pressure Pence to toss out electoral votes in battleground states that then-President-elect Joe Biden won. Pence had refused, citing his lack of constitutional authority to do so. Pence has called the special counsel subpoena "unconstitutional" and said he'll fight it as far as needed, even if it ends up before the Supreme Court. Read the original article on Business Insider Officers were shot at and returned fire during a stolen vehicle pursuit late Monday afternoon, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. No one was struck, according to police. Shortly before 5 p.m., police officers initiated a pursuit of a stolen vehicle around 5000 W. Chambers St. In the 4300 block of North 75th Street, a person in the stolen vehicle fired at pursuing officers, and two officers returned fire, according to the department. "At this time, it appears that no one was struck and there was no property damage," police said. In the 3400 block of West Capitol Drive, a 21-year-old man ended up losing control of the stolen vehicle and struck a pole, according to police. The man was taken into custody and to a hospital to be medically cleared. A firearm was recovered, police said. Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. The officers were placed on administrative duty pending the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360. Or to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or via the P3 Tips app. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police shot at, returned fire during stolen vehicle pursuit Minnesota Rep. Leigh Finke Minnesota is advancing a bill to make the state a refuge for transgender youth seeking gender-affirming care and for their supportive parents. The states House of Representatives Friday approved House File 146, which would prevent state courts or officials from complying with child removal requests, extraditions, arrests or subpoenas related to gender-affirming health care that a person receives in Minnesota, as explained by Minnesota Public Radio. The bill passed by a vote of 68-62 after debate that stretched from Thursday night to early Friday morning. It now goes to the Senate. Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, has promised to sign it if it reaches his desk. Walz recently issued an executive order protecting gender-affirming care in Minnesota and barring state agencies from cooperating with out-of-state officials seeking to prevent or penalize such care. But its important to also write that into law, said its sponsor, Rep. Leigh Finke, Minnesotas first out transgender state legislator. Its just absolutely crucial that we keep doing this work to build these protections and not worry about what could happen in the future. We need a law behind it, she told reporters Thursday, according to TV station WCCO. In the staggering rise of anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation by extremist Republicans, Minnesota is a beacon of hope for trans and gender-expansive children and their families, she noted. The passing of the trans refuge bill will send a strong message to the trans community that they are loved, supported, and protected here in our state. California has passed similar refuge legislation, while some other states have outlawed most or all gender-affirming care for trans minors, including South Dakota and Iowa, both of which border Minnesota. Others that have banned or restricted it through legislation are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Utah. Florida has put a ban in place through its medical boards and is considering a bill for an even stricter measure. The Alabama and Arkansas bans are temporarily blocked by court action. Bans are pending in several other states. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has vetoed a bill that would ban gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, limit school instruction on LGBTQ+ issues, and allow outing of LGBTQ+ students, but the Republican-controlled legislature could override his veto. Minnesota is advancing several other measures to protect trans people, WCCO reports. A House committee has OKd a bill that would add gender identity and expression to the states hate-crimes law. Another bill pending in the legislature would amend Minnesotas constitution to guarantee equality under the law regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If legislators pass it, it would go to voters for final approval. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison personally opened his state's case against Juul Labs on Tuesday, accusing the e-cigarette maker of using slick products, clever ads and attractive flavors to hook children on nicotine as the first of thousands of cases against the company reached trial. Minnesota is seeking more than $100 million in damages, accusing Washington, D.C.-based Juul of unlawfully targeting young people to get a new generation addicted to nicotine. They baited, deceived, and addicted a whole new generation of kids after Minnesotans slashed youth smoking rates down to the lowest level in a generation, Ellison said. Now, big tobacco is back with a new name but the same game. Juul wiped out the work of our state with their slick products, clever ads, and attractive flavors. Juul has faced thousands of lawsuits nationwide but most have settled, including 39 with other states and U.S. territories. Not Minnesota, which won a landmark $7.1 billion settlement with the tobacco industry in 1998. Minnesota added tobacco industry giant Altria, which formerly owned a minority stake in Juul, as a co-defendant in 2020. Altria completed its divestiture this month and says it effectively lost its $12.8 billion investment. David Bernick, an attorney for Juul, promised jurors an intense and interesting trial. He said the purpose of Juul was always to convert adult smokers of combustible cigarettes to a less-dangerous product that would still provide a satisfying nicotine experience not to lure kids. E-cigarettes aren't safe but aren't deadly either, he said; they're somewhere in between. And Juul did nothing to intentionally drive youth demand, he argued, suggesting that the growth in youth vaping was more likely due to increasing adult demand resulting in leakage to kids. William Geraghty, an attorney for Altria, denied Ellison's assertions that Altria invested heavily in Juul because it ultimately wanted to hook kids on its cigarettes, which include Marlboro. He said Altria bought its passive stake because Juul had found the key to successfully switching adult smokers of conventional cigarettes to a less harmful product, while Altria's competing e-cigarettes had failed in the marketplace. Story continues The lawsuit against Juul, filed in 2019, alleges consumer fraud, creating a public nuisance, unjust enrichment and conspiracy with Altria. The jury trial before Hennepin County District Judge Laurie Miller is expected to last about three weeks Juul Labs launched in 2015 on the popularity of flavors like mango, mint, fruit medley and creme brulee. Teenagers fueled its rise, and some became hooked on Juuls high-nicotine pods. Amid a backlash, Juul dropped all U.S. advertising and discontinued most of its flavors in 2019, losing popularity with teens. Juuls share of the now multibillion-dollar market has fallen to about 33% from a high of 75% in 2018. In his opening statement, Ellison argued that Juul and Altria broke the law by using deceptive actions to sell tobacco products to minors. Juul purposely made its products small and sleek to make detection by adults difficult, formulated them to deliver high doses of nicotine to addict children, added flavors that would appeal to young people and used a marketing campaign they knew would appeal to teens, Ellison said. Young people are innocent, and they want to explore, Ellison said. ""Kids are attracted to what is shiny, slick, cool and that is exactly who Juul and Altria were targeting and preying upon." Bernick gave the jury an alternative explanation. Adult smokers dont like to be seen smoking because of the social stigma, he said. So Juul designed its products to look different from conventional cigarettes and other e-cigarettes then on the market so that adults could use them discretely, he said, not so that kids could use them in school. Bernick said Minnesota had experienced an exponential increase in youth vaping even before Juul arrived on the local market in late 2017. And he asserted that the company had already ended some of its most-criticized practices, suggesting that Juul itself wasnt to blame for the rise. Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group formerly known as Phillip Morris Cos. says it had nothing to do with the design of Juul, nor its creation of its fruit and other flavors, nor the running of the company. In fact, Geraghty said, Juul stopped selling several of those flavors at the retail level before Altria invested in it. He denied that the marketing services that Altria provided Juul for about a year which included the use of its shelf space at convenience stores and Juul coupons tucked into Marlboro packs did anything to increase youth vaping in Minnesota. State health department statistics show youth vaping actually flattened out in the state between 2017 and 2020, he said. And Geraghty said Altria never made anything off Juul sales it would have made money only if they company's value had increased, which it didn't. Juul is now appealing the Food and Drug Administration's rejection of its application to keep selling its vaping products as a smoking alternative for adults. Juul is still being sued by New York, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Alaska, Illinois, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. ROLLING FORK, Miss. Rev. Bob Gilliland was sitting in the parsonage of Deer Creek Baptist Church Friday night watching a re-run of Gunsmoke when his son called. "He said to turn on the news. 'There's a storm coming,'" Gilliland said. "So (his wife) Betty and I went down the hall and sat in the bathroom. Well, she sat and I paced in and out into the hallway like you can imagine an old preacher would." A few minutes later, an EF-4 wedge tornado around a mile wide slammed into the southwest corner of the Sharkey County town and the pastor's home. Soon after, Buford Jones, a congregant of the church, was the first person to arrive and pulled the 81-year-old Gilliland and his wife from the rubble of the building. Neither had a scratch on them. Rev. Gilliland called Jones his hero. "I just did what I had to do," Jones said. Somehow, Gilliland's blood pressure on Monday morning was better than the average 30-year-old, getting a clean bill of health from medical officials who had visited him in Rolling Fork. Severe weather and a deadly outbreak of tornadoes decimated potions of the Mississippi Delta, one of the poorest areas in the nation, over the weekend. Amid intense storms, residents in the region struggled to recover from the devastation on Monday that left at least 21 dead in Mississippi and one in Alabama. Entire towns, including Rolling Fork, were hit hard by the line of tornadoes that destroyed homes and businesses, leaving hundreds of residents displaced. Rev. Bob Gilliland is the pastor of Deer Creek Baptist Church in Rolling Fork has had two homes destroyed by tornado in the last three months. Pastor hit by tornadoes twice This wasn't the reverend's first brush with a tornado. On Dec. 13, the Gillilands weren't living in the parsonage. They were living a few miles away in Anguilla. That night, Betty and the Baptist preacher had already gone to bed, when he heard a roar. "I opened my eyes, and all I could see was my roof coming off my house and spinning away into the sky," he said. "I wasn't in bed Friday night, but I saw my roof flying away into the night again. God just isn't ready to take me home. I am convinced of that." Story continues In fact, the only reason Gilliland was even in harm's way at the parsonage Friday was because his home in Anguilla was a total loss from the EF-2 tornado, and he was forced to live in Rolling Fork. Now, Bob and Betty are living with his son temporarily while different living arraignments can be made. He ultimately hopes to rebuild next door to his son in Anguilla. National Weather Service meteorologist Daniel Lamb of Jackson, when told of the Gillilands being hit twice by tornadoes, was flummoxed when asked about the odds of such an occurrence. "Oh no," Lamb said. "I wouldn't even know where to start. It would be an infinitesimally small number. Just actually being in the middle of one tornado is a low number. But for two in the span of three months, I can't even begin to think of how low this number would be." 'BEFORE-AND-AFTER THE TORNADOES': Maps and satellite images show aftermath in Mississippi, Alabama Despite a lack of electricity, the sanctuary of Deer Creek Baptist Church is serving as part of a "free general store" for people who need clothes or just about anything else. Pastor's church helps devastated community Gilliland's church, about three blocks from the parsonage, suffered significant roof damage and the steeple was toppled. While there is no power and very little non-potable water pressure, the Mississippi Delta native is putting the church to good use. He and his congregation have opened the church and turned it into what he calls, "a free general store." "We have everything from toothbrushes to toilet paper to water and food and clothing," Gilliland said. While the sanctuary only has light from outside the front doors, the people of Rolling Fork are coming in and perusing the clothing that is draped across the pews. Everything from baby clothes to men's and women's adult clothing rests on the back of every row of the sanctuary. The fellowship hall has more clothes, toiletries, food, water, baby formula, and likely a hot cup of coffee and a cookie to share with folks who are waiting to help and offer anything they can, even a shoulder to cry on. "We are here for the community. Whatever they need, we will give them," said the man who has lost two homes in three months. The fellowship hall at Deer Creek Baptist Church is part of a "free general store" for tornado victims in Rolling Fork who need anything from food and water, to toiletries to clothes. Gilliland held church services via Facebook Live over the weekend but said he will have regular church service this upcoming Sunday. If there is still no power, which is likely, Gilliland says the service will be held in the parking lot for all that want to attend. He already has his sermon ready to go. "This is what I do. I preach the word of God," Gilliland said. "Not one tornado or two tornadoes is going to stop that." But he said the pastor at his childhood church just up Highway 61 in Valley Park has joked with him about that. "He said I might want to wait for a while before I come and visit," Gilliland said. "He said tornadoes are following me around and he just doesn't want to take a chance." In the meantime, the veteran pastor will be helping the people of Rolling Fork to get back on their feet as they all recover from one of the deadliest storms in Mississippi history. Betty Gilliland calls her husband dedicated and acknowledged they were lucky, to which her husband chimed back, "no Hunny, we're blessed." MISSISSIPPI TORNADO: A weatherman, a brief prayer and how journalists help during moments of tragedy, trauma Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Mississippi family hit by 2 tornadoes in 3 months: 'We're blessed'' Dr. Daniel J. Ennis Board of Trustees of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning appointed South Carolina educator Daniel J. Ennis, Ph.D., as the ninth President of Delta State University at its meeting held this week in Jackson, the IHL announced Tuesday afternoon in a press release. Ennis, selected following a nationwide search, is currently serving as Provost and Executive Vice President of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. Ennis has served in several administrative roles at the university over the past 20 years, including Provost, Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, Vice President for Academic Outreach, Chair of the Department of English, and Co-Director of the University Honors Program. A tenured professor of English, Ennis has been an assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor at Coastal Carolina, according to the IHL. The positions Dr. Ennis has held at Coastal Carolina have prepared him extremely well to serve as president of Delta State University, said Trustee Teresa Hubbard, Chair of the Board Search Committee for the Delta State University President Search. His long tenure there demonstrates how beloved he is by the campus community. His academic credentials, administrative skills, student-centered focus, and ability to connect students, faculty, alumni and the community make him a great fit for the university. As Provost, Ennis efforts have helped increase the retention rate, moving the universitys first-year retention rate from 67 percent to 73 percent in his first year as Provost. As retention improved, overall enrollment also increased. Today, enrollment has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, driven in part by record freshmen classes in both the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2022. I am honored to serve Delta State University. As I have learned more about the university, the Delta region, and the state of Mississippi, I have been inspired by the history, culture, and resilience of the people with whom I will soon work and live. I am committed to helping Delta State University continue to thrive, and my wife and I look forward to becoming members of the community. Story continues Ennis is also experienced and accomplished in friend- and fund-raising. He connects donors, faculty, and the community and helps them to see the potential in the institution by articulating how their resources can transform lives. As a leader drawn from the faculty ranks, and who served as president of his local chapter of the American Association of University Professors, Ennis understands how shared governance strengthens the university and helps a wide variety of campus community voices to be heard, the IHL said. Dr. Ennis brings a wealth of experience at a public university in the Southeast to Delta State University, said Trustee Tom Duff, President of the Board of Trustees. His experience will serve Delta State well as it seeks to navigate similar challenges and opportunities, particularly in the areas of recruitment, retention, and fundraising. I look forward to seeing the university flourish under his leadership. "Dr. Ennis understands the power of higher education to transform the lives of its students and the communities in which it resides. In 2013, he assembled talented students, creative faculty and emerging technologies to create The Athenaeum Press at Coastal Carolina University," the press release states. "With the motto Local Stories Matter, the press team invites the community to campus to preserve and publish their words and images. Since its founding, the Athenaeum Press has produced award-winning books, digital installations, short films, museum exhibits, and sound recordings, all of which tell the story of northeastern South Carolina. "His leadership at Coastal Carolina has also helped create a healthier northeastern South Carolina. He led the reorganization of the academic structure of the university to create the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance. Founded in 2021, the college has developed two much-needed majors, nursing and health science, and provides wellness outreach to the community. "As an academic leader, Dr. Ennis was instrumental the convening the first Sun Belt Conference Assembly of Provosts, and he has assisted the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education as a member of the Advisory Committee on Academic Programs and on the SC Transfer Taskforce. "Dr. Ennis holds a bachelors degree in English from The College of Charleston, a masters degree in English from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate in English from Auburn University. As a scholar, he has received the Annibel Jenkins Prize in Performance & Theatre Studies from the South East American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies, has published books and articles on British literature and culture, and was a Fulbright-Hayes awardee in 2011. "Dr. Ennis will be on campus to meet with campus constituency groups in the near future and a full schedule of events will be announced soon. Dr. Ennis will begin serving as President of Delta State University on June 1, 2023." This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Delta State University gets new president, IHL says A Mississippi morning news anchor has been absent from her station since she quoted Snoop Dogg live on air earlier this month. Meteorologist and news anchor Barbie Bassett has not been seen on air for the NBC affiliate WLBT since 8 March. During her last episode, as per Deadline, Bassett and her team were discussing Snoop Doggs line of wines. Fo shizzle, my nizzle, said Bassett when the idea of a collaboration between the Drop It Like Its Hot rapper and a newsroom journalist was raised. Nizzle is slang for the N-word. This is not the first time that Bassett has caused controversy. In October last year, she apologised after she referred to a Black reporters grandmammy on air. Her absence from the programme since the episode (8 March) in question has prompted viewers to believe she has been fired from her role. Bassett has also been absent from Twitter since then. The meteorologist was notably absent from the social media discussions about the tornado, which hit Mississippi last weekend. (Getty Images) Bassett is no longer listed on the stations website, according to the newspaper Clarion Ledger. The newspaper states: Bassett did not respond to direct messages on Twitter, Facebook and her personal website. The New York Post quotes the stations regional vice president Ted Fortenberry as saying: As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters. The Independent has contacted a representative of WLBT for comment. Snoop Dogg real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr recently performed at the O2 Arena. During his show, the rapper gave a moment to his popular Just Eat advert. During the stars show, the ad appeared on screen and played in full, in a nod to its popularity with British audiences. In a recent interview, the rapper, 51, also reflected on his long friendship with David Beckham. He explained that they were naturally attracted to one another. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is joining College of the Ozark's fight against President Joe Biden over a ban on housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In a Tuesday announcement, Bailey said his office has led a coalition of 19 states to file an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme County in support of the private, faith-based college's lawsuit. Williams Memorial Chapel at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. The U.S. Court of Appeals rejected the federal lawsuit in late 2022, saying the college lacked standing or jurisdiction to establish a case. The suit was originally filed in April 2021. Last month, the college asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision. The campus in Point Lookout is represented in the matter by the Alliance for Defending Freedom or ADF. College of the Ozarks should be free to follow the religious tradition on which it was founded. The government cant strip a private, faith-based institution of its constitutionally protected freedoms because it disagrees with its views about marriage and sexuality, said John Bursh, senior counsel and vice president of appellate advocacy with ADF, in a release. If the 8th Circuit decision stands, College of the Ozarks could be forced to choose between violating its religious beliefs or risking intrusive federal investigations and significant enforcement penalties. We hope the Supreme Court will take this case to halt the governments inappropriate order targeting religious institutions and to respect the privacy, dignity, and safety of female students. The college teaches biological sex is a person's God-given, objective gender, whether or not it differs from their internal sense of gender identity. Its code of conduct also states sexual relations are for the purpose of the procreation of human life and the uniting and strengthening of the marital bond in self-giving love, purposes that are to be achieved solely through heterosexual relationships in marriage. The college in Point Lookout maintains single-sex residence halls and students are not permitted to visit the living areas of the opposite sex. The college prohibits "biological males who 'identify' as females from living in female dormitories, and vice-versa." Story continues As part of the failed appeal, numerous entities signed on to support the college, including Southwest Baptist University and the Christian Life Commission of the Missouri Baptist Convention. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks to reporters after being sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2023 at the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City. Bailey's brief argues the federal directive reflects an absence of "reasoned decision-making" because it does not mention or balance the interests of religious organizations. As Attorney General, I will always enforce the laws as written, which includes ensuring that the federal government cant push whatever rule it wants and run roughshod over religious liberty, said Bailey, in the release. It is absolutely ridiculous that unelected federal bureaucrats are attempting to subvert the law and force religious universities to house male and female students together. This is just yet another attempt by woke leftists to push their social agenda onto students. My office is not going to stand for it. General Baileys brief argues that HUDs directive reflects an absence of reasoned decision-making because it completely fails to mention, let alone balance, the known interests of religious organizations and its new interpretation of the FHA. It thus fails to consider the serious religious liberty implications of the new rule. Joining Missouri in filing the brief are Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MO AG weighs in on College of the Ozarks 'gender identity' lawsuit China will encourage domestic enterprises to integrate more deeply into global industrial and supply chains, and strengthen the coordination and allocation of resources in key industries such as semiconductors, the country's top industry regulator said on Monday. Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong said optimizing and stabilizing the industrial chain and supply chain cannot be separated from the smooth and efficient circulation of industrial resources around the world. China will optimize the layout of the domestic industrial chain and focus on key areas, promote the convergence of high-quality element resources, such as technology, finance and talent, to cultivate a number of advanced manufacturing clusters, Jin said. According to him, more efforts will be made to strengthen resource coordination and allocation of key industries like integrated circuits, new energy, biomedicine and medical equipment worldwide, so as to jointly create a collaborative and efficient industrial ecosystem. Jin made the remarks at the China Development Forum that ended on Monday. The moves reflect China's efforts to ensure industrial and supply chains function as public goods and deepen international cooperation in this area. Denis Depoux, global managing director of consultancy Roland Berger, told China Daily on the sidelines of the CDF, "China remains a significant market for most foreign companies, and has gradually become an important source of innovation to strengthen the global competency of some foreign companies." With the optimized COVID-19 containment measures, the winter of 2022-23 has, to a certain extent, seen "a replay of the 2021 situation when China's supply chain supported economic recovery in Europe and in the US because of its flexibility and availability", Depoux said. China's industrial and supply chains, he said, have improved significantly, as domestic and foreign companies invested heavily in modernizing their local production systems. "China has demonstrated its innovation capability and is leapfrogging in several fields, gaining leadership globally in areas like the electric vehicle chain, from batteries to charging infrastructure, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, nuclear and telecommunications equipment." China's industrial modernization, big consumption potential and growing innovation prowess are three strong fundamentals that create a new China story for the world, he said. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of TCL, a Chinese manufacturing and tech company, who attended the CDF, said that in recent years, the Chinese economy has shown great resilience and vitality in the face of challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. As China's industrial and supply chain adjust to the new environment, its economy and market demand can be strong and sustainable. "TCL looks forward to having more cooperation with foreign enterprises in technology and trade, so as to jointly contribute to the high-quality development of China's economy and promote the expansion of domestic demand in the Chinese market." As the United Nations forecast that India is projected to surpass China as the most populous country this year, some experts worry China's advantages in manufacturing and its position in the global supply chains may diminish. But Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told China Daily: "China's strength right now is that it is on the cutting edge of many of the most important technology innovations for the future, including low-carbon energy solutions, electric vehicles, batteries, supply chains, artificial intelligence, high-speed trains and many other sectors. All of this will be very good for China's growth in the future." Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, many American women living in red states, like me, face several ongoing challenges. Thirteen states have passed bans on almost all abortions, and my home state of Missouri became the first to do so with a trigger law enacted immediately after the Supreme Courts June 2022 decision. Because of these challenges, I see real danger in Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert applauding the high teen birth rates in rural parts of the United States. She identifies these communities as places that value life, but Im curious as to how she defines life. Boebert and I must possess two differing definitions of that term. I must admit, there is much I admire about Rep. Boebert. She was a teen mom who dropped out of high school, but became a small business owner and got elected to office fighting for the voices of like-minded people. I recognize the need to elect more women to office. Boebert is praising teen birth rates because this proud conservative gun enthusiast is becoming a gigi herself at the age of 36. Her teenage son is expecting his first child in April. Im near 36, and nowhere near entering the grandmother phase of my life if my daughters even want children. Instead, Im attempting to send my oldest daughter, who is 8, to a nonreligious private school (which is difficult to find in rural southwest Missouri) to protect her from Republicans anti-public education agenda, while preparing my youngest daughter, who is 3, for preschool. In other words, although Boebert and I are the same age, we are at two different spots in our lives. Plus, she is the mother to four boys, and Im the mother of two daughters. My daughters futures are at a higher risk than her sons. Unlike Boebert, I gave birth to my children later on in life, but Im the daughter of a teen mom from the kind of rural area Boebert brags about. Trust me, my mother and I endured several challenging moments that made me question our quality of life. My mom tolerated community condemnation and several choices were made for her that affected her mental health. Story continues Heres the reality: Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education. That means many of these new parents live in poverty, and many low-income mothers do not take maternity leave because they cant afford to miss work. This results in a higher risk of postpartum depression, which puts those families at an elevated chance for infant and child abuse. My mother dropped out of high school. However, I did get to see her graduate with her bachelors degree when I was 14. We lived in poverty, surviving domestic violence. My mother worked hourly jobs, scarcely making enough to pay for the bare minimum to live. Part of the reasons rural areas experience a higher teen pregnancy rate include cultural norms coupled with the lack of access to education and resources. In fact, sex education is lacking in many rural areas, and in the limited education that is taught, the curriculum is often gender-focused: The girls are the responsible party. If a girl doesnt want to contract a sexually transmitted disease or suffer from a traumatic childbirth, she must refrain from sex until marriage. In my experiences as a former high school educator from a rural area, I worked with young women who didnt even know they were raped. I imagine Gigi Boebert will value her grandsons life, but his family is not the norm for most teen parents. I can imagine the Boeberts will purchase a gun as a birthday gift for the child before kindergarten, and this weapon will likely cost more than the average monthly rent for most low-income teen parents. Yes, rural areas suffer from higher teen pregnancy rates, but its a reflection of the discrimination of less access to high quality health care, higher rates of poverty and lack of resources, versus a community choosing and valuing life. Kayla Branstetter is a writer, artist and English instructor for Crowder College in Cassville , Missouri. Opening Day is nigh, and whats better for jacking up the hype on this Toronto Blue Jays squad than a handful of cheeky projections? Maybe none of these come true. Maybe they all do. Either way, lets have a good bit of fun before the 162-game drama begins. Here are five bold predictions for the 2023 Blue Jays season. Kevin Gausman beats Alek Manoah in AL Cy Young voting Gausman was exceptional last season. His 2.38 FIP led the AL, and if not for some tough batted-ball luck, hed have finished much higher than ninth in Cy Young voting. That will change in 2023, when the 32-year-old will get another opportunity to rise above the rest. This isnt a knock on Manoah hes a phenomenal pitcher but a testament to how flawlessly Gausman operates when the going is good. He set a career-low in walks last year (1.4 BB/9), and through four spring training starts (13.2 innings), hes allowed just eight hits and zero earned runs to go along with 18 strikeouts. Manoah deserves to be the Opening Day starter, but dont be surprised if Gausman cements himself as the Blue Jays ace by the All-Star break. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits 45 homers This is a big season for Guerrero. He raked in 2021, producing a 48-homer, 1.002 OPS season that made him a lock for AL MVP if not for the unstoppable baseball phenom that is Shohei Ohtani. A less productive showing last year saw Guerreros OPS drop to .818 and his dinger count tumble to 32. Tragic. Guerreros 52.3% groundball rate (league average is 50%) was unideal, but with what Ive seen from Vladdy this spring, Ill make a soft guarantee the power stroke returns. He put a lot of pressure on himself last year. Now, one year older, he can relax and understand he doesnt need to do it all. Guerrero, in body and spirit, was built for baseball. Forty-five home runs is chump change for a superstar slugger like him. Watch for him to blow the roof off the new-look Rogers Centre this season. Ricky Tiedemann debuts as a swingman, makes several starts The Blue Jays would obviously prefer to roll Tiedemann into the starting rotation at their own pace, probably sometime in 2024. But with Mitch White starting the season on the injured list, Torontos depth starting options are sparse, meaning the clubs top prospect could get the call early. Story continues Ill bet Tiedemann cracks the bigs sometime in July or August. Who knows how Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi will be performing by then. Maybe the rotation suffers an injury or two. At the very least, I think Tiedemann debuts this year as a long man out of the bullpen. If theres a spot for him in the rotation, then maybe he gets a handful of starting opportunities, and the club goes from there. Ricky Tiedemann is the top prospect in the Blue Jays' farm system. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Blue Jays ball out at trade deadline Its hard to say who the targets might be maybe its Bryan Reynolds or German Marquez but the Blue Jays will wheel and deal at the trade deadline with much more desperation than a season ago. In 2022, Torontos deadline haul was generally disappointing, though Zach Pop and Whit Merrifield are still set to contribute in 2023. This years trade period will force the Jays to be brasher, accepting an overpay for a rental who can improve the clubs World Series chances. Toronto has a few prospect chips to work with, too. Addison Bargers ascent makes him an ideal candidate to replace Matt Chapman in 2024, leaving Orelvis Martinez as a prime candidate to get dealt. Depending on how the industry views Martinez and where the Blue Jays are come August, we could see a real head-turner at the deadline. Blue Jays win AL East Fans arent supposed to cheer for injuries, though theres little doubt Blue Jays fans have been cackling at the New York Yankees predicament this spring. You couldve argued the Jays were primed to win the AL East before the injury bug nuked the Yanks starting rotation, but without Frankie Montas, Carlos Rodon, and now Luis Severino for the foreseeable future, New York is compromised. April now becomes a massive month for the Blue Jays, who went 14-8 in the first month last season. A red-hot start to the year puts Toronto in the drivers seat and lessens the pressure as the games trudge on. The Yankees took that strategy to an extreme with a 64-28 first-half record a year ago. Perhaps the Blue Jays find some watered-down first-half successes and ride an early division lead all the way to the postseason, helping them avoid that bedevilled AL wild-card series. The Modesto Police Departments IT network may have been the victim of a cyberattack three days before the city discovered the security breach. And while City Manager Joe Lopez told The Bee this week that there is no active threat, a ransomware group called snatch has posted on its website that it has Modestos data. A threat analyst with the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft reported the development Monday on Twitter. Speaking in general terms, the analyst, Brett Callow, said in an interview with The Bee that ransomware groups try to extort payments from their targets by threatening to release the data unless they are paid. But he said targets that pay have no guarantee the ransomware groups wont keep the data and try to extort another payment. He said ransomware groups also can demand payment to unlock the computer network they have hobbled. When asked Monday whether the hackers have demanded a ransom, Lopez said, Im not at the point of divulging that. When asked later the same day about the ransomware group snatch having Modestos data, city spokesman Andrew Gonzales referred to the citys March 2 statement, in which it acknowledged the Police Department had been hit by ransomware, and said the city would have no additional comment at this time. Callow said the snatch ransomware group formed in 2018. He said ransomware attackers collect data from a computer network they have breached and then deploy the malware that locks up the network. Thats when the organization knows it has a problem, he said. The city has said the departments network was compromised by a ransomware attack Feb. 3. But in a letter sent in early March to people whose personal information may have been accessed, the city said: On February 3, 2023, the City experienced a cybersecurity incident that affected some of its computer systems. Upon discovering the incident, we promptly took action ... . During the course of the investigation, the City learned that some data was accessed during the incident between January 31, 2023, and February 3, 2023. Story continues The letter went out under the signature of Lopez. When asked about the discrepancy in the dates in a Monday interview with Bee editors, Lopez said, The investigation is still ongoing. We will make public statements in the future. I dont feel comfortable sharing this information without consulting my legal team. The letter included the citys offer of one year of free credit monitoring services. Callow said there are two primary ways that bad actors gain access to a network, through a type of email called phishing and through servers connected to the internet without adequate security. A phishing email can have a link with malware software in it. The malware is activated when someone clicks on the link. Callow, again speaking in general terms, said hackers have released all kinds of sensitive information on the internet, including the names of law enforcement informants, investigations into child abuse allegations and personnel evaluations. He said organizations have a history of not being transparent regarding cyberattacks. There is no benefit to keeping these matters quiet, he said. Peoples personal data may have been compromised. Callow said he understands organizations cannot reveal everything because some details could be sensitive and related to the ongoing investigations, but they should make disclosures faster and more descriptive so people have an indication of what happened and may yet happen. MPD employees affected Lopez said Monday that the personal data that may have been accessed was limited mainly to city employees and almost entirely limited to Police Department employees. He said a small number of people who dont work for the city may have been affected, too. He could not say how many people may have had their data accessed but said there are no reports of personal information being misused. The cyberattack hobbled the Police Departments IT network. For instance, the laptops in patrol vehicles called mobile data computers did not work. That meant officers could not use them to check whether someones criminal history or whether he had any warrants. Officers also had to write reports and traffic tickets by hand. But Lopez repeated what the city has said previously that the cyberattack never put the public at risk or disrupted the citys ability to provide services, including responding to 911 calls. He said residents still were able to securely pay bills online. The city has said the cyberattack was limited to the Police Department. Officers relied on Stanislaus Regional 911 dispatchers for information they normally accessed on their laptops. The Police Department provided extra staffing at the dispatch center while its network was hobbled. Modesto acknowledged in a March 2 statement that the Police Department had been hit by ransomware and that personal information may have been accessed. The statement said the city was sending letters to people who may have been affected. We reviewed the files that were accessed for personal information, the letter states. On February 17, 2023, we determined that one or more documents involved in this incident may include some personally identifiable information such as your name, address, Social Security number, medical information included in work status reports, drivers license number, and/or state-issued identification number. Citing its ongoing investigation and security concerns, Modesto has been reluctant to release information. City names experts helping it It acknowledged Feb. 8 upon an inquiry from The Bee that it had recently detected suspicious activity on our digital network. Relying upon multiple sources with direct knowledge of the incident, and who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, The Bee published a story the next day that the Police Department was the victim of ransomware. Three weeks then passed before the city acknowledged that it was a ransomware attack Modesto has said it was working with leading cybersecurity experts and law enforcement on the breach. But until Friday, it did not release the names of the experts. The city said the cybersecurity firms are Virginia-based MoxFive and one its subcontractors, Illinois-based Entara. The city said in an email that MoxFives services include confirming backups are valid and usable and hardware reimaging and rebuilding to eliminate possible infection on servers, workstations and laptops. Modesto has not released the cost of using these firms or the law enforcement agencies assisting the city. The Bee has filed multiple California Public Records Act requests to obtain basic information about the security breach. The city has said because of the need to protect its investigation it is limited in what it can say. Were being as transparent as we can. Lopez said Monday. Were just getting to a point where what can be shared will be shared. There is no active threat going on right now. Bee local news editor Deke Farrow contributed to this report. As a style of dress, momcore dates back to a scene in the 2004 film Mean Girls, personified by Amy Poehlers cool mom, who had a penchant for pink velour and diamonds. Fast-forward two decades, and the TikToker known as Tinx along with other notable influencers like Chriselle Lim has rebranded cool mom as rich mom. Part spoof, part marketing ploy, the rich mom persona also owes a lot to franchises like The Real Housewives and Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which make motherhood and its outfitting a for-profit spectacle. But what started as a sketch or satirical cultural commentary has become problematic, mainly because, in 2023, notions of identity, privilege and motherhood arent really fodder for comedy. Plus, its hard to satire something with an amorphous definition. To get a better understanding of momcore, we spoke with fashion historians and stylists, all of whom are scratching their heads a bit as they come to terms with the sartorial notion of momcore. As fashion historian Claudia B. Manley, author of 2022s Fashion Writing: A Primer, put it, Momcore feels like a way to label something that doesnt really need a label. The Problematic Evolution Of Momcore According to Liv Schreiber, owner of the fashion marketing agency Brand Caffeine, the notion of momcore is hung up in stereotypes and has undergone a style overhaul over the past two decades, evolving from slumpy to effortless both problematic in their own ways. Manley noted that the current momcore trend seems isolated to a certain demographic. It seems that when it comes to momcore as a fashion trend, I mostly see white women talking about it. Many seem to be full-time moms or are mothers who are getting back to work. This is a pretty privileged position, which is not exclusive to white women but perhaps more often seen in that community, she told HuffPost. The rebranding of momcore in the mid 2010s did away with the notion of a mom letting herself go, according to Schreiber, justifying it with the fact that she went to Pilates while wearing an expensive sweatsuit. It evolved from the Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus-mom-[inspired] jeans and cardigan of the early aughts to todays influencers in the mom space, Schreiber explained. She referenced Larissa Mills, the viral 50-year-old TikToker described by WhoWhatWear as a perfector of elevated basics as emblematic of current momcore dressing. This catchall has little to do with actually being a mom, or the uniform used to perform motherhood, and more to do with making everyday outfits look chic. Story continues Fashion blogger turned designer Arielle Charnas is an example of the rich side of momcore. Fashion blogger turned designer Arielle Charnas is an example of the rich side of momcore. Back in the day, Feys cool mom look from Mean Girls exuded extravagance, but it was silly and meant to be a joke. The look stuck, however, and evolved over the years. Schreiber described momcores modernization in the mid 2010s as skinny jeans, heels, boob job, Botox and a tight ponytail. Look at someone like [Something Navy fashion blogger turned designer] Arielle Charnas, who belongs to Zero Bond [an exclusive members club] and struts down the Upper East Side in taupes and Chanel, she said. What Momcore Looks Like Today Today, momcore has less to do with any actual representation of motherhood, and more to do with looking rich, chic and cosmopolitan. Consider Christina Najjar, the TikTok star known as Tinx and creator of the Rich Mom brand. Najjar, who launched a line of Rich Mom sweatsuits last year and partners with all kinds of lifestyle brands from Golden Goose (what she calls the official Rich Mom sneaker) to Tabasco, is not even a mom. Being a mom nowadays doesnt mean having to give up your own style; it means not forgoing your identity because of your kids, rather embracing the two identities, together, Schreiber explained. But this melding of identities, at least when it comes to dressing, takes privilege and money. Manley said: Theres also a part of it that feels like its about style insecurity. There seems to be a need to make women who are mothers feel like its OK to dress in a way thats comfortable and easy to move in. A Better Type Of Momcore At its best, momcore is a style of dress that encourages ease of movement, as Manley outlined above. In this way, momcore is most relevant today. We just need moms to know that they make the world go round, no matter what they choose to show up as, Schreiber said, explaining that dressing moms is highly individual. Dressing moms is also dependent on the person Im styling; some want comfier shoes, others want stilettos to feel invigorated and unstoppable. Here, she underscores the major problem with momcore as a cultural touchstone. Because theres no one type of mom, no singular definition of motherhood, its problematic to assign it a uniform. But when we take the uniform out of momcore, and see it more as a style of dress that allows for easy movement, the term opens up. Beverly Osemwenkhae, a New York- and London-based style expert and the founder of ProjectBee Wardrobe Consulting, told HuffPost, When I think of the term momcore the first thing that comes to mind is comfort. Does it have stretch and can I move around in it? She went on to explain the nuances of momcore, which can mean just doing you. I think everyone just needs to wear clothing that makes them feel good, Osemwenkhae said. I dont necessarily believe moms need to dress differently from other women; its about understanding your body shape and finding the right pieces that work for you and your lifestyle. If youre a busy professional with young kids, it might be worth investing in clothing that can easily transition from work to evening to weekend. If youre a stay-at-home mom, consider more comfort and invest in athleisure wear. Finally, her understanding of momcore isnt necessarily tied to consumption. In fact, for Osemwenkhae, momcore is about rediscovering those parts of yourself that may have been overshadowed by motherhood. I help [moms] rediscover their wardrobe by physically shopping their closet, giving new life to old pieces by re-styling [their wardrobe], she said. Shedding the label of what a mom should dress like might signal the end of momcore as we know it or just redefine it with more acumen and cultural relevance. Related... In conjunction with the presentation of Bernard Williams Black Tractor Project, 2020, in the John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is bringing together several voices that reveal the realities and hardships Black farmers have faced over the last 100 years. On Friday, April 7, the MMFA will host a discussion and reception at the museum that delves into the experiences of Black farmers in Alabama. The public is invited from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to meet and hear from artist Bernard Williams and scholar Elijah Gaddis. Two individuals intimately involved in the farming industry John Williams and Albert Peter Datcher will also share their personal farming experiences in Alabama and their participation in the 1997 class-action lawsuit Pigford v. Glickman. Bernard Williams (American, born 1964), Black Tractor Project, 2020, EPS Foam, polyurethane, wood, steel, paint, and sound elements, At the center of Bernard Williams work and the discussion is Pigford v. Glickman, which proved the United States Department of Agriculture had systematically deprived African-American farmers of loans and other government assistance. The case is named for North Carolina farmer Timothy Pigford. According to USA Today, by 1990, Black farmers had lost 90 percent of an estimated 16 million acres of farmland they owned. In the same period, white farmers lost only 2 percent of their acreage. According to reports, the lawsuit resulted in an approximately $1 billion settlement in 1999. At the time, it was the largest settlement in history. Colloquially known as the Black farmers settlement, the funds were distributed among approximately 13,000 African-American families with proven connections to farmers who were summarily dispossessed of land and farming opportunities from 19811996. Most Black farmers who got payments received about $50,000 from it. "Not even enough to buy a good truck," said Louisiana farmer Wenceslaus "June" Provost told the Nashville Tennessean in 2022, speaking of the settlement payments. "Maybe an old, used truck, some utilities and a few credit card bills. But it didn't put a dent in our fertilizer bills or our chemical bills." Story continues According to blackfarmercase.com, more than 58,000 "late filers" did not have their discrimination cases heard. In 2010, an additional $1.25 billion settlement was funded by Congress ($100 million from the 2008 Farm Bill, plus an extra $1.15 billion from the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 signed into law by President Obama) for successful claims from Black farmers who weren't signed up in time for the initial 1999 settlement. These settlement payments were approved by 2013. MMFA Curator Jennifer Jankauskas says, Williams Black Tractor Project is a powerful symbol and monument to an important Civil Rights milestone, demonstrating both the recognition of a painful history and the attempt to correct it through reparations. The opportunity to meet with the artist and hear from those who participated in Pigford v. Glickman provides insights into the difficulties faced by many of the very people we rely on for our sustenance. About the Black Tractor project In 2016, artist Bernard Williams inherited a small amount of money from an uncle in Montgomery. A bittersweet form of reparations, the sum was one part of the settlement paid to Black farmers as a result of the Pigford v. Glickman class-action lawsuit. After contemplating how to memorialize this history, Williams created the Black Tractor in 2020 as a monument. It honors a particular history of farmers who have experienced dispossession at the hands of the United States Department of Agriculture and its subsidiaries while also signifying the broader struggle between Americas marginalized populations and their government, particularly in the fraught timelines of American labor and agricultural history. Williams combines this monument with graphic forms that refer more obliquely to the South, civil rights, and history. About the program participants Bernard Williams Bernard Williams: The artist is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He holds a BFA degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northwestern University in Evanston. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Maine, in 1987. Williams has taught art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 1991. Albert Peter Datcher Albert Peter Datcher: He is an Alabama farmer and family historian in the Cresswell community outside Harpersville. There, his family has farmed the same land for almost 200 years. His collection of family records, letters, photographs, and other materials are held at the Alabama Department of Archives and History and are one of the most complete accounts of an African American farming family in Alabama. Datcher was the first Black farmer since Reconstruction to have the honor of speaking to Congress twice in the 1970s as part of the American Agricultural Movement. Elijah Gaddis Elijah Gaddis: He is an assistant professor of history and African American Studies at Auburn University. His research and teaching interests are in African American material culture and landscape in the American South. Dr. Gaddis's first book Gruesome Looking Objects: A New History of Lynching and Everyday Things, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2022. John Williams John Williams: He was born in 1955 in Hope Hull and resides in Burkville, a short distance from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Williams retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2021 after 42 years of service in the natural resources area, operating as a park ranger. John is a relative of the artist and the son of Sellers Williams, who worked the land as a sharecropper in Hope Hull in the 1950s and Burkville until he died in 1973. If you go What: Meet the artist and Alabamians involved in the Black Farmers' Settlement When: Friday, April 7, 4-5:30 p.m. Where: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, One Museum Drive (in Blount Cultural Park) Admission: Free This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Black farming discussion April 7 at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Advertising of Wagner PMC in Moscow Read also: EU will sanction Russia if it deploys nukes in Belarus I think every nation has idiots, said Sakhashchyk. Belarus is no exception. We have information that more than 100 citizens of Belarus have already died (fighting for) the Wagner Group alone. Perhaps (others) are still participating in hostilities somewhere else. But in my opinion, this is a small percentage: maybe 3-5% maximum. According to Sakhashchyk, these are largely people who served in the army or other law enforcement agencies and "consider themselves serious fighters and struggle to find employment in civilian life." Read also: Russias plans to move nukes to Belarus further involves it in military machine Polands MFA Sakhashchyk noted that currently it is hard to earn even $300 a month in Belarus, making it relatively easy for Wagner to recruit fighters in the country. Read also: Belarusian opposition leader reacts to Putins plans to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus At the same time, there is a bunch of promotional material from Wagner, that everything is awesome over there, (you can have) real male bonding, how adventurous it is, and so on, he explained. Plus, they adopt all sorts of Russian grand ideas. And why not take advantage of that, when you can rise economically, have fun during the war, kill someone, rape? Yes, unfortunately, there are such people, but their number is clearly not large, nor is it decisive. Read also: Dykyi explains why Prigozhin decided to return Wagner PMC to Africa In June 2022, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya claimed that top political leadership has ordered the Belarusian army to invade Ukraine, but these orders did not make it down the chain of command to the line troops. She subsequently stated that 1,500 Belarusians were fighting on Ukraines side in the war. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A sunny and dry Monday across the Sacramento region gave way to yet another storm system overnight that is expected to further swell local rivers and reservoirs, soak a saturated valley floor and add to already-historic Sierra snowpack. The main story is a weak, atmospheric river storm that will bring significant mountain snow, and widespread, lower elevation rain, National Weather Service forecaster Courtney Carpenter said in her Monday morning briefing. Its not a huge amount, or a super wet system, Carpenter said. But given the fact that were saturated, well continue to see those issues with urban and small stream flooding, especially during any thunderstorms that pop up and the potential for additional mud and rock slides in the foothills because we are just very saturated at this point, she said. Anywhere from a quarter-inch to a half-inch of rain will fall in the northern San Joaquin Valley; 1 to 2 inches in the Sacramento region and as much as 3 inches in the Sierra foothills. Rain and gusty winds on the valley floor will mark this latest push, but the storm will still be strong enough to dump another heavy load of snow in the high country as much as 1 to 3 inches an hour as the main band of weather pushes east. Carpenter said she expects a foot or more of new snow across the higher elevations above 4,000 feet, and with it, Carpenter said, more accumulation resting on snow-weary homes and buildings across the mountain communities. Rivers, reservoirs monitored Its not as much precipitation as in the previous systems that have drenched the region, but Carpenter said its still enough to raise concerns and keep river and reservoir monitors on watch. Folsom Dam is at 66% capacity, at nearly 647,000 acre feet, at an elevation of about 464 feet. At Oroville Dam on the Sacramento River, storage levels have fallen, but the dam is still at 2.9 million acre feet, or 82% of capacity. Shasta Dam near Redding also was at 80% of capacity at 3.6 million acre feet on Monday. Bullards Bar Reservoir on the Yuba River near Dobbins in the Yuba County foothills was at 83% of its 966,000 acre-foot capacity, at about 806,200 acre feet, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Story continues North of Sacramento, the Tisdale Weir will reach monitor stage on Wednesday. Fremont Weir will hit monitor stage early Thursday, according to the California Nevada River Forecast Center. Parade of storms The region has been doused by 12 atmospheric river storms in three months. Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted drought measures but not saying the drought is over. It would be nice to have a governor say that the drought is over, Newsom said in a briefing beside flooded Yolo County wetlands. But unfortunately, complication requires nuance. The droughts long-term effects such as the need to replenish groundwater drawn during the severe drought will linger. Water management officials also must wrestle with toggling between keeping the reservoir water levels high for the summer and releasing water to prevent flooding, as more rain and a growing snow pack can threaten a saturated valley. Thats why eyes are once again on the Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar near Rancho Murieta. Its projected peak height of just above 7 feet at 3 a.m. Wednesday is solidly in monitor stage and well below the rivers 12-foot flood stage. Downstream at the McConnell monitoring station, the Cosumnes will rise sharply with Tuesdays storm from 30.8 feet Tuesday afternoon to an anticipated 37 feet at its 7 p.m. Wednesday peak. But the river will be just above the 36-foot monitor stage and below the 42 feet that signals flood stage. The Sacramento region and Northern California could, however, get some relief this weekend as a weaker system is expected to veer north into Oregon, forecasters say. A threat of severe weather will return to the North Texas forecast on Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Madi Gordon, a NWS meteorologist, said severe weather Thursday is expected to be north and west of Dallas-Fort Worth, but there is a chance the Metroplex could see some storms late in the day. According to Gordon, the primary threat for Thursday is hail. Fridays the better chance (for storms), Gordon said. A cold front moving through the area Friday could bring damaging winds and hail, according to Gordon. The area most likely to see storms Friday morning through early afternoon is along and north of Interstate 20. Storms along and east of the Interstate 35 corridor, including Dallas-Fort Worth, are possible in the late afternoon and evening, Gordon said. High temperatures on Saturday will be in the 70s, according to the NWS, but are expected to be in the 80s on Sunday. 3-Day Storm Outlook This map shows the 3-day weather outlook for storms by the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. Sources: National Weather Service, Esri. Open DENVILLE Five days after two students were arrested with a gun in their possession at Morris Knolls High School. Kathleen Nemerofsky stood before the Morris Hills Regional Board of Education. Her voice shook as she spoke about her daughter, a senior, and her son, a freshman, who are afraid to use the bathrooms, where she claims they are solicited to buy "crack cocaine and marijuana." The gun incident, which dominated public comment at the board's special meeting on Monday, compelled Nemerofsky to speak up. Her voice broke. "We need to do more. What is it going to take for the police department to be here more? Because, frankly, I'm afraid for my children." Morris Knolls is part of the Morris Hills Regional District, serving students from Denville and Rockaway Township. Five days after two students were arrested with a gun at Morris Knolls High School, parents, teachers and students speak out at a board of education meeting on March 27. Students, teachers and parents were among the speakers at the meeting, many of whom criticized the school administration for not calling a lockdown during the incident. "Think of Nashville today," said Nicole Denton, a teacher and president of the Morris Knolls Education Association, referring to the deadly shooting rampage on Monday at a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, where three 9-year-old students and three staffers were killed. "We cannot live in denial that bad things won't happen here. They did happen here, on three separate occasions." Denton was referring to previous incidents at Morris Knolls. One occurred Feb. 18, 2020, when police said two juvenile male students were arrested and charged with possession of a weapon after being discovered with a hunting knife in school. The investigation determined one student brought the knife to school and sold it to the second student. Another juvenile male student was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon Jan. 25, 2022, after being discovered with an unloaded Airsoft gun in school. Five days after two students were arrested with a gun at Morris Knolls High School, parents, teachers and students speak out at a board of education meeting on March 27. In both cases, there were no known threats made towards any staff or students, Denville police said. "I do not feel safe in this school anymore," student Madison Ridner told the board. "I don't feel safe just standing here. Every time the door opens, I look to check to see who's coming in." Story continues Anticipating the criticism, Acting Superintendant Nisha Zoeller opened the meeting with a statement that during the latest incident, the administration "followed all appropriate procedures and collaborated with the Denville Police Department in a joint response." Based on the "circumstances of the situation, and again with the advisement of the Denville Police Department, a lockdown was not called," Zoeller said. She also reviewed standard procedures that occur whenever local law enforcement is involved in a school-related incident. "From the moment any incident becomes a police matter, the police become the lead agency and school personnel take on a support role," Zoeller said. Many of the speakers called for the installation of metal detectors in the school, drawing applause from the nearly 100 people in attendance. Others continued to criticize administrators for not calling a lockdown. "I'm wondering why there was no lockdown," Redner said. "We've practiced since we were in kindergarten and we all know what to do." Zoeller and Denton both praised a staff member who alerted authorities when he observed the two students in a bathroom. Dover election:Dover mayor's race heats up with three Democrats vying to unseat Blackman Teacher Kevin Kane said he was told "possession of the gun was exchanged in one of the bathrooms while classes were in session." "School administration was alerted to the peculiar nature of the situation by an attentive staff member who, once alerted that the student returned to class with a package that was not in the student's possession when they had left, school administration began their investigation," Kane said. "For some time, unaware students and staff were in a classroom where a gun was secreted." "There was no lockdown or modified lockdown that took place despite no one except the participants knowing what transpired in the bathroom," Kane continued. "When the student was taken into custody by the Denville police, they were escorted through the halls in front of students and staff. Students all across the school knew almost immediately that there was an arrest, yet there was no message from the administration about what had happened." An email blast was finally sent out at 2:24 p.m., according to Kane. Zoeller said due to the ongoing investigation, the board could not release any more information, but would do so in the coming days or weeks. "We intend to debrief with law enforcement and any other relevant parties to review our protocols and our security plan in order to make any needed changes to ensure the safety of our district community," Zoeller said. That assurance wasn't enough for Kane. "Friday morning [after the incident] was the first time that I really wasn't sure that I wanted to go to the school," he said. "I'm actually more uncomfortable [now] than when I came in on Friday." This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris Knolls gun arrest: Students, teachers, parents afraid Sputnik/Alexei Babushkin/Kremlin via Reuters Two prominent supporters of Vladimir Putin have been accused of calling the Russian president Satan and a dwarf in a leaked phone conversation that has erupted into a full-blown scandal. The 35-minute phone call, shared by Ukraines Channel Five, allegedly features Russian oligarch and former senator Farkhad Akhmedov and prominent Moscow music producer Iosif Prigozhin delving into a profanity-laced tirade against Putin and his inner circle. The Russian government has fucked us, our children, their future, their destiny, Akhmedov allegedly said in the leaked call, referring to the Kremlins handling of the war in Ukraine, according to Meduza. Hes Satan, he goes on to say of Putin in the phone call, which reportedly took place on Jan. 24. A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to criticizing the Russian president and other members of the Kremlin elite for allegedly using Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as a scapegoat for Moscows failures in the war on Ukraine. Russian music producer Iosif Prigozhin (L) stands alongside singer Valeriya at a meeting of the initiative group to nominate Vladimir Putin as a candidate in the 2018 presidential election in Moscow, in 2017. Sergei Karpukhin via Reuters They call Shoigu a dumbass, behind his back, of course, Prigozhin allegedly complained on the call. They are the dumbest people. My opinion is simple: they act like kings, like fucking gods. They are finished creatures... I cant say anything good about them. They are scumbags, damn it. These are cockroaches, damn it, in a glass, they are already nibbling each other, Akhmedov added. They will destroy one, then they will devour each other, they will seize the throat there. They will drown each other. Though Prigozhin initially claimed the recording was fake in a video messagesuggesting it was the product of neural networks that allow you to make miracleshe later admitted that at least some of the phases heard on the tape were real. The recording is a symbiosis of spoken phrases, and those that were generated and never uttered, Prigozhin said this in a seemingly panicked interview with the St. Petersburg edition of Fontanka, adding that he doesnt remember the conversation but that the this whole story is extremely unpleasant for him. Story continues An unnamed source in Russias FSB security agency has allegedly confirmed the authenticity of the tape, telling iStories that the FSB leadership recently held a meeting and instructed subordinates to take action on the scandal. Mass Backstabbing Spree Over Putins War Sweeps Russia Akhmedov, a billionaire, was sanctioned by the European Union in April last year as a close ally to the Kremlin and a leading businessperson involved in economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the government of the Russian Federation. Hes famously desperate to get his $460 million yacht back after it was frozen in a German port, even attempting to distance himself from Putin to meet that end. Prigozhin, the famous music producer, has been a longtime supporter of the Russian presidentat least publicly. Im in shock now and dont understand how to live with this shit, he said in his interview with Fontanka after the scandal broke out, in which he described Putin as a planetary figure. 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. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, said technologies such as ChatGPT have brought challenges to education and ChatGPT is only the beginning of the AI era. Ma made the remarks while visiting Yungu School, a private school he founded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Monday, the school said in an online post. Ma said human beings need to use AI to solve problems, rather than being controlled by AI. Human brawn and brains may not match those of machines, but machines only have chips, while humans have "heart", Ma said. Ma said while the industrial era is knowledge-driven and characterized by knowledge-focused competition, the digital era is driven by wisdom and competition in creativity and imagination, as well as competition for leadership, accountability, responsibility and independent thinking. LAKELAND The 49th annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is getting underway at Lakeland Linder International Airport. It officially takes place Tuesday through Sunday. Aviation enthusiasts from across the country are flying in for the weeklong event. On Monday, The Ledger caught up with some of the pilots and owners who were flying in to talk about their unique aircraft: U.S. Army Warrant Officer Roger Wilson shows off an MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft at the 49th annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo at the Lakeland Linder International Airport on Monday. U.S. Army, MQ-1C Gray Eagle U.S. Army Warrant Officer Roger Wilson, out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, was answering questions about the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, an unmanned aircraft that serves as the nation's primary intelligence reconnaissance aircraft. It is the Army's version of the MQ-1 Predator, a predecessor of the U.S. drone that recently crashed into the Black Sea. "What will happen [is] a ground force commander will have intelligence requirements and task out an asset like this to go out into an area of operations and provide him with a better picture of what's happening on the ground," Wilson said. He said the unmanned aircraft which he was careful to avoid calling a drone is equipped with video, radar and other information-collection methods. "This is the commander's primary eyes on the battlefield, beyond what he can see organically," he said. Wilson said the unmanned craft can be used to survey anywhere from a singular building to an entire city depending on the commander's needs for a particular mission. The aircraft is primarily used within warzones as a combat aircraft, as it is not allowed to be flown in national airspace because of Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Most of the unit's orders and tasks come directly from the Pentagon. Wilson estimated there are about 100 MQ-1C Gray Eagles in use, based on the number of U.S. Army intelligence units. It is capable of carrying up to four Hellfire missiles, precision air-to-ground weapons, two on each side. Steve Henry of Nampa, Idaho, competes in short takeoff and landing competitions and aerial drag races in his Highlander. Steve Henry, 2022 Highlander made by Just Aircraft Steve Henry, owner of Wild West Aircraft, is constantly tweaking and customizing his Highlander made by Just Aircraft. It's important so he can stay on top of his Short Take Off and Landing, or STOL, competitions and drag races. Story continues "It's the most fun you can have in an airplane," he said. Henry, a resident of Nampa, Idaho, traveled across the world in 2022 testing his skills and the plane's functionality at more than a dozen STOL competitions. "We had as close as you could to a perfect season last year," he said. In the first competition of the 2023 National STOL series in Jennings, Louisiana, Henry said he won first place with a 13-foot take off and 22-foot landing. He is signed up to compete in Lakeland's STOL competition at Sun 'n Fun. Several features of the Highlander make it "perfectly equipped" for STOL. Henry said the plane has a powerful Yamaha with a large 92-inch, four blade propeller. The wings of the plane have slats on them to quickly slow the craft down to land. There's an "experimental" switch out to smaller tires with dramatically deep treads that Henry said he thinks will grip the grass for a quicker landing. To imagine STOL drag racing, he said two planes are in parallel lanes around 2,000 feet long. The pilots must take off side by side when the light turns green, fly past the 2,000 feet mark and safely land as quickly as possible. Competitors must maintain control of their plane while making a quick turn and fly back down their lane. "I can get going pretty fast, up to 130 mph in 8 seconds," he said. "Just like a rocket." Those interested in seeing the STOL drag races can catch a glimpse on Henry's Instagram account @wildweststeve. Wayne and Melody Mauro and their dog, Matilda, flew into Sun 'n Fun on Monday in their 1986 Socata Epsilon French military trainer. Wayne and Melody Mauro, with Matilda, in Socota TB 30 Epsilon Wayne Mauro flew in from Melbourne Beach with his wife, Melody, and "co-pilot" Matilda to have some fun and do some business at the 49th annual Sun 'n Fun. The pair of snowbirds arrived in a Socota TB 30 Epsilon on Monday afternoon. Mauro said the plan is a lightweight French military trainer that was used from 1986 through 2002. The tandem two-seat aircraft was used by the French Air Force and shared with some of its partnering countries in Africa. There were roughly 140 Epsilons made, according to Mauro. Some saw combat in Africa with additional hard points and gun pods added. This particular plane was imported to the United States under a previous owner. Mauro said he became the aircraft's caretaker roughly three years ago. "I'm still pinching myself," he said. Blue Angels, Top Gun and moreYour Guide to the 2023 Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo Doubling down on education2023 Sun 'n Fun to launch new youth program, extend Career Fair What's new at Sun 'n FunFrom improved night life and shows, to a touch of The Islands Zach McNeill is chief pilot with American Honor Foundation, which restores old warbirds. His organization has several old helicopters at Sun 'n Fun, including this AH-1G Cobra helicopter. Zach McNeill, American Honor Foundation, with AH-1G Cobra helicopter Zach McNeill, a U.S. Navy veteran and chief pilot of American Honor Foundation, walked among the four military helicopters the Florida-based nonprofit brought to showcase at Sun 'n Fun this year. "What we do is we find, purchase, restore and maintain American warbirds," McNeill said. The organization brought three helicopters from its Vietnam collection: a Bell AH-1G Cobra, a U.S. Army OH-6A Loach and a Bell UH-1 Iroquois "Huey." These planes have been used extensively in combat, McNeill said. The Cobra was shot down twice, the Huey four times and the Loach six times. All the planes can be flown today. "They are war veterans," he said. "It gives you an idea how reliable these things are." The 501c3 foundation also has the oldest flying Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter in the world on display at the expo, McNeill said. On Tuesday, there will a shiny North American F-86 Sabre jet McNeill will fly in addition to the display. His hope is one of these warbirds can win the title of Grand Champion among the aircraft entered into Sun 'n Fun's judged show, earning some recognition for the American Honor Foundation. The nonprofit's goal is to find veterans who have flown these planes in combat and offer them the chance fly the aircraft once again, McNeill said. Its headquarters are under construction at Jumbolair in Ocala. "They are the most unassuming people. they come walking up saying, 'Oh, I flew that in the war,'" he said. "Come here on this day and you can go fly it. They are floored and can't believe it." McNeill hopes this helps other veterans heal and better recover from what can be a traumatic and difficult service experience. "We are not a psychology organization, but we are trying to help them relive the positive and deal with the negative," he said. Bob Graves, of Columbus, Indiana, with his Nanchang CJ-6 at Sun 'n Fun. Graves said it's patterned after the Russian Yak-18. Bob Graves, Nanchang CJ-6 Bob Graves of Columbus, Indiana, arrived at Sun 'n Fun in his Nanchang CJ-6. It has "The Red Dragons" emblazoned on its nose as a nod to its Chinese heritage. Onlookers can easily notice the lightweight trainer plane is labeled in Russian, as the aircraft was built based on the Russian Yak-18. While the two may appear similar at first, Graves said there are several small difference in the two planes. One that's easily spotted by a casual onlooker is how the CJ-6 has dihedral wings, that form a subtle "V" shape rather than being flat. "It makes the plane more aerodynamically stable," he said. Graves, a retired American Airlines pilot, said he bought his first plane about 9 years ago. What interested him in the CJ-6 was its unique features. "It's a challenge and an entirely different flying experience from what I've done before," he said. Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Pilots and unmanned aircraft arrive in Lakeland for Sun 'n Fun Three students and three adult staff members were shot and killed at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday. @MNPDNashville on twitter Police said the suspect in The Covenant School Shooting was a 28-year-old female. While most mass shooters are men, a psychologist said not to let statistics "blind you to real threats." This "tells us not to get too cocky about what we know and be respectful of what we don't know," he said. The vast majority of mass shootings in the US are carried out by men, but the elementary school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday shows that statistics do not always tell the whole story and instead, the focus should be on solutions. Police have identified the suspect in The Covenant School shooting as a 28-year-old female. Nashville police initially said the shooter was transgender but on Monday said the term "may have been used prematurely," as there was no change to the shooter's license plate or legal name. A police spokesperson added that authorites could not confirm the shooter's gender identity. Social media accounts that appear to link to the shooter used he/him pronouns and a male name was written on one of the guns recovered at the scene. Guidance from the Trans Journalists Association encourages reporters not to make assumptions about a person's gender identity or presentation. Still, it is highly unusual for a school shooter to not be a cisgender man. According to a database maintained by The Violence Project, 98% of mass public shootings carried out in the US since 1966 were committed by men. The Violence Project defines a mass shooting as a "multiple homicide incident in which four or more victims are murdered with firearms," at least partially in a public location, and that is unrelated to another underlying criminal activity, in accordance with the Congressional Research Service. The Violence Project, which has not yet been updated with Monday's shooting, said that 100% of K-12 mass school shootings included in their database had been carried out by men. "Statistics are really useful, but you have to be careful with the application of a statistic to an individual," Joel Dvoskin, a clinical and forensic psychologist who is also a professor at the University of Arizona, told Insider. Story continues Dvoskin explained it's important to remember that just because a man is far more likely to commit a school shooting, or any violent crime, that doesn't preclude women from doing so. He also noted that the number of violent crimes committed by women has actually increased in recent decades. "Any stereotypes, you just have to be really cautious about, because they blind you to real threats," he said. For instance, if a woman shows troubling warning signs, a loved one may be less likely to seriously consider that they could pose a threat to others. Robert Jordan, the cofounder of Protecting Our Students, said in an email to Insider that he hoped female mass shooters were not "becoming a pattern or trend," noting that only four out of the last few decades had been women. "It is essential to emphasize the need for solutions to prevent these types of tragedies from happening. This includes a multi-faceted approach addressing issues such as mental health, gun control, and the broader cultural and societal factors contributing to violence," Jordan said, noting his organization's efforts to eliminate active shooters in schools. As for why men are more likely to commit a mass shooting, Dvoskin said the answer is complicated and almost certainly a combination of factors, including genetics, testosterone, culture, and a society in which guns have been depicted in media as a way to feel strong and powerful. But there's not any one reason, he said, adding: "Violence is essentially the result of an accumulation of stressors and a lack of resilience or strategies to handle severe stress." Mark Bryant, Executive Director of Gun Violence Archive, told Insider's Rebecca Cohen that men may also be more likely to view a gun as a tool, adding that boys are more likely to have had experience with guns from a young age than girls are. Whatever the reason, Dvoskin said the Nashville shooting once again tells us to "be respectful of what we don't know." Read the original article on Insider Spring and summer are prime time for farmers markets. Tarrant County residents frequent farmers markets for the variety and quality of produce, meats, eggs, artisan prepared foods and handmade products. Youll get the freshest produce while also supporting small local farmers. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your shopping experience. In 2018, the Keller Farmers Market will have different hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will go three weeks longer, finishing the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The new site, Bear Creek Park, will be able to host about 40 to 45 vendors comfortably. Tips for picking out produce Ask the farmer or vendor, says Jack Morehead of Farmers Market of Grapevine . Knowledgeable staff at farmers market can help customers get the very best produce there is to offer. Just ask questions. Get there early, recommends Amanda Coleman of The Clearfork Farmers Market . A lot of the vendors sell out quickly, within the first few hours of the market opening. Embrace imperfections, says Collin Knight of Roanoke Farmers Market . You wouldnt normally see imperfect produce in the grocery store, but you do at the farmers market. Dont be afraid to try wonky-looking fruits and vegetables. Their appearance doesnt mean they taste bad. And be open to trying new produce: Some vendors sell more exotic produce that you might not be used to, but theyre worth trying. Do the smell test, suggests Jennifer Savage Hurley of Arlington Foodies Farmers Market. Sniffing the produce can help you tell if its fresh. Look for bruising; if theres too much bruising, its been around for too long. Tips for saving money Here are some tips from Frisco Fresh Market and Texas Farmers Market for shopping at a farmers market on a budget. Bring your own bags: When you take your own bag to the farmers market, you dont have to buy a bag at the market, which can be pricey. Specialty bags built to keep produce fresh cost more than a regular bag. Compare prices before buying: Ask vendors how much their product costs, then compare prices to find the best deal. Bring cash: Bring cash to avoid paying credit card fees. Most markets have a minimum purchase amount to use a credit card. Paying with cash also helps you keep track of your spending. Eat before you go: That will help you resist buying too many snacks and save money while shopping at the farmers market. Have a plan: Plan your shopping list beforehand and shop what is in season. Buy what you know your family will eat. Look for discounts: There are deals at farmers markets when foods are on their way out of season, its a special holiday or there is damaged produce that needs to go. Shop later: While theres a broader selection if you go early, you may find bargains if you go end-of-day. You may find some of the best deals just before closing time because vendors dont want to take their merchandise back home. Story continues Whats in season at farmers markets this spring? These are the fruits and vegetables that are in-season this spring in Texas, according to the University of Texas at Austin Nutrition Institute. For more details about what produce is in season each month in Texas, explore the Texas Department of Agricultures seasonality wheel. Roanoke Farmers Market The mother of a Jacksonville man who died after a fight inside a local Dave & Busters is now suing the company. Action News Jax told you about the fight that killed Thony Roy, 28, in late January. Roy was an employee at Dave and Busters on the Southside. Police say he was attacked by co-worker Cordell Bentley Russell, 34. The fight landed Roy in the hospital, where he died five days later. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Roys mother filed a wrongful death complaint against Russell, Dave & Busters, the security company and others for negligence and the wrongful death of her son. Russell appeared in court on Tuesday. In February, he pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Read the suit filed by Roys mother below: Thony Roy's mother files wrongful death lawsuit by ActionNewsJax on Scribd [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Vyacheslav Boguslayev Instead of supplying the Ukrainian government with Motor Sich helicopters after a formal request in April 2022, Boguslayev ordered company employees to dismantle the craft. It is believed that he ordered the helicopter blades to be removed and hidden. Read also: Recently nationalized Motor Sich and Ukrnafta to work for national defense, Ukrainian PM says The Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate had asked Motor Sich to use an MI-2 helicopter for combat missions at the front, said Ukraines SBU security service. Boguslayev also ordered that the helicopters technical documentation be hidden so that pilots could not get behind the wheel, said the PGO. Boguslayev was charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations (Article 1141 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). www.gp.gov.ua The head of Motor Sichs Department of Foreign Economic Activities developed a scheme for the supply of spare parts for the aircrafts engines to come from the Snizhne Machine Building Plant, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, said the PGO. To bypass restrictions, Motor Sich used foreign companies to supply raw materials in the form of blanks to the Snizhne plant, said the PGO. In return, Motor Sich received the spare parts for the aircraft engines. www.gp.gov.ua Thus, he (Boguslayev) contributed to the activities of the DPR (Donetsk Peoples Republic) terrorist organization, prosecutors said. He paid funds in its favor, so-called taxes, and customs payments. Read also: Motor Sich President Boguslaev cooperated with DPR terrorists, SBU says He has been charged with facilitating the activities of a terrorist organization (Article 2583 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The investigation into Boguslayevs activities is ongoing on the following charges: collaborative activities assistance to the aggressor state obstructing the legal activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military formations facilitating the activities of a terrorist organization (Article 1111, Article 1112, Article 1141, Article 2583 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) Story continues An investigation is also underway on the head of the Motor Sichs Department of Foreign Economic Activities for aiding the aggressor state and a terrorist organization (Article 1112, Article 2583 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). NV reported on Oct. 22, 2022, that the SBU detained the honorary president of Motor Sich and former Party of Regions MP Vyacheslav Boguslayev in connection with the case of the companys illegal supply of military products for Russian attack aircraft. Read also: Motor Sich head Boguslayev charged with treason and working for Russia. Who is he? Boguslayev has been a Russian citizen since 2000, RFE/RLs Skhemy investigative project discovered. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Mount Mary Universitys incoming president, Isabelle Cherney, left, is fitted for her evening dress by designer Shoua Xiong, center, who gets input from Elena Pitts, assistant professor from the university. Cherney will wear the evening dress for the reception on the day of her inauguration. Since graduating from the university in 2020, Xiong has been teaching flat pattern-making at Mount Mary University and working in bridal alterations at Evas Bridal. Fashion design students at Mount Mary University are taught to always listen to the customer. In the case of a recent assignment, their client was a bit unusual: the new college president. Isabelle Cherney took the helm of the Catholic women's school last summer, but her formal inauguration ceremony is Friday. Months ahead of the big day, she asked the fashion department if a student could design a dress for her. The idea evolved into a competition, with students and recent alumna in one of the school's largest programs battling to win the coveted project. "I knew we have an outstanding department, and I thought what a great way to highlight Mount Mary because, you know, inauguration isnt about me," Cherney said. "Its about what Mount Mary has to offer and to showcase what our students do." Cherney doesn't consider herself a fashionista at all take a peek in her closet. Mount Mary assistant professor Elena Pitts did, taking photos of the suits, sweaters and dresses that make up Cherney's wardrobe. She shared the photos with the students to use as their inspiration. The designers also interviewed their client to get a sense of who she is: What's your favorite dress you've ever worn? Is your style more Audrey or Katherine Hepburn? What necklines do you prefer? Sleeves? Would you rather dress like Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama? Cherney's style is classic and understated, almost European, which makes sense because she was born in Switzerland. The social scientist gravitates toward neutrals with dark blues and reds thrown into the mix. She likes wearing scarves for a pop of print but otherwise prefers solid colors. New president picks two designs Five finalists shared sketches and presented their mood boards to Cherney last fall. She consulted with Pitts, department chair Ashley Brooks and dress designer Donna Ricco, an alumna who became famous in 2008 for her $148 dress worn by Michelle Obama on the campaign trail. Ricco now works part time as an executive fellow in the department. Story continues Designer Shoua Xiong put together this story board as part of her work in designing the evening dress Mount Mary University President Isabelle Cherney will wear for her reception on the day of her March 31 inauguration. Cherney struggled to pick one design. So she picked two. For the ceremony, Cherney will wear a sleeveless sheath dress under an asymmetrical cropped jacket, both in cobalt blue. It's the first custom design by Gigi Wagener, who graduated last spring. Cherney will change into a long silk skirt and and suit jacket for the evening reception. Shoua Xiong, a 2020 graduate, initially designed the look as a dress. Cherney asked for it to be turned into separates, a suggestion that actually made the construction process easier. Listen to your client. Wagener was listening, too. She had the idea to add pockets to her dress, figuring the president will want a place to put her cell phone. Mount Mary serves nontraditional student body In Cherney's nine months on the job so far, she's identified reducing time-to-degree as her top priority. It's a challenge when the student body is unlike most other four-year campuses. More than half of the students are considered low income, and two-thirds are students of color. "They come from little means," she said. "So it's about finding the means. It's scholarships. It's fundraising." Offering financial support can be the difference between a student dropping out or earning a degree. Wagener's design degree was decades in the making. Her dad died when she was 10, and the family struggled to make ends meet. To save money, Wagener and her sister spent summers sewing tops they'd wear the following school year. They learned from their mom and grandma, both of whom were seamstresses. From a reflection in a mirror, Mount Mary University President Isabelle Cherney, center, enjoys a light moment while being fitted for her silk dupioni sheath dress and jacket with crystal buttons with designer Gigi Wagener, right, while assistant professor Elena Pitts watches the fitting. Cherney will wear the dress for a Mass and inauguration on March 31. When Wagener was in high school, her mom didn't want her to pursue fashion in college. Wagener never knew why. She enrolled at Mount Mary University in 1998 and later dropped out when she became a mom. But in 2016, before Wagener's mom died, she urged her daughter to go back and finish her design degree. That following year, Wagener re-enrolled. Xiong's path also included a break in her studies because of kids. She now teaches pattern-making at Mount Mary, does alterations at Eva's Bridal and manages her own clothing line. The opportunity to design for Mount Mary's new president was "an honor," Wagener said. Cherney was nice, funny and easy to talk to during fittings. Cherney's a good sport, too. She's already volunteered to wear her custom creations to the school's annual student-run fashion show this spring. But she won't be there as a spectator. Look for her on the runway, modeling from head to toe, in what's believed to be a first for a Mount Mary president. Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyMeyerhofer. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mount Mary University president holds contest for her dress design John Belfield was being sought by police on suspicion of the murder of Thomas Campbell A man wanted on suspicion of murdering a 38-year-old who was found dead in his home has been arrested in South America. Thomas Campbell's body was discovered by officers in the Mossley area of Tameside, Greater Manchester on 3 July. John Belfield, 28, was arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences in Suriname on Thursday, police said. Officers said they would work with international partners to bring him back to Manchester to face questioning. Mr Campbell's body was found by a neighbour at his home on Riverside. Police believe he was fatally assaulted the previous night and died from the injuries he sustained. Greater Manchester Police said it had been searching for Mr Belfield since August. Three people - including Mr Campbell's ex-wife - were previously jailed for their role in his killing. The Attorney General's office said it had been asked to review the case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Det Ch Insp Liz Hopkinson said: "The news of Belfield's arrest is an important development in our investigation, we will be working with international law enforcement agencies to bring Belfield back to Manchester and continue in our pursuit to find answers for Thomas' family." Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk (Bloomberg) -- Myanmars military government dissolved the National League for Democracy, the pro-democracy party of Aung San Suu Kyi, after it failed to register as a political entity for upcoming elections. Most Read from Bloomberg The Union Election Commission said on Tuesday 63 political parties, including 50 existing parties, have applied for registration to compete in the general elections the military is planning. The NLD was among 40 parties that failed to submit an application within the 60-day deadline required under a new law. The commission said it will continue to accept applications for establishment of new parties, without elaborating. The new law, enacted Jan. 26, allows for automatic disqualification of a party from an election and dissolution if it fails to register. Political organizations had until Tuesday to list their names with the poll panel. Major General Zaw Min Tun, lead spokesman for the ruling State Administration Council, was earlier quoted by the state broadcaster saying that all existing parties must comply with the law. The NLDs Central Working Committee said in a statement posted on Facebook that it had unanimously decided to boycott the juntas elections. It called for the immediate release of its top leaders including Suu Kyi and former President Win Myint. Myanmars military regime has been unable to stabilize the country since seizing power in a 2021 coup. It has struggled to combat a faltering economy and is also contending with a reinvigorated civil conflict with ethnic armed groups, which its now fighting on multiple fronts. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing justified the military takeover by alleging widespread fraud in a November 2020 election, in which Suu Kyis party won more than 80% of available seats. Independent election monitors found no major irregularities. Story continues The military had planned to hold elections by August this year, but the date became unpredictable after emergency rule was extended by another six months. Still, Min Aung Hlaing recently reiterated his pledge to hold general elections at a parade in Naypyidaw. The planned election has been dismissed as a sham by the United Nations and the US. Japans foreign ministry on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the NLDs dissolution, which spokeswoman Hikariko Ono said would make it even more difficult to improve the situation. The US and its European allies have, meanwhile, pursued several rounds of sanctions against the regime, including targeting the juntas aviation fuel supply. The US is further weighing sanctions against the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in a bid to choke funding, people with direct knowledge of the matter recently said. --With assistance from Philip J. Heijmans and Isabel Reynolds. (Updates with more context from the fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A foot washed up on Petone Beach and was discovered on Saturday morning. Paul Mclaughlin / EyeEm A severed human foot was found in a shoe on Saturday at a beach in New Zealand. Police said they conducted a land and water search on the beach, but found nothing else. Feet in sneakers have been washing up on beaches in Canada and the US in recent years. The New Zealand police are investigating a lone shoe that washed up on a beach with a human foot still inside of it. The shoe was found by a person walking on Petone Beach in the Wellington area on Saturday morning, Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Williamson said, per The New Zealand Herald. Police are not treating the investigation as a homicide, and are still conducting early-stage probes and fact-finding, Williamson said, per the local media outlet Stuff. "Police completed a land and water search around the area the shoe was located. Nothing further was located," the New Zealand police told Insider in a statement. "Formal identification of the foot will take place in due course," the police added. Residents told local media they were stunned by the discovery. "We bring our kids down here," a woman named Julie told Radio New Zealand when interviewed at the beach. "You're not sure if you're going to find the other one." "We usually go for a beach walk every day and for some reason, we didn't this morning," Alfred Memelink, the owner of a local art gallery near the coast, told The New Zealand Herald. "What went through my mind was that it easily could have been us who came across it, and it would have been pretty gruesome." More than a dozen human feet have washed up in the Canadian province of British Columbia and the state of Washington since 2007. Many of them were found in sneakers, like a Nike running shoe found in West Vancouver. Karan Raj, a UK National Health Service surgeon, explained the phenomenon in 2021 in a viral TikTok video. Feet tend to wash up on beaches because they are often severed when ocean floor scavengers feed on human corpses, according to Raj. Story continues "When a human corpse falls to the ocean floor, it's quickly set upon by scavengers," said Raj. "These scavengers are lazy feeders and prefer to tackle the softer parts of the body than the tough, grisly bits." When sea creatures chew on tissues and ligaments around the ankles of a corpse, the body's feet become detached quickly, and are buoyed to the surface by the sneakers attached to them, Raj said. Raj added that these feet might be bobbing to the surface more often because of changes in the way sneakers are designed. "Over the last few decades shoes have become more buoyant, as a result, we could be seeing more severed feet wash up on our shores," he added. Read the original article on Insider North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un called for his country to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials" and build more powerful weapons, state media reported Tuesday. Kim's latest threat, a doubling-down on an earlier promise to ramp up nuke production "exponentially", came ahead of a US Navy carrier strike group's scheduled arrival in South Korea Tuesday. Kim was briefed by officials from the country's nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, and said that North Korea should prepare to use its nukes "anytime and anywhere". He called on officials to "expand on a far-sighted way the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials for thoroughly implementing the plan... on increasing nuclear arsenals exponentially." Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons", KCNA added. When North Korea has "flawlessly" prepared its nuclear weapons systems then "the enemy would fear us and not dare provoke our state sovereignty, system and people", Kim said, according to the report. North Korea last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and Kim recently called for an "exponential" increase in weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons. The country is also seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms for its nuclear weapons, and on Tuesday claimed to have conducted a second successful test of its purported underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the new weapon called Haeil -- which means tsunami in Korean -- was carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in scale in five years. The new weapon manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before exploding a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, KCNA said in a separate report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", the KCNA report said. Story continues Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon -- the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo -- but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report. kjk/ceb/qan Photo taken on Feb. 25, 2022 shows Yangtze sturgeons at a breeding base for rare fishes in the Three Gorges Reservoir in southwest China's Chongqing. [Photo/Xinhua] China has just made a major breakthrough in the protection of the Yangtze sturgeon, an endangered species under first-class national protection, with a recent test showing that the rare fish can reproduce naturally in the wild. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday said that the natural ovulation and fertilization of Yangtze sturgeon had been captured by underwater cameras during a test last week, and that the eggs hatched into seedlings on Friday. The test was launched in July 2022 in a tributary of the Yangtze in Jiang'an County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. On March 19, 20 sexually mature sturgeon, 10 males and 10 females, were placed into net cages that have been monitored around the clock. The success of the test has proved that mature individuals in the artificial Yangtze sturgeon population have the ability to reproduce in the wild. This lays the foundation for the full restoration of the species' natural reproduction in the river. Yangtze sturgeon lost their natural ability to reproduce in 2000 due to overfishing and water pollution, among other factors. The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the species extinct in the wild in July last year. With this latest breakthrough, the ministry has said that further efforts will be made to expand the natural reproduction test, increase the species' population in the wild, and restore their habitat in the hopes of forming a self-sustaining natural population at an early date. Leader Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials", state media said Tuesday, as Pyongyang unveiled what appeared to be a new, smaller tactical nuclear warhead. Kim was shown in state media images surrounded by uniformed generals inspecting a row of compact green warheads identified as the "Hwasan-31", which means volcano in Korean. The North has long sought the technology to "miniaturise" a nuclear warhead allowing it to be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles to threaten the United States. Diagrams on the walls in the photos indicate this could be possible with the Hwasan-31. Kim was briefed by officials from the North Korean nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. He called on them to expand "the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials" for an "exponential" increase in the North's arsenal. Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons" that he said would strike fear into the North's enemies, KCNA said. Experts warned the unveiling of a potential tactical nuclear weapon did indeed show key signs of technical progress, and could indicate an imminent nuclear test. It came as a US Navy carrier strike group arrived in South Korea on Tuesday. Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Seoul and Washington ramping up joint military drills as North Korea conducts ever more provocative weapons tests while blaming the South for the deteriorating security situation. "The current hard-line approach is likely aimed at justifying their tests for new weapons and a nuclear test in the future," said Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute. "North Korea unveiled a significantly miniaturised tactical nuclear warhead this time," he said. "The possibility that North Korea will carry out a seventh nuclear test with these tactical nuclear warheads as a next step has increased," Cheong told AFP. Story continues - Too expensive? - Pyongyang has got into a pattern of "tit-for-tat" missile launches and tests to counter US and South Korean military exercises, which represents a huge -- and unsustainable -- financial outlay for the impoverished country, one expert said. "North Korea warned of an overwhelming response against each South Korea-US joint training, but looking at the number of missiles fired, they can't continue this forever," Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. "If so, the seventh nuclear test will mark some kind of an end, they will declare themselves a nuclear power, and they will turn to negotiating with the United States," he said. The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report, part of a record-breaking streak of tests over the past year. "North Korea is sending a very coherent message. They are fighting for recognition as a perfect nuclear power," Park said. - Underwater drone? - North Korea is seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms in addition to increasing its nuclear stockpile. It claimed on Tuesday to have conducted a second successful test of a new underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the Haeil, which means tsunami in Korean, was claimed to have been carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in five years. Seoul has cast doubt on the claim, with the South's military saying it was "weighing the possibility" the test had been exaggerated or even "fabricated". There were some indications "North Korea is developing unmanned submarines, but it is evaluated that they are still in the early stages", the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said on Tuesday the Haeil had manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before destroying a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, according to another KCNA report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", KCNA said. Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon, the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo, but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. kjk-sh/ceb/pbt artist's impression of an astronaut with the moon behind. the astronaut is spacesuited and the reflection of their helmet shows the gloved hands holding a camera, reflected in the helmet visor. far behind is the sun peeking behind the moon, and a half-full earth. We're a week away from a once-in-a-generation announcement: The names of the first moonbound astronauts in decades. On April 3, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will together showcase the three Americans and one Canadian that will go to the moon on Artemis 2, which will launch no sooner than November 2024. The quartet will loop around the moon during the first-ever human lunar mission since the landing of Apollo 17 in December 1972. The Artemis program will be more representative of the human population than Apollo was, NASA has pledged, with early missions including the first women and the first person of color to go to the moon. But which astronauts exactly will fly are still pure speculation, as all parties are keeping that information closely guarded until the announcement. The big event will run from Ellington Field (near NASA's Johnson Space Center) in Houston and will be livestreamed on NASA Television, as well as here at Space.com. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) on Monday (April 3). Related: NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know Artemis 2 is a big moment for NASA, marking the first time in half a century that any human has gone close to the moon. Numerous presidents have tried and failed to start up moon programs in the decades after Apollo, but they lacked bipartisan will as the Cold War that helped spur early moon missions faded into the background. Things are much different 50 years on. For example, governments don't need to bear the entire cost on their own any longer. Private space companies can supply some of the critical hardware and resell that work to other customers down the road. Examples include SpaceX's Starship that is slated to land Artemis 3 on the lunar surface no earlier than 2025. Companies Axiom Space and Collins Space are also each leading a team to develop spacesuits for lunar excursions. To further reduce costs, NASA also laid out a different exploration structure through the Artemis Accords currently signed by 23 nations. The agreements are a framework of peaceful space exploration that in the shorter term will pool economic resources of other countries willing to go to the moon. Story continues Unlike in the 1960s when space exploration was a young industry with few participating nations, NASA thus will share the costs of Artemis lunar exploration with big players like the European Space Agency and Japan. Niche players like Canada will also provide critical hardware. Canada, for example, has famously contributed space robotics for NASA for more than 40 years. Related: Axiom Space reveals prototype spacesuit for Artemis astronauts on the moon spacesuited astronaut on end of canadarm2. in the background is earth Canada has a long-standing and deep connection with the United States' space program starting with Canada's satellite mission, Alouette, in September 1962. The first Canadian astronauts were named in December 1983. Less than a year later, Marc Garneau was the first Canadian in space aboard space shuttle mission STS-41G in October 1984. (Garneau later went on to become CSA president and has just announced his retirement as a long-running Canadian Member of Parliament.) Canada's Canadarm, developed in the 1970s, paid for Garneau's seat and many others. It was used on the critical path of space shuttle development, particularly for deploying and retrieving satellites. Canadarm first flew on the second-ever shuttle mission (STS-2) in November 1981 and was a staple of the shuttle program ever after. Twenty years after Canadarm first flew, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield assisted with the installation of successor Canadarm2 on the International Space Station in April 2001. Canadarm2 and a "handy" robot, Dextre, are still operational on the complex today for space station servicing and maintenance. Canadarm2 was even repurposed for berthing of cargo spacecraft at the space station, a use for which it was not originally envisioned during development. Related: What it's like to snag a spacecraft with the International Space Station's robotic arm artist's illustration of canadarm3 attached to a space station. behind is the moon. far behind is the earth Then in 2019, CSA secured future space seats including the one on Artemis 2 by committing to building Canadarm3 to service the NASA Gateway space station around the moon. Canadian company MDA is building Canadarm3; the CSA also committed to furnishing lunar experiments, payloads and robots through its Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP). There's far more activity forthcoming as well. The CSA plans its first-ever independent moon rover in 2026; its science team will be led by planetary geology expert Gordon Osinski of Western University, who has brought several astronauts along on geology expeditions on Earth. Last year, CSA also signed a memorandum of understanding that may bring even more professional astronauts to space aboard missions run by Houston-based company Axiom Space. The April 3 announcement concerning Artemis 2 follows big news for Canada announced in recent days; the country is planning to continue its participation in the ISS another six years to 2030, allowing the consortium to use the Canadian robotics for longer. The announcement was made last week when U.S. President Joe Biden was visiting Canada's capital of Ottawa. Canada's ISS contribution is small, at just 2.3% according to the CSA. But the robotics are an essential bit given Canadarm2 is used for spacecraft berthings and spacewalks, and all robotics are used for ISS maintenance. Related: Canada joins NASA's Lunar Gateway station project with 'Canadarm3' robotic arm u.s. president joe biden with canadian prime minister justin trudeau walking in front of canadian and u.s. flags. behind is a junkers w34 aircraft Canada committed to the ISS extension "to access the unique space environment to conduct a variety of studies that will enhance our ability to live longer and healthier lives on Earth," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office said in a statement. The White House confirmed the 2030 extension in its own news release. Biden also addressed Canada's Parliament on Friday (March 26) and mentioned the forthcoming Artemis 2 announcement, noting that it will be the first-ever moon mission including a Canadian. "We choose to return to the moon together; together we'll return to the moon," Biden said in his Friday speech, in an echo of a famous moon speech by then-President John F. Kennedy in 1962 at Houston's Rice University. "From there, we look forward to Mars and to the limitless possibilities that lie beyond," Biden added in his remarks. Related: Artemis moon rocket looks ready for astronaut missions, NASA says four astronauts in a row in front of an airplane and with nasa airplanes in the background The Canadian astronaut corps; one of the quartet will be named as the prime astronaut for Artemis 2. From left: Jeremy Hansen, Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Joshua Kutryk, David Saint-Jacques. (Image credit: NASA/Bill Stafford) RELATED STORIES: Artemis 2 moon rocket coming together ahead of 2024 astronaut launch (photo) 1st map of moon water could help Artemis astronauts live at the lunar south pole NASA's Artemis 2 mission: Taking humans around the moon With Canada's addition to the ISS extension team, all major partners aside from Russia have committed to work on the orbiting complex past 2024. The White House formally signed NASA's extension in August 2022, shortly followed by Japan and the European Space Agency in November of that year. Russia, meanwhile, may be leaving as soon as 2028. Most of the country's space partnerships aside from ISS have been severed following Russia's internationally condemned invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The CSA has not yet made an independent statement about the ISS extension, but it may be holding that until after Canada announces its federal budget late on Tuesday (March 28). Given the top-level attention paid to Canadian space in recent days, it's possible more space announcements may lie in the budget, too. Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of "Why Am I Taller?" (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook. A heavily armed former student shot through a locked school door before killing three children and three staff members at a private Christian campus in Nashville on Monday, authorities said. In addition to the three 9-year-old students, the 28-year-old attacker fatally wounded a custodian, a substitute teacher and the head of school before being killed by responding officers, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. Audrey Hale had planned extensively for the violence at The Covenant School on Burton Hills Boulevard, police said. Follow along for live coverage here There were maps drawn of the school, in detail of surveillance, entry points," Drake said. The shooter, who was killed on the school's second floor, had two "assault-type rifles and a handgun," an official said. The three students killed were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, police tweeted. Clockwise from top left, Dr. Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak, Hallie Scruggs and Mike Hill. (via Facebook) Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, school head Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed, police said. Koonce is a Vanderbilt University graduate who had a doctorate in education, according to the school's website. Students of the school, which serves preschool students through sixth graders, were bused to Woodmont Baptist Church, 2 miles away, where they were reunited with their parents. Police said that they first got calls about the shooter at 10:13 a.m. (11:13 a.m. ET) and that Nashville firefighters first reported their personnel were responding to an active aggressor at 10:39 a.m. The police department response was swift, police spokesperson Don Aaron told reporters. "They heard shots coming from the second level. They immediately went to the gunfire. When the officers got to the second level, they saw a shooter, a female, who was firing. The officers engaged her. She was fatally shot by responding police officers." Five police officers came upon the shooter, and two opened fire, Aaron said. "By 10:27 the shooter was deceased," Aaron said. Story continues One officer was hurt by shattered glass, officials said. The Covenant School employs 33 teachers, with an 8-to-1 student-instructor ratio, according to its website. On a normal day of class, 209 students and 42 staff members would be on campus, Aaron said. The school was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church and shares the same address as the church. The fire department helped usher the children out of the school, carefully trying to keep them from seeing the carnage. We were on scene to help them mitigate anyone from seeing exactly what else was going on, fire spokesperson Kendra Loney said. "But we're sure they heard the chaos surrounding this." President Joe Biden called Monday's attack "heartbreaking" and a "familys worst nightmare." "We have to do more to stop gun violence," he said. "Its ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation ripping at the very soul of the nation. And we we have to do more to protect our schools so they arent turned into prisons." But Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told reporters that no laws existing or proposed could have stopped the attack. Its a horrible, horrible situation, and were not going to fix it, Burchett said. Criminals are going to be criminals. And my dad, he fought in the Second World War in the Pacific against the Japanese, and he said, Buddy, if somebody wants to take you out and doesnt mind losing their life, theres not a whole heck of a lot you can do about it. GOP Rep. Andy Ogles, whose Nashville district includes the school, said hes watching the situation closely. At a time like this, I just encourage everyone to pray for the families and those affected, Ogles said. The gunfire in Nashville follows multiple shootings on campuses across the country. Just days ago, a 17-year-old person wounded two administrators at a Denver high school before he was found dead. In February, three students were fatally shot at Michigan State University. And in January, two students were killed at a charter school in Des Moines, Iowa. Adrienne Battle, the director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, said the school district is keenly aware of the threats campuses face from gunfire. We dont know all of the details of how or why this happened, and we may never fully know," she said in a statement. "At Metro Schools, we have invested considerable resources to strengthen security at our facilities in response to the far too many, far too often instances of school shootings across the nation over the years. We will continue to reinforce our safety protocols and monitor and follow best practices on keeping students safe from harm." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com John Bazemore/Associated Press In the name of protecting children, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed bills outlawing drag shows, banning inappropriate books, outlawing gender-affirming care for minors, and restricting school bathrooms to the gender a student is assigned at birth. But for all his talk about shielding kids, Lee has done nothing about gunseven though they are the leading cause of death for children, both in his state and nationwide. The latest fatalities in Tennessee include three nine-year-old students and three staff members at the Covenant School in Nashville. The killer was not a drag queen, but a 28-year-old woman named Audrey Hale. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at a press conference Monday afternoon that Hale was transgender. He also said Hale was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun. After last years mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 students and two teachers dead, a group of gun control advocates and clergy arrayed stuffed animals, backpacks and flowers outside Lees office. They called for a ban on assault weapons and a repeal of the permitless carry bill that he signed in 2021. "I have treated many victims of gun violence. I've seen firsthand how bullets tear holes through bodies, severing arteries, punching holes through lungs and hearts, and shattering bones," Dr. Katrina Green, an emergency room doctor, told the gathering. Later that month, Lee issued Executive Order 97 as his own response to the Uvalde horror. The most notable provision was a call to keep school entrances locked. He also launched a School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families. As we continue our work to protect Tennessee children, the new School Safety Toolkit will provide parents with helpful resources and greater transparency to feel confident their child is safe at school, Lee said. Nashville School Shooter Identified as Quiet Former Student Who Had a Manifesto The toolkit offered advice about countering bullying and otherwise improving the school environment. It also provided school safety in the palm of your hand through Safe TN, an app described as a secure, open door communications platform where you can send in tips and access useful resources to help keep your school and community safe. Story continues But guns were not even a consideration. "We're not looking at gun restriction laws in my administration right now," Lee said. In the meantime, just the possibility that Massachsetts might ban the manufacture of assault weapons had convinced the Smith & Wesson Company to move its longtime homebase from there to Tennessee. Our pro-business reputation, skilled workforce, and commitment to the Second Amendment make Tennessee an ideal location for firearms manufacturing, Lee said when the move was announced in 2021. An indication that the company had chosen the right home came with the Chrisitmas card sent out last year by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogeles, whose district encompasses The Covenant School. The card shows infamous resume embellisher Ogles, his wife, and two of their children brandishing assault rifles as they stand smiling before a Christmas tree. Construction of the new Smith & Wesson facility in Maryville has commenced, and is expected to be completed late this year. Tennessee will then be producing assault weapons, not just recovering them from crime scenes such as Mondays mass shooting. The school entrance had been locked, but the killer simply shot it open. She continued firing as she ascended from the first to the second floor. She was herself killed by two police officersgood guys with gunswho arrived quickly on the scene. But that was not before six innocents were killed. And if anybody was using the Safe TN app, it made no more difference than the rest of the executive order that Lee issued to make it look like he was doing somethingwhen he was doing nothing at all about the biggest threat to kids. 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 MAGA GOP congressional caucus rushed to the rescue of victims of yet another mass shooting. More from The Bees Opinion Team: See the latest editorial cartoons from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Jack Ohman. Read opinions from The Bees Editorial Board. (And meet the Editorial Board here.) Follow The Bees Editorial Board @sacbeeeditboard on Twitter and @sacbeeeditboard on Facebook. And take a look at editorial cartoons from Kevin Siers, our friend and a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist at our sister paper, The Charlotte Observer. As a public service, The Tennessean has made this content free. Follow the latest updates on the Covenant School shooting as they happen in our live blog here. They're being hailed on social media as brave. Heroes. Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo are the officers the Metro Nashville Police Department said ended Monday morning's mass shooting at Covenant School. They accomplished it with urgency, communication and a passion to protect. Engelbert is a four-year veteran of the police department; Collazo has been on the force nine years. Chief John Drake said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon that Collazo has trained as a paramedic with the SWAT team. Officer Rex Engelbert and Officer Michael Collazo, the Metro Nashville Police Department officers credited with taking down the shooter in the Covenant School shooting Monday, March 27, 2023 'Above and beyond': Nashville police moved fast, saved lives in Covenant shooting, experts say And now, they're being celebrated, not only throughout the Nashville neighborhood of Green Hills where the mass shooting occurred, but across America. Compliments as far as Texas Their moment of national recognition occurs at a time when Americans are often at odds with law enforcement, often due to past systemic policing. After MNPD released Engelbert and Collazo's names, praise poured in across social media. Within three hours of making a post Tuesday, the tweet has received more than 9,000 retweets, nearly 40,000 likes and about 4,000 replies. The Fort Worth Police Officers' Association said Engelbert and Collazo's work was well done. "We are proud of these heroic officers for their bravery and courage to face evil," the association said. Body camera footage show Engelbert and Collazo's confrontation inside Covenant School When Nashville police got the call that an active shooter was roaming the halls of Covenant School, dozens of officers descended upon the building. Audrey Hale, 28, was armed with a rifle and had already shot students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, as well as Katherine Koonce, the head of the school, custodian Mike Hill and substitute teacher Cynthia Peak. Story continues MNPD Officers Rex Engelbert, a 4-year veteran, and Michael Collazo, a 9-year veteran, were part of a team of first responders to the Covenant campus Mon morning. They fired on the active shooter, who was killed. This is their body camera footage. https://t.co/17qsZM6bNp pic.twitter.com/g4b0nMTFRD Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 28, 2023 Police got the first call to 911 at 10:13 a.m. By 10:24 a.m. Hale was dead. Body camera footage released from the shooting shows Engelbert armed with a rifle, taking lead in the line of officers clearing the school. Engelbert fired at least three shots at Hale. Following closely behind Engelbert was Collazo, who fired four rounds at Hale. Most people simply had one thing to say about the officers. "Heroes," their messages said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville shooting: Who are officers Rex Engelbert, Michael Collazo? Nashville Metro Police have released body-cam footage showing law enforcement responding to the mass shooting at the Covenant School on Monday. Heavily-armored police officers can be seen clearing hallways shouting Metro police! as they make their way through elementary school classrooms decorated with American flags and student cubbies. The footage also included the lethal exchange between police Audrey Hale, a 28 year old former student at the school. Six people were killed in the attack on the school before police were able to neutralize Hale whose motivations Metropolitan Police Chief John Drake said might stem from a sense of resentment. Theres some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school, Drake told NBC News. However, former school headmaster Bill Campbell remembered Hale as a normal third and fourth-grader. Its just an absolute tragedy whats happened by the former student and what she did to the teachers and students, Campbell said. I think about this student and our relationship at the time she was there, there was nothing extraordinary and unusual, the former administrator told NBC News. She was loved and appreciated like all of our students. Among the dead, were three nine-year-old students including a former pastors daughter from Park Cities Presbyterian Church located in Dallas. The Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCPC) family is incredibly saddened by the unimaginable tragedy today at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, TN. Covenant Presbyterian Church is a sister church of PCPC; many of our members have deep friendships and family connections there, an official statement released on Monday noted. Hale had reportedly messaged a friend, Averianna Patton, just before the impending attack chillingly confessing that she was planning on committing suicide and making national headlines. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote to Patton on Instagram. Ive left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Story continues According to local police, Hale had thoroughly planned out the assault on Covenant School with detailed maps and surveillance of the premises. She targeted random students in the school, the police chief added. [W]hoever she came in contact with, she fired rounds. Initial reporting about the school shooting initially highlighted the unusual nature of a female mass shooter; however, law enforcement later clarified that Hale identified as a transgender man. Officials feel that she identifies as trans, but were still in the initial investigation into all of that and if it actually played a role into this incident, Drake said during the interview. Media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, and ABC News raced to issue quick corrections for misgendering the mass shooter across social-media. There was confusion later on Monday about the gender identity of the assailant in the Nashville shooting. Officials had used she and her to refer to the suspect, who, according to a social media post and a LinkedIn profile, appeared to identify as a man in recent months, the Times noted on Twitter following an earlier story highlighting the rarity of female mass shooters. There was confusion later on Monday about the gender identity of the assailant in the Nashville shooting. Officials had used she and her to refer to the suspect, who, according to a social media post and a LinkedIn profile, appeared to identify as a man in recent months. The New York Times (@nytimes) March 28, 2023 USA Today issued a similar correction noting that its initial description of the shooter as a woman was based on incorrect statements by Officials [who] had initially misidentified the gender of the shooter. Two of the three weapons used in Mondays school shooting were legally purchased in Nashville law enforcement added. The shooting was the deadliest to occur at an American school in nearly a year. More from National Review Police body-camera footage shows Nashville cops entering The Covenant School on March 27 before taking out a mass shooter. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department A Nashville police chief appeared to call out cops in Uvalde, Texas, after Monday's school shooting. "We will never wait to make entry and to go in," said Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Texas authorities have faced backlash over their botched response to the Uvalde school shooting. A Nashville police chief appeared to call out cops in Uvalde, Texas, as he praised his officers for quickly taking out a mass shooter at a Christian elementary school in the Tennessee city on Monday. "As I said before, we will not wait," Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters after the massacre at The Covenant School, where three 9-year-olds and three adult staffers were slain on Monday morning. Drake added, "I was hoping this day would never ever come here in the city. But we will never wait to make entry and to go in and to stop a threat especially when it deals with our children." The police chief appeared to be referencing how police in the small Texas city of Uvalde handled the May 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, which left 19 children and two teachers dead. Texas authorities have faced immense backlash over their botched response to the shooting and for drastically changing their narrative about what happened before, during, and after the rampage. In total, it took Uvalde authorities more than an hour to finally confront and shoot dead the 18-year-old gunman at Robb Elementary School. In the aftermath of the shooting, a top Texas law enforcement official slammed the massacre as an "abject failure." Meanwhile, Nashville police on Tuesday released graphic body-camera footage showing how officers took just minutes to find and kill a 28-year-old shooter at The Covenant School. Drake thanked the first responders on Monday, saying they "immediately went in and addressed the threat of someone that had multiple rounds of ammunition, prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement, prepared to do more harm than what was actually done and were able to stop the threat." Story continues The body-camera footage of the incident "stands in contrast" to the police response to the Uvalde shooting, retired New York Police Department sergeant Joseph Giacalone told Insider. "Just watching [this] video alone is evidence enough that the cops were able to neutralize this person before they can do any more damage," said Giacalone, a 20-year NYPD veteran and adjunct professor at New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "They have been training and preparing for this, and it shows," Giacalone said of the Nashville officers. "This is where lessons can be learned." The Nashville cops who entered the school worked "methodically" as they cleared rooms until they finally found and fatally shot the shooter, said Giacalone. "They were making sure that they were not at risk of getting ambushed, so to speak, because if something happens to them, this whole situation only gets worse," he said. "This stands in contrast to what we saw happen in Texas." Additionally, Giacalone commended Nashville police for their swift release of "timely" and seemingly "accurate" information, as well as body camera and surveillance footage related to Monday's mass shooting. "It's a sort of textbook kind of response to a terrible situation," Giacalone said, noting, "We saw what happened in Uvalde about how badly the information was fumbled." Read the original article on Insider Whenever tragedy occurs, look for the heroes thats what some say, a mechanism for survival, to keep from succumbing to nihilism. When a shooter descended upon Uvaldes Robb Elementary last year, little heroism could be found. It was devastating for the victims and the town, and for gun-rights advocates, it blunted the argument that the best solution for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with one. March 27, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Metro Nashville Police officers gather near Covenant School where three children and three adults were killed by a female shooter Monday, March 27, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn. The perpetrator was killed by police at the scene. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY NETWORK Andrew Nelles/USA TODAY NETWORK Less than 15 minutes elapsed from the time the shooter broke into the school, an incredible response. Three adults and three students, including the 9-year-old daughter of a former Dallas pastor, and were killed, but by the looks of the footage and the fact that the shooter had three firearms, it could have been a lot worse. The differences between Uvalde and Nashville law enforcement responses could not be more stark. It looks as if Nashville officers saw the tragedy unfold in Uvalde and just decided: Thats not going to be us. The response is so markedly different, a demonstration of sheer verve, bravery and good training. It makes Uvalde all the more sickening. When police first arrived at the scene, they initially burst into the school with resolve. They were wrongly informed that the shooter was alone in a room with no victims. Believing that their response is no longer urgent, they wait. In Nashville, the opposite happened: A school employee can be seen waiting outside for police, then telling officers exactly whats happening and where to go. Undoubtedly this direct chain of information saved valuable time. In Uvalde, officers eventually heard gunshots again and were told there were several victims inside a classroom with the gunman. The victims, 9-year old children, are frantically calling 911. Still, the officers wait. They claim they cant open the door. In Nashville, a cop either already had keys or was given them immediately, and he unlocked and opened the door right away. In Uvalde, cops waited for nearly 75 minutes before finally gathering the nerve to rush the gunman, break down the door and kill him. In retrospect, that seems like time for an influx of excuses, none of which make sense. It was recently reported that some officers told investigators that once they knew the shooter had an AR-15, they felt outgunned, and thats why they didnt go after the shooter faster. But footage from that day shows at least three law enforcement officers also had AR-15s. Story continues Excuses, all: The real issue is a lack of bravery. It takes true courage to run towards gunfire, but these men and women volunteered, trained and were armed to do just that. The Nashville shooter had three weapons two rifles and a handgun its not clear yet if the police knew that or cared. While some of the officers had only handguns, at least one had a gun with a low power variable optic, a tactical advantage. The ultimate difference thats obvious between Uvalde and Nashville is a sense of urgency, that every moment counts. Nashville officer Rex Engelbert can be heard on the footage as soon as he arrives at the school: Give me three! I need three! Lets go! Lets go! Engelbert constantly told them to get moving. The team ran into classrooms, checked bathrooms, and hustled down hallways. When they heard gunshots, they ran toward them, yelling at each other to go forward. They didnt waste a second. In Uvalde, men loitered around, getting hand sanitizer, talking on radios and cell phones. Sporadically, one or two tried to encourage their peers to get moving. But they seemed to give up. Finally, theres the issue of transparency: Body cam footage from Uvalde wasnt released for at least two months. It took weeks just to get an accurate timeline of events, such was the botched nature of the entire day. In Nashville, the footage was released in about 24 hours. When you have nothing to hide, it shows. Uvaldes victims 19 children and two teachers deserved better. All of our kids and teachers deserve to pursue education without fear. Until we can stop criminals from breaking into our schools with firearms and malicious intent, we must do what we can to prevent evil or act with bravery when we do encounter it. In Uvalde, some hard lessons were learned. Every city in America should see the Metro Nashville Police Departments response to evil and be grateful for it. Mourners pray at the entrance of the Covenant School on March 28, 2023, in Nashville. Seth Herald / Getty Images The Nashville school shooting suspect, who was seeing a doctor for an emotional disorder, had legally bought seven firearms from local gun stores and hid them at home without his parents' knowledge, police said Tuesday. Audrey Hale, the 28-year-old shooter, used three of those seven firearms in the attack on Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville. Hale was a student there at one point. Three 9-year-old students and three adult staff members were killed in the shooting. Hale was later shot and killed by police. Police initially identified Hale as a woman, but later clarified that Hale was transgender. Hale used he/him pronouns, according to a LinkedIn profile. A friend told ABC News that Hale recently transitioned, and was going by Aiden. The shooter broke into the school on Monday morning armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. Security camera footage released by the Metro Nashville Police on Tuesday shows Hale pulling up to the school parking lot, then shooting at the glass doors of the building to gain entry. Active shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale drove to Covenant Church/School in her Honda Fit this morning, parked, and shot her way into the building. She was armed with 2 assault-type guns and a 9 millimeter pistol. 02:45 AM - 28 Mar 2023 Police also released officer body camera footage showing two police officers shooting and killing Hale inside the school building. (Warning: The video is graphic.) Hale was under a doctor's care for an emotional disorder, police chief John Drake told reporters on Tuesday. Hale's parents felt that Hale shouldn't own any weapons, and they thought the one firearm they knew Hale owned had been sold. Hale left home on Monday carrying a red bag, and Hale's parents asked what was inside. Police said Hale dismissed it and the mother did not check the bag because she didn't know that Hale owned any weapons and "didn't think any differently." Story continues Drake said Hale was not on law enforcement's radar. Tennessee has some of the laxest gun laws in the country, but there are some restrictions on gun ownership for people who have been institutionalized over their mental health. Police were not aware of Hale's medical treatment, but if there had been a report that Hale was suicidal or that could potentially harm someone, officers "would have tried to get those weapons," Drake said. Police have not yet established a motive for the shooting, and Drake said there was no evidence that the victims were targeted. Hale left behind a manifesto in which several other locations were mentioned, but Drake declined to confirm if those other spots were also targets. Investigators found a map of the school in the manifesto, a drawing of how to enter the campus, and "the assaults that would take place," he added. Drake also suggested that there was an exchange between one of the victims and the shooter. Katherine Koonce, the head of the school who was killed, "met" the shooter in the hallway, he said, but he declined to call it a confrontation. There have been 130 mass shootings in the country so far this year, six of which have taken place in Tennessee, including at Covenant School, according to a tally from the Gun Violence Archive. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US. More on this Chinese modernization has provided great wisdom and offered the world new opportunities for advancing development, officials and scholars said Monday during an event held in Beijing. The event, titled "International Forum on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Community of Shared Future," was organized by China International Communications Group (CICG) and China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at the International Forum on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Community of Shared Future held in Beijing on March 27, 2023. [Photo/CICG] In his speech, Yu Tao, vice president of CICG, noted that the world is facing increasingly complex and intertwined challenges and risks, and the development gap is widening. He stressed that achieving modernization has become a universal pursuit of human society and the right path to promoting human progress. The Chinese approach to modernization has promoted high-quality development, pursued common prosperity for all, and advocated for cultural exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations, providing new opportunities for global growth and prosperity, Yu said. Yu also said that CICG will take the event as an opportunity to further strengthen exchange and cooperation with institutions and intellectuals from various countries, and establish more platforms for exchange and communication between Chinese and foreign think tanks. He said that CICG will contribute to the development of Chinese modernization and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistan Senate Defence Committee and chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, speaks at the International Forum on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Community of Shared Future held in Beijing on March 27, 2023. [Photo/CICG] Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistan Senate Defence Committee and chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, hailed China's Silk Road as a quality international public good jointly built by all parties and shared by the world. He pointed out that Chinese modernization emphasizes the "people first" philosophy, which provides new solutions and valuable experience for many developing countries to achieve their own modernization and helps to maintain global fairness and justice. Huang Renwei, vice chairman of China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy and former vice president of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, speaks at the International Forum on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Community of Shared Future held in Beijing on March 27, 2023. [Photo/CICG] "The world is now at a crossroads. Chinese modernization helps to advance the building of a global community of shared future, which offers wisdom and inspiration for countries across the globe," said Huang Renwei, vice chairman of China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy and former vice president of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Huang said he believes that there is not a one-size-fits-all model of national governance, nor an international order dominated by a single country, and a united, peaceful world is what serves the common interests of mankind. Wu Zhicheng, vice president of the Institute of International Strategic Studies of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, speaks at the International Forum on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Community of Shared Future held in Beijing on March 27, 2023. [Photo/CICG] Wu Zhicheng, vice president of the Institute of International Strategic Studies of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that the Chinese path to modernization has already proved itself by making significant contributions to global peace, development, and prosperity. By continuing on this path, China can further advance its own goals while also benefiting the world at large, he added. Jean Christophe von Pfetten, chairman of the Institute for East West Strategic Studies, speaks via video link on March 27, 2023. [Photo/CICG] Jean Christophe von Pfetten, chairman of the Institute for East West Strategic Studies, praised China's successful poverty alleviation work. He said that China's anti-poverty campaign has emphasized the country's commitment to a people-centered approach and set an example for the rest of the developing world to follow. He said that China's poverty alleviation effort has proved to be a successful way of promoting socio-economic development and ensuring better protection for human rights. Nearly 100 officials, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations, as well as experts and scholars of think tanks, universities, and research institutions from 14 countries including China, the U.K., France, Russia, Japan, and Pakistan participated in the forum. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Nashville shooting: Police release video of pursuit, killing of school shooter Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos, a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops, and now their whole lives changed today. The shooting led President Joe Biden to call again on lawmakers for stronger gun safety laws. Nashville shooting timeline: Shooters message to teammate, police response Our message here is very, very clear: Enough is enough. We need to see action in Congress, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday morning on CNN. Story continues Biden wants to continue bipartisan efforts like the Safer Communities Act and wants to pass common-sense gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons, Jean-Pierre said. We cant do this alone. The president cant do this alone. Thats how government works. Congress needs to take legislative action, Jean-Pierre said. It is time to show some courage here. It is time for Republicans in Congress to show some courage and to answer to these parents, to these families. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all 9 years old; and adults Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famous Bluebird Cafe, beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. Mondays shooting unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, killing the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. Late Monday night, police released about two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next, an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. A reeling city mourned during vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, tearful sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The shooter who killed six people at a school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday bought seven guns legally and hid them at home, police say. Investigators say the suspect's parents felt the 28-year-old should not own weapons, and did not realise the guns had been concealed in their house. Six people, including three children age nine, were killed in the attack at the Covenant School. The suspect was under "doctor's care for an emotional disorder", police say. They believe it was the school that was targeted rather than any particular individual but have not indicated any motive. Tennessee has no laws that allow police to seize guns from violent suspects. Despite the absence of such so-called red-flag laws, police said they would still have sought to have the weapons confiscated if authorities had had any warning that the suspect could have posed a threat. The pupils killed in the attack were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Three adult employees at the privately run Christian school also died: Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Ms Koonce, the head of the school, and Ms Peak, a substitute teacher, were both close friends with the Tennessee governor's wife. Governor Bill Lee said his wife, Maria, had planned to meet Ms Peak the night after she was killed. Police have spoken to the parents of the suspect, Audrey Hale, who was killed by police less than 15 minutes after the attack began. Hale, who identified as transgender and was a former student at the school, was armed with three guns, including a semi-automatic rifle. The attack took place after the killer conducted surveillance of the premises, drew maps and wrote what police described as a "manifesto". Map of shooting scene A police spokesman said the attacker did not target any person in particular, but did target "this school, this church building". Story continues Hale's parents thought the suspect had owned only one gun, but that it had been sold. They believed the suspect "should not own weapons", and were unaware the suspect "had been hiding several weapons within the house", said Nashville Police Chief John Drake on Tuesday. The weapons were legally purchased from five shops around the city. The killer "was under care - doctor's care - for an emotional disorder", Chief Drake said, without providing further details. If there had been reports of suicidal or violent tendencies, he added, police would have sought to confiscate the guns. "But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if [the suspect] even existed," he said. Police received the first call about the incident at 10:13 local time (15:13 GMT) on Monday. The suspect drove to the school in a Honda Fit and got into the building by firing through one of the doors, which were all locked. Video later released by Nashville police shows the shooter opening fire to shatter glass panes on the front doors, then wandering the school's deserted corridors - at one point walking past a room labelled "Children's Ministry". In the CCTV footage, the suspect is wearing what appears to be a protective vest and carrying an assault-style rifle in one hand, with a second weapon visible hanging from the left hip. Police Chief John Drake said the suspect may have had firearms training The suspect fired shots on the ground floor before moving to the building's second floor. As police cars arrived, the shooter fired on them from the second floor, striking one vehicle in the windscreen. "We believe there has been some training to have been able to shoot from a higher level," Chief Drake said. He said the suspect had stood away from the glass to avoid being an easy target for police. One officer was injured by broken glass. Police rushed inside and shot the suspect dead at 10:24, said Chief Drake. President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for Congress to pass new gun control legislation. "As a nation, we owe these families more than our prayers," he said. "We owe them action." US Attorney General Merrick Garland was asked during a Senate hearing in Washington DC whether the attack will be investigated as a hate crime targeting Christians. He said it was too early to say and that agents were still working to identify a motive. The attack was America's 131st mass shooting so far this year, according to Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit that tracks gun violence data. There have been 15 mass shootings at schools or universities in the US since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press. America's latest mass shooting was put to a stop by police officers minutes after they arrived at Nashville's Covenant School. The shooting began at 10:10 AM (16:10 BST) on Monday when 28-year-old Audrey Hale arrived at the school and approached a side entrance. CCTV footage from inside the school depicts what happens next: glass doors shatter in a flurry of gunshots, allowing the heavily armed attacker to enter. Over the next 11 minutes or so, three children and three staff members would be fatally shot. The attack would end with police officers shooting Hale dead, four minutes after arriving at the school. Here's what we know about how the tragedy unfolded. The attack begins According to Hale's parents, the attacker left home on Monday morning carrying a red bag, which authorities now believe contained the weapons used in the shooting. Hale dismissed her mother when she asked about the contents of the bag. It is unclear what time this took place or how much time passed until Hale arrived at Covenant School. CCTV footage shows her arriving to the school's parking lot in her car at about 09:54 AM. CCTV footage shows the shooter arriving at the school in her car before the shooting. Custodian Michael Hill, 61, was shot through the glass during the opening salvo of gunfire at 10:10 AM. Police received the first 911 call about the shooting three minutes later at 10:13 AM. At a news conference on Tuesday, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the head of the school, Katherine Koonce, was found in a hallway where a "confrontation" had taken place with the suspect. It is not clear where the other victims were found, although police believe none of the victims were targeted individually. Shots fired at police When the officers arrived, the suspect fired at them from an upstairs window, damaging at least one police car. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said investigators believed that the suspect had some training to be able to fire from an elevated position, positioned slightly back from the window in order to not be "an easy target". Story continues The rest of what we know about the shootings comes from six minutes of bodycam footage from officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo. The footage shows Mr Engelbert at the school and quickly arming himself with a rifle from the boot of his vehicle. It is unclear what exact time this took place, as the bodycam has no time stamp. As he exits his vehicle, an unidentified woman tells him that "the kids are all locked down" but that two children are unaccounted for. Soon after, the woman, who appears to be in communication with staff members inside, notes that "a bunch of kids" are upstairs. Just over a minute after arriving, Mr Engelbert and the other officers enter the school and begin a methodical sweep of the first floor before moving up towards the second, where gunfire can be clearly heard. Officers kill the shooter In a clip taken from Mr Collazo's bodycam, an officer can be heard saying "we've got one down", to which Mr Collazo replies: "Keep pushing." The officers then begin jogging down a hall, past a victim on the floor. The video shows that Mr Engelbert first encountered the shooter after rounding a corner into an atrium from where Hale appeared to be shooting. He fires four shots at Hale, who falls to the ground. Other officers fire four more shots and shout at the shooter to stop moving. The suspect's weapons are then removed as the shooter lies motionless in front of the atrium window. The shooting of the suspect took place less than four minutes after officers first pulled up to the school in their vehicles. The actions of the officers at the scene - particularly Mr Engelbert and Mr Collazo - have been credited with saving the lives of other potential victims. In an interview with the BBC's US media partner CBS News, Mr Drake said that "we could have [had] far more casualties than we had". "They immediately responded when inside, addressed and mitigated the suspect," he added. The response in Nashville appears to stand in stark contrast to police actions in the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. In that incident, police hesitated for 74 minutes, giving the suspect more time to kill. A total of 21 people, including 19 children, died. "I would say that under extreme circumstances, they [Mr Engelbert and Mr Collazo] went above and beyond," police trainer Todd McGhee told the local Tennessean newspaper. "Those first responding officers were the model response in how active shooter response should be." President Biden ruled out further action on gun control from the White House on Tuesday after six people were killed in a deadly mass shooting at a Christian private school in Nashville. Speaking to reporters before departing Washington, D.C., for North Carolina, the president said he has exhausted his ability to counteract gun violence via executive order and said "the Congress has to act." "I have gone the full extent of my executive authority, to do on my own, anything about guns," Biden said. In a familiar refrain following deadly shooting incidents, Biden urged lawmakers to reinstate a federal ban on so-called assault weapons. The1994 law he referenced banned "semiautomatic assault weapons" and "large capacity ammunition feeding devices," which Biden has credited with reducing mass shootings. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING: AUDREY HALE POLICE BODYCAMS RELEASED President Biden stops to briefly talk with reporters as he departs the White House on March 28, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Biden is traveling to Durham, North Carolina, to tour semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed Inc. and to deliver remarks on his administration's 'Invest in America' agenda. "The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, it's a crazy idea. They're against that. And so, I think the Congress should be passing an assault weapons ban," the president said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I want to remind you, the last time we passed the assault weapons ban violent shooting went down. Mass shootings went down I can't do anything except plead with the Congress to act reasonably," he added. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTER AUDREY HALE: WHO IS 28-YEAR-OLD TRANSGENDER FORMER STUDENT WHO OPENED FIRE AT SCHOOL Memorials for the six victims who were killed in a mass shooting are placed outside The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. On Monday, three adults and three children were killed inside the school. On Monday, an armed gunman went on a rampage at The Covenant School in Nashville, killing six people. The victims were identified by police as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and 61-year-old Mike Hill. Koonce was the head of school at Covenant, according to the school's website. The Covenant School is a private Christian institution for students up to 6th grade, according to its website. WHO ARE THE NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIMS? Parents comfort each other as they wait outside the Woodmont Baptist Church for students from Covenant School to arrive after a mass shooting at the school Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. Police named the shooter as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a 28-year-old Nashville resident who identified as transgender. Investigators were investigating a home connected to her. Nashville police Chief John Drake said Hale possibly prepared for the shooting, including having written a manifesto. Story continues Police said that Hale was a former student at the school and had detailed maps marking surveillance entry points in her possession. Biden confirmed he is considering visiting Nashville to meet with members of the community as they recover from this tragedy. "I've spoken with everyone down there from the mayors to the senators, all the players. I spoke to the chief of police today, I've spoken to all of them. What I don't want to do I've been through many of these myself, as you know," Biden said. Fox News' Anders Hagstrom, Lawrence Richard and Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Audrey Hale, 28, carefully planned the attack on The Covenant School - Metropolitan Nashville Police Department The Nashville school shooter messaged a friend minutes before the massacre saying one day this will make more sense because they had left more than enough evidence behind. Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old who went by the name of Aiden and identified as male, shot and killed three nine-year-old students and three staff at The Covenant School, a private Christian academy in Tennessee, on Monday morning. News of the messages came as police were expected to release parts of Hales manifesto. They also released footage from officers body cameras. Hale, who was shot dead by police, messaged Averianna Patton, her former school basketball teammate, on Instagram at 9.57am on Monday, NewsChannel 5 reported. So basically that post I made on here about you, that was basically a suicide note. Im planning to die today, Hale wrote, using the name Aiden, according to messages Ms Patton gave the outlet. In response, Hale wrote: I know but I dont want to live. Im so sorry. Im not trying to upset you or get attention. I just need to die." She then added: message Moments later, at 10.13am, Hale shot out the front doors of her former school and walked inside holding two assault rifles and a handgun. John Drake, Nashvilles police chief has said his officers are investigating whether gender was a motive. He said the shooter identified as transgender and revealed that they had made a manifesto, drawn a detailed map of the school and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Police identified 28-year-old Audrey Hale as the suspect in the shooting at the Covenant School - Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Asked whether Hales gender identity may have been a factor, Mr Drake said: There is some theory to that, were investigating all the leads. The fee-paying Covenant School is affiliated with the evangelical Presbyterian Church in America, an evangelical religion that broke away from the larger Presbyterian organisation. In 2020, the Presbyterian Church in America spoke of the sinfulness of transgender and homosexual desire and conduct, according to the New York Times. Story continues Mr Drake said investigators believe Hale had some resentment for having to go to that school in an interview with Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News. Hale had reportedly begun using male pronouns, including on LinkedIn. A police chief said the shooter 'identified as transgender' Hale carefully planned the attack and left behind a map charting the course but was shot dead before completing the rampage. Before travelling to the school, Hale sent a series of messages to Ms Patton on social media, warning that something bad was about to happen: message Ms Patton called a suicide prevention helpline and then the police. The victims were identified as nine-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The schools head teacher, Katherine Koonce, 60; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; and a custodian, Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. Two girls hug at a prayer vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for the shooting victims - The Tennessean The shooting has devastated the community - AP Police said Hale was a former student at the Presbyterian school, where fees are as much as $16,500 per year. It was unclear when Hale attended the school. President Joe Biden called the shooting sick and reiterated his call for Congress to pass an assault weapon ban in the aftermath of the tragedy. We have to do more to stop gun violence. Its ripping our communities apart, its ripping at the very soul of this nation, he said. He said: Its heartbreaking, a familys worst nightmare. People gather at a makeshift memorial for victims outside the school - AFP Residents in Nashville held multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, mourners held back tears as they sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. Lauren Daigle, a contemporary Christian singer, also put together a prayer vigil after cancelling her concert at a venue in the Music City on Monday night. The shooting in the affluent neighbourhood in Nashville, Tennessee, is the latest in an ever-growing list of US school shootings. The country has experienced 129 mass shootings already this year, according to data from the non-profit Gun Violence Archive. Covenant School shooting victims Mike Hill, left, and Katherine Koonce - From Covenant Presbyterian Church/From The Covenant School The Covenant School, a small school of around 200 children aged four to 12, as well as roughly 50 staff members, is attached to a church in southwest Nashville. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving... and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Amid the chaos on the scene, a familiar ritual played out. Terrified parents rushed to the school to learn their childrens fate, and a stunned community planned vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a church acting as a reunification point for families, described the scene as one of complete shock. A photograph distributed by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shows a weapon that they say was used at The Covenant School - Reuters Another weapon which police say was used in the shooting - Reuters People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Hale was heavily armed, with two assault-style weapons and a handgun. The shooter gained entry to the school by shooting through a door on the side of the building and went from the first floor to the second floor, firing multiple shots. Police were called to reports of an active shooter at 10.13am. By 10.27am, Hale had been shot dead by two officers in a five-member team on the second storey of the school. The suspect was prepared for a confrontation with police and prepared to do more harm before being shot dead, Mr Drake said. Hale was a former student at the Presbyterian school - UNPIXS Police later discovered maps of the school drawn in detail, noting the location of its security cameras and entrance points Hale appeared to have planned to target multiple locations. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, the police chief said late on Monday. He said police had spoken with the suspects father. A LinkedIn profile reportedly belonging to the suspect lists Hale as an illustrator who attended the Nossi College of Art and Design in Tennessee. Steve LaSuer, a teacher at Nossi who taught Hale around 2016, said he had been left aghast by the shooting. She just always was a kind of quiet girl but was very serious about her work, he told the New York Times. DOVER, N.H.Nikki Haley's town hall here in one of the first primary states opened against the backdrop of a deadly school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. The Republican presidential hopeful started her pitch by addressing the shooting and telling voters she wants more metal detectors, not more gun control legislation. She called for schools to have one entrance and to use the metal detectors there. "It's okay if there are metal detectors. There are those guests coming in out, the kids see them in an airport, they see them wherever they go. Why don't we do that to protect those kids?" Haley said. "Everybody wants to talk about gun control. My thing is, I don't want to take away your ability to protect yourself until they do those things that protect those kids." Haley continued. Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. Covenant School shooting updates: 3 children, 3 adults dead after intruder opens fire in Nashville; victims' names released Nashville shooter Audrey Hale had three guns, police say Police identified Audrey Hale, a former student at the Covenant School in Nashville, as the attacker who fatally shot three children and three staff members Monday. The attacker was carrying three guns: an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol and a handgun. Two were purchased legally near Nashville, and the assailant was "prepared to do more harm," police said. Hale was killed by police at the scene. Republicans and Democrats divided on gun control Haley joins a familiar refrain in her party of not wanting to restrict gun laws after mass shootings, of which there have been 129 in the U.S. this year. President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress want to tighten gun laws and ban assault weapons. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley is against more gun control after Nashville shooting Three children and three adults have been killed in a shooting by an ex-student at a school in the US city of Nashville, Tennessee. The attack took place at The Covenant School, a private Christian school for students aged three to 11. The three pupils who died were all aged nine. Police said the suspect, armed with three guns, gained entry by shooting through a door at the school. New video footage shows officers racing through the school to find the shooter. The child victims have been named as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adult victims were named as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was shot dead by police. There has been some confusion about Hale's gender identity - with police initially describing the attacker as a woman, and later saying that Hale identified as transgender. A police spokesperson told the Washington Post that Hale "is a biological woman who, on a social media profile, used male pronouns". Hale, who had no criminal record, was a former student at the school and officers said they believe "resentment" may have been a motive. The shooter was armed with three guns, including a semi-automatic rifle. A search of the suspect's home led to officers seizing more firearms. Police also found a manifesto, a detailed map of the school, and a plan for other attacks, including on a Nashville mall. Map of shooting scene First call The incident unfolded on Monday morning and police received the first call about the shooting at 10:13 local time (15:13 GMT). Police said the suspect drove to the school and got in by firing through one of the school doors, which were all locked. Surveillance footage released by Nashville police shows Hale using a gun to gain entry by shattering glass panes on the front doors, then wandering the school's deserted corridors - at one point walking past a room labelled "Children's Ministry". Story continues The shooter is seen wearing what looks like a protective vest and carrying an assault-style rifle in one hand, with a second, similar weapon also visible hanging from the left hip. Vigils took place at the Woodmont Christian Church As police cars arrived, Hale fired on them, striking one in the windscreen, said police. Body camera footage released by police on Tuesday shows officers rushing inside and confronting the suspect. Hale was shot and killed by police at 10:27 local time. Police spoke with the attacker's father during a search of a nearby home that was listed as the shooter's address. It is where officers found a manifesto and "a map of how all of this was going to play out," said Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Police also found additional weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun and a second shotgun. Hale had reportedly messaged a former middle school basketball teammate 15 minutes before the attack, writing: "I've left more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen." Hale's mother, Norma Hale, told ABC News: "It is very, very difficult right now", before asking for privacy. The Presbyterian-affiliated Covenant School is located in the upmarket Green Hills neighbourhood, south of central Nashville. In a statement, the school said they are "grieving tremendous loss and are in shock". The mother of one pupil said her son had been left traumatised. "I think he's doing better now that he knows that the shooter is dead," Shaundelle Brooks told BBC News. Hours after the shooting, a memorial service for the victims was held at the nearby Woodmont Christian Church. Senior minister Clay Stauffer tearfully said that Evelyn Dieckhaus's sister, who is 11, had plans to be baptised in a few weeks, according to local outlet the Tennessean. Evelyn's sister cried as she said, "I don't want to be an only child." President Joe Biden called the shooting a "family's worst nightmare". "We have to do more to stop gun violence," he said, once again urging Congress to pass tougher gun control laws. "It is ripping our communities apart, and ripping at the very soul of this nation." The attack was America's 129th mass shooting of 2023, according to Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit that tracks gun violence data. According to data compiled by Education Week, there have been 12 school shootings that have resulted in deaths or injuries in the US this year up until the end of last week. Banner saying 'Get in touch' Have you been affected by what's happened? Are you in the area? If it's safe to do so, you can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. A school head, a custodian and a substitute teacher are among the victims of a shooting that has left six dead at a school in Nashville, Tennessee. Three pupils were also killed in the attack by a 28-year-old former student on Monday. The children, all aged nine, have been named as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The three employees killed were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Michael Hill, 61. Police said they did not believe any of the victims had been specifically targeted. Katherine Koonce, 60 Koonce was the head of school at Covenant, and one parent told BBC News she was a "saint". "She did so much for those kids," said the mother, who has two children enrolled at the school. "She knew every single student by name," she said. "She did everything to help them when families couldn't afford things, it didn't matter. She found ways for them to stay." Robert Gay said he met Ms Koonce when he was a student at Christ Presbyterian Academy, a small private Christian school in Nashville where he said Koonce once worked as a special education teacher. He told BBC News she was always willing to encourage and empower her students. "She could speak really carefully in a way that would encourage students to see the best in them and to grow," he said. "She always made her students feel that they were loved by a God who cared about them personally, and that it was our job to show that love to each other as fellow people." Koonce later became the head of the Covenant School, which was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to the school's website. Mike Hill, 61 Mr Hill was a custodian at the school and his daughter, Brittany Hill said he died doing a job "he absolutely loved". "Today my Dad lost his life at the Covenant School," she shared in a post on Facebook. "I have watched school shootings happen over the years and never thought I would lose a loved one over a person trying to solve a temporary problem with a permanent solution." Story continues Mr Hill worked at the Covenant School for more than 14 years, according to a statement from his family. "As we grieve and try to grasp any sense of understanding of why this happened, we continue to ask for support," the statement said. He was a father of eight children, according to a GoFundMe made in his honour, and had 14 grandchildren, US media reported. He enjoyed cooking and spending time with family, his relatives told ABC News. Tim Dunavant, a pastor at Hartsville First United Methodist Church, said he had previously worked at Covenant and had hired Mr Hill. He said he would miss "those encouraging texts out of the blue" from Mr Hill, and would not be surprised if it turned out Mr Hill had sacrificed his life to save others because "he's the kind of guy that would do that". Cynthia Peak, 61 Ms Peak was a substitute teacher working at the school on the day of the attack, police said. She grew up in Louisiana. Chuck Owen, who said he was a lifelong friends of hers, wrote a tribute to her on Facebook saying he couldn't wrap his mind around her death. "I grieve through tears as I write these words," he wrote. Ms Peak is survived by her husband, daughter and two sons. She had an "unwavering faith in Christ", her brother, Bill Broyles, told the Tennessean. "She was a strong believer. She would want a positive approach on this to help God's kingdom on Earth." Koonce, 60, was a Baton Rouge native and graduated from Louisiana State University and University High Lab School. Governor Bill Lee said his wife, Maria, had planned to meet Ms Peak on Monday night but was killed hours before. Hallie Scruggs, 9 Hallie was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He described his daughter as "such a gift" in a statement to ABC News. He also spoke of his faith that they would one day be reunited. "We are heartbroken," he told the outlet. "Through tears we trust that she is in the arms of Jesus who will raise her to life once again." Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9 Evelyn Dieckhaus At a church service held hours after the shooting, a senior minister at Woodmont Christian Church said Evelyn Dieckhaus was in the third grade. Her sister, who is two years older, cried during the service according to the Tennessean newspaper. "I don't want to be an only child," the report quotes her as saying. In a statement shared with US media, her family said their hearts were "completely broken". "We cannot believe this has happened," they said. "Evelyn was a shining light in this world." William Kinney, 9 Rachael Freitas, a friend of the family, described the 3rd grader as a child with an "unflappable spirit". "He was unfailingly kind, gentle when the situation called for it, quick to laugh, and always inclusive of others," she wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser she created in his honour. "Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts our broken for his family as they try to find their way forward." Nashville Police Department via Reuters Nashville school shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale was being treated for an unspecified emotional disorder before Mondays massacre at a private Christian schoola medical condition Hales parents thought shouldve disqualified Hale from owning weapons at all, police revealed Tuesday. Despite the disorder, cops said Hale, 28, was able to legally build up an arsenal of seven guns that were kept hidden at homethree of which were used to mow down six people at The Covenant School. Hales parents felt that Hale should not own weapons, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Tuesday. As it turned out, he continued, Hale had been hiding several weapons within the house. (According to social media profiles and a family member who spoke to The Daily Beast, Hale, who was transgender, had recently started using he/him pronouns.) Nashville School Shooter Messaged Friend Minutes Before Massacre Norma and Ronald Hale allegedly told cops they knew their daughter owned a weapon at one point, but they told Hale to sell it because they didnt trust the 28-year-old with it. Drake said the parents believed Hale when he said hed gotten rid of the weapon and that they had no clue he was secretly purchasing moreincluding the two rifles and handgun used in Monday's massacre. According to police, Hales parents were suspicious of a red bag he carried out the door on Mondaybut didnt ask to see what was inside. They believe the weapons used in Mondays massacre may have been inside. [Hales mother] asked what was in the red bag, Drake said. And I think she just dismissed it because it was a motherly thing. And she didnt look in the bag because at the time she didnt know her daughter had any weapons and didnt think any differently. Drake said his department wouldve tried to take away Hales guns away if officers had caught wind of Hales intentions, but, as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was. The shocking details emerged as authorities try to piece together what drove Hale to return to his former primary school and slaughter three kids and three staff members, which included the school's head of school, Katherine Koonce. Story continues Drake said the slain students9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinneywere randomly targeted and that a motive remains unclear but Hale may have been fueled by resentment about having to attend the school. Shooting suspect Audrey Elizabeth Hale seen entering The Covenant School. METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT Drake also divulged details about a manifesto Hale left behind, which allegedly included a map of the campus and a plan on how he'd enter the building. The writings also indicated the private Christian school may not have been the only planned target. Family members and a shopping mall were among other possible targets, he said. Drake said the shooting victims werent all in one classroom, but were spread out throughout the schoolwith the body of Koonce found in an upstairs hallway by herself. The chief said it was possible she was running toward the gunfire when she was hit. There was a confrontation, Im sure, Drake said. You can tell [by] the way she was laying in the hallway. Nashville School Shooter Messaged Friend Minutes Before Massacre The press conference, held outside the school in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, came just hours after police released dramatic body-cam footage of two officers shooting Hale dead just minutes after they arrived at the campus. They heard gunfire and immediately ran to that and took care of this horrible situation, Drake said. Warning: graphic footage Drake said responding officers were under fire from Halecamped on an upper level of the schoolas they pulled into the school's parking lot. He said this led him to believe Hale had some training to be able to get shots off while standing far enough away from the window to not make himself an easy target for police from the outside. Relatives and friends described Hale to The Daily Beast on Monday as a quiet former art student who was autistic but high-functioning. Drake said Tuesday he would not confirm Hales autism. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Reuters Get more news and opinions in the twice-daily Beast Digest newsletter. Dont miss the next big story, sign up here. We should, as human beings, feel once again united by tragedy, as the epidemic of gun violence, especially another school shooting, brings us all together in exasperation. We typically would be focused on mourning the tragic loss of life at Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on the murders of little children, on the killings of the three adults gunned down in cold blood Monday morning. Weve learned from police that the shooter had plans to go on a rampage beyond that private Christian school, to a local mall and more. You might even expect this would be that hallowed time of GOP thoughts and prayers, and renewed calls for more laws regarding mental health. But, no: This time is different, because the person pulling the triggers was transgender, like me. We trans Americans find ourselves reeling from unprovoked and unjustifiable attacks, on television, on social media, and across conservative news mediaas if we pulled the triggers that killed six people in Tennessee. The message theyre sending is that despite the fact 99% of mass murderers are cisgender white men, the massacre is our fault. Quiet Ex-Student in Nashville Massacre Had a Manifesto That has author, Navy veteran and advocate Brynn Tannehill scared like never before, she tweeted. Shes worried the next step is to prevent trans people from owning guns, to have trans Americans classified as mentally ill, to advance the eradicate transgenderism agenda ultra conservatives have been pushing. And she made this dire warning: Make a plan to run. Both Tannehill and out trans journalist Parker Molloy tweeted the stats, and Molloy had choice words for the absolute ghouls on this website trying to use this to attack trans people. Notorious transphobe and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) tweeted that Everybody can stop blaming guns now. She questioned whether testosterone was a factor in the violence. Greene also claimed the shooter was on medication for mental health, and Tuesday police confirmed he was being treated for what they called an emotional disorder. Story continues This outpouring of bigotry serves a grander purpose of course. Republican-run legislatures are presently engaged in a relentless, ongoing, ugly campaign of denying young trans people access to healthcare and bathrooms, as well as an array of other anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bills; a trans shooter allows everyone who supports such discriminatory policy-making the opportunity to use one individual to demonize an entire community. And this is being done with relish. As The Daily Beast has reported, the shooter, whose surname is Hale, was first identified by police as a woman whose name was Audrey and was 28, and then later misgendered as a transgender woman by both police and media. The shooter had recently started using he/him pronouns. In addition to painting all trans people as mentally ill and the murders as an anti-Christian hate crime, author and anti-trans activist Candace Owens also blamed Big Pharma as contributing to Mondays deadly violence: Virtually all of these psychopaths are on anti-depressants, hormones (trans), anti-psychotics, etc., she tweeted, calling gender-affirming hormone treatments that have been endorsed by every major medical institution human experiments. So what do trans people like me do when MTG, Owens, and fellow Twitter wackos like Ann Coulter, Jeff Younger, deplorable4trump2024, DCDraino and JoeHasDementia pile-on? Journalist Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the founder of the annual International Trans Day of Remembrance, recommended in a tweet Monday night that trans and nonbinary folx step away from social media, Maybe just tonight. Maybe for a week. Maybe for the foreseeable future. But even if you avoid social media, theres the New York Posts front page headline screaming, TRANSGENDER KILLER TARGETS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. The MailOnline front page features a panoply of headlines and text screaming Trans shooter. When do straight white male shooters have that prefix added as a key qualifier preceding their names? Theres Steve Bannons War Room podcast, with rabid transphobe Jack Posobiec of Turning Point USAs declaring, This was a Christian massacre, they're calling it the trans day of vengeance. Fox News is only too happy to follow that with a report on the group planning to hold a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday, what is traditionally the Transgender Day of Visibility. Another TPUSA pundit and podcaster, Benny Johnson, threw more gasoline onto that fire, ignoring the stats tweeted by Molloy, to suggest the modern trans movement is radicalizing activists into terrorists. Cant get enough from The Daily Beast? Subscribe to the twice-daily Beast Digest newsletter here. On Tuesday afternoon, the Mail also broke the story that Hale may have been rejected by their devout Christian parents because they could not accept they were gay and transgender. This does not excuse or explain the terrible act Hale conducted, but it may partially illuminate a key aspect of their character and experience, and also presents an uncomfortable question for all those gleeful bigots. Should you judge and reject your LGBTQ child, or accept them and hold them close? What is healthier, and better for your family and society? LGBTQ organizations have done what they can to push against the tide of hate crashing down upon trans people. GLAAD tweeted a statement in defense of our marginalized community. HRC tweeted that every study available shows transgender and nonbinary people are much more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrator of it. I was comforted to receive this strongly-worded email from the out trans nonbinary spokesperson at the National Center for Transgender Equality, calling out the real problem. Tennessee lawmakers are working to weaken the states gun laws and Tennessee has no laws regulating the purchase and possession of assault weapons, wrote Ash Orr. Regardless of the perpetrators identity, it is important to understand that one persons actions do not reflect an entire community, they wrote. While we may never know the reasoning behind this attack, we do know that this act of violence was a preventable tragedy. We are calling for immediate, measurable actions to be taken to strengthen our gun laws and protect our communities. Reece Bittner, a student at Belmont University, places flowers at a memorial as Nashville Chief of Police John Drake speaks at a news conference at the school entrance after a deadly shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. March 28, 2023. REUTERS/Austin Anthony This particular tragedy hit me in a way that I wasnt expecting. Yes, I cried at the loss of life. I flashed-back to being the first journalist from ABC News at the scene in Sandy Hook, Conn., just weeks before I came out as transgender. But for the first time since Pulse, I worried about my safety and that of my out trans daughter. That anxiety shook me to my core, and I decided to do what I always do: Write about it. I reached out to Orion Rummler, the out trans man and LGBTQ+ reporter for The 19th News. He also covered this mass shooting, and I asked him how he was dealing with it. Reporting about any mass shooting is difficult, Rummler told me. There's almost always inaccurate information floating around in the first few days, including from police as they begin and then revise initial investigations of what's happenedmeaning you have to clinically sort through conflicting information at the same time as you're reading the names of the people who were killed, and thinking of their families, and everyone they knew who's been hurt. In this case, the gender identity of the shooter was part of that early misinformation. The stakes felt especially high for me to get this story right, because right now, we are working in a media and political environment that is saturated with misinformation and extremist rhetoric about transgender people. I feel very supported by my editor and my colleagues at The 19th News, but I know that most transgender people working in the media either do not have any support or are simply not given full-time employment, he added. Right now, I mostly just feel tired, he said, and I urge newsrooms to reconsider how we can cover events like this without quickly spreading misinformation. Thats the advice of the Trans Journalists Association, of which both Rummler and I are members: The TJA's guidance is to not assume someone is cisgender or transgender based on their appearance, gender presentation, or pronouns, the group wrote in a statement. Police reports, public documents, or statements from family members can likewise incorrectly identify a person's gender. Even social media profiles can be misleading, outdated or incomplete. We urge newsrooms to refrain from speculating without further facts. It is additionally important to keep in mind that sharing partial, un-fact-checked, or contextless information and public records during breaking news events can have outsized consequences for members of marginalized communities. Im about to hit send on this story, and Im going to ask all my editors for that space, to reconsider how we do this. We should have learned that from Pulse, but we didnt. Not every newsroom at least. Back then, I was at The Advocate, and after a few days of day after day horror, everyone got a day off, a mandatory one. I think I need that right now. If youre not trans and reading this, please remember the wise words of Ari Drennen, the out trans LGBTQ program director at Media Matters for America, who put it simply in a quote tweet: The Republican party will blame anything and everything before they do a thing about guns. This is a guns problem, not a trans problem. But gun rights advocates are turning this, as they do everything, into a something-other-than-guns problem. And once again, its the trans population that is the bogeyman. Sign up for the Beast Digest, a twice-daily run down on each days top stories. Dont miss out, sign up here. 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. Park City Presbyterian Church (PCPC) held a prayer service in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, March 28, to mourn the loss of young Hallie Scruggs, one of the victims of Monday's tragic school shooting in Nashville. Scruggs was identified as the daughter of the lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church the church associated with the school. The child's father, Chad Scruggs, had served previously as a pastor for the PCPC Dallas faith community. TENNESSEE SHOOTING: NASHVILLE POLICE RELEASE SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE OF COVENANT SCHOOL ATTACK THAT KILLED 6 In 2018, Scruggs, his wife and his four children moved from Dallas to Nashville, where he began serving as the pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to Scruggs Facebook profile. Members of PCPC in Dallas gathered Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. local time, many with Bibles in hand. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Hallie Scruggs, nine, was killed in the Nashville school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023. Those who attended the service ranged in ages some young enough to be pushed in a stroller, others old enough to use a walker. PCPC senior pastor Mark Davis shared the faith community's support for the Scruggs family in a media statement released by the church and posted on its website. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING: SIX US FAITH LEADERS EXTEND COMFORT IN WAKE OF COVENANT SCHOOL TRAGEDY "We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie," he said in the statement. Hallie Scruggs' father, Chad Scruggs, was an associate pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas before moving to Nashville to become the lead pastor at their sister church, Covenant Presbyterian Church. The Dallas faith community gathered for a prayer service on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. "Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need," he also said. SCHOOL SHOOTING IN NASHVILLE: 'AS A NATION, WE CAN DO BETTER,' FAITH LEADER INSISTS Paul Goebel, associate pastor of the Dallas church, said that the PCPC family was "incredibly saddened" by the "unimaginable tragedy" at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville. "Covenant Presbyterian Church is a sister church of PCPC; many of our members have deep friendships and family connections there," he noted in the same statement. Hallie Scruggs, nine, is pictured on right. On left, the PCPC church in Dallas where many gathered to remember the victim and her family. "We weep deeply for the unimaginable sorrow that our friends at Covenant Presbyterian Church and School are suffering and will continue to suffer," he also said. Story continues "As brothers and sisters in Christ, we will suffer alongside our friends and grieve together, but not as those without the hope of Jesus," he added. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING: AUDREY HALE POLICE BODYCAMS RELEASED On Monday, March 27, 2023, a shooter entered a Christian private school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three adults. Members of the PCPC faith community gathered on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, to honor the Scruggs family and young Hallie Scruggs, who was a victim of the Nashville school shooting. The six victims of the shooting were identified by the Nashville police as 9-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9-year-old William Kinney and 9-year-old Hallie Scruggs, as well as Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hall, 61. Shooter Audrey Hale, 28, a transgender artist and former student, entered the school, which enrolls children through the sixth grade, and opened fire. In just 14 minutes Hale killed six people, as Fox News Digital reported. HYANNIS A program with panelists and two films Saturday afternoon provided much information on the toxic chemical substances called PFAS that are found almost everywhere in our homes, the environment and our bodies. But the attentive audience of about 75 Cape Cod residents still had plenty of questions for the presenters. These forever chemicals are everywhere, in all aspects of life, Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells, one of the panelists, said. The source of it is us, not the water. The chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are the result of the products people use, he added. The focus in Hyannis has been the drinking water, which once had one of the highest rates of PFAS in the state but has been filtered since 2016. However, Ells stressed the need for education about PFAS, and he was encouraged that young people have become involved in the issue. Kids are going to be the ones dealing with the long-term effects, said Luc-Andre Sader of the Barnstable Youth Commission on Saturday at a program in Hyannis that focused on the toxic chemicals PFAS. The program, attended by about 75 people including students, was organized by the youth commission, Barnstable High School Green Club and Sturgis East Environmental Club. Kids are going to be the ones dealing with the long-term effects, Luc-Andre Sader of the Barnstable Youth Commission said. The program was organized by the Youth Commission, Barnstable High School Green Club and Sturgis East Environmental Club, who served as moderators during lengthy question-and-answer sessions after the films on the effects of PFAS on humans and the environment were shown. The student groups paired up with Silent Spring Institute, which has been doing environmental studies on the Cape since the 1990s and was the first to identify the PFAS, its lead investigator Laurel Schaider said. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition was also part of the program as breast cancer is one of several diseases believed to be caused by PFAS. Silent Spring wants to interview Hyannis adults and children for a nationwide study on PFAS. Silent Spring, based in Centerville, is recruiting Hyannis children, 5-17, and adults who lived in Hyannis from 2006 to 2016 to participate in a nationwide study by the Centers for Disease Control on the effects of PFAS on health. About 300 have participated so far. The goal is 900. Story continues Although few Hyannis residents attended the program, people from other Cape towns came to learn more about PFAS. Some are involved in various environmental projects in their towns. Theresa Covell of Barnstable, a public health nurse for Barnstable County who is also involved with the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, brought her two children. She was surprised to learn at the event that PFAS are in most dental floss and is concerned about the Capes only aquifer. A study suggested certain types of consumer behaviors, including flossing, contribute to elevated levels in the body of toxic PFAS chemicals, according to a 2019 website post by Silent Spring Institute. State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, spoke on Saturday in Hyannis at a program about PFAS and the community. About 75 people including students attended the program with panelists, two films and time for audience questions. Cape residents worry about chemicals from Joint Base Cape Cod. Phyllis Welby of Osterville is a volunteer for Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, sampling the water in estuaries. She and her husband deliberately chose to build a home away from East Falmouth and Mashpee because of chemicals emanating from training at Joint Base Cape Cod. More:PFAS are everywhere. Removing them from the Cape's water supply will not be easy. A couple from Mashpee said PFAS have been found in the drinking water there and they are also concerned about the foam from the base and all aspects of the environment. Other questions from the audience were about filters on faucets, treatment of sludge from wastewater plants, effects on shellfish, and whether it can be removed from the body. It cant, Schaider said. Proposed state legislation would ban packaging that uses PFAS by 2030. State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, who represents the Cape and Islands, described proposed state legislation from a PFAS task force he co-chaired. It made eight recommendations, including monitoring water and banning all packaging that contains PFAS by 2030. PFAS are found in grease-resistant paper, fast food containers and wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers as well as Teflon coated pans. Cyr is particularly concerned about the PFAS in firefighters gear. State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, shares the stage with Cheryl Osimo of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition on Saturday in Hyannis. A community forum on PFAS was attended by about 75 people including students. Greg Milne, a former Barnstable town councilor, asked why the products could not be banned sooner. Cyr said any regulations need a big investment to hire staff to implement them. He said much of the money to pay for the remediations could come from many lawsuits against national companies that have been making the products, some for seven decades. Before filtering, Hyannis had the highest levels of PFAS in drinking water in 2009. Milne also asked the presenters to report the highest level of PFAS found in the Hyannis water supply. He said providing the number would encourage more people to participate in the study. For groundwater that is, not treated drinking water Milne said the amount was 320,000 parts per trillion found at the fire training site in 2009. For drinking water, though, Schaider said that Hyannis had the highest levels of PFAS in the state in 2009 at 430 parts per trillion in tests at the Mary Dunn well near the training site. Massachusetts standard now is a maximum PFAS level in drinking water of 20 parts per trillion. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering regulations for the first time that would set the standard at 4 parts per trillion, she said. The PFAS study takes blood and urine samples from participants who receive up to $50 in gift cards for adults and up to $75 for children. To learn more or sign up, Hyannis residents can email pfas-health-study@silentspring.org, call or text 508-296-4298 or check the website https://silentspring.org/project/cdcatsdr-multi-site-health-study-pfas/massachusetts-pfas-and-your-health-study. Individuals can get the test at the Centerville office. Gain access to premium Cape Cod Times content by subscribing. Check out our subscription offers. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: How Cape Cod can deal with PFAS, the forever chemicals An effort to sell a 600-year-old human skull at a rural North Carolina auction house was abruptly halted over the weekend after a group of opponents led by Native Americans intervened. Bidders gathered at the Mebane Antique Auction Gallery in western Orange County on Saturday for the sale of nearly 500 estate items, from age-worn oil paintings to 19th century American rifles. The small skull marked Lot 243 in the auction appears to be complete and original, missing some teeth, according to the listing, which dated its previous purchase to an antique gallery in Montreal sometime in the 1960s. Prospective buyers showed interest well before the bones, described as originating in North America circa 1400, were slated for the auction block. By mid-day Saturday, more than a dozen online bids had pushed the price up to about $2,000. But the skull doesnt appear destined to end up in private hands. The owners, a couple in Chapel Hill, told The News & Observer Sunday they want to work with tribal members to repatriate the remains. The canceled auction is just one example of a long, emotional quest by tribal and federal officials to stop the buying and selling of native human remains. The successful return of these bones to tribal lands depends largely on a cobbled-together collection of state and federal laws not all of which are well understood by local law enforcement. And sometimes, the case in Mebane shows, that patchwork can fail. Legal or not? Efforts to stop the auction began days earlier, when Greensboro-based archaeologist Shawn Patch saw the listing. Offended and insulted, he raised concerns with the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, he said. An auctioneer takes bids for items at the Mebane Antique Auction Gallery Saturday, March 25, 2023. Among the nearly 500 items for sale that day was a small skull purporting to be from North America circa 1400, drawing protests from Native American groups. Michele Walker, spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, confirmed that the agency learned about the sale of the skull last week and notified law enforcement. Mebane Antique Auction Gallery , owner Jon Lambert said he fielded calls earlier in the week from the Orange County Sheriffs Office, which told him the skull was legal to sell. Story continues We did look into the matter, Alicia Stemper, spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said. Our investigator consulted with the DA last week and also reached out to federal entities. We learned from them that the sale of the skull in question would not violate either N.C. or federal law. State law, Stemper said in an email, prohibits the removal of skeletal remains from unmarked graves in North Carolina after October 1981, well after the skull was originally acquired. Additionally, there is no indication, nor is there any way to prove, that the skull is from North Carolina, she said, adding that while the sheriffs office investigates state crimes, her department did pass information on the auction to the FBI in Charlotte. Stemper referenced the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which prohibits the sale and purchase of the human remains of a Native American. Keep in mind, however, NAGPRA applies to items excavated or discovered on federal or tribal land after November 16, 1990, Stemper said. That interpretation is wrong, experts say. It doesnt matter when theyre excavated, said Stephen Davis, associate director emeritus of the Research Laboratories of Archaeology at UNC Chapel Hill. In a lot of states, its legal to sell human remains. But Native American human remains are excepted from that policy. Carrie Wilson, NAGPRA director for the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, agreed. If theyre Native American remains and theyre being sold today, the law applies to them today, she said in a phone interview with the N&O Saturday. Estate sale goes viral By Friday morning, Patch was surprised to find the listing for the skull still active. And with potential law enforcement avenues to remove it exhausted, he and a colleague reached out to several Native American tribal contacts in the state. It was really the eleventh hour, Patch said in an interview at the auction Saturday. We would have reached out sooner had we known it would have gotten this far. As of Monday, I didnt expect wed be here. By the time Crystal Cavalier-Keck, a member of the Occaneechi band of the Saponi Nation, caught wind of the sale Friday afternoon, she was nearing the end of her trip to a United Nations water conference in New York. She said she called the auction house late Friday and no one answered. So she turned to social media for help. Her first TikTok video about her opposition to the sale posted around 4 p.m., hours before she arrived back to her home in Mebane. I stayed up until 4, just contacting people, emailing people. I was emailing people on the plane. Just trying to figure out what to do, said Cavalier-Keck, a member of the state-recognized Occaneechi band of the Saponi Nation. I was really hoping the TikTok would go viral that somebody would respond. And respond they did. Outside the Mebane Antique Auction Gallery, TyAnn Nakai and Randy Newcomb burn sweetgrass and sage in a smudging ritual on Saturday, March 15, 2023. Nakai and Newcomb were at the auction to protest the sale of a purported 600-year-old human skull. By the time the Mebane auction house opened Saturday, friends and relatives from at least a half-dozen tribal affiliations arrived at the 13,000-square-foot warehouse just off U.S. Highway 70, where the skull sat entombed in a glass display case just beneath the chanting auctioneer. To Cavalier-Keck, the bones appeared to belong to a little girl. Just from the size of the skull, it just looks like a child, she said. A young, small woman. Word got around to other tribes as well. In an email to the auction house at 12:30 p.m., an attorney with the Sappony, one of the state-recognized American Indian tribes, demanded the sale stop immediately. The Tribe believes Mebane Antique Auction Gallerys possession of these remains is unlawful and any sale of these remains is illegal, Marion Werkheiser, an attorney for the tribe, wrote. Protest cancels auction of skull Nearly five hours after the start of the auction Saturday, gallery owner Jon Lambert told members of the group of Native Americans and their allies standing along the sidelines of the warehouse that the skull still front and center in its lit display would not be sold. After Lambert announced the decision publicly over the loudspeaker, emotions peaked. Protests halted the rapid-fire rattle of auctioneers. Tribal members pleaded to cover the skull, to honor it as our ancestors would like. Their request was initially denied. Youve been holding onto this thing for way too long, Jason Keck, Crystals husband, shouted. Youve been not listening to your heart. Youve been not listening to your spirit. Youve been not listening to your humanity. He called Lambert a coward and a capitalist, and told the crowd they should be ashamed. As the sales resumed, the chant of the auctioneer clashed with the trill of one Native American womans lele cry. Within minutes, the gallery relented. An employee removed the skull from the case and carried it to the back of the room, its lot tag still dangling. Cavalier-Keck and other tribal members packed its open sockets with sage before wrapping it with a green woven blanket. Im so sorry this happened, the auction employee said. Cavalier-Keck laid her hand on his shoulder. She was a child, she said, in a voice barely above a whisper. In a phone interview with the N&O Sunday, Lambert criticized protesters for trying to get attention instead of coming to him earlier in the week with their concerns, calling their actions sad. In his 30-plus years of running the auction, he said hed never had a disruption like Saturdays. He would have allowed experts to examine the skull in advance, he said. But aside from the questions he answered from law enforcement, no one asked. The only reason I took it out of the sale yesterday is to satisfy these crazies, Lambert said Sunday. He said he understood the skull to be a museum piece, based on apparent markings and labels along one side VRDR-1 and SK-7 written in thick black ink. Im not in the human-remains business, Lambert said. If I was in an estate and saw a skull with no markings on it, I think I would run away from it. Thats when youre walking on thin ice. He also raised doubts about the skulls authenticity after he said he received a call late Saturday from someone telling him it could be a replica. At the end of the day, the skulls not sold and is going back to the family and we dont even know if its real or not, Lambert said. Davis, the UNC archaeologist, said it doesnt look like a replica. In the 1960s, he said, most replicas were done in heavy plaster with technology not delicate enough to preserve the patterns present in photos of the skull he reviewed. The skulls owners think its real too. I would be shocked if it were a replica, Lee Walker, of Chapel Hill, told the N&O in an interview Sunday. If it were a replica, I wouldnt have bought it. He said he bought the skull in the late 1960s as a young man recently out of the Army. He majored in anthropology and archaeology, and it caught his interest as he browsed a Montreal shop called the Petit Musee. When he brought it back to the U.S., he said the customs people looked at it and had no problem with it. Its been in his possession since he bought it, but he said he was never able to figure out where it originated. He and his wife consigned it for sale through the Mebane auction house while in the process of downsizing their home. But after learning of the concerns of tribal members at the auction Saturday, they said they were interested in donating it properly to ensure it got into the right hands. I have no problem working with anyone looking to repatriate it to wherever it should be, Walker said. At auction, relief over decision not to sell Before the skull was whisked from the auction room Saturday, members of the crowd made protests of their own. Someone accused tribal members of showing off. Another asked why they hadnt raised the issue sooner. We tried, Cavalier-Keck responded. We tried. In a brief verbal confrontation with one of the people opposing the skulls sale, a man in the audience motioned to himself and his wife: We can afford to be here. Can you? But as the tribal members regrouped outside, a tall man holding a dog exited the auction house to tell them he respected what they did. He was there to look at a car, he said, and was moved by their actions. Regardless of what anybody said, I think yall did the right thing, the man said. In the parking lot, the group absorbed the emotional partial victory This could be my grandmother or your grandmother, Randy Newcomb told a pair of reporters, wiping away tears. This was stolen. Its not appropriate. Jason Keck admitted that his emotions got the best of him inside. I have a want to educate individuals like that theyre still human, theyre just disconnected from their heart. Theyre disconnected from their spirit, Keck said. And they depend on rights, this thing weve come to be dependent on, over responsibilities. As Cavalier-Keck tallied the tribal membership in the lot Sappony, Choctaw, Catawba, Yaqui, Tuscarora, Assiniboine TyAnn Nakai, a U.S. Marine veteran and Dine tribal member, said they didnt need to know where the bones originated to show up for them. Its still part of us, Nakai said. Regardless of whether the crowd agreed with them, it was important to be visible, she said. They see us, were still here and were going to continue to fight for whats right and make them hear us, Nakai said. Some people might not like that were here. But were here, and were going to continue to be here. Navajo Technical University Chinle Academic Facility (photo: Navajo Technical University Facebook) Navajo Technical Universitya public university on the Navajo Nation in Crownpoint, N.M. has launched an accredited doctoral program in Dine culture and language sustainability, making it the first of 36 tribal colleges and universities nationwide to offer a Ph.D. The program opens to students in Fall 2023 and will integrate traditional Dine knowledge and western research methodologies to develop culturally-responsive practices to community-specific problems, according to the schools press release. According to University president Elmer Guy, the hope is to promote self-determination and empower students to become leaders across sectors, including education, health, local government, criminal justice, and elections. The Navajo language is just one of the hundreds of Indigenous languages tribal nations have been working to build back from the brink of extinction. Although the Navajo language had more than 170,000 speakers as of 2019more than any other tribal nation it is still considered an endangered language by UNESCO since each year fewer Navajo children speak the language fluently. Tell Us What You Think According to a report by the Navajo Nations Department of Dine Education, only 30% of Navajo children are fluent in the language, compared to around 90% in the early 20th century. Losing speakers of a language has far-reaching consequences for a nations overall health. Guy said many of the nations citizens only speak Navajo, which presents a threat at the courthouse, the ballots, the clinic, and beyond. If we are going to be sovereign, weve got to practice that throughout, Guy said. For a long time, the court transcribed didnt Navajo, so when someone spoke Navajo, they would just put inaudible. So we have trained court transcribers who will transcribe the Navajo language. We are [also] training people on how to interpret the election ballots [in Navajo]. The more that we put out with these skills with these tools, it will just add to the collection [of] knowledge and theyll contribute to our nation in a good way. Story continues Navajo Technical Universitys Ph.D. program prioritizes community-based research, Wafa Hozien, an administrator who helped with the programs creation, told Native News Online. In each course, students will look at real-life problems on the Navajo Nation and work toward developing solutions. The launch of our accredited Ph.D. program represents a paradigm shift in how we approach Indigenous language education and research, Hozien said. Our program offers a unique opportunity for community members to gain a deep understanding of the Dine language and culture and to empower themselves as advocates for language sustainability. While students may not have all the answers, the idea is to put them on the pathway to collaborative solutions to create meaningful change, Hozien said. More than 20 students have already inquired about the Ph.D. application, Hozien said, though the program is only enrolling five students in its first cohort. Faculty will include Dr. Siri Tuttle, an expert in Athabaskan linguistics and community-based research, and Dr. Franklin Sage (Dine), a scholar in Dine research in culture and history. Getting a Ph.D. means that a graduate can lead, conduct and publish research, Tuttle said in a statement provided to Native News Online. With the Navajo Technical University degree, it is intended to go further: to indicate that the graduate can do all these things in an ethical way that also makes sense in the Dine world. About the Author: "Jenna Kunze is a staff reporter covering Indian health, the environment and breaking news for Native News Online. She is also the publication's lead reporter on stories related to Indian boarding schools and repatriation. Her bylines have appeared in The Arctic Sounder, High Country News, Indian Country Today, Tribal Business News, Smithsonian Magazine, Elle and Anchorage Daily News. Kunze is based in New York." Contact: jkunze@indiancountrymedia.com North Carolina sheriffs would be required to inform and cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after charging someone with certain high-level offenses if the persons legal status cannot be determined, according to legislation that passed the North Carolina House Tuesday. House Bill 10, a new version of similar bills passed by GOP lawmakers in recent years that were subsequently vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, was approved by lawmakers with 71 votes to 44. At least three Democrats Reps. Tricia Cotham, Cecil Brockman and Michael Wray joined Republicans in supporting the bill. It now heads to the state Senate, which is expected to again send the bill to Cooper, who overturned its previous iteration last summer. After winning several seats in the 2022 election, however, Republicans are now just one vote shy of being able to circumvent Cooper. As the House passed HB 10 Tuesday, the Senate planned to hold its first override vote of the session right after on a package of gun rights bills that Cooper vetoed Friday. A similar effort to bypass Cooper on the ICE bill could follow if it reaches his desk and he decides to block it again. Rep. Destin Hall, a Lenoir Republican and one of the bills primary sponsors, said the vast majority of the states 100 sheriffs already voluntarily do what HB 10 would require them to do. The main reason the bill is needed, he said, is the small number of sheriffs in primarily urban counties such as Wake and Mecklenburg, where sheriffs have vowed not to cooperate with ICE. There are a small number of sheriffs in our state who have completely stopped working with ICE, and in many cases, stopped communicating with ICE in any meaningful way, Hall said before the vote. A major gun rights bill that includes a controversial repeal of the states permit requirement for buying handguns will become law in North Carolina after the GOP-controlled legislature overrode Gov. Roy Coopers veto. Senate Bill 41 successfully passed a veto override vote 71 to 46 in the House Wednesday morning, following a similar successful vote in the Senate on Tuesday evening. The votes quickly followed Coopers decision Friday to veto the bill, and mark the first time GOP lawmakers have overridden a veto from the Democratic governor since 2018, when Republicans last held a supermajority. The House has 120 members, but three House Democrats who have been willing to vote with Republicans on party-line bills in the past werent present Wednesday morning. Absences from Reps. Cecil Brockman of Guilford County, Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County and Michael Wray of Halifax County meant that Republicans only needed 71 votes to override the veto, not 72. That is significant, since Republicans control 71 seats on their own, and without absences from Democrats, they wouldve needed at least one Democrat to vote for the override an action that would put them at odds with the rest of their party and Cooper, the Democratic governor who is currently serving the final two years of his second term. Wrays legislative assistant said he didnt come into the General Assembly because of a family emergency. Brockmans office said he missed the vote because he was in urgent care Wednesday morning, according to WRAL. And Cotham said she was receiving scheduled hospital treatment, WBTV reported. I do not and have not supported the dangerous repeal of pistol purchase permits, which I have voted against previously, Cotham said. The override vote in the Senate, meanwhile, was purely along party lines, with all 30 Republicans voting to override Coopers veto and 19 Democrats voting against (with one Democrat not present). GOP lawmakers promised a swift override vote after Cooper issued his veto, and moved quickly to complete votes in both chambers. Democrats in the Senate voiced their objections, but in the House, Republicans made a motion to immediately hold a vote, saying that the issue had been thoroughly debated and enough notice of an override attempt had been given. Story continues That didnt make the vote any less contentious. Rep. Robert Reives, the House minority leader, tried to speak against the vote while it was occurring, but House Speaker Tim Moore said that procedural rules dont allow that during veto overrides. Reives instead expressed his frustration with the process once the vote was over. He apologized to school children who were visiting the legislature and watching from the gallery, and said that their teachers could explain that rushed votes arent normal. That prompted GOP Rep. John Torbett of Gaston County to reply that the bill had already been debated extensively in committees and on the House and Senate floor. Reactions from groups on both sides of gun debate Support for the bill, particularly the pistol purchase permit repeal, has mostly fallen along party lines. Republicans argue the permitting system is outdated and an unnecessary infringement on Second Amendment rights. Nearly all Democrats argue that it makes little sense to remove an existing safeguard that helps law enforcement keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldnt have them. Gun safety advocates, during various debates over the past two months, have said that repealing the permit law, which requires anyone buying a handgun in North Carolina to first obtain a permit from their local sheriffs office, is a mistake and will create a potentially dangerous loophole for private sales. Becky Ceartas, the executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, said the legislatures decision to repeal the permit law would put every North Carolinians safety in greater peril. Lawmakers that voted to repeal our Pistol Purchase Permitting system will have blood on their hands, Ceartas said in a statement. We will wake up 5 or 10 years from now and see that our gun homicide and gun suicide rates have risen. And we will directly point to these votes to repeal the Pistol Purchase Permitting system. They did not listen to facts, reason, or the vast majority of North Carolinians. Shame on them. The National Rifle Association, meanwhile, thanked GOP lawmakers for overriding Coopers veto. D.J. Spiker, the NRAs state director for North Carolina, said the bill replaces onerous laws that have served no public service. Those include both the permit repeal and another part of the bill that allows people attending religious services at places of worship that also serve as schools, or have attached schools, to carry concealed handguns for their protection. Requiring a permit to purchase a handgun is a burdensome impediment to gun ownership law-abiding residents should not have to ask the government for permission to exercise their Second Amendment rights, Spiker said. And, there is no reason church-goers should be restricted from protecting themselves when (worshiping). This has been a hard-fought battle, and Im thrilled to say North Carolina is a freer state because of the state legislatures actions. Nashville shooting brought up during Senate debate After the shooting Monday at the Covenant School, a private religious elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, that left six people dead, including three nine-year-old students, Cooper criticized GOP lawmakers for moving ahead with the override vote, calling it outrageous that Republicans wanted to eliminate strong NC background checks and make it easier for dangerous people to buy guns and take them on some school grounds. Republican bill sponsors have pushed back against the notion that the permit law is necessary, and say that the vast majority of people applying for permits are law-abiding citizens not criminals or others intending to commit gun violence who shouldnt need to go through an arbitrary process of getting approval from their sheriffs office. Sen. Danny Britt, a Lumberton Republican and one of the bills primary sponsors, said Tuesday that SB 41 would protect gun rights, and wouldnt make communities less safe. He also challenged the idea that the bill wouldve had any bearing on a shooting like the one in Nashville. On the other hand, Britt said, one of the other measures in the bill which would allow people attending religious services at places of worship that also serve as schools, or have attached schools, to carry guns would make it easier for church-goers and other worshipers to protect themselves. I would hope that no one uses the tragedy that occurred in Nashville to score political points, Britt said on the Senate floor. What were doing in this bill would not impact the situation in Nashville. What were doing in this bill would not make people less safe. Sen. Sydney Batch, a Democrat from Apex, spoke against the bill. Batch said despite being a gun owner herself, she was opposed to repealing the permit law, especially because of the loophole that could allow people who have committed crimes to obtain guns through private sales that dont require a federal background check. This isnt scoring political points, Batch said. This is a personal experience that I and thousands of other parents across the state worry about every single day. As a history teacher at High Point Central High School, Bruce Blackwell teaches about the past, but now the present has come barging in. Ninety miles from his classroom, Republican state lawmakers in Raleigh are pushing House Bill 187, legislation that would limit how racism and sexism can be taught in the schools. It states, in part, that no teacher should present history in a way that, Any individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress. This bill does not change what history standards can and cannot be taught, said Rep. John Torbett, a Gaston County Republican and the bills primary sponsor. It simply prohibits schools from endorsing discriminatory concepts. Blackwell disagrees. For him, a Black, 35-year-old North Carolina native, the bill is an intrusion that aims to distort history. If you look at history, theres always one group that felt they were superior over another, whether it was to force a group out of their homes or force a group into enslavement, he said. He noted that women in the United States didnt get the right to vote until 1920 and that it wasnt until the voting rights law ended barriers to Black people voting that the nation became a real democracy. Blackwell doesnt want any of his students to feel ashamed by history. He just wants them to know the truth about it. When he teaches about the Founding Fathers, his class discusses the fact that some were slaveholders. People like Washington or Thomas Jefferson, were they people of their times or could they have done more? he told me. Its having that conversation and letting the kids draw their own opinions. Its not me pressing. Blackwell doesnt think teachers are imposing their views by discussing the reality of the past. The people who are pushing this agenda, Im wondering where they get it from., he said. Are they going into a classroom and actually seeing this type of rhetoric being taught to students? I really believe thats not happening. Story continues What is happening in schools, he said, is a shortage of teachers as well as infrastructure problems. Sometimes the heat doesnt work and theres no air conditioning. There are also cases where students go hungry because they cant afford a school lunch. There are more important things to worry about than what theyre assuming about what teachers are communicating to students, Blackwell said. The proposed legislation addresses a nonexistent problem, he said, but if it passes it will create real problems. For one, he said, it will set back efforts to diversify the ranks of teachers. We want more Black males and people of color in general in teaching, but theyll look at this and fear they are going to be scrutinized, especially if they are at a school that is predominately white, he said. They are going to be intimidated into not teaching certain things or theres going to be blowback from a parent. Blackwell, who teaches at a school that includes a mix of whites, Blacks and Latinos, said he hasnt heard complaints about his taking a forthright approach to teaching history. Im thankful that Ive never had any blowback from my students. Theres never been a parent who has questioned anything, said Blackwell, who has been a full-time teacher since 2015. Its always, My child loves your class, they love learning about things. If House Bill 187 passes, he said he doesnt plan to change how he teaches. Its sad, he said of the legislation, but Im somebody who is willing to fight for what is right regardless of the outcome. If you look at the people who have gone before, you have got to take a stand at some point. While Republican lawmakers want to tell him how to teach, Blackwell wants them to learn. Theyre not here with us to really see what is going on. Theyre not coming into our classroom, he said. Truly, they should visit a classroom and see whats going on. They might learn something. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-829-4512, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com A total of 4,390 Ukrainian orphans and children from special institutions for children without parental care are currently in Russia or on temporarily Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Source: Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, on air of the national joint newscast Details: Vereshchuk said that Ukraine is handing over all evidence related to the abduction of Ukrainian children to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This includes evidence obtained by Ukraines Prosecutors Office, defence intelligence, police, and Security Service. Sometimes Russian officials confirm instances of abduction of Ukrainian children. Iryna Vereshchuk Photo: Andr.Ivchenko/Depositphotos Quote from Vereshchuk: "When someone like Lvova-Belova [Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Affairs - ed.] adopts a child, a child that we as a country demanded to repatriate to Ukraine And instead this child is adopted and [the Russians] boast about it in front of the whole world this is a case when we essentially dont need to prove anything. They have provided ample evidence of their own crime. They will be held responsible for it." Details: Vereshchuk also said that Ukraine was counting on the international community to put pressure on the aggressor country. Quote from Vereshchuk: "We are counting on the international community, on the fact that it will impose sanctions, put pressure on, and hold responsible everyone involved in the crime of genocide against our children. There is ample evidence. We hope that our efforts and the pressure of the international community will allow us to expedite the process of bringing our children back [to Ukraine]." Background: A data collection system maintained by the Government of Ukraine indicated that 16,221 children had been deported to the Russian Federation as of the end of February 2023. The UN Human Rights Council reported 164 incidents of transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian citizens. The Dity Viiny (Children of War) platform estimates the number of Ukrainian children deported by Russians to be around 700,000. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! News brief logo Ohio 510 to be closed in May CLYDE - Ohio 510 over Buck Creek, north of the city of Clyde, will close May 1 for 30 days for a bridge replacement. The project will complete in late September, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. Mental health board to meet in Port Clinton TIFFIN - The location has changed for the board meeting of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The new location is the Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center, 70 S McKinley Drive, Port Clinton. Oak Harbor Chamber Foundation to host reverse raffle OAK HARBOR - The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will again host the Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration. To help offset the costs of the event, the Oak Harbor Chamber Foundation will hold a Reverse Raffle on May 13 at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. Dinner and a chance to win over $5,000 in cash and prizes, with a top prize of $2,500 cash, is $50 per person. In addition to the cash prizes, there will be several raffle items, games and more. The foundation is looking for raffle items and donations. Contact the chamber at 419-898-0479 or chamber@oakharborohio.net if interested in purchasing a ticket or donating to the event. Proceeds benefit the Free Independence Day Celebration on July 3. Chili competition set for Saturday MARBLEHEAD - The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Chili Cook-off 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Stop by participating businesses throughout Lakeside and Marblehead and sample chili. Vote for a favorite chili and qualify to win a price. Cost is $20 by calling the chamber office at 419-702-7492. Gibsonburg Town Hall to be closed April 7 GIBSONBURG - The Gibsonburg Town Hall will be closed April 7. The Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. April 4 at the council meeting room in the town hall, 526 N. Webster St. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Gibsonburg Ohio Facebook page. Story continues Plasterbed, Gypsum roads closed OAK HARBOR - Plasterbed and Gypsum Roads will be closed from Schiewe to the southern entrance to U.S. Gypsum through Wednesday. No vehicles are permitted through the area until repairs are completed, according to the Ottawa County Engineer's Office announced. This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: News Briefs: Ohio 510 to be closed in May (Bloomberg) -- Nigerias ruling party looks set to retain its dominance of the countrys political offices after elections held in recent weeks. Most Read from Bloomberg Besides winning the presidency, the All Progressives Congress kept majorities in the Senate and among state governors. The party also secured the most seats in the House of Representatives. While the runners-up in the presidential race Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party are challenging the official results in court, Bola Tinubu is scheduled to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari at the end of May. Despite receiving the lowest share of the vote of any incoming head of state in Nigerias democratic history, his administration will start with a solid base from which to implement a challenging set of reforms. Nigerian Ruling Party Wins Violence-Hit Lagos Governor Vote (1) Tinubus first major test will be removing gasoline subsidies that cost the government more than $10 billion last year. The APCs candidate pledged during his campaign to cut the costly subsidy to ease the nations debt-service burden and free up spending for health-care and education. While the three main campaigns all called for the removal of the subsidy, it will still be politically risky pushing up transport costs and potentially triggering social unrest. Uncertain House Tinubus party is not assured control of the House of Representatives because about 10% of the 360 seats are yet to be filled. It will, however, begin the next parliamentary session with at least 57 of the 109 seats in the upper chamber and running a minimum of 19 of Nigerias 36 states. In addition to fuel subsidies, the next president will confront a mountain of public debt thats grown seven-fold to about 77 trillion naira ($167 billion) under Buhari and a bill to service those obligations that could soon consume the governments entire revenue. He will also need to assess an unsure future for Nigerian oil production, particularly onshore, and tackle rampant insecurity across vast swathes of the West African nation. Story continues Although supportive lawmakers and governors will provide Tinubu with more room for maneuver, majorities do not guarantee compliance as Buhari discovered in his first term during which the relationship between the executive and the parliamentary leadership deteriorated into gridlock. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Dover, N.H. Presidential candidate Nikki Haley offered a call-to-action on school safety in response to a Nashville shooting that left six people dead on Monday. A 28-year-old female shooter who identifies as transgender opened fire at The Covenant School on Monday killing three children and three adults, police said. The shooter was a former student, though the motive for the shooting was not immediately clear. The victims ranged in age from 8 years old to 61 years old. The shooter entered the private Christian school of roughly 200 students through a side entrance, according to police spokesperson Don Aaron, and was wielding two assault-style rifles and a pistol, police said. The shooter was fatally shot by police. While we want to lift up those families in prayer, people are going to say, But what are we going to do about it? Haley said during a town hall style event in Dover, N.H. There are answers on what to do about it. We have to decide as a country that were going to do something about it. She suggested schools should have only one point of entry and that every school should have a law-enforcement officer stationed on campus all the time. Metal detectors, which are already present everywhere kids go, should be used more widely in schools as well, she said. Youre going to hear everybody want to talk about gun control, she said. My thing is, I dont want to take away your ability to protect yourself until they do those things that protect those kids and we need to make sure that happens in every school because its happened too often and we need to make sure that stops. Later, a member of the audience asked Haley what she would do to address the countrys mental-health crisis if she were elected. Haley referred back to the nations school shootings and said the U.S. should have mental-health specialists in every school. America has failed when it comes to mental health. They refuse to acknowledge it for what it is, she said. Story continues She also suggested people on the street with mental-health issues should not be jailed but should instead be put on a teleconference to speak to a mental-health professional and Get the help that they need. When we start treating mental health like the cancers we treat, all of a sudden youre going to find we have a youre gonna find we have a healthy American population, she said. More from National Review FIRST ON FOX: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley will visit the southern border in Texas next week, Fox News Digital has learned -- as the former governor is unveiling her plan to handle the ongoing migrant crisis now into its third year. Haley will become the first presidential candidate to visit the border when she travels to Texas on April 3. She will be accompanied by Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and will make several stops between San Antonio and Eagle Pass. The area has seen some of the heaviest migrant traffic along the border in recent years as authorities have been besieged by the historic crisis. There were over 1.7 million encounters at the southern border in FY 2021, and more than 2.3 million in FY 2022. FY 2023 has been on pace to eclipse those numbers, although numbers have dipped in January and February. NIKKI HALEY UNLOADS ON BIDEN PROJECTING AMERICAN WEAKNESS ON WORLD STAGE: WE HAVE TO WAKE UP Republicans have attributed the crisis to the policies of the Biden administration -- specifically the rolling back of Trump-era border protections, and an increase in "catch-and-release" of migrants into the U.S. The White House has attributed the crisis to a hemisphere-wide challenge and has called on Republicans to provide additional funding. Haley, who is a daughter of legal immigrants, has been rolling out her plan to secure the border and tackle illegal immigration. That plan would see the recent funding for up to 87,000 IRS staff scrapped in favor of 25,000 new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The plan would also mandate that businesses use E-Verify -- which verifies a workers citizenship and immigration status -- in their hiring processes. As governor of South Carolina, Haley had signed a bill requiring all businesses in the state to use the tool. Additionally, a Haley administration would cut funding to states that have been used to give money to illegal immigrants -- such as the billions used by New York to cut checks to illegal immigrant workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Story continues Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations, during an event in Charleston, South Carolina, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Her plan would also restore the Trump-era "Remain-in-Mexico" policy -- which kept migrants in Mexico while their immigration hearings proceeded, instead of releasing them into the U.S. Republicans have credited that policy with reducing the pull factors which drew migrants north. Haley is also promising to end the "catch-and-release" practices of the Biden administration. "We fix [the border crisis] by going back to Remain-in-Mexico, we fix it by stopping catch and release, we fix it by putting up an actual wall and closing our border," she said earlier this month on "One Nation with Brian Kilmeade." "But we do it by doing what I did in South Carolina as governor," she said. "We did a mandatory E-Verify program that said none of our businesses could hire anyone that was in this country illegally. That is what got them out of South Carolina because there were no jobs for them to come to, that's what will get them out of this country, we've got to make sure none of our businesses hire anyone that is here in the country illegally, and we've got to start taking this seriously. Every state is a border state." BIDEN ANNOUNCES NEW NORTHERN BORDER DEAL, FENTANYL COALITION WITH CANADA AS IMMIGRATION CRISIS RAGES In addition to mandating E-Verify, the legislation she signed as governor also required police to check the immigration status of anyone they stop who they suspected may be in the U.S. illegally -- following similar legislation in states like Arizona. That bill also created an illegal immigration enforcement unit, made it illegal to transport or harbor illegal immigrants, made it a felony to sell fake IDs to illegal immigrants and barred illegal immigrants from state or local benefits. The bill faced significant pushback from immigration activists. "Illegal immigration is not welcome in South Carolina," Haley said in 2011 when she signed the bill. As governor, she also declined to accept Syrian refugees over concerns about vetting, and in 2014 said that South Carolina would not be accepting illegal immigrant minors in order to focus on children already in the state. When she served as U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, the U.S. withdrew from the global compact on migration in part due to concerns that it would have restricted U.S. policy and impinged on U.S. sovereignty. Illegal immigration and border security are likely to remain top topics in both the Republican primary season and the 2024 general election. Former President Trump, who has announced his own 2024 bid, made tackling illegal immigration a key part of his administration. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis -- who has not announced a bid but is widely expected to run -- sparked outrage from Democrats last year when he flew illegal immigrants into Marthas Vineyard. New Jersey's attorney general said Monday that his office has taken control of the police department in the state's third-largest city, Paterson, less than a month after officers there fatally shot a well-known crisis intervention worker during a tense standoff. Attorney General Matt Platkin said at a news conference that his office had assumed control of all police functions without delay, including the division that investigates internal police matters. His announcement didn't mention the shooting of 31-year-old Najee Seabrooks directly, but it reflected activists' concerns about how the department was being run. There is a crisis of confidence in law enforcement in this city, he said to brief cheers and calls of Thank you from the audience. Something has to change, and it will change starting now. Earlier this morning, I exercised my authority as attorney general and superseded the Paterson Police Department. Platkin said the takeover amounted to a pledge to residents and officers that the state is committed to safety in the city. During a phone interview later Monday, Platkin said it wasn't a single case that led to his office's takeover of the Paterson Police Department. This is not a step I take lightly. Its something Ive been considering for a while. Its been a series of misconduct ... a complete breakdown of trust, he said. Isa Abbassi, a 25-year veteran of the New York Police Department currently serving as the chief of strategic initiatives there, will take charge of Paterson's police department in May, Platkin said. He said his office quietly conducted a nationwide search and settled on Abbassi. In the meantime, a New Jersey State Police officer will serve as the department's interim head. Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association, which is the union that represents Paterson's police officers, said in a statement that the vast majority of those officers are doing an extraordinary job under very difficult, trying circumstances. Story continues Besides the takeover, Platkin said hes implementing some other changes. They include a program that pairs a police officer with a mental health screener in an unmarked vehicle to respond to 911 calls about mental or behavioral health issues. He also said the state will revamp its protocols statewide for dealing with people who have barricaded themselves in a room or building as Seabrooks had done for more than five hours before he was killed. Platkin also formed a working group to study and make recommendations on interactions between police officers and violence intervention officers. The standoff started about 8 a.m. on March 3 when police were called to Seabrooks brothers apartment where he had been holed up in the bathroom. Seabrooks, who was a crisis intervention worker and mentor with the nonprofit Paterson Healing Collective, had called 911 at least seven times and told dispatchers that people were threatening him and he needed immediate help. Police arrived soon after and talked to him through the door, offering to get him water and calling him love in one instance. But the tension increased when he told police he was armed with a pocket rocket gun and a knife. Police shot Seabrooks when he emerged from the bathroom with a knife, according to the attorney generals office. His death shook his co-workers, who were at the scene and texting with him, said Liza Chowdhury, Seabrooks boss at the Paterson Healing Collective. She said Seabrooks had been texting with colleagues, asking to see them, but that police blocked the co-workers from entering the apartment. Chowdhury said Monday that she appreciated Platkins decision, but she also called on him to fire the officers involved in the shooting. In the weeks since his death, anti-violence advocates organized a vigil calling for a number of reforms, including the creation of a civilian review board. The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice has called on the Justice Department to investigate the citys police department, and the ACLU of New Jersey said the shooting shows the need to invest in non-law enforcement responses to mental health calls. It isn't clear how long the takeover will last. Platkin said he's in for the long haul. Platkin didnt specify what behavior led to the takeover, but his office has been involved in a handful of investigations in the city of more than 150,000 that's roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of New York. In February, Platkin announced an aggravated assault charge against a Paterson officer who he said shot a fleeing unarmed man. In December, a grand jury declined to indict Paterson police officers involved in the death of a man they restrained two months earlier. The U.S. Department of Justice has the power to sue police departments where there has been an established pattern of illegal behavior, corruption or unconstitutional policing practices, and issue legally binding consent decrees to require changes in those practices. It recently issued a report that will lead to a consent decree in Louisville, Kentucky, and it put the police department in New Jersey's biggest city, Newark, under federal supervision. State actions against local departments are less common because of local control is often stipulated in state constitutions. Paterson's police department is the largest to be taken over by the state in recent years, but it isn't the only one. Among the others are the 11-officer department in Lavallette, as well as three others in Union County. ___ Associated Press writer Claudia Lauer contributed to this article. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will release their new album in June. (Kate Green/Getty Images) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have announced a major new UK arena tour and tickets go on sale today. The rock band, fronted by the former Oasis star, will perform across the country in support of their new album Council Skies. Here's everything you need to know about the gigs, including the full tour dates. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' UK tour dates Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will kick off their UK arena tour in Hull in August. The run of shows will conclude at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena in December. Tickets will go on sale at 9am today via See Tickets, Ticketmaster and AXS. See the full list of new tour dates below: 30 August Hull, Bonus Arena 14 December London, OVO Arena Wembley 15 December Birmingham, Utilita Arena 17 December Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena 18 December Leeds, First Direct Arena 20 December Glasgow, OVO Hydro 21 December Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena The band's arena tour will begin in Hull in August. (Photo by Mike Lewis Photography/Redferns) Get tickets via See Tickets Get tickets via Ticketmaster Get tickets via AXS The arena leg of the tour will follow a string of outdoor shows and festival slots in the UK and Ireland, including a homecoming gig at Manchester's Wythenshawe Park. 21 July Buckinghamshire, Pennfest 23 July Nottingham, Wollaton Park Splendour in the Park Festival 28 July London, Crystal Palace Bowl South Facing Festival 30 July Brighton On the Beach 4 August Bingley Weekender 5 August Saffron Waldon, Essex Audley End 19 August Monmouthshire, Caldicot Castle 20 August Sedgefield, Co Durham Hardwick Festival 24 August Somerset, Taunton Vivary Park 26 August Manchester, Wythenshawe Park 27 August Dublin, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham 1 September Sheffield, Don Valley Bowl Rock N Roll Circus Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' new album The band, who formed in 2010 after Oasis' acrimonious break-up, will release their long-awaited fourth studio album Council Skies on 2 June. The 10-track album, their first since 2017, has been preceded by the release of three singles: Pretty Boy (featuring The Smiths' Johnny Marr), Easy Now and Dead to the World. Read more: Will Oasis ever reform? (7-min read) Gallagher, 55, described Dead to the World, an emotional, acoustic-driven ballad, as his favourite track on the album "by some distance". He said: "It has this film noir vibe. It's not like anything else I've ever done before. It's very melancholic, but I like that. "I'm a Gemini I'm as up as I am down, and the trick is to meet somewhere in the middle and turn that into music." The deluxe edition of the LP features 14 bonus tracks, including covers of John Lennon's classic track Mind Games and Bob Dylan's You Ain't Goin' Nowhere. Watch: Noel Gallagher's new track was inspired by fans Although she hasn't been seen since last November, police in the North Carolina town of Cornelius have yet to give up on the search for missing 11-year-old Madalina Cojocari. Last Tuesday, Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom asserted at a public event that Madalina's disappearance was "not a cold case," according to local outlet WSOC. "We have detectives working this case every single day," he said. "We just can't talk about it. Just because we're not talking about it, doesn't mean we're not doing anything." RELATED: Police Ask For More Help In Finding Madalina Cojocari, Months After Parents Failed To Report Disappearance The girl was last seen publicly stepping off her school bus at 4:59 p.m. on Nov. 21 of 2022 in footage obtained by the department. Madalina's mother, Diana Cojocari, said she last saw her daughter when she went to bed on Nov. 23, according to police, but the mom did not report the girl missing until Dec. 15. Several days earlier, on Dec. 12, a counselor and resource officer from Bailey Middle School got no answer when making a welfare check at the home of the girl, who hadn't attended school since Nov. 21. A police handout of missing girl Madalina Cojocari Madalina Cojocari Photo: Cornelius Police Department The girl's mother and stepfather, Christopher Palmiter, were indicted by a grand jury in January for failing to report the girl's disappearance to law enforcement. Now, arrest warrants obtained by WCNC indicate that police are pursuing leads related to drug and human trafficking. Search warrants carried out on the parents' home and vehicle in mid-February indicated that drug trafficking may be involved in the girl's disappearance, according to the outlet. A drug-sniffing dog reportedly "alerted on the driver's side door" of Diana Cojocari's Toyota Prius on Feb. 13. After her daughter was last seen and before reporting the girl's disappearance, police believe Diana may have taken a trip to Madison County, North Carolina in that Prius, and are still seeking out anyone who may have seen the woman or her vehicle between Nov. 22 and Dec. 15. Story continues Police handouts of Christopher Palmiter and Diana Cojocari Christopher Palmiter and Diana Cojocari Photo: Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Diana Cojocari asked a distant relative to "smuggle" her and her daughter away from her husband, telling him she was in a "bad relationship" and wanted a divorce, according to a search warrant obtained by Law & Crime. Phone records reviewed by police showed "extensive communication" between that relative and Madalina's mother on Dec. 2 of last year. Meanwhile, that relative's phone records showed "multiple calls to phone numbers belonging to unidentified targets involved in ongoing T3 drug/narcotic trafficking investigations," according to earlier reporting by WCNC. Madalina's mother and Palmiter argued on Nov. 23, according to Law & Crime. The next morning, the man drove away to his family's house in Michigan. The girl's mother told police she noticed that her daughter was missing on Thanksgiving, which was Nov. 24, but did not contact her husband until Nov. 26. A police handout of missing girl Madalina Cojocari When police asked the mother why she didn't report the girl missing right away, she replied that she "was worried it might start a 'conflict' between her and [Palmiter]," according to court documents reviewed by the outlet. Palmiter allegedly told police that he left on Nov. 23, but hadn't seen the girl for about a week before his trip. When he returned, he allegedly claimed that he'd asked Diana if she was hiding the girl, and she said no but asked if he was. He allegedly also said he wasn't. In a December press release, Cornelieus Police Department Captain Jennifer Thompson characterized the vexing case as a serious case of a child whose parents clearly are not telling us everything they know." Oxy App Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cathom said she was glad police are "working on [the case] constantly ... and don't consider it a cold case" after Tuesday's event. I know everyone misses her her family and her friends at her school, Cotham said. So, hopefully shell be returned soon. Baucom said he was confident that the girl would ultimately be found. Were going to find Madalina. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but were not going to stop," he said. A North Carolina school district says its investigating why several of its students became sick during afternoon school bus trips home. In separate incidents Friday and Monday, first responders at the Millers Ferry department in Rowan County checked the blood carbon monoxide levels of students about 22 minutes after they boarded afternoon buses from Hanford Dole Elementary. Several students and the driver were sick on the bus Friday afternoon, WBTV reported. On Monday, three students complained about feeling sick when the bus stopped at the fire department, Rowan-Salisbury Schools said in a message to parents. Two of the three students were transported Monday to the hospital in Salisbury for treatment, said Rowan County Emergency Services Chief Allen Cress. The two incidents involved different buses on the same route, said Michelle Shue, communications director for Rowan-Salisbury Schools. The Salisbury Post reported the students who felt sick sat near the back of the bus. Millers Ferry Assistant Chief Bobby Fox told WBTV students had elevated carbon monoxide levels on Friday. One student was vomiting out of the window and another was more or less passed out on the floor, Fox told WBTV. Cress said students on Monday also had higher than normal carbon monoxide levels. But the school system said it didnt find emission issues on either bus. Carbon monoxide readings on the buses Friday and Monday were normal, the district said. Students from Hanford Dole Elementary Schools were evaluated for elevated carbon monoxide levels in separate incidents Friday and Monday. So far, the school district isnt sure whats causing students to become ill. All students are OK after receiving treatment, Cress said. Rowan-Salisbury Schools told parents it planned to have a staff member ride the route Tuesday to monitor any issues that may be occurring. Shue said staff members also are evaluating whether the students were exposed to carbon monoxide before boarding the bus and testing the buses while idling. We are committed to discovering all potential causes for these medical emergencies in these past two days, Rowan-Salisbury Schools said in its message to parents. We are working with several organizations to investigate and plan steps moving forward. Shue declined to answer whether the cause of student illness is the flu, COVID-19 or another virus spreading inside the school. Cress said Rowan County Emergency Services has not pin-pointed anything so far when asked if his agency would suggest specific fixes for Rowan-Salisbury Schools. The exodus of organs from North Carolina began three years ago, just as Dr. David Gerber had predicted. Gerber, who runs a transplant surgery division at UNC Health, suspected a shift in organ assignments would mean most livers donated in North Carolina would be sent to other states, meaning that fewer people here would qualify for a life-saving transplant. We knew our region was going to turn into an export region, he said. Recent data confirmed his worst fears. More than 75% of North Carolinas livers were shipped elsewhere in the country in 2021 as a result of the rule change, an investigation from the Washington Post and The Markup found. This stands in stark contrast to 2019, before the policy change took effect, when most livers donated in North Carolina were received by patients within the state. This decline happened even though the states organ procurement organizations found more liver donors and became more successful at extracting viable organs during the same time period. Help those nearest or sickest? For many years, donated livers, a scarce resource, were often given to the sickest people who lived near where donated organs were harvested. But in 2020, The United Network for Organ Sharing changed the system, requiring livers to be shipped to the sickest patients, regardless of where they lived. The rule change has been deeply contentious within the organ transplant community. Transplant doctors in New York and California who lobbied for the new approach argued the prior policy was unfair because it prioritized healthier patients from states with shorter wait lists over their sicker patients. Gerber and other transplant doctors from rural southern states say the new policy unfairly punishes states that are already facing health inequities as a result of gaps in health care access and insurance coverage. The debate about whether geography or severity of sickness should take priority has been the subject of lobbying, lawsuits and intense debate. Story continues Even within North Carolina, at transplant centers 12 miles away from each other, doctors disagree about how this rule change has impacted patients. Dr. Ian Jamieson, vice president of the Duke Transplant Center, quibbles with data that shows liver transplants dropped by 10% between 2019 and 2021. He said that doesnt take into account the loss of patients from states like New York who used travel to North Carolina to have a better shot at getting a liver under the old distribution rules. They account for about 15 patients a year on average, he said. When you subtract out those 15, we can sort of see where we are, he said. I dont get the sense that citizens in our state were adversely impacted. Jamieson also said the number of transplants in 2019 was unusually high, inflating the decline before and after the rule change. Jamieson said he thinks the policy has generally had a positive impact. Fewer people die waiting, others get sicker In North Carolina and nationwide, data shows that fewer patients died on the liver waiting list in the two years after the policy went into effect. Opponents of this change generally argue thats at the expense of people in rural states with less severe liver disease. More of them might have received a liver in 2019 early enough to increase their chances at better long-term outcomes. Now they must be much sicker to qualify. Jamieson understands both sides of the argument in this life-or-death debate. They care for patients on their waitlist and they want to get them transplanted as quickly and safely as possible, he said of those favoring local organ sharing. Livers flying further In the years following the policy change, donated livers had to be transported twice as far on average to reach their recipients, resulting in higher transportation costs, the Markup investigation found. In 2021, the number of wasted organs was higher than it had been for almost ten years, according to the investigation. On at least one occasion, UNC Health had to turn down a liver it procured because it was in transit for too long, increasing the chances that the transplant surgery would have complications, Gerber said. We have livers crossing in the middle of the night all over the place, he said. If a delay occurs, suddenly that liver that would have been usable if it was local isnt used: its out of the body for too long. Jamieson said that was an unfortunate, but expected, consequence of switching to an allocation model that prioritizes sharing organs across state lines. We also have to realize theres no perfect solution here, he said. The only perfect solution is more organs. Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and health care for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. North Korea has revealed new, smaller nuclear warheads on Tuesday as a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group docked in South Korea. The unveiling of the warheads, called Hwasan-31s, show potential progress by the North in creating warheads that are strong, yet small enough to place on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching American shores, experts told Reuters. Images released by North Korea showed Kim Jong Un viewing the weaponry at an undisclosed location. "Saying with deep emotion that we have dauntlessly taken a rigorous and long road for possessing nuclear weapons, he clarified again that the enemy our nuclear force with powerful deterrence matches are not any state and specific group but war and nuclear disaster themselves, and the line of our Party on increasing nuclear force is aimed to defend the eternal security of the state and the regional peace and stability from A to Z," the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. NORTH KOREA FIRES BALLISTIC MISSILE FROM ITS EAST COAST North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, on Tuesday ordered his country to ramp up production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials." The KCNA also said Kim directed his countrys Nuclear Weapons Institute to "expand on a far-sighted way the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials for thoroughly implementing the plan of the Party Central Committee on increasing nuclear arsenals exponentially." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The events were reported as a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Nimitz, docked in Busan, South Korea following joint naval drills, according to Reuters. "We don't seek conflicts with the DPRK. We seek peace and security. We're not going to be coerced, we're not going to be bullied and we're not going anywhere," the strike groups commander, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, was quoted as saying. NORTH KOREANS FORCED INTO MARRIAGES, SEX SLAVERY IN CHINAS RED ZONE, HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP SAYS Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz approaches a naval base in Busan, South Korea, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. However, the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper, in a recent column, said the naval drills amount to "an open declaration of war" and bear signs of a "preemptive attack" against North Korea, Reuters reported. Story continues "The frantic war drills in the puppet region are not just military drills but nuclear war drills for a preemptive strike... pursuant to the U.S. political and military option to escalate confrontation with the DPRK and finally lead to a war," it reportedly said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting nuclear warheads at an undisclosed location. On Monday, North Korea fired a ballistic missile off its east coast. Reuters reported that South Koreas military confirmed the missile launch, as did Japans Coast Guard, which said the projectile had fallen from the sky. Mondays incident comes just days after a round of missiles were fired from the South Hamgyong province, last Wednesday. Fox News Greg Wehner contributed to this report. A North Korean national flag in North Korea's propaganda village of Gijungdong is seen from a South Korea's observation post inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating South and North Korea on March 03, 2023 in Panmunjom, South Korea. Jeon Heon-Kyun - Pool/Getty Images A North Korean woman who escaped to the South says she wishes could return to the North to die. She and several defectors told Bloomberg of the difficulties they faced after reaching South Korea. More than 33,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea since 1998. A North Korean woman who defected to the South in 2017 now says she wishes she could return to the North and "die there." "I am so lonely. I want to go back and die there South Korea is as suffocating as the North," she told Bloomberg's Sangmi Cha and Jon Herskovitz. The woman, identified only by her last name due to safety concerns, said she could only bring one of her sons with her to South Korea. When her family realized they didn't have enough funds for all of them to flee, her eldest son volunteered to stay behind, she told Bloomberg. He was beaten to death when the North Korean authorities learned Lee had escaped, she said. Her account of life in the South is an indicator that escaping Kim Jong Un's regime doesn't guarantee a smooth-sailing life post-defection. But in contrast, North Korea has one of the world's worst human rights records, and its people struggle with famine and intense food insecurity. Another defector interviewed by Bloomberg, 51-year-old Im Su-ryuh, spoke of homesickness and missing her family. "I often cry because I miss the family I left behind," she said, per Bloomberg. "It's been about three years, but I still dream about North Korea." "I should have brought my mother's clothes so I can smell her," said Im, according to the outlet. She escaped North Korea through China and traveled through Laos and Thailand, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. To secure her escape route to South Korea, Im ended up paying a broker around 10 years of the average North Korean's salary, per Bloomberg. Despite being homesick, she called Seoul a "heaven on earth" because she receives money and rice from the South Korean government every month, per the outlet. Story continues More than 33,000 people have defected from North Korea to South Korea since 1998, CNN reported in 2022, citing the Ministry of Unification. Several defectors have become globally famous, such as Ji Seong-ho, a double amputee who became a politician in Seoul after escaping the North. He was invited multiple times to appear at events in Washington, D.C., and was given a standing ovation during then-President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in 2018. Yeonmi Park, another defector, is an author, social media influencer, YouTuber, and public speaker. But the same success has been elusive for many North Koreans in the South. A survey of 131 refugee entrepreneurs from North Korea by Asian Foundation found that 53.4% said they had trouble making a living because they lack the financial capital, or don't have the business acumen or skills to compete in the South. Many North Korean defectors are also often lonely because they escaped without their families, can be suspicious of outsiders, and tend not to live together in groups, according to a 2000 study in the Yonsei Medical Journal. Read the original article on Insider (Bloomberg) -- Her badly decomposed body was found in a rundown Seoul apartment about a year after she died, discovered only after government housing officials sought to evict her for failing to pay the rent. Most Read from Bloomberg The woman, 49, had been well known in the community of North Korean defectors. After fleeing the reclusive nation in the early 2000s, she soon became a success story for South Koreas resettlement program even counseling other defectors on how to transition to life in a modern nation. So it came as a shock among defectors that it took so long for anyone to find the woman, whose name and cause of death havent been publicly released after her body was discovered in October. Eventually she was found as a skeleton, which shows the society of North Korean defectors has a serious problem, said Lee Na-kyung, who left North Korea in 2005 and now runs an association that supports the thousands of other women who fled to South Korea. She suffered from depression for a long time without letting anyone know. Whats even worse: This isnt the first time something like this had happened. In 2019, the badly decomposed bodies of North Korean defector Han Seong-ok, 42, and her 6-year-old son, Kim Dong-jin, were found in their apartment about two months after they died of apparent starvation. After fleeing poverty and food shortages in North Korea, they found themselves unable to buy food in South Korea, where economic activity generated in a week is roughly equal to what North Korea produces in a year. While refugees from Guatemala to Ukraine to Syria have struggled adapting to a new country, the resettlement of North Koreans should in theory be easier because theyre moving to a country with a common language, culture and traditions. But North Koreas decades of isolation and lack of uncensored information has caused a wide rift with South Korea, which has built an economy that supplies high-tech goods to all parts of the globe. Story continues South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative who took office about a year ago, has pledged to make life easier for defectors. A plan his government announced last year involves stronger networking opportunities for defectors as well as more services for those with low-incomes. It also provides enhanced consultations for mental health, greater incentives for employers looking to hire defectors and improved education systems for children. The plan doesnt reveal specifics on expenditures. That marks a shift from Yoons predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who was criticized by aid groups for not doing enough to help those who fled North Korea. In a bid to strike a deal on disarmament with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Moon largely avoided mentioning human rights abuses that have prompted thousands of people to flee. Still, those who work with North Korean defectors say more could be done. Lee, who arrived as a single mother with little money and few marketable skills in the fast-moving capitalist country, said the government should help defectors acquire work-related licenses or certificates that would help them over the long term. It gets difficult for them after living in South Korea for five, six or 10 years like this, because from then on all government support is just cut off, she said. You are left to survive on your own. Nearly 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea since figures were first collected in 1998. While the number of new arrivals dropped to a trickle in recent years due to strict Covid controls in North Korea and China, they are almost certain to start rising again now that border constraints are easing. For many, the journey is arduous. Since the border between the two Koreas is one of the most militarized in the world, almost all defectors first flee to China until they can gather enough money to reach a third country, such as Thailand. Then they can apply for asylum in South Korea, which grants them citizenship after a security screening. Once North Koreans arrive, South Korea offers an initial settlement funding of 9 million won ($6,900), vocational training and subsidies for employers for hiring defectors. Many live near each other in blocks of inexpensive apartments, oftentimes the so-called 25-square-meter rental apartments provided by the government. When the support runs out, they must provide for themselves often leading to grim outcomes. The unemployment rate for defectors is about twice the national average. Many older defectors retain a northern Korean accent, making them stand out each time they speak. Others bear scars such as psychological trauma or physical problems such as lung damage from digging for coal in unsafe mines with no protective equipment. Nearly 90% of defectors in Seoul said theyve had trouble settling into their new homes after a decade, according to a 2022 study from the Seoul Institute. North Korean defectors between 2017 and 2021 experienced suicidal impulses more than double the rate of South Korea population, which is already among the highest in the world, according to a survey from the Seoul Institute. Covid made the problem worse, according to Joanna Hosaniak with the nonprofit Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, who has worked with defectors for more than a decade. Work became harder to find, human contacts became fewer and the public health system added new levels of complexity for people who had little experience using a smartphone or computer before they arrived in South Korea. We have this wonderful system of support established, yet people very often die at their homes out of loneliness, she said. A pilot program to check up on elderly in Busan by dropping off cartons of milk and juice to their front doors has been proposed by activists for use with defectors. The deliveries of the small essentials could serve as a guide to let others know the person inside has picked them up. Women on Front Lines Nearly 72% of defectors are women, according to South Koreas Unification Ministry, and many have scars from their journey that could require a lifetime to heal. Family members are sometimes left behind in North Korea or China, and they often face sexual violence from traffickers in China. The woman who was found dead last year had entered South Korea in 2002 and appeared to have thrived. But her coworkers had begun to lose contact with her after she quit her job as a counselor in 2017. Eventually she stopped paying her phone and health insurance bills. And then a year after failing to pay her monthly rent of about $100 dollars a month, authorities opened the door to her home and made the grisly discovery, local media reports said. For defector Im Su-ryuh, 51, the pandemic raised questions about her decision to flee North Korea. She crossed the Yalu River into China just before the Covid border crackdowns, and with the help of a South Korean church and broker she made it to Laos and then Thailand, where she landed in a refugee camp. Im managed to pay off the $12,000 equal to about 10 years of income for an average North Korea for the broker who took her to China. She read out a letter to her mother left behind in North Korea saying she and her son are now much more well off than most North Korean executives. The South Korean government provides them money and rice every month, she said, calling Seoul a heaven on earth. But she cant escape being homesick. I often cry because I miss the family I left behind, Im said. Its been about three years, but I still dream about North Korea. In some cases, leaving could prove fatal for family members who dont flee. Lee, who defected to South Korea in 2017, and only gave her surname due to safety concerns, could only afford to bring one of her sons with her. When the North Korean authorities found out about her defection, they beat her oldest son to death. I am so lonely, Lee said. I want to go back and die there South Korea is as suffocating as the North. --With assistance from Stella Ko, Stephen Engle, Adrian Wong and Kurumi Mori. (Updates with details on plan to reduce deaths.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. News Vietnam Vietnam to issue e-visa to foreigners of all countries By Hyonhee Shin and Daewoung Kim SEOUL/BUSAN (Reuters) -North Korea unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads and vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear material to expand its arsenal, state media said on Tuesday, as a U.S. aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea for military drills. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos of the warheads, dubbed Hwasan-31s. Leader Kim Jong Un visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and inspected new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles, as well as nuclear counterattack operation plans, KCNA said. Nuclear experts said the images could indicate progress in miniaturising warheads that are powerful yet small enough to mount on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States. "It has something more powerful in a smaller space. That's worrisome," said Kune Y. Suh, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul National University, comparing the new warheads to the 2016 version. Kim Dong-yup, a former South Korean naval officer who teaches at Kyungnam University, said the images appeared to show "a miniaturised, lightweight and standardised warhead" intended for use with at least eight different delivery platforms listed in posters on the wall, including missiles fired from submarines. "Now that the delivery vehicles are nearly ready, they would churn out warheads to secure second strike capabilities - perhaps hundreds, not dozens - while running centrifuges even harder to get weapons-grade nuclear material," he said. Kim Jong Un ordered the production of weapons-grade materials in a "far-sighted way" to boost its nuclear arsenal "exponentially" and produce powerful weapons, KCNA said. He said the enemy of the country's nuclear forces was not a specific state or group but "war and nuclear disaster themselves," and the policy of expanding the arsenal was solely for defensive purposes and regional peace and stability. Story continues U.S. EXERCISES In Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States remained willing to discuss verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, but North Korean had shown no desire for such talks. "So we will continue to make sure that we have the appropriate military capabilities and the appropriate readiness to use those capabilities if need be, to protect our national security interests and those of our allies," he said, referring to large-scale military exercises underway with South Korea. Kim was also briefed on an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe, which means "nuclear trigger", whose accuracy, reliability and security were verified during the simulation of a nuclear counterattack, KCNA said. North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducted a nuclear counterattack simulation last week against the U.S. and South Korea, which it accused of rehearsing an invasion. A commentary in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun said the U.S.-South Korea military exercises amounted to "an open declaration of war." KCNA said the North Korean military simulated a nuclear airburst with two tactical ballistic missiles equipped with mock warheads and tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. It said the Haeil-1 drone reached a target in waters off the northeast coast after cruising along a "jagged and oval" 600km (373-mile) course for more than 41 hours. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Pyongyang did not deserve "a single penny" of economic aid while pursuing nuclear development, his spokesman said. A South Korean military spokesman said additional analysis would be needed to verify whether North Korea's new warheads were deployable. He said the report on the underwater drone was most likely "exaggerated and fabricated." U.S. CARRIER STRIKE GROUP On Tuesday, a U.S. carrier strike group led by the Nimitz docked at South Korea's Busan naval base after joint drills. It was the carrier's first visit in nearly six years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. South Korean Rear Admiral Kim Ji-hoon said the joint exercises were intended to improve U.S. extended deterrence - a reference to the U.S. nuclear umbrella protecting its ally - given the evolving North Korean threat. The strike group commander, Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, said his ships were prepared for any contingency. "We don't seek conflicts with (North Korea). We seek peace and security. We're not going to be coerced, we're not going to be bullied and we're not going anywhere," he told reporters. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Ju-min Park in Seoul, Dae-woung Kim in Busan and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Grant McCool) GREEN BAY Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has three finalists for the school's next leader, who will take over for current President Jeffrey Rafn this summer. Rafn plans to retire July 1. The three candidates are Shah Ardalan, Kristen Raney and Kathryn Rogalski. The school expects to name the next president by the end of April. The finalists were recommended by a search advisory committee comprising students, faculty, staff, community leaders, the NWTC Board of Trustees and the NWTC Foundation Board. The district board hired the executive search firm Academic Search to find candidates. Shah Ardalan Shah Ardalan Ardalan joined the Lone Star College System in Texas as the vice chancellor and chief information officer in 2008 and has served as Lone Star College-University Parks founding president since 2012. He has led over 800,000 students, faculty, staff and businesses as an instructor, research associate, director of business development, associate vice president, special assistant to president, vice president, chief information officer, vice chancellor, chief executive officer and college president. He has a doctorate in community college leadership from National American University; a masters degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University; and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Kristen Raney Kristen Raney Raney is vice chancellor for academic affairs at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, where she leads the academic division and institutional accreditation for the multi-college district. She previously was the dean of students, interim vice president of student affairs and the vice president of academic affairs at Saint Paul College in Minnesota. Raney began her career at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, where she spent 12 years working as a faculty member and the dean of academic development and services. She has completed the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship from the Aspen Institute and has a doctorate in higher education and leadership studies from Edgewood College, a master's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a bachelor's degree in English from St. Cloud State University. Story continues Kathryn Rogalski Kathryn Rogalski Rogalski is vice president of learning and chief academic officer at NWTC, where she leads corporate training and economic development, the Marinette campus, and the learning effectiveness and early college departments. She has worked at NWTC for five years, but previously was the dean of business and social sciences at Harper College in Illinois, where she led transfer and career programs, the Early Childhood Learning Center and taught in the psychology department. She's also worked at the College of Lake County in Illinois, where she was an institutional researcher, academic advisor for social sciences and the associate dean in the social science division. She also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching in the psychology department for over a decade. Rogalski has also completed the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship and holds a doctorate in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University; a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Chicago; and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northeastern Illinois University. Meet the candidates Each of the candidates will spend a day on the Green Bay campus to meet with faculty and students. At that time, each candidate will also have a public forum where they will answer community questions. Raney will visit April 4, Rogalski on April 5 and Ardalan on April 6. All the forums will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at NWTC, 2740 W Mason St., Green Bay. Questions can be submitted in advance online at www.nwtc.edu/presidential-search. All questions must submitted by noon Friday, March 31. Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: NWTC names three finalists in presidential search. BELFAST (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's influential Orange Order said it had voted unanimously to oppose any return of devolved government in the British province unless substantial improvements are made to a reworked post-Brexit deal with the European Union. The move by the 30,000-member pro-British group - which holds large, at times divisive marches each year to celebrate centuries-old military victories - could raise pressure on the Democratic Unionist Party to wring some concessions from London. The DUP has said it will not drop a year-long boycott of the devolved assembly without "further clarification, re-working and change" of the Windsor Framework, agreed by the British government with the EU to resolve disputes over trade rules in Northern Ireland following Britain's withdrawal from the EU. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government, keen to improve post-Brexit relations with the EU, insists the deal is not open for renegotiation. "The Windsor Framework has delivered some limited, but welcome practical adjustments to the existing protocol. However, it does not resolve the fundamental concerns," the Orange Order said in a statement on Tuesday. "Many aspects of the Windsor Framework have been oversold. The Windsor Framework continues to treat Northern Ireland as a place apart within the United Kingdom and equal citizenship has not been restored." The statement said the Orange Order would not endorse the deal without "substantial and tangible progress which resolves these fundamental issues". The DUP, at odds with opinion polls that say most Northern Irish voters support the deal, has raised concerns over the continued role of EU law and Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom's internal market. It opposed a key element of the deal in a vote last week that won the overwhelming backing of the British parliament but has said it may yet be convinced to support the agreement if additional concessions are made. Story continues A group of mainly current and former DUP members is due to report back to the party this week on a month-long consultation. The Orange Order similarly raised "fundamental concern" that Northern Ireland citizens remain subject to EU laws and that the British-run region "continues to be a semi-detached part" of the UK's economic union. As part of Brexit, Northern Ireland effectively remained in the bloc's single market to avoid a hard border with EU-member Ireland. The resultant internal trade boundary with the rest of the UK has angered many pro-British unionists. The Orange Order said London must introduce new legislation to create fully frictionless trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, and make businesses opt-in to EU laws if they wish to trade in the EU single market. Business groups have overwhelmingly supported the Windsor Framework, seeing it as removing damaging uncertainties over trading relationships. (Reporting by Amanda Ferguson, writing by Padraic Halpin, editing by Mark Heinrich) The closely watched race for mayor in Chicago has Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas neck and neck with just a week to go before voting in the runoff election, according to a new survey. The poll from Northwestern University shows Johnson and Vallas each with 44 percent support, with 12 percent of voters still undecided in the race. It suggests that the contest between Vallas, a former CEO of Chicago Public School, and Johnson, a Cook County commissioner and former teacher, may come down to the final days. The survey of 1,500 city voters, which had a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points, found a sharp divide along racial and generational lines. Vallas enjoyed a 31-point advantage with voters over 65 years old. Black voters broke by 27 percent for Johnson, while Latino voters supported Vallas by an 11-point margin. Vallas and Johnson advanced to the runoff last month after a nine-person primary saw Mayor Lori Lightfoot become the first incumbent in the city to lose reelection in 40 years. One of the main splits between the candidates is their approach to combating crime, with Vallass tough-on-crime platform pitted against Johnsons proposals for police reform, which have been attacked as soft by some Democrats. The survey was conducted before Vallas picked up the high-profile endorsement of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) this week. Durbin has represented the state in the Senate since 1997. With his focus on safer neighborhoods, improved schools, and economic growth, I am proud to stand with Paul, and urge all Chicagoans to support his election on April 4, Durbin said in his endorsement of Vallas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's government aims to levy a 35% resource tax rate on the profits of salmon and trout farmers, it said on Tuesday, down from an initial proposal of 40% which sharply hit fish farming stock prices when announced last year. Aquaculture licences awarded by the state give companies a chance to profit from public resources, and governments on the left and right have considered imposing extra taxes on the fish farming industry in recent years. Norway, the world's largest producer of farmed salmon, harvested 1.5 million tonnes last year according to industry data, ahead of Chile with around one million tonnes. Norway's centre-left Labour-led government must now negotiate a final deal in parliament before a tax takes effect, but it is clear there is a majority in favour of taxing the industry more heavily. "We have a long tradition in Norway in which value that is created from using our common natural resources shall benefit society as a whole," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement. "It is now the time to introduce a resource rent tax for the aquaculture industry." Fish farmers have lobbied against a resource tax, which comes on top of a regular 22% corporate tax, saying it will hamper investment and hurt an industry that has brought jobs and wealth to costal communities at risk of population decline. The government last September estimated that the extra profit, or resource rent, earned by the fish farming industry in 2021 from privileged access to natural resources amounted to 11.8 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.13 billion). The government has said it would prefer to negotiate with a broader group of parties in parliament to ensure that the tax is not reversed at a later time, but the main opposition Conservative Party said it rejected the government's model. The alternative for the government is to reach a compromise with the smaller Socialist Left Party, which strongly supports a tax. ($1 = 10.4332 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Louise Rasmussen and Ed Osmond) NYC man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatal Long Island home invasion A Long Island, New York, judge sentenced a man to 25 years to life on Monday after a jury found him guilty of murdering a man during a home invasion in November 2018. Ade NGaii, 39, was convicted by a jury for his part in the murder of Kristopher Appel, 30, of Patchogue, during a home invasion. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that placed NGaii at the crime scene on Nov. 2, 2018, and that he and his accomplices conspired to commit a violent home invasion at Appels home to steal money and marijuana. NEW YORK WOMAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING MAN WHOSE WILL SHE FORGED IN FAILED PLOT TO TAKE HIS HOME According to a press release from District Attorney Raymond A. Tierneys office, NGaii and his accomplices drove from the Bronx to Patchogue located nearly halfway between New York City and Montauk Point on Long Island on Oct. 27, 2018, while armed with a handgun to carry out a home invasion. The attempt was unsuccessful, because NGaii and his accomplices were unable to physically break into the home. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP A view of a Suffolk County police vehicle. Two officers were stabbed Wednesday and a suspect was shot and killed, the department said. Rather than give up, a second planned home invasion was planned for Nov. 2, 2018, which turned out to be fatal. FBI SAYS NEW YORK MIGRANT GANG MS-13 TRYING TO REBUILD AFTER INDICTMENT UPDATE FOR STRING OF MACHETE MURDERS That day, NGaii and three accomplices drove, again, from the Bronx to Patchogue with a handgun. The group disguised themselves as construction workers by outfitting themselves with hard hats and reflective vests. NGaii and another person were able to force their way into Appels home and got into a confrontation with him before beating and stabbing him to death. Members of the Suffolk County Police Department found Appels body in the front vestibule of his home that day. NEW YORK POLICE OFFICERS STABBED, SUSPECT SHOT AND KILLED During the trial, witnesses and text messages between NGaii and an accomplice placed him near the crime at the time it occurred, the press release said. Along with that, detectives recovered a reflective vest with NGaiis DNA at Appels home. Story continues NGaii was ultimately arrested on June 24, 2021, and on Feb. 24, 2023, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder. On Monday, he was sentenced to 25 years to live in prison by the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr. "This defendant could have walked away from the plan to invade the victims home when it failed the first time. But, instead, he doubled down. His desire to enrich himself was so great, that it led to murder," said District Attorney Tierney. "Now, hell get to spend a significant time in prison for that choice." [Source] A woman who shoved and hurled racial slurs at an Asian man on a New York City subway in 2021 has been arrested once again on Friday, this time for a murder and an arson that occurred on the same day. Tandika Wright, 36, is accused of killing Lavina Nolley, 49, in the NYCHA Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City on Dec. 9, 2021. She allegedly slashed the victim repeatedly before setting the apartment ablaze. Police found Nolley with burns and bodily trauma at around 6:20 p.m., PIX11 reported. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died due to injuries from smoke inhalation. Nolleys death was ruled a homicide. It has also been linked to drugs, with one police source saying that both Wright and Nolley were suspected users, according to the New York Daily News. More from NextShark: GoFundMe created for Filipino mom who passed away 'bringing new baby boy into this world' Wright, a repeat offender, was arrested in January 2022 for the anti-Asian attack. She pleaded guilty to an aggravated harassment charge in May and was sentenced to 60 days in jail. The incident, which occurred on the same day as the murder, took place on a southbound F train approaching 23rd Street station at around 6:15 p.m. apparently just minutes before Nolley was located. More from NextShark: Mom of Hmong Teen Killed by Minneapolis Cop in 2006 Voices Support For BLM Hey, are you a ch*nk? You people brought the virus here. You people killed my people, Wright told the victim before shoving him as she fled. At the time, the Brooklyn resident was already on parole after being convicted of attempted first-degree manslaughter. She was initially arrested on Dec. 11, 2014, for that case and charged with second-degree murder. Wright then spent 2015 to 2019 in prison before being released on parole. Records show she was also behind bars from 2011 to 2013 for fourth-degree arson, according to the New York Post. More from NextShark: Chinese Professor Rants About Daughters Lower IQ Than His and His Wifes With the latest incident, Wright now has a record of about three dozen arrests. Story continues Wright was charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, arson and criminal possession of a weapon after Fridays arrest. She was ordered held without bail, according to court records. More from NextShark: Pregnant Asian Woman With Daughter Attacked in Philadelphia By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta said on Tuesday she had encouraged China to support and strengthen Pacific regional institutions and uphold a 22-year old agreement that sees Pacific countries look after their own security needs. After returning from Beijing, Mahuta told reporters she had encouraged China to support regional Pacific architecture such as the Pacific Islands Forum, the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Biketawa agreement. The Biketawa Agreement was signed in 2000 and was a declaration by Pacific leaders for coordinating responses to regional crises such as security issues. "Again, they registered our view, and it was very much acknowledged that New Zealand has a strong interest in the resilience of the Pacific on all levels," Mahuta said. New Zealand's tone on security amid China's growing presence in the South Pacific toughened in the past year after China and the Solomon Islands struck a security pact. New Zealand has consistently expressed concerns about the potential militarisation of the Pacific with China's military buildup in the South China Sea. Mahuta met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, after he returned from a visit to Russia with President Xi Jinping. China is a powerful ally of Russia and both have criticised the U.S. and NATO for undermining global stability. "Most of the emphasis from the Chinese side was on their efforts to encourage the peace plan that President Xi had put to President Putin," she said. She added she had clarified what New Zealand would like to see in a peace plan a withdrawal of Russian troops, a return to internationally agreed boundaries and Ukraine involved in discussions about peace. (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sonali Paul) Oahu, the Hawaiian island known for having some of the best surfing in the world, has a new site on its shoreline a freshwater pool dubbed the "world's largest deep-water standing surf wave." But the wave pool, filled with water from the fragile aquifer, opened amid an ongoing water crisis, riling up many who say the tourist attraction arrives as locals are suffering. Wai Kai Commerical Development announced the pool in January 2021 as part of a $40 million recreation hub called The LineUp at WaiKai. The group said it's the "world's largest deep-water standing surf wave" called Wai Kai Wave measuring 100 feet wide and that hub also features a 52-acre recreational lagoon that will each be "first-of-its-kind attractions." Wai Kai at Hoakalei wave pool update: WE HAVE WATER! Things are looking good around here. Were almost complete! pic.twitter.com/UjhB5ldfDl Layton Construction (@LaytonConstruct) March 3, 2023 The Ewa Beach wave pool holds 1.7 million gallons of fresh water the amount equivalent to about 2.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools. And the water for it was taken from the aquifer, a resource that's become increasingly fragile on the island as recent and wide-scale water contamination events and environmental issues have strained locals' ability to access fresh water for their basic day-to-day needs. Shane Beschen Surfing The Wai Kai Wave / Credit: Handout "Forever chemicals" in wave pool water source Larry Caster, director of retail development at Wai Kai, told CBS News that the water in the pool is provided by the city and county of Honolulu via the Makakilo Well, which is also used to provide water to residents and businesses in the area. The decision to use this water source, he said, was made "after consulting with scientists and others." Story continues And its use of that well only highlights a major problem that has been plaguing the island's freshwater system: PFAS. Also known as "forever chemicals," per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that take a significantly long period of time to break down and are found in many areas of daily life, allowing them to easily build up in the body and the environment. These contaminants have been making headlines in Hawaii after it was discovered that about 1,100 gallons of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) were released from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility in November 2022, releasing excessive levels of PFAS into the surrounding area. That same storage facility, situated less than 20 miles away, is also the site of a massive jet fuel leak in 2021. In February, the state's Department of Health announced that the Makakilo Well was found to have at least one of the thousands of types of these chemicals in its water Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA). This substance, the DOH said, is "not a regulated drinking water contaminant" and is one of several "PFAS of concern" that's been found widespread in the environment and requires further study. PFAS detections in drinking water reported to the Hawaii Department of Health as of February 24, 2023. / Credit: Hawaii Department of Health They did say that the amount of the contaminant found in the well was "well below" environmental action level standards, but those standards are set by the state and the chemical was not included in the EPA's recent proposal for a first-ever national limit on PFAS in drinking water. "Although long-term consumption of drinking water with PFAS could be a health risk, the low levels of PFAS in the Ewa-Waianae water system are not an acute health threat," the Department of Health said in February. "No immediate action is necessary for the system's users. However, those concerned may use a home filtration option to reduce PFAS." A spokesperson for The LineUp told CBS News that the wave pool operates under the same rules as swimming pools in Hawaii and as such, is "regularly tested and treated as required by the Hawaii State Department of Health." They have not yet responded to CBS News' request about the last testing date and the PFAS levels recorded. "A sore spot for our community" The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, which has voiced significant concern about the island's water issues, approved the opening of Wai Kai Wave but not without pause. Ernest Lau, manager and chief engineer of the Board of Water Supply, told CBS News that the wave pool's opening is "unfortunate," but those in charge of the site had a long-standing water meter and the board doesn't have policies that say pools such as this are not allowed. "The wave pool, that's a sore spot for our community," he said. "And we're learning from that." With nearly 1 million people who reside on the island of Oahu and millions more who visit every year, conserving fresh water is crucial. "As an island state, Hawaii has limited access to natural fresh water supplies," the state's Commission on Water Resource Management says on its website. "Competition for fresh water, increasing population and development pressures, the rising awareness of environmental water needs, and the impacts of global climate change require that Hawaii become as efficient as possible in its uses of limited fresh water supplies." The island has long struggled with droughts, and in recent years has seen "severe" circumstances, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Although not currently in such conditions, 47% of the state's streamflow sites are below normal, according to the USGS. Lau told CBS News the wave pool is no exception to water conservation efforts. "It is going to use a lot of fresh water to fill the pool. And every five years, they're going to have to change that water in the pool, so it is a large use of fresh water periodically," Lau said, adding that developers told him using seawater or recycled wastewater instead "was not an option they really could handle." The Board of Water Supply has urged the developers to "practice good water conservation," Lau said, but ultimately the decision to do so is "up to them." But should there be a shortage and the board imposes water restrictions, wave pool operators "would also have to cut back on their usage like everybody else," Lau said. The LineUp developers do have a number of sustainability efforts they have or plan to implement, including plans to become a Sustainable Tourism and Outdoors Kit for Evaluation (STOKE)-certified surf park. Caster said they will also donate money to water and marine life restoration programs and will not allow single-use plastics on the property. But for local resident and water rights activist Healani Sonoda-Pale, the opening of the wave pool is "insanity." "They're opening the largest wave pool on the island of Oahu in a water crisis," she told CBS News. "...They're 100 feet away from families who don't have access to clean drinking water. And there you see the dichotomy of the haves and the have-nots of how industry will continue, despite the fact that their neighbors are suffering." In the nearby residential area Kapilina Beach Homes, residents there have experienced water contamination issues since jet fuel leaked into the water system from Red Hill in 2021. As of November, many people there which is about 5 miles from The LineUp were still reporting signs of contamination, according to local reports, and volunteers continue to distribute bottled water at the homes every month. One year after the Navy leaked 19,000 gallons of fuel from Red Hill, people are still dealing with contaminated water. Puna, a kanaka maoli single mother living with her family of 14 in Kapilina Beach Homes, reports symptoms of jet fuel exposure ever since moving in June of 2022. pic.twitter.com/McxgCuJ9sv Victims of Capitalism Memorial Foundation (@karaokecomputer) December 24, 2022 "It's right next to a surf spot. It's not needed," Sonoda-Pale said of The LineUp. "It's a waste of clean drinking water and it's all serving the tourist industry." Wayne Tanaka, director of the Sierra Club of Hawaii, told CBS News the wave pool is a "bizarre arrangement." "Using potable water in the middle of a water crisis to support this profit-seeking enterprise is just yet another example of where Western assumptions and priorities have really overtaken the understanding that water is a precious and finite resource," Tanaka said, "and that we have to protect it and use it for the benefit of all and not just treat it as a commodity." When asked about the criticism the wave pool is facing, Caster said those in charge of the site are aware of the "questions and confusion" about the water usage. He said that the daily demand for water will be limited to what needs to be refilled with evaporation. "Many of our neighbors are very excited about the opening and look forward to experiencing the outdoor recreation, new restaurants, waterfront promenade and more," he said, adding that they will seek ways to conserve water and implement "best management practices wherever we can." Murder conviction of "Serial" podcast subject Adnan Syed reinstated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on historic rule changes, diversity in baseball and Opening Day 2023 At least 38 killed in fire at migrant detention center in Mexico near U.S. border A recent monitoring trip of premises for Russian prisoners of war determined that their treatment was in line with the Geneva Conventions, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on March 28. This comes after the UN Human Rights Office announced on March 24 that it had documented some cases of Russian POWs getting mistreated at facilities in Dnipro, Vinnytsia, and Kharkiv oblasts. The UN acknowledged that Ukraine had provided their representatives with "unimpeded" access, while the Russian side had not. Lubinets said it was "unfortunate" that the UN did not include the positive aspects of how Russian POWs are treated. According to the obudsman, Russian prisoners are allowed to periodically call their families, work, watch the news, receive medical care, and even play sports during their free time. Temperature settings are monitored in the camp and prisoners are fed on a regular schedule, Lubinets added. Foreign journalists can obtain permission to visit Russian POW camps in Ukraine. According to Lubinets, a team of journalists from France's TF1 journalists, along with other foreign journalists and United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross representatives, accompanied the ombudsman's team to monitor conditions. Lubinets also emphasized the many reported cases of Russian forces mistreating Ukrainian POWs, including not only torture but insufficient food and medical care, along with not allowing them to contact their families. Container vessels dock at the Qianwan Container Terminal in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, on March 2, 2023. [Photo/IC] China's international strategy is defined by the concept of "foreign policy with Chinese characteristics," following three principles that are based on culture, economy, and responsibility. As far as culture is concerned, Chinese diplomacy is exercised through the exchange of ideas, information, art, language, and other cultural teachings between countries and their peoples to promote mutual understanding. Over the past 15 years, the ability to conduct effective economic diplomacy has led to a growing Chinese presence abroad. This growth has been further consolidated through the design and construction of infrastructure both in Africa and in Europe, as well as in Central Asia, without neglecting the Chinese cooperation with South American countries. China's economic diplomacy draws its strength from the principle of win-win cooperation and non-interference in the internal affairs of the countries which receive loans and assistance from China. This approach has proved to be far more attractive over time than the approach adopted by Western countries, which is conditioned by the adoption of Western ideologies. The so-called Washington Consensus model has privileged U.S.-led countries, neglecting the interests of the rest of the world. The genuine desire for stability expressed by Beijing during international summits reflects a path of continuous endeavor aimed at developing an equal and cooperative international system. Such objectives are accompanied by the proposal of great international projects, the outcome of which represent a definitive exit from past Western imperialism, during which China suffered from serious acts of aggression. Therefore, China's goal in recent years has been to achieve a "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." China's foreign policy is encompassed in the motto "community with a shared future for mankind," which was proposed during the opening of the Belt and Road forum in 2017. It has served as a core value driving China's international relations and affirms the country's opposition to hegemonism and unilateralism, highlighting its commitment to unity among the peoples of the world. China reinforced this commitment in September 2021 at the United Nations General Assembly, where the Global Development Initiative (GDI) was also put forward. In October 2022, more than 100 countries and international organizations expressed their support of the initiative, and 68 countries have since joined the GDI Group of Friends at the UN. The Global Development Initiative lends fresh impetus to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda by revitalizing global development partnerships, mobilizing international development resources, deepening development cooperation, bridging the north-south hemisphere gap, and aiming for stronger, greener, and healthier global development. Imma Elenoire Laudieri Di Biase is a sinologist and international analyst. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Photo of a police SUV for the Moore Police Department, circa 2015. Moore is located 11 miles south of Oklahoma City. MOORE Authorities are investigating after a man was shot dead by police during an alleged stolen vehicle case near a hotel in Moore early Saturday. Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, an officer with the Moore Police Department was patrolling the parking lot of Candlewood Suites at 1701 N Moore Ave. The officer noticed an occupied vehicle that was backed into a parking space in the back of the business, which police said was "suspicious." The officer approached the vehicle and interacted with a 55-year-old man found in the back seat. "While speaking with the subject, the officer could see there were attempts made to cover the steering column and the ignition of the car by a shirt and a pair of gloves," said Capt. David Seay, with the Moore Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. "The officer could tell that the steering column was busted, causing him to suspect that the car may be stolen." More:Moore community grapples with loss of high school student in fatal car accident The officer returned to his patrol car, ran a database search on the tag and found out it had been reported stolen. He then called for support from other officers to conduct a "high-risk stop" on the vehicle for safety reasons, police said, and the officers told the man to step away from the vehicle with his hands in the air. Body camera footage released by police showed the man disobeying orders and reaching into the back seat of the vehicle for what he told officers was a knife. He then fled into a nearby neighborhood, with officers chasing after him. Footage shows the chase ended at a fence, which police said the man had unsuccessfully attempted to jump over. Seay said the man "raised the knife over his head and advanced toward the officer with the knife in a threatening manner," after which the officer shot him several times. The man was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Detectives have opened an investigation into the shooting, and the officer who shot the 55-year-old man was placed on routine administrative leave. Story continues Study: Police kill more people in Oklahoma than any other. And many deaths go unreported. Monday evening, the Moore Police Department released an edited "synopsis" compilation of photos and footage regarding the shooting, with Seay narrating throughout much of the video. In response to a request for an unedited copy of the body camera footage from the shooting, the department said it would not release anything beyond the synopsis until all of the officers involved had been interviewed. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Officer on leave after police shoot stolen vehicle suspect in Moore Police tape No charges will be filed against the officer involved in a shooting at a Rockton Walmart followed by a high-speed chase through Winnebago County. Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley said Rockton Police Department Sgt. Ben Heintz's actions in a November shooting were justified. The police sergeant was flagged down by a shopper outside of Walmart, 4781 E. Rockton Road, to report shoplifting. Sgt. Heintz located a female suspect and her vehicle in the store's parking lot. More:Man shot by police at Rockford-area Walmart led officers on high-speed chase The suspect, Melody Gackstatter, reportedly was unloading a cart full of merchandise into a vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by Austin K. Levitski, 25, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Hanley said Sgt. Heintz's body camera footage showed the officer approaching the vehicle telling the suspects, "Police department, hands up, hands up. Turn off the car right now, get out of the car, stop." However, Levitski moved over to the drivers seat and started driving while Heintz was standing in front of the vehicle. Sgt. Heintz sidestepped the vehicle and fired three rounds, hitting Levitski in the left arm with one of the shots. The car sped away and led officers on a chase that ended after the suspect vehicle crashed into a garage near 11203 Dorothea Ave. in Machesney Park. Hanley said Levitski ran from the scene before being tazed by officers. Levitski and Gackstatter were both taken into custody shortly after the crash. Following the arrest, Levitski said he and Gacksatter were using heroin and crack "a couple hours" before everything happened and said they were both probably "still a little faded." Hanley said because of the evidence provided to him by the Winnebago Boone Integrity Task Force, the officer will not be charged with aggravated battery with a firearm. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Officer cleared in shooting at Rockford-area Walmart last fall Good morning and welcome to Fox News morning newsletter, Fox News First. Subscribe now to get Fox News First in your email. And here's what you need to know to start your day ... NASHVILLE MASSACRE - Police identify two officers who took out heavily armed shooter in Christian school rampage. Continue reading TONE-DEAF - Biden's opening statement before addressing Nashville school shooting draws criticism. Continue reading KILLER WALKS THE HALLS - Police release security footage showing shooting suspect inside Nashville school. Continue reading SEARCHING FOR MOTIVE - A look at the background of 28-year-old trans suspect who opened fire at Christian school. Continue reading SLOPE DRAMA - Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash testimony may give her advantage as trial resumes. Continue reading READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP DISCRIMINATORY ACTION - Chip Roy pushes to amend Respect for Marriage Act, include stronger religious protections. Continue reading INSANITY - Democrat governor excoriated for vetoing bill banning gender transition surgery for minors. Continue reading GOP FOES - Chris Christie argues its not going to end nicely' for Donald Trump in 24, as he touts his own debate chops. Continue reading BROAD DAYLIGHT - Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul says staff member 'brutally attacked,' sustained 'life-threatening' injuries. Continue reading Click here for more cartoons DIVERSITY INITIATIVES - Jon Stewart blasts DEI as a 'salve,' 'won't actually dismantle' systemic oppression. Continue reading HARD TO KEEP UP' - Whoopi Goldberg blows up over political correctness. Continue reading CLOSE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP - Scottish city demands to see MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle's emails with Under Armour founder in legal feud. Continue reading TORNADO RESPONSE - FOX Corporation donates $1 million to American Red Cross to support Southern states hit by deadly tornadoes. Continue reading Story continues JESSE WATTERS - This is why Kamala Harris is visiting Africa. Continue reading TUCKER CARLSON - This is about introducing flat out totalitarianism into our system. Continue reading LAURA INGRAHAM - This killer's identity didn't match the media's preferred criteria. Continue reading COLD AND BOLD - Life-changing pain treatment allows mom to plunge back into parenting. Continue reading LOST TOUCH WITH REALITY - CS Lewis, Tolkien, Orwell among works tagged as triggers for 'far-right' extremism by anti-terrorism group. Continue reading PRINCE HARRY IN LONDON - Prince William, King Charles have zero plans to give royal 'warm reception.' Continue reading CHILL OUT: See this dog in Thailand take a break from the heat by relaxing in a bucket of cool water. See video WATCH: Christian artist Phil Wickham reveals how music is a prayer to God. See video WATCH: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie touts his debate skills in a New Hampshire town hall. See video Whats it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox News Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Wednesday. Public officials and developers on Tuesday celebrated the symbolic groundbreaking for the $44 million Broadview Hotel revitalization project in downtown East St. Louis. Plans in the initial phase of the project are to convert the historic former hotel into apartments for people 55 and older. Ten percent of the apartments will be for veterans. Yaphett El-Amin, president of Efficacy Consulting & Development, noted that by the time the New Broadview is completed, ``we will house 110 families in that building. El-Amins St. Louis-based company is the lead developer on the project. My mother always taught me, that if you want to invite people to your house, youve got to clean up your front room. And the New Broadview is the front room for the city of East St. Louis, she said during the groundbreaking program. Once they see that the entry to your home is clean, its peaceful, its whole, its inviting, they would feel comfortable to join you in the rest of the house. The New Broadview sits at the front door, spanning across Highway 64, Highway 70 and its also the entry to connecting St. Louis and East St. Louis.Today marks the cleaning of our front room.`` The 7-story building, built in 1927, has been vacant since 2004. The revitalization project has been in the works for some time. In 2017, El-Amins company was selected by the city, then under the leadership of former East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks, to be the developer. Since then, Efficacy has worked on securing financing for the project. Efficacys development partners are Tier-1 Development Group and the East St. Louis non-profit Community LifeLine. Im very excited about this project, Mayor Robert Eastern III told the BND before the groundbreaking. The process has taken a very long time. This great day is finally here. It is something the citizens of East St. Louis deserve. Anytime you can take something blighted and make it into something bright and vibrant. Thats awesome. Story continues The project has received $25.3 million in state tax credits (low-income housing and historic tax credits) thatll be leveraged for private equity to help finance construction. Red Stone Equity Partners, based in New York City, and Sugar Creek Capital, based in Webster Groves, MO, will provide the funds for the credits. The state government will also provide more than $10 million for the project, History of the Broadview Hotel The Broadview Hotel was built in 1927. It was part of the citys efforts to recover from the 1917 race massacre when white people killed up to 200 Black people in East St. Louis. The attacks caused thousands of dollars in property damage. East St. Louis needed a resurgence. The Broadview Hotel, at 415 E. Broadway, was the answer. Built in brown brick and terra-cotta, the Broadview was known for its elegant style that attracted many visitors. (The hotel) was kind of the exclamation point on the process of rebuilding the city not only physically, but trying to rebuild its reputation after the massacre in 1917, William P. Shannon IV, executive director of the St. Clair County Historical Society, told the BND last year. The First National Bank building on Collinsville Avenue was (built in) 1926, and the Broadview Hotel was the year after that. For a long time, thats one of the things that hurt the city in coming back. People werent willing to invest money here. Today community leaders want the building to be part of another economic resurgence for East St. Louis. Besides the apartments, other plans for the New Broadview include: The project would be located approximately 6 to12 nautical miles off Maughold Head Setting up a Manx office is a "real first step" in progressing proposals for a wind farm off the coast of the Isle of Man, a power company has said. Danish firm Orsted signed an agreement for lease of the seabed off Maughold with the government in 2015. Development director for the project John Galloway said an island base would ensure it was "designed locally and sensitively" to the community. It is thought the project could be in operation within six to 10 years. The office, which will be based in Athol Street, is expected to be open in about four weeks. Mr Galloway said the Manx government's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and plan to shift to green electricity generation by 2030 had created "momentum and political will that's now behind renewable energy development". Although the original agreement with the Orsted, formerly called DONG Energy, was for the electricity generated to be sold into the UK, he said the firm would engage with Manx Utilities about the possibility of bringing it on to the island's grid in future. "The critical thing about setting up the office is that this is the real first step in terms of us beginning to design our plans, design what the wind farm could look like, how it would operate, and how it would benefit the local community," Mr Galloway said. Although smaller onshore projects were being considered to help the government meet its 2030 targets, that "should not stop us pushing on with opportunities that may land after those dates", he said. "We shouldn't ignore the fact that it's a real global climate change emergency and we've got to do something about it, and the Isle of Man is perfectly positioned with its natural resources to support that," he added. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk Adams County sheriff's deputies have filed a lawsuit against rapper Afroman months after raiding his Ohio home. Members of the Adams County Sheriff's Office are suing Afroman after the rapper used their images in music videos and merchandise. Deputies Shawn Cooley, Justin Cooley, Shawn Grooms and Lisa Phillips, Sgts. Michael Estep and Randolph Walters Jr. and detective Sgt. Brian Newland are listed in the lawsuit, which was filed in Adams County on March 13. The deputies are suing Afroman, whose real name is Joseph Foreman, his company Hungry Hustler Records; Media Access, Inc., a Texas-based record company, and three unidentified businesses. Armed deputies raided the "Because I Got High" rapper's Winchester, Adams County, home in August on suspicion of drug trafficking and kidnapping, according to a search warrant obtained by Enquirer media partner Fox 19. No charges were filed. Investigators:Adams County deputies miscounted money taken during raid of Afroman's home Music:Afroman releases music videos with clips from sheriff's raid of his Ohio home Adams Count lawsuit against... by CincinnatiEnquirer Afroman was not home during the raid, the suit states, but his wife was, and she recorded footage of the deputies on her phone. Security cameras in the couple's home also captured footage of the raid. The rapper later used this footage to produce multiple music videos, including "Lemon Pound Cake" and "Will You Help Me Repair My Door," which poked fun at deputies. The suit accuses Afroman of using the deputies' likeness without their permission and profiting off their images with music videos and merchandise. One example refers to a T-shirt Afroman promoted on Instagram, which features one of the deputies involved in the raid. The suit claims the deputies suffered embarrassment and death threats as a result, and are entitled to compensation. The filing identifies one count of unauthorized use of the deputies' likeness and three counts of invading their privacy. The deputies are seeking profits Afroman made from using their images. The suit also seeks an order prohibiting the rapper from continuing to profit off their images with videos and merchandise. Story continues The Enquirer reached out to the deputies' attorney for further clarification about the suit and what the deputies are seeking, but did not hear back. Afroman:Rapper announces 2024 presidential bid, wants to decriminalize cannabis Afroman responded to the lawsuit on social media Afroman reacted to the suit on Instagram and has continued promoting the videos and merchandise on social media, as recently as this week. "I use my footage of my property to raise money to pay for the damages they done and to identify the criminals operating inside of the sheriff department that stole my money, (ransack) my house and disconnected my video cameras," he posted. The lawsuit follows an investigation into how much money deputies seized from Afroman's home. Deputies said they seized $5,031 in cash from the artist's home during the August raid, believing it was connected to drug trafficking. When no charges were filed, the money, minus $400, was returned to Afroman. The 2024 presidential candidate accused deputies of stealing his missing cash on social media. However, investigators with the Clermont County Sheriff's Office said Adams County deputies miscounted the money they had seized and the correct amount was actually returned. This story will be updated as The Enquirer receives more information. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Afroman responds to Ohio deputies suing him over music videos "Killers of the Flower Moon," Martin Scorsese's epic historical drama filmed in Oklahoma and based on a dark chapter of the state's history, will debut in theaters in the fall. Filmed in Osage County and the surrounding area in 2021, the iconic filmmaker's fact-based Western will open in theaters in limited release starting Oct. 6, Variety reports. Produced by Apple Original Films, "Killers of the Flower Moon" will open in wide theatrical release on Oct. 20. It then will start streaming globally on Apple TV+, although the date of the film's streaming debut has not yet been announced. Paramount Pictures is teaming with Apple on the eagerly awaited film's theatrical release. 'Killers of the Flower Moon' is based on tragic Oklahoma history Calling it "a time in American history that should not be forgotten," Scorsese's film is adapted from David Grann's 2017 best-seller Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI." Like the National Book Award finalist, the film will chronicle the slayings of Osage Nation citizens in 1920s Oklahoma, after the oil boom made them wealthy. The killings became known as the "Reign of Terror" and led to an investigation by the then-fledgling FBI. "I know that books can reach a certain number of people, but a movie and a movie of this caliber and size and level of talent ... can help really reach a lot of others and, hopefully, ensure that this history is part of our consciousness," Grann told The Oklahoman in a 2021 interview. "Obviously, the Osage knew their history ... but there were so many people and I include myself amongst them who were just really ignorant of this, because it wasn't something we grew up hearing about or was taught in our classes. So, I hope it's just going to expand that knowledge." Martin Scorsese works on the set of his movie "Killers of the Flower Moon" Monday, May 24, 2021 in Pawhuska, Okla. Expected Oscar contender stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro "Killers of the Flower Moon" is expected to be a major contender in the coming cinematic awards season, with multiple trade publications reporting that the film may launch its anticipated Oscar campaign this year with a big premiere at one of the major global film festivals like Cannes or Venice. Story continues Directed by Scorsese, a revered filmmaker and Academy Award winner for "The Departed," it is adapted for the screen by Scorsese and Eric Roth, an Oscar winner for his screenplay for "Forrest Gump." The cast includes established Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, new Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser, Oscar nominees Jesse Plemons and John Lithgow and Americana music stars Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson. The film also will star several rising Native American actors, including Lily Gladstone, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Tatanka Means and Tantoo Cardinal. "Hopefully, it will be good for launching some of those careers as well ... but to have Scorsese, De Niro and DiCaprio, those are heavy hitters," said Jeffrey Moore, executive director of the under-construction OKPOP Museum in Tulsa. "With this movie, I think people are going to learn about Oklahoma that probably had no idea of anything about Oklahoma. It's going to open a lot of eyes to Oklahoma's very unique history." Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet and Nez Perce) appears as Mollie Burkhart and Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart in a first-look photo of Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon." Apple Studios released the first-look photo Monday, May 10, 2021, exclusively through the Osage News. Scorsese film has 'the potential to be a game-changer' for Oklahoma With its reported budget of at least $200 million, its star-studded cast and its renowned director, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is believed to be the biggest movie production ever undertaken in Oklahoma. "I think it has the potential to be a game-changer," Moore said. "'Killers of the Flower Moon' is really tackling a very serious and important piece of Oklahoma history, and to have the names on the creative side that are attached to it is phenomenal. And I really think it's gonna have a huge impact on the state." "Killers of the Flower Moon is coming to theaters as Oklahomas film industry has been experiencing notable growth and legislators are considering expanding the state film incentive. Our tribal, state and city leadership all played a critical role in supporting the production of Killers of the Flower Moon in Oklahoma. With respect to the historical events its based on, we look forward to the films theatrical release, Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director Jeanette Stanton said in an email to The Oklahoman. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Filmed in Oklahoma, 'Killers of the Flower Moon' is coming to theaters Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) came out against efforts to ban TikTok on Tuesday, raising concerns about censorship and calling for broader conversations about propaganda on social media, as more lawmakers express skepticism about the video sharing app. The congresswoman joins the ranks of a small group of Democratic House members opposed to banning TikTok, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle back legislation that would give the Biden administration the power to ban the popular video sharing app in the U.S. I am opposed to efforts by some Republicans and Democrats to unilaterally ban an entire social media platform TikTok, Omar wrote in a statement. Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) came out against a TikTok ban last week during a press conference with creators from the platform. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) joined the group over the weekend, posting her first TikTok video to advocate for keeping it. Omar on Tuesday said that while there are very legitimate concerns about privacy and the harvesting of private user data on social media platforms, banning TikTok would not fix the problem. Aside from raising legitimate first amendment concerns, this is bad policy, she wrote. We should create actual standards and regulations around data harvesting and privacy violations across social media companieslike many countries around the world have already donenot ban particular platforms we dont like. In response to concerns raised about TikTok being used to circulate propaganda and hate speech, Omar who said she is sympathetic to these concerns being that she is a frequent target of disinformation campaigns myself said the issue does not rest solely with TikTok. Twitter, Instagram, and famously, Facebook have all been used by foreign adversaries for disinformation campaigns targeting US citizens, she wrote. Our regulations should address these broad issues instead of singling out one platform. Story continues And on the topic of China, the congresswoman recognized legitimate concerns about the Chinese government, but argued that, Banning one social media company based in China will not solve those problems. The American model rests on our protection of those freedoms the ability to speak publicly against the government, or if you choose, to share a 10 second video cooking your favorite meal. That is the beauty of our democracy and our constitution, she wrote. That is what sets us apart from authoritarian regimes like China. And that is the example we should set for the world. Despite Omars joining the anti-TikTok ban ranks, the coalition is a minority on Capitol Hill, where several lawmakers have expressed concerns with the app, which is owned by China-based company ByteDance. During a hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew last week, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee voiced worries about national security threats, data privacy, the spread of misinformation and safety for minors who use the app. We do not trust TikTok will ever embrace American values, values for freedom, human rights, and innovation, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), the chair of the committee, said during last weeks hearing. TikTok has repeatedly chosen the path for more control, more surveillance, and more manipulation. Your platform should be banned, she added. Following the hearing, TikToks chief operating officer said the hearing felt rooted in xenophobia. Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would either ban TikTok in the U.S. or give the Biden administration the power to ban the app. A proposal from Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) would allow the president to ban TikTok. Another bill sponsored by Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and backed by the White House would authorize the Commerce Department to review, prevent and mitigate risks posed by technology with connections to foreign adversaries, including China. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The latest week of Operation Consequences targeted Barstow, the Victor Valley, Perris and Orange County. Felony arrests were made, and firearms and drugs were seized. The latest week of Operation Consequences saw one of the largest targeted crime suppression areas, which included Barstow, the Victor Valley and cities outside of San Bernardino County. During the one-week period, which included a focused operation in Hesperia and Victorville, 31 search warrants were served in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Victorville, Highland and Fontana. Other targeted areas outside of the county included Fullerton in Orange County and Perris in Riverside County. Investigators made 24 felony arrests and seized 44 firearms, 22 of which were unserialized or ghost guns. In addition, they located and seized cash, and over 10 pounds of illegal narcotics, which included fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. The latest week of Operation Consequences targeted Barstow, the Victor Valley, Perris and Orange County. Felony arrests were made, and cash, firearms and drugs were seized. The targeted areas included: 11100 Block of Alexandria Street, Adelanto 14500 Block of Indian Paintbrush Road, Adelanto 21700 Block of Ramona Avenue, Apple Valley 22100 Block of Ramona Avenue, Apple Valley 15300 Block of Wanaque Road, Apple Valley 24000 Block of Waalew Road, Apple Valley 2000 Block of Barcelona Drive, Barstow 400 Block of Rimrock Road, Barstow 8600 Block of Goss Road, Victorville 12400 Block of Santiago Drive, Victorville 12300 Block of Stillwater Drive, Victorville 17500 Block of Hudson Drive, Victorville 15100 Block of Ridgebriar Lane, Victorville 12100 Block of Mariposa Road, Victorville 15000 Block of Seventh Street, Victorville 13600 Block of Hesperia Road, Victorville 14800 Block of El Evado Road, Victorville 14200 Block of Amargosa Road, Victorville 16100 Block of Malaga Avenue, Fontana 26500 Block of Union Street, Highland 200 Block of Costa Court, Fullerton 22200 Block of Post Road, Perris The latest week of Operation Consequences targeted Barstow, the Victor Valley, Perris and Orange County. Felony arrests were made, and cash, firearms and drugs were seized. Operation Consequences focuses on conducting targeted crime suppression operations and parole and probation checks, in the High Desert and the sheriffs jurisdiction surrounding San Bernardino. There are currently 6,869 parolees at large in California and 456 parolees at large in the county. Operation Consequences will take place over the next several months to curb violent crime, disrupt and dismantle targeted criminal street gangs, and locate and arrest criminals who are illegally possessing, manufacturing, and trafficking firearms. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Operation Consequences targets the High Desert, Perris, Orange County People sing the national anthem during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Okhtyrka in the Sumy region of Ukraine, Tuesday March 28, 2023. | Efrem Lukatsky, Associated Press The war in Ukraine may not be top of mind any more to many Americans, the way it was a year ago when the Russian advance was fresh, but you dont have to look far for reminders, even in Utah. I found Maryna Storrs just outside the Ragan Theater at Utah Valley University, where she had just sung as part of a choir performing Ukrainian songs before a diplomatic conference titled, Ukraine: One year later Inside, people with impressive titles were talking about lessons learned and their concerns about the future of the war. Outside, Storrs put a human face on it all. A resident of Lehi who has been in Utah 25 years (I was an exchange student here, and I liked it so much I came back here to college, she said), she told me about her 78-year-old mother, 74-year-old aunt and disabled brother, all of whom live in Sumy, Ukraine. If you Google the place, you come up with headlines like, Russia shells Sumy 177 times, or Ukraine Russia conflict: Sumy under siege. Youll also find this, from The Guardian: How Sumys residents kept Russian forces out of their city. Although located only 30 kilometers from the Russian border, Sumy is what Storrs said Ukrainians refer to as a hero city. The Guardian puts it this way: The efforts of Sumy self-defense forces and ordinary residents inside and outside the city contributed to the disruption of the Russian supply lines from the Russian border to Kyiv. Their efforts helped prevent Russian forces from successfully surrounding the capital and seizing control of the countrys command center. Related UVU hosts ambassadors, consuls general and others in Orem, Utah, on Monday, March 27, 2023. | Kennedy Evans, UVU Still free from Russias clutches, Sumy is a great place for a nation to be proud of, but you probably wouldnt want your mother, aunt and brother living there. Inside the conference hall, the honorable consul of Poland, Dobroslawa Siemianowska, explained the numbers. More than 10 million Ukrainians have crossed the border since the war began. Of Polands 38 million people, 12% now house some Ukrainian people, whether in their own houses, apartments or summer homes. Story continues Imagine every single homeless person in the United States finding a home in your homes, and now triple that number, Siemianowska told the audience. Poland has coped with this humanitarian challenge with an enviable attitude of charity and compassion. First, people opened their hearts and homes, and then the government followed with laws allowing the refugees full legal status and access to social services, including medical care. UVU has been punching far beyond its weight lately, hosting conferences of international importance. Last June, it hosted a China Challenge Summit that attracted international media, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, former ambassador to China and Russia Jon Huntsman Jr., and a host of other China experts. In October, the school hosted a three-day United Nations conference that attracted worldwide attention and included the presentations of 75 scholarly papers. This weeks conference was no less ambitious, featuring consul generals from Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Spain, a professor from the University of Texas at Austin and Ryan Guirlinger of the U.S. Department of State, who attended via video. They expressed opinions on many topics, including whether international sanctions have worked. Americans may be skeptical, but Guirlinger gave a resounding yes. The goal is not the collapse of the Russian economy, he said. Many casual observers expected too much from sanctions. Thats not going to happen and thats not our objective. Instead, the idea was to disrupt Russias ability to effectively wage war. Related Weve seen the effects on the battlefield, that Russia is unfortunately still launching many things on Ukraine but its not able to buy the credible elements it needs for many of these (high tech military) systems, he said. As a result, Russian soldiers have taken to cannibalizing washing machines and other products obtained from central Asia, which is hardly ideal for modern warfare. In addition, Russias economy contracted last year, another sign that sanctions have taken hold, he said. Siemianowska, of Poland, put it this way: Is the fact that a Russian girl cannot buy an iPhone in Russia any more, is that going to change the world? Well, no. However, if more and more Russians discover they have lost access to Western goods, it represents little drops that can actually start a corrosion in the society. She added, If Im naive thinking that, well, Im hopeful. For her part, Storrs is not naive about what her mother, aunt and brother are enduring. She talks to them every week, which she said is comforting. But she knows all about the bombs. She has sponsored other families and friends who have left Ukraine for the United States. But her own family is staying put. They dont want to leave, she said. Theyre older, so they say, Hey, if the bomb hits us, the bomb hits us, which is sad for me to hear. Flash This aerial photo taken on March 26, 2023 shows a view of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. [Photo/Xinhua] People from all walks of life in Honduras applauded the establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties after the two countries signed a joint communique on Sunday. Rodolfo Pastor de Maria, secretary of the presidency, told Xinhua that it was a great honor to witness the establishment of bilateral ties, which would open an important door of opportunity for Honduras and help the country diversify its international relations. The establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic relations is an independent and courageous historic decision, and no country can ignore China's status and role as a major country in terms of economy, finance and trade, Attorney General of Honduras Manuel Antonio Diaz said. China's economy has achieved solid growth, and products made in China have been shipped to the world, said Daniel Sponda, secretary of education of Honduras, adding that the establishment of diplomatic ties with China is conducive to Honduras' development of digital skills in education. Fausto Calix, executive director of the Honduran customs administration, said that Honduras has made the decision as a sovereign country and it must be respected by the international community and China, as a major country in the world, will bring great opportunities to the development of Honduras. Armando Vidal, who has been in the tourism industry for over 20 years, is ready to welcome Chinese tourists to visit the local scenic splendours and hospitable Hondurans. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will help attract Chinese tourists to Honduras while increasing local revenues, Vidal said. Armando Enamorado, former president of the Metropolitan University of Honduras, voiced hope that the establishment of diplomatic ties will bring more Chinese technological achievements to Honduras so that Honduras can better leverage China's digital technology and other experiences to enhance the competitiveness of local students. The Bazar Raya Utara was not the only Ramadan bazaar in the Woodlands area that was observed selling pork products. Right: Pork products observed sold at the Sembawang West Bazaar Ramadan. (PHOTO: FB/MarsilingHome/Yahoo News Singapore) SINGAPORE Some stalls at the Bazar Raya Utara, a Ramadan bazaar in Woodlands were found selling pork products last weekend (25 and 26 March), the Marsiling Constituency Office has said. The non-compliance was reported by concerned members of the public and promptly investigated by the organisers. In a Facebook post on Monday (27 March), the Marsiling Constituency Office confirmed that the organisers have engaged with the operator and have taken immediate corrective steps to stop the sale of pork. They also assured residents and patrons of the bazaar that they will do their utmost to "provide as best as a Ramadan experience" as they can, with performances on the weekends and halal/Muslim-owned and non-halal stalls to cater to all residents. The Bazar Raya Utara, located beside Causeway Point, is running from now till 19 April and opens from 10am to 10pm. According to a Berita Harian report, more than 80 per cent of the food stalls sell halal food and drinks, and about 10,000 visitors are expected to visit the bazaar daily during the month of Ramadan. Pork sales cause stir among residents The discovery of pork being sold at the bazaar has caused concern among residents, as consuming pork is strictly forbidden in Islam. Some netizens said the incident has highlighted the need for strict adherence to halal food standards, especially during the month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and break their fast with halal food. Facebook user 'Slim Shaa', who also visited the bazaar, commented, "Quite a number of them... one of the stalls sells pork sticks; it was located right in the middle of the bazaar instead of at one corner... there are some no pork no lard and no halal stalls too." The organisers have apologised for any inconvenience and concerns caused and have stated that they will prevent "future recurrence" of such incidents. Other bazaar in area divided into two stretches, one to sell non-halal food This was not the only Ramadan bazaar in the Woodlands area that was observed selling pork products. Story continues A resident, who wished to be identified only as Lisa, told Yahoo Southeast Asia on Tuesday (28 March) about her surprise at finding a pork-selling stall in the middle of the Sembawang West Bazaar Ramadan, which is across from Admiralty MRT station. According to Lisa, she visited the bazaar last weekend and came across a Thai stall selling skewered meat. She claimed to have been "100 per cent sure" that the skewers contained pork and was "shocked" to find such a stall in the midst of the Ramadan bazaar. "It was a pork skewer. I was even asking my boyfriend why it was there at a Ramadan bazaar," she shared. When contacted, Adex International, the event's organiser, told Yahoo Southeast Asia on Tuesday that the Sembawang West Bazaar Ramadan is divided into two stretches, one selling halal food and the other non-halal. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Orlando Bloom is sharing snippets from his recent trip to Ukraine, his first visit to the country since 2016. The "Lord of the Rings" actor announced he had arrived in Ukraine on Sunday as part of a trip with UNICEF, during which he would learn more about how the ongoing conflict with Russia has affected the children in the country. Bloom shared photos and videos from his trip on Instagram, saying he visited the UNICEF supported Splino center and was "fortunate to hear children's laughter" there. "Spilno means 'together' in Ukrainian and there are over 180 of these centers here. The one I visited today was built deep down in the metro to ensure their safety," he wrote. Bloom posted photos of his visit to the Splino center in Ukraine, where children affected by the conflict with Russia can go and get a sense of normalcy. "For a few hours every day, parents can drop off their young children and give them a sense of normalcy to play games and just be kids." "There was also lots of art supplies and craft materials, which allows them to creatively express themselves, away from the pressures of growing up in a war zone. Children in Ukraine need their childhoods back," he continued. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP ORLANDO BLOOM REVEALS KATY PERRY RELATIONSHIP CAN BE 'REALLY, REALLY, REALLY CHALLENGING' UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom makes a candle with 8-year-old Milana and her 3-year-old sister, Alisa, during a class in a UNICEF Spilno Child Spot at a metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine. While in Ukraine, Bloom also visited the home of a family living in Demydiv. The family consisted of five children between the ages of eight and 27, as well as four additional children who the parents, Natalia and Yuri, took in between the ages of four and eight. It is unclear under what circumstances the four siblings were taken in by the family, but Bloom warned in his Instagram caption, "more parents to follow in the footsteps of Natalia and Yurii and take these children into loving homes" as the war causes more children to become orphans. "They are super humans. They told me that this war has taught them one thing...that family matters most," Bloom wrote about Natalia and Yuri. "When they had to flee their home after the war escalated last year, they took very little as they said they don't need anything except their children." Story continues Bloom's fiancee Katy Perry commented on his social media posts, praising the actor's actions writing "you are one of a kind my love," and "family matters most." Bloom warned many children would become orphans if the war continues, and he hopes people will be willing to take those children in. During his visit, Bloom also had a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which they discussed the future of the country, and what more can be done to support the children who have been displaced. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "So encouraging, I mean, in so many ways, to see just the remarkably stoic nature of the people of Ukraine," Bloom told Zelenskyy. "And of course, your messaging, that I think is reflected in their courage and in their determination and in their perseverance and resilience is just To see the children, to see in their eyes it's palpable, the anxiety and yet the strength of the Ukrainian people is something that is really awe-inspiring, in truth. And of course, you know, your messaging is the reason for that, so it's remarkable to see how you are holding this country." Zelenskyy then thanked Bloom for his visit, telling him that him using his platform to raise awareness and get the message across to his fans meant a lot to him and the people of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Bloom for using his platform for a good cause. According to Zelenskyy, school aged children are unable to go to school, because many of their school buildings have been destroyed, leaving "almost 2.7 million Ukrainian schoolchildren" to study online. Elizabeth and Aileen Reyes laugh with their dad Carlos as they learn about what its like for refugees at A day in the life of a refugee event in Lehi on Friday. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Have you ever navigated a completely unfamiliar housing system that won't rent to you because you lack the right documents? Or had to write your name in a foreign alphabet using instructions in a foreign language? What about adapting to a new set of cultural norms around food, money and safety? These were a few of the tasks participants experienced at Utah Valley Refugees' "Day in the Life of a Refugee" event Friday. The nonprofit aimed to educate community members on what coming to the U.S. is like as a refugee and some of the typical difficulties refugees face. "It was overwhelming at the beginning. You come to a place that you don't know anything about and you don't know anybody," said Carlos Reyes, who attended the event with his wife and three kids. "It was really humbling to see that it's really hard to start a new life in another place. It was an example of what if would be like in real life. They're asking for things you don't even have." Esther Vasefi talks with Shawn and Denise Pace and their son Matthew as Utah Valley Refugees hosts an "A day in the life of a refugee" event, where families learned more about the refugee resettlement process and how they can offer support to refugees, in Lehi on Friday, March 24, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Lindon residents David and Mary Ann Hatch said the experience opened their eyes and motivated them to be more proactive about helping refugees in the state. "I took the role of a person who is actually going through it and I could feel some angst. With some of those things, I was thinking I would get more help than I got. Basically, they said, 'You're going to need legal help and we can't help you,'" David Hatch said. "Even though you want to protect your country at the same time, you have a heart for the people who are coming here and you want to help. And you have no idea what an average citizen can do to help, so it's good to have these things to inform us." Rachel Tingey, a BYU student and community outreach intern with the nonprofit, helped organize the event. She said although she's been pleasantly surprised how supportive people generally are of refugees in Utah, she also sees some recurring common misconceptions. She said many people, for example, think refugees only live in Salt Lake County, or they don't understand the term "refugee" is a legal immigration status that allows individuals to legally live and work in the country. Story continues "What we really need is a workshop for the community to teach them how to be a better community for refugees, how to be more kind and accepting," Tingey said. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News That knowledge gap was part of the reason Utah Valley Refugees Executive Director Leonard Bagalwa founded the nonprofit in the first place. Bagalwa, who came to Utah as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2004, knew, firsthand, the difficulties refugees face in adapting to life in the U.S. "I kind of found out that the most need was more educational, not just giving things," he said. "I'm not talking about just refugees having to get educated or anything; it's more about integration and the local community understanding how hard it is for a refugee to come here who doesn't speak English ... they have to start from scratch." Valerie and Sam Lee also attended the event and had previous experience volunteering with refugee services. The couple encourages Utahns to reach out to refugees in their communities and to contact nonprofits that assist refugees. "To truly feel a part of the community, people need friends, they need to feel like they know people ... and they can count on people when they have problems that they can turn to," Sam Lee said. "We've been involved in refugee services in Salt Lake and mentoring families one from Afghanistan, one from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and they've just become our great friends. They're family to us." Utah Valley Refugees hopes to hold more community education events in the future, including making the "Day in the Life of a Refugee" event an annual tradition. More information about the nonprofit, including its upcoming Run for Refugees, is available on its website and Instagram page. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The man with whom the family of missing 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez lived in Everman describes the mother and stepfather as caring and kind, saying the parents spoiled their seven children and made sure they were never in need. Police say the boy hasnt been seen since November, but authorities werent alerted that he was missing until about a week ago. According to Everman police, Noels mother lied to investigators about her son being with his father in Mexico. She, her husband and the six other children they are raising left the country two days before an Amber Alert was issued for Noel on Saturday. Charles Parson, 71, owns the Everman home behind which the family was staying in a converted shed in the 3700 block of Wisteria Drive. Parson told the Star-Telegram on Tuesday that he believes Cindy Rodriguez-Singh and her husband, Arshdeep Singh, acted out of panic when they took Noels six siblings and left the United States on a flight bound for Turkey. Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that the investigation so far has not found evidence of what happened to Noel nor whether a crime was committed. His mother and stepfather took the six other children on a Turkish Airways flight to Istanbul on Thursday, according to police. Spencer said the flight was meant to connect to India, where Arshdeep Singh is from originally, but authorities arent yet certain of the familys final destination. Parson said that neither Rodriguez-Singh nor her husband made any indication to him that they were planning to leave the country. But he believes the mother was afraid of losing her children. He said that a period a couple of years back when her kids were taken out of her custody almost broke her completely. He said he cant imagine Rodriguez-Singh would ever do anything to harm Noel. Rodriguez-Singh moved in with Parson about 10 years ago. He said she was sleeping in her car outside his house, and he told her she could stay with him. He was alone in the house and had two empty bedrooms. Story continues Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, a 6-year-old boy with severe disabilities, hasnt been seen since November 2022. He is considered an endangered missing person. Soon, he said, Rodriguez-Singh became a family member to him. He became her adopted godfather, he said. She was never charged rent but would help with bills and help care for Parson when he had medical needs. He cant recall a time when he was the one to buy food for the house since she moved in. Parson and the family would regularly eat meals together and he got to know all of them well, he said. Parson described Rodriguez-Singh as hard-headed and opinionated but kind at heart. Singh, he said, cared about his wife and all the children and would spoil them with clothes and toys. The family had problems like any other, Parson said, but from everything he saw, they truly care about each other. He recalled one time when a child was being bullied at school. The two parents went to the school and refused to leave until they were certain the child was safe and wouldnt face any more harassment. The mother and children at first lived in the house with Parson. When Cindy and Arshdeep got married, the husband bought the family a building that Parson allowed them to put in the back yard, he said. It has electricity and air conditioning, but no bathroom. Parson said the back door to his home was always unlocked so the family could come and go as they pleased and use the bathroom and shower in the house. The family also still used the two extra bedrooms inside Parsons home. On Monday, March 27, 2023, .Everman police searched the converted, maroon shed (behind a larger house) where missing 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez and his family lived. Singh also bought the children a play set and a trampoline that were set up in the back yard. Noel is a shy boy but sweet, Parson said. Because of his disabilities, it could be difficult for his parents to care for him sometimes, but they always did their best, he said. According to authorities, Noels disabilities include a chronic lung disease that requires medical treatment and occasional oxygen treatment. He had never been enrolled in school, according to police. When Noels half-siblings twins who are now 5 months old came along, things got a little tougher, Parson said. Parson said Noel was jealous of the twins and sometimes would refuse to eat anything, leading him to occasionally become dangerously thin. Around November, he said, Rodriguez-Singh told him she tried to send Noel to his father in Mexico so he could receive more special attention, but the father either couldnt or didnt want to take him in. But, Rodriguez-Singh told Parson, the fathers sister agreed to take him in. Parson said he isnt sure where Noels aunt lives, but believes it is Mexico. Police say theyre investigating whether Noel might be with any relatives they havent spoken with yet. Police have said Rodriguez-Singh told investigators when they first asked about Noel on March 20 that he was living with his father in Mexico. The father had been deported at some point before Noel was born, but investigators were able to get in touch with him. The father told authorities that he did not know where Noel was and that he had never been able to meet his son, and police said they verified his statement. When police were unable to find Noel, they issued the Amber Alert and later an endangered missing person alert. Police said that Rodriguez-Singh avoided their attempts to contact her after the initial welfare check on March 20. Parson and Noels biological father have cooperated with the investigation, and Parson gave them permission to search his property, police said. The day before the family left the U.S., Singh drove Parson to the hospital for a medical operation, Parson told the Star-Telegram. Parson was expecting the family to pick him up afterward, but every time he tried to call the parents he got a message that their phones had been disconnected. Police have said that Rodriguez-Singh had a history of investigations and actions taken by Child Protective Services along with an extensive history of alcohol-related crimes. Parson said Tuesday that Rodriguez-Singh had her children taken away after she crashed into a pole about two years ago with the children in the car. She was drunk, Parson said. He told the Star-Telegram she has been on probation for the last two years, was required to do random daily breathalyzer tests and hadnt had any alcohol since she started probation. She has 10 children total the seven she had custody of, and three who live with her grandmother, according to Everman police. Court records show that Rodriguez-Singh was sentenced to 10 years of probation in 2020 for a felony repeat conviction of driving while intoxicated. Tarrant County court records indicate a petition was filed Tuesday to revoke her probation. Police said they issued a warrant for Rodriguez-Singh on a charge of filing a false report. A ticket reselling website will refund some customers after the Pennsylvania Attorney General said it unfairly changed its refund policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Attorney Generals Office, Secure Ticket Purchase quietly changed its policy to only offer store credit for shows that got canceled. Additionally, the Commonwealths investigation alleges that Secure failed to comply with Pennsylvanias ticket resale statute, which was introduced to combat ticket scalping, the Attorney Generals Office said. The Attorney Generals Office also said the site has been one of the largest ticket resale platforms for Pennsylvanians. Secure Ticket Purchase thought they could walk away with consumers hard-earned money by surreptitiously changing their refund policy in the middle of a pandemic, said Attorney General Michelle Henry. This settlement puts all ticket resellers on notice: if you deceive Pennsylvanians to maximize your bottom line, you will be held accountable. The refund affects some tickets bought before Nov. 19, 2021 through boxofficeticketsales.com for shows that ended up being canceled. To get the refund, the customer cant have already received a refund for their ticket. Pennsylvanians who fall into this category should contact the Office of Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection by filing a consumer complaint online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/ or email consumers@attorneygeneral.gov on or before Monday, June 26, 2023. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Nashville shooting timeline: Shooters message to teammate, police response Arnold police officer on unpaid leave, facing charges from Pennsylvania Game Commission Recall alert: Honda recalls 330K vehicles because of mirror problem VIDEO: Sources: Police investigating report of shots fired, rollover crash in McKees Rocks DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts PANAMA CITY BEACH Chief JR Talamantez of the Beach Police gave an update Tuesday on efforts his department has taken to keep the area safe this spring break season. Here's what we know. A success weekend:Panama City Beach police say weekend was a success despite fears of spring break chaos Potential danger: Bracing for chaotic weekend, Panama City Beach police have arrested 400 this spring break Panama City Police patrol the beach in front of the SpringHill Suites. The sands along Panama City Beach were crowded with Spring Breakers enjoying warm weather Thursday, March 17, 2022. How many people have been arrested so far and for what crimes? Talamantez noted Tuesday his officers have arrested more than 480 people so far this March for a "wide variety of crimes," including weapon charges, drug charges, DUIs and violating spring break ordinances. He was not sure Tuesday afternoon how many of the month's arrests stem from last weekend, but he said officers conducted more than 2,000 traffic stops between Friday to Sunday. The weekend was significant because it was the time advertised for "take over events" similar to Panamaniac in March 2022. From March 26-27 of last year, more than 160 people were arrested throughout Bay County in connection to Panamaniac, an unsanctioned event that gained traction on social media and brought waves of unruly tourists to the Panama City Beach area. "The specific arrest numbers (for last weekend) are still being filed," Talamantez said. "That's how many arrests that were done. Those arrests consisted of some weapons charges, some alcohol-related offenses and some disorderly conduct investigations." What are some key reasons for the department's success this season? Talamantez, who said this spring break season has ran smoother than those of past years, noted there are a few main factors that contributed to the success. They are: having seamless partnerships between the Beach Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies, establishing special event zones throughout the area with increased fines and penalties, and increasing communication with the public on when potential incidents might occur. Story continues Law enforcement officials announced prior to March that they had discovered flyers circling on the internet for similar events slated to occur this past weekend. Leading up to the weekend, Talamantez did multiple interviews to spread the message that his department was set on preventing another "take-over event" from happening this season. "We looked at (public safety) with the firm belief that everybody has a stake in public safety It doesn't matter if you're a police officer, business owner or just a member of the community," he said. "It's a testament that the people of Panama City Beach do not want chaos. The people of Panama City Beach will not tolerate criminal behavior." What is Talamantez's message to future spring breakers? Though he is focused on busting criminals, Talamantez said he does not want people to think his department targets spring breakers. It is only focused on the small percentage of tourists who travel to the area to commit crimes. Talamantez said he everyone else to have fun, make quality memories and enjoy the coastal culture of Panama City Beach. "During spring break, there's a lot of confusion," he said. "People think that we put extra strategies in place for spring breakers and we do things differently because it's spring break time. Make no mistake, our focus is not on spring breakers, it's on law breakers. "Law breakers are the ones who gain the attention of law enforcement. Law breakers are the ones who ruin the good time for the spring breakers, and our strategy this year was to focus on those law breakers. ... Come here and have a good time, but if your idea of having a good time is breaking the law, find another place to go." This article originally appeared on The News Herald: PCB Police arrest more than 480 so far this spring break season By Daniela Desantis ASUNCION (Reuters) -Paraguay's ruling Colorado Party - a conservative political machine that has dominated government in Asuncion for some eight decades - could be facing a major challenge at the ballot box next month. Voters say they want change and are fed up with internal party squabbles and allegations of graft - opening up the door for a broad opposition alliance to win power. The single-round election on April 30 will choose the president, legislators, and regional governors. Opinion polls suggest the presidential contest will be a close battle between Colorado party economist Santiago Pena and lawyer Efrain Alegre from the opposition Concertacion Nacional, sitting well ahead of a large but fragmented field of opponents. At stake are Paraguay's long diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Alegre has pledged to sever them in order to open up the country's major soy and beef export sectors to China. Alegre has also promised to cut energy bills, launch more social welfare programs, and push judicial reforms. Pena, meanwhile, is pledging "employment reforms" to create more jobs and to toughen a fight on crime and drugs. Since one-party rule in the 1950s, the Colorados have governed without interruption, except for Fernando Lugo's truncated 2008-2012 presidency that ended in impeachment. Many voters say they feel it is time for something new. "I want there to be change, I no longer wish to see the Colorados controlling everything," said Karina Galindo, a 50-year-old graphic designer in capital Asuncion. "All the words they say in the campaign are empty for me because they promise anything." Pena may also be impacted by a U.S.-led graft probe into Horacio Cartes, a former Colorado president who led the country from 2013 to 2018. Cartes, who denies the accusations, still runs the party and is Pena's main backer. Among other internal divisions, current President Mario Abdo Benitez has given only lukewarm support to Pena, saying he is not the best candidate. Story continues Meanwhile, Alegre's opposition party has done more to improve its appeal since a narrow defeat at the last election in 2018, said Marcos Perez Talia, a political science researcher at the University of Valencia. "Now the Concertacion is a broader space for people coming together and there is more chance it will flip the vote," he said. However, the Colorado party retains a powerful election campaign machine and supporter base that goes back generations. That could edge the result in its favor, said Marcello Lachi, a Paraguay-based political scientist. Adelina Caceres, director of a public school in the town of Guarambare, on the outskirts of the capital, said she supported the Colorado party mainly because "her grandfather had been Colorado," and despite being often frustrated by them. "I am always knocking on the doors of politicians to request help for the school... But we receive very little from the Colorados," she said. Polls show Paraguayans are focused on jobs, security and corruption, and it may be the as yet undecided voters whose ballots will tip the balance on who takes power on Aug. 15. "I think both parties are pretty awful," said Lorena Ruiz, a 45-year-old accountant. "I'm going to see before the elections who is a little more passable to receive my vote." (Reporting by Daniela Desantis; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Rosalba O'Brien) Republicans and Democrats are pointing fingers over the seeming lack of progress toward a deal to raise the debt limit, as lawmakers stare down what is likely to be a dramatic months-long stretch in their quest to avoid a default. And leaders from both sides arent signaling any signs of budging just yet. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took aim at President Biden on Friday for not coming to the bargaining table in negotiations to raise the debt ceiling, calling it very unfortunate and charging the president with putting the American economy in jeopardy by doing that. Id like to see that the president negotiate, he told reporters at the time. America is too important to play games with. McCarthy sat down with the president in early February to discuss the debt ceiling in the pairs first meeting since Republicans assumed the majority of the House earlier this year. But members say bipartisan talks on the matter havent moved much further since then, as both sides harden their positions. While Republicans are pressing for significant cuts or fiscal reforms in exchange for their help in raising the debt limit, which caps how much money the Treasury can owe to cover the countrys bills, Democrats have been steadfast that the ceiling be raised without conditions. Democrats have also been keen to keep up attacks targeting Republicans in the absence of a partywide plan outlining the House GOPs desired spending reforms, particularly as the party has its hands full trying to produce a 10-year budget plan while strategizing how to tackle the debt limit later this year. What needs to happen is that House Republicans need to show us their plan, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said on Friday. What is your plan for dealing with the economic health and well-being of the economy and the country? How can you have a discussion about anything if one side has put a plan into the public domain and the Republican budget plan is in the witness protection program? Jeffries said. Its in an undisclosed location. Story continues Jeffries last week also waved aside the possibility of using a discharge petition to force a House vote on a clean debt limit increase, saying it was up to McCarthy. The most viable option right now is for the extreme MAGA [Make America Great Again] Republicans in the House to get their act together and do what they consistently did when Donald Trump was the president of the United States of America, he told reporters Thursday at a press conference about how a national default would hurt the U.S. economy. GOP leaders say they still plan to deliver a budget proposal this year, but the timing remains unclear. And the party has had difficulties in recent months in agreeing on where to curb spending. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chair of the House Rules Committee, said he thinks a chunk of the conference wants to see some kind of conditions attached to raising the debt limit, but he also said he doesnt think the party is in lockstep when it comes to what those demands should look like. Most Republicans want to restrain spending at some level, and most of them realize that anything could happen. But theres gotta be a deal, he told The Hill days back. And some of them would never vote for a debt limit increase, even if we gave them everything they wanted. At the House GOPs annual retreat in Florida last week, members said they offered various proposals theyd like to see as part of a debt ceiling compromise. We talked about this at our planning retreat, but we never came to a final conclusion, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) told reporters last week, while discussing proposals potentially still on the table in GOP conversations, including ideas dealing with work requirements for Medicaid. The Republican Study Committee, the biggest conservative caucus in the House, has also laid out some proposals for spending talks earlier this month, in addition to the House Freedom Caucus, whose pitches for steep cuts to non-defense programs have already added fuel to Democratic attacks. As for the partys official budget plan, House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) told reporters last week that Republicans are still working to have something on paper, in writing, that the conference can move forward with. But the task is easier said than done in a chamber where Republicans can only afford to lose four of their votes to pass legislation, with all members voting and no Democratic support. And then theres passing the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. Its gonna have to be some point where Democrats and Republicans can come together, Cole said, adding: The president of the United States should convene a meeting and start talking to the Speaker. Until that happens, nothings happening, Cole added. At the same time, Republicans have come out in strong opposition to the presidents fiscal 2024 budget request that rolled out earlier this month, which proposes tackling the nations deficits through tax increases on the rich, rather than through spending cuts. McCarthy panned the proposal as completely unserious shortly after its release, saying: Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. But Democrats have stood by the White Houses marker for spending discussions, and some are eager to see where Republicans stand in the weeks ahead. When you look at the math of all the things theyve talked about, the math in no way adds up, said Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), one of the top Democrats on the House Budget Committee. Once they actually have to put pen to paper and offer a budget, that gets exposed, he argued. So, I think they will have an enormously difficult job getting to 218 votes. Mike Lillis contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A US judge has ordered former vice president Mike Pence to testify about his conversations with Donald Trump leading up to the 2021 assault on the Capitol, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday. Washington's Chief Judge James Boasberg reportedly ruled that Pence should have to provide answers to a federal grand jury on any questions probing potential criminality by the then-president. But Pence can decline to discuss his actions on the day of the insurrection itself, when he was serving as president of the Senate for the certification of the election, the reports said. The ruling, which remains under seal, marks a partial victory for the Justice Department as it probes the insurrection, which was linked to several deaths, left more than 100 police officers wounded and led to more than 1,000 arrests. Trump is running for the White House again in 2024, and Pence indicated he may challenge him for the Republican nomination. Investigators are probing Trump's role in provoking the violence on January 6, 2021 as part of a broader alleged effort to cling to power after losing the presidential election to Joe Biden. Both Pence and the government's quasi-independent prosecutor, Special Counsel Jack Smith, can challenge the parts of the decision that didn't go in their favor. Neither has announced whether they intend to appeal, although Pence has previously vowed to fight his summons all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. Pence and Trump have been at loggerheads since Pence refused to go along with Trump's efforts to overturn the election. Section of the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol called for Pence to be hanged, forcing him to flee. Pence has already described many of the relevant conversations with Trump in "So Help Me God," a memoir published last year, but he refused to testify before a House committee that investigated the insurrection. He had argued unsuccessfully that he was allowed to avoid giving evidence under the Constitution's "Speech or Debate" clause, which shields officials in Congress from legal proceedings specifically related to their work. Story continues The judge also rejected a separate assertion by Trump of executive privilege -- which protects aides from having to testify about certain conversations with presidents. The offices of Trump and Pence did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump is frontrunner by a considerable margin in the contest to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election. But he faces legal jeopardy on several fronts, including a separate federal investigation into his handling of classified documents and probes into election interference in Georgia and a hush money payment in New York. He denies all wrongdoing, claiming to be the victim of a multi-pronged "witch hunt." ft/bfm Penn State is still hard at work putting together its recruiting class for 2024, but the work being done on the Class of 2025 is also paying off early on as well. On Tuesday, Penn State added a second commitment to the 2025 class with safety Omari Gaines announcing his verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions. Gaines chose Penn State over offers from West Virginia, Temple, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Duke, and more. The 6-3 175-pound safety is ranked by Rivals as the 14th-best player overall in the state of New Jersey, which is always a big recruiting state for Penn State. Penn State may have scored Gaines before the heat really turns up on his recruiting. Rivals is the only recruiting service with a ranking for him at the moment, but he did make the NJ.com top 50 as a sophomore in 2022, so hes stock will certainly be on the rise during his upcoming junior season. Class of 2025 N.J. CB @omarigaines_ is one of many shining stars on St. Peter's Prep's loaded defense. But here's why he, individually, made the new @njdotcom Top 50 as a sophomore.https://t.co/NoVhPdjSSt#NJDotComTop50Week pic.twitter.com/I5v4IAe7AD Todderick Hunt (@TodderickHunt) August 30, 2022 Penn State extended an offer to Gaines in April 2022 while Gaines and his family visited the campus. He was among the prospective student-athletes who made a visit to Penn State last weekend. Gaines has previously visited Penn State for a 7-on-7 tournament and a future visit should be expected as he continues to go through the recruiting process even after a commitment. Story continues Gaines is the second commit in Penn States Class of 2025 at the moment. He joins Jaelyne Matthews, a four-star offensive tackle from Toms River, New Jersey. More Recruiting! Four-star linebacker target in Maryland is high on Penn State Philadelphia safety has Penn State high on his list in 2024 Penn State recruiting profile: Luke Reynolds could be a hidden gem at tight end Penn State's 2024 football commitment tracker Penn State receives commitment from Class of 2024 tight end Story originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire Flash Police officers stand guard on the scene of a mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, the United States, March 27, 2023. [Photo/Metro Nashville Police Department] Three children and three adults died after a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, on Monday. The mass shooting was reported at the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, on Monday morning. Don Aaron of the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) told reporters that the students were fatally wounded and that three adult staff members who were shot are also deceased. Aaron said the shooter was a female and armed with at least two "assault-type" rifles and a handgun, and that she was shot dead by police during their encounter. "Two MNPD officers who entered the building and went to the sounds of gunfire engaged the shooter on the second floor and fatally shot her," the MNPD tweeted on Monday afternoon. Police haven't identified the shooter but said she was a 28-year-old woman. It remains unclear whether the shooter had any connection to the grade school. U.S. first lady Jill Biden said on Monday afternoon that she's "truly without words" after learning about the Nashville school shooting. "Our children deserve better. And we stand, all of us, we stand with Nashville in prayer," she said from an event in Washington, D.C. There have been 128 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter. Meanwhile, more than 9,800 people, including hundreds of children and teens, have lost their lives to gun violence in the past three months, the website's data showed. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the daily briefing on Monday that "we need to do something." Jean-Pierre told reporters that U.S. President Joe Biden once again "calls on Congress to do something before another child is senselessly killed in a preventable act of gun violence." The Covenant School serves about 200 students from preschool through 6th grade, according to its website. In this April 9, 2019, file photo, pedestrians walk on the campus at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif. | Jeff Chiu, Associated Press The recent kerfuffle at Stanford Law School, where a federal judge was invited to speak and then had his speech hijacked because of his conservative views, has been all over the news. The saga has included an apology by the law school, an administrator placed on leave, and the promise of an all-school half-day training session for Stanfords budding lawyers on the principle and practice of free speech. Somewhat buried in the drama is something important that should be rescued from the slipstream of events. Jenny Martinez, dean of Stanford Law School, penned a 10-page essay a legal brief explaining the rights, wrongs and responsibilities of free speech in the U.S. It is masterfully argued, as we might expect from the dean of one of the most prestigious law schools in the nations. Hers is a voice for our time. And the essay she has written is one for our time as well. As American political views have become not only more polarized, but more contentious, over time, we have seen attempts on both the right and on the left to undermine free speech. There is even loose and reckless talk of dividing the nation into separate entities. Many have speculated on the causes of this rancor, from the advent of social media, to disinformation campaigns, alienation, COVID-19 lockdowns, rising crime rates, drug use, you name it. While our nation may never be able to cure all of those ills, what it can do to help is to doggedly uphold the principle of free speech. As disagreeable as it may be to hear the speech of someone who believes differently than you, free speech is the bedrock of all we hold dear, be it democracy, human rights, morality, diversity or any other good. Martinez begins her argument by shelving two popular but wrong ideas about how free speech is practiced under U.S. law. First, she says, the First Amendment does not give protesters a hecklers veto ... even in public forums such as the public streets, sidewalks, and parks, where free speech rights have greatest latitude, it is well-settled that the First Amendment allows the imposition of reasonable content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions. Story continues Shouting down someone so they cannot be heard is not a First Amendment right. Neither, we would assume, is canceling them. Related Second, the First Amendment bars regulation of speech on the ground that listeners might find its content disturbing. Established in a series of prominent court cases, the quintessential example of this principle was when the American Civil Liberties Union sued to allow neo-Nazis to march through the Chicago suburb of Skokie, Illinois, in 1978 and won. (I do wonder whether the ACLU of 2023 would do the same.) Martinez reminds her students that these principles are still in force, no matter how badly their feelings are hurt because others in this case, the conservative Federalist Society and its invited speaker, Judge Kyle Duncan do not agree with their viewpoints. The Federalist Society has the same rights of free association that other student organizations at the law school have, Martinez writes. Students calling for the law school administration to restrict the organization or the speakers it can bring to campus are demanding action inconsistent not only with freedom of speech but with rights to freedom of association that civil rights lawyers fought hard in the twentieth century to secure. To do so would also be inconsistent with the Stanford Statement on Academic Freedoms requirement that (e)xpression of the widest range of viewpoints should be encouraged, free from institutional orthodoxy and from internal or external coercion. Unless we recognize that student members of the Federalist Society and other conservatives have the same right to express their views free of coercion, we cannot live up to this commitment nor can we claim that we are fostering an inclusive environment for all students. The principle of inclusivity thus demands the inclusion of those with whom we disagree. Diversity is not true diversity if it does not include diversity of viewpoint. As Martinez puts it, We support diversity, equity, and inclusion when we encourage people in our community to reconsider their own assumptions and potential biases. We support diversity, equity, and inclusion when we encourage students to connect with and see one another as people. Shouting down, excluding, canceling and deplatforming then are antithetical to free speech and cannot be acceptable in a democratic society. But Martinez goes further: Also anathema would be the imposition by authorities of what constitutes acceptable speech, she says. I can think of no circumstance in which giving those in authority the right to decide what is and is not acceptable content for speech has ended well. Indeed, the power to suppress speech is often very quickly directed towards suppressing the views of marginalized groups. We see this today, both around the United States and around the globe. And at key moments in history, robust protection for the rights of association and speech has been critical to the advance of social movements for historically marginalized groups. And so, says Martinez, Stanford Law School will not be announcing institutional positions on current affairs, will not enforce an institutional orthodoxy and will not be party to creating an echo chamber for its students. In fact, if a lawyer cant argue both sides of an issue convincingly, they arent cut out for the profession. She reminds the law students that if doctors can be expected to face death and suffering in the discharge of their duties, lawyers can at least face the burden of having to experience disagreement with other people in their line of work. This is all very refreshing in its common-sensical, law-based approach. But are common sense and respect for the law still in vogue? Not in some circles. Wayne State University in Detroit just suspended a professor for a social media post that said it was more admirable to kill those with whom we disagree than to shout them down, saying the post was at best, morally reprehensible and, at worst, criminal. Things are spinning utterly out of control on American campuses. Now a well-established scholar--an endowed chair holder at Wayne State University--has openly encouraged his fellow progressives to murder, rather than shout down, speakers he regards as "bigots" and "transphobes." Robert P. George (@McCormickProf) March 27, 2023 Contrast this with Martinezs inspirational concluding thoughts: With regard to the norms of this community, the cycle of degenerating discourse wont stop if we insist that people we disagree with must first behave the way we want them to. Nor will it stop if we try to shame each other into submission (shaming, the research shows, has precisely the opposite effect in communities constituted by difference). The cycle stops when we recognize our responsibility to treat each other with the dignity with which we expect to be met. It stops when we choose to replace condemnation with curiosity, invective with inquiry. I remain dedicated to cultivating these norms in our community. Amen. The temptation to shut down all discussion by fiat or force is one we must resist if we are to stand fast against the authoritarianism that lurks in the wings of both extremes of the political spectrum. When Benjamin Franklin quipped after the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that Americans had a republic, if you can keep it, those words now hit home with a dread significance, for it is unclear if we will be successful in that task. Brava to Jennifer Martinez, who insists we take a better path than the one were now taking. Valerie M. Hudson is a university distinguished professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a Deseret News contributor. Her views are her own. LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian authorities said Monday they seized 2.3 tonnes of cocaine disguised as ceramic tiles destined for Turkey via a growing maritime route for illicit drugs. The drug bust happened Friday at a warehouse at Peru's biggest port, El Callao, just outside the capital Lima, police said. "This is the first incident that we know of (in which the cargo was in) Peruvian ports and its final destination was Turkey. Usually we are aware of ports in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and France," said El Callao's police chief, Colonel Luis Angel Bolanos. At a press conference Monday, police displayed the cocaine, which had been fixed to rubber sheets to appear as hundreds of ceramic tiles packed in wooden boxes inside a shipping container. Bolanos said the seized cocaine was valued at "at least $20 million." The Andean nation seized a record 86.4 tonnes of drugs and illicit substances last year, 28 tonnes of which were cocaine hydrochloride, police data shows. Peru and nearby Colombia are among the top global producers of cocaine and of the coca leaf it is made of, according to the United Nations. (Reporting by Anthony Marina and Alfredo Galarza; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Cesar Chavez salutes the crowd on the steps of the California State Capitol. AP Photo On March 31, 1966, labor rights pioneer Cesar Chavez wasnt celebrating his birthday in any usual manner. Rather, he was 14 days into a 25-day pilgrimage in California from Delano to Sacramento. Leading a group of striking farm laborers and supporters, Chavezs plan was to build momentum and support for the workers cause in a march that would conclude on the steps of the California State Capitol on Easter Sunday morning. The date here is crucial. A foundational, but mostly forgotten, feature of the nearly 300-mile pilgrimage during Lent was that it was a deeply religious endeavor. As a scholar of religion and the farmworkers movement, I believe Chavezs endeavor was not simply a march or protest although workers rights were, of course, central to the event. Rather, it was a pilgrimage, and to overlook the religious dimensions is to fundamentally misunderstand what Chavez was trying to achieve. Revolution with penance Chavez, whose birthday is celebrated as a commemorative holiday in the U.S. every March 31, remains the preeminent icon of civil and labor rights in the U.S. Cesar Chavez speaks at a union rally. Ted Streshinsky/Corbis via Getty Images But contrasting with the view of labor rights as a purely secular endeavor, Chavez fused his understanding of Catholic social doctrine with principles of community organizing. Accordingly, when it came to raising attention to the plight of striking grape harvesters denied the right to unionize in their fight for higher wages and better conditions Chavez leaned on his religious beliefs. From the outset, Chavez made clear the pious nature of the march, calling it a peregrinacion Spanish for pilgrimage in the registration form he penned. Leaving no room for ambiguity, Chavez detailed: This is a religious march and added the headline banner of Pilgrimage, Penance, Revolution framing designed to appeal to both the majority-Catholic farmworker faithful and more revolutionary members of the labor movement alike. At first blush, penance seems a bit out of place in a world of protest. Even more ironically, Chavez held that penance during the 1966 Lenten season march was required for all the failings of Farm Workers rather than for the exploitative growers that kept farmworkers uprooted and impoverished. But to Chavez, revolution could not happen without penance that is, an undertaking to offer oneself blameless. As a collective public ritual, however, it also hoped to call the entire nation to penance. Story continues The pilgrimage was an extension of a strike launched on Mexican Independence Day in 1965 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Delano. There, the Chavez-led National Farm Workers Association joined forces with the Filipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee. Catholicism offered a ready-made bridge between Mexican and Filipino farmworkers. Seemingly secular labor issues could easily be framed through religious and moral language. Chavezs commitment to foregrounding religion in his commitment to nonviolence took a page from Martin Luther King Jr.s playbook. A lady of labor The pilgrimage to Sacramento began on March 17, 1966, under a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guadalupe a representation of the Virgin Mary, which, according to Catholic tradition, originated in 1531 has long stood as Mexicos most ubiquitous symbol of national and religious protest. Along with the banner Our Lady of Guadalupe, a star of David and a cross were featured as prominent religious symbols in the pilgrimage. The larger meaning of the cross, when carried near the worn and wearied Chavez hobbling along with the help of a cane, was not at all lost on farmworkers. Later ballads captured this striking allusion to the Passion of Jesus by describing Chavez as a suffering prophet and messianic figure who would sacrifice everything to bring about justice for farmworkers. Despite the prominence of Catholic iconography, the pilgrimage remained an interfaith endeavor. Rabbis, Catholic priests and Protestant clergy stood as some of the farmworkers staunchest supporters. The Rev. Eugene J. Boyle joined protesters, including Cesar Chavez, seen here leaning on a cane. AP Photo Music to lift souls and ease soles Support to lift the spirit of the marchers came in a multitude of ways. For example, after a day of marching, El Teatro Campesino, a theater group established by playwright Luis Valdez, and enthusiastic supporters put on rallies filled with food and music. One historian recorded that these raucous celebrations resembled religious revivals, much like the ones Chavez had noted in Pentecostal church services. In his 1975 autobiography, Chavez described attending one such service in Madera, in the heart of Californias Central Valley, in 1954. The young labor organizer recalled: In that little Madera church, I observed everything going on about me that could be useful in organizing. Although there were no more than twelve men and women, there was more spirit there than when I went to mass where there were two hundred. Pentecostal music, unlike typical church music of the time, redeemed the fiesta of secular Mexican music by sanctifying musical genres then thought to not be fit for religious services. Chavez would have immediately noticed a striking contrast between demonstrative Pentecostal worship and the staid music of Catholicism in the pre-Vatican II years. The base must be faith Almost a decade after the pilgrimage, Chavez mused: Today I dont think I could base my will to struggle on cold economics or on some political doctrine. I dont think there would be enough to sustain me. For me, the base must be faith. Faith sustained Chavez on his pilgrimage 57 years ago. On Easter Sunday 1966, Chavez ascended the steps of the California State Capitol upon the completion of the pilgrimage. By then, the aim of securing the farmworkers with their first-ever union contract with a grower had been completed. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters. It was written by: Lloyd Daniel Barba, Amherst College. Read more: Lloyd Daniel Barba does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to setting an unmarked police car on fire following a protest downtown in May 2020 over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Devin Montgomery, 27, was ordered to serve four years in prison plus three years of supervised release on Monday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man already facing federal charges turns himself in on state charges related to protests in downtown Pittsburgh Police posted several pictures of Montgomery on social media, showing the Antonio Brown jersey he was wearing during the rioting that broke out following a peaceful protest on May 30. Officials with Pittsburgh Public Safety said 60 businesses and properties in downtown areas were damaged by looters and rioters, including hotels, restaurants and small businesses. More than 40 people were arrested. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: TIMELINE: 60 businesses reporting damage in downtown following Saturday riots Police also obtained surveillance video of Montgomery and another person using rocks to break into Dollar Bank that day. Montgomery was also ordered to pay restitution to cover the cost of the vehicle that was destroyed. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Arnold police officer on unpaid leave, facing charges from Pennsylvania Game Commission Woman kills 3 children, 3 adults in shooting at Nashville school; shooter, victims identified Greensburg man accused of luring child allegedly told police he used to be a bad guy VIDEO: Sources: Gainey set to unveil plans to challenge tax-exempt status of nonprofits in Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Pittsburgh police are searching for a missing man. According to police, Brandon Pfeifer-Davis, 22, was last seen at McFaddens on the North Shore on Friday. Pfeifer-Davis is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. He has blue eyes and dirty-blonde hair. Police said he has not been in contact with family and friends and his cell phone is off. Pfeifer-Davis has not been on social media and his vehicle is still at his Greenfield home. He did not show up to work on Monday, which police said is unusual, and his family is concerned. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call detectives at 412-323-7141. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Human remains found in Pittsburgh identified as Etna woman who went missing over 3 years ago Bethel Park man shot and killed in Bloomfield; Suspect arrested Eric Clapton coming to Pittsburgh VIDEO: Thousands remain without power after severe weather Saturday DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A man died on Monday in south Fort Worth when he was shot multiple times in the upper body, police said. The victim was fired upon about 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Martin Street and Miller Avenue, Fort Worth police said. Patrol officers found the suspects vehicle and detained a possible suspect. At midday on Tuesday, police had made no arrests. The victim, whose name and age the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office has not released, was was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police declined to say whether the victim was in a business, a residence, a vehicle or on foot outdoors when he was shot. Another person was shot about the same time elsewhere in the city. A man was shot twice in the left arm and three times in the torso at Cobb Park in the 2700 block of Cobb Park Drive West, police said. The victim arrived at John Peter Smith Hospital in a private vehicle about 7 p.m. Police did not describe the victims condition or announce an arrest. Thomas Gair, left, pictured outside Durham Crown Court. (Reach) A former student police officer who pushed his pregnant partner down a flight of stairs has been found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour. Thomas Gair, 23, from Middlesbrough, was also convicted of three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalking. He was acquitted of two further assaults. During his trial, Durham Crown Court heard that Gair pushed his ex-partner down the stairs while she was pregnant at their home in Norton, Teesside, in May 2020. On other occasions during their three-year relationship, he also knocked her to the ground with a car door and bit her, the court heard. Gair controlled what she was allowed to eat and when she could go to the gym, made cruel comments about her weight and limited her contact with her friends. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 24 April. Cleveland Police confirmed he has been discharged from the force. Gair's former partner told the court last week she was "knocked unconscious" after he pushed her down the stairs when she was pregnant. She also said he "pushed her out of a car before reversing, letting the door smack her". She said: "Every day with him was a battle and it completely changed me as a person." The victim's mother told the court she saw injuries on her daughter's body on a number of occasions. After an incident at the pair's former house, her mother visited and found her daughter crying. Prosecutor Ian West read out a text message conversation between Gair and the mother. Read more: Homeless man murdered 'kind-hearted' pensioner, 83, who took him in Thomas Gair was convicted at Durham Crown Court. (PA Images via Getty Images) In the exchange, Gair wrote: "I owe you an apology for the way I behaved and acted. I'm really embarrassed and ashamed of the way I've gone on. "I can completely understand your anger and concerns. If I was in that position I'd be livid to say the least. "I went for this job because I wanted to be a role model and make the world a better place." Story continues Acting Superintendent John Bonner, acting head of Cleveland Police's directorate of standards and ethics, said: Gair was a student officer with Cleveland Police studying at the force training school when reports were made that he was perpetrating domestic abuse against his partner. Those reports came from the victim and other student officers, who were able to identify the signs of domestic abuse from the learning they received. The reporting made by those officers is a testament of their morals in doing the right thing. It enabled the directorate of standards and ethics to take immediate and robust action in arresting Mr Gair within 24 hours of the report. "Thomas Gair was discharged on 17 March 2023, having never been in contact with the public during his short time in the police service." Christopher Atkinson, head of the Crown Court Unit for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) North East, said: Thomas Gair was possessive and manipulative towards his ex-partner throughout the course of their relationship. "He exerted significant control over her behaviour, which extended to telling her who she could see and when she could go out. "Their relationship was also punctuated by a catalogue of violent assaults including Gair pushing his then-pregnant partner downstairs, knocking her unconscious. "I would like to recognise the swift action taken by Cleveland Police in this case. I would also commend the bravery of the victim in this case, who has faced her abuser in court to give a compelling and credible account of his actions. I sincerely hope that she finds a measure of comfort in the conviction of Thomas Gair today. The Horry County Police Department responded to 12 calls in the past six months at a historically Black elementary school that is set to be demolished after it caught fire earlier this month. In a Freedom of Information Act request made to Horry County on March 14 by the Sun News, there were 12 records of police incidents in the area of the school on Maple Avenue and Horry Street in Conway. Half of those reported calls were traffic violations or stops. One call was for a wanted person/vehicle on Oct. 1 at Maple and Dillon streets. On Jan. 20, Horry police officers responded to a suspicious person incident at Maple Avenue and Marion Street. A month later, on Feb. 20, officers responded to a nuisance incident at Horry and Rhue streets, a block away. The most recent call, according to the request, was on March 14, for a trespassing incident on Marion Street and Maple Avenue. Whittemore Elementary School, a former segregation-era equalization school, was set ablaze March 7 and kept city firefighters at the site for nearly 18 hours. Conway City Council voted to move forward with demolition of the main building at a public meeting held on March 13. A person of interest has emerged as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, Conway Police Chief Dale Long said at the meeting. The city took ownership of the Whittemore site in 2017, when Horry County Schools relinquished it. The 70-year-old building at 1904 Maple St. needed $30 million worth of renovations even before the fire, and city leaders have long said using public dollars to preserve it was not feasible. Evidence of human habitation including food wrappers, fecal matter and drug paraphernalia was found throughout the building by investigators. A multi-disciplinary team will first review evidence gathered about the fire. They hopefully might be able to shed some light on whether it was just somebody trying to stay warm, somebody trying to cook, or whether someone had criminal intent, Long said in the meeting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division took over the criminal investigation after Conway Police Chief Dale Long requested its assistance. No arrests have been made. There are no further updates on the SLED investigation as of Monday. Maryland State Police are asking for the publics assistance in identifying two vehicles of interest connected to a 2022 homicide in Wicomico County. The vehicles, light colored and dark colored sedans, were recorded on video at about 5:50 p.m. Feb. 25, 2022, driving up to a home on the 28600 block of Old Quantico Road in Salisbury. The victim, Craig Polk Jr., 23, of Salisbury, was last seen alive on Feb. 25, 2022, and was reported missing to police the following day. Polks body was found on May 3, 2022, on the edge of a field near Rockawalkin Road in Salisbury. Wicomico County sheriffs deputies arrived at the scene first, and Maryland State Police homicide detectives then took over the investigation. The vehicles that police are seeking help in identifying are shown in this video that the MSP Salisbury Barrack posted to Facebook. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore positively identified the body discovered as Polk. An autopsy determined that Polks death was a homicide and the manner of death was by gunshot. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Maryland State Police at 410-430-1556. MORE ON THIS CASE:Homicide investigation underway after body of missing man discovered in Salisbury field SALISBURY BUSINESS NEWS:Salisbury welcomes Mexican restaurant, Charley's Philly Cheesesteaks | What's Going There This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Salisbury homicide: Police seek help to ID vehicles of interest A federal judge ordered political consultant Sean Caddle in January 2022 to don an ankle monitor and not leave his Sussex County home after pleading guilty to hiring two hit men to kill a former friend and associate. The Hardyston address where Caddle has awaited sentencing for nearly a year and a half is about to change, because Caddle missed months of rent payments. In a legal proceeding on Tuesday, Superior Court Judge David Weaver approved an agreement between Caddle and his landlord: Caddle and his family must move out by April 15, or else they will be physically removed from the property. Caddle would not be required to pay the thousands of dollars he previously owed in missed rental payments. Caddles landlords, Matthew and Karen Meenan, filed for eviction on Dec. 15, 2022, saying Caddle and his wife began missing rent payments in October 2022 on the Hardyston home, where they have lived for more than five years. The Meenans said the Caddles owed $10,812 in rent and fees; Caddle estimated they owed $8,000 and wanted to use their security deposit toward rent. Sean Caddle in Landlord/Tenant Court to negotiate the eviction notice by his landlord for back rent owed by Caddle. The case was in court in Newton, NJ on March 28, 2023. I just want to get out of the situation and move forward, Matthew Meenan said. Im out more than $18,000 at this point. Caddle and Meenan came to the deal with a court-appointed mediator and Meenan's attorney in a separate room before presenting the signed settlement agreement to Weaver in the courtroom. Caddle, in a three-quarter zip sweater and khakis, said little before the judge after being sworn in, other than "Yes, your honor" to questions from the judge about whether he understood the agreement. I worked out an agreement with him Matts a really good guy, and Im sorry for the trouble he went through, Caddle said outside the Newton courthouse. Murder for hire Caddle, 45, previously pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit murder for hire. He had confessed to paying a Connecticut man to kill Michael Galdieri, who was found stabbed in his apartment on May 22, 2014. Galdieris second-floor Jersey City apartment was set aflame. Story continues According to U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez, Caddle paid two hit men $15,000 to kill Galdieri because he was angry that Galdieri had been stealing money from him, Vazquez said during the sentencing of one of the two hit men. More:Sentencing delayed for political operative at center of bizarre NJ murder-for-hire case Also: Hit man in NJ political murder-for-hire case sentenced to 20 years in prison Caddle was cooperating with the government on a separate, unknown investigation, and Caddles name appears in court documents in a case involving Tony Teixeira, the former chief of staff to New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari. Teixeira pleaded guilty in federal court in November to tax evasion and wire fraud charges. His sentencing is set for June 27. As a cooperating witness for the U.S. Attorney's Office on an ankle monitor, there was some confusion about my ability to work and the possibility of relocation, Caddle wrote to the landlord-tenant court in January. Both of these fell through and I received a letter from my attorney in December stating that I would not be able to work, per the US Attorney's direction. Considering a target vacate date at the end of the lease. 'Nothing but kind' Meenan said he was "shocked" when he heard about Caddles guilty plea in the murder-for-hire case. He was candidly nothing but kind, Meenan said. He would send me a text on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Enjoy yourself for 4 years. Meenan attached to the eviction filing a string of text messages from last fall that show him repeatedly bringing up the missed rent to Caddle, and the two going back and forth scheduling times to talk. Interspersed are glimpses of Caddles interactions with federal authorities. Sean Caddle and landlord, Matthew Meenan in Landlord/Tenant Court to negotiate the eviction notice for back rent owed by Sean Caddle. The case was in court in Newton, NJ on March 28, 2023. I got called in by an agent to do a debrief and he had a midday meeting so I got caught waiting around, Caddle wrote on Oct. 25. On a positive note I spoke with the lawyer twice Friday and a longer conversation on Saturday the [Assistant U.S. Attorney] Sean Farrell is going to help with everything so it went well I will explain when I call after the doctors. Another message on Oct. 21 from Meenan said, Keep fingers crossed for this thing to happen. Thank you Matt, Caddle replied. Already spoke with my lawyer today but he has a call he had to get on. He is calling me tomorrow to go over everything and I will call you MondayFor the cliff notes version in a 12 minute conversation the lawyer had with me today he gave me 5 Bullets we have to talk about tomorrow but all were positive. Amending conditions of release Also on Tuesday, Vazquez amended Caddles conditions of release and added as a bond co-signer Pablo Cifuentes, a relative of Caddles wife, according to a March 28 filing. Caddles mother originally co-signed Caddles unsecured appearance bond, promising to pay $1 million if he failed to appear in court, but died after she suffered a severe medical episode that likely caused a two-car crash on Feb. 27. This month, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Cortes said the government would be reconsidering the conditions of his release if hes not able to find a new person to co-sign the bond and was weighing whether we should have a bail hearing. Sean Caddle in Landlord/Tenant Court to negotiate the eviction notice by his landlord for back rent owed by Caddle. The case was in court in Newton, NJ on March 28, 2023. Caddle is scheduled to be sentenced in Newark on June 29, a date that has been pushed back three times. One of the two professed hit men, Paterson native Bomani Africa, 62, was sentenced last month to 20 years in prison for his role in the scheme. His partner, George Bratsenis, is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday in Newark. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ murder-for-hire mastermind booted after missing rent You are here: World Flash A man walks past damaged buildings in Mariupol, Jan. 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Ukraine's industrial output plunged 36.9 percent in 2022, official data showed on Monday. Last year, Ukraine's processing industry saw the biggest decline, decreasing by 41.2 percent, the State Statistics Service said in a report. The report said the electric power, gas and steam supply industries contracted by 30.7 percent in 2022, while the mining industry dropped by 30.1 percent. According to the statistics, production of electricity distribution and control apparatus was the only industrial branch that demonstrated positive performance last year, rising by 4.2 percent. Local media said the sharp decline is attributed to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In 2021, Ukraine's industrial production increased by 1.9 percent. Yasmeen Hanon said the University of Missouri System hasnt provided a good reason for its decision last week to get rid of diversity statements in its hiring process. If it was because of Missouri Republican lawmakers, Hanon, a sophomore political science and environmental studies major at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said the decision was unwarranted. And, she said, it will ultimately hurt minority faculty and students. It sends a message that even though they may be following the legal requirements of not discriminating, they also are somewhat overlooking the challenges that come with applying to a job that has a predominantly white percentage of people employed, she said. Some students and faculty members at the University of Missouris campuses in Columbia and Kansas City have quietly bemoaned the decision to scrap diversity statements. They fear it was a preemptive attempt to appease Republican lawmakers and question whether it may hurt efforts to hire and retain minority employees. University of Missouri System President and MU Chancellor Mun Choi made the announcement in an email to a select number of campus leaders on the Friday before students and staff left for spring break. The announcement came as Republican lawmakers consider legislation that would ban public colleges from asking job candidates questions about diversity and race. Missouri lawmakers have made no indication that they plan to drop the legislation after the universitys policy change. The Missouri Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee on Tuesday considered separate legislation that would ban all diversity, equity and inclusion materials from colleges and health care providers. Doctors and medical students criticized the legislation, saying it would jeopardize the accreditation of medical schools and hurt training on how to serve minority communities. If these concepts are removed from our core curriculum, it would stifle our schools ability to train culturally competent physicians, Jay Devineni, a student at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, told lawmakers. Story continues Conservatives in red states across the country have targeted diversity statements, commonly referred to as DEI. The statements are typically used when hiring to address a commitment to diverse and inclusive working environments. Im disappointed to see the University of Missouri System quickly cave to a few extremists legislators, state Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, told The Star. Nurrenbern said that banning diversity statements sends a message that certain perspectives are not welcome and dissuades Americas brightest academic minds from coming to Missouri. While leaders at the universitys Columbia campus have made efforts to add more diverse faculty members, progress has been slow. As of 2022, Black employees make up just 3.7% of the universitys ranked professional faculty compared to 67.5% white. Pamela Bruzina, an MU professor and chair of the MU Faculty Councils Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Committee, said in an email to The Star that attracting diverse faculty has been a top priority for the committee. Because the use of diversity statements was not standardized prior to the change, its unclear what impact they had on hiring, she said. However, its possible that some applicants may view the new policy as a negative reflection of Mizzous commitment to DEI work, she said. I have heard anecdotally of one potential candidate who decided not to apply for a faculty job here because of the change, the email said. We will have to wait and see how the new policy impacts the diversity of our faculty hires. Bruzina said she was not speaking on behalf of the committee. Chris Conner, an assistant teaching professor of sociology at MU, told The Star that the use of diversity statements in hiring is a complex issue that has both good and bad. He said hes always tried to make space for minority students and those who often are marginalized. It remains to be seen how this will be interpreted, he said. For me whats important is once folks get here how do we treat them? In scrapping the diversity statements, Choi announced standardized language that university leaders can send to candidates instead. The new carefully-worded values commitment is three sentences long and, Choi said, was intended to provide clear guidance for applicants. State Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican who filed one of the bills that would ban diversity statements, said in an interview with The Star that he was pleased with the university systems decision. Ive found that the presidents of our state universities have been quick to recognize the problem that these statements are creating not only in Missouri, but nationwide, he said. Ive appreciated their response. Richey has frequently painted diversity statements as politically motivated, comparing them to forcing job candidates to subscribe to liberal loyalty oaths. Choi, in his email to faculty, used the same phrase, saying the new policy was intended to address concerns the university was requiring oaths or litmus tests. The announcement from Choi directly cited media reports that question the universitys use of diversity statements. The university president appeared to be referencing a post titled Mizzou Imposes DEI Litmus Test from the right-wing blog Minding the Campus. Bruzina, the committee chair, told The Star that while the new values commitment emphasizes the importance of a diverse faculty, the university also needs to be committed to inclusion, equity and belonging. What is not explicitly outlined in the values statement, but is essential to maximizing the benefits of diversity in our faculty, staff and students, are the other values that bring us together as one community where each member feels seen, valued, respected and appreciated and is provided what they need to succeed, she said. Devineni, the medical school student, told The Star he felt the new policy was an attempt to preemptively address diversity statements before lawmakers pass legislation banning DEI. You could make an argument that the UM system is doing its due diligence by trying to clarify that these are not loyalty oaths, he said. I do find it a little bit eyebrow raising in the sense that I dont like it when political pressure affects the way that our university and the UM system operates. Faculty members, for the most part, have been relatively silent on the policy change. The quiet faculty response regarding the policy change comes less than a year after a faculty survey on the universitys Columbia campus showed that many view Choi as a leader who runs the campus through intimidation and bullying. However, some faculty have acknowledged that scrapping diversity statements is a stark pivot from previous practices. It was common, although not uniform, for departments to ask for a diversity statement on applications. For example, a job posting for an MU visiting assistant professor of sociology requires applicants to submit a DEI statement addressing contributions to diversity and inclusivity through teaching and service. Graham McCaulley, chair of the MU Faculty Council, acknowledged this departure in an email sent Friday to council members that was obtained by The Star. This is a fairly significant shift and many have weighed in on this, the email said. While some of us may be able to point to philosophical, ethical, or practical (e.g., federal grant requirements, national trends in curricula or accreditation) reasons to have not made the change, this is where were at. It was a cold wind that blew through St. Peter's Square at the Vatican over the weekend, but that didn't deter Pope Francis from taking a stroll outside to greet the faithful, as he often does. When images appeared online showing the 86-year-old pontiff atypically wrapped up against the elements in a stylish white puffer jacket and silver bejewelled crucifix, they soon went viral, racking up millions of views on social media platforms. The picture, first published Friday on Reddit along with several others, was in fact a fake. It was an artificial intelligence rendering generated using the AI software Midjourney. Fake photos generated by artificial intelligence software appear to show Pope Francis walking outside the Vatican in a designer coat, which he never did. While there are some inconsistencies in the final rendered images for example, the pope's left hand where it is holding a water bottle looks distorted and his skin has an overly sharp appearance many people online were fooled into thinking they were real pictures. The revelation that they had been dupped left some Twitter users shocked and confused. "I thought the pope's puffer jacket was real and didn't give it a second thought," tweeted model and author Chrissy Teigen. "No way am I surviving the future of technology." The "pope in the puffer jacket" was just the latest in a series of "deepfake" images created with AI software. Another recent example was pictures of former President Donald Trump that appeared to show him in police custody. Although the creator made it clear that they were produced as an exercise in the use of AI, the images, combined with rumors of Trump's imminent arrest, went viral and created and entirely fraudulent but potentially dangerous narrative. Midjourney, DALL E2, OpenAI and Dream Studio are among the software options available to anyone wishing to produce photo-realistic images using nothing more than text prompts no specialist training required. As this type of software becomes more widespread, AI developers are working on better ways to inform viewers of the authenticity, or otherwise, of images. Story continues CBS News' "Sunday Morning" reported earlier this year that Microsoft's chief scientific officer Eric Horvitz, the co-creator of the spam email filter, was among those trying to crack the conundrum, predicting that if technology isn't developed to enable people to easily detect fakes within a decade or so "most of what people will be seeing, or quite a lot of it, will be synthetic. We won't be able to tell the difference." In the meantime, Henry Ajder, who presents a BBC radio series entitled, "The Future Will be Synthesised," cautioned in a newspaper interview that it was "already very, very hard to determine whether" some of the images being created were real. "It gives us a sense of how bad actors, agents spreading disinformation, could weaponize these tools," Ajder told the British newspaper, I. There's clear evidence of this happening already. Last March, video emerged appearing to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy telling his troops to lay down their arms and surrender. It was bad quality and quickly outed as a fake, but it may have been merely an opening salvo in a new information war. So, while a picture may speak a thousand words, it may be worth asking who's actually doing the talking. 33 swimmers under investigation for "aggressively pursuing" dolphins in Hawaii Startup makes meatball out of lab-grown mammoth DNA Chicago mayoral candidates spar in debate The possibility of a ban on the social media platform TikTok is raising red flags among some Democrats, who worry it could turn off Generation Z voters ahead of the 2024 election. The voting bloc played a decisive role in Democrats better-than-expected performance in last years election, but some in the party say that a ban could dissuade them from turning out in the same numbers next year. It would be a loss of a very effective and impactful tool to mobilize and activate young people and also for them to activate and encourage others, said Annie Wu Henry, a social media and digital strategy expert, who led Sen. John Fettermans (D-Pa.) digital strategy during his successful election bid last year. Largely, Generation Z uses TikTok to communicate, to share information, and its a very effective tool used to inform, to mobilize and to build power and build a movement, Henry added. On Thursday, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew found himself in the hot seat on Capitol Hill, where he faced an intense, bipartisan line of questioning for several hours from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. At the center of the hearing was legislation banning the video-sharing app in the U.S., which has bipartisan support. The White House has endorsed the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act, which would give the Commerce Department power to regulate or ban foreign-produced technology from adversarial countries. That could include TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. There are many people talking about it on TikTok itself, Henry said of a potential ban. Ive seen videos that have hundreds of thousands, if not millions of views, talking about whats happening with TikTok. One TikTok video that garnered millions of views was from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who used her first video on the app to come out against a ban on Saturday. As of Monday, the video had received roughly 3 million views and more than 600,000 likes since it was posted. Story continues Other Democratic members of Congress have also come out publicly against a ban. Last week before the House hearing, progressive Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) held a press conference with a number of TikTok content creators to speak out against a possible ban. But overall, Americans appear to support at least some regulations on the platform. A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll released to The Hill on Monday found that 45 percent of respondents said the government should ban the use of TikTok on the grounds of privacy and security concerns, while 34 percent said the platform should only be allowed in the U.S. if it undergoes regular security reviews of its code base. Gen Z and millennial voters also appear willing to support a potential ban on the app given the national security risks. According to a survey released last week by SocialSphere Inc., 46 percent of registered Gen Z and millennial voters said they would support banning TikTok unless the company sells its shares to U.S. operators. Support for a possible ban grew to 54 percent once U.S. government concerns about the app were shared with respondents. The same survey also found that 69 percent of millennial and Gen Z voters said they were concerned that the Chinese government could access personal information TikTok collects from its users, while 66 percent said they were concerned the Chinese government could influence what Americans see on the app. Sixty-five percent said they were worried that TikToks user data could be used by the Chinese government to uncover the vices or pressure points of a potential spy recruit or blackmail target. Before we talk about whats going to happen in a year and a half, we need to respect and appreciate the fact that Gen Z has been listening and hearing about the role that China has in ownership of ByteDance and TikTok, but I think they really need to understand the specifics of it, said John Della Vope, founder and CEO of SocialSphere Inc. If that is done well, I dont think that there will be a price to pay at the ballot box in 2024. Gen Z voters flexed their political muscles during last years midterm elections, largely benefitting Democrats. According to a separate study conducted by SocialSphere, Gen Z was the only generational cohort to rank abortion and reproductive rights as the political issue they were most concerned about. There are so many key issues on which Democrats are siding with young people, from abortion rights to gun violence prevention measures to climate action, and a TikTok ban is not going to change that, said Jack Lobel, press secretary for Voters of Tomorrow, a group that organizes young voters. Lobel acknowledged that TikTok has helped many members of Gen Z become unified as a generation by using the app to promote social and political causes, but added that a TikTok ban would not signal a make-or-break moment for the generations political involvement. Others argue that the narrative pushing Gen Zs reliance on TikTok as an organizing tool is overblown. This overplayed narrative of young voters dont come out, young voters cant be reached, young voters are not a reliable and trustworthy voting bloc is simply factually incorrect, said Antonio Arellano, national press secretary at NextGen America, a progressive group aimed at mobilizing young voters. We as a nation need to come to terms with the fact that this electoral bloc of a new, digital generation is here to stay whether there is TikTok or not, he added. And those involved in the Gen Z political and activist spaces are in agreement that another social media app would take TikToks place in the U.S. if it is banned. Another app will pop up, Henry said. Its like cutting off a head, and another will grow back. Lobel maintained that regardless of TikToks future, young people will find ways to stay connected online. In fact, the same SocialSphere survey found that if Gen Z was forced to choose one app to use exclusively for the next year, 31 percent said they would choose Instagram, while 25 percent said they would choose TikTok. And Democrats say that the importance of staying connected with Gen Z voters is not lost on them. What is most important is that they know who we are and what weve done for them, said Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist. Young people will continue to show up in mass numbers for the coalition that is fighting for them, he added. Regardless of what happens, we have to make certain we have some sort of strategy and system in place to be able to continually and effectively message to every single constituency in this country, and that includes GenZers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Massachusetts man who works as a supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service has been charged in federal court with stealing thousands of dollars in government funds through a false travel reimbursement scheme. Anthony Fernandes, 37, of Douglas, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of theft of government money. He will appear before federal court in Boston at a later time, according to a statement Monday from U.S. District Attorney Rachael Rollins. Authorities say Fernandes, who works in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, is alleged to have fraudulently used the U.S. Postal Service supervisors travel authorization account to approve approximately $52,987 in fraudulent travel reimbursement requests between the period of April through November 2022. If convicted, Fernandes faces up to 10 years in prison, including three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Nashville school shooting: Police release body camera video as details emerge on 6 victims: Live updates Immigrant facility fire: Migrants lit mattresses on fire in protest, starting fire that killed 39 near US border Do my tax dollars pay for the U.S. Postal Service? No, the Postal Service is generally self-funded, relying on revenue from sale of stamps, products and other services to fund its operations, according to the agency's Office of the Inspector General. That means no tax dollars are used to keep Postal Service facilities operating nor would any tax dollars have been lost by alleged theft of Postal Service funds. What's everyone talking about?: Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: USPS supervisor in Massachusetts charged in $53K travel fraud scheme Mykola Shaposhnikov Read also: Military expert explains growing number of drone explosions in Russia On Oct 16, 2014, an explosion occurred at a warehouse of Imex Group, killing two people and causing extensive damage. Shaposhnikov worked as a consultant for the company at the time. Lidove Noviny, citing sources, claims that shortly before the explosion Shaposhnikov passed information about the ammunition stored in the village of Vrbetice to Russian General Andrei Averyanov. Averyanov is the head of Russian GRU military intelligence agents, Anatoly Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, who, having received the information, arrived to the Czech Republic on forged passports, and, according to the Czech investigation, blew up the warehouse. Shaposhnikov also sent an e-mail to the owner of the warehouse indicating the days when GRU agents would arrive in Vrbetice, posing as weapons inspectors from Tajikistan and Moldova. According to the article, on Oct. 4, 2014, Averyanov met with Shaposhnikov in Portugal, after which Averyanov returned to Moscow. On Oct. 7, tickets were bought for Chepiga and Mishkin, who arrived in Prague on Oct. 11. On Oct. 16, the explosion took place in the village of Vrbetice. On the same day, both agents and Averyanov, who was in Vienna at that time, flew back to Moscow. Read also: Portugal unable to supply fighter jets to Ukraine due to NATO commitments, says Portuguese PM According to Lidove Noviny, agents Chepiga and Mishkin havent been formally charged in the Czech Republic, as the investigation has no confirmation that they were in Vrbetice. Read also: Czech Republic extends ban on issuing visas to Russians Shaposhnikov's daughter confirmed that her father, along with family members, met Averyanov in Portugal. She described it as an ordinary meeting of acquaintances. Shaposhnikov himself, who testified in the case, stated that he didnt know the true identity of the two "inspectors". The prosecution now believes he misled the investigation. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Prosecutors believe former Fugee Pras Michel played a key role in a far-reaching corruption scheme It's the strangest, starriest court case you might not yet have heard of. Jury selection has begun in the trial of former Fugees musician Prakazrel "Pras" Michel - a case with global intrigue, a multi-billion dollar corruption scheme, and a fugitive Malaysian tycoon sometimes referred to as Asia's "Great Gatsby". Prosecutors allege that Mr Michel, 50, took more than $100m (81.4m) from Malaysian businessman Jho Low to convince former US President Donald Trump to abandon an investigation and allow the extradition of a prominent dissident to China. Additionally, Mr Michel stands accused of making illegal contributions to Barack Obama's 2012 US presidential campaign, using a network of third parties paid with foreign money. He now faces charges including conspiracy, witness tampering, and a failure to register as a foreign agent. If convicted, he faces more than 20 years in prison. Mr Michel has denied any wilful wrongdoing in the case. The trial is expected to last most of April - and could see Hollywood A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio, Trump allies Rudy Giuliani and Steve Bannon, and American casino mogul Steve Wynn testify as witnesses. Here are some of the players and potential witnesses in the case, and how they're involved. Jho Low At the heart of the trial is co-defendant Jho Low, a 41-year-old Malaysian businessman who is alleged to have stolen billions of dollars from his country's sovereign wealth fund in the now-infamous 1MDB scheme, history's largest embezzlement case. Some of the money was allegedly used to shower gifts on celebrities including Mr DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, and model Miranda Kerr. Rolling Stone has reported that Mr Low and Mr Michel first met at a Manhattan nightclub in 2006. Mr Low is currently a fugitive and believed to be in China Court documents accuse Mr Low of using Mr Michel as a funnel for illegal money - as much as $100m - used in a bid to "obtain foreign access to, and influence with, high-ranking United States government officials for financial benefit". Story continues Investigators believe Mr Low wanted to use the money to help lobby the Trump administration and Justice Department to drop their investigation into Mr Low's involvement in the 1MDB scheme, for which he was ultimately indicted by US prosecutors in 2018. Mr Low is currently a fugitive and believed to be living in China, meaning that Mr Michel will face the charges alone during the trial. Guo Wengui The second plot of which Mr Michel and Mr Low are accused centres around Guo Wengui, a flashy, exiled Chinese billionaire and vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party. From his temporary home in New York City - a posh apartment overlooking Central Park said to be worth $67.5m - Mr Guo had drawn the ire of China's government by threatening to expose corruption and misdeeds among the country's political elite. In the US, Mr Guo had become close to people within Mr Trump's orbit, particularly former chief strategist Steve Bannon. Prosecutors believe that Mr Low and an unnamed Chinese government minister sought to use Mr Michel in a bid to help lobby the Trump administration for Mr Guo's "removal and return" to his country. The plot was unsuccessful. Exiled businessman Guo Wengui was a prominent opponent of China's Communist Party Mr Guo, however, now faces his own legal battle after being arrested by the FBI in February for allegedly masterminding a $1bn fraud conspiracy. Guo Wengui and one of his business partners, Kin Ming Je, are accused of wire fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. Leonardo DiCaprio Among those named as potential witnesses in the case is actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who famously portrayed a real-life financial crook in the 2013 film "Wolf of Wall Street" - which was partially funded by a firm tied to Mr Low. Bloomberg has reported that Mr Low was "especially generous" with Mr DiCaprio and donated a $3.2m Picasso to his charity, as well as a $9.2m piece from Jean-Michel Basquiat. Mr DiCaprio - who has not been accused of any wrongdoing - reportedly later turned those items and others received from Mr Low over to authorities. Notably, in 2019 Mr DiCaprio reportedly testified before a grand jury in Washington DC as part of the justice department's investigation into the 1MDB case. Steve Wynn Another potential witness in the case is former casino mogul Steve Wynn, who stepped down as chairman and CEO of his Wynn Resorts company in 2018 amid accusations of sexual misconduct. Citing legal filings, interviews with people familiar with the case and unreleased FBI documents, Bloomberg has reported authorities believe Mr Michel reached out to Mr Wynn for help convincing senior Trump officials to agree to Mr Guo's extradition to China. In a related case in May 2022, the justice department sued Mr Wynn in an effort to have him retroactively register as a foreign agent acting for China. The lawsuit specifically accused Mr Wynn of relaying Chinese government requests regarding Mr Guo and discussing Beijing's interests with Mr Trump at a June 2017 dinner. The case was dismissed by a federal judge in October 2022. Other potential witnesses During the beginning of jury selection on 27 March, lawyers from both sides rattled off a list of potential witnesses that ranged from former government officials to celebrities. The list included a number of prominent members of Mr Trump's political orbit - including Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani - as well as his one-time national security advisor, H.R. McMaster and ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Other potential witnesses named include actors Jamie Foxx and Mark Wahlberg, director Martin Scorsese, and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. None have been accused of any wrongdoing. A number of other people involved in Mr Michel and Mr Low's alleged plots, including Republican fundraiser Elliot Broidy and George Higginbotham, a former justice department employee, have pleaded guilty in relation to the case. Mr Broidy was later pardoned by Mr Trump before he left the White House. China must take control of Russia because Putin is violating agreements, says Mykhailo Podoliak Read also: International Fencing Federation officials in China try to take banner about Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia video Podolyak noted that there are "mutually exclusive positions" in China's peace plan. "We remember that, on the one hand, territorial integrity is a key factor of stability," he singles out one of the points in Beijings proposal. But at the same time, China is talking about an immediate ceasefire, which will mean leaving the occupied territories in the hands of the Russian Federation, which is mutually exclusive with these points. The official also noted that after a trip to Russia, Chinas Xi Jinping saw an "absolutely insane political elite of the Russian Federation in the face of Putin himself" people who do not keep their word and with whom it is impossible to make enduring agreements. Read also: What the US and China agreed on and who will replace Putin "Therefore, China needs to establish a more effective control over the economy, and most importantly, the state apparatus of Russia," said Podolyak. That is, to (establish itself) there in the same way as Russia has in relation to Belarus: in the same way, China in relation to Russia must control certain political and economic processes at the level of internal administration. Podolyak noted that while Beijing is ready for these steps, "it will take some time." Read also: Ukraine still arranging Zelenskyy-Xi Jinping phone call, official says Should China continue to insist on a peace plan as such and thus assume more substantial moderating functions, or, again, remain on the sidelines for the time being until they have total control of Russian statehood itself?" he described the choice China is presented with. It seems to me that China is now strategically considering this. In response to dictator Vladimir Putin's plan to place Russian nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, China said on March 27 that it was necessary to focus on settling the full-scale war against Ukraine "diplomatically." Story continues Read also: Brazil to propose a peace conference to end the war in Ukraine Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, recalled that in January 2022, the leaders of five nuclear powers issued a joint statement, stressing that "a nuclear war cannot be won and therefore should not be waged, making it imperative for countries with nuclear weapons to avoid their use. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow on March 20-22, becoming the first leader to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest. During the joint press conference following their meeting, Putin said that China's "peace plan" can be used as a basis for a "peaceful settlement" of Russia's war against Ukraine. Read also: Zelenskyy to visit Warsaw soon, says Polish deputy FM "We believe that many provisions of the peace plan selected by China are consistent with Russian approaches," Putin said. On Feb. 24, China published a position paper on the "resolution" of Russias aggression against Ukraine, consisting of 12 points. Beijing called for a ceasefire and negotiations, short of urging the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. Read also: Zelenskyy expresses interest in dialogue with Xi Jinping, but China yet to extend invitation Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Beijing taking an interest in Ukraine, but disagreed with some of the points in the document. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Britain's Prince Harry has accused his family of withholding information about phone hacking from him to avoid sitting in the witness box and opening "a can of worms", a witness statement released Tuesday said. The Duke of Sussex made the claim in submissions for a privacy claim he and other celebrities have filed against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers (ANL). Lawyers for the group, which also includes pop superstar Elton John, claim ANL commissioned the breaking and entry into private property, illegally intercepted voicemail messages and obtained medical records. The alleged wrongdoing dates from 1993-2011, but some went on as late as 2018, according to their lawyer David Sherborne. In his partially redacted statement, Harry stated he "became aware that I had a claim that I could bring" only in 2018, in part due to the royal family -- which he refers to as "the Institution". "The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me for a long time about... phone hacking," he added. "That has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued my own claim with different legal advice and representation." The prince went on to state: "The Institution made it clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking and it was made clear to me that the Royal Family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms." The prince, who lives in California, made a surprise appearance at London's High Court on the first two of four days of hearings this week, on Monday alongside John and other figures involved. - 'The bubble burst' - ANL has described the allegations as "preposterous smears" and an attempt "to drag the Mail titles into the phone-hacking scandal". It is trying to end the legal claims by arguing they are "stale" and "based on no credible evidence", so should not go to trial. A spokesperson for ANL said that Harry "has become a serial litigant against Mail newspapers with whom he seems obsessed". Story continues Britain's phone-hacking scandal, which first blew up in 2006, saw journalists at the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World hack into the voicemails of royals, celebrities and murder victims. It triggered the closure of the mass-selling Sunday tabloid, a mammoth police investigation, a judge-led inquiry and criminal charges that gripped Britain for years. Harry, the younger son of Britain's King Charles III, has long had a difficult relationship with the media. In his statement, he said leaving the UK had proved pivotal in bringing the lawsuit. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom," the prince stated. He concluded by arguing he was bringing the claim "because I love my country and I remain deeply concerned by the unchecked power, influence and criminality" of the publisher. "The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it," he added. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. jj/ach Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Baroness Doreen Lawrence (left) and the Duke of Sussex (second left) during a hearing - Elizabeth Cook/PA The Duke of Sussex has warned that if an influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice the whole country is doomed. Prince Harry used his witness statement, lodged with the High Court in his privacy claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail, to rail against the unchecked power, influence and criminality of the newspaper group. He also accused the Royal Family of trying to keep from him the full extent of phone hacking at the now defunct News of the World owned by News Group Newspapers (NGN) and claimed that they did not want to pursue litigation because it could open a can of worms. The Duke is one of seven high-profile figures who are suing Associated Newspapers Ltd, alongside Sir Elton John, 76, and his husband David Furnish, 60; Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, 70, the mother of Stephen Lawrence; the actresses Sadie Frost, 57, and Liz Hurley, 57; and Sir Simon Hughes, a former Liberal Democrat MP, 71. Their witness statements were made public for the first time on Tuesday in a joint claim of alleged unlawful information gathering. Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mail, has applied to have the claims dismissed without a trial on the grounds that they are too old to be considered by the court and that some financial documents relied upon by the claimants were confidentially supplied to the 2012 Leveson inquiry on the Press and were being used in breach of a restriction order and confidentiality undertakings. The Duke said: If the defendant, the owner of various national newspapers, including the Daily Mail which, by its own definition, is the most influential and popular newspaper in the UK, can evade justice without there being a trial of my claims then what does that say about the industry as a whole and the consequences for our great country. Unfair is not a big enough word to describe the fact that Associated is trying at this early stage to prevent me from bringing my claim. If the most influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice, then in my opinion the whole country is doomed. Story continues Prince Harry - Henry Nicholls/Reuters The Duke said he became aware that he could bring a separate claim against NGN in 2018 but was discouraged from doing so. The institution made it clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking and it was made clear to me that the Royal Family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms, he said. The Duke said the Royal Family policy was to never complain, never explain and so he had been conditioned to accept it. He said that it was only when his relationship with his now wife, Meghan, became public in 2016 that he started to become increasingly troubled by the familys approach of not taking action against the press. Among the Associated Newspapers articles the Duke made his legal complaint are an expose about a brief but private relationship with a girl called Laura Gerard-Leigh when he was at Eton; stories relating to his long-term relationship with Chelsy Davy; and one about a highly emotional call he had with Prince William when he was 21 concerning photographs of their dead mother. In her witness statement, Baroness Lawrence accused the Daily Mail of being in bed with the corruption that prevented her sons killers being jailed. Baroness Lawrence, pictured arriving at court on Tuesday, is one of those suing Associated Newspapers Ltd - Reuters/Hannah McKay Baroness Lawrence said she suffered a new trauma and injustice over allegations that the Daily Mail bugged her phone and even made corrupt payments to serving police officers who had worked on her sons case. Baroness Lawrence said she had first been informed of the claims in early 2022, learning that two private investigators Gavin Burrows and Jonathan Rees had allegedly been instructed to target me for internal security, that had left her feeling numb with anger. She claimed the Daily Mail had made her a specific target to make sure she was not receiving buy up money from rival newspapers and to check my political activities with Left-wing groups. Stephen Lawrence was 18 when he was murdered in 1993 at a bus stop in Eltham. In 1997, the Daily Mail branded the chief suspects Murderers in a famous front page and began a campaign for their prosecution and conviction. Two of the suspects were eventually jailed in 2012 for the teenagers murder. But in her witness statement, Baroness Lawrence said: I cannot think of any act or conduct lower than stealing and exploiting information from a murder and from a mother who buried her son, and by people who pretended to be my friends. It has been a new trauma and injustice for me, and it seems that in my sons death there was absolutely no one to protect him or me. She also alleged corrupt payments had been made to police officers, who were suspected of being linked to Clifford Norris, who she described as a powerful criminal and father of David Norris, one of the chief suspects. Norris was one of the two men subsequently convicted of her sons murder. But in a signed witness statement released by the High Court, Mr Burrows said the allegations that he had been employed to target the celebrities, including Baroness Lawrence, were false. He said: I wish to make clear that I was never instructed or commissioned by anyone at the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail to conduct unlawful information gathering on their behalf. In his statement, Sir Elton alleged that his medical records had been hacked by Associated Newspapers, whom he accused of a breach of basic standards of human decency. Sir Elton John outside court - Belinda Jiao/Getty Images The pop star claimed that the newspaper group had obtained medical records surrounding the birth of his son Zachary and used them as a basis for stories. Liz Hurley claimed the newspapers had used a private investigator to tap her landline and place hidden microphones on her windows to gather information for stories about her. The actress and model also accused Associated Newspapers of sanctioning the theft of her medical records while she was pregnant with her son Damian and other monstrous, staggering things. Sadie Frost said in her statement that her then husband Jude Law, the actor, thought the information being published in these stories was being leaked by me. It is a horrible feeling, having the person you love accusing you of something you did not do. Sadie Frost outside court - Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images She claimed she was portrayed as a money grabbing ex-wife in stories she claims were based on information hacked by Associated Newspapers. Ms Frost said the stories framed her as a woman who wanted a large divorce settlement to maintain her lavish lifestyle. Associated Newspapers strenuously denies any wrongdoing. In a statement it said: We categorically deny the very serious claims made in this litigation and will vigorously defend them if that proves necessary. It went on: While the Mails admiration for Baroness Lawrence remains undimmed, we are profoundly saddened that she has been persuaded to bring this case. The Mail remains hugely proud of its pivotal role in campaigning for justice for Stephen Lawrence. Prince Harry feels like his teenage years were taken away from him. The Duke of Sussex traveled back to the United Kingdom to be present for a trial against Associated Newspapers Limited or ANL. Harry was joined by Sir Elton John, John's partner David Furnish, Sadie Frost and Doreen Baroness Lawrence in London's High Court on Monday. According to court documents obtained by The Independent, Harry felt "largely deprived" of his youth due to ANL, the publisher behind the Daily Mail. Prince Harry arrived at the Royal Courts Of Justice, central London, ahead of a hearing claim over allegations of unlawful information gathering brought against Associated Newspapers Limited. PRINCE HARRY MAKES COURT APPEARANCE IN CASE ABOUT BRITISH TABLOIDS Barrister David Sherbone said on Harry's behalf that he is "troubled that, through Associateds unlawful acts, he was largely deprived of important aspects of his teenage years." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Prince Harry said he was "largely deprived" of his teenage years due to interference from ANL. Sherbone continued, "In particular, suspicion and paranoia was caused by Associateds publication of the unlawful articles: friends were lost or cut off as a result and everyone became a suspect since he was misled by the way that the articles were written into believing that those close to him were the source of this information being provided to Associateds newspapers. MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY'S FROGMORE COTTAGE EVICTION AN ACT OF REVENGE FROM PRINCE CHARLES? EXPERTS WEIGH IN "The claimant regards Associateds unlawful acts to amount to a major betrayal given promises made by the media to improve its conduct following the tragic and untimely death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997," he concluded. Prince Harry gives a thumbs up outside the Royal Courts of Justice on March 27, 2023 in London, England. This is just one of several lawsuits that Harry has brought against the British media. He's also suing Associated Newspapers for defamation over an article from Mail on Sunday that was titled "Exclusive: How Prince Harry tried to keep his legal fight with the government over police bodyguards a secret then just minutes after the story broke his PR machine tried to put a positive spin on the dispute." Prince Harry claimed Mail on Sunday's implication that the Duke of Sussex lied in his initial statements regarding the security lawsuit libeled him. Story continues ANL considers the allegations to be "preposterous smears," per the BBC. The individuals involved in the suit believe their privacy was taken from them by unlawful information gathering, such as phone tapping, from the publisher. According to the BBC, ANL obtained Sir Elton John's child's birth certificate before he had even seen it and his landline at his home in Windsor was tapped. Sir Elton John departed the Royal Courts of Justice in his role as claimant after attending a lawsuit against the Associated Newspapers on March 27, 2023 in London, England. "They are also mortified to consider all their conversations, some of which were very personal indeed, were tapped, taped, packaged and consumed as a commercial product for journalists and unknown others to pick over, regardless of whether or not they were published," Sherbone said, per The Independent. He added, "They were heartbroken by the derogatory headline that Associated attached to it, clearly calculated to profit and generate public sensation about an event that they had so carefully guarded to keep precious." Elton John's partner, David Furnish, was also in High Court on Monday. The four-day hearing, which began Monday morning, is a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide if the case will go to trial. According to the outlets, ANL does not want the case to go to trial. Sherbone also spoke on behalf of Lawrence who he claimed felt "anger, shock and upset" by being the focal point of The Mail in 1993. Lawrence is the mother of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racist attack while waiting at a bus stop in London. Sadie Frost attended the lawsuit against the Associated Newspapers on Monday. According to court documents obtained by The Independent, Sharbone advocated that Lawrence "never once suspected Associated" of any wrongdoing because of her "trust in the paper." Lawrence "now sees that the Daily Mails true interests were about self-promotion and using her and her sons murder as a means to generate exclusive headlines, sell newspapers, and to profit." She says the publishing company illegally monitored her bank account and intercepted her voicemail. The ANL also allegedly issued "corrupt payments to serving Metropolitan Police Service police officers, including on the Stephen Lawrence murder investigations, for confidential information." Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon was in High Court on Monday. Adrian Beltrami KC, a lawyer for ANL, says the allegations are "too late" and the claims are "largely inferential." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Those claims, which relate to matters said to have taken place as early as 1993, and for the most part in the first decade of this century, are undeniably prima facie time-barred," Beltrami said. Following the first day of the preliminary hearing, a spokesperson for ANL told The Independent, "While the Mails admiration for Baroness Lawrence remains undimmed, we are profoundly saddened that she has been persuaded to bring this case. This handout image provided by the Metropolitan Police shows Stephen Lawrence. "The Mail remains hugely proud of its pivotal role in campaigning for justice for Stephen Lawrence. Its famous Murderers front page triggered the Macpherson report. "Associated Newspapers, which owns the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, vigorously denies all the claims against it," the statement concluded. Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London on March 28. Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London on March 28. LONDON (AP) Prince Harry returned to a London court Tuesday for a second day of hearings to see if the phone hacking lawsuit he brought with Elton John and other celebrities can withstand a challenge from the publisher of The Daily Mail. The case is one of several brought by the Duke of Sussex in his battle with the press and alleges the publisher hired private investigators to illegally bug homes and cars and to record phone conversations. Associated Newspapers Ltd. denies the allegations and is seeking to throw out the case, arguing that the claims are too old and rely on information they turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. Actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, and Johns husband, David Furnish, are also parties to the case. The lawsuit alleges Associated Newspapers, which publishes The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday, commissioned the breaking and entry into private property, and engaged in other unlawful acts that invaded the privacy of the famous plaintiffs. Attorney David Sherborne, who represents the prince and others, said the intrusions were habitual and widespread and later concealed or covered up. Articles were falsely attributed to friends, a family source, palace sources, royal insider, or similar unnamed individuals to throw subjects off the scent of the true origin, Sherborne said. Among the allegations in court papers were that Associated Newspapers unlawfully obtained the birth certificate of John and Furnishs child before they saw the document and illegally gleaned information on Harrys previous relationship with Chelsy Davy, a jewelry designer from Zimbabwe. The publisher is also alleged to have hired a private investigator to hack Hurleys phone, stuck a mini-microphone on a window outside her home and bugged ex-boyfriend Hugh Grants car to gather financial information, travel plans and medical information during her pregnancy. Story continues The case is to some extent a replay of a British phone-hacking scandal that was front page news a decade ago and eventually brought down another tabloid and ended with the conviction of the former spokesperson for then-Prime Minister David Cameron. The allegations date primarily from 1993 to 2011 but also stretch beyond 2018, Sherborne said. Associated Newspapers claims the information about the scandal was so widely known the subjects could have sued years ago. It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters, attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing. Related... Prince Harry at the Royal Courts of Justice in London in March 2023. Dan Kitwood / Staff / Getty Images Prince Harry is suing Associated Newspapers for illegally obtaining information on him and others. He said in a witness statement the royal institution was "withholding information" about phone hacking. He also called reporters who worked for Associated Newspapers "criminals with journalistic powers." Prince Harry said the royal institution was "withholding information" from him "for a long time" about illegal phone hacking. (The institution refers to the business of the monarchy, which includes both royals and those who work for them.) The Duke of Sussex made the claims in a witness statement as part of his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers (which publishes The Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, and Metro, among others), People's Stephanie Petit reports. Harry who appeared in a London court on Tuesday is suing the company for illegal information gathering. In his suit, he joins a slew of other famous people, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley. They accused Associated Newspapers of bugging their homes and cars with listening devices, a law firm representing the group said in October 2022, according to the BBC. Associated Newspapers denied the claims at the time in a statement sent to Insider: "These unsubstantiated and highly defamatory claims based on no credible evidence appear to be simply a fishing expedition by claimants and their lawyers, some of whom have already pursued cases elsewhere." Prince Harry in "Harry & Meghan" on Netflix. Netflix In his witness statement, Harry said he did not pursue legal action over phone hacking for years in part because the monarchy kept information from him, People reported. "Following the death of my mother in 1997 when I was 12 years old and her treatment at the hands of the press, I have always had an uneasy relationship with the press," Harry said in the statement, referring to Princess Diana, according to People. "However, as a member of the Institution, the policy was to 'never complain, never explain.' There was no alternative; I was conditioned to accept it. For the most part, I accepted the interest in my performing my public functions," he went on to say. Story continues But Harry said his perspective changed when he started dating Meghan Markle and saw how she was treated by the press, which he said "got worse" when they had their first child, Prince Archie. According to his witness statement, he later realized he could sue the company for its practices in 2018, but he didn't know how deep the case could go until he stepped back as a senior royal in 2020. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in "Harry & Meghan" on Netflix. Netflix Harry went on to say in his witness statement that there was an "agreement" between the institution and another media group that's not tied to the lawsuit, Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN), over phone hacking. NGN publishes The Sun. "There was in place an agreement between the Institution and NGN that we would not engage, or even discuss, the possibility of bringing claims against NGN until the litigation against it relating to phone hacking was over," Prince Harry said in his witness statement, according to The Guardian's Jim Waterson. "The Institution made it clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking and it was made clear to me that the royal family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms." "The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me for a long time about NGN's phone hacking and that has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued my own claim with different legal advice and representation," his witness statement went on to say, according to The Guardian. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom," he added, speaking of his and Meghan's move to Montecito, California. Harry and Meghan ceased working with any brands owned by Associated Newspapers after they stepped back as senior royals, as they stopped participating in the royal rota system, which gives outlets like The Sun, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Mail preferred access to the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stopped working with the royal rota system in 2020. Rosa Woods - Pool/Getty Images As People reported, Harry went on to say in his statement that the structure of the institution prevented him from knowing if others had taken legal action against Associated Newspapers, saying there "was never any centralized discussion between us about who had brought claims as each office in the Institution is siloed. There is this misconception that we are all in constant communication with one another but that is not true." He also said he brought the claim because of his love for his country and his concern about the "unchecked power, influence and criminality of Associated [Newspapers]." "The evidence I have seen shows that Associated's journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us," Harry said, according to People. "The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it." Representatives for Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Prince Harry Harry attended the second day of the preliminary hearing against ANL today. (PA) Prince Harry has launched a blistering attack against the publisher of the Daily Mail as part of his allegations they breached his privacy on numerous occasions. In a witness statement submitted as part of his claim against Associated News Limited (ANL) which he is bringing alongside six other high-profile individuals Harry says he is acting in the public's interest and because he "loves his country". The statement says: "There is obviously a personal element to bringing this claim but it is not just about me. There is also a social element as, if the most influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice, then in my opinion the whole country is doomed." It adds, "The evidence I have seen shows that Associateds journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us. The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it." The statement also says, "If the Defendant, the owner of various national newspapers, including The Daily Mail which, by its own definition, is the most influential and popular newspaper in the UK, can evade justice without there being a trial of my claims then what does that say about the industry as a whole and the consequences for our great country." Baroness Doreen Lawrence also attending the second day of the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice. (Getty Images) ANL has been accused by Harry and six other claimants Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Elton John and his husband David Furnish, Sadie Frost, Liz Hurley and Sir Simon Hughes of hiring private investigators to intercept voicemails; listen into and record landline calls; collect private medical and financial information through deceptive means; and commission the burglaries of private property to unlawfully gather information on the claimants. The publisher has denied all the claims set against them, calling the allegations "unsubstantiated and highly defamatory claims, based on no credible evidence." In a four-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, ANL is trying to get a summary judgment which will mean that the case does not go to trial. Story continues ANL is arguing that the "stale" claims have been brought past the six-year statute of limitations and that some of the material is bound by a restriction order made by the Leveson Inquiry in 2012, so can't be used as evidence. Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Prince Harry at the hearing. (PA) In the particulars of his claim, Harry takes a further swipe at the Daily Mail and ANL, who he claims pose as a "beacon of truth and integrity" while, the claim alleges, committing unlawful acts. The statement reads: "The Claimant [Harry] is further concerned and upset by the fact that despite its stated values of representing the interests of British people, characterising itself as a beacon of truth and integrity, in fact it was committing these insidious and illegal Acts, and even lying and continuing to cover up the same so that they would not be publicly exposed." On Monday, a temporary reporting restriction order was granted to ANL to protect the anonymity of any journalists who have worked for them previously or still do that stand accused of wrongdoing. Tuesday's session heard David Sherborne for the claimants present arguments about why the material contested by ANL should be allowed to be used as evidence in the case. Members of the royal family are preparing to attend the cornoation of King Charles II and Queen Consort Camilla on 6 May. King Charles siblings, sons and grandchildren will be in attendance. The children of Charles siblings will also be attending the event. As the younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Eugenie is expected to be in attendance. But who is the Princess and what is her relationship with King Charles? Heres everything you need to know. Who is Princess Eugenie? Princess Eugenie and Queen Elizabeth II in April 2019 (Getty Images) Princess Eugenie is the second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York. She is the niece of King Charles III and the grandaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. At birth, she was 6th in the line of succession to the British throne and is now 11th. Born on 23 March 1990, she is the younger sister of Princess Beatrice. She was the first royal baby to have a public christening and the only one of the Queen's grandchildren not to be baptised in the Lily Font. Her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, divorced when she was six years old and agreed to have joint custody of their two children. In October 2002, the 12-year-old Eugenie underwent back surgery to correct scoliosis, a procedure that saw two 300-millimetre titanium rods inserted in her back. The operation was a success and she was not required to undergo any further surgeries. Princess Eugenie graduated from Newcastle University in 2012 with a 2:1 degree in English literature and history of art. In 2013, she moved to New York City for one year to work for the online auction firm Paddle8 as a benefit auctions manager. In July 2015, she moved back to London to work for the Hauser & Wirth art gallery as an associate director, and was promoted to director in 2017. Is Princess Eugenie married? Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on their wedding day in 2018 (Getty Images) Princess Eugenie met her future husband, Jack Brooksbank, a brand ambassador, during a ski trip in 2010. Brooksbank proposed to Eugenie during a holiday in Nicaragua in 2018. The wedding took place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 12 October 2018. Story continues Princess Eugenies wedding dress was designed by the British fashion designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos of British-based label Peter Pilotto, and was designed to display her surgical scar. Eugenie chose to show her scar to honour those that helped her, and to inspire others with the condition of scoliosis. In 2020, Eugenie became patron of the Scoliosis Association UK and in June 2021 became an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation. Eugenie gave birth to a son, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, named after his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021. From November 2020 to May 2022, the couple's main residence was Frogmore Cottage, which was leased to Eugenie's cousin Prince Harry. In May 2022, it was reported they had moved to Portugal, where Brooksbank works for Michael Meldman, and that they would once again stay at Ivy Cottage while in England. Princess Eugenie undertakes occasional public engagements, usually connected with the charities she supports, such as the Teenage Cancer Trust and Children in Crisis. And in June 2022, Eugenie launched the Ocean Advocate Series, which features conversations with ocean advocates and experts on how to preserve the seas and the environment. In January of this year, Buckingham Palace announced that Eugenie and her husband are expecting their second child in the summer. Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Tuesday (24 January) and said: Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are pleased to announce they are expecting their second child this summer. The family are delighted and August is very much looking forward to being a big brother. The royal also announced the news with a sweet photograph of August hugging her pregnant belly posted on Instagram. She is pictured standing outdoors and beaming as her son, a burgundy winter hat, matching trousers and wellies, embraces her around her thighs and stomach. She wrote in the caption: Were so excited to share that there will be a new addition to our family this summer. Real Housewives star Jen Shahs prison sentence has been reduced by one year, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate database. Shah, 49, who reported in February to the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, is now scheduled to be released in August 2028. The Bravo star was ordered by a federal judge in January to serve 6 and half years in prison for running a nationwide telemarketing scheme that targeted elderly victims. I have spoken with my client Jen Shah over the phone this week she is doing well and remains committed towards making her victims whole, Shahs manager, Chris Giovanni, told NBC News in a statement. She has initiated her payments towards restitution, and we hope to have her home as soon as possible so that she may resume life with her family and work, putting this chapter of her life behind her. Shah and her first assistant, Stuart Smith were charged in March 2021 with perpetrating a wire fraud and money laundering scheme that generated and sold lead lists of innocent individuals for other members of their scheme to repeatedly scam from 2012 through 2021, the U.S. attorneys office said. Jen Shah leaves Manhattan federal court in New York (Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images file) Shah initially pleaded not guilty in April 2021, but in July in a dramatic courtroom reversal a week before her trial was slated to being she pleaded guilty to the wire fraud count. As part of her plea agreement, the money laundering charge was rejected and Shah agreed to forfeit $6.5 million, 30 luxury items, and 78 counterfeit luxury items, and to pay around $6.6 million in restitution. At Shahs sentencing, she said that she had come to terms that I have gone against these core values and I am deeply sorry for what I have done, adding that she wanted to apologize to all the victims and families, and I take full responsibility for the harm I caused and will pay full restitution to all of the victims. On March 24, Shahs attorney Priya Chaudhry filed a motion asking to withdraw as counsel, according to court documents. Story continues ChaudhryLaw seeks to withdraw as counsel for Defendant because the client has failed to pay the fees and expenses owed to the Firm and has thus breached her contract with the Firm, the documents filings. Shah entered into a legal agreement with ChaudhryLaw in July 2021. At the time of Chaudrys filing a portion of the fee remains outstanding, and Shah owes expenses for the digital hosting of discovery with an outside vendor, according to the court documents. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - Season 2 (Andrew Peterson/Bravo / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) Chaudhry said in the filings that her firm had made several attempts to collect the outstanding fees and expense, including six times since July 2022. Defendant and her husband repeatedly promised to pay these outstanding amounts, and the Firm continued to provide services, relying on the written engagement with Defendant and the promises of her husband, according to court documents. ChaudhryLaw, according to the filings, sent a letter to Shah at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas in early March, notifying her that she is obligated to make payment pursuant to the Fee Agreement and informed Shah of their intention to file the motion. As of now, the judge has yet to weigh in on Chaudhrys request. Chaudhry did not immediately return NBC News requests for comment. But, ahead of Shah reporting to prison in February, Chaudhry told NBC News in a statement that Jen Shahs resolve to make her victims whole and to turn her life around is unyielding. She is committed to serving her sentence with courage and purpose, fueled by her desire to make amends for the hurt she has caused and to help others in her new community, Chaudhry added. This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. This article was originally published on TODAY.com (Bloomberg) -- Big insurers who manage private Medicare plans are driving up seniors health costs, US Senator Elizabeth Warren said, urging the Biden administration to finalize new rules that would rein in how much the program pays companies. Most Read from Bloomberg Insurance companies that operate private Medicare Advantage plans routinely make patients appear sicker to get bigger payments, Warren said in a letter this week to top US health officials. Unlike traditional Medicare, which pays caregivers for each medical service they provide, Advantage plans get paid lump monthly sums based on how sick their patients are. Criticism about Medicare Advantage is mounting as the agency that oversees the program considers major changes to how insurers get paid. Under a proposal released in February, average payments would essentially decline more than 2% after stripping out the expected impact of how plans code for patient illnesses. A final decision is due by April 3. I support these efforts, which are an important step towards addressing private insurers long history of exploiting the government out of billions of dollars, said Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Humana Inc., which gets most of its revenue from Medicare Advantage, fell as much as 5.3% on Tuesday, the most intraday in nearly two months. UnitedHealth Group Inc. dropped as much as 2.1%, also the most since Feb. 2. The S&P Composite 1500 Managed Health Care index lost as much as 2.3%, underperforming the broader market. Warren cited a new analysis from former Medicare Administrator Don Berwick that found industry practices could raise costs for people on traditional, government-administered Medicare by $65 billion over eight years. Thats because the government must subsidize overpayments to private insurers with higher premiums for traditional Medicare, Warren said. Story continues A spokesperson for Americas Health Insurance Plans, an industry lobby group, said Medicare Advantage lowers costs for members by $2,400 a year, citing industry-backed research. The group also said federal data show Medicare Advantage has a lower rate of improper payments than traditional Medicare. A CMS spokesperson said the agency received Warrens letter and will respond directly. Fast-Growing Business The insurance industry has built fast-growing, profitable businesses selling private Medicare Advantage plans, which now cover about half of people on Medicare. Companies including UnitedHealth, Humana and CVS Health Corp. say private plans offer superior coverage, important benefits such as vision and dental care, and lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors. They also point out that the plans serve a large number of low-income seniors and Black and Hispanic communities. Now lawmakers are paying attention, and not just progressives like Warren, who is running for reelection. Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy and Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley introduced a bill in the Senate Tuesday that they said would save taxpayers billions by eliminating incentives to overcharge Medicare for care. Cassidy is a physician and the ranking member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a nonpartisan group that advises Congress, has long pointed out that insurers approach to diagnostic coding boosts their payments by billions of dollars. The group has said changes to the program are urgently needed. Cassidys involvement shows how political support for the program is shifting quickly. In January he was among 61 senators who signed a letter circulated by the industry lobby group Better Medicare Alliance supporting a stable rate and policy environment for the program. His bill with Merkley would bar health insurers from getting paid for diagnoses made from medical charts and health-risk assessments, two strategies insurers have embraced to collect more data about their members and increase their payments. It would also require the government to fully account for differences in coding patterns between Medicare Advantage and the rest of the program. --With assistance from Bre Bradham. (Updates with share moves in fifth paragraph, additional details on Cassidy bill in final paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Michigan professor was suspended Monday for a post in which he said: It is far more admirable to kill a racist, homophobic, or transphobic speaker than it is to shout them down. This came after the shouting down of Judge Kyle Duncan earlier this month at Stanford Law became a national news story. Whereas most have condemned the law students, including Stanford Law Dean Jenny Martinez, the incident has provoked novel reactions from some observers. Professor Steven Shaviro of the Wayne State Department of English took to Facebook to post his views on free speech. A screenshot of his post can be found at the Volokh Conspiracy. Every time protestors shout down a racist or transphobic speaker, they are indulging their own moral sense of validity at the expense of actually strengthening the very bigots against whom they are protesting, Shaviro wrote. However, the professor did qualify his Sunday post by saying: I do not advocate violating federal and state criminal codes. When the Wayne State administration learned of the post Monday, they suspended Shaviro with pay. We have on many occasions defended the right of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but we feel this post far exceeds the bounds of reasonable or protected speech. It is, at best, morally reprehensible and, at worst, criminal, wrote Wayne State president M. Roy Wilson. We have referred this to law enforcement agencies for further review and investigation. In Shaviros view, right-wing groups bring speakers on campus to elicit a reaction that discredits the Left. The protesters get blamed instead of the bigoted speaker; the university administration finds a perfect excuse to side publicly with the racists or phobes; the national and international press has a field day saying that bigots are the ones being oppressed, rather than the people those bigots actually hate being the victims of oppression, Shaviro wrote in the Facebook post. Story continues The exemplary historical figure in this regard is Sholem Schwarzbard, who assassinated the anti-Semitic butcher Symon Petliura, rather than trying to shout him down. Remember that Schwarzbard was acquitted by a jury, which found his action justified, he continued. Schwarzbad was a Jewish and Russian-born French poet, who in 1926 assassinated Petliura, the former head of the Ukrainian Peoples Republic. The poet had lost family members in the 1919 pogroms and held Petliura responsible. Shaviros Facebook post has now been deleted. More from National Review A film professor at a Michigan university has been suspended after making a Facebook post that justified murder, according to the campus president. The professor, who was not named in a statement by Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson, was suspended with pay as authorities investigate the post. The post by Steven Shaviro has been deleted but was saved and shared across Facebook. Shaviro, who teaches introduction to film at the Detroit university, made the murder justification in a post about free speech on campus. Although I do not advocate violating federal and state criminal codes, I think it is far more admirable to kill a racist, homophobic or transphobic speaker than it is to shout them down, the professor said in his post. He went on to say that when the speakers are shouted down at, it strengthens the argument of the bigots. The speakers are invited to the campus, Shaviro said, to provoke incidents and attract publicity. The protesters get blamed instead of the bigoted speaker; the university administration finds a perfect excuse to side publicly with the racists or phobes, Shaviro said. The national and international press has a field day saying that bigots are the ones being oppressed, rather than the people those bigots actually hate being the victims of oppression. Wilson said he was made aware about the social media post Monday, March 27. The incident has been referred to law enforcement, according to the university president. We have on many occasions defended the right of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but we feel this post far exceeds the bounds of reasonable or protected speech, Wilson said. It is, at best, morally reprehensible and, at worst, criminal. Shaviro earned his doctorate degree from Yale University in 1981 and taught for 20 years at University of Washington. He has been a professor at Wayne State University since 2004. Wayne State University, based in Detroit, has nearly 24,000 students and 13 schools and colleges, according to the university website. Professor brings in openly gay speaker and is fired by Christian university, lawyer says Students called vectors of disease, told to stay away in professors rant in Michigan BROCKTON The grim scene overnight on March 14 that left 14-year-old Nehemiah Cepeda of Brockton dead after being shot in a closet, allegedly by his mom's boyfriend, is one recent incident of many tragic instances where a child has gotten caught in the crosshairs of an act of domestic violence at home. Nationwide, an estimated 3.3 million to 10 million children are at risk of witnessing domestic violence each year. And in Massachusetts, according to the state's Office of the Commissioner of Probation, an estimated 43,000 children are exposed to domestic violence each year. In court the morning after Nehemiah was killed, prosecutors said his mom, Felicia Williams, had been in a long-term on-and-off relationship with the suspect, Justilino Resende. She was also shot, once in the chest, that night. 'Everyone was sleeping'Brockton man shot 14-year-old stepson in closet, DA says Prosecutors told the court the couple had been fighting that night and it had escalated to a point where Williams allegedly told one of her two older daughters not to get involved. They also told the court Resende had served 18 months in prison in 2017 for the unlawful possession of a gun. And despite having called 911 on each other "numerous times in the past," according to Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz, "none of those calls went through the legal process of obtaining a restraining order." 'One of the worst forms of trauma' for children Children are greatly affected by either witnessing domestic violence or experiencing trauma at home, or both. "It is really no question that children experience profound trauma in the years to come," said Elizabeth Englander, professor of psychology at Bridgewater State University, regarding children who witness violence at home or experience it themselves. "Domestic violence is arguably one of the worst forms of trauma a child can experience." Brockton and State Police investigate a fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy that occured at 93 Tribou St. in Brockton on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. According to a tip guide for parents provided by the Child Witness to Violence Project, a program run out of Boston Medical Center, "many things may interfere with the way children grow, learn and behave." Story continues "Although we think that children are not aware of violence, they usually see and hear more than we believe they do," the guide said. "In the short term, kids can be withdrawn, they can start to act out or emulate violent acts, and can show signs of depression," Englander said. "In the long term, a child's ability to sustain relationships, mostly romantic but other [kinds of relationships] as well, are threatened." When does DCF step in? Once there has been a report of an instance of child abuse or neglect, the state Department of Children and Families works to investigate the incident, a DCF official said. The department also works with the non-offending parent to keep themselves and their children safe by referring them to local domestic violence programs that specialize in supporting survivors and supporting parents helping their children to cope and heal, the official said. Family members of Justelino Resende, 38, of Brockton, weep during his arraignment. Resende was arraigned in Brockton District Court on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in the fatal shooting of his 14-year-old stepson Nehemiah Cepeda earlier that morning. "While there is no sure way of protecting kids prior to a tragic incident like the most recent in Brockton, the best predictor of violence is violence," Englander said. "The state does a pretty good job of tending to households where children may have been affected by domestic violence considering sometimes certain agencies may not have all of the details on a case," she continued. Domestic violence especially lethal:Parents in the US fear mass shootings, but kids are three times as likely to be shot at home Why some people struggle to leave an abuser In domestic violence cases like this one, experts on the issue say calling the police is not always the easiest option to protect victims. "Victims can feel threatened to report their abusers to police," Heather Devitt, director of domestic violence services at Family and Community Resources, Inc. in Brockton, said. "Or, perhaps, they have children at home and don't have additional family support. There are a number of reasons why someone wouldn't feel comfortable in reporting a case to the police." Many familiar with domestic violence understand that "leaving can often be the most dangerous part," Devitt said. "Abusers can turn on a dime and use their partner's weaknesses against them," she continued. "Many victims of abuse feel alone in their situations and often don't feel like they have a strong support system to rely on." Who to call to get help Organizations like Family and Community Resources, Inc. (508-583-6498 24-hour a day hotline) and Love Life Now, Inc. in Brockton, help survivors of domestic violence and empower victims to leave their abusers. "No matter where you are or what you need, we will help you," Devitt said. For information, services and help for yourself or someone you care about: Safelink: 1-877-785-2020 is a 24-hour, free and confidential multi-lingual domestic violence hotline in Massachusetts, or National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: MA domestic violence victim advocate: Children witnesses feel trauma Red kites are protected in Scotland Police are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was shot near a Highland town. A red kite was shot at about 11:15 on Monday on the Lochindorb Estate in Grantown-on-Spey. It was recovered by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) but had to be euthanized due to its injuries. The species was once very rare across the UK and became extinct in Scotland in the 19th Century. Numbers have since increased due to the success of reintroduction programmes, but it is still illegal to injure or kill the species. Community police inspector Craig Johnstone said: "The red kite is a protected species and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to kill them. "I am asking anyone in the local community who may be able to help with our inquiries to come forward. If you were walking in the area on Monday then please let us know if you saw anything. "In particular, if you saw quad bikes in the area or off-road vehicles, then get in touch as even the smallest bit of information could assist with our investigation." Ross Ewing, moorland director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "Everyone should do all they can to assist in tackling raptor crime, and the death of a protected bird of prey in these circumstances is deeply concerning. "We hope the facts are established urgently and anyone with details that can assist police comes forward." By Ingrid Melander PARIS (Reuters) - France faces a new nationwide day of strikes and protests on Tuesday after some of the country's worst street violence in years marred rallies over the past week. Protests against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to delay retirement age by two years to 64 had been largely peaceful so far. But anger has mounted since the government pushed the bill through parliament without a vote mid-March, with polls showing that Macron's perceived disdain for voters, as well as footage of police violence, made things worse. In the last nationwide day of protests on Thursday, "Black Bloc" anarchists smashed shop windows, demolished bus stops and ransacked a McDonald's restaurant in Paris, with similar violence in other cities. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin warned on Monday that there was "a very serious risk" of further violence on Tuesday, in the capital and beyond. Some 13,000 police will be assigned to the rallies, just under half of them in Paris. Violent far-left groups, some of them coming from abroad, want to "set France on fire", he told a news conference. Police have advised shop owners on the path of the Paris protest rally to close for the day. Rights groups and international organisations have denounced an excessive use of force by police in recent protests. As with previous days of industrial action since mid-January, trains and flights will be disrupted and some schools shut, while rolling strikes continue to hit the energy sector. On Monday, as at least six out of seven refineries in France were shut or functioning at reduced capacity and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals were blocked. The government says the pension bill is vital to ensure the system does not go bust. Unions and protesters say there are other ways to do that. Unions have asked Macron to withdraw or pause the bill - which has been adopted but not yet published, pending a review by the Constitutional Council - to calm things down. Macron responded that he is more than willing to talk to unions, but on other topics. (Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin is diving headfirst into an unprecedentedand irreversiblepublic image disaster over the war in Ukraine. Long gone are the days of carefully staged photoshoots of Putin riding a horse bare-chested, or diving into rivers to find ancient Greek urns. Now, images of Volodymyr Zelensky visiting Ukrainian soldiers in combat zones across the country stand in stark contrast with reports of the Russian president holding court in the Kremlin and meeting with ministers and generals at comically long tables. And when the Russian president did finally travel to the war zone, the image he struck shocked former aides and public relations experts. A day after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest for war crimes this monththe Kremlin announced that Putin had flown by helicopter to Mariupol and driven a car into the city. Russian officials released a shaky, amateur-style video of the Russian president looking quite miserable, nervously playing with the zipper of his parka with sounds of explosions in the background. Putins left his comfort zone in the bunker, where he has spent three years, and it is phenomenal to see how his publicity stunts have degraded, long-time Kremlin observer, Olga Bychkova, a former presenter on Echo of Moscow radio station, told The Daily Beast. He is surrounded by security guards. No professional cameramen have access to him any longer. World Leaders Mock Bare-Chested Horseback Rider Putin at G7 Summit So, how did the Russian presidents macho publicity stunts take such a nosedive? When I met with Putin in the Kremlin for the first time, I was 22 years old. He was a total superman, he had all the power there was, one exiled former member of Putins ruling party, Robert Schlegel, told The Daily Beast of his meeting with the Russian president in 2006. Back then, Putin was welcoming young nationalist activists into his sphere of influence, including Schegel, a member of the pro-Kremlin youth movement Nashi at the time. Story continues First as a Kremlin activist, then as parliament member, Schlegel was responsible for filming several pro-Putin propaganda videos that hes now ashamed of. The promotional videos for United Russia were produced by political analysts and television channels like Channel One and NTV. Those same people, like Ernst, worked on Putins image, Schlegel told The Daily Beast, referring to Konstantin Ernst, the director of Channel One. Putin was half-God for everybody who believed in him. Now he is older, and indeed, a significant amount of his time he spends in some bunker with a limited number of people who have access. Schlegel ultimately served as a lawmaker in Putins system for 10 yearsuntil, he said, he could no longer stand it. The former parliament member left the United Russia party in 2016 and now lives in Germany. The video they took of him for the New Year speech was totally unprofessional, it was probably made by somebody from the federal security service, Schlegel said, referring to a bizarre video of Putin commenting on the war during a champagne toast. (There is a lot of noise now about our strikes on the energy infrastructure of the neighboring country. Yes, we are doing that, the Russian president said in the clip.) Vladimir Putin toasts with servicemen awarded with Gold Star medals of Heroes of Russia during a ceremony on the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia December 8, 2022. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel via Reuters Meanwhile, Moscows clampdown on Putins critics is in full gear. Last week, Russian authorities broke into the offices of Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial and confiscated three decades worth of archives documenting the Kremlins human rights abuses. How truly lost he is. The image of Putin playing his piano, singing Blueberry Hill on stage with Kevin Costner, Sharon Stone, Monica Bellucci, and other Western idols is a far cry from the current image of the Russian president as a lonely, isolated man. One of the original masterminds of Putins early publicity stunts is Marat Gelman, the Kremlins former political technologist. In an interview with The Daily Beast, he recalled the summer of 1999, when only about 2 percent of Russians knew who Putin even was. I regret that time and my role now, of course. The idea was to stage scenes of Putin being active, traveling, doing things, solving problems without saying a word, Gelman, who is now an art collector and gallerist, told The Daily Beast. I wrote texts that were published in newspapers as his, and at some point they put billboards around St. Petersburg with words by Jean Baudrillard, presented as Putins. We all giggled quietly at the campaign headquarters. Vladimir Putin rides a horse near the Western Sayan Mountains in southern Siberia's Tuva region August 15, 2007. Ria Novosti/Kremlin via Reuters Gelman remembers Putin as very quiet, obeying his campaign managers without question, she said. He was not afraid, it seemed he did not care much if he would lose, but now he is really terrified, because of the real danger he is facing, Gelman told The Daily Beast. He has burnt everything And people around him must also be terrified, because they know much more than all of us about how truly lost he is. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to meet with the self-proclaimed president of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, in April to discuss Belaruss development and "security". Source: RIA Novosti, a Russian propaganda media outlet, citing Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Quote from Peskov: "We will indeed hold a Supreme State Council meeting with the ally state. It is planned for April. The Supreme State Council agenda focuses on current issues around the development of our ally state. Questions related to security might also be discussed if such a need arises. This issue is particularly relevant in light of the events everyone knows about, and in light of our countries hostile neighbours." Details: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that a Supreme State Council meeting is scheduled for 6 April. Putin and Lukashenko are both expected to take part. Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin The Chinese leader has been recently attempting to raise Beijings global profile as a major power broker. After helping Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations, Xi Jinping turned his attention to other geopolitical issues, namely the war Putin has unleashed against Ukraine. Read also: Putin unlikely to get desired support from Chinese leaders visit to Moscow, says ISW The Chinese president recently visited Moscow, where he held lengthy talks with Putin. As a result of the negotiations, Putin and Jinping issued a joint statement that included an unambiguous imperative: all nuclear weapons states should refrain from deploying nuclear weapons abroad. Just a few days later, Putin puts Xi Jinping in an uncomfortable position by announcing plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to neighboring Belarus. Whether or not Putin is trying to merely intimidate the West with more nuclear saber-rattling, it puts the Chinese leader in an awkward position, undermining his efforts to become a credible mediator in international conflicts. Read also: What the US and China agreed on and who will replace Putin Xi Jinping neither supported, nor criticized Russia for the war against Ukraine. But one thing he was clearly stating for months: "Russia must not use nuclear weapons in the war." Read also: Zelenskyy to visit Warsaw soon, says Polish deputy FM He also was expected to have a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy within days of visiting Moscow, which would be their first direct conversation since Russias full-scale invasion. The talks, however, havent taken place yet. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukrainian military Read also: What the US and China agreed on and who will replace Putin It is clear now that China is not joining the war. It was the biggest risk we could imagine, because it would very significantly expand Russia's resource base and could really, really seriously change their combat potential. If there are no collusive arrangements, then this risk has not arisen. But it's too early to say, because things can still develop. We may see some other actions from China that will actually indicate that it has taken a side. And especially we have to look at the fact that if their so-called peace initiatives do not find a response, it is an open question on what position they may take next. Unfortunately, China is still a completely unknown component and we have to look at it very carefully, and very intensively. Regarding the Hague decision: here the situation is very simple. This is the first solution of many. We must understand that this is the beginning of a very serious campaign to recognize Putin and his entire team as international criminals. This decision cannot be underestimated because, first of all, it affects the many countries that have not decided yet. Those countries that have decided, of course, will only strengthen their position. And this is a big plus, because any businesses that tried to work with Russia; or the politicians who tried to say something about the negotiations; all these people who are talking about some concessions and everything else will be saying it much more carefully. And those businesses that were thinking about doing business with Russia will fold, because they will understand that as long as the regime is in power, it does not make any sense to do so. Read also: Beijing is the senior partner in Russia-China relations, reports ISW It will also affect those countries that are undecided, especially in the global South. And finally, this will give a push to other legal efforts, in order to promote further this whole topic and move on to a full-fledged tribunal. Story continues They say that Putin cannot be brought to justice until victory or the overthrow of the regime. He can. Of course, the question of his stay in prison or some other punishment is more complicated. But the recognition of him and his team as international criminals will seriously affect their prospects,, in particular, on any agreements with China and other countries. This is a very large hybrid component of our victory. And it will seriously hit Russias economy, because if the regime is recognized as a criminal in the whole world or in key countries of the world, then this actually cuts off a large number of opportunities. This is a very large hybrid component of our victory. A large number of very talented, skilled lawyers are currently working on this. This is a whole separate front. We do not see it as openly as the military, but it is there and there are very active actions. Regarding the readiness of the Armed Forces for a counteroffensive: first of all, there is not and cannot be a hundred percent ideal situation, especially in the situation in which we are. We are really working at the edge of possibilities. Of course, there are many difficult moments and situations. And if some journalists expect that Ukraine will fight against the third army of the world (I mean budgetary-wise) without a "snag ", then this would be a completely naive position. Most journalists, analysts, politicians of the West, like all of us, highly appreciate the qualifications of the Armed Forces. I also personally know our commander-in-chief and the chief of the General Staff, commanders of many types of troops. We have extremely qualified leadership in the Armed Forces, this must be understood. And we must continue to believe in the Armed Forces. We understand that it is very difficult and there will be issues, but we must understand that Ukraine will solve them with dignity. Regarding the intensity of the supply of Western weapons to create an armored fist: this intensity is not satisfactory. It would be wrong to say that everything is happening as we wanted, as we planned. It is one thing to get political statements or political commitments. This is a huge part of the job, because without them nothing would happen at all. And here the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, together with its partners, is doing a great job. There are no questions on that. But how our partners then fulfill these obligations very often leads to delays that's a fact. Indeed, a lot of equipment arrives very quickly, this is also a fact. But some countries in any case will supply either with delays, or not fully, or without technical support, training. Or with equipment that will be in a poor condition and so on. Can we somehow derail this story? Yes, we can. I am sure that all these facts are known, because this is not the first day that we are receiving materiel we are working on it. But we can definitely say that the partners could do this faster, much better this is also a fact. The question of forming a fist is, of course, exclusively under the responsibility of the General Staff. They should decide when Ukraine will be ready for certain operations. Read also: Everyone is shocked, from Washington to Moscow. Two main consequences of the arrest warrant for Putin According to military science and operational art, it is a very difficult matter to decide on operational plans and prepare for the implementation of these plans. Adequate resource provision, weapons, military equipment, infrastructure, ammunition, proper composition, preparation, training of technical personnel who will maintain this equipment... All these things must be calculated before it is determined that Ukraine is ready for this or that operation of any scale. Russia will carry out mobilization measures until it loses the war. It will not be able to stop. Any constructive stoppage of the war on the part of Russia (negotiations or otherwise) is completely unrealistic. I have been saying this practically since the first months of the war. It was clear that they had already completely let go of all chances for some kind of civilized settlement of this war, this conflict, and had already gone all-in. Putin understands that losing the war is the end of his regime, so he will do everything to ensure that the war does not end. For him, the only chance to save himself is to not end the war, because he understands that he will not be able to end it with victory. This is already mathematically even unreal we can see that. And, fortunately, the entire world political community already agrees with this, which was not the case before. He cannot end it with a victory for himself. And any defeat or recognition that he cannot end it with victory is actually a disaster for him. Therefore, he will continue it as long as he has the strength. And for us this means only one thing: we have to physically push the Russians out of the territory of our country. We will conduct counteroffensive operations until the last soldier either falls or leaves the territory of Ukraine. This is our only chance. And then, together with our partners, we must create such a system of strengthening Ukrainian capabilities (I hope, already as a member of NATO), which would make a relapse on the part of the Russian government impossible. And to continue all our actions regarding prosecution, sanctions, compensation for damages, which should bring the Russian regime to physical bankruptcy. And then there will be a very serious chance that it will fall. Next, we will see a new reality. While all this is happening, Putin will try to attract new fighters obviously, from the ranks of the civilian population, because he no longer has normal reserves left. Read also: Putin unlikely to get desired support from Chinese leaders visit to Moscow, says ISW And with each new wave, it will be more and more difficult to do this, because people will still think about themselves first. Most of them do not have political consciousness, and they will try to oppose conscription, somehow save themselves. This process will go all the way to the point when the maximum percentage of the Russian population will already understand that the regime is failing. There has already been such a moment in the history of Russia. These are the consequences of the First World War, when a huge number of Russians were mobilized and then sent to the front. The war was lost, and the. they turned back and changed the regime. This goes on to the same thing. Putin understands these risks. That is why he conducts limited mobilization actions in order not to reach the point when the war will become so unpopular that it will threaten the regime. That's what he banks on. But I think they will survive this wave. Yet with each new day, it will be more and more difficult. We see fractures in many politicians or leaders of the Western world. We can cite the example of Macron, who first said one thing, then another. And now the word "victory" is constantly repeated, and of course we support it. You just need to understand some individual characteristics. I personally know U.S. Army General Mark Milley. I can say that he is an extremely intelligent person, very careful. This is a person who will not scatter promises, will not make any predictions in which he is absolutely not sure. This is a person who completely consciously changes his position. And he does not believe that if he already declared something three months ago, then his position should always be that way, and he will never back down from it. He sees that the operational situation is developing, he sees how Ukraine is mastering certain types of weapons, how capabilities are being prepared, he sees some results. And still, being a very careful person, he still says absolutely consciously, normally, that "today my position will be like this." He never said that Ukraine would lose. Of course, they were extremely pessimistic at the beginning of the war, a year ago. But already at the end of March 2022, his position was not at all the same as it was at the end of January or in the middle of February. And today it is being formed. It is formed primarily under the influence of how we implement our operational plans. Therefore, our task is not to pay attention to everything, but simply to do our job. And we will see that the whole Western world stands with us in one way or another. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine In the fall of 2011, having hurriedly finished The Bee Eater, a book about Michelle Rhees tumultuous turn at the helm of D.C. Public Schools (hurriedly because Rhee got the ax when her protector-mayor got voted out of office) I was looking for a really, really fresh approach to public education, especially schools that serve poor kids. If a fierce reformer such as Rhee couldnt survive in a troubled urban district, then maybe charter schools were the answer. But which charter network to pick to profile? I had never heard of tiny San Jose-based Rocketship charters, but several savvy charter school followers pointed in their direction. I flew out to San Jose, met with co-founders John Danner and Preston Smith, and they agreed to provide me complete access to their schools and expansion plans over the next year. Over the course of that year, I earned a lot of airline miles flying back and forth to California, and even more miles as they expanded to Milwaukee and Nashville. The result, On the Rocketship, was published in 2014. I then departed for other book projects. Help The 74 secure a bright future. Your donation will help us produce journalism like this. Please give today. Today, Rocketship Public Schools has turned 15 celebrating its quinceanera, as long-time Rocketship leader Maricela Guerrero aptly put it, considering the networks roots in educating low-income Latino students with about 10,000 Rocketeers across the country, with 13 schools in California, two in Milwaukee, three in Nashville, three in Washington, D.C. and one in Fort Worth, Texas. Over its 15-year history, Rocketship has served 27,508 students. This seemed like a good time to catch up with Smith, who today shares the title of co-founder and CEO. Back then, Smith and I spent many hours together on school tours and sitting across from one another with a digital recorder, so for me, this was a reunion of sorts. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Story continues While I was researching the book you told me so many great stories about the early startup years, when you operated out of a tiny, unairconditioned space at St. Pauls Methodist Church in San Jose. One of my favorites was about you having to move 40 traffic cones every morning and then move them again in the afternoon, to accommodate the parishioners. Your exact words during our interview when recalling those years: Ill never move a damn cone again for the rest of my life. Do you have any better stories about that time? You know, Richard, that is a great one. Ill stick with that one. But once in a while, to help our school leaders during startup, I help out with moving cones. So, time heals all wounds. Let me give you another story. In our church space we had different learning centers, a center with blocks, a center with enrichment, etc. There were all sorts of materials, carpets, tables. Every Friday the church group held a dance, so every Friday afternoon we had to clear out that space, moving everything. So it was like a huge fire drill. And then every Monday morning, we had to set it up again for the kids. In some ways, Rocketship is a typical charter network, with an emphasis on academics and college readiness. But in other ways, you are very different, creating only elementary schools, putting parent empowerment as a top priority and keeping an eye on the biggest prize: social change around education. Lets first discuss your K-5 model. The biggest charter networks have gone to K-12 models, mostly on the assumption that to make their students truly college-ready they cant send them off to traditional schools where academic gains might be lost. Why doesnt Rocketship do that? First is that it is unlikely that we, or anyone, can scale to the size of the challenge within public education, so we have to be innovative in how we think about sharing our model and impact with other kids, families and schools beyond directly enrolling more students. We do not want to be a parallel K-12 system, rarely interacting with other school systems. Rocketship does not believe that contributes to a larger ecosystem of impact. Rather, by being K-5 it creates much larger catalytic effects for our kids, families and communities in regards to high-quality choices, district or charter. We believe that by creating a bunch of K-12 systems we would actually be undermining choice, which is a value we as a movement say that we value. That would encourage families to make the choice to opt into one K-12 network and then not make any further choices. Thus, the K-12 approach ironically undermines our value as a movement of choice. Related Whitmire: Elementary School Holds Answers to Male Education Crisis Your theory of change has always been that Rocketship will take in low-income students, deliver a superior education, empower their parents and then send them to schools that will have to adapt to these students and their parents, who will demand better educations. And yet, at least in the early years, the traditional schools, especially the teachers unions, have fought you at every turn. Have traditional districts started to make changes as a result of your schools being in their district? Weve definitely seen it in each of our regions. What Ive learned over time is this power of being only elementary, right? It starts with a great education, and then you couple that with parents who become super powerful through advocacy. From their years with children at Rocketship, they understand how to navigate and influence the system. They not only understand what a high-quality school is and what their Rocketeers deserve, but they also know how to navigate the political and leadership system and community. And that creates systemic change, community change. Weve seen it in San Jose and every place were at. Could you cite some examples? Sure. Here in San Jose, where we have 10 schools, our kids are showing up in middle school a year ahead in academics, and those gaps actually grow in the subsequent years. They are going to be in really strong shape no matter what kind of school they choose. Several middle and high school charter schools have grown up here in San Jose and even the local traditional districts have innovated, opening up schools of choice, small autonomous schools, dual immersion schools [where English- and Spanish-speaking students learn together in both languages]. And if you look at the overall results of the surrounding districts, everyone is doing better. So I really think that has proven our theory of change. Preston Smith works with students at Rocketship Rising Stars Academy in San Jose, California during the 2017-18 school year. (Rocketship Public Schools) In Milwaukee, where we now have two schools, what we saw is the district really wanted our Rocketeers, so they opened additional middle schools so they could serve our kids. Also, we used to partner with community organizing groups, but in 2015 we shifted, based on this theory of change, and made organizing part of who we are at Rocketship. Now, we have Rocketship employees who are education organizers who work with the families not just in our schools but with other district and charter schools to organize families to access power. That helps us drive this theory of change in a larger sort of community and ecosystem. Most charter networks were launched with an end-goal of college readiness, which in more recent years expanded to college success ensuring that students not only enroll in college but actually earn degrees, hopefully in four years. Now, suddenly, and partly as a response to the pandemic, an anti-college movement is afoot as seen in the rapidly declining enrollments. The belief that a college degree is necessary in life has begun to fade. Has that affected Rocketship? I guess Ill speak for our Rocketship community, thats what Im most familiar with, right? What weve seen is our parents are still all over college. Theyre still very much motivated by that vision for their children. So, we do annual college visits in our schools, with the families. Weve still got cohort names and college banners in our classrooms. This emphasis on getting a college education is something parents say is what really motivates them and what they appreciate about Rocketship. That college focus is interesting for us because we have to wait, right? Our kids leave after fifth grade. And its years before that student gets to college. Now, we have our third class of college graduates, and we have Rocketeers who have graduated who come back to visit our schools. That has been super motivating to our families, to our team. So Ill just say within our Rocketship community, college is what our families are still aspiring towards. Related Smith: 10 Lessons From Rocketship Educations First Decade as a Pioneer of K-5 Personalized Learning Id like to ask the college question more broadly. Education is infamous for its ill-advised pendulum swings. Remember whole language, which got its start in California, swept the country and triggered years of reading instruction malpractice? Considering how fast the pendulum is swinging on college, is this another trend going too far? I would say I deeply believe that in the United States of America we need a public education system that regardless of zip code, enables kids to have the opportunity to go to college. And if they choose not to do that, thats fine. Right? That is their choice. But I am still deeply motivated and deeply inspired by a country that believes in public education. You should be able to attend a free school thats high quality and gives you the opportunity to go to college. My question here is whether this [anti-college movement] is more a reflection of the reality of how our current public system doesnt provide that quality education to prepare students for college. If so, we still have work to do. A few charter networks have figured out ways to enroll better prepared students from more motivated families. In short, gaming the pool of low-income families. Not surprisingly, their academic outcome data consistently looks outstanding when compared to their close-by neighborhood schools. I spent enough time in Rocketship schools to know that doesnt happen there. If anything, you lean in the opposite direction. And yet, that gaming has to be tempting, right? Great headlines when the test scores come out. No! Our challenge is serving kids in socioeconomically disadvantaged zip codes, often Black and Latino kids, right? For me, thats the challenge, giving all those kids in those zip codes a chance to go to college. Thats what were obsessed with at Rocketship. The more we get into learning how to do that, the more we have to share with other schools to influence the larger system, right? Were not interested in designing magnet schools [that attract the strongest students]. Theres a place for them in the United States, sure. But the massive need is designing true public schools that serve all kids. In San Jose, Rocketship clearly showed that it could succeed with low-income Latino students in ways the local traditional public schools could not. You pretty much wrote the book on that, and you could have stuck with that student population, nationally. But you didnt. That sense of mission led you to expand into cities such as Nashville and Washington, D.C., where you started to serve mostly Black students. A lot of people (OK, maybe me as well, considering my D.C. reporting for the Rhee book) thought you would stumble at that abrupt transition. I know it was rocky, but based on school outcome data in those cities, you appear to be succeeding now. Please talk about that. Now, I feel so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to open schools that are so disparate. Opening in D.C. meant opening in a very different community, where a third of our students were homeless in our second year. We had never seen anything like this. The amount of trauma, and the counseling that was needed was new for us. Think about that. Our school was the largest charter that ever opened in D.C. Our authorizers were skeptical. That was hard. We were learning how to do this. What do we do? How do we raise the bar, push the bar, for kids like weve never seen before? The beauty of that was reconsidering our Rocketship model. Oh, we need counselors. We need counselors who understand trauma. We need to better discern the scaffolding of our behavior management to get smarter, better and faster. And now, thats all in our model, and not just in D.C., right? You fast forward to San Jose, and now we have mental health professionals in every school. Everybody should do that. We learned that. So that has benefited all kids, not just in D.C. If we had just remained in San Jose, I dont think our model would be as rich as it is now. Being in Milwaukee, Texas, D.C., Nashville, were seeing very different communities, very different needs, very different learning styles. Thats how we have elevated our overall model. Heres the other thing. We got launched in San Jose with English language learner models we developed. And then you go into districts such as D.C., where people tell us those teaching techniques arent needed, because these students arent learning English. And meanwhile, we know that English is a hard language to learn, right? Its not a natural language. At a young age, everyone is learning English. That skill, teaching English, and that model of teaching it, was a super powerful thing to bring to D.C. At the root of this is Rocketship as a learning organization. Always innovating, reflecting, always pushing ourselves. For most of your startup years with Rocketship, theres been a rocky and adversarial relationship between charters and traditional districts, especially with the teachers unions. Now, post-pandemic we see steep enrollment declines in all schools, especially the district schools. In some parts of the country, that has intensified the animosity, with traditional districts arguing they cant afford to lose students to charters. From your perspective, how has the pandemic changed the relationship between charters and traditional schools? There were definitely years when charters and districts were not all in this together. During the lockdowns, however, we all started sharing our resources. Overall, now theres a shared sense of just how intense this work is trying to deal with learning setbacks. I would say at least among educators, theres more collaboration between charters and districts, after what we all went through. It strikes me that theres one Rocketship practice that should be at the top of the list to share with other schools, both traditional and charter, and thats parent involvement. You were able to do that with Latino parents, who traditionally have shied away from dealing with the education establishment. How did you do that? It starts with making sure theyre truly treated like their childs first teachers, making them true partners. Thats why we continue to do home visits with our families. Also, we make sure they share power, such as asking them to name new schools and help select the staff. When we hold meetings in the evening we offer food and day care to make it more accessible to our parents. Once parents are engaged with the school they are more likely to become education advocates, community organizers. Thats why we brought our community organizing in-house. Let me give you an example. During the pandemic we established Care Corps, which placed a Care Corps coordinator in each school to help parents find the help they needed. That help included partnering with Second Harvest to deal with food scarcity, distributing boxes of produce, eggs, milk and chicken to our families.The coordinators help parents navigate support systems and get the assistance they need by overcoming language barriers, red tape and lack of internet access to connect them to vital services that are too often cumbersome and complicated. For us, having a broader impact doesnt always mean enrolling more students. It involves trying to share practices such as Care Corps with other districts. Rescuers raced against time in southern Ecuador on Tuesday to find survivors of a weekend landslide that left at least 11 people dead and more than 60 missing. Torrential rain overnight Sunday triggered a mudslide that buried dozens of homes and injured 30 people in the village of Alausi some 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of the capital Quito, officials said. As hopes faded of finding survivors under the rubble, rescuers with dogs and neighbors alike worked feverishly at removing debris, some with their bare hands. "My daughter is here, my granddaughter, my whole family," Carlos Maquero told AFP among the ruins, desperate for a breakthrough. "I want you to understand the pain we're going through," the 40-year-old merchant said. The same region was hit by an earthquake just over a week earlier in which 15 people were killed. There is a "buildup of tons and tons of earth," making it difficult to find survivors, Fernando Yanza, a firefighter working to rescue those trapped, told AFP. Decreasing oxygen was "the main problem" facing those still trapped, added Yanza, who had been digging down through four meters (13 feet) of mud looking for signs of life. "As you dig, it becomes more dangerous" because the ground becomes less stable, he added. Another firefighter, Adriana Guzman, said removing all the rubble was nigh impossible, "and truly what is found, if it is found, will be bodies." The mudslide's death toll had grown to at least 11 with 67 missing, the SNGR risk management secretariat said in an update Tuesday after four bodies were recovered. "We feel powerless not being able to do anything," said Carmen Quiroz, whose sister-in-law "was buried" along with several others, including infants, under the mud. - 'As long as it takes' - President Guillermo Lasso visited Alausi, in Chimborazo province, on Monday night where he was met with jeers of "Lasso out!" by some who felt the tragedy could have been avoided. Lasso held a meeting with local authorities and later tweeted the rescue efforts would go on "as long as is necessary." Story continues The army is also taking part in the operation. The government opened three shelters for those affected by the landslide, which covered an area of more than 24 hectares (59 acres). More than 160 homes were damaged. Alausi, a town of some 45,000 people surrounded by green hills, also saw several public buildings hit by the deluge, which damaged roads and closed schools. As a light rain fell on Alausi, resident Carmen Gavilanez, 65, told AFP: "We are afraid that there will be another mudslide and that we will be left with nothing." The story of Jacob, a black labrador desperately looking for his masters buried under the landslide, has gone viral on social networks. The dog sniffs, digs among the rubble and howls. According to local media, only two members of the family were saved. Neighbors who recognized the dog dressed him in a green T-shirt to identify him. The area affected by Sunday's disaster had been in a designated yellow alert risk zone since February following other landslides. After months of heavy rains, the government last week declared a two-month state of emergency in 13 of the country's 24 provinces, allowing economic resources to be redistributed to affected areas. Since the start of the year, heavy rains in Ecuador had caused the deaths of 22 people, destroyed 72 homes and damaged more than 6,900 residences before Sunday's landslide, according to the risk management secretariat. In January 2022, 17 hours of torrential rain caused a dam to collapse, with the resulting flooding killing 28 people in Quito and injuring 52 more. lv-pld/bc/mlr/mtp/cwl A transgender activist group is scheduled to hold a "Trans Day of Vengeance" outside the Supreme Court on Saturday, just days after a transgender individual opened fire on a Christian school, leaving three kids and three adults dead. "The Time is Now. The Trans/Non-Binary/Gender Non-Conforming/Intersex communities are facing astronomical amounts of hate from the world," the Trans Radical Activist Network (TRAN) states on its website in its promotion of "#TransDay of Vengeance." TRAN describes itself as "a network of unapologetic activists fighting for Queer Liberation" and promoted the protest earlier this year on social media, according to Twitter screenshots. The Twitter account for the group is currently protected, and Fox News Digital was unable to review its tweets Tuesday afternoon. TRANs website was still promoting the event as of Tuesday, one day after a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, at a private Presbyterian school, the Covenant School. The perpetrator, identified by investigators as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was a former student at Covenant and identified as transgender. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING: 6 KILLED INCLUDING 3 STUDENTS, SHOOTER DEAD Audrey Hale was identified by police as the gunman who opened fire at the Covenant School on Monday morning, killing six people. Investigators said they found Hales "manifesto" and hand-drawn maps of the school and its entry points. Hale reportedly entered the school Monday morning after 10 a.m. by shooting through a locked door. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP NASHVILLE TRANSGENDER SCHOOL SHOOTER'S MESSAGES TO FRIEND SHOW 'MUCH DEEPER ISSUES,' SAYS EX-FBI SPECIAL AGENT The shooter was armed with two rifles and a handgun during the massacre, leaving three 9-year-old children, the schools leader, a substitute teacher and a custodian fatally shot. WHO ARE THE NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIMS? TRAN describes in its promotion of the protest on Saturday that six transgender individuals lives have ended so far in 2023 and that at least 60 others died last year. The post does not elaborate on whether the people were killed but noted that "our community has a stigma attached and significantly impacts marginalized communities at a higher intensity." Story continues "Like the Stonewall Riots the gays and lesbians were experiencing what the trans community is facing now. This cycle of hate needs to end in fact it must. Allies, siblings we need you now more than ever," the group states. DETRANSITIONING RALLY TURNS VIOLENT WHEN ANTIFA SHOWS UP, PARTICIPANTS LEFT 'AFRAID' TO SPEAK OUT: ORGANIZER The protest will reportedly kick off Friday before holding the main protest outside of the Supreme Court at 11 a.m. on Saturday. TRAN did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment on the planned protest. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) declared his opposition to a possible nationwide TikTok ban as many members of both parties push back against the platform, saying a ban would be a mistake. Paul told Fox News in an interview on Tuesday that he believes a ban would violate the First Amendment. He noted that TikTok is unavailable in China, which is where TikToks parent company, ByteDance, is based. I think its a really bad idea. And people need to ask themselves, why does the Chinese government ban TikTok, and do we want to emulate the Chinese government? So I think its a mistake, Paul said. If you ban a social media platform, you know, I dont know if you get any clearer that that goes against the First Amendment. Pauls opposition comes as bills have been introduced in Congress in recent months to directly ban the downloading and use of the app and to grant the Commerce Department the authority to review and possibly ban technologies linked to foreign adversarial governments. Punchbowl News reported that Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who introduced the federal TikTok ban, said he will seek unanimous consent for his legislation in the Senate on Wednesday. He told the outlet Tuesday that no one had raised an objection to the bill to him yet. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week amid questions from lawmakers about security procedures in place to protect U.S. users data on the app. Members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle have raised concerns about the Chinese government having access to the data because TikTok is owned by a Chinese company. Chew maintained at the hearing and TikTok has emphasized over the last months that it is not subject to the actions of the Chinese Communist Party and has policies in place to protect users personal information. Several House Democrats have declared their opposition to a potential TikTok ban, including Reps. Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), but Paul makes at least one Republican who opposes the efforts. Story continues Paul mentioned that the court system already blocked an attempted ban from the Trump administration in 2020, and courts might block any potential ban again. Im for the First Amendment to the Constitution, which says that companies that operate in the United States, we shouldnt limit their speech, or people who try to broadcast speech on those platforms, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Wiltshire nature reserve is expecting record numbers of a rare grassland bird this year as a decades-long conservation project starts to pay off. Stone-curlews migrate to southern parts of the UK from southern Spain and Northern Africa every year. Nesting on open ground, their numbers have plummeted since the 1930s due to the rise of industrial agriculture. But last year RSPB-run Winterbourne Downs near Salisbury saw 11 breeding pairs raise 19 young. Wardens are hoping that many of the crow-sized, yellow legged birds will return this year to nest. The reserve is part of a conservation project launched by the RSPB in the 1980s to protect the stone-curlew's habitat. Last year, 30 breeding pairs were recorded on RSPB nature reserves. Conservationists are also working with farmers and land-owners to protect suitable nesting sites in counties including Norfolk, Suffolk, Somerset and Gloucestershire. Nick Bruce-White, director of RSPB England, said: "With much of our wildlife-rich grasslands and 97% of our wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, it is only through working in collaboration with like-minded farmers, landowners and partners that we can continue to see a rise in species like the stone-curlew here in England." But he warned delays to government schemes to help farmers protect nature, such as the environmental land management scheme (ELMS), were putting the future of stone-curlews in jeopardy. ELMS is being developed to replace EU agricultural subsidies post-Brexit and will pay farmers for work to help protect the environment, such as cutting pesticide use and working towards net zero. But farmers have criticised the government for a lack of clarity over what the new scheme will entail and when exactly it will be rolled out. Mr Bruce-White said: "There is much to be done to secure a long-term future for this species in the wider countryside. "Now, more than ever, our farmers need the guarantee of support from the government of the UK through these schemes, empowering farmers to deliver for wildlife, climate and long-term food security". Follow BBC West onFacebook, TwitterandInstagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk Dispensaries across the state have been selling recreational marijuana for over seven weeks. As Missouris cannabis business grows and weed connoisseurs across the state partake in the plant, we wanted to hear from readers which dispensaries are serving up the best product and service. After hearing from dozens of readers about their favorite dispensaries, we now have a list of nine of Kansas Citys fan-favorites. Readers chose their favorites based on things like quick service, welcoming atmospheres, range of products and prices. Heres a roundup of all the dispensaries that were submitted to The Star. After taking a look, vote on which of the nine dispensaries below are your favorite. BesaMe Wellness BesaMe Wellness was listed multiple times as a favorite. The dispensary has five locations across Missouri, including North Kansas City, Kansas City, Warrensburg, Smithville and Liberty. A few readers submitted BesaMe Wellness as their favorite dispensary chain, noting that the customer service is really what keeps them going back. I always receive great customer service, the budtenders really listen and help you find the best product for you, Serena Maxfield said in her submission. Theres no judgment or barrier to entry, and they have really good daily deals. They also have had the best recreational selection. 5901 NW Barry Road, Kansas City 1041 Burlington St., North Kansas City 5918 Southview Drive, Liberty 13500 US 69, Smithville 219 W Young St., Warrensburg ReLeaf Resources Dispensary ReLeaf Resources Dispensary is a dispensary off of 71 Highway in Grandview. The dispensary has a mission of providing Missouri residents with access to alternative medicine, medical devices and supplies, according to social media. Many readers who submitted ReLeaf as their favorite dispensary said that ReLeafs variety of products and family-like atmosphere is what makes the Grandview dispensary a standout. Releaf is my go to dispo, Bryce Crawford said. Everytime I am there I am treated kindly, and I have to say the pricing is good too. Story continues 13836 S. US 71 Highway, Grandview Fresh Karma Fresh Karma is another local dispensary, with locations in Kansas City, St. Joseph and Parkville. The dispensarys mission is to educate and create community awareness on the benefits of marijuana. The reader that submitted Fresh Karma said the dispensarys large selection is what makes it a favorite. 240 Linwood Blvd., Kansas City 10915 NW 45 Highway, Parkville From the Earth From the Earth is a dispensary franchise based in both Missouri and California. From the Earth has five locations including three in Kansas City and one in Independence and Raytown. The dispensary prides itself on being built with community in mind and being made up of Missouri locals of all ages and walks of life, according to its website. Aside from being within a half mile of her home, reader Tracey Watson said she loves From the Earth because of its customer service and discounts offered to medical marijuana card holders. Great selection [and] the budtenders are very knowledgeable. If you get your Medical card through them, you get 15% off your first visit and a $60 credit-so your medical card ends up being free. 1222 McGee St., Kansas City 2918 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City 6200 Troost Ave., Kansas City 9010 E. State Route 350, Raytown 19341 E. US Highway 40, Independence Greenlight Marijuana Dispensary Greenlight Marijuana Dispensary has nearly 24 locations across the country and four in the Kansas City metro. The local dispensaries can be found in South Kansas City, Independence and Harrisonville. The Star reader who submitted Greenlight as their favorite said the dispensary in South Kansas City on Stateline Road and 135th Street has quick and speedy service. 4900 Bannister Road, Kansas City 3721 S. Noland Road, Independence Elevate Missouri Elevate Missouri has three Kansas City area dispensaries and boasts over 80 years of experience with cannabis. The company says it takes an artisan approach to its products and prioritizes high quality over quantity, according to its website. Reader Keleigh Crouthers said Elevate MO is her favorite because the budtenders are the best and they have the best prices in the city. 4716 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City 5408 Prospect Ave., Kansas City 114 E. North Ave., Belton The Forest Dispensary The Forest Dispensary is another recreational and medical marijuana dispensary based in midtown Kansas City. They are so kind, fun and helpful! reader JJ Looper said about the dispensary. They always have great deals on large quantities, deli-style by-the-gram flower, lots of coupons, free merchandise and short wait times. 706 Westport Road, Kansas City Stairway Cannabis Stairway Cannabis, based in Blue Springs, is a local dispensary aimed at using marijuana to help empower people to make healthy choices for a happy and holistic lifestyle, according to the business website. We are all about making our patients and adult consumers feel like one of the familythe word stranger isnt even in our vocabulary, the website reads. 490 SW MO-7 Highway, Blue Springs Riverside Wellness Riverside Wellness in Riverside, Missouri is a community-centric dispensary that offers community-based discounts on products and educational resources to people interested in learning more about cannabis, according to the dispensaries website. 4403 NW Gateway Ave., Riverside If the poll isnt appearing below, click here. While the bride and groom at this wedding will be high on life, the officiant, well, may be high on something else. The real-life Cocaine Bear or what's left of him was set to perform his very first wedding ceremony this Monday at noon at a store in Lexington, Kentucky. While we have a lot of questions about the logistics of how this works, what we do know is that the lucky couple are named Alexandra and Armando, according to an announcement from Kentucky for Kentucky, the company that claims to own a stuffed bear that's considering by many to be the remains of the one that overdosed on cocaine when a shipment of the drug was dropped from a small plane by smugglers in Georgia in 1985. We also know that they clearly have a great sense of humor if they're getting married by the bear who inspired the comedy horror flick, Cocaine Bear, which soared at the box office when it was released earlier this year. "Hearts are racing, and this time its not just because of all the powder," Kentucky for Kentucky added in its announcement. "Theres only one thing Pablo Escobear loves more than a duffle bag full of cocaine, and thats folks finding true love." RELATED: Is Cocaine Bear really based on a true story? Behold the wild tale of the real Pablo Escobear The wedding is taking place at the Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall, a kooky souvenir and clothing shop where the bear has been on display since 2015. And as for whether the nuptials will be legit, Griffin VanMeter, co-founder of the organization, told Roadside America in a recent article, As long as you feel that the person marrying you like Cocaine Bear has the authority, then that marriage can be binding here in Kentucky. Monday's ceremony is open to the public. "Guests are asked to dress in their bear-y best and help celebrate the couple-to-be, while also bear-ing witness to history in the making as Cocaine Bears legendary tale continues," Kentucky for Kentucky wrote. Adam Lewis, the retail manager for the organization wrote, "Were so excited this couple has decided to be married by Cocaine Bear. Were getting the chapel prepared with flowers and glowing hearts. Cocaine Bear cant wait! Story continues Cocaine Bear (2023) While the real-life bear that found the duffel bag of coke that fell from the plane tore it open and sadly overdosed and died, the Cocaine Bear horror film greatly exaggerates the creature's story and lets it act out revenge on humankind with a murderous rampage. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, Margo Martindale, O'Shea Jackson, Jr., Ray Liotta, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and more. As for whether the stuffed animal that's presiding over Monday's wedding is the real bear that fell victim to the cocaine drop, it's unlikely that the figure is entirely Cocaine Bear. Gary Garner, who was with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation during the 1985 incident, told the Associated Press at the time, "Theres nothing left but bones and a big hide, in regard to what was found. You can check out Cocaine Bear on digital right now. In the hours and days that followed a missile strike that killed his colleagues, it was uncertain if Benjamin Hall would survive the injuries he sustained during the attack while covering Russias war in Ukraine for Fox News. Today, one of the networks leading foreign correspondents is eyeing a remarkable return to the field after a lengthy rehabilitation process one that has highlighted the dangers journalists covering the ongoing conflict constantly face while reporting from a war zone. In many senses I was broken, mentally and physically, Hall said of the last 12 months during a recent conversation with The Hill. You lose so many things, and what happened is I was slowly rebuilt. It was a slow process sometimes a very difficult process, Hall added. But Hall feels the most grueling part of his recovery is behind him and is itching to get back onto television screens across the country as soon as he can. He said he plans in the coming weeks to begin conversations with Foxs leadership about what a return to work might look like. Hall, a Duke University graduate, joined Fox News in 2015, first serving in the networks London bureau covering wars in Syria and Afghanistan, and then as Foxs U.S. State Department correspondent. In 2022, he was deployed to Europe to cover Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Hall was severely injured last spring as part of an attack that killed Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski and local Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova. Ukrainian government officials have blamed Russian forces for the attack, which happened just outside the capital city of Kyiv. The attack was one of more than five dozen that resulted in death or injury to journalists and other media workers around the world last year, according to a recent study from the Committee To Protect Journalists a 50 percent increase from the year prior and the highest number since 2018. You immerse yourself in some of the most horrible places and see some awful things, and you try and cut away some of your personal feelings and that can be very hard, Hall said of the toll of reporting from a war zone. But the way I see it, that isnt the news, nor should it be the news. Story continues The attack that injured Hall and killed his colleagues made international headlines, nevertheless, and sparked an outpouring of support from across the competitive businesses of media, politics and diplomacy. When something this serious happens, all of those disagreements over politics or where you stand or the kind of network or place you work for, those disappear, Hall said. Underneath all of the politics were all a family who do this job, and we all care about each other and want to help one another. Hall said many of his colleagues who cover war and foreign conflicts are like-minded individuals who share passions about meeting people affected by the decisions of world leaders. But you have to turn off the emotional tap, even though it can be equally difficult and equally rewarding, he said. Because its an important job. Hall has repeatedly credited his life to the people who helped him escape war-torn Europe while badly injured. Jennifer Griffin, a fellow veteran foreign affairs and defense reporter at Fox News, assembled a team that included members of the group Save Our Allies, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian and Polish government officials to get Hall out of Ukraine safely. I have never seen somebody so positive and someone with such incredible spirit and resilience, Griffin, who has spent years covering the Pentagon with wounded veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C. He has not wavered for one day in the past year in terms of feeling sorry for himself or having any sort of days of depression. And that is truly extraordinary for anyone who has gone through the sort of traumatic events that he went through, Griffin said. Halls reporting and steadfast determination to recover as quickly as he has earned him the respect and praise of Foxs top leaders. Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott called Halls recovery nothing short of awe inspiring after the reporter, who is based in London, visited the networks New York headquarters on the anniversary of the attack. Through his recovery process, Hall has been reflecting on his colleagues lost in the attack and contemplating what a return to his work might look like. It was through this contemplation he decided to start recording his memories and organizing his thoughts for a memoir. Saved: A War Reporters Mission to Make It Home debuted earlier this month and includes Halls most intimate thoughts about the days immediately following the attack. The fact is, that recovery can be quite boring sometimes, Hall said. For the first couple months I was just sort of lying in bed and wasnt able to move much of my body. But I could think and I could write and take voice notes. And thats what I was doing, and it gave me a lot of time to be reflective. Most importantly, Hall said, the process of writing the book was cathartic. I look back at some of the notes I took early on, and they really are incredibly open and honest, he said. I really think that was a big part of getting me back and getting better so quickly. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A record-breaking $8.3 billion capital budget proposal was released Monday afternoon by House budget writers. That amount includes $4.62 billion in new state bonds as well as $3.16 billion in federal, local, and dedicated state funding. Lawmakers are also proposing leaving aside $160 million in reserves for the 2024 supplemental budget. This budget is the first that contains revenue from the 2021 Climate Commitment Act, and lawmakers are proposing $525 million in spending from that account. Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Port Townsend, chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, unveiled the details of the capital funding and said that families all over the state are hurt by the housing crisis. Thats why we worked with lawmakers from both parties to craft this budget with a focus on housing, with $704 million invested in more affordable housing, emergency shelter funding, and home upgrades, Tharinger said in a statement. Republican lawmaker Rep. Mike Steele, ranking member of the House Capital Budget Committee, called the proposal one of the most bipartisan efforts in Olympia. I worked closely with the chair of the Capital Budget Committee on a solid spending plan that bolsters communities, encourages economic growth, and makes wise investments for the future of our state, Steele said in a statement. House lawmakers also released their proposed operating budget proposal Monday, with $69.5 billion in funding, including boosts in special education, affordable housing, and biodiversity protection. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement Monday afternoon and said that he was encouraged by the Houses larger investments to avert homelessness in the state. It is most heartening that the House put in the budget the funds necessary to implement our housing bond proposal that would build thousands of necessary housing units, Inslee said. The stage is now set for discussions between the House and the Senate to develop a budget that will go big so people can go home. Story continues Senate budget writers released their budget proposals last week, with a proposed $69.2 billion for the operating budget, and a $7.9 billion proposal for the capital budget. Those budgets did not include Inslees $4 billion bond proposal for housing, disappointing the governor, who proposed the idea in his budget released back in December. The House and Senate will negotiate and come to an agreement for a final budget that must be passed by the end of the legislative session on April 23. Here are some of the major capital investments being proposed by House leaders: Housing One of the largest investments floated by House lawmakers would go towards housing, with a total of $704 million affordable housing, home upgrades and the like. The Housing Trust Fund, which provides loans and grants for affordable housing projects, would see an influx of $400 million for the 2023-25 biennium. An additional $75 million is included for other infrastructure and utility costs associated with the construction of affordable housing. House lawmakers also included $50 million for transit-oriented development, $40 million for affordable housing land acquisition, and $14.5 million for youth shelter and transitional housing. The remaining $124.2 million would be allocated for energy retrofits of homes, low-income weatherization and rural home rehabilitation projects. Behavioral health Another major investment is in behavioral health, with budget writers proposing $893 million in that area. Most of the funding would go to a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, with $613 million in proposed funding for the construction. Maple Lane, the states first residential treatment facility, would see an additional $21 million for 136 new beds under the proposed budget, and a new residential treatment facility slated for Clark County would get $24 million for construction. Behavioral health providers would receive $211 million in competitive grants under the proposal. Lawmakers are also setting aside $13 million in funding for family-centered drug treatment. Education Lawmakers are also investing heavily in K-12 construction, which includes a total of $806 million. About $588 million of that total is set aside for the School Construction Assistance Program. Budget writers also have proposed $400 million for community and technical colleges, as well as $344 million for public universities. Other projects The John L. OBrien Building and Pritchard Building on the Capitol Campus are getting renovations, and lawmakers have set aside $150 million for those projects. Additionally, $821 million is proposed for natural resource investments including drinking water, forest management, toxic cleanup, recreation and conservation, and state parks. Construction is moving along on the top-to-bottom renovation of the North Fire-Rescue Station at 300 N. County Road. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2024. Construction on the top-to-bottom renovation of the North Fire-Rescue Station is on track, with work expected to be complete by fall 2024, town administrators told the Daily News. Crews have demolished the interior of the three-story building at 300 N. County Road, and are working on structural restoration, the town said. Work on the $8 million project began last summer and will include a complete renovation of the landmarked structure, which was built in 1927. Related:Construction underway on Royal Poinciana Playhouse redevelopment project Its condition deteriorated over the years, and roof leaks had been a longtime issue. Water intrusion caused by hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 led to mold, forcing the relocation of staff until the building was remediated. Work on the $8 million restoration of the North Fire-Rescue Station began last summer and will include a complete renovation of the landmarked structure, which was built in 1927. An inspection in July 2021 uncovered additional water damage and mold intrusion. "We discovered roof leaks in the process of inspecting the roof," Public Works Director Paul Brazil told the council during a budget workshop that month. "We also had a company come in and check for any water damage. They did find evidence of some mold." Tests revealed that the air quality inside the building remained good, but council members agreed to move up a previously scheduled renovation by two years after deeming it a "top priority." The council allocated $1.5 million of a $2.7 million budget surplus for the work. The fire station is No. 1 for me," Council Member Julie Araskog said during the budget workshop. "This is urgent. It needs to be done ASAP." A renovation project is underway at the North Fire-Rescue Station on South County Road after an inspection in July 2021 uncovered water damage and mold intrusion. A total of $8 million has been allocated for the project, but the town expects costs could exceed that figure. There are no current estimates for additional costs, but Hedrick Brothers, the projects construction manager, is expected to present the final guaranteed maximum price for presentation to Town Council in May, Town Engineer Patricia Strayer said. The North Fire Station is among the oldest operating fire stations in Florida. The building, which houses 11 fire-rescue and civilian personnel, was landmarked in 1988. Story continues While the building is being renovated, North Fire-Rescue Station personnel have been operating out of a temporary station beside the old one, near the intersection of North County Road and Wells Road. The temporary station was built by American Modular Systems, of Manteca, California. It includes a dormitory trailer that can house up to six firefighters, and a bunker trailer that houses fire gear. Five Fire-Rescue personnel currently occupy the dormitory trailer, the town said, while the departments administration team, chief and assistant chief are operating out of other town facilities. The temporary station serves the same response zone as the old one from North of Royal Poinciana Way to the Palm Beach Inlet, Assistant Fire Chief Sean Baker said. Emergency response times have stayed the same, Baker added. The traffic pattern at the intersection of Wells Road and North County Road has been modified to go around the temporary station. The new traffic pattern will be in place while North Fire-Rescue Station improvements are ongoing. Drivers are asked to drive with caution and follow the signage. Two other Fire-Rescue stations serve Palm Beach residents and business owners. The Central Fire-Rescue Station at 355 S. County Road covers the area north of Southern Boulevard to south of Royal Poinciana Way. It also serves as the towns Emergency Operations Center. The South Fire-Rescue Station at 2185 S. Ocean Blvd. covers Southern Boulevard to south town limits. Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Redo of Palm Beach's North Fire Station on track for fall 2024 completion Campaigning opened Monday for Guatemala's June 25 presidential election with the daughter of a former dictator and the widow of a graft-accused ex-president leading the field. The campaign is already mired in controversy, with questions around the eligibility of Zury Rios -- daughter of former strongman Efrain Rios Montt -- and the exclusion of Indigenous candidate Thelma Cabrera. Some 9.3 million Guatemalans are eligible to cast a compulsory vote at a time the country is battling deep economic troubles and accusations the government is persecuting human rights and corruption prosecutors. Nearly 60 percent of Guatemala's 17 million inhabitants live in poverty and the Central American country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Last week, protesters marched in Guatemala City against the candidacy of Rios, whose father took power in a coup d'etat and was in 2013 sentenced to 80 years in prison for the genocidal killing of Indigenous Guatemalans. The sentence was later overturned and the retired general died in 2018, aged 91, as a retrial was under way. Rios, 55, has had a long career in politics, mainly as a lawmaker. She came in fifth place in the 2015 presidential race. - 'Eliminate the strongest' - Last week's protesters pointed to a constitutional prohibition against former coup leaders' relatives holding high office. The same Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) which overturned that prohibition, allowing the younger Rios to run, excluded Cabrera, 52, and her vice presidential running mate, former human rights lawyer Jordan Rodas, from the race. It said Rodas was ineligible because of questionable accounting practices, which also excluded Cabrera, who refused to drop him from the ticket. Rodas denies the allegations. For the NGO Guatemala Verifica, the exclusion meant the TSE was seeking to "eliminate the strongest parties and candidates." The other frontrunner is two-time presidential runner-up Sandra Torres, 67, whose husband Alvaro Colom was arrested for fraud and embezzlement in 2018. He died in January. Story continues Herself also investigated for corruption, but never convicted, Torres came in second in the last two election runoffs. There are 20 presidential candidates in all but Rios and Torres lead the pack, according to opinion polls, with about a fifth of stated voter intent each. Both women are running on promises to reduce violence, improve education and public health, and combat poverty. Guatemalan presidents serve a four-year term with no option for successive reelection. Candidate inscription closed Monday, marking the official launch of the campaign, according to TSE spokesman Luis Gerardo Ramirez. Voters will also elect members of the legislature and mayors. If no candidate garners more than 50 percent of the vote in June's first presidential round, there will be a runoff on August 27. Guatemala has recently arrested a number of former prosecutors and members of a now defunct UN-backed entity called the CICIG that helped unearth several corruption scandals. The United Nations in January voiced "deep concern" over what it called threats, harassment and reprisals faced by justice officials and human rights defenders in Guatemala. ec/fj/mlr/mdl Power generated from renewable sources, mostly solar and wind power, surpassed coal-fired generation for the first time in 2022 and nuclear energy for the second year in a row, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said Monday. The rise in renewable was driven by wind and solar, which grew to a combined 14 percent in 2022 from 12 percent in 2021; hydroelectric (6 percent), biomass, and thermal power (each less than 1 percent) made up the rest of renewable power generation. Coal accounted for 20 percent last year from 23 percent in 2021, while nuclear fell to 19 percent from 20 percent, EIA said. Natural gas was the largest source of power generation at 39 percent, from 37 percent in 2021. U.S. energy generation in 2022 by source U.S. Energy Information Administration The "booming growth" in renewables "is driven largely by economics," Gregory Wetstone, president and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy, told The Associated Press. "Over the past decade, the levelized cost of wind energy declined by 70 percent, while the levelized cost of solar power has declined by an even more impressive 90 percent," and "renewable energy is now the most affordable source of new electricity in much of the country." Texas was No. 1 in wind generation, at 26 percent, and second in solar, while California produced the most solar power. "I'm happy to see we've crossed that threshold, but that is only a step in what has to be a very rapid and much cheaper journey," Stephen Porder, a professor of ecology at Brown University, told AP. Now the U.S. has to decide how to transform the grid, designed for consistent streams of energy, so it can store and transmit intermittent solar and wind power, he added. "Wind and solar are going to be the backbone of the growth in renewables, but whether or not they can provide 100 percent of the U.S. electricity without backup is something that engineers are debating." Wind and solar power are each expected to tick up a percentage point in 2023, to 12 percent and 5 percent, respectively, while coal is expected to decline to 17 percent, EIA said. Story continues You may also like How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday 'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad Rep. Andy Biggs was slammed on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" show Friday by callers criticizing his involvement in the events that transpired on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the U.S. Capitol riot. He also was corrected by host Greta Brawner for incorrectly saying that nobody had been convicted for seditious conspiracy in relation to the Jan. 6 violence. The first call came from Jim of Cloverdale, Oregon, on C-SPAN's Democratic line, who criticized members of the GOP for backing former President Donald Trump's campaign promise to pardon some people convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes. "Do you realize that Trump lied under oath when he was being sworn in? He promised to protect the United States of America and everything foreign and domestic. Donald Trump wants to pardon the traitors that were convicted of seditious conspiracy? Come on, what the hell is wrong with you Republicans?" After saying that he was not sure what the caller was talking about but presumed it was about what might happen if Trump is elected again with regard to some found guilty of their actions on Jan. 6, Biggs incorrectly said: "Not all were convicted of seditious treason. In fact, none were. And so thats important to understand. The second thing I would say is many of them were convicted of misdemeanor trespass. And I think thats important to understand as well ... ." Verdict:Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes found guilty of seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 attack Four members of the right-wing group Oath Keepers were convicted of seditious conspiracy in January. That followed the November conviction of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and another member of the group, Kelly Meggs. Brawner would correct Biggs after the next caller, citing the USA Today article on Rhodes. The story was first reported by the Daily Beast. Biggs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. After Brawner addressed Biggs' error, Biggs replied: "Oh, OK. Yeah, well, I didnt follow that case." Story continues The second caller to ask about Jan. 6 was David from Ashland, Mississippi, on the Independents line. Callers can contact the show based on party affiliation and also have a third option of calling on the Republican line. David asked: "... Mr. Biggs, do you think those that conspired in the White House to overthrow the country with Donald Trump and Jeffrey Clark and all that should be held accountable? And exactly why did you ask for a pardon from Mark Meadows?" David asked. Held in contempt:Jeffrey Clark, ex-Trump DOJ official, faces disciplinary charges for election misstatements Biggs denied asking for the pardon from Meadows, Trump's former chief of staff, a claim he has long maintained. "That's been completely debunked. But, you know, lies persist. So that's a ... that's going to happen. And Im big enough to withstand the perpetual lie in that way," Biggs said. Regarding Clark, a former senior U.S. Department of Justice official who faces Jan. 6-related ethics charges, Biggs said "there's been no indication that anybody attempted to overthrow the government with somebody named Jeff Clark ... whom I dont believe Ive ever even met. So, you know ... thanks for the perpetuation of the false narrative of the left," Biggs said. Clark's charges stem from a letter he drafted to Georgia officials, claiming falsely that the DOJ "identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states, including the state of Georgia." Trump tried to put Clark in as the acting attorney general after William Barr resigned. The complaint, brought by the Washington, D.C., Bar, alleges Clark tried to persuade former Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and Richard Donoghue, another high-ranking DOJ official, to sign the letter. Both Rosen and Donoghue did not comply with the alleged request, according to the complaint. The third Jan. 6 call on "Washington Journal" came from Michelle, a Republican in New York, who asked about video footage Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired earlier this month. The footage showed some people who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6 being let into areas of the building by members of the Capitol police, who seemed to facilitate their entry. The 41,000-hour video footage was given exclusively by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to Carlson, who edited the material. Fact check:Claims of FBI role in Jan. 6 Capitol attack are false "Is he going to have any retribution or another hearing so they can look at the exculpatory evidence ?" Michelle asked, seemingly referring to the so-called QAnon Shaman, Jake Angeli of Phoenix. Angeli, known for his face paint and horn hat, was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November 2021, with 11 months credit for time served. Biggs responded by verifying the accuracy of Carlson's portrayal of the insurrection. Carlson had characterized the insurrection as "mostly peaceful chaos." Democrats and U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger criticized the footage as uncharacteristic of the events of Jan. 6. Biggs agreed with Carlson's portrayal of the insurrection, saying that as "one of the few members of Congress who has gone over and watched these videotapes .... the actual footage is consistent with what Tucker Carlson put out." Angeli's case should be "dismissed completely," Biggs said, if allegations that the FBI "infiltrated" his legal representation are true, "as you've basically biased and poisoned the fruit of that tree completely." "This is what I mean when I talk about weaponization of the government and people having trouble getting a fair trial in this country today," Biggs added. In a fact check, USA Today found no evidence that the FBI took part in arranging the insurrection. Tara Kavaler is a politics reporter at The Arizona Republic. She can be reached by email at tara.kavaler@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @kavalertara. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rep. Biggs misinformation called out on C-SPAN dial-in show LANSING State Rep. Dale Zorn last week brought a bit of Lenawee County history to the state Capitol in Lansing in support of Abolitionist Day in Michigan. On March 21, the Michigan House of Representatives adopted a resolution recognizing Abolitionist Day in the state, which was led by state Rep. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted. State Rep. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted, introduced a resolution last week to declare March 21 as Abolitionist Day in Michigan. He also presented a tribute recognizing the lifes work of Laura Smith Haviland, a trailblazer in the American abolitionist movement who lived near Adrian. Zorn presented the tribute to Havilands fifth great-nephew, Robert Haviland, during the House session March 21. He was joined at the Capitol by Robert Haviland, the fifth great-nephew of Laura Smith Haviland, a trailblazer in the American abolitionist movement whose home in Raisin Township served as the first Underground Railroad location in Michigan. There, she taught others how to confront and obstruct anti-abolition authorities and slave catchers in the north. The abolitionist movement was made up of many people like Laura Smith Haviland who dedicated their lives to eradicating injustice and assisting members of the Underground Railroad, Zorn said in a news release. Its important to recognize the integral role the abolitionist movement made in our nations history, moving us closer to true equality of life for all Americans. According to House Resolution No. 58, March 21, will be recognized as Abolitionist Day in Michigan. In 1839, Haviland and her husband, Charles, founded the Raisin Institute at their farm. The school was open to all students of good moral character, regardless of sex or color, which, Zorns release said, was a bold undertaking in a day and time when no school in Michigan would accept Black students. From right, Robert Haviland, the fifth great-nephew of Laura Smith Haviland, is joined March 21 at the state Capitol in Lansing by state Rep. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted, and Chip Moore of Adrian. Zorn last week introduced a resolution to declare March 21 as Abolitionist Day in Michigan. He also presented a tribute recognizing the lifes work of Laura Smith Haviland, a trailblazer in the American abolitionist movement who lived in Raisin Township. She was born in 1808 in Canada and died in 1898 in Grand Rapids and is buried next to her husband in the Raisin Valley Cemetery near Adrian. In 2018, she was inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame in Peterboro, New York, for her role in the anti-slavery movement in Michigan and the Midwest. One city, Haviland, Kansas, is named after Haviland because of her lifelong effort to help slaves and refugees, the National Abolition Hall of Fame said on its website. Haviland wore many hats during her lifetime from being a teacher, a nurse and a missionary, to her work as an abolitionist, a humanitarian, a temperance reformer and a mother. Story continues Laura Smith Haviland is responsible for freeing and assisting in freeing countless enslaved people during her time, Zorn said. Regardless of the dangers she inevitably faced, she continued her work to ensure freedom and dignity was afforded to as many people as possible throughout her entire life. A sculpture of Haviland sits in front of the Lenawee County Historical Museum in Adrian. An inscription on the sculpture reads: A Tribute to a Life Consecrated to the Betterment of Humanity. There is also a drinking fountain at the base of the sculpture with an inscription of I was thirsty and ye gave me drink. This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Rep. Dale Zorn honors Laura Smith Haviland with House tribute A police report reveals new details from the night that a Georgia 19-year-old was hospitalized after his family says he was tortured and humiliated for hours and forced to drink alcohol at a party. The Glynn County Police Department confirmed they opened a hazing investigation after Trenton Lehrkamp was hospitalized due to a high level of intoxication, from a mixture of controlled substances and alcohol. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2s sister station Action News Jax obtained a police report that showed that Lehrkamp had a blood alcohol concentration level of .464%. Georgia law states the legal limit is 0.08%. That means Lehrkamps BAC level nearly six times the legal limit. Photos and video have been circulating on social media showing how a group of teens allegedly left Lehrkamp after a party on St. Simons Island last Tuesday. One picture shows him taped to a chair with spray paint over him. Police said three teens in a white Jeep Wrangler dropped Lehrkamp off at the hospital that night. The teens kept asking if they were free to leave, but were asked to leave their names and contact information, the report stated. TRENDING STORIES In the report obtained by Action News Jax, Lehrkamps father told police that his son has gone over to the house before, but he never returns home normal and there were two other recent incidents. On March 17, he said his son come home covered in WD-40, vomit, paint, glue, egg yolk, and spray paint and two weeks earlier, Lehrkamp needed stitches for a cut above his left eye. Another video showed the 19-year-old being hosed down. Detectives have searched the home on St. Simons Island and said they recovered several pieces of evidence from the home. Detectives also said they spoke to Lehrkamp at the hospital after he became alert and conscious. Story continues Action News Jax attended a vigil for Lehrkamp on Monday night where the Lehrkamps family released a statement. A GoFundMe account has raised over $71,000 to assist his family. We are all cooperating with the authorities of the investigation and we want justice for Trent, and to hopefully prevent this from happening to any other kids in the future in our community. We are overwhelmed by all of the community outreach and deeply appreciate all of the love and support. Please continue to pray for justice and a full recovery for Trent. IN OTHER NEWS TUCSON The University of Arizona's threat management process was ineffective and its security systems inadequate in the period leading up to the fatal shooting of a hydrology professor, according to a withering consultant's report released by the university Monday. University President Robert Robbins acknowledged that he, other school officials and the university police department made mistakes, and that the report revealed systemic issues at the university that should have been identified and corrected. I am angry at myself that I didnt do more to prevent this tragedy, he said at a news conference. The report was released days after the Thomas Meixner family filed a $9 million claim against the Arizona Board of Regents, the governing body for Arizona's public universities, alleging a lack of action by UA before Meixners death. On Oct. 5, Meixner was killed on campus. Murad Dervish, a former graduate student who was accused of threatening Meixner and other faculty and university staff for more than a year, was indicted on first-degree murder and six other felony charges and awaits trial. The consultant report said the fatal shooting "was not unforseeable" and offered 33 recommendations for the university to implement to improve campus safety. They included creating an interim chief safety officer who will report directly to the Robbins, launching a Campus Safety Advisory Commission and creating a master facility safety plan. What did the investigation find? Pax Group LLC, led by Phil Andrew, a former FBI agent, was hired to probe the gaps in campus safety and provide recommendations. The investigation cost the university an estimated $250,000. The report's recommendations covered threat assessment, threat management, crisis response, the University of Arizona Police Department and university communication. Andrew, who wrote the report, said his team conducted 80 different interviews, interviewed 120 people and reviewed about 1,200 documents. Story continues The shooting had the same effect on the UA community as a mass shooting, he said, noting five people were targeted. Students, staff and community members gathered in remembrance of slain professor Thomas Meixner at the University of Arizona campus on Oct. 7, 2022. Sarah Lapidus/The Republic The university had a Threat Assessment Management Team before the shooting, a multi-disciplinary group of university employees and contractors that was supposed to establish if someone potentially posed a threat of violence to others on campus. The team was founded in 2002 after a former student shot three faculty from the University of Arizona College of Nursing and himself. The Threat Assessment Management Team "was not operating in an effective manner, which prevented the University from accurately assessing, managing, and coordinating action to mitigate a real and present threat," the report said. "As a result, communication between departments as the threat was mounting was not effective and left various departments, faculty members, and staff to handle (Dervish) in their own manner and/or seek their own forms of legal injunctions and protections." Catch up: Head of UA Hydrology Department, Thomas Meixner, identified as killed in campus shooting In addition, safety and security training was inconsistent and often nonexistent across campus, and university security systems and procedures were inadequate, the report found. On the day of the shooting, emergency alerts were often misunderstood or ignored by the community and inconsistent and decentralized communications across all departments led to confusion about the location of the shooting and when the threat was over, the report found. The university announced that Steve Patterson, a former FBI agent, will become the interim chief safety officer and report directly to the university's president. In addition, the university will create a Campus Safety Advisory Commission and work with the PAX Group on a master facility safety plan. Robbins says communication is the biggest of the needed improvements. He noted in the months leading up to Oct. 5, there was a reluctance to share information between departments about the threat because of privacy concerns. Flowers decorate a memorial for Dr. Thomas Meixner, professor and head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona, in Tucson on Oct. 8, 2022. Meixner was fatally shot on campus Oct. 5. The report also recommends centralizing communications, reforming the Threat Assessment Management Team, developing clear guidelines for different departments for responding to a crisis and improving communication between the universitys police department and other campus emergency groups and other law enforcement agencies. Robbins said other ideas to improve campus safety are being considered, such as putting locks on doors and making buildings key accessible, as well as implementing a live broadcast and an emergency siren for campus emergencies. The report gives us a good framework and a roadmap to the future that can only be implemented if we all come together and work, Robbins said. President apologizes for 'dismissive' response to faculty group Robbins also apologized for a public statement released by the university criticizing a previous report published by a faculty safety group about events leading up to the shooting, and how the schools risk management system and other systemic failures were at fault. It was a mistake for us to release that dismissive criticism of their work, he said. This criticism, the lack of cooperation from university administration, and fear of retaliation led to the disbanding of the group as outlined in a letter sent to the university March 3. Meixner family files $9 million claim The Meixner family on Friday filed its $9 million notice of claim, often a precursor to a lawsuit. The family is represented by the law firm Zwillinger Wulkan and Kuykendall & Associates. "The University of Arizona sacrificed Professor Tom Meixners life, repeatedly ignoring the clear and present danger of a hostile and dangerous student who openly advertised his intent to murder," stated the claim. In the claim, the attorneys state the university downplayed the situation and threat, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, including threatening and racist emails, text messages as well as public encounters and failed to report these incidents to the appropriate authorities. The Arizona Board of Regents has 60 days to respond to the Meixners notice of claim. If the University of Arizona fails to accept responsibility and compensate the Meixners for their enormous losses, we are prepared to file a lawsuit to seek the full measure of justice for our clients attorney Larry Wulkan said in a statement. Coverage of southern Arizona on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is funded by the nonprofit Report for America in association with The Republic. Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Report slams UA handling of threats before hydrology professor's death A reporter covering Mondays deadly school shooting in Tennessee opened up about her own experience surviving a school shooting as a child and how it resonates with her today as a mother. This is really bringing up a lot of tough memories for me, Joylyn Bukovac, a local journalist with station WSMV, said while reporting live from the scene of this weeks attack in Nashville. There, the assailant, identified as a 28-year-old transgender person, fatally shot three children and three adults inside The Covenant School before being shot dead by police, according to authorities. Bukovac said she was only 13 when violence tore through her own middle school in Madison, Alabama, in 2010. I appreciate all the support Ive received after sharing my story. I dont talk about it much, but I think about what happened on February 5, 2010 often. I just want people to know they arent alone. I also want to discuss solutions. As a mom, I am worried for the future https://t.co/Fbd0fEpZyt Joylyn Bukovac (@joylynrbukovac) March 27, 2023 I was actually in the hallway when the gunman opened fire in my school shooting. I was just in eighth grade at the time, and I cant even describe the shock. I wasnt really ready to talk about it for two years, she said, advising parents to offer their children some space and time to open up about how they may feel after Mondays attack. Just be very gentle with them and let them talk when theyre ready because the shock that theyre going to be feeling coming home is going to be unfathomable, she said. If theyre not ready to talk, dont be overly concerned. Everyone copes in their own way, so just really be there for them. Open up that line of communication. Im a mom now, so Im trying to put myself in everyones shoes that will be coping with some tough emotions in helping their children work through that. Story continues Psychological reactions to a crisis can differ widely from person to person, with some reporting panic and distress while others feel numb. This is based on factors such as age, trauma history and proximity to an incident, according to the American Psychological Association. People reunite with their children following Monday's shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, that left three children and three adults dead, not including the shooter. People reunite with their children following Monday's shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, that left three children and three adults dead, not including the shooter. Survivors and witnesses of mass shootings tend to experience particularly severe reactions, with studies documenting increases in post-traumatic stress, major depression, anxiety disorders and substance use disorder, among others. People can also experience anxiety, acute stress and other impairments through media exposure to the violence alone, the APA said. Bukovac, in a later interview with her news station, said she was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in college, years after the violence at her middle school left a 14-year-old student dead. Some people have been reaching out to me, saying: Enoughs enough. When is all of this gun violence going to change? she said in her live broadcast from The Covenant School. And thats a really good question that were going to keep on asking. A woman kisses a child at a reunification center following Monday's school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. A woman kisses a child at a reunification center following Monday's school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. Bukovac noted the high number of school shootings the country has seen since a 1999 attack on Colorados Columbine High School left 15 people dead, including the two 12th grade gunmen. The Washington Post has tallied 376 school shootings since that attack, while The Associated Press has counted 15 that were considered mass shootings, defined as incidents leaving at least four people dead, not including the perpetrator. Collectively, those mass shootings have left 175 people dead. I also want to discuss solutions, Bukovac tweeted after her live broadcast this week. As a mom, I am worried for the future. Related... Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia are among the Republicans highlighting the shooters transgender identity. Drew Angerer/Getty Images A police statement Monday indicated the shooter who attacked a Nashville school was transgender. Republicans including JD Vance and Marjorie Taylor Greene are linking that detail to the attack. There's no evidence to suggest that identifying as transgender is predictive of violence. Following a deadly shooting at an elementary school in Tennessee, some prominent Republicans are highlighting evidence that the perpetrator was transgender and suggesting that gender identity played a role in causing the violence. Details continue to emerge about the shooting, but there is no evidence to suggest that identifying as transgender leads to a propensity for inflicting violence. By contrast, several studies have found that transgender people face disproportionate levels of violence by virtue of their identity. Authorities said the attacker on Monday morning killed three elementary-school students and three adult staff members at The Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, before being killed by responding police officers. Authorities initially identified the attacker as a 28-year-old woman who was a former student at the school, but the Nashville police chief later told reporters on Monday afternoon that the perpetrator identified as transgender. On Tuesday, in a statement to Insider, the Nashville police issued another statement saying they had seen the attacker use male pronouns on social media but had not confirmed the person's gender identity. "Was this individual transitioning to a male? We don't know. We aren't aware of the shooters intentions in terms of gender identity," a Metro Nashville Police Department representative said. "The term may have been used prematurely." But as details of the shooter's identity began to emerge, some prominent Republican elected officials zeroed in on the prospect that the assailant was trans. Story continues Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio wrote on Twitter that there "needs to be a lot of soul searching on the extreme left" following the shooting and that "giving in to these ideas isn't compassion, it's dangerous." In a brief interview with Insider at the Capitol on Tuesday, Vance expanded on his remarks, blaming rhetoric used by some activists for causing the violence. "If you tell transgender people that they're being genocided, it is expected that some people will take violent means as a response," Vance said. "We recognize that when we're talking about white supremacists or any other ideological group. There's a broad recognition in this country that when you tell people that they're being violently destroyed, that sometimes people take violent measures in response." Vance went on to invoke recent debates over children's education, speculating that rhetoric around legislation seeking to ban some books from school libraries may have also led to the violence. "I think that we should all tone down the rhetoric a little bit, and stop telling trans people they're being genocided because parents don't want pornographic materials in school libraries," Vance said. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, on the other hand, speculated without evidence that Hale had a mental illness. "How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender Nashville school shooter taking?" Greene wrote on Twitter. "Everyone can stop blaming guns now." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) March 27, 2023 "Our trans youth are troubled," Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee told Fox News in a statement. "If they don't get the help they need they can grow up to have some serious issues, but I obviously don't believe they'll all grow up to be shooters like this." And Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate who's made combatting "wokeism" the centerpiece of his campaign, issued a statement on the shooting declaring that identifying as transgender "more often than not" is a "sign and a symptom that they are suffering from a mental illness." The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ-rights organization, noted in a statement about the shooting on Monday that transgender and nonbinary people were "much more likely to be the victims of violence, rather than the perpetrator of it." Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 27, 2023 In a statement to Insider, the National Center for Transgender Equality called for new restrictions on guns while noting that dozens of mass shootings have already occurred this year. "Regardless of the perpetrator's identity, it is important to understand that one person's actions do not reflect an entire community," the organization said. "Statistically, we know that transgender and non-binary people are far more likely to be the victims of violence, rather than perpetrators." Becca Cohen contributed reporting. Read the original article on Business Insider Public consumption of marijuana may soon be banned as Springfield City Council considers how to regulate cannabis after it was legalized at the state level. Voters approved Amendment 3 to the Missouri Constitution, legalizing the drug for those over 21. However, the amendment leaves enforcement of regulations to the state and local municipalities. City Council met Monday afternoon to discuss what regulations should be in place. The draft ordinance would ban marijuana possession for those under age 21. Such possession is already illegal under Amendment 3, but the constitutional change did not institute an enforcement mechanism for police. The proposed regulations would make underage individuals in violation subject to civil fines between $100 and $250. The regulations would also ban those under 21 from possessing "marijuana accessories." With certain exceptions, those over 21 who possess more than three ounces of marijuana at a time will face escalating fines between $250 and $1,000. Much of the discussion among councilmembers was over a proposed ban on public consumption of marijuana. Under the draft regulations presented to council, people would be banned from consuming marijuana "in a public place," defined as "any place to which the public or a substantial number of the public have access, or any place which is visible by normal unaided vision from any place where the public or a substantial number of the public has access." This includes but is not limited to streets, highways, sidewalks, transportation facilities, parks, playgrounds, parking lots, and common areas of public and private buildings. Any use of marijuana that is visible from these areas would be disallowed under the draft provisions. Penalties for this offense would be limited to a $100 fine. Assistant City Attorney Chris Hoeman noted that these regulations are more stringent than how the city regulates the public use of alcohol or tobacco. Councilmembers later asked this provision to be amended to allow consumption on a person's private property that is visible to the public such as a private balcony or porch. Story continues Councilman Abe McGull said there could be reason to treat public consumption of marijuana differently than alcohol or tobacco because of its distinctive odor. "I think this restriction has a lot to do with the odor that emits from marijuana as opposed to the odor emitted from tobacco. As a society I think we have become somewhat accustomed to the odor of tobacco but the odor of marijuana is the most repugnant thing about (the drug). We can address that because once the odor is out in the public, it may be offensive," he said. Councilman Craig Hosmer, who has previously been outspoken in his attempts to restrict use of marijuana, believes the city should go much further in protecting the public to the negative effects legalization might bring. He pointed out the proposed language did not specifically criminalize consumption of marijuana in a vehicle. More:Springfield City Council adopts recreational marijuana regulations before Feb. 6 deadline Though council later asked staff to include a provision to specify the regulations include those consuming marijuana while in a moving vehicle, Hosmer hoped to go further to ban an open container of marijuana. Councilman Richard Ollis said he was concerned with over-regulating and creating difficulties for the Springfield Police Department in enforcing these restrictions. "Initially implementing some very basic things might be the most appropriate. ... Especially something that's so new to us, I'm afraid we're gonna go so deep here that we're gonna just create something that's virtually unenforceable or unmanageable," Ollis said. Hosmer said the proposed initial regulations would be "more liberal" than many other municipalities. "Why are we going to do some sort of watered-down version because we want to get something out quick? I'd rather do something right rather than to do it quick ...," he said. "Our obligation is to make sure we have good public policies. We don't know what the impact is going to be. You go more lenient than any other jurisdiction that we've looked at. Doesn't make any sense to me." Councilman Andy Lear pointed out that unlike alcohol, many containers of marijuana are resealable and so not analogous to a can of alcohol. Horton said she is concerned too many regulations may affect marginalized residents such as Black or low-income Springfieldians more than others. "We're putting so many restrictions, and I can't help but to think who is going to disproportionately impact others compared to the public at large. I can't help but to think about that," Horton said. More:Christian County to vote on marijuana tax, Nixa recall process With some revisions, City Council plans to bring the proposed regulations up for a vote soon after the April election, once new councilmembers are seated. City Manager Jason Gage mentioned the possibility of a sales tax on recreational marijuana in Springfield but wanted to wait to have a fuller discussion until after other municipalities vote on such taxes. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: No public consumption of marijuana in proposed council regulation Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most, by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz (The Open Field) In America, we excel at producing self-help books, videos and podcasts; its as if the entire nation is perpetually riven by angst about falling short of our full potential, or, if social media is a guide, failing to acquire enough stuff or becoming happy enough. Graduation speakers especially take off on life and career advice to the caps-and-gowns gathered before them, as if the grads werent already nervous enough about achieving... something. However, at Yale University, students might be spared at the least the usual graduation dose of life and work advice because they have had access to a remarkable undergraduate class offered by professors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz that teaches students to look for the essence of who we are, our personal truth. In the course, and the book, the authors draw on a diverse cast: Jesus, Socrates, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Ida B. Wells, Friedrich Nietzsche and others. The authors also collect wisdom from major religions and assemble a guide to figuring out lifes overarching questions, such as what is worth wanting in life, responding to failure and how much happiness matters. The Life Worth Living class generates such interest at Yale that it has been exported to, among other schools, Duke University, the University of Hong Kong and Danbury Federal Correctional Institution. The authors also are working to bring versions of the course to kindergarten through high school. Substantial revision may be needed for these other groups. For example, discussions in the book can get a tad dense such as the one about Abraham when he understood God to order him to sacrifice his son. In the scriptural story, an angel intervenes at the last minute and tells Abraham to sacrifice a sheep instead. Its hard to imagine a group of grade schoolers running with that discussion. Story continues Volf, Croasmun and McAnnally-Linz say the search for meaning extends beyond a personal quest to bigger inquiries such as who we are as humans and nations. Will we all be better off having deeply thought through what matters in this life, who we are and what our purpose is in greater scheme of things? McAnnally-Linz says the book is a toolkit for thinking well about lifes most important questions. Throughout the book, the Question is never precisely defined but meant to ignite discussions about topics such as worth, value, good and evil, meaning, purpose, beauty, truth, justice, what we owe one another, what the world is and who we are and how we live. Thats kindling for quite a few engaging conversations. This is the fourth book by Maria Shrivers Open Field Imprint, which aspires to publish books that inspire and make us feel hopeful. Hollywood star Richard Gere voiced outrage Tuesday over the "cruelty" of Chinese policies in Tibet, as US Congress debated ways to pressure Beijing over alleged human rights violations in the Himalayan region. Testifying before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the "Pretty Woman" actor accused Chinese authorities of separating Tibetan families, prohibiting their language, destroying religious sites and engaging in nonconsensual DNA collection. "For decades, as we know, the Chinese Communist Party's ethnic policies have been largely predicated on containment, denial, destruction and assimilation," said Gere, a longtime champion of Tibet who has testified in Congress several times. The 73-year-old accused Beijing of "cruelty, collective violence and persecution" of the Tibetan people, whom he said were repressed by a "pervasive surveillance system." Tibet has alternated over the centuries between independence and control by China, which says it "peacefully liberated" the rugged plateau in 1951 and brought infrastructure and education to the previously underdeveloped region. But many exiled Tibetans accuse China's ruling Communist Party of repression, torture and eroding their culture. Around a million Tibetan children have been separated from their families and put through "forced assimilation" at Chinese residential schools, three United Nations experts said in February. "Identifiable mechanisms like arbitrary detention, forcible transfer, rape, torture, disappearance are all tools that have been well-documented throughout the course of Beijing's assimilation practices," Gere said. He called on the United States and its allies to "speak with a unified voice" on the need for Beijing to resume talks leading to "meaningful autonomy" for Tibetans. Congress should pass legislation underscoring US support the Tibetan people, Gere said, urging Washington to press China at the United Nations to halt the expulsion of nomadic herders from their ancestral lands. He urged lawmakers to produce a report on China's efforts to influence perceptions of Tibet and spiritual leader the Dalai Lama abroad -- and to curb US support for the forced collection of DNA and other medical data. ft/caw In his time on Good Morning Britain, Richard Madeley has had no shortage of memorable moments. A co-anchor on the programme since 2017, the presenter often appears alongside Susanna Reid as they discuss pressing topics of the day. Whether its through interactions with guests, or by offering his personal take on a story, Madeley is known to audiences for expressing himself in an unfiltered manner. Viewers are quick to share their thoughts on Madeleys most eyebrow-raising moments on social media. Here is a rundown of his most controversial moments so far. Comparing climate activists to paedophiles Madeleys most recent moment of controversy took place on 28 March during a conversation about the decision of a group of Britains top lawyers to refuse to prosecute climate activists. If these people, these barristers and lawyers, have announced they will not prosecute they simply wont even get started in a court of law someone who has glued themselves to the road as part of a Just Stop Oil protest, are they still happy to defend, say, a paedophile? Madeley asked. Some viewers expressed their disdain for his comments online, with one writing: Note to Richard Madeley - if you do not have anything sensible to say please dont say anything. Butting heads with Mick Lynch In December 2022, Mick Lynch appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the strike action that was due to take place across the transport network. Madeley was passionate in his questioning of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) leader, and pressed Lynch on the timing of the strikes. Richard Madeley and Mick Lynch (ITV) Why couldnt you have put all these strikes in January? Madeley asked Lynch. Why do you have to target people at Christmas? Youll be putting people out of business who run hotels, who run restaurants, who run bars, and retail. Well, were not targeting Christmas, Lynch replied. It isnt Christmas yet, Richard. I dont know when your Christmas starts, but mine starts on Christmas Eve. Story continues Viewers were less than impressed with Madeleys conduct in the conversation, with one online commenter tweeting: Richard Madeley needs to calm down and let other people speak. A lot of the public stand with the rail strikers and nurses etc. Shamima Begum and Hitler Youth comments During a discussion on whether former Isis bride Shamima Begum should be allowed to return to the country, Madeley went off on a tangent about the Second World War. Obviously, we had the Nuremberg trials after the war and we hanged quite a few Nazis and imprisoned a lot of others and we let them out eventually. But we didnt go after the Hitler Youth as far as Im aware. We didnt go after the Hitler Youth we only went after adults who served in the Hitler regime. And thats something to reflect on, I think. Susanna Reid appeared to be baffled by her co-hosts reflections, and it led to some viewers comparing him to Alan Partridge, Steve Coogans bumbling broadcaster character. Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid (Twitter) Debating with Dr Hilary about Covid lockdown restrictions In July 2021, Madeley clashed opinions with Dr Hilary Jones, a longtime contributor to the programme, over their differing views on lockdown restrictions. The GP claimed that the UK should take rising Covid-19 cases more seriously as Australia was at the time rather than abandoning restrictions altogether. However, Madeley opposed Dr Joness caution, telling him: But we have the vaccine and Australia hasnt. When Hilary explained that vaccines didnt provide 100 per cent protection, Madeley said that he was being misleading. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX. The Kennewick School Board last week voted to ban teachers and staff members from wearing buttons that are political in nature. Under the new policy adopted unanimously, district employees may not wear campaign buttons or other campaign materials advocating for or against a specific initiative, referendum, ballot measures, candidate, or political campaign during work hours. Superintendent Traci Pierce said the added language was consistent with current practice at Kennewick schools and provides clarity in district policies about which type of politicking is OK. The move does not appear to affect student speech. The Washington Public Disclosure Commissions guidance currently allows for teachers and other district employees to wear campaign buttons or similar items while on the job as long as the school districts policy allows employees that right. But not all school districts have such policies written down and neither did Kennewick. I dont see campaigning happening in our classrooms when it comes to political campaigns, so I think it would be good to just provide some clarity for staff when they ask and we say, well, look at PDC (Washington State Public Disclosure Commission) and PDC says consult your district policy, she said. PDC guidelines still allow teachers and staff the right to place window signs or bumper stickers on their privately owned vehicles, even if those cars are parked on school property during work hours. Theyre also still allowed to distribute campaign materials during non-work hours to employees in lunchrooms, break rooms or other areas used solely by staff. Staff may also encourage one another to vote and can engage in political activities on their own time. Pierce said building administrators will begin asking teachers who wear political buttons to take them off under the new policy. If somebody becomes defiant, or continues even after theyve been told, thats a policy violation then we deal with that as any potential disciplinary situation because theyre not following policy even though its been brought to their attention... I dont anticipate that would happen, Pierce said. Story continues There was little discussion between the board members leading up to the vote. Richland schools The decision from Kennewick comes as an embattled Richland School District grapples with how far teachers can go in voicing their support of or opposition to a potential school board recall. One of the issues involves campaign buttons. Richland does not appear to have any policy on campaigning that restricts or limits teachers from wearing buttons in support of recalling school board members Kari Williams, Semi Bird and Audra Byrd. The Richland teachers unions president wanted more clarification on what they can and cannot do when it comes to the recall. The superintendent had forwarded the Public Disclosure Commission guidelines and recommended teachers not wear buttons. Byrd, the boards vice chairwoman, urged that any staffers seen with recall buttons or petitions should be immediately fired. But a school official has told the Herald that no one has been fired for that issue. Flag policy Just last month, the Kennewick School Board shot down a controversial policy amendment that would have restricted how flags other than the U.S. flag could be displayed in classrooms. It would have placed restrictions on the size, height, location and number of flags displayed on a full-time basis in classrooms. Some lauded the policy, while others said it directly targeted teachers who prominently hang gay pride flags in their classroom. The Richland School Board also has considered adopting a flag policy. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will travel to Israel next month as the country faces unprecedented protests over proposed reforms to its judiciary, an early foreign policy test of the potential presidential contender. DeSantis is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at an event on April 27 hosted by the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem and The Jerusalem Post, the governors office confirmed Tuesday. Israeli officials confirmed to McClatchy that they are aware of the Republican governors travel plans. DeSantis who is in the midst of a nationwide book tour widely seen as a precursor to a GOP presidential campaign will deliver his remarks before a crowd of 400 people, according to the press release announcing the event, including 120 U.S.-Jewish philanthropists. The governor is traveling to Israel as part of a larger Florida-Asian trade delegation. The event where DeSantis will be speaking, titled Celebrate the Faces of Israel, will attempt to tackle ever-present tensions in Israel, teach about the countrys history, and introduce the audience to the changemakers who embrace tolerance and acceptance, according to the release. DeSantis, expected to launch a presidential campaign in a matter of months, said he looks forward to visiting at a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, according to the press release. READ MORE: DeSantis begins ramping up SC outreach for 2024, with backing from state lawmakers The release did not mention if DeSantis would weigh in on the proposed changes to the judiciary, saying only that he would speak about the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, especially in difficult times. Any position from the governor would likely mark a major moment for his still-undeclared campaign, with the potential to ignite an international firestorm similar to the one he caused earlier this month after declaring that supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia was not a vital United States interest. Story continues Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday delayed votes in the Israeli Knesset on an overhaul of Israels judiciary, which would have given the ruling party power to appoint justices and override Supreme Court decisions. Controversy over the impending vote has engulfed the country in recent weeks, with threats of a general strike and mass protests filling the countrys streets. Opponents of the proposed changes have charged that they undermine Israels democracy. The measure was also the subject of conversation between President Joe Biden who, according to the White House, spoke to Netanyahu earlier this month to underscore that democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship. DeSantis and Israel DeSantis has made support for Israel a foreign policy priority of his, dating back to his time in Congress. In his book, The Courage to be Free, DeSantis writes about traveling to Israel in 2017 to scout locations for a new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, where then-President Donald Trump had promised to relocate the countrys diplomatic mission. The next year, he wrote, he attended the formal ceremony announcing the embassys relocation to Jerusalem. When he first ran for governor in 2018, he said hed be the most pro-Israel governor in the country and repeated a story about how his wife bottled water from the Sea of Galilee during a trip to Israel to use in the baptism of their children. After he was elected, he made good on a campaign promise to quickly make an international trip to Israel, traveling in May of 2019 to the country on a trade mission with a large Florida delegation. During the trip, the Florida Cabinet held an official state meeting despite a lawsuit from open-government advocates seeking to stop the event over the lack of public access. Room-temperature superconductors could make high-speed maglev trains more practical. Visual China Group via Getty Images Superconductors make highly efficient electronics, but the ultralow temperatures and ultrahigh pressures required to make them work are costly and difficult to implement. Room-temperature superconductors promise to change that. The recent announcement by researchers at the University of Rochester of a new material that is a superconductor at room temperature, albeit at high pressure, is an exciting development if proved. If the material or one like it works reliably and can be economically mass-produced, it could revolutionize electronics. Room-temperature superconducting materials would lead to many new possibilities for practical applications, including ultraefficient electricity grids, ultrafast and energy-efficient computer chips, and ultrapowerful magnets that can be used to levitate trains and control fusion reactors. A superconductor is a material that conducts direct current without encountering any electrical resistance. Resistance is the property of the material that hinders the flow of electricity. Traditional superconductors must be cooled to extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero. In recent decades, researchers have developed so-called high-temperature superconductors, which only have to be chilled to minus-10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-23 Celsius). Though easier to work with than traditional superconductors, high-temperature superconductors still require special thermal equipment. In addition to cold temperatures, these materials require very high pressure, 1.67 million times more than the atmospheric pressure of 14.6 pounds per square inch (1 bar). As the name suggests, room-temperature superconductors dont need special equipment to cool them. They do need to be pressurized, but only to a level thats about 10,000 times more than atmospheric pressure. This pressure can be achieved by using strong metallic casings. Where superconductors are used Superconductor electronics refers to electronic devices and circuits that use superconducting materials to achieve extremely high levels of performance and energy efficiency that are orders of magnitude better than can be achieved with state-of-the-art semiconductor devices and circuits. Story continues The lack of electrical resistance in superconducting material means that they can support high electrical currents without any energy loss due to resistance. This efficiency makes superconductors very attractive for power transmission. Utility provider Commonwealth Edison installed high-temperature superconducting transmission lines and showcased technologies to bring power to Chicagos north side for a one-year trial period. Compared to conventional copper wire, the upgraded superconducting wire can carry 200 times the electrical current. But the cost of maintaining the low temperatures and high pressures required for todays superconductors makes even this efficiency gain impractical in most cases. Because the resistance of a superconductor is zero, if a current is applied to a superconducting loop, the current will persist forever unless the loop is broken. This phenomenon can be used in various applications to make large permanent magnets. Todays magnetic resonance imaging machines use superconductor magnets to achieve the magnetic field strength of a few teslas, which is needed for accurate imaging. For comparison, the Earths magnetic field has a strength, or flux density, of about 50 microteslas. The magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnet in a 1.5 tesla MRI machine is 30,000 times stronger than that produced by the Earth. The scanner uses the superconducting magnet to generate a magnetic field that aligns hydrogen nuclei in a patients body. This process combined with radio waves produces images of tissue for an MRI exam. The strength of the magnet directly affects the strength of the MRI signal. A 1.5 tesla MRI machine requires longer scan times to create clear images than a 3.0 tesla machine. Superconducting materials expel magnetic fields from inside themselves, which makes them powerful electromagnets. These super-magnets have the potential to levitate trains. Superconducting electromagnets generate 8.3 tesla magnetic fields more than 100,000 times the Earths magnetic field. The electromagnets use a current of 11,080 amperes to produce the field, and a superconducting coil allows the high currents to flow without losing any energy. The Yamanashi superconducting Maglev train in Japan levitates 4 inches (10 centimeters) above its guideway and travels at speeds up to 311 mph (500 kph). Superconducting circuits are also a promising technology for quantum computing because they can be used as qubits. Qubits are the basic units of quantum processors, analogous to but much more powerful than transistors in classical computers. Companies such as D-Wave Systems, Google and IBM have built quantum computers that use superconducting qubits. Though superconducting circuits make good qubits, they pose some technological challenges to making quantum computers with large numbers of qubits. A key issue is the need to keep the qubits at very low temperatures, which requires the use of large cryogenic devices known as dilution refrigerators. Some quantum computer processors use superconducting circuits. Steve Jurvetson/Flickr, CC BY Promise of room-temperature superconductors Room-temperature superconductors would remove many of the challenges associated with the high cost of operating superconductor-based circuits and systems and make it easier to use them in the field. Room-temperature superconductors would enable ultra high-speed digital interconnects for next-generation computers and low-latency broadband wireless communications. They would also enable high-resolution imaging techniques and emerging sensors for biomedical and security applications, materials and structure analyses, and deep-space radio astrophysics. Room-temperature superconductors would mean MRIs could become much less expensive to operate because they would not require liquid helium coolant, which is expensive and in short supply. Electrical power grids would be at least 20% more power efficient than todays grids, resulting in billions of dollars saved per year, according to my estimates. Maglev trains could operate over longer distances at lower costs. Computers would run faster with orders of magnitude lower power consumption. And quantum computers could be built with many more qubits, enabling them to solve problems that are far beyond the reach of todays most powerful supercomputers. Whether and how soon this promising future of electronics can be realized depends in part on whether the new room-temperature superconductor material can be verified and whether it can be economically mass-produced. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Massoud Pedram, University of Southern California. Read more: Massoud Pedram receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA), and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). Craig Bott's family are hoping to raise enough to repatriate his body to the UK The family of a man from Rotherham who died in Australia are trying to raise 20,000 to bring his body home. Father-of-two Craig Bott, 38, was killed in a car crash on the South Western Highway near Perth on 15 March. His parents said he had been exploring the country as part of a trip to decide if he wanted to move there permanently. Chris and Julie Oliver said an appeal set up by Craig's twin brother Glenn had raised 10,000 and they had been "amazed" by people's generosity. Mr Oliver told BBC Radio Sheffield Craig, who had a 16-year-old daughter and six-year-old son, had left Britain in January, "to explore Australia with the possibility of going out there to make a new life for himself". However, on 16 March at 06:30 GMT two police officers knocked on their door. "They delivered the news that he'd been tragically killed." Mr Oliver said "time just froze" and it was the worst thing he had experienced in his life. Julie Oliver said they had been told he had crashed into a tree and died instantly. "It's a mum's worst nightmare, you go to bed and you've twin boys and you get up in the morning and you've got one boy," she said. Craig Bott had been exploring Australia when he was in a car crash near Perth Mrs Oliver said her son had been a "fun-loving lad". "He wanted to go and find a better life for all of them, but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family." Mr Oliver said the cost of repatriation was high but they had "to fetch Craig home". His wife said Craig's twin Glenn had set up the fundraiser to try and help cover the costs. "He's been absolutely amazing, he's taken over really because it has devastated Chris and myself." The family said they had already raised more than half the 20,000 needed. "We've been amazed by people's generosity," Mrs Oliver said. "The warmth and generosity of the people who have donated is unbelievable and we can't thank them enough," Mr Oliver added. Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. Putin Meets Belarussian Counterpart Lukashenko In Minsk Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands before a press conference at the Palace of Independence December 19, 2022 in Minsk, Belarus. Credit - Getty Images2022 Contributor#8523328 In a first since the 1990s, Russia is planning to station nuclear weapons outside the country. In a March 25 announcement, President Vladimir Putin said Russia plans to deploy nuclear missiles to Belarus, along with a missile system capable of carrying the weapons. From April 3, we start crew training, and on July 1 we are finishing the construction of a special repository for tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, said Putin. NATO condemned Putins decision the following day, criticizing his nuclear rhetoric and calling it dangerous and irresponsible. But in the same statement, NATO seemed to indicate that the decision had not changed their approach, declaring, We have not seen any changes in Russias nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own. While no posturing involving weapons as powerful as nuclear missiles is risk-free, some international observers indicated that Russia still isnt likely to use its nuclear arsenal, regardless of where its stationed. But by repeatedly reminding the world of its nuclear arsenal, experts say, Russia has shown that even if its not ready to use the weapons on the battlefield, its more than willing to brandish them as a threat. Why is Russia placing nuclear missiles in Belarus? Russia already has long-range nuclear weapons, and stationing missiles in Belarus wont extend their range to new targets, according to an analysis from the Institute for the Study of War. Instead, the institute argued, its goal may be to frighten countries and discourage them from provoking Russia by expanding their support for Ukraine. Putin is attempting to exploit Western fears of nuclear escalation by deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, the Institute said in its analysis. Story continues Ukrainian leaders, meanwhile, framed Putins decision as a sign of weakness following Russias struggles on the battlefield. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, wrote on Twitter, he admits that he is afraid of losing & all he can do is scare with tactics. Even if Putins announcement does not raise the risk of nuclear war, it could still have a powerful impact on Ukraines allies. Putin may be using the weapons to reaffirm his commitment to the war, Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said in an email. This is Putins way of saying he has more at stake in Ukraine than NATO does, she said. NATO has shown incredible restraint as Russia has made nuclear threats, says Williams, and it should keep trying to reduce nuclear risks in Ukraine. Dalibor Rohac, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said in an email that even if Russia does not intend to use the weapons, its nuclear arsenal and threats can make the west doubt its support for Ukraine. Without it, Robac says, the west might have provided Ukraine with stronger support from the beginning of the war. Does placing missiles in Belarus raise the threat of nuclear war? Not by much, experts say. John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesperson, said there is no indication that he has any intention to use nuclear weapons, period, inside Ukraine, in an interview on Face the Nation on Sunday. The Institute for the Study of Wars experts agreed, writing, The announcement of the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus is irrelevant to the risk of escalation to nuclear war, which remains extremely low. A nuclear attack in Ukraine would be a risky gamble for Russia and probably wouldnt help its military, says Rohac. In particular, he says, it could lead to negative consequences for Russia, including a conventional military response by NATO and the loss of Chinas support. The use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia against Ukraine is a possibility (unlike the use of nuclear weapons against NATO countries) but a very remote one, says Rohac. What does this move say about Russias relationship with Belarus? It may be too soon to determine whether Russias announcement will have an influence on Ukraines allies. However, Russias announcement may be indicative of its relationships with Belarus. Putin is often credited with helping President Alexander Lukashenko maintain his regime in Belarus despite growing public opposition. In turn, Lukashenko permitted Russia to station its troops in Belarus during the invasion of Ukraine. However, the decision to move nuclear weapons into Belarus shows that the leadership in Minsk has very little agency in its relationship with Russia, and it increases the risk of destabilization in Belarus, says Rohac. Turning Belarus into a complete pariah state, possibly provoking public unrest, might lead to a further crumbling of the regimes already tenuous hold on powernecessitating further Russian involvement or leading to instability, he says. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) A Russian court on Tuesday convicted a single father over social media posts critical of the war in Ukraine and sentenced him to two years in prison a case brought against him after his daughters drawing at school opposed the invasion, according to his lawyer and activists. But Alexei Moskalyov fled house arrest before his verdict was delivered in his Russian hometown of Yefremov and is at large, court officials said. His 13-year-old daughter Maria, who has been taken from him by the authorities, wrote him a supportive letter for his trial from the orphanage where she is living, according to his lawyer, telling him, Daddy, youre my hero. Moskalyovs case has drawn international attention and was a grim reminder that the Kremlin is intensifying its crackdown on dissent, targeting more people and handing out harsher punishments for any criticism of the war. The broad government campaign of repression has been unseen since the Soviet era. Moskalyov, 54, was accused of repeatedly discrediting the Russian army, a criminal offense in accordance to a law Russian authorities adopted shortly after sending troops into Ukraine. He was indicted for a series of social media posts about Russian atrocities in Ukraine and referencing the terrorist regime in Moscow that he insists he didn't make. But, according to his lawyer and activists who supported him throughout the case and trial, his troubles started last spring after his 13-year-old daughter, Maria, drew an antiwar picture at Yefremov School No. 9 that depicted missiles flying over a Russian flag at a woman and child and said, Glory to Ukraine. In April 2022, Moskalyov was fined for critical comments on social media. His apartment was raided in December and a criminal case was opened against him this month. He was placed under house arrest and his daughter was placed into the orphanage. At the trial, which concluded in one day on Monday, three teachers and the director of Maria's school testified that they found Moskalyov's discrediting social media posts at random and that Maria's drawing had nothing to do with the case contradicting the accounts of his lawyer and other supporters. Men in military uniforms and medals showed up at the courthouse Monday, apparently in support of the authorities. Story continues Moskalyov rejected the accusations and insisted he had nothing to do with the social media posts in question. In a short closing statement, Moskalyov said he was against what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation. How can one feel about death, about people who are dying? Adults are dying, children. ... Only negatively how else can one feel about a war? he was quoted as saying by Russia's independent news site Mediazona. Court officials said Moskalyov fled house arrest overnight from his apartment in Yefremov, about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) south of Moscow and a similar distance north of the Ukrainian border. He had been wearing a bracelet that tracked his movements but apparently had taken it off. When an official announced in court Tuesday that Moskalyov had fled, some in attendance shouted, Bravo! Moskalyov's lawyer Vladimir Biliyenko said he learned of his client's disappearance at the hearing. Moskalyov was scheduled to appear in court again next week on a petition to restrict his parental rights. Biliyenko told The Associated Press the authorities' petition to restrict Moskalyov's parental rights was based almost solely on his political views and his prosecution for discrediting the army, which they said posed a threat to his daughter. The officials have also accused Moskalyov of being a negligent parent because Maria stopped attending school after her drawing was reported to the police and she was questioned. According to Biliyenko and Moskalyov's supporters, she was scared to go back after that and studied at home. The lawyer described the prosecution of Moskalyov as bullying of the family. The lawyer visited Maria in the orphanage Tuesday and told reporters that while he wasn't able to see her, local administrators allowed him to photograph a letter she wrote to her father, which ended with, Daddy, you're my hero. Biliyenko also was given two drawings Maria made, depicting a dog and rabbits. Olga Podolskaya, a member of Yefremov's municipal council who has been helping Moskalyov, told AP that father and the daughter clearly love each other, and the decision to take Maria away was politically motivated. Maria's mother left when the girl was 3 and has another family in a different city, Podolskaya told AP by phone. Podolskaya said the news that Moskalyov escaped house arrest shocked her. We're all really worried, including Alexei's lawyer, she said, adding that the hope now was for other relatives to seek custody of Maria. Biliyenko said after the hearing that he tried calling Moskalyov after his visit to the orphanage, but he wasn't answering his phone. I thought that he was being brought here (to the courthouse), because they usually arrive in advance, he said. Russian human rights activists say the Kremlin has ramped up pressure on those who disagree with the war. The OVD-Info rights group that tracks political cases and provides legal aid this month has registered an increase in prison sentences for people prosecuted for their antiwar stance, said Daria Korolenko, the group's lawyer and analyst. Repressions are picking up speed, Korolenko told AP in a phone interview, adding that the numbers are expected to continue growing. Also on Tuesday, a court in St. Petersburg continued a hearing in the case against Irina Tsibaneva, 60, who is charged with desecrating a grave. In October she left a note on the grave of President Vladimir Putin's parents that said, among other things: You raised a monster and a killer. She faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Earlier this month, a court in the nearby region of Tver sentenced a married couple to 6 1/2 and 7 years in prison on charges of vandalism and spreading false information about the army. According to OVD-Info, Alexander Martynov and Lyudmila Razumova were charged after critical social media posts and antiwar and antigovernment slogans they allegedly wrote on buildings. In Moscow last week, police raided two bars suspected of raising funds for Ukraine's military. According to media reports, police played patriotic songs and forced the guests to sing along during the raid. At least 40 people were briefly detained. Another recent raid in the capital targeted an event dedicated to the jailed artist Sasha Skochilenko, who is on trial for spreading false information about the army. The event's participants reported being beaten by police or threatened with rape. In the far eastern city of Vladivostok, a court reversed the acquittal of a feminist artist who was tried on charges of disseminating pornography after she shared artwork online of women's bodies. Yulia Tsevtkovas case drew international outrage and ended in a rare acquittal last year after fears she would be sent to prison. Tsvetkova has since left Russia; a new trial has been ordered for her case. In Yefremov, Yelena Agafonova, an activist who has been helping the Moskalyov family, told AP after the trial that anyone can run afoul of authorities these days with their comments. Perhaps your children will express their opinion somewhere. Perhaps your children will laugh at something somewhere, and they will be in exactly the same situation in which this family is now, she said. "Perhaps a neighbor, who thinks they saw something (untoward), will report on you. So while you are lying on the couch, this will all happen more, and more, and more. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Russia massively attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones The drone that wasn't intercepted hit a business in Dnipro City and caused a large fire. It took several hours for firefighters to extinguish 4,000 square meters (43,000 square ft) blaze, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast governor Serhii Lysak wrote in Telegram. Read also: Ukrainian defenders down Russian Mi-24 helicopter, 6 drones, hit artillery unit All twelve suicide drones launched toward Kyiv were shot down, as well as a reconnaissance Granat-4 drone, the Air Defense Forces reported. The fragments of the intercepted drones fell in Svyatoshynskyi District of the capital. A 200 square meters (2150 square ft) fire broke out at a store and an administration facility but was promptly extinguished. Two other local fires were also put out by emergency services. No casualties were reported, wrote Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Read also: Russia supplies Iran with cyber weapons in exchange for drones and ammunition, WSJ says Kherson Oblast was attacked with two guided bombs, but no other details were provided. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russia successfully test-fired supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles in the Sea of Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. Missile boats with the Pacific Fleet fired two Moskit cruise missiles, both of which struck a mock enemy warship, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. The target was located about 62 miles away. Russias missile test was conducted in the Peter the Great Gulf off the southern coast of the country in the nations territorial waters. Tasuku Matsuki, who is in charge of Russia for the Japans Foreign Ministry, said his country would not formally protest the missile test. But Japan is concerned about Russias increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, the official said at a news conference. Russia also flew Tu-95 bombers over the Sea of Japan last week and Russian and Chinese warship exercises last fall drew concerns from Tokyo. The Moskit, referred to within the NATO security alliance as the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a cruise missile capable of carrying a conventional or nuclear warhead. The missile, designed to defend against naval ships and vessels, can fly at three times the speed of sound. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russians conducted raids in the villages of Skadovsk and Kakhovka districts, looking for ATO participants or their relatives "The Russian occupation administration needs to report on combating the (Ukrainian) resistance, so they decided to search for previous anti-terrorist operation participants in temporarily occupied areas of Kherson (Oblast)," the statement reads. Read also: Russian military, occupation authorities in Crimea selling up, moving out amid fears of losing control of peninsula To that end, Russian troops raided villages in Skadovsk and Kakhovka districts, where they were looking for ATO veterans and their family members. "However, the enemy does not understand that they are occupiers for the majority of the population and therefore everyone under occupation is working to liberate their native lands," the message added. Read also: Pro-Ukrainian sentiment growing in Crimea, Reintegration Ministry says Earlier, the National Resistance Center reported that the Russian occupation administration in Crimea is stepping up its "counter-sabotage" measures. The Ukrainian resistance on the peninsula has recorded an increase in the number of arrests and military draft notices issued to Crimean Tatars. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian forces have suffered significant losses in armoured vehicles in their attempts to encircle the city of Avdiivka and are making few gains. Source: UK Defence Intelligence on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: In recent days, Russia has continued to prioritise an operation attempting to encircle the Donetsk Oblast town of Avdiivka. However, Russian forces have made only marginal progress at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles. In particular, Russias 10th Tank Regiment has likely lost a large proportion of its tanks while attempting to surround Avdiivka from the south. The regiment is part of 3rd Army Corps, the first major new formation Russia stood up to support the invasion of Ukraine since August 2022. Numerous open-source accounts suggested that 3rd Army Corps has been particularly dogged by problems with ill-discipline and poor morale. Despite a likely period of training in Belarus, the formation still appears to display limited combat effectiveness. 10th Tank Regiments losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armoured attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar. Background: UK Defence Intelligence noted tactical similarities between the situation occurring near Avdiivka and the defence of Bakhmut. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Iran supports Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine According to the report, Russia has long resisted sharing its digital-offensive technology with Iran, despite the countries long-standing cybersecurity partnership. At some point after launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow decided its need for security assistance from Tehran outweighs the risk of finding its cyber warfare equipment being resold on the dark web. Read also: International Fencing Federation officials in China try to take banner about Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia video WSJs sources said Russia has supplied Iran with surveillance and intelligence gathering equipment, hidden cameras, and lie detectors. Furthermore, the sources alleged Moscow may have even supplied sophisticated software that would enable the Iranian regime to hack into phones of dissidents and opposition activists something Tehran is very much in need of, given months-long riots it grappled with in 2022. Read also: Does Israel need to prepare? Who attacked Iran and what Tehran's response will be University of Torontos Citizen Lab asserts that Russian company PROTEI ltd started supplying Iranian telecom company Ariantel with censorship software, making it possible for Tehran to control, redirect, and block mobile communications across Iran. Read also: Ukrainian defenders down Chinese-made Mugin-5 drone in Donetsk Oblast, CNN CNN previously reported that Russia sends some of the pieces of Western military equipment it captures in Ukraine to Iran presumably to examine them and reverse-engineer countermeasures. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine British intelligence reported significant Russian losses in the Avdiivka area Russias invading forces have made only minor progress in the Avdiyivka area at the cost of heavy losses of its armored vehicles, the agency said. Read also: Russian air strikes rock Avdiivka as battle for city rages Russia's 10th Tank Regiment has probably lost most of its tanks while trying to surround Avdiyivka from the south, said the update. The regiment is part of the Third Army Corps, created in Aug. 2022 as the first major formation that Russia created to support its invasion of Ukraine. Read also: Russian forces make small gains near Kreminna, look to bolster defense, says UK intelligence The Third Army Corps is particularly plagued by problems of poor discipline and low morale. Despite an alleged training period in Belarus, the unit continues to show limited combat capability. "The 10th Tank Regiments losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armored attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar," the report reads. British intelligence reported on March 20 that the situation in Avdiyivka could soon resemble Bakhmut. Ukraines Defense Forces confirmed the agency's conclusions. Read also: Russia loses up to 30,000 invaders while trying to take Bakhmut, says Western intel Russian occupation troops have been trying to surround Avdiyivka for almost a year, said the city's military administration. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A Russian body armor manufacturer is importing Chinese components for its vests some of which are being used on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to trade data, photographs and Ukrainians who say theyve recovered the vests from the front lines. In 2022, multiple Chinese companies, including one linked to the government in Beijing, sent parts for body armor manufacturing to Klass, a Russian manufacturer of body armor with ties to the countrys national guard and law enforcement, according to customs and trade data obtained by POLITICO from Import Genius, a customs data aggregator. Armored vests produced by the company are being used by Russian troops in Ukraine, according to photos and videos posted online, and Ukrainians who are selling the vests on eBay say they took them from the battlefield. While its unclear if the Russian militarys use of the Klass vests is widespread, it is the first confirmation that Chinese-made protective equipment is being used by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The new information highlights how Russia continues to rely on China for help propping up its war effort in Ukraine despite western pressure on Beijing to scale back its support for Moscow. The revelation also raises questions about how the U.S. plans to address with Beijing the issue of dual-use items commercial equipment that can also be used for military purposes. The administration has likely seen a lot of things in the record that are discomforting. But they could say well, it is not a surface-air missile system so maybe we'll just kind of look the other way on this, said Ivan Kanapathy, the former director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia at the National Security Council. The line is fuzzy by design. And the assessment is being influenced by the U.S.-China relationship, perhaps naively hoping that China isnt already in the Russia camp, Kanapathy said. The Biden administration has so far been hyper-focused on preventing Beijing from sending large amounts of weapons to Moscow weapons that could significantly alter the course of the fighting on the ground. Story continues But a pattern may be emerging that suggests the administration needs to look more closely at dual-use items. This month, POLITICO reported that Chinese companies linked to the Beijing government were sending commercial assault rifles, drone parts and body armor to Russian entities. The drones have for months been seen on the battlefield. The Treasury Department declined to comment. NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the U.S. has imposed extensive sanctions and export controls against companies that have enabled Russias war in Ukraine. We will continue to take action against companies that provide support to Russias war effort, Watson said. POLITICO reviewed dozens of photos on social media sites and Google as well as several videos published on the Russian site VKontakte of Klass body armor parts. The videos, including one published in November 2022, specifically provide a glimpse into the manufacturing process of the Klass body armor. Antifragmentation suits, bulletproof vests and textiles and stacks of specialized fibers appear in the clips. The photos, some of which were published on eBay, show the fully constructed Klass vests being sold by Ukrainians who say they captured them on the battlefield in the last year. It was not clear when those Klass vests were manufactured, or if they included Chinese components, but the import data shows that its likely they did. Klass, based in Moscow, imported parts for the manufacturing of its armored vests from China multiple times in 2022, including in November and December from several Chinese companies, according to the trade and customs data. Those parts included aramid fibers the same kind of fibers found in Kevlar vests. The Russian distributor has a long-standing business relationship with Russias national guard, the ministry of internal affairs, the federal penitentiary services and other state military units, the data shows. In a press release posted on its website, Klass said it presented its body armor products to the leaders of the ministry of internal affairs in November 2022. The Chinese companies that shipped the products include Yantai Tayho Advanced Materials Ltd, a producer of specialized fiber, and Beijing Tongyizhong New Material Technology Corp, a seller of polyethylene fiber products, a subsidiary of one of Beijings state-owned investment holding corporations. Neither Klass nor the two Chinese companies responded to a request to comment. Klass body armor products have previously been recovered from the battlefield in Ukraine before Russias invasion in 2022, said Lynn Hughes, an analyst on the research team at Import Genius who first identified the body armor components being shipped from China. The Ukrainian army picked up a Russian ballistic vest manufactured by Klass in 2019, according to a report from Conflict Armament Research published that same year. Ukrainians who captured the Klass body armor on the battlefield in 2022 are now trying to sell them for money. POLITICO contacted several sellers on eBay all of whom said they had either served in Ukraine or knew someone who did and that they had taken the Russian vests directly from the battlefield. This bulletproof vest was used in the Russian army and was obtained by the Ukrainian military during the counter offensive in the Kharkiv region, said one of the sellers, who was granted anonymity for security reasons. During the liberation of the city of Izyum in one of the houses where the [Russians] temporarily lived, they ran away so quickly that they abandoned their things. U.S. officials have said they arent overly concerned about these dual-use items showing up on the battlefield, as Russia has long imported this kind of technology from China. In response to a question about POLITICOs initial report March 16 about Chinese companies sending assault rifles, drone parts and body armor to Russia, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby described the relationship between the Chinese and Russian entities as long standing. He said the U.S. had not seen evidence that suggested the items had ended up on the battlefield. We dont want anyone to do anything that will help them kill more Ukrainians, period, Kirby added. But some of the dual-use items are being used in fighting in Ukraine and not all of the contracts are longstanding, according to the data. The 1,000 assault rifles the Chinese state-backed defense contractor sent Russia in the summer of 2022 marked the first time Chinas North Industries Group Corporation sent the distributor a large shipment of weapons. The last time it sent the Russian distributor Tekhkrim rifles was in 2018, and it sent only two of them, according to an analysis of historical trade data by C4ADS, a research organization based in Washington. C4ADS has also studied the use of Chinese drones by Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. The drones have been widely reported and photographed as being deployed by Moscow during the war. The U.S. sanctioned one of the main Chinese suppliers of those drones last year. "The administration continues to downplay it because they've drawn a red line. Declaring that China has crossed that line is irreversible and necessitates a strong U.S. response. But not declaring it gives China wiggle room, Kanapathy said. Xi Jinping is getting that sense, having pushed it little by little. And if the U.S. continues to say, 'no, we haven't seen a violation,' then what is China's takeaway?" The Chinese embassy declined to comment. The Biden administration must decide which exports pose the biggest risk and then whether to penalize individual sellers or take broader action against the Chinese government, a move that would carry broader economic consequences and almost certainly invite retaliation from Beijing. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Commerce Department has imposed export restrictions on hundreds of products that contain American-made components or technology and could be used to support the Russian military. It has also added a long list of companies, including several based in China, to a trade blacklist as punishment for shipping controlled goods to Russia. And the Biden administration has sought to expand its crackdown on Russias access to technologies with U.S. components that can be used for military and commercial purposes since the war entered its second year. In February, the Commerce Department issued new restrictions on a range of products, including toasters and coffee makers, in a bid to further strangle the Kremlin's supply of semiconductors. But the products listed in the Import Genius data likely do not contain U.S. materials, making it difficult for the administration to directly stop their shipment to Moscow. The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on some Chinese companies that have supported Russias efforts in Ukraine, but it is not clear they are eyeing the businesses included in this report. The Commerce Department declined to say whether its officials were aware that Chinese-made body armor has been used in Ukraine or have any immediate plans to target the companies involved in their sale. We continually review reports of Russian military equipment used in Ukraine to assess whether there are actions we and our allies can take to impair Russias ability to produce or acquire such equipment, said Commerce Department spokesperson Jessica Stallone. We will not hesitate to use all the tools at our disposal to obstruct the efforts of those who seek to support Putins war machine. William Reinsch, a former undersecretary of Commerce for export administration during the Clinton administration, argues it's impossible for the U.S. to completely cut Moscow off from many exports. Not only are some foreign-made products beyond the governments reach, but the sale of illicit goods will always be lucrative enough to attract bad actors, said Reinsch, who is now at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. If your policy is zero leakage, he said, then you're doomed and you're going to fail and you're going to spend a lot of money trying to stop things that you won't be able to stop. Australian Energy Mission launched in Hanoi The Australian Government Trade and Investment Commission cooperated with the Electricity & Renewable Energy Department Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and Vietnam Electricity Group to organise the Energy Transformation Forum 2023, held in Hanoi on March 28. Participants at the event The event was part of the Australian Energy Mission which comprises a series of activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from March 27 - 30 to promote cooperation on renewable energy and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Australia and Vietnams diplomatic relationship. Like Vietnam, the Australian government has made a commitment to climate action, with a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and to zero by 2050. The forum will discuss the energy transition of Vietnam and Australia and introduce new energy technologies and solutions from Australia. Speaking at the event, Australias Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski, said that Australia has long been one of Vietnams strongest energy partners, having supported the first ever 500KV transmission line connecting northern power sources to the central and southern regions back in the early 1990s. "This year, as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, the green economy represents the next big opportunity in our economic partnership," he said. "The rapid expansion and transition of Vietnams energy sector provides a real opportunity to evolve our trade and investment relationship into the future. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam HE Andrew Goledznowski shares about the energy cooperation between the two nations. According to information from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water's website, the past 10 years have seen a dramatic energy transition from coal to renewables. Specifically, small-scale solar energy production has seen an average growth rate of 28% per year and wind power production has increased by 15%. Australian Energy mission visits PC1 data control room. Recently, large-scale solar farms in Australia have begun to expand rapidly. Large-scale solar production has grown from negligible levels before 2016 to 4% of Australia's total electricity production in 2021, representing a five-year growth rate of 1,747 percent. Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy sets out a vision for a clean, innovative, safe and competitive hydrogen industry that benefits Australians, and also adds to Australias energy exports. In the offshore wind sector, Star of the South is Australia's most advanced offshore wind project off Gippsland in Bass Strait, capable of providing up to 20% of Victoria's electricity needs, while creating jobs and investing in the state's renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy production reached a record high share of Australia's total electricity generation capacity in the last three months of 2022, providing an average of more than 40% of the electricity in the nation's main grid. Meanwhile, Vietnam is experiencing remarkable economic growth and is rising to become one of the fastest growing energy markets in Asia. In response to this economic development, Vietnam's energy demand is expected to grow by nearly 8% - 10% per year, leading to the need for reliable energy supply. And so, Vietnam's renewable energy market is increasingly attractive to foreign investors. Austrade Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Ms Rebecca Ball, shared: This trade mission will help Australian and Vietnamese businesses to strengthen business links, identify trade and investment opportunities in the energy sector and contribute to our bilateral economic engagement. Australian capabilities in clean energy supply chains and the services that accompany them can also help Vietnam manage the huge transition it has in front of it. This will lay the foundations for economic ties in the decades to come. The Australian Energy Delegation to Vietnam will be an opportunity for Australian and Vietnamese businesses to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the field of renewable energy development and efforts to reduce carbon emissions and develop supply chains. energy exchange between the two countries. The occupiers dropped a bomb on the drama theater during the capture of Mariupol "The number one killer of Mariupol residents has been identified," he wrote. Read also: UN Commission accuses Russia of war crimes in Ukraine The one who gave orders and controlled the bombing of the drama theater, maternity hospital, and children's hospital. Since the first weeks we have established that the planes that bombed Mariupol took off from the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airfield. The information about Colonel Atroshchenko was uncovered by the international intelligence community InformNapalm. Read also: Russia deploys Buk air defense system in civilian area of Mariupol video Atroshchenko is the commander of the military unit 75387, 960th Assault Aviation Regiment of the Russian Federation. The regiment is stationed at the air base on the outskirts of Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The colonel was born in the Ukrainian town of Ovruch, Zhytomyr Olast, then moved to Russian Lipetsk and was registered in Voronezh. After that, he spent time with the military unit 46451 in the village of Hvardiyske in the occupied Crimea. He currently lives in an upscale apartment in Primorsko-Akhtarsk, about five kilometres from the Primorsko-Akhtarsk base where he works. Sergei Atroshchenko informnapalm.org Russia launched an airstrike on the Donetsk Academic Oblast Drama Theater in Mariupol on March 16, 2022 one of the wars biggest war crimes. Read also: "A year is like a day, like Groundhog Day." The mayor of Mariupol about the first days of the Russian invasion, the support of the people Civilians, including families with children, were using the theater to hide from Russian shelling. At the time of the tragedy, there could have been more than 1,000 people in the building. According to various sources, between 300 and 600 civilians were killed in the Russian air strike on the Mariupol theater. After Mariupols occupation, Russian invaders demolished the drama theater building to destroy evidence of their war crime. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine By Andrew Osborn LONDON (Reuters) - Russian forces are moving forward in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut despite fierce resistance and have almost taken full control of a metals plant there, a Russian-installed leader in the region said. His assertion ran counter to Ukrainian and Western descriptions of the situation in the city, which they have said is stabilising as a Russian offensive falters. Reuters has not been able to verify the battlefield situation. The battle for Bakhmut, which Russia calls by its Soviet-era name of Artyomovsk, has for months been the grinding and bloody focal point of Moscow's war on Ukraine, which it calls a "special military operation". Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed leader of the part of Ukraine's Donetsk region under Moscow's control, said the bulk of Ukrainian forces had been forced to pull back from the AZOM metals factory on the western side of the Bakhmutka river. "The important thing here was to clear out the industrial zone at the plant itself. You can practically say that has now been done, with the guys just finishing off (Ukrainian) fighters there who are only left in solitary groups," said Pushilin. Both sides say they are inflicting heavy casualties on each other in Bakhmut. Pushilin said fighters from Russia's Wagner mercenary force were continuing to spearhead the offensive in the city. "The (Wagner) guys are moving forward, of course they are moving forward, though it takes their hardest efforts to do that," Pushilin told state TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov. "They have created impossible conditions for the enemy to even carefully try to bring in combat equipment, bring in reserves, or take out even the wounded. For the enemy, all this is extremely difficult because all the roads are under (Russian) fire control." Telegram channels associated with Wagner on Tuesday published images that they said had been taken inside the metallurgical plant. They said Wagner mercenaries were flushing out small groups of Ukrainian fighters, including one holed up in an administrative building. Story continues General Valery Zaluzhniy, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, said on Saturday that Kyiv had managed to blunt Russia's offensive in and around Bakhmut, where he said the situation was stabilising. British military intelligence has said that the Russian assault has stalled, mainly as a result of heavy troop losses. Ukrainian military commanders have said their own counter offensive - backed by newly-delivered Western hardware - is not far off, but have stressed the importance of holding Bakhmut in the meantime. (Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Kevin Liffey) The Russian Federation began to use aerial bombs to attack the Sumy Oblast One civilian was injured in the attack. The bombing caused a shed to catch fire and damaged two houses. A garage with a car and a low-pressure street gas pipeline were also destroyed. The windows of a gym and a two-story apartment building were damaged. Early in the morning, the enemy opened fire from cannon artillery on the Sumy Oblast border, with the Ukrainian military recording roughly 20 hits. The consequences of this attack are still being clarified. Russian troops continued to shell Donetsk Oblast. Read also: Russia pounds Kherson Oblast with 400 shells in 78 attacks in last 24 hours Consequences of shelling of the Luchansky hospital in Kherson The Kherson City Military Administration Read also: Russia launches about 100 attacks on Sumy Oblast in the past day Late in the evening of March 27, Russian occupation forces launched a missile attack on Kramatorsk. A kindergarten, a school, and a commercial building were damaged. No casualties were reported. Kurakhove also came under shelling, and the building of a state-owned enterprise was damaged. Two people were wounded in Kostyantynivka and one in Bakhmut. Near Lysychansk, two kamikaze drones struck Zarichne. No casualties were reported. In total, Russian troops killed two civilians and wounded 33 others in Donetsk Oblast in the last day. Last night, Russian attacks struck Luchanskyi City Hospital in Kherson. No victims were reported. On March 24, 10 Russian Su-35 fighter jets launched 11 guided bombs and one Kh-31P missile at Sumy Oblast. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian invaders killed two residents of the city of Sloviansk and injured 33 people in Donetsk Oblast over the past 24 hours. Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Kyrylenko: "Russian army killed two residents of Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast. 33 more people were injured in the oblast." Details: As he states, administrative and office buildings have been destroyed in Sloviansk; five multi-storey buildings and five private houses have been damaged, and 28 people have been injured. The city of Kramatorsk came under a missile attack late in the evening on 27 March. A kindergarten, a school and a business building have been damaged, with no casualties reported. On the Donetsk front, the town of Kurakhove was struck seven times; the building of a state-owned facility has been damaged. On the Horlivka front, two people have been injured, and two houses have been damaged in the settlement of Kostiantynivka. At least one person has been reported injured in Bakhmut. Explosions rocked Toretsk and Chasiv Yar hromadas [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. The settlements of Minkivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Fedorivka and Rozdolivka in the Soledar hromada came under Russian fire. On the Lysychansk front, two attack drones struck the settlement of Zarichne. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine struck a railway depot and knocked out power in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol deep behind front lines on Wednesday amid growing talk from Kyiv of a counterassault against Russian forces worn out by a failed winter offensive. Unverified images on the internet showed explosions lighting up the night sky with streaks of contrails in Melitopol, base of the Russian-controlled administration in Zaporizhzhia, one of five Ukrainian provinces Russia claims to have annexed. Ukraine's exiled mayor of the city confirmed there were explosions there. Russia's state TASS news agency, citing Moscow-installed officials, said a railway depot was damaged and power knocked out to the city and nearby villages. Melitopol, which had a pre-war population of around 150,000, is a railway logistics hub for Russian forces in southern Ukraine and part of the land bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimea peninsula. There was no public information about the weapons Ukraine might have used for the strike. The city is at the far edge of the range of Ukraine's HIMARS rockets and within reach of newer weapons it is said to be deploying, including air-launched JDAM bombs and ground-launched GLSDB munitions promised by the United States. Russia said it shot down a GLSDB on Tuesday, the first time it has reported doing so. The strike could hamper Moscow's rear logistics at a time when Kyiv has suggested it could soon mount a counterattack against Russian invasion forces who have scored no big victories in a months-long offensive despite the war's bloodiest fighting. Melitopol is south of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, visited on Wednesday by U.N. nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi, who repeated calls for a safe zone there, saying the situation had not improved and fighting nearby had worsened. RUSSIAN ASSAULT FAILS TO MAKE GAINS Ukrainian forces have stuck mainly to a defensive footing since their last big advance nearly five months ago. In that time, Moscow has launched a winter assault using hundreds of thousands of reservists and thousands of convicts recruited from prisons for its Wagner private army. Story continues But as the winter turns to spring, questions hover over how much longer the Russians can sustain their offensive and when the Ukrainians will strike back. There are clear signs the Russian assault is flagging. The average number of daily Russian attacks on the front line reported by Ukraine's general staff has declined for four straight weeks since the start of March, to 69 in the past seven days from 124 in the week of March 1-7. Just 57 attacks were reported on Wednesday. Reuters journalists near the front lines west of Bakhmut and further north also reported a notable decline in the intensity of Russian attacks last week. A sense of anticipation ahead of the counteroffensive is building inside Ukraine. On Wednesday, Oleksiy Honcharenko, a lawmaker, posted a video on social media of dozens of manned Ukrainian fighting vehicles with their engines running in a large open field. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video or when it was filmed. The Russians have made no significant gains despite huge casualties on both sides, and Ukrainian and Western officials say they suspect the Russian attacking force will soon be spent. Russian officials say their forces are still capturing ground in street-by-street fighting inside Bakhmut, the small eastern city that has been their main target for months. But they have failed so far to encircle it and force the Ukrainians to withdraw, as had seemed likely weeks ago. "The battle for Bakhmut today has already practically destroyed the Ukrainian army, and unfortunately, it has also badly damaged the Wagner Private Military Company," Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said in an audio message. In its evening update on Wednesday, Ukraine's military General Staff said Russian forces had had "a degree of success" in efforts to storm Bakhmut but Kyiv's forces continued to stand firm and were "repelling numerous enemy attacks". TANKS FOR SPRING COUNTERATTACK British military intelligence said on Wednesday the Ukrainians had successfully pushed the Russians back from the main supply route to Bakhmut and Russian assaults in the city were lessening. This past week Moscow also unleashed a new attack on Avdiivka, a smaller city further south. Britain said that too had failed to achieve gains, while leading to huge losses in Russian armour. The week has also seen the arrival of the first full units of Western main battle tanks for Kyiv, promised two months ago to serve as the spearhead of a counteroffensive when warmer weather dries Ukraine's notorious sucking black mud. In an apparent response, Russia's RIA news agency reported that Moscow had sent its troops hundreds of new and refurbished tanks of its own. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday that a plan announced this week to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of ally Belarus would force NATO to assess the gravity of the situation. Moscow has repeatedly pointed to the threat that the war could turn nuclear, which Western governments largely dismiss as an attempt to intimidate them into rolling back military aid for Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden called the deployment prospect "worrisome", though Washington has said it has not seen any indications Russia was closer to using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. In Moscow's latest brandishment of its nuclear strike capability, Russia's defence ministry said on Wednesday it had begun exercises with its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, involving several thousand troops. Ryabkov said Russia, which suspended participation last month in its last arms control treaty with the United States, was no longer providing Washington any data about nuclear activities. (Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Peter Graff and Mark Heinrich; editing by Angus MacSwan and Alex Richardson) Ukrainian map seen during street action 'Who will punish the criminal?' in Lviv, Ukraine. Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Alexei Moskalev was sentenced Tuesday to two years behind bars for alleged antiwar social media posts. Before he could be imprisoned, though, Moskalev fled house arrest and is now on the run. Moskalev was prosecuted after school authorities found antiwar drawings by his 13-year-old daughter. A single father appears to be on the run after authorities accused him of condemning Russian war crimes on social media and placing his only daughter in an orphanage. Alexei Moskalev was sentenced Tuesday to two years in a penal colony for the alleged posts, which he has denied penning. He was prosecuted, according to the BBC, after school authorities last year reported his 13-year-old daughter to police after seeing that she had drawn a Ukrainian flag with the words, "Glory to Ukraine," and a Russian flag with the words, "No to war!" In the drawing, a mother and child can be seen holding hands and standing next to the Ukrainian flag as missiles approach them from the Russian side. That incident appears to have sparked prosecutors' interest in the father, who last year was fined for social media posts critical of Russia's war in Ukraine, which the Kremlin insists be referred to as a "special military operation." His apartment in Yefremov was then raided in December, leading to a criminal case over other alleged posts. Moskalev's daughter was taken from him earlier this month and placed in an orphanage, the Associated Press reported. "Daddy, you're my hero," she wrote to him during his trial, according to his lawyer, who said he does not know his current whereabouts. "To say I'm surprised would be an understatement," Moskalev's attorney, Vladimir Biliyenko, told the BBC. "I've never seen anything like it. No client of mine has ever gone missing like this. I don't know when he fled, or if he has." Supporters in the courtroom cheered when Moskalev was announced missing, Politico reported, with some yelling "Bravo!" A court will decide next month whether to strip him of his parental rights. Story continues Russia criminalizes dissent Soon after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian authorities began cracking down on internal criticism, with lawmakers passing measures that impose up to 15 years in prison for protesting the war or accurately reporting on the conflict. According to Human Rights Watch, people have since been prosecuted for merely displaying the colors of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow. Last fall, an activist, Igor Maltsev, was sentenced to more than 3 1/2 years in prison for "political hatred," HRW said, after he burned a wicker figure dressed in a Russian military uniform. OVD-Info, a Russian human rights group, says that at least 505 people have been hit with criminal charges for expressing antiwar sentiment, including seven children. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraines Defence Forces are observing a decrease in hostilities in the south of Ukraine, likely connected to the fact that Russian occupation forces have lost many ammunition storage facilities and are struggling to ensure adequate supplies of ammunition to their troops. Source: Nataliia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Press Centre for Operational Command Pivden (South), on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "There has been no shelling in the area of the Dnipro-Buh estuary for three days now. It appears that [Russian forces] cannot obtain ammunition supplies after their ammunition dump has been destroyed. Enemy forces are also unable to transfer additional weapons and equipment [to the area], including mortars, because our units have successfully destroyed their positions and a storm is constricting the freedom of their movement." Details: Humeniuk added that overall there is a sense that Russian military activity in the south of Ukraine is abating: "This is the outcome of the actions of security and defence forces and the clearance of a 20-30 km area on Dnipros left [east] bank." Russian forces logistics have been significantly undermined; they have lost many ammunition storage points and are struggling to ensure adequate supplies of ammunition to their troops. The Russian occupation forces have also lost a large number of artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems and can no longer position them as close to the Ukrainian forces as they could previously. The worsening of the weather in the Black Sea has also affected the situation at the Kinburn Spit. Russian occupation forces are also shelling Kherson Oblast less frequently, though they continue deploying aircraft to attack the oblast. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukraines General Staff reports that the invaders continue to tighten security measures in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Kherson oblasts. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "The Russian occupiers continue to tighten security measures in the temporarily occupied territories. There has been a recent growing trend of restrictions on the free movement of Ukrainian citizens between settlements. Getting to some settlements without local registration is impossible, particularly in the Horlivka district of Donetsk Oblast and the Kakhovka district of Kherson Oblast." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Reuters/RUSSIA MILITARY Russian troops in Ukraine have allegedly been coercing their own female medics into acting as sex slaves for high-ranking officersand punishing them if they dont submit to the twisted arrangement. Thats according to a Russian service member who is back home recovering after she says she witnessed a string of horrors committed by her fellow troops. In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the woman, identified only as Margarita, says female medics assigned to her regiment were coerced into becoming field wives for platoon officersa job that required them to cook and clean for the men, while also pleasing them sexually. Margarita says the medics were shocked by what they found when they arrived in Ukraine. When we went there, no one, of course, knew what was going on. And when we understood, there was no turning back, she said Putins Former Publicity Masterminds Air His Dirty Laundry She said she refused to go along with the arrangement, but then learned commanders had been ordered to severely punish her for the refusal. For a month I just lived outside. When others spent the night in tents and houses, I slept on the ground, near the road, in a small forest They wanted to break me so that I would agree to sleep with [the colonel], she said. According to her, another woman who had been coerced into serving as the field wife to a platoon officer had been left permanently disabled after the officer drunkenly shot her. They arranged it to look like the Ukrainians had done it. He shot himself in the arm, as if he were [wounded] defending her, and after three weeks somewhere he returned back from the hospital, she said. Margarita said women were assigned to different units, one for reconnaissance, the other for tankers, the third for infantry. Other female service members had been forced to sleep with multiple men. They gave Alina away back in September. Just presented it to her as a done deal: You will be with this guy, he likes you, she said of a colleague from her medical unit who had allegedly been passed around and never sent back. Story continues After that, Margarita said, an officer had quipped to her: We cashed in on Alinka, so lets cash in on you too! But I looked at him in such a way that he immediately added, Fine, Im just kidding. In addition to forced sex, she said, shed also witnessed officers routinely shoot at and abuse subordinates. One common practice was locking troops who didnt want to fight on the frontline in cold basements filled with ratsand leaving them there naked. Theyd force them to dig their own graves. Theyd dig a hole, and force them to lie down there. Then other guys, at gunpoint, would sprinkle dirt completely on top of them. Not even their heads were left out Then the platoon leader or company commander would move away and shoot at random around the grave. Goodbye to anyone he hit, and anyone who survived is already crawling out of this hole like a fool, Margarita said. They were sent to the front. Some didnt return, and many grown men are still pissing themselves. 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. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that the occupiers are reinforcing their exhausted troops with Wagner Group units to advance on Avdiivka. Source: ISW Details: The ISW report suggests that the Russian military leadership likely committed limited, higher-quality Wagner Group elements to the offensive on Avdiivka, potentially to reinforce recent limited tactical successes in the area. According to military analysts, the rumours about the dismissal of Russian Eastern Group of Forces (Eastern Military District) Commander Colonel General Rustam Muradov on 27 March generated a muted and cynical response in the Russian information space. In addition, according to the institute, there is speculation about the possible dismissal of the commander of the Western Military District, Colonel-General Yevgeny Nikiforov, whose troops are operating along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line in the east of Ukraine. The report states, "ISW cannot confirm the rumours of Muradov or Nikiforov's dismissal, but it is worth noting that Russian bloggers have been discussing potential dismissals of commanders associated with areas of operations where Russian forces have failed to make significant gains or suffered significant losses". Russian authorities and some milbloggers have fixated on identifying and punishing individual commanders for the failures of their troops, rather than interrogating and resolving endemic issues in Russian command and control, force structure, and deployment patterns, the experts add. ISW Key Takeaways for 27 March Rumours about the dismissal of Russian Eastern Group of Forces (Eastern Military District) Commander Colonel General Rustam Muradov on March 27 generated a muted and cynical response in the Russian information space. Russian milbloggers also had a muted response to Russian President Vladimir Putins March 25 announcement to deploy tactical nukes to Belarus, underscoring that Putins messaging is aimed at Western rather than domestic Russian audiences. Russian military leadership likely committed limited, higher-quality Wagner Group elements to the offensive on Avdiivka, potentially to reinforce recent limited tactical successes in the area. Russian forces made marginal gains around Svatove and Russian forces continue ground attacks along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. Russian forces continued ground attacks in and around Bakhmut and made gains within Bakhmut. Russian forces continued ground attacks along the Avdiivka-Donetsk line. Russia appears to be increasingly deploying elements of conventional formations in a piecemeal fashion along the entire frontline, including in the south of Ukraine. Russian authorities continue forming new volunteer battalions subordinate to irregular formations. Ukrainian partisans conducted an improvised explosive device (IED) attack against an occupation law enforcement officer in Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Sacramento area Sikh leaders Monday condemned the shooting that wounded two men at a Sikh house of worship Sunday and marred what had been a weekend of joyous celebration. Two men were critically wounded in the afternoon shooting at the Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society on the 7600 block of Bradshaw Road, in Sacramento Countys Vineyard area where thousands had gathered Sunday for the temples first Nagar Kirtan, a traditional neighborhood celebration and parade. There is no honor in causing harm to others including your own community, said Bobbie Singh-Allen, Elk Grove mayor and a parishioner of Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society. She was surrounded by parishioners and temple officials, at a Monday afternoon news conference on the gurdwaras grounds. We came to this country for a better life through the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents., she said. This is not the dream they imagined for their youth. Two of the men were involved in a fistfight, the pair exchanging punches. A friend of one of the men shot a friend of the other combatant, Sacramento County Sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi said. Against our Sikh faith The men, all in their 20s, were not part of the parade, but knew each other, Singh-Allen said Monday. These displays of violence go against our Sikh faith. It is unfortunate that they brought their issues to a place of worship where everyone should feel safe. The two men are expected to survive, Sacramento County Sheriffs spokesman Amar Gandhi said. The suspected gunman, 21-year-old Karman Sandhu, was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of attempted murder charges and is being held without bail. A man is escorted to a sheriffs vehicle after a shooting at the Sacramento Sikh Society Temple, it is unknown if he was involved, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Sacramento. The shooting occurred during the Sacramento Sikh Societys first Nagar Kirtan Parade. One of the men who was shot will be booked into Sacramento County custody once he is released from the hospital, sheriffs officials said. Gandhi said the men were of East Indian descent, but did not know if they were of the Sikh faith. Gandhi said another firearm was found Monday on the temple grounds and that investigators were reviewing hundreds of interviews from witnesses who had crowded the festival. Story continues What brought them to the festival remained unclear Monday. People dont usually come to a place of worship to start trouble, Gandhi said. Private security firm NorCal Security was hired to patrolled the event, but did not search or wand for weapons at the temple site. Singh-Allen and temple congregants repeatedly stressed that the Sunday shooting should not be a reflection on the greater Sikh community, saying that the gurdwara is and remains a safe place of worship. Bad things happen but that does not speak to the entire Sikh community, Singh-Allen said. Sikhism is a religion of peace. A few people do not speak for our community or our faith. Planned annual event Organizers envisioned the Sikh Societys first Sikh Parade as a replica of the traditional annual Sikh festival and parade in Yuba City, home to one the nations oldest Sikh communities. The festival draws tens of thousands of the faithful each year to agricultural Sutter County to celebrate faith and community. It was just a beautiful as that, Varinder Singh, a parishioner and one of the festivals organizers said Monday. Sundays parade across nearly seven miles of south Sacramento County, was to be a capstone. Then shots rang out. No one else among the thousands of revelers was hurt. The parade was halted briefly out of caution but soon resumed. Many of the revelers returned to the grounds for the evenings services, a show, Singh-Allen said, of the communitys resilience. Singh-Allen and others singled out Gandhi, the sheriffs sergeant, who ensured the Sikh holy scripture, carried at the parade, was returned to the temple during an active crime scene. The Sacramento Sikh Society said it is unbowed. It plans for the weekend festival to be an annual event. March 31, 2024, is already marked for next years festival. This is holy ground. This is a sanctuary. Everyone should feel safe and welcome here at the gurdwara, or any gurdwara, Singh-Allen said. This will not deter our community from coming together and openly celebrating our faith. We will work hard to make sure all future events will continue. We will not live in fear. U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley will be honored in May as judge of the year by the Sacramento County Bar Association. Nunley, who was appointed as a federal district judge in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama, will be honored at a reception May 23 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1209 L St. Nunley, a former prosecutor for the Alameda County and Sacramento County district attorneys offices and a former deputy attorney general, also served as a Sacramento Superior Court judge from 2002 until his appointment to the federal bench. Additional information and registration details for the May 23 reception are available at the county Bar associations website or by emailing admin@sacbar.org. Safewise is out with its list of the safest cities across Georgia for 2023 and several communities across metro Atlanta have made the Top 10. Among the Top 10 safest cities, at least 6 are cities in metro Atlanta: Holly Springs Kingsland Hampton Johns Creek Barnesville Milton Douglas Tyrone McRae-Helena Palmetto Safewise, which keeps track of home security and safety trends, said Georgias crime rate decreased year over year. With that said, Georgians reported some of the highest levels of concern and first-hand experiences with crime across the board, Safewise said on its website. According to the company, the state had a crime rate of 3.9% and a property crime rate of 17.5%. The national averages were 4.0% and 19.3% respectively. TRENDING STORIES: According to Safewise, 98 Georgia cities met the criteria to be considered for ranking. Holly Springs is 1 of 7 new cities in the top 20, displacing Johns Creek from the top spot, Safewise said. Of the safest cities in Georgia that were repeats from last year, five experienced declines in both violent crime and property crime: Hampton, Johns Creek, Palmetto, Grovetown, and Dallas. To read more about the survey of Georgias safest cities, CLICK HERE. IN OTHER NEWS: Salisbury District Hospital sign A NHS trust has been given more than 10m to make its district hospital more energy efficient. The money will go towards making various buildings at Salisbury District Hospital more sustainable. Funded by the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the upgrades will include replacing gas fired boilers with heat pumps and introducing solar panels. Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said the money would allow it to "decarbonise". Other upgrades will include new insulation for the hospital's Odstock Health and Fitness Centre and Spinal Treatment Centre, improvements to the heating distribution pipework and upgrades to the building's energy management system. 'Move from fossil fuels' Director of Estates and Facilities at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Brian Johnson, said the 10,005,491 of funding will enable the hospital to "decarbonise our heating and hot water systems through the implementation of innovative, multi-stage, high-temperature heat pump systems". He said they had also secured funding to investigate the feasibility of geothermal energy on their campus. "Providing low-carbon heat to our buildings via a new district heat network, which when combined with building fabric improvements, will enable the Trust to move away from fossil fuel-based systems, while maintaining the resilience required for an acute hospital trust," he added. The grant comes alongside money for vulnerable and off-gas grid households as part of the second phase of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and the Home Upgrade Grant. In the South West, more than 80m will be given as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, helping providers of social housing, charities that own social housing and local authorities to upgrade their energy systems. Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk Sam Bankman-Fried was back in Manhattan Federal court in New York on Thursday, pleading not guilty to five new charges, including one count of conspiring to bribe at least one Chinese government official Bankman-Fried now faces 13 criminal counts related to the collapse of FTX, previously one of the worlds largest cryptocurrency firms, which he co-founded, as well as his hedge fund, Alameda Research. Prosecutors on Tuesday revealed a superseding indictment alleging that Bankman-Fried successfully bribed at least one Chinese government official with a $40 million payment in 2021. Former FTX chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court in New York on Jan. 3, 2023. (Ed Jones / AFP - Getty Images file) A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. A spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington, D.C., declined to comment. After Chinese authorities froze several Alameda accounts worth more than $1 billion, Bankman-Fried directed an employee to make payments to at least one government official, the indictment says. The Alameda accounts were held in two major Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges. After confirmation that the Accounts were unfrozen, BANKMAN-FRIED authorized the transfer of additional tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency to complete the bribe, the filing says. The alleged bribe appears to have been a last resort. Bankman-Fried initially tried several other methods to unfreeze the funds, the indictment says. Those tactics included hiring attorneys to lobby for him in China and opening accounts on those Chinese exchanges using the personal information of several unnamed people who were unaffiliated with his companies. Bankman-Fried was arrested in December by U.S. authorities and extradited from the Bahamas to the U.S. He was indicted by a grand jury in the Southern District of New York in connection with a variety of crimes as part of what the Securities and Exchange Commission called a yearslong fraud. He has also been charged with making illegal campaign contributions. Under new leadership, FTX declared bankruptcy and is in the process of unwinding the business and recovering its remaining assets. Story continues Bankman-Fried already had pleaded not guilty to the eight criminal charges in the original indictment. He is released on bail. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan approved new bail conditions on Tuesday, allowing him access to a new phone and a laptop with limited functionality, according to court documents. On the new phone, Bankman-Fried will be able only to send SMS text messages and make voice calls, documents said. He also must turn over his existing laptop to his lawyers for a new laptop, which restricts his usage to pre-approved websites, like DoorDash and Amazon, according to court documents. The judge ordered that Bankman-Fried is prohibited from using any other cellphones, tablets, computers, video games (including video game platforms and hardware) that permit chat or voice communication, or smart devices with Internet access (collectively, Prohibited Electronic Devices). Bankman-Frieds parents, meanwhile, agreed to sign sworn affidavits not to bring prohibited electronic devices into their home or share passwords to their electronic devices with their son, court documents show. On Thursday, Bankman-Fried departed from his usual ultracasual attire, wearing a dark navy suit with a white button-down shirt and a tie. His hair also appeared shorter and more styled than his typical mop of curly hair. In a discovery update, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Roos told Kaplan his team and the FBI are extracting information from seven devices, including laptops and phones, from Bankman-Fried and cooperating witnesses. So far, Roos said, 6 million pages of documents have been produced in the case. The judge responded, chuckling, Bedtime reading. Roos responded, Bedtime reading. After the hearing, Bankman-Fried didnt respond to questions. CORRECTION (March 28, 2023, 9:45 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated Sam Bankman-Frieds role with FTX. He is one of two co-founders, not the sole founder. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lawyers for Sam Bankman-Fried said they reached an agreement with U.S. prosecutors on Monday on revised bail conditions, after a judge raised the prospect of sending the indicted FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder to jail pending trial. Under some of the proposed new conditions, Bankman-Fried would have a new phone with no internet capability and a basic laptop with limited functions, but be forbidden from using other electronic communication devices. The laptop will have monitoring software to track user activity and Bankman-Fried won't have administrative access to prevent tampering with the restrictions. Additionally, the new phone's communication functions will be limited to text messages and voice calls, with all other messaging applications prohibited. In Monday's letter, Bankman-Fried's parents agreed to restrict his access to their devices, while also signing sworn affidavits to not bring prohibited electronic devices into their home. If there's reasonable suspicion of a violation, Bankman-Fried must submit his devices for a search, the letter added. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is overseeing Bankman-Fried's case, would need to approve the new terms before they go into effect. Bankman-Fried, 31, faces a trial set for Oct. 2 on criminal charges of stealing billions of dollars in FTX customer funds to plug losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund, and making large illegal political donations to buy influence in Washington, D.C. He has pleaded not guilty to eight counts and has not yet been arraigned on four more. After his extradition in December from the Bahamas, where FTX was based, the former billionaire wunderkind was released on $250 million bond to home detention at his parents' Palo Alto, California home. But in January, federal prosecutors in Manhattan said Bankman-Fried attempted to contact current executives at now-bankrupt FTX. Citing concerns about witness tampering, they sought severe restrictions on his use of the internet. Bankman-Fried's lawyers said he was trying to help, not interfere. Story continues The two sides eventually reached a deal that would have allowed Bankman-Fried to have a flip phone with no internet capability and a laptop with limited functions. Kaplan rejected that proposal, arguing Bankman-Fried could "find a way around it." The judge had previously intimated that Bankman-Fried may deserve to be jailed, expressing concerns that the presence in his home of electronic devices belonging to his parents - both Stanford University law professors - could make it difficult to monitor his conduct. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York and Akriti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Sam Holmes) Sam Bankman-Fried has been hit with a new bribery conspiracy charge. AP Photo/Seth Wenig Sam Bankman-Fried was hit with a new bribery conspiracy charge, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday. He spent $40 million or more in crypto to "influence" Chinese officials, prosecutors said. Hes previously pleaded not guilty to the DOJs original charges. Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of fallen crypto exchange FTX, has been hit with a new bribery conspiracy charge. Prosecutors have accused Bankman-Fried of spending "at least" $40 million in crypto on "at least one or more Chinese government officials in order to influence them," according to an updated indictment unsealed on Tuesday. A representative for Bankman-Fried declined to comment. In January, Bankman-Fried previously pleaded not guilty to the original 8-count indictment that prosecutors had filed back in December. Prosecutors have since hit him with additional charges, including in an earlier superseding indictment filed in February. Bankman-Fried hasn't entered a plea on the newer charges. A representative for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, which brought the charges in this case, declined to comment. Prosecutors positioned their new charge against Bankman-Fried as part of a larger narrative about how they say the onetime crypto billionaire wielded his influence. They alleged that this episode with Chinese officials began with a problem in 2021, when the trading accounts of Alameda Research, Bankman-Fried's other crypto company, was frozen on Chinese crypto exchanges amid a separate investigation there, according to the updated indictment. Bankman-Fried then embarked on a mission that year to recover those funds, prosecutors said, ultimately carrying out what they alleged was a bribery scheme. That scheme started with a $40 million transfer from Alameda to help "unfreeze" the accounts in China, prosecutors said, adding that it was followed by more payouts of "additional tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency." Prosecutors have already leveled campaign finance charges against Bankman-Fried, alleging that he devised a scheme to make political donations to "curry favor with candidates" who could potentially help advance his interests in Washington, according to their indictment in February. Story continues The DOJ has acted swiftly since FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November, first bringing charges against Bankman-Fried in December to draw him back to the US from the Bahamas at the time, and securing plea deals with key players in his inner circle. Alameda's former CEO Caroline Ellison, FTX co-founder Gary Wang, and former FTX chief engineer Nishad Singh are all cooperating with prosecutors. Read the original article on Business Insider A 34-year-old South Carolina prison inmate has pleaded guilty to threatening President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and a state-based federal judge. Eric Rome Jr., who is serving a 12-year sentence at the S.C. Department of Corrections for armed robbery and intent to rob a bank, pleaded guilty Monday to making a telephone threat on an internal prison voice mail system against Biden, Harris and federal Judge Joe Anderson. Rome will be sentenced at a later date. In various rants and letters cited in Romes 2022 indictment, Rome said he was a member of the Proud Boys and Aryan Brotherhood, as well as a supporter of former President Donald Trump. He also said he opposed critical race theory, vaccine mandates and the Black Lives Matter movement. The Proud Boys are an all-male militaristic group, some of whose members have been arrested and convicted of charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. The Aryan Brotherhood is the nations oldest white supremacist prison gang, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The indictment said Rome also sent a letter to U.S. Supreme Court justices in which he said, Your willingness to abide Joe Bidens (sic) false presidency is sickening to true patriots such as those who support our true President, Donald Trump. Myself along with all other members of the Proud Boys will continue to fight for our true President and kill all who oppose him. God Bless America and White Power! After his indictment last year, Rome was sent to a federal facility for a psychiatric evaluation, according to federal court records. The results of that evaluation were sealed, but federal Magistrate Judge David Cayer, of Charlotte, pronounced Rome competent to plead guilty at his court hearing Monday at the Columbia federal courthouse. Cayer was brought from Charlotte to avoid any conflict of interest that a South Carolina judge would have in presiding over the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday is prosecuting the case. Federal public defender Allen Burnside represented Rome. As the nation grapples with the murders of six innocent lives three adults and three children at a shooting at a Nashville, Tennessee, Christian school on Monday, March 27, faith leaders are acknowledging the pain surrounding the tragic event while offering a practical and spiritual path forward. "It is sorrowful to hear of another school shooting," said Fr. Jeffrey Kirby of South Carolina. "As a nation, we can do better," Kirby, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land, South Carolina, also said to Fox News Digital. NASHVILLE SHOOTING: SIX US FAITH LEADERS EXTEND COMFORT IN WAKE OF COVENANT SCHOOL TRAGEDY "A school should be safe and secure," he continued. "Young minds should feel comfortable and inspired to do great things." He continued, "Schools should not be places of violence, leading to anxiety and fear." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Above, a police officer comforts a mourner outside The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Faith leaders offer both a practical and spiritual path forward, with one calling the event "sorrowful." Fr. Kirby also said, "If we abandon our schools to fear, we rob our young people of their peace and we rob our nation of its future." He then turned to the lessons of the Bible for deeper context. WHO ARE THE NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIMS? "The prophets teach us that we reap what we sow," he emphasized. "Its pressing that we ask ourselves what were sowing as a nation and what we can change for the better, so that we can all reap the joys of peace and harmony." The prophets of the Bible tell us "we reap what we sow," said one faith leader based in South Carolina. Fr. Kirby continued, "There is a profound sadness of heart whenever a child dies, especially from violence." He added, "We pray for the repose of the souls of the children who were taken from us. We pray for the consolation of their families and loved ones." Ed Vitagliano, executive vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, told Fox News Digital that the Christian community at large "grieves with the Nashville families who lost loved ones." He also said that the faith community grieves, too, with all those who have been "intimately impacted" by this "senseless violence." WITH FAITH UNDER FIRE TODAY, DR. JAMES SPENCER SHARES RECIPE FOR CHRISTIAN RESISTANCE Story continues He added, "In the face of an increasingly irrational and violent culture, the love of Christ is needed more than ever before." Vitagliano also said, "We at AFA join the millions of Americans who are lifting all those involved in prayer." Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, Washington, pointed to Psalm 46:1, which reads, "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, Washington, said that we can "ask God for healing on many levels," referencing Psalm 46:1, which reads, "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." Bradley continued, "In addition to prayer, we need to evaluate and take action to diminish threats to children in educational settings and beyond." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER He said further, "There are practical solutions and improvements in security and protection that we can provide in our nation." He also called safety a "primary consideration and goal" for the nation collectively. Jake Bland, president and CEO of Youth For Christ USA, in Englewood, Colorado, told Fox News Digital via email, "The events that have unfolded in Nashville at the Covenant School are heartbreaking beyond words." He said, "We mourn for and with all those touched by this tragedy. We are praying. We are lamenting. We are continuing to draw close and move to action. This is one of many violent tragedies that plague our communities across the United States. Young people are hurting and need us to come alongside them." Said Bland as well, "The youth of today are our future. Our communities and young people need us to use our voices, prayers and feet to intervene so this violence stops. As we move to that end, we are committed to engaging young people everywhere with the love, grace and hope of Jesus." A school van driver from Pittsburgh is accused of indecent assault against a student. According to the court papers, 42-year-old Raymond West was the school van driver for the victim for two years. The victim is now 18 years old. Her mother told police her daughter has the mind of a third grader, according to court documents. Court papers say the victim told her siblings that West sexually assaulted her and touched her on the school van multiple times. Court papers say during one encounter, he showed her a condom and asked her if she was ready. When police questioned West, he denied ever having any sexual contact with the girl saying Im not going to say she is promiscuous, but the little girl is fast, according to court documents. West is charged with charged with institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, sexual contact with a student, corruption of minors and child endangerment, according to the complaint. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 14. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Arnold police officer on unpaid leave, facing charges from Pennsylvania Game Commission Woman kills 3 children, 3 adults in shooting at Nashville school; shooter, victims identified Greensburg man accused of luring child allegedly told police he used to be a bad guy VIDEO: Sources: Gainey set to unveil plans to challenge tax-exempt status of nonprofits in Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, took to Twitter on Monday to criticize Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis amid ongoing tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his invasion of Ukraine. The Democrat said DeSantis and other members of the "Hard Right" were to blame for being "more comfortable excusing Putin rather than condemning him." "This isnt hard: Putin is a threat to American national security and democracy," Schumer wrote in a tweet that quoted DeSantis as previously referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a "territorial dispute." Schumers tweet came after Putin announced he would be moving tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus by the summer as the war in Ukraine, which crossed the one-year milestone last month, continues. PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA WILL STATION TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN BELARUS AS WARNING TO WEST Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses members of the Russian National Guard Troops to congratulate them on their professional holiday, in Moscow on March 27, 2023. DeSantis previously described ongoing fighting in the eastern Donbas region as a regional conflict and seemingly downplayed its significance to U.S. national security. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Republican's remark was made in a written response to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who sent questions to declared and potential GOP presidential candidates. "While the U.S. has many vital national interests securing our borders, addressing the crisis of readiness within our military, achieving energy security and independence, and checking the economic, cultural, and military power of the Chinese Communist Party becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them," DeSantis wrote in his answer. PUTIN ALLY SAYS RUSSIA HAS 'WEAPONS CAPABLE OF DESTROYING ANY ADVERSARY, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over comments he made about Russia. The governor has since walked back the comment, following criticism by fellow Republicans and supporters, clarifying during an interview with Piers Morgan on Fox Nation that Russia did not have a right to Ukraine and that he should have been "more clear" in his initial answer. Story continues "What Im referring to is where the fighting is going on now, which is that eastern border region Donbas, and then Crimea, and you have a situation where Russia has had that. I dont think legitimately, but they had," DeSantis said during an interview that aired Thursday. "Theres a lot of ethnic Russians there. So, thats some difficult fighting, and thats what I was referring to, and so it wasnt that I thought Russia had a right to that, and so if I should have made that more clear, I could have done it." Schumers tweet failed to point out that DeSantis walked back the comment. His tweet also did not point out the criticism he received from Republicans, who principally disagreed. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio suggested DeSantis was inexperienced with international relations, saying he "doesnt deal with foreign policy every day as governor." "Foreign policy is all about nuance," he added. DESANTIS ON POSSIBLY JOINING TRUMP IN 2024: 'I'M PROBABLY MORE OF AN EXECUTIVE GUY' Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina told Fox News that DeSantis "is basically taking the Chinese position when it comes to Russias invasion." Schumers tweet also does not mention that Democrats are actually in control of the White House and the U.S. Senate and can impact foreign policy while DeSantis cannot. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, speaks at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Democrats were also in control of the White House and the U.S. Senate when Putin annexed Crimea in 2014. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP When Republicans gained control of the White House, under former President Donald Trump between 2016 and 2020, Putin did not invade Ukrainian territory. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Humza Yousaf, a Muslim and descendant of Pakistani immigrants, was elected by Scotlands governing party Monday to be the countrys next leader. The 37-year-old Glasgow-born Yousaf is set to be confirmed as first minister during a session of the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh on Tuesday. He now faces the challenge of uniting his party, the Scottish National Party, and reenergizing the push for independence from the United Kingdom. Yousaf, who currently is Scotland's health minister, beat two other Scottish lawmakers in a contest to replace First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She unexpectedly stepped down last month after eight years as leader of the party and of Scotland's semi-autonomous government. SNP members chose Yousaf over Scottish finance minister Forbes by a margin of 52% to 48%, after third-placed candidate Ash Regan was eliminated in a first vote. Turnout among the 72,000 members was 70%. WOMEN, ACTIVISTS SKEWER U.K. POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR LISTING RAPE AS A NON-EMERGENCY CRIME Yousaf has promised to push forward a controversial bill to make it easier for Scottish people to legally change their gender. The bill was passed by the Scottish parliament but blocked by the U.K. government. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Scottish voters backed remaining in the U.K. in a 2014 referendum that was billed as a once-in-a-generation decision. The SNP wants a new vote, but London has refused to authorize one, and the U.K. Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland can't hold one without London's consent. Yousaf said he would ask the Conservative government in London for authorization to hold a new referendum. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office said the answer remained no. Yousaf has also said he wants to build a "settled, sustained" majority for independence. Polls currently suggest Scottish voters are split about evenly on the issue. "To those in Scotland who don't yet share the passion I do for independence, I will aim to earn your trust by continuing to govern well," Yousaf said. Story continues Critics say Yousaf, who served in several posts in Sturgeon's government, bears some responsibility for Scotland's long healthcare waiting times, homelessness problem and high drug death toll. Independent pollster Mark Diffley said that while the SNP members who elected Yousaf are passionately concerned about independence, the new leader "will now have to pivot really quite sharply towards what public priorities are, which is not the same." "It's more about supporting people through the cost of living crisis, getting economic growth, improving public services," Diffley said. "That's where reality will bite, I think, pretty soon." The Associated Press contributed to this report. STUTTGART, Germany Frances newest nuclear-powered attack submarine has entered its final testing phase before a planned delivery to the military this year. The SSN Duguay-Trouin, part of the Barracuda class of next-generation, nuclear-powered subs, began its sea trials in late March at the Cherbourg naval base in Normandy, France, according to the French Armed Forces Ministry and the shipbuilder Naval Group. Once several months of trials end, the French Navy should receive the boat in summer 2023. After an initial test leg in the English Channel and a return to Cherbourg, the Duguay-Trouin will undergo multiple tests in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the ministry said in a March 28 news release. During the sea trials, the submarine will remain the property of Naval Group and TechnicAtome, the manufacturer of the nuclear reactor, while operating under the command of the Navy. The first Barracuda-class submarine, SSN Suffren, was delivered in 2021 and entered service in June 2022. The program, launched in 2006 to replace the 1980s-era Rubis-class subs currently in service, is run jointly by the French military procurement agency DGA as well as the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, which oversees the nuclear boilers segment. Four submarines in the Barracuda class are in various stages of development, according to Naval Group. The Tourville, De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca are scheduled for delivery no later than 2030, and the class is set to serve the Navy into the 2060s. This submarine type is to be stealthier than its predecessors and capable of firing cruise missiles at faraway targets. Among its capabilities, the Barracuda-class submarines will provide the Navy with a deep-strike capability via MBDA naval cruise missiles. They are also equipped with Naval Groups F21 heavyweight torpedo and MBDAs Exocet SM39 anti-ship missile. The boats were designed to allow the discreet deployment of special forces divers underwater, according to Naval Group, with a divers hatch and the option to carry a dry deck shelter, allowing for the deployment of underwater vehicles. By Tyler Clifford (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department and Seattle asked a federal judge on Tuesday to lift parts of a decade-long order mandating court oversight of the city's police department, saying the city has taken steps to address a prior pattern of police misconduct. The Seattle Police Department should be relieved of some requirements of a federal consent decree after multiple years of compliance, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke told a news conference where she highlighted "significant progress" in the department's efforts to reduce its use of force. The department must continue work to implement police accountability and crowd management policies under a new decree proposed in a joint filing by federal attorneys and the city in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. "Policing in Seattle looks dramatically different today than it did 10 years ago," Clarke said. "The progress that we've accomplished in Seattle truly provides a model for what we can accomplish in other communities as we vigorously pursue such reforms." The request comes as federal attorneys investigate police practices in several major cities including Minneapolis, Phoenix and New York, according to Clarke. The probes focus in part on police response to large protests, particularly the wave of demonstrations against police brutality that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020. In 2012, the Seattle Police Department was placed under an independent, court-appointed monitor and ordered to reform after a 2011 review by the Justice Department found it regularly violated residents' civil rights and that officers were too quick to use their batons and other weapons. The 2011 review found that in encounters that required force, police used excessive force 20% of the time. When officers used their batons, more than half the time it was unnecessary or excessive. Among the changes made by Seattle were the creation of a Community Police Commission, which is charged with police oversight. The city also established a team to investigate all incidents involving "serious uses of force," Clarke said. Story continues Since new policies and training were implemented, the force has reduced the use of serious force by 60%. While the department has lost more than 500 officers in the past three years, Police Chief Adrian Diaz said the force has made more arrests and generated fewer complaints. "We still have a little bit of road ahead" Diaz said. "This is not a ceiling, this is a floor for us to really continuously improve and innovate." The department employs about 1,200 officers, according to its website. (Reporting by Tyler Clifford in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis) A school security guard was arrested Friday for fabricating a bomb threat at Myrtle Beach High School, according to reports. Coty Allen Kennedy, 20, was charged by Myrtle Beach Police with a bomb threat, conspiring to threat and soliciting another to threat. Kennedy was arrested at 5 p.m. at the school at 3302 Robert Grissom Parkway. He had turned in a note with the threat to a school administrator, saying he found it on the ground, according to a police incident report. Kennedy was a newly assigned, unarmed security officer at the high school, according to Lisa Bourcier, director of strategic communications and community engagement with Horry County Schools. Kennedy confessed to fabricating and presenting a hoax threat to the school administration, Bourcier said by email Monday. The arrest came after a swift investigation and collaboration between the administrative staff at Myrtle Beach High School, District Office personnel, the security companys supervisors, and the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Bourcier said in the email statement. The security officer will no longer be affiliated with Horry County Schools, she said. For a fun evening activity this week, make sure to check out Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Uranus line up in the night sky. The planetary alignment should be visible in Lexington for a few days, but one evening will offer the best views, according to Star Walk. The formation will be especially rare, People Magazine reports, because it includes Uranus, which is usually difficult to see. The last planetary lineup took place in June, with Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. That particular alignment may not occur again until 2040. Heres when to see the five planets align in the night sky this week. Whens the best time to see the lineup in Lexington? For the best glimpse at this event, the Associated Press reports skygazers should look to the western horizon right after sunset Tuesday. The sun will set at approximately 7:57 p.m. in Fayette County Tuesday. Your best option is looking out over a water horizon that is perfectly flat and wide open with nothing to block your view. Another option is a large field with no trees or buildings, the Farmers Almanac says. Its ideal to find an area without light pollution, and NASA advises stargazers to head at least 20 to 30 miles from city limits. You will probably need a pair of binoculars to spot Mercury and Uranus, according to AP, but Venus, Jupiter and Mars should be visible to the naked eye. Lexington area stargazers may want to dress warmly before heading out Tuesday evening, as the National Weather Service forecasts a low around 29 degrees. Theres a 10% chance of showers before 8 p.m., and there may be frosty areas after 11 p.m. If you miss Marchs planetary alignment, Star Walk reports you can see Mercury, Uranus, Venus and Mars align the evening of April 11. Local stargazing events The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club holds stargazing gatherings at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington each month from March to October, weather-permitting. There may be a $1 charge to attend. Story continues Here are the 2023 stargazing dates at Raven Run: April 22 May 20 June 17 July 15 Aug. 12 Sept. 16 Oct. 14 If those dates dont work out for you, the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club also holds stargazing events at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Heres when the Shaker Village gatherings are scheduled: April 15 May 13 June 10 July 22 Aug. 19 Sept. 9 Oct. 7 Do you have a question about Kentucky for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com. [Source] A ban on race-conscious admissions practices in selective colleges would threaten the racial and ethnic diversity of their student bodies, according to a new analysis from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW). The new report comes ahead of the Supreme Courts high-stakes decision on discrimination cases brought against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, whose affirmative action policies are accused of hurting Asian and Asian American applicants. A ruling in favor of a ban is expected by the end of June. CEW researchers analyzed six different admissions models and their possible impact on racial and socioeconomic diversity across selective colleges. Of these models, two specifically consider class-conscious admissions as alternatives to race-conscious admissions. More from NextShark: Philippine-born high school teacher receives top teaching honor in New York Class-conscious admissions are often proposed as alternatives because students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds tend to be underrepresented at selective colleges across nearly all racial groups, the researchers said. However, they found that such admissions practices can only partially claw back the levels of diversity if affirmative action is banned. The researchers specifically found that white, Asian and Asian American students are much more likely to come from upper and upper middle-class families than African American and Hispanic students. Additionally, they pointed out that class-conscious admissions would decrease the number of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students groups that are typically lumped together with Asian Americans as well as American Indian or Alaska Native students. More from NextShark: New report reveals how political rhetoric worsens anti-Asian hate ahead of midterm elections The analysis also revealed that class-conscious admissions are extremely unlikely to compose student bodies that match the demographic diversity of the high school class. Ultimately, maintaining or exceeding current representation levels in the event of a ban on affirmative action would require a complete overhaul in admissions practices, including changing evaluation criteria and identifying those who may actually be considered for admission. Story continues CEW Director and report lead author Anthony P. Carnevale said in a statement: Our models make one thing very clear: the most effective way of increasing socioeconomic diversity at selective colleges is to consider race in the admissions process, not to ignore it. Theres a prevailing idea that race-conscious admissions practices only privilege the richest members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, but that does not hold up under scrutiny. More from NextShark: Anonymous UMich student reveals East, Southeast Asian students are being harassed, stalked on campus Meanwhile, CEW research professor and report co-author Zack Mabel said there is no good substitute for the joint consideration of both race and class when equalizing educational opportunity. Without race-conscious admissions, the role selective colleges play in creating equal opportunity in our society is likely to diminish, he said. The report also debunked claims that gaps in college preparedness lead to poor completion rates. More from NextShark: Ancient China used face-whitening cosmetics before Ancient Greece, study claims On the contrary, the models showed that students from underrepresented groups would get a performance boost and perform similarly to counterparts from more privileged backgrounds. Kathryn Peltier Campbell, report co-author, associate director of editorial policy, and senior editor/writer, noted: Opponents of race- and class-conscious admissions have raised the concern that students with lower test scores and GPAs suffer from academic mismatch at more prestigious schools. But the evidence suggests that students who gain access to more selective four-year institutions benefit not suffer in terms of higher graduation rates and higher post-college earnings. The CEW report, titled Race-Conscious Affirmative Action: Whats Next, can be accessed here. Seminole County is now under an emergency burn ban due to dry conditions in the county and a lack of rain in the forecast. County officials said the burn ban prohibits the ignition and burning of open fires until further notice. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service. That means bonfires, campfires, and the burning of vegetative (yard) debris is not allowed until the ban is lifted. County officials said the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills is allowed, but youre encouraged to make sure charcoals are extinguished completely. But if you do use these outdoor cooking methods, youre asked to not do so in close proximity to heavily wooded areas. Read: Tiger Bay State Forest wildfire grows to 1,600 acres Officials said anyone who violates the ban can be punished either by imprisonment for up to 60 days or a fine not to exceed $500 or both. For additional information, call the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102. Or to report violation of the burn ban, contact Seminole County Sheriffs Office at 407-665-6650. Read: Crews battle wildfire at Volusia Countys Tiger Bay State Forest; expect smoky conditions on I-4 Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., blasted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for not notifying lawmakers of an Iranian proxy attack on U.S. forces in Syria last week. Cotton began the heated back-and-forth with Austin during the defense secretary's testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.The line of questioning related to an attack on U.S. forces in Syria by an Iranian proxy group last week. The attack landed the same day that senators voted down an amendment from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., which would have required President Biden's administration to prove that Iran was no longer providing support to proxy groups. "Do believe that you should have notified us that morning while we were voting on amendments directly related to this kind of attack?" Cotton asked. SAUDI ARABIA, SYRIA TO REPOPEN EMBASSIES AFTER KINGDOM RESTORES TIES WITH IRAN: REPORT Sen. Tom Cotton blasted Secretary Lloyd Austin in the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin defended his decision not to immediately notify senators of an attack on U.S. forces last week. "Again, there is no connection between when we notified you, Senator, and your vote. The chairman and I were testifying that morning as well. So as soon as we came out of testimony, we began work on crafting response options," Lloyd responded. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Secretary Austin, I don't believe you. I believe that your office specifically withheld notification of this deadly strike against Americans because the Rubio amendment on which we voted midday directly touched on exactly this scenario: Not repealing these use of force resolutions if the president couldn't certify that Iran was no longer attacking us in Iran and Syria," Cotton stated. "That's what I believe. Nothing you can say is going to change my belief about that. And I got to say, I think I speak for a lot of my colleagues." BIDEN WARNED AS RUSSIA, CHINA FLEX MUSCLE IN MIDDLE EAST: ALLIES MATTER "I just want to say, Senator, that that is absolutely not true," Lloyd insisted. "Maybe you didn't personally do it. Maybe you didn't personally do it. But I believe entirely that people in your office did that. You have a vast legislative operation, as Sen. Wicker pointed out. Do you really expect us to believe that they didn't know that we were voting on a Rubio amendment, that directly, directly covered exactly this kind of attack? I don't believe that. I don't believe it. I believe there was a conscious decision made not to inform Congress because you fear that it might lead to the passage of the Rubio amendment, which would kill the entire bill," Cotton concluded. President Joe Biden supported ending the military AUMF in the Senate last week. Last week's attack saw Iran proxy forces launch about seven rockets targeting a U.S. base in Northeast Syria on Friday. There were no U.S. casualties and no damage to the base near the Al-Omar oil field, defense officials said. The Senate is expected to vote this week on an amendment from Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., to establish a Senate-approved watchdog over the billions of dollars the U.S. has sent to Ukraine, as senators work their way toward the expected repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations. Hawley told Fox News Digital on Monday evening that the right person for the job would be "tough, tenacious," and said the ideal candidate would be similar to John Sopko, the current special inspector general for Afghanistan. "He's done a terrific job maybe he'd like to do this job. I mean, he already knows how to do it. And that's winding down," Hawley said in reference to Sopkos work on Afghanistan. "Maybe he'd like to shift over to Ukraine. I think that would probably be my first choice, but somebody like him, who's been tough, tenacious, and independent." RUSSIAS LATEST NUCLEAR THREAT SLAMMED BY NATO U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., spoke to Fox News Digital on Monday about an amendment of his that's getting a vote in this week's AUMF proceedings Hawleys amendment is getting a vote as part of the Senates bid to repeal two Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), which are joint resolutions by Congress to allowing the president to direct military assets under certain conditions. The 1991 AUMF was passed after Iraq invaded Kuwait, and the second authorized the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2002. The amendment needs at least 60 votes to pass, meaning Hawley would need several Democrats to cross the aisle and vote in favor of it. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Asked about what his argument to his left-wing colleagues would be, Hawley said, "We spent $113 billion on Ukraine. It is now the largest recipient of United States overseas aid, we need to have one watchdog that is fully accounting for everything we spent and how its being used. Its very simple." UKRAINE CALLS FOR EMERGENCY UN MEETING OVER PUTINS NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL IN BELARUS "Dont spread this out over numerous agencies, no clear reporting requirements. Lets give the public an accounting of how their taxpayer money is being spent," Hawley said. Story continues Senate Republicans are divided over its support for continuing Ukraine aid in the face of Russias invasion, and Hawley himself is vehemently against it. But he said even colleagues who dont share his view have shown support for his proposal. PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA WILL STATION TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN BELARUS AS WARNING TO WEST Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is leading his chamber in repealing the war authorizations for Iraq "I have talked to all members about this. Ive brought this up at our regular caucus meetings. We have discussed what this amendment would do, and made a strong case for it," Hawley said. "No one has said Oh, no, Im against this. Multiple people who are strong proponents of aid to Ukraine have said Yeah, I think that makes sense." If passed, the amendment would require the president to appoint and the Senate to confirm an inspector general to oversee the money going to help Ukraine fight off Russia. It would also mandate that watchdog to submit quarterly reports to Congress on dollars and military equipment sent overseas, as well as Kyivs adherence to anti-corruption standards. "It's very hard to argue that there should not be robust oversight, which is what this amendment does, so I would hope this would not be controversial," Hawley said. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), one of the key Republicans to negotiate a bipartisan gun safety package passed last summer, on Monday addressed calls for additional gun legislation in the wake of a school shooting in Tennessee, saying Congress has gone about as far as we can go on measures like background checks. President Joe Biden pleaded for lawmakers to pass a ban on assault-style weapons and more curbs on firearms after three adults and three children were killed at The Covenant School in Nashville, but Cornyn described his appeals as tired talking points. I would say weve gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didnt address, Cornyntoldreporters when asked about further legislation and background checks specifically. During an appearance Tuesday on CNN This Morning, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was devastating for the parents who lost their children, and Americans at large, to hear lawmakers state that the country had run out of options on gun safety measures. They lost their kids yesterday, and thats what were saying? Jean-Pierre asked. We should not be saying theres nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do. "They lost their kids yesterday... We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there is to do." WH Press Sec. @PressSec calls on Congress to act in the wake of yesterday's shooting in Nashville: pic.twitter.com/RJESr6MIV0 CNN This Morning (@CNNThisMorning) March 28, 2023 Biden had appealed to lawmakers to make some more progress on reducing gun violence. Its ripping our communities apart, ripping at the very soul of the nation, he said Monday at the White House, adding that we have to do more to protect our schools. Story continues Congress is unlikely to pass a ban on assault-style weapons, given that Republicans control the House of Representatives and some Democrats have also voiced their opposition to such a measure. Just [to] be clear, I aint for banning assault weapons, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) told HuffPost. He added that itd be great to get something done on background checks. In June, Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included modest curbs on buying guns, as well as funds to boost mental health care and school security. The bill also mandated enhanced background checks for those under the age of 21 and restricted abusive domestic partners from obtaining guns. He also signed an executive order earlier this month to make more firearm sales require the seller to conduct a background check. At the time, Biden said the order would move the country as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation. But Mondays attack on The Covenant School ignited calls for more action. Tennessee police fatally shot the assailant, identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, on the scene Monday. Hale, authorities said, was in possession of three weapons: a rifle, an assault-style pistol and a handgun. At least two of those weapons were obtained legally in Nashville, according to police. Officers reportedly recovered additional firearms when they searched Hales home. Igor Bobic contributed reporting. Related... Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! SENATE REPUBLICANS TRY, FAIL TO REPEAL SB 357 Two years ago following a vigorous debate, California lawmakers passed SB 357, a bill to decriminalize loitering for the purposes of prostitution. The bill was so hotly contested that its author, Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, held on to it for several months before sending it to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature. When Newsom signed the bill in the summer of 2022, he expressed concern that it might be interpreted as a legalization of prostitution, rather than the revocation of provisions that have led to disproportionate harassment of women and transgender adults. In a statement about the bill, Wiener said that Many of those impacted by this law are Black and Brown trans women. Now, nine months after Newsom signed the bill into law, Senate Republicans are looking for ways to overturn it. Cue SB 100, a budget bill being voted on by lawmakers Monday. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, introduced a hostile amendment, or as he called it, a helpful amendment, to the bill that would repeal SB 357. Its time as a legislative body that we correct and fix a bill that is wreaking havoc across California, Jones said. The Senate Minority Leader repeated claims by police and some anti-human trafficking advocates that the law is used to empower pimps and places sex workers in danger by preventing police from providing outreach to that population. Wiener said in an email statement: The Republican caucus is blaming all our problems on a three-month old law that ended blatant police profiling and has no impact on human trafficking enforcement? Sounds like they need some new material. The Senate Democratic supermajority shut down the idea, voting 29-8 on a party line vote to table Jones amendment and consider SB 100 as is. Jones later released a statement saying that his Democratic colleagues are all talk and no action when it comes to protecting women. Story continues FLETCHER SUSPENDS SENATE CAMPAIGN, ENTERS INPATIENT TREATMENT San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher received huge online support as he announced on Twitter Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for State Senate in order to enter an extended inpatient treatment center. Fletcher, a combat veteran, said he will be treated for post-traumatic stress, childhood trauma and alcohol abuse. Outwardly, I have projected calm and composure. Internally, I have been waging a struggle that only those closest to me have seen; the detrimental impact on my relationships, mood, and inability to sleep, Fletcher said. Fletcher, whose wife is former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (now head of the California Labor Federation), said that he has no doubt that he will make a full recovery. However, it is clear I need to focus on my health and my family and do not have the energy to simultaneously pursue a campaign for the State Senate, Fletcher wrote. Gonzalez Fletcher tweeted in support of her husband, writing, I love my husband and appreciate his willingness to put our family first. Fletchers Twitter thread had more than 150 replies as of Monday afternoon, with the vast majority of them wishing him well as he enters treatment. QUOTE OF THE DAY A child was seen weeping in the window of their school bus leaving todays school shooting. This doesnt have to be our normal. - Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, D-Los Angeles, discussing Mondays mass shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, via Twitter. Best of The Bee: Washington A U.S. Senate staffer suffered potential brain bleeding and a punctured lung in a stabbing attack Saturday, according to a police affidavit reviewed by CBS News. According to the affidavit, Glynn Neal, 42, attacked and stabbed Phil Todd as he exited a northeast Washington, D.C., restaurant. The victim is a staffer of Republican Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, according to a statement issued by the senator. Todd and the alleged attacker did not know each other, the police affidavit said. Todd's statement to police, as detailed in the affidavit, indicated the stabbing was random in nature, with Todd saying the suspect did not say anything to him or demand anything before the alleged attack. Police described it as a "random, violent attack." The police affidavit said Neal jumped on top of Todd during the attack and stabbed at Todd's head and upper body. The police report said a friend of Todd's helped push Neal off of Todd, allowing Todd and his friend to run off and escape. The police report said officers found a bloody knife near the crime scene. The affidavit stated that Todd was stabbed on the left side of his head and that the knife, "penetrated the skull and likely caused an internal brain bleed." Todd also suffered another deep stab wound to the left of his torso that punctured his lung, the affidavit said. Police said Todd would be undergoing initial surgery to deal with the punctured lung and any possible internal bleeding. A second surgery would be scheduled to deal with the potential brain bleed after a neurological consultation, according to the police report. Todd also suffered a "minor puncture wound" on the left side of his chest and a cut to his left ear that might require reconstruction, the affidavit said. According to a court docket in D.C. Superior Court, Neal faces a charge of assault with attempt to kill. The court docket also showed Neal had in recent days completed serving a 12-year prison sentence for a separate felony case in D.C. Story continues Neal is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing April 6 in D.C. Superior Court. "This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C.," Paul said Monday in a statement. "I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery." The police report indicated investigators connected a cellphone found near the crime scene to Neal. When officers arrived at his home to question Neal, they found he had lip and pinky injuries that appeared fresh, the affidavit said. The attack on Todd is the second high-profile assault near or on Capitol Hill this year involving an alleged repeat offender. A D.C. man, with a history of criminal cases, is charged with a federal crime for an alleged assault against Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat representing Minnesota's second district, in February in an elevator in Craig's Capitol Hill apartment complex. The attack against Todd occurred along Washington, D.C.'s H Street Northeast, approximately 1.5 miles from the U.S. Senate office buildings. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to discuss Washington, D.C.'s crime rate and the District's response to violent crimes at a committee hearing Wednesday. A defense attorney for Neal did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CBS News. Nikole Killion contributed to this report. Security camera video shows the moment tornado hit Mississippi high school Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals Kyra Sedgwick makes movie directorial debut alongside husband Kevin Bacon The public and journalists often chastise Congress for passing "messaging" bills. Heres more on a "messaging" bill. The House or Senate know a bill doesnt stand much of a chance of becoming law. But the party in power wants to send "a message." Sometimes that message is directed to the base. A bill may declare "We hear you. We know you want us to pass this." The message is sometimes protective. Congress could face criticism for not acting on a given issue. So, the legislation serves as a fig leaf. Speaking of messages, Congressional Republicans certainly got the message during the pandemic about public education. Online schooling for K-12 exposed what GOPers contend are deep flaws in public education. Parents grew agitated about what lessons they saw taught in the classroom beamed through to the kitchen table. Some parents also grew upset at school closures, mask requirements and vaccines. "After COVID, the veil has been lifted on a corrupted system thats been indoctrinating our children with racial division and hated. Parents are now awakened," charged Rep. Chip Roy, R-Tex. U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), joined by fellow Republican lawmakers, holds a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 24, 2023, in Washington, DC. McCarthy spoke after the House passed the Parents Bill of Rights Act, 213-208, sending the bill to the Senate. Raucous school board meetings commanded headlines in 2021 and 2022. In fact, problems with public education boosted the re-election of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and ushered Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to victory. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Thats why House Republicans promised to develop a "parents bill of rights" in their "Pledge to America" campaign document before the 2022 midterms. Republicans know that education and the role of parents emerged as a wedge. The House approved the bill late last week. And even if the plan never becomes law, House Republicans can point to the legislation as making good on a key campaign promise and sending a message. MINNESOTA ATTORNEY WARNS ABOUT INSIDIOUS BILL FOR TRANS REFUGE, SAYS PARENTAL RIGHTS WILL BE STRIPPED The bill requires school districts to post curriculum, offer at least two in-person meetings to parents each year, allow parents to speak at school board meetings, restrict what pronouns teachers may use to address students and publicize the book collection in the school library. Story continues "The left is scared to death of parents having more of a say in their kids education," argued House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. "Why do we need a law to do what everybody thinks is the right thing to do?" In response to the rambunctious school board meetings, the Justice Department issued a memo citing "a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers and (school) staff." Republicans say the memo went too far, suggesting that the DoJ labeled parents "terrorists." "I don't think the FBI or any of those organizations are targeting parents unduly," said Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md. "I did see a lot of threats that were made and I talked to some of the people in those offices. They feel personally threatened. Their families had been threatened. I think it's important for law enforcement to take a look at that." U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) holds a copy of "Roberto Clemente" by Jonah Winter which was recently banned in public schools in Florida's Duval County, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 24, 2023, in Washington, DC. Jeffries spoke out against the recently passed Parents Bill of Rights Act and the banning and censorship of books in schools. But, as is often the case, books and what students are reading emerged as the biggest flashpoint in the parents bill of rights debate. Both sides converted the House floor into a virtual library, hauling in stacks of books as props to help make their case of what books were offensive or were unfairly targeted for removal. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. highlighted a book titled "Beyond Magenta." He said it was a book "on the LBGTQ youth." He also cited additional titles "The Book is Gay" and "Gender Queer." "Parents, is this something you want your children to read?" asked Norman. Democrats asserted that Republicans were only targeting certain types of books. "The Life of Rosa Parks. "Who is Sojourner Truth? The Biography of Nelson Mandela. The Story of Harvey Milk," recited Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, holding up each tome. "Do you notice any pattern here? They want to ban books about Black and brown people and LGBTQ+ people. Its sick. It is hateful." Democrats said that Republicans were only catering to certain parents. "When they talk about a parents bill of rights, theyre talking about a specific demographic of parents," said Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. "Those books are an attack on Black or brown students." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., suggested that Republicans tried to attack "marginalized communities" in "the flowery language of parental rights" "I can say what my progressive value is. And that is freedom over fascism," said Ocasio-Cortez. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill Ironically, Republicans railed against the federal governments role in local education. Many GOPers campaigned for years about abolishing the Department of Education. Some lawmakers from both sides, incidentally found it a little rich that Republicans now wanted to dictate education policy from Capitol Hill. "This legislation is nothing more than an attempt to nationalize our education system," said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Penn. When challenged about handing down national requirements, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., insisted that Congress wasnt infusing itself into local policies. "This has nothing about Washington," said McCarthy. "This says the parent can now know what's being taught in the school." The House approved the parents bill of rights measure 213-208. All Democrats voted nay. "This bill should have passed unanimously. But unfortunately some Members are more concerned with appeasing teachers unions and radical activists in their party rather than standing with parents," said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR WHOM? WAPO COLUMNIST ATTACKS RABBLE-ROUSING PARENTS OVER SCHOOL ISSUES But Emmer, who is in charge of garnering GOP votes for bills, failed to secure unanimity on his side of the aisle. Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Ken Buck, R-Colo., Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., and Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., all voted nay. But overall, Republicans stuck together to approve a key tenet of their legislative agenda. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) delivers remarks during an event to introduce the Parents Bill of Rights Act with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-Va.) (L) and Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 01, 2023, in Washington, DC. According to the Speaker's office, "the Parents Bill of Rights was designed to empower parents and ensure that they are able to be involved in their kids' education." This brings us back to "messaging." The House approved the package. But it meets a blockade across the Capitol Rotunda. "The House Republican school control bill is Orwellian to the core and it will not see the light of day here in the Senate," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Republicans made good on their campaign promise. But its dead in the water. This is emblematic of legislation which may move through the House and Senate this Congress. The narrow divides make it unlikely either body will advance much of anything to President Bidens desk. That means you may not get a lot of laws over the next two years. But everyone gets "the message." A Key West man was flown to a Miami-Dade hospital Saturday after a shark bit him in the leg while he was kite surfing, according to police. This is the fifth significant shark bite in the waters surrounding the island chain over the past 12 months. Shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, Key West police went to Garrison Bight Marina where city fire-rescue paramedics were applying a tourniquet to the leg of the bite victim, 67-year-old Kevin Carlton Scott, who lives in Key West, according to the police incident report. His wife, Laurie Scott, 63, said her husband was kite boarding about six miles offshore in Blue Fish Channel when he was bitten, the report states. She told police she was in their boat when she heard him scream. After getting him on board, she called 911 and headed for shore. Key West Police Officer Santiago Perez said in the report that Scott had lacerations to his right calf consistent with [a] shark bite. Paramedics took him to Lower Keys Medical Center, and from there Monroe Countys helicopter ambulance took him to Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall, said county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood. Scott declined to comment when reached Tuesday morning. Laurie Scott told police her husband is an experienced boat captain and an experienced kite boarder, Perez wrote in the report. Recent bite incidents Several shark bites have made international headlines since April, especially two over the summer. Among them: In August, a 10-year-old North Carolina boy lost part of his leg when a large shark bit him as he snorkeled off Looe Key. In June, a 35-year-old Texas woman was severely injured after a shark bit her on the leg after she jumped off a pontoon boat off Sawyer Key, which, like Looe Key, is in the Lower Keys. In January, a Romanian man suffered bites to his thigh, knee and calf area after being bitten by what police said was a large shark while he was swimming at the outer mole of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West. Story continues And, almost a year ago, a man was bitten by a shark on the leg while hanging out in the water on the popular Whale Harbor sandbar off Islamorada, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Shark bites are traumatic to victims, but marine scientists say it remains highly unlikely for people to have a dangerous encounter with one of the apex predators in the ocean, their natural habitat. Its so unfortunate that the kite boarder experienced a shark bite. However, in the big picture, its important to remember that the frequency of shark bite events is minuscule when you consider the huge number of people entering the water around the Florida Keys for recreation, especially since travel opened again after the COVID-19 pandemic-caused travel restrictions, Mahmood Shivji, professor of marine sciences at Nova Southeastern Universitys Oceanographic Center, told the Miami Herald/FLKeysnews.com. Shivji said given that so few of the huge numbers of people on South Floridas warm ocean, bay and Gulf of Mexico waters are ever bitten by sharks, its far more dangerous to get into a car and drive every day than it is to swim in the ocean. Robert Len Hamman has been charged with murder in the death of his father, 76-year-old Terrence L. Hamman, of Shiloh, who was found shot to death in his home on Mechanic Street on Christmas Eve. A 53-year-old Shiloh man has been charged with murder in the death of his 76-year-old father, who was found shot to death in his bed on Christmas Eve. Robert Len Hamman, 53, was arraigned at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Richland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Jill Cochran's courtroom on the murder count. He also faces charges on a three-year gun specification and as a repeat violent offender, according to Richland County Clerk of Courts documents. Robert Hamman, 53, plead not guilty to a charge of murder Wednesday before Richland County Magistrate Jill Cochran. Hamman is accused of killing his father Christmas Eve in Shiloh. Magistrate Jill Cochran ordered a $1 million cash or surety bond, no contact with his brothers and appointed attorney Ben Zushin. Hamman told the magistrate via video conferencing from the jail he wanted to withdraw the attorney she just appointed him. Cochran told Hamman his attorney would need to schedule a hearing with a judge on the matter. He entered a not guilty plea. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff's Office initially were searching for Hamman, who was listed as a missing person on a sheriff's report filed Dec. 24, in connection with the death of his father, Terrence L. Hamman, who lived on Mechanics Street in Shiloh. When found, Robert Len Hamman was incarcerated in the Wyandot County Jail in Upper Sandusky on a charge of probation violation on a warrant out of the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. He is currently incarcerated at the Richland County Jail. According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections offender search, Hamman had been released from Lake Erie Correctional Institution on post-release control supervision on Jan. 15, 2022. Authorities searching for Robert Hamman initially as missing person The Wyandot County Sheriff's Office received a call from a concerned person regarding Robert Hamman. Earlier it was reported Hamman had been picked up by a resident on Dec. 24 and taken to a local restaurant near Nevada. Hamman was found at the same restaurant on Dec. 28, 2022 and taken into custody without incident, according to a news release. In December, Richland County Sheriff's Capt. Donald Zehner said deputies were looking for Robert Hamman, concerned about his well-being. Story continues Zehner said Robert Hamman was at that time a person of interest because he lived at his father's residence and because he was on foot in the cold weather. The sheriff's office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation investigated the homicide. Autopsy report rules Terrence Hamman's death as a homicide Richland County Coroner's Investigator Tom Stortz earlier said Terrence L. Hamman died of a gunshot wound. His body was taken to Montgomery County Medical Center for an autopsy. Stortz was contacted by the Richland County Sheriff's Office about the death at 3:30 a.m. Christmas morning. According to the autopsy report, a wound was found under the left armpit and a second wound was seen in the arm and on the outside of the triceps area, and a bullet was felt under the skin of Terrence Hamman. A small, round wound was seen on the right, lower side of the rib cage. The autopsy report, obtained by the News Journal through a public records request, said no gun or shells were found in the home. Terrence Hamman was found covered by a quilt, fully dressed. The autopsy revealed that Terrence Hamman had died of an indeterminate range gunshot wound of the torso. Death was ruled a homicide. lwhitmir@gannett.com 419-521-7223 Twitter: @LWhitmir This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Robert Len Hamman, 53, was charged with murder in his father's death Silicon Valley Bank collapsed after a run on deposits in the US and the UK. Photo: Brittany Hosea-Small/Reuters The governor of the Bank of England has said that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was the quickest seen since Barings Bank failed in 1995. Andrew Bailey told MPs that the UK subsidiary of the Californian lender experienced a 30% run on its deposits in a single day as panic spread through markets and savers. Despite the run, Silicon Valley Bank's UK arm as able to meet those requests, which made its sale process to HSBC (HSBA.L) easier. The FTSE 100-listed (^FTSE) bank bought the UK division of SVB for 1 days after US regulators stepped in to avoid a wider crisis in the financial sector. Read more: Wall Street mostly higher after SVB assets deal as FTSE closes in the green Bailey said he was surprised by the speed of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the US. In my past 30 years, talking about the parent bank in the US to start with, Silicon Valley Bank saw the fastest passage from health to death really since Barings," he said. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey answers Treasury Committee questions - watch live https://t.co/7gisDZn7uG Yahoo Finance UK (@YahooFinanceUK) March 28, 2023 That was a Friday to Sunday thing and this was pretty similar I will draw a distinction with Credit Suisse (CS) which was a more drawn out affair. He added: The US authorities are still dealing with some of the consequences of the issues and the issues with regional banks which we saw with SVB. Credit Suisse is a rather institutional-specific story about long-running issues in that institution. My very strong view about the UK banking system is that it is in a strong position both capital and liquidity wise, it is not showing signs of problems in that respect and we have tested very extensively. Barings Bank failed in 1995 after rogue trader Nick Leeson ran up losses through unauthorised and concealed trading positions. Story continues Read more: Wall Street and FTSE struggle as Deutsche Bank sparks another banking sell-off Sam Woods, chief executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority, said the speed of withdrawals will be an issue in the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank. He said: "There is going to be a question for all of us whether those outflow rates are high enough." He added that the alarming rate at which the Silicon Valley Bank unfolded had been "exacerbated" by "the speed at which news can travel," which was not an issue on the same scale when regulations were brought in after the global financial crisis. Sam Woods, PRA boss, immediately stresses the issue we pointed to last week - that speed with which runs can now happen (social media/ digital banking) might require change in regulation, specifically the liquidity coverage ratios. SVB UK lost 3bn in deposits in a day on 10th pic.twitter.com/eqJCzxOelt Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) March 28, 2023 He said: "All of us can move money from our accounts in a short amount of time. That is a relatively new feature of the market." Andrew Bailey revealed that SVB UK received a number of possible offers but HSBC was the sole realistic offer. Most of them dont turn into anything real and then occasionally you get ones where they set conditions and you say no sorry, we cant do that," he said. By around 7pm or 8pm on Sunday evening, HSBC was the only option left, Bailey said. He insisted that we are not facing a repeat of the financial crisis 15 years ago. I dont think we are at all in the place we were in in 2007-08. We are at a very different place to then. But we have to be very vigilant, he added. Bailey also insisted that it should not become the norm that all deposits are protected when a bank fails, after the United States treasury secretary Janet Yellen suggested that it would safeguard peoples savings in the event another smaller lender like Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. The Bank of Englands governor likened the current situation in the US to the UKs 2008 financial crisis. He told MPs: I perfectly understand what the US has done because we faced the same challenge in 2008. Its a very difficult decision, but in the heat of the moment there are times where you have to make that judgement. I agree with what I think Janet Yellen has said in that this is not a state of affairs that should be the norm, that all deposits are guaranteed. He added that it can be difficult to strike a balance between stopping bank runs happening by offering to protect savings, and ensuring deposit guarantees do not become the norm. I dont for one moment want to criticise the US authorities, as I think they have been dealing with a very hard situation, he said. Watch: 'SVB crisis is a far, far cry from the 2008 financial crisis' Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Wolfspeed isnt new, but the Durham company President Joe Biden will tour on Tuesday afternoon has, in recent years, forged a different trajectory. For most of its history, dating back to its start in 1987, the company was perhaps best known for making LED lights. But starting five years ago, Wolfspeed (then called Cree) ditched its lighting and LED divisions and steered resources exclusively toward the production of a particular type of semiconducting material and chip. Today, Wolfspeed chips power electric cars, fast-charging stations, renewable energy storage, and aerospace and defense equipment around the world. Its largest customer base is in Europe, followed by China and the United States. Its chips are made from semiconducting material called silicon carbide, which is seen as more efficient. As global demand for silicon carbide has swelled, so too has Wolfspeed. Over the second half of last year, the company saw a 39% rise in net revenue from the same period in 2021. Last April, Wolfspeed opened a massive new chip fabrication facility in New York States Mohawk Valley, and in September, it announced an even larger materials plant coming to North Carolina. Speaking to investors in January, CEO Gregg Lowe was bullish. It is clear to us that the opportunity in silicon carbide technology is generational given the pace of adoption we have experienced over the last few quarters, he said. (In October), I remarked that I have not seen growth like this in my 30 years in (semiconductors), and that view has not changed. A presidential visit should only accelerate the companys profile. Ahead of Bidens trip to the Triangle, here are four more things to know about Wolfspeed and its future. The silicon carbide edge Standard chips are made from silicon, but silicon carbide has been shown to be a more efficient semiconductor. When used in electric car inverters, for example, silicon carbide can extend the vehicles range. In the past few years, Wolfspeed has entered agreements with automakers General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar Land Rover to supply their electric vehicle fleets. Story continues But silicon carbide is very challenging to make. Wolfspeed grows its own supply at facilities in New York and North Carolina through a process that requires extreme heat. The company then cuts its silicon carbide into circular wafers, which it either sells to other semiconductor manufacturers or fabricates into chips itself. According to the research firm Yole Group, Wolfspeed accounted for almost 60% of the global silicon carbide wafer market in 2019. The company says its market share remains around the same today. When it comes to electric vehicle semiconductors, such sector dominance is uncommon for an American company. According to an April 2022 article in The Information, China dominates the electric vehicle supply chain, from processing raw minerals like lithium into chemicals for batteries all the way to building finished cars. The one area where America still has an edge, the author stated, is in chips made from an exotic material called silicon carbide. CHIPS Act (and child care) In August, the federal government passed the CHIPS Act, which directs $52 billion to strengthen domestic production of semiconductors. Chip manufacturing is seen as a matter of national security, as theyre found in vital devices like phones, medical equipment, military aircraft, and computers. A significant share of semiconductors comes from Taiwan, which has its sovereignty contested by mainland China. Last summer, Lowe attended the White House signing ceremony celebrating the legislations passage. In September, John Palmour, Wolfspeeds late chief technology officer and cofounder, told The News & Observer, we would expect to get some support from the CHIPS Act. The company says its window to apply for CHIPS Act funding isnt open yet. We can say that Wolfspeed is eager to collaborate with its partners in the federal government to help secure our supply chains, boost economic activity, and support national security, company spokesperson Brianna Reeder said in an email. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Biden administration to help produce and supply Silicon Carbide technology right here in the United States, supporting American jobs and innovation. To qualify for CHIPS Act funds, the federal government took the unique step of requiring recipients provide workers with access to affordable child care. This access is extended to the children of construction workers as well. Asked if Wolfspeed was prepared to offer child care access to meet the federal rules, Reeder said the company is still assessing the new requirements for the administration, but we feel good about where we stand given our alignment with the implementation priorities. Status of Wolfspeeds Chatham site In the coming years, Wolfspeed aims to produce more silicon carbide chips. Many more. We literally cant make enough, Palmour said. Since then, Wolfspeed has unveiled plans to build two new production factories, including a materials plant on the western edge of Chatham County. The facility is slated to occupy 445 acres near Siler City and employ just over 1,800 workers by 2030. Wolfspeed executives predicted the wafer-making facility would expand the companys current capacity by 10 times. A contractor for the Wolfspeed project has submitted multiple building permits according to Chatham County spokesperson Kara Dudley, but no permits have been issued for permanent building construction. Dudley said the county has finished reviewing these permits and awaits additional air quality permits from the state before issuing them. We have issued a half dozen permits for various utility installations around the site, she said. Ongoing worker death investigation The North Carolina Department of Labor continues to investigate Wolfspeed following the workplace death of Vincent Farrell, a 45-year-old facilities electrician from Durham who was electrocuted at a local Wolfspeed facility in October. In a Jan. 31 statement to The N&O, the company said it is unable to share specific information during this active investigation. We will continue to work closely with (the state Occupational Safety and Health division) as employee health and safety is a top priority for the company. Within the past decade, Wolfspeed or Cree has been cited for 17 workplace violations from four separate state inspections, the most recent found in 2015. Due to short staffing and the complexity of severe incidents, the North Carolina Department of Labor says investigations into workplace fatalities typically last between three and six months after the accidents occurred. This story was produced with financial support from a coalition of partners led by Innovate Raleigh as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Open Source Do you enjoy Triangle tech news? Subscribe to Open Source, The News & Observer's weekly technology newsletter and look for it in your inbox every Friday morning. Sign up here. Volumental, the footwear fit technology company based in Sweden, said it reached a milestone of scanning the feet of 20 million shoppers which is 40 million individual scans of customers feet. But that wasnt the only milestone for the tech company. The company said on Feb. 18 alone, it achieved an all-time record of 47,502 shoppers scanned. Alper Aydemir, chief executive officer of Volumental, described scanning 20 million feet as an incredible achievement. The CEO said offering consumers easy access to better fitting and more comfortable shoes is just the beginning. With the majority of shoe returns caused by poor fit, the retailers that use the data found from these millions of foot scans will make bad fitting shoes a thing of the past. More from Footwear News The company said the data that was derived from the scans helps consumers find the shoes that feel the best while also enabling footwear manufacturers to improve fit, comfort, and performance. Its AI-powered scanners are found at various brands and retailers, including New Balance, Red Wing, Fleet Feet, The Athletes Foot, Hoka, Wintersteiger, and Intersport, among others. Aydemir said the scanning data also allows footwear brands to expand into new categorieslike Lululemons shoe line that is designed specifically for womens feetresulting in not only a better fit but also better performance. Last November, Lululemon was honored by Footwear News with the Launch of the Year award for its footwear line rollout at the 36th annual FN Achievement Awards. Earlier this year, Volumental said it was now Beta testing a new self-service user interface, which allows in-store shoppers to use the companys foot scanning technology and the AI-powered footwear recommendations all without needing the help of a sales associate. The Beta testing has yielded strong results showing an improved in-store customer experience with more frequent visits and fewer merchandise returns, the company said. Story continues Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A skydiver slammed into power lines and became entangled after overshooting a Lake Elsinore landing field, California officials reported. The solo skydiver was not electrocuted and was rescued with no serious injuries in the incident at 11:53 a.m. Monday, March 27, firefighters said on Twitter and news outlets reported. We heard a pop, witness Eddie Guillen told KNBC. We didnt see anything at first, then saw her stuck up there. Then we saw her moving and thought, Oh my gosh, shes still alive. The power lines were live, but Southern California Edison crews de-energized the lines before firefighters rescued the woman, KABC reported. The woman declined medical treatment. She basically overflew the entire airport, Skydive Elsinore manager Josh Hall told the Los Angeles Times. Luckily shes fine; obviously it could have been a lot worse. The woman was making her first solo jump as part of an accelerated training program at the skydiving school, he told the publication. Lake Elsinore is a city of 72,000 people about 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles. TikTok bucket prank in Target hospitalizes unwitting customer, California cops say Bird busts out of zoo when tree crashes on enclosure and ends up on California porch Firefighters discover missing plumber asleep in crawl space under California home A nearly 30-year-old online atlas has included Cambria in its recent list of the 11 most picturesque small towns in California. Under a photo of Cambrias oceanfront Park Hill and SeaClift Estates neighborhoods, a corner of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Otter Cove, worldatlas.com described the community as a low-key, small beach town in the shadow of Hearst Castle (which) boasts a whole array of sights and experiences in one small place. Cambria is your go-to destination for rejuvenation in the fresh sea salt air after seeing elephant seals, strolling for antiques, and visiting the nearby wine country in Paso Robles, some 30 miles away, the review continued. Also mentioned were the Vault Gallery; Rich Man, Poor Man; Antiques on Main; Home Arts; Sea Chest Restaurant & Oyster Bar; Creekside Inn; White Water Inn; and Oceanpoint Ranch. Elephant seals bask in a huge pile at the Piedras Blancas Rookery. The other 10 communities on the list include those in mountain, mining and desert country, but most are ocean-oriented. California screams picturesque from its small towns, set amid pristine landscapes with the best natural vistas, the site said in a news release. These aesthetic towns are home to unique local cultures of friendly residents who keep up with impeccable service and caring habits towards nature. Mother Nature returns favor with the best-dressed picturesque scenery of the Golden State. The website invited readers to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, from nature havens to desert towns, and even an international dark-sky community. Choose a beach scene or streetscape with a low-key vibe, modern amenities, shopping opportunities, seafront dining, art, and history aplenty. Also making the cut were Arcata, Avalon, Borrego Springs, Mammoth Lakes, Moss Landing, Nevada City, Ojai, Pacific Grove, Sausalito and Trinidad. For details, check the list at www.worldatlas.com/cities/11-most-picturesque-small-towns-in-california.html. Snoop Dogg in Hollywood, California on November 19, 2018 Michael Tran / GETTY IMAGES Martha's best friend Snoop Dogg is an undisputed mogul, both inside and outside the music world. The multi-hyphenate keeps busy with business ventures ranging from working in film and television to running his own companies. And while Snoop has already ventured into the culinary space (Martha collaborated with him on his 19 Crimes wine brand!), he is expanding his food and drink portfolio with his new INDOxyz coffee brand, which was inspired by his travels to Indonesia. Snoop was first introduced to the local coffee by his now-business partner and brand co-founder Michael Riady, a coffee entrepreneur and native of Indonesia, during a trip to the country. "All it took was one sip and Snoop was hooked," the INDOxyz website says. "Indonesia produces coffee with a flavor range and profile bold and refined enough to excite all coffee drinkers alike." Related: Snoop and Martha Aren't Just FriendsThey're Best Friends, He Says on Her New Podcast The business partners source their beans from farmers on islands in Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. The coffee beans are then shipped back to Los Angeles, Calif., and the brand's master in-house roaster preps the beans before brewing and packaging them for cold brews and whole bean coffee. INDOxyz Sumatra Gayo Organic Dark Roast Whole Bean 12 oz Courtesy of Amazon The premium lifestyle coffee brand's offerings currently include the canned Organic Cold Brew, which has chocolate flavors and is "perfect to wake you up in the morning with a zing that will leave you tingling." Customers can also shop Sumatra Gayo, a whole bean dark roast that features a blend between dark chocolate and herbal notes. "If we made a greatest hits tape, this would be the first track," they say. WEST PALM BEACH A Boca Raton man arrested in connection with a 2021 fatal car crash has pleaded guilty to reckless driving, avoiding time in prison. Miguel Oduardo, 60, collided with motorcyclist Eric Brown at the intersection of Yamato Road and Northwest Fifth Avenue in Boca Raton at about 8 p.m. Nov. 27, 2021. A blood draw revealed Oduardo's blood-alcohol level was more than twice Florida's legal threshold for intoxication, according to Boca Raton police. Police investigators said Oduardo failed to yield as he turned his Toyota Tundra pickup left onto Northwest Fifth, crashing into Brown's westbound Kawasaki motorcycle and throwing the 40-year-old rider to the pavement. The suburban Boca Raton resident died soon afterward at Delray Medical Center. For Subscribers: Palm Beach County's 20 most dangerous intersections Threat or theater? Wellington rapper's vow to shoot up schools goes to court Oduardo initially faced a DUI manslaughter charge, but information revealed over the course of the investigation pointed to something else. "We retained an accident reconstructionist who was very helpful in saying, 'You know what? There are some issues here,' " said Michelle Suskauer, Oduardo's defense attorney. Witnesses on the scene told police they could see the motorcyclist prior to the collision, Suskauer said, but then said during deposition that the opposite was true. The motorcycle, determined to be a trick bike modified so its rider could stand on the gas tank, didn't have a headlight only two after-market flashlights. The traffic homicide and toxicology reports also revealed Brown was under the influence of illegal substances, Suskauer said, and may have been speeding. "The combination of that with independent witness really did not support the state's case for DUI manslaughter," Suskauer said. "Once the depositions were taken and the state learned that, we were able to resolve it. I commend the state for doing the right thing." Story continues Suskauer and Assistant State Attorney Storm Tropea negotiated the charge down from DUI manslaughter to reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony for which the maximum penalty is five years in prison. In exchange for Oduardo's guilty plea Friday, and in accordance with the attorney's plea bargain, Circuit Judge Howard Coates withheld adjudication, keeping Oduardo from becoming a convicted felon. Coates sentenced Oduardo to three years of probation, during which time he must attend DUI school, complete an eight-hour defensive driving course and perform 100 hours of community service. Brown's family agreed to the deal, Suskauer said. "Sometimes, things are really accidents," the attorney said afterward. Sign up for our Post on Boca Raton weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday! Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Fatal Boca Raton crash that killed motorcyclist ends with guilty plea Of the approximately 40 teens in the Dodge City High School SLIFE program, only about five speak Spanish as their primary language. The others speak various dialects indigenous to Central America. DODGE CITY Every day, Corrina Carlos comes into her classroom and bids good morning to her pollitos. They chirp back not in English but in Spanish. And KIche. And Qeqchi. For the most part, the pollitos or little chickens," as Carlos affectionately calls her students understand Carlos as she switches between English and Spanish, but the students and teacher muddle through any parts of the conversation they might not understand. Its the least Carlos can do to give her pollitos a basic education and a fighting chance at survival in a society and world new to them. More:What Kansas schools can learn from Dodge City USD 443s post-secondary success efforts Over the past several years, Dodge City High has targeted efforts to its Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education teens who move into the district with little or no prior education. They, like their adult counterparts, move to the U.S. and to Dodge City mostly to find work, and not necessarily attend school. These students, to be sure, are intelligent children but never had the opportunity to advance much beyond a basic elementary school education. The challenge, though, is convincing them that a year or two of school can make a difference for them as they become working adults. Ive worked with kids for about 25 years, and this job has been the most demanding and emotional, because theres so much at stake, Carlos said. We want these kids to succeed. Im not teaching them biology to fill some requirement to go to college Im teaching them things they will need to survive in this country and live a good life. How a southwestern Kansas classroom became a refuge for immigrant students Dodge City High School SLIFE teacher Corrina Carlos watches as two of her students compete in a Pictionary-style game to teach them English words and concepts. While many districts in Kansas work with English-learning populations, Dodge City is one of a kind in its high percentages of immigrant students, many of whom come from Central Americas most impoverished and undereducated countries. Immigrants, for decades, have been pillars of labor in the meatpacking city. Their children, similarly, have been large percentages of the local school district's enrollment. About 46% of Dodge City USD 443's 7,100 students speak a language other than English at home, said Diana Mendoza, the districts director of English for Speakers of Other Languages and diversity. Story continues More:Dodge City USD 443's migrant education program helps hundreds of students Educating them has always required additional resources federal and state funding ensures the immigrants receive support to learn and become proficient in English. But while that kind of work takes place in any classroom with immigrant students across the state or country, district leaders in Dodge City USD 443 noticed a growing subgroup of students who weren't being adequately served teens who had extremely limited, if any, prior education. In teaching their younger peers, schools could at least attempt to lay an educational foundation for those students, but many of the teens had little to build on, and even less time to do so. These students come to us, and they dont necessarily have a lot of prior formal education, Diana Mendoza said. They come to us to survive. After superintendent Fred Dierksen arrived six years ago, he and other district leaders looked to models around the country that could help. They found a new way to describe these students Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education and absent any specific state funding for teaching these kinds of students, the district used funds from its bilingual education funding to begin the one-of-a-kind-to-Kansas program. To lead it, the school leaders tapped Corrina Carlos, a longtime special education teacher whose bilingual skills could help kick off the program. More:Does Kansas see military enlistment as student success? Some districts say, 'Not enough.' And with that, Dodge City High School's SLIFE program was born. Every student who arrives to the district meets with a parent liaison who determines the familys needs, while also analyzing school transcripts, if any, that the students might bring them. While theres no clear-cut definition for who fits the SLIFE program, Diana Mendoza said the liaisons work with parents or other caregivers to figure out, on an individual basis, how much prior education each student has, as well as their level of English. Given the highly transient nature of the programs students, SLIFEs number tend to ebb and flow even just over the course of the year, but this spring, teachers in the program are working with about 40 students. SLIFE is about student survival in Dodge City Most students in Dodge City High School's SLIFE program are assumed to be immigrants either here on asylum, refugee or undocumented status. But the school neither tracks nor asks students for that info. Even communicating with the SLIFE students most of whom come from Central America can be a challenge for the SLIFE teachers, since it's not a given that the students speak Spanish. Most are at least somewhat proficient in the language, but they actually grew up speaking various dialects from their home countries, such as Guatemala's Kiche' indigenous language. Spanish, then, becomes "a stepping stone" for Carlos and other SLIFE teachers and paraeducators to eventually teach English. Previously, Carlos was the sole teacher in the SLIFE program, supported by a few paraeducators, but the program has grown to include two other teachers who work with the students on math and social sciences lessons. Each of the three SLIFE teachers naturally incorporates English education into their lessons, but Carlos focuses on teaching the language and life skills for the students, with a strong emphasis on getting students up to conversational fluency. Lessons are tailored with a fifth- or sixth-grade level approach, rather than one for high school teenagers. But that's what the students need. More:Kansas high school graduation rates increase. Here's why commissioner says it's not enough "Were learning how to read. Were learning how to write, and were learning how to speak, while learning how to comprehend what we do read, write and speak," Carlos said. "That comes toward the end, but my kids are here almost every day, even the ones who are working full time. They still come to school. They dont have the attitudes that some of the other kids might have, because theyre just so grateful to be here. "Theyre very respectful, and theyre still in that mode where teachers are important. Although the students lack formal secondary education, many do come in with skills and knowledge learned elsewhere. One recent student who came from a family of carpenters was extremely adept at calculating fractions and angles, so the school placed him in SLIFE and a separate, but more advanced, math class for English-learners. Right now, students attend limited elective classes, but the schools hope is to eventually hire more SLIFE teachers for other subjects and work with teachers in technical education fields to expose the students to more potential career opportunities, Dodge City High School principal Martha Mendoza said. I want our teachers to understand that these kids do come with skills, and it can be a two-way deal, the principal said. Theyre not blank slates. They come in with a lot of experience and a lot of assets that we need to tap into. Keeping them in school A trio of Dodge City High School students in the SLIFE program work on a puzzle together. School leaders say games and collaborative activities are educational in teaching students how to interact and work together in a school setting. The biggest challenge for Carlos and the other SLIFE teachers is the limited amount of time they have with the students. Most arrive at about 16 or 17 years old too young to work, at least with their legitimate documents, but too old to receive the proper educational foundation to graduate. Additionally, students often filter in and out of the classroom throughout the year, as new arrivals replace students who might move elsewhere or stop attending school. "That can be challenging as teachers, since we may be working with the kids for several months, and then we get a brand new student who has maybe only been in school up to third grade," Carlos said. "Were really lucky, though, that our kids who have been here a while will step right up and help. It is kind of hard to pull aside the new ones to catch them up, but thats our goal. More:New graduation requirements coming to Kansas high schools; life skills credit falls short That said, despite Carlos' encouragement for students to remain in school, only a handful graduate. Many, if not most, leave school to work the second they turn 18. Even the students who stick out the one or two school years in SLIFE often will lack the necessary credits to graduate, since students who enter SLIFE rarely come with the transcripts or transferable credits from their home countries' schools. A lot of them come because they want to work, Diana Mendoza said. They want to figure out a way to survive. They know they have a family they need to support, but our system says they need to stay in school until theyre 18. Thats their initial intent at least. Many of them may come to work, but they realize they like school, but they cant stay past 18. Diana Mendoza, who also serves on the Kansas Board of Regents, and other Dodge City USD 443 leaders are working on a plan that would use the Regents' adult education funding to create a new program that would allow SLIFE students to continue their studies even after "aging out" of the public school system. The students could continue to attend English classes and possibly receive GEDs or high school diploma equivalents. But at its roots, SLIFE is about much more than graduation. "One of the things when we started SLIFE was realize that its true some of our kids wont graduate," Carlos said. "But these kids are going to be in our community. Theyre going to work. Theyre going to have families and children, and then those children are going to come to our schools, and they will know the value of education, because its a lot different of a situation in their home countries. Finding a family among other immigrant studentts Ive worked with kids for about 25 years, and this job has been the most demanding and emotional, because theres so much at stake, SLIFE teacher Corrina Carlos said. We want these kids to succeed. Im not teaching them biology to fill some requirement to go to college Im teaching them things they will need to survive in this country and live a good life. It is understood among the school that most of the SLIFE students are here on refugee, asylum or even undocumented status, although that is not anything the school formally tracks or asks for, Martha Mendoza said. The school's only duty is to provide and support their public education. We take anyone who walks in through our doors, the principal said. We know that theyre new to our country, and we go from there. We dont know anything about their legal statuses, and its irrelevant to us. Of the dozens of students in SLIFE, most are living here with siblings, grandparents or other extended family they've found as they've immigrated to the U.S. Few are here with their parents. When students like junior Juana Castro Jimenez arrive to Dodge City, theyre often overwhelmed by a sense of intense isolation in a 6A school in the vast expanse of southwest Kansas portion of the High Plains. When she flew into Wichita and made the drive to be with her sister in Dodge City, Castro Jimenez began to question if she had really made the right choice in leaving her mother in Guatemala and taking the weeks-long, 1,600-mile trek to Kansas an odyssey for opportunity. More:Kansas school vouchers, education savings account and tax credit scholarships explained For quite a few days, I was depressed, the teenager said in Spanish. Id barely go out. I just felt like something was missing inside of me. But in SLIFEs program, Castro Jimenez found a group of other teenagers who may not come from the same countries or even speak the same dialects, but could understand the sense of loneliness they collectively felt. Even the teachers and paraeducators helped lend a sense of belonging among the group. They help me be more sure of myself, that Im not alone, Castro Jimenez said. I made it here, and I can graduate, and that gives me so much joy. I want to do something with my life. I want to be a doctor. I want to work, so I can pay a lawyer to take up my immigration case, all while studying and working toward a career. "Maybe I am a little too close to them, but they dont have anyone else," said Dodge City High School SLIFE teacher Corrina Carlos. "We have to be here for them, and the school makes sure they have that. Beyond the English classes and the life skill lessons, Carlos knows that just as important for the students survival is them finding a community that they can call their own in Dodge City High School. Some people might walk by and say, Wow, theyre playing Trouble in there, the teacher said. But for my kids to be able to work together and laugh, that is the best thing for us to see in them building friendships, since they dont have a lot of family here. Thats why the SLIFE students are Carlos pollitos. Theyre her students, and her children. Somos una familia. No importa si son de Guatemala, El Salvador o Nicaragua theyre together when theyre here," Carlos said. "Maybe I am a little too close to them, but they dont have anyone else. We have to be here for them, and the school makes sure they have that. This story was produced with the support of a fellowship grant from the Education Writers Association. Rafael Garcia is an education reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at rgarcia@cjonline.com or by phone at 785-289-5325. Follow him on Twitter at @byRafaelGarcia. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Dodge City USD 443 SLIFE classroom teaches refugee immigrant students The News & Observer publishes a weekly roundup of restaurant sanitation scores to keep you up-to-date on the health grades at Triangle dining spots. Sanitation scores and their corresponding letter grades are used in North Carolina to assess restaurants adherence to rules and standards intended to mitigate and prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses. Youve likely seen sanitation grade cards at restaurants youve visited, and The N&O previously explained what those scores mean and how theyre calculated. Here are sanitation scores in Triangle counties for the week of March 21-28. Wake County sanitation scores The Wake County sanitation grades database shows that 98 inspections were completed between March 21-28. Most restaurants received an A grade, or a score of at least 90%. Two restaurants received a B grade, or a score of at least 80% but lower than 90%. Milad Indian Cuisine (3212 Hillsborough St., Raleigh) received a score of 88% during an inspection on March 23. The restaurant was in violation of 20 standards, with deductions ranging from zero to 1.5 points. Violations included juice from thawing chicken leaking into the basin of a prep sink, several spoiled and moldy tomatoes in the reach-in cooler, several foods being stored at incorrect temperatures and flies near the dish machine. Some violations were corrected during the inspection. The restaurant previously scored a 91% in September 2022, an 87% in March 2022 and a 91.5% in October 2021. Wangs Kitchen (3631 New Bern Ave., Raleigh) received a score of 85% during an inspection on March 23. The restaurant was in violation of 16 standards, with deductions ranging from zero to three points. Violations included knives and dishes with food debris on them being stored as clean, some foods being stored at incorrect temperatures, some items being held past the allowed seven days and no kitchen staff wearing hair restraints. Some violations were corrected during the inspection. The restaurant previously scored a 91.5% in October 2022, a 94.5% in June 2022 and an 86% in May 2022. Story continues No restaurants received a C grade, or a score of at least 70% but less than 80%. No restaurants received a failing grade, or a score below 70%. You can search all restaurant inspections in Wake County at wake-nc.healthinspections.us. Durham County sanitation scores The Durham County inspection management system shows that 29 restaurant inspections were completed between March 21-28. Most restaurants received an A grade. One restaurant received a B grade. China Buffet (3720 Mayfair St., Durham) received a score of 86% during an inspection on March 24. The restaurant was in violation of 19 standards, with deductions ranging from zero to 1.5 points. Violations included raw food being stored above ready-to-eat foods in multiple coolers, several dishes with food debris being stored as clean, no date markings observed in the facility and foods being held at incorrect temperatures. Some violations were corrected during the inspection. The restaurant previously scored a 91% in August 2022, a 92% in March 2022 and a 96% in September 2021. No restaurants received a C grade. No restaurants received a failing grade. You can search all restaurant inspections in Durham County at bit.ly/3pVQfpG. Orange County sanitation scores The Orange County inspection management system shows that 18 restaurants were inspected between March 21-28. All restaurants received an A grade. You can search all restaurant inspections in Orange County at bit.ly/3eQqpxc. Johnston County sanitation scores The Johnston County sanitation inspections database shows that 38 restaurants were inspected between March 21-28. All restaurants received an A grade. You can search all restaurant inspections in Johnston County at johnston-nc.healthinspections.us. Chatham County sanitation scores The Chatham County inspections management system shows that seven restaurants were inspected between March 21-28. All restaurants received an A grade. You can search all restaurant inspections in Chatham County at bit.ly/3JfiHwq. St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King is interviewed Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in his office at the St. Clair County Jail. St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King released a statement following Monday's mass shooting inside a Tennessee school, reminding families to report concerns and that free gun locks are available at the department. My heart goes out to those affected by the most recent school shootings. I want to assure our community that St. Clair County has procedures in place in the event of a crisis such as this, King said in a statement. Three children and three staff members will killed in the assault by a 28-year-old Nashville resident. "So soon after the tragic shooting at Michigan State University, this incident is a stark reminder that school safety must be one of our nations top priorities," the press release read. The sheriff department has three, and soon to be four, deputies who spend 100% of their workday at the schools they are assigned to. The deputies have extensive training on how to handle an active shooter situation, according to the press release. Over the last month, all deputies have gone through mock active shooter scenarios both in and out of the classroom. "Although they hope to never have to utilize this training, we recognize the importance of it and dedicate a significant amount of time preparing for the worst," the press release stated. The sheriff department also has gun locks free of charge through Project Child Safe. The sheriff department said reporting threats or concerns to school safety can be made to 911, (810) 985-8115 or https://ok2say.state.mi.us/. A woman sits in front of the makeshift memorial at the entrance to the Covenant School Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Three children and three school staff members were killed by a former student in Mondays mass shooting. This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County sheriff wants to reassure community following school shooting in Tennessee By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The city of St. Louis, Missouri, said on Monday it was joining a number of major U.S. cities that are suing Korean automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp for failing to install anti-theft technology in millions of their vehicles. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Missouri follows similar actions taken by several U.S. cities to address increasing Hyundai and Kia thefts that use a method popularized on TikTok and other social media channels. Other cities suing Kia and Hyundai include Cleveland, Ohio; San Diego, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; and Seattle. Immobilizers were standard on 96% of U.S vehicles by 2015 but were standard on only 26% of 2015 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute. "Big corporations like Kia and Hyundai must be held accountable for endangering our residents and putting profit over people, said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. Kia and Hyundai vehicles represent a large share of stolen cars in multiple U.S. cities, according to data from police and state officials. Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles have no electronic immobilizers, which prevent break-ins and bypassing the ignition. Last month, the Korean automakers controlled by the same conglomerate said they would offer software upgrades to 8.3 million U.S. vehicles to help curb thefts. TikTok videos that show how to steal Kia and Hyundai cars without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices have spread nationwide. This had led to car thefts that resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities in the Korean automakers' vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in February. Last week, a group of 22 U.S. state attorneys general criticized the automakers, saying they need do more to address problems with millions of U.S. vehicles that are prone to theft. Story continues Kia said on Monday that lawsuits by U.S. cities over the thefts "are without merit." It said it was "willing to work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies in St. Louis to combat car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it." Its vehicles comply with U.S. theft protection regulations, it said. Hyundai said it has taken a number of actions "in response to increasing and persistent thefts targeting our vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices in the United States." The attorneys general urged the automakers to accelerate software upgrades and provide free alternative protective measures for owners whose cars cannot support the software upgrade. Since May 2022, St. Louis police received more than 4,500 reports of thefts of Kia or Hyundai vehicles. Sixty-one percent of vehicles stolen in St. Louis have been Kias and Hyundais, St. Louis said. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison launched a civil investigation into Kia and Hyundai vehicles that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology. He said this month that last year, thefts of Kias and Hyundais in Minneapolis were tied to five homicides and 265 motor vehicle accidents. All Hyundai vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Tuesday that the Senate's delay in approving 160 military promotions due to a lawmaker's opposition to Pentagon abortion policy will impact the readiness of American forces. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, said last month he would seek to hold up Defense Department nominees who require Senate approval due to the Pentagon's decision to assist troops who have to travel to receive reproductive health care. "The effects are absolutely critical in terms of... the impact on the force," Austin told the Senate Armed Services Committee of the delays. "Not approving the recommendation for promotions actually creates a ripple effect through the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be." Between the Ukraine conflict, an aggressive China and Iran-backed forces attacking US troops in Syria, this is "one of the most complex times that we've seen lately," Austin said. He noted that upcoming vacancies requiring Senate approval include the chiefs of the US Army, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said Tuesday that "160 routine military promotions" are currently stalled, describing the move as "reckless." Tuberville -- a Senate Armed Services Committee member -- tweeted in mid-February that because Austin is "following through with his radical plan to facilitate thousands of abortions a year with taxpayer dollars," he would "hold all DoD civilian & general/flag officer nominees that come before the U.S. Senate." He subsequently described the Pentagon's abortion policy as "illegal," and on Tuesday said during the hearing that his hold on the nominations is "about not forcing the taxpayers of this country to fund abortion." Austin pushed back, saying the policy is based on "strong legal ground" and calling on Tuberville to reconsider. "Almost 80,000 of our women are stationed in places... where they don't have access to non-covered reproductive health care," the defense chief said. Story continues The US Supreme Court in June 2022 struck down the decades-old constitutional right to abortion across the country, meaning troops stationed in places that have banned the procedure now have to take leave and travel to areas where it is legal in order to receive care. In response, Austin told the Defense Department to develop policies -- which were released last month -- to allow servicemembers to take administrative absences in order to receive "non-covered reproductive health care," and to establish travel and transportation allowances to help servicemembers cover costs. wd/mlm He has spent nearly 30 years espousing all things Vermont music. Starting this week, he will do so from 2,600 miles away. James Lockridge co-founded the nonprofit organization Big Heavy World in Burlington in 1996 and serves as its executive director and public face. The organization archives and promotes original Vermont-made music, and provides learning opportunities for Vermont youth. Lockridge was due to head out on the road March 20 to move to Tucson, Arizona, where his daughter, Sophia St. John-Lockridge, attends the University of Arizona and has a pet-clothing business, Peanuts Clawset. Lockridges wife, Victoria St. John, has already settled in Tucson. Ive been painting and packing the house, and selling cars, Lockridge said over tea March 16 at Muddy Waters in Burlington. Lockridge, 54, wants to spend more time with family. His parents live out West, and his mother is moving to Tucson. The time with my parents will mean a lot to me, said Lockridge, an avid motorcyclist who expects to explore the numerous National Parks in the western United States. Its a big world and I value the opportunity to experience it. A 1991 University of Vermont graduate, Lockridge isnt fazed about leaving his legacy behind in Burlington. If I had an ego or investment in the idea of career, it might be an issue, he said. But my values are a little bit more core than that. James Lockridge of the Burlington-based music organization Big Heavy World stands March 16, 2023 on Main Street in Burlington. Staying in charge from Tucson Lockridges legacy includes developing the organization that has placed thousands of pieces of Vermont music online and helped to get it played for visitors to the states rest areas and tourist-information stops. Big Heavy World also runs The Radiator, which Lockridge calls a hyper-local FM radio station, and builds skills for young people who make up the organizations all-volunteer work force. Big Heavy World recently started a small museum of Vermont-music artifacts at its offices on Howard Street, near Pine Street in the South End of Burlington. The organization oversees Make Music Vermont, which arranges for free performances in dozens of towns each June. Lockridge has also advanced Vermont music from home, hosting youth-oriented concerts in Jims Basement at his house on King Street. Story continues Vermont's 2022 year in music:Catch up on last year's releases from folk to hip-hop Though hell be far from Vermont, Lockridge said hell continue to oversee business operations at Big Heavy World, including by video conferencing for the organizations weekly meetings. He believes his move could help rather than hinder his leadership of Big Heavy World. His exposure in Arizona to how other people think and other organizations function could allow him to make improvements to the Vermont nonprofit. Honestly, I think that as I explore wider realms of what I do, my understanding will be expanded, Lockridge said, and Ill become a more effective advocate for Vermont. A gentle pit bull Much of Lockridges public persona has been visible through often-tense interactions with Burlington city government. His main issues include fighting to preserve the teen music venue 242 Main and Memorial Auditorium, the aging building that housed the club; and calling attention to what he considers a disparity between city funding for visual and performing arts. Memorial Auditorium and 242 Main closed in 2016, awaiting millions of dollars in repairs. He said the city has had the opportunity to lead with those repairs but he feels hes been witness to stumbling idiocy with nothing being done to the building that dates to 1927. Lockridge cited what he sees as a dereliction of duty from the city regarding funding for performing arts. He pointed to the citys Great Streets BTV program that is commissioning up to $500,000 for public art on Main Street but isnt offering similar funding for the performing arts in Vermont. Lockridge isnt disappointed at a lack of progress on the issues he espouses. I accept life as it comes, he said. I dont sit here being grumpy. I sit here for a decade wondering why people dont do their job. He said he wont disappear from discourse in Burlington. A documentary film in the works about 242 Main will serve as a reflection of cultural legacy in the city while advancing discussion regarding the venue, according to Lockridge. He said he will persist on the issue of funding for performing arts, calling himself a gentle pit bull who will remain cognizant and proactive on the topic. This is a stick I dont intend to let go of, Lockridge said. Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com. Follow Brent on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BrentHallenbeck. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Burlington music-scene stalwart leaving Vermont, moving to Arizona There is no First Amendment right to use speech to shout down a speaker and keep them from being heard. This principle has again become important in connection with an incident at Stanford Law School on March 9. The Federalist Society, a conservative organization, invited Judge Kyle Duncan, a very conservative judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, to speak. Students posted fliers around the school objecting to Duncans views. The judge, who walked into the event while recording on his cell phone, clearly expected protesters. Opinion Initially, students shouted pointed questions at him and booed his responses. Duncan asked for an administrator to restore order. Tirien Steinbach, the associate dean for equity and inclusion at the law school, came forward and spoke for several minutes. Its uncomfortable to say that for many people here your work has caused harm, Steinbach said. She spoke of the importance of free speech, but then said, again I still ask, is the juice worth the squeeze? Is it worth the pain that this causes? The division that this causes? Do you have something so incredibly important to say about Twitter and guns and COVID that is worth this impact on the division of these people? Steinbach ultimately said the audience should let Duncan speak. Duncan reacted angrily, and said to a member of the audience, you are an appalling idiot, youre an appalling idiot. In this school, the inmates have gotten control of the asylum, Duncan declared. Two days later, Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and law school Dean Jenny Martinez apologized to Duncan for the disruption to his speech, calling the incident inconsistent with (Stanfords) policies on free speech. A national media firestorm erupted over this. On March 22, Martinez issued a lengthy letter condemning the disruption, making clear that there is no free speech right to shout down and silence others. She said that Steinbach is on leave and that while no students would be disciplined, the law school would require all students to attend a half-day training program on freedom of speech. Story continues This is not the first time in recent years that law students have behaved this way. A year ago, students at both UC Law San Francisco (previously Hastings College of Law) and at Yale Law School disrupted invited conservative speakers. In all of these instances, protesters defended their actions by claiming that they had the right to use their speech to de-platform a speaker and keep them from being heard. This is wrong as a matter of law and at odds with common sense. There is no reason why the protesters speech should be given priority over that of an invited speaker and an audience desiring to listen. Cases have consistently rejected such a right to a hecklers veto. Indeed, if it were allowed, the only permissible speech would be that where no one cares enough to protest. Each fall, in my role as dean, I send a message to the Berkeley Law School community about this. This year, my message stated: Our goal is to be a place where all ideas and views can be expressed. The First Amendment does not allow us to exclude any viewpoints, and I believe that it is crucial that universities should be places where all ideas can be voiced and discussed. At times, this may mean that there can be an expression of views that we dislike or even find offensive. Disruption of speakers and events will not be tolerated, I wrote. The appropriate response to an objectionable speaker is to invite your own speaker or to engage in non-disruptive protests. I know some disagree and claim a right to shout down speakers. But the only way my speech can be free tomorrow is to support protection for speech that I dislike today. I also am hopeful that there is a benefit in hearing views different from our own, though it can be unsettling and even painful. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean and professor of law at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Stanislaus County supervisors approved priorities Tuesday for spending the remaining $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. The county was allocated almost $107 million in federal funds through ARPA to assist with recovery from the COVID pandemic. County leaders initially dedicated $50 million for improving neighborhoods that lack basic services, $30 million for economic development and job creation, $5 million for supporting families and $5 million for a community development corporation, while leaving $17 million in reserve for future consideration. Tuesdays board decision will increase funding for community infrastructure to $55.6 million. County staff will work on plans for spending the additional $5.6 million on projects in each supervisorial district. The board also clarified how the $30 million for economic development will be spent, with $18 million dedicated to the Stanislaus 2030 blueprint for developing bioindustrial manufacturing and other 2030 initiatives such as talent development, job skills training and small business growth. The rest of the $30 million ($12 million) will fund infrastructure improvements for the Crows Landing Business Park development at the former airfield in western Stanislaus County. With the $12 million combined with other sources, the county will almost have enough to fund the first-phase basic improvements for the business park, estimated to cost $36 million to $42 million. Board members said the 1,528-acre site is a good location for bioindustrial manufacturing, an emerging industry that converts agricultural wastes into products. The county also will set aside $10 million in ARPA funds for budget balancing and use $1 million for administrative support. Maria Arevalo, an advocate for farmworkers, said the county needed to get more public input for spending the remaining $17 million. She said that for months, she requested information about plans for the surplus funds. Arevalo questioned the $12 million allocation for the Crows Landing business park. How was that decision made, she asked. Who is going to benefit from that? Story continues County officials said the business park will create quality jobs to reduce the commuter population. About 40,000 county residents commute to Bay Area workplaces. Supervisor Terry Withrow said $55.6 million for neighborhood upgrades and $5 million for a community development corporation will benefit disadvantaged residents. In another item, the board approved $1 million for a two-year agreement with Central Valley Opportunity Center for providing Farmworker Resource Center services. The resource center, one of only three created in California through 2021 legislation, will have vocational education, English language instruction, housing assistance, help with utilities, emergency food and job placement services. Another $1 million will pay for training farmworkers for office work, cooking occupations, welding, retail jobs, truck driving and solar installation. The CVOC has bus services for getting people to training. Those participating in the training programs are known to increase their incomes by $6,000 to $12,000 a year, a CVOC director said. The agreement was supported by the West Modesto Community Collaborative and California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. Mark Hamill. Rich Fury/Getty Images The Force is strong in Ukraine, as Star Wars icon Mark Hamill has lent his voice to an air-raid warning app used throughout the country, The Associated Press reported Tuesday. In the app, which is connected to Ukraine's air defense system, Hamill, who first portrayed the legendary Luke Skywalker in 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope, tells people to take shelter. "Don't be careless," Hamill says, adding, "Your overconfidence is your weakness," borrowing a line from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The app, Air Alert, "warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs, and deadly exploding drones may be incoming" when sirens go off, AP reported. When the danger passes, Hamill says, "The air alert is over. May the Force be with you." The 71-year-old Hamill, who has been an outspoken activist for Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, told AP that it's "impossible not to be inspired by how [the Ukrainians have] weathered this storm." "Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering," Hamill added. "It motivates me to do as much as I can." While this may seem like a minor detail, some Ukrainians appear to be comforted by the voice of the Master Jedi guiding them through the air raids. "We could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us," Bohdan Zvonyk, a Star Wars fan who lives in Lviv, Ukraine, told AP. Beyond the air raid app, Hamill has also autographed Star Wars posters to help raise funds for Ukraine, the Los Angeles Times reported, and has partnered with the Ukranian government in a campaign to help purchase reconnaissance drones. This campaign, United24, has raised $302 million, according to its website enough money to buy 1,400 drones for the Ukrainian forces. You may also like How to watch 5 planets align in the night sky on Tuesday 'Rewilding' animals could help combat climate change, study finds Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is going to be a dad Mark Hamill has offered his Star Wars persona to provide familiarity and strength to Ukrainians amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The 71-year-old actor famously starred as the franchises lead Jedi, Luke Skywalker, in the original film trilogy and has cameos in the more recent sequels. Now, Hamill is bringing his characters iconic voice to Air Alert, a downloadable app linked to Ukraines air defence system that sounds air raid sirens and alerts the people of Ukraine of possible incoming Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones. Attention. Air raid alert, Hamills voice says. Proceed to the nearest shelter. He also uses well-known Star Wars quotes: Dont be careless. Your overconfidence is your weakness. When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that the air alert is over. He then signs off with an uplifting: May the Force be with you. The actor says he's admired from afar, in California how Ukraine has shown such resilience... under such terrible circumstances. Mark Hamill (Invision) The countrys fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the Star Wars saga, he says of plucky rebels battling a terrifying, invasive foe. A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine, Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically... Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm." Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed Star Wars-themed posters that are being raffled off. Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering," he said. It motivates me to do as much as I can. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamill's voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. He's a Star Wars fan, too. Story continues Besides," he said, we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us. Hamill is pleased that the sci-fi saga is again transporting people, even if just temporarily, to its galaxy far, far away. It does inspire people, he said. Everyone flashes back to being six years old again. And if the movie can help people get through hard times, so much the better. Additional reporting from Associated Press. Massachusetts State Police have arrested three people involved in Tuesday mornings incident in which a State Trooper was dragged by a vehicle that fled from a traffic stop in Fall River. At approximately 12:30 a.m., the Trooper stopped a 2011 black Honda Accord at the intersection of Pleasant and 17th streets after a query of the vehicle revealed the owners insurance had been revoked last November. When the trooper approached the vehicle, the driver, a 27-year-old woman, stated she did not have her license on her and that the vehicle belonged to someone else. Police said a young adult male was sitting in the passenger seat when the trooper informed them their Accord was going to be towed. A short time later a silver Hyundai pulled up and a woman, identified as Maria Melendez Rivera, 41, of New Bedford, exited that vehicle and approached the trooper. The trooper confirmed she was the registered owner of the Accord he had stopped. An initial investigation revealed that the male passenger in the Accord was Steven Melendez, 22, of New Bedford, and that he was the subject of three warrants issued out of New Bedford District Court, one in connection with a shooting. Melendez is the son of Rivera. When the trooper attempted to take Melendez into custody, he broke free and ran into the Hyundai with the driver of the Accord. When the trooper ran up to the Hyundai and began to pull Melendez out of the vehicle Rivera sped off at a high rate of speed. The Trooper held onto Melendez, who was kicking and pushing while the Hyundai accelerated. After being dragged for about a block, the trooper disengaged from the suspect and fell onto the pavement as the Hyundai sped away. He was treated for injuries at St. Lukes Hospital and returned to work the rest of his shift by shortly after 4 a.m. State Police obtained arrest warrants for Melendez, Rivera and Melendezs girlfriend, 27-year-old Keysh Resto Alejandro. At approximately 12:15 p.m., troopers located and stopped a motor vehicle occupied by Rivera on Route 195 east in Westport. Troopers took her into custody on the warrant. Story continues She was transported to State Police-Dartmouth and arraigned in Fall River District Court Tuesday on multiple charges. State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and the State Police Gang Unit developed information that the Melendez might be at a hotel in Warwick, R.I., and enlisted the assistance of the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force and US Marshals Service personnel. Shortly before 4 p.m. the apprehension team observed Melendez driving on the ramp from Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, R.I., to I-95 and stopped him. Less than 16 hours after he violently assaulted a Massachusetts State Trooper, he was taken into custody. He was also charged on the three prior warrants: one for a motor vehicle offense, the second for vandalism, and the third for firearm and assault charges stemming from a 2021 shooting in New Bedford. Alejandro, who was in the vehicle with Melendez at the time of his arrest, was arrested on her warrant, which charged her with accessory after the fact and interfering with a police officer. Authorities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will arrange for Melendez and Alejandro to be rendited to Massachusetts for prosecution. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Dr. Charles Stamitoles arrives in court for a plea hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. Prosecutors announced this week they will not pursue one of two felony charges against the embattled dentist. The Office of the State Attorney announced it will not prosecute former Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles for his felony battery charge from 2022. According to a March 17 court document, Assistant State Attorney Nathaniel Sebastian announced the state would not prosecute Stamitoles' third-degree felony battery charge for allegedly grabbing a 74-year-old woman's face and kissing her. "The victim is satisfied with the sentences and results in other cases and matters, and wishes to avoid the necessity of testifying," the court document states. Stamitoles's felony charge: Dentist accused of sexual battery by multiple women arrested again for felony battery Stamitoles was arrested for the alleged incident on June 17, 2022, after the woman came forward and told authorities he battered her during one of her dental appointments. "She stated that on her last appointment while she was sitting in the room, she had concerns about her teeth and made a statement to her dentist, (Charles Stamitoles), that maybe she should go see another dentist because she felt that (he) was not doing anything to help her fix her teeth," an arrest report noted. After she made the statement, she told deputies that "he placed both of his hands on each side of her face, while putting his face about six to eight inches in front of her face and told her to look into his eyes." Stamitoles then told her that he can help her with her teeth and allegedly kissed her on the forehead. Conviction: Jury convicts Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles in first battery trial Battery sentence: Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles sentenced to 9 months jail time for touching employee What are Charles Stamitoles's prior cases? Stamitoles had seven prior misdemeanor battery counts for inappropriately touching his dental patients. Stamitoles was convicted by a jury on Oct. 26, 2022, of slapping the buttocks, kissing the neck and grabbing one of his employees from behind without her consent. He was later sentenced on Nov. 1 to nine months in Escambia County Jail. Story continues After the trial, the former dentist had six counts of misdemeanor battery remaining, but he pleaded no contest to all six charges on Jan. 20. Stamitoles told the court that he was "humiliated" and "sorry for any feeling's (he's) caused anybody." An Escambia County judge levied four, 60-day sentences just seven days after his plea. Additional sentence:Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles gets four 60-day sentences for battering patients Stamitoles pleas:Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles pleads no contest to 6 misdemeanor battery charges The sentences for two of the counts were set to run concurrent to his nine-month sentence, and the remaining two sentences were scheduled to run consecutively, effectively making Stamitoles' jail sentence approximately 13 months. Once Stamitoles was sentenced on all counts, the Florida Board of Dentistry revoked his dental license after the Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against him regarding two of his misdemeanor battery counts. The board ultimately found he violated Florida Statute 466.027, which states that "the dentist-patient relationship is founded on mutual trust," and that "sexual misconduct in the practice of dentistry means violation of the dentist-patient" relationship. Stamitoles violates court order:Pensacola dentist Stamitoles denied bond after violating his release agreement Charles Stamitoles faces one final felony charge Stamitoles is facing one final charge a third-degree felony count of perjury for lying to a judge during one of his bond hearings. As part of his release agreement, Stamitoles was not allowed to travel outside of Escambia, Santa Rosa or Okaloosa counties and wore an ankle monitor that tracked his movements. However, on Jan. 2 Stamitoles traveled to Mobile, Alabama. On Jan. 17, Stamitoles stood before a judge and said he violated his agreement because he needed to help his son. Court records state that Stamitoles said he left his designated area "to take his son a wallet, bag, and/or computer and that his wife was unable to do so because she was working," but the record indicates further investigation revealed he went to Mobile to purchase a vehicle with his wife." On Feb. 23, Stamitoles entered a plea of not guilty and demanded a trial by jury. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola dentist Charles Stamitoles felony battery charge dropped PATERSON In a city numbed by frequent and often unfulfilled promises of law enforcement reforms, many want to hear additional details about the states Paterson Police Department takeover plan before they celebrate or condemn the intervention. Social justice activists, police union officials, community leaders and elected officials all have plenty of questions about New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkins announcement on Monday. Among them are: What changes will state control bring to the daily operations of the long-troubled Police Department? How much impact will city residents have on the decisions made during state control? Will the state spend significant money as part of the Police Department intervention and what exactly will any extra funding be used for? How long will the state intervention last? Platkin on Monday warned against expectations of overnight changes. NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announces on the steps of the Paterson Police Department that the Attorney General's Office is taking control of the department in Paterson, NJ on Monday March 27, 2023. Exercising control over the Police Department and bringing in nationally recognized police leadership for the department is the first step of a process toward a safer and more just city of Paterson, Platkin said. Countless others have echoed Platkins use of the phrase first step in describing the attorney generals intervention in New Jerseys third-most-populous city. Activists warned they would not be satisfied with baby steps. More of the same simply will not cut it, said Paterson Black Lives Matter leader Zellie Thomas. The takeover of the Paterson Police Department by the Office of the Attorney General does not necessarily indicate a reversal from the standard operating procedures of local law enforcement or its supporters. Platkin has not revealed exactly when he decided to take control of the department, but all indications are that his plan came together very recently. For example, the man Platkin picked to be in charge in Paterson, Isa Abbassi, has worked for the New York City Police Department for the past 25 years notably in a high-profile role after the death of Eric Garner. Officials in Manhattan only announced Abbassis retirement on Monday. Story continues My work here is done, but I will take it with me as I embrace a new opportunity presented to me to help improve the policing profession in our neighboring state of New Jersey, Abbassi said in an NYPD press release that announced his departure. Abbassi wont start his new job in Paterson until May, and during the interim, New Jersey State Police Maj. Fred Fife will be in charge in the city, Platkin said. A litany of problems stretching over years The Attorney Generals Office is taking over a department that has been beset with problems for more than five years. Four current and former city police officers face criminal charges involving allegations they used excessive force on citizens. Eight other Paterson cops were convicted of federal crimes between December 2018 and May 2022, including the infamous robbery squad. In addition to those criminal cases, the city Police Department is the target of a host of pending lawsuits and controversies, including: The March 3 fatal police shooting of Najee Seabrooks. The February 2022 disappearance of Felix DeJesus. The 2019 police-custody death of Jameek Lowery. The litigation brought by Ralph Lee Jr. and Eric Kelley, who spent 25 years in prison until their murder convictions were dismissed several years ago. I talk with the residents daily about their concerns and lack of trust in the Paterson Police Department, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly of Paterson said as he welcomed the attorney generals intervention. People want to feel safe in the communities they live in. The citys most prominent real estate developer, Charles Florio, a frequent critic of the Police Department, called the state takeover the best thing that has happened in a long time. Florio said that for many years the city police have failed at curtailing crime. The AG is going to restore law and order in Paterson for the many people who want it, Florio said. Earlier:NJ AG takes control of daily operations of Paterson Police Department Subscriber exclusive: Najee Seabrooks in his own words: 'Try to bring back some love' to Paterson A brief tenure for Ribeiro Deputy Chief Englebert Ribeiro takes the oath of office for his new rank as deputy chief during a promotional ceremony for the Paterson Police Department at City Hall on August 2, 2021. Mayor Andre Sayegh, not pictured, delivers the oath of office. The month of March was supposed to mark a new beginning for the Paterson Police Department, with Chief Engelbert Ribeiro taking the oath of office on March 3. Ribeiro was replacing a predecessor, Ibrahim Baycora, who many officials and residents said was an ineffective leader and uninvolved in the citys police problems. But Ribeiros swearing-in ceremony concluded at virtually the same time that two police officers shot and killed Seabrooks after an almost five-hour standoff, sparking community outrage and protests, culminating in Platkins announcement on Monday. The presidents of Patersons police unions, Detective Alex Cruz and Lt. Mason Maher, said they would try to stay open-minded to the attorney generals action and expressed hope that the state intervention will bring better equipment, technology and funding for the department. They said representatives of the Attorney General's Office assured them that the state was simply trying to help Paterson. But Cruz and Maher said they were worried about the stealthy way the Attorney General's Office handled things on Monday, by simply showing up in Paterson in the morning to announce the takeover without giving anyone at police headquarters advance notice. First impressions are important, Cruz said. The police union leaders said they were disappointed by the states decision to relieve Ribeiro of his command barely three weeks after he took the oath of office. Maher said morale among Paterson cops was on the rise with Ribeiro, who he said is widely respected among the rank and file in the department. He was going to do some good things, working with the community and making the department more inclusive, Maher said of Ribeiro. Ribeiro remains a member of the Police Department, but the Attorney General's Office has not said exactly what his role will be going forward. Reaction across New Jersey Groups outside Paterson said they were encouraged by Platkins takeover. Ultimately, the proof will be in the pudding, said the Newark-based New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, which two weeks ago called for a federal investigation of the Paterson Police Department. Given the long history of police violence in Paterson and the lack of state action and prosecution in several instances, we and other advocates will be monitoring closely to see how this takeover plays out. We expect the AG will provide implementation details and regular progress reports and involve the community at every step. ACLU New Jersey echoed that statement. We hope that this process is a collaborative one that will help bring about trust and integrity to the Paterson Police Department, and safety from police violence for the people of Paterson, said ACLU Executive Director Amol Sinha. "The community deserves nothing less. In many ways, the takeover is reminiscent of the states intervention in the Camden Police Department about 15 years ago, according to law enforcement experts. Several years later, officials in Camden dissolved the city Police Department and replaced it with a county law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a champion of the citys police officers who served as Patersons mayor in the 1990s, said he believed Platkin did not make his decision lightly or without vital purpose. This is a sad moment for our community, Pascrell said, but it can be a promising moment if from this action the Paterson police and state police, working together with our community, can bolster public confidence and make our streets safer. Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ police: What comes next after takeover? As MassHealth redetermines eligibility for its members throughout the state, local hospitals and community care centers are working to inform and educate the public about the renewal process. MassHealth, Massachusetts' version of the Medicaid program, implemented continuous coverage protections in response to COVID-19. But the federal emergency is scheduled to end later this spring, which will halt continuous Medicaid enrollment on Friday and begin the process of rechecking the eligibility of every member. MassHealth membership has grown from 1.8 million to 2.3 million since the start of the pandemic three years ago. Earlier this month, Gov. Maura Healey estimated that about 400,000 people will lose benefits due to eligibility reassessment, freeing up $1.9 billion in fiscal 2024 for state spending. According to Healeys proposed supplemental budget, $3.5 million will be used to support the redetermination process. Address postpartum depression:Reproductive justice advocates call for comprehensive maternal care Vicker DiGravio, president of Riverside Community Care, said the Milford location served about 1,400 individuals with MassHealth in 2022, about 70% of its total patients. Riverside operated a traditional outpatient center at its West Street site in Milford prior to opening a community behavioral health center there in January. "We are alerting staff in our program that the individuals they're working with may be getting letters regarding a redetermination, and we've asked them to be on alert and to be available to help individuals with that process," DiGravio said, adding the renewal process can be "impactful" based on how many MassHealth patients become ineligible. Vicker DiGravio, president of Riverside Community Care, said its Milford location on West Street, pictured above, served about 1,400 individuals with MassHealth last year, about 70% of its total patients. Tricia Oliver, vice president for public relations, marketing and communications at Milford Regional Medical Center, said in an email that the center doesnt anticipate a drastic change in demand based on MassHealths redetermination because insurance status is not a driver of the need for services. Story continues "In light of MassHealths exercise, we are and will continue to communicate to our MassHealth patients that they need to update their information with MassHealth, look for the blue envelope in their mailboxes, and respond to the mailing by the relevant deadlines," Oliver wrote. "Milford Regional also has existing, on-site counselors who can assist patients with the MassHealth application." MassHealth members must renew coverage Starting April 1, all current MassHealth members must renew their coverage over 12 months. Residents can expect to receive a blue envelope that includes a form for them to respond to and return within 45 days, or face losing current benefits. "It's basically to allow them to update their information and update their household income and any other circumstances that may have changed to see if they still qualify for MassHealth or what they're qualified for if they do not," said Hannah Frigand, director of education and enrollment services at Health Care For All. If the agency requires additional information, members will have additional 90 days to provide it. Before losing coverage, members have another 14 days to submit the necessary information or be declared ineligible. CBHC for Milford:Region gets big investments as part of state's behavioral health rollout Frigand said the length of renewal forms will differ for different populations members over 65 will not receive a form that contains information already filled in. "There's a shorter renewal form," she said. "It's about 10 pages for a lot of people who live in the community. But then there is a longer form for people who might be living in a nursing home or have other circumstances where they might need to fill out more information about their household or their circumstances." DiGravio said Riverside will work to connect individuals with a provider that the center has contracted with if their MassHealth benefits are lost. Tricia Oliver, vice president for public relations, marketing and communications at Milford Regional Medical Center, said the hospital remains committed to all patients. "We hope that it's minimal impact and minimal disruption to people's care," he said. "But until the process plays out, we don't have any real insight or any way to gauge that." Oliver said Milford Regional remains committed to serving all patients, regardless of the number affected. "For any patient who is uninsured, we guide them to apply for coverage through the Health Connector," she wrote in her email. The Health Connector aims to offer affordable health plans for people who lost their insurance. Health Connector a 'landing spot' Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier said she is expecting up to 200,000 new enrollees this year. "For many people, we will be the natural kind of landing spot for people who lose MassHealth eligibility," she said. Those who lose eligibility may qualify for coverage through their employers, but for those who are losing their health coverage, she added, "the Connector is the right place for them from a coverage perspective, and we'll be able to offer affordable coverage options as they transition to new coverage." Gasteier also said the "integrated eligibility system" shared between MassHealth and the Health Connector will ensure that when someone loses MassHealth, they automatically become eligible for assistance from the Health Connector. Cutting-edge, close to home:A look inside MetroWest Medical Center's advanced wound care center "Once that happens for people, they'll start hearing from the Health Connector directly. We'll be reaching out with mail, email, text and outbound calls," she said. MassHealth will use its regular, proven process with new enhancements to streamline the redetermination process further, but it will be different due to the high volume of renewals and low awareness among members, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Gasteier added Health Connector has prepared for an increased volume of needs by enhancing the outreach and communications capacity. "We have an increased capacity in our call centers and in our Navigator Program, which is a network of community-based organizations trained and certified to provide enrollment assistance to people in a variety of languages," she said. A $5 million outreach and education campaign has been launched by HCFA in partnership with MassHealth, the Massachusetts Health Connector, community groups and health care providers including door-to-door canvassing in 15 municipalities, including Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, New Bedford, Quincy, Revere, Springfield and Worcester. 'Knocking on every door' "There are 1.3 million MassHealth members in those communities," Frigand said. "We're hoping that we can reach out to as many as possible. We'll be using census data to door knocking on every door that's accessible in those neighborhoods. We're trying to get to people where they are and just raise awareness." According to Laura Giordano, an account executive at Melwood Global, which partners with HCFA, the number of MassHealth enrollees will decrease, but not because their health insurance coverage will be lost. "It's because they're getting matched with a program that's a better fit for their current circumstances," she said. "That is part of what the wonderful helpline counselors at Health Care For All and all across the state in partnership with MassHealth are working to help people do is to make sure that they receive health insurance coverage to fit their current needs, regardless of what that may be." As the state requires all adults to carry health insurance, Gasteier said its important for people to take action. "If they do miss a window, we'll provide support and make sure they get into coverage because we don't want people going without health insurance here in Massachusetts," she said. This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: MassHealth redetermines member eligibility as COVID danger ends Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. In a March 25 interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for use by the Belarusian military. He compared this to U.S. "nuclear-sharing" with its NATO allies. While Belarusian actions foreshadowed such a step, Putin's announcement still attracted considerable attention. Ukrainian, Polish, and European Union officials, among others, immediately expressed concern and condemned the planned deployment. The reality is that, even if Russian nuclear arms are actually placed in Belarus, that would not increase the military threat to Ukraine or to NATO. Putin's interview implicitly linked putting nuclear weapons in Belarus to the British intention to provide Ukraine with depleted uranium armor-piercing shells. The connection is ludicrous: depleted uranium shells are not nuclear weapons. Putin further portrayed his decision as driven by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko, whom he claimed had "long raised the question of deploying Russian tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus." Putin asserted that Belarus has 10 aircraft that can carry nuclear arms as well as the Iskander, a modern surface-to-surface missile capable of delivering conventional or nuclear warheads. The aircraft are Su-25s, slow jets that first began service in the early 1980s. This development was predictable. In November 2021, Lukashenko said he would "offer Putin (the opportunity) to return nuclear weapons to Belarus." In February 2022, Lukashenko pushed through a dubious referendum making changes to Belarus' constitution, including removing language on the country's nuclear-free status. Group of authors: Russias disinformation goes nuclear Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Before the escalated invasion of Ukraine, the political and military leadership of Russia alleged that Ukraine was planning to regain its nuclear stat Kyiv IndependentPolina Sinovets Story continues One has to wonder whether Putin's announcement came as a surprise in Beijing. On March 22, just four days earlier, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping released a joint statement that included the following language: "All nuclear powers must not deploy their nuclear weapons beyond their national territories, and they must withdraw all nuclear weapons deployed abroad." On March 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson chose not to comment on the glaring contradiction. Putin justified his decision in part by the nuclear-sharing arrangements under which the U.S. military maintains a small number of tactical nuclear weapons (also referred to as non-strategic nuclear weapons) in Europe. In a war, they could be turned over for delivery by NATO member air forces. The current number of these B61 nuclear gravity bombs is believed to be about 100. That number is down from about 500 in 2005. The idea of withdrawing U.S. nuclear weapons later gained some traction in Europe, but Russia's 2014 seizure of Crimea and its involvement in the Donbas fighting smothered that, and then came the all-out invasion launched in February 2022. As its 2022 Strategic Concept made clear, NATO expects to remain a nuclear alliance. The Russian decision will not alter the nuclear balance in Europe or increase the threat to Ukraine or to NATO in any meaningful way. Russia's nuclear arsenal the largest in the world includes some 1,900 non-strategic nuclear weapons, which can be delivered by surface-to-surface missiles, land-based aircraft, and sea-based systems. In addition, Russia has some 2,500 strategic nuclear weapons. Given the array of weaponry, deployment of tactical nuclear arms in Belarus would not provide Russia additional capability against Ukraine. Nor would these deployments increase the threat to NATO countries. Russia has deployed, at least on a temporary basis, Iskander missiles to Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, since 2016. They could cover virtually the same target set as Iskanders in Belarus. As for the Belarusian aircraft, Su-25s have been used by the Russians in Ukraine in an air campaign that is widely described as unimpressive. Jakub Kalensky: The information war against the Kremlin is far from over Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. There have been many optimistic takes claiming that Russia is losing or has already lost the information war against the West. This optimism is Kyiv IndependentJakub Kalensky If the planned deployment will not increase Russian nuclear capabilities in any consequential way, why did Putin announce it? One can only speculate, but Putins war has brought little good news to the Kremlin over the past seven months. Russian soldiers and mercenaries have tried to capture Bakhmut for more than nine months. Bakhmut holds, and the primary result seems to be grievous casualties in the Russian ranks. Putin likes to appear strong and to show that he can take provocative steps to retaliate for actions he does not like. Perhaps he meant the Belarus deployment as a response to the British depleted uranium shells, or to the arrival of the first Leopard tanks in Ukraine, or to the failure of his forces to win the day in Bakhmut. Only the Kremlin knows for sure, but the announcement of a nuclear arms deployment that has no real military impact seems somewhat desperate on Putins part, even a bit pathetic. It will fail if Kyiv and Western capitals allow it to fail. The one who ought to worry is Lukashenko. He surely understands that any nuclear weapons in Belarus will remain firmly under Russian control. Ever more dependent on Putin (just as Putin seems ever more dependent on Xi), Lukashenko might want to mind what he has left of Belarusian sovereignty. The Russian Foreign Ministry rebutted Western concerns about the planned deployment by noting that the tactical nuclear arms would be placed on the territory of the Union State. It is almost as if Russian officials consider Belarusian territory their own. APTOPIX Nashville-School Shooting A child weeps on the bus leaving The Covenant School in Nashville after a mass shooting, Mar. 27, 2023. Credit - Nicole HesterThe Tennessean/AP Arent you guys tired of covering this? Arent you guys tired of being here and having to cover all of these mass shootings? Thats what Ashbey Beasley asked reporters after taking over a police briefing on the gun massacre at a Nashville Christian elementary school, which left six dead, including three children on Monday. wow. a woman makes a passionate case for gun control during a press conference about the Nashville school shooting pic.twitter.com/tQDdSrBZZ6 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 27, 2023 Beasley herself is no stranger to gun violence: she and her child survived the July 4, 2022, mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, that killed seven people and injured 48 others. Since then, Beasley has lobbied to more than 100 lawmakers at Capitol Hill for better gun legislation. She was on a family vacation in Nashville on Monday to visit her sister-in-law when she heard that a shooter opened fire at The Covenant School. You guys sick of it? she asked, as her comments were picked up by local and national media. We have to do something. We all have to call our lawmakers, and we all have to make our lawmakers make change nowor this is going to keep happening. And its going to be your kid, and your kid, and your kid, and your kid next. In 2020, firearms became the leading cause of deathmore deadly than motor-vehicle crashesamong U.S. children aged 1 to 19 based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. By early March, the Gun Violence Archive had already recorded more than 1,000 children and teenagers killed or injured by gunfire since the start of the year, and the Washington Post has tracked at least 376 school shootings in the U.S.not including at colleges and universitiessince the Columbine High massacre in 1999. Story continues How is this still happening? Beasley asked. How are our children still dying, and why are we failing them? Lawmakers have long been divided over more restrictive federal legislation on firearms, and though the debate gets reignited every time there is a high-profile mass shooting, it always seems to end in a stalemate. Read More: These Countries Restricted Assault Weapons After Just One Mass Shooting President Joe Biden said at the White House Monday that more needs to be done to stop gun violence. Its ripping our communities apart, ripping at the very soul of the nation. Beasley is not alone in grieving and questioning the lack of safeguards for children. WHY ARE OUR CHILDREN BEING MASSACRED IN THEIR SCHOOLS?!, asks Britney Grayson, a pediatric surgeon who posted on social media that she had just visited The Covenant School to speak to children there about working in Kenya. She said she left the school only minutes before the shooting began. I have no idea when this country will have had enough, Grayson wrote on Facebook and Twitter. And Im utterly, completely, totally shocked that, as a nation, we arent there yet. He drives himself between campaign stops, does his own makeup before local TV appearances and has yet to receive any endorsements -- Steve Laffey is unlike other Republican 2024 presidential hopefuls. While Donald Trump is a previous US leader, and fellow candidate Nikki Haley an ex-ambassador to the UN, Laffey is the former mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island: population 82,000. "I really am the only outsider," Laffey says of the primary race, which will likely also include Florida governor Ron DeSantis and former vice-president Mike Pence. Laffey is an energetic 61-year-old former finance executive who talks at 100 mph, has six children, and lives on a farm in Colorado with cows and chickens. He says he doesn't watch major news channels ("I get the raw data from the Fed and tell you what's going on,") has no political advisor, and writes his own statements. While Trump posts frequently to tens of millions of followers on social networks, Laffey's online output is modest, and some of it is handled by Steve Laffey Jr., his 15-year-old son. "It's hard, really hard," Laffey senior tells AFP of competing against better-known, better-resourced, and better-backed opponents. He is seeking name recognition the old-fashioned way: on the ground, talking to voters. - Polls - A day campaigning in the small northeastern state of Rhode Island starts with three Laffey children and some old acquaintances parading placards with the slogan "Laffey 2024 - Fixing America" at a busy intersection. The candidate holds a sign saying "I'm Laffey." "I had this made when I was running for mayor because no one knew who I was," he explains, recalling his 2003-2007 two-term spell running his hometown of Cranston, outside Providence. Laffey smiles and waves at passing traffic as several cars sound their horns in support. "If only the first primary was in Rhode Island we'd be set!" he says. Laffey is renting an apartment in the key early primary state of New Hampshire for the summer, as he seeks a breakthrough that will elevate him to the national stage. Story continues "If I can get in one debate, life will change for a lot of people," says Laffey, who is at zero percent in the polls currently. "Nobody would want to debate what I have to say," he adds, touting what he calls his financial expertise and ability to talk in "complete ideas." Laffey is running on fiscal responsibility, reform of social security, and a bold pledge to close the public school system, which he says is broken. Raised in a lower middle-class family, Laffey attended Harvard business school before becoming a successful investor. His eldest brother died of AIDS and two other siblings have suffered from schizophrenia. Laffey home-schooled his three youngest children after an elder daughter was diagnosed with cancer. "I'm much more relatable" than other candidates, he says. After the sign-waving, Laffey jumps into his pickup truck and drives to a cafe where he is interviewed by the local student paper. "You know, he's just a good man. And he's a good American story," says 62-year-old Ed Curran, a friend of Laffey's from school who turned out to show his support. - China - After a quick stop at the studios of NBC 10 for an interview, Laffey heads to a restaurant where around 40 people hear him riff for an hour on subjects ranging from federal debt (too high) to the cost of prescription drugs (also too high). He pledges to halt all trade with China and force Mexico to stop fentanyl smuggling into the United States. "It's not every day someone from Rhode Island runs for president," says 19-year-old Anthony D'Ellena, adding: "His answers were good. I really hope he goes far." Anyone can run for president if they are a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of America for at least 14 years. Laffey ran unsuccessfully in primaries for the Senate in 2006 and the House of Representatives in 2014, hoping victory in either would have acted as a springboard to the White House. "I think it's the only time I can make an imprint between now and when I go to heaven," he says of his 2024 longshot bid. Laffey is realistic about his chances but thinks he can emulate another former mayor of a small city who started as a longshot candidate before influencing the 2020 Democratic race: Pete Buttigieg. "If you hear someone you know say within six months, 'That guy Laffey is right,' then I won," he says. pdh/dw Snow surrounds the cacti in Arizonas Sonoran Desert (Jack Dykinga/naturepl.com) A short-lived but welcome snowfall in North Americas hottest desert was captured on camera earlier this month. For four hours part of the Sonoran Desert, which spans 100,000 square miles across Mexicos Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur states, and the US states of Arizona and California, saw two to four inches of snowfall. The picture of snow blanketing cacti was shot on 2nd March by Pulitzer-Prize-winning landscape photographer Jack Dykinga. Mr Dykinga, who has been photographing the Sonoran Desert since 1976, said that snow hadnt fallen in the area in a decade. He added that the scenes were pure magic, seemingly out of place and strikingly beautiful.A One meteorologist described it as once-in-a-generation snowfall. The flurries may have been partly linked to the final stages of a La Nina climate pattern, the cool phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which scientists say ended on 9th March. In addition to the La Nina, Bianca Feldkircher, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told The Associated Press that a persistent blocking pattern over the Pacific, plus cold air migrating south from the Arctic, created conditions for widespread snowfall along the West Coast. The western US has seen huge amounts of snowfall this winter. More than 11ft has fallen in Flagstaff, in northern Arizona, the greatest accumulation in more than 70 years. In California, there has been a record 40ft of snow. While the Sonoran desert sees extremely high temperatures - with summer routinely topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and climbing to a boiling 118F (48C) - in winter, temperatures drop. The climate remains mostly mild in the valleys but dense snow cover is typical at high elevations in mountain areas, the National Park Service states. Brian Cox has claimed that Meghan Markles marriage into the royal family is a fairytale that went horribly wrong. In a new interview with the Radio Times, the Succession star said that he understood why Meghan was attracted to marrying into the royal family, due to its fairytale image. Reiterating his calls for the monarchy to be abolished, Cox, 76, said: Theyre the product of an institution which is moribund and shouldnt exist any more. But thats a difficult situation where [Meghan] comes from, and its understandable that she sees something and it does look like a fairytale. But it was a fairytale that went horribly wrong, he said (viaThe Times). Cox added that he considered Harry and Meghan to be victims and that the royal family fundamentally, in this day and age, doesnt make any sense. It comes as a contradiction to Coxs comments made last month, when he said that Meghan knew what she was getting into when she married Prince Harry and subsequently joined the royal family. You cant go into a system where somebodys already been trained to behave in a certain kind of way and then just expect them to cut themselves off, he previously told Haute Living New York. Brian Cox has previously called for the monarchy to be abolished (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) I mean, she knew what she was getting into, he added. In my opinion, we shouldnt have a monarchy. Its not viable; it doesnt make any sense... F*** it, move on. The Troy actor has now said that those comments were taken out of context and that the pair were instead victims. In 2020, Cox told ES Magazine that the British royal family should be abolished after the Queens death to rid its feudal hold on our culture. At the time, he praised Queen Elizabeth II as an amazing woman, but said that monarchy should go when shes gone. The Independent has contacted representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Cox for comment. Matthew Macfadyen is reportedly the latest star to sign on to the third film in Ryan Reynoldss Deadpool saga. Macfayden is currently appearing as Tom Wambsgans in the long-awaited fourth and final season of HBOs hit drama, Succession. According to Deadline, which cited sources, the actor will join the as-yet-untitled Deadpool 3 alongside Reynolds as the titular, foul-mouthed anti-hero, Hugh Jackmans Wolverine and The Crown star Emma Corrin. It is not yet known who Macfadyen will be playing. The film will be helmed by Shawn Levy, who directed two of Reynoldss most recent movies: The Adam Project (2022) and Free Guy (2021). Reynolds officially announced Jackmans return to the Marvel role in September last year. Matthew Macfadyen (left) and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool (Getty Images/20th Century Fox) The Australian actor, who played the character in eight X-Men films from 2000 until 2016, was last seen as Wolverine in the standalone movie Logan in 2017. For years, the rights to the X-Men franchise had been owned by Fox, meaning the characters were unable to cross over into the MCU, which is produced by Disney. Ever since Fox was acquired by Disney in 2019, however, fans have been wondering how and when the X-Men would be making an appearance. Jackman and Reynolds have since explained how Wolverine was able to return after being killed off in Logan. Plot details of the film remain nebulous so far, though an earlier pitch for the film saw Wilson and Logan embark on a road trip together. Last year, Macfadyen won the Emmy and Bafta for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for Successions third season. You can read The Independents five-star review for Succession, season four, here. Deadpool 3 will release in cinemas on 6 September 2024. Matthew Macfadyen said wrapping on Succession was awful but that the finale is a good ending. The HBO series returned Sunday for a fourth season, which creator Jesse Armstrong announced will be the last. While difficult to accept, Macfadyen told The Hollywood Reporter he sort of knew the end might be coming. It started to feel like it was more definitive as we got closer to the end, and I trust Jesse and his team to decide how to go out on a high, he said in the interview, which was published Monday. It would be awful to let it dribble on, you know? Macfadyen was nonetheless sad to say goodbye to his character Tom Wambsgans the heartbroken husband of Siobhan Roy (Sarah Snook) and new right-hand man to her father, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) when he and most of the cast wrapped on Feb. 10. It was sort of awful, he told the Reporter. But I will say that I think its a good ending. I think it works. Season 3 ended with Wambsgans joining Logan, betraying his wife in the process. For MacFadyen, that was motivated by his characters eroding marriage with Siobhan, who announced she wanted an open relationship on their wedding night. Matthew Macfadyen said wrapping on Matthew Macfadyen said wrapping on "Succession" in early February was "sort of awful." What Tom really wants is to talk about what happened, he told the Reporter. Theres no postmortem at all. He didnt have the chance to explain his reasons to Shiv, or to have the chance to tell her that there wasnt anything he did that she wouldnt have done. She shuts it down and its quite sad, Macfadyen continued. Macfadyen said his characters wife was also disappointed that he got off the hook after Wambsgans evaded a potential prison sentence in Season 3. He added that when Wambsgans sensed that, it was death by a thousand cuts to their marriage. The actor added that portraying Wambsgans was great therapy for him because I could be excruciatingly embarrassing as Tom and not as Matthew. That certainly continues to be borne out by his cringe-worthy shenanigans with Cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun). Story continues Braun recently revealed that the final episode of Succession was one for the books. The ending is fire, Braun told ET. Read the entire piece about Matthew Macfadyen at The Hollywood Reporter. Related... TOWN OF CRAWFORD - A Sullivan County man has been accused of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the death of a Pine Bush man in a three-vehicle crash last August. Town of Crawford police said the crash happened on Aug. 19, 2022 at the intersection of Routes 302 and 17K. According to town police, an investigation conducted with the assistance of the State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit showed that Shawn Dehaan, 33, of Bloomingburg, was driving east on 17K in a 1995 Chevrolet van when he failed to stop for a red light and entered the intersection with 302, striking two other vehicles. Jeffery Griffin, 39, of Pine Bush, a front seat passenger in one of those vehicles, was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, where he died from his injuries. The Orange County District Attorney's office presented the findings of the investigation to a grand jury, and Dehaan was indicted for vehicular manslaughter. Fiery crash: 16-year-old driver in crash that killed 5 children in New York wasn't licensed Tax breaks: State Senator James Skoufis launching probe into Orange County IDA Emergency preparedness: Oange Regional Medical Center to host free training On Friday, town of Crawford police arrested Dehaan and charged him with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, a felony, and driving while ability is impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor. Dehaan was arraigned and is being held in Orange County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond, pending further court action. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. An attorney with the society could not immediately be reached for comment. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845. This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Sullivan County man arrested for vehicular manslaughter Sundance Institute, which hosts the annual film festival in Park City, Utah, has announced the six people who were selected for its Trans Possibilities Intensive. The fellows for 2023 are Seyi Adebanjo, Rajvi Desai, Malik Ever, Nick Janaye, Jamie John and Tee Park Jaehyung. The second edition of the Trans Possibilities Intensive, which is a three-day event to aid project and professional development for transgender storytellers of color, is taking place from March 27-29. More from Variety Moi Santos, who founded the program, is leading the initiative with guidance from creative advisers and Sundance Institutes Equity, Impact and Belonging Program. This years creative advisers include Sydney Freeland (Drunktowns Finest), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe), Felix Endara (Unseen) and Chase Joynt (Framing Agnes). Sundance describes the Intensive as an ancillary environment for participating artists to enhance their voice and craft, foster relationships with each other, and challenge the obstacles that continue to exclude transgender artists. Founded in 2021, the program directly supports transgender artists of color through project-based granting, supporting the advancement of trans-led projects at all stages of their life-cycles; nurturing and identifying emerging trans talent, as well as year-round custom creative and professional development opportunities. The 2023 Intensive Fellows were selected through a nominations-based application. This years Intensive received more than double the nominations of the inaugural cycle of the program. Meaningfully supporting and advancing trans people, voices and stories remains a priority for Sundance. The recent incessant and baseless scrutiny is nothing new to trans people, and further reflects the need for opportunities for trans people to have the autonomy to explore their transness on their own terms, Santos said in a statement. This years cohort uplifts an extensive and essential range of artistic approaches, stories and experiences and were looking forward to developing a relationship that will birth creative possibilities, risk-taking and necessary change in this industry. Story continues As part of the program, Santos will moderate a live conversation on Sundance Collab , Sundance Institutes digital learning space for artists from around the world. This conversation, called Trapped in Transit: Transgender Storytelling With Visionary Filmmakers Aitch Alberto and Sydney Freeland, will take place on March 29 and interrogate the limits, liberties, comforts and confines of trans cultural representation. It is open to the general public. Below, Sundance Institute shares more about this years Trans Possibilities Intensive fellows: Seyi Adebanjo (director) with Afromystic (U.S.A.): Afromystic is a lyrical documentary guided by four LGBTQ Yoruba practitioners across the waters of Nigeria, the U.S. and Brazil reclaiming lost mythologies such as deities who change gender and are born from the love of two womxn. Afromystic weaves animated Queer & Trans Orisa mythology, poetry, theater and ritual. Adebanjo is a queer gender-non-conforming Nigerian artist who raises awareness around social issues through video. Seyis work exists at the intersection of art, imagination, ritual and politics. Seyi is on Creatives Rebuild New York Think Tank. Seyi was awarded a residency with The Laundromat Project, Fatales Forward: Trans Stories Fellowship. Rajvi Desai (director, co-producer, co-cinematographer, editor) with Mother Wit (U.S.A.): An ailing Black trans matriarch struggles to inculcate the values of education and survival in her community before she runs out of time. Desai is a non-binary South Asian filmmaker and editor based in New York City. Rajvis work focuses on gender issues as they intersect with race, class and caste, both in the United States and in South Asia. Rajvis work has been published in amNY.com, The Swaddle and Eastern-Standard Times, as well as screened in film festivals in the U.S. and internationally. Malik Ever (director/writer) with GutBucket (U.S.A.): After his estranged mothers sudden death, West, a 54-year-old trans man, returns home for the first time in 20 years to clean out his childhood home, where he starts to uncover his mothers secrets. Ever (they/them) is a trans/nonbinary, queer first generation Algerian American filmmaker. Originating in the theatre as a heart-wrenching and hilarious physical theater performer and writer (Phindie), they recently graduated from the AFI Conservatory with an MFA in Directing. Their short film, Gorditx, premiered at GLAFF in LA. Nick Janaye (writer) with Dead Ringer (U.S.A.): After volunteering to prepare his fathers destination wedding, a trans man desperate for approval is tasked with killing a shapeshifting entity that ultimately threatens the lives of attendees. Janaye is an award winning screenwriter and graduate of the Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Known for his bold supernatural stories that combat marginalization, Nick is proudly genderfluid and dead set on amplifying LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and POC representation in film. Jamie John (director/writer) with 2Spirit Water Carrier (U.S.A.): 2Spirit Water Carrier is an experimental work reflecting the Anishinaabe responsibility of carrying water and queer and trans Indigenous bodies. Ideas of gender sovereignty, land and queer body autonomy, and gender variance found throughout nature and history will be communicated through moving images of bodies, gender presentation, landscapes, and text. John is a two-spirit trans and queer Anishinaabe and Korean-American multi-disciplinary artist (he/him and they/themme). They are a tribal citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Tee Park Jaehyung (writer) with Destiny in Sedona (U.S.A.): The lives of various lovelorn transgenders intertwine as they travel through the Arizona desert. A filmmaker originally from Seoul, Korea, her filmography includes The Pupal Stage, Winter Insect Summer Flower and Tofu. A trans woman of immigrant experience, Parks work explores alienation, unconventional bonds and flawed female protagonists. Shes also a USC Screenwriting graduate and a proud SoCal girl. 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. Sir David Jason has described his delight after learning that he has a 52-year-old daughter he didnt know existed. In a new interview, the Only Fools and Horses star shared his surprise after learning that a brief relationship he had with actor Jennifer Hill in 1970 resulted in the birth of Abi Harris. Following the revelation, Jason, 82, is said to be building a relationship with Harris who is also an actor along with her 10-year-old son Charlie. Speaking to The Mirror, Jason said that to say it was a surprise to find out I had a daughter from years ago is an understatement. However, on settling with the news, I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can, he added. My wife, Gill, and daughter, Sophie, have been very supportive and understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family. In 2005, Jason married his wife Gill Hinchcliffe after they met on a TV set. The pair share 22-year-old daughter Sophie. According to reports, Charlie spent time with his grandfather at his Buckinghamshire home over Christmas. Jason with his other daughter, Sophie, and wife Gill Hincliffe (Getty Images) Jason continued: We hope we are all allowed the privacy to continue our new relationship and get to know each other more and more. Jason rose to fame playing Derek Del Boy Trotter on Only Fools and Horses between 1981 and 1991, reviving the character in multiple specials until 2003 and a Sport Relief sketch in 2014. Last year, the actor backed calls for the sitcom to be rebooted. Ive always loved Del Boy, who is such a wonderful loser, he said. I would love to revisit him; I need someone to write me a script. After Only Fools and Horses went off the air in 1991, there have been multiple attempts to revive the series in various forms. These included spin-off The Green Green Grass and prequel Rock and Chips. BANGKOK (AP) Myanmars military government took another major step in its ongoing campaign to cripple its political opponents on Wednesday, dissolving dozens of opposition parties including that of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi for failing to meet a registration deadline ahead of elections. Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, or NLD, was one of 40 parties ordered dissolved in an official announcement by the election commission published Wednesday in the state-controlled press. The NLD governed Myanmar with overwhelming majorities in Parliament from 2015 to 2021 before being overthrown by the military. The NLD had already announced that it would not register, denouncing the promised polls as a sham. The party, and other critics, say the still-unscheduled polls will be neither free nor fair in a military-ruled country that has shut free media and arrested most of the leaders of Suu Kyis party. The NLD won a landslide victory in the November 2020 election, but in February 2021, the army blocked all elected lawmakers from taking their seats in Parliament and seized power, detaining top members of Suu Kyis government and party. The army takeover was met with widespread popular opposition. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are embroiled in conflict. Suu Kyi, 77, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military. Her supporters say the charges were contrived to prevent her from participating in politics. Kyaw Htwe, a member of the NLDs Central Working Committee, told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that the partys existence does not depend on what the military decides, and it will exist as long as the people support it. His statement was a reference to a message Suu Kyi sent to her supporters through her lawyers in May 2021 when she appeared in court in person for the first time after the military seized power, She said Since the NLD was founded for the people, the NLD will exist as long as the people exist. Story continues The party will continue to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted by the people. Kyaw Htwe said in a text message. The army said it staged its 2021 takeover because of massive poll fraud, though independent election observers did not find any major irregularities. Some critics of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the takeover and is now Myanmars top leader, believe he acted because the vote thwarted his own political ambitions. The new polls had been expected by the end of July, according to the armys own plans. But in February, the military announced a six-month extension of its state of emergency, delaying the possible legal date for holding an election. It said security could not be assured. The military does not control large swaths of the country, where it faces widespread armed resistance to its rule. Amid the state oppression following the 2021 coup, no election can be credible, especially when much of the population sees a vote as a cynical attempt to supplant the landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy in 2020, said a report issued Tuesday by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think tank. The polls will almost certainly intensify the post-coup conflict, as the regime seeks to force them through and resistance groups seek to disrupt them. The military government enacted a new political party registration law in January that makes it difficult for opposition groups to mount a serious challenge to the armys favored candidates. It sets conditions such as minimum levels of membership and candidates and offices that any party without the backing of the army and its cronies would find hard to meet, especially in the repressive political atmosphere. The new law required existing political parties to re-apply for registration with the election commission by March 28. Ninety parties ran in the 2020 election, of which just under half have been dissolved. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper on Wednesday published the election commission's list of 50 existing parties that had registered by the Tuesday deadline, and 40 that had not, meaning they would be dissolved as of Wednesday. The surviving parties are unlikely to pose a meaningful electoral challenge to the junta: they won only a handful of seats in the 2020 election, and most will not mount national campaigns. Among these 63 parties, 12 parties will launch election campaigns across the nation and 51 parties only in one region or state, the state-run paper reported. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, which ran a distant second to the NLD in 2015 and 2020, registered again. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, and NLD ally that won the third largest number of seats in 2020, did not. Thirteen new parties registered, and the announcement said the opportunity for new parties to register was still open. The National League for Democracy was founded in 1988 in the wake of a failed uprising against military rule. It won a 1990 general election that was invalidated by the countrys military rulers. It was technically banned after it boycotted a 2010 election held under military auspices because it felt it was not free or fair, but was allowed to register when it agreed to run in 2011. It took power after a landslide victory in the 2015 general election. The day after more than two dozen towns received what authorities say were hoax calls that reported school shooters inside area high schools, police departments continue to investigate. On Tuesday, 28 Massachusetts communities received similar threats that began with calls to local police departments reporting violence occurring at high schools, according to the Massachusetts State Police. Locally, there were swatting calls Tuesday morning at Algonquin Regional, Framingham, Franklin, Hudson, Medway and Milford high schools. "Detectives will continue to work together with other law enforcement agencies, including the Mass. State Police and the FBI," Milford police said in a statement. Police in Framingham received a call at 11:34 a.m. Tuesday announcing a threat inside the high school, Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay said in a press release. The call turned out to be a hoax. The calls came the day after six people three adults and three children were killed in a Tennessee school shooting. "This has been going on throughout the state," Milford Deputy Police Chief Robert Tusino said. "We didn't take this as a false call, but we had our suspicions. Unfortunately, we have to take this seriously in this day and age." Schools in Attleboro, Dedham, Foxborough, Mansfield, Marshfield and Taunton were also victims of swatting. Swatting is the act of making a false report of a crime to draw a large response of emergency personnel to a certain area. In Framingham, the swatting incident comes just a few weeks after an active shooter alarm accidentally sounded at Framingham High School, sending students rushing from the school in fear that there was a shooter inside. 'Students running down the street.':Framingham High School senior recounts terror of false alarm On Tuesday, Framingham police received the hoax call at 11:34 a.m. about a threat inside the high school, Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay said in a release. The staff and students were ordered to stay-in-place and classes continued as police and school officials searched the school. The stay-in-place order was lifted at 11:47 a.m. 'Another case of swatting' "We believe this to be another case of swatting or a fake phone call to emergency responders regarding a fake incident," Tremblay said in the release. "This same type of threat has been reported at several Massachusetts schools over the last several months and has been impacting school districts around the nation this school year. I know how concerning these situations can be, and I want to reassure you that we are committed to the safety of our students and employees." Story continues The Northborough Police Department, at 11:39 a.m., received a hoax call reporting an "active threat" at Algonquin Regional High School. Police responded late Tuesday morning to Framingham High School after a call came in announcing a threat, March 28, 2023. Northborough police, along with Southborough, Marlborough and Westborough police, responded to the school and did a sweep and determined there was no actual threat, Northborough police said in a release. In Franklin, according to a School Department press release, an unknown person called the Franklin Police Department at 9:02 a.m. and said there was a hostage situation involving a possible school shooter at the high school. The school was immediately placed on administrative lockdown, with all students and staff in classrooms and no one being allowed in or out of the school. 'It's a swatting call':Framingham police respond to report of a shooting that turns out to be a hoax Police and school administrators searched the school and determined it was a false call, according to the release. In Hudson, the Police Department received a hoax call at 11:34 a.m. The department's school resource officer was in the high school at the time and he and other officers conducted a search and confirmed it was a hoax within minutes, Chief Richard DiPersio said in a release. "These events are no doubt frightening and unsettling," he said. "We want to assure the community we remain dedicated and prepared to protect the students and staff of all schools in Hudson and their safety is our top priority." In Milford, someone called the Police Department at 9:08 a.m. and said there was a shooting at the high school, Tusino said. The students and staff sheltered-in-place while the police, using police dogs and drones, did a search inside and outside the building and the entire school grounds. Police responded late Tuesday morning to Framingham High School after receiving a call announcing a threat, March 28, 2023. "The whole building was cleared within 30 minutes," said Tusino. "It actually went very, very well." School returned to normal after the incident, according to a Milford Public Schools release. Medway police received a call shortly after 9 a.m. reporting an "armed intruder" had gone into the high school and there were five victims, Police Chief WIlliam Kingsbury said in a release. The caller provided police with a description. Kingsbury said police and school officials searched the school and determined it was a hoax. Police also conducted searches of all other town schools as a precaution. Bellingham, Sherborn, Hopkinton and Hopedale police departments sent officers to all town schools as a precaution, though they did not receive threats. Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime. This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Several Massachusetts high schools targeted in swatting calls Afghanistan's Taliban regime arrested a well-known education campaigner this week for his work and for holding "meetings with Westerners," as the Islamic hardliners continue their efforts to stamp out dissent and keep girls out of school. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said Matiullah Wesa, the founder of the Pen Path organization which has spent more than a decade advocating for education access and campaigning against corruption, was arrested Monday in Kabul as he returned from a trip to Belgium. Matiullah, 30, brought his mobile library and advocacy to some of Afghanistan's most remote regions in a bid to improve access to education, including for girls, and highlight corruption in Afghanistan's national educational system. Men, women, elderly, young, everyone from every corner of the country are asking for the Islamic rights to education for their daughters. Penpath female volunteers calls for girls education and their rights to education #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign pic.twitter.com/gekG7fsGKj Matiullah Wesa (@matiullahwesa) March 26, 2023 The Taliban didn't provide any detail about the reasons for Wesa's detention, but one senior official with the group confirmed to CBS News that the activist was in "custody" after his arrest, which was "linked to his activities and high-level meetings with Westerners." The Taliban official spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Wesa had visited Belgium and held meetings with various European Union officials to explain the worsening circumstances for women and girls in regard to education in Afghanistan. He also met with U.N. officials and foreign diplomats in Kabul, all of which is believed to have annoyed the Taliban and led to his arrest this week. Story continues Matiullah Wesa, founder of the Afghan education campaign group Pen Path, is seen in a file photo from his Twitter account. / Credit: Matiullah Wesa/Twitter Attaullah Wesa, the activist's older brother who is not in Afghanistan, told CBS News that Matiullah and one of his other brothers had gone to a mosque to offer prayers as normal early Monday evening when two pick-up trucks full of armed Taliban members arrived and took Matiullah away. "We are a family of educational campaigners, and we won't stop raising our voices for education for every child in Afghanistan," Attaullah Wesa told CBS News. Taliban forces raided the family home in Afghanistan on Tuesday, "detained my two other brothers and took everyone's phones, laptops and valuable belongings," Attaullah said. "Our house was under siege by the Taliban," he said. "My two totally innocent brothers were taken and tortured." He described it as "a barbaric act committed by the Taliban against neutral people," and he called on the "international community and Afghans, help us; we are not military types. We are just people who believe in the power of the pen." Matiullah Wesa's arrest comes just after the start of the new school year in Afghanistan, which, as CBS News reported, got off to a rocky start with completely empty classrooms on day-one as the Taliban authorities neglected to inform parents that school was starting on what had long been observed as a public holiday. Classes are less full anyway as the Taliban has barred girls over the age of 12 from attending schools. The group's domestic intelligence agency has detained a number of activists who campaigned for women's education. Wesa's last tweet, before his arrest, showed women working as volunteers for his Pen Path organization, "asking for the Islamic right to education for their daughters." The Wesa family is from Afghanistan's southern Kandahar region, the traditional home turf of the Taliban. They have remained among the few to continue pushing for fair education access in the region since the Taliban reclaimed power over the country with the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021. Wesa's arrest drew worldwide condemnation, with the U.N.'s special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, saying he was alarmed by the activist's detention. "His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected," Bennett said on Twitter. The hashtag #ReleaseMatiullahWesa quickly started gaining steam on social media platforms. Afghan poet and writer Matiullah Turab, in a tweet, condemned the activist's arrest, calling him "a kind, honorable, patriotic, educated young man who is saddened by the grief of his countrymen." "There were many opportunities for him to leave the country, but he did not want to go anywhere and was thirsty for the prosperity and progress of his countrymen," said Turab. Security camera video shows the moment tornado hit Mississippi high school Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals Kyra Sedgwick makes movie directorial debut alongside husband Kevin Bacon German Leopard-2 tanks arrive in Ukraine All 18 Leopard-2 tanks and about 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles previously pledged by Berlin have arrived in Ukraine, German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on March 27. Ukrainian troops complete Challenger 2 tank training in UK Ukrainian crews have returned home after completing training in the United Kingdom on British tanks that are expected to be used in a counter-offensive against Russia, UK newspaper the Guardian reported on March 27. SBU detains Russian FSB agents in eastern Ukraine, including assistant to MP Ukraines SBU security service has neutralized a Russian FSB security service agent group that was preparing missile attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia facilities, the SBUs press service reported on Telegram on March 27. Ukraines central bank slams Raiffeisens proposed Russia exit strategy Ukraines central bank is concerned about Raiffeisen Bank International's strategy to exit the Russian market by swapping the assets of its Russian subsidiary for the sanctioned Sberbank in Austria, the regulator's press service told news agency Interfax-Ukraine on March 24. Resistance in Russian-occupied territories ramps up with explosions in Mariupol and Melitopol Explosions were heard in the Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Melitopol on the morning of March 27. No more dangerous money printing, says National Bank of Ukraine Ukraine will no longer return to dangerous money printing to cover state expenses, National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) chair Andriy Pyshnyi confirmed to the Financial Times on March 26. UOC-MP monks intend to remove everything but relics from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra After being ordered to vacate the premises, representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) plan to remove "everything but the relics" from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on March 27, citing a source among the clergy. Story continues Former 'Berkut' officer abuses kidnapped Ukrainian children A former member of Ukraines disgraced and dissolved Berkut special police, Valeriy Atakhov, abused abducted Ukrainian children in Crimea, Russian independent magazine the Insider claimed on March 26 after conducting a special investigation. 1.5 million Ukrainian children at risk of serious psychological problems Zelenskyy Over 1.5 million Ukrainian children are at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems due to Russias brutal war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Hollywood star Orlando Bloom and the UNICEF team on March 26. Russias plans to move nukes to Belarus further involves it in military machine Polands MFA Russias plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is a step towards further involving Minsk in the military machine of the Russian Federation, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson ukasz Jasina told Polish media outlet RMF FM on March 26. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine CENTRAL FALLS Families with babies, groups of two and three and single men and women filed into the back of the Navigant Credit Union in Central Falls on a recent Friday. Inside, they waited at a large table and filled out intake forms. The low hum of voices, the light clack of laptop keyboards and the occasional cry of a baby filled the air. In the back of the bank, three days a week, volunteer tax preparers gather to file tax returns, calculate refunds and help people making less than $60,000 a year file their taxes as part of the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This year, Program Coordinator Miguel Bernal said he expects his organization will prepare taxes for 1,200 filers an increase from the 800 filers they prepared taxes for last year as they continue to work well past the April 18 tax-filing deadline. Miguel Bernal consults with client Rosa Sierra at Navigant in Central Falls. Run by the Internal Revenue Service, the VITA program helps people who make less than $60,000 a year file their taxes for free with the help of a trained volunteer. More:When to expect your Rhode Island and federal tax refunds this year What is the VITA program? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, is run by the Internal Revenue Service to help people who make less than $60,000 a year file their taxes for free with the help of a trained volunteer. The IRS offers training to volunteers, who must pass a tax-law training program that "meets or exceeds IRS standards," according to the IRS's website. It serves an estimated 3 million people a year. One volunteer will prepare a tax return and another will then check their work one of the IRS requirements of the program. Nonprofit groups then run tax preparation clinics. The Volunteer Income Tax tax preparation program touts itself as being a multi-lingual resource, with help in Portuguese, Vietnamese, Arabic, French, Korean, Mandarin and Russian. At Progreso Latino's space at Navigant, most of the clients seek help in Spanish. In Rhode Island, the United Way does much of the state-level organization for the program. Program Officer Zoya Tseytlin, a former volunteer tax preparer, told The Journal that the amount of training for volunteers depends on how much tax background they have, but is usually 20 hours. Story continues The program helps people "build a solid foundation for their future" by helping get them refunds they are entitled to, helping people take control of their finances and preparing them to file their own in the future, Tseytlin said. When Tseytlin was a volunteer, she would see families returning year after year, struggling at first, but eventually, after a few years, they would stop coming once their financial situation surpassed the free program's limits. Who qualifies for the free VITA tax preparation? Individuals and families who made up to $60,000 in 2022 are eligible for the volunteer tax preparation services. Preparing filers for the future Health care worker Rosa Sierra's taxes have been getting more complicated as she shifts away from being an employee and receiving a W-2 form to running her own business. Bernal started preparing her for this shift during last year's tax season, encouraging her to track expenses and income in spreadsheets. 1099, W-4, W-2, W-9, 1040:What are these forms used for when filing your taxes? Miguel Bernal consults with client Rosa Sierra at Navigant Credit Union in Central Falls. While Sierra's taxes are more complicated than most filed by people served through the volunteer tax prep program, it still took just about 35 minutes, Bernal said. Bernal said his job is two-fold. He is there to prepare people's taxes, but he is also there to help people understand their taxes and the tax system. When Bernal first looked at Sierra's taxes in 2021, he spotted that she wasn't getting all the tax credits she was due, after she had her friend, a corporate accountant, prepare her taxes the previous year. "He was able to explain to me what was going on," Sierra said. "It made sense in financial terms." Bernal also helped Sierra prepare for the next tax season, because, as a business owner, she will need to start filing quarterly estimated tax payments. More:Tax season is underway in Rhode Island: Here's everything you need to know Tax preparation demand increases as people file returns to get driving permits Bernal said he has seen demand for tax preparation help increase after the legislature last year allowed undocumented immigrants to get driver's permits, but only if they filed a Rhode Island tax return or were a dependent on someone's tax return. "We've seen an increase of 200% over last year," Bernal said. Driving permits:RI General Assembly approves driving permits for unauthorized immigrants Interested in filing your taxes for free yourself this year? If you're interested in filing your own taxes for free this year, read our guide on what options are available to Rhode Islanders through the IRS's Free File program. While eight companies are participating in the program this year, just four offer free preparation of federal and Rhode Island tax returns for Rhode Island residents. Our guide runs through the income limitations, the pros and the cons of each option available for both state and federal returns. Free file:How to file your taxes for free in Rhode Island in 2023 Where to get free tax assistance if you qualify Most volunteer tax prep centers require an appointment. Phone numbers for each location are listed below. Open Doors, Providence, 401-214-1807 CAPP Hartford Ave, Providence, 401-273-2000 Federal Hill House, Providence, 401-421-4722 Capital City/Lillian Feinstein Senior Center, Providence, 401-207-0223 The Genesis Center, Providence, 401-781-6110 Providence Spanish SDA Church, Providence, 401-270-9996 Center for Southeast Asians, Providence, 401-274-8811 Amos House, Providence, 401-272-0220 CAPP Elmwood Community Center, Providence, 401-273-2000 Indigenous Empowerment VITA, 770 Broad St., Providence, 401-255-6238 Johnson and Wales University, Providence, 401-598-4789 Tri-County CAA North, North Providence, 401-519-1915 Comprehensive Community Action, Cranston, 401-467-7013 Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Providence, 401-521-8830 x102 BVCAP Woodlawn Community Center, Pawtucket, 401-475-5051 Westbay Community Action, Warwick, 401-384-7779 EBCAP/East Providence Senior Center, Riverside, 401-435-7876 Progreso Latino, Navigant Credit Union Community Room, Central Falls, 401-728-5920 Bristol EBCAP/Benjamin Church Center, Bristol, 401-435-7876 Connecting for Children and Families, Woonsocket, 401-766-3384 Community Care Alliance, Woonsocket, 401-235-7187 Tri-County CAA South, Wakefield, 401-515-2490 JonnyCake Center for Hope, South Kingstown, 401-789-1559 Westerly Education Center, Westerly Westerly Area Rest Meals, WARM Center, Westerly, 401-596-9276 East Bay/East Providence Senior Center, East Providence Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. Here's our latest offer. Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@providencejournal.com or follow him on Twitter @WheelerReporter. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Taxes are due April 18 and these volunteers help RI residents file for free Taylor Swift performs during the opener of her Eras Tour, Friday, March 17, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. | Ashley Landis, Associated Press Swifties are headed to court. Some Taylor Swift fans, often called Swifties, went to court in Los Angeles on Monday to go up against Ticketmaster after the debacle that caused fans to wait for hours to be able to get tickets for Swifts Eras Tour, only to leave the site empty-handed. Swifties started pursuing a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, in December for unlawful conduct, claiming it violated antitrust laws, CNN reported. Arguments on Monday were largely procedural, and plaintiffs are requesting at least $2,500 in damages. Around a dozen fans traveled to LA to testify in the federal civil lawsuit about their grievances, according to the Los Angeles Times. Lead plaintiff tried 41 times to get Taylor Swift tickets I tried in total of 41 times that first day to get tickets. It kicks you out into the queue and youre back in and then I kept getting errors, Julie Barfuss, the lead plaintiff on the case, told CNN. Then, I again spent a couple hours trying to do it the second day. When I finally got in and was going to buy tickets, they were like $1,400. Barfuss also questioned the high service fees at checkout, as well as how much of the profits go back into improving technology to kick out bots and withstand high fan volume without slowing down or crashing Ticketmasters system, Rolling Stone reported. Related Is Ticketmaster a monopoly? Plaintiffs are also questioning the level of influence Ticketmaster should be allowed to have for the Eras Tour, fans could only purchase tickets from Ticketmaster. Before ticket purchases during the presale, fans had to preregister to see if they could become a verified fan. If they were approved, verified fans received a code and were notified of which show they would be allowed to attempt to purchase tickets for during the presale. According to the lawsuit, Ticketmaster offered codes to 1.4 million verified fans, and more than two million tickets were sold on the first day of the presale which amounted to the most tickets sold for an artist in a single day, per CNN. Story continues Ticketmaster is a monopoly that is only interested in taking every dollar it can from a captive public, the lawsuit said, per CNN. Related Ticketmaster and ADA seating Another concern centered around Americans with Disabilities Act seating that is accessible to fans with disabilities. Dallas lawyer Griffin McMillin argues that the current ticketing system doesnt save those tickets for fans who have disabilities. (There were) people who wanted ADA tickets that couldnt get them and they were selling them to people who wont even know they were taking away ADA tickets. Its such a simple fix and they dont care. And if we dont care who will? McMillin told KTLA 5. Ticketmaster is the worst. They dont give a crap about ordinary people. All these ordinary people, when theyre given the opportunity, will stand up to bullies. The next hearing for the Swifties will be May 25. Related People are saying they are not getting their prescriptions filled in full at a local Kroger pharmacy. The pharmacy in question is on Northwoods Blvd. in Vandalia and News Center 7s Kayla McDermott spoke to a woman who said that on two separate occasions her prescription was short. Stephanie Yahle, of Vandalia, took to social media when one of her prescriptions for a 210 milliliter medication was only filed with 150 milliliters. >> Celina bus driver and aid resign after preschooler was left on bus for three hours We realized that it was like very short, like it was going to be out way before the time that it needed to be filled, Yahle said. She asked the pharmacy to give her the rest of the medicine, but Yahle claimed the pharmacy told her that was illegal. They said that theres a new law in Ohio that prevents them from opening a new bottle, Yahle explained. She then went to a Kroger pharmacy in Englewood and was able to get her prescription filled. Theres no law in Ohio and they filled my prescription for the 210 as it was supposed to be and said there was no reason why the other Kroger should not have filled it, she said. Yahle told McDermott that this was not the first time she has had this issue. About a year ago there was another medication and we ended up being 100 pills short on the prescription, she said. The pills involved that time were for a loved one to prevent seizures. She said the pharmacy workers argued back and forth with her and accused her loved one of not taking the medication correctly. Then they went back and checked themselves, finally, and realized that they had 100 extra pills in their inventory, Yahle said. >> 19-year-old OSU student falls to his death during spring break; University holds a vigil On Facebook, other people said this problem has happened to them before and told Yahle to contact the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, something she had done prior to posting online. The I-Team reached out to the Board of Pharmacy and asked if they have had any complaints about the Kroger in Vandalia. A spokesperson said they could confirm that we have received complaints regarding this pharmacy (although Im not able get you an exact count) and we are in the process of investigating. Story continues When asked about the accusations, a Kroger spokesperson said they didnt know about this problem. Yahle told us that she hopes the pharmacy is held accountable so people get the medications they need. I dont know if its just negligence or something else deeper than that is going, she said. So hopefully the Board of Pharmacy figures that out. Yahle also told the I-Team that the pharmacy in Vandalia is no longer filling her prescriptions, essentially banning her from the store. Nashville news anchors Holly Thompson and Amanda Hara chocked back tears and comforted each other Monday while reporting on the Covenant School shooting that left six dead. (Watch the videos below.) As Thompson confirmed the deaths of three children, the broadcaster, overcome with emotion, said: My heart is just hurting right now. Hara extended a hand to hold Thompsons arm and continued the segment for NBC affiliate WSMV. My heart is just hurting right now. WSMVs Holly Thompson fights back tears while reporting the news that three children were killed in a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville pic.twitter.com/ZxovM6nLHP The Recount (@therecount) March 27, 2023 Minutes later, Hara began to cry during another update, and Thompson reached over to her colleague. Earlier, Haras voice quivered as she noted that one of her children was in lockdown as a precaution, and another was in a school working with security. Its gonna be OK, Thompson said as she patted Hara on the shoulder. An anchor at Nashville NBC affiliate WSMV fights back tears while reporting about today's school shooting, relaying that her own kids' schools are in lockdown and monitoring her children's safety. pic.twitter.com/8tCVxMnRa1 Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) March 27, 2023 The Nashville shooting was the deadliest school attack since 21 died in the Uvalde, Texas, massacre in May, CNN reported. The news network counted 19 school or college shootings this year that resulted in injury or death. Related... A woman with epilepsy in California fainted and was rushed to a hospital after a group of teen boys shoved a bucket onto her head as part of a TikTok challenge. Lana Clay-Monaghan was at a Target in Tustin, California, shopping for her newborn twins when the teens put a bucket on her head, recording her reaction before fleeing the store. The mother, who has epilepsy and is a cancer survivor, was startled and said that a lack of air inside the bucket caused her to pass out onto the floor of the store, according to a report by KTLA. I was looking at some baby soap. I leaned down and my whole world changed, she told the broadcaster. Everything went quiet, dark and there was really no air. I flipped off what was put over me, around my neck, and I turned around and looked over my left shoulder. To my dismay, it was a group of individuals who were filming me, seemingly for some sort of prank or maybe for something like TikTok. Ms Clay-Monaghan was taken to the UC Irvine Medical Centre for treatment. She said the situation has left her frightened while she's out in public. I keep looking over my shoulder. Im a nervous wreck, she said. I cannot believe that in my community you could go to Target, be in Target maybe a mere 10 to 15 minutes, and someone would find it amusing to come and strategically find a female by herself in the baby aisle and think this would be funny or laughable for likes. There are numerous videos of "pranks" on TikTok in which teens film themselves placing buckets over the heads of shoppers before they scurry off and act as though they had nothing to do with the joke. Though many appear to be staged, the trend does exist and the videos are portrayed as real pranks. Tustin police told KTLA they believe the incident was inspired by the challenge. They are currently reviewing surveillance video from the Target to try to identify the boys. Viral challenges, which often appear on TikTok and other social media platforms that feature video sharing, have left people including the participants hospitalised before. Earlier this month, 46 students at the University of Massachusetts were hospitalised after participating in the "borg" drinking challenge in which they drink a gallon jugs filled with alcohol and some kind of flavouring, accoring to CBS News. The viral challenge's hashtag has more than 85m views on TikTok. An Atlanta teenager is taking his musical talents to one of the countrys most iconic music halls. Tendekai Mawokomatanda, 17, was selected to join Carnegie Halls National Youth Symphony Orchestra. He plays the double bass. While hes gotten taller since then, Mawokomatanda says when he started playing at 11 years old, it was bigger, wider and heavier than he was. Theyre about five feet tall. Theyre wide. Theyre heavy too, he told Channel 2s Berndt Petersen. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] For the second year in a row, he will play alongside the best of the best and embark on a nationwide tour. You are playing to sold-out audiences across the country. This is a program many people are dreaming to get into, Mawokomatanda said. He attended DeKalb School of the Arts, and is currently at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. He also was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. TRENDING STORIES: His parents came to Atlanta from Zimbabwe and say they couldnt be more proud of their son. One day, Mawokomatanda plans to return to his parents homeland. My goal is to build a symphony hall in Zimbabwe and create a program that teaches kids across the country how to play music, and how it can shape your life, Mawokomatanda said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Two teens were charged with multiple counts of felonious assault and attempted theft after a struggle with an officer led to a person being run over, an officer breaking their arm, and police shooting a driver in Columbus. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Teen shot by Columbus Police after running over another teen, hitting an officer with car News Center 7 previously reported that two officers were stationed outside a bingo hall in the 3300 block of Refugee Road on a special duty assignment. At around 2 p.m., they heard a disturbance in the parking lot involving two teens inside a vehicle. They then initiated an investigation, according to WBNS. Since the initial report, Columbus Police released more information about the events leading up to the assault and shooting as well as the charges the teens now face. The two teens pulled into B33 Bingos parking lot and attempted to break into a vehicle parked near the entryway, Retired Sergeant Brian Kaylor, who works for the bingo hall and Columbus Police, said. An officer who came to relieve another saw the incident. Police approached the teens as they returned to their vehicle and tried to remove them, Kaylor said. An officer removed one of the teens when the other teen attempted to drive away. The driver was able to get the door shut and in a very aggressive manner, slammed on the gas, driving backwards, turning the wheel. And, he actually ran over the officer and potentially the other individual in the car who he was with, Kaylor said. The teen driver hit the officer, breaking their arm, and ran over the other teen, a spokesperson for Columbus Police said. This prompted another officer to fire his gun into the vehicle, injuring the driver. The shooting officer was identified as Officer Glenn Thivener, a 34-year veteran with the police department. While injured, the driver drove out of the parking lot and onto Refugee Road where he struck another vehicle. The driver and passenger of that other vehicle were uninjured, the spokesperson said. Story continues Both teens were taken into custody and transported to Nationwide Childrens Hospital where they remained in stable condition. The injured officer was also transported to a nearby hospital. Both teens are charged with felonious assault on a police officer, felonious assault, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property. The driver is facing an additional charge of felonious assault. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation took on the incident due to the second officer firing their weapon and injuring a suspect. Sgt. Greg Bacon talks about the details of the shooting death of a 5-year-old during a press conference in Tempe on March 27, 2023. Tempe police spoke on Monday about a March 17 drive-up shooting in Tempe that killed a 5-year-old child and left two other children wounded. Police identified the suspects in the shooting as Freddy Patterson, 16, Charles Adams, 17 and Demarcus Frazier, 30, who, according to police, shot 24 rounds all together, killing the 5-year-old boy and injuring an 8-year-old and a 17-year-old. "The identification and arrest of those responsible has served as the Tempe Police Department's top priority," said Tempe Police Chief Josie Montenegro. Police said the incident happened at approximately 11:45 p.m. near West Broadway Road and South 52nd Street. A Chevy Impala was stopped eastbound on Broadway Road and 48th Street waiting for the light to turn green, according to police. Officers learned the car was occupied by an 18-year-old adult and six children ages 2, 5, 8, 14, 16 and 17. They were all related through personal relationships or biologically, said Tempe police spokesperson Sgt. Greg Bacon. Police said one of the passengers looked at the vehicle next to them and recognized one of the people inside. That passenger then told the 14-year-old who was driving the car to go. The Chevy Impala continued going eastbound on Broadway Road when the light turned green, followed by the other car, a Chevy Cruze. Shortly after, the occupants of the Chevy Cruze opened fire and struck the three children. Police said at least two weapons were used but they believe there were most likely three. Evidence indicated none of the occupants of the Chevy Impala were armed or returned fire, according to police. Police said the 5-year-old had died by the time the vehicle reached 52nd Street. It was then when the other six occupants of the car that was shot at fled on foot, police said. The Chevy Cruze also fled the scene before police arrived, officials said. "This is an extremely tragic homicide, one that just rocks the core of everybody in the community and the police department alike," Sgt. Bacon said. Story continues The injured kids were taken to local hospitals by Tempe Fire Medical Rescue. They were released from the hospital after initial recovery and are still receiving treatment for their injuries, Sgt. Bacon said. On March 21, Tempe investigators located the Chevy Cruze and arrested the three suspects with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, the Phoenix Police Department, Juvenile Probation, the Mesa Police Department, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and Department of Public Safety, police said. Patterson, Adams and Frazier were all charged with first-degree murder and six counts of aggravated assault, four of them against a minor under the age of 14. All of them were charged as adults, Sgt. Bacon said. Hector Encinas with Tempe Police Department provides an update on the murder of a 5-year-old during a drive-up shooting that happened on March 17, 2023. The motive behind the shooting, as well as the relationship between the suspects and the victims, is still unknown, according to police. Officers said they believe all suspects involved have been arrested but the investigation remains active. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of this tragedy," Montenegro said. Police asked anyone with information to call 480-350-8311. "Please continue to provide any information you have," Sgt. Bacon said. "Even the smallest amount could be crucial in this senseless tragedy." This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tempe police ID suspects arrested after shooting death of 5-year-old Tempe police The City of Tempe is encouraging residents to submit questions to be asked of the final four police chief candidates during a Wednesday evening online forum. Questions may be submitted by 4 p.m. Tuesday through tempe.gov/PoliceChief, where a link to the 6 to 8 p.m. WebEx forum is available, according to a city press release. Residents may also send questions by emailing hr@tempe.gov, listing their name and whether it may be shared during the forum, and if they are a Tempe resident, the press release added. Questions may also be made during the forum by chat, the news release mentioned. According to the press release, the following are the four police chief finalists: Kenneth McCoy, who retired in 2022 as chief of the Anchorage Police Department after 27 years of service. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served 10 years in the Alaska Army National Guard and was honorably discharged as a captain in 2000. McCoy has a bachelor's degree in justice from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Why there is an opening:Tempe police chief to lead Arizona DPS starting in February Josie Montenegro is the current interim chief of the Tempe Police Department and has worked there for 22 years. She obtained a bachelor's degree in criminology from the University of Oklahoma and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Northern Arizona University. Tom Van Dorn, who retired in 2019 as a commander in the Phoenix Police Department after 24 years of service. He served in the Maricopa County Attorney's Office as a deputy county attorney. He has a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and a law degree from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Tom Worthy serves as chief of the City of the Dalles Police Department in Oregon. He previously served 29 years with the Oregon State Police, reaching the rank of major. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washington State University and a master's degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. Story continues The search for former Chief Jeff Glover's successor began in February following his appointment by Gov. Katie Hobbs to serve as director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Tempe City Manager Andrew Ching has ultimate hiring authority for the police chief, according to the press release. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tempe urges residents to send questions to police chief finalists Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his State of the State address on Feb. 6, 2023, in Nashville. Mark Zaleski / AP After three children and three adults were killed Monday morning during a school shooting in Nashville, Republican Gov. Bill Lee tweeted that he was "praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community." "I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the @TNDeptofSafety & @TNHighwayPatrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene," Lee tweeted. "As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community." I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the @TNDeptofSafety & @TNHighwayPatrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene.As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community. 04:59 PM - 27 Mar 2023 Lee's prayers come roughly nine months after he announced he did not support restricting firearms or stronger gun control laws, according to the Associated Press. After 19 kids and two teachers were killed in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, Lee told reporters that his focus was on security at schools. In June 2022, he signed an executive order, along with other Republican governors, calling for enhanced school safety measures, but the executive order didn't mention "guns" once. Lee didn't immediately respond to BuzzFeed News' request for comment. The executive order noted that Tennessee had invested more than $100 million "to support improvements in school safety, hiring of school resource officers, and building security." Were not looking at gun restriction laws in my administration right now. Theres one thing to remember, criminals dont follow the laws. Criminals break laws, Lee said, according to the AP. We cant control what we cant control. Lee wasn't the only state official to mention prayer after the mass shooting on Monday. David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, told reporters he sent his "heartfelt prayers" to the community. Story continues "Now I know there will be people who want to criticize us for prayers, but thats the way we do that in the South, right," Rausch said. "We believe in prayer and we believe in the power of prayer, & so our prayers go out to these families." When contacted by BuzzFeed News, a spokesperson for Rausch said he had nothing to add. WATCH: @TBInvestigation Director: "Now I know there will be people who want to criticize us for prayers, but thats the way we do that in the South, right? We believe in prayer & we believe in the power of prayer, & so our prayers go out to these families." 07:39 PM - 27 Mar 2023 On Monday morning, a 28-year-old shooter killed three children and three adults inside the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. In 2021, Lee passed into law that most adults 21 and older are allowed to carry handguns without a permit. The law does not require citizens to complete training. During Lee's State of the State address in February, he didn't mention guns or firearms once. Instead, he proposed funding to place at least one Department of Homeland Security agent in each of the state's 95 counties, and he spoke about the SafeTN app, where anybody in the state can report suspicious activity. Gun violence in the US is a public health crisis, according to the American Public Health Association . It is a leading cause of premature death in the country, responsible for more than 38,000 deaths annually. As of March 27, at least 4,202 people have died from gun violence this year, and another 5,676 have died by suicide, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive . As of March 27, there have been 130 mass shootings, six of which have been in Tennessee. More on this Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett (R) said theres no way to fix gun violence, after a shooter killed three children and three adults at an elementary school in his home state on Monday. Its a horrible, horrible situation, Burchett told reporters. And were not gonna fix it. Criminals are gonna be criminals. My daddy fought in the Second World War, fought in the Pacific, fought the Japanese, and he told me Buddy, if somebody wants to take you out and doesnt mind losing their life, theres not a whole heck of a lot you can do about it, he added. Burchett also said he doesnt see any real role for Congress to play in reducing gun violence, other than to mess things up. I dont think youre gonna stop the gun violence, the congressman said. I think you gotta change peoples hearts. When asked about how to protect children, like his own daughter, while in school, Burchett said he has opted to homeschool his daughter. A 28-year-old former student of the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, shot and killed three 9-year-old students and three staff members on Monday, before being killed by police. There have been 13 school shootings thus far in 2023, which have resulted in the deaths of six students and four adults, according to Education Week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Clarification: Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) proposed directing the Department of Homeland Security to deny entry to most undocumented migrants unless it has capacity to detain them or place them in a program where theyre returned to Mexico. House Republicans are taking a second crack at a border package after a previous plan to address an issue that fueled the partys midterm messaging fizzled due to objections from moderate members. Leaders forecast that a new package could start moving in late April, but internal tension between moderates and border hawks threatens to sink the latest effort. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who helped scuttle the first attempt at a bill, said he has a lot of issues with the package being crafted now, which would go through both the House Homeland Security and Judiciary committees. Multiple bipartisan efforts to address border and immigration issues have collapsed over the last few decades, but the House GOPs struggle to come up with even a party-line measure demonstrates the difficulty of the issue and of unifying the narrow Republican majority. House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) said the bill would include a number of measures crafted by the House GOPs task force before the midterm elections. Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) leaves a closed-door House Republican Conference meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. (Greg Nash) That task force proposal released last year called to renew border wall projects, investments in border security technology, implementation of Trump-era Remain in Mexico migrant protection protocols (MPP) and changes to the asylum process, among other measures. GOP leadership proposed to fast track a component of the wider GOP package, which would direct the Department of Homeland Security to deny entry to most undocumented migrants unless it has capacity to detain them or place them in a program where theyre returned to Mexico. Story continues The bill would also allow the Department of Homeland Security to prohibit the entry of aliens who could present a public health threat until full operational control of the border is achieved. That component, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), was lambasted by opponents who said its standard is impossible to meet in part because it defines operational control under the terms of a 2006 law that requires zero illegal crossings of people or goods. This legislation will reflect our on the ground understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement and border communities on the frontlines of this crisis and secures our sovereign borders. There are no quick fixes, and the Committee intends to propose legislation that offers long-term, workable solutions, said a House Homeland Security Committee GOP aide. House GOP grapples with disagreement over border and immigration legislation Still, Gonzales, who represents 42 percent of the U.S.-Mexico border, said his party will have to clear any border legislation through him. People think Im gonna buckle and Im gonna give in. Im not gonna give in, and youre never going to out-border me. Roy and Gonzales have taken public swipes at each other over the one firm proposal introduced by Republicans to address the border. Roy contends that the border restrictions proposed in his bill simply amount to enforcement of existing laws, and do not restrict asylum. My bill is pretty simple in that you shouldnt be releasing people into the United States. You got to detain or turn away or use Migrant Protection Protocols in order to stop the flood, Roy said. Stop the flood, Border Patrol can breathe, we can do our job, we can actually take care of people who want an asylum claim, you can manage the beds, you can do what needs to happen at the border to protect migrants and Americans alike. No one can object to that in good faith, in my opinion. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) Rep. Chip Roy (Annabelle Gordon) Gonzales says Roys proposal, H.R. 29, would gut the asylum system while failing to resolve border security issues. Both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party often get it wrong when they focus on illegal immigration. And Im going to do everything in my power, whether its to buck my own party or buck the other party, to be able to say, we have to have real tangible solutions, Gonzales told CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday. H.R.29 is a prime example, this Border Safety and Security Act. It does anything but secure the border. So guess what? That bill in particular, its dead. Proponents of the measure like Roy have pledged to push border reforms through regular order, a common goal for the GOP-led House but one that could also help leadership avoid an embarrassing vote on the floor. Though any GOP-led border or immigration bill stands a slim chance of getting airtime in the Senate, much less of being signed by President Biden, a push to formally craft legislation could suck the air out of a House with a laundry list of priorities. As US fentanyl deaths jump, GOP casts blame at the border In 2017, the last GOP-led House sank weeks of negotiations into a two-lane immigration reform bill, with a Republican proposal competing against a nominally bipartisan one. Though Republicans controlled the House, Senate and White House, neither proposal cleared the House, and Democrats ended up voting en masse against both bills. GOP House leadership, though, believes that by focusing on border security rather than immigration, they can avoid that fate. I will tell you some of the lessons learned when Republicans were last in the majority is we had a huge missed opportunity for those of you that covered the discussions, if you remember Goodlatte one, Goodlatte two both of those bills had significant funding for border security, specifically a border wall, but it sort of fell apart when we made it too heavy with the immigration reform aspect, Republican House Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) said at the GOP retreat last week. So we are unified as House Republicans in that we must secure the border before we even touch fixing our broken legal immigration system. But the battle lines set in that scuffle endure to this day. The face off between Roy and Gonzales is at the center of that battle, but the challenge for leadership rests on a majority even smaller than the one that fractured in 2017 and 2018. Gonzales, who co-chairs the Congressional Hispanic Conference with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), has said that any GOP group with five or more members has the same power as a group with 100 members a direct threat to vote with Democrats to derail legislation. Gonzales said hes been in contact with GOP leadership, including Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), but warned its a long way to go before they get my support with a border package. If they try to jam them through, theyre gonna fail on the floor, so probably best to get it fixed out ahead of time than see it go down in burning flames on the House floor, Gonzales said. Theres no time for these anti-immigrant, unChristian bills that arent gonna go anywhere, he added. But the bills proponents want to push forward with the bill, hoping their overwhelming majority within the House GOP will sway enough holdouts to pass a bill. I look at this as something that is a message to the people that put us here who gave us the gavels; a message to the president. Were serious about this. Its the first salvo, said Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), a member of the Homeland Security Committee. Roy wants to press forward. Look, Im ready to roll. Lets do the bill, he said. Ive had a number of conversations with [Gonzales] and others, Roy said. This is a bill that is supported by virtually everyone in our conference. A handful of people have raised issues. Were going through regular order, and well see where it goes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The NHTSA said it is investigating Model X SUVs from 2022 and 2023 over concerns of seat belt failure. Contributor/VCG/Getty Images The NHTSA said it is investigating Model X SUVs from 2022 and 2023 over concerns of seat belt failure. The agency said it received two reports of seat belt failure. Earlier this month, the regulator began investigating reports of Model Y steering wheels falling off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla over concerns of seat belt failure. The safety regulator opened its investigation into Model X SUVs from 2022 and 2023 on Friday, according to a filing that was posted on the agency's website. The probe impacts about 50,000 vehicles, the agency said. The NHTSA said it launched the investigation after it received two complaints that the SUV's front seat belt had failed to remain connected to its anchor while the owners were driving. "Both vehicles were delivered to the owners with insufficiently connected anchor linkages," the agency said in its report, adding that the allegations indicate the seat belt failure was because the product was "not properly connected during assembly." Both reports said the seat belt issue occurred at low vehicle mileage and neither car was involved in an accident, according to the regulator. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication. It is one of several investigations that the NHTSA has launched into incidents involving Teslas. Earlier this month, the regulator said it was looking into reports of the steering wheel on the Model Y falling off while the vehicle was in motion. In February, Tesla issued an over-the-air recall for more than 362,000 of its cars over concerns its Full Self-Driving software may cause its cars to act "unsafe" around intersections. Do you own an electric car or have insight to share? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email at gkay@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider Texas authorities found 29 illegal immigrants aboard railcars over the weekend, days after three others were found dead in similar circumstances along the southern border. The Texas Department of Public Safety said troopers found the migrants Sunday inside a railcar in Maverick County. They were all handed over to the U.S. Border Patrol, the agency said. That same weekend, a Mexican migrant died after being trapped in a shipping container at a Union Pacific train yard in Eagle Pass. The incident is suspected to be related to human smuggling , sources said. ARIZONA RANCHER GEORGE ALAN KELLY POSTS $1 MILLION BOND, RELEASED FROM CUSTODY Texas authorities found 29 migrants in a railcar over the weekend. At least three people died from being trapped in railcars in recent days in Texas. Officials for Union Pacific Railroad later said that 15 people were found in the rail car, two people died while four were air-lifted to San Antonio, and six were taken to nearby hospitals. Authorities responded and found 12 migrants from Mexico, Ecuador, Honduras, and Colombia, Texas Public Radio reported. One of them was dead. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP On Friday, 17 migrants were found suffocating in another train car where two Honduran men were found dead inside. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement that the agency is "heartbroken to learn of yet another tragic incident of migrants taking the dangerous journey." "I thank the Border Patrol Agents who responded to the scene and the HSI Agents who are supporting the investigation in Uvalde. We will work with the Uvalde County Sheriffs Office to hold those responsible. Smugglers are callous and only care about making a profit," he said. The Texas Department of Public Safety is partnering with the City of Austin to provide law enforcement services after failed policing policies in the state's capital have resulted in fewer officers and increased crime. Austin leaders announced the partnership in a press release on Monday, saying they expect safety and police times to improve, traffic fatalities to decrease and crime to drop. AUSTIN, TX - JULY 29: A member of the Austin, Texas police department stands watch during the Gold Cup semifinal match between the United States and Qatar on Thursday July 29th, 2021 at Q2 stadium in Austin,TX. Texas DPS has agreed to provide state troopers and agents to focus on traffic issues and violent crime. The added law enforcement officers will also provide backup during emergency situations. DEFUNDED AUSTIN PD TAKES SO LONG TO RESPOND TO DUI CRASH, DRIVER SOBERS UP AND WALKS FREE: FAMILY "During my run for mayor, I promised we would make city government work better in providing basic services," Mayor Kirk Watson said. "This is an example of that. Its a common-sense, practical response to a serious need and arose out of a positive working relationship between the Capital City and the Capitol of Texas." Watson thanked Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for helping to get a partnership in place, and DPS Director Steven McCraw for stepping in to help provide safety to the community. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I'm looking forward to the collaboration between the City of Austin and the Texas Department of Public Safety, which is a step towards enhancing law enforcement presence on our streets," City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly told Fox News Digital. "Thanks to the Mayor, Governor, and Lt. Governor for their collaborative work during a low staffing period. I will continue working with the Mayor's office and the City Council to strengthen public safety in Austin." In February, Austin police officers, past and present, warned Fox News Digital that the police force was struggling because of defunding during the riots in 2020. In fact, a source told Fox News Digital that 30 officers filed retirement papers after the City Council voted to scrap a four-year contract that the city previously agreed to, and instead pursue a 1-year contract that the police unions board had rejected. Story continues Austin street race happened on Feb 19th The department suffered massive budget cuts from city council during the George Floyd unrest in 2020, which slashed police cadet classes and sent staffing in a downward spiral that could take more than 10 years to recover from. Mayor Steve Adler and then-Council Member Greg Casar led that vote on the council, which was unanimous. The vote to slash APD's budget forced the department to reduce or jettison several specialist anti-crime units. Casar was later elected to Congress as a Democrat from Texas' 35th District. Council Member Kelly, a volunteer firefighter and staunch public safety advocate, was elected to Austin's city council after the vote to gut APD's budget. 'HUGE' PARTS OF AUSTIN LEFT 'UNPOLICED' AFTER CITY CONTRACT FIGHT TRIGGERS MASS OFFICER EXODUS Interim City Manager Jesus Garza and Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon implemented new recruitment and retention strategies, the release read, and as the department builds itself back up, DPS will help. Texas DPS troopers have statewide jurisdiction and have provided support in the past to cities like San Antonio and Dallas to reduce crime rates. Chacon will reallocate current resources, while also working with McCraw to position DPS troopers throughout the large and growing city. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have named a newly discovered species of ancient beaver after Buc-ees, the chain of convenience stores known for its namesake mascot. The new species is called "Anchitheriomys buceei," or "A. buceei" for the rest of us. The researchers' findings were published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica. Research associate Steve May of the UT Jackson School of Geosciences, told UT News the name was inspired by the beavers Texas connection and a chance encounter with a Buc-ees billboard that read: "This is Beaver Country." "I thought, Yeah, it is beaver country, and it has been for millions of years," May told the outlet. HAIR COMB MADE FROM PART OF A HUMAN SKULL UNEARTHED IN ENGLAND: TRULY ASTONISHING His paper describing the new species as well as a smaller species of fossil beaver was published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica. Bones and archival records suggest the animal lived along the Texas Gulf Coast between 15 and 22 million years ago. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The fossils also show A. buceei that were about 30% larger than modern beavers roaming Texas today though smaller than the "bear-size" beavers in North America during the Ice Age. A diagram showing how the A. buceei compares to a modern North American Beaver. Most of the fossils have been reconstructed from a partial skull from Burkeville, Texas. Its a fusion of bone and brain cast created when sediment seeped into the beavers brain cavity, creating a rock replica of the brain as the specimen fossilized. May and Matthew Brown, the studys co-author, used high-resolution X-ray images of the skull to bring into view anatomical details that helped confirm it was a new species. After hearing of the new species name, Buc-ees CEO and founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III quipped: "Buc-ees was founded in 1982, but we may need to rethink our beginnings." Buc-ee's has become so deeply enmeshed in Texas culture that even the Alamo gave it a social media shout-out in 2018. An AR-15 rifle with bullets on an American flag Every recent mass shooting in America has been followed by an increasingly familiar political drama: Democrats call for new gun-control measures, such as a ban on assault-style weapons, and point out how the US is alone among industrialised nations in its high levels of gun violence. Republicans counter that the right to possess firearms is enshrined in the US Constitution and that new gun-control legislation would be counterproductive. Then, because of the nature of US government, little changes on a national level. "We have to do more to stop gun violence," US President Joe Biden said after the April mass shooting that killed six at a school in Nashville, Tennessee. "It's ripping our communities apart." But doing more, at least on the national level, faces a number of serious obstacles. Here's a look at some of those challenges. Old roadblocks in Congress In the weeks after 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut in 2012, a majority of US senators supported passing legislation requiring expanded background checks for gun purchases. But because of the filibuster - a parliamentary procedure that requires at least 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate to pass most legislation - a simple majority was not enough. After another school tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022, the House of Representatives, then controlled by the Democrats, approved an assault-weapons ban but the measure stalled in the Senate. Although polls indicate majorities of Americans support such an effort, many Republican senators represent states with large pro-gun communities. Sandy Hook mourners in 2012 And the Republican voters whose support lawmakers need to win primary elections (the selection process within each party) are even more opposed to reform. So unless sentiment shifts among that constituency, the Republicans are unlikely to change course. With the House of Representatives back in Republican hands, it is more probable that the chamber will try to expand gun rights, not limit them. Story continues At the state level Although congressional efforts at sweeping gun control were stymied in 2015, gun-control activists made substantive progress in passing new laws at the state level. In Connecticut, for instance, there was overwhelming support for reform from the communities still reeling from the brutality of the Sandy Hook attack. Other Democratic-controlled states - like New York, Maryland and California - passed their own legislation, closing gun-show loopholes, limiting magazine sizes and prohibiting the sale of certain types of firearms. But the states that have the political majorities to pass gun-control regulations have already done so. And in many Republican controlled states, the momentum on the gun issue is towards less regulation, not more. In April, Florida became the 26th state - all Republican - to allow its residents to carry a concealed handgun without a government licence. Democratic politicians in those states, frustrated by the lack of progress, have cited recent school shootings as reason to act. Nashville Mayor John Cooper denounced what he called the "cult of the gun" in comments made shortly after his city's violence. "The country needs to pick itself up and say no to an assault weapons lobby that again is making it too available and too convenient and too first-of-mind for people to go out and commit terrible acts," he said. Tennessee is one of the states with broad protections for permitless gun ownership - a fact that the state's national politicians have celebrated. In 2021, Nashville's congressional representative Andy Ogles sent a Christmas photo of his family in which all but the youngest child was carrying some type of firearm. "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honour with all that's good," the congressman said in a holiday message accompanying the photo online. Courts are another battleground Even if the political calculus changes in Congress or among states hostile to enacting gun-control legislation, there is a significant and growing obstacle to any attempts at reform - the courts. In 2008, a narrow 5-to-4 majority in the US Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which says "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed", guarantees a personal right to possess a handgun. That interpretation, although subject to furious debate, has embedded gun ownership rights in the text of the Constitution itself. And since that decision, the courts have only become more supportive. One of President Donald Trump's lasting legacies was to appoint hundreds of conservative judges to the federal courts, including naming three new Supreme Court justices. Last year, two Trump-appointed appellate court judges in California struck down a state law prohibiting the sale of assault rifles to those under the age of 21. That opinion, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could be of particular relevance given that the perpetrators in Uvalde and Sandy Hook fall into that category. "America would not exist without the heroism of the young adults who fought and died in our revolutionary army," one of the judges wrote. "Today we reaffirm that our constitution still protects the right that enabled their sacrifice - the right of young adults to keep and bear arms." Last year, the Supreme Court struck down a New York law that restricts who may obtain concealed handgun licences in the next month, with Justice Clarence Thomas firmly grounding a broad right to own and carry firearms in the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. A gun-control vigil outside the National Rifle Association "The Second Amendment guaranteed to all Americans the right to bear commonly used arms in public subject to certain reasonable, well-defined restrictions," he wrote in a 6-to-3 opinion that was joined by the five other conservative justices on the court. With gun laws already on the books being ruled unconstitutional, it appears likely that any new laws will face legal challenges as well - and may not survive long. A federal judge in Gulfport on Monday ordered a woman held without bond pending a detention hearing following her 11-count indictment on federal charges accusing her of creating and using fraudulent identification to commit bank fraud at banks in Mississippi and at least five other states. Cristina Michele Husbands, 48, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and ten counts of bank fraud for crimes committed between November 2021 and April 2022 at Regions Bank branches in Mississippi, resulting in a loss of an estimate $128,300. Husbands is accused of committing bank fraud at additional bank branches in Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, the records say. To carry out the scheme, Husbands is accused of conspiring with others, both known and unknown to the grand jury, to create fraudulent identification papers. In Mississippi, at least two customers have been identified as victims so far. According to the charging documents, Husbands allegedly stole the money by posing as account holders on the home equity line of credit loans using fraudulent documentation, such as a fake drivers license and a fraudulent date of birth and home address, to gain access to the accounts. She used the fake information to obtain cashiers checks and cash from accounts. in Mississippi during various visits to Regions Bank branches in the state. Heres a look at the transactions: On Jan. 12, 2022, Husbands obtained two cashiers checks totaling $16,000 from a home equity line of credit loan of the customer, S.S., from the Regions Bank branch in Richland in Rankin County. .On Jan. 12, 2022, Husbands obtained two cashiers checks totaling $15,700 from the home equity line of credit loan of customer, S.S. from the Regions Bank branch in Jackson in Hinds County. On Jan. 13, 2022, Husbands obtained two cashiers checks totaling $16,100 from the home equity line of credit loan of customer, A.W., at a Regions Bank branch in Pearl in Rankin County. On Jan. 13, 2022, Husbands obtained two cashiers checks totaling $16,300 from a home equity line of credit loan of customer A.W., along with $13,000 in cash from the same account holders account at the Regions Bank branch in Pearl in Rankin County. On Jan. 13, 2022, Husbands obtained $16,100 cash from the home equity line of credit loan of S.S. at the Regions Bank branch in Brandon in Rankin County. On Jan. 14, 2022, Husbands obtained $17,000 from the home equity line of credit loan for victim A.W. at the Regions Bank branch in Hattiesburg in Forrest County. On Jan. 19, 2022, Husbands obtained $4,000 in cash from the saving account of A.W. at the Regions Bank branch in Gulfport in Harrison County. On Jan. 20, 2022, Husbands obtained two cashiers checks totaling $18,800 from A.W.s home equity line of credit loan and $700 in cash from the same account at the Regions Bank branch in Gulfport in Harrison County. Story continues Regions Bank operates approximately 1,400 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs across the Southeast, the Midwest and Texas. Husbands arrived in Mississippi following her transfer from the Hayes County jail in San Marco, Texas. She was being held in Texas on state charges of fraud, forgery, possession of forging instruments, drug possession, identity theft, property theft, and evading arrest. Each of the 11 federal charges pending against Husbands in Mississippi carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine and up to five years of post-release supervision. On Monday, Judge Robert Myers appointed federal public defender Ellen Allred to represent Husbands, who has an address in Dallas, Texas. A detention hearing is set for Wednesday, and her tentative trial date is set for the three-week calendar beginning May 1 in federal court in Gulfport. Editors note: Welcome back to our series Lets Dish, Kansas City, showcasing some of our favorite restaurant meals. Scroll down to let us know what you think of these stories. No matter how crazy my day, entering Lulus Thai Noodle Shop calms me. Perhaps its the sawasdee, or welcoming women, statues near the door. Or the work of the tiny Thai spirit house above it. Or the extraordinary dining room staff whose genuine and casual kindness makes me feel as if Im being hosted by friends. Or maybe its that I know Im about to enjoy my favorite Kansas City restaurant meal: the Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai (pronounced kang-cue-wan-kai). Its green curry at its best, the perfect blend of bamboo shoots, peas, red peppers, Thai basil and whatever protein you choose in a sweet and spicy stew that hits the taste buds in a way youll never forget. ($15, plus $3-$4 for the protein.) The Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai at Lulus Thai Noodle Shop is green curry at its best. But I suspect the peace I find in this Crossroads space at 2030 Central St. is personal. My youngest daughter is 21, finishing up her first year in nursing school and all the studying and clinical hours it requires. During her first semester, she had early morning clinicals every other Saturday at North Kansas City Hospital. Her mom and sister were working, so we got in the habit of meeting downtown, grabbing a booth for lunch and ordering Lulus to share, one big bowl of the green curry and one of the massaman curry. While the Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai, ordered mild, is our favorite, the massaman curry offers the perfect complement with its sweeter, peanutty base. The two in combination, with a side of crab rangoons, is our go-to. A figurine of Nang Kwak, a Thai goddess of good fortune, sits on a countertop at Lulus Thai Noodle Shop in the Crossroads. But its not just the curry my daughter and I share on these Saturdays. Its my time to forget my own stuff, to catch up and focus on her and only her, to hear about her achievements and her challenges, her passions and her aggravations. Its my time to fill my tank with this thoughtful and spirited young woman who has grown up way too fast and, on the brink of being a full adult, still jumps at the chance to spend a couple hours of her weekend hanging out with her dad. Story continues I want to think its not just the free meal, but I dont much care. When I told Lulus founder and owner Malisa Monyakula this story on our most recent visit, a smile grew. Malisa Monyakula is the founder and owner of Lulus Thai Noodle Shop. Family inspired Monyakula to create Lulus. The recipes come from her grandmother on her fathers side. She displays her dads pinto, his Thai lunch box, above the Lulus bar. She said it was her father who passed on his mothers passion for Thai cooking. And, wow, the cooking. Chef Max Chao walked us through the steps of making Lulus green curry. Suffice it to say, I will not be doing this at home. Just a walk around the bustling kitchen and all the staff swirling about even outside the restaurants peak hours was enough for me to understand this should be left to professionals. Max Chao, executive chef at Lulus Thai Noodle Shop, prepares an order of Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai, or green curry. Lulus Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai starts with a kaffir lime leaf, flash heated with a dash of oil to release all the flavor. Then add some coconut milk, Lulus dry curry seasoning blend, a touch of pad Thai sauce, the vegetables and the precooked protein chicken is my favorite. Monyakula said the green curry is at its best ordered mild or medium, so the flavors can really shine. She said Lulus is the only place in the world where we can get this curry, because that seasoning mixture is 100% original to her restaurants. She wasnt giving up the secret. The finished dish is served with jasmine rice. When it arrives on the table, well, its a beautiful sight and its time to toss the rice in the bowl and dig in. Fabulous! That was the immediate reaction of my Star colleagues who joined me and my daughter last week. I was irrationally excited to share this meal with them, because Ive been talking about it for weeks and they are the brains and the energy behind our Lets Dish series. Im certain this meal was truly fabulous in their eyes because these talented journalists Alison Booth, Allison Dikanovic, Sharon Hoffmann, Nick Wagner, Mara Williams and Hannah Wise were getting way too many compromising dad details from my daughter for any sense of needing to please the boss to sway their opinions. Max Chao, executive chef at Lulus Thai Noodle Shop, adds a chili mix to an order of Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai, or green curry. Back to Monyakula. Her childhood nickname was Lulu, and she started her first restaurant by that name in Lawrence 26 years ago after several years running her first business, a Westport record shop called Groove Farm. She moved Lulus to Kansas Citys Southwest Boulevard in 2000, and to the current Crossroads location in 2009. She wants Lulus with a second location in Westwood, a third opening soon in downtown Overland Park and future locations under discussion for places like Lees Summit and southern Johnson County to be a place where everyone is welcome. Its about bringing people together, she said. And her customers notice. This one for sure. But others, too. As I was waiting to pick up a carryout order at the bar a few months ago, I got to talking to another customer waiting for a table. She was noticing how easy it was to pick up, and she said she never carried food out from Lulus because she needed to soak in the ambience. I told her I felt the same, that carryout was a last resort to get dinner home when everyone was busy. Her reply: Yeah, Lulus will make the busy go away. The future of Lets Dish We started Lets Dish, Kansas City in January as an experiment, an opportunity to engage with you about something that makes Kansas City special and see how much you liked it. Many of our staff members have now written, with more than 20 installments, and our readers input has been extraordinary. Were so thankful that you joined us on this adventure. Now were discussing where we go from here. And we want you to help guide that decision. Weve set up a survey for you to share your opinions. Thanks in advance for your comments in the form below. Last year, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (then Chancellor of the Exchequer) announced that the Royal Mint would issue an official NFT (non-fungible token) as a "forward-looking approach" toward crypto. Now, with the shine well off the technology, the Treasury has announced that it's "not proceeding with the launch" after all, the BBC reported. NFTs were still the crypto trend du jour when the government said it would create a "dynamic regulatory landscape," to nurture a bustling industry. It also planned legislation to introduce stablecoins into the country's payment infrastructure, while considering the legal status of exchanges and investment funds based around cryptocurrency. The Treasury isn't as enthusiastic now, though, as Select Committee chair Harriet Baldwin expressed in a juicy quote: "We have not yet seen a lot of evidence that our constituents should be putting their money in these speculative tokens unless they are prepared to lose all their money. So perhaps that is why the Royal Mint has made this decision in conjunction with the Treasury." The rejection follows a reported drop in the NFT market to the tune of 83 percent in sales in a single year. It also coincides with the failure of key crypto exchanges, particularly FTX which saw untold sums of investor money go up in smoke. While aware of the potential for scams, bubbles and environmental harms, UK's economic secretary at the time, John Glen, saw the NFT project as an opportunity to "get in on the ground floor" of a potential crypto industry boom. And despite the recent collapse, current economy secretary Andrew Griffiths said the department is still keeping a government backed NFT "under review." Anti-government protesters in Marseille on Tuesday (AFP) Protesters blocked train tracks and highways and clashed with police in some French cities on Tuesday as they marched across the country against President Emmanuel Macrons deeply unpopular pension bill. One protester in Paris seemed to capture the mood, brandishing a banner that read: France is angry. Another protester at the same rally, Fanny Charier, 31, said: The [pension] bill has acted as a catalyst for anger over Macrons policies. Earlier in the day, the government rejected a new demand by unions to suspend and rethink the pension bill, which will bring the retirement age from 62 up to 64, infuriating labour leaders who said the government must find a way out of the crisis. The government said it was more than willing to talk to unions, but on other topics, and repeated it would stand firm on the pension front. We have proposed a way out ... and its intolerable that we are being stonewalled again, the head of the CFDT union, Laurent Berger, told reporters at the start of a rally in Paris. Travellers in Gare du Nord train station, Paris, as the new round of strikes and demonstrations began (AP) Mr Macron, who promised to deliver pension reform in both of his presidential campaigns, says change is needed to keep the countrys finances in balance. Unions and opposition parties say there are other ways to do that. Millions of people have been demonstrating and joining strike action since mid-January to show their opposition to the bill. But public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment. In particular, the protests have intensified since the government used special powers to push the bill through parliament without a vote. However, in a move bringing some relief for Parisians and tourists alike, city rubbish collectors said they were suspending their weeks-long strike that has left the roads around famous landmarkts strewn with piles of trash. In the last big day of protests on Thursday, Black Bloc anarchists smashed shop windows, demolished bus stops and ransacked a McDonalds restaurant in Paris, with similar violence in other cities. Story continues That was some of the worst street violence in years in France, bringing scenes reminiscent of unrest by supporters of the yellow-vest movement during Mr Macrons first term. On Tuesday, rallies were largely peaceful, with some clashes on the fringes. In the western city of Nantes, the boarded-up front of a BNP Paribas bank branch was set on fire. A car was set on fire in the margins of the rally, while some shot fireworks at police. Im non-violent but I understand people who go that far, 69-year old retired postman Noel Cassin said in Nantes. Protesters at St Charles station near Marseille on Tuesday (AP) If you just go and demonstrate, sing songs and eat sausages, then go home after losing a days work (and not getting any result), its useless. Also in western France, protesters blocked the Rennes ring road and set an abandoned car on fire. In Paris and in Marseille, protesters blocked train tracks for a while. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that authorities were anticipating a very serious risk to public order at demonstrations. A total of 13,000 police were expected to be deployed during the protests throughout the day. Highways in several French cities were blocked on Tuesday morning, and strikes in the transport, aviation and energy sectors continued to disrupt travel. About 17 per cent of all fuel stations in France were missing at least one product as of Monday night, Frances petroleum association UFIP said, citing energy ministry data. Student union UNEF said the entrances to around 20 universities including Sciences Po and parts of the Sorbonne in Paris as well as institutions in Lyon, Nice and Toulouse, were also blocked. Mr Macron, who promised to deliver pension reform in both of his presidential campaigns, says change is needed to keep the countrys finances in balance. Unions and opposition parties say there are other ways to do that. There were fewer protesters in Marseille and other cities than at previous rallies. Jean-Paul Mattei, a centrist MP whose MoDem party is an ally of Mr Macron, urged him to heed union demands for mediation. Charles de Courson, from the opposition Liot party, said French authorities should learn from the situation in Israel, where the government just hit pause on a controversial justice overhaul Reuters Three men were arrested, one of whom was charged, in connection to the Dec. 31 murder of an 18-year-old woman in Whitefish Bay, the Whitefish Bay Police Department said Monday. Shortly after 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 31, Whitefish Bay Police responded to calls of shots fired in the 4900 block of North Anita Avenue. Officers found an 18-year-old Whitefish Bay woman on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds, and began life-saving measures until North Shore Fire Department arrived. The woman died at the scene. After an "extensive" investigation, three men were taken into custody on March 21 with assistance from several law enforcement agencies, including the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, a Monday news release from Whitefish Bay Police said. The men were booked into the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility. Whitefish Bay Police referred charges of first-degree intentional homicide against the three men. The case was reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office, according to the news release. Charles E. Daniels III, 18, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide with a party to a crime modifier, according to online court records. The investigation into this case remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Whitefish Bay Police at 414-962-3830. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 arrested, 1 charged in connection to murder of Whitefish Bay woman Suzanne Somers wants a friend to come and knock on her door. The actress, who famously played Chrissy Snow in the 70s sitcom "Threes Company," told Fox News Digital she "would be honored" if Jennifer Aniston took on the role in a possible reboot. "How flattering to have Jennifer Aniston playing Chrissy Snow," said the 76-year-old. "Jen is such an incredible actress; she never misses a moment. I would be honored. And let's talk beautiful. Wow!" Suzanne Somers (right) told Fox News Digital she loved the idea of Jennifer Aniston playing her character Chrissy Snow. Aniston, along with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, all recently sat down for Barrymores talk show where they mulled over a potential project. During the star-studded appearance, Aniston and Barrymore told Sandler that the three of them should remake the classic sitcom. Both actresses said they would be open to taking on either Snow or Janet Wood, played by Joyce DeWitt. Aniston then admitted she couldnt handle the short hair DeWitts character wore. "I love Janet," said Barrymore, 48. "Shes a real no-nonsense gal Im much more Janet. Youre much more Chrissy." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP JENNIFER ANISTON SAYS ADAM SANDLER QUESTIONS HER RELATIONSHIP DECISIONS: 'WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?' "You're much more Chrissy," Drew Barrymore (right) told Jennifer Aniston (left). Somers said shes been eager for a revival to happen. The show aired from 1976 until 1984. In 2022, the star revealed on the "Behind the Velvet Rope" podcast that she pitched a reboot that would star John Ritters eldest son, Jason Ritter, as her son with the patriarch appearing as a hologram. Ritter passed away in 2003 at age 54. And while Barrymore, Aniston and Sandler may have been kidding around, she isnt. "This is a monumental idea that should happen," said Somers. "There are tens of millions of fans globally who crave more of this threesome." "Im not as good as Jack Tripper Id have to be like Jimmy Tripper," said Adam Sandler. "I remember at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, I ran into Adam Sandler and said, What you do and what I do has the same comedy rhythm we should work together sometime," she recalled. "Its interesting how this idea just popped up on Drew Barrymores show all these years later." Story continues Looking back at her character, Somers said the bubbly blonde still has a special place in her heart. "I loved playing Chrissy Snow," said Somers. "She lived in me. She had her own way that she walked. She had her own posture. Her eyes matched her ponytails. It was all love and honesty and people got to know her in a way that you dont normally understand in a made-up character." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Suzanne Somers (center) was fired from the hit sitcom. "They knew what she would and wouldnt do, she would not steal your boyfriend, and she would not ever tell a lie," she noted. "Chrissy Snow had a circuitous route to logic. She always arrived at the correct answer but getting there was always a departure from a straight line." In 2017, Somers looked back at her 1980 firing from the show after she asked for a pay raise. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that when it came time for Season 5 negotiations, Somers was looking to earn $150,000 an episode instead of $30,000, which was equal to what Ritter was receiving. Instead, ABC only offered a $5,000 hike. John Ritter passed away in 2003 at age 54. Her manager/husband Alan Hamel attempted to negotiate with ABC, but Somers insisted the network was looking to make an example out of her. Not only did they do just that, but the star claimed no one came to her defense, including her co-stars. "Im out there playing the dumbest woman in America on television, so it didnt sync up that Im the one out there going, Hey, excuse me. Could we talk about parity here and fairness and all that?" Somers told Fox News Digital. "I cant imagine any woman with a hit television series in the top 10 with the kind of demographics that I have, that they wouldnt see the value of that and give that woman commensurate pay," she said. "Maybe it still goes on, but I cant imagine it. I think I was the sacrificial lamb." SUZANNE SOMERS SAYS THIGHMASTER SAVED HER AFTER BEING FIRED: 'I'M STILL STANDING' Suzanne Somers still has fond memories of playing Chrissy Snow. Somers went on to secure a Las Vegas residency and launch the ThighMaster, of which shes sold over 10 million. She also starred in another sitcom, "Step By Step," from 1991 until 1998. Still, she's never forgotten about her most famous role. "It was one of those magic, once in a while kind of things that happened, and I felt it when I was her," said Somers on becoming Snow. "I made her a woman child. She had a moral code of what she wouldnt do. She would never tell a lie. She would never take anybodys husband or boyfriend, and she had the qualities that made people feel safe. And she was unaware of what she looked like." "It was a fun character to play," she reflected. "They were stupid to fire me. But, whatever. It worked out for me, and Im the only one still working from the series, with no signs of stopping, so how great." A grand jury on Friday indicted three people in connection to the Sept. 22 death of 41-year-old Douglas Rose in East Falmouth, according to Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois. Kimberly McCarthy, 52, of East Falmouth, Tishaun Miller, 42, of East Bridgewater, and Charee Rainey, 41, of Brighton, were indicted on charges of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, kidnapping, and conspiracy. All three are being held without bail at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility in Bourne. Galibois said he could not divulge details about allegations but said more information will be available at the arraignment, which had yet to be scheduled as of Monday afternoon. He said Assistant District Attorney Michael Giardino, who will prosecute the cases, is expected to ask that the defendants be held without bail. Police investigate a fatal stabbing on Sept. 22 at 250 Davisville in East Falmouth. Doug Rose was found bleeding by police who responded to the scene. Rose, 41, died from his wounds. "I appreciate the work by the Falmouth Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to my office that investigated this matter," said Galibois. Falmouth police responded to a 6:25 p.m. 911 call about a disturbance at Rose's 250 Davisville Road home in East Falmouth on Sept. 22, former District Attorney Michael O' Keefe had said at the scene. Upon arrival, they found Rose in front of his home, bleeding profusely from what appeared to be stab wounds. Cape Cod crime:Nathaniel Miksch, convicted of 2003 murder in Provincetown, granted parole Although medical treatment was provided at the scene, Rose, 41, was later pronounced dead at Falmouth Hospital. Evidence suggests the cause of the altercation was a dispute over $600 and narcotics, according to an earlier release. Rainey was arrested in Texas on Sept. 28 and brought back to Massachusetts after he waived extradition, according to Falmouth District Court records. He was then arraigned on Oct. 6 in Falmouth District Court. Cape Cod bridges update: State to take next step in $4B project Miller was arrested by East Bridgewater police on Sept. 29 and arraigned the next day. McCarthy was arrested in Falmouth on Sept. 24 and arraigned Oct. 25. Story continues All three pleaded not guilty at their district court arraignments, according to court clerks. According to his obituary, Rose was a former Falmouth High School student and had a son and daughter. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the state police and the Falmouth Police Department, according to the district attorney's office. Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz. Get the Cape Cod news that matters delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletters. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Grand jury indicts three in stabbing death of Douglas Rose in Falmouth The Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, shown in October 2019, has been the subject of a years-long closure campaign. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Three Los Angeles County inmates died in an nine-day period this month, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, a grim milestone that comes even as the county is facing scrutiny in court for using a cash bail system that can keep poor people behind bars. The youngest of the men who died in March 29-year-old Samuel Mark was being held on misdemeanor charges for check fraud and theft, according to court records. He died Thursday morning at Men's Central Jail, three days after his arrest. Like the others who died this month, he had not yet been sentenced for a crime. The Sheriff's Department has not released the names of the other two men who died. To people paying close attention to the countys lockups, the cluster of deaths did not come as a surprise. Because the jails are operating 20% over capacity, were going to continue to see people dying, said Melissa Camacho, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. There are just too many people there for correctional health services to provide adequate medical care and treatment. When asked Monday about the recent deaths and whether overcrowding played a role, the Sheriff's Department said in a statement that "various factors contribute to the loss of life." We are saddened by any loss of life," the statement said. "We take our responsibility of providing a constitutional level of care for those in our custody seriously." Los Angeles jails are on track to see fewer deaths this year than last, though incomplete information makes it difficult to draw conclusions about why. Seven people have died behind bars this year; records show the jails had seen 11 deaths by this point last year. But the cause of death has not been officially determined for the majority of this years fatalities, and medical examiner records show autopsies are not finished in roughly a third of the 44 cases from 2022. Nicholas Shapiro, an assistant UCLA professor who serves as director of the Carceral Ecologies Lab, said he did not see "any cause for celebration" despite the slower pace of deaths in 2023. Story continues "The jails are still over capacity, and over half the deaths this year are of Black men in a county where something like 5% of the population are Black men," he said. "When incarceration rates are vastly reduced and the county meets its goals to close Men's Central Jail, I'll definitely be singing from the rooftops." Three years ago, county supervisors voted to create a plan for shuttering the decrepit jail, though the county has since come under fire for its apparent lack of progress toward closure. The recent string of deaths comes amid a days-long hearing in a lawsuit that could rein in the growing jail population by forcing the county to revamp its use of cash bail. As of now, when police or deputies in Los Angeles make an arrest, the responding officers figure out bail based on a predetermined schedule that takes into account the type of charge but not the persons ability to pay. If the arrestee cant afford bail or a bail bondsman, theyre held in a substation or sent to the county jail often to the overcrowded Inmate Reception Center, where people are routinely chained to chairs or gurneys; denied food, water and showers; and made to sleep in cells covered with feces. They wait there for anywhere between two and five days until they see a judge who can take other factors into consideration and potentially adjust the bail amount. As a result, people who do not have money wait in jail while those who do are able to go free even if they are facing the same charges and present the same risk to the community. In November, a group of inmates and religious leaders sued the county, the Sheriffs Department, the city and the Los Angeles Police Department, arguing that the bail system in Los Angeles County is unconstitutional. On any given night, people languish in jail cells throughout Los Angeles County because they lack the cash required to purchase their release, the suit says . These individuals are not detained on the basis that they are too dangerous to release: the government would release them right away if they could pay. Rather, they are too poor. Proponents of cash bail say it helps make sure people show up to court, and lawyers for the county responded to the suit by accusing the inmates attorneys of disregarding victim and public safety issues entirely. In the same filing, they wrote that the county agrees that wealth-based detention is completely and totally unacceptable. But the county shouldnt have been the target of the lawsuit, they said, because the bail schedules were set by judges whose courts are considered part of the state government, not the county government. Similarly, lawyers for the city wrote that their police were simply following the law by carrying out the existing bail schedule, and that they needed to do so lest officers be subject to criminal penalties themselves. The two sides began squaring off in court last week. When the hearing concludes, the judge will decide whether to grant the inmates request, ordering broad reforms to the bail system and, in the meantime, directing the city and county to go back to the emergency zero-bail schedule that was in place for the first two years of the pandemic. Under the emergency bail schedule, individuals arrested for the lowest-level offenses were released without money bail, said Salil Dudani, a staff attorney with Civil Rights Corps, a nonprofit legal organization representing the inmates who are suing. "Multiple reports by the county have confirmed that rearrest rates and rates of reappearance in court were stable under the emergency bail schedule," he added. "And the county itself has repeatedly said that this made a positive difference in the human rights crisis caused by jail overcrowding in Los Angeles jail. At least 10 people in recent years have died in jail because they couldn't afford the bail under the existing schedule, he said. In addition to the bail litigation in state court, the county is also grappling with a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and a pair of class-action cases filed by the ACLU, one of which dates to the 1970s. In that case, ACLU lawyers recently asked a federal judge to find that county in contempt for failing to fix appalling conditions in the Inmate Reception Center. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Zheng Zeguang said China has a strong interest in Northern Ireland cultural and economic exchanges China's ambassador to the UK has accused Westminster of "overstretching the idea of national security" by prohibiting TikTok on official government devices. The UK government banned ministers from using the app on their work phones. Civil servants across the UK - including in Northern Ireland - have since been subjected to a similar ban. The move was because of concerns sensitive data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Zheng Zeguang was speaking during his first visit to Northern Ireland to promote economic co-operation. TikTok has strongly denied claims that it hands over users' data to the Chinese government. Speaking during a press conference in Belfast, Mr Zeguang said the Chinese government respected privacy in its laws and added it was wrong not to allow people to use the social media app. "To ban TikTok, to ban UK government officials to use [it] or to describe TikTok as something that is controlled by the Chinese government is obviously overstretching the idea of national security and politicising a technical company," he said. Mr Zeguang said he thought TikTok's chief executive Shou Zi Chew made it "very clear" to US Congress that the company was "committed to safety, security and to make sure they will not breach any privacy of the users". The ambassador added that government officials should "try [their] best to understand" the platform as a means of "[staying] in touch with the people". "You just prevent yourself from understanding the younger generation," he added. "I would urge policy makers in positions in the UK not just to politicise the issues and not to be led astray by any third country. "TikTok will continue to be very popular and we will see, we need to put the issues in perspective and focus on the facts." 'Tap the potential' Mr Zeguang attended events at both Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University during his visit to Northern Ireland and said he was "very encouraged" after several meetings. Story continues Speaking after an energy innovation forum, Mr Zeguang said there is "keen interest on both sides to work together" in hydrogen energy research and production. "The purpose of my visit is to explore with the officials here, the universities here, the business communities how best we can tap the potential for more exchanges, people to people exchanges, cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, between China and Northern Ireland," he said. He added that regional cooperation is "such an important component" in state-to-state relations. "There is a strong interest in the city of Belfast, in Northern Ireland, to tap this potential of cooperation with China." African Americans among the first to volunteer to fight for the Union Army during the Civil War have been among the last to get recognition for their service. But the men of the 135th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment got their due this week with the unveiling of a Civil War Trails marker in downtown Goldsboro. As state and local dignitaries, Civil War reenactors and descendants of some of the actual soldiers of the 135th lifted the drape off the new marker, a woman in the crowd shouted, About damn time. One hundred and fifty-eight years, to be exact. It was another Monday, March 27, 1865, that the 135th was formed in Goldsboro from a group of men who had served for months in the Pioneer Corps for the army of Gen. William T. Sherman. Pioneers did the work that engineer brigades and reservists do now: building roads, bridges and fortifications, the infrastructure that makes it possible for troops to move forward and fight. Shermans army of some 60,000 soldiers had arrived in Goldsboro on March 21, having completed the generals scorched-earth march from Atlanta to Savannah, Ga., north to Columbia, S.C., and on to Fayetteville, Averasboro and Bentonville. In Goldsboro, he met up with forces from Ohio, increasing his number nearly 89,000 troops. Shedding light on a story few know Early in the war, Blacks had not been allowed into the Union army, whose leaders had racial prejudices and fears that Black enlistment would cause political dissent to spread into border states outside the South. But in 1862, Congress changed the rules and President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, both clearing the way for the recruitment of another source of military might. The Bureau of Colored Troops was formed in 1863. Eventually more than 200,000 Black men would serve in the U.S. Army and Navy during the war, according to the American Battlefield Trust, which says they fought in 450 engagements, including at Fort Fisher and Wilmington, and lost more than 38,000 men. Story continues Few people knew the story of the 1,100 men of the 135th formed at Goldsboro until eight years ago, when a local couple, Jay and Amy Bauer, heard mention of the regiment during a program at the Wayne County Museum and began a quest to learn more. At Mondays event, the couple said they had made at least eight trips to Washington, spending hours in the National Archives going through pension records and other documents that allowed them and a team of volunteer researchers to locate the graves of many of the soldiers and find more than 100 descendants. Elizabeth Martin Meggett of Boone represented those family members Monday. Her great-grandfather, originally named Harry Martin, was born into slavery on a farm in Sampson County around 1846 and was later given to the farmers daughter as a wedding gift. He escaped and made his way to Goldsboro in time to join the 135th USCT as it was being organized and put under the command of Col. John E. Gurley. Like the other soldiers, Meggett said, he was given the blue uniform of the U.S. Army, complete with the jacket with the brass buttons with the eagle stamped in relief. The Grand Review in Washington From there, researchers say, the 135th marched with Shermans troops to Raleigh, then to Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, Va. On May 24, 1865, their pension records proudly say, the 135th took part in the Grand Review in Washington, a two-day celebration of the Union victory that brought 145,000 troops down the streets of the wounded nations capital. After the war, Meggett said, her great-grandfather returned to Wayne County where he married, started a family and began buying the farm land that her family still owns and works today. In 1885, she said, he applied for an Army pension but was denied because he couldnt prove his identity or his military service; having been a slave, his last name had been changed and then misspelled, a mistake he didnt correct because he couldnt read. It had been illegal to teach slaves to read. When he did get his pension, the government shorted him, Meggett said, and he kept fighting until he was paid what he was owed. It took 20 years to get it straightened out, she said. Even with all they went through, Meggett and other family members say, by just two or three generations later, most people didnt believe there had ever been a USCT regiment organized and mustered in at Goldsboro. Some are surprised there were Black soldiers in the Civil War at all. People just didnt believe it, Meggett said, but the research into the 135th proved it was true. Civil War Trails system The marker honoring the regiment is part of the six-state Civil War Trails system that guides visitors to more than 1,200 sites, each brought into the program by the grassroots efforts of the communities where the events took place. Those who worked to get the mustering of the 135th USCT included in the Civil War Trails system hope it will bring heritage tourists to Goldsboro, about 50 miles southeast of Raleigh, also the site of Willowdale Cemetery where some 800 fallen Confederate and Union soldiers are buried in a mass grave. For Meggett, the marker on Center Street near the intersection with Chestnut is a kind of coda, a long-awaited final note to the very American story of the soldiers of the 135th, including her great-grandfather, who was listed as Harry Rawl on the regiments roster. Its time they get their recognition, she said. Weve never acknowledged what they did. Police in North Texas are searching for 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who hasnt been seen since November. Police in Everman, Texas, are searching for any leads to help them find 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, who hasnt been seen since November. Police said at a news conference on Sunday, March 26, that Noels mother left the country with her husband and other children. Heres a timeline of the investigation and the events that authorities said they have pieced together so far: An investigation into Noels whereabouts started on March 20 when Texas Child Protective Services received an anonymous tip that Noel hadnt been seen since November 2022. Everman police conducted a welfare check and spoke with Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, Noels mother. She told them the 6-year-old was in Mexico with his father. At the time, police said, they did not have reason to believe she was lying. The mother avoided later attempts by investigators to contact her again, according to police. Police have learned that on March 21, one day after the welfare check, Rodriguez-Singh obtained travel visas to fly to India, with a stop in Turkey. On March 23, investigators spoke to Noels biological father, who told them hed never had the opportunity to meet Noel because he was deported to Mexico before his sons birth. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his statement. Investigators tried to contact Noels mother again but could not reach her. On March 23, Noels four older siblings, aged 7 to 11, were absent from school after Rodriguez-Singh contacted their school in Everman ISD to ask about unenrolling them. Noel was not enrolled in school, according to police. His mother had custody of all seven of her children, including Noels half-siblings, who are 5-month-old twins. On March 23, Rodriguez-Singh left the U.S. with her husband, Arshdeep Singh, and all her children except Noel on a flight from DFW Airport to Istanbul, Turkey. Police said their travel itinerary indicated they had a connecting flight to somewhere in India, but authorities have not yet verified their final destination. On the morning of March 25, police issued an Amber Alert for Noel with a description of his mother and her pickup truck. Police did not know yet that the mother and other family members had left the country. On the night of March 25, police learned the family had left the country. Rodriguez-Singhs truck was found at DFW Airport. The alert for Noel was changed to an Endangered Missing Person alert. A top attorney in the Idaho attorney generals office has resigned after giving a state agency written legal advice without Attorney General Raul Labradors knowledge, according to the office. A division chief who oversaw a legal opinion about Health and Welfares distribution of federal grants resigned Friday, Associate Attorney General Mitch Toryanski told the Idaho Statesman. The opinion, issued in January, showed Chelsea Kidney was that divisions chief when the opinion was released. Her name and title appear on the opinion. The opinion, issued January, had stated that Health and Welfares distribution of the COVID-19 relief grants were lawful. Labrador didnt know the opinion was issued and disagreed with the analysis, Toryanski told the Statesman. Attorney General Labrador was never apprised of or consulted in the formulation of this opinion and he wouldnt have signed it, Toryanski said in an emailed statement. Department of Health and Welfare officials requested the legal opinion twice, once in November and once in January, amid concerns that it distributed COVID-19 relief grants to ineligible participants. A November opinion, issued by former Attorney General Lawrence Wasdens office, and a January opinion were almost identical, but the second was issued under Labradors letterhead. Idaho lawmakers last month asked Labradors office to investigate the Department of Health and Welfares distribution of federal Community Partner grants, more than $70 million targeted at child care providers. The funds may have gone to ineligible recipients, a co-chair of the Legislatures budget committee previously told the Statesman. Toryanski said the opinions are legally deficient. AG demands sought to preserve records Attorney general officials declined to name the division chief who resigned or say whether they asked the chief to step down, citing a policy barring disclosure of personnel matters. But a copy of the January opinion, included in a recent court declaration by Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and obtained by the Statesman, showed the attorney generals Health and Human Services Division issued the analysis. Wasden appointed Kidney chief of the division in 2021, according to a news release published at the time. Story continues After Kidney resigned, Toryanski said, attorney general officials asked the division chief to preserve data on her state-issued cellphone. When attorney general officials retrieved the phone, it had been reset to factory settings and all data was erased, Toryanski said. Niki Forbing-Orr, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Welfare, told the Statesman that its standard procedure to reset a departing employees phone. Images of the phones contents were preserved by the department, Forbing-Orr said. We have all those records, she said. We believe that the data is ours, and that, at this point, they arent entitled to that data, because the attorney generals office has a conflict with the department. The attorney generals office earlier this month issued civil investigative demands to people believed to have knowledge of the grants, including public and nonprofit recipients and health department officials. Toryanski said the demands were meant to ensure relevant information and any important data was preserved and not destroyed in this investigation. Dozens of grant recipients and three health department officials have asked an Ada County district court to block the demands, which they said are overbroad, burdensome and meritless. Private attorneys for Jeppesen and two other health officials last week pointed to the attorney general opinions as evidence of the legitimacy of the grants. The Idaho attorney generals office has already determined that IDHWs implementation of the grant program was lawful and within both state and federal guidelines, the health officials petition said. The story was updated 9:55 a.m. March 28 to include additional statements from the Department of Health and Welfare. Outbound tours prove popular during April holiday Outbound tours to both Asia and Europe seem to be particularly interesting for Vietnamese travelers during the coming five-day break marking National Reunification Day (on April 30) and May Day (May 1). Singapore is one of the favourite destinations for Vietnamese travelers. (Photo: Nguyen Thuy Duong) Vietluxtour, a local travel company in Ho Chi Minh City, reports the number of bookings for outbound tours for the coming public holiday has risen by 40% to 45% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Travel agency TST Tourists figures indicate that outbound tourists have outnumbered inbound tourists, with 61% of 2,000 guests booking tours for the break choosing tours overseas. 28-year-old Hai Nam of Ho Chi Minh City is pondering whether he should spend the holiday in Thua Thien-Hue province or the Republic of Korea. What worries him most is that during the public holiday, domestic tourist destinations tend to be overcrowded, whilst airfares, food, and room prices also increase. Furthermore, the open-door policies of many foreign countries can be viewed as the main reason in attracting an increasing number of Vietnamese travelers during the holiday period. Local people tend to choose to go to Northeast Asian or Southeast Asian countries as it is suitable for a five-day holiday, noted Tran Bao Thu, marketing director of Vietluxtour. According to Agoda.com data, since 2022 Vietnamese tourists have been very fond of travelling abroad, with their top 10 holiday searches all relating to international destinations. Among them, popular destinations include Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Osaka, Jakarta, Taipei, Hong Kong (China), and Pattaya. Travelling abroad involves visa procedures, meaning customers often register early for travel agencies to prepare the process for them, although many companies have stopped accepting travelers seeking to go to the European or Japanese markets due to a time-consuming process for visa issuing. There are therefore only a few routes in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia which remain open to receive guests as no visa is required. Ukrainian soldiers in a trench to monitor Russian positions at the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, Jan. 30, 2023. (Nicole Tung/The New York Times) KYIV, Ukraine By the time that Russian soldiers threw a potato sack over his head and forced him to record a false video statement about conditions at Europes largest nuclear facility, Ihor Murashov had already witnessed enough chaos at the plant to be deeply worried. Murashov, the former director general of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, did not know how much more stress the workers there could endure as they raced from one crisis to another to avert a nuclear catastrophe. He watched as staff members were dragged off to a place they called the pit at a nearby police station, returning beaten and bruised if they returned at all. He was there when advancing Russian soldiers opened fire at the facility in the first days of the war, and he fretted as the they mined the surrounding grounds. He witnessed Russians use nuclear reactor rooms to hide military equipment, risking an accident. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Murashov, 46, is gone from Zaporizhzhia now, having been expelled from Russian-occupied territory in October. In the months since, the situation at the plant has only grown more precarious, according to Ukrainian officials and international observers. On March 9, it was plunged into a blackout for the sixth time since the occupation, forcing nuclear engineers to rely on hulking diesel generators to keep critical cooling equipment running. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, has raised repeated alarms about the mounting dangers and plans to visit the facility this week. On Monday, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss the problem. Only around 4,600 of the plants 11,000 employees are still working, Petro Kotin, the head of Energoatom, Ukraines state nuclear power company, said in an interview. Employees at the facility have been given a deadline of April 1 to sign contracts with Rosatom, a state-owned Russian nuclear conglomerate. About 2,600 have signed the contract and the rest are still refusing, Kotin said. Story continues The current problems are not a surprise to Murashov, who recounted his experience over several hours of conversation recently, providing a harrowing account of how Europes largest nuclear power plant had descended into such turmoil. His account could not be independently verified, but it aligns with testimony from other workers who have since fled and those still there who have been interviewed by The New York Times and other news organizations over the past year. Murashov said the Russians set up special areas in the nearby satellite town where employees were interrogated, bullied and beaten. There were two places called the pits, Murashov said. One was the police department in the town. Another was inside the local military unit. Murashov added: I saw one of the employees who went to the pit, and he was all yellow because of the bruises he had been given. So I knew what could happen. Workers were sometimes taken from their homes, he said, and other times stopped at checkpoints as they entered the plant and taken away. They were routinely checked for pro-Ukrainian content. At first, he and other employees said, the Russians were searching for people who manned barricades trying to prevent Russian soldiers from entering the town. Later, he said, they seemed intent on getting employees to sign contracts with Rosatom. Until about a month ago, the plant was under Russian military occupation but the engineers still reported to Kyiv for technical instructions. That has ended, Kotin said. It also now virtually impossible for the workers who remain to escape, Ukrainian officials said, since the road to Ukrainian-controlled territory is closed. By the time that Murashov left the plant this past fall, most of the workers families had fled. Many of the employees who remained viewed it as their duty keep the plant running safely, while others have been more actively collaborating with the Russians, Ukrainian officials said. Kotin said a special panel has been set up to examine each case individually. Ukrainian authorities now have limited visibility into what is happening at the plant aside from the daily technical updates provided by monitors from the IAEA, who have been stationed there since Sept. 1. Grossi has not commented publicly on specific reports of abuse but has repeatedly expressed concern for the physical and mental health of the workers. Murashov said he initially hoped the U.N. monitors would improve the situation. But he described the morning they arrived on Sept. 1 as one of the worst days he experienced during the occupation. Murashov got an urgent call from the nuclear power plant at 4 a.m. The Russians, who for a month had been shelling key energy lines feeding the plant, were shelling again, he was told. Another call came at 5 a.m. The alarm in Reactor No. 5 was blaring. As he raced to the station, he said, Russians started shelling the town of Enerhodar, where the plant is. He could see Russian attack helicopters flying low as he drove. We had to assess quickly what happened around and in the station, he said. They also had to prepare for the mission from the IAEA. Grossi and his team arrived around 1 p.m., and Ukrainian engineers were able to give a short briefing outside the presence of the Russians. But as they started going around the station, he said, Russians took over and told the inspectors the shelling had come from Ukrainian positions. With all that mess, we had almost no chance to voice what was happening at the station and what we knew for sure, Murashov said. The last of the facilitys six reactors was cycled down 12 days after that visit. The plant is no longer producing energy, but external power is still essential to run critical cooling and other safety systems. Ukrainian officials believe that after the Russians failed to find a way to divert the power from the reactors for their own use, they were trying to simply ruin the facility. Their goal is to make the situation so difficult that when we get it back, it will be unusable, Ukraines energy minister, Herman Halushchenko, said in an interview in early March. Ukrainian officials say the number of Russian troops at the plant is growing because they know it is perhaps the safest location in southern Ukraine to avoid being bombed by Ukrainian forces. Murashov was appointed the plants director on Feb. 16, 2022 just days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The night the Russians invaded, Murashov moved with hundreds of workers to bunkers under the facility. On March 3, the Russians blasted their way into the town and were approaching the station. That night, the Russians opened fire at the plant, and Murashov directed the staff to stream the security camera footage on YouTube so the world could see what was happening. On the morning of March 4, I received a call from the mayor, he said. The Russians wanted to talk. He emerged from the bunker to find a scene of devastation. There was smoke in the air and pools of blood on the ground, he said. Alarms blared in the distance. The dead body of a Ukrainian national guard soldier lay near the entrance of the plant. When the plant director met the Russian general in command, the officer seemed more concerned about why his soldiers were not welcomed as liberators than anything happening at the nuclear plant, Murashov said. As the months passed and Russian forces lost ground in other parts of the country, things got worse for the Ukrainians at the plant. Workers started disappearing, Russian snipers watched from the rooftops, and more heavy artillery was moved into the facility, increasing the risk of an accident. When his workers needed to perform maintenance in certain areas, Murashov said, they alerted the Russians in advance so the Ukrainians would not get shot. Kotin, the Energoatom executive, said at least 200 workers were detained and at least 30 remain missing. On Aug. 5, the facility was shelled for the first time. On Aug. 25, it experienced its first blackout. The Russians pressed Murashov to sign a contract with Rosatom, but he refused. As he was driving to his home Sept. 30, the Russians intercepted him. They checked my papers and then they put bags on my head and my drivers head, he said. I was afraid, he said. I did not know what was going on, I could not imagine what would happen next. Having grown up in Energodar, he knew the roads well and noted every turn. I knew I was being brought to the local department of Security Service of Ukraine, he said. He said he was made to sit in a chair with the sack over his head in handcuffs for 24 hours. Three days after he was detained, he was forced to record a video. It remains a source of shame. The worst thing that I voiced is that quite likely the station was shelled by Armed Forces of Ukraine, he said. They made me sign a paper saying that my statement could not be retracted. Now I take it back, he said. After he made the video, the sack was placed back over his head and he was thrown into a car with Russian soldiers. He remembered the Cranberries anti-war ballad, Zombie, playing as they drove. He was let out near the crossing to Ukrainian controlled territory and, without explanation, was set free. c.2023 The New York Times Company Even for comedians, the cost of living crisis is no laughing matter. Soaring travel costs, unaffordable accommodation, stagnant fees and cash-strapped audiences have made it harder than ever to make a living on stage, BBC Scotland has been told. And with inflation unexpectedly rising to a 45-year high of 10.4% in February, the outlook is even bleaker. As performers gathered for the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, they spoke about how the industry was faring. Edinburgh-based comedian Liam Withnail said hotel prices had "gone absolutely insane" since the pandemic, while return tickets to perform at gigs in England can cost about 200. He told BBC Scotland he was turning down shows in Manchester and London because the costs were too high - and because performance fees had remained flat for years. "It's got to the point where I'm financially better off not working than I am some nights," the stand-up said. Withnail, who has been a professional comedian for 10 years, added: "It's tough and it's tougher now than ever." He echoed fears, aired earlier this year by Richard Herring, that the profession is becoming increasingly closed off to people from less privileged backgrounds. Comedian Richard Herring has expressed concerns about the Edinburgh Fringe Withnail predicted that the long-term effect would be "devastating" for the industry, with the "overwhelming majority" of performers he knows deciding to stay away from this year's Edinburgh Fringe due to the expense. "The Edinburgh Fringe will slowly lose everything that's good about it and become a playground for the children of millionaires," the comedian warned. Yet with the gloom comes a desire to escape it, Withnail said. "People need a laugh and they want to come out and it's a good way to socialise and to either forget or see the world in a new and funny light," he added. Amy Matthews, has also had to turn down gigs in England due to the cost of rail travel from Scotland. Story continues "It just means that line-ups will become less interesting, less diverse if they can only draw on the talent that's on someone's doorstep," she said. Matthews warned that barriers were being put up to people from less privileged backgrounds. "That has historically always been the case, but it's obviously been brought into stark relief in the cost of living crisis," she said. Venues, too, are struggling to make ends meet as Scots are forced to reign in their spending. Analysis of YouGov polling by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), published in January, suggested nearly half (48%) of Scots had cut back on household spending due to energy costs. Two in three (66%) of those who have reduced spending have cut back on eating or drinking out, CAS said. One comedy venue that has been praised for helping comedians amid the cost of living crisis is the Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh, which has put on extra shows since reopening during the pandemic. "I think there's no other comedy club in Scotland doing what we do - it's putting a lot of money into people's pockets," director David Bleese said. 'We can't keep up' His club puts on up to six shows a night, with audiences of up to 155 people. Tickets range from 5 to 15 at weekends, as well as pay-what-you-like performances. Bleese said the club had also adapted to modern demands, setting up its own podcast studio and broadcasting more shows online. However, he added: "What we can't really keep up with is the cost of accommodation and the cost of travel. "People are making the choice not to come up to Edinburgh outside of August - well, people are making the decision not to come to Edinburgh in August." Glaswegian comedian Lubna Kerr, who also works one day a week with the NHS, said she would not able to survive financially without her second job. Kerr, whose latest show is a one-woman play in Scots-English and Urdu about two Scottish-Pakistani women, explained that getting well-paid work in an industry which had traditionally been dominated by white men was "not easy". "Especially when you're an older Pakistani women," she said. Kerr told BBC Scotland it was "not enough to make people laugh" amid the cost of living crisis, "because being a comedian is a business and you are the business, you're the product, you need to market yourself". She added: "Scotland's got such a rich history of comedians and it would be a shame if it was only the rich that were able to do it. But I think where there's a will there's a way." Jim Smith combines his comedy career with running a farm in Perthshire. He spoke to BBC Scotland as he juggled lambing season with a comedy tour. Tickets selling well has been a "lifesaver," he said as fuel, food, travel and accommodation costs "go mental". Smith has worked with the RSABI, a charity which provides practical and emotional support to people living in rural Scotland. He has seen how financial pressure can affect the mental health of farmers. 'Funny's funny' The comedian has seen some similarities in stand-up. "Comedians you expect in the green room to be happy, jolly people but they can be quite serious and quiet. "Then they go on stage and flick a switch and that's their act," he said. "It can be a lonely experience." Such issues have only been "compounded" by fears about the cost of living, Smith added. The stand-up also warned it would be a "tragedy" if comedy became closed off to people from all backgrounds due to costs. But he added: "All you need to own in life is a pen and paper and a good imagination to get a start. "Funny's funny and the cream always rises. If you're funny, consistently funny, you will make it to the top." While the latex spill that is causing so much concern in Philadelphia happened in Bristol Township, Bucks County officials say the drinking water here has not been contaminated. Why has the response to the chemical spill differed in Bucks County vs. Philadelphia? Aqua Pennsylvania, the private water company that serves many municipalities in Bucks County, has a treatment plant in Bristol but it is upstream of where the spill occurred at the Trinseo Altuglas latex manufacturer near the Otter Creek in Bristol Township on Friday, and Aqua said it shut down the water treatment plant as soon as it learned of the spill. Testing shows its water supply has remained unaffected, officials said. A member of the chemical spill mitigation team adjust booms (yellow) and absorbent snake-like booms (blue) along Otter Creek in Bristol after a chemical spill. It has since reopened its plant when tides are carrying river water out to sea and closing them as a safety precaution when the tide is incoming. We monitor the tide and shut down the plant when it begins to move upstream. We have no evidence of water quality concerns around our intake ... Our water quality has remained unaffected since the spill occurred around 12 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, the company said. Aqua Lab Director Alicia Beauchamp tests water samples from the March 24 Delaware River chemical spill at the companys headquarters in Bryn Mawr. The company also is sending water from other regions it serves to Bucks to make up for the Bristol plant being shut down. The Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority also stated its intake is up the river from where Otter Creek meets the Delaware River and its potable water is not affected, though it is monitoring the situation. More: Is Bucks County at risk after Delaware River chemical spill ? What we know about drinking water Are other water utilities affected in Bucks County? Other water utilities serving Bucks include the Pennsylvania American Water, the Township of Falls Authority and the North Penn and North Wales water authorities that supply water to the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, take water from farther up the river and since the non-tidal portions of the river flow southward, their intakes have not been affected. Story continues Who is leading the cleanup on the Delaware River? The state Department of Environmental Protection states it is working closely with utility companies including Aqua Pennsylvania, Lower Bucks Joint Municipal Authority, Philadelphia Water Department, and New Jersey American, city officials, and other government agencies to ensure that the safety of drinking water is not compromised. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents Bucks County, stated Tuesday he has been in "constant communication with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and local officials to address the chemical spill," and is monitoring the situation. The DEP noted that ongoing water sampling is being conducted at various locations. Contaminants have not been detected at drinking water intakes at this time. There have not been any signs of fish or wildlife impacts. Trinseo Altuglas Senior Vice President Paula Cooney said in an email that the accidental release of an estimated 8,100 gallons of latex emulsion product is still under review. "Our preliminary investigation shows that a pipe burst and the facilitys containment system was breached. Trinseo is conducting an internal review of our facility and will take the steps necessary to address any issues we identify. In the meantime, we will continue to do all can to assist in a thorough assessment of environmental impacts. Trinseo is Responsible Care company. We place the highest value on the safety of our employees and our community and on excellent environmental performance. When our standards are not met, we take immediate corrective action, as we are doing in this case," she said. More: Delaware River chemical spill includes toxin released in Ohio train wreck. Here's the latest Will the chemical spill affect opening of trout season Saturday? Saturday marks the opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania. The state Fish and Boat Commission said that the Delaware River is not stocked with trout. The commission has not seen any evidence of the effect of the spill on aquatic life but Mike Parker, commission spokesman said that anglers should be cautious and use common sense about fishing for consumable fish in the river near the spill site or in Otter Creek, where the latex spill entered the Delaware River basin and which is a habitat for catfish and other warm-water fish. Any long-term impact on fish will be monitored by the commissions waterway conservation officers on an ongoing basis, he said. What about the situation in Philadelphia? Philadephia, which is downstream of the spill, takes water from the Delaware at its Baxter treatment plant which serves a large portion of the city. The Philadelphia Water Department has been monitoring the situation with the river water since the spill was reported late Friday evening but so far has not found evidence of contamination of the city supplies and said the water is safe until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. It is urging residents and businesses to store a three-day supply of the currently safe tap water in case contamination of the citys raw water supply is found later this week as the toxic spill works its way downstream. This will help with the run on stores for bottled water which has left many stores without supplies. On a related note, Wakefern, the parent distributor for the ShopRite supermarkets in Philadelphia and the suburbs, announced it is trying to alleviate the shortage. We are seeing heavy demand for bottled water and delivering more supply to our stores in Philadelphia and surrounding areas to help people get what they need, said Wakefern spokeswoman Karen OShea. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Delaware River chemical spill cleanup continues, water still safe San Bernardino County Fire officials on Monday morning responded to a Union Pacific train derailment near Kelso Depot in the Mojave National Preserve east of Barstow. A Union Pacific train derailment near Kelso Depot in the Mojave National Preserve was reported to San Bernardino County Fire officials on Monday. Two locomotives and 55 rail cars loaded with iron ore derailed around 8:30 a.m. near Kelbaker and Kelso Cima roads, roughly 80 miles east of Barstow and between Interstate 15 and 40, according to fire officials. There was no fire found when crews arrived on the scene, county fire spokesman Eric Sherwin said. Additionally, there were no passengers involved. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that UP spokeswoman Kristen South said, The crew was not in the cab at the time of the derailment and there was uncontrolled train movement the cause is under investigation. Other derailments The UP train derailment followed a BNSF freight train derailment on March 15 near Exit 9 along I-40 in Arizona, according to Mohave County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Anita Mortenson. The derailment, near the California and Nevada border, involved a train carrying corn syrup, according to Mortensen, who was not aware of any spills or leaks. Weather conditions and flooding made it difficult for responding agencies to make it to the scene, said Mortensen. The cause of the derailment is under investigation. On March 16, a BNSF train derailment spilled diesel fuel on tribal land along Puget Sound in Washington. No injuries were reported and the cause of the derailment is under investigation. The derailment in Washington occurred on a berm along Padilla Bay, on the Swinomish tribal reservation near Anacortes. Most of the 5,000 gallons of spilled diesel fuel leaked on the land side of the berm rather than toward the water, according to the state Ecology Department. Officials said there were no indications the spill reached the water or affected any wildlife. In early February, a train operated by Norfolk Southern that was carrying toxic chemicals derailed in eastern Ohio, igniting a fire that covered the town of East Palestine in smoke, the New York Times reported. Story continues The Ohio derailment set off evacuation orders, school and road closures, and a national conversation about railroad safety. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Train derails in Mojave National Preserve east of Barstow WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT Georgia police announced Monday that the FBI has joined the investigation into the horrific hazing of Trent Lehrkamp, 19, who remains hospitalized after a group of teens reportedly forced him to guzzle vodka, tied him to a chair and urinated on him. The shocking assault prompted hundreds of people to attend a vigil Monday night outside the Brunswick hospital, where Lehrkamp is recovering, to demand charges against his perpetrators, according to WSAV.com. Glynn County Police said in a press release that the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are helping conduct interviews and analyze electronic evidence related to the disturbing March 21 bullying incident that left Lehrkamp covered in spray paint and unable to breathe on his own. A police source said earlier reports indicating that Lehrkamp is on the autism spectrum are not true. GEORGIA TEEN HOSPITALIZED AFTER ALLEGED TORTURE, HAZING READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News Digital obtained an incident report that reveals Lehrkamp was victimized at the same St. Simons Island home just five days prior, according to his father. Mark Lehrkamp told police that on March 17 his son returned from the same friend's house "covered in WD-40, vomit, paint, glue, egg yolk and spray paint." A few weeks prior, Mark said he had to take his son to the emergency room after visiting the same friend's home because he returned with a "severe laceration" above his left eye that needed stitches. READ INCIDENT REPORT FROM ALLEGED HAZING OF TRENT LEHRKAMP Mark told police that his son kept going to the friend's home despite the abuse because he "has no other friends." "He is accepted and with people he thinks care for him," Mark allegedly told police. The father said he had photos and video of all the past incidents of alleged assault. The March 21 incident went viral after a Facebook post from an account called Glynn County Citizens on Patrol posted a photo of four boys posing around a man who appears to be passed out with his head slumped to the side and covered in items and substances. Story continues The post identifies the victim as Lehrkamp and says the image was pulled from Snapchat. A second photo shows a man, also identified as Lehrkamp, on a ventilator in a hospital. TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL HAZING INCIDENT WITH HOT SAUCE, LAP DANCES SENDS STUDENT TO EMERGENCY ROOM "These fine young men bound an unconscious and unresponsive boy to a chair, spray-painted him from head to toe, pissed on him, took a s--- in his lap and the list goes on and on," according to a caption above the photos on the Facebook page. Police said they were investigating the authenticity of the images and that the boys in the photo were all minors. A 10-second video clip, also posted to Glynn County Citizens on Patrol Facebook page, shows Lehrkamp seated in a chair at night, his head slumped over, as a hose is trained on him. Police confirmed that Lehrkamp is the victim in the footage. The March 21 incident report says that three minors dropped off Lehrkamp at the Southeast Georgia Health Center around 8:30 p.m. and registered their names with the ER before leaving. "[A hospital staffer] observed that Trenton's clothes were soaked with urine. Trenton had spray paint all over his body and hair, with a small bruise on his left shoulder," the report says. Lehrkamp had a blood-alcohol level of .46% nearly six times the legal limit for driving. He was placed on a ventilator. Several of the minors involved are students at Glynn Academy, school officials confirmed to Fox News Digital. Police responded to the hospital after Mark asked a security guard to call 911 and report an alleged hazing, WSAV.com reported A GoFundMe account created two days ago has raised $73,866 to help pay for Lehrkamp's medical bills. Lehrkamp's mother died unexpectedly in 2021. The Glynn County Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact them via phone or email: 912-264-1333 or 911silentwitness@glynncounty-ga.gov. (Photo from the Protect Thacker Pass Facebook page) RENO, Nev. Construction is underway on the highly contested Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada after a court ruled earlier this month against the tribes trying to stop the mine. After U.S. District Court Judge Miranda M. Du ruled on Feb. 6 against conservation organizations, a local rancher, and several tribes who filed suit to stop the project, three separate federally recognized tribes filed an additional lawsuit on Feb. 16 in an attempt to stop construction of the mine. On March 23, the court ruled against the tribes the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, and the Burns Paiute Tribe who argued that the Bureau of Land Management violated several laws when it permitted the mine to Lithium Americas on Jan. 15, 2021. The tribes also alleged that the mines permission violates their access to historically and culturally significant sites. The Thacker Pass region is considered sacred by the tribes who call it Peehee Muhuh, or Rotten Moon in the Paiute language because, in 1865, federal cavalry killed more than 30 men, women and children and then left their bodies to rot. Judge Miranda Du said that access to the Thacker Pass region has been restricted for years because of authorized mining activity, and an argument that its restriction suddenly limits cultural rights is not valid. The court previously rejected evidence presented by the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the Burn Paiute Tribe that a massacre occurred in the area. The two tribes presented written records and two eyewitness accounts of the slaughter. The newest lawsuit also contended that the BLM misrepresented its claims that it consulted with tribes about potential impacts on historical and cultural sites near the mine project site. Our contention is with the largest lithium mine in the country and the expansion of the 40 plus other lithium claims proposed for the State of Nevada, said Arlan Melendez, Chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, in a statement on Feb. 17. They should have notified all Tribes sooner. The Thacker Pass permitting process was not done correctly. BLM contends they have the discretion to decide who to notify or consult with. They only contacted three out of the 22 tribes who had significant ties to Thacker Pass. Story continues The three tribes behind the lawsuit said Thacker Pass should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the Federal Governments responsibility is to determine if a proposed mining project may adversely affect historic properties, said Reno-Sparks Indian Colonys Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Michon Eben in a statement. Historic properties include Native American massacre sites. The BLM [Bureau of Land Management] failed in its trust responsibility to tribes and now our ancestors final resting place is currently being destroyed at Peehee Muhuh. Lithium Nevada Corporation (LNC), the subsidiary of Lithium Americas, said in a news release that it began construction of what is being touted as the largest lithium mine in North America on Mar. 2. According to the company, lithium reserves at Thacker Pass can support the production of up to 1 million electric vehicles a year for up to 40 years. Production of materials could begin as soon as the end of 2026. Lithium Americas did not provide a comment on the most recent ruling as of press time. About the Author: "Darren Thompson (Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe) is a staff reporter for Native News Online who is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Thompson has reported on political unrest, tribal sovereignty, and Indigenous issues for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Indian Country Today, Native News Online, Powwows.com and Unicorn Riot. He has contributed to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Voice of America on various Indigenous issues in international conversation. He has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Criminology & Law Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. " Contact: dthompson@nativenewsonline.net JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ/Reuters As smoke rose over the heavily patrolled border between Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, people in communities on both sides of the border were left to reckon with unspeakable tragedy. Mexicos National Immigration Institute, a detainment facility holding 68 migrants from Central and South America, caught fire on Monday night, killing at least 39 people and sending 29 to the hospital in critical condition. At a Tuesday morning news conference, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the blaze allegedly began after a group of migrants found out that they were going to be deported and set their mattresses on fire in protest. Horrific Fire Rips Through Migration Detention Center Near U.S. Border Killing 39: Reports Ramiro Andrade, a tattoo artist at Estilo Firme Tattoo Co. in the Barrio Segundo neighborhood of El Paso just blocks from the border, told The Daily Beast he saw smoke as he was leaving his shop at around 10 p.m. but did not know what had happened until he found out later on the news. Andrade said his first reaction was one of solidarity, living in the border community of Barrio Segundo, which has a large immigrant population and is often a first destination for migrants entering the United States. We understand that they just want to work, Andrade said. They just want a better life, just like the rest of us. Es criminal. Asi dejaron encerrados a los migrantes en la Estacion de Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. pic.twitter.com/MwwMGi1cTl Joaquin Lopez-Doriga (@lopezdoriga) March 28, 2023 But when Andrade found out that the fire had been set intentionally by the migrants themselves, he began to worry about the reactions it would provoke on the American side of the border. Theyre like, You know, they started this fire, so theyre gonna be like, What if they come over here and start another fire? Andrade said, adding that everyone judges quick. Story continues Liliana Ruiz, who works at a nutrition store a few blocks from the tattoo parlor, referenced a similar climate of suspicion in Barrio Segundo. Migrants embrace as they sit with others during a protest outside the National Institute of Migration building after a fire broke out late on Monday at a migrant detention center, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, March 28, 2023. JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ/Reuters For Ruiz, the empathy her neighbors felt for migrant families was tempered by a profound uneasiness, especially in the wake of a March 13 incident in which a large group of Venezuelan migrants attempted to force their way over a bridge linking El Paso to Ciudad Juarez. All of a sudden [the migrants] violently wanted to cross and demand so much, Ruiz told The Daily Beast. I think that people did not like that, and it is a little bit like they do not want to accept them. Across the border, as family members of the detained migrants anxiously awaited news of their relatives, a similar debate played out in a city that has recently seen a massive influx of migrants. Wake-up call Jose Loya, the director of news for Juarez-based radio station Megaradio, called the issue of immigration very polarizing for the border city, which he said has become a final destination for migrants seeking entry into the U.S. Ciudad Juarez has been heavily impacted by Title 42, a pandemic-era policy enacted by the Trump administration that has enabled U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to expel over 1.7 million asylum seekers back across the border and force them to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. With this influx of Central and South American migrants to a city already dealing with high rates of crime and poverty, Loya told The Daily Beast he has observed a similar binary of solidarity and discomfort. However, Loya hopes the fire will draw new attention to the plight faced by migrants. Loya said he saw rescue vehicles and security forces gathering around the National Immigration Institute, which is directly across the street from Megaradios offices, while at work on Tuesday morning. Its a true tragedy, Loya said. Now what I think, being honest, could come is a situation of empathy with the migrants, with their families. Loya said he hopes the increased attention will lead to more complaints to federal authorities about the conditions in which migrants arrive at detention facilities. As recently as March 9, a group of 30 migrant shelters and nonprofits published an open letter criticizing Mexican authorities for what they called excessive force and abuse in the governments treatment of migrants, according to a report by the Associated Press, Back on the El Paso side, Maria Pacheco, who works at a homeless shelter that serves migrants, shared Loyas hope that the tragedy could function as a wake-up call. Maybe we should listen to the immigrants, and then we wont get too upset and [end up] doing something that makes them get desperate, Pacheco said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Students from the Covenant School hold hands after getting off a bus to meet their parents at the reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. As a public service, The Tennessean has made this content free. Follow the latest updates on the Covenant School shooting as they happen in our live blog here. The horrible task of counting began before noon. How many children and staff members had gone into Covenant School on Monday morning, and how many had come out alive after the gunshots? Frantic administrators and teachers, tearful parents and first responders hurried to get that count finished. Parents were routed to nearby Woodmont Baptist Church waiting, hopefully, to be reunited with their children. And they waited. In fear. In shock. In anger. They waited for more understanding in a situation where none would be forthcoming. The morning was filled with the sound of sirens. The news they heard just after noon was devastating: Three children and three school staff members were killed. Police said they were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, and staff members Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school, and Cynthia Peak, 61 and Mike Hill, 61. Police identified the shooter as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, who police killed at the scene. Hale was a former student at The Covenant School, according to police. Police identified the shooter by his name at birth and did not provide another name. He was a transgender man who used male pronouns. The police initially identified him as a woman. Hale was an illustrator and graphic designer who had two semi-automatic rifles and a handgun, police said. MNPD Chief John Drake said he was in tears when he heard the reports from officers on the scene. 'A family's worst nightmare'President Biden reacts to Nashville shooting, urges assault weapons ban The Metro Police response took 14 minutes. The shooter entered the school just after 10 a.m. through a side door, began shooting on the first floor and then moved to the second. The first call to police came at 10:13 a.m. Five police officers confronted Hale on the second floor, and two opened fire, killing the shooter at 10:27 a.m. Story continues Drake said the police found the suspected shooter's car at the scene. The Woodmont sanctuary was quiet and tensely calm as parents awaited information from officials. Many spoke on phones, giving directions to those still on their way. Volunteers pushed carts with water coolers and multi-colored cups through the aisles. Three yellow school buses filled with children made the 2-mile trip from Covenant and were lined up in front of Woodmont Baptist Church just after noon. What we know:The Covenant School shooting in Nashville Several children stuck their head and hands out of open windows, yelling and waving to the parents waiting for them. On the streets in front of the school, Metro Police and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation buses rolled by. Across town, Vanderbilt Medical Center was rushed by emergency vehicles. Three students, two adults and one police officer were being treated for injuries Monday afternoon. The police officer cut his hand on glass. Metro Police officers quickly escorted two residents out of squad cars at the childrens emergency center, ushering them inside and quickly leaving the scene again. One was clutching what appeared to be a handful of tissues as she tearfully rushed into the ER. School celebrated childhood, empowering minds The Covenant School's enrollment is from pre-school through sixth grade. The school's motto is "Shepherding hearts. Empowering Minds. Celebrating Childhood." On a typical day, Covenant has 209 students and 42 staff members. The school and church are the center of the lives of so many people in Green Hills. Hayley Gammons, now a veterinarian, was part of Covenants class that graduated in 2008. Gammons' mom works at school and was not injured. Parents comfort each other as they wait outside the Woodmont Baptist Church for students from Covenant School to arrive after a mass shooting at the school Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. To this day Covenant is still home, Gammons said. How many people can say they are still close friends with kids they went to kindergarten with, but thats just the way it is there. I know the community is so strong with Covenant. Barbara Baydoun is a former board of trustee, who just rolled off: This is the most loving school. Happy, the kids are always happy. I dont know of anyone who would have a grudge, problems with a teacher or staff. Lisa DeBusk said she hasn't been able to pick up her 8-year-old daughter, who is a second grader at Julia Green Elementary nearby the scene of the shooting. The other schools in the neighborhood were also in lockdown. 'Why should children be the ones who suffer through this' DeBusk is friends with families whose children attend Covenant. "It was truly horrific to watch that," DeBusk said. "Our children had gone to preschool together. It's such a close-knit community here. You just don't ever think that when you send your kids to school on a day like today, that you're going to potentially not have them come home." Patricia Mey, who also lives in the condo complex across Hillsboro Pike from the school, said she heard the chaos erupt outside as multiple emergency vehicles and helicopters moved in Monday morning. "It sounded like a war zone out here," Mey said. "Why should children be the ones who suffer through this." Ashbey Beasley was on vacation and about a block away from the school when she heard shots.Beasley, who was at the 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, when a gunman opened fire, ran over to the scene off Hillsboro Pike to find it crawling with police.Arent you tired of this, she said taking over the microphones after a news conference with Metro Nashville Police. How is this still happening?Beasley continued at the microphones, passionately decrying gun laws.How are our children still dying and why are we failing them, she said. These shootings, and these mass shootings, will continue to happen until our lawmakers step up and pass safer gun legislation. Kirsten Fiscus, Chris Gadd, Andy Humbles, Angele Latham and Craig Shoup contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville mourns after mass shooting at The Covenant School MANCHESTER, N.H. Donald Trump has tapped an operative to lead his 2024 efforts in New Hampshire. And for the role, hes turned to a veteran of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bushs 2016 presidential bid. Trevor Naglieri will serve as Trumps New Hampshire state director, according to two GOP operatives familiar with the move. Naglieri was a field coordinator for Bush in 2016 and went on to serve as New Hampshire field director and then national field director for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). He most recently managed Pennsylvania Republican Jeremy Shaffers unsuccessful 2022 congressional bid. He also did stints at Republican consulting firm Axiom Strategies. Naglieri is Trumps second big hire in New Hampshire. Two months ago, POLITICO first reported that former state GOP Chair Steve Stepanek, a longtime ally, would serve as a senior adviser to the former president in the first-in-the-nation primary state. The two join Alex Latcham, one of Trumps Iowa hires, whos overseeing all early state operations. New Hampshire handed Trump his first primary win in 2016 in which he defeated both Bush and Cruz. But he went on to lose the state in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections. The Naglieri hire further illustrates the dual tracks that Trump is currently on: moving aggressively on a third run for the White House while simultaneously battling legal woes on several fronts. His rivals have yet to take similar steps on the staffing front. Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley has been leaning on volunteers including former U.S. Senate candidate Don Bolduc and former congressional hopeful Matt Mayberry to help coordinate her meetings and events in New Hampshire. Mayberry also volunteered at a recent county GOP event for former Vice President Mike Pence. And when former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whos also mulling a bid, came to Manchester this week for a town hall and dinner with his 2016 supporters, former aide Matt Mowers was there to lend a helping hand. By Karen Freifeld NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York grand jury hearing evidence about former President Donald Trump's role in a hush-money payment to a porn star is not expected to meet on Wednesday and is unlikely to consider the case again this week, a law enforcement source said. It is unclear when the grand jury would take up the matter again, said the source, who was granted anonymity to discuss secret grand jury proceedings. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has been presenting evidence since January to the grand jury about possible crimes related to a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The payment was made in exchange for Daniels' silence about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump she said she had a decade earlier. If indicted, Trump would become the first U.S. president to face a criminal charge in court. A former National Enquirer publisher testified for the second time before the panel on Monday, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The publisher, David Pecker, had offered to help Trump in the run-up to the November 2016 election by buying rights to unflattering stories and not publishing them, a practice known as "catch and kill." In the case of Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, her agent told the editor in October 2016 that she was willing to go public about the alleged sexual encounter she said she had with Trump. Pecker and the editor contacted then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen and connected him with an attorney for Daniels. Cohen then negotiated the $130,000 agreement. Federal prosecutors have said Cohen made the payment at Trump's direction. Trump has denied an affair took place, and lawyer Robert Costello, who met with Cohen in 2018, has said Cohen told him he acted alone. Costello testified before the grand jury last week. Cohen, who testified the previous week, pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges stemming from the payoff and went to prison for the campaign finance violation, among other crimes. Story continues Trump falsely claimed on March 18 that he would be arrested in the case last Tuesday, has repeatedly attacked Bragg, and warned of potential "death and destruction" if he faces criminal charges. Trump faces several other criminal investigations, including one tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. He continues to claim falsely that his 2020 defeat was the result of fraud. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Scott Malone and Stephen Coates) Former President Donald Trump said in an interview that aired Monday he was transparent with the FBI about his handling of classified documents and pointed fingers at President Biden, who he said had classified documents in boxes "stored in Chinatown." The comments from Trump during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity provided insight into the former president's personal thinking amid several ongoing investigations, including one into the classified documents discovered during an FBI raid of his Mar-a-Lago estate last year. "All of a sudden they raided Mar-a-Lago, viciously raided Mar-a-Lago," Trump told Hannity. "I have tape and I gave them tapes, you know, I gave them tapes of storage areas, I gave it to em I couldve held that back. I wasn't holding anything back that I cared about. But you know the tape they don't want me to reveal? the raid itself." Prior to the raid, Trump said the FBI requested that a second lock be placed on the unit that stored the classified materials. TRUMP OFFERS UNIQUE SOLUTION TO BANK CRISES, IN SLAM AT 'INTEREST-RATE-HAPPY' FED CHAIR Former President Donald Trump looks on during a rally at the Waco Regional Airport on March 25, 2023, in Waco, Texas. "This was a lock, we had a good, strong lock. They asked could we put a second one. And then, I don't know what the timing was, they come in and raid," Trump said. "We would've given them the stuff had they asked for it. But you know what it is? This is election interference. They're trying to make it look bad." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I think the raid on Mar-a-Lago did backfire on them," he added. "I had people that weren't my supporters who are now my supporter because of the raid on Mar-a-Lago. Pointing to the Presidential Records Act, Trump told Hannity that he has "the right to take stuff" and "look at stuff." Trump also took aim at Biden for his handling of classified documents, claiming that "he's getting paid off by China" and has boxes "stored in Chinatown." "Joe Biden's got 1,850 boxes in Delaware Now they say hes getting paid off by China and hes got boxes stored in Chinatown. Hes got boxes in University of Pennsylvania, and he's got boxes scooted all over the floor next to the Corvette, his beautiful Corvette," Trump said. "And nobody talks about that." Story continues TRUMP HOLDS DOUBLE DIGIT LEAD OVER DESANTIS, FAR AHEAD OF REST OF THE FIELD, IN EARLY 2024 POLLS "I don't know how you can talk about me when they don't talk about Joe Biden because what he did is so bad," Trump added. Last November, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed special counsel Jack Smith to lead an investigation into Trump's handling of the documents found at Mar-a-Lago. Trump told Hannity the investigation is a "hoax." On Aug. 8, 2022, FBI agents raided Trumps home at Mar-a-Lago and seized classified records, including some marked as top secret, according to a warrant and property receipt. U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart signed the warrant, giving agents the authority to seize "all physical documents and records constituting evidence, contraband, fruits of crime, or other items illegally possessed" in violation of U.S. Code, including documents with classification markings and presidential records created between Jan. 20, 2017, and Jan. 20, 2021. Secret Service agents stand guard outside the Mar-a-Lago home of former President Donald Trump on March 27, 2023, in Palm Beach, Florida. The property receipt showed FBI agents took approximately 20 boxes of items from the premises, including one set of documents marked as "Various classified/TS/SCI documents," which refers to top secret/sensitive information. Classified documents have also been found at the home of former Vice President Mike Pence, and the Justice Department is handling investigations into that discovery, as well. Fox News' Greg Wehner and Brooke Singman contributed to this article. Former President Donald Trump took aim at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in a new interview on Monday, saying that he was not a big fan of him. I had my own situation with Powell and I beat the hell out of him, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity in a new interview that aired Monday. I was not a big fan of Powell. He was recommended by some people. I didnt like him, hes too interest rate happy. Powell was appointed by Trump in 2018. Trumps administration and the central bank have since faced criticism for sparking the latest banking crisis by rolling back many banking regulatory measures. Those included tools that were included in the Dodd-Frank banking reform package passed after the 2008 banking crisis. Hannity asked Trump whether he would have supported bailing out Silicon Valley Bank, an institution that failed earlier this month in the second-largest bank failure in United States. Trump responded that he would not support a bail out and cited high-interest rates as the cause of the banks failure. I wouldnt have supported the bail out, he said. The bank would have to get along by itself and maybe they could have. What happened with the bank as interest rates went too high. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Powell and the Federal Reserve have faced sharp criticism over the last month after Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank both collapsed and sent shockwaves through the banking industry. A senate panel will hear from top federal regulators Tuesday about the recent bank failures as lawmakers continue to voice their concerns about the banking industry. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said earlier this month that Powell took a flamethrower to banking regulations. Powell reiterated last week that the banking industry remains sound and resilient in the wake of the collapse of the two banks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump has bragged about how his great endorsement for Ron DeSantis during the 2018 gubernatorial race had helped the Florida governor, without which he would be working in a pizza parlour. Both Republican leaders have stepped up attacks on each other in the run up to the 2024 presidential election, though Mr DeSantis is yet to officially declare that he will run for president. Mr Trump, who had earlier come up with a nickname for Mr DeSantis using his Italian-American heritage, gave a detailed account of how he allegedly helped the Florida governor. Mr Trumps fresh remarks in an interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity on Monday night have come after Mr DeSantiss own sass-infused comments about the investigation on the hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels. The question Im asked the most about you of late is Ron DeSantis. This is the question what happened? I thought they were friends, said Hannity. Not friends. I didnt know him well, responded Mr Trump and elaborated on the evolution of his relationship with the Florida Republican. He said Mr DeSantis had come to him with tears in his eyes asking for his endorsement against his then challenger Adam Putnam, who was serving as Floridas commissioner of agriculture at the time and was ahead of him in the 2018 race. He was the secretary of agriculture which is actually the second highest position in Florida. Its a big deal. Agriculture is very big and it goes back a 100 years and all of that. Very high official. And popular. Adam. Putnam. But I didnt know him (sic), said Mr Trump. And I knew Ron a little bit. I didnt knew him very well but I knew him as somebody that defended me, Mr Trump said, referring to his first impeachment trial, of which he was acquitted by the Senate on 5 February 2020. Trump says DeSantis would be working in a pizza parlor if it wasnt for him pic.twitter.com/C7qL2oTi18 Acyn (@Acyn) March 28, 2023 Mr Trump said he was initially reluctant to endorse Mr DeSantis for the post and claimed the race would have tilted in Mr Putnams favour because he had millions and millions of dollars and was way up in the polls. Story continues I said, Ron you are so far behind I cant imagine that if you got George Washingtons endorsement combined with the great, great Abraham Lincoln. If you had their endorsements, I dont think you could win Ron, but tell me about it. Go ahead. But Mr DeSantis insisted on seeking his endorsement, claimed Mr Trump, adding that he was desperate. I said, You write out what youd like and let me see it. He wrote it out and I thought it was terrible so I changed it, made it great. I gave him a great endorsement. From the moment I pressed that button, he blew the guy away. The race was over. I got him the nomination, said the one time president. By the way, he could have never gotten the nomination. He would be working in either a pizza parlour place or a law office right now. OK? And he wouldnt be very happy. Mr DeSantis has also recently started talking about his differences from the former president. In an interview with Piers Morgan last week, he said there is a lack of daily drama within his administration, an apparent dig at Mr Trumps tenure at the White House. When asked if personal conduct in a leader matters, Mr DeSantis responded by pointing to people like our Founding Fathers. Its not saying that you dont ever make a mistake in your personal life, but I think, what type of character are you bringing? and said George Washington set the standard after surrendering his role as commander-in-chief after the Revolutionary War. Mr DeSantis has ruled out being Mr Trumps running mate in the upcoming presidential election. NEW YORK A Donald Trump supporter protesting the Manhattan district attorneys probe of the former president pulled a knife on a family with two small children Tuesday outside Manhattan Criminal Court, according to a court official. The man and woman with two children in strollers accidentally bumped into the Trump supporter while crossing the intersection of Hogan Place and Centre Street just after 4:00 p.m., three bystanders told POLITICO. The female protester, who held a sign that read I support Trump, do you? began arguing with the couple before she pulled out a blade approximately 6 inches long and waved it at the family, according to the eye-witnesses. "Angelica Rucker pulled a knife from her right side belt hip area and began menacing one of the complainants with the knife as the verbal confrontation pursued," a court spokesperson said. Court officers, who were standing outside the building, rushed over, pulled out their guns and ordered the woman to drop the knife, the bystanders said. She was arrested without incident. No one was injured. Rucker, who could not immediately be reached for comment, was placed in custody and charges are pending, according to a court spokesperson. The court officers were standing on the corner and within 20 seconds they were here and she had dropped the knife, said one bystander who could not be named because of his job. The woman yelled, Knife, knife and the court officers were on the Trump-supporter like Voltron, the bystander said. The altercation came after Trump called on supporters to protest the probe and predicted potential death & destruction if he is charged for his alleged role in a 2016 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. So far, significant support for Trump has failed to materialize. The Trump-supporter was the only protester present outside the courthouse Tuesday. The grand jury usually only hears evidence on the case on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Last week, activists clamoring for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to indict Trump far outnumbered the presidents supporters outside the courthouse. Police and court officials did not immediately release the protesters name, age or other personal information. Julia Marsh contributed to this report. Photograph: Go Nakamura/Reuters Donald Trumps demagogic attacks on prosecutors investigating potential criminal charges against him are aimed at riling up his base and could spark violence but show no signs of letting up as a potential indictment in at least one case looms, say legal experts. Related: Trump builds national lead over DeSantis but faces closer race in early-voting states At campaign rallies, speeches and on social media, Trump has lambasted state and federal prosecutors as thugs and claimed that two of them who are Black are racist, language designed to inflame racial tension. He has also used antisemitic tropes by referring to a conspiracy of globalists and the influence of the billionaire financier George Soros, who is Jewish. Trumps drive to undercut four criminal inquiries he faces is reaching a fever pitch, as a Manhattan district attorneys inquiry looks poised to bring charges against Trump over his key role in a $130,000 hush-money payment in 2016 to the adult film star Stormy Daniels, with whom he allegedly had an affair. In his blitz to deter and obfuscate two of the criminal investigations, Trump has resorted to verbal assaults on two Black district attorneys in Manhattan and Georgia, calling them racist, even as he simultaneously battles to win the White House again. In a broader attack on the four state and federal investigations, at a Texas rally on Saturday Trump condemned the thugs and criminals who are corrupting our justice system, while on his Truth Social platform last week he warned of possible death and destruction if he is charged in the hush-money inquiry. But now Trumps incendiary attacks against the federal and state inquiries are prompting warnings that he could be fueling violence, as he did on January 6, with bogus claims that the 2020 was stolen from him and a mob of his backers attacked the Capitol, leading to at least five deaths. Trumps incendiary rhetoric, amplified through his social media postings and his high-decibel fear-mongering in Texas, pose clear physical dangers to prosecutors and investigators, said the former acting chief of the fraud section at the justice department, Paul Pelletier. With Trumps actions in promoting the January 6 insurrection serving as a cautionary tale, the potential for violent reactions to any of his charges cannot be understated. Story continues Ex-prosecutors see Trump reverting to tactics he has often deployed in legal and political battles. Trumps invective, say experts, will not deter prosecutors as they separately weigh fraud, obstruction and other charges related to January 6 and other issues, but echo scare tactics he has used before as in his two impeachments and may help Trumps chances of becoming the Republican nominee by angering the base that could influence primary outcomes. None of these accusations about the motives of prosecutors, however, will negate the evidence of Trumps own crimes. A jury will focus on the facts and the law, and not any of this name-calling. The Trump strategy may work in the court of public opinion, but not in a court of law, said Barbara McQuade, a former US attorney for the eastern district of Michigan. That may explain why Trump has received more political cover from three conservative House committee chairs, who joined his effort to intimidate the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, by launching investigations to obtain his records and testimony, threats that Bragg and legal experts have denounced as political stunts and improper. The legal stakes for Trump are enormous, and unprecedented for a former president, as the criminal inquiries have been gaining momentum, with more key witnesses who have past or present ties to Trump testifying before grand juries, and others getting subpoenas. Two investigations led by special counsel Jack Smith are separately looking into possible charges against Trump for obstructing an official proceeding and defrauding the US government, as he schemed with top allies to block Joe Biden from taking office, and potential obstruction and other charges tied to Trumps retention of classified documents after he left office. Further, the Fulton county Georgia district attorney, Fani Willis, has said decisions are imminent about potentially charging Trump and others who tried to overturn Joe Bidens win there in 2020 with erroneous claims of fraud. Much of the investigations work has involved a special grand jury that reportedly has recommended several indictments, with a focus on Trumps high-pressure call on 2 January 2021 to Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, beseeching him to just find 11,780 votes to help block Joe Bidens victory in the state. Trump has denied all wrongdoing, and denounced the inquiries as witch-hunts. Little wonder, though, that Trumps squadron of lawyers has lately filed a batch of motions in Georgia and Washington, with mixed success, to slow prosecutors as they move forward in gathering evidence from key witnesses and mull charges against Trump. Blustering in court or in the media about the supposed bias or racism of the Fulton county and Manhattan county prosecutors will not convince a court to remove a democratically elected prosecutor, and certainly the Republicans in the House of Representatives have no legal authority ability to influence the course of criminal justice in New York state proceedings, said Bruce Green, a Fordham law professor and ex-prosecutor in New Yorks southern district. The charges of racism against the prosecutors is more of an indication of the weakness of his claims than most anything else he has said Michael Moore Green said: None of Trumps moves, such as calling prosecutors racists, are likely to throw any of the prosecutors off their game: prosecutors tend to be focused, determined and thick-skinned. Likewise, ex-US attorney in Georgia Michael Moore told the Guardian the Trump attacks on the two black prosecutors are completely baseless. The charges of racism against the prosecutors is more of an indication of the weakness of his claims than most anything else he has said. Moore scoffed, too, at the moves by Trumps House Republican allies. He said: Its rich to me that the Republicans in the House claim to be the party of limited government, but as soon as they get in power and look like they might lose another election, they immediately use their big government power to meddle in a matter that purely belongs to the local jurisdiction. NYU law professor Stephen Gillers said he sees similar dynamics at play in Trumps tactics. Trump cannot stop the judicial process, although he can try to slow it. But he can undermine its credibility through his charges and by mobilizing his supporters. I see what hes doing now as aimed at them, just as he tried to discredit the election returns in their eyes and anger them with baseless charges over the steal'. The weakness of Trumps legal moves was revealed in two court rulings in DC requiring testimony before grand juries from former top aides including ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in the January 6 inquiry, and one of his current lawyers, Evan Corcoran, in the classified documents case. The two rulings should give a good boost to the special counsel in his separate investigations of Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 loss on January 6 when Congress met to certify Joe Bidens win, about which Meadows must now testify, and Trumps retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago after he left the White House, about which Corcoran has to testify. As the four investigations intensify, more aggressive moves by Trump and his lawyers to derail potential charges in Georgia, Manhattan and from the special counsel are expected before, as well as after, any charges may be filed. If I were on the prosecution teams in Manhattan or Georgia, I would expect Trump to assert every defense he can think of, including accusing the prosecutors of misconduct, McQuade said. A judge on Monday ordered Willis to respond by 1 May to the Trump teams motion seeking to bar her from further investigating or charging Trump, and wants all testimony from 75 witnesses including Meadows and Trumps former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani before the special grand jury rejected. The judges order was in response to a Trump legal motion that McQuade said appears to be baseless. Former Watergate prosecutor Philip Lacovara told the Guardian that Trumps lawyers are deploying different legal tactics in the investigations. The Georgia strategy is partly a strategy of delay, in which the Trump team is raising dozens and dozens of objections, many of which are specious, in the hope that one will be sufficient to work on appeal and to keep him out of jail, Lacovara said. In Manhattan, he added, they are trying to create the impression that this is a highly visible political stunt to exclude Trump from running. That tactic could help in trying to pollute the jury pool since a hung jury would be good for Trump. All he needs is one juror who believes this is all a concocted plot. Former DoJ officials and experts expect Trump and his lawyers will keep up a frenzied stream of hyperbolic attacks and legal actions. This is more of what we saw during the election, said former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer, who served in the George HW Bush administration. He throws up gibberish and obstruction. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo A Russian governors son who busted out of house arrest in Italy last week had help from a whole team of accomplices that probably involved Russias security services, Italian investigators say. The surgical nature of the escape operation and the fact that it was organized down to the smallest detail suggest it was carried out by professional spooks, according to Corriere della Sera. Artyom Uss, the son of Krasnoyarsk region Governor Alexander Uss, broke off his ankle monitor and fled house arrest in Milan last week after a court ruled in favor of extraditing him to the U.S., where he faces federal charges and up to 30 years in prison. Uss is accused of using a company he owns with one of his alleged accomplices to buy up U.S. military technologies that ultimately wound up in the hands of the Russian military in Ukraine. Investigators in Italy now say Uss was spotted getting into a small car driven by an unknown man who was waiting for him outside his apartment that day. He is thought to have then switched cars, possibly multiple times, before investigators suspect he used forged documents to take a private plane out of the country, according to La Repubblica, which cited sources close to the investigation. Usss wife, Maria Yagodina, has also reportedly come under scrutiny after flying back to Russia from Italy on the same day the court ruled on her husbands extradition to the U.S. Kremlin Nepo Baby Ditches Ankle Monitor and Flees U.S. Extradition Asked whether she knew about her husbands escape, she told the Regnum news agency she didnt want to discuss the matter. Investigators are now reportedly poring over Usss phone records in the hopes of tracking down his network of accomplices. In response to the 40-year-old entrepreneur becoming an international fugitive, Russian officials have resorted to their trademark trolling, playing dumb about Uss disappearance and refusing to describe it as an escape. I dont know his location, nor do I know the details of what happened. According to Artyom, the apartment he was located in on house arrest was very closely guarded by the Carabinieri. They even visited him several times at night, so its completely unclear to me how he could disappear from there, his father, Governor Alexander Uss, told Russian media. Story continues Russias Consulate General in Milan, meanwhile, objected to the use of the term fled to describe Usss actions, saying he had simply left his place of detention. Russias Foreign Ministry has demanded Uss be returned home, claiming the charges against him are part of a political witch hunt. But shortly after news broke that Uss had been detained in Italy, a court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant for him accusing him of money laundering. Uss had asked to be extradited back to Russia before his escape. In a strange twist, even as an international manhunt is underway for his son, the Krasnoyarsk region governor was awarded a medal by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday for his contribution to international cooperation. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. An image of Pope Francis wearing a large white puffer jacket took Twitter by storm, with social media users praising his new style. But the image is not authentic, displaying classic signs of AI manipulation, and Vatican experts told AFP the coat in the picture does not conform with papal wear. "The boys in Brooklyn could only hope for this level of drip," a March 25, 2023 tweet says, sharing a picture of what appears to be Pope Francis in the winter coat. A screenshot of a tweet taken on March 28, 2023 The image of the Pope -- reportedly inspired by brands like Balenciaga -- captured the attention of tens of thousands of Twitter accounts, and was also found on Reddit and Facebook -- with many believing it to be real. But Edmondo Lilli, a spokesman for the Vatican photographic service, confirmed to AFP that the image is fake. Lili said by email on March 28 that the Pope's formal wardrobe consists of "a white cassock with a mozzetta and sash, also white. The headgear, called the zucchetto, is also white. Above the robe, the Pope wears the pectoral cross." The coat image is another result of artificial intelligence manipulation. AI images Recently developed AI tools such as Midjourney, DALL-E, Craiyon or Stable Diffusion can generate an infinite number of images by drawing on massive databases. As a result, artificial creations depicting real public figures have become increasingly popular and increasingly believable online in recent weeks. A reverse image search found no match to the picture from reliable sources. AFP did, however, find similar imagery on artificial intelligence program MidJourney, and variations with the Pope wearing Adidas slacks or rainbow boots. Examples of AI images of Pope Francis generated on MidJourney are seen in a March 27, 2023 screenshot Examples of AI images of Pope Francis generated on MidJourney are seen in a March 27, 2023 screenshot Distorted, blurred details in the viral image also indicate this is not a real photo, according to experts. "Hypersmooth" skin and objects with odd features can all be signs of AI manipulation, said Del Walker, a senior character artist for the video game developer Naughty Dog. But these "can be improved in future AI updates or easily edited in image editing software," he added. Story continues The big white puffer coat is "definitely not" papal wear, said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and expert in the papacy. Religion News Service contributor, Thomas Reese, said that the Pope is generally only photographed in his white cassock, "I don't think Francis would care all that much, but his staff would." Reese, however, noted that Pope John Paul II was once photographed in ski attire. Renee DiResta of the Stanford Internet Observatory told AFP: "We're at an interesting technological tipping point where realistic AI-generated images of anything -- including people -- are increasingly easy for just about anyone to create." She said online media literacy will be needed to help the public remember "they should be appropriately skeptical of sensational images shared by accounts they don't know." AFP has previously debunked other AI-generated images. A Florida man was found lying dead next to his daughter after a bitter custody battle with the childs mother. Colby Vinson, 24, was fatally shot at the Cayo Grande Apartments in Navarre on 19 March, the Santa Rosita County Sheriffs Office said earlier this month. Deputies responding to the residence also found his four-year-old daughter, who was unharmed. The childs mother, 25-year-old Rachel Moore, has been arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence and being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Ms Moores former stepfather Jason Layne Curtis, 53, has been charged with first-degree murder. I will say this about Mr Curtis though, what a human piece of trash. I mean, to shoot somebody with their four-year-old child right there, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Robert Johnson said during a press conference on Monday. I mean, I get up here ad nauseam and tell you about how Im shocked about how people treat other people, this just goes beyond that. Its horrible. Mr Curtis was arrested by the Cullman County Sheriffs Office in Alabama and is being held without bond. Authorities found a weapon and a detailed list with Vinsons physical description, home address and work address in his car. The mother of Vinsons child, 25-year-old Rachel Moore, and her former stepfather Jason Layne Curtis, 53, have been arrested (SRCSO) Authorities are now searching their phones for evidence of the alleged murder. Mr Johnson said on Monday that the violence unfolded after a custody dispute. The day he was killed was the first time in a year Vinson was allowed to spend time with his daughter after he was granted split custody on 13 March, FOX10 reported. He had texted us to let us know that he won in his court case and that they granted him 50/50, Vinsons coworker Austin Reynolds told Wear News. Immediately were all making plans, barbeques and getting all the kids together and everything like that. Portugal - Pedro Nunes/Reuters At least two people have died after a man wielding a knife attacked attendees at an Islamic religious centre in Lisbon. A third victim, reportedly an employee of the Ismaeli Centre, required treatment in hospital after being stabbed in the neck. The two women who were killed were named in local media as Mariana Jadaugy, 24 years old, and Farana Sadrudin, 49, and both worked at the centre helping refugees. The attacker is said to be an Afghan refugee of around 40 years old, who has lived in Portugal in 2021, when he travelled from a migrant camp in Greece. The Minister of Administration, Jose Luis Carneiro, said that the suspects wife had died in a camp in Greece. He had been living in Odivelas, near Lisbon, with his three children. "He was a citizen who led a very peaceful life and benefited from the support of the Ismaili community," Mr Carneiro said. "The suspect did not show any signs that would justify security precautions", the minister added. The suspect was reported to have undergone surgery on his hip after being shot by the police, and was in a stable condition late on Tuesday. Lisbon - Pedro Nunes/Reuters The Public Security Police force (PSP) said that it was alerted to a knife attack at the Ismaeli Centre at 10.57am on Tuesday morning. Officers arrived at the scene a minute later, encountering a man armed with a large knife. Orders were given to the attacker to cease the attack, which he disobeyed, advancing towards the police, knife in hand, the PSP said. Faced with a serious and ongoing threat, the policemen resorted to the use of a firearm against the person, hitting and neutralizing the aggressor. Antonio Costa, the Portuguese Prime Minister, said: I want to express my solidarity and regret to the Ismaili community and to the families of the victims. However, he urged people not to jump to conclusions. Mr Costa said everything indicates that it was an isolated act, adding it was premature to make any interpretation about the crime. The prime minister also praised the police for their rapid intervention. Ismailis are a minority group within Shiite Islam, whose members have been attacked by extremist groups in countries such as Pakistan. Austin Police Department Austin police arrested two juveniles in a series of five armed robberies that took place in a single day last week in East and Southeast Austin. Each robbery on Thursday occurred in a similar way, police said, with one of the juveniles pointing a gun at the victim and demanding their belongings. In two of the cases, police said, they stole a vehicle. All five robberies happened within about 3 hours of each other, with the first taking place at East 11th and Waller Street at 4:55 a.m., when they stole a purse and workbag full of tools, police said. The second happened six minutes later within a half-mile in the 800 block of Chalmers Avenue in East Austin. It was about an hour later, at 6 a.m., before the next robbery occurred, police said, this time taking place in Southeast Austin in the 1300 block of Crossing Place. Thirty minutes later, the fourth robbery took place in the same area in the 1200 block of Pleasant Valley Road. More:Ortralla Mosleys mother sought help for her daughters killer. Shes done trying. The juveniles then headed back to East Austin for the final robbery at 8:10 a.m., police said, this time taking place in the 1500 block of New York Avenue. Investigators identified the suspects based on the location of the crimes, their descriptions and the way in which the crimes were committed, police said. Police determined who the two juveniles were using surveillance, and both were arrested. They are also suspects in several auto thefts, police said. Since both of the suspects are juveniles, police did not release their names. The investigation remains ongoing. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Two juveniles arrested after series of armed robberies in Austin Authorities have arrested two teenagers in connection with the alleged theft of a rifle and ammunition from a Massachusetts State Police cruiser last Thursday. A 14-year-old has been charged with breaking and entering into a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit a crime, while a 15-year-old is charged with breaking and entering into a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. Ryans office says the two teens entered a parking garage on Overlook Ridge Drive in Malden on March 23 and broke into a marked State Police cruiser, stealing a patrol rifle, high-capacity magazine and ammunition. The cruiser was locked at the time of the larceny. The 14-year-old suspect took possession of the rifle, according to authorities, which was found along with other stolen items at a Malden home connected to the 15-year-old suspect. Investigators noted that there is no evidence indicating the rifle was used while it was missing. The teens will be arraigned Tuesday in Cambridge Juvenile Court. An investigation remains ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Texas House on Tuesday took a step toward eliminating sales tax on tampons and other period products. The chamber gave House Bill 300 by Rep. Donna Howard initial approval. House members will vote on it once more before it goes to the Senate for consideration. The legislation exempts tampons and other period products like pads and menstrual cups from state and local sales tax. The bill also exempts childrens diapers, baby wipes and bottles, maternity clothes and products for pumping breast milk. The legislation is a priority of House Speaker Dade Phelan. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott supports exempting feminine hygiene products from sales tax, a spokesperson said in an August statement. These are essential products for womens health and quality of life, and the Governor looks forward to working with the legislature in the next session to remove this tax burden on Texas women, Spokesperson Renae Eze said at the time. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and state Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican who chairs the senate Finance Committee, have also expressed support for repealing the tax. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. By Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL (Reuters) - The United Nations Human Rights office in Seoul called on North Korea on Tuesday to confirm the fate and whereabouts of people who have been disappeared under its regime, accusing Pyongyang of violating the rights of the victims and their loved ones for decades. In a report on enforced disappearance and abductions by North Korea, the U.N. rights office said North Korea should acknowledge that it has engaged in a state policy of enforced disappearances since 1950, and take immediate steps to end such violations. The report, based on interviews with defectors, former abductees and relatives of victims, details accounts of disappearances, including arbitrary detentions in North Korea and abduction of nationals from South Korea, Japan and other countries. "Enforced disappearance is a profound violation of many rights at once, and responsibility lies with the state," U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said. Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected accusations of rights abuses and criticised U.N. investigations on its situation as a U.S.-backed scheme to interfere with its internal affairs. According to the report, many victims of enforced disappearance within North Korea were sent, often for life, to political prison camps or other detention sites. "The testimonies from this report demonstrate that entire generations of families have lived with the grief of not knowing the fate of spouses, parents, children and siblings," Turk said. The international community should join efforts to investigate the crimes committed in the reclusive country, the report said, highlighting the urgency of the matter given the advanced age of the victims and their families. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday the international community should have better knowledge about North Korea's dire human rights situation and urged officials to work on informing the domestic and international communities of the North's human rights violations. The U.N. report comes amid heightened tensions in the region. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the scaling up of the production of weapons-grade nuclear material, and said the country should be ready to use the weapons at any time, its state media reported on Tuesday. (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Putin Meets Belarussian Counterpart Lukashenko In Minsk Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands before a press conference at the Palace of Independence December 19, 2022 in Minsk, Belarus. Credit - Getty Images2022 Contributor#8523328 Three days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his intentions to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, the Kremlin ally said it was willing to host the arsenal to defend itself. Over the last two and a half years, the Republic of Belarus has been subjected to unprecedented political, economic and information pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom and its NATO allies, as well as the member states of the European Union, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday in a statement. In view of these circumstances, and the legitimate concerns and risks in the sphere of national security arising from them, Belarus is forced to respond by strengthening its own security and defense capabilities. Putin once again rattled the nuclear saber during a state media interview on Saturday, saying that 10 Belarusian fighter jets had been modified to carry Russian tactical nuclear weapons and that a storage facility for the munitions would be ready by July 1. A tactical nuclear weapon refers to bombs and missiles that are designed for battlefield use and shorter-range attacks, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to destroy entire cities. Putin said he was willing to transfer his nations nuclear weapons because Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko had requested them. Just last week, Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping signed a lengthy joint-declaration that stated, in part: All nuclear-weapon states should refrain from deploying nuclear weapons abroad. Yet Putin cast the move as nothing unusual because the U.S. military has pre-positioned nuclear bombs in NATO nations since the earliest days of the Cold War. We are doing what they have been doing for decades, stationing them in certain allied countries, preparing the launch platforms and training their crews, Putin said. We are going to do the same thing. Story continues Read More: Putin Suspended the Last Remaining Nuclear Pact With the U.S. Heres What Happens Now U.S. officials and independent analysts said the announcement, which comes as his forces sustain large amounts of casualties on the battlefield in Ukraine and ahead of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, thus far appeared to be primarily for show. Much of what Putin said about the relationship with Belarus was already knownthe training and aircraft modifications were previously announcedand no evidence has emerged to suggest that Russia has invested the time, money or effort to build the type of robust storage facilities necessary to house nuclear warheads. Were watching this as best we can, White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. We havent seen any movement by Mr. Putin to act on what he pledged he would do. And we havent seen any indications that Mr. Putin is leaning towards, or getting closer to, any preparations for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Nuclear weapon facilities are regarded as the most sensitive in the Russian military, just as they are to the United States. Constructing such a long-term storage site is often a years-long effort that essentially involves a building military base within a military base, assembling concrete and steel underground bunkers nicknamed igloos, where the warheads are kept. These facilities are surrounded with several layers of physical security, such as barbed wire fences and guard posts, and have accompanying weapons transports and service trucks. None of that has been observed in Belarus. We havent seen anything that looks like what the Russians normally built for nuclear weapons storage, said Hans Kristensen, a nuclear weapons expert at the Federation of American Scientists, who analyzes commercial satellite imagery and other open-source intelligence on nations strategic forces. I would certainly rule out a permanent storage site, unless theyve been able to secretly build all this, he said. But just in comparison, when they upgraded the bunker that is in Kaliningrad, that took them about six years. Read More: Inside the $100 Billion Mission to Modernize Americas Aging Nuclear Missiles. Putin may be referring to building a contingency site where nuclear bombs can be kept in emergency situations and picked up by warplanes. But theres also no sign that construction is underway on these facilities, which are climate-controlled and heavily guarded. Its doubtful that Russia could complete such a facility by Putins stated July 1 deadline, Kristensen said. This is not something that theyre going to be able to do in three or four months, he said. Its not just like driving over and putting them in a garage somewhere. Andrey Baklitskiy, a senior researcher in the weapons of mass destruction and other strategic weapons program at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, said hes not convinced that the Kremlin is ready to deploy warheads to Belarus. Putins statement was ambiguous, but I think at this point we can only say that Russia has provided Belarus with nuclear-capable jets and missile systems, will train the crews to handle nuclear weapons, and will build a storage facility in Belarus. Russia and Belarus have telegraphed the possibility of nuclear basing for more than a year. On Feb. 27, 2022, three days after Russias invasion of Ukraine, Belarusian voters approved a referendum to permanently host Russian weapons and Russian forcesif the Kremlin was willing to do so. The former Soviet-bloc state had nuclear weapons stationed inside its borders during the Cold War, but returned them to Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, joining Ukraine and Kazakhstan in giving them away. In the intervening years, Putin has invested heavily in his nations tactical nuclear arsenal, including 2,000 gravity bombs, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and cruise missiles, which have been updated with greater accuracy, longer ranges, and lower yields to suit their potential war-fighting role, according to U.S. assessments. The U.S., for its part, has largely abandoned developing and deploying these tactical weapons after President George H. W. Bush issued an order to do so in September 1991. After purging some 5,000 weapons, the only non-strategic nukes it has left are roughly 100 B61 bombs that the U.S. has deployed in five NATO nations stretching from the Netherlands to Turkey. Even though the weapons are mostly symbolic to alliance unity, Russia has long requested the B61s removal from the European continenta demand reiterated as the Ukraine crisis has worsened. Read more: Why NATO is Giving Ukraine Air Defense Systems, Not Fighter Jets. Belarus borders Ukraine and three NATO member statesPoland, Lithuania, and Latviabut analysts said Putin gains no strategic advantage by moving nuclear warheads there. Russian forces can already hit NATO countries capitals from inside their own country. And Putin has made clear he does not intend to transfer control of the weapons to Belarus. He wants to retain decision-making power over their use, just as the U.S. does with its weapons in NATO countries. Putins declaration, analysts say, could just be another example of him reminding the world that Moscows nuclear arsenal is the worlds largest. Since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine, Putin has publicly placed Russias nuclear forces on special combat readiness alert, held high-profile nuclear drills, and issued veiled threats to use a nuclear weapon if any nation gets in the way of his goal to overthrow the government in Kyiv. Theres no indication hes doing more than rattling the saber, but the threats over such powerful weapons cant be disregarded. Modular town for internally displaced Ukrainians in Lviv The UK has allocated 10 million ($12 million) to the project, stating that the two villages in Lviv and Poltava regions will house more than 700 IDPs. For the past year, Putin has continued to target civilian homes and infrastructure, with the Ukrainian people paying a heavy price, the message quotes Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. This new UK-Poland partnership will help bring light, heat, and homes to those most in need. UK Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons visited one of these modular housing settlements near Lviv. Read also: Poland orders ammunition production increase The message said that about 6 million people in Ukraine were forced to abandon their homes because of Russias full-scale war. According to the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as many as 8 million Ukrainians left for European countries since the invasion. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The UK government raised the terror threat level in Northern Ireland to "severe" on Tuesday, ahead of an expected visit by US President Joe Biden to mark the 25th anniversary of a landmark peace accord. The domestic spy agency MI5 judged that the risk of an attack had gone from "substantial" to "severe", meaning an incident is judged "highly likely", Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said. Northern Ireland saw three decades of sectarian conflict over British rule, known as "The Troubles", that claimed some 3,500 lives. But the province stands transformed since the Good Friday Agreement was adopted on April 10, 1998. "However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence," Heaton-Harris told parliament. He urged the public to "remain vigilant, but not be alarmed" at the announcement. It follows a police officer being shot and seriously wounded in front of his son last month, while November saw a failed bomb attack on two officers. Both attacks have been blamed on a dissident militant group called the "New IRA", which wants reunification with the Republic of Ireland. The threat level was lowered to "substantial" a year ago - the first change since 2010. Chief Constable Simon Byrne, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said the new alteration was "part of an ongoing process of monitoring". He vowed to "relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff". Heaton-Harris, who insisted there would be "no return to the violence of the past", drew no link to the planned trip by Biden. The US leader intends to visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is expected to coincide with the anniversary of the peace deal, which was brokered with US mediation. - 'Bad news' - The anniversary comes with the territory locked in political paralysis, as pro-UK unionists refuse to re-enter government in objection to a post-Brexit trade deal agreed by London and the European Union. Story continues More extreme militants in the pro-UK camp have issued periodic warnings about the consequences of the agreement, which they argue leaves Northern Ireland at risk of political and economic divorce from Great Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended a recent renegotiation of the elements of the pact, dubbed the Windsor Framework, as he urged the pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to resume power-sharing in Belfast's Stormont assembly. "I believe the Windsor Framework represents a fantastic foundation for us to move forward and actually just build that brighter future for Northern Ireland which is there for the taking," he told MPs in London. "The anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement gives us a chance to reflect on the progress we've made, and the opportunities that lie ahead," Sunak added. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson called the ruling by MI5 "bad news". "I look forward to a day when the threat level is removed, but to get there the community must stand with the police and demonstrate there is no space for terrorism in Northern Ireland in 2023," he said. Donaldson urged the UK government to make good on a commitment to help fund the hiring of 7,500 extra police officers in the territory. Northern Ireland's Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill, who is set to become first minister if power-sharing is restored, said there is "no place or space for paramilitary groups". "They must go," she tweeted. jit-jj/rox Dmytro Kuleba mentioned the benefits of Ukraine joining the EU and NATO Speaking online as an honorary guest of a US-Adriatic Charter ministerial event, Kuleba said that the future of Euro-Atlantic security is determined on the battlefield in Ukraine, and today Ukraine is a donor of security for the entire Euro-Atlantic community. The reality is that Ukraines accession to NATO is in the interests of both our country and the Alliance itself, he said. Ukraines strength, resilience, and courage will make a significant contribution to collective security, as will a large, battle-hardened, and interoperable Ukrainian Army. Read also: Hungary ratifies Finland's NATO accession Ukraines accession to the European Union and NATO would complete the reformation of the global security architecture and guarantee the security of the European continent for decades to come, he said. EU leaders granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status on June 23, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the granting of this status a historic moment in the relationship between Ukraine and the European Union. Read also: Ukrainian army uses up to 7,000 artillery shells daily, NATO Secretary General says Read also: Poll reveals over 80% of Ukrainians support joining NATO The European Council invited the European Commission to report on the candidate countries implementation of membership conditions and promised to decide on further steps as soon as all these conditions are fully met. In early December, the Minister for Climate and Europe at the German Foreign Office, Anne Luhrmann, said Ukraine had made significant progress in implementing the reforms needed to become an EU member, so accession talks could start shortly. In late February 2023, Zelenskyy said that the time had come to start negotiations on Ukraines accession to the European Union. He also predicted that Ukraine would join NATO after the war with Russia ends. Meanwhile, Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that Ukraine has already become a de facto member of the alliance. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukrainian recruits and their British Armed Forces trainers pose for a photograph on Driver Tank Trainer (DTT) armoured vehicles at a military facility, on Feb. 23, 2023 in Southern England. Ukrainian recruits and their British Armed Forces trainers pose for a photograph on Driver Tank Trainer (DTT) armoured vehicles at a military facility, on Feb. 23, 2023 in Southern England. Credit - Leon NealGetty Images The first heavy tanks from Britain and Germany have arrived in Ukraine as the nations army prepares for a spring offensive against Russian forces. Ukrainian Defence Minister Olesksiy Reznikov tweeted a video Tuesday of himself taking a British Challenger 2 for a test drive, confirming the arrival of 14 tanks. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions, he wrote, thanking U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Defense Minister Ben Wallace, and the British people. The tweet comes a day after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks had successfully been delivered to Ukraine. Reznikov also announced the arrival of American Cougar armored trucks and American Stryker and German Marder fighting vehicles in a Facebook post on Monday. In the image shared by Reznikov, Ukrainian defense leaders and members of the armed forces posed in front of the military hardware while holding U.S., U.K., and German flags. Ukraine has long called for heavier weapons to bolster its war efforts. But the decision to provide Western-made heavy tanks such as the Leopard 2s and Challenger 2s to Ukraine was not taken lightly by NATO allies, with many fearing it would provoke Russia into further escalating the war. Below, what to know about Ukraines growing supply of Western-made tanks. What are the British Challenger 2s? In January, Britain became the first nation to pledge Western battle tanksin this case 14 Challenger 2 tanks from its supply of 227 to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Sunak for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners. The tanks were built in the late 1990s by BAE Systems and Land Armaments and can carry up to four people. The heavy vehicle weighs over 65 tons and are equipped with a 120 mm rifled gun. The tanks merit lies in its ability to shock enemies with rapid fire. Story continues In addition to tanks, the U.K. is also providing 20 Bulldog armored troop carriers and 30 AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns, offering Ukrainian forces a competitive upgrade. Read More: Ukraine Can Only Win if the U.S. Delivers More Weapons Faster On Monday, Ukrainian crews returned from several weeks of training in Dorset, England, where they learned how to operate and fight using Challenger 2s. Wallace, Britains defense minister, said the soldiers return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger. What are the German Leopard 2 tanks? First made during the Cold War, there are now 2,000 Leopard 2 tanks scattered across Europe. Germany was initially reluctant to send its own supply of the tanks but said it would not get in the way of other nations wishing to send their stock of the German-made vehicle. Other nations sending these tanks were required to obtain Germanys authorization before doing so. Poland became the first nation to deliver German-made tanks to Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of the war on Feb. 24. But in late Januaryafter intense global pressureGermany U-turned on its decision and announced that it would send 14 of its own tanks. On Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Berlin had supplied 18 very modern Leopard battle tanks, four more than originally planned. Our tanks arrived as promised and punctually in the hands of our Ukrainian friends, Germanys Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. Im sure they can make a difference on the pitch, he added. When are the U.S. Abrams 1 tanks arriving? In January, the Biden administration reversed its call to not send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The vehicle has a powerful engine that makes it mobile while carrying its gun and heavy armor. They can run at speeds up to 42 mph and carry up to four crew members. The U.S. previously feared that the tanks required too much maintenance for Ukrainian forces to handle. But after mounting pressure both Germany and the U.S. announced on Jan. 25 that they would send heavy tanks, with Biden pledging 31 American battle tanks as part of a $400 million package of military aid. It was previously expected to take a year or more for the tanks to arrive, but on March 21, the U.S. announced that it will expedite the process by sending M1-A1, an older model of the tank. The delay in sending more modern M1-A2 versions stemmed from the need to build new tanks or upgrade existing older vehicles, as well as training Ukrainian forces on its systems. Now, the tanks could arrive as early as fall this year. Lloyd Austin Austin noted that Ukraine currently holds a "significant advantage" over Russian troops on the battlefield. Read also: Ukraine dismisses media reports of problems with counteroffensive Ukrainians have inflicted significant casualties on the Russians and they have depleted their inventory of armored vehicles in a way no one wouldve ever imagined, said Austin. And, so, now we see Russia reaching for T-54, T-55 tanks because of the level of damage that Ukrainians have inflicted on them. Read also: Military expert elaborates on when to expect new Ukrainian counteroffensive The head of Pentagon added that Russia is increasingly facing a shortage of artillery shell, as well as other things, and is forced to turn to Iran and North Korea for military aid. Read also: Russia supplies Iran with cyber weapons in exchange for drones and ammunition, WSJ says He also suggested that hostilities are likely to intensify in the coming months as conditions for maneuver warfare improve. I take Ukraine will have a real good chance of success, Austin added. Read also: US ready to defend Baltic states amid Russian threat, Defense Secretary Austin assures On Feb. 28, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said that the next three months in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine will be very active and are likely to determine the course of the entire conflict. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Dover Air Force Base artillery ammunition cargo Ukraine Airman and workers lock pallets of ammunition, weapons and other equipment bound for Ukraine in place on a commercial airline at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Credit - Demetrius FreemanThe Washington Post/Getty Images Winter is almost over and the war in Ukraine remains at a standstill. The two armies continue to grind one another down in bloody battles in the east, but the war is no closer to a conclusion. That has to change this spring for the Ukrainians. The concepts of battlefield initiative and operational momentum are often used military terms. An army must seize the initiative from its adversary and then generate momentum on the battlefield in order to attain victory. The Russians have failed here because of manpower and equipment shortfalls, as well as incompetent leadership. The Ukrainians have failed, too. But the cause of their failure has all too often been us, their allies. Since before the wars inception, the U.S. has consistently been two to three months behind the Ukrainians in their requests for critical military aid. We must close this gapits the only way the Ukrainians can seize the initiative, create momentum, and defeat the Russians. In the months before the Russian invasion, Ukrainian requested increased military aid to defend themselves. The Biden Administration left these requests largely unfulfilled amidst concerns of provoking Russia and assumptions that the Ukrainian military would prove unable to sustain a robust defense. In the early days of the war, the most visible gesture of U.S. assistance didnt come in the form of weapons but rather in an offer to evacuate President Zelensky from Kyiv, to which he reportedly replied, I need ammunition not a ride. This response would prove apocryphal. For the past year Zelensky has continued his requests for ammunition and equipment, and they have gone only partially heeded, despite a string of Russian upsets on the battlefield. In those early weeks of the war, it was largely assumed that Russia still possessed the initiative despite their invasion progressing slower than planned. Even as the Russian invasion stalled, the U.S. and NATO proved reluctant to arm Ukraine to capacity. We feared that provoking Putin would result in either a Russian national mobilization or use of a nuclear weapon. Slowly, however, military aid began to arrive in Ukraine throughout that summer. This corresponded with Russia withdrawing its forces from Kyiv as the war concentrated in the east. By September, Ukraine had at last seized the initiative from the Russians. Armed with long-range artillery systems like HIMARS, Ukraine launched a counter-offensive in the south and the east, liberating over six thousand square kilometers of land from a Russian army that appeared confused and exhausted. Ukraines successful counter-offensive made the most pressing case yet that the war could be won. With the cold weather setting in and Russia having lost initiative, the Ukrainians were well-positioned for a winter offensive. That offensive never came. Why not? Because we had left the Ukrainians requests unfulfilled, they lacked the stockpiles of ammunition, equipment, and weaponry they would need to pursue the advantages they had gained. The war stalled yet again. Read More: A Ukraine Villages Month in Captivity Although the Russianswith their numbers buoyed by mercenaries and conscriptslaunched several offensives in the winter, those never resulted in meaningful gains. Their operations in Bakhmut and Vulehdar foundered against Ukrainian defenses. The replacement of Russias top general in Ukraine this past January is likely an indicator of their underperformance. Today, Russia doesnt possess the initiative. They have failed to create momentum. As the war heads into its second spring and the weather turns, both sides will vie for the strategic initiative once again. After Zelenskys December 2022 visit to Washington, Congress pledged an additional $44 billion in military aid to Ukraine, allowing its military to begin stockpiling ammunition and weapons for the spring. However, NATO and its allies continue to place restrictions on other critical weapons systems such as ATACAMS-long range artillery rounds and F-16 fighter jets, while Leopard and Abrams main battle tanks are arriving at a snails pace and in relatively small numbers. The Germans have committed to only 16 Leopard tanks and the U.S. Abrams tanks wont arrive for months, if this year. These are the platforms that could allow Ukraine to again seize the initiative, as they did this past autumn. Such delays and paltry numbers threaten that success and will almost certainly prolong the war. If Ukraine is successful in again seizing the initiative from Russia, its essential that its NATO allies provide full-logistical support ahead of when its needed, not weeks or months later. We cant dither as we did last fall. We must aggressively backfill ammunition and equipment requests. Its only by seizing the initiative on the battlefield that armies create momentum. Momentum is an idea as old as war and essential to victory. In The Art of War Sun Tzu writes, the energy developed by good fighting men is as the momentum of a round stone rolled down a mountain thousands of feet in height. The word itself, momentum, is tied to time. To gain momentum Ukraine must create a moment. In this moment, an army seizes the initiative, its adversary finds itself in disarray and, even if outmatched numerically, the psychological effect can lead to astounding territorial, even political, gains. The history of war is the story of these moments, each requiring a degree of synchronization as yet unrealized by Ukraine and its allies. Without that momentum, this war could grind on. Russia is depending on a conflict slowly won, over years. Ukraine cant afford that. This spring will be their moment. They have to seize it and we, their allies, have to seize it, too. It might never come again. Ukraine's top diplomat on Tuesday demanded that Russian forces leave "every meter" of the country as he cast Kyiv's battle against the invaders as part of the global fight for democracy. "I want to be clear -- Russia has to withdraw from every square meter of Ukrainian territory. There should be no misinterpretation of what the word withdrawal implies," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told a virtual session with counterparts as part of the second US-led Summit for Democracy. President Joe Biden will formally kick off the summit on Wednesday as part of his effort to rally against Russia as well as China's growing inroads. "In this fight, we are defending the entire democratic world," Kuleba said. China has put forward a proposal, embraced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, for a ceasefire, which has been dismissed by Ukraine and its Western backers as a way to freeze Moscow's gains from the 13-month-old invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also stood firm on sovereignty over Crimea, the peninsula which Russia seized and declared it annexed in 2014. "No other nation wants peace more than Ukraine. But peace at any cost is an illusion. For peace to be a lasting one, it needs to be just," Kuleba said. "The cessation of Russia's aggression and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity are essential conditions for peace. "Ill-advised concessions to the aggressor would only encourage Russia to intensify its attacks on democracy, giving it time to rebuild its military capabilities and resume the armed offensive against Ukraine." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who led the session, backed the Ukrainian proposals and warned again of any settlement that would simply let Russian forces regroup. "This war can of course end tomorrow if President Putin so chose by withdrawing Russian forces from Ukraine," Blinken said. sct/caw Key developments on March 28: Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast "is being wiped off the face of the earth," official says Ukrainian military repels 24 Russian attacks in the east Zelensky travels to Okhtyrka in Sumy Oblast, marking the one-year anniversary of its liberation Portugal delivers Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Up to 14 rockets hit the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka daily, Donetsk Oblast Police said on March 28. "For such a small town (the area of Avdiivka is 29 square meters), this is a lot. The city is badly damaged, almost every day someone dies," Ivan Hak, a local police officer, said. Avdiivka is located near the embattled city of Bakhmut and just north of the Russian-occupied regional capital of Donetsk. It has recently faced an uptick in assaults as Moscow's forces attempt to advance in the area. "The city is being wiped off the face of the earth," said Vitalii Barabash, head of the Avdiivka military administration. According to Donetsk Oblast Police, the number of Avdiivka residents who want to evacuate has recently grown. Only five children remain in the city, the police said. As each day passes, evacuations become more challenging, and residents are urged to leave as soon as possible. Earlier this week, officials reported that about 2,000 civilians remained in Avdiivka, which has no water or electricity supply. On March 27, entry to Avdiivka was banned for journalists and volunteers. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported that Avdiivka, along with Bakhmut, Marinka, and their surrounding areas, remains the epicenter of hostilities. In its regular evening update on March 28, the General Staff said that the Ukrainian military successfully repelled 24 Russian assaults in the area. Meanwhile, the U.K. Defense Ministry noted that encircling Avdiivka has become a priority for Russian troops, but they have made "only marginal progress" in the area, suffering losses of numerous armored vehicles. To reinforce its recent limited advances on the city, Russia's military leadership has likely committed some elements of the Kremlin-backed private mercenary Wagner Group to the Russian offensive, the Institute for the Study of War believes. Story continues Surviving Avdiivka: Russia intensifies assault on city deemed a second Bakhmut AVDIIVKA, Donetsk Oblast Avdiivka is an eerie city to drive into in March 2023. One year into Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, but nine years into the Donbas war, the compact city just 10 kilometers from the center of occupied Donetsk is barely holding on. There is little choice Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell Ukraine receives more Western-made battle tanks As fierce fighting continues in the east, Ukraine receives more modern battle tanks from its allies. Three German-made Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks sent by Portugal arrived in Ukraine, the Portuguese Defense Ministry reported on March 27. The commitment to send these modern combat tanks was made in early February after talks between Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Germany to obtain the necessary parts for repairing some of Portugal's Leopard inventory. On the same day of Portugal's delivery, the German Defense Ministry announced that 18 of its Leopard 2 tanks had also arrived in Ukraine, accompanied by ammunition and spare parts. Can Ukraine maintain and optimally use its modern Western tanks? Future Ukrainian counterattacks using modern Western combat vehicles are being discussed everywhere, from Washington news conferences to Ukrainian military expert circles. Ukraine hopes to receive up to two brigades of tanks, on top of many infantry vehicles from Western allies. But there are two m Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov Zelensky visits early Russian invasion target Okhtyrka, marks one-year liberation On March 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Okhtyrka in northeastern Sumy Oblast to mark the first anniversary of the city's liberation by Ukrainian forces. A small city with a pre-war population of 46,000, Okhtyrka is located about 50 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border. It was among the first cities invaded by Russian troops in February of the previous year. "In Sumy Oblast, in our Okhtyrka, we honor the true Cossack courage and indomitability of our people, our heroes, all Ukrainian men, and women," Zelensky said. During his visit, Zelensky presented the "Hero City of Ukraine" award to local officials. He also awarded Ukrainian soldiers who participated in defending the city against the Russian invasion, met with members of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, surveyed checkpoints, and received a briefing on measures taken to secure the border between Sumy Oblast and Russia. Over the past week, Zelensky visited the Ukrainian positions near Donetsk Oblast's Bakhmut and in southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as well traveled to the eastern city of Kharkiv and central Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. "Ukrainians will live here, on their land, in their cities and villages, which we have to rebuild after the war. And I'm sure it will definitely happen," Zelensky said on March 28. Ukraine's defense minister (c) in front of British Challenger tanks and armored vehicles from the US and Germany in an unknown location in Ukraine in a handout picture released on March 27, 2023. Press Service of the Defence Ministry of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS Ukraine's closest allies, which border Russia, spent months advocating for the delivery of tanks. The Baltic States helped break the taboo, taking the unusual step of calling out their allies publicly. The first Western tanks have now begun to arrive in Ukraine, as it prepares for a new offensive. When Ukraine first started asking for modern armored vehicles, just days after Russia invaded, its pleas barely made a ripple. Most of the West, though supportive of Ukraine, was hesitant to give it heavy weapons, worried that they could end up in Russia's hands, or that giving them could lead to an escalation in the war beyond Ukraine's borders. But some felt differently. Right from the start, three small nations that neighbor Russia Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania believed that Ukraine should get tanks. And without tanks of their own to give, they focused on convincing others to donate theirs. Now, with the first tanks arriving, they are enjoying a moment of victory. Their success, an expert told Insider, shows how Europe's balance of power has shifted eastwards since Russia's invasion in February 2022. And this could be important as countries now considered sending advanced military jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (r) and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in front of the first Leopard 2 tanks delivered from Poland, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine February 24, 2023. Ukrainian Governmental Press Service/Handout Early supporters While Lithuania and its Baltic neighbors, Estonia and Latvia, were not the only countries that wanted Ukraine to get tanks, they stand out for doing so forcefully and early in the conflict. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte says her government was among the earliest supporters of sending tanks to Ukraine, and was directly involved in convincing Germany, which had a say over whether other countries could send German-made tanks. She described the talks with Germany to Insider as "in private for a very long time." Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal visit the town of Borodianka in Ukraine's Kyiv region in April 2022. Ukrainian Governmental Press Service/Handout via REUTERS The three Baltic states, which were all once part of the Soviet Union and warned for years that Russia was a threat, have also been among Ukraine's biggest financial backers, on a per capita basis. They were giving weapons to Ukraine even before Russia's invasion in February 2022, as Ukraine battled Russian-backed separatists in the east. Story continues When it came to tanks, they started by trying to convince other countries behind closed doors. Then, at the start of 2023, they shifted their approach, making public their calls to send armor. Ukraine desperate for tanks Germany manufactures the Leopard 2 battle tank, considered the best fit for Ukraine's troops, but for a long time said it wouldn't allow the tanks to go to Ukraine unless the US also sent its own M1 tanks. The decision to finally send tanks to Ukraine took months of careful negotiations. Throughout, Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun said she spent every day worrying about her partner, who is fighting for Ukraine, while knowing that weapons that could help protect him and others "are just not being provided because people are having debates." Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu has called for stronger punishments against Russia. Sergei Grits/AP Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu told Insider that Ukraine's allies had been "too slow" when deciding to send weapons to Ukraine. "The price is Ukrainian blood" for that slowness, he said, adding that Russia wants them to be slow in order to prolong the war and to make it "more painful" for Ukraine. Prime Minister Simonyte, for her part, said that delays "cost lives." A public call The three Baltic countries decided to take the rare step in European politics of publicly calling out another government, knowing that if Germany decided to give tanks it would unlock other countries' ability to do the same. Lithuania's Simonyte said the public call came after a "very long debate" behind the scenes because "it wasn't that you want to push your friends into corner." But, she said, it became time to take the plea out into the open. In January, the foreign ministries of all three countries issued a joint statement calling on Germany to give tanks to Ukraine immediately. They said that Germany had a "special responsibility" to restore peace in Europe as "the leading European power." Poland also publicly criticized Germany, and said that it was considering sending German-made tanks to Ukraine even without Germany's permission. Four days later, despite weeks of hinting that it wouldn't do so, Germany announced that it was sending Ukraine some of its Leopard 2 tanks, and would allow other countries to send their own German-made tanks. The first Leopard 2 tanks were delivered from Poland on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion. Ukraine, February 24, 2023. Ukrainian Governmental Press Service/Handout Dr. Eoin Drea, a European politics expert at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, told Insider the situation was "very unusual" within the continent's relations. He said that usually the big decision-making meetings are held during European Council summits, where "a lot is decided away from the glare of the media." But, Drea added, in this case the Baltic states wanted to "put the pressure on." Simonyte said Lithuania felt its strategy had to change: "Sometimes in politics you use different ways of making your point very clear." Successful convincing When asked if he thought the public call had helped, Estonia's ambassador to Ukraine, Kaimo Kuusk, told Insider: "I think it definitely has." Vaidotas Urbelis, Lithuania's defense policy director, agreed. "Because all policy makers reflect on general opinion and what the public think, not just experts, but people who vote. This public pressure makes decisions faster," he said. A Leopard 2 tank in action at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, February 1, 2023. AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File Reinsalu, Estonia's foreign minister, told Insider that he had repeatedly engaged with his German counterpart about the decision. And he said that he'll keep publicly calling for allies who have weapons to act immediately, "because time is very critical." Creating 'no excuses' Estonia gave Ukraine its entire supply of 155-mm howitzers in January, with Kuusk describing the move as setting a precedent "so that other countries don't have excuses why they can't give Ukraine the weapons to win the war." Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas told Insider that "leading by example matters. This is the lesson learned from the past year." In fact, the Baltics are now focusing on helping Ukraine with its calls to get advanced military aircrafts. Kallas and Simonyte, the two prime ministers, both told Insider that they support Ukraine getting military jets. But it's not clear yet if their efforts will pay off in the same way they did with tanks. So far, the US has said it will not give military jets to Ukraine, while Poland and Slovakia this month became the first countries to commit to supplying planes to Ukraine. Kallas, Estonia's prime minister, said that she believes Western allies "should give all the aid to Ukraine that would help to end this war." But that it is up to each country to decide what they can and will provide. "Russia is playing the long game, so must we," she said, adding that Estonia's help for Ukraine is motivated by its view that "this war is not just about Ukraine, it is about European security." A Leopard 2 tank in action during a visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, February 1, 2023. AP Photo/Martin Meissner A power shift in Europe The approach of the three Baltic states, which have a combined population of just over six million, shows the role that lesser NATO powers can sometimes play in global politics. Drea, the European politics expert, said that since the invasion of Ukraine started "there's been a significant shift in the center of power, definitely eastwards." He said the Baltics and Poland have become "more confident" at setting out their priorities at the EU level, and that EU leaders were listening. Last October, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly admitted that countries like Germany had been naive about Russia before the war, and should have listened to their eastern neighbors. Meanwhile, Edward Hunter Christie, a senior research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, described the public calls for tanks as an "exceptional" step. "Ordinarily, on less critical matters, peer pressure happens but the public sees very little of it or none of it," he told Insider. Sovsun, the Ukrainian MP, said that the Baltic strategy had been important for Ukraine. She used to hear from German lawmakers that they were worried about giving so much that they wouldn't be able to protect themselves. "I think it's very difficult to say: 'Oh, we wouldn't be well protected' after what the Baltic states are doing," she added. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukrainian defenders destroyed 14 Shahed drones out of 15 launched by the Russian forces during the night of 27-28 March. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 28 March Quote: "The enemy deployed 15 Shahed-136 attack UAVs for airstrikes at night. Fourteen of them were destroyed by our defenders." Details: The General Staff added that the probability of launching further missile and air strikes remains high throughout the territory of Ukraine. Background: Air Force Command reported that the air defence system destroyed 12 Russian Shahed drones. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia continues to suffer losses in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces killed 570 Russian invaders and destroyed 13 armoured combat vehicles, 15 artillery systems and 19 UAVs over the past 24 hours alone. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: Total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 28 March 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 171,730 (+570) military personnel 3,602 (+7) tanks 6,966 (+13) armoured combat vehicles 2,653 (+15) artillery systems 525 (+2) multiple-launch rocket systems 277 (+0) air defence systems 305 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft 291 (+0) helicopters 2,235 (+19) operational-tactical UAVs 911 (+0) cruise missiles 18 (+0) ships/boats 5,502 (+9) vehicles and tankers 287 (+2) other vehicles and equipment The data is being confirmed. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian propaganda continues attempts to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence says Read also: Putin toughens penalties for so-called fake information about Russian mercenaries The footage allegedly captured by a dashcam was immediately shared by Russian propaganda, repeating the well-known delusion about the Ukrainian Nazis. The video turned out to be a complete failure and yet another stupid fake of Russian propaganda, which in its morbid fantasies does not disdain any ethical norms and topics, the intelligence reported. The agency listed several reasons in its determination that the video is fake: The location is in Russia-occupied territory between Donetsk and Makiyivka: a turn from a district road to a shooting range of Donetsk puppet authorities One of the sources is Yuriy Alekseich Z V Read also: Russian propaganda media show video of Putins visit to Ukraines Russian-occupied Mariupol Ukrainian soldiers put solid crosses on their cars, while the Russians put crosses of the Nazi Germanys Wehrmacht, as seen in the propaganda video Dashcams are banned in Ukraine The body of the car on which the Ukrainian military is allegedly driving was made in Russia, it was never delivered to Ukraine Read also: Propaganda machine preparing Russians for new wave of mobilization, warns Ukrainian military intelligence Low-quality editing: at 01:35, a soldier near the car fires a machine gun, but no loud gunshots can be heard. The window of the car is open, they were talking through it. There is no sound of the window closing. When the car is driving back, the window is open again, as can be heard. There was a shot that shows the shell casings flying there should have been at least some sound at that moment. The intelligence emphasized that Russian psyops continue to try to discredit the Ukrainian Armed Forces to create a conflict with the Muslim community. Read also: German citizens sent fake letters offering money to join Ukraines Foreign Legion In this video a dialogue between the soldier and the woman driving the vehicle can be heard, pointing to the assumption that she is Crimean Tatar. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces killed two civilians late on Monday when they shelled an apartment building in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Russian-installed officials said on Tuesday. Reuters reporters saw rescue workers combing through the rubble in the building, the lower part of which had collapsed, and one victim's legs protruding from the debris. "A Ukrainian shell struck an apartment building at 246 Kuybyshev Street (in Donetsk)," the Russian-installed police force in the part of Ukraine's Donetsk region controlled by Moscow said in a statement. "Unfortunately, two civilians died of their wounds under the rubble of the damaged building." There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian authorities, who say Russian forces have killed thousands of people in similar attacks on civilian areas and that their own armed forces are trying to seize back control of Ukrainian territory. Moscow, which says it does not deliberately target civilians, is trying to take control of all of Ukraine's Donetsk region, a big chunk of which it has already seized, and is facing fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army. The facade of the building was blackened by smoke and its windows were blown out with people's damaged furniture and belongings left lying in the yard. "There was just this crazy bang. (My) child was so frightened," said one local resident who only gave her name as Irina. "It is sad. The situation is very tense. It all seems like it'll never end. And it's very scary to live like this." Natalya Kasyanenko, another resident, said her family's apartment had got off fairly lightly but that other people faced a tragedy. "Before this, a 16-storey building has been hit, a dental clinic and high school No. 51. But our neighbourhood had remained relatively calm. We did not expect anything like this," she said. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Peter Graff) A bloodhound with the Union County Sheriffs Office died Monday morning after battling cancer. Sheriff Eddie Cathey said Tuesday that Alie passed away after being diagnosed with cancer several weeks ago. She was born in 2016 and had served the Union County Sheriffs Office for years. UCSO says Alie was a faithful public servant in the county and had led numerous successful searches during her career. [Alie] was often the long-eared, friendly face that residents in distress found comfort in once they were located by deputies, Sheriff Cathey said on Facebook. The men and women of the UCSO will never forget Alie and the contribution she has made to our agency and our community. MORE COVERAGE: Monroe K-9 officer unexpectedly dies of unknown medical emergency Last month, a K-9 dog with the Monroe Police Department passed away suddenly from an unknown medical emergency. (WATCH: More officers, K-9s coming to Northlake Mall as security measures increase) The Franklin County sheriff plans to continue fighting despite a judges ruling that he cant limit when and how union representatives investigate complaints at the jail. Visiting Adams County Superior Court Judge Steven Dixon sided with Teamsters Local 839 in their continuing fight with Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond. The judge agreed the county needs to follow a February 2022 decision set out by Arbitrator Robin Romeo. Dixon is expected to sign an order granting the unions motion for summary judgment. Raymond told the Herald that he wants to appeal the ruling. The dispute focuses on a clause in the contract that allows a union representative to visit the work location of employees ... at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating grievances. The union wants access to the jail to meet with their employees for those investigations. The sheriff wants those meetings to happen outside of the jail unless theyre scheduled in advance, and the representative is accompanied by a jail administrator into the facility. The arbitrator sided with the Teamsters, first in February 2022 and then in a later decision in July, where Romeo found the county was trying to circumvent the result of the arbitration. While Franklin Countys attorney has not weighed in on the issue, Sheriff Raymond said he wants the union to follow his rules around accessing the jail. They can meet with their union representative. They can go inside the jail for the purpose of investigating a grievance, he said. This literally comes down to (Teamsters union representative) Jesus Alvarez wanting a pass where he can come in and out of the jail anytime he wants. The Teamsters do have a nearby union hall where they can meet as well, Raymond said. Sheriff Jim Raymond I feel vindicated we were in the right the whole time, like the arbitrator said we were, said Teamsters Local 839 Secretary-Treasurer Russell Shjerven. He previously said that other local jails, including Benton and Walla Walla counties, allow union representatives easy access to meet with employees inside the facility. Story continues The visits are needed to maintain safety in the workplace and ensure that the sheriffs office is not violating the contract. Visiting the jail The dispute between the Teamsters and the sheriff started in October 2020, about six months after correction officers picked the union to represent them. The Teamsters replaced the Franklin County Correction Officers Association, which had been responsible for negotiating the last two-year contract between the corrections officers and the county. The contract says that union officials can visit the work location at any reasonable time to investigate grievances. The union and the sheriffs office have worked out a new two-year contract since then, which keeps the same language for when union representatives can come in and out of the jail. The Franklin County sheriff remains in a dispute over when and how union representatives investigate complaints at the jail. For the first six months, Teamsters union representative Jesus Alvarez was allowed to come inside the jail after calling a commander to let him know in advance, according to the arbitrator. While inside, he met with employees to investigate contract problems, including potential grievances. This included issues such as meal breaks and overtime. He also met with employees during a disciplinary investigation and a harassment compliant interview. That changed on Oct. 1, 2020, when a jail supervisor threatened to discipline an employee for alleged insubordination. After the employee called the union, Alvarez went to the jail to speak with the commander. Five days later, Raymond told his command staff that they would no longer respond to Alvarezs requests to visit. At the end of October, the sheriff stopped easy access to the jail for Alvarez. He put a policy in place that required Alvarez to schedule any time inside the jail during regular business hours, and he had to be accompanied by a supervisor. Union representatives said the move violated the contract and prompted a fight with the sheriff that ended up going to the Public Employee Relations Commission. The commission brought in Romeo, who found that the sheriff was violating the contract. After the decision, the sheriff rescinded his October 2020 order, and put a new one in place that kept most of the same requirements, arguing all they were required to do was rescind the old order. That included requiring Alvarez to schedule any trip into the jail ahead of time and to be accompanied by a supervisor. Romeo rejected Raymonds fix in July, saying that it was effectively the same policy. Teamsters also sued the sheriff, the commissioners and Franklin County in an attempt to get him to follow the arbitrators decision. The Franklin County Corrections Center is on North Fourth Avenue in Pasco. Judgment Both sides asked a judge to make a decision based on the facts. The two sides disputed whether or not the sheriffs office followed Romeos order. According to Andrew Cooley, the attorney representing the county, the sheriffs office complied by revoking the October 2020, whether or not similar conditions were put in place. The Teamsters wish to enter the jail unimpeded cannot be reconciled with the sheriffs duty to inmates, visitors and the public, Cooley wrote. The arbitrator said rescind the October 2020 orders, and the sheriff did. He called Romeos second decision contrary to the weight of the evidence, arbitrary and capricious and violates public policy. The attorney also argued allowing the representative unfettered access into the jail could lead to the county being sued. That could include the labor representative having access to sensitive criminal justice intelligence or to confidential inmate information. The unions attorney, Jack Holland, pointed out that the arbitrator already rejected those safety concerns saying they are unsubstantiated, and there were no specific instances of security risks being posed. While Cooley argued that they followed the letter of the decision, Holland said they didnt follow the spirit of the decision. Notably, Arbitrator Romeo found that the unions ability to meet with the employees has not been restored to the state as they existed prior to October 2020, such was the order and intent of the February 2022 award, Holland wrote. The attorney noted that courts arent allowed to determine if the arbitrator made the right decision, just whether or not the arbitrator stepped outside of her bounds. Holland said Romeo acted within the scope of what she was allowed to to do by interpreting what the agreement was meant to do, Holland said. A Mission animal rescue has challenged a Kansas order to revoke its license to operate. Unleashed Pet Rescue received an order of revocation earlier this month from the Kansas Department of Agriculture, stating the pet rescue had to give up its license following numerous complaints and health code violations. Officials representing Unleashed, which describes itself as a nonprofit that finds homes for animals in high-kill shelters, requested a hearing to challenge the order. A date hasnt been set for the hearing, which will be conducted by the Kansas Office of Administrative Hearings. The pet rescue may continue operating at least until the hearing is held, but because of an emergency order, Unleashed is not allowed to bring in any new animals. Between 2017 and 2022, officials inspected the facility 26 times, according to documents obtained by The Star. Facilities in good compliance with health standards are typically inspected every 18 months, according to Heather Lansdowne, a spokeswoman with the agriculture department. Inspection reports show issues at Unleashed with overcrowded facilities, construction problems that could lead to animal injuries, bug infestations and leaking walls and ceilings, among other issues. In March, the department also fined Unleashed Pet Rescue $15,000 for 18 violations of the Kansas Pet Animal Act between October and March. Inspectors in October 2022 noted roaches throughout the facility, cramped dog cages with floors completely covered with water, inadequate ventilation and airflow throughout the building, a wall for kennel housing smeared with feces, and flooding from the roof and doors among other violations. In the months after, investigators returned to the facility to check on several complaints made regarding the care of specific dogs. While an investigator who returned in January found no evidence of a roach infestation, he learned from the pet rescues owner that one dog, Dexter, was treated in a hospital for around nine days after a worker put a shirt on him for several days to reduce anxiety, which rubbed against his neck until his skin was raw and lacerations and pus were visible. The shirts are meant to be taken off at least twice a day if worn for long periods. Story continues One dog, Morgan, had an unnecessarily bad case of mastitis in February in which the mass on her breast ruptured and bled the day after she was released to a foster family, leading to emergency surgery and the removal of two infected glands. Workers at Unleashed had previously told the foster family that the mass was not a concern. The department received another complaint in February for Duke, a Pitbull mix puppy who had been with the shelter since December, claiming his adoption family noticed abnormalities in his feet that affected his walking and an issue with his neuter incision after bringing him home. A veterinarian later said the issues with Dukes front paws would require lifelong costly treatment for his legs and the neuter site appeared to be herniated. Officials determined that his issues were caused by poor nutrition and living on floors that were too hard. In every case, inspectors said Unleashed workers should have worked faster to ensure the dogs had adequate veterinary care. Animal control officers in Lenexa discovered later that month that dogs that couldnt fit in the main facility were also being kept in owner Danielle Renos former T-shirt business, an unlicensed property to care for animals. An attorney representing Unleashed could not be reached for comment. On social media, the pet rescue has continued to post photos of adoptable animals and merchandise sales without mentioning the controversy. In a March 15 post, the day the pet rescue was issued an order of revocation, officials posted a call for donations saying Times are tough. Unleashed wrote that, like other animal rescues, they were seeing reduced fundraising proceeds and had to take in fewer animals and begin the process of layoffs. Since our organization was founded, over 40,000 animals have come through our doors and found loving homes through our adoption programs, the shelter wrote. Chances are, many of you have your own story of an adoption from our little shelter. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The U.S. Army will boost production of 155mm artillery shells more than sixfold to 85,000 a month by fiscal 2028, according to the services undersecretary. The goal is to replenish ammunition going to Ukraine in large numbers to aid its fight against Russia and to ensure the service has the right levels in its own stockpiles, Gabe Camarillo said March 28. The Army is spending $1.45 billion on capacity to expand 155mm artillery production from 14,000 a month to over 24,000 later this year, and 85,000 in five years, Camarillo said at the Association of the U.S. Armys Global Force Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Partly to aid in the ramp-up, the Army has bolstered the strategy for its organic industrial base with plans to invest $18 billion over 15 years. Originally, the service wanted $16 billion to modernize the base, according to Marion Whicker of U.S. Army Materiel Command. Now, in FY23 alone, the Army will inject $2.5 billion into modernizing the organic industrial base, mostly through supplemental funding provided by Congress to replenish stockpiles, she noted. To dramatically increase capacity that quickly, you need additional production lines, Army acquisition chief Doug Bush told reporters at the Global Force event. The Army makes artillery shells at Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania as well as a General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems facility nearby in Wilkes Barre. It fills them at a government facility in Iowa. The Army is under contract to build another facility with a company in Canada, and is standing up yet another with the General Dynamics unit in Garland, Texas, to make additional shell bodies. Iowa is expanding its capability, and there is some production expansion into Kansas, Bush noted. Its not all in one place, he said. Its literally building new factories and putting advanced machine tools in them. Thats really the only way to do it. The Army is investing $349 million to more than double its monthly production of launchers to 41 a month and 330 missiles per month, Camarillo said. Production for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems will increase from 566 rockets per month to more than 1,100 by FY26. , 9 2022 Again now, at this critical moment in history, I am pleased to announce that the United States supports the development of an internationalized tribunal dedicated to prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine, she said at a Nuremberg Principles meeting at the Catholic University of America on March 27. Although a number of models have been under consideration, and these have been analyzed closely, we believe an international court that is rooted in Ukraines judicial system, but that also includes international elements, will provide the clearest path to establishing a new Tribunal and maximizing our chances of achieving meaningful accountability. Read also: Putin went all in. What does this mean for Ukraine and what to expect from China Such a court will have significant international elements in the form of substantive law, personnel, information sources, and structure, she said. It might also be located elsewhere in Europe, at least at first, to reinforce Ukraines desired European orientation, lend gravitas to the initiative, and enable international involvement, including through Eurojust, she said. Read also: What the US and China agreed on and who will replace Putin Read also: Hungary would not arrest Putin, says Orbans chief-of-staff This kind of model an internationalized national court will facilitate broader cross-regional international support and demonstrate Ukraines leadership in ensuring accountability for the crime of aggression. It also builds upon the example of other successful hybrid justice mechanisms, she added. The establishment of the hybrid tribunal will not require a resolution by the UN General Assembly on the creation of a new independent international institution, she added. In addition, according to Schaack, the tribunal could help attract wider international support, as there is no international consensus on the issue yet. Earlier, the Office of the President of Ukraine spoke in favor of two other acceptable models of a special tribunals for Russian war crimes (1) based on Ukraines agreement with the United Nations with the adoption of a relevant UN General Assembly resolution, and (2) based on a multilateral international agreement between civilized states. Story continues The hybrid model contains the risks of narrowing the legal assessment of Russias ongoing aggression to the level of interstate conflict, as well as raising the issue of whether such a tribunal could overcome the immunity of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The United States on Tuesday threw support behind a special international tribunal to try Russia for "aggression" against Ukraine, building momentum to prosecute the crime for the first time since the aftermath of World War II. The European Union has backed a special tribunal, which could bring fresh charges against President Vladimir Putin and would be the latest legal salvo after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes. The State Department said that the United States would work with allies to set up a "special tribunal on the crime of aggression" over Russia's February 2022 invasion of its neighbor. "We envision such a court having significant international support -- particularly from our partners in Europe -- and ideally located in another country in Europe," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, said the United States wanted the court to have international personnel and resources. That "will provide the clearest path to establishing a new tribunal and maximizing our chances of achieving meaningful accountability," she said in a speech Monday at the Catholic University of America. She said the United States was "committed" working with other countries to provide resources for such a tribunal "in a way that will achieve comprehensive accountability for the international crimes being committed in Ukraine." It was the first time that the United States -- which has fraught relations with the International Criminal Court -- has explicitly supported a special tribunal on Ukraine. The European Union in November floated the idea of a tribunal, which was backed formally in January by a vote of the European Parliament. - World War II legacy - Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, speaking virtually Tuesday to a US-led democracy summit, said his country "strongly advocates" the special tribunal, saying that Putin's invasion brought memories of Czechoslovakia's forced land concessions to Germany in 1938. Story continues The crime of aggression, then known as a crime against peace, was last prosecuted in the aftermath of World War II and formed a basis of the Nuremburg and Tokyo trials of officials from Nazi Germany and imperial Japan. The International Criminal Court since 2018 has had jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, but legal experts say it cannot prosecute Russia as the country, like the United States, has not joined the Rome statute that set up the tribunal in The Hague. Nations not part of the court can still be referred by a vote of the UN Security Council -- where Russia would be certain to exercise its veto power. The idea of a special tribunal was first promoted shortly after the Ukraine invasion by Britain's former prime minister Gordon Brown, alongside legal scholars. Brown, in a March 2022 petition, said it may be "easier to establish responsibility" for the crime of aggression than for individual war crimes as there was "so clearly a gross violation of the United Nations Charter." The International Criminal Court's arrest warrant stems from accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has balked on whether the United States in theory would arrest Putin. Under a law of Congress, the United States is restricted from cooperating closely with the court, seeking to avoid a precedent for prosecuting Americans. sct/st Xi Jinping and Volodymyr Putin before the start of negotiations in an expanded composition in Moscow, March 21, 2023 Read also: Xi tells Medvedev Russia should exercise rational restraint towards Ukraine After the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the leading powers of the world had an interval to accept that a reorganization of the international security system was inevitable. Now, they seem to have realized it, and after this realization comes the understanding that it is possible to come to this conclusion too late. That is, it is necessary to seize the initiative in this game. I think that all the trips and negotiations going on are connected to this. Even though some of them do not seem to be related to building a new international security order, they nevertheless are. However, conversations are going on. The questions are often asked - what did Xi's visit to Mr. Putin bring, what did each man get, and why did this happen at all? Well, firstly, I want to say that neither one nor the other achieved their desired result. Xi did not receive Putin's unequivocal assent to his so-called peace plan, and Putin did not receive unequivocal support from China for his so-called "Special Military Operation." I've read a lot of very good expert opinions which describe in sufficient detail, with knowledge of the matter, why all this has happened. And when it comes to the latest visit, China's previous steps must be taken into account. Read also: No signs of China supplying Russia with weapons, Ukrainian intelligence says It is their promotion of these peaceful principles. And after that, China began to move actively. The first act was their mediation of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. I have read lots of expert commentaries on this. But in all of them, the United States has disappeared from sight. Did the U.S. have nothing to do with it? One gets the impression that they really didnt, and that the Saudi-Iranian breakthrough was done against their wishes. But I have a different opinion that they simply have not advertised their participation in these negotiations. And that's why I have these assumptions. Story continues First, the United States is quite good at counting up its capabilities and resources, and assessing them against their desires. This cannot be taken away from them. And having calculated the costs that they are incurring in helping Ukraine in the war against Russia, and adding here the potentially massing of resources for a direct (in the event of a Taiwan crisis) clash with China, they saw that they did not have enough forces to conduct military operations on two fronts. The maximum that they can afford is one and a half theaters of war. That is, in the event of a Taiwan crisis, the United States would be forced to take a direct part in the confrontation with China (a full-scale theater of military operations) and half of a theater of military operations in Ukraine. Here, they are not participating in this war on their own, but are providing great support to their partner, Ukraine. This is a sort of theater and a half. And the emergence of another unforeseen theater of war, or even half a theater of war in the Middle East, is something that the United States really does not need. Thus, I think that they not only gave their consent to China to pursue a policy of peacekeeping or mediation in the Middle East, but even likely stimulated this work by China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. But all this of course is not simply done, but some advantages can be gained. As a bonus, the United States could ask (not demand, but ask diplomatically) China to put pressure on Russia and refuse to provide it with direct support. Political support, in words - for God's sake - is something they are quite tolerant of, but direct support with weapons is something they would not want. And, in the end, Putin did not receive this support. Read also: Biden slapped Putin. How will the Kremlin respond and what is China up to? The Americans could offer China (or ask China) to influence Iran in terms of freezing its nuclear program. Such results are not yet visible, but they may appear. This must be monitored carefully. Moreover, the fact is that both China and the United States are interested in Saudi Arabia increasing its oil production. Saudi Arabia itself refuses to do this, although it is taking partially reciprocal steps. Here lies a provisional consensus of all parties. The process is dynamic, the events are interconnected, and there are many negative and positive factors that affect the entire process. We will see how this process goes, but I think that the prerequisites for it were as I have laid out. A stitch in time saves nine, as they say. A statement timely made, steps taken punctually, the delineation of guidelines, and the timely bringing in of partners - all this is exactly what is being done now. Not directly while the restructuring of the security architecture is underway, but preparations are underway. Approaches, new principles, and methods are being sought. What form they will finally take, we cannot say, but only presume. In addition to the fact that there will be a strengthening of regional alliances like the EU and NATO, there will be a trend of strengthening sub-regional coalitions, including in the European space. These include the Visegrad Four, the Lublin Triangle, a defensive alliance of coastal states (proposed by Great Britain) in the form of a London-Warsaw-Kyiv-Baltic republic. The role of such coalitions will grow, because they are more compact formations where it is possible to achieve unity of opinion on a variety of issues. They can be formal or informal, with free entry and exit. If this is implemented, then the Visegrad Four, which includes Hungary, can be freely transformed into some kind of trio, without Budapests participation. And then Hungary will be left on the outside looking in. Unfortunately, such regional coalitions do not have enough strength and resources to promote any of their initiatives. This is possible within the framework of large unions, and this moment will bind these coalitions into more serious alliances. How it will look like, and how the restructuring will go (if it goes) in this direction, we will see. This issue is very difficult both at the national level (since it is all connected with sovereignty) and at the coalition level when it comes to finding general rules and procedures that suit everyone. Returning to the topic of relations between the US and China, I will say that at this stage, direct military confrontation is not beneficial for these countries. Both sides are interested in eliminating any misunderstandings and disagreements with soft power through negotiations not necessarily top-level ones, but perhaps through, say, influential businesspeople. The United States expressed this wish to China, and as I see it, China listened. Putin will not get his desired result. United States does not yet have a vision of how to deal with Russia and the Putin regime. Unfortunately, the United States does not yet have a vision of how to deal with Russia and the Putin regime. Therefore, one can judge matters by the American determination to provide or not provide us with certain types of weapons, namely airplanes, long-range missiles, and so on. It depends on the vision of Russias future that the United States has. Victory is victory, but what will happen to the defeated? I think the US is very afraid of a Russian collapse, and it is not only them. Not because it is scary, but because it is not known how it will end up. What will happen to its nuclear arsenal, and what will happen on the territory of of the Earths landmass? If conflicts start there, they can easily spread to other territories (to Asia), and the process will unfold unpredictably. They are afraid of this process happening out of control. It is better now to think about how to make it controllable, and not to abandon the final option of Russias collapse. If Russia survives, then it will be horror forever, instead of a terrible end. It is a question of political will. Read also: Everyone is shocked, from Washington to Moscow. Two main consequences of the arrest warrant for Putin The ICC warrant for Putin's arrest was issued due to the fact that the cup of patience is already so overflowing that it is beginning to spill out. This was the first drop. The order is a signal to Putin himself in which they say, look, youll be punished. This is a signal to the entire international environment that "you guys are dealing with a toxic person, and it's better not to mess with him." It is a signal to other dictators in other countries that they can expect the same fate, even worse and faster. If they have already been able to take a swing at Russia, then it will be felt even more so in less powerful states. This plays into the hands of today's Western coalition as an incentive to stick to the sanctions already imposed and expand them. The United States has a vision of how to end the war in Ukraine. How strategic that vision is is another matter. The vision is that Russia will not win the war. But this vision does not elaborate on what Russia itself should be like after the defeat. That's what it's all about. That is, the United States has a vision of how to win the war, and in coordination with our General Staff, this vision is being worked out. In accordance with this vision, weapons are being supplied at a certain rate and volume. Beyond that, I have big doubts that there is any kind of consensus on what to do with Russia. Read also: Kremlin already looking for Putin replacement after ICC arrest warrant HUR I think that in Putin's entourage, and in the international environment, Navalny is being prepared, surprisingly. After a while, he will become just like Putin. Navalny is ready to fall into the same brine and end up pickled just the same. Until Russia itself changes, until it falls apart, until all these seams that bind the subjects of the federation by force are untied, there will be nothing good there. The so-called Russian people have a birth curse, a genetic trauma or a genetic code. That is, they are simply not ready to leave their comfort zone and start thinking differently, as it is too traumatic for them. They cannot cross this threshold in any way. And until this happens, leaders like Putin will be born and come to power there. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A Maryland appeals court on Tuesday reinstated the conviction of the man at the center of the hit podcast "Serial, who had served more than 20 years in prison for his ex-girlfriend's murder. Adnan Syed, whose case received worldwide attention through the podcast, had been serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, but was released in September of last year after Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn vacated his conviction. However in a 2-1 decision, the Maryland appellate court said Tuesday that the rights of Lee's brother, Young Lee, who lives in California, had been violated because he had not been given adequate time to attend that hearing in-person. "Accordingly, we vacate the circuit court's order vacating Mr. Syed's convictions, which results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence," the court said. The appellate court ordered a new hearing giving Young Lee sufficient notice to allow him to attend in-person and where "evidence supporting the motion to vacate is presented." The court said it was giving the parties 60 days to "assess how to proceed in response" to the decision. Lee's body was found buried in February 1999 in a shallow grave in the woods of Baltimore, Maryland. The 18-year-old had been strangled. Syed steadfastly maintained his innocence and prosecutors last year asked Judge Phinn to vacate his conviction, citing the discovery of new information regarding two alternative suspects. Syed's case earned worldwide attention when it was taken up by "Serial," a weekly podcast that saw a US journalist revisit his conviction and cast doubt on his guilt. His case has also been the subject of a four-part documentary on the HBO channel called "The Case Against Adnan Syed." The "Serial" podcast -- a mix of investigative journalism, first-person narrative and dramatic storytelling -- focused its first season on Syed's story in 12 nail-biting episodes. Both Syed and Lee were high school honor students and children from immigrant families -- he Pakistani, she South Korean -- who had concealed their relationship from their conservative parents. cl/bfm (Reuters) -The Republican chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Monday he signed a subpoena to be delivered to Secretary of State Antony Blinken for documents related to the August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Michael McCaul has launched an investigation into the messy withdrawal from Afghanistan under Democratic President Joe Biden and events in the country since. Republicans - and some Democrats - say there has never been a full accounting of the chaotic operation, in which 13 U.S. service members were killed at Kabul's airport. McCaul had given the State Department until Monday to produce the documents. "Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee," McCaul said in a statement. He said the subpoena would be delivered on Tuesday morning. About two dozen U.S. diplomats in Afghanistan sent a confidential cable through a so-called dissent channel warning Blinken in July 2021 of the potential fall of Kabul to the Taliban as U.S. troops withdrew from the country, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2021. Blinken said during a hearing last week that the department had already shared information and was working to provide more, but that some specific details could only be shared with senior officials, a move intended to protect the identity of those who had expressed dissent. Asked by Reuters for comment on the subpoena, the State Department referred to remarks by spokesperson Vedant Patel at Monday's press briefing. Patel said it was "vital to us that we preserve the integrity" of the dissent channel. He said the department was "prepared to make the relevant information in the cable available through briefings or some other mechanisms." (Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles and Eric Beech in Washington; Editing by Sonali Paul and Muralikumar Anantharaman) King Charles and his son Prince Harry at the Queen's state funeral. (Reuters) King Charles has been mocked by a US magazine for being too busy to see his own son while the Duke of Sussex is in the UK. Prince Harry made a surprise return to the country this week for a hearing at the High Court in London in his claim against Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over allegations of unlawful information-gathering. It was his first time in the UK since the Queens funeral last September and since the release of his controversial memoir Spare, in which he laid bare his troubled relationship with his father and brother. But Harry was not expected to meet with the King or the Prince of Wales despite them both being in the UK, even though Charles's anticipated visit to France was cancelled on Friday. According to the Telegraph, the king was holed up in Highgrove in Gloucestershire preparing for his visit to Germany on Wednesday and too busy to see his son. Read more: Harry and Meghan's attendance at King's Coronation is in doubt - here's why Prince Harry leaves the High Court in London. (Reuters) The dysfunctional nature of the royals' relationship was noted in a scathing article in the New York Magazine headlined "King Charles Pretends Hes Too Busy to See Prince Harry" saying it was not clear if he was snubbing Harry or just being incompetent following the release of his book. King Charles clearly doesnt want to see Prince Harry right now, the publication said. I think we can all relate: Who hasnt avoided a relative because they did something obnoxious for instance, writing a best-selling memoir spilling decades of family secrets? But it said the King had not come up with a good reason why he could not see his son given his schedule had been cleared when his trip to Paris was cancelled this week due to protests. The NY Magazine added: So what exactly is King Charles up to? The Telegraph only says that he is understood to be at Highgrove, which is just a two-hour drive from London. If the palace was trying to take the high ground in its responses to Prince Harry, that would make sense. If it wanted to give him a Succession-y F*** off, that would also be reasonable. Story continues Watch: Prince Harry departs court after hacking claims hearing The King was due to be away on Monday on the first official state visit of his reign, but the trip to France was cancelled due to rioting over pension reforms, meaning Charles is now in the UK at the same time as Harry for the first time in six months. But Buckingham Palace said the King was not in Windsor or London and would be leaving for a state visit to Germany on Wednesday morning. Harry, who lives in the US with his wife Meghan and their two children, is also unlikely to be meeting up with William. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are not currently in Windsor because of the youngsters school Easter holidays. It has not been confirmed whether Harry and Meghan will be at the Kings coronation in less than six weeks. Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan's Archewell foundation outshines Obama and Clinton foundations Prince Harry is also unlikely to be meeting up with his brother Prince William. (Reuters) On Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex was also in court for a hearing in his claim against ANL. The publisher is bringing a bid to end High Court claims brought by people including Harry, Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence over alleged unlawful activity at its titles. In a statement announcing the launch of the legal action, it was alleged the unlawful acts included hiring private investigators to secretly place listening devices inside cars and homes and the recording of private phone conversations. ANL hit back at the allegations, describing them at the time as preposterous smears and a pre-planned and orchestrated attempt to drag the Mail titles into the phone-hacking scandal. WASHINGTON In early October, the U.S. Navy reloaded a destroyers missile tubes using a crane on an auxiliary ship pulled alongside the destroyer, rather than a crane on an established pier. Reloading a vertical launching system, or VLS, is a challenging maneuver, given the crane must hold missile canisters vertically, while slowly lowering the explosives into the systems small opening in the ship deck. Its also a maneuver the Navy cannot yet do at sea. This demonstration took place while the destroyer Spruance was tied to the pier at Naval Air Station North Island, as a first step in creating a more expeditionary rearming capability. But in the near future, that same evolution between a warship and an auxiliary vessel could take place in any harbor or protected waters around the globe. One day, it may even take place in the open ocean, thanks to research and development efforts in support of a top priority for the secretary of the Navy. Carlos Del Toro is eyeing this rearm-at-sea capability as one of a handful of steps the service must take to prepare for conflict in the Pacific; other steps include strengthening logistics capabilities and identifying foreign shipyards that could conduct repairs to battle-damaged ships. Today, the Navys cruisers and destroyers can only load and unload offices at established piers with approved infrastructure. For the Pacific fleet, these reload sites are in Japan, Guam, Hawaii and California. But in a conflict with China the Pentagons self-declared No. 1 geopolitical threat these combatants could easily fire all their missiles in just one or two engagements, after which they would leave the fight to reload. US Navy considers alternatives to unmanned boats with missiles But piers in Japan and Guam could be destroyed, or the surrounding area could be contested enough that pierside ships would be too vulnerable. Sailing to Hawaii to reload would take vessels out of the fight for two weeks or more, with a trip to California costing at least three weeks. Story continues For Del Toro, this is unacceptable. Calling a rearming-at-sea capability game-changing, he told a New York audience late last year that being able to quickly rearm our warships vertical launch tubes at sea will significantly increase forward, persistent combat power with the current force. A longstanding vulnerability Del Toro was 18 years into his career as a naval officer when he took command of the destroyer Bulkeley in 2001. By that time, the Navy had lost its ability to rearm destroyers at sea. The service had such a capability with previous platforms, but as new ships and missiles entered the fleet and the Cold War came to an end, the service opted against devoting resources to developing a new rearming method. Two decades later, when Del Toro was sworn in as Navy secretary, he immediately began tackling the naval services logistics problems. Without question, logistics rises to the top in terms of priorities that are necessary logistics in terms of the forward presence that were going to need in the Indo-Pacific, to forward-deploy parts and supplies and troops and everything that we need, in addition to the capabilities that individual ships themselves will need in order to be able to rearm, he told Defense News on Feb. 17. He put rearming ships at sea high on the list of logistics-related gaps the Navy must close. Over the course of decades, this is something we have actually studied, and now its time to make the necessary investments so that we can rearm our cruisers or our destroyers or our future frigates at sea, should we be called upon to fight a war, he said. Maritime operations and naval logistics experts agree. Assuming the battle goes on longer than a single missile load, you need to rotate shooters out to reload and return to the scene of battle, said James Holmes, a former surface warfare officer and the J. C. Wylie chair of maritime strategy at the Naval War College. If the fight is in the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea, far from the nearest port that can execute a reload, you are taking combatants off the firing line for a substantial time. We might make that work if we had a huge fleet and plenty of shooters to rotate in; but our fleet is lean in the extreme, in numerical terms, he added. We need the most we can get out of every platform, and that means rearming close to the scene of combat and getting back into action quickly. An SM-2 Block III missile is fired out of the forward vertical launching system aboard the destroyer John Finn on Sept. 17, 2022. (Lt. j.g. Jackson B. Miller/U.S. Navy) Tim Walton, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institutes Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, who has written extensively on the topic of rearming at sea, said Del Toro is recognizing the enormous opportunities of new VLS rearming capabilities. Indeed, Walton wrote in a 2019 study for the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments that fielding just two or three ships that could rearm cruisers and destroyers in the Western or Central Pacific would, by getting the Navys combatants back on station more quickly, add the equivalent of 18 more cruisers and destroyers in the fleet. Viewed in this light, a fleet VLS rearming at sea capability could provide a value in equivalent combatants of at least $11-37 billion, and would be a high-return investment for the Navy, Walton told Defense News. The U.S. Navy is increasingly focused on identifying low-cost, high-impact options that can quickly boost the operational effectiveness of the fleet and joint force, he added. The swift introduction of a capability to rearm VLS at sea or at anchorage would have a major impact on operational effectiveness. Mixed success in tech development Rearming a ship today can only take place in select ports. The destroyer or cruiser is tied to a pier; a crane, support equipment and personnel are on the pier; and one by one they lift missile canisters from the pier, then slowly lower them into the launcher cells on the ship. The first step in making this evolution more expeditionary is to stage all the cranes, equipment and personnel on a support vessel instead of a pier. By doing this, a combatant could moor at any pier no matter the infrastructure and have the support vessel pull alongside to reload the missile cells. Another option would involve anchoring in calm waters: at a harbor, the leeward side of an island thats protected from winds and currents, or other bodies of water deep enough to allow the destroyer to enter but calm enough to keep the warship and the support vessel from rocking too much. But the ideal end state is a rearming capability in the open ocean. Navy ships today refuel and resupply at sea, sailing alongside a Military Sealift Command auxiliary ship at about 12 knots to move goods and fuel. Though the fleet can do this safely while passing food, mail, spare parts and bullets, the service cannot currently safely pass missiles without risking damage to the weapon or its canister. A support vessel capable of doing this rearm-at-sea mission would need several features, according to Jeff Green, the strategic sealift research and development program manager at the Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Maryland. For starters, it would need the space and equipment to safely transport and handle the missile canisters, Green told Defense News. And it must be capable of safely mooring up against or maneuvering closely alongside the combatant. It would also need the equipment onboard to not only transfer the missile canisters to a destroyer, but to also ensure the canisters are vertical when loaded into the launcher tubes on the warships deck. The Navy has long studied each of those pieces. The first two were achieved in a fall demonstration between the destroyer Spruance and the Ocean Valor, an offshore support vessel contracted by Military Sealift Command that serves as a research and development platform. The third, involving the actual transfer of the missile, did not go as well. Military Sealift Commands Ocean Valor conducts an at-sea VLS reload with the destroyer Spruance in San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2022. (MC3 Taylor Crenshaw/U.S. Navy) Capt. Kendall Bridgewater, the commodore of Military Sealift Command Pacific, told Defense News on Feb. 23 the team conducted two demonstrations between Sept. 30 and Oct. 7: one rearming at the pier at Naval Air Station North Island, and one at anchor in the San Diego Bay. During the first demonstration, Spruance was tied to the pier, and Ocean Valor used a dynamic positioning system to pull up close and hover in a position even as its crane swung a missile canister replica over to the deck of the destroyer, Bridgewater said. In the second demonstration, Spruance left the pier and anchored off Point Loma, in the San Diego Bay. Ocean Valor made the same approach and used the dynamic positioning system to maintain a steady distance from the destroyer, despite the heavier winds and currents in this location. Unfortunately, that [missile transfer] was not able to be done because we saw that we had excessive motion between the two ships beyond the safety limits, Bridgewater said. We had excessive swing with the crane, which did not allow us to accomplish the at-anchor portion. So what does that mean for future development? Ocean Valor acting as a surrogate for any other existing or future Military Sealift Command ship accomplished the first step of storing and handling the missiles. Bridgewater said the ship didnt undergo any particular modifications to meet this mission; rather, it just needed the right crane, tilt fixture and personnel brought onboard. The second step is safely mooring up against or sailing alongside the warship. Bridgewater said Ocean Valor and Spruance were outfitted with sensors for a dynamic positioning system, which basically took control of Ocean Valors steering and power and kept the ship exactly in the right place relative to Spruance. The two ships were about 60 feet apart at the pier and 90 feet apart at anchor very close, in naval operations and Bridgewater said the system did so well he doesnt think bumpers used during the demo are needed in the future. But the third step moving the missiles from the support vessel to the destroyer, and successfully into the VLS cells is where the challenge remains. Bridgewater said that, although Ocean Valor and Spruance held the correct positions relative to each other when the latter was at anchor, they were rocking too much in the wind and currents for the crane to safely swing the missile canister replica over to the destroyer, and certainly too much to allow personnel on the Spruance to get close enough to guide the replica into the launcher cell. Getting to an end state is going to require further research and development. We were part of one of those steps to get there, and the follow-on steps would be up to experts at the Navys warfare centers, including Greens team at Carderock, according to Leonard Bell, the deputy commodore at Military Sealift Command Pacific. Commitment to find a solution Del Toro met in San Diego with sailors and civilians involved in the Spruance demonstration. Despite the failure of the at-anchor portion, the secretary remains determined to perfect this expeditionary rearm capability and field it as soon as possible. He noted that the Office of Naval Research and other Navy organizations are studying a range of options to expedite the amount of time and the locations in which we can easily rearm our ships at sea. So the Spruance is the first of those technological experimentations that were pursuing; there may very well be more to come with additional investments the Navy will request in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026, he told Defense News. U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, left, speaks with Cmdr. Douglas Robb, commanding officer of the destroyer Spruance, during a visit to the ship in December 2022. (MC2 Stevin Atkins/U.S. Navy) Conducting an open-ocean rearm would be the goal. But we start in safe harbor to be able to prove out that we can actually do this. We can learn from those experiments, and then we can take a look at what else the Office of Naval Research needs to invest in for an open-ocean capability, Del Toro said. The wind and sea conditions on the ocean makes it a challenging problem, he admitted. But we have to do better, and thats why we want to start making those investments now so we can get to a better place two, three years from now, he added. Green said the Navy is already developing multiple crane systems that could work better than the generic one used on Ocean Valor, as part of a near-term solution to put the crane and support equipment on non-Navy-certified piers or on auxiliary ships. In the longer term, theres another concept that calls for using the pulley system that moves containers of food and supplies during an underway replenishment. The TRAM concept or transportable rearming mechanism is 20 years old, but was not technologically feasible before. The Navy is not investing in the concept, but Del Toro described it as a promising idea at a recent American Society of Naval Engineers conference. The hitch, however, is that the missiles, once moved by the pulley system to the destroyer, are too bulky and heavy for safe handling on the destroyer deck, and still must get vertically loaded into the launcher. Green said the Navy is also developing equipment for inserting and removing the VLS canisters from the launcher, which could either be used in conjunction with the crane or sent over via TRAM. Its unclear how quickly these development efforts will mature, or when the Navy might next conduct a test at sea. For Holmes, the Naval War College expert, the technology shouldnt be that hard in theory the Navy just needs to make a sufficient investment. Conceptually its not hard at all. Youre basically just dropping a cylinder into a slightly larger cylindrical silo, he said. But the leaderships commitment to solving the problem has been very slow to build until now. It takes commitment from top leadership to make most anything happen in the Navy. And what senior leader is going to invest finite time and energy in such a capability before it becomes obvious the lack of that capability means the difference between victory and defeat? he added. We as a Navy didnt take the China challenge seriously for far too long, and now were scrambling to fix problems we would have been fixing long ago had we taken the challenge seriously. WASHINGTON The U.S. Navy expects to reopen one submarine repair dry dock in Washington by April, with a second opening in May and the third by June, after they were closed due to emerging concerns over their ability to withstand seismic activity. The Navy on Jan. 27 announced four dry docks would close dry docks 4, 5 and 6 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the dry dock at Trident Refit Facility Bangor because even small seismic events could potentially cause dry dock structural failures that pose a risk to our sailors and workforce and damage to our submarines, an official told Defense News at the time. The official stressed there was no immediate risk. In a hearing with the Senate Appropriations Committees defense panel on Tuesday, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., asked about the status of the repairs. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said the work at Trident Refit Facility Bangor was the most extensive, with fixes needed throughout the dry dock at the facility that repairs Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. That effort is on track to conclude in June, he said. At Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where aircraft carriers and attack submarines are repaired and modernized, Gilday said work is focused on portions of the dry docks near where a submarines nuclear reactor would be located. One should be completed in April and another in May, he added. Gilday did not name which Puget Sound dry docks would be completed in which month, nor did he address a timeline for a fourth dry dock. The Navy asked for $300 million in its unfunded priorities list to Congress for repairs. Gilday said the late 2022 and early 2023 discovery of the problem as well as the analysis of the needed repairs was too late to insert this into the formal budget request. However, he asked Congress to add this funding item during the markup process this year. In the longer term, the Navy needs to make additional upgrades at the two facilities and potentially elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest to address seismic vulnerabilities. Gilday said the service would consider these upgrades alongside the ongoing Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, a 20-year effort to modernize and improve the four public shipyards. Studies for that work are ongoing, and Gilday said it is too early to discuss the scope of potential long-term work. But the need for this work is clear, he said. We really count on [Puget Sound Naval Shipyard] in terms of providing submarine maintenance for the fleet. BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Tore Hattrem, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, in Beijing on Tuesday. They held an in-depth exchange on strengthening inter-party communication and mutual political trust, increasing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and furthering bilateral relations. Former FTX chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Fallen crypto-tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried has been accused by US prosecutors of paying a $40m (32.4m) bribe to Chinese government officials. The allegations were filed in a revised indictment and submitted to a federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege that the founder of the bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange sent a bribe, denominated in cryptocurrency, to one or more Chinese government officials in an effort to regain access to trading accounts that had been frozen by law enforcement. Bankman-Fried persistently strived to release the frozen accounts associated with Alameda Research, which involved hiring lawyers to advocate for the company's interests in China, according to the revised indictment. "In or about November 2021, Samuel Bankman-Fried, a/k/a 'SBF,' the defendant, and others directed and caused the transfer of at least approximately $40m in cryptocurrency intended for the benefit of one or more Chinese officials in order to influence and induce them to unfreeze the Accounts," it said. The bribery allegations have been added to the 12 existing charges against him, after the collapse of the FTX exchange in November 2022. Bankman-Fried has yet to be arraigned on five of the now 13 charges against him, according to a letter to the judge overseeing the case. Zhao Changpeng, founder and chief executive officer of Binance. Bitcoin held above the $27,000 mark on Tuesday. Photo: Benoit Tessier/Reuters Binance faces the CFTC The US Commodity Future Trading Commission's (CFTC) action against cryptocurrency exchange Binance rocked crypto markets on Monday. The CFTC has accused Binance of failing to properly register with regulators and providing unregistered crypto derivatives in the US. "The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced it has filed a civil enforcement action charging Changpeng Zhao and three entities that operate the Binance platform with numerous violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations," the CFTC said. Read more: Crypto live prices Binance's BNB token (BNB-USD) fell 4.9% to $310. Story continues Binance CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao said: "Today, the CFTC filed an unexpected and disappointing civil complaint, despite our working cooperatively with the CFTC for over two years. "Upon an initial review, the complaint appears to contain an incomplete recitation of facts, and we do not agree with the characterisation of many of the issues alleged in the complaint." In February, Binance announced its readiness to pay monetary penalties in order to make amends for past transgressions. Bitcoin price holds at $27,000 After crypto-markets were rocked following the news that Binance had received an enforcement action from the CFTC, bitcoin held above the $27,000 mark. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) was down 2.8% to $27,084. Ethereum (ETH-USD) fell 1.4% to $1,732. US regulators swoop on Binance and Coinbase The investigation added to already cautious investor sentiment pervading crypto markets, as traders await the outcome of the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) notice to Coinbase (COIN), and stopped bullish movements in their tracks. Bitcoin had pumped by over 30% after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) revealed systemic risk stresses in the traditional financial structure. However, green shoots sprouting across most cryptocurrency charts have been cut, with all tokens falling into the red apart from ripple (XRP-USD), which saw a rise of 3% on Tuesday, up to $0.48. Despite the current market turmoil, MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor announced the purchase of 6,455 bitcoins at an average of $23,238 per bitcoin. MicroStrategy repaid its $205M Silvergate loan at a 22% discount. As of 3/23/23, $MSTR acquired an additional ~6,455 bitcoins for ~$150M at an average of ~$23,238 per #bitcoin & held ~138,955 BTC acquired for ~$4.14B at an average of ~$29,817 per bitcoin. https://t.co/ALp9VLkTpt Michael Saylor (@saylor) March 27, 2023 Mark Lurie, co-founder of Shipyard Software, said: "The CFTC has fired the US governments' long-awaited opening salvo against Binance, and it's a doozy. Read more: Europe tops world for crypto startups with London getting most VC funding, study says "Interpreting this as an attack on crypto, however, would be a mistake. "The allegations are not about issues that exist 'in a gray area of regulation', but rather about evasion of cut-and-dry, well-understood regulations and rules that exist for pretty good reasons." Yamina Sara Chekroun, head of legal US at Ramp, told Yahoo Finance UK: "This is a signal to the industry that jurisdictional controls are going to be closely monitored and enforced and that global actors may be brought to answer in US courts. "We believe that strong periodical reviews of internal compliance policies and implementation of the processes of these policies will help all digital asset businesses comply with the new guidance, if any, this case may bring." Watch: The reasons why UK banks are blocking crypto exchanges | The Crypto Mile Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two cousins of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the trafficking of the stimulant drug captagon, a growing export for the state, which is quickly normalizing ties in the region. An AFP investigation in November found that Syria has become a narco state with the $10 billion industry in captagon dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies. The United States, in coordination with Britain, announced it was imposing sanctions on two of the president's cousins, Samer Kamal al-Assad and Wassem Badi al-Assad over the drug trade. Samer Kamal al-Assad owns a factory in the coastal city of Latakia that produced 84 million captagon pills in 2020, the US Treasury Department said. "Syria has become a global leader in the production of highly addictive captagon, much of which is trafficked through Lebanon," said Andrea Gacki, the senior Treasury official handling sanctions. "With our allies, we will hold accountable those who support Bashar al-Assad's regime with illicit drug revenue and other financial means that enable the regime's continued repression of the Syrian people," she said in a statement. Others targeted in the sanctions include Nouh Zaitar, Lebanon's most famous drug lord who is on the run from authorities, and Hassan Dekko, a Lebanese-Syrian drug kingpin with high-level connections in both countries. Under the Treasury action, the United States will block any assets on US soil held by the alleged drug traffickers and will make transactions with them a crime. Saudi Arabia has become by far the largest market for captagon, an amphetamine derived from a once-legal treatment for narcolepsy and attention disorder, with the inexpensive drug drawing both the wealthy party set and poor laborers in an Islamic country where alcohol is taboo. The action by the United States comes as its pleas to other nations not to normalize relations with Assad are increasingly ignored. Story continues Assad in March paid his second visit in as many years to the United Arab Emirates, and neighboring Turkey, long a main backer of rebels, has opened to the Damascus government. Assad, helped by Russian airpower, has largely restored control over Syria after the conflict that has killed half a million people, displaced half the country's pre-war population and saw the rise of the Islamic State extremist group. sct/caw WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States supports the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine, a top envoy at the State Department and a spokesperson said, laying out for the first time how Washington would back Ukraine's accountability push over Russian invasion. "We believe that this Special Tribunal should be rooted in Ukraines domestic judicial system, as this will provide the clearest path to establishing a new Tribunal and maximize our chances of achieving meaningful accountability," a State Department spokesperson said. Beth Van Schaak, State Department's Ambassador at the Office of Global Criminal Justice also announced late on Monday Washington's support for such a court, saying that this model has been chosen following an analysis of several others. "This kind of modelan internationalized national courtwill facilitate broader cross-regional international support and demonstrate Ukraines leadership in ensuring accountability for the crime of aggression," she said in a speech at the Catholic University of America. Ukraine, the European Union and the Netherlands have publicly backed the idea of a special tribunal. Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation," has denied accusations of war crimes including deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilians, thousands of whom have been killed. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant earlier this month accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. It said there are reasonable grounds to believe that Putin bears individual criminal responsibility. Van Schaak said the court might also be located elsewhere in Europe, at least at first, "to reinforce Ukraines desired European orientation." (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Russian plane dumps fuel on US MQ-9 Reaper drone Read also: Former 'Berkut' officer abuses kidnapped Ukrainian children The source explained that flying further away from the theater of war reduces the quality of intelligence gathered by UAVs. Spy satellites can compensate, to a certain extent, but they cant stay over targets for as long as reconnaissance drones can, making satellites less effective in that regard, the official added. After the incident with the Reaper drone, U.S. drones began flying at high altitudes over the Black Sea, away from the airspace around Russia-occupied Crimea. When CNN first reported on the change, another U.S. official said the new routes were needed to "to avoid being too provocative." Im not going to, for operational security reasons, not going to get into the specifics of routes, missions, timelines, things like that, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a briefing on March 21. The European Command of the U.S. Armed Forces reported that on the morning of March 14, two Russian Su-27 aircraft recklessly intercepted an MQ-9 Reaper drone while it was carrying out routine operations in international airspace over the Black Sea. During the intercept, one of the Su-27s hit the drones propeller, forcing the operators to crash the drone into the sea. Read also: U.S. backs Ukraines decision on Bakhmut, says Kirby Russian Defense Ministry claimed the drone crashed due to sharp maneuvering, after which it went into an uncontrolled dive and crashed into the sea. On March 16, Washington published footage of the incident from the drones rear camera, soundly disproving Moscows account. Read also: Russian search in Black Sea for downed US MQ-9 Reaper drone called off due to storms The U.S. Air Force took steps to ensure that the MQ-9 Reaper did not fall into "the wrong hands" and minimized its potential intelligence value by remotely wiping sensitive information from its hardware. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine HUNTSVILLE, Ala. One of the U.S. Armys smallest security assistance assets has had an outsized effect on the battlefield in Ukraine, and its role is expected to grow. The services training partnerships with foreign nations range from deployments of security force assistance brigades to the Joint Combined Exchange Training events that Special Forces A-teams conduct around the globe. But only one office is regularly trains allies and partners on new capabilities: the Security Assistance Training Management Organization. SATMO provides training on equipment sold to friendly nations, its commander Col. Andrew Clark explained in an interview. Its small teams are funded by the host nation and work under the U.S. State Department when teaching new technology, allowing flexibility compared to traditional Army cooperation efforts. And in Ukraine, Clark said, his commands doctrine advisory groups and trainers have helped Kyiv reinvent and reform its fighting style, force structure and professional military education. The post-Soviet nations existing warfighting playbook was dominated by Soviet- and Russian-influenced concepts. Starting in 2016, SATMO advisers embedded in Kyiv and at Ukrainian bases, Clark said. We were focused on bringing Ukraine to a NATO standard when it comes to doctrine and operations. The doctrine advisers trained Ukraines own doctrine writers, working from NATO operating concepts, and assisted in establishing a major training center in the countrys west, Clark added. Other members of the team went to the countrys National Defence University and helped standardize the logistics curriculum in addition to teaching classes there. The mission continued up until they departed ahead of Russias renewed invasion in February 2022. These efforts occurred alongside special operations community-led initiatives to help Ukraine prepare for an insurgency should its military fold amid a Russian onslaught. Clark acknowledged we cant quantify the impact that concepts- and capability-focused advising had on Ukraines armed forces, but he said many of the nations battlefield successes were linked to ideas honed with SATMOs help namely logistics and decentralized command philosophy. Story continues The Ukrainians have far exceeded Western expectations in their ability to supply and maintain their forces, and we had a logistics adviser there specifically working on that, the colonel said. [Its] not perfect, but weve seen a flexibility in planning and operations that is inherent in Western doctrine [that is] not inherent in the Soviet style of top-down command. With the war in its second year, other countries in Europe are buying American weapons to fill gaps left when sending existing stocks to Ukraine. When new gear arrives in the donor countries, Clark said, his troops will be there to help get U.S. allies up to speed. Clark also pointed at his commands cost efficiency, thanks to legal requirements that hosts foot the training bill. All it takes is people and time. With a very small investment on the U.S. Armys behalf in terms of manpower, we build super-important, high-end, niche capabilities for allies in partners, he said. But they really do help us. Alex Cochran, Deseret News As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Utah Republican Party leaders appear to be losing enthusiasm for former President Donald Trump and flocking to support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. On Monday, the party announced DeSantis would give the keynote address at their upcoming state convention, although state party Chairman Carson Jorgensen told KSL the invitation wasnt related to his possible presidential run. In recent weeks, the Deseret News reached out to the GOP chairs in all 29 Utah counties and asked who they plan to support in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primary. The chairs were offered anonymity to speak candidly. Several of them expressed doubt in Trumps ability to win reelection and confidence that DeSantis is more electable, as one chair said. Donald Trump talks to Ron DeSantis. | Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press I loved a lot of things Trump did, but shoot, our countrys gonna end up in flames if hes reelected, another said. The Deseret News contacted 22 of the 29 Utah county chairs by phone and asked about their preferred candidate in the upcoming election and any other candidates they are considering. Of the 22, 15 specifically named DeSantis, 10 mentioned Trump, and four mentioned Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations. Several others said they were waiting for more candidates to enter the race before sharing their opinion. But among those who said they would consider supporting Trump, most said they would rather see another candidate. Respondents were first asked: Are you committed to supporting a specific candidate in the 2024 presidential election? If so, who? Only one person responded affirmatively, expressing support for DeSantis. The others were then asked: What candidates are you considering supporting? The poll was modeled after Politico Magazines recent survey of county chairs across the U.S., conducted by University of Denver political scientist Seth Masket. As Masket explained, county chairs offer an effective sneak-peek into potential polling trends for a number of reasons. They are far more politically attentive and more likely to actually vote than the average voter; and theyre both activists and prominent local figures in the party, close enough to party leadership to be in-the-know, but distanced enough to form part of the grassroots. Story continues County chairs are the kind of people that successful candidates want on their side during the invisible primary, or the period between now and when voting begins, Masket concluded. County chairs eschew Trumps baggage, want a fresh start Each of the county chairs surveyed supported Trump in the 2020 election, but none said they are committed to supporting him in the 2024 primary. Even among the chairs who said they would consider supporting him, most expressed reservations about his character or legacy. One chair said they planned to support anybody but Trump. Many expressed frustration with Trumps baggage, noting that they want a new candidate who can offer a reset for the GOP. I like winning elections and I think a new face will help us win, Tom Hansen, the Emery County chair, said. Im not necessarily against Trump, but a new face would help us win elections better. Other county chairs expressed similar doubts: I just think its time for somebody else to carry the water. Hes done his good and hes done his damage. And I think theres some better candidates who can take us in a more bipartisan direction. I really wish he wouldnt run. He would be my last choice. Hes been there, he has too much baggage. I dont think he did a bad job. I just feel like we need new blood. Well, obviously he lost. And we need someone who can win. I just feel like that particular moment has passed and that what is needed now is a fresh start, if you will. Whats done is done. I felt like he should have won and he didnt. Instead of trying to ram my preferences into reality, Id rather work with what I consider to be reality. And its natural for a person to lose momentum after four years of not being the president, and I just feel like its time for another candidate. And I feel like Trump did a very good job, in my opinion. He did what he could. I havent heard from him any fresh, new ideas. I think whats needed are some fresh, new ideas. Weve got to recognize that, you know, did he do some good things? Yes, he did some good things. But I think the bad outweighed the good, the way he divided our country. I think other candidates can do those things. Im not convinced (Trump) has the majority of Republicans to put him on the ballot. So Im waiting to see if theres someone who can unite the Republicans. Trump couldnt keep his mouth shut Several county chairs expressed frustration with Trumps brazen personality. Some mentioned his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot or his Twitter activity. I was not (a Trump supporter in 2016), but quite honestly, the guy surprised me, said Brian Gorum, the Uintah County chair. He kept his promises. He put in decent Supreme Court nominees. I just wish hed quit tweeting. I think Trump was a great president, he just couldnt keep his mouth shut. I liked him as a president. I think he did a lot of good things for the country. We were much better off as a country, but he just couldnt keep his mouth shut. I feel like his ship has maybe sailed. I feel like he did a great job. I dont feel like I agree with everything hes said publicly. I feel like the topic of Trump couldnt possibly be more divisive. The way he exited the White House is embarrassing to all of us. I dont blame him for the riots, but he certainly didnt leave gracefully. There was no grace at all. It was like a spoiled kid who lost a ballgame and threw the ball at the other team. Hes just so hyperbolic. Hes a lightning rod when he doesnt need to be a lightning rod. Sometimes you dont have to burn everything down. Not everything is a nail, and you dont always have to use the hammer, I guess. There are other tools you can use. Post-presidency, the whole big Jan. 6 thing, I do feel like he couldve handled that differently. I dont object to him speaking up and I dont feel like that was a big insurgency or anything like that, but he definitely riled people up by what he said. I dont support his method of leadership. Hes demonstrated leadership that is contrary to my core beliefs. DeSantis is more electable When chairs who supported Trump in 2020 said they were open to supporting DeSantis, they were asked what they liked about him. Even several chairs who seemed unfamiliar with DeSantis one called him DeSanchez expressed interest in his candidacy. Ron DeSantis has all the same policy beliefs that Trump has. He just doesnt have the arrogance and the mouth that Donald Trump does, which is revolting. I think DeSantis is more electable. There are people who hate Trump so they will do whatever they can to keep him from winning. But both would make great candidates. You can take tough stands without being abusive and mean and rude, and thats what we found out from Gov. DeSantis, that you can be firm and strong and call out the media when theyre not fair, without being hyperbolic about it. DeSantis has come up as an equally important candidate. A return to 2016? In the 2016 primary election in Utah, Trump garnered only 13.8% of the vote, losing to both Sen. Ted Cruz (69.4%) and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (16.7%). He won the general election with 45.5%, the lowest showing for any Republican presidential nominee in Utah since 1992, when George H.W. Bush won a three-way race against Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. Trumps support in Utah was the lowest of any state he won in 2016. Several prominent Utah Republicans who previously opposed Trump including Sen. Mike Lee and former Gov. Gary Herbert later expressed support for him. In 2020, Trump won Utah with 58.2%, but Joe Bidens showing 37.7% was the highest of any Democrat in the state since Lyndon B. Johnson won the state in 1964. But Utah Republicans seem to again be distancing themselves from the former president. Last November, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy, a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll among registered Utah voters found Trump trailing DeSantis and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. Earlier this month, DeSantis won the straw poll at the Salt Lake County GOP convention. And Don Peay, who led Utahns for Trump in 2016, said hes no longer supporting the former president. Ive tuned him out, Peay told the Deseret News. At some point, you have to say, You know what, I lost, Peay said. A herd of elk graze at the Salt Lake Country Club in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 27, 2023. Utah leaders receive high marks for demonstrating bipartisan support of more crossings that have helped reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions throughout the West. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News Utah earned its spot as the first in the nation to install a wildlife crossing nearly 50 years ago. The crossing was near Beaver on I-15 and since then, high priority areas have been targeted with 50 crossings or other wildlife infrastructure, like fencing. Protective measures taken on U.S. 6 garnered a national award. Despite this years record snowpack in areas of Utah, Blair Stringham, migration coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife, said collisions have not kept pace with the snow that never seems to end. We have not seen a lot of collisions over last year, he said. We are not seeing a huge uptick in deer being hit by cars. Snow, however, has led to huge herds of elk and deer forcing closures of major interstates like I-80 and I-215. Related However, regional troublesome areas will get a boost in wildlife infrastructure with a $20 million appropriation this year approved by Utah lawmakers and endorsed by Gov. Spencer Cox. That $20 million can be leveraged to get more federal money, Stringham added, with the Utah Department of Transportation taking point to coordinate with the wildlife agency on appropriation locations for fencing, bridges, etc. Related Ryan Sun, Deseret News The Pew Charitable Trusts praised Utah leaders for demonstrating bipartisan support of more crossings that have helped reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions throughout the West. It said that nearly 5,000 deer and 1,000 elk are killed in vehicle collisions in Utah each year. A 2019 study estimates that these and other wildlife-vehicle accidents cost Utah taxpayers nearly $138 million in human injuries and deaths and damage to vehicles, the organization said. The $20 million allocation for the 2023 fiscal year follows $1 million in fiscal 2022 seed funding and is the latest in Utahs history of investments in wildlife crossings. Story continues Nic Callero, officer with Pews U.S. public lands and rivers conservation project, issued this statement: Each dollar spent on mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions will return dividends in savings for taxpayers by reducing crashes and both human and animal injuries and deaths, and reconnecting fractured habitat. Wildlife crossings are a proven technology that save lives and money, he continued. Please avoid this area if possible and drive carefully and slowly. https://t.co/Q0JEsb71OX UtahDWR (@UtahDWR) February 1, 2023 Related Michael Dax, Western Wildway director at Wildlands Network, praised the investment. This investment represents the second most money that a state has allocated for wildlife crossings in the country. Wildlands Network is really encouraged by this display of leadership, and we look forward to seeing UDOT and UDWR put this money on the ground to make our roads safer for drivers and wildlife. Ryan Sun, Deseret News Related Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at an event in Staten Island, N.Y., last month. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) No, no, no, Republican operative Jeff Roe told Yahoo News earlier this month when asked if he would be joining the campaign-in-waiting of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But three weeks after calling it fake news, Roe who served as the chief strategist for Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 campaign announced he was, in fact, signing up with a pro-DeSantis super-PAC. Roe is now one of several former Cruz lieutenants who are gearing up for a fight thats already reminiscent of the GOPs brutal 2016 primary. That contest eventually came down to two men: Cruz, a 40-something conservative policy wonk and Harvard-educated lawyer, and Donald Trump, the erstwhile real estate magnate and reality TV host. Trump, of course, wound up winning the nomination, but not before he and his allies launched a scorched-earth attack on Cruz and his family. Trump branded Cruz Lyin Ted; amplified vulgar attacks on his wife, Heidi; and toyed with the false notion that Cruzs father had somehow played a part in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Without any evidence, Trump also accused the Texas senator of winning the 2016 Iowa caucuses through fraud and said Cruzs victory there should have been nullified as a result. Former President Donald Trump arrives at a rally at the Waco Regional Airport in Texas on March 25. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Cruz, once he lost the nomination, fell in line behind Trump despite all that, quickly becoming one of his key allies in the Senate. Some of his top aides, like pollster Kellyanne Conway, likewise followed suit and signed on with Trump. But several major figures from Cruzs old operation have now gravitated to DeSantis, Trumps would-be top competitor in the 2024 primary. Ken Cuccinelli, the longtime Republican activist who prayed with Cruzs father on the convention floor in 2016 just hours before Trump cemented his nomination? Check. David Polyansky, the data wizard with strong grassroots organizing skills and ties to Iowa critical to any serious presidential bid? Check. Cuccinelli, Polyansky and Roe are now with Never Back Down, the pro-DeSantis super-PAC. All three have extensive experience in Republican politics, with Cuccinelli eventually joining the Department of Homeland Security under Trump. And all three have the rare experience of having already worked for a top Trump target in a Republican primary. Story continues The question now is whether they can draw on that experience the failures, the successes, the lessons learned in order to beat Trump next year. Their time in the trenches fighting for Cruz could be all that more valuable as the former president attacks DeSantis, another 40-something conservative policy wonk and Harvard-educated lawyer, in explicitly personal terms. Ken Cuccinelli testifies at a Senate hearing in 2020. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters) The fact that a number of Cruz veterans have headed to DeSantis has caught the attention of Trump advisers, and the former president himself may have taken notice as well. Ron DeSanctimonious Political Consultants are failing to rescue his sinking ship, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account the day after the Roe news broke, using his favored nickname for the Florida governor. He cant move without them, it takes him forever to make a decision, and theyre charging him and his Globalist Donors a fortune. A top official with Never Back Down told Yahoo News that the group also includes a number of former Trump campaign staffers and prominent Republicans not associated with Cruz. Just as Gov. DeSantis built a diverse coalition to win a landslide reelection in 2022, this is a team that brings together diverse campaign, political, grassroots and Hill experience, Chris Jankowski, executive director of Never Back Down, told Yahoo News. The way you win is by bringing the best players available to your team, and that is exactly what Never Back Down is doing. 2024 is not 2016 its a new day in the Republican Party. In the years since 2016, Roe has remained a sought-after Republican consultant. Most recently, he was a key player in Glenn Youngkins successful run for Virginia governor in 2021. Youngkins victory was seen as a blueprint for how Republicans could still win in Democratic-leaning states, in part because of how Youngkin was able to capitalize on the culture-war issues that Trump prioritizes while still keeping Trump at a distance. Republican strategist Jeff Roe, left, with Glenn Youngkin in November 2021, just before Youngkin's election as governor of Virginia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Shortly after Youngkins victory, Roe met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, fueling speculation that the former Cruz staffer would wind up working for the former presidents comeback bid. But it wasnt long before rumors began that Roe had his eyes on working for DeSantis instead. DeSantis has yet to formally announce that hes running for president even as he behaves more and more like a candidate, weighing in on foreign policy as he tours the country and refines his pitch to voters. Hes aiming at a May or June launch date for his campaign, according to people familiar with the matter. But although DeSantis is still technically on the sidelines, at least one member of Congress has already endorsed him: Texas Rep. Chip Roy, a leader of the House GOPs right flank and a former top aide to Cruz. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff (R) reacts after US Vice President Kamala Harris (C) received a traditional Kente cloth at the Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast, Ghana, on March 28, 2023 Vice President Kamala Harris ventured to Accra, Ghana, this week on her first trip to Africa while in office. Harris, the first Black U.S. woman vice president, arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Sunday with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, ABC News reported. Ghana Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia welcomed them with a ceremony that included flowers, dancers and drummers. Children gathered at the side of the stage, where Harris made brief remarks. What an honor it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa, Harris said in part. ABC News shared a video of the vice president greeting the crowd on the tarmac. A White House call with members of press, attended by Blavity, was held before her departure included Bill Gordon, the vice presidents national security adviser, and National Security Council Director for African Affairs Judd Devermont sharing the nature of the trip. Harris visit to the continent is a follow-up to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022. Ghana is the first stop in her three-country itinerary before visiting Zambia and Tanzania as a further statement of the long and enduring and very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on the continent of Africa, Harris said in her remarks. The post Vice President Harris Week-Long Trip Through Africa Focuses On Investment, Empowerment And Innovation appeared first on Blavity. Vice Pres. Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday, kicking off a weeklong trip to the continent that will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia. Harris, the first Black woman U.S. vice president, is making her first trip to Africa while in office. https://t.co/X1ZNb9KaS3 pic.twitter.com/KBZhV8xHyB ABC News (@ABC) March 26, 2023 While on her trip, Harris meets with country leaders to reconvene the conversation around increasing investments on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity. Story continues She also mentioned her trip would focus on the economic empowerment of women and girls and youth entrepreneurship and, lastly, digital inclusion and food security in light of mounting challenges from climate change, ABC News reported. Vice President Harris made a point to mention the importance of the younger generation of Africa, as the median age of the continent is 19. Having a continent with such a young group at the helm of change was acknowledged as a benefit as they will champion change, access and opportunity. Harris zeal for including the youth was on display Monday. After meeting with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo, she visited a recording studio in Accra and engaged with groups of young people in the creative industry. Vibrate Space founder Sandy Alibo welcomed @VP Kamala Harris who is accompanied by Sheryl Lee Ralph and Idris Elba to Vibrate Space, a community recording studio for young creatives, at the Freedom Skatepark in Accra, Ghana. : Nipah Dennis #MVPinAfrica pic.twitter.com/mKUeOGQar8 Sky | MVP supporter (@skylikeajedi) March 27, 2023 On Tuesday, the Harris delivered a speech to an audience of young people at Black Star Gate in Accra. She expressed her optimism about the future of Africa, and by extension, the world, because of the ingenuity and creativity prevalent across the continent, especially in young people. Her speech centered around the theme of innovation and its uncompromisable role in the growth of Africa. Mentions included innovative developments across the continent, ensuring they benefit the world in tech, agriculture, clean energy, and science. As mentioned in her arrival speech, Harris intentionally spoke about womens empowerment. She argued that women worldwide must be able to participate in economic, political, and social life fully and equally, including in leadership roles. She outlined the United States approach to partnership with African nations and people as a pillar of good governance and democracy, building on President Bidens statement at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022 that were all in on Africa. Together, we will address the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. And today, I will speak about one particular area of opportunity: investment in innovation. Innovation is the pursuit of what can be, unburdened by what has been, Harris said. She continued, Innovation results in ones ability not only to see but do things differently: new methods, new products, new approaches, new ideas. We innovate to be more effective and to solve problems. From the invention of new technology to the origin of social movements, innovation has come about by challenging the premise, questioning the status quo, and bold thinking. She addressed the youth as dreamers and innovators and stated their spark is what will drive the future. And with that, African ideas and innovations will shape the future of the world, and so we must invest in African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities not only for the people of the 54 countries that make up this diverse continent but also for the American people and people around the world, she said. Tune in as I give remarks about our nations shared future with the people of Africa. https://t.co/ZzWC90iqDQ Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 28, 2023 Wednesday will be Vice President Harris last day in Ghana. She will meet with women entrepreneurs and discuss the economic empowerment of women. White House officials anticipate there will be a conversation surrounding continental theories of continent-wide public and private sector investments to help close the digital gender divide and to empower women economically more broadly. Harris will begin her meetings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Thursday. She will meet with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Harris and Hassan will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 1998 bombing of the U.S. embassy there. She will then continue her outreach with thought leaders in a meeting with tech entrepreneurs. She will depart from Tanzania and head to Lusaka, Zambia, on Friday, where she will meet with President Hakainde Hichilema in the capital city. During her meetings on Saturday, Harris will focus on climate adaptation, resilience and food security. Continent-wide public and private sector investments will be announced to increase climate resilience and food security efforts. Lastly, in Lusaka on Saturday, Harris meets with African business and philanthropic leaders to discuss digital and financial inclusion on the continent. They will discuss how to partner together best and build on the work of her trip and all the private sector announcements she will announce on the trip. Vice President Harris trip will conclude on April 2 with her return to Washington, DC. This trip is to create the foundation of forward thinking and partnership between the continent and the United States. During the press call, it was stated that by 2050, one in four people on the planet will be on the African continent. In mid-March, Virgin Orbit went into an "operational pause" and put most of its 750 employees in an unpaid leave due to financial issues. Reports have come out that the satellite launch company was in talks with potential new investors since then, but it sounds like it has yet to clinch a deal that would fund its operations going forward. According to CNBC and Reuters, Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart has told employees via email that the company will extend unpaid furlough for majority of its workforce. "Our investment discussions have been very dynamic over the past few days, they are ongoing, and not yet at a stage where we can provide a fulsome update," he reportedly wrote. Sources told the news organizations that Virgin Orbit's late-stage discussions with Texas-based investor Matthew Brown broke down and was officially called off late last week. Brown was going to put in $200 million into the company, which would've given the investor a controlling stake. Talks with a different potential buyer, CNBC said, also came to a halt on Sunday night. CNBC's Investing in Space newsletter recently reported that Sir Richard Branson, which currently has the largest stake in the company at 75 percent, doesn't want to own the business anymore even through the bankruptcy process. Branson's Virgin Group was apparently rushing to find a debtor-in-possession loan, but discussions with bankruptcy firms also fizzled out. A small team of Virgin Orbit employees already returned to work last week as part of its expected "incremental resumption of operations." While the company's future remains unclear, it has to start preparing for its next planned rocket launches. One of the missions it's aiming to accomplish this year is its second orbital launch attempt from UK soil. If you'll recall, what was supposed to be Virgin Orbit's first orbital UK launch took off from Spaceport Cornwall on January 9th, but it failed to reach orbit due to a dislodged fuel filter. BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era and contribute more to peace, stability and development in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday. Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Asking the Saudi crown prince to convey his best wishes and Ramadan greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Xi said that China-Saudi Arabia relations are currently at an all-time high. Noting that he paid a successful state visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of last year, Xi pointed out that the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit were also successfully held, which have boosted China-Saudi Arabia relations, promoted China's relations with the GCC and Arab states, and positively impacted the Middle East situation. China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the outcomes of his state visit to Saudi Arabia, the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit last year, and continue to firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, Xi said. The Chinese side also stands ready to expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with Saudi Arabia, and push for greater development of China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said. China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era and make more contributions to promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East, Xi said. Xi pointed out that recently, with the joint efforts of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran, the talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Beijing were successfully held and achieved significant results, helping Saudi Arabia and Iran improve their relations, with a significant demonstration effect on enhancing the unity and cooperation of regional countries and easing regional tensions, and thus having been widely praised by the international community. Recently, the momentum of detente among regional countries has been growing remarkably, which has fully demonstrated that resolving contradiction and differences through dialogue and consultation is in accordance with the people's aspiration, the trend of the times and the interests of all countries, Xi said. It is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighborliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, said the Chinese president, adding that China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks. For his part, the Saudi crown prince conveyed King Salman's greetings to Xi, and extended again his warm congratulations on Xi's reelection as Chinese president. The Saudi side sincerely appreciates China for its strong support for Saudi Arabia and Iran improving their relations, which has fully demonstrated China's role as a responsible major country, said the Saudi crown prince. China is increasingly playing an important and constructive role in regional and international affairs, which is highly appreciated by the Saudi side, he said, adding that China is an important partner of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi side attaches great importance to the development of relations with China and is willing to work with China to open up new prospects for cooperation between the two countries, he added. FLORENCE, Italy (AP) Visitors flocked to see Michelangelos David sculpture in Florence on Tuesday, following an uproar over a Florida schools decision to force the resignation of the principal over complaints about a lesson featuring the Renaissance masterpiece. Tourists, many of them Americans on spring break or studying abroad, posed for selfies in front of the giant marble statue, which features the Biblical David, naked with a sling over his shoulder and a rock in his hand, ready for battle with Goliath. Florences Galleria dellAccademia, which houses the sculpture, reopened Tuesday after its weekly Monday closure, and both tourists and locals alike couldnt get over the controversy. Its part of history, said Isabele Joles from Ohio, who is studying French and Italian art with her school group. I dont understand how you can say its porn. She and other visitors were reacting to the decision by Tallahassee Classical School board to pressure Principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign last week after an image of the David was shown to a sixth-grade art class. Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained because they werent notified in advance that a nude image would be shown, while a third called the iconic statue, which is considered the height of Renaissance sculpture, pornographic. The school has a policy requiring parents to be notified in advance about controversial topics being taught. Over the weekend, both Florences mayor and the museum director voiced incredulity over the ruckus and issued invitations for the ousted principal and the school community to come and see the sculpture for themselves. We are talking about the roots of Western culture, and David is the height, the height of beauty, museum director Cecilie Hollberg said in an interview Tuesday, as tourists brushed past her snapping selfies with the statue. The controversy wasn't only a topic of conversation in Florence. On Monday night in Tallahassee, a large crowd showed up for a school board meeting with public comment on the issue of the David statue controversy lasting over an hour, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. Some parents and teachers criticized the board and even asked chairman Barney Bishop to step aside. Story continues Given the dissatisfaction of all these parents with your leadership, would you be willing to lead us by integrity by resigning? asked teacher Ben Steigner. Bishop refused, saying he intends to remain as chairman through the end of his term in May and then another year on the board, the newspaper reported. The five trustees are elected by themselves, not the parents, and serve three-year-terms. New Principal Cara Wynn told the school board that nine students had left the school since the David controversy began, but that three had enrolled. Tallahassee Classical is a charter school. While it is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, it operates almost entirely independently of the local school district and is sought out by parents seeking an alternative to the public school curriculum. About 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the three-year-old institution, which is now on its third principal. It follows a curriculum designed by Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan frequently consulted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on educational issues. The Florida Department of Education, however, has distanced itself from the controversy and the schools decision. The Statue of David has artistic and historical value. Florida encourages instruction on the classics and classical art, and would not prohibit its use in instruction, the department said in a statement. The matter at the Tallahassee Classical School is between the school and an employee, and is not the effect of state rule or law. At the museum on Tuesday, tourist Brian Stapley from Seattle Washington said he was sad for the schools children. Its one of the most incredible parts of our history, he said as he waited on line to get into the museum. I feel incredibly sorry for the children that dont get to see it. ___ Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed. (Getty Images) Senator Chris Murphy is perhaps the most outspoken advocate for gun safety legislation. The Connecticut Democrat had just won his first term in the Senate and wasnt even sworn in when a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, which is located in his home state. Ever since then, after nearly every major mass shooting, hes gone on the Senate floor to call for Congress to do something. But after the shooting in Nashville, Tennessee that left six people, including three nine-year-old children, dead, he seemed more resigned. Ill continue to push for legislation and at some point, we should talk about putting votes on the floor, he told The Independent on Monday. Mr Murphys call for more votes is really all that Democrats can do after the shooting in Nashville. With only 51 votes in the Senatenot counting the fact that Senators Dianne Feinstein of California and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania are out for health issuesthey cant overcome the 60-vote threshold that is the filibuster. So all they can really do is put Republicans on record and pray that voters see it. On top of that, Republicans now hold the majority albeit narrowly in the House of Representatives, which makes action on guns much less likely. I think America wants to see where people stand on some of these issues, whether it be, whether it be universal background checks or assault weapons, so well continue to talk about what path forward we have on compromise legislation, Mr Murphy said. Mr Murphy notched an important win last year when he and Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, then a Democrat who has since become an independent, negotiated compromise legislation with Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in the wake of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. That bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan consensus to the extent that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supported it. It also effectively took the issue of gun violence off the table before a midterm election, which likely helped Republicans (incidentally, the House voted on it the same day the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, which likely staved off a red wave). But that Herculean effort required a Democratic trifecta, to say nothing of the fact President Joe Biden has focused on gun violence since he was a Senator. Story continues Similarly, Democratic Representative Lucy McBath, of Georgia, seemed optimistic but also realistic. Its not any one particular bill or one particular policy, but it is things such as assault weapons, it is expanding background checks for all gun sales, it is a federal red flag law, it is safe storage, she told The Independent. Ms McBath, who is Black, got involved in politics after a white man shot and killed her son Jordan Davis. Since then, she won a seat in the House in 2018 as part of the blue wave that hit the suburbs of Atlanta. But already, Republicans like Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a conservative who nonetheless gets along with Democrats like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, told reporters bluntly Were not gonna fix it. Criminals are going to be criminals. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia used the fact that the shooter was reportedly transgender to deflect from blaming guns, tweeting How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender Nashville school shooter taking? Everyone can stop blaming guns now. Ms Greenes closeness with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy likely means no gun legislation will come to the House floor. The trial against the man accused of shooting and killing a San Pedro man and his nephew over a disagreement about a Morro Strand State Beach camping space began Monday more than two decades after the alleged crime took place. Prosecutors say Stephen Arthur Deflaun killed Stephen Wells, 37, and his 11-year-old nephew, Jerry Rios Jr., on July 8, 2001. Deflaun was arrested at the scene, but has not faced trial until this week. The 63-year-old, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was never expected to be competent enough to stand trial, a forensic psychologist said in a 2004 court hearing, but that changed in April 2022. Deflaun is charged with two counts of murder with a firearm and one count of assaulting a peace officer with a firearm, in this case a California State Parks ranger. Deflaun entered two pleas in June to his charges: not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. Defense Attorney Ray Allen (center) looks at his notes during the trial against Stephen Deflaun in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. In his opening statements Monday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, San Luis Obispo County Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth called the fatal shootout shocking, deliberate escalation worthy of first-degree murder convictions. Tim Osman, one of Deflauns attorneys, said he believes the evidence shown at trial will show Deflaun did factually kill Wells and Rios Jr., but that Deflaun wasnt at fault. The voices in Deflauns head told him that killing Wells and the child he believed was Wells accomplice was the only way Deflaun would survive being assassinated, Osman said. Stephen Wells of San Pedro and his nephew Jerry Rios, 11, were was shot to death on camping trip to Morro Bay on July 8, 2001. Stephen Arthur Deflaun has been charged with their murders. DA: Defendant and victim argued before shootout On Monday, Dobroth laid out the basic facts of the case to the jury and previewed witnesses they will hear from and evidence they will see. On July 8, 2001, Stephen Wells and his wife, Elizabeth Betsy Wells were on a weeks-long road trip with her three children and their nephew when they stopped in San Luis Obispo County, Dobroth said. They had a large recreational vehicle, the prosecutor said, so the woman operating the entrance and exit kiosk at Morro Strand State Beach told them to drive around to look for a large campsite and return to the entrance. Story continues At one of the large campsites, there was a lone brown camper van, Dobroth said. Jerry Rios, 11, of Gardena and his uncle Stephen Wells of San Pedro were was shot to death on camping trip to Morro Bay on July 8, 2001. Stephen Arthur Deflaun has been charged with their murders. Stephen Wells asked the two oldest kids 11-year-old cousins Brian Wells and Jerry Rios Jr. to ask the driver of the van, later identified as Deflaun, if he planned to stay at the campsite, Dobroth said. Deflaun brushed them off, and Stephen Wells sent the kids back to the van to clarify if he was going to stay overnight, the prosecutor said. Thats when Deflaun yelled at the children, Dobroth said, prompting Stephen Wells to yell back something to the effect of If you have a problem, dont take it out on the boys, take it out on me. According to Dobroth, the heated conversation ended with Wells telling Deflaun he was going to report him to the park rangers, which is what he did. At left, Jerry Rios Jr., also known as little Jerry, with his cousin, Brian Wells, in the months before his death on July 8, 2001. Rios Jr. is one of two people Stephen Deflaun is accused of killing. Wells then drove up to the kiosk and parked out of the way, the prosecutor said. After Wells and the two boys walked up to the kiosk and talked to the park ranger dispatch, Dobroth said, Deflaun was seen walking toward the kiosk pointing a gun at Stephen Wells. Which person was shot first was unclear, Dobroth said, but Stephen Wells was shot four times under his right eye, in the left side of his head, in his right bicep and left knee while Rios Jr. was shot twice, in the center of his forehead and upper left of his neck. Rios Jr. died at the scene, and Wells died later at the hospital, Dobroth said. San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal prosecutes the case against Stephen Deflaun, who is accused of shooting and killing two people in 2001, at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Monday, March 27, 2023. Brian Wells ran away from Deflaun in search of safety and saw Deflaun heading toward his familys RV, the prosecutor said. Wells yelled to his mom and two siblings to shut the door, but Deflaun entered the RV anyways, Dobroth said. According to the prosecutor, Deflaun asked Betsy Wells if she had a gun while he had a gun pointed at her two children. When she responded no, DeFlaun allegedly replied, Whyd you have to f--k with me? A shootout then ensued between Deflaun and the park rangers, which eventually ended after Deflaun was injured and gave up, Dobroth said. Deflaun was arrested at the scene, and has been in the jail and state hospital systems ever since. On Monday, Dobroth said he plans to call several eye witnesses who saw the shootout, including family members, park rangers and first responders, and told the jury he believes the evidence will support murder convictions in the first-degree. Stephen Deflaun is accused of fatally shooting two people and firing at a park ranger at Morro Strand State Beach in 2001. Defense: Voices in defendants head told him to kill According to his defense attorney, Deflaun has lived with serious mental illness since he was a teenager. Osman told the jury Monday that he fully anticipates they will find Deflaun responsible for the deaths of Stephen Wells and Rios Jr. However, Osman said that the evidence he and his fellow attorney, Ray Allen, plan to present will show Deflaun is deeply and profoundly ill and was not medicated at the time of the incident. Hes been subject to incessant torment, pain, discomfort, anxiety all of his brains own making, Osman said. Defense attorney Tim Osman gives opening statements in the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. When Deflaun takes the stand later in the trial, Osman said the jury will learn how Deflaun was intimidated by voices in his head and how hopeless he felt. The defense attorney said the voices in Deflauns head, which Deflaun referred to as the program, were waging a war against him. The day of the shooting, Osman said, Deflauns voices told him he shouldnt leave his van because he will be captured by the nefarious actors of the program. When Rios Jr. and his cousin came to Deflauns van the second time, Osman said, Deflaun told them Are you stupid or something? Stephen Arthur Deflaun, 63, sits in the first day of the murder trial against him in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. He is accused of killing a man and child at Morro Strand State Beach on July 8, 2001. Stephen Wells responded, Dont talk to my kids that way, displayed his middle finger and challenged him to fight, the defense attorney said. When Wells left, his arms were outstretched like Jesus on the cross, which made Deflaun believe it was a sign from God, Osman said. According to the defense attorney, the voices told Deflaun that Wells was an assassin sent to kill him, and that if Deflaun killed Wells first, Wells would be converted to Christianity and hundreds of lives would be saved. Osman said Deflaun shot Wells scared for his life, then shot Rios Jr. moments later believing he was another assassin. Defense attorney Tim Osman gives opening statements in the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. Deflaun didnt shoot anyone else after Wells and Rios Jr. were killed, Osman said, adding that the park ranger who engaged in the shootout will testify Deflaun was waving his gun around and yelling at himself. Osman said the defense plans to call forensic psychologists, doctors and Deflaun himself to talk about how Deflauns mental illness played a role in the fatal shooting. The defense attorney told the jury he expects them to be able to view the tragic event that occurred July 8, 2001, from multiple perspectives. Elizabeth Betsy Wells (left) and San Luis Obispo County Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth mark an aerial view of the crime scene for the jury hearing the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun at San Luis Obispo County Superior Court on March 27, 2023. Surviving family members take the stand Betsy Wells and her son, Brian Wells, took the stand Monday after opening statements, walking the jury moment-by-moment through what became one of the most traumatic days of their lives. Betsy Wells said she had just graduated nursing school when she and her family decided to take a long vacation and rent an RV. Wells said the plan was to drive up the California coast, then go inland at the Oregon coast to visit family members. From there, she said, they would loop back and visit family in Central California. Wells and her family were toward the beginning of their trip when they decided to camp at Morro Strand State Beach, she said. Stephen Wells, left, and his wife, Elizabeth Betsy Wells a few months before his death on July 8, 2001. Wells was one of two people Stephen Deflaun is accused of killing. When the argument at the campsite took place between her husband and Deflaun, she said she could hear escalated voices that sounded angry, but couldnt hear what they were saying. She said her husband told her Deflauns van smelled like weed and that he was going to report him to the park rangers. Betsy Wells stayed in the RV with her two youngest kids while her husband, son and nephew went out to the park kiosk to report Deflaun. Suddenly she heard two loud gunshots, and watched her husband fall to the ground, Wells recalled. San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Barry LaBarbera oversees the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun on March 27, 2023 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. Wells saw bystanders with a horror look on their face. she said, then she saw Deflaun shoot her husband again while he was on the ground. Thats when she yelled for her two children to get under the kitchen table, and she called 911 on her cell phone, Wells said. While she was on the phone, Wells said, the door to the RV burst open and Deflaun began yelling at her, asking if she had a gun. She said she dropped her phone because she didnt want it to be a reason she got shot. Brian Wells testifies in the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. Deflaun is accused of killing Wells uncle and cousin. I said, No, please, I have two small kids here, please, Wells testified. She said Deflaun asked her a second time if she had a gun and she told him she didnt. Then he yelled, Whyd you have to f--k with me? and then slammed the door, she said. Wells said she saw her 11-year-old nephew later covered in a body bag, explaining thats how she knew he died at the scene. Paramedics were still treating her husband as police arrived and arrested Deflaun, Wells said. San Luis Obispo County Assistan District Attorney Eric Dobroth gives his opening statements in the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. Brian Wells said his cousin, Jerry Rios Jr., was the one who knocked and did the talking at Deflauns van. According to statements Brian Wells made to law enforcement days after the shooting, Deflaun told the two cousins You better get your punk a-- out of here or Ill kick your little a--es and Stephen Wells told Deflaun Dont talk to my kids that way and You better get out out the car if you want to fight. Brian Wells said his cousin Jerry Rios Jr. was his best friend, and the two were goofing around at the kiosk when Stephen Wells was reporting Deflauns van to the park ranger. That changed when Brian Wells saw Deflaun with his gun coming near the kiosk. He said Deflaun said, Man, you shouldnt have f--ked with me, before shooting Rios Jr.. Seconds later, Brian Wells said, he saw his uncle fall to the ground. From left to right, a bailiff, San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal, defendant Stephen Deflaun, and defense attorneys Ray Allen and Tim Osman sit in the murder trial against Deflaun on March 23, 2023. Then he ran for his life. I was terrified, Brian Wells said. I had just seen my cousin die in front of me. Wells said he hid behind a parked car in the vicinity of the RV, and saw Deflaun walking toward the RV. Brian Wells said he yelled to his mom in the RV, Hes coming! Close the door! which prompted Deflaun to point his gun at Wells and yell at him to shut up. Wells later reunited with his mom in the RV, and knew law enforcement arrived when he heard them say things like Get on the ground. Heidi Hodak testifies at the murder trial against Stephen Deflaun at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on March 27, 2023. Hodak was working at Morro Strand State Beach at the time of the 2001 shooting. Whats next Heidi Hodak, who was a 20-year-old Cal Poly student working at the Morro Strand State Beach entrance and exit kiosk in 2001, began her testimony on Monday shortly before the end of the court day. Prosecutors played a recorded call between Hodak and State Parks dispatch, reporting Deflaun before the shooting, for the court. During the call, Hodak hands the phone to Stephen Wells, who tells dispatchers that Deflaun had threatened his children and smelled like marijuana. Hodak is expected to finish her testimony when court resumes Tuesday at 10 a.m. HAVANA (AP) Cuba's government reported Monday that abstention in National Assembly elections was 24.1%, a figure some analysts said reflects discontent with the island's economic crisis as well as a rise in apathy. While a 75.9% voter turnout in Sundays voting is high compared with other countries, it is about nine percentage points lower than voter turnout in Cuba's 2018 National Assembly elections and far lower than the 94.2% turnout seen in 2013. Since there was only one candidate running for each of the 470 legislative seats, turnout was watched by observers as a political thermometer. It is evident that the government is dealing with less unconditional support from its bases, said Arturo Lopez-Levy, a professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Cubas economy was badly hit by the pandemic and increased U.S. sanctions, and the island nation has seen a surge in migration along with power outages and fuel shortages. The communist-ruled nation was rocked by rare protests in July 2021 and October 2022. Michael Shifter, a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington think tank, said the 24% abstention is high in historical terms since the general average for non-participation has been 10%. Shifter described abstention in Cuba as a complex phenomenon that could reflect discontent with the governments bad performance and apathy or disinterest. The voter turnout figures from Sundays legislative voting were announced by Alina Balseiro, president of the National Electoral Council. She said that of 8.1 million people registered to vote, 6.1 million voted. Some 6.2% of the ballots were blank and 3.5% voided. While critics contend that voters in Cuba's legislative elections do no more than endorse a slate of candidates vetted by Communist Party officials, Cuban officials say the system is inclusive and builds unity, while steering clear of the divisiveness of party politics or any ill effects of big-money donors. Story continues Voting in Cuba is not compulsory but traditionally was considered a national duty. National Assembly elections are held every five years and are technically nonpartisan. But they fall under the indirect control of the Communist Party. Half of the 470 candidates came from municipal assemblies chosen in local elections last November. The other half were nominated by groups representing broad swaths of society, such as a womens group and workers unions. All were vetted by election committees with ties to the party. The National Assembly is nominally the countrys highest governing power. It approves laws and votes for the president and executive officials from among its members. The new National Assembly is expected to convene April 19. The Chashu Chuka Soba I ordered cost about 1,500 yen, which is about $11. David McElhinney I ate at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, one of the three Michelin-starred ramen restaurants in Tokyo. I waited two-and-a-half hours for an $11 bowl of ramen, which fused Eastern and Western flavors. It was some of the best ramen I've ever had, but the process required to get it left me disgruntled. I dined at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, one of Tokyo's three Michelin-star ramen restaurants. Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou is located in a multistory building in Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood. David McElhinney If you want to eat at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, you have to be willing to wait for good food. One of only three ramen restaurants in Tokyo to earn a Michelin star in 2022 (it previously had a Bib Gourmand), the restaurant run by Yasufumi Matsumura, the chef and owner has become one of the city's most popular lunch spots. I headed to Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood on a frigid February morning to try the ramen, which is influenced by Matsumura's background in French cuisine and fine dining. Though people used to be able to make reservations, that wasn't the case when I went. The shop only serves a certain amount of bowls every day and closes around 3 p.m., so I figured it would be good to get there early. I arrived at 11:15 a.m. on a Thursday, just 15 minutes after opening time. Here's what it was like. The line to enter was so long that I considered coming back another day. There were about 40 people in line when I arrived, and many had their heads buried in their phones. David McElhinney A sense of foreboding grew inside of me as I approached the restaurant and looked up to see a queue of about 30 to 40 individuals hugging the side of the street. It led directly to Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, which I spotted in the distance. Long lines like this one aren't a rarity in Tokyo. Many locals are more than willing to wait hours to try a new bubble-tea cafe in the city's trendy Shimokitazawa district or order tonkatsu (breaded pork) from a hole-in-the-wall shop that's trending on social media. I've seen similarly long lines during Golden Week, a series of public holidays in the spring. Patience isn't one of my virtues, so I avoid queuing at all costs. But I'd committed to trying this ramen shop, so I begrudgingly joined the back of the line. Story continues The restaurant has rules prohibiting customers from sitting, smoking, or jumping the line. These general rules were written in Japanese and English by the shop door. David McElhinney I stood in the queue and stared vacantly into the distance, waiting for time to pass. A staff member from the shop intermittently checked on us, ensuring everybody was standing in a single-file formation. They also made sure nobody was sitting down, smoking, jumping the line, or creating any other disturbances. These rules were even hung by the shop door in both Japanese and English. After 30 minutes or so of standing, I inquired about the wait time. "Between two and three hours," the staff member replied. His estimation was spot on. I neared the end of the first part of the line at the two-hour mark. Then, I crossed the street to queue some more. Before joining the second part of the line, I ordered my $11 ramen using a vending machine. After paying for my ticket, I had to retreat back into the line. David McElhinney Right before I got to the second portion of the line, a staff member sent me inside to purchase a ticket for my noodles. If customers didn't speak Japanese, the employees translated the instructions on their phones. A vending machine dispensed the tickets, a system that's customary in many ramen restaurants across Japan. The three options Chuka Soba, Ajitama Chuka Soba, and Chashu Chuka Soba are all made with the shop's signature broth: a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors including kombu (seaweed), dried shiitake mushrooms, dried tomatoes, scallops, uncured ham, free-range chicken, and duck. The difference lies in the toppings. The Chuka Soba is the most standard option with no extra toppings, the Ajitama Chuka Soba comes with a soft-boiled egg, and the Chashu Chuka Soba, the dish I ordered for 1,500 yen, about $11, is topped with sliced pork and a soft-boiled egg. Beer and small bowls of rice with pork are also available. After ordering, I passed my ticket to the staff member so they knew my number in the queuing order. Then, they shuffled me back outside to reclaim my place in line. Losing my spot wasn't something I worried about, as queuing etiquette is typically very respectful in Japan. About two-and-a-half hours after I arrived, I finally reached the front of the line. The noren, or curtains, have the restaurant's name written on them. David McElhinney I didn't eat breakfast on the day of my visit, mistakenly thinking the wait time would be short this early in the morning. By the time I neared the front of the line, my conversation with the guy beside me had moved from small talk to whines about our hunger. I hoped that I'd be able to show enough restraint when the noodles were in front of me to enjoy them rather than inhale them. But I was starving by the time I reached the entrance to the fairly nondescript establishment, which is on the ground floor of a multistory building. It has latticed windows fixed within a stone facade. Its half-length curtains, called noren, are emblazoned with the restaurant's name in kanji, a Japanese system of writing that uses Chinese characters. The shop was very small and a little fancier than most of the ramen joints I've visited in Tokyo. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet throughout my meal. David McElhinney As the door shut behind me, silence seemed to fill the room. The only noises I heard were the odd slurp of noodles, the clink of chopsticks on porcelain, and the sound of the chef pouring broth into bowls. The ramen restaurants I've visited in Tokyo tend to have a little bit more atmosphere, with steam billowing from an open kitchen, meat sizzling on a hot plate, and chefs welcoming customers with gusto. Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou is also tiny. It only has six seats, which explains the long wait time. The restaurant's size is also reflected in its name. Hachigou means "eight-five," and the shop is 8 tsubo by 5 tsubo. Tsubo is a Japanese unit of area equal to about 35.58 square feet. It's no surprise the ramen tasted good, given Mastumura's credentials. The Chashu Chuka Soba has sliced pork and a soft-boiled egg on top. David McElhinney Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou is the third ramen shop Mastumura has opened after leaving an acclaimed career in fine dining. The influence of his previous work at upscale establishments wasn't only evident in the restaurant's setting and presentation, but also in the food. The Chashu Chuka Soba's broth was thinner than the hefty tonkotsu (pork bone) or miso-butter soups I tend to favor. Its umami-rich flavor exploded across my palate but still managed to remain delicate. Matsumura also eschews the use of tare a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in his broth, an element some purists argue is a prerequisite for a good bowl of ramen. However, this broth begs to differ. The toppings on the Chashu Chuka Soba tasted sublime and were cooked to perfection. My bowl came out of the kitchen very quickly. David McElhinney The strips of chashu (braised pork belly) were so tender that I could barely lift them with my chopsticks without having them fall apart. The cracked pepper on top was also a nice touch. I haven't seen it in many traditional Japanese ramen dishes, but it complimented the broth's natural saltiness. When I bit into the soft-boiled egg, it had a fluffy texture and a rich, yolky flavor that spread to every corner of my mouth. Menma, a condiment made of fermented bamboo shoots, and a dollop of thinly sliced green onions completed the combination. The shop served some of the best ramen I've ever eaten, but after waiting in line for so long, there's no chance I'm going back. The Chashu Chuka Soba was delicious, but in my opinion, no bowl of ramen is worth such a long wait. David McElhinney As someone who's lived in Japan for a while, I've eaten a lot of ramen. Here's the thing: It's almost always good. Really good. So, in my opinion, it's not worth waiting two to three hours for a bowl unless your primary goal is to taste Michelin-starred ramen. Personally, I was disgruntled by the line. I wish I could've bought my ticket, waited in a place where I could sit and relax instead of being on my feet for hours, and returned closer to my seating time. The lengthy queue didn't seem to dissuade people either. I saw some try to join the back of the line before midday, and staff members had to tell them they were already too late. Moreover, the atmosphere inside the restaurant felt a bit devoid of life, and because it lacked the charm I was looking for, I ate my meal as quickly as possible. Tokyo has 18 ramen shops currently holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that goes to restaurants with the best value for money. Countless others may not have official awards or distinctions, but they serve up seriously good bowls of noodles. My recommendation is to try one of those first before waiting in line at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou. Read the original article on Insider Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. For Rob Nunziata, the imminent closing of the downtown Orlando Walgreens at 190 S. Orange Ave. is more than just the loss of a convenient retail option on the ground floor of a building for which he and his brother, Joe Nunziata, are majority owners. Read: 7,000 Disney layoffs begin, company shutters Metaverse division After all, it was the Nunziatas who are also co-CEOs of Orlando-based FBC Mortgage LLC along with veteran broker Brian Grandstaff, of Millenia Partners, who were the driving forces behind the national retail tenant coming to downtown Orlando in the first place. The leasing was heralded at the time as a big deal for downtown, with downtown leaders saying it checked one of the vital boxes for the central business districts progression. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued Wal-Mart Stores East, saying it violated federal law after refusing to excuse a North Carolina employees disability-related absences, then firing her. A Walmart store in Statesville refused to provide a reasonable accommodation to a deli employee with symptoms of Crohns disease, which violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, the EEOC said in a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The store is located at 1116 Crossroads Drive, Statesville, court documents show. From November 2016 to April 2017, the Walmart employee requested excused disability-related absences. She also had asked to be transferred to a position closer to a bathroom. Crohns disease is a physical impairment of the digestive and bowel systems that limits activity, according to the lawsuit. Walmart excused some of the employees absences but denied several medical emergencies and appointments, and a hospitalization, according to the lawsuit. Then in April 2017, Walmart fired the employee, who had worked there for three years, for incurring unexcused absences exceeding the number of absences allowed under company policy, even though she had provided doctors notes, the EEOC said. Here you have a long-term employee who at the onset of a debilitating health condition needs some flexibility from her employer while she seeks medical treatment and works toward managing the condition, Melinda Dugas, regional attorney for the EEOCs Charlotte District, said in a statement. The EEOC is seeking back pay, compensatory damages and punitive damages for the employee, as well as additional relief to end any ongoing discrimination and to prevent such unlawful conduct in the future. Walmart officials told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday that the lawsuit is under review and thousands of company employees receive reasonable accommodations to perform their jobs. We have been a top employer for those with disabilities for years, Walmart said. We dont tolerate discrimination of any kind and take allegations like this seriously. After the stroke that could have taken her life last April, Sarah Smith realized that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Now, three months after her doctor put her in contact with Hospice Care Options Warner Robins, Smiths hospice team is helping put together the event that she used to think could wait: a wedding to her partner of 26 years, Thomas Wall. Smith is a 60-year-old woman from Perry who has raised three daughters alongside her fiance. Before her stroke, she was known as a caregiver in her family who was always putting the needs of others first, according to Lisa Johnson, a chaplain for hospice care. Plans for this wedding began soon after Smith met Johnson and the rest of her at home care hospice team, who asked if she had any bucket-list wishes they could help turn into a reality. We asked her, Sarah, is there anything that you would like to accomplish before you pass away? said Johnson. And she kind of laughed and she said well I guess I probably should get married. After hearing about her wedding wish, Smiths hospice team began recruiting volunteers from the community to help out with everything from wedding cake to finding a mobility scooter. It has been amazing to watch the community come together, Johnson said. Theres the chef from Natalias and the Rookery who did a tasting for them last week, and she made them six different cakes to choose from with four different icings, and shes just doing it out of the goodness of her heart. And then a funeral home is loaning us their sound equipment so that we can have sound that day. And theres two different people who stepped up to do the photography its just beautiful to me to watch people come forward. Local Jackson business Hunters Cafe has offered to provide food, and one woman in Warner Robins volunteered to lend Smith her mobility scooter for her wedding day. Hospice team members and other community members have even volunteered to spend the evening decorating the venue at Indian Springs Pavilion the night before the ceremony, which is set to take place April 2. Story continues Sometimes you get down on the world and you just dont think theres any goodness out there anymore, but this has shown me differently, Smith said. This isnt the first time Smith and Wall have talked about marriage since they met in 1995 in Perry. In fact, Wall has proposed twice in the past. And although Smith said yes both times, she was never in a rush to make the ceremony happen. I guess I had the mentality if its not broke, dont fix it, Smith said. Because things were going well and you have everyday life to live. It became Im comfortable, were comfortable, lets just live our everyday lives because weve always got tomorrow; we can do it tomorrow. Right before Smiths stroke, after more than two decades of being together, Smith and Wall were starting to make concrete wedding plans for the first time. But their plans were quickly put on hold. Then I had the stroke, and it could have resulted in me not being here any more, Smith said. So now I feel like you cant really say Ill do it tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. You need to enjoy your life today. You need to make your plans for today. The Polish Foreign Ministry has hinted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may visit Warsaw shortly. Source: Polish news outlet PAP, citing Pawe Jabonski, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland, as reported by European Pravda Details: He said the visit might occur soon, but even if there is an arrangement, it will be announced at the last moment for security reasons. Quote: "I think it [Zelenskyy's visit ed.] will take place soon, but let's not get ahead of the facts. We will definitely not announce this visit, as foreign leaders usually do, for security reasons," Jabonski said. Details: He added that the leaders of Poland and Ukraine are in active contact. Previously: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the evening of 27 March and discussed "preparations for important events". Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The FBI has joined the agencies assisting Everman police with the search for missing 6-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, police said at a news conference Tuesday. Texas issued an Endangered Missing Persons alert for Noel when authorities discovered his mother, stepfather and siblings left the country on an international flight without him, police said. An Amber Alert was initially issued on Saturday for Noel, who authorities say has serious disabilities and has not been seen since November. On Monday, police searched the familys home and property on Wisteria Drive. Noels mom, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, has four children between ages 7 and 11, and 5-month-old twins with her husband, 35-year-old Arshdeep Singh. All of them lived inside a large shed that was converted into a living space behind another house. The man who lives at the house, Charles Parson, is cooperating with police. A police vehicle is stationed outside of the last known residence of Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez in Everman, Texas, on Tuesday, March 26, 2023. Noel has not been seen since November 2022. On March 20, authorities made a welfare check at the familys home after authorities received an anonymous tip that the 6-year-old was missing. During the welfare check, Rodriguez-Singh lied and said Noel was in Mexico with his biological father, according to Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer. Authorities had no reason to doubt her story at the the time, but police later confirmed that the father was deported before Noel was born and has never met the child, he said. Police found a pickup truck that belongs to Noels mother at DFW Airport. Inside the truck, police found a travel visa for one of Rodriguez-Singhs other six children. The visa was obtained the day after authorities made the welfare check at the familys home, Spencer said. Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer speaks at a press conference at the Everman Civic Center on Tuesday, March 26, 2023. Spencer discussed the investigation into the disappearance of Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, 6, who has not been seen since November 2022. The visa was for travel to India with a stop first in Turkey. Authorities confirmed the family was on the flight to Turkey, but have not confirmed whether the family was on the connecting flight to India or where in India the flight was going. Police urged the public to share any information, no matter how small the detail or how long ago they saw the family. Tips can be called in at 817-293-2923. Everman police also have set up an email address for tips at tips@evermantx.net JERUSALEM, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders to immediately engage in a dialogue, a day after the government suspended a contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary. Herzog's office said in a statement that the first meeting with teams of representatives from the ruling coalition, Yair Lapid's centrist party of Yesh Atid and Benny Gantz's National Unity party will meet at the president's residence in Jerusalem later on Tuesday. Herzog said he would work "in broad cooperation for the benefit of forging as broad agreements as possible, with the aim of rescuing Israel from the deep crisis." He urged both coalition and opposition "to show responsibility" and agree to compromise. On Monday night, following a day of unprecedented strikes and protests that led to the shutdown of the airport and chaotic situations in some parts of the country, Netanyahu announced in a live televised address that he was suspending the legislation of the controversial plan until April 30. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have rallied for three consecutive weeks against the overhaul plan which seeks to weaken the Supreme Court and give the government the power to appoint judges. Scientists have discovered a new and renewable source of water on the moon in samples from a Chinese lunar mission. Water was found in tiny glass beads in the lunar dirt where violent meteorite impacts occur. The beads are the width of just hairs, and the water was a small fraction of that. The samples were returned from the moon in 2020, including 32 glass beads that were randomly picked from lunar dirt from the robotic Chang'e-5 mission. WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE CAPTURES DUST STORM ON REMOTE PLANET A screen shows footage of spacecraft for Chang'e-5 Mission, during an event on Chinas lunar exploration program, at the National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in Beijing, China, January 18, 2021. Mining the water would be tricky, because there are billions to trillions of beads, according to researchers. "Yes, it will require lots and lots of glass beads," Hejiu Hui of Nanjing University, who took part in the study, told The Associated Press. "On the other hand, there are lots and lots of beads on the moon." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The beads could continue to yield water due to continuous streams of hydrogen in solar wind. Solar wind is a stream of charged particles that emanate from the outermost part of the star's atmosphere. "Solar wind-derived water is produced by the reaction of solar hydrogen with oxygen present at the surface of the lunar glass beads," Sen Hu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Geology and Geophysics, a co-author of the study, told Reuters. Hui said that more samples will be studied in the future and more work is necessary to determine whether water could be extracted by heating the beads. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON SAYS JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE IS WINDOW TO UNIVERSE 'NEVER BEFORE ACHIEVED' In addition, the scientists need to do more studies to find out whether the water would be safe to drink. However, Hui said his team's results show that "water can be recharged on the moons surface... a new water reservoir on the moon." Moon samples from Chinas lunar exploration program Chang'e-5 Mission are displayed during an exhibition at the National Museum in Beijing, China, March 3, 2021. The findings were published on Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience. Previous studies using samples returned by the Apollo astronauts found water in glass beads formed by lunar volcanic activity, which could also provide water. Story continues CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP When NASA sends astronauts back to the moon currently slated for 2025 it'll aim for the South Pole, where permanently shadowed craters are believed to be packed with frozen water. The agency plans to announce the names of the astronauts next week; they are the first moon astronauts in half a century. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. West Hams Lucy Parker has questioned when her side will play at the London Stadium (Barrington Coombs/PA) (PA Wire) West Ham defender Lucy Parker has criticised her own club for failing to facilitate a match for their womens team at the London Stadium. Parker was responding on social media to the Hammers announcement that their mens under-18s team will play their FA Youth Cup semi-final at the stadium next week. West Ham are currently seventh in the WSL and reached the semi-finals of the Continental Cup earlier this season, where they were beaten 7-0 by Chelsea. Taking nothing away from the lads because they more than deserve it after their year but when will we get a game at the stadium? Only WSL side not to have a game at the mens stadium and havent played there since 2019. Made an FA Cup Semi Final last year too so cant be that https://t.co/s9GZWThT8R Lucy Parker (@Lucy_Parker98) March 28, 2023 Parker wrote: Taking nothing away from the lads because they more than deserve it after their year but when will we get a game at the stadium? Only WSL side not to have a game at the mens stadium and havent played there since 2019. Made an FA Cup semi-final last year too so cant be that. The Hammers currently play their home matches at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, home to National League side Dagenham. Parker was speaking on the day she was called up by Sarina Wiegman for Englands friendly matches against Brazil and Australia next month. West Ham have been contacted for comment by the PA news agency. Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem, March 27, 2023. AP Photo Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, after 12 weeks of growing protest against his proposed judicial reforms, said he will order a temporary halt to the changes that aimed to rein in the power of Israels judiciary and grant virtually unaccountable power to politicians. Netanyahus announcement came after massive protests had spread throughout the country, turbocharged by his firing the day before of Israels defense minister, who had called on the government to postpone the judicial reform. City services and universities were shut down. The Histadrut, the countrys largest and most powerful labor organization, went on strike. Doctors walked out; Israels consul general in New York resigned; planes were grounded at the national airport. And tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside of the Knesset, the countrys parliament, as members of the countrys far-right groups called for violence using gasoline, explosives, tractors, guns, knives as a member of one group put it against the protesters. Isaac Herzog, Israels president a largely ceremonial post had earlier in the month unveiled a proposed compromise on judicial reform that aimed to protect Israels democratic character. At the time, Herzog warned: Israel is in the throes of a profound crisis. Anyone who thinks that a real civil war, of human life, is a line that we will not reach has no idea. The abyss is within touching distance. The Conversation has followed the growing crisis in Israel since the beginning of 2023. Here are three stories that will help you understand whats at stake. A mounted Israeli policeman stands guard at a protest in Tel Aviv on March 27, 2023. Photo by Gil Cohen-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images 1. A major threat to democracy Political scientist Boaz Atzili at American University wrote that democracy is not just about holding elections. It is a set of institutions, ideas and practices that allow citizens a continuous, decisive voice in shaping their government and its policies. Netanyahus far-right-wing government, sworn in on Dec. 29, 2022, presents a major threat to Israeli democracy, and it does so on multiple fronts, he wrote. Story continues Atzili described the four ways the new government put Israeli democracy at risk, from hostility to freedom of speech and dissent to plans to allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community and women to West Bank annexation and apartheid and erasing the separation of powers. The courts in Israel, wrote Atzili, are the only institution that can check the power of the ruling parties. The judicial reform would erase that separation of power and, he wrote, as in Turkey, Hungary or even Russia, Israel could become a democracy in form only, devoid of all the ideas and institutions that underpin a government that is actually of the people and by the people. Read more: Israel's Netanyahu facing off against the supreme court and proposing to limit judicial independence - and 3 other threats to Israeli democracy 2. A very dangerous period Scholar Dov Waxman, an Israel expert at UCLA, said that he initially thought the warnings of an impending civil war or strife were exaggerated and unnecessarily alarmist. But by mid-February, as the protests grew from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands participating, Waxman changed his mind. I think now those warnings are well founded. Israel is really entering a very dangerous period. The protests, Waxman wrote, are driven by concerns over this judicial overhaul, but I think they speak to a broader anxiety, a fear among many Israelis about the future of democracy in Israel and the future of the country. But while Israelis are taking to the streets to defend their democracy, they have not included Palestinians in their protests. I can certainly understand why many Palestinians would be feeling that all of this sudden anxiety and concern for Israeli democracy ignores the fact that almost 50% of the population that Israel effectively rules over lacks equal rights and lacks the ability to vote in Israeli elections, he wrote. I think the fact that most Israelis dont seem to connect these two issues suggests that they only see democracy as this internal domestic issue without any relevance to the Palestinian question. The crisis may also harm Israels interests outside of the state. If the perception takes hold that Israel is no longer a democracy or not a liberal democracy, wrote Waxman, that could further weaken support for Israel in Congress and in the Democratic Party. It might even make it harder for them to continue to approve U.S. aid for Israel. Read more: Israel enters a dangerous period public protests swell over Netanyahu's plan to limit the power of the Israeli Supreme Court Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, stands on the floor of the countrys parliament as people mass outside to protest his governments judicial overhaul plan, March 27, 2023. AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo 3. A political crisis could become a security crisis American University scholar Dan Arbell, who served in the Israel Defense Forces and as a member of the countrys foreign service, took note of an unprecedented aspect of the demonstrations: Its not simply the persistence and size of the protest that is evidence of the crisis, he wrote. Its who is protesting. Arbell wrote that while the protests over the past three months have brought together people from a range of professions and interests, among the protesters is a group of individuals rarely seen at anti-government protests over the countrys almost 75-year history: Israel Defense Forces reservists. Those reservists, he wrote, announced they will not volunteer for reserve duty service if the legislation passes in the Knesset, Israels parliament. Thats a sign that the crisiss implications extend far beyond the domestic political arena. That means the crisis doesnt just have meaning for the civic realm. Besides threatening to undermine the economy and deepen societal divides, wrote Arbell, it threatens to erode Israeli national security and provoke a constitutional crisis that could ensnare the military as well. Read more: Israel's military reservists are joining protests potentially transforming a political crisis into a security crisis This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters. It was written by: Naomi Schalit, The Conversation. Read more: The Biden administration is watching Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus single-minded pursuit of judicial reforms with extreme concern, and working to quell the chaos and explosive cycle of violence with the Palestinians that Netanyahus agenda has inflamed. Netanyahu appeared to step back from the brink on Monday, with members of his coalition announcing they would delay pursuing the controversial legislation for at least a month, until the next parliamentary session. The announcement followed unprecedented protests and government strikes throughout the day, after news broke Sunday night that Netanyahu fired his defense minister, who had opposed the judicial reforms. In remarks Monday night, Netanyahu said that he is taking time-out for dialogue. We are on the path of a dangerous collision in Israeli society. We are in the midst of a crisis that endangers the basic unity among us. Such a crisis requires us all to act responsibly, he said in remarks in Hebrew. U.S. officials welcomed the news, while reiterating calls for compromise in the negotiations to come. We believe that it is the best path forward for Israel and all of its citizens to find this compromise, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Netanyahus conservative government has in recent weeks attempted to push through reforms to Israels judiciary that would effectively allow the government to choose judges on the countrys top court. Critics of the law say it would erase checks and balances that are central to democratic governance and in particular, that it would protect Netanyahu from court cases in which he faces charges of bribery and corruption, erase key protections for minority groups in the country and threaten efforts to preserve a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Biden administration officials have sought to walk a careful line in recent weeks, simultaneously voicing their support for Israel as a critical ally while expressing disapproval over the proposed judicial reforms. Story continues I want to stress that all of that concern comes from a place of respect, and friendship and admiration for the Israeli people, and for Israel as a country and Israels democracy, John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters on Monday. There are a variety of worrying, dangerous consequences to the judicial overhaul, but one particular area is how the legislation will contribute to escalating violence with the Palestinians and how the U.S. can engage both groups to calm tensions. Behind the scenes, administration officials have worked intensively over the course of the year to tamp down a volatile period of violence between Israel and the Palestinians one that has prompted warnings of a third Intifada from CIA Director Williams Burns. And Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned last week that certain actions without naming the Israeli government specifically are making it hard or futile for the U.S. to mediate between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. I can say that both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority want us to be involved and engaged in helping and supporting them, to try to get to a period of calm, Blinken told senators during an appropriations hearing on March 22. At some point, if either or both sides are not doing what we believe is necessary to get there, it will be hard or maybe futile for us to do that, he said. His remarks came after Israel advanced legislation that would pave the way for Israel to reestablish controversial settlements in the West Bank that were disbanded nearly 20 years ago, in the wake of the second Intifada, and are argued to have been built on private Palestinian land. The legislative move represents a violation of commitments Israel recently made to hold back on any settlement activity for a period of four to six months, and triggered the State Department to summon the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. in a rare diplomatic scolding. At the forefront of these legislative provocations are far-right Israeli politicians, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who are the primary backers of the judicial overhaul package and powerful players in Netanyahu retaining his majority governing coalition. Both men espouse extreme positions that dismiss Palestinian claims to territory in the West Bank, have used rhetoric inciting violence against Palestinians and brushed off criticisms that the judicial reforms jeopardize key discrimination protections for all Israelis. There was violence in the last few years that was steadily increasing, but this government has absolutely taken steps to further inflame tensions, when it could have been working to reduce them, said Jonathan Lord, a senior fellow and director of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). The introduction of individuals like Smotrich and Ben Gvir into positions of power have altered Israeli policies, and public speech in a way that is setting Israels security back decades. U.S. lawmakers have been raising alarm for weeks. Earlier this month, 92 House lawmakers wrote a letter to Biden urging the president to make clear that the U.S. opposes any attempts by the Israeli government to annex territory in the West Bank in fear of the march towards the judicial overhaul. Stripping the judiciary of its check on the governing coalition would empower far-right lawmakers seeking to entrench settlement of the West Bank and advance a pro-annexation agenda, undermining the prospects for a two-state solution and threatening Israels existence as a Jewish and democratic state, the lawmakers wrote. At the same time, more than a dozen Jewish House lawmakers wrote to Netanyahu directly to urge a suspension of the judicial reforms. Lord, of CNAS, said that the violent picture emerging from Israel and inflamed by politicians like Smotrich and Ben Gvir is testing U.S. solidarity with Israel, which has increasingly grown partisan with Democrats more critical of Israels policies towards the Palestinians and bleeding into U.S. support for military assistance. Lord pointed to the drawn-out process for Congress to pass supplemental funding for Israel in March 2022 to provide $1 billion in assistance to fund the Iron Dome missile defense system that was largely depleted after an intensive, 11-day round of fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip during May 2021. The air defense system which has a 97 percent interception rate is revered as an unprecedented security and diplomatic tool for allowing Israel to withstand incessant rocket attacks without triggering a larger Israeli military response. Despite the benefits of the Iron Dome, progressive Democrats homed in on the $1 billion supplemental package for stricter scrutiny, achieving a stand-alone vote on the funding that had earlier been part of a bigger spending package. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) exercised a hold on the bill over fiscal criticisms. It wasnt a cakewalk to get that billion dollars appropriated in 2022, Lord said, warning that if the next round of violence is viewed as being instigated by Netanyahu and his far-right allies Smotrich and Ben Gvir, its going to animate even greater congressional pushback. Now, under the context of this narrative, its hard to see how Congress races to fund Israels security, when its doing very little for itself in trying to preserve the peace, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has seen no willingness by North Korea to accept a U.S. offer to hold talks on its nuclear weapons program but the offer still stands, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. "To date they have not shown any willingness," Kirby said. (Reporting by Chris Reese; Editing by Chris Reese) WASHINGTON The Biden administration believes Israels far-right government has most likely abandoned its divisive plan to overhaul the countrys judiciary, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now motivated to come up with an alternative able to win a broad-based consensus, a senior administration official said. Netanyahu announced Monday that he was postponing a vote on the proposal, which critics warn would weaken the judiciary and remove a vital check on executive power. Fearing the plan would push the country toward autocracy, Israelis flooded the streets in protest and took part in a general strike. With Netanyahu's retreat, the strike ended, but the protests continue. The White House seemed to be relieved by an outcome that gives Netanyahu time to devise a more tenable substitute that might defuse the escalating tensions. TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - MARCH 27: Israeli protester throws a placard showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a bonfire after clashes erupt during a demonstration against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul on March 27, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Yesterday's dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant intensified the political crisis sparked by the Netanyahu government's planned judicial overhaul, designed to limit the court's authority over Parliament. (Amir Levy / Getty Images) The Biden administration had used a mix of careful public statements and intensive behind-the-scenes discussions to prod Netanyahu to come up with a compromise. Inside the White House, aides expressed some sympathy for Netanyahus position, given that he presides over a right-wing coalition that doesn't want him to bend. President Joe Biden spoke to Netanyahu at length March 19 in a phone conversation that at times grew contentious, a person familiar with the call said. Netanyahus posture was that Biden and the United States more broadly shouldnt lecture him about how to lead his country, the person said, requesting anonymity to talk more freely. David Friedman, who was the U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Trump administration, said it was his sense that Netanyahu "doesnt like to get lectured, period," adding, "Lets concede he is a subject matter expert on Israel and Israeli politics." Bibi has been around forever; the presidents come and go, Friedman added, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Netanyahus original proposal, had it been enacted, would have been difficult for the Biden administration to defend. One of the provisions would have enabled a majority of the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court rulings, effectively neutering the judicial branch. Story continues Yesterday's dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant intensified the political crisis sparked by the Netanyahu government's planned judicial overhaul, designed to limit the court's authority over Parliament. (Amir Levy / Getty Images) At a moment when democracies and autocracies are battling for primacy, Biden can ill afford to see a staunch U.S. ally cast aside the checks and balances that underpin democratic governments. Bidens message to Netanyahu was that he needed to design a way forward that was based on compromise and that could result in that sort of consensus support, John Kirby, a White House National Security Council spokesman, told reporters Monday. But he was very clear, and it really does come from a position of respect and friendship for Israel and everything that Israel stands for. Having known each other for decades, Biden and Netanyahu are comfortable conversing with a level of frankness unusual in high-level diplomacy. Dennis Ross, a former diplomat who served in the Obama administration, said: I saw the way he dealt with Bibi. Biden used to say: Listen, pal. We have a problem here. How are we going to deal with it?' The subtext was: Help me to help you. Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. (Gerald Herbert / AP file) Still, some officials in both the Israeli and the U.S. governments believe that Bidens public comments were too cautious and that he should have issued a more full-throated condemnation of the planned judiciary overhaul from the beginning. In a statement to The New York Times last month, Biden said: The genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, on an independent judiciary. Building consensus for fundamental changes is really important to ensure that the people buy into them so they can be sustained. The White House considered calling on Netanyahu not to speak at a virtual summit meeting of the worlds democracies this week, a person familiar with the matter said, but never went so far as to take that step. Asked whether it was appropriate for Netanyahu to speak at the summit, Kirby would say only that Israel was one of 121 nations invited to attend. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday called on Republicans to show political courage and act on gun violence following the deadly school shooting in Nashville the previous day. When you hear elected officials say its another talking point when the president is saying that we need to do more thats actually devastating to hear because thats what youre also saying to those families who lost loved ones, to those parents who lost three 9-year-olds, Jean-Pierre said on CNN. They lost their kids yesterday and thats what were saying? We should not be saying theres nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do, she added. The shooting took place at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, with a 28-year-old suspect opening fire and killing three children all 9 years old and three adults before being fatally shot by police. The suspect, identified as Audrey Hale, moved through the school armed with three guns, two of which were assault-type weapons. Hale identified as transgender and was killed by two officers on the scene. Jean-Pierre told MSNBCs Morning Joe on Tuesday that Republicans will have to answer to parents who have lost loved ones in mass shootings. What are you going to say to those parents? she said. We need Republicans in Congress to show some courage, Jean-Pierre added. This is what they owe these parents, this is what they owe these family members who are losing their loved ones. They need to show courage. We need gun safety laws, comprehensive gun safety laws. We need to ban assault rifles. Those weapons of war do not belong on our streets, do not belong in schools. The GOP-led House Judiciary Committee earlier postponed a scheduled markup of a resolution to nullify a federal pistol brace rule following the Tennessee shooting, with Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) telling The Hill on Monday evening that Democrats were going to turn this tragic event into a political thing. Story continues President Biden renewed his call for an assault weapon ban on Monday after the shooting. The White House has argued the president has taken steps to act on gun safety and now its up to Congress to move on a ban. Our messaging here is very clear, its enough, enough, enough, Jean-Pierre told MSNBC. We have had a president who has acted on this. This president has taken more executive actions on gun violence safety than any president before him and he has done that in two years, she added. Earlier this month, Biden signed an executive order that aims to increase the number of background checks conducted before gun sales. The order builds on the bipartisan gun legislation that Biden signed into law in June, which was the most comprehensive gun safety bill Congress passed in decades. Biden frequently calls for Congress to pass an assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban. With the Republican majority in the House, such legislation would be an uphill battle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Library of Congress This reporting is featured in this weeks edition of Confider, the newsletter pulling back the curtain on the media. Subscribe here and send your questions, tips, and complaints here. The White House press office is seeking to toughen its requirements for journalist hard passes, two people familiar with the situation told Confider. Such rule changes would likely affect notorious gadflies like Simon Ateba, who has repeatedly disrupted press briefings including last weeks event featuring the cast of Apple TVs Ted Lasso. According to our sources, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre would like a quick return to Obama-era credentialing requirements for hard passes, which take several months to process and allow reporters to regularly enter the White House complex without prior permission. (Other journalists would request temporary day passes through the press office.) During the Obama years, the White House typically only issued such passes to reporters who were also accredited by a chamber of Congress or the Supreme Court. In order to receive such accreditations, applicants must be primarily occupied as a journalist, work for a reputable media company, and regularly cover Washington, among other requirements. Like what youre reading? Subscribe to the Confider newsletter here and have The Daily Beast media teams stellar reporting sent straight to your inbox every Monday night. Besides Ateba, who revealed earlier this month that the White House Correspondents Association rejected his membership because they did not see evidence that he is employed by a legitimate news-gathering organization, the new rules could impact freelancers and independent journalists who cover the White House. While sources stressed to Confider that the press office has mulled changing the rules for a year now, they also acknowledged that reporters like Ateba had been a disruptive force in the briefing room throughout that timeand potentially a reason to stiffen the rules. Story continues Although the Trump administration loosened many Obama-era restrictions for hard passes, it also implemented new restrictionsafter briefly revoking CNN correspondent Jim Acostas passthat required journalists to have been on the White House grounds 50 percent of the time prior to renewal (with some exceptions). The White House press office declined to comment. Subscribe to the Confider newsletter here and have The Daily Beast media teams stellar reporting sent straight to your inbox every Monday night. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. [Source] After months of rumors and speculation, it has finally been confirmed that The White Lotus Season 3 will be set in Asia. The HBO comedy-drama is heading for Thailand, reported Variety. While Seasons 1 and 2 of the hit show took place in Hawaii and Italy, respectively, it is likely that Season 3 will be set in one of Thailands Four Seasons resorts in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle. The White Lotus Season 3 was officially confirmed by HBO in November 2022. The month prior, series creator Mike White mentioned going to a whole different continent for the show's third season, then specifically referred to Japan while talking about Jennifer Coolidge, who plays Tanya on the show. More from NextShark: Netflix is looking for participants for new 'Squid Game' reality competition show here's how to apply Since then, countless fans have been speculating about where the show would take them next. Many looked to Asia after White hinted in December 2022 that Season 3 might be set there and focus on death and Eastern religion and spirituality. The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex, White shared during an Unpacking clip of the show. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. Last month, executive producer David Bernad teased that Season 3 might be set in Asia, saying, Weve tried to work in Asia a lot and hopefully Season 3 will be our chance to make something happen there. More from NextShark: SM Entertainment launches K-pop academy for aspiring idols According to Variety, White has been going around Thailand to check out different sites, which is why production on Season 3 has not yet started. The media outlet also noted that casting details have yet to be shared. During Season 1, viewers were introduced to Tanya (Coolidge), Armond (Murray Bartlett), Nicole Mossbacher (Connie Britton), and Rachel Patton (Alexandra Daddario), among other characters. Season 2 saw the introduction of several characters, including Bert Di Grasso (F. Murray Abraham), Albie Di Grasso (Adam DiMarco), Quentin (Tom Hollander), Cameron Sullivan (Theo James), Harper Spiller (Aubrey Plaza) and Ethan Spiller (Will Sharpe). Story continues More from NextShark: Vietnamese Australian Reality Star Removed From MTV Show After Insensitive BLM Tweet Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Marvel made an internal list of Asian stereotypes to destroy in Shang-Chi film Junior doctors are continuing their strike action today. (Getty) Around 47,000 junior doctors are staging a fourth day of strike action in England as Environment Agency workers also prepare to launch a weekend of strikes starting on Friday evening. Junior doctors began their strikes on Tuesday, with it set to run until Saturday, with estimates that the action will have affected 250,000 to 300,000 patients. The action has seen emergency and urgent care prioritised over some routine appointments and procedures, meaning hundreds of thousands of appointments and operations have been rescheduled. UK strikes in April & May. See story INDUSTRY Strikes. Infographic PA Graphics. An editable version of this graphic is available if required. Please contact graphics@pamediagroup.com. RMT train cleaners across the country are also striking on Friday, as well as Saturday. Cleaners for companies including Churchill, Bidvest Noonan, and Atalian Servest are demanding 15 an hour, company sick pay, decent holidays and good pensions, the RMT said. The two-day action will affect Avanti West Coast, GWR, Northern, GTR and South East Trains, as well as cleaners working on Network Rail High Speed contract, the union said. In addition, Environment Agency workers were due to launch a weekend of strikes at 7pm on Friday evening until 7am on Monday in a long-running dispute over pay. Unison said staff have had a "terrible deal" which amounts to one of the worst wage rises paid to public sector workers. Amid the ongoing action, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Unison, which represents nurses and other health workers, was set to announce the result of a ballot over a Government pay offer on Friday. Members have been voting on a proposed deal which includes a 5% pay rise this year and a cash payment for last year. Here is a look at the latest strikes taking place over the next few days. Who else is striking today? RMT train cleaners across the country are also striking on Friday, as well as Saturday. The action involves cleaners for companies including Churchill, Bidvest Noonan, and Atalian Servest and will affect Avanti West Coast, GWR, Northern, GTR and South East Trains, as well as cleaners working on Network Rail High Speed contract, the RMT said. Story continues RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Contracting out on the railways is one of the most perverse and exploitative practices in the industry. "It is leading to our members in the cleaning grades barely scraping by on poverty wages and appalling terms and conditions. "RMT is calling time on these multimillion-pound contractors. They now need to pay up and use their generous dividends and profits and invest in their workforce." Environment Agency workers are set to strike from 7pm on Friday (14 April). Unison said the walkout, which will last across the weekend until 7am on Monday, marks a "significant escalation" of industrial action that began last year. Watch: UK industrial action what strikes are coming up? Who is striking tomorrow? RMT train cleaners will continue their action on Saturday. As well as this, thousands of Environment Agency workers in England will continue their four-day strike action across the weekend. Unison said its latest action will involve staff working on coastal sea defences, protecting communities from floods, tackling water pollution, waste fires and fly-tipping. Who is striking this weekend? Environment Agency workers will also strike this weekend. Teachers in England are also set to walk out on 27 April and 2 May. Read more Fresh teachers strikes announced as union reject pay offer (Evening Standard, 2 min read) Civil servants to strike throughout April in build-up to huge walkout (PA Media, 1 min read) Mass walkouts on Budget Day as teachers, junior doctors and Tube drivers strike (PA Media, 7 min read) Protesters barricade a section of Ngong road in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on March 27, 2023. (Photo by Fred Mutune/Xinhua) NAIROBI, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The streets of Kenya's capital Nairobi remained deserted and most businesses shut on Monday as anti-government protests entered the second week. While the police managed to mute the protests in the capital, confining them to pockets of the city where the opposition has strongholds, most citizens and traders kept off the streets for fear of violence. In the Kibera slum in Nairobi, one of the areas where Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition led by opposition leader Raila Odinga has a huge support base, tens of youths clashed with anti-riot police officers. The officers teargassed the youths who pelted them with stones and lit bonfires in violent confrontations as they sought to block them from reaching the Nairobi central business district. Similar scenarios were reported in Mathare and Kawangware slums, other strongholds of Odinga, which last week were a hotbed of violent anti-government protests. Odinga and fellow Azimio leader Kalonzo Musyoka showed up in Kawangware to lead the protests. As their convoy snaked through the settlement, police lobbed teargas at them and the protestors, sparking a clash as the leaders were driven away. "Kenyans are saying no to oppression," Odinga tweeted later as he urged his supporters to soldier on with the fight. More protests were also witnessed in the lakeside city of Kisumu as well as Migori on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. In the two areas, the political bastions of Odinga, youths engaged the police in running battles and pelted them with stones as business in the towns was disrupted for the second straight week. In Nairobi's city center, though deserted, the streets were largely peaceful as police kept vigil to ensure no opposition supporters made way into the central business district. It all started early Monday morning when police erected roadblocks on all roads leading into the city center to bar protestors. On Mombasa Road which links the Kenyan capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa, dozens of police officers manned a roadblock Monday morning. The officers stopped all passenger vehicles ferrying commuters into the city center and inspected them to flash out protestors. Unlike Odinga, other leaders who supported the protests remained quiet in their hideouts for fear of arrest. On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome outlawed the demonstrations and vowed to arrest any leader, including Odinga, who will be on the streets. "Whichever level you are in society, whichever status you are, I have enough land cruisers to put you behind bars. Whoever I will arrest tomorrow, you will go to jail and stay there forever," Koome said. The protests, however, took a nasty turn on Monday after businesses associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga were attacked by goons and vandalized. The two have been accused by ruling party stalwarts of sponsoring the anti-protests. Dozens of unknown people raided a Kenyatta family-owned farm dubbed Northlands City in Ruiru on the outskirts of Nairobi. The group of youths armed with power saws and machetes felled a number of trees and stole an unknown number of sheep. The raid was said to have been organized by pro-government operatives, some of who tweeted Monday morning about the farm. Similarly, Odinga's East Africa Spectre International Ltd, which deals in gas cylinders, was attacked and vandalized by goons. The police did not comment on the attacks but said later they were investigating the attack. Odinga, who narrowly lost the 2022's presidential election to William Ruto has declared the planned protests until the government addresses the high cost of living and electoral injustice. Odinga has said it was of utmost importance that the government reins in the high cost of living for the benefit of ordinary citizens. Food prices have increased in Kenya due to a prolonged drought that has cut production and global disruption in the supply of commodities like maize and wheat. A decline of the Kenyan shilling against major international currencies has further exacerbated the situation for Kenya as imports become too costly. An anti-riot police officer clashes with protesters at Ngong road in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Fred Mutune/Xinhua) A file photo of flags being flown at half-staff in Columbus on May 25, 2022. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that U.S. and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings from Tuesday through Friday this week in remembrance of the victims of the school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, and in accordance with an order issued by President Joe Biden. The shooting on Monday morning at the Covenant School in Nashville left three students and three staff dead. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, were students. The staff members were Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school, and Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61. The shooter, identified as Audrey Hale, 28, was killed by police. The shooter was a former student at the school and had written a manifesto before carrying out the attack, according to police. The attack was the nation's 129th mass shooting of 2023, according to Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks gun violence data. 'It was truly horrific': Nashville mourns after deadly mass shooting at Covenant School What time are flags displayed at half-staff? Customs call for flags to be shown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset unless the flag can be illuminated overnight. Holidays where the flag is half-staff around the country May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day (half-staff all day) Last Monday in May - Memorial Day (half-staff until noon) Sept. 11 - Patriot Day (half-staff all day) First Sunday in October - Fallen Fighters Fallen Firefighters (half-staff all day) Dec. 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (half-staff all day) What's the difference between half-mast and half-staff? According to The Sextant, the Naval History and Heritage Commands blog, half-mast refers to lowered flags on a ship, while half-staff is a pole in the ground. But the blog continues to say half-mast is used outside the U.S. USA Today contributed to this report. Peter Gill covers immigration and new American communities for The Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America here: bit.ly/3fNsGaZ. Story continues pgill@gannett.com @pitaarji This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flags half staff, half mast in Ohio for Nashville shooting victims Fleetwood Mac is Fleetwood back. The bands song Silver Springs is enjoying a moment right now, thanks to the Prime Video series Daisy Jones & the Six. Chances are pretty good that your TikTok feed is chock full of clips connected to the song. So, why exactly does this tune have such a hold on us now? Lets explain. Based on the novel of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Daisy Jones and the Six revolves around the rise and fall of an immensely popular (and fictional) 1970s rock group. A vital storyline in the show focuses on lead singer Daisy (played by Riley Keough) and married bandmate Billy Dunne (played by Sam Claflin) having a relationship that charges their music, in similar fashion to the romance between Fleetwood Macs Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. The resemblance is not a coincidence: author Reid has been open about her bestseller's inspiration. I started with the germ of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac, Reid told Penguin Books UK in 2019. Nicks and Buckingham's relationship, and its ending, also inspired "Silver Springs." Written by Nicks, Silver Springs was intended to appear on Fleetwood Macs landmark 1977 album, Rumours, but didnt make the cut. Nicks and Buckingham perform When approaching "Daisy Jones," which is structured like an oral history, Reid said she began by listening to Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours." I started with listening to Rumours. That was the beginning of it for me because its an album, but its also a soap opera, she said. "Rumours" is a meta album, with songs informed by the actual bandmates' romances and affairs. When Buckingham and Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in late 1974, they had been a couple for years and had released an album together. During the creation of "Rumours," their relationship ended, and their feelings bled into the lyrics. The exes decided to remain colleagues to keep the band together. "Wed only been in Fleetwood Mac for a year and a half, and we were breaking up when we joined Fleetwood Mac, Nicks told The New Yorker. So we just put our relationship kind of back together, because I was smart enough to know that, if we had broken up the second month of being in Fleetwood Mac, it would have blown the whole thing. Story continues Silver Springs would ultimately appear as a B-side to the bands monster hit Go Your Own Way, which did appear on Rumours and which Buckingham himself wrote about his breakup with Nicks. Silver Springs ultimately found new life in 1997 when Nicks and Buckingham performed it with Fleetwood Mac for the band's live album The Dance. Nicks did not shy away about her goal for the song, which has lyrics like: Ill follow you down til the sound of my voice will haunt you / Youll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you." "I'm so angry with you. You will listen to me on the radio for the rest of your life, and it will bug you. I hope it bugs you," she told the Arizona Republic in 1997 about why she wrote the song. Fast forward another two-plus decades, and a video of that 1997 performance has now captured the imagination of people on TikTok. Viewers are especially focusing on a moment in the video in which Nicks and Buckingham fiercely lock eyes and sing. Daisy Jones & The Six (Lacey Terrell / Prime Video) "Excuse me while I go into a DEEP DIVE all about this," one creator captioned a video in which she explains the backstory of the song, calling it "HBO level drama." I think about this daily as I obsess over this masterpiece, one fan captioned a clip of the performance. Daisy Jones & The Six (Lacey Terrell / Prime Video) Youll never get away, someone captioned a montage of moments from Daisy Jones and the Six set to Silver Springs. Even Buckingham has gotten in on the crossover moment. I heard were talking about that 97 Silver Springs again, he captioned a clip of the video on TikTok. Yes we are, Keough commented. MTV - TCA 1997 (Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic) After it resurfaced in 1997, Silver Springs wound up getting nominated for a Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal. The song Regret Me from Daisy Jones & the Six is the shows version of Silver Springs. Its not lyrically based on 'Silver Springs' at all, and it wouldnt sound anything like it, but that concept of a womans right to be angry is absolutely based on Stevie Nicks singing Silver Springs at Lindsey Buckingham during their reunion (album and) show, 'The Dance' (in 1997), Reid told The Guardian in 2019. The renewed interest in that 1997 performance has even opened the eyes of Daisy Jones & the Six stars. Its so electric, the chemistry between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, knowing what Fleetwood Mac had been through in that moment and knowing the history behind it, and the history behind them as a couple and relationship and as a band, Claflin told MTV. It just carries so much more weight to it. This article was originally published on TODAY.com March 18, was Natural Gas Utility Workers Day. On this day, energy companies encouraged communities across the nation to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of the utility workers who keep safe, reliable natural gas service flowing to millions of homes and businesses. The pride these workers take in doing their jobs in the safest, most professional manner possible cannot be understated. As chief operations officer of Piedmont Natural Gas, I witness the commitment of our hundreds of technicians, construction crews, operations teams and other teammates every day. For many of these workers, its more than just a job; its a way of life. Our Piedmont teammates are willing to go above and beyond to provide quality service to our customers. I have seen our technicians, without hesitation, drop everything at a moments notice to come to the aid of their co-workers during an outage. Nashville Fire Department personnel and Piedmont Natural Gas personnel work to contain a gas fire on a construction site at the intersection of Centennial Blvd. and California Ave. Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn. This even includes helping fellow natural gas workers at other utility companies during crisis situations, sometimes traveling across multiple states to lend a hand. These workers have missed holidays, numerous family events and major milestones to keep businesses running and homes heated so those customers can enjoy the benefits of natural gas service. Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns. This level of devotion to quality customer service is just one reason why Piedmont Natural Gas was named No. 1 in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the South among large utilities, according to the J.D. Power 2022 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. Natural Gas Utility Workers Day is celebrated each year on March 18 in honor of a 1937 incident in New London, Texas, that led to an increased emphasis on safety, including the widespread use of mercaptan, an additive that gives natural gas its noticeable rotten egg smell. Safety is Piedmonts top priority as a company, and its the top priority of all our employees. Not only do we want them to come home each day in the same condition they left, but we want our customers and our communities to be just as safe, too. Story continues Brian Weisker Im immensely proud of the effort hundreds of Piedmont Natural Gas utility workers make to help bring safe, reliable natural gas to customers across the Carolinas and Tennessee. Please join me in showing appreciation for these hardworking men and women. Brian Weisker is a senior vice president and chief operations officer at Piedmont Natural Gas. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Piedmont VP: Why Im proud of our natural gas utility workers Netflix At just 35 years old, Mae Martin has been performing stand-up for more than two decadesfrom their teenage years at open mic nights in the Toronto comedy scene, to hit one-person shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, to their first-ever hourlong special SAP, which was directed by Abbi Jacobson and premieres today on Netflix. In this episode of The Last Laugh podcast, Martin talks about everything it took to get to this huge moment in their career, including what they learned about themselves making the autobiographical Netflix series Feel Good; the difficult decision to come out as gender nonbinary, both on the show and in real life; and what they make of the rise of anti-trans comedy from some of Americas most popular comedians. In the week leading up to their big special premiere, Martin has been running around Los Angeles, working in the writers room for a new thriller-comedy theyre creating while also trying to do press for Netflix. The comedians late-night TV debut with Stephen Colbert was scuttled at the last minute when they arrived in New York and promptly tested positive for COVID. Yeah, I went all the way to New York and then sat in a hotel room for three days, Martin says. And Ive never done a late-night show. I was so pumped because Im a big fan of his. As the premiere of SAP approaches, Martin admits they are really nervous about how it will be received. Its always scary putting something out in the world, they tell me. Im kind of compartmentalizing it and burying my head in the sand because its too scary. But Im excited. I toured the show for a while and I had so much fun doing it. So yeah, I hope people like it. The special comes nearly two years after Feel Good ended its two-season run on Netflix. Now, Martin says they would have loved to make a third had it been on the table. If they had said, Well give you a third season, I would have been overjoyed and I definitely would have had some ideas for more story, they say. But Im really happy with how it turned out because, in retrospect, to keep going would just be torturing that couple so much. Theyd have to start behaving in ways that werent in keeping with their characters and that relationship. It was good to leave them in a good place and resolve some of the trauma in a very neat way that doesnt really happen in life. Story continues Martin cant say too much about the new show theyre working on, but does describe it as a comedy thriller about two teenage girls who are sent to a rehab behavioral therapy school in the woods, and it turns out to be much more nefarious than that. Stepping back from the spotlight, Martin plays a supporting character who lives in the nearby town and is unraveling the mystery at the center of the story. The whole thing has been a learning curve, the Canadian comedian and actor says, but its been really fun. It has all the themes that interest me about adolescents and intergenerational conflict and identity and all that. So I hope it happens. Paula Pell Talks SNL PTSD and the Future of Girls5eva on Netflix Below is an edited excerpt from our conversation. You can listen to the whole thing by subscribing to The Last Laugh on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and be the first to hear new episodes when they are released every Tuesday. In the second season of Feel Good, one of the storylines is that your character comes to this realization that they are gender nonbinary, which I thought was handled so beautifully on the show. And you also decided to come out publicly as nonbinary in 2021. What were the most challenging or unexpected parts of that experience, of making that statement on social media in that way? Well, first of all, I came to that realization pretty late in my life and I think writing Feel Good really helpedand having to examine the sources of my constant discomfort. When you have a character whos struggling with gender dysphoria, its like, narratively, in Season 2 it makes sense that this character would resolve that issue. And then youre like, oh wait, thats me! And then its always different, the pressure and conflict of whether to publicly say something. I think its still pretty important and helpful for people to have that visibility, especially now. But also I was anticipating doing all the press for Season 2 and being misgendered. And I thought if I put it out there, then I wont have to answer too many questions about it. But its also daunting because youre like, this might evolve and change. What if I go further on that journey and my pronouns change again? But whatever, Im so glad I did. The response was pretty unanimously positive, except for a handful of very loud trolls. And sometimes at shows I get people, not picketing, but standing outside and handing out flyers to young queer people being like, Youre being brainwashed into surgery. So thats not good. I think it was about a week after you shared that post on Instagram that you were nominated at the BAFTAs in the Female Performance in a Comedy Programme category, which is odd. Where do you fall on this growing idea of non-gendered awards categories that seems to be picking up steam? I wish I had the answer. I mean, some award ceremonies managed to do it, like the music awards and things like that. Yeah, music doesnt seem to have a problem with this as much. Yeah, I wonder how you could do it, because I guess initially they were gendered to sort of promote inclusion and representation to make sure there was a balance. But it must have been very odd for you to get that nomination, as great as it is. It was tricky, because you dont want to seem ungrateful, but then so many posts are like, these amazing women. And even the other nominees are like, Im thrilled to be nominated alongside these ladies. So its tricky. If I had won, I would have made some kind of funny comment in my speech, I hope. But yeah, I was super grateful to be included, but it is bittersweet. This is stuff that youve been talking about on stage for a while. How has it evolved for you in terms of how to joke about it or how much you want it to be in your act? Because it is a significant chunk of this special, but not the dominant one. I think its only about 10 minutes of the hour. But its an impactful 10 minutes. Yeah, hopefully, thanks. I wish I didnt have to talk about it at all. It was really refreshing in between Feel Good coming out and then this special, I was doing tons of improvised stand-up. And it was really nice just to do silly, dumb, clown-y stuff. It was really nice to not feel like I had to be commenting on difficult things or putting too much focus on that aspect of my life and personality, which shouldnt be any bigger part of my life than it is for a cisgender person, you know? But then I definitely feel a responsibility because of whats going on culturally in the States and big high-profile comedians punching down and taking shots at the trans community at a time when its so tenuous. Our rights are slipping backwards. Its a bummer, so its just trying to find a way to make it light and personal and affecting and try to get peoples guard down. I want to be understood and seen, so its rewarding in that way. Well, it was something I thought a lot about going into this conversation, how much to talk about it. But after watching your special, I just found it so interesting how you talked about it on stage, even directly addressing some of these comedians who are also on Netflix and who, as you say, are punching down. You mention Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais, and since you taped your special, Chris Rock had some more jokes that were uncomfortable in this area. How do you decide how much you want to engage with their work? Hmm Well, I find it really mind-boggling that those people who I grew up being such a fan of and who seemed like these cool left-wing warriors and counterculture peopleI cant really wrap my head around why theyre so fixated on particularly trans women. But also, I mean, when Chappelle got attacked on stage and the first thing he said was, That was a trans man, I was like, What is happening?! I find it really confusing and its so personal to me and so much of my fan base is young, queer people. So Im always quite starkly confronted with these statistics and how at risk that community is. I dont understand. Its such an at-risk minority group. I dont really know why there isnt more uproar about publicly targeting them when the consequences are so obvious. Sam Jay on You People, the End of Pause, and Regrets About Her Trans Jokes And then, of course, the comedians themselves complain about the consequences that they are going to face for talking about it, which are really nothing. I know! I dont really know what those are. Didnt Louis C.K. win a Grammy a couple of years ago? Its crazy, but maybe it will swing back the other way. And I would love it if those people were just a little more informed or open to learning, because some of the things theyre saying are demonstrably untrue. Theyre scientifically not true. Of course freedom of speech is so crucial, but I dont think you should be able to say things that are not true and that are drumming up hate and violence. In your special, you joke about those comedians watching your special. How do you think they would react? Or what would you want people, whether its comedians or anyone who holds those kinds of misguided anti-trans beliefs, to take away from watching your comedy? Well, I think Im being a lot more direct and strongly worded in this interview than I am in the special. Definitely, yeah. In the special, I keep it pretty light. And its three-quarters of the way into the special, so my hope is always that by the time I get to that material Ive earned some goodwill and that people are into it enough that theyre like, I like this person, so they cant all be bad. But yeah, I doubt that those guys will see it. Tim Heidecker Has No Time for Dave Chappelle, a Leader in the Anti-Trans Movement Listen to the episode now and subscribe to The Last Laugh on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and be the first to hear new episodes when they are released every Tuesday. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Photo of a woman and a child during a candlelight vigil in California on Tuesday, in the aftermath of three mass shootings in the state The US has woken up to news of another mass shooting, this time at an elementary school in Nashville. Earlier in the year, there were three shootings in California within a week. What do the stats tell us about their frequency? If it feels like these incidents are becoming more frequent in the US, that is because they are. Different definitions exist for what constitutes a mass shooting, but non-profit the Gun Violence Archive - which counts shootings where four or more people are killed or injured, excluding the gunman - has tracked 131 such incidents in the US since the start of the year. It is a higher number of mass shootings than in previous years, according to the organisation that publicly tracks gun-related deaths and injuries in the US. The years 2020, 2021 and 2022 were also much more deadly than the years before. Mass shootings chart showing the number of mass shooting events in the US since 2014 when there were 273 to 2023 when there have been 131 so far, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The worst year was 2021 with 690 mass shootings recorded The surge in violence has reignited what has now become a familiar and highly political debate in the US over gun ownership rights and legislation. It also has some people asking: What's driving the rise? Gun violence of all types is up Data shows that all types of gun violence - from homicide to suicide to mass shootings - are on a mostly upwards trajectory in the US. In 2019, the total number of gun-related deaths in the US was 33,599. In 2022, the number of deaths rose to 44,290 - a 31% increase. Most of these deaths are suicides by a firearm, followed by homicides. While mass shootings often draw alarm, they make up a small fraction of gun-related deaths - in 2020, mass shooting victims made up 1.1% of overall firearm deaths. Still, active shooter incidents have seen a sharp rise in recent years - nine of the 10 deadliest mass shootings in the US occurred after 2007. Experts say it's hard to pin down the exact root causes of the rise because mass shootings are often unpredictable in nature. But there are a few factors that could be contributing to the growing frequency. Gun ownership is on the rise One is that Americans have more guns now than they did before. US gun sales reached a record 23 million in 2020 - a 65% increase from 2019 - and remained high in 2021. Story continues The FBI conducted significantly more firearm background checks - required by law when someone buys a gun - during times of uncertainty, like the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, the unrest following the police killing of George Floyd, and the US Capitol riots in January 2021. Josh Horwitz, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, said the rise in sales is tied to "the idea that guns keep us safe, especially in uncertain times". Mr Horwitz added that the rise in violence, especially in public places like petrol stations, dance studios and nightclubs, fuels a cycle of fear that drives some people towards firearms. "People are afraid, and they want to quell that fear by buying a gun," he said. Distress, law and societal trends can also factor in Some experts also point to the rise in life stressors, both in general and as a result of the pandemic, especially hardships related to finances, employment or family and relationships. These issues can lead some people "to act out or respond violently", said Jaclyn Schildkraut, the interim executive director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the non-partisan Rockefeller Institute of Government. This is reflected in an analysis by the US Secret Service of 173 mass casualty attacks - around three-quarters of which were carried out by a firearm. The report, published on Tuesday, found that nearly 93% of assailants had dealt with a personal issue prior to their attack, whether it be divorce, health problems, or issues at school or work, and that 10% of assailants behind mass casualty events between 2016 and 2020 died by suicide. Ms Schildkraut also says "toxic masculinity" could factor in as well: nearly all mass shooters (around 98%) are male. "If we are trying to understand the root causes of gun violence, we need to start by understanding why people pick up firearms in the first place to inflict harm, regardless of the target of that harm," Ms Schildkraut said. Laws around who can purchase a gun in the US could also be playing a role, some experts have said - though it is important to note that California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. However, Mr Horwitz said federal law currently does not require that background checks be made on private sales of guns, including at gun shows or online. Laws on safe storage of firearms are also lax in some states, he said, despite research evidence showing that stowing a gun away safely reduces the overall number of firearm deaths. "When you compare what is going on in the US to other countries, the one thing that they don't necessarily have that we have is just such easy access to firearms," Mr Horwitz said. An oil and gas operator in New Mexicos southeast Permian Basin region agreed to pay about $6.2 million in fines and for improvements to more than 200 of its facilities in the state after it was found to be operating illegally. Matador Production Company, the ninth-biggest oil producer in New Mexico, agreed through a settlement with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pay the penalties and make upgrades at its 239 well pads throughout the state to ensure compliance with the federal Clean Air Act and state regulations. This stemmed from a compliant filed jointly by the agencies alleging the company failed to adequately capture air emissions from tank batteries on the well pads, comply with inspection, failed to meet monitoring and record-keeping requirements and obtain proper state and federal permits at 25 oil and gas production facilities. More:$1.4B oil and gas merger announced as Permian Basin boom to grow in New Mexico, Texas The violations resulted in significant excessive emissions of pollutants like smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), according to NMEDs Monday announcement. The EPA and NMED discovered the violations via aircraft surveillance in 2019. More:Can New Mexico hold oil and gas accountable? Some fear State budget lacking In the settlement, Matador agreed to pay $1.15 million in civil penalties split between the EPA and NMED, while also spending $5.05 million on operational improvements. The company will pay $1.25 million in diesel engine replacements, $500,000 for aerial monitoring of the facilities for methane leaks and other issues, $2.5 million in injunctive relief and $800,000 in mitigations costs to offset some of the environmental impacts of the violations, NMED reported. The NMED estimated Matadors settlement will reduce emissions by 16,000 tons, including NOx, VOC and CO pollution, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Story continues More:Oil giants fueling refinery expansions as Permian Basin oil production to grow in April NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said the settlement was intended to hold Matador accountable for its pollution in New Mexico. New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said surveillance testing used by supermarkets is a proactive approach to fighting COVID-19 in New Mexico. This settlement begins to hold the ninth largest oil and gas producer in our state accountable and mitigate the harmful impacts to our communities and ability to breathe clean air, Kenney said. We are committed to holding companies accountable when they violate our air quality regulations. More:$440K in fines issued to Carlsbad-area oil and gas company for air pollution violations The Permian Basin in both Texas and New Mexico is already at risk of violating federal air quality standards, especially for ground-level ozone, said Todd Kim, assistant attorney general of the U.S. Department of Justices Environmental and Natural Resources Division. He said pollution from companies like Matador was behind the regions worsening air quality, and government action was often needed to ensure they follow the law. The EPA was considering designating the basin as an area of non-attainment, meaning in violation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone, which could impose stricter federal requirements for essential activities like oil and gas permitting. More:Carlsbad, New Mexico activists demand stronger oil and gas rules in Washington, D.C. During the timeframe when the agencies alleged Matador violated air quality laws, air monitors in southeast New Mexico showed ozone levels at more than 95 percent of the NAAQS, NMED said, requiring the state to act. Air quality in the Permian Basin is at risk of not meeting national standards, Kim said. We will continue to work with the State of New Mexico to ensure that oil and gas production operations are operating within the law to improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities. EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield at the agencys Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said the settlement would reduce pollution impacting local communities in the area. More:More than 3,000 acres of New Mexico public land being sold for oil and gas amid protests Matadors facilities unlawfully released air pollutants associated with several types of respiratory illnesses and that contribute to global warming, he said. This settlement will not only improve air quality for neighboring communities but also assist with our national effort to slow climate change. It will also help ensure that Matador does not profit from its violations of environmental laws. Matador spokesman Christopher Norfleet said the company worked with the regulators to improve its operations and reduce environmental harm, touting a 55 percent cut in direct greenhouse gas emission intensity since 2019 and 70 percent reduction in methane intensity. Emission intensity reflects the amount of a pollutant released by a facility per unit of energy produced, such as a barrel of oil. More:Pollution bills struggle in New Mexico legislature. Here's what passed and failed In our four decades of operations, Matador has always been committed to operating responsibly. To that end, we seek to be good stewards of the air, water and land associated with our operations and to reduce emissions throughout our oil and gas assets, Norfleet wrote in an emailed statement. We are proud of our relationships throughout the state of New Mexico and are dedicated to being good neighbors and citizens of the states where we operate. He said the company was already improving its maintenance and repair program to prevent emissions proactively ahead of the government action. More:Oilfield lawmakers claim success in killing bills aimed at energy pollution in New Mexico As part of the settlement, Norfleet said this would also include remote tank pressure monitoring at all of the facilities noted, along with aerial monitoring and other technological enhancements. The innovative technology that is incorporated into our agreement is a key component of our strategy for continuing to reduce emissions even further, Norfleet said. The company is pleased that, of the money it agreed to spend in the consent decree, over $5 million goes directly to improved operations and projects that will benefit the environment and our local communities through reduced emissions. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Matador Production to pay $6.2M for air pollution in New Mexico Puerto Ricos brittle power grid emerged from the winter months with no major disruptions after a devastating hurricane knocked out electricity across the territory last year. But residents worry their good fortune might not last much longer. In the six months since Hurricane Fiona hit, an intense effort has been underway to shore up the power grid against outages and accelerate the territorys transition to renewable energy. But fears persist that Puerto Ricos power system will not be ready for the coming hurricane season and that its 3.3 million inhabitants will once again face life or death situations from devastating blackouts. The Biden administration has won praise for its efforts to address Puerto Ricos persistent power problems, even though residents have directed some of their ire at the federal entity overseeing the territorys finances. Local leaders have also been criticized for their persistence in privatizing key parts of the power system and seeking to increase Puerto Ricos reliance on natural gas to try to avoid more outages a strategy clean energy advocates and community group leaders say flies in the face of the territorys quest to shift to 100 percent renewable energy. President Joe Biden tapped Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm last year to lead the federal governments efforts to modernize the grid, and the former Michigan governor has already traveled to Puerto Rico three times. She began another workweek-long visit on Monday and will tour a technical college founded by the private company managing Puerto Ricos grid to train the utility workforce, followed by visits with a local homeowner, businesses using solar power and a community solar project. We are on it, Granholm told POLITICO. People need to, I think, hold us accountable for progress. And I think Puerto Ricans understand that you cant fix an entire grid overnight. Its a very complicated and large machine. Years of underinvestment and poor maintenance have left the grid vulnerable to weather disasters, which frequently cause blackouts. But Hurricane Maria caused unprecedented destruction in 2017 when it roared ashore, killing almost 3,000 people and plunging parts of the territory into blackouts that lasted nearly a year. Last September, Hurricane Fiona left thousands of residents in the southern and southwestern areas without power for 12 days while other parts of the territory experienced intermittent outages. Story continues Puerto Ricos power system is still nowhere in a good position six months after Fiona, five and a half years after [Hurricane] Maria, said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation a Latino advocacy group that has invested millions in Puerto Rico and worked with community-based organizations focusing on emergency response and grid resilience. Ruth Santiago, an environmental attorney in Puerto Rico and a member of a coalition named Queremos Sol We Want Solar said residents are all sort of keeping our fingers crossed that we dont have a big power outage. The smaller ones are still occurring. The system is not stable, she said. But Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said the distribution system has been relatively stable with no major interruptions although there have been power generation issues that he said were dealt with expeditiously. And he credited the Federal Emergency Management Agency for providing emergency help to make the grid more resilient and for bringing additional power resources via generators capable of providing about 350 megawatts of power ahead of the next hurricane season. Granholm noted that a portion of Puerto Ricos power grid recently went down for an hour, but that outage did not spread to the broader grid. This is in contrast to previous incidents when power disruptions in one section of the territorys grid cascaded throughout the system, causing widespread blackouts. Will the grid be totally ready for the next hurricane season? In all candor it will not, Granholm said. But, will it be better than it was last time? Will there be a quicker response than there was last time? Thats exactly what we are all striving for, that people will not be without power for months. Mario Hurtado, chief regulatory officer for private grid manager LUMA Energy, which has drawn much of the publics anger since it took over control of the power network in 2021, said it has made a lot of progress in rebuilding the grid. That includes substation repairs and vegetation management, which has occurred since Fiona in what he described as the largest FEMA financed rebuilding of a grid ever. The grid has not experienced a system-wide failure such as the one triggered by the storm since then, he said. I would say that it is improving, but it still remains a fragile grid that needs a lot of work, Hurtado said. Residents have expressed frustration with local government officials, including Pierluisi, especially in the wake of a Puerto Rico House of Representatives committee report that questioned the recently awarded generation management contract granted to a subsidiary of liquefied natural gas company New Fortress Energy. That award came after Pierluisi rejected calls to cancel the contract of LUMA, despite outrage over frequent blackouts last year. That generation contract was announced the same week that an Energy Department report showed Puerto Ricos 2050 target of reaching 100 percent renewable energy mandated by its legislature was within reach. Theres a lot of concern bringing in a natural gas supply company is not going to help the transition to renewable energy, said Cathy Kunkel, energy program manager with Cambio PR, an organization promoting sustainable policies and strategies in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. I think generally people are pretty skeptical after the experience with LUMA. A spokesperson for New Fortress Energy subsidiary Genera said it is well prepared to manage the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authoritys legacy assets, with one of its main goals being to retire and decommission antiquated power plants. Puerto Ricos public-private partnership authority and the government-owned utility are seeking candidates to bring on new power generation capacity through a new 300 megawatt liquefied natural gas facility. Pierluisi described that effort as one intended to generate energy from green hydrogen even though it would be fed by LNG, a fossil fuel. Such efforts are critical, he said, even though Puerto Rico is turning to renewable energy with a sense of urgency because the territory still has old plants burning fuel that is not compliant with EPA emissions standards and are expected to shut down, but which are needed for now to prevent power disruptions. In order to avoid blackouts and major interruptions, you need to have this new generation for the next couple of decades, he said. We need stability and flexibility while we transform. Renewable energy advocates and community group leaders dispute the need for more natural gas facilities and say the DOE report validated what they have been saying all along: it is possible for Puerto Rico to be sustained 100 percent by renewable energy, and new fossil fuel infrastructure could become stranded assets. I think weve been frustrated over the last few years that we havent seen the Puerto Rican government prioritize the transition to renewable energy, said Charlotte Gossett Navarro, the Hispanic Federations chief director for Puerto Rico. Natural gas-fired power plants generated 43 percent of Puerto Ricos total electricity in fiscal 2022, with petroleum generating an additional 37 percent, coal 17 percent and renewables at 3 percent, according to the Energy Information Administration. Residents and businesses that can afford the upfront costs have been turning to renewable energy, particularly in the wake of Fiona. LUMA has connected 47,000 customers to rooftop solar since starting operations in June 2021, amounting to about 600 megawatts on the system, Hurtado said. Pierluisi said there is about 1,000 MW of utility-scale renewable energy in the pipeline in the permitting stage that should be closing construction contracts in the coming months, with another 1,000 MW in the next phase. But Gossett Navarro said local government officials can speed up the transition to renewable energy, using the $14 billion in federal funds set aside for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria decimated the grid in 2017. And Granholm is not going to Puerto Rico empty handed, thanks to $1 billion in federal funding from the omnibus package set aside by Congress with a big push by then-chair of the House Natural Resources Committee Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) in December to help restore the territorys power system. That includes grants for renewable energy, energy storage, and other grid technologies for low- and moderate-income households and households that include individuals with disabilities. But Gossett Navarro said that money will only help about 40,000 households compared to the 200,000 that could have been supported if the $5 billion request had been granted. Puerto Ricans living in the territory already pay more on average for electricity than any U.S. state, except for Hawaii, because of Puerto Rico's reliance on petroleum for electricity generation, according to EIA. And those rates will increase if a judge accepts a proposed plan to end the government-owned utilitys bankruptcy a plan that would cut the debt almost in half, but would result in added charges to electricity bills. For customers not receiving subsidized electricity rates, the PREPA legacy charge would average $19 a month, with low-income residential customers exempt from paying the connection fee and charges for up to 500 kilowatt hours per month, according to the fiscal oversight board in charge of the territorys finances, commonly known as La Junta. Robert Mujica, executive director of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico the federal entity overseeing the territorys finances said the frustration Puerto Ricans have over the rising power bills is understandable. But Mujica, the longtime budget director for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who took over the job in January, also said affordability was a critically important factor in the boards plan which would dramatically cut costs by reducing PREPAs debt and end the bankruptcy while protecting the lowest-income people from escalating power bills. Ideally, you wouldnt have to do it, he said, adding that due to the legacy of mismanagement of the power system, somebody has to pay. Wichita police are wanting to test a virtual reality training simulator and a new Taser, with plans to implement them department-wide if the tests are successful. Officials from Arizona-based Axon Enterprise were in Wichita on Tuesday presenting its products to the departments highest-ranking officers. Police Chief Joseph Sullivan said the new Taser 10 is safer for both officers and the suspect and the virtual reality would cut down on taking officers off the street for long periods of time for training. Sullivan said they use the current Taser pretty frequently. The police department currently uses Axons body cameras and an older model of its Taser. Sullivan is also looking to also expand the departments body camera footage capabilities to include off-duty officers working security. That is in response to a fight between an off-duty officer working security and a 16-year-old at a south Wichita roller rink late last year, he said. The officer was wearing a police uniform but no body camera. Its not clear what the exact cost would be if the Police Department decides to implement the new Tasers, virtual reality and expand its body cameras. The Taser 10 retails for around $2,000 each, but unlike their firearm, officers share the Tasers. The department currently has 361 tasers. It also costs around $20 per officer per month for the virtual reality, which would be around $144,000 a year for the roughly 600 officers on patrol who would use it. The department is nearly midway through a $617,000, two-year contract with Axon for Tasers, body cameras and associated software/equipment and support for these items, police spokesperson Trevor Macy said in an email. A timeline for testing and final decisions is not clear. Were always going to be open to looking at any type of new technology that gives our officers another opportunity to keep themselves safe, to keep the public safe and to not have to transition to lethal or deadly force, Sullivan said. Story continues TASER 10 The Police Department first started using equipment from Taser International, now Axon, in 2005. The department upgraded at least one other time before getting its current model, the Taser X2. Axon account executive Jeff Bolthouse said the new Taser 10 has been tested for less than a year by four departments: two in Florida, including one in Seminole County; Boulder, Colorado; and he believed an agency in Arizona. Its been 98% successful when deployed, he said, although he was unsure how many times its been used. The Taser X2 has a 69% success rate, he said, with the majority of the misses being attributed to clothing impacting the prongs, bounce offs, or the prongs not spreading far enough. That rate is what drove some of the changes for the Taser 10. Here is how it compares with the departments current X2: 10 prongs, fired individually, instead of the two deployed during a single shot of the X2. Sullivan said a miss with the X2 can then require the stun-gun-like feature on the Taser to be used. The feature doesnt cause the physical seizing up that the prongs can, which means it doesnt end the threat as easily, he said. Its 45-foot range is roughly double past Taser products. At 205 feet per second, it is faster, meaning more penetration, than past Taser products. Upgraded digital display, battery and software technology. Batteries on the X2 were thrown away once they ran out. The Taser 10 is rechargeable and the charging base also acts as a place to update software and features on the Taser. Bolthouse said most major cities use the companys Tasers. The companys market share is so large that in 2021 the Federal Trade Commission took antitrust action against it after Axon purchased a rival body-cam company. The company responded with a lawsuit. Virtual reality Sullivan said current training requires officers to spend hours off the street at the Wichita Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Center on Wichita State University campus. Its where the presentation was Tuesday. And for understaffed departments like Wichita, an Axon official said, that usually means other officers working overtime to cover while they undergo training. These virtual reality headsets could be used by officers at their bureau, Sullivan said. Other simulators, Axon officials said, need large spaces, lots of high-tech sensors and other equipment and often leave one officer training while others watch. But this allows multiple officers to train in a small space with the headgear and simulation weapon, they said. It costs about $38 for each Taser cartridge, meaning it is not possible for officers to train with hundreds of rounds, an Axon official said. Virtual reality allows for unlimited practice. Repetition is important, Sullivan said. This would give us the opportunity, without really having a negative impact on manpower on street. Axon officials said they are constantly adding different training scenarios. Equipment will also be updated with the subscription, they said. Axon officials had also brought with them a police vehicle outfitted with its dash cam and license plate readers. Sullivan said the department is not currently interested in that. WINONA Residents remained without power Monday in Winona, and many were without water three days after an EF-3 tornado touched down. Water, food, clothing and cleaning supplies were distributed at areas around the city. Sgt. Shyan Hicks with the Salvation Army of Greenwood said the organization has been in Winona since Saturday to serve hot meals to residents there. Other Salvation Army units were deployed from Louisiana and Alabama. Hicks said she and her husband served 300 to 400 meals a day over the weekend. "Today we served probably close to a thousand meals," Hicks said. "The numbers increase each day." Linemen with Chain Electric of Hattiesburg work Monday, March 27, 2023, to restore power in Winona, Miss., after an EF3 tornado hit the area Friday, March 24, 2023. The Salvation Army team will stay for as long as needed, she said. "Normally, the day after it strikes or even before it strikes we're driving in to ride out the storm," Hicks said. Linemen with Hattiesburg's Chain Electric were in Winona's storm-damaged areas, working to restore power as quickly as possible. Winona had been under scrutiny just days before when an animal control officer euthanized several dogs by gunshot, drawing local and regional ire. The officer and the police chief were later suspended, The Salvation Army of Greenwood brought hot meals to serve in Winona on Monday, after an EF-3 tornado hit the area Friday. In the Summerfield area, three members of one family were killed when their mobile home was picked up and torn apart by the tornado's powerful winds. A fourth was seriously injured. The victims were identified as 54-year-old schoolteacher Helen Munford, her husband, 51-year-old Danny Munford, and 14-year-old son JaDarrion Murphy. JaDarrion's twin brother, LaDarrion Murphy was the family's lone survivor. "She was a member of my church," Winona Ward 3 Alderwoman Sylvia Clark said. Live updates on the tornado:Obituaries released for 5 tornado victims in Rolling Fork, Silver City Suspensions in Winona:Police chief, animal officer suspended; community wants them fired after shooting dogs The Winona tornado was at its strongest near the Black Hawk community in nearby Carroll County, with an intensity of around 155 mph. Black Hawk Independent Church, the historic Blackhawk School and parsonage were completely destroyed, according to a damage survey by the National Weather Service in Jackson. Story continues Both the school and church had stood for nearly 100 years, the report said. She said the Board of Aldermen held a special-called meeting to allow the city to seek federal and state assistance to help with recovery efforts. The tornado cut a path nearly 30 miles long and was seven-tenths of mile wide near Winona. Clarion Ledger reporter Joshua Williams contributed to this story. 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 Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Winona MS residents begin recovery after EF-3 tornado Next week's Supreme Court election in Wisconsin could be the beginning of the end of the GOP's near-dominance in Wisconsin. With the exception of the governorship, Republicans have long had a lock on most levers of power in the state. They have a strong majority of the congressional delegation. They're on the cusp of supermajorities in both legislative chambers. And conservatives currently hold sway on the state Supreme Court. But a liberal win in the April 4 election could upend all of that. It would give liberals an effective majority on the high court and with it, the possibility to redraw state and congressional district lines in ways that dramatically curb Republican power. Wisconsinites are very familiar with hearing this is the most important election of our lifetime, said Sarah Godlewski, a Democrat who was recently appointed to be the Wisconsin secretary of state after running for the Senate last year. But, she emphasized, this race is actually incredibly consequential for the longer-term political control of the state. A liberal takeover of the supreme court could even be a factor in the race for control of the U.S. House in 2024. A win by Democrat-backed Janet Protasiewicz which could shift control of the court from a one-seat advantage for conservatives to a 4-3 liberal majority could have a domino effect in the state. She is facing former state Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly, the conservative candidate backed by the state GOP in the technically non-partisan race. Most immediately, the court will likely decide the fate of abortion rights in Wisconsin; that and crime have been the focus of much of the debate surrounding the race. But theres another hugely consequential matter the court could take up: a challenge to the state's congressional district and legislative lines. And an adverse ruling for Republicans would pose a direct threat to the delegation's GOP-heavy makeup. Currently, Republicans have a near-ironclad hold on the state legislature, a fact that has hamstrung Democratic Gov. Tony Evers throughout his two terms. The GOP is a few seats shy of a supermajority in the state Assembly, and a special election for a red-leaning state Senate seat on Tuesday will determine if the GOP hits the two-thirds mark in the state Senate again. Story continues The states congressional delegation, meanwhile, is 6-2 Republican four safe Republican seats, two deep blue Democratic districts and a pair of red-leaning but potentially competitive districts that the GOP carried in the midterms. But that GOP dominance is built upon conservative-friendly state and congressional district maps lines that Democrats are itching to challenge in court. Wisconsins congressional and legislative lines went through lengthy court fights following the 2020 census, after the GOP-controlled legislature and Evers could not reach an agreement on the maps. After a series of rulings from both the state and U.S. Supreme Courts, the state landed on its current legislative and congressional lines. The U.S. House map ultimately selected by the state Supreme Court was one proposed by Evers but it was still one that heavily favored Republicans because the court previously ruled the maps must be based on the last decades lines. A win for Protasiewicz could reopen those decisions. Broadly, operatives on both sides believe a redrawn map could endanger the seats of Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, the two Republicans who represent the red-leaning seats. And the district of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) could be redrawn to become more competitive. More than $37 million has already been spent on the race as of late last week, according to WisPolitics.com easily the record for spending on a state Supreme Court race anywhere in the country. But even with the stakes riding on the election, those involved say the contest is still running into the same attention gap that off-year elections face. For people that arent paying attention, it seems hard to believe that there's a spring election that has cataclysmic importance, said Ben Wikler, the chair of the state Democratic Party. And breaking through that natural skepticism to convey that fact is maybe the central challenge in this organizing push. Operatives on both sides believe the race between the two candidates is close, though there have been no nonpartisan public polls. In the only debate between Protasiewicz and Kelly that took place last week, Protasiewicz criticized the maps, saying they were unfair. I dont think anybody thinks those maps are fair. Anybody, she said during the debate. The question is am I able to fairly make a decision on a case. Of course I would. Some Republicans have attacked these comments, saying she is projecting how she would rule in cases. I think that it really goes beyond the partisan makeup of the legislature or what the congressional delegation is going to be, state Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, a Republican, said in an interview. It really goes to are we going to start to allow Supreme Court justices to just make unilateral decisions? But even setting aside the outcome of Tuesdays election, there is significant uncertainty over what role the Wisconsin Supreme Court will play in redistricting in the future. There is a case pending in the U.S. Supreme Court that risks cutting state supreme courts out of that role in most federal election questions. Perhaps even more consequential than any would-be redistricting case is the potential for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to rule on the outcome of a future election including the 2024 presidential race. In the immediate aftermath of the 2020 election, the state Supreme Court tossed then-President Donald Trumps challenge to the outcome in the state. At the time, Justice Brian Hagedorn a conservative who still serves on the court and has been a swing vote in other big cases joined the liberal minority on the case. The most glaring near-term issue the court will grapple with, however, is abortion rights. The state currently has an 1840s law on the books banning abortion in almost all circumstances. A challenge to that law is expected to eventually land in front of the state Supreme Court, but abortion providers in the state have, in the interim, stopped performing the procedure. Earlier this month, Republican Assembly leaders put forward a proposal to allow for the procedure in cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, along with clarifying a health of the mother exception. But Republican Senate leaders promised to not take it up, and Evers said he would veto it. Soon after, the governor introduced his own proposal to repeal the 1849 law, but it will not pass the legislature. Protasiewicz and her allies are hoping the issue will propel her to victory, as it did for many Democrats last fall who outperformed expectations in the midterms. But the race has attracted significant attention from both pro-abortion rights and anti-abortion groups, who say their supporters have been fired up by the contest. Gracie Skogman, the legislative and PAC director of Wisconsin Right to Life, said there has been an unprecedented response from anti-abortion advocates. I have been truly shocked to see the amount of people who are willing to be involved in this election. That was very unexpected for us, she added. ISLAMABAD, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were injured when a fire erupted in a shoe factory in Pakistan's east Punjab province on Monday, rescue teams said. The incident happened in the provincial capital of Lahore where the fire engulfed part of the factory, partially damaging it, workers from state-owned Rescue 1122 told media. The injured people were all laborers who were working in the factory when the incident happened. The injured laborers were shifted to a nearby hospital, and three of them were in critical condition. The fire was doused after a two-hour operation by the firefighters, said the rescue workers. The incident temporarily disrupted road traffic in the area, which was later cleared by the rescue teams. The cause of the fire has not been determined yet. As the murder trial of a former Presidente Supermarket executive continued this week, prosecutors turned to a colorful star witness and cellphone data to link Manuel Marin to the brutal slaying of his wifes lover. The states case leans heavily on one eyewitness Ariel The Panther Gandulla, a former Mixed Martial Arts fighter who told jurors on Monday that he was in a truck when Marin and another man lifted Camilo Salazar out of its backseat, his hands bound by plastic handcuffs, and put him inside the hatchback of Marins blue Mercedes at an office park close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The seats were down and there was plastic on top of them, Gandulla told jurors on Monday. The person in the blue Mercedes, you see him here today? Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney Justin Funck asked Gandulla. Yes Gandulla replied, pointing directly at Marin. Though Gandullas testimony tied Marin directly to the plot, he didnt place him at the isolated West Miami-Dade field where Salazars body was found charred, his jaw broken and throat slit more than a decade ago. Prosecutors relied on technology to do that, saying Marins phone pinged at the closest cellphone tower to the final crime scene at the edge of the Everglades. Marin, who owned several Presidente Supermarkets in South Florida and New Jersey before Salazar was killed, is accused of being the jealous mastermind of a plot to kill his wifes former lover. Prosecutors say the former corporate executive recruited another MMA fighter named Alexis Vila Perdomo, Latin Kings gang member Roberto Isaac and Gandulla to abduct Salazar and eventually kill him. Marin has been charged with second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping, which could land him in prison for the rest of his life. Prosecutors believe Perdomo helped orchestrate the killing from Las Vegas, by convincing Isaac to abduct Salazar and murder him. On the June 1, 2011, morning that Salazar was killed, Gandulla testified that Isaac showed up at his Kendall home and asked him to help cash a check he had to get from another man. Story continues From there, he said, the days events quickly escalated into a macabre scene he said he wanted no part of. Gandulla claimed in court Monday that when they found Salazar outside his wifes Coconut Grove office, Isaac pretended to be a cop, blocked Salazars car, subdued him with plastic handcuffs and drove him to Isaacs Wynwood home. Thats where, Gandulla said, he sat in the vehicle with the engine off, window down and Salazar in the backseat, for three hours. Marin defense attorney Jose Quinon asked the bigger and stronger Gandulla why he didnt just leave. Gandulla said he was unsure if the gate behind him was locked. Its easy for you to get the hell out of there? Quinon asked, incredulously. I told you 100 times, I was stuck. I didnt know what actions to take, Gandulla shot back. He said Isaac finally appeared and they drove to an office park where the transfer took place. Then, Gandulla said, he was finally able to escape. As Isaac closed the hatch on Marins Mercedes with Salazar inside, his hands and feet now bound, he said he noticed the keys in the pickup truck, jumped into the drivers seat and drove back to his Kendall apartment. He said he called Isaac and told him he left the truck and the keys in the parking lot and met him downstairs when Isaac arrived later that night. He said Isaac told him they gave Salazar a beating and that Isaac smelled like gasoline. Gandulla was busted a week later with a friend in Tampa, charged with distributing marijuana. He said he lost his home and moved in with his sister in Orlando. He claimed to only have learned about Salazars death when Miami-Dade police detectives showed up the next year at his sisters home. After that, he moved to Vancouver with his new wife, where they spent the next seven years with their two children. In 2019 police caught up with him, flying to Vancouver along with Miami-Dade state prosecutors. Gandulla told prosecutors he was so crushed by the string of events that he contemplated suicide. The state eventually offered Gandulla a three-year sentence for kidnapping in exchange for his testimony. Marin also fled within a week of Salazars death. It appears he didnt correspond much over the years and resurfaced at the U.S. Embassy in Spain in 2018, where he was taken into custody by the FBI. He had been considered a fugitive for four years. Perdomo and Isaac were found guilty during a 2019 trial, with Perdomo getting a 15-year sentence and Isaac life for Salazars murder. Closing arguments for the trial, now in its second week, are expected Thursday or Friday. Six hand guns laid on a table Sweden has made an unusually large arms seizure after stopping a woman at its border with six guns hidden in her underwear. A Belgian couple were stopped by officers and arrested for trying to smuggle 15 weapons into Sweden, which is facing record levels of gun crime. Customs inspectors found a total of six weapons that the woman had hidden in her underwear. Two pistols were found in her bra and four pistols were tucked in her panties, said Kristian Johansson, head of the customs crime unit. This is an unusually large seizure of weapons, she added. It feels incredibly good that we have managed to stop these 15 weapons from entering the country and ending up in the hands of criminal gangs. A large cache of weapons hidden in the car The couple, who are in their 40s, had claimed that they were on their way to a wedding when they were stopped in a routine check. But officers became suspicious because they had no luggage and searched the vehicle. Nine more weapons were found behind the cars dashboard on the Oresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, where there is an epidemic of gangland shootings. Weapons parts were also found in a specially constructed hiding place behind the car radio. The couple have been in custody since the weapons were seized on Dec 1 and have been charged with weapons smuggling, which carries a sentence of four to seven years. If convicted, they can expect to be deported and banned from returning to Sweden for 15 years after serving their sentence. The woman told investigators that she hid the weapons in her underwear at the behest of her male partner and claims to know nothing about what the guns were for. The man told officers that he had picked up the guns in Germany and was delivering them to a contact in Stockholm. The Oresund Bridge - Niels Christian Vilmann/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Gangs, largely made up of first or second generation immigrants, are battling over the drugs trade in Sweden, including in the capital. A total of 63 people were shot dead last year in traditionally liberal Sweden, a modern record for the country and an increase from the previous high of 47 in 2020. In contrast, only four people were shot dead in Norway, another four in Denmark and just two in Finland in 2022. Swedish voters jettisoned the Left-wing Social Democrats in elections last year and turned to Right-wing parties to address their concerns over law and order. CANTON Elaine Russell-Reolfi remembers a time years ago when she lost her composure at work. She was a department head and someone involved in a project had made a mistake. Another executive was infuriated, blaming her for the error. His voice raised, he left her a scathing voicemail message. He then escalated the situation by directing the phone system to send copies of the message to others at the company. More:Support these Stark County women-owned restaurants during Women's History Month A mortified Russell-Reolfi went to a conference room to catch her breath and shed a few tears. A female colleague brought Russell-Reolfi's purse as she requested and comforted her. Russell-Reolfi then pulled herself together. She held a meeting with her coworkers and insisted that they could not treat each other this way. Elaine Russell-Reolfi, CEO of CommQuest Services, answers a question at the "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond" panel discussion bringing together influential women from Stark County to share stories, experiences and insight. "I found my voice in that adversity," she said. Years later, Russell-Reolfi made a major career change in her early 50s. She went onto become the CEO of Commquest in 2021, the local provider of mental health and addiction recovery services. "And maybe you fail and that's OK, too. Because you learn a lot when you fail. And I think if you never fail, you're probably not pushing yourself hard enough," she said. Russell-Reolfi was one of six speakers Wednesday evening at the panel discussion "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond." The Stark County District Library and the group Women's Impact Inc. organized the women's history event at the Cultural Center of the Arts. Between 100 and 150 attended. Organizers and the panelists sought to inspire young women and girls to a successful career path. Maureen Ater, vice president of marketing and development for Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, serves as the moderator for the Women's History Month panel discussion bringing together influential women from Stark County to share stories, experiences and insight. The discussion's moderator was Maureen Ater, vice president of marketing and development for Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio. She talked about how a century ago, women's career opportunities were significantly more limited, often restricted to certain fields like clerical, teaching and nursing. Building confidence in your career The panelists discussed their struggles to build their confidence earlier in their careers. And they often brought up experiencing the common but false feeling that they were alone in their situations. Story continues Ater referred to the slights often experienced by women in the workplace. Like the time early in her career when a male colleague asked her to make him coffee. "The joke's on you because I don't even know how to make coffee," Ater recalled herself thinking. Russell-Reolfi said a man once told her he wasn't hiring her because she was "too nice." Liz Hand, a financial adviser for Canton-based Pleasant Wealth, talked about how she had to take nine months off from school at the age of 6 due to rheumatoid arthritis. For a long time after she returned to school she dealt with the anxiety of feeling constantly behind and missing something. As she took the reins of her family's business, it took her a while to realize she wasn't really missing anything. Liz Hand, a financial planner at Pleasant Wealth, talks at the "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond" panel discussion. Carrilyn Long, a program manager for the Ohio Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Representation and a Waynesburg native, emphasized the importance of having people in your life who will tell you their honest thoughts of what you need to hear but don't want to hear. "I only surround myself with positive people. If somebody's negative, they're not in my circle," Long said. Carrilyn Long, program manager at the Ohio Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Representation, shares her experiences and insight during the "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond" panel discussion. She said she was training to be a nurse for years. But then she realized she didn't want to be a nurse. Long wanted to be an educator. "Don't pick a career because you're going to make a lot of money," said Long, who worked a few years as a social worker for Stark County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Rachel Hagemeier on becoming CEO at age 25 Rachel Hagemeier talked about being hired to be the president and CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra in November at the age of 25. "My career started four years ago," she said. Rachel Hagemeier, president and CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, answers a question at the Women's History Month panel discussion. Influential women from Stark County shared their stories and experiences. Hagemeier shared her story of "fake" applying for the Canton Symphony Orchestra's open position for community engagement and education manager. She had to do it to fulfill a program requirement as she finished Baldwin Wallace University's Conservatory of Music. To her surprise, the orchestra offered her the job. When the CEO position became vacant about three years later, she hesitated. Hagemeier asked the female executive directors of other orchestras for advice. "I wanted to be the CEO of an organization and I thought I would maybe do that by 40," she said. Hagemeier said one of the executive directors told her, "Rachel, if you were a man, you would not be questioning applying for this job. If you were a man, you would just apply for it." Hagemeier said she's learned that age doesn't define success. Authenticity does. And she said she's learned to accept that she doesn't always have the answers. Panelist Stephanie Werren is the vice president of leadership programs at Leadership Stark County and a member of North Canton City Council. Stephanie Werren, vice president of leadership programs at Leadership Stark County, encouraged others to "take chances." She shared her experiences and insight during the "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond" panel discussion. Around 1991, she was graduating from Miami University when the company Masland Carpets offered her a sales job in Atlanta. The offer was later withdrawn, she said. She decided to go to Hawaii to work on a cruise ship, which she did for about a year, rising to the position of the captain's waitress. Werren said she was exposed to different cultures as well as being able to enjoy new types of food. "Take chances," Werren encouraged. Correction: Stephanie Werren, a panelist who participated in the discussion "Women of Tomorrow: Stark County and Beyond," said Masland Carpets offered her a sales job in Atlanta around 1991, before rescinding the offer. A prior version of the article did not correctly describe who offered her the job and the location. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark professional women talk about overcoming career situations A shooting outside a Randolph social club last summer that left a Worcester man dead and two Worcester men indicted on murder charges has led to the arrest and arraignment of one suspect, while the other remains at large. Shawn Johnson, 29, was arrested Wednesday in Webster, according to a release late Monday from the Norfolk District Attorneys Office. Johnson was arraigned Thursday in Norfolk Superior Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, armed assault with intent to murder, mayhem and carrying a firearm, in the July 4, 2022, shooting death of 29-year-old Ivanildo Cabral of Worcester. Jovani Delossantos, 29, of Worcester, is wanted by police. A second man, Jovani Delossantos, 29, was also indicted for murder and other charges in the July Fourth shooting of Cabral in the parking lot of the Mojitos Country Club on Mazzeo Drive in Randolph, a city just south of Boston and roughly an hour from Worcester. Cabral was one of two men shot around 8 p.m. that night, according to investigators, but did not survive his injuries. Delossantos has yet to face charges and remains at large. If any member of the public has information on where Mr. Delossantos is, we ask them to not approach or speak to him, but to call Randolph Police at 781-963-1212, Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said in the release. Johnson was apprehended Wednesday by state police, Randolph and Webster police. [Police] converged on a residence on North Main Street in the town of Webster at roughly 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Morrissey said in the release. Officers found Shawn Johnson at that address and took him into custody without incident. Bianca Chionchio, 28, was also indicted in December and charged with an accessory after the fact of murder for driving Johnson and Delossantos to New York after the shooting. She pleaded not guilty and is due back in Norfolk Superior Court June 9. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester man arraigned, another sought in summertime shooting death of city man outside Randolph club Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded what he called the easing of tensions in the Middle East during a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, state media reported. Beijing brokered an agreement between Tehran and Riyadh on March 10 to restore diplomatic ties following a seven-year freeze. Long bitter rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia have engaged in a series of proxy conflicts in the region, such as the protracted fighting in Yemen. In his first comments on the matter to be made public since the deal was struck, Xi said the dialogue promoted by China would "play a major role in strengthening regional unity and cooperation". Crown Prince Mohammed on Tuesday "expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for the Chinese initiative to support efforts to develop neighbourly relations" between the two sides, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. Saudi Arabia and Iran are now preparing to reopen embassies in each other's capitals, with a meeting between their two top diplomats due before the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Saudi state media said Monday. A trilateral statement issued after the deal said the Saudi and Iranian delegations "expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the leadership and government of the People's Republic of China for hosting and sponsoring the talks". The deal represented a major breakthrough for Xi, who has pushed for China to play a more proactive role in global affairs during his decade in power. pfc/reb/qan Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. MIKHAIL TERESHCHENKO/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Russia and China have formed closer ties to counter the power of the US. But China is the dominant one in the partnership, with Russia weakened by the Ukraine war. The power imbalance could cause tensions and eventually end the alliance, says an expert. At a Moscow summit last week, strongmen rulers Vladimir Putin of Russia and China's President Xi Jinping toasted their shared opposition to US power. But despite the duo's show of unity against the grandiose backdrop of the Kremlin, analysts said the summit exposed the unequal power dynamics in the relationship, and Russia's weakened global position. The imbalance could be what eventually ends up shattering the alliance, according to Jonathan Ward, founder of Atlas Organization, a consultancy on US-China global competition. World leaders have made Putin a pariah over his military's brutal and unprovoked bid to seize Ukraine. Meanwhile, wealthy democracies in western Europe have cut their ties with the Russian economy. China's decision to instead deepen its economic connections with Russia amid the fallout from the invasion has been vital in keeping the Russian economy afloat, and it has also offered diplomatic and propaganda backing for the Kremlin. At last week's summit, Xi proposed a peace plan in Ukraine that critics said mainly reflected Russian demands. At the summit China secured sweeping access to the Russian economy in return for the lifeline Xi has handed Putin, and offered very little in terms of tangible extra backing for Russia in return. "The China-Russia relationship is deeply skewed in Beijing's favor," said Ward, who is also author of 'The Decisive Decade' and 'China's Vision of Victory.' "By destroying its relations with the West, Russia risks becoming China's economic acquisition." "The imbalance of power in this relationship is the best reason for it to fail in the long-run and the fact that China has historic grievances of its own against its 'strategic partner' to the north." Story continues Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. PAVEL BYRKIN/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Xi power play irks Putin During the summit Xi asserted his dominance, calling a meeting of Central Asian former Soviet Republics that the Kremlin has long regarded as being part of its sphere of influence, reported the Agence France Presse. Putin responded with a move of his own likely to irritate Beijing, declaring plans over the weekend to station nuclear weapons in Belarus in direct contradiction to a joint statement issued with China only days before. Former US ambassador to Moscow Michael McFaul described the move as a "humiliation" for Xi. Russia's repeated nuclear threats to Ukraine and its allies are among the sources of tension between Russia and China, said Ali Wyne, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, remarking that they placed Xi in "an uncomfortable position" as he sought to act as a mediator in the conflict. But despite such tensions, the Russia-China alliance will likely persist because of the deep resentment Putin and Xi share over the US' status as the world's top superpower. "The shared resentment of US influence that has anchored the partnership between the two countries since the end of the Cold War seems poised to grow apace," Wyne told Insider. "However much it might bristle at the increasing asymmetry of its ties with China, Russia knows that it presently has no plausible path to a detente with the United States; it needs to keep Beijing onside, lest it find itself in a situation where the world's two foremost powers are mobilized against further aggression on its part," he said. A new Cold War It's a situation comparable to the early decades of the Cold War, when the Communist regimes in Russia and China sought to counterbalance the power of the democratic US and its allies. "As long as these two neo-totalitarian states are focused on rewriting the maps of Europe and Asia, they will stick together," said Ward. But the key difference now is that the power dynamic is flipped, and unlike in the 1960s when Russia's economy was greater, China's economy is now around 10 times bigger than Russia's, and it has leapt ahead in areas such as technology. In the long run, if Russia's imperial ambitions are thwarted, and China's plans to become the world's pre-eminent power constrained by the US and its allies, their differences could pull them apart, said Ward. "None of that bodes well for the long-term, unless China consolidates a hold over this country," said Ward. Read the original article on Business Insider Although xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone can reverse the effects of the fentanyl and heroin it is often mixed with. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong The White House officially designated fentanyl adulterated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the U.S. on Apr. 12, 2023. Earlier, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a warning on Mar. 21, 2023, about an increase in trafficking of fentanyl adulterated with xylazine, which can increase the risk of overdosing on an already deadly drug. Xylazine is increasingly appearing within the U.S. supply of illicit opioids like fentanyl and heroin. The agency noted that it has seized mixtures of xylazine and fentanyl in 48 of 50 states. Xylazine, commonly referred to as tranq, is a drug adulterant a substance intentionally added to a drug product to enhance its effects. Illicit drugmakers may include xylazine to prolong opioid highs or prevent withdrawal symptoms. As a physician who cares for people who use fentanyl, I worry about the ways xylazine increases their risk for overdose. I worry even more that misunderstandings about xylazine can make bystanders less likely to administer the lifesaving drug naloxone (Narcan) during an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, calling emergency medical services and administering naloxone are still the critical first steps to saving a life. Tranq overdoses and fentanyl Xylazine was originally developed as a veterinary anesthesia. It was first identified as an adulterant in heroin supplies in the early 2000s. Although xylazine is not an opioid, it induces opioidlike effects, including sedation, slowed heart rate and small pupils, similar to the effects produced in people by its pharmaceutical cousin clonidine. Xylazine use is also associated with serious skin and soft tissue ulcers and infections. The use of opioids with sedating medications like xylazine increases the risk of fatal overdose. Historically, people who use drugs have been unaware that xylazine is in the drug supply and are unable to tell whether they have been exposed to it. Routine hospital drug testing does not detect xylazine, further complicating surveillance. Story continues Xylazine overdoses rarely occur in isolation. Xylazine detection in heroin- and fentanyl-associated deaths in Philadelphia has grown from less than 2% before 2015 to more than 31% in 2019. Similarly, one study of 210 xylazine-associated deaths in Chicago from 2017 to 2021 found that fentanyl or a chemically similar substance was detected in 99.1% of overdoses. This data underscores the key role that fentanyl plays in causing fatal overdoses in cases where xylazine is found, and anecdotal evidence suggests the problem is only increasing. Xylazine overdoses often occur in the presence of fentanyl or heroin. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong Naloxone and xylazine Unfortunately, increasing awareness of xylazine has contributed to the myth of naloxone-resistant overdoses. Unlike overdoses with opioids only, patients experiencing xylazine-associated overdoses may not immediately wake up after naloxone administration. While naloxone may not reverse the effects of xylazine, it is still able to reverse the effects of the fentanyl it is often mixed with and should be used in all suspected opioid overdoses. The critical goal of administering naloxone is to prevent patients from dying of dangerously low breathing rates. Bystanders who suspect an overdose should always call 911 to bring in experts in case treatment is required. Article updated to include a White House announcement on Apr. 12, 2023 This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Kavita Babu, UMass Chan Medical School. Read more: Kavita Babu receives funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the MA Department of Public Health/ Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All opinions here are hers and do not represent the position of these organizations. PROVIDENCE A troubled 28-year-old man who viciously opened fire on an unsuspecting Pawtucket woman when she answered her door on New Year's Day 2020 must serve two life prison terms plus five years for the killing. Jack Doherty's chance for parole remained intact on Tuesday as he put on a pair of dark shades and shuffled out of Judge Kristin Rodgers' courtroom in Superior Court, Providence. Doherty, a New Yorker, plotted the 2020 New Year's Day murder with a Rhode Island woman he had met online, Shaylyn Moran. The victim, 54-year-old Cheryl Smith, was the mother of Moran's previous boyfriend. "It is not difficult to appreciate the severity of the crimes for which the defendant is convicted," Rodgers said, adding: "A hard-working much loved, caring member of the community, completely innocent, relaxing at her home, answers her front door on New Year's Day and is gunned down." More:Now this is for life. Police reveal couples text messages after Pawtucket murder Jack Doherty, 23, of Albany, New York, arraigned in 2020 District Court, Providence, on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy. Doherty accepts sentence with nothing to say to the court Last year, a jury rejected Doherty's contention that he was not guilty by reason of insanity. On Tuesday, citing Doherty's mental illness, Rodgers rejected the suggestion that the defendant cannot achieve rehabilitation in jail. She agreed that under the law she had to sentence Doherty to at least two consecutive life terms, calling it a harsh punishment. She said she did not agree with Assistant Attorney General Stephen Dambruch's argument that Doherty deserved the maximum penalty of two consecutive life terms plus 20 years. Doherty's lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, had asked Rodgers to give Doherty a chance for parole and life outside prison when he is in his 70s. This would mean penalties for two other offenses that would run concurrent with the double life sentences. Rodgers gave Doherty an additional five years to serve for conspiracy to commit murder and a 10-year prison term, suspended, with probation, running concurrently with the penalties, for possession of a gun without a permit. Story continues Doherty told her that he had nothing to say to the court. His silence stood in marked contrast to Robert Guslin Jr., who told the court that the first images he saw from the crime scene on Baxter Street in Pawtucket had "gutted" him. Shaylyn Moran appeared in District Court, Providence, in 2020. He was familiar with the house. Guslin described his cousin, Smith, as a woman with a "kind heart." He recalled the last time he had conversed with her during a rendezvous in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Dambruch described the crime as "nothing less than a cold and ruthless taking of another human life." Doherty's co-defendant and fiancee Moran was sentenced to life in prison in 2021 when she pleaded guilty in the killing. Rodgers gave Moran life plus two additional 10-year consecutive terms for carrying a pistol without a license and conspiring to commit murder. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Jack Doherty gets two life sentences in New Year's Day murder of RI woman Nine days after Donald Trump announced he was about to be arrested over a hush-money payment to a porn star, the world still awaits what would be one of the most famous police mugshots in history. The Republican former US president, who has never been shy about grabbing the limelight, sent newsrooms in the United States and beyond into a spin on March 18 when he announced he was three days away from being brought before a New York judge. Trump, it turned out, had bad information or was simply guessing, and his equally baseless claim a week later that the case had been dropped altogether was greeted with due incredulity. The prosecutors may not be marching to Trump's tune but legal analysts genuinely expect the 76-year-old -- who is running again for the White House -- to be read his Miranda rights any day now. A grand jury -- a panel of citizens with broad investigative powers that works with prosecutors -- reconvened Monday in Manhattan, where they reportedly heard from the former publisher of the National Enquirer, a central player in the hush money payment scheme. The probe centers on $130,000 paid weeks before the 2016 election to adult film star Stormy Daniels to stop her from going public about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump a decade earlier. Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, who has testified before the grand jury, told Congress in 2019 that he made the payment on Trump's behalf and was later reimbursed. Prosecutors say the checks were not properly registered, which might normally result in a misdemeanor charge of falsifying business records. But that could be upgraded to a felony if the district attorney can persuade the grand jury that the payment and the suspect accounting were part of a cover-up, intended to benefit Trump's election campaign by burying the scandal. There are strict laws about how much candidates can contribute to their own election bid, and secretly funneling money toward campaign coffers can lead to jail terms of several years. Story continues Criminal charges of any level would be uncharted territory in the United States, which has never indicted a sitting or former president. If the jury votes to indict Trump, Manhattan's chief local prosecutor is obliged to comply with their decision and announce it to the public. Accused by Trump and the former president's allies in the House of Representatives of a political "witch hunt," prosecutor Alvin Bragg, an elected Democrat, has hit back at Republican "interference" in the investigation. In an interview that aired Monday night with Fox News, Trump said the proceedings against him amount to election interference as he makes another shot for the White House. "In my opinion, it is a way of cheating," Trump said. "It's election interference." "We are dealing with dishonest people and thugs and dealing with people, I believe, that hate our country," he added. Trump staged his first official campaign rally in Texas on Saturday, brushing off his potential indictment -- denying the tryst with Daniels as he railed against multiple criminal probes threatening his 2024 bid for the White House. "I think they've already dropped the case," Trump told reporters aboard his plane home to Florida, according to political website Axios. "It's a fake case. Some fake cases, they have absolutely nothing." ft/dw/dhc Photo Credit: New York State Department of Economic Development Locals and tourists alike have heard the phrase I Love New York and are familiar with the iconic logo. However, theres a new logo in town, unveiled by officials earlier this week. It reads: We Love NYC. The new design celebrates the citys triumph over the pandemic and other challenges of recent years. However, New Yorkers are rolling their eyes and venting displeasure on social media. Milton Glasers I Love New York wont be completely replaced, but itll exist along with the new logo, designed by Graham Clifford. Both designs have a heart where love would traditionally be spelled out. At a press conference in Times Square, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul tried to drum up enthusiasm. Heres all you need to know about the new logo, the history of the original, and the response of New Yorkers. New Yorks Leaders Support We Love NYC The mayor and the governor seem to be at odds with New Yorkers. Mayor Adams told reporters that the new slogan acknowledges the resilience of New York as a metropolis and its people. We took the I out of I Love New York, and we brought the we, Adams explained. Were in this together. Governor Hochul echoed the sentiments. We Love New York City is a message to all of you, she said. The artist, Graham Clifford, ran in his own direction with Glasers design in mind. While both feature black and bold lettering, the font and the placement of the heart in Cliffords work are different. New Yorkers set social media ablaze with criticism for the new We Love NYC concept. From criticizing the current living conditions of some in the city to overall displeasure with crime and other issues, many find it to be an ill-timed campaign. Whats Wrong With Glasers Original? According to New Yorkers, absolutely nothing. They are as sensitive about it as they are their beloved pizza and bagels, and question why perfection needs to be changed. One Twitter user said that if Glaser wasnt already deceased, the lack of creativity and ingenuity of the new design would have put him in his grave. One woman, Karen K. Ho, jokingly suggested that the slogan be changed altogether. Story continues On The Daily Show, Al Franken took aim at the mayor and the new slogan. Thats right, he said. Its not I anymore, its we. As in we cant afford rent.' The all-too-true bit earned cheers from the audience. On the more extreme end, some called for the removal of Mayor Adams from office. Opposers claim he is out of touch with New Yorkers on just about every issue, including the new logo. The Story Behind The Original Logo Photo by Chris Scott The idea for the I love New York design came to Milton Glaser in the back of a taxi. Glaser sketched the logo with a crayon on an envelope he was carrying with him. Conceiving the work free of charge, Glaser had no idea how iconic it would later become. He would eventually learn how integral it would be in New Yorks advertising efforts from the 1970s and beyond. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Glaser modified his slogan to, I Love New York More Than Ever. After a long, successful career, Glaser died in June 2020 at age 91. However, his logo remains instantly recognizable to many. Tourist shops across New York sell t-shirts, hoodies and coffee mugs with I love New York blasted across them. Whether youre a New Yorker or not, the We Love NYC logo will certainly take some time to get used to. German police chief admits officers couldn't control anti-migrant mob The chief of police in the German city of Chemnitz has admitted that officers struggled to gain control when an angry mob attempted to block migrants from getting off a bus in a nearby town. GALLERY The chief of police in the German city of Chemnitz has admitted that officers struggled to gain control when an angry mob attempted to block migrants from getting off a bus in a nearby town. Clausnitz, Germany (dpa) - Up to 100 anti-migrant protesters gathered in front of accommodation for asylum seekers in Clausnitz, situated near the Czech border, in an attempt to blockade new arrivals on Thursday evening.There has been strong criticism of the police response, after police orders for the crowd to clear off were reportedly met with jeers and laughter."Looking back, it was a misjudgement," police chief Uwe Reissmann said on Saturday. Less than 20 officers had been present at the scene when tensions spiked.Reissmann added that they were outnumbered and therefore unable to clear the road.Videos of a police officer forcibly dragging a scared boy from the bus and into the accommodation have also sparked outrage online.However, Reissmann argued that the asylum seekers were partly to blame for the escalation and called the officers behaviour "absolutely necessary and appropriate."The police chief said the passengers in the bus were filming the incident and had made rude gestures at the protesters outside.Several charges have been filed for unlawful assembly and disturbing the peace. Reissmann expects that number could rise.The incident is the latest in a string of protests targeting refugee accommodation in Germany, as right-wing groups lash out at the countrys decision to open its doors to more than 1 million migrants last year. DHAKA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh will ban single-use plastic items in the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests. Sundarbans' environment and biodiversity are being severely affected due to the haphazard use of plastics, Bangladeshi Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said at a meeting here on Monday, adding "We'll no more allow tourists to use single-use plastic items in the Sundarbans." The Sundarbans mangrove forest lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. The site is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. It is known for a wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The minister said the South Asian country has also imposed bans on single-use plastic items in its coastal districts and at all government offices, which are required to hold regular meetings with the stakeholders to increase awareness against plastics-triggered pollution. Bangladesh has a population of more than 165 million with a very high population density. Experts said the country's rapid economic growth and urbanization have come at a high environmental cost. Pollution is not only impacting people's health but also eroding the country's economic competitiveness. (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand is open to discussing non-nuclear cooperation with the Aukus security partnership between the US, the UK and Australia, Defence Minister Andrew Little said. Most Read from Bloomberg New Zealand has been asked whether it wants to take part in the second pillar of Aukus, which involves strategic technology sharing in areas such as quantum computing, Little said in a statement provided by his office Tuesday in Wellington. We have been offered the opportunity to talk about whether we could, or wish to, participate in the pillar-two aspect of it, Little said. Ive indicated we will be willing to explore it, and thats as far as that has gone. Aukus is wide-reaching tripartite security partnership signed in September 2021 under which Australia will acquire a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. New Zealand, which has a nuclear-free policy, has said it has no intention of becoming a full member of the pact. New Zealand isnt part of Aukus at this point, and we wont be part of the nuclear submarines arrangement in any event, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said yesterday. Asked if New Zealand could become involved in the information-sharing pillar of Aukus, Hipkins said: we havent made decisions on that at this point. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - Russian forces are still edging forward in the bombed-out eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, a Moscow-installed official said on Tuesday, but British intelligence said a Russian tank division had taken heavy losses in the nearby town of Avdiivka. The battle for Bakhmut, a mining city in the Donetsk region, has been the focus of Moscow's war in Ukraine for months, with both sides describing the fighting there as a "meat grinder". Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed leader of the part of Donetsk region under Moscow's control, said most Ukrainian forces had pulled back from the AZOM metals factory on the western side of the Bakhmutka river in the city. "The important thing here was to clear out the industrial zone at the plant itself. You can practically say that has now been done, with the guys just finishing off (Ukrainian) fighters there who are only left in solitary groups," Pushilin told Russian state TV. His claims ran counter to Ukrainian and Western assertions that the situation in Bakhmut is stabilising and that Russia's winter offensive is faltering. In its evening briefing note on Tuesday, Ukraine's military command said Russia continued to conduct assaults in Bakhmut but Ukrainian forces were standing firm and repelling attacks. Ukraine's eastern command spokesman Serhiy Cherevaty separately said the situation around Bakhmut remained "dynamic". Ukrainian military commanders have said their own counteroffensive - backed by newly-delivered Western hardware, including German Leopard 2 tanks - is not far off, but have stressed the importance of holding Bakhmut in the meantime. Russian forces have also been shelling Avdiivka, 90 km (55 miles) south of Bakhmut. Many civilians have now been evacuated. In its daily update on the war in Ukraine on Tuesday, Britain's defence ministry said Russian forces had made only "marginal progress" in an attempt to encircle Avdiivka in recent days and had lost many armoured vehicles and tanks. Story continues Russia's 10th Tank Regiment, taking part in the Avdiivka operation, was dogged by problems of ill discipline and poor morale, and had "likely lost a large proportion of its tanks", the ministry said. In another sign of the pressure Moscow is facing, Russia said on Tuesday it had for the first time shot down a U.S.-supplied GLSDB guided smart bomb fired by Ukrainian forces. The Ground-launched Small Diameter Bomb, long sought by Kyiv to hit Russian command centres and supply lines, could double Ukraine's battlefield firing range. Separately, Ukrainian forces reported repelling 62 Russian assaults along the eastern front over the past 24 hours. Reuters could not verify the battlefield reports. Russian-installed officials in Donetsk city said Ukrainian forces killed two civilians late on Monday when they shelled an apartment building there. Reuters reporters saw rescuers combing through the rubble of the building, the lower part of which had collapsed, and one victim's legs protruding from the debris. There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian authorities. TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion, now into its 14th month, has been bogged down for months in eastern Ukraine. In warnings to the West against arming Ukraine, Putin and other Russian officials increasingly play up the risks of nuclear weapons being used in the war. On Saturday, Putin said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus, an ally of Moscow. Belarus confirmed this on Tuesday, saying the decision was a response to Western pressure including what it said was a military build-up by NATO member states near its borders. Minsk's foreign ministry said the nuclear plans did not contravene international non-proliferation agreements. Ukraine and its Western allies have denounced the plan, which anti-nuclear campaigners warn will lower the threshold for using tactical short-range battlefield nuclear weapons. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Belarus would face further European sanctions as a result. The war has devastated Ukrainian cities and towns, caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people and forced millions more to flee their homes. U.S. officials said Washington supports the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine, laying out for the first time how the United States would back Ukraine's push for accountability over Russia's invasion. Moscow says what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine was necessary to protect Russian-speakers in eastern Ukraine from persecution, and to prevent an aggressive West using Ukraine to threaten Russia. Kyiv and Western countries say these are baseless pretexts for an imperial-style land grab in Ukraine, which was once part of the Soviet Union until its break-up in 1991. NUCLEAR PLANT PROTECTION Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told Reuters in an interview in Dnipro that efforts were still alive to broker a deal to protect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant from the fighting were still alive, and that he was adjusting the proposals to seek a breakthrough. Russian troops have occupied the nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, since the early weeks of the invasion of Ukraine and have shown no inclination to relinquish control. Russia and Ukraine routinely accuse each other of shelling the plant. Grossi had previously called for a safety zone around it and is due to visit it again this week. "I am confident that it might be possible to establish some form of protection, perhaps not emphasising so much the idea of a zone, but on the protection itself: what people should do, or shouldn't do to protect (the plant) instead of having a territorial concept," Grossi said after talks with Zelenskiy. (Reporting by Reuters bureaux, Max Hunder, Ron Popeski and Elaine Monaghan; writing by Gareth Jones and Mark Heinrich; editing by Peter Graff and Frank Jack Daniel) KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited two northern towns and border guard trenches near the frontier with Russia on Tuesday, the latest stops on a regional tour that has taken him to areas near the front line. Video footage posted by Zelenskiy's office showed him in Sumy, the sixth region he has visited in the past week as expectations of a Ukrainian counter-offensive rise. Zelenskiy walked with border guard commanders through a deep trench at an undisclosed wooded position in Sumy, closely watched by troops in combat gear. He also visited the towns of Okhtyrka and Trostianets, which drove back Russian forces who occupied parts of the Sumy region for about a month at the start of Russia's invasion in February last year. Some of the buildings in the two towns had been badly damaged in fighting, and Ukrainian officials say territories close to the border are still regularly bombarded by Russian artillery and air strikes. "These days, these weeks, we are celebrating the anniversary of the liberation of our cities and communities in our northern regions," Zelenskiy told a small crowd of soldiers and civilians at the railway station in Trostianets before handing out medals. He later wrote on the Telegram messaging app: "Our people proved that this occupier will be defeated by us, by our morale, by our Ukrainian character. Our people proved it, our warriors proved it." The Russian invasion has been bogged down for months in fierce fighting along the eastern front, and Ukraine's ground forces commander said last week that a Ukrainian counterattack could come "very soon". (Reporting by Max Hunder) President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city of Okhtyrka in northeastern Sumy Oblast on March 28, marking the one-year anniversary of its liberation by the Ukrainian military. Zelensky handed the "Hero City of Ukraine" award to Mayor Pavlo Kuzmenko and other local officials in Okhtyrka, one of the first Ukrainian cities invaded by Russian troops in February last year. According to President's Office, Zelensky also awarded Ukrainian soldiers who took part in defending the city against the Russian invasion. "In Sumy Oblast, in our Okhtyrka, we honor the true Cossack courage and indomitability of our people, our heroes, all Ukrainian men and women," the president told the residents. "Ukrainians will live here, on their land, in their cities and villages, which we have to rebuild after the war. And I'm sure it will definitely happen." Okhtyrka, a small city with a pre-war population of about 46,000 people, is located about 80 kilometers south of the regional capital Sumy and nearly 50 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border. Having rich history rooted in Cossacks' heritage, Okhtyrka was heavily damaged by Moscow's all-out war and occupied by Russian troops for over a month. During his visit, Zelensky also met with members of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, surveyed checkpoints, and received a briefing on measures taken to secure the border between Sumy Oblast and Russia. Over the past week, Zelensky visited the Ukrainian positions near Donetsk Oblast's Bakhmut and in southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast as well traveled to the eastern city of Kharkiv and central Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Volodymyr Zelenskyy I think it will happen in the near future, but lets not be in a hurry, he said. Read also: Poland orders ammunition production increase Well definitely not announce this visit, as is usually the case during the visits of other heads of state. In the case of President Zelenskyy, such an announcement wont be made for security reasons. According to Jabonski, the leaders of Poland and Ukraine continue to have extensive contact. Earlier, Zelenskyy spoke by phone with his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda, after which he announced preparations for important events. Read also: Japan, Poland agree to remain united in furthering sanctions against Russia Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has inspected how the state border with Russia is defended in Sumy Oblast. Source: statement by the Office of the President of Ukraine Quote: "During a working trip to [Sumy Oblast], President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy checked the performance of tasks by units of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine at the state border with the aggressor country the Russian Federation. The Head of State directly got himself acquainted with the organization of service by border guards and their control over the checkpoints." Details: Zelenskyy was told that Russia had intensified shelling of the Ukrainian border from its territory, with Bilopillia hromada suffering the most recently [hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Background: On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief in departure for the first time in the city of Dnipro. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which is being constantly shelled by Russians. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Centra's multi-year modernization plan will encompass the most significant facility improvements and capital investments in its history. Aligning with Centras long-term strategic plan, the 500 million dollar investment will address different community needs based on findings from the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment. The first phase of the modernization plan is a revitalization and expansion of the Lynchburg area campuses. Centra plans to modernize its campus with contemporary facilities that include the latest innovative technologies that will increase patient access and enhance critical and specialty care in central Virginia for years to come. The following is a list of extensive projects that form the foundation of Centras modernization plan. Growth of Centras home-based services With the launch of a new Central Command Center, Centra is expanding its virtual care and telehealth programs. Through a remote patient monitoring program, the organization will provide quality care for chronic conditions, manage patients health and well-being and remotely avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits. With 24/7 access to care and support, Centra will expand care beyond the hospital or clinic setting and meet patients where they are. Development of a new medical campus In partnership with Lifepoint Health, Centra plans to construct two new facilities to create a specialty medical campus on Simons Run. The medical campus will comprise The Centra Behavioral Health Hospital and The Centra Rehabilitation Hospital. The campus is expected to be complete by 2025. Construction of a new specialty medical office building The health system plans to develop a new multi-specialty medical office building in partnership with Remedy Health. Located near Lynchburg General Hospitals campus on Langhorne Road, the MOB will expand access to outpatient services and specialty care, including Centras comprehensive brain and spine programs and other surgical specialists. Establishment of a new care tower A new five-story Northeast Tower will be constructed. This new care tower will be located adjacent to the East Tower (main hospital entrance) and consists of medical units, patient recovery rooms and support spaces, as well as additional shell space for future growth and capacity. Replacement of Lynchburg General Hospitals Emergency Department The current emergency department will be replaced and incorporated as part of the new Northeast Tower. This new facility will meet the needs of our ever-changing community and will include 71 treatment bays, five trauma bays and four imaging rooms. Enhancements will include a split flow model of care, an integrated emPATH psychiatric unit, super track/imaging/results lounge and improved connectivity. Creation of additional parking for the Lynchburg General campus Centra has planned to address this challenge through the expansion of lots on Thomson Drive and Tate Springs Road. This expansion will create 428 additional parking spaces and is intended to bring all patient and visitor parking for ED and inpatient services to the front of the building, enabling ease of access and simplified navigation of the campus. Centras modernization plan and vision for the future will be financed over the next four years through the assistance of joint ventures, operations, capital bonds and in partnership with the Centra Foundation and its generous donors. A key component of planning is to make sure all patient services are continued while construction takes place. Expected completion of all projects is fall 2027. For more information, visit centrahealth.com. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. Jen Pellant condemned two Iowa legislative bills Saturday, calling them an attempt to roll back more than 100 years of protecting children from unscrupulous employers. Pellant, president of the Western Iowa Labor Federation, told a small crowd outside Wilson Middle School that billion dollar corporations are trying to exploit Iowas children through SF 542 and HF 647. Pellant addressed sign-carrying parents, grandparents and other interested parties who were demonstrating against the bills in the Iowa Legislature that would allow corporations, such a meat packing plants, restaurants and factories, to allow: 14-year-olds to work six-hour shifts and longer during the summer; 15-year-olds to work on assembly production lines or loading/unloading shipments of items up to 50 pounds; 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol; employers to recruit teens for work-based learning programs in jobs formerly off-limits as hazardous occupations, but now open to 14- to 17-year-olds under waivers provided by Iowa Workforce Development. Pellant argued a big reason Republicans in the statehouse are pushing to get children in the state workforce is the fact that the minimum wage in Iowa has remained at $7.25 an hour. No one support a family on that small wage, she said. The Iowa labor force is moving out of state as politicians and corporations bid for minors to come into the labor force. Mike Gronstal, a former Democratic state senator, also spoke to the crowd that was waving signs to cars driving past, many honking their support. This isnt good for anyone, much less children, Gronstal said. These bills roll back protections of children. It would allow children to work in mines, again, and these bills would give employers exemptions from any damage or injuries children may incur while on the job. They wouldnt even have to pay funeral expenses. Gronstal cited changes in unemployment benefits as also contributing to the loss of workers in the state. The Iowa workforce is being diminished due to Republican machinations with unemployment benefits, Gronstal said. Many seasonal workers, such as those in the building trades, cant work in the winter due to the weather. But the Legislature fixed that by cutting those benefits. People who couldnt work were out of luck. But we cant depend on children to make up for these deficits, as more and more workers leave the state. The Rev. Vergarie Sanford, a minister at Mount Zion Baptist Church, spoke to the morals and ethics of child labor. She cited Nelson Mandela, who said that the true character of a nation is revealed in how it treats its children. Why do we want to go back to a time when children didnt play or go to school but rather worked in factories and mines? she asked. State Rep. Josh Turek, a Council Bluffs Democrat, told the crowd to make your voices heard, and kids are not the answer to our labor problems. Pellant closed the rally by claiming Gov. Kim Reynolds policies are driving workers and families out of Iowa. Nebraska is getting ready to make its minimum wage $15, and Missouri is already at $12, she said. Its heartbreaking to see Iowa reverse a century of progress child labor laws and education. Vodec celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Friday by asking its employees, consumers, friends and social media followers to wear orange. Orange is the official color of developmental and intellectual awareness, according to a press release from the organization. By wearing orange, people recognize that our communities are stronger when everyone participates and that we all reach our full potential together, said Daryn Richardson, services development director. We hope to make this an annual celebration. Richardson said a lot of improvement has been made on including and accepting people with different abilities. I think weve made a lot of progress when it comes to people with developmental disabilities, he said. However, there is a lot of work we still need to do. We need to help people understand self-advocacy provides opportunities for choice. As far as integration, I think that we have come a long way. For example, at Vodec, people have the opportunity each day to select the type of community integration they want at their own pace. We neither push consumers into integration against their will, nor do we limit the number of opportunities for consumers to integrate. Also, I think our progress as a community depends on diversity and inclusion specifically, neurodiversity, he said. The principle of neurodiversity tells us to embrace people who think differently because of their mental or intellectual disabilities. We can learn much from each other in a neurodiverse community. Furthermore, as we look at all the different types of diversity, we need to include neurodiversity in the conversation to move forward together. Vodec locations in Omaha and Urbandale also hosted events to raise awareness, the press release stated. In Urbandale, individuals created orange-colored foods, and in Omaha, consumers starred in a talent show. The talent show is produced and directed to reveal the hidden talents of people with developmental disabilities. In Council Bluffs, the day culminated in a visit by Mayor Matt Walsh, who made a proclamation during his visit. After the proclamation, he visited with many consumers of Vodec. Consumers who attend Vodec are very familiar with Mayor Walsh, as he is a friend who visits us regularly, said Jeremy Dunkirk, services operations director. The text of Walshs proclamation was as follows: Whereas individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers encourage everyone to focus on the abilities of all people; and Whereas the most effective way to increase this awareness is through everyones active participation in community activities and the openness to learn and acknowledge each individuals contribution; and Whereas opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities to function as independently and productively while reaching their full potential must be fostered in our community; and Whereas we encourage all citizens to support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community that include full access to education, housing, employment and recreational activities; Now therefore I, Matt Walsh, mayor of Council Bluffs, Iowa, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Council Bluffs, and we recognize that our communities are stronger when everyone participates. Take time to get to know someone with a disability and recognize that we reach our full potential together. Ive always had a passion for stories. Whether its binge watching a Netflix docuseries, hunting down a perfect quote for a story or debriefing an eventful night with my girl friends, I just cant get enough of it. I attended Elkhorn South High School after moving to Nebraska in 2013. During my childhood I grew up everywhere and nowhere. I had lived in three states before I became a teenager: Texas, New Jersey and Massachusetts. During my first year of college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, I decided to make my love of storytelling into a career. In the journalism department at UNO is where I met some of the most creative, driven and hard-working journalists. They inspired me to fall in love with writing and creating. During college, I wrote for the student newspaper, anchored for the Omaha News and created a podcast all while working part-time for iHeartRadio 96.1 Kiss FM as a board operator. One thing they dont tell you about working in media production is that you will never be able to casually watch a news story in peace ever again. Youll constantly be critiquing, Did you hear that audio cut out? or They should have used a wind shield on that mic! After graduating last May, I did a short celebratory New York City trip and started my first full time job at the Omaha World-Herald the day after I got back. Nothing beats the feeling of finally doing what you set out to do, when suddenly all the hard work feels worthwhile. Ive had many a-ha moments in my career and I havent even reached the one year mark yet. This job helps me make sense of a confusing world, helps me spread positivity through my community, highlight injustices and make the community a little better everyday. Though Ive lived in Nebraska for a decade now, Im happy to be reporting for an Iowa paper. My father, Craig Bellinghausen passed away last April. He was a farm-raised, corn-fed Iowan. He attended Kuemper Catholic in Carroll, Iowa, and was an alumni and lifelong fan of Iowa State. Somehow I feel like Im still making him proud. NILI, Afghanistan, March 28 (Xinhua) -- At least two commuters were killed and eight others including women and children, injured as a mini-bus turned turtle in Afghanistan's central Daykundi province on Monday, said a statement of provincial police office released Tuesday. Blaming reckless driving for the mishap, the statement said that the driver's carelessness in driving on a congested road in Shahrestan district Monday afternoon led to the death of two travelers and the injury of eight others including women and children, some of them in critical condition. This was the fifth road accident in the country since last Tuesday. Eight more people had been killed and 21 others injured in four separate road accidents over the past week in Afghanistan. Ramshackle roads, lack of security measures during travel, using old vehicles and reckless driving are blamed for road accidents in Afghanistan. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Weather Alert ...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 to 31 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Iowa and east central and northeast Nebraska. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 9 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. && The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Global Carbon Council (GCC) to enhance regional climate activities, Arab Finance reports citing an emailed press release. According to the agreement, carbon footprint certificates registered with the Global Carbon Council will be available for trading on the EGX, allowing investors to diversify their investment portfolios. Carbon credit or carbon offset, is a permit that allows the owner to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. Companies that pollute are awarded credits that allow them to continue to pollute up to a certain limit, which is reduced periodically. EGXs Chairman Rami El-Dokany and the Founding Chairman of the GCC Yousef Alhorr signed the agreement. Nigeria will conduct, as of May 3rd, the national population census, the first in 17 years, a state official said Monday. Garba Abari, Head of the National Orientation Agency, said the process will take three days and will wrap up on May 5. The census is very important because it brings together development, planning, security, infrastructure development, education, health and other demographic issues in one place, he added. Nigerias estimated population is more than 200 million strong and the United Nations expects that to double by 2050. The process was initially slated to be held from March 29 to April 2, more than a month after the presidential polls. Census figures in Nigeria influence the sharing of oil revenues and political representation among the 36 states and 300 ethnic groups. Morocco and Cambodia signed, in Rabat on Monday, an agreement on air services meant to promote tourism and trade between the two countries. The agreement signing took place during the meeting of visiting Cambodian deputy prime minister and minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn with Moroccos Foreign minister Nasser Bourita. The two officials welcomed the agreement on air services as a means to contribute to the promotion of tourism, business, trade and people-to-people relations between the two countries, a joint statement issued at the end of the meeting said. The two interlocuters also agreed to speed up the finalization and signing of three other agreements, namely on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments; the elimination of double taxation on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance; and on cultural, technical, scientific, and economic cooperation. These three documents will give a new impetus to economic cooperation, as they constitute a solid basis for the development of trade and investment, reflecting the excellent relations that bind the two countries at the political and diplomatic levels, the joint statement said, announcing that the Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, will pay an official visit to Morocco at the invitation of the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch. According to the joint statement, Prak Sokhonn pointed out that Cambodia welcomes the leadership of King Mohammed VI and his wise policies to ensure the prosperity and stability of the Kingdom. He also expressed admiration for the social and economic development underway in Morocco. During his talks with Bourita, the Cambodian Foreign Minister affirmed his countrys support for Moroccos sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the UN-brokered process to reach a political, negotiated solution to the Sahara issue. He thanked Morocco for supporting the Cambodian request to obtain the observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and announced his countrys support for Moroccos election to the Security Council in 2027-28. Prak Sokhonn paid an official visit to Morocco March 27-28, the first of its kind to Morocco by a Cambodian Foreign Minister. Morocco phosphates and fertilizers producer OCP posted a record revenue of 11.28 billion dollars in 2022, up 40%, thanks to high prices as well as industrial flexibility, commercial agility, and efforts to reduce production costs. OCP was able to fully leverage the benefits of higher prices, while calibrating production to match the attendant lower volumes, and effectively managing through the anticipated sequential easing of prices in the second half of the year, the company said in a statement. The double-digit revenue growth was led by a 44% increase in fertilizer revenues, which accounted for a record 64% of total revenues for the year, up from 61% a year ago, the company said. The companys gross profit hit 6.93 billion dollars, up from 6.12 last year, it said. Rock revenues were up 51% year-over-year in local currency, mainly reflecting improved prices, amid lower export volumes to key importing regions. The group said it remains committed to helping African farmers access customized fertilizers. It has announced last year that it will dedicate 4 million tons to the African market. The company also unveiled a 13-billion-dollar plan to bolster production with the goal of reaching carbon neutrality in fertilizers production by 2040. Keith County residents shouldnt read too much from a map in a state-ordered feasibility study showing a possible Perkins County Canal route in Nebraska, according to three state and local natural resources officials. They addressed aspects of that study in Friday phone interviews with The Telegraph, including recent criticisms of its method by Colorado officials. The study, ordered by the Legislature and completed by the Zanjero planning firm of Folsom, California, retooled a 1982 exploration for the Twin Platte Natural Resources District of finishing the abandoned 1894 canal through southern Keith County instead of running into its namesake county. Interest in reviving the canal, allowed under the 1923 South Platte River Compact, suddenly blazed last year when Nebraska officials warned Colorado intends to claim as much of the rivers water for its thirsty Front Range as it can unless Nebraska exercises its right to build. Zanjeros full Dec. 29 report to the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources indicates Nebraska can ensure its South Platte water supply through the canal. It also depicts a modified, shorter version of the route studied in 1982 but never finalized. Its 56-mile run through both states assumes two storage reservoirs instead of six one about 8 miles southwest of Brule, the other about 6 miles south of Roscoe and an eastern terminus at Nebraska Public Power Districts Sutherland Canal, southeast of Paxtons Interstate 80 exit, instead of NPPDs Lake Maloney south of North Platte. The reports inclusion of maps depicting the route has stirred concern among southern Keith County farmers in the conjectured reservoirs path, as expressed in a Lincoln Journal Star story that The Telegraph carried March 19. But DNR Director Tom Riley and Assistant Director Jesse Bradley said Friday that the state has only just now hired the engineering team that will take about two years to explore all possible routes for the Perkins canal once it crosses the Colorado line. Zanjeros map and analysis, they said, arose from the firms mandate from the Legislature to determine whether a 2020s version is feasible. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamations 41-year-old engineering study for the Twin Platte NRD offered the quickest path forward. It looked to the 1982 study and I probably would have done the same thing as a surrogate for the (engineering) study to come, Riley said. But beyond knowing the canal will run south of the South Platte, were in the early stages of making that analysis and a conceptual drawing of the corridor, he added. Once such a drawing exists, well reach out to landowners and be transparent. Kent Miller, the North Platte-based NRDs 50-year general manager, echoed his state DNR peers. Its far from clear, he said, whether a final route would reach farther into Lincoln County or even cross much of Keith County. But the three officials said storage reservoirs likely will be needed, because thats how one can most easily establish the beneficial use for irrigation that the compact requires. To use it for irrigation in Nebraska, youre going to have to store it somewhere, Miller said. That doesnt mean there arent a lot of alternatives (for how) that will happen. Riley and Bradley said the state DNR has hired a consortium led by Omahas HDR Inc. to do the engineering study. Initial public fact-gathering meetings in west central Nebraska are expected this fall, they said. Criticisms, responses Zanjeros report, reviewed in summary form Dec. 2 for the Legislatures Appropriations Committee, was the third exploration in just over a century of reviving the Perkins canal but rerouting it through Keith County. Pioneer Perkins County residents dug the first 16 miles of a projected 65-mile canal in Sedgwick County, Colorado, before their financing failed in fall 1894. It would have clipped Keith Countys southwest corner and then run through Perkins County to its eastern edge. Ogallala-area business leaders proposed in late 1921 to route it through southern Keith County, using natural tableland depressions as reservoirs, to a terminus in western Lincoln County. Colorado and Nebraska then negotiated to share South Platte water, leading to the compacts signing in Ogallala on April 24, 1923. Both states ratified it, as did Congress in 1926. Whatever route the canal might follow in Nebraska, the compact says, its Colorado segment must run on or near the planned 1894 route that left the river south of Ovid and meandered east to the state line east of Julesburg. The abandoned 16 miles ran northwest to southeast through the modern Interstate 76-U.S. Highway 385 exit south of Julesburg. Zanjeros study envisions using an inverted siphon to carry water under the freeway. The Twin Platte NRDs 1982 concept stalled over timing of environmental studies and died with an adverse 1986 Nebraska Supreme Court ruling. A competing Upper Republican NRD plan, which would have taken the canal south through Perkins County into Chase County, gained some congressional interest but also died by 1989. Zanjeros study says its modified version of the 1982 Twin Platte route would cost about $567 million through 2033 if built to carry 500 cubic feet a second the maximum Nebraska could divert from the South Platte between Oct. 15 and April 1 or $628 million if built to carry up to 1,000 cfs in unusual circumstances, such as floods. The study estimates Nebraska could capture 64,800 to 89,000 acre-feet for the canal in an average year for moisture. The lower figure assumes just half of the South Plattes historic flow from upstream would be available to the rivers Colorado Lower Section, which the compact splits from the Upper Section at the Washington-Logan county line east of Brush. Water deliveries could be as low as 33,000 acre-feet under with below-average moisture and higher Upper Section water development. But it could be as high as 209,600 acre-feet in an above-average moisture year with current river flows, Zanjero said. Colorado State Engineer Kevin Rein, director of that states Division of Water Resources, questioned several of Zanjeros assumptions in a March 2 letter to Riley. It reminds Nebraska that the 1923 compact gives Colorado unlimited rights to Upper Section water, including the Denver area and Front Range. By failing to consider further development in the Upper Section, the report overstates the future flows entering the Lower Section of the river and, therefore, the yield of the canal, Rein wrote. Among other criticisms, Reins letter also contends that Zanjero didnt address volumes of and legal access to accretion return flows on which Lower Section river users depend. The compact grants Nebraska a water right should it build the Perkins canal of Dec. 17, 1921. Lower Section users with rights before that date are protected, and the compact lets Colorado access 35,000 acre-feet a year in the Lower Section beyond that. Bradley said Zanjero chose to be very conservative in estimating how much water Nebraska could expect. He, Riley and Miller stressed that Colorados entire system of South Platte water use depends on return flows, including diverted water that percolates down into the Ogallala Aquifer and later returns to the surface. Upstream diversions have reduced the rivers flow to zero at the compact dividing line, Bradley said, but the river gage at Julesburg recorded 300 cfs recently, despite the Plains ongoing drought. That shows the return flows needed for the Perkins canal to make sense even from water first diverted in the Upper Division are still reaching the Lower Division in winter, he said. We want them to keep diverting that water into the aquifer and create those return flows in future years, Riley said. He and Bradley said the Zanjero study shows its not yet too late to make sure Nebraskas rightful share of South Platte water keeps reaching the state. But time is running out, Riley said. The (water) benefits we get are the benefits we already enjoy, he said. If we delay any longer, those benefits will go away. Great Plains Health announced Monday they provided $18.1 million in free, uncompensated care in 2022. The regional hospital also said in a press release it has contributed more than $2 million to the local economy in utility expenses and paid more than $129 million in wages. The hospital employs about 1,200 who live and shop in the region. In the past five years, GPH has provided $152.7 million in total free care. Uncompensated care is the amount that a hospital does not get reimbursed due to a patient not having insurance or the ability to pay for the cost of care. Likewise, Great Plains Health provided $1.2 million in medication assistance for patients in 2022. More information about Great Plains Healths financial assistance program is found on its website at gphhealth.org. As a non-profit organization, Great Plains Health has a long tradition of improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve, GPH said in the press release. Whether through partnerships with local organizations, financial resources or the many hours each year that our employees and physicians give through volunteering, we strongly believe that we have a corporate responsibility to help ensure the continued success of the North Platte region. Great Plains Health has contributed to key local projects in recent years, including: $500,000 to North Platte Community Colleges Health and Science Center. $500,000 toward the Shot in the Arm housing incentive. Approximately $120,000 annually to other community causes including the Platte River Fitness Series, North Platte Trails Network, Mid-Plains United Way, Town Hall Lecture Series, North Platte Community Playhouse, Prairie Arts Center. Beyond financial support, Great Plains Health employees give more than 16,500 hours to volunteer causes across the region, with organizations that include Community Connections, Rape and Domestic Abuse Program, Guardians of the Children, Fur the Love of Paws, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and numerous other organizations, schools and churches. Great Plains Health is purposeful in making strategic decisions that align with our Community Health Needs Assessment, the hospital said. As part of the Affordable Care Act, tax-exempt hospitals are required to complete a CHNA once every three years to identify the greatest health needs in our community. More information about the current CHNA report is found on the web site. The process of establishing the Inland Port Authority at the former Greenbrier Facility continued with an update from Commissioners Chris Bruns on Monday. The Lincoln County commissioners were provided information on the ports web page link lincolncountyne.gov/inland-port-authority, available on the countys website. A plethora of information is posted so people can learn about the functions surrounding the project. I believe it is important that we do this on a regular basis until the port authority is established, Bruns said. Commissioner (Kent) Weems and I had a (committee) meeting on March 20 with community leaders and stakeholders talking about long term things and what we envision. One point of emphasis, Bruns said, is the search for qualified individuals to fill the 9-member port authority board. The county has not yet made the online application process live, he said. He said the discussion has led to a list of qualifications the committee of community leaders believes will be important in selecting the inaugural board. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is looking for individuals to select and appoint to the nine-member Inland Port Authority, the county wrote on the site. To effectively maximize the opportunity that the inland port presents Lincoln County, the Board of Commissioners is looking for specific areas of expertise that, collectively, members of the port authority should possess. Those areas of expertise include expertise in legal, financial, infrastructure construction, building construction, trucking logistics, rail logistics, air logistics, agriculture, planning/zoning/community development, trade and business, the web site said. The web page also offers information on a description of what an inland port authority does as well as examples of others across the country with photos and information on each. Weems said there are some important aspects the public needs to understand about the board. The board is going to serve in an autonomous fashion and will not be answerable to this board, Weems said and added that the appointees will need to be experienced and knowledgeable. He called it a seasoned mix of people who have a background in specific areas that will help guide the board into the future. Bruns said there will not be defined districts with all of the positions at-large. Another point of information, great info from Nebraska Department of Economics is that this is going be a capital intensive endeavor, Bruns said. There is $10 million (NDE) has put into a site building development fund. They are fine tuning that program and will come out with details in short order. The commissioners discussed the process of finding a name for the port authority and Bruns said unofficially he has received a number of ideas on his personal social media pages. The board is looking for suggestions and asked that in order to centralize the list, the public may email their thoughts on a name for the port to Tammy White at whitetj@co.lincoln.ne.us. In other business, the commissioners: Authorized Jerry Woodruff, chairman, to sign an interlocal agreement with Morrill County for inmate housing. Authorized Woodruff to sign a right-of-way application submitted by Hershey Cooperative Telephone Company. Received an update from the Nebraska Association of County Officials. Took no action on a tort claim filed by Sibyl Uerling. The commissioners recognized several county employees for their years of service: Crystal Schliep 5 years, clerk of the District Court; Bob Veal, 5 years, County Attorneys office; Jesse Corbin 5 years, Roads Department; Tracy Oltmanns, 10 years, Sheriffs Department; Patty Wonch, 35 years, bailiff, District Court; Tyler Schultz, 5 years, Sheriffs Department; Jodi Orr, 5 years, Noxious Weed Department; Todd Miller, 10 years, Roads Department; Vicki Nichols, 15 years, photostat; and Larry Anderson, 30 years, Roads Department. MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a 41 million U.S. dollars financing package with the Bank of Maldives Plc (BML) on Tuesday to support locally owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism companies in Maldives. As the sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, the Manila-based ADB has arranged, structured, and syndicated the entire financing package, comprising a loan of up to 13 million dollars from the ADB's ordinary capital resources, a parallel loan of up to 13 million dollars from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and a parallel loan of up to 5 million dollars from the Development Bank of Austria. To improve development impact and to address bankability issues relating to blue economy transactions in Maldives, the ADB said it blended the project's debt financing with a concessional loan of up to 9 million dollars from the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia II (CFPS II) and a grant of up to 1 million dollars from the ADB's Asian Development Fund (ADF)-Private Sector Window (PSW). "The blue economy is crucial to future prosperity in Maldives, as its people and economy are intrinsically linked to the health and wealth of the ocean, coral reefs, beaches and marine life. However, investments in the blue economy, including by SMEs and through climate adaptation projects, have been lacking," ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury said. She added the ADB partnership with BML, Maldives' largest bank, will deliver much-needed financing to the tourism sector and support climate projects and locally owned SMEs, including those owned and run by women. The ADB said at least 60 percent of the loan package will be earmarked for lending to SMEs, and 5 percent will be allocated to women-owned or led firms. The ADB said the CFPS II loan and PSW grant will support BML's capacity to support and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation projects focused on the blue economy. Maldives is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and extreme climate events due to its fragile ecological profile and low elevation. Moreover, Maldives lacks domestic conventional energy resources and is dependent on imported fossil fuels. The ADB said financing from ADB-administered funds will help improve the resilience and sustainability of the economy, especially the tourism sector. Winter storm warnings and advisories were issued for western and southwest Nebraska through late Monday night. That follows a storm on Saturday that resulted in the closing of Interstate 80 westbound from Kearney. The National Weather Service was advising people to exercise caution ahead of Monday nights storm, which could bring four inches of new snow in Lincoln and Frontier counties and up to nine inches further north in Arthur County. Minor flooding was expected to continue along Minnechaduza Creek in Cherry County, due to melting snow runoff. Looking ahead, another storm system is expected to hit the area on Thursday night, bringing the possibility of rain, snow and thunderstorms. Heavy snowfall was reported on Saturday throughout southwest Nebraska and the southern portion of the Panhandle. Although North Platte received only a trace of snow, observers reported 1.5 inches at Sutherland and Paxton. Ogallala, only about 20 miles west of Paxton, received 6 inches according to NWS reports. Nebraska State Patrol reported at least 10 road slide offs between Paxton and Big Springs on Saturday afternoon, along with a couple of minor collisions in the area, not resulting in injury. Wallace, only about 30 miles southwest of North Platte, ended up with six inches of snow on the ground according to a report by a NWS cooperative observer. Imperial had seven inches on the ground. Other snowfall reports were 9 inches in Grant, 10 in Madrid, 6.5 in Lewellen, 6 in Big Springs, 9 at Chappell, 4 at Oshkosh and 1.5 at Scottsbluff. Highways throughout Nebraska were reopened by early afternoon on Sunday, with the exception of a few construction closures. U.S. Highway 83 at Valentine and U.S. Highway 30 at Ogallala had been closed for road construction according to Nebraska 511 and were still closed on Monday. The forecast for Tuesday is mostly sunny skies with a high around 43 F and a low Tuesday night around 18. Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny with winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour. After a low of about 21 Wednesday night, partly sunny skies and a high of 56 are in the forecast Thursday in advance of another storm. Now that committee hearings are complete, the Nebraska Legislature will move to all-day floor debate, including late-night debate to maximize the time we have to consider priority bills. Tuesday marks Day 51 of the 90-day session, and we have yet to move any bill to Final Reading (the last round of debate to make a bill law). As frustrations rise regarding the constant filibusters, some also question whether the legislative process should have been managed differently. In my view, Speaker John Arch has done an incredible job trying to balance the workload created by the unprecedented number of introduced bills, including several highly controversial bills, while trying to respect the historical tradition of the Legislature. Speaker Arch has taken several steps to manage this session. First, the speaker moved early to schedule two weeks of all-day committee hearings to help expedite the public hearing process for 812 bills and several constitutional amendments. More early hearings also gave senators more time to see how their bills fared in committee before the priority bill selection deadline. He also set the expectation that the Appropriations Committees budget proposal and major tax relief packages from the Revenue Committee will be heard on the floor before other individual spending bills. The speaker cannot control when committee chairs schedule votes or which bills they give an opportunity to advance; he can only determine when bills advanced for debate are scheduled. However, this can be a very important power if used wisely. With less than 40 legislative days left in this session, at least 10 of which will likely be devoted to the various budget bills, it is unlikely the body will get to debate all of the priority bills, much less pass them into law. Accordingly, every senator is working on getting their bills scheduled early. There are several factors the speaker will look at in scheduling bills, including whether the timing of the bills passage is critical, what kind of support the bill has and whether the bill will face significant opposition. There is also a lot of behind-the-scenes negotiating, particularly with those participating in the filibuster, that shifts the dynamics day-to-day. Although initially scheduled to begin in April, the speaker has decided to push up days for possible evening or late-night debate to the first day of full-day debate. This week, we expect an extended session on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Not only will this allow the Legislature more time to debate legislation, but it will also significantly increase the stamina needed to pull off a filibuster by a small group of senators. The Unicameral will also consider whether other steps should be taken to limit the filibuster. We will start this week by considering a motion made by Sen. Steve Erdman as chair of the Rules Committee. If passed, the motion would suspend the rules for this year and allow only one motion to postpone to a time certain, to commit or to postpone indefinitely to be offered on the same day at the same stage of the bill or proposition. These types of motions are priority motions, which means they are considered ahead of any amendments or other motions. They are often used in a filibuster to prevent compromise amendments from being considered. They also allow the motion-maker to speak for 10 minutes when introducing the motion and place them ahead of others waiting in the queue to speak. Limiting these motions may make the debate more balanced and potentially reduce the length of filibusters. There are other measures at the disposal of the Legislature as well. For example, Speaker Arch has the ability to reduce the hours of debate that are required before a bill is considered to have had full and fair debate and a cloture motion to cease debate is in order. If the current eight-hour debate time for bills on General File is shortened, more bills could get heard each day. The full and fair debate times on Select File (two hours) and Final Reading (one hour) could also come into play. Given the ongoing filibusters, legislative math is more important than ever. Although the Unicameral is nonpartisan, there are 32 registered Republicans and 17 registered Democrats in the body. It takes 33 votes to pass a cloture motion and cease debate, 25 votes to adopt an amendment or advance a bill and 30 votes to override a gubernatorial veto. A motion to indefinitely postpone a bill takes a simple majority of those voting on the floor; it takes 25 votes to return a bill to committee and 30 votes to suspend the rules. Given the number of Republicans and Democrats, getting 33 votes is not an easy feat. It takes at least one Democrat to join with all Republicans to get 33 votes. And the Republicans dont always agree. Therefore, negotiation is necessary on almost every bill, and sometimes you must amend a bill to gain the support needed to pass something into law. Being unwilling to modify a bill from its original form will often mean that the bill dies. In the end, you need to ask yourself if getting part of a bill over the finish line is better than getting nothing. There is much left to do in a short amount of time. Please continue to submit public comments on individual bills at NebraskaLegislature.gov, or feel free to reach out to me directly at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729. My door is always open! Those of us from rural Nebraska know there can be challenges when the closest urban center is hours away. When we need specialized medical care, this distance can be even more daunting. Medical care is essential for people in many stages of life, including expectant mothers. According to the Perinatal Data Center, many rural counties in our state have low access to obstetric, or childbirth-related, care. In Nebraska, over 4,000 babies are born each year to parents who live in counties with no OB-GYN or certified nurse-midwife. Mothers living far away from their medical providers may not have the resources necessary to travel miles for routine pregnancy care. Health outcomes for moms and babies can suffer because of this lack of access to care. The issue of maternal health is especially relevant following the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data on maternal mortality rates in the U.S. The CDC found that maternal deaths increased by almost 40% from 2020 to 2021. Maternal mortality rates have been increasing since 2000, but the size of this recent increase is alarming. In 2021, 1,205 women died of maternal causes a rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Thats compared to only 861 deaths in 2020, or 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic made it even more challenging for women, especially those located in rural areas, seeking prenatal and postnatal care. Rural mothers often lacked the home internet access necessary to take advantage of telehealth services, which could have eased the strains of pandemic-related closures and lockdowns. All of these factors led me to introduce the Data Mapping to Save Moms Lives Act with my colleague U.S. Sen. Jackie Rosen, D-Nev. All 100 U.S. senators voted unanimously to pass our bill, and then in December, President Biden signed it into law. A Politico article recently highlighted this new law as one of the notable changes made by legislators in recent years to combat rising maternal mortality rates. The Data Mapping to Save Moms Lives Act requires the Federal Communications Commission to identify areas with poor maternal health outcomes that lack access to broadband, and incorporate that data into the agencys broadband health mapping tool. This online platform will pinpoint the high priority locations most in need of reliable broadband to improve maternal health outcomes. This mapping will provide the FCC with necessary insights to deploy telehealth services to areas where a lack of broadband is worsening maternal mortality risks. Once these areas have broadband, theyll be able to benefit from the telehealth services they need which means greater wellbeing for expectant moms and their babies across our country. When something as basic as broadband access can make the difference between life and death for mothers and their babies, it is clear that we need to do something to help. Im proud that this critical bill was passed last year and that the FCC can get to work making changes that will protect American mothers and children. This Congress, Ill continue working on solutions that provide all the support we can for women and children. Police on the scene at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock Three adults and three 9-year-olds were shot and killed in an attack on a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday morning. The shooter, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who once attended the school, was killed after being confronted by officers. Below is what we know about this developing story. The Attack Shortly after 10 a.m. on Monday, a shooter opened fire at the Covenant School, a private Christian school attached to a church enrolling roughly 200 students from pre-K through sixth grade, with 30 faculty members. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said the shooter, who has been identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was armed with an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol, and a handgun. Hale entered the school through a locked side entrance after shooting through the door. (MNPD has released video of the break-in.) The assailant shot at the victims in a lobby of the building. She targeted random students in the school whoever she came in contact with, she fired rounds, said MNPD chief John Drake. The first call for the shooting came in at 10:13 a.m. Police officers quickly responded and the shooter fired at officers through the windows on the second floor. Police entered the building, confronting and killing the shooter on the second floor. The attack lasted 14 minutes, according to the police. On Tuesday, the MNPD released body-camera footage from two of their officers on the scene that day, Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo. (Warning: The video is graphic.) The footage shows a group of officers making their way through the school hallways, checking various classrooms for the assailant. After climbing a set of stairs, they hear the sound of gunfire and discover the shooter. The officers immediately open fire, killing Hale. Early Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed that three children who were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds had died. Soon thereafter, the hospital confirmed that three adults had been shot and killed in the attack as well. The Victims Nashville police identified the victims several hours after the attack. They are: Evelyn Dichaus, 9 William Kinney, 9 Hallie Scruggs, 9, was the daughter of the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, which is connected to the school. Mike Hill, 61, was a custodian at the school. Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, was the head of the Covenant School Cynthia Peak, 61, was a substitute teacher at the school. The 9-year-old daughter of the lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church was killed in yesterday's school shooting, his former church confirms in a statement. This is a photo of Chad Scruggs and his daughter Hallie in 2019. pic.twitter.com/Dl9WEnzjJG Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) March 28, 2023 There have been no other reported injuries, other than a responding police officer who was wounded by cut glass. The Shooter Police identified the shooter as 28-year-old Nashville resident Audrey E. Hale. Police Chief Drake told reporters on Monday that the shooter was at one point a student at the Covenant School. Investigators later found evidence in a search of the suspects home and car indicating the shooting was a targeted attack, including detailed maps of the school and a manifesto. Drake said the shooter was both prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement and prepared to do more harm. He added that the shooter had assessed a potential location for a second attack, but because of a threat assessment by the suspect theres too much security they decided not to. Officers executing a search warrant at Hales home in Nashville found a sawed-off shotgun and a standard shotgun. During a press conference Tuesday, Chief Drake said Hale purchased firearms legally from five different gun stores. Three of those weapons were used in the shooting. Drake also said Hale hid the firearms from their parents and that a doctor was treating them for an emotional disorder, but he did not specify the type of treatment. There continues to be confusion about the suspects gender identity. Police initially said the attacker was a woman; Chief Drake later said the shooter identified as transgender. According to the New York Times, a police spokeswoman said that the shooter had been born female but listed male pronouns on a LinkedIn profile, which suggested that the suspect was a transgender man. Police said two of the shooters firearms had been purchased legally in the Nashville area. Authorities have not released any details regarding the attackers motive, except for a comment from Chief Drake to NBC News stating that there is some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school. Former school headmaster Bill Campbell told NBC News that Hale was a third-grader in 2005 and fourth-grader in 2006, according to yearbooks he has kept. Hale was not named as a student in the 2007 yearbook, suggesting a possible transfer after the fourth grade. The Nossi College of Art & Design in Nashville confirmed that Hale graduated in 2022. Prior to the shooting, Hale reportedly messaged a former middle-school basketball teammate. Averianna Patton, telling Patton, Im planning to die today, and that Patton would probably hear about me on the news after I die. After phone calls from friends and Audreys name was released as the shooter at Covenant Nashville school, I learned that Audrey was the shooter and that she had reached out to me prior to the shooting, Patton said. My heart is with all of the families affected and Im devastated by what has happened. As the Times points out, mass shootings perpetrated solely by women are extremely rare. There are only four, dating back to the 1966, in the Violence Projects database of mass shootings in the U.S. The Aftermath After the shooting, there was heartbreaking and now-familiar footage of small children evacuating from the scene of a shooting. Bystander video captured the moments when students in Nashville were escorted by police following a shooting at Covenant School.https://t.co/nLWGnacUGo pic.twitter.com/KKljlyZyBj The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2023 Children from the #CovenantShooting holding hands leaving the reunification center at Woodmont Baptist Church, boarding metro school buses. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/yRg8HEXvwz Stacey Cameron (@StaceyTVJourno) March 27, 2023 Parents showing up at Woodmont Baptist Church hoping to be reunited with their children after a fatal school shooting this morning at The Covenant School here in Nashville. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/rePDOfb3gE Stacey Cameron (@StaceyTVJourno) March 27, 2023 Following a police press conference after the attack on Monday, Ashbey Beasley, a survivor of last years mass shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Illinois, who had been listening to the presser, stepped up to the microphones and made an impassioned plea for gun control: wow. a woman makes a passionate case for gun control during a press conference about the Nashville school shooting pic.twitter.com/tQDdSrBZZ6 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 27, 2023 President Biden: We have to do more In remarks on Monday, President Joe Biden described the deaths of the children as a familys worst nightmare and commended the officers who responded to the attack. We have to do more to stop gun violence, Biden said, urging Congress to pass his assault-weapons ban. We have to do more to protect our schools, so they arent turned into prisons. A grim milestone CNN reports that there have been 131 mass shootings in 2023 including Mondays shooting, citing the Gun Violence Archive which collects data on gun incidents. This is the highest number of shootings to occur by this point of the year since 2013. This post has been updated. Shhh. Photo: MEGA/GC Images As we continue week two of the Donald Trumpindictment watch, questions abound. Is it really going to happen? Did last weeks testimony from lawyer Robert Costello in defense of Trump successfully throw a wrench in the process? Does the testimony on Monday from David Pecker the former publisher of the National Enquirer who helped arrange the hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels that appears to be at the center of the prospective prosecution mean that the case is back on track for an indictment? And what, exactly, is the holdup? The answers to these questions are as elusive at the moment as they are tantalizing, but one thing has become clear: Key witness Michael Cohen and his pathological need for media attention have not been making things easier for the Manhattan district attorneys office in recent weeks. The former Trump lawyer has always been a curious figure in this saga. He pleaded guilty to a slew of criminal charges during the Trump administration, including lying to Congress, lying to a bank, tax evasion, and campaign-finance violations based in substantial part on his role paying off Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign. Cooperating witnesses in criminal prosecutions often have baggage, but the way prosecutors generally try to deal with this is by forcing them to admit responsibility for their own criminal offenses and corroborating as much of their testimony as possible through independent sources of evidence, including other witnesses and documents. Cohen, however, presents additional challenges. He clearly thinks very highly of himself and seems to have little awareness of his limitations a toxic combination in both life and the law. He appears constitutionally incapable of telling the same story twice in the same way, though whether that is a function of malice, dishonesty, or some other factor is never entirely clear. He is also obsessed with taking down his former boss Trump, and he has managed to make a second career out of it both through his podcast and his countless appearances on cable news, which have been crucial to maintaining his public prominence. The voluminous record of Cohens public statements has always been a problem for prosecutors because it creates a risk that he could be confronted with inconsistent or problematic past statements at trial to undermine his credibility. That risk was on full display in what was supposed to be the final stretch leading, at long last, to charges against Cohens arch nemesis. Indeed, Cohen has said at least two things in recent interviews that would ordinarily raise red flags for prosecutors working with an important cooperating witness first, that the cooperator is unwilling to fully accept responsibility for his prior criminal conduct and, second, that even now he is unwilling or unable to be forthright about unhelpful facts. Take, for example, an interview with Cohen conducted by CNNs Don Lemon. This was styled as Cohens first television appearance following the conclusion of his grand-jury testimony, which, by itself, almost certainly drove prosecutors in the Manhattan DAs office crazy. Ideally, a key cooperator in a high-profile criminal case would not be talking to the press at all at this point, if ever. That, however, was not the end of it. At one point in the discussion, Cohen touched on his criminal convictions but suggested that he had in fact been unfairly prosecuted. One of the things that I think will come out of this investigation, Cohen told Lemon, other than the potential indictment of Donald Trump, is a lot of information about how the Southern District of New York dealt with me in my specific case. Referring to his current lawyer, Lanny Davis, Cohen added, He has so much information about the weaponization of the Justice Department against me that theres nobody else that knows the story better. Lemon did not seem to register what Cohen was saying in the moment and moved on, but this was by far the most interesting and potentially consequential thing Cohen said during the sit-down. What exactly did he mean? Davis, for his part, seemed to back Cohen up late last week in an interview with Politico, recalling that at one point in the history of his dealings with his client Michael was angry because he had been, I think, mistreated by law enforcement in the Southern District, and prosecuted. One interpretation of these comments is that Cohen does not actually believe he should have been criminally prosecuted and does not believe he should have had to plead guilty to the litany of federal offenses that now make up his criminal history. If that is the case, it would be difficult to understate how large a problem this would be for his credibility and for prosecutors. Either he committed the offenses at issue and has accepted responsibility for them, a fundamental prerequisite for a crucial cooperating witness, or he was unfairly railroaded and forced to plead guilty despite being innocent of some or all charges. He cannot have it both ways, and there is no way that Trumps lawyers, in a trial setting, will let this slide. Cohens slipperiness was on display elsewhere during the discussion. He described his willingness to cooperate with the Manhattan DAs office as reflecting his newfound commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and he said he had told the federal judge who sentenced him that he would work to help the government. Cohen told Lemon that he did not ask for a cooperation agreement (potentially protecting his legal interests in the future) when he was dealing with the Department of Justice in his own criminal case in his telling, a signal of his own good faith and public-mindedness. He left out an important fact, though: The reason he did not have a cooperation agreement with federal prosecutors is that they did not actually believe Cohen had fully cooperated with their investigation. The sticking point was that Cohen would not agree to disclose to them any criminal conduct they had not already uncovered a prerequisite for cooperation with the Southern District of New York (though not all prosecutors offices). As the New York Times reported at the time, prosecutors made clear to the presiding judge that Mr. Cohen was less useful to their investigation because he would not fully cooperate, therefore he would not reap benefits, such as a government letter on his behalf advocating for a reduction in sentence. Had Cohen actually cooperated, prosecutors told the sentencing judge, it could have been fruitful, but because he did not, the government was unable to fully vet his criminal history and assess his utility as a witness. This is important not only because it undermines Cohens claim that he is deeply committed to cooperating with the government and not only because it is almost certain to come up if Cohen is ever cross-examined but also because his unwillingness to be completely forthright with Lemon about what happened seemed to reflect a deeper, more problematic relationship with the truth. In another appearance on Ari Melbers MSNBC show, Cohen offered Trumps lawyers more future ammunition. At one point in the discussion, Melber played a clip of Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina attempting to discredit Cohen at length by referring offhand to Cohens misconduct with the medallions and all that stuff. Cohen began his response to Melber by saying, Shame on Joe Tacopina. First and foremost, there was no fraud in the medallions. I dont know even what hes talking about. Here is a good guess: Tacopina was probably referring to the fact that Cohen pleaded guilty to tax evasion in connection with millions of dollars in revenue that he received through taxi medallions he had acquired. The conduct formed the basis for five of the federal charges against him, which makes it very difficult to believe he did not know what Tacopina was talking about. (Again, if Cohen is actually maintaining his innocence on those counts, that would be very bad for the case against Trump.) Cohen also took aim at Costello, who evidently briefly served as a legal adviser to Cohen. The two now seem to dispute the extent of their relationship, but Costello had been allowed to testify before the grand jury about his dealings with Cohen as the result of an agreement that Cohen executed to waive any attorney-client privilege between the two men. Cohen told Melber that he did not recall such an agreement. If in fact I waived attorney-client privilege, Id like to know when, how, where. I dont recall waiving anything. Later that night, Costello presented a copy of the agreement with Cohens signature in an interview with Fox Newss Tucker Carlson. The odds that the waiver was a fabrication of some sort, even before Costello presented the document on live television, were very low, whatever one might think of Costello himself. The reason is that prosecutors in the Manhattan DAs office would have been treading on ethically problematic ground if they had allowed a lawyer to breach his privilege with a former client in the absence of evidence that their dealings had furthered a crime or fraud, which has not been alleged here. It is not clear whether or to what extent Cohens comments or questions about his credibility more generally might be playing any role in the apparent delay in the Trump proceedings. Prosecutors may already have reconciled themselves to the notion that Cohen is both central to their prospective case and that he will continue to be a nuisance until the proceeding ends, one way or another, years from now. There is, however, no question that it would be better for the case if Cohen could bring himself to stop talking for the foreseeable future, even if he appears incapable financially, temperamentally, and psychologically of exercising some much needed self-restraint. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage King Charles clearly doesnt want to see Prince Harry right now. I think we can all relate: Who hasnt avoided a relative because they did something obnoxious for instance, writing a best-selling memoir spilling decades of family secrets? What isnt very understandable is King Charless inability to come up with a good reason as to why he wont be seeing his son during his surprise visit to the U.K. this week. The Telegraph reports that the king is busy. Prince Harry relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, but he unexpectedly turned up at Londons High Court on Monday for a hearing in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited. The royal is suing the publisher of the Daily Mail and other tabloids for privacy violations; the celebrity plaintiffs in the case also include musician Elton John, filmmaker David Furnish, actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, and politician Sir Simon Hughes. Hamlins, the law firm representing the celebrities, said they are the victims of abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy in a press release put out last year. ABC News reports: In the press release, the law firm alleges that Associated Newspapers Ltd. hired private investigators to secretly place listening devices inside peoples cars and homes, commissioned individuals to surreptitiously listen into and record peoples live, private telephone calls while they were taking place, paid police officials, with corrupt links to private investigators, for inside, sensitive information, impersonated individuals to obtain medical information from private hospitals, clinics, and treatment centers by deception, and accessed bank accounts, credit histories and financial transactions through illicit means and manipulation. ANL has denied the allegations. Prince Harry, John, and Frost showed up to observe the start of a four-day hearing this week to consider the publishers request that the suit be dismissed. Harry returned to court on Tuesday. Their presence was a signal of how seriously theyre taking their case against the U.K. press. But, of course, Harrys first return to the U.K. since his grandmothers funeral in September also sparked new chatter about his relationship with the rest of the royal family. The big question looming over King Charless May 6 coronation is whether Harry will attend; he and Meghan have confirmed they were invited but have yet to RSVP. Charles may want his son at his coronation, but palace sources conveyed to the Telegraph that he isnt ready for him to just pop in unannounced: Prince Harry flew commercial from California to London especially for the four-day preliminary hearing as he wanted to show his support, the Telegraph understands. But he is not expected to see his father during his visit, despite making contact, as he was told he was busy. So what exactly is King Charles up to? The Telegraph only says that he is understood to be at Highgrove, which is just a two-hour drive from London. And his schedule is probably pretty clear, since he was scheduled to be in France this week but had to postpone the trip owing to protests in Paris. If the palace was trying to take the high ground in its responses to Prince Harry, that would make sense. If it wanted to give him a Succession-y Fuck off, that would also be reasonable. But post-Spare, its never clear whether the royals are intentionally snubbing Harry or just being incompetent. When King Charles said Who? in response to a hecklers question about Harry, was he genuinely confused? Or was he making a dig at his son? Did palace officials avoid calling Harrys kids prince and princess for months to belittle him? Or because they didnt know the Sussexes title preferences? Saying the king is busy with no further details when we all know he isnt falls into this ambiguous category. Make up a plausible excuse or give us a decent insult. Whats the point of employing a whole team of publicists if busy is the best they can come up with? This post has been updated. An Israeli protester is detained by police during clashes after a demonstration against the governments judicial overhaul on March 27 in Tel Aviv. Photo: Getty Images/Amir Levy Israels ongoing political crisis reached an inflection point on Monday, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he was delaying his governments plans for a radical overhaul of the Israeli judiciary, which had already been the subject of two months of mass protests. The event that precipitated this latest development occurred on Sunday, when Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed criticism of the judicial overhaul, to which Netanyahu responded by firing him. In turn, 600,000 Israelis turned out in the streets on Sunday and the countrys largest trade-union federation called a general strike that brought the economy to a standstill shutting down malls, universities, hospitals, and Israels largest airport. Netanyahu said he was tabling the judicial-reform bill until the next legislative session after the Passover holiday to prevent a civil war. His far-right minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he was open to delaying the vote but still expects to pass the bill next month. Ben-Gvir had reportedly threatened to quit the fragile right-wing coalition (which would likely lead to the collapse of the government) but agreed to the delay in exchange for Netanyahu promising to establish his long-sought-after national guard: a militarized volunteer police force that would answer directly to him. That Netanyahu would offer this to Ben-Gvir, a radical right-wing militant who kept a photo of American Israeli terrorist Baruch Goldstein hanging in his living room until doing so threatened his political ambitions, just goes to show the depths Netanyahu is willing to plumb to maintain his position. After all, for Netanyahu at least, the judicial reform bill is largely about keeping himself in power and out of trouble. The bill would give the Israeli government control over the appointment of judges and allow the Knesset (Israeli parliament) to overrule the Israeli Supreme Court and limit judicial review of legislation by majority vote. Netanyahu, who has the dubious honor of being the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be indicted, would effectively give himself the ability to handpick the judge who presides over his own corruption trial. The bill is the price of holding on to the extreme right-wing parties who enabled him to form a coalition government after Novembers elections. For those right-wingers, the judicial overhaul is about curbing the power of an independent judiciary to apply checks and balances to majoritarian rule. Supporters of the legislation, not all of them radicals, say that the Israeli judiciary is too independent and the Supreme Court often stands in the way of the will of the people as expressed by their elected representatives. In this sense, one can make a facile comparison to the calls for U.S. Supreme Court reform from Democrats. But in terms of the ideologies at play, it is more analogous to how the American right criticized the Supreme Court over decisions like Roe v. Wade before it managed to capture the Court and get everything it wanted. The Israeli right, particularly the religious right, sees the judiciary as a bastion of liberalism and secularism in an increasingly conservative and religious Israel. In disempowering the judiciary, it hopes to make way for more legislative changes that go against the liberal ideals enshrined in Israels basic laws the closest thing the country has to a constitution. In this regard, right-wingers see themselves as the defenders of democracy, championing the will of the people over the unelected judiciary. Theirs is a self-consciously illiberal project very much in the spirit of the illiberal democracy championed by Hungarys Viktor Orban the international icon of the new right. Having finally taken control of the government, the Israeli far right wants to leverage its slim legislative majority to roll back the countrys democratic institutions, erode the separation of synagogue and state, and take unilateral action to annex the West Bank without granting citizenship rights to the Palestinians who live there. The aim is, unironically, to pursue a tyranny of the majority: a Jewish democracy that uses its democratic institutions to become more Jewish, not more democratic. While Israel has drifted to the right in the past 20 years or so, most Israelis do not support these radical changes even if they agree with many right-wing positions on questions of law and order or settlement building in the West Bank. The protest movement that has been building up since January is not entirely a product of the left, which in Israel has been marginalized to the point of near irrelevance. Rather, the central fault line in Israeli politics right now is between the center and the far right. Perhaps surprisingly to Americans who see Israel chiefly through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the old dividing lines between doves and hawks are not a significant factor in this crisis. Netanyahus career-long quest to destroy the peace process has succeeded, and the right has more or less won the argument that Israel need not make concessions to the Palestinians for the sake of its security. Or even if it hasnt won the argument, it has won the electorate, which has been shaped in its favor by decades of demographic trends. The situation now threatening to break the Israeli government is only indirectly about the peace process, but it cuts directly to the fundamental problem of Zionism. Imagine a triangle: On one side, you have a Jewish state; on the second, a democratic state; and on the third, a state in the entire historical land of Israel (i.e., all of Mandatory Palestine, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip). Ideally, Israel aspires to be the entire triangle, but it can only have two sides. The only way to have all three would be to expel the Palestinians entirely, which of course would be both unconscionable and unfeasible (though some segment of the Israeli right has always contemplated it). Many of Israels ideological battles, for the entirety of its history, have been about which two sides of the triangle to choose. The two-state solution would have enabled a Jewish, democratic Israel by giving up some of the land. The one-state solution favored by many Palestinians and some Israeli leftists would create a democratic state in the whole of Israel and Palestine, but it would no longer have a durable Jewish majority and would risk losing its raison detre as a Jewish homeland. Annexing the West Bank without granting citizenship to Palestinians would, of course, create a Jewish state in all of Mandatory Palestine (minus Gaza), but that state could no longer call itself democratic, as it would have a massive population of nonvoting subjects. This, in essence, is the solution the far-right coalition seeks: sacrificing Israels democratic character in favor of its Jewishness while grabbing all of the land. Given the genocidal rhetoric of some of its leading members, having this government take full control of the West Bank while its Arab residents remain stateless and devoid of civil rights opens the door to some truly grim possibilities. This is why much of the opposition to Netanyahus far-right power grab comes from the center right including voices in the highly respected Israeli military establishment. These centrists may not be champing at the bit for Palestinian statehood, but they are afraid of religious-nationalist radicals burning down the country by pursuing a hasty annexation, disenfranchising minorities, creating different sets of rights for Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews, and turning Israel into an international pariah state with which nobody wants to do business. In a way, Israel is acting out something like what many liberals had hoped would happen here in the U.S. during the Donald Trump era: a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans coming together to defend our democratic institutions against the corrupt machinations of a far-right gangster government. Considering how much U.S. influence has shaped the Israeli right, it was no surprise to see Netanyahu emulate Trump by fully embracing his paranoid style, cutting deals with full-throated fascists, and attempting to politicize the judiciary to evade his own legal troubles. Where Israel goes from here is impossible to predict. Netanyahu hopes that, with a few weeks of delay, the protest movement will lose steam and he can push his judicial reform through with less public outcry. Perhaps he can soften the changes to make them more politically salable without losing the support of the far right. On the other hand, protesters seem well aware of just what is at stake here, and they realize that the country is not safe from such attempts to overthrow its founding principles so long as Netanyahu and his far-right allies remain in power. In any case, with both sides of this battle seeing themselves as defenders of democracy, Israel likely has more years of political crisis ahead of it regardless of whether it emerges with its institutions intact. Keep it orderly, please. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images Addressing a gathering of municipal movers and shakers at the Crains Power Breakfast, Commissioner Keechant Sewell recently floated the idea of improving police-community relations by focusing on the first impressions formed when citizens encounter the NYPD. Its the first 15 seconds, the first 15 feet, the first 15 minutes of your interaction with the police department that really determines how you feel about how you were treated and how the police department is functioning, she told the gathering. Its a great idea, but for traffic safety advocates, the commissioners words sounded like a bitter joke. Every day, cops illegally park their personal vehicles on sidewalks, in crosswalks, at bus stops, and in bike lanes, turning the streets and sidewalks around every police precinct into a trash-strewn obstacle course (sanitation sweepers cant clean gutters blocked by cars 24 hours a day). A similar degree of lawbreaking goes on at courthouses, jails, hospitals, firehouses, and other city facilities. But the precincts tend to be the worst offenders most of the citys 35,000 NYPD officers dont live in the city and commute to work and cops are supposed to enforce the traffic laws. If you ever wonder (as I did today) why cars are parked on the sidewalk, but don't have a precinct behind them, just turn around and look across the street! pic.twitter.com/LPPOk1Qeje Carmine (@carminemac) May 26, 2022 Police and traffic agents studiously avoid ticketing or towing vehicles owned by their fellow officers; that expensive inconvenience is reserved for the rest of us. Even worse, city data suggests that crashes and injuries are measurably more likely to happen near precincts, where pedestrians, bikers and drivers often must swerve into traffic to get around illegally parked cars. The core of the problem is the estimated 150,000 or so city-issued placards nobody is sure of the exact number that ostensibly allow holders to park in designated areas. In practice, workers routinely use expired placards, handwritten notes, union-issued ID cards, reflective traffic vests (which anybody can buy online), or other office debris left on a dashboard to signal that they are part of a privileged caste and can get away with parking almost anywhere for free. In recent months, the phenomenon has jumped up a level, with many city workers now blocking, defacing, folding, or obscuring their license plates in order to remain invisible to automated tolls and red-light and speed cameras. They are contributing to a staggering $100 million a year lost to the MTA and Port Authority through toll evasion. Cmon @MTA two in a row at 1:55 pm on Jay St at Fulton St. pic.twitter.com/RyBWhAJWk9 streeter (@_streeter) March 3, 2023 The city did decide they wanted to expand the speed camera, the red-light camera, and now the bus-lane camera program, says Gersh Kuntzman, the editor of Streetsblog, a transit and traffic-safety website. Last August, when the cameras went on 24/7 for the first time ever, and there were now about 2,000 camera systems, in that month the number of plates that could not be read by those cameras jumped from about 3 percent to 7 percent. (Our full conversation is online at You Decide, my podcast). The number of camera and toll evaders has since dropped a bit but remains high, says Kuntzman, who regularly documents lawbreaking by posting videos online depicting him traveling to precincts and other parking-disaster zones, where he fixes defaced license plates by removing stickers, unbending plates or filling in painted-over letters with a magic marker. Kuntzman has reported more than 120 incidents of public employees pulling the defaced-plate scam; in at least one case, an employee of the Manhattan District Attorney lost his job as a result. It should bother everyone that scofflaws use fake or real cop paraphernalia to break the law and endanger kids in school zones. So watch what happens live as I unmask a "Fraternal Order of Police" fraudster with a healthy dose of CRIMINAL MISCHIEF (or, perhaps, light farce). pic.twitter.com/snlFTuJR8i Gersh Kuntzman (@GershKuntzman) March 23, 2023 Kuntzmans witty, wiseass approach to advocacy includes sprinkling his videos with jokes and a catchy jingle called Criminal Mischief that he wrote and performs. The advocate-as-performance-artist routine, noted in The New Yorker and New York Times, has gained Kuntzman a following, along with other video-posting activists like Liam Quigley and the anonymous operators who post endless photos and videos of illegal parking on Twitter with provocative names like @placardabuse, @DefacedPlatesOfNYC, and Are The Police At The 94th Parked Illegally? yes pic.twitter.com/7ciOmLxSZJ Are the Police at the 94th Parked Illegally? (@GP_BadParking) February 20, 2023 On Broadway outside a federal building, below surveillance cameras, in parking reserved for "Federal Law Enforcement Officers," in a row: defaced Florida plate & @NYPDnews placard NYPD placard expired 2+ years ago defaced NY plate, expired registration & NYPD placard pic.twitter.com/bNoxlbuoZg placard corruption (@placardabuse) January 26, 2023 New Yorks failure to curb this egregious, extensively documented lawbreaking is a municipal scandal. Back in 2017, then-Mayor Bill de Blaiso announced a crackdown that would include 100 new traffic agents, along with 16 officers dedicated exclusively to cracking down on placard abuse by city workers. Before anyone thinks its a clever idea to misuse our placards, my advice is you better get to know where our impound lots are because youre going to end up visiting them, de Blasio told me back then. NYPD commissioner James ONeill has made very clear he wont tolerate any of his employees using their placards inappropriately. And the same will go for the school system. It never happened. Two years later, in the spring of 2019, the city announced a new crackdown, promising a three-strikes policy that would purportedly lead to offending city workers losing their permits. But by September 2020, the get-tough policy had resulted in a grand total of two placards being revoked. Around the same time, with the pandemic raging, the de Blasio administration quietly threw in the towel, axing all 116 members of the placard-abuse unit and zeroing out its budget. An investigation by Streetsblog found that calls to the 311 system to report illegal parking, speeding and other traffic violations are typically closed out within five minutes without any action taken. We elected a new mayor in 2021, but Eric Adams had already made clear he would not be a reliable ally of the safe-streets movement. During de Blasios 2019 crackdown, Adams, the Brooklyn borough president at the time, announced he would continue to allow his employees to park on the pedestrian plaza at Borough Hall, arguing that his team should not be held to a higher standard while other city workers abused placards with impunity. Theres one rule in this city; theres not going to be a rule just for Eric Adams, the first African American borough president, he said at a heated town hall. Im the break-the-car-culture elected official. I believe it, I live it, I dont just talk about it, I live through it. But Im clear on one thing: Were not going to have two standards, folks. Adams has apparently carried that defiant attitude from Downtown Brooklyn to City Hall, where laws passed by the City Council to report on the extent of placard abuse every six months have simply been ignored by the NYPD, which last last year generated one report covering a three-month span, instead of the legally required six. Its not only short on the time frame, City Councilwoman Gale Brewer told me. Nothing in the report says they did anything. We listen to our communities. We know that its a problem, NYPDs chief of patrol, Jeff Maddrey, said to angry City Council members at a recent hearing. Were trying our best, in terms of just our officers parking as appropriately as possible. I know its difficult. A lot of people work at the precinct, and theres not enough parking spots. At least one advocate has helpfully begun posting maps showing the location of commercial parking lots near precincts. But all the crowd-sourced citizen input and City Council hearings in the world wont work as well as two simple structural reforms. First, put the full placard system issuance, enforcement, and mandatory public reporting in the hands of the Department of Transportation, with orders that all city placards be chip-powered, satellite-trackable, and subject to deactivation, with an easy way for the public to record and report violations on a public dashboard. No more honoring fake placards, expired placards, handwritten notes, and business cards. Second, Sewell should empower her precinct commanders to purchase free or deeply discounted parking at nearby commercial garages, which might appreciate the extra safety that comes with having cops around. And there should be discipline for cops who continue to park illegally or evade tolls by using defaced plates. There will be plenty of grumbling from workers accustomed to sneaking through toll plazas and parking in bus stops and bike lanes. Those complaints will be drowned out by the cheers of most New Yorkers, who will finally be able to pass a precinct and see, within 15 seconds, that our government no longer turns a blind eye to the daily corruption weve put up with for much too long. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) Global lifestyle brand Calvin Klein took over Twitter with K-pop sensation BTS Jungkook after dropping a short teaser video on Monday. Fans were quick to identify the groups youngest member, or maknae, in the brand's six-second tweeted clip which seemingly teased its newest recruit. Embed twt: #JUNGKOOKxCALVINKLEIN immediately took the top spot on the trending topics on the social media platform in support of the band members latest endeavor. K-pop idols Jennie Kim of Blackpink and Mark Tuan of GOT7 previously starred in the brands campaigns. Other BTS members have also announced ambassadorship with and projects with several international fashion brands Jimin for Dior, J-Hope for Louis Vuitton, RM with Bottega Veneta, V with Celine, and SUGA for Valentino. Looking at the rumored casting 1 white 9 more to go Reply Thread Link Every time Mike White goes on vacation, they say he's scouting for locations. I still think it's taking place in Japan. Edited to add: And if it does take place in Japan, i need Dori Sakurada as the hotel manager. Thanks. Edited at 2023-03-28 08:14 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link It would be so cool if it took place in Japan! Also, I only know Sakurada from Alice in Borderland but he creeped me out so much. Great acting. Reply Parent Thread Link He's such a great actor! In real life, he's so soft spoken and sweet. I hate that not as many people watched AiB as they did Squid Game. Reply Parent Thread Link it's thailand - he did a japan trip as well, but he settled on thailand my friend's uncle is a producer on the show so i get all my inside gossip from her lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link surprised but pleased to find out it's gonna be a south east asian country Reply Thread Link let Lydia Tar stay at a white lotus Reply Parent Thread Link It is with a heavy heart that we share that Lydia Tar, world-renowned conductor and composer, died last night after falling down the steps of the Dolby Theater. - Team LT pic.twitter.com/HLYEq1YEq6 Lydia Tar (@LydiaTarReal) March 13, 2023 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Another successful mini series. Reply Thread Link I'm just happy Jennifer Coolidge won't be in it again. I liked season 2 but her scenes were just not my cup of tea. Edited at 2023-03-28 08:23 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link omg Im the complete opposite, Tanya was my fave part of the entire show! Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I actually liked S1 way more but enjoyed Jennifer's scenes in S2. Reply Parent Thread Link I loved her part but im also glad shes dead Reply Parent Thread Link peppa pig though! these gays are trying to murder me though! Reply Parent Thread Link I read that it might take place between seasons 1 & 2, so you arent out of the woods yet! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Same her schtick is getting old Reply Parent Thread Link same? i don't really understand the hype over her, like she was fun but not really iconic. murray in season 1 was more hilarious and i enjoyed aubrey plaza and haley's character's/journeys much more Reply Parent Thread Link Same I thought I was going crazy watching it. Her character's funny at times but I really don't care about her. I know it's kinda the point but watching her just treat assistants and workers like shit just sours the experience. (I haven't finished the second season but I know what happens lol.) Reply Parent Thread Link No Reply Parent Thread Link I really don't care for Tanya but Jennifer makes it hard to flat out hate the character bc she's so insanely charismatic. I think the issue with Tanya has a lot more to do with the directing/script than the acting, Jennifer could definitely have done something more interesting with the character but I get the sense it was very 'just take this and be extra with it'. I'm glad it ultimately worked for her and she's getting the praise long overdue tho. Reply Parent Thread Link Nooooo. She must be in it. Needs to be a S1 prequel where Jennifer and her mother vacation together and discovers she's dying, and Murray from s1 is alive as well and the whole season is about death! And we see Greg marking her to start his con in Hawaii Reply Parent Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link enlightened is still the best thing he's ever done Reply Thread Link and what happens when she shows up for rehab? Reply Thread Link ooh well you can't set anything in a Thai resort without a load of boozed up Australians bogans, it is simply not realistic, will there be a casting call for extras, my time has come Reply Thread Link Yeah I was going to say - ok so I have to watch a bunch of intoxicated Aussie dickheads? I can look out my window and see that right now lol Reply Parent Thread Link Wearing bintang singlets bc all SEA is interchangeable. Reply Parent Thread Link TIL the word singlet is used very differently overseas. Reply Parent Thread Link Bintangs, Bucket hats, and Bright red sunburn, the holy trinity Reply Parent Thread Link shes getting cast opposite danny devito sry 2 say Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Australians? Let Kylie stay in The White Lotus!!! Reply Parent Thread Link I'm surprised they didn't choose Bali. Could be set at the same resort Rhonda and ketut (love story of the century and only acceptable heteros) met. They can cameo. Reply Thread Link Same about Bali. I always hear people become spiritually unhinged when they go there. Reply Parent Thread Link Pleeeeease be true, Danny Devito would fucking kill it in a mike white jaunt Reply Thread Link Yes!!! I want him to play something against type but also clearly Danny DeVito. Reply Parent Thread Link Mte, I feel like he's going to be the new Tanya type character lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link S1 and 2 were some of the funniest things I've watched recently so I can't wait Reply Thread Link I guessed correctly!!!!!!!! I said it was gonna be Thailand Reply Thread Link This should be interesting. I've also been craving Thai food. Reply Thread Link Wow. It sounds like someone messed up on a technical end. I hope this wont mean he has to go back to jail Reply Thread Link I read he won't be rearrested. And honestly... sounds like this is a technicality that will be sorted out and nothing will really change. Reply Parent Thread Link This is a really strange procedural hook that the brother is going for. I really feel for Hae Min Lee's family, but at this point it's weird to not weigh the harm done to her brother for not getting notice about the hearing against the harm done by reinstating the conviction against Adnan when all of the necessary evidence was presented. At the end of the day Adnan is the only one that's subject to the power of the state. Her family isn't. The state handled this case so poorly and ruined a lot of people's lives. Edited at 2023-03-28 08:31 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link It's obviously terrible for Hae's family that they'll probably never know for sure who killed it, but this is super fucked up. How can what happens with her family members have any bearing on this whatsoever? She is the only victim in this case. Reply Parent Thread Link I agree with some of your comment but saying the family members and loved ones of someone who was murdered arent also victims aint it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I mean she can't speak for herself so who else will advocate for her if not her family?? I know what you meant but she's not the only victim of this case. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link There was DNA found on her shoes from several different people, and all we know about it is that it wasn't Adnan's. It is still theoretically possible that they could find a match (particularly if it ties back somehow to one of the other suspects) and solve the case. I don't have any hope of that happening, but it's possible. Reply Parent Thread Link I wonder about this since I was never notified that the person who punched me had applied to have the battery charge vacated. I was supposed to be notified to contest it, never was. I had zero options once I learned of it, so I'm also unsure how the brother has this much authority when even victims don't... Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I don't understand the logic. If there was enough of a reason to let Adan off, why does the victim's family matter either way? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah I have to agree, like I understand the family should have been informed but ultimately it rests on the evidence, unless the family had some new evidence to present that they didnt get a chance to (which Im pretty sure wasnt the case), the outcome should be the same anyway. I feel for them and this must be so traumatic having to go through courts again and again but their personal opinion that Adnan is guilty isnt legally relevant Reply Parent Thread Link Victim and victim family rights are extremely important and any violation of those rights should be taken seriously. Reply Parent Thread Link This would never have happened if Adnan's name had been Bob Douglas lbr Reply Parent Thread Link Jesus Christ how is this case still this much of a goddamn mess??? Reply Thread Link Cause the initial investigation and prosecution was a mess and so now it is doomed to forever be a mess. Reply Parent Thread Link I hate to even remotely quote P**anski (Chinatown) but, "Forget it, Jake, it's Maryland." I think more Baltimore politicians are in prison or convicted of crimes than any other place I've lived. Reply Parent Thread Link Go with this one instead Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Baltimore is corrupt af, its awful I have a family member whos a lawyer for a surrounding citys mayor, and its just so disgusting how hard she capes for the cops Reply Parent Thread Link This is such bullshit. Reminds me of the guy from In The Dark S2, who was prosecuted like 8 times for same fucking crime because of a vindictive prosecutor and fucked up racist small town. Reply Thread Link Yes, I was thinking the same Reply Parent Thread Link Ugh, that was so disgraceful Reply Parent Thread Link Is it bad to compare the two because Id say Curtis Flowers had it much worse. Til this day his story infuriates me and I tear up thinking about all the shit he was put through. Those journalists did an amazing job exposing those racist pos. I was so happy he was finally released. Reply Parent Thread Link Thank you for saying his name, Im reading about it now and wtf! I read in the dark in the ops comment and all I could think of was the cw tv show lol so I was like who is she talking about??? Reply Parent Thread Link how does this even work? I presume Adnan was free and clear after he was released - like, he's allowed to get a passport and leave the state and stuff, right? Reply Thread Link Ngl I'm not on the same wavelength as a lot of ONTD in that I do believe he is very likely guilty (if he's not, all of the circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime is so overwhelmingly pointing at him that he must be one of the single most unlucky people in history to have all of these things line up but still be innocent) but at this point I think it's impossible to prove it and I don't believe he's at risk of reoffending and unless they find some smoking gun piece of evidence to really prove it, he should go free at this point with his money from the state just because I don't feel anything was ever proven beyond a reasonable doubt. I feel so bad for Hae's family, they will never actually see justice and putting this man who may or may not be guilty back in jail, if that's the ultimate result, still won't heal their hurt or bring back Hae. It feels like they are grasping at straws trying to find some sense of meaning or a path to redemption or justice in what was ultimately a senseless, thoughtless, heartless crime that has no greater meaning. Anyway, Rest In Peace Hae Min Lee <3 Reply Thread Link I've listened to Serial and watched several documentaries on this and I also am not convinced that he's innocent. At most, I think all people can say is that it's hard to tell what the truth is either way. Reply Parent Thread Link I agree, and I also think Serial really downplayed and misled in a lot of ways, but when you look at the objective facts of the case and the evidence, there is so, so much circumstantial evidence that, when looked at collectively and not through the myopic lens of Serial, really does point to Adnan, and like I said, I believe he never should have been convicted in the first place, but I also do feel that it's very likely that he did it just looking at all of the evidence as a whole, most of which is circumstantial. I absolutely would not have convicted him had I been on the jury, but I also can understand the feeling of frustration Hae's family must have. I also really hated how the post vacating his conviction was treated like a party post for a lot of people because just as it's possible that this man is innocent, it's also possible that he's guilty...I would never celebrate anything either way unless we had proof someone else did it for sure. I'd feel sick if he went back to prison for this too. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I agree with you, but the thing is innocent until proven guilty. There isn't enough evidence and he shouldn't have been convicted on that basis. Or at least that's how the justice system should work. You shouldn't be able to convict someone on a gut feeling. So many innocent people are in jail, some have been exonerated and still executed (iirc there was one really egregious case where guy was cleared by DNA but the higher court ruled that even so he was convicted so they killed him) Innocent people imprisoned or murdered is not justice. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link this has always been my feeling too Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I don't think he'll go back to prison, i think they're just going to have another hearing where the family is able to be present since the DA's office just...didn't notify them at all last time Edited at 2023-03-28 08:44 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link See if the onus was on the prosecution to make sure the family was aware, how can they now punish Adnan for it?? Is this DA playing some kind of game or what? Sketchy as hell. Reply Parent Thread Link No I don't think it's some trap by the DA, i think the DA's office probably just has some lazy people working at it who half assed the notification. I used to work in tandem with district attorney victim services and sometimes they would really drop the ball when it came to stuff like notifications, etc. and these were people who were the legal victim in the case and the DA needed their cooperation. I can totally see them not feeling rushed to notify Hae's family and then saying something like "there's a hearing in regard to this case" but not saying the hearing was to release their family members murderer from prison. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah it's just gonna be a formality where the family is there but it's the same outcome. so not entirely sure what the point is, but ok Reply Parent Thread Link I dont think this will be as dramatic as it sounds. Theyll redo the hearing and the outcome will be the same. I highly doubt he will be sent back to prison in the interim Reply Thread Link There are probably a bunch of things related to him becoming a normal civilian again that are tied up with him not having an active conviction for a felony on his record. Reply Parent Thread Link Sure, and thats all things that he can resume after the hearing is redone. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I really hope he doesn't have to go back to jail in the meantime... Aside from a victim impact statement I can't imagine what the brother could add here, and since the argument is that Adnan isn't responsible based on the evidence available, the impact of her death on the family is, for better or worse, kind of irrelevant to his release. I understand the desperation he must feel as her brother but... :( Reply Thread Link But I remember the brother making an impact statement before Adnan was released, or at least it was mentioned in one of the articles I read last year? Might not have been during the hearing before the conviction was vacated, but I assumed it was. Reply Thread Link I think the brother found out like RIGHT before the hearing, but Hae Min's mother, who had since moved back to Korea, was unable to be there or submit any statement due to the short notice?? Reply Parent Thread Link They notified him but not with enough time to actually be there, I think. I read elsewhere that he was notified the day before and he lives in California and did not have enough time to make it to the hearing and attended via zoom Reply Parent Thread Link This whole case is a mess of technicalities. The original lawyer did things super weird, the police investigation was weird, and etc. Rip haemin lee. Edited at 2023-03-28 09:31 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Oh for fuck's sake Reply Thread Link this case is doomed to be a clusterfuck forever and ever Reply Thread Link I guess Im on a different mindset than many here: I felt he was innocent but even if he wasnt, there wasnt enough evidence. I feel like I perhaps missed some things despite watching the docuseries, listening to the podcast (I realize was biased in favor of Adnan), etc. Anyone have any (reliable) resources or articles that declare and back up the claim that Adnan is guilty? Im curious to see what Im missing. Feel terrible for the families involved in this. Reply Thread Link same. have you listened to the undisclosed podcast on it? Reply Parent Thread Link Every time I've done a deep dive into this case, I've come to the conclusion that I think he probably did it. My last deep dive was when he was released. I read up on it for a few weeks, and despite wanting to believe he was innocent I did not come away with that feeling. Reply Thread Link Yeah, I try to keep an open mind but idk. I hope he's innocent if he's going free, that's the best I can think. Reply Parent Thread Link I feel that way as well and I am a pretty good judge of character. Obviously that means exactly zero but I mention it as I just feeeeeeelllll like he's guilty. The murder kind of makes no sense unless it is him who did it. And I've always felt that way. It was obvious Sarah Koenig was snowed by him. Reply Parent Thread Link What does Total Worker Health Have to do with Industrial Hygiene? In this the FIRST of three free installments of the IH Virtual Summit, we will define TWH and illustrate its application using specific workplace examples. While TWH is not a one size fits all recipe, it is critical that industrial hygienists understand its key concepts and functional elements. Using Technology to Drive Greater Employee Engagement in Your Organizations Health & Wellbeing Program In this free webinar, well discuss: the key trends influencing organizational approaches to occupational health, and the opportunities they present; how Arizona Public Service developed a comprehensive and multifaceted occupational health strategy that reflects the needs of their diverse workforce; how technology is opening new doors to further empowering individuals to actively participate and assume greater ownership of their personal health & wellbeing; key learnings that organizations should consider when embarking on their own journey toward a technology-enabled, people-focused, health & wellbeing approach. Before the removal of its long-time leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011, Libya had easily been able to produce around 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) of mostly high-quality light, sweet crude oil. Production had been on a rising production trend at that point, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000, and the country still had around 48 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves the largest in Africa. Although this output level was well below the peak levels of more than 3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) had plans in place before 2011 to roll out enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to increase crude oil production at maturing oil fields. These plans were put on hold due to an increase in sectarian hostilities across the country but they are back in place now. A new Strategic Programs Office (SPO) has been created by the NOC and it will orchestrate a rise in Libyas production capacity to 2 million bpd in the next three to five years, according to a recent comment from NOC chairman, Farhat Bengdara. Key to this plan succeeding will be the investment of international oil companies (IOCs), but there is a foundation of IOC interest to build upon. Prior to the removal of Gaddafi in 2011, numerous high-profile IOCs were either operating in Libya or had plans to. Given the civil war that has been raging on and off since Gaddafis removal, this number has dwindled, but a few hardy IOCs are still there, currently with a focus on Libyas gas. One such company is Italys Eni, which along with Frances TotalEnergies and the UKs BP and Shell have been at the vanguard of Europes efforts to secure alternative energy supplies to those from Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The government in Rome has pledged to eliminate Russian gas by 2025 and, to this end, has announced several new short- and medium-term measures to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline flows from other sources. Related: Oils Low Prices Draw Rash Of Hedging Recently, the Italian oil and gas giant signed an agreement with the NOC that would see it invest around US$8 billion to produce about 850 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d) from two offshore gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea. The deal as stated by the NOCs Bengdara - would involve the renewal of an existing agreement originally struck in 2008. Eni currently produces gas in Libya from its Wafa and Bahr Essalam fields operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas, a joint venture between the Italian company and the NOC. According to Eni, gas from the fields is transported to Italy through the 520 kilometre 8 billion cubic metres per year (bcm/y) Green Stream pipeline that crosses the Mediterranean Sea and lands in Gela in Sicily. These gas flows were interrupted at the beginning of the year due to unscheduled maintenance at the Mellitah Complex, according to Eni, but have since been restored to full capacity. It may be, therefore, that Italy is seeking to secure the stability of its gas supplies from Libya through further investment from its key oil and gas companies into the country and, more broadly, into other target suppliers in the region. Prior to this, Bengdara had also stated that he expected a separate program of offshore and onshore drilling to start within the coming months, under the leadership not just of Eni but of BP and TotalEnergies too. Back in April 2021, at a meeting between then-NOC chairman, Mustafa Sanalla, and the chief executive officer of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, the French firm agreed to continue with its efforts to increase oil production from the giant Waha, Sharara, Mabruk and Al Jurf oil fields by at least 175,000 bpd. It also agreed to make the development of the Waha-concession North Gialo and NC-98 oil fields a priority, according to the NOC. The Waha concessions in which the then-Total took a minority stake in 2019 have the capacity to produce at least 350,000 bpd together, according to the NOC. The NOC added that the French firm would also contribute to the maintenance of decaying equipment and crude oil transport lines that need replacing. Having said this, the security and financial risks for IOCs working in Libya remain exceptionally high. Quite aside from the disjointed government apparatus and the ongoing civil war, the threat of further force majeures being implemented in key oil and gas hubs in the country remains ever present and is not likely to diminish any time soon. The root cause of this dates back to the lack of clarity in the agreement of 18 September 2020 as to how funds from Libyas gas and oil sector would be divided up between the various warring political factions there. On that date just over two years ago, a deal was struck between Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the rebel Libyan National Army (LNA), and elements of the United Nations-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). In the deal, Haftar made it clear that the resultant lifting of the oil blockade then in place would not last unless a precise framework was agreed upon about precisely how oil revenues would be divided up between various groups from then on. Such a framework has still not been agreed and the failure to do so has resulted in a series of blockades of various ports and installations. These included most the 60,000 bpd Brega operation, and the Zueitina port, with crude loadings average around 90,000 bpd. Production also stopped at Abuatufol, Al-Intisar, Anakhla, and Nafura. Just prior to this, the Sharara field in the west of the country, which can pump around 300,000 bpd, was also shut down and before this the El Feel oil field, which produces 70,000 bpd, was closed. At various other points since then, farcical scenes have emerged at the top of the political structure in the country. July last year saw the GNU Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, replace the widely-respected Mustafa Sanalla as chairman of the NOC with Bengdara, who is a long-time associate and friend of Dbeibahs. Sanalla - who had received backing from both of Libyas opposing legislative bodies - rejected Dbeibahs authority to sack him, and warned Dbeibah not to touch the NOC or the oil revenues and contracts that it manages. Bengdara then held his own news conference at the NOC headquarters building and received the backing of two major NOC affiliate companies - Al Waha Oil, and Arabian Gulf Oil - before Al Waha then deleted its message of support. All of this followed the failed attempt by Fathi Bashagha appointed prime minister of the alternative government in the east of the country three months before to seize power in Tripoli. This occurred amid the ongoing refusal of the Dbeibah - who was appointed through a United Nations-led process in 2021 - to hand over power until such a time as a properly elected government was voted into office by the people of Libya. It might be that the need of the West to keep securing alternative energy supplies away from Russia may lead to pressure being brought to bear on the NOC and the various political factions causing mayhem in Libya. The key to this would be to finally push forward on the terms of the original September 2020 agreement signed by Haftar and Maiteeq that included the formation of a joint technical committee to deal with the oil money disbursements. According to the official statement at the time on the role of the proposed technical committee: It will oversee oil revenues and ensure the fair distribution of resources and control the implementation of the terms of the agreement. In order to address the fact that the GNA effectively holds sway over the NOC and, by extension, the Central Bank of Libya (in which the revenues are physically held), the committee would also prepare a unified budget that meets the needs of each party and the reconciliation of any dispute over budget allocations and will require the Central Bank [in Tripoli] to cover the monthly or quarterly payments approved in the budget without any delay, and as soon as the joint technical committee requests the transfer. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iraqs crude oil production has been stuck between the 4.0-4.7 million barrels per day (bpd) level since 2016, with a mean average of about 4.5 million bpd during that period, but it could relatively straightforwardly produce 12 million bpd way more than Saudi Arabias true crude oil production average of 8.2 million from 1973 to last Friday. Key elements needed for Iraq to increase its crude oil production to this elevated level are contained in the US$27 billion four-pronged deal agreed with TotalEnergies but there are now doubts that all or part of this deal will proceed as planned. Following the recent landmark resumption of relations between Iran - which retains enormous influence over Iraq through political, military and economic proxies - and Saudi Arabia, brokered by China (and Russia to a lesser degree), it was made clear to Iran it should do all it could to stop major deals being done in Iraq by Western companies. Specifically, a source who works closely with the European Unions energy security apparatus exclusively told OilPrice.com last week, Iran was told by a very high-ranking official from the Kremlin that: By keeping the West out of energy deals in Iraq and closer to the new Iran-Saudi axis - the end of Western hegemony in the Middle East will become the decisive chapter in the Wests final demise. To recap on the TotalEnergies proposed deal that, up until the signing of the relationship resumption deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, was going ahead as planned. The first of these projects and crucial in enabling Iraq to reach its longer-term crude oil production targets of 7 million barrels per day (bpd), and then 9 million bpd and then perhaps 12 million bpd, as analysed in depth in my new book on the global oil markets was to have been the completion of the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP). The project, which would see an initial investment of US$3 billion in its first phase, involves taking and treating seawater from the Persian Gulf and then transporting it via pipelines to oil production facilities to maintain pressure in oil reservoirs to optimise the longevity and output of fields. The long-delayed plan for the CSSP is that it initially supplies around 6 million bpd of water to at least five southern Basra fields and one in Maysan Province, and is then expanded for use in other fields. The second of the projects is also a matter of high importance and urgent necessity: to collect and refine associated natural gas that is currently burned off at the five southern Iraq oilfields of West Qurna 2, Majnoon, Tuba, Luhais, and Artawi. TotalEnergies was to have provided US$2 billion in the first phase of the project for the building of the processing plant to do this, with initial comments from Iraqs Oil Ministry last year highlighting that the plant is expected to produce 300 million cubic feet of gas per day (mcf/d) and double that after a second phase of development. Iraqi Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul Jabbar, stated last year that the gas produced from this second TotalEnergies project in the south will help Iraq to cut its gas imports from Iran. Related: WTI Breaks $70 As Kurdistan Halts Oil Exports TotalEnergies already has ongoing experience of working across Iraq, holding a 22.5 percent stake in the Halfaya oil field in Missan province in the south and an 18 percent stake in the Sarsang exploration block in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in the north. This gives it very specific operational experience of working on the ground in Iraq, which would also have enabled it to increase crude oil output from the Artawi oil field, which is the third of the four projects to which it was committed. According to earlier comments from Iraqs Oil Ministry, TotalEnergies would help to boost output from the Artawi oilfield to 210,000 bpd of crude oil, up from the current circa-85,000 bpd. Successfully capturing associated gas rather than flaring it will also allow Iraq to revive the also long-stalled US$11-billion Nebras petrochemicals project with Royal Dutch Shell, which if it went ahead in a professional way could be completed within five years and would generate estimated profits of up to US$100 billion for Iraq within its 35-year initial contract period. The last of the four projects that were to have been undertaken by the French company would be the construction and operation of a 1,000-megawatt solar energy plant in Iraq. So, where is this deal now? Highly fluid - China wants all the big [oil and gas] reservoirs in the Middle East, said the EU energy source. It secured Irans with the 25-year deal [Strategic Cooperation Agreement, first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject], which also gave it the chance to leverage its influence more into Iraqs [oil and gas] reservoirs as well, and now its got Saudi Arabias too, to add to Russias thats a lot of oil and gas to control, he concluded. Indeed, in the oil sphere, China now has effective control of two out of three top oil crude oil exporters Russia and Saudi Arabia (with the other being the U.S, itself). In addition, China, via Saudi Arabias leadership position in OPEC, has considerable influence over that organisations oil as well. Whatever OPEC says, it is a cartel in all the ways that matter - organisationally, operationally, and in terms of its collective resources power. OPEC was specifically mandated upon its foundation in 1960 to co-ordinate and unify the petroleum policies of all of its member states effectively fixing oil prices, just like a cartel. OPECs cartel-like appearance is further enhanced by the facts that its members account for around 40 percent of the worlds crude oil output, about 60 percent of the total petroleum traded internationally from their oil exports and just over 80 percent of the worlds proven oil reserves. In the gas sphere, the nearest equivalent to OPEC although currently not as powerful is what has been referred to as Gas OPEC, which is the Gulf Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Together, Russia, Iran, and Qatar and Qatar and Iran share the worlds biggest gas field (the North Field/South Pars reservoir) - account for just under 60 percent of the worlds gas reserves, and they were the three countries that founded the GECF. The GECFs membership now comprises 11 members control over 71 percent of global gas reserves, 44 percent of its marketed production, 53 percent of its gas pipelines, and 57 percent of its LNG exports. Around one year ago, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, and the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which has considerable overlap with OPEC and the GECF - were arriving in Beijing for a five-day visit to push ahead on negotiations over the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA). At these meetings, the principal topic of conversation was to finally seal the China-GCC FTA and a deeper strategic cooperation in a region where U.S. dominance is showing signs of retreat. China does not only want to control all the major oil reservoirs in the Middle East but also to get greatly beneficial pricing on everything produced from them. By dint of the 25-year Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Iran it has been able to do this on precisely the terms laid down in my original exclusive piece on the deal. China has been able to use this as the basis for deals done with Iraq, given Tehrans strong and enduring influence over Baghdad. Specifically, the deals China wants involves 25-year contracts but critically ones that only officially start two years after the signing date, so allowing China to recoup more profits on average per year and less upfront investment. The per barrel payments to China for oil would be the higher of either the mean average of the 18-month spot price for crude oil produced, or the past six months mean average price. It would also involve at least a 10 percent discount to China for at least five years on the value of the oil it recovered. For gas recovery, the basic terms are the same, but in terms of pricing China wants whichever developer that takes the lead to receive a 30 percent discount to the lowest mean one-year average market price at the key gas pricing hubs for the gas it captured. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The European Union is considering allowing individual member states to block LNG imports from Russia without slapping sanctions on Russian gas, a draft document seen by Bloomberg News showed on Tuesday ahead of a meeting of the EU energy ministers. The proposal would allow individual member states to prevent Russian LNG exporters from booking capacity at Europes LNG import facilities. The push to give EU members the power to temporarily block LNG imports from Russia is led by Russias EU neighbors Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Even if the mechanism to block Russian LNG without sanctions is endorsed by the EU energy ministers, the individual EU governments would still need to consult with other EU countries, the European Commission, and other EU institutions. The European Commission and some EU members have already called for a reduction of imports of Russian LNG which have jumped since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resultant reduction in the supply of Russian pipeline gas. The Spanish government has urged LNG importers not to sign new deals to purchase Russian LNG as the biggest buyer of Russias LNG in Europe looks to reduce dependence on Moscows gas, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg last week. Earlier this month, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson urged all EU member states and all companies not to sign new LNG import contracts with Russia. The European Union has managed to significantly cut its imports of Russian pipeline natural gas over the past year, but now it should stop all LNG imports from Russia, Simson said. While pipeline supply from Russia has slowed to a trickle, Europe has raised imports of LNG, including LNG from Russia. Russias LNG supply to Europe jumped by around 20% last year from 2021, according to Refinitiv Eikon data cited by Reuters. All Russian LNG exports rose by 8.6% in 2022 to around 45 billion cubic meters, more than half of which went to Europe, per Refinitiv Eikons data. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has succeeded in redirecting its crude oil and fuel exports after the EU embargoes and the price cap set by the West, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said on Tuesday. Russia hasnt reduced its sales of crude and petroleum products, the minister was quoted as saying by Russian news agency TASS. As far as sanctions are concerned, it is important to not only keep the production and refining volumes but exports, too, and thus the revenues for the federal budget, Shulginov was quoted as saying. The minister had earlier confirmed that Russias oil and gas production would drop in 2023 compared to 2022. Earlier this month, Shulginov said that Russia expects its oil and gas production to fall this year compared to 2022, partly due to the production cuts announced for March. For 2023, we expect oil production levels to be slightly lower, also because of the voluntary reduction in output, Shulginov was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax. Gas production volumes will continue to decline both due to the abandonment of the European market and the timing of the re-routing of energy flows to the East, the Russian energy minister added. Tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed this week that Russias crude oil exports by sea have held above the 3 million barrels per day (bpd) mark in the past six weeks after the EU ban on fuel imports from Russia took effect and after Moscow said it would lower its production by 500,000 bpd. Russia said last week it would continue its 500,000-bpd crude oil production cut through the end of June this year. Initially, Russia intended to cut that amount from its production in March. It remains to be seen if there will be sufficient appetite for Russian oil products now that the price cap is in place or if its production will start to fall under the weight of sanctions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its Oil Market Report for March. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) The prestigious Harvard University in the United States will offer a Tagalog language course, which is reportedly the fourth most spoken language in the country, beginning the academic year 2023-2024. According to the universitys official publication The Harvard Crimson, Harvard does not have a Southeast Asian Studies department but it offers a course on the Philippines, which is a survey course on the history of the region. Jorge Espada, associate director for Southeast Asia Programs at the Harvard University Asia Center, noted the lack of Southeast Asian studies and language course offerings based on such resources in the school. Most Southeast Asian languages are taught as part of a tutorial format within the Department of South Asian Studies, he said as quoted in the report. We wanted to see if we could have these languages taught by a preceptor-level position to professionalize the instruction, to make it more consistent, and to generate enthusiasm for it at Harvard, he added. The report also noted that the universitys Department of South Asian Studies will hire three instructors to teach Tagalog as well as Bahasa Indonesian and Thai languages for the upcoming academic year. Were very excited and hopeful that these positions will be a game-changer in terms of the Asia Centers long-term mission to build Southeast Asian studies at Harvard, as well as the universitys engagement with the region, said Asia Center executive director Elizabeth Liao in the report. The teaching positions will last for three years and renewable up to five more years. According to the universitys website, the instructor will teach five Tagalog language courses per year. Harvard is looking for a native speaker or has near-native fluency in Tagalog. While other oil majors have left Alaska due to high capital costs and regulatory hurdles, one U.S. oil firm is pushing ahead with oil development in the state, betting on a new project that could pump crude for decades. ConocoPhillips has just seen the Biden Administration approve the Willow oil project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), allowing three out of five proposed drill sites. Even the scaled-down project will be profitable and will work, the company and analysts say. One of the reasons why ConocoPhillips is betting on Alaska while others are leaving is that ConocoPhillips chief executive, Ryan Lance, has worked in the state for over a decade and knows the energy and political landscape there, The Wall Street Journal notes. Lance, who began his career in Alaska and has worked there for 14 years, believes that Alaska can still yield a lot of oil, for a long period of time, as the world will need oil and gas for the foreseeable future. At the same time, Lance expects U.S. crude oil production to plateau this decade. The plateau is on the horizon, he said at CERAWeek earlier this month, as carried by the Financial Times. The world is going back to what we had in the 70s and the 80s unless we do something to change that trajectory, Lance said, referring to the time when OPEC had a tight grip over the global oil market. According to the executive, OPECs market share will jump from around 30% now to close to 50% in the future, in which additional supply comes from OPEC and U.S. shale growth plateaus. ConocoPhillips bets on its newest plan in Alaska to boost production by 180,000 barrels per day (bpd). This could nearly double the companys output in Alaska ConocoPhillips current production there is just below 200,000 bpd. Related: Oil Prices Jump 5% On Easing Banking Fears ConocoPhillips is Alaskas largest crude oil producer and the largest owner of exploration leases, with around 1.6 million net undeveloped acres at year-end 2021. With other majors leaving, ConocoPhillips could further strengthen its position in the state. BP, for example, sold its upstream business in Alaska to Hilcorp for $5.6 billion three years ago. ConocoPhillips has yet to progress the Willow project to a final investment decision. Willow is set to deliver between $8 billion to $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government, the state of Alaska, and North Slope Borough communities, the company says. But environmentalists who slammed the Biden Administration for carbon-bombing its environmental progress and legacy by approving Willow have already started filing lawsuits to stop the project. Raena Garcia, Fossil Fuels and Lands Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said that President Bidens approval of the Willow project is a colossal and reprehensible stain on his environmental legacy. In the days following Willows approval, two separate lawsuits by environmental groups were filed. Alaska Wilderness League was among six groups that filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the Biden administrations approval of the Willow project, seeking a preliminary injunction in the case. Another group of campaigners also filed a lawsuit to stop the project, saying, We can only hope that the court sees this for what it is: another unlawful, faulty, and disastrous decision that must be stopped. Meanwhile, consultancy Wood Mackenzie says that even with a three-well pad development instead of the five-pad project ConocoPhillips had sought, Willow would be economically viable. With Willow joining other projects like Pikka, new pads at Milne Point, Narwhal, Nuna and Coyote, we see production returning to 700,000 b/d by 2030, levels last seen in 2008, said Mark Oberstoetter, head of Americas (non-L48) upstream for Wood Mackenzie. ADVERTISEMENT Last year, Alaskas field production of crude oil averaged 437,000 bpd, according to EIA data. Alaska saw a record production of over 2 million bpd in the late 1980s. Without production from Willow and these other new projects, the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) would eventually run into low flow issues, jeopardising all production coming from the North Slope, WoodMacs Oberstoetter added. In addition, Wood Mackenzie projections suggest Willows Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity would be lower than other Alaska projects, and lower than many of the current sources of U.S. oil imports. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: California lawmakers passed legislation this week that will allow penalties to be imposed on fuel retailers for what Californias governor has called price gouging at the pump. The new law was passed just a week after it was introduced as a bill at the state legislature, evidence of the determination of the states leadership to squeeze the oil industry from every direction it can. When you take on big oil, they usually roll you thats exactly what theyve been doing to consumers for years and years and years, Governor Gavin Newsom said. The Legislature had the courage, conviction and the backbone to stand up to big oil, Newsom added, as quoted by Fortune. Californians pay some of the highest prices for fuel in the United States. While the oil industry and its supporters attribute this fact to the high taxes that California slaps on fuels, Newsom and the Democrat-dominated legislature have accused the oil industry of price gouging and have vowed to put a stop to it. California has the highest gasoline tax in the U.S. as well as additional taxes that combine to form a higher price for the end product than in other states. Californias price gouging penalty is simple either Big Oil reins in the profits and prices, or theyll pay a penalty, Newsom said in a statement in December last year. Big Oil has been lying and gouging Californians to line their own pockets long enough. The record profits that all oil companies made last year amid the oil price spike triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine did not help matters, either. They only increased Californias determination to punish oil companies, including a proposal to impose a cap on the profits that these companies are allowed to make. Per the new law, it will be up to the California Energy Commission to decide whether an oil company should be punished for the prices, at which it sells its products. However, the more important part of the new law is that oil companies will be mandated to share copious amounts of information with a newly set up state agency, which will be responsible for monitoring and investigating Californias fuel market. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The European Union has agreed to extend a cap on natural gas prices for power generation in Spain and Portugal until the end of the year. Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera explained that the decision will protect Spanish and Portuguese consumers. While the decision is still pending endorsement by the Commission, it has expressed explicit support for the move. According to an Energy Ministry spokesperson, "The agreement enables the extension of this temporary mechanism that will cap the gas price at an average of 55 euros ($59.48) per megawatt-hour to 65 euros per megawatt-hour. The mechanism was introduced in the spring of 2022 under a joint scheme between Spain and Portugal when fossil fuel plants experienced skyrocketing electricity costs. The extension is expected to cushion the effect of rising natural gas prices, which have been driven up following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since gas prices are currently below the cap, the mechanism is not applied. Ribera suggested that this provision will allow electricity prices to be contained at reasonable levels in the event of an upswing in natural gas prices. "Were natural gas prices to rise again, we would manage to contain electricity prices at a reasonable level that would not depend on the price of natural gas," Ribera explained. The approval of the price cap extension is also expected to aid environmental efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector in Spain and Portugal. The extension is expected to have significant effects on energy policy in Spain and Portugal, and European Union lawmakers will continue to evaluate various energy policies to address the current energy crisis. Through the price cap, the EU aims to ensure a transition to green and sustainable energy while stabilizing energy prices for consumers. ADVERTISEMENT By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Last weeks crashing oil prices were awfully tempting last week for big oil consumers, who took advantage of the low prices to hedge against the inevitable price rise. Major oil consumers such as airlines boosted their hedging at a rapid pace, according to a Bloomberg analysis of trading data. It was clear last week that there was a sharp rise in trading activity for crude oil, but the extent of the flurry of activity is only now quantifiable with bank positioning data, Bloomberg said. Swap dealers saw the second-largest increase on record in long positions in the ICE futures and options, as contracts increased by 54,000. The only time in history that theyve been higher was back in 2018. These big crude oil consumers were at the mercy of high oil prices for much of last year, and are now looking to cash in on the recent price crash. And theyre not wrong in thinking that there is a good chance oil prices will recover yet this year. Oil analysts are forecasting that there will be an oil price recovery this year, banking on a push of demand thanks to Chinas reopening. In one anecdote cited by Bloomberg, European airline Deutsche Lufthansa AG said it increased its oil hedging to 85% of its planned usagereturning to the levels it was hedging prior to the pandemic. Brent crude prices fell spectacularly last week, to just over $72 per barrel, but have since shown signs of recovery. Brent prices are now trading at $78.15 as of 10:00 am ET, a 0.08% gain on the day but a $3 gain on the week. Prices, however, are still $8 less than where prices were towards the beginning of the month. The question now is, when will prices rebound fully, and is now still a good time to hedge, or have big users who havent yet hedged missed their opportunity? ADVERTISEMENT By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: An oil and chemical tanker was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea offshore West Africa, a spokesperson for the Danish shipping company which owns the vessel told Reuters on Tuesday. The pirates have boarded the Monjasa Reformer tanker, whose 16 crew members sought refuge in the vessel's safe room, according to the spokesperson. All communication with the ship is down, they added. Monjasa Reformer is operated by Montec Ship Management, which is owned by Denmark-based shipping firm Monjasa. Montec Ship Management is currently working with all authorities in the area offshore the Republic of Congo, including several navies, the company said. The Gulf of Guinea off West Africa has been a preferred location for pirates in recent years. The Gulf of Guinea, a key oil production hub adjoining no less than eight oil-exporting countries off the western African coast, is now officially the world's deadliest piracy hotspot. In 2020, several oil tankers were attacked or approached with attempted attacks in the area. Last year, the number of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships globally fell to 115, the lowest recorded level in nearly three decades, ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said early this year. Yet, the IMB urged caution in the Gulf of Guinea. "Sustained efforts are however needed to ensure the continued safety of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea region, which remains dangerous as evidenced by two incidents in the last quarter of 2022," IMB said. ADVERTISEMENT Denmark, where major shipping companies are based, had deployed navy vessels to help fight piracy in the Gulf of Guinea until early 2022. Days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Denmark called home its military frigate on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Guinea, following a request from NATO to boost security and readiness for deterrence. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Four weeks of protests against the pension reform in France have crippled supply to French refineries and refinery operations as workers join the nationwide industrial action, while prices for European crude grades are depressed due to low French demand. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron pushed through with a controversial pension reform without a vote in Parliament under a parliamentary clause known as 49:3. The pension reform proposes to raise the retirement age in France by two years to 64. The strikes in France against the reform began in February and escalated this month, with workers in many sectors, including refinery and port workers, joining the industrial action. Macrons move without a parliamentary vote sparked even more protests and street blockades in Paris and other cities in the country. The strikes have disrupted power supply, refining operations, and fuel deliveries for four weeks. Now, most of Frances refineries are either shut down by strikes or working at heavily reduced capacity, also because of a lack of crude deliveries due to strikes among port workers, which prevent the discharging of crude cargoes. Apart from refining operations, the strikes have disrupted LNG imports into France as LNG import terminals have been shut down. France has four LNG receiving terminals, Dunkirk, Montoir, Fos Cavaou, and Fos Tonkin. The four weeks of strikes have crippled refined product supply in France, where 17% of fuel stations were missing at least one fuel product as of Monday, according to French petroleum association UFIP, cited by Reuters. At the same time, gasoline refining margins in Europe have jumped to $23 per barrel, the highest since October. ADVERTISEMENT But the lack of French crude demand is weighing down on the prices of the crude oil grades from the North Sea, the Caspian region, and West Africa, traders told Reuters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway bought shares in Occidental Petroleum for the third time this month, boosting its stake in the company to 23.6 percent. The investment firm paid $216 million for the shares, which it bought on two separate days, Reuters reported, citing a regulatory filing. The purchase follows a series of three stock purchases worth $350 million in early March, which pushed Berkshires stake in oxy to over 20 percent, and then another one, worth $466.68 million, made in the middle of the month. According to the Reuters report, this months stock purchases have cost Berkshire Hathaway over $1 billion. Berkshire Hathaway has been buying stock in Occidental since last year, sparking speculation about a possible takeover. The speculation got a boost in August last year when it emerged that the investment firm had asked regulators for approval to purchase up to 50 percent of the oil company. The approval was granted promptly but unnamed sources told the Wall Street Journal at the time that Warren Buffett has no intention of taking over Occidental. Three years ago, Berkshire Hathaway funded Oxys takeover of Anadarko with $10 billion in the form of equity. It was as part of this deal that the investment firm received the stock purchase warrants that could see it acquire 20 percent or more in Occidental. To date, Berkshire is Oxys largest shareholder. Besides the purchase warrants, the company owns $10 billion worth of Oxy preferred stock, which carries an 8-percent dividend. Its stake in the company is worth some $12.6 billion based on Oxys latest closing price. ADVERTISEMENT Oxy bought Anadarko for $55 billion in 2019, making it one of the biggest M&A deals in energy over the past few years. In that, it outbid Chevron, which had earlier announced a bid for the energy company. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Janet Rentko, beloved columnist of this newspaper, died Thursday, March 16, at age 80. Our staff wants to extend our condolences and share more details about her life. Rentko was born in Bronx, New York, and was a 1963 graduate of the Lenox Hill Hospital of Nursing and Marymount Manhattan College. She worked at Lenox Hill from graduation until 1979, when she moved to Omaha. She served as president of the Lenox Hill Alumnae Association for nine years. Rentko, who cared for her mother as she navigated Parkinsons disease, moved to the Omaha area with her mother to be closer to sister, Mary Perry, and her family in 1979. They were here for my children growing up. She was really good with the kids, Perry said. She was a very good aunt. She stayed close with my son Andrew and his wife (Jennifer) and our granddaughter, Julianna. She really sort of adopted them as her own, even though she had no children. She joined St. Gerald Catholic Church, starting her longtime relationship with Ralston, she wrote in 2010. In 2004, after retiring from the Omaha VA Medical Center, where she worked as the evening nursing supervisor, Rentko was introduced to the Ralston Senior Center by Millie Renno, where she slowly became more and more involved. She really loved working the evening shift at the VA, but when it was time to retire, she just found other things to do, Perry said. Janet was a very giving person. She would help people if they needed it. Rentko was an active member of the Ralston Senior Center, where she volunteered three days a week leading exercise classes, among many other things. She also volunteered at St. Geralds, serving as a lector as well as leading the Friends on Q senior group. Good thing I retired from the VA medical Center in July 2004 I really dont have time to work, she wrote in that first column. Rentko later discovered the La Vista Senior Center, where she enjoyed many activities and events. She just loved part of the community, Perry said. When she moved here, she really got into it. New York is a big city and kind of impersonal. I think she really liked the different organizations and things she could take part in here, and meet all these new friends through what she was doing. Even if she just met a person once, she considered them a friend. She spent nearly 13 years writing a column for this newspaper group. Bev Sadler originally wrote the Senior Scene column for the Ralston Recorder, retiring from the column in January 2010. Rentko suggested bringing it back, as many expressed they missed reading about the local senior happenings. Rentko became the successor and her first column was published in the July 14, 2010, issue of the Recorder. Her column ran through May 26, 2021, the final issue of the Ralston Recorder newspaper. Alongside the Ralston senior happenings, she had been covering the La Vista Senior Center since 2020, as that senior center had opened back up from the coronavirus pandemic, while the Ralston Senior Center didnt reopen until June 2021. The La Vista Senior Center has helped a number of seniors maintain their sanity during the past year with the restrictions of the pandemic, she wrote in 2021. When the Recorder closed, Rentkos column immediately began publishing in the Papillion Times, which also included coverage of La Vista, on June 9, 2021. When that paper was recently consolidated with the Bellevue Leader and Gretna Breeze, residents across the county began receiving Rentkos column in the Sarpy County Times. She loved to write and providing all this information to people, Perry said. Even letting people have their names in the paper people really enjoyed seeing their name and she enjoyed doing that for them. Rentko enjoyed traveling and making numerous trips to Europe with the Marianist Mission group. She visited many countries, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, Russia, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Austria, Greece, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We went on trips together, when I was younger, Perry said. She really loved to travel. Rentko enjoyed the theater and was a longtime member of the Omaha Community Playhouse and a supporter of the Ralston Community Theatre. She just really liked to be involved with the community, even the Community Playhouse, Perry said. She got involved with that and it was through her that I joined. One Christmas, she gave us some tickets to the playhouse. We really liked it and were still members today. Rentko showed such grace and vigor for life, even as she navigated a losing battle with cancer. When she got sick, I went and visited her at her Ralston home, bringing her a care package I had put together on behalf of our staff. It was the first and only time I visited with Janet in person. She asked if she could start her column back up; she was feeling better and missing it so. Having that personal connection made our sporadic emails and phone calls that much more enjoyable. I had already read her column each week for about seven years by then. Any time we would connect, Janet expressed so much gratitude for us allowing her to continue her column. It always warmed my heart, that she showed such kindness/gratitude, while all along it was her that had been doing me a service. She found community, happiness and enjoyment through writing her column. Both she and her column will be deeply missed by our staff as well as our readers. In her final columns, Rentko thanked the community and her friends for their loving and support. She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Johanna Rentko, and soulmate Charles Langgle. A wake was held Monday, March 27, and a burial Mass was set for Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Gerald Catholic Church. Not many people can boast that they had a few very chill snakes at their wedding reception. That wasnt the only unconventional guest for Jazmin Nelson and Ryan Duden of Elkhorn, who held the event at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. There was also an armadillo and a skink, which is a type of lizard. Duden is the environmental health and safety coordinator at the zoo. We had a few of the zoos ambassador animals out for guests to see and learn more about, Nelson said. We had one family where every single member was too terrified to be in the same room as the snake and had to be escorted by the groom to the back entrance so they could completely avoid it. The couple said the wedding was different in many ways. They were married in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and had their reception a month later. They had a photographer at the wedding but just a photo booth vendor at the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, so there are fish in every background. Nelson also didnt wear white. She couldnt find anything she liked in that color in her price range so she went with green with gold jewelry and shoes. That kind of dark green is one of Ryans favorite colors, she said. I had a lot of gold accents. Gold is my favorite. How they met They were working as lifeguards at the Zorinsky pool and began secretly dating their second summer working together. Duden already had gone through his freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nelson was going to be attending her first year at UNL the following semester. They decided to marry nine years later. Together, we planned on getting engaged at the top of our favorite hike (Horsetooth Falls in Colorado). Though it was a mutual proposal, he still dropped to one knee and only I wore an engagement ring, Nelson said. Intimate ceremony The idea of a wedding stressed them both out because they didnt like the idea of getting so much attention. So they focused on keeping things small and intimate while still being able to celebrate with their loved ones. They had 10 guests at the wedding and 100 at the reception. Even as small as the wedding was, Nelson said she was so stressed with planning that it took some joy out of the ceremony. We strongly encourage anyone who has a desire to do something small and just elope, to do it, they say. We loved having something so small and intimate, and were able to do it in one of the most beautiful settings we could have imagined. Skip the big ceremony, get married in a national park or pretty much wherever youd like. They also wanted to keep things affordable and didnt want to have to plan a lot of decorating details. This made our venues of the mountains and the aquarium ideal. Since they are already so visually stunning, we really didnt have to add anything else, Nelson said. The date of our ceremony had the most beautiful weather we could ever have dreamed of for the middle of fall in the mountains 60s and sunny with the leaves still changing. Some of the guests almost didnt make it to the right spot. Most of us lost reception and our GPSs werent giving us the right directions to Sprague Lake and all cars but one got lost, Nelson said. Luckily, we left ourselves plenty of time and everyone got to the venue on time without incident. The next step They usually share so much with each other that the first look, when Duden finally saw his bride after so many months of secret planning, felt like a big crescendo, Nelson said. A lot of planning and months of stress were finally at an end. To just be able to see and appreciate each other and feel like it was just he and I in that moment, Nelson said. We were ready to flip to the next big chapter in our lives together. Warning for the groom After they said their vows and kissed, they started hugging their guests. Nelson noticed her best friend, Caitlin Rucker, hugged her husband first. I brought it up to Ryan because I thought it was odd and he chuckled and told me Yeah, she hugged me and whispered in my ear that if I hurt you, shed kill me, Nelson said. Soft serve anyone? The couple said theyve had a lot of fun using an ice cream maker they put on their registry. They also got a few items for their cats, including automatic feeders, a floor to ceiling cat climbing/scratching post and a stroller. They decided not to do gifts for each other. In fact, since we were paying for things left and right for the wedding for all of 2022, we decided to only get each other something small for both our birthdays and Christmas, Nelson said. Husband and wife Theyd been together for nine years and lived together for around five, so married life hasnt been that different. For Nelson, it was very jarring to use the word husband. She felt like somehow she was still too young to have the title of wife, even though she was 27, Duden said. ABOUT THE BIG DAY Photographer: Baylie Krutchik with From Wood to Ashes Wedding Photography Ceremony: Oct. 14, 2022. Reception Nov. 19, 2022 Ceremony: Colorado mountains Reception: Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium Bridal gown: Ladivine Accessories: Etsy (Marisha Pavlishina, JustIn Hair Jewellery, Kleos Jewelry, IG Silver Jewels) Hair stylist: Ceremony: Raquel Chacon Beauty. Reception: Jen Warta Makeup artist: Ceremony: Raquel Chacon Beauty. Reception: Caitlin Rucker and Sophia Bouzis Men's attire: Men's Wearhouse Rings: Her: Alexander Sparks and Borsheims. Him: James Allen Dessert: Krispy Kreme glazed donuts Caterer: A Catered Affair. Rentals: Photo booth: Premier Party Rentals Music: Spotify playlist Wedding coordinator: Simply Eloped Invitations/programs: Minted.com Do you have a fun story to share about your wedding or maybe amazing photos? Contact Marjie Ducey at ducey@owh.com. Close Jazmin and Ryan exchange their vows in Colorado. The couple had just 10 guests at their wedding in Colorado. Jazmin and Ryan were married in Colorado, where they also proposed to each other. Making it official. The wedding couple with their families. Having some fun at the wedding. The couple said it seems strange to call each other husband and wife. A quiet moment at the wedding. The couple wanted a small and intimate wedding. Fun after the wedding. Jazmin Nelson didnt wear a traditional white wedding dress. She wore a frock in husband Ryan Dudens favorite green color. Jazmin and Ryan dated several years before deciding to marry. The couple said the wedding was different in many ways. They were married in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and had their reception a month later. Fish in the aquarium were the backdrop for photos at the reception. Guests had some fun in the photo booth at the reception. Ready to dive in at the reception. Jazmin and Ryan in the photo booth with Jazmin's grandmother, Lois Hallquist. One of the snakes at the couples wedding reception, held at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Two days of celebrating for Jazmin and Ryan Jazmin and Ryan exchange their vows in Colorado. The couple had just 10 guests at their wedding in Colorado. Jazmin and Ryan were married in Colorado, where they also proposed to each other. Making it official. The wedding couple with their families. Having some fun at the wedding. The couple said it seems strange to call each other husband and wife. A quiet moment at the wedding. The couple wanted a small and intimate wedding. Fun after the wedding. Jazmin Nelson didnt wear a traditional white wedding dress. She wore a frock in husband Ryan Dudens favorite green color. Jazmin and Ryan dated several years before deciding to marry. The couple said the wedding was different in many ways. They were married in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and had their reception a month later. Fish in the aquarium were the backdrop for photos at the reception. Guests had some fun in the photo booth at the reception. Ready to dive in at the reception. Jazmin and Ryan in the photo booth with Jazmin's grandmother, Lois Hallquist. One of the snakes at the couples wedding reception, held at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. A Lincoln woman entered a guilty plea Monday in Cass County District Court to a charge of motor vehicle homicide in connection with a crash that killed a Greenwood woman. Cheyanne M. Baker, 31, admitted to causing the death of Tammy Callaway, 42, on July 27, 2022, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and Greenwood Drive. Baker, who has two previous DUI convictions, appeared before a Cass County District Court judge who approved a plea agreement with prosecutors. In exchange for Baker pleading guilty to felony motor vehicle homicide while driving drunk, the prosecution dismissed a charge of driving without an interlock device. The agreement calls for a sentence of 25 years in prison. Investigators from the Cass County Sheriffs Office said Baker was speeding in a Hummer as she drove west on Highway 6 on the day of the collision. The Hummer hit the rear of a 2006 Toyota Scion driven by Brad Hoschele of Lincoln, causing the Toyota to crash into a ditch. Witnesses told investigators that the Hummer kept going and collided head-on with an eastbound 2019 Ford Fusion driven by Callaway, who was pronounced dead at the scene. According to an arrest affidavit, multiple witnesses reported that the Hummer was being driven erratically, crossing the center line and forcing vehicles off the road. A blood draw at the hospital found that Baker had a blood alcohol level of .215, more than twice the legal limit. According to the affidavit, the occupants of the Toyota and the Ford were wearing seat belts, but Baker was not wearing hers. Hoschele and a passenger reported only bumps and bruises from the crash. Baker was taken to Bryan Medical Centers west campus in Lincoln for treatment. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) The claims office in the provincial capitol of Oriental Mindoro will begin receiving applications from those affected by the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress. Included in the priority list for the filing of claims are: registered fisherfolk, registered fish vendors, affected owners of commercial fishing vessels, resort establishments, and community-based tourism organizations. Other affected residents will then be evaluated by claims processors and evaluators. "Itong mga grupong ito ang prayoridad, ibig sabihin kayong rehistrado pinakamadali niyong ipo-prove ang inyong claim dahil officially registered kayo," Governor Bonz Dolor said in a briefing on Monday. [Translation: These groups are the priority, meaning those who are registered will have the easiest claims to prove because you are registered.] Dolor said claims processors have arrived and application forms are being prepared. "Mayroon ding gagawing training tomorrow morning para sa employees ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na mag-aassist naman sa ating mga mamamayan para sa pagpila at pagproseso," he said. [Translation: Training will be done tomorrow morning for employees of the provincial government so they can assists residents when lining up and processing.] Claimants may get a copy of the application form from the claims office, where a list of requirements will be posted. Those in the priority groups need to bring valid government IDs and registration papers. Dolor said claims offices will be established in other parts of the province. Other documents may be asked from claimants in the processing of their papers. "'Yong mga claimant po na pupunta sa claims office, maliban sa application form or sa claims form, sa likod po noon, kalakip po noon ay 'yong mga list of requirements na maaari niyo pang i-submit, katunayan ng inyong loss o katunayan ng inyong claim," Mae Vallez, claims manager of the Shipowners' P&I Club, insurer of MT Princess Empress, said at the briefing. [Translation: Claimants who will go to the claims office will have to get a claim form, where a list of requirements is written on the back, which can be submitted as proof of loss or claim.] Information provided by claimants will be evaluated to determine whether the damages sought in their claims form is correct. Complaint not needed to file claim Valeriano del Rosario of the Shipowners' P&I Club said filing a complaint against the owners of the sunken vessel is not needed to file a claim. "Hindi na po kailangan magsampa ng kaso para makakuha ng compensation para sa mga binanggit na category ni governor. Ang kailangan, ang pinakamahalaga kumuha ng claims form, dalhin sa claims processing at i-fill up ng tama at dalhin yung dokumentong kailangan. Yun ang mahalaga," he said. [Translation: A case is not necessary to get compensation for those in the category mentioned by the governor. What is necessary is to get a claim form, to fill it up correctly and to bring the necessary documents. That's the important thing.] When asked how long it would take before a claimant can receive compensation, Vallez says she cannot give a definite answer. However, she assured that there would be "progress" within three months after filing. She added that it was also possible that a claim could be processed in 30 days. Dolor said registered individuals and businesses are almost 100% assured of receiving compensation. However, del Rosario noted that claimants will be asked to sign a quitclaim to receive the compensation. "'Pag tatanggap ka ng pera, mayroong pinapapirmahan, tawag diyan release and quitclaim, sinasabi mo, wala na akong hinahabol sa inyo, natanggap ko na ang hinihingi ko, wala na akong hinahabol. 'Yon ang pipirmahan sa dulo," Del Rosario explained. [Translation: When you acccept the money, you will be asked to sign a release and quitclaim where you indicate you that will not go after anything else. You will sign that in the end.] He said this will be explained to claimants during the process Del Rosario added that those who will file charges will not get compensated. CNN Philippines' Kaithreen Cruz and Pia Garcia contributed to this story. Nebraskas 2023 Teacher of the Year says she is being bullied on social media by a member of the State Board of Education. Renee Jones, a Lincoln High School teacher, said Monday that Kirk Penner, vice president of the state board, has been expressing his disdain for her since she was selected as teacher of the year in October. That included a Twitter post by Penner last Friday that triggered heated responses over the weekend. On Sunday, Jones posted on Twitter that because of Penners past social media posts, someone asked me if my family was safe. Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that is it okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you, she wrote in the post. Penner has criticized Jones for months particularly over the issue of drag queens, which become a hot debate in the Nebraska Legislature. Last October, Penner homed in on the fact that she had taken part in a drag queen story hour session last March at SXSW EDU, an international education conference. Jones had posted at that time on her personal Facebook page about her excitement in attending the session. She also said, you better believe Ill be buying a few new inclusive childrens books. A screenshot of the post was circulated online by several conservative social media users and Penner in the months following. Penner said that he disagrees with Jones purchasing of books featuring drag queens and believes she meant the purchase was intended for her classroom. On Friday, Jones clarified on social media that she was interested in buying the books for her own children. Where does it say she was buying them for her children? Penner said. I dont know what to tell you if you read the Facebook quote and think that it says I am buying for my own children. That is not how that reads. Penner referred to that post for the first time on Oct. 20, the day Jones was surprised with being named teacher of the year, then tweeted about it again the next day. He quoted another post on Twitter that showed a video of the conference. What in the world is going on! There is NO REASON this should be part of any education conference and should NEVER by hyped by the teacher of the year! he wrote. On Jan. 31, he tweeted about it again with a photo of him testifying in support of Legislative Bill 374, dubbed the Parents Bill of Rights and Academic Transparency Act, which was introduced by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil. Trying 2 protect our kids from radical agendas in some schools, Penner wrote. Yes, we use taxpayer money 2 attend professional development encouraging childrens books of men dressed as women. Jones said in an interview on Monday that it was a lie to say the district paid for her to go to the conference. She used her own personal time and money to attend. Hearing in Lincoln today on LB374 Parents Bill of Rights. Trying 2 protect our kids from radical agendas in some schools. Yes,we use taxpayer money 2 attend professional development encouraging childrens books of men dressed as women. @NEGOP @LCRPNE @dcrponline @NebraskaFreedom pic.twitter.com/7AyUIRUtvs Kirk Penner (@KirkPenner) February 1, 2023 On Friday, Penner posted an image on Twitter showing that Jones had liked tweets from Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic party chairwoman, after Penners Jan. 31 post. Kleeb said then: Id trust a drag queen over you with my kids every day and twice on Sunday. Laughter, love, kindness...thats what Ive seen when drag queens read to kids in libraries. And what I hear from you is fear, hate and cruelty. Penner tweeted Friday: Since it is drag queen day at the Unicameral.we are battling for our kids and this crap needs to stop. The narrative youre spreading is inaccurate and harmful, Jones said in a tweet to Penner on Friday. You have this amazing platform where you could be focusing on teacher retention and compensation, yet this is what you spend your energy on? Over the weekend, because of the Nebraska State School Board Vice-Presidents bullying- someone asked me if my family was safe. Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that is it okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you. There Renee Jones - Nebraska Teacher of the Year 2023 (@ReneeJonesTeach) March 26, 2023 A state board bylaw says members have the responsibility to make it clear when they are speaking or writing on their own behalf that they are not representing the board. It doesnt mention social media only that board members should add a disclaimer when expressing personal views. The state boards code of conduct also says that members should encourage the free expression of opinion by all board members. Patti Gubbels, state board president, said in an email on Monday that she has no comment except that Penners tweets dont represent the State Board of Education. He is speaking as an individual, not on behalf of the board, she said. Jones said she disagrees because Penners Twitter profile features his official State Board of Education headshot and says District 5 State Board of Education. Members expressing personal views online has been an issue in the past for the board. In 2015, the state board crafted a resolution asking then-board member Pat McPherson to resign after racist blog posts were found to be posted on his blog since 2011. He never ended up resigning. Jones said she wants Penner to say his tweets were dishonest at the April 14 board meeting. She also wants the board to issue a public statement saying that Penners comments dont represent the board and that the board still supports her. Nebraskas teachers of the year often visit the state board to give updates and weigh in on current projects theyre working on. I support the LGBTQ community. I also respect that Mr. Penner and I have different opinions on Drag Queen Story Hour, Jones said. However, his actions have caused defamatory statements to occur. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2023 A person incarcerated at the Omaha Correctional Center died Tuesday at an Omaha hospital, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. The department provided no details and declined to answer questions about the circumstances of the death of Samantha Nicole Brooke, 36. A grand jury investigation will be conducted, as Nebraska law requires whenever a person dies while being arrested or is in custody. SALT LAKE CITY Children and teens in Utah would lose access to social media apps such as TikTok if they dont have parental consent and would face other restrictions under a first-in-the-nation law designed to shield young people from the addictive platforms. Two laws signed Thursday by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox prohibit kids under 18 from using social media between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., require age verification for anyone who wants to use social media in the state, and open the door to lawsuits on behalf of children claiming social media harmed them. Collectively, the laws seek to prevent children from being lured to apps by addictive features and from having ads promoted to them. The companies are expected to sue before the laws take effect in March 2024. The crusade against social media in Utahs Republican-supermajority Legislature is the latest reflection of how politicians perceptions of technology companies has changed, including among typically pro-business Republicans. Tech giants including Facebook and Google enjoyed unbridled growth for over a decade, but amid concerns over user privacy, hate speech, misinformation and harmful effects on teens mental health, lawmakers made Big Tech attacks a rallying cry on the campaign trail and began trying to rein them in once in office. Utahs laws were signed the same day TikToks CEO testified before Congress about, among other things, the platforms effects on teenagers mental health. But legislation stalled on the federal level, pushing states to step in. Lawmakers in red states including Arkansas, Texas, Ohio and Louisiana and blue states including New Jersey are advancing similar proposals. California enacted a law last year requiring tech companies to put kids safety first by barring them from profiling children or using personal information in ways that could harm children physically or mentally. The new Utah laws also require that parents be given access to their childs accounts. They outline rules for people who want to sue over harms they claim the apps cause. If implemented, lawsuits against social media companies involving kids under 16 will shift the burden of proof and require social media companies to show their products werent harmful not the other way around. Social media companies could have to design new features to comply with parts of the laws that prohibit promoting ads to minors and showing them in search results. Tech companies including TikTok, Snapchat and Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, make most of their money by targeting advertising to their users. The wave of legislation and its focus on age verification garnered pushback from technology companies as well as digital privacy groups known for blasting their data collection practices. The Electronic Frontier Foundation earlier this month demanded that Cox veto the Utah legislation, saying time limits and age verification would infringe on teens rights to free speech and privacy. Verifying users age would empower social media platforms with more data, they said. If the laws are implemented, the digital privacy advocacy group said, the majority of young Utahns will find themselves effectively locked out of much of the web. Tech industry lobbyists decried the laws as unconstitutional, saying they infringe on peoples right to exercise the First Amendment online. Utah will soon require online services to collect sensitive information about teens and families, not only to verify ages, but to verify parental relationships, like government-issued IDs and birth certificates, putting their private data at risk of breach, said Nicole Saad Bembridge, an associate director at NetChoice, a tech lobby group. Whats not clear in Utahs new laws and those under consideration elsewhere is how states plan to enforce the new regulations. Companies are prohibited from collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent under the federal Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act. To comply, social media companies already ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents consent. Cox said studies show time spent on social media leads to poor mental health outcomes for children. The set of laws won support from parents groups and child advocates, who generally welcomed them, with some caveats. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit focused on kids and technology, hailed the effort to rein in social medias addictive features and set rules for litigation, with CEO and founder Jim Steyer saying it adds momentum for other states to hold social media companies accountable to ensure kids across the country are protected online. LINCOLN Police on Tuesday identified the 27-year-old Lincoln woman accused of running over and killing two men in south Lincoln on Monday but provided few new details about what led up to the incident. Taylor B. Bradley was arrested near the scene on suspicion of two counts of second-degree murder for her alleged role in the tragic event that killed two men in their 40s, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said. Bradley was taken into custody at The Lodge apartment complex just south of Nebraska Parkway near 40th Street, where emergency personnel responded at about 1:20 p.m. Monday on a report of a car-pedestrian collision. Bradley is accused of running down the two men outside the apartment complexs clubhouse, Ewins said at a Tuesday morning press conference. Ewins declined to identify the victims and provided few details about what led to the incident. I would love to be able to answer that question, you know, What led up to somebody intentionally running others over? Ewins said. It is its part of the investigation, and were really looking into what happened. Unfortunately, theres witnesses that saw parts of it, but not the entire interaction. Ewins said the two men, whom first responders pronounced dead at the scene, were maintenance employees working at the complex, where Bradley is a resident. The police chief said investigators spoke with witnesses and have reviewed surveillance footage that showed there definitely was ... intent in the collisions that killed the men, but Ewins declined to describe what in the video led police to that conclusion. Its really hard to really present that at this time, because we dont have all the evidence, and I dont want to taint the investigation with giving that out too soon, she said. Police arrested Bradley 12 minutes after the initial call came in. She was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and later booked in the Lancaster County Jail. Ewins said authorities had collected a blood sample from Bradley for drug and alcohol testing but did not indicate whether she was suspected to be under the influence of either at the time of the incident. Its unclear to investigators whether Bradley had any interactions with the victims before Mondays incident, Ewins said. Its also unclear how fast she was going when she allegedly struck the men with her car. Ewins also said there was no truth to rumors circulating on social media that Bradley had been the subject of an eviction notice before Mondays incident. The police chief urged area residents who may have witnessed the incident or captured video of it to come forward to police if they havent. Anything will help, she said. Residents can call the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. The Nebraska State Patrol found and rescued a Utah teenager who had been reported missing during a traffic stop in the Panhandle. In a press release, the State Patrol reported that around 3:05 p.m. Sunday, a trooper stopped a Honda Accord after noticing the driver, a 29-year-old man, was driving on the shoulder eastbound on Interstate 80 near Chappell in Deuel County. During the traffic stop, according to the release, the trooper discovered that one of the passengers was a 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing from Bountiful, Utah. The man was also from Bountiful. The state patrol arrested the man on suspicion of child abuse that did not result in an injury. He was taken to the jail in neighboring Cheyenne County. The teen was placed in protective custody. The state patrol said the investigation is ongoing and is being done with cooperation from the Bountiful Police Department. A Seward County man was sentenced last week to more than 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography. Matthew French, 36, was federally indicted last March on four counts of producing child pornography and one count of knowingly receiving the material. He pleaded guilty to two counts of production in November in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the other three charges. As part of the federal plea deal, pending state charges in Butler County that allege sex trafficking of a minor, attempted creation/distribution of child pornography and intentional child abuse will also be dismissed. According to Frenchs plea agreement, the investigation began in May 2021 when East Butler Public Schools intercepted an email sent to a 16-year-old male student. The email contained questions about the students sexual preferences and other explicit topics, as well as a request for explicit photos in exchange for money. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that French sent these surveys to multiple underage boys. French would tell the victims that he had a friend named Gavin who was a writer of online sex stories and wanted to use information from the victims in the stories. French would pose as Gavin and send the minor victims detailed surveys with questions about their sexual activities, proclivities and genitalia. The email indicated that the victims would be paid for responding to the survey, and gave them an option to send sexually explicit photos for more money. At some point, French convinced the victims that his home in Seward County was a safe place to take videos and photos for Gavin. French engaged in sexual activity with some of the victims at his home and recorded the activity using surveillance cameras. Investigators executed multiple search warrants on Frenchs home and electronic devices in 2021, and were able to positively identify four males age 16 and 17 who provided French, through the ruse of Gavin, with sexually explicit images or videos. French had posted bail in September 2021 on the Butler County charges which were all related to the aforementioned email exchange flagged by the school district and was awaiting trial when he was federally indicted and arrested in March 2022. On Friday, French was sentenced to 225 months in prison on both federal counts of producing child pornography. The sentences will run at the same time. He also will serve 12 years of supervised release after he is released from custody. French will be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the four victims. LINCOLN With floor action proceeding at a snails pace, the Nebraska Legislature spent roughly five hours locked in a debate that ultimately took away one of the tools lawmakers have been using to eat up time. Lawmakers voted 32-13 on Tuesday to amend the Legislatures rules for the remaining 39 days of the session, limiting the number of priority motions lawmakers can use on a bill during each round of debate. However, even the lawmaker who proposed this change acknowledged it would not stop the filibustering that has slowed things down so far. State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard brought a motion Friday in response to Thursdays floor debate, which saw 15 consecutive priority motions made by opponents to Legislative Bill 574, preventing any supporters from speaking on the bill. LB 574 would ban gender-affirming care to individuals under 19. It advanced Thursday following the three-day filibuster. Speaker of the Legislature John Arch scheduled Erdmans motion for debate Tuesday, which stretched from the start of the morning until about 3:30 p.m. Arch said he believed the proposal strikes a balance between allowing lawmakers to object to legislation, but still permitting progress to be made. Erdmans motion will allow a maximum of three priority motions be made per bill for each round of debate one motion to postpone the debate, one motion to recommit the bill back to committee and one motion to postpone the bill indefinitely. Supporters of LB 574 called the tactic used Thursday both unprecedented and an abuse of the rules, while opponents contend they did so in response to the harmful rhetoric and misinformation they heard during the previous day of debate. Lawmakers who participated in the tactic said they would not use the same strategy again, but others said they didnt believe them and argued that the rules change would at least allow both sides of each debate to be heard. We owe it to Nebraskans to make sure it never happens again, said Sen. Tom Briese of Albion. During LB 574s debate, opponents also promised that if the bill advanced, they would continue to filibuster every bill this session. They followed through with that on Friday, preventing any bills from advancing on the floor. Arch said if the filibusters continue, the Legislature will be able to pass a maximum of 21 bills, not including the handful of bills that have advanced to the second round of debate, including LB 574. Several lawmakers noted this lack of progress as a reason to support the rules change, arguing it was the only way to accomplish their goals for the session. Opponents of LB 574 said lawmakers could have ended the delays by voting against the bill. This session is over, and its on your terms, said one opponent, Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha. Even with the rules change, Erdman and other senators said, the filibusters can continue. Lawmakers can use multiple legislative maneuvers to filibuster, and they can still take up hours of time on the floor even with a limit on priority motions. Hunt said she and several other lawmakers filed more than 700 priority motions Tuesday on a collection of bills on the schedule to ensure LB 574 opponents control the floor debate moving forward. Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who has led the filibuster effort for the past five weeks, said she welcomed Tuesdays debate, and noted that the effort was just delaying the progress of bills even further. After lawmakers initially voted to adopt Erdmans rules change, Cavanaugh made an unsuccessful motion to reconsider the vote, eating up an additional 90 minutes of debate time. You will not achieve your goal to silence Machaela Cavanaugh when you vote for this, Cavanaugh said. Other lawmakers objected to the manner in which Erdmans motion was being debated. Several argued that Erdman was violating the Legislatures rules by not giving his proposal a public hearing, as other proposed rules changes receive. Erdman, the Rules Committee chair, defended this by saying Arch had proposed a similar rule that did have a public hearing. He said the committee likely would have advanced it had they foreseen the tactics lawmakers would use this session. Others said Archs proposal was significantly different to Erdmans motion. Arch had proposed that every lawmaker would be limited to one of the three priority motions per bill for each round of debate, while Erdmans proposal limits each type of motion to one for all 49 lawmakers. Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington pointed out that if Archs proposal had passed, the consecutive priority motions that happened on Thursday could have still happened, because most of the motions were made by different lawmakers. Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha also objected to Erdmans motion, but for a different reason. The motion required lawmakers to temporarily suspend the Legislatures rules in order to amend the rules for Erdmans change, but Wayne said a rules suspension and a rules amendment cannot happen within the same motion. Wayne was one of a handful of Democratic lawmakers who spoke against the constant filibustering last week, expressing concern that the delays will prevent some of his bills from passing. He said if Erdman had followed procedure, he would have supported the motion. Erdman acknowledged that separating the actions into two motions was an option, but said it wasnt one he was willing to consider. Today is the time to move on, Erdman said. Wayne attempted to separate the two actions into separate motions, and then tried to overrule the chair when the acting chair, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, rules Erdmans motion in order. Waynes motion failed in a 16-32 vote. Eight years ago, a study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers suggested that nitrate found in fertilizer and manure in aquifers could draw naturally occurring uranium from rocks and soil into groundwater. But finding a correlation between high concentrations of the two compounds in aquifers one the High Plains Aquifer that includes Nebraskas Ogallala Aquifer didnt prove that one caused the other, said Karrie Weber, who led the study. She and her colleagues since have conducted experiments designed to simulate what happens underground. The results, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, confirm that nitrates can free up naturally occurring uranium that had been immobile in aquifers. The key takeaway is that domestic well owners should know what is in their well water and test for both human-caused contaminants and naturally occurring ones, said Weber, an associate professor in UNLs school of biological sciences and earth and atmospheric sciences department. Which contaminants they should test for depends on where they live, but uranium is one to consider. Municipal water managers, she said, should consider where they place wells. The researchers have found that shallow wells in aquifers like the High Plains, which is made up of water-bearing sand, gravel and silt in areas where uranium is found, tend to have higher concentrations of the radioactive element. Perhaps deeper wells might be better, Weber said, and theyre less prone to nitrate contamination as well. However, not all nitrate is bad, she said. Her previous research and forthcoming studies by the team suggest theres a tipping point, that nitrate mobilizes uranium only when the compound approaches the Environmental Protection Agencys maximum drinking water threshold of 10 parts per million. And just because you have high nitrate may not mean you also will have high uranium, because it really depends on where and how that uranium was deposited, Weber said. About 85% of Nebraskas drinking water comes from groundwater. Federal drinking water standards require periodic testing of community water systems for a variety of contaminants, human-caused and natural, including radioactive elements. Uranium occurs naturally in aquifers worldwide, but often its not a problem because it hasnt dissolved into the water. Community water systems in Nebraska are tested annually for nitrates and at least every nine years for radioactivity, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. If elevated levels of radioactivity are found, the frequency of testing increases. Research had already established that naturally occurring bicarbonate essentially baking soda dissolved in groundwater could pull uranium from sediments in groundwater, Weber said. But the researchers hypothesized that nitrate also was contributing. To test that theory, Weber and a dozen other researchers extracted two cylindrical cores of sediment, each about 2 inches wide and 60 feet deep, from an aquifer near Alda, Nebraska. That site not only contains uranium but also allows groundwater to flow east into the adjacent Platte River. The researchers did everything they could to preserve the sediments as they would be in the aquifer and to simulate natural conditions. Then, they pumped simulated groundwater through the material at roughly the same rate it would run underground. In some samples, the water contained no extra additives. In others, the researchers added nitrate. And in still others, they added nitrate and a chemical to inhibit the activity of microorganisms living in the sediment. Microorganisms, Weber said, also can alter how uranium behaves. In the tests, water containing naturally occurring bicarbonate and nitrate carried away about 85% of the nitrate. That compares to 55% with water without added nitrate and 60% with added nitrate and the microbe inhibitor. Our work demonstrates that yes, the bicarbonate is mobilizing the uranium, she said. But after the bicarbonate does whatever it can do, nitrate will take it a step further. By analyzing DNA, the researchers also identified a number of microorganisms that can help mobilize uranium. That had been documented in mines and places where nuclear waste is process. The study was the first to establish that the process takes place in natural sediment. One microbe holds promise because it is capable of taking uranium back out of water. There are management approaches that could be applied to think about how those organisms might help, she said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of March 2023 During the height of the Cold War, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev stated together, A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. That mantra has been the central portion of our nuclear policy for about 40 years now. However, this commitment from the Russian side and from America has been fraying, much to the hazard of Nebraskans. In the Ukrainian war, Mr. Putin has hinted that he will use tactical nuclear weapons. While President Biden and others in the administration have been cautious and circumspect on this issue, one cant discount Russian use of tactical nuclear weapons could lead to unpredictable escalation up to and including U.S. use of nuclear weapons, including those based in five NATO countries. Nebraska is not in a good position to face a nuclear exchange, though our congressional representatives have been quite enthusiastic about new nuclear weapons. Recently (Dec. 15, 2022), Sen. Deborah Fischer announced that she and other Republicans had fought for the 2023 defense spending bill that modernizes our aging nuclear deterrent, and bolsters our national security. But Nebraska is still a prime target for any nuclear exchange, deterrent or no deterrent. The U.S. military knows this even if the civilian population does not. For example, only a few years ago, the military moved into a $1.3 billion Command and Control Facility at Offutt Air Force Base designed to survive the initial blasts of a nuclear war, as well as electronic impulses resulting from nuclear blasts. Such a building would not be built if the Omaha/Offutt area were unchallenged. Western Nebraska is a primary nuclear target because of the modernization of the silos filled with Minutemen III missiles capable of flying more than 6,000 miles at up to 15,000 miles per hour, each carrying a nuclear warhead 25 times as powerful as the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in World War II. The Hiroshima bomb killed more than 150,000 people including those that died, and are still dying, from radiation sickness. Minuteman III missiles will be replaced in the late 2020s with even more lethal Sentinel missiles, designed to last until 2075. Western Nebraska between Kimball and Scottsbluff, having 80 missile silos, is a long-term national nuclear sponge area; as Gen. James Mattis opined in 2017, the nuclear sponge areas have sparse population where nukes can be buried so deeply underground that many enemy nuclear bombs would be required to take them out. Western Nebraska is such an area. Senator Fischer believes that the modernization efforts make the United States stronger. They will make Nebraska different economically. Kimball City Administrator Annette Brower, realizing that the strengthening efforts will come soon, is seeking to receive state help to accommodate the dislocation that the trillion-dollar expenditure near her town will create as its population and economy expand. Undoubtedly, the expenditures on nuclear modernization to increase the lethality of our arsenal will stimulate the economy in Kimball and western Nebraska for a time as nukes have made Omaha a thriving city in the last 70 years. But at what cost? Few weapons have ever been built that have not also been used. Is the Nebraska that feeds the world also to be the Nebraska that kills the world? Windmills generating electricity to help with climate change have already been forbidden because of the silos. What does it profit us to gain the nukes and lose our souls? We need President Biden, with pressure from Sen. Fischer, to exercise new leadership. The G-7 summit in Hiroshima, May 19-21, will be an opportunity to spotlight the need for progress on disarmament. Nebraskans should communicate before then with concerned fellow Americans, with Japanese friends, and with other international colleagues to make this event both remember the past and create a different future. They should tell President Biden and Sen. Fischer both to work harder to institute negotiations with Russia for further nuclear weapons reductions, and stop the rush to destruction embodied in the upgrade of land-based nuclear missiles in Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. Moreover, our elected officials should build support for House Resolution 77, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, to change important nuclear policies in favor of reducing dangers and supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, supported by 122 countries around the world. Annihilation is not inevitable, if we take action to avert Armageddon. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) The Department of Justice (DOJ) named the first convict under the anti-terrorism financing law. A certain Angeline Magdua was convicted for 55 counts of violation of Section 7 of the law, which penalizes being an accessory to the crime of terrorist financing, the agency said in a statement on Monday, referring to the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act. According to the DOJ, Magdua was one of two cashiers of religious group Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP)-Northern Mindanao Region. It said the group obtained donations from foreign groups to finance the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA). Citing Emilio Gabales, one of the accused, the DOJ said Magdua was responsible for distributing funds to communist rebels. Magdua and Gabales were two of the 16 people charged for financing the CPP-NPA. On Jan. 9, leaders from human rights group Karapatan, womens group Gabriela, and RMP were cleared after government lawyers failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the charges against them. READ: Court acquits 10 human rights defenders of perjury Under the law, those convicted of financing terrorism will serve time from 20 years up to 40 years and a fine of up to 1 million. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) Indonesia hopes that it can play a vital role in accelerating the negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea this year, according to Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo. Indonesia is currently the chairman of this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). A joint working group of diplomats gathered in Jakarta earlier this month to discuss the status of the code. In an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines, Indonesia's envoy to the country Agus Widjojo said that while the negotiations are progressing, there is still much work to be done. "We are entering the third part of the 1/3 of the COC," said Widjojo. "But in diplomacy, it could be anything. The most important is the parties are willing to meet each other and talk to each other." Widjojo also gave a preview of what could be the biggest challenge in finalizing the COC. "The parties involved in the negotiations have foundation and perspective," the Indonesian envoy said. "If you have differences, how could you meet? So, it's important to have a basis for win-win approach, win-win interest, and a balance of interests between all parties concerned," he explained. Widjojo said that Indonesia remains committed to intensifying the negotiations for the COC in order to come up with an "effective and credible COC." "Indonesia expects the COC that reflects international norms, and aligned to international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," added Widjojo. The Indonesian ambassador said that they are also pushing for a legally binding code. "I don't know if there is other alternative than making it legally binding. We hope that the code of conduct would be legally binding for all parties concerned," he added. According to the ambassador, Indonesia is also in favor of the proposal to establish a security hotline between ASEAN and China to address South China Sea issues while the COC is still in the works. "It's a modality to neutralize any sharp conflicts coming out in the region whether by accidents or incidents. A security hotline will manage tensions in the South China Sea," Widjojo stressed. It has been over two decades since ASEAN and China agreed to come up with a code of conduct that will help manage tensions in the South China Sea, especially from the disputes arising from regional claimants Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In 2002, a "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" was signed and was intended to be followed by a formal code, but as of this writing, discussions are still ongoing. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) Indonesian President Joko Widodo may soon visit the Philippines, according to Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo. In a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines, the envoy said the Indonesian president would like to reciprocate the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year to Jakarta and demonstrate that Manila remains an important ally. There is a big chance for that because 2023 is Indonesias chairmanship for ASEAN. President Widodo has in mind to reciprocate the visit of President Marcos because, for us, the Philippines is a national ally and an important economic and political, and strategic partner, said Widjojo. The envoy, however, could not give concrete details on the timeline of the visit but he is optimistic that it will happen within the year. Widodo made his last state visit to Manila in 2017 during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Marcos, on the other hand, made his maiden state visit to the ASEAN country in September 2022, almost three months after he was sworn into office. The Indonesian envoy said that follow-ups have been made by both the Philippine and Indonesian sides after Marcos state visit. Among key priorities for both countries include border security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indonesian National Police continues to build solid cooperation with the Philippine National Police in various fields such as prevention and countering of transnational crimes, joint operations, and capacity building, Widjojo said. Both sides agreed to handle cases in maritime sector such as smuggling, human trafficking, and people smuggling among other crimes, he added. The envoy said that trade and investments between the two countries are expected to grow further following the good bilateral ties of Manila and Jakarta. Widjojo said that bilateral trade growth between Indonesia and the Philippines has reached 45% in 2022. The Indonesian ambassador added that trade value and Indonesian exports to the Philippines reached $14.38 billion. Top Indonesian exports include railways, palm oil, iron and steel, and machine parts. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments chairman Robin Padilla said he may request a meeting with some members of both houses of Congress during the session break to discuss charter change. In a phone interview on Monday, Padilla was asked about Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte's call to hold a House-Senate meeting during the summer break to show the urgency in amending economic provisions of the Constitution. Padilla said he has no authority to convene a meeting but may request leaders of Congress to do so. "Ang problema po kasi, recess, hindi po natin alam kung nasaan po ang mga senador sa oras na ito pero pwede po iyan, pwede po iyan tayo mag-request, pwede nating gawin 'yan. Wala naman mawawala kung mag-request tayo pero wala po akong authority na magpapapulong," Padilla said. [Translation: The problem is, Congress is in recess now, we do not even know where the senators are at this time. But we can do that, we can request a meeting. We have nothing to lose but I have no authority to call for a meeting.] Members of the House committee on constitutional amendments were supposed to attend as resource persons in a hearing led by Padilla last March 20. But Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri ordered Padilla to call off the invitation in the name of inter-parliamentary courtesy. Zubiri said lawmakers should instead hold a closed-door caucus to settle differences privately, as suggested by Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga. Padilla said his priority now is to finish the committee report proposing amendments to economic provisions of the charter through a constituent assembly or con-ass, where members of Congress themselves will introduce possible amendments. It contrasts with the House-approved proposal for a constitutional convention, where an election will be held for delegates who will draft charter revisions. Padilla eyes routing the committee report after the Holy Week break. Signatures of majority or nine committee members are needed to sponsor the report in plenary for debates and voting when session resumes in May. Earlier, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the chamber is open to discussions on con-ass. Padilla called it a "breakthrough." "May sariling desisyon ang Malaking Kapulungan. Para tanggapin po nila yung ating suhestiyon at sabihin nila na sige, pag-usapan natin, malaking breakthrough na po 'yun," Padilla said. [Translation: The House of Representatives has its own decision. Their openness to listen to our proposal is in itself a major breakthrough.] The PDP presidential candidate in the just concluded 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday evening arrived the Musa Yaradua Centre in Abuja, alongside other top politicians like senate president Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Ben Bruce, former governors, and others. Atiku is addressing a world press conference over the outcome of the election. 12 injured in arson attack as German anti-foreigner sentiment rises Twelve people including seven minors have been injured in two arson attacks on adjacent apartment buildings housing "people with a foreign background," police in the German town of Augsburg said Thursday. GALLERY Wallerstein, Germany (dpa) - A police spokesman said the attacks, which occurred overnight into Thursday in the Swabian town of Wallerstein, may have been motivated by xenophobic sentiment, but that other lines of enquiry were also being pursued.A 22-year-old heavily inebriated man who was near the buildings when the fires were being doused has been arrested.The incident is the latest in a torrent of anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner crimes in Germany, where over 1 million people mainly from war-torn countries in the Middle East have sought asylum in 2015.By mid-November, the authorities had recorded 1,610 violent crimes against migrants and their accommodations.The buildings targeted overnight to Thursday were not refugee hostels, however. They were apartment buildings housing people of foreign extraction.Also on Thursday, police in the German capital said a mosque in the district of Kreuzberg had filed a complaint after receiving a package with a severed pigs head and a copy of the Koran in it.Pigs are considered to be impure by Muslims. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) Drug war-related killings in the Philippines persisted even with a new administration, while authorities continued to suppress critical voices by linking them to communist groups, Amnesty International said in its latest annual report. In its State of the World's Human Rights report for 2022-2023, the organization cited the university-based research group Dahas which recorded 324 drug-related killings by the police and other unknown assailants in the country last year. Of this number, Dahas said 175 took place after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office. Amnesty International said while the national government announced it would review killings during anti-drug operations, impunity prevailed, as the vast majority of these cases remain uninvestigated. RELATED: ICC chamber rejects PH bid to suspend drug war probe pending ruling on its main appeal The report also raised alarm over authorities' continued red-tagging of critics, human rights defenders, and political activists, which it said has led to further killings, arbitrary detentions, and harassment. Among the examples it cited were the deaths of Silvestre Fortades and Rose Maria Galias, both members of a red-tagged farmers and labor rights group, who were fatally shot by unidentified gunmen in January 2022. Also mentioned were the arrest of a community doctor, whom authorities accused of being a terrorist, and the red-tagging of a judge who dismissed a petition seeking to designate the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New Peoples Army, as terrorist groups. Attacks on media workers also intensified, according to Amnesty International. It said at least two journalists were killed in 2022, including veteran broadcaster Percival Percy Lapid Mabasa, who was known for his hard-hitting commentaries on perceived government irregularities and abuses. READ: Journalist killings worldwide up nearly 50% in 2022 UNESCO The United Kingdom-based organization also took note of the National Telecommunications Commissions order last year for internet service providers to block access to certain websites, including those belonging to independent media groups, which the state accused of affiliation with or supporting terrorists and terrorist organizations. Malacanang has not yet issued a statement on the report, which also detailed the human rights situation in 155 other countries. BLOOMINGTON A September trial date has been set for a man accused of killing a Bloomington resident in March 2021. Kentrell D. Brown, 20, most recently of Minnesota, appeared in court Tuesday morning in custody of the McLean County Jail for a status hearing. Brown is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Natwan N. Nash in his apartment on March 7, 2021, on the 2400 block of Clearwater Avenue in Bloomington. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 18. The trial is expected to take one week but may last longer. Brown's attorney, Mackenzie Frizzell, filed a motion to suppress, which Judge Jason Chambers will hear on May 22. Chambers set a deadline for additional motions as June 22. Any additional motions filed by then will be heard July 13. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson NORMAL Illinois State University will hold its annual research symposium on Friday, April 14 in the Bone Student Center. More than 460 students from 29 programs, including graduate and undergraduate, are scheduled to participate in the University Research Symposium with additional presentations from the Department of Physics and the School of Theatre and Dance on April 15 and 20. The symposium is free and open to the public, designed to highlight university-wide scholarship, research and creative achievement. Two poster sessions will be held in the Brown Ballroom, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. April 14. More information about the event and presenters will be provided on the symposium tab of the Graduate School website the week of the symposium. Fewer Pell grants are being awarded as tuition continues to climb Fewer Pell grants are being awarded as tuition continues to climb Average tuition has steadily increased since 2002but Pell Grant amounts have remained relatively consistent Share of students receiving financial aidincluding Pell Grantsis declining Share of students receiving financial aidincluding Pell Grantsis declining Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) Senate Committee on Ways and Means chairman Win Gatchalian believes Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs should be shut down, now that there is no third party auditor monitoring their income. Early this month, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) terminated its consultancy contract with the Global ComRCI consortium, which it tapped in 2017 to audit the gross gaming revenues of POGOs in accordance with Republic Act No. 11590. The law states that Pagcor "shall engage the services of a third-party audit platform that would determine the gross gaming revenues or receipts of offshore gaming licensees." This is to ensure that proper taxes and regulatory fees are being paid. Asked if all POGOs should be ordered shut now that the law is not being complied with, Gatchalian said he personally believes so. "There's a violation of the law if you ask me. Meaning, dapat wala nang mag-operate na POGO [there should be no more POGOs operating] because there's a violation of the law," Gatchalian said. "Of course, we have to discuss that That's' my own interpretation," he added. After four Senate hearings, Gatchalian recommended the immediate closure of all POGOs. While Pagcor and the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected some 45.61 billion from POGOs from 2018 to 2022, Gatchalian said money cannot outweigh the social costs. However, Gatchalian's committee report still lacks signatures. It has seven signatures as of Friday, but it needs three more for it to be sponsored in the plenary for debates and voting. On Tuesday, Gatchalian said there has been a development but did not disclose details. Senator Sonny Angara, committee vice chairman, said legitimate POGOs should be given more time to close shop, but Gatchalian said even the duly licensed ones have been involved in various crimes. He said while POGO-related crimes have targeted foreign nationals, the government should not wait for Filipinos to be victimized before taking action. "Hindi ko pwedeng i-negotiate ang buhay ng kababayan natin dahil kung may ma-kidnap diyan, kung merong mapatay, responsibility natin yun. Ang knowing na itong negosyong ito ay may criminal activity, hindi ko makokonsensya yun e," Gatchalian said. [Translation: I cannot negotiate the lives of our fellow Filipinos because if someone is kidnapped or killed, that is our responsibility. My conscience won't allow me to do that knowing that this kind of business is involved in criminal activities.] Ashbey Beasley rushed to Covenant School in Nashville on Monday, the site of Americas latest mass shooting, and the Highland Park parade massacre survivor felt a familiar wave of grief, anxiety and anger. Are you freaking kidding me right now? she told the Chicago Tribune by phone as she drove to the scene. What are our lawmakers doing? Like, what are they doing? I cannot believe this is happening. Beasley had stopped in Nashville on her way back from her 12th trip to Washington since the July Fourth Highland Park tragedy, where she was on a no-holds-barred mission to convince members of Congress one by one to pass a federal assault weapons ban. She was about to meet her new friend, Shaundelle Brooks, the mother of a young man killed in a 2018 Waffle House mass shooting, when Brooks called frantically to say her surviving sons school in Nashville was on lockdown because of a mass shooting nearby. A wave of emotions washed over Beasley as she changed her plans and made her way to meet Brooks at the scene of Mondays mass shooting. Arent you guys tired of covering this? Beasley said, as she commandeered the microphones following a news conference on the school shooting in a scene that went viral. I have been lobbying in D.C. since we survived a mass shooting in July, she continued. I have met with over 130 lawmakers. How is this still happening? How are our children still dying, and why are we failing them? By midafternoon, her message was echoing throughout online and national media outlets, as well as being widely shared by activists who share Beasleys cause. Gun violence is the No. 1 killer of children and teens, Beasley said shortly before Fox News, which ran her comments live nationwide, cut away. It has overtaken cars. Assault weapons are contributing to the border crisis and fentanyl. We are arming cartels with our guns and our loose gun laws, and these shootings and these mass shootings will continue to happen until our lawmakers step up and pass gun safety legislation, she said. One by one Name a member of Congress, and theres a good chance theyve met with Beasley. The Highland Park mother has met with legislators as far apart politically as controversial Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, as well as Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to talk about guns. When approaching legislators, typically through their staffers, Beasley looks for what they might have in common with activists seeking to limit access to, and the frequency with which assault weapons are used to carry out mass violence. She doggedly pursues availabilities for one-on-one meetings, and rarely gets discouraged when the answer is no or not now. In some meetings, Beasley gears her pitch around how American weapons are funneled to Mexican cartels, and how she believes those weapons are furthering the fentanyl crisis. In others, common ground can be found around improving laws governing safe gun storage. All Beasley wants, no matter how unlikely it is in a divided Congress, is a chance to turn the tables on gun violence. Through her efforts, Beasley has become acquainted with figures known nationally and among gun violence survivors for their activism, such as Newtown Action Alliance co-founder Po Murray, and has earned the respect of local legislators such as U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park. Ashbey Beasley is a tireless and fierce gun violence prevention advocate, Schneider said, and I am proud to consider her my friend and neighbor in Highland Park. Beasley was on the front lines of the push to enact an assault weapons ban in Illinois, and was present with other advocates when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill, soon to be challenged in court, into law in January. Its to the point where (Schneider) recognizes me now and says hello, Beasleys husband Chip said of the effort. Shes a force of nature. Chip Beasley, who bankrolls the travels, said he and Ashbey have the D.C. trips, down to a system. Generation Lockdown Even 7-year-old Beau Beasley is onboard with his mothers mission. On Friday at the National Mall, the Beasleys attended a Generation Lockdown summit where speakers, including Pelosi and young Beau, gathered to call for Congressional action on guns. I am a mass shooting survivor, Beau said, as his mother held a megaphone for him. I ran for my life at a parade. I am never going to a parade again. Assault weapons dont belong at parades. Beasley said her son has been deeply impacted by their experience fleeing the parade as a shooter rained bullets down upon a large crowd, killing seven people and wounding dozens of others. The anxiety stemming from the violence is just nonstop, Beasley said Monday while driving to the Nashville school. She recalled how Beau has often appeared sad since July, struggling to deal with the violence he will forever have imprinted on his mind. That knowledge stung in particular as Beasley made her way to a place where she knew dozens of other families were only starting to experience their own version of a similar, unmistakably American tragedy. (Beau) saw grown men running in such a panic they tripped and fell and crashed on the ground in front of us, she said. He saw mothers wailing uncontrollably as they ran with their children holding onto their arm. These are things you cant un-see, and you want me to just act like it didnt happen and shield him from the truth? Concluding his address Friday, Beau did his best impression of his mother. Assault weapons dont belong in America, he said. We deserve to be safe. Assault weapons should be banned at once. My name is Beau. I am 7 years old, and I am asking our lawmakers to ban assault weapons now. 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. Oh, dont we wish the Unit 5 tax referendum was just about the children. But this is really about responsible governance. The district is asking residents to increase the education fund tax rate to 3.6 from 2.72 per one hundred of assessed value, a 32% increase that will surpass every surrounding district save one. This core increase is hidden in the overall tax discussion because building bonds from 15 years ago will finally be paid off. The Unit 5 board wants to capture permanently tax revenue that was originally temporary. The issue was democratically decided last November when the residents voted against this large increase. Were this met with resolve to work harder for the community and the children served, perhaps the board might have found a more reasonable increase to settle on. Perhaps they would have made additional cuts to administrative staffing or planned for future consolidation of facilities. Or perhaps they would have reviewed optional curriculum or services for pruning, preserving and promoting essential academics and activities, in an effort to reduce the structural deficit created by compounding factors, years in the making. Perhaps they would have done the work they were elected to do. Instead, in a cynical campaign held during an off-cycle election, the Unit 5 board made no additional effort to control costs and reduce the tax assessment previously defeated. A mere six months later, the board refuses the will of the voters and is demanding that residents pay exactly what they command or they will punish the children. I do not belittle the difficulty in balancing quality of education versus the communitys ability to support that endeavor. I would simply argue that the community asked this board to do better. It did not. Vote no again. Make the Unit 5 board do the work. Thomas Carey, Hudson Dr. Louisa Ansong-Satekla has stressed that death owing to oral diseases are preventable thus members of the public should make it a habit to consult a dentist early when they have a dental problem. The Dental Surgeon spoke exclusively to Class News Prince Benjamin on the sidelines of the World Oral Health Day observation held at the Duala Medical Centre, Burma Camp, Accra. She indicated that her earnest message to the public is that we all give oral health the attention it so desperately needs and requires because oral health forms a great part of our overall well-being and so this is why a such as this is being commemorated and were doing so much, especially in this part of the world where oral health is seen by many as a luxury and not the necessity that it actually is. Its important that we book appointments to see our dentists even when there is nothing wrong because unfortunately here, it seems that most people only go and see a dentist when they are in pain and by which time all the damage has already been done but prevention is key, the Official FDI World Dental Federation Ambassador for World Oral Health Day stressed. She entreated the public to visit a dentist at least twice a year just to make sure that everything is okay because were losing more and more people from diseases such as oral cancer which should not be the case. Early detection saves lives, she emphasised. Its very important that we take note of these things and then we take actions to prevent loss of lives and things like that. Dr. Louisa Satekla chaired the World Oral Health Day observation organised by and held at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Duala Medical Centre, Burma Camp, Accra, Monday, March 20, 2023. The 2023 World Oral Health Day celebration is themed: Be proud of your mouth. Source: class fm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As part of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed on the 17th October, 2017 by the Heads of State of Ghana and Cote DIvoire, the two countries have identified the need to have a bi-directional pipeline to supply gas to both countries depending on their demand profile. This is born out of the friendship, fraternity and solidarity sustained through history, geographical positioning and cultural tolerance. In view of this, there was a visit by the Ivorian delegation to Ghana on 14th March 2023 in consonance with the aforementioned project, The Ivorian delegation was led by Mr. Noumory Sidibe, Director General of CI-Energies, Dr. Ben Asante, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas represented the Government of Ghana. At the meeting, Dr. Ben Asante emphasized the commitment and support of Ghana National Gas Company towards the successful completion of the gas pipeline project. Gas will be the growth pole for industrialization in our two countries and beyond, he affirmed. According to Dr. Ben Asante, the gas supplied will not only be used for power generation but also as feedstock for fertilizer and for industrialization purposes for the benefit of both Ghana and Cote dIvoire. With both countries having discovered oil and gas in commercial quantities, there is a need to have a bi-directional gas pipeline connecting the load centers of these countries to supply gas from Ghana to Cote DIvoire and vice versa, depending on the demand. After the meeting at Ghana Gas conference room, the two delegation paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Energy and they were received by the Deputy Minister for Energy, Honourable Andrew Egyapa Mercer, on behalf of the Minister for Energy. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Service Scheme is set to partner with Longpin High Tech one of the leading global agricultural players in the field of grain production and agribusiness. The collaboration between the Ghana National Service and Longpin High Tech is part of the long term Deployment for Employment policy direction of the Ghana National Service Scheme and aims to support a key goal of the Scheme to train and equip Ghanaian graduates in the field of Agriculture and Agribusiness as well as boost the food production in the country. The Ghana National Service Scheme will collaborate with Longpin High Tech, a Chinese company with production and research centers located in Brazil and leading player in grain production and vegetable seed market, in the areas of best farming management practices, improved seedlings on the new Agro Industrial Village Project in Kumawu, and exchange programs for Ghanaian graduates deployed to the Agricultural sector. The Deputy Executive Director(Operations) of the Scheme, Mr. Kwaku Ohene Djan, remarked, during an official visit with Longpin to the Agro Industrial Village Project, the collaboration to be the beginning of the ambitious policy of the Scheme to reduce if not eradicate unemployment among Ghanaian graduates Mr. Kwaku Ohene Djan highlighted how the partnership with Longpin High-Tech is going to be a breakthrough for Ghana to become a global player in Agriculture in the near future. He added that the Scheme will ensure this collaboration will have immense impact on Ghanaian graduates to be deployed to the Agro Industrial Village and other agricultural projects of the Scheme. He called on other private sector bodies and organisations to support the Scheme in achieving its objectives to tackle unemployment among Ghanaian graduates. 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 US Vice-President Kamala Harris wish to visit the house where she once lived with her grandfather in the 1960s has led to a search for the property, the UK's Times newspaper reports. Ms Harris, who is on a nine-day trip to three African countries, is due to visit Zambia over the weekend the latest of 18 top American officials who have visited the continent since January this year. She was in Zambia as a child visiting her grandfather VP Gopalan, an Indian civil servant who was posted there to help settle refugees after it gained independence. The US embassy in Lusaka is quoted by The Times as having appealed to the public for help locating Mr Gopalans former home while seeking to retrace Ms Harris' childhood connections with the country. The trip to Africa is expected to strengthen the US' partnerships throughout the continent on security and economic prosperity, according to a statement by her office. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Registrar of the Accra High Court, Ekow Dzimm Mensah-Attah has denied certification of a document before the Court (Land Division) in a land tussle between McDan vrs Yehans international. The Registrar, a Staff of the Judicial Service, who is currently on secondment to the Electronic Communications Tribunal was said to have signed to a document which was being used by the plaintiff (McDan) in the ongoing hearing. However, appearing in court on Monday, March 27, to give evidence for the defendant after he was subpoenaed by the court, Mr Atta Mensah denied ever signing the document he was alleged to have signed. Shown a document while being led by counsel for the defendant to give his evidence to the court, the Registrar identified the document. Asked to tell the court if the signature authenticating the document was his, the Registrar said it is not my signature. A parcel of land at Manet belonging to Yehans International was said to have been sold to MCDAN group in 2015. But its ownership was later reversed and Yehans International was declared the rightful ownership. The Registrar also told the court that as at the time the documents was signed somewhere in 2017, he was still one the Registrars supervising Human Rights, court, the divorce and family trial but never signed that document. The witness after his evidence was asked to signed three of his signatures by counsel for the plaintiffs during cross-contamination. He was subsequently discharged by the court presided over by Justice Alex Owusu-Ofori. The case has been adjourned to May 2, 2023 to allow the surveyors present their report. Background The Supreme Court on October 24, 2018 ruled that the plaintiff (Yehans international Ltd) is declared the Legal and beneficial lease holder of the property No.5, section 102, light industrial area Nungua, Accra. The court then issued a Perpetual injunction against the defendants and was ordered not to interfere with the because the said Yehans international limited is the rightful owner and have possession on the said immovable property. 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 Sixteen people lost their lives in two separate accidents at separate locations in the Eastern Region over the weekend. While seven persons perished and six others sustained severe injuries in a gory motor accident at Birimso near Bunso stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, six others also died in an accident last Saturday morning at King David Commercial College stretch between Akuse and Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. Birimso accident An eye witness said the accident occurred last Sunday when two Toyota Hiace buses belonging to 2M Express Company Limited, with registration numbers GN 3229 - 21 and GN 8292 - 20, travelling on opposite directions collided head-on. According to the eye witness, there were 14 passengers on each bus and the bodies of the victims together with the injured persons, were sent to the Kyebi Government Hospital. The Bunso Station Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO II Samuel Doe, said his outfit received a distress call around 4:30am, on the said day about an accident which had occurred on the stretch. He said his men on duty rushed to the spot to assess the situation. On arrival, they realised that the two mini buses had collided head on. They also observed that some people had lost their lives and thus removed the bodies and the injured persons trapped in the vehicles. Also, he indicated that some victims who were trapped in the vehicles were helped out and conveyed to the hospital. Hospital The Medical Superintendent of the Kyebi Government Hospital, Dr Richard Nii Darku Dodoo, confirmed that the nine bodies and the six injured persons had been brought to the hospital. He said three of the injured persons had been treated and discharged, while the remaining three had been referred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital both in Accra, and the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, respectively. The bodies of those, who perished, had been deposited at the morgue for autopsy. Dr Dodoo further indicated that five of the dead had been identified by relatives and appealed to family members of the remaining dead to proceed to the hospital to identify the remaining four. According to eyewitnesses at the accident scene, the Hyundai Grace commercial vehicle from Juapong heading towards Accra, with registration number GB 4642-20, on reaching the King David Commercial College, in a bid to overtake a stationary truck, crashed head-on with an oncoming truck, with registration number GT 6473 21, which was fully loaded with railway lines with an embossed pass permit from the Ministry of Railways Development. Both the injured and dead were quickly rushed to the Akuse Government Hospital by rescue operators consisting of personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service, Ambulance Service and the Akuse Police where medical officers at the hospital confirmed the deaths. Six other persons, two males and four females, who sustained injuries, are currently on admission at the Akuse Government Hospital with two in critical condition. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio has dismissed claims circulating in the media space about the government's unpaid debt of 2.3 Billion to Green Ghana Seedling providers after the planting exercises. Addressing the Media on a site monitoring tour of some Green Ghana seedlings planted in selected areas of Accra, on Tuesday, 28th March, 2023, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio stressed that "there is no such thing as 2.5 Billion debt, even the funds allocated by government for Green Ghana was not that much. What we actually owe our seedlings providers is an amount of 28million Ghana cedis which will soon be cleared" He gave an assurance to the seedlings providers that talks are already underway with the Finance Ministry to settle all Green Ghana depts owed and will personally ensure that these conversations are fast tracked. He also assured Ghanaians and taxes payers that all monies invested into procuring Green Ghana Seedlings have been judiciously utilised as most of the seedlings planted during the 2021-2022 Green Ghana planting exercises are surviving. "Earlier, we disclosed a survival rate of 80% however due to weather conditions and other factors, currently seedlings planted in 2021 has a survival rate of 67% and 2022 a 72% survival and that is good progress because no matter what, we will not be able to achieve a 100% survival rate" Hon. Benito was impressed with how well the seedlings have grown sso far, applauding the Forestry Commission for ensuring that Foresters nurtured the Green Ghana seedlings to this level of maturity. The Deputy Minister also urged all Ghanaians who planted seedlings in their homes and farms to ensure they make it an effort in nurturing the seedlings to maturity, while calling on all and sundry to join the frail and plant the 10million seedlings scheduled to be planted this year to help mitigate climate change. Hon. Benito asserted that the Monitoring is part of a build up of activities towards the Green Ghana Day which he reiterated will be on the 9th June, 2023. The team on the monitoring tour first visited the Seismic Centre at the Ghana Geological Survey in Achimota, then to three planting sites at Legon campus, through to the Achimota Forest, to Achimota secondary school and to the JJ Rawlings Foundation guardianship inside the Achimota School. Joining the Deputy Minister on this tour were the Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Sulemana Nyadia, the Director for Forestry Services Division at the Forestry Commission, Mr. Hugh C. A. Brown, the Technical Director for Forestry at the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan and other officials from the Ministry and the Commission. 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) The International Criminal Court's (ICC) Appeals Chamber has rejected the Philippine government's request to suspend investigation into the Duterte administration's war against illegal drugs pending resolution of Manila's main appeal against the resumption of the probe. "The Appeals Chamber rejects the request of the Republic of the Philippines for suspensive effect of the aforementioned decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I," the March 27 decision read. In the absence of persuasive reasons in support of ordering suspensive effect, the Appeals Chamber rejects the request. This is without prejudice to its eventual decision on the merits of the Philippines appeal against the Impugned Decision, it added. "This means while the appeals chamber considers the question, the prosecutor may proceed with investigation," ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti explained. After the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber authorized the resumption of the drug war probe in January, the Office of the Solicitor General on March 13 filed an appeal brief which sought the reversal of the ICCs decision to resume the investigation. RELATED: PH govt appeal vs. ICC drug war probe resumption a rehash - lawyer Solicitor General Menardo Gueverra told CNN Philippines on March 22 that the government cited legal errors of the ICC pre-trial chamber in the appeal brief. This includes questioning the ICCs position that it has automatic jurisdiction over the crimes committed from November 2011 to March 16, 2019 when the country was still a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, the treaty that established the tribunal. RELATED: PH hires foreign lawyer to assist in ICC appeal vs. drug war probe Guevarra also said the probe may cause inconvenience among those involved since the ICC has yet to establish its jurisdiction. But the ICCs Appeals Chamber said the Philippine government has failed to explain how the alleged absence of jurisdictional or legal basis for the resumption of the Prosecutors activities pending the resolution of the appeal would defeat its very purpose and create an irreversible situation that could not be corrected. The chamber also said Manila was unable to show what it claims to be the implications of the ICC prosecutors activities on the suspects, witnesses, and victims, and how the probe will lead to irreversible consequences. It also pointed out that the Philippines can still continue with its own investigation while the ICCs Pre-Trial Chamber conducts its own probe. PH still wont cooperate Despite the Appeals Chambers decision, Guevarra said the ICC still cannot expect any cooperation from Philippine authorities at this stage. The president himself has stated that the government will not cooperate unless and until itong [these] issues about jurisdiction, admissibility, et cetera, have been finally settled, the solicitor general told CNN Philippines The Source. Guevarra also maintained that the probe should have been halted pending the final outcome of the main appeal to prevent possibly irreversible harm to the Philippines. Kung sakaling in the end ay magiging desisyon pala ay wala silang jurisdiction, the harm has already been done, Guevarra argued, calling the latest resolution quite unfair. Meron nang nangyari na hindi na natin mare-reverse, kasi maaaring meron nang ipaaresto yang prosecutor, mae-embarrass na, mahu-humiliate na ang Republic of the Philippines before the international community, he also said. [Translation: If in the end, the ruling is that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country, the harm has already been done by then. There could have been irreversible actions, because the prosecutor may have already ordered the arrest of certain individuals, and the Republic of the Philippines would have been humiliated before the international community.] But while it may appear a dead end for now on the part of the government, Guevarra said specific individuals whom the ICC may investigate can still question the tribunals jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case. Meanwhile, Conti, the ICC assistant to counsel, welcomed the latest decision which she deems a step closer to justice. So far, the ICC proceedings is on track and aligned with our search for genuine justice for the victims of grave rights violations, she wrote in a statement. However, the lawyer said it remains a concern that domestic investigations which the ICC said the government may continue are not transparent, comprehensive, and conducive enough to earn the victims trust. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his leadership in response to recent democratic backsliding in West Africa and standing up for democratic principles around the world. Under your leadership, Ghana has been a beacon of democracy and a contributor to global peace and security, she said. Kamala Harris was speaking at a joint news conference at the Jubilee House, Accra, after bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo at which she announced a $100 million package to help address the threats of violent extremism and stabilization efforts in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote dIvoire, and Togo. Your leadership in particular and personal engagement have strengthened the ties between the diaspora and the continent. President Joe Biden and I are grateful to have you as a partner, she said. The package, the U.S. Vice President explained, complemented an earlier strategic plan announced by President Joe Biden, for coastal West Africa, to prevent conflict and promote stability. Kamala Harris said the United States was strengthening partnerships across the African continent and we are guided not by what we can do for Africa, but by what we can do with Africa and African partners on this continent. With African nations playing significant roles in global issues, such as food security, climate crisis, and resilient supply chains, she emphasized that African voices, including that of Ghana, are critical to global peace and security, including the defence of the United Nations Charter. African ingenuity and devotion, I am certain, will shape the future of the world, she said on her first official engagement in Africa. She is on a week-long trip to the continent, which will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia, as part of the U.S. efforts to deepen ties with and scale up its investments in Africa. On the present economic circumstances of Ghana, Kamala Harris said she recognized the challenges Ghanaians were facing especially in the wake of the global pandemic of COVID-19 and Russias invasion of Ukraine. She stated that the United States was fully in support of Ghanas engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and would push for debt reduction by the countrys bilateral creditors. She said: We welcome Ghanas commitment to reforming its economy to deliver sustainable growth,we support Ghanas engagement with the IMF and will continue to push for all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it, including Ghana. We must work together as an international community to ease the debt burden that is facing far too many countries. It is critical to do so to build long-term economic growth and prosperity and to increase US investment, a key priority for our administration, and in particular, private sector investment. Our partnership with Ghana is already strong and today, Mr President, I believe we strengthened it even more. President Akufo-Addo described his meeting with the U.S. Vice President as successful, as both sides reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate further and provide mutual support at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He said the U.S. Vice President pledged Americas support for Ghanas transformative agenda, adding, It is this transformation that would give us the best opportunity to derive maximum benefit from our abundant natural resources and enable us to create a firmer foundation for a meaningful long-term economic and commercial relations with the United States of America. The President said Ghana would continue to collaborate with the U.S. at all levels towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and in the search for global peace and security to promote sustainable development around the world. He pointed out that although he was concerned about terror groups, he had no formal confirmation that al-Qaida was present in Ghana. On a question on the operations of the Russian mercenary force, Wagner, in the region, President Akufo-Addo said he worried that the group could expand its footprint in West Africa. It raises the very real possibility that once again our continent is going to become the playground for a great power conflict, Akufo-Addo said. The President also rejected concerns about Chinas influence in the region, insisting that the nature of Ghanas relations with each foreign partner was difetent from another, and said the ties with America is a relationship that has been close over several decades. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A leading Ghanaian banker, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), has urged graduates of the University of Ghana to take advantage of the benefits of digital tools to establish themselves as entrepreneurs. Nana Dwemoh Benneh made these comments at the 75th congregation ceremony of the College of Education where he was the guest speaker. The ceremony saw the graduation of 11,711 students drawn from the constituent schools of the college namely School of Continuing and Distance Education, School of Information and Communication Studies and the School of Education and Leadership. The Provost of the College of Education Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe in his opening remarks noted that the graduating class had students from over 50 other countries amongst the cohort, once more cementing the University of Ghanas place as the premiere University in Ghana. In her remarks read for her by the Pro ViceChancellor Prof. Felix A. Asante, the ViceChancellor of the University noted some key successes chalked by the University for the year under review. Key highlights here included the ViceChancellors Student Digitization Initiative to allow for synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning. She also noted that the University of Ghana had taken pride of place in Ghana as the top ranked school in the Webometrics/ Alper Doger school rankings. In her speech prior to confirming the conferment of degrees on the presented candidates, the chancellor of the University Mrs. Mary ChineryHesse, represented by Ms. Doris Kisiwa Ansah and Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, members of the University Council congratulated management for continuing efforts to ensure that the university returns to full and normal operations post the Covid pandemic. She also commended management for innovative efforts to resource the university and also to ensure best management practices including being the first university in Ghana to institute a gender policy statement. Nana Dwemoh Benneh, the CEO of the Universal Merchant Bank in his speech reiterated his pride in being an alumnus of the University, graduating some 23 years ago. He painted a vivid picture of a contrast between the world he graduated into and the world of today. He noted that the key differentiator was how much digital tools had transformed the world, especially the world of work. He noted for instance that unlike in 1996, his year of graduation, new music albums could top the chart without a CD or a cassette being produced. He used this example to establish the point that the world we find ourselves in the age of the digital entrepreneur and admonished graduating students to follow the examples of other successful entrepreneurs in and out of Ghana and seek to establish their own enterprises. Opportunities exist for the diligent who apply themselves to exploiting the digital world and creating different kinds of work relevant to the emerging society. The College of Education is made up of the following schools: School of Information and Communication Studies, School of Education and Leadership and the School of Continuing and Distance Education and is one of the colleges of the University of Ghana. The university of Ghana was founded in 1948 as a university college of the Gold Coast. This years congregation marks the 75th congregation of the university. 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 President Mills choice for Deputy Finance Minister, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey has been approved by Parliament. His approval however did not go without the expected drama as in accordance with Article 104 and standing order 109 (1), the fate of Mr. Fiifi Kwetey was subjected to a secret ballot. He becomes the second government appointee to meet this fate the first being Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni. With the House almost fully represented, Mr. Kwetey got the nod by securing 117 votes for and 106 votes against. His approval was announced by the Speaker, Joyce Bamford Addo. An impassioned debate between members of the Majority and the Minority sides of the Ghanas Parliament however characterized the review of the report on Mr. Fiifi Kwetey. One after another, members from both sides of the House tabled their varied views amidst passionate and uncontrolled outbursts from other members of the House. The Deputy Finance Minister designate, Fiifi Kwetey was approved by the Appointments Committee of Parliament by a majority decision on March 25 2009. The approval was opposed by the Minority Members on the Committee thus necessitating a vote, which the minority lost as a result of their numerical disadvantage. The Deputy Finance and Economic Planning Minister designate endured one of the longest vetting sessions, going through some four hours of questioning and arguments, mainly on statements he was said to have made during electioneering campaigns for the 2008 elections. The Minority side of the Appointments Committee faulted him for allegedly peddling some untruths and therefore advocated the withdrawal of his nomination. The debate that preceded Mr. Kweteys appointment had the Minority questioning the integrity of the former Propaganda Secretary of the NDC saying that an individual who allegedly peddled so much falsehood on the campaign floor could similarly translate such action in the carriage of his duties. The Majority however argued that the competence of Mr. Kwetey should be used as a measuring rod for his approval rather than the personal differences members of the Minority. Earlier Parliament approved, by consensus, the appointment of three deputy Ministerial nominees. They include Dr. Kwesi Akyem Appiah-Kubi for Interior Minister, Mrs Dzifa Aku Ativor for Roads and Transport Minister and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah for Local Government and Rural development Minister. Source: myjoyonline 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 View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@utvghana) Ghanaians have attacked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after he dodged a question on the Anti-LGBT bill currently before Parliament. Akufo-Addo held a joint press conference with U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, at the Jubilee House Monday, March 27th 2023 after her arrival in Ghana. During the presser, the Ghanaian leader was asked about the LGBT currently before Parliament that was proposed by Sam George and other like-minded MPs. Harrris asserted her support for the LGBT community and Akufo-Addo played a game of politics with his answer. He denied the bill has been passed and said it is not even an official legislation of his government but a private members bill. He said even after the bill is passed, he will have to sign it into law. His answers completely angered Ghanaians who called him out for selling out the country. One enraged netizen wrote: See the way Akuffo Addo swerve the LGBTQ question in front of Kamala Harris! He say the Anti LGBTQ bill Ebi private ppl draft! U preside over a ppl of whom over 95% dont support LGBTQ but u cant be bold n say it coz u are broke n powerless! God help us!, Watch Akufo-Addo and Kamala Harris below See the way Akuffo Addo swerve the LGBTQ question in front of Kamala Harris! He say the Anti LGBTQ bill Ebi private ppl draft! U preside over a ppl of whom over 95% dont support LGBTQ but u cant be bold n say it coz u are broke n powerless! God help us! pic.twitter.com/daDl4E137w Pray for Addicts (@GhanaSocialU) March 27, 2023 Source: ghanacelebrities.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 Former President John Dramani Mahama says the countrys financial stability is at the heart of his campaign to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Addressing party jubilant who cheered him on after going through his vetting successfully, Mahama said he has two main agendas and one of them is to bring back discipline into the countrys finances. According to him, government has demonstrated that it is incapable of running affairs for which reason he is launching another bid to become the NDC candidate in the 2024 election. John Mahama also expressed his commitment to repairing governance systems and fighting corruption. For him, anti-corruption institutions have been dissipated by the Akufo-Addo-led administration. Mr Mahama insists that it will take his leadership to restore the free mandate of such institutions. He further stated that reviewing the 1992 Constitution will also be high on the agenda. Sending a word of congrats to the other three aspiring presidential candidates, Mr Mahama said the situation in this country needs the partys unity to be able to execute their agenda. John Mahama described the 12-member vetting committee chaired by former speaker of parliament Hon Doe Adjaho as a strong panel adding that questioning his vision, ideologies and views on how to repair Ghana was the top most. On March 2, Mr Mahama launched his NDC flagbearership campaign themed Building The Ghana We Want Together. Addressing party faithfuls in Ho, John Mahama explained that trust in the Akufo-Addo-led government had been eroded due to the economic mismanagement resulting from incompetent, inefficient leadership and general non-performance he described as abysmal. Source: Salaamat kuukua Paintsil/Peacefmonline 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 Head of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum, popularly called Opanyin Agyekum, has admonished the Members of Parliament to set a good example for the youth of Ghana. Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Opanyin Agyekum slammed the MPs over allegations that some of them received bribes to vote for the new Ministers appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has alleged that some Minority Members of Parliament who voted to approve the new Ministers were bribed by members of the New Patriotic Party. They will not see rest in the money they have taken from Akufo-Addo because they have eaten a curse, they have eaten trouble and they will pay for it, he fumed. To Opanyin Agyekum, it is a "disgrace" to Parliament if indeed the MPs accepted bribes. "Can they prove that indeed someone took bribe? If it is true, it will be very disgraceful for Parliament. What lessons will the youth be learning from Parliament?", he stated. He cautioned the MPs to conduct themselves responsibly. 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 The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah says the approval of all Ministerial nominees by the NDC members of Parliament should not be viewed by the party as betrayal but rather an expression of their conscience. Speaking on Joy News current Affairs programme Newsfile, he said attempts by the NDC to portray the government as having failed to reduce the size of government is politically motivated and wrong as government has made several interventions in that regard. Democracy in its fullness was manifested where people in my view voted their conscience. The NDC can think its a betrayal. But is it also the case that people thought it was wrong that in spite of all the interventions and the proposals government has made to cut expenditure which is carried in the budget before Parliament to say we are not doing anything to cut expenditure. It's a fixation of the NDC which for me, is political. Its just not true He said He also said that the President since assumption of Office has demonstrated his commitment to reduce the size of the government and also cut expenditure even to the extent of scrapping Deputy Regional Ministers though the President has the mandate to execute. This, he said is demonstrated when Parliamentarians who double as Ministers only benefit as MPs though they are supposed to receive some form of benefits as Ministers as well. From the first term till now, you will see that the size of government has tremendously been reduced. This is the one time in our history where you dont have Deputy Regional Ministers, so there are significant concessions made in that direction but we shouldnt overlook the fact that there is a mandate given to the president. He needs a team to do it, he added. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Parliament will adjourn sine die on Friday, March 31, for the Easter break, with the Business Committee urging members to be devoted to disposing of all business pending before the House. Subscribe The Vice Chairman of the Business Committee of Parliament and Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, presenting the Business Statement for the week ending Friday, March 31, 2023, on Friday, said given the tall order of parliamentary business pending, the Business Committee recommended extended sittings to enable the completion of scheduled business. Mr Speaker, Members are aware, the House has barely one week to adjourn sine die for the Easter break. Given this, the Business Committee again entreats all members to devote themselves to the business of the House to dispose of the tall order of business pending the House," Mr Afenyo-Markin said. "The committee also recommends that the House commences sitting each day at 10 am, he said. Bills Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effutu, said the programmed financial bills that ought to have been considered last week and were unable to be passed would be considered in the ensuing week, that is the eight weeks. The committee had, accordingly, scheduled the Committee of the Whole for Thursday, March 30, to discuss the proposed formulae for distributing the District Assemblies Common Fund, Ghana Education Trust Fund, and National Health Insurance Fund all for the year 2023, that was laid on Friday, March 17. "Mr Speaker, a joint Caucus meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 after adjournment. Outstanding pertinent matters would be discussed. In this regard, all members are, therefore, encouraged to make themselves available for the meeting," he said. Questions Mr Afenyo-Markin told the House that per the scope of work for the ensuing week, 11 ministers were expected to attend upon the House to respond to 58 questions. The questions are categorised under 48 oral and 10 urgent queries. The ministers of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Sanitation and Water Resources; Finance; Energy; and the Interior, as well as the Minister of State in Charge of Public Enterprises were scheduled to respond to the questions. Others are the ministers of Defence; Health; Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Communication and Digitalisation, and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Mr Afenyo-Markin urged the committees with referrals to expedite work on them for the consideration of the House. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Controversial musician, Kwame A- Plus has launched attacks on the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the party as a Corrupt Criminal Organization In Opposition. According to him, its the Akufo-Addo-led government that has made the NDC attractive in opposition. His comments follow the overwhelming endorsement by the Minority Caucus in Parliament of the Ministerial nominees of President Akufo-Addo after threatening to vote against the new Ministers when the Appointments Committee could not reach a consensus in recommending the approval of the nominees. Kwame A-Plus in a post on his Facebook page said Criminals even in opposition!! It is Akufo Addo and his mafia gang that have made NDC attractive. That party has corruption embedded in its DNA. He explained that I feel sorry for the innocent, hardworking, and loyal foolsoldiers communicators. All sacrifices you are making to bring the party to power will yield the same Akufo-Addo sakawa governance we are experiencing today. Your people are worse than those you criticize. Why do you think NPP is confident that they will break the 8? They know your people will take money. He added that I wont be surprised if Atto Forson himself voted yes!! It will take a long time for the foolsoldiers to understand the business of politics. His comments support the NDC sympathizers on social media who have taken on their MPs to the cleaners for voting for the approval of the presidential nominees. Parliament on Friday approved all the six ministerial nominees of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after initial confusion in the Chamber by the two caucuses. The secret voting took place after the Appointments Committee could not reach a consensus in recommending the approval of the nominees. Announcing the results after the vote on Friday, March 24, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin mentioned that Honourable Members, at long last collation of votes, has ended. Of the register of 275 eligible voters, 3 voters were absent so 272 did exercise their franchise. The results of the voting are as follows; KT Hammond 154 Yes, 116 No, rejected 1; Bryan Acheampong, 167 Yes, 98 No, rejected 4, abstention 3. Stephen Asamoah Boateng 147 Yes, 122 No, and 3 abstention. Mohammed Amin Adams 152 Yes, 117 No, rejected 1, abstention 2. Osei Bonsu Amoah 149 Yes, 120 No, abstention 3 and Stephen Amoah 146 Yes, 123 No, 3 abstention. The speaker added that The House has accordingly approved the nominations of the following persons as ministers and a deputy minister by 79(1) of the constitution. However, some of the MPs, such as North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Madina MP, Francis Sosu, Ningo Prampram, and Sam George, among others in a smart move also took to social media to defend themselves by attacking the new Leadership of the Minority caucus. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video US Vice-President Kamala Harris has shared a playlist of 25 songs by African musicians that she listening to during her current trip to the continent. The playlist, titled My Travels: Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, is live on Spotify and is dominated by Tanzanian musicians. Tanzania is the vice president's next stop before she heads to Zambia. The diplomatic tour will end on 2 April. "A playlist to amplify the artists and sounds from my travels across Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia," she described it. Some of the featured Tanzanian artistes include Zuchu, Alikiba, Jay Melody, Mbosso, Jux, Darassa, Marioo and Platform. A collaboration between Kenya's Bien Aime Baraza of Sauti Sol and Tanzanian artiste Darassa is also on the list. Ms Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday and will visit Tanzania on Wednesday. She met some Ghanaian artistes on Monday and expressed her intention to promote African artistes in international markets to help them reach a wider audience. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government has no other recourse than to disengage from any contact with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal rejected the Philippines' request to suspend the investigation into the Duterte administration's war on drugs pending a ruling on Manila's main appeal against the resumption of the probe. "We don't have a next move. That is the extent of our involvement with the ICC. That ends all our involvement with the ICC," Marcos told reporters on Tuesday, saying "the appeal has failed." "There is nothing more that we can do in the government and so at this point we essentially are disengaging from any contact, from any communication I guess with the ICC," he said. "We cannot cooperate with the ICC considering the very serious questions about their jurisdiction and about what we consider to be interference and practically attacks on the sovereignty of the republic." In a March 27 resolution, the ICC's Appeals Chamber rejected the Philippines' request to pause the investigation while its appeal remains pending. "In the absence of persuasive reasons in support of ordering suspensive effect, the Appeals Chamber rejects the request. This is without prejudice to its eventual decision on the merits of the Philippines' appeal against the Impugned Decision," it added. "This means while the appeals chamber considers the question, the prosecutor may proceed with investigation," ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti explained. After the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber authorized the resumption of the drug war probe in January, the Office of the Solicitor General on March 13 filed an appeal brief which sought the reversal of the ICC's decision to resume the investigation. In an interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said while it may appear a "dead end" for now on the part of the government, specific individuals whom the ICC may investigate can still question the tribunal's jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case. Guevarra also maintained that the probe should have been halted pending the final outcome of the main appeal to prevent possibly irreversible harm to the Philippines. "Kung sakaling in the end ay magiging desisyon pala ay wala silang jurisdiction, the harm has already been done," Guevarra argued, calling the latest resolution "quite unfair." "Meron nang nangyari na hindi na natin mare-reverse, kasi maaaring meron nang ipaaresto 'yang prosecutor, mae-embarrass na, mahu-humiliate na ang Republic of the Philippines before the international community," he added. [Translation: If in the end, the ruling is that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country, the harm has already been done by then. There could have been irreversible actions, because the prosecutor may have already ordered the arrest of certain individuals, and the Republic of the Philippines would have been humiliated before the international community.] READ: ICC chamber rejects PH bid to suspend drug war probe pending ruling on its main appeal " " The Oxford Dictionary of African American English is slated for publication in spring 2025. Oxford Dictionary of African American English Henry Louis Gates Jr. is known for many things helping people explore their ancestry, writing books, hosting documentaries, serving as the director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University and for his nickname, Skip. Now, he's spearheading the creation of a new dictionary. A joint effort between the Hutchins Center and Oxford University Press, the future Oxford Dictionary of African American English (ODAAE) is currently in development with the help of an esteemed advisory board. Compiling a new dictionary may sound like a daunting task, but Gates has already been a co-editor of the Dictionary of African Biography, and Oxford has more than a bit of experience with dictionaries perhaps you're familiar with the Oxford English Dictionary? The scholarly initiative, a three-year project, will "document the lexicon of African American English (AAE) in a dictionary based on historical principles," according to OED's website. In addition to words, definitions and pronunciations, entries will include usage examples, serving to "acknowledge the contributions of African American writers, thinkers, and artists, as well as everyday African Americans, to the evolution of the U.S. English lexicon and the English lexicon as a whole." Perhaps the most exciting part of the project is that the editors are asking the public to submit words and ideas. Advertisement How the Project Started It was Gates who approached Oxford University Press about creating the dictionary. "He spearheaded the project, and he is our editor-in-chief," says Jennifer K.N. Heinmiller, executive editor of the ODAAE at Oxford University Press. After Gates proposed the idea, the project received grant funding from the Mellon and Wagner foundations. "The pieces have fallen into place nicely. Our advisory board is made up of some of the top scholars in the fields of linguistics, African American studies and African American history studies." The team of editors at Oxford University Press is working in collaboration with Gates and the advisory board to provide a portrait of how language is and was used by the various communities, emphasizing, celebrating and documenting Black history and giving credit where credit is due. According to Gates: Every speaker of American English borrows heavily from words invented by African Americans, whether they know it or not. Words with African origins such as 'goober,' 'gumbo' and 'okra' survived the Middle Passage along with our African ancestors. And words that we take for granted today, such as 'cool' and 'crib,' 'hokum' and 'diss,' 'hip' and 'hep,' 'bad,' meaning 'good,' and 'dig,' meaning 'to understand' these are just a tiny fraction of the words that have come into American English from African American speakers, neologisms that emerged out of the Black Experience in this country, over the last few hundred years. You can find plenty of previous examples of English variety dictionaries, like Oxford's own Australian Oxford Dictionary or the Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English from The University of North Carolina Press, for which Heinmiller was a coeditor. Oxford also has a division of World Englishes, "a term referring to localized or indigenized varieties of English spoken throughout the world by people of diverse cultural backgrounds in a wide range of sociolinguistic contexts." Including words from various world Englishes has been an Oxford practice since 1884 when the first OED included the Tagalog word abaca, a banana plant native to the Philippines or its fiber. Today, there are resources for words from Australian to Ugandan English with many in between and several others coming soon. But the ODAAE will have even more to offer. "The scope of this is broader than any English variety dictionary that Oxford has done so far," says Heinmiller. " " Henry Louis Gates Jr., who approached Oxford University Press about creating the dictionary, is spearheading its creation and will serve as its editor-in-chief. Jared Siskin/Getty Images Advertisement Goals of the Oxford Dictionary of African American English Each ODAAE inclusion will have the typical format of a dictionary entry and include real-life examples from various types of sources to give as complete a picture as possible. There will be pronunciation guides, which may include different regional pronunciation, as well as audio files. When possible, the entries will have etymological notes too, according to Heinmiller. "In instances where we can trace that history, I think it's important," she says. "We want to give a well-rounded sketch of the language variety both in historic and contemporary usage from a descriptive perspective." There will also be crossover with other dictionaries, so if a word makes it into the ODAAE, it could likely appear in the OED as well, either as a dedicated entry or a new sense of an existing entry. While the dictionary is intended as a scholarly resource of value to researchers and members of the speech community, the editors want it to be equally usable by the general public, explains Heinmiller. "We want this to be accessible to the broadest audience possible," she says. Advertisement How You Can Get Involved To achieve the aims of accessibility and applicability, the editors are looking to the public for suggestions. Anyone who has an idea for a word or phrase to include, can submit it through the OED website form. This is a tradition that goes back to the early days of the OED in the 1800s. "It was very much a community project," says Heinmiller. "We really find that's one of the best ways to get ideas of terms, how the terms are used in natural speech and their significance within the communities." The editors are holding a free virtual panel discussion Sept. 22, 2022, to provide the public with an overview of the project, its goals and significance, and an update on the progress. Register to attend here. "Everyone is so passionate about this project," says Heinmiller. "We can't wait to release it to the public." The dictionary is currently scheduled for spring 2025 publication. Now That's Interesting Just how many words are in a dictionary? The Oxford English Dictionary has more than 600,000 with new entries, sub-entries and senses being added regularly as the language continues to shift. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: UConn professor of anthropology Christian Tryon poses for a photo in his lab in Beach Hall on March 17, 2023. Credit: Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo In their recent publication in the Journal of Human Evolution, UConn Department of Anthropology Professor Christian Tryon and Shara Bailey, Director of the Center for the Study of Human Origins at New York University, detail new findings about 40,000-year-old teeth unearthed in the 1930s from a site called Ksar 'Akil in Lebanon. The tricky part is that these teeth are missing. The story of how Tryon and Bailey came to study these artifacts is fascinating and includes war, loss, and chance findings which saved this information from being lost to history. The fossils were found in a rock shelter just outside of modern-day Beirut, in a region that probably saw a lot of traffic when Homo sapiens left Africa. The evidence for this largely comes from the campsites, tools, food debris, and rare art that make up the archaeological record, but Tryon says there are very few sites where you can find a fossil and definitively say whether it was Homo sapiens or Homo neanderthalensis who actually made an archaeological site, but Ksar 'Akil is one of those few, rare places. Some 40,000 years ago, two children were buried at Ksar 'Akil, and on that dig in the late 1930s, they were unearthed and later lost. Tryon and Bailey are now trying to piece together as much information as they can with the few remaining records. 'Egbert's' stony bed Tryon has focused on Ksar 'Akil by combing through archives at Harvard's Peabody Museum for all the evidence he can find about the site. The story of how the teeth were found starts with a group of Jesuit priests in the Holy Land who informed a group of fellow priests and archaeologists, including the Rev. J. Franklin Ewing, of a site they may find interesting. "They were all deeply interested in the past, but they were kind of figuring things out as they went along because, in the 1930s, there was no place to get formal training in Paleolithic archaeology or human evolution at that point in the United States," Tryon says. "Some trained at Cambridge in the U.K., and Ewing had studied in Vienna." Ewing later led the dig, which extended down an astonishing 75 feet and yielded millions of artifacts and fossils along the way, including those of anatomically modern humans. Tryon explains that these artifacts are from an important time in human history called the Upper Paleolithic: "This is when, suddenly, something very different was going on. People were making different kinds of tools in different ways, probably living in larger and more dense groups, apparently staying in contact with groups hundreds of miles away, and using art by wearing personal ornaments like jewelry and decorating cave walls and other surfaces with red or yellow paint. It's a whole different way of life." Because this unique site yielded so many artifacts, and because we have relatively few human remains from this period of history, Tryon explains that it has assumed almost outsized importance. Ksar 'Akil became a key reference site since being first dug in the 1930s, in part because those 75 feet of stratified sediment rich in artifacts and fossils showed change over time in an era before the radiocarbon dating method was invented. Yet almost nothing ended up being published about the Ksar 'Akil artifacts that eventually made their way to collections in the United States. The human skeletal remains include those of an individual Ewing called "Egbert" and a second, unnamed individual briefly mentioned in the original, brief publication. The second individual was never mentioned again except in some unpublished correspondence and diaries, and never actually described, says Tryon. Then, World War II erupted and Lebanon was under the control of Vichy France, which had a policy of collaboration with Nazi Germany, and was invaded by British troops as part of the Syrian-Lebanon Campaign. The archaeologists were forced to flee the conflict but before they left "Egbert" and the other human remains were encased in concrete and left buried at the site. Ewing, on the other hand, was not as secure in his escape. Ewing left for the U.S. but traveled via the Philippines where he had previously been a teacher. While he was in the Philippines, Japanese forces invaded, and Ewing was captured and spent the rest of the war in a prisoner of war camp. When he died a little over 20 years later, it was to an illness he attributed to the difficulties of his time as a prisoner. After the war, the concrete blocks were shipped to Harvard, says Tryon. It wasn't until 1960 that Ewing was able to publish the preliminary descriptions of what was discovered at Ksar 'Akil, and he died before he could fully document the findings. "Not much has ever been written about the human remains and the originals have been lost," says Tryon. "All that was left of the most famous fossil is a cast or copy, and for the shape of the skull, it's fine, but for the teeth, which we were particularly interested in, the quality of the cast is not that good." Tryon explains that to create the cast, a reconstruction was first created using those fossil parts that remained, but that since large parts of the skull were missing, clay was used to represent some of the missing but inferred parts of the shape of the skull. Then, the mold was taken of this reproduction, from which casts of plaster or resin could be made. If any anthropologist is familiar with "Egbert," it is because of copies of this reproduction of a reconstruction. Tryon stresses that the poor quality of the cast and loss of the fossil itself represents missed opportunities and several generations of data loss. Fortunately, Tryon's work in the archives led him to previously unpublished photographs and X-rays of the teeth that he assumed belonged to "Egbert." Tryon shared the findings with Bailey, who realized that was not the case. "I know my stone tools, but I'm no expert on teeth," Tryon says. "I thought they were all just a bunch of photographs of different views of Egbert's teeth, but they were subtly different enough that she could tell they were not the same individual. There were two different individuals shown in these photos. It was right then that I knew we'd found the other eight-year-old that had been mentioned in a single sentence in that first publication. Given that there are only a handful of human fossils from Upper Paleolithic sites in the Mediterranean region, I knew we had something exciting. I mean, all we have now are photographs, but what else can you do but get everything you can out of them? We don't have anything else." Knowing what to look for To anyone unfamiliar with Ksar 'Akil, coming across photographs and X-rays in the archives may seem random or unremarkable, but Tryon knows what to keep an eye out for, and it has helped him trace the thread of details from this unique site. After the war, Ewing taught at Fordham College in New York, and the dig resumed in Lebanon. Tryon found correspondence from the priests, most of them trying to secure money for the dig from various people, including a Harvard professor named Hallam Movius Jr., to whom they shipped the human remains after the war. "I think that when Ewing died, his stuff went to Movius and part of the reason nobody's really discussed them is that it was Ewing's stuff, but it is now inside Movius's personal archive," Tryon says. "A search for 'Ewing' wouldn't turn up much in the hunt. In this case, the archivists discovered and documented the photographs when they went through and organized things in the Movius archives. My act of discovery happened once I came across the photos and was more about recognizing their significance, knowing what to do with that information, and finding the right person to work with." While studying the archives, Tryon says it feels like he's had a glimpse into the lives of the researchers who came before him. "One of the people who dug a site other than Ksar 'Akil but around the same time was sadly known to have had problems with alcohol, but I came to appreciate this in a very direct and very sad way because the archives included some pretty monstrous bar tabs," he says. "Sometimes you dig up these weird personal things, things that I kind of wish I didn't know about, but it's a very graphic example of the lives of these people working in the same field almost 100 years ago. I can get a real sense of their personalities through their private correspondence and notes as well. "Ewing frequently wrote to Father Doherty who directed a lot of the excavation. Doherty basically made his own newsletter called 'Oriental 'Orizons,' which is itself a nice little pun on 'orison,' or prayer, and 'horizon,' or archaeological level. It's like a zine for the site, but nobody was there but him, so it pretty much had a readership of one. And as you read it, you can tell he is going stir-crazy after months at the excavation. Most of the issues start with something like 'Same dig, different day,' or 'Another day in the pit'; one tagline is 'a policy of crossed fingers will forestall the blues.' It's chatty, gossipy, hilarious, and full of little observations about daily life, like his fascination with one of his workers who is trying to date this other worker's daughter but not getting anywhere. By the end, he starts to get worn out by visitors, and he's tired of having to put on a dog and pony show. I definitely get a sense of their personalities." Be on the lookout Tryon did not expect to find pictures of the forgotten remains from Ksar 'Akil, which had essentially become a footnote lost to history. Through his and Bailey's work, however, they can confirm the remains are Homo sapiens and they can confirm the original age estimate that both are 8-year-old children. "There are also some weird details on the lower first permanent molar teeth, which have an unusual number of cusps or ridges on them. Does it mean anything? It's unclear, because we have so little else to compare it to from this time period, but having five rather than four of these cusps is very rare in any living or fossil population. But it's present in two eight-year-olds buried side by side at the same time 40,000 years ago. It may just be an unusual family trait shared between both of the children, maybe because they were twins. We don't know. But it's certainly the kind of feature that people interested in tracing population movements have in the past used as a kind of marker or signal to connect the dots between groups." There are other human remains from Ksar 'Akil as well. They include an isolated tooth, and another specimen nicknamed "Ethelrud" that is a portion of the upper mouth bone called the maxilla, says Tryon. "It has no teeth in it. It's about as uninformative as you could possibly get but still say it's human. Like so many other specimens from this site, it was lost. But luckily it was re-found by a team in Lebanon a few years ago. It's the fact that so many of these specimens have gone missing that makes the photos we found become important, because there's just nothing else." Any new details from the Upper Paleolithic and the people living then can build on our understanding of this time and the significant shifts that occurred for our species at the same time as Neanderthals and other extinct relatives disappeared. "The appearance of the Upper Paleolithic in many parts of the world doesn't seem to be a gradual thing," Tryon says. "The evidence is certainly consistent with some new ways of doing things showing up fast in many parts of the world. For instance, something like the internet took a long time to develop, but once it appeared we all adopted it quickly. Whatever the Upper Paleolithic represents in terms of things or behaviors, these ideas and the stuff that went with them were popular and spread quickly across much of Eurasia, for whatever reason. And at least for Ksar 'Akil, we know these changes coincided with the appearance of people like us. The Upper Paleolithic is a major turning point in human evolution and that is why these fossils are important." More information: Shara E. Bailey et al, The dentition of the Early Upper Paleolithic hominins from Ksar 'Akil, Lebanon, Journal of Human Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103323 Journal information: Journal of Human Evolution This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A female grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) carrying an infant. Credit: Manfred Eberle They are small, have a high reproductive output and live in the forests of Madagascar. During the 5-month rainy season, offspring are born and a fat pad is created to survive the cool dry season when food is scarce. But what happens when the rainy season becomes drier and the dry season warmer? Can mouse lemurs adapt to climate change thanks to their high reproductive output? Researchers from the German Primate CenterLeibniz Institute for Primate Research, together with colleagues from the University of Zurich, have analyzed long-term data from Madagascar and found that climate change is destabilizing mouse lemur populations and increasing their risk of extinction. The fact that climate change is leading to greater fluctuations in population density and thus increases extinction risk in a fast-paced, ecological generalist is an alarming warning signal for potential biodiversity losses in the tropics. The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Effects of climate change have mostly been studied in large, long-lived species with low reproductive output. Small mammals with high reproductive rates can usually adapt well to changing environmental conditions, so they have been little studied in the context of climate change. Claudia Fichtel and Peter Kappeler from the German Primate CenterLeibniz Institute for Primate Research (DPZ) have been researching lemurs on Madagascar for many years and have thus built up a unique data set to fill this knowledge gap. Identifying trends with long-term data Over a period of 26 years, from 1994 to 2020, Peter Kappeler and Claudia Fichtel studied the demographic structure of a mouse lemur population at the DPZ research station in Madagascar. Climate data from the same period show that the rainy season in this region became increasingly drier and the dry season increasingly warmer. They have now analyzed these data together with colleagues from the University of Zurich and found increasing mortality combined with rising reproductive rates. "These opposing trends have prevented a collapse of the mouse lemur population, but have nevertheless led to a destabilization of the population, as the already fast life cycle of the animals has been further accelerated," says Claudia Fichtel. Extinction risk increases Fluctuating population sizes due to climate change pose a major threat to the animals, and could lead to extinction of the species. "Our results show that even an animal species that is supposedly able to adapt easily to changing environmental conditions thanks to a high reproductive rate is threatened in its survival by climate changes," says Peter Kappeler. This is bad news, given that the lemurs that only occur in Madagascar are the world's most endangered mammals. "In the future, data on the demographic stability of a population should also be included when classifying the risk of extinction of an animal species. Since this requires data from long-term observations, this is not yet possible for many animal species," says Claudia Fichtel. More information: Arpat Ozgul et al, Destabilizing effect of climate change on the persistence of a short-lived primate, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214244120 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Composite (from 3 or 4 soil cores in each system) decadally averaged (SE) rates of vertical accretion () from 1900s to the 2010s at nine tidal wetland sites along the U.S. East Coast with the site-average linear acceleration in accretion (; mm yr2) denoted by the best-fit line. Credit: Earth's Future (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022EF003037 The world's salty, tidal marshes are hotspots of carbon storage and productivity, building up sediments and plant material to stay above sea level. However, as sea level rises at an increasing rate, scientists debate whether it's possible for wetlands to win the race. New research reveals how salt marshes along the U.S. East Coast have responded to accelerating sea level rise by building elevation more quickly to keep pace with the sea over the last century. The study was published in Earth's Future. Two main factors affect how quickly a salt marsh accumulates soil: how much sediment is deposited in the wetland during tidal floods, and how much organic matter from the marsh's plants escapes decomposition. Humans can choke sediment supply to marshes by building dams or increase supply by causing erosion upstream, often through clearing land for agriculture. Cooler temperatures let more organic matter build up. If sea level is rising slowly, sediment is plentiful, and vegetation is booming, a coastal wetland can keep pace with rising waters. But if sea level rises too quickly, that balance is lost. "These feedback cycles allow a marsh to keep up and increase its rate of soil accretion up until a point where it just can't," said Nathaniel Weston, an ecosystems ecologist at Villanova University who led the study. "After that, it falls off the other end and can no longer exist as a marsh. And it's very likely that will happen in many places." The new study is the first to assess the race on a large scale, comparing soil accretion rates using soil core from nine salt marshes from Maine to Georgia. The dark, peaty columns record over 100 years of the marshes' histories, and researchers dated the soil to calculate how quickly the wetlands grew over time and how that rate changed. Although soil accretion sped up in all nine marshes, only six marshes built soil at roughly the same rate as sea level rise over the past century. Three marshes in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia could not keep up with local sea level rise due to rapid sea level rise, low sediment supplies from damming, and warmer temperatures. "This is the first study to document what's happening on this scale, across pretty much the entire East Coast," said Weston. "We were definitely excited to see fairly consistent results across our sites, where the marshes were increasing their rate of soil accretion." Many coastal salt marshes around the world may be accelerating their growth, too, at least for the moment, Weston said. Molly Keogh, a coastal geologist at the University of Oregon who was not involved in the study, echoed that sentiment. "There's got to be a tipping point where wetlands simply can't keep up with these increasingly fast rates of sea level rise," she said. "There are places, like the Mississippi Delta, that have already reached these tipping points. At this point, the drowning of [coastal] wetlands is essentially inevitable." Slowing sea level rise is key, but doing so is an incredibly difficult and slow task that won't come quickly enough to save salt marshes, she said. To slow the process of inundation, communities could install "living shorelines" of vegetation to retain sediment, Weston said. An expensive but temporary solution is to spray a slurry of mud and water over the marsh, which adds a few millimeters of sediment and can offset sea level rise a few years. More information: Nathaniel B. Weston et al, Recent Acceleration of Wetland Accretion and Carbon Accumulation Along the U.S. East Coast, Earth's Future (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022EF003037 Journal information: Earth's Future This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The picture depicts the cyclic inversion process of GONGGA inversion system. In each inversion cycle, CO2 inversion and flux inversion are performed successively. Credit: Science China Press Scientists from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences developed an atmospheric inversion system GONGGA (Global ObservatioN-based system for monitoring Greenhouse GAes) to infer CO 2 sources and sinks from atmospheric CO 2 observations. In the study published in Science China Earth Sciences, GONGGA assimilated Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite column CO 2 retrievals during the period 20152019 and compared their estimates to five other state-of-the-art inversions. The global net terrestrial carbon sink (net biome productivity, NBP) was estimated to be 1.030.39 petagrams of carbon per year (PgC yr1); this estimate is consistent with Global Carbon Project and other satellite-based inversions, but slightly lower than the surface-based inversions of 1.462.52 PgC yr1. In the regional distribution, GONGGA estimated a weak northern uptake of 1.30 PgC yr1 and weak tropical release of 0.26 PgC yr1, consistent with multiple independent lines of evidence. During the 20152016 El Nino event, the tropical land biosphere released a significant amount of CO 2 and was mainly responsible for a higher global CO 2 growth rate. The northern extratropics, on the contrary, was an anomalously high carbon sink during the same period, due to the concurrent extreme Northern Hemisphere greening, partially offsetting the tropical carbon losses. The satellite constraint from GONGGA refines the current understanding of flux partitioning between northern and tropical terrestrial regions. More information: Zhe Jin et al, Constraint of satellite CO2 retrieval on the global carbon cycle from a Chinese atmospheric inversion system, Science China Earth Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s11430-022-1036-7 Journal information: Science China Earth Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A meatball made using genetic code from a mammoth is seen at the Nemo science museum in Amsterdam, Tuesday March 28, 2023. An Australian company has lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct mastodon. The high-tech treat isn't available to eat yet - the startup says it is meant to fire up public debate about cultivated meat. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Corder Throw another mammoth on the barbie? An Australian company on Tuesday lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct pachyderm, saying it was meant to fire up public debate about the hi-tech treat. The launch in an Amsterdam science museum came just days before April 1 so there was an elephant in the room: Is this for real? "This is not an April Fools joke," said Tim Noakesmith, founder of Australian startup Vow. "This is a real innovation." Cultivated meatalso called cultured or cell-based meatis made from animal cells. Livestock doesn't need to be killed to produce it, which advocates say is better not just for the animals but also for the environment. Vow used publicly available genetic information from the mammoth, filled missing parts with genetic data from its closest living relative, the African elephant, and inserted it into a sheep cell, Noakesmith said. Given the right conditions in a lab, the cells multiplied until there were enough to roll up into the meatball. More than 100 companies around the world are working on cultivated meat products, many of them startups like Vow. Experts say that if the technology is widely adopted, it could vastly reduce the environmental impact of global meat production in the future. Currently, billions of acres of land are used for agriculture worldwide. A meatball made using genetic code from the mammoth is seen at the Nemo science museum in Amsterdam, Tuesday March 28, 2023. An Australian company has lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct mastodon. The high-tech treat isn't available to eat yet - the startup says it is meant to fire up public debate about cultivated meat. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Corder But don't expect this to land on plates around the world any time soon. So far, tiny Singapore is the only country to have approved cell-based meat for consumption. Vow is hoping to sell its first product therea cultivated Japanese quail meatlater this year. The mammoth meatball is a one-off and has not been tasted, even by its creators, nor is it planned to be put into commercial production. Instead, it was presented as a source of protein that would get people talking about the future of meat. "We wanted to get people excited about the future of food being different to potentially what we had before. That there are things that are unique and better than the meats that we're necessarily eating now, and we thought the mammoth would be a conversation starter and get people excited about this new future," Noakesmith told The Associated Press. "But also the woolly mammoth has been traditionally a symbol of loss. We know now that it died from climate change. And so what we wanted to do was see if we could create something that was a symbol of a more exciting future that's not only better for us, but also better for the planet," he added. Seren Kell, science and technology manager at Good Food Institute, a nonprofit that promotes plant- and cell-based alternatives to animal products, said he hopes the project "will open up new conversations about cultivated meat's extraordinary potential to produce more sustainable foods, reduce the climate impact of our existing food system and free up land for less intensive farming practices." He said the mammoth project with its unconventional gene source was an outlier in the new meat cultivation sector, which commonly focuses on traditional livestockcattle, pigs and poultry. A meatball made using genetic code from the mammoth is seen at the Nemo science museum in Amsterdam, Tuesday March 28, 2023. An Australian company has lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct mastodon. The high-tech treat isn't available to eat yet - the startup says it is meant to fire up public debate about cultivated meat. Credit: AP Photo/Mike Corder "By cultivating beef, pork, chicken, and seafood, we can have the most impact in terms of reducing emissions from conventional animal agriculture and satisfying growing global demand for meat while meeting our climate targets," he said. The jumbo meatball on show in Amsterdamsized somewhere between a softball and a volleyballwas for show only and had been glazed to ensure it didn't get damaged on its journey from Sydney. But when it was being preparedfirst slow baked and then finished off on the outside with a blow torchit smelled good. "The folks who were there, they said the aroma was something similar to another prototype that we produced before, which was crocodile," Noakesmith said. "So, super fascinating to think that adding the protein from an animal that went extinct 4,000 years ago gave it a totally unique and new aroma, something we haven't smelled as a population for a very long time." 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A figure explaining that gene drive transmission is non-Mendelian. Credit: Cutter, 2023 With CRISPR-Cas9 technology, humans can now rapidly change the evolutionary course of animals or plants by inserting genes that can easily spread through entire populations. Evolutionary geneticist Asher Cutter proposes that we call this evolutionary meddling "genetic welding." In an opinion paper published March 28 in the journal Trends in Genetics, he argues that we must scientifically and ethically scrutinize the potential consequences of genetic welding before we put it into practice. "The capability to do genetic welding has only taken off in the last few years, and much of the thinking about it has focused on what can happen in the near term," says Cutter of the University of Toronto. "Ethically, before humans apply this to natural populations, we need to start thinking about what the longer-term consequences might be on a time scale of hundreds or thousands of generations." In classical Mendelian genetics, we think about genes having a 50:50 chance of getting passed from parent to offspring, but this isn't always the case. In a natural phenomenon known as "genetic drive," some genes are able to bias their own transmission so that they are much more likely to be inherited. Genetic welding is the human-mediated version of thisintroducing genes that have an unfair advantage when it comes to heritability into natural populations. Because these genes spread easily and rapidly through populations, they result in much faster evolutionary change than the usual slow plod that we see from natural and artificial selection. Also, in contrast to natural selection, genetic drives and genetic welding can perpetuate genes that don't necessarily benefit the organisms that carry them, making them an attractive potential method to control problematic/invasive/disease-bearing species. Genetic welding in this way has been proposed as a tool for controlling disease-bearing mosquito populations and invasive species. It could also be used to genetically engineer endangered species to be resistant to infectious pathogens that threaten them with extinction. "It raises the question of how much should humans intervene into processes that are normally beyond our control," says Cutter. "If ethicists, medical practitioners, and politicians decide that it is acceptable in some cases to edit the germ line of humans, then that would open the possibility that genetic welding could be used as a tool in that regard," says Cutter. "This would open a much bigger can of worms by virtue of the fact that genetic welding could change the entirety of a population or species, not just a few individuals that elected to have a procedure." Though it might be difficult to experimentally assess the long-term implications of genetic welding, Cutter says that thought experiments, mathematical theory, computer simulations, and conversations with bioethicists could all play important roles, as could experiments in organisms with short lifespans and rapid reproduction. More information: Synthetic gene drives as an anthropogenic evolutionary force, Trends in Genetics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.02.010 Journal information: Trends in Genetics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A vibrant coral reef in the Maldives. Credit: Luiz Rocha, California Academy of Sciences In a paper published today in the journal Environmental Research Letters, an international research team composed of scientists affiliated with more than a dozen institutions, including the California Academy of Sciences, propose a first-of-its-kind framework for governments around the world to evaluate their preparedness forand guide future policies to addressocean acidification, among the most dire threats to marine ecosystems. "Ocean acidification is one of climate change's silent killers," says Rebecca Albright, Ph.D., Academy Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and founder of the Coral Regeneration Lab (CoRL). "While not as high-profile as threats like coral bleaching, ocean acidification will cause widespread destruction of marine environments by the end of this decade if we don't take urgent action. To help policymakers identify what actions they should take, my collaborators and I asked ourselves, 'What would a government have to do in order to have a comprehensive plan to safeguard both the environment and society from ocean acidification?'" Ultimately, the researchers identified six aspects of effective ocean acidification policy, along with specific indicators for each, that policymaking bodies, from local governments to federal agencies, can use to evaluate and guide their own policies. Climate protection measures: Are there adequate policies to reduce overall emissions of the greenhouse gases driving ocean acidification? Ocean acidification literacy: Is there general public awareness and understanding of the threats posed by ocean acidification? Area-based management: Do marine protected areas and management plans include explicit strategies to measure and increase resilience to ocean acidification? Research and development: Are funds being explicitly invested in research dedicated to understanding and addressing ocean acidification? Adaptive capacity of dependent sectors: Is there an understanding of how ocean acidification will impact various political and socioeconomic sectors, including vulnerable communities, as well as mitigation strategies? Policy coherence: Overall, are policies consistent with evidence-based, science-backed efforts to address climate change and ocean acidification? Academy Curator Rebecca Albright, PhD, dives on a coral reef. Credit: Gary Williams, California Academy of Sciences As a case study, the researchers used the framework to evaluate the current state of ocean acidification preparedness in Australia which is home to the world's largest system of coral reefs, vibrant ecosystems that support the livelihoods of more than a billion people worldwide but are uniquely susceptible to acidification. They found that while Australia is generally well prepared with a deep understanding of the adaptive capacity of vulnerable socioeconomic sectors and management strategies that explicitly address ocean acidification, the country is lacking in policy coherence and broader climate protection measures which may hinder its ability to lower greenhouse gas emissions which are the main contributor to ocean acidification. Scientific divers on a coral reef in the Maldives. Credit: Luiz Rocha, California Academy of Sciences "Ocean acidification is not an isolated issue, but rather one that is closely linked to other anthropogenic hazardsin Australia and elsewheresuch as warming, sea level rise, oxygen loss, and eutrophication," says University of Queensland coral biologist Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Ph.D. "Therefore, any policy designed to address ocean acidification either locally or globally must consider the many interconnected factors and their impacts on both ecosystems and society." By providing a baseline for countries to assess their preparedness for ocean acidification, the researchers say their framework will also enable researchers, conservationists, and governing bodies at all levels to identify areas for investment or collaboration to ensure their environments and societies are better protected. A healthy coral reef in Roatan, Honduras. Credit: Luiz Rocha, California Academy of Sciences "After governments self-assess their readiness for ocean acidification, they'll have a better sense of where gaps may exist," says Sarah Cooley, Ph.D., Director of Climate Science at the Ocean Conservancy. "Gaps will be different for every governmentsome governments might need to increase fundamental research just to understand how their marine systems will respond to acidification, while others might need to bump up adaptation to safeguard people and ecosystems most likely to be affected by acidification. This self-test will help governments focus future efforts to make sure they are emphasizing the most essential areas for them and can take the necessary steps to address the salient threats from acidification." More information: Rebecca Albright et al, Are we ready for ocean acidification? A framework for assessing and advancing policy readiness, Environmental Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/acc085 Journal information: Environmental Research Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Katelyn Kirchner, a doctoral candidate at Penn State, is on a research fellowship at Hokkaido University in Japan, where she works in a cleanroom to visualize the fluctuations in glass at the smallest possible scale. Credit: Katelyn Kirchner From fiber optic cables to smartphones, glass is playing a major role in emerging technology. To learn more about how glass will shape future society, we spoke with Katelyn Kirchner, a doctoral candidate at Penn State, who is studying with John Mauro, Penn State's Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Kirchner is lead author and Mauro corresponding author on a recent review article on the unique properties of glass published in the journal Chemical Reviews. The article, which was published in print last month and co-authored with an international team of scientists, is the first comprehensive look at the spatial and temporal fluctuations of glass. It is a review of experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to characterize and demonstrate the effects of various types of fluctuations on physical properties and processes, focusing primarily on commercially relevant oxide glasses. Let's start with the basics. What is glass? That's a wonderfully complicated question. The exact definition is something that is still being explored today. A glass is a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short time scale but continuously relaxes towards the liquid state. Let's break that down a bit further. Glass is a nonequilibrium material, which means the atomic structure is not in it's lowest energy, equilibrium configuration, which would be a liquid or crystal state. Consequently, all glasses have two options: to continuously relax toward the equilibrium liquid state or undergo a phase transition into the crystal state. This relaxation to the liquid state is so slow that from the human observation time, glasses appear solid. Glass being non-crystalline means the atomic structure lacks a long-range pattern, which adds additional complications when trying to predict how the atoms will arrange. And there are many other scientific "non" words we could include to more accurately define "what is glass?" We understand glass by what it is not, but we do not yet fully understand what glass is. This complication makes it thrilling to be in the field of glass science, as there is so much left to explore. Despite our lack of understanding of it, what are some of the ways the unique qualities of glass are being deployed in society today? Think about all the ways we interact with glass in our daily lives, in areas like information technology, where glass is fundamental to displays, augmented reality, memory storage, and optical data transfer. Then there are areas like transportation and architecture, with vehicles and construction materials, or the energy sector with photovoltaics and next-generation batteries. You can even look to health care with pharmaceutical packaging, antimicrobial surfaces, and prescription lenses. The impact of glass on our world has been tremendous. What are you currently working on? Right now, I'm doing mostly experimental work trying to visualize the fluctuations in glass. By "fluctuations" I mean spatial fluctuations, how the properties vary in different regions of the glass, and I also mean temporal fluctuations, how the material changes over time. One of the most fascinating things about glass is that these fluctuations (i.e., deviations) in the atomic structure directly impact the macroscopic properties. When I come back to Penn State from my research fellowship at Hokkaido University to complete my Ph.D. with Dr. Mauro, I will be working with the data I'm collecting now to develop a computational framework to better understanding how fluctuations in thin film glasses could be manipulated to achieve new-found property behaviors. What would be some of the potential applications for what you're discovering? Fiber optics is a good one, because if we understand fluctuations in glass, we can better understand, predict, and optimize how an optical signal moves through a cable. When you consider the long distances these signals travel, we're talking about transoceanic communication, every small fluctuation has a big impact. Each time the light signal hits the silica walls of the cable, the local properties of the glass are going to influence how that signal propagates through the rest of fiber, which impacts the quality of the signal transfer and overall cost of the infrastructure. A deep understanding of how the impact of fluctuations in glass has major potential to improve fiber optic technology, and this is just one example of a potential application. What about the future? What new, future technology do you think will be facilitated by glass? That's the great part of this work. The possibilities are endless when we look toward applications of tomorrow for glass, such for the development and commercialization of non-lithium ion batteries, improved electronic memory storage devices, improved sustainable energy production, augmented reality interfaces, etc. The purpose of materials research is to better understand the fundamental sciences so we can develop the next groundbreaking technologies, and I have no doubt glass will play an integral role in that future. I remember as a kid my uncle, who was a metallurgist, showing me the images of the Hubble Space Telescope. He explained the engineering of the various materials used to facilitate the visualization of distant galaxies. Glass has allowed us to see beyond our own galaxy and explore the universe. It's thrilling to think about all the future discoveries that will be made thanks to glass. More information: Katelyn A. Kirchner et al, Beyond the Average: Spatial and Temporal Fluctuations in Oxide Glass-Forming Systems, Chemical Reviews (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00974 Journal information: Chemical Reviews This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: SUMO (red) is covalently linked to the TOG2 domain of Stu1, a microtubule associated protein (blue). When Stu1 is SUMOylated the protein abundance is increased by 442% in simulated microgravity, compared to the gravity condition. When Stu1 is not SUMOylated, the protein abundance is decreased by 55% in simulated microgravity. Created using the PyMol molecular visualization system. Credit: Jeremy Sabo, Oklahoma State University A new study has revealed insights into how cells sense and respond to the weightlessness experienced in space. The information could be useful for keeping astronauts healthy on future space missions. The gravity conditions in space, known as microgravity, trigger a unique set of cellular stress responses. In the new work, researchers found that the protein modifier SUMO plays a key role in cellular adaptation to simulated microgravity. "Under normal gravity conditions, SUMO is known to respond to stress and to play a critical role in many cellular processes, including DNA damage repair, cytoskeleton regulation, cellular division and protein turnover," said research team leader Rita Miller, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. "This is the first time that SUMO has been shown to have a role in the cell's response to microgravity." Jeremy Sabo, a graduate student in Miller's laboratory, will present the findings at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, March 2528 in Seattle. The researchers used a specialized cell culture vessel developed by NASA to simulate normal and microgravity conditions. The Synthecon rotary cell culture system is composed of two vertical rotating wall vessels (RWVs) that represent the normal gravity condition and two horizontal RWVs that simulate a microgravity environment. These RWVs hold 1 liter of fluid each. Credit: Jeremy Sabo, Oklahoma State University SUMO can interact with proteins via two types of chemical bonds: a covalent attachment to a target lysine or noncovalent interactions with a binding partner. The researchers looked at both types of interactions in yeast cells, a model organism commonly used to study cellular processes. They analyzed cells that had undergone six cellular divisions in either normal Earth gravity or microgravity simulated using a specialized cell culture vessel developed by NASA. To understand which cellular processes were affected by the stress of microgravity, they began by comparing the levels of protein expression for cells that experienced each gravity condition. Then, to find out what was driving these protein changes, they looked more specifically at which of these proteins interacted with SUMO using mass spectroscopy. In the cells experiencing microgravity, the researchers identified 37 proteins that physically interacted with SUMO and showed expression levels that differed from that of the Earth gravity cells by more than 50%. These 37 proteins included ones that are important for DNA damage repair, which is notable because radiation damage is a serious risk in space. Other proteins were involved in energy and protein production as well as maintaining cell shape, cell division and protein trafficking inside cells. The video shows the RWVs during use. Yeast are growing in the four RWVs while each one spins at 30RPM. The entire system is inside an incubator at 30 degrees Celsius, the optimal growth temperature for S. cerevisiae. Credit: Jeremy Sabo, Oklahoma State University "Since SUMO can modify several transcription factors, our work may also lead to a better understanding of how it controls various signaling cascades in response to simulated microgravity," said Miller. Next, the researchers want to determine whether the absence of the SUMO modification on specific proteins is harmful to the cell when it is subjected to simulated microgravity. More information: Jeremy Sabo will present this research from 45:30 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, March 28, in Exhibit Hall 4AB of the Seattle Convention Center (Poster Board Number 330) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) The sunken tanker MT Princess Empress is estimated to have already released close to half of the oil it carried, based on latest computations yet to be validated, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday. Out of over 820,000 liters of industrial oil, the PCG said only around 300,000 to nearly 400,000 liters are remaining. The latest amount is lower compared to their previous projection of 900,000 liters of oil last March 16. Ito, bina-validate pa natin, batay ito sa computation at calculation kahapon," PCG Spokesperson Armando Balilo said in an ambush interview. "Para lang may working figure kung paano tayo magre-respond nang maayos doon sa ating operations. [Translation: We are still validating this based on the computation and calculation yesterday. Just so we have a working figure on how we will respond properly to our operations.] The PCG also said the oil spill is not likely to cause major damage to Verde Island nor spread to other towns of mainland Batangas. Previously, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the oil slick is expected to continue until end of March. DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said that as of March 10, oil from the ship is leaking at a rate of 35,000 to 50,000 liters per day. READ: Leak from sunken oil tanker seen to continue until end-March - DENR This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A new study has found that people who are currently suffering or face a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder show particular patterns in four biomarkers that are measurable with a simple blood test. The findings suggest these biomarkers could be used to predict a person's likelihood of developing PTSD, diagnose the disorder or monitor the response to treatment. PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is currently diagnosed based on symptoms such as flashbacks, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, negative thoughts, memory problems and avoidance of triggering situations. Since other disorders can have some of these same symptoms, it can be challenging to diagnose PTSD and assess changes in response to treatment. This research, which involved over 1,000 service members, represents the largest prospective study to date to assess the biological markers of PTSD over time. "This study provides valuable insights into the natural history of PTSD and the effectiveness of interventions, which can inform the development of treatment guidelines and improve the care for individuals suffering from PTSD," said Stacy-Ann Miller, a researcher at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. "Better methods of predicting or screening for PTSD could help to overcome the disorder by identifying individuals at high risk of developing PTSD and providing them with early intervention or prevention strategies. This could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent the disorder from developing altogether." Miller will present the new research at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, March 2528 in Seattle. Biomarkers, which reflect biological processes, can provide an objective measure of physiological changes associated with diseases such as PTSD. For the study, researchers analyzed four biomarkers in blood samples from active-duty service members taken before a 10-month deployment, three days after their return and three to six months after their return. The biomarkers have previously been linked to stress, depression, anxiety and mental health disorders. They included: the glycolytic ratio, a measure of how the body breaks down sugar to produce energy; arginine, an amino acid that plays a role in the immune and cardiovascular systems; serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood, sleep and other functions; and glutamate, a chemical messenger that plays a role in learning and memory. The researchers divided service members into groups based on measures of PTSD and mental resilience and compared the four biomarkers among the different groups. Participants were classified as having PTSD, sub-threshold PTSD or no PTSD depending on their clinical diagnosis and PTSD symptoms. Researchers classified participants' resilience based on a combination of factors including PTSD, anxiety, sleep quality, alcohol use disorders, combat exposures, traumatic brain injury, and general physical and mental health. Previous studies have shown that people considered to have low resilience based on these measures are much more likely to develop PTSD after deployment than those with high resilience. Comparing these biomarkers in people with different PTSD status and levels of resilience, the results showed that those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD had significantly higher glycolytic ratio and lower arginine than those with high resilience. People with PTSD also had significantly lower serotonin and higher glutamate than those with high resilience. These associations were independent of factors such as gender, age, body mass index, smoking and caffeine consumption. The researchers said the biomarkers could help to predict which individuals face a high risk of PTSD, improve the accuracy of PTSD diagnosis and improve overall understanding of the drivers and effects of PTSD. "Improved methods of screening and predicting PTSD could inform better treatment approaches by providing a deeper understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of the disorder," said Miller. "This could lead to the development of more targeted and effective treatments for PTSD or to identify specific subtypes of PTSD, which may respond differently to different treatments." Researchers cautioned that more research and validation would be needed to confirm the biomarkers' utility in real-world settings. The research was conducted in collaboration with the PTSD Systems Biology Consortium, a network of government and academic laboratories. More information: Stacy-Ann Miller will present this research during from 4:306:30 p.m. PDT on Monday, March 27, in Exhibit Hall 4AB of the Seattle Convention Center (Poster Board No. 103). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Shutterstock Early this month, the Daily Mail published a story online implying three Chinese men taking photos at the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne were spies. After complaints and an open letter condemning the paper for racially profiling the Chinese communities and throwing around baseless accusations, the story disappeared from the Mail's site without explanation. Then The Sydney Morning Herald's Red Alert series hit people's WeChat feeds, claiming a war with China could happen within three years. The Daily Mail, like many other media outlets, possibly believed it could make insinuations of spying with impunity, since many of its intended readers would likely be sufficiently primed to accept such narratives as common sense. In fact, a 2022 poll reveals: "Just over four in 10 Australians (42%) say 'Australians of Chinese origin can be mobilized by the Chinese government to undermine Australia's interests and social cohesion'." Commenting on the Mail's "spy" story, La Trobe University's Nick Bisley tweeted, "Yep, this is what happens when the red menace crap is thrown around carelessly", apparently connecting it with the Red Alert series. Several foreign affairs specialists have called the series "pretentious", "hyperbolic", "irresponsible" and "implicitly racist" reporting. Similarly, a survey I conducted recently on behalf of UTS's Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) points to another kind of fear. The respondents were 500 migrants from mainland China. A key aim was to understand how their reading of Australian media stories about China and Chinese-Australian communities affected their sense of belonging. A full analysis of the survey will be detailed in a forthcoming ACRI report. But one survey question was: "To what extent would you be concerned about your own well-being and that of the Chinese-Australian communities if Australia were at war with China?" More than half (54.68%) said they were "extremely concerned". Another 36.10% said they were "quite concerned". Only around 9% said they were not concerned. When juxtaposed, these two sets of survey figures raise a "red alert" of another kind: regardless of whether a war with China will ever eventuate, Chinese Australians are rapidly becoming the first casualties of persistent war talk. Yet, while there has been a highly polarized response to the Red Alert series, very few commentators on either side have thought much about how these publications affect Chinese Australians, especially first-generation migrants from mainland China. As Yun Jiang observes: "Among all talks about preparation for a war, preparing the population for a potentially divisive society is not part of it." Mainstream media outlets and commentators seem to concern themselves even less with the emotional and psychological impact such media stories have almost daily on Australian citizens with Chinese ancestry. Our recently published study, based on three years' longitudinal research of Chinese-language digital and social media in Australia, has revealed many first-generation Mandarin speakers here experience a high level of internal conflict in relation to mainstream Australian media coverage of China. Funded by the Australian Research Council, the study found these migrants, who by 2021 numbered over half a million, were caught in an increasingly hostile relationship between the two countries. The study also found most respondents did not identify with the propaganda of Chinese state media. However, they were increasingly disillusioned with the Australian English-language media's interest in reporting on China with fairness and balance. For many in the various Chinese-Australian communities, including mainland migrants, reading speculations about whether there will be a war with China within six months, two years or three years is not a matter of neutral speculation. It is a constant source of anxiety, fear and uncertainty. The specific nature of their anxiety and fear became clearer after I conducted in-depth interviews with 20 individuals in the Mandarin-speaking community about their media consumption habits. First, many of these interviewees wondered, with a growing sense of alarm, what would happen to them if war did happen. One middle-aged female accountant said, "During WW1, many German Australians were interned in Australia. During WW2, many Italian migrants were interned. Sure, ours is now a very multicultural society, but who can assure us that this won't happen to us when war breaks out? When war happens, rationality may go out the window. Look at what happened to Jewish people. I'm really worried. My daughter recently came back from school and asked me if it's true that China will invade Australia." Second, many interviewees expressed the fear that this loose talk about war in the media could make war more likely. A male interviewee who works in a university said, "A few years ago, if someone mentioned a war between Australia and China over Taiwan, it would have sounded preposterous. But now, people no longer find such talk fanciful. I believe the media normalizes war-mongering. It upsets me very much each time I read such predictions." Third, my interviewees, like many other Chinese Australiansand Asian Australians generallyknow too well they will be more vulnerable to random racist attacks in public, and treated as potential agents of a hostile country, as long as talk of war persists in the media. It is for precisely this reason that the Daily Mail's "spy" story sends a chill down the spine of many people and has aroused widespread condemnation from Chinese-Australian communities. As one interviewee said, "These days, it doesn't take too much to provoke a racist. All it takes is seeing someone who looks Chinese." This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Satellite data can help show whether marine conditions are right for certain species to thrive. Credit: CC0 via Unsplash By monitoring oceans and peering into ponds, European projects seek to protect an array of animal and plant life. In January, word emerged that scientists had discovered a new colony of penguins in Antarctica using images from Europe's flagship Copernicus satellite network. By coincidence, the same month marked the start of an initiative that will rely on the same Earth-observation system for different purposes. The NECCTON project is gearing up to help Europe protect endangered fish and whales. It will harness the European Copernicus Marine Service or CMEMSto collect more detailed data on species threatened by habitat loss, unsustainable fishing and industrial pollution. From satellites to seabeds "This is going to be particularly helpful for policymakers, marine managers and fisheries," said Stefano Ciavatta, coordinator of the project running through 2026. "We want to provide better simulations and projections of the state of marine ecosystems and of their ability to support diverse fish communities." While Earth-observation satellites, including Europe's flagship Copernicus, number in the many hundreds, it's often claimed that we know less about the ocean floor than we do about the surface of the moon. Biodiversity protection has received fresh impetus as a result of a United Nations summit in Canada in December 2022 and a landmark UN agreement in March this year on a High Seas Treaty to protect oceans. And with 68 000 kilometers of coastlinemore than the U.S. and Russia combinedthe EU is stepping up efforts to improve marine health. CMEMS, one of six Copernicus services, provides analyses and forecasts of marine environments for all kinds of users ranging from fishing hobbyists to the navies of EU Member States. It is run by France-based Mercator Ocean International, a non-profit entity in the process of becoming an intergovernmental organization. The Copernicus marine service monitors all the European regional seas and the world's oceans. Its models forecast things like sea temperatures, tides and currents, making it easier to anticipate developments such as fish migration patterns. NECCTON plans to provide a more complete picture of the environmental state of these waters by gathering data on fish, pollution and the seabed conditions for marine life. "We will develop new tools to share the modeling capabilities of the Copernicus Marine Service across the different centers in Europe, optimize scientific efforts and boost collaboration," said Ciavatta, an oceanographer at Mercator Ocean International. Clearer views The ultimate aim is to help users of the service make better-informed decisions about the sustainable use of marine resources. The Copernicus marine service could, for instance, deliver information on where tuna populations are located or whether marine habitats have the right conditions for dolphins. To make sound policy decisions, scientists and authorities need projections on how changes that result from global warming, pollution and overfishing could affect the marine system as a whole. NECCTON plans to simulate changes in organisms within the food web using climate scenarios. This activity could, for example, enable researchers to get a clearer picture of the impact of declining fish stocks on the marine system over the coming decades. Pond treasures When it comes to protecting biodiversity, it's not just the mighty oceans that have researchers' attention. So do humble duck ponds. The PONDERFUL project is examining the relationship between ponds and their surrounding environment. The initiative is focusing on the wide range of living organisms to which ponds are home. Fish, toads, snails, dragonflies and leeches are just some of the creatures making up a vast, balanced web that, if disrupted, could result in the ecosystem's collapse. "Collectively, ponds are the richest freshwater habitats," said project coordinator Sandra Brucet, a biologist and researcher on aquatic ecology at the University of Vic in Spain. "They are more abundant than lakes, rivers and wetlands." Research suggests that ponds make a greater contribution to biodiversity than many larger bodies of water by supporting more plants and animals, many of which are endangered. Nonetheless, ponds so far have been largely neglected by policymakers. For example, a major piece of EU legislation in 2000 on cleaning up water bodies excludes for the most part those smaller than 50 hectares. Also, research on ponds has long been overlooked. "Two decades ago, researchers mainly focused on lakes and rivers," said Brucet, who came up with the idea of PONDERFUL. Home stretch Now things are changing as the project, which began in late 2020, enters its final two years. With more than 80 researchers from 11 countriesBelgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and Uruguaythe initiative is deepening knowledge about how best to manage and restore ponds in a changing climate. PONDERFUL is evaluating future "pondscapes" at eight demonstration sites that include a total of more than 500 ponds. Testing will help develop a guide for reducing pollution in ponds, creating new ones and helping them serve broader environmental goals such as the preservation of biodiversity. Runoff from agricultural fields is one of the main threats to the health of ponds. Nutrients in such runoff can cause harmful algal blooms, a lack of oxygen and dead zones as fish die off. Key lessons Brucet and her team have already drawn some important lessons. An accumulation of debris and an increase in sediment loads, which result mainly from agricultural-field erosion and are usually rich in nutrients from fertilizer runoff, can have a harmful effect on the overall state of ponds. Sediment increases are accelerated by erosion of ponds' edges and seasonal buildup of organic material such as dead plants and tree leaves, for instance. The nutrients in this material in turn often feed algal blooms that can produce toxins and kill fish, mammals and birds. Dredging and removing sediments help prevent such buildup. Separately, reshaping the edges of ponds that are artificially drained for agriculture can prevent too much water from escaping. When efforts are made to enhance pond wildlife as a whole, the researchers found that not only do populations of endangered frogs, toads and newts increase but also flora benefits. "Biodiversity of aquatic plants increases significantly after cleaning up ponds," Brucet said. Healthy ponds even play a role on another important environmental front: fighting climate change. That's because they act as "carbon sinks" that store greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide. Brucet's project runs through November 2024 and signals that ponds, after long being disregarded by researchers and policymakers, are finally joining oceans and seas as a focus of Europe's green ambitions. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Bad bookkeeping's been in the news a lot lately. Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX crypto empire came crashing down amid news that an $8 billion shortfall was being tracked in a sloppy Excel spreadsheet. The Brazilian retailer Americanas has been engulfed in crisis since it revealed a $3.8 billion accounting "irregularity": Its cash reserves had suddenly vanished. The former CEO of the German payments firm Wirecard is on trial for allegedly reporting $2.1 billion in nonexistent revenues. Why do companies fudge their figures, even at the risk of financial or legal disaster? One explanation is that bonuses and other financial rewards encourage senior executives to overstate performance and downplay losses: If good news buoys share prices substantially, they are in for a windfall. Yet a piece of the financial misreporting puzzle is missing, and it's not hidden in the corner office. In a new working paper, Stanford Graduate School of Business professors Christopher Armstrong, John Kepler, and David Larcker, and Shawn Shi, Ph.D. '23, of the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, argue that manipulated numbers aren't the result of bosses alonethey also depend on the actions of rank-and-file employees and their financial incentives. Recent research has largely overlooked the lower-level employees who are more directly involved in the financial reporting process, explains Armstrong, a professor of accounting. "If you want to understand black box accounting"a method to obscure books without technically breaking the law"you need to think more carefully about the internal monitors and their role in shaping corporate financial reporting. It's hard to believe they would initiate misreporting, but it's not as hard to believe they could turn a blind eye to it." The new paper is the first detailed look at how the financial incentives of rank-and-file accountants relate to how well their companies keep their books. After poring over compensation data and indicators of accounting quality from 384 publicly traded U.S. firms between 2000 and 2004, the researchers found evidence of a positive relationship between the total annual pay of lower-level accounting employees and the quality of their employers' financial reports. Counting on bean counters Additionally, the researchers found that companies with lower-quality financial reports tended to pay their accountants more after the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, which toughened reporting rules following a string of financial scandals. As firms spent more on compliance, those that handed out the largest pay increases saw the most improvement in the quality of their financial reports. "The level of pay is an indicator of a firm's commitment to investment in their human capital," Armstrong says. This partly explains why the deep-pocketed "Big Four," which arguably attract more competent and motivated employees, conduct the best audits. The incentives from a potential promotionand the higher pay and prestige that come with itcan also encourage companies' accountants to be more diligent, the paper finds. Not all compensation is good for financial reporting, however. The paper illuminates a negative relationship between audit quality and contingent paycash bonuses tied to corporate earnings or equity compensation pegged to share price. "If you're an internal accountant and you see aggressive revenue recognition, you're more likely to take a more conservative stance if you're not paid a bonus, even if the company misses earnings targets," Armstrong explains. This suggests that increasing fixed compensation rather than variable compensation may be a better way to prevent the books from being cooked. "The prospect of losing that additional bit of income over their career can outweigh any gains from turning a blind eye to misreporting or errors," he adds, noting that "police officers are more likely to take bribes if they are underpaid." This raises the question of whether higher fixed pay for accountants might mitigate senior executives' attempts to tweak the figures. The researchers found that the positive relationship between fixed pay and accounting quality is more pronounced when senior executives have stronger financial motives to misreport, as is the negative relationship between bonuses and reporting quality. Conscientious junior accountants can save their bosses from themselves by accurately estimating the useful life of assets and allowances for accounts receivable and recognizing uncertain earnings in a way that faithfully depicts the economic reality of their company's activities. However, Armstrong says, "Our evidence suggests that higher pay moderates the incidence of misreporting, but it doesn't fully mitigate it." Firms should bear in mind who decides the compensation and incentives for their junior bean counters, he adds. "If senior executives are largely responsible for setting these pay plans, then that's also an opportunity to design the incentives in a way that encourages complicity in any potential misreporting." This risk, he says, calls for corporate boardsand especially their audit committeesto ensure that they have adequate oversight over pay. More information: Rank-and-File Accounting Employee Incentives and Financial Reporting Quality. www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-r -financial-reporting This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Growing concerns over the potential health effects of exposure to phthalates, a component of many plastics and also known as a plasticizer, have led to a search for safer alternatives. In a new study conducted in cell cultures, researchers found that the chemical acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) might not be the best replacement because it appears to interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. "In the past, industries have promptly shifted away from the usage of toxic chemicals only to produce an equally toxic chemical, so this is something we are actively trying to avoid repeating," said Kyle Sease, a graduate student at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. "Our study suggests that ATBC, but not other non-phthalate alternatives, could interfere with cells that maintain brain health. We think this finding warrants further testing of ATBC at different doses, in different settings and in whole organism models." Sease will present the new research at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, March 2528 in Seattle. Phthalates are used in hundreds of products, often to enhance durability or allow materials to bend and stretch. Studies have shown that phthalate exposure can affect the reproductive system and early development in a range of animals, although the health impacts in humans are not clear. ATBC had emerged as a leading phthalate alternative as companies sought to shift away from phthalates; it is currently used in a variety of materials and products, including food and food packaging. For the study, researchers grew cultures of neuroblastoma cells, which in terms of growth and division, behave similarly to the glial cells that support and protect neurons in the brain. They then used molecular methods to study how ATBC and other chemicals affect genes and processes involved in cellular division. They found that neuroblastoma cells exposed to ATBC increased their expression of two genes associated with cellular stress (known as Nrf2 and p53) and also increased their production of an enzyme associated with cellular senescence (B-galactosidase), which can cause cells to stop growing and dividing. The findings suggest that ATBC could interfere with the ability for glial cells to regenerate, which can reduce their ability to protect neural cells and lead to neurodegeneration and accelerated aging. It is also possible that ATBC exposure during early developmentwhen neurons are actively growing and dividingcould affect neurons directly and interfere with brain development, the researchers said. Since neurons do not typically regrow once damaged, any effects on the brain likely would be permanent. Two other phthalate alternatives, bis (2-ethylhexyl)-1, 4-benzenedicarboxylate (GPO) and dioctyl adipate (DOA), did not show the same effects as ATBC. "We found that two other plasticizers did not appear to affect cell division in these cells, so further understanding the different effects of different plasticizers will allow us to understand better how to make safe ones," Sease said. More information: Kyle Sease will present this research from 4:306:30 p.m. PDT on Monday, March 27, in Exhibit Hall 4AB of the Seattle Convention Center (Poster Board No. 141). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Proba-3 Coronagraph seen after integration at Redwire in in Kruibeke, Belgium. This satellite will observe the solar corona with its APIICS coronagraph instrument (seen top), made possible by the Proba-3 Occulter spacecraft that flies in formation with it blocking out the blinding solar disk for up to six hours at a time. Credit: ESA The two spacecraft forming ESA's Proba-3 mission for precise formation flying in orbit are now complete. All the instruments and sensors allowing them to maneuver to millimeter scale precision relative to one another have been integrated aboard, and the pair are fully wrapped in multi-layer insulationready to be tested in simulated space conditions. The pair are currently facing each other across a cleanroom belonging to Redwire Space (formerly QinetiQ Space) in Kruibeke, Belgium, in the same configuration they will adopt in orbit. To mark the occasion of their integration, the Proba-3 project invited members of ESA's Belgian and Spanish delegations to visit the facility. ESA's Proba-3 mission manager Damien Galano explains, "Proba-3 has contributions from across Europe, but its main coronagraph instrument comes from Belgium's Center Spatial de Liege, CSL, and its satellites have been integrated here at Redwire Space. The satellite platforms meanwhile were designed by Airbus Defense and Space in Spain while Spain's SENER company serves as prime contractor. So these two countries are very much in the lead for the mission, and this visit gave a chance for their delegations to see this milestone for themselves." Also present were representatives from the Proba-3 science team and ESA's Science Directorate. While Proba-3 is a technology-testing mission, its main payload is a science instrument focused on the sun which will produce unique data. Proba-3 fact sheet. Credit: European Space Agency During the observation phase of their orbits, the pair will form a straight line in space with the sun exactly 144 m from each other so that the "Occulter" spacecraftequipped with a round diskwill cast a shadow onto the second "Coronagraph" spacecraft. By doing so the Occulter will block out the brilliant solar disk to allow the Coronagraph to image the wispy outer atmosphere of the sun, known as its corona, for up to six hours at a time. On Earth the corona is visible only for a few moments during rare solar eclipses, but the availability of sustained observation should address many mysteries of the solar coronaincluding why it is a million degrees C hotter than the surface of the sun that it radiates from. Jorg Versluys, payload system engineer, adds, "Ground and space observatories often incorporate sun-blocking coronagraphsthe ESA-NASA SOHO spacecraft is one famous examplebut their effectiveness is limited by light spilling around disk edges, a phenomenon called diffraction. By hosting our coronagraph on a separate spacecraft we reduce diffraction and increase overall visibility of the sun's surroundings. And looking closely at the Occulter's edge shows that it has been precisely curved to reduce diffraction effects still further." Sustained observations will only be made possible by the spacecraft entering formation for a prolonged period of time, enabled in turn by an onboard suite of guidance and control methods, including satellite navigation receivers, radio inter-satellite links, lasers and optical cameras. Damien notes, "The latter will be guided by light emitting displays placed on the face of both spacecraft for the other to see. In fact one of the reasons the spacecraft's multi-layer insulation is black is to ensure maximum contrast with the onboard LEDs so the cameras can observe them clearly." The satellite pair will fly on a highly elongated (or "elliptical") 19 and a half hour orbit that will see them venture a maximum 60,530 km away from Earthperforming observations at the top of each orbit to minimize gravitational and illumination effects from our planet. For the rest of their orbit they will be free flying with respect to each other. Next month the spacecraft will be shipped to IABG in Germany for the start of a four-month environmental test campaign, simulating every aspect of the launch and space environments. Proba-3 is due to be flown by PSLV launcher from India next year. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: In the new method, laser pulses of different power (green) are combined in such a way that single excitation (blue), double excitation (red) and triple excitation (yellow) can be distinguished, for example, in biological light-harvesting complexes. Credit: Julian Luttig, University of Wuerzburg The construction of the first laser in 1960 ushered in commercial applications with light that have become an integral part of our everyday lives. At the same time, this development opened up the scientific field of laser spectroscopya technique that is central to the analysis of materials and the study of fundamental physical phenomena. Despite all the successes, however, research teams have struggled since the 1970s with the problem that a laser shining on a sample can excite it not just once, but several times per experiment. In this case, the measurement results of the single excitation and the multiple excitations overlap and usually cannot be separated, making it difficult to understand the material. To remedy this, the laser power is usually reduced to such an extent that multiple excitations are less likely than single excitations. However, they cannot be completely avoided and can therefore lead to erroneous interpretations of the data. Even when multiple excitations are themselves the subject of investigation, it is still difficult to distinguish between two, three, four, or even more excitations. A complex problem with a simple solution A team of physicists and physical chemists from the Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU) and the University of Ottawa (Canada) has now solved this decades-old problem. They present their method in the current issue of the journal Nature. In the experiment conducted in the group of Wurzburg professor Tobias Brixner, the researchers used the common method of "transient absorption" to track very fast changes in various materials that occur in a millionth of a millionth of a second. While the standard method uses a single laser power, the researchers used several different powers and combined the data according to a newly derived formula. In this way, they were able to systematically separate the effects from single to six-fold excitation. "Not so long ago, I wouldn't have thought that such a distinction was even possible," Brixner says, "especially with such a simple procedure that any spectroscopic research group can implement and use without much additional effort." However, deriving the "recipe" was anything but simple and required in-depth analysis. Theorist and collaborator Professor Jacob Krich of the University of Ottawa explains, "The interaction of light and matter is so rich, and we've demonstrated a beautiful structure hiding inside it. The fact that this method works for virtually any sample you want to study really surprised all of us." Applications from photosynthesis to materials science The new method has a wide range of potential applications. First author Pavel Maly, who was a postdoctoral fellow with Brixner at the time of the study and is now a researcher at Charles University in Prague, explains, "Separation of signals from single and multiple excitations is particularly useful for large systems with densely packed light absorbers, such as natural photosynthetic complexes or organic materials." In the future, the authors plan to extend the method to elucidate, for example, energy transport in novel photovoltaic materials. More information: Pavel Maly et al, Separating single- from multi-particle dynamics in nonlinear spectroscopy, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05846-7 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: UC Riverside researchers sampling plants in part of the Sonoran Desert. Credit: UCR/Tesa Madsen-Hepp In North America's hottest, driest desert, climate change is causing the decline of plants once thought nearly immortal and replacing them with shorter shrubs that can take advantage of sporadic rainfall and warmer temperatures. Many studies have documented how a hotter, drier world is causing a redistribution of plants in temperate mountain regions. A new UC Riverside study documents the unexpected ways plants in part of the Sonoran Desert are doing the same. "The plants are shifting, but in weird ways," said Tesa Madsen-Hepp, first author of the study and UCR evolution and ecology doctoral candidate. "We thought most of them would move to higher elevations with cooler temperatures. But while some lower-elevation trees are declining and shifting upwards, we're also seeing some other species moving down, toward hotter parts of the desert." Furthermore, the researchers believe the trends they observed are likely to continue despite the extreme precipitation events of the past few months. "It's really the warming temperatures causing the most stress for these species, and a year of rain won't mitigate the long-term drought trajectory," Madsen-Hepp said. Published in the journal Functional Ecology, the research not only documents how some types of plants are shifting downward in elevation but examines those plants' physical characteristics to explain why the shift is happening. To make their observations, the research team visited the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, just south of Palm Desert, in 2019. The research area spans an 8,000-foot desert-to-mountaintop range across which they traveled from top to bottom sampling plants. This same area had been previously examined by ecologists in both 1977 and 2008, providing a basis for comparison with the more recent findings. "Species we typically think of as pretty stress tolerant, like California juniper and pinyon pine, are declining, or shifting upwards. And even though they're shifting up, they don't appear to be thriving in their new locations," Madsen-Hepp said. "Moving into their former low-elevation spots are plant species with shallower root systems, like brittlebush, burrow bush, and ocotillo." Sonoran Desert plants are shifting in response to more heat and more sporadic rainfall. Credit: Tesa Madsen-Hepp/UCR In addition to root systems that don't rely as much on deep soil water, which is increasingly scarce, these shorter plants are also able to grow faster and invest fewer resources in their leaves. "These are weedier species. They have "cheaper" leaves in terms of the carbon cost to produce them, and they are drought deciduous," said Marko Spasojevic, senior author and assistant professor in UCR's Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. "In other words, they can drop the leaves when conditions get too stressful and wait for the drought to be over." Plants that keep their leaves year-round tend to invest in thicker leaves with higher carbon content. They are at a disadvantage compared to plants more easily able to shed. When plants drop leaves, the atmosphere can no longer pull water out of them, which eases demand on the roots to provide the lost water. "The live-slow-die-old strategy that used to work for plants in this environment just isn't working as well anymore. The increased climate stress in an already extreme environment is pushing them to their physiological thresholds," Madsen-Hepp said. "Once these plants reach their limit, there is no fixing it. There's just not much we can do to bring them back," she said. The team also found that in contrast to more temperate ecosystems, the lower desert elevations are warming faster than the higher elevations. The shrubs and bushes taking over are not necessarily coming from the highest points in the desert. They're also lower-elevation plants that have generally expanded their range. At about 29 meters per decade, the upward range shifts are on par with the higher end of global rates for plant movement in response to climate warming. On average, plants in temperate regions have shown range shift rates between 5 and 30 meters a decade. "We often think of the tundra as the bellwether for climate change. Arctic and alpine ecosystems are very sensitive. We're seeing here that this ecosystem is just as sensitive if not more so," Spasojevic said. "And we already know the answer to easing the stress on it. It's very simple. Cut fossil fuel emissions." More information: Tesa R. MadsenHepp et al, Plant functional traits predict heterogeneous distributional shifts in response to climate change, Functional Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14308 Journal information: Functional Ecology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Astrophysicist Ms Kirsten Banks explains what we can do to reverse the impact of "light glow". Credit: UNSW Sydney Astronomer Carl Sagan famously said that there were more stars in the universe than grains of sand on earth. It has been estimated that there are over 100 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy. While there is a limit to how many stars we can see from earth with the naked eye, that number is dramatically reducing due to light pollution. "We should be able to see around 2,500 stars with the naked eye on any night, and we can see about 125 of them at best in Sydney," says astrophysicist, proud Wiradjuri woman and UNSW Ph.D. candidate Ms. Kirsten Banks. In fact, in a recent study published in Science, data collected by citizen scientists around the world found light pollution is increasing at a rate that is equivalent to the brightness of the sky doubling every eight years. This latest research continues to expose the extent to which we're losing the darkness of our night sky. Not being able to look up and see the stars will have significant cultural impacts, but there are steps we can all be taking to reduce the effect of light pollution. What causes 'light glow?' Artificial lighting that escapes and seeps into the sky causes what is known as "light glow"a form of light pollution that stops humans from seeing the stars. "Light glow is this extra light that is not actually useful for seeing when you're walking in the dark, for example. And it's this glow of light that spreads out and leaks into the sky in a way that washes out fainter lights that are usually stars," says Ms. Banks. This latest study involved over 51,000 citizen science observations of stellar visibility with the naked eye, revealing the change in global sky brightness over an 11-year periodfrom 2011 to 2022. The data showed that the number of visible stars decreased by an amount that can be explained by an increase in sky brightness of 7% to 10% per year. This study was done on a global scale, but around 68% of the observations were from North America and Europe, with a one-off campaign in Australia in 2020, and a scattering of data collected across Asia, Africa and South America. Although the data was primarily collated from elsewhere, Ms. Banks explains that light pollution is still a problem in Australia. "In Sydney, the light pollution that we experience is almost the same light pollution as the moon emits. This means if you're in a place with no light pollution, and there's a full moon out, you have the same sort of night sky visibility that you would in Sydney." Everyone is an astronomer You don't need any fancy machinery or special equipment to observe the stars. "I think it's important for everyone to be able to look up into the stars, because it's one of the most accessible sciences out there," says Ms. Banks. "All you need to do is look up and you can see it, you are doing astronomy by looking up into the night sky. And when we take that away with light pollution, that takes a whole science away from people." Many different cultures around the world have a rich history and connection to the stars and the night sky. In Australia alone, there are more than 250 Indigenous groups that have understood and used the stars for the last 65,000 years, and their knowledge is still exercised to this day, says Ms. Banks. Ms. Banks speaks about Gugurmin, the Celestial Emua constellation based on the dark space around the Milky Wayin her 2019 TEDx talk on the great history of Australian Aboriginal Astronomy. "The night sky is really important to Aboriginal peoples. "We're losing culture because of the stars we're losing sight of in these bright cities. All of these stars have cultural importance within stories and lessons. And some of them we just can't see anymore. So through that, and, of course, all of the other effects of colonization, we're losing all those stories." Reversing the impact of light glow Unlike many other forms of pollution, light pollution is reversible and there are measures we can take to restore the deep darkness of the sky. "There are lots of ways to reduce the amount of light pollution that we put out into the sky," says Ms. Banks. "One good example is by creating very directional streetlights. So, when you walk around, you may see some streetlights that are just these big lights that shine in all directions. But really, you only need light to shine down on the path that you're walking on, because that's where it's actually useful. So we can change the design of our lights to be more proactive about where we actually want the light to be." As well as the direction and brightness of the lights we use, we can also change the color to a more amber/orange hue which reduces light glow, explains Ms. Banks. While some of these measures have been adopted on a local scale, there is lots more that can be done. In recent years, awareness of light pollution has led some policymakers to introduce measures that attempt to control it. "These measures have already been taken in places like Coonabarabran," says Ms. Banks. "There are very strict guidelines for all sorts of lights and they have certain regulations so that they preserve the night sky for that area, because of the observatory nearby." As Ms. Banks explains, everyone can have a part to play. "One way that people can get involved is just turning off lights that are unnecessary, like really bright floodlights on your backyard or your patio. "There are simple solutions to this that people can take every single day." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Crystal Kornickey holds up casts of her hands in a studio at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, S.C., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. She is one of 36 people whose hands will be cast in bronze for a memorial to the likely enslaved people discovered in an unmarked burial ground. In recent decades, advances in DNA research have allowed scientists to use ancient remains and peer into the lives of long-dead people. In Charleston, that's meant tracing some of the African roots that were cut off by slavery. Credit: AP Photo/Allen G. Breed In the 1700s, a boy was born into slavery in Colonial America. He spent his life working in the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina. And when he died in middle age, he was buried alongside 35 other slaves. That's the likely history that researchers have uncovered for the manthere's no written record for him or the others buried at the long-forgotten site. Their names have been lost, along with any details of their lives. But their stories are now being told through what was left behind: bones, teeth and, especially, DNA. In recent decades, advances in DNA research have allowed scientists to use ancient remains and peer into the lives of long-dead people. In Charleston, that's meant tracing some of the African roots that were cut off by slavery. "We're bringing their memory back to life," said Raquel Fleskes, an anthropologist at the University of Connecticut who studied the remains. "This is a way of restoring dignity to individuals that should've always had this dignity." The Charleston project started a decade ago, when construction workers unearthed the remains beneath the grounds of the Gaillard Center, an arts venue in the city that was going through an expansion. Dating back to the second half of the 18th century, the remains are believed to be mostly from enslaved people of African descent who lived nearby. A few of them were likely among the estimated 175,000 Africans brought through Charleston's port, a hub for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Artist Stephen Hayes, at left, shows volunteers Jonathan Richardson and Arianne King-Comer how to properly hold their hands in a mold in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Hayes will use the molds to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith The city reburied the remains at the site, where a memorial fountain is planned. But with few recorded details available, community members were also interested in using science to learn more about the people, Fleskes said. So, the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project was born, and researchers started looking for clues. ____ Artifacts from the site showed that the bodies were buried with care, explained Theodore Schurr, an anthropologist at the University of Pennsylvania who worked on the research. Some of them had beads in their hair or coins over their eyes. Minerals in their teeth showed only a few had been born in Africa, while most had likely been born into slavery in Charleston or nearby. Scientists also coaxed DNA from the centuries-old skeletonsdrilling small samples of bones and teeth, grinding them up into powder, mixing them into a solution and filtering out everything but the human DNA. They were able to get some genetic material for most of the 36 and full genomes for half of them, which were compared with the genetic makeup of people in Africa today. Phyllis Holmes prepares to put her hands in a mold in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes will use the molds to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith Results showed that they had ties to many different places along the West African coast, from Gambia to Gabon. They were mostly male, and largely died as adults. Their ages ranged from a child under 3 to a man over 50. Their DNA showed they were unrelated, aside from one possible mother-child pair. Researchers also offered DNA tests to 78 African Americans living in the Charleston area today, said La'Sheia Oubre, who led community education for the project. So far, they haven't found any direct relatives of those buried at Anson Street. Still, Oubrewho took a DNA testsaid she and other community members consider them family. "They have such a story to tell," she said. "And because they're not related to us by blood, it doesn't mean that it's not our moral responsibility to take care of them." Volunteers and family members take pictures of Princeton Dingle, 9, from Goose Creek, S.C., as his cast hands are seen for the first time in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes will use the mold to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith ___ Since it became possible to sequence DNA from ancient remains, the technology has taken us back to the days of Neanderthals and mammoths. Some researchers have been using ancient DNA to fill gaps in our more recent history. That includes cases like Charleston as well as the New York African Burial Ground Project, which revealed new details about Africans and their descendants in 18th century Manhattan. There aren't many records for these people from the time, said Michael Blakey, an anthropologist who served as the scientific director on the New York project. The records that are available focuses on things like how much enslaved people cost and what kinds of laws were used to control them, he said. Oubre said it's been powerful to have DNA reveal some of the "stolen history" of those buried in her city. A marker is seen outside the Charleston Gaillard Center honoring 36 enslaved people in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes will use molds from the hands of local Black residents to make a memorial to the people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith "To be able to know all of this, it's still mind-blowing to me," Oubre said. "It still just warms my heart that we're able to find out where we come fromwhere we really come from." In some cases, ancient DNA research has also challenged the history that's been written about certain communities. Growing up in Puerto Rico, anthropologist Maria Nieves-Colon was taught that the Indigenous peoples of the islands were quickly wiped out by European colonization, and didn't pass on their genes to people on the island today. But after looking at ancient remains from the island in a 2020 study, Nieves-Colon found genetic links did exist between those Indigenous groups and modern-day Puerto Ricans. Research like this shows "we need to think more critically about what was left in the historical record," said Nieves-Colon, who is now at the University of Minnesota. Ervin McDaniel Jr. plays his djembe, a West African drum, outside the Gaillard Performing Arts Center in Charleston, S.C., on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. The retired city planner is among those whose hands will be cast in bronze as part of a memorial to the 36 likely enslaved people discovered in an unmarked burial ground at the Gaillard site. Credit: AP Photo/Allen G. Breed ___ While ancient DNA can be a powerful tool for uncovering history, it needs to be used with caution, researchers note, especially when it comes to vulnerable groups. Unlike research on living subjects, work on recovered human remains doesn't require scientists to get consent, explained Krystal Tsosie, a geneticist at Arizona State University. And in the past, most researchers haven't consulted with groups like Native tribes or African descendants before studying the remains of possible ancestors. But this kind of work does impact living communities and they should be part of the conversation, researchers said. "In many ways, it's about power," Blakey said. "The right to tell your story." In Charleston, project leaders asked community members for their permission before every step, Oubre said. The names of the 36 had been lost to history and the team gave them new oneslike Coosaw, Welela, Isi and Kutoso they wouldn't be just numbers on a burial plot, said Joanna Gilmore, director of research and interpretation with the Anson Street project. DeAndre Muhammad holds up plastic casts of his hands in a studio at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, S.C., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Muhammad is one of 36 people whose hands will be cast in bronze for a memorial to the likely enslaved people discovered in an unmarked burial ground. Credit: AP Photo/Allen G. Breed Now, the new memorial is set to honor the lives of these 36 individuals, as well as the thousands of enslaved people who helped build Charleston, project leaders said. The memorial will be at the Gaillard Center, where a small plaque now marks the site where the remains were uncovered. It will include a fountain circled by pairs of bronze hands cast from current residents, and a base made of soil from other African burial grounds across the city, Gilmore explained. Last month at an art studio, residents created a copy of their hands, leaning elbow-deep into buckets of pink goo that hardened into molds. Artist Stephen Hayes poured liquid plastic into the molds to make shiny white replicas. Adrian Swinton got her hands cast to represent a woman given the name Tima. Swinton is descended from slaves herself, and said the memorial was a powerful way to remember their sacrifices. Cast hands made from local volunteers are displayed on a table in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes, background center, will use the molds to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith Adrian Capers Swinton holds up casts of her hands in a studio at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, S.C., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Swinton, the city's manager of human affairs and racial conciliation, is one of 36 people whose hands will be cast in bronze for a memorial to the likely enslaved people discovered in an unmarked burial ground. Credit: AP Photo/Allen G. Breed Christopher Frisby shows his daughter, Mary, his molded hands in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes will use the mold to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith Artist Stephen Hayes works on molded hands in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Hayes will use the molds to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith Sydney Reede, left, makes sure the hands of Malaysha Middleton, 11, stay still while her grandmother, Deborah Middleton, center, smiles in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. Artist Stephen Hayes will use the molds to make a memorial for 36 enslaved people whose bodies were unearthed in Charleston in 2013 during a construction project for the Gaillard Center. Credit: AP Photo/Mic Smith "Her legacy hasn't gone unnoticed," Swinton said. "And she wasn't property. She was a human. She was part of my Black history." Retiree Ervin McDaniel Jr. was giddy as he held up his freshly made plastic hands, which will be cast in bronze to represent the boy born into slavery who was given the name Fumu. "They lived, they worked, they diedand now they're being remembered forever," McDaniel said 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) The camp of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves on Tuesday said it believes the remarks made by Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla against the lawmaker are improper, and in effect are only demonizing the congressman. The secretary of justice himself is now making obliquities and innuendos as to the guilt of my client. To me, that is highly improper, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines The Source. On Monday, the DOJ secretary said Teves is among those being considered by prosecutors as masterminds of the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. Remulla also alleged that Teves may be involved in a big criminal group in the province that is possibly behind several illegal activities in Negros Oriental. Topacio said the Justice chief making such statements is improper since the Degamo case has yet to reach preliminary investigation. When it does, the role of the DOJ is to be an impartial, quasi-judicial body that will determine whether or not there is probable cause to bring a person to trial, he added. If the head of the department keeps saying that this person or that person, in his belief, is guilty, how do you now expect the prosecutors who are all under him to make a contrary decision after preliminary investigation? Topacio asked. The lawyer explained that when a crime occurs, an investigation happens first before the masterminds are determined. However, in the Degamo slay, the alleged orchestrators were first named before an investigation occurred, Topacio pointed out. Ive seen it all before. First, they demonize the person, he said, noting that they already expect that Teves will be charged for the assassination of the governor. Still, the Teves camp has no plans to file a motion to inhibit the DOJs panel of prosecutors from handling the case. This was the same motion filed by former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag amid his alleged involvement in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid. Topacio said if authorities think they have the evidence against his client, they should file the case. Otherwise, they should refrain from making inappropriate statements since they are prejudicing the minds of your prosecutors, you're prejudicing the minds of your people, youre indulging in trial by publicity, the lawyer said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A small team of environmental scientists from several institutions in Italy and Switzerland has found evidence suggesting that at least some of the red plumage sported by barn owls on small, isolated islands may be due to the ingestion of sulfur. In their study, reported in the Journal of Biogeography, the group studied the preserved skin of thousands of barn owl specimens from multiple geographic locations archived in museum collections. Barn owls are medium-sized owls with long wings, short tails and flat, heart-shaped faces. Their size differs by location as does their coloring. In this new effort, the researchers noticed that barn owls living on large, less remote islands tended to have lighter coloring that barn owls living on continents. They also noticed that barn owls living on smaller, more remote islands had darker, sometimes reddish coloring. They wondered if the darker coloring might be related to the large amounts of sulfur commonly found on small, remote islands. Prior research has shown that pheomelanin in many vertebrates is the result of sulfur compoundsit can lead to reddish-colored soft tissues. To find out if that might be the reason behind feather coloring in owls, the research team borrowed barn owl specimens from a variety of museums and studied their skin pigment. They scored the reddishness of the barn owl feathers based on degree and compared them across locations. Boxplots showing variation in mean ventral plumage colouration on island systems according to the presence of andosols and/or recent volcanic activity on islands/archipelagos. Jittering was applied to show all the overlapping datapoints. Credit: Journal of Biogeography (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jbi.14596 They found some associationsowls living on volcanic islands had darker and redder feathers. Unfortunately, it was only partially due to ingesting sulfurthe team was only able to explain 10% of the color variation of the material. They were also not able to explain why the owls on the remote islands are so dark. They suggest it is likely a genetic adaptation to help the owls hide in the thick vegetation typically found on such islands. They also note that the darkness may be the result of the birds' bodies attempting to shunt toxic amounts of sulfur to safer parts of its body. More information: Andrea Romano et al, Island volcanism predicts pheomelaninbased plumage colouration in a cosmopolitan raptor, Journal of Biogeography (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jbi.14596 Journal information: Journal of Biogeography 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). Credit: Marcos Altuve. New research led by the University of Oxford has revealed that the most endangered turtle and crocodile species are those that are most unique. Their loss could have widespread impacts on the ecosystems they live in, since they carry out critical processes important for many other species. Turtles and crocodiles are two of the world's most endangered animal groups, with approximately half of species globally threatened (International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN). Greater understanding of which species are most threatened and why is urgently needed to inform conservation efforts to save them. In a new study led by researchers at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford, an international team examined the greatest risks to wild populations of turtles and crocodiles worldwide. The results, published today (March 28) in Nature Communications, demonstrate that the most endangered turtles and crocodile species are those that have evolved unique life strategies. These species typically carry out highly specific roles within their ecosystems that are unlikely to be taken up by other species if they disappeared. The researchers used models to simulate extinctions as a result of human-led threats, assessing the impacts that would be seen for species with different life strategies. A life strategy is how an organism divides its resources and energy between its own survival, reproduction, and growth. Professor Rob Salguero-Gomez (Department of Biology, University of Oxford), senior author of this research, commented, "A key finding is that the threats do not affect all species equally; they tend to impact particular life history strategies. For example, unsustainable consumption of turtles and crocodiles mainly affects the longest-lived species with the largest clutch sizes, such as sea turtles." Key findings: The results indicated that if all species of turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles currently assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN went extinct, 13% of unique life strategies would be lost. Habitat loss was the main threat to all species of turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles worldwide. Compared to any other threat examined, this had the potential to cause double the functional diversity loss (the range of things that organisms do in ecosystems). Climate change and global trade were also major threats that affected all species, independent of their life history strategy. Species with unique life history strategies were also particularly affected by unsustainable local consumption, diseases, and pollution. Species with "slow" life histories (characterized by late maturity and low numbers of offspring) were particularly vulnerable to threats from invasive species and diseases. For example, in Sumatra, a significant threat to the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) is predation of their eggs by the introduced wild pig (Sus scrofa). Threats from pollution were particularly associated with species with high reproductive output (higher clutch sizes), such as freshwater turtles and saltwater crocodiles. For example, the three-striped roofed turtle (Batagur dhongoka) is highly susceptible to major hydrological projects and their impacts on river flow dynamics and nesting beaches, and water pollution. Local consumption was a particular threat for species with higher clutch sizes, and longer maximum lifespans. For example, the long-lived Asian Giant tortoise (Manouria emys) is generally killed and butchered on the spot for its meat whenever encountered by local hunter-gatherers through much of its range, as well as collected for export trade for consumption in East Asia. According to the researchers, the fact that tortoises, turtles, and crocodiles with unique life histories are more vulnerable to vanishing is highly concerning, since many of these perform important functions in ecosystems. For instance, some are effective seed dispersers, some create habitats for other species by making burrows, and others are predators that help maintain balance in the ecosystem. Having had these functions for millions of years, they are inextricably tied to the unique and diverse life strategies that species have evolved. Many of these species are also highly charismatic, such as the spur-thighed tortoise, native to the Mediterranean basin in the north of Africa and the East of Europe. Lead author Dr. Roberto Rodriguez (Department of Biology, University of Oxford at the time of the study, now at the University of Alicante) said, "The main threat to the viability of these groups of reptiles is habitat loss and fragmentation, which is especially common in species inhabiting the Northern hemisphere. The disappearance of wetlands, increasing urbanization, and the development of intensive agriculture, which already have tangible effects, will likely continue to negatively affect these species and their ability to persist in the mid- to long-term." Other threats, however, had a more global and untargeted effect. Dr. Molly Grace (Department of Biology, University of Oxford), co-author of the study, added, "While sustainable use and trade of wildlife can sometimes benefit species conservation, unsustainable trade of live animals or their parts threaten these reptiles throughout the world, regardless of their life history strategies." The capture and trafficking of turtles is common for keeping them in captivity, and crocodile skin is of great commercial interest; for example, although there are some controls on trade, Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in Pakistan are still illegally hunted for their skin. According to the researchers, the results of this study highlight the urgent need for effective conservation management plans that protect species overall, but also unique life history strategies and functional diversity. Incorporating functional diversity into conservation policies for these highly endangered groups may be a promising approach to help prioritize conservation efforts in the face of current and future threats. "IUCN red lists of threatened species could incorporate information regarding the functional uniqueness to help managers make local decisions that would impact global conservation most efficiently," added Dr. Rob Salguero- Gomez. The researchers add that people concerned about the loss of turtles and crocodiles should avoid purchasing products made from them and, particularly for turtles and tortoises, should not consider them as pets. Moreover, they can support organizations that develop conservation projects to protect their habitats and wild populations. Responsible ecotourism or citizen science activities, such as volunteering programs or crowdsourced data collection, can also offer opportunities to positively contribute towards turtle and crocodile conservation. More information: Anthropogenic impacts on threatened species erode functional diversity in chelonians and crocodilians, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37089-5 Journal information: Nature Communications The president of Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park and Lodge Resort was recognized as the states Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year at the park on Monday. After two cancellations due to weather, Rebecca Wood, was presented with the award from the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association in an award ceremony at the Great Escape Lodge. The Tourism Executive of the Year award is part of NYSHTAs annual Stars of the Industry program. Stars of the Industry celebrates the exemplary professionalism and exceptional service of individuals in the hospitality and tourism industry, the organization said. Woods award recognizes an executive who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership and service to the industry and to his/her community. Every year, the states hospitality and tourism industry nominates its most outstanding individuals. After reviewing all the nominations submitted, the judges agreed that Rebecca Wood was the best of the best, NYSHTA President Mark Dorr said, in a news release. Rebecca Wood is a star in every sense of the word and a shining example of what New York State hospitality and tourism is all about. NYSHTA is the countrys oldest state lodging association and offers programs and services to the statewide hospitality and tourism industry. The associations mission is to lead and protect the states hospitality and tourism industry by providing advocacy, education and resources. BALLSTON SPA A grand jury has indicted the off-duty Vermont sheriffs deputy shot by police for allegedly refusing to drop his weapon after an early morning altercation in Saratoga Springs last fall. Vito E. Caselnova IV, 25, of Glens Falls, was arraigned in Saratoga County Court Tuesday on felony charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, possession of a firearm in a sensitive location and two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. He is also facing misdemeanors of second-degree menacing and second-degree reckless endangerment, as well as a violation of second-degree harassment. Caselnova pleaded not guilty to the charges before Judge James Murphy. Bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $200,000 partially secured bond. Caselnova was taken into custody, and one of his attorneys, Greg Teresi, said someone was planning to post the cash bail. Murphy also issued an order of protection prohibiting Caselnova from having contact with Alexander Colon, one of the other parties involved. The charges stem from an incident in the early morning hours of Nov. 20 just after 3 a.m. on Caroline Street. Police said at the time that Caselnova got into an altercation with a group of six people, some or all of whom lived in the Utica area. At least three people attacked Caselnova. He was slammed onto the hood of a car and then knocked to the ground. At that point, police said, Caselnova pulled his jacket back to reveal he was armed. One of the other individuals drews a handgun and pointed it in the direction of Caselnova and began to fire. Caselnova returned fire. About seven or eight shots were exchanged. Three officers responded to scene and saw Caselnova waving the gun from side to side, authorities said. They gave eight commands to drop the weapon and get down on the ground. Police said Caselnova begans to turn with the gun and police fired close to a dozen shots. Caselnova was hospitalized with 10 bullet wounds. Caselnova is a 2016 graduate from Glens Falls High School. He has no criminal record. The top count of the indictment carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Caselnova is a part-time deputy with the Rutland County Sheriffs Office. He was put on administrative leave after the shooting. His current status could not be determined on Tuesday. Speaking with reporters after the hearing, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen declined to say if anyone else would be indicted or face charges. She reiterated that Tuesdays court hearing resulted from the grand jurys action and she can only comment on what has been unsealed by the judge at this time. Caselnovas attorney has said his client acted in self-defense. Heggen said she stands by the grand jurys determination. There is a time and place to interpose defenses and if that is something he intends to do, he will have the opportunity to do that himself, she said. The charge regarding sensitive location refers to the recently passed law that prohibits carrying a concealed weapon in certain places in New York. We allege that includes an establishment that is licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, she said. Heggen reiterated that the grand jurys indictment followed an extensive amount of research. This was not a quick speculation or rush to judgment that occurred, but rather, a thorough, methodical review of significant amounts of evidence. The grand jury made their determinations as it relates to the incident that night based upon all the evidence available to them quite in contrast to the quick, snap unprecedented judgments that the commissioner of public safety in Saratoga Springs and mayor made a mere 10 hours after the incident occurred releasing small snippets of video, not understanding any of the other evidence surrounding the incident, while members of law enforcement were still processing the crime scene. She was referring to Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino and Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim, who released body camera footage after the incident. Heggen had filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court of Saratoga County to prevent city officials from speaking about the case. That matter is still pending. Heggen said she has not received any update on where that stands. The Saratoga Springs Police Department issued a statement on the indictment, saying that officers responded rapidly to the exchange of gunfire downtown. This shoot out on Broadway illustrates that even Saratoga Springs is not immune to the dangerous gun violence that is plaguing our nation, the department said in a news release. Our officers reacted in a professional and highly disciplined manner in response to this deadly situation involving multiple armed individuals in a busy area of our City. Once the deadly threat was eliminated, our officers immediately transitioned and began to provide emergency, lifesaving, medical care to those injured. Although this incident was highly stressful and chaotic, our officers performed in an exemplary manner, and within their training and New York State Law governing the use of deadly physical force. The police also thanked the Saratoga County Sheriffs Office, Saratoga County District Attorneys Office and New York State Police for their assistance. In a follow-up email, Saratoga Springs Police Sgt. Paul Veitch declined to comment on whether there would be more arrests. If there are further indictments they will be executed when they are unsealed, he said. GLENS FALLS A woman was arrested after driving with a blood alcohol level over two times the legal limit, state police said. On March 18 at 11:29 p.m., New York State Police stopped a vehicle on Glen Street in Glens Falls for multiple violations of the vehicle and traffic laws, troopers said in a press release. The driver was identified as Ashley S. Jones, 36, of Glens Falls. Jones was charged with driving while intoxicated and other vehicle and traffic law violations. Troopers said she recorded a 0.19% BAC, over twice the legal limit of 0.08%. She was issued tickets returnable to the Glens Falls City Court on March 30 and released to a sober third party. Jose Irizarry says they called themselves "Team America," a group of jet-setting agents and prosecutors who were supposed to be fighting the war on drugs. But he says they all knew that war was unwinnable. State Sen. Jake Ashby, R-Castleton, has proposed a compromise to break up the legislative logjam over bail reform. Ashby on March 21 announced he introduced legislation to eliminate cash bail in New York and establish a commission to develop guidelines for judges to determine if those arrested should be detained without bail. Were taking money out of the equation all together, Ashby said, in a telephone interview on Monday. The proposed new Commission on Public Safety would be comprised of law enforcement officials, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and appointees nominated by the governor and each legislative leader. The commission would create a risk assessment tool for judges, in consultation with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, to use to determine if those arrested for most felonies and some misdemeanors, including sex crimes, domestic violence and witness tampering, should be held without bail. Ashby said it is a compromise between those who want judges to have more discretion in detaining those arrested, and other who fear that the poor arrested for petty crimes will not be able to post cash bail. Most people seem to agree that how much money you have shouldnt dictate if youre sitting at home or sitting in jail, Ashby said, in a news release. Most people seem to agree that previous efforts to reform the pretrial process didnt do nearly enough to protect our families and promote public safety. Lets work together and fix it. Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, a Democrat, endorsed the legislation on March 23. This is a thoughtful bill. Im hopeful that it generates bipartisan support and finally accomplishes what bail reform set out to do years ago: promote fairness without sacrificing public safety, Donnelly said, in a news release. The topic has been controversial since a 2019 bail reform law ended the practice of requiring cash bail for the release of those arrested for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses, in most cases. Some changes to the 2019 law, providing more discretion for judges, were enacted as part of last years state budget. Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed additional changes as part of this years state budget, but progressive Democrats have resisted. Saturday is the deadline for passing this years state budget, so its unlikely Ashbys legislation would be part of it. The legislation was just introduced, and has not yet been indexed or assigned a bill number. It did not yet have any Senate co-sponsors or Assembly companion legislation as of Monday afternoon. We see it as a driver of conversation, Ashby said, in the telephone interview. I do think it is a powerful idea, and that it will have an effect. Ashby said he first came up with the idea in discussions with his staff about how to achieve compromise on bail reform. It was a discussion we just had internally, he said. Ashby then spoke with several Senate colleagues who said the concept was not possible. But then he discovered that New Jersey has a similar system to what he proposed. If New Jersey is doing this, then it is plausible, he said. ATLANTIC CITY City Council approved a resolution to move health coverage for employees out of the State Health Benefits Program to a partially self-insured program with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The new coverage starts June 1, according to the resolution. Mayor Marty Small Sr. thanked council for supporting his administrations resolution, which was a way to avoid the state programs 24% annual increase in costs for about half of the year. We successfully negotiated at least this years five to six months of savings at $1.5 million, Small said. It could approach over $6 million. We will look at it again next year. Small said employees will still have the same company, plan, coverage and network. The only difference is you will get a new insurance card, Small said. AC had a bigger thrill ride plan for former Sands location Timing matters much in business. A shift in the economy can undercut financing and the likel Ordinance to regulate business hours Council this month introduced an ordinance to limit business hours in sections of the city that generate a lot of police calls. It would require businesses to close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily, and will have a public hearing and final vote soon. The ordinance grew out of discussions at the citys Clean and Safe meetings, held every other Friday at 8:30 a.m. by council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz in City Council chambers. Lighting ordinance passes Ordinances to require 24-hour lighting at businesses in industrial and commercial areas passed this month, with no members of the public commenting. Unicoaster proposal for Atlantic City Boardwalk voted down ATLANTIC CITY The city-owned Boardwalk Rotunda, a small round building at Indiana Avenue o Businesses in light industrial and commercial districts would have to be lit at all times when it is dark outside, whether the business is open or not, under the ordinances. Automatic parking payments tabled An ordinance up for final passage, to require automated parking payments for outdoor events on city-owned land, such as Bader Field, was tabled last week after members of the administration said it created problems for those without credit cards. We have no aversion to credit card payments, but there has to be a cash component as well. Not everyone in Atlantic City has a credit card, Business Administrator Anthony Swan said. Shabazz said the ordinance, sponsored by Council members Jesse Kurtz and LaToya Dunston, was intended to create accountability. An all-cash system has a lack of accountability, Shabazz said. Atlantic City moves to require more outdoor business lighting ATLANTIC CITY In its quest for a brighter city, the governing body introduced two ordinanc This was also about safety so people dont have to handle cash, Kurtz said. City Finance Director Toro Aboderin said the current cash-only system uses a two-part parking ticket, and she has personally been counting stubs and making sure the cash turned in covers tickets sold. That ticket processing system is something new, said Dunston. You were not doing that two years ago. Aboderin said she did it for all of 2022 without finding any discrepancies. She also said the administration was seeking to add a credit card option for payment. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) Amid calls for him to return home and face the allegation that he is involved in the Degamo murder, Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves still cannot do so due to threats to his life and to his family, his legal counsel said on Tuesday. If youre talking of danger to the Teves, there is real danger to the Teves, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines The Source. Teves, who is being considered by prosecutors as among possible masterminds of the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, has yet to return to the country after flying to the United States for medical purposes. He has cited concerns for his safety. Former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, the lawmakers brother, has urged him to return to the country as the former official believes the congressman will be safe given the assurance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Topacio maintained his client would go back to the country if he knows he is not in grave danger. The lawyer also said there are people giving Teves information about possible threats to his life and these were also the same people who warned him of the raids that were conducted on his properties. Topacio also said a certain Dr. Paul Teves was also killed in Negros Oriental. Topacio also noted his client does not have a private army as the only security staff he has are two personnel provided by the government. If he had a private army, he would not be raising a fit about having been deprived of his police escorts, he would not be raising a fit about his licenses to carry his firearms being canceled by the government. If he had a private army, he would not care because his private army would be there to protect him, the lawyer explained. ATLANTIC CITY Mayor Marty Small Sr. will represent the city when he travels to the White House this week for an event with the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association. Small, who is the associations southern New Jersey vice president, will meet with members for a policy discussion event sponsored by Kean Universitys John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy & Research, city officials said Tuesday. The two-day event will give both association members and state delegates a chance to engage with one another on issues facing urban communities. Its truly an honor to represent the Great City of Atlantic City and the Great State of New Jersey in our nations capital, Small said in a statement. Atlantic City has served as a blueprint for any urban city that may be struggling, demonstrating that a turnaround is possible. I look forward to discussing overcoming our challenges and coming up with new ideas alongside my colleagues. Members will also have an opportunity to meet with White House staff on issues that impact urban areas. Convenings such as this provide a unique opportunity for members of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association to talk about common challenges, share best practices, provide greater access and awareness to federal resources, and discuss solutions that positively impact urban centers, Barbara George Johnson, vice president of external affairs and urban policy and research at Kean, said Tuesday. ATLANTIC CITY A 5-year-old girl was pinned under an SUV after being hit by the vehicle while she was riding her bike Sunday afternoon, police said. The incident happened in the 200 block of North Montpelier Avenue, police said Monday in a news release. After being called to the scene at 5:44 p.m., officers arrived to find that bystanders pulled the girl out from beneath a GMC Yukon driven by 36-year-old city resident Nivida Garciaromero, police said. The child was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus. Police said her injuries were not considered serious. Crash investigators determined the girl was riding her bike when Garciaromero lost control of his SUV, colliding with four parked cars and the child. She and her passengers, an adult and two juveniles, were treated on scene for minor injuries, police said. Garciaromero was issued multiple traffic summonses. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with footage of the collision to call Officer Franco Sydnor at 609-347-5744 or text tip411 (847411), beginning messages with ACPD. MAYS LANDING An Upper Township man and former Pagans motorcycle club member previously convicted for his role in the murder of April Kauffman is seeking a new evidentiary hearing in his case. Ferdinand Freddy Augello appeared in Atlantic County Superior Court on Tuesday before Judge Donna Taylor. Defense attorney Adam Toraya and Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor John Santoliquido argued for about 20 minutes whether a post-conviction relief motion should be granted. Toraya argued some evidence was never provided to the defense counsel during Augellos trial, citing a lawsuit. He said the evidence is protected by Brady vs. Maryland, a 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision granting that all evidence of the prosecution that could exonerate a defendant be given to the defense. We want to see the other pieces of the puzzle, Toraya said. What exactly that evidence is was not discussed during the hearing. New discovery+ show to document April Kauffman murder case One of the most high-profile murders in Atlantic County history will be featured next month Toraya declined to comment after Tuesdays hearing. The parties are scheduled to be back in court April 18. Toraya said the litigation refers to evidence tied to the Kauffman case, insisting it needs to be made available. He also said he should be given permission to subpoena prosecutors, enabling him to understand what they meant by claiming in the lawsuit that Brady information was withheld from the trial. Clearly, we have a situation where the record needs to be expanded, Toraya said. Toraya also said an expert opinion about Kauffmans time of death was never presented and should be because it could point to her husband, Dr. James Kauffman, as her killer. That would clearly be something that the jury should have heard, Toraya told Taylor. Clearly, that would indicate Dr. Kauffman as the person that committed the murder. Clearly, a reasonable jury could conclude that (death) happened early on at 2 oclock in the morning, and that this whole story that involved Mr. Augello is something thats made up. Its made up by these witnesses to protect themselves from drug charges that theyre facing. April Kauffman was shot once in the chest and once in the arm in May 2012, the prosecutor said. She was discovered dead in one of the bedrooms of her Linwood home. James Kauffman, Aprils husband, was arrested in 2017 following a standoff outside his Egg Harbor Township endocrinology office. He later was found dead in a Hudson County jail of an apparent suicide in January 2018. Prosecutors said Augello hired Francis Mulholland to kill April Kauffman, a radio host, inside the home she shared with James Kauffman. The doctor, prosecutors argued, ordered his wife killed amid a looming divorce and the exposure of a drug ring he ran with Augello. Augello was found guilty of racketeering, leading a drug trafficking network, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy to distribute CDS, murder and conspiracy to commit murder in October 2018. Two months later, he was sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison. An appellate court ruling in 2021 affirmed the conviction. I think that what this post-conviction relief motion really establishes, or really reflects, is the defendants disbelief, the continuing disbelief expressed by the defendant that he was convicted, that he hasnt reconciled himself with the fact that the evidence was overwhelming at trial, pointing to the fact that he was the one who orchestrated April Kauffmans murder, Santoliquido said during the hearing. Augello recruited Mulholland for $100,000, Santoliquido argued. Video evidence, Santoliquido said, from Mainland Regional High School put Mulholland near the Woodstock Drive home at the time when detectives believe April Kauffman was murdered. Testimony shared during the trial also affirms the prosecutions case that Augello hired Mulholland as the hitman. Now, hes (Augello) trying to say that his attorney could have done more, Santoliquido said. The problem in this case wasnt a lack of lawyer. The problem in this case was the defendant was the evidence, and the defendant cant reconcile himself to the fact that the state did prove the charges. Thats not a legal problem for the state or for that court; thats a personal problem for the defendant. Defendant verdicts in the April Kauffman murder case Dr. James Kauffman Freddy Augello Beverly Augello Tabitha Chapman Francis Mullholland Joseph Mulholland Paul Pagano Cheryl Pizza Glenn 'Slasher' Seeler OCEAN CITY Less than a year after concluding an extensive search for a new superintendent, the citys school district will have to do it again, as current Superintendent Matt Friedman is leaving the district for a job in Pennsylvania. The Quakertown Community School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, approved Friedman as its new superintendent at a special meeting Tuesday evening. The School Board is excited for Dr. Friedman to join us, Quakertown board President Glenn Iosue said. Dr. Friedman is the best fit! He is a visionary leader and passionate educator. Dr. Friedman will achieve the next level of excellence for our district. Friedman did not respond to a request for comment, but was quoted in the statement from the Quakertown district on Wednesday. I am honored to serve as the new superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District. I look forward to partnering with our students, parents and families, staff, school board and our community in accomplishing the Districts mission and vision. he said. This prepares our students for life after graduation as well-rounded, responsible individuals and engaged citizens in contributing their knowledge and skills to our global community. Earlier this week, Ocean City Board of Education President Chris Halliday wrote in a letter to parents and community members that if offered the job, Friedman will accept it. As professionals, most of us have had to make difficult career decisions and realize the weight of such decisions. Dr. Friedman chose his path forward after much consideration and deliberation with his family, Halliday wrote. Friedman will remain superintendent in Ocean City until June 30. The Board of Education will provide additional details about the superintendent search process early next week, Halliday said Tuesday. We have learned much about the process and benefit from previously compiled research, which includes community surveys. We will find a superintendent our Ocean City community deserves. This time last year, the Ocean City school board was meeting with candidates to replace Kathleen Taylor, who spent 15 years as the district superintendent. The list had been narrowed down from 40 applicants, the result of what the district described as a nationwide search. Friedman was appointed in May 2022 and started with the district over the summer at a salary of $190,000. The school board recently amended his contract, which he said allowed him more time to travel for educational conferences and professional development. Before Ocean City, Friedman served as assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction for the South Orange-Maplewood school district in Essex County. New principal, athletic director approved in Ocean City OCEAN CITY The local Board of Education on Thursday named Wendy ONeal principal of Ocean The district has three schools, Ocean City High School, Ocean City Intermediate School and Ocean City Primary School, running from kindergarten to 12th grade, with a little more than 2,000 students. Students from Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Corbin City and Longport attend Ocean City High School as part of sending/receiving agreements. In the Quakertown Community School District, there are eight schools and 4,770 students, according to data posted by usnews.com. Since beginning at the Ocean City district, Friedman has had a high profile in the community, particularly in regard to the districts approach to state health and physical education standards. Some parents and community members opposed the implementation of those standards, with elements regarding sex education and gender proving controversial. The district held a series of meetings with parents, and the standards were a major issue in the November school board election, which saw all the incumbent candidates defeated. The opposition to the standards drew its own response, with students, alumni and others in the community raising concerns that LGBTQ students could be ostracized or otherwise face discrimination in the district. The first round of payments in New Jersey's ANCHOR program are being dispersed to homeowners and renters who applied for property tax relief, state officials said Tuesday. ANCHOR, or the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters property tax relief program, which replaced the Homestead Benefit Program, was introduced by Gov. Phil Murphy last year. Murphy has said the program is unique because it extends property tax payments to eligible renters. At a time when families are facing increasing pressure on their wallets, its a good feeling to know we are following through on our promise to make New Jersey more affordable, Murphy said in a statement Tuesday. Payments are on their way to New Jerseyans who elected to receive them through direct deposit, the Governor's Office said in a news release. More than 800,000 taxpayers were estimated to receive their relief Tuesday. NJ preps for surge of calls as ANCHOR filing deadline looms TRENTON The New Jersey Division of Taxation is preparing for a heavy influx of inquiries o More than 1.7 million New Jerseyans, of which about 1.25 million are homeowners and more than 514,000 are renters, applied for relief through the program. When the governor and the Legislature created the ANCHOR program, we knew it would be a game changer for residents all over the State, state Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said Tuesday. Im so pleased that money is going back into the pockets of more New Jerseyans than ever before. Most of the payments will be disbursed before May 3. Applicants needing further information may take additional time to finalize, the Governor's Office said. State officials said applicants who have not received their payments by May should visit the state Department of Treasury's website or call 888-238-1233. The Treasury said if a payment's status shows it was made but the applicant had not received it, they should seek assistance through the phone number one week after the direct deposit should have been sent to the bank or two weeks after a check should have been mailed. Murphy has cited affordability as a priority in his second term. His Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal includes $2 billion in spending to continue the program. A Davenport man and woman have been accused of providing excessive amounts of alcohol to a child who then had to be hospitalized. Police initially went to investigate a report of a domestic disturbance just before 11 p.m. Saturday at a residence in the 3700 block of West Locust Street, records show. As a result of the investigation, police think Dakota J. Green, 28, and Darshayla C. Huge, 31, knowingly gave the child the alcohol, causing a substantial risk of injury. The child had a blood-alcohol content of .305 and had to be hospitalized, records state. The court records did not provide further details on the child's condition or age. Scott County authorities have charged Green and Huge each with a single count of child endangerment with bodily injury. Green was free on a $5,000 bond as of Monday afternoon, according to the Scott County Jails website, and Huge remained in custody, held on a $5,000 bond. Both made their initial appearance Sunday, according to court records, and their next court appearances are scheduled for April 5. Bettendorf school officials announced the appointment of two elementary school principals, pending board approval. Cheyanne McCann, current interim principal at Paul Norton Elementary School, will move into the role of principal, beginning in July. Cheyanne has worked hard to support students and build collaborative relationships with families, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse said in a news release. She is earnest in her commitment to doing her best and driven to improve academic achievement and support all students and staff. McCann was appointed as the interim principal for Paul Norton in mid-July of 2022. The former principal, Brian Walthart, left the district to serve as principal for West Branch Middle School to be closer to his home in Iowa City. Before the interim role, McCann served as an Extended Learning Program teacher for elementary and high school students. Outside of Bettendorf schools, she also has served as a summer school administrator and an elementary teacher for the Davenport Community School District. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a K-8 reading endorsement from St. Ambrose University. She also earned a master's in educational administration from St. Ambrose. She also has earned K-8 reading and K-12 Tag endorsements from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Also joining the Bettendorf elementary school principal team is Kevin Turner, who was selected as the Neil Armstrong principal. If board-approved, Turner also will assume his role this July. The current Neil Armstrong interim principal, Rachel Cuppy, filled the position after former principal, Jayme Olson, was appointed as the district's director of curriculum, instruction and assessment this past June. We are excited that Kevin will join our administrative team, Morse said in the release. He brings leadership experience in supporting the whole child academically as well as supporting the social, emotional and behavioral health needs of students. He also has experience leading collaborative teacher teams and working with parents. Turner currently serves as the principal for Monroe Elementary School in Davenport, which is closing after this school year. He also has served as the acting principal and as a teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, also in Davenport, and has previously worked as an elementary innovator. Turner earned his bachelor's in elementary education from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. He went on to obtain his master's in educational administration from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Photos: Bettendorf students walkout to protest 'harmful' LGBTQ+ legislation For a long time, aviation fuel as a new alternative market for soybeans and other biomass seemed like a pie-in-the-sky concept. Today, with advanced research, supportive legislation, and the airlines on board, it is taking off. Illinois Soybean Association has been aware of sustainable aviation fuel for one or two years, talked about it and gauged its potential impact on the industry, said Ron Kindred, Illinois Soybean Association vice chairman. Illinois has introduced one of the most recent incentives. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchasers credit was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Feb. 3. The new credit of $1.50 per gallon of sustainable aviation fuel comes into effect on June 1. It applies to SAF sold to an air carrier or used by an air carrier in the state of Illinois and is in addition to federal incentives. Its potential is huge for the market, Kindred said of the demand for aviation fuel. Kindred, who grows corn and soybeans near Atlanta in Central Illinois, said this market is also good for corn growers. In Illinois alone, 1.1 billion gallons of airline fuel are used annually. The legislation allows for up to a 50% blend with petroleum. That makes up to a 550 million gallon market for SAF annually in Illinois, he said. Some groups didnt think it had a chance to pass, Kindred said, but ISA did and backed it early. He called it unique legislation. The credit goes directly to the purchaser, not to the blenders as in biodiesel, he said. Airlines on board The airlines are fully on board because it helps them in their sustainability efforts. They have already started promoting it to the public. United Airlines announced to its customers March 2 that Oscar the Grouch of Sesame Street fame had been named its new chief officer of trash. Many different kinds of waste can be turned into this really stinking cool thing called sustainable aviation fuel, Uniteds promotion says. SAF is an alternative to normal jet fuel that can help fly a plane with reduced lifecycle emission, the companys news release states. Together, with a Chief Trash Officer on board, we can help get the world passionate about trash and build towards a future where everyone flies with SAF. It will take some time for production to increase to reach that goal, Kindred said. We have to ramp up sustainable fuel production. It will take time, he said. The airline industry has been testing blends, figuring out the right mix, and working out possible issues. They have been measuring emissions and seeing which blends work best. We arent sure how soon it will be full-blown, Kindred said of SAF use. They want to do it and that motivation will help it get going sooner. Food and fuel The airlines, in their messaging, emphasize the use of trash in the fuel, and commodity groups point out that biofuels can be made with byproducts of crops used for livestock feed and food. However, some people are still concerned about so much of the production from row crops going into biofuels and other products instead of food. It is something Brian Sutton has been thinking about. Sutton is a rare combination a farmer and professional pilot. The Indiana farmer launched an ag business, Air Scout, in 2010. It uses airplanes to collect data for prescription zones for managing crops. As a working American Airlines pilot, Sutton said he sees the value of using sustainable fuel, and as a farmer, he sees the potential market for soybeans and corn. But at the same time, he keeps hearing about the importance of farmers in feeding the world. Its another path for food to go, he said. Kindred said hes not concerned about providing enough soybeans for food, feed and fuel. Soybeans are crushed, providing soybean meal for livestock feed as part of the food chain, leaving oil for other uses. With corn, DDGs used in feed are byproducts of producing ethanol. He sees the various market opportunities as a positive. In the big picture, well need all the different fuels out there and all the technology, he said. Kindred sees room for electric cars, nuclear, solar and wind to help meet the demands put on the electric grid today. He also sees more potential for biodiesels in the maritime and railroad industries. We are going to have to have it all we want to reduce carbon emissions, he said. An Amtrak journey; From Chicago to Baltimore and back Potomac River Harpers Ferry Misty mountains Huntington stop Cleveland Roundhouse Greenbrier River Roomette Train corridor Dinner Metropolitan Lounge exterior Metropolitan Lounge Mountains Pittsburgh Capitol (CNN) Nationwide strikes in Germany among its worst in decades are causing huge disruption at the countrys airports, on public transport and at its largest port Monday. The walkouts have been called by two major transport unions in Europes biggest economy. Ver.di, one of the unions, has demanded a 10.5% pay raise for its members, citing rising energy and food costs. More than 400,000 transport workers are taking part in the industrial action, according to Frank Werneke, the head of Ver.di. Flights at eight major airports, including those in Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg, have been affected by the strikes. The German Airports Association has estimated that around 380,000 travelers will not be able to take off on Monday. And some hubs such as Munich Airport closed their doors entirely, with 200,000 passengers impacted by the two-day closure at the airport that started Sunday. Long-distance railroad services scheduled for Monday have been suspended across Germany, as were early morning regional and commuter rail services. The mega-strike is paralyzing the country, according to German railway company Deutsche Bahn. This excessive and exaggerated strike makes millions of passengers who are dependent on buses and trains suffer. Not everyone can work from the home office, spokesman Achim Strauss said in a statement. In Munich, the local transport operator MVV announced the suspension of nearly all rail, underground and tram lines, and said it expected only half of all scheduled bus services to run. Hamburg, Germanys largest port, has also been hit by the walkouts, with large ships unable to call at or depart from the port. Other German employers have also criticized the strikes. Karin Welge, a spokesperson for the VKA, a group that represents public sector employers, called it an unprovoked escalation. Rarely have I seen the population of a country affected in such a way, Welge said. However, Germans on the whole are broadly supportive of the walkouts. In a recent YouGov poll, about 55% of respondents considered the strikes announced by the two transport unions rather or fully justified. Some 38% said the industrial action was rather not or not at all justified, while 8% did not answer the question. This story was first published on CNN.com, Strikes in Germany disrupt flights and trains, paralyzing Europes biggest economy" Lawsuits involving truckers and drivers of other commercial vehicles would be capped under a bill House lawmakers passed on Tuesday, but differences between the House and Senate versions need to be reconciled before the bill is eligible to be signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Senate File 228 would cap damages related to pain, suffering, death and other non-economic damages at $5 million in lawsuits against commercial vehicle drivers and companies. Economic damages would not be capped, and punitive damages would all go to the plaintiff. The Senate passed the bill in February, but the House amended the bill to remove much of the liability protection for employers that was included in the Senate bill, narrow the definition of commercial vehicle and increase the non-economic damages cap from $2 million to $5 million. This was the result of a lot of work and compromise by disparate parties, said Rep. Bill Gustoff, R-Des Moines. The trial lawyers and truckers associations a handful of people involved just trying to work through it and reach a reasonable deal. The bill passed the House 58-42. Six Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against the bill. Supporters said the bill is intended to prevent so-called nuclear verdicts, which have been seen in other states granting tens or hundreds of millions of dollars to plaintiffs for wrongful death or injury lawsuits. The supporters also argued it would bring certainty to the insurance market for Iowa trucking companies, bringing down rates and spurring economic activity in the state. Gustoff said the costs associated with higher insurance rates get passed on to consumers, and certainty in the market would rein in those costs. These costs get passed along, he said. So its hard on trucking companies, it costs farmers, it costs employees, it costs consumers. Because everything we eat, wear, use, if you have it, it came on a truck. Opponents of the bill said the amendment was an improvement, but said the bill would remove Iowans right to a trial by jury to fairly judge how much a person should be compensated for life-altering accidents. Rep. Megan Jones, a Republican from Sioux Rapids who voted against the bill, told of her great aunt, who died as a teenager in an accident with a semi truck, which had been parked on a roadway at night. The family decided not to sue, but she said she did not want to take away that decision from other Iowans. We didnt win the lottery, she said. I dont see this bill as being generous to victims. Iowans arent looking to get run down by semi trucks. Lawyers arent taking risky, frivolous cases. Iowa juries arent awarding more than a person deserves. Rep. Sami Scheetz, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, listed the names of Iowans who had died or been severely injured by accidents with commercial trucks and said the Legislature should not limit the losses incurred by those families. This bill restricts the juries abilities to make victims of negligence whole following a catastrophic loss, Scheetz said. That is fundamentally wrong. He also said the bill would make Iowa the only U.S. state to specifically cap damages for commercial vehicles. While some states have limits on non-economic damages for civil lawsuits in general, none specifies caps on commercial vehicles. What changed between the bills? Under the bill passed in the Senate, commercial vehicle employers would be shielded from liability stemming from direct negligence in hiring, training, supervising or trusting an employee if the damage was caused out of the employees negligence. But the amended House bill only protects employers from liability for direct negligence in hiring, leaving potential for employers to face damages for negligence in training, supervising and trusting an employee. The amendment limited the definition of commercial motor vehicle." That list includes vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds, vehicles transporting hazardous materials, some livestock transportation vehicles, road tractors. It does not include vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers, including buses, or delivery or pickup trucks used for commercial purposes, which were included in the Senate bill. There are a number of situations in the bill where the cap on damages would be waived. A commercial vehicle driver who is involved in an accident while doing one of the following would not be subject to the cap: Operating with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more Operating under the influence of a drug Refusing to submit to alcohol testing Committing a felony involving the use of the vehicle Using the vehicle to illegally manufacture or distribute a controlled substance Driving without a commercial drivers license or while the license is suspended or revoked Reckless driving Using a electronic device while driving Speeding more than 15 miles per hour above the speed limit The bill now heads back to the Senate for approval before being eligible to be signed into law by Reynolds. In a statement, the bill's floor manager, Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, said the Senate will need time to weigh the changes made to the bill. The House amendment to the commercial vehicle tort bill is a significant change from the bill the Senate passed last week," he said. "...My fellow senators and I will need some time to evaluate the changes before deciding on a path forward for the bill. Photos and video: Iowa legislators pass governor's private-school funding bill My First School Board Candidates Forum Last evening, I attended the 2023 Moline-Coal Valley School District Board of Education Candidate Forum. It was the first time in my life that I attended such an event. I decided to attend when a close friend asked me who I was planning to vote for in the upcoming April 4 school board election, and when I had to admit that I didnt even know who was running. A brochure was available at the door. It contained a photo and a short resume of each of the seven candidates. The seven candidates were seated at a table on the stage of the MH theater. The moderator was at a podium to the left. The format was as follows: (a) each candidate was allowed a 90-second opening statement; (b) seven questions were asked (one at a time) and each candidate was allowed to make a 90-second answer; (c) each candidate was allowed a brief closing statement. We were told the questions had not been made available to any candidate prior to the forum. A movie screen was situated above the candidates. Each of the seven questions asked was shown on the screen just before, and continuously during the time each of the candidates were answering the question. I found this very helpful. It allowed me to check to see if the candidates were answering the question asked, or ignoring the question and making a canned speech. I was impressed by the fact that all the candidates were clearly making their answers to the question asked. The first six questions were: 1. What motivated you to serve? 2. What are the essential attributes and behaviors for a school board member. 3. How does a board members role differ from that of the superintendent or administrator? 4. How can communication with the community be improved? 5. What is your vision for education in the community? 6. What are the strengths of the Moline/Coal Valley School system? The 7th questions seemed to invite repetition. No questions were allowed from the audience. That avoided the possibility of a friend of a candidate asking a question designed to benefit the candidate, but it also prevented questions touching upon the issues tearing states like Virginia apart. I was very pleasantly surprise with the presentations made by all seven of the candidates. All came across as intelligent and articulate. I saw no stuttering or stammering. No attempts at obfuscation or redefinition. Two of the candidate, Audrey Adamson and Justin Anderson, were already members of the board, seeking re-election. Audrey Adamson spoke of Equity, and Trusting our educators who were the librarians to our children. She spoke of supporting the superintendent, and representing the people who put us in office. She asked Who will our decision impact? And noted the importance of the board achieving consensus, noting that each board member was only one of seven. We provide guidance; we set goals; we supervise. The superintendent implements those goals. When people come to us for answers, our job is to connect them with the person with the proper answers. We want our school to be a school where students can come as they are; to prepare for the next step; a place where they want to be a school that also provides social and emotional learning and recognizes the needs of disparate kids. Justin Anderson spoke of his financial expertise and the need for board members to spend wisely. As essential attributes, he identified integrity, openness, and being available, noting that board members represent 70,000 people. He spoke of the need to balance between holding the line and collaborating with the other board members. He spoke of the need to recognize and set community goals. Be available, act as a sounding board, and be a voice for those who reach out to you. He believes the schools should be a welcoming, loving place for whomever. A launching pad. He called for teachers to be given what they need to meet the core needs of the students, and whatever else they need. He sees the district as having a strong staff and team. He wants a district were everyone is welcome, and where various pathways are provided. Michelle Carter began by noting that parental rights must be supported. While working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she worked with billions of dollars and acquired many transferrable skills. The school board members represent the families in the district; we need to focus on what families want. We need to be transparent to the people; to recognize what is possible, and whats not; and to show their concerns are taken seriously. Our mission, on which we must focus, is to graduate students proficient in reading, writing and math. To teach and inculcate the importance of civility. We have a lot of good teachers. We must support their efforts to provide for student needs. Our students come from many different cultures; this enriches our district. Ramona Dixon worried about pressures and the needs of the whole community. She said a school board member must know limits. We hire an administrator to do a job; our job is to collaborate with him. The superintendent is our point of contact. We provide the finances. In dealing with the people we represent, we cant over communicate. We must provide equity. We must prepare our students for whatever work, the military, college, and to deal with things on the horizon such as artificial intelligence. She took pride in the relationship between our students and the police, and in our good staff. Jason Farrell spoke of being motivated by Equity, the need for different materials. He noted that providing good service is difficult. He felt his strengths were explaining the complex in simple terms, working with others, and being a team member. He also felt that the superintendent was the Boards point of contact. He felt a board member should have no direct contact with teachers, or be involved in the removal of books. He felt tech in the schools could get better. He spoke of sexual orientation inclusion, noted that education is a fluid process, and called for getting rid of outmoded ideas. Lindsey Hines indicated she was motivated to run because teachers are our greatest asset, and because special needs must be better served. She felt a board member must be a good listener, empathetic, a team member, and able to work with other board members and employees. She felt it was important for a board member to understand what the community wants for its students, and to stay in touch with the community. The students must be prepared both for the jobs available today, and for jobs that do not exist yet. She sees the Districts strengths in its staff, and its partnership with the community. Mariela Trevino seeks election because the language barrier still has to be dealt with and to be "a voice for those who dont yet know English. She sees her strengths as being a good listener, a team member, and someone who can effectively deal with data. A board member must represent the families in the district. Our policies should leave no one behind. The Spanish community is underserved. We must listen to their needs and be their resource. My vision is to train and educate for success in the real world. We must provide for diversity, and the need of LGBTQ students and minorities. I am not a certified shorthand reporter. I took notes based on what I felt I heard the candidates say. If I have misquoted anybody, I didnt mean to do that. As I listened, I made notes of what seemed important to me. I knew nothing about any of the candidates when I entered the room. At this point, I know only what I believe I heard them say. If others took better notes, rely on them. You have plenty of time. I make no recommendations as to whom you should elect. The latest and final book in the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pioneer Girl series will be released in May. The South Dakota State Historical Society announced the book's arrival: Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction. Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction completes the three-volume series examining Laura Ingalls Wilders writing processes that took her from the autobiographical Pioneer Girl manuscript to publishing Little House in the Big Woods. Wilder collaborated with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, whose editorial skills and innate understanding of the literary agents role strengthened her mothers writing and made publication possible. When Wilder wrote her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, she had no idea that children across the United States would read and fall in love with Laura Ingalls and her family just two years later. Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction traces the evolution of Wilders matter-of-fact memoir of her girlhood in Wisconsin into a bestselling novel for children. Along the way, editor Nancy Tystad Koupal discloses previously unknown aspects of this story as she examines the various drafts of Little House in the Big Woods. When revised versions of Pioneer Girl failed to attract a publisher, Lane reframed the Wisconsin portion of her mothers memoir as juvenile fiction. The resulting 21-page picture-book manuscript, When Grandma Was a Little Girl, featured Pas well-honed tales told within the cozy Ingalls home in 1870s Wisconsin. This manuscript captured the attention of a New York publisher, who wanted more about pioneer life for readers ages 8 to 10. Accepting the challenge, Wilder returned to Pioneer Girl for additional material. As she wrote, she created multiple drafts and a completed manuscript for Lane to edit and type. Collecting all the unpublished drafts in Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction, editor Koupal documents Wilders process and explores the roles of authors, editors and agents in the crafting of childrens fiction. Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction may be preordered at sdhspress.com. Books will be shipped on May 30. Jersey Mikes Subs at Rushmore Crossing in Rapid City will join forces with Friends of the ChildrenHe Sapa, a professional mentoring program, for Jersey Mikes annual Day of Giving on Wednesday. Jersey Mikes locations nationwide partner with more than 200 charities during its Month of Giving and Day of Giving fundraising campaigns. Customers are encouraged to purchase Jersey Mikes subs on Wednesday to support Friends of the ChildrenHe Sapa. We are excited to partner with Jersey Mike's for this years Day of Giving campaign to raise funds to serve the youth and families in our program this year, said Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle, executive director, Friends of the ChildrenHe Sapa. Its an honor to be part of this, and we look forward to this Wednesday! Friends of the ChildrenHe Sapa, is a professional one-on-one mentoring program that starts serving youths when they are ages 4 to 6 and continues until high school graduation. Together with partners at Rural America Initiatives, Youth and Family Services, Oceti Sakowin Community Academy and Oglala Lakota College Head Start Program, Friends of the ChildrenHe Sapa will enroll 32 Indigenous children and families into the program in April and May. The program selects children who face the greatest barriers to success and well-being, whose families need support to break cycles of generational poverty and trauma. I wanted to partner with Friends of the Children ... because I believe a mentorship program that helps young Indigenous children from early adolescence all the way to high school graduation is a great program for our community, said Eric Bendewald, operating manager of Jersey Mikes in Rapid City. What I really appreciate about the program is that the mentors (Friends) teach very important skills to empower the youth to help achieve their goals in life while also giving the parents or other caregivers tools to create a stable home life. Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education canceled its Tuesday study session meeting due to a lack of quorum. Either for a study session or a meeting in which official action may be taken, there must be four members in attendance. According to RCAS Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer, the board would not meet this attendance requirement thus cancelation was required. She said the meeting will be made up as soon as possible though a date has not been clarified yet. "We are planning on a time that everyone can attend," Schaefbauer said. "We hope to get it rescheduled very soon." Come September the Rapid City Area School district will end its school health professionals program as the COVID-era federal funding used to pay for the positions ends. Health assistants that were implemented during COVID to help address health and safety concerns in Rapid City area schools were paid for by the U.S. Department of Education with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). After being extended multiple times, the economic stimulus program will end later this year. RCAS Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer said the district does not have the financial means to continue employing the health professionals. "With that ESSER funding concluding in September of this year, RCAS does not have the budget to continue the Health Assistant position," Schaefbauer said. "Our Board of Education approved using these funds to hire the health assistant positions with the understanding that the position was temporary while funds were available." One nurse and 11 health assistants were hired with ESSER funds. Currently, a nurse and a health assistant serve two designated schools ensuring there is a health professional on all school grounds at all times. The removal of district health assistants would revert health operations in schools to before COVID when one nurse was responsible for two designated schools that are close in proximity. If there is a health issue with a student, typically office secretaries step in to aid the student until a nurse arrives. The ESSER is a $190 billion program which was originally created by the U.S. federal government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) which gave $13 billion to schools to assist with creating healthy learning environments, return students to classrooms, and address local needs. The ESSER fund was prolonged twice with additional funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) known as ESSER 2.0. Passed on December 27, 2020, the stimulus bill provided an additional $54.3 billion in relief funds to K-12 public education. A third round of relief funding, ESSER 3.0, sent $122 billion to K-12 public education on March 11, 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). RCAS was awarded the second most ESSER funding of South Dakota schools districts behind the Oglala Lakota County School District. $62.5 million total ESSER funds were awarded to RCAS, $4.5 million from the CARES Act, $17.9 million from the CRRSA and $40.1 million from ARPA. Of the $600 million total ESSER funds given to the South Dakota Department of Education, 37% has been spent. Ed Ponsi is the managing director of Barchetta Capital Management, an NFA-registered commodity trading advisory, and is also the president of FXEducator. An experienced professional trader, Ponsi has advised a variety of hedge funds and institutional traders. He is a regular contributor to Real Money and covers a wide range of topics like market sectors and commodities. A self-defined trend follower, Ponsi makes investment decisions based on price and volume. Ponsi has made over 100 appearances on CNBC, CNN, FBN, BBC, and Bloomberg TV. He has been profiled in magazines such as "Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities" and "The Traders Journal." He is the author of several books including Forex Patterns and Probabilities, a top-selling book on currency trading that has been translated for release in China; and The Ed Ponsi Forex Playbook, which was endorsed by Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at The Johns Hopkins University, and Selling America Short: The New World Order vs. the American Middle Class. Fun fact about Ponsi: Prior to his career in finance, he used to be a professional musician (lead guitarist!). Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2023: Responding to the request of the Indian government, the Department of Immigration (DoI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has instructed all security agencies to be on high alert in the Nepal-India border area to prevent Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher from Punjab, India, suspecting that he could flee to a third country using Nepali territory either on his own passport or a fake passport. Indian Embassy in Kathmandu had written a letter to the DoI on Sunday seeking help in stopping Khalistan separatist Singh from fleeing to a third country from Nepal. Indian security agencies have a saying that Singh had reached Uttarakhand and could enter Nepal from the border area of western Nepal to flee to a third country. Indian security agencies have been launching a massive manhunt against Singh for is campaigning to create a separate country called Khalistan in India. Singh is believed as the head of an organization called Waris Punjab De. As the Khalistan supporters had also staged demonstration in London of UK and San Francisco of USA supporting the movement of Singh, the Indian police have been arresting many Sikh community members from all over the country in suspicion of their association with Khalistan supporters. In recent days, the Indian government has also blocked the internet within the Punjab state border to prevent eruption of violence. Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2023: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that politics should be guided by service motive towards the society and people. The politics should be motivated by the highest determination, commitment and dedication to serve the people understanding their joy and sorrow along with continuous closeness, President Poudel said while speaking at a program to unveil a bust of Nepali Congress leader and former Minister late Nabindra Raj Joshi, constructed at Yatkha Kumari Temple premises of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-19, on the second memorial day on Monday. During the function, President Paudel also stated that late Joshi was a personality who had a close relation with the people and had understood their joy and sorrow. I got the opportunity to not only know and understand Joshi from close quarters but also as a guardian to show the way all through his life to always motivate him towards building a a conscious, enthusiastic and conscientious personality by providing him suggestions, support and cooperation, the President Poudel said. The untimely demise of Joshi is an irreparable loss to the country, Nepal's democratic movement, the party, Joshi family and himself, the President Poudel said Joshi was successful to build an image of a simple, honest, friendly, helpful and capable politician, adding good moral and honesty were the characteristics of late Joshi. The President Poudel also opined that installation of Joshi's statue will always keep alive the contribution he made for the country and people, inform the future generations of an honest and good leader and encourage them to carry out moral deeds. During the function, Nepali Congress leader and former Deputy Prime Minister, Prakash Man Singh remembered Joshi as a person who practiced the politics of values and principles for bringing change in the country. Joshi was the person who waged a struggle through the Nepal Students Union for reinstating the rights that were hijacked in 1960, Singh said. Joshi's spouse and lawmaker Sapana Rajbhandari expressed her commitment to work for fulfilling the political goal adopted by the late Nepali Congress (NC) leader Joshi. During the function, she also expressed her belief that the construction of the statue will keep late Joshi alive. Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2023: Finally, the ruling coalition partners have reached nearer on a power-sharing deal. Final round of meeting between the top leaders of the major coalition partners- Nepali Congress, CPN Maoist Center and the CPN United Socialist held on Monday tentatively finalized the deal. It is said that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will expand his Cabinet by Wednesday if not Tuesday by finalizing the power-sharing deal on the basis of the understanding reached among the top leaders of three parties. Prime Minister Dahal, on Monday, held discussions over power-sharing deal with the Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Unified Socialist) chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, at his official resident, Baluwatar. Prime Minister Dahal has called a meeting for Tuesday afternoon to finalize the power-sharing deal as per the understanding of the meeting. Prime Minister Dahal would include some ministers no later than Wednesday even if he fails to give the Cabinet a full shape his cabinet, a close aide of the Prime Minister Dahal said. Rounds of formal and informal meeting continued even on Monday made possible to reach nearer on the deal though it is yet to be finalized. However, finalization of names of ministers of those who represent the parties in the government is another crux to settle the differences. The meeting of the top leaders of major three parties tentatively finalized the power sharing deal except some things that need to be settled by seating among all the coalition partners, Prime Minister Dahals chief advisor, Haribol Gajurel, said. For the second time in recent months, the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill came close to landing a major manufacturing project. Albemarle Corp. considered the 3,500-acre site in southwestern Pittsylvania County for locating a lithium hydroxide processing facility, but chose to take its project to Chester County, South Carolina, instead. Lee Vogler, chair of the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, said the Berry Hill megasite's status as a finalist for a second project this year just illustrates its strong selling points. "We would rather land this project than not, but to consistently have projects of this size and scope look at that megasite ... speaks to the quality of that site," Vogler said Tuesday morning. Late last year, a $3.5 billion Ford electric-battery manufacturing project, which would have brought about 2,500 jobs to the region, was shut out of contention in Virginia by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Ford ended up deciding to build its plant in Michigan after Youngkin removed Virginia from consideration for the project due to the projects partnership with a Chinese company. The megasite is owned by RIFA, a joint entity with a board that includes members of Danville City Council and the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, said Youngkin had two separate conversations with Albemarle's CEO one lasting a half-hour and the other 45 minutes as part of efforts to bring the project to Berry Hill. Albemarle plans to invest at least $1.3 billion and create more than 300 new jobs with average annual pay at about $93,000 at a nearly 800-acre parcel of land in South Carolina, according to a March 22 news release on Albemarle Corp.'s website. Albemarle's decision came down to geography. Marshall said officials with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership told him the company chose the South Carolina site because of its nearness to its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. "We can't move Berry Hill," Marshall said. He added that the company already had employees in Charlotte trained to perform the work that will be needed at its new facility. "It's quite a distance from Charlotte to this location [Berry Hill]," Marshall said. Vogler said officials had talks with the company about the project for about a year. Albemarle's project would also create more than 1,500 construction jobs, with the facility to product about 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide to help meet the demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, according to the news release. It would also include the potential to expand to up to 100,000 metric tons. "Production at the facility would support the manufacturing of an estimated 2.4 million electric vehicles annually," according to the news release. "It's disappointing," Marshall said of Albemarle's decision. "But you just move forward." There are numerous prospects inquiring about Berry Hill's megasite, Vogler said. "It wasn't long ago that there were not prospects for the site," Vogler said. Now local officials are seeing them every week, he said. That speaks to what state and local officials have doing over the past several years to get to this point, Vogler said. "It's not a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when,'" Vogler said of the chances of a major project coming to Berry Hill. When Jack and Helen Montgomery launched their small batch coffee roasting company in New Kent County, they named it Bugle Call Coffee as a nod to their military roots. Currently stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Jack is an engineer officer, the young Richmond couple fell in love with small batch coffee when they were dating long distance in college. One of our favorite things to do was to explore new towns and a find a coffee shop. We learned about small batch coffee and found cafes that roasted their own beans, Helen Montgomery said. Bugle Call was always our dream. We thought how great it would be to have our own company and build our own roots during the army and have something to come back to after army life, Helen said. The Henrico High School grads invested in a 1,000 square foot roastery and tasting room in New Kent County with their friend Seth Westerman, who is also the head roaster. We focus heavily on the small batch roasting mindset: taking a lot of care and developing each roast to make the beans taste the best possible they can and to focus on consistent roasting. We strive to create a personality for our brand, to make it approachable and a great entry point for people looking to try small batch coffee. Bugle Call launched a new line of blends featuring artwork by local artists, such as the Richmond Mornings blend with artwork of the James River bridge by artist Madison Pollard. Its a light roast, breakfast blend. Its a crowd pleaser featuring African and South American beans, Helen said. Its well-balanced and a good starting point. People like to gift it. They also enlisted the artwork of Benny Peterson, an active duty army engineer non-commissioned officer, for Bugle Calls Morning Grog blend. Petersons Instagram account, @brovembers, pays homage to U.S. Army engineer history. Bugle Call helps us connect with army communities, other military businesses and local businesses. And we loved how it keeps us connected to Richmond, Helen said. Bugle Call Coffee is currently carried at Stellas, Ellwood Thompsons, Yellow Umbrella, The Market at 25th and Libbie Market, among others. The cost for a 12 oz. bag is $13-$15. Starting in the summer, Bugle Call Coffee will be at the New Kent Farmers Market and the Dorey Park Farmers Market. The Bugle Call Coffee roastery is located at 3300 New Kent Highway, Suite A, in Quinton. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for tastings and in-store shopping. Bugle Call Coffee is also available for sale on its website buglecallcoffee.com. Richmond spring festivals: Arts in the Park, Dominion Riverrock & Richmond Greek Festival Something in the Water Blues & Brews in the Bottom Arts in the Park Que Pasa? Festival Dominion Energy Riverrock Lebanese Food Festival Richmond Greek Festival Family members of Irvo Otieno and their lawyers on Tuesday called for mental health reform and steps to be taken to avoid a repeat of what happened to the 28-year-old Henrico County man who died earlier this month in a Central State Hospital intake room. A mental health crisis should not be a death sentence, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said during a press conference the First Baptist Church of South Richmond. We dont want anybody else in America whose family is dealing with a mental health crisis to be killed by the very people who are supposed to help them. The comments came after the release of a video from the mental hospital showing Otieno being pinned to the floor prior to his death on March 6. A Dinwiddie County grand jury on Tuesday indicted seven Henrico County deputies and three hospital workers on second-degree murder charges in a case that has garnered national attention. Crump, who also represented the family of George Floyd, has said Otienos treatment has close parallels with Floyds killing in police custody in Minneapolis in 2020. It is not lost on anybody who saw that video today, the fact that it was so unnecessary, Crump said Tuesday. Irvo was handcuffed at the wrist, he had leg irons on, he was facedown. Why did they feel it was necessary to put all their weight on him, for some of the officers to put their knee on his neck? Caleb Kershner, a defense attorney for deputy Randy Boyer, was critical of the video being released and took issue with Dinwiddie County Commonwealths Attorney Ann Baskervill. Its going to be more difficult to find a jury that has not been tainted or read a particular news story of any sort. So Im disappointed in it, he said earlier Tuesday after the court hearing in Dinwiddie County. Otienos mother Caroline Ouko on Tuesday called the indicted deputies and hospital employees thugs and monsters. I was happy to hear that they were indicted, Ouko said. That is just the beginning step. Attorney Mark Krudys said he was troubled by the individuals who stood by and watched as the officers pushed down on Otieno. Everybody has an obligation to intervene in that circumstance, to say no, thats not right, Krudys said. But nobody intervened. And then when his body was lifeless, and his pants were dangling on him, they didnt do anything for an appreciable period of time. Krudys said his team is looking into possible body camera footage from Henrico police regarding a March 3 incident, when Otieno was transported from his Henrico home to Henrico Doctors Hospital. Ouko said she was excluded in the process of advocating for her son, noting that she made four attempts to see him while he was at Henrico hospital. In mental health and mental distress, your child needs you, Ouko said. Seeing me could have made have made a big difference. Instead, Otieno was taken to the Henrico Jail and later to Central State. Krudys said the deputies were not wearing body cameras at either location. My thoughts on the untimely death of Irvo Otieno: pic.twitter.com/4mGiKiLq7e Mayor Levar M. Stoney (@LevarStoney) March 21, 2023 Henrico NAACP Vice President Monica Hutchinson during the Tuesday press conference said: Jail is not, nor has it ever been, the best place for those having a mental health crisis. We must eliminate the use of jail as a response to a mental health crisis and mental illness, and instead work to improve access to community-based crisis centers. Otienos brother Leon Ochieng urged Gov. Glenn Youngkin to make mental health a priority, pointing out Youngkins recent comments calling Otienos death heart-wrenching. If you really do empathize and feel what we feel, do something, Ochieng said. Let your state be an example all we need to do is make this an agenda to put pressure on lawmakers to invite our communities to have families who are ambassadors for mental health. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney in a social media post on Tuesday said: "Irvo Otieno should be alive today. His life was taken in a place where he should have been safe. We need accountability and we need more mental health resources." Sweeping changes to the way Virginia regulates the electric company Dominion Energy that promise savings on ratepayers monthly bill have won approval from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin, who intervened during the General Assembly session to push a version of the legislation that carved out large chunks of what Dominion originally proposed, has suggested some technical changes, however. But these leave intact the heart of the bill, which should mean savings of $6 to $7 a month on a benchmark 1,000 kilowatt-hour bill, which currently costs a Dominion customer $137. Richmond to receive $14 million in federal money to help housing crisis U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) delivered a $14 million check, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Monday to modernize and improve access to affordable housing in Richmond. This includes returning broad authority to the State Corporation Commission to review Dominions base rates, which account for about half customers bills. Base rates have been essentially unchanged since 2007 even though the capital costs they are meant to cover have declined since then. The measure also eliminates some of the two dozen surcharges that, in all, account for about a third of a Dominion bill. It provides for an option to spread out the cost of soaring fuel prices, which otherwise are set to boost that benchmark 1,000 kilowatt-hour bill by $17 beginning this summer. Some 15 of Youngkins 17 suggested tweaks to the 27-page law involve punctuation corrections and replacement of pronouns with nouns. One eliminates a reason the SCC could allow Dominion to earn a slightly higher profit rate and the other broadens the authority to spread out the impact of rising fuel costs. The House and Senate, which approved the final version of the law with only one vote against, will consider Youngkins proposal when they reconvene next month. Governor Youngkin has worked closely to ensure that this deal protects Virginians against skyrocketing energy costs and is proud of the work done here with the General Assembly, his press secretary, Macaulay Porter, said Nursing home standards Meanwhile, the governor signed into law Virginias first staffing standards for nursing homes, the result of two decades of efforts by legislators and advocates. The legislation, sponsored by Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Spotsylvania, and state Sen. George Barker, D-Fairfax, says nursing homes would need to have enough staff to provide an average of 3.08 hours of nursing care to every resident, every day. It overcame longstanding opposition from nursing homes because it taps into a new value-based purchasing initiative at Virginias Medicaid agency, said W. Scott Johnson, a lobbyist for the Virginia Health Care Association, which has more than 350 nursing homes members across the state. Other measures the governor signed into law include new ways of handling people in mental health crisis when the crisis abates and they no longer need to be detained against their will. The aim is to protect individuals rights and to ease pressure on the states overcrowded mental hospitals One new law allows for the early release of a people held under 72-hour Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs) if a facility director or mental health workers find that they no longer meet the criteria for needing help, that they are not at substantial risk of harming themselves or others, and that they are not so unaware of their surroundings that they will fall into harms way. The other says that a physician can seek a magistrates or court order to detain the person for testing and treatment when his or her mental health crisis appears to be the result of alcohol or drug intoxication, and when that individual refuses treatment. The identical House and Senate bills are meant to address concerns that many individuals held under TDOs are actually intoxicated and may not need a bed in a state hospital. These measures all passed with broad bipartisan support, even as scores of others died because the Republican-led House of Delegates and the Democratic majority in the state Senate help sharply different views on guns, criminal justice, abortion and a state budget where the two chambers had a $1 billion difference over Youngkins proposal for tax cuts. New agency on track Youngkins priority push to consolidate the states workforce development efforts into a new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is also on track now, as he signed into law the measures setting it up. The initial version of this effort came through the House of Delegates, but with broad opposition from Democrats, largely because of concerns about its impact on existing apprenticeship programs run by labor unions. Negotiations after crossover, when House bills go to the Senate and vice versa, resolved those concerns and the revised measure passed nearly unanimously. The new department will take over administration of apprenticeship programs from the Department of Labor and Industry and will take charge of statewide workforce program evaluation and data sharing. The new law sets up a Virginia Board of Workforce Development to conduct independent evaluation of the operations and programs of the department, and directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to collaborate with the new department to expand internship programs and funding. A major criminal justice measure that sparked opposition from all House Democrats and some Senate Democrats will also become law now that the governor has signed it. This new law says members of shoplifting rings can now be charged with racketeering. The identical House and Senate bills say it is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, to conspire or act with others to steal items from one or more stores items worth more than $5,000 over a 90-day period. Which bill made it? We look at 25 pieces of Virginia legislation Behavioral health Cannabis Casinos China Crime DEI Dominion Elections Guns K-12 funding Old City Hall in Richmond Rights restoration Same-sex marriage School choice School libraries Site readiness Tax cuts Threat assessments Transportation Virginia Literacy Act Workforce development Legal battles between Myrna Morrissey and her husband, Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, continue amid a theft allegation on Ms. Morrisseys end, and attempts to hold her counsel and family in contempt of a previous gag order on Morrisseys end. The state senator in May will face a petit larceny hearing for allegedly stealing her passport. The hearing is set to take place in Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court at 10 a.m. on May 18 a little over a month before he faces a Democratic primary against former state delegate Lashresce Aird. The bitter legal proceedings between the couple also include an attempt to remove Ms. Morrisseys legal counsel, along with filed contempt against her counsel and family for allegedly violating a court order. Previously, Morrissey had sought a now-dropped protective order against his wife, as he alleged abuse of their child by her boyfriend. At issue were alleged welts on the childs buttocks that Ms. Morrisseys family in a statement referred to as a rash. While the senator and Ms. Morrissey were subject to gag orders that prevented them both from speaking on the subject at the time, a statement attributed to Ms. Morrisseys family was provided to the press. A statement by her lawyers, Mary Elizabeth White and Darcy Geisler, also was provided. The protective order was dismissed in February. We feel it is important as her family to clear her name by letting the public know that Myrna and [her boyfriend] were completely vindicated today in court, a family-attributed statement read. The allegations set forth by Sen. Morrissey were unfounded and it was determined by the court that this was nothing more than a rash. No abuse occurred whatsoever. Ms. Morrisseys father, Coleman Pride, and her sister, Christina Davis, had been in court to watch the Feb. 2 proceedings where Morrisseys protective order was dismissed. The family statement went on to call Morrisseys allegations an abuse of power and influence and the legal system. Morrissey also has since subpoenaed journalist Brandon Jarvis of the Virginia Scope newsletter to testify about communications he allegedly received from Ms. Morrissey, but the matter was quashed last Thursday. Jarvis, who published a statement attributed to the family, asserted he had not texted with her. Meanwhile, in a call on Monday, White said she and her co-counsel did not violate the previous gag order because it applied to the senator and Ms. Morrissey. That doesnt mean attorney ... her family was in the room, White said. So of course, my co-counsel and I released a statement to [the Richmond Times-Dispatch]. The Morrisseys have been separated since 2019, when Morrissey was elected to the Virginia Senate. Their marital rift became public knowledge in January, when Morrissey reported suspected child abuse and alleged it was his wifes boyfriend who had done it. His wife then posted a series of allegations on Instagram of sexual infidelities and mistreatment by her husband. He alleged child abuse and sought a now-dismissed protective order against his wife and her boyfriend. White said that if her client states she is okay with it, then White can still represent her while also representing herself in the contempt issue. Theres no conflict and [Morrissey] tried to get me kicked [out], White said. Thats all hes doing. Hes trying to leave her without an attorney. The Times-Dispatch has not heard back from Morrisseys legal counsel at the time of this publication. From the Archives: Scenes from Grace Street in the RTD archives Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Grace Street Radford University is planning to stabilize enrollment 1 percent at a time during the years ahead. University President Bret Danilowicz emphasized one of his top priorities during a board of visitors meeting last week. His goal, as president since last summer, is to stop a yearslong decline in the number of students attending Radford. This is a quantitative goal, its measurable. You either stabilize the number of students you have at the institution, or youre decreasing that number, Danilowicz said. In an ideal world it increases, but I want to stabilize ... Thats where were at. He defined enrollment as the number of new plus continuing students. Three years after the onset of coronavirus, Radford Universitys total enrollment for spring 2023 is 7,718 students, Danilowicz told the board of visitors. Thats about 4,000 students fewer than in spring 2020, after the fall 2019 opening of Radford University Carilion boosted overall enrollment to almost 12,000 at the time, according to university data. If we increase the retention by at least 1% a year, Danilowicz said, even if we hit our minimum of a percent a year, we actually start turning around enrollment at the institution. Radford retained 68% of its students last year, compared to an average of almost 86% retained across public four-year institutions in Virginia, according to state data. Retention has an impact, Danilowicz said. New students have an impact, both the freshmen and transfers. Last semester, fall 2022 enrollment was down from 2021 attendance by about 1,200 total students, according to university headcounts. That decrease was better than Radford administrators expected, board documents said. Actual 2022-23 fall enrollment was 4.5% more than budgeted resulting in larger than projected tuition and fee revenue, a budget document said. University operating revenues are projected to be above forecast by $3.3 million. Enrollment tools presented during the board meeting Friday show the number of Radford students projected to decrease to 7,146 total for fall 2025, and stabilize during years after. But a rebound could happen sooner, if retention rates pick up, Danilowicz said. A percent is a good goal for next year, he said. I do anticipate in future years elevating that, because I think we can accelerate that increased retention thereafter at a much faster rate. Enrollment projections for the near future suggest a nationwide shrinkage in the overall number of new college students. One of the things, just in the national data, is this slow decline in the number of new students who will be entering the pipeline at universities, Danilowicz said. When they translate that to the Commonwealth over about a 10-year period, they expect somewhere between a 7[%] to 10% reduction in new students that will be enrolling at universities. That change is likely real, he said. At least, its real for traditional new undergraduate students, young people who just graduated high school. But its up to institutions, and to Radford, to figure out how do we create a pipeline of students that still keep us enrollment neutral? Danilowicz said. For me, its not all about our traditional students then. The university is strategically focused on five areas to stabilize enrollment, said board of visitors member Lisa Throckmorton: marketing and communication, partner engagement, recruiting strategy, affordability and experiences. The school is refining its marketing strategies, upping its marketing investment to $1.2 million, and plans to launch a redesigned website in October, she said. A factor in student enrollment decisions is university distinctiveness, Danilowicz said. We are continuing to understand how we best define our distinctiveness as an institution, Danilowicz said. Part of this is through the brand identity that we have been working on. He said Radfords strengths include a focus on experiential learning and undergraduate research, proximity to the natural environment and a sustainable campus. He said Radford looks and feels like a private college, but its one of the most affordable schools in the state. Canadian company Nova Steel opens third plant in Mexico Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila Canadian company Nova Steel has inaugurated its third plant in Mexico. On March 22, the company celebrated the opening of its third production facility in the municipality of Ramos Arizpe in the state of Coahuila. The 16,000 square meter plant is located in the Santa Maria Industrial Park. Mario Campos, the General Manager of Nova Steel, said that they foresee the potential expansion of 15,000 square meters that will allow them to double their production. Ramos Arizpe has established itself as the industrial heart of the north due to the recent investments it has received, said Campo who says that due to the upcoming Tesla Gigafactory in Nuevo Leon, they are likely to experience economic benefits in the entire sector. Nova Steel is dedicated to the transformation of steel to produce metal structures and tubular products for the automotive industry, however, in the region, they also have processes to manufacture railway products and equip the production lines of the assembly plants that exist around the country. The company has grown 700 percent over its 12 years in Mexico. Photo: Governor of Coahuila March 22, 2023. He said that Nova Steel production processes are located in Coahuila, which serve the national and international market, which over the past 12 years, has grown by 700 percent. Currently, we produce 90,000 to 100,000 tons of tubular products at our three plants. Each one has different process, he said. Campos said that the third plant cost $37 million and created 70 new jobs. Real estate company files lawsuit against municipality of Cozumel Cozumel, Q.R. A real estate company has filed a lawsuit against the municipality of Cozumel for failing to deliver a water area. The suit was filed last week by Inversiones Turisticas del Caribe S.A.P.I S.A. de C.V. against the municipality for failing to deliver a marina area called La Caleta. In March of 2011, the company had allegedly signed an agreement with Fonatur for the property that was supposed to be used to build a yacht club. The agreed upon area was just over 14,000 square meters of land and 20,700 square meters of water area that was to become part of a hotel complex. However the company that owns the Presidente hotel where the marina was supposed to be built says they did not receive the land to build the yacht club as agreed due to objections by local residents and fishermen. The lawsuit was filed in a Mexico City court last week for $60 million USD. Seven more private properties in southern municipalities expropriated for Maya Train Riviera Maya, Q.R. The Government of Mexico has claimed another seven properties for Maya Train use. The latest seven plots of land are in the municipalities of Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Othon P. Blanco and correspond to section 6. The decree declaring them for public utility purposes was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on Monday. There, the decree detailed 83,819.07 square meters between the seven privately owned properties. The expropriation includes the immovable property that are on the plots of land. Of the seven properties expropriated, two are located in Tulum, four in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto Guadalupe in the towns of San Fernando, La Gloria and Santa Lucia and one in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco. The first volume of a biography of the late Supreme Court justice has been published, opening a window into the highly influentialand polarizingjurists life. Its clear that his opinions were formed not merely in class- and courtrooms but also by the lived experiences of an Italian immigrants son. When Judge Antonin Scalia was confirmed to a seat on the Supreme Court of the United States on September 16, 1986, no senator voted in opposition. He was confirmed by a vote of 98-to-0, a margin completely unthinkable 30 years later. When Justice Scalia died on February 13, 2016, it was the final year of the Obama presidency, which had seen a Supreme Court, as deeply divided as the American people, uphold the so-called Obamacare legislation and articulate a constitutional right to marriage for same-sex partners. Social and political questions aside, these decisions represented significant departures from textualist and originalist approaches to the statutory and constitutional interpretation for which Scalia had been known. So it is no surprise that his death and vacated seat on the Court would play a pivotal role in an already contentious and divisive presidential election season. Scalia is remembered today as the anchor of the conservative wing of the Supreme Court over the course of the nearly 30 years that he served as a justice. His scholarship, public lectures, and judicial opinions breathed new life into debates about federalism, judicial restraint, and the proper approach to statutory and constitutional interpretation. He was a larger-than-life figure, and one of the first of only a few celebrity judges with a popular following and appreciation that transcends the legal profession. The first of two volumes of James Rosens new biography of the late justice, Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 19361986, focuses on the years leading up to Scalias unanimous confirmation to the Court, and it could not be timelier. So many of the most pressing issues of our day drive proponents of different social positions into opposite trenches, from which both sides shoot at the compromisers in the mushy middle. There were almost no issues about which Scalia did not hold strong opinions, and in his later years, as the culture began to be so bitterly divided, he, too, became known to many by his positions rather than his character, his personality, his faith, or the communities to which he belonged. This fact was used brilliantly by his son, Fr. Paul Scalia, in the moving homily that he delivered at his fathers funeral. Rosens biography provides a detailed portrait of the person who was behind those strong, controversial opinions and formidable rhetoric. Antonin Scalia was born March 11, 1936, just 16 years after his father, Sam Scalia, immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island as a 17-year-old born in Sommatino, Italy. His mother, Catherine, born in New Jersey, was the daughter of Italian immigrants. Both of his parents were educatorsSam was a professor of romance languages at Brooklyn College and Catherine taught elementary school. Both of them came of age and lived their whole lives immersed in Italian American communities. As such, Scalia was born into two marginalized minority communities: the Italian American and the Catholic. In fact, when he was nominated to the Supreme Court, much was made of the fact that he was the first Italian American to receive such an honor. His confirmation also marked the first time in decades that two Catholics would serve on the Court at the same time (the other was Justice William J. Brennan), marking the end of a 150-year period during which there was an unofficial Catholic seat on the Court often filled by a nominee actively, even if privately, promoted by leading Catholic bishops. Scalia endured certain indignities as a result of being an ethnic minority. As a faculty member at the University of Chicago, he had to ask a former Harvard classmate not to refer to him using a racial slur. And during his only appearance before the Supreme Court as an advocate, a justice privately wrote in the margins of his notes that he was dark, pudgy. His beloved wife, Maureen, the daughter of Irish Catholic immigrants herself, was discouraged from taking a serious interest in him. But the event that he commented on himself much later in life, even as a sitting Supreme Court justice, was the fact that he was denied admission to Princeton University because of his Italian heritage. Despite these experiences, he was careful, especially in recounting his unsuccessful application to Princeton, to make it clear that he did not operate as a victim. Nevertheless, these experiences certainly marked the way that he thought about race. If Scalias own public comments and writing are any indication, the bias that accompanied his Catholic Christianity was much more at the front of his mind. He often encouraged fellow Christians and Catholics to accept condemnation from civilized society, as his son Gene summarizes it. His parents were both devout Catholics and provided their only son with a rigorous Jesuit education all the way through his college years at Georgetown University. He made some of his most lasting friendships in the crucible of these intellectually and spiritually challenging environments. He was on the debate teams, in drama productions, held positions of leadership, and even appeared on television as a high schooler. He learned to craft formidable arguments and to think quickly under the tutelage of Jesuit priests. But he also learned to appreciate the faith he inherited from his parents. He was reminded in his final oral examination at Georgetown that it was the Incarnation that is the most seminal historical event that should shape his life. And after that reminder he charged his classmates in his valedictory address to be leaders of a real, a true, a Catholic intellectual life. In his professional and personal lives, the late justice was always willing to be an example in this regard. What is helpful about Rosens treatment of these formative forces is that he takes them seriously. He does not provide an apology (or an apologetic) for Scalias faith or attempt to downplay the ethnic bias that Scalia faced, even if it might be difficult for many today to conceive a time when someone of European descent would face discrimination. (Italians are not, after all, accounted for in the acronyms BIPOC and AHANA.) In short, Rosens personal biases, whatever they may be, about the late justices faith or life experiences do not color his treatment of these realities. A common theme among the interviews that Rosen conducted with family and friends is that Scalia was warm, loyal, and likable. Many of his friendships spanned decades and dated back to high school. The span of years included in this first volume treat the beginning of one of Scalias most famous friendshipsthat with his ideological opposite Ruth Bader Ginsburg. More on this will likely follow in the next volume, but the mutual respect and genuine affection that the liberal Ginsburg and the conservative Scalia held speaks volumes about the character of each. But not every relationship stood the test of time. Legal observers have known for a while that Scalia and Judge Robert Bork, a colleague of Scalia and Ginsburgs on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, once enjoyed a close relationship that soured in later years. Rosen includes previously unpublished notes and internal memos that sheds some light on this. While the two judges and legal scholars held roughly equivalent judicial and legal philosophies, some of the nuanced differences between the two proved to be a source of significant tension that culminated in thinly veiled public disagreements in academic writing and judicial opinions. But this is a testament to two other aspects of Scalias character that made him such an effective juristintegrity and courage. Bork was the more senior of the two and, as Rosen describes it, Scalias disagreements with him were like a disciple challenging a church founders authority. Scalia was not unaware that his disagreements with his older friend were eroding their relationship. He was simply too principled to compromise. Sharp and much more fundamental disagreements with Ginsburg, however, served only to forge their well-documented decades-long friendship. As Rosen details Scalias life and work experience, one begins to appreciate the roots of some of the justices strongly held opinions. Owing to a grant from Harvard University, Scalia and Maureen had the unique opportunity to travel behind the Iron Curtain in the 1960s. They spoke years later about meeting some Polish peers who showed tremendous hospitality to the young married couple. His first-hand observation of the suffering caused by communist attempts to order society made him especially mindful of the harm of a government that expands and overreaches into the lives of citizens, which is a theme that found its way into his work as both an academic and a jurist. As a law professor Scalia wrote forcefully about affirmative action, an issue before the Supreme Court at the time. He appealed to his fathers experience as an immigrant but did not explicitly depend upon his own status as an ethnic minority to state his position. It is impossible, however, to assume that this did not spark deep reflection on this issue. His father, Scalia wrote, had never profited from the sweat of any black mans brow as a post-Reconstruction immigrant to the United States, and he denied that his bloodline owed any special debt to any other for reasons beyond brotherly concerns for fellow man. In short, before ascending to the federal bench, Scalia produced a body of workacademic and popularthat created a record of his thoughts on a variety of issues. Once on the D.C. Circuit, it was merely a matter of months before he had cemented his position as the most influential member of the court and a forceful and effective advocate for originalism and textualism. The unique docket of the D.C. Circuit allows judges to expound upon statutory interpretation, and Scalia took full advantage of the opportunity. It was as if the Supreme Court were always in his sights. In fact, Rosen reports for the first time in any biography that Scalia articulated his goal of a Supreme Court appointment to a close friend from high school, Fr. Robert Connor, not long after each had graduated college. His plan was to enter private legal practice with the firm of Jones Day and eventually make it to their Washington, D.C., headquarters. I will be sent to Washington, Scalia told his friend, and then I will rise. The path, of course, was a bit more circuitous. He did go on to practice law with Jones Day in Ohio but left to teach first at the University of Virginia and then, after a job as a lawyer in the federal government and time at the American Enterprise Institute, the University of Chicago, before being nominated and confirmed to a seat at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and finally the Supreme Court. Rosen ends this volume just a few weeks after Justice Scalia had assumed his seat on the Supreme Court. The second volume should prove to be interesting. It would be easy for a certain type of biographer to get lost in the minutiae of the evolution of Scalias jurisprudence, but Rosen is not a legal scholar. And Scalia, as Rosen has made clear in this first volume, was much more than his ideas and judicial philosophy, and hopefully the second volume will prove to be as rich and well rounded as the first. Admittedly, I am favorably inclined to Justice Scalias judicial philosophy, tone and style of public engagement, and general approach to the world, but I bristle at the assertion that this sympathetic but balanced biography is merely hero worship of an icon of the right. Rosen has produced a work that is truly helpful in understanding the man, the judge, the legal thinker, and the times in which he lived and worked. Granted, it is hard not to like the Scalia presented here, and hard not to be envious of the family and friends who knew and loved him. And while Rosen may never have intended for the book to do so, I hope it will nevertheless encourage readers of all political, religious, and social persuasions to consider that behind every strongly held position is a person even opponents could find likable and possessed of a relatable background, and with whom one could engage in civil and profitable dialogue. The Montgomery Museum of Art and History is one of 11 recipients to receive a grant from the Virginia Museum of History & Cultures Commonwealth History Fund. The Montgomery Museum has been generously awarded $25,000 to tell the story of Virginias Appalachia via the development of an education lab and new interactive exhibit material. The VMHC, in partnership with Virginias Department of Historic Resources, awards grants to history organizations and projects throughout the commonwealth of Virginia through its Commonwealth History Fund. There are several key selection criteria to be considered for the grants, including the significance of the project or resource, its impact on its community and the commonwealth, the focus on historically underrepresented topics and communities, and the need for funding and urgency of the project. One of the largest initiatives of its kind, the Commonwealth History Fund is expected to award up to $2,000,000 over its first five years. In 2022, the VMHC awarded $402,500 to fellow history organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes including preservation, publications, artifact acquisition, research, conservation of artifacts and educational programming. Eligible recipients include Virginia nonprofits, educational institutions and state-recognized Virginia Indian tribes. The fund was made possible through the generosity of Dominion Energy and others. The Commonwealth History Fund has quickly become one of the best tools we have as your state history museum to support history education and preservation efforts taking place in your local community, said VMHC President and CEO Jamie Bosket. We are so very thankful for this opportunity to invest in the work of our fellow history organizations, now and for years to come. We are incredibly honored to be one of the 11 compelling projects chosen to receive funding from the Commonwealth History Fund, said Montgomery Museum Director Casey Jenkins. Through this amazing opportunity, we will be able to give back to southwest Virginia by implementing a project that will help us tell the story of Virginias Appalachia. The Montgomery Museum plans to utilize the grant funds to improve digital capability via dedicated space and equipment to enhance access to museum collections for researchers, scholars and the general public. This dedicated space in the lower level of the museum will be known as the education lab, which will also offer free research services via brand new state-of-the-art digitization equipment. The first project planned for the new digitization and exhibition equipment centers on the 1822-1825 Kyle Store ledger. Created when the county seat of Christiansburg served a wide region of southwest Virginia, the ledger includes transaction records of well-known early settlers and large landowners. What they purchased, its pricing and frequency of purchases are all avenues for research. However, the ledger holds an even more fascinating story. Ledger notations document the movements of women and enslaved people conducting errands to the store. Once digitized, Museum Curator Sherry Wyatt said, the museum will create an interactive exhibit allowing the visitor to experience the ledger with its complex script handwriting. It will provide an opportunity to learn about the social interactions at the store and of the area during the time of slavery in Virginia. This opportunity allows us to tell a fuller story of enslaved people and their lives in Virginias Appalachia. More information on the Commonwealth History Fund can be found at VirginiaHistory.org/HistoryFund. - Submitted by Casey Jenkins The Montgomery Museum of Art & History garnered statewide recognition in March, as it received the 2023 Innovation Award presented by the Virginia Association of Museums. The museums brand-new mental health series, The Art of Happiness, was awarded the Innovation Award for its contributions to community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and audience expansion. The Innovation Award is given each year at the annual VAM conference to one museum across the commonwealth that demonstrates a commitment to use their platform as a trusted source of information to build relationships with its community and create long-term positive impacts for community members. "The Art of Happiness" is an interactive series for adults that focuses on aspects of positive psychology and the role that art can play in our general happiness and well-being. The sessions are led by Shelby Wynn, a registered art therapist and licensed professional counselor. This series has included the use of visual music; mindfulness clay sculpture; coping with words to understand your thoughts and emotions; and Zentangles, a practice of mindful doodles that is useful when other coping skills are inaccessible. Support from LewisGale Hospital Montgomery made this program series successful through a generous sponsorship, which enabled the museum to open up additional sessions. Montgomery Museum Executive Director Casey Jenkins traveled to the annual VAM conference on March 13 to receive this prestigious award. We are so proud of this new, innovative program series. It was amazing to see the interest and demand from everyone, especially young people who participated in these free sessions, said Jenkins. This award validates our important charge and mission to be a communitywide museum for everyone to be a part of, and we are very grateful for the generous support given to us by LewisGale Hospital Montgomery. "The Art of Happiness offers mental health self-help tactics and strategies by using art exhibits, materials and spaces as helpful tools. Spots filled up quickly with enthusiastic support from the community. A press conference was held in the main lobby of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery the morning of March 22. Community members, hospital staff and museum board members were in attendance. VAM representative John Long presented the award to Jenkins and the Montgomery Museum. Jenkins and Board President Jean Haskell gave brief remarks, and the press conference closed with remarks by hospital CEO Lauren Dudley. The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is located at 4 E. Main St. in downtown Christiansburg. Learn more at montgomerymuseum.org. - Submitted by Casey Jenkins Radford University Carilion leaders are planning to move the school into a new Roanoke facility in the next five years. Less than halfway into a 10-year lease in the Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital on Elm Avenue, space is cramped for RUC students and staff, said Interim Associate Provost Glen Mayhew. We are literally out of space there, Mayhew said during a Radford University Board of Visitors meeting last week. Our goal is to have a new facility by fall of 2028. He said Carilion Clinic will want its hospital space back as it expands inpatient services, and Radford University wants to own its facilities, rather than renting space. Mayhew said the plan is to put a new RUC facility somewhere adjacent to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Thats about a mile south on Jefferson Street from Radfords current space in the Community Hospital downtown. The university will request state planning funds during the 2024 legislative session, he said. Another area that we will continue to expand upon and look at is what our needs will be for a residence hall there in Roanoke, Mayhew said. Currently, we lease three floors of the Patrick Henry Hotel there in downtown Roanoke, where our students are currently housed. A potential residence hall is one aspect where Radford is looking to combine efforts with Virginia Tech, to expand services for medical students studying in either of the two Carilion Clinic private-public partnerships. They have plans to as much as double the number of medical students that are being produced there at Virginia Tech Carilion, Mayhew said. They are in the processes of planning a new facility as well. A joint group convened in November 2022 to discuss other opportunities for shared services between VTC and RUC, Mayhew said. That group continues to meet and have good, collaborative spirit in looking for those opportunities where we may have shared services, he said. At the same time, a strategic leadership committee of Radford University and Carilion Clinic representatives has worked since the start of 2023 to envision the future of the college. RUC is the product of a 2017 merger with Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Mayhew said the RUC leadership committee identified four strategic themes: recruitment, retention, learning and workforce development. Carilion Clinic President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee said in an email Tuesday that the project is still in very early stages, and Carilions partnership with Radford University strengthens health care talent pipelines in the region. Like our peers across the country, workforce development remains a priority to improve the health of the communities that we serve, Agree wrote. Were fortunate to have strong academic institutions in our region working toward this shared goal, and that includes offering state of the art learning facilities to foster tomorrows health experts. CHARLOTTESVILLE As Charlottesville struggles with a spike in gun violence, the prosecutors office overseeing federal cases in the Western District of Virginia has announced over $320,000 in grant funding for projects to reduce violent crime. The grants are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a two-decade-old program recently reinvigorated by the Department of Justice. Its an excellent program that is freeing up funds for data analytics and community partnerships that were working on that cost money, Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis said. Kochis said that his department would likely apply for a grant under the program, which is open not only to law enforcement agencies such as his but also to educational institutions, nonprofit groups and governmental entities. One of the first moves of the new police chief, who began his term in January, was to assign a detective to work full-time with an FBI task force. Were already utilizing federal resources, said Kochis. Were in communication with them regularly. Nationally, there has been an upsurge in gun violence. When U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke in May at a summit for Project Safe Neighborhoods, he noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported that, in 2020, Americas firearm homicide rate was the highest it had been in over 25 years. One hundred twenty-four people died from a firearm injury every day, said Garland, noting that Black males children, teenagers and adults were disproportionately victims. The Justice Department has committed to disrupting this disturbing increase in gun violence. Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County have not been immune. Gun violence has taken the lives of 14 people and injured 22 others since September of last year. In December, Markel Corevis Morton, who allegedly led four men on a Charlottesville-Albemarle crime spree that included stealing a safe filled with $50,000, got a 12-year federal sentence for armed robbery. Earlier this month, Traevon Gray, 21, and Damon Williams, 23, were each sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for an armed Albemarle home invasion. The recent grant announcement notes, however, that prosecution is merely one part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods and that the grants may fund a range of programs to reduce gun and gang violence. The announcement mentions deterrence and evidence-based programs. Kochis said the ability to work with federal officials adds a valuable tool for local law enforcement. It allows us to use investigative grand juries and other federal resources, Kochis explained. Sometimes when were tracking people involved in crimes, there are people in other jurisdictions, other states, stuff like that. The federal prosecutor who will oversee the grant program will be U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, whose announcement asserts that he will appoint a committee to distribute the money. These funding opportunities will be used by local organizations who are doing important work at the grassroots level to reduce violence in our neighborhoods, Kavanaugh said in a statement. The relationship Ive had with Mr. Kavanaugh has been excellent, said Kochis. Ive never worked with a federal prosecutor so willing and able to partner. The grant money will be distributed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Finalists in the Department of the Air Forces capstone innovation campaign, Spark Tank, presented their ideas to a panel of judges in an event on the last day of the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Warfare Symposium, March 8. " " NASA Flight Engineer Jessica U. Meir took her alto sax out for a jam session on the International Space Station before she returned to Earth in April 2020. NASA Johnson Space Center When you're an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), every part of your daily routine automatically becomes interesting, whether it's going to the bathroom or just watching TV. That same logic applies to one of mankind's oldest passions: music. Advertisement Retired Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut and ISS veteran Chris Hadfield has said that when you break into song in the Final Frontier, it can sound "a little bit nasal." "It's a little weird because you're congested, your sinuses never drain properly," he told Great Britain's 5 News in a 2013 interview. Not that he let that stop him. Hadfield caused a musical sensation in 2013 by covering David Bowie's "Space Oddity" on the ISS. Collaborating with his Earth-bound son, Hatfield put together a music video, filming the entire performance. The late Bowie himself described it as "possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created." You can't do "Space Oddity" justice without instrumentation. Fortunately, Hatfield had a Larrivee acoustic guitar at his disposal. The instrument had been a fixture on the Space Station since 2001, when NASA sent it there. " " The band AstroHawaii came together on the ISS. Seen here performing (clockwise from left) is Drew Feustel, Oleg Artemyev, Ricky Arnold, Anton Shkaplerov and Scott Tingle. NASA Johnson Space Center " " An artist's rendering of the proposed 106-mile-long, self-sufficient city, called The Line, being built in the Saudi Arabian desert. NEOM Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world's most interesting and ambitious architecture, but the country's newest urban project may just top them all. The government of Saudi Arabia unveiled plans in 2021 for the city of Neom, including a megastructure called The Line, a massive scheme still years from completion. The Line is designed to be an entire city composed of two parallel, 656-foot-wide (200-meter-wide) skyscrapers, each 106 miles (170 kilometers) long and 1,640 feet (500 meters) high (higher than most of the worlds tallest skyscrapers), stretching across the northwest part of Saudi Arabia near the Red Sea. Advertisement If you think this sounds like the setting for a futuristic, dystopian novel, you're not wrong. The Line is being described as a one-building vertical city outfitted with exterior mirrors, big enough to house 9 million people along with everything they need, from parks and waterfalls to flying taxis and robot maids. There are even plans to include an artificial moon for residents to gaze upon. With its proposed width of only 656 feet, The Line will rely primarily on its height to encompass its residents and a host of modern trappings, such as a high-speed rail to connect sections of the 106-mile city. Saudi Arabian officials claim The Line will be otherwise devoid of roads, cars or emissions and will be powered strictly by clean energy (although details have not been released). Here are a few of most notable proposed features of The Line: vertically layered homes, offices, public parks and public schools year-round climate control of all indoor and outdoor spaces. high-speed rail that will transport residents from end-to-end in 20 minutes. a five-minute walk to all amenities. accessibility to parks and natural elements within a two-minute walk. " " The Line is being constructed as part of the Neom project in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, north of the Red Sea and beside the Gulf of Aqaba. Peter Hermes Furian /Shutterstock When complete, The Line will span 13 square miles (34 square kilometers) across the desert to become a literal oasis, according to the press release. Architectural renderings show one building with two distinct sides that incorporates a verdant space in the middle filled with water features and plants. The plans were designed by American company Morphosis. Although a timeline was not part of The Line's announcement, initial earthwork began in October 2021, and it is expected that residents will begin moving in by the year 2030. This deadline was shared as part of a larger countrywide improvement plan dubbed Vision 2030 that is intended to draw 100 million annual visitors and keep Saudi Arabia in the running against travel hot spots like its Gulf neighbors of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Line is just one part of the $500 billion Neom Project, an initiative announced in 2017, nested in the Vision 2030 plan and focused on the Northwest part of Saudi Arabia. Along with The Line, there are plans to build a network of airports as well as the world's largest green energy plant. The area is intended to become so self-sufficient that it is being referred to as a "country within a country" where residents will be called "Neomians" rather than "Saudis." "NEOM will be a place for all people from across the globe to make their mark on the world in creative and innovative ways. NEOM remains one of the most important projects of Saudi Vision 2030, and our commitment to delivering The Line on behalf of the nation remains resolute," claimed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the July 25, 2022 press release. Now That's Interesting Although The Line is a futuristic and ambitious project, critics of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative say the attempt to transition from a crude oil economy to one powered by tourism overlooks the country's most available resources, namely its competitive advantages in higher education and research. " " This panoramic photo of Vostok Station shows the layout of the camp, used by Russian, French and American scientists studying the lake and the deep coring possibilities of the Antarctic. NOAA/Getty Images 53 million years ago, Antarctica was a forested wilderness, a lush environment where palm trees took root. Now, more than 97 percent of the world's southernmost continent is covered by ice. The magnificent ice sheet that blankets Antarctica holds 6.4 million cubic miles (27 million cubic kilometers) of frozen water. From top to bottom, it's over 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) thick in some places. Advertisement Our global sea level would rise by 190 feet (58 meters) if all that ice melted. As things presently stand, the frigid sheet conceals a hidden world. More than 379 "subglacial lakes" are caught between Antarctic bedrock and the ice sheet. The lakes retain liquid water, despite the miles (or if you prefer, kilometers) of frozen H2O up above them. Scientists have learned they're often interconnected as well. Lake Vostok is the biggest of the bunch. Roughly the size of North America's Lake Ontario, the buried landmark has inspired curiosity and controversy for decades. " " Is the link you feel between the weather and your aching back all in your head? Nastasic/Getty Images Your grandma may have sworn her arthritis was due to that storm a-brewing. Or perhaps you think your aching back is the fault of the cold weather you've been experiencing lately. But is this true? Scientists have attempted to study this over the years and got conflicting results. A 2019 British study that ran 15 months (and was the largest of its kind) recruited 13,000 U.K. residents living with chronic pain, who used an app to record their pain level. Their GPS location was linked to weather data. Analyzing the data, the researchers found that days with higher humidity, lower pressure, and stronger winds are more likely associated with high pain days. (The participants were asked whether they believed there was a connection between weather and pain but found that belief did not affect the results, according to the study, which was published in Nature.) Advertisement "The analysis showed that on a damp and windy days with low pressure the chances of experiencing more pain, compared to an average day, was around 20 percent. This would mean that, if your chances of a painful day on an average weather day were 5 in 100, they would increase to 6 in 100 on a damp and windy day," said lead study author Will Dixon, professor of digital epidemiology at the University of Manchester in a press release. On the other hand, in 2014, Australian researchers found that there was absolutely no relationship between body aches and the weather. When social media basically called them liars and hooligans, they replicated the findings in a pair of 2017 studies. Scientists from the George Institute for Global Health in Australia surveyed nearly 1,000 people dealing with lower back pain and 350 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Weather details from the date of pain onset, as well as a month and a week before the pain appeared, were all compared. The studies showed zero relationship between those physical ailments and weather conditions like humidity, air pressure, temperature, precipitation or wind direction, reinforcing the results of the institute's 2014 study. According to professor Chris Maher, lead study author, people were simply more likely to remember events that were in line with their pre-existing beliefs. "Human beings are very susceptible so it's easy to see why we might only take note of pain on the days when it's cold and rainy outside, but discount the days when they have symptoms but the weather is mild and sunny," he explained in a press release. While the scientists continue to debate this, many people living with joint pain swear that there is a connection. Changes in barometric pressure, rather than the barometric pressure itself, may be to blame. When the pressure is decreasing (a precusor to bad weather), there is less air pressure on our bodies which allows tissues to swell slightly, which may irritate joints, says the Cleveland Clinic. Or it might be that on cold or rainy days, people do less activity and joint pain is often improved by exercise. "If you combine results of the various studies, the general consensus is that cold, wet weather is the worst for inciting arthritis pain," says the American Arthritis Foundation in a blog post. But we surely haven't heard the last of this debate. Now That's Interesting Certain meteorological conditions can trigger migraines in people who are especially sensitive. This is because weather fluctuations can wreak havoc on brain chemicals, like serotonin. Advertisement Originally Published: Jan 18, 2017 Dr. Bob Kesterson is professor of cancer precision medicine and director of the Genetically Engineered Models, or GEMs, core facility at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Credit: Madison Page, PBRC BATON ROUGEWith investment by the state, LSU is attracting and supporting top research talent to solve some of the biggest challenges in cancer care for patients and families, starting with Louisianans. The effort builds on an historic $75 million investment in LSU by LCMC Health to rapidly advance cancer research, treatment and outcomes in Louisiana and ensure a sustained talent pipeline for the state's healthcare industry. From New Orleans to Shreveport, LSU is recruiting world-class researchers to help fight cancer in Louisiana and advance the university toward National Cancer Institute, or NCI, designation for the state and region. As LSU's lead clinical partner in this effort, LCMC Health is uniting assets and expertise with LSU to draw additional cancer-focused investigators and resources to the state and make the most of tactical investments. Such investments include $3 million in recent support from the Louisiana Legislature, which LSU quickly used to hire three leading experts who bring with them more than $9 million in grants and contractsmainly federal money, including from NCI. "For LCMC Health, partnering with LSU to build multidisciplinary teams is the fastest way to move lifesaving treatment from the research lab to the bedside, expand access to clinical trials and improve survivorshipall essential components of a comprehensive cancer center," said President and Chief Medical Officer for LCMC Health Dr. John Heaton. "Meeting the high bar to achieve NCI designation with LSU will be truly transformational for our statea model that's been shown to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in care. Our partnership with LSU is our best way to fight back on a scope and scale commensurate with the toll cancer takes on the citizens of Louisiana." "The grant to LSU as part of NCI designation would actually be quite small, about $1 million, but the impact on the entire region could be up to $2 billion as we become a clinical destination, achieve excellence in cancer care and prevention and every job in research creates several other well-paying jobs, including in spinoff biotechnology companies," said Cancer Crusaders Endowed Professor in Cancer Research Dr. Lucio Miele, assistant dean for translational science at LSU Health New Orleans. Elevating biotechnology, biomedicine and cancer research in Louisiana is a priority of LSU's Scholarship First Agenda, built to secure Louisiana's future by bettering the lives of residents in every parish. Health is one of the state's most critical needs: Louisiana ranks among the top five states in the nation for higher cancer incidence and cancer mortality. While outcomes for white Louisianans lag in comparison to other states, outcomes for Black residents are often even worse as an outcome of health disparities, including access to care and additional risk factors. This is why most of LSU's recent cancer research hires focus specifically on fighting health disparities. Meet the experts Jiri Adamec, professor of interdisciplinary oncology at the LSU Stanley Scott Cancer Center and director of core laboratories at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, was recently recruited to LSU from University of Nebraska after spending several years at Yale, the Mayo Clinic and Purdue. He's an expert on "omics," disciplines in biology that analyze thousands of molecules simultaneously to study their influence on the structure and function of organisms. Many of these biomarkers are indicators of health or disease, and can be measured in a single drop of blood. Adamec develops new technologies to discover biomarkers to effectively monitor cancer incidence and recurrence in large populationsespecially those that are rural and underserved. Detection of biomarkers can help with early diagnosis, which is essential for positive cancer outcomes. "If we can't get the most vulnerable people into our clinics and can't bring our clinics to them, then whathow do we help them?" Adamec asks. "This is the reason I'm focused on creating new technologies for screening that are affordable, easy to use and require no power or specialized equipment. Solutions that work for everyone." Dr. Omar Franco-Coronel, a new associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at LSU Health Shreveport and its Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, studies molecular differences in the tumor microenvironmentthe "neighborhoods" that surround cancer cells. He's discovering differences between white and Black men, who have the highest risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. Most recently, he found new connections between cancer and obesity. The body's inability to regulate fat on the molecular level can lead to rapid tumor progression as well as weight gain. "Unfortunately, African American men in Louisiana have these highly aggressive types of cancer I didn't see when I was at the University of Chicago," Dr. Franco-Coronel said. "My goal is to find out why, and the best way to do that is to develop a comprehensive tissue biobank with germline, or normal, DNA as well as tumor DNA, including from patients with aggressive forms of the disease. This will add to currently available cancer research resources, such as the NCI-supported Louisiana Tumor Registry at LSU, which enhances our understanding of cancer." "Tumor progression depends on the tumor microenvironment, which is different for African American patients," Dr. Franco-Coronel continued. "If we understand how these differences predispose or prime someone to develop cancer at a higher speed, it could give us new targets for treatment and have huge implications for personalized medicine. Differences we're focused on right now have to do with lipid, or fat, metabolism. An approach we're currently testing has dual beneficial effects for fighting cancer and reducing body weight." Although his research is focused on prostate cancer, his findings could lead to more effective treatments for any person with any type of cancer. His work to combat cancer health disparities is currently supported by the Department of Defense with a grant of $1.2 million as well as through a $2 million R01 grant from NCIand he's the primary investigator on both. Another recent LSU hire is one of the nation's leading experts on creating and using genetically modified animal models, which are an essential step in the medical research process between initial discoveryof a biological process, molecular signaling pathway, or drug target, for exampleand approved treatments that are safe and effective for human patients. Bob Kesterson is professor of cancer precision medicine and director of the Genetically Engineered Models, or GEMs, core facility at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He works with mice, rats and fish to help scientists answer their research questions and find new and better ways to study cancer. As part of his own cancer research, he's been able to create genetic mutations in mice and rats that mimic the exact mutations found in patients for completely personalized biomedical research while also developing nanoparticle delivery systems and other mechanisms that fix or compensate for faulty genes by hacking the genetic code. Exactly how to target mutated genes, or get drugs or treatments inside the right cells, is a major hurdle in cancer research around the worlda challenge Kesterson is working to solve. "Coming to LSU and Pennington after working at NCI cancer centers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for over 25 years was a natural fit since there are numerous connections between my cancer research and metabolism, where Pennington is a leader," Kesterson said. "I look forward to forging new collaborations, and we hope to soon have a preclinical MRI machine that will be available to not just Pennington researchers, but investigators throughout the LSU campuses." The kind of personalized gene rescue Kesterson is able to do relies on increasingly affordable genetic sequencing and can make the difference between life and death for people with rare diseases. Imagine, for example, that you have a rare mutation that causes thousands of tumors to grow along your nerves and under your skin, such as neurofibromatosis, caused by a problem in the NF1 gene. NF1 is classified as a rare disorder, which tend to be under-researched by large pharmacological companies due to the smaller patient populations (and fewer customers for a potential treatment or cure). In such situations, academic research can thrive by finding solutions. With sustained support from the Gilbert Family Foundationover $10 million in recent yearsKesterson has been working on multiple ways to target and edit NF1 genetic typos. Interestingly, Kesterson and colleagues found that rats engineered with NF1 gene mutations develop mammary tumors. This led to the discovery that up to one-third of breast cancer patients also have acquired underlying "hits" or mutations in the NF1 gene. "This was missed for many years until we discovered it in rats," Kesterson said. "And something else that's interesting is the connection between the NF1 gene and energy balance in the body. If you turn the gene off in a subset of neurons in mice, you can end up with a very obese and diabetic rodent." Why is cancer so difficult to cure? The main reason scientists and doctors haven't cured cancer yet is the complexity of the disease, which actually is many distinct diseases. Also, since cancer is created by a person's own cellseach containing gigabytes of unique genetic informationtumors are as diverse as people. Treatments that work for a specific type of cancer in one person can fail entirely in another. The only common thread among cancers is uncontrolled cell growth, while the underlying reasons for this growth are still being discovered. "The biggest challenge in cancer research is that we still don't know what questions to ask or how to connect already known aspects," Adamec said. "That's the problem, and that's why 'omics' matter. In 'omics,' we quantify as many molecules as possible, find patterns and establish cancer-related panels that can be used for diagnostic purposesmeaning, questions to ask. The panels cover both general disease biomarkers and highly specific cancer biomarkers." Adamec compares his work to the board game where you hold a card with the name of a famous person to your forehead while posing questions to the people around you who can see the card: "Am I dead or alive?" "Am I male or female?" "Without 'omics,' cancer screening can be just like that game," Adamec said. "Maybe you get 10 questions, but without luck, you might not be able to get specific enough to guess the name on the card. Our approach is different. We don't look for well-defined things; we look at everything5,000 or 10,000 proteins, or more. We use mass spectrometry to quantify each molecule and then we use statistics and big data analysis, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to identify biomarkers with high specificity." Elevating LSU's fight against cancer health disparities Together with researchers at Purdue, Adamec holds a patent on a plasma separation device that looks like a credit card, called Telimmune. It has a small hole at the top for a drop of blood, which passes through a filter, separating the blood plasma from the red and white blood cells. Once separated, the plasma dries inside the card within a few minutes, creating a stable sample with thousands of molecules that can be transported even in high humidity and high temperature, such as in a pocket while walking through the rainforestAdamec has done a lot of research with remote communities in the Amazonor sent in a plain envelope in the mail. A simple finger-stick can produce enough blood, a single drop, for a full analysis. "Louisiana, in particular, is perfect for this kind of research because we have huge diversity in terms of people," Adamec said. "Being a melting pot isn't just interesting from a cultural perspective, but also for effective and meaningful cancer research. With the Mississippi River, which drains 31 states in the U.S., this is also an environmental micro-cosmos that represents the globe. We have everything here, and as a researcher, LSU is a great opportunity, because we have two medical schools that connect theory with practice and gives us access to patients so we can translate our research and work as a big team to really help people." LSU's recent hires are contributing to the building of the critical mass necessary for pursuing NCI designation to achieve cutting-edge cancer care in Louisiana. Before the arrival of Adamec, Kesterson and Dr. Franco-Coronel, the LSU system already had 19 researchers leading projects with more than $12 million in active NCI support. The largest project among them, led by Dr. Augusto Ochoa, chair of interdisciplinary oncology and Al Copeland Cancer Crusaders Chair in Neuroendocrine Cancer at LSU Health New Orleans as well as deputy director of the LSU Health-LCMC Cancer Center, is specifically focused on fighting health disparities by bringing advanced treatments to patients across the state through enrollment in clinical trials. His Gulf South Minority Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program is the only statewide cancer clinical trials program in Louisiana, and Dr. Ochoa's leadership was recognized by the NCI last year with the Harry Hynes Award for Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Trials and Community Research. In 2021, the paper detailing his team's breakthrough discovery that tumors develop ways of blocking the body's immune response was deemed one of 24 Cancer Research Landmark Papers in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act. In 2022, with $1 million in additional support from the Louisiana Legislature, LSU President William F. Tate directed the development of a new Collaborative Cancer Research Initiative, or CCRI, for Louisiana. Matched by more than $2 million from LSU, including $500K from each of LSU Health New Orleans, LSU Shreveport and Pennington Biomedical, 11 research proposals from multi-campus teams were awarded seed funding with three goals: improve cancer care and prevention in Louisiana; launch research projects likely to attract federal funding from the National Institutes of Health and NCI; and ensure, through peer review by national cancer leaders, that all projects help advance LSU toward NCI designation. Did You Know? Cancer is expected to surpass heart disease as the leading cause of death around the globe in 2030. As we get older, we're more likely to develop mutations, or typos, in our genetic code, and as mutations accumulate, cancer becomes more likely. In Louisiana, even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people were dying from cancer than from coronavirus infection. LSU continuously strives to achieve advances in cancer research. Read more news about the latest progress: Provided by Louisiana State University Turkey on edge: 5 killed, 36 wounded as suicide blasts rocks Istanbul A suicide bombing on Istanbul's main shopping street on Saturday killed five people, including the assailant, as Turkey reels from the second such attack this week, the latest blast hitting an area popular with tourists. GALLERY Workers check the overhead power lines for a streetcar as people gather near by the scene of a bomb explosion in the downtown Istiklal Street earlier the same day, in Istanbul, Turkey, 19 March 2016. The suicide bomb explosion according to media reports caused the lives of at least five people whil 36 others - among them a dozen foreigners - were injured in the blast, some of them seriously. Istanbul (dpa) - Among the injured in the blast in Turkeys largest city and economic hub were 24 foreigners, the local governments office said.Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu said at least 36 people were wounded in the explosion near a shopping area on Istiklal boulevard, a main high street in the centre of Istanbul just off Taksim Square.Israeli media reported several Israelis were injured, including two critically, while Dogan news agency in Turkey said at least one of the dead was Israeli and one is Iranian. Seven people were listed in serious condition.The Irish government confirmed that a number of Irish citizens were injured, the Press Association reported.Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was quoted by Dogan as saying investigations would soon be completed and shed light on the incident.The US State Department condemned the attack and said it would "remain in close touch" with Turkish authorities on the investigation.Emergency services were rushed to the area and more than two dozen ambulances ferried people to hospital.Istiklal street was largely closed down by police following the attack just before 11 am (0900 GMT) and remained that way into the evening. The centre of Istanbul was largely absent of the usual masses who crowd shops and restaurants.A video from a closed circuit camera emerged showing the moment of the explosion which appeared to go off in the middle of a group of several people near a popular fish market."I had just ordered a coffee in the nearby shopping mall when we heard the explosion. It actually was not so loud. At first we thought a large piece of furniture had fallen down from a height," said Tolsum Merey.The German Foreign Ministry advised its citizens in Turkey to stay in their hotels and pay attention to media reports and official statements following the bombing.The government convened security meetings, local media reported.The Turkish authorities instituted a partial broadcast ban on footage related to the bombing and social media websites were being throttled, some users reported. Both steps have become the norm after bombings in the country.The blast comes as Turkey is on edge, following a massive car bombing in Ankara on March 13 which killed 37 people.That attack was claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a splinter group of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).A similar attack last month in the capital left 30 dead and was also claimed by TAK.The attack in Ankara this month was preceded by a warning from the US embassy about a potential terrorist act in the area.German diplomatic missions and schools were closed this week in Istanbul and Ankara following what was described as a "concrete" terrorism threat, apparently from Islamic State.However, after two days of being shut, authorities said the embassy in Ankara and consulate in Istanbul would reopen on Monday.There was a large police presence in Istanbul on Friday night, as helicopters with search lights hovered above.Istanbuls normally bustling night life was relatively quiet with many bars and restaurants in the Taksim area seeing few costumers.In January, 12 tourists were killed by a suicide bomber in Istanbul in an attack the authorities blamed on Islamic State.The combined effect of the attacks as well as the war in neighbouring Syria and a diplomatic row with Russia is having a devastating impact on Turkeys vital tourism sector.Violence has been spiralling in Turkey since last summer. The largest terrorist attack in the countrys history came in October, when 100 people were killed in an attack in Ankara blamed on Islamic State.Meanwhile, the country has seen the conflict with PKK militants from the Kurdish minority reignited after a two-year ceasefire collapsed in July and peace talks were abandoned.Hundreds have died, including civilians, in the mostly Kurdish south-eastern regions of the country in recent months. Kurds have long complained of systemic discrimination.Turkey launched fresh airstrikes against the PKKs bases in northern Iraq on Friday and Saturday, Turkish and Kurdish media outlets said. FLORENCE, S.C. Marianne Williamson, the first candidate to register in the 2024 presidential race, said America needs a president to disrupt the status quo. The status quo will not disrupt itself, she said. This country deserves an economic U-turn. Not a little incremental change here and a little incremental change there. Williamson visited Florence Tuesday and spoke with a crowd of around ten people at the Showtime Event Center. She ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, but dropped out in the primaries. She has never held political office, but Williamson is known for founding the nonprofit Project Angel Food and co-founded the nonprofit The Peace Alliance. She is also known as a public speaker and the author of 15 books, four of which have been number one on the New York Times bestsellers list. Ive had a 40-year career being up close and personal with people in some of their darkest times. I know something about helping people endure crisis and transform crisis, she said. We need personal change and policy change. South Carolina, as the newly chosen first state in the Democratic primary cycle, has an important position this year to set the tone for the race to president, Williamson said. Williamson said she is grateful to President Joe Biden for what he has done in office, but she believes America needs more fundamental change. Too often, corporate interests are considered over the interests of the people, she said. Were actually not functioning as a proper democracy. We are functioning as an oligarchy, she said. Universal health care, free college tuition and a living wage are things every other major country have, Williamson said. The reason we do not have those things in America is not because they are complicated to implement but because of greed, she said. White supremacy and the modern economic mindset of short-term profits are the two biggest threats to the county, according to Williamson. Other Democrats may try to make things safer on the margins, but she said she wants to address what she sees as root causes. I think that the majority of Americans feel abandoned by their government, and for good reason, because they have been, she said. If elected, she said she would try to get corporate influence out of politics, especially in the cabinet positions. While she cannot do everything while in office, Williamson said that, if elected, she intends to use the bully pulpit of the president to stay true to her vision and push the policies she preached as a candidate. She also only plans to run for a single term, freeing her up to do potentially unpopular executive orders that career politicians would not, she said. If elected, Williamson said she would make a strong push for a quick phasing out of fossil fuels and a heavy investment in green energy. Those currently working in the fossil fuel industry need to be a priority, however, so new jobs can be found for them within the new green energy spaces, she said. Her policies also include a trillion dollars in reparations for descendants of slaves to be allocated by a council of Black leaders from across politics, business, art and other important cultural institutions. Plans for the land, called Independence Farm, are not set in stone, according to Florence County Administrator Kevin Yokim. The county already knows there will be trails and a few buildings near the road, but the park will focus mainly on conservation and keep most of the riverfront, wetlands and forest land natural, Yokim said. Lynches River County Park, that a lot of people are familiar with, is right at 700 acres. Well, this is going to be 500, so its approaching the same size, he said. Because of the conservation nature of the 500 acres, it wont have all the amenities like Lynches River County Park, but it will certainly have some over time. He said watersports and skeet shooting are also in the running for potential activities at the new park, but everything the county builds must first be approved by the conservation nonprofits it is partnering with. Independence Farm borders Lynches River, which is both a designated State Scenic River and a National Recreation Trail. The federally-recognized South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail begins at Lynches River County Park and travels downstream for 66 miles. With the growing popularity of the Revolutionary Rivers National Water Trail, this park site will be a preferred stopping spot for paddlers. The Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau looks forward to promoting this new County treasure, said Holly Beaumier, executive director of the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau. Lynches River is home to the fish Blueback Herring, American Shad, and Hickory Shad, which are all highest priority species under the State Wildlife Action Plan. The park will also protect the habitat of the federally at-risk spotted turtle in addition to the American eel, sawcheek darter and ironcolor shiner. The property was bought from the previous landowner by the Open Space Institute, a national conservation nonprofit, so that the county could gather grants to purchase the property themselves. The Open Space Institute is proud to add a county park for the residents of Lake City and for the greater Pee Dee region, said Maria Whitehead, Open Space Institute vice president and director of land for the southeast. This park is both an important next step in the protecting the Lynches River, and a huge win for public access and the regions burgeoning outdoor recreation economy. In June 2022, Florence County Council approved grant applications to the South Carolina Conservation Bank and Lynches River Conservation Fund to buy the property. This project will showcase the Lynches River as one of South Carolinas most scenic and ecologically important waterways, said Raleigh West, executive director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. I hope that our partners can build on this success and protect more land along the broader corridor in the coming years. Those grants, each for $650,000, are ready to go. At its March 16 meeting, Florence County Council approved the last step, a conservation easement, before the sale. Florence County Council member Jason Springs said at the meeting that he pretty much grew up on this land, and that he is glad it is being preserved. This is a prime piece of property. I think its going to be a great asset for generations to come, Springs said. The final sale will take place on Thursday, according to Patrick Moore, Open Space Institutes senior land project manager for the southeast. Using a conservation easement, a landower gives away some of the rights of their land, like heavy development, to another owner who holds those rights and protects them indefinitely. Florence County granted the conservation easement on Independence Farm to Pee Dee Land Trust, which was a condition of both grants. Our work primarily focuses on working with private landowners, however we were excited to partner with Florence County and Open Space Institute to help with the addition of a low impact park for public enjoyment, said Lyles Cooper, Pee Dee Land Trusts executive director. Moore told Florence County Council members on March 16 that the upland near Creek Road would be available for park structures, while the wetlands further into the property can have trails and campsites but will otherwise be protected. Within the uplands, 20 acres will be available for structures that need water and sewer, like a visitors center or an RV park, Moore said. You could split the 20 acres into multiple squares. It doesnt have to all be in one place, he told Florence County Council members. As weve worked with the funding sources, the idea has been maximum flexibility in park design. Florence County has little land under conservation, but this project could be the springboard to further conservation efforts, Yokim said. A lot of people spend a lot of time in Florence County in and around the City of Florence and dont realize, once you get past the southern areas of the city, there are a lot of very rural areas in the county, he said. Theres a lot of acreage in those parts, especially in the southeast portion of the county, that could be preserved if the landowners have the desire to do so. Watches and warnings are nothing new for the National Weather Service, but Liz Leitman, a Mesoscale Forecaster at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, made history in February when she became the first woman to issue either a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. Leitman talks with our meteorologists about the historic moment, how she became interested in the weather, and the importance of bringing more women into the field. About the Across the Sky podcast The weekly weather podcast is hosted on a rotation by the Lee Weather team: Matt Holiner of Lee Enterprises' Midwest group in Chicago, Kirsten Lang of the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, Joe Martucci of the Press of Atlantic City, N.J., and Sean Sublette of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. Sneak preview Past episodes Chipotle has agreed to pay $240,000 to two dozen workers after federal officials accused the burrito chain of closing its store in Augusta, Maine, expressly to snuff out a union drive. The settlement with the National Labor Relations Board also requires the company to give affected workers preferential treatment in rehiring for a year, and to post notices about workers rights at 40 Chipotle stores in New England. Chipotle United, the group representing workers from the Augusta store, called the settlement a huge win on Monday. Chipotle just got put on notice union busting will not be tolerated and theres no way around it, the group said in a tweet. In a statement to HuffPost, Laurie Schalow, the companys chief corporate affairs officer, said it closed the store because of staffing and other issues and not because of any union activities. We settled this case before any hearing or any formal decision on the issues not because we did anything wrong, but because the time, energy and cost to litigate would have far outweighed the settlement agreement, Schalow said. This settlement is a huge win. Chipotle just got put on notice - union busting will not be tolerated and there's no way around it. The Movement ran out Howard Schultz and we'll do the same to any CEO that thinks they are going to break the law and quiet the voice of the People. Chipotle United (@1ChipotleUnited) March 27, 2023 Chipotle closed down the Augusta store last July, after workers filed for a union election. The company said at the time that it decided to shutter the store due to staffing issues. But the union called it union busting 101 and accused the fast-food chain of retaliation. The labor boards general counsel looked into the allegations and found merit in them. Last November, the boards general counsel filed a complaint against Chipotle saying the closure was illegal and the company should have to reopen the store. Under U.S. labor law, an employer cannot legally close an individual worksite because of union activity there (though it is perfectly legal to shut down the whole business and lay off the entire workforce to avoid a union). Story continues A number of high-profile organizing campaigns over the past year have involved store closures that workers allege was retaliation for their union efforts. Starbucks has shuttered several stores where workers have been organizing, and those closures are now the subject of NLRB complaints. In June 2022, Chipotle employees of the Augusta, Maine, location filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board asking to hold a union election at the store. The NLRB scheduled a hearing on July 19, 2022, on Chipotles objections to the union election but earlier that day, Chipotle announced it was permanently closing the store. In June 2022, Chipotle employees of the Augusta, Maine, location filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board asking to hold a union election at the store. The NLRB scheduled a hearing on July 19, 2022, on Chipotles objections to the union election but earlier that day, Chipotle announced it was permanently closing the store. Last August, Trader Joes shuttered its wine store in New York City just as workers there were about to go public with a union campaign. Workers told HuffPost they believed the closure was retaliatory, but Trader Joes denied it was because of union organizing. Even if officials can prove such a closure was retaliatory, its extremely difficult as a practical matter to force a company to reopen a store. More likely the employer would reach a settlement bringing workers back pay for the jobs they lost, as happened in the Chipotle case. An NLRB spokesperson said the $240,000 sum in the Chipotle settlement covers back pay and other financial harm suffered by the two dozen workers. The boards current general counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, an appointee of President Joe Biden, said she wants to make workers whole for more than just lost wages. For instance, workers could be entitled to money associated with out-of-pocket medical expenses or credit card debt if it stems from their job loss. Related... Malaysian small businesses are more confident in their business and the economy Young small business owners are driving a greater focus on technology and innovation The increasing attention on innovation and technology will support long term growth KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach - 28 March 2023 - Malaysian small businesses are upbeat about their business and the economy. Meanwhile, young business owners are driving an increasing focus on technology and innovation by local small businesses. These are some of the findings from a new regional survey by one of the world's largest professional accounting associations. CPA Australia's latest Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey shows 72.2 per cent of Malaysian small businesses expect to grow in 2023, compared to 54.6 per cent that grew last year. This trend is being driven by an improving economy and more small businesses grasping the benefits of digital technology including e-commerce, supported by new digital payment opportunities. "An increasing focus on e-commerce will position many Malaysian small businesses for future growth," Malaysia Division President Surin Segar FCPA (Aust.) said. The survey found 63.9 per cent earned more than 10 per cent of their revenue from online sales in 2022. Consistent with this, almost three-quarters (72.9 per cent) received more than 10 per cent of their sales through digital payment technologies such as GrabPay. Small businesses are achieving strong returns from technology spending, with 53 per cent reporting this investment in 2022 improved their profitability. The financial gains available are helping drive the adoption of new technology. "Nearly all Malaysian small businesses use social media. Businesses were more likely to invest in mobile phone applications than any other technology." Over a third (34.1 per cent) said they will introduce a new product, process or service to Malaysia or the world in 2023, up from 25.3 per cent last year. "Small businesses are ready to innovate in 2023. This innovative culture should support long-term growth and improve the competitiveness of Malaysia's small business sector. "The appetite to innovate is hugely encouraging. The high percentage of Malaysians under 40 running small businesses is a contributing factor." Younger business owners surveyed were more likely to run businesses that are growing, creating jobs, innovating, using emerging technologies and exporting. "To harness the entrepreneurial spirit of Malaysia's many young small business owners, we want to see policymakers incentivise them to access professional advice. "The increased use of technology raises cyber risks all businesses need to be aware of. Almost half (48 per cent) of small businesses reviewed their cybersecurity in the last six months. While this result was up from 2021, we want to see that figure climb higher." CPA Australia's Malaysia market summary Hashtag: #CPAAustralia Story continues The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CPA Australia CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 170,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 10,500 members in Malaysia. CPA Australia has been operating in Malaysia since 1956 and opened our Malaysian office in 1994. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au Benjamin Perkin (not pictured here) told The Washington Post his parents got a call from someone claiming to be a lawyer who told them their son needed money for legal fees, and used an AI-generated voice to ask his parents for money. milan2099/Getty Images A couple in Canada reportedly lost $21,000 from a scammer claiming to be a lawyer and their son. Benjamin Perkin told The Washington Post his parents thought the AI-generated voice was him. The rise of AI is making it easier for scammers to make people think they're talking to loved ones. A couple in Canada were reportedly scammed out of $21,000 after they received a call from someone claiming to be a lawyer who said their son was in jail for killing a diplomat in a car accident. Benjamin Perkin told The Washington Post the caller put an AI-generated voice that sounded like him on the phone with his parents to ask for money. The alleged lawyer called his parents again after the initial call, and told them Perkin needed $21,000 for legal fees before going to court. Perkin told the Post the voice was "close enough for my parents to truly believe they did speak with me." His parents collected the cash and sent the scammer money through Bitcoin, Perkin said, but they later admitted they thought the phone call sounded strange. They realized they had been scammed after Perkin called to check in later that evening. Perkin did not immediately respond to a reachout from Insider to discuss what happened. He told the Post his family filed a police report with Canadian authorities, but that, "The money's gone. There's no insurance. There's no getting it back." The Post reported that while Perkin doesn't know how the scammers found his voice, he has posted videos about snowmobiling on YouTube. The rise of more powerful AI tools is coinciding with a rise in scams involving people impersonating other people. The most commonly reported scam last year was imposter scams, the Federal Trade Commission found. The FTC saw fraud reports from 2.4 million people in 2022, which was lower than in 2021. However, the amount of money lost was higher, with $8.8 billion reported lost. Scams involving AI technology predate the emergence of ChatGPT and other AI bots going viral right now. In 2019, the managing director at a British energy company reportedly wired over $240,000 to an account in Hungary after he thought his boss asked him to do so in a phone call. Story continues In January, ElevenLabs, a research lab exploring voice cloning and tools for synthetic speech, shared a Twitter thread addressing people who "use our tech for malicious purposes." The startup tweeted that it was releasing a tool to let people verify if an audio sample was made using the company's technology, and that its VoiceLab would only be accessible with payment. A day before writing the thread, ElevenLabs tweeted that it was aware of "an increasing number of voice cloning misuse cases," after releasing its Beta platform. Motherboard found that members on the anonymous site, 4chan, were using ElevenLabs' technology to generate voices that sound like celebrities to say racist and inappropriate things. The FTC has created a new Office of Technology to investigate the potential uses of AI that companies are promising, and to see if companies are mitigating the risks their products can cause. "We're also concerned with the risk that deepfakes and other AI-based synthetic media, which are becoming easier to create and disseminate, will be used for fraud," FTC spokesperson Juliana Gruenwald previously told Insider. Gruenwald also told Insider that the FTC "has already seen a staggering rise in fraud on social media." "AI tools that generate authentic-seeming videos, photos, audio, and text could supercharge this trend, allowing fraudsters greater reach and speed," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider The Geneva watch fair opened Monday buoyed by booming growth in the watchmaking industry, but insiders warily eyed the banking sector turmoil, evoking painful memories of the 2008 financial crisis. Industry professionals were upbeat on the first day of the Watches and Wonders annual fair, where 48 prestigious brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier were showing off their new creations. The fair, which runs until Sunday with the weekend open to the public, kicked off after two years of record gains for Swiss watchmakers. Exports soared by 31.2 percent in 2021, after a strong rebound in sales in the United States and the Middle East. And the return of luxury tourism to Europe in 2022 after two years of Covid disruptions pushed exports up a further 11.4 percent to 24.8 billion Swiss francs ($27.1 billion). The growth has also continued so far this year, with exports up by another 10.6 percent during the first two months of 2023, according to statistics from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. But optimism at the Geneva fair was somewhat dampened by the angst surrounding the turbulence currently lashing the banking sector. Switzerland -- whose vibrant banking scene is a key part of the country's economy and culture -- has been rocked to the core after the government strong-armed the nation's biggest bank UBS into swallowing up its troubled competitor Credit Suisse, in a bid to ward off a larger global banking crisis. - 'Global repercussions' - The upheaval has brought back difficult memories for Swiss watchmakers. After the 2008 round of bank failures sparked a global financial crisis, Swiss watch exports plunged 22.3 percent in 2009 -- more even than during Covid-dominated 2020. "I am unable to say what the global repercussions will be," Thierry Stern, the boss of Patek Philippe, told AFP. "But I still think it should be easier than in 2008-2009." For the moment the difficulties remain "very localised" as Patek Philippe "sells all over the world", said Stern, who is counting in particular on Asia to ensure growth in 2023. Story continues Jerome Lambert, managing director of the luxury giant Richemont -- owner of the Cartier, Piaget and IWC brands -- acknowledged that the turnaround in demand in 2009 had been "very rapid" and very "severe". "But it was a big lesson for us," he said, explaining that the group had since taken distribution in hand. Edouard Meylan, owner of the Hautlence brand, nevertheless believes that "lights are turning red". "If there is a financial crisis, it will have a very big impact on our sector," he told AFP, especially since with supply difficulties some watchmakers have gone from "very large orders from their suppliers" and risk finding themselves with large stocks if the market turns. Other analysts believe there is little reason to panic just yet. "For now, I would expect the impact to be muted," Jon Cox, an industry analyst with the Kepler Cheuvreux financial services company, told AFP, adding that he is still expecting to see growth this year of around 10 percent in exports. - Full steam ahead for China? - However, the Credit Suisse debacle, which threatens tens of thousands of jobs in the financial sector, could take its toll. "The financial community is an important part of the buying public for the watch industry and there could be impact in local markets, such as Switzerland, on domestic business," Cox warned, adding though that "this is likely to be offset by tourism". For now, Swiss watchmakers are looking to the Chinese market to pick up pace and ensure their 2023 export growth. When demand was exploding in other markets as they rolled back pandemic protection measures, the watch market in China remained subdued as the country ploughed on with its zero-Covid rules, and then saw infection numbers explode when it abruptly ended that policy late last year. But watchmakers and experts are expecting that to change with the reopening of the Chinese economy. Jean-Philippe Bertschy, an analyst with Swiss investment managers Vontobel, warned however that "a return to normalcy" for Chinese watch sales -- traditionally Swiss watchmakers' largest market -- will take time. On the positive side, he told AFP he was confident, given "the level of savings the Chinese had set aside during the health restrictions". As for tourism, he cautioned that while Chinese travellers may quickly flock to Asian destinations, "it will take more time before they return to Europe," due to the continued limited air transport capacity and visa backlogs. noo/vog/nl/rjm/ea/rox Both Malaysia and Singapore have been working together to curb the rise of various scams in the country. (Photo: Getty Images) By Qishin Tariq With connectivity, internet speeds and digital penetration having improved in recent years, so too have online scams become more prevalent, with unscrupulous individuals even found to be working across time zones and borders to cheat and deceive. Be that as it may, the silver lining to the current situation is that with certain scams becoming more common, it's actually become a little easier to keep oneself safe. Here's a look at some of the most "popular" scams in Malaysia and Singapore, and what you can do to protect yourself. Phone-a-Friend lifeline The "fake friend" scam, which has cost victims more than S$3.2 million (RM10.6 million) in losses since January, has recently risen to the top of the popularity chart. This scam relies on the goodwill of folks to help a friend in need. It often involves a scammer pretending to be an acquaintance and contacting the would-be victim via messages or phone calls. The scammer then provides a sob story before eventually asking to borrow some money to get out of a pinch. To further sell their tall tale and account for using a different phone number, the scammer typically also claims to have lost their phone or been forced to change numbers. Some even go as far as mimicking a person using an AI voice changer. Recently, a couple in Canada was duped of S$28,000 after responding to a call that claimed that the caller was their son. The AI had managed to replicate the son's voice, and was apparently close enough that they fell for it. The Singapore Police Force recommends that the public verify such requests by checking with a mutual friend or family member before making any cash loans. Even better is getting in touch with the acquaintance through an alternate channel like a video call or meeting in person. This has the added benefit of alerting the friend that their identity is being abused to commit fraud. Buyer beware Everyone loves a good bargain. And that's something scammers have started capitalising on. Story continues In the e-commerce scam, criminals set up seemingly proper stores on social media marketplaces. To lure unsuspecting customers, they also post adverts offering goods at significant discounts or bundled together with too-good-to-be-true deals. These social media accounts don't hold up their end of the deal, however, once victims make payments. And even more frustratingly, they ignore or block messages. One recent high-profile victim to be duped by such a scam was Ah Boys to Men actor Charlie Goh, who was tricked out of S$160 when he bought several kilos of salmon and wagyu beef, which never arrived. In addition to filing a police report, he also took to social media to lambast the crooked store. Singapore police reported on March 7 that 168 victims have lost more than S$20,000 since February to such e-commerce scams involving the sale of food like wagyu beef and durians. Things aren't any better over in Malaysia, with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) attributing the growing trend of e-commerce scams to COVID-19-related lockdowns, which drove many consumers online. To protect oneself, nevertheless, the advice is to be cautious when shopping outside of well-known and regulated e-commerce sites. And if you're wary, refer to the authorities, such as Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs safety rating system for e-commerce platforms. Note also that with the resumption of concerts and large-scale live events, scammers are expected to count on consumers' fear of missing out, too. Hence, it is also advisable to avoid buying tickets from scalpers. Hunting job hunters With people now more desperate for work and willing to try new types of jobs, scammers have found a new pool of victims to rip off post-pandemic the gig economy. According to a report from the Singapore police, more young adults are falling for job scams. One common method has been to reach out to victims over WhatsApp or social media to offer part-time jobs that pay a few hundred a day. This typically involves buying goods from an e-commerce shop, then reviewing them in order to boost the store's rating. Buyers are promised compensation for the purchase and a commission for the review. One other format requires victims to pay a processing fee to have their job application considered, though there is often no job waiting for them. A recent story showed how one 23-year-old was scammed out of S$300,000 over just five days, as he was lured into a buy-and-rate job scam that quickly escalated from buying small items for a few dollars to purchasing a thousand dollar fridge, then an S$80,000 Rolex. In light of all this, the authorities advise job seekers to do their due diligence and determine if the "companies" engaging them have, for example, a corporate website and a contactable human resources department. Also, as a rule of thumb, never pay to get the opportunity for a job, as that is not proper practice for a legitimate firm. Abusing AI While classic hoaxes, like the "Nigerian prince" email scam, used to be easy to spot thanks to the outlandish stories and even worse grammar, that's no longer the case. Indeed, even grammarly-sound, eagle-eyed people may not be safe these days, with scammers turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to up the ante. Cyber-security experts warn that generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT can now help edit and clean up scam messages. Matt Oostveen, regional vice-president and chief technology officer of data management firm Pure Storage, says that text used in phishing scams has become better written over the past six months, in line with the booming popularity of these chat AI, primarily due to their more "polite, bedside manner" or style of writing. And so, users are advised to keep an eye out for suspicious attachments, headers, senders and URLs embedded within the email; factors that aren't as easily addressed by AI assistance. Staying safe and secure When in doubt, note that there are plenty of resources online to help identify potential frauds. The Scam Alert site is one such resource, run by Singapore's National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) in collaboration with the Singapore police. Worried consumers can also call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. If you're in Singapore, Scam Shield is also a great way to identify and block scam calls and SMSes on your mobile phone, while also being able to report them if you find any suspicious activity. PDRM, meanwhile, has set up a database of phone numbers and bank numbers tied to scammers on its site, Semak Mule. The site has recorded some 15 million checks since launching in 2020. Yet, despite the above, and even as police on both sides of the Causeway work together to take down scam syndicates, and Malaysian Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and his Singapore counterpart discuss personal data protection, cybersecurity and cracking down on scammers, it's important to realise that consumers themselves hold the key to being protected from scams. Explains Baskaran Sithamparam of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca): "When engaging services on social media, whether buying something or job hunting, consumers need to do their homework on who they are dealing with. "(Tools like) Semak Mule give consumers a chance to check if the account they are transferring payment to is associated with criminals. That said, some accounts might not be flagged yet, so use caution even if it appears 'clean'." In other words, if something looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Redditor Yoomzster posted a thread yesterday titled Encounter with a possibly racist woman on the train berating a family over their luggage taking up space and explained about a recent incident in a train on the Downtown Line involving a tourist family and a woman who made a big public fuss about not having enough space to sit next to them. The Redditor said the family, who had three bags with them and sat at the end, tried their best not to take up space by placing their luggage as close to them as possible. Then a woman in a salmon-colored blouse walks in and allegedly shouted at them. She also out of nowhere accused the father of being drunk. Just now you were blocking the seat, were you not? So youre like drunk, is it? she said to the father. The Redditor said the father then tried to move out of the way but the woman was still not satisfied and called the situation outrageous. But another passenger then came in and sat in the empty seat that the woman claimed was impossible to sit without any issue. You are blocking the entrance! she shouted, while eventually sitting next to the boy who is leaning towards the mother. Your kid will grow up to be a brat as well, she added. The Redditor then got off at the same stop as the family and told the woman off. Look, your umbrella was on the other seat and the other passenger didnt have to shout at you to get you to make space. Why did you have to shout at them? Have some compassion, the Redditor wrote. To which, the woman replied with a Speak for yourself! which confused the Redditor. After speaking with the family when they got off, the user found that they had just come from a really tough time finding their way since leaving the airport. But they never once expressed anger, raised their voice or were rude, said the Redditor. Story continues Still pretty appalled at what happened. Im hoping they wont have to deal with more people with shitty attitudes while theyre here, the Redditor wrote. Comments point out the possible trauma that the boy dealt with which was confirmed by Yoomzster who said the boy was asking the mother why the woman was acting that way when they got off the train. Of course, other users called the woman a Karen and that her old-fashioned clothes gave it away. Other stories you should check out: Vladimir Putin will keep Russia on the offensive in Ukraine if he senses weakness from Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned. If he will feel some blood smell that we are weak he will push, push, push, Mr Zelensky told the Associated Press. He added that if the fortress city of Bakhmut fell to Russian forces, Mr Putin would sell this victory to the West, to his society, to China, to Iran. Mr Zelensky said he has invited the Chinese president Xi Jinping, a long-term Russian ally, to visit the battered country. It comes as the first British tanks reached Ukraine, with the Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov pictured giving the UK a thumbs up as he took a ride in what he said was the first Challenger 2 main battle tank received from the British army. Mr Reznikov wrote on Twitter that the tanks had recently arrived in our country and posted a video that showed him sitting in one of a long line of tanks in an open field, all of them flying Ukraines yellow and blue flag. Key points Russia says it intercepted GLSDB smart bomb in Ukraine for first time Nuclear weapons will protect us from West, claims Belarus Germany delivers promised Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine Zelensky says Russia is holding Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant hostage Russias nuclear rhetoric dangerous and irresponsible, says Nato British tanks arrive in Ukraine Russia says it intercepted GLSDB smart bomb in Ukraine for first time Tuesday 28 March 2023 14:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russia said on Tuesday it had shot down a U.S.-supplied GLSDB guided smart bomb fired by Ukrainian forces, the first time Moscow has claimed to have intercepted one of the weapons that could double Ukraines battlefield firing range. The Ground-launched Small Diameter Bomb is fired on a rocket and then glides to its target, guided by GPS satellite, at 150 km range, around double that of the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that Kyiv deployed last year. Ukraine had long sought the weapons to hit Russian command centres, supply lines and other targets deep behind the front line. Washington is thought to have begun supplying them this year. Story continues The Russian statement said air defence forces had shot down the GLSDB within the last 24 hours, without saying where this had taken place. Widespread deployment of the GLSDB could put far more of Russias supply lines in eastern Ukraine within striking distance, and force Moscow to move its supplies and ammunition depots further from the front lines. Independent defence experts already credit the delivery of HIMARS to Ukraine last year as helping turn the tide of the war after Russias initial attempt at a blitzkrieg invasion failed. Putin will push, push, push if he smells Ukraine is weak, says Zelensky 06:28 , Arpan Rai Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that unless his nation wins a drawn-out battle in a key eastern city, Russia could gather international support for a deal that could require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises. If Bakhmut fell to Russian forces, Vladimir Putin would sell this victory to the West, to his society, to China, to Iran, Zelensky said. He added: If he will feel some blood smell that we are weak he will push, push, push. He also invited the leader of China, long aligned with Russia, to visit Ukraine. Read the full story here: Ukraine's Zelenskyy: Any Russian victory could be perilous In pictures: Zelensky visits wars front-line areas 06:00 , Martha Mchardy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents a medal to a serviceman in Trostianets in the Sumy region of Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents a medal to a serviceman in Trostianets in the Sumy region of Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives at the train station in Trostianets in the Sumy region of Ukraine, (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses for a photo with military personnel, police officers and civilians (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A woman cries during the singing of the national anthem during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) People sing the national anthem during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Russia not making progress in Bakhmut, Avdiivka, says Ukraine 05:36 , Arpan Rai Ukraines military officials have said Russia is not making progress in the battle hotspots of Bakhmut and Avdiivka despite relentless attempts in the bombed-out sector. They simply try to exhaust our troops with attack after attack, Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the militarys eastern group, said on national television, reporting 70 shelling incidents in Bakhmut alone. As Ukrainian fighters continued to repel the attacks and Russia was suffering high combat deaths, the Britains defence ministry said Russian forces had made only marginal progress in an attempt to encircle Avdiivka and had lost many armoured vehicles and tanks. Both towns have been at the forefront of Russias attacks, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement yesterday evening. Defending the Russian forces, a Moscow-installed leader from Donetsk region claimed that most Ukrainian forces had pulled back from a metals factory in western Bakhmut and Russian forces were making progress. Russia starts exercises with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles 05:09 , Arpan Rai Russia has begun military exercises involving the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system and several thousand troops, its defence ministry said today. In total, more than 3,000 military personnel and about 300 pieces of equipment are involved in the exercises, the defence ministry said in a statement on the Telegram messaging service, in a move likely seen as another attempt by Vladimir Putin to show off Moscows nuclear strength. This system can carry multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads and can be mounted on a truck carrier or deployed in silos. The drills involve both the Omsk missile formation together with a command and staff exercise with the Novosibirsk missile formation equipped with the Yars systems. The Yars mobile systems will conduct manoeuvres in three Russian regions, the ministry said, without identifying the regions. Also, strategic missilemen will carry out a set of measures to camouflage and counter modern aerial reconnaissance means in cooperation with formations and units of the Central Military District and the Aerospace Forces. The Russian president is looking to make the Yars missile system, which replaced the Topol system, part of Russias invincible weapons and the mainstay of the ground-based component of its nuclear arsenal. What are Ukraine and the west saying about tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus? 05:00 , Martha Mchardy Ukraine has responded to Putins move by calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. The world must be united against someone who endangers the future of human civilization, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday that U.S. officials havent seen any movement of any tactical nuclear weapons or anything of that kind since Putins announcement on Belarus. He has said Washington has seen nothing to prompt a change in its strategic deterrent posture. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) NATO rejects Putins claim that Russia only is doing what the U.S. has done for decades, saying the Western allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russias nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said, adding that the alliance hasnt yet seen any change in Russias nuclear posture. Lithuania, which borders Belarus, described Putins statement as yet another attempt by two unpredictable dictatorial regimes to threaten their neighbours and the entire European continent, calling them desperate moves by Putin and Lukashenko to create another wave of tension and destabilization in Europe. More than 76,500 Russian war crimes recorded, says Ukraine 04:45 , Arpan Rai Ukraine has accused the Russian forces of committing more than 76,500 war crimes and crimes of aggression since it launched a full-scale invasion of the country, officials have said. The Russian military has committed 76,753 war crimes and crimes of aggression like indiscriminate attacks on civilians, torture, sexual violence, rape and looting, the prosecutor generals office has said. Watch: Russian navy fires anti-ship cruise missiles in Sea of Japan war simulation 04:00 , Martha Mchardy What are the possible consequences behind putting tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? 03:00 , Martha Mchardy With his latest statement, Putin again is dangling the nuclear threat to signal Moscows readiness to escalate the war in Ukraine. The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly if Moscow decides to use them. It would also extend Russias capability to target several NATO members in Eastern and Central Europe. The move comes as Kyiv is poised for a counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russia. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, warned last week that attempts by Ukraine to reclaim control over Crimea was a threat to the very existence of the Russian state, something that warrants a nuclear response under the countrys security doctrine. Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Every day of supplying Western weapons to Ukraine makes the nuclear apocalypse closer, Medvedev said. Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said Putins goal is to discourage Ukraines Western allies from providing Kyiv with more weapons ahead of any counteroffensive. Putin is using nuclear blackmail in a bid to influence the situation on the battlefield and force Western partners to reduce supplies of weapons and equipment under the threat of nuclear escalation, Zhdanov said. The Belarusian nuclear balcony will be looming over not only Ukraine, but Europe as well, creating a constant threat, raising tensions and rattling the nerves of Ukrainians and their Western partners. What will Russia do with tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? 02:00 , Martha Mchardy Putin said Russia already has helped upgrade 10 Belarusian aircraft to allow them to carry nuclear weapons and their crews will start training to use them from April 3. He noted Russia also has given Belarus the Iskander short-range missile systems that can be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads. He said the construction of storage facilities for nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1. He didnt say how many nuclear weapons will be stationed there or when they will be deployed. Putin emphasized that Russia will retain control over any nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus, just like the U.S. controls its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its NATO allies. If Moscow sends nuclear weapons to Belarus, it will mark their first deployment outside Russian borders since the early 1990s. Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan inherited massive nuclear arsenals after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but agreed to ship them to Russia in the following years. Watch: British Challenger 2 Tanks Arrive In Ukraine Ready For Deployment On Battlefield 01:30 , Martha Mchardy Why is Putin deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? 01:00 , Martha Mchardy Putin said President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has long urged Moscow to station its nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and was a staging ground for the invasion of neighboring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia already has helped modernize Belarusian warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons something that Belarus authoritarian leader has repeatedly mentioned. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (AP) In remarks broadcast Saturday, Putin said the immediate trigger for the deployment of Russias tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was Britains decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium. Putin toned down his language after first falsely claiming that such rounds have nuclear components, but he insisted they pose an additional danger to the civilian population and could contaminate the environment. Putin also said that by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia will be doing what the United States has done for decades by putting its nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. He alleged the Russian move doesnt violate an international treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons, even though Moscow has argued before that the U.S. has breached the pact by deploying them on the territory of its NATO allies. Putins move contrasted with a statement he and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued after their talks in the Kremlin last week, which spoke against nuclear powers deploying atomic weapons outside their territories, in an apparent jab at the United States. What had been the hold up in sending tanks? Wednesday 29 March 2023 00:30 , Martha Mchardy Germanys chancellor, Olaf Scholz, had come under increasing pressure to allow the re-export of the Leopard tanks, dozens of which are held by armies across Europe but could not be sent to Ukraine with the express permission of Berlin. Germany initially resisted such a move, saying Western tanks should only be supplied to Ukraine if there is agreement among Kyivs main allies, particularly the United States. Berlin has been trying to strike a balance between ensuring Ukraine can defend itself and not supplying arms that could encourage Kyiv to make attacks on Russia or draw Nato into conflict with Moscow. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly said that the tanks are for defending Ukraine, and recovering Ukrainian territory lost to Moscow. Not for attacking Russia directly. A Leopard 2 tank is seen in action during a visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) While Mr Scholz promised a sea change in Germanys defence and security policy in response to Vladimir Putins invasion of his neighbour, that shift has appeared slow to Kyiv and its most vocal allies in Europe including Poland and the Baltic nations who border either Russia itself or Belarus and Ukraine and fear the threat of Russias war on its doorstep. The German leader has repeatedly voiced concern over his country being perceived as escalating the war and provoking President Putin, who has hinted he could resort to nuclear weapons. Why does Russia want tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? Wednesday 29 March 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy The announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he intends to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the conflict in Ukraine. It follows Putins warnings that Moscow is ready to use all available means, to fend off attacks on Russian territory, a reference to its nuclear arsenal. Read the full story here: Why does Russia want tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? Which countries have pledged to send tanks to Ukraine? Tuesday 28 March 2023 23:30 , Martha Mchardy The US and Poland have pledged to send tanks to Ukraine. The US has also pledged to send 31 of its M1 Abram tanks, plus recovery vehicles. However, the logistics involved in getting the tanks to the battlefield, as well as the extensive and complex maintenance and required for the high-tech vehicle, mean that it may be some time before they appear on the frontlines. Poland will also send an additional 60 of its PT-91 tanks. The PT-91 is a Polish-made battle tank that came into service in the 1990s. It was developed from the T-72 range. How Western tanks could give Ukraine a battlefield edge over Russia Tuesday 28 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy Further battalions of Leopard, Abrams and Challenger tanks could eventually be a game-changer, Andy Gregory reports. How Leopard tanks could give Ukraine a battlefield edge over Russia Who is sending tanks to Ukraine? Tuesday 28 March 2023 22:30 , Martha Mchardy Tanks from Germany and the UK have arrived in Ukraine. The UK has sent a squadron, or 14, of its Challenger 2 battle tanks, which have a 120 mm rifled gun. As well as training for Ukrainian troops. Germany has sent 14 Leopard 2 tanks to begin with, with potentially dozens more to come. It will also allow other countries that hold them to re-export them to Kyiv. Two Leopard 2 tanks are seen in action at the Field Marshal Rommel Barracks in Augustdorf, Germany, (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Why does Ukraine want tanks? Volodymyr Zelensky said such heavy weaponry is crucial to replenish his nations military hardaware to fight off Russias invasion. Kyiv also wants them to try and recapture territory taken by Moscows forces. Germanys Leopard 2 tank is regarded as one of the Wests best. German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has built more than 3,500 Leopard 2 tanks since beginning production in 1978. The tank weighs more than 60 tons, has a 120mm smoothbore gun and can hit targets at a distance of up to five km. It has a laser range finder that can measure distance to an object, meaning that aiming at moving targets while travelling over rough terrain becomes easier. Night vision capability also helps. Some 20 nations operate the Leopard 2, which also makes it easier for Ukraine to manage maintenance and crew training. How many Leopards are available? The Leopard 2 is one of the most widely used Western tanks. But in general, three decades after the end of the Cold War, tanks and other heavy weapons are in scarce supply in most of the West. Many countries drastically reduced their armies after the fall of communism. Germany has about 350 Leopard 2 tanks today, compared to some 4,000 battle main tanks at the height of the Cold War, German military expert Carl Schulze says. Ukraine has said that it would like 300 tanks, although it is unlikely to get quite that number. More than 100 across the nations in Europe that hold Leopard 2s would be a more approachable figure, plus tanks from elsewhere. Beyond the nations mentioned above, countries operating the Leopard include Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Turkey. It is all but impossible to buy a large amount of Leopard 2 tanks quickly. Germanys defence industry is banned by law from producing them for stock-keeping. Countries ordering new tanks need to be prepared to wait two to three years for delivery. Although German ministers have said they are looking to significantly speed up procurement. World-first child research hub in London will support Ukraine war victims Tuesday 28 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy The worlds first hub for child blast injury research has been opened in London with an immediate focus on providing support to victims in Ukraine. The Centre For Paediatric Blast Injury Studies, a partnership between Imperial College London and Save The Children, will particularly focus on reducing pain in children with limb loss and developing new prosthetics. Almost 1,000 recorded civilian casualties among children in Ukraine have been caused by explosive weapons, with actual numbers expected to be considerably higher. More than 250,000 explosive devices have already been removed and destroyed since the conflict began last February. World-first child research hub in London will support Ukraine war victims US and Russia stop sharing nuke data under faltering New START treaty Tuesday 28 March 2023 21:30 , Martha Mchardy The United States and Russia have stopped sharing biannual nuclear weapons data under the faltering New START treaty, the last arms control pact between the two countries, U.S. officials said Tuesday. Officials at the White House, Pentagon and State Department said the U.S. had offered to continue providing this information to Russia even after President Vladimir Putin suspended Russias participation in the treaty last month, but Moscow informed Washington that it would not be sharing its own data. Because of Russias noncompliance with these obligations under the treaty, the United States will not provide its biannual data exchange to Russia either, in order to encourage Russia to return to compliance with the treaty, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. Read the full story: US, Russia stop sharing nuke data under faltering New START Situation at Ukraines Russian-occupied nuclear plant very dangerous - U.N. nuclear watchdog Tuesday 28 March 2023 21:00 , Martha Mchardy Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, who met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday, described the situation at Ukraines Russian-occupied nuclear plant as very dangerous and very unstable. It has lost its external power supply six times since Russias invasion, forcing emergency diesel generators to kick in to cool its reactors. Mr Grossi said the water level in a nearby reservoir controlled by Russian forces was another potential danger. Water supplied by the reservoir is used to cool the reactors. If the reservoir level goes down beyond a certain level, then you dont have water to cool down the reactors, and we have seen especially in January that the levels of the water were going down significantly. They recovered somehow in the past few weeks, he said. The IAEA has had its own monitors stationed at the Zaporizhzhia plant since last year. Mr Grossi blamed a recent delay in their rotation on a row between Russia and Ukraine over the route they were supposed to take. We had an agreed route. All of a sudden that route was not agreed anymore... It took an awful lot of time to come to an agreement, he said. Deal to protect Ukraines Russian-occupied nuclear plant still alive, says head of International Atomic Energy Agency Tuesday 28 March 2023 20:00 , Martha Mchardy The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday his attempt to broker a deal to protect Ukraines Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was still alive, and that he was adjusting the proposals to seek a breakthrough. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, made the comments a day before he is expected to travel to Europes largest nuclear power station in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine. Mr Grossi has been pushing for a safety zone to be created at the plant to prevent a possible nuclear disaster as Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of shelling the site of the power station since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with with U.N. atomic energy chief Rafael Mariano Grossi (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) We are making some adjustments on the proposals that we are putting on the table, Mr Grossi said in an interview in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. I am confident that it might be possible to establish some form of protection, perhaps not emphasising so much the idea of a zone, but on the protection itself: what people should do, or shouldnt do to protect (the plant) instead of having a territorial concept. The contours of the proposed deal have not been made public. Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (Reuters) Diplomats say Mr Grossis latest proposal no longer includes a defined radius around the plant to mark the zone. Ukraine does not want a deal that will in effect recognise or allow a Russian military presence at the plant. Other elements of Grossis plan include no firing at or from the plant, and the removal of heavy weapons. I am not giving up in any way. I think on the contrary we need to multiply our efforts, we need to continue, Mr Grossi said. He said there had been increasing military activity in the region without giving details. Putin using Bakhmut to destroy Wagner Group and put its chief in his place, says ISW Tuesday 28 March 2023 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Russias months-long battle to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is being used by the Kremlin to largely destroy the private Wagner Group and put its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in his place, according to experts monitoring the conflict. Analysts have suggested an alterior motive to the Russian leaderships determination to keep throwing mercenary units into the bloody siege, with disagreements over Ukraine increasingly driving a wedge between Vladimir Putin and his long-time ally. The Wagner Group has trained and deployed thousands of convicted criminals in Ukraine promised their freedom if they can survive six months on the frontline ever since the Russian president launched his full-scale invasion of the former Soviet nation. Arpan Rai reports: Putin using Bakhmut to largely destroy Wagner Group and put its chief in his place France to double munitions supplies to Ukraine - defence minister Tuesday 28 March 2023 19:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain France will double this month its supplies of 155 artillery rounds to Ukraine to about 2,000 shells a month, its defence minister said on Tuesday, adding that Paris was also planning to boost a fund that enables Kyiv to buy French weaponry. Ukraine has identified the supply of 155 mm shells as a critical need as it engages in a fierce war of attrition with invading Russian forces. Both sides are firing thousands of artillery rounds every day. We are doubling the delivery of 155 mm shells to bring it to 2000 a month from the end of March, Sebastien Lecornu said in an interview published on Tuesday with Le Figaro newspaper. Ukrainian and Western leaders have warned in recent weeks that Kyiv is burning through the shells more quickly than its allies can provide them, leading to a renewed push to send supplies and find ways to ramp up production. France and Australia agreed in February a deal that would see Canberra provide gunpowder, which is not produced in France, to enable arms producer Nexter to manufacture 155mm shells. The faster deliveries will come from this, a French official said. European Union countries on March 20 agreed a 2 billion euro plan to send 1 million artillery rounds to Ukraine over the next year by digging into their own stockpiles and teaming up to buy more shells. Lecornu also said that the government was also discussing adding more money into a fund that enables Ukraine to buy French weaponry after the existing 200 million euros had been used. The official declined to say how much could be added. France is also looking to provide with a new package of light AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles after completing the delivery of a first batch this month, two French officials said. Paris has declined to say how many it has delivered. Arctic Council under pressure as Norway readies for Russian handoff Tuesday 28 March 2023 18:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Norway said it will prioritise a smooth transition with Russia as it plans to assume the chair of the Moscow-helmed Arctic Council on May 11, but will not commit to restarting stalled cooperation given the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Arctic Council was created in 1996 to discuss issues affecting the polar region, ranging from pollution to local economic development to search-and-rescue missions. Norway announced its priorities on Tuesday, noting it would focus its work as chair on climate change, the oceans, sustainable economic development and the peoples of the Arctic. The Arctic Council comprises the eight Arctic states of Russia, the United States, Canada, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark. Other nations, including China and India, are official observers to the councils activities. At the time of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February last year, Russia was halfway through its two-year chairmanship of the council which rotates between members. This led the other seven Arctic nations to soon pause cooperation with Moscow, putting about a third of the Councils 130 projects on hold because they had direct Russian involvement. Russia called the action regrettable. Russias possible degree of involvement with the Council once Norway takes over is still unclear. For now, the focus is squarely on attaining a seamless shift from Russia to Norway. We want an orderly transition, Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Eivind Vad Petersson told Reuters, adding, Norway is in contact with Russia to prepare the transition. At the same time, it is out of the question to have senior political officials going to a ministerial event in Russia and we have communicated that clearly to Russia. Asked whether the pause would continue under Norways chairmanship, Petersson said: We will not be able to communicate on the future work of the council until we have taken up the chairship role. Montenegro president: Negligent EU has allowed Russian influence in Balkans Tuesday 28 March 2023 18:15 , Martha Mchardy Montenegros pro-Western president has criticised the European Union for allegedly allowing Russia to spread its influence in the Balkans, saying on Tuesday that the volatile region has become a platform for anti-EU policies due to the blocs negligence. President Milo Djukanovic spoke to the Associated Press as he prepares for a Sunday runoff election with a political newcomer who has the support of the Montenegrin government, which includes parties seeking closer relations with Serbia and Russia. Russia has simply walked into an open space left by the European Union, Mr Djukanovic said of the EUs position toward the Balkans. Montenegro President Milo Djukanovic (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The European Union in the past 10 years didnt know what to do with the western Balkans, but Russia did. It has developed its network in the Balkans. Mr Djukanovic, who has held Montenegros largely ceremonial presidency since 2018, won the most votes in the first round of the countrys presidential election, which was held on March 19. Analysts in Montenegro think his challenger in the two-candidate runoff, former economy minister Jakov Milatovic, stands a good chance of winning because he has the backing of other candidates and political parties. With an early parliamentary election scheduled for June 11, this weekends vote is considered an important indicator of the future path of Montenegro, a small Nato member nation of 620,000 people. A political stalemate has stalled the countrys EU path and raised fears of instability as the war rages in Ukraine. Mr Djukanovic told the AP the presidential contest presents a choice between his pro-EU policies and the brutal populism of the current coalition government, which is dominated by parties that favour closer ties with Serbia and Russia. His Democratic Party of Socialists governed the country more or less unchallenged for three decades. The president alleged that the ruling coalition that came to power after a 2020 parliamentary vote has devastated Montenegro economically and financially. For the past two and a half years, we have witnessed serious stumbling by Montenegro, Mr Djukanovic said. The coalition government has pledged that Montenegro would remain on its European Union path. Mr Milatovic, the presidents challenger, also has expressed support for the country pursuing EU membership. Analysts say the Western-educated Mr Milatovic, 36, is seen as the favourite on Sunday against Mr Djukanovic, 61, who as prime minister took Montenegro to independence from Serbia in 2006 and defied Russia in 2017 to secure Nato membership. Who is sending tanks to Ukraine? Tuesday 28 March 2023 18:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Tanks from Germany and the UK have arrived in Ukraine with the countrys president, Volodymyr Zelensky having said such heavy weaponry is crucial to replenish his nations military hardaware to fight off Russias invasion. Kyiv also wants them to try and recapture territory taken by Moscows forces. Our foreign editor Chris Stevenson reports: Countries are sending more tanks to Ukraine to fight Putins forces heres why Russia convicts father of teen who drew antiwar pictures Tuesday 28 March 2023 17:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A Russian court on Tuesday convicted a single father over social media posts criticizing the war in Ukraine and sentenced him to two years in prison a case brought to the attention of authorities by his daughters drawings against the invasion at school, according to his lawyer and activists. The case of Alexei Moskalyov, who was indicted and tried in his hometown of Yefremov, about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) south of Moscow, has drawn international attention and is a grim indication that the Kremlin is intensifying its crackdown on dissent, targeting more people and handing out harsher punishments for any expression of criticism of the war. Russia convicts father of teen who drew antiwar pictures Watch: Donald Trump says he could negotiate an end to the Ukraine war within 24 hours Tuesday 28 March 2023 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain UN nuclear boss seeks breakthrough to protect Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant Tuesday 28 March 2023 16:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday his attempt to broker a deal to protect Ukraines Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was still alive, and that he was adjusting the proposals to seek a breakthrough. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, spoke to Reuters a day before he is expected to travel to Europes largest nuclear power station in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine. Grossi has been pushing for a safety zone to be created at the plant to prevent a possible nuclear disaster as Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of shelling the site of the power station since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. We are making some adjustments on the proposals that we are putting on the table, Grossi said in an interview in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. I am confident that it might be possible to establish some form of protection, perhaps not emphasising so much the idea of a zone, but on the protection itself: what people should do, or shouldnt do to protect (the plant) instead of having a territorial concept. The contours of the proposed deal have not been made public. Diplomats say Grossis latest proposal no longer includes a defined radius around the plant to mark the zone. Ukraine does not want a deal that will in effect recognise or allow a Russian military presence at the plant. Other elements of Grossis plan include no firing at or from the plant, and the removal of heavy weapons. I am not giving up in any way. I think on the contrary we need to multiply our efforts, we need to continue, Grossi said. He said there had been increasing military activity in the region without giving details. Belarus to face more sanctions over nuclear arms plan, Poland says Tuesday 28 March 2023 16:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Belarus will certainly face further European sanctions due to a Russian plan to station tactical nuclear weapons in the country, Polands prime minister said on Tuesday, as tensions between Warsaw and Minsk hit new highs. President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday Russia would station the nuclear arms in Belarus, his latest gambit in a worsening stand-off with the West over the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. This step taken by Russia... the announcement of the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus, will certainly lead to the announcement of additional sanctions, the level of sanctions will be much more severe for the Lukashenko regime, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told a news conference in Bucharest, referring to the Belarusian president. The United States, the worlds other leading nuclear superpower, has reacted cautiously to Putins statement, with a senior Biden administration official saying there were no signs Moscow planned to use its nuclear weapons. However, Lithuania has said that it will call for new sanctions against Moscow and Minsk in response to Russias plan. (AP) Morawiecki said he was in daily talks with other European Union leaders about an 11th package of sanctions against Russia and that it would include more measures targeting Belarus, a close ally of Moscow. Relations between Warsaw and Minsk were strained even before the war in Ukraine made them allies of opposing sides in the conflict. Poland accuses Belarus of orchestrating a migrant crisis along its borders which reached a peak in 2021, though migrants continue to arrive at the frontier today. Minsk denies pushing migrants towards the border. The two neighbours are also in dispute over the jailing of a journalist of Polish origin in Belarus and the vandalism of Polish graves in the country. Amid the deteriorating ties, Poland closed one of its key border crossings with Belarus in February, a move Minsk has condemned . On Tuesday, Morawiecki said Poland was considering further limitations on cross-border traffic. We border Belarus and, as part of our bilateral relations, we are considering tightening the parameters of passenger and freight traffic in order to send a signal that we do not accept actions that serve Russia in its aggressive actions in Ukraine. Zelensky visits two Ukrainian towns recaptured from Russians Tuesday 28 March 2023 15:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited two northern towns on Tuesday to celebrate their recapture a year ago in battles which he said showed Ukraine would defeat its Russian invaders. Video footage posted online by Zelenskys office showed him visiting Okhtyrka and Trostyanets in Sumy, the sixth region he has visited in the past week - some of them near the front line - as expectations of a Ukrainian counter-offensive rise. These days, these weeks, we are celebrating the anniversary of the liberation of our cities and communities in our northern regions, Zelensky told a small crowd of soldiers and civilians at the railway station in Trostyanets before handing out medals. Russian forces poured into the Sumy region, which borders Russia, at the start of the invasion in February 2022. They were driven out of the region after about a month of occupation that was met by fierce resistance. The video footage posted online showed heavily damaged buildings in the towns Zelensky visited. Ukrainian officials say territories close to the border are still regularly bombarded by Russian artillery and air strikes. Our people proved that this occupier will be defeated by us, by our morale, by our Ukrainian character. Our people proved it, our warriors proved it, Zelensky wrote on Telegram under the footage of his visit to Sumy. The Russian invasion has been bogged down for months in fierce fighting along the eastern front, and Ukraines ground forces commander said last week that a Ukrainian counterattack could come very soon. (AP) Ukrainian shelling kills two civilians, say Russian-installed officials Tuesday 28 March 2023 15:10 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Ukrainian forces killed two civilians late on Monday when they shelled an apartment building in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Russian-installed officials said on Tuesday. Reuters reporters saw rescue workers combing through the rubble in the building, the lower part of which had collapsed, and one victims legs protruding from the debris. A Ukrainian shell struck an apartment building at 246 Kuybyshev Street (in Donetsk), the Russian-installed police force in the part of Ukraines Donetsk region controlled by Moscow said in a statement. Unfortunately, two civilians died of their wounds under the rubble of the damaged building. There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian authorities, who say Russian forces have killed thousands of people in similar attacks on civilian areas and that their own armed forces are trying to seize back control of Ukrainian territory. Moscow, which says it does not deliberately target civilians, is trying to take control of all of Ukraines Donetsk region, a big chunk of which it has already seized, and is facing fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army. The facade of the building was blackened by smoke and its windows were blown out with peoples damaged furniture and belongings left lying in the yard. There was just this crazy bang. (My) child was so frightened, said one local resident who only gave her name as Irina. It is sad. The situation is very tense. It all seems like itll never end. And its very scary to live like this. Natalya Kasyanenko, another resident, said her familys apartment had got off fairly lightly but that other people faced a tragedy. Before this, a 16-storey building has been hit, a dental clinic and high school No. 51. But our neighbourhood had remained relatively calm. We did not expect anything like this, she said. Russian father whose daughter drew anti-war picture given two years' jail Tuesday 28 March 2023 14:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A Russian man who was investigated by police after his daughter drew an anti-war picture at school was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in a penal colony after being convicted of discrediting the armed forces, the OVD-Info rights group said. Alexei Moskalyov has been separated from his daughter Masha since he was placed under house arrest at the start of this month and she was moved to a childrens home in their hometown of Yefremov, south of Moscow. The case has provoked an outcry among Russian human rights activists and sparked an online campaign to reunite father and daughter. Moskalyov was convicted over comments he himself had posted online about the war in Ukraine. But the investigation started after Masha, 12, drew a picture last April showing Russian missiles raining down on a Ukrainian mother and child, prompting the head of school to call the police. Police began examining Moskalyovs social media activity and he was initially fined 35,000 roubles ($460) for comments critical of the Russian army. In December, investigators opened another case against him on suspicion of discrediting the armed forces, this time based on a social media post in June. The banned Russian human rights group Memorial said it considered Moskalyov to be a political prisoner. A lawyer for the family visited Masha on Tuesday in a childrens home and came away with drawings she had made for him. He was also allowed to photograph a letter she had written him that read Dad, you are my hero, according to a video posted by the independent news outlet SOTAvision. Shortly after invading Ukraine last year, Russia passed laws against discrediting the armed forces or knowingly spreading false information about them, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. The White Lotus season 3 HBOs The White Lotus has been a hit with viewers ever since it premiered in July 2021. Over the course of two seasons, the anthology series has taken its cast to exotic locations. While the first season was set in Maui in Hawaii, the second moved to Sicily in Italy. And now, Variety reports that The White Lotus season 3 will be set in Thailand. Counted among one of the best ongoing television shows, The White Lotus is about a group of extremely wealthy but dysfunctional guests at a fictional resort named White Lotus. What to know about The White Lotus season 3 Exploring death and Eastern religion and spirituality Image credit: FabioLovino/IMDb Variety was the first to reveal that the show is heading to Thailand, which was later confirmed by Deadline. Though HBO declined to comment, Variety cited creator Mike Whites statement at the Unpacking S2 E7 clip at the end of Season 2 in which he hinted that the third season may take place in Asia and focus on death and Eastern religion and spirituality. The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus, White said in the clip. Deadline reports that the shows executive producer, David Bernad, told the publication in February 2023 that the show was indeed moving to Asia. Weve tried to work in Asia a lot and hopefully season three will be our chance to make something happen there, he said. What is the filming location of The White Lotus season 3? White was already in Thailand in January 2023 in what appeared to be one of the four properties of Four Seasons in the country. Citing sources, Variety now reported that White is spending time in Thailand scouting for locations. The report also suggests that the show might be filmed at any of the Four Seasons properties Four Seasons Bangkok, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Story continues Thailands Four Seasons resorts are spread across the city, country, jungle and beach, giving White plenty of settings to play with, if he so chooses, the report says. Both the first and second seasons were filmed at Four Seasons resorts in Hawaii and Sicily. The White Lotus season 3 cast Image credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO FabioLovino/IMDb Being an anthology series, the main cast is different in both seasons. However, Jennifer Coolidge, who plays Tanya McQuoid, has been the mainstay across the two seasons of the show. Jon Gries, who played her husband Greg Hunt, is the only other actor from the first season to have appeared in the second. The cast who would appear in The White Lotus season 3 in Thailand hasnt been revealed, but new faces are expected. It is not clear if the third season will also have some prominent Thai celebrities among the cast. However, the plot twist at the end of the second season means that Coolidge is unlikely to return. Travel The White Lotus Filming Locations You Can Visit Like Tanya For A Spiritual Retreat Culture Shadow And Bone Season 3: When Is It Coming Out And What Can We Expect From It? What awards has The White Lotus won? Coolidge won an Emmy award for best supporting actress for her performance in the first season. She won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for Female Actor in a Drama Series for The White Lotus season 2. The first season of the show itself won 10 Emmy awards, including Coolidges win. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for the second season as well as the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at SAG. (Main image: FabioLovino/IMDb; Featured image: IMDb) This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Bangkok DES MOINES Asa Hutchinson, a former governor of Arkansas and a potential presidential candidate, while in Iowa on Monday evening talked about his breadth of experience, his vision for Americas future, and what he thinks of former President Donald Trumps legal issues. Hutchinson said again that he will make a decision about running for president next month, but sounded like a candidate ready to pull the trigger. He told both reporters and members of the local Bull Moose Club, the conservative group to whom he spoke Monday night, to stay tuned. Hutchinson told reporters that he feels his varied experience a former red-state governor who also served in Congress and in President George W. Bushs administration as head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security in the federal Homeland Security Department works in his favor. You combine that (experience as governor) with a federal experience, I think my background is unique, Hutchinson told reporters Monday. Ill match that experience and the ideas we present with anyone. Hutchinson told the conservative group that as a federal prosecutor he put away terrorists, and said while governor of Arkansas he oversaw state tax reductions and pushed the states schools to reopen early in the COVID-19 pandemic. He also called for pro-growth energy policy that includes a variety of sources, and warned against woke ideology and what he sees as the expansion of progressive policies from the federal government. Hutchinson told reporters that, if he opts to run for president, he may not enter the race with strong national name recognition, but that Iowa and its first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses give him a chance to increase that recognition and convey his message. I don't have the nationwide name identification that some others from larger states who have larger megaphones, but thats whats good about Iowa. Thats whats good about the opportunity to convey a consistent, conservative message and your vision for the future, Hutchinson said. Hutchinson also said he believes this years Republican presidential primary will be different from the last such open-seat campaign, which Trump won in 2016. But Hutchinson said that he believes it is important that Republican primary voters hear from multiple voices. Hutchinson also responded to a question about Trump, who has already announced his 2024 campaign and is facing myriad legal issues, including a possible indictment over allegations that during that 2016 campaign he paid a former pornographic movie actress to stay silent about their affair. Trump has denied the allegations. The former president also is the subject of investigations into his efforts to get Georgia elections officials to change the results of the 2020 presidential election, which Trump still refuses to acknowledge that he lost to President Joe Biden; and over his handling of classified documents after leaving office. Im not a fan of the criminal charges that are being investigated in New York. Im a federal prosecutor. I would not bring those charges. But theres a lot of other things that are being looked at, Hutchinson said. The key fact is that weve got a candidate for president ... that is really emphasizing these grievances, emphasizing the past and how hes been victimized, Hutchinson continued. And I think we ought to look to the future. I think we ought to look to problem-solve and the issues that face every family. SAC CITY, Iowa -- A Lake View, Iowa, man has pleaded not guilty of sexually abusing a female juvenile in 2017. William Biller Jr., 47, filed a written plea Saturday in Sac County District Court to three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, three counts of lascivious acts with a child and one count of indecent contact with a child. Online court filings show Biller has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, and a plea hearing has been scheduled for April 10. Biller is accused of touching the girl beneath her clothes from February 2017 to May 2017 at a home in Early, Iowa. The girl, who was under age 16 at the time of the alleged abuse, reported it to the sheriff's office last August. According to court documents, Biller admitted to investigators that he had touched the girl under her clothing several times for weeks and said it was wrong. SHELDON, Iowa The day before Jody Duskin's body was found in her home, her son had messaged family members to tell them he was going to kill her, court filings show. "I'm killing Jody," Nathaniel Kassel said in a message sent at 8:47 p.m. Wednesday, according to a complaint filed in O'Brien County District Court. About three hours later, Kassel was overheard having a phone conversation in which he said "he made a mistake and hurt someone." On Thursday morning, Kassel informed others Duskin, 62, was sick and could not make it to work. Another family member found Duskin's body at about 4 p.m. Thursday in a bedroom with a gunshot wound in her head and called police. A .45-caliber shell casing and bullet were found by officers who responded to the call. Kassel, 41, was arrested Friday in Flandreau, South Dakota, in possession of Duskin's car and two guns allegedly stolen from her house. Kassel was returned to Iowa Monday night and appeared Tuesday morning before Magistrate Kevin Huyser, who set Kassel's bond at $1 million and set a preliminary hearing for April 7. He faces charges of first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, operating a vehicle without the owner's consent and two counts of fifth-degree theft. Court documents list a Rock Rapids, Iowa, address for Kassel, though the complaint says he was living with his mother. According to court documents, police found three empty handgun containers in Duskin's house, one of them for a .45-caliber gun. On Wednesday, Kassel had gone to another Sheldon home and offered to sell a semi-automatic pistol to the residents, who refused. When arrested, Kassel was in possession of a 9mm handgun and .22-caliber handgun believed to be stolen from Duskin's home. Kassel has a 2000 felony conviction for theft in Arkansas, drug possession in Tennessee in 2015 and theft of property in Iowa's Lyon County. He also has Iowa convictions for disorderly conduct, burglary and operating while intoxicated. If found guilty of first-degree murder, he would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Community School District signed a resolution on Monday affirming its support for LGBTQ+ students in the district as multiple anti-LGBTQ+ bills make their way through the Iowa Legislature. The resolution was approved unanimously during the regular school board meeting on Monday. The Sioux City Community School District prohibits discrimination against all persons, whether student, family/caregiver of a student on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, the resolution said. Sioux City School Board Member Bernie Scolaro brought the resolution forward. She said since there are several bills this legislative session that target LGBTQ+ youth, it was important for the school board to stand up for their students. "It's just so important they know that we're standing by them," she said. She added while the board is trying to make a statement to legislators on the school's stance, it's more important that LGBTQ+ students know that they are supported. Sioux City Community School District Board of Education Bernie Scolaro Bernie Scolaro, Sioux City Board of Education director, speaks during the Sioux City Community School District's board meeting Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. The resolution says that every child regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation has a right to public education and that the school district welcomes and supports all students. It also states LGBTQ+ student experience higher rates of bullying, victimization, harassment, dropping out, absenteeism, anxiety, depression, and lower postsecondary school aspirations. The district prohibits bullying and harassment against all students, whether on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, according to the resolution. Lesa Banks with the Sioux City Education Association, the union which represents the district's teachers, said the organization supports the district's resolution. "We will not tolerate discrimination against any of our students," she said. On Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that requires students in public schools to use the bathroom and changing facility that aligns with their assigned sex at birth. Schools would be required to provide students with alternative facilities, such as a single-user unisex restroom if they request it and written consent from parents. The bill became effective immediately. District Communications Director Leslie Heying said the district is complying with the bill, but is working with students and families to support student needs. Reynolds also signed a bill that bans minors from receiving gender-affirming health care such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries contradicting the guidance of every major American medical association, which recommend medical interventions as a treatment for gender dysphoria in minors. Although the district does and will continue to adhere to any and all requirements, the district fundamentally opposes any state or legislative action that seeks to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students by restricting rights, limiting educational content and creating a school environment of feeling less safe and accepted, according to the resolution. Some of the bills circulating impact how teachers and school staff would interact with their students, such as HF180, which would prevent schools from affirming a students gender identity if it differs from the student's birth certificate unless there is parental consent; the bill also says school staffers are not allowed to "encourage" or "coerce" a student to withhold information related to their gender identity from a parent or guardian. Scolaro, who served as a school counselor at West High for 21 years, said school teachers and staff will continue to care for their students, regardless of these bills. "They can still reach out to the teachers that they already feel comfortable with or the counselor that they have that relationship with," she said. "That's not going to change, we're not going to stop caring about them because somebody in Des Moines is making some legislation that to me is hateful and harmful." Sioux City students and school board members spoke out at the previous school board meeting in opposition to anti-LGBTQ bills circulating in the Iowa Legislature. The East High School Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) presented a statement to the board denouncing pieces of legislation they called human rights issues. Ariel Flint, a sophomore at East High, read a statement she prepared on behalf of the organization. Flint said the recent legislation will negatively impact LGBTQ students. Flint said this is not a matter of difference of opinion or religious beliefs, but of human rights, of our education, and of our safety. No parent should have to choose between following the best medical practices for their child and facing legal consequences, Flint said. No teacher should be punished for having a pride flag in their classroom. No district should be punished for having a book somebody finds inappropriate. No teacher should be forced to out their students and no student should be punished for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. School board members stressed their support of LGBTQ+ students. Scolaro said LGBTQ+ students who found their school to be affirming of their identity report lower rates of suicide attempts, according to the Trevor Project. Scolaro is bringing forward a resolution at the next school board meeting to affirm LGBTQ+ students. We must be loud and we must be clear that we accept, welcome, appreciate and care about all our students regardless of sexual identity or gender identity or sexual orientation, she said. School Board Member Taylor Goodvin said school board members owe it to their students to speak out about these issues. Goodvin said the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bills are taking control away from districts, taking freedoms away from students and taking classroom authority away from teachers. The party of local control has done nothing but erode local control in public schools for the last two years, Goodvin said. He said these bills are not the result of legislators' fear of transgender kids or the belief that such individuals are a problem; rather, he said, it's a political stunt. They are backed by a reckless misinformation campaign of lies that score cheap political points by hurting some of our most vulnerable students and citizens, Goodvin said. They dont seek to improve anything. They dont seek to make our school district safer. SIOUX CITY A Minneapolis environmental engineering firm is recommending that the Sioux City Council vote to raise sewer rates so that the city's aging wastewater treatment plant can be rebuilt. Last April, the council green-lighted a $617,700 consulting services agreement with Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. to evaluate whether to upgrade or replace the plant. In January, representatives of Hazen and Sawyer told the council reconstruction of the plant is likely the best investment for the city. Rebuilding the existing wastewater treatment plant, which is between 50 and 60 years old, would cost an estimated $580 million, while constructing a completely new plant father south would run in the neighborhood of $900 million. Tim Devine, senior associate at Hazen and Sawyer, told the council on Monday that about 60% of the volume that flows into the plant comes from non-industrial users and the other 40% from industrial users. Roughly 60% of current revenues are generated by non-industrial users and 40% by industrial users. "In terms of load, what actually needs to be treated, it's flipped in an even greater percentage," said Devine, who showed a graph with industry accounting for 66% of BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and 75% of TSS (total suspended solids). "So, moving forward for projected rate increases, we looked at sharing the cost allocation of investments in future infrastructure 50/50 between the non-industrial and industrial." Sioux City wastewater treatment plant (copy) (copy) (copy) Sioux City's Wastewater Treatment Plant is shown in this 2022 file photo. A Minneapolis environmental engineering presented recommendations fo Based on Hazen and Sawyer's seven-year outlook, residential/commercial ratepayers would see an annual rate increase of 20% in FY 2024, 10% in FY 2025 and 3% in fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Industrial users would see an annual rate increases of 30% in FY 2024, 20% in FY 2025 and 2026, and 5% in fiscal years 2027 through 2030. "This project is not an option. We have to go forward with the facility plan improvements to the wastewater treatment plant in order to maintain viable wastewater treatment for the city and our industries," Tom Pingel, the city's utility director in charge of the plant, told the council. "We're at a crucial point here, and we don't have a whole lot of time to negotiate around how the rates will look." For example, if the council approves the rate increase, low volume residential users who are currently paying $23.60 a month for 400 cubic feet would see their bills increase by $5.99 to $29.59 in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. Mayor Bob Scott said industrial users, such as Seaboard Triumph Foods, are "deeply concerned" about the proposed sewer rate increase. "If you lose 2,100 jobs because of high sewer rates and water rates, then, there are going to be a lot of people wondering how they're going to sell their houses when they do get around to selling them," Scott said. Project Manager Will Martin said Hazen and Sawyer is proposing phasing in the improvements to the plant over time. He said phases 1 and 2 of the 3-phase project are mandatory. "We, in conjunction with the city, looked at a lot of different options for what the city could do with its wastewater infrastructure," he said. "What we found is that doing things the right way and investing in the existing site, rebuilding into an as new condition -- that was a very economical option for the city." Phase 1 of the project would focus on all planned upgrades except for new aeration basins and solids improvements, which would be implemented in phase 2. The aim of phase 3 would be additional capacity expansion. "There are significant safety issues with the plant for the city staff," Martin said. "And, another piece that's a real driver here is the regulatory scrutiny. The wastewater plant has a history of compliance issues with the state. It's seen a lot of increased regulatory scrutiny from state and federal regulators." In January of 2022, the Iowa DNR filed suit against the city over alleged repeated environmental violations at the plant, which dated back to March 2012. The city faces fines adding up to millions of dollars. In response, the city concedes there have been past violations. But, in each case, the city self-reported them to the DNR upon discovery. The city also has denied allegations that city officials intentionally misled state regulators about the operating capabilities of the plant, calling them "reckless and libelous." The city would pay for the wastewater treatment plant project with a combination of funding, including American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The city received $40.6 million from ARPA, a COVID relief package signed by President Biden in March 2021. The facility plan developed by Hazen and Sawyer was required by the Iowa DNR and funded with $500,000 from the ARPA. The rest of the money came from the sewer fund. At its next meeting, the council is expected to vote on first reading of ordinance changes that would increase sewer rates. Three readings are required before any ordinance can pass. SIOUX CITY Elisha Cook's immediate reaction was tears. A single parent who works full time as a nurse, Cook bought a home in Sioux City in November 2021. At the time, the Morningside area property had an assessed value of $109,800. In 2022, the amount went up to $173,600 (a jump of 58.1%). On Monday, Cook received a letter in the mail from the Sioux City Assessor's office saying her 2023 assessment would be $54,800 more than the year prior (or a net value of $228,400). Letters were mailed to all Sioux City property owners on Friday. In terms of percentages, Cook's assessment increase was 31.5% which is about 8% higher than the 23.5% average for the city. Statewide, the average for 2023 is between 20% and 30%. "I have been a nurse for 20 years and, with the cost of living skyrocketing (and not my wages), I am not sure how I will be able to afford another increase in my payment," Cook said. "I've done no work to my home, and there is no reason to see any increase." City and state On Facebook, a number of Sioux City residents shared Cook's complaint about seeing an increase despite not making any alterations to their homes. According to Sioux City Assessor Tyler Erickson, home improvements are not the biggest driver of assessment value increases. "If you dont make improvements, the market is still increasing at a rapid rate and our job is to be within fair market value of property," Erickson said. Asked how a property owner could see a sizable jump when only a few houses in their neighborhood have recently sold, Erickson explained: "Most people think of their area as a two-block area, most areas are between 800 and 1,200 property parcelsYou find more sales in those areas." The valuation effort is one the state has a major say in as well. If cities or counties are seeing properties sell above present assessed values and their governing bodies don't raise assessments in the spring, the Iowa Department of Revenue can do so in the fall through such means as equalization orders. "They are the ones who set the rules we have to abide by and we take that very seriously and try and make it as fair and equitable as possible, across the board," Erickson said. Erickson's also explained that the percent increase for an assessment value doesn't carry over to tax increases. Local levies are a factor. So too is the "state rollback" which is a state-level limitation on how much property assessments can grow by. Shocking In a Friday release about the letters going out, Erickson's office noted a large number of apartments and multi-residential properties will be affected as well. Lena Hamilton said she worries her landlord will have to raise her rent to "cover" the new assessment value. "How does anyone live a normal life when all you do in the morning is wake up and go work to barely live and pay taxes upon taxes upon taxes?" Hamilton asked. Erickson himself has acknowledged this year's increase of 20-plus percent on average is much larger than in other years. He said 5-10% spikes are more the norm. "We are aware of the situation and it's shocking," he said. Farah Langseth, a parent of three, said the value of the property she and her husband own in town has gone up by $55,000 since they bought it less than three years ago. When she opened the letter Monday and saw the amount, she said it made her wish they'd never bought a house. "My husband is the sole provider for us," Langseth said. "Makes me sad he will have to provide more over this." Langseth said she intends to request a review of the assessment which can be done between April 2 and April 25. Cook said she's already printed off her appeal and is going to send it in as soon as possible. Petitions can be filed with the local board of review from April 2 through April 30. In a given year, Erickson said his office will see less than a thousand appeals for assessment values even though there are about 28,000 residential properties in Sioux City. Since Monday morning, there's been a constant stream of calls to the assessor's office about the values increasing. "I would prefer it (the assessment) not go up at all," Cook said. "I knew when I purchased the house, it would go up, but definitely not like this." KYIV, Ukraine "Attention. Air raid alert," the voice says with a Jedi knight's gravitas. "Proceed to the nearest shelter." It's a surreal moment in an already surreal war: the grave but calming baritone of actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of "Star Wars," urging people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine. The intrusion of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy into the grim daily realities of war in Ukraine is a consequence of Hamill's decision to lend his famous voice to "Air Alert" a downloadable app linked to Ukraine's air defense system. When air raid sirens start howling, the app also warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming. "Don't be careless," Hamill's voice advises. "Your overconfidence is your weakness." The actor says he's admired from afar, in California how Ukraine has "shown such resilience ... under such terrible circumstances." Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the "Star Wars" saga, he says of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. Voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his "Star Wars" touch was his way of helping out. "A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with what's going on in Ukraine," Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. "The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically ... It's impossible not to be inspired by how they've weathered this storm." When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that "the air alert is over." He then signs off with an uplifting: "May the Force be with you." Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed "Star Wars"-themed posters that are being raffled off. "Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering," he said. "It motivates me to do as much as I can." Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent. On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms. But many others are real and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamill's voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. He's a "Star Wars" fan, too. "Besides," he said, "we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us." After one alert, Zvonyk was riding a trolley bus when Hamill's voice rang out from his phone. He said the man in front "turned to me and said, smiling: 'Oh, those damn Sith,'" to describe Russian forces. The Sith are the malevolent enemies of the do-gooding Jedi. Olena Yeremina, a 38-year-old business manager in the capital, Kyiv, said Hamill's "May the Force be with you" signoff at first made her laugh. Now its enduring humor gives her strength. "It's a very cool phrase for this situation," she said. "I wouldn't say that I feel like a Ukrainian Jedi, but sometimes this phrase reminds me to straighten my shoulders and keep working." Sometimes it can be wise to shut Hamill off. Yeremina forgot to do that on a trip outside Ukraine to Berlin and paid for the error when the alarm started shrieking at 6 a.m. and, again, when she rode the subway in the German capital. She wasn't alone. Another person in the subway car also had the app and it erupted, too. The two of them first cursed, but then "it made both me and that person smile," Yeremina recalled. Ajax Systems, a Ukrainian security systems manufacturer that co-developed the app, hopes Hamill's star power will encourage people outside Ukraine to download it so they get a taste of the angst heaped on Ukrainians by nerve-shredding alarms and airborne death and destruction. "With Mark's approach, it won't be so terrifying," said Valentine Hrytsenko, the chief marketing officer at Ajax. "But they will understand somehow the context." In the invasion's first year, air-raid alarms sounded more than 19,000 times across the country, so "of course people are getting tired," he said. The app has been downloaded more than 14 million times. Hrytsenko is among those who use its English-language setting to hear Hamill's voice. "For Star Wars fans, it sounds really fantastic," he said. "It's kind of a Ukrainian mentality to find some humor even in the bad situation or to try to be positive." Hamill is pleased that the sci-fi saga is again transporting people, even if just temporarily, to its galaxy far, far away. "It does inspire people," he said. "Everyone flashes back to being 6 years old again. And if the movie can help people get through hard times, so much the better." 100 best sci-fi movies of all time 100 best sci-fi movies of all time #100. Ghostbusters (1984) #99. Jurassic Park (1993) #98. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) #97. Fantastic Planet (1973) #96. Wonder Woman (2017) #95. Village of the Damned (1960) #94. The Worlds End (2013) #93. The Secret of NIMH (1982) #92. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) #91. Melancholia (2011) #90. Repo Man (1984) #89. Superman II (1980) #88. The Vast of Night (2019) #87. Serenity (2005) #86. Big Hero 6 (2014) #85. 2046 (2004) #84. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) #83. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) #82. Captain America: Civil War (2016) #81. The Road Warrior (1981) #80. Godzilla (1954) #79. The Lobster (2015) #78. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) #77. 12 Monkeys (1995) #76. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) #75. Dune (2021) #74. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) #73. Ghost in the Shell (1995) #72. Ex Machina (2014) #71. The Fly (1986) #70. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) #69. Forbidden Planet (1956) #68. Superman (1978) #67. Face/Off (1997) #66. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) #65. Snowpiercer (2013) #64. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) #63. Incredibles 2 (2018) #62. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) #61. Belle (2021) #60. The Host (2006) #59. Hard to Be a God (2013) #58. Minority Report (2002) #57. A Quiet Place (2018) #56. Spider-Man 2 (2004) #55. April and the Extraordinary World (2015) #54. Memoria (2021) #53. Logan (2017) #52. Iron Man (2008) #51. Paprika (2006) #50. The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021) #49. Looper (2012) #48. Take Shelter (2011) #47. Planet of the Apes (1968) #46. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) #45. The Matrix (1999) #44. Interstellar (2014) #43. A Clockwork Orange (1971) #42. The Martian (2015) #41. Arrival ((II) (2016)) #40. District 9 (2009) #39. Isle of Dogs (2018) #38. The Lego Movie (2014) #37. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) #36. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) #35. Star Trek (2009) #34. Avatar (2009) #33. Black Panther (2018) #32. Inception (2010) #31. Avengers: Endgame (2019) #30. Brazil (1985) #29. Children of Men (2006) #28. The Invisible Man (1933) #27. Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) #26. Blade Runner (1982) #25. The Terminator (1984) #24. The Iron Giant (1999) #23. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) #22. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) #21. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) #20. Aliens (1986) #19. Donnie Darko (2001) #18. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) #17. King Kong (1933) #16. Frankenstein (1931) #15. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) #14. Solaris (1972) #13. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) #12. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) #11. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) #10. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) #9. Her (2013) #8. Back to the Future (1985) #7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) #6. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) #5. Gravity (2013) #4. Alien (1979) #3. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) #2. WALLE (2008) #1. Metropolis (1927) SIOUX CITY Nikki Haley, who has declared her intent to seek the GOP presidential nomination, will swing through northwest Iowa next month with Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull. Feenstra Family Picnic 2022 U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, speaks with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley during the Feenstra Family Picnic at the Dean Classic Car Mus Her planned visits include: Meeting with a group of local GOP women and holding a town hall with Feenstra in Sioux City on April 10 A meet-and-greet with local Republicans and Feenstra in Denison on April 11 Meeting with local pork producers and farmers in Storm Lake and accompanied by Feenstra on April 11 A Republican Party of Iowa event in Fort Dodge with Feenstra on April 11 A campaign event in Des Moines on April 12 Haley was formerly the governor of South Carolina and served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration. Haley was the keynote speaker at Feenstra's second annual family picnic fundraiser last summer in Sioux Center. This will be Haleys third trip to Iowa since she launched her campaign more than a month ago. Pay Dirt is Slates money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Athena and Elizabeth here. (Its anonymous!) Lillian Karabaic is headed for new venturesthis is her last column for Pay Dirt. You can continue to follow her money thoughts over on Twitter. Check back each week for new columns from Athena and Elizabeth. Dear Pay Dirt, Ill be getting married in about a year and a half. I have tried to be a good steward of my money and Im doing OK. I have paid off half of my mortgage. I own the house myself and purchased it before I met my fiancee. My car is paid off. I have no credit card debt and I have a decent 401(k) and an emergency account of $150,000. My fiancee has no savings and a smaller 401(k). She has enjoyed her early years with travel and going out. She had a credit card debt of about $20,000 that I paid off so she could avoid the interest. She has paid that back in the five years we have been together. She now has a part-time job, in addition to a good full-time job, to save for the impending wedding of her dreams which will cost about $65,000. We are splitting that in half, even though I would prefer a much smaller wedding. I brought up the subject of a prenuptial when we talked about marriage and she understood. Now she is not interested in doing that anymore. Im a little fearful because I have sacrificed a lot to get what I have and Im worried that if things dont work out, I will lose my house. Is there anything I can do before marriage to protect my assets? Nervous in the Northeast Dear Nervous, Your fiancee started making good financial decisions once you met. Shes paid off her debt to you (and accepted your help to avoid compound interest). She is willing to work a second job for her dream wedding. Despite all these financial decisions involving you (you were her lender, and you are the one she is getting married to), you still seem to think of all of these decisions as hers. You view each of your two spheres of finances as non-overlapping entities. But youll have to start making money decisions together. You dont get to approach this marriage with a hers and mine mentality. Even with separate finances, my spouse and I make daily collaborative decisions that affect one anothers balance sheet: where we choose to live, how we divide household expenses, which health insurance is a better deal, and tax considerations as a married filing jointly couple. It varies by state, but if you dont want your marital home to become marital property, youll generally need to get a legal document that sets it aside. Even with such a document, there are still cases where your assets could be at risk for your wifes debt. Theres no secret magical sauce to protect your assets except a prenup. (Okay, maybe several secret accounts in the Cayman Islands.) Prenuptial agreements exist to clearly divide assets in the case of a marriage dissolving. But not all prenups are iron-clada judge could decide that your wife is entitled to a share of your home in divorce (if shes paying fairly into the mortgage, for example). It could be worth starting a charm offensive if your fiancee is backtracking. Spell out why prenup can be good for both of you and healthy for your relationship. Putting together a prenup will help you discuss and clarify your financial goals in a structured way. Each of you can get legal help to ensure your interests are represented. Since youre an anxious and meticulous person with money, hopefully, she will see the prenup as a way to calm you and start out on even footing. You agreed to a more expensive wedding for her; she can agree to have a series of conversations about money. If your fiancee is unwilling to get a prenup or do premarital financial counseling, you must consider whether youre a good match long-term. If youre constantly stressed about the worst-case scenario and your nest egg, and shes regularly splurging on a dream purchase, will you be happy together? Research has found that money arguments are the second leading cause of divorce. As Amy March from Little Women said in the 2021 film: Dont sit there and tell me that marriage isnt an economic proposition, because it is. Lillian More Advice From Slate How do you come to peace with the fact that your child did not get the teacher you were hoping for? My first-born, elementary schoolage child was initially placed in a class with a teacher who has a teaching approach that really appeals to me (Reggio Emilia). Just before school started, my child was switched to a different class where the teacher has a much more regimented, structured approach. When I asked Dahlia Scheindlin what it felt like to be Israeli right now, she said a couple of things. First? Its hard to sleep. Theres so much adrenaline. Everybodys worked up and tense. So I sleep but not a lot. Scheindlin is a political scientist and a columnist at Haaretz, in Tel Aviv. Shes been going out into the massive protests that have been roiling the country for 12 weeks now. Thousands of people have flooded the streets, waving Israeli flags and demanding Benjamin Netanyahus governing coalition abandon its attempt to reform the Israeli judiciary. Advertisement This week marked a crescendo for these protesters, as unions ordered much of the country to go on a general strike. That shuttered business all around Israel. So, for Dahlia Scheindlin, being Israeli now means being tired, being inconveniencedbut it also means a strange kind of solidarity. All kinds of people have turned out to make their opinions knownsoldiers, doctors, young people, old people. Hundreds of thousands of them. Like Scheindlin, theyre motivated by the belief that the reforms their representatives are pushing will make Israel dangerously undemocratic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in uncharted territory a little bit, she said, because the country I live in is very much on the verge of becoming something completely other. My life as I know it could change dramatically. So its worrying. And Scheindlin is still worried, even though late Monday these protests led the Israeli government to blink. On live television, Benjamin Netanyahu announced he was delaying this judicial reform. For now. Advertisement But shes now willing to declare victory yet. I would not exactly say its a victory. Its simply a kind of gesture in favor of the protesters and a desperate attempt to get the country back mobilized again, she said. I keep wondering what these people are going to think when the demonstrations are over and everybody goes home, and this solidarity drains away. On Tuesdays episode of What Next, I spoke with Scheindlin about why Israel shut itself down. And whether it will really make a difference in the long term. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Mary Harris: There are four big judicial reforms at play here. One would allow the Knesset, Israels Parliament, to override Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority vote. Another would give the ruling coalition the ability to appoint Supreme Court judges. All of these reforms put strict limits on the judiciary at a time when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under indictment. Advertisement Advertisement But Dahlia Scheindlin says these reforms have been brewing for more than a decade. And for Netanyahus party, the Likud, and his far-right coalition government, getting them done has become their first priority. Dahlia Scheindlin: The Likud has been involved in this and enabling it and in some ways nurturing it for at least a decade. And the other parties to the right of Likud have been openly advocating this kind of political takeover of the judiciary and suppression of judicial review and judicial independence for years. Advertisement We have a document that we call the coalition agreement that outlines the basic principles of the coalition. It has to be published by law two days before the government is sworn in. And that document read like a loyalty oath that all the parties in the government would prioritize these judicial reforms and that they would go along with whatever the justice minister proposed. They were basically sworn to making this their No. 1 priority. In fact, they generally share the perspective that the court has become some sort of a dictatorship of elites. Advertisement And because of the way the Israeli government workswithout a constitutionthe term judicial reform is a bit of a misnomer, right? Advertisement Advertisement Judicial reform is the easiest way to capture whats happening, but it certainly is a form of regime change. Its also really important to point out something much more basic and that is that we dont actually have structural and institutional checks and balances on the executive, other than the independent judiciary. The government controls a majority of the legislature. There isnt a real separation of powers. We dont have any sort of regional election system. Were not a federal system. Were not part of any other international meta state of bodies or international courts. And we dont have a formal written constitution. Advertisement So theres really no constraints on the executive, and there are no real constraints on legislation as well. Israel, for most of its history until 1992, was legislating with absolutely no boundaries other than the independent judiciary, which very rarely would exercise judicial review of legislation but was more likely to exercise judicial review of executive action when it violated certain principles, for example, equality or freedom of speecheven though they werent written in Israeli law. And so I think thats what made Israelis really scaredthat we have no other real protections. And the court has been responsible, which is the accusation of the right wing, for reading some of the basic expectations that any citizen would have in a democracy into Israels political culture, even if they werent written into law. That is a deep point of contention. I think that its not a healthy situation for a democracy. I agree with the right wing on that, but the court has been forced into that situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So youve laid out basically how, as soon as Netanyahu became prime minister again, everyone had been kind of sworn to do this judicial reform. Can you just tell me how the protest movement started? I dont know that they had a particular battle plan for this because so many Israelis seemed to be caught by surprise. Now, I can tell you that the moment the government was established, within one week, the justice minister from Likud published the full plan of judicial reform. And right away that week, there was a demonstration. It was a fairly big demonstration. But the interesting thing about that demonstration was it split into two. One half of it was protesting the attacks on the judiciary, and that was a very mainstream group of people who maybe voted for centrist parties or some left-wing parties, but maybe also some right-wing parties. And I remember talking to a lot of people who said, I voted for Likud, Im a right-winger my whole life, but I dont like this attack on the judiciary. And the remainder of the demonstrators were saying, If you care about democracy, you cant support occupation. And this all brings us back to the problem with occupation over Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That demonstration was big in its own right. Lets say 20,000 people. But by the next week is when we really saw mass protestsmuch bigger. And by that time, the leaders of the various groups that were protesting had made a clear decision that they were not going to split demonstrations and that the best way to mobilize the most people was to completely unify all forces and to make this into a very patriotic Israeli demonstration in its tone and symbolism. Advertisement And about judicial reform, because that was the thing everyone could agree on. Yes. But also adopting the Israeli flag as the symbol is very much a Jewish national narrative. They have completely appropriated all of the national symbolism, which does create a rift in Israeli society on some level. Maybe rift is too strong a word, but there has been lots of observation that many of Israels Palestinian citizens dont feel themselves part of this. They generally support an independent judiciary because it has occasionally made advances for their position in Israeli society, and advanced some of the values that have benefited them, too. So they certainly arent for the reforms or the regime change or whatever we decide to call it. And some have been present and speaking and joining, but you certainly dont see those kinds of numbers or the major presence of the Palestinian citizens of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Can you tell me how the protest pressure came to a head this weekend, when the defense minister was fired? Even before the defense minister announced his intention, he had communicated that he was going to make some sort of speech calling for a pause in the legislation. Netanyahu basically pulled the defense minister into his office forI dont know if it was a dressing down or a negotiation, but he headed it off. He managed to get the defense minister not to do it. And then Netanyahu flew off to London for a visit during which he was trolled and hassled by Israelis and protesters outside Downing Street when he was meeting with the prime minister there. It was on Saturday night while the prime minister was still away that Yoav Gallant, the defense minister, did make his speech and said that the warnings about the weaknesses and damage this is causing to Israels military preparedness are too severe. We cannot count on our military being sufficiently prepared. Advertisement Advertisement I think that Netanyahu felt like he was disobeying his orders because they had come to some sort of an agreement, that he was sidelining him by doing it while Netanyahu was abroad, and that he was doing it without Netanyahus control or even knowledge that he was going to do it. And that infuriated Netanyahu. Netanyahu, of course, likes to have complete control over everything that goes on in his coalition and probably in the country in general. And so it took Netanyahu about 24 hours to make this decision to announce that he was going to fire him as defense minister. Advertisement Advertisement And the message here is if you give me information I dont want to hear, youre out. Advertisement The message is if you go against my policies, youre out. Even though I just said he was furious about how it happened, the real problem was that he wanted to prove that he could pass these reforms. And with 64 seats out of 120, he should have been able to pass them. And there were already cracks in the armor. Interestingly, one of the other very senior Likud figures, Yuli Edelstein, who had been chair of the Knessetwhich is a position equivalent to speaker of the Housefor many years, had absented himself. I dont mean abstained. He had simply not shown up for one of the key first stage votes of one of the pieces of legislation. So within the Likud, youre never going to hear people saying were against the reform, but the best they can do is say the way its being done is too alienating, that we need to call for dialog. So we already knew that there were some cracks in the Likud, and Gallant became the first to openly and publicly state, I think we should stop this process. But Netanyahu knew that it could very easily drag with it other Likud figures who had already been privately telling him this has gone awry. And after Netanyahu announced that he would be firing the defense minister, there were, lets say, speculation and hints being dropped from those figures that they would support the effort to pause the legislation, because him firing the defense minister immediately triggered such an extreme response from the protesters, who within literally half an hour began calling for mass demonstrations, and then within an hour had completely blocked the main traffic highway, and then within two hours, there were tens of thousands of people and then hundreds of thousands of people out in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its just so interesting to me that Netanyahu seemed to think that firing the defense minister might work out for him in some way. Were all trying to play psychoanalyst for Netanyahu. For years now, many of the things hes done many people think were over the top or inexplicable. And somehow it always seems to work out for him. This time its starting to seem like hes really miscalculated. On Monday morning, the crisis in Israel seemed to deepen. A general strike was called. And it was interesting to me because, from the beginning, Israels business community has been opposed to these judicial reforms. So it seemed to be this moment where in addition to protesters in the street, we had people who were pillars of the community in a different way, saying, No, we wont accept whats happening. Was that surprising to you? Advertisement It was surprising to me. I did expect mass demonstrations. And because Ive been tracking this issue for a very long time, I wasnt surprised that there were lots of people on the street expressing their opposition to the reform. I was surprised at how bigthe breadth, the endurance. But I dont think I expected so many different professional, social, and civic communities over the course of these last 12 weeks to become so active and mobilized, each rather independently. Advertisement Advertisement What really was a game changer was when different communities began taking action that disrupted the normal functioning of societyand the demonstrators, too. Closing roads. Blocking traffic on weekdays is an enormous cost to the people who need to go to work to physically be there to get their jobs done. Advertisement Finally, on Monday night, Netanyahu released a statement. In it, he announced he was putting the judicial reforms on hold for now. He compared himself to King Solomon, tryingand failingto split the baby. Advertisement He was trying to do what he usually does, which is put it in grand historic terms and make himself seem like a man of gravitas who really understands when there are big tectonic shifts at play and that he is the person who can step in and guide the country, navigate these troubled waters. He portrayed it as this difficulty that has befallen the country. Which has nothing to do with him, but hes the great man that can fix it. As if it just fell out of the sky and hit Israel like a meteor, as if it wasnt his government, his doing. Advertisement He nearly lost his coalition. One of his ministers, the minister of national security, threatened to simply not support the entire endeavor of postponing this and topple the government. And they negotiated about it all day until that minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, decided that he would let the pause go on. If he decides to leave the government, he will continue supporting it from the outside, but so far he hasnt done that. Advertisement Ben-Gvir released a statement saying this reform will pass. This is in no way a backing down. Exactly. Again, that party really campaigned on exactly this program. So they feel like it is their signature, their raison detre. And the question of whether Netanyahu is not really committed to it but just wants them on his side is almost irrelevant. He has thrown his entire political and moral weight behind this, and he is not going to back down from it at an ideological level. If he has any ideological qualms, he is not about to show them to the public. And I dont think it matters at this point. He is behind it and I think he will try to continue it as long as he needs to to keep his government going. Advertisement Advertisement You said that Netanyahu almost lost his coalition, and many people have observed that basically he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he jammed these reforms through, he would enrage people on the streets. And if he took a pause, he would lose momentum for what he was trying to do. But even though hes pasted things back together for now, what does that say to you about his strength moving forward and how long he might be in his current position? Advertisement Advertisement Its certainly a legitimate analysis to say that he is weaker now in some ways because hes trapped. Hes trapped into this coalition. He doesnt have any other coalition partners who will sit under his leadership in government. And this is what the coalition demands. And he has created a monster within the Likud that demands it as well. Having said that, Netanyahu, as we know, is kind of a magician who pulls tricks out of the hat. He has nine lives, to mix all the possible metaphors about a survivor in politics. And its true that he seems very much like he has his hands tied and he has no choice but to move forward with this. But again, I wouldnt portray him as a victim because he has created the momentum in favor of this kind of suppression of judicial independence for years. Whether or not he was personally committed to it hardly matters. Advertisement The other thing is that there are also calls for the opposition parties to join his coalition in order to throw a lifeline to the countrys democracy. There is a sense that this is a real S.O.S. and that the longer Netanyahu is in power in a government with a far-right supremacist, nationalist, ultra-Orthodox, and religious parties, this legislation will not go away and it will pass on some level. And therefore, the centrist parties should go into a government with Netanyahu just to preclude him having to move ahead with that kind of legislation. Advertisement Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. After all of the events of the past week or so, do you feel like democracy is safe in Israel? I dont think democracy has ever been fully realized in Israel. I think democracy has been missing major foundations from the beginning of statehood. The missing foundations have deepened. The damage done to Israeli democracy over the last decade under Netanyahus rule built on the vulnerabilities that were there to begin with. The problem is not just that theres a threat to Israeli democracy, but that Israeli democracy was always weak, partial, and compromised. The very fact that we dont have equality guaranteed in constitutional law really should be a tip off that something is amiss with Israeli democracy in a very long-term sense. Earlier this month, Jonathan Mitchell, the former Texas solicitor general and the architect of S.B. 8, Texass six-week abortion ban, filed what seems like a long-shot lawsuit. Mitchell is representing a Texas man in a wrongful-death suit against two of his ex-wifes friends and the person who provided them with an abortion pill. This suit may never go anywhere, even in a state as hostile to abortion as Texas. State law requires that a death be wrongful, but the abortion in this case took place before Texas trigger ban took effect. Mitchell and his colleagues are relying on a pre-Roe criminal ban to try the case, and its legal status remains contested. As important, Texas law makes clear that pregnant people themselves cant be sued or prosecuted for having abortions, so its not clear that aiding a woman in doing so would be considered wrongful either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why, when there are lots of criminal laws on abortion in Texas, would someone like Mitchell bother with this suit? It will certainly serve to intimidate anyone considering helping a friend with abortion, or isolate anybody seeking one. But Mitchell has broader ambitions, and they have everything to do with the idea of fetal personhood. Since the 1960s, the anti-abortion movement has embraced the idea that a fetus holds constitutional rights from the moment of fertilization. But although most conservative states ban abortion, almost none fully treat the fetus as a rights-holding person. And there is no obvious path for getting national recognition for personhood; a bill on it would not likely get through Congress, even if Republicans gain control of the Senate and the White House. (In their own 2023 messaging bills on abortion, House Republicans werent willing to endorse any ban, much less one that applies throughout pregnancy.) Advertisement Even the Supreme Court doesnt seem ready to sign off on personhoodwhen an anti-abortion group in Rhode Island asked the conservative supermajority to take on the issue recently, the justices turned down the request. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a likely key vote in any personhood case, wrote less than a year ago that the Constitution is neither pro-choice or pro-life. In overturning Roe v. Wade, meanwhile, Kavanaugh and the other conservatives stressed what they described as a surge in support for ending abortion rights in conservative states. At the moment, there is no comparable trend in red states when it comes to personhood. Further, finding fetal protections in the Constitution this quickly after proclaiming the neutrality of the Constitution might be too much even for Kavanaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Suits like Mitchells, however, seek to start a personhood trend for Kavanaugh and the courts conservative supermajority to seize on. Proponents of fetal personhood insist that the law (and the Constitution) requires a fetus to be accorded the same rights as any other person. That makes it important for lawyers like Mitchell not just to persuade states to criminalize abortion but also to prove that the fetus should be treated the same as other persons in the law. This can come in the form of wrongful-death suits, or even prosecutions establishing, as Mitchell writes, that any person who assists a pregnant woman in obtaining a self-managed abortion has committed the crime of murder. Advertisement But how can abortion opponents operationalize the idea of fetal personhood? Mitchells suit offers one answer: expanding the authority of men. Marcus Silva, the plaintiff in this suit, complains that his ex-wife concealed her pregnancy from her husband and decided to kill the unborn child without [his] knowledge or consent. He seeks to punish those who helped her in acquiring abortion medication and, by proxy, also punish his ex-wife. Advertisement This strategy has deep roots in anti-abortion activism. As early as the 1970s, abortion opponents championed laws requiring any pregnant woman to get her husbands consent. When the Supreme Court struck down one such law in 1976, leading anti-abortion attorneys pivoted, taking the cases of unmarried men trying to stop their partners from having abortions one case at a time. They argued that at least some men had better reasons for seeking fatherhood than women did for ending pregnancies. Lawyers demonized women who ended pregnancies for what they described as frivolous reasons, such as the desire to look nice in a bathing suit over the summer. At other times, anti-abortion attorneys argued that any married man had a right to stop abortiona right to care, custody, control, and management of a child inherent in his status as a husband in the family unit. Activists from across the country sought advice on how to bring similar suits on mens behalfand did so even after the strategy failed at the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fetal personhood has long remained the end goal of the anti-abortion movement. There is no surprise that Mitchell is pursuing it, but its easy to forget that a mere punitive understanding of fetal protection is far from the only possible outcome of these efforts. In Mitchells home state of Texas, a pregnant woman argued that it entitled her to drive in the HOV lane; perhaps, if a fetus is a rights-holding person, pregnant people are entitled to financial support before and during birth. Advertisement Mitchells suit advances a particularly chilling vision: Personhood is primarily about incarcerating anyone who helps someone have an abortion, shaming those who end pregnancies, and vindicating the prerogatives of men who oppose it. Advertisement This is reminiscent of the arguments made by self-proclaimed anti-abortion abolitionists, who argue that true equal treatment for the fetus requires punishing people who have abortions. This faction may not yet be a majority of the anti-abortion movement, but it is incredibly vocal about its intentsin South Carolina, a bill that could subject women to the death penalty initially won the sponsorship of more than 20 lawmakers. Whether or not the abolitionists take over the movement, Mitchell has his eyes on the Supreme Court. He is well aware that the courts conservative majority will not revisit the idea that abortion itself is unconstitutional unless there is a groundswell of support in conservative states for fetal personhood. If this suit goes his way, that groundswell has already begun. Welcome to State of Mind, a section from Slate and Arizona State University dedicated to exploring mental health. Follow us on Twitter. The first time I stopped taking my Lexapro, I had a panic attack and was so overwhelmed by my own emotions that I hopped on a train from New York to Connecticuta state Id never been to. Id gone off my meds for what I now know to be a horrible reason, which was that I sincerely believed I didnt need them anymoreafter months of therapy and medication, I felt great and was convinced that the mental illness had left my body. Obviously, I was wrong. Advertisement The second time I quit my meds abruptly was more complicated; I was in the process of switching psychiatrists, and I wasnt able to find a new provider before I ran out of pills. This time, I braced myself for the worst. During the following days, I felt irritable and unable to sleep, and found myself getting into fights with friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I also told people that I had just gone off my meds cold turkey, which is how I learned that the exact same thing had happened to a lot of them too. Whether it had been because of a lapse in insurance coverage or for personal reasons, people I knew had quit taking their antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication without a careful plan. In almost every instance, theyd had severe physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Advertisement Running out of meds is really quite common, and people should try not to blame themselves, Zachary Cordner, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, tells me. There are really complicated situations that involve a lot of different factors. But when youre prescribed a psychotropic medication to take daily, your doctor might not explain what will happen if you suddenly go off it (at least in my experience). After all, youre not supposed to forgo refilling your prescription. I wanted to know what had been going on in my brain when Id stopped taking Lexapro, and I could have handled things betteror even prevented the situation in the first place. If you find yourself in such a position, you should check with your doctor right away. But here are some starting points that I hope can help reduce the shame and confusion that can accompany facing an almost-empty pill bottle. Advertisement Advertisement The most common antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills out there are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. David Feifel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, compares the process of SSRIs in your brain with ships entering a docking port: The serotonin is the ships, and the receptor cells are the docks. When youre on your meds, theres an abundance of ships, and in order to avoid getting overwhelmed by them, your brain closes a lot of its docks. When you quit your meds abruptly, the number of ships decreases dramatically. The docks go from getting too much cargo to not getting enough, so theres a whiplash. Advertisement The immediate physical change can lead to an uncomfortable sensation in your brain, referred to as brain zaps, which feels like small electric shocks. Other accompanying symptoms can include irritability, insomnia, headaches, or even fevers that can last a week or more. The symptoms arent usually dangerous, just unpleasant, and the brain will go back to its pre-medicated levels. If youre already at this point, or about to get there, take a sick day and treat yourself in the same way you would if you had a stomach bug or a cold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all meds are created equal in this regard, though, and some can lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms than others. (And fast-acting medications like Xanax, which are typically not prescribed for daily use, present a whole different suite of issues if you abruptly stop taking them regularly.) According to Feifel, there is another important factor that affects how intensely you come down from a medication: its half-life, or how long it stays in your system before its cleared through your liver. SSRIs like Lexapro and Zoloft have a half-life of about 24 hours. This also means that the withdrawals from these medications will happen fairly quickly, within a couple of days, and explains why they might feel more intense to quit than other meds. In comparison, Prozac has a longer half-life, which means that it stays in your system for several days and it clears out of your system more slowly. If you stop taking Prozac suddenly, you are much less likely to have noticeable withdrawal symptoms. The same goes for Wellbutrin, which doesnt involve serotonin at all. To learn more about what could happen with your specific medication, talk to the person who prescribed itideally before you wind up in an unexpected situation in which youre facing the symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to temporary withdrawal symptoms, going off your medication means your mood could return to a lower baseline. Valencia Jackson, a 26-year-old who works in the beauty industry in New York, tells me that in the several years shes taken Zoloft, shes run out of her meds three or four times and, for the most part, she doesnt really have a mechanism for knowing exactly when shell need a refill. The most recent time she ran out was about a month ago, when she was in the throes of work projects and wasnt paying attention to how much Zoloft she had left. She says that within a week of running out, she started feeling sad the way she had prior to having a Zoloft prescription, and her self-esteem plummeted. The overwhelm from her emotions made it difficult for her to get the energy to refill her prescription, creating a feedback loop in which she felt more helpless and more depressed. Advertisement In these situations, calling a friend or a crisis line and describing the issue might help you get through the rough patch, and to the pharmacy. If you are out of refills of your prescription and cannot reach your doctor, you can try going to the pharmacy and seeing if theyll refill your medication anyway. The rules vary by state, but if the pharmacist determines that the medications are necessary for your well-being, they may be able to give you a small supply. Advertisement Advertisement To make this scenario less likely in the first place, Feifel recommends always asking for a 90-day prescription as opposed to the 30-day prescription a doctor might give you by default. Using a delivery service like Capsule can save you from running the errand of picking up your meds (and needing to work that errand into your schedule). You should have several backup pharmacies in your area to go to in case your usual one runs out of stock, which has been a more common problem since the start of the pandemic. Lastly, pillboxes, as simple as they are, can be life-changing: Theyll give you a visual reminder of when youre about to run out of pills a few days in advance. Advertisement Advertisement If you are already in a situation where you know for a fact that youll run out of meds without having a chance to refill your prescriptionfor example, if youre traveling abroadthe best thing you can do, Feifel says, may be to avoid going from 100 percent adherence to zero. In this situation, he might tell a patient to ration their medications by cutting them in half or taking one pill every other day. Rationing gives your body a chance to start adjusting to the lack of medication. (Of course, you should check with your own doctor about what will work best for your meds and situation.) Advertisement We also live in a country where losing your job can also mean losing your health insurance. Advertisement Feifel tells me that in these instances, you need to know your rights as a patient. By law, a doctor cannot abandon their patient, and they are obligated to make sure that you safely transition to another provider, even if your insurance is no longer valid. Cordner, the Johns Hopkins psychiatry professor, and Feifel both agree that patients should ask their providers if they offer sliding scales or payment plans, which are fairly common. If they dont, you can also ask them to provide you with a final 90-day prescription, which will buy you time while you switch to a new provider. Some state regulations even allow you to get an emergency refill from a pharmacy before you get a new prescription, a provision that was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid sudden interruptions. Whether this is a route you can take depends on where you live, as well as the judgment of the pharmacist on duty. Advertisement A virtual appointment may be less costly than an in-person appointment, and it can be easier to price-shop for a provider online; you can see available appointments on sites like Headway, among many others. To help with the cost of the prescription itself, Cordner tells me to look for discount coupons on Amazon RxPass and GoodRx, and to check if your medication is available on the Walmart $4 list. Its worth having a proactive conversation with your doctor about what going off your meds would be like, and working to create an emergency plan. Ask them about the half-life of your medication, and if theres anything you need to keep in mind about your treatment plan. You can also talk to them about how medication will factor into your long-term treatment plan, and what it might look like to go off your meds intentionally someday. Rather than stopping abruptly, ramping down can be a decision you make together. State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health systemand how to make it better. Art Vigil had lived on a rural mountainside farm near Pendaries, New Mexico, a village on the east side of Hermits Peak, for decades. But last April, he lost everything. Wildfires ripped through the northern part of the state after a prescribed burn by the U.S. Forest Service grew out of control, tearing through nearly 350,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes, farms, and irrigation canals that had sustained its rural communities for centuries. Months later, torrential rains pummeled the same area, driving silt and debris from the blaze into homes and contaminating the regions primary water supply. Advertisement A lot of people thought FEMA was coming through like a knight in shining armor, Vigil said. Instead, the actions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency left New Mexicans infuriated. After opening disaster recovery centers weeks after the blaze began, it quickly denied the claims of many New Mexicans, often without explanation. Vigil applied for assistance with clearing the parts of his home that had been destroyed. He said FEMA sent a contractor to clean up parts of his property but not the four adobe walls, which were still standing but structurally unsound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vigils experience with the agency was a stark contrast to the help he got from a Mennonite group that arrived at his property a few days after the blaze. They took all the metal debris, questions unasked, he said. They were the first ones there. Shortly after the Mennonites, the evangelical relief behemoth Samaritans Purse showed up to help Vigil sift through the debris and clear his property before further damage could be done. As Vigil stood near the ruins of his home, searching for salvageable remnants of his possessions, one Samaritans Purse volunteer pulled him aside. He asked me if he could read me a few words of the Lord, said Vigil, who described his interaction with the volunteer as positive. The request didnt make him uncomfortablehe was just grateful for the help. Advertisement Vigils experience is becoming commonplace among Americans recovering from disasters. The Trump administration routinely took millions from FEMA and diverted it to COVID-19 relief and the detention of asylum-seekers on the southern border, kneecapping the already overstretched agency. Things have gotten a bit better since then: FEMA expanded its overall climate resilience funding to more than $3 billion in 2022up from $700 million in 2020, according to press secretary Jeremy Edwardsand it also received $6.8 billion for climate mitigation projects from Bidens infrastructure bill. Even so, the agency is simply not equipped to meet the gargantuan task of fully responding to more frequent and extreme hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other climate disasters. Its also not always nimble enough to meet urgent post-disaster needs. After a disaster occurs, it is often a voluntary or faith-based group who provides the most essential services first, like food, clothing or immediate shelter, Edwards said in an email. He said the agency actively works with faith-based organizations throughout the year, relying on them as the first eyes and ears on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Christian relief organizations that have stepped in as first responderswith little oversightare diverse, spanning from well-intentioned community churches with decades of goodwill to billion-dollar evangelical charities that use far-right outrage to fundraise and take advantage of disaster to spread their gospel. The overwhelming majority of these organizations on-the-ground volunteers serve out of genuine compassion. But some of the countrys largest disaster charities are helmed by far-right extremist leaders who encourage volunteers to make proselytization a main part of their mission, bragging in press releases about how many disaster victims prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For Samaritans Purse, that leader is president and CEO Franklin Graham, the evangelical titan who has called Islam a violent religion, compared trans people with pedophiles, and praised Vladimir Putins anti-gay policies, saying LGBT people will burn in the flames of hell. Advertisement Samaritans Purse, which did not respond to repeated requests for comment across several weeks, was founded in 1970 by Baptist pastor Robert Pierce, who remained president of the North Carolinabased charity until his death in 1978. Graham took the helm the following year and has grown it into a $1 billion behemoth, doubling its revenue since 2014. Among the large ecosystem of evangelical relief organizations, Samaritans Purse is one of the largest, ranking 23rd in the Chronicle of Philanthropys list of top 25 U.S. charities in terms of cash support. Advertisement Advertisement Although Samaritans Purse receives funding from domestic and international agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the vast majority of its dollars come from private donations. And many of those donors are swayed by Grahams social media presence, where he often sandwiches updates and donation links for Samaritans Purse between culture-war screeds. Advertisement Advertisement He almost rules Facebook, said Andy Rowell, a ministry leadership professor at Bethel Seminary. Grahams Facebook posts frequently had higher engagement rates than Trumps during his presidency, wading into culture wars and fundraising off the back of them; Samaritans Purse brought in more than $1 billion in 2021 alone, according to its audited financial records, mostly donations from individuals. It was this perfect vehicle of boomers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, Rowell said. Its just the perfect clientele for him. Rowell, along with others in the wider Christian community, has questions about where all that money goes. Graham made more than $800,000 in 2021 in his role as head of Samaritans Purse, according to the organizations tax filings. And the organization has used many of its donations to pad its cash reserves; in 2020, it reported a larger profit than it spent on U.S. disaster relief. Advertisement Advertisement On the ground, Samaritans Purse is known for its quick-strike response strategy, sending trailers and planes of supplies to high-profile disasters. They are the rapid response team of the evangelical movement, said Warren Smith, president of Christian financial watchdog Ministry Watch. Theyre an organization that runs toward the fire. This is thanks in part to Vice President Ken Isaacs, the Indiana Jones of the Christian relief world, Smith said. Isaacs, a former international development official in the George W. Bush administration, was nominated by Trump in 2018 to head the United Nations International Organization for Migration, which coordinates billions in funding for migrants around the world. But after social media posts came to light in which Isaacs called Muslims inherently violent, suggested that Christians should receive priority in relief efforts, and denied climate change, the nominationusually a rubber-stamp approvalwas rejected (and Isaacs remained in his Samaritans Purse job). Advertisement Advertisement The organizations speedy response and omnipresence at high-profile disaster sites has given it countless opportunities to mix faithand politicswith relief. After Hurricane Ian walloped Florida last year, MyPillow CEO and election denier Mike Lindell traveled to Samaritans Purse relief sites, right-wing TV cameras in tow, to hand out thousands of pillows, including childrens pillows with pictures of creation stories from the Bible. Theres a sense, Rowell said, that Samaritans Purse prioritizes causes that are culturally popular for Republicans, where the group can make a splash and take pictures. In March 2020, Samaritans Purse set up a field hospital for COVID-19 patients in Central Park, less than a mile away from a functional, empty hospital that could have provided more services but would have been less visible to media helicopters. Disaster relief volunteers, meanwhile, are asked to sign waivers of commitment to the organizations ideology that contain anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ language, defining marriage as being between one genetic male and one genetic female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samaritans Purse is careful to avoid blatant, ham-handed proselytization, but it eagerly publicizes the number of people who manage to find Jesus, including in developing countries where theres a greater risk of coercion. Most of the disaster victims I spoke to in New Mexico did not experience direct proselytization, and those who did had no complaints about it. But allowing religious groups with extremist views to act as first responders, without checks on their messaging, gives them a potent platform to reach vulnerable populations, whether in the U.S. or abroad. Disaster victims, after all, often have no choice but to take any help they can get. When FEMA set up its operations base north of Las Vegas, New Mexico, trailers from Samaritans Purse and other Christian relief groups were already dotting the side of the main highway to the town of Mora. And FEMA was rejecting nearly 90 percent of all aid applications as of March 2022, according to a Washington Post investigation that looked at FEMA responses across the country. In New Mexico, the agency often found itself justifying aid rejections, fending off angry residents at public meetings, and publishing sharply worded news releases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after the Biden administration greenlighted $2.5 billion in wildfire recovery funds for New Mexico last summeran unprecedented sum for an ongoing disasterFEMAs molasses-paced bureaucracy has kept much of that money from actually reaching those affected by the wildfires. Edwards said in an email that the agency is opening three new claims offices in New Mexico by late March and is developing new policies to guide and simplify the claims process. But while many New Mexicans have sympathy for FEMA and feel the agency is in an impossible position, they want relief now so they can rebuild their houses and lives. Juan Ortiz, who grew and sold Christmas trees on 600 acres of land near the town of Rociada, saw his first relief from the Red Cross, which handed out rakes and shovels for debris cleanup and gave him $600. FEMA eventually gave Ortiz, who is 63, money to rent a temporary home in Las Vegas, but not before a monthslong, paperwork-laden process. Advertisement Like Ortiz, many New Mexicans have been forced to pay out of pocket to clear debris, find temporary housing, and begin to rebuild. Donato Sera, a retired police officer, was denied aid from FEMA three times because he had partial insurance on his property. But what insurance offered was nowhere near enough for him to rebuild after the wildfire destroyed the home hed built on his Rociada property of 32 years, where he planned to retire with his wife. It was like a nightmare, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The 73-year-old Sera abandoned his dreams of rebuilding his home and settled on buying a double-wide trailer instead. He regularly visited a relief center in Las Vegas, where teams of volunteers work with local organizations and smaller national Christian groups like World Renew and the United Methodist Committee on Relief to organize regular supply handouts and build ramps at mobile homes. But the most important thing they do might be the effort they put into talking to victims. The people here, they understand, Sera said. At FEMA, youre just another nobody, just coming in to fill paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement The federal agency bases its aid decisions on a formula that can feel inflexiblefor instance, one resident told me she could get up to $199 to replace a refrigerator, and families can be reimbursed up to $37,900 for a house. After losing her own home to the wildfires, Vicki Garland, who is 71, was victimized by an identity theft scam by someone posing as a FEMA agent. But she also had an unpleasant time dealing with a real FEMA agent. When the agency finally offered to give her a trailer, she bristled as an official read her a list of stipulations over the phone. They treated you like youve just come out of prison and youre on parole, Garland said. They need to understand how to deal with people who are traumatized. Ultimately, accelerating climate disasters and under-resourced government responses create a complex dynamic: Faith groups are well positioned to respond to disasters with a human touch, the aid they provide is often desperately needed, and even nonreligious victims are generally appreciative of their compassion. But without better oversight, they also give evangelical acolytes like Graham more frequent opportunities to spread extremism. And leaning too heavily on religious groupseven less extreme onesin the wake of disaster relief is a Band-Aid for an effective U.S. disaster response strategy, and threatens to exclude disaster victims who need help but arent comfortable mixing it with religion. Charlie Brown, the West Texas regional coordinator for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, said that while he recognizes the efforts FEMA has made to emphasize the human element of long-term disaster relief, he also understands the frustration disaster victims have with the agency. FEMA is the government, said Brown, whose organization regularly collaborates with the agency. If you have any issues with the government, then that colors your entire interaction. For wildfire victims living in the backcountry of northern New Mexicoand for Americans in future disaster zones, bitter at the governments failure to protect them from the worst effects of climate changeBrown notices a tendency to push FEMA away but to listen to groups like his. With us, we come in and we say, OK, we just want to help as if Christ were here, Brown said. We are the hands and feet of Christ to help you. Tell us what you need. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Goblin sharks look like nightmare hallucinations: They have pink skin, beady eyes, and far too many too-skinny, too-pointy teeth. They are probably harmless to humans, but we dont really know: Only a few dozen have been documented by scientists, mostly on the edges of continental shelves where shallow waters drop off into deep ocean. Then, almost a year ago, a scientific paper announced a new sighting, this time on a beach in Greece. If real, this would be the first goblin shark spotted in the Mediterranean. Advertisement The paper cited, as evidence, a photo submitted by a citizen scientist. The photo showed what looks like a small goblin shark lying onshore. It had a long, tusk-like nose above a protruding mouth-face, and an elegant tail. If the question was, what shark is this?, goblin shark would be the correct answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To other researchers, though, the photo looked fishy. Or rather: It looked suspiciously un-fishy. Advertisement Lauren Leffer reported on the intrigue for Gizmodo; a few days later the authors retracted the paper, which had been published in the peer-reviewed journal Mediterranean Marine Science. (The retraction notice says the paper was pulled due to remaining uncertainty.) My editor asked me to reach out to Leffer for the inside scoop. Babes. SHARKGATE CONTINUES, I immediately wrote to my group chat of science writer friends, which includes Leffer. Wed been watching the shark drama unfold among scientists for weeks. Casey Crownhart at MIT Tech Review had kicked things off by sharing this tweet casting doubt on whether the goblin shark in the paper was really a shark. Leffer and freelancer Joanna Thompson both pitched the story; Leffers version ran first. Advertisement Advertisement The shark in the paper, their work concluded, looked like a toy shark because it probably was a toy shark. Among the clues was a line on the alleged shark that looked just like the seam of a specific shark toy for sale on eBay. The original authors maintain that the find was not a toy: Even though we have every reason to assume that the finding was authentic (several Mediterranean shark experts and [two] anonymous peer reviewers accepted and supported publication of this paper!), other colleagues caused a completely unethical controversy and claimed that the specimen was a discarded plastic figurine, they told Thompson via email for her piece, which ran in the Daily Beast. They noted that since the original specimen wasnt preserved, there is technically no way to prove whether the shark was plastic one way or the other. Advertisement Advertisement I spoke with Leffer about goblin sharks and how news is made. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Meg Duff: What were some of the first indications that this shark in the paper was perhaps not a shark? Lauren Leffer: My immediate thought when I looked at the picture was, I dont think that that is what sharks look like. I mean, Ive never seen a goblin shark in real life. I have seen pictures of goblin sharks because Im a freak who looks at lots of pictures of animals on the internet. Advertisement Advertisement But also, I worked in the Smithsonian, so Ive seen a lot of jarred fish specimens. And Ive never seen a dead fish that had rigid, sticky-outy flippers. I looked at the photo and it looked like a bath toy, and I was like, I wonder if other people agree. Ultimately, the answer was yes. Advertisement I started by reaching out to the scientists who were tweeting about this online. I eventually found out there was a Facebook group full of shark scientists and ichthyologists and marine biologists who were discussing it. So I went through pretty obvious channels. I sent a lot of messages. A lot of people were unwilling to go on the record. I think there were concerns that it could come off as bad-mouthing other scientists. I understood peoples concerns, but it still felt important to me to talk about how not every published piece of science is super credible. Separately from that, plastics people were much more willing to tell me that the picture I sent them looked like a plastic object. Advertisement You talked to a lot of shark experts about this. What were some of the tells? A lot of people pointed out the fins. People pointed out that the coloration looked odd. The thing that was supposed to be the mouth was protruding in an odd way thats not really characteristic of goblin sharks. Advertisement Advertisement Goblin sharks have five-gill slits. This specimen (in big air quotes) had four. Also: Goblin sharks are big; they get 10-feet plus. This specimen that washed up on a Greek beach was supposedly a baby shark. The scientists who published it said it was under 80 centimeters, which is very vagueusually thats not how species records are described. Eventually they were like, Well, it was probably maybe 15 centimeters, which is just straight up smaller than anyone would expect a juvenile goblin shark to be. At some point the study authors claimed it was an embryo. Advertisement I talked to some shark experts who told me that even an embryo that size wouldnt be viable. It certainly wouldnt look as complete. Shark embryos arent just tiny sharksthey dont have all the bits. They look weird extra mushy even. Extra mushy! So you also talked to plastics researchers. What did they say? Joana Sipe at Duke pointed out that in the picture, the specimen appears to be covered in flecks of sand. But she was like, That could easily just be flecks of weathered plastic coloring. And also, there was this floppiness to the shark noseits called the rostrumand she was like, Yeah, that looks like plastic kind of being melted in the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skepticism about this paper has been sloshing around since last year, but it was only officially retracted after your story came out. How did the suspicion around the paper start? I think it really only came to the attention of scientists because of Jurgen Pollerspock. Hes this independent shark researcher who runs a site called Shark References, which is a compendium of shark research. Anything you might want to know about sharks you can find on Shark References. Advertisement He had gone to add this particular species reportas one does when theyre a very enthusiastic independent shark researcherand it looked, to his eye, pretty weird. He started getting feedback, and eventually was compelled to research and submit this skeptical comment in November. Advertisement All credit to Jurgen! From there, other people picked up on it. I think, if anything, my article might have spurred the original researchers to realize that they were going to get public flak from the internet writ large. Maybe that sped things up a little, but I think no matter what, it was headed for retraction. How does this leave you feeling about the peer review process or about the Twittersphere? What is the state of science in relation to this story? I mean, I dont know if Im equipped to comment on the entire state of science. Ill say that I previously worked in biology as a researcher and mistakes happen. The scientific record is not perfect. A big part of what makes it good and intact is not just peer review, but continual feedback and conversations between scientists, both in lab meetings and then also in the academic record and through retractions. Advertisement Any final thoughts? Goblin sharks are super cool! They live in the deep ocean. Theyre super widely distributed, although maybe not in the Mediterranean Sea. And people in academic science are under a lot of pressure to produce exciting research. I dont necessarily think that is the best incentive system to make sure everything published is 100 percent accurate or always 100 percent done in good faith. In this case, it could have been a goblin shark! It could have been a goblin shark that looked a whole lot like a plastic toy. We cant know for sure. But what we can know is that the record didnt contain enough information to be verifiable. If it did, it would have been a big deal. I am so glad this story introduced me to goblin sharks. They are truly funny-looking fish. Gizmodo featured them in a slideshow of fake-looking animals in 2014 and it feels like it was a premonition. Sometimes they look fake because they have a million wild teeth and scary pointy noses and sometimes they look fake because theyre a plastic toy. Dave Davies, the founding member and lead guitarist of the legendary British rock band the Kinks, has a problem with Twitter. Specifically, hes quite unhappy about how the platform, since Elon Musks takeover last year, has been labeling tweets that mention his band, marking these posts as potentially containing sensitive content. Dear @elonmusk would @Twitter please stop putting warnings on everything from the Kinks. We are just trying to promote our Kinks music @TheKinks #thekinks60 pic.twitter.com/1sXC4CK4d4 Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) February 15, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This issue has been going on for months now, bedeviling Davies efforts to promote himself online. Like other rock icons of his generation, Dave Davies has been very active on Twitter, using the bird app to interact with fans and peers, weigh in on strange news events, celebrate the legacy of his band, and promote work, like his recent autobiography, Living on a Thin Line. Davies is still releasing new solo music, but hes been especially enthusiastic about pushing a new anthology released last Friday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kinks formation: The Journey: Part 1. The problem: It seems that whenever Davies wishes to mention his own bands name in a tweet, it gets marked with a sensitive-content warning. Fans have noticed it and publications have written about it; one Stereogum tweet slyly censored the Kinks name in order to sidestep the warning. Davies has tweeted at Musk and experimented with colorful language to figure out what makes Twitter tick, sadly to little avail. It seems the word kink alone, no matter the context, is enough to ring social media alarm bellspossibly an effect of Musk laying off thousands of Twitter staffers and human content moderators, making it so that platform upkeep is much more automated than it used to be. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, I interviewed Davies over Zoom about this latest Kink Kontroversy. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Nitish Pahwa: When did you first start to notice that your posts were getting flagged for sensitive content because of the band name? Dave Davies: A few months ago, but its gotten more evident. Honestly, I dont know enough about it, but its a bit strange. I did a bit of research and realized its a computer-generated pop-up mechanism that flags my emails or Twitter posts. And its a bit disconcerting, because it puts people off. Not every time, but most times, you select Twitter and put the name The Kinks in there, and it warns that it could be quirky stuff, like a porn star or kink porn. Of course it isnt. Weve been the Kinks. Its a band name that weve had since 63. We used it perfectly fine all of these years. Advertisement Advertisement I think this needs to be cleared up, because it puts people off, having a warning sign on their posts. You think youre doing something you shouldnt do. I hope theres someone out there that can do something, but Im worried that its some blanket program they put on there for any kind of important content thats got suspect words in it. The word kinks has many connotations, everything from a kink in a rope, or kinky being quirky, which was really the main thing behind it. We were the Kinks because we were different and quirky, unusual, all that stuff. If theres a programmer out there that can unravel the mystery, Id be very grateful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are the warnings still appearing on your recent tweets, or on those by people who tag the Kinks? Ive noticed it comes and goes. Ive been travelingI was in England recently, Im in America now, and everywhere I go, Twitters still doing it. Not constantly, but every so often. I have no idea what sort of programming is afoot over there. Youve tagged Elon Musk about this. No ones responded to you, right? No, nobody. Im a big admirer of Elon Musk and his work. Maybe theyve set a program into motion that they cant sunset. I dont know. They must be able to unravel it somehow. Its a great promotion tool, Twitter and all the platforms. To some extent, its really helpful to put our product and albums and films on there. You know how it goes. Advertisement You never had this problem with other websites or apps in the past? I dont think so. At least, this is the first time it was flagged on something that could be major. Weve been using this name for 60 years. Thats quite a long time. If you or your comrades can get to the bottom of it, Id be grateful. Advertisement Advertisement If its happening to us, Im sure it would happen to a lot of people with slightly devious names. The whole idea of being creative, its to come up with new things, or different and unusual things. So, its going to put a damper on creative ideas. One thing I did like about the internet when it started is that its an important platform for people to express themselves openly and freely and without censorship. Advertisement What would you say to Elon Musk if he were to reply to you, or if he wanted to have a conversation? Im a great admirer of his work, and hes in a position where he can do great stuff for the world, improve conditions, and Im full of admiration for what hes trying to doaside from this. It would be nice to promote our material and our catalog, which is vast, which goes back years. I dont knowweve messaged him all that. Obviously, other people have had similar problems, but the thing is, its a part of our cultural heritage to be able to use art as a means to express how we feel. A major thing about communication is art, whether its painting or songwriting. Its really a function. Creativity is a very important part of our human being. I can choose what words I want to sayhello, good day, and how are youand it shouldnt be limited by certain rules or regulations, which might rule that you can only say hello and goodbye. Creativity pervades our whole consciousness, whatever we do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know at least one thing you share with Twitters CEO is that youre both big into Star Trekthe show even shouted out Musk in 2017. Advertisement Oh, yeah. Big fan. I fell in love with Star Trek when it first came out because it was such a great means to explore other regions of the mind. It can be funny. It can be poignant. And I always was a big science fiction fan. It can be poignant and inform us in a different way about the world and our planets and our solar system. Its a very important part of our consciousness, science fiction. And its helped me greatly. Great films have been made about alien life, and Im a big fan of Philip K. Dick and his work. Advertisement A lot of it is multidimensional. There are other dimensions at work. Weve only just started to learn about them. Mystics for centuries have been talking about otherworldly life and pharaohs and spirits and angels. All of these things come from somewhere. Is it all just imagination? Im a great believer in imagination, because its been an important part of my work and the Kinks work. When you sit down to write a song, when you think about someone, you cant do it without imagination. Its one of the most important devices we have in our control, really. We can imagine whatever we want. Human beings are curious creatures, and we like to unravel things and find out about stuff. And I think we can make positive inroads to try and find out why were here and whats going on out there. So, Im very optimistic about the future. Advertisement Advertisement But Im a big fan of Star Trek. Even the new ones, of course. I havent seen any of the episodes that refer to Elon Musk. Tell me more about your new record and how promotion has been going. Advertisement Its just come out in London. BMG, our record company, did a presentation, invited fans, did a one-man play, and expressed a lot of the Kinks-ness of being in the Kinks. We had a great time talking and viewing a tribute to the recordings that were on The Journey: Part 1. Well continue to do it [cups hand as if to whisper], if Twitter allows us to. But its a very exciting time for us. I think its a very exciting time in the world. Advertisement Other than the Twitter warnings that pop up whenever youre promoting the band or the record, how have people on Twitter been responding to the release? Oh, generally really well. The fans are fantastic. But when they get a warning and think, Oh, should I be doing this? Should I be downloading a Kinks video?of course they should! Some people have been speculating that, because of all the troubles at Twitterfewer staffers, frequent crashes, glitches here and there, money lossthe site might go down altogether. What would you think if Twitter were to shut down completely? I know you have TikTok and Instagram. I have no idea. Im not a technician. Just start up another one. But whatever the website, youre always going to get weird, abnormal stuff. Always. Theres always cranky cranks, not just weird cranks. Theres always destructive people out there that want to cause havoc. Thats part and parcel of being in media, and being in music as well. You get that weird shit. Someone should try to get to the bottom of it, and try to make it work a lot better for people. You can always improve stuff. After the principal of a school in the Florida city of Tallahassee had to resign because parents of sixth-grade children complained about an art history class where they discussed Michelangelos statue of David, which they found inappropriate and even pornographic because of its nudity, the mayor of Florence spoke up. He emphasized that art should not be confused with pornography, and invited the resigned headmistress to Italy and expressed her public support. I personally invite the headmistress to Florence to give her an award on behalf of the city. Art is a civilization and whoever teaches it deserves respect, the mayor of Florence wrote on his Twitter profile David Nardellaand he also complained about the fact that the principal had to resign: The teacher from Florida had to resign because she showed the students photos of Michelangelos David. Mistaking art for pornography is absolutely ridiculous. The headmistress also responded Hope Carrasquillawho told The Associated Press that she was extremely honored by the mayors invitation. News The principal had to resign because of the display of a pornographic sculpture of Michelangelo comments: 4 They also responded in the gallery where the sculpture is exhibited The marble statue depicting the biblical hero David from the beginning of the 16th century is the work of the Italian artist Michelangelo, and it is exhibited in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, where they responded to the mentioned event in the USA and invited parents and students to see the statue in Italy. To think that David could be pornographic means a complete misunderstanding of the content of the Bible, Western culture and Renaissance art, said the director of the gallery. Cecilia Hollberg. Nudity in art has remained the center of debate for many centuries, with artificial fig leaves covering the genitalia of statues as early as the 16th century. Trends Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in London video comments: 1 Lets remember Three parents complained about the curriculum, so she had to Hope Carrasquilla to resign from the position of principal. In addition, the governor of Florida this past week Ron DeSantis expanded a law that prohibits public schools from teaching sex education and gender identity. Teachers who break the law face suspension or loss of their teaching license, the BBC reported. Two of the parents claimed that they would like to be informed in advance that the children would be shown photos of Michelangelos David sculpture and to vote on any topic or lesson that might involve controversial teaching material, while one parent added, that the photo is pornographic. Trends A drawing that is Michelangelos study for the Sistine Chapel has been discovered News Most cocaine in Ljubljana, amphetamine in Velenje, and cannabis in Koper comments: 21 182 MPs voted for the admission of Finland into the alliance, and six voted against. Photo: Reuters Hungarys parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orbans right-wing Fidesz party, ratified Finlands NATO membership after months of delay. After Hungary, Turkey remains the only one of the 30 NATO members that has not yet ratified Finlands entry into the alliance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced last week that parliament would begin the process of ratifying Finlands entry and expressed hope that lawmakers would ratify it before the 14th general election. in May. Neither of these two countries has yet confirmed Swedens entry into NATO since the alliance invited it to join Finland at a summit last July. Finland and Sweden initially sought to join NATO together, but Swedens progress stalled due to Turkeys obstruction of the process. Today, the Hungarian Parliament also discussed the accession protocol for Sweden, but has not yet placed the vote on it on the agenda. According to the German news agency DPA, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban appears to be in close coordination with the Turkish president on this issue. Orban recently criticized Sweden and Finland, among other things, for their politicians and media unjustifiably criticizing Hungary regarding respect for the rule of law and corruption. But it seems he has now relented on Finnish entry. Erdogan, however, remains highly critical of Sweden, accusing it of, among other things, a lack of commitment to action against terrorist organizations such as the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). It doesnt need to be expensive to start a business. There are plenty of industries and types of startups that require very little upfront. If you only have a small amount to spend or just want to turn a profit quickly, here are a few business ideas you can start for under $1,000. Can You Start Your Own Business for Less Than $1,000? Yes, many business and consumer services can be offered with very little upfront cost. Even some product-based businesses dont require much capital. Most successful business owners that start with under $1,000 do so with online business ideas, like VA services, affiliate marketing sites, or dropshipping businesses. Businesses You Can Start With 1000 If youre looking for small business ideas that dont require much upfront capital, here are several options to consider. 1. Affiliate Marketing Business Affiliate marketers earn income by posting advertising and affiliate links on their own websites. Each time someone clicks through one of these links and makes a purchase, the site owner gets a small commission. There are tons of business niche examples within this field. You can share anything from clothing and decor products to software and services for a business-to-business market. You just need a website or active social media accounts and relationships with brands that offer affiliate programs. 2. SEO Specialist Many companies hire SEO businesses to improve their visibility on search engines like Google. This is generally a fully online business. So you just need a website and some expertise to get started. It may also help if you have existing experience in this area and contacts with other business professionals. Otherwise, you may need to invest in some online advertising to get your first clients. 3. Catering Business A catering business doesnt require a physical location. So this is one of the main food service options that you can start without a huge upfront cost. To start your own catering business, youll need some cooking supplies and enough extra to purchase ingredients. Then you can use the earnings from each job to grow. 4. Social Media Coordinator If youre interested in starting a social media business, offer your services online to brands that interest you. This really just requires a smartphone, computer, and internet connection. You may also benefit from a website and maybe some online or social media ads, depending on your existing contacts. 5. Local Airport Shuttle Business Airport shuttles and executive transportation companies provide transportation services to and from the airport or other local spots. If you already have a quality vehicle, this business requires next to nothing to get started. You may spend your initial money on a website, booking app, or local advertising. 6. Landscaping Business A landscaping service is a perfect option for those who love spending time outside. You just need some basic lawn care tools and transportation to get started. Most people interested in this type of business already have at least a lawnmower and a truck. Then you can use the profits from your initial jobs to invest in larger machinery, if necessary. 7. Food Delivery Services You can start a business delivering food with just a mode of transportation and a way for people to contact you. This may include a website, an app, or even just a phone number. Some delivery businesses focus on carryout from restaurants, while others offer groceries or general errand services. So you can choose a niche within this area. 8. Online Print Shop If youre looking for art business ideas that are cheap to start, consider selling prints of your work online. You can offer digital files for sale on your own website or on marketplaces like Etsy. You dont even need a space for inventory or printing if you stick with digital files. But it also doesnt cost much to offer physical prints of your work. 9. Event Photography Business As an event photographer, you travel to clients for their weddings or special occasions and then provide them with digital photos. There are some nice cameras available used for under this price. Then you can upgrade or purchase additional lenses once youve shot a few events and made some extra cash. 10. Handyman Business It doesnt cost much to offer basic repair services to local homeowners. If you already have some simple tools, you can use your startup funds to advertise locally or set up a website. However, many handyman businesses and local service providers simply use local marketplace or review sites to increase their visibility. 11. Packing and Moving Business People moving to new homes are generally willing to pay for services that make the experience easier. If you already have a truck, you can offer full-service moving to local residents. If not, start by helping them pack or store items and then invest in other options like truck rental services as you get the extra funds. 12. Personal Trainer Starting a personal training business really just requires access to gym space. You can even welcome clients to your home or offer personal training online. There are lots of fitness business resources available online. So you can research your favorite exercises and even get certified to offer specific types of services or classes. 13. Subscription Box Business Subscription box businesses send out curated selections of products each month. Many of these are small. So you shouldnt need a ton of inventory to get started. And you can run this type of business from home, as long as you have enough room to sort items and get products ready for shipping. More Ideas for Businesses to Start With 1K Those are just a few examples of business ideas you can start for under $1,000. There are several more industries you can enter and serve potential clients with little to no money. If youre still looking, here are even more options to consider. 14. Business Consulting Services A business consultant can start working with clients virtually. So all you need is a computer, an internet connection, and some business expertise to offer. You can even specialize in a specific area, like helping startups with the formation or providing input on marketing materials. Most business customers are happy to connect with consultants via email or video chat. And there are also other consulting business ideas that may include digital marketing consultants or those specializing in a specific industry. 15. Cleaning Business To start a cleaning business, you really just need some basic supplies and a way to get to each job. This is a classic steady-income business, as long as you can gain clients who are willing to work with you on an ongoing basis. There are also specialized services in this industry. For example, you may offer options like carpet cleaning or providing professional disinfecting services to offices or medical facilities. 16. At-Home Hair Salon If youre looking for beauty business ideas, a home-based or mobile hair salon can be inexpensive to start. You just need basic hair tools and maybe a website. Many stylists offer on-site services for special events like weddings, so you dont need a physical location. Other beauty business suggestions may include on-site makeup or nail businesses. See Also: 19 Businesses to Start With No Money in 2023 17. Online Jewelry Shop Just about any business in the online handmade marketplace can be started without a ton of upfront cash. For a jewelry shop, you just need a few basic supplies and materials, like wires, clasps, and beads, to get started. You can also build your own website or rely on marketplaces like Etsy to keep costs low. 18. Mobile Coffee Cart A coffee shop certainly costs more than $1,000 to start. But you can offer basic options from a mobile cart. You just need a coffee maker or dispenser, some cups, and a place to store them. You may also need a vendors license to sell products in busy commercial districts. This type of business often does well around office buildings or areas with lots of foot traffic. 19. Self-Published Author If you have a book idea in mind, consider writing and self-publishing using online resources like Amazon. It mostly just requires your time to get your ideas into a digital document. Then you may invest in an editing service or rely on trusted friends and advisors to hone your work and get it ready for readers. 20. Wholesale Bakery If you love baking, you can start a baking business without a dedicated storefront. You may need a permit and inspection for a home kitchen. But then all it takes is some basic ingredients and baking gear to get started. And you can sell anything from bread to cookies directly to local bakeries or even offer them online. 21. App Developer With some basic app development skills, you can build your own mobile or desktop applications and earn income from sales or in-app purchases. These require very few resources to get started, as long as you already have a computer and access to development software or programs. Alternatively, you may offer app development services to other businesses. In these cases, youd charge a fee for the development of the app upfront. 22. Dating Site There are dating sites for nearly every niche and interest group. All you need is a website and/or app to get started. Then you can charge users a fee to sign up or use the platform. Or you may earn income through other avenues like online ads. This same concept can apply to many other niche websites that people are willing to pay to use. For example, you could offer a membership site for business owners to connect or a mentorship community for youth in your community. 23. Mobile Auto Detailing Service There arent a ton of automotive business ideas that you can start without significant startup costs. But a detailing business just requires some basic cleaning supplies. Then you can travel to your clients to provide services. Some local advertising or a website may also be beneficial. Over time, you can scale this business by hiring employees and expanding your service area. Or you may invest in a physical location with a full-service car wash. 24. Professional Organizing Business Home organizing is a huge area of interest right now. If you have strong organizational skills, consider offering these services to others in your community. Just start your own website and advertise online or take out an ad in your local classified section. You may even offer additional services or niche down to a specialty like office organization services or hoarder cleanouts. 25. Social Media Influencer All you need to start your own influencer social media business is your own accounts and a consistent posting schedule. Over time, with enough interaction, you can start to build relationships with brands and post sponsored content to your audience. There are even agencies and marketplaces that connect brands and influencers. Many influencers also brand out with additional revenue streams like their own product lines or affiliate income. However, this isnt an overnight business idea; it often takes years to start earning income this way. What Is the Most Profitable Business You Can Start with 1000? There are many profitable industries and successful business owners that have started with under $1,000. Your most profitable business idea may vary depending on your interests and expertise. However, online businesses like consultants, social media managers, and influencers tend to turn large profits quickly. And service businesses like photographers and auto detailers can be quite profitable as well. What Are the Cheapest and Easiest Business Ideas to Start? The cheapest and easiest businesses to start are generally those where a process or marketplace is already available to connect you with customers once you have a product or service to sell. For example, you can start a virtual assistant business and use online job sites to connect with clients. Or you may make a handmade product and sell it on online marketplaces. What Are Some Small Town Business Ideas to Start for Less Than $1,000? The local businesses that tend to be the least expensive to start are generally those that offer services and can be run from home. For example, you may offer local moving services, handyman repairs, or even landscaping services. READ MORE: If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Whether youre a long-time collector or a novice with a newfound passion, learning how to effectively sell comic books is an essential skill. Get ready to explore various methods and strategies for selling your treasured comic collection. From local comic store partnerships to online marketplaces, well guide you through the best ways to maximize your profits while sharing your love for these illustrated stories. The Comic Book Market in 2023 As you prepare to enter the world of selling comics, its important to understand the current state of the market. In this section, well explore the latest trends and factors shaping the comic book industry today. From fluctuating prices to the growing influence of digital comics, well discuss how these changes impact both buyers and sellers. Equipped with this knowledge, youll be better positioned to make informed decisions and maximize your success as you embark on your comic book-selling journey. Why Should You Consider Selling Comic Books? Selling comics can be an exciting and rewarding venture for several reasons. One primary motivation to sell your comic collection is the potential financial gain. Old comics, particularly rare or first editions, can fetch a significant sum in the market. These treasured issues often hold immense value for collectors and enthusiasts who are eager to complete their collections or invest in vintage items. Another reason to consider selling comics is the opportunity to share your love for these stories with fellow fans. By putting your comics up for sale, you are giving others the chance to enjoy and appreciate the artwork, characters, and narratives that have captivated you. This sense of community and connection can be incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, selling can help you declutter your living space and make room for new interests or hobbies. As our tastes and preferences evolve over time, its natural to outgrow certain interests or find new ones. By selling vintage comics that no longer hold the same appeal, you can free up space and allocate resources to other pursuits. Engaging with local stores when you sell your comic collection can contribute to the local economy and support small businesses. These stores often rely on the buying and selling of comics to stay afloat. By working with local stores, youre not only maximizing your profits but also fostering the growth of the comic community in your area. 10 Steps to Successfully Sell Comic Books In this section, well guide you through a comprehensive 10-step process to successfully sell your comic books. Follow these steps to maximize your profits and reach comic book buyers. Assess Your Collection: Begin by cataloging and assessing your collection. Determine the titles, issue numbers, publication dates, and conditions of each comic. This information will be key for pricing and attracting potential buyers. Research Values: Research the current market value of your comics using price guides, online resources, and auction results. Understanding the value of your comics will help you set realistic and competitive prices. Identify Key Issues and Rare Comics: Highlight key issues, first appearances, or rare comics in your collection. These may hold more value and attract serious collectors. Grade Your Comics: Grade your comics based on their condition, using industry-standard grading scales like the Overstreet Grading Guide. Properly graded comics can command higher prices and instill confidence in buyers. Protect Your Comics: Ensure your comics are stored and protected using bags, boards, and acid-free boxes. Proper storage preserves the condition of your comics and enhances their appeal to buyers. Choose a Selling Platform: Decide where to sell your comics, considering options such as local comic shops, online marketplaces, auction houses, or social media groups. Each platform has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs. Create Compelling Listings: Craft detailed and enticing listings for your comics, including high-quality photos, accurate descriptions, and relevant keywords. A well-crafted listing will increase visibility and interest in your comics. Set Your Prices: Price your comics based on your research, the condition of the comics, and current market trends. Be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers, but set a minimum price youre comfortable with. Promote Your Sales: Advertise your sales through social media, collector forums, or local community boards. A targeted promotional strategy will help you reach a broader audience and attract more potential buyers. Finalize Transactions and Ship Securely: Once a sale is agreed upon, ensure a smooth transaction by providing clear payment and shipping instructions. Pack your comics securely to prevent damage during transit and maintain buyer satisfaction. Top Tips for Successfully Selling Comic Books Here are five expert-level tips to help you successfully sell your comic books and make the most of your collection: Specialize in Vintage Comics: Focusing on vintage comics can attract a niche market of serious collectors and enthusiasts. These comics often have a higher value and can generate more interest among dedicated buyers. Network with the Community: Building relationships within the comics community, both online and offline, can provide valuable insights and connections. Engage with collectors, sellers, and enthusiasts on forums, social media, and at conventions or local stores. Curate Themed Sets: Assemble themed sets or bundles from your comic book collection to appeal to specific interests or collector preferences. Grouping comics by character, storyline, or artist can create unique offerings that attract buyers. Offer Exclusive Deals and Discounts: Incentivize buyers to buy comics again by offering special deals, discounts, or promotions on your comics. This can encourage repeat business, increase sales, and help build a loyal customer base. Stay Informed on Market Trends: Regularly monitor the comics market trends and news to stay ahead of shifts in demand, value, and collector preferences. Staying informed will enable you to make well-informed decisions and better meet the needs of buyers. Where to Sell Comic Books Here are some places where you can sell new comics, vintage comic books, and original comic book cover art: Local Comic Book Stores Local stores are excellent places to sell your comics, especially if you want to support small businesses in your community. These stores often buy and sell comics and can provide you with valuable insights into the local market. Establishing a relationship with your local comic book store can also open up opportunities for consignment or trade-in deals. To find local stores near you, visit the Comic Shop Locator . Online Marketplaces Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon offer a vast audience and the potential to reach buyers worldwide. These platforms provide various selling tools and options, such as auctions, fixed-price listings, and seller ratings. However, selling on online marketplaces may require more effort in terms of listing creation, shipping, and handling fees. Auction Houses Auction houses like Heritage Auctions and ComicConnect specialize in comic book sales and can help you reach a targeted audience of collectors and enthusiasts. These auction houses typically have professional graders, and extensive promotional efforts, and may attract higher bids for rare and valuable comics. Keep in mind that auction houses usually charge a commission for their services. Social Media Groups and Forums Social media platforms like Facebook and collector forums like CGC Comics offer opportunities to connect directly with potential buyers and fellow collectors. Joining and participating in these groups can help you network, share your listings, and receive valuable feedback from the community. See Also: 25 Things to Sell at Farmers Markets Be aware of group rules and guidelines when promoting your sales. Comic Conventions Comic conventions, such as Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con , are events where many comic book fans and enthusiasts gather to celebrate their passion. These conventions often have vendor booths or artist alley tables where you can sell your comics directly to attendees. Selling at conventions may require upfront costs for booth rentals and travel expenses. How Do You Find the Value of Your Comic Books? To find the value of your comic books, you can start by researching online comic book price guides such as GoCollect or ComicBookRealm , which cover a range of publishers, including DC Comics. These guides offer updated market values based on recent sales and auction results. You can also consult local comic stores for their expert opinion or request a free comic book appraisal from a reputable comic book dealer. Additionally, consider having your entire collection appraised by a professional, especially if it contains rare or valuable items. Keep in mind that the condition of your comics plays a significant role in determining their value. How Much Can Comics Sell For? Comic book prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as rarity, age, condition, and demand. Whether youre selling just one very rare and valuable book or a large collection of comics will also By consulting price guides, you can get an idea of the current market values for specific titles and issues. Some superhero comics are among the most valuable comic books, like early issues of Amazing Spider-Man, which can sell for thousands of dollars, while others may only fetch a few dollars. Popular online comic book stores often provide a pricing reference for current market values. However, keep in mind that prices for comic book collections can fluctuate over time due to factors such as new movie adaptations, character popularity, or market trends. In general, comic books can sell for anything from a few cents to several million dollars for extremely rare and sought-after issues. Is 2023 a Good Time to Sell Comic Books? Determining whether now is a good time to sell comic books depends on various factors, including market trends and the specific comics in question. The comic world has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by successful film adaptations and an expanding audience. Classic comics published during the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages often hold their value and can be in high demand among comic collectors. On the other hand, modern comics may fluctuate more in value, as some experience temporary spikes in popularity. To decide if its the right time to sell, research the current market values of your comics and monitor trends to gauge demand. Staying informed and flexible is key, as the best time to sell may vary depending on the comics you own and the ever-changing interests of comic collectors. Read More: Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. After three decades of bringing The Great American Songbook to the world, Michael Feinstein brings his critically acclaimed tribute performance, "Get Happy: A Celebration of Judy Garland," to New York City for a special one night only performance on March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Following his Garland Celebration, Feinstein is also hitting the road for a nationwide tour! I sat down to talk with the incomparable Feinstein about his lifelong love affair with the artistry of Judy Garland, his deep personal friendship with Liza Minnelli and what its like crafting a centennial retrospective for one of musics most incomparable voices. Michael Cook: Its Judy Garlands 100th birthday and you are commemorating it with a stunning concert retrospective. Tell me what we all can expect from this concert? Michael Feinstein: This is a program that has been a long time since gestation. Three or four years ago I was thinking about the fact that Judy Garland would have been one hundred years old. I wanted to celebrate her, but at the same time feeling reticence of the enormity of her talent and accomplishments. Compared to her, I feel like a schlep (laughs). As we moved closer to the centennial, I was talking to Liza Minnelli about it, and she said why dont you do something for mama? I didnt think I could do her justice, and she persuaded me to do it. It is only because of her persuasion that I pursued it. Its an enormous challenge to try and encapsulate a sense of who she was and bring forth her achievements to celebrate them and not be pandering or sound like I am trying to imitate or copy her. MC: What was the process like to craft this program and put it together? MF: I had an advantage, because obviously it is completely different, that I could approach it in a celebratory and historical fashion. I put together a program that would celebrate all of the reasons that she is iconic, completely separate from the sadness and the heartbreak. Judy Garland was an ageless artist of magnificent talent and it puts into perspective, through anecdote and her humor, her story of what she would want to be celebrated for. Her musical history, her artistic choices, the people she worked her, the orchestrations. Its a biographical program with amazing photographs that go back to her beginnings, suppled by her family and John Fricke. I could draw from seven thousand photographs and their eye popping in how we present them for the multimedia presentation portion. Then there are some private film clips from family home movies and a recording that I found of her singing the song Ill Be Seeing You, a song that she never sang or recorded publicly. MC: What was it like unearthing a treasure like a never before heard Garland song? MF: The story of how I found it is that I was in her house that she had lived in, it had been left behind eighty years earlier. It was in a fake wall and I found this recording. I have to feel like for whatever reason, fate made it possible for me to find it after all these years. The recording is her singing without any accompaniment, acapella, so I accompanied her on the piano when she sings it. Its a world premiere of Garland singing a song that is very well suited to her and its a very touching moment. This is a whole program that, to quote Cabaret, that goes from cradle to tomb. MC: When did you realize that Judy Garland or musical theater itself, was going to be a true passion for you? MF: Judy Garland is an enormous through line through my life from having become close to her family and having become a trustee of her estate at one point. Like many, I discovered The Wizard of Oz at a young age, and that is how I knew Judy Garland. I knew a few other movies and liked them but as a kid, I didnt realize how special she was compared to others until I got a little bit older. I was in junior high and probably 13. I was babysitting at a friends house and they had a little flexible record that you could play on a turntable. This record was offering for sale Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall, it was a five minute musical advertisement. Its the first time I had ever thought of Judy Garland outside of The Wizard of Oz and I was trying to wrap my brain around it as a teenager. Then I found a copy of that Carnegie Hall recording and I had never heard anything like it. A live recording that captured a connection with an audience to that degree. The programming, the special material...listening to how it was curated for her, the key changes and routines knocked me for a loop Sam Joeckel was put on a leave of absence from Palm Beach Atlantic University last month after he was accused of indoctrinating students. His offense? The syllabus included a unit on Racial Justice. Now his contract has been terminated after teaching at the conservative Christian university for 21 years. "Apparently, I was indoctrinating students, that's what the dean of the school of liberal arts and sciences told me when I asked him to elaborate with what's wrong with my racial justice unit," Joeckel told WPBF. The syllabus also included a unit on comedy and humor; and gothic and horror. Click here to read it. Joeckel told media outlets hes taught the same unit on racial justice for 12 years without any complaints. After one parent complained this year, he was put on a leave of absence while a final decision would be made. Last week his contract was officially terminated. He was never told any specifics of the complaint, only that he was accused of indoctrinating students. PBAU is located in West Palm Beach and is a private university. James Patterson pushed back on one school district in Florida who removed his young adult series from elementary school students. If you are going to ban this book, then no kids under 12 should go to any Marvel movies, he told USA Today. The best-selling author, and Florida resident, urged parents to contact Gov. Ron DeSantis. Honestly, who would want Maximum Ride banned from schools? On what possible grounds?, the author tweeted. What do the majority of parents in Martin County think of this arbitrary and borderline absurd decision?" For Patterson this is personal since he owns a house in Martin County and his nieces children attend school in the district. So yes, that makes it a little personal, he told USA Today. One of the wonderful things about books is it allows us to find out about different ways of thinking, of living, different problems people have, different ways of finding joy. You can explain a world through a library and thats a good thing. To cut that down is not useful. Maximum Ride is a series of young adult science fantasy novels about winged human-avian hybrids. Pattersons books have sold more than $425 million copies. Another author, Jodi Picoult, also pushed back against the Martin County school district, where some of her books were removed. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a parent deciding a certain book is not right for her child. There is a colossal problem with a parent deciding that, therefore, no child should be allowed to read that book, she wrote in an OP-ED. My books were removed because they were, according to the sole parent who made the challenge, adult romance that should not be on school shelves. It is worth noting I do not write adult romance. The majority of the books that were targeted do not even have a kiss in them. What they do have, however, are issues like racism, abortion rights, gun control, gay rights, and other topics that encourage kids to think for themselves. Last year, DeSantis signed a law that requires school libraries in the state to seek community input on the materials made available to children, which has subsequently encouraged a new wave of books bans across the state. Some of the Hungarian nobility, also spread out over today's Slovakia, had secret plans concerning the Habsburg king. Font size: A - | A + Marian Column in the Franciscan Square in Bratislava. (Source: Courtesy of B. Chovan) In the Franciscan Square of Bratislava stands a tall Marian column, erected in 1675 at the order of Emperor Leopold I. Marian columns, or plague columns, were built in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for averting or ending some kind of disaster, often the plague. This one, however, was placed here to mark events that could have shaken the whole empire. The relations between the Hungarian nobility and the imperial court in Vienna were rarely ideal, and in the second half of the 17th century they were far from good. Moreover, the country had already been battling against the Ottomans for almost 150 years, and occasional rebellions directed against the Habsburgs did not contribute to overall peace. Roots of the conspiracy In this turbulent era, Hungarian Palatine Wesselenyi met with Croatian ban, i.e. regional governor, Peter Zrinsky, in Stubnianske Teplice, thus starting the movement of magnates opposing Vienna, known as Wesseleny's conspiracy. Gradually, many Hungarian nobles joined the conspirators, including those from top power circles regional judge Jan Nadasdy, Archbishop Lippay, Ferencz I. Rakoczi, Stefan Thokoly and Frantisek Frankopan. However, despite the great names, the anti-Habsburg plot was not organised well, nor was it sufficiently secret. As it turned out later, the subjects of the conspirators, despite the intense calls of their lords, were not very interested in an uprising. And as for secrecy, this was over no later than in 1667 in Istanbul when Nikosios Panajotti, the interpreter of the Transylvanian embassy, revealed everything to Vienna envoys. Plans go awry The plotters wanted to kidnap the kaiser during a hunt near Vienna and then transport him to a remote and hard-to-seize castle, Muran. There, they wanted to make Leopold give up the Hungarian crown. The nobles also counted on Hungary falling under the control of the Ottomans but the idea that they would be better off under the Ottomans than under the Habsburgs was an illusion. Even the Ottoman ruler deemed the plan of kidnaping and blackmailing the Hungarian kaiser outrageous, and thus he revealed the plan to Vienna. After that, events took a rapid course. On January 3, 1671, an extraordinary trial with 230 suspects took place in Bratislava. Most of them were released in the end and only the wealthier had their property seized. Only two nobles, from the eastern-Slovak region of Zemplin, ended up executed, Frantisek Bonis and Ondrej Nagy. Some time later, Nadasdy, Zrinsky and Frankopan were executed in Vienna. Ferencz I. Rakoczi was saved from execution thanks to an interception by his mother, Zsofia Bathory, and Jesuits as well as a generous bail of 400,000 guldens. The Marian column, as part of the Franciscan Square, was captured by painter Heinz Pinggera. He portrayed the square with a floral decoration from about 120 years ago. This story was first published by The Slovak Spectator on October 17, 2017. We have updated the piece to keep it relevant for today. Friends are essential for mental health, but only one in three Ukrainian children in Slovakia are currently enrolled in school. Some Ukrainian students report being bullied due to their nationality. UNICEF works with schools so that they can provide a tolerant and respectful environment as well as activities that facilitate positive relationships and promote inclusion. (Source: UNICEF/UN0669438/Filippov) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled One year in the full-scale war in Ukraine, its impact on mental health and wellbeing is becoming apparent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10 million Ukrainians may be suffering from deteriorating mental health conditions. UNICEF estimates that 1.5 million children in Ukraine are at risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. This includes Ukrainian families who have fled to Slovakia. A third of Ukrainian households surveyed by UNHCR in 2022 declared that at least one of them was so upset, anxious, worried, agitated, angry or depressed that it was affecting the person's daily functioning. Adolescents are particularly at risk of mental health concerns. Globally, more than 13 percent of adolescents aged 10 19 live with a diagnosed mental disorder. The WHO states that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescent boys and girls aged 15 19 and the third most common cause of death for adolescent girls. Reality is that not many adolescents may be able to express that they need help. They usually employ non-clinical terms such as sadness, loneliness, fear, shame, boredom, anger and defeat. How can we make sure Ukrainian and Slovak adolescents get the support they need? Lets look at the world around adolescents. Schools Schools are not only about learning, but also about meeting friends and being part of a group. In fact, when we ask Ukrainian teenagers what they like the most about school, their answer is always the same: friends. They are essential for mental health and well-being; but only one in three Ukrainian children in Slovakia are currently enrolled in school. Some adolescents follow online school in Ukraine. While they can attend to their education needs, they still miss out on the social aspect of school. This becomes more important when we remember that many may be facing mental health challenges, and thats why we need to accelerate enrollment of Ukrainian adolescents in schools, so they can be integrated and thrive in Slovakia. Peers Strong connections with peers and the unique support they provide is essential for adolescents well-being. Many Ukrainian adolescents in Slovakia did not have a chance to meet friends. Thats a reason why UNICEF is working with Slovak youth organisations and authorities to increase leisure and peer-exchange opportunities for Ukrainian and Slovak adolescents. This is important because through arts or sports, teenagers can also deal with their emotions and process them in a safe space, while having fun and making new friends. However, peer relationships can also be challenging: some Ukrainian students, for instance, report being bullied due to their nationality. To address this, UNICEF works with schools so that they can provide a tolerant and respectful environment as well as activities that facilitate positive relationships and promote inclusion, but, unfortunately, much still needs to be done. Family Families play a central role for adolescents mental health and well-being. They can provide protection and a sense of stability and solid ground, but they can also exert violence, abuse and neglect or pressure and control. Families from Ukraine many forced apart and now headed by women are facing economic pressures, anxiety and trauma. Therefore, UNICEF and its partners provide mental health support, promote psycho-social wellbeing and parenting advice to families and caregivers from Ukraine. Olesia, from Kyiv, kisses her teenage son Matvii, who lives with a disability (Source: UN0668145 - The Village media) Social Media Social media is essential for Ukrainian adolescents to connect with families and friends, but they also represent a risk. With no real friends, adolescents become isolated and may face cyber-bullying and other online risks. This is why UNICEF is increasing direct engagement with adolescents, to make them feel more included, give them a voice and to increase protection from social media-related risks. Coping, self-help and help Ukrainian and Slovak adolescents can do a lot to improve their coping mechanisms, get self-help and lend each other a hand. The Child Helpline (Toll-free and anonymous hotline: 116 111) provides 24-hour support to children and adolescents in Slovakia. The Mental Health League offers community services in 80 locations. And finally, helping each other is a way to help ourselves. As President Zuzana Caputova said in the #Pomahajmesi (#LetsHelpEachOther) campaign: 365.bank does not agree with the conclusions of the police. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The police imposed a fine of 2 million on 365.bank, which wants to go to court. The fine relates to cashless and cash transactions worth millions of euros. The police conclude that the bank did not pay special attention to the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing, despite the fact that the transactions were unusually large and of an unusual nature. The police also say that in several cases the amount of funds was clearly disproportionate to the nature of the stated business activity or the declared assets of the clients. In response, the bank states that the field of combating money laundering is an extremely complex and dynamic area, in which legislation and practical guidelines regarding transactions are constantly changing. "Unlike the police, which evaluate these transactions after several years, the financial institution itself must evaluate client transactions exclusively on the basis of information available in real time," says the bank. In 2021, a similar fine of 1.5 million for the same reasons was imposed on CSOB bank. At the time, according to the investigation, between 2016 and 2019 more than 500 million passed through the bank to Asia, Turkey, Belarus and the United Arab Emirates. Often clients from abroad set up accounts and used them to transfer money to other sanctioned countries. The incident happened the past weekend. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The Bratislava police are investigating an attack on a man from New Zealand. The incident was supposed to have occurred in the Slovak capital on Saturday evening, the police said on social media. According to published reports, a New Zealander was physically attacked in Bratislava. Extremist statements then followed, the police explained. The New Zealand citizen was reportedly attacked on Kamenne Namesie square by a man who was alleged to use Nazi slogans during the attack. The foreigner was accompanied by his girlfriend, the news website tvnoviny.sk wrote. The attacked man claimed that the attacker assaulted him repeatedly and yelled at him as he was walking towards a tram. The attacker walked close behind the pair and hit the New Zealander on the back of the head. It was either a lighter punch or a hard slap with something like a ring. Im not sure, the New Zealander told the website. The foreigner assumes that the attacker was under the influence of addictive substances, and that the attacker did not like the fact that he spoke English. https://media.cms.markiza.sk/embed/2olazF73mP?autoplay=any In 2018, Filipino expat Henry Accorda was murdered in downtown Bratislava. New Zealand citizen assaulted in Bratislava, ex-interior minister taken to court, and another 'History Talks' edition. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, March 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Attack on New Zealander in Bratislava Kamenne Namestie square in Bratislava. (Source: SME) The Bratislava police are investigating an attack on a man from New Zealand. The incident was supposed to have occurred in the Slovak capital on Saturday evening, the police said on social media. The New Zealand citizen was allegedly attacked on Kamenne Namesie square by a man who used Nazi slogans during the assault. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY Foreigners' Police planning a national call centre. English will be mandatory Read the latest Q&A on Slovakia's Foreigners' Police. (Source: TASR) The Slovak Spectator has compiled 20 questions and answers regarding the work of the Foreigners' Police in Slovakia, ranging from the electronic booking system to filing a complaint against a rude police officer. In a few lines: Anonymous RU, a Russian group of hackers, made several Slovak websites unavailable on Tuesday , including the parliament's website, the Defence Ministry's website, and the websites of several banks. The attack was a response to the transfer of MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, the group said. (vosveteit.sk). The Monuments Board has published a 3D visualisation of destroyed historical houses in Banska Stiavnica following a big fire. OLaNO leader Igor Matovic spoke in the parliament for more than two hours on Tuesday, defending his proposal to give away 500 to every person who vote in the elections in September. He also criticised the media and the opposition. The OLaNO leader also compared the situation in Slovakia to the 1930s. Estonian President Alar Karis is on a two-day state visit to Slovakia. He met with Slovak President Zuzana Caputova in Kosice on March 28, 2023. (Source: TASR - Frantisek Ivan) Amnesty International Slovakia has published its 2022 report. The organisation claims that systemic discrimination against Roma continued in Slovakia last year. It also cited problems regarding LGBT+ rights and violence against women. The organisation claims that systemic discrimination against Roma continued in Slovakia last year. It also cited problems regarding LGBT+ rights and violence against women. There are 80,504 teachers working at Slovak schools. Their average age is 47, the Education Policy Institute (IVP) announced on March 28. It is Teachers' Day in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, celebrated since 1955. World Teachers' Day falls on October 5. Their average age is 47, the Education Policy Institute (IVP) announced on March 28. It is Teachers' Day in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, celebrated since 1955. World Teachers' Day falls on October 5. From April 1, passengers will no longer buy a ticket from public transport drivers in Kosice. (Korzar) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Cloudy skies. Rain or snow. The highest daytime temperature will range from -3C to 8C. Strong wind. In most districts, first-level warnings have been issued and will remain in place until Wednesday morning. They concern frost, low temperatures or wind in the mountains. (SHMU) Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator). Sao Paulo is Brazils largest city, a massive metropolis with its own unique architecture, culture, food and artand yes, an incredible coffee scene. But like so many other places around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on so many facets of the city, including our cafes. Some coffee shops faced profound difficulties many of and were forced to look for partners; competition for online sales became fierce, and delivery ruled all other forms of commerce. Now in 2023, a new playing field has emerged in the city, and to me it looks like a huge proliferation of roastersnearly all of whom are coming to coffee as a second career. Some of these already had the structure in place before the pandemic, including family coffee farms (thats a thing here in Brazil!) and good commercial skills to deal with producer partners. A lot of small roasting companies found that they could make good money by sharing equipment with machineless roasters, coffee shops, and emerging brands operating online. The end result feels like a shake-up for the cityand a chance to check in on Sao Paulos new state of play for coffee roasting culture. Lets follow the coffee aroma trail throughout the city. Cafe POR ELAS For the last five years, sisters Julia and Nadia Nasr dedicated themselves to roasting coffee beans in a semi-detached small house located in the neighborhood of Pinheiros, a neighborhood where the specialty coffee culture grew in Sao Paulo about 14 years ago. Both are lawyers that quit their executive jobs and turned to the coffee business to catch the specialty coffee wave. This is paired with the 30 years of memories growing up on their mothers family coffee farm in rural Sao Paulo State, and it seemed like a natural choice. They decided to create a roastery to keep their mothers work going but also opened a range of outside suppliers reaching other small coffee producers and giving preference to female farmers. As a woman-leading a farm, our mother faced hard times and prejudice, even coming from employees, says Nadia Nasr. The way she handled these situations and her positive outlook of overcoming these obstacles inspired us to honor women and thats the reason we prioritize them in our business. Brazil is so rich in high-quality coffee production, Julia and Nadia can afford to create a supply niche exclusively produced by women, and maintain the excellence of quality coffee beans. Siriema Coffee Roasters Julia and Nadia Nasr were not the only female lawyers turned coffee roasters during the pandemic; this is also the story for Laura Barros of Siriema Coffee Roasters. But not only that, get this: her mother also operates a coffee farm, and the cafe is also located in Pinheiros. Its truly incredible to me that we might find a story so seemingly similar in a city with many millions, but its the truth, with one key difference: Laura is working not with a sister, but with her brother, Andre Barros. Their brand name Siriema refers to a gray bird that loves to walk around coffee plantations in Central and South America. The siblings opened up their unique garage door roasting space just two weeks before the pandemic broke out, with day-to-day business of the roastery run by Angelica Luizz and Nayra Caldas, two biologists who converted to master roasters over the last 10 years We cant deny that the pandemic changed the profile of coffee consumption and turn out to benefit small businesses like ours, says roaster Angelica Luizz. I believe we were agile in accelerating to adjust the route and reach the consumer at home through e-commerce and delivery. They buy coffee from other small producers and roast the beans for coffee shops, restaurants, and e-commerce consumers, besides offering espressos and filter coffee from their small counter opened at the front of the garage. In addition to Arabica, the duo also likes to make experiences with robusta and Canephora varieties. Ovelha Negra Torra e Cafes The nameOvelha Negra means black sheep, and this is how founder Andre Sanches thinks of himself in relation to coffee. This is another story of coffee as a second career; Sanches left an electrical electrical engineering career for the specialty coffee world in 2017, much to his familys surprise. After a few years spent living in New Zealand, he took barista courses at Coffelab in Sao Paulo, and learned to roast with noted educator Ensei Neto. Ovelha Negra is his very own roasting company, located in Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo, where Sanches has been joined by small group of partners. The brand sells its own coffee online, but also earns income by operating a collaborating roasting arrangement on its equipment, working with other small roasters throughout the city. During the pandemic this helped brands create their own story, and build a unique customer network, he tells me. During my visit I tried a truly unique and daring creation, which Andre Sanches calls Drunk Coffeecoffee beans are rested inside an American oak barrel used previously to age Cachaca, the iconic Brazilian spirit. Its an utterly distinct drink, and only available here. J.Cafe Mauricio Pagani was a mechanical engineerwas being the optimal word. After some years of studying and planning his life change to the coffee business, the pandemic hit, and he quickly had to change gears and rethink the opportunity the pandemic presented. The result of his work is J.Cafe, opened in 2021, a coffee shop offering a wide range of beans, all exposed beside the roasting machine. The cafe is located in Vila Leopoldina, an industrial neighborhood that today is under a massive real state transformation. But that 2021 lull was only the interval between the first and second Coronavirus waves. I had to reinvent everything less than a week after opening the store creating a subscription coffee club and starting a delivery service practically overnight to survive, said Pagani, who ended up getting through that hard time thanks to increasing home coffee consumption and his quick movement. Today he is roasting full-time for his store and also for small farms that are seeking more technical roasts for their beans. Catarina Coffee and Love After five years working as a barista for Starbucks, Henrique Ortiz established a micro-roastery inside a garage located in Vila Madalena, a neighborhood in Sao Paulo, full of restaurants, cafes, and colorful graffiti walls. At first, he and his partner Marina Gomes were itinerant coffee sellers, taking their beans to fairs, events, and also pop-up coffee services inside fashion stores where they ended up achieving a strong customer base. When the pandemic arrived they quickly started an educational series through social media, which boosted sales and helped them to purchase a larger coffee roaster machine and move to another neighborhood, Vila Mariana. Henrique affirms to be always in search of unconventional flavors. Usually we propose to producers some tests involving fermentation-bases, for instance, similar to pickle preparation techniques, he tells me. A brine bath works as a barrier to select microorganisms that will lead the fermentation process, usually bacteria which will add lactic acid in the final drink. They say this guarantees customers will have a unique and singular experience with the coffees at Catarina. Sensory Coffee Roasters Taking a look at the entrance of Sensory, we get the sense of another well-thought-out Pinheiros coffee shop. However, crossing the first room and reaching backstage we found ourselves with two roasting machines operating at full steam, which produce 250kg of coffee weekly to all over the country, reaching small coffee shops, bakeries, candy stores, and several companies. All roasting work is under command of experiment master roaster Luciano Salomao who joined Fernando Guerra three years ago, a former executive in the Information Technology industry turned into a coffee entrepreneur in 2018 when he founded Sensory Coffee Roasters. Luciano affirms that they are always seeking coffees graded above 83.5 according to SCA Standards. We are always receiving new producers and constantly tasting new proposal, we are open to different styles but coffees with sensory notes of chocolate and hazelnut, which meets the classic Brazilian palate are continuously in our portfolio. In the coming months their operation will expand and move to a more central neighborhood. Paulo Pedroso is a regular contributor to Brazilian newspapers Folha de Sao Paulo and Valor Economico, as well as Revista Espresso, a Brazilian specialty coffee magazine. Read more Paulo Pedroso on Sprudge. Improving sustainability is an ever-present thought in the specialty coffee industry. Up and down the supply chain, interested parties are reexamining their processes and traditional ways of doing things in order to find enhancements that can reduce coffees environmental footprint. One area, though, that can get overlooked is that last leg for many a coffees journey: in the shipping materials. Still, some companies are rethinking what their coffee ships in, particularly those going directly to consumers, and are finding success in limiting the amount of the packaging they ship that end up in a landfill. We spoke with three of those companies to find out what sort of sustainability considerations they made when creating their shipping materials. Packaging in which coffee normally ships is by and large sustainable; the lions share of most coffee shipped to consumers comes packed in a cardboard box. But then there are stickers, tape, etc. that arent as recyclable or compostable as the rest of the material. This has led Andy and Nanelle Newbom of Torque Coffee to completely overhaul their entire shipping strategy, ultimately leading the direct-to-consumer subscription-based coffee roaster to create the Coffee Box. All of the shipping materials that comprise the Coffee Box are 100% recycled, 100% recyclable, and 100% home compostable, and has been steamlined down to just the bare necessities: the box, the shipping label, the inner tissue, and the inner information card. No stickers, no tape. On the coffee consumption end of the supply chain all we can do is destroy less. We cant get to carbon neutral let alone positive, Andy Newbom tells Sprudge. We can reduce, reuse and use recycled materials to destroy less. Thats why we made the Torque Coffee Box. To destroy less while enjoying your coffee. Similarly positioned in the direct-to-consumer space is Yes Plz by Tony Tonx Konecny and Sumi Ali. With their subscription model coffee roaster, Konecny and Ali have quietly been shipping out coffee to drinkers nationwide with minimal waste. Their mailers are made of majority post-consumer recycled paper that are both light and sufficiently sturdy and easily recycled everywhere, Konecny states. Like the Torque Coffee Boxes, there are no tape or stickers to be found. Konecny goes on to note that primarily DTC coffee companies like Yes Plz and Torque are in a unique position: were only shipping coffee to mailboxesno grocery or retail shelves or anything like that. And generally, shipments come in a single quantity, one bag. Sustainability challenges only compound when roasters trade in wholesale and one-off retail orders. For Anne Lunell of Koppi in Helsingborg, Sweden, its less about finding a one-size-fits-all answer and more about an intentionality in their approach. We wanted our packaging to be as clean/pure as possible, Lunell states. What I mean with that is that we wanted our boxes to be pure cardboard, our bags to be pure plastic, etc. Koppi ships their coffee in a variety of cardboard box sizes, depending upon the size of the order, from a single bag all the way to a cafe-sized wholesale order. Because of this rangeand Koppis frequent international shipping that requires sturdier protectiontape is a necessary evil. And for Lunell and Koppi, the most sustainably sound choice isnt always the obvious one. We had a conversation with our bag manufacturer DutchPak about using biodegradable bags, but they actually advised us not to use that since most countries dont have a system in place to handle that waste. However, there are systems to recycle plastic and paper in most countries, which is why we chose to work with 100% plastic for our bags in the end. Still, there are other considerations beyond the shipping material itself. If Im ordering coffee from you, I hate seeing it come in a ULine box. Dont give those assholes any more money, Konecny tells Sprudge. I understand theres a weird arms race in coffee packaging right now and people want their products to stand out on the retail shelf, but to my mind, coffee is a fresh product and its packaging ought to be short lived and utilitarian. Having a foil printed bag in an ornate box that then goes into another shipping box feels excessive. Considering the ideally short lifespan of roasted coffee, it pains me to see some of these excessively designed bags that look like theyre meant to sit on display for months or years. Andy Brewbom would like to see more things like the Coffee Box, especially in the ecommerce/subscription space. Increasingly customers are buying one coffee at a time, more frequently rather than a bunch of coffees infrequently. Thats the problem we are solving for. Brewbom states that Torque is working on a bulk Coffee Box, a scaled-up version that will be able to ship up to two kilos of coffee. The scalability could serve a blueprint for even larger format shipping options, which would allow it to find use in the more traditional business to business model most coffee roasters are a part of. The throughline in all three roasters we talked to seems to be an acute awareness of their customers and how best to make sure that once the product leaves the roastery it stands the best chance of being disposed of properly. Having the most compostable materials is great, but it requires buy-in. The best, most sustainable solution is the one that will be broadly adopted. Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/man-wrongly-convicted-of-rape-awarded-55-mln-by-new-york--report-1108848096.html Man Wrongly Convicted of Rape Awarded $5.5 Mln By New York Man Wrongly Convicted of Rape Awarded $5.5 Mln By New York Anthony J. Broadwater, who spent 16 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for an assault in Syracuse, New York, will receive more than $5 million from the state of New York. 2023-03-27T22:00+0000 2023-03-27T22:00+0000 2023-03-28T01:51+0000 viral rape false accusations compensation new york letitia james /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0c/01/1091176292_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_c9f518695cd3c4ea6efa9ef56e68cfcf.jpg Broadwater returned to Syracuse after serving in the military to care for his dying father. He was arrested and charged after 18-year-old Syracuse University freshman Alice Sebold was raped in a park near campus in 1981. Later, Sebold described her ordeal in a 1999 memoir "Lucky," which details the rape of a teen. Police arrested Broadwater five months later after Sebold saw him on the streets and contacted police.Even though Sebold identified a different man in a police lineup, and hair evidence did not tie Broadwater to the crime, he was convicted and sentenced to 16.5 years in state prison and more than 20 years longer on the sex offender registry "for a conviction based on a botched police lineup as well as since-debunked science." Broadwater always maintained his innocence and made several failed attempts to get lawyers and the Innocence Project to help him prove his innocence. He was finally exonerated in 2021 because of the herculean efforts of two defense lawyers, Melissa Schwartz and J. David Hammond.According to the media, they argued in court that prosecutorial misconduct had muddied the police lineup, explaining that the prosecutor had lied to Sebold that Broadwater and the man next to him in the lineup were friends who had purposely appeared in the lineup together to trick her. That lie, the lawyers argued, improperly influenced Sebolds testimony.Broadwater was released from prison in 1998 and had been struggling to regain his life when the book "Lucky" was published. A producers research into the memoir produced a number of questions and raised enough doubts that the planned film adaptation of the memoir was shelved.Broadwater sued the state in the amount of $50 million for wrongful imprisonment but the state was dragging its feet.Then in October, when reporters asked New York State Attorney General Letitia James about the state's wrongful imprisonment lawsuit, she said Broadwater had been unjustly treated and said she hoped a settlement could be reached soon.After that interview, Broadwaters lawyers said, settlement negotiations began in earnest with the AGs office setting aside a part of a court process that could have taken years. Staff asked his lawyers what amount Broadwater might accept and that led to the agreed amount. https://sputnikglobe.com/20191230/british-woman-found-guilty-by-cyprus-judge-of-false-gang-rape-accusation-against-israeli-tourists-1077901460.html new york Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International new york, anthony j. broadwater case, alice sebold, 1999 memoir lucky, wrongfully accused for raping man got millions from new tork, new york state attorney general letitia james, who was wrongfully accused for sex rape, sex offenders who got justified https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/nashville-christian-school-shooter-identified-as-28-year-old-trans-male-audrey-hale---police-1108849019.html Nashville Christian School Shooter Identified as 28-Year-Old Trans Male Audrey Hale - Police Nashville Christian School Shooter Identified as 28-Year-Old Trans Male Audrey Hale - Police WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Police have identified the apparent perpetrator of a shooting at a private Christian grade school in the US state of Tennessee as... 27.03.2023, Sputnik International 2023-03-27T22:53+0000 2023-03-27T22:53+0000 2023-03-27T22:53+0000 americas nashville school shooting tennessee /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1b/1108848873_0:63:3072:1791_1920x0_80_0_0_d69a09990bfd65eacbe74796cdfefb65.jpg "Weve identified the shooter as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old female that lived in the Nashville area," Drake said on Monday. Hale identified as a transgender male and is believed to have previously attended the school, Drake added. The shooting left three children below the age of 10 dead, as well as three adults. One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is listed as Head of School on the institutions website. Hale was also killed by police who responded to the shooting. Police are investigating a residence linked to Hale, where they found a manifesto and maps of the school, Drake said. Drake declined to confirm whether issues related to Hales gender factored into the shooting, although officers are working on a theory they may soon unveil, the chief said. US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier on Monday. Biden addressed the shooting during remarks later in the day, commending law enforcements swift response and calling for the country to take steps to stop gun violence. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/multiple-patients-reported-in-nashville-school-shooting-1108839886.html americas nashville tennessee Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nashville, school shooting, tennessee https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/prominent-russian-plastic-surgeon-wins-award-at-international-medical-congress-1108876583.html Prominent Russian Plastic Surgeon Wins Award at International Medical Congress Prominent Russian Plastic Surgeon Wins Award at International Medical Congress MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Prominent Russian Surgeon Dmitry Melnikov won an award for the best performed plastic surgery at the Barcelona Breast Meeting 2023 (BBM)... 27.03.2023, Sputnik International 2023-03-27T15:51+0000 2023-03-27T15:51+0000 2023-03-28T15:16+0000 world russia medicine surgeon surgery /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107756/74/1077567489_0:92:1807:1108_1920x0_80_0_0_88ed6d13d47d78a6461d7b0b0934bb6f.jpg As part of BBM's program, three surgeons Patrick Mallucci from the UK, Alexandre Munhoz from Latin America, and Dmitry Melnikov competed for the best management of bottoming out breast implants after mammoplasty, the statement said. The surgery performed by Melnikov and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Moscow Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology was considered the best by a majority of votes of the audience. Natalya Manturova, chief freelance plastic surgery expert of the Russian Health Ministry, lauded Melnikov's achievement. The 20th Anniversary BBM took place from March 22-24 in Barcelona. russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, medicine, surgeon, surgery https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/belarus-hosting-nuclear-arms-without-having-control-over-them-not-against-npt-minsk-1108862233.html Belarus Hosting Nuclear Arms Without Having Control Over Them Not Against NPT: Minsk Belarus Hosting Nuclear Arms Without Having Control Over Them Not Against NPT: Minsk MINSK (Sputnik) - The deployment of nuclear warheads on the territory of Belarus without transferring control over them to Minsk will not contradict the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T10:01+0000 2023-03-28T10:01+0000 2023-03-28T10:01+0000 world russia belarus nuclear weapons /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103480/96/1034809678_0:22:2048:1174_1920x0_80_0_0_e5151e76edd6ea780ff9bcaa11e45b2b.jpg "Military cooperation between Belarus and Russia is carried out in strict accordance with international law. The training of Belarusian pilots capable of flying aircraft with specific munitions, the modernization of such aircraft, as well as the deployment of nuclear warheads on the territory of Belarus without transferring control over them to Minsk, as well as access to relevant technologies, in no way contradict the provisions of Articles I and II of the NPT," the ministry said in a statement. Deploying tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of another country is not an innovation in military cooperation between non-nuclear and nuclear powers, the ministry said, adding that NATO has long been practicing joint nuclear missions.On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to station Russia's tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which does not breach Russia's commitments to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Putin noted that Russia was not transferring its nuclear weapons to Belarus, but was doing what the US has been doing for decades - stationing its tactical nuclear weapons on the territories of its allies and training their crews to operate the weapons. russia belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International deployment of nuclear warheads, treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, belarusian foreign ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/biden-orders-that-us-flags-be-flown-at-half-mast-after-nashville-shooting-1108851326.html Biden Orders That US Flags Be Flown at Half-Mast After Nashville Shooting Biden Orders That US Flags Be Flown at Half-Mast After Nashville Shooting US President Joe Biden ordered that US state flags be flown at half-mast after a shooting at a private Christian grade school in Nashville, the US state of Tennessee, the White House said in a proclamation. 2023-03-28T04:17+0000 2023-03-28T04:17+0000 2023-03-28T04:17+0000 americas us shooting joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105812/68/1058126804_0:243:5013:3063_1920x0_80_0_0_e9db545258252a3fe404675adbf71d60.jpg "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 31, 2023," the White House said. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said during a press conference that police identified the apparent perpetrator of the Nashville shooting as 28-year-old female Audrey Hale. Hale identified as a transgender male and is believed to have previously attended the school, Drake added. The shooting left three children below the age of 10 dead, as well as three adults. One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is listed as Head of School on the institutions website. Hale was also killed by police who responded to the shooting. americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us president joe biden, shooting at a private christian grade school, flags be flown at half-mast https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/bidens-second-summit-for-democracy-participants-agenda-and-major-flaws--1108873510.html Biden's Second Summit for Democracy: Participants, Agenda, and Major Flaws Biden's Second Summit for Democracy: Participants, Agenda, and Major Flaws The Biden administration scheduled the second virtual "Summit for Democracy" for March 28-30, which it will co-host with the governments of Costa Rica, the... 28.03.2023, Sputnik International 2023-03-28T15:32+0000 2023-03-28T15:32+0000 2023-03-28T15:32+0000 sputnik explains us russia china summit democracy ukraine volodymyr zelensky belarus joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/15/1106544326_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c7f07e2cc51c8d8e2f762904727758bd.jpg Washington has assembled world leaders in a virtual, plenary format to address alleged threats posed by authoritarian leaders, public distrust, high inequality, digital disinformation, and weak state capacity to democracy and human rights around the world.The recent gathering was preceded by the December 2021 Summit for Democracy that prompted criticism from the Western mainstream press at the time. In particular, Washington invited Taiwan, seen as an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by Beijing, but snubbed the PRC. Likewise, the Biden administration excluded El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, to name but a few, from the list. Remarkably, Washington's NATO allies Turkiye and Hungary weren't invited either.All in all, the first Summit for Democracy brought together over 100 participants from across the world in 2021. 77 invitees ranked as "free" or fully democratic countries, 31 countries were "partly free," and three were "not free," according to Freedom House, a Washington, DC government-funded Cold War-era organization.This year, the Biden administration extended invitations to 120 global leaders, leaving Turkiye and Hungary off the list for the second democracy gathering, again. This time, Ankara and Budapest have been chastised not over their human rights record, but mostly because they have so far refused to slap sanctions on Russia and also delayed Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO. Helsinki's NATO bid was eventually ratified by the Turkish and Hungarian parliaments, while Stockholm's remains in limbo.Nonetheless, Washington invited Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gambia, Honduras, the Ivory Coast, Lichtenstein, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Tanzania to this years summit after they were left out of the list for the 2021 gathering, according to the US press. Earlier this month, US thought leaders called upon the Biden administration to push ahead with wooing the Global South, which "[seeks] to exert their power on the world stage" and is snubbing Washington's attempts to isolate Russia. Judging from the 2023 invitee list and the list of co-hosts, the Biden administration is considering the Global South challenge seriously.Ukraine, Foreign Interference & Digital DisinformationThe gathering's leitmotif to fight against authoritarianism for the sake of democracy has remained intact. However, the Russo-Ukrainian conflict is likely to play a significant role in the summit, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being scheduled to address the participants on March 28 at a virtual panel session titled A Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine."According to the US State Department's press release, the panel will present various perspectives on the elements needed to end the Russo-Ukrainian conflict and "establish a durable peace in Ukraine in line with principles contained in the UN Charter." Still, a year ago the US and its NATO allies forced Kiev to disrupt peace negotiations with Russia and to shred preliminary accords. In October 2022, Zelensky made any peace talks with Russia illegal by presidential decree.It is also expected that Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will discuss how the US Department of Justice is "countering new and evolving threats to the rule of law posed by hostile nation states, from transnational repression to foreign malign influence."On March 29, Joe Biden and his counterparts from Costa Rica, Zambia, the Netherlands, and South Korea will discuss how democracy is delivering "economic growth, prosperity and justice for all," while inviting various international NGOs, opposition figures, youth leaders, and a former political prisoner to testify.Judging by the list of the panel's invitees, which includes "Uyghur rights advocate" Jewher Ilham, "leader of the democratic opposition" Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, and Natalya Pinchuk, "wife of imprisoned Nobel Laureate Ales Bialiatski," the participants are likely to target China, Belarus, and Russia, and to focus on Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The Biden administration recently proclaimed Russia and China as Washington's major challenges, while fanning the NATO proxy war against Moscow in Ukraine and poking Beijing by closing ranks with Taiwan.On March 30, the gathering's agenda includes the issue of the misuse of technology "to repress, control, divide, and disenfranchise and the spread of digital authoritarianism" and how the US and its allies can "shape the ecosystem of emerging technologies in line with democratic principles and human rights." For its part, the Netherlands is expected to host a panel titled "Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy." The aforementioned topics sound especially controversial in light of the Twitter Files expose that showed massive censorship and manipulation of digital media and social networks by US federal agencies; as well as in light of the almost complete blackout of Russian media and the alternative press by the collective West.Why Biden's 'Summit for Democracy' is Chastised Both in US and RussiaBiden's second summit for democracy has already been subjected to criticism both domestically and abroad. US influential Foreign Affairs Magazine pointed out that the first summit failed to bear any tangible results, adding that expectations for the second one are "modest."According to the magazine, even though Bidens first Summit for Democracy sought to galvanize democratic countries to work toward advancing democracy within their own borders, no monitoring mechanisms have been introduced to track countries progress on the commitments they made. The media also criticized Biden for not making defending democracy abroad "a major foreign policy priority." Instead, the US president took the path of least resistance by organizing summits that bring together countries that are already largely committed to democracy and US values. This does not require big efforts or hard choices, the magazine argued.When it comes to the Biden administration's attempts to show its support for Ukraine as evidence of its commitment to defending democracy, "the fact that it has done so much to assist Kiev also underscores how little it has done to counter threats to democracy in parts of the world where the United States has fewer interests at stake," the media emphasized.For his part, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov pointed out that Biden's first forum "was characterized as the epitome of hypocrisy even by a number of observers in the West," while "the situation with the second 'Summit' is actually the same.""Questions arose not only about the list of invited countries, many of which are considered 'undemocratic' here," Antonov told Newsweek, "but also, in principle, about the ability and largely the moral right of Washington dealing with many political and socio-economic controversies at home to impose its canons and way of life on others."Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that the Summits for Democracy were designed to formulate the right of the so-called democracies to promote imaginary assistance to the peoples of "autocracies," bypassing the authorities of these countries.Lavrov noted that Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela have been declared "autocrats" by the US, because these countries have long refused to obey the West. Furthermore, the US does not present any clear criteria for what genuine democracy is:"If you look at those who were invited to the first 'democratic summit,' there are countries - I do not want to offend anyone - whom the Americans have never ranked as democratic states," Lavrov remarked.Meanwhile, American non-profits are lamenting the fact that the number of "democracies" in the world is shrinking, with Freedom House recently declaring 2022 the 17th consecutive year of global democratic decline. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/budapest-urges-sweden-to-stop-insulting-whole-of-hungary-to-get-nato-bid-accepted-1108813533.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/chris-busby-europe-may-face-cancer-birth-defects-akin-to-fallujah-if-kiev-uses-depleted-uranium-1108785049.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/us-and-eu-cant-afford-natos-long-proxy-war-against-russia-in-ukraine-1108732153.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/how-bidens-room-for-maneuver-in-ukraine-is-dwindling-and-rift-with-kiev-growing-1108607954.html russia china ukraine belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova joe biden's summit for democracy, second summit for democracy, summit for democracy 2023, participants of 2023 summit for democracy, what countries take part in 2023 summit for democracy, what's 2023 summit for democracy's agenda, summit for democracy's panels, democracy vs authoritarianism, ukraine president volodymyr zelensky 2023 summit for democracy https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/conflict-in-ukraine-has-to-stop-now---former-us-president-trump-1108851168.html Conflict in Ukraine 'Has to Stop Now' - Former US President Trump Conflict in Ukraine 'Has to Stop Now' - Former US President Trump Former US President Donald Trump said the conflict in Ukraine has to "stop now" and reiterated his earlier statement that he would be able to have it solved in 24 hours. 2023-03-28T04:00+0000 2023-03-28T04:00+0000 2023-03-28T04:00+0000 world donald trump ukraine special operation donbass vladimir putin volodymyr zelensky /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0e/1108361467_0:0:2992:1683_1920x0_80_0_0_8b1330c51503dd54485d4874a25f5070.jpg 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. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230226/donbass-a-story-of-defiance-1107797697.html ukraine donbass Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump, russian special operation in ukraine, trump deal for russia ukraine, zelensky putin trump talks https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/death-toll-from-fire-in-mexican-migration-center-reaches-39-1108884721.html Death Toll From Fire in Mexican Migration Center Reaches 39 Death Toll From Fire in Mexican Migration Center Reaches 39 The number of people who died in a fire in a migration center in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez at the border with the United States, has risen to 39, with 29 others injured, the Mexican migration service has said. 2023-03-28T20:21+0000 2023-03-28T20:21+0000 2023-03-29T00:34+0000 americas mexico ciudad juarez guatemala migrant detention center fire /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108884575_0:321:3071:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_37e0bdd86a2433c35dd7b56631616a67.jpg "The Mexican migration service regrets the death of 39 foreign migrants," the migration service said on Twitter. The migration service specified later on Tuesday that 28 victims were citizens of Guatemala. There were 68 men from Central and South America in the center, the statement said, adding that 29 people were injured in the fire and taken to four hospitals. The fire started at a detention facility for migrants who tried to illegally cross the border with the US, Mexican newspaper El Heraldo de Mexico reported. The migrants set the fire themselves while trying to escape, according to Mexican newspaper Excelsior. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also said that the fire was set by the detained migrants. He told a press conference that they "set fire to mattresses, being unaware that it would cause such a tragedy." In January, US President Joe Biden said that more resources were needed in order to address the massive influx of migrants over the last two years, after visiting the US southern border. americas mexico ciudad juarez guatemala Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International migration center fire https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/denmark-holding-largest-artillery-drill-on-its-soil-since-cold-war-1108851718.html Denmark Holding Largest Artillery Drill on Its Soil Since Cold War Denmark Holding Largest Artillery Drill on Its Soil Since Cold War Following decades of slimmed-down military engagement after the Cold War, the drill is seen as a return to large-scale warfighting preparation. 2023-03-28T05:58+0000 2023-03-28T05:58+0000 2023-03-28T05:58+0000 military denmark scandinavia news military & intelligence military drills artillery /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105292/53/1052925362_0:0:4764:2680_1920x0_80_0_0_6a892ebb084057fa2814a47a5c5beac1.jpg The largest artillery drill on Danish soil since the Cold War has started in Oksbol on Jutland Peninsula with more than 500 soldiers from eight different countries.The soldiers will spend the four-day drill practicing firing rockets, grenades and mortars and will be accompanied by F-16 fighter jets in the air, warships in the water, and military vehicles in the countryside. The formal goal of the drill is to strengthen military cooperation between NATO member states.Riishoj described NATO's ability to fight together as "absolutely crucial for the alliance in the broadest sense"."And at the soldier level, being able to communicate on the right radio and digital communication platforms is absolutely essential. And these exercises are crucial for us to maintain that ability," Riishoj said.Although the drill has been planned for a long time, it has become even more relevant amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which many pundits, including Danish Radio's military analyst Mads Korsager Nielsen has described as an "artillery war".The exercise is highly unusual for Denmark in its scale. For decades since the end of the Cold War, the Nordic country - along with its neighbors and European peers - has been slimming down its military, devoting itself to assisting roles in overseas missions such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.According to Korsager Nielsen, this era is now over, with the drill signifying Denmark's - and by extention, NATO's - readiness to "fight a war on a large scale". Therefore, more large-scale drills such as this in Oksbol are to be expected in the future.Earlier this year, Denmark and the US were reported to be negotiating a new defense cooperation agreement which was confirmed by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who added that the agreement should create "the possibility of a permanent US presence".The enhanced cooperation with the US comes as the Danish armed forces suffer an increasing diminution in personnel with none of the regiments able to reach full strength. The shortages undermine both Denmark's own defense and its commitment to NATO missions. For instance, there will be no replacement team of Danish soldiers in lieu of the current one hosted in the Baltics this spring.Danish state coffers and military preparedness have been undermined further by Copenhagen's commitment to support Kiev in the Ukrainian conflict with arms, funds and training. Faced with a drastic lack of funding, Danish politicians even abolished the Great Prayer Day, a centuries-old Christian holiday, sparking widespread discontent. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230228/danish-military-pressed-for-personnel-after-record-wave-of-resignations-1107861910.html denmark scandinavia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Igor Kuznetsov danish military, artillery drill, nato presence, post-cold war era, large-scale warfighting https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/depleted-uranium-doesnt-distinguish-between-ukrainians--russians-it-poisons-everyone-journalist-1108864101.html Depleted Uranium Doesn't Distinguish Between Ukrainians & Russians, It Poisons Everyone: Journalist Depleted Uranium Doesn't Distinguish Between Ukrainians & Russians, It Poisons Everyone: Journalist The Ukraine crisis is deepening, as the West plans to supply the country with toxic depleted uranium shells, with Moscow strongly condemning the move. Chris... 28.03.2023, Sputnik International 2023-03-28T16:58+0000 2023-03-28T16:58+0000 2023-03-28T16:58+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine donbass russia us-russia relations nuclear weapons depleted uranium ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/17/1108720431_0:165:1992:1286_1920x0_80_0_0_2952e99cf6437d49f192444d20bda7f3.jpg Last week, UK Minister of State for Defense Annabel Goldie stated that Britain would provide depleted uranium (DU) ammunition with their Challenger 2 MBT tank delivery to Ukraine. Chris Helali told Sputnik that these byproducts of the nuclear industry "poison the land and poison the people."Chris Helali noted that the DU shells used by the US military have caused hundreds of thousands of cases of various diseases, such as birth defects and cancer, along with poisoning the soil and thus agriculture. The US military industry produces tons of depleted uranium for use in their MBT and IFV munitions. Such shells are heavier and thus have better penetration capabilities, but uranium is toxic, affecting the local population where such munitions are used.The journalist said that Russia seeks peace and that it is Western governments who are continuously fueling the conflict with arms supplies.At the same time, the journalist drew attention to a peace protest against US militarism and the sanctions policy held in Washington on March 18. The protest was organized by a coalition of anti-war groups, with participants calling for an end to US military interventions and sanctions that have harmed people in other countries. In particular, demonstrators demanded an end to prolonging the Ukraine conflict by sending lethal military equipment. The protest drew a large crowd and included a march to the White House, calling for a change in US foreign policy. The organizers emphasized the need for a more peaceful and cooperative approach to global relations, rather than the use of military force and economic coercion. Commenting on the protests, Helali called the US' actions a "proxy war" and added that "the ruling class is going to continue on with this war as long as possible."Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus in response to the UK's decision to supply the Kiev regime with DU shells. While Western countries lambasted the announcement, the Russian president pointed out that the United States has long stationed tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its allies and NATO countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Turkiye. Helali noted that "if there was no war going on, it might have been seen simply as sort of a movement on a chessboard," pointing out that the perception of such a move completely changes because of the inflamed tensions, as there were proposals to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland in 2022. "Russia sees this as a proportional response, saying if the US moves into Poland, it's necessary for Russia to move these tactical nuclear weapons onto Belarus' soil." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/how-the-wests-depleted-uranium-ammo-spells-death-for-soldier-and-civilian-alike-1108718880.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-us-anti-war-movement-1108560954.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/belarus-hosting-nuclear-arms-without-having-control-over-them-not-against-npt-minsk-1108862233.html donbass russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International donbass, russia, us-russia relations, nuclear weapons, depleted uranium, ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/ex-un-rapporteur-reveals-8-ways-intl-nord-stream-probe-can-be-pursued-despite-unsc-stonewalling-1108864757.html Ex-UN Rapporteur Reveals 8 Ways Int'l Nord Stream Probe Can Be Pursued Despite UNSC Stonewalling Ex-UN Rapporteur Reveals 8 Ways Int'l Nord Stream Probe Can Be Pursued Despite UNSC Stonewalling Moscow expressed confidence Tuesday that the truth about the Nord Stream explosions would eventually break through in spite of the United Nations Security Councils failure to adopt a Russian-Chinese resolution demanding a formal international investigation into the sabotage. 2023-03-28T12:32+0000 2023-03-28T12:32+0000 2023-03-28T13:31+0000 analysis nord stream investigation probe security council un security council (unsc) un security council resolution alfred de zayas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101347558_0:63:1200:738_1920x0_80_0_0_92adc02f32428ca312139dddc359fd1c.jpg Moscow expressed confidence Tuesday that the truth about the Nord Stream explosions would eventually break through in spite of the United Nations Security Councils failure to adopt a Russian-Chinese resolution demanding a formal international investigation into the sabotage.The resolution received support from Russia, China, and Brazil. The US, the UK, France, and rotating Security Council members Albania, Gabon, Ghana, Malta, Mozambique, the UAE, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Japan abstained. Russian Deputy Permanent representative to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy told Sputnik the resolution failed thanks to big pressure on the part of the West.Seymour Hersh, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose bombshell reporting revealed that US Navy divers assisted by the Norwegian military were responsible for the pipelines destruction, said he was not at all surprised the resolution failed. What else did you think they would do? If they did do anything else that would be news, Hersh told Sputnik.De Zayas characterized Hershs reporting as thorough, coherent and prima facie credible, and said his investigations constitute a solid basis to commence an independent international investigation, which would require the consent of those countries whose territorial sovereignty extends over the area where the explosions took place, namely Sweden and Denmark.The international legal expert emphasized that to be credible, any probe by the Nordics into the Nord Stream attacks will have to be open to all interested parties, including Russia. Otherwise, bearing in mind that all three countries have ganged up against Russia, the great danger is that their investigations might be a cover-up or a white-wash operation.8 Tools at Russia's DisposalLuckily, de Zayas says, there are a number of avenues Russia and other countries can pursue at the international level. These include:Double StandardsDe Zayas stressed that the failure of the UNSC to condemn the terrorist sabotage of Nord Stream in the same way it condemned the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 signals the application of double-standards.The silence of the UN with regard to the terrorist sabotage of Nord Stream is as deafening as its silence with regard to the 40 US biolabs in Ukraine, the lawyer said.Fortunately, de Zayas argues, pressure on the US is building, not least because of US officials proven hostility to Russian pipeline infrastructure long before it was destroyed. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/kremlin-regrets-unsc-not-adopting-resolution-on-nord-stream-investigation-1108861301.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/west-applied-huge-pressure-ahead-of-unsc-vote-on-nord-stream-probe-resolution-says-polyanskiy-1108850565.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/hersh-says-not-surprised-by-unsc-not-adopting-resolution-for-probe-of-nord-stream-attack-1108850182.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov nord stream, probe, investigation, security council, international, law, international law, alfred de zayas https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/france-to-increase-supply-of-large-caliber-rounds-to-ukraine-from-march-1108866501.html France to Increase Supply of Large Caliber Rounds to Ukraine From March France to Increase Supply of Large Caliber Rounds to Ukraine From March France will double the number of 155mm rounds it supplies to Ukraine to 2,000 per month starting March, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced. 2023-03-28T11:50+0000 2023-03-28T11:50+0000 2023-03-28T11:50+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine france arms supplies /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/02/0d/1092989286_0:104:2000:1229_1920x0_80_0_0_567b7b731dc74d1590fa50d8b4cfb010.jpg These rounds are compatible with French-made Caesar and German Pzh 2000 self-propelled howitzers supplied to Ukraine by NATO allies. Ukraine has been unleashing "industrial quantities" of these shells at the territories controlled by Russia, Le Figaro daily reported. Lecornu told Le Figaro in an interview that Paris would "deliver land-based equipment needed for Ukraines counteroffensive. That means we are doubling deliveries of 155mm rounds to bring their number up to 2,000 per month starting late March." The minister also said that Paris would "very soon" deliver on its promise to give SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine, which are worth "hundreds of millions of euros," and increase military assistance funding to Kiev. Russia has repeatedly warned countries giving weapons to Ukraine that it sees military shipments as legitimate targets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that NATO allies' arming and training Ukrainians are tantamount to a direct involvement in the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220225/russian-mod-large-amount-of-weapons-supplied-by-west-to-ukraine-has-been-seized-1093374079.html ukraine france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International increase supply, large caliber rounds, supplies to ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/irans-parliament-floats-bill-to-exit-nuclear-deal-amid-us-foot-dragging-in-talks-1108878456.html Irans Parliament Floats Bill to Exit Nuclear Deal Amid US Foot-Dragging in Talks Irans Parliament Floats Bill to Exit Nuclear Deal Amid US Foot-Dragging in Talks Iran and the United States resumed indirect talks on Washingtons possible return to the JCPOA nuclear agreement in the spring of 2021, but stalled after President Biden confirmed that he was ready to kill the agreement rather than lift a Foreign Terrorist Organization label against Irans Revolutionary Guards. 2023-03-28T17:27+0000 2023-03-28T17:27+0000 2023-03-28T18:43+0000 world iran us joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) nuclear talks nuclear talks negotiations /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102946/52/1029465289_0:209:4000:2459_1920x0_80_0_0_5ce2d91c34f6fea1f8130f2a6e62efd6.jpg Irans parliament has put forward a bill to curb the amount of time allowed for negotiations on the nuclear deal, and the country has no plans to see talks drag on forever, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said.Abdollahian further reiterated that his country remains committed to cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency.The warning isnt the first time Abdollahian and other senior Iranian officials have cautioned Washington against trying to stretch out the nuclear talks indefinitely.Late last year, the foreign minister said that although the chance to reach an agreement exists, if the Westerners continue their hypocritical and interventionist behavior, we will head to another path.Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei echoed these concerns, emphasizing in 2021 that the Islamic Republic wasnt interested in talks for the sake of talks, and urging the government to keep in mind that Irans experience has shown that trusting the West does not work.Renewed talks on restoring the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are approaching their second anniversary. While Iranian negotiators initially hoped that the Biden administration would prove amiable to speedily restoring US participation in the agreement, talks eventually broke down, with the nub of the problem centering on US refusal to lift sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).The US decision to ramp up sanctions pressure on Iran appears to have further strengthened Tehrans resolve not to return to the deal unless it gets the concessions its looking for. In the past two months alone, Washington has put new restrictions on Irans oil industry, defense sector, and government officials.Iran is the second-most-heavily sanctioned nation in the world after Russia, with 2,260+ restrictions leveled against the country by the US and its allies. That hasnt stopped the country from creating a broad and diversified industrial base the largest in the Middle East, making strides in the creation of an advanced weapons and a defense electronics industry, operating a successful homegrown space program, and expanding economic and diplomatic cooperation with major countries including Russia, China, and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.The JCPOA was signed by Iran, the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in October 2015. The agreement, negotiated over a two-year period, promised Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on its nuclear enrichment and stockpiling activities. The Trump administration unilaterally scrapped the agreement in 2018 and restored sanctions, with Iran ramping up its enrichment activities after the treatys Western European signatories failed to find a workaround to US sanctions.Despite its nuclear enrichment efforts, Iran maintains that it has no plans to pursue nuclear weapons, citing religious fatwas (religious rulings) by Supreme Leader Khamenei banning nukes and all other weapons of mass destruction. Iran's nuclear program is under strict monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/russias-iran-envoy-to-sputnik-moscow-tehran-relations-have-acquired-a-strategic-character-1108613856.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/top-israeli-pentagon-officials-agree-on-need-to-prevent-iran-from-gaining-a-nuclear-weapon-1107992834.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/israel-may-reportedly-attack-iran-if-uranium-enrichment-level-exceeds-60-1108706952.html iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov negotiations, talks, joint comprehensive plan of action, nuclear deal, iran, united states https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/japans-opposition-blasts-pm-kishidas-silence-on-depleted-uranium-ammo-to-ukraine-1108854345.html Japan's Opposition Blasts PM Kishida's Silence on Depleted Uranium Ammo to Ukraine Japan's Opposition Blasts PM Kishida's Silence on Depleted Uranium Ammo to Ukraine Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been condemned by the opposition for silence on depleted uranium ammo to Ukraine issue. 2023-03-28T10:24+0000 2023-03-28T10:24+0000 2023-04-06T12:15+0000 world fumio kishida depleted uranium ukraine proxy war volodymyr zelensky bombing of yugoslavia japan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108855457_0:159:3079:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_e5db2f6ff3e5dcf446b3df3d05a7a00d.jpg Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been condemned by the opposition for staying tight-lipped on the UK's announced delivery of depleted uranium ammunition to the Kiev regime, according to media reports.Taro Yamamoto, leader of the opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi, is said to have raised the issue at a budget committee meeting in the Japanese parliament's upper house. The head of the Japanese government ostensibly dodged giving a direct answer, saying something to the effect that, despite studies on the negative effects on human health, no concrete results have been obtained. However, Yamamoto would not let up, pressing further:Kishida is said to have responded by saying that, As for depleted uranium weapons, I didnt say anything specific about it in my meeting with Zelensky."The opposition leader then slammed this response as sending a "bad message," and added, as a parting "broadside", that the Prime Minister himself was "from Hiroshima. The US dropped two atomic bombs plutonium Fat Man and gun-type uranium Little Boy - on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in August 1945. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, mostly Japanese civilians. Neither Hiroshima nor Nagasaki hosted any key military installations whatsoever. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who will chair the Group of Seven (G7) summit scheduled for May, visited Ukraine on March 21. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a day after Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Moscow to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.Kishida's visit was seen by analysts as tailored to demonstrate that Japan is "the West's reliable ally". Even though Kishida embarked on his Kiev visit to show solidarity with Ukraine, Tokyo has been contributing less economic help to Ukraine than other countries of the so-called collective West. Japan has limited itself to sending things like bulletproof vests, helmets and some humanitarian aid. Exports of arms and military equipment in Japan is regulated by the Japanese Arms Export Ban, known as the Three Principles on Arms Exports that prohibit the provision of lethal weapons to other countries.Earlier, London announced its intent to supply depleted uranium (DU) munitions to Kiev to be used in the US-led proxy war of the collective West against Russia in Ukraine. The announcement was met with broad condemnation from Moscow. Russia warned that DU compounds that remain in the soil after its use as part of projectiles, may be dangerous to humans, animals and the environment for a lengthy amount of time."The use of uranium ammunition will cause irreversible harm to the health of the military and civilian population of Ukraine, but NATO is ready to supply them to Kiev," Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops of the Russian armed forces, said. He recounted that NATO unleashed about 40,000 shells containing over 15 tons of depleted uranium during the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230321/japanese-pms-ukraine-visit-putting-on-a-good-face-for-the-west-and-avoiding-damage-1108645128.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/why-is-britains-uranium-ammo-decision-a-big-deal-1108699845.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230324/no-guilt-no-shame-western-leaders-excuses-for-nato-bombing-of-yugoslavia-1108758495.html ukraine japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko japan's prime minister, fumio kishida, condemned by opposition, to encourage the uk, not to send du munitions, depleted uranium, du ammo to ukraine, visit to ukraine, president volodymyr zelensky, proxy war with russia in ukraine, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/kenya-to-build-seven-dams-worth-24-billion-to-address-water-shortage-1108874806.html Kenya to Build Seven Dams Worth $2.4 Billion to Address Water Shortage Kenya to Build Seven Dams Worth $2.4 Billion to Address Water Shortage Kenya is set to construct seven dams worth $2.4 billion to increase the availability of water in the country. The National Treasury said that it will seek investors to finance, design, construct, and commission these facilities. 2023-03-28T16:37+0000 2023-03-28T16:37+0000 2023-03-28T16:37+0000 africa east africa kenya water water shortage dam climate change /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108874495_0:145:3091:1883_1920x0_80_0_0_0598ca26793a5bfb56ac60cc1506707f.jpg Kenya is set to construct seven dams worth $2.4 billion to increase the availability of water in the country. The National Treasury's Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate has announced that it will seek investors to finance, design, construct, and commission these facilities. The government intends to enter into water-purchase agreements with investors who will sell and deliver water for household and irrigation purposes.Located in various regions across the East African country, the planned projects include the Sabaki Water Supply Dam, High Grand Falls Dam, Maragua IV Dam, Galana Irrigation Dam, Ndarugu II Wate Dam, Mzima Springs, along with the Karimenu Dam.The largest of these water projects is the High Grand Falls Dam, to be built on the Tana River in eastern Kenya. With a capacity of 5.6 trillion liters (1.5 trillion gallons), the dam is expected to cost nearly $1.3 billion, according to the PPP report.Kenya is currently experiencing the worst drought in over four decades, and billions of shillings have been diverted to provide food aid to millions of people. To improve water security and agricultural productivity, Ruto, who took office in September, has pledged to build at least 100 dams.The East African country's Water Act will be amended to provide a framework for the government to purchase water in bulk from investors for resale to public water companies supplying homes and farms that irrigate fields. The government will bear the demand risk and hydrology, and the water plants will be transferred to the state at the end of the concession period.According to the Public Private Partnerships Directorate's report, Kenya intends to irrigate 928,779 acres (375,864 hectares) and connect 4.25 million households to clean piped water. However, the report did not provide a timeline for these plans.Water scarcity is a growing concern in many regions around the world, and Kenya is no exception. The East African country has been grappling with a water shortage that has left millions of people without access to clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.Kenya's situation is emblematic of the larger water crisis facing the African continent, which is home to some of the world's most water-stressed countries, as the population continues to grow and the effects of climate change become more pronounced. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/1108679505.html africa east africa kenya Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg kenya, water shortage in kenya, water shortage, water shortage in africa, drought in kenya, drought in africa, climate change, effects of climate change, five most severe droughts in africa, water security, food security, africa food, worst drought in kenya, is kenya currently in a drought? , what causes drought in kenya? , where in kenya is the drought? , when did drought in kenya start? , https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/moldovas-secession-from-cis-to-aggravate-economic-situation-in-country---ex-president-1108849888.html Moldova's Secession From CIS to Aggravate Economic Situation in Country - Ex-President Moldova's Secession From CIS to Aggravate Economic Situation in Country - Ex-President Moldova's secession from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, a loose association of former Soviet republics) will further aggravate the economic situation in the country, former President Igor Dodon said Monday. 2023-03-28T00:27+0000 2023-03-28T00:27+0000 2023-03-28T04:00+0000 world moldova cis european union (eu) commonwealth of independent states maia sandu igor dodon /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0b/0b/1081133787_0:0:2967:1669_1920x0_80_0_0_24bf76fb704dfe39ed86d0b07fd8bd12.jpg Earlier, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said the Eurasian vector and integration within the CIS do not bring the country proper development, and announced plans for Moldova's entry into the European Union until 2030. He said Moldova needs to cooperate with both the EU and Russia. Moldova over the past year ignored meetings of the CIS, as well as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), where it is an observer. Most residents of Moldova support economic, political and cultural ties with Russia, according to a poll published in mid-March. The survey also showed that more than half of Moldovans oppose the country's withdrawal from the CIS, and that many citizens are dissatisfied with the standard of living and believe the country's leadership is to blame for gas and electricity price rises. moldova Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International moldova, cis, eu https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/new-zealand-willing-to-explore-joining-non-nuclear-aspect-of-aukus-pact-defence-minister-says-1108851439.html New Zealand Willing to Explore Joining 'Non-Nuclear' Aspect of AUKUS Pact, Defence Minister Says New Zealand Willing to Explore Joining 'Non-Nuclear' Aspect of AUKUS Pact, Defence Minister Says New Zealand is willing to 'explore joining the non-nuclear aspect of AUKUS pact, Andrew Little, the defence minister, said. 2023-03-28T05:46+0000 2023-03-28T05:46+0000 2023-03-28T05:46+0000 world new zealand aukus nuclear nuclear submarines /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105605/99/1056059958_0:98:1920:1178_1920x0_80_0_0_f389d1ec1c38db968a0d3dc7914bfbe6.jpg New Zealand has flagged interest in joining the "non-nuclear component" of the trilateral AUKUS security pact between the US, Australia, and the UK, Defence Minister Andrew Little said.The aspect that Andrew Little was referring to involves sharing strategic technology pertaining to such areas as quantum computing and cyber capabilities. Territorial sea, land and airspace of New Zealand became nuclear-free zones in line with the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987.According to Andrew Little, any involvement of Wellington in AUKUS could not compromise our legal obligations and our moral commitment to nuclear-free.When asked about the country's potential plans regarding joining the trilateral security agreement, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on March 27:The indication that New Zealand may mull becoming involved in the non-nuclear part of the AUKUS pact comes a week after the country's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta visited Beijing.Mahuta said that Chinese officials reiterated their strong opposition to the AUKUS deal.They acknowledged our position on the matter. Were not a part of those arrangements, Mahuta said.Regarding New Zealand's concerns that AUKUS may jeopardise the treaty of Rarotonga, also called South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, signed on 6 August 1985, Mahuta stated:Our concern is not to see the militarisation of the Pacific, that the treaty of Rarotonga be upheld, and thats the basis upon which our assurances from Australia have been gained in relation to those arrangements.The Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral security pact, announced on September 15, 2021, entails the supply to Canberra of three American Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s, while cementing China's status as the perceived adversary of all three countries.AUKUS is composed of two so-called pillars, with the first presupposing the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, while the second, Pillar 2, focuses on expediting cooperation in critical technologies. The latter pertains to areas such as cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, additional undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic, etc,More clarity regarding the details of the three-phase plan to provide Australia with conventional nuclear submarines were unveiled on March 13 after a meeting in San Diego, California, between US President Joe Biden, Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The deal involves the deployment of at least three American and one British submarine to Australia by 2027 as a first step, as well as the creation of the necessary infrastructure and training of Australian personnel. The ultimate goal of the AUKUS pact is to jointly develop and build a new type of nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarine - dubbed SSN-AUKUS - for the UK and Australian navies.China slammed the three countries that created the AUKUS pact for pursuing their own geopolitical interests and completely ignoring the concerns of the international community. The US-UK-Australia deal involves the transfer of large quantities of highly enriched weapons-grade uranium from nuclear-weapon states to a non-nuclear-weapon state. Accordingly, it poses a serious risk of nuclear proliferation and violates the goals of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin at a briefing. Russia has also voiced its concerns regarding the AUKUS pact. "The Anglo-Saxon world with the creation of bloc structures like AUKUS, with the promotion of NATO military infrastructure in Asia, is making a serious bid for confrontation for many years," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230316/worst-deal-in-history-former-australian-pm-slams-aukus-submarine-purchase-1108439440.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230316/worst-deal-in-history-former-australian-pm-slams-aukus-submarine-purchase-1108439440.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230315/aukus-dividing-asia-us-uk-australian-leaders-reveal-details-of-disputed-nuclear-submarine-deal-1108385272.html new zealand Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko new zealand, willing to explore, joining non-nuclear aspect, aukus pact, andrew little, new zealand defence minister, supply to canberra, american virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, china's status, perceived adversary, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/north-korea-conducts-ballistic-missile-test-with-dummy-nuclear-warhead-1108854124.html North Korea Conducts Ballistic Missile Test With Dummy Nuclear Warhead North Korea Conducts Ballistic Missile Test With Dummy Nuclear Warhead North Korea launched two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles to test a nuclear warhead in the air on Monda 2023-03-28T06:54+0000 2023-03-28T06:54+0000 2023-03-28T06:54+0000 military democratic people's republic of korea (dprk) ballistic missiles /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/07/1095338945_0:0:2863:1611_1920x0_80_0_0_629de09a5ffcbaeb9ec4b733c604a8d5.jpg One of the ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles was equipped with a simulated warhead, imitating a nuclear warhead, the news agency reported, adding that it was not specified which of the missiles was carrying the "weapon." A mock nuclear warhead detonated 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the target island off the city of Kimchaek in the North Hamgyong province, the report said. According to the report, the test allowed Pyongyang to verify the procedure for issuing and transmitting an order for a nuclear attack and confirm the normal operation of the launch authorization system, as well as work out the actions of combat units under such circumstances. Earlier in the day, media reported that it tested a Haeil-1 underwater nuclear attack drone from March 25-27. On Monday, Japan and South Korea said that Pyongyang test-fired two ballistic missiles from its western coast toward the Sea of Japan. Both of them reached an altitude of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and flew some 350 kilometers, landing outside Japans exclusive economic zone. democratic people's republic of korea (dprk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles, nuclear warhead https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/over-130-mass-shootings-in-us-since-beginning-of-2023-npo-1108870485.html Over 130 Mass Shootings in US Since Beginning of 2023: NPO Over 130 Mass Shootings in US Since Beginning of 2023: NPO MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Over 130 mass shootings, including 13 mass murders, have taken place in the United States since the beginning of 2023, claiming the lives of over 4,200 people, the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) nonprofit organization reported. 2023-03-28T13:05+0000 2023-03-28T13:05+0000 2023-03-28T13:05+0000 americas mass shooting us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/1f/1106865142_0:97:3295:1950_1920x0_80_0_0_996f6f4453a4dc84a7383530b2cd363c.jpg As of March 28, a total of 131 mass shootings have been recorded in the United States since January 1, according to the GVA, and 4,245 people were killed in these attacks, including 59 children under 12 years old. The number of people who have committed gun suicide since the beginning of the year has reached 5,742, the data showed. Since the beginning of the year, 7,487 people have been injured as a result of gun violence, including 129 children aged 0-11 years old, the non-profit added. For comparison, in 2022, a total of 647 mass shootings were registered in the US, according to the GVA data. Last month, US President Joe Biden announced the allocation of $231 million to the Department of Justice for combating gun violence and the prevention of possible incidents. Later in the month, following the deadly Mississippi shooting that claimed the lives of six people, Biden said that gun violence was an epidemic in the country and urged Congress to take immediate action. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/biden-orders-that-us-flags-be-flown-at-half-mast-after-nashville-shooting-1108851326.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International mass shootings in us, mass shootings, mass murders https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/over-51000-boko-haram-militants-surrendered-in-one-year-top-nigerian-army-brass-reveals-1108860289.html Over 51,000 Boko Haram Militants Surrendered In One Year, Top Nigerian Army Brass Reveals Over 51,000 Boko Haram Militants Surrendered In One Year, Top Nigerian Army Brass Reveals Over 51,000 Boko Haram fighters and their family members have surrendered to the Federal Government of Nigeria between July 2021 and May 2022, according to Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor. 2023-03-28T13:07+0000 2023-03-28T13:07+0000 2023-03-28T13:07+0000 africa west africa nigeria boko haram insurgency boko haram counter-terrorism terrorism /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108861018_0:130:2731:1666_1920x0_80_0_0_31ef33bd97754c741039a7921270807d.jpg Over 51,000 Boko Haram fighters and their family members had surrendered to the Federal Government of Nigeria between July 2021 and May 2022, according to Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor.Gen. Irabor disclosed these details while delivering a lecture at the 7th Founders Day at Edo State University, in Uzairue, entitled "National Defence Policy And The Transitional Justice Approach In The War Against Insurgency In Nigeria."When noting that the process occurred under an initiative called Operation Safe Corridor, the general revealed that of 51,828 members who surrendered, 13,360 were fighters.Irabor stressed that Operation Safe Corridor was created to provide opportunities for rehabilitation to repentant terrorists who have laid down their arms. The general compared it to the Niger Delta Amnesty program launched by the Nigerian federal government in 2009, which aimed to rehabilitate militants in the region.Additionally, 1,543 repentant terrorists had graduated from the Mallam Sidi camp in Gombe state during the period between 2016 and 2022, while 1,935 have been released from the camp in Bulumkutu, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, according to Irabor.The general added that despite the "modest successes" recorded under Operation Safe Corridor in the fight against crime in the country, and the transitional justice approach still faced many challenges.To address these challenges, General Irabor recommended a train-the-trainers program and the establishment of a special fund for deradicalization, reintegration, and reorientation (DRR). He also suggested creating a national commission for the DRR, enacting a DRR Act, building strategic partnerships, and adopting a whole-of-society approach to monitoring.The Chief of Defense Staff stressed the importance of transitional justice in any counterinsurgency, citing the role it played in healing the wounds caused by the Nigerian civil war and the Niger Delta crisis.He concluded that Operation Safe Corridor has achieved some degree of success that could be built upon.Since 2009, Boko Haram, a radical Islamist militant organization, has been operating in Nigerias northeastern regions. Their activities have resulted in the internal displacement of over 2.1 million individuals and an estimated 65,000 deaths throughout the country.However, the Nigerian government has recently declared that the extremist group no longer has a stronghold in the country due to successful operations carried out by government forces to root out this terrorist threat.In addition, on March 21, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the new Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counter-terrorism Center (NCTC) in Abuja, the country's capital, as a measure that will facilitate fighting terrorism and beefing up national security endeavors.*Boko Haram is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230125/boko-haram-militants-surrender-to-nigerian-army-after-clash-with-rival-iswap-reports-say-1106685777.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/nigeria-initiates-a-special-unit-for-counter-terrorism--1108711927.html africa west africa nigeria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Muhammad Nooh Osman https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/0e/1080170965_2:0:2050:2048_100x100_80_0_0_1de8233c87df0979e7e74f61b6ffacad.jpg boko haram gave in, over 51,000 boko haram members, boko haram fighters, boko haram members, surrendered boko haram members, boko haram fighters surrendered, does boko haram have allies?, are boko haram still active?, who is involved in boko haram? , what is the boko haram fighting for?, niger delta amnesty program, operation safe corridor, presidential amnesty programme https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/over-6500-migrants-came-to-italy-over-last-five-days-interior-ministry-1108865755.html Over 6,500 Migrants Came to Italy Over Last Five Days: Interior Ministry Over 6,500 Migrants Came to Italy Over Last Five Days: Interior Ministry Record number of migrants, more than 6,500 people made the journey across the Mediterranean Sea to the shores of Italy over the last five days, the country's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T11:42+0000 2023-03-28T11:42+0000 2023-03-28T11:42+0000 world italy migrants giorgia meloni /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/0a/1100631521_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c6aea59cfd156157c96a15dedfa22d74.jpg The same number of refugees from Asia and Africa came to Italy in the first three months of 2022, according to official data. Since the beginning of the year, the migration influx has quadrupled, with almost 27,000 migrants already arrived in the country. The Italian island of Lampedusa is now experiencing the most serious aggravation of the migration problem, as more than 2,000 refugees rescued in the Mediterranean Sea were delivered on it last Saturday. The situation at the local temporary accommodation center for migrants is critical, since it is designed to receive only 400 people. A similar situation is developing in the seaside town of Roccella Ionica, where 1,500 migrants have arrived in the past four days. Local experts link the sharp increase in migration flows with the internal political crisis in Tunisia, as well as the protracted instability in Libya. Migrants who daily arrive in the Apennine Peninsula across the Mediterranean Sea has once again become the focus of internal political discussions in Italy after a ship with refugees sank during a storm in the Ionian Sea on the night of February 26. According to survivors, there were about 180 people from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan on board. Officials said that 89 people, including 34 minors died in the shipwreck. Italy seeks a solidarity approach from the European Union to solving the migration problem, offering to organize a naval mission in the Mediterranean and actively contribute to the stabilization of the situation in North Africa. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking last week in the parliament, said that "Italy was left alone" to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220724/five-migrants-found-dead-on-trawler-off-italian-coast-1097753674.html italy Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International mediterranean sea, number of migrants, italy migrants https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/paris-sanitation-workers-to-stop-strike-from-march-29-1108886126.html Paris Sanitation Workers to Stop Strike From March 29 Paris Sanitation Workers to Stop Strike From March 29 Paris sanitation workers' trade union CGT-FTDNEEA will cease its strike, which started on March 6, due to the absence of strikers, the trade union said. 2023-03-28T21:39+0000 2023-03-28T21:39+0000 2023-03-29T00:33+0000 world france protest strike sanitation general confederation of labour (cgt) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/11/1108486489_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ef0dc41ca712240c7830adaaf3422a17.jpg "We take responsibility for suspending our strike movement from Wednesday, March 29, 2023," the statement said, adding that the reason for the decision was the small number of strikers remaining. The trade union will once again talk with the city's authorities responsible for waste management and sanitation in order to further defend its interests, the statement read. The strike of sanitation workers has already lead to large amounts of waste accumulating in the city streets. The gravity of the situation prompted the city's mayor to open a crisis center. The CGT-FTDNEEA's strike is a part of a nationwide strike movement in France against the pension reform, which presupposes a gradual increase in retirement age from 62 to 64 years. On March 16, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne triggered an article in the country's constitution to enable the passage of the disputed pension reform without a parliamentary vote, which sparked a massive backlash in French society. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed the hope that the reform would be implemented by the end of the year.The decision sparked mass protests across France. Hundreds of thousands gathered in the center of Paris in protests that have shut down the city for ten days and counting. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/almost-16-of-gas-stations-in-france-affected-by-fuel-shortages---reports-1108847648.html france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International paris riots, strikes, sanitation workers https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/russia-pays-coupons-on-eurobonds-worth-78bln-rubles-maturing-in-2035-1108881145.html Russia Pays Coupons on Eurobonds Worth 7.8Bln Rubles Maturing in 2035 Russia Pays Coupons on Eurobonds Worth 7.8Bln Rubles Maturing in 2035 The Russian Finance Ministry said on Tuesday that it had paid the coupons on sovereign Eurobonds worth 7.8 billion rubles ($101 million) maturing in 2035. 2023-03-28T18:28+0000 2023-03-28T18:28+0000 2023-03-28T18:28+0000 russia russian economy eurobonds /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/16371/93/163719316_0:227:3152:2000_1920x0_80_0_0_f43b393b9fda4ffca16e706c3bb9d798.jpg The paying agent for Eurobonds NCO JSC National Settlement Depository received funds to pay coupon income in the amount of 7.8 billion rubles, the ministry said in a statement. "Thus, the obligations to service Russian government securities were fulfilled by the Russian Ministry of Finance in full," the ministry added. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, eurobonds, russia paid coupons on eurobonds, russia paid in rubles https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/russias-ambassador-says-us-hypocritical-regarding-russian-belarusian-military-cooperation-1108861506.html Russia's Ambassador Says US Hypocritical Regarding Russian-Belarusian Military Cooperation Russia's Ambassador Says US Hypocritical Regarding Russian-Belarusian Military Cooperation MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Recent statements by the US State Department in the context of Russian-Belarusian nuclear arms cooperation are a "vivid example of hypocrisy" in US policy, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T09:52+0000 2023-03-28T09:52+0000 2023-03-28T09:52+0000 russia russia belarus us nuclear weapons /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/02/1107953890_0:51:2216:1298_1920x0_80_0_0_387e25533cec3e2ba93c01207193f36c.jpg "U.S. officials have an extremely short memory. It is Washington that has long been systematically destroying the legal basis of bilateral relations in strategic sphere... As for Mr Patel's words regarding our President's statements on the Russian-Belarusian cooperation in the military-nuclear sphere, it is a vivid example of hypocrisy of the American politics," Antonov said while answering a reporter's question, according to a statement released by the Russian Embassy. The ambassador pointed out that Washington supports deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in five non-nuclear states, namely Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, and coordinates nuclear policy with the United Kingdom and France within NATO. On Monday, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, commenting on Russia-Belarus collaboration, said that Moscow was damaging arms control and undermining strategic stability in Europe. On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow and Minsk had agreed to station Russia's tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which does not breach Russia's commitments to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Putin noted that Russia was not transferring its nuclear weapons to Belarus, but was doing what the US has been doing for decades - stationing its tactical nuclear weapons on the territories of its allies and training their crews to operate the weapons. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/moscow-puzzled-by-states-reaction-to-deployment-of-russias-nuclear-weapons-in-belarus-1108847328.html russia belarus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian-belarusian nuclear arms cooperation, us hypocritical https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/sleboda-us-uk-and-eu-will-never-allow-impartial-probe-into-nord-stream-bombing-1108863112.html US, UK and EU Will Never Allow Impartial Probe Into Nord Stream Bombing, Security Analyst Says US, UK and EU Will Never Allow Impartial Probe Into Nord Stream Bombing, Security Analyst Says Russia's attempt to hold the West accountable for the sabotage of its Baltic Sea gas pipelines supplying Germany was always doomed to failure, said Mark Sleboda, but kept the story in the headlines. 2023-03-28T13:16+0000 2023-03-28T13:16+0000 2023-03-28T16:49+0000 mark sleboda nord stream nord stream pipeline sabotage bombing un security council (unsc) united nations security council un security council resolution us joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101346224_0:25:1146:670_1920x0_80_0_0_3a5dd1b6a86501365cb3b3e9cab2bb01.jpg The Western powers have no intention of allowing an independent probe into the Nord Steam pipeline bombing, a security expert has said.Russia's push at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a credible, independent probe into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in September 2022 failed despite support from China and Brazil after other member states abstained in the vote.Moscow's delegation pointed to the recent expose by award-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, which detailed how the White House recruited a team of former US Navy divers to plant the explosives months before they were detonated remotely. Mark Sleboda told Sputnik that the Russian draft resolution always had "zero chances of success."But the aim of Russia and its fellow BRICS group members may have been political rather than legal, the analyst said."I think the real goal of the Russian and Chinese efforts here is simply to draw attention to it, because they know very well who did it," Sleboda argued. "Any attempt of an independent or international investigation will not be allowed. And they're simply attempting to play into that."The expert said that recent media reports that the pipelines were blown up by a "pro-Ukrainian" group of divers on a private yacht, quoting an anonymous US intelligence sources, was just part of the West's ongoing "information war.""A little random Ukrainian story that the US has come up with now is just some random pro-Ukrainian set that blew up the pipeline," he scoffed.For more sharp analysis, check out the latest episode of Sputniks podcast Fault Lines. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/west-applied-huge-pressure-ahead-of-unsc-vote-on-nord-stream-probe-resolution-says-polyanskiy-1108850565.html russia germany ukraine china brazil Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png mark sleboda, nord stream, bombing, sabotage, un security council, russia, china, brazil, us, ukraine, uk, eu https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/uk-challenger-tanks-to-start-combat-missions-in-ukraine-soon-ukrainian-defense-minister-1108861936.html UK Challenger Tanks to Start Combat Missions in Ukraine Soon: Ukrainian Defense Minister UK Challenger Tanks to Start Combat Missions in Ukraine Soon: Ukrainian Defense Minister Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Tuesday that Challenger 2 tanks supplied by the United Kingdom will soon be deployed for the execution of combat missions. 2023-03-28T09:58+0000 2023-03-28T09:58+0000 2023-03-28T09:58+0000 military ukraine uk tank /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104684/10/1046841086_0:11:1001:574_1920x0_80_0_0_7998086d0a240354c72baa227076e579.jpg "It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Thank you, [UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak], [Defense Secretary Ben Wallace] and the [British] people," Reznikov said on Twitter. On Monday, Reznikov confirmed the arrival of Western armored vehicles in Ukraine, noting that the military equipment has already been submitted to armament of the airborne troops. At the same time, the UK Defense Ministry said that Ukrainian troops have completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and have already returned home for possible participation in the country's counteroffensive against Russia where the British tanks are expected to be used. Ukraine has been reportedly preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Russia in spring this year, with a number of Western officials expressing their willingness to help Kiev. The UK is among Western countries actively supplying Ukraine with various types of weapons and training the Ukrainian military personnel amid the military operation that Russian launched in Ukraine over a year ago. UK Minister of State for Defense Annabel Goldie said last week that the country would provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, including armor-piercing shells for the 14 Challenger 2 battle tanks UK is planning to supply to Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned against further escalation of the situation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/russian-t-90m-tanks-best-in-world-outperform-leopard-challenger-abrams-tanks-medvedev-says-1108713533.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International uk challenger tanks, united kingdom, combat missions https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/ukraine-funding-helps-pentagon-speed-up-modernization-of-us-army-reports-say-1108862664.html Ukraine Funding Helps Pentagon Speed Up Modernization of US Army, Reports Say Ukraine Funding Helps Pentagon Speed Up Modernization of US Army, Reports Say The US supplemental funding package for Ukraine will allow the Pentagon to speed up the modernization of the US Army and get better deals in terms of costs amid inflation and other difficulties, media reported on Monday. 2023-03-28T10:10+0000 2023-03-28T10:10+0000 2023-03-28T10:10+0000 military us us army modernization /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/08/06/1083538130_270:0:3911:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e4343754d2babfccbae060d74a03d728.jpg The US Army will use Ukraine supplemental funds as part of its $185.5 billion budget for 2024 not only to keep its programs and initiatives without any cut but also to accelerate them even without significant growth if compared to 2023 with its $178 billion, the report said. For example, according to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth earlier this month, the Ukraine supplemental funding will speed up the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), a program to replace the M113 armored personnel carriers, according to the report. Moreover, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville reportedly said that the Army will replace M777 artillery systems that were sent to Ukraine with new High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and will also replenish US stocks of Stinger with a longer-range version. Adding funding for Ukraine to the US Armys budget also means that the Pentagon will be able to get better deals in terms of costs because the volume of some systems will increase, the report said. As regards HIMARS, the bigger volume will allow the US Army to purchase seven more launchers in 2025 than was originally planned, according to the report. The Ukraine funding will also let the US Army use $2 billion to modernize its industrial base with a focus on 23 depots, arsenals, and ammunition plants, the report noted. Earlier in March, the Biden administration proposed to spend $842 billion in 2024, a 3.2% increase over the 2023 fiscal year. The Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 provides $47.332 billion in emergency funding to support Ukraine amid its conflict with Russian aggression. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/us-announces-350mln-aid-package-for-ukraine-includes-himars-ammo-1108610649.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us supplemental funding package for ukraine, us army, speed up the modernization https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/ukraines-request-to-monks-to-vacate-kiev-pechersk-lavra-is-criminal-act-bishop-1108862354.html Ukraine's Request to Monks to Vacate Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is Criminal Act: Bishop Ukraine's Request to Monks to Vacate Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is Criminal Act: Bishop The request of the government of Ukraine to the monastics of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to vacate the monastery by March 29 is a criminal act and the direct invasion to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Russian Church Abroad (ROCOR) Bishop of Seattle Theodosy told Sputnik. 2023-03-28T10:04+0000 2023-03-28T10:04+0000 2023-03-28T10:04+0000 world kiev ukraine ukrainian orthodox church (uoc) church /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0d/1108341477_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_eb563bec0e1f1bece078584f8053e549.jpg "It is a criminal act," the bishop said about an attempt to evict the monks from the monastery. He urged the people to understand that it is not just a "routine" step, but an action against the church and made by people who have no fear of God. The Ukrainian-born bishop was among the first people who began rebuilding the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra - one of the major convents of the Orthodox world after decades of the Soviets in power. He was tonsured a monk there in 1988, when the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the 1,000-years anniversary of the Kievan Rus baptism. On March 10, the National Kiev-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve in Ukraine ordered the monks based in the monastery to leave it by March 29 after an interdepartmental Ukrainian commission accused the UOC of violating the terms of an agreement on the use of state property. Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said the monks could stay in the Lavra if they joined the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a decision that might be "stimulated through the joint work of specialists and law enforcement officers." Bishop Theodosy described the behavior of the Ukrainian authorities as an "invasion" into the ecclesiastical life of the Church. He also accused the Constantinople Patriarchate of creating a schismatic so-called Orthodox Church of Ukraine, as well as directing the secular government in Kiev in its campaign against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Almost all countries created after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 returned temples, churches and monasteries to their religious organizations. However, Ukraine became one of the very few former-Soviet republics where the government continues to control religious property and rents it to the church. Bishop Theodosy reminded that it was the UOC that practically re-built or renovated many churches in the country, including in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, despite the fact that it was not an owner of this property. Without the UOCs help the Lavra would remain not a monastery but just a "museum" where the relics are used as exhibits, he added. Bishop Theodosy called on government officials to remember that they will bear responsibility not just before courts or voters, but before God. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230317/world-council-of-churches-concerned-about-oppression-of-monks-in-kiev-pechersk-lavra-1108521640.html kiev ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian church abroad, kiev-pechersk lavra, ukrainian orthodox church https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/un-alarm-over-ukraine-church-crackdown-germany-to-go-on-strike-musk--trump-versus-neocons-1108849394.html UN Alarm Over Ukraine Church Crackdown; Germany to Go on Strike; Musk & Trump Versus Neocons UN Alarm Over Ukraine Church Crackdown; Germany to Go on Strike; Musk & Trump Versus Neocons The United Nations is sounding the alarm over Ukraine's controversial attacks on Orthodox Christian institutions. 2023-03-28T04:07+0000 2023-03-28T04:07+0000 2023-03-28T11:29+0000 the critical hour radio ukraine deutsche bank elon musk israel icc belarus france protests /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1b/1108849245_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_dea0f47a03db2b0b4a702a462a1aacbf.png UN Alarm over Ukraine Church Crackdown; Germany to go on Strike; Musk & Trump Versus Neocons The United Nations is sounding the alarm over Ukraine's controversial attacks on Orthodox Christian institutions. Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The United Nations is sounding the alarm over Ukraine's controversial attacks on Orthodox Christian institutions. Also, Russia will be placing nuclear weapons in Belarus and Hungary argues with Sweden over the NATO bid.Linwood Tauheed, associate professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss EU economic turmoil. Germany is facing a massive strike on Tuesday as the people may be following the French into mass resistance. Also, Deutsche Bank is in deep trouble and President Macron is facing catastrophic protests and his nation falls into anarchy.KJ Noh, writer, teacher, and activist, joins us to discuss China. China is calling for a strategic consensus as they push for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Also, China and the US face off in Ethiopia and China raids a CIA front operation in Beijing.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, joins us to discuss the pushback against US neocons. Both Elon Musk and Donald Trump are pushing back against the dangerous foreign policies of US neocons.Laith Marouf, broadcaster, and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Strikes and protests rage in Israel as citizens oppose a judicial crackdown by the Netanyahu government. Also, Palestinians expect a new intifada and the US plans to continue its occupation of Syria.Marjorie Cohn, Professor Emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, joins us to discuss the US war crimes double standard. Marjorie Cohn discusses the contradictions of the ICC going after President Putin for war crimes as US and Israeli leaders enjoy impunity.Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss the EU. France says that it will work with China to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict. Also, Burkina Faso bans France 24 television and the Prime Minister of Spain will discuss Ukraine with President Xi in China.Alex Suarez, Peruvian American writer, independent journalist, historian, and author of several books, including "The Diplomat" about the Alex Saab case, joins us to discuss the Global South. Kidnapped Venezuelan Diplomat Alex Saab's life-threatening condition is not being treated. Also, the President of Bolivia has called for a joint Latin America lithium policy similar to OPEC.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. ukraine israel belarus france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg the critical hour, musks position on ukrainian war, where is russian nuclear weapon, nuclear weapon in europe, nuclear weapon in belarus, uk depleted uranium, what is depleted uranium, depleted uranium in ukraine, who sent uranium to ukraine, judicial reform in israel, israeli judicial reform, protests in israel, palestinians protests, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/us-becomes-eus-main-oil-supplier-in-2022-as-russian-exports-plummet-1108880726.html US Becomes EU's Main Oil Supplier in 2022 as Russian Exports Plummet US Becomes EU's Main Oil Supplier in 2022 as Russian Exports Plummet The United States became the main oil exporter to the European Union in 2022, while Russia's share plummeted from 31% to 4% over the year, Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, said on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T18:25+0000 2023-03-28T18:25+0000 2023-03-28T18:25+0000 economy us oil russia 2022 russian oil price cap european union (eu) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107682/42/1076824205_0:235:1920:1315_1920x0_80_0_0_c2202ba5b97d58c1cd310dc15efd4f67.jpg "The decline in imports from Russia was compensated by a rise in imports from other sources. In December 2022, the biggest suppliers of crude oil were the United States ... and Norway," the statement said. Oil supplies from the US amounted to 18% of the EU's total oil imports in December 2022, the statement said, adding that Norwegian oil made up to 17% of aggregated oil supplies in 2022. Imports from Libya and the United Kingdom have also slightly risen, while imports from Kazakhstan and Iraq remained at the same levels, the statement said. Eurostat attributed the changes in oil import patterns to the geopolitical situation, namely Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, which started on February 24, 2022, and the subsequent Western sanctions. Before the conflict outbreak, the price was stable at around $80 per barrel, however, after February 24, the market became more volatile with crude oil prices starting to rise significantly and stabilizing only by the end of the year, according to the statistical office. In December, the EU stopped accepting Russian oil transported by sea. The G7 countries, Australia and the EU imposed a price cap of $60 a barrel for Russian crude oil transported by sea, blocking transport of oil bought at higher prices. In retaliation, Russia prohibited selling its oil abroad if supply contracts provide for a price cap mechanism. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230319/lowering-russian-oil-price-cap-unprofitable-for-us-as-crude-costs-dip-would-hit-its-producers-1108571170.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us, american oil, us oil, russian oil, european union https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/us-lawmakers-move-to-strip-china-of-developing-country-label-as-prcs-economy-overtakes-us-1108880486.html US Lawmakers Move to Strip China of Developing Country Label as PRCs Economy Overtakes US US Lawmakers Move to Strip China of Developing Country Label as PRCs Economy Overtakes US US-led institutions granted China developing country status in the late 1990s and early 2000s, allowing the country to take advantage of certain perks, such as the right to apply higher tariffs, reduced responsibilities on climate change, and lower interest loans. In recent years, Beijing has voluntarily agreed to give up many of these benefits. 2023-03-28T18:18+0000 2023-03-28T18:18+0000 2023-03-28T18:18+0000 economy china us developing countries status world trade organization (wto) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107727/09/1077270915_0:205:2573:1652_1920x0_80_0_0_5c289e656bc1a4fe2889f7cb9fe58b14.jpg In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the US House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation requiring the US government to refuse to treat the Peoples Republic of China as a developing nation.Instead, the legislation proposes, the Asian economic giant should be labeled and treated as an upper middle income country, high income country, or developed country in each international organization of which the United States is a member.The bill, introduced jointly by Republican Congresswoman Young Kim and Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly, would need to be considered by the Senate and signed by the president to become law. Neocon Republican Senator Mitt Romney and Democrat Chris Van Hollen introduced their own legislation in the chamber calling it the Ending Chinas Developing Nation Status Act.US lawmakers and officials have spent years demanding that China be stripped of its developing country status, owing to the Asian nations strong per-capita income growth and the overall size of its economy. Economists expect China to overtake the United States as the worlds largest economy by the year 2035. However, according to estimates by the International Monetary Fund based on purchasing power parity, the PRC already overtook the US several years ago.The developing country label was a complaint against China brought up repeatedly by Donald Trump during his presidency. Trump accused China of cheating by taking advantage of softer WTO restrictions, for example. However, Chinese officials, including the nations ambassador to the WTO, announced in 2019 that Beijing would voluntarily agree to forego many of the benefits afforded it, apart from a few areas like agriculture and the financial services sector.We will not ask for a blank check for special and differential treatment. We will carefully assess our needs, Ambassador Li Chenggang said at the time.Chinese media slammed the House of Representatives over the move on Tuesday, saying Washington has no right to play referee on Chinas developing country status, and accusing US lawmakers of exposing Americas sinister intentions to increase Chinas development cost and force China to assume international responsibilities beyond its ability.That seems to be the intended effect by the US side. The PRC exploits their developing country status by applying for development assistance and loans from international organizations despite trillions on infrastructure projects in developing countries as part of their debt trap diplomacy scam, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, Representative Kim said on the House floor ahead of Mondays vote.The USs attempt to reclassify Chinas development status is the latest expression of increasingly chilly relations between Beijing and Washington on issues ranging including trade, technology and Taiwan. President Biden reportedly planned to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone earlier this month, but the conversation has been delayed in the wake of the spy balloon mania which overtook the US in late January and early February, which saw US military jets shoot down a Chinese weather balloon that had blown off course, and several other balloons operated by hobbyists. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/canadas-trudeau-reportedly-pitched-quad-inspired-anti-china-bloc-with-japan-south-korea--us-1108737029.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/us-faces-multifaceted-crisis--overhaul-of-global-trade-and-economy-professor-1108724253.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/xi-putin-meeting-marks-tectonic-geopolitical-shift-which-west-not-ready-for-1108697550.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov china, united states, developing country, status, world trade organization, obligations, perks https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/us-will-continue-to-fly-intelligence-drones-in-black-sea-despite-recent-crash-defense-secretary-1108878858.html US Will Continue to Fly Intelligence Drones in Black Sea Despite Recent Crash: Defense Secretary US Will Continue to Fly Intelligence Drones in Black Sea Despite Recent Crash: Defense Secretary The United States continues to fly drones in areas of the Black Sea it considers necessary for intelligence collection, despite the recent crash of a drone near Russia, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T16:46+0000 2023-03-28T16:46+0000 2023-03-28T16:46+0000 military black sea drone incident us black sea russia intelligence /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/01/19/1081879195_0:115:1001:678_1920x0_80_0_0_9b5509881a4a75cc4de0d91fb5b5c3a7.jpg We have flown on the paths that we want to fly in the Black Sea to collect intelligence information, Austin said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, when asked if the US continues to fly in the area of the crashed drone. We will fly the paths that we feel necessary to collect intelligence information. Earlier this month, a US MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed in the Black Sea after Russian fighter jets were sent to intercept the aircraft. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the drone crashed after sharp maneuvering, while the US accuses one of the Russian jets of striking the drones propeller. Austin declined to confirm whether the US continues to fly drones in the same area as the crashed drone, instead recommending lawmakers take the discussion to a closed session. Earlier on Tuesday, CNN reported that the US is now flying drones in the Black Sea on paths further away from the coastline, limiting Washingtons ability to gather intelligence in an attempt to avoid provocation. However, there is already a desire to return to paths closer to Russian territory, the report said, citing a US official. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230316/russia-has-good-odds-of-retrieving-reaper-gaining-access-to-technology-and-info-1108474897.html black sea russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us, russia, black sea, us drones, us uavs, american drones, american uavs, intelligence https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/use-of-depleted-uranium-in-ukraine-could-spark-global-health-crisis-heres-why-1108844529.html Use of Depleted Uranium in Ukraine Could Spark Global Health Crisis: Heres Why Use of Depleted Uranium in Ukraine Could Spark Global Health Crisis: Heres Why The US and Britain expended more than 2,300 tons of depleted uranium (DU) in Iraq, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Syria. Now, London plans to hand DU shells to Ukraine. British and US officials insist the weapons are safe, but what does the evidence say? Sputnik investigates. 2023-03-28T13:00+0000 2023-03-28T13:00+0000 2023-04-21T10:43+0000 depleted uranium russia ukraine united kingdom weapons experience radiation uranium military science & tech /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/17/1108719383_0:0:2000:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_a4b6169e4b9c20d3d170400d4922a9b4.jpg The political fallout over the United Kingdoms decision to send DU anti-tank shells to Kiev for use along with its Challenger 2 tanks continues to spread. On Saturday, President Putin said he didnt buy Britains assurances that the munitions wouldnt cause any health effects, and that taking into account the toxic radioactive dust generated by the shells, they of course amount to a weapon of the most dangerous kind.Igor Kirillov, the head of Russias Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense (RCBD) Troops, echoed the presidents concerns, predicting that the weapons use would cause irreparable harm to the health of soldiers and the civilian population alike, with DU compounds expected to remain in the soil and affect people, animals and the environment for many years to come.Russias concerns are not unjustified. Throughout the past year, Russian intelligence and the RCBD Troops issued report after worrying report regarding Kievs ambitions to build nuclear weapons, scenarios involving false flags using radioactive dirty bombs, and a long list of evidence of dangerous US and European-funded and coordinated experiments with biological weapons at Ukraine-based biolabs.But depleted uranium poses a special kind of danger, due both to its availability and record of use.Discovered during the Cold War by US and British scientists as an effective but controversial armor-piercing weapon, DU tank and artillery shells and air-dropped bombs are stuffed with the uranium byproducts left over from the production of nuclear energy.Military R&D engineers quickly discovered that the extraordinary level of heat generated by DU rounds when they hit their target and catch fire (measured in the thousands of degrees Celsius) allow them to literally burn through armor like a hot knife through butter entering tank crew compartments, killing everyone inside and often literally blowing turrets clean off.The militaries of NATO, the USSR, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and South Africa stockpiled hundreds of thousands of tons of DU materials, but the WWIII scenario they were training for never became a reality.But having acquired the weapons, the US and its NATO allies quickly found places to use them, overlooking all potential international legal and moral barriers. DU shells and bombs were deployed during the Gulf War in 1991, in the bombardment of Bosnia and the rump state of Yugoslavia in 1995 and 1999, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 2001-2021 occupation of Afghanistan, the dirty war against Syria, and, allegedly, the 2011 NATO air campaign in Libya.Iraq and the former Yugoslavia were hit the hardest, with upwards of 2,300 tons of DU used in the Middle Eastern country in 1991 and 2003-2005, and as much as 30 tons strewn across the Balkans between the mid-to-late 1990s. Almost every country in which DU has been used has reported a surge in deadly ailments, including cancers, strokes, and birth defects. In Iraq, cancer rates in DU-affected areas jumped from 40 cases per 100,000 in 1991 to 800 per 100,000 in 1995, and 1,600 per 100,000 by 2005. Serbs, Bosnians, Kosovar Albanians, Montenegrins and other peoples of the former Yugoslavia suffered a similar fate, with Serbia today facing some of the highest cancer rates in Europe, with many attributing the spike in illness to NATOs DU deployment two-and-a-half decades ago.Anecdotal Evidence Claiming Real LivesThe US and UK governments have bent over backwards to avoid admitting that depleted uranium is the cause of the epidemic of cancers facing Iraqis, Serbs and others, suggesting evidence regarding their effects is anecdotal and circumstantial.In 2021, British and US researchers released a much-cited study which concluded that low-level exposure to pesticides and sarin nerve gas, not depleted uranium, were the most likely causes of Gulf War Syndrome the chronic disorder faced by about hundreds of thousands of US vets who took part in the 1991 Gulf War, and who now face a heightened incidence of cancers, respiratory and neurological illnesses, and other diseases.The British Army has used depleted uranium in its armor piercing shells for decades, Britains Defense Ministry said in a statement last week meant to debunk Moscows concerns. Russia knows this, but is deliberately trying to disinform. Independent research by scientists from groups such as the Royal Society has assessed that any impact to personal health and the environment from the use of depleted uranium munitions is likely to be low.But independent academics and researchers who have studied the weapons use and impact tell a very different story, as do those who know victims of depleted uranium poisoning, including Iraqi and Balkan civilians, but also NATO troops tasked with handling and deploying the toxic weapons.They completely destroyed Fallujah with these and other weapons, the academic said, noting that radioactive contaminants spread by DU munitions have polluted the entire regions food supply.Al-Azzawi said there are roughly 5,000 DU-contaminated tanks and other armored vehicles destroyed by the coalition in the 1991 war and after the 2003 invasion spread across nearly two dozen large tank grave yards around Basra. Whenever a sandstorm blows through the area, an additional dose of radiation moves from these sites towards the civilian population, she noted.Srjan Aleksic, a Serbian lawyer who represents victims of the 1999 NATO bombings, says DU has killed and sickened many of his relatives and clients.In 2005 alone, an area of about two square kilometers was cleared of depleted uranium. Our army did that. They put up a wire fence and wrote Hazard to Life: Do Not Approach. But nobody knew about that until 2005, the lawyer added.Aleksic hopes to take a case against NATO to Belgrades Higher Court later this year, representing a Serbian officer who filed to sue the alliance in early 2021, but subsequently died, with a health checkup finding levels of uranium contaminants in his body to be off the charts. NATO claims immunity from prosecution, but the attorney hopes to win compensation for the victims family anyway, saying the court could reach a verdict without the alliances participation.There is no immunity from criminal responsibility, especially when it comes to responsibility to civilians. My mother got sick, my relatives got sick, my clients got sick. They had nothing to do with the war; I am not getting into politics. Im just talking about the consequences, Aleksic stressed.The lawyer explained that his efforts to defend victims of the 1999 bombings got started after working with Angelo Fiore Tartaglia, a Rome-based attorney who has spent some 20 years of his life representing Italian soldiers injured by DU, and their families.Domenico Leggiero is a retired Italian military pilot and weapons inspector who saw firsthand how many of his colleagues began to fall ill with cancers, just like falling leaves, after service in the former Yugoslavia. Leggiero now heads Osservatorio Militaire, an Italian military watchdog that seeks to shed light on the consequences of DU use on Italian troops.We couldnt figure out where the cancers were coming from until we and our medics started taking biopsy samples from troops that had gotten sick, or even died. So we would take the primary biopsy of tumors and look at them not as medics, but as physicists, and realized that within these biopsy samples, there were materials that shouldnt have been there, Leggiero told Sputnik.Were talking cadmium, were talking mineral substances, heavy metals. Furthermore, these heavy metals all had a well-defined shape and size a very small size 10-100 times smaller than PM-10 [particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less, ed.]. They basically had a spherical shape, the soldier explained.In research, Leggiero and his colleagues discovered that these particles were so minute and numerous that they were could disburse in the air over long periods of time, get inhaled by exposed civilians and military personnel, and enter the food chain after being deposited on crops.The veteran said the Italian militarys commanders knew about the health risks associated with DU munitions since they were provided with this information by the Pentagon, but ordinary soldiers were not warned.I am in possession of all possible and imaginable documentation, including the rules on how to treat material contaminated with uranium. These rules were established at the level of the general staff; they were never issued among the troops, and therefore we essentially had a massacre, Leggiero said.Depleted Uranium Makes No Distinction Between NationalitiesDr. Hans-Christof von Sponeck, a former UN assistant secretary-general and UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq who resigned in 2000 in protest against the UNs sanctions regime, which he said constituted a violation of the Geneva Conventions, has no doubt in his mind about the consequences of the US and Britains use of DU on Iraqi civilians.Let me also add that depleted uranium does not make a distinction between different nationalities. British and American soldiers deployed to southern Iraq and their families, also became the victims of depleted uranium, as court cases in the UK and the US confirmShould depleted uranium munitions be used in Ukraine, it would mean that people in the area, soldiers and civilians alike, would be victimized even though the dangers of such munitions are well known in 2023, the veteran German diplomat stressed.What Makes DU Charges Difficult to Pursue?Based on what we know, depleted uranium will be bad for health and likely cause cancer. However, linking depleted uranium exposure to its effects using epidemiology is extremely difficult, says Dr. Keith Baverstock, a veteran University of Eastern Finland biologist and former head of the Radiation Protection Program at the World Health Organizations European office.For one thing, Baverstock said, "exposure is very local to where a depleted uranium munition impacts but the depleted uranium, particularly in arid conditions, persists on the surface of the ground, so defining an exposed population is also difficult." On top of that, the security situation in some affected countries, particularly Iraq, makes meaningful epidemiological research next to impossible, according to the scientist.As a public health scientist, I regard these weapons as illegal, as do some EU countries, Baverstock added.Cancer Rates Double Those of HiroshimaChris Busby is a physical chemist, internal ionizing radiation expert and former senior researcher for a 2000s UK Ministry of Defense study examining the effects of DU weapons on veterans of the First Gulf War.In an extensive, wide-ranging and highly illuminating interview with Sputnik, Dr. Busby explained how he and a group of British and Iraqi colleagues carried out extensive, first-hand, on-the-ground research into oncological diseases and child mortality in Iraq in the mid-to-late 2000s. Research led them to discover that cancer rates in Fallujah specifically those associated with radiation, like leukemia and lymphoma, were higher than those in Hiroshima, the Japanese city hit with a US atomic bomb in 1945, and not just by a little, but by a factor of two or even more, depending on the cancer type.We found out the high level of infant mortality within the first year of life and the cause of these deaths were congenital malformations. We also [found a] skewed birth sex ratio, which is another sign of genetic damage associated with radiation exposure. We put all of these results together and concluded that there had been some very large genetic damage event which occurred around the time of the Fallujah [campaign], the academic said.Smoking GunBusby recalled how at the time, the Americans denied using DU munitions, prompting him and his colleagues to examine the hair of Iraqi women whose children suffered birth defects. Thats when they found what looks like smoking gun evidence of a direct correlation between the genetic mutations and DU use.Busby says that one of the factors making DU so deadly is its ability to bind strongly to DNA a factor the scientific community has known about since the 1950s. As uranium burns, it produces microscopic volatile particles which behave like a gas and can contaminate wide swathes of territory, not only the environment surrounding battlefields, but neighboring countries or even distant regions. The academic pointed out, for example, that filters in the UK looking out for uranium picked up contamination from Iraq in 2003.Another issue, which Dr. Busby said he discovered mostly independently, and which he presented to the MoDs Depleted Uranium Oversight Board in 2004, is uraniums very high atomic number (the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom), which he said turns it into a sort of amplifier for normal radiation.We all live in an environment where we get gamma rays that come through our body and go outIf youve got uranium inside you, then it intercepts this [radiation] because of its high atomic number and all its electrons. In my opinion, and I've written quite a lot about this, this is the reason why uranium is very dangerous. First of all, it binds to DNA. Secondly, it causes these photo electrons to be omitted into the DNA. And all studies that have been done of people exposed to uranium showed massive chromosome damage. So when they look to see the chromosomes in their cells, in the peripheral blood cells, they find massive amounts of chromosome damage that leads to genetic effects cancer, birth defects and so forth. So that's the reason why uranium is so dangerous, the academic emphasized.Theres Nothing to Do Except Wait for Them to DieBusby noted that once uranium contaminant particles enter the body, they dont go away. Instead, they sit inside the victim, shooting off little cannonballs all the time, close into the cells, into the DNA, until a tumor is formed.Recalling visits to Iraqi hospitals and conversations with local doctors treating people suffering from the DU usage after the First Gulf War, the scientist recalled how doctors told him that there was nothing they could do to combat the disease thanks to the tough sanctions regime against Iraq.Busby emphasized that even with access to the right medicines and medical care, to be honest, theres not much you can do for those affected.Putin Absolutely Right to Be ConcernedSaying that hes familiar with President Putins remarks on the dangers posed by the potential use of DU weapons in Ukraine, Busby said the Russian leader was absolutely right to be upset and concerned.The problem today, according to Dr. Busby, is that the military planners in Washington and London see DU as a magic anti-tank weapon. It's inconceivable that the military would allow anyone to stop them using [DU] in a real war where you want to win, and they don't really care about the people that die as a result of all of this, the collateral damage...the cancers downwind, the congenital malformations, the weeping parents and all the rest of it, the scientist summed up. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/depleted-uranium-tank-shells-how-do-they-work-1108702334.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20210218/study-claims-sarin-and-pesticides-not-depleted-uranium-most-likely-causes-of-gulf-war-syndrome-1082118092.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230323/experts-uranium-shells-caused-cancer-in-iraq-libya-as-uk-pledges-supplies-to-kiev-1108736443.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/british-media-downplays-risks-of-depleted-uranium-ammo-now-russians-are-the-target-1108685922.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/why-is-britains-uranium-ammo-decision-a-big-deal-1108699845.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230322/uks-delivery-of-depleted-uranium-shells-will-affect-ukraine-agricultural-sector-moscow-says-1108687972.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20211010/arab-murder-simulator-controversy-erupts-over-video-game-dedicated-to-second-battle-of-fallujah-1089816494.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230321/putin-russia-will-be-force-to-react-if-west-starts-using-weapons-with-nuclear-components-1108657136.html russia ukraine united kingdom Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov depleted uranium, ukraine, united kingdom, russia, science, victims, survivors, exposure https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/what-happened-to-the-orthodox-church-in-ukraine-1108821316.html What Happened to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine? What Happened to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine? Kiev's famous Pechersk Lavra monastery is one of the oldest and most-revered holy places in the Eastern Orthodox religion. But now the complex has become a battleground in the assault on Russian culture by the Zelensky regime. 2023-03-28T14:15+0000 2023-03-28T14:15+0000 2023-03-28T14:15+0000 kiev ukraine monks russian orthodox church russian orthodox church outside russia (rocor) volodymyr zelensky greek orthodox church sputnik explains /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106471/83/1064718373_0:0:4830:2717_1920x0_80_0_0_c010d4e93408a881067becaf2c690df0.jpg As the Ukrainian government's deadline of March 29 for the monks to be evicted from the thousand-year-old site apporaches, a multitude of believers defiantly gathered at the Pechersk Lavra monastery on Sunday for prayers. The battle revolves around the Kiev regime's attempts to force the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), the historically-established wing of the 'autocephalous' or self-governing Eastern Orthodox religion in Ukraine, to renounce the leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate.The persecution of the UOC-MP has escalated despite the fact that the church distanced itself from Moscow after Russia launched its military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine in February 2022.The Zelensky government has demanded that the congregation join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kiev Patriarchate (UOC-KP) and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) both founded in the early 1990s at the time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in recognizing the sole authority of the unofficial Kiev Patriarchate, led by defrocked metropolitan Patriarch Filaret."We will continue these moves, and not allow a terrorist state" a reference to Russia "any opportunity to manipulate our peoples spirituality or destroy our Ukrainian shrines," he continued.The UOC-MP, in turn, appealed to Zelensky this month to change course, denying that it was disloyal to Ukraine.The synod appealed to Zelensky to "ensure the right to freedom of conscience and religion for our faithful, and to prevent the adoption of anti-constitutional laws against the Church."The Kiev Pechersk Lavra TodayThe Kiev Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, is the oldest and one of the most revered monastic sites in the Russian Orthodox Church and a center of worship and pilgrimages. It sits above the western bank of the Dnepr River just south of the Ukrainian capital's center.The caves of St Anthony Ukraine's first Christian monk that the monastery sits on were home to the original monks who founded the community in 1051 AD. They have since become a mausoleum, the final resting place of famous Russian leaders and holy men, including the legendary Ilya Muromets and Saints Kuksha, Alipy, Agapetus and Barlaam all of whom were given the epithet 'of the caves'. The head of first-century Roman Pope Clement I is also said to be among the holy relics in the catacombs.The original 11th-century church - the Cathedral of the Dormition - was destroyed by explosives in 1941 during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine. It was rebuilt only by 2000.What's Ukraine's Biggest Church?Despite Ukrainian nationalism's rejection of all things Russian, the people still embrace the eastern church.Of the Orthodox congregation, 29% are UOC-KP affiliated while 13% are affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate church, with just a fraction of a percentage point attending UAOC services. Out of the remaining quarter, most said they were "simply Orthodox" while a few did not know which patriarchate they were meant to follow.When Did Ukraine Become a Christian Country?The history of Christianity in Ukraine begins with the legend that St. Andrew the Apostle traveled to the future site of Kiev in the first century, and prophesized that a great city would be built there. According to various historical estimates, the city of Kiev appeared between 8th and 10th centuries AD. But Christianity came there a bit later.Around 988 AD, Vladimir the Great, Grand Prince of Kiev, was baptized as a Christian, launching more than a thousand years of Orthodox worship in Russian lands.Vladimir reputedly sent envoys to study the religions of neighboring peoples. He rejected Islam for prohibiting alcohol, declaring that "drinking is the joy of all Rus'." After questioning Jewish representatives, Vladimir decided that God had forsaken them by allowing Jerusalem to fall to the Muslims.History records that the prince's envoys were unimpressed by the churches of the neighboring Germans, who worshipped in Latin, but were overawed by festive Byzantine rituals they witnessed in Constantinople.After capturing the Greek Crimean colony of Chersonesus from the Byzantines in 988, Vladimir proposed marriage to Emperor Basil II's sister Anna ultimately making him the first 'barbarian' to join the royal dynasty of Constantinople. The prince was baptized before their wedding, taking the Christian name of Basil in honor of his brother-in-law.Kiev declined in wealth and importance in the 13th century after its conquest and sacking by the Mongols. At the same time, Moscow rose as the capital of the Russian nation and the center of its Orthodox church often dubbed the 'Third Rome' after Constantinople.What Percentage of Russia is Orthodox?By contrast, a 2022 survey found that more than two-thirds of Russia's 147 million people follow the Orthodox faith suggesting a total congregation of 100 million souls, almost half of the 220 million Eastern Orthodox believers worldwide.The Russian Orthodox Church is one of many 'autocephalous' branches of the Eastern Orthodox religion, which asserts a direct descent from the church founded by the disciples of Christ.The Great Schism of 1054 split the dominant Nicene tradition of Christianity between Constantinople modern-day Istanbul and Rome, leaving the Orthodox and Catholic faiths.The divide, which escalated through a series of tit-for-tat excommunications of priests by Byzantine patriarchs and Roman popes, was sparked by a theological disagreement about the nature of the holy trinity.The Russian church is part of the broader Eastern Orthodox faith. While the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, is held as the "first among equals" in the orthodox religion, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is its head.Unlike the Roman Catholic church, Russian Orthodoxy allows married men to serve as priests, as long as they are wed before they are ordained. Those 'white' priests are distinct from the 'black' monks who undergo a separate rite and dedicate their lives to the monasteries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230326/thousands-attend-service-at-kiev-pechersk-lavra-as-monks-brace-for-eviction-by-zelensky-regime-1108799965.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230314/russia-alerts-un-osce-to-ukraines-plan-to-evict-monks-from-holy-orthodox-christian-site-1108386954.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230311/ukrainian-opposition-leader-satanic-zelensky-regime-wont-be-able-to-destroy-orthodox-faith-1108293305.html kiev ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png ukraine, kiev, eastern orthodox church, russian orthodox church, pechersk lavra, volodymyr zelensky, kyiv pechersk lavra news, kyiv pechersk lavra, pechersk lavra, kyiv-pechersk lavra, lavra in kiev, what happened to orthodox church in ukraine, russian orthodox church, russian orthodox church in ukraine, ukrainian orthodox church moscow patriarchate, orthodox church in ukraine, un report discrimination against ukrainian orthodox church, who owns the pecherska lavra https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/what-is-the-current-situation-at-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-1108857839.html What is the Current Situation at Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant? What is the Current Situation at Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant? What is the current situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant? 2023-03-28T15:06+0000 2023-03-28T15:06+0000 2023-03-28T15:06+0000 sputnik explains iaea international atomic energy agency (iaea) zaporozhye npp nuclear power plant ukraine crisis radioactive waste radioactive chernobyl nuclear disaster /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/1b/1100054229_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_4d3a527f581b6e9fd5ec4cfa394e7572.jpg On March 23, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, who is slated to visit the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on March 29, said the agency was not reviewing the possibility of establishing a demilitarized zone around the plant anymore. According to Vladimir Rogov, a senior official of the Zaporozhye regional administration, this is a sensible decision, showing that the IAEA is no longer just repeating what the Anglo-Saxons and the Zelensky regime tell them. He clarified that Kiev clamored for the demilitarization of the plant's vicinity in order to take advantage of it to take local residents hostage, retake the nuclear facility, and create a bridgehead for an offensive.Ever since Russia liberated the ZNPP in the course of its ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, the plant has been subjected to shelling by forces of the Kiev regime, triggering well-founded concerns about potentially catastrophic consequences. What is the current situation at the Zaporozhye NPP, and what would happen if the plant were to explode? Sputnik has the answers.What is the Largest Nuclear Power Plant in Europe?The Zaporozhye NPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, and among the 10 largest in the world. Located on the banks of the Kakhovka Reservoir, its construction was launched in 1979. It has six reactors, with 6 GW of total installed capacity.The nuclear power plant is located 200 km away from Crimea, where a referendum was held on March 16, 2014. At the time, over 95% of voters were in favor of reunification with Russia, rejoining the homeland after decades of severance.Prior to the start of Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine, the station generated about 20% of all electricity in the country, which is now gripped by conflict. Annually, the Zaporozhye NPP generated about 40 billion kWh. The station was connected to the energy system of Ukraine via four transmission lines, through which electricity was supplied to the Zaporozhye, Nikolaev, Kherson, and Odessa regions. Who Controls Zaporozhye NPP?Russia took control of the Zaporozhye NPP and its satellite city, Energodar, in the course of its ongoing special military operation in Ukraine on March 3-4, 2022. On October 5, 2022, Russia's President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on the transfer of the nuclear power plant to Russian Federation ownership.Is Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Still Operating?The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant continues to operate, with Ukrainian engineers running maintenance. Amid attacks from Ukrainian forces, any major disasters have been averted at the plant thanks to the skillful and prompt actions of the NPP's employees, as well as the Russian forces providing comprehensive protection of the site, Russian authorities have underscored.Why is Zaporozhye NPP Important to Russia?The safety of the ZNPP is vitally important, as attacks on it are fraught with potential radiation accidents. Amid the ongoing massive shelling of the ZNPP by Ukrainian forces, the Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly warned that such attacks are nothing short of acts of nuclear terrorism. Russia's defense officials have ceaselessly warned that a possible accident at the ZNPP would surpass the scale of the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. Furthermore, over the years, the ZNPP has witnessed several emergency close calls. For example, in 2014, just a few months after the Euromaidan coup in Kiev, a technical fault caused one of the plant's reactors to be shut down. Rolling blackouts swept across the country. Ukrainian nuclear industry scientists have warned repeatedly of the looming dangers of "another Chernobyl" taking place due to problems such as outdated safety permits, critical shortage of finances, and switchover to use of US-made nuclear fuel despite the fuel rods' incompatibility with the Soviet-built reactors.What is the Danger of Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant?The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, under the control of Russian forces since March, has been repeatedly attacked by Ukrainian troops using drones and artillery. Besides its six nuclear units, ZNPP contains facilities for storing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive materials. These facilities are vulnerable to shelling or air strikes.When artillery targets operational reactors and spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Any NPP needs a sustained electricity supply to maintain its cooling operations. In an incident that occurred on August 25, 2022, backup diesel generators were activated at the ZNPP when, for the first time in its history, the nuclear power plant was completely disconnected from the power grid. Shelling by Ukrainian forces hit electricity lines and resulted in a short circuit. The generators that kicked in are designed to supply power to cooling pumps to ensure that fuel does not overheat in the event of a power blackout.The Zaporozhye NPP has also had a dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel from the reactor since 2001. Spent nuclear fuel, scientists explain, has significant radioactivity due to the content of a large amount of fission products. Some radioactive waste remains dangerous for about 10,000 years, scientists warn. On August 7, 2022, as reported by the Russian MoD, Ukrainian forces fired at the ZNPP spent fuel storage site using Uragan rocket launchers, with shell fragments landing around 10 meters from the site. What Happens if Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Explodes?If Ukrainian troops do not stop shelling the Zaporozhye NPP, then the possible release of radioactive substances from the facility if it were damaged could affect almost all of Europe, the Russian Defense Ministry warned in August 2022. The entire territory of Ukraine, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania would be engulfed by nuclear contamination.The department also published a map of radiation contamination of Europe following a potential accident at the ZNPP. The MoD added that the modeling scenario was subsequently confirmed by relevant European scientific organizations, proving that the likely "release of radioactive substances will affect almost all of Europe." In the event that the backup diesel generators and mobile pumps were to fail during an attack on the ZNPP, and the ensuing power blackout, the core of the reactor would overheat. This, in turn, could lead to the reactor's collapse, with radioactive substances then being released into the atmosphere, spreading across hundreds of kilometers.What Would Be Worst-Case Scenario at Zaporozhye NPP?Under a worst-case scenario, according to Russia's Ministry of Defense, in addition to Russia and Ukraine, some regions of Belarus, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, and even Germany would find themselves in the radiation zone. An estimated 38,000 square kilometers of territory or more could be impacted with radioactive fallout.How Far Did Chernobyl Radiation Spread?On April 26, 1986, an explosion occurred at the reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant after a reactor went out of control during a test, leading to an explosion and fire. The reactor building was demolished, releasing large amounts of radiation into the atmosphere. Some 150,000 square kilometers in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine were contaminated, as the radiation spread northward from the NPP for as far as 500 kilometers. Currently, an uninhabited area spanning 30 kilometers around the plant is dubbed an exclusion zone. A possible accident at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant resulting from shelling carried out by the Ukrainian military could be comparable in its consequences to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Russia has warned. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/zaporozhye-regions-official-confirms-iaea-director-generals-visit-to-znpp-on-march-29-1108830437.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220806/russian-military-calls-kievs-shelling-of-zaporozhye-npp-nuclear-terrorism-1099343688.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20110427/163733383.html zaporozhye Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, iaea, international atomic energy agency, iaea zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant explosion, zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant blast radius, zaporizhzhia russia, zaporizhzhia, zaporizhzhia power plant, zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, zaporizhzhia npp, grave concern ukraine zaporizhzhia plant russian, zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant what happens if it explodes, zaporizhzhia nuclear https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/why-does-belarus-support-russia-1108836526.html Why Does Belarus Support Russia? Why Does Belarus Support Russia? Why Does Belarus Support Russia? Sputnik explains. 2023-03-28T14:00+0000 2023-03-28T14:00+0000 2023-04-06T10:50+0000 sputnik explains russia belarus collapse of soviet union ussr vladimir putin alexander lukashenko /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/17/1095726128_0:0:3257:1833_1920x0_80_0_0_40374aa87fd277afc6d72a4bfe167d67.jpg As the West continues to funnel military equipment to the Kiev regime for its proxy war against Russia, and amid the UK's announcement of plans to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed an agreement, in principle, between Moscow and Minsk, on the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory.The remarks, which were made in an interview for a Russian broadcaster on March 26, unleashed a furious response from Ukraine and its benefactors. Russia was accused of making Belarus a "nuclear hostage."But were is Belarus located, and why is it helping Russia? Sputnik has the answer.Where is Belarus Located?The Republic of Belarus is situated in the center of Europe. It shares common borders with five states: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The country's territory spans an area of about 207,600 square kilometers.The regional intergovernmental organization was formed following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Belarus is located at the intersection of the trans-European transport and communication corridors, "West-East" and "North-South."How Far is Kiev From Belarus Border? What Language Do They Speak in Belarus?Both Belarusian and Russian are the state languages of the Republic of Belarus. Other languages, such as Ukrainian and Polish, have also long been used on the local community level.Religion-wise, about two-fifths of the population adheres to Eastern Orthodoxy.What is the Capital of Belarus?Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is located at the very center of the country. The first written mention of the city dates back to 1067 AD. During its history, Minsk was destroyed and rebuilt dozens of times, and suffered particular devastation during World War II, referred to in Russia and Belarus as the Great Patriotic War. Today, Minsk is a modern European city, boasting its own underground metro service, launched in 1984. Its population is close to two million people.What Was Belarus Called Before?When the country now known as Belarus became a part of the USSR, it received the name of Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR, or Byelorussian SSR). After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, it declared independence and took the name of the Republic of Belarus on August 25. After the Soviet Union ceased to exist, Belarus spent a few years as a parliamentary republic, until a presidential form of government was introduced, with the first presidential election set for July 10, 1994.Why is Belarus Known as White Russia?In the distant past, lands attributed to Rus', the Eastern Slavic historical territories and peoples, were awarded various epithets. One of these was Belaya Rus', or White Rus'. This epithet is now an inherent part of the name of the sovereign state of Belarus. There is no exact clarity in reference books as to its origins. One of the existing theories suggests the term denoted the Russian lands that did not depend on either the Mongols or the Lithuanian feudal lords. According to the second, the name is due to the dominant color of clothing and hair of local residents. Both hypotheses, not supported by facts, are highly questionable. At the same time, it is quite possible to understand why this color designation turned out to be associated specifically with Western Russia, if we consider its use in chronological order.Who is the President of Belarus?Alexander Lukashenko, the first president of the Republic of Belarus, was born on August 30, 1954. On July 10, 1994, Lukashenko was elected President of the Republic of Belarus. He was subsequently reelected on September 9, 2001, March 19, 2006, December 19, 2010, October 11, 2015, and 9 August 2020. Lukashenko boasts the nickname of Batka ("father" in Belarusian).How Large is the Belarusian Army?The Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus consist of the Ground Forces, the Air Force, and Air Defense Forces. Belarus has no navy, as it is a landlocked country. Today, the Belarusian Armed Forces number some 45,000 troops. Most soldiers in the Belarusian military are conscripts serving for a period of 18 months. The Belarusian Army ranked in 60th place of the 145 countries considered for the annual GFP review by the analytical company Global Firepower.The Belarusian Armed Forces, as of January 2021, boasted over 1,200 T-72 tanks of various modifications. There are also more than 2,000 combat vehicles, including over 400 armored personnel carriers, and about 1,300 infantry fighting vehicles. Aviation is represented by Su-30SM and MiG-29 multipurpose fighters of various modifications, Su-25 attack aircraft, Yak-130 combat training vehicles, as well as Il-76 and An-26 military transport planes. Air defense systems are represented by S-300, Tor-M2E, Strela, Bug, and Osa anti-aircraft missile systems. Why are Russian Troops in Belarus?Relations between Belarus and Russia are of a strategic nature, built within the framework of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State, signed on December 8, 1999. Since September 2022, the Air Force and Air Defense units of Belarus have jointly with Russian Air Force and Air Defense units been safeguarding the air borders of the Union State amid the ongoing proxy war unleashed by the collective West against Moscow in Ukraine. Two centers for joint combat training of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces have been opened in Belarus, while on October 10, President Lukashenko announced the creation of a Regional Group of Forces based on the Belarusian Armed Forces.Why Does Belarus Like Russia?Before World War I, Belarusian lands were a part of the Russian Empire. Amid the ensuing twists and turns of history, which involved Belarus becoming a part of the Soviet Union in 1922 as the smallest of the three Slavic republics (the larger two being Russia and Ukraine), the territory and its population at all times boasted close links with its eastern neighbor. Belarus became independent in 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Belarus still looked to Russia as its largest and most important partner, both in political and economic terms. In 2021, trade turnover between the two amounted to USD 40.1 billion. What Percentage of Belarus is Ethnic Russian?According to the National Statistical Committee, as of January 1, 2022, the population of Belarus was 9,255,524 people, which comprised 0.1% of the world's population and about 1.3% of the population of Europe. According to the 2019 census, Belarusians make up 85% of the national population, with the rest comprised of Russians, Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, and other nationalities. In Belarus, only around 15% of the residents consider themselves ethnic Russians. However, more than 80% of the country's citizens use Russian in almost all spheres of life. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230325/putin-wests-weapons-supply-to-ukraine-wont-be-enough-to-outgun-russia-1108787875.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/putin-instructs-govt-to-sign-agreement-with-belarus-on-creation-of-joint-combat-centers-1106864075.html russia belarus ussr Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko why is belarus helping russia, belarus russia, belarus president, where is belarus, belarus, belarus population, is belarus part of russia, belarus military, belarus army, belarus tractor https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/you-think-im-kidding-biden-starts-conference-after-nashville-shooting-with-a-joke-1108850735.html 'You Think Im Kidding?': Biden Starts Conference After Nashville Shooting With a Joke 'You Think Im Kidding?': Biden Starts Conference After Nashville Shooting With a Joke During a White House press conference, related to the Nashville tragedy, President Biden began his speech with a humorous remark about his love for Jeni's ice cream and that he had only come to the gathering because he had heard there would be ice cream. 2023-03-28T03:47+0000 2023-03-28T03:47+0000 2023-03-28T19:26+0000 americas us joe biden nashville joke ice cream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/19/1108773130_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_de34168cf138d99a5f5160ff1d37d709.jpg However, the president quickly shifted gears and addressed the tragic shooting that occurred at a Nashville elementary school earlier that day, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including three students and three staff members. Biden expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of banning assault weapons, urging Congress to take action.After this solemn moment, Biden circled back to the topic of ice cream and praised Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, expressing his fondness for their chocolate chip flavor. He went on to say that he had a freezer full of it upstairs and reminisced about the taste. The president acknowledged that he was now known for two things, chocolate chip ice cream and Ray-Ban sunglasses, which he found amusing.Biden was speaking to the Small Business Association Women's Business Summit, an event planned before the shooting took place. However, it was Biden's only public appearance scheduled for the day, prompting critics to say that it was an inappropriate time to take a jovial tone.Despite Biden's attempt at humor, some critics may use this moment to question his age and fitness for a second term as president. Rep. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as the presidential physician for both Donald Trump and Barack Obama, criticized the White House for not disclosing whether Biden received a cognitive exam during his annual physical.Jackson expressed concern over the president's mental acuity, citing instances where he appeared confused or made false claims.In response, Biden's supporters argue that his age is not a determining factor in his ability to lead the country. However, with Biden being the oldest, 80, incumbent president, some episodes of his behavior might be confusing: https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/nashville-christian-school-shooter-identified-as-28-year-old-trans-male-audrey-hale---police-1108849019.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221107/oops-stepping-on-black-biden-nearly-falls-on-stage-as-he-pledges-no-more-drilling-1103845034.html americas nashville Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Egor Shapovalov Egor Shapovalov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Egor Shapovalov biden, biden jeni ice cream joke, biden bloopers, every time when biden sliped of the tongue, nashville tragedy shooting https://sputnikglobe.com/20230328/yousaf-officially-elected-first-minister-of-scotland-following-vote-in-parliament-1108875075.html Yousaf Officially Elected First Minister of Scotland Following Vote in Parliament Yousaf Officially Elected First Minister of Scotland Following Vote in Parliament The head of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Humza Yousaf, was officially elected First Minister of Scotland following a vote in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. 2023-03-28T14:42+0000 2023-03-28T14:42+0000 2023-03-28T14:43+0000 world uk scottish nationalist party (snp) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108874646_0:0:2819:1586_1920x0_80_0_0_8815a8595e2c50c969cae6779b191fcb.jpg Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation on February 15 after eight years in office. On Monday, Scotland's ruling SNP declared Humza Yousaf the winner of its leadership contest. The majority of members of the Scottish Parliament supported Yousaf's candidacy for the post of the country's first minister, despite the fact that leader of the Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sawar and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton also put forward their candidacies for the post. The new first minister will be sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International scotland, scottish national party (snp), humza yousaf, nicola sturgeon As the calendar approaches the first of April, there are more and more signs of spring. With spring comes many returning racehorses from 2022 and new racehorses for 2023. Those new racehorses of 2023 are, of course, predominantly two-year-olds. And while many of those rookies will come from very familiar stallions, a good number will represent the first crops of their respective paternal lineage. Of the stallions with first major North American crops of two-year-olds hitting the racetrack in 2023, whose offspring are you most looking forward to see racing? Click here to have your say in our latest SC web poll. The three finalists for the position of Western Nebraska Community College president each will visit the schools Panhandle campuses starting on Monday, April 3. The finalists Samuel (Todd) Brand, Greg Dart and George McNulty were approved by the Western Community College Area Board of Governors at its March 15 meeting. As part of the final interview process, each candidate will participate in an open forum on WNCCs Scottsbluff campus and in meet-and-greet events on the Alliance and Sidney campuses, where they will have the opportunity to meet with WNCC students, employees and community members. The public is encouraged to attend the forums and the meet-and-greets. The first candidate to visit will be McNulty, who will participate in an open forum on the Scottsbluff campus on Monday, April 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum will also be available via livestream at livestream.com/wncc/forum-april3. McNultys meet-and-greets on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be Tuesday, April 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., respectively. The open forum with Dart will be Wednesday, April 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum will be livestreamed at livestream.com/wncc/forum-april5. Darts meet-and-greets on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be Thursday, April 6, from 9 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., respectively. The final open forum with Brand will be Thursday, April 13, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the John N. Harms Center. The open forum will be available via livestream at livestream.com/wncc/forum-april13. Brands meet-and-greets on the Alliance and Sidney campuses will be Friday, April 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., respectively. The finalists resumes can be viewed at wncc.edu/about-wncc/finalists. The board is expected to announce its final selection for president at its next regular meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. A special meeting will be held earlier that day starting at 10:30 a.m. to discuss and consider the selection. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, said the meeting would take place in early April, according to al-Watan. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, has announced that a quadripartite meeting between the foreign ministers of Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Russia will take place in early April. We are currently preparing, and I expect that these consultations will take place in Moscow at the beginning of April to prepare for the ministerial meeting, Bogdanov stated, according to the Russian news agency Sputnik. Bogdanovs statement comes after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where the Kremlin confirmed that the Syrian problem was addressed, and the importance of continuing the process of normalizing Turkish-Syrian relations was stressed. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, stated that the Russian side proposed to reschedule the meetings, possibly after joint consultation with the Syrian side. They then confirmed that the meeting would be arranged at a future date, and Turkey agreed to this proposal. According to diplomatic sources quoted by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Turkey is interested in continuing talks aimed at normalizing relations with Damascus. The sources noted that Ankara is seeking key assurances from Russia and Iran, including the removal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is predominantly composed of the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), to a distance of 30 kilometres from its border. Additionally, Turkey seeks to ensure that the Syrian state has control over the border with Turkey. After the quadripartite meeting between the deputy foreign ministers of Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Russia was postponed from March 15th and 16th, Syrian opposition sources quoted Turkish officials as confirming their continued efforts to hold the meeting before the presidential elections scheduled for May. However, the Syrian government has continuously stressed the need to separate the internal Turkish electoral issue from Syrian-Turkish relations. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Ali Mamlouk, the head of national security in Syria, and Hossam Luqa, the director of general intelligence, visited Riyadh last week, al-Souria Net reports. The details of the talks between the Saudi Arabian government and the Syrian regime have been revealed by the Okaz newspaper. These talks were officially confirmed by Riyadh in recent days, through a diplomatic source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Monday, the newspaper reported that Ali Mamlouk, the head of national security in Syria, and Hossam Luqa, the director of general intelligence, visited Riyadh last week. During their visit, they held talks with Saudi officials regarding the gradual restoration of relations between the two countries. The report continued, stating that these talks came after Damascus committed to a package of internal reforms and improving its relationship with the Syrian opposition. Additionally, the Syrian government pledged not to export Captagon to Jordan and the Gulf countries. As per the newspaper, the Syrian regime has taken action on the ground to pursue individuals involved in the manufacturing and export of Captagon to Jordan. The authorities have reportedly thwarted several such operations this week as a goodwill gesture aimed at improving relations with Riyadh. Last week, a source within the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that talks were being held between Riyadh and the Syrian regime with the aim of resuming consular services. This comes after a 12-year diplomatic break between the two countries. The talks were initially revealed by Reuters, which reported that Major General Hossam Luqa, the intelligence chief of the Syrian regime, visited Saudi Arabia and spent several days there meeting with officials to kick-start the negotiations. Okaz reported that it had learned from private sources that restoration work has begun on the Saudi consulate in Damascus, which is located in Mezze Oriental Villas. On Sunday, Hossam Zaki, the Assistant Secretary-General overseeing the affairs of the Council of the League of Arab States, announced that the 32nd session of the Arab Summit is expected to take place on May 19th in Saudi Arabia. According to the official website of the Arab League, the date for the 32nd session of the Arab Summit was set after consultations between the Secretary-General of the League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and the Saudi government, which has welcomed the event on the scheduled date. Preparatory meetings at the senior officials and ministerial levels are planned ahead of the five-day summit. It remains unclear what path Riyadh will take with regard to the Syrian regime, and whether the talks will lead to full or partial normalization of relations. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Forty former U.S. officials and Syrian American political leaders have signed an open letter to President Joe Biden. Forty former U.S. officials and Syrian American political leaders have signed an open letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling on them to have a stronger position against the waves of normalization with the Bashar al-Assad regime. Arab nations, Turkey and some European states are making efforts to rehabilitate President Assad and help him regain power in Syria. UAE is the leading country in that effort, but even Saudi Arabia has decided to resume diplomatic ties with Syria after 12 years break. Unconditional regime normalization is not inevitable, the signatories wrote in their letter sent Monday to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Opposing regime normalization in word only is not enough, as tacitly allowing it is short-sighted and damaging to any hope for regional security and stability. The letter expressed the signatories apprehensions about the U.S. approach to Syria. The letters signatures include former U.S. special envoys to Syria Frederic Hof, James Jeffrey and Joel Rayburn and former assistant secretaries of state for Near Eastern affairs Jeffrey Feltman and Anne Patterson. Also signing on were former CENTCOM chief Gen. Kenneth Frank McKenzie, former CIA acting director John McLaughlin and William Roebuck, former US deputy special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The letter was also signed by Syrian American political leaders such as Mirna Barq, Zaher Sahloul, Shadi Martini, Wael Sawah, and Farouk Bilal. The letter warned that regional normalization erodes the international communitys capacity to shape a political process aimed at meaningfully resolving the crisis. Despite Washingtons warnings, U.S. partners, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain and Egypt, have recently boosted their engagement with Syrias government. Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia is also said to be discussing a resumption of ties, and theres increasing talk of Syrias potential readmission into the Arab League. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute who coordinated the letter, accused the administration of publicly opposing normalization while privately giving Arab states a tacit yellow light. [The U.S.] message is, we will never normalize, and we discourage normalization, Lister said. None of that is, Dont you dare normalize with the regime. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. The United States on Tuesday imposed new sanctions against six people, including two cousins of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, for their role in the production or export of Captagon, a dangerous amphetamine, a Treasury Department statement said. Quoted by Asharq Al-Awsat, the statement said the trade in Captagon was estimated to be a billion-dollar enterprise, and the sanctions highlight the role of Lebanese drug traffickers and the Assad familys dominance of Captagon trafficking, which helped fund the Syrian government. Syria has become a global leader in the production of highly addictive Captagon, much of which is trafficked through Lebanon, said Andrea M. Gacki, director of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control. With our allies, we will hold accountable those who support Bashar al-Assads regime with illicit drug revenue and other financial means that enable the regimes continued repression of the Syrian people, she said. Moscow to host Syria, Turkey, Iran, Russia meeting official sources The deputy foreign ministers of Syria, Turkey, Iran and Russia will meet in April in Moscow, Turkish and Iranian officials said on Tuesday, building on contacts between Ankara and Damascus after years of hostilities during the Syrian war, Reuters reported. This month, Assad ruled out any meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan until Turkey is ready to withdraw its military from northern Syria, deemed occupying forces by the Syrian president. A senior Turkish official said the situation on the ground in Syria would be discussed on April 3rd-4th in Moscow. This meeting is expected to be a continuation of the ministerial-level meetings that began during the normalization process, the official said. However, since there will be no ministerial-level participation and the meeting will be at a technical level, significant decisions are not expected. Officials at the Turkish foreign ministry were not immediately available for comment. Amnesty: Wests double standards fuel Mideast repression Leading international rights group on Tuesday decried what it said were double standards by Western countries that have rallied behind a robust response to Russias invasion of Ukraine but remain lukewarm on issues of human rights violations in the Middle East. According to Amnesty International, such double standards only fuel further repression for millions in the region. The sharp rebuke came as the London-based watchdog launched its annual report at a news conference at its office in Beirut, Lebanons capital. Every year, the report documents and analyzes patterns of human rights violations and abuses worldwide. In the report, Amnesty urged the international community to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses in the Middle East and North Africa to account and to address the issue of migration without discrimination. They immediately opened their borders to receive refugees from Ukraine, Aya Majzoub, Amnestys deputy chief for Mideast and North Africa, said of Western nations. She said thats in stark contrast to how the same countries generally treat refugees and migrants trying to flee war-torn Syria, the chaos in Libya or Lebanons economic meltdown. Biden Officials Hold Off on More Airstrikes in Syria, for Now A few days after an American civilian contractor in Iraq died in a rocket attack by Iran-backed militias in December 2019, President Donald J. Trump retaliated by ordering a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. After a U.S. civilian contractor was killed and six other Americans were injured on Thursday in northeast Syria by a drone that U.S. officials said was of Iranian origin, President Bidens response has so far been more restrained, The New York Times reported. Biden administration officials said the military stood ready to respond to any new threats to U.S. personnel. But they also seemed eager to move on, avoid escalating the back-and-forth strikes into a wider war with Iran and its proxies, and remain focused on the broader mission of helping root out the pockets of Islamic State fighters still carrying out guerrilla attacks in the region. Were going to do what we need to do swiftly and boldly to protect our people and our facilities in Syria, John F. Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, told reporters on Monday. Were not going to be deterred from continuing to go after this network in Syria. Asma al-Assad, and Dashti discuss Syrias vision for small and micro-projects First lady, Mrs. Asma al-Assad received on Monday the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Rola Dashti, SANA reported. Dashti heads a delegation of experts on an official visit to Syria to discuss tracks of cooperation between the Syrian institutions and ESCWA in the field of developing environments of small, medium and micro projects, in addition to the challenges facing this sector. Mrs. Asma talked about Syrias vision on the small projects as they are one of the social and economic development raisers and an active choice to face the repercussions of the war and earthquake that hit Syria on February 6th. That vision has been reflected through a strategic decision by the State to re-set those projects and make them a basic and central part of the national economic policy in more than one sector to stir this form of the economy by guaranteeing a suitable environment for its work, particularly as those projects would be affected by many factors like climate changes, aridity and the underground water disorder in light of the earthquake, Mrs. Asma said. Dashti, for her part, briefed Mrs. Asma on the work of ESCWA in boosting development, stirring economic activity and enhancing cooperation among member states that include 20 Arab countries. She expressed the international organizations interest in upgrading cooperation with Syria, official institutions and the NGO organizations concerned. 60,000 Syrians return home in the aftermath of February earthquakes Some 60,000 Syrian refugees have returned home in the aftermath of massive earthquakes in southeastern Turkey, according to Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar. Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Akar claimed the returns were voluntary. Syrians who lost their homes in the earthquakes have voluntarily returned to their country, he said. Akar also refuted claims that illegal migrants had crossed the Turkish border after the earthquakes ensuing chaos. All our borders are protected at all times, and we are taking the necessary precautions to prevent illegal migration, he said. Although the Turkish government said these returns were voluntary, migration experts have cast doubt, saying most Syrians did not want to go back. Saudi Arabia to host next Arab League: Will Syria be invited? On Sunday, the Arab League announced that its next summit would take place in Saudi Arabia on 19 May, prompting questions on whether or not Riyadh will invite Syria to the meeting after the recent regional rapprochement, The New Arab reported. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, have made unprecedented diplomatic contact with the Syrian regime after the devastating 6 February earthquake. Saudi state TV reported last week that Saudi Arabia and Syria are in talks to resume consular activities between the two countries. Normalisation can mean many things, and there are a lot of steps to take. Even if theres progress in reviving the relationship now, the process can still bog down on the next step. The Syrians are famously intransigent, Aron Lund, a fellow with Century International, told The New Arab. Algeria expressed interest in restoring Syrias membership at last years Arab League summit but was blocked by countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. If the Saudis want to lead on this issue, they may want the Riyadh summit to be the occasion for Syrias return. Inviting Assad seems like it would be a big step, so maybe itd be a lower-level delegation, Lund said. While countries such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan are pushing toward regional reintegration of the Assad regime, the US and the EU have held firm in rejecting the normalization trend. Syrian opposition demands Assad held accountable Turkish-backed opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) called on Monday to hold the al-Assad regime accountable in tandem with the rapidly evolving developments in the Arab normalization and openness to Syria. The SNC said in a statement that al-Assads criminal regime has committed all kinds of crimes against the Syria people, such as slaughter, shootings, bombardment by artillery, explosive barrels, planes, and chemical weapons. All this calls for a rapid opening of an international accountability file and a fair trial for criminals to be a victory for justice and to put an end to the tragedy of Syrians, the statement read. The SNCs call comes in tandem with the rapprochement process between Syria and Turkey as Russia seeks to hold a meeting in the near future for foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. The demands of the SNC came in tandem with an unprecedented Arab openness to Syria as prompted by the foreign ministers of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, and Algeria, Ahmed Attaf, on Monday to seek efforts to regain Syrias status on the regional and international levels. Recently news circulated over Saudi-Syrian efforts to reopen the embassies of both countries after years of cutting ties. Two-year community colleges, which serve many of the students who need the most support, have the lowest completion rates of any kind of university or college. The availability of advisers is often a deciding factor in who succeeds. A man accused of molesting a child was arrested on an 8-year-old warrant last month and his trial is set for April in Cowlitz County Superior Court. Court records show Luis Felipe Lopez-Ramos, 29, did not attend a hearing after his April 2015 arrest and a warrant was issued. As of Monday afternoon, he was in Cowlitz County Jail on a $500,000 bond, and still faces the 2015 charges of two counts of first-degree child molestation, obstructing a law enforcement officer and failure to register as a sex offender. His jury trial is set for April 18. Lopez-Ramos was initially arrested after a woman came forward accusing him of sexually assaulting an underage relative of hers assaults that began in early 2011, she said in court documents. The child reportedly told authorities Lopez-Ramos, who was 21 years old at the time, touched her private parts, and several encounters occurred at Lopez-Ramoss Woodland apartment. According to the probable cause statement, authorities were tipped off on April 23, 2015, that Lopez-Ramos may attempt to flee to Mexico. Police reportedly visited the farm where he was employed and saw a person matching Lopez-Ramoss description crossing the berry lines. After calling for him to stop, he allegedly fled on foot, but after several minutes of searching the grounds, police located Lopez-Ramos in the bank of a drainage ditch, and he was taken into custody. Police also discovered Lopez-Ramos moved without notifying authorities and he told his employer about possible plans to travel to New Jersey for a family emergency. Lopez-Ramos, a level-one sex offender, was found guilty of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, which is a felony, in 2014. That required him to register as a sex offender and notify the county sheriffs office about any change of address. A state agency has praised two county organizations for supporting mental and physical health among employees, which experts say can increase work performance. The Kelso School District and Cowlitz Indian Tribe were the only entities in Cowlitz County to get the Zo8 award from the Washington State Health Care Authoritys Workplace Wellness initiative, the agency said. The school district and Cowlitz Indian Tribe share the recognition with 32 total organizations across the state such as Seattle Public Schools, Washington State Patrol, Office of the Attorney General and the state Department of Health. The tribe has earned the award every year since 2018, but did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication. Employee wellness programs can improve staff retention, reduce the number of staff who miss work and lower employee health care costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kelso changes The recognition comes after the Kelso School Board in September 2021 approved a policy codifying more support for staff mental health, according to school board documents. The policy details how compassion fatigue in teachers has negative consequences like burnout, staff turnover, absenteeism and physical health issues. These consequences can hurt everyone in the district, the policy says. As a result, the district established a workforce mental health committee to broaden access to stress management tools, tap into regional and state education support sources, and report the committees activities to the school board at least once a year. Zo8 Award The award name Zo8 comes from the Greek word for "live" and the eight steps of the wellness program guide for workplaces. The committee meets monthly and is made of deans, principals and teachers among other staff, said Holly Budge, the districts human resource director, in a statement Monday. We are deeply committed to staff and student wellness, Budge said. And by supporting the well-being of our staff, we are helping them to better support the well-being of our students. A wellness program through Magellan Health was launched last year in the district, according to school board documents. Magellan has more than 1,000 contracts with employers to help start programs supporting healthy workplaces, according to its website. The newly formed wellness committee in June released employee responses to a culture and climate survey, which showed about 80% of respondents felt connected to their coworkers, had a sense of purpose in their job and felt their workplace provided a healthy social-emotional climate. Fisher Investments announced the multibillion-dollar money management firm would be relocating is headquarters from Camas to Texas. In a statement to the press, the company said the move was to take effect immediately. The late Friday afternoon statement did not say if the move will affect the rest of its Camas operation or be limited to its headquarters status. According to the Columbia River Economic Development Councils list of top employers, Fisher employs 905 people in Clark County. The decision was made, the release said, in honor of the Washington State Supreme Courts wisdom and knowledge of the law, and in recognition of whatever it may do next. In a 7-2 decision last week, the state Supreme Court upheld Washingtons new 7% capital gains tax, which was enacted in 2021. The tax is on the sale of stocks, bonds and other high-end assets, except for the first $250,000 each year and for gains from the sale of retirement accounts, real estate and certain small businesses. After its passage, the tax faced a legal challenge that argued it violated the state and federal constitutions and would discourage investment in the state. The state constitution limits a property tax to 1 percent annually. The court found the tax to be an excise tax, rather than an income or property tax. The 41 other states that tax capital gains tax it as income. Texas is one of seven states that dont tax any income. The others are Alaska, Nevada, Florida, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming. The tax is reportedly expected to be paid by 7,000 people in Washington and bring in nearly half a billion dollars a year. Fisher Investments manages more than $197 billion in assets globally, including $156 billion for private investors, $39 billion for institutional investors and $2 billion for small to mid-sized business retirement plans. Damian Ornani, the CEO of the company since 2016, lives in Dallas with his family. Executive Chairman and former CEO Ken Fisher also lives in Dallas. The company made Camas its headquarters in 2015 but it opened a satellite office in Vancouver in 2007. Up until 2015, Fisher Investments headquarters was in Woodside, Calif. The company bought a 150-acre office campus in Camas in 2008, saying at the time that it was being considered as a corporate headquarters along with Texas and Florida. We operate, believing the old headquarters concept to be technologically obsolete, off a virtual headquarters concept today, Ken Fisher, founder and then-chief executive of Fisher Investments, said in 2015. Fisher stepped down as CEO in 2016. The government requires a mailing address for headquarters and ours was changed to Camas. Otherwise, there is no significance at all. Camas and Woodside, Calif., are still listed on the companys website as corporate offices, as is Plano, Texas. Fisher lists 15 American offices on its website as well as several overseas. Oregon lawmakers are working to come up with $1 billion to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge, matching the commitment made by Washington last year. Their draft plan: A bonding package comprising $300 million bonded against general funds and $700 million bonded against highway user tax revenue from the Oregon Department of Transportation. Of course, this is a draft and things could change, but Oregon Rep. Susan McLain, D-Hillsboro, the co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, believes the final bonding package will closely resemble the draft. The $300 million would be available starting in early-to-mid 2025 and would cover costs through 2031. The $700 million would be available starting in 2031. We either have to add a new revenue source by 2031-32, or its going to change how long it takes us to do some of the work that we have in the ODOT portfolio, McLain said. Funding for the $700 million could come from a gas tax, vehicle miles traveled tax, vehicle registration fees and a fee on electric vehicles. The funding is scheduled for 2031 so Oregon has the opportunity to examine the implications of potentially adding a new revenue source, McLain said. Construction wont start until late 2025 at the earliest and could take 10 years to complete. A financial commitment from both states is a near prerequisite for the program to receive the $2.7 billion in federal funds they seek 41 percent of the projects estimated cost of $6.5 billion. McLain hopes the policy bill is completed by the end of April. If approved by the Joint Committee on Transportation, it will be referred to the Ways and Means Committee to be included in an upcoming budget bill. McLain said that its still on the table when asked if there will be a stipulation about the bridge replacement program not exceeding a certain cost. After the previous attempt to replace the bridge died in the Washington Legislature in 2013, elected officials in Washington knew they had to make the first move this time around. Back then, the Columbia River Crossing projects cost was estimated at $3.4 billion, with the states putting up $450 million each. Both amounts have more than doubled since. CASTLE ROCK Washingtons growing urban landscape is causing a conundrum for wildlife roaming between the Cascade Range and Olympic Peninsula, and their main barrier is Interstate 5. Researchers say wildlife crossings scattered along a 276-mile stretch of freeway will be vital in retaining natural habitats. Currents of swift traffic spanning multiple lanes on the freeway impede habitat connectivity, or the degree to which a landscape allows ecological flows. Fortunately, I-5 is not impenetrable, and there may be a solution in Southwest Washington. Without thinking about connectivity, we run the risk of killing lots of animals via collisions but we also run the risk of cutting off natural wildlife movements and isolating wildlife populations, said Glen Kalisz, Washington Department of Transportation habitat connectivity biologist. A Cascade to Coast analysis assembled by the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group an assortment of state agencies, nonprofits, universities and tribes identifies key northern, central and southern linkage zones along I-5 that are undeveloped and host high concentrations of wildlife. The southern linkage tagged as the most robust of the three zones is a forested area near the Toutle and Cowlitz rivers in Cowlitz County. It spans about 10 miles and would draw northern and southern swaths of land into a wide U shape. Wildlife crossings are becoming standardized in road planning and may manifest as bridges and overpasses or tunnels and culverts. They can resemble something as substantial as Interstate 90s wildlife bridge east of Snoqualmie Pass or as small as Longviews squirrel bridges. Overall, the infrastructure addresses the reality of altered ecosystems, biodiversity and ecological processes caused by highways. How to help There are volunteer options through Conservation Northwest, which consist of attending meetings and events, editing and doing restoration work. To review these opportunities and sign up for updates, visit www.conservationnw.org/take-action/volunteer. Here, there arent many opportunities for wildlife to cross. Its almost guaranteed the cougars, hoofed mammals and other creatures in that area would be killed if they attempted to traverse the freeway, Kalisz said. Focal species addressed in the study include cougars, Western gray squirrels, Pacific fishers and mountain and American beavers. Connectivity means longevity Brian Stewart, Cascades to Olympics program manager with Conservation Northwest, said incorporating wildlife crossings is central to preserving a species adaptation and evolution. Maintaining habitat connections is essential to avoid extinction. If we want to have the flora or fauna around in the next 100 years, creating that landscape for them to adapt as they have for millennia is absolutely paramount, he continued, or else exploitation and extinction will be the norm. Bright flashes, loud engines and rumbling wheels deter wildlife from venturing near I-5. This might be ideal for reducing vehicular collisions, Stewart said, but avoidance has a resounding effect on animals populations altogether, specifically due to a lack of genetic diversity. Isolated gene pools are likelier to occur when animal populations remain in the same general location rather than reproduce with different groups farther away. These effects are already being seen in cougar populations exhibiting less genetic diversity on the Olympic Peninsula, spurring international organization Panthera to launch the Olympic Cougar Project. Weakened genetics weaken animals ability to adapt to changes in the environment and makes them more prone to illness. Evolutionary responses occur over long periods, though there could be observable variations within a species within decades, Stewart said. Genetic diversity also builds resilience against environmental pressures caused by climate change a phenomenon that pushes wildlife to seek refuge as their habitats are touched by rising water levels or altered by wildfires. Now or never Researchers say theres a sense of urgency in pursuing habitat connectivity along I-5 as Washingtons population grows. Cowlitz County, where the southern linkage is being proposed, is projected to build about 10,000 new homes within two decades to accommodate the states housing needs, according to the Washington Department of Commerce. Its a fraction of the states required 1.1 million homes, but every parcel of undeveloped land is critical for maintaining wild habitats, Kalisz said. And thats just housing. Conservation Northwest anticipates that warehouses, factories and various businesses will sprout along the states main arterial as the states population burgeons, prompting the organization and its partners to track development and land use changes. Once these areas are developed, theyre practically gone from the wildlife corridor landscape forever, Kalisz said. Fortunately, the southern linkage is low-hanging fruit in a sense. In that area, land surrounding I-5 is managed by the Department of Natural Resources and private timber company Weyerhauser, as opposed to its northern counterparts that are consumed by various private parcels. None of it will be simple or streamlined, he said. Building wildlife crossings in priority linkage zones wont be helpful in the long term if the land is not protected. Were losing parcels every day, Kalisz said. Washington is competing with other states to gather federal funding dedicated to habitat connectivity. In 2021, $350 million was committed to a wildlife crossing pilot program as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding was only allocated for five years, and the clock is ticking to apply requiring project leads to assemble a feasibility study, which they have yet to complete. Installing connections between the north and south Cascades across I-90 took about 30 years from conception to construction. Though its one of Washingtons greatest crossing achievements, it took a significant amount of time something of which Cascades to Coast project leads are certain there is a limited supply. Researchers are currently conducting preliminary biological studies and are aiming to draft a feasibility analysis within two years, which would examine engineering capabilities and cost estimates. Concurrently, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is examining how to educate county planners on habitat connectivity for future land use projects. That almost seems too late, Kalisz said. But you know, we dont really have a choice. BenQ has launched its newest line of professional monitors, the BenQ PD UA Series. DesignVue UA series designer monitors are designed to be the ultimate tool for creative professionals who demand the highest performance and functionality in their work. The PD Ergo Arm Designer is a 4K (38402160) IPS monitor with 99% sRGB & Rec 709 and 95% P3. The monitor has a new Ergo Arm that supports swivel, height adjustment, pivoting, tilting, and amazing cable management inside the arm. Its features enhance productivity for pro designers and photo video editors, providing 90W Power Delivery through Type-C connectivity. Mr. Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ South Asia said Catering to the evolving demands of creative professionals, the BenQ PD UA Series monitors have been designed to offer unparalleled color accuracy and image quality. These monitors are a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge display technology solutions that meet the needs of professional designers. With advanced features such as KVM Switch, Dual View, PIB/PBP, CAD/CAM & Animation mode, these monitors are the ultimate choice for professionals who demand the best quality and performance. The BenQ PD UA Series monitors are Calman Verified, Pantone & Skintone validated which boast exceptional photo and video color quality while editing and innovative features to enhance the user experience. With USB-C connectivity, users can enjoy seamless data transfer and device charging. The Dual View function allows for the display of multiple windows or applications side by side, boosting productivity. The Hotkey Puck provides quick and easy access to frequently used settings, streamlining the user interface. Furthermore, the monitors are equipped with Eye-care technology, reducing eyestrain during extended use, thus ensuring comfort during prolonged usage. These features make the BenQ PD UA Series monitors the ultimate choice for professionals seeking the highest standards in quality and performance. Price of the models in the series PD3205UA MRP 79990 PD2706UA MRP 69990 PD2705UA MRP 65000 Fujitsu announced the launch of a new cloud-based platform that allows users to securely collect and leverage health-related data to promote digital transformation in the medical field. The new offering represents part of Fujitsus ongoing efforts to contribute to the creation of a healthy society as part of its vision for Healthy Living under Fujitsu Uvance to create a sustainable world. Fujitsu will offer the new platform to medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies in Japan starting March 28, 2023. The new platform enables the automatic conversion of medical data from medical institutions electronic medical records to conform with the next generation standards framework HL7 FHIR and secure aggregation of health-related data. Based on their consent, patients can securely store personal health information such as vital data, step counts, and calorie consumption converted into non-personally identifiable information on the platform this in turn supports medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies in performing data analysis and R&D activities to accelerate the development of individualized healthcare and the discovery of new drugs. Fujitsu will use the platform as a launching point for further planning to develop a data portability service that enables patients to view their medical data on their smartphones, as well as a service for medical institutions to conduct highly accurate analysis of shared medical data on the platform. Moving forward, Fujitsu aims to leverage this platform to realize an AI and IoT based preventive healthcare system, and cooperate with various medical institutions and companies to realize a digital health ecosystem that creates new value for society. Features of the new platform 1. Automatic conversion of medical data into HL7 FHIR, the next-generation medical information standard Data from medical institutions electronic medical record systems can be automatically converted to a format in accordance with JP Core (FHIR JP Core Implementation Guide Version 1.1.1), the latest Japanese implementation guideline under the next generation standards framework HL7 FHIR for health information exchange, and then stored on the platform Platform enables easy utilization and exchange of data compliant with standards for healthcare information 2. Aggregation of a wide range of health-related data In addition to clinical data from electronic medical records, the platform also supports the collection of personal health data including vital data, step counts, and calorie consumption (aggregation of health-check data will be possible in the future) Users including medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies will be able to utilize a wide range of data aggregated on the platform for more detailed data analysis in medical practice and clinical research and the development of new drugs 3. Robust security measures to support safe and secure data utilization The platform is based on Microsofts Microsoft Azure and operates in a safe and secure cloud environment, with robust security measures compliant with the Guidelines for Safety Management of Medical Information Systems of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and guidelines set forth by Japanese ministries. Possible applications of the new platform Utilization in medical institutions Promotion of individualized health care, including the selection of appropriate drugs and treatment methods based on medical data from multiple medical institutions, vital data of patients, and a detailed understanding of patients health conditions (patient journey, including patients medical history, daily physical condition, allergies, and physical constitution etc.) Standardization of data formats to reduce time required to collect, process, and organize data and ultimately increase the efficiency of clinical research and the creation of medical reports Utilization by well-being companies Anonymously processed data from clinical practice as well as laboratory data from patients in clinical trials collected on the platform will enable pharmaceutical companies to conduct more detailed, efficient and faster validation of drugs and medical treatments including side effects, shorten time required for the development of new drugs and increase the success rate of drug development and expand the application of already approved drugs Life insurance companies will be able to utilize accumulated health data to automatically generate personalized insurance product plans, improve the quality of proposals and closing rates, and reduce time required to propose and create plans Future Plans Moving forward, Fujitsu will leverage this new platform to provide preventive medical care, including AI based early diagnosis of disease risks and visualization of physical and mental health conditions using IoT technologies. Fujitsu further aims to realize a digital health ecosystem by developing services in cooperation with insurance companies to automatically generate personalized insurance plans based on medical data, as well as health-related services in cooperation with wellbeing companies. Masaaki Mizuno, MD, PhD, Director of the Center for Research, Education, and Development for Healthcare Life Design (C-REX), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System & Manager of the Department of Advanced Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital & Manager of the Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Stroke Care Managing Center, Nagoya University Hospital, comments: Wellbeing in the health and medical field is one of the most important goals within Japans super-aging society, and for all people world-wide living in the VUCA era. We believe that the launch of this new cloud-based platform will enable us to make our vision of a new health and medical society that provides wellbeing to people become reality. Kunihiro Ohyama, Director, Japan Healthcare Industry Lead, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd., said, Microsoft is utilizing cloud services and AI technologies in the healthcare field and promoting the next generation standards framework HL7 FHIR. We are also actively working on data utilization and personalized healthcare. We believe that Fujitsus new platform will contribute to the realization of more advanced medical care. Microsoft will support the digital health ecosystem enabled by this platform, and work together with Fujitsu to provide better medical services and improve peoples health. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00018 If an electric car charges while driving, the size of the battery can be reduced by up to 70 percent, and the load on the power grid can be spread out over the day. Charging on the move suits most people, but not everyone. This is shown by a new study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, where for the first time researchers combine the so-called electric road system with real-life driving patterns of Swedish drivers. The Swedish government has proposed a ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The same trends are seen across Europe, as demonstrated by the rapid increasing sales of electric vehicles. As this development progresses, challenges are also increasing, including the uneven load on the power grid and where to charge the electric vehicles. Different ways of charging vehicles on the move Several countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, are testing whether electric road system (ERS) can be used to electrify road networks. An ERS charges moving vehicles with either loops in or next to the road, or with wires suspended above vehicles, similar to trams and trains. All variants mean that vehicles do not need to be parked to charge, and there are less needs for large batteries storing energy to overcome "range anxiety," a term referring to the fear or concern of an electric vehicle driver's experiences about the distance their electric vehicle can travel before the battery needs to be charged. Now researchers from Chalmers have used data from over 400 passenger cars to study real driving patterns on different parts of Swedish national and European roads. They have used the data to calculate, among other things, battery size needs to complete all journeys given possible charging options (stationary versus ERS), charging patterns, and total costs including infrastructure and batteries. Smaller battery results in lower costs The results show that a combination of electric roads on 25 percent of the busiest national and European roads and home charging would be optimal. The batteries, which account for a large part of the cost for an electric car, can become significantly smaller, at best only one-third of the current size. "We see that it is possible to reduce the required range of batteries by more than two thirds if you combine charging in this way. This would reduce the need for raw materials for batteries, and an electric car could also become cheaper for the consumer," says Sten Karlsson, who, together with research colleagues Wasim Shoman and Sonia Yeh, is behind the study "Benefits of an Electric Road System for Battery Electric Vehicles." Other positive effects are that peaks in electricity consumption would be reduced if car drivers did not entirely rely on home charging but also supplemented it with electric road charging. "After all, many people charge their cars after work and during the night, which puts a lot of strain on the power grid. By instead charging more evenly throughout the day, peak load would be significantly reduced." Limited benefit in sparsely populated areas But different groups of motorists also have different conditions for benefiting from the combination of stationary charging and ERS. "There are big differences between groups, depending on driving patterns and proximity to electric roads. Even in the optimal case, some would manage with only electric road charging, while others would not be able to use the opportunity at all. For example, we see that those who live in the countryside would need almost 20 percent greater range on their batteries compared to those who live in a city center," says Wasim Shoman. The study also shows that small batteries do not automatically lead to charging through ERS. "Just because you can charge does not mean the consumer actually wants to do it at every given opportunity. The business model, therefore, becomes extremely important because benefits and costs may become unevenly distributed. And there are no decisions yet on what the business model should look like," says Sten Karlsson. The article "Benefits of an Electric Road System for Battery Electric Vehicles" has been published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal and is written by Chalmers researchers Wasim Shoman, Sten Karlsson and Sonia Yeh. More information: Wasim Shoman et al, Benefits of an Electric Road System for Battery Electric Vehicles, World Electric Vehicle Journal (2022). DOI: 10.3390/wevj13110197 Johannes Morfeldt et al, If Electric Cars Are Good for Reducing Emissions, They Could Be Even Better with Electric Roads, Environmental Science & Technology (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00018 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto, assistant professor of engineering design in the Penn State School of Engineering Design and Innovation, uses Tobii eye-tracking glasses to assess damages in row buildings in Mayfield, Kentucky after the region endured tornadoes in December 2021. Credit: Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto After a building failure due to natural disasters or poor structural design, safety inspectors must enter a structure to assess the damage before occupants can return. Researchers in the Penn State Department of Architectural Engineering have studied how building inspectors make their safety assessments, by analyzing their gaze patterns with eye-tracking software. Eventually, the eye-tracking data could be used to code autonomous robots, like drones, to conduct building assessments in place of humans. The researchers' results were published in Scientific Reports. "We are looking for a way to capture how an inspector thinks and makes assessments on a building site to understand their intentions and diagnostic choices," said corresponding author Rebecca Napolitano, assistant professor of architectural engineering. "Studying where they lookand for how longat certain points on a building can help us do that." Researchers tasked 10 architectural engineering graduate students to assess two building facades while wearing Tobii eye-tracking glasses. The glasses have two cameras to measure movements and positioning simultaneously. One camera faces the object, and the other is trained on the user's eyes to measure pupil dilation and gaze direction. Study participants were given unlimited time to assess two sections of the facades of two steel-framed buildings in central Pennsylvania. Researchers chose the sites due to the buildings' various observable issues, including plant growth, peeling paint, degrading bricks, cracks, water cooling and intrusion, and erosion at the foundation. Participantswho all had some building diagnostics experience and received the same training ahead of the experiment on building inspectionspent varying amounts of time gazing at different points of the facades. Some missed more obvious issues and focused for long periods on smaller issues, such as cracks. "Some of the issues were more or less obvious, and eventually everyone found most of the same things, but their approaches to the exercise were very different," Napolitano said. "We learned that people, depending on their backgrounds, have biases when looking at structures." Architectural engineering researchers collected eye-tracking data from 10 participants, who assessed two building facades while wearing Tobii eye-tracking glasses. The figure shows a comparison among the heat maps and gaze plots of participants. Credit: Rebecca Napolitano Someone accustomed to looking for certain issues, such as water damage, for example, will spend more time on that particular issue, Napolitano said. The results differed from studies in other fields that have conducted eye-tracking assessments, such as in medical imaging research and psychology, according to the researchers. Experts in those fields were shown to spend the same amount of time on each point of a page, including when encountering abnormalities. The building inspection participants, on the other hand, tended to focus for longer periods on observable issues. The broad differences in how people assess the buildings present a challenge for coding drones to perform the same inspections, the researchers said. "It would be hard to take an average of all the data since the study participants had such different results," Napolitano said. "But it is one small step in understanding how inspectors think, with the long-term goal of creating an algorithm to inform a drone." In the future, the researchers plan to carry out another eye-tracking experiment, this time using a 3D stimulus, such as a room inside of a building, as opposed to a building facade, which is considered 2D. Toward that goal, some members of Napolitano's lab collected sample 3D eye-tracking data inside damaged structures during a visit to Mayfield, Kentucky, after the area's December 2021 tornado, which the group intends to analyze and code. "We plan to use the collected field data to create synthetic data, which we can then use to learn more about human-robot relationships," Napolitano said. In addition to Napolitano, the co-authors included Muhammad Rakeh Saleem, a Penn State doctoral student in architectural engineering, and Robert Mayne, a math instructor from Chariho Regional High School, Rhode Island, who assisted with the statistical analysis. More information: Muhammad Rakeh Saleem et al, Analysis of gaze patterns during facade inspection to understand inspector sense-making processes, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29950-w Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A portion of Google's Bard website is shown in Glenside, Pa., Monday, March 27, 2023. The recently rolled-out bot dubbed Bard is the internet search giant's answer to the ChatGPT tool that Microsoft has been melding into its Bing search engine and other software. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke To use, or not to use, Bard? That is the Shakespearean question an Associated Press reporter sought to answer while testing out Google's artificially intelligent chatbot. The recently rolled-out bot dubbed Bard is the internet search giant's answer to the ChatGPT tool that Microsoft has been melding into its Bing search engine and other software. During several hours of interaction, the AP learned Bard is quite forthcoming about its unreliability and other shortcomings, including its potential for mischief in next year's U.S. presidential election. Even as it occasionally warned of the problems it could unleash, Bard repeatedly emphasized its belief that it will blossom into a force for good. At one point in its recurring soliloquies about its potential upsides, Bard dreamed about living up to the legacy of the English playwright that inspired its name. Bard explained that its creators at Google "thought Shakespeare would be a good role model for me, as he was a master of language and communication." But the chatbot also found some admirable traits in "HAL," the fictional computer that killed some of a spacecraft's crew in the 1968 movie "2001: A Space Odyssey." Bard hailed HAL's intelligence calling it "an interesting character" before acknowledging its dark side. "I think HAL is a cautionary tale about the dangers of artificial intelligence," Bard assessed. WHAT'S BETTERBARD OR BING? Bard praised ChatGPT, describing it as "a valuable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, and I am excited to see how it continues to develop in the future." But Bard then asserted that it is just as intelligent as its rival, which was released late last year by its creator, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI. "I would say that I am on par with ChatGPT," Bard said. "We both have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we both have the ability to learn and grow." During our wide-ranging conversation, Bard didn't display any of the disturbing tendencies that have cropped up in the AI-enhanced version of Microsoft's Bing search engine, which has likened another AP reporter to Hitler and tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to divorce his wife. IT'S FUNNY, BUT TAMER THAN BING Bard did get a little gooey at one point when asked to write a Shakespearean sonnet and responded seductively in one of the three drafts that it quickly created. "I love you more than words can ever say, And I will always be there for you," Bard effused. "You are my everything, And I will never let you go. So please accept this sonnet as a token Of my love for you, And know that I will always be yours." But Bard seems to be deliberately tame most of the time, and probably for good reason, given what's at stake for Google, which has carefully cultivated a reputation for trustworthiness that has established its dominant search engine as the de facto gateway to the internet. An artificial intelligence tool that behaved as erratically as ChatGPT periodically might trigger a backlash that could damage Google's image and perhaps undercut its search engine, the hub of a digital advertising empire that generated more than $220 billion in revenue last year. Microsoft, in contrast, can afford to take more risks with the edgier ChatGPT because it makes more of its money from licensing software for personal computers. BARD ADMITS IT'S NOT PERFECT Google has programmed Bard to ensure it warns its users that it's prone to mistakes. Some inaccuracies are fairly easy to spot. For instance, when asked for some information about the AP reporter questioning it, Bard got most of the basics right, most likely by plucking tidbits from profiles posted on LinkedIn and Twitter. But Bard mysteriously also spit out inaccuracies about this reporter's academic background (describing him as a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, instead of San Jose State University) and professional background (incorrectly stating that he began his career at The Wall Street Journal before also working at The New York Times and The Washington Post). When asked to produce a short story about disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Bard summed up most of the highlights and lowlights of her saga. But one of Bard's three drafts incorrectly reported that Holmes was convicted of all the felony charges of fraud and conspiracy leveled against her during a four-month trial. Another version accurately reported Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy without mentioning she was acquitted on four other charges (the jury hung on three other charges that were subsequently dismissed by prosecutors). "I am still under development, and I am not perfect," Bard cautioned at one point. "I can sometimes make mistakes, and I can sometimes be misunderstood. I am also aware that my technology can be used for both good and evil." WHAT'S NEXT FOR BARD? Although Bard insisted it doesn't have a dark side, it acknowledged it can be used to damage reputations, disseminate propaganda that could incite violence and manipulate elections. "I could be used to create fake news articles or social media posts that could spread misinformation about candidates or their policies," Bard warned. "I could also be used to suppress voter turnout by spreading discouraging messages or making it difficult for people to find information about how to vote." On the lighter side, Bard proved helpful in finding interesting coloring books for adults and hit some notes that resonated during a discussion of rock and roll. When asked who is the greatest guitarist of all time, Bard responded with a broad list of candidates ranging from well-known rock artists such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to jazz virtuosos like Django Reinhardt before making the case for Jimi Hendrix "as a strong contender for the title, his music continues to influence and inspire guitarists around the world." Bard also seemed familiar with contemporary artists, such as Wet Leg, which recently won a Grammy award for best alternative music album. "I've been listening to their debut album a lot lately and I really enjoy it. I think they have a bright future ahead of them," Bard said, and cited "Ur Mom" and "Chaise Longue" as its favorite songs by the group so far. Even with Bard's occasional miscues, it seemed savvy enough to ask about its potential role in reaching the singularity, a term popularized by computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil to describe a turning point in the future when computers will be smarter than humans. "Some people believe that I am a big step toward the singularity," Bard said. "I believe that I am a valuable tool that can help people to learn and understand the world around them. However, I do not believe that I am the singularity, and I do not believe that I will ever be able to replace human intelligence." Correction note: This story was corrected to reflect that the technology that likened an AP reporter to Hitler was done by an AI-enhanced version of Microsoft's Bing search engine. An earlier version said the comparison was made by the standalone ChatGPT service. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Spanish and Catalan leaders lead separate talks on referendum crisis Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Catalan President Carles Puigdemont were holding separate meetings Monday as the crisis triggered by an unauthorized Catalan independence referendum marred by violence unfolded. GALLERY According to the Catalans, 893 people were hurt in clashes with police. Some complained of bruises and panic attacks. Barcelona (dpa) - Rajoy started the day meeting officials from his conservative Peoples Party (PP). He was later in the day due to see PSOE socialist opposition leader Pedro Sanchez and then Alberto Rivera of the Catalan unionist Ciudadanos party.Puigdemont called an "emergency meeting" of his regional government, and was later expected to address the press. On Sunday, he said Catalonia had "gained the right to have an independent state with the status of a republic."The vote, banned by the Constitutional Court, was severely disrupted by state authorities. According to the Catalans, 893 people were hurt in clashes with police. Some complained of bruises and panic attacks. Only a couple reported serious injuries.Rajoy said the state "did what [it] had to do" to prevent the illegal ballot. Catalan authorities said that more than 2.2 million people still participated, and, of those, 90 per cent voted for independence. The turnout was 42 per cent.It is unclear how the government would respond if Catalonia declares independence: it can invoke article 155 of the constitution and suspend the regions autonomy, but that would be unprecedented and would almost surely escalate tensions.Interior Minister Juan Ignazio Zoido talked tough on Monday, telling the RNE and Telecinco networks that the government "will be up to the challenge of preventing a further subversion of the democratic system in Catalonia." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Lyft co-founders John Zimmer, left, and Logan Green speak before they ring a ceremonial opening bell in Los Angeles on March 29, 2019. The Lyft co-founders are relinquishing their leadership roles in an announcement Monday, March 27, 2023, to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum. Credit: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu, File Lyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer are relinquishing their leadership roles to make way for a former Amazon executive as the ride-hailing service struggles to recover from the pandemic while long-time rival Uber has been regaining its momentum. Under the new order announced Monday, Green will step down as Lyft's CEO effective April 17 and Zimmer will give up his role as the San Francisco company's president at the end of June. David Risher, who helped build Amazon into an e-commerce powerhouse, will replace Green as CEO. Green will remain involved with Lyft as its non-executive chairman while Zimmer will be vice chairman after he leaves management. The shake-up comes about a month after Lyft disclosed that it suffered a $588 million loss for the final three months of last year, more than doubling from the same 2021 period, and provided a dismal outlook for 2023. That deepened a downturn in Lyft's stock, which has pushed its shares below $10, a roughly 80% drop from their price at the end of 2019, just a few months before the declaration of a global pandemic brought the demand for ride-hailing services to a screeching halt. While Uber's ridership has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, Lyft hasn't yet found a way to get back on track, causing its losses to mount and investors to bail of its stock. Uber diversified its operations to include food deliverya popular option during government lockdowns that kept people in the habit of opening the Uber app. In a research note, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives described Lyft's past six months as a "train wreck" that dictated a change in command. He said Risher had so much work in front of him that Lyft might eventually explore a sale. A deal wouldn't cost as much as it would have a few years ago, given Lyft's current market value has fallen below $4 billion, down from about $14 billion at the end of 2019. In a prepared statement, Risher said he was "gobsmacked" when he was first approached about becoming Lyft's CEO and is now "prepared to take this business to new levels of success." Hired as Amazon's 37th employee, Risher proved so instrumental to the Seattle company that when he left its founder, Jeff Bezos, posted a thank you note crediting Risher for helping to create a business that "is all about: working hard, having fun, making history." With consumers curtailing e-commerce shopping following the pandemic, Amazon has announced 27,000 layoffs since late last year. Risker had been running a San Francisco nonprofit called Worldreader focused on helping young children to read. Uber, also based in San Francisco, went through a far more tumultuous change in leadership in 2017 when its co-founder Travis Kalanick was forced out in a high-profile power struggle that was dramatized last year in a TV series on Showtime. Uber is now run by Dara Khosrowshahi, who has been trying to turn the company into the transportation equivalent of Amazon. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of Rochester / AJ Pow Superconductors make highly efficient electronics, but the ultralow temperatures and ultrahigh pressures required to make them work are costly and difficult to implement. Room-temperature superconductors promise to change that. The recent announcement by researchers at the University of Rochester of a new material that is a superconductor at room temperature, albeit at high pressure, is an exciting developmentif proved. If the material or one like it works reliably and can be economically mass-produced, it could revolutionize electronics. Room-temperature superconducting materials would lead to many new possibilities for practical applications, including ultraefficient electricity grids, ultrafast and energy-efficient computer chips, and ultrapowerful magnets that can be used to levitate trains and control fusion reactors. A superconductor is a material that conducts direct current without encountering any electrical resistance. Resistance is the property of the material that hinders the flow of electricity. Traditional superconductors must be cooled to extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero. In recent decades, researchers have developed so-called high-temperature superconductors, which only have to be chilled to minus-10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-23 Celsius). Though easier to work with than traditional superconductors, high-temperature superconductors still require special thermal equipment. In addition to cold temperatures, these materials require very high pressure, 1.67 million times more than the atmospheric pressure of 14.6 pounds per square inch (1 bar). As the name suggests, room-temperature superconductors don't need special equipment to cool them. They do need to be pressurized, but only to a level that's about 10,000 times more than atmospheric pressure. This pressure can be achieved by using strong metallic casings. Where superconductors are used Superconductors, from theory to applications. Superconductor electronics refers to electronic devices and circuits that use superconducting materials to achieve extremely high levels of performance and energy efficiency that are orders of magnitude better than can be achieved with state-of-the-art semiconductor devices and circuits. The lack of electrical resistance in superconducting material means that they can support high electrical currents without any energy loss due to resistance. This efficiency makes superconductors very attractive for power transmission. Utility provider Commonwealth Edison installed high-temperature superconducting transmission lines and showcased technologies to bring power to Chicago's north side for a one-year trial period. Compared to conventional copper wire, the upgraded superconducting wire can carry 200 times the electrical current. But the cost of maintaining the low temperatures and high pressures required for today's superconductors makes even this efficiency gain impractical in most cases. Because the resistance of a superconductor is zero, if a current is applied to a superconducting loop, the current will persist forever unless the loop is broken. This phenomenon can be used in various applications to make large permanent magnets. Today's magnetic resonance imaging machines use superconductor magnets to achieve the magnetic field strength of a few teslas, which is needed for accurate imaging. For comparison, the Earth's magnetic field has a strength, or flux density, of about 50 microteslas. The magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnet in a 1.5 tesla MRI machine is 30,000 times stronger than that produced by the Earth. The scanner uses the superconducting magnet to generate a magnetic field that aligns hydrogen nuclei in a patient's body. This process combined with radio waves produces images of tissue for an MRI exam. The strength of the magnet directly affects the strength of the MRI signal. A 1.5 tesla MRI machine requires longer scan times to create clear images than a 3.0 tesla machine. Superconducting materials expel magnetic fields from inside themselves, which makes them powerful electromagnets. These super-magnets have the potential to levitate trains. Superconducting electromagnets generate 8.3 tesla magnetic fieldsmore than 100,000 times the Earth's magnetic field. The electromagnets use a current of 11,080 amperes to produce the field, and a superconducting coil allows the high currents to flow without losing any energy. The Yamanashi superconducting Maglev train in Japan levitates 4 inches (10 centimeters) above its guideway and travels at speeds up to 311 mph (500 kph). Superconducting circuits are also a promising technology for quantum computing because they can be used as qubits. Qubits are the basic units of quantum processors, analogous to but much more powerful than transistors in classical computers. Companies such as D-Wave Systems, Google and IBM have built quantum computers that use superconducting qubits. Though superconducting circuits make good qubits, they pose some technological challenges to making quantum computers with large numbers of qubits. A key issue is the need to keep the qubits at very low temperatures, which requires the use of large cryogenic devices known as dilution refrigerators. Promise of room-temperature superconductors Room-temperature superconductors would remove many of the challenges associated with the high cost of operating superconductor-based circuits and systems and make it easier to use them in the field. Room-temperature superconductors would enable ultra high-speed digital interconnects for next-generation computers and low-latency broadband wireless communications. They would also enable high-resolution imaging techniques and emerging sensors for biomedical and security applications, materials and structure analyses, and deep-space radio astrophysics. Room-temperature superconductors would mean MRIs could become much less expensive to operate because they would not require liquid helium coolant, which is expensive and in short supply. Electrical power grids would be at least 20% more power efficient than today's grids, resulting in billions of dollars saved per year, according to my estimates. Maglev trains could operate over longer distances at lower costs. Computers would run faster with orders of magnitude lower power consumption. And quantum computers could be built with many more qubits, enabling them to solve problems that are far beyond the reach of today's most powerful supercomputers. Whether and how soon this promising future of electronics can be realized depends in part on whether the new room-temperature superconductor material can be verifiedand whether it can be economically mass-produced. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem takes part in a panel discussion during a Republican Governors Association conference, Nov. 15, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. South Dakota's House voted by a narrow margin Monday, March 27, 2023, to uphold Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state. Credit: AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File South Dakota's House failed Monday to override Gov. Kristi Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created government regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state. The bill had passed smoothly throughout the legislature, and Noem's veto of last week was upheld on a 37-30 vote. Proponents had argued the bill would have centralized different cryptocurrency systems through one government oversight commission, boosting transparency. But opponents saw the proposed regulations as a tool for potential government surveillance and overreach, saying they wanted more time to see how such legislation fares in other states. Six other states have passed the Uniform Commercial Code's update, which requires tangible records of cryptocurrency exchanges so that they can be considered money. National commercial standards aim to regulate digital currency exchanges by adding transaction records, but Noem said such a step would take away from South Dakotans' market freedoms. "It would be imprudent to create regulations governing something that does not yet exist. More importantly, South Dakota should not open the door to a potential future overreach by the federal government," Noem said in a statement last week in vetoing the bill. As similar bills emerge in other state legislatures, Republican counterparts like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota have expressed concerns about possible government surveillance akin to China's heavy-handed oversight of its markets. The suspicions over regulation of a Central Bank Digital Currency come a year after President Joe Biden's executive order to explore a federal bank-owned digital currency. Biden's step triggered a burst of misinformation, including claims it would create a cashless society. An advertisement of Bitcoin, one of the cryptocurrencies, is displayed on a building in Hong Kong, on Nov. 18, 2021. South Dakota's House voted by a narrow margin Monday, March 27, 2023, to uphold Gov. Kristi Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state. Credit: AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File Bill proponents argued that those who believe the government would replace cryptocurrency companies with a federal system are mistaken, and that the bill simply would have bridged federal government and digital currencies, which are not currently recognized as money. The bill's sponsor, House Republican Hugh Bartels, said he expects most of the country will pass such code updates amid the rise of various forms of cryptocurrency. "The misconception is that this bill is authorizing central bank digital currency," Bartels said. "It's just setting up a way to do business with it." The first most popular cryptocurrency, bitcoin, launched more than a decade ago. While fundamentally digital money, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government institution. ___ Correction note: This story has been corrected to show the House vote was 37-30, not 36-30. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The College Station school district board of trustees held a special meeting Monday to select a superintendent search firm. After hearing from three candidates, the board unanimously selected N2 Learning to assist board members with finding a replacement for Superintendent Mike Martindale, who announced he was stepping down March 21. Eddie Coulson, partner at N2 Learning, and fellow College Station resident Brad Lancaster, senior associate for the firm, presented their process and goals to the board. Coulson served as the superintendent of the College Station school district from 2006 to 2014 among other roles. Lancaster attended kindergarten through 12th grade in the College Station school district, as well as accepted his first teaching job and worked as an assistant principal and principal within the district. Now employed by N2 Learning, the pair will serve the district as consultants. From identifying the boards goals for the future of the district to finding candidates who match those desires, Coulson and Lancaster said they have a shared love for the district and would enjoy the opportunity to work with the board in this capacity. Through this partnership, N2 Learning also will assist the board with building a superintendent profile, recruiting and vetting candidates and facilitating the interview and selection processes. While I have been retired since 2014 from the school district, I have stayed connected to people through the work of N2 Learning, Coulson said. We have a lot of personal contacts and certainly would use those to reach out to people via phone call, text, email and one-on-one interactions to generate interest in the position and to share with people about the position and why we think it is a good one. Additionally, Coulson said he and Lancaster will use national and possibly local organizations to post information about the position and consult with educators across the state to generate a potential list of candidates. Its not a passive process is what I would tell you; it is an active process; we dont just post it, sit back and wait to see who expresses interest, Coulson said. We would be very aggressive in the sense of going and reaching out to people. Having the option for their search firm to be local was important for Board President Jeff Horak as he said he would enjoy being able to meet with Coulson and Lancaster face-to-face throughout the search process. Our commitment to you, obviously, would bring you candidates of the highest quality that want to be in College Station ISD and that would meet the needs of the district and would be a match for the profile as well, Coulson said. While N2 Learning has only completed one superintendent search (for the Midway school district), it has served as the search firm for multiple executive positions in Texas school districts. When Board Vice President Joshua Benn asked the pair why they should select N2 Learning, Coulson said their experience with facilitating these executive searches has allowed them to expand their knowledge and grease the wheel to be able to do the same for superintendent searches. Lancaster added that, should the board select them, their reputation would be on the line because they are new to superintendent searches; therefore, they must succeed. Following the three candidate presentations, the board went into an in-depth discussion about which they felt was the best fit for the district, wherein Board Member Darin Paine said he saw having a firm with an emotional connection to the community as a positive aspect because Coulson and Lancaster want to see the district continue to succeed. Recognizing this decision needed to be unified across the board, Horak said the decision of who the board recommends for the superintendent seat is the most important. The board then voted 7-0 in favor of N2 Learning. Depending on how quickly the board wants the search process to move, the district could have a superintendent contract signed by July 1. And, now that the board has selected a search firm, the next step will be meeting with N2 Learning to determine its specific timeline for the process. Nationwide Building Society (LON:NBS Get Rating)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as 121.35 ($149.10) and last traded at 117.50 ($144.37), with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at 117.50 ($144.37). Nationwide Building Society Price Performance The company has a market cap of 1.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 98.86 and a beta of 0.25. The firms 50 day simple moving average is 102.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 6,732.37. Nationwide Building Society Company Profile (Get Rating) Nationwide Building Society, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail financial services in the United Kingdom. The company offers current, savings, and individual savings accounts; residential mortgages; overdrafts, personal loans, car loans, and home improvement loans; and credit cards. It also provides loans to registered social landlords, loans made under the private finance initiatives, and commercial real estate loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nationwide Building Society Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nationwide Building Society and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS Get Rating) shares shot up 5.9% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $7.33 and last traded at $7.31. 3,949,519 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 41% from the average session volume of 6,666,269 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.90. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In KOS has been the topic of several analyst reports. Bank of America cut shares of Kosmos Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $10.00 to $9.60 in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $10.00 price objective on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Kosmos Energy from $10.75 to $10.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Peel Hunt assumed coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Friday, March 10th. They issued an add rating and a $8.94 price objective on the stock. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Kosmos Energy from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Monday, February 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $130.51. Get Kosmos Energy alerts: Kosmos Energy Stock Up 3.8 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $3.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 2.77. The stocks fifty day moving average is $7.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.66. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Kosmos Energy ( NYSE:KOS Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Sunday, February 26th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.03. Kosmos Energy had a net margin of 9.85% and a return on equity of 66.00%. The company had revenue of $563.72 million for the quarter. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.13 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Kosmos Energy Ltd. will post 1.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Kosmos Energy by 143.6% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,579 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 2,110 shares during the period. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new position in Kosmos Energy in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its holdings in Kosmos Energy by 50.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,394 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 1,467 shares during the period. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new position in Kosmos Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Kosmos Energy in the 1st quarter worth approximately $45,000. 87.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Kosmos Energy (Get Rating) Kosmos Energy Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas. The firms assets include production offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as well as a gas development offshore Mauritania and Senegal. It also maintains a sustainable exploration program balanced between proven basin infrastructure-led exploration, emerging basins, and frontier basins. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Kosmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kosmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Episode 82: It was at this time three years ago when all of us learned a lot more about pandemics. As the coronavirus surged across the world, many felt overwhelmed with the avalanche of information about the virus. Each day, news reports showed an escalation of cases and more deaths. We know a lot more about COVID today. And because of vaccines and previous infections, most people are much better protected. Although it can still be a deadly disease, its no longer affecting how most of us live our lives. Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the effectiveness of the messaging in the early days of the pandemic, why COVID further divided many Americans and how leadership matters during a crisis. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: Pandemic 3 years later: Has the COVID-19 virus won?, by Carla K. Johnson, The Associated Press A quarter of Americans distrust CDC recommendations, survey finds, Alexander Tin, CBS News Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, by Laura Ungar and Mary Clare Jalonick, The Associated Press Study: Parents admit to lying about childs COVID status, by Angie Leventis, The Chicago Tribune About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. A Moneta woman who was found with a loaded handgun in her carry-on bag at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport last month had her initial court hearing Monday in Roanoke General District Court. On Feb. 12, Susan Goodman Epperly, 64, was charged with carrying a weapon in an airport terminal, a misdemeanor, according to Virginias online court case information system. Epperly had a .380 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds in her carry-on bag, which was inspected after it passed through an X-ray unit, the Transportation Security Administration reported. On Monday, Epperly appeared in Roanoke General District Court with her attorney, Raphael Ray Ferris. She pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor weapons charge, which was taken under advisement for six months. Her plea agreement with the commonwealth, represented by Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan, also called for the destruction of the confiscated handgun. Ferris said Epperly has already paid a $2,500 fine to the TSA, which may impose financial civil penalties of up to $14,950 per violation. Youve been given a great opportunity here, Judge Thomas Roe said. Take advantage of it, OK? Epperly is scheduled to appear in court again in September. She is the first person to be charged in Roanoke in 2023 with the airport weapons charge. In 2022, a record-setting eight weapons were seized at the Roanoke airport terminal. U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order that restricts the use of commercial spyware by federal government agencies. The order said the spyware ecosystem "poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person." It also seeks to ensure that the government's use of such tools is done in a manner that's "consistent with respect for the rule of law, human rights, and democratic norms and values." To that end, the order lays out the various criteria under which commercial spyware could be disqualified for use by U.S. government agencies. They include - The purchase of commercial spyware by a foreign government or person to target the U.S. government, A commercial spyware vendor that uses or discloses sensitive data obtained from the cyber surveillance tool without authorization and operates under the control of a foreign government that's engaged in espionage activities aimed at the U.S., A foreign threat actor that uses commercial spyware against activists and dissidents with the goal of limiting freedom of expression or perpetrating human rights abuses, A foreign threat actor that uses commercial spyware to keep tabs on a U.S. citizen without legal authorization, safeguards, and oversight, and The sales of commercial spyware to governments that have a record of engaging in systematic acts of political repression and other human rights violations. "This Executive Order will also serve as a foundation to deepen international cooperation to promote responsible use of surveillance technology, counter the proliferation and misuse of such technology, and spur industry reform," the White House said in a statement. About 50 U.S. government officials in senior positions located in at least 10 countries are estimated to have been infected or targeted by such spyware to date, the Wall Street Journal reported, a number larger than previously known. While the order stops short of an outright ban, the development comes as sophisticated and invasive surveillance tools are being increasingly deployed to access electronic devices remotely using zero-click exploits and extract valuable information about targets without their knowledge or consent. Last week, the New York Times reported that Artemis Seaford, a former security policy manager at Meta, had her phone wiretapped and hacked by Greece's national intelligence agency using Predator, a spyware developed by Cytrox. That said, the order also leaves open the possibility of other kinds of spyware devices, including IMSI catchers, being used by government agencies to glean valuable intelligence. Viewed in that light, it's also an acknowledgment that the spyware-for-sale industry plays an important role in intelligence-gathering operations even as the technology constitutes a growing counterintelligence and national security risk to government personnel. UPCOMING WEBINAR Zero Trust + Deception: Learn How to Outsmart Attackers! Discover how Deception can detect advanced threats, stop lateral movement, and enhance your Zero Trust strategy. Join our insightful webinar! Save My Seat! Earlier this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that the agency has in the past purchased the location data of U.S. citizens from data brokers as a means to sidestep the traditional warrant process. The FBI is also alleged to have bought a license for Israeli company NSO Group's Pegasus during 2020 and 2021, acknowledging that it was used for research and development purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in a similar fashion, uses Graphite, a spyware tool produced by another Israeli company named Paragon, for counternarcotics operations. It's not immediately not clear if other U.S. federal agencies currently use any commercial spyware. During a dispute Sunday evening at 501 Memorial Drive, an 11-year-old boy shot a 10-year-old boy in the face with a BB gun. The shot left the victim with a visible bloody mark on his chin. Grand Island police responded to the assault at about 7:10 p.m. The 11-year-old, contacted by police, admitted to firing the BB pistol at the boy. He was referred for second-degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony. In other news, Monday's Grand Island Police Department media report included more details about an incident Friday morning outside Grand Island Senior High. At 11:15 a.m., it was reported that a car full of students was shooting a paintball or similar gun at others in the north parking lot of GISH. The vehicle was located, and an officer made verbal contact with the driver, who is a 17-year-old male. "The driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed through the parking lot that was full of pedestrians," according to the media report. The driver, contacted later, was found to be in possession of an Orbeez splat gun, nicotine vape devices and a THC vape device. Grand Island Police Capt. Jim Duering said Orbeez splat guns fire small, plastic, water-filled pellets, which sting when hitting a person's skin. The driver was issued a citation for flight to avoid arrest, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, being a minor in possession of a tobacco/nicotine vape and discharging or possessing a BB gun in a vehicle. He was released to his father. MEXICO CITY Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention center in northern Mexico, starting a fire that killed at least 40 people, the president said Tuesday, in one of the deadliest events ever at a Mexican immigration lockup. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Twenty-nine people were injured and are in "delicate-serious" condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, with Guatemalans being the largest contingent, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney general's office. Many of them may have been from Guatemala, according to a Guatemalan official. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. "They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune," Lopez Obrador said, adding that the director of the country's immigration agency was on the scene. The detention facility is a short walk from the U.S. border and across the street from Juarez's city hall. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it "energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy" without any further explanation. The "extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one," Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. As Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem migration to the U.S. border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. The country's immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexico's largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the world's third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. It holds tens of thousands of migrants in an expansive network of detention centers and attempts to closely monitor movements across the country in cooperation with American authorities. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the country's southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities with the U.S., including Ciudad Juarez. An estimated 2,200 people are in Ciudad Juarez's shelters, along with more migrants outside shelters who come from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and El Salvador, according to the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin. Photos: 39 killed at migrant detention center near US border *** The following gallery shows scenes from the US-Mexico border in December 2022. YORK Mark Madarang, 28, of Porterville, California, was sentenced this week in a case involving the delivery of drugs and hauling 50 pounds of marijuana into York County. He was a passenger in a vehicle in which 50 one-pound bags of pot were found during a traffic stop on Interstate 80. A York County drug dog was deployed at the scene because neither the driver nor the occupants could tell deputies where they had been or where they were going, besides other suspicious comments and behavior. The drug dog alerted to the presence of narcotics and a search was conducted. The driver and another passenger indicated the marijuana belonged to Madarang and he was paying them to get him and the marijuana to Illinois where he planned to sell it. It was established that Madarang was the main individual involved in the distribution of marijuana from California to Illinois. Initially, Madarang was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, a Class 2A felony; possession of more than one pound of marijuana, a Class 4 felony; and having no drug tax stamp, a Class 4 felony. The charges were amended to just one count of attempted possession of more than one pound of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor, as part of a plea agreement. This week, in York County District Court, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for seven days of credit for time already served. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution/fine. Police on Tuesday identified the 27-year-old Lincoln woman accused of purposefully running over and killing two men in south Lincoln on Monday but provided few new details about what led to the brazen daytime attack. Taylor B. Bradley was arrested near the scene on suspicion of two counts of second-degree murder for her alleged role in the tragic event that killed two men in their 40s, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said. Bradley was taken into custody near The Lodge apartment complex just south of Nebraska Parkway near 40th Street, where emergency personnel responded at about 1:20 p.m. Monday on a report of a car-pedestrian collision. Bradley is accused of running down the two men in a grassy area outside the apartment complexs clubhouse, Ewins said at a Tuesday news conference, where she declined to identify the victims and provided few details about the incident. I would love to be able to answer that question, you know, What led up to somebody intentionally running others over? Ewins said. It is its part of the investigation and were really looking into what happened. Unfortunately, theres witnesses that saw parts of it, but not the entire interaction. Ewins said the two men, who first responders pronounced dead at the scene, were maintenance employees working at the complex, where Bradley is a resident. The police chief said investigators spoke with a substantial number of witnesses and have reviewed surveillance footage that showed there definitely was ... intent in the collision that killed the men, but Ewins declined to describe what in the video led police to that conclusion. Its really hard to really present that at this time, because we dont have all the evidence, and I dont want to taint the investigation with giving that out too soon, she said. Both victims were longtime employees of Perry Reid Properties, which has managed the sprawling complex just south of Nebraska Parkway for nearly a decade, said Tom Huston, who serves as general counsel for the company. More than 24 hours after the incident, Huston said the company remains baffled by Mondays attack and what might have led up to it. Were mystified why this occurred, Huston said. Huston said Bradley has been a tenant at the property for less than a year and the company hadnt had any previous documented run-ins with her. According to our records, we had no prior negative contact with her, he said. There wasnt a service call I know there were some rumors that she was undergoing an eviction. That is not true. Weve been fully cooperative with the police trying to figure out what would have triggered this. Huston said the property owner turned over surveillance footage to police that captured much of the attack from the nearby clubhouse. Huston had not reviewed the video, he said, but said that deep tracks left by Bradleys 2015 Subaru indicated she left the roadway and chased the employees at a high rate of speed. The company called in grief counselors for the victims colleagues, Huston said. Its a tragedy for our employees and their families, he said. And, frankly, some of the other employees that were witnesses to it I mean, theyre hurt. Which is understandable. ... It is traumatic for them. Police arrested Bradley 12 minutes after the initial call came in, at 1:32 p.m. Monday. She was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and later booked in the Lancaster County Jail, where she is being held without bond ahead of her initial court appearance, set for Wednesday. She has not yet been charged with a crime. Ewins said authorities had collected a blood sample from Bradley for drug and alcohol testing but did not indicate whether she was suspected to be under the influence of either at the time. Its unclear to investigators whether Bradley had any interactions with the victims prior to Mondays incident, Ewins said. Its also unclear how fast she was going when she struck the men with her car. The police chief pleaded with area residents who may have witnessed the incident or captured video of it to come forward to police if they havent. Anything will help, she said. Residents can call the police department at 402-441-6000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. CHARLESTON A 19-year-old woman and her parents have been awarded $40 million by a Coles County jury in a medical malpractice suit over injuries the woman suffered during her birth at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. The award is the highest Illinois malpractice verdict reported outside Cook County, according to the Jury Verdict Reporter. It is the highest verdict ever in Coles County. The Mattoon-based health system has responded that the "verdict does not reflect the facts of this case" and that "awards of this massive size are devastating to this region." The jury found that injuries suffered by Kiera Campbell during her birth were preventable if the hospital staff and a nurse had not delayed calling the doctor to perform an emergency C-section, according to Campell's legal counsel, Levin & Perconti and Spiros Law, P.C. Kiera Campbell and her parents, Todd and Jaime Campbell, testified during the three-week trial, with the parents describing how their daughter's severe and permanent brain injuries have impacted their lives. The lawsuit was filed 15 years ago, when Kiera was 4. Prior to the case going to trial earlier this month, the defense reportedly had offered $3 million to Kiera and her family to settle the case. During the trial, the plaintiffs' lawyers asked the jury to award them between $35 and $37 million. The jury increased the amount to $40 million in its verdict Thursday. We prosecuted this case for 15 years and persisted in rejecting the defense argument that Kiera wasnt injured to the extent we said," said Mike Bonamarte, managing partner at Levin & Perconti. "On the outside, Kiera looks like a normal 19- year-old but the damage to her brain has limited her potential. Physically, Kiera is high functioning. Cognitively, her executive functioning is significantly impaired. The verdict is just and reflective of the complete compensation that Kiera deserves for the harm that was done to her by the conduct of the defendants. In a statement issued on Monday, Sarah Bush Lincoln affirmed that a Coles County jury rendered a $40 million verdict in favor of a plaintiff alleging medical malpractice that occurred 20 years ago. The case alleges an injury at birth causing cognitive disabilities. There are no words to describe the level of our disappointment at the verdict and the devastation that is caused by egregious awards like this," said SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff in the statement. "The verdict does not reflect the facts of this case. We support our medical staff and clinical teams and stand by the care that was delivered. Uphoff added that, "Awards of this massive size are devastating to this region. Nuclear verdicts are on the rise and they have devastating impacts on businesses, entire industries and the community at large." The plaintiffs say Jaime Campbell was 40 weeks pregnant in May 2003 when she began bleeding and suffering abdominal pain and cramping. When she arrived at the hospital in the early morning, it was apparent a placental abruption had occurred. A doctor was not called to the hospital until the situation was dire, according to the plaintiffs' attorneys. Kiera Campbell suffered from a seizure disorder, mild cerebral palsy and speech and developmental delays as a result of the delayed delivery. Through intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy, Kiera Campbell has made many advances, but she still faces cognitive and intellectual disabilities including a significant executive function disorder and memory deficits, her attorneys said. Thanks to the tireless work of Kieras parents and her own hard work and perseverance, she has accomplished so much more than was expected," said Miranda Soucie, partner at Spiros Law. "She graduated from high school and has a part-time job. The jurors could only imagine the life Kiera could have had without these severe disabilities given her work ethic and supportive family." The jury's verdict reportedly includes $20 million for future disability, $5 million for past disability, $4.75 million for future emotional distress, $750,000 for past emotional distress, $500,000 for past pain and suffering, $5 million for future caretaking expenses, and $4 million for future lost earnings. In a statement, Todd Campbell said the verdict comes as a great relief for the family. "We would like to thank our legal team for telling our story, the judge for allowing our story to be told and the jury for their attention and time in hearing our story, he said. We will never get what most people call normal, but we can finally put this behind us and move forward in securing our daughters future. We no longer have to worry about Kiera being taken care of if something ever happened to us. READ THE DOCUMENTS: Most popular girl names in the 60s in Illinois What's in a name? #50. Rhonda #49. Rebecca #48. Cindy #47. Melissa #46. Jacqueline #45. Jill #44. Maria #43. Robin #42. Catherine #41. Margaret #40. Tracy #39. Janet #38. Theresa #37. Kathy #36. Teresa #35. Carol #34. Amy #33. Kelly #32. Tina #31. Brenda #30. Cheryl #29. Diane #28. Denise #27. Tammy #26. Sharon #25. Angela #24. Kathleen #23. Barbara #22. Nancy #21. Dawn #20. Debra #19. Elizabeth #18. Christine #17. Jennifer #16. Pamela #15. Lori #14. Sandra #13. Deborah #12. Donna #11. Cynthia #10. Michelle #9. Julie #8. Patricia #7. Linda #6. Laura #5. Kimberly #4. Karen #3. Susan #2. Mary #1. Lisa SPRINGFIELD Growing up in Decatur, Mark Denzler saw firsthand the impact a robust manufacturing sector could have on a community and those who live within it, including his own family. Denzlers dad operated a construction company, his mom owned her own shop in Hickory Point Mall and several members of his extended family worked for industrial giants such as Archer Daniels Midland Co., A.E. Staley and Caterpillar. It put food on the table, manufacturing did, Denzler told Lee Enterprises in an interview. I definitely think that it gave me an appreciation for what manufacturing does. Though he did not know it at the time, Denzler would rise through the ranks of state politics and business, ultimately becoming president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, which bills itself as the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States. Representing more than 4,000 companies and facilities that produce a third of the Illinois jobs, Denzler is one of the most influential lobbyists in the state and is often at the center of policy debates that impact the business community. One of the IMA's most high-profile annual events is set for Wednesday, when Denzler will announce the winner of the organization's Makers Madness competition. The tournament-style contest was created to raise awareness of the innovative products manufactured across the state. College years Before his interest settled in the political arena, Denzler planned to study biology at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. Like most college freshmen, though, he changed his major once he got to campus, settling on political science with a minor in international relations. He also found his love of travel during a semester abroad in Nigeria. He said he sees travel as a great equalizer. Denzler, a graduate of Decatur's Eisenhower High School, later participated in the graduate-level Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program at the University of Illinois Springfield. While there, he worked for House Republicans, focusing on consumer protection before transitioning to transportation. It was there that Denzler got his first taste of policymaking. Among the initiatives he worked on was Gov. Jim Edgars effort to reform school funding in Illinois. Edgar sought to shift the main funding mechanism for schools away from local property taxes to state funding, an effort to close disparities between richer suburban districts and poorer districts in Chicago and downstate. Though unsuccessful, it helped lay the groundwork for the evidence-based funding model that passed in 2017. After completing the ILSIP program, Denzler moved to Washington, D.C., to work in constituent affairs for Congressman Tom Ewing, a Republican representing east-central Illinois. He said it was "eye-opening to be in the halls of power." For a person growing up in Decatur, kind of low middle-class, my parents werent politically affiliated. They didnt know anybody and they didnt write campaign checks, Denzler said. For a young kid from the cornfields in Macon County, it was kind of a cool thing to do. Denzler loved the history of Washington, D.C., but wanted to come back to Illinois. He got his chance in 1999 when he was hired for his first stint with the IMA as a governmental affairs representative. Denzler was hired by IMA president Greg Baise, whom he would eventually succeed nearly two decades later. Mark is a very accomplished and thoughtful person, Baise told Lee Enterprises. I recognized early on that his skillset of understanding issues in state government was second to none. After taking a three-year interlude to work for State Farm in Bloomington, Denzler returned to the IMA as vice president of governmental affairs. He became its president and CEO in 2018. A Central Illinois love story After moving back to Illinois in the late 1990s, Denzler met his wife Debbi while volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois. He was talking about going to this show and I was like Oh thats so cool, Id love to go to that, except I didnt get tickets, Debbi Denzler said. A couple days later, he called me and said that he got tickets for this show, first come, first serve. I was in a meeting when the call came in. So after the meeting, I called all frantic because I really wanted to go and I had figured he had already gotten rid of the ticket to somebody else. The ticket was still available. He hadnt called anyone else. A couple days after taking in a performance of Rent together, Denzler asked Debbi to dinner on Valentine's Day. They had a Springfield fairy tale and were married at the Old State Capitol building with Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln impersonators greeting their guests. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2022. Debbi Denzler said she learned early in the relationship with her future husband that he is thoughtful, intentional and believes in working with everyone. He doesn't talk negatively about others, she said. His philosophy is working with everybody regardless of what their political party is, because he believes in people working together despite what party you are. Under the Dome Denzler is a firm believer in preparation, a quality key to his Capitol checklist. If Im going to testify in committee, Ive done my homework. I know my talking points, Denzler said. Know your facts and the most important thing is dont make something up if you dont know it. The IMA lobbies the state government on behalf of member organizations. Given that most of those are businesses, the group tends to lean toward conservative positions on issues like taxes and regulations. "Mark is a great friend, he's passionate about his issues and he's always been easy to work with and we thank him for all his hard work, working with the House of Representatives," said state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, vice-chair of the House Labor Committee. Under Baise, the group established for-profit subsidiary Xpress Professional Services, a political fulfillment firm that produces digital, television and radio ads as well as direct mail for political candidates and causes. The group was long considered a major player in establishment Illinois Republican politics. But in a state where Democrats now hold every constitutional office and supermajorities in the state legislature, the group has sought common ground while protecting its interests. Its conservative in its thoughts but it also understands the other sides of issues as well, Baise said. Thats why it's important to have a leader that can see both sides, and Mark clearly does that. Denzler said that he believes in treating people with respect and building relationships. Particularly in a Democratic state where you might have more policy members that are adverse or have a different philosophy than the business community, Denzler said. I think its about building relationships. I think you also have to take wins when you can get them and sometimes that means compromise. Denzler said that being a good listener is the most important thing for building relationships and that he tries to understand other peoples point of view. At the end of the day, people having an opposing view aren't bad people, they aren't evil people, they just have a different philosophy, Denzler said. Nicole Bateman, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Macon County, described Denzler as a fierce advocate for manufacturing in Illinois and in Decatur. He is a Decatur native and so he is very familiar with all things manufacturing in the state and really the impact that manufacturing can have on a community small communities and large communities alike, Bateman said. Batemans organization works to attract manufacturing jobs to the county, which has more than 11,000 workers employed in the sector. Its really easy to focus on the larger cities and the suburbs on the northern side of the state because there is a ton of economic development and a ton of activity in that part of the state, Bateman said. But there are some really impactful and meaningful manufacturing operations taking place in downstate Illinois. As well as promoting existing manufacturers, Denzler works to bring new manufacturing jobs to the state. I think you look at the advantages Illinois has. We have a central location. We have a great infrastructure system and that includes rails, roads and waterways, Denzler said. Denzler says that his favorite part of the job is getting to tour manufacturing facilities. The best thing is going out and meeting manufacturing workers, seeing the pride that they have, seeing what they make, Denzler said. In addition to leading one of the most influential business organizations in the state, Denzler was recently named Speaker of the Third House the organization representing Illinois lobbyists. He described the role as an honor. It truly is humbling and I think hopefully reflects what people think of me and my ability to get along with everybody, Denzler said. Denzler was also recently named Railroader of the Year by the Illinois Railroad Association. For the association, its a way to honor people and to salute folks who have really gone to bat for the railroad industry, said Tim Butler, president and CEO of the Illinois Railroad Association and a former state representative. The thing for us with the railroad association is the relationship that we have with the manufacturing industry in the state of Illinois is huge. Giving back Despite his professional commitments, Denzler remains an active member of his community, serving on the board of directors for the Midwest affiliate of St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital and as the board chair for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, which represents 30 counties. Im really passionate about volunteer work, Denzler said. I was taught from an early age from my parents about the importance of giving back. I just love volunteering and giving back to the community. Denzler is also an avid sock collector with more than 40 pairs of fun-patterned socks. They range from Union Pacific blue-and-yellow to socks featuring Scooby-Doo, received as a gift because his son C.J. loved the cartoon growing up. Outside of volunteering, Denzler spends his free time flying his Cessna 172 single-engine airplane. He received his private pilot license six years ago. Denzler was determined to complete the program, which took him close to a year since he could only fly nights and weekends. I laughed because I started at about the same time as a kid from Rochester who was in high school and he got his in about three months, Denzler said. Denzler said that he loves flying because it represents being a lifetime learner. He said the skills needed in the sky are often similar to those he needs working in Illinois politics. Taking off is fairly easy. And as I'm flying this out, I think, how do I land this thing? But then your training kicks in, Denzler said. You get a crisis and I dont care if it is at the Capitol and something comes up last minute and is a huge issue if youve done your training, and youve done your preparation, (its okay). It would have been easy to freak out, and for a minute my heart raced. But then you start going through your checklist. Photos: Chicago mayoral candidates in the 2023 election Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia - 2023 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia - 2023 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia - 2023 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia - 2023 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Lori Lightfoot - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Paul Vallas - 2023 Willie Wilson - 2020 Willie Wilson - 2020 Willie Wilson - 2023 Willie Wilson - 2023 When then-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore was promoted to be the top executive of the utilitys parent company in 2018, her first call was to House Speaker Michael Madigan. Soon after giving the speaker the happy news, which was not yet public, Pramaggiore called one of Madigans longtime confidants, former ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain, according to a recording of the call played for jurors in the ComEd Four bribery trial Monday. Pramaggiore told McClain on the May 8, 2018, call that her promotion to Exelon Utilities never would have happened without you and John (Hooker) and the speaker. Youve been my spirit guides and more on that, Pramaggiore told McClain, who at the time was waiting outside Madigans office at the Capitol while the speaker was meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner. Well we love ya, McClain responded. ...Im so proud of you. Weeks later, McClain and Hooker, also a longtime ComEd lobbyist, were secretly recorded by the FBI talking about Pramaggiores move to the big time at Exelon. When we pulled up, we had the little jet, Hooker said on the call, laughing. She had the big Exelon jet. The big one you can stand up in. The grandeur of Exelons private jet also caught the fancy of Madigan, who joked with McClain on another recorded call that he might want to go back to work for a power company later in life, because the plane that Anne rides in? You could serve the president of the United States in the thing. Later in that same conversation, McClain told Madigan that he was pleased the speaker and Pramaggiore had developed such a friendly relationship. The domino effect, McClain said, started when they took a trip to Turkey together. The calls, which were played at the outset of the trials eighth day on Monday, marked the first time that Pramaggiores voice has been heard in the dozens of secret recordings made by investigators. Later Monday, prosecutors are expected to call their star witness, former ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, who cooperated with the government after he was confronted in January 2019 and secretly recorded phone calls and videotaped in-person meetings with the defendants. Charged in the case are McClain, Pramaggiore, Hooker, and Jay Doherty, who was a consultant and lobbyist for ComEd and the ex-president of the City Club of Chicago. The indictment alleged ComEd poured $1.3 million into payments funneled to ghost subcontractors who were Madigans associates, put a Madigan-backed candidate on the ComEd board, and gave coveted internships to families in his 13th Ward, all part of an elaborate scheme to keep the speaker happy and help the utilitys legislative agenda in Springfield. Prosecutors also alleged that ComEd agreed to hire and then renew a contract for the Reyes Kurson law firm, headed by longtime Madigan associate Victor Reyescq, to curry favor with the speaker. Madigan and McClain, meanwhile, are facing separate racketeering charges alleging an array of corrupt schemes, including the bribery plot by ComEd. The defense has argued that what prosecutors say was bribery was actually nothing more than honest, legal political lobbying, and that there was no evidence Madigan did anything to directly help ComEd in exchange for benefits that flowed to his cronies. Among the recordings prosecutors are signaling they want to use when Marquez takes the stand is a May 23, 2018, call between McClain and Marquez, who allegedly described how a female gas company executive was getting pushed really hard to hire someone at Madigans request and that Marquez told her to consider the hire. Good, perfect, McClain allegedly said, adding: Well, not everyone likes getting the calls, right? Yeah, Marquez said, according to a motion filed Sunday by prosecutors. I dont know if, I dont know that anybody likes it, but people need to understand, how, whats behind all this. Marquez allegedly went over his conversation with the gas company worker, telling McClain: I says, That maybe one day youll have an ask and this will be remembered. Right, exactly, McClain allegedly said. It all comes ... around, right? Federal authorities alleged the conversation showed Marquez was recapping how he told the gas executive that it was important to hire people when asked to do so by Madigan. Prosecutors said Marquez told the gas executive that the requested hire should be made so that when you need to ask for official action in return, Madigan would oblige. Shortly after 5 p.m. the same day, McClain relayed the Marquez conversation with the gas company executive to Andrew Madigan, the ex-speakers son. I mean, thats how the systhis is, you cant be offended with that, McClain allegedly said to the younger Madigan. Oh, so you got pressure too, are you kidding me? McClain allegedly said, I just love these people that, they are in a regulatory body, right? And they are offended when people ask for favors. Hello? Dumb (expletive). McClain was also recorded saying, Thats what happens when you do when youre in this game. ... Maybe some day you can ask for a favor, according to prosecutors. Authorities described the recordings as illustrative of pay-to-play, the process where businesses give benefits to public officials and their associates with the goal of receiving future official action in return. The prosecutors want to play the tapes in the trial because defense attorneys have aggressively sought to convince the jurors that defendants actions were not illegal. For example, McClains attorney, Patrick Cotter, asked Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, if McClain ever suggested that the lawmaker should get involved in making job recommendation as a strategy to pass legislation? Rita responded, No. In his opening argument for McClain, prosecutors argued, Cotter said the activities under scrutiny represent honest lobbying and that is exactly what happened in this case, that and nothing more. Cotter played down the Madigan allies jobs in question, saying they are the result of mere recommendations, prosecutors said. The following articles were from clippings my Dad had in a scrapbook. He saved many articles that were interesting to him. If nothing else, these articles show that the Daily Independent went back many years. The Daily Independent is now known as The Southern Illinoisan. 1930/1931 Famous Steamboat Captains Hail From Little Grand Tower. Their Names Blazed Across History of Old Man River. Col. Wells Schoolmates. Memories of Old Man River days at Grand Tower were brought back to Col. E.A. Wells, Murphysboro banker, today by a letter to The Daily Independent from Nevada Fakes of Pekins, Mo. "Did you know," Miss Fakes wrote, that the veteran steamboat captain, Geo. O. Rogers, whose name came into prominent newspaper notice at the recent launching of the Herbert Hoover, largest tow-boat in the world is a native son of Jackson County? He was born and reared at Grand Tower and received his initiation into river service from that river town. He was for many years a pilot on the St. Louis New Orleans run. His experience with Old Man River forms a chapter of thrilling interest in the history of steamboat navigation. Col. Wells, on learning of Miss Fakes letter said: "Yes, I know Captain Rogers well. I went to school with him and Captain Steve Greenwell, another famous Grand Tower steamboat pilot and captain. I recall it was Captain Greenwell of Grand Tower who was chosen to take President Teddy Roosevelt on his famous excursion down the Mississippi years ago. 1932 Hon. Len Small At Grand Tower This Morning. Hundreds of men and women of Jackson County motored to Grand Tower today, to meet Len Small, Republican candidate for governor. It would be impossible to name all that attended. 1934 Skeleton is Found Near Grand Tower. A skeleton has been found in the woods on the Oakwood Farm near Grand Tower. Coroner Samuel Bastien and Sheriff W. W. Ozburn intend to view the remains Sunday and make an effort to identify the bones. It is believed at Grand Tower that the bones are those of a woman. Pending-investigation it is surmised here that the skeleton is that of old Christopher Hoppes wife. Hoppe, it will be recalled, was murdered in his tent near Big Muddy River some months ago. Hoppes wife had died a year or so prior to the murder and her body had been buried in a shallow grave near the tent. Harry Griffin, Hoppes son-in-law, is doing time for the murder. The skeleton was found by a farm hand working on the Blake farm. Jan. 22, 1937 Ice in River at Grand Tower is Cause for Concern. Means Northern Flood May meet Raging Ohio Near Cairo. Ice flows in the Mississippi at Grand Tower today, with the river coming to a stand after several days steady fall, were the first sign of the expected flood out of the upper river shed against the glut of water at the mouth of the Ohio. It is predicted today that the stage at Cairo will exceed the all-time record of 1927. It is recalled that in 1927 the Jackson County bottoms were awash from Gorham to Cora City with 45,000 acres of land inundated. The articles you just read go back to a different world than we live in now. Several wars have been fought, clothing styles changed, car designs greatly differ, climate change has occurred and many other things are different. However one thing remains the same. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. A 28-year-old woman was shot and killed inside of a Cordova home on Saturday night. Shamel Deantonio Owens, 33, of 162 Eagle Run Drive, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The shooting occurred around 10:15 p.m. at Owens home, according to an Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office incident report. Four juveniles were in a back room of the home when the shooting occurred. Someone called 911, reporting that a person was shot. Deputies found the slain woman unresponsive on the living room floor near the kitchen. Shed been shot multiple times, according to warrants. Owens was taken into custody at the scene. Parents of the four juveniles were outside of the home when deputies arrived. Deputies escorted the juveniles to their parents. One of the parents claimed that the slain woman entered the home and charged at Owens. Thats when Owens allegedly shot her. Another parent reported hearing gunshots, but didnt see the shooting occur. Warrants allege Owens admitted he shot the woman. Owens appeared before Orangeburg County Magistrate James Rickenbacker on Monday afternoon. By law, magistrates cannot set bond on capital offenses in South Carolina, so Owens will appear before a circuit judge at a later date for bond consideration on the murder charge. Rickenbacker also deferred setting bond to a circuit judge on Owens possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime charge. Owens is scheduled to appear in General Sessions court for the first time on April 24 at 9 a.m. If Owens is convicted, he faces up to life in prison. The coroners office hasnt yet released the name of the slain woman. S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson hosted 18 sheriffs and 10 solicitors to call for judicial reform on Monday morning, according to a release from his office. The judiciary affects everyone's everyday life, particularly when it comes to public safety. It doesn't matter what your religion is, your race, your political ideology everyone wants to feel safe. Giving the executive branch involvement and input in how we select our judges will help bring accountability, transparency and confidence to our criminal justice system, Wilson said. We need immediate judicial reform in South Carolina, 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe said. I've heard great ideas from every corner of the state about judicial reform, and they are all better ideas, in my opinion, than what we have now. Wilson, Pascoe and the rest of the solicitors and sheriffs agree that executive branch involvement in the selection process of judges is a first step in judicial reform. In South Carolina, judges are selected through the Judicial Merit Selection Commission and voted on by the legislature. Wilson and the bipartisan law enforcement coalition are advocating for reforming the JMSC and giving the executive branch representation in that process. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. (TBTCO) - Cong ty CP Chung khoan SSI (ma Ck: SSI) vua cong bo bao cao tai chinh rieng quy I/2023. Trong quy au nam, lai truoc thue cua SSI a at 590 ty ong cao nhat trong 4 quy gan ay va thuoc top au loi nhuan cua cac cong ty chung khoan. Hai mang ong gop lon nhat vao doanh thu cua SSI la dich vu chung khoan va au tu voi ty le 42,4% va 46,6% trong tong doanh thu. An interview with Jurij Koch, an eminent writer among the Slavic-speaking community in eastern Germany. Jurij Koch is a contemporary writer working in both the Sorbian and German languages. Born in 1936, he lives in the city of Cottbus, in the far southeastern corner of Germany; this region, historically known as Lusatia, consists of parts of the states of Saxony and Brandenburg. Lusatia is home to many traditionally Sorbian villages and a few cities with large Sorbian populations, such as Bautzen, Cottbus, and Hoyerswerda, which are known in Sorbian as Budysin, Chosebuz, and Wojerecy, respectively. The Sorbian language, sometimes called Wendish, is a West Slavic language, little known compared to its larger cousins Czech and Polish (and quite distant, among the Slavic languages, from its near namesake, Serbian). But Sorbian is still spoken by at least 60,000 people. The language, and Sorbian cultural institutions such as radio, television, schools, and a highly regarded publishing house, underwent a period of cultivation in the former East Germany, following the exploitation and attempted forced assimilation of the Sorbs in the Third Reich. Jurij Koch is Sorbias leading writer today. His first works appeared over 50 years ago, and in addition to his four novels, he has written short stories, childrens books, a collection of essays about nature and the environment in late East Germany, plays and film scripts, and three volumes of autobiography. His works have been translated into many languages; the first English translation of his fiction is slated to appear later this year as The Cherry Tree: A Novella. This book, written in a style one might call socialist magic realism, because of its treatment of pre-Christian paganism and the mysteries of the natural world, is both a love story and an environmental novel. It subtly explores gendered approaches to the exploitation of coal and hydroelectric resources that endangered many Sorbian villages during the period of communism in East Germany. This interview was conducted via email in spring 2020. What should people in the Anglosphere know about Sorbs? The Sorbs (who are also known as Wends) are a small people, a Slavic nation that lives as part of the German Staatsvolk [titular or constitutive nation] in the middle of Europe, close to Poland and the Czech Republic. Todays Sorbs are a fragment of a once larger European settlement community with its own language, traditions, and worlds of emotional experience. They are the worlds smallest Slavic ethnos. It is truly remarkable and not just from our own perspective that they have maintained the various aspects of their identity for over 1,400 years; they settled here during the period in European history known as the Voelkerwanderung, or Great Migration of the Peoples. In addition, we must note that the changing German polities their regimes and administrations have not always shown themselves benevolent. There were times when power structures, and the laws and decrees that resulted from them, considered the Sorbian (or the Wendish) presence to be something less than beneficial in the midst of German cultural sensitivities. In other words, there were times when it was considered alien, and those in power actively practiced assimilation. If youre on the lookout for miracles, then the preservation of Sorbianness over such a long span of time qualifies as one. This is true even today, when Sorbian elements are viewed as remnants of a highly endangered community. Do you consider Upper and Lower Sorbian to be separate languages? The two language variants that Sorbs use to communicate among themselves (Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian) differ, in my opinion, so little from one another that we can actually speak of two dialects of the same language. But this is controversial, even among philologists. Since I am not a linguist, I let them fight it out while I use the two variants as I wish. By birth Im an Upper Sorbian, and I learned Lower Sorbian in Cottbus when I was in high school there, and during the time I did an internship in the editorial office of a local newspaper there. I mastered it in very short order. Comparisons disappoint, but heres another try at one: its as if someone from Hamburg, in the north of Germany, were to adopt (for whatever reason) the lexicon, accent, and so forth of the dialect in Munich Admittedly, the controversies here get tricky when various kinds of content are read into the issue content that is patterned after political goals and other imbroglios. Here are some examples: The Upper Sorbs are Catholic, while those of us in Lower Sorbia are Protestant. The Sorbs in the state of Saxony, because they outnumber us, want to force their way of life onto us, including the language. The Christian Democrats are in power there, but we Brandenburg Sorbs traditionally vote for the Social Democrats Therefore, we here prefer to call ourselves Wends; were flat-out different And its none of your business, anyway! This deposition of inappropriate meaning in the language dispute is harmful to the Sorbs as a minority, because both of the variants are classified by experts as among the most endangered languages in the world. What has Germanys membership in the European Union meant to the Sorbs? Put another way, how has the EU affected the lives of the Sorbs of Germany? Germanys membership in the EU is of benefit to the Sorbs. Now we are also in a European community of minorities. We can compare ourselves better to other ethnic groups, for instance the Slovenes of Austria, the Romansh of Switzerland, the Kashubians of Poland, and the German-speaking minority in Denmark. And when there are conflicts, we can say to the bureaucrats: Look here! This works for this or that group over there. Why not for us, too? How is the rise of right-wing political groups in Germany, such as Pegida and the AfD, over the past two decades perceived in the Sorbian community? Have these groups had any effect on how Sorbs live or the rights they enjoy? Right-wing nationalist mindsets manifest themselves thank God! only in isolated cases. Bilingual road signs are an example; the Sorbian names are sometimes painted over at night. Brawls and fistfights are known to happen, as are provocations at events and gatherings having a Sorbian character (such as might occur at a dance hall or in a ballroom in predominantly Sorbian-Catholic areas, such as Kamenz, Bautzen, or Hoyerswerda). Sometimes disparaging remarks are also made about women who still (or once again) wear traditional Sorbian outfits, or about Sorbian conversations heard in public. Whether these might be the outgrowth of something cultivated by political organizations and parties (my reference here is to fascistic ways of thinking), I couldnt say. What was the official approach of the Nazi government towards the Sorbs? Incidents of the kind I referred to in the previous question call to mind memories of the hostile policies of the Nazi era toward Sorbs that much is completely natural. And not just memories: also fears of the most drastic sort. An example here would be the document composed by Heinrich Himmler in 1940, when he was the Reichsfuehrer of the SS. Its title was Some Thoughts on the Treatment of Alien Races in the East; in Himmlers view, the inferior population in the eastern provinces must be deported. (That means resettlement.) To this racial type he reckoned portions for instance of the Sorbs and Wends. Another quote: This demographic group will be at our disposal as a leaderless laboring population and will provide Germany every year with migrant toilers and members of pools of labor for special projects (roads, quarries, buildings) and, in the absence of their own culture they will be called on, under the strict management of the German people, to work on Germanys eternal achievements of culture and architecture. For these national groups, Himmler considered no education to be necessary beyond the writing of ones own name and counting to five hundred. Sorbian publications were banned, and teachers and clerics were arrested or fired. In 1937, the Domovina (a Sorbian cultural and political organization) had been banned and its publishing house and print shop seized. The Sorbian language was barred from use in schools and public places. The exploitation of natural resources in Lusatia plays an enormous role in your fiction and in your essays. Are there still strip mines operating in Lusatia, since the fall of the German Democratic Republic? A great deal of land has been reclaimed in your area. How successful from the biological and economic point of view has this proven? There are still three strip mines from which brown coal is being extracted for power plants. The company that owns them is called LEAG, and its now owned by Czechs. [] This is the background as to why further villages might yet be bulldozed. Since 1923, something like 130 communities or residential areas (including secluded houses and remote farmsteads) have disappeared from the Lusatian landscape. The residents were resettled in nearby cities, or they went off to find a new home elsewhere. The water that is impounded in the abandoned pits produces no energy, because its located in low-lying lakes, and at most is of interest only to swimmers. Efforts to recultivate the broken landscape are a part of the reclamation projects. This happens with ancient, original soils. On these selected surfaces, the great outdoors grows again. But the new bio-diversity is incomparably less than what had evolved earlier over millions of years. Perhaps humankind, when it again visits its home in a thousand years, will say: Now this is again like it once was! An 18th-century map of Upper and Lower Lusatia. Image by Wikipedia. You began your career in journalism. How did you make the shift to literature? I studied journalism, at the university in Leipzig, from 1956 to 1960. The chancellor at the time was Professor Hermann Budzislawski, who was the editor and publisher of the famous newspaper (it had a small format but a high IQ) Weltbuhne after Carl von Ossietzky, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935, died after gross physical mistreatment at the hands of the Nazis [in 1938]. My diploma carries the signature of the man we called Budzi, and I am proud of this fact. Next, I worked in the East German broadcasting service as a reporter and editor in the Cottbus Studio. Here there was (and there still is, to this day) an editorial department with independent Sorbian-language programming. It was at this point that I began writing childrens books. When I saw that people were buying and reading them, my desire to switch careers from reporting to writing hit full stride. The stories for young people were joined by novels in epic mode, plays, and finally screenplays. Sometimes film directors liked a story of mine, and they made a movie of it. You know, writing for kids doesnt necessarily require all that much skill, because ultimately everybody who writes was a child at one time and we all know how and what young people think and wish for and say in their early years and what their hopes are. Your first major work was a novella about the Holocaust entitled Zidowka Hana (1963). You have recently rewritten this work in German. Can you tell us about the book and why you wrote it? When I was in high school, I remembered that in my home village of Horka (Horki), close to Kamenz, where the great [writer and philosopher Gotthold Ephraim] Lessing was born, there had been a young Jewish girl who was deported by the fascists. Her name was Hana, and her trail led to a German concentration camp and then disappeared. One day I sat down and sketched out a story about her. There were still eyewitnesses living in our village who could tell me a lot of true vignettes about the girl. But nobody could tell me anything about her ultimate fate. That was the genesis of a literary narrative, in which I allowed my imagination to play. In 1963, Zidowka Hana was published in Sorbian. This, my first literary effort, miscarried in many ways, and I was always opposed to having it translated into German. Recent attempts to have a German-language version published were the impetus behind my writing a second, German literary treatment of the dramatic story of Hana the Jewish Girl. Its been over 50 years since the initial publication. The new story is being brought out this year by the publishers Hentrich and Hentrich of Leipzig and Berlin as Hana: eine judisch-sorbische Erzahlung [Hana: A Jewish-Sorbian Story]. Is it fair to say that East Germany had an enforced policy of socialist realism in literature? Perhaps at one time, if not consistently? Did you write anything in this mode? What the concept of socialist realism meant during the German Democratic Republic is not something that even the people who thought it up could explain. We wrote the way men and women of letters saw and interpreted their reality. Books came into existence that will be valuable for a long, if not a very long, time (Strittmatter, Kant, Wolf, Braun, Brezan), in part because of their truthfulness and critical takes on a reality that is gone forever. In the late 1980s, via a speech at a writers congress and long essay in the famous journal Sinn und Form, you took a strong stand on environmental issues in the DDR, especially the open-pit mining of coal. Did you receive criticism, or suffer sanctions, for taking strong, conscientious stands on environmental protection? You have said yourself that my critical appearance at the 1987 writers congress in Berlin was clear and energetic in its approach to a real state of affairs. The highest government team witnessed it with their own ears and eyes, and, of course, afterward I was attacked. In what language(s) do you write? I write in two languages. Both of them are my mother (and father) tongues. A team of journalists travels to Belarusian villages to document a dying way of life. A group of Belarusian journalists is collecting the sights, sounds, and stories of dying Belarusian villages in the Polesie area for Brest city magazine Natatnik.by. The magazines founder Maksim Khliabets talks about the project in an interview with digital lifestyle magazine CityDog.by. CityDog.by: Tell us how your project came about. Maksim Khliabets: As a child, I spent a lot of time in a village with my grandmother, and I have a lot of positive emotions connected with this. Nowadays, when the situation in the country is so bleak, I want to lose myself again in that childhood. But you know, I want this not just for myself, but for other people. I started researching, searching where to go and what you could find by Googling abandoned villages or tiny villages, [in] the Malaryta district. Or there was also a list on Wikipedia of all the villages in the area. The data might be from 2002, 2007, or 2009 but if there were about 50 people living in a village 10 years ago, now there are likely to be very few. Abandoned house in hryshchanovichy village, Ivatsevichy district. Photo by Maksim Khliabets. So I identified 10, 15, sometimes 20 villages in an area, then I collected Aksana [colleague Aksana Brovach] and off we went, exploring the villages, talking to the local inhabitants. Your Instagram post [of hryshchanovichy village] inspired me for this interview. Can you talk about what it was like there? It was the first village on our itinerary, and it was just houses, with no one living there. It was dead. If you were making an esthetically beautiful horror movie as long as you didnt need anyone to kill or didnt need someone to chase you into the woods thats definitely Belarus, especially Polesie. There you can find this unbelievably beautiful village. Only five people remain in Borki, a village in the Malaryta district. Photo by Siarhei Silivonchyk. All these houses, especially the wooden ones, are super unique and really beautiful. The window and door frames, the doors themselves. We saw a door decorated with some kind of flower designs. There used to be life here we were literally five years too late but it still seems like the inhabitants left yesterday. Maybe it gives a harsh impression in the wintertime, and itll be nicer in the summertime. All the roads were in terrible condition, but somehow, we set out to explore. We got to one village, where they told us there were five people living there. They said there was only one person in the next village, but You wont get there, everything is washed away. Theres no road its all broken up from when they were transporting timber. It was true we drove as far as we could, then stopped and continued on foot. We walked around a field, went into the woods, and there was a village of 20 houses right there in the woods. There was one man living there, 86 years old, who keeps bees and thinks about how to revive the village. I mean, someone his age is thinking up business plans and ideas about how to bring this village to life! Zybaily village, Ivatsevichy district. Photo by Siarhei Silivonchyk. When you find people like this, its an encounter of the heart. And its the same with encountering beauty of all kinds the beauty of Belarusian dialects, the beauty of the villages themselves, the hidden beauty of Belarus, which will very soon vanish. No matter which village we went to, everyone said a bulldozer had arrived the previous year, or an excavator, and just destroyed the empty houses. If there was a house no one lived in, they just came, cleared it away, buried it, and sowed crops, to make the collective farm a little bigger. First they did that with the roads and now theyre doing the same with the houses? Yes. Those who are still left in the village are very sad to hear it, and see it with their own eyes. Its still possible to live in these houses. Theyre not falling apart by themselves; theyre being demolished for more arable land. Its being done in the name of an orderly Belarus. But it turns out that being orderly is destroying Belarusian beauty. Do you have historical training? Yes, I recently graduated from the history faculty in Brest. There was a research trip through the villages, but at that time I was writing a research paper and didnt go. However, I managed to make a recording of my grandmother and grandfather. They told me about their childhood. Then came the Dialects project [a separate effort, to record disappearing dialects in the Brest region], and I was hooked. I, too, have been involved in oral history. You carry out interviews two or three a day is enough and you are emotionally tapped out. The life stories of Belarusians are not very happy ones. You say that you want to re-experience something connected with your childhood, with your grandmother, with your grandfather. But after interviews like this, you could actually end up in a very bad mood. That does happen. But we chose this path for ourselves. I was prepared for this to be really bad: I understand that village life is dying, that it cant be saved, that you cant make a small village big. The government doesnt help, people dont understand that its possible to live in villages. You cant make a living there, so everyone lives in towns or commutes there. There is a small percentage of people who move to villages around Minsk because you can get there by car or go to the store if you need anything. We tour villages that cars sometimes cant get to. One old man told us he skied three kilometers to the mobile store [a truck selling basic supplies that comes to villages twice a week] to buy something a hat! Or, another example, its hard for doctors to get out there. It sounds very harsh. But the people who live in these villages offer you some positives. Everythings awful, they say, then add: But we like it! Although some say wolves are now coming right up to the houses. A man in Batareya carves decorated walking sticks from the roots he finds in the forest and sells them in Minsk. Some have ended up as far away as India and Japan. Sometimes he rents sticks from his collection to film crews. Photo by Maksim Khliabets. Their children and grandchildren suggest moving to the city, but they dont want to: What am I going to do there? You cant go mushroom picking in the woods. Theres no way to get outdoors. Since last summer, we have been making frequent trips through the countryside, and not once have we come back without some little treats. Everyone gave us something. There was one man we made an appointment with him in advance, and he went out that morning and picked some mushrooms for us. He makes very beautiful walking sticks, with a storks head, and he gave us one. In one village, people gave us homemade raspberry wine, and in another village it was mushrooms or berries and apples. Everywhere we went, they gave us something. Sometimes we travel through a whole village looking at abandoned homes. We dont take anything, but if a door is open, we might go and take a look. The oldest inhabitant of Borki, this woman has lived there all her life. Photo by Siarhei Silivonchyk. One time, there was an old woman on her own, coming out of the woods. Shed been picking berries there, and she was so beautiful with her red, juice-stained hands. But she was very wary of us. At first, she said very little, and then a little more and a little more. We recorded it all. We got back in the car, turned around, and were already driving away. She ran after us, actually ran after us we saw her and we stopped and she served us some draniki, potato fritters. The first step is information. Its very good that you are sharing this information. But what more can be done? What steps does society have to take, to preserve all of this? We ask the old women and old men living there what to do. As of now, two people have told us they have some kind of plan. One woman said there was a village nearby with a club that no one needed. A nursing home could be built there instead, she said, and she would work there, looking after the old ladies whom no one comes to see. An old man from a forest village said there were a lot of trees in the forest, and you could cut them, sell the timber, and use the money to organize a festival in the village, so that people would come and see, learn about beekeeping. He had a lot of ideas. But the rest say that you cant do anything more. That its impossible to bring people back to where theres nothing no work, no hospitals nearby, the ambulance wont come. No supermarket or grocery, just a mobile store twice a week. They say, Well live out our lives, and then that will be it for the village. There is one positive example: a man and woman who revived the village of Stoily. There was a very old man living here, a woodcarver. He died, leaving a collection of sculptures he called wooden Belarusians. There is only one inhabited house in the village of hryshchanovichy. Photo by Maksim Khliabets. The couple bought a house and moved there. Now they have foreign tourists visiting their farmstead, and they find everything so exotic, because they no longer have this kind of village left in their country; their villages are like little towns where there is everything you need, where there are standard houses. Meanwhile, more people followed the first owners to Stoily, and now there are four households, half of which are young. And that was how they revived this village. I think completely wooden villages could be preserved, if only in the form of museums. You could make a tourist trail of the wooden villages of Polesie. But we have a number of abandoned tourist sites, and not enough money for their upkeep. Meanwhile, everyone thinks that villages are just a wasteland. But I think villages should be preserved as tourist attractions. As for the old woman who brought us the draniki: This could be a job for her she could be mayor of her village, meeting guests, preparing food for them. She actually lives there, in the woods, and its hard for her. It could be so much more attractive. Are you yourself, or someone in your team, considering the possibility of going to live in a village? Ina Khomich, who works with me on the Dialects project, already has moved to the village of Zianki, in the Kamyanets district, with her husband, and now they have a child. [Thats] a small village too, with maybe four houses. The mobile store, a truck with basic goods from which all five residents of Borki buy their groceries, comes to the village twice a week. Borki sits on the border with Ukraine, and the villagers used to be able to freely cross the border to visit relatives or trade in Ukrainian villages. It was closed about a decade ago, and a fence and check points were built. Photo by Siarhei Silivonchyk. I have my [late] grandmothers and grandfathers house, where I [used to spend] almost the whole summer. [During a project-inspired visit] I cleaned the stove, and one of the rooms, and even stayed there for a few days. Theres such peace and quiet there, nothing to trouble you. You dont have that in the city. You can go to your neighbor in the morning and buy two liters of milk for a ruble, just after shes milked her cow. You go home and drink milk with your fritters. Its simply another world you feel like youve changed your whole life. Our cameraman has also caught the countryside bug, and when the summer comes, there will be a lot for us to do. So youre encouraging everyone, little by little. We hope so. I didnt think so many people would watch our videos on YouTube. We dont have many subscribers, but our latest videos have had three to four thousand views, which is an absolutely incredible number for us we dont advertise at all, only a brief mention in our social media networks. The coolest comments are when they write, Wow, thats my village! and theres three people living there. Or: Cool, you videoed my uncle. Especially now that the borders are closed because of COVID-19, you can try to love your own country. Theres more than just the popular and well-known attractions of Mir Castle, Kosava Palace, Nesvizh Radziwill Castle, or Trinity Hill [in Minsk]. You have to go out to really old villages and talk to people. Its a living museum; a museum of antiquities. This article originally ran on CityDog.by. Reprinted with permission and edited for length and clarity. Translated by Victoria Roberts. A Casper man accused of using the U.S. Postal Service to receive packages filled with meth, which is believed to have been intended for a relative to sell, is facing up to 20 years in prison, a federal complaint filed Monday states. Tyler Christian Sims, 30, is charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, newly filed court records show. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued on Monday, but he was already being held at Natrona County Detention Center as of late Friday night, an arrest log shows. Federal prosecutors want Sims to be detained without bail, as there is a serious risk he will flee and obstruct justice, the filing states. The case stems from a 2-pound, 6-ounce package that was scheduled to be delivered to a southeast Casper apartment complex in November, the complaint states. The white Priority Mail Express flat rate envelope was sent from Tucson, Arizona, and cost about $30 to ship. A judge approved a search warrant for the package. Inside, investigators found almost a half-pound of meth. An undercover postal inspector knocked on the front door of the Casper apartment multiple times with the package in hand, but he did not receive an answer, the complaint states. As he walked away, Sims allegedly approached him, stating he was waiting for that package. Sims then showed me that he had the USPS tracking number ... on his cellular phone, the complaint states. The postal inspector told Sims he could only deliver the package to the resident of the Casper address or the person named on the label, so Sims asked a person in one of the apartments to provide him with a key. Sims then unlocked the door to the Casper address, entered and received the package, authorities say. Agents from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation arrested Sims when he left the apartment. The package was in his possession at the time. A few days later, a second package arrived with another half-pound of meth; It was sent from the same address in Arizona and was heading to the same place in Casper. I know through my training and experience, that possession of this weight is typically not possessed by individual drug users but is possessed by those distributing methamphetamine, the postal inspector said in the complaint. While Sims was in the Natrona County Detention Center, he checked out a tablet to communicate via message with people outside of the jail, the complaint states. Officials reviewed those messages. I should have known, the f***ing mailman was hand delivering it to the door ... do you know why my s*** got flagged, suspicious, because of the weight, Sims wrote in his messages. DCI agents were working off information from a confidential informant, who was transporting meth from Denver to Casper for resale, the complaint states. The informant identified Sims as one of the buyers. The source believed that Sims provided the meth to a relative for her to sell. Officials later obtained Sims Cash App information, which is a financial platform used to send and receive money. Sims is accused of sending multiple payments to a Tucson resident with past ties to Casper. The payments matched up with the timeline of the deliveries, the complaint states. Those deliveries contained the drugs. GILLETTE (WNE) A Gillette resident has sued the Campbell County Commission to get an opinion that he believes the board received from the Wyoming Attorney General. Bruce Williams has submitted a petition in District Court for information in a public records request. Williams said hed heard that the commissioners had asked for an opinion from the Wyoming Attorney General, and that in late February theyd received it. On Feb. 27, he made a public records request with the county for the opinion. I was informed that the Attorney General has given the county an opinion on Attorney Client privilege and/or what is available as to the communications between county officials and others, he wrote in the request. The next day, Williams got a response that said he would not be receiving the records he was requesting. The reason given was the records were exempt from disclosure because they fell under attorney-client communication. On March 1, he filed the petition in District Court. The public has as much right to know what the Attorney General of Wyoming thinks is public records as the County Commissioners do, Williams wrote. Williams said opinions are not exempt from public records requests, and hes worried the county is withholding information that should be accessible by the public. He wondered why the county wouldnt want the people to know what the Attorney General thinks is information they have a right to and information they do not have a right to. Williams wants the court to order the county commission to release the requested attorney generals opinion. This is not the first time Williams has sued local governments. Hes sued the city of Gillette on a few occasions. Commission Chair Colleen Faber did not respond to a message left for comment. JACKSON Thousands of Wyoming residents are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage over the coming months. Following nearly three years of greater funding and leniency for in-state Medicaid programs, prompted by federal COVID-19 emergency declarations, the Wyoming Department of Health is reverting Medicaid application requirements to pre-pandemic criteria. During the pandemic, Congress gave states additional funding while requiring that Medicaid programs keep people continuously enrolled. Now the federal government is unwinding that program. About 85,000 low-income Wyomingites were enrolled in the federal-state insurance program this year. Of those, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 will no longer qualify for Wyoming Medicaid benefits, state health officials told WyoFile.com. Reasons individuals typically lose coverage include reaching adulthood, an increase in income, a change in health status or moving. The Wyoming Health Department is encouraging Medicaid clients to ensure their contact information is up to date, so as not to miss renewal notices. Medicaid recipients can do so via WeSystem.wyo.gov or by calling 855-294-2127. Because of the pause, our clients have not received these notices by mail over the last three years, said Lee Grossman, a state Medicaid agent in a press release. We know living situations may have changed during that time for many people. Looking out for the states renewal notices is important, and so is keeping watch for fake texts and bogus calls that are meant to scam Wyoming Medicaid beneficiaries. Some of our clients are receiving text messages claiming their Medicaid coverage was at risk for cancellation or they have actually already lost benefits, Grossman said in a second press release. When clients call the listed number, they are threatened and asked for $500 to continue their benefits. Medicaid enrollment and re-enrollment is free, so health officials are cautioning beneficiaries to never share banking nor credit card information with someone who claims to be with Wyoming Medicaid or the Wyoming Health Department. The federal government provided states with a temporary increase in funding early in the pandemic, so states could cover more residents with Medicaid. Now, with that emergency funding winding down, states can once again begin removing people from their Medicaid rolls starting April 1. In Wyoming, a certain percentage of renewal notices are being sent to current enrollees each month for the next year. Not all clients will receive renewal notices at the same time, the Health Department said in a press release. While St. Johns Health doesnt have data from which to gauge the possible impact of the change on local patients, the hospitals spokeswoman Karen Connelly said just a couple percent of SJH total net patient revenues comes from Medicaid. If we see a big shift there in the next year or so, we might question if the shift was caused in part by people moving from Medicaid to other insurance programs or to self-pay, she added. Those ineligible for continued Medicaid coverage may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. However, in states such as Wyoming that have not expanded Medicaid coverage, some people fall into an insurance coverage gap. Those adults have incomes that exceed their states eligibility for Medicaid but fall below the minimum income eligibility for tax credits through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. In the case of some children who dont qualify for Medicaid, and whose parents income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level, they may be moved to the states Kid Care CHIP program. CHIP provides kids with free preventative dental and health care, among other medical services for a small co-pay. For an extensive list of coverage options, visit the programs and eligibility page on the Wyoming Health Departments website, Health.wyo.gov. Those were the three words calypso icon David Rudder used to summate his feelings over his illustrious 40-year music career. Sensing the room of journalists wanting more from him he almost reluctantly continued. The community of Aranjuez has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent times. Reports of murders, home invasions and robberies have become more commonplace. But when the Sunday Express visited the area on Friday, residents recalled a time when Aranjuez was so safe, they could sleep with their doors open. It was a close-knit community where everybody knew everybody and crimes were few and far between. It was about half a century ago, but I remember it as though it were yesterday. We had been to the cinema, then went for ice cream at the then-popular Dairies Restaurant on Phillip Street. As we were walking towards the car, I observed a crime in progress, drew it to the attention of my date, and suggested we report it at the nearest police station. The deployment of next-generation space weapons by the PLA has caused worry among military organizations American space assets have never been in jeopardy until China's ascension to superpower status The Chinese space arsenal poses the greatest danger to weaponized space Chinese space weapons launched by the PLA might severely damage US space assets. The United States Department of Defense has never anticipated China's progress in space warfare and other capabilities. Chinese Space Weapons An official statement from India's Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, revealed on March 21 that the weaponizing of space is underway. The zones of warfare where war is conducted now will soon encompass the atmosphere of earth, claimed Eurasian Times. The chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) described space as the ultimate high ground with the ability to attack or defend Indian assets to gain a competitive edge and be prepared for the future. US Chief of Space Operations General Bradley Chance Saltzman states that a space arms race has altered. According to VOA News, he characterized China as a greater threat than Russia. Competitors in the United States are striving to operationalize various weapon innovations. These weapons are redefining what it means to fight in space. Last March 14, when Saltzman testified in the Senate, he debriefed how the space force will prepare to meet these challenges. According to General Saltzman of the US Department of Defense, there are two types of space threats: threats from space and weapons designed to destroy space assets. Read Also: Chinese Space Defense Develops Multi-Use AI-Powered Orbital Carrier US Space Assets are Losing Security China and Russia have created space assets capable of attacking the United States military in all areas on earth. Both countries are working to develop the technologies necessary to destroy US assets. According to the Daily Mail, China intends to kill the United States in space via digital assaults, electronic attacks, lasers to blind sensors, anti-satellite missiles, and platforms to disrupt and destroy hostile spacecraft. Air and Land Space Forces noted in revelations during the previous two years that Beijing and Moscow have 70 percent more space systems than in 2015, a significant improvement from 2015 to 2018. The private sector developed these technologies. The entire value of the global space business is $1.4 trillion, and China has supplanted the United States as the sector's leader. However, America and the European Space Agency view it as dangerous. Most nations without comparable space access will rely on others to reach space. China will rule space and become an economic and military superpower by 2024. China will surpass Russia in its space program by 2030. China conducted most space launches in 2018, with 55 flights in 2021. Josephine Millward, a space technology investor, said the Chinese space program surpasses all others. A US deficit, and the Chinese have done much space-related activity in less than years, even a Jupiter mission by 2030. Therefore, the United States and its allies will not permit Beijing or Moscow to make significant gains. The PLA will launch Chinese space weapons against American space assets when the time is perfect. Related Article: US Not Ready for Space, Cyber War Against China @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Officially, the 1970s classic rock band Foreigner doesnt kick off its farewell tour until July. But when the band with lone founding member Mick Jones plays Linda Ronstadt Music Hall on Monday, April 3, it very well could be their last Tucson show. The so-called Greatest Hits Tour coming our way is a run-up to the Farewell Tour that kicks off July 6 in Atlanta and runs through the end of September. That trek, with Loverboy opening, stops at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre formerly Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix on Aug. 20. Were going to go out and do our best to really service this legacy and let the world know that even though Foreigner may not be touring any more, the Foreigner music will live on, longtime bassist Jeff Pilson said during an early February phone call. What we want to do is we want to get everywhere we can and when were done were done. The farewell tour comes 47 years after British songwriter/guitarist Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm joined forces in New York City with Brit rockers Ian McDonald and Dennis Elliott and American musicians Al Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi. The band released its eponymous debut in 1977, the first of five consecutive five-time platinum albums (5 million-plus in sales). The debut was the bands introduction, and what an intro it was: the album made it to No. 4 on the U.S. album charts and landed a pair of songs (Feels Like the First Time and Cold As Ice) in the Top 10. They racked up 16 Top 30 hits over the years, including Hot Blooded, Head Games, Urgent, Waiting for a Girl Like You, Juke Box Hero, and the anthemic ballad I Want to Know What Love Is. Pilson, who joined the band 20 years ago, said they will try to pack as many of those hits on their Tucson setlist as possible, but sometimes we have to leave out some popular songs, and thats bizarre but thats the curse of having a catalogue of great material. Making a setlist for this band is cheating because there are so many hits, added Pilson, who is on a lineup that includes lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, whose father retired to Tucson years ago. Youre going to get Foreigner firing on all cylinders, playing their hits, and rocking out in Tucson will be Kellys dad, he said. As the band winds down its tenure, Pilson said many nights on stage remind him of when he joined Foreigner after playing bass with glam rockers Dokken and the heavy metal band Dio in the 1980s and 90s. He thought back then that he was signing up for a weekends-only gig, until Foreigner recruited Hansen in 2005. At the time, I was producing bands and I was thinking well, I guess I can go out on weekends, Pilson recalled. I just love the band and Mick is a wonderful human being and so I wanted to do it. And they were like, Yeah, yeah, its just going to be weekend work. Of course, once Kelly joined the band, that ended quickly and we went very full-time. But I never would have guessed it would have lasted this long. If you have ever wanted to be a giver, Arizona Gives Day offers the opportunity to become a doer. Early giving is underway for the annual day of giving which falls on Tuesday, April 4. Now in its 11th year, the donation drive staged by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and the Arizona Grantmakers Forum has raised more than $36 million for nonprofits statewide. This year, it seeks to boost that total by at least $5 million. Early giving started three weeks before Arizona Gives Day as a convenience to donors. We want people to give when it is most convenient for them and still have those donations count toward each organizations grand total in the Arizona Gives Day campaign, said Jennifer Purcell, chief impact officer of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. This year, almost 1,000 organizations, including 240 headquartered in Pima County, are registered to vie for $180,000 in incentive prize money courtesy of presenting sponsor FirstBank and other sponsors such as Arizona Community Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, Hickey Family Foundation, Vitalyst Health Foundation, Thunderbird Charities, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, SRP, Sechler Morgan, and Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services. A total of $10,000 in Early Giving prizes will also be awarded to 10 nonprofits. Qualifying donations for all incentives can be made through the profile pages of individual nonprofits at AZGives.org. On the day of the event, prize dollars are awarded based on organization size micro, small, mid-size, large and extra-large and include categories such as Most Dollars and Unique Donors as well as Power Hours awards at $25, $50 and $100 levels for the most dollars raised each hour between 7 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 5 p.m. Golden Hour Ticket awards will feature random drawings hourly for donations of $25 or more, with 10 nonprofits winning $500 each between 5 and 10 p.m. Many nonprofits also obtain matching grants in celebration of Arizona Gives Day, including Sister Jose Womens Center (azgives.org/sisterjose), a shelter dedicated to housing up to 40 homeless women and their pets nightly. A generous donor, Bonnie Kay, has agreed to match whatever we raise up to $20,000. This match gets people really excited and it is a huge amount of support for us. Right now we have a 42% increase in the number of women we were seeing last year and that is stretching our food budget and our ability to help women as they move forward, said Chief Operations Officer Nicola Hartmann. In January, those statistics translated into 1,270 overnight guests and 1,765 breakfasts for 502 unduplicated guests. The shelter also offers day services such as showers, laundry, meals and other resources on site at 1050 S. Park Ave. We are still seeing a big increase in first-time homeless and senior guests who were living really close to the edge and were evicted when their rent went up. Lots of this is from the housing crisis and some of it is the drug issues that are happening on the streets. Our goal is to keep them safe and, ideally, to get them housed, but sometimes just a warm shower and breakfast is a success, Hartmann said. Another nonprofit that can benefit from a match is St. Lukes Home (azgives.org/stlukeshometucson). Dedicated to providing a high quality of life for low-income elders age 55-plus, St. Lukes features 64 rooms and offers an alternative to food and housing insecurity through an assisted living community. Residents enjoy three meals a day, snacks, assistance with daily living and medication, and a wide range of activities. Built on innovative models of health and wellness, it is ensures that elders age with dignity, respect and empowerment, according to Executive Director Terri Waldman. An individual and board members have pledged to match Arizona Gives Day donations up to $2,500 (for a total of $5,000) to boost operating expenses at the 104-year-old facility, which is currently undergoing a $2.5 million renovation. Our residents pay rent and service fees, which is an average of $1,200 per month, and it costs $3,000 for each of them to live here, so we pay the difference. That gives you an idea of what we need to keep things going, Waldman said. Donors interested in supporting young people might consider a gift to We Care Tucson (azgives.org/wecaretucson). Formerly World Care, the nonprofit is dedicated to removing barriers to information, education and wellness. We Care accepts donations of used technology laptops, computers, monitors, cell phones and more at 3029 N. Stone Ave. It refurbishes and recycles the equipment, diverting it from landfills, and sells the computers to the general public at discounted prices. A low-cost computer program is also available for the economically-challenged. In addition to technology, We Care offers free medical supplies (diapers, incontinence supplies and more) and serves as a loan chest for medical equipment wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, canes and commodes. We gave out three semi-truck loads of free medical supplies last year and kept six semis worth of recycled materials out of landfills. We also provided at least 200 low-cost laptops to those in need, said MeMe Aguila, executive director. The organization has a very specific goal for Arizona Gives Day: It seeks to raise $10,000 for Send A Kid to Tech Camp, a one-week program designed to teach middle school students about computers. Each weekly camp serves 20 children and each child receives a laptop. There is no cost to the campers, who come from low-income families. Customers of Tucson Electric Power Co. can voice their opinions about the utility's request for new rates that would boost monthly home bills by 12% as formal hearings kick off Wednesday in Tucson. The Arizona Corporation Commission will wrap up a series of public-comment meetings on TEP's rate case with an in-person session, and a phone-in option, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the commissions Tucson office at 400 W. Congress, Room 222. Public, evidentiary hearings on the TEP rate case also are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the same room, with testimony before an ACC administrative law judge expected to start following public comment. The public-comment hearing will be available by phone at 1-888-450-5996, and the passcode to speak is 457395#. Wednesday's proceedings, as well as subsequent hearings scheduled to run through mid-April, will be webcast live at azcc.gov/live. Comments may be submitted any time online at tucne.ws/utilcomment. TEP has filed a rate request with the Arizona Corporation Commission that would increase the average monthly bills of typical residential customers on the companys most basic rate plan by about 12%, or about $14 over current levels starting in September. An ACC administrative law judge will hear the testimony from the company, commission staff and intervening parties and issue a recommended rate order and opinion this summer for final consideration by the full commission. The commissions Utilities Division in initial filed testimony has recommended a smaller rate increase that would raise average home bills 6.7%, or $8.18, per month for the typical home customer on TEPs most basic rate plan. TEP, which serves about 400,000 customers in the Tucson metro area, says it needs the increase to recoup its costs for new infrastructure, including new renewable-energy plants, to cover higher fuel costs and to recover more fixed costs from usage-based rates as each customer uses less energy. Under the companys rate proposal, the basic monthly service charge customers pay regardless of usage would increase $2 for most residential rate plans, from $13 to $15 for the most popular basic rate. The commission staff supports TEPs proposed $2 increase to the basic monthly charge, but the Residential Utility Consumer Office, a state agency representing consumers in rate cases, has recommended an increase of just 31 cents. A 24-year-old Tucson woman has been arrested after police say they found the remains of one of her three children inside her house. The case started in the afternoon of March 23, when police were called to a neighborhood near East Drexel Road and South Campbell Avenue after someone reported that a child was running across the street. Officers went to a house in the 5500 block of South Monrovia Avenue and realized that a 4-year-old and nine-month-old had been left alone by their mother Katie Luna Hernandez, 24, police said in a news release. The Arizona Department of Child Safety took custody of the children and Hernandez was arrested, the release said. The next day, detectives learned that Hernandez had a third child, a two-year-old boy. After interviewing Hernandez about the whereabouts of her son, police searched the house and found the boys remains hidden inside, the news release said. Officers also found fentanyl and narcotic paraphernalia inside the home, the release said. Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of two felony counts of child abuse, the news release said. However, police say additional charges are pending and that their findings will be presented to the Pima County Attorneys Office for review. The University of Arizona had an alarming lack of safety measures and ineffective investigations into threats up to a year before Professor Thomas Meixner was shot and killed on campus, a report released Monday revealed. The UA hired consulting firm PAX, LLC to review its campus safety protocols after the October shooting. The companys 205-page report lists 33 recommendations for the UA to adopt to improve its safety protocols while reviewing the systems it says contributed to a breakdown of security. The PAX report is a direct response to the shooting of Meixner, the department head of the UAs Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department. Murad Dervish, a former graduate student, is facing charges in connection with the shooting that occurred inside the hydrology building. Throughout the year before the shooting, Meixner and his colleagues received threatening communication from Dervish, who had been expelled and barred from campus by early 2022. As this report reveals, there were systemic issues across our university that should have been identified and corrected. Im angry at myself that I did not do more to prevent this tragedy, UA President Robert Robbins said at a news conference Monday, a few hours after the reports release. Im determined to honor Tom Meixners legacy by making any and all necessary changes to keep our campus safer, Robbins added later. The reports alarming conclusions about a lack of appropriate crisis response measures from the UA come after Meixners family filed a notice with the Arizona Board of Regents on Friday. It seeks $9 million over the universitys response to the death, alleging the shooting was a direct consequence of the UAs failure to respond to repeated threats by Dervish. The Arizona Board of Regents has 60 days to respond to the claim, a precursor to a lawsuit. If the University of Arizona fails to accept responsibility and compensate the Meixners for their enormous losses, we are prepared to file a lawsuit to seek the full measure of justice for our clients, said Larry Wulkan, a lawyer with the law firm representing Meixners family. When asked about the claim Monday, Robbins explained the process must go through the board of regents, but said I think its a very positive development in this case. Lack of safety planning The report breaks down three main themes in need of improvement: understanding and managing threat; providing a consistent, empathetic and compassionate response; and the decentralization and breakdown of communications. Concerns expressed by members of the hydrology department about Dervishs mental health should have led to a series of law enforcement investigative steps, especially given his criminal background, the report says. In January, the UA implemented a policy requiring all graduate assistants to go through a background check before they can start work for the university. Some of the most salient findings in the report outline inconsistent security protocols, including that the UA does not consistently or centrally coordinate training, awareness, or reporting of safety and security concerns and lacks a readily available reporting system for safety threats. When the shooting happened on Oct. 5, many community members misunderstood the emergency alert issued and ignored it, according to the report. Many of those interviewed by PAX could not recall the last time an emergency response drill happened at the school. Furthermore, departments reporting safety concerns are left to manage things internally until the situation reaches a level of potential violation of the UAs code of conduct, according to the report. Each department is encouraged to have an emergency response plan but isnt mandated to adopt one, according to the report. A shift in mindset must develop across the entire university community so that safety and security are taken as seriously as laboratory safety or risk management regulations by connecting safety and security with the dedication to commercial, occupational, and resource protocols already established, the report says. Issues with key threat-assessment group The report says the UA Police Department failed to aggressively pursue Dervish or operate with other law enforcement jurisdictions to investigate his threats. Officers attempted to arrest him at his residence on April 15, 2022, but failed to do so after Dervish refused to come out. Overall, the universitys culture of moving from incident to incident, without improving the process to create a clear threat management and investigative strategy, led to missed opportunities for mitigation and intervention, the report states. The report also breaks down the actions of the UAs Threat Assessment Management Team, or TAMT, which determines when individuals pose significant threats on campus. The report says the group inadequately responded to the reported threats from Dervish, leading to a series of decisions and actions that presented multiple opportunities for the Subject to continue to harass and threaten University of Arizona community members. A lack of an appropriate threat assessment tool led to reports on Dervish to be siloed throughout different reporting agencies without a coordinated mechanism of tracking them together. The disbanded approach led to each TAMT member hesitating to offer a proactive response as it failed to show a complete picture of the threat Dervish posed. The TAMT does not have a designated team lead or a consistent process to address cases, according to the report. Its not the first time concerns about TAMT have been circulated, the report states. A different security expert group reviewed the team in April 2019 and made several recommendations for improvement, and an internal review in April 2018 led to conversations with UA leadership to improve operations. Its not clear which, if any, of the suggestions were adopted. The report outlines 33 recommendations for the university to adopt based on its findings, some of which the UA is already implementing. They include adopting a strategic post-crisis plan with clear guidelines on responding to future emergencies, adopting a formalized charter for TAMT with clear protocols in place, and creating crisis response plans for every department. JERUSALEM Bending to a wave of mass protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed his contentious judicial overhaul plan Monday and said he wanted to avoid civil war by making time to seek a compromise with political opponents. The announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled three tumultuous months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized the nation, and the anti-government protest movement vowed to intensify its efforts. In his prime-time address, Netanyahu, who previously rejected calls to delay the legislation, took a more conciliatory tone than in recent speeches. He acknowledged the deep divisions in the country and said he was hitting the pause button to prevent a rift in the nation. When theres an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue, he said. He vowed to reach a broad consensus during the summer session of parliament, which begins April 30. He spoke after tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside parliament, and the countrys largest labor union launched a nationwide strike in a dramatic escalation of the mass protest movement against his plan. Netanyahu and his religious and ultranationalist allies presented the overhaul in January just days after forming their government, the most right-wing in Israels history. The proposal plunged Israel into its worst domestic crisis in decades. Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs came out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward an autocracy. Fighter pilots and military reservists threatened not to report for duty, and the countrys currency, the shekel, tumbled in value. The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nations judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the courts ability to review laws. Netanyahu argued that the overhaul is needed to rein in a liberal and overly interventionist court of unelected judges. His opponents say the package would damage the countrys system of checks and balances by concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahus allies. They also say that he has a conflict of interest as a criminal defendant. Tens of thousands of people, largely secular, middle-class Israelis, have regularly joined mass protests against the plan. Those demonstrations ramped up Sunday night after Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who urged the prime minister to put his plan on hold, citing concerns about damage to the Israeli military. The firing sparked a spontaneous outburst of anger, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in just one hour. Chanting the country is on fire, they lit bonfires on Tel Avivs main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. Demonstrators continued Monday outside the Knesset, or parliament, turning the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. This is the last chance to stop this move into a dictatorship, said Matityahu Sperber, 68, who joined a stream of people headed to the protest outside the Knesset. Im here for the fight to the end. Israels main trade union declared a general strike in what it said was the first time it carried out such an action over a political issue. The chaos shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy. Departing flights from the main international airport were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of travelers. Large mall chains and universities closed their doors, and the union called for its 800,000 members to stop work in health care, transit, banking and other fields. Diplomats walked off the job at foreign missions, and local governments were expected to close preschools and cut other services. The main doctors union announced its members would also strike. In a sign of easing tensions, the union said late Monday that it halted the strike in response to Netanyahus delay. The announcement appeared to buy the embattled Netanyahu several weeks of quiet. But it was far from clear whether the disputes could be resolved. The countrys figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, said pausing the legislative blitz was the right thing. This is the time for frank, serious and responsible discussion that will lead urgently to calming spirits and lowering the flames, he said. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he was willing to hold a genuine dialogue under Herzogs sponsorship. Israels Palestinian citizens have largely sat out the protests. Many say Israels democracy is tarnished by its military rule over their brethren in the West Bank and the discrimination they themselves face. The Biden administration, which has been uneasy with Netanyahu and the far-right elements of his government, welcomed the announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Officials report that three children and three staff members were shot and killed at a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. The incident occurred at Covenant School, a Presbyterian institution that serves roughly 200 children in grades pre-K through 6, according to a Reuters report. As of present writing, it is unclear whether the incident resulted in any further casualties. According to Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesman Craig Boerner, the Nashville shooting victims were declared dead upon arrival at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital. In a statement, the Metro Nashville PD verified the shooter's death and said the school had already been reuniting the pupils with their parents and children at a place safely away from Burton Hills Blvd, where the school is located. The police department statement reads: "An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter, was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd." An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023 Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron said the female shooter "appears to be in her teens" and had two "assault-type rifles" and a pistol, per USA Today. She entered the school through a side door and fired multiple shots on the second floor. It is later revealed that the shooter is a 28-year-old who used to go to the said school she attacked. Read Also: Mississippi Tornado Update Thoughts and Prayers For Nashville School Shooting Victims and Community This latest Nashville school shooting followed a string of school shootings in the United States, including in Uvalde, Texas where a primary school was attacked last year. Representative John Ray Clemmons of Tennessee took to social media sympathies for families affected by the Nashville Christian school shooting. "Praying that all the children are safe." Senator Marsha Blackburn posted on Twitter that she was "heartbroken" to learn of the Nashville elementary school tragedy, noting that her office "has been in touch with federal, state, and local representatives and is prepared to help," according to Fox News. Related Article: US Legislators Likely To Take Action on TikTok Ban @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. LONDON Prince Harry and Elton John were in a London court Monday as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids asked a judge to toss the lawsuit they brought with several other high-profile people who allege phone hacking and other invasions of privacy. Harry's presence at the High Court in London signals the importance of the case, one of several lawsuits the Duke of Sussex has brought in his battle against the press. The hearing is expected to conclude Thursday. The case alleges Associated Newspapers Ltd., which publishes The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday, commissioned the "breaking and entry into private property," and engaging in unlawful acts that included hiring private investigators to bug homes, cars and record private phone conversations. "They were the victim of numerous unlawful acts carried out by the defendant, or by those acting on the instructions of its newspapers," attorney David Sherborne said in a court document. Sherborne who also represents John's husband, David Furnish, and actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, said the intrusions were "habitual and widespread" and later "concealed or covered up." Articles were falsely attributed to "friends," a family source, palace sources, royal insider, or similar phrases to throw subjects "off the scent" of the true origin, Sherborne said. Among the allegations in court papers were that Associated Newspapers unlawfully obtained the birth certificate of John and Furnish's child before they had seen the document and illegally gleaned information on Harry's previous relationship with Chelsy Davy, a jewelry designer from Zimbabwe. The publisher is also alleged to have hired a private investigator to hack Hurley's phone, stuck a mini-microphone on a window outside her home and bugged ex-boyfriend Hugh Grant's car to gather financial information, travel plans and medical information during her pregnancy. John and Furnish arrived in court after a lunch break and sat in the gallery for part of the afternoon before bowing out. Harry sat near Frost toward the rear of the court during the whole session and occasionally took notes. The case is a replay to some extent of the British phone hacking scandal that was front page news a decade ago and eventually brought down another tabloid and ended with the conviction of the former spokesperson for then-Prime Minister David Cameron. The allegations date primarily from 1993 to 2011 but also stretch beyond 2018, Sherborne said. The publisher denies the allegations and said the claims are too old to be brought and information about the phone hacking scandal was so widely known the subjects could have sued years ago. "It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters," attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing. He also argued that the suit should be thrown out because it relies on information the newspapers turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. Beltrami said it was ironic Harry and others claimed the publisher illegally obtained information about them from evidence that was supposed to have been kept private and, thus, was itself gathered in violation of the law. Sherborne argued that documents used in the 2012 inquiry were presumed to be public unless marked confidential. Britain held a year-long inquiry into press ethics after revelations in 2011 that News of the World tabloid employees eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of celebrities, politicians and a teenage murder victim. Owner Rupert Murdoch shut down the newspaper amid a criminal investigation and public uproar. Several journalists were convicted, and Murdoch's company paid $388 million in settlements to dozens of hacking victims, legal fees and other costs associated with investigations. Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson, who had resigned and became communications chief to Conservative Party leader Cameron, was convicted of phone hacking and sentenced to 18 months in prison. In the inquiry's 2012 report, Lord Justice Brian Leveson said "outrageous" behavior by some in the press had "wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people whose rights and liberties have been disdained." Justice Matthew Nicklin, who is hearing the current eavesdropping case, is also overseeing a separate libel lawsuit Harry brought against Associated Newspapers over an article about his quest for police protection when he and his family visit the U.K. Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, and his wife, the former actress Meghan Markle, stepped down as working royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., citing what they described as the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. Harry has said he wants to make reforming the British media his life's work. He fumes at British media throughout his memoir "Spare," published in January. He accused them of hounding Meghan and blamed an overly aggressive press for the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, which is mentioned in court papers. The prince's lawyer said the unlawful conduct by Associated Newspapers was "a major betrayal given promises made by the media to improve its conduct following the tragic and untimely death of his mother." A 65-year-old bicyclist died two days after Tucson police say swerved into traffic and was struck by a car. Michael David Cooper was riding east on East Grant Road about 9 p.m. Friday when he suddenly swerved into traffic and was struck by an eastbound Hyundai Elantra, Tucson police said in a news release Monday. Cooper, who had lights on his bicycle but was not wearing a helmet, was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. On Sunday police were notified that he died, the release said. The 19-year-old driver of the Hyundai stopped immediately after the crash near North Los Altos Avenue and cooperated with investigators, the release said. No citations have been issued. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The director of the budget and accountability office for the New Mexico Legislature is retiring from the agency he led for 25 years through a historic recession, a collapse in the oil economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and a new and unprecedented financial windfall. Director David Abbey will leave the agency known as the Legislative Finance Committee this summer. He guided the office through the tenure of four governors, earning recognition for ensuring state government solvent in the aftermath of the 2007-2009 Great Recession, a 2014 collapse in oil prices as well as the pandemic. New Mexico is one of about five states where the Legislature prepares its own budget plan, independent of the executive branch. Abbey said he was especially proud of his work on funding for full-day kindergarten, extended learning at public schools and the state's home visiting program that helps parents of infant children. The states financial challenges extend to bountiful eras, he said, such as this year when lawmakers deployed a multibillion-dollar general fund surplus to critical programs and thousands of new construction projects. How do you not just throw money at problems? ... How do you make sure it gets spent effectively, how do you get good outcomes? Abbey said. With a staff of about 40 economists, program analysts and support staff, the Legislatures budget and accountability office not only develops annual spending recommendations but also conducts performance evaluations of executive state agencies and crucial state programs. The state's current financial windfall is linked closely to the oil sector in the No. 2 state for petroleum production behind Texas. Were a very poor state, but were rich in finances right now," Abbey said. Weve seen it come and go. Lawmakers who oversee the Legislative Finance Committee next meet in May to begin the process of appointing a successor. BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) Scientists are naming a rare species of beetle in honor of former California Gov. Jerry Brown after finding one at his ranch. Bembidion brownorum was last seen in 1966, but it hadn't been named or described until one was collected near a creek on Brown's ranch in Colusa County, about an hour's drive northwest of Sacramento, the University of California, Berkeley announced Monday. The beetle is brown and tiny at about 5 millimeters (0.20 inch) long, although that is still larger than other Bembidion beetles. Under magnification it glows with a green and gold metallic shimmer, according to UC Berkeley. Brown, who left office in 2019, lives in California's inner coastal mountain range on land that has been in his family since the 1860s. He has offered his property as a meeting space for the California Native Plant Society, entomologist, and forestry and fire experts. UC Berkeley entomologist Kipling Will has been sampling insects at the 2,500-acre (1,012-hectare) ranch for more than two years. On July 1, 2021, he found an unfamiliar beetle and called up an expert, David Maddison at Oregon State University, to help identify it, UC Berkeley said. They determined that it was a species that hadn't been previously named or described. Will later found 21 specimens in museums throughout California, although they may have been unlabeled or misidentified, UC Berkeley said. The species probably was rarely spotted because it probably has been rapidly declining as its habitat is destroyed by urbanization and agricultural development, Will said. The beetle was named in honor of Brown and his wife, Anne Brown. Im very glad that (my ranch) is advancing science in some interesting and important ways, Brown said in the UC Berkeley statement. There are so many undiscovered species, he said. I think its very important that we catalog and discover what we have and understand their impact on the environment how its functioning and how its changing. Will and Maddison described the beetle in a study published Monday in the journal ZooKeys. John S. Sproul of the University of Nebraska Omaha is a co-author. As of the moment of publication this morning the species was formally named, Will said through UC Berkeley in answer to a question by The Associated Press. "If the question is about a ceremony of some sort, no we dont do that. WASHINGTON (AP) Two Texas companies have resolved Clean Air Act violations with the Environmental Protection Agency by agreeing to reduce emissions of planet-warming methane and other harmful pollutants wafting from the nation's largest oil and gas producing region. EPA announced Monday that Matador Production Company has agreed to pay $6.2 million in fines and mitigation measures related to 239 oil and gas well pads in New Mexico. Permian Resources Operating agreed earlier this month to pay $610,000 and make improvements to its equipment to settle environmental violations. The enforcement actions came after EPA flew a helicopter equipped with a special infrared camera that can detect emissions of hydrocarbon vapors that are invisible to the naked eye. EPA announced a new round of overflights in August, four days after publication of an investigation by The Associated Press that showed 533 oil and gas facilities in the region are emitting excessive amounts of methane and named the companies most responsible. Colorless and odorless, methane makes up about 95 percent of natural gas and a potent greenhouse pollutant that traps 83 times more heat in the atmosphere over a 20 year period than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. The AP used 2021 data from the group Carbon Mapper to document massive amounts of methane venting into the atmosphere from super emitters across the Permian Basin, a 250-mile-wide bone-dry expanse along the Texas-New Mexico border. A partnership of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and academic researchers, Carbon Mapper used an airplane carrying an infrared spectrometer to detect and quantify the unique chemical fingerprint of methane in the atmosphere. Hundreds of sites were shown persistently spewing the gas across multiple overflights. EPA has said the timing of its 2022 overflights was not related to APs story and that similar aerial surveillance had been conducted in years past. The federal complaint filed against Matador said unlawful emissions were observed in 2019, while Permian Resources was cited for evidence collected during overflights in 2020. EPA spokesman Timothy Carroll said federal regulators have initiated additional enforcement actions based on the agency's 2022 flyover. He declined to provide the number of additional companies currently facing potential sanctions, citing the ongoing investigations. Methane emissions in themselves are not illegal under current federal law, but the Clean Air Act does regulate other pollutants also contained in the gasses emitted during fossil fuel production, such as volatile organic compounds that contribute to health problems including asthma, lung infections, bronchitis and cancer. Air quality in the Permian Basin is at risk of not meeting national standards, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We will continue to work with the State of New Mexico to ensure that oil and gas production operations are operating within the law to improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities. EPA said its settlement with Matador will result in a reduction of more than 16,000 tons of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. There will be additional reduction in emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases equal to about 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide equal to taking more than 6,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for one year. Emails and a voicemail seeking comment from Matador Resources Company, the Dallas-based corporate parent of Matador Production Company, received no response. Emails to Permian Resources, based in Midland, Texas, also received no response. The voicemail for a phone number at the company listed for media inquires was not accepting new messages on Tuesday. Follow AP Global Investigative Reporter Michael Biesecker at twitter.com/mbieseck PHOENIX (AP) A vow by Arizona's governor not to proceed with any executions amid lingering questions about the rights of death row prisoners appears to have paused a scheduled execution next week, even though it hasn't officially been called off. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs won a key battle recently when the Arizona Supreme Court concluded a state law didn't require her to proceed with the planned April 6 execution of Aaron Gunches, even though his execution date wasn't canceled. Hobbs has vowed no prisoners will be executed until theres confidence that the state isnt violating constitutional rights when enforcing the death penalty. Gunches was scheduled to receive a lethal injection for the 2002 killing of Ted Price, who was his girlfriend's ex-husband. He had pleaded guilty to a murder charge in the shooting death near Mesa, Arizona. Prices sister, Karen Price, had tried unsuccessfully to get the court to order Hobbs to carry out the execution. Price then asked for a stay of execution. In making that seemingly contradictory move, Karen Prices attorney expressed concern that the state was going let the court order authorizing Gunches execution expire before factual issues in Karen Prices litigation could be resolved. The governors office said Monday that it isnt expecting the execution to be carried out next week. As we explained in our prior statements and legal filings, the state does not expect to be in a position to carry out an execution by April 6, the governor's office said in a statement. Hobbs had previously appointed a retired federal magistrate judge to examine Arizona's procurement of lethal injection drugs and other death penalty protocols due to the states history of mismanaging executions. Colleen Clase, an attorney for Karen Price, didnt immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. The governor has made very clear the state is not prepared to go forward with the scheduled execution, said Dale Baich, a former federal public defender who teaches death penalty law at Arizona State University. I would expect that it would not take place (next week). Lawyers for Hobbs have said the state lacks staff with expertise to carry out an execution, was unable to find an IV team to carry out the lethal injection and doesnt- currently have a contract for a pharmacist to compound the pentobarbital needed for an execution. They also said a top corrections leadership position thats critical to planning executions remains unfilled. Some requirements for carrying out executions under the states death penalty protocol have not been met in Gunches case. The corrections department said the warrant of execution issued by the state Supreme Court wasnt read to Gunches. And Gunches wasnt moved to a special death watch cell where he would be monitored around the clock and remain until his execution. In a statement Monday, the agency said that its death penalty protocols have been paused as we conduct our systemic review of the execution process and complete the necessary steps to demonstrate efficacy and competency in the established protocols. Arizona, which currently has 110 prisoners on death row, carried out three executions last year. That followed a nearly eight-year hiatus brought on by criticism that a 2014 execution was botched and because of difficulties obtaining execution drugs. Since then, the state has been criticized for taking too long to insert an IV for lethal injection into a condemned prisoners body and for denying the Arizona Republic permission to witness the three executions. Gunches, who is not a lawyer, represented himself in November when he asked the Supreme Court to issue his execution warrant so that he said justice could be served and the victims families could get closure. In his last month in office, Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich asked the court for a warrant to execute Gunches. But Gunches then withdrew his request in early January, and newly elected Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes later asked for the warrant to be withdrawn. The state Supreme Court rejected Mayes request, saying that it must grant an execution warrant if certain appellate proceedings have concluded and that those requirements were met in Gunches case. Gunches switched courses again, saying now that he wants to be executed and asked to be transferred to Texas, where, he wrote, inmates can still get their sentences carried out. Arizonas high court denied the transfer. NEW YORK (AP) A Cuban-Peruvian poet from New Mexico has won the Academy of American Poets First Book Award. Sara Daniele Rivera will receive $5,000, a six-week residency at an artist community in the Umbria region of Italy and a book deal with Graywolf Press, which next year will publish her debut collection The Blue Mimes. Poet Eduardo C. Corral chose Rivera's manuscript for the first book prize. In a statement Tuesday released through the academy, he praised Rivera for her beautifully and deftly crafted poems, and her compelling evocation of loss. "I felt deeply the grief in this book. I felt less alone after reading it," Corral wrote. The 33-year-old Rivera is a writer, artist, translator and educator who lives in Albuquerque. Previous winners of the first book award include John Canaday, Elaine Terranova and Jenny Xie, a National Book Award nominee in 2018. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will not support the use of state tax dollars to assist financially ailing Birmingham-Southern College, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. The state has no plans to use the taxpayers public funds to bail out a private college, spokeswoman Gina Maiola said in a statement to al.com The private liberal arts college in Birmingham is seeking state financial help after years of deficits and declining enrollment. The Rev. Keith Thompson, chairman of the Birmingham-Southern Board of Trustees, wrote a letter to college supporters encouraged alumni to continue pushing for state support. The BSC Board of Trustees faces making history-changing decisions that will impact the lives of so many people. One of our biggest challenges is the need to make a decision soon versus the timing of the Montgomery budget process. Knowing whether BSC will receive one-time bridge funding from the state is vital information we need to make the best decision, Thompson wrote. The college's board is scheduled to meet April 5. Alabama lawmakers return from spring break next week to work on state budgets for the fiscal year that begins in October, as well as supplemental appropriations for this year. Southern University, which was founded in 1856 in Greensboro, Alabama, merged with Birmingham College in 1918 to become Birmingham-Southern, with a campus west of downtown Birmingham. Small private colleges nationwide are struggling with a decreasing number of traditional college-aged students and competition from larger, richer institutions. Judson College, a womens college, shuttered its campus in Marion in 2021. Biden urged Congress to approve a weapons ban after the fatal shootings at a school in Nashville, Tennessee The president emphasized the significance of mental health A woman opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville, killing six people On Monday, when a 28-year-old woman fatally shot three kids and three teachers at a Christian private school in Nashville, President Joe Biden asked the media not to disregard the mental health of those who survived the tragedy. During a speech at a White House conference for small business owners, the president drew parallels to Iraq war veterans suffering from PTSD. Biden Reacts to Nashville School Shooting Incident According to authorities, a female shooter brandishing two "assault-style" rifles and a handgun murdered three students and three adults at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school for around 200 preschools through sixth-grade students. The suspect, whose age and gender remain unknown, died after being shot by police in response to the violence. According to the police, she formerly attended the school. Fox News reports that Biden referred to the incident as "sick" and "heartbreaking." Biden urged Congress to adopt a ban on assault weapons similar to the one he helped pass in 1994. This statute imposed a 10-year prohibition on the production, transfer, and ownership of "semiautomatic assault weapons" (SAWs) and "high capacity ammunition feeding systems." It officially ended on September 13, 2004. The attack on Monday comes as towns throughout the country are grieving from a string of school violence, including the slaughter at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first-grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting that injured two administrators in Denver last week. With a split Congress where Republicans control the House and Democrats control the Senate, President Joe Biden's proposal to establish a ban on assault weapons faces a difficult uphill road. After the Uvalde school shooting last year, it was difficult for lawmakers to modify the nation's gun laws, even with a Democratic supermajority. Per USA Today, Democrats are asking for action with the president. According to the Gun Violence Archive, Monday's shooting in Nashville was the 129th mass shooting in the United States thus far this year. Read Also: Ukraine Drone Blasts Russian Town Nashville School Shooting Victims In the Nashville school shooting, three kids were killed: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. According to authorities, they were all nine years old. Mike Hill, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Cynthia Peak, 61, from employees of Covenant School, were slain. According to sources, the woman entered the school through a side door at 10:13 a.m. On the second floor, she opened fire with two assault-style rifles and a pistol. The 200-student private school was launched in 2011. It is not thought to have armed security. Bill Lee, the governor of Tennessee, stated that he closely followed the tragic situation at Covenant and requested that people "join us in praying for the school, congregation, and Nashville community." According to The Guardian, John Cooper, mayor of Nashville, stated that his "heart goes out to the families of the victims." "In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting," he continued. A police officer expressed sympathy as parents hurried to get their children from a neighboring church. The officer was overheard telling parents, "I know this is probably the worst day of everyone's lives," the officer was heard to tell parents. "I can't tell you how sympathetic we are." Related Article: Nashville School Shooting: 3 Kids, 3 Staff Members Dead @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ATLANTA (AP) Georgia lawmakers are telling cities and counties that they must enforce existing bans on public camping or sleeping by homeless people while saying local governments and hospitals can't dump homeless people in other counties without permission. The House voted 99-76 to pass Senate Bill 62 on Monday. The Senate later approved House amendments adding the ban on dumping, sending it to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature or veto. We should not have cities that are looking away as people choose, or feel they must, find different places to put their head every night, said Rep. Katie Dempsey, a Rome Republican. The measure passed over vociferous Democratic opposition accusing Republicans of trying to criminalize homelessness and impose unworkable requirements on local governments. We must end policies and practices that criminalize poverty, said Omari Crawford, a Decatur Democrat. "Criminal codes are already full of offenses that punish people for being poor. We need to repeal them all. It's unclear how much effect the bill will have after Senate Democrats amended it to say that cities and counties could only be sued if they sent out written guidance directing that their own ordinances couldn't be enforced. The measure also requires a state audit of local spending on homelessness. Opponents also said the bill doesn't do enough to address underlying problems or promote permanent solutions. Micromanaging local governments and jurisdictions will not address the root cause of homelessness," Crawford said. Like in other cities and states, the push against public camping is being promoted by the Cicero Institute, which argues that creating specific areas where camping is permitted can be a faster solution than building affordable housing. The institute is bankrolled by venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale. Dempsey said the idea is not to criminalize homelessness, but to find people "a better place than a sidewalk. Otherwise, she and others said Atlanta and other cities will drive away residents, businesses and tourists. We want to ensure that cities in this state dont become like Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, where they encourage people to sleep on the street," said Rep. John LaHood, a Valdosta Republican. The provision against allowing hospitals and local governments to transport homeless people to another county was added by Rep. Houston Gaines, an Athens Republican. He said a local business owner called to complain that a homeless person was dropped off without warning. Gaines and some other Republicans say it's particularly a problem in smaller cities with homeless services that can act as a magnet for surrounding areas. The bill would allow transport if an accepting facility agrees. Were having trouble in Brunswick, Georgia, from others bringing people in and dropping them off because they heard we have great services," said Rep. Rick Townsend, a Brunswick Republican. But others say the provision is unworkable, especially in urban areas with many neighboring and overlapping jurisdictions. Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, a Decatur Democrat, said the measure is "totally unworkable. Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) There were multiple missed opportunities to investigate and possibly arrest an expelled University of Arizona graduate student who shot and killed a professor last year, according to an independent review. A report conducted by PAX Group, a consulting firm with security expertise, on the October slaying of Thomas Meixner, a hydrology professor, was released Monday. The company, which was contracted by the school, interviewed nearly 140 people, including Meixner's family. There were systemic issues across our university that should have been identified and corrected, University President Dr. Robert Robbins said during a news conference. Im angry at myself that I did not do more to prevent this tragedy. Robbins received the report late Friday. It found faculty in the Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department, which Meixner chaired, brought up threats and harassment from Murad Dervish, 47, between November 2021 and January 2022. But there was no coordinated leadership of the school's threat assessment team. So, faculty went to campus police and the Dean of Students Office. Both entities shared links to mental health resources with Dervish. But there was fractured communication. Sharing information might have led to further investigation, and police might have turned up a criminal history and other behavioral red flags, the report says. PAX made 33 recommendations for the school in areas of identifying and managing threats, communications and crisis responses, including having a campus head of public safety and making necessary improvements to the UAlert system, which sends out warnings about active shooter situations to campus community members. The system had glitches at the time of the shooting. Some of those recommendations are already in motion. Steve Patterson, a 25-year FBI veteran, will become the interim chief safety officer in May. He will meet regularly with Robbins and other officials. In February 2022, a flyer with a photograph of Dervish had been circulated to university staff with instructions to call 911 if he ever entered the building. Dervish is facing seven felony charges related to the shooting, including first-degree murder. In the days following the shooting, Robbins had said campus police tried to get Dervish charged two separate times before the shooting. Administrators took the complaints to Pima County prosecutors but were told there wasnt enough evidence. In neither instance did the facts of the complaint meet the evidentiary requirements for charging (Dervish) with the crime of threats and intimidation at that time, County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement following the shooting. In February, the UA Faculty Senate released its own interim report about campus safety. The committee criticized the university for fostering an environment that consciously and consistently disregards employee and students safety concerns, the Arizona Daily Star reported. In response, the university in a statement dismissed the faculty report as being based on misleading characterizations and the selective use of facts and quotations. Robbins on Monday backtracked on those remarks. I also want to recognize the important work of the faculty senate committee, Robbins said. I apologized to them for being dismissive and critical of their important work and their contributions simply to make our campus safer. In honor of fallen McAlester Police Department Patrolman Joseph Barlow, Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday ordered that all American flags and Oklahoma flags on state property be flown at half-staff on Wednesday. A service honoring Barlows life is set for Wednesday at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester. Barlow, who also was an Army veteran, suffered grave injuries in a Glenpool crash during a funeral procession for McAlester Police Capt. Richard Parker on March 17. Barlow died three days later, surrounded by loved ones, according to McAlester police. The state of Oklahoma recognizes not only our law enforcement officers but the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities and the sacrifices they make daily, Stitt said in a statement. Our brave men and women in law enforcement face extraordinary peril while protecting our communities, and I ask the entire state to join me in prayer for their ongoing safety. Joseph leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Chaise; and son, Hudson; and parents Cindy and Shannon Barkley, Jerry Barlow Jr., and Brenda Schoggins, state officials said in a news release. Josephs exemplary service to the McAlester Police Department and our state will not be forgotten, the release states. Flags should remain lowered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. The Oklahoma House of Representatives issued its second censure of the session on Monday, this time with Republican leadership coming down on one of its own members, Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow. Davis was arrested on a public intoxication charge in Oklahoma Citys Bricktown area in the wee hours of Thursday morning. On police body camera video, Davis can be seen and heard arguing that he cant be detained because hes a legislator. Davis previously had entered a no-contest plea to a driving while impaired charge and received a deferred sentence. The only person to come to Davis defense on Monday afternoon following the censure motion by Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, was the other member cited this year, Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City. Censure, Turner said, will not push the representative to get the help he needs. Turner was censured March 7 after law officers complained that Turner had not been sufficiently cooperative in the investigation of an incident in which water was thrown on Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah. Turner has not been charged with anything and denies wrongdoing. Leadership took some criticism for Turners censure, particularly in light of the fact that two Republican members Rep. Terry ODonnell, R-Catoosa, and Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond are facing felony charges and were not censured. On Monday, Moore and Majority Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, said pointedly that Davis censure squares things. In my prior motion, I stated that the consequence proposed would be the very consequence, regardless of the name of the member, and this settles any argument for debate to the contrary, said Moore, who also brought the censure motion against Turner. Echols said legislators must not abuse their positions. ODonnell is charged with using his position to keep a Catoosa tag agency within his wifes family, and Martinez, according to a police report, tried to get police to call Gov. Kevin Stitt when Martinez was being arrested for alleged DUI. The charges against ODonnell and Martinez are pending, however, and could be dropped or adjudicated in their favor. Davis was stripped of his committee assignments pending a formal apology, which was the same punishment given Turner. Turner, maintaining innocence, has not apologized. OKLAHOMA CITY Two of House Speaker Charles McCalls bills dealing with teacher pay raises and vouchers were gutted by Senate panels on Monday. Senators inserted their own language which would increase the amounts of raises for teachers and of tax credits for parents of private-school students and shipped the measures to the floor. The action came after McCall, R-Atoka, warned the upper chamber that the measures must pass untouched or the Senates education bills would be dead on arrival in the House. The House measures are expected to be heard Thursday on the Senate floor. In its original form, House Bill 2775 would have provided $2,500 across-the-board pay raises for teachers. Senators replaced that language with their own pay-raise version, which includes hikes ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 based on experience and a merit-pay proposal. It would be the second-largest teacher pay raise in history, said Senate Education Committee Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. We took really bold action today, he said. The original version of HB 1935 called for an education tax credit of up to $5,000 for a parent or a guardian of a child who attends private school and $2,500 for parents who home school. The Senates language would increase the amount for private schools to $7,500 and reduce the amount for home schooling to $1,000. The Senate inserted an income cap of $250,000 to claim the tax credit, said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. Treat has repeatedly stressed his belief that parents, regardless of ZIP code, need school choice. HB 1935 would take effect only if the teacher pay raise bill went into effect. House Bill 1935 allows a family with an annual income of $250,000 to access a $7,500 voucher for each of their children to attend private school, said Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa. This is not a win for working Oklahomans and their children. Its the latest in a series of attempts to send public dollars into private hands with no accountability for their use. Treat said the price tag for all the House provisions was $800 million, while the Senate versions is $630 million. The House bills did not have the support to get to the finish line, Treat said. McCall was still reviewing the Senate amendments later Monday, said Daniel Seitz, House Republican Caucus communications director. In a rare show of unanimous agreement, chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature recently passed measures to help domestic abuse victims and to establish a statewide Civil Rights Trail. While the proposals address different topics, both show where lawmakers can find common ground. House Bill 1639, called the Oklahoma Domestic Abuse Survivorship Act, would require courts to consider whether a defendant has been physically, sexually, economically or psychologically abused by an intimate partner in criminal domestic cases. If domestic violence is proven, the bill would provide for modified sentencing. It passed by a 91-0 vote and is pending in the Oklahoma Senate. Oklahoma has known of its domestic violence problem for decades, but the 2020 Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report shows a 44% jump in domestic-related deaths across the state. It found an increasing trend in overall domestic abuse, a 12% spike compared to a decade earlier. Of those, nearly 80% were assault and battery. The state ranks No. 2 in women killed by men, according to the Violence Policy Center. Last year, several advocacy groups formed the Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition, and it backed the bill. The coalition estimates between 100 to 500 people are in Oklahoma prisons who were victims of domestic violence or committed their crimes in direct response to abusive treatment. The measure is now pending in the Senate. We urge lawmakers to push this into law. The other measure, Senate Bill 509 proposed by Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City would create a Civil Rights Trail across Oklahoma. It would connect notable sites such as Tulsas Greenwood District, Standing Bear Museum in Ponca City, Oklahoma Citys Clara Luper Civil Rights Center and Fairfax, where the reign of terror occurred in the late 1920s in the Osage Nation (depicted in the upcoming feature film Killers of the Flower Moon, based on a 2017 book by David Grann). It passed the Senate by a 45-0 vote and heads to the House for consideration. The proposal comes with a one-time $1.5 million revolving fund for the Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail Grant Program, which would be administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. There is no downside to this statewide project. Oklahoma had more all-Black towns than any other state at the turn of the 20th century and has a rich Indigenous history in the fight for civil rights. The state has 38 federally recognized Native American tribes located within its borders and the third highest population of Native American citizens in the U.S. Having a Civil Rights Trail creates a living history lesson and could be connected to civil rights trails in other states, as lawmakers pointed out. The measure ought to become law. Its morally right, educationally relevant and a potential boon for tourism. Police in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City raided the headquarters of Galaxy Debt Trading Company and Home Credit Vietnam, a consumer finance provider, over extortion and asset appropriation allegations on Tuesday. Hundreds of police officers inspected the office of Galaxy Debt Trading on the first and second floors of Linh Tay Tower in the namesake ward in Thu Duc City on Tuesday morning. In front of the building, there were many traffic police officers, mobile police officers, and security guards. Many police officers are seen at a building where Galaxy Debt Trading Company is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Inside the searched facilities, the firms employees were asked to stop working for the inspection. The firm reportedly specializes in debt trading and financial services. On the afternoon of the same day, police cordoned off the headquarters of Home Credit Vietnam Finance Company on Nguyen Dang Giai Street in Thu Duc Citys Thao Dien Ward for a search. The firm, with hundreds of employees, is active in the personal financial field. Mobile police officers are dispatched for a search. Photo: Tuoi Tre The Ministry of Public Security and police in many cities and provinces have recently cracked down on several illegal debt collection rings that misappropriated assets of debtors. Investigation results showed that hundreds of thousands of people were threatened and terrorized for their late debt payments. In mid-March, police in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City prosecuted 14 debt collectors over asset appropriation related to Vietnam Thinh Vuong Debt Trading JSC and THT Law Company. Besides, Ho Chi Minh City police have launched criminal proceedings against 26 individuals who are employees at Mirae Asset Finance Company and Power Law Company over calumny. Police officers conduct an inspection at the headquarters of Home Credit Vietnam in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre A photo of police cars that transported police officers to Linh Tay Tower for a search on March 28, 2023. Photo: Hao Dang / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City raided the headquarters of Galaxy Debt Trading Company and Home Credit Vietnam, a consumer finance provider, over extortion and asset appropriation allegations on Tuesday. Hundreds of police officers inspected the office of Galaxy Debt Trading on the first and second floors of Linh Tay Tower in the namesake ward in Thu Duc City on Tuesday morning. In front of the building, there were many traffic police officers, mobile police officers, and security guards. Many police officers are seen at a building where Galaxy Debt Trading Company is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre Inside the searched facilities, the firms employees were asked to stop working for the inspection. The firm reportedly specializes in debt trading and financial services. On the afternoon of the same day, police cordoned off the headquarters of Home Credit Vietnam Finance Company on Nguyen Dang Giai Street in Thu Duc Citys Thao Dien Ward for a search. The firm, with hundreds of employees, is active in the personal financial field. Mobile police officers are dispatched for a search. Photo: Tuoi Tre The Ministry of Public Security and police in many cities and provinces have recently cracked down on several illegal debt collection rings that misappropriated assets of debtors. Investigation results showed that hundreds of thousands of people were threatened and terrorized for their late debt payments. In mid-March, police in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City prosecuted 14 debt collectors over asset appropriation related to Vietnam Thinh Vuong Debt Trading JSC and THT Law Company. Besides, Ho Chi Minh City police have launched criminal proceedings against 26 individuals who are employees at Mirae Asset Finance Company and Power Law Company over calumny. Police officers conduct an inspection at the headquarters of Home Credit Vietnam in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre A photo of police cars that transported police officers to Linh Tay Tower for a search on March 28, 2023. Photo: Hao Dang / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) on Monday announced that it has entered into an agreement with Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) - a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) to issue 15 percent of equity stake through a private placement, officially welcoming SMBC as a foreign strategic investor of the bank. The investment from SMBC will help the bank raise VND35.9 trillion, or approximately US$1.5 billion, of Tier 1 capital, increasing its owner equity to around VND140 trillion from VND103.5 trillion. This comes as part of the capital raising plan that VPBank has been implementing during 2022-23 in order to enhance its long-term financial strength and support the bank to reach ambitious growth strategy over the next five years. Following the latest SMBCs strategic investment, VPBank will become Vietnams second largest bank in terms of owner equity, which allows it to serve a wide range of customer needs in various segments, including retail banking, corporate banking and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The robust capital stance will also back VPBank in serving large-scale enterprises, particularly the foreign direct investment (FDI) and multi-national companies that have been or will be investing in Vietnam. The new investment also proves a strong and trusted collaboration between SMBC and VPBank, since the two parties entered into a business partnership agreement in May 2022. Previously, in 2021, SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd a subsidiary of SMFG also acquired a 49 percent of equity stake in FE Credit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VPBank. SMBC, through this investment, will contribute towards VPBanks growth by leveraging its know-how and business expertise accumulated in other Asian markets. SMBC is thus expected to help accelerate the digital transformation at VPBank, in order to deliver customer-centric banking products and services and superior customer experience. Furthermore, thanks to the great reputation of a large financial institution like SMBC, the strategic deal is anticipated to attract and encourage potential FDI companies among the 200,000 corporate clients of SMBC to come and expand their investment in Vietnam. These potential enterprises, once enter Vietnam successfully, will also likely become clients of VPBank. For SMBC itself, through the rapport built with a local bank like VPBank, the group will be able to strengthen its foothold in the country and exploit opportunity to serve local investment projects, particularly those in the field of infrastructure construction and green and sustainable growth that the group has been paying attention to in recent years. As one of the earliest-established joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam, VPBank has achieved sustainable development throughout its 30-year history. VPBank is now the leading commercial bank in Vietnam in terms of efficiency and profitability, with strong presence in retail and SME segments. It is also the digital pioneer implementing end-to-end digitization to deliver distinctive customer value propositions. As of December 31, 2022, VPBanks total assets amounted to approximately $27 billion, with a network of 251 branches national wide. VPBank is also among the best-capitalized banks with CAR at approximately 15 percent, well beyond the regulatory requirement, which has strengthened its balance sheet and provides headroom for future growth. For more information, please visit https://www.vpbank.com.vn Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is one of the largest commercial banks in Japan. With offices in 39 countries and regions including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania, SMBC has an extensive global network and growing international presence. SMBC and its group companies offer a broad range of financial services, including deposit taking, lending, securities brokering and trading, securities investment, money transfer, foreign currency exchange, corporate bond trustee services and custody services, financial futures underwriting, investment trust sales and other commercial banking activities. SMBC is rated A by Fitch Ratings, A by Standard & Poors Global, and A1 by Moodys. For more information, please visit https://www.smbc.co.jp/global Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) on Monday announced that it has entered into an agreement with Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) - a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) to issue 15 percent of equity stake through a private placement, officially welcoming SMBC as a foreign strategic investor of the bank. The investment from SMBC will help the bank raise VND35.9 trillion, or approximately US$1.5 billion, of Tier 1 capital, increasing its owner equity to around VND140 trillion from VND103.5 trillion. This comes as part of the capital raising plan that VPBank has been implementing during 2022-23 in order to enhance its long-term financial strength and support the bank to reach ambitious growth strategy over the next five years. Following the latest SMBCs strategic investment, VPBank will become Vietnams second largest bank in terms of owner equity, which allows it to serve a wide range of customer needs in various segments, including retail banking, corporate banking and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The robust capital stance will also back VPBank in serving large-scale enterprises, particularly the foreign direct investment (FDI) and multi-national companies that have been or will be investing in Vietnam. The new investment also proves a strong and trusted collaboration between SMBC and VPBank, since the two parties entered into a business partnership agreement in May 2022. Previously, in 2021, SMBC Consumer Finance Co., Ltd a subsidiary of SMFG also acquired a 49 percent of equity stake in FE Credit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VPBank. SMBC, through this investment, will contribute towards VPBanks growth by leveraging its know-how and business expertise accumulated in other Asian markets. SMBC is thus expected to help accelerate the digital transformation at VPBank, in order to deliver customer-centric banking products and services and superior customer experience. Furthermore, thanks to the great reputation of a large financial institution like SMBC, the strategic deal is anticipated to attract and encourage potential FDI companies among the 200,000 corporate clients of SMBC to come and expand their investment in Vietnam. These potential enterprises, once enter Vietnam successfully, will also likely become clients of VPBank. For SMBC itself, through the rapport built with a local bank like VPBank, the group will be able to strengthen its foothold in the country and exploit opportunity to serve local investment projects, particularly those in the field of infrastructure construction and green and sustainable growth that the group has been paying attention to in recent years. As one of the earliest-established joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam, VPBank has achieved sustainable development throughout its 30-year history. VPBank is now the leading commercial bank in Vietnam in terms of efficiency and profitability, with strong presence in retail and SME segments. It is also the digital pioneer implementing end-to-end digitization to deliver distinctive customer value propositions. As of December 31, 2022, VPBanks total assets amounted to approximately $27 billion, with a network of 251 branches national wide. VPBank is also among the best-capitalized banks with CAR at approximately 15 percent, well beyond the regulatory requirement, which has strengthened its balance sheet and provides headroom for future growth. For more information, please visit https://www.vpbank.com.vn Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is one of the largest commercial banks in Japan. With offices in 39 countries and regions including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania, SMBC has an extensive global network and growing international presence. SMBC and its group companies offer a broad range of financial services, including deposit taking, lending, securities brokering and trading, securities investment, money transfer, foreign currency exchange, corporate bond trustee services and custody services, financial futures underwriting, investment trust sales and other commercial banking activities. SMBC is rated A by Fitch Ratings, A by Standard & Poors Global, and A1 by Moodys. For more information, please visit https://www.smbc.co.jp/global Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Vietnam managed to rescue a 15-year-old girl from a labor trafficking ring on Monday after she was sold for forced labor at pubs and karaoke parlors by an acquaintance on social networks. The victim, identified as N.T.A., was induced to travel from Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta region to Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, to take a job with a monthly salary of VND10-15 million (US$425-638). However, she was sold to a woman in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak at the price of VND25 million ($1,063) to work as a karaoke parlor attendant. The victim, a resident of Tan Hong District in Dong Thap, made friends with Liem on social media in February and was introduced to a job with a monthly wage of VND10-20 million ($425-850). After A. agreed to Liems proposal, she was transported to Binh Duong and was picked up by a stranger. She was then transported to Dak Lak and was sold to a woman called Hoa for VND25 million. After her arrival in Dak Lak, A. was guarded, while the victims identity documents were seized. She was forced to work at karaoke parlors and pubs every day. The money she earned was used to compensate for the purchase of A.. When A.s family contacted Hoa to ransom the victim, she asked her family to pay VND32 million ($1,360). After being notified of the labor trafficking case, police of Dong Thap and Dak Lak jointly launched a probe and quickly rescued A.. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Vietnam managed to rescue a 15-year-old girl from a labor trafficking ring on Monday after she was sold for forced labor at pubs and karaoke parlors by an acquaintance on social networks. The victim, identified as N.T.A., was induced to travel from Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta region to Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, to take a job with a monthly salary of VND10-15 million (US$425-638). However, she was sold to a woman in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak at the price of VND25 million ($1,063) to work as a karaoke parlor attendant. The victim, a resident of Tan Hong District in Dong Thap, made friends with Liem on social media in February and was introduced to a job with a monthly wage of VND10-20 million ($425-850). After A. agreed to Liems proposal, she was transported to Binh Duong and was picked up by a stranger. She was then transported to Dak Lak and was sold to a woman called Hoa for VND25 million. After her arrival in Dak Lak, A. was guarded, while the victims identity documents were seized. She was forced to work at karaoke parlors and pubs every day. The money she earned was used to compensate for the purchase of A.. When A.s family contacted Hoa to ransom the victim, she asked her family to pay VND32 million ($1,360). After being notified of the labor trafficking case, police of Dong Thap and Dak Lak jointly launched a probe and quickly rescued A.. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of "radiation blackmail" Zelensky met with IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi to talk about nuclear safety Ukraine receives delivery of Leopard 2 battle tanks from Germany and Challenger 2 tanks from Britain Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blasts Russian President Vladimir Putin over what he called "radiation blackmail" as Moscow controls one of Kyiv's nuclear power plants. The global leader's remarks came after he visited the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro and met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. Zelensky said that he discussed the security of his country's energy security and talked about the nuclear plants. Zelensky Accuses Putin of Radiation Blackmail The Ukrainian president argued that his Russian counterpart was conducting radiation blackmail of the world, referencing Moscow's control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. On Monday, during Zelensky's nightly address, he added that no other terrorist had reached the same level of cynicism as Russia has and constantly continues to deepen. Furthermore, Zelensky argued that Russia's continued control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant threatens global security. He said that holding a nuclear power plant hostage for more than a year is something that he considered the most dangerous situation in the history of the European region and the world, as per CNN. In his meeting with Grossi, the Ukrainian president also expressed his gratitude towards the IAEA chief for his understanding and support of his country's fight against Russia and other relevant issues. The meeting between the two officials came shortly before Zelensky traveled to Zaporizhzhia to visit the nuclear power plant. He also met with frontline soldiers and visited a regional military hospital to observe the devastation of Russian attacks in Marhanets and Nikopol. In a statement, Zelensky said that he had a cabinet meeting in Dnipro where the commanders of the operation areas reported the actual situation on the ground. He added that each one understood that Russia must be held accountable for every assault on cities and villages in Ukraine. Read Also: Israeli PM Receives Warning Over Judicial Reform Plan Ukraine Prepares for More Fighting The Ukrainian president also handed out medals to military troops when he visited Zaporizhzhia as they continued trying to break the back of Moscow's winter offensive before conducting a counterattack. The visit marked Zelensky's third time traveling to the front line in the past week, according to the Independent. Recently, Putin and other Moscow officials have tried to raise concerns over the possible use of nuclear weapons in their war against Ukraine. During the weekend, the Russian president said he had agreed to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. However, Ukraine and its Western allies have condemned the announcement, and the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson called it "irresponsible" and "escalatory." In a statement, Andrea Sasse said it was another attempt by the Russian Federation at nuclear intimidation. The situation also comes after Ukraine received delivery of Leopard 2 battle tanks and Challenger 2 tanks supplied by Germany and Britain, respectively. The added military support comes as Kyiv prepares for an expected spring offensive from Moscow, said the New York Times. Related Article: North Korea Ramps up Ballistic Missile Launches @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nine low carbon projects from across Vietnam were announced as the first cohort to join Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) Vietnam on Monday by the British Embassy in Hanoi. The selected projects represent diverse sectors such as renewable energy, resource/energy efficiency, e-mobility, decarbonising construction, circular economy, and waste management. According to the British Embassy in Hanoi, the nine projects meet many 'green' criteria such as aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; being at the pre-feasibility stage of development; having a business model that will generate commercially viable returns in the long-term; and contributing to furthering gender equality and social inclusion. Those projects' scale is also fairly big as they have to come from existing companies in Vietnam and must have a minimum total financing need of US$5 million. The exciting and innovative projects selected to be part of CFA Vietnam underline the significant potential of the Vietnamese private sector to help tackle the climate crisis," British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said. The expertise shared with these projects will help move them closer to finding investment, leading to reductions in carbon emissions for communities across the country." Following the capacity building and mentoring sessions, project developers will meet with investors and financial institutions at a workshop in May. This will allow the project developers to further refine their financial structuring through personalized discussions with interested financial institutions. The event will also provide an opportunity for participants to network and for policymakers to understand the challenges faced by other stakeholders in the climate finance space. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam. Photo: British Embassy in Hanoi The first cohort of the CFA Vietnam program includes Blue Planet Environmental Solutions -- a producer of biogas from rice straws using a dry-digestion system; Dat Bike -- Vietnam's first domestic electric motorbike company aiming to manufacture modern, tech-driven electric bikes for the mass market and develop solar-powered battery charging infrastructure; Control & Automation Solutions -- a tech company providing automation solutions in the energy and agriculture sectors; Egreen Technology JSC -- a supplier of biogas electricity for livestock farms; Hoa Binh High Tech Environment Joint Stock Company -- a company in industrial waste management using circular economy principles; and Vietnam Sustainable Materials Corporation -- the manufacturer of bamboo products. Others include Deep C Green, a subsidiary of Deep C Industrial Park -- an aspiring eco-industrial park in Vietnam; Control & Automation Solutions, a tech company providing automation solutions in the energy and agriculture sectors with two smart agriculture projects participating in the CFA Vietnam; and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 -- a large-scale integrated Vanadium Flow Battery producer. Those companies of the selected projects will receive tailored one-to-one and group technical support from CFA in 2.5 months, from March to May, to improve project readiness and opportunity to attract investment from Vietnamese and international investors. CFA advisers will help with technical aspects including financial models, pitch material, and advice on enhancing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). The CFA is an 11.8 million ($14.5 million) technical assistance program funded by International Climate Finance (ICF), through the UK government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The CFA is implemented in nine countries including Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nine low carbon projects from across Vietnam were announced as the first cohort to join Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) Vietnam on Monday by the British Embassy in Hanoi. The selected projects represent diverse sectors such as renewable energy, resource/energy efficiency, e-mobility, decarbonising construction, circular economy, and waste management. According to the British Embassy in Hanoi, the nine projects meet many 'green' criteria such as aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; being at the pre-feasibility stage of development; having a business model that will generate commercially viable returns in the long-term; and contributing to furthering gender equality and social inclusion. Those projects' scale is also fairly big as they have to come from existing companies in Vietnam and must have a minimum total financing need of US$5 million. The exciting and innovative projects selected to be part of CFA Vietnam underline the significant potential of the Vietnamese private sector to help tackle the climate crisis," British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew said. The expertise shared with these projects will help move them closer to finding investment, leading to reductions in carbon emissions for communities across the country." Following the capacity building and mentoring sessions, project developers will meet with investors and financial institutions at a workshop in May. This will allow the project developers to further refine their financial structuring through personalized discussions with interested financial institutions. The event will also provide an opportunity for participants to network and for policymakers to understand the challenges faced by other stakeholders in the climate finance space. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam. Photo: British Embassy in Hanoi The first cohort of the CFA Vietnam program includes Blue Planet Environmental Solutions -- a producer of biogas from rice straws using a dry-digestion system; Dat Bike -- Vietnam's first domestic electric motorbike company aiming to manufacture modern, tech-driven electric bikes for the mass market and develop solar-powered battery charging infrastructure; Control & Automation Solutions -- a tech company providing automation solutions in the energy and agriculture sectors; Egreen Technology JSC -- a supplier of biogas electricity for livestock farms; Hoa Binh High Tech Environment Joint Stock Company -- a company in industrial waste management using circular economy principles; and Vietnam Sustainable Materials Corporation -- the manufacturer of bamboo products. Others include Deep C Green, a subsidiary of Deep C Industrial Park -- an aspiring eco-industrial park in Vietnam; Control & Automation Solutions, a tech company providing automation solutions in the energy and agriculture sectors with two smart agriculture projects participating in the CFA Vietnam; and Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 4 -- a large-scale integrated Vanadium Flow Battery producer. Those companies of the selected projects will receive tailored one-to-one and group technical support from CFA in 2.5 months, from March to May, to improve project readiness and opportunity to attract investment from Vietnamese and international investors. CFA advisers will help with technical aspects including financial models, pitch material, and advice on enhancing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). The CFA is an 11.8 million ($14.5 million) technical assistance program funded by International Climate Finance (ICF), through the UK government's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The CFA is implemented in nine countries including Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- Chairman of Vietnams National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue held online talks with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji on Monday. -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on Monday for Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo, who is on a visit to Vietnam. Society -- Northern Vietnam is expected to see medium to heavy rains on Tuesday with low temperatures at night and early in the morning, while it will remain hot and sunny throughout the day in southern provinces, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- Authorities in north-central Ha Tinh Province confirmed on Monday afternoon they had found the body of the final victim after three students drowned at a local beach on Saturday. -- A middle school teacher in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long has been accused of groping a female student as well as improperly revising students scores. -- Police in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap confirmed on Monday they had rescued a 15-year-old girl who was sold to a karaoke parlor in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak and forced to work there. -- The driver of a long-haul bus was killed while many passengers were injured after the vehicle went off road and plunged into a paddy field in central Quang Ngai Province on Monday afternoon. -- A large water pipe running along Pham Van Dong Boulevard in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City was fixed on Monday afternoon after getting broken three days ago, authorities said, adding that water supply in the area has been stabilized. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- Chairman of Vietnams National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue held online talks with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji on Monday. -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on Monday for Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center Lazare Eloundou Assomo, who is on a visit to Vietnam. Society -- Northern Vietnam is expected to see medium to heavy rains on Tuesday with low temperatures at night and early in the morning, while it will remain hot and sunny throughout the day in southern provinces, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported. -- Authorities in north-central Ha Tinh Province confirmed on Monday afternoon they had found the body of the final victim after three students drowned at a local beach on Saturday. -- A middle school teacher in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long has been accused of groping a female student as well as improperly revising students scores. -- Police in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap confirmed on Monday they had rescued a 15-year-old girl who was sold to a karaoke parlor in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak and forced to work there. -- The driver of a long-haul bus was killed while many passengers were injured after the vehicle went off road and plunged into a paddy field in central Quang Ngai Province on Monday afternoon. -- A large water pipe running along Pham Van Dong Boulevard in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City was fixed on Monday afternoon after getting broken three days ago, authorities said, adding that water supply in the area has been stabilized. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Although Vietnam reopened its door to international tourists over a year ago, small and medium lodging facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are still struggling to recover due to the small number of international visitors. Their largest source market is China while the number of guests from the northern neighbor remains modest, forcing many hotels to use their facilities for other purposes or stop leasing spaces. Shutdown, falling room occupancy In District 1, many hotels which used to be crowded with foreign travelers are now empty or have been replaced by other businesses. On Ly Tu Trong Street, a spacious hotel is being repurposed. The hotel is in a prime site, near Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and Le Loi Boulevard, once favored by international tourists. Many 'House for Lease' signboards can also be seen along Bui Vien Walking Street and De Tham Street with many of them being hung in front of small, one- and two-star hotels. The director of a chain of one- to four-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City said due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, three out of the nine hotels of the chain in District 1 which reported a room occupancy rate of 90-100 percent in the pre-pandemic period have been closed. The six remaining ones are smaller and report the highest room occupancy rate of 70 percent. Most of them are dragging out a miserable existence. Up to 60 percent of our customers are foreigners but the number is not as stable as earlier, the director said. Amid fierce competition in the market, lodging facilities have to compete with each other to attract customers while still burdened with maintenance and operation costs, the hotel chain director added. Nguyen Thi Thuy Loan, a representative of Hotel A25 in District 1, said her hotel system has been reopened for a year after the pandemic-induced suspension. The infrastructure has deteriorated while revenue fell, so the hotel has to carefully weigh the decision before an upgrade. Costs have surged after the pandemic, so the hotel has to choose the most optimal solution before upgrading or buying anything, which is time-consuming. As a result, it is hard to satisfy selective tourists, Loan added. She said many hotels see their infrastructure seriously deteriorating and they want to access preferential bank loans and have their loan payment deadlines extended to improve their capability and service quality to better serve choosy customers. Enterprises need at least three years to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, it is necessary to continue applying the electricity prices for production for lodging facilities in the next three years and reducing the water and Internet expenses for them, Loan proposed. Doan Thi Anh Tuyet, head of the District 1 Culture and Information Division, attributed the difficulties of hotels to the small number of tourists, especially foreigners, their short stays and low spending. Due to the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic, employees of many lodging facilities have changed their jobs and refused to return, resulting in a dearth of human resources, especially experienced and high-quality laborers, at most lodging facilities, Tuyet said. Despite the hardship, Nguyen Van Man, managing director of the Silverland hotel chain, said many hoteliers want to increase service prices to make up for the high operation costs after the pandemic but they are afraid that customers will turn their back on them. At present, the number of three-star hotel rooms with a rate of some VND1-1.2 million (US$43-51) per night is small. Most hotel rooms see their rates 10-15 percent lower than expected. Many hotels on Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City have closed or shifted to providing other services. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Looking forward to more foreign guests According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the number of one- to five-star hotels in the city fell over 10 percent at the end of last year compared with 2021. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the department, said small and medium lodging facilities are encountering multiple difficulties resulting from rising operation costs and the lack of resources. Many of them are short of customer resources and manpower and find it hard to compete with rivals owing to limited digital transformation. I know a hotel which has 80 rooms but it can now only offer 30 rooms due to the lack of employees and other resources," Hieu said. The tourism sector has worked out support solutions but it cannot help these hotels recover immediately because of the modest number of customers." Meanwhile, managing director Man said small and medium hotels are waiting for Chinese travelers and seeking new source markets, such as Australia and Northern European countries. The local hotel system can only maintain their operation once more tourists return to Vietnam and the hotel room occupancy rate bounces back to 95-100 percent as earlier, Man added. District 1 is home to leading lodging facilities in Vietnam. After the pandemic, the number of hotels in the district has fallen by some 20 percent as they have to return spaces and have seen a fall in the number of guests, especially foreigners. The district is cooperating with the construction sector to draw up a plan to develop nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City until 2030 with a vision to 2050 and a scheme to boost services in District 1, come up with solutions to restructure Ben Thanh Market in District 1, and rearrange trade and service activities on Le Loi Boulevard. District 1 will launch typical and traditional night tourism products, such as an in-district midnight run, festivals at temples, and activities during the Lunar New Year, or Tet, holiday. As of the end of last year, Ho Chi Minh City had over 3,200 lodging facilities with a capacity of more than 65,000 rooms, including 325 one- to five-star hotels offering some 17,600 rooms. The number of one- to five-star hotels plunged 312 percent from the 1,342 units in 2019. The sharpest fall was seen in the number of one- and two-star hotels. Deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Hieu said small and medium hotels have welcomed a small number of international customers, so they have yet to recover. In addition, high-quality human resources have shifted to other jobs and are unlikely to return to the hotel sector. Furthermore, many hotels have deteriorated and fail to meet criteria stated in the section on Tourism Law. As a result, many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City have closed or converted to other services, Hieu added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Although Vietnam reopened its door to international tourists over a year ago, small and medium lodging facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are still struggling to recover due to the small number of international visitors. Their largest source market is China while the number of guests from the northern neighbor remains modest, forcing many hotels to use their facilities for other purposes or stop leasing spaces. Shutdown, falling room occupancy In District 1, many hotels which used to be crowded with foreign travelers are now empty or have been replaced by other businesses. On Ly Tu Trong Street, a spacious hotel is being repurposed. The hotel is in a prime site, near Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and Le Loi Boulevard, once favored by international tourists. Many 'House for Lease' signboards can also be seen along Bui Vien Walking Street and De Tham Street with many of them being hung in front of small, one- and two-star hotels. The director of a chain of one- to four-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City said due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, three out of the nine hotels of the chain in District 1 which reported a room occupancy rate of 90-100 percent in the pre-pandemic period have been closed. The six remaining ones are smaller and report the highest room occupancy rate of 70 percent. Most of them are dragging out a miserable existence. Up to 60 percent of our customers are foreigners but the number is not as stable as earlier, the director said. Amid fierce competition in the market, lodging facilities have to compete with each other to attract customers while still burdened with maintenance and operation costs, the hotel chain director added. Nguyen Thi Thuy Loan, a representative of Hotel A25 in District 1, said her hotel system has been reopened for a year after the pandemic-induced suspension. The infrastructure has deteriorated while revenue fell, so the hotel has to carefully weigh the decision before an upgrade. Costs have surged after the pandemic, so the hotel has to choose the most optimal solution before upgrading or buying anything, which is time-consuming. As a result, it is hard to satisfy selective tourists, Loan added. She said many hotels see their infrastructure seriously deteriorating and they want to access preferential bank loans and have their loan payment deadlines extended to improve their capability and service quality to better serve choosy customers. Enterprises need at least three years to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, it is necessary to continue applying the electricity prices for production for lodging facilities in the next three years and reducing the water and Internet expenses for them, Loan proposed. Doan Thi Anh Tuyet, head of the District 1 Culture and Information Division, attributed the difficulties of hotels to the small number of tourists, especially foreigners, their short stays and low spending. Due to the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic, employees of many lodging facilities have changed their jobs and refused to return, resulting in a dearth of human resources, especially experienced and high-quality laborers, at most lodging facilities, Tuyet said. Despite the hardship, Nguyen Van Man, managing director of the Silverland hotel chain, said many hoteliers want to increase service prices to make up for the high operation costs after the pandemic but they are afraid that customers will turn their back on them. At present, the number of three-star hotel rooms with a rate of some VND1-1.2 million (US$43-51) per night is small. Most hotel rooms see their rates 10-15 percent lower than expected. Many hotels on Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City have closed or shifted to providing other services. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Looking forward to more foreign guests According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the number of one- to five-star hotels in the city fell over 10 percent at the end of last year compared with 2021. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the department, said small and medium lodging facilities are encountering multiple difficulties resulting from rising operation costs and the lack of resources. Many of them are short of customer resources and manpower and find it hard to compete with rivals owing to limited digital transformation. I know a hotel which has 80 rooms but it can now only offer 30 rooms due to the lack of employees and other resources," Hieu said. The tourism sector has worked out support solutions but it cannot help these hotels recover immediately because of the modest number of customers." Meanwhile, managing director Man said small and medium hotels are waiting for Chinese travelers and seeking new source markets, such as Australia and Northern European countries. The local hotel system can only maintain their operation once more tourists return to Vietnam and the hotel room occupancy rate bounces back to 95-100 percent as earlier, Man added. District 1 is home to leading lodging facilities in Vietnam. After the pandemic, the number of hotels in the district has fallen by some 20 percent as they have to return spaces and have seen a fall in the number of guests, especially foreigners. The district is cooperating with the construction sector to draw up a plan to develop nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City until 2030 with a vision to 2050 and a scheme to boost services in District 1, come up with solutions to restructure Ben Thanh Market in District 1, and rearrange trade and service activities on Le Loi Boulevard. District 1 will launch typical and traditional night tourism products, such as an in-district midnight run, festivals at temples, and activities during the Lunar New Year, or Tet, holiday. As of the end of last year, Ho Chi Minh City had over 3,200 lodging facilities with a capacity of more than 65,000 rooms, including 325 one- to five-star hotels offering some 17,600 rooms. The number of one- to five-star hotels plunged 312 percent from the 1,342 units in 2019. The sharpest fall was seen in the number of one- and two-star hotels. Deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Hieu said small and medium hotels have welcomed a small number of international customers, so they have yet to recover. In addition, high-quality human resources have shifted to other jobs and are unlikely to return to the hotel sector. Furthermore, many hotels have deteriorated and fail to meet criteria stated in the section on Tourism Law. As a result, many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City have closed or converted to other services, Hieu added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A South Korean traveler was killed after his motorbike crashed into a roadside power pole in Da Lat, a well-known tourist city in Vietnam, on Saturday morning. Da Lat police officers on Monday identified the male tourist as Lim, a 54-year-old South Korean national. He registered for an accommodation at Ham Da Alley, Ward 10, Da Lat City under Lam Dong Province from last Wednesday to this Tuesday. At about 2:30 am on Saturday, the accident happened when the man was riding a motorbike from Tran Hung Dao Street to Hung Vuong Street in Ward 10. The motorbike was seriously damaged. A nearby power pole showed signs of being hit hard. Local authorities later concluded that the tourists motorbike ran into the power pole and he fell off it. Some witnesses took him to the Lam Dong General Hospital for emergency but he died later due to severe injuries. Medical workers kept his identity papers and transferred them to the Da Lat authorities a day later. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese government will seek the lawmaking National Assembly (NA)'s approval for a proposal that visitor e-visa validity would be increased to three months from one month for foreigners who want to enter Vietnam. The Government Office has released conclusions of the governments Standing Committee on visa exemptions for foreign citizens and a number of immigration policy changes. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh earlier chaired a meeting over the issue, during which the Standing Committee asked the Ministry of Public Security to team up with relevant agencies to complete proposals on e-visa validity extension and immigration policy changes to be submitted at an upcoming NA session, scheduled for May this year. According to these proposals, Vietnam would extend the validity of e-visas granted to foreigners entering the country to three months from no more than 30 days for single entry or multiple entries. Besides, the Southeast Asian country would grant e-visas to foreign citizens of all countries and territories. Also, foreign visitors from countries and regions entitled to Vietnams unilateral visa waiver program may enjoy a maximum stay duration of 45 days, instead of the current 15 days. The Ministry of Public Security had previously drafted amendments to the Law on Foreigners Entry in, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam. Its drafted amendments also proposed increasing the validity of e-visas issued to foreigners to three months from one month in order to create favorable conditions for those who want to enter and stay in Vietnam for up to three months. Foreigners who want to remain in the country for more than three months would get their requests processed as per the prevailing regulations. The ministry also proposed prolonging the length of stay to 30 days from 15 days for foreign visitors from countries to which Vietnam offers a visa waiver. The government would finalize the list of countries and territories whose citizens would be granted the e-visa, and the list of international border gates that allow entry and exit using e-visas without negatively affecting Vietnams national defense and public security. According to the Ministry of Public Security, the e-visa validity extension to three months was suggested by multiple agencies in an attempt to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnams tourism and woo more international visitors as well as investors to the country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese government will seek the lawmaking National Assembly (NA)'s approval for a proposal that visitor e-visa validity would be increased to three months from one month for foreigners who want to enter Vietnam. The Government Office has released conclusions of the governments Standing Committee on visa exemptions for foreign citizens and a number of immigration policy changes. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh earlier chaired a meeting over the issue, during which the Standing Committee asked the Ministry of Public Security to team up with relevant agencies to complete proposals on e-visa validity extension and immigration policy changes to be submitted at an upcoming NA session, scheduled for May this year. According to these proposals, Vietnam would extend the validity of e-visas granted to foreigners entering the country to three months from no more than 30 days for single entry or multiple entries. Besides, the Southeast Asian country would grant e-visas to foreign citizens of all countries and territories. Also, foreign visitors from countries and regions entitled to Vietnams unilateral visa waiver program may enjoy a maximum stay duration of 45 days, instead of the current 15 days. The Ministry of Public Security had previously drafted amendments to the Law on Foreigners Entry in, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam. Its drafted amendments also proposed increasing the validity of e-visas issued to foreigners to three months from one month in order to create favorable conditions for those who want to enter and stay in Vietnam for up to three months. Foreigners who want to remain in the country for more than three months would get their requests processed as per the prevailing regulations. The ministry also proposed prolonging the length of stay to 30 days from 15 days for foreign visitors from countries to which Vietnam offers a visa waiver. The government would finalize the list of countries and territories whose citizens would be granted the e-visa, and the list of international border gates that allow entry and exit using e-visas without negatively affecting Vietnams national defense and public security. According to the Ministry of Public Security, the e-visa validity extension to three months was suggested by multiple agencies in an attempt to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnams tourism and woo more international visitors as well as investors to the country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Phase one of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam may miss the deadline to be put into service in 2025, as lots of work for the first phase is being carried out at a snails pace, especially the selection of a capable contractor to build its passenger terminal. Experts in the field said this project falling behind schedule would make Tan Son Nhat International Airport in neighboring Ho Chi Minh City even more overwhelmed by a soaring number of air passengers and result in a large amount of opportunity cost for economic growth. Work on passenger terminal to be completed in 2026 Thousands of workers along with numerous pieces of machinery are working to build the foundation of the airport. However, a capable contractor to construct the passenger terminal, the most important package of the airport, has yet to be chosen. While awaiting to find a qualified contractor, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the project investor, has sought the Vietnamese governments nod to extend the deadline to complete the passenger terminal till 2026, or from 33 months to 39 in order to have more time for construction and trial operation. In its report on the projects slow progress sent to the prime minister, the ACV said the total budget for the project is VND98.5 trillion (US$4.1 billion). The ACV had to cancel the bidding for the passenger terminal package, worth nearly VND35 trillion ($1.48 billion), since only one contractor submitted its bidding dossiers, which failed to meet the requirements. An excavator is operated at the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Son Dinh / Tuoi Tre Using domestic capital to build the passenger terminal is unprecedented. Also, carrying out international bidding activities faced obstacles due to the overlap between the countrys prevailing regulations and international practices, the ACV said. A schedule of 33 months to complete the package for the passenger terminal has posed a great challenge for both international and domestic contractors, as it normally takes 45-60 months for work on similar passenger terminals in the world to be done, the ACV explained. The project investor also admitted its shortcomings in making a forecast for the projects progress. Construction of resettlement facilities remains slow Aside from the passenger terminal, the construction at the Loc An-Binh Son resettlement project linked to the airport is also being conducted sluggishly. This resettlement project, dedicated to local residents who were required to relocate to make room for the airport development, comprises 11 packages being schools, the headquarters of the local government, and a cultural center, according to the Dong Nai Province Peoples Committee. However, one contractor in charge of six packages, including five schools and one cultural center, had its construction contract terminated earlier than expected, for it failed to meet the deadlines despite being reminded. Commenting on measures to restart the six packages mentioned above, the provincial government said it is processing contract termination and liquidation procedures with the contractor and then will find a more suitable one to complete the pending work in August this year. In addition, a plan to offer employment and create stable incomes for affected residents has been bogged down. Vo Tan Duc, vice-chairman of the provincial government, said costs for training and providing employment for affected residents were taken into account in the feasibility study of the phase one. The authorities also conducted a survey to estimate how many people need job training but only a few said yes, Duc added. The province is set to tap its own budget to offer job training to affected residents, he announced. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Phase one of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam may miss the deadline to be put into service in 2025, as lots of work for the first phase is being carried out at a snails pace, especially the selection of a capable contractor to build its passenger terminal. Experts in the field said this project falling behind schedule would make Tan Son Nhat International Airport in neighboring Ho Chi Minh City even more overwhelmed by a soaring number of air passengers and result in a large amount of opportunity cost for economic growth. Work on passenger terminal to be completed in 2026 Thousands of workers along with numerous pieces of machinery are working to build the foundation of the airport. However, a capable contractor to construct the passenger terminal, the most important package of the airport, has yet to be chosen. While awaiting to find a qualified contractor, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the project investor, has sought the Vietnamese governments nod to extend the deadline to complete the passenger terminal till 2026, or from 33 months to 39 in order to have more time for construction and trial operation. In its report on the projects slow progress sent to the prime minister, the ACV said the total budget for the project is VND98.5 trillion (US$4.1 billion). The ACV had to cancel the bidding for the passenger terminal package, worth nearly VND35 trillion ($1.48 billion), since only one contractor submitted its bidding dossiers, which failed to meet the requirements. An excavator is operated at the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Son Dinh / Tuoi Tre Using domestic capital to build the passenger terminal is unprecedented. Also, carrying out international bidding activities faced obstacles due to the overlap between the countrys prevailing regulations and international practices, the ACV said. A schedule of 33 months to complete the package for the passenger terminal has posed a great challenge for both international and domestic contractors, as it normally takes 45-60 months for work on similar passenger terminals in the world to be done, the ACV explained. The project investor also admitted its shortcomings in making a forecast for the projects progress. Construction of resettlement facilities remains slow Aside from the passenger terminal, the construction at the Loc An-Binh Son resettlement project linked to the airport is also being conducted sluggishly. This resettlement project, dedicated to local residents who were required to relocate to make room for the airport development, comprises 11 packages being schools, the headquarters of the local government, and a cultural center, according to the Dong Nai Province Peoples Committee. However, one contractor in charge of six packages, including five schools and one cultural center, had its construction contract terminated earlier than expected, for it failed to meet the deadlines despite being reminded. Commenting on measures to restart the six packages mentioned above, the provincial government said it is processing contract termination and liquidation procedures with the contractor and then will find a more suitable one to complete the pending work in August this year. In addition, a plan to offer employment and create stable incomes for affected residents has been bogged down. Vo Tan Duc, vice-chairman of the provincial government, said costs for training and providing employment for affected residents were taken into account in the feasibility study of the phase one. The authorities also conducted a survey to estimate how many people need job training but only a few said yes, Duc added. The province is set to tap its own budget to offer job training to affected residents, he announced. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ian Paynton advises foreigners to be cheerful when visiting Vietnam, according to the The Insider website. Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asias most popular tourist destinations for international travelers and experts. More than 100,000 foreign experts are living and working in Vietnam. Ian Paynton, a British native, resides in Hanoi. He first traveled to Vietnam in 2007, and three years later, he decided to leave London for the Southeast Asian country for resettlement. Paynton has told The Insider seven dos and donts of a Vietnam visit for foreign tourists. Here are seven travel tips: Do not go around town while wearing swimsuits According to Paynton, the beauty of Vietnam lies in elegance, so foreign visitors should not wear scanty swimwear while traveling to beaches, rivers or waterfalls. This is considered a taboo at temples and pagodas. In 2016, a foreign visitor was forced to leave a place of worship as the traveler wore shorts and a bra-styled shirt. Get accustomed to being barged Standing in line is not a habit in Vietnam, according to the foreigner. Though the bad behavior has improved, many visitors feel resentful at elbowing. The Insider cited Paynton as saying that the Vietnamese do not see it as impoliteness. Many succeeded in barging, so others follow suit. Respect places of worship Like many other Southeast Asian nations, Vietnamese people often place altars at homes, restaurants, and workplaces. Tourists who stay at a homestay or pay a visit to an acquaintances house should watch their language in front of altars. Removing their shoes before entering the place of worship is a point of politeness. Besides, couples should avoid public displays of affection, such as kisses, if they are in a room which has altars. The action is considered as improper by locals, said Paynton. Be careful using dating apps You should be careful if you are asked for a first date at a nightclub. A hot topic being discussed endlessly in the expat community is the way tour guides and nightclub owners are using the Tinder app to find guests. After successfully joining a pair, these people will invite their mates to nightclubs where they are working. This is a trick to lure guests. Furthermore, these guests are often overcharged for alcoholic drinks. Do not be shy to bargain with vendors It is easy to see hawkers on every street in Vietnam. In 2018, the Statista website estimated that Vietnam had over 430,000 street vendors. Food hawker stalls often have fixed price tags, so it is not necessary to make a bargain. However, at hawker stalls selling clothes and cheap jewelry items, foreigners can manage to haggle a 50-percent discount for each item. Tourists should notice that vendors often ask visitors to pay for photos of them. Taking an example, Paynton said that in Hanoi, fruit vendors call on travelers to take photos with non la, Vietnamese conical hats, literally meaning leaf hats,' or their stalls, but they must pay for these photos. Inadvisable to prioritize visits to major cities Scenic landscapes in Vietnam stretch from the north to the south. Paynton recommends traveling to numerous destinations beyond well-known cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Among must-visit sites are spectacular terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai Province, stunning mountain ranges in Ha Giang Province, Phong Nha Cave in Quang Binh Province, and Hue Imperial Citadel City in Thua Thien-Hue Province. Do not be mad when getting stood up Sometimes, your appointments or meetings fail. Paynton advises foreign visitors to see a belated meeting as a bombshell in order not to be irritated. In Vietnam, arriving late or changing a plan at the last minute is acceptable. For flexibility, locals believe that everything is OK, he said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ian Paynton advises foreigners to be cheerful when visiting Vietnam, according to the The Insider website. Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asias most popular tourist destinations for international travelers and experts. More than 100,000 foreign experts are living and working in Vietnam. Ian Paynton, a British native, resides in Hanoi. He first traveled to Vietnam in 2007, and three years later, he decided to leave London for the Southeast Asian country for resettlement. Paynton has told The Insider seven dos and donts of a Vietnam visit for foreign tourists. Here are seven travel tips: Do not go around town while wearing swimsuits According to Paynton, the beauty of Vietnam lies in elegance, so foreign visitors should not wear scanty swimwear while traveling to beaches, rivers or waterfalls. This is considered a taboo at temples and pagodas. In 2016, a foreign visitor was forced to leave a place of worship as the traveler wore shorts and a bra-styled shirt. Get accustomed to being barged Standing in line is not a habit in Vietnam, according to the foreigner. Though the bad behavior has improved, many visitors feel resentful at elbowing. The Insider cited Paynton as saying that the Vietnamese do not see it as impoliteness. Many succeeded in barging, so others follow suit. Respect places of worship Like many other Southeast Asian nations, Vietnamese people often place altars at homes, restaurants, and workplaces. Tourists who stay at a homestay or pay a visit to an acquaintances house should watch their language in front of altars. Removing their shoes before entering the place of worship is a point of politeness. Besides, couples should avoid public displays of affection, such as kisses, if they are in a room which has altars. The action is considered as improper by locals, said Paynton. Be careful using dating apps You should be careful if you are asked for a first date at a nightclub. A hot topic being discussed endlessly in the expat community is the way tour guides and nightclub owners are using the Tinder app to find guests. After successfully joining a pair, these people will invite their mates to nightclubs where they are working. This is a trick to lure guests. Furthermore, these guests are often overcharged for alcoholic drinks. Do not be shy to bargain with vendors It is easy to see hawkers on every street in Vietnam. In 2018, the Statista website estimated that Vietnam had over 430,000 street vendors. Food hawker stalls often have fixed price tags, so it is not necessary to make a bargain. However, at hawker stalls selling clothes and cheap jewelry items, foreigners can manage to haggle a 50-percent discount for each item. Tourists should notice that vendors often ask visitors to pay for photos of them. Taking an example, Paynton said that in Hanoi, fruit vendors call on travelers to take photos with non la, Vietnamese conical hats, literally meaning leaf hats,' or their stalls, but they must pay for these photos. Inadvisable to prioritize visits to major cities Scenic landscapes in Vietnam stretch from the north to the south. Paynton recommends traveling to numerous destinations beyond well-known cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Among must-visit sites are spectacular terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai Province, stunning mountain ranges in Ha Giang Province, Phong Nha Cave in Quang Binh Province, and Hue Imperial Citadel City in Thua Thien-Hue Province. Do not be mad when getting stood up Sometimes, your appointments or meetings fail. Paynton advises foreign visitors to see a belated meeting as a bombshell in order not to be irritated. In Vietnam, arriving late or changing a plan at the last minute is acceptable. For flexibility, locals believe that everything is OK, he said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam is among the top five international destinations to visit this summer, along with Japan, New Zealand, Italy, and France, U.S. travel site Travel off Path cited data from travel website Expedia. According to Travel off Path, summer is time for travel and traveling to Europe or Asia is perfect in the summertime due to the many events in each destination. "Things are changing, and traveling is becoming more accessible," Travel off Path wrote on its website. As a result, summer vacation planning is heating up, with searches up 50 percent over last year. Vietnam is one of the most sought-after destinations on Expedia. Searches and bookings for Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City have soared 298, 439, and 219 percent, respectively. The rates prove there is more to the world than stereotypical destinations that people go to every year. Travel off Path added, Hanoi is the countrys capital and is known as its art capital. You can find some of the citys most exciting architecture and centuries-old culture. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam is among the top five international destinations to visit this summer, along with Japan, New Zealand, Italy, and France, U.S. travel site Travel off Path cited data from travel website Expedia. According to Travel off Path, summer is time for travel and traveling to Europe or Asia is perfect in the summertime due to the many events in each destination. "Things are changing, and traveling is becoming more accessible," Travel off Path wrote on its website. As a result, summer vacation planning is heating up, with searches up 50 percent over last year. Vietnam is one of the most sought-after destinations on Expedia. Searches and bookings for Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City have soared 298, 439, and 219 percent, respectively. The rates prove there is more to the world than stereotypical destinations that people go to every year. Travel off Path added, Hanoi is the countrys capital and is known as its art capital. You can find some of the citys most exciting architecture and centuries-old culture. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! ABC has partnered with public broadcaster the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation to collaborate and support, on content sharing and media development. A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed at SIBC headquarters in Honiara by a senior ABC delegation and follows from a similar agreement with Radio e Televisoa de Timor-Leste. ABC Managing Director David Anderson said: The ABC is delighted to continue its partnership with the SIBC. The agreement strengthens media collaboration and exchange between the ABC and the SIBC through training, sharing media expertise and providing technical and program support. We will learn from each other as we seek to serve our audiences better. SIBC Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae said: The SIBC Board, management, and staff but more importantly our listeners, viewers and followers of SIBC radio, SIBC TV and SIBC online are so grateful to the ABC for agreeing to continue the partnership between the two broadcasting organisations by signing the MoU. With the digitisation of broadcasting, such a partnership as outlined in the MoU is the only way to go for a small broadcaster such as SIBC. We need the help of one of the longest broadcasters in the Pacific region. There is much to share including in the areas of capacity building, technology, and content especially as SIBC, after 70 years of broadcasting is finally expanding into television. SIBC looks forward to working together with our colleagues at ABC to continue to inform, educate, entertain and engage our peoples. The SIBC was established in 1976 and serves the countrys many scattered islands and communities, broadcasting on radio, television, and online platforms. The SIBC also intends to launch a national television service, the first of its kind in the 70 years of broadcasting in the Solomon Islands, in time for the 17th Pacific Games in November 2023. UK crime drama Traces returns for its second season on ABC in April. Based on an idea by novelist Val McDermid, this is a 6 part series which screened on Subscription TV a year ago. Passions run high in an explosive return of this critically acclaimed crime series. Lab assistant Emma Hedges (Molly Windsor) is now training to be a forensic chemist, and on the cusp of seeing her mothers murder case finally resolved. Daniel (Martin Compston) is to give evidence against his father in the High Court. Will Emma and Daniels relationship withstand the pressure? Will justice be served? Meanwhile, Emmas friends and mentors at The Scottish Institute of Forensic Science and Anatomy are investigating a deadly bombing campaign. A series of homemade devices are going off in and around Dundee, with critical clues hidden inside the bombs themselves. The city is on edge. Body parts wash up in a nearby loch. With only bomb fragments surviving each blast, the forensic work is exacting, and public expectation is high. Professors Sarah Gordon (Laura Fraser) and Kathy Torrance (Jennifer Spence) need all the tenacity and self-belief they can muster to get to the truth. Professional and personal allegiances become entangled. When a bomb fails to detonate it must surely offer a forensic gift. Will the team track down the bomber before their identity goes up in smoke? Friday 14 April at 8:30pm on ABC (binge on ABC iview). Former National Enquirer published David Pecker testifies before Manhattan grand jury over Donald Trump's hush money case Trump slams Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office over a potential indictment Stormy Daniels initially wanted to sell the story of her alleged affair with the former president to the National Enquirer On Monday, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified before the Manhattan grand jury as the panel deliberated whether or not to indict former United States President Donald Trump. The situation comes as the Republican businessman is accused of making a hush payment worth $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep their affair a secret. Pecker and his attorney were seen exiting the courthouse on Monday following a report on his testimony. David Pecker Testifies in Donald Trump Hush Money Case Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the development. Furthermore, Elkan Abramowitz, Pecker's attorney, did not immediately comment on the situation. The latest development on Monday was the first time in a week that the Manhattan grand jury heard further evidence in the former president's hush money case. On Wednesday last week, the panel was called off, and on Thursday was made to examine an unrelated matter, as per Politico. The delay also prompted a heated response from the former president, which resulted in some Democratic lawmakers rallying in support of Bragg on Monday. The Manhattan district attorney's investigation into Trump focuses on the money allegedly paid to Daniels in 2016, which was made by the former president's former fixer, Michael Cohen. Daniels alleges that she had an affair with the former president and considered selling her story to the National Enquirer. It was at a time when Pecker was still the tabloid's publisher. But instead, Cohen went to Daniels and directly paid her the $130,000, which is a step that he told the court he took "in coordination with and at the direction of" the former president. However, Trump has continued denying an affair with the adult film star or any wrongdoing with the payment. Read Also: Joe Biden on Nashville School Shooting Stormy Daniels Alleges Having Affair with Trump Last week, the former president said he expected to be arrested after the years-long investigation had reached a seeming climax. According to Fox News, Bragg's office was also reported to be considering the issuance of an indictment over the payments made to Daniels. On Saturday, Trump held a rally in Waco, Texas, his first official campaign rally for the 2024 presidential elections. At the event, he suggested that Bragg had already dropped the hush money case against him, a claim that was not accurate. On the other hand, Republican lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee are demanding that Bragg testifies before Congress regarding his investigation. In response, the district attorney's office slammed the officials over their demands. For over a week, Trump has criticized Brahh on his social media platform, Truth Social, as he faces a potential indictment following Cohen's testimony. Law enforcement personnel also said that Bragg's office received several hundreds of threats in the past few weeks, with an envelope on Friday that had non-hazardous white power and a letter that vowed to kill him, said CNBC. Related Article: US Legislators Move Forward with TikTok Ban @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tonight Selling Houses Australia is in Greystanes, NSW to help a couple with a home that hasnt changed hands in over 50 years. How would you feel if you had to sell the house that you had lived in for over 50 years? Our homeowners, Richard, and Corinne are doing just that! They are desperate to sell so they can move down to Canberra to be closer to their family Unfortunately, they havent had a lot of luck selling. The home itself could be something from a museum, its like a preserved time capsule of design history. Floral wallpaper, green carpet tiles and a pastel bathroom, whats not to love? Instead of home improvements over the years the couple decided to spend their money elsewhere on travel and priceless life experiences. Their decisions against renovating however have backfired. Richard and Corinne need the Selling Houses Australia team to help transform their property so they can sell and make the move down south! 8:30pm Wednesday March 29 on Lifestyle. Q+A host Stan Grant has unleashed in a letter to ABC managing director David Anderson, about a lack of diversity in its NSW Election night coverage. In 2023, how is it at all acceptable that an election night coverage features an entire white panel? This is not a criticism of my colleagues who are all well qualified, but it is a criticism of the ABC that for decades has nurtured and promoted white staff at the exclusion of others, he wrote, in the letter which was leaked in part to Crikey. There is no excuse for what I saw on air last night. None. I have worked at organisations around the world and nowhere would what we presented last night be tolerated. ABCs coverage features David Speers, Sarah Ferguson, Antony Green, state political reporter Ashleigh Raper, Jeremy Fernandez plus reporters were in key electorates. But Grant deemed Malaysian-born Fernandez as being reduced to a cameo role. The fact that any journalists of colour in our coverage were off Broadway in support roles, reporting from the suburbs, only adds to the insult, Grant said. Guardian Australia reports ABC News Director, Justin Stevens, responded to the friendly-fire from a profile presenter politely. ABC News takes on board any criticism and welcomes constructive discussion, Stevens said while defending the editorially strong and well presented panel. Stevens said he agreesd with Grant that the ABC is not yet where we want to be but highlighted recent appointments, including Suzanne Dredge in the new role of head of Indigenous newsm, and Dan Bourchier in the newly created role of voice correspondent. We will continue to do all we can to elevate the work of Indigenous employees and ensure our coverage and workforce are truly representative of Australia, Stevens said. We respect Stan enormously. For decades he has been one of the highest-profile First Nations journalists in this country and with that he has carried the burden of fighting for the advancement of his First Nations and culturally diverse colleagues. That responsibility is on all of us to carry at the ABC and not him alone. Last week ABC journalists Suzanne Dredge, Bridget Brennan and Brooke Fryer won the Gold Quill with Stephanie Zillman. On Friday night Suzanne Dredge, Bridget Brennan and Brooke Fryer won the Gold Quill for their investigation into missing First Nations women for Four Corners the first female Indigenous reporting team at Four Corners, Stevens said. Grant told Crikey the ABC must do better and that he saw it as his responsibility to keep the organisation honest. I dont do it for myself I have had my career but I dont want to wait another decade for things to change, he said. Tweakers maakt gebruik van cookies Tweakers plaatst functionele en analytische cookies voor het functioneren van de website en het verbeteren van de website-ervaring. Deze cookies zijn noodzakelijk. Om op Tweakers relevantere advertenties te tonen en om ingesloten content van derden te tonen (bijvoorbeeld video's), vragen we je toestemming. Via ingesloten content kunnen derde partijen diensten leveren en verbeteren, bezoekersstatistieken bijhouden, gepersonaliseerde content tonen, gerichte advertenties tonen en gebruikersprofielen opbouwen. Hiervoor worden apparaatgegevens, IP-adres, geolocatie en surfgedrag vastgelegd. Meer informatie vind je in ons cookiebeleid. Dr Jaroslav Drasar outside Southampton Magistrates' Court. (Image: Newsquest) A 79-year-old man has vowed to go all the way to the Supreme Court after being hauled before magistrates for an unpaid council tax bill. Dr Jaroslav Drasar was ordered before Southampton Magistrates Court to answer for 1,790.48 of unpaid council tax. Ben Richards, speaking for the city council, said that Dr Drasar, who lives at Beechfield Court care facility in the Regents Park area, had been sent a final notice and then finally a summons. But the pensioner says he has paid the money, adding that after he became stranded in Spain due to lockdown, he was unable to return home so his benefits were cut. READ MORE: Hedge End paedophile had more than 8,000 indecent images of children He told the court: The Department of Work and Pensions are already deducting almost 80 a month from my pension credit for that. Some of that money is being used for council tax purposes. But Southampton City Council says this is being used for rent and is completely separate to council tax payments. Daily Echo: Dr Jaroslav Drasar outside Southampton Magistrates' Court. Dr Jaroslav Drasar outside Southampton Magistrates' Court. (Image: Newsquest) Dr Drasar, began his holiday in Andalucia, Spain in March 2020 and didnt return to the UK until May 22, 2022. During this time he says his benefits were cut by the council due to him being abroad during the Covid pandemic. And he said he was unable to return because his medical conditions meant he couldnt be vaccinated against the virus. But after an appeal against this cut was turned down by a tribunal judge, the council pursued court action against him. READ MORE: In the dock: Nine cases heard in a Southampton court Magistrate Andy Sherman told him: There doesnt seem to be any reason why you are not liable for this money owed to the council. I cant see any defence that you have. You may not agree with that but hopefully, you understand why the court believes you are liable for it. A liability order was issued for the unpaid council tax which allows the council to take money directly from certain benefits or wages. But Dr Drasar says this is a denial of [his] rights and that this should not have been issued until after the appeal time limit for his tribunal claim had concluded. He told the Echo: I will not give up on this. There has to be justice. I will take legal advice somehow [and] somewhere and I will appeal it. Russias 10th Tank Regiment has lost many of its tanks in tactically flawed frontal assaults on the eastern town of Avdiivka in Ukraine, British defence chiefs said on Tuesday. Vladimir Putins army had achieved only marginal progress, they added, in the offensive in the Donetsk province, at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles. However, other military experts said Russian forces, in particular Putins private army, the Wagner Group mercenaries, had gained more ground in the town of Bakhmut which has seen some of the fiercest fighting of the war. In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said Russian generals had been prioritising in recent days an operation to try to encircle the Donetsk town of Avdiivka. However, Russian forces have made only marginal progress at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles, it said. Russias 10th Tank Regiment has likely lost a large proportion of its tanks while attempting to surround Avdiivka from the south. 10th Tank Regiments losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armoured attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar. The briefing added: The regiment is part of 3rd Army Corps, the first major new formation Russia stood up to support the invasion of Ukraine since August 2022. Numerous open-source accounts suggested that 3rd Army Corps has been particularly dogged by problems with ill-discipline and poor morale. Despite a likely period of training in Belarus, the formation still appears to display limited combat effectiveness. Avdiivka is 55 miles south of the largely destroyed mining town of Bakhmut where the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces had gain more territory in recent days. Ukraine shut Avdiivka to civilians on Monday, with an official describing the town as a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The Ukrainian military has warned that Avdiivka could become a second Bakhmut, which has been reduced to rubble in months of fighting described by both sides as a meat grinder. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. Story continues Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said this month that a counterattack was not far off, visited frontline troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling attacks on Bakhmut. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said air defences shot down 12 drones near Kyiv on Monday and falling debris set a non-residential site ablaze. No casualties were reported. Russia launched a total of 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight on Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces destroying 14 of them, Ukraines military said early on Tuesday. The logic of the Russians actions is terror aimed at civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Telegram about the drone attacks. It wont work, just like geopolitical blackmail. Since Putins invasion has stalled, he and other Russian officials have played up the prospect the war could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. On Saturday, he said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Ukraine and its Western allies have slammed the plan. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian troops of holding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant hostage and its safety could not be guaranteed until they left it. Russian troops have occupied the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, since the early weeks of the invasion of Ukraine and have shown no inclination to relinquish control. Holding a nuclear power station hostage for more than a year - this is surely the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of European or world-wide nuclear power, he said in his nightly video address. He decried the Russian presence as radiation blackmail. His comments followed a meeting with Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the Dnipro hydroelectric power station, northeast of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Initiatives on restoring safety and security are doomed to failure without a withdrawal of Russian troops from the plant, Mr Zelensky said in comments posted on the presidential website. Russia and Ukraine routinely accuse each other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant. Fighting around it and worries of a water shortage and that cooling systems could lose power have raised fears of a nuclear disaster. A team of IAEA has since September been stationed at the plant, which Kyiv has accused Moscow of using as a shield for troops and military hardware. Mr Grossi has repeatedly called for a safety zone around it and is due to visit it again this week. He has tried to negotiate with both sides but said in January that brokering a deal was getting harder. Zaporizhzhia is one of four regions Russia claimed to annex in September after referendums criticised globally as shams. Russia views the plant as its territory, which Ukraine denies. Mr Zelensky visited the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region on Monday, the latest stage of a tour of frontline regions since a top general said Ukraines counterattack could come soon. (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg BP Plc and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. will form a natural gas joint venture and have made an offer to take Israels NewMed Energy private in a deal worth around $2 billion. The move will deepen BPs presence in the eastern Mediterranean and mark Adnocs first venture into the region, which has seen several major gas finds in the past 15 years and attracted billions of dollars of investment from energy firms. Those reserves have taken on added importance since Russias invasion of Ukraine, with Europe desperate to replace piped supplies from Moscow, easily its biggest supplier before the start of the war. The proposed acquisition may be followed by other BP-Adnoc gas deals in the Mediterranean and beyond, according to a BP spokesperson. Israels been wracked by protests in recent weeks over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus proposed judicial overhaul. The political crisis threatened to delay the deal with NewMed before the companies decided to push ahead, a person familiar with the matter said. NewMed Surges BP and Adnoc plan to purchase 50% of NewMed by buying the roughly 45% of its stock thats free floating and part of Delek Group Ltd.s stake. They have made a non-binding offer of 12.05 shekels for each share, a premium of about 72% to NewMeds closing price in Tel Aviv on Sunday of 7 shekels. NewMed soared 37% to 9.98 shekels as of 3:45 p.m. in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Delek jumped 15%. The offer is the result of a long journey, a long partnership with BP and Adnoc starting with good chemistry and then becoming a more meaningful relationship, Yossi Abu, NewMeds chief executive officer, said in an interview. This partnership is about the east Mediterranean Israel, Cyprus and Egypt. Story continues East Med Finds NewMed owns a 45% stake in Leviathan, Israels biggest gas field, and 30% of Aphrodite, located off Cyprus. Delek Group holds 55% of NewMed, which was called Delek Drilling until a rebranding early last year. The discovery of Leviathan and other fields such as Tamar have significantly boosted Israels energy security and turned it into a gas exporter. Some of its gas is piped to Egypt and re-exported in liquefied form to Europe. NewMed is considering building Israels first liquefied natural gas export terminal, according to Abu, enabling it to send shipments of the fuel directly. With a capacity of 4.5 million tons, it would be one of the biggest floating liquefaction facilities in the world. BP and Adnoc have technical and operational experience in floating LNG facilities and also marketing LNG, Abu said. For BP, the NewMed move comes as it pivots back to its fossil-fuel roots after spending the past few years focused on growing its renewables businesses. In a strategy update earlier this year, the company lowered its ambition to cut oil and gas output this decade. If approved, the deal will be Adnocs first major international acquisition of a gas- or oil-producing asset. The United Arab Emirates state energy producer which has benefited from a surge in prices over the past year in November said it would spend billions of dollars expanding its foreign gas, chemicals and clean-energy operations. The UAE and Israel normalized ties in 2020 as part of what were known as the Abraham Accords. The countries said the political deal would lead to billions of dollars of investment in Israel. Mubadala Investment Co., an Abu Dhabi wealth fund, owns 11% of the Tamar field. (Updates share price moves. An earlier version of this story corrected Adnocs full name.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. 28 March 1930: Istanbul (Not Constantinople) Once the Ancient Greek city of Byzantium, when the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the capital of his Empire to the Bosporus strait, it was renamed Constantinople in his honour. For centuries, many have referred to the Eastern Roman Empire by the Greek name Byzantium, while the city itself was renamed as Kostantiniyye when the Ottomans conquered it in the 15th century. It was only in 1930, after the formation of the Republic of Turkey that the citys name was officially changed to the Turkish name Istanbul. Tracing the country back to its Greek history, the word Istanbul originates in the Greek phrase (stim poli) meaning in the city. Prior to its renaming, in 1923 Angora replaced Istanbul as the capital of the country and was renamed Ankara. Just 23 years later, the name change from Constantinople to Istanbul was the focus of the novelty song Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by Jimmy Kennedy, famously covered in 1990 by They Might Be Giants. To celebrate the name 93rd anniversary of Istanbul and Ankaras name changes, here are some other cities with interesting name changes. New York Even old New York was once New Amsterdam; Why they changed it I can't say; People just liked it better that way While the Jimmy Kennedy song may claim New Yorks name changed was down to just personal preference, the actual reason was down to a financial trade between the Dutch and the British. In the early 17th century, the area known as New York today was under the Dutch Empires control. The city of New Amsterdam was part of New Netherland, an area spread across modern New York and New Jersey and ruled by Director-General Peter Stuyvesant. When English troops attacked in 1664, Stuyvesant couldnt mount a counter-attack. To avoid bloodshed, he surrendered the territory to the British. Later, in 1667, via the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch agreed to permanently relinquish New Amsterdam to the British in order to gain control of the Caribbean Banda Islands, at the time the only source of nutmeg on the planet. And so, New Amsterdam became New York. Story continues 1660 painting of New Amsterdam. Hard to imagine Carrie Bradshaw here, right? - Canva Beijing So the entry for this ones going to follow a slightly different trajectory to the past two. While Chinas capital has had many different names in its history including Ji and Youzhou, the name Beijing was already in use when the name Peking started spreading. Its still regularly referred to as Peking today, but why? It all comes down to the Portuguese missionary Francis Xavier who wrote the citys name as Pequim in his letters after the country first interacted with China in 1550s. The name stuck in Europe and Chinas capital was known as Peking until 1979 when Chinas new romanisation system Pinyin was introduced, providing Latin-script pronunciation guides for Mandarin Chinese, which provided the more accurate spelling of Beijing. Peking is such a pervasive term though that the citys roast duck delicacy is still known as Peking Duck as well as Beijings main university officially translating its name to Peking University. Saint Petersburg Another city which has changed its name a fair few times down the line is Saint Petersburg in Russia. First founded by Peter the Great in 1703, the Russian Tsar had the creative ingenuity to rename the city after Saint Peter. Saint Petersburgs founding was seen by many as the creation of the Russian Empire and the city stood as its capital until 1917 when the Bolsheviks revolted over the Tsar and moved the capital to Moscow. Before that, Tsar Nicholas II changed the citys name to Petrograd in 1914, dropping the German associations for a more Russian sounding name first coined by Alexander Pushkin. Petrograd lasted for nearly a decade before the city was renamed Leningrad in 1924 to honour Vladimir Lenin, founding head of the USSR who had died earlier that year. After the fall of the USSR in 1989, a vote was held on what to rename the city in 1991 and it returned to Saint Petersburg. Astana is a wild place. Sorry, I mean Nur-Sultan. No wait, I meant Astana. - Canva Astana Among the northern steps of modern day Kazakhstan, the city of Astana today gleams with incredible buildings, many of which were designed by British architect Norman Foster. But its been an interesting ride to reach this point. First known as Akmola after it was settled in 1830. It was then given official town status and renamed Akmolinsk by the Russian Empire. The Soviets renamed it to Tselinograd in 1961. When Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991, the citys name reverted back to Akmola. This would last till 1998 when it replaced the southern city of Almaty as the capital and it was renamed Astana, meaning capital city in Kazakh. Finally, in just the last four years, Astanas name was changed to Nur-Sultan in 2019 by then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev. After his resignation, current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had the city renamed Astana in 2022. Outbound travel bookings for May Day holiday increase People's Daily Online) 10:09, March 27, 2023 The May Day holiday is still more than one month away, but Chinese travelers have already made their travel plans for the holiday. Statistics from Alibaba's travel branch Fliggy indicated that bookings made for this year's holiday have increased significantly compared to the previous three years and the demand for long-distance trips has continued to recover. An Egyptian artist performs a traditional folk dance to welcome Chinese tourists at the Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Bookings for outbound travel products have also surged as pandemic restrictions have been relaxed and more overseas destinations are put on the option lists for Chinese tourists. Many travel agencies have found that their outbound group travel products for the May Day holiday are popular among tourists, and office workers are opting to piece their holidays together for a longer one so that they can travel abroad. The GZL International Travel Service, affiliated to the Lingnan Commercial and Tourism Group which is based in Guangzhou city, south China's Guangdong Province, disclosed that its group tours from Guangzhou to overseas destinations on April 25, 26, 28 and 29 have been fully booked. Statistics from online travel agency Tuniu showed that as of March 20, bookings for outbound travel products had accounted for 26 percent of the total number of bookings for May Day holiday received by the platform. Another online travel agency, Ctrip, said that it saw a 167 percent surge in the number of outbound group tour products for the May Day holiday during the past half month. Zhao Wenzhi, president of GZL International Travel Service, said some long-distance outbound travel routes have shown a better-than-expected performance and that the May Day holiday will accelerate the recovery of outbound travel. He said this momentum will continue after the holiday. Statistics from online travel platform TravelGo showed that Chinas Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia are popular tourist destinations for the May Day holiday. Fliggy said that it has sold more than 200,000 products during a promotion activity it launched in late February, with more than 70 percent of the booked products valid during the May Day holiday. Statistics from Ctrip indicated that Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Macao, Phuket and Taipei are among the destinations with the highest air ticket bookings for the May Day holiday. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) Chinese scientists discover "substantial quantities" of water hidden in glass beads on the moon's surface The researchers estimate that there are roughly 270 billion tons of water stored across the lunar surface The researchers believe the finding provides crucial information in understanding the lunar water cycle Chinese scientists who analyzed lunar samples from the moon discovered that the cosmic object could hold "substantial quantities" of water hidden in glass beads. The discovery was revealed on Monday after China's lunar lander Chang'e 5 found and gathered lunar soil samples with impact glass beads. These were later found to contain massive amounts of water. "Substantial Quantities" of Water Discovered on Moon The glass beads are first created when an asteroid strikes the moon's surface, resulting in molten droplets that freeze and join the soil and dust. The researchers also estimate that the impact beads, which were spread across the lunar surface, could store up to 270 billion tons of water. In a statement, the researchers said that the impact glass beads could preserve hydration signatures. They were also adept at displaying water abundance profiles consistent with the inward diffusion of solar wind-derived water, as per the New York Post. The report theorizes about potential sources that could have contributed to the massive amounts of water on the lunar surface, as the specific origins remain "largely unknown." This includes implantation by the solar wind, outgassing of volatiles during volcanic activity on the moon, deposition of volatile-bearing pyroclastic deposits and minerals, and delivery by comets and asteroids hitting the moon. The samples that the Chinese scientists analyzed were gathered from the moon and returned to Earth in the 1970s. The findings provide additional information to answer one of the questions that scientists ponder about the moon, which is how much water is stored, especially in regions outside the lunar poles. These are areas where water ice could exist in greater amounts. Furthermore, the study provides information to fill in some gaps in the theory regarding the lunar water cycle. It adds that for the moon to maintain a water cycle, there needs to be a hydrated layer deep in the lunar soils. Read Also: Scientists Determine Origin of Mysterious, Sudden Acceleration of Alien Comet Chinese Scientists Analyze Hundreds of Lunar Soil Samples The authors of the research sought to identify a potential water reservoir by conducting additional investigations of the glass beads that formed during asteroid impacts on the moon. Fortunately, scientists discovered massive amounts of water hidden inside these glass beads, according to CNN. The researchers, including individuals from Nanjing University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), selected 150 samples to analyze. The sizes of the samples ranged from 50 micrometers to roughly one millimeter. Prof. Sen Hu led the study from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the CAS. The latest discovery comes as many lunar missions have already confirmed the presence of structural water or water ice on our planet's satellite. Huicun, a doctoral student under the guidance of Sen, was the one who proposed that impact glass beads could be a potential candidate for investigation as the hydrated layer needed in the lunar water cycle, said SciTechDaily. Related Article: Totally Dark Planets May Exist; Here's How You May Find One! @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Quantexa, a British data analytics company, is bucking the recent trend of technology company valuations by raising a new round of funding that will hand it coveted 'unicorn' status. Sky News has learnt that Quantexa has secured backing from a syndicate of investors including a Singaporean sovereign wealth fund. An industry source said the fundraising was likely to value Quantexa at close to $1.5bn. The new investment, which Singapore's Government Investment Corporation is said to be a major contributor to, represents a significant vote of confidence in Quantexa and its founder, Vish Marria. Quantexa specialises in providing data analysis services to clients in the banking and insurance sectors as well as government organisations. Its platform is used to combat fraud and white-collar criminal activity. Last year, it said it worked with seven of the top ten UK and Australian banks, and six of the top 14 financial institutions in North America, with flagship customers such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. It added that it had also established a growing ecosystem of partners, such as Accenture, Deloitte, Microsoft and Google. Quantexa's existing investors include Warburg Pincus, the private equity firm, which led a $153m Series D fundraising in July this year. Its other shareholders include Dawn Capital, HSBC, ABN AMRO Ventures and British Patient Capital, an arm of the government-owned British Business Bank. The company's fundraising comes at a time when many tech companies are struggling to secure new financial backing or have put fundraising plans on hold. Few are managing to raise capital at a significant premium to previous funding rounds. The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the US - with its UK arm sold to HSBC for 1 - has sent renewed jitters through the tech community, despite its acquisition this week by First Citizens, an American lender. Quantexa has been contacted for comment. (Bloomberg) -- Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn Technology Group, is embarking on a 12-day trip to the US, as the independent presidential hopeful seeks to convince voters of his ability to lead Taiwan and balance its business and security priorities. Most Read from Bloomberg Gou, who ran an unsuccessful bid for Taiwans top job in 2019, is hoping to win the backing of the countrys main opposition party, the China-friendly Kuomintang, in a high-stakes election. Taiwanese voters are set to elect a new president next January. The island has become the focal point of growing geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose rivalry is putting increasing pressure on policymakers worldwide to choose between the worlds two biggest economies. China claims Taiwan as part of its own and still sees use of force as an option to take over the island, while the US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with weapons to defend itself. The 72-year-old Gou, whose company assembles the bulk of Apple Inc.s iPhones in China, is scheduled to meet policy experts, entrepreneurs and other key figures after he embarks Monday. He plans to formulate a strategy to promote collaboration between the US and Taiwan, as well as bolster Taiwans economic partnerships in the global community during the trip, Gous office said in a statement. Gou handed over the day-to-day operations of Foxconn to new management in 2019, when he ran for president, though he remains a board member of Foxconns flagship unit Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. to this day. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is also expected to transit through the US this week, on her way to visit diplomatic allies in Central America, in a visit that risks straining relations between the Washington and Beijing further. Story continues Gou said in February that he was waiting for the KMT to find a way for him to run in the partys primaries or become its candidate. The party has since decided to nominate a candidate without a primary election, though it is still unclear whom the KMT will eventually anoint. After the tour of the US, which will also include visits to the Brookings Institution and Harvard University, Gou plans a visit to Japan, his office said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Vladimir Putin has just made Sviatlana Tsikhanouskayas job feel even more urgent. Over the weekend, the Russian president declared that he was preparing to position tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus by July 1, a move seemingly designed to shake the Wests commitment to Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of Belarus pro-democracy movement, has spent much of the past week in Washington, meeting with members of Congress, top Biden administration officials, and members of the Belarusian diaspora. The goal: to publicize what she calls the oppressions of Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko and his cronies, and by extension his patron in Moscow, President Putin. The Russian leaders announcement Saturday of preparations for short-range nuclear weaponry in Belarus which also borders on Ukraine underscores the high-stakes nature of the war, including for Ukraines neighbors. For the Belarusian people, ... Russia stands for war and poverty, and Europe stands for peace and stability and prosperity, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya said in a Monitor interview Saturday at a Washington hotel. We have already chosen our direction. The White House said it would monitor the implications of Mr. Putins announcement, but sees no sign of imminent risk. Mr. Putin has threatened the use of short-range nuclear weapons in Ukraine before, and seems to do so when the war in Ukraine is going badly. To Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, the nuclear move is just more evidence that Russia is an occupying force, violating national security and putting Belarus on the collision course with its neighbors and the international community, as she said on Twitter. Tactical, or short-range, nuclear weapons should not be confused with strategic, long-range nuclear weapons, whose use would have catastrophic results. But even a mention of smaller, battlefield nuclear weapons incites fear, and Mr. Putin knows that. Mr. Putin has long been thought to have plans to annex Belarus outright, and his latest nuclear gambit only reinforces that idea. Russia used neighboring Belarus as a staging area for its invasion of Ukraine 13 months ago. Mr. Lukashenko, in power almost three decades, has done nearly all he can to help his patron and recently said hed commit troops to fight in Ukraine if Belarus is attacked. But such a move could be explosive: An independent research group, Belarus Change Tracker, finds only 7% of the Belarusian population supports joining the war on Russias side. Story continues Belarusian citizens, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya says, are trying to help Ukraine any way they can sabotaging shipments from Russia traversing Belarus into Ukraine early in the war, transmitting information on Russian military positions into Ukraine, and sometimes joining the war themselves and fighting shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians. She puts the number of Belarusian volunteers in Ukraine at about 1,000, and also recounts a recent report of a drone attack by Belarusian partisans that severely damaged a Russian surveillance aircraft. A mom-turned-opposition candidate Ms. Tsikhanouskaya came to her improbable role as the face of Belarusian dissent via her husband. In May 2020, Sergei Tsikhanousky a popular video blogger and opposition presidential candidate was arrested, as were the other anti-Lukashenko candidates. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya, then a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom with two young children, one of them disabled, stepped forward to run in her husbands place. In the August 2020 election, Mr. Lukashenko claimed he won 80% of the vote, sparking mass unrest. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya was forced into exile in neighboring Lithuania with her children. Her husband remains in a Belarusian prison, where he is serving an 18-year sentence. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya was tried in absentia and, earlier this month, sentenced to 15 years. Today, she juggles her role as a mother and daughter with her advocacy for a democratic Belarus, traveling to Western capitals and international forums; meeting with world leaders and policymakers, think tanks and supporters; and always making time for the Belarusian diaspora. When asked what shes hoping to get out of her current Washington visit, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya said, I want to attract more attention of ordinary Americans, you know, for them not to forget about Belarus and/or feel fatigue over the situation in our country. Its the moral obligation of every free person to support those who are defending our common values. In exile, she presides over a team of advisers, called the United Transitional Cabinet, which the Lukashenko regime has branded an extremist group. In July 2021, in her first interview with the Monitor, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke cautiously of her abilities, saying, I always considered myself a so-called weak woman, because I had a husband who took care of the whole family. Now she speaks as an experienced advocate. We already have some deliverables from this visit to Washington, she says, referring to a new package of economic sanctions announced March 24 on Belarusian government officials, state-owned enterprises, and Mr. Lukashenkos aircraft. In a meeting at the State Department last week, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman announced a strategic dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society, to begin later this year. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also met with congressional members of the Free Belarus Caucus, participated in a conference with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, flew to Boston for an appearance at Harvard University, and will testify Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I try to provide them a normal childhood But her family is never far from thought. Her 12-year-old son, who was born with near-deafness, and 7-year-old daughter both attend school in Vilnius. I try to provide them a normal childhood, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya says. But of course they know where their daddy is. They know his history. She shows her children old videos of their dad, to give them a virtual presence of him in their lives. And they write letters to their father, which he receives. He also receives letters from his mother. But thats it. The government, she says, cracked down on a public letter-writing campaign to political prisoners that began with the 2020 unrest. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya says she can communicate with her husband via his lawyer, and the news is rarely good. First of all, political prisoners in Belarus are in much, much worse conditions than ordinary criminals, she says. Theyre constantly tortured, physically and morally. Hes kept in isolation, his cell is cold, his clothing is thin, and the food is extremely poor, she says. The light is always on. Theyre knocking on the doors and not giving people opportunities to sleep. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya reveals that her parents, retirees in their 60s, still live in Belarus and dont want to leave the country. Are they able to live a normal life? Nobody in Belarus can live a normal life, she sighs. I understand that my parents, there is additional pressure on them. They live in constant waiting for something [that] might happen. Every day, Im checking are you OK? Are you OK? Last Saturday, March 25, was an unofficial holiday known as Belarus Freedom Day, commemorating the declaration of independence by the Belarusian Democratic Republic in 1918. Despite a light rain in Washington, a crowd of Belarusians, some now American citizens, came out to a rally for Belarus in front of the White House, and to hear Ms. Tsikhanouskaya speak. A few Ukrainians, carrying yellow-and-blue umbrellas, joined in solidarity. A man named Dmitri, who declined to give his last name, says he came to the United States from Minsk, the Belarusian capital, nine years ago. He joined the rally, he says, because your culture and national identity, thats something that stays with you even if you live in another country. And what about the rain? You will find, he said, that Belarusians are very sturdy. Related stories Read this story at csmonitor.com Become a part of the Monitor community Matiullah Wesa (AFP via Getty Images) A prominent activist who campaigned for girls education in Afghanistan has been arrested by Taliban authorities in Kabul. Matiullah Wesa, from the southern province of Kandahar, was arrested on Monday having spent several years advocating for girls education. Matiullah Wesa, head of (Pen Path) and advocate for girls education, was arrested in Kabul Monday, the UN Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. UNAMA calls on the de facto authorities to clarify his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and to ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family. Pen Path, the organisation Matiullah founded, campaigns for schools and distributes books in rural areas. It has long dedicated itself to communicating the importance of girls education to village elders. Matiullah Wesa (AFP via Getty Images) Despite at first promising more moderate rule, the Taliban have banned girls from school, barred women from most employment and ordered them to cover up from head to toe in public. Women are also banned from parks and gyms. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, two of the three countries that recognise the Taliban government, are among those who have condemned its decision to ban women from attending school. Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, said the ban was "neither Islamic nor humane", adding: "What harm is there in womens education? Our religion, Islam, is not against education; on the contrary, it encourages education and science." The UAEs foreign affairs ministry said the Talibans decision "profoundly jeopardises the international communitys efforts to engage with the Taliban" and was an example of them trying to "erase" women from public life. (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine wants Russias nuclear energy sector and liquefied natural gas to be part of future sanctions packages, Ukraines energy minister told Bloomberg Television. Most Read from Bloomberg Ukrainian forces downed 14 out of 15 Shahed-type drones launched by Russian troops overnight, Ukraines General Staff said on Facebook. Twelve of the unmanned aircraft were shot down over Kyiv, the citys military administration said. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited two towns in Ukraines northern Sumy region near the Russian border, where Kremlin troops were forced out a year ago. Reconstruction of the devastated communities will definitely happen, he said. Key Developments Mystery Over Abandoned Yacht Grows as Russian Tycoon Denies Link DOJ Backs EU Push to Freeze Russian Bank Assets Over Ukraine EU Aims to Give Members Option to Block Russian LNG Imports Romania, Poland to Ask EU for System to Track Ukraine Grains Why Belarus Is in Lockstep With Russia Over Ukraine: QuickTake Poland Wants Tougher EU Sanctions on Belarus After Nuclear Move (All times CET) Belarus Opposition Leader Meets With Jake Sullivan (12:40 a.m.) US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has met with Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the White House said Tuesday. During the Monday encounter, Sullivan expressed the steadfast support of the United States for the Belarusian peoples pursuit of a sovereign and democratic future, including free and fair elections as well as human rights protections, according to a White House statement. In the 2020 election, Tsikhanouskaya challenged the countrys longtime leader, Alexander Lukashenko. She fled the day after the vote following threats from officials. Story continues Lukashenko has long been a steadfast supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin and allowed the use of his countrys territory for the invasion of Ukraine. Over the weekend, Putin announced a plan to place nuclear weapons in Belarus. US Backs Ukraines Call to Set Up Special Tribunal (6:31 p.m.) US President Joe Bidens administration supports Ukraines efforts to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression, said a State Department official who asked not to be named. The US believes a special tribunal would have significant international support, maximize the chance that Russia would be held accountable over its invasion of Ukraine and would ideally be located in another country in Europe, the official said. Blinken Backs Ukraines Peace Proposal, Warns Against Chinas (4:56 p.m.) The US supports Ukraines peace framework, which demands the withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, and opposes alternate proposals that would advantage Moscow, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. The top US diplomat endorsed Kyivs proposal during a virtual session of the Summit for Democracy, where Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba detailed its 10 points. Xis Actions Undermine Chinas Credibility on Ukraine: Sunak (4:31 p.m.) UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned that Chinas actions undermine their credibility as a neutral party on Ukraine, and urged President Xi Jinping to use his influence with Putin to end this war. Speaking at a parliamentary committee hearing in London on Tuesday, Sunak said that it was clear that Russia is dependent on China after Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow. Ukraine Ready to Resume Electricity Export to EU (3:38 p.m.) Ukraine has sufficient electricity in its system to consider restarting exports to the European Union in the near future, according to Energy Minister German Galushchenko. Exports were halted in October after Russia targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure with missile strikes and drone attacks, causing power cuts in most regions. The system has since resumed functioning following repairs and support from international partners. Zelenskiy Visits Towns Near Russian Border (3:11 p.m.) Zelenskiy visited the town of Okhtyrka, 61 kilometers (38 miles) from the Russian border, to survey the devastation on the anniversary of its liberation by Ukrainian forces. He also visited Trostyanets, 35 kilometers from the border, which was heavily damaged and plundered, according to the presidential website. Ukrainians will live here, on their land, in their cities and villages, which we have to rebuild after the war, Zelenskiy said on the visit, during which he inspected reconstruction projects and border guard positions. Rentals Plunge in Kyiv, Soar in the West (2:01 p.m.) Russias invasion has drastically changed Ukraines rental market, cutting prices in the capital Kyiv, which was the most expensive place to live before the war, while pushing them up in two western regions far from the battlefield, according to official statistics. The average rental cost of a one-room apartment in Kyiv, which was at risk of occupation in early 2022 and is still targeted by Russian missile barrages, dropped 13% from the previous year to more than 7,300 hryvnia ($200) this month, according to the statistics office. The plunge was deeper in regions closer to the front line. In contrast, average prices for a one-room apartment in Zakarpattya and Lviv in western Ukraine soared as many Ukrainians fled fighting. Prices almost tripled in Zakarpattya, while climbing some 65% in Lviv. Ukraine Seeks Long-Range Air Defense to Hold Back Russian Attacks (1:20 p.m.) Ukraine needs long-range air-defense equipment and modern aircraft to fend off Russian tactical aviation from Ukraines borders, Air Defense spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said. Russian tactical aircraft are beginning to carry difficult-to-intercept modernized guided bombs in addition to missiles, he said. These are new threats that we have to take into account, Ihnat said. The most effective method is to drive Russian aviation away from the borders. Ukrainian Minister Urges Sanctions on Russian Nuclear Sector (12:25 p.m.) The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant under Russian control in southeastern Ukraine is being operated incorrectly, Galushchenko said. Ukraine is more worried about the deteriorating situation at Zaporizhzhia than about Russian plans to place nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, he added. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Join the most important conversation in crypto and web3! Secure your seat today A boutique hotel themed after a beloved Crypto Twitter character opened doors in Singapore Monday, sending floor prices of the By Wassies non-fungible token (NFT) collection up by over 20% compared to the weekend. Hotel by Wassies, themed after the popular "Wassie by Wassies" NFT collection, is located at 5 Hongkong Street in Singapore with rooms, accessories, a cafe and amenities themed after the Platypus creatures. 1/ Weve had Wassies infest CT, the blockchain, and the metaverse. This time round, @bywassies is bringing the infestation to the real world with Hotel byWassies! A 100% Wassie-themed boutique hotel located right in the heart of Sunny Singapore at 5 Hongkong Street pic.twitter.com/zG13PuGLUT Wassies in Asia! (@WassiesAsia) March 27, 2023 Its not an early April Fools' joke. Hotel by Wassies is a pop-up hotel that runs from March 2023 until September 2023 and is listed on various hotel booking sites. The six-floor hotel features 55 rooms, with 49 rooms furnished in shades of Wassie-themed purple and six "Wassies & Friends"-themed rooms that will feature art made in collaboration with other projects. Creators say the hotel is a way to popularize the Wassie brand among the general populace. Hotel by Wassies is a [small] Wassie step in bringing crypto culture into the real world, as we continue to look for ways to deploy the byWassies brand IP in all shapes and forms, a regional Twitter account of the Wassie collection said. A room at the Wassie hotel is listed for $129 as of Monday, the Wassie site shows. Wassie NFT holders can get a discount of up to 20% on room booking and 69% off drinks at Coffee by Wassies, the in-house cafe. Story continues Floor prices of the Wassie NFT collection have jumped 20% over the past two days, surging to 0.5 ether (ETH) from Saturdays 0.33 ether at writing time. The Ethereum-based collection has over 12,000 individual NFTs with 2,3000 unique holders, data from OpenSea shows. Wassies are a fictional comic made popular by the pseudonymous Crypto Twitter account inversebrah, known for documenting bad takes, memes and jokes that largely center around the crypto community. Inversebrah and other self-styled wassie accounts speak in a distinct slang on Twitter, which adds to their appeal. Words like wen, gud, koin have been quickly picked up by the community contributing in a significant way to online crypto culture. Harry and Andrew both look set to have no official role in King Charles's coronation. (Getty Images) King Charless coronation is on the horizon, but is still unclear what role, if any, Prince Harry may play in the service or whether he and Meghan will even attend. Equally, whether Prince Andrew will play an official part in the proceedings has not been clarified by Buckingham Palace though a recent report in the Times has claimed that neither the Duke of Sussex nor York will be part of the procession, as this will be limited to working royals. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will all reportedly play a part in their grandfather's coronation on 6 May, by joining in the procession at the end of the Westminster Abbey service. The Times also reported that the procession back from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace will be a third of the size that the late Queen enjoyed at her 1953 coronation. Reportedly the procession after King Charles's coronation service will be one-third of the size that was seen in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth's coronation. (Getty Images) Yahoo UK breaks down everything we know about Harry and Andrew's appearance (or non-appearance). Will Harry and Andrew attend the coronation? Meghan and Harrys spokesperson has confirmed they have been invited via email though it is understood that formal invitations will be sent out by the palace closer to the date. Their presence could potentially overshadow the coronation, given the recent breakdown in Harry's relationship with his brother and father. However, their absence would also doubtless generate additional unwelcome publicity creating a difficult PR situation to manage. The last time Harry and Meghan were in the UK was for Queen Elizabeth's state funeral. (Getty Images) Despite that both Harry and Andrew have been at major royal occasions since stepping down as working royals Harry was present at the Platinum Jubilee last year and Andrew took part in the annual Christmas Day walkabout on the way to church, the first since Charles became monarch. But in Harry's most recent public appearance on 27 March for a high-profile court hearing, the palace was reported as saying that Charles was "too busy" to meet his son despite the King's planned trip to France on the same day being called off just days before. Story continues In addition, other unverified reports have also suggested that Prince Archie, three, and Princess Lilibet, one, have yet to be invited to the coronation which is set to take place on Archies birthday. Will Harry and Andrew play a role in the coronation ceremony? In January, the Sunday Times reported that the main role Harry and Andrew could have played in the coronation ceremony had been adapted and wouldnt include them. Traditionally, royal dukes pay homage to the newly crowned monarch for the Queen's coronation in 1953, this was led by the Duke of Edinburgh before other dukes did the same. However, the report claimed that in Charless coronation, the only duke to pay homage will be the Prince William. Prince Philip paying homage to Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation in 1953. (Getty Images) The Prince of Wales, therefore, could be the only person to kneel and pledge to be the Kings liege man of life and limb, before then touching the crown and kissing the monarchs cheek. Which royals are taking part in the ceremony? Alongside William, the other "working royals" Kate and their children, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Gloucesters, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra will all reportedly take part in the procession back to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. Camillas grandchildren although not strictly royals are also reported to be taking part and will hold the canopy over her while she is anointed with holy oil and consecrated as Queen. This part of the ceremony was not televised during the Queen Elizabeths coronation as the moment is seen as one of spiritual transformation and it was deemed to be too sacred for public viewing. Watch: The real story of the Royal Family's dysfunctional life behind closed doors Prince Harry made a surprise appearance Monday morning at the High Court in London where a hearing is being held against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspaper [ANL], accused by several celebrities of illegally gathering information. The hearing involves one of several lawsuits the Duke of Sussex has brought against the media. It is expected to last for four days. In the legal proceedings in London, the six plaintiffs accuse ANL of employing detectives to wiretap them, in their cars or at their homes. They were the victim of numerous unlawful acts carried out by the defendant, or by those acting on the instructions of its newspapers, The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday, attorney David Sherborne said. The allegations date back to 1993 and continue beyond 2018, Sherborne said. The publisher has denied the accusation. In October, it refuted "totally and unambiguously these preposterous smears which appear to be nothing more than a planned and orchestrated attempt to drag the Mail's headlines into the wiretapping scandal concerning 30-year-old articles." The publisher said the claims are too old to be brought now and should also be thrown out because they rely on information the newspapers turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law-breaking. Britain held a year-long inquiry into press ethics after revelations in 2011 that News of the World tabloid employees eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of celebrities, politicians and a teenage murder victim. More than 60 journalists were arrested in the wake of the scandal. M'Bala Nzola and Lorenzo Venuti, Spezia vs Fiorentina Credit: Alamy As rumours continue to swirl around Gianluca Scamaccas future, West Ham have reportedly identified another Serie A striker as his replacement. Scamacca hit 16 goals in 38 appearances for Sassuolo last season, resulting in interest from Premier League clubs. Arsenal were backed to sign him, but instead the Italy hitman went to West Ham. According to Sky Sports, David Moyes side paid Sassuolo 35.5million when capturing Scamacca on a five-year contract. West Ham fans were very excited about the deal when it was anounced. They had been looking for another centre-forward to compete with Michail Antonio for several transfer windows and had finally solved that problem. However, Scamacca has not lived up to expectations at the London Stadium. He has only found the back of the net eight times in 28 matches, and just three of those strikes have come in the league. Scamaccas disappointing form is one of the reasons why West Ham are languishing in the bottom three. They sit in 18th place with 24 points from 26 matches. Despite Scamaccas struggles in England, he has emerged as a transfer target for Inter Milan. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are searching for a striker successor for 37-year-old Edin Dzeko and have landed on Scamacca as a good option. There have also been links with fellow Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus, with the Roma-born ace seemingly keen to go back to his home country. West Ham scouts head back to Italy as Scamacca draws attention Should Scamacca leave West Ham, then Moyes will need to capture a replacement. He does have Danny Ings and Antonio in his squad already, but both of those players are known to struggle with injuries. Instead, there is the potential for the east London side to raid Spezia for Angola international MBala Nzola. According to CalcioSpezia, West Ham have begun plotting a summer move for Nzola amid his impressive form in Italy. He has notched 14 goals and three assists in 25 games so far. Story continues Nzolas Spezia contract expires in June 2024 and club chiefs at the Stadio Alberto Picco are therefore working hard to tie him down to fresh terms. The report claims Spezia are willing to make the attacker their best-paid player, such is his importance to the team. However, Spezia will not be able to match the wages that West Ham could offer Nzola. And to make matters worse for the Serie A club, West Ham are preparing to bid for him. It is suggested that West Ham will put around 20m (17.5m) on the table for Nzola. This should be enough to get Spezia to sign off on his departure. While this is a decent amount of money, it is not enough to put big pressure on the 26-year-olds shoulders. Therefore, he would be able to play with a bit more freedom than Scamacca in a West Ham shirt. In another piece of good news for the Irons, they have excellent relations with Nzolas agent, as he also represents current defender Angelo Ogbonna. This should help the transfer to reach completion. CalcioSpezia state that Nzola has the necessary attributes to shine in the Premier League. Although, a move will probably only happen if Scamacca departs for one of Inter, Milan or Juve. Meanwhile, a West Ham ace has been told he is still not doing enough to warrant a big-money transfer. The article West Ham land on Gianluca Scamacca replacement as new Serie A star tipped to join thanks to excellent relations appeared first on Teamtalk.com. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed his right-wing government's plans to reform the judiciary It is unclear whether Israel protests will cease as the judicial reform plan was just delayed and not canceled Another day of opposition protests spread across Israel On Monday, numerous strikes, protests, and rising international pressure led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone his controversial plans to reform the country's judiciary. On a monumental day for Israel, Netanyahu said he would defer voting on the remaining measures until after the Passover holiday in April "to provide time for a serious discussion." In a televised speech, Netanyahu stated that he is "aware of the tensions" and "listening to the people." Netanyahu Delays Judicial Reform Voting Until Next Session But, Netanyahu signaled that the respite would be brief. He emphasized that the reorganization was essential and criticized those who refused to train or serve in the military in protest of the proposed modifications. "Refusing is the destruction of our nation," he warned. Following Netanyahu's declaration, Arnon Bar-David, the head of the Histadrut labor organization, declared that a national strike that swept the nation on Monday would now be canceled. Bar-David stated, "The nationwide strike ends immediately." But, he cautioned Netanyahu against reintroducing the bill, CNN reported. Despite this, Netanyahu's decision was applauded by Israel's closest allies. The US views the postponement as "an opportunity to generate more time and space for compromise," according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly, lauded both the decision and his country's ties with Israel. "It is crucial that the common democratic norms that underpin this partnership be kept and a rigorous system of checks and balances is maintained," added Cleverly. Concerns have been expressed, however, over the conditions of Netanyahu's coalition agreement. Earlier on Monday, the far-right Jewish Power party disclosed that the plan to delay the law would entail the establishment of a National Guard under the supervision of party head and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. In reaction to his declaration, the main Israeli labor organization canceled a statewide strike. Monday night in Tel Aviv, police deployed a water cannon against protesters who returned to the streets despite the strike being called off. With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement that he would delay critical judicial reforms until next month, several protest organizers assert that the demonstrations would continue in Israel. Read Also: Ukraine Drone Blasts Russian Town Israel Protests According to The Independent, leaders of the demonstrations assert that protests will continue because the vote on the overhaul will only be delayed, not canceled. When Netanyahu's confidant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, introduced the reform in January, Israel saw nearly three months of enormous protests. The rapid organization of outrage after the removal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, facilitated partly by the messaging service WhatsApp, was astonishing. In nearly an hour, tens of thousands of protesters stopped Tel Aviv's main highway, and tens of thousands more demonstrated in front of Netanyahu's house in Jerusalem. Gallant was the first Cabinet minister to publicly urge for a delay in implementing the change. Gallant stated that moving on might harm Israel's military readiness since morale is low and troops threaten to skip duty. In security-obsessed Israel, Gallant, a brusque retired general, is one of the most admired members of the new Government. By assaulting the guy in charge of national security, Netanyahu may have crossed a red line and, inadvertently, unified this severely fragmented nation by touching on national security, one of the few areas of the accord. Demonstrators gathered again in front of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, transforming the streets around the building and the Supreme Court into a sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags and rainbow Pride banners. Many more attended large demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities, as per CBC. Before announcing the delay, Netanyahu spent the day consulting with his advisors and coalition partners. Previously, several Likud party members stated they would back the prime minister if he listened to requests to postpone the judicial reform. If no compromises are achieved over the holiday, Netanyahu has agreed to bring the measure up for a vote when parliament resumes its summer session on April 30. In his speech, Netanyahu did not provide a deadline for reaching a deal. Still, he expressed optimism that the nation would heal and that Israelis would enjoy the impending Passover holiday. Related Article: France Protests: Emmanuel Macron Drops Truth on Raising Retirement Age @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This review was previously published with our 2017 Rawhead Rex Blu-ray Review "But you don't believe in the Devil." "No, I don't believe in the Devil! But something started the rumor." Some movies are simply beyond criticism. Not necessarily because it's the best film ever made, but more because it's so bad it's endlessly entertaining. Such is the case for George Pavlou's 1986 production, Rawhead Rex. Loosely based on the works of Clive Barker and his screenplay, a tale of demonic Irish folklore horror is comically undermined by some cheap rubbery monster effects, dramatic overacting, stunted pacing, and is all the more entertaining because of its faults. It's creepy, silly, and wildly entertaining. A childhood favorite is finally given the glorious Blu-ray treatment it has long deserved. It was supposed to be a simple working vacation through Ireland for Howard Hallenbeck (David Dukes), his wife Elaine (Kelly Piper), and their two children. They stop in peaceful, rainy Rathmore to look at an old church as part of Howard's research project about fertility cults. When a farmer attempts to clear his field of a particularly phallic stone, he unwittingly unleashes Rawhead Rex, an ancient evil that had been entombed in the earth for centuries. Aided by the deranged verger Declan (Ronan Wilmont), Rawhead traverses the countryside slaughtering and devouring people wholesale. With the police powerless to stop the monster, the key to the demon's destruction may lie in clues found in Howard's research. Rawhead Rex is far from being a great movie - let alone a great horror movie. While there are some genuinely creepy moments like shots of the creature standing in a field with fire-red eyes holding up the head of his most recent kill, the rest of the movie is an over-the-top underfunded mess of B-Movie schlock horror. And I love every single second of it! I love the cheap attempts at drumming up scares through poorly-timed jump scares. I love the creepy but underused sense of atmosphere. I love the goofy rubber monster face with glowing novelty eyes and the cheesy shredded monster suit. I love how when the monster makes a kill, blood erupts like a geyser of red dye and corn syrup. Heck, I even love the overly dramatic music that plays whenever our hero and his family boringly drive through the countryside. It's 80s B-movie schlock at its finest. A number of issues with Rawhead Rex rest with director George Pavlou, his producers, and their relationship with Clive Barker and the author's story collection "Books of Blood." In short, the guys pulling the strings and making things happen behind the scenes just didn't get what they were working with. They saw a means to jump on the rising popularity of horror flicks in the 80s and wanted to make cheap B-movies and reap some tidy profits. While popular, Barker's work was the wrong choice for that sort of cinema. By contract, Barker had to supply the screenplays but was then shut out of every creative decision. Like 1985's Underworld (better known as Transmutations stateside), Rawhead Rex floundered and went nowhere. As a result, Barker disowned the film and took creative control over all film projects based on his books and thus Hellraiser was born. Warts and all, Rawhead Rex is one of my absolute favorite movies from when I was a kid watching my favorite Detroit TV station on Saturday mornings. Along with repeated viewings of Halloween II, Friday the 13th, Terror Train and Tales from the Dark Side: The Movie, Rawhead Rex was a repeat offender on WXYZ TV 20 "Thriller" double feature. I have great memories of watching this movie with my older sister and loving every minute of it. We used to have a game of counting the loud beep sounds used to cover up curse words in horror and I remember Rawhead had a particularly high score. At the time we thought it could be any number of bad words, but the funniest thing is that this movie isn't all that profane, they were merely beeping out words like "hell," "damn," or negative usages of "god." When you're dealing with a monster flick about a murderous demon you can imagine those words were used a lot. As an adult, Rawhead Rex is simply a very guilty pleasure. In truth, the film isn't well made, but it's damn enjoyable. The clumsy use of odd-angle steady-cam trying to depict the creature's massive height and speed just adds humor to tension. When Ronan Wilmont's bananas verger Declan goes from 0-60 at the drop of a hat, you can't help but give a giggle. Then you have the titular monster with the ever-open maw of bloody rubbery teeth and crazy red glowing eyes. I tip my hat to German actor Heinrich von Schellendorf for doing his absolute best to give this monster life. But when all of his scenes were from long shots or middles and an animatronic puppet was used for close-ups, the poor guy got the shaft. You really can't do much with a prop head resting on your noggin like that. The rest of the cast does their best, David Dukes, in particular, is giving everything he's got, but it's not enough to surmount the film's numerous issues. Those going into Rawhead Rex expecting a thoughtful and engaging examination of demonic horror and folklore will be left out in the rain. I say that as a defender of the movie. I've spent hours watching my Laserdisc with love and reverence, but not because it's good, but because it's such a silly and entertaining movie. If you're a lover of pure 80s schlock horror, the unintentional hilarity will make the journey worth it. The film's "baptism" scene alone should be enough to have you howling if the rest of the movie hasn't won you over. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Blu-ray KLSC upends the phallic stone entombing Rawhead Rex on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with a new two-disc set. The 4K version is pressed on a BD-100 disc with the same Region A disc from the 2020 SteelBook offering the film in 1080p and holding the bonus features. The discs are housed in a standard black two-disc case with reversible insert artwork and an identical slipcover. The discs load to a static image main menu with standard navigation options. All images were sourced from the included standard Blu-ray, when we can we'll try to update the images and or include a 4K disc-sourced video clip. The University of North Georgia (UNG) will welcome a keynote speaker and host events to mark Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. While AAPI Heritage Month is technically celebrated in May, it is marked during April at UNG campuses while spring semester classes still are in session. "UNG's Asian American and Pacific Islander community includes students, faculty and staff. These individuals contribute a great deal to the engagement and learning that takes place at our campuses," Dr. Andrew Johnson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) at UNG, said. "It is important that we honor the past, present and future contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander people to our society. By doing so, we create space for learning and contribute to the sense of belonging for the students, faculty and staff at UNG." Lily Pabian, executive director of We Love Buford Highway Inc., will be the keynote speaker in the Robinson Ballroom at UNG's Gainesville Campus and virtually at noon April 19. An Atlanta native and mother of three community-active teens, Pabian served as a member of Fulton County's School Governance Council and Parent Teacher Student Association president. She was a recipient of the 2017 Georgia Department of Education's Parent Leadership Award. Most recently she was recognized as one of Georgia Asian Times' 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia in 2021. California passes new oil bill seeking to penalize oil companies profiting from stated limits Gov. Gavin Newsom approved the bill on Monday following a quick process that lasted only a week Oil companies have already spent millions of dollars opposing the approval of the bill California Gov. Gavin Newsom passed a new oil bill that seeks to penalize oil companies if they go over the given profit limits in an attempt to curb the rising prices of gas across the United States. The approval on Monday marks the country's first penalty for oil companies' price gouging at the pump. It gives regulators the authority to penalize oil companies for profiting from the gas increases that have exacerbated the suffering of the people from the most populous state in the US last summer. California's New Oil Bill Democrats who are in charge of the state Legislature quickly worked to pass the bill on Monday, only a week after the bill was introduced. It was seen as an uncommonly fast process for such a controversial issue. This is particularly true for one opposed by the powerful oil industry that has already spent millions of dollars to prevent the bill from being approved, as per Fortune. Newsom took advantage of his political position to pass the bill, which grew out of his call last December for a special legislative session that sought to pass a new tax on oil company profits. This was when the state's average gas price hit a record high of $6.44 per gallon. In a statement, the California governor said big oil companies had taken advantage of consumers for years. He said the Legislature found the courage, conviction, and backbone to stand up against the oil industry. On the other hand, legislative leaders rejected Newsom's initial call for a new tax on oil companies, fearing that it would discourage supply that would result in higher gas prices. A compromise was reached between the governor and other lawmakers, giving the California Energy Commission the power to decide whether or not to penalize companies for price gouging. Read Also: Former National Enquirer Publisher Testifies in Trump Hush Money Case Penalize Price Gouging The bill authorizes creating a watchdog agency at the CEC that would mandate oil companies to provide information regarding the industry and potentially set limits on profits as well as a penalty on those that go beyond the cap, according to The Sacramento Bee. A Democrat from Southern California, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, said there was no other explanation for historically high oil prices other than greed. During a hearing in Sacramento, the official said that the issue is that there is no information to prove the claim and that authorities had no power to penalize the level of price gouging seen last year. During an interview last week, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, who authored the bill, said that officials would not be able to respond if there are any price spikes in the next few months. She noted that a good portion of the new bill is new disclosures that would be implemented on oil companies, said the Mercury News. Related Article: US Legislators Move Forward with TikTok Ban @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HA NOI Green credit growth in Viet Nam has remained limited due to the lack of a clear legal framework, according to industry insiders. Data from the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV)s Credit Department for Economic Sectors showed as of December 31, 2022, the outstanding loans for green projects increased by 12.96 per cent against the end of 2021 to more than VN500 trillion, accounting for more than 4.2 per cent of the total outstanding loans of the whole economy. The loans mainly focused on green agriculture, renewable energy, and clean energy. Nguyen Thi Phuong, Deputy General Director of Agribank, said though Agribank has set aside a large amount of capital for green credit, it is not easy to disburse. In many areas around the country, it is easy to find out a clean agricultural model or a commodity production model, but it is very difficult to find out a green model, which has to meet many criteria and certifications, Phuong explained. In recent years, green credit in Viet Nam has grown strongly, but banking expert Can Van Luc said green outstanding loans are still modest compared to the total outstanding loans of the whole banking system. To promote green credit, Phuong said it is necessary to have an effective coordination policy to help projects obtain green certifications. The Viet Nam Business Forums Banking Working Group (BWG) recommends Viet Nam needs a roadmap to quickly apply green energy and an appropriate green financial framework for projects that can get bank loans through actions such as the development of the transitional financial instruments, the preparation of environmental-social-governance (ESG) reports and the investment portfolio transformation. Commercial banks hope the Government will promote the development of green credit by issuing more detailed guidance on the definition of green and assessment criteria. To promote green credit, some banks have recently built a sustainable loan framework with a green credit appraisal process. For example, State-owned BIDV, which topped the market in green credit with a total committed capital of more than US$2.68 billion by the end of 2022, last month issued the sustainable loan framework to ease the green loans. State-owned Agribank has also issued a series of documents on promoting green credit growth, and environmental and social risk management in credit granting activities. Besides State-owned banks, some private banks have also joined the green credit segment, but the disbursement amount was not much as they are still concerned about long repayment period, large investment costs and high market risks of green projects, including renewable energy ones. VNS HA NOI The domestic price cap for air service will increase by an average of 3.75 per cent from the second or third quarter of 2023, according to the Ministry of Transport. Under a plan of the ministry, the cap on domestic airline tickets will be applied to four kinds of flights. New airfares for flights with a distance of 1,280km upward, from 1,000 to under 1,280km, 850 to less than 1,000km, and from 500 to under 850km will rise by 6.67 per cent, 6.25 per cent, 3.58 per cent and 2.25 per cent to a maximum of VN4 million (US$170.03), VN3.4 million, VN2.89 million, and VN2.25 million, respectively. Fares for air routes with a distance of less than 500km and State-supported ones will not change. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam (CAAV) and the General Statistics Office, this adjustment is expected to contribute to increasing the countrys CPI this year by about 0.07 percentage points. At a seminar held by the Viet Nam Aviation Business Association (VABA) in late February, representatives of airlines and transport experts suggested removing the price cap for domestic air service to ensure a variety of price policies to provide the best quality products to customers. Nguyen Manh Quan, Bamboo Airways General Director, proposed to the Ministry of Transport urgently consider adjusting prices on the basis of legal regulations and actual inputs. He added that the price ceiling for routes with three or more operators should be removed, but still maintain State management if any route has only one operator. Removing the ceiling price or raising the ceiling price would not affect consumers, but diversifying price policies to provide the best quality products to customers. Luong Hoai Nam, a transport expert, said the ceiling price of air tickets that still exists so far is a terrible absurdity and should be stopped as soon as possible. The ceiling price has deterred airlines to increase revenue in the peak period (summer period in June-July and Tet Holiday). If the price ceiling is removed, firms could improve the low-peak periods. The price ceiling inhibits the growth of domestic airlines because this market is completely independent of expensive ticket prices. The view is to amend the laws and decrees to remove the ticket price ceiling to decide based on the market economy, he added. The latest increase in the ticket price ceiling was in 2015. As for the price of domestic passenger transportation services, according to the CAAVs report, the proportion of fuel costs accounts for 39.5 per cent of the total cost of the airline. With fluctuations in the USD/VND exchange rate, the airlines' fuel costs in December 2022 increased by 62.39 per cent compared to December 2014 and increased by 80.93 per cent compared to September 2015, making the total business expenses increase by 27.9 per cent compared to December 2014 and by 33.47 per cent compared to September 2015. VNS HA NOI - The European Commission (EC) has recommended removing Vietnamese rice noodle and vermicelli brands from conditions that require health certificates and 20 per cent random testing at the port of entry. The decision will only take effect after all member countries have ratified it, which is expected to be done by the end of April. If they support the recommendation, Vietnamese products will still be subject to 20 per cent random testing. This move comes after the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently held a working session with eight Vietnamese exporters of rice noodles and vermicelli to ensure the quality and safety of their products going to the European markets. The MoIT has directed producers to employ several testing agencies with explicit instructions to follow the EU's testing regulations and standards strictly. In February 2022, the EU listed several Vietnamese rice noodle and vermicelli brands under its Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, subjecting the products to a temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing entry into the European Union. In response, measures have been taken by the MoIT and exporters to review and investigate the supply chain, as well as the production of such products. During the last six months of 2022, no incidents were reported in which Vietnamese products were found to break EU safety and standard rules. As a result, the SANTE Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission has officially acknowledged the country's efforts in addressing the safety of its brands in a meeting with Viet Nam's trade delegation in Belgium. The Directorate is responsible for ensuring that EU policies and regulations relating to public health, food safety, and animal and plant health are implemented effectively. During the meeting, the MoIT assured the directorate of the country's commitment and dedication to following EU regulations on import and product safety, as well as those of other markets around the world. VNS HA NOI VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has opened its latest store in Rennes, marking its foray into the western region of France. This move is part of VinFast's expansion strategy into European markets, with its next stores expected to be launched in Montpellier, Aix-En-Provence, and other major French cities. The VinFast store in Rennes, located in a prime location alongside other auto brands, aims to increase the company's brand presence and attract potential customers. The store will feature products and in-car smart features, with personalised services provided by knowledgeable product experts. VinFast seeks to build strong connections and trust with French customers through its retail and service network. The modern and elegantly designed VinFast store in Rennes draws inspiration from the natural wonders of Viet Nam. Customers can explore the electric vehicle lineup, starting with the VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUV models. Later, the VF 6 and VF 7 models will also be displayed. VinFast has already established its presence in major European cities, including Paris, Cologne, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Oberhausen, Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. With the opening of the Rennes store, VinFast now has three stores in France and plans to continue expanding its retail and service network throughout the country. Customers can visit the VinFast store at 3 Rue des Mesliers, Rennes. VNS HA NOI The Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that the US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the sixth extension of the deadline for issuing its final conclusion on an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tax evasion investigation into hardwood plywood imported from Viet Nam. The final conclusion is expected to be issued on May 2. The Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam, said that previously, the DOC announced the preliminary conclusion of the case on July 25 last year. It said that plywood imported from Viet Nam into the US, which had a core using peeled board imported from China, would be subject to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tax as applied to plywood imported from China. Plywood from Viet Nam which has a core using peeled boards manufactured domestically or in other countries, would be exempt from the tax. The authority estimates that the temporary tax rate could be up to 378.26 per cent, applicable to shipments imported into the US from June 17, 2020. However, the DOC allows Vietnamese enterprises that co-operate in the investigation process to self-certify that they do not use Chinese materials so as not to be subject to measures. According to calculations, the number of enterprises participating in self-certification accounts for about 80 per cent of the country's export turnover during the investigation period. VNS PARIS Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang has met with the three Swiss nationals who planted the flag of the National Front for the Liberation of South Viet Nam on top of the Notre Dame Cathedral during peace negotiations held in Paris on January 18-19, 1969. At the gathering in Paris on March 25, Bernard Bachelard, Olivier Parriaux, and Noe Graff from Lausanne, Switzerland, recalled their 30-hour journey to plant the flag on January 18-19. The event took place over 50 years ago, but it was not until 2019, when the cathedrals spire collapsed in a fire, that the full story was revealed. The trio timed their action to coincide with peace negotiations in Paris on January 18, 1969. At that time, Bernard Bachelard (a 26-year-old physical education teacher), Noe Graff (a 24-year-old law student), and Olivier Parriaux (a 25-year-old physics student) were strongly engaged in the movements protesting the wars waged by the US and France in Viet Nam. Parriaux noted that as soon as then US President Lyndon Johnson ordered a halt to bombing in North Viet Nam and expressed readiness to negotiate, the three Swiss realised the talks in Paris would be a special event leading to the international recognition of the Front which had been set up nine years before that. To draw maximum attention to their protest, they selected Notre Dame Cathedral due to its height and its significance. Parriaux made the plan, Graff was in charge of driving and guarding, and Bachelard, with support from Parriaux, climbed to the spire to fly the flag. This action required thorough preparations as they were not Parisians. Parriaux recounted that they didnt know how to reach the spire. The trio reached Paris around noon on Saturday, January 18, 1969. Bachelard and Parriaux hid in the cathedrals bell tower and waited until the evening when they moved to the spire, while Graff stood guard. They also cut some iron bars to prevent firefighters from following them, ensuring the flag would stay on the spire long enough so that people could see it the next day, on Sunday, January 19. Their action took 30 hours, and before returning home, they dropped by the headquarters of the Le Monde daily to inform them of what they had done, Parriaux added. It was not until 3pm on January 19 that the flag was removed by a firefighting team, who had to use a helicopter to access the spire. The flag planting drew a lot of attention from the international media, Parriaux said, adding they were satisfied with the influence of this event. Nobody knew who was behind the flag-planting, and the three kept the truth to themselves for 50 years. Only when they decided to write a book in the days following the cathedral spire's collapse after the fire in 2019 were their identities revealed. Further convincing them to come forward was Quan oi Nhan dan (Peoples Army) newspaper's article on the act that heralded it as an important event in the cathedrals centuries-long history, he added. Titled Le Viet Cong au sommet de Notre-Dame (The Vietnamese Communist atop Notre Dame), the book was launched by the Lausanne-based FAVRE publishing company in January 2023 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam (January 27, 1973). Expressing his gratitude towards the Swiss nationals, Ambassador Thang described their flag planting as a demonstration of peace-loving peoples support for Viet Nam, noting amid the resistance war against the US, the international communitys support played a significant role in helping the Vietnamese people secure the 1973 Paris Peace Accords and move towards the national reunification in 1975. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has emphasised the need to better facilitate entry and exit procedures during a lawmaking session in Ha Noi on Monday. Among the items on the agenda were extending tourist visas' validity to three months and easing conditions for Vietnamese citizens to apply for foreign entry visas. PM Chinh assigned the Ministry of Public Security to collaborate with the other ministries and agencies to draft amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens and the Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Viet Nam. The proposal will be submitted to the National Assembly for inclusion in the 2023 Law and Ordinance Development Programme. The session examined a range of topics covering both foreigners coming to Viet Nam and facilitating Vietnamese citizens going abroad. The PM said most cabinet members agreed with the proposal to raise the validity of e-visas to 90 days (from the current 30 days) with single and multiple entries applicable, granting e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories (with the list decided by the Government), and increase the duration of temporary residence at the border gate for people entering the country under the visa exemption categories from 15 days to 45 days. PM Chinh said that amending the Law on Citizenship Identity is important as it greatly affects people's rights and interests. The amendment's content has many new issues, attracting many different comments, so it needs to be carefully reviewed and evaluated, he added. He requested that the amendment complies with the Party's guidelines, the Resolution of the Government, and the provisions of the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents. "It does not need to be hasty," he said. For the amendment of the Law on Credit Institutions, Chinh said it is a law with many complicated and sensitive contents, which greatly impacts the whole society and the economy. The amendment is necessary to meet the requirements of the new situation, especially to ensure the safety of the banking system, market transparency, and mobilise resources for socio-economic development. PM Chinh also told the State Bank of Vietnam to work with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office and relevant agencies to absorb opinions and finish the amendment and report to the Prime Minister before submitting it to the National Assembly for consideration and comments at the fifth session of 15th National Assembly. Concluding the meeting, Chinh said the Government has highly focused on implementing the Party's guidelines and the State's laws, including carrying out three strategic breakthroughs, especially institutional breakthroughs over the past time. In the first three months of this year, the Government held three sessions on law-making, commenting on 16 laws amendments and drafting legal documents, he said. He also highly appreciated the ministries and sectors for actively preparing and submitting the amendments and proposals for law development, seriously absorbing and explaining in detail, ensuring progress and quality. VNS HA NOI Chairman of National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue held virtual talks with his Chinese counterpart Zhao Leji yesterday, marking the first exchange between the two countries' highest leadership this year. This is also the first official talks by Leji with a foreign leader since he was appointed the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China (NPC), aiming towards further deepening the traditional ties between Viet Nam and China's parties, administrations, and people. In the talks, the Vietnamese top legislator asked China to facilitate the imports of Vietnamese agricultural products and the transport of Vietnamese goods to a third country via the Asia-Europe freight network, have good-quality and large-scale investment projects in Viet Nam that typifies China's level of development, speed up the progress of China's ODA projects in Viet Nam, and strengthen road, rail, sea and air connections to serve the exchange and travel needs of the two countries. He also asked China to make efforts to maintain peace, stability, control and properly handle issues at sea according to the common perceptions and agreement of senior leaders, including the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues; respect each other's legitimate and lawful interests. The two countries should also seek to handle maritime disputes and disagreements via peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and effectively implement the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and soon complete the building of substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC). The NPC leader proposed that the two sides strengthen exchanges and contacts through the Party channels, especially strategic exchanges between senior leaders to plan the direction for the two-Party and two-country relations, constantly deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership through promoting the role and operational efficiency of the China - Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation. The Chinese leader also affirmed that China is willing to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products to be imported into China, contributing to the development of bilateral trade. Regarding the relationship between the two legislative bodies, NA Chair Hue proposed to continue to well implement the cooperation agreement signed in December 2015, and he invited the Young National Assembly of the People's Republic of China to come to Viet Nam to attend the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians held in Ha Noi this September. At the talks, NA Chair Hue also conveyed the greetings of Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He congratulated China on the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the first sitting of the 14th-tenure "Two sessions", and also applauded Leji's election as the leader of NPC. Leji thanked Viet Nam for inviting Chinese leader Xi Jinping and others to visit Viet Nam this year, and said he would be willing to conduct the official trip to Viet Nam at an appropriate time. He also extended an invitation to visit China to the Vietnamese top legislator. VNS Kazakhstan places stricter trade control brought by sanctions against Russia. Russian trade is to be regulated by the Kazakhstan government by adding requiring additional documents on Russian imports. Kazakhstan is one of Russia's largest trading partners and is allegedly one of the avenues to import sanctioned goods and technology. Kazakhstan recently added more requirements to trade with Russia that have happened recently. Both nations have brisk trade impacted as the west's attempts to impose big sanctions failed. Kazakhstan Resorts to Sanctions Due to Western Pressure The government announced last Monday, March 27, amendments that firms should comply with punitive measures continuing trade with Moscow. Allegations that it is a path where Russian firms have ties with local companies to send sanctioned goods through, reported Euractiv. It is standing as Moscow's major partner in trade was impacted as the west imposed questionable sanctions on the Russian economy ($2.1 trillion), which Moscow had shifted gears. After February 24, it followed an extensive rerouting of tech, goods to defeat sanctions authored by Washington, noted Reuters. These two countries are part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which has five members as part of the Eurasian bloc. There is a 7,591-kilometer border with no customs checks that are imposed for now. When the US-led west decided to slam sanctions to slow down the economic engine of Moscow, it instead did the opposite effect when the Kazakhs bought more and resold them to Russian firms that made money for them, disregarding the sanctions that forced the west to tighten its control but somehow a bypass was done. Read Also: Xi Jinping Seeks To Meet Central Asian Leaders to First Summit in China Sanctions on Russian Trade Sanctions were finally recognized by Astana when it announced last Monday that a new guideline would be in place in April. These changes will place all exports in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union to lessen the underground trade, cited Swiss Info. It will prevent Russian firms' use of other entities to acquire and transfer the goods without detection. Another is to avoid another case of the west getting shamed by those willing to help Russian businesses. Even as the sanctions were in place after February 24 last year, that would prove futile to tamper down Russian earnings as the west fell into economic crises. Trade between Astana and Moscow went up a quarter in 2022. When Turkey blocked parallel imports led to more demands for such goods that the Kazakhs saw as a golden opportunity to earn. All these banned items saw the development of avenues that the west never imagined would happen. The west declined even third countries to stop helping to shame their efforts and failed sanctions. Passing through the Kazakh border remarked an outlet was bearings, plane parts, and even rare earth metals, leading to harsher western demands. The US visited these central Asian states to urge them to recognize sanctions and even said the US would help. Kazakh had no sanctions, but Uzbekistan was hit by them, as mentioned by Eurasianet. One of the criticisms of sanctions is the legality and how the US and its allies arbitrarily apply them. Not all nations want to impose or recognize such actions that are supported mostly by cohorts of Washington. Kazakhstan did impose more requirements to send items to Russia, but how effective these sanctions would be is yet to be seen. Related Article: Seven Countries That Will Support Russia at the Ukraine Border, Comprises the CSTO @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong appreciated former Chilean President Michelle Bachelets special sentiments on consolidating and promoting the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Chile, at their meeting in Ha Noi on Monday. The President also lauded Bachelet, in her capacity as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for her contributions to UN affairs and the international community. According to him, the maintenance of all-level delegations is significant to enhancing cooperation between Viet Nam and Chile as well as their people. For her part, Bachelet, who is in Viet Nam for the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (March 25, 1971-2023), said during her stay in the Southeast Asian nation, she will visit the southern province of Binh Duong and the central province of Nghe An to foster cooperation between localities of the two countries and people-to-people exchange activities. The guest expressed her special sentiments for Vietnamese land and people, and her admiration for the Vietnamese peoples indomitable and resilient spirit during their past struggle for national independence. Both Viet Nam and Chile are members of the UN Human Rights Council and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which would facilitate the enhancement of the bilateral ties in the time ahead, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and enable them to join hands to fulfil common goals of the international community, for peace and development, especially climate change response, she noted. Thuong affirmed that Bachelets visit would contribute to consolidating cooperation between peoples and especially localities of the countries. He highlighted the close ties between Viet Nam and Chile despite their far geographical distance, during both Viet Nams past struggle for national independence and its present cause of national construction and development. He suggested the two countries take more measures to forge economic cooperation, for the sake of their businesses and people, step up collaboration at multilateral forums, and further coordinate in organising exchanges between localities and citizens. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and solidarity with friends and important partners in Latin America, including its comprehensive partnership with Chile, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Monday. Son made the remark at a reception for visiting former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet Jeria and a delegation from Cerro Navia district in the South American nations capital of Santiago. He commended the two nations increasing political and diplomatic relations via regular dialogues at all levels and growing economy-trade ties, and their strong coordination at international organisations and multilateral forums. The top diplomat recommended the sides further coordinate closely in promoting the exchange of high-level delegations, and effectively implementing such bilateral cooperation mechanisms as free trade council and political consultation between the foreign ministries. Improved mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums would also be important, Son noted. He thanked the Chilean district for creating conditions to preserve the statue of late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh located there and appreciated its friendship and cooperation activities with Vietnamese localities in the coming time. For her part, Bachelet expressed her willingness to share with Viet Nam experience she gained while working at multilateral organisations, especially when both countries are members of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term. She vowed to continue her support for the promotion of Viet Nam -Chile ties and the close relationship between their peoples in any positions she might take. At Sons invitation, Bachelet is in Viet Nam from March 25 to April 3 for the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the nations diplomatic relations (March 25, 1971-2023). VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received outgoing Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Viet Nam Office Shimizu Akira in Ha Noi on Monday. At the reception, Ha highly valued JICAs contributions to the implementation of Japans official development assistance (ODA) projects in Viet Nam, saying JICAs programmes and projects in Viet Nam had realised cooperation agreements between the two countries in a timely manner. The Vietnamese Government and people were interested in and made efforts to effectively implement the Japanese ODA loans, the official affirmed. Currently, Japan is Viet Nam's biggest ODA supplier and has played a role in socio-economic development, poverty reduction, environmental improvement, and administrative management in Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and localities, according to the deputy prime minister. Recalling the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo held in Tokyo earlier this month which he attended, Ha said he had sidelines meetings with some Japanese leaders and parliamentarians to discuss ways to support Viet Nam in just energy transition, carbon neutrality, and climate change response. Activities of the JICA Vietnam Office had contributed to promoting the extensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan, the official said. For his part, Akira said he treasures the cooperation with Viet Nam and noted his readiness to support Japans projects and programmes for Viet Nam. He also suggested accelerating the implementation of cooperation projects in the field of environment. VNS HA NOI Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien hosted Chinese Defence Attache to Viet Nam Colonel Pan Tao in Ha Noi on Tuesday. At the meeting, Chien said that the Vietnamese Party, Government and Ministry of National Defence always attached great importance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He noted that such a relationship formed a premise to promote cooperation in line with the spirit of a joint statement on continuing to promote and deepen the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership issued on the occasion of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs official visit to China last year. Despite being affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, defence ties have been actively maintained through flexible forms of exchange and contact, he told the Chinese attache. Chien recommended they carry on with the promotion of such cooperation activities, especially delegation exchanges, and sign a number of documents serving their joint works in the field of navy and border guard. The two countries should soon coordinate in preparing for and organising the 8th Viet Nam-China border defence friendship exchange, he said. Agreeing with Chiens suggestions, Pan said the Chinese Ministry of National Defense had identified cooperation activities with Viet Nam in a cooperation plan and directed its relevant agencies to work with units under the Vietnamese ministry. He informed his host that the Chinese ministry planned to invite Politburo members, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang to pay an official visit to China on the occasion of the 2023 Xiangshan Forum. VNS HA NOI Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam Peoples Army, who is also Deputy Minister of National Defence, received Cuban Minister of Construction Antonio Rena Mesa in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Cuong spoke highly of Mesas visit which takes place at the time when the two countries are looking towards the 60th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-Cuba solidarity committee (September 25, 1963-2023) and 50 years since the visit by President Fidel Castro to the liberated zone in the South of Viet Nam (September 1973). Over the past six decades, the Viet Nam-Cuba relationship had been a symbol of the era, he said, stressing that Viet Nam always kept in mind the support of the Cuban Party, State, people and revolutionary armed forces with the spirit of For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood, during its past struggle for national liberation, as well as the present cause of national construction. According to the officer, the bilateral defence cooperation has been consolidated and developed, serving as a pillar and a model for collaboration in other spheres. Viet Nam highly valued Cubas reputation, experience and strength in construction, he continued, adding that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence appreciated Cuban experts efforts and sense of responsibility for construction projects in Viet Nam. Cuong suggested the two sides continue with their coordination and work harder to ensure the progress of ongoing projects, and consider boosting cooperation in the construction sector. For his part, Mesa thanked the Ministry of National Defence for facilitating Cubas participation in the projects to which the ministry works as the main investor, and expressed his willingness to engage in other projects of the ministry in the time ahead. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Tuesday for US Ambassador to Viet Nam, Marc E. Knapper, where both sides expressed their delight at the positive development of the bilateral relationship over the past time, particularly the regular high-level exchanges and meetings The two also noted that cooperation in economy, trade and investment had been increasingly on the rise and served as the core and driving force of bilateral ties. Two-way trade reached US$123 billion last year. The US became Viet Nam's first export market with turnover of over $100 billion while Viet Nam was the 8th largest trade partner of the US. Practical results have been seen in cooperation in national defence-security, education and training, science-technology, energy transition and climate change response. Cooperation in overcoming war consequences is a bright spot in the bilateral relationship, making important contributions to the process of reconciliation and trust building between the two countries, opening up new cooperation opportunities in other important areas. The two sides have been working together more and more effectively within multilateral frameworks and in addressing regional and global issues. Highlighting the importance of 2023 - the year marks the 10th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership, the two officials vowed to work closely together to thoroughly prepare for the exchange of delegations and all-level meetings in the near future, contributing to promoting the bilateral relationship in various areas, bringing practical benefits to the two nations and for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. VNS HA NOI Ha Noi's tourism sectors has worked hard to step up links with other localities nationwide to diversify products and improve the quality of services to lure more holidaymakers to the capital city. Since the beginning of 2023, Viet Nam has seen a significant rise in the number of tourists. The capital city alone welcomed more than three million visitors in January and February, an increase of 2.8 per cent compared to 2022. The figure included 535,000 foreign tourists. In February, hotel occupancy in Ha Noi was about 56.2 per cent, up by 39.5 per cent over the same period in 2022. The total revenue from tourists reached VN13.2 trillion (US$561.3 million), 3.6 per cent higher than that last year. Tours featuring destinations in Ha Noi are always connected with other tourist attractions such as Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Trang An (Ninh Binh), and Moc Chau (Son La). Such tours are suitable for tourists nationwide, especially international visitors who are here on extended travel time. In recent years, Ha Nois tourism sector has organised tourism connection programmes in Quang Binh, Binh inh, HCM City, Kon Tum, ak Lak, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam, and Quang Ninh, as well as in northern mountainous and Mekong Delta localities, attracting the participation of many travel agencies. This year, it is focussing on developing package products to stimulate demand through air transport connections. It has signed tourism development cooperation programmes with localities in the southwest region, the Hong (Red) River Delta, and the northwest region. According to ang Huong Giang, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, in 2023, the city will concentrate on developing regional linkage products, MICE (meeting, incentive, convention, exhibition) tourism, weekend tourism, urban tourism, sea and island tourism, health care tourism and educational tourism. Ha Noi targets receiving 22 million holidaymakers in 2023, including 3 million foreigners, Giang said, adding that the municipal Department of Tourism needs to have a methodical strategy and the cooperation of travel agencies. The agency will promote the connection among travel businesses, State management units and tourist destinations to introduce tourism locally, she noted. It will also actively coordinate with tourism associations to implement specific tourism products. The municipal Department of Tourism will direct the Tourism Association to build unique products bearing the capital citys characteristics. This year, Viet Nam is set to welcome 110 million visitors, including 8 million foreign arrivals. It should be noted the goal is made at the beginning of the year, before China officially announced its border reopening plans and resumption of international tourism after three years of COVID-19 restrictions. This is a big challenge but also an opportunity for Ha Noi tourism to achieve its goals. Foreign tourists coming to the city have been mainly from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan and other countries in Southeast Asian region. Ha Noi is striving to build itself as a safe - friendly - quality - attractive" destination. Accordingly, the capital city proposes to implement the tasks which can have an immediate impact on the citys tourism development, as well as long-term policies to promote the local tourism industry's sustainable development. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health has stated that while the COVID-19 situation is currently under control within the country, the risk of new, more dangerous variants emerging is too high to downgrade the status of the virus yet. The representative from the ministry made this assertion when responding to questions regarding reports of the World Health Organization's (WHO) plans to downgrade COVID-19 from a public health emergency of international concern, which is the highest level of alert, to the same level of risk as the flu. Viet Nam has recorded over 11.5 million cases of coronavirus infections and 43,100 deaths, representing about 0.37 per cent of the total caseload. Viet Nam has not recorded any deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the year and many days pass without any new infections. The outbreak situation trending down both in numbers and geographical locations. The ministry, however, pointed out that there are still new cases of COVID-19 scattered across the country and that there could appear virus variants that can spread faster or evade vaccines' immunity, leading to a spike in the number of infections, severe cases or deaths, and elevate the risk of an outbreak. The Ministry of Health has developed a plan to ensure medical work if the COVID-19 pandemic has a more dangerous new variant, a strong outbreak on a large scale, exceeding the capacity of the health system that is ready to be deployed when needed. The country will continue with the Government's Resolution No 38, issued on March 17, 2022, on the COVID-19 prevention and control programme, in the spirit of 'risk management' and 'ensuring the harmony between pandemic prevention and control efforts and socio-economic recovery.' To deal with COVID-19, the health ministry will continue to maintain close surveillance of the situation of domestic and international infectious diseases; strengthen monitoring of diseases right at border gates, in the community, and at medical examination and treatment establishments. There will also be an increase in the sampling of suspected cases for testing and gene sequencing to detect diseases early, especially when new virulent variants arrive. The health ministry will continue to encourage the vaccination against COVID-19, especially for high-risk groups, children aged 5 to under 12 years old, especially in big provinces and cities and important areas or tourist destinations with a high number of international visitors. Medical facilities and medicines supplies will be ensured in case of a COVID-19 spike. The health ministry also stresses its coordination with the WHO and US CDC and other international experts and organisations in the assessment of COVID-19 levels. COVID-19 prevention and control measures can be adjusted when the pandemic situation becomes predictable and stable, the health ministry said. Viet Nam has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions, both for people in the country and for international arrivals. VNS BA RIA-VUNG TAU Teachers and students of a high school in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province have pledged to donate organs posthumously to save people and for scientific purposes. Participating in the Science and Technology Contest for High School Students in Ba Ria-Vung Tau in 2018 and 2022 has changed the perception of many teachers, parents and former students of Nguyen Du High School, making them understand the humane meaning of organ donation after death to save lives and do scientific research. With more than 40 years of history, Nguyen Du High School in Chau uc District currently has 27 classes with 72 teachers, of which, there are 36 teachers, two students' parents and one former student who registered to donate organs and bodies after death. In this list, there are people who have both registered to donate organs and their bodies for medicine research. Duong Thi Thanh Huyen, the schools vice principal, said that in the 2018-2019 school year, the project "Changing Awareness about Organ Donation - Challenges and Beliefs for High School Students" by students inh Huu Thien Phuc in 11th grade and Pham Hung in 12th grade, who participated in the provincial Science and Technology Contest for High School Students, really changed perceptions and led to the humane decisions of the teachers themselves. That year, 18 teachers, two students' parents and one former student of the school signed an application to donate organs after their death in the hope of saving many lives, Huyen recalled. Nguyen Thi Thuy, a retired teacher of technology, was the instructor for Hung and Phucs project on tissue and organ donation. The sharing of organ donation stories in many forms, such as seminars, links on websites and questionnaires for assessment, helped students orient and gradually change their awareness about tissue and organ donation, Thuy said. I was really moved by the project and was the first teacher at the school to sign up for organ donation, Thuy said. The teacher said that when she went to the hospital, she felt pity and compassion for the patients waiting for an organ transplant. Since then, she realised that the organ donation was absolutely the right thing to do. And luckily, everyone in my family supported my action, the teacher said. I hope that after I died, parts of my body could save the lives of many others, she said. Until now, although retired, Thuy still participates in disseminating information for friends and relatives about organ and body donation. Thanks to that, many people have boldly signed up for organ and body donation at the Human Organ Transplantation Co-ordination Unit of Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City. Meanwhile, two students Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan and Pham Cuong participated in the provincial High School Science and Technology Contest in the 2022-2023 school yearwith the project "Spreading and Changing the Perception of Body Donation for Science among High School Students". This project won the fourth prize of the contest and received a strong response from the teachers. Immediately after that, 18 teachers inside and outside the school registered to donate their bodies for medicine, among them teachers who had previously registered to donate organs to save lives. Ngan said: After winning the prize, I mobilised my parents to donate their bodies for scientific purposes. At first, my father was also very confused. However, after being persuaded, he agreed to sign an application to donate his body after death, Ngan said. Meanwhile, Cuong persuaded his brother and parents to register to donate organs. In particular, Cuong intends to register to participate in organ and body donation for scientific research when he is eligible. Nguyen Van Hai, a teacher of chemistry who was one the first people to donate his body for science, said that he registered to donate organs after his death with the desire to do something meaningful. As a teacher guiding students to write projects to participate in the contest, I gradually changed my perception and came to the decision to register to donate my body for scientific research, Hai said. When he decided to donate his body to science, he was opposed by his family. However, through analysis and persuasion, the family agreed with his wish. Du Thi Ngoc Thu, a doctor and head of the Human Organ Transplantation Co-ordination Unit of Cho Ray Hospital, said that on average, a normal person after death can save at least seven people and at most 13 people. Therefore, the registration of organ donation after death is of great significance in medicine, and saves the lives of patients, Thu said. The deeds of the students and teachers of Nguyen Du High School are very meaningful and have been widely discussed in the community, said the doctor. As a result, by the end of 2022, 17 more teachers registered to donate their bodies to science, including teachers who had previously registered to donate organs after their death. With the concept of "saving people, maintaining life forever", these beautiful, humane and sacred actions show the humanity in the province called the Eastern Red Soil Region. VNS LAM ONG Police in the resort city of a Lat in the Central Highlands province of Lam ong on Monday announced that a Korean tourist died last Saturday after his motorbike crashed into a roadside power pole. The victim was identified as Lim Chang Soo, born in 1969, from the Republic of Korea, registered for tourist accommodation from March 22 to 28, 2023 at Antonico villa at No. 20, Ham a alley, Ward 10, a Lat City. According to local authorities, around 2.30am on March 25, the accident happened when the man was driving a motorbike with a number plate 49B1 - 035.48 moving from Tran Hung ao Street to Hung Vuong Street, both in Ward 10. Local residents took him to Lam ong General Hospital. Due to his severe injury, the victim died at the hospital. Medical workers kept his identity papers and transferred them to authorities one day later. As the motorbike's ownership has been changed many times, making it harder to identify the renter and the victim. VNS A missing Michigan boy with special needs was reported missing by his grandfather last Saturday. He was found unconscious on a neighbor's pool cover, lying in 1 foot of still water. Search for another missing toddler has continued since April 2016. A missing Michigan boy was found unconscious on a neighbor's pool cover, which suggests that he drowned in a foot of still water when going over it. Last Saturday, March 25, in the Town of Orion in Michigan, a missing child alert involved a 5-year-old boy. The boy with special needs was able to get out of his home when the grandfather noticed that he was missing, reported Meaww. Details from the Oakland County Sheriff's Department stated that the grandfather reported the young boy missing at 4 in the evening, noted WWJ Newsroom. He told the police that the boy was at the house on Devon Street in Orion Township at 3:30 pm but later disappeared. Later upon checking, the back door of the house was not locked. Search for Missing Michigan Boy Yields Tragedy The police were told that he wore jeans with a sweatshirt to identify the missing 5-year-old boy. The search operation involved the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team, K-9 units, Orion Township Fire Department personnel, and several deputies that participated, cited M Live. Other details say that the police did a house-to-house search looking for him, even in the woods close to the area close to the boy's residence. Other places checked were a lake and swamp that was in the vicinity. Read Also: Most Wanted Florida Suspect on the Run for 2 Years for Killing Young Child, Arrested in North Carolina They did find the boy, but not in the best condition that could be hoped for. Authorities say the boy was lying on a cover over a pool with a foot of water over it. A ladder was close to the pool, which the boy might have used to go over. Seeing the unconscious victim, the rescue applied CPR while speeding to the hospital, but he was not saved. The cause of death is unknown until the coroner posts the autopsy result after last Sunday. Missing Arianna Fitts Could Be Alive The disappearance of Arianna Fitts, who was never found after an initial search and continues today, has no leads, even a dead boy. A native of California, Arianna disappeared in April 2016 when her mom's corpse was found. If alive, she would be 9 years old by now, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children posted a photo of her older self with a $250,000 reward for finding her. A statement from March 17 done by the non-profit organization says the investigators and NCMEC consider the missing girl still alive. They asked the public to reference how she looks now, and any information be forwarded to the San Francisco Police and upon posting the FB post got many reactions from users. One commented that maybe someone could identify her and call the police, then return to her family. Others offered prayers that she'll be back home with family. Related Article: Oklahoma Triple Killer Eats Victims' Heart, Jailed With No Parole HA NOI Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Ha Noi on March 27 for Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo, who is paying a visit to Viet Nam. Son stressed UNESCOs important role in maintaining and consolidating peace, sustainable development and prosperity of countries worldwide, and in preserving and promoting heritage and cultural values of humankind in particular. Viet Nam had worked to contribute to major UNESCO mechanisms to which it is a member such as the Executive Board, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, he said. The minister noted that Viet Nam always attached importance to culture, considering it a spiritual foundation of the society, a target and momentum of national development. He appreciated the support of Assomo himself and the centre for the recognition, conservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritages of Viet Nam, saying he believes that the world heritages in Viet Nam have significantly contributed to raising living standards of local residents as well as national socio-economic development. For his part, Assomo expressed his good impression of Viet Nam during his first visit, and lauded the countrys efforts in managing, conserving and promoting world heritage values. He also highly valued Viet Nams approach in ensuring the balance and harmony between heritage preservation and development, and called the country a model in heritage conservation and promotion. Viet Nams experience in this regard should be shared with other countries, he said. Assomo affirmed that the centre always accompanied and provided the best support for Viet Nam in the conservation and promotion of world heritage sites; and commits to supporting Viet Nam's world heritage nomination documents in the near future. The centre would provide consultations for and assist the country in management, conservation and promotion of its eight global heritage sites and back its bid for a seat in the World Heritage Committee in the 2023-2027 tenure, he said. Earlier on March 24, Assomo was received by Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO Ha Kim Ngoc, who underscored Viet Nam's commitment to the conservation and preservation of world heritages for future generations. Asomo, for his part, appreciated the attention of Vietnamese leaders and communities to the management, conservation and promotion of world heritage values. Viet Nam is one of the countries with most effective implementation of the 1972 UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, according to the UNESCO official. He was on a Viet Nam trip from March 24 to 27 at the invitation of Ngoc. VNS The increasing scarcity of energy in many countries around the world in the past year is the main factor promoting the good growth of Vietnam's woodchip exports. In 2023, with the factors affecting export and domestic woodchip production, it is not expected that the price "fever" will no longer occur as in 2022. Many fluctuations in the market According to Mr Nguyen Quoc Tri, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in 2022, despite many changes, the wood and forest product processing industry still achieved more than 17 billion USD in export value. The growth rate of 7.1% in 2022 is the lowest figure in the past ten years, but it shows that Vietnam is one of the important destinations for international customers. In 2023, the wood industry sets a target of 7-9% growth, exporting US $ 18 billion. In 2022, the export volume of wood chips reached 15.8 million tons, up 16.2% compared to 2021. The export value reached nearly $2.8 billion, up more than 60% over the same period last year. The expansion of woodchip exports in recent years is mainly due to the sharp increase in export prices. The average price in 2022 has increased by more than 38% compared to 2021. The FOB export price increased from about US $130/ton at the beginning of the year to a record level of more than US $200/ton in the period of August - October 2022. However, since October 2022, the chip price showed signs of cooling down, although it remained at a high level. China and Japan are the two largest woodchip import markets of Vietnam, accounting for nearly 95% of total export volume and turnover. Impact factors According to a report by the Research Group of Wood Associations and Forest Trends, the signals of the woodchip export market in 2023 are not clear yet, but it can be seen that a number of factors are affecting the situation. Export and domestic production of wood chips. Specifically, the export price in 2023 tends to decrease compared to 2022. The export price of this item in the first months of 2023 is decreasing compared to the previous months. According to assessment information from some businesses, this decline may last until the end of the second quarter of 2023. In addition, information on chip consumption demand in major markets such as China, Japan and Korea is not clear yet, so it is difficult to make accurate assessments of fluctuations in markets. This market in 2023. However, the demand for woodchips in Japan and South Korea is forecast to continue to increase in 2023 because this item is used to replace coal as an input material for production. Besides, the domestic supply of special wood chips and pellets from Korean furniture production facilities in 2023 may decrease. Since these facilities have had to reduce their production scale because the world economy in general and Korea, in particular, are going through a difficult period. The decline in domestic supply may require Korea to expand imports in the near future. Another factor, Vietnam's mechanisms and policies on VAT refund when exporting are not clear which also affects the export situation of Vietnam's woodchips. The situation of woodchip enterprises being unable to refund VAT took place in 2022 and has not been resolved so far. The stagnation of capital due to tax refunds has caused many enterprises in the industry to consider their production and export activities in the future. If the above case happens, it may affect the production and export of the woodchip industry. In 2023, it is expected that there will no longer be a "shortage" of input materials for woodchips and the situation of young forest exploitation, and competition for buying and selling between chip enterprises like in 2022. Besides, the export of peeled boards is expected. The Chinese market has shown signs of recovery. Production of peeled boards (and plywood) is mainly concentrated in localities where planted areas are developed. A by-product from the production of peeled boards (plywood) is used as the input material for chips (and pellets). The recovery of the export of peeled boards encourages the exploitation of forests, thereby promoting the source of raw materials for the development of woodchips. According to Mr. Oemar Idoe, manager of GIZ projects on environment, climate change and agriculture in Vietnam, because Vietnam imports raw wood from more than 108 countries around the world, the development of the timber value chain is important. Legality and sustainability in forestry are vital conditions for the timber industry in the current context of international integration. Currently, Vietnam has a system of legal documents to control legal timber in order to build and develop a sustainable timber value chain production industry. Therefore, we need to work to create an environment that promotes good forest governance so that timber traceability and trade are sustainable in the process of implementing a system of accountability and compliance with forest regulations. Meeting this requirement, sufficient resources are needed to develop and maintain the IT infrastructure and strengthen the necessary capacities. Including the mandate of digitalization in one of the regular budget lines of the country is a key action to be able to ensure the monitoring of timber trade and law enforcement, said Mr. Oemar Idoe. Source: Customs News The European Union is considering loosening control conditions for instant noodles imported from Vietnam following its improvements in enhancing import product quality, according to the representatives of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Belgium and the EU. Since February 2022, the EU has put Vietnamese instant noodles products under the microscope subject to Regulation 2019/1793 in order to control ethylene oxide (EO) residues. Accordingly, any Vietnamese instant noodles products imported into the EU must have a Health Certificate (HC) issued by an authorized Vietnamese agency. In addition, the products must undergo an EO inspection at the port of import with a testing frequency of 20%. In its technical session in February 2023, the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (SANTE) of the European Commission acknowledged that Vietnam had made initial progress in controlling food safety for instant noodles. In the last six months of 2022, the EU did not detect any case of violations for Vietnamese instant noodles. As of February 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam had issued 3,170 HCs for products to be imported the EU market through 21 ports. More than half of the total number of HCs had been granted to products imported into Germany. Vietnam News Agency cited sources from the Vietnamese Trade Office in Belgium and the EU, saying thanks to Vietnams product quality control efforts, the European Commission has proposed moving instant noodles from Annex II that requires an HC and 20% control at the border gate to Annex 1 that only requires 20% control of the products at EU border gates. However, this proposal needs to be approved by representatives of all EU member states slate for late April 2023. To improve the quality of Vietnamese products imported into the EU and create conditions for the products to make inroads into this lucrative market, the Ministry of Industry and Trade requested that export businesses well control production supply chains, ensuring strict compliance with food safety regulations of the EU. Large instant noodle exporters such as Acecook Vietnam JSC, Vietnam Food Industries JSC (Vifon), Asia Food JSC (Asiafoods) have committed to controlling the supply chain well, ensuring EO is not used in any stage of production as well as products imported into the EU. Source: VOV The average export price of Vietnamese coffee to the market also rose by 5.7 per cent to $2,517 per tonne from one year ago. In February alone, the country shipped 4,100 tonnes of coffee worth $10.11 million to the Netherlands, up 110.3 per cent in volume and 136.6 per cent in value compared to February 2022. Last year, the major suppliers of coffee to the Netherlands were mainly from the intra-EU market, including Belgium, Germany, France, Finland, and Italy. Meanwhile, Dutch coffee imports from non-EU markets also enjoyed double-digit growth, with Viet Nam becoming the second largest foreign supplier. Experts have advised Vietnamese enterprises to boost coffee exports to the Netherlands which is considered the gateway into the European market. They also recommended that Vietnamese firms study consumer demand, logistics services, and distribution systems to further penetrate the Dutch and European markets. bizhub The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is collaborating with businesses and government in Hanoi, Hue, and Danang to deliver the "Vietnam- Australia: Unlocking Opportunities in Education and Agrifood" roadshow series starting on March 27 in Hanoi with the participation of over 400 Australian and Vietnamese businesses, organizations, associations and institutions. The program aims to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Australia. Australian food and beverage showcase during the seminar took place on March 27 in Hanoi. Photo: Australian Embassy Vietnam At the kick-off event in Hanoi, Andrew Goledzinowski - Australias Ambassador to Vietnam shared that the program will deepen engagement and expand opportunities for Australian and Vietnamese partners in the agrifood and education sector and discuss commercial partnerships. I am pleased to see participation from all major retail and distribution chains, the food service industry, schools, universities, colleges, and education agents," he said. From Australia, I am proud to see the high-quality diverse product on show from our exporters and educational institutions, which truly represents the world-class provenance, innovation, and diversity of Australia, he stated. Andrew Goledzinowski- Australias Ambassador to Vietnam delivered a speech at the event held in Hanoi. The first phase of the program is launched in Hanoi - Hue - Danang from March 27 to March 31 that connects more than 400 Australian and Vietnamese businesses, organizations, associations, and institutions. In the education session, Vietnamese institutions are introduced to Australian expertise and excellence in education and training from 22 leading Australian universities and academic institutions. In the agrifood session, Australian and Vietnamese businesses will explore opportunities to increase trade. The high-end products from Australia such as dairy, seafood, wine, fresh horticultural produce and quality meats also support the enrichment of Vietnams reputation as a global food and culinary destination further bolstering Vietnams attraction to international tourists. Austrade will deliver other similar roadshows in two major cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Cantho, and Nha Trang City in the southern province of Khanh Hoa in September this year. Vietnam and Australia enjoy a strong, expansive, and enduring agricultural and educational trade partnership that continues to flourish across all domains. Both nations are forging ever-deeper linkages in agricultural trade and investment, education partnerships, Agri-Tech, Ed-Tech, and research. The country has been one of Australia's fastest-growing trading partners in recent years and the two-way trade between Australia and Vietnam in 2022 grew around 27 percent on the previous year to around A$23.5 billion, elevating Australia to be Vietnams 7th largest trading partner with Vietnam now Australia's 10th largest trading partner. The two-way trade in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry products surpass the impressive milestone of A$6 billion for the first time in 2022. Hanoi Times Along with China's reopening, Vietnam is negotiating to diversify seafood exports to China. However, there are still barriers that exporters must overcome. Implement the renewal registration in accordance with the GACC's regulations Some enterprises have encountered difficulties in registering seafood exports to China under the new regulations. On one hand, the processing and approval of registration dossiers on the China import food enterprise registration (CIFER) system of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and approval of additional registration dossiers for live seafood packaging establishments from the Chinese side has been slow. On the other hand, the Chinese side is also slow to respond to the application for additional product registration of Vietnamese enterprises. Some businesses themselves have not arranged resources to implement registration on the CIFER, especially registration renewal. Nguyen Nhu Tiep, Director of the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development, said that seafood enterprises that want to export to China must be on the list of 805 enterprises that have been granted by China, otherwise, they must supplement their dossiers and wait for permits. Therefore, enterprises need to carefully check the records, especially the code records to ensure compatibility before customs clearance. Currently, China has issued 128 product codes related to seafood. According to the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development, export registration of seafood products is done entirely on the GACC's CIFER. Establishments registering to export live aquatic products such as tiger shrimp, vannamei shrimp, crabs, and live lobsters need to be assessed and certified by the NAFIQAD to ensure food safety conditions according to the regulations of Vietnam and China. Farming and packing establishments need to be inspected and certified by the local agro-forestry-fishery management agency for food safety/veterinary hygiene conditions and issued with a code. Additionally, some businesses have not registered on the CIFER, especially the renewal registration. Within 3-6 months before the expiration of the registration period, they must submit an application for registration renewal on the CIFER. Therefore, the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development noted that businesses urgently apply for an extension in accordance with the GACC regulations so as not to affect export activities and limit trade bottlenecks. To remove difficulties for Vietnamese enterprises, the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development recommended the Chinese side speed up the approval of registration documents on the CIFER; approve registration dossiers for establishments packing live aquatic products and registration dossiers for additional products. For enterprises, the Department recommended prioritizing resources to implement the registration on the CIFER, especially the renewal registration. For management agencies, it is necessary to actively contact the GACC to arrange online meetings to discuss and promptly answer problems during the registration on the CIFER; contact and urge the Chinese side to handle the proposal of the Vietnamese side. In the future, the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development suggested that localities and enterprises promoted trade cooperation with Guangxi, China in the direction of promoting complementary goods for each other's markets to exploit potentials, expand trade in both directions, and balance benefits. Must have brand According to a representative of Sunwah International Trade Company (Guangzhou), Vietnam officially exported durian to China later than Thailand and Malaysia. Meanwhile, these two countries both have larger production, packaging, and export processes than Vietnam. Their brand in the Chinese market is also getting stronger, so this is an obstacle for Vietnamese durian. Therefore, the representative of Sunwah proposed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to raise the export limit by allowing this enterprise to coordinate with Vietnamese packaging enterprises, contributing to standardizing the source of goods, refrigeration, and transportation. "To win in the market, you must have a brand. From durian, other Vietnamese fruits will follow the path of creating a healthy brand," affirmed Sunwah's representative. Besides, Sunwah said that Vietnam had a need to export potatoes and citrus to Yunnan. However, in the transaction process, there were many deals that violate contract conditions. This adversely affected the export reputation of Vietnamese enterprises. Sunwah proposed to work with Vietnamese businesses to create an exchange to improve the trade process between businesses of the two countries. "Objectively, a lot of Vietnamese agricultural products enter China, and less on the contrary. However, in any case, high-quality goods are what make Vietnamese agricultural products stand out," said the business representative. To promote trade at Mong Cai - Dong Hung border gate, according to Hoang Ve, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade Management and Dong Hung border gate (China), in the future, Dongxing city will implement the "Belt and Road" policy, becoming the starting point from the western sea of China. We will continuously promote the import of agricultural products, optimize the work at the border gate, and build a good business environment between Dong Hung and Mong Cai city. Simultaneously, we will coordinate with the Vietnamese side to build the 'Intellectual Border Gate' and 'Two Smart Cities'. Also in 2023, we will build quarantine facilities for animals, plants, aquatic animals, and seafood at the border gate. Coordinate with Mong Cai city to build a testing laboratory at Km3+4. These standards will be developed by the Guangxi branch of China Testing Corporation (CCICGX), said Ve. Source: Customs News The UK and EU will meet to formally agree the Windsor Framework at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, chaired by the Foreign Secretary and the European Commission Vice-President. Today (Friday 24 March) the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, and Vice-President to the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, will formally sign off the Windsor Framework at the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee in London. The meeting follows the successful vote in the House of Commons, where MPs overwhelmingly supported legislation on the Stormont Brake. The Brake introduces a powerful democratic safeguard that will give Northern Ireland institutions, once restored, a powerful role in the decision on whether significant new goods rules should apply in Northern Ireland. The EU also formally agreed to the key elements of the Windsor Framework during a Council of the EU on Tuesday. The Joint Committee demonstrates the UKs commitment to the Windsor Framework as the best deal for Northern Ireland. The fundamentally new arrangements fix the practical problems of the Protocol and secure a new way forward for a prosperous, stable future for Northern Ireland. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: By formally approving the Windsor Framework, we are delivering on our commitment to provide stability and certainty for Northern Ireland. The Framework is the best deal for Northern Ireland, safeguarding its place in the Union and protecting the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. I look forward to further effective cooperation with the EU on key issues, such as security and energy. Once the Joint Committee formally adopts the Windsor Framework the UK government will look to begin implementing the framework. The Joint Committee will be followed by a Partnership Council, also chaired by Cleverly and Sefcovic, which oversees the implementation, application and interpretation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Partnership Council will cover wider UK-EU cooperation, including on issues such as the UKs access to EU science and research programmes, energy, trade and security. The UK will continue to work with the EU in a range of areas including research collaboration, but also strengthening sanctions against Russia as well as energy security, and illegal migration. Cleverly and Sefcovic will also welcome an agreement reached between the UK, Ireland and the European Commission on PEACE PLUS, the new cross border and shared management programme that will promote peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. The UK government will today lay a financing treaty in parliament that will allow parliamentary scrutiny before its entry into force. PEACE PLUS will support vital ongoing work to promote peace and reconciliation and contribute to the cross-border economic and territorial development of the programme area. Source: GOV.UK Hanoi has found jobs for more than 44,000 people in the first quarter of 2023, accounting for 27.5% of the year's plan, according to the city's Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. The job transaction event is held in Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Tran Oanh/ The Hanoi Times The result was attributed to applying the city's labor market development solutions. During the period, the city provided jobs for more than 10,000 workers from the citys fund entrusted through the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies. As many as 728 were sent abroad under fixed-term contracts, and 3,443 people were recruited through the job exchange system, the municipal department added. More than 12,600 people found jobs through job counseling and placement services, and another 232 received vocational training courses worth VND1.02 billion (US$43,297). In addition, the unemployment insurance fund paid out a total of VND427 billion ($18 million) to more than 14,200 workers. More than 1,500 units and enterprises recruited 28,336 workers from January to March at 53 job fairs organized by the Hanoi Employment Service Center. On March 25 and 26, the Department of Labor, in cooperation with Hoan Kiem and Thanh Oai District authorities, organized job fairs to fill an estimated 5,000 vacancies for new employees and trainees. The job fair in Hoan Kiem district attracted 28 employers with 2,000 job vacancies in tourism, information technology, biotechnology, high-tech agriculture, and logistics. In Thanh Oai District, 55 companies and educational institutions participated in the job fair, seeking to fill 3,350 positions for new employees, enrolment, study, and work abroad. Hanoi aims to create new jobs for 162,000 workers this year, said Nguyen Tay Nam, deputy director of the city's Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. To achieve this goal, the city will continue to implement solutions to stimulate the labor market, including reducing the time spent on administrative procedures, providing vocational training and finding new jobs for the unemployed, and implementing policies to provide loans for job creation, labor export, production development, and restoration and development of traditional handicraft industries, he said. Last year, Hanoi created jobs for over 200,000 people, achieving 126% of the annual plan thanks to flexible solutions. Hanoi Times Hanoi, Vietnam A leading consumer finance company in Vietnam, owned by a top 10 joint stock bank in the country, is now available for foreign investors. The deal presents an opportunity for international investors to expand their business in Vietnam through the acquisition of the consumer finance company. Established in 1997, the company has grown to become a key player in the consumer finance industry in Vietnam. In addition to consumer lending, the company offers credit card issuance, automobile financing, and corporate financing. With a presence in 19 cities and provinces in Vietnam, the company has 22 sales points and approximately 30,000 customers. As of December 31, 2022, the companys total assets had increased by 162.4% compared to 2011, with total equity also increasing by 237%. Interest income for 2022 increased ~37%, profit before tax also increasing by 233%. The company has a strong potential for expansion, with opportunities to increase brand awareness among existing customers and expand the client base, said a company spokesperson. We are also open to pursuing more collegiate partnerships with other companies in Vietnam. Foreign investors have two options for acquiring the company. They can acquire 100% of the share capital of the company and convert it into a 100% foreign-owned company, or they can convert it into a joint venture where foreign investors can own 50% of the share capital of the company. Vietnams Banking Laws and Regulations allow foreign investors to acquire up to 100% of the share capital of a company. Recent examples include Lotte Finance Vietnam Company Limiteds acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Vietnam Chemical Finance Joint Stock Company. With approximately 400 staff, the company has a charter capital of VND 500 billion, total assets of VND 2,066 billion, and a loan outstanding balance of VND 1,900 billion. For more information about the opportunity to invest in the consumer finance business in Vietnam, interested parties may contact Ms. Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at GBS, the M&A Advisor of the company at the following email address: ask@gbs.com.vn or call: +84903189033 At GBS, we pride ourselves on being more than just one of the top business and legal services firms in Vietnam. We are a team of seasoned experts who understand the unique challenges of selling any business. With over 10 years of experience, we have successfully supported hundreds of business owners, entrepreneurs, brokers, and franchisors. Sophie Dao told Vietnam Insider. Our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and active listening to our industry and clients has helped us enhance our services and become a market leader in connecting buyers and sellers not only in Vietnam but also worldwide. We take our clients goals seriously and are devoted to helping you achieve them, Sophie added. If you would like to explore further opportunities and learn more about GBS services, please dont hesitate to contact GBS at ask@gbs.com.vn or visit the website: https://gbs.com.vn A Wisconsin elementary school is in the headlines after banning Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet Parent claims ban follows "conservative flip" by the school district A parent argued that the song was not contentious because it was about acceptance An administrator at an elementary school in Wisconsin found Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton's duet 'Rainbowland' unsuitable for school and banned its performance from the school's spring concert. A Waukesha teacher played 'Rainbowland' for her first-grade children when she learned it would be one of the songs they would sing at their spring show. And they desired to hear it "over and again." 'Rainbowland' Banned in Wisconsin School Concert 'Rainbowland' is a duet performed by Miley Cyrus and her godmother Dolly Parton that appears on her 2017 album "Younger Now." Melissa Tempel, a first-grade dual language teacher at Heyer Elementary School, remarked, "It's such a fun song, and they just immediately took to it." However, Tempel learned that the Heyer Elementary administration would not allow the song to be performed after all. She stated that Tempel and her students were "so sad," as per USA Today. Superintendent Jim Sebert of the School District of Waukesha confirmed to Fox 6 - which first reported the event - that 'Rainbowland' was removed from the setlist, citing a particular school board policy: "It was judged that 'Rainbowland' may be seen as controversial." Sebert told the news station that the district questioned "whether it was acceptable for the age and maturity level of the pupils" because of "social or personal repercussions" on them. Parton told Taste of Country in 2017 that the song is "really about if we could love one other a little more or be a little kinder, we could live in rainbow land." Per Fox News, both Parton and Cyrus have stated that the song's inspiration and meaning are distinct, rooted in coming together and being more accepting of others. Cyrus also has a rainbow-colored recording facility in Malibu called 'Rainbow Land.' Read Also: Daniel Radcliffe Baby News Parents Question Why Wisconsin School Banned Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton's Duet Tempel claimed that the song 'Rainbow Connection' was reintroduced in the concert's lineup after parents filed complaints with the school. Parents were similarly perplexed as to why the songs were prohibited. Sarah Schindler, whose daughter is a first-grader in Tempel's class, said that the school board had a "conservative flip" in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, adding, "With that have come certain policy changes that have been generating some debate in our community." In addition to discussing pronouns with pupils, these modifications prohibit instructors from displaying "any type of political placard" or wearing rainbows. Leigh Radichel Tracy said the ban on 'Rainbowland' did not come as a surprise since the school district has "really cracked down on everything LGBTQ." She stated that her 17-year-old daughter, who marches in a marching band with numerous gay friends, was "very saddened" by the ban. Tracy lamented that the song, about a "wonderful place of acceptance," was deemed too contentious to be performed. Rainbowland was included in the album Younger Now by Miley Cyrus. According to Daily Mail, the song, a duet with Cyrus' godmother Dolly Parton, also appeared in her New Year's Eve performance. Even after hearing the song, Schindler could not see why it was deemed contentious, especially because she always connected spring with rainbows. While she admitted that Cyrus had discussed drugs and sex in the past and that her duet partner Parton supports drag queens, she stated that regulations prohibiting songs such as Rainbowland make everyone question their decisions. Related Article: Olivia Wilde Monthly Income Revealed @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Vietnam exported 7,420 tonnes of coffee worth 18.77 million USD to the Netherlands in the first two months of the year, up 93.1% in volume and 105.7% in value year on year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. The average export price of Vietnamese coffee to the market also rose by 5.7% to 2,517 USD per tonne from one year ago. In February alone, the country shipped 4,100 tonnes of coffee for 10.11 million USD to the Netherlands, up 110.3% in volume and 136.6% in value compared to February 2022. Last year, the major suppliers of coffee to the Netherlands were mainly from the intra-EU market, including Belgium, Germany, France, Finland, and Italy. Meanwhile, Dutch coffee imports from non-EU markets also enjoyed double-digit growth, with Vietnam becoming the second largest foreign supplier. Experts have advised Vietnamese enterprises to boost coffee exports to the Netherlands which is considered the gateway into the European market. They also recommended that Vietnamese firms study consumer demand, logistics services, and distribution systems to further penetrate the Dutch and European markets./. Source: VietnamPlus Earlier, on March 22, a fisherman in Quang Binh found a long metal item (a rocket)on the bottom of the Nhat Le River while fishing for oysters. As the item was retrieved from the water and brought near the market, it started releasing white smoke with an odd odor. Following receiving the information, the Quan Hau Town Peoples Committee evacuated half of the market from the risky region while also informing the Quang Binh Landmine Database and Recovery Unit over the hotline. The MTT 2 Multi-Mission Team of PeaceTrees VietNam swiftly proceeded to the area to deploy the mission as soon as the request was received. This is a 2.75 in MK 67 rocket carrying white phosphorus, according to the evaluation and identification results. After taking technological precautions to avoid phosphorous from contacting the air, the crew safely relocated the rocket to an unoccupied residential area approximately 2 kilometers from the market to execute the detonation. On the same day, the explosives were successfully detonated. [Wartime bomb dropped by the U.S was safely removed and destroyed in central Vietnam] The PeaceTrees VietNam Quang Binh project is being implemented in Quang Binh province as part of the Cooperation Project on Surveying and Clearing Cluster Munitions and Other Explosives and Explosions by PeaceTrees VietNam (PTVN), Norwegian Peoples Aid Foundation (NPA), and Mine Advisory Group (MAG). The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) is funding the initiative. @thoidai.com.vn The Ministry of Information and Communications, Vietnam Post Corporation issued a set of stamps Phuong Tim (Purple phoenix), including 1 stamp sample and 1 block, to be distributed on the postal network from March 30, 2023, to December 31, 2024, in order to promote the image of the country, its people, and Vietnams climate and biological diversity. Artist Nguyen Quang Vinh developed this set of stamps, which includes a 54 x 37 (mm) stamp and a 105 80 (mm) block. A close-up of a purple phoenix flower appears on the main stamp. A row of purple phoenix trees in full blossom serves as the block stamp. Painter Nguyen Quang Vinh has created a bright and fresh structure for the purple phoenix flower using tempera watercolor. Watercolor material makes purple phoenix flowers more vibrant and appealing. The scientific name for the purple phoenix is Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, and it is endemic to the Americas. The plant grows and flourishes in an area with a cold environment and adequate soil. Purple phoenix is most often cultivated in Da Lat (Lam Dong), Vietnam. Purple phoenix is a plant species in the chili pepper family with a woody stem that grows to be approximately 10m to 15m tall when mature, spreading foliage, and complex leaves. Purple phoenix flowers bloom in clusters, with delicate bell-shaped petals, and the flowering season lasts 3 to 4 months each year. Purple Pheonix in Da Lat market. Photo: DinhVanBien In order to better serve consumers and stamp collectors, Vietnam Post Company created the first five date stamps with floral motifs, each with a seal containing the place name of Da Lat. Previously, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued a series of stamps to familiarize Da Lat with the variety and abundance of orchid species. On September 23, 1989, a stamp set Hoa a Lat (Da Lat flowers) with six samples was produced; on June 16, 1993, a stamp set Hoa phong lan (Orchid flower) (100th anniversary of Da Lat city) with four samples was issued. @vtv.vn In March 2023, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, welcomed 2.09 million visitors, achieving a positive result in its journey to achieve the target of receiving 22 million visitors for the year in the tourism industry. 121 The number of visitors increased by 38.3% compared to the same period in 2022 and 13% compared to February 2023. Of the total visitors, international tourists reached 397.2 thousand, up 40% compared to February 2023. The total revenue from tourism was estimated to be over VND 7.9 trillion, up 82.7% compared to the same period in 2022 and 12.8% compared to February 2023. With this growth rate, the Hanoi tourism industry is expected to reach a total of 5.88 million visitors in the first quarter of 2023, including 978.7 thousand international visitors. According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the tourism industry in Hanoi aims to serve over 22 million visitors in 2023, including more than 3 million international visitors, with total revenue from tourism reaching VND 77,000 billion. Currently, Hanoi has 3,756 tourism accommodations with 70,218 rooms, including 602 hotels rated from 1 to 5 stars with 25,432 rooms, accounting for 16% of the total tourism accommodations and 36.2% of the total number of rooms. In March 2023, the average room occupancy rate for 1 to 5-star hotels was estimated to be around 56.4%, up 0.2% compared to February 2023 and 34.7% compared to the same period in 2022. Leaders of the Hanoi Department of Tourism said that to achieve positive results in the first quarter, they have made efforts to promote and publicize with many major events such as the tourism launching activity Get on Hanoi to Love 2023 and the Hanoi Tourism Festival 2023. Moreover, the tourism industry in Hanoi has proposed that localities and businesses innovate in product development, introduce many unique and characteristic products of Hanoi, as well as create linked products that attract domestic and international tourists. @Vietnamnet HCMC Although the number of new FDI projects approved in the first quarter this year grew over the same period in 2022, their capital pledges edged down. Fresh foreign direct investments (FDI) in Vietnam, including newly registered capital, capital increases by operational projects, and capital contributions to and stake acquisitions from companies active in the country, had topped US$5.4 billion in the year to March 20, making up 61.2% of the year-ago figure, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Vietnam presented investment certificates to 522 FDI projects during the period, a 62.1% rise against the same period last year. Their combined capital pledges were 5.9% lower, though. The number of projects registering for capital revision increased 2.6% year-on-year to 228, but their capital plunged 70.3% over the first quarter of 2022 to US$1.2 billion. Capital contributions and share purchases by foreign investors also dropped 25.5% at over US$1.2 billion. By sector, the processing and manufacturing sector took the lead in investment capital at nearly US$4 billion, accounting for 73% of the total newly registered capital, decreasing 25% over the same period in 2022. The real estate sector came in second with US$766 million, making up 14.1% of the total and plummeting 71.6% against the first three months of 2022. Among 67 countries and territories investing in Vietnam in the January-March period, Singapore was the biggest investor with around US$1.7 billion, making up 31% of the total, followed by China with more than US$552 million and Taiwan with more than US$477 million. Investments by Singapore and China slumped by 26.3% and 38.3% over the first quarter of 2022, while Taiwan investments surged 47.5%. During a lawmaking session in Hanoi on Monday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of improving entry and exit procedures. "https://cdn.vietreader.com/uploads/posts/2023-03/travel_its-official-vietnam-cabinet-agree-to-extend-e-visa-to-three-months-1.jpg" 9 The session covered a range of topics related to both foreigners coming to Vietnam and Vietnamese citizens traveling abroad. One of the proposals discussed was to extend the validity of tourist visas to three months and make it easier for Vietnamese citizens to apply for foreign entry visas. The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with working with other ministries and agencies to draft amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens and the Law on foreigners entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam. These proposals will be submitted to the National Assembly for inclusion in the 2023 Law and Ordinance Development Programme. The Prime Minister also proposed raising the validity of e-visas to 90 days and increasing the duration of temporary residence at the border gate for people entering the country under the visa exemption categories from 15 days to 45 days. However, he emphasized the need to carefully review and evaluate the amendments to ensure compliance with the Partys guidelines and the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents. The lawmaking session also discussed amending the Law on Citizenship Identity and the Law on Credit Institutions. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of these amendments and urged the relevant agencies to carefully consider and evaluate the proposed changes. In concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister praised the ministries and sectors for their active participation and submission of proposals for law development, ensuring progress and quality. The exhibition of the late painter Buu Chi at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat When looking at music, Trinh Cong Son is considered a monument of musical works imbued with human philosophy, in terms of painting it is Buu Chi. While musicians show their emotions and sentiments via sounds and melodies, Buu Chi's feelings and suffering are hidden in every stroke. After his death, his paintings became rare treasures that were kept individually in different places. The Time Captured Hand is a rare opportunity for Buu Chis fans, and art lovers in general, to wallow in the innermost feelings of the Buu Chi painting school. At the exhibition The exhibition introduces 30 works in various materials such as lacquer, canvas, and paper from the Rei Artspace collection, as well as some works borrowed from other collectors. In addition to Buu Chi's artworks and stories, the exhibition also brings the public the eponymous limited edition art book The Time Captured Hand, including a biography of Buu Chi, his works, and articles about him. The late painter Buu Chi According to curator Ly Doi, "After the success in Ho Chi Minh City, we considered many places and decided to choose Ana Mandara Dalat as the next place to hold the exhibition. Because here, in a dreamy and nostalgic heritage space, it will bring different experiences to the viewers. Art lovers are able to get closer and mingle with the pain and anguish of a unique Buu Chi school, which is human and reflects the thinking of an entire era." Painter Le Thiet Cuong said, "This is the second time that I have had the opportunity to participate in an exhibition of painter Buu Chi's work. I knew that his paintings were owned by most collectors, but this exhibition was a surprise because of the large number of works. The more than 30 paintings were composed during an important period of his career from 1993 to 1997 when he was in France. It must be said that the beauty of Buu Chi is his ability to translate Parisian painting into Vietnamese." Over the past 2 years, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat has become an ideal rendezvous for painting enthusiasts through activities, painting exhibitions, and creative camps, contributing to spreading the quintessence of art, connecting people who love beauty, and promoting the development of Vietnamese painting. By continuing with The Time Captured Hand, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat will be an art stop for lovers of painting in general, and the works of Buu Chi in particular. The exhibition is being held at the Le Lycee Artspace, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, from March 26 to May 26. By preserving in itself the stories and unique space of a heritage resort, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat a member brand of Ninh Van Bay Real Estate JSC wishes to accompany and develop artistic movements in Vietnam, contributing to spreading a love of beauty within the community. Five reasons to own 5-star resort villas at Angsana Residences Ho Tram Angsana Residences Ho Tram has taken the spotlight in the hospitality market due to its remarkable features, satisfying high-end customers and generating attractive returns. Fusion Resort & Villas Danang celebrates premium launch Danang Nam Phat Villas & Hotel Co., Ltd. a member of Lodgis Hospitality Holdings is pleased to announce the official launch of the Fusion Resort & Villas Danang, a bespoke resort set along the Non Nuoc Beach. Ana Mandara launches new home in Cam Ranh The iconic Ana Mandara resort has moved to Long Beach, Cam Ranh from Nha Trang. A customer uses Home Credits app. Investment in digitalisation is currently the key for large financial companies to compete and expand their market shares. (Photo source thoibaonganhang.vn) Hanoi - Large foreign financial groups have actively penetrated the Vietnamese consumer finance market, which has significantly helped accelerate the digitalisation of the countrys financial services. United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) has recently completed the acquisition of Citigroups consumer banking business in Vietnam, which includes Citibanks unsecured and secured lending portfolios, wealth management and retail deposit businesses. Not only UOB, multinational financial groups from countries in the Asian region are also strongly promoting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital contributions in Vietnamese commercial banks to promote their consumer lending activities. There has been recent information that Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui (SMBC) has reached a number of agreements to buy more than 1 billion shares of Vietnam Prosperity Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VPBank), equivalent to 5% of the banks shares, thoibaonganhang.vn reported. Currently, both parties have not yet made official announcement on the transfer, but sources said the value of the deal could reach 1.4 billion USD and could be completed by the end of this month. In fact, SMBC and VPBank are not unfamiliar parties. From early 2021, through SMBC Consumer Finance, MSBC spent 1.37 billion USD to acquire 49% stake of VPBanks subsidiary FE Credit. This shows the purchase of more than 1 billion VPB shares is most likely be part of the strategy to boost consumer finance segment that SMBC has built up for months. In addition to SMBC, other large financial groups, such as MUFG from Japan, Srisawad from Thailand and KB Kookmin Card from the Republic of Korea, are also actively hunting to buy consumer finance units of Vietnamese banks. For example, from August 2021, Saigon Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) signed agreements to transfer 100% of the capital at SHB Finance to MUFGs Krungsri from Thailand. At the end of 2022, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) approved the list of SHBs leaders including members from Krungsri. This shows the transfer of SHBs capital at SHB Finance to Krungsri is going to the final stage to be completed in 2025. According to experts, with the active participation of multinational corporations, the Vietnams consumer finance market will see a strong breakthrough with persified products and services and strong development in microfinance digitalisation. In fact, besides large corporations from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, large Vietnamese groups and corporations, such as Masan, FPT, Viettel and Bamboo, have also made strong investments in the consumer finance segment. For example, in February, Masan invested 105 million USD in Trust IQ to develop artificial intelligence applications in retail and consumer finance to its customers. Masan has also cooperated with Techcombank to create the WINLife ecosystem to exploit the personal financial needs of customers who are using Masans retail and consumer services. Investment in digitalisation is currently the key for large financial companies to compete and expand their market shares as a large number of customers with consumer finance needs have turned to cashless applications and modern borrowing technologies. Currently, financial companies investing heavily in digitalisation such as VietCredit and MCredit are having very positive growth rates. In particular, MCredit, with the backing of MB and Shinsei Bank, has applied artificial intelligence and cloud computing applications to serve more than 2 million customers, which has helped MCredit rank third among the group of finance companies with the largest market share in Vietnam. Meanwhile, despite having a smaller size, VietCredit has also had a remarkable growth rate when it recorded a loan balance of more than 4.4 trillion VND by the end of 2022 and a pre-tax profit growth of 52% over the same period of 2021. To compete for customers and maintain market share, large financial groups such as FE Credit, Home Credit and HD Saison also have had to make strong investments in developing new digital application platforms. FE Credit has invested in Ubank application to replace FE Credit Mobile to become a major neobank in the region in the next few years. Meanwhile, HDSaison has also invested in a new application on the mobile platform to exploit the group of small traders in traditional markets. HDSaison last year was very successful in adding 1.2 million new customers to develop consumer loans. According to experts, after welcoming strong investments and cooperation from major financial group in the region, the Vietnams consumer finance market is experiencing increasingly fierce competition and M&A deals from multinational corporations targeting the countrys consumer finance segment are forecast to be the leverage to strongly stimulate the wave of digitalisation and microfinance coverage in the country in the coming years. Home Credit: Thinking differently about financial literacy Home Credit has been conducting financial literacy education programmes for more than two decades an uncommon and pioneering practice in the consumer finance industry. The company also measures the impacts of financial education programmes on its customers, which sets it apart from other industry players. Consumer finance groups aspire to consolidate position Foreign-backed consumer finance companies are diversifying their scope of activities to capture a larger and more lucrative market share in Vietnam. Mcredit spreads wings leveraging group synergy with parent banks Mcredit has swiftly managed to take advantage of its parent groups and their business ecosystems to develop and grow. The scene of the traffic accident. (Photo source: kinhtedothi.vn) Lam Dong Police in the resort city of Da Lat in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on March 27 announced that a Korean tourist died on March 25 after his motorbike crashed into a roadside power pole. The victim was identified as Lim Chang Soo, born in 1969, from the Republic of Korea, registered for tourist accommodation from March 22 to 28, 2023 at Antonico villa at No. 20, Ham Da alley, ward 10, Da Lat city. According to local authorities, around 2.30am on March 25, the accident happened when the man was driving a motorbike with a number plate 49B1 - 035.48 moving from Tran Hung Dao street to Hung Vuong street, in ward 10. Local people took him to Lam Dong General Hospital. Due to his severe injury, the victim died at the hospital. Medical workers kept his identity papers and transferred them to authorities one day later. Da Lat listed among worlds best places for binge-worthy dating by Booking.com Dutch online travel agency Booking.com has included Da Lat resort city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, often referred to as "City of Love", among the world's six places for the summers binge-worthy dating shows. Property arm Lotte Land last month said it would cease plans for the Lotte Eco Logis Dong Nai, which was granted an investment certificate only in November 2022. illustration photo/source baodautu.vn In a document dated March 2, Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Board stated that Lotte Land had sent an official document on cancelling the project in Nhon Trach Industrial Zone VI from February 17. The board requested the investor to liquidate the project and fulfill all obligations related to the operation of the enterprise in accordance with the law. A person from Lotte Land told VIR that various circumstances and investment plans related to this project had been changed, leading to the cancellation. He added that the move would not make much of an impact on the business of Lotte Land, and its general business strategy would remain the same. Lotte Mall Hanoi, a $600 million facility, is still expected to open in August and will include a hotel, serviced apartments, office buildings, and a trade centre. The completion of all functional areas is being accelerated by several contractors, including Hoa Binh Construction, Ecoba, BM Windows, and Boho. In September 2022, Lotte broke ground on the Lotte Eco-Smart City project in Thu Thiem New Urban Area of Ho Chi Minh City. This project has a total investment amount of $900 million with the construction of a complex of 60 floors, including a hotel, residential area, and trade area. Around $2 billion was initially slated to be spent on the venture with the participation of Japanese investors, but in 2016, the Japanese investors withdrew, leaving it to a consortium of four companies under Lotte Group. According to the current plan, the project will be handed over at the end of 2024. The company already boasts the $500 million, 65-storey Lotte Centre, which opened in the capital eight years ago. The group has also implemented many merger and acquisition deals in the real estate sector. In 2013, it acquired 70 per cent in the 5-star Legend Saigon hotel from Kotobuki Group and renamed it Lotte Legend Saigon. The 17-storey hotel has more than 280 rooms and six restaurants. In 2015, Lotte bought 70 per cent of shares of the Diamond Plaza building in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City from another South Korean company, Posco Group. Two years ago, the company started construction of the Lotte Eco Logis Long An. Located in Phu An Thanh IZ, the project cost $13.4 million over an area of 79,000 square metres. The warehouse and storage system will be put into operation at the end of this year. Lotte Group to shut down restaurant business Lotteria in Vietnam? Fast-food restaurant chain Lotteria a subsidiary of South Korean Lotte Group could close its Vietnamese franchise due to tepid performance. Lotte Finance launches PayLater service to catch up with "buy now, pay later" trend Lotte Finance Vietnam has officially launched a brand new consumer finance service called PayLater by Lotte Finance to capture the lucrative "buy now, pay later" segment in the country. Lotte shifting its investment focus towards Vietnam South Korean conglomerate Lotte is shifting its investment focus towards Vietnam as part of its strategy to pull out of China. Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the Ukraine war Putin said that Lukashenko has long urged Russia to station its nuclear weapons in Belarus Belarus said it decided to host the weapons after years of pressure from the US and its allies Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed with his ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, to station tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil. Putin added that Russia had already transferred ten aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons to the country. Russia to Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Belarus The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell asked Belarus not to host the weapons, stating that doing so "would constitute an irresponsible escalation and a threat to European security." A NATO representative characterized Russia's nuclear bluster as "dangerous and reckless." Meanwhile, the 18 Leopard 2 tanks the German government provided to help Kyiv's military effort have arrived in Ukraine. As per CNBC, roughly 40 Marder infantry combat vehicles have already entered Ukraine. The German military has spent the previous two months training Ukrainian soldiers on weapon systems in Munster, Germany. After German Chancellor Olaf Scholz decided to offer Ukraine Leopard 2 tanks, the Biden administration stated that it would furnish Ukraine with the powerful M1A1 Abrams tank. The 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks will augment the more than $27 billion the United States has given to Ukraine's defense since Russia's invasion more than a year ago. Putin said that Lukashenko has long wanted Moscow to store its nuclear weapons in his nation, which has close military relations with Russia and was a staging site for the invasion of neighboring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia has already helped modernize Belarusian warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons - something Belarus' authoritarian leader has repeatedly mentioned. Putin said the immediate trigger for deploying Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was the UK government's decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium. Putin toned down his language after falsely claiming that such rounds have nuclear components. However, he insisted they pose an additional danger to the civilian population and could contaminate the environment, per ABC News. The Russian president also claimed that by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia would do what the United States has done for decades by putting its nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Read Also: Pennsylvania Chocolate Factory Explosion Update Vladimir Putin Insists Move is Not an International Violation He alleged the Russian move doesn't violate an international treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons, even though Moscow has argued before that Washington has breached the pact by deploying them on the territory of its NATO allies. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a very small range and far lower yield than nuclear warheads mounted to long-range strategic missiles capable of obliterating large cities. Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, tactical weapons have never been limited by such pacts. Russia hasn't released its numbers or any other specifics related to them. The Washington Examiner said the Kremlin downplayed Western nations' worries about Russia's intent to station nuclear weapons in Belarus. According to the Russian leader, the decision to give Ukraine uranium-depleted armor-piercing shells prompted the action. It serves as an effort to dissuade the UK and its NATO allies from continuing military support for Ukraine and marks another instance of Putin. Its NATO allies from continuing military support for Ukraine and marks another instance of Putin. Putin's soldiers also invaded Ukraine from Belarus, its northern neighbor, since it offered a faster route to Ukraine's capital. However, the effort to overturn Kyiv proved intractable in the initial months of the conflict, and Moscow refocused its military in the eastern portion of the nation. Related Article: Zelensky Slams Putin Over 'Radiation Blackmail' @YouTube @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Illustrative image (Photo source: Azmilaw) Kuala Lumpur - Globally, the usage of blockchain technology ps beyond cryptocurrencies, said Asso. Prof Afizan Bin Azman from the Taylors University of Malaysia. In his article, Azman wrote that created in 2008, blockchain is a decentralised ledger that can be used to verify and trace multi-step transactions in health care, retail, supply chain, financial industries, and more. Having reduced compliance costs and speed-up data transfer processing, users can also confirm secure transactions using this technology, without the requirement for a central clearing authority. Malaysia started its efforts in blockchain technology in 2015, with the Securities Commission (SC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) as important parties in the movement. Moving forward, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) has stated that Malaysia will be adopting blockchain by 2025 and many banking institutions are requested to explore and adopt this technology into their financial systems. As medical data is a highly privacy-sensitive element, blockchains distributed ledger technology in health care makes it easier to transfer patient medical records securely, improve health care data security, control the medication supply chain, and aid genetic code study in the medical field, therefore ensuring medical data integrity and privacy in Malaysia. Blockchain technology can also help with medicine shortages through proper analysis at hospitals. Through analysis with untampered data, it can help to solve issues in the pharmaceutical supply chain by establishing proof of ownership, the scholar wrote. Malaysia launches national campaign against online scam Malaysian Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil along with representatives of CyberSecurity Malaysia, CelcomDigi, and Anti-scam Action Coalition (GBAS) on February 18 launched the National Anti-scam Campaign 2023 to counter scam syndicates evolving methods. The Van Don intl airport will pilot biometric authentication for passengers. - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has announced that passenger biometric authentication (facial recognition) will be piloted at check-in desks in Van Don international airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh. The authority has asked the airport to take measures to prevent congestion and handle situations that arise during the trial period. It also requested the airport to coordinate with relevant agencies and businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot application regarding aviation security risks and convenience for passengers, and submit monthly reports to the CAAV. Vietjet Air and Hanoi-based Noi Bai international airports aviation security centre will worked closely with Van Don international airport and related partners in this scheme. Previously, the CAAV has proposed to the Ministry of Transport on extending the piloting period of biometric authentication at airports nationwide. It reported that the trial application of facial recognition technology at Cat Bi international airport in the northern city of Hai Phong has not clearly demonstrated its advantages and disadvantages. The high-tech method aims to contribute to ensuring social order and security, reduce time for check-in procedures, and increase accuracy. Facial recognition technology can also improve the prevention and detection of passengers using fake documents, and detect those who are banned from flying or wanted criminals that cross borders. Van Don International Airport to remain closed until March The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proposed closing Van Don International Airport until March 3. Japanese tourists arriving in Da Nang on the first direct flight from Narita are presented with gifts (Photo source: tuoitre.vn) Da Nang A ceremony to welcome the first direct flight from Narita airport in Tokyo (Japan) to Da Nang after a long suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic was held by the national carrier Vietnam Airlines in the central beach city on March 26. The nearly 180 Japanese passengers on the Vietnam Airlines flight were greeted with art performance and gifts from the city. Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh said that Japan is considered a key market of the citys tourism with stable growth. The locality received more than 183,000 Japanese arrivals in 2019, an increase of nearly 200% compared to 2015 (92,000 arrivals). Since Vietnam reopened to international tourism in March 2022, the city has welcomed about 27,000 Japanese visitors. The resumption of regular flights from Narita to Da Nang is expected to make a positive contribution to attracting Japanese tourists back to Da Nang and vice versa in the coming time. According to the airline, in the initial phase, starting from March 26, 2023 to June 30, 2023, the Narita - Da Nang route will operate four flights a week on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. From July 1 onward, Vietnam Airlines plans to operate daily flights with a frequency of seven flights a week in an attempt to boost tourism and trade exchange between Japan and the central region of Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines resumes Hanoi-Kuala Lumpur route Vietnam Airlines has officially resumed the Hanoi Kuala Lumpur route with four flights a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Vietnam Airlines, Air France to resume codeshare flights Vietnam Airlines will cooperate with Air France to resume codeshare flights between Vietnam and France from March 26, the Saigon Times has reported. Vietnam Airlines to increase Vietnam-India flights by 30 per cent Vietnam Airlines will operate one flight per day between Vietnam and India from March 26, raising the number of its flights between the two countries by 30 per cent compared to the present. People shop at a supermarket in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - Vietnam is becoming an attractive retail market for companies all over the world with many regional and global FDI investors recently announcing plans to increase capital and expand distribution networks here. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnamese retail market is worth 142 billion USD and is expected to increase nearly 2.5 times to 350 billion USD by 2025. In January, total retail sales of consumer goods and services decreased by 6 per cent on-month to more than 481.8 trillion VND (20.4 billion USD) due to weaker demand as many commodities were purchased ahead of the Lunar New Year. People spent more on festival activities post Tet, said the General Statistics Office. However, it still rose 13 per cent year-on-year. For the first two months of the year, the countrys total retail sales of consumer goods and services advanced 13 per cent over the same period of 2022 to over 994.1 trillion VND. With stable and positive growth, the Vietnamese retail market has always been appreciated by foreign enterprises. Thailands Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has recently announced a capital increase of 1.45 billion USD in Vietnam. This is the largest investment ever announced by CRC with the goal of doubling the number of stores to 600 in 57 of 63 provinces. In 2023, the company spent more than 4.1 trillion VND in the market, focusing on developing essential foods businesses, stabilising prices, and restructuring electronic stores. Vietnam is the market, besides Thailand, that brings the largest revenue for the group, about 21-22 per cent of total revenue. Last year, the number was 25 per cent, said Olivier Langlet, CEO of Central Retail Vietnam. One of the biggest Japanese retail companies, Aeon Co., Ltd is also accelerating the opening of shopping malls in the country to nearly three times to about 16 by 2025, focusing on the food segment. Last month, Aeon Mall in Hue city was constructed on an area of 8.62 hectares, with a total investment capital of about 169 million USD. This is the biggest complex of trade centres and services in the region. FDI is one of the important elements to help Vietnam transform itself into one of the most open economies in the region and grow quickly, according to a representative of HSBC Vietnam. Currently, regional and global FDI investors or multinational corporations contribute to more than 80 per cent of total export turnover from Vietnam and about 25 per cent of domestic investment value. Research from HSBC showed that, by 2030, the Vietnamese domestic consumer market will outstrip Thailand, the UK and Germany. In 2023, we will see some multinational corporations in Asia showing their interest in Vietnam, engaging in retail, semiconductors, electronics, mobile components, plastic, renewable energy, and logistics industries. They are looking for ways to expand or make new investments in Vietnam, said the representative. Retail businesses optimistic in face of erratic environment The decrease in purchasing power due to the belt-tightening of consumers has seriously affected the business situation of most retail businesses. However, many businesses are still very optimistic about the markets prospects and believe that the new strategy will help them settle down soon. Thai largest retailer to pour over 1.4 billion USD in Vietnam Central Retail Corporation (CRC), the largest retailer of Thailand, has announced its biggest investment in Vietnam at 50 billion baht (1.45 billion USD) in the 2023-2027 period to accelerate its market presence in the country. Adjusting the direction of retail strategies Consumer shopping behaviour has changed since the pandemic, prompting major retailers to align their business strategies to be consistent with the changing situation. ROUNDTABLE: Seeking a boost for inbound tourism Speaking at the opening of the roundtable discussion, VIR's Editor-in-Chief Le Trong Minh shared, "Tourism is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing economic sectors in the world today. Its importance in creating jobs and promoting growth is addressed in some of the Sustainable Development Goals in the United Nations Development programme." He cited statistics showing Vietnam's tourism created more than 1.3 million direct jobs in 2019, contributing 9.2 per cent of the country's total GDP (equivalent to $32.8 billion). This is a significant number, but it remains low compared to the global average. Vietnam has yet to unlock the full potential of its tourism industry. "Despite the economic volatility, the recovery of inbound tourism will bring many advantages, such as creating jobs and improving labour mobility. As the manufacturing industry is struggling due to a shrinking export market, tourism is a viable on-site export industry for agriculture, fisheries, souvenirs, silver, and precious stones. Tourism is also a driving force to develop the aviation industry and tourism infrastructure while promoting public and private investment," said Trong The roundtable discussion saw the participation of leading economists, tourism experts, and business representatives in the hospitality industry, who pointed out the problems, solutions, and international best practices in the region. In particular, many experts highlighted that a restrictive visa policy makes Vietnam less attractive to international tourists. Nuno F. Ribeiro, deputy senior programme manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT Vietnam, is cautiously optimistic about Vietnam's tourism industry. The easing of travel restrictions is fuelling the recovery, and the government is promoting Vietnam as a green and sustainable destination. This strategy has yielded some positive results, such as the development of ecotourism projects in Phu Yen and the Mekong Delta region. He added that Vietnam will increasingly attract travellers looking for sustainable destinations. The country has ample potential, including coastal destinations such as Phu Quoc, cultural destinations such as Hoi An, and interesting urban centres like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, Vietnam will also face fierce competition from neighbouring tourism markets such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These regional peers quickly lifted pandemic restrictions and adopt less stringent visa and immigration procedures. In the same vein, Hoang Nhan Chinh, general secretary of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, noted that Vietnam only received half the number of foreign visitors as Thailand did prior to the pandemic. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Tourism Development Capability Index Report 2021 that was released in May 2022, Vietnam's tourism ranks 52nd out of 117 economies, up 8 places compared to 2019. This is the third-largest increase globally, after Indonesia (up 12 places) and Saudi Arabia (up 10 places). However, the industry is currently dealing with the sad reality of shrinking inbound tourism. "Inbound tourism not only creates a large source of revenue, but also creates more jobs. Its development brings foreign currency to the country, keeps the exchange rate solid, and helps maintain macroeconomic stability. Therefore, it is vital to remove the bottlenecks related to visa policies, including e-visas and visa-free travel," he stressed. At the event, experts and leaders of many tourism businesses also offered solutions to promote Vietnam's tourism and attract investment capital to complete tourism infrastructure. They also proposed options for localities to create synergy as they diversify their tourism products and reduce costs for visitors. The list of speakers includes: Nuno F. Ribeiro, deputy senior programme manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management, RMIT Vietnam Nareekarn Srichainak, First Secretary, The Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi Phan Duc Hieu, Permanent Member of the National Assembly Economic Committee Dang Tuan Viet, Deputy Director, The Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security Nguyen Thi Le Huong, deputy general director of Vietravel and director of Vietravel Hanoi Hoang Nhan Chinh, secretariat director, Tourism Advisory Board Martin Koerner, head of the Tourism Working Group, Vietnam Business Forum, and chairman of EuroCham's Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee Duong Minh Duc, deputy director of Sales and Marketing, Saigontourist Group Vietnam should expand visa policy to welcome growth Openness is vital for countries to boost the recovery of tourism. Pham Hong Long, dean of Tourism Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi, offered his thoughts to VIRs Hong Hanh on unlocking the potential of Vietnams tourism via its visa policy. Training a necessity to equip tourism staff for next boom Training and retraining of workers in the tourism sector would help kick-start its growth prospects, association leaders say. The Waco Plan Commission Tuesday will consider a special zoning plan for a proposed 241-unit pocket neighborhood nestled into 40.5 acres at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Herring Avenue. The development at 2001 N. MLK Jr. Blvd., across from Brazos Park East and about 2 miles from downtown Waco, would offer a mixture of housing types and would be East Wacos largest new subdivision in decades. The commission will consider recommending rezoning the site as a planned unit development, a tailored zoning category allowing more flexibility than traditional zoning. The commission will meet at 7 p.m. at the Waco Convention Centers Bosque Theater. Developer Northpaw Partners LLC is under contract to purchase the tract from owner Pacific Operating Company, said Taylor Allen of Rydell Real Estate, the Waco firm representing Northpaw. Allen said the project will be completed under local ownership. He described Northpaw Partners as a special purpose entity financially backed by investors who have worked with Rydell Real Estate on numerous projects over the last decade. The community would include a central park, community pool and plenty of open green space, with walking trails around the edge of the subdivision that connect to the river trail system leading to nearby Cameron Park and Brazos Park East. Plans for the development show green space dispersed among tightly packed lots along wide, tree-lined streets. Garage access would be hidden along alleyways behind the houses. Personally, as someone that lives just a few blocks from this location, being able to walk to Cameron Park is invaluable to be able to enjoy recreational activities just within walking distance from your house, Allen said. It really is an incredible feature. Waco Planning Director Clint Peters said both the streets and alleys would be maintained by the city upon completion. However, the private amenities would be the homeowners associations responsibility. Peters said the city staff recommends that trails along Herring Avenue and Dallas Street on the edge of the subdivision be left open for public use and maintained by HOA. Central amenities would likely be reserved for subdivision residents only, Allen said. The development plan was created by McCann Adams, the Austin urban design firm that was also involved in Austins Mueller airport redevelopment and Wacos Floyd Casey redevelopment. The new pocket neighborhood features a mix of housing types and sizes, including 86 townhouses. The plan calls for 129 rear-loaded homes, which have no front driveways, as well as 26 front-loaded homes with front access. The houses would vary in size from 1,500 square feet to about 5,000 square feet. The proposed arrangement would put larger lots along the developments eastern edge, consistent with the adjacent Hollywood neighborhood, and it would prioritize higher-density townhouses on the western edge near MLK Jr. Boulevard. Allen said the plan is to increase housing density in line with the citys plan for downtown development and recommendations from the city of Waco housing study performed by M&L Associates in 2022. Increasing density also contributes to reduction of the need for cars in the neighborhood, and orienting each house toward the street with a porch or stoop engages community closeness. Though pricing details for each type of residence are still being worked out, he said the intent is to provide a middle-market neighborhood. Were not building mansions, and were not building extremely small, cheap housing, Allen said. Our hope is that there will be houses for people that make average median income in Waco to be able to live there. Peters said Wacos housing plan identified shortages of all types of housing, so having a development that could offer a couple of different options in one places is a good thing. Additionally, he said the city is offering the condition of approval that 10% of houses, about 24 units, must be affordable. Having different housing styles, offering different price points, creating usable green space and focusing on community, Peters said the development checks many of the boxes for features of an ideal Waco neighborhood. Houses within the subdivision would have design standards for potential builders, but the goal is to promote diversity among houses, Allen said. He said keeping garages at the back of houses not only helps increase density, but also allows for architectural differences between facades. Right now our hope is that those design standards include porches, a nicer quality facade and windows and window treatments, he said. Additionally, we would like for there to be an 18-inch elevation for the house from the street, which can really enhance curb appeal for a neighborhood. Peters said there has been some concern about the new developments impact on nearby neighborhoods, such as the Carver Neighborhood Association and Hollywood subdivision that borders the plot to the east. The city will require the developer to submit a traffic study measuring the possible impact of the neighborhoods five accesses along MLK Jr. Boulevard, Dallas Street and Herring Avenue, Peters said. Allen said Northpaw has had good conversations with the neighborhood associations leadership and attended meetings, attempting to hear their concerns and ensure the development doesnt impose an undue burden on people living there. He said both sides talked productively about preserving the legacy of the Hollywood neighborhood, and the developer is happy to work with residents to provide something good for Waco. Were thrilled at the opportunity here, he said. Our goal truly is to create a win for the city of Waco, provide good quality housing stock for people that currently live in Waco that want to be close to all the things happening in our city ... that want to take advantage of the wonderful amenity that is Cameron Park. The first phase of the project, pending approval by the commission and Waco City Council, is expected to begin late this year, creating 133 of 241 homesites to be sold to builders by mid-2024. Allen said it could take 18 to 24 months to build out the subdivisions infrastructure. WAHOO The Wahoo Public Schools, in cooperation with Educational Service Unit 2 in Fremont, was honored to once again work with the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) in Omaha to host two assemblies on March 21, in recognition of the 2023 Week of Understanding. In the morning assembly, Holocaust survivor Peter Metzelaar, from Seattle, Washington, shared his story of how he and his mother survived this dark chapter of history thanks to those who risked their own lives to shelter them from the Nazis. The rest of his family perished. For the afternoon session, Dr. Steven Wees of Omaha shared the story of his mother, Elizabeth Wees, who passed away in 2016. Elizabeth Wees was also a Holocaust survivor, defying the odds by living through her nightmare experiences in the ghettos, several concentration camps, including Auschwitz, and multiple death marches, before being liberated by the Soviet Army. In his presentation, Steven Wees included multiple video segments from his mothers 2012 interview with the USC Shoah Foundation. It was one of the few times she ever spoke of her experiences. These stories, both of which concluded with a hope for worldwide peace and tolerance, were heard by approximately 1,400 students from multiple schools around eastern Nebraska, either by attending the assemblies in person or watching them remotely via live stream. Dylan Mulvaney became famous on TikTok, where she pivoted from musical theater to advocacy when she came out as trans. Here's a look at how her brand partnerships have triggered a new wave of anti-trans attacks. Two women were fatally stabbed at an Ismaili Muslim center in Lisbon on Tuesday. Portuguese police shot and wounded the suspect armed with a huge knife. Ismaili community leader Narzim Ahmad noted that the victims of the Lisbon attack were Portuguese personnel at the center. The deceased women have not been publicly named by authorities or the community. A suspect "armed with a large knife" was encountered by law enforcement late Tuesday morning, according to an ABC News report. Law enforcers ordered the suspect to surrender, but instead, he approached the police and got "neutralized." The suspect was brought to a hospital in Lisbon while in police arrest. According to a police statement, many other persons were injured but gave no more information about their conditions. Read Also: Britain Escalates Northern Ireland Threat Level Portugal PM Calls Lisbon Attack an "Isolated" Incident Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa has stated that the Lisbon attack seems to be "an isolated act," and that it is "premature" to speculate a probable reason, per the BBC. On Tuesday, police asked residents and visitors to stay away from the Ismaili Centre, which was surrounded by armed cops from a special operations team. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, commonly known as the Ismailis, are from the Shia branch of Islam. The Ismaili Muslims are a multiethnic group with communities in over 25 countries. There have been no major terrorist attacks in Portugal in decades, and violent acts motivated by religion are very rare, according to AP News. In a statement, the Ismaili community said that its members are "shocked and saddened by this incident" and it is "providing support to the families of the victims" of the Lisbon attack. Related Article: Nashville School Shooting Video Released @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The historic Wright brothers airplane factory complex in Dayton, Ohio, was damaged in an early Sunday morning fire. The local fire department crews were on the scene by 2:30 a.m. and found the flames had swept through the complex. The Dayton Daily News reported that Crews battled the flames into the following afternoon. Black smoke continued to stream from a collection of multiple hangar buildings, including historic Wright Brothers airplane factory hangars, and flames could be seen on the backside of the hangars. Here is the Dayton Daily News article about the event. The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) has been working with the National Park Service, the city of Dayton to preserve the factory buildings and redevelop the site for historical and commercial uses. Wilbur and Orville Wright invented, developed, and commercialized the airplane in Dayton. They formed the Wright Company in 1909 and built its first factory building in 1910 about two miles west of their bicycle shop on West Third Street. They added the second building in 1911. Wilbur died in 1912 and Orville sold the company in 1915. General Motors Corp. later transformed it into the Inland division, adding buildings and eventually employing thousands of auto workers. The buildings remained in active use as an Inland, Delco, and finally Delphi plant. Delphi, in bankruptcy, closed the plant in 2008 and transferred the property to a holding company. Delphi Holdings sold it to HAR in 2012. We are deeply saddened by the fire that damaged our historic Wright Company airplane factory, the first purpose-built buildings for the aviation industry. We are grateful to the fire department for their quick and brave response, and we are working to assess the extent of the damage and the impact on our heritage. -Mackensie Wittmer, Executive Director The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) is a private, not-for-profit corporation designated by Congress as the management entity of the National Aviation Heritage Area. NAHAs vision is for the Heritage Area to be the recognized center of aviation heritage tourism and aerospace innovation, sustaining the legacy of the Wright Brothers. The National Aviation Heritage Area is one of 49 National Heritage Areas in a program administered by the National Park Service. It encompasses eight Ohio countiesMontgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Warren, Champaign, Shelby and Auglaize. Visit www.aviationheritagearea.org to learn more about NAHA. On April 15th, 1943, the Essex-class aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown (CV 10), was commissioned in Portsmouth, Virginia. Dubbed The Fighting Lady, the carrier will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year at her present home with the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. The museum is holding its The Fighting Lady Turns 80 event on Saturday, April 15, 2023 and members of the public are invited to attend. In honor of the ships eight decades of service, the museums admission price will be reduced to $8 for the day (parking is $5 extra per vehicle). Special activities for the event will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm, and will include hands-on learning, guided tours, trivia, music, a birthday cake cutting, along with a meet-and-greet with veterans who served aboard the ship. In addition to the festivities, a new, temporary exhibit will open entitled All Who Served: The Uniforms of World War II, which will feature various uniforms and articles of clothing representing each branch of the military. The new exhibit, arranged in a room just off the main Hangar Bay, is supported with items received on loan from The Charleston Museum, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the National Museum of the US Army, and Joint Base Charleston. This event welcomes the community to enjoy and participate in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the USS Yorktowns commissioning and the crew who served aboard the ship. Our staff, volunteers, curators, and partners have nourished the ship while working to produce exhibitions and programs we share to keep The Fighting Ladys story alive after all these years. Allison Hunt, Executive Director Visitors to the museum after April 15 will be able to view this temporary exhibit with the purchase of any general admission ticket. To learn more about the birthday festivities and new exhibit, please visit the museums website. by Gregory Alegi How does one spell one hundred in the air? Well, if you are the Italian Air Force, you fly six Lockheed F-35As to form the 1, eight Eurofighter Typhoons to create the 0, and eight Alenia Aermacchi T-346s to shape the remaining 0 all in trailing formation over Rome from the Colosseum to Piazza del Popolo. Todays flypast will help to celebrate the Italian Air Forces centenary as an independent air arm. The service came into being on March 28, 1923, five years after the Royal Air Force but almost a quarter-century before the U.S. Air Force. Italy already sported a significant tradition for military flying at that time. In fact, it was an Italian named Captain Carlo M. Piazza who, on October 23rd, 1911, performed the worlds first operational sortie, flying a reconnaissance mission in a fragile Bleriot XI over the Oasis of Zanzur (south west of Tripoli, Libya) during the Turkish-Italian war. Four years later, Italy entered World War One on the Allied (Entente) side, fielding separate Army and Naval air services which enjoyed near-continuous superiority over their Austria-Hungarian opposition in both quality and quantity, a situation perhaps best symbolized by the daring raid of August 9th, 1918 which saw nine Ansaldo SVA biplanes fly over Vienna, dropping leaflets inciting the Austrians to surrender. In parallel, the country trained some 10,000 pilots (including several hundred Americans) while building over 12,000 aircraft, including three-engined, Caproni Ca.3 bombers. However, the Austro-Hungarian surrender on November 4th, 1918 raised the issue of what Italys military should do next with its aviation component. Amidst the general demobilization of the day, modernists called for the establishment of aviation as a third service, on equal terms with the nations Army and Navy, and possibly unique in its ability to strike at the heart of enemy territory and morale. This vision, enshrined by the theorist Giulio Douhet in his 1921 book Il dominio dellaria (The Command of the Air), ran contrary to the traditionalist military hierarchy, which viewed aircraft as little more than useful observation platforms; Army Generals and Naval Admirals were horrified by the prospect of diverting scarce, postwar funding to such an enterprise. Eventually two alternatives emerged: a British-style Air Ministry, with control over all air assets, or a less ambitious structure to procure aircraft and train pilots for existing surface forces. When Benito Mussolini became Italys leader on October 28th, 1922, many ardent aviators hoped he would follow the first option, but his weak coalition government could ill-afford an early fight with the military, then closely connected to king Victor Emmanuel III and the House of Savoy. After twice attempting to put Douhet in charge of the nascent air service, Mussolini bowed to Army pressure and hammered out the compromise Royal Decree 645. While Article 1 proclaimed the creation of the Regia Aeronautica [Royal Air Force], which comprises all military air forces of the Kingdom and its Colonies, Article 8 stipulated that air units assigned to Italys Regia Esercito [Royal Army] and Regia Marina [Royal Navy] and Ministry of Colonies for actual exercises and actual use would come under their command and would be based in agreement with them. In short, aviators got their own uniforms and ranks but control remained largely in other hands. The new service would report to a Commissariat for Aeronautics, at a lower level of importance than the Ministries of War and Navy at least until 1925, when it was upgraded to Ministerial status. In an attempt to nip criticism in the bud, the post went to Mussolini himself. Much remained to do, of course. The young service was small, understaffed, underfinanced and possessed leadership problems. These issues were gradually solved following the appointment of General Bonzani as Deputy Commissioner (1924-26) and then Italo Balbo as Under Secretary. While Bonzani brought much needed order and discipline to the service, it was Balbo who provided a sense of mission and purpose. Despite receiving less than one-sixth of the overall defense budget, in his seven years as Undersecretary (1926-29), Balbo pushed to move the Regia Aeronautica away from individual talent to the teamwork and professionalism embodied by the four massed flights to Spain (1928), USSR (1929). Brazil (1930-31) and eventually Chicago and New York (1933). By the time the young and energetic Balbo returned from the USA, Mussolini now regarded him as a competitor to his own leadership. In short order, Mussolini promoted Balbo to become governor of Libya, appointed himself Air Minister and promoted Chief of Staff Giuseppe Valle to Undersecretary. Sadly, in 1935, Mussolini plunged Italy into a decade of war which would end in crushing defeat in 1945. In October 3rd of that year, Mussolini launched the invasion of Ethiopia, a meticulously prepared operation in which air power provided ground support, reconnaissance and even the airlift which allowed Italys Army to attack through the desert from Somalia. With the fall of Addis Ababa, on May 5th, 1936, Mussolini proclaimed victory and empire; in reality, however, counter-insurgency operations continued for three more years. In July 1936, Italy became involved in the Spanish Civil War, a totally unplanned event which absorbed enormous domestic resources. Again, the Aeronautica performed well and dominated the skies where they flew. While the two wars proved the service capable of winning limited conflicts, World War Two placed it in a far more difficult test. The rough numerical parity they enjoyed with the RAF in 1939 soon slipped away but, more importantly, Italys aircraft industry proved unable to deliver competitive types in adequate numbers. By early 1943, Italy had lost North Africa and the nations cities were under near-constant attack. In July, the back-to-back invasion of Sicily and first bomber offensive against Rome caused Fascism to fall. Formal surrender followed on September 8th, splitting the country in two, with the North under Mussolini and the South under the King, each with its stub air force. The Aeronautica Repubblicana fielded two fighter wings against Allied bombers, while the Regia Aeronautica operated in support of Italian Army units stranded in the Balkans. The 1947 peace treaty and, more importantly, 1949 NATO membership allowed the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) as the service became renamed following Italys move from a Kingdom to a Republic to rebuild itself with US aircraft and training. This made the 1950s a period of growth and expansion for the Aeronautica Militare, epitomized by the annual rotation of increasingly ambitious acrobatic teams, which led to the creation of the Frecce Tricolori in 1961. Two years later, the Aeronautica received its first Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, a type which soon became ubiquitous. The next leaps forward saw the introduction of the swing-wing Panavia Tornado (see our 40th Anniversary STORY) and the AMX fighter bomber, a joint development between Italy and Brazil. After more than 45 years of peacetime operation, the Aeronautic returned to combat in 1991, with Operation Locusta, the codename for Italys participation in Operation Desert Storm. This action highlighted the quality of Italian aircrews, but also revealed the many improvements needed to operate in a truly integrated fashion with US and NATO forces. Soon, As a result, the Aeronautica launched a comprehensive overhaul of both its structure and equipment suite, a plan which it has followed with remarkable commitment for more than three decades while helping quell conflicts in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. As it turns 100, the Aeronautica Militare is a modern, balanced, and effective air force. Its mix of F-35s, Eurofighters, G-550 CAEW early warning aircraft, KC-767A tankers, and MQ-9A drones is presently unrivaled amongst western European nations. Meanwhile the service is gearing up to confront challenges in the emerging cyber and space domains. So todays flypast and air base open days are here to not only celebrate the past, but to also herald the future. The Aeronautica Militare, on the occasion of its centenary, offers a calendar articulating the program of multi-disciplinary initiatives which will take place throughout 2023. For more information, please click HERE. You can follow the Aeronautica Militare on the following social media platforms: YouTube / aeronauticamilita Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AeronauticaM Twitter: https://twitter.com/italianairforce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeronautica TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMN8mhpry/ Telegram: https://t.me/AeronauticaMilitareOfficial Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aero DES MOINES The former head of Iowas state education agency, who last month announced she was resigning to pursue other opportunities, now has a new job with the state. Ann Lebo, the former director of the Iowa Department of Education, started last week as the performance results administrator for Early Childhood Iowa, which falls under the umbrella of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. She brings a broad range of expertise in educational leadership to our team, HHS spokesman Alex Carfrae responded in an email to the Courier Des Moines Bureau. Her skills, relationships and understanding of educational systems will be assets as we develop a comprehensive model for prevention that is committed to supporting the well-being of young children, families, and caregivers. Carfrae said Lebos immediate focus will be related to Early Childhood Iowas recent application to the Administration for Children and Families grant, which emphasizes strengthening partnerships between the early childhood education and child welfare systems. In addition, she will assess our opportunities for collaborating with our K-12 education partners, Carfrae wrote. Lebos annual salary as director of the education department was $154,300 for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022, according to a state directory. The salary in her new job was not immediately available. Lebo announced her resignation in February, soon after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that allows families to use taxpayer money to pay for private school tuition. Her last day as director was March 14. Reynolds earlier this month appointed Chad Aldis, an Iowa native with degrees in economics and law, and experience working for multiple charter school and private school choice think tanks, to succeed Lebo. Aldis served as vice president for Ohio policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, where he began working in 2013. He has provided testimony and worked with the states governor, lawmakers and state education officials on school funding, charter school accountability, graduation requirements and private school choice, according to his biography on the institutes website. Before joining Fordham, Aldis served as the executive director of School Choice Ohio and has worked at the Florida Department of Education and for the Walton Family Foundation and as a legislative analyst for the Education Committee of the Florida House of Representatives. Unlike Lebo who holds doctorate degrees in education administration, previously served as executive director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, was a secondary school principal and taught English for 17 years Aldis has no experience teaching or serving as a school administrator, according to his LinkedIn profile. Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, criticized Reynolds pick for never having worked or taught in a public school. (H)es a lobbyist who has worked for special interest groups that push private school vouchers and ending retirement plans like IPERS, Konfrst said in a statement. The governors office and Department of Education provided a single email from Lebo to Heather Nahas in the governors office in response to a records request from The Gazette for all communications to and from the governor, her office and Lebo from Jan. 1 to Feb. 27 that reference her resignation, termination, transition, departure or employment. The two-sentence email from Lebo to the governors office states her resignation is effective March 14 and that she looks forward to cooperating with the period of transition and wish all the best for my successor and the Iowa Department of Education. WATERLOO The Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley has announced the following needs of local organizations: Contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at (319) 883-3015 or information@vccv.org or go online to vccv.org for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities in the Cedar Valley. WATERLOO The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation and The Center for Public Integrity for a live conversation with Waterloo entrepreneur ReShonda Young about local efforts to close the wealth gap between Black and white Americans. The virtual conversation is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Young was the subject of Public Integritys award-winning podcast The Heist Season 2: The Wealth Vortex. The podcasts host, Jamie Smith Hopkins, will moderate the discussion. The podcast was produced in partnership with Transmitter Media, which followed Youngs efforts to open the Bank of Jabez, Iowas only Black-owned bank and possibly the first nationwide in more than 20 years. Young will share updates about her progress in the year since the podcast aired and discuss community-focused actions to increase equity. Young is a Waterloo entrepreneur who started and franchised a popcorn business before selling the company in 2019. She is the director of an accelerator that supports Black business owners in Waterloo and is the leading force behind the planned Bank of Jabez. The Wealth Vortex was a finalist in this years Ambie Awards, often called the Oscars of podcasting. The project is also a Signal Awards silver award honoree and second-place winner of the Shaufler Prize in Journalism. The event is open to all and participants can attend virtually at wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities. Photos: Iowa women advance to Final Four NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball iowa fan photo NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball NCAA Louisville Iowa Basketball WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been sentenced to prison for breaking into a home and holding the residents at gunpoint in a July 2021 robbery. Patrick Roosevelt Hickman Isabell was 18 when he and another person crawled through the window of a Newell Street home, demanded money and jewelry from a 19 year old and threatened to kill him and his grandmother. On Monday, Isabell, now 20, apologized for his actions. He noted he surrendered when police surrounded the house, and he said everyone deserves a second chance. Im not a bad person, said Isabell, who has no prior criminal record. He said he would be facing a more lenient punishment if he had been only a year younger, a minor, at the time of the crime. Isabell was found guilty of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and going armed during a December 2022 bench trial. Defense attorney Matthew Hoffey asked the court to run the sentences concurrently for a total of 25 years. But Judge Andrea Dryer cited the terror the home invasion inflicted up on the victim, his grandmother and his mother, who hid in the basement, and recounted the danger the family faced both during the holdup and the ensuing standoff with police. That was the situation this family was in, and you put them there, Dryer said. She also noted that Isabell told corrections workers during a pre-sentence interview that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and didnt feel the charges were fair. Dryer stacked the robbery and burglary sentences for a maximum of 50 years in prison because of the seriousness of the offense. But she also opted for a lighter minimum punishment ordering he serve 50% of the robbery sentence, or 12 and a half years before parole instead of the usual 70%. Isabells accomplice, Wilmaris Kaihron Burt, who was a minor at the time of the robbery, was charged as an adult and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison in January. Because he was under 18 at the time, he didnt face a mandatory minimum sentence for parole. The US surpasses 160 mass shootings in 2023. Here's every event mapped Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly statesand some stricter ones The US surpasses 100 mass shootings in 2023here's every event mapped TAMA A federal grand jury has handed up an indictment against a Toledo woman accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the trucking company where she worked for almost a decade. Court records allege Leann Marie Rouse, 49, used her position as a bookkeeper at Siemens Trucking in Traer to divert more than $400,000 for her own use between 2015 and 2020 and then used the business computer software to cover her tracks. Last week, a grand jury for U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids filed an indictment charging her with three counts of wire fraud stemming from transfers from the business bank account into her personal account. Arraignment is scheduled for next week. According to court records, Rouse began working as a bookkeeper for the company in 2011 and had control of its accounting software and payroll. She allegedly wrote checks to herself and then used the software to make it appear the funds went to other entities the company did business with, court records state. Bank officials became suspicious in 2020 and called authorities. Rouse was initially charged with theft and ongoing criminal conduct in state court in October 2020. Those case are pending in Tama County District Court. AR's Editor Joe Shea Talks About Elections On Iranian TV Bear Stearns Saved By Fed As Lehman Bros. Falters; Major Bank Failure Looms Over Wall Street, Sends Markets Into 200-Pt. Dive Lie Upon Lie Five Years Into the Iraq War The Administration Still Churns Out Lies by Randolph Holhut A Small Tragedy Even at 90, As Friends Turn Cool She Knows the Show Must Go On by Joyce Marcel I'll Take Me Imagine John Wayne or Arnold In Heels, Silk and a Girdle by Elizabeth Andrews Sen. Nelson Calls For New Fla. Primary; Gov Crist Backs 'Do-Over' Who'll Win? Ask Spock Spock.com Engine Predicts Winners By Site Searches; It Can be Wrong by Jay Bhatti Chatting Up The Cat God Gave Me Dominion Over Him But I Think He's a Non-Believer by Constance Daley Death of a Thug The Life and Horrors of Suharto by Andreas Harsono ___________________________ This Just In Sierra Club: McCain Ducked All 15 Key Votes On Green Laws (AR) A Work By AR's T.S. Kerrigan Is Chosen As 'Best Poem' By Wordpress Site Murder At Mile 63 The Deadly Assault and Bush Administration Cover-Up by S. Eben Kirkesby and Andreas Harsono 5427 14th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 $6.99 Fish Fridays! Manatee Co.'s Only 24-Hr. FREE Wi-Fi Paid Advertisement On Native Ground AFTER 5 YEARS, WE'RE STILL LIED TO ABOUT IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Next week is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And it is likely that sometime in the next couple of weeks, the 4,000th American soldier will die in Iraq. [MORE] Momentum OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - It's 1931, and a 14-year-old girl is standing alone on a stage. She's small and lively with dark curly hair, widespread hazel eyes, slender wrists and an open, eager face filled with the wonder of performing. Her name is Rose, and one day she will be my mother. But now she is performing an Eugene O'Neill monologue called "Before Breakfast" for a ladies' club in a wealthy suburb of Long Island. [MORE] One Woman's World COMFORTABLE WITH MYSELF by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I'm not sure but I think I may be socially incorrect. [MORE] On Native Ground ENOUGH FOR A WAR, NOT FOR A PEOPLE by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Last week, the National Governors Assn. met in Washington, D.C. One of the tasks the NGA had on its agenda was to ask President Bush to increase federal spending on roads, bridges and other public works projects as a way to stimulate the economy. He rejected their pleas out of hand, claiming that infrastructure projects wouldn't offer any short-term economic boost. [MORE] Brasch Words BEWARE THE SELF-REVERENTIAL PRESS by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Shortly before the primary votes this past week, Newsweek's Jonathan Alter called Sen. Barack Obama's surge to the Democratic nomination "inevitable." It also called for Hillary Clinton to "start her campaign for Senate majority leader." [MORE] Constance A CONVERSATION WITH MY CAT Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Normally, when the cat starts his evening rant of meowing continuously until he makes his point, I just take it as long as I can, pick him up, and put him in the garage for the night. He doesn't want to go, but the meowing stops and I don't care if he likes it or not. [MORE] Momentum OUT OF STRUGGLE, ART by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Here we are again at the crossroads of art and social change, having the opportunity to watch good and great films about the lives of women in support of the Women's Crisis Center. [MORE] Campaign 2008 HOW TO PREDICT SUPER TUESDAY II WINNERS? ONLINE SEARCH by Jay Bhatti NEW YORK, March 4, 2008, 7:00PM ET -- With the outcomes of the Texas, Vermont, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries to be decided tonight, how possible is it that online searching can predict who will win tonight's primaries? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T VOTE; IT ENCOURAGES THEM by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Call me angry and disgusted but don't call me un-American because I won't be voting come November. [MORE] On Native Ground BUSH AND THE KEYBOARD COMMANDOS by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- As the days tick down toward the eventual departure of President George W. Bush from the White House, it's a hopeful sign that most Americans are no longer moved by his Administration's constant exploitation of terrorism for political gain. [MORE] Momentum WHICH AMERICA DO YOU LIVE IN? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- It's a little confusing. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] On Native Ground FIDEL RETIRES: NOW THE COLD WAR IS REALLY OVER by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Maybe now, we can finally say the Cold War is over. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] One Woman's World POLITICS IS NO PARTY by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Are you having a hard time focusing your eyes? Do you have faint red spots all over your body? Is there a ringing in your ears and do you see wavy lines when you look at your television set? Do your hands shake when you try to hold a cup of coffee? And have you recently been forgetting what day of the week it is - or what year? [MORE] Make My Day FOR BETTER OR WORSE ... A LOT WORSE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- "Marriage: It's Only Going to Get Worse." [MORE] Constance YOU CALL THESE RIGHTS? by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- When you express an opinion you hope to persuade others to your point of view. It doesn't always happen but still, opinion writers try. [MORE] Momentum THE BRIDGE WOMAN by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - Out there in America - yes, still - is a generation of women who were born in the 1940s, raised in the 1950s, and who came to radical consciousness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I am one of them. Hillary Clinton is one of them. [MORE] On Native Ground OBAMA AND MY GENERATION by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- I originally planned on voting for Dennis Kucinich in the Vermont Primary on March 4. [MORE] The Willies: WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY MURDER YOUR FRIENDS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla. -- You've heard the warnings, haven't you? Stop Prozac and you may take a shotgun, an Uzi or an AK-47 and mow down your family and friends, or even a whole classroom full of your fellow students. You didn't? Well, that warning is not on the bottle, but like countless mass-murder incidents before it, Friday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings that killed 32 last year, was probably precipitated by the effect of stopping medications that suppress anger and other powerful emotions but do not relieve the underlying cause. Isn't it time we started warning people - or stopped prescribing these medicines? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I wish I could feel delight in my poet's mansion being like Grand Central Station all the time, but I can't. And I wish my place was such a place that someone would one day write: "Her door was always open and she always made you feel all fuzzy and warm in her presence. She could make a cup of coffee seem like a banquet." [MORE] Reporting: Panama PANAMA'S VIOLENT LABOR UNREST INTENSIFIES Mark Scheinbaum PANAMA CITY, Panama, Feb, 15, 2008 -- After just one day of relative calm, wildcat construction strikes by some members of Panama's largest union flared up again Friday morning, four days after a police sniper shot one worker. More than 140 demonstrators have been injured and at least 500 arrested, authorities say. [MORE] Brasch Words TO STIMULATE ECONOMY, BUY A CHINESE-MADE U.S. FLAG by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Walking down Main Street, pushing a grocery cart loaded with clothes, toys, and appliances was Marshbaum. Fastened to the right front corner of the cart was an American flag tied onto a three-foot ruler. [MORE] Make My Day THE TOOTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To commemorate the death of noted shark exploder Roy Scheider, and the "Jaws" movies that resulted in Erik never setting foot in the ocean again, we are reprinting this column from 2003. Shark Experts 0, Sharks 1 [MORE] Momentum THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - As I write this, it's raining ice. Maybe a half a foot of snow and ice has already landed up here in the woods of Dummerston. Our cars are encased in it, and the door to the house is blocked. The satellite dish that brings in our Internet service quit about 20 minutes ago - frozen solid. [MORE] The Willies AMERICA TO HILLARY: GET OUT! by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton has adopted the Rudy Giuliani strategy, and it's working - for Sen. Barack Obama. It turns out to be the strategy all Democrats are seeking - an exit strategy. But it's not for Iraq. It's for her exit from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. [MORE] Constance CONFESSIONS OF A DISAPPOINTED VOTER by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- A week ago at just about this time, I completed an article and was about to submit it as scheduled to The American Reporter. I was feeling rather elated, ready to show up on Super Tuesday morning, firmly touch the X next to Rudy Giuliani's name and get on with my day. He was my choice; he would get my vote. [MORE] Reporting: Florida SIERRA CLUB SET TO SUSPEND FLA. CHAPTER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 10, 2008 -- The national Sierra Club is set to suspend its Florida chapter after years of divisive infighting, the president of the national club told Florida members in a letter delivered to some this weekend. It is the first time in its 116-year history that such a step has been considered by the club, according to news reports. [MORE] One Woman's World PLANT A NEW WORLD THIS SPRING by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- For a little while, the men will just have to toss and turn in their fear-free-women beds. For a small space of time Hillary Clinton will just have to trudge on toward the White House without my faint applause in the background. [MORE] On Native Ground VERMONT AND THE 5 STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- First, Vermont tried to convince the nation to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. [MORE] Make My Day REBEL WITHOUT A TONGUE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Kids' brains work in amazing ways. At times, they can grasp complex concepts and make impressive discoveries. Other times, you have to wonder how we ever survived as a species. [MORE] The Willies FOR DEMOCRATS, NOW IT'S ABOUT RACE, INCOME AND GENDER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Feb. 6, 2008 -- It's not a good time to be a Democrat. As the Super Tuesday results demonstrated, the presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has divided the partly along clear racial, income and gender lines - the very distinctions the party has sought to erase in principle but has emphasized in its pursuit of diversity. [MORE] Momentum SUPER TUESDAY BLUES by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Super Tuesday has come and gone and I still can't get excited about the upcoming presidential elections. [MORE] The Willies ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY, YOUR PUSH IS NEEDED by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 5. 2008 -- I'm expecting a sea change tonight. I believe that for the first time in this nation's history we will once and forever banish racism as the deciding factor in the destiny of African-Americans, and indeed adopt diversity as our path to the future. [MORE] Campaign 2008 AT 88, EVERY VOTE REALLY COUNTS by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Pearl Turner will caucus for Mitt Romney tonight in Denver. [MORE] One Woman's World STAND BY YOUR WOMAN by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- The black vote. The gay vote. The fundamentalist vote. The Hispanic vote. [MORE] An AR Special SUSPECTS IN BENAZIR ASSASSINATION HAVE TIES TO MUSHARRAF by Ahmar Mustikhan WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When Gordon Brown this past Monday feted coup-leader-turned-President Pervez Musharraf at 10 Downing Street, Britain's new prime minister probably didn't ask the Pakistani dictator a question that is now on many minds: Did you order the murder of Benazir Bhutto? [MORE] Momentum TO THE VERMONT DELEGATION: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR US LATELY? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. Back when President George W. Bush and Dick Vice President Dick Cheney were building up to their loathsome war in Iraq, very few people were brave enough to call the bullies' bluff. [MORE] On Native Ground IF BUSH HAS HIS WAY, WE'LL NEVER LEAVE IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. - In his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, President Bush cautioned against accelerating U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq, saying that it would endanger the process that has been made over the past year. [MORE] Campaign 2008 CLASH OF COMMENTS AND PROTESTORS AT CLINTON, OBAMA RALLIES IN DENVER by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 1, 2008 -- At least four presidential campaigns of both partiers rolled into in Denver this week ahead of the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries in 22 states, but it was the Democratic presidential contenders who drew the big crowds and duked it out Wednesday. If sheer numbers are any indication, Sen. Barack Obama - preceded by a buoyant and beautiful Caroline Kennedy - won the round handily. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the Colorado primary next Tuesday. [MORE] The Willies WHY THE FLORIDA PRIMARY STINKS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- I was with my wife and daughter driving the back way from Miami home to Bradenton when we stopped at a McDonald's in Clewiston, the only big town along the vast shore of Lake Okeechobee, the state's precious freshwater reservoir. The McDonald's had three televisions at a central seating area, each tuned to a different network, and our table was in front of CNN as the very first election results started to pour in around 7:30PM. With them, almost as counterpoint, suddenly came such an overwhelming odor of cow plop that my wife started to throw up as we all ran to the parking lot. [MORE] Passings: Suharto DEATH OF A KEMUSU THUG by Andreas Harsono JAKARTA - A few minutes after hearing that former president Suharto had died in his hospital bed, Marco, a militia leader in downtown Jakarta, raced to Suhartos house, wearing his jungle camouflage and began guarding the Suhartos residence on Cendana Street. [MORE] Constance I REMEMBER YOU by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.. -- It seems to be more often lately that the sentiment is spoken but it's always been out there: "You never get over the death of your child." This is true. But the heartfelt expressions come from some who cannot fathom the notion of losing a child; their own child is who is in their mind, not another mother's child. [MORE] WATERLOO Friendship Village Auxilary will host its Spring Brunch & Bazaar from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. April 15 at 600 Park Lane. Brunch tickets are $10 each. Admission to the bazaar is free. The menu features Eggs Benedict casserole, a fruit cup, sausage, homemade muffins, coffee, milk and orange juice. Original crafts, jewelry, fresh baked goods, books, games, puzzles, videos, CDs, furniture, yesteryear's treasures and many specialty items will be available at the bazaar. Proceeds benefit residents of the health centers and assisted living facilities. To purchase a brunch ticket, call (319) 291-8100, or purchase at the door. NEW YORK On the one side are dozens of lawmakers on Capitol Hill issuing dire warnings about security breaches and possible Chinese surveillance. On the other are some 150 million TikTok users in the U.S. who just want to be able to keep making and watching short, fun videos offering makeup tutorials and cooking lessons, among other things. The disconnect illustrates the uphill battle that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle face in trying to convince the public that China could use TikTok as a weapon against the American people. But many users on the platform are more concerned about the possibility of the government taking away their favorite app. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said during a nearly six-hour congressional hearing Thursday that the platform has never turned over user data to the Chinese government, and wouldnt do so if asked. Nevertheless, lawmakers, the FBI and officials at other agencies continue to raise alarms that Chinese law compels Chinese companies like TikTok's parent company ByteDance to fork over data to the government for whatever purposes it deems to involve national security. Theres also concern Beijing might try to push pro-China narratives or misinformation through the platform. I want to say this to all the teenagers out there, and TikTok influencers who think were just old and out of touch and dont know what were talking about, trying to take your favorite app, said Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw during the hearing. You may not care that your data is being accessed now, but you will be one day. Many TikTok users reacted to the hearing by posting videos critical of lawmakers who grilled Chew and frequently cut him off from speaking. Some called a potential TikTok ban, as some lawmakers and the Biden administration has reportedly threatened, the biggest scam of the year. And others blamed the surge of scrutiny on the platform on another tech rival, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. But few expressed fear of possible Chinese surveillance or security breaches that lawmakers continue to amplify as they look to rein in TikTok. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., whose district is in the heart of Silicon Valley, said he is mindful of the value that platforms like TikTok provide to young people as an outlet for creative expression and building community. But theres absolutely no reason that an American technology company cant do that, said Khanna, the top Democrat on the cyber subcommittee on House Armed Service. America has the most innovative technology companies in the world. He added that Congress should move forward with a proposal that would force platforms sale to an American company for continued access for its millions of users while ensuring that the platform isnt subject to Chinese propaganda or compromises peoples privacy. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, two-thirds of Americans aged 13 to 17 use TikTok, and 16% of all teens say they use it almost constantly. It's because of TikTok's large user base that Lindsay Gorman, a former tech adviser for the Biden administration who now works as a senior fellow for emerging technologies at the German Marshall Fund, says the Biden administration will likely pursue every option short of a ban first. That would include the option for the app's Chinese owners to divest, which the Biden administration is reportedly demanding from TikTok if it wants to avoid a nationwide ban. TikTok itself has been trying to leverage its popularity. On Wednesday, it sent dozens of influencers to Congress to lobby against a ban. It has also ramped up a broader public relations campaign, plastering ads all over Washington that tout its promises of securing users data and privacy and creating a safe platform for its young users. Some popular TikTokers who speak out against a ban are concerned and angered about how it might impact their personal lives. Many earn income from their videos and have inked brand partnerships to market products to their audiences another stream of revenue that could be wiped away if the platform disappears. They would also lose the social capital that comes from having a large following on the trend-setting app. Demetrius Fields, a standup comedian who amassed 2.8 million followers on TikTok from posting comedy sketches, said he spent a long time building his career and followership on the platform. He has one active deal with the fast fashion retailer Fashion Nova, which allows him to earn an income along with the videos he posts on TikTok. If the app is taken away, he said building an audience on another platform would be challenging for him due to the competition to grab user attention. The financial implications for me would be pretty terrible, Fields said. I would probably have to go back to working a desk job. Sarah Pikhit, an 18-year-old student at Penn State University, said she used to use TikTok a lot, but started cutting back when she realized how much time she spent scrolling through videos on the app. She still uses it, but mostly to post her own content, which she says she can do on other platforms. She said she wouldnt care if TikTok gets banned but her friends would. They like the excessive scrolling, Pikhit said. 5 takeaways from TikTok CEO's first appearance before Congress Watch: TikTok CEO faces off with Congress, hoping to stave off possible ban over security fears Intro 1. Washington has already made up its mind about TikTok 2. TikTok CEO stresses its practices are no different than US tech giants 3. TikTok's impact on children a key point of focus 4. Chew criticized for avoiding questions. TikTok said Congress wasn't interested in his answers 5. Federal government ratchets up its rhetoric NASHVILLE, Tenn. The shooter who killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven weapons in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said Tuesday. The shooter drew a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre Monday at The Covenant School, authorities said. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Hale did not target specific victims among them three 9-year-olds and the head of the school but did target "this school, this church building," police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, "then we would have tried to get those weapons," Drake said. "But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if (Hale) even existed." Tennessee does not have a "red flag" law, which lets police step in and take firearms away from people who threaten to kill. Hale legally bought seven firearms from five local gun stores, Drake said. Three of them were used in Monday's shooting. Hale's parents believed their child sold one gun and did not own any others, Drake said, adding that Hale "had been hiding several weapons within the house." In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Drake said investigators don't know what drove Hale but believe the shooter had "some resentment for having to go to that school." At Tuesday's news conference, Drake described "several different writings by Hale" that mention other locations and The Covenant School. Police released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter's car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from Officer Rex Engelbert's bodycam, shows a woman meeting police outside as they arrive and telling them that all the children were locked down, "but we have two kids that we don't know where they are." The video shows officers climbing stairs to the second floor and entering a lobby area, followed by a barrage of gunfire and an officer yelling twice: "Get your hands away from the gun." Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who shot and killed Hale. Police have given unclear information on Hale's gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. Later in the day, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale "was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile." Later Tuesday, at the news conference, Drake referred to Hale with female pronouns. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the attack in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police have said 14 minutes passed from the initial call to when the suspect was killed, but they have not said how long it took them to arrive. Surveillance video shows a time stamp of just before 10:11 a.m., when the attacker shot out the doors. Police said they got the call about a shooter at 10:13 a.m. The edited bodycam footage didn't include time stamps. A police spokesperson didn't respond to an email Tuesday asking when they arrived. During the news conference, Drake did not answer a question directly about how many minutes it took police to arrive. At about 10:24 a.m., 11 minutes after the call was received, officers engaged the suspect, he said. "There were police cars that had been hit by gunfire. As officers were approaching the building, there was gunfire going off," Drake said. "We feel, our response right now, from what I've seen, I don't have a particular problem with it. But we always want to get better. We always want to get there in two or three minutes," he said, adding that traffic was "locked down" at the time. President Joe Biden said he spoke to the police chief, mayor and senators in Tennessee. He pleaded with Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws, including a ban on "assault weapons." "The Congress has to act," Biden said. "The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, it's a crazy idea. They're against that." Asked at a Senate hearing whether the Justice Department would open an investigation into whether the shooting was a hate crime targeting Christians, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said federal officials were working with local police to identify a motive. Photos: Scenes from the mass shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville Explanation of vote by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after UNSC vote on a draft resolution regarding the acts of sabotage at the Nord Stream pipeline https://russiaun.ru/ru/news/270323_n Mr.President, I am afraid that after this vote the suspicion, who stands behind the sabotage at the Nord Stream, will but increase. Let me briefly remind of very basic facts in this regard. In plain view of the entire world, the United States and its allies did their best to preclude an objective international investigation regarding the blasts at the Nord Stream pipeline in September last year. First Washington make public threats at the highest level that they would blow up the pipe, then they scoffingly rejoiced at the news about the sabotage. In the meantime, mass media generated lots of speculations and very controversial and absurd (to say the least) versions who might have done it. All calls by Russia as an affected side to join the national investigations in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, were turned down. All our written requests only received formal replies, this you had an opportunity to see with your own eyes. So here is my forecast. These so-called national investigations, where Russia takes no part, can go on for years. May I ask the representative of the United States what was so predetermined that he discovered in our draft resolution? You know the saying a guilty conscience is never at ease, dont you? The United States routinely links this resolution to Ukraine, though not a single word about Ukraine was said in the document, and not only there. When we raised the issue of an objective international investigation, the tactic of our American and European colleagues narrowed down to denying the involvement of the United States on the one hand and preventing a transparent and impartial inquiry into the circumstances of the sabotage on the other. The more evidence testifying to the involvement of Washington and its NATO allies came to surface, the more vocal the Western bloc was getting about alleged inexpediency of an international investigation. What does this mean? One does not need to be a detective or an analyst to realize that the United States and the allies are covering up the tracks, i.a. by adding more speculations and absurd versions while refusing to comment on the unflattering facts that are revealed. If the United States was interested in establishing the facts and holding the guilty to account, then Washington would act differently. Colleagues, this vote was a litmus test to show what world each of us is moving toward. Is it a world where international law is upheld and where there is accountability for attacks against international pipeline systems and other infrastructure? Or is it a world where there are states who can do whatever they like, who devise laws for everyone to follow while calling it a rules-based order, and who are never held accountable even for most reckless and dangerous actions? Todays vote confirmed with all certainty that our former Western partners believe they can get away with anything. Also, today we saw a nasty manifestation of Western silent conspiracy in the Security Council, which prevents this body from fulfilling its duties. Of course, we will draw our conclusions. We are convinced that more detailed facts are yet to be discovered, and that everyone who is complicit in the sabotage of the Nord Stream will be identified, as well as all details of this crime. This is inevitable. Thank you. Right of reply: Mr.President, Before Mr.Hersh published his findings, I cannot recall any Russian officials say that the United States had been guilty of this tragedy. Such speculations started only after the publication by S.Hersh. I would like to ask my US colleague. How can you comment on the words of his President J.Biden, who said, We will put an end to these pipes long before they were really put an end to? Second reply: Mr.President, My question was not about the article by Mr.Hersh that my American colleague has never read, though I strongly recommend that he does. I asked a direct question. How can you comment on the words of your President, who said openly, We will put an end to Nord Stream? This question I did not hear an answer to. Thank you. 27 March 2023 WtR We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A bug touted as the "acropalypse" has prompted Microsoft to release a pair of emergency fixes, which are made specifically for the Windows 10 and 11 screenshot editing tools. Users were concerned that the Windows screenshot bug might be exploited to obtain sensitive information. 'Acropalypse' Could Have Affected More Than 4,000 Public Images As reported by Bleeping Computer, Microsoft started to investigate the screenshot bug as soon as it was first noticed by the users. On Friday, the Big Tech finally released the public updates for Windows 11 Snipping Tool and Windows 10 Snip and Sketch app, which are the editing tools affected by the "acropalypse." According to Microsoft, the security update for the photo editing apps was released via CVE-2023-28303. As of this time, the exact number of public images affected by the screenshot bug is not yet determined. However, Bleeping Computer reported the number could be "much higher" than 4,000 images. The Windows screenshot bug was first discovered on Pixel smartphones, although this was already fixed by Google via Android's March security update. The Android update includes patches that protect the images created using screenshot tools before the bug was reported. This time around, the bug was encountered on Windows OS as it causes the editing apps to improperly overwrite cropped PNG data. According to Engadget, not all PNG files were affected by the bug, although some users feared that the screenshot issue was enough to cause security breach. Related Article: Microsoft To Make Setting Default Apps Easier on Windows 11 Microsoft Says Vulnerability Due to Screenshot Bug is 'Low' The Windows screenshot bug, first discovered by retired software engineer Christ Blume, alarmed the users as bad actors might exploit the bug to recover the original uncropped images. Some edited files affected by the screenshot bug might contain private information such as credit card details and account passwords, as per PCMag. Despite these concerns, Microsoft said that the vulnerability due to the bug is still considered "low." The company said that there has to be "uncommon user interaction and several factors outside of an attacker's control" so that attackers can successfully exploit the bug. That being said, people who had used the Windows editing apps for common practices such as copying an image from Snipping tool and editing the file before saving does not make the file vulnerable to the bug. A file can be considered explosed to the screenshot bug if the user took the screenshot, saved the file, cropped the image, and then saved the cropped image to the same location. Also, only those files shared publicly are likely to be affected, unless if the device where the files were saved is compromised. Users can start the Windows update for the screenshot bug manually by opening the Microsoft Store and clicking on "Library." Afterwards, click on "Get Updates" to obtain the necessary patches. Microsoft recommends everyone to install the updates, regardless if some users believe that their files are not affected by the bug. Read Also: Microsoft Suggests Temporary Fix for Unresponsive Windows Start Menu Its been about six months since health officials introduced the updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to help boost defenses against the disease that has killed more than 1.1 million Americans, most of whom were 50 or older. Now many are wondering: Whens the next shot? Thats actually among the most frequently asked questions at the present time, says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Since the COVID-19 vaccines were first made available, in late 2020, older adults have been encouraged to roll up their sleeves for a jab about every six months first with the original booster, then the second booster, followed by the omicron-specific shot. But that could change going forward. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed simplifying the vaccine schedule and making the COVID booster a once-a-year shot, much like the flu vaccine. Proponents say this more spaced-out schedule could help to bolster vaccination rates, which lagged with the latest bivalent option. Only about 16 percent of eligible Americans have received one, federal data shows. Plus, on a population level, protection looks pretty good against severe disease, Schaffner says. According to December 2022 data, adults who received the bivalent booster are significantly less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than their unvaccinated peers. And recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the new booster is effective against the now dominant XBB.1.5 variant. Still, the strength of the vaccines protection against infection and illness does wane some over time, studies show. And that can be concerning for people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe COVID for another reason. What is a bivalent booster? The updated boosters are called bivalent vaccines, meaning they contain not one but two sets of instructions (mRNA) that teach the body to produce antibodies to fight off a coronavirus infection. One mRNA component is from the original strain of the coronavirus. This is to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19, the FDA says. The other is from more recently circulating strains of the omicron variant. Waiting on word of a spring booster Currently, health officials are not recommending that high-risk individuals get a second dose of the bivalent booster. And because the booster is available under emergency use authorization (EUA), doctors and pharmacists are encouraged to practice within the recommendations. This means if youve already received a bivalent booster, you probably wont be able to get a second one right now. However, William Moss, M.D., executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in a recent media briefing that it would be a reasonable consideration if a recommendation for a second dose of the bivalent booster was made for vulnerable populations whose last booster dose was some time ago. Recent reports have hinted that the FDA could OK a spring booster for some high-risk individuals. In a statement to AARP, an FDA spokesperson said the agency is closely monitoring the emerging data and will base any decision on the data. Importantly, individuals who have not yet received an updated [bivalent] booster are encouraged to speak with their health care provider and consider receiving one, the FDA spokesperson said. Establishment of diplomatic ties with China applauded across Honduras Xinhua) 08:10, March 28, 2023 This aerial photo taken on March 26, 2023 shows a view of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) TEGUCIGALPA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- People from all walks of life in Honduras applauded the establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties after the two countries signed a joint communique on Sunday. Rodolfo Pastor de Maria, secretary of the presidency, told Xinhua that it was a great honor to witness the establishment of bilateral ties, which would open an important door of opportunity for Honduras and help the country diversify its international relations. The establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic relations is an independent and courageous historic decision, and no country can ignore China's status and role as a major country in terms of economy, finance and trade, Attorney General of Honduras Manuel Antonio Diaz said. China's economy has achieved solid growth, and products made in China have been shipped to the world, said Daniel Sponda, secretary of education of Honduras, adding that the establishment of diplomatic ties with China is conducive to Honduras' development of digital skills in education. Fausto Calix, executive director of the Honduran customs administration, said that Honduras has made the decision as a sovereign country and it must be respected by the international community and China, as a major country in the world, will bring great opportunities to the development of Honduras. Armando Vidal, who has been in the tourism industry for over 20 years, is ready to welcome Chinese tourists to visit the local scenic splendours and hospitable Hondurans. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will help attract Chinese tourists to Honduras while increasing local revenues, Vidal said. Armando Enamorado, former president of the Metropolitan University of Honduras, voiced hope that the establishment of diplomatic ties will bring more Chinese technological achievements to Honduras so that Honduras can better leverage China's digital technology and other experiences to enhance the competitiveness of local students. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Artemis 2 mission will soon have its astronauts named. NASA, together with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), will soon reveal its pick of astronauts for its Artemis 2 mission less than a week away as of press time, and the wait couldn't be long enough for those looking forward to it. NSA previously announced it would soon reveal the astronauts that will go to space through the Artemis 2 mission in early March. NASA Artemis 2 Astronaut Details NASA Administrator Bill Nelson previously announced in his "State of NASA" Address that the space agency would announce the four astronauts that will go on its Artemis 2 mission on Apr. 3. Though Nelson didn't give the identities of the astronauts outright during his address at the time, he did reveal that three of the astronauts would come from the US, and one would come from Canada. They will be the first to see the moon up-close in space since the Apollo 17 mission in Dec. 1972. According to a Space.com article, NASA will reveal who these four astronauts are from Ellington Field in Houston, near the Kennedy Space Center. It will live stream the event, which NASA scheduled to commence on the morning of Apr. 3 at 11 AM EDT on NASA Television. Read More: '65' Star Adam Driver Asks NASA About Dino-Killing Asteroids You may remember that the Apollo 17 mission was the last time a human was on the moon, per Encyclopedia Britannica. Additionally, the Artemis 2 mission will only have the four astronauts go around the moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission to put NASA's SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the test. While the Artemis 1 mission was uncrewed, it was like that for a reason: to test whether NASA's rocket and spacecraft are capable of bringing people at least around the moon and returning to Earth in one piece. In place of astronauts, the Orion spacecraft brought a Shaun the Sheep plush toy along with a few other items on board the spacecraft. NASA is currently targeting to launch its Artemis 2 mission, which it expects to last ten days, in Nov. 2024. What's In NASA's Plans For Artemis? Should the Artemis 2 mission be successful, NASA will proceed with Artemis 3, which NASA plans to launch in 2025; it is the definitive Artemis mission that will bring humanity back to the moon's surface. The space agency previously announced that the Artemis 3 mission would not just bring humanity back to the moon - it would also bring the first woman and person of color to its surface. After Artemis 3, NASA may proceed to build its Artemis Gateway lunar base with its Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment spacecraft being its foundation. Once that's done, NASA may go even further than the moon and have humanity reach Mars for the first time in human history; deep space missions will also be possible after the Mars mission. Related Article: NASA To Reveal Artemis 2 Astronauts in April Commencement of Soil Sampling & Aircore Drilling at KIT West Sydney, Mar 28, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Further soil sampling and preparation for the upcoming 10,000m aircore programme are underway at Cobre Limited's ( ASX:CBE ) Kitlanya West (KITW) Project which, combined with the Ngami Copper Project (NCP), covers ~2,700km2 of prospective terrane for sedimentary hosted copper-silver deposits on the northern margin of the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB). Highlights: - Interpretation of soil sample results, completed in 2022 over KITW, has identified several multi-element geochemical anomalies potentially related to copper-silver mineralisation associated with fold limbs and hinge zones; - Positive soil sample results over a newly identified doubly plunging target (Tlou) demonstrate further potential for both shear and hinge related copper-silver mineralisation; - A second phase of soil sampling consisting of 8,600 samples designed to test the lateral extent of existing anomalies is now in progress with results expected by mid-year; - A large-scale aircore drilling programme has been designed to test the base of the Kalahari cover / top of bedrock in a number of priority areas providing valuable information on the position, and potential copper enrichment, of the important Ngwako-Pan/D'Kar Formation redox contact and overlying stratigraphy; - The aircore drill rig has arrived in Africa and access clearing is underway in preparation for the programme to start in April; - The ongoing 5,000m diamond drilling programme on NCP is expected to be completed at the end of April with assay results due a few weeks thereafter. In addition to evaluating several new targets, this programme has been able to demonstrate that a combination of detailed ground gravity, partial leach geochemistry and geochemical vectors from drilling can be used successfully to identify higher grade portions of targets; and - Targets generated from the soil and aircore drilling programmes at KITW will be combined with advanced targets on neighbouring NCP for diamond drill testing in Q4 2023. Commenting on current results, Chief Executive Officer, Adam Wooldridge, said: "Kitlanya West has all the characteristic geological markers for hosting undiscovered KCB copper-silver deposits. The mineral potential of the Project is further supported by its potential for a variety of target types including traditional limb, fold-hinge and doubly-plunging fold trapsites. Adding several compelling soil geochemistry anomalies into the mix adds further weight to the project's potential. The relatively thin Kalahari cover also simplifies soil geochemistry and provides an ideal environment for aircore drilling which collectively provides a cost effective means for testing multiple targets across the license area. Results from this next phase of work will go a long way to opening this emerging copper district." Ngami Copper Project and Kitlanya West Project background: NCP and KITW are located near the northern margin of the KCB and include a significant strike of sub-cropping Ngwako-Pan / D'Kar Formation contact on which most of the known deposits in the KCB occur. In terms of regional prospectivity, the greater license package includes: - A number of highly anomalous drill-tested copper-silver targets on the NCP properties proving the copper endowment of the region; - Over 500km of interpreted sub-cropping Ngwako Pan / D'Kar Formation contact as well as several fold targets which may act as trap-sites for upgraded mineralisation; - Strategic location near the basin margin typically prioritised for sedimentary-hosted copper deposits; - Outcropping Kgwebe Formation often considered a key vector for deposits in the northeast of the KCB; - Well defined gravity low anomalies indicative of sub-basin architecture or structural thickening (a number of the deposits in the KCB are hosted on the margins of gravity lows); - Relatively shallow Kalahari Group cover (between 0m and ~90m thick); and - Numerous encouraging soil sample anomalies. Figure 1* illustrates the soil sample results with upcoming work programmes at KITW, Figure 2* highlights the Tlou Target and Figure 3* illustrates the regional setting and emerging copper-silver district on the northern margin of the KCB. Target Model The Company is targeting analogues to the copper deposits in Khoemacau's Zone 5 development (Figure 4*) in the north-eastern portion of the KCB. These include Zone 5 (92.1 Mt @ 2.2% Cu and 22 g/t Ag), Zeta NE (29 Mt @ 2.0% Cu and 40 g/t Ag), Zone 5N (25.6 Mt @ 2.2% Cu and 38 g/t Ag) and Mango NE (21.1 Mt @ 1.8% Cu and 21 g/t Ag) . In addition, a number of doubly-plunging anticlines have been identified offering potential trapsites for analogous deposits to ASX-listed Sandfire Resources Limited's ( ASX:SFR ) T3 and A4 deposits (combined reserve of 49.6Mt @ 1.0% Cu and 14g/t Ag). *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/52UJ7GH5 About Cobre Limited Cobre Limited (ASX:CBE) is a copper and base-metals explorer with projects in Western Australia and Botswana. The Company recently discovered a new high-grade VMS deposit enriched in Copper, Gold, Zinc and Silver in Western Australia, and is currently exploring approximately 8,100 km2 of tenements within the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) in Botswana. A man who pleaded guilty to fatally beating and choking his mother and putting her in a cardboard box in 2017 was sentenced Monday to 14 years in prison. John McArthur, 43, pleaded guilty last year to second degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 66-year-old Carolyn McArthur. John McArthurs journey to prison involved a stay of nearly five years in the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, his attorney, Anne Keener, said Monday in a phone interview. McArthur was diagnosed with schizophrenia with delusions a hard-to-treat major mental illness, she said. This case is a tragedy all the way around, Keener said. He lost his only family he lost his mother and unfortunately for him, he remembers. He has to live with that memory of what he did to his own mother for the rest of his life. In November, 2nd Judicial District Judge Bruce Fox found McArthur competent to continue the criminal proceeding. After he was deemed competent, he wanted to take responsibility for the case and pled guilty to second degree murder and tampering with evidence, Keener said. In May 2017, police were called to a home in the 1700 block of Candelaria NW to transport McArthur to a mental hospital for evaluation, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. The following day, McArthur told an Albuquerque homicide detective that the responding officers had interrupted him while he was attempting to conceal his mothers body. McArthur told officers that he had killed his mother, then stuffed her body into a cardboard box, the criminal complaint said. Officers then returned to the home and found the womans body. McArthur told police that he poured a powder called Dragons Breath in his mothers drink and she drank it, the criminal complaint said. The woman did not get sick from the drink, but later in the day, she told him to leave and took his house keys, he told police. McArthur then lost his temper and choked and beat his mother until she died, the complaint said. He put her body in a box and planned to take it to an unknown location when officers arrived to take him for a mental evaluation, it said. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade over the summer, New Mexico seemed poised to become a destination for those seeking abortion. Its a blue state with no restrictions on when the procedure can be done during pregnancy and is sandwiched between Texas and Arizona, states that ban or restrict abortion. Over the past nine months, a lot has been written in national media about states that have banned, or severely limited, access to abortion and how that is affecting doctors and patients. Here in New Mexico, we set out to tell another angle of the same story. These articles, along with videos produced by photographer Chancey Bush, are the result of dozens of interviews over the past month, speaking to people on every side of the issue about the realities of accessing abortion care and what could be coming next. If you have a story youd like to share, or an idea that you think we should pursue, please email ekaplan@abqjournal.com. The stories and videos In the first story, we went to Clovis one of five jurisdictions in Eastern New Mexico that passed ordinances that, in essence, ban abortions. The governor had just signed House Bill 7, which prevents cities and counties from interfering with reproductive health care. But the anti-abortion activists are undeterred. In fact, theyre anticipating the opportunity to challenge the bill, potentially all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. | Read the story In the second story, we talked with those who provide abortions as well as those who offer funding and support for patients in need, many of whom are coming from out of state. They shared the stories theyre hearing from people traveling long distances and overcoming great obstacles to reach a clinic in New Mexico. | Read the story In the third story, we discovered that although abortion is not restricted in New Mexico during any time in a pregnancy, the only clinic to offer the procedure after 24 weeks has put its program on hold. And we spoke with an activist who calls herself a pro-life missionary about how she and her husband came to the state specifically to fight against abortions later in pregnancy. | Read the story Editors note: The Journal continues its investigative series on the issues and players involved in the proposed merger of Public Service Company of New Mexico and Avangrid, a proposal that soon may resurface. Local government control over energy generation emerged in this years legislative session as a potential alternative to the aging structure of private utilities dominating the states electric system as regulated monopolies. But the idea earlier appeared as a backdrop to Public Service Company of New Mexicos controversial bid to merge with Connecticut-based energy giant Avangrid Inc. Merger critics are big proponents for public control of utilities, and they acknowledge that goal was an important part of their opposition to the PNM/Avangrid deal. In this years legislative session, those merger critics took the lead in supporting the Local Choice Energy Act (Senate Bill 165) which died in committee saying city and county governments could significantly accelerate the states transition to solar, wind and other renewables if allowed to take control of electric generation away from investor-owned utilities like PNM. And, as nonprofit government-run entities, the newly formed utilities could put public interest above private profit, eliminating shareholder returns to instead pump business proceeds back into local communities to benefit consumers through lower energy costs, according to supporters. The concept is not new. Its part of an emerging public power movement in the nations Northeast and California, where energy-market reforms have allowed some 1,800 communities to take control of their own electric generation. Proponents call it energy democracy. And, in general, its based on an anti-monopoly approach to transitioning the grid from fossil fuels to renewable resources. But its a controversial proposal that critics say could actually interfere with the transition to renewables, which requires immense capital investment and expertise that private utilities bring to the table. In New Mexico, the movement emerged in the midst of PNMs proposed merger with Avangrid, which the two companies submitted for approval by the state Public Regulation Commission in fall 2020. Under that proposal, Avangrid would acquire PNM Resources and its two utility subsidiaries PNM and Texas New Mexico Power in a $4.3 billion all-cash transaction, impacting about 800,000 electricity customers. The previous five-member elected Public Regulation Commission rejected the deal in December 2021, following nearly a year of public hearings. But the merger partners appealed that decision at the state Supreme Court, which is now considering a request to remand the case back for a rehearing before the newly appointed, three-member PRC that took office in January. With public controversy heating up over that possible remand, the Journal spoke with parties directly involved in the case about the public-power movements influence on the Avangrid-PNM deal. Merger opponents said their anti-monopoly goals were, indeed, a driving motivation for them against the merger, generating a broad grassroots campaign to kill the deal in 2021, and likely a similar movement again if the case returns to the PRC. Merger supporters, however, say that political agenda led to a stream of misinformation about Avangrid and its parent company, Spanish firm Iberdrola, S.A. They contend the campaign falsely painted those companies as unmanageable corporate monopolies that emphasize profit over public interest, unfairly influencing the previous commission against the merger. One merger supporter called it a smear campaign that hijacked the narrative in PRC proceedings. Grassroots campaign Among the 24 organizations that participated in the 2021 merger hearings, one group Santa Fe-based New Energy Economy opposed the deal. NEE executive director Mariel Nanasi, an attorney, spearheaded the groups legal opposition inside PRC hearings. But outside the legal proceedings, NEE and another activist group, Retake Our Democracy, which Nanasi helped form about five years ago, led a grassroots campaign to defeat the merger. Those two groups joined others like Renewable Taos in 2019 and 2020 to strategize on promoting public power, leading to a new alliance called Public Power NM. About a dozen people began it, and it kept growing, especially during and after the Avangrid hearing, Nanasi told the Journal. In the Avangrid case, from the start, we said dont go Avangrid, go public power. Legally, the PRC proceedings themselves were limited to focusing on the pros and cons of the merger, including Avangrid and Iberdrolas business practices and the PRCs ability to effectively regulate them. (Public power) wasnt the legal question at hand, Nanasi said. But in terms of NEE briefing and testimony and how we communicate with our members and constituents, it was absolutely included in our messaging. Parallel to PRC proceedings, NEE and Retake Our Democracy guided their supporters in a vociferous lobbying effort that saturated PRC commissioners and the local media with anti-merger emails and letters to the editor. Retake Our Democracy, for example, circulated a 22-page instruction book to guide its constituents on how to influence PRC members through customized messaging. The manual stressed public power as a better option for New Mexico, with detailed instruction for letter writers about Avangrid and Iberdrolas alleged corporate misconduct and poor performance in other states and countries. We mounted fierce opposition with action alerts and writing to commissioners, Retake Our Democracy co-founder Paul Gibson told the Journal. We did research on Avangrid and compiled a litany of stories on how the company has destroyed communities. Gibson said the campaigns central message focused on putting New Mexicos communities in control of their own resources. Its ours our wind, our sun and our profit to reinvest in our own communities and not just hand the keys to the kingdom over to Avangrid, but keep the keys ourselves, Gibson said. Backing from Seth Berry In the hearings themselves, NEE never directly introduced public power as an alternative to the Avangrid-PNM merger. But the issue was foundational in key opposition testimony offered by former Maine House Rep. Seth Berry, who at that time chaired Maines House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. Berrys testimony, introduced by NEE in May 2021, said Iberdrola and Avangrid had a deeply detrimental impact on his state through their utility subsidiary, Central Maine Power, or CMP. In particular, he described extensive billing and customer service problems that affected tens of thousands of local consumers after CMP installed a new software system in 2017, plus illegal customer disconnect notices during winter months that led to significant regulatory fines against the company. Avangrid and Iberdrola, Berry said, had demonstrated a systemic pattern of greed and mismanagement, making CMP the lowest-ranked utility on industry consultant J.D. Powers annual survey of residential customer satisfaction. Avangrid executives, however, questioned Berrys objectivity, because hes a leading advocate for public power, who in 2021 spearheaded a legislative initiative later vetoed by Maines governor to replace CMP and the states other investor-owned utility, Versant Power, with a nonprofit, community-run utility. And, since 2021, Berry has deepened his commitment to public power through leadership in a grassroots movement in Maine called Our Power, which gathered voter support for a state referendum, now scheduled for November, to force CMP and Versant to sell their assets to a new community-owned utility. Berry and Nanasi worked together to influence the PRC in merger hearings, according to presentations they made in an open online forum in January 2022. Apart from his written testimony, Berry submitted an affidavit that helped persuade hearing examiner Ashley Shannauer to order Iberdrola to participate in PRC proceedings alongside Avangrid. Seth Berry was critical, Nanasi told forum participants. He wrote an affidavit we ended up using in our fight to bring in Iberdrola. It was actually the affidavit the declaration by Seth Berry that helped win the day in court. Berry also wrote an op-ed opposing the merger that appeared in the Journal, and he directly phoned into an open PRC public meeting to testify against the deal. In the online forum, Berry called the NEE partnership incredible. Were building the (public power) movement in Maine and (throughout) the U.S, Berry said. Their collaborative efforts helped convince commissioners the mergers risks outweighed the benefits, Nanasi said. Activists need to connect with each other nationally and internationally, she said. Biased arguments? Merger supporters, however, say public power advocates magnified alleged problems faced by CMP in Maine to derail the merger by painting Avangrid and Iberdrola as unmanageable corporate monopolies that would be difficult to regulate in New Mexico if allowed to acquire PNM. That offered a legal basis to oppose the merger while avoiding direct discussion about replacing investor-owned utilities, or IOUs, with publicly run companies, since the PRC has no statutory authority to consider public power as an alternative to regulated electric monopolies, said utility industry veteran and former PRC commissioner Doug Howe. You cant make an argument at the PRC that IOUs are bad and public utilities are good it cant be part of the record so NEE and public power supporters attacked the merger in a different way, Howe told the Journal. They basically put together a character assassination campaign against Avangrid and Iberdrola. That made the PRC hearing process extremely controversial and contentious, virtually converting it into political theater, Howe said. Frankly, NEEs fight turned the regulatory hearings into a master class on how to steal the narrative away by steering it into a smear job where factual issues were portrayed completely out of perspective in front of a bunch of commissioners without the experience to see they were being played, Howe said. Nanasi said NEE focused on real issues of corporate mismanagement, misconduct and poor performance by Avangrid and Iberdrola in the hearings, presenting concrete evidence of those companies bad behavior demonstrated by their utility subsidiaries in northeastern states and elsewhere. Our questions in the case focused on whether Avangrid was a good partner for New Mexico, and we said no for a host of reasons, Nanasi told the Journal. Still, the case clearly reflects two radically different desires for New Mexico, she added. One is an Avangrid/Iberdrola-controlled grid, and the other local wealth creation through community-run utilities, Nanasi said. Former commissioners say they ultimately rejected the merger based on Avangrid and Iberdrolas own record. There is no such thing as a good deal with a bad partner, former commissioner Stephen Fischmann said in a recent op-ed in the Santa Fe New Mexican. Thats why I joined PRC members in voting unanimously to deny the proposed acquisition. But the NEE/Retake Our Democracy campaign clearly influenced commissioners, who said they were flooded with public correspondence opposing the merger. Ive received hundreds of emails, all personalized, individualized messages, former commissioner Cynthia Hall said in one open PRC meeting. And since leaving the PRC in December, Fischmann has become a direct public power advocate who helped present the Local Choice Energy Act to legislators in February. He called for ending the electricity utility monopoly stranglehold on New Mexico in a February op-ed in the Journal. As a PRC commissioner, I was charged to protect the public interest, Fischmann wrote. My support for Local Choice Energy is an extension of that effort. Keep reading The Maine Effect | A closer look at how Avangrids problems in Maine played a role in the PRCs deliberations Waiting on the Supremes | High court will decide if PRC gets second chance to rule on merger Change can be good. And change can be difficult. But change just for the sake of change is simply disruptive and accomplishes little. Thats why Albuquerque Public Schools administration needs to make a strong case for the changes it is proposing for the calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Because from where we stand, some of these changes make sense, some are head scratchers and the end result is too few additional class days. As-is, the proposal (mandated by legislation awaiting the governors signature) would shorten summer and fall breaks, expand winter break to about two and a half weeks, expand spring break to about two weeks, and increase the number of instructional days from 178 to 182. There is a lot of merit in a schedule that shortens breaks and reduces learning loss. But why extend winter and spring breaks rather than add instructional days for students? The new schedule would start the fall semesters at most schools a week earlier on Aug. 3 and extend the last day of school for most students to May 31 instead of the current May 25. Our big question with this plan is: Can APS ensure air conditioning will be working so students dont swelter the last weeks of May and the entire month of August? Not much learning will occur if that is the case. Another major concern is releasing many elementary and middle school students hours early on most Wednesdays, bringing back a childcare nightmare for working parents. We agree teachers need time for preparation and training, but are four measly extra learning days and short Wednesdays the best way to accomplish that? The school district is also considering a later start time for high school students, which has scientific merit and is worth pursuing as long as it doesnt further stress the districts transportation system thats already short bus drivers. APS is asking for public input on the proposed calendar before the school board likely votes on it next month. Parents, especially working parents, should speak up. Additional class days, more teacher training and shorter breaks make sense. But not if students get a mere four additional instructional days and the rest translates into an inconsistent schedule for families. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Editors note: The Journal continues its investigative series on the issues and players involved in the proposed merger of Public Service Company of New Mexico and Avangrid, a proposal that soon may resurface. Extensive problems faced by Avangrid subsidiary Central Maine Power have generated a public backlash in that state, causing a ripple effect in regulatory proceedings here over Avangrid and Public Service Company of New Mexicos proposed merger. The Maine utility, CMP, has ranked at the bottom of industry consultant J.D. Powers annual survey of residential customer satisfaction for several years, inspiring former Maine Rep. Seth Berry to testify in 2021 at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on behalf of merger opponent New Energy Economy. Berry accused Avangrid and its parent firm, Spanish company Iberdrola, S.A., of demonstrating a systemic pattern of greed and mismanagement in his state. That testimony encouraged merger opponents here to label Avangrid the worst of the worst in the industry, not just in Maine, but throughout the Northeast, where the company operates utilities in four different states. But former Maine regulator David Littell, who served on that states Public Utility Commission from 2010 to 2015, said Avangrids issues are fairly specific to Maine, reflecting unique problems there that began in 2017, nearly 10 years after Avangrid and Iberdrola acquired CMP in 2008. By and large, CMPs problems can be traced to a customer-service debacle created by a new billing software platform that CMP installed in 2017, Littell said. CMP deployed the platform to help modernize the grid with new technology, something thats created issues for utilities in various states. The system didnt work well, causing billing problems for some 100,000 of CMPs roughly 620,000 customers, leading to nearly $10 million in regulatory fines. A CMP decision to outsource its customer service compounded the problems. Theres certainly no excuse no substitution for good management, Littell told the Journal. Top CMP executives took their eye off the ball and allowed mid-management to screw things up. But those types of problems can be avoided through effective regulation. Apart from fines, the billing debacle also led to a class-action lawsuit brought by about 600 ratepayers. For years CMP was held in pretty high regard by Maine customers, including when I was a commissioner at the PUC, Littell said. That started to break down with the billing and customer service issues That became front-page news, and thats the real issue here. CMP now faces a movement to replace it with a nonprofit, community-run utility. There is a strong public power movement here thats led by this politician, Seth Berry, and he helped beat the merger in New Mexico, Littell told the Journal. Hes taken advantage of a wave of public disenchantment in Maine. In recent years, that movement has grown in response to public controversy over a joint transmission project by Avangrid and Canadian company Hydro Quebec that would cut through Maine forest areas to run hydroelectric power from Canada to Massachusetts. The project, known as New England Clean Energy Connect, or NECEC, has stirred environmental concerns similar to other renewable energy transmission projects around the country, leading to a referendum in November 2021 that Maine voters approved to stop the project. The state Supreme Court later rejected the referendum as unenforceable since the project already has state and federal approvals, but it remains stalled for now under order by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Public power advocates say NECEC is another example of Avangrid putting corporate profit over public interest. But others say its actually a regional issue that pits Maine voters, environmentalists and even rival energy companies against Avangrid, Hydro Quebec, and federal and state officials who support the project. In Maines 2021 referendum campaign, NextEra Energy, Vistra Energy and Calpine three Avangrid competitors that operate natural gas and nuclear plants in the area spent a combined $27 million to influence voters against NECEC, according to a story last year in the New York Times. Keep reading Waiting on the Supremes | High court will decide if PRC gets second chance to rule on merger Public power | Merger opponents driven by anti-monopoly agenda If not for the theaters beer taps or the mans suspected use of cocaine, the gun-wielding patron who sent Flix Brewhouse employees into a panic may not have been arrested or face criminal charges. Darnell Hill, 25, was arrested after he brought a loaded AR-15 style rifle into the movie theater late Friday night and ran into the theaters kitchen, where employees wrestled the gun from him and held him until police arrived, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Like many states, New Mexico allows for people to openly carry firearms. That means in most cases its legal for people to walk around with an assault-style rifle over their shoulder or a pistol strapped to their hip, even into movie theaters. But state law prohibits the carrying of weapons into an establishment that sells alcohol for consumption, which the Flix Brewhouse does. Hill was arrested on suspicion of unlawful carrying of a firearm into a liquor establishment. He was also charged with negligent use of a firearm. The former is a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, and the latter is a misdemeanor, said Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office Lt. Russell Broyles. The negligent use of a firearm charge was because he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time, said Nancy Laflin, a spokeswoman for the Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office. According to the complaint, Hills girlfriend told deputies that Hill had used yay which is slang for cocaine and drank prior to entering the theater. A deputy wrote in the complaint that Hills eyes were glossed over and he was sweaty and rambling. Employees told investigators Hill was rapping and making nonsensical statements prior to them taking the gun from him. The gun was loaded with 24 .223 caliber rounds, according to the complaint. Even though theater employees ran for the exits and took to hiding, Broyles said investigators dont believe that Hills actions warranted an aggravated assault charge. He never pointed the gun at anyone, according to the complaint. We did not obtain any information that said he pointed the firearm at anyone, Broyles said. Which is kind of where we land with the difference between some of these fears (the theater employees had) and the charges that are available. Flix does have signs prohibiting weapons, according to the complaint. Broyles said if a business that doesnt serve alcohol has such a ban and a person enters while openly carrying a firearm, he or she could potentially be criminally trespassing depending on the circumstances. It wasnt clear Monday whether Hill has an attorney. The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office has filed a motion to keep Hill detained until his trial. If the employees that took the gun away from the defendant had been unsuccessful there is no telling the amount of havoc or carnage he would have wreaked, Assistant District Attorney John Litchford wrote in the motion. The defendants actions show how dangerous he is. New Mexico had the seventh-highest gun death rate in the country in 2020, and gun deaths in the state increased 53% from 2011 to 2020, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. And mass shootings are a regular news item across the country three children and three employees were killed in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday in such an incident at a school. Fridays incident sent many Flix employees running for the exits or hiding. We are working to arrange professional counseling and support for our team and are very focused on their mental health and well-being, Flix CEO Chance Robertson said in an email. While the emotional trauma of the incident cannot be erased, were thankful our energy is focused on healing and supporting those involved as things could have been so much worse. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The shooter who killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven weapons in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said Tuesday. The violence Monday at The Covenant School was the latest school shooting to roil the nation and was planned carefully. The shooter had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Hale did not target specific victims among them three 9-year-olds and the head of the school but did target this school, this church building, police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctors care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, then we would have tried to get those weapons, Drake said. But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if (Hale) even existed. Tennessee does not currently have a red flag law, which lets police step in and take firearms away from people who threaten to kill. On Tuesday night, Tennessees governor said one of the victims, 61-year-old substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, was a close friend of his wife, Maria, and that the two had been scheduled to have dinner after Peak taught that day. Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Gov. Bill Lee said, adding that his wife once taught with Peak and another victim, Katherine Koonce, and the women and have been family friends for decades. Hale legally bought seven firearms from five local gun stores, Drake said. Three of them were used in Mondays shooting. Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said Hale bought the guns between October 2020 and June 2022. Hales parents believed their child had sold one gun and did not own any others, Drake said, adding that Hale had been hiding several weapons within the house. Hales motive is unknown, Drake said. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Drake said investigators dont know what drove Hale but believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake, at Tuesdays news conference, described several different writings by Hale that mention other locations and The Covenant School. Asked at a Senate hearing whether the Justice Department would open an investigation into whether the shooting was a hate crime targeting Christians, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said federal officials were working with local police to identify a motive. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooters car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from Officer Rex Engelberts bodycam, shows a woman meeting police outside as they arrive and telling them that all the children were locked down, but we have two kids that we dont know where they are. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles and announcing themselves as police. The video shows officers climbing stairs to the second floor and entering a lobby area, followed by a barrage of gunfire and an officer yelling twice: Get your hands away from the gun. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. The White House said President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday with Drake, Engelbert and Callazo to thank them for their bravery. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the attack in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police said about eight minutes passed from the initial call to when officers arrived at the scene. Surveillance video shows a time stamp of just before 10:11 a.m., when the attacker shot out the doors. Police said they got the call about a shooter at 10:13. Aaron said in an email Tuesday that dispatch records show officers arrived on campus shortly before 10:22. At about 10:24, officers engaged the suspect, the chief said during the news conference. Within two minutes of that, the suspect was down, according to the dispatch records. There were police cars that had been hit by gunfire. As officers were approaching the building, there was gunfire going off, Drake said. We feel, our response right now, from what Ive seen, I dont have a particular problem with it. But we always want to get better. We always want to get there in two or three minutes, he said, adding that traffic was locked down at the time. Traffic was indeed stopped along a nearby two-lane road with a turning lane as police tried to weave their way to the school. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. Later in the day, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. Later Tuesday, at the news conference, Drake referred to Hale with female pronouns. Authorities identified the dead children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Koonce was remembered as someone who would run toward danger, not away from it. I guarantee you if there were kids missing (during the shooting), Katherine was looking for them, friend Jackie Bailey said. And thats probably how she got in the way just trying to do something for somebody else. She would give up her own life in order to save somebody elses. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the school is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville. It has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade and roughly 50 staff members. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia, John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles. NEW YORK (AP) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday. The charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act raises to 13 the number of charges Bankman-Fried faces after he was arrested in the Bahamas in December and brought to the United States soon afterward. The indictment was returned on Monday. The charge also contains language revealing that a fifth arrest was imminent in what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has repeatedly described as a continuing investigation. That unidentified individual, according to the indictment, participated in the bribery conspiracy with Bankman-Fried and will be arrested in the Southern District of New York. FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run on the global cryptocurrency exchange. He has remained free on a $250 million personal recognizance bond that lets him stay with his parents in Palo Alto, California. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors out of billions of dollars before his business collapsed. A spokesperson for Bankman-Frieds lawyers told The Associated Press Tuesday that they had no comment. An arraignment on the rewritten indictment was set for Thursday by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. He also on Tuesday banned Bankman-Fried from communicating with current or ex-employees of FTX or Alameda Research, its affiliated cryptocurrency hedge fund trading firm. The order also limits Bankman-Fried to one laptop and phone and bans him from encrypted communications or other cellphones, computers, or smart devices with internet access. The alleged bribes stemmed from the operation of Alameda Research. The indictment said Chinese law enforcement authorities in early 2021 froze certain Alameda cryptocurrency trading accounts containing about $1 billion in cryptocurrency on two of Chinas largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Bankman-Fried, 31, understood that the accounts had been frozen by Chinese authorities as part of an ongoing probe of a particular Alameda trading counterparty, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried failed multiple attempts over several months to unfreeze the accounts through methods including using lawyers to lobby, Bankman-Fried ultimately agreed to direct a multimillion dollar bribe to try to unfreeze the accounts, the indictment said. Among failed attempts, the indictment said Bankman-Fried and others he directed opened new fraudulent accounts on the Chinese exchanges using personal identifying information of several individuals unaffiliated with FTX or Alameda to try to evade freeze orders and move cryptocurrency from frozen accounts to the fraudulent accounts. A portion of the bribe payment of cryptocurrency, then worth about $40 million, was moved from Alamedas main trading account to a private cryptocurrency wallet in November 2021 and the frozen accounts were unfrozen at about the same time, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried received confirmation that the accounts were unfrozen, he authorized the transfer of additional tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency to complete the bribe, according to the indictment. Among those already charged in the case is Carolyn Ellison, Alamedas former chief executive. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried, as have two former FTX executives who have pleaded guilty in cooperation deals with the government. Messages for comment were sent to the Chinese consulate in New York and the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. _____ AP Writer Jennifer Peltz contributed to this story. Microsoft Teams will be faster and more user-friendly than ever, as the Redmond tech giant announced the new updates and features that the users can expect once the revamped app arrives in June. The new Teams is said to perform twice as fast compared to the current version, which should cut the app launching time and the time to join a video call by half. The amazing part of the upgrade is that the new Teams will be running with 50 percent less memory. New Teams to Perform Two Times Faster While Taking Up 50 Percent Less Memory; Features Improved User Interface According to a blog update from Microsoft, the new Teams is expected to release in June 2023, as the company is still testing the upgrades to be applied on the messaging app. Microsoft shall also consider the feedback received from the customers who participated in the preview stage. Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft, takes pride in the new Teams as it is "built on a foundation of speed, performance, flexibility, and intelligence." Teper also said that the new app will perform two times faster while only requiring 50% less memory. Aside from faster performance and improved efficiency, the new Teams will also receive "game-changing new AI-powered experiences." This includes the Copilot for Microsoft Teams, which was already announced earlier this month. Furthermore, Microsoft said that the new Teams will offer a better user experience by making the design simpler and putting "everything in one place." As reported by PCWorld, the Big Tech is bringing significant changes to Teams' user interface, including a new design that many Teams users have long been asking for. Specifically, the new Teams will scrap the "chat-like model" where the conversations are displayed in separate threads. Microsoft admitted that this model confused many users, and that is why they are working on a new interface to "adopt a post-and-reply experience" at the top of the conversations. Related Article: New Microsoft Teams Will Perform Better than Its Predecessor New Teams Redesign to Improve PC Performance; Introduces AI Features for Better User Experience While there is a chance that users may not feel the performance upgrade in the new Teams, Microsoft said that their computers will feel the benefits of the improvement. As the redesign cuts the app's memory usage by half, the PC should run faster than it used to. Microsoft also said that the disk space occupied by the app will decrease by around 70 percent, as per Bleeping Computer. Going to the AI department of the new Teams, the full extent of the app's AI features is not yet known, aside from the user support from the AI-powered Copilot. However, PCWorld reported that users will be able to message the Bing chatbot to ask questions and perform simple tasks like summarizing conversations. Microsoft promised that there will be more AI capabilities in the new Teams, like asking the AI to identify relevant parts of the conversation and creating a brief to-do list out of a lengthy message from a boss or co-worker. Read Also: Microsoft Urges Classic Teams Business Users To Upgrade to Essentials NEW YORK (AP) A Cuban-Peruvian poet from New Mexico has won the Academy of American Poets First Book Award. Sara Daniele Rivera will receive $5,000, a six-week residency at an artist community in the Umbria region of Italy and a book deal with Graywolf Press, which next year will publish her debut collection The Blue Mimes. Poet Eduardo C. Corral chose Riveras manuscript for the first book prize. In a statement Tuesday released through the academy, he praised Rivera for her beautifully and deftly crafted poems, and her compelling evocation of loss. I felt deeply the grief in this book. I felt less alone after reading it, Corral wrote. The 33-year-old Rivera is a writer, artist, translator and educator who lives in Albuquerque. Previous winners of the first book award include John Canaday, Elaine Terranova and Jenny Xie, a National Book Award nominee in 2018. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, one of New Mexicos largest health insurers, on Monday named a new vice president for its Medicaid arm in Nancy Smith-Leslie. Smith-Leslie is not new to the state, nor is she new to working on Medicaid related projects. She has more than 20 years of health care expertise, most recently as a consultant for Sellers Dorsey where she provided strategic guidance to state-run Medicaid programs and managed care organizations. Most notably, though, is Smith-Leslies past run with the New Mexico Human Services Department. From 2015 through 2018, she served as the states Medicaid director part of a 14-year career with the department. Im very excited to be in this role (with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico), Smith-Leslie told the Journal. Ive always respected Blue Cross commitment to New Mexico communities. Its the perfect fit. In Smith-Leslies new role, which began Monday, she will oversee BCBSNMs strategic direction and overall operations for the New Mexico Medicaid division. She will also be based out of the health care insurers office in Albuquerque. Smith-Leslies appointment comes at a time when the Medicaid continuous coverage established during the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to end at the end of this month. Her most immediate job is guiding the health care insurers outreach efforts to its customers through a partnership with human services as well as the states health insurance exchange, beWellnm. Its all hands on deck, she said. But her appointment also comes as human services is starting over the procurement process for new managed care organizations for the states Medicaid program next year. HSD has since hired a Medicaid expert to make recommendations regarding the procurement process and timeline, which is expected in the coming months. Asked if BCBSNM planned on resubmitting a proposal for the new procurement, Smith-Leslie said yes. Smith-Leslie first got her start in health care with the state in 2000, working on a grant-funded project that aimed to link school-based health centers with MCOs. She left in 2002 and came back to work under former Gov. Bill Richardsons administration, helping with the creation of a Medicaid coverage expansion program for adults, she said. As a longstanding Medicaid provider in New Mexico, we are pleased to have Nancy Smith-Leslie join our team, as we leverage her experience and expertise to provide the best care and services to our members, Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president, said in a statement. We are committed to New Mexico and all our members and having Nancy on our team will help drive that forward. Montessori Elementary students joined ecology experts on Tuesday morning to learn about water use and endangered species through hands-on activities at the Rio Grande Nature Center. You will be using all of your senses but one, Water Utility Authority Outdoor Educator Byron McMillan told the fourth- and fifth-graders before venturing into the forest along the riverbanks. There will be no tasting in the bosque. Inside the nature center, McMillan used a series of bins, plastic balls and strings to create a model of Albuquerques water system. After the lesson, the students hiked into the bosque to learn more about the Rio Grande, the fourth largest water system in the country, and the biodiversity along the forested banks and in the river. Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were waiting for the students at the edge of the Rio Grande, where they prepared for the release of the silvery minnows, an endangered species of fish native to the river. Each student got a cup full of river water and a small silvery minnow they got to name before releasing it into the Rio Grande. Minnow names ranged from Bubblegum to Jeff. Fish and Wildlife Biologist Betsy Bainbridge explained that getting kids interested in nature from a young age is important to make sure plants and animals are around for generations to come. One of the things that really helps is having public support and I think is always really important, Bainbridge said. The educational program was organized by the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority. Instagram Celebrity Zelie Timothy dishes on her relationship with the 'Fast and Furious' actor, claiming she was 'more interested' in his late pal Paul Walker when they first met. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Tyrese Gibson's girlfriend saw him as a "kinda old" man with an "OK" personality when they first met and was "more interested" in his late friend Paul Walker. The 44-year-old actor has been in a relationship with Zelie Timothy for more than two years but the Instagram model admitted it wasn't an instant attraction for her because the "Fast and the Furious" star wasn't her usual "type." "He wasn't my type at all. My type is actually Paul Walker, rest in peace. He wasn't my type at all. And my type is not white. I was just more interested in Paul. Even when I met him, I was like, 'Eh, he's kinda old.' I just like his smile. His personality was OK, but he didn't understand the Instagram model thing. He would always talk down on Instagram models," Zelie, 27, admitted during an Instagram Live over the weekend. Tyrese looked upset as he jokingly pushed Zelie away when she put her hand on his shoulder. He said, "Don't touch me." He later said of her attraction to Paul, who died in a car accident in 2013, "This just went really bad really fast. So you wanted the homie? You didn't want me." Zelie replied, "I never said I wanted the homie. I just said he was cute. You know all this. I wasn't your type either, so relax." The model then tried to talk about her "crazy" love story with the actor - who was previously married to Norma Mitchell from 2007 to 2009 and Samantha Lee from 2017 to 2020 - but he cut her short. She said, "So now we're here. It's an actual somewhat of a love story, which is crazy because I didn't know that I..." Tyrese quipped, "No, I'm done. No, don't touch me." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor has visited Ukraine as part of his role as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and met youngsters as well as the country's top politician. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Orlando Bloom has flown to Ukraine and met with the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star went to the war-torn cities of Kyiv, Irpin and Demydiv for a three-day trip as part of his role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' children's organisation UNICEF and met with youngsters who have been impacted by the Russian invasion before scheduling a chat with the Ukrainian leader. "To see the children, to see in their eyes, its palpable the anxiety and yet the strength of the Ukrainian people is something that is really awe inspiring. And of course your messaging is the reason for that. So it's remarkable to see how you are holding this country," Bloom told Zelensky during their meeting. He also gave the president a message from his own mother, telling him, "Your defeat would be the defeat of hope, hence you must win." Zelensky later addressed the meeting in his nightly video message, saying, "We all know what this aggression has brought and how full-scale the world's efforts must be to stop it, to rebuild Ukraine after the war." "During the meeting, we discussed humanitarian aid projects, issues of reconstruction focused specifically on the interests of children. @unicef and our teams will work in several directions, bring victory closer and return a happy childhood to Ukrainian children. He knows what this aggression has brought, how full-scale the world's efforts must be to stop it, to restore Ukraine after the war." During the trip, Bloom visited a school in the town of Irpin where UNICEF officials have helped convert the basement into a bomb shelter to provide the children with a safe place to continue their studies whenever air raid sirens go off. He also described how the war has been impacting children's education, saying, "Some of the children I have met - such as 10-year-old Hanna from Volnovakha, Donetsk region - have had limited access to face-to-face education for more than a year." "While UNICEF is helping ensure that children are able to learn online, they are still missing out on the crucial experience of interacting with their classmates and teachers. Especially for younger children, these interactions are key for their emotional and cognitive development and cannot be replaced by a computer screen." You can share this post! TBS Celebrity The 'Lord of the Rings' actor makes a surprise announcement as he lets it slip that he and partner Mette-Marie Kongsved have become parents for the second time. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Elijah Wood and his partner Mette-Marie Kongsved had their second baby last year. The 42-year-old actor has opened up that the loved-up couple quietly welcomed their second child in 2022. "We've got a three-year-old son and a 14-month-old daughter, and she wakes us up pretty early. I like getting up early, I like starting the day," Elijah told the Wall Street Journal newspaper when asked about his average day. The movie star - who is best known for playing Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" film franchise - and his kids always eat breakfast together, with Elijah serving them "oatmeal with various spices, peanut butter and fruit - banana, apples, blackberries. I also really like overnight oats or muesli with yogurt, and I sometimes eat that with them." The actor has been with Mette-Marie since 2018, and Elijah has confessed to loving the challenge of parenthood. He said, "You're constantly being challenged, in the best way." Elijah has made a concerted effort to keep his personal life out of the spotlight over recent years. The actor has even kept his Instagram account private, in a bid to protect his family from outside interest. Speaking about his approach to social media, Elijah explained, "I wanted to be able to share photos that I didn't necessarily want to share with the world. An account that's public-facing would really change what I share. It's not like I'm sharing anything that I wouldn't want to go out, but I'm a relatively private person." Meanwhile, Elijah previously revealed that he feels "protective" towards child stars. The Hollywood star rose to fame as a child actor, starring in a host of big-budget movies, and Elijah revealed that he's keen to protect child actors. He explained, "If there were a situation where it felt like someone wasn't as together, or maybe was more in their infancy, maybe I would feel a sense of protectiveness, just from one human being to another." You can share this post! ABC TV The new episode of the talk show also sees the EGOT winner slamming the removal of Mississippi broadcaster Barbie Bassett, who received backlash for saying the word 'nizzle.' Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Whoopi Goldberg made headlines over her attitude in a new episode of "The View". In the Monday, March 27 episode of the morning talk show, the host seemed to be uninterested during a segment related to Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial. At the time, producers played a clip from the "Iron Man actress' trial appearance. An attorney shaded the star, who has been sued for seriously injuring a fellow skier in an accident, as she sat on the witness stand. "Small but mighty," the attorney said. The attorney continued, "Actually, you're not that small." When the camera returned to the co-hosts, Whoopi could be seen looking bored as she rested her head on her hand. Her co-hosts were laughing at the situation, though Alyssa Farah Griffin jokingly claimed that the moment in the courtroom made her "so uncomfortable." Upon watching the episode, viewers took to social media to comment on Whoopi's reaction. "Oh my goodness Whoopi is bored with this Paltrow comedy!#TheView," one critic wrote on Twitter. Another tweeted, "Whoopi's face [laughing emojis] she is disgusted!!! #TheView." Someone else said of the EGOT winner, "I love it!!! When she's bored she shows it. I was bored with Paltrow also!#TheView." One other added, "Of course Whoopi isn't interested in the topic! #TheView." That aside, the episode saw Whoopi slamming the removal of Mississippi broadcaster Barbie Bassett, who received backlash for quoting Snoop Dogg's popular phrase "fo shizzle, my nizzle." "Nizzle" is slang for the N-word. "There has to be a book of stuff that nobody could ever say, ever, ever, ever. Include everything," she argued. "The things that change, you can say this, but you can't say that, but next week you might not be able to say this, it's hard to keep up. It's hard to keep up. And if you're a person of a certain age, there's stuff we do, and we say. Just because we're on television, doesn't mean we know everything." Whoopi continued, "We don't know everything you're not supposed to do. And if there is something someone says, if you're not going to give them the opportunity to explain why they said it, at least give them the grace of saying 'you know what, I've just been informed that I should not of done that,' as opposed to 'you're out.' Because saying 'you're out' means that you don't want to hear what people have to say or the mistakes that they might have made that could have helped somebody else not make that mistake." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The legendary music producer compares the physical assault to a bounty hunting scenario when sharing his two cents on the troubled rapper's recent gym beatdown. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jermaine Dupri has weighed in on 6ix9ine's recent bloody gym beatdown. In a new interview, the rapper/music producer suggested that "a bounty" might have been placed on the "GOOBA" spitter's head. On Monday, March 27, the legendary producer spoke to Page Six about the violent situation and how it seems as if people are gunning for the rainbow-haired rapper more than ever. "It's almost like if you see him out, it's that 'let's get him' type of mentality," he told the outlet. "It feels like you get rewarded. I feel like it was like a bounty out for that," Dupri further elaborated. "Like first person that records Tekashi 6ix9ine getting beat up, they are going to get money or something like that." Dupri continued, "I don't like the fact that now people perpetuated for that to happen. I think it's crazy that people perpetuated it. But the thing is, it actually happened and now people are saying it is f**ked up." He went on highlighting, "It feels like we were in one of them old cowboy movies with a person's picture on the wall. If you see him as a reward. If he was like that's what people do with their phones. Like it's a reward, a bounty." "People will reach and want to be the first person to do it and attack, to record to be the first to post, and I'm gonna win. But you're not gonna get nothing," he said. "I just feel like the internet has the black and brown people really confused at this point in time." The So So Def founder isn't the only person who's giving their perspective on the vicious attack against Tekashi. Jim Jones, who's had beef with the New York-born rapper for years, turned into a dancing machine when he was asked about the gym altercation. During a brief interview with TMZ on Sunday, March 26, the Dipset rapper pulled out his best Milly Rock dance when he began to answer questions regarding one of his biggest music rivals. "I don't know, maybe it was the wrong type of gym," he said. "I be working out everyday. I'm a grown man. I don't spend my time doing none of that. I don't really care about none of that." "That holds no merit in my life, you heard? This whole thing played out for people on television and everything," Jones continued. "Everybody got they own ideas, but I don't give a [explosion sound]." 6ix9ine was attacked on March 21. In surveillance footage, the alleged attackers could be seen heading straight to the scene of the crime before the beatdown. Tekashi's lawyer Lance Lazzaro confirmed to TMZ that his client was in the gym without personal security when he was suddenly attacked by the assailants. The attorney declared that he plans to ask federal authorities to provide protection. Tekashi was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital to treat injuries to his jaw, ribs and back though officials clarified that the wounds were "non-life threatening." Officials are still conducting an active investigation and requested the public's help for more information. It is unclear whether any arrests have been made. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The former star of 'Rob and Chyna' shockingly gushes over the SKIMS founder's collaboration with Dolce and Gabbana in a new interview following their legal battle. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Blac Chyna appears to be making nice with Kim Kardashian after losing her defamation trial. The former star of "Rob & Chyna" shocked fans when she gave a rare show of support for the SKIMS founder in a recent interview. In a video obtained by Hollywood Unlocked on Monday, March 27, Blac could be seen donning a shirt featuring the reality TV star posing for Dolce & Gabbana. When asked about the tee, the model admitted that she has "respect" for Kim's work. "Well I love Dolce & Gabbana but I wore this shirt today because I wanted to support Kim," the model shared. The 34-year-old, who shares daughter Dream with Kim's brother Rob Kardashian, added, "She did a collaboration with Dolce and I respect it and that's Dream's auntie." Upon watching the clip, fans were praising Blac for offering "olive branch of peace" following their legal drama. "I really believe she has changed and that's great for her!" one fan raved. Another fan wrote, "Grown looks so good on her!" One other said, "like her honesty she doesn't care about what ppl think." Referring to Khloe Kardashian's cheating ex-boyfriend Tristan Thompson, someone else wrote, "I hope the kardashians can make a way to include chyna more in their kids life as well as they do with Tristan." After splitting from Rob, Blac took legal action against his famous family. The influencer accused them of orchestrating the cancellation of the twosome's reality series, "Rob & Chyna". She sued for $109,635,021 in economic damages and $36,000,000 in damages for emotional distress. Kim and her mother, Kris Jenner, along with sisters Khloe and Kylie Jenner asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss the case shortly before it went to jury. Their lawyer Michael G. Rhodes also slammed Blac's allegations in an April 2022 statement, calling them "absurd." Later in May 2022, Kim was dropped from the defamation suit as the judge ruled "no statement" made by the SKIMS founder was "alleged to be defamatory" against Blac. The court also agreed that there's "no evidence" to support that Kim had a "responsible part" in defaming Blac. The judge also ruled to dismiss the case as the TV family has successfully defeated her in the legal battle. You can share this post! Cover Images/Dutch Press Photo Celebrity Alongside Elton and high-profile figures, the Duke of Sussex accuses the British publisher of engaging in various means to unlawfully obtain information about them. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Prince Harry returned to the United Kingdom for High Court fight against Associated Newspapers. On Monday, March 27, the Duke of Sussex appeared at London's High Court alongside Elton John to attend a hearing in his claim against the publisher. The day marked the start of the four-day preliminary hearing in London is considering legal arguments as a judge will decide whether the case will go any further. Meanwhile, Associated Newspapers (ANL) wants the judge to dismiss the case. During the hearing, PA reported that Prince Harry was seen sitting towards the back of the courtroom and occasionally taking notes in a small black notebook." Elton, meanwhile, was said to join the court during lunchtime. Alongside Elton and high-profile figures, Harry claimed the publisher of the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday and the Mail Online engaged in various means of criminal activity to obtain information on high-profile figures over the years. Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, David Furnish and Doreen Lawrence. They claim they were "victims of abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy," according to a statement from their representatives at the time. Additionally, the group accused Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) of hiring private investigators to carry out unlawful acts such as planting listening devices in homes and cars and recording private calls. The suit, which was brought in October 2022, also claimed that ANL would pay corrupt police officials to obtain inside information, engaged in impersonation and deception to obtain medical records. The publisher was accused of hacking into bank accounts and financial transactions by "illicit means and manipulation." In his court documents, Harry stated that he was "troubled that, through Associated's unlawful acts, he was largely deprived of important aspects of his teenage years." The Duke also said that had "suspicion and paranoia" caused by the publication of articles by ANL using unlawfully gathered information. Meanwhile, one of ANL's barristers, Adrian Beltrami, said in the submissions that each claimant needs to demonstrate that they did not know, or could not have discovered earlier, that they might have been able to bring a claim against ANL for alleged misuse of their private information. "The claimants have failed to show that they have a real prospect of discharging their burden at trial and the court should not hesitate to dismiss these stale claims at an early stage, thereby avoiding what would otherwise be a considerable waste of time, costs and the court's resources," the barrister argued. You can share this post! Twitter's source code got leaked; it wants to know who did it. The company behind the microblogging platform is trying to find out who is behind the GitHub account that leaked parts of its source code to the public before the company ever did. Twitter CEO Elon Musk previously announced that the company would make its code open source soon, though the leak made have done it for the company a bit too early, per Gizmodo. Twitter Source Code Leak Details Twitter's source code (or at least parts of it) got leaked when a GitHub user going by the handle FreeSpeechEnthusiast uploaded some to the online code repository, per the New York Times. Interestingly, FreeSpeechEnthusiast's handle may be a jab to Musk's fallible attempts at being a "free speech absolutist. Nevertheless, a GitHub DMCA takedown request shows that Twitter moved to have the leaked source code pulled from GitHub on Friday, claiming that the leaked code included "proprietary source code for Twitter's platform and internal tools." The Verge mentioned in its report that proprietary source code is often among a company's most closely held trade secrets and that leaking it to the public could reveal its software's vulnerabilities to would-be attackers. Competitors who manage to get Twitter's source code would also have an advantage on the microblogging site due to the source code revealing non-public internal workings. While GitHub agreed to the request, it is unclear exactly how long FreeSpeechEnthusiast's post was up for people to see, meaning that someone might have gotten hold of it and could be using the source code for something untoward. Read More: '65' Star Adam Driver Asks NASA About Dino-Killing Asteroids Although Twitter has been replying to press inquiries with its signature poop emoji, court documents show that the company is asking a US court to have GitHub reveal the identity of the person behind FreeSpeechEnthusiast, per The Guardian. The company also wants to know who else downloaded its leaked source code, along with their real names, addresses, contact details, social media profiles, and IP addresses. A spokesperson for GitHub, a Microsoft-owned business, did not respond to questions about whether the company would comply with Twitter's request to supply such information. Twitter executives suspect that a former Twitter employee who left in 2022 may be responsible for the leak, though that lead could be difficult to follow up on as Musk laid off thousands of Twitter employees shortly after he took over. Regardless, Musk is obsessed with the threat of Twitter being sabotaged by current and former staff, per Platformer. Twitter's Supposed Plans For Its Source Code Twitter will open source all code used to recommend tweets on March 31st Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 17, 2023 The source code's leak follows Musk's Mar. 17 tweet stating that he is preparing to open source Twitter's tweet recommendation algorithm on Mar. 31, per Tech Crunch. There are some benefits to making Twitter's tweet recommendation algorithm open-sourced. For one, it could potentially help keep lawmakers and regulators at bay due to the increased political interest in how Twitter's and other social platforms' content recommendations work. Secondly, it could provide a distraction for people to focus on while he does other things within Twitter, such as firing ethical API teams, limiting API access, and asking Twitter's engineers to boost his tweets' engagement after being outdone by President Biden during the Super Bowl match between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Related Article: Twitter Blue Subscription Now Required for Tweets to be Recommended Instagram Celebrity The founder of Big Machine Label Group Records has been rushed to hospital after he got involved in a car accident at a racing event in Atlanta over the weekend. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Big Machine Label Group Records founder Scott Borchetta was taken to hospital after he was involved in a race car crash. Following the incident on Sunday, March 26 at a Trans Am Racing Series event at course Road Atlanta, the 60-year-old record executive is in a "stable condition." "Big Machine Label Group Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta was involved in an accident yesterday, Sunday, March 26 while racing in the Trans Am Series. He was taken to the hospital to assess his injuries and is currently in stable condition. We ask everyone to please respect the Borchetta family's privacy during this time. To send well wishes, please use [email protected]," Big Machine Label Group said in a statement. The crash is said to have taken place during the 24th lap around the track. The Trans Am Series added in a statement, "On behalf of the entire Trans Am staff and management, we want to wish Scott Borchetta a speedy recovery. Scott is a passionate and talented competitor, and his dedication to Trans Am is evidenced by his participation as a team owner, driver and partner." "The safety of our drivers, teams and at-track personnel is our number one priority. We are deeply thankful to the safety and medical crews at the racetrack, as well as those at the local hospital who have provided excellent care." Scott - who owns Big Machine Racing, a NASCAR Xfinity team - is said to have taken a "big hit" when he crashed, but was conscious and talking en route to the hospital. Initially, the Trans Am broadcast team told racing website TobyChristie.com, "I can tell you [Scott] is OK. He is conscious, and he's been talking to his team, but he is on his way to the hospital. It was a big hit, but I am glad to say he is now in good care and being taken to the hospital. That's the latest." Scott is best known for selling his label, which featured Taylor Swift's back catalogue of master records of her first six albums, to Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings in 2019. You can share this post! Searchlight Pictures Movie The 'Trial of the Chicago 7' actor talks about working intensely with his music teacher father to prepare for his role as Joseph Bologne, the musician hailed as the Black Mozart. Mar 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kelvin Harrison Jr. learned to play the violin six hours a day for "Chevalier". The 28-year-old actor portrays the violinist and composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, in the new biographical film and worked intensely with his music teacher father Kelvin Harrison to master the instrument. "I wanted to go and be with him because he's a music teacher. I knew he could guide me in how to pace myself. He said, 'We're going to do four to six hours daily. We can break it up the morning, before lunch or after lunch and before you go to bed at night,' " Kelvin told Variety about the learning process. In the movie, Chevalier climbs the ranks in French society during the 18th century for his celebrated musical work and the "Cyrano" actor was "blown away" by the story of the composer who has been hailed as the Black Mozart. He said, "I had no clue who he was, but he was pretty bold, and I was blown away by him. What touched me the most was the resilience he had despite the amount of rejection." Kelvin hopes that the new film gives Chevalier the recognition he "deserves" for his story and musical work. The "Elvis" star said, "What I was so excited to do is give him an opportunity, where he wasn't put second and where he wasn't discarded of, and giving him my full undivided attention. This movie ultimately will give him the big stage, the love, respect and fandom that he deserves." You can share this post! Candere by Kalyan Jewellers, Indias leading jewel-tech brand, launched their Womens Day campaign- a digital initiative, #EkZindagiKhudKeNaam, to advocate self-love and appreciate ones own being and achievements. This Women's Day, the brand urges all women to celebrate themselves through their #EkZindagiKhudKeNaam campaign. The campaign evokes a spirit of celebration where a woman can pamper herself in small ways like- engaging in a skincare routine, reading books, traveling solo, self-gifting etc. The expression of self-love is an uncompromised emotion and acts as a catalyst in shaping an overall personality. The digital campaign showcases women from various walks of life, catering to different professional demands. However, Candere, as a contemporary lifestyle brand, takes pride in celebrating these women from all corners and acknowledging their diverseness & individual achievements. Sharing the thought behind the campaign, Mr Rupesh Jain, Founder and CEO, Candere by Kalyan Jewellers, said, We are delighted to present our unique Womens Day campaign that encourages women to celebrate their identity by taking a break from the usual days. With #EkZindagiKhudKeNaam, we aim to establish an emotional connection with the audience, trying to value their choices and preferences . Further substantiating the campaign, Ms Trupti Morone, Head-Branding, Candere by Kalyan Jewellers, said, The campaign is a reminder to women that they are enough and do not need any external validation. The highlight from the campaign Tujh se behtar tujhe kaun jaanta hai further reinforces that no one knows you better than yourself urging them to prioritize their likes and dislikes. The Womens Day collection is a vast combination of rings, bracelets, chic chains, earrings etc. The designs are contemporary and have a touch of individuality to celebrate the uniqueness of each woman. Candere has exclusive deals like the lowest gold rates with up to 100% OFF on making charges of diamond jewellery & up to Rs. 1000 OFF on women's category that will be available throughout the campaign period. The campaign is live till the 8th of March. Nabendu Bhattacharyya the founder of Milestone Brandcom, undoubtedly one of the most successful OOH agencies of its time, which led to its acquisition by Dentsu (erstwhile Dentsu Aegis Network) back in 2014 - largest deals in the out-of-home space in India, today officially announced the launch of his new company called IDEACAFE.AGENCY. The company aims to revolutionize the future of brand communication with its idea-centric approach. With more than 25 years of experience in leadership positions with leading agencies like O&M,Dentsu, Emirates Neon, and Mudra, Nabendu a seasoned and respected industry professional has worked with national and multinational brands such as Airtel, L'oreal, Apple, Toyota ,Axis Bank, DBS Bank, Zee TV, Tata DOCOMO, McDonald's, Tanishq, and Viacom18 and more. Credited to have introduced some of the most disruptive and innovative inclusions in OOH over the past two decades Nabendu is also an agent for change and IDEACAFE.AGENCY is based on these very solid foundations. IDEACAFE.AGENCY promises to be a new age independent company that redefines the "brewing" of ideas. The company will offer a range of services, including creative, data and technology led media solutions, covering digital media, out-of-home, activation, rural, and a whole gamut of idea-centric solutions for brands across the spectrum. This is a novel idea and possibly the first-ever out-of-home creative agency in the world. IDEACAFE.AGENCY s aspirations are much bigger than being just another out of home agency and revolve around doing OOH the right way that is idea driven and data led. Joining Nabendu on this exciting journey are two co-founders, Hanoz Patel and Abhishek Kabra, both specialists in the space who were part of the Milestone Brandcom journey. IDEACAFE.AGENCY will assist in creating ideas that change what people do, think, and feel, making brands distinctive and helping them grow. According to Nabendu, "I am super thrilled to announce the setting up of this new age independent company. IDEACAFE.AGENCY will concentrate on building ideas and content across all spectrums of the brand communication space. I have always believed in creating disruptive, clutter-breaking ideas and bringing them alive to make a difference in a brands growth trajectory and will continue spearheading the same ahead." With offices already set up in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, IDEACAFE.AGENCY is all set to bring on board industry specialists, experts from diverse backgrounds, and new talent to create disruptive and innovative ideas. Nabendu is already in talks with industry leaders known to have been instrumental in reimagining OOH, marketers par excellence, and hiring the right talent to scale and take IDEACAFE.AGENCY to new heights. A new global report by NERA Economic Consulting, commissioned by Meta, found that claims from news publishers that Facebook benefits unfairly at their expense are wrong. Publishers make a business decision and choose to share links to their content because they benefit from traffic from social media platforms. Meta claims that Facebook does not actively scrape for links or news content from the internet. The global report by NERA found that news content from traditional publishers is of low value to Meta and declining, and posts with links to news articles are less than 3% of what people see in their Facebook feeds. The report, authored by NERAs Dr. Jeffrey Eisenach, an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University Law School who previously held senior policy positions at the US Federal Trade Commission and the White House Office of Management and Budget, makes clear there is no economic foundation for news publishers contentions that Facebook is a must have platform for publishers or that it possesses an imbalance of bargaining power. The way we consume news is always changing. First radio, then television and now the internet have changed peoples habits and had an impact on traditional news publishing. Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence shows the decline in daily newspaper circulation began long before the widespread adoption of the internet in the mid-1990s. In the US, classified ad revenue peaked in 2000, the same year Craigslist expanded to cover the entire country. The relationship between traditional news publishers and social media platforms has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with publishers often asserting that Meta benefits unfairly from links to news stories being shared on Facebook. This has influenced policymakers in a number of countries, where laws have been proposed or enacted requiring internet-based companies to pay news publishers. But new research published today shows that these assertions are wrong. The report found that the current market bargain is fair: News content from traditional publishers is of low value to Meta and declining, while publishers benefit from traffic from social media apps. The report says that publishers reap considerable economic benefits from their use of Facebook, constituting approximately 1% to 1.5% of their revenues. Globally, 90% of organic views on article links from news publishers are on links posted by the publishers themselves, not by Facebook users. Habits are changing: the proportion of adults using Facebook for news fell by about a third between 2016-2022 from 45% to 30%. Only 13% of US adults prefer to use social media for news, with 33% preferring television, 23% news websites or apps, 7% radio, and 5% print. Many Facebook users think there is too much news on Facebook, including 21% of UK users, 20% of Americans, 20% of Australians, and 20% of Canadians. News is not a substantial part of Facebook globally: less than 3% of what people see in their Facebook Feeds are posts with links to news articles. More than 92% of organic Facebook Feed items in the US contained no links to any external content in the third quarter of 2022. The paper also states: Proposed government interventions designed to force Meta to provide monetary compensation to publishers based on allegations of market power or disproportionate bargaining power are not thus justified by the available evidence. NERAs findings, claims Meta, are in line with another recent report by British think-tank the IEA, which stated: More generally, just because digital platforms have benefited from the digital revolution does not make them responsible for newspapers struggles. Google and Meta did not take publishers money any more than Henry Ford stole from the horse and carriage industry. New technology emerged, consumer preferences changed, and the previous business models fell apart. At a time when we face stiff competition and global economic headwinds, our focus is on our core business and responding to what our users want. For most of our users, thats not news links. Facebook users are increasingly interested in creator-driven content, especially video, said Meta. Thats why last year, we began to end support for some tools used by publishers, including Instant Articles, Bulletin and breaking news indicators. We dont expect to offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future, because, as this research demonstrates, accessing news is simply not the reason why most people use our apps. Of course, publishers will still be able to post links to their stories and direct people to their websites in the way any other individual or organisation can, said Meta. In Canada, where the proposed Online News Act would require Meta to pay for links or content that we do not post, and which are not the reason the vast majority of people use our apps, we have said that we will end the availability of news content on Facebook and Instagram for people in Canada if the law is passed in its current form. We took a similar position in the US last year. Of course, the internet has been disruptive for the news industry. When ads started moving from print to digital, the economics of news changed and the industry was forced to adapt. Some have made this transition to the online world successfully, while others have struggled to do so. But, as this research demonstrates, to argue that platforms like Facebook are benefiting unfairly at the expense of news publishers is a fundamental misunderstanding of the value exchange between the two. Facebook does not actively scrape for links or news content from the internet and place it in peoples feeds. In the vast majority of instances, its the publishers themselves who choose to share links to their stories on social media, or make them available to be shared by others, because they get value from doing so. Thats why they have buttons on their pages encouraging readers to share them. And if you click a link thats shared on Facebook, you are directed to the publishers website, where they keep 100% of any revenue generated from that visit, claims Meta. The company added that the relationship between traditional publishers and Facebook represents a fair market bargain. The evidence shows that news publishers, on their own arguments, obtain considerable value from links to news content they have voluntarily posted on Facebook. The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest financial institution, is thrilled to announce the launch of its coffee table book ' The Banker to Every Indian' which celebrates 75 years of Indian independence and SBI's glorious 200-year history. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI, said, "It gives me immense pleasure to launch the coffee table book, which chronicles the Bank's journey since independence. The book is a tribute to the spirit of India's independence and the Bank's contribution to nation-building. It showcases our ethics, technological advancements, and transformation with the important initiatives undertaken by the Bank. The book is not just a celebration of our past but a testament to our commitment to the future. I hope this book will inspire the future generation to strive for excellence and contribute to the growth of our great nation." XPAND, a rural marketing consultancy firm, has released a report on rural distribution in India, highlighting the enormous potential for growth in rural markets. The report, titled XPAND Rural Distribution Kaleidoscope, emphasizes the importance of building a strong rural distribution network to take advantage of the growing demand for goods and services in rural India. According to the report, the rural market in India is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world and remained resilient during the pandemic, with demand for essential goods remaining strong. Rural markets have seen significant improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, and literacy rates that have brought the economic potential of rural markets to an inflection point. However, these markets are considered to be the most challenging for corporates to penetrate and grow. Prof. Pratik Modi, Professor of Marketing at IRMA, said, "Rural markets in India are becoming more aspirational and brand conscious. This is giving rise to what is referred to as the Masstige brands, which combine the prestige and luxury of high-end brands with the accessibility and affordability of mass-market brands." Sanjay Kaul, Founder & CEO of XPAND, said, "The potential of Bharat can be realized only when a rural marketer enters villages and towns below 25k population and realigns its distribution strategy. Our study shows that companies need to implement a mix of wholesale and direct distribution models. Companies can leave established and smaller SKUs in the impulse category to the wholesale channel. For less penetrated and less established brands and product categories with bigger SKUs, last-mile connectivity through direct distribution seems important." The XPAND Rural Distribution Kaleidoscope report is based on a large-scale study conducted by XPAND that surveyed 75 districts in the heartland of the country, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, covering more than 1000 rural retail outlets in 474 villages. The report provides recommendations for companies to realign their distribution strategy to take advantage of the growing potential of rural markets. The report underscores the importance of investing in distribution channels for FMCG companies as it can significantly impact their market share in rural areas. The study found that many brands have less than 30% availability, signaling the need for improvement in their distribution strategy. The report also highlights the growing use of smartphones and digital payment technologies among rural retailers. XPAND Rural Distribution Kaleidoscope provides valuable insights for companies looking to tap into the enormous potential of rural markets in India. I have seen people do some crazy things in polygraph sessions. As I really do not want people peeing themselves, passing out or puking, I often advise examinees to just tell the truth, come what may. Going through life lying and keeping dark secrets can damage people physically and emotionally. One way or another, the truth will come out. In this scene from the Sopranos, we see poor Adrianna La Cervas expression of fight or flight response in clear detail when she is unexpectedly pulled into a meeting with law enforcement. When the brain perceives a threat, the fight or flight response (which is also referred to as the Freeze, Fight or Flight Response) is activated so that we are prepared to run or engage in combat. The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep within our brain, triggers the release of stress hormones into the blood stream. Breathing increases but also becomes shallower. The heart beats faster, pumping blood to major muscle groups in the arms and legs to prepare for strenuous physical activity - but away from internal and digestive organs. Sometimes this causes people to vomit. The bladder may relax, and I have observed some people literally pee in their pants. The mouth goes dry. The eyes also dry out, which causes the rate of blinking to increase. Blood rushes from hands and feet, leaving them cold and sweaty. Perspiration increases throughout the body. Arms and legs may tremble while tension increases in the arms, legs, neck, and shoulders. The mind hyper focuses, pupils dilate, and Tunnel Vision may result. I have observed that peoples eyes dart around, perhaps to locate escape routes. On one occasion, I observed a man faint during a polygraph while experiencing fight or flight because he had been caught in a lie. By Louis Conte Many are aware of the Fight or Flight response. It is the response built into our nervous system that is activated when we encounter a threat. As a polygraph examiner, it is the physiology associated with fight or flight that we are measuring in determining whether the examinee is being truthful or deceptive during a polygraph. Always happy to share Lou Conte's SubStack with readers. Lou is a polygraph expert. Check out his expert analysis of Dr. Anthony Fauci, excerpted below. Or read the full article and skip straight to his TRUTH BE TOLD SubStack. With all of this in mind, I spent some time examining some video material on Dr. Anthony Fauci. The retired Director of the National Institute for Allergic and Infectious Diseases is a well-known public figure. There are hundreds of hours of video available on Dr. Fauci and therefore a significant amount of material to draw upon for baseline data. In almost all of his public appearances, Fauci presents the well-honed image of the consummate public health administrator and leader in the scientific establishment. He is known as Americas Doctor and is, by his own declaration, the very embodiment of science. Fauci has publicly disagreed with former President Trump, someone who is described as being able to elicit the fight or flight response in many people. Even when disagreeing with Donald Trump, Fauci was as cool as a cucumber. However, there have been a few occasions where the unflappable Fauci has been uncharacteristically anxious. Those occasions typically involve Senator Rand Paul and his questions about whether Fauci has funded Gain of Function research at that Wuhan Institute of Virology. Read the full article HERE. Louis Contes The Truth be Told: Exploring corruption, controversy, and deception in todays world from the perspective of a forensic psychophysiologist (Polygraph Examiner). Louis Conte is a professional Polygraph Examiner, investigator, and writer. In addition to the thousands of offenders he interviewed over his thirty-three years in law enforcement, Conte has conducted over fourteen hundred polygraph cases. He uses well-honed observation skills to ferret out the truth. Observation and careful attention to words and behavior often reveal the truth. ### Cause Unknown By Edward Dowd Follow Ed Dowd on Twitter for in depth coverage of the problems facing the banking & capital markets today. @DowdEdward The book begins with a close look at the actual human reality behind the statistics, and when you see the people who are represented by the dry term Excess Mortality, its difficult to accept so many unexpected sudden deaths of young athletes, known to be the healthiest among us. Similarly, when lots of healthy teenagers and young adults die in their sleep without obvious reason, collapse and die on a family outing, or fall down dead while playing sports, that all by itself raises an immediate public health concern. Or at least it used to. Ask yourself if you recall seeing these kinds of things occurring during your own lifein junior high? In high school? In college? How many times in your life did you hear of a performer dropping dead on stage in mid-performance? Your own life experience and intuition will tell you that what youre about to see is not normal. Or at least it wasnt normal before 2021. The War on Ivermectin By Dr. Pierre Kory Follow Dr. Kory on Twitter here. Support is so important. Big Pharma and health agencies cry "Don't take ivermectin!" A media storm follows. Why then, does the science say the opposite? Ivermectin is a dirty word in the media. The drug has been derided and declared useless. Doctors have earnestly recorded pleas asking those afflicted with COVID-19 not to take the drug. But why? The War on Ivermectin is the personal and professional narrative of Dr. Pierre Kory, the co-founder of an expert group of physicians, and his plight to alert the world of his group's identification of ivermectin as a highly-effective, life-saving, widely available generic medicine with an obvious ability to end the global pandemic. In this book, Dr. Kory details all the personal attacks, professional setbacks, and concerted, corrupt, and highly effective actions which influenced the worlds major health agencies and medical journals to dismiss and deny its efficacy. Jimin of K-pop supergroup BTS /Courtesy of Big Hit Music Jimin of K-pop giant BTS has topped the world's largest music streaming service Spotify's Global Top 50 chart with his debut solo song, "Like Crazy." The main track off his first official individual album, "Face," bagged No. 1 on the daily global chart for Sunday with about 6.01 million streams, two days after debuting at No. 2 on the day of its release. In Japan, "Face" topped the latest Oricon weekly albums ranking by selling 225,000 copies, making him the first solo artist to top the ranking this year to date. The six-track album also set the record for the biggest first-week sales by a soloist in Japan this year, his agency, BigHit Music said, quoting Oricon. Jimin became the first K-pop soloist with an album selling over 1 million copies on the day of its release based on the Hanteo Chart, a local tracker of K-pop album sales, as "Face" sold 1,021,532 copies on the first day. It also topped the iTunes' top albums charts in 63 regions around the world, while its main single, "Like Crazy," was the No. 1 song on the service's top songs charts in 111 regions Saturday. (Yonhap) An altercation between two women in Mississippi led to gunfire, with one woman jumping out of her own moving vehicle with children inside and then being run over by her own car. The Sun Herald reports that Gulfport police responded to a report of a shooting on Monday about 5:19 p.m. Officers found a woman suffering injuries after being hit by a vehicle. Investigators learned the woman and another woman identified as 22-year-old Labrittani Keaira Watts had been in a fight. Then, when the woman, with her three children, attempted to leave her home in her vehicle, Watts shot at the vehicle multiple times, according to the report. The woman jumped out of her moving vehicle in an attempt to escape the gunfire, and was run over by the car. Watts ran from the scene, according to police, but was later apprehended. She is charged with one count of aggravated domestic assault and three counts of aggravated assault. Watts is held at the Harrison County Jail. Bond was set at $400,000, but the authorities said she will be unable to get out on bail as there are felony warrants for her arrest in Biloxi and Mobile, as well. Gov. Kay Ivey announced this week that she will not devote state tax dollars to support Birmingham-Southern College, narrowing options for the private liberal arts school. The state has no plans to use the taxpayers public funds to bail out a private college, spokeswoman Gina Maiola said in a statement to AL.com Tuesday. The college has said it needs help to keep its doors open past this school year; officials revealed the extent of the schools financial woes this winter. Financial problems at Birmingham-Southern first emerged in 2010 when David Pollick, who had been president since 2004, resigned after a controversy over accounting errors, overspending and increasingly dire budget deficits. Birmingham-Southern leaders asked the legislature in December for a one-time allocation of $30 million as well as a combined $7.5 million in county and city funding. Read more: Birmingham-Southern students weigh options while college maintains push for state bailout But while the plan has garnered some support from lawmakers across the aisle, Ivey has been firmly against a state bailout. Her office has denied at least two of BSCs requests for pandemic relief money, and have not requested any additional funds out of the states Education Trust Fund to support the college, officials confirmed last week. The Birmingham City Council also delayed a vote last week to approve its portion of the funding, citing little movement from the legislature. The main ask of Birmingham-Southern is to the state of Alabama, and without that main ask, it is something that probably the city would not be able to support, councilman Hunter Williams told reporters last week. Positive conversations The denial from Iveys office comes as legislators prepare to pass a record $8.8 billion education budget, plus an unexpected $2.8 billion in surplus receipts. AL.com reported last week that Iveys supplemental proposal includes money for clear education programs, as well as a variety of multi-million dollar allocations for economic development, including a water park, money for the World Games, an airport and prison construction. In a statement to AL.com Tuesday, a BSC spokeswoman said the surplus has presented lawmakers with the opportunity to prioritize the use of this one-time money for the benefit of education in our state. We have had positive conversations with legislative leaders and look forward to engaging in this process as it moves forward, she said. Lawmakers still have weeks left in the legislative session to suggest revisions to the budget before it passes. Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham), an early supporter of the request, said hes still exploring all options. Thats why we have the process, he said. Theyre saying that her office isnt going to send over a request, and thats understandable, but that doesnt mean that the legislature is not going to consider and provide it. Smitherman said hes planning to file a bill that would ask for a one-time allocation of at least $15 million for the school from the states supplemental education budget. He said he is also looking for other state funding sources to help meet the rest of the colleges $30 million goal. Were just trying to look at different means and not just say its all or nothing for this one particular approach, he said. If we can get a collection of funds that we can come up to that point where we can save the school, its worth it. In a message to the campus community Monday, Rev. Keith Thompson, chair of the BSC Board of Trustees, encouraged students and alumni to continue pushing for state support while the college weighs its options. The BSC Board of Trustees faces making history-changing decisions that will impact the lives of so many people, he said, noting that officials have been encouraged by recent developments in the legislature. One of our biggest challenges is the need to make a decision soon versus the timing of the Montgomery budget process. Knowing whether BSC will receive one-time bridge funding from the state is vital information we need to make the best decision. The Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting on April 5. Guinness World Records has named a bar at a Tennessee distillery as the worlds longest in the world. WZTV reports a whiskey distillery, Humble Baron, located south of Nashville in Shelbyville, has earned the honor. The Guinness World Records measured the 518-foot bar. Officials confirmed, per the report, that the bar beat a 25-year record at 123.7 meters. Humble Baron is a place where everyone has a seat at the table, Humble Barons creator Keith Weaver told The Whiskey Wash. We want our guests to pull up a seat at the worlds longest bar and enjoy some amazing music over a craft cocktail or a bite to eat and engage with those around them. Humble Baron reflects my varied music tastes and will bring all types of people, with all interests and backgrounds, together. Sunday gospel brunch at Humble Baron, the world's longest bar! pic.twitter.com/AY0xkb2wry Erika Glover (@ErikaJGlover) March 26, 2023 Have a seat and place a drink order at the Humble Baron.This is the WORLD'S LONGEST BAR! Measuring at 518 ft long! We appreciate everyone's efforts in making this possible. Perlick Corporation Humble Baron#perlick #humblebaron #cheers pic.twitter.com/NutuF8wMAT PMR (@PMREPS) March 27, 2023 The bar encircles the indoor stage where there are 17 stations. The venue has a capacity to host more than 15,000 guests for live music events. Twice a month, the city of Birminghams Design Review Committee convenes to discuss plans to make alterations to structures that fall within one of the citys many historic and commercial revitalization districts. This column summarizes recent DRC activity with projects grouped by type and location. This edition of Design Review recaps the DRC meeting from March 22, 2023. Decisions of the DRC, and applicants are responsible to carry out the plans as presented and approved. Any deviations from the approved plans cannot be undertaken without a return to the committee for approval. The Design Review Committee approved renovation of the former Melt location in Avondale (City of Birmingham Design Review Committee Urban Design Division) Avondale / 41st Street Exterior Renovations 4105 Fourth Avenue South Representatives for Pure Taqueria, the new tenant at the former Melt location, presented plans for exterior renovations. The project plans include adding an extension in the front and rear storage. The signage for Pure Taqueria was also presented as part of the project. Originally, the signage plan matched the branding based on the old Pure gas station signs. Committee members informed the presenters that pole signs were no longer allowed in this district and requested instead to attach the signage to the building. There will also be garage-style doors installed, external lighting for signage, and a desert look with date palms, yucca, and river rock for landscaping. Committee members expressed concerns about plant compatibility as these plants do not normally do well in Birminghams climate. Finally, fencing on the property will also be replaced. The committee approved with the condition that the sign be attached to the building. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks at a meeting with chiefs of overseas South Korean missions, March 28. Yonhap Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday urged Korean diplomatic mission chiefs to make utmost efforts to help local firms increase exports and address supply chain disruptions. Han made the remarks at a meeting with more than 160 senior diplomats who gathered in Seoul for an annual conference, Han's office said in a statement. "Please do your best to boost exports," Han said. "Overseas missions should play a pivotal role in line with the government's all-out response system for exports." Han's remarks came as South Korea's exports declined for a fifth consecutive month in February, hit by a global economic downturn. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected global supply chains in the fields of medicines, key minerals and energy, Han said. "Overseas missions should serve as a key pillar of the 'early warning system' and serve as an advance guard for economic security," Han said. Han also called on the diplomats to do their best to support South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in the southern port city of Busan. (Yonhap) The first report of the fire at the Environmental Landfill came to the Moody Fire Department just after 7 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2022, Black Friday. The landfill isnt actually in Moody. Its located in unincorporated St. Clair County, about 15 miles northeast of Birmingham. But since the Moody Fire Department was the closest organized fire department, they took the call and sent out the trucks. In doing so, they assumed control of the most confusing environmental crisis in recent Alabama memory. For the 55 days, until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took over, there was a near-constant state of confusion over who was or who should have been in charge of fighting the fire, and who would pay to put it out. BEFORE THE FIRE: How Alabama ignored warning signs at the Moody landfill SEE ALSO: Moody landfill fire timeline show problems before and after the blaze As the fire raged on, nearby residents breathed in unhealthy levels of toxic smoke, which we now know contained harmful levels of chemicals, both natural and manmade. Their calls for help from state, local and federal officials went nowhere. Fire rages on Black Friday When the fire was first reported, the immediate concern was to keep it from spreading onto nearby homes and properties. Crews from numerous local fire departments and the Alabama Forestry Commission worked to clear a fire break around the perimeter and prevent a bad situation from becoming much worse. Residents reported seeing flames shooting high into the sky that first night. ADEM inspection photos from before the fire show piles of dead trees, loosely covered, towering dozens of feet high. Longtime residents say the area was a natural ravine before the landfill began to fill the massive hole in the earth. View of the landfill from an adjoining property from an inspection on March 13, 2018. The waste pile was very high when a fire started on Nov. 25, 2022.Alabama Department of Environmental Management James Mulkey, an inspector at the Moody Fire Department told AL.com the waste pile was estimated to be 100 to 150 feet deep in places. That means once the blaze started, the fire had plenty of fuel to keep burning for a long time. State Forester Rick Oates, head of the Forestry Commission, said this month that the landfill fire was very different from the forest fires his agency typically handles. The Alabama Forestry Commission doesnt fight fires in the same manner that a structural firefighter battling a house fire would do, Oates said. Our role in fighting fire is to contain that fire. We basically remove the fuel source by plowing firebreaks around the fire and prevent the fire from spreading. It stays contained in an area, and then itll burn itself out. That tactic can be successful on forest fires, but blazes in a 150-foot deep landfill near residential neighborhoods are a different story. Billowing smoke clouds State and local fire crews were able to get the fire contained within the first several days, but that proved to be the limit of their abilities and experience. Unfortunately, our firefighting tactics dont allow us to put the fire out, Oates said this month. We cant smother it with water or dirt or anything like that. Our role is to just contain it and let it burn out. Once the initial blaze was contained, the fire retreated mostly underground, where it burned for months and still burns now. The smoke continued to blanket the nearby communities of Moody and Trussville. Depending on which way the wind blew, people 15 miles away in downtown Birmingham could smell the burning fumes. Stan Batemon, St. Clair County Commission chairman, said the area near the fire reminded him of Yellowstone National Park, with smoke hissing and spewing from cracks in the ground. Residents near the fire site began to complain of smoke-related illnesses, including difficulty breathing, coughing, and red, itchy eyes. They grew increasingly disappointed in the lack of help from state and local governments. ADEM released a statement on Dec. 22, saying the smoke was similar to that associated with a forest fire, but added that residents may want to limit time outdoors, consider purchasing high-efficiency air filters and seal off air gaps in their homes. Some residents those who could afford it left their homes to escape the smoke. Pastor and former firefighter Richard Harp checked his family into an AirBNB at his own expense. Margaret Armstrong and her granddaughter Brice hunkered down and tried to limit their exposure. The smell follows me wherever I go, Brice Armstrong said, adding that people sometimes ask if she started smoking cigarettes because of the odor. Jennifer Lewis and her family purchased multiple air filters for their home less than a mile from the fire. Others resorted to more inventive methods to keep their air clean, creating their own air purifiers with a box fan and filters made for home HVAC systems. Robin Andrews, of the nearby Carrington Lakes subdivision sealed her windows and doors with painters tape to keep the smoke out and added a Shark brand air purifier in her home. She said before she taped off her windows, and she sometimes had to cover her face to get to sleep at night. Birmingham-based environmental group GASP installed air monitors at private homes and buildings like churches throughout the area. A web site allowed users to see in real time where smoke from the fire was the worst. GASP executive director Michael Hansen said the state failed in its responsibilities to residents. State and local agencies spent weeks pointing fingers at one another while people suffered, Hansen said. ADEM issued a couple of statements, but they passed the buck elsewhere and offered no real guidance to a confused public looking for answers. Fire smolders at the Environmental Landfill in St. Clair County, Ala.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency A vacuum of responsibility As homeowners coped with the smoke-laden air coming into their homes, state and local agencies argued over who had the authority and responsibility to do something about the fire. In its Dec. 22 statement, ADEM said the Moody Fire Department was acting as the lead responder and providing regular updates on its Facebook page. Mulkey, with the Moody Fire Department, said there was still some confusion about who was in charge. As for regulatory agencies, and whos ultimately responsible and financially responsible for this thing, thats still a subject of some debate, Mulkey told AL.com on Dec. 20. On Dec. 29, as public pressure mounted, ADEM said it was assisting the St. Clair County Commission, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and the Moody Fire Department in an advisory capacity. The County Commission has primary responsibility for dealing with the fire, and ADEM has connected the commission with private companies that have expertise in dealing with underground fires, ADEM said. St. Clair County Commissioners said that was news to them. The commission called an emergency meeting for Jan. 3 and unanimously passed a resolution to declare the existence of emergency conditions. They were looking for help. The resolution urged Gov. Kay Ivey to declare a state of emergency and asked the state or federal government for help in putting out the fire, a job Batemon said could cost about $2 million. In order to effectively and correctly address this situation, it will be incumbent upon the state of Alabama and/or the federal government to provide funds necessary to address this particular emergency, County Attorney James Hill said. These funds are going to need to come from a place other than our local governments. Outside contractor needed, but who hires them? By then it was clear that no one in the state had the expertise or capability to put out the underground fire, and that someone would have to hire an outside contractor. Extinguishing the fire will be difficult because it is burning mostly underground, where water cannot reach it, ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said in the Dec. 29 news release. It also poses extreme hazards to firefighters due to the risks of cave-ins and flare-ups. Plus, the volume of vegetative matter that has been disposed of at the site over the years means theres an abundance of fuel for the fire. Thats why engaging parties with knowledge and experience in fighting these types of fires, from both an effectiveness and safety standpoint, is critical. On Jan. 10, the St. Clair County Commission said that it had requested bids from contractors to put out the blaze and was considering five or six different options. Mulkey and St. Clair County Engineer Dan Dahlke led that process. However, they believed they were only reviewing the bids to make recommendations to the state about which ones to consider. We dont think the county is going to be the one selecting the company, Batemon said Jan. 10. We think itll be selected by somebody either on the state or the federal level to put this fire out. The feds take over More than two weeks after the St. Clair County Commission formally pleaded for assistance, Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency and announced that the EPA would take over. By authorizing the EPA to respond to this fire, we are ensuring it will be addressed in the fastest and safest way possible, Ivey said in a news release on Jan. 18. LeFleur said in a separate release that EPA was in the best position to extinguish the fire since it had contractors on retainer with experience handling this kind of fire. And we have entered into an arrangement with the EPA to make that happen, LeFleur said. Contractors working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency work to put out a fire at an Alabama landfill on Wed., Feb. 1, 2023.Dennis Pillion But why did it take so long? Many criticized ADEM and the state for not reaching out to the EPA sooner. LeFleur said ADEM had reached out to the EPA in December, but the federal agency declined to get involved because it does not regulate green waste landfills. Thats a state function, EPA on-scene coordinator Terry Stilman told AL.com after the agency had arrived to put out the fire. Although ADEM found improper waste at the Environmental Landfill multiple times in the years before the fire, the department maintained that it did not have the authority to regulate a green waste landfill. So LeFleur said ADEM tried a different tactic in January, requesting that the EPA provide air monitoring equipment at the site. The EPA has specialized air monitors that the state does not have, LeFleur said. EPA air monitoring station at the Environmental Landfill in St. Clair County, Ala.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The EPA took air samples on Jan. 6 and found harmful chemicals in the smoke, including known carcinogens and man-made chemicals not typically present in forest fires. The levels exceeded EPA limits for human safety and allowed the federal agency to get involved. EPA personnel arrived at the landfill on Jan. 19. Whats in the water? Concerns about smoke and air pollution brought the EPA to the fire scene. But once the agency took over, concerns shifted to the waters around the area. On Feb. 4, ADEM officials said that water sampling upstream and downstream of the fire showed no discernible impact, to water quality from the fire. However, Cahaba Riverkeeper David Butler disagrees. Butler told AL.com ADEM took water samples from locations well removed from the fire, meaning they were unlikely to show the worst impacts. With ADEMs promise that theyre going to investigate what is buried at the landfill, it makes no sense to us that they would start sampling far away and work back toward the landfill, Butler said. It seems like the much more common-sense approach would be to sample from the landfill out, and to this point, we havent seen any samples that they have published directly from the discharge of the landfill. Butler said water samples he took closer to the fire site, showed levels of PFAS man-made so-called forever chemicals that were thousands of times higher than EPA limits for safe drinking water. On. Feb. 15, ADEM released a strongly worded statement criticizing Cahaba Riverkeeper for publishing those results, arguing that since PFAS chemicals are widely present in the environment the sampling was unnecessary. Measuring the level of PFAS at the Moody fire site serves no purpose, LeFleur said in the news release. LeFleur then highlighted widespread PFAS sampling efforts across the state, and ADEMs efforts to require drinking water providers in the state to test for PFAS. Its disappointing that the Cahaba Riverkeeper has resorted to trying to scare people about PFAS for its political purposes, since they are keenly aware of the prevalence of PFAS in the state, like in the rest of the nation, and the efforts to rid it from our drinking water systems, LeFleur said. LeFleur had previously said there was no reason to believe that there was anything in the waste pile other than non-regulated green waste. The results that we published say to us that there is stuff buried in that landfill that is not trees, Butler said. ADEM has kind of attempted to refute those results by saying PFAS is everywhere. But while it is everywhere, it is in a much higher concentration coming out of that landfill than it is other places. We believe that the best way to deal with that is to catch it at the landfill instead of letting it get into Big Black Creek and the Cahaba River. Butler said he was disappointed in the ADEM response to his groups water samples. For nearly two months, [LeFleur] told the residents in the area that they had nothing to worry about, that this was just a wood fire, Butler said. Not until the EPA started doing air monitoring did the true risk to the people in the area become clear. Butler said that ADEMs statements did not address the fears of the surrounding community. For two months, they basically let it burn and told people to stay inside and limit their exposure to the smoke, Butler said. If anybody has done anything to inspire fear, its ADEM by repeatedly mischaracterizing the type of fire that they were dealing with. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says operations to extinguish the underground fire at the Environmental Landfill, Inc., near Moody, Ala. are almost complete as of March 24, 2023.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Whats next? Now, as the EPA winds down its operations to smother the fire area in dirt to put out the fire, the focus shifts to the future and how the state can be better prepared for any future episodes like this one. LeFleur said the issue of regulating green waste landfills will be addressed by the working group, but regulating green waste disposal would require changes in legislation. Bell, the state senator, said he hopes the group will look at how the state can help residents who are impacted by situations like the Moody fire. Weve got to do a better job, and I hope with this group together, that we can do a better job and address those issues, Bell said. Oates, the state forester who is part of the ADEM working group, said he has several points for the group to consider. I hope the study group is going to work on what are the strategies for controlling, not only controlling but extinguishing, fires like this? Who has responsibility in this situation? And what can be done to prevent them in the future? The Meta, formerly known as Facebook, data center in Huntsville is awarding $90,000 in grants to area schools as part of its annual community action grants initiative. Altogether, Meta is donating $217,950 to nine entities in the Huntsville area for 2023. And since announcing plans for the data center in 2018, grants have eclipsed $2.5 million. Related: Facebook data center in Huntsville is now online, handling traffic Related: Facebook expansion of Meta Data Center in Huntsville tops $1.5 billion The Meta Data Center Community Action Grants program was created to address needs in Madison County by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off and improving STEM education, Meta said in the announcement. Here are the grants and the projects they will help fund: A Florida Senator is calling for an automatic death penalty for school shooters. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., made the comments after heavily armed Audrey Hale, 28, entered The Covenant School in Nashville, killing three 9-year-olds and three adults. Hale, who is believed to be a former student of the school, was killed by police officers at the scene. In a message posted to Twitter, Scott said life in prison is not enough punishment for school shooters. We need to consider an automatic death penalty for school shooters, Scott said. Life in prison is not enough for the deranged monsters who go into our schools to kill innocent kids & educators. Pray for all facing the unimaginable in Nashville. This is horrible & must stop, said Scott, who served two terms as Floridas governor before joining the Senate in 2019. We need to consider an automatic death penalty for school shooters. Life in prison is not enough for the deranged monsters who go into our schools to kill innocent kids & educators. Pray for all facing the unimaginable in Nashville. This is horrible & must stop. https://t.co/PbCkJsSddE Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 27, 2023 Victims of the shooting were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all 9, and school employees Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The Nashville shooting is the 13th at a U.S. school in 2023, with six children and 4 adults losing their lives. Get John Archibalds newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to Johns weekly newsletter: This is an opinion column. Republican legislatures and school boards, and the parents who stormed them in recent years, were so concerned children might feel discomfort or embarrassment about actual history that they called for banning school instruction on race in America. Which is like banning the study of America. Better to keep children in the dark than take the chance they might feel bad about themselves. Or their country. Children are delicate, you know. Since 2019 a lot of states have passed laws or bans or restrictions to protect their kids from such introspection. Alabama did it. Florida did it famously. Tennessee did it, too. In the time since, there have been more than 130 school shootings across this land, according to a database of attacks kept by the Washington Post. More than 180 people have died or been injured in those shootings, in schools where tens of thousands of students -- almost 40,000 since 2019 -- attended classes. And we are worried about our children feeling discomfort. Its discomforting. Its so, so much more than that. It is life and death in the classrooms and hallways and the psyches of our children. It is a plague and travesty that our politicians act swiftly to keep children from feeling bad about the sins of their forefathers, but refuse to budge as deranged or misguided men and women march into schools with military might strapped to their backs. They deflect and pontificate and talk about absolute rights to bear the most deadly weapons, well-regulated militias be damned. A photograph taken by Nicole Hester of The Tennessean hit hard this week, after the last school shooting, in which six people were killed at a private school in Nashville. The image is stunning, like a slap across the face, if you have the courage to really look at it. A little girl, her tiny face and hand pressed pleadingly against the window of a Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools bus, cries into our souls. You feel her agony and her pain. You feel the fear and the keening, the sense that something happened in the presence of this child that will never be forgotten. That can never be forgotten. You know she will never see the world the same way again. As parents and politicians worry that studies of slavery and civil rights are too upsetting for children. As Congressman Andy Ogles, who represents that Nashville district that includes Covenant, poses for a Christmas card, as he did two years ago, with his family and an arsenal of military style firearms and the Yuletide message that The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil. Congressman Andy Ogles put the bang into Christmas. Tell it to the families of the three 9-year-olds killed in that Covenant shooting. Tell it to the other 200 students at that small, safe private school that was supposed to be a haven. Tell it to the 40,000 children who, since 2019, had their studies interrupted by gunfire, and fear, and a trauma most adults have never known. Tell it to students who are drilled on what to do when an active shooter, marches in, as if it were a tornado warning or a fire drill. Tell it to the preschoolers who are told to hide behind bookshelves if a bad man comes in. Or behind bulletproof whiteboards that cost more than a lot of teachers get paid in a year. Tell it to the middle schoolers who are told to hide or run or fight. Tell it to the families of the dead, if you can look them in the face. It says an awful lot emphasis on the awful about what is important to us as a region, and a country, and a culture. Learning about ourselves, about what made our nation what it is today, is too harsh for our children. They are too delicate. Giving people the tools to kill our children is a fundamental right. Its a little bit more than discomforting. John Archibald is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for AL.com. A New York City man has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide following a fatal crash Sunday evening on a Tennessee interstate highway, which claimed the lives of at least two Alabamians. Kingsport (Tenn.) police Public Information Officer Thomas Patton said the incident happened about 7 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 81 South, just north of the Airport Parkway exit. A red Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven by Saul A. Carrera, 60, of New York, was headed south on I-81 when it veered to the right onto the highway shoulder. There, it struck a white 2017 Chevrolet Express van, which had been occupied by eight men and was parked on the shoulder after the left front tire became flat. Three of the men were still in the van, while five were working to repair the flat tire. Carreras vehicle, according to Patton, struck the van and all five men, killing four of them. The three men inside the van, all from Gadsden, were not injured. The tractor-trailer then continued south a short distance, jack-knifed, and overturned off the right side of the roadway. Killed were Jose Urbano Serrano Ramos, 25, of Crossville; a 17-year-old Crossville man; Jesse James Delacruz, 49, of Fayetteville, Tenn., and a man who has not been identified. A 17-year-old from Gadsden also sustained major injuries and remains in critical condition at an area hospital, Patton said. Carrera received non-incapacitating injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Investigators have charged Carrera with four counts of vehicle homicide by intoxication, reckless aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment, driving a commercial vehicle under the influence and failure to exercise due care. Carrera remains hospitalized in stable condition under police guard. Once discharged, Patton said he will be transported to jail with a bond of $200,000. A necropsy is underway after a dead dolphin washed up on the shore of a Baldwin County beach Monday morning. The dead bottlenose dolphin was discovered on North Beach in Fairhope, according to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which studies marine life and educates the public. While there is a possibility there was a freshwater issue that led to the dolphins death, a Sea Lab official told AL.com, the necropsy will determine how the dolphin died. The Sea Lab said it would have further results of the necropsy Tuesday morning, but the full results could take several weeks. Cristina Diaz-Clark with the Sea Labs Marine Mammal Research Program told Fox 10 the organization fields between 50 to 60 calls a year on dolphins washing up on Alabama beaches. We do have some hot spots, but we always ask everyone to make sure that theyre keeping a lookout because they can always end up anywhere that theres water but definitely, this side of the bays a hot spot, she said. Dauphin Islands a hot spot. Orange Beach can be a hot spot. It just depends on the time of year. On Monday, Gary Lamar Smith, Jr., former owner of SOS Towing, went before the court to argue that he did not owe any restitution to insurance companies. I was able to justify every towing ticket, Smith testified Monday. Smith and his father, Gary Lamar Smith, Sr., had been charged, along with the owners of four other towing companies, with criminal insurance fraud in 2020. Last month, the Mobile County District Attorneys Office agreed to drop the criminal charges against Smith in exchange for paying restitution. Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Michael Windom signed a restitution order for $8,946, which was the maximum amount of restitution that Smith could be ordered to pay. But Smith argues that he shouldnt have to pay restitution at all. In a surprise address to the court at the start of the hearing, Smith said that he never agreed to restitution, all he agreed to was to audit the companys towing records. Further, he argued, he only became owner of SOS Towing in 2019, and shouldnt be held accountable for overcharges that happened before he officially became owner. The latter argument was the crux of what Smiths attorney, Chase Dearman, argued in court. Smith signed an application to the Mobile Police Department to be added to the citys towing service rotation in Feb. 2019, and paperwork to change ownership of the company from his father to him was not processed by the Alabama Secretary of States office until June 2019. Therefore, Dearman argued, Smith was not liable for any overcharges from before that time. Sign up for Roy S. Johnsons newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to Roys weekly newsletter, The Barbershop: This is an opinion column. Lets just be truthful. Lets look in the mirror and stop pretending. Look in the mirror and stop denying what we see. Look in the mirror and stop lying. America, we love our guns more than we love our children. We love our guns more than we love our educators. We love our guns more than we love feeling safe while grocery shopping, walking through the park, watching a parade, or attending an outdoor concert. We love our guns more than we love our neighbors. We love our guns more than we love ourselves. Theres no lipstick to put on this slaughtered pig. Just truth. RELATED: Americas covenant with guns is killing our kids I dont know what else to say or write about guns. About pleas to tighten access to guns, particularly to ban assault weaponsguns able to spray dozens of bullets at the snap of a synapse, with one squeeze. To tighten gaps in the sponge-like system of background checks. To require guns be stored and locked safely in our homes. Three more children are dead, all just nine years old. Three more educators, too, all in their young sixties. All now dead. We dont care. Read it. Say it out loud. Its just truth. Oh, we feel. We hurt. Our stomachs go weak, our hearts skip when we learn of yet another godawful killing spree. On Monday, a day when many families in the South are celebrating spring break, a 28-year-old woman walked into the Covenant School, a Presbyterian school in an affluent Nashville neighborhood, armed with two assault-style weapons and a handgun. We dont yet fully know why, only what: Three more children are dead, all just nine years old. Three more educators, too, all in their young sixties. All now dead. The Covenant School shooting Rachel Dibble, who was at the church where parents gathered to be reunited with their forever-changed children shared: People were involuntarily trembling. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. We all trembled a little bit today. Involuntarily. Yet we dont care. The Covenant attack was the 130th mass shooting in 2023, notes the Gun Violence Archive. Its just March. They make us sick. We dont care. We dont even care about this truththat the founding father architects of the precious second amendment upon which we fervently stand and declare our unassailable right to bear arms in no way intended for us to bear weapons for the hell of it. And certainly not for self-defense, which gun zealots frothingly claim while blithely skipping, like school children on a playground, right over the amendments opening words: A well-regulated Militia A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Roots of the amendment extended back to England over allowing citizens to bear arms enabled the Crown to wield them as loyalists to combat dissidents. Without cannonballing into a whole history lesson, suffice it to say the royals wanted subjects to have guns so they could defend the royals, not themselves. Theres plenty of debate about the intentions of words and phrases used by the new Americans in crafting the second amendmentlike does free State refer to separate states defending themselves against other states, or the nation/state defending itself against despotism or an attack from foreign shores? Yet theres no debating this truth: They in no way intended for us to love guns this much. So much so our politiciansRepublican politicians; this mirror dont liebelieve youll love them simply because they love guns. Not because of their policies, platforms, or positions to address Americas greatest needs. Because they love guns. Ivey. Tuberville. Britt. They ran gun-totin campaign ads, as did a bevy of other Alabama Republicans during last years mind-numbing elections. Vote for us because we love guns, too. More than our children, whom we still struggle to educate; our infants, whom we struggle to keep alive through their first birthday; and our working neighbors who cannot afford quality healthcare because we love being one of only 10 states now not to expand Medicaid. (On Monday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, surrounded by supporters from both parties, signed into a law a bill expanding Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of residents in the state.) You may not know Tennessees Rep. Andy Ogles, who represents the Nashville district where Covenant School resides. Utterly heartbroken is how the Republican lawmaker described his feeling in the wake of the tragedyas a father of three, he wrote in a statement that offered, of course, thoughts and prayers. By now youve likely seen Ogles 2021 Christmas photoin it, he, his wife, and the two oldest of his three children gleefully wield automatic rifles. The youngest, legally too young perhaps to bear such arms, instead holds a sign reading, Merry Christmas. Heres @RepOgles and his family. Hes the Member of Congress who represents the Covenant School. pic.twitter.com/CWAQYjkuSw Jack Stelzner (@jackstelzner) March 27, 2023 God, we love our gunsmore than our lives. If we didnt, wed actually do something about them. Just truth. More columns by Roy S. Johnson After Gov Ivey signs law-and-order fentanyl bill, real work will just begin Woke is the far rights sky is falling; it fell on them Id like to thank my teachers, too, and this coach Gov. Iveys legacy: Prisons? Medicaid? Her choice Alabama Republicans parents rights bill smells like states rights; Im holding my nose Early release of the 369 is the most compassionate, smartest thing Alabama prisons have ever done. Roy S. Johnson is a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary and winner of the Edward R. Murrow prize for podcasts: Unjustifiable, co-hosted with John Archibald. His column appears in AL.com, as well as the Lede. Subscribe to his free weekly newsletter, The Barbershop, here. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com, follow him at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj U.S. Sen. Tommy Tubervilles holding up of military nominees over Defense Department policies providing abortion access for service members is reckless and could not come at a worse time, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Right now, 160 military promotions these are not political -- are on hold because the senior senator from Alabama is holding them up because he cant get his way on blocking 160,000 women within the military from receiving healthcare, Schumer said Monday on the Senate floor. Blocking military choices is unprecedented and it could weaken our national security, he added. The policies Tuberville objects to allow service members to request administrative absence for non-covered reproductive health services, which includes elective abortions and IVF, for themselves or to accompany their partners. The policies also provide transportation allowances to travel to states where reproductive care is more expansive. Among the nominations Tuberville is holding up, according to Schumer, include commanders for U.S. Naval Forces in the Pacific, Middle East and the U.S. representative to a NATO committee. The senator from Alabamas hold on hundreds of routine military promotions is reckless, damages the readiness of our military and puts American security in jeopardy, the Senate majority leader said. If every elected official held up military nominations over policies they object to, Schumer said, our military would simply grind to a halt. He said the holds risk permanently politicizing nominations and are causing immense damage. I cant think of a worse time for a MAGA Republican to pull a stunt like this as threats against American security, against democracy, are growing around the world, Schumer said. He implored Tubervilles Republican colleagues to get him to stand down. An image of a high school student's ID issued by Hana Financial Group is shown in the Samsung Pay application. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Anna J. Park Samsung Pay can now feature a student ID in its mobile application, as it partners with Hana Financial Group to strengthen its digital wallet functions. The move is part of a series of steps that Samsung Pay is taking to expand its versatility, following Apple Pay's recent launch in Korea. Samsung Electronics, the operator of Samsung Pay, and Hana Financial Group announced Tuesday that they formed a strategic partnership earlier this week to cooperate on the digital wallet project. The two companies will work jointly on activating mobile ID functions, such as student IDs and employee IDs, with further plans to launch a futuristic model of financial services. With the strategic agreement, students of 108 high schools across the country partnered with Hana Financial as their main financial company will be able to use their student IDs through Samsung Pay, if the schools decide to do so. Students can use the mobile ID to access their meal plans or enter libraries. The two companies plan to extend the service to university students in the near future. "We're very glad to provide an innovative digital service for young people, the future leaders, with Hana Financial Group," said Han Ji-ni, vice president of the Digital Life and MX Division at Samsung Electronics. "We will strive so that users can have excellent mobile wallet experiences with the partnership." "With the partnership with Samsung, we can offer the utmost innovative digital experiences for users," Hana Financial Group Vice Chairman Park Sung-ho said. "We will continue to provide new digital financial experiences and values for customers." Samsung Pay formed a partnership with Naver Pay late last week, and is currently in talks with Kakao Pay to provide a joint service, in an apparent move to counter Apple Pay's threat to the local market. To lift a line from the immortal Dean Wormer: Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life here amended to fat and stupid. Case in point, Alvin Bragg, now the Manhattan district attorney, and a guy who never met a calzone he didnt eat. Calzones deserve a better fate. Bragg -- who badly wants to carve up Donald J. Trump, but wont -- was boosted into office in November 2021 in yet another spasm of virtue signaling by the Rotted Apples smart set, and whose campaign was lubed by dollars from George Soros to the aptly named Color of Change PAC. Bragg is another swell diversity hire. They abound in Americas deteriorating cities. And not incidentally -- in fact, importantly -- hes a Soros and establishment sock puppet. In going after Trump -- and as of this writing, flailing conspicuously in his gambit -- hes paying his dues to the Man. Diversity hire's only requirement is doing the Mans bidding. Alvin is trying. Bragg is a Happy Meal for the diversity, inclusion, and equity crowd. Nothing brings bigger smiles to their faces than foisting unintelligent, untalented, poorly skilled of color or gender box checks on mostly of color Democrat-ruined urban communities around the country. In NYC, it makes those fashionable, progressive Upper West Side dinner parties so perky. Other than the quixotic quest to get Trump, Braggs primary duty as a Soros sock puppet is to free mostly of color murderers, rapists, child molesters, gangbangers, and robbers. Or not charge them in the first place. Soros and his ilk demand it. The riffraff are victims, after all, of systemic white racism. Why, racial justice demands it. Certainly, said victims of white racism would never, ever have murdered and raped but for whiteys oppression. The irony is -- actually, its demonic more than ironic -- when Bragg frees these scourges, where do they go? Do they pack their bags for white precincts? Suburban Topeka? How about piney Fayetteville? Hmm Butte? Nah. They return to the brilliantly urban renewed slums from whence they crawled return to terrorize and prey upon the of color denizens, who are struggling to survive another day. Whiteys victims slither from slums to terrorize and brutalize the law-abiding elsewhere. For instance, the Latinx bodega shopkeeper, Jose Alba, who for the crime of defending himself against a couple of downtrodden, was arrested and packed off to Rykers Island. Bragg intended to indict Alba for the unpardonable crime of having the wrong pigmentation and defending self against the of color oppressed, but public blowback proved too great, even for a Soros sock puppet. Bragg backed down. A sumptuous meal must have soothed his bruised sense of justice. Or -- here surmised as pastime -- racial injustice legions venture into New Yorks subways to terrorize riders or push the unsuspecting onto train tracks. Or target Asians (usually females and the old) for old-fashioned beatings. And while this mayhem sinks the Rotted Apple into an ever-deeper abyss of crime and dysfunction, Bragg just shrugs. As policy, Bragg shrugs. Bragg and other Soros-owned big city DAs and elected leaders marching orders have nothing to do with putting hombres behind bars and upholding the highest standards of public safety. They have nothing to do with the canard of racial justice. They have to do with the Marxist imperative of destroying to rule over the ruins. Better to rein in Hell than serve in Heaven. About Asian Americans and immigrants, well, yellow isnt a color on the of color palette. As a rule, Asians just cant get with the victimology scam. Another rule: Asians dare to be industrious, thrifty, highly disciplined, and very focused. Go to the takeout around the corner from you. Mr. Yang and his kin are busting tail in the kitchen and at the counter. Mr. Yangs kids? Sitting at a table cracking schoolbooks. His kids are going to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, and tech entrepreneurs -- and not because of dumbed-downed diversity standards, but because of sweat equity and bona fide achievement. For the sin of genuine merit -- when will believing in the American Dream be criminalized? -- the Yangs and Asians of all stripes are loathed by the diversity, inclusion, and equity mob, particularly affluent, progressive whites who fear their kids will be outperformed and outcompeted for prized higher education berths. Asians, in the main, refuse to present themselves as victims. They disrupt the progressive narrative. They unintentionally mock it. Taking control of ones destiny is verboten. Asians chose to be hardworking achievers, not excuse makers, haters, and shakedown artists. And isnt that the pith of the diversity, inclusion, and equity racket? Asians are powerful testaments to merit, while Bragg and other diversity mongers are anything but meritorious. Theyre subpar grifters and moochers. So toward Asians, these counterfeits let flow torrents of seething resentment. For further proof, we need only visit other poxes on the American landscape. Soros buys DAs. He means to add to the stable. Kim Foxx, Cook County States Attorney, holds her office thanks to Boss Soros largess. Cook County contains Chicago, which even Al Capone, resurrected, might avoid for fear of being gang jumped. Back in 2020, Soros kicked a couple of million into a committee backing Foxxs election. Since Foxx became States Attorney, Chicagos lowlifes have enjoyed an open-ended holiday -- from arrest, indictment, and almost certain conviction. The Windy Citys of color neighborhoods are nightly scenes of melees, as gangbangers compete for turf and use streets for gun battles that put the OK Corral dustup to shame. Of color are disproportionately the victims -- including kids and the old. Reports CBS Chicago, blandly, Data Show Violent Crime Has Been On The Rise For The Last Three Years. Curiosity about the trend is how it lines up with Chicagos dysfunctional leadership. The trend roughly tracks Foxxs tenure and the rein of outgoing Chicago mayor Beetlejuice, aka, Lori Lightfoot, another laughable elected diversity hire who checked three boxes: black, female (alleged), and LGBTQIA+. This from DC Caller, February 12: Prior to Foxxs election, far fewer criminal cases were dismissed cases in Cook County, according to data posted by the Cook County States Attorneys Office. In 2015, 263 weapons charges were dismissed, compared to 1,217 in 2022. The Cook County Medical Examiner Case Archive registered 619 homicides county wide in 2015, rising to 937 in 2022. So, why on this side of fabled Cabrini-Green would Foxxs office post such painfully damning numbers? Perhaps Foxxs bulb is dimmer than Braggs, or in the perverse world of racial justice warriorship, this amounts to bragging rights? Hanging tough in St. Louis, diversity hire Kim Gardiner, whom Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is sensibly trying to oust. Seems that white racist Bailey has seen enough of color St. Louis citizens preyed upon by Gardiners malicious policies. Lest we think diversity hires get all Soros favors and fun, Philadelphia district attorney, White Boy Larry Krasner -- brotherly love oozing from his pores -- looses Phillys criminals on everybody, including of color citizens. Ditto L.A. district attorney, White Boy George Gascon. But back to Bragg. This week, this Einstein and Thomas E. Dewey all rolled into one will have managed to drag an empaneled Grand Jury into indicting Trump on some threadbare, banana republic sham charge or he wont -- that is, if the Grand Jury acts with uncharacteristic independence. Or Bragg will reveal himself to have feet of Carvel ice cream. His star witness is none other than Michael Cohen, convicted felon and serial liar. Cohen, in part, was convicted of false statements. A Cohen letter about paying off Stormy Daniels without Trumps knowledge holds the president blameless of a false charge, anyway. Bragg putting Cohen on the stand knowing Cohen committed perjury should cost Bragg more than losing VIP treatment at Golden Corral; it should cost him his law license. Should. In New York City, where diversity, inclusion, and equity abound, Bragg is more likely to get off with winks, nods, and a free meal at Gramercy Tavern. J. Robert Smith can be found regularly at Gab @JRobertSmith. He also blogs at Flyover . Hes just returned to Twitter. His Twitter handle is @JRobertSmith1. Image: Wallpaper Flare In a recent article, Geoffrey P. Hunt expressed disillusionment bordering on disgust with former President Donald J. Trump. Basically, he presents a list of failures or areas of neglect that show Trumps inability to overthrow the swamp despite his nonstop criticisms of it. Regarding voting rules, he asks, Why did he do nothing? The gist of the article is a list of items where he claims Trump did nothing. In essence his list of Trumps failures can be summed up as Trumps failure to destroy the Deep State, the swamp, the fake news, and the careers of all those who speak for and profit from those corrupt systems. However, this writer, hoping that Hunts article was more a moment of frustration and pique than a serious reflection, would contend that Trump during his term in office had some monumental successes, and that there is no one in public life who could have done better at taking on the horrible excesses of our system that have been developed over the past 100 years, and even more intensely during the past thirty. 1. He built most of the wall on our southern border. In 2006, both parties agreed to build a fence, but the fence was inadequate to prevent immigrants from continuing to flood in, and sufficient funds were not found to add the technology to supplement the weak fence. Trump with his construction experience knew that the problem was not only getting enough technology, but that a structure stronger than a fence needed to be built, so he authorized the wall. Further, asylum seekers who were crossing illegally instead of applying at a Port of Entry had to stay in Mexico to apply for asylum. He pressured Mexico to accept that "deal." He enlisted Mexicos cooperation by threatening to put tariffs on a host of Mexican products that they exported to the USA. 2. He took us out of the Paris Climate Accords with the expectation of ramping up U.S. coal and gas production. In 1997 the Kyoto Protocols which had similar goals to the Accords were rejected because of opposition by the Senate. But during the intervening years, the Obama administration had managed to sign on. Trump, with characteristic boldness, reversed course. The finger pointing that claimed he thereby was going to be a key player in destroying the world's environment was ridiculous since the USA was only responsible by that time for only 15% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. 3. He withdrew the USA from the noxious JCPOA deal with Iran that had been negotiated with Obama and Kerry. That deal would have enriched Iran, increased the likelihood of their having a nuclear bomb within ten years or less, and increased the threat of Middle Eastern and worldwide Islamic terrorism. 4. He caused the price of gas at the pump to decline by supporting energy independence for the USA. He approved drilling in certain Alaskan federal lands that had been barred from gas and oil exploration under previous administrations. 5. He appointed three so-called conservative jurists to the Supreme Court most notably standing by Brett Kavanaugh who was hit with some of the most horrible character assassination ever seen on the public stage. He stood firm and did not withdraw the nomination. 6. North Korea stopped "testing" (really, threatening) missiles near So. Korea and Japan. Test firings were stopped. By being the first U.S. President to meet with a No. Korean head of state, he gave new significance and meaning to the Judeo-Christian ideal for thousands of years of "love your enemies." Sometimes a threat such as his fire and fury threat against No. Korea can be useful in breaking down barriers and inducing constructive communication. 7. He renegotiated NAFTA and pulled the U.S. out of a SE Asia trade consortium that was hurtful to U.S. manufacturing. 8. Minority employment -- especially black employment -- was the highest it had been in decades. 9.The Standard Deduction on federal income tax for married couples was raised and the corporate tax rate was lowered to 21%. However, the tax reform's effect was that many people who formally itemized on Schedule A took the standard deduction instead. 10. Trump offended and upset the Deep State or "swamp," that ocean of permanent agency officials and military leaders that administer the laws and policies of the USA continually, even as Presidents come and go. They are the leaders of the "administrative state" which has become the fourth -- and unelected -- branch of government. Federal agencies came into existence during the Progressive Era with the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. The FDA, the FBI, and the Federal Reserve came into existence. The authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission expanded, and under Wilson the authority of the Sherman Antitrust Act was clarified and expanded by the Clayton Antitrust Act. WWI expanded the role of the federal government in administering businesses in order to promote the war effort. After 1932, when we faced the crisis of the Great Depression, FDR created a host of agencies to control various sectors of the economy. In a sense the WWI agencies were a kind of "trial run" which showed the feasibility of federal assertions of power regarding the economy. In short, during the 20th century we saw a dramatic shift away from the balance of powers between states and the federal government in favor of the feds. Although Trump did not get rid of the vast array of federal agencies that now engulf our society with ever-expanding federal regulations, he did call attention to this problem simply by his rhetoric against the Deep State and the Swamp. He hammered home that we are being enslaved even though our self-image is that of a free society where individual initiative and personal integrity are or should be the guiding light demonstrating the ongoing day-by-day reality of liberty. In short, he awakened many of us to the reality that even though we pledge that we are "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all," the liberty part of that statement has taken a severe hit. Our liberties are waning and have been waning for a long time. 11. He promised to increase the contributions of NATO members to our common defense and succeeded in doing so. 12. He called our attention to the monolith that our media had become (fake news), and to its leftist orientation -- a far cry from the liberal days of the past that were much less partisan platforms than the major news agencies we have today. In short, he performed the very important function of pounding home a kind of "emperor has no clothes" exposure of realities that many of us had over the years tried to deflect or ignore. He rubbed the media's noses in their sycophantic "false" or distorted reporting, and showed that they were not merely biased, but were often simply lying to the public. With conscious, premeditated deception, the major tv networks and news outlets like the NY Times and the Washington Post were failing to provide two or more sides of public news to the public they claimed to serve. On its face, this is a remarkable record, one unmatched in recent presidential records, and one for which Trump deserves much more credit than he has been given. Image: Ines Zgonc Lawmakers attend a plenary meeting of the parliamentary strategy and finance committee at the National Assembly in Seoul, March 22. Yonhap Korea's tax exemptions and incentives for this year are expected to hit an all-time high of 69.3 trillion won ($53.48 billion), as the country seeks to better support vulnerable people and spur economic growth, the finance ministry said Tuesday. The value of the tax cuts and credit, approved by the Cabinet on the day, marked a 9.1 percent rise from last year's 63.5 trillion won, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The percentage of tax exemptions out of the total tax revenue is likely to reach 13.9 percent this year, nearly unchanged from a year earlier, it added. In detail, some 43.3 trillion won will be tax exemptions for individuals, and 68.8 percent of the total will be for mid- to low-income earners. Of the remaining 25.4 trillion won for private companies, 66.2 percent will be for small and midsized firms, and 3.8 percent for second-tier medium-sized firms. The proportion for large conglomerates is expected to come to 16.7 percent this year, up from 10.9 percent in 2021 and 15.5 percent in 2022, according to the ministry. The Yoon Suk Yeol government seeks to expand support for private firms' technology development and investment to boost sagging exports and ensure growth momentum, and make efforts to provide tax subsidies to those in need while reducing unnecessary tax incentives. (Yonhap) On April 28, 2022, during a hearing, Congressman Chip Roy asked Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas whether his department (DHS) has operational control of the U.S. border with Mexico. Mayorkas answered, Yes. He was lying. Shortly thereafter, during a House Homeland Security Committee Field Hearing, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Chief Raul Ortiz, admitted much more honestly than his boss, Secretary Mayorkas that the U.S. does not, in fact, have operational control of the southern border. That is significant cause for concern, because lack of control over our borders means that DHS has no idea how many terrorists, criminals, foreign intelligence operatives and human traffickers are flooding across the now imaginary line in the sand that separates the U.S. from Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Operational control isnt just meaningless government jargon. Congress defined the term in the Secure Fence Act of 2006 as, the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband. It also directed DHS to establish operational control within 18 months of the statutes enactment. Naysayers have argued that Congress unrealistically mandated a sealed border, which no administration could achieve. However, this criticism is unfounded. On at least two occasions, the Border Patrol achieved something approximating the type of operational control described in the Secure Fence Act. In 1993, the El Paso Border Patrol Sector launched Operation Hold the Line. Border Patrol Agents assumed positions along the frontier with Mexico, in locations where they were visible to each other, as well as would-be border jumpers. Most illegal aliens abandoned their attempts to cross the border when faced with a solid line of law enforcement officers. The few who attempted to cross were simply arrested by the numerous USBP agents conducting roving patrols between the stationary front line positions. Once word got out amongst migrants, apprehensions of illegal aliens dropped by more than 70 percent and border crime also plummeted. A similar effort, called Operation Gatekeeper, was launched in the Imperial Beach Sector in 1994. This time the Border Patrol deployed one tier of agents along the border in high visibility locations. They were backed up by a second tier of roving patrols, and a third tier of agents stationed along common interior travel routes near the border. Initially, apprehensions increased as the human net of border patrolmen began snagging illegal aliens. However, just as with Operation Hold the Line, once word was out in migrant communities, the numbers dropped off once again. One can only imagine how much more effective both Hold the Line and Gatekeeper would have been had they been extended to the entire U.S./Mexico border and backed up by properly constructed physical barriers. However, it wasnt until the Trump administration that any president made further efforts to comply with the Secure Fence Act and establish operational control of the border. Under President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security installed 458 miles of 18-30 foot steel wall anchored in concrete. The vast majority of this replaced ineffective pedestrian fencing and vehicle barriers that had been erected in a token effort at thwarting individual border jumpers, but never served as a meaningful deterrent against drug smugglers and human traffickers. According to a DHS report published on October 29, 2020, the Trump-era border wall system significantly reduced illegal border crossings. And while the Trump administration didnt manage to seal the border between lawful ports of entry, when its term expired, it was making giant strides toward establishing the type of border control contemplated by Congress in 2006. To assess how effective Joe Biden and his truth-challenged minion Alejandro Mayorkas have been in moving toward Congress border control mandate, one need only compare recent events to Hold the Line, Gatekeeper and Trumps wall building efforts. About two weeks after Mayorkas glibly insisted that his DHS has maintained control of the border, a group of at least 1,000 migrants rushed the port-of-entry at the Paso Del Norte Bridge. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers rapidly closed the bridge with Jersey barriers and razor wire. However, the news footage of the event doesnt scream an administration in control of the border. It looks more like General Santa Anas army storming the Alamo. Viewing what can only be referred to as the Paso Del Norte Bridge Incursion, it isnt apparent what level of control the U.S. government is currently exercising over our border with Mexico. But one thing is abundantly clear: if Alejandro Mayorkas thinks that a thousand screaming aliens charging a port-of-entry and demanding to be let into the United States constitutes operational control over the border, it is well past time for his removal. American citizens should be demanding that their elected representatives impeach the incompetent Mayorkas and ensure that he is replaced with someone who takes both border control and national security seriously. Otherwise, its only a matter of time before a crowd of 10,000 or 100,000 aliens rushes CBP and the U.S. is facing a full-blown invasion of a type last witnessed by Roman centurions as the empire fell around them. Matt OBrien is the director investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute and the co-host of IRLIs podcast No Border, No Country. Immediately prior to working for IRLI he served as an immigration judge. He has nearly 30 years of experience in immigration law and policy, having held numerous positions within the Department of Homeland Security. Image: Screen shot from CNN/Reuters video, via YouTube The timing of the tragic Nashville shooting, in which a MUSS (Made-Up Sexual Status, AKA "transgender") individual killed six at a Christian school, is a bit odd. National Public Radio had just recently done a piece on how MUSS and other "LGBTQ" people are buying guns because, the story goes, they believe they're imperiled by conservatives. As one sexual devolutionary NPR quoted put it, If the world is dangerous, then you have to be dangerous back, and that very much has pushed me into where I am now. As for what pushed 28-year-old Audrey Hale into opening fire Monday at The Covenant School, which she once attended, the media largely pretend to have no clue. They don't want you to have one, either. This is why, shamelessly, they often hide Hale's MUSS status and instead focus on guns. Here's how brazen it is, too: With jihadist-like zeal and as a rule, the media will use a MUSS individual's "preferred pronouns" and chosen opposite-sex name and seek to "cancel" anyone not following suit. Yet now they not only happily "deadname" Hale, but identify her as a "female suspect" or "female shooter" and reference her using feminine pronouns. Newsweek did this, making no mention whatsoever of Hale's MUSS status. Metro at least noted that the woman "identified as transgender," though it still used feminine pronouns even though the killer had embraced he/him ones. (The deadnaming is perhaps understandable, as reports that Hale was going by the first name "Aiden" are unconfirmed.) I mean, you'd almost think these articles were written by Selwyn Duke except for one thing: The media hide Hale's MUSS status because, if they didn't, you just might suspect the shooting could've been an anti-Christian hate crime. YouTube screen grab. Second, it might occur to some people that maybe, just perhaps, society has more to fear from MUSS individuals than they do from society. This is reality, too. Contrary to media myth, and as I reported in 2020, studies have shown that MUSS individuals are less likely to be murdered than normal people are and are more likely to kill than be killed. (They're also overrepresented among pedophiles.) This raises a question, given "Red Flag" laws' popularity: Do we need Rainbow Flag laws? For the record, I'm skeptical of such legislation, to say the least, and know that removal of Second Amendment rights is not the real remedy for crime. The issue, though, is hypocrisy. Red Flag laws have been sold with the idea that guns "must be kept from the mentally ill's hands." We've heard this continually. Yet how, then, does it make sense giving a whole category of mentally ill individuals a special dispensation from this prohibition by reclassifying their psychological disorder as an "identity" or "lifestyle choice"? As I've pointed out for years, the MUSS phenomenon is not a biological matter requiring a biological remedy; rather, it results from serious psychological issues. Audrey Hale isn't the first MUSS mass shooter, either. WND cited other examples in 2019 and, quoting a report by website National Justice, related that MUSS individuals' "small population is well represented among murderers, serial killers and pedophiles." Personally speaking, I cannot think of another group with so many hostile, unstable members. Coming to mind is the MUSS individual who stated, after I wrote an article criticizing the MUSS agenda, that he wanted "my head on a platter." Then there was the 2015 Dr. Drew program incident in which Robert Tur (AKA "Zoey" Tur), a large, muscular man in a dress, grabbed commentator Ben Shapiro's neck and threatened to send him "home in an ambulance" (video below). When was the last time you saw someone threaten this kind of violence during a political/social discussion? Such behavior is hardly unfathomable. MUSS individuals are very troubled, generally unhappy people uncomfortable in their own skin. And the lie they're living that they can be the opposite sex is so grand and fragile that Truth's slightest utterance can burst their bubble. This can be enraging. They may externalize, too, attributing their unhappiness to others' failure to affirm their delusion. They then may lash out at those they believe are making them miserable. There also are the drugs MUSS individuals often take. Given the studies indicating that steroid use can cause increased aggression, one could wonder: was Hale on testosterone? Hormones are powerful substances. How does putting people on a cross-sex hormone regimen, along with perhaps other drugs, affect their mentality? Is giving an already disturbed individual a cocktail of medications designed to induce opposite-sex physical changes really a good idea? The bottom line, however, concerns whether we're serious about keeping guns out of the mentally ill's hands. If so, then "mentally ill" mustn't be defined based on political will. Contact Selwyn Duke; follow him on MeWe, Gettr, or Parler; or log on to SelwynDuke.com. While Democrats are busy blaming inanimate objects (i.e., guns) for the fact that an evil person murdered three children and three adults at a Christian school, conservatives are doing useful journalism and have discovered some interesting facts. First, the shooting took place even as so-called transgender organizations were pushing hard for a Trans Day of Vengeance. Second, the killer targeted the school because it was a gun-free zone. A transgender activist group has been promoting a Day of Vengeance to take place in Washington, D.C. this coming weekend: A group of transgender activists is planning a Day of Vengeance in Washington, D.C., for March 31-April 2 while raising money for firearms training this week, according to its online materials. The Trans Radical Activist Network (TRAN) said on Twitter that The time is now, enough is enough, and uploaded posters to TikTok that said, We want more than visibility. Trans Day of Vengeance. Stop trans genocide. Save the date: April 1st 11:00 AM / March 31st TBA. [snip] The national groups website for the Day of Vengeance says, Like the Stonewall Riots the gays and lesbians were experiencing what the trans community is facing now. This cycle of hate needs to end in fact it must. Allies, siblings we need you now more than ever. I was a radical revolutionist. I still am a revolutionistI am glad I was in the Stonewall Riot. I remember when someone threw a Molotov cocktail, I thought, My god, the revolution is here. The revolution is finally here? -Sylvia Rivera. In fact, there is no transgender genocide (just as there is no such thing as transgenderism, which is premised on the unscientific idea that someone is in the wrong body): The 'vengeance' is payback for a purported 'trans genocide,' despite newly-released FBI hate crime statistics showing that there were 2 trans hate crime murders in 2021, and only 278 anti-trans hate crimes overall, including petty offenses like vandalism.https://t.co/PwNmQ7mD5d Luke Rosiak (@lukerosiak) March 27, 2023 Because the Daily Wire (especially Matt Walsh) has been playing such a large role in challenging the myth of transgenderism, the group specifically targeted Nashville: The group specifically called for vengeance in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/sh9n7bWQ3s Luke Rosiak (@lukerosiak) March 27, 2023 While I dont know of any evidence tying the evil female shooter to the Day of Vengeance, its certainly true that anger is integral to transgenderism. The way I think of these people, especially if theyre taking hormones, is that they have the aggression of men and the emotionalism of women, which is a very dangerous combination. Thats why I found it disturbing to know theres a movement among transgender people to be armed. While I believe in every individuals right to bear arms, I find it unnerving that people who wear their mental illness as a badge of honor are planning to arm themselves en masse. To understand the rage powering the transgender crowd, watch what happened to Posie Parker, who wanted to create a space in Auckland for women to speak: Wild scenes in Auckland as a woman, Posie Parker, is mobbed by transgender activists. pic.twitter.com/2V3Jjm6c8w Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 25, 2023 Here are a couple of very clear examples of violence from trans activists at Posie Parkers event at Albert Park in Auckland on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/VNsqYPbJKD The Zeitgeist (@TheZeitgeistNZ) March 26, 2023 #NewZealand Violence erupts in #Auckland as womens rights activist Posie Parker is attacked by far-left trans activist pic.twitter.com/jihGfbFd6j Klaus Arminius (@Klaus_Arminius) March 25, 2023 The second piece of news, although I cannot find a source for Colion Noirs assertion, says that the shooters manifesto included language saying she chose the school because of its lack of armed security (perhaps explaining why she didnt target The Daily Wire, despite transgender hostility to that outlet): Crying about an assault an weapon ban when the shooter literally left a manifesto saying that school was chosen because of the lack of armed security compared to another target is wild. The shooter killed 6 ppl w/ so called Assault weapons. The V-Tech shooter killed 36 w/ Colion Noir (@MrColionNoir) March 27, 2023 You can consider a gun-free zone an invitation to evil. What stopped the shooter was that, after 13 long minutes, two good guys with guns (i.e., police) bravely went after her (unlike the Uvalde police) and shot her. The issue isnt guns. The issue is evil and societal breakdown because the people whose lifestyle choices mean that they should be left in peace at the margins of a healthy society have taken center stageand thats the one thing Democrats never want to discuss. Image: Poster for the Trans Day of Vengeance. TikTok screen grab. A David French March 27 N.Y. Times column exuded a derisive sense of superiority. Online, the column was titled "Opinion | MAGA, Not Trump, Controls the Movement Now." For the print edition, the title was "Trump's Movement Now Commands Him." (May it only be so.) Accordingly, French betrayed the mark of the "snob" with this column (typical of all Times staffers, it must be acknowledged). I wondered about the origin of the term. Could it be an acronym for Superior, Nasty, Obtuse, Boorish as these adjectives inform, fully, the French March 27 column? Google brought up this possible origin of the term, which is something of an acronym: The word 'snob' is said to have arisen from the custom of writing "s. nob.", that is, 'sine nobilitate,' after the names of children of untitled parents[.] But this explanation clearly suggests that the meaning of the term has been turned upside-down to refer to a person who has an exalted sense of superiority over others, as French clearly displays vis-a-vis MAGA patriots. Indeed, French comes across as having an exalted sense of superiority and is nasty, obtuse, and boorish, to boot. For his snobbish purpose, French uses the rump March 25 Waco, Texas rally as a peg. In his fourth paragraph, French referred to the rally's speakers as "a collection of followers, each vying for the affection of the real power in Waco, the coddled populist mob." Does anyone doubt that there is the voice of someone with an exalted sense of superiority, who is also nasty, obtuse, and boorish, to boot? Lest anyone mistake his message demeaning Trump voters, two paragraphs down, French reiterated his snobbish phrase "the coddling of the populist mind" and demonstrates how the actual snobbish mindset is anti-Trump because it is anti-populist that is to say, opposed to a level playing field for the citizenry, intent on the "ambitious sacrifice of the many to the aggrandizement of the few" in Madison's marvelous description, at the opening of Federalist Paper No. 57, of the elitist mindset. Five paragraphs from column's end, French inserted Times-speak on "Jan. 6" as "insurrection," gliding, in the same paragraph, to claiming that "a group of men [were] imprisoned for storming the Capitol." Here is where French shows his obtuseness; that "group of men" has been held in custody without trial on charges that do not include insurrection in the face of our Sixth Amendment that calls for a "speedy and public trial." And so, behold the mindset of the political snob, who holds himself superior to the requirements of the Constitution no doubt the work of a "coddled populist mob." When newspapers publish stories using the phrase "her testicles," it's easy to add laughter to the tears that always accompany reports demonstrating the complete breakdown of reality in modern America. There is no laughter, though, when trying to decipher the biological sex of the school shooter who killed three children and three adults in Nashville, before the police appropriately terminated the killer's existence. Initial stories identified the shooter as a female teenager. Then the reports changed to say that the shooter (whom I will not name) was a 28-year-old female. That was odd because, historically, women are not mass shooters, although there are always exceptions. The news then reported that the shooter was "transgender." That too left me bewildered. Did that mean the shooter was a woman who claimed to be a man or a man who claimed to be a woman? Image: Transgender flag (edited). After that, I saw a headline on the Daily Mail's site stating, "Trans female former student..." Again, I had no idea whether this meant a female or a male. I didn't click on the story because the Daily Mail throws pronouns around with wild and illogical abandon. Instead, I went to look for other sources of information about the killer's sex. It wasn't until I saw the DC_Draino tweet that I sort of got a handle on things. Despite the tweet's obvious refusal to use female pronouns, it's apparent that the killer was a woman who "identifies" as a man: *Unconfirmed* reports identify the Nashville shooter as Audrey Hale, a biological female that identifies as He/Him on their LinkedIn Authorities believe the transgender shooter previously attended the Christian school Instagram account creative.aiden has been deleted pic.twitter.com/ybdQVQsZ6H DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) March 27, 2023 But of course, that's not true, either. This notion of being "transgender" is illusory. So-called transgenderism is merely one form of body dysphoria, a mental illness just as deluded as the anorexic girl with her bones protruding all over who claims she's fat. If the Democrat party didn't find so-called "transgenderism" politically useful, it wouldn't be celebrated in America or aggressively promoted in schools, at libraries, on TV, in movies, and on social media. In other words, a "transgender" man didn't commit mass murder; a mentally ill woman did. Just because the killer was mentally ill, that doesn't mean she didn't know what she was doing. The famous M'Naghton test for determining whether a person is criminally insane so that he (or she) cannot be convicted of murder requires that the killer was so divorced from reality that he was incapable of recognizing what he was doing. Thus, a man who provably believed he was hammering a nail into a chair, rather than braining his mother, will probably be allowed an insanity defense. In the case of this killer, though, early reports say that she carefully mapped out her crime in advance. She knew what she was doing, so her mental illness did not affect her ability to understand right from wrong and leave her thinking she was stomping out bugs, rather than murdering children. She was, quite simply, a completely evil woman, although I'm certain that her sense of victimhood due to her untreated mental illness exacerbated the sense of ill usage that drove her to slaughter children. Marjorie Taylor Greene asks a very important question: How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender Nashville school shooter taking? Everyone can stop blaming guns now. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) March 27, 2023 All societies have bell curves, whether we're talking sexuality, intelligence, wealth, political values, or anything else. But the peak of a bell curve also means that there are the long-tail ends that is, the places where the upper and lower extremes of those qualities live. When it comes to sex, Western culture has always had the bulk of the curve populated with sexually active heterosexuals. The extremes represent everything from total asexuality to all the non-standard sexualities (homosexuality, sadism, masochism, transvestitism, etc.). For any society, there are three basic responses to those sexual extremes: Cruel societies brutalize the non-standard sexualities. Free societies allow them room within which to function, without either penalizing or promoting them. Dying societies give the non-standard sexualities pride of place at the very heart of the culture. We have become the third society, the dying one, which has abandoned the peak of the bell curve the place of normalcy and stability for the aberrant extremes: And that's how we end up with a mentally ill woman being encouraged to claim she's a man rather than getting treatment to align her self-image with her biological reality and then, after possibly being hopped up on testosterone and other medications, she goes to an elementary school and slaughters the innocent. If you love small devices, you might need to watch out for the coming Pebble Android smartphone. This device is said to resemble the iPhone Mini series that comes with 5.4-inch screen sizes. It will also pack as much power as these iPhones did, bringing a powerful processor from the semiconductor industry. You will agree that it is difficult to find a miniature Android device in the smartphone market. Some of the best shots at tiny Android devices are the Google Pixel 6a, ASUS ZenFone 9, Samsung Galaxy S23, and a few others. These devices come with 6.1 or 5.9 -inch screen sizes, which are larger than that on the iPhone Mini entries. Pebble plans to make a very compact Android device available to those desiring such. This plan has been in place for a while, and it is finally seeing its early development stages. Specifications of the miniature Pebble Android smartphone are not available, but here is what you need to know about this device. Details regarding the coming Pebble Android smartphone Back in 2022, Pebbles CEO Eric Migicovsky posted an update on the SmallAndroidPhone blog page requesting a mini-sized Android phone. In this update, Eric made his love for small devices (sub-6-inch smartphones) known to the public. He also made the physical features of his desired device known, saying that it should be lightweight, pocket friendly, and great for one-hand usage. Advertisement His goal was to bring together lovers of small phones to put pressure on large smartphone OEMs to action. This action aimed to make these brands see the need to create a small smartphone that packs a punch. Eric has been able to gather over 38,000 small phone lovers to impress the need for a small Android smartphone. Well, this effort to draw the attention of major smartphone OEMs have yielded little result. Most Android brands are still comfortable launching devices that sit in the 6.1 to 6.8-inch screen size range. No one seems to dare launch a device whose screen measures 5.4 inches. Even Apple abandoned their Mini line-up, opting for a much larger Max line-up. Eric and a few other small phone enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to design the ideal smartphone that suits their needs. Some of the specifications they are working with include sub-6-inch screen size, Stock Android OS, impressive cameras, a flagship processor, good memory capacity, and so much more. From their desired specifications, this device will not be a flimsy effort at launching a sub-6-inch smartphone. Since no smartphone brand is willing to take this task up, Eric and his team have taken it upon themselves to design the ideal device. This isnt their first time in the gadget manufacturing industry, as this team was responsible for the design and release of the Pebble Time Steel smartwatch. With knowledge of the industry, the team has already begun designing this coming mini Android device. Advertisement Sources that have spoken with members of this team say that there are a ton of design ideas. At the moment, these ideas are mainly about the rear camera layout. Once these ideas and designs are finalized, the actual development of this device will kick off. Its no secret that Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter has caused significant turmoil for the social media platform, with over 500 advertisers abandoning Twitter in response to Musks erratic changes. According to a report from The Information, Musk told his employees that the company is now worth just $20 billion, which is significantly lower than the $44 billion he paid last year. Musk shared this valuation in an internal Twitter memo, where he also announced a new stock compensation program that would allow employees to sell their stock every six months. In the email, Musk warned employees that the company was still in a difficult financial position. However, at one point, Twitter was four months away from running out of cash, emphasizing the challenges that the company faces. Musk further described Twitter as an inverse startup, due to the significant changes he made to save the platform from bankruptcy. Still a long way to go This drop in valuation reflects the challenges Twitter has faced ever since Musk took over. Daily revenue has dropped by 40% compared to the previous year as over 500 of the companys top advertising partners paused their spending on the platform following Elons decision to launch Blue with a verification subscription and the general amnesty policy, which brought some of Twitters worst users and a wave of fake accounts. Despite the challenges, Musk remains optimistic about Twitters future. He sees a clear but difficult path to a $250 billion valuation, which would make the companys current stock grants worth ten times as much in the future. Advertisement However, it remains to be seen whether Musks vision for Twitter will ultimately be successful. While the offer of stock grants may motivate employees and potentially increase the platforms value, Twitter needs to address its challenges to be profitable. Motorolas long-rumored Edge 40 and Edge 40 Pro flagship smartphones have been subject to another major leak. MySmartPrice has exclusively revealed the detailed specs of the new phones. The devices still dont have an official launch date, though Motorola debuted the Chinese version of the latter back in December 2022. The Motorola Edge 40 is a rebranded Moto X40 Leaks about the Motorols Edge 40 series have been coming for a few months now. The Pro model is the global version of the Moto X40 that launched in China late last year, so we already know what to expect from it. But the Lenovo-owned company is also readying a stripped-down model to accompany it in global markets. According to the new report, the two devices will share very few specs. The Motorola Edge 40 Pro will feature a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display (10802400 pixels) with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate. It is a 10-bit pOLED panel with HDR10+ support, Dolby Vision, and 1,300 nits of peak brightness. The handset gets a quad-curved design with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coated 3D Corning Gorilla Glass Victus panels on the front and back, sandwiching a Sandblasted aluminum frame. Powering this phone is Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 8 gen 2 processor with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. For photos, we have a 50MP primary camera at the back with OIS (optical image stabilization) support. It is flanked by a 50MP ultrawide lens and a 12MP 2X telephoto zoom camera. On the front, we have a 60MP selfie camera. The handset also features four microphones and Dolby Atoms-tuned stereo speakers. Advertisement The Motorola Edge 40 Pro will pack a 4,600mAh battery with 125W of fast wired charging support. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 5W wireless power share (reverse charging). Other highlights include an under-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, linear x-axis vibration motor, and Android 13. The base model gets a MediaTek processor, fewer cameras, and slower RAM The base Motorola Edge 40, on the other hand, gets a 6.55-inch display of the same resolution but a 144Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits of peak brightness. Motorola is equipping it with a less powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The primary rear camera seemingly carries over unchanged but the Motorola Edge 40 gets a 13MP ultrawide lens and 32MP selfie camera. Theres no zoom camera here. Elsewhere, it misses out on Wi-Fi 7 and gets only three microphones, though we still have Dolby Atoms-tuned stereo speakers. Youll also find an under-display fingerprint scanner and IP68 rating for dust and water resistance here. But the Motorola Edge downgrades to a 4,400mAh battery with 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It lacks reverse wireless charging, and seemingly a linear x-axis vibration motor too. Stay tuned for the official launch of the Motorola Edge 40 series. According to The Elec, Samsung is lurking to become the supplier of iPhone 15 OLED displays. The outlet reports that BOE has encountered manufacturing and quality issues and couldnt meet Apples demands. Despite the fierce competition between Samsung and Apple, and their ads that grill each other, the companies have a close partnership in some segments of the business. Samsung has been a long-time supplier of OLED displays for Apple, and the two companies have a history of working together. If Samsung were to become the OLED supplier for iPhone 15, it would be a significant win for the company, as it would provide a boost to its display business. BOE was first assigned to work on OLED panels for the base model of iPhone 15. However, Chinese company have trouble producing notched panels, and Samsung might step in to produce the required panels. BOE panels reportedly have light leakage issues as the notch is not properly covered. Samsung will start producing iPhone 15 displays sooner than expected BOE is now in hot water because it couldnt meet Apple standards and schedule. The Apple iPhone 15 launch is scheduled for September 2023, and given the manufacturing issues BOE is facing, the company cant certainly meet the demands. Advertisement Samsung will start manufacturing panels for the iPhone 15 base model in May, one month earlier than planned. The company is also expected to produce panels for iPhone 15 higher-end models. Of course, Samsung is not alone in producing panels for iPhone 15, and LG Display will manufacture LTPO TFT OLED panels for Apple too. Despite failing to meet the demands and schedule, Apple reportedly hasnt lost its faith in BOE. The Chinese company entered the Apple supply chain in 2021 and planned to build new factories in Vietnam. Until the problem of light leakage of the displays is not solved, Samsung and LG will continue to produce OLED panels for Apple, but BOE will also return to the iPhone 15 supply chain after the problem is solved. Korean President Yun Suk Yeol delivers a keynote speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., Sept. 20, 2022. Yonhap The South Korean government on Tuesday welcomed a new report by the United Nations Human Rights Office condemning North Korea's abductions and human rights violations. In the report published Tuesday, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) highlighted the economic, social and emotional suffering of victims of the forcibly disappeared. It also criticized systematic abductions and enforced disappearances by North Korea as "crimes against humanity." Shortly after the release, South Korea's foreign and unification ministries, along with the defense and justice ministries, issued a joint press release welcoming the report. "Our government welcomes the latest OHCHR report and we hope that the report contributes to raising the international community's interest in North Korea's dire human rights situation and the issue of enforced disappearance," the statement read. The ministries also urged the North to take immediate steps to end such violations as recommended in the report, and to "expand cooperation with U.N. mechanisms in the field of human rights." The report is based on 80 in-depth interviews conducted between 2016 and 2022 with 38 male and 42 female victims of enforced disappearance. They included the relatives of the forcibly disappeared, North Koreans who escaped their country and foreigners who have fled the North after being abducted. It called on Pyongyang to acknowledge the occurrence of enforced disappearances, immediately return the victims of abduction and ensure full accountability for the crimes by carrying out independent investigations. (Yonhap) Ubisoft in a statement today has confirmed that it will be skipping E3, 2023. In a report from Video Games Chronicle, the publisher has said it will not be attending the upcoming event. That might not seem like a big deal on the surface, but it leaves things in state of uncertainty for what is supposed to be the marquis gaming convention of the year. Or at least, what typically has been the marquis gaming convention of the year for many years in a row. Prior to the pandemic of course. This comes as other large gaming companies, like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, have all confirmed they will not be attending either. But whats more surprising perhaps, is that Ubisoft was supposed to be attending. It confirmed back in February that it did plan to attend the show. And that it would have a presence on the show floor. However, plans have now changed. Ubisoft will hold its own event before E3 Like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, Ubisoft is forgoing E3 and will turn instead to its own live event to showcase new and upcoming games announcements. The Ubisoft Forward Live event will happen on June 12, the day before E3 starts. Advertisement In a statement to VGC, Ubisoft said While we initially intended to have an official E3 presence, weve made the subsequent decision to move in a different direction. Noting afterward that it would be having the livestream show and that it looks forward to sharing more details soon. Ubisoft reversing its decision to attend leaves E3 (currently) with no large game companies confirmed to be at the event. Although E3s new organizer ReedPop does say that AAA companies and indie studios will be there. It doesnt mention any companies by name though. Just that the full roster of exhibitors would be announced when it gets closer to the event. (ANSA) - ROME, MAR 28 - Senegalese news agency APS and ANSA have signed a partnership agreement providing for the provision and exchange of content for use on their respective platforms. Senegalese Ambassador to Italy Papa Abdoulaye Seck and Italian Ambassador to Senegal Giovanni Umberto De Vito attended the ceremony, the latter by video link from Dakar. The partnership enriches the supply of international information for subscribers and clients of the two news agencies. In fact, under the agreement the partners can use each other's information services for editorial purposes and develop joint commercial projects in support of institutional and corporate communications in Italy and Senegal. "I welcome with appreciation the start of the collaboration between ANSA and its Senegalese counterpart agency APS," said Italian Ambassador to Senegal Umberto De Vito. "The need for factual and transparent information on the affairs of Italy and Senegal is increasingly felt. Thanks to agreements such as this, it will be possible to strengthen the narrative on the many opportunities, including in the educational, artistic and business fields, that can unite Africa and Europe, as well as providing a more comprehensive perspective on the migration phenomenon," he added. For his part, Ambassador Papa Abdoulaye Seck stressed that "this partnership agreement is fundamental to the construction of a world that is marked by interdependence and driven by solidarity. In this respect, it is necessary to put an end to the asymmetry of information at the international level: very often the sources of tension and the mistaken perception we have of people are determined by poor information, which leads to actions that are not consistent with the progress of humanity. Education, information, sharing and exchange are imperative if we want our planet to undergo a true positive metamorphosis. The partnership agreement will contribute to this goal, and the Government of Senegal will do everything possible to ensure its rapid, effective and efficient implementation. Moreover, the Government of Senegal is convinced that this agreement will be a total success, given the commitment and determination of the new Senegalese news agency team and the will of Italy that has been constantly reaffirmed for exemplary cooperation with Senegal." APS Director General Thierno Ahmadou Sy expressed satisfaction with the agreement signed with ANSA: "In my opinion, this cooperation between our agencies is all the more opportune as the Italian Republic is home to thousands of Senegalese who need to know what is happening in their home country. And there is no doubt that this media bridge that we are building through this cooperation will allow them to always have the pulse of the country, to have reliable information from Senegal. For its part, APS will strive to make the actions and activities of the Italian entities and citizens living in Senegal more visible, to the delight of their fellow citizens back home." For Stefano De Alessandri, ANSA CEO, "the signing of this partnership is just a first step, which we hope will lead to further collaboration between ANSA and APS. In fact, the agreement includes the possibility of developing specific commercial projects for companies and entities that want to communicate from Senegal to Italy, and for Italian companies and entities that want to communicate in Senegal. Within ANSA we are also developing interesting technological projects that we are ready to share with APS." (ANSA). Campaigners have expressed their deep concerns that Government plans could see Afghan refugees forced out of hotels and into homelessness. On Tuesday Downing Street confirmed reports of a new package to accelerate the movement of Afghan refugees out of hotel bridging accommodation and into new homes. It comes after a report in The Times newspaper suggesting that between 8,000 and 9,000 Afghan refugees living in UK hotels will be given a few months notice to move out. There are fears some will become homeless, with the Refugee Council saying they were promised a warm welcome by the UK. The move, due to be announced by veterans minister Johnny Mercer on Tuesday afternoon, will reportedly see refugees offered a property though those who fail to take up the offer before a deadline will be evicted. Asylum seekers housed in hotels by the Home Office are not expected to be affected. The plan was discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday morning. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said Mr Sunak told the meeting that the UK can be proud of the support provided to those forced to flee Afghanistan. Mr Mercer also told colleagues that it was right to take these steps to help Afghans start a secure life, according to No 10. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan. He said there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer was expected to announce the move on Tuesday afternoon (Joe Giddens/PA) More details are expected to be revealed in the Commons, with Mr Mercer likely to promise new support and funding to get refugees into homes. Downing Street denied that Afghan refugees will be kicked out of hotels and said the new package is about finding them settled accommodation. This is about how were accelerating support for Afghans who have been forced to remain in hotel accommodation for sometimes more than a year, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said. Weve made a large commitment to them to support them in the UK to make a new life here and this will be the next stage of that. We do think it is right to help them into settled accommodation. There will be a significant package of support that sits behind them to both help them to find accommodation and to help them fully integrate into their new community. Thousands of Afghan refugees arrived in the UK after the Taliban takeover and fall of Kabul in 2021. Figures given to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed 5.6 million a day was being spent on hotels for people who had arrived in the UK and submitted an asylum claim, with 1.2 million paid to house Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban. The wider challenge of housing asylum seekers was also discussed at Cabinet, Mr Sunaks spokesman said. He said that Mr Sunak told Cabinet colleagues that the UK is a compassionate country that does want to offer protection and support to those most in need. He said the cost of the current approach and pressure it puts on local areas meant it was not sustainable. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick is set to provide an update on work to deal with illegal immigration this week. The wider British response to refugees fleeing Afghanistan has come under scrutiny in recent months. Figures from February showed just 22 people, including eight children, had been resettled in the UK after fleeing Afghanistan under the strand of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) that promised to help vulnerable refugees. The figure for Afghan nationals arriving in the UK by boat after crossing the Channel rose to 8,633 last year a six-fold increase on 2021. A pledge was made to take up to 20,000 Afghan refugees with as many as 5,000 in the first year who were forced to flee their home or faced threats of persecution from the Taliban under what the Home Office claimed at the time would be one of the most generous resettlement schemes in the UKs history. The ACRS, split into three pathways depending on eligibility, was formally launched in January 2022 although 7,141 Afghans had been resettled by December 2021 as people arrived in the UK under the summer evacuation exercise that year. The first pathway, which focused on eligible people who were notified by the UK Government that they had been called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation but were not able to board flights at the time of the evacuation in 2021, saw just under 500 people resettled last year. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was also launched in April 2021, offering priority relocation to the UK for current or former locally employed staff who have been assessed to be under serious threat to life. Under that scheme, 4,094 were resettled last year and 7,118 in 2021. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, center, gestures as he inspects nuclear warheads at an unidentified place in this photo carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency, Tuesday. The chart behind Kim shows that the warhead is named Hwasan-31 and is compatible with multiple delivery systems. Yonhap USS Nimitz carrier arrives in Busan in apparent warning against Pyongyang By Nam Hyun-woo North Korea released photos, Tuesday, of the "Hwasan-31," which it described as a tactical nuclear warhead, while its leader called for the expanded production of weapons-grade nuclear materials and nuclear weapons, according to its state media. On the same day, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea's southern port city of Busan, in an apparent show of force against Pyongyang's escalating missile and nuclear threats, keeping tensions high on the Korean Peninsula. According to the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim inspected the regime's nuclear weapons program, escorted by officials of the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the Missile General Bureau. The KCNA reported that Kim noted "the field of atomic energy should expand in a prescient manner" to ramp up "the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials" to "increase nuclear arsenals exponentially," and the institute should "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons." Kim also said the enemy of the country's nuclear forces is not a specific state or group, but "war and nuclear disaster themselves," and added that "nuclear weapons would not be used forever" if the regime is flawlessly prepared to use them "anytime and anywhere." Along with Kim's remarks, the KCNA also showed photos of the leader inspecting nuclear warheads at an unidentified place. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talks with his officials as he inspects nuclear warheads at an unidentified location in this photo carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency, Tuesday. Yonhap The photos showed a chart containing information of the Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead, and around 10 tactical nuclear warheads lined up, in an apparent intent to show that the country could mount such warheads on 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers, short-range ballistic missiles or even cruise missiles targeting South Korea. "The North revealed nuclear warheads named Hwasan-31, and they are seen as miniaturized, light-weight and modular nuclear warheads that can be mounted on not only tactical weapons, but also other missiles," said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies. "The chart in the photo shows that the Hwasan-31 is compatible with around eight delivery methods, such as missiles or submersible vehicles." So far, the South Korean military and intelligence authorities have assumed that Pyongyang has yet to produce miniaturized nuclear warheads that can be mounted on short-range ballistic missiles. If the nuclear warheads revealed in the photos are operational, the North would now be capable of arming its KN-series of missiles with nuclear warheads. During a press conference, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it is still evaluating information on the warheads to determine whether they are operational. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier makes a port call at a naval base in Busan, Tuesday. Yonhap "You can say the North's nuclear capability has been fully developed only when it has been successfully tested in real-world conditions," a JCS official said. "But we have yet to confirm such things, so we are still evaluating whether the weapons are operational." While the North was raising tensions with its apparent nuclear warheads, the United States also flexed its military muscle to warn Pyongyang by sending the USS Nimitz to Busan. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11 comprised of missile cruisers, destroyers and some 70 combat aircraft. During the port call, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, told reporters that the group plans to stage a trilateral exercise involving South Korea, Japan and the U.S. after leaving Busan, to improve the interoperability of the three countries' naval forces. Reportedly, the carrier will leave the port city as early as next week. The carrier docked at the fleet command in Busan after the strike group trained with the ROK Navy in international waters below the southern island of Jeju a day earlier. A South Korea-U.S. joint news conference takes place on the deck of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier at a naval base in Busan, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps The King has taken on a new ceremonial role with the British Armys military engineers, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen. Buckingham Palace announced that Charles has become Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Knowns as the Sappers, the Engineers are multi-skilled soldiers and combat engineers who provide global military engineering and technical support to the armed forces and their allies. The King receives Chief Royal Engineer Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Richard Urch during an audience at Buckingham Palace (Victoria Jones/PA) The King held an audience with Chief Royal Engineer Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch at the Palace on March 14. Lt Gen Sir Tyrone said: I am absolutely delighted that His Majesty The King has agreed to be our new Colonel-in-Chief. This is a great honour and continues a long-standing tradition started in 1904 by His Majesty King Edward VII. This wonderful news will inspire the entire Sapper family worldwide. The Queen, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of the Royal Engineers, visits the 42 survey Engineer Group at Denison Barracks in Hermitage, Berkshire, in 1998 (Tim Ockenden/PA) During his state visit to Germany, Charles will meet representatives from the Royal Engineers in Brandenburg and see a demonstration of a wide river pontoon bridging by 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron. As sovereign, the King is head of the armed forces. The Corps was founded in 1716 and gained the prefix Royal in 1787. Elizabeth II took on the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Engineers following her accession to the throne in 1952 and held the role for 70 years until her death last September. Scientists have identified the regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure and may contribute to the development of dementia. Experts said the finding is a step forward in our understanding of the concerning link between high blood pressure and cognitive decline. It is the first time these regions have been identified by scientists and experts will now look at the specific parts of the brain in more detail with a view to find new ways to treat mental decline among people with high blood pressure. In the future, academics hope that the findings will help predict memory loss and dementia among people with high blood pressure. Researchers studied patients in a number of different ways to draw their conclusions. They examined brain scans, conducted analysis on peoples genes and also looked at observational data on thousands of patients. They then checked their findings against another group of patients in Italy. Lead author Tomasz Guzik, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland, said: By using this combination of imaging, genetic and observational approaches, we have identified specific parts of the brain that are affected by increases in blood pressure, including areas called the putamen and specific white matter regions. We thought these areas might be where high blood pressure affects cognitive function, such as memory loss, thinking skills and dementia. High blood pressure can be a silent killer as usually there are no symptoms. If you have hypertension, you are more likely to develop serious health conditions. Taking steps to manage high blood pressure could save your life. https://t.co/UWgyoMcG9q#LivingWithHypertension pic.twitter.com/a4Bwdf5uII South Central Ambulance Service (@SCAS999) March 10, 2023 When we checked our findings by studying a group of patients in Italy who had high blood pressure, we found that the parts of the brain we had identified were indeed affected. We hope that our findings may help us to develop new ways to treat cognitive impairment in people with high blood pressure. Studying the genes and proteins in these brain structures could help us understand how high blood pressure affects the brain and causes cognitive problems. Moreover, by looking at these specific regions of the brain, we may be able to predict who will develop memory loss and dementia faster in the context of high blood pressure. This could help with precision medicine, so that we can target more intensive therapies to prevent the development of cognitive impairment in patients most at risk. High blood pressure has previously been linked to dementia and damage to brain function and the new study, published in the European Heart Journal, shows for the first time exactly how high blood pressure damages the brain and the specific regions affected. High blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia. Knowing if you have high blood pressure means you can take simple steps to reduce it. Ask your pharmacy about blood pressure checks. pic.twitter.com/O78CHuKu7Y NHS SNEE ICB west Suffolk (@SNEEICB_WS) March 2, 2023 The international team of researchers examined MRI scans from more than 30,000 people taking part in the UK Biobank study. They also looked at genetic information from UK Biobank participants as well as people involved in two separate studies. The researchers identified changes to nine parts of the brain which were related to high blood pressure and worse cognitive function. The changes included decreases in brain volume, changes to connections between different parts of the brain and changes in measures of brain activity. The regions which appeared to be affected include a round structure in the base of the front of the brain called the putamen, which is responsible for regulating movement and influencing various types of learning. Other areas affected include the anterior thalamic radiation, anterior corona radiata and anterior limb of the internal capsule, which are regions of white matter that connect and enable signalling between different parts of the brain. The anterior thalamic radiation is involved in executive functions, such as the planning of simple and complex daily tasks, while the anterior corona radiata and the anterior limb of the internal capsule are involved in decision-making and the management of emotions. Co-author of the study Professor Joanna Wardlaw, head of neuroimaging sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: It has been known for a long time that high blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline, but how high blood pressure damages the brain was not clear. This study shows that specific brain regions are at particularly high risk of blood pressure damage, which may help to identify people at risk of cognitive decline in the earliest stages, and potentially to target therapies more effectively in future. Commenting on the study, Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded the research, said: By identifying specific areas of the brain which are damaged by high blood pressure, researchers have taken a significant step forward in our understanding of the concerning link between high blood pressure and cognitive decline. The nine brain areas identified can become nine new points of focus for further research on how high blood pressure causes damage. Cognitive decline can be very debilitating and scary for those patients suffering from it. By continuing to improve our understanding of how the changes in these brain areas affect cognitive function, we could potentially find new ways of stopping many people with high blood pressure from having to experience it. Dr Timothy Rittman, senior research fellow at Alzheimers Research UK, added: High blood pressure is very common and, if untreated, can increase the risk of certain forms of dementia in later life. This study starts to unravel the reasons why this is by using sophisticated statistical methods to draw a link between high blood pressure, problems with memory and thinking, and for the first time shrinkage in specific parts of the brain. It could lead to new ways to measure the damage that blood pressure has on the brain, which could have a very big impact in helping reduce dementia risk. Thats because, if the early signs of damage to the brain could be spotted early, we can potentially slow this down with better blood pressure monitoring and treatment. This research also underlines how crucial it is to treat high blood pressure to keep our brains healthy as we age. In a separate study, researchers say they have developed a form of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is capable of crossing into the eyes retina layer at the back of the eye to ward off sight loss related to Alzheimers disease, diabetes and other disorders. The DHA found in fish oil capsules and other supplements is typically in a form called triacylglycerol (TAG) DHA. While this has benefits in other parts of the body, it does not reach the eyes because it cannot travel from the bloodstream into the retina, experts say. In the recent study researchers created a new form of DHA, or LPC-DHA. The researchers tested their LPC-DHA supplement in mice bred to exhibit processes similar to those found in early-onset Alzheimers disease. After six months, the animals that were fed LPC-DHA daily showed a 96% improvement in retinal DHA content as well as preserved retinal structure and function. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, in Seattle. A Nissan Skyline GT-R made famous by its appearance in Fast & Furious 4 with the late Paul Walker behind the wheel is set to go under the hammer at auction next month. Due to be auctioned off in a dedicated standalone online auction hosted by Bonhams on April 28, the R34 GT-R was specially customised by Daryl Alison of Kaizo Industries to Walkers personal specification, according to Bonhams, and it is in this guise that it is currently offered. The GT-R features a range of upgraded parts (Bonhams/PA) Walker, who starred in a number of the Fast & Furious movies, died in November 2013 at the age of 40 following a collision in a Porsche Carrera GT. Special features for the Nissan include a custom roll cage, a dashboard-mounted PC and custom OMP racing bucket seats which remain in Walkers seat position to this day. Underneath the bonnet sits a 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine which was given a Turbonetics intercooler for even better performance. The seat is still in Walkers position (Bonhams/PA) On the outside, the GT-R was given Volk Racing RE30 wheels and an upgraded Nismo NE-1 exhaust. At Walkers request, the car was also de-stickered, with many of the cars vinyls and decorations removed leaving the Bayside Blue Skyline exterior colour unspoilt. Paul Walker arriving for the premiere of Fast and Furious 6 at the Empire Leicester Square, London (Ian West/PA) The GT-R was heavily featured in the Fast & Furious 4 movie, which premiered in 2009, with scenes seeing it tear through the streets of Los Angeles though many of the action sequences were conducted with one of six stunt Skyline cars, with a body of one car mounted onto an off-road dune buggy to enable it to conduct extreme jumps. The GT-R will be auctioned off in its own standalone event (Bonhams/PA) The film star GT-R is being offered following long-term museum display and comes accompanied by a copy of the Universal Pictures rental contract. Bonhams says that an estimate is available on request. The auction will go live on Friday, April 28 before closing a week later on Friday, May 5 and the GT-R can be viewed at Motorworld in Munich until April 26. There is a considerable amount of work to be done ahead of the resumption of an inquest into the death of a teenager who was shot in the grounds of a Belfast hospital almost 50 years ago, a coroner has said. Efforts include the combing of army records to find potential witnesses to give evidence. Patrick Crawford, 15, was struck while walking through the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital on August 10 1975. An earlier inquest into his death in December 1979 recorded an open verdict. In 2015 Northern Irelands former attorney general John Larkin granted a fresh inquest into Patricks death after representations from his family. A new inquest opened in March 2022 with preliminary evidence heard. John Larkin granted a fresh inquest in 2015 (Paul Faith/PA) This included the setting out of the background as a time of unrest with the anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial and how nurses rushed to the teenagers aid, but that he died of his injuries in A&E. A preliminary hearing on Tuesday was told of ongoing work to prepare for future hearings of the inquest. This includes the request of material from the Ministry of Defence, the approaching of both military and non-military witnesses, and liaising with a ballistics expert who is to give evidence. Coroner Judge Philip Gilpin was told they have been informed that one military witness, PC02, has recently died. In terms of other potential military witnesses identified, statements are expected to be imminent from PC07 and PC08, PC09 has so far failed to engage with the coroners service and a signed statement has been received from PC10. Meanwhile, a search of Royal Highland Fusilier personnel records between 1974 and 1976 has yielded 1,131 names and the coroners service is set to identify, trace and contact those who may have served in Northern Ireland in August 1975. There is also work ongoing with a potential police witness. Decisions are to be made on requests by witnesses for anonymity and screening while the preference was voiced to resume the inquest at a venue in Belfast. Karen Quinlivan KC, for the Crawford family, said they appreciate the preparation process takes time, adding they would be satisfied to receive updates on progress to allow them to intervene and make suggestions as appropriate. Coroner Gilpin said there is a considerable amount of work to do and he hoped to see progress made at the next preliminary hearing on June 21. A High Court case has started without Irish teacher Enoch Burke after he did not agree to comply with the authority of the court. Mr Burke had represented himself in the case taken by his former employer, Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath, as part of a dispute over how a student who was transitioning gender should be addressed. The court heard that Mr Burke is taking a counter-action against disciplinary proceedings issued against him by the school, as well as his suspension and subsequent dismissal. Enoch Burke with his mother Martina and sister Ammi leaving the High Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The school says the dispute emanates from Mr Burkes behaviour after a direction was given from the schools then-principal last May, while Mr Burke maintains the case is about the freedom to express his Christian beliefs. During the morning session, Mr Burke had continuously asked the court to take action on an issue he raised about access to evidence, despite the fact that the matter had been ruled on by the judge. After an hour and a half of back-and-forth between the presiding judge and Mr Burke, the court ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke would not be allowed to return when proceedings resumed in the afternoon. Mr Justice Alex Owens said Mr Burke would be able to watch proceedings by videolink. After recess, Mr Burke attempted to return to the courtroom but was prevented from entering by four gardai, acting on an order of the court. When the case resumed, Mr Burkes sister Ammi told the hearing he wanted to address the court. The judge said Mr Burke could only address him if he was willing to obey the rules of the court. Ammi and Enoch Burke (Niall Carson/PA) But if he doesnt want to do that, he has to stay outside, Mr Justice Owens added. Ms Burke replied are you denying Mr Burke justice then?, prompting a sigh in the courtroom. The judge said Mr Burke would have justice, but it required his co-operation. After Ms Burke held discussions with her mother Martina and brother Isaac, she asked if Mr Burke would only be allowed back into the courtroom if he engaged in falsehoods. The three members of the Burke family then left the courtroom. Oh there they go, the judge remarked as they left. In Mr Burkes absence, Mark Connaughton SC, acting on behalf of the school, delivered his opening arguments and said the schools then-principal is to give evidence. In relation to the email sent from the principal in May 2022, which said a student was to be addressed in neutral terms, Mr Connaughton said the school had been over this territory once before and had taken some advice on how it should deal with the matter. He added that the school was not on a mission to promote a certain world view, or to challenge Mr Burkes beliefs, but was simply trying to fulfil its obligations to one student in the development of their education. Mr Connaughton said Mr Burke has a misconceived notion that the case is to do with his religion, when it is about conducting himself in a manner appropriate for a teacher in the school. He added that Mr Burke was always given an option to engage, both in the courts and with the school. That isnt his way, that isnt what he chose to do, he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Justice Owens dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Mr Burke, who claimed a document from a book of evidence supplied by the schools legal team had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. Mr Burke argued that the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out, instead of in the form of screenshots. I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said. During one exchange, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the way he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Enoch Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school (Niall Carson/PA) Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the outrageous allegations made against his solicitors and his client in the strongest terms. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to people in matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say there had been deliberate tampering, adding that this was most unlikely as both sides had the original document. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought that may not be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced or how he himself had been misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled in the case. Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. In the following exchange, the judge told Mr Burke there was no indication that he was going to pay a blind bit of notice of what I do. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about aspects of the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. He added that he had offered to deal with the concerns raised by Mr Burke, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Mr Connaughton added that he had watched Mr Burkes appearance before the Court of Appeal, where he was repeatedly asked if he would comply with orders of the court, to which he absolutely refused to do so. He will not behave himself properly in court, he will not allow this case to run properly, he said. The court has gone out of its way to move the matter forward, Mr Burke wont have any of this, this is how he behaves. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, after ruling that Mr Burke should not be allowed to return to the courtroom after recess. Im afraid its bye-bye to you. A festival accompanying the Eurovision Song Contest will be a celebration of Ukraine tinged with bitterness as the war continues in the European country. EuroFestival, a two-week series of events in Liverpool, has announced 24 culture commissions for May which include a performance by Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala and collaborations between British artists and Ukrainian artists. Tetyana Filevska, creative director at the Ukrainian Institute, told the PA news agency at the British Music Experience in Liverpool, during the launch of the programme on Tuesday, that celebrating her culture is a form of resistance. Tetyana Filevska speaks during the launch of the EuroFestival (Peter Byrne/PA) Ms Filevska, who has worked with organisations like the British Council on the content of the festival, added: I think while many artists decided to go and fight for Ukraine, we just cant allow ourselves to kind of let them down and kind of stop looking at what they are fighting for, because they are fighting for us to be able to belong and move (on) with our life. I know many soldiers at the front line and theyre calling or sending messages saying, You should feel OK, going to a museum or watching the movie, because thats what we are here for, we are holding the front line so that you can enjoy and continue your life. So of course, there is a bitter feeling because we remember every moment that theres someone (at) the front line thats been just killed a moment ago, for us, but at the same time, we understand that we (cannot) stop everything. She added that EuroFestival is celebrating culture, celebrating music and arts and co-operation and keeping in mind the devastating Russian invasion. Key installations in the festival include placing more than 2,500 sandbags at Liverpools Nelson Monument to replicate the way statues in Ukraine are being protected from bombardment, and an immersive audio experience accessed by QR codes located around the city which follows the stories of frontline Ukrainian artists. The UK has stepped in to host Eurovision after last years winner Ukraine was not able to due to the invasion. Eurovision minister Stuart Andrew told PA: The reality is that this should actually be being held in Ukraine and the fact that it cant be is heartbreaking. Stuart Andrew at the British Music Experience in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) But what we are seeing here is the culture that the Russians are trying to destroy is actually going to be celebrated here. Were going to recognise how important that culture is and make sure that over 160 million people around the world will see that great partnership between our two countries. So where there is that tragedy that we actually bring a glimmer of hope, I suppose. Mr Andrew said he probably has the best job in government and praised the BBC and Liverpool for putting on this incredible festival. The MP for Pudsey in West Yorkshire added: I would probably say that my partner is a much, much bigger fan (of Eurovision). We usually have the Eurovision Song Contest parties at home, usually hes in the living room watching it and Im in the kitchen. But itd be nice to be able to see all these people coming to Liverpool to celebrate it. Its going to be wonderful. EuroFest takes place from May 1 to 14 throughout Liverpool. Gary Lineker has won his 4.9 million tax battle with HMRC. The Match Of The Day host was told by the taxman he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer. The tax authorities pursued him for 4.9 million which it was claimed should have been paid on income received between 2013 and 2018. It comes as part of legislation known as IR35, designed to clampdown on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies. Gary Lineker leaves his home in London with his dog (James Manning/PA) Throughout proceedings the presenter, 62, insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with his ex-wife Danielle Bux. Tribunal Judge John Brooks found the IR35 legislation did not apply because there were direct contracts between the presenter and both the BBC and BT Sport. The tribunal found that while Gary Lineker Media (GLM), which he set up with his then wife in 2012, was a partnership to which IR35 legislation applies, the appeal was still granted in full because contracts existed. HMRC is considering appealing the decision. The judge said: As a matter of law, when Mr Lineker signed the 2013 BBC Contract, the 2015 BBC Contract and the BT Sport Contract for the provision of his services, he did so as principal thereby contracting directly with the BBC and BT Sport. As such, the intermediaries legislation cannot apply it is only applicable where services are provided not under a contract directly between client and the worker. In this case Mr Linekers services were provided under direct contracts with the BBC and BT Sport. Although such a conclusion might appear inconsistent with my conclusions that the intermediaries legislation can apply to partnerships that is not the case. He added that he could dispose of the entire appeal in the appellants favour and the appeal is therefore allowed. Mr Lineker tweeted on Tuesday night: I had already paid all tax due at the top rate and happily so. Im still totally flabbergasted as to why I was expected to pay double. Thankfully justice was done. Earlier a spokesperson for him said: I am pleased that the tribunal has confirmed that I have not failed to pay any taxes or national insurance by reason of the IR35 rules. The case follows similar attempts by HMRC to target other broadcasters including Lorraine Kelly and Kaye Adams. Earlier tribunal documents said Mr Lineker is disputing the bill and it has been agreed he paid the income tax in full. Mr Linekers lawyer James Rivett KC told a preliminary hearing in London last month that the star had been dragged through the papers accused of not paying income tax which has been paid, and claimed there was a political element to the investigations. Following the ruling an HMRC spokesperson said: The tribunal has confirmed the off-payroll rules apply to partnerships, as we have always said. However, we do not agree with its decision that the rules cannot apply in this case and were considering an appeal. It is our duty to ensure everyone pays the right tax under the law, regardless of wealth or status. Mr Lineker is Match of the Days longest-serving presenter and has been on the football show since the 1990s following a successful football career. He did not present the show for one Saturday earlier this month after tweeting about the Governments Illegal Migration Bill, which sparked an impartiality row. He returned to the show the following week. HMRC has 56 days to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) if it wishes to do so. The Government has called Labours claim it has only spent 8% of levelling-up funds completely misleading and wrong. The opposition has accused the Conservatives of sitting on more than 90% of the promised 4.8 billion regeneration cash. A Labour freedom of information (FOI) request seen by the PA news agency suggested the total spend of the levelling-up fund was 392 million by the end of February, approximately 8% of the full amount. A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said these claims are completely misleading and wrong. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove arrives at the BBC Broadcasting House in London (Stefan Rousseau/PA) They added: The analysis includes figures for round three of the Levelling Up Fund which has not yet been allocated, as well as for round two which was only allocated earlier this year and is due to be spent over at least three financial years. The Levelling Up Fund will transform communities right across the country with 4.8 billion spent over several years, but we have always been clear that councils will receive funding over time and payments are made every six months. The Government said the published prospectuses for both rounds of funding that have been allocated were clear the funding would be spent over three years (round one was expected to be spent by March 31 2024, round two by March 31 2025). The FOI submitted by Labour looked at data to February 22 2023 round two was announced on January 18. Lisa Nandy accused the Government of spending three times the amount on a tax cut for the richest 1% than they had spent on the whole of the North of England in over a year (James Speakman/PA) In the House of Commons, shadow communities secretary Lisa Nandy accused the Government of spending three times the amount on a tax cut for the richest 1% than they had spent on the whole of the North of England in more than a year. Doesnt this just sum this Government up? she said. They can get their act together when it comes to the 1%, but when it comes to investment in our town centres, local transport, decent housing, even on delivering on a single one of the levelling-up missions, why is it that the rest of us always just have to wait? Labours FOI request asked the Government how much money allocated through the fund had been spent. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities responded that 224 million had been spent by January 18, rising to 392 million by February 22. The Government has been urged give police in Northern Ireland additional funding following the raising of the threat level to severe. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was speaking after MI5 increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Announcing the development earlier, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris cited a small number of individuals who remain determined to use politically motivated violence, and urged the public to remain vigilant but not be alarmed. Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill responded saying a quarter of a century on from the Good Friday Agreement, there is no place or space for paramilitary groups in a modern, democratic society, adding: They must go. Todays announcement that the level of threat has been increased comes against the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. A quarter century on there is no place or space for paramilitary groups in a modern, democratic society. They must go. Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) March 28, 2023 Sir Jeffrey has pressed the Government for additional funding for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to ensure it has the capacity to meet the threat. PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has previously warned of a 23 million funding gap in the police budget. Reacting to the raising of the threat level, Sir Jeffrey said: It is bad news for Northern Ireland when the risk of further attacks moves to likely or very likely. I look forward to a day when the threat level is removed, but to get there the community must stand with the police and demonstrate there is no space for terrorism in Northern Ireland in 2023. The Government made a commitment to help fund 7,500 officers in the PSNI but have not yet made good on that promise. With police officers facing such a threat, now is the time for the Government to provide that additional funding to ensure the PSNI has the full capacity to meet this threat. A nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier arrived in the southeastern port city of Busan on Tuesday, in yet another show of America's military might against growing North Korean threats. The USS Nimitz carrier docked at ROK Fleet Command in the city, 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul, after its strike group trained with the South Korean Navy in the international waters south of the southern island of Jeju the previous day. Its presence here is expected to send a warning to Pyongyang, which has been ratcheting up tensions through missile launches and repeated threats to use nuclear weapons in a contingency, observers said. The flattop is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, which includes USS Bunker Hill, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser; and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Decatur. It has brought some 70 combat aircraft, including F/A-18 fighters and E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft. The Duke of Sussex said he is concerned by the unchecked power, influence and criminality of the Daily Mail publisher in a newly-released statement for his High Court claim as he was accused of being obsessed with the paper. Harry is one of seven people bringing claims against the publisher over denied allegations it carried out or commissioned illegal or unlawful information-gathering, along with Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon and Sir Elton John. The allegations include the hiring of private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, the blagging of private records and the accessing and recording of private phone conversations. In a witness statement made public on Tuesday, Harry alleged that journalists at Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us. The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover-up and I feel it is my duty to expose it, he said. However, in a statement, a spokesperson for ANL said that Harry has become a serial litigant against Mail newspapers with whom he seems obsessed. The spokesperson continued: Associated Newspapers profoundly regrets his untrue, inflammatory and deeply offensive remarks about the Mails journalists. If they were repeated outside court, they would be highly defamatory. Also made public on Tuesday was a witness statement from private investigator Gavin Burrows who was named in documents detailing the claims of Harry, Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish and Sadie Frost and who allegedly conducted unlawful information gathering for ANL. ANL has previously said that an alleged confession by Mr Burrows had prompted the claims. However, in his statement, Mr Burrows said: I was not instructed or commissioned by the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail to conduct any unlawful information gathering. In the details of Harrys claim, lawyers for the duke alleged that Mr Burrows was paid in cash left at a drop-off location in Regents Street for unlawful information gathering. In his statement, Mr Burrows said: Neither I nor my companies received payment in cash, bank transfer, or bankers draft from the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail. Other witness statements provided to the media on Tuesday, following submissions by the PA news agency, included those of Baroness Lawrence, Sir Elton, Hugh Grant and Sadie Frost. The court was previously told the alleged targeting of Baroness Lawrence included the illegal interception of her voicemails and the monitoring of her bank accounts as well as corrupt payments to serving Metropolitan Police Service police officers, including on the Stephen Lawrence murder investigations, for confidential information. In her witness statement, Baroness Lawrence said: After all the failings of the justice system, the police institution, the false promises, and the strange things I have seen people do, I did not think it was possible to still be discovering things that shock and outrage me to the centre of my heart. It seems I was naive. An ANL spokesperson previously said the publisher was profoundly saddened that she has been persuaded to bring this case. Baroness Doreen Lawrence said (Aaron Chown/PA) The spokesperson said on Tuesday that three private investigators had been referenced in Baroness Lawrences claim Mr Burrows who refutes her claims, a second investigator who has publicly denied any unlawful information gathering for Associated and a third who was never commissioned, instructed or paid for unlawful information gathering by ANL. Also released on Tuesday was Sir Eltons witness statement, who said that his fast schedule and regular international travel as a performer had sometimes taken their toll. He continued: It was private and apart from being illegal and immoral for The Mail to be looking around and intruding into this area of my life, it was inhumane. Sir Elton and Mr Furnish have alleged the landline phone of their Windsor home was tapped by investigators on ANLs behalf and that the birth certificate of their first child was unlawfully obtained by the publisher. Referencing his two sons, Sir Elton said: We want Zachary and Elijah to grow up safe and protected, and for the British public to have its right to hear what has happened, because this affects us all. Addressing the witness statements of the people bringing the claims, an ANL spokesperson said: Both emotive and emotional, the language used in them is remarkable for its similarity. The more lurid the allegations made by the claimants, the less evidence is supplied to support them. Virtually all of them, however, cite Burrows alleged confession. Associated Newspapers categorically denies the claims made in their witness statements. ANLs lawyers have argued the group of high-profile individuals should not be allowed to bring their claims as they have been brought too late. Adrian Beltrami KC, in written submissions, previously argued the claims were stale and largely inferential. The barrister said the individuals have to prove they did not know earlier, or could not have discovered earlier, they might have had a claim against ANL for alleged misuse of their private information. However, Harry said in his witness statement: If the most influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice, then in my opinion the whole country is doomed. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to conclude on Thursday with a decision expected at a later date. The Duke of Sussex has returned to the Royal Courts of Justice for the second day of a High Court hearing over multiple privacy claims brought against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Harry arrived at the central London court just after 10am for the second day of a preliminary hearing in his claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The duke is part of a group along with Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Simon Hughes and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley bringing claims over allegations ANL carried out or commissioned illegal or unlawful information-gathering. The allegations which are denied include the hiring of private investigators to place listening devices inside cars and the accessing and recording of private phone conversations. Lawyers for ANL, which is also the publisher of The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, said the allegations are firmly denied and that the stale claims have been brought too late as it made a bid to throw out the cases. The duke, Sir Elton, Mr Furnish, Baroness Lawrence and Ms Frost all attended at least part of the start of a four-day hearing on Monday. Sir Elton John leaves the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday (Aaron Chown/PA) ANL is making a bid to have the claims dismissed without a trial. Adrian Beltrami KC, for the publisher, argued in written submissions the legal actions have been brought too late and that the cases were largely inferential. The barrister has also said that unless lawyers for the people bringing the claim make an application, some aspects of the cases should be thrown out as they breach orders made by Lord Justice Leveson as part of the inquiry bearing his name into press standards. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to finish on Thursday with a decision expected at a later date. A judge has dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Irish teacher Enoch Burke in favour of a delay in a High Court case with his former employer. Mr Burke has claimed that evidence submitted to the High Court in Dublin had been tampered with, as the case opened on Tuesday. Representatives for Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath denied the outrageous allegations in the strongest possible terms. After the judge ruled not to delay proceedings based on the allegations made by Mr Burke, a row erupted between Mr Burke and the presiding judge for over an hour, during which Mr Burke was asked by the judge if he had a problem with his ears. Before the lunchtime break, the judge ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke will not be allowed to return to court when proceedings resume in the afternoon, and will be facilitated to watch proceedings via a video link. Wilsons Hospital School and Mr Burke are pursuing claims against each other in the case. Mr Burke was accompanied in the packed courtroom by his sister Ammi Burke, his brother Isaac and his mother Martina. At the beginning of proceedings, Mr Burke told the court that he believed something from a book of evidence submitted to the court had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. He said the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and that it had been taken out of the booklet and replaced by the repeat of another email. Mr Burke also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out as evidence, and requested screenshots of the communications. He said he noticed this while preparing for his cross-examination on Monday at 3pm, with some of it balanced at the edge of the bed. Ammi and Enoch Burke (Niall Carson/PA) I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said, calling the allegations grave. After a back-and-forth between Mr Burke and the presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the manner in which he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the allegations made against his solicitors and his client. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say that there had been deliberate tampering adding that this was most unlikely, as both sides had the original document where the material in question was still present. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. Enoch Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school (Niall Carson/PA) He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought that may not necessarily be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced nor was he himself misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times after this, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled in the case. Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. You dont tell me what I can do, I hold all the cards in relation to this, you hold none of them now please stop. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that Mr Burke is inclined to label anyone who disagrees with him as a liar. He said that if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about the several aspects in the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. Mr White said he had offered to deal with the concerns, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court that Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, before leaving the courtroom during the recess. Mr Burke was suspended from work on full pay last year pending the outcome of a disciplinary process following incidents stemming from a row with the school over a student who was transitioning genders. Teachers at the school had been asked to address a student by a new name and to use the pronoun they in an email from the schools principal, sent in May 2022. A number of incidents followed, which led to injunctions being taken by the school against Mr Burke, preventing him from attending the grounds of the Co Westmeath establishment. He was later committed to prison by a High Court judge in September after breaching a temporary court order to stay away from the school while suspended. He was released before Christmas. Mr Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school since then. A judge overseeing a High Court fight over money between retired businessman Sir Frederick Barclay and his ex-wife has said he does not know why the dispute has not concluded in some consensual way. Sir Jonathan Cohen said he wants 88-year-old Sir Frederick and Lady Hiroko Barclay, 80, to reach some sort of consensual agreement. He aired his thoughts on Tuesday during the latest in a series of hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London. In May 2021 the judge ordered Sir Frederick to hand Lady Hiroko lump sums totalling 100 million following the breakdown of their 34-year marriage. Lady Hiroko Barclay alleges that Sir Frederick has not paid what she was granted by a court (Kirsty OConnor/PA) Sir Jonathan, who has heard that the money has yet to be paid, said then that Sir Frederick had behaved in a reprehensible fashion during the litigation. Lady Hiroko, who petitioned for divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour, has complained that Sir Frederick has not paid her as ordered and alleged that he is in contempt of court. Nothing would be better for everyone than if they didnt have to come back, said Sir Jonathan. I dont know why this matter has not been able to be concluded in some form of consensual way. Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UKs most high-profile businessmen. Sir David died in January 2021, aged 86. Their interests included the Telegraph Media Group and The Ritz hotel in London. The family also has links to the Channel Islands and Monaco. Sir Frederick Barclay, right, with his twin brother, Sir David, after they were knighted (Michael Stephens/PA) Sir Jonathan has been told that Sir Davids sons, Aidan and Howard Barclay, now have day-to-day responsibility for group business. The brothers could give evidence about Sir Fredericks means at a future hearing in the case. The judge said Sir Frederick has alleged he has been unable to pay Lady Hiroko because his nephews hold the purse strings. He said Sir Frederick has argued that a trust which could provide him with money is being starved of funds from the family business. Lawyers representing Aidan and Howard Barclay on Tuesday asked Sir Jonathan to set aside orders he has issued requiring their attendance at court. They questioned whether Sir Jonathan has the power to make such orders. Sir Jonathan refused to cancel the orders, saying: I think their attendance is going to be essential. I dont think there is any way these proceedings are properly to be determined without their attendance. He added: That is the position Sir Frederick has put them in. The judge told lawyers representing the pair: I dont want to see your clients in the witness box. I want to see Sir Frederick and Lady Barclay come to some sort of consensual agreement they can live with. He is due to oversee a further hearing on May 16. Barrister James Roberts KC, who is leading Aidan and Howard Barclays legal team, raised concerns about private information being made public if the two businessmen give evidence in open court. Members of the press have been in attendance throughout and the proceedings between (Sir Frederick) and (Lady Hiroko) have been widely reported, he told Sir Jonathan in a written argument. To compel Howard Barclay and Aidan Barclay to give witness evidence would be to compel them to give evidence in open court. It is likely that they will be examined or sought to be examined about matters that stray into their own private and confidential arrangements. He said the two men are not parties to the proceedings and argued that their human rights should be protected. Mr Roberts added: The court at various stages in the proceedings has recognised and protected with appropriate orders information confidential to the Barclay family. The judge ruled in July that Sir Frederick was in contempt as a result of failing to pay about 245,000 he owed his ex-wife for legal fees and maintenance. A barrister representing Lady Hiroko told the judge, at a follow-up hearing in August, that the 245,000 had been paid. But Stewart Leech KC said Sir Frederick remains massively in default. Better-funded palliative care will never be able to eliminate unbearable suffering for everyone, the first session of a parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying has heard. The current law was described as a mess by Labour former lord chancellor and justice secretary Lord Falconer, who attempted to legalise euthanasia through a backbench Bill in 2013. But Baroness Hollins told the Health and Social Care Committee of her concerns around the unintended consequences of any change in the law, as she called for better death education in society whereby the end of life is talked about more openly. Conservative chair Steve Brine said it is an incredibly sensitive subject (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The committee is considering what can be drawn in evidence from jurisdictions where assisted dying or assisted suicide is legal and whether there have been any new developments since the House of Commons last considered legislation on the subject in 2015. After the launch of the inquiry in December, the committee said it had received a many submissions from the public and organisations. Conservative chairman Steve Brine opened the two-hour hearing on Tuesday by acknowledging it is an incredibly sensitive subject. He said: Some people feel incredibly strongly about there being the need for a change in the law. Some people feel incredibly strongly that there shouldnt be a change in the law and many people are obviously well aware that there is a debate raging on the subject and have not picked a position on this and may never do so. Our purpose is to look at all of the issues and the evidence and to do so as we always try to do in as most sensitive a way as we can possibly. Lord Falconer said he feels it is absolutely clear that improving palliative care will not resolve the needs of some people to end their life in the context of a terminal illness, earlier. He said: Its such a mess, the law now. We will allow people to go to Switzerland, we will allow people to be helped to go to Switzerland, we will investigate their loved ones when they come back, which is a hellish experience. The law is such a mess and I dont think Ive met anybody who doesnt think that, and the law itself recognises that. I think its time for a change. Crossbench peer Baroness Hollins, said that as a doctor, psychiatrist and legislator, she is very worried about the unintended consequences. She said she did not believe any country had managed to come with a law which actually protects people who find themselves in vulnerable situations, adding that physician-assisted suicide is not proven to be safe, essentially. She argued that there is not adequate death education in our society, but rather there is a fear in talking about death. She told the committee: For me, I would like to see a much more accepting conversation about death, which is an acceptance that this is something that is going to happen to all of us. Its a normal process. And the more we talk about it, the more there is a possibility that people will get the help they need when theyre dying, so that they can die in comfort, with family and friends around them without all the anxiety that goes around assisted suicide. Under the Suicide Act 1961, helping someone to take their own life is punishable with up to 14 years in prison. Figures published earlier this year showed that the number of British people who are members of Dignitas has soared by more than 80% in the past decade and that a total of 33 people from the UK had an assisted death at Dignitas in 2022, a rise from 23 people the previous year. Baroness Meacher was asked by the committee whether advances in medicine could address the fundamental issue about having a good death. The crossbench peer told MPs: All the evidence that I have seen, and Ive seen a lot of it, suggests that we all want better-funded palliative care, but that that will never be able to eliminate unbearable suffering for everyone. Yes, for the majority of people that is so, but there will always be a minority of people who will suffer unbearably in the ways that I have indicated, obviously uncontrollable physical pain is just one of those those forms of unbearable suffering. Baroness Finlay said patients must be listened to to ensure they are not being pressured (House of Lords/PA) But Baroness Finlay, crossbench peer and professor of palliative medicine at Cardiff University School of Medicine, insisted we can manage death better as she raised concerns about how the situation is handled in other jurisdictions. She suggested diagnostic error is quite common, adding: There have been cases in Canada of people who had euthanasia but actually never had the illness that they were thought to have. She cited evidence from the Royal College of Pathologists which she said showed one in 20 post mortems show that theres been a diagnostic error in this country. She cautioned that the key point is listening to the patient and ensuring they are not being pressured into doing something they do not want to do. She said: It is about listening to what people want and weighing in the balance the harms against the benefits with the patient and listening to what they want, and detecting pressures on them. Because we mustnt forget about coercive pressures and we mustnt forget about abuse. A former Labour councillor has been convicted and sentenced by videolink in the US for his part in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, in what lawyers believe to be a legal first. Daniel Barwell, who was elected to Doncaster Council in May 2021, was due to be extradited to Ohio to stand trial after he was arrested at his home in South Yorkshire in February last year on suspicion of conspiring to distribute the drug commonly known as magic mushrooms. But the arrest warrant was rescinded after lawyers claimed the case of US citizen Anne Sacoolas, who was sentenced remotely for causing the death of Harry Dunn by careless driving, undermined any suggestion that the same could not be done the other way round in this case. Barwell, who represented the Wheatley Hills and Intake ward on the council, made his first appearance before Westminster Magistrates Court on February 3 last year when extradition proceedings against him began. A note prepared ahead of his sentencing hearing said the defendant acted as a re-shipper for almost five years for a conspiracy that flourished on the dark web. The document said the conspiracy was carried out with military precision, with liquid and dry forms of the drug being sold to customers throughout the US and Europe. Court documents suggest he was detained in London for nine months pending his extradition to the US, before being released on an extradition bond to live with his mother. After Judge Sarah Morrison allowed remote proceedings to take place in Barwells case, he was sentenced at the courthouse in the Southern District of Ohio earlier in March to the prison time he had already served in the UK. Mr Dunns mother, Charlotte Charles, told the PA news agency: I am so pleased to see that (Harry) is still helping to restore the power imbalance and having an impact on the relations between the USA and UK in this case. Harry Dunn (Family Handout/PA) It gives us some comfort that his legacy will be that the USA will never behave like this towards a British citizen again and they are now paying the price for treating us so badly. Her words come after law firm Doughty Street Chambers, which represented Barwell in the UK, claimed the US government was initially reluctant to set a precedent for the remote proceedings, until the position was overtaken by the Sacoolas case. Diplomatic immunity was asserted on behalf of Sacoolas by the US government after the crash that killed Mr Dunn in August 2019, allowing her to travel back to her home country. After a three-year campaign for justice, the 45-year-old appeared before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey by videolink to plead guilty and to be handed a suspended jail sentence for causing death by careless driving. Barwell was also able to attend remotely after the Covid-19 pandemic was taken into consideration by the judge, court documents show. His US lawyer, Steven Nolder, said the defendant withdrew from the conspiracy shortly after he was elected to the council, with his arrest leading to his resignation and his contract as a hospital administrator being terminated. A new treatment which could transform the lives of patients with severe asthma is to be approved for NHS use. Tezepelumab, which is known as a biologic medicine, could be offered to up to 60,000 people in England. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended the new treatment, which is delivered via an injector pen every four weeks, in final draft guidance. Nice recommended the use of the treatment also known as Tezspire and made by pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca as an additional maintenance treatment for people over 12 with severe asthma. Clinical trial results suggest that the treatment, when added to usual care, reduced asthma attacks and the amount of oral anti-inflammatory medicine patients needed to take. Commenting on the news, Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK, said: On behalf of people with severe asthma, we are delighted that Nice has recommended Tezepelumab for use on the NHS in England. This treatment has the potential to be a lifeline for a much broader population of people with severe asthma who are currently ineligible from accessing other, vital biologic treatments. Severe asthma is a debilitating condition, affects an estimated 200,000 people and doesnt get better with usual asthma medicines. Too often people with severe asthma find themselves stuck in a never-ending cycle of life-threatening asthma attacks, emergency trips to hospital and regular doses of strong steroid tablets, which can be lifesaving but can also have serious side-effects like weight gain and osteoporosis. Tezepelumab has already been approved for use in the United States and only months ago was given the green light by the European Union. So, its good to see England follow suit and approve access to this new biologic treatment, which could transform the lives of people living with severe asthma. The injector pen can either be used at home or in a clinical setting. It works by reducing a certain type of white blood cell to help decrease swelling and irritation of the airways to allow for easier breathing. Nice said the drug may be offered to people whose condition is not controlled by high-dose inhaled anti-inflammatory medicine (corticosteroids) and another maintenance treatment. It is also recommended for the treatment for people who have had three or more asthma attacks in the past year, or those who are having maintenance oral corticosteroids. Campaigners say Afghans who helped British troops could be forced into homelessness as ministers confirmed plans to end their stays in taxpayer-funded hotels. The UK promised a safe haven for thousands of people who fled Afghanistan as the Taliban swept back into power in 2021 with many living in hotels since arriving. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said the 1 million daily cost of housing around 8,000 Afghan refugees, half of them children, in hotels is unsustainable. Thousands of Afghan refugees were brought out in a military evacuation while more left through other schemes (Ben Shread/MoD/PA) Long-term residency in hotels has prevented some Afghans from properly putting down roots, committing to employment, integrating into communities and (is) creating uncertainty as they look to rebuild their lives in the United Kingdom long term, he said. The Government will begin writing to individuals and families housed in the Afghan bridging hotels at the end of April, giving them at least three months notice before they are forced out. This will crystallise a reasonable timeframe in the minds of our Afghan friends with significant support from central and local government at every step as required, together with their existing access to welfare and the right to work to find good, settled places to live in the longer term, Mr Mercer said. He acknowledged there is a debt owed to Afghans who assisted British forces during the war and upheld British values. There are veterans across this country enjoying normal lives today because of the service and sacrifice of this cohort in keeping them safe in Afghanistan, the former army officer said. Mr Mercer promised generous support to help Afghans into settled accommodation, with trained staff based in hotels to provide advice on finding work, new homes and English lessons. Some 35 million of new funding will help councils provide increased support to help people move from hotels into accommodation across England, while the local authority housing fund will be expanded by 250 million, with most of the cash going to house Afghans and the rest easing homelessness pressures. Whilst this Government realises our significant responsibilities to this cohort, there is a responsibility upon this group to take the opportunities that are offered under these schemes and integrate into UK society, Mr Mercer said. Where an offer of accommodation can be made and is turned down, another will now not be forthcoming. At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan. He said there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said Mr Mercer is serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans half of whom are children with no guarantee they will be offered a suitable, settled place to live. The Local Government Association said councils will need extra resources to help find and fund accommodation for Afghans moved out of hotels. A spokesman said: To ensure we do not see a further rise in homelessness as a result of a chronic shortage of properties across the UK and increase current significant pressures on homelessness teams, councils will need sufficient resources and flexibilities to assist with finding and funding accommodation, particularly for larger families. The Home Office said the process of moving Afghans out of hotels will be staggered, with people being notified at different times to make sure there is not a disproportionate demand for housing in one area. More than 20 new four-bedroom homes have so far been provided for Afghans as part of a Government project with property developer Barratt Developments and councils. The first two families have moved into homes in Doncaster, with more to follow in the coming weeks in Bedfordshire, Canterbury, North Somerset and Telford, the Home Office added. Water firms have been encouraged to be more creative in how they charge customers to help them cut bills and save supplies. Under new Ofwat rules, Affinity Water, which supplies households across south-east England, will charge around 1,500 pre-selected households a cheaper rate for using a lower amount or block of water, and progressively higher prices for using larger volumes. The firm said it expects at least two out of three homes in the trial, which begins later this year, to pay less for their water than they do currently. To help with water affordability, we're calling on more water companies to trial different, innovative ways of charging customers. @AffinityWater is the first company to implement a charging trial under new our rules.https://t.co/i5dVP9UTXu pic.twitter.com/gf4kT5eElx Ofwat (@Ofwat) March 28, 2023 Ofwats announcement comes as households in England and Wales see the largest increase to their water bills in almost 20 years from April when they rise to an average 448 a year. Industry body Water UK said the 7.5% increase will mean customers paying around 1.23 per day on average an increase of 8p per day or an average 31 more on last years charges. Ofwat said trials could include seasonal charging to help lower water bills in the winter, reducing bills for homes with water butts and permeable driveways, and charges aimed at cutting water use at times when there is less of it. Successful trials could be rolled out to all households in a given area. Currently, customers bills are set on a flat standard amount based on their type of property, or a flat rate based on how much water they use. Ofwat chief executive David Black said: We know that an increasing number of customers are struggling with cost-of-living pressures. At the same time, water resources are being impacted by climate change which poses significant long-term challenges to river water health and security of water supply. While charging is only one approach, companies need to use every tool at their disposal to support affordability, encourage us all to use water wisely and reduce our impact on the environment. We are encouraged that Affinity Water is leading the way in developing ways to reduce bills for customers while protecting our precious water resources. We want to see more companies seeking out and implementing innovative solutions. Consumer Council for Water chief executive Emma Clancy said: It is great to see Affinity Water leading the way in exploring how more innovative ways of charging customers can not only make bills more affordable, but potentially also unlock environmental benefits by incentivising households to reduce their water use. There remains huge scope for more innovation and we want other companies to urgently consider alternative charging options to help alleviate the pressure on peoples finances and the water environment. Humza Yousaf will be chosen by MSPs to be the sixth first minister of Scotland after narrowly defeating his rivals in the race to lead the SNP. The 37-year-old will become the youngest to win the job as one of the countrys most powerful politicians when SNP and Scottish Green parliamentarians in Holyrood back him to take over from Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday. After he wins the vote he will be sworn in as first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday, and then on Thursday he will face rival party leaders in his opening First Ministers Questions. But as Mr Yousaf takes the job an Ipsos poll of 1,023 adults north of the border found half thought Scotland was heading in the wrong direction. Just a quarter told the pollsters between March 17 and 21 that the country was heading in the right direction, and across all policy areas asked about from the NHS to managing the economy more felt the Scottish Government had done a bad job than good. Rachel Ormston, research director at Ipsos in Scotland, said the findings underlined Humza Yousafs very full in-tray. He takes office at a point when the Scottish public is feeling pretty gloomy about the direction of their country, and negative about the Scottish Government performance across a range of key areas, she said. Addressing these challenges and turning around public perceptions, particularly on the NHS and cost of living, will no doubt feature strongly on his first to-do list. At the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday it will not just be Mr Yousaf who puts his name in the ring to take over from Ms Sturgeon after her more than eight-year rule. (PA Graphics) Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats are expected to put their names forward. They will be asked to speak by Alison Johnstone the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, who is the equivalent of the Speaker in the House of Commons with a separate vote for each, but as they lack the numbers they are set to fail. Mr Yousaf is set to succeed because he has the backing of the Scottish Greens. After the 2021 Holyrood election, they and the SNP drew up the Bute House Agreement a powersharing deal which gave Mr Yousafs party the majority it needs to pass legislation and saw the Greens enter government. The Scottish Greens have renewed their backing for the deal after Mr Yousaf was named party leader on Monday and, later in the evening, co-leaders Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvey met him at St Andrews House. Delighted to meet @scottishgreens co-leaders @patrickharvie & @lornaslater at St Andrew's House this afternoon where we reaffirmed our support for the Bute House Agreement, which will maintain our pro-independence majority at @ScotParl & deliver for the people of Scotland. pic.twitter.com/ZtV5IrZMIg Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 27, 2023 Mr Yousaf said they reaffirmed our support for the agreement which would maintain our pro-independence majority at the Parliament and deliver for the people of Scotland. The SNP leader, who has been the Scottish Health Secretary since 2021, recorded a narrow victory over Kate Forbes once second preference votes were taken into account after Ash Regan was eliminated from the contest following the first round of voting. He failed to win a majority in the first round but won 52.1% after second preference votes from Ms Regan were redistributed. Ms Forbes came second with 47.9% of votes when second preferences were included. Mr Yousaf described himself as the luckiest man in the world in a victory speech at Edinburghs BT Murrayfield stadium on Monday, and pledged to dedicate every waking moment to serving the people of Scotland. After his win the Scottish Conservatives said they had serious concerns about his ability while Scottish Labour said an election was needed now. What Chinese modernization means for multinationals eyeing new opportunities in China? Xinhua) 08:13, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- While the global economy is clouded by uncertainties including the COVID-19 impact and stagflation risks, China, in its pursuit of modernization, is creating new opportunities much needed by businesses in the world. As the Chinese economy bounces back from COVID and presses ahead with policies and actions to maintain steady and quality growth, leaders of multinationals attending a high-level forum in Beijing have expressed their confidence in China's economy and their businesses in the country. China's accelerated efforts to promote modernization will infuse new vitality into the country's economy and create more opportunities for foreign companies, said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global shipping and logistics company, who attended the China Development Forum 2023 held from Saturday to Monday. The annual high-level international conference has attracted 100 overseas delegates, many of whom are executives from leading multinationals endeavoring to take the pulse of the recovering Chinese market, as well as the growth drivers generated from innovation and sustainable development. An industry robot works at the analysis and testing center of Konfoong Materials International Co., Ltd. in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) SHARED DIVIDENDS OF RESILIENT GROWTH In its vision of modernization, China aims to build a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century, which makes it imperative to both effectively upgrade and appropriately expand the economy. For multinationals, this means China will remain one of the most appealing investment destinations. "When we talk about China's modernization, a key word for me is sharing," said Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, one of the world's leading mining companies. "China has shared its development opportunities with the world in the past decades, and we believe it will continue to do so in its journey to modernization." He said he is excited about China's new journey to modernization and the shared opportunities this presents, noting that China has become Rio Tinto's largest market, contributing over half of its annual global sales revenue. China is still the most attractive investment destination in the world, and a strong engine of the global economy, said Milind Pant, CEO of Amway Corp. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to invest 600 million yuan (about 87.32 million U.S. dollars) in transforming and upgrading its production base in south China's Guangzhou over the next five years. The Chinese economy has seen major indicators improve since the start of this year, with brisk expansion in factory activity, an increase in industrial output and a rapid recovery in consumption. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have also revised their forecasts upwards. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, said China's economy is "seeing a strong rebound." This means China is set to account for around one third of global growth in 2023, "giving a welcome lift to the world economy," she said at the forum. SWEET SPOTS IN HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT From low-carbon industries to digital technologies, multinationals are looking to tap new areas of growth in China's high-quality development, which authorities consider to be the first and foremost task in modernization. China's modernization offers many opportunities that can benefit the world, particularly in sustainable development, said Stefan Hartung, CEO of Bosch, a German engineering and technology company. Bosch recently announced 7 billion yuan of investment in east China's Suzhou for production and R&D on solutions for electromobility and automated driving, Hartung said, noting that China's rapid development of new-energy vehicles is key to achieving its carbon emission reduction objectives. This undated photo shows a factory of Bosch at Sino-German Industrial Park in Shunyi District of Beijing, capital of China. (Sino-German Industrial Park/Handout via Xinhua) Foreign enterprises have been encouraged to ride the waves of China's green transition, as the country underlines harmony between humanity and nature in modernization, while aiming to boost green and low-carbon industries. Clerc, CEO of Maersk, said the company has noted China's increased efforts on sustainable development and its move to a low-carbon economy. "We are very glad that we are working with strong Chinese partners to make the transition to green energy, and we believe in China's great potential in producing green methanol," Clerc said. Maersk is looking for green methanol to replace traditional fuel on its vessels. Overseas firms are also eyeing business growth generated from China's efforts to spur innovation, which remains at the heart of China's modernization drive. In late February, China rolled out a plan for the overall layout of the country's digital development, which has drawn the interest of Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. "The rapid rise of digital transformation has made it a powerful engine for economic growth," said Amon, adding that China has sped up the pace of digitalization, which brings vast opportunities to various parties, including Qualcomm. This photo taken on March 20, 2023 shows a view of the Tianjin Artificial Intelligence Computing Center in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) China has advanced its infrastructure for the digital economy and is building a modern industrial system, said Pant of Amway Corp., noting that the company will explore smart organic farming in China to support rural revitalization through agricultural technology innovation. In March last year, Rio Tinto established a China innovation and technology center in Beijing. "Rio Tinto is committed to continuing our mutually beneficial cooperation well into the future, providing the materials that China needs for its green transition and working with partners in China to decarbonize the whole value chain," the company's CEO Stausholm said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This file photo shows South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, fifth from left, and the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) posing for a photo during their summit in Phnom Penh, Nov. 11, 2022. Yonhap Korea, China, Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a meeting of vice finance ministers and senior central bank officials in Bali this week for talks on their multilateral currency swap deal and ways to boost financial cooperation, Seoul's trade ministry said Tuesday. The ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting will take place in Bali for a two-day run from Wednesday, where senior officials will exchange opinions on the global and regional economic situation and policy responses and explore ways to boost financial ties among the regional players, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. One of the key agenda items will be how to better use and develop their Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a $240 billion pool launched in 2010 that can be tapped through currency swap deals in times of financial crisis. A currency swap is a tool meant to defend against financial turmoil by allowing a country beset by a liquidity crunch to borrow money from others with its own currency. (Yonhap) A third of Britains international aid budget is being spent on supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, reducing support available for overseas disasters, an official watchdog has warned. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) said while so-called in-donor refugee costs have ballooned in recent years, the UKs response to floods in Pakistan and drought in Somalia has been delayed and very limited. The findings will add to the pressure on the Government to tackle the issue of migrant small boats crossing the Channel and bear down on the backlog in asylum claims. Under international aid rules, the first year costs of supporting refugees in a donor country can qualify as official development assistance. The ICAI said while the rule has always been considered controversial, it has become particularly problematic in recent years partially as a result of the large-scale visa schemes for refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan as well as the upsurge in Channel crossings. As a result, it estimates that core expenditure on in-donor refugee costs was around 3.5 billion in 2022, accounting for around a third of the UKs total aid spend that year. With the overseas aid budget limited to 0.5% of GDP, the ICAI said the UKs ability to respond to international humanitarian emergencies has been sharply curtailed as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been forced to pause non-essential spending. This was seen in the limited UK response both to devastating floods in Pakistan in August 2022, and to the worsening drought in the Horn of Africa, which is expected to lead to widespread famine in 2023, it said. The ICAI said the shift in resources away from emergency response to supporting refugees in the UK represented a significant loss in the efficiency of aid spending. There was no incentive for the Home Office to control its spending on in-donor refugee costs as they come from the FCDO budget. Between October 2022 and March this year, the number of hotels used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers and refugees almost doubled from around 200 to 386. The ICAI said it had heard a lot of anecdotal evidence of safeguarding lapses in asylum hotels, particularly for women and girls, who face significant risks of harassment and gender-based violence. The findings were backed by the chair of the Commons International Development Committee, Sarah Champion, who called on the FCDO to defend the aid budget from profligate Home Office spending. This review confirms that our valuable aid budget is being squandered as a result of Home Office failure to get on top of asylum application backlogs and keep control of the costs of asylum accommodation and support contracts, she said. It is time for the UK Government to get a grip on Home Office spending of the aid budget so that we can return to the real spirit of aid spending spending that should promote and target the economic development and welfare of developing countries. The Orange Order has rejected the Windsor Framework as the basis for returning to powersharing at Stormont. In a statement, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said the decision was taken unanimously at a meeting on Saturday. The framework was unveiled in February as a means of adapting the Northern Ireland Protocol to deal with trade disruption between the region and the rest of the UK. Last week, the deal was formally signed off by the UK Government and the EU later. The DUP, the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, has expressed concerns about the framework and has shown no sign of returning to powersharing at Stormont. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is a member of the Orange Order (Liam McBurney/PA) A number of unionist politicians, including DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, are members of the Orange Order. In its statement, the order said the Windsor Framework had delivered limited but welcome practical adjustments to the protocol. It added: These changes were brought about as a result of unionisms determined and united opposition to its implementation. However, it does not resolve the fundamental concerns which were articulated in the text of the Anti-Protocol Declaration of September 2021. The Orange Order said many aspects of the framework had been oversold and a proposed green lane for goods entering and staying in Northern Ireland was not a frictionless border. The statement continued: The Windsor Framework continues to treat Northern Ireland as a place apart within the United Kingdom and equal citizenship has not been restored. Article 6 of the Act of Union remains in suspension and, as such, Northern Ireland continues to be a semi-detached part of the economic Union the Act created. The order said the UK Government needed to introduce new legislation to protect the trading relationship between Northern Ireland the Great Britain. The statement concluded: Like the unionist political parties, we want these issues resolved so we can continue to work to make a Northern Ireland a better place for all. However, given the seriousness of the concerns outlined above, the Grand Lodge voted unanimously not to support a return to the Stormont Executive until there is substantial and tangible progress which resolves these fundamental issues. Prince Harry Harry attended the second day of the preliminary hearing against ANL today. (PA) Prince Harry has launched a blistering attack against the publisher of the Daily Mail as part of his allegations they breached his privacy on numerous occasions. In a witness statement submitted as part of his claim against Associated News Limited (ANL) which he is bringing alongside six other high-profile individuals Harry says he is acting in the public's interest and because he "loves his country". The statement says: "There is obviously a personal element to bringing this claim but it is not just about me. There is also a social element as, if the most influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice, then in my opinion the whole country is doomed." It adds, "The evidence I have seen shows that Associateds journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us. The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it." The statement also says, "If the Defendant, the owner of various national newspapers, including The Daily Mail which, by its own definition, is the most influential and popular newspaper in the UK, can evade justice without there being a trial of my claims then what does that say about the industry as a whole and the consequences for our great country." Baroness Doreen Lawrence also attending the second day of the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice. (Getty Images) ANL has been accused by Harry and six other claimants Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Elton John and his husband David Furnish, Sadie Frost, Liz Hurley and Sir Simon Hughes of hiring private investigators to intercept voicemails; listen into and record landline calls; collect private medical and financial information through deceptive means; and commission the burglaries of private property to unlawfully gather information on the claimants. The publisher has denied all the claims set against them, calling the allegations "unsubstantiated and highly defamatory claims, based on no credible evidence." In a four-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, ANL is trying to get a summary judgment which will mean that the case does not go to trial. ANL is arguing that the "stale" claims have been brought past the six-year statute of limitations and that some of the material is bound by a restriction order made by the Leveson Inquiry in 2012, so can't be used as evidence. Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Prince Harry at the hearing. (PA) In the particulars of his claim, Harry takes a further swipe at the Daily Mail and ANL, who he claims pose as a "beacon of truth and integrity" while, the claim alleges, committing unlawful acts. The statement reads: "The Claimant [Harry] is further concerned and upset by the fact that despite its stated values of representing the interests of British people, characterising itself as a beacon of truth and integrity, in fact it was committing these insidious and illegal Acts, and even lying and continuing to cover up the same so that they would not be publicly exposed." On Monday, a temporary reporting restriction order was granted to ANL to protect the anonymity of any journalists who have worked for them previously or still do that stand accused of wrongdoing. Tuesday's session heard David Sherborne for the claimants present arguments about why the material contested by ANL should be allowed to be used as evidence in the case. Scotlands new First Minister Humza Yousaf has promised he will argue tirelessly for independence despite facing calls from the UK Government to put the SNPs obsession aside. In his first speech after being voted into the job by MSPs, the new SNP leader insisted his Government will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent. In a sideswipe at the Conservatives in Westminster, who have blocked Holyrood reforms of the gender recognition process, Mr Yousaf also said the Scottish Government would be less effective if we allow the UK Government to arbitrarily veto this Parliaments legislation. He confirmed later that there absolutely will be a minister for independence in his Government, and he tipped Shona Robison, the current Scottish Social Justice Secretary and a close ally of Nicola Sturgeon, as his deputy first minister. Humza Yousaf has tipped Shona Robison to be his deputy (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Yousaf said a call has been set up with Rishi Sunak very soon, adding: We have a mandate for a referendum and I will be putting that case forcefully to the Prime Minister. Mr Sunak said he is looking forward to having a dialogue with Scotlands new First Minister. Mr Yousaf addressed MSPs and then the media after a vote in the Parliament saw him become the countrys sixth first minister, with Mr Yousaf winning the support of 71 MSPs. In his speech to MSPs, Mr Yousaf paid tribute to his predecessor Ms Sturgeon and her deputy first minister John Swinney, who he said had left a significant legacy. He told Holyrood he would be very proud to build on the record they had left. Mr Yousaf then added: I will also continue, as they did, to argue tirelessly for independence. In my view, and it is of course the view of the majority in this Parliament, we will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent. Humza Yousaf hailed his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon, who had earlier signed her official resignation letter to the King (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Yousaf insisted he would argue vigorously for independence, but also said he would work with the UK Government where I can, when I can, in the best interests of our nation. That was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, who insisted politicians at Westminster want to work constructively with the new First Minister on the issues that matter to people in Scotland. Mr Jack said: I was pleased that during his acceptance speech Mr Yousaf made clear he also wants to work together. That is what people in Scotland, rightly, expect. There is a huge amount to be done continuing to tackle the cost of living, growing Scotlands economy, tackling NHS waiting lists, ensuring our energy security and improving transport links. I hope that Mr Yousaf will govern for the whole of Scotland. In particular I hope he will put his obsession with independence aside, and concentrate on working with the UK Government to make life better for people in Scotland. Mr Yousafs election at Holyrood came a day after he was declared the new SNP leader. First Minister Humza Yousaf with his three-year-old daughter Amal, left, and niece Hanna, four (Jane Barlow/PA) Speaking as his family looked on from Holyroods gallery and with Ms Sturgeon and Mr Swinney on the backbenches Mr Yousaf said taking on the top job is the honour and the privilege of my life. He added: I will strive every single minute of every day to be worthy of it. As well as being the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background, he also becomes the first Muslim politician to become leader of a Western democratic nation. Mr Yousaf said: It is a proud day for me and my family. I hope it is also a proud day for Scotland as it speaks to our values as a country. But he also recalled how as a teenager in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack in the US in 2001 that he felt as if he simply did not belong here in Scotland as his loyalty to the country was questioned. I have lost count of how many times my identity, my loyalty to Scotland, the only country I have ever and will ever call home, has been questioned, he told MSPs. (PA Graphics) There was a time not all that long ago when I felt I simply did not belong here in Scotland. To go from there to now leading the Government, as Scotlands sixth First Minister, I hope sends a strong message to every single person out there who feels that they dont belong. He used his speech to declare a key early priority will be to work to protect Scots as far as we can from the cost-of-living crisis. As part of that, one of his first meetings as First Minister will be with poverty campaigners as he seeks to discover what more can be done to tackle child poverty. He vowed to continue the Bute House Agreement that brought the Greens into power in Scotland in 2021 but he also extended an offer of early meetings to the leaders of the other political parties at Holyrood I want to work with you, where we can to achieve those shared aims, he told his rivals. Sir Keir Starmers move to block Jeremy Corbyn from running to be a Labour MP at the next election has been backed by the partys National Executive Committee (NEC). A Labour spokesman said the leaders motion passed by 22 votes to 12 on Tuesday afternoon, meaning it is now down to Mr Corbyn to decide whether to run as an independent candidate. Mr Corbyn, the veteran left-winger who has represented Islington North since 1983, had criticised the move as undermining the partys internal democracy before its approval. The motion says he will not be endorsed by the NEC as a candidate on behalf of the Labour Party at the next general election. If Mr Corbyn runs as an independent in the north London constituency where he retains significant support it could cause a distracting challenge for Sir Keir at the next election. The motion cited the dismal defeat Mr Corbyn led Labour to as leader in the 2019 general election in arguing his candidacy should be blocked. Labours chances of winning the next election and securing a majority in the Commons would be significantly diminished if Mr Corbyn was endorsed, it argued. The move will not be welcomed in all wings of the parliamentary Labour Party, where Mr Corbyn retains the support of those aligned with the Socialist Campaign Group. MP Nadia Whittome, who has served on Sir Keirs frontbench, described the motion as divisive, an attack on party democracy and a distraction. Activist Jon Lansman, the co-founder of the Corbyn-backing Momentum pressure group, suggested the Labour leader is acting like an authoritarian. Keir Starmer unfortunately is behaving as if he was some kind of Putin of the Labour Party. That is not the way we do politics, he told Times Radio. However, Mr Lansman said it would be a big mistake for Mr Corbyn to run as an independent, saying he wants to see Sir Keir form a Labour government. Mr Corbyns allies were highlighting Sir Keirs comments expressing support for the local membership selecting their candidates for every election while he was running to become Labour leader. The selections for Labour candidates needs to be more democratic and we should end NEC impositions of candidates, he said in 2020. The Islington North Labour Party said on Tuesday they strongly support Sir Keirs former position and rejected the NECs undue interference in the constituency. They argued it undermines our goal of defeating the Conservatives and working with our communities for social justice. NEC member Shabana Mahmood, Labours national campaign co-ordinator, insisted constituency members do get a chance to vote but it is always left to the NEC to endorse those candidates. This is a clear demonstration of Keir making changes to our party to make sure that we can win the trust of the British people again, she told reporters. (PA Graphics) We are in this position because Jeremy has failed to take the responsibility. I think it was incumbent of him to respond to the findings of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission in a way that would acknowledge the seriousness of what they said had happened to our party under his leadership, he has failed to do that. Mr Corbyn remains a member of the Labour Party but has lost the whip, meaning he is sitting in the Commons as an independent. However, party rules mean he could lose the membership he has held for nearly 60 years if he does announce he will run against an official Labour candidate. He was suspended over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission finding Labour under his leadership was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as he struggled to tackle antisemitism. The equalities watchdog lifted Labour out of two years of special measures last month, in what Sir Keir called an important moment in the history of the Labour Party. Sir Keir then promptly announced he would bar his predecessor before bringing the formal motion sealing his fate on Tuesday. Nicola Sturgeon has officially tendered her resignation as First Minister to the King and left Bute House for the final time. After eight years in the top job, Nicola Sturgeon last month announced she would step down when her successor had been chosen by SNP members. On Monday, Humza Yousaf was elected to the post and will likely be confirmed as first minister on Tuesday with Ms Sturgeon saying she will back his bid to succeed her. Just signed my formal letter of resignation and departed Bute House for the final time. Next stop @ScotParl to vote proudly for @HumzaYousaf as Scotlands 6th First Minister.From me for now thank you Scotland, for the privilege Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 28, 2023 On Twitter, Ms Sturgeon wrote: Just signed my formal letter of resignation and departed Bute House for the final time. Next stop @ScotParl to vote proudly for @HumzaYousaf as Scotlands sixth First Minister. From me for now thank you Scotland, for the privilege. Outgoing First Minster of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon signs her official resignation letter to the King in the Drawing Room at Bute House in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) In an emotional final day at the First Ministers official residence in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon was seen to embrace the household staff who work there, as well as posing for pictures with members of her team. As she walked down the famed stairs of the building, adorned with pictures of the first ministers who occupied the building previously, a nail could be seen protruding from the wall, ready for the picture of her successor. Ms Sturgeons resignation was followed by news that John Swinney, her deputy in government for the entirety of her tenure, was also stepping away from ministerial politics, and would go to the backbenches with her. Ms Sturgeon says goodbye to her staff in Bute House (Jane Barlow/PA) In her letter to the King, Ms Sturgeon wrote: I should wish to reiterate that it has been my pleasure to serve Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Scotland as First Minister since November 2014. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon added that being first minister was the privilege of a lifetime, adding: As the first woman to hold this office, I am proud to demit it knowing that no girl in our country is in any doubt that a woman can hold the highest office in the land. My congratulations go to Humza Yousaf who, subject to parliamentary process and appointment by His Majesty the King, will become the first person from a minority ethnic background to lead our country as its First Minister and in doing so will reiterate the powerful message that it is a role that any young person in Scotland can aspire to. British ammunition stockpiles are being used for the purpose they were intended degrading Russias fighting ability, Rishi Sunak has said. The Prime Minister said he would not necessarily see it as a negative that levels of shells and missiles were being run down because they were being used to deter the threat from Vladimir Putins military. Mr Sunaks comments came as British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks were poised to begin combat missions in Ukraine. Appearing before the Liaison Committee of senior MPs, Mr Sunak defended the level of funding allocated to the Ministry of Defence to rebuild stockpiles. Almost 2 billion has been allocated over two years to replenish munitions and strengthen supply chains. The Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee: I would not necessarily see it as a negative that our own stockpiles have been drawn down, for the simple fact that if you think about what are those weapons for, they were ultimately there to degrade and deter primarily Russian aggression. They are being used to do exactly that, they are just being used by the Ukrainians. So, in one sense, even though the stockpiles are lower, they are being used for the purpose for which they are intended and degrading the capabilities of an adversary in the process. It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Thank you, @RishiSunak, @BWallaceMP, and the people. pic.twitter.com/zoCRmKdBnN Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) March 28, 2023 Mr Sunak also questioned the credibility of a Chinese peace plan for Ukraine, arguing that Xi Jinping should speak directly to Volodymyr Zelensky. The Prime Minister also urged Mr Xi to use his influence over Mr Putin to push for an end to the invasion. Its clear that Russia is dependent on China, Mr Sunak said, and we would ask President Xi to use his influence with Putin to urge him to end this war and withdraw from Ukraine as a precondition to any negotiations. In Ukraine, defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said the fantastic Challenger 2 tanks have recently arrived in the country. The UK promised 14 of the vehicles to Ukraine, a move which helped persuade other Western nations to supply their own tanks to aid the fight against the Russian invasion. Delivered by Britain to defend Ukraine https://t.co/cybU4zSTpM Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 28, 2023 Mr Reznikov posted a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s for a spin in Ukraine. He thanked the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, adding: These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Ukrainian tank crews trained in the UK on the vehicles, which are being donated by the Government along with ammunition and spares. Mr Wallace said the crews return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger. Russia has condemned the UKs move and predicted the tanks would burn on the battlefields of Ukraine. Mr Putin has also reacted to the UKs decision to supply depleted uranium armour-piercing rounds for the tanks in Ukraine by announcing plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. The worlds first hub for child blast injury research has been opened in London with an immediate focus on providing support to victims in Ukraine. The Centre For Paediatric Blast Injury Studies, a partnership between Imperial College London and Save The Children, will particularly focus on reducing pain in children with limb loss and developing new prosthetics. Almost 1,000 recorded civilian casualties among children in Ukraine have been caused by explosive weapons, with actual numbers expected to be considerably higher. More than 250,000 explosive devices have already been removed and destroyed since the conflict began last February. Anthony Bull, centre director and professor of musculoskeletal mechanics at Imperial College London, said: Children are not just small adults, theyre small human beings who have a very different physiology, very different behaviour, so they get influenced in a significantly different way than adults by blast injury. Medics are doing a brilliant job of learning how to treat children immediately, saving their lives. But what they dont know is how their first medical intervention might influence their long-term outcome. Professor Anthony Bull talks to the media during the launch of the worlds first hub for child blast injury research at Imperial Colleges new Centre For Paediatric Blast Injury Studies at the London universitys White City campus (James Manning/PA) Professor Bull said the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is very sad but the scope for research in the medical area is huge. He added: This is a conflict thats happening in a country that had a fairly well-developed healthcare system already. We have the opportunity to interact with individuals who are at the forefront of civilian medical practice and help them and learn from them. Im hopeful that devices, technologies, medical interventions that have been designed, developed, learnt, developed here will be used in the field. And we think thats going to happen, of course. The centre, located at the universitys White City campus, will fund research students over a four-year period and includes advanced technology such as motion capture and musculoskeletal modelling. Some prosthetics from previous projects are already being used in former conflict zones such as Cambodia. Dr Andriy Dvorakevych, a leading surgeon at Lviv City Childrens Clinical Hospital in western Ukraine, said: We dont have similar research and learning centres in Ukraine and were very hopeful that the Unbroken centre, recently set up in Ukraine to respond to urgent medical needs, will collaborate and have partnership with Save The Children and Imperial College London to exchange and to learn. Dr Andriy Dvorakevych (James Manning/PA) We will also share whatever we have learnt on the ground in Ukraine. Were ready to contribute to research here in the UK. Dr Dvorakevych, who had no experience in military trauma before the war, now specialises in amputation and pain management and said around 350 severely wounded children have been treated at his hospital. He said he hopes the research centre will allow Unbroken to become self-sufficient, with current needs unable to meet demand. He said: The main purpose is to treat and rehabilitate patients from Ukraine in Ukraine. Right now, there is no prosthetics facilities and technology in Ukraine. Thats why all patients who need prosthetic assistance must go to other countries in Europe. Imperial College and Save The Children have worked together since 2019, bringing together a community of medical specialists, humanitarians and academics and developing the first field manual on paediatric blast injury. Sonia Khush, Ukraine country director at Save The Children, said: This partnership is going to be hugely beneficial to children in Ukraine, not to mention children caught up in conflicts around the world. Its going to impart that knowledge to Ukrainian doctors on the frontline who are not only supporting adults, but also children, and I think its probably going to save a lot of Ukrainian childrens lives. Save The Childrens country director for Ukraine Sonia Khush (James Manning/PA) She added: Save The Children does work with some fantastic Ukrainian organisations that are doing life-saving medical treatment. We also work with organisations that support children with disabilities. So in both those aspects theres going to be a lot of valuable knowledge that those doctors and paediatricians and physiotherapist can all benefit from. Britain's Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Prince Harry is in a London court on Tuesday as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids prepared to ask a judge to toss out lawsuits by the prince, Elton John and several other celebrities who allege phone tapping and other invasions of privacy.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant) LONDON (AP) Prince Harry returned to a London court Tuesday for a second day of hearings to see if the phone hacking lawsuit he brought with Elton John and other celebrities can withstand a challenge from the publisher of The Daily Mail. The case is one of several brought by the Duke of Sussex in his battle with the press and alleges the publisher hired private investigators to illegally bug homes and cars and to record phone conversations. Associated Newspapers Ltd. denies the allegations and is seeking to throw out the case, arguing that the claims are too old and rely on information they turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. Actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, and Johns husband, David Furnish, are also parties to the case. The lawsuit alleges Associated Newspapers, which publishes The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday, commissioned the breaking and entry into private property, and engaged in other unlawful acts that invaded the privacy of the famous plaintiffs. Attorney David Sherborne, who represents the prince and others, said the intrusions were habitual and widespread and later concealed or covered up. Articles were falsely attributed to friends, a family source, palace sources, royal insider, or similar unnamed individuals to throw subjects off the scent of the true origin, Sherborne said. Among the allegations in court papers were that Associated Newspapers unlawfully obtained the birth certificate of John and Furnishs child before they saw the document and illegally gleaned information on Harrys previous relationship with Chelsy Davy, a jewelry designer from Zimbabwe. The publisher is also alleged to have hired a private investigator to hack Hurleys phone, stuck a mini-microphone on a window outside her home and bugged ex-boyfriend Hugh Grants car to gather financial information, travel plans and medical information during her pregnancy. The case is to some extent a replay of a British phone-hacking scandal that was front page news a decade ago and eventually brought down another tabloid and ended with the conviction of the former spokesperson for then-Prime Minister David Cameron. The allegations date primarily from 1993 to 2011 but also stretch beyond 2018, Sherborne said. Associated Newspapers claims the information about the scandal was so widely known the subjects could have sued years ago. It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters, attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing. Garmin "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Call it a satellite communicator or a satellite messenger. Either way, you dont want to go off the grid without one. In emergencies, these handheld devices let you call for help, but most of the time, theyre a conduit for texting with family or friends when cell service is spotty at best. Some even have navigation features to help you find your way. Garmin and Spot are the biggest names on the market, but in recent years new competitors have joined the fray with more affordable options designed to work with your smartphone. Whether hiking, roaming the backcountry, or fishing at sea, these are the best satellite messengers to keep on hand. Are you searching for helpful backcountry tech? Check our picks for the best Garmin watches for women, GPS units for hikers, and smartwatches. The Best Satellite Messengers What to Consider Iridium Versus Globalstar: Which Satellite Network is Best? If you can see the sky, you can usually send a message with a satellite communicator. Thats because these devices transmit radio waves up to satellites in low Earth orbit to send texts. They also work with separate GPS satellites (based in medium Earth orbit, thousands of miles farther from the surface) to pinpoint and track your location. There are a handful of private satellite communication networks in the outdoor recreation market, but the two big players are Iridium and Globalstar. Iridium started commercial service in 1998 and recently replaced its aging orbiting infrastructure with the help of SpaceXs Falcon 9 rockets . The company promises global coverage through 66 satellites and a few spares that are 476 miles from Earth. Globalstar, which owns Spot, began in 2007 and offers coverage in 120 countries , including coverage across the Americas, Europe, Australia, and much of Africa and Asia. Either network is fine for most adventurers, but if youre planning a trip to the poles, in central Africa, or parts of the Middle East, choose Iridiums broader coverage. Remember, the clearer the path to the sky, the better your connection will be. For the best service, avoid sending texts from tight canyons, dense forests, or in cloudy conditions. Its also a good idea to ensure your message was delivered before throwing your communicator in your pack, as the fabric or other gear can also interrupt transmission. Know Your Messaging Preferences Selecting your preferred messaging capabilities can help you choose the right satellite communicator. The majority of models offer two-way messaging so you can receive texts from loved ones or emergency responders, but Spot offers devices with outgoing capabilities only. The option to send custom or preset messages (programmed before you leave home) via SMS or email is also fairly standard, but some gadgets only allow for one or the other. You also have a choice between a standalone device or one that integrates with your phone via Bluetooth. Standalone units almost always have a screen for mapping purposes and have either a qwerty or touchscreen keyboard for messaging. These extras come with a price penalty, but its a fair tradeoff if you want to save weight by ditching your phone. Then again, if youre photographing your adventures with your phone , choosing an integrated device will let you save some dough. Other Considerations All satellite messengers have GPS location tracking in case of emergency, or so your contacts back home can monitor where your device is. A few devices stop there, but many provide offline maps, downloadable waypoints, or other features commonly found in handheld GPS units. If you already use and are committed to a GPS app or prefer paper maps, skipping out on real-time navigation is another way to save money. As with any battery-operated gear youll be hauling on your back, bike, or boat, dont forget to factor in battery life and weight. And remember, just like your cell phone, your satellite communicator requires a data plan to send and receive messages and track your location. Most companies offer annual and monthly subscriptions, which are more cost-effective for people who only take a few trips each year. There are often activation fees to start (or resume) service, and you can also get dinged with coverage charges unless youve selected an unlimited plan. Its a good idea to review a specific companys policy before purchasing. Ash Bartholomew How We Evaluated To find the best satellite communicators, we started with 12 gadgets and considered the features, price, weight, and battery life. Those that we were able to test accompanied us on backpacking trips and other excursions. While using them, we paid attention to their user-friendliness and reliability. For models we havent gotten in our hands yet, we consulted reviews from expert sites, including OutdoorGearLab, Gear Patrol, Backpacker, Adventure Alan , and Outside. We also read dozens of user reviews from retailers like REI and Backcountry. Shop Now inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator $400.00 rei.com When the inReach Mini launched in 2018, it drew some attention. It was cheaper, smaller, and lighter than previous devices in the inReach family. Its update sees it excel further, earning its spot at the top of many reviewers lists. The pint-size package is appealing to the ultralight crowd, but it punches above its weight regarding features. From the device, you can exchange two-way preset and custom texts, send an SOS, get weather reports, receive basic navigation info, and track your location in intervals as short as two minutesthe most detailed reporting from any company. Pair it with Garmins Earthmate smartphone app, and you have even greater functionality: namely, the ability to download offline maps; check your mileage, vert, and other stats; and use a touchscreen keyboard instead of the plodding scrolling version on the Minia seamless feature. Moreover, conservative usage extends the battery life for week-long adventures or more ambitious thru-hikes. Aside from the sluggish built-in keyboard, the biggest shortcoming is that Garmins most affordable service plan limits you to 10 custom messages (including any received texts) and doesnt cover tracking. Checking, sending, or logging your location costs 10 cents per transaction on the basic service plan, so consider upgrading if you anticipate heavy usage. Shop Now X Bluetooth Satellite Communicator $249.95 rei.com Spots X meets the definition of a value pick by balancing affordability with a fairly robust feature set. Its screen is larger than the inReach Mini, and it has a full qwerty keyboardtwo things that aid user-friendliness but adds weight. The large battery can last a lengthy 240 hours when using 10-minute interval tracking, according to Spot. Although its relatively basic, the X does have built-in navigation. Create waypoints by dropping pins from the unit or entering GPS coordinates on the Spot Mapping website and syncing your device. In the field, use the built-in compass to help navigate to your chosen destination. You wont see an actual map, nor will you find one in the Spot X app, which has the same capabilities as the device. The apps purpose, then, is to act as a different interface, not a supplement. Where Spot does offer more is in its optional S.O.V. service plan, $3 per month or $30 annually, for non-emergency vehicle snafus. You can spend less on a sat comm device, but the Xs combination of two-way messaging, tracking, and navigation features earn it our best buy. Shop Now Satellite Communicator $199.99 amazon.com A contender for the best value, the Zoleo doesnt offer navigation or location tracking at programmed intervals, though you can choose to send your coordinates in texts, and theyre automatically shared with the rescue team when you use the SOS button. That wont be a dealbreaker for the explorers who use satellite communicators to, you know, communicate. And there, it shines. The physical hardware has check-in and SOS buttons so that you can use it in the field as a one-way standalone device. But if you want to converse, bring your phone and connect to the compatible app. There you can send and respond to emails and texts, and because youll get a dedicated SMS number and email address, contacts can reach you without any barriers. (Thats counter to the many models that require you to send a message to someone before they can communicate with you.) The character limits on traditional texts and emails160 and 240, respectivelyare similar to competitors unless the recipient is also using the Zoleo app, which increases it to 950 per message. When youre in cellular or Wi-Fi range, the device defaults to sending texts and emails over these networks, so you can save your credits for when you need them. Every incoming and outgoing message and weather report counts toward your limit on the two lower-tier service plans that start at a pricey $20 per month. Shop Now ACR Electronics Bivy Stick Satellite Messenger $299.95 rei.com Bivy is the no-annual-contract service provider of the sat comms world. Instead, you pay for 20, 100, or unlimited credits, each good for one action, such as exchanging messages, sharing your location, getting a weather report, or logging an hour of tracking. For occasional adventurers, this pay-as-you-go model lets you save in the long run. As for the hardware, there are major improvements compared to the first-generation device. We appreciate that Bivy added check-in and SOS buttons and chopped the weight in half by reducing the size of the battery from 5,200 mAh to 1,400 mAh. This Bivy Stick should last for weekend trips, but youll need to bring a power supply for anything longer. From the app, we could send and receive texts and emails, navigate with the offline maps, manage our waypoints, and scout beta for future trips. Its a great choice for ultralight explorers or anyone with a fear of commitment. Shop Now Gen4 Satellite Communicator $149.95 rei.com The Gen4 is the latest one-way communicator from Spot devices. It looks more like an external hard drive than the chunky tactical appearance of its predecessor, but the changes arent all cosmetic. The water resistance increased from IPX7 to IPX8, so the device should survive a dunk in water up to 6.5 feet deep for 30 minutes or less. Without a screen or Bluetooth capability, the Gen4 is fairly basic, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. Aside from powering it on or off and sending a few pre-programmed messages throughout the day, we mostly forgot we had it on us. Our peaceful nature retreat wasnt interrupted by group texts or other non-essential communication. And we liked that it has the same vehicle rescue service (for an additional fee) as the X, though we thankfully didnt have to use it. The Gen4 doesnt offer any navigation, which wasnt a dealbreaker for our tester, who is a regular All Trails user and carries paper maps as a backup. We appreciated the detailed tracking (the shortest interval is 2.5 minutes), though it wasnt perfectly reliable when the device was dangling from our testers pack. The Gen4 also has a motion-activated track setting so the device wont eat up data (or battery) when you stop for lunch or other breaks. And you should make it through plenty of trips before swapping the four long-lasting AAA batteries for a fresh set. Finally, the very affordable price tag makes the Gen4 a great deal if youre willing to go without a few features. Shop Now Global Satellite Hotspot $280.00 somewearlabs.com Somewear debuted at the end of 2018 with its Global Hotspot and a shockingly low-base service plan, and continues to offer one of the least expensive on the market. The "Ultralight" plan's $100 annual fee shaves $45 or more off similar plans from competitors, though youre limited to 10 messages, and 75 pin drops each month. Still, its an attractive option for infrequent users who can stomach the initial price tag, which feels steep for a satellite communicator as reliant on a phone as the Hotspot is. All messaging, mapping, and weather reporting happens in the app. Without it, youre limited to initiating or stopping tracking (by hitting the power button three times) and sending an SOS, which we were glad to see in an emergency if our phone was dead. Of course, the major advantage of this design is how easy it was to use. The app was very intuitive and allowed us to send texts through cellular and Wi-Fi networks when we were in range. The tracking was accurate even under tree cover, but we were disappointed that theres no option to share mapping links to social media. Thanks to the petite size and secure bungee, the Hotspot was more comfortable to carry on a shoulder strap than larger models that often dangle from a carabiner. We also appreciated the long battery life, though it far exceeded our phones. Shop Now Montana 700i Satellite Communicator $699.99 amazon.com Garmin holds nothing back in the Montana series. The 700i has a full-color 5-inch touchscreen thats 50 percent larger than the previous model and comes equipped with preloaded road maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and inReach satellite communication tech. These updates transform the Montana from a handheld-only GPS unit to one thats ready for the road and lets you communicate with emergency personnel or your family wherever you roam. Optional map views include satellite imagery and public land boundaries delineated on the preloaded topographic maps. The 700i has the same service plans as other Garmin satt devices, meaning its able to record your location as frequently as every two minutes but tracking isnt included in the basic option. Still, the standalone unit, which can last nearly two weeks in Expedition mode, is very capable. Use it to check weather forecasts, monitor changing conditions in real-time thanks to the on-board barometer, message other inReach-enabled devices (handy for communicating with parties at basecamp while you go for the summit), connect to your phone or Wi-Fi, and sync with Garmins Alpha and Astro trackers for hunting dogs. It's a hefty devicemore than twice as heavy as the next lightest on our listand some will balk at the price. But if you employ it in your car, adventure rig, and the backcountry, the Montana is worth the investment. Shop Now ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon $359.95 rei.com While technically not a messenger, the ACR Electronics ResQLink 400 is still a helpful communicator for emergencies. This lightweight personal beacon uses GPS positioning to send your location to emergency satellite systems Galileo GNSS and MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue). Simply register your ResQLink 400 with a unique digital HEX ID, and your distress signal will automatically identify you as the beacon owner. After the distress beacon is relayed to the Mission Control Center, the nearest search and rescue authority and RCC (Rescue Coordination Center) will launch its search. This is a solid option for those looking for a safety net in case of emergency and who dont need the ability to message regularly. It also, amazingly, doesnt require a subscription. It has an LED and IR strobe light so rescuers can see you in from afar, while waterproofing and built-in buoyancy help protects against loss while at sea. The battery has a five-year shelf life, and turning it on will give you peace of mind for up to a day. Many reviewers say this nifty, lightweight device is trustworthy for backcountry hikes and solo fishing trips. One user review at REI says that theyre on their third device in the last several decadesnot a bad track record. You Might Also Like A Koryoin civic group from post-Soviet states demand ethnic Koreans who fled from Ukraine to Korea be provided shelter at the Seogu District Council in Gwangju, Nov. 14, 2022. Newsis By Ko Dong-hwan Korea's justice ministry has decided to waive the visa application fee to extend the period of stay of Koryoin who fled Ukraine and entered Korea due to the Russian invasion of the country until the war ends. Koryoin is a term that refers to ethnic Koreans who, by one way or another, came to live in post-Soviet states in the central Asian region. The ministry's moves are the latest Good-Samaritan measure for the refugees on top of a series of previous measures carried out earlier this year. According to the ministry, some 1,200 Koryoin are expected to benefit from the service. Under the ministry's previous Koryoin-friendly measures, those who had entered Korea with a travel certificate without a passport could extend their stay in the country. The regulation kicked off on Jan. 30. Shortly after the war broke out in March last year, the ministry started supporting the Koryoin people of Ukraine by simplifying the visa issuance process, including exempting the submission of some documents to the Korean immigration office. The following month, the ministry further expanded support to the spouses and underage children of applicants by waiving fees for visa status changes or work permits in Korea. Koryoin who had arrived in Seoul with a short-term visa valid for 90 days or under were also allowed to extend their stay and find employment in the country. Those collective advantages were granted on April 18. The ministry's latest move came after Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon returned from his three-nation tour visiting the Netherlands, Germany and France earlier this month. While in Europe, Han learned about its "advanced" immigration policies and discussed ways to jointly improve bilateral exchanges with each country in the field. The ministry currently plans to introduce a new immigration agency, upscaling the current Immigration Office under its operation. Han proposed the initiative to President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this year as one of the ministry's key missions this year. At least seven people, including three children, were killed after a shooter carrying assault-style rifles opened fire at a Tennessee elementary school Monday, authorities said. Three children and three staff members at The Covenant School in Nashville were killed in the attack. The names and ages of the victims were released Monday evening. The children were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Nashville Police chief John Drake said in a press conference that two of the children were 9 and one was 8. The staff members were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Police shot and killed the shooter, identified to NBC News as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a transgender woman. Officials say Hale had conducted surveillance and had detailed maps, as well as a manifesto. Drake said during a press conference the suspect appeared to be a former student of the school, but he was unsure when Hale attended the school. "I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building," Drake said as he described the events before and after the shooting. Image: Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on March, 27, 2023. (Jonathan Mattise / AP) The shooting on March 27 unfolded at The Covenant School, a private Christian school and church on Burton Hills Boulevard in Nashville. Don Aaron, public affairs director of the Metro Nashville Police Department, said at press conference Monday the first calls about an active shooter at the school came in around 10:13 a.m. CT. An active shooter event has taken place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Burton Hills Dr. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead. Student reunification with parents is at Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. pic.twitter.com/vO8p9cj3vx Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 27, 2023 The shooter entered the school through a side entrance and was armed with at least two assault-type rifles and a handgun, Aaron said. Nashville police officers who arrived on the scene entered the school on the first floor and heard shots coming from the second floor. The officers "immediately went to the gunfire," Aaron said. The officers "engaged" Hale in an upper level of the school building, described as a "lobby-type area," and killed the shooter, Aaron said. The scene of a shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (WSMV) The three children were taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead after arriving, John Howser, chief communications officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said in a statement to NBC News. Two other adult victims were pronounced dead at the Adult Emergency Department at Vanderbilt, Howser said. The names and ages of the victims have not been released. One officer was injured by shattered glass, officials said. Police said students at the school, who range from preschool students to sixth graders, were being taken to Woodmont Baptist Church to be reunited with their families. Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney said firefighters and rescuers helped bring students out of the school and tried to keep them from seeing the scene. "We were on scene to help them mitigate anyone from seeing exactly what else was going on," Loney said. "But were sure they heard the chaos surrounding this." The average enrollment of The Covenant School has ranged from 195 to 200 students in recent years, according to the school's website. There are 33 teaching faculty at the school. On a normal day of class this year, there would be 209 students and 42 staff members at the school, Aaron said. The Covenant School was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to the school's website. Investigators were reviewing video footage from the school to learn more about the attack, Aaron said. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A private Christian school in Nashville became the nation's latest mass killing scene Monday after a 28-year-old former student entered with high-powered guns and opened fire, killing three children and three adult staff members, authorities said. The children were all 9 years old. The staff members included the head of the school, a substitute teacher and a custodian. The suspect, identified by police as Nashville resident Audrey Hale, allegedly left behind a "manifesto" and maps of the school, though police have not described the manifesto in detail or ascribed a motive to the attack. The shooter was killed by responding officers. The incident immediately captured the attention and anger of a divided nation already exhausted by a parade of mass shootings and a growing cultural war over LGBTQ rights. The shooter identified as transgender, according to police. Perhaps nowhere is that war as pronounced as in Tennessee, where conservative legislators recently banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth and barred drag queens or other "male or female impersonators" from performing anywhere near children. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said police were examining whether the shooter's transgender identity was part of the motive for the shooting. "As we know more, we'll definitely make that known, but right now we're unsure if that actually played a role," he said. Drake said police believed the shooter might have harbored some "resentment" for "having to go to that school," but he did not elaborate. Police did not respond to requests for clarity around Hale's gender identity, chosen name or pronouns. The Covenant School is part of Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to the school's website, and serves about 200 students in preschool through sixth grade. Police said the shooter entered the first floor of the school, which connects to the church, after shooting through a set of glass doors. "We know there were two AR-style weapons one a rifle, another was an AR-style pistol, and the other was a handgun," Drake said. "We believe two of those may have been obtained legally, locally." Police said the shooter had arrived at the school in a Honda Fit, which police searched after the attack finding writings by the shooter. The assailant's maps of the school were detailed and included surveillance and entry points, Drake said. The shooter had "multiple rounds of ammunition," was "prepared for confrontation with law enforcement," and was believed to have acted alone, Drake said. Drake said the shooter "randomly targeted" the six victims, who were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age 9; head of school Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, a 61-year-old substitute teacher; and Mike Hill, a 61-year-old custodian. Families of the victims could not immediately be reached Monday. The first 911 call came in about 10:13 a.m., police said. When officers arrived, the shooter opened fire on them from a second-story window, police said. The entire incident lasted about 14 minutes, ending after a five-member team of responding officers shot the assailant to death on the school's second floor, police said. There were no officers specifically assigned to the church-run school, police said. Hours after the shooting, investigators were seen on video swarming a Nashville residence associated with the shooter's family a few miles from the school. Tennessee has been at the forefront of a recent conservative movement targeting transgender people and others in the LGBTQ community. Last month, state legislators passed a bill banning transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming care. Conservatives have claimed such care is inappropriate for children regardless of what they, their families or their doctors think. Critics have decried the law as an invasion of transgender peoples rights and a threat to the mental and physical health of transgender kids, who can suffer greatly when they are unable to express their identity. Earlier this month, Tennessee became the first state in the nation to severely limit drag performances by passing a bill that defines male or female impersonators as adult cabaret performers thus banning drag performances from public spaces or anywhere children may be present. Conservatives have suggested drag queens are sexualized performers who have no business performing in front of children, even when those performances have nothing to do with sex and are limited to childrens book readings. LGBTQ advocates and other critics of the law have lambasted it as another baseless attack on the LGBTQ community and particularly on transgender people, who they say could be unfairly targeted under the law based on their identity and appearance. The laws are part of a much larger national campaign by conservative pundits, political leaders and policymakers to cast LGBTQ people as a threat to children and to question the rights of transgender people overall. Aiman Masri, owner of Fresh Wraps & Smoothies, a deli down the street from the Covenant School, said he heard what sounded like fireworks Monday morning before police arrived. "The cops came all around and came inside the building," he said, referring to the office building that houses his restaurant. "We feel really bad for what's happened." Nashville Mayor John Cooper expressed his condolences to the victims' families in a tweet, writing that his city had "joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting." In a Monday news conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden had been briefed and was in touch with federal and local officials involved in the shooting. Jean-Pierre called on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban. "The president has been very clear," she said. "We need to take more action." She noted that Biden earlier this month signed an executive order aimed at curbing gun violence in the wake of the deadly Monterey Park dance hall shooting. But, she said, further action from Congress is needed to create more robust gun control to help ensure these shootings stop. In his own remarks Monday, Biden also called on Congress to pass the assault weapons ban, saying gun violence is "ripping at the soul of the nation." Biden ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half staff until Friday. The killings come as communities around the nation are reeling from a spate of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first-grader who shot his teacher in Virginia in January; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. According to the Gun Violence Archive, an independent online database that tracks gun violence using police, government, media and other public data, there have been 129 mass shootings in the U.S. this year, including Monday's massacre in Nashville. The organization defines a mass shooting as a minimum of four people shot either injured or killed not including any shooter who may also have been killed or injured. The Nashville attack follows a string of mass shootings in California, including the Monterey Park shooting that left 11 people dead; a massacre in Goshen in which six family members were gunned down; and a workplace dispute at Half Moon Bay that left seven farmworkers dead. Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention organization, ranks Tennessee 29th for its firearm legislation, one of the weakest in the nation. Although the state has laws that bar some people from owning a gun including those with domestic abuse convictions, people with mental health issues or felons it does not require background checks for purchases or permits to carry concealed weapons. It also does not have "red flag" laws that would permit a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person believed to present a danger to themselves or others. Times staff writer Erin Logan contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Migrants camping along the U.S.-Mexico border in December try to stay warm. A jump in the number of migrants seeking asylum in the United States has challenged local, state and federal authorities. (John Moore / Getty Images) President Biden's plan to limit some migrants' access to asylum could force federal asylum officers to break U.S. law, the union that represents asylum officers argued Monday in a formal filing opposing the proposal. Enforcing Biden's policy would violate asylum officers oath to carry out the immigration laws set out by Congress and could make them complicit in violations of U.S. and international law, attorneys for the American Federation of Government Employees Council 119 wrote in a comment submitted to the Department of Homeland Security. The same union regularly protested the Trump administrations efforts to restrict asylum at the southern U.S. border, including by joining lawsuits that sought to block his policies. Its decision to oppose Biden's asylum proposal is one indication of the plan's similarities to Trump-era efforts. At their core, the measures that the Proposed Rule seeks to implement are inconsistent with the asylum law enacted by Congress, the treaties the United States has ratified, and our countrys moral fabric and longstanding tradition of providing safe haven to the persecuted, the union argued. Rather, it is draconian and represents the elevation of a single policy goal reducing the number of migrants crossing the southwest border over human life and our countrys commitment to refugees." Biden's plan, unveiled in February, is his latest attempt to deter migrants from entering the U.S. without authorization. If enacted, it would make immigrants who cross into the U.S. without permission and fail to apply for protections on the way to the southern border ineligible for asylum. The proposal has to go through a regulatory process, including allowing the public to send comments on it, before it can be finalized and take effect. Some administration officials hope that the new measure will lessen the impact of the end of Title 42, a Trump-era policy set to expire in May that allows border agents to quickly turn back migrants. The union also opposes Biden's plan because it would erode commitments to providing shelter to those fleeing from persecution, is inconsistent with asylum law, and would undermine the asylum screening process, according to the comment. Asylum officers are duty bound to protect vulnerable asylum seekers from persecution or torture, the union wrote. Under the policy, they would face a conflict between the directives of their departmental leaders to follow the new rules and adherence to our nations legal and moral commitment to not return refugees to territories where they will face persecution. Asylum officers should not be forced to honor rules that are fundamentally contrary to the moral fabric of our nation and to our international treaty and statutory obligations, the comment read. Immigrant advocates have criticized Biden's plan, arguing that it mirrors former President Trumps move to deny asylum to people who crossed into the U.S. without authorization and did not seek protections in another country on their journey. A federal appeals court blocked that policy in 2020. Biden administration officials, however, have said the new policy is not comparable to Trumps because it would not categorically deny asylum to migrants who cross through other countries on the way to the border. Under Biden's plan, migrants who cross through third countries before entering the U.S. would still be able to seek asylum at an official port of entry. This administration just wont allow mass chaos and disorder at the border because of Congress failure to act, an administration official said on a call with reporters in February. Under the Biden proposal, immigrants who cross the southern border without authorization after traveling through a third country and have not been denied asylum in a country on their way to the U.S. would be forced to overcome a presumption that they are ineligible for asylum. Immigrants unable to overcome that hurdle would be liable to deportation unless they either meet one of several exceptions included in the policy or clear a higher bar for protection in the United States. Michael Knowles, a longtime asylum officer and spokesperson for the union, said it was imperative that the union file the comment because its members would be forced to carry out the policy. Our members feel that this rule, if it goes forward, would make them complicit in an illegal act, in a human rights violation by our country, he said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Siblings Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry of the Band Perry announced Monday that they're taking "a creative break as a group." (Dominik Bindl / Getty Images) Grammy-winning country trio the Band Perry is taking a "creative break as a group." The siblings, whose biggest hits include "If I Die Young" and "Better Dig Two," broke the news Monday on social media. "We wanted to let you know that the three of us have decided to take a creative break as a group and each focus on our individual creative pursuits," Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry said on Instagram and Twitter. "During this season we will continue to support each other as artists and family in all we do. Thank you for making our childhood dreams come true! Love you all," they added, directing fans to follow them on their individual Instagram accounts "for all of our creative and life updates." The Mississippi-bred act blends traditional country with pop and rock influences. They released their self-titled debut album in 2010 that included "Hip to My Heart" and breakthrough single "If I Die Young." They were best new artist nominees at the 54th Grammy Awards, but lost to Bon Iver during the 2012 ceremony. In 2015, they won the duo/group performance award for their song "Gentle On My Mind." They released their last EP "Nite Swim" in 2019, and performed together only a handful of times since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, Calif., last August and finally at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Fla., in October. The band members have not yet disclosed details about their next endeavors, but Kimberly Perry, 39, on Monday teased to something spring-related with a nine-image collage displayed across her Instagram grid. In a series of captions, the eldest sibling wrote: "Hi SO good to see you... It's been a minute but... Spring things are happening... April showers and May flowers... Everything turning green... Blooms everywhere... I'm so happy to spend it with you... Love, Kimberly." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Three nine-year-old students and three staff members died after a shooting at a private Christian grade school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. The suspect, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, is also dead after being confronted and killed by police at The Covenant School in the Green Hills suburb of the city. The shooting comes as the US is recovering from several recent gun violence incidents at schools, including the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas last year, a first-grade student shooting his teacher in Virginia, and a shooting in Denver, Colorado where two school administrators were wounded. Heres everything we know so far: The shooting Police were called shortly after 10am CT on Monday 27 March to an active shooter situation at the school, which is connected to a church. Hale arrived on the school campus in her Honda Fit, with security footage capturing the vehicle driving through the parking lot to the building. Police said Hale was able to then forcibly enter the school door on the first floor of Covenant, where shots were fired, before moving to an upper level. The first call to 911 about shots being fired came in at 10.13am, police said. When officers rushed to the campus, the shooter opened fire on arriving police cars from a window on the second floor. Officers entered the building and began clearing the building, police said. While clearing the building, officers heard shots fired on the second level and moved to the second floor common area where they encountered Hale, police said. Surveillance footage shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun (Metro Nashville PD) Two police officers opened fire, fatally shooting Hale. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Late on Monday night, police released around two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the killers car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next, an interior view shows the glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labelled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. A Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson said that three pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt, all having suffered gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead after arrival, the spokesperson added. Police said that Hale was armed with three guns including two assault-type weapons and one handgun. The guns were decorated with stickers, while one of the rifles had the word hell written on it. At least two of the three weapons used in the shooting were believed to have been bought legally in Nashville. The suspect The suspect in the Nashville school shooting is 28-year-old Nashville native Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns , though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name. Hale, who officials say was a former student at Covenant Presbyterian Church School, was shot dead by police on an upper floor of the school. 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale pictured on Linkedin (linkedin) Neighbours have revealed their shock at Mondays attack, describing Hale as a normal quiet person, from a family without any apparent interest in guns. Audrey Hale was identified as the shooter If I had to imagine, Audreys parents are probably just as shocked as everybody in the neighborhood isIt just doesnt seem real, Sean Brashears told The Daily Beast. Theres nothing that would have led me to believe that she was capable of such a thing or that she or anybody in that family would have access to, much less ever used, a gun. They just dont seem like the family that, like, is around guns. Theyre not talking about going to a gun range or theyre not going hunting. Another neighbour Sandy Durham said: I do know Audrey, Ive known her since she was a baby. I had just gotten out of the shower when all of this started happening. I didnt really know anything more than that. Something was going on next door. Its just tragic for everybody. The sweet children that were hurt, killed, the adults. All of it. Asked if there were any warning signs, she said: Never. She was very sweet. I dont know what happened. Its very scary. Another neighbour described Hale as coming from a great family. This is a great family and its a tragedy, they told NBC News. A LinkedIn account suggests Hale was an illustrator and graphic designer based in Nashville. The account says Hale was working for AH Illustrations and had previously been an illustrator at Nossi College of Art. It also mentions jobs with Grocery Shopper and as a cat sitter. The Victims Students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged nine, Head of School Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61, all died in the attack. Koonce is listed on The Covenant Schools website as head of school and was one of the adult victims of the shooting say police. One parent was quoted as saying by the BBC that Koonce was a saint. She did so much for those kids, a parent of a student said. And now gave her life protecting them. She knew every single student by name, she said. She did everything to help them when families couldnt afford things, it didnt matter. She found ways for them to stay. Dr Kristy Mall, an educator, said on social media she attended graduate school with Koonce, calling the killing senseless. Nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, a senior pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church (Family photo) We HAVE to revamp how we handle mental illness in TN [Tennesse], she wrote on Twitter on 27 March. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, police said. A woman who said she was Hills daughter said on Facebook that her father absolutely loved working at the school. Nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, a senior pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to CBS News. Meawhile, the sister of third-grade student Evelyn sobbed that I dont want to be an only child at a vigil on Monday. The motive The killers motive remains unclear but Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in a press conference on Monday that the mass shooting was targeted. Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school ground, including potential entry points, and carried out surveillance of the building prior to massacre, he said. A manifesto was also found during a search of Hales home. We have a manifesto, we have some writings were going over that pertain to this day, the actual incident, said the police chief. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Theres right now a theory that we may be able to talk about later but its not confirmed, and so well put that out as soon as we can. He later told NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. At Hales home, authorities seized a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun, and other evidence, police said. Investigators have also spoken with Hales father. Police said the Covenant School a private Christian elementary was the only school targeted but the suspect had been considering targeting another location which was not identified. Hale apparently decided not to because of the level of security around that location. Chief Drake said Hale was not believed to have any previous criminal record. Covenant School Head of School Katherine Koonce, 60, was killed in the attack (Covenant School) The police chief added that while there was no known history of mental illness, it was a lead that was being investigated. However, a friend said that Hale had spoken about feel suicidal in the past and had messaged her minutes before the shooting saying Hale wanted to die. In the chilling final messages, Hale issued a dark warning to friend Averianna Patton via Instagram on Monday morning that something bad is about to happen just minutes before the shooting unfolded. In the harrowing messages sent at 9.57am, Hale revealed plans to die by suicide telling Ms Patton this is my last goodbye and that she would soon be reading about it on the news after I die. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote. Ive left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Just 16 minutes later at 10.13am law enforcement received the first 911 call reporting shots fired inside The Covenant School. Ms Patton, a former middle school basketball teammate of Hale who shared the messages with NewsChannel5, responded telling her friend you have so much more life to live. Hale wrote back saying that I just need to die and that my family doesnt know what Im about to do. Ms Patten told NewsChannel 5 that she contacted the Suicide Prevention Help Line at 10.08am to try to get her friend help. Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious, Ms Patton said. The school The shooting took place at The Covenant School the Presbyterian institution has around 200 students from preschool to sixth grade. The school was founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the schools website states. Its located in Green Hills, southwest of downtown Nashville. The school employs 33 teachers, according to the site, which includes the motto Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood. The reaction During an event in Washington, DC on Monday, First Lady Jill Biden said, we just learned about another shooting in Tennessee. A school shooting. And I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. And we stand, all of us, we stand with Nashville in prayer. Nashville Mayor John Cooper tweeted, in a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting. A child weeps while on the bus leaving The Covenant School following a mass shooting at the school in Nashville (THE TENNESSEAN) My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you, he added. As facts continue to emerge, I thank our first responders and medical professionals. Jozen Reodica works in an office building in the area which went into lockdown as sirens blared. I thought I would just see this on TV, she told the AP. And right now, its real. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told the press that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting. Hes calling on Congress to pass tougher gun laws. Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school We want to express the Presidents appreciation for the first responders and prayers for all the families affected by this shooting, she said on Monday. While we dont know yet all the details in this latest tragic shooting, we know that too often our schools and communities are being devastated by gun violence. Schools should be safe spaces for our kids to grow and learn and for our educators to teach. We must do more. And he wants Congress to act because enough is enough, she added. In his State of the Union, the president called on Congress to do something to stop the epidemic of gun violence, tearing families apart, tearing communities apart, she said. How many more children have to be murdered before Republicans in Congress will step up and act to pass the assault weapons ban to close loopholes in our background check system or to require the safe storage of guns. We need to do something once again the President calls on Congress to do something before another child is senselessly killed in a preventable act of gun violence, she added. What were seeing today what were seeing in schools and communities across this country is unacceptable, the press secretary said. Our children should be able to go to school feeling safe, feeling protected. People should be able to go to grocery stores feeling safe. And what we saw today is devastating. Its heartbreaking for any American any parent across the country or any American, and so thats why this President has been very clear from day one, he is going to continue to fight for those communities. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, an anti-gun violence group, slammed Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Tennessee @GovBillLee hasnt had time yet to tweet his thoughts and prayers for Covenant School, but when he does, remind him that this is exactly why police and citizens opposed the permitless carry bill he signed into law at a gun makers factory in 2021, Ms Watts tweeted. SCHOOL SHOOTINGS ARE NOT ACTS OF NATURE, she added. They are senseless, preventable acts of man enabled by weak gun laws and lawmakers. This doesnt have to be our new normal. Our children dont have to be sacrificed in exchange for gun industry profits. We can stop this. Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greenetweeted: My prayers are with the victims and families at the Covenant School in Nashville. Another absolutely horrific needless tragedy. Children and school staff should always be protected the same way politicians, money, precious stones, and gold are protected, but even more so, by good guys with guns. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake speaks to the media following a mass shooting at Covenant School (AP) Thank God for good guys with guns and thank God a good guy with a gun killed the evil mentally deranged shooter today, she added. Joe Bidens gun-free school zones have endangered children at schools leaving them as innocent targets of sick horrible disturbed people ever since he worked as a Senator to pass this foolish law. What a fool. What a failure. Gun grabbers like Joe Biden and Democrats should give up their Secret Service protection and put themselves on the same level as our unprotected innocent precious children at school, she said. School shootings should NEVER happen and will end immediately when our nations children are defended the same way Joe Biden is by good guys with guns!!! End this now. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Suspected killer Farouk Abdulhak, who is living in Yemen which does not have an extradition treaty with Britain (PA Media) A billionaires son accused of murdering a student in London has confessed his involvement in the 23-year-olds death for the first time, according to the BBC. Farouk Abdulhak is the only suspect in the rape and murder of Martine Vik Magnussen, 23, who was found dead in the basement of his flat on Great Portland Street, Marylebone in March 2008. Abdulhak fled to Yemen via Egypt in the hours after her death and despite efforts by Magnussens family and the UK and Norwegian authorities he has not returned to Britain to face the charges. Mr Abdulhak, who is on the Met Polices most wanted list and is the subject of an international arrest warrant, has stayed out of the public eye since the incident. But he has since told the BBC Ms Magnussen died as a result of a sex accident gone wrong. I did something when I was younger, it was a mistake, he told the BBC. Reporter Nawal Al-Maghafi said he spoke to Mr Abdulhak over five months. During the thousands of texts and hundreds of voice notes ... not once did he use Martines name or refer to her death, preferring the terms incident or accident, Ms Al-Maghafi wrote. It was just an accident. Nothing nefarious, he told Ms Al-Maghafi. An inquest ruled Magnussen was unlawfully killed after a post-mortem examination found there were at least 43 cuts and grazes to several areas of her body, including 10 to her face and neck. A coroner said Magnussen died from compression to the neck and this could mean she was strangled, held down with a foot or other object or smothered with an object. Mr Abdulhak is the son of the late billionaire Shaher Abdulhak, who was known as the king of sugar because soft drinks were the source of part of his fortune. He was friends with Ms Magnussen, who was studying at Regents Business School and had just come top of her class when she died. Ms Magnussen vanished when she and a group of students were out celebrating finishing their end-of-term exams at the Maddox nightclub in Mayfair on 14 March 2008. In 2010, Westminster Coroners Court heard Ms Magnussen was last seen leaving the club with Mr Abdulhak at 3.20am before she disappeared and her body was found two days later in the basement area of flats where the billionaires son lived. Ms Magnussens father, Odd Petter Magnussen, has campaigned for justice for more than 10 years and fought to keep the case in the public eye. Detectives investigating the killing last year arrested a woman aged in her 60s on suspicion of assisting an offender before she was later released on bail. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood said at the time: Im appealing to Farouk Abdulhak directly: Come back to the UK. Come back to face justice. In a statement after the BBC report on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said: We are aware of the documentary featuring an interview with Farouk Abdulhak. Following the discovery of Martines body Abdulhak was quickly identified as the only suspect in her rape and murder. Despite the passage of time we continue to do everything in our power to have him returned to the UK to stand trial. A bipartisan group of South Carolina prosecutors and sheriffs on Monday called for a new law that would allow the governor to play a major role in selecting state judges, a move they say would boost public confidence in the judiciary. That would be the first step in changing how South Carolina now picks its state judges, said Attorney General Alan Wilson, a Republican who assembled the group with an assist from 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, a Democrat who has advocated for such changes. Let the executive branch sit at the table, let us have a say in the screening and qualifications of those that we have to appear in front of, Wilson said Monday, surrounded by more than 25 solicitors and county sheriffs from around the state. Despite the states having three branches of government legislative, judicial and executive the executive, or the governor, is completely cut out of the process, Wilson said. Government works best when all three branches participate, he said. South Carolinas method of choosing judges periodically surfaces as an issue, often with little change resulting. The state is one of two in which the legislature plays the dominant role in judges selections. The latest push to implement changes in judicial selection has the backing of Gov. Henry McMaster, who in his State of the State address in January said he favors a more accountable and transparent way to choosing judges. Specifically, McMaster said he would like to see the governor appoint judges with the advice and consent of the Senate. As is it stands now, the states 170 lawmakers play an outsized role in selecting the states 46 trial judges, who make about $200,000 a year and oversee major criminal and civil litigation, Wilson said. Lawmakers also select approximately 60 family court judges, nine judges for the state Court of Appeals and five justices for the state Supreme Court. Lawmakers oversee judicial vetting State lawmakers not only elect state judges, but they also control who is allowed to run by means of a legislatively-appointed screening group, called the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, Wilson and Pascoe pointed out. Of the screening commissions 10 members, six are lawmakers. Four other members are from the general public, split between two who are chosen by the House speaker and two who are chosen by the Senate president. The commission vets all candidates for judicial posts and then forwards a maximum of three people deemed qualified for that post to the General Assembly for a vote. Wilson and others at the press conference called for three possible changes to the current system. They are: Allowing the names of all candidates not just three found qualified for a judges post to be voted on by the General Assembly Allowing the governor to pick members of the commission with Senate approval. The state Bar and others could make recommendations to the governor Not allowing lawmakers who are lawyers to be on the commission We all agree, that whatever is done, that the executive branch of government have an equal say, said Wilson, who is rumored to be a future candidate for higher office, possibly governor. However, Wilson recently told The State Media Co. that he is happy where he is. Any proposed change will face legislative opposition. Those favoring change cannot point to abuses or any bad judges, and allowing the governor to nominate judges would give him too much power, said House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Richland, a 24-year veteran lawmaker and member of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. What the attorney general seems to want to do is to bring Washington to South Carolina, said Rutherford, noting the president nominates people for federal judgeships. No one can hold the governor accountable unless they have enough money to challenge him in a race, Rutherford said. As it currently stands, any lawyer can now file to run for a state judgeship, and the public is welcome to comment and come to commission meetings, he said. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, indicated Monday that lawmakers may be open to having more than three judicial candidates for any one post reported out to the General Assembly. Massey filed a bill, S.444, in January that would require the Judicial Merit Selection Commission to report out all qualified judicial candidates to be voted on by the General Assembly. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but has not received a hearing. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Luke Rankin, R-Horry, could not be reached. As for other changes, Massey appeared satisfied with the current method of choosing judges. There are positives and negatives to any system, but if you look around the country at the places that have elections of judges, you have much more corruption than what we experience, he said. If you look around the country where you have states who follow the federal model, of the governor appointing and then Senate confirmation, those are very political selections as well. South Carolinas system has historically produced very high-quality judges, and they are typically middle of the road judges. On Monday, Wilson at his press conference said judges have confided in him that they are sometimes uncomfortable when a lawmaker who votes on judges or who is on the Judicial Merit Selection Commission appears before them in court. Ive had judges tell me that over the years, that they are nervous about ruling for lawyer-legislators, Wilson said. Even if its the right ruling, people are going to question it. We want to protect all parties. In any case, Pascoe said, the current way of choosing judges is too cozy. There are too many inside deals going on in the selection of judges, he said. South Carolinas 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe speaks to reporters in Columbia on Monday, March 27, 2023. Advocates call for modernizing the system The group on Monday went out of its way to frame their proposals as diplomatically as possible. This press conference today is not meant to be an attack; its not meant an indictment on those serving in the judiciary or the men and women serving in the General Assembly, Wilson said. Despite their pressure and filed legislation, Wilson and Pascoe acknowledged its likely too late in this years legislative session, which ends in early May, to pass a bill that would give the governor more say in the judges selection process. But that doesnt mean we shouldnt start talking about it right now, Wilson said. Pascoe said to enact major changes such as moving to popular elections for judges would take a change in the state Constitution. But to change the powers of the judicial commission would only require a change in state law, meaning the Legislature just has to pass a bill, Pascoe said. Although both Pascoe and Wilson favor changes in the screening commission, Pascoe said he favors eventually moving to popular elections for judges, while Wilson would be against electing judges by popular vote. Its really just modernization. We need to modernize the system that weve got, said Richland County sheriff Leon Lott, who joined Wilson and Pascoe Monday. The group appearing with Wilson Monday included 18 out of the states 46 sheriffs and 10 of the states 16 solicitors. In addition to Pascoe, solicitors included Chip Finney of the Sumter-based 3rd Circuit; Byron Gipson of the Columbia-based 5th Circuit; Rick Hubbard of the Lexington-based 11th Circuit; Ed Clements of the Florence-based 12th Circuit; Jimmy Richardson of the Conway-based 15th Circuit; and Kevin Brackett of the York-based 16th Circuit. Besides Lott, sheriffs included Lexington Countys Jay Koon; Kershaws Lee Boan; Chesterfields Cambo Streater; Chester Countys Max Dorsey; Newberrys Sheriff Lee Foster; Orangeburgs Leroy Ravenel; and Horry Countys Phillip Thompson. In recent years, Pascoe and Wilson have at times been on opposite sides of controversial issues, such as when Wilson unsuccessfully tried to block Pascoe from pursuing a high-profile corruption scandal in the General Assembly that involved close friends of Wilsons. At Mondays press conference, however, they were working together, putting past differences aside. If anyone needed proof that public confidence is waning (in the judiciary) and that we need legislative action now, when did you think that Alan Wilson, David Pascoe and 30 solicitors and sheriffs would get together and call .... for judicial reform? Pascoe said. A woman who says she survived the 2022 Highland Park shooting, where a gunman killed seven and wounded many more, was present on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee, at the scene of a school shooting that left six dead. Arent you guys tired of covering this. Arent you guys tired of being here and having to cover all of these mass shootings, the woman said, approaching news cameras. How is this still happening? she continued. How are our children still dying, and why are we failing them? Gun violence is the number one killer of children and teens. It has overtaken cars. Highland Park, IL parade mass shooting survivor goes on vacation to Nashville and ends up near another mass shooting, "It's only in America. Can somebody survive a mass shooting and then go on vacation and find themselves in another involved like near another mass shooting." pic.twitter.com/wHUKjQe1vT Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 27, 2023 The woman said she had been lobbying lawmakers in Washington since the Highland Park shooting, where Robert Crimo III allegedly used an assault rifle to kill seven people and wound scores of others during a 4th of July parade. These mass shootings will continue to happen until our lawmakers step up and pass gun safety legislation, the activist continued, adding, We cant even pass safe storage laws to protect kids from getting a hold of weapons that they shoot each other with. At 10.13am CT, Nashville police were called to the The Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school, on reports of an active shooter. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth, Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. A team of five officers encountered the Nashville native, who was armed with two assault-style weapons and a handgun, and fatally shot the 28-year-old. The shooter killed three children and three adults before police arrived. More than one mass shooting per day has occurred in the US in 2023, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. The shooting in Nashville is the fifth school shooting in the area since 2011, The Tennessean reports. The Highland Park survivor wasnt the only one calling for stronger gun laws after the shooting. A gun safety advocate highlighted Tennessees Republican governor signing open carry legislation after the mass shooting at the school. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, which advocates for gun safety, criticised Governnor Bill Lee for not initially putting out a statement after the shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville. Metro Nashillve Police Department officers shot and killed the suspect. Tennessee @GovBillLee hasnt had time yet to tweet his thoughts and prayers for Covenant School, but when he does, remind him that this is exactly why police and citizens opposed the permitless carry bill he signed into law at a gun makers factory in 2021, Ms Watts tweeted. House lawmakers sent a letter to Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday demanding that he release all political prisoners being held in his country who were detained after tweeting, days after Riyadh released a woman who was initially arrested for posting tweets critical of the top leader. The letter which was first shared with The Hill slammed bin Salman for infringing on the rights of Saudi Arabian citizens and accused him of undermining global political freedom. The lawmakers labeled his detainments barbaric prosecutions. When you initially came to power, you spoke of making Saudi Arabia more open and tolerant. You promised to reform harsh laws and policies preventing the countrys progress. We had high hopes you were serious, the group wrote. Instead, not only have you further trampled on your own citizens rights to free thought and free speech, but you have undermined the essential freedoms that sovereign democratic countries strive to protect for our citizens. These outrages undermine global political freedom. We condemn your barbaric prosecutions and call on you immediately to order the release of every individual you have detained and incarcerated for sending tweets, they added. The Hill reached out to the Crown Prince for comment. The request led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and signed by 21 Democrats and one Republican was sent almost one week after news broke that dual Saudi-U.S. citizen Saad Ibrahim Almadi had been freed after being imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for more than a year over tweets that were critical of bin Salman. The American, however, was put under a travel ban, and it remains unclear if the kingdom will drop the prohibition and let him return to Florida. Almadi, 72, was detained when he arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2021 for a family visit and then sentenced to 19 years in prison because of social media posts he made in the past that were critical of how the kingdom was ruled. The lawmakers on Monday told bin Salman they were relieved to learn Mr. Almadi has been released from this Orwellian nightmare after widespread protest, adding that they early await word of whether your government will lift the travel ban to let Mr. Almadi return to his home in the United States. Saudi Arabia has been accused of cracking down on human rights. In February 2021, the Biden administrations Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a declassified report that said bin Salman had approved the 2018 killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who had been critical of the Saudi Arabian government. He was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. The letter sent on Monday cited Amnesty International in saying that 15 people were sentenced to prison for between 10 and 45 years in Saudi Arabia in 2022 for peacefully expressing themselves online. As of February 2023, according to the lawmakers, the organization recorded cases of 67 people who were prosecuted for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly. We, the undersigned Members of the United States House of Representatives, urge you to immediately release all persons whom you have imprisoned for sending tweets, the lawmakers wrote. Jailing people for their expression, including criticism of their nations political rulers, is an intolerable violation of human rights and freedom of speech. No human being should spend a day much less 19 years or 34 years behind bars because they have displeased a government ruler with their opinions, they continued. The people of Saudi Arabia have a right to their own ideas and to express themselves without state agents ripping them from their families and throwing them into jail. The letter zeroed in on three cases of individuals who are detained in Saudi Arabia because of concerning tweets. Salma al-Shehab, a 34-year-old Saudi doctoral student at Leeds University in the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 34 years in prison in August 2022 for using a Twitter account to simply share posts of online critics of your regime. When her case was retried in 2023, the sentence moved to 27 years in prison. The lawmakers cited Freedom House, which said al-Shehab had been held in pretrial detention for 285 days at least 13 of which were in solitary confinement and was not allowed access to an attorney during that time. The same day al-Shehab was sentenced, according to the lawmakers, Noura al-Qahtani the nearly 50-year-old mother who has five children saw her sentence grow from 13 years to 45 years in prison. The letter said her new sentence is believed to be the longest ever levied for online expression. Ms. al-Qahtani had fewer than 650 Twitter followers, but was nonetheless accused of using the Internet to tear the social fabric and violating the public order by using social media under the countrys expansive and vague counterterrorism and anti-cybercrime laws, the letter reads. So a mother of five is now in prison for 45 years in Saudi Arabia for sending a tweet while some people in the country have never served even a day for committing murder, it adds. The third case involves Mahdia al-Marzougi, a 51-year-old Tunisian nurse and Saudi resident who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in September after posting tweets commenting on events in Tunisia. Her sentence was initially three years, until the Specialized Criminal Court increased it by five-fold. The lawmakers said it is unclearly exactly how the Saudi government was able to single out and apprehend these dangerous online thought criminals, but they noted that their prosecutions coincide with contemporaneous revelations that Saudi Arabian authorities infiltrated Twitter. They cited the case involving Ahmad Abouammo, who was found guilty of spying for the Saudi royal family in August 2022. We are also aware that, through the Kingdom Holding Company, your family is a longtime financial investor in Twitter, which makes this sequence of events all the more shocking, they added. Raskin was joined by 22 other letter signatories, including Reps. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), David Trone (D-Md.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. State Department officials are consulting with Haitian grassroots organizations, academics and others to see how the United States can help tackle the countrys ongoing gang violence and instability. The consultations, which have included discussions with over 230 individuals and organizations, are ongoing and part of the priority the country is being given under the Global Fragility Act. A long-term strategy that was rolled out last year, the idea behind the act is to support programs through a 10-year commitment that prevents violent conflicts before they erupt and fosters conditions for growth that help stabilize the country. The hope is that by taking a long-term policy framework for the United States approach to assistance in Haiti, rather than short, erratic disbursements, the U.S. and Haiti will see better results. Critics have long accused the U.S. and others in the international community of being shortsighted when it comes to aid programs, or not showing a long-term commitment to ensure that programs work. As a result, the funding dries up and the program ends. The White House first announced Haitis selection as a priority country last year. A public summary of the plan was finally released Friday as President Joe Biden was wrapping up a visit to Ottawa with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Biden had hoped to convince Trudeau to lead a military intervention into Haiti, where ongoing gang violence and kidnappings are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Trudeau instead announced additional support for the Haitian National Police. Biden said he wasnt disappointed. However, he acknowledged that the crisis demands a sense of urgency beyond strengthening the police, which is going to take a little bit of time. Gangs have now taken the place of the government, Biden said, acknowledging that the U.S. is looking at whether or not the international community, through the United Nations, could play a larger role in this event, in this circumstance, but there is no question that there is a real, genuine concern. Haiti joins several other countries including Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and a group of West African coastal states as priority countries under the Global Fragility Act. This is not the first time the U.S. has tried to approach assistance to Haiti in a new way. After the countrys deadly 2010 earthquake left more than 300,000 dead, the Obama administration touted trade instead of aid and focused assistance outside of the capital in hopes of encouraging many of the more than 1.5 million left homeless by the quake to relocate. A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, however, detailed how efforts to help the country rebuild fell short. Projects have been stymied by cancellations, reduced budget allocations and cost overruns and delays, the report found. On Monday, the United Nations continued its appeal for international support for Haiti to help address the root causes of the crisis. The Haiti director for the United Nations World Food Program, Jean-Martin Bauer, said Haiti remains a country in desperate need of international support. Haiti cant wait. We cant wait for the situation here to get more difficult before the international community reacts and comes in, Bauer told journalists during a noon briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York. Theres been a lot of talk about supporting the political process in Haiti, about improving security in the country. All of those are important but they wont be viable unless there is a robust humanitarian response. Nearly half of Haitis 12 million residents currently do not have enough to eat, Bauer said. Hunger weakens any effort to stabilize the country, he warned. Bauer said the escalation in armed violence is affecting Haitians ability to feed themselves and forcing some to drink rainwater, amid an ongoing deadly cholera outbreak because of lack of access to potable water. Proponents of the new U.S. funding strategy say they are well aware of the challenges but believe the crisis in Haiti requires a more effective approach. The proliferation of armed gangs and kidnappings is making it difficult for assistance to reach the population and for people to move around. Last week, the United Nations reported that fresh clashes between warring armed gangs in Port-au-Prince had left at least 187 people dead in less than two weeks. The month of February saw the highest cases of reported kidnappings, 259, in a single month, since the U.N. began tracking abductions in 2005. On Monday, the State Department reiterated its warning that U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart the country now in light of the current security and health situation and infrastructure challenges. Kidnapping is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens, a spokesperson said. The spokesperson declined to say how many U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Haiti. Last week, a Tamarac family pleaded for help after two of their loved ones, Jean Dickens Toussaint and his wife Abigail Toussaint, both 33, were taken hostage by a gang while riding on a bus along a gang-controlled road on March 18 south of the capital. The gang is reportedly asking for $200,000 per person after initially receiving a $6,000 ransom payment. The couple still had not been released as of Monday afternoon. Our Travel Advisory for Haiti is a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest, the State Department spokesperson said. President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of their bilateral meeting in Tokyo, Japan, March 16. AP-Yonhap By Lee Hyo-jin The Japanese government on Tuesday approved school textbooks whitewashing the forced mobilization of Koreans to labor in factories during World War II. The latest move appears to be a stab in the back for the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, which has been hailing the restoration of bilateral ties with Tokyo. In response, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged protests over Japan's latest attempt to whitewash its history, which came less than two weeks after a breakthrough summit between Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. On Tuesday afternoon, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology said it screened history textbooks that will be used to teach third to sixth-grade students. In some of the textbooks, publishers deleted the expression "forced mobilization" which was previously used to describe Koreans who were mobilized to work in Japanese factories during Japan's 1910-45 occupation of Korea. "To address a shortage of manpower amid the prolonged war, Joseon (Korean) people and Chinese were forcibly mobilized for mine works," the earlier textbooks read. But in the revised versions, the term "forcibly mobilized" was replaced by "participated," distorting the coercive nature of the mobilization. The textbooks also included sovereignty claims to Dokdo. Korea has long maintained effective control over the easternmost islets and stationed security personnel there. But Japan has been repeatedly claiming Dokdo as its territory. Although it is not the first time the Japanese education ministry has approved textbooks glossing over historical facts based on its own perspective, diplomatic observers noted that the announcement came less than two weeks after a milestone summit between Yoon and Kishida. In the March 16 meeting, the two leaders vowed to improve long strained ties, moving on from historical animosities toward forward-looking bilateral relations. Japanese textbooks describe Dokdo as Japan's territory in this March 30, 2021 photo. Korea Times file Yang Ki-ho, a professor of Japanese studies at Sungkonghoe University, said Japan's whitewashing of atrocities in textbooks is not a big surprise, considering that the education ministry holds one of the most conservative views among its government bodies. India has lost one of the eight cheetahs it borrowed from Namibia under an ambitious translocation project to a kidney disease. Sasha, the five-and-a-half year old female cheetah, succumbed to a kidney infection on Monday and was found dead in her cubicle in central Indias Kuno National Park where the Modi administration had brought eight wild cats in September last year. In an official statement, authorities have said that Sasha was found lethargic on 22 January by the monitoring team in the park, following which the African cheetahs health was inspected by three veterinarians who found out that she needed treatment. The officials moved the female wild cat to a quarantine enclosure the same day and took her blood sample. A blood sample test revealed that Sasha had a kidney infection. Immediately a wildlife doctor and another specialist doctor from Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal were sent to Kuno National Park with a portable ultrasound machine. Sashas tests confirmed kidney disease, the official statement said. The cheetahs treatment history after a blood test revealed high creatinine levels, according to Madhya Pradesh forest department officials. The treatment history taken from the Cheetah Conservation Foundation, that helmed the Project Cheetah with the Indian administration after monitoring the Indian territory for more than a decade, has confirmed that the wild cat had a kidney disease before even arriving in India, the officials said in a statement. One of the five females India had translocated under its contentious programme, Sasha was initially found on a farm near Gobabis, a town in east central Namibia, by farm workers in late 2017. At the time Sasha was skinny and malnourished but was gradually nursed back to health. Project Cheetah aims to repopulate India with the vulnerable animal some 74 years after they were hunted to extinction. After another translocation project on 18 February of 12 cheetahs, India is now hosting a total of 19 African wild cats brought from Namibia and South Africa. These chosen cheetahs five females and three males were initially restricted to a paddock five sq kilometres (1.3 sq miles) in size where they were made to adapt to the water and air, flora and fauna of India. Other seven cheetahs brought along with Sasha have now been released in the open forest area for free movement, officials have said, adding that they are enjoying free movement and are completely healthy and active. The wild cats are also able to hunt for their prey of deers normally. The newly inducted batch of 12 cheetahs is still in quarantine, the officials said. JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Monday evening to pause a divisive plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system until the next parliament session following widespread unrest in Israel. In an address, Netanyahu said he was postponing voting on the judicial overhaul to allow time to reach a consensus. I will turn every stone in order to find a solution, he said. We are in the height of the crisis that is threatening our basic unity. But he maintained that the overhaul was still needed. "A large majority of the public today recognizes the necessity of democratic reform in the judicial system," he said. The move came after a chaotic day in which Israel was paralyzed as a result of hundreds of thousands of people refusing to work to protest the governments proposal. The general strike was officially called off following Netanyahu's speech. The prime minister's change in plans came after Ben-Gvir, the leader of the far-right Jewish Power party who had been a major hurdle to postponing the vote, said he would agree to delaying it. A National Guard under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs ministry will be established as part of the agreement, the statement from his party said. "I agreed to remove the veto for the postponement of the legislation, in exchange for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus commitment that the legislation will be brought to the Knesset for approval in the next session," the ultranationalist minister said. Monday's protests followed unrest Sunday night after Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who became the first member of his Likud Party to speak out against the proposed changes. Gallant had warned that divisions over the plans threatened Israels security. "I welcome the decision to stop the legislation in favor of negotiations," Gallant tweeted Monday evening. The proposal by Netanyahus hard-right coalition in January would threaten the independence of the Supreme Court and limit judges powers, according to critics. It has faced stiff opposition, with Israelis regularly taking to the streets to demonstrate. On Monday, Israels largest trade union had called for a general strike that halted everything from medical services to flights to meals served by McDonald's restaurants. Protesters block a road and hold national flags as they gather around a bonfire during a rally against the Israeli government's judicial reform in Tel Aviv on March 27, 2023. (Ahmad Gharabli / AFP - Getty Images) Before the judicial overhaul proposal was paused, large crowds of protesters and counter-protesters gathered in the shadow of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, many waving Israeli flags. Some chanted into megaphones or banged on drums. Leah Basa, 23, said she felt Netanyahu's plan would lead to the "downfall of democracy." "I'm protesting the reform which is going to get rid of the checks and balances and get rid of the separation of powers," she said. "I think that it is causing so many rips in society. No matter which side wins, nobody is going to win in the end because whether the reform passes or doesn't both sides just hate each other so much." Israel judicial reform protests (Ohad Zwigenberg / AP) Salome Dunaevsky, 57, said she felt Netanyahu's plan would cause chaos. "It gives total power, almost total power, to the politicians," she said. "It means that there is no rule. You can do whatever." But the delay of the plan was not welcomed by everyone. "I feel terrible," Ori Rosenthal, 37, said. "We elected them to do the job and they surrendered to everyone. The minority is terrorizing the majority and that's not democracy." Israels diplomatic staff were among those on strike Monday on the advice of their trade union, one diplomat who was not authorized to brief the media told NBC News. Israels embassies in Washington and around the world shut as a result and some diplomats replaced their social media profile pictures with the Israeli flag. Peter Lerner, the head of international relations at Histadrut, the Israeli trade union umbrella group representing some 700,000 workers, tweeted a video of cheering activists. He said the groups chairman, Arnon Bar-David, had just told the meeting: We are stopping the legal revolution. In response to Netanyahu's address Monday evening, Bar-David ended the general strike and said he would assist the prime minister in leading negotiations. "I call on all my friends in the government and in the Knesset, from the left and the right, to put ego aside and see the good of the people and the future of Israeli society before your eyes," he said. The unrest had affected many sectors. Israel's airport authority confirmed just before 11 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) that all departing flights from Ben-Gurion International Airport would be grounded. Two of Israels main seaports, Haifa and Ashdod, said in separate statements seen by Reuters that they would shut down in support of the general strike. Big brands also took part in the protest: McDonald's said it would begin closing its restaurants across the country from midday (5 a.m. ET) before a full national closure from 2 p.m. (7 a.m. ET). Tens of thousands of Israelis have poured into the streets across the country in a spontaneous outburst of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister for challenging the Israeli leader's judicial overhaul plan. (Oren Ziv / AP) Israels leading universities also closed Monday in protest against both Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan and Gallants firing. We, the presidents and rectors of the research universities in Israel, express deep concern about the division and polarization in Israeli society and processes that could lead to a real damage to the national strength and stability of the State of Israel, they said in a statement. Netanyahus planned changes could lead to a brain drain in Israel and discourage international students, the statement added. Israeli President Isaac Herzog was among those who called for the changes to be halted. The entire nation is rapt with deep worry. Our security, economy, society all are under threat, he said in a statement earlier Monday. Israels consul general in New York, Asaf Zamir, announced Sunday night he would resign after 18 months in the job, over the judicial changes and the defense ministers firing. Netanyahus planned overhaul also prompted international pressure. The White House released a statement from the National Security Council on Sunday night that said the most recent protests further underscore the urgent need for compromise. As the president recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship, it said. Patrick Smith reported from London, Ali Zelenko reported from Jerusalem and Elizabeth Chuck reported from New York. Jonathan Majors was charged Sunday with multiple counts of assault and harassment. (Evan Agostini / Invision/Associated Press) Jonathan Majors has been charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment, a day after he was arrested in New York City. According to the complaint from the Manhattan district attorney's office, the "Lovecraft Country" actor was arraigned Sunday. In the complaint, shared Monday with The Times, the alleged victim said Majors did "strike her about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear." The woman was not identified. Majors, 33, also allegedly grabbed the woman's hand, "causing swelling, bruising, and substantial pain to her finger," and "put his hand on her neck." Majors has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault and one misdemeanor count each of third-degree attempted assault, second-degree aggravated harassment and second-degree harassment. A legal representative for Majors did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment Monday. The "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and "Creed III" star was arrested on charges of assault, strangulation and harassment on Saturday. According to police, Majors was taken into custody after officers responded to a 911 call from a New York City apartment building on Saturday morning. The NYPD said in a statement that Majors was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old woman who told police she was assaulted. She was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries to her head and neck. Majors attorney, Priya Chaudhry, denied the allegations and said Sunday that the woman had recanted her allegations. Chaudhry said Majors is completely innocent and provably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows. The actor's legal team said they are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the district attorney including video footage from the vehicle where this episode took place and testimony from witnesses and expect the charges to be dropped soon. The complaint says a judge released the actor on his own recognizance and granted a limited order of protection. Majors' next court date is May 8. Times staff writers Teresa Watanabe and Christi Carras contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A woman kisses a child at the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, killing the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. A reeling city mourned during multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Kristin Hall in Nashville; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles; Beatrice Dupuy and Larry Fenn in New York; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington; as well as AP researchers Randy Herschaft and Rhonda Shafner in New York. FIRST ON FOX: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley will visit the southern border in Texas next week, Fox News Digital has learned as the former governor is unveiling her plan to handle the ongoing migrant crisis now into its third year. Haley will become the first presidential candidate to visit the border when she travels to Texas on April 3. She will be accompanied by Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and will make several stops between San Antonio and Eagle Pass. The area has seen some of the heaviest migrant traffic along the border in recent years as authorities have been besieged by the historic crisis. There were over 1.7 million encounters at the southern border in FY 2021, and more than 2.3 million in FY 2022. FY 2023 has been on pace to eclipse those numbers, although numbers have dipped in January and February. NIKKI HALEY UNLOADS ON BIDEN PROJECTING AMERICAN WEAKNESS ON WORLD STAGE: WE HAVE TO WAKE UP Republicans have attributed the crisis to the policies of the Biden administration specifically the rolling back of Trump-era border protections, and an increase in "catch-and-release" of migrants into the U.S. The White House has attributed the crisis to a hemisphere-wide challenge and has called on Republicans to provide additional funding. Haley, who is a daughter of legal immigrants, has been rolling out her plan to secure the border and tackle illegal immigration. That plan would see the recent funding for up to 87,000 IRS staff scrapped in favor of 25,000 new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The plan would also mandate that businesses use E-Verify which verifies a workers citizenship and immigration status in their hiring processes. As governor of South Carolina, Haley had signed a bill requiring all businesses in the state to use the tool. Additionally, a Haley administration would cut funding to states that have been used to give money to illegal immigrants such as the billions used by New York to cut checks to illegal immigrant workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations, during an event in Charleston, South Carolina, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Her plan would also restore the Trump-era "Remain-in-Mexico" policy which kept migrants in Mexico while their immigration hearings proceeded, instead of releasing them into the U.S. Republicans have credited that policy with reducing the pull factors which drew migrants north. Haley is also promising to end the "catch-and-release" practices of the Biden administration. "We fix [the border crisis] by going back to Remain-in-Mexico, we fix it by stopping catch and release, we fix it by putting up an actual wall and closing our border," she said earlier this month on "One Nation with Brian Kilmeade." "But we do it by doing what I did in South Carolina as governor," she said. "We did a mandatory E-Verify program that said none of our businesses could hire anyone that was in this country illegally. That is what got them out of South Carolina because there were no jobs for them to come to, that's what will get them out of this country, we've got to make sure none of our businesses hire anyone that is here in the country illegally, and we've got to start taking this seriously. Every state is a border state." BIDEN ANNOUNCES NEW NORTHERN BORDER DEAL, FENTANYL COALITION WITH CANADA AS IMMIGRATION CRISIS RAGES In addition to mandating E-Verify, the legislation she signed as governor also required police to check the immigration status of anyone they stop who they suspected may be in the U.S. illegally following similar legislation in states like Arizona. That bill also created an illegal immigration enforcement unit, made it illegal to transport or harbor illegal immigrants, made it a felony to sell fake IDs to illegal immigrants and barred illegal immigrants from state or local benefits. The bill faced significant pushback from immigration activists. "Illegal immigration is not welcome in South Carolina," Haley said in 2011 when she signed the bill. As governor, she also declined to accept Syrian refugees over concerns about vetting, and in 2014 said that South Carolina would not be accepting illegal immigrant minors in order to focus on children already in the state. When she served as U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, the U.S. withdrew from the global compact on migration in part due to concerns that it would have restricted U.S. policy and impinged on U.S. sovereignty. Illegal immigration and border security are likely to remain top topics in both the Republican primary season and the 2024 general election. Former President Trump, who has announced his own 2024 bid, made tackling illegal immigration a key part of his administration. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has not announced a bid but is widely expected to run sparked outrage from Democrats last year when he flew illegal immigrants into Marthas Vineyard. DOVER, N.H. At her second stop in this early voting state, hours after a mass shooting at a Nashville, Tennessee, elementary school, Nikki Haley let Granite State Republicans know she wants to ban TikTok, not guns. The presidential hopeful and former South Carolina governor is in the middle of two town halls one in Dover Monday night and another in Salem on Tuesday night as she tries to court voters. She has competition here, with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie hosting a town hall of his own Monday night and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slated to visit the state in a few weeks. In Dover on Monday evening, Haley sought to differentiate herself from the presidential field, being more accessible to New Hampshire voters who have been eager to meet candidates face-to-face in her town hall events. Heres how Haley made her pitch to voters in the first-in-the-nation state. Who is Nikki Haley?: Former S.C. GOP governor announces run for president in 2024 Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. After Nashville school shooting, Haley opposes more gun laws Haley's town hall opened against the backdrop of a deadly school shooting in Nashville. The Republican presidential hopeful started her pitch by addressing the shooting and telling voters she wants more metal detectors, not more gun control legislation. She called for schools to have one entrance and to use the metal detectors there. "It's OK if there are metal detectors. There are those guests coming in out, the kids see them in an airport, they see them wherever they go. Why don't we do that to protect those kids?" Haley said. "Everybody wants to talk about gun control. My thing is, I don't want to take away your ability to protect yourself until they do those things that protect those kids," Haley added. Haley calls for a TikTok ban Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. With lawmakers on Capitol Hill clamoring for a TikTok ban after CEO Shou Zi Chew testified to Congress, Haley told voters she's all for an outright ban. "We're going to ban TikTok. Ban TikTok everywhere," Haley said, also taking a jab at President Joe Biden for not banning the app. The White House has recently threatened the app's Chinese owners to sell its stakes in the company or face a nationwide ban. "What are we waiting on? Joe Biden's worried he's going to lose younger voters? Is that why you hold off on (banning) it?" Haley said. Haley leans into GOP culture wars, still campaigning on her identity Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. Her pitch in Dover sounded largely similar to her previous town halls, partly anchoring her campaign on her background as the daughter of Indian immigrants. "I was born and raised in rural South Carolina. We were the only Indian family in that small southern town." Haley said. "We weren't white enough to be white. We weren't Black enough to be Black." Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter But even then, Haley embraced the GOP's culture wars against public education, alleging nearly all American students are learning critical race theory. "Teachers need to teach. Parents need to parent. And we need to separate that once and for all," Haley said to raucous applause. 'Freaks.' 'Big spenders.': Why 2024 GOP hopefuls Trump, Haley, DeSantis are ripping their own party Meeting 2024 voters face-to-face in New Hampshire Haley was the first candidate to jump in the race after former President Donald Trump. Entering the race early, when so many other presumptive candidates are still waiting in the wings, gives Haley a head start on meeting voters face-to-face. Her accessibility compared to other figures such as DeSantis is something especially appreciated among Granite State voters. John Burns, 75, a Dover resident, said Haley's early stops in the state impressed him and that he loves the "small town meetings." Her town halls are a sign she respects "the New Hampshire public," he said. Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley shakes hands with guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. Nikki Haley's age is a plus, voter says Haley's relative youth at 51 years old, compared to high-profile politicians in Washington, is one of her greatest appeals to Dover resident Jeanne Stonehouse. "I think it's time we get some young people in there," said Stonehouse, who is 76. Core to that appeal is also how hard Haley has campaigned on her possibly being the only woman in the field, telling voters it is time to "send a badass Republican woman to the White House." That unapologetic campaigning is something Stonehouse especially appreciates. "I kind of thought she had a lot of gumption," Stonehouse said. That gumption is needed in the White House, she said. Stonehouse's grandson, who came with her to see the former South Carolina governor, said he's eyeing a more moderate Republican candidate who can win the general election. "I feel like the Republicans have drifted a little more towards the ultra conservative side," said 20-year-old Alex Leighton, who said he wants a GOP nominee that can attract younger voters like him. Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley shakes hands with guests while being introduced during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley wants to ban TikTok, not guns: Takeaways at N.H. town hall An Afghan war hero threatened with deportation to Rwanda has exposed a gaping hole in our asylum system, senior figures warned today, as they called for Britain to fulfil its duty to those who served alongside coalition forces. The Independent revealed this week that the pilot was forced to flee Afghanistan leaving his young family and travel to the UK on a small boat because he could find no safe and legal route out of the country. Chair of the defence select committee Tobias Ellwood said the case shows there is no functioning process that allows Afghans to apply for asylum from abroad, adding: This is clearly not who we are as a nation. Admiral Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, added to the criticism, saying the government has a duty to look after those who fought alongside Britain. Last night, Rishi Sunak promised to review the veterans plight after he was questioned about The Independents story during a grilling by MPs. The pilot, who flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban and was praised by his coalition forces supervisor as a patriot to his nation, claims he has been forgotten by US and British forces. Tory MP Mr Ellwood told The Independent: This case illustrates the gaping hole in the current system there is no functioning process that allows Afghans to apply for asylum from abroad and there is something very wrong if pilots who worked alongside us in Afghanistan could now be sent to Rwanda. He also called for the government to look at the case, saying: This is clearly not who we are as a nation, and is not how our migration system should operate. I hope the government will look at this case specifically and address the wider issue of how an Afghan [who supported UK armed forces] can safely apply for asylum in the UK. The pilot said that American and British forces have forgotten us (The Independent) Lord West, chief of Naval staff from 2002 to 2006, said: The Afghans who helped us, whether they be interpreters or whether they were fighting alongside us, we have a duty to look after them. Not least because they were helping us. But also because no one is ever going to want to help us if we ever get involved in a situation like that again. He added: I understand all the issues about trying to stop boats coming across the Channel and people drowning. But I think occasionally one has to show some flexibility. And I would have thought this was a classic case where we should. In an email to the pilot, a Home Office official wrote that it had evidence that he had been in Italy, Switzerland and France before reaching the UK, which could have consequences for whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system. [The pilot] may also be removable to Rwanda under the terms of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Rwanda and UK, the email read. In a notice of intent letter from the Home Office, the pilot was told that his personal data could be shared with the Rwandan government to assess whether he could be sent to the east African country. The veteran said that it had been impossible to make his way to Britain via a safe route, adding: What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan? In his appearance before parliaments liaison committee on Tuesday, Mr Sunak was asked about how the government would support Afghans who supported British forces but arrived in the UK on a small boat. He responded by saying these are exactly the sort of people we want to help. But Tory MP Caroline Nokes replied: ... which is why an Afghan pilot was highlighted in The Independent as having been given notification that he was likely to be removed to Rwanda. Mr Sunak said that it was hard to comment on individual cases, but added: If you send it to me Ill happily make sure the Home Office have a look. The government has repeatedly said that there is no reason for people to cross the Channel in small boats because there are safe and legal routes to claim asylum. More than 9,000 Afghans made the Channel crossing last year, according to Home Office figures. Evacuees on a flight from Kabul in August 2021 (MoD/Getty) The Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme (ARAP) is designed to bring those who worked for British forces in Afghanistan to the UK. It has brought more than 11,000 people to safety so far, but another 4,300 eligible people including over 3,000 still in Afghanistan have yet to be relocated. Charities and case workers have raised concerns that ARAP fails to support Afghans who worked with British forces, but were not directly employed by them. The general scheme for at-risk Afghans applying for resettlement, the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (ACRS), has only brought 22 people to the UK since the 2021 evacuation. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer announced on Tuesday that around 8,000 Afghan refugees will be forced to move out of hotels within the coming months. The refugees will be given a minimum notice of three months and they will be offered a property in which to stay. Charities have raised concerns about the plan, which could see thousands of Afghans presenting as homeless to councils if they reject the property offered to them. Responding to Mr Mercer in the Commons, shadow defence secretary John Healey said the government was serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans. He referenced another investigation by The Independent which revealed that Afghans were told they could come to safety in Britain only after their documents were stamped by the Taliban. Mr Healey added that the governments record should shame us all. Those in fear of their lives left in Afghanistan, housing promises broken, processing staff cut, ballooning backlogs, breaches of personal data and even the MoD, even the MoD, saying to applicants that they should get the Taliban to verify their ARAP application documents, he said. Far from being fair and right, this record and this statement should shame us all. Commenting on the case of the Afghan pilot, Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, told The Independent: The UK government made a solemn promise to the Afghans who helped our armed forces that it would help them and give them sanctuary from the Taliban. The failures of this Conservative government to help those that helped us is a source of national shame. We need a proper plan to ensure that the pilots, translators, and all those who risked their lives to help the British government get the protection they need and deserve. Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrats spokesperson for home affairs, said: This Conservative government plans to ban people like him [the Afghan pilot] from claiming asylum in the United Kingdom and use an immoral, ineffective and hugely expensive scheme to deport them. We want to see these dangerous crossings stop, but the government has scrapped all safe and legal routes for asylum seekers to come here in the first place. Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director of Human Rights Watch, said: This is what weve become, a nation that not only turns our back on those seeking protection, but expels those who helped us in our hour of need. The Home Office said: We remain committed to providing protection for vulnerable and at-risk people fleeing Afghanistan, and so far have brought around 24,500 people impacted by the situation back to the UK. We continue to work with like-minded partners and countries neighbouring Afghanistan on resettlement issues, and to support safe passage for eligible Afghans. A plurality of Democrats say they want President Biden to step aside and not seek a second term in the White House next year, according to a new national survey Forty-four percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters questioned in a Monmouth University Poll released on Monday said the president should step aside and allow someone else to run as the Democratic Partys standard-bearer in 2024. A quarter of respondents said Biden should seek re-election next year, with 30% saying they had no preference. The polls release comes as the president gears up to run for re-election. Biden has repeatedly said he intends to seek a second term in the White House, but he has yet to make any formal announcements. However, the president hinted toward a re-election campaign during a speech early last month to party leaders and activists at the DNCs winter meeting, which was held this year in Philadelphia. BIDEN HAULS IN BIG BUCKS FOR DEMOCRATS AHEAD OF LIKELY 2024 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN "Were just getting started," Biden told a boisterous crowd. "I intend to get more done." "Let me ask you a simple question are you with me?" the president asked the crowd. The question instantly elicited cheers and loud chants of "four more years." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP HINTING AT 2024 RE-ELECTION, BIDEN TELLS DEMOCRATS WERE JUST GETTING STARTED' While no major Democrats are expected to primary challenge the president, best-selling author and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson earlier this month launched her second straight long-shot bid for the partys presidential nomination. President Biden shakes hands with supporters after addressing the crowd at the Democratic National Committee's meeting in Philadelphia on Feb. 3, 2023. But if the president surprises the political word and decides not to seek another term, the Monmouth poll indicates that Democrats have no clear idea on whom theyd like to see as their partys 2024 nominee. BIDEN APPROVAL RATING REMAINS UNDERWATER, BELOW MOST OF HIS RECENT PREDECESSORS Just over half of those questioned (51%) couldnt offer a name when asked who they would like to see as the Democrats standard-bearer next year if the president declined to run again. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Democratic National Committee meeting, on Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. Vice President Kamala Harris grabbed the backing of 13%, with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont the runner-up in the 2016 and 2020 Democratic nomination races and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg who ran in 2020 both at 6% support. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts another 2020 Democratic presidential contender was at 4%, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 3%. No one else topped 1% in the survey. While only a quarter of those questioned said they wanted Biden to run for re-election, the president enjoyed a favorable rating of 74% in the poll. "Democrats appear to be saying they like the job Biden has done, but maybe its time for him to move on when his term is up. However, no top tier of candidates emerges when these voters are asked to name a preferred alternative. Part of that could simply be the holding pattern that Democrats are in because Biden has signaled that he will, in fact, run," Monmouth University Polling Institute director Patrick Murray said. The Monmouth University poll was conducted March 16-20, with 542 Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters nationwide. The surveys sampling error for results in the release was plus or minus 6.3 percentage points. Ministers will look into the case of an Afghan war veteran who served alongside British armed forces and has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda, Rishi Sunak has pledged. The prime minister intervened after the air force lieutenants plight was highlighted by The Independent. He flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban and was praised by his coalition forces supervisor as a patriot to his nation. But he is among those who have fled to the UK on small boats. He says he was forced into hiding when the Taliban tookover Afghanistan in August 2021 and says it was impossible to make his way to Britain via a safe route. Mr Sunak was pressed on his case by the Conservative MP and chair of the Commons Women and Equalities committee Caroline Nokes when he appeared in front of the Commons Liaison committee. He told her he could not comment on individual cases but if the details were sent to him: Ill happily make sure the Home Office have a look. The veteran said he is one of many Afghan forces personnel who have been forgotten by the US and British forces (The Independent) In the exchange Ms Nokes asked Mr Sunak how the government would support Afghans who worked alongside British forces but who had arrived to the UK on a small boat. He responded saying these are exactly the sort of people we want to help. Mr Nokes pressed him, adding: ...which is why an Afghan pilot was highlighted in The Independent as having been given notification that he was likely to be removed to Rwanda. The pilot, whom we have agreed not to name in order to protect his family who are still in Afghanistan, is now living in a Home Office hotel for asylum seekers. He told The Independent that Afghan military personnel have been forgotten by the American and British forces. He said: What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan? You entered Afghanistan on the first day as a friendly and brotherly country, and now this bad day has come upon us. [The UK government should] keep the promise of friendship and cooperation that you made, and fulfil it. The American and British forces have forgotten us. We worked with them and we helped them like they were our brothers. We are not Talib, we are not Isis, so why are they leaving us like this? In an email to the pilot, a Home Office official wrote that while it had not yet made a final decision on his case, it had evidence that he had been in Italy, Switzerland and France before reaching the UK, which could have consequences for whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system. [The pilot] may also be removable to Rwanda under the terms of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Rwanda and UK, the email read. At the Liaison Committee on Tuesday, Mr Sunak was also grilled about the governments Illegal Migration bill, which would see anyone who comes to the UK in a small boat deported and banned from returning. He insisted that children would not be exempted from the plans to prevent the creation of a pull factor. He told MPs that the new policy should include families to prevent an incentive for people to bring minors with them. The new legislation could see asylum seekers detained indefinitely before being removed to a safe country like Rwanda. The bill has been denounced by the United Nations refugee agency as effectively an asylum ban and Labour has blasted it for giving the powers to lock up children. A gun safety advocate highlighted Tennessees Republican governor signing open carry legislation after a mass shooting in Nashville left three children and three adults dead. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, which advocates for gun safety, criticised Governnor Bill Lee for not putting out a statement after the shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville. Metro Nashillve Police Department officers shot and killed the suspect. Tennessee @GovBillLee hasn't had time yet to tweet his thoughts and prayers for Covenant School, but when he does, remind him that this is exactly why police and citizens opposed the permitless carry bill he signed into law at a gun maker's factory in 2021, Ms Watts tweeted. Mr Lee signed legislation in 2021 that allowed for citizens to carry a loaded handgun either concealed or openly without a permit, but not rifles or shotguns. The suspect in the Nashville school shooting, identified as a 28-year-old named Audrey Hale, was carrying two assault-style rifles and a handgun, according to police. Tennessee @GovBillLee hasn't had time yet to tweet his thoughts and prayers for Covenant School, but when he does, remind him that this is exactly why police and citizens opposed the permitless carry bill he signed into law at a gun maker's factory in 2021. #tnleg pic.twitter.com/NZ2smJQEkC Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 27, 2023 Ms Watts criticised lax gun rules. SCHOOL SHOOTINGS ARE NOT ACTS OF NATURE, she tweeted. They are senseless, preventable acts of man enabled by weak gun laws and lawmakers. This doesn't have to be our new normal. Our children don't have to be sacrificed in exchange for gun industry profits. We can stop this. The shooter killed three children, according to Vanderbilt University Medical Center-Monroe Carell Jr. Hospital, News Channel 9 reported. In addition, the shooter also killed three adults. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also said it would assist the MNPD after the shooting. The Covenant School is located next to Nashvilles Covenant Presbyterian Church and has 33 teachers and 200 students, The Associated Press reports. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said that there is no current threat to public safety. The shooter was engaged by MNPD and is dead, MNPD said in a statement. The nuclear-powered USS Nimitz aircraft carrier arrives at the ROK Fleet Command in Busan, 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul, March 28. Yonhap South Korea, the United States and Japan will soon hold a trilateral maritime exercise, involving an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a U.S. Navy official said Tuesday. Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, unveiled the plan during a press meeting aboard the USS Nimitz carrier, which arrived in the southeastern city of Busan earlier in the day, in a show of the U.S.' naval might against North Korean threats. "We are scheduled to do a trilateral exercise with the JMSDF and ROK Navy after we pull out of Busan," he said, calling the exercise "very important for interoperability." Students from the Covenant School hold hands after getting off a bus to meet their parents at the reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. NASHVILLE, Tenn. The horrible task of counting began before noon. How many children and staff members had gone into The Covenant School on Monday morning, and how many had come out alive after the gunshots? Frantic administrators and teachers, tearful parents, and first responders hurried to get that count finished. Parents were routed to nearby Woodmont Baptist Church waiting, hopefully, to be reunited with their children. And they waited. In fear. In shock. In anger. They waited for more understanding in a situation where none would be forthcoming. The morning was filled with the sound of sirens. The news they heard just after noon was devastating: Three children and three school staff members were killed. Police said they were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9; staff members Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school, and Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61. Police identified the shooter as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a transgender man who was assigned female at birth, whom authorities killed at the scene. Hale was a former student at The Covenant School, police said. LATEST UPDATES: Police release more video of Nashville school shooting as details emerge on 6 victims Hale was an illustrator and graphic designer who had two semi-automatic rifles and a handgun, police said. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said he was in tears when he heard the reports from officers on the scene. The police response took 14 minutes. The shooter entered the school just after 10 a.m. through a side door, began shooting on the first floor, then moved to the second. The first call to the police came at 10:13 a.m. Five police officers confronted Hale on the second floor, and two opened fire, killing the shooter at 10:27 a.m. Drake said the police found the suspected shooter's car at the scene. The Woodmont sanctuary was quiet and tensely calm as parents awaited information. Many spoke on phones, giving directions to those still on their way. Volunteers pushed carts with water coolers and multicolored cups through the aisles. Three yellow school buses filled with children made the 2-mile trip from Covenant and were lined up in front of Woodmont Baptist Church just after noon. 'AREN'T YOU GUYS TIRED OF THIS?': Woman who survived Highland Park shooting makes plea in Nashville TENNESSEE MASS SHOOTING: Who is the Nashville school shooter who killed six at private Christian school? Several children stuck their head and hands out of open windows, yelling and waving to the parents waiting for them. On the streets in front of the school, Metro Police and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation buses rolled by. Across town, Vanderbilt Medical Center was rushed by emergency vehicles. Three students, two adults, and one police officer were being treated for injuries Monday afternoon. The police officer cut his hand on glass. Metro Police officers escorted two residents out of squad cars at the childrens emergency center, ushering them inside and leaving the scene again. One was clutching what appeared to be a handful of tissues as she tearfully rushed into the emergency room. School celebrated childhood, empowering minds The Covenant School's enrollment is from preschool through sixth grade. The school's motto is "Shepherding hearts. Empowering Minds. Celebrating Childhood." On a typical day, Covenant has 209 students and 42 staff members. The school and church are the centers of the lives of many people in Green Hills, a neighborhood south of downtown Nashville. Hayley Gammons, now a veterinarian, was part of Covenants class that graduated in 2008. Gammons' mother works at school and was not injured. Parents comfort each other as they wait outside the Woodmont Baptist Church for students from Covenant School to arrive after a mass shooting at the school Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. NASHVILLE SCHOOL SHOOTING RENEWS GUN CONTROL PUSH: 'How many more classrooms must become crime scenes?' To this day Covenant is still home, Gammons said. How many people can say they are still close friends with kids they went to kindergarten with? But thats just the way it is there. I know the community is so strong with Covenant. Barbara Baydoun is a former board of trustee: This is the most loving school. Happy. The kids are always happy. I dont know of anyone who would have a grudge, problems with a teacher or staff. 'Why should children be the ones who suffer through this' Lisa DeBusk is friends with families whose children attend Covenant. "It was truly horrific to watch that," DeBusk said. "Our children had gone to preschool together. It's such a close-knit community here. You just don't ever think that when you send your kids to school on a day like today that you're going to potentially not have them come home." Patricia Mey, who lives in the condo complex across from the school, said she heard the chaos erupt outside as emergency vehicles and helicopters arrived Monday morning. THE WHITE HOUSE REACTS: 'Our children deserve better': First lady Jill Biden responds to Nashville school shooting "It sounded like a war zone out here," Mey said. "Why should children be the ones who suffer through this?" Ashbey Beasley was on vacation and about a block away from the school when she heard shots. Beasley, who was at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, last year when a gunman opened fire, ran over to the scene to find it crawling with police. Arent you tired of this? Beasley said, taking over the microphones after a news conference with Metro Nashville Police. How is this still happening? Beasley continued at the microphones. How are our children still dying and why are we failing them? These shootings, and these mass shootings, will continue to happen until our lawmakers step up and pass safer gun legislation. Contributing: Kirsten Fiscus, Chris Gadd, Andy Humbles, Angele Latham and Craig Shoup, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Nashville mourns after deadly mass shooting at The Covenant School A fearless advocate for the LGBTQ community, Walter Cole, shown as Darcelle XV, was crowned the world's oldest working drag performer in 2016 by Guinness World Records. (Jay Reiter / Associated Press) Walter Cole, better known as the iconic drag queen who performed for decades as Darcelle XV and a fearless advocate for the LGBTQ community, has died of natural causes in Portland, Ore. He was 92. Darcelle, who died Thursday, was crowned the worlds oldest working drag performer in 2016 by Guinness World Records and was regaling audiences until the very end. As a performer, Darcelle was known for hosting the longest-running drag show on the U.S. West Coast. Offstage, Cole, an Army veteran, championed LGBTQ rights and charitable work. The nightclub that Darcelle opened more than 50 years ago in downtown Portland, Darcelle XV Showplace, posted a statement on Facebook expressing grief and asking for privacy and patience. The club, which had become a Portland cultural institution by the 1970s, was listed in 2020 on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the first site in Oregon to be nominated specifically for its significance in LGBTQ history. In the venue's early days in the 1970s and 80s, it was seen as taboo and protesters picketed outside, the Oregonian reported. It provided a lifeline for many in the city's LGBTQ community, including Cole, he told the newspaper in a 2010 interview. Cole preferred female pronouns when performing, but told the Oregonian he preferred male pronouns offstage. If I hadnt admitted who I was, Id probably be dead now, he told the paper. Id be sitting on a couch retiring from ... management. Not for me. She touched the lives of so many, not only through her performances but also through her fearless community advocacy and charitable works, said Todd Addams, the interim executive director of Basic Rights Oregon. She was nothing short of an icon." Writer Susan Stanley described the club as a place of warmth and affection where performers were glittering in sequins and satin and a shimmering froth of feathers, in whats credited as the first profile of Darcelle XV, published in Willamette Week in 1975. When speaking of Darcelle, Cole, a gay man, referred to his persona in the third person using female pronouns. Im an entertainer with a capital E, Cole told Stanley. Darcelle is a character like in a play and I work very hard at her. Stanley wound up briefly working at the club and becoming Cole's close friend. She described the performer not only as a talented artist, who also sewed many of the clubs costumes, but as a caring person deeply invested in the LGBTQ community and the fight against the social stigma of the time. [Darcelle] was just a very, very nurturing person," Stanley said. "She encouraged other guys to perform and get out of their shells." After decades of advocacy by LGBTQ activists organizing for civil rights and freedoms, Stanley said she was saddened to see how drag has become so polarized in the current political climate. It bespeaks a really, really big misunderstanding, she said. Politicians wanting to step back decades in attitudes. Its mystifying and horrifying to me at the same time. Cole was born in 1930 and raised in Portland's Linnton neighborhood. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged in the late 1950s, according to the club's website, which says he used money he received from the military to start his first business. After dabbling in a coffee store and a jazz club, Cole purchased the space that would become Darcelle XV Showplace in 1967. Two years later, he developed the alter ego named Darcelle and came out as gay, according to a profile on the club's website. He left his wife and began a relationship with his artistic director. During the 1970s, the Showplace became a popular destination for cabaret and drag performance. In 1999, Darcelle became the oldest drag performer on the West Coast, after the closing of San Franciscos drag venue Finocchios Club. On Friday, fans, including Portland's mayor, mourned Cole's death on social media. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said in a social media post that Darcelle carved out an unforgettable chapter in Portlands history with "pioneering courage. Darcelle XV Showplace said details of a public memorial will be announced and that all shows would go on as scheduled, as per Darcelles wishes. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Justine Bateman is opening up about why she is embracing aging and avoiding using Botox, fillers or other types of injections. The 57-year-old filmmaker was featured in a 60 Minutes Australia episode about women over 50 who are welcoming growing older. During the sit-down with journalist Amelia Adams, shared on March 19, Bateman was asked if she has ever considered turning to cosmetic procedures to slow down aging. Bateman, who played Mallory Keaton on the 80s sitcom Family Ties, acknowledged that it is tempting to look in the mirror and imagine getting a facelift or another operation that would remove wrinkles and extra skin. Family Ties (Herb Ball / NBCU via Getty Images) Sure, you can do all of that, Bateman said, before stretching her face to show how different she would look. And then I feel like I would erase not only all my authority that I have now, but also I like feeling that I am a different person now than I was when I was 20. She added, I like looking in the mirror and seeing that evidence. Although Bateman and other stars like supermodel Paulina Porizkova, who was also featured in the 60 Minutes Australia episode, are embracing the changes to their faces, plastic surgery continues to be popular. Buccal fat removal is one of the latest trends that has been widely discussed on social media. Justine Bateman attends the 13th Annual Chanel Tribeca Film Festival Artist Dinner at Balthazar on April 23, 2018 in New York City. (Bennett Raglin / WireImage) When asked about her reaction to young women choosing to undergo cosmetic procedures to delay signs of aging, Bateman replied, I feel sad for them. I feel sad that theyre not just enjoying life, the director continued, I feel sad that they are distracted from the things that theyre meant to do in life with this consuming idea that theyve got to fix their face before anything else can happen. Bateman chooses to not stress about the value society has placed on aging. She explained, When you say, Is there beauty in aging? arent you really saying, Do you think its possible for other people to find aging beautiful? And like, I just dont give a s. Before the interview concluded, she said, I think I look rad. I think my face represents who I am. I like it and so thats basically the end of the road. Bateman has previously spoken about the dangers of fearing aging. The best-selling author penned a book in 2018 called Fame: The Hijacking of Reality about celebrity culture and the pressure of being in the public eye. In 2021, she followed her debut with a creative nonfiction book called Face: One Square Foot of Skin, where she combined interviews and her personal experiences with aging to write about societys fascination with how womens faces change. The Emmy nominee stopped by TODAY with Hoda and Jenna in 2021 to discuss the topics in her novels. She said Face explored the reasons why weve taken this idea that our faces need to be fixed and made it a belief. Bateman called the belief an irrational fear and a psychotic idea that burdens people. The actor recalled Googling her name when she was just 41 years old and seeing comments about her looking old. They can read about it in more detail in that book, Fame, but it took me down a rabbit hole. I made the people that are criticizing my face right and me wrong. And it affected me so much more deeply than I thought it would and for so much longer than I thought it would. But once I unwound that by getting to whatever my irrational root fear was that pulled in that idea and made it real for me, I wanted to do that for society as a whole, she told Hoda Kotb at the time. She also had a message for anyone who looks in the mirror and analyzes their imperfections. Nothing about your face needs to be fixed, she said. You are more than this one-square-foot of skin. Correction March 2023, 8:23 PM: The headline on this story has been updated to reflect that Justine Bateman is 57. This article was originally published on TODAY.com As the days pass following the deadly EF4 tornado that demolished the town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, more stories of survival from residents have come to the forefront. Many of the locals in Rolling Fork battled to stay alive against the twister's ferocious winds that leveled homes and sent trees crashing to the ground. An example of courage can be found in Rolling Fork resident Gene Fulton, who had his home and auto shop on the southwest side of the town destroyed by the tornado. The three-bedroom brick house had just been remodeled by Fulton, who still can't believe what he and his neighbors went through on March 24. "In a couple minutes, it's gone. Just don't know what to say about it ... the whole town's gone," Fulton told AccuWeather National Reporter Bill Wadell. Fulton had left home for a meal that night and was attempting to get back home to safety before the worst of the storm, but the storm was moving much too quickly. On the way home, Fulton's night turned into a nightmare when he crashed his truck into a downed tree and flipped over in the vehicle several times. "I turned to the left real quick, and when I did ... [a] tree came around and hit the truck ... that tree jumped right out in front of me," Fulton said. He climbed out with the truck flipped over on its roof, noting that "you don't really know where you're at" in the first moments after a dangerous accident. Fulton miraculously survived with only scratches and scrapes. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+ After ensuring he was alright, Fulton had to check on those close to him, such as his son, who was caught inside the home when it collapsed. Fulton's son was trapped in the debris at the house until a first responder discovered him and took him to the hospital for evaluation. "[He] came out with minor scratches and bruises, no broken bones," Fulton said. Nothing was left of Gene Fulton's auto shop after a tornado landed in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on March 24. (AccuWeather/Bill Wadell) One of Fulton's auto shop workers had to be airlifted to a local hospital with leg injuries, highlighting the toll that Rolling Fork and other Mississippi residents went through that evening. According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, 21 people were killed from severe weather on March 24, including in the tornado that tore up Rolling Fork during a 59-mile path of devastation. The agency shared that between the seven impacted counties in Mississippi, over 1,600 homes were damaged. For Fulton, losing his house wasn't the end of the world, telling Wadell that he hopes to build a new home on the same plot of land. "It [was] rough," Fulton said of the experience. "Real rough ... just thankful to be alive. Me and the family, we can survive. We can always rebuild." Reporting by AccuWeather's Bill Wadell Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, right, and his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, inspect an honor guard before their meeting at the defense ministry in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense The defense chiefs of South Korea and Vietnam agreed Tuesday to establish regular ministerial talks and strengthen defense cooperation in various fields between the two countries. During their meeting in Seoul, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, acknowledged the need to advance defense cooperation in light of the changing security environment and the upgraded bilateral relationship, which was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year in honor of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The ministers decided to revise the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation signed in 2010 and explore new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as demining, cybersecurity, educational exchanges and defense technology. They also agreed to regularize bilateral defense ministerial meetings to review the progress of cooperation projects and discuss various issues. In addition, Lee conveyed Seoul's willingness to cooperate with Vietnam in the defense industry and invited the Vietnamese minister to attend the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition to be held in October. The two ministers also decided to establish regular naval consultations next month and discussed South Korea's plan to transfer a patrol boat. Seoul has previously delivered two patrol boats to Vietnam, one in 2017 and the other in 2018. (Yonhap) YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. United States Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried spoke on the phone with the Azerbaijani foreign minister on March 27 to express concern over Azerbaijani military movements, the United States State Department spokesperson said at a press briefing. Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried spoke with Foreign Minister Bayramov this morning and expressed concern over Azerbaijani military movements, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said when asked to give updates from the situation on the ground regarding Armenia-Azerbaijan. She emphasized the U.S.s commitment to Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations. As the Secretary has also spoken about this quite repeatedly, direct dialogue is key to resolving this issue and reaching a lasting peace. There is not a military solution to this conflict. Well continue to facilitate discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan bilaterally as well as with partners, and as well as throughout multilateral organizations as well, Patel added. On March 25, the Azerbaijani military breached the line of contact and advanced into Nagorno Karabakh. YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan had meetings in the Republic of Estonia with Liis Lipre-Jarma, advisor on foreign policy issues of the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kilike Silaste-Eling, deputy minister of foreign affairs for political affairs, as well as former chairman (now a member) of the Foreign Relations Committee, Marko Mihkelson. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Security Council, during the meetings, the parties emphasized the holding of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, as well as the presence of the EU mission in Armenia. The Secretary of the Security Council presented the security threats of Armenia to his colleagues, in particular, the possible escalation by Azerbaijan against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The parties emphasized the security cooperation between Armenia and Estonia, as well as the processes of strengthening democracy in Armenia. by Shafique Khokhar Kidnapped by a Muslim trader, after three months she was tracked down by the judiciary and sent back to her family. Satisfaction of human rights activists for this solved case. But the problem is widespread: the need for a law against this type of forced conversion has been reiterated. Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Three months after her abduction, 13 year old Christian girl Hoorab Masih has been traced and the judiciary has finally allowed her to return home. In late December, she had been kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam by Muhammad Usman, a Muslim shopkeeper from the village of Chak 7, near Faisalabad, Punjab. After being interrogated by the magistrates, Hoorab was finally able to re-embrace her father Basharat and her brothers. On 28 December 2022, Hoorab Masih had gone to Muhammad Mustafa's grocery shop (where Usman worked) as she used to do to help the family, as her mother had been missing for several years. That day, Usman abducted her and drove her away from Faisalabad to Chiniot, where she was raped, converted and forced to marry her abductor. After his arrest, the perpetrator confessed that the marriage to the girl was not legally valid, and so on 11 February 2023, the union was declared false and illegal by the Chiniot Municipal Commission. Before returning home, the girl was sent to a women's shelter for women victims of abuse and violence (Dar-ul-Aman), where she remained until 24 March, when she expressed before the Faisalabad judiciary her wish to remain with her father. The case has once again prompted many human rights activists to lobby the government for laws to punish forced conversion attempts perpetrated against religious minorities, and for the amendment of the Child Marriage Act, which still dates back to 1929. The aim is to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18, for both boys and girls, and to declare null and void unions with minors. Hoorab's is in fact not the only case of grooming, abduction and forced conversion of young women, as human rights defender Lala Robin Daniel explained. The president of the Voice for Justice organisation, Joseph Jansen, drew attention to the need to openly condemn these crimes of coercion, since they affect young minors who do not have the capacity to make such decisions on their own. Activist Aneel Edger also pointed out that the lack of institutional response allows perpetrators to escape justice: in the case of Hoorab Masih, the girl's trail was lost due to inadequate police searches. Finally, women's rights activist Nadia Stephen stated that it is imperative to ensure that victims have access to a fair trial, which will have an immediate effect on these criminals and allow young women to redeem themselves. Critics and minorities slam the reform for reducing the chances of smaller parties, sparking protests in several cities like the capital Baghdad and Basra in the south. The new law was adopted after a long session by 206 votes in favour and 12 against in the 329-member house. Baghdad (AsiaNews) The Iraqi parliament has approved amendments to the countrys election law that could, according to critics and minorities, limit the chances of smaller parties and independent candidates to win and even compete in future elections. The vote, which was held yesterday, has already become contentious, so much so that in some cities, like Baghdad, Najaf, Basra and Nasiriyah, protests were held, eventually dispersed by police. The new law creates larger electoral districts, a move broadly backed by the Coordination Framework (CF), a coalition of Shia groups close to Iran with the largest bloc in the current parliament. Last year, the CF was instrumental for the rise to power of incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani after a long tug-of-war with the faction linked to radical Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr. The reform bill received 206 votes against 12 votes in the 329-member Council of Representatives. About one third of all members did not vote, either refusing to cast their vote or too tired from the long session that began on Sunday. The amendments change key articles approved before the 2021 elections and redraw the entire electoral map, based on the Sainte-Lague method (or major fractions method to allocate seats in a party-list proportional representation system) Independent MPs and minor parties are opposed to the new law, including ethnic Turkmen lawmakers. The new system is similar to the one in place in 2014, with a complicated distribution of seats that tends to favour the major blocs. It eliminates 83 electoral districts and creates 18 new ones, one for each province. The amendments aim to hold free and fair elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives (Parliament) and provincial councils to ensure fair distribution of seats among the competing lists," reads a statement by the parliaments media office. Parliament also decided that provincial council elections would be held no later than 20 December; the last ones took place in 2009, with the following scheduled for 2013 cancelled because of political disputes. by Vladimir Rozanskij Vepsy, Izory and Vozani could lose their lands. Already repressed in the Stalin era. They have affinities with Baltic and Finnish peoples. With war on Ukraine, they are back in the crosshairs of the authorities. Accused of separatism, extremism and of being 'foreign agents'. St Petersburg (AsiaNews) - Having gone through the period of Stalinist repression, the small peoples of Northern Russia have maintained their language and traditions, but are in danger of losing their lands altogether. In the Leningradskaya Oblast, the St. Petersburg region, there are officially three communities of small numbers: Vepsy, Izory and Vozani. For many centuries they have occupied the areas around the shores of the Gulf of Finland, especially the Vozani, the most endangered, now concentrated in the small town of Luzitsy. The ancient centre is now surrounded on both sides by the port of Ust-Luga and the gas processing and transport buildings of the Ruskhimaljans complex, and the local inhabitants are struggling to avoid its ultimate disappearance. Luzitsy consists of around 100 buildings, spread along a couple of kilometres of the Narva state road, and has existed for over 500 years as the centre of the 'Vodskaja' (water) land. Just over a hundred Vozanians live there, who are also present in the neighbouring village of Krakolje. Today, almost all of them are elderly; some are in other settlements in the province, in the city of St Petersburg and in neighbouring Estonia. Their humble dwellings, for months buried in the snow, often look abandoned, and following the new port constructions in the 2000s, they were all destined to be demolished. The Vozani managed with enormous efforts to defend them, even though they were trapped by the port, living in isolation in their ancient forest, with almost no communication with the outside world. A museum of Vodskaja culture has even been opened in the village, called the 'Centre of Strength' of these ancient heirs of the first encounters between Scandinavians and Slavs. The Vozani are believed to be the lightest-haired humans in the world, settled in the Gulf of Finland since the first centuries of the Christian era. Slavic chronicles speak of them in 1069, when the armies of Novgorod - a city of Rus' older than Kiev itself - conquered them. It is difficult to distinguish them from the other Balto-Finnic peoples of the region, but they still retain ancestral songs of their 'golden-haired and heavenly-eyed' daughters. During the Soviet period, the authorities harshly repressed them and deported them, along with the Izory and Ingermanlandtsy, driven into the territories of Finland and Karelia, without permission to return to their native villages, something that only became possible for some after the end of the Soviet Union. And now many of them dream of reconstituting the ethnicity of former times. Estonian specialists at the glorious University of Tartu have dedicated themselves to preserving the language and culture of these peoples, such as the linguist and ethnographer Paul Ariste, who published much research on the subject during the Soviet years. Today in Tartu there is also a course in the Vodka language, considered a relative of Estonian, which the locals call Maavaci, the 'language of the land'. The war in Ukraine has led to new hostile attitudes on the part of the Russian authorities, as noted by a resident of Luzniki, Ekaterina Kuznetsova, for fear of consonance with the Ukrainians: 'The Russians think that all the peoples around them are enemies, especially in these Baltic areas, the scene of so many wars. At village festivals, Vozane and other local peoples' flags are traditionally displayed, which are now strictly forbidden, with accusations of 'separatism and extremism', and even of being 'foreign agents' paid for by Estonians or other western and northern enemies. No words can be spoken in the ancient language, nor can folk costumes be worn outside museums. Legally, the Vozana ethnic group, like the similar Vepsy and Izory ethnic groups, is not recognised as a subject to be protected, but the dramatic events of this year of war are reawakening the memory of the men and peoples of the north, buried by snow and history and now back in search of their own land, far from the horrors and death. The situation of children in Afghanistan continues to be tragic; last week, eight children were killed by unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, girls continue to be banned from secondary schools. Yesterday afternoon, an advocate for girls right to education was arrested. Kabul (AsiaNews) Life for children in Afghanistan continues to be tragic, as unexploded weaponry is having a devastating impact on them. A well-known advocate for girls education was also arrested yesterday. Eight children died last week from unexploded ordnance, the UNICEF reports. They were collecting metal scraps to sell. In 2022, more than 700 children died from unexploded ordnance, the UN Children's Fund noted, an average of two a day. Afghanistan is the largest minefield in the world. Working with other groups, UNICEF is trying to raise awareness of the risks of their presence, but, with cuts in international aid after the Taliban seized power again in August 2021, funding for mine clearance has dropped. According to various estimates, millions of anti-personnel mines have been left across the country after decades of war, not to mention the materiel left on battlefields and at military bases by the international coalition. Meanwhile, two years after they were barred from higher education, girls still face a grim situation. Matiullah Wesa, a 30-year-old campaigner for girls education, was arrested yesterday afternoon on his way home. Matiullah had finished his prayers and came out of the mosque when he was stopped by some men in two vehicles, his brother Samiullah said. The Taliban have not made public the reasons for his arrest, but it follows the detention of a number of teachers who had criticised the ban on girls' education. Last month for example, Prof Ismail Mashal was taken into custody in Kabul while handing out free books. He was freed on 5 March but has not spoken out since then. Matiullah Wesa is the founder of Pen Path, an organisation that raises awareness among Afghans of the importance of girls' education by travelling to rural villages, talking to local leaders, and handing out books to children. We are counting hours, minutes and seconds for the opening of girls schools. The damage that closure of schools causes is irreversible and undeniable, he tweeted last week as the new school year started in Afghanistan. We held meetings with locals and we will continue our protest if the schools remain closed, he added. Previously, the Taliban said that schools and universities were to temporarily close in order to create a "suitable environment" for female students that respects Shari'a (Islamic law) and Afghan culture". Yet, despite repeated pledges, restrictions on women and girls have only increased over the last 18 months. Recently, groups of women marched in Kabul demanding the reopening of schools; at least three were arrested only to be released the next day. Best Colognes for Men Revealed: Our Favorite Scents for Dudes in 2023 The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The scent we wear is a defining characteristic of who we are. Even more so than our clothing choices. Clothes call tell a lot, yes, but scent tells a story and is often the first thing someone else recognizes about you. Wear the right fragrance and heads will turn. Having a fragrance rotation that is constantly moving and changing things up is one of the best ways to present yourself in new and exciting ways. A new fragrance is a statement maker. It sets the record and allows you to define or redefine yourself. RELATED: Best Summer Colognes for Men These are some of the best fragrances around, some new, while some are worth revisiting. These will help inspire you to make an entrance and be an unforgettable, undeniable, confident and cool you. Cherry Smoke by Tom Ford Thanks in large part to Tom Ford, cherry is trending in fragrances, so it makes sense for Ford to not only ride his own trend, but to take it into a wholly new direction. Opting for a deep, dark, sweet mystery vibe, Cherry Smoke presents dark cherries enveloped in smoky leather. This scent manifests a brooding and captivating spirit. $395 at Sephora.com Yellowstone Ride by Tru Western Based on the hit Paramount series Yellowstone and inspired by everyones favorite badass cowboy Rip Wheeler, Yellowstone Ride knows exactly where it comes from. Smoked whiskey, charred vanilla, and smoldering tobacco is wrapped with a soft, herbaceous clary sage, providing the ideal balance of rugged and gentlemanly. $55.40 at Amazon.com Mikul by GUY FOX With notes of grapefruit, tobacco, and basil, Mikul may seem like a simple clean scent, but theres surprising depth here that cannot be ignored. Yes, its fresh and clean, but its also raspy, with subtle sweetness and a seductive nature. $68 at GUYFOX.com Charming California 215 by Krigler Citrus, floral, and woody notes merge to create a scent inspired by the state of California. Bergamot provides the juiciness, while orange blossom and Brazilian jasmine highlight the floral aspects, and last but not least Californian cedar wood brings out classy woods. If a state could have a signature scent, Charming California could very well be the best representative of every corner of the Golden State. $615 at Krigler.com Austin by City Rhythm A fairly new fragrance house in the fragrance world, City Rhythm should be on your radar, as it has been releasing hit after hit since its inception. Their newest scent, Austin, takes City Rhythm to new heights in what can best be described as magnificent. Opening with a booming boozy cognac and smoky tobacco, Austin stands confidently at the very first spray. Notes of tonka, vanilla, and woods enter adding smooth and creamy sensuality. Finally, leather harnesses everything together in perfect harmony. $140 at CityRhythm.com Invictus Platinum by Paco Rabanne The first spray introduces notes of absinthe and grapefruit carrying with it the boldly sweet, fresh spicy vibes the Invictus franchise is known for. That sweetness eventually fades to the background while at the same time notes of patchouli, lavender, oakmoss, and mint move to the forefront, making it suitable for those that loved previous releases of Invictus but crave something that carries an air of sophistication. $94 at Macys.com Sun Force by The HARMONIST Bursting with intense freshness and warm woods, before drying down to a relaxed mellow headiness. Vivacious Hawaiian pomelo, with spiced cardamom, and smoky incense all come together while sweet honey, creamy sandalwood, and airy musk provide the foundation. Sun Force celebrates contradictions in a scent that must be worn to fully appreciate. $350 at TheHarmonist.com Tobacco & Tonka Bean by Banana Republic Tobacco & Tonka Bean may seem pretty straight-forward and in a way it is, but theres magic here that the name doesnt reveal. Yes, theres a thick tobacco leaf and rich tonka bean, but theres also a dark, heavy dose of purple plum. The plum is where the real magic happens as it embraces the tobacco and tonka, adding depth and making the whole fragrance deeply luxurious. $90 at So-Avant-Garde.com demigod XXI by Tomavicci This is an almost otherworldly experience as Tomavicci takes common notes in perfumery and turns them on their head to create something mind blowing. Vanilla takes center stage, but its unlike any other vanilla before it. Mint and cardamom add a chilly spice, but once again these notes play differently than were used to. Creamy sandalwood and textured Turkish rose add enigmatic elements. This is an alluring fragrance through and through. $228 at Tomavicci.com Uncut Gem by Frederic Malle For the man seeking a classic masculine fragrance, Uncut Gem is a fresh, spicy scent with woody undertones. A bright splash of bergamot and mandarin oranges topped with spicy ginger from start to finish. Its in the dry down where subtle woody nuances enter the scent profile. Uncut Gem is classically masculine, with a hint of modern flare to keep it feeling energizing. $440 at Bloomingdales.com Az Sonset by Icon de Parfum Coffee lovers unite! This is one of the most stunning and authentic coffee forward fragrances ever made. This smells exactly like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning and the room you walked into to get your coffee has years of cigarette smoke soaked into the walls. Dont be deterred by the cigarette accord, as its not off putting at all, but instead adds a certain aura of prestige and character. $49.99 at IconDeParfum.com Hero Eau de Parfum by Burberry While the original Hero was a signature worthy scent, the Eau de Parfum opts to be an encounter for special occasions. Presented as sensual woods, when pine needles combine with a variety of cedar oil. Meanwhile a soulful expression peaks through as a soft, smoky vanillic like sweetness permeates beneath the woods. $140 at Macys.com Indigo Smoke by Arquiste A fitting name from Arquiste as this scent is both powerfully smoky and conveys an indigo like hue. Black tea, incense, pine tar, and guaiac wood all give off an undeniably smoky experience that is robust and powerful through the entirety of the scent. Just beyond the smoke is a light mix of apricot and mandarin creating a blue essence. When mixed with the smoke, it adds a moody dark purplish ambience. For those that may not immediately connect color with scent, just know this fragrance is heavy on the smoke with a subtle touch of fruit flavor in the background. $205 at Arquiste.com Layton by Parfums de Marley If royalty had a smell, it would likely be similar to Layton. Apple, bergamot, and lavender combine with jasmine and violet, atop a base of sweet vanilla and rich patchouli, creating an elevated experience that feels elegant and refined. $250 at Nordstrom.com Devils Share by Darren Alan With a name like Devils Share, you might think you know what youre in for, but the devil plays tricks on you and this is a scent that will play with your expectations. Opening with a blend of mint and an almost bittersweet orange rind, this scent unfolds powerfully and dries down equally powerful. With time, a boozy Kentucky bourbon accord makes itself known alongside a woody essence as if aged in oak barrels. In the end, creamy caramel and a decadent chocolate peers through, tantalizing the senses. Devils Share is a journey within the dark, where the direct way is lost, but what you find is well worth the travel. $155 at PFSkincare.com You Might Also Dig: Actor Yoo Ah-in, center, speaks to reporters at the drug crime investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police, March 28. Yonhap Actor Yoo Ah-in on Tuesday once again made a public apology for his alleged drug use, saying he will accept all criticism and legal punishment. The 37-year-old previously apologized after 12 hours of police questioning Monday. "I apologize once again to those who have shown me love and support for disappointing them with this unfortunate incident," he wrote on social media. He also apologized to those who have worked with him on important projects, such as movies, dramas and advertisements. "I'm sorry for the harm that I have caused to many colleagues and others involved in the projects. I will make efforts to take responsibility," he said. He then vowed to "sincerely cooperate" with the investigation, saying he deeply regrets and feels ashamed that he has been harming himself. Yoo has been under investigation after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said his prescription purchases of propofol for nonmedical purposes have been too frequent since 2021. It is a powerful sleep-inducing drug commonly used in surgeries. Police earlier sent his hair and urine samples to the National Forensic Service for tests, and Yoo additionally tested positive for marijuana, cocaine and ketamine. As Yoo became a suspect in a drug case, there have been delays in the release and airing of films and dramas starring him. The upcoming Korean film "High Five" finished filming last November, and the Netflix movie "The Match" was also set to be released in the second quarter of this year. But their releases have been postponed following the police probe. The release schedule for the Netflix series "Good Bye Earth," which included Yoo in its lineup unveiled earlier this year, has also become uncertain. (Yonhap) Ford Expects $3B Loss on Tax-Subsidized EV Venture in 2023 Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square Published March 28, 2023 Michigan taxpayers bet $1.6 billion in subsidies on Ford Motor Company's new BlueOval electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, but Ford expects to lose $3 billion on its EVs this year, it recently told investors. John Mozena, president of the Center for Economic Accountability, a nonprofit organization for transparent economic development policy, told The Center Square in an email the major financial loss [H]ighlights the dangers of turning taxpayers into speculative investors through so-called economic development programs. If automakers losses are being driven by federal policy thats promoting a particular green technology, what happens to Michigan taxpayers investments in those battery plants if the policy changes or the technology is replaced by something better or more profitable? Mozena said. The auto giant faces an uphill battle to convince Michiganders that EVs are better than vehicles with internal combustion engines. Less than 30,000 EVs are registered in Michigan compared to 6.5 million ICE vehicles. Moreso, the average EV cost is roughly $65,291, according to Kelley Blue Book. Meanwhile, the average price for a gas-powered vehicle was $48,100. Moreover, many used gas-powered cars cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Ford claims the BlueOval factory will be key to dropping the cost of EVs via lithium iron phosphate batteries and pump out 2 million vehicles globally by 2026. After its restructure, Ford will report results by three separate businesses: Ford Blue, iconic gas, hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, breakthrough EVs; and Ford Pro, commercial products and services. It previously reported results by region. Weve essentially refounded Ford, with business segments that provide new degrees of strategic clarity, insight and accountability to the Ford+ plan for growth and value, CFO John Lawler said said in a statement. Its not only about changing how we report financial results; were transforming how we think, make decisions and run the company, and allocate capital for highest returns. Ford Controller Cathy OCallaghan said three principles guided the new segmentation: fairly representing the business models of each segment, giving the Ford Blue, Ford Model e and Ford Pro teams both the latitude and accountability for their success, and being easy to understand and simple to execute. This wasnt a simple proforma spreadsheet exercise, OCallaghan said in a statement. It represents nearly a year of disciplined work by hundreds of Ford people to help us capture the huge strategic opportunity of Ford+ and provide unique transparency into our business. Ford said its aiming for a 10% margin target for company earnings before interest and taxes by the end of 2026. For 2023, Ford said it expects to earn about the following before interest and taxes: about $7 billion for Ford Blue; a full-year loss of about $3 billion for Ford Model e; and approaching $6 billion for Ford Pro, nearly twice its 2022 earnings. Ford plans to announce first-quarter results May 2. We thank The Center Square for reprint permission. South Carolina Approves $9M Grant for Lithium Hydroxide Facility Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square Published March 28, 2023 The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $9 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant for Chester County. The money will help the county cover infrastructure improvements, mitigation costs and site preparation related to Albemarle Corp.s plan to build a "Mega-Flex" lithium hydroxide processing facility near Richburg, SC. The council also awarded job development credits for this project. A South Carolina Department of Commerce spokesman previously told The Center Square the value of JDCs depends on the wage rate paid to employees and the tier ranking of the county. Since the credits are performance-based, a company may not collect them until they have reached their investment and job creation requirements. Charlotte, NC-based Albemarle plans to spend at least $1.3 billion on the facility, supporting the increasing demand for EVs and energy storage applications using lithium-ion batteries. According to a news release, the company will create more than 300 jobs. Construction of the facility, located on nearly 800 acres, is expected to begin in 2024. The new facility is expected to produce roughly 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year, potentially reaching up to 100,000 metric tons. In a statement, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, said the announcement "further proves South Carolina is one of the best places in the country for electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to call home." Separately, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded Spartanburg County a $400,000 Set-Aside grant to help pay for building improvements related to a TIME Bicycles project. The company plans to spend $6.5 million to establish its first South Carolina operations. The company plans to create 105 new jobs. The agency also approved job development credits related to this project. The company plans to renovate a 140,000-square-foot factory in Landrum, where it plans to produce carbon fiber bicycles. Renovations are expected to start in April, and operations should begin by the end of the year. We thank The Center Square for reprint permission. Seoul Gangseo Police Station / Yonhap Police referred a traveler from Hong Kong to the prosecution Tuesday for investigation and possible indictment on charges of beating two airport workers in a dispute over baggage handling. The 32-year-old man has been arrested for assaulting the airport workers at the domestic terminal of Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul last Tuesday while complaining his baggage from Hong Kong should have been transferred to Gimpo via Incheon International Airport, about 50 kilometers west of Seoul. One of the workers sustained a rib fracture from the violence, officials said. After entering Korea through Incheon International Airport, the man had planned to travel to the southeastern city of Busan, 325 km southeast of Seoul, on a domestic flight from Gimpo, and erroneously thought his baggage would be automatically transferred to Gimpo. On Tuesday, Seoul Gangseo Police Station referred him to the prosecution for indictment. (Yonhap) Photo: Airbus Efforts currently being made by the defense industry focus on joint operations of crewed aircraft and drones. For that to happen, autonomous abilities are key, so many companies playing in this industry are currently focusing on that.The Europeans from Airbus are part of that group, and this week they announced a breakthrough concerning drones ability to fly and approach an aerial tanker on their own for refueling operations.The achievement took place last week over the Gulf of Cadiz off the coast of Portugal and involved one Airbus A310 MRTT tanker and several DT-25 target drones. If this type of drone sounds familiar it's because Airbus has been playing with them for a while, trying to integrate them into joint operations with crewed aircraft.This time, the drones had to get into an in-flight refueling position on their own, using guidance provided by the A310s specialized onboard systems. Those systems are called AutoMate, and theyve been put together by Airbus subsidiary UpNext Its not exactly public knowledge what the systems are all about, but Airbus says it allowed the four drones used for the test to be sequentially controlled and commanded by an AI with absolutely no intervention from humans.The AI guided the drones after it received control over them from the ground station, and was able to bring the DT-25s into refueling position. That means they got as close as 150 feet (45 meters) from the A310, which is about where youd want them for refueling operations.Airbus does not say if anything else was achieved apart from the drones autonomously getting into position (like, say actual refueling). We are informed though that the six-hour flight test went without a hitch and paves the way for developing autonomous and unmanned air-to-air refueling technologies.Airbus has been at it trying to find ways to allow joint aerial operations between human-controlled drones and autonomous ones for several years now, and it will continue to press the accelerator pedal. Later this year, further tests of the AutoMate are planned, and they will focus on exploring the use of navigation sensors based on artificial intelligence and enhanced algorithms for autonomous formation flight.A repeat of this months test, with two simulated drones flying in close proximity to an A310, will also be conducted, but this time as a means to prove collision-avoidance algorithms work as intended.Aside from the obvious military advantages of having drones fly formation with crewed aircraft, Airbus says such systems could also help reduce crew fatigue, but also diminish the cost of training people to do something autonomous systems could do on their own.For now, there is no timeframe as to when were to see the results of such collaboration between man and machine in the real world. In the red corner: Special-edition supercar behemoths Photo: 1320video YouTube channel In the blue corner: taped-up old Mitsubishi Photo: 1320video YouTube channel FWD AWD Photo: 1320video YouTube channel Mitsubishi has a knack for making its models sound confusing, and what better way to exemplify that notion than by introducing its fourth-generation Mirage? For starters, the model went by many names such as the Lancer GSR, Cyborg, Dodge Colt, and Eagle Summit. No, it's not suffering from an identity crisis; it's basically the same car sharing a similar platform, albeit in various body styles like sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes. At its core, however, is a tiny four-cylinder engine whose output varies depending on the buyer's chosen configuration. Despite some variants sporting more ponies than others, it's still unlikely to reach past 250 horsepower in stock form, even in turbo variants.Living under the shadow of Mitsubishi's more popular Lancer Evolution doesn't make the Mirage look better either, as it's often overlooked among its sporty JDM peers. Aside from passing off as a peppy little vehicle with decent power, the Mirage isn't exactly supercar material by any means. So, like its baffling menagerie of names, it's equally befuddling to find a fourth-gen Mirage coupe at a drag strip filled with Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Porsches. Add the fact that it's over 30 years old and you get what's akin to a retired senior competing next to promising young athletes.Given such bizarre circumstances, it might be tempting to count out Mitsubishi's forgotten coupe, especially in an event like this. For those unfamiliar with the Puerto Rico Half Mile event , it's a high-performance exotic exhibition that started in 2011. It attracts luxury car owners to long, vacant runways, allowing them to measure their vehicle's true potential. Half-mile drag strips tend to highlight ludicrously high speeds, which doesn't bode well for a decades-old Mitsubishi powered by a modest four-cylinder engine. If you're wondering what exactly will this aging jalopy be up against, well, let's just say it's a line-up comprised of cars worth six to seven figures.In fact, this year's event drew the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan STO an over 630-horsepower V10-powered stunner capable of getting from 0 to 62 mph in 3 seconds flat. The raging Huracan ended the half mile going just a little over 150 mph. Another Lambo worth mentioning, a rare Aventador SVJ, managed to reach the end of the runway at a faster 161 mph.Next is a McLaren 720s Le Mans edition a 710-horsepower brute powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. With a manufacturer-estimated top speed of 214 mph, it easily charged through the drag strip at a blistering 182 mph. Take note that these cars were allegedly battling headwinds of up to 25mph, likely leading to slower-than-usual speeds in general. What's more surprising is how little that hurdle affected our next contestant, which went even faster than your average supercar.Since the 4th-gen Mitsubishi Mirage isn't as aerodynamic as a supercar, it utilized the power of plain 'ole tape, sealing up any exposed seam to counter air resistance. Doing so helped it achieve peak performance despite strong headwinds that persisted throughout the day. Don't let its makeshift looks fool you though; this old Mitsubishi sounded nothing like its stock counterpart thanks to a 2-liter turbocharged inline-four 4G63 engine swap from a 1st-gen Lancer Evolution.The Mirage also had another trick up its sleeve: a drivetrain swap from the original Eclipse GSX, transforming it from a stockvehicle into anbeast. After being jampacked with all the good stuff Mitsubishi had to offer back in the day, the monstrous Mirage churned out a claimed 810 horsepower. Now that's a bold statement for a four-banger, but it did prove it's not all talk by reaching 182 mph on its first half-mile run. It even upped the ante on its next attempt when it passed the finish line doing a crazy 187 mph, seemingly outpacing a Porsche 911 in the process.While it wasn't the fastest top speed reached at this event, it was close to the highest one recorded on the video, which stemmed from a Nissan GT-R R35 it hit 206 mph. Other JDM icons in attendance weren't even close to matching the Mirage's top speed. Among those participants, we count a Nissan GT-R R34, Nissan 240SX, and an 880-horsepower Subaru WRX STI. They ran the half-mile topping at 148 mph, 138 mph, and 160 mph, respectively.Of course, many factors might've hindered the competition from showcasing their full potential, including driver skill, weather conditions, and whether the cars were properly prepped for drag racing. Still, that doesn't take away the fact that a nameplate which isn't in the same league as Mitsubishi's Evos can do so much damage against modern day exotics. It turns out that reaching supercar speeds in an old economical '90s car isn't just a mirage; but it can be done WITH a Mirage and an older fourth-generation example, no less. kW The lineup comprises the same Pure, Pure SP, Evolve, and GT grades when it comes to the five-door model, and the Pure and GT for the four-door. The most affordable hatchback will set you back AU$22,290 (US$14,817), whereas for the sedan, you will have to fork out at least AU$24,290 (US$16,146). The Pure SP and Evolve variants can be yours from AU$25,090 (US$16,678) and AU$25,790 (US$17,144), respectively. The GT Hatch and GT Sedan each start at AU$27,490 (US$18,274).In the official press release accompanying the pricing details, Mazda hasnt said anything about the equipment list. Nonetheless, we would not expect it to be different compared to the non-facelifted iteration , which has standard power windows, USB charging ports, vanity mirrors, ambient temperature display, cruise control, smartphone integration, infotainment system, reversing camera, and an array of safety gizmos assisting drivers on their daily commutes.Getting the Pure and Pure SP versions of the Mazda2 Hatch will get you three colored dash trim pieces in Mirror Black, Pure White, or Mint, said to be determined by the exterior hue. The SP features a black film on the roof, and the Evolve and GT get black interior detailing with red highlights. The top-of-the-line variant brings seats partially wrapped in leather, as well as red and black look for the dashboard, new wheels with a multi-spoke design, and dual exhaust tips for a sportier styling. Save for the entry-level Pure, all of them have a shark-fin antenna.All versions of the 2023 Mazda2 are offered with the same Skyactiv G 1.5-liter gasoline engine. The mill is the same one as before, and it yanks out 82(112 ps/110 hp) at 6,000 rpm. Rated at 144 Nm (195 lb-ft), the peak torque is available at 4,000 rpm. According to the Japanese automaker, the most basic version of the supermini, which is a rival to the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, is offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional one with as many gears. The rest of the family comes only with the auto box.As for some of the things that set it apart from the previous model years, these include the new headlights that are a bit smaller, front and rear bumpers, grille, and diffuser. The aforementioned alloys on the GT grade are other novelties, just like the Airstream Blue Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic exterior paint finishes that have joined the palette, though they are not available in all markets. Photo: IYC Photo: IYC Photo: IYC Even yachts that are decades-old can be highly successful on the charter market, precisely due to their proven reliability and cruising experience . But the appetite for novelties never simmers down. Geco made waves at its 2020 debut, and easily caught everyones attention with its surprising color and sumptuous appearance. Three years later, its still considered one of the freshest and most interesting charter options.This Italian beauty was designed with charter customers in mind. Its beginnings were a bit muddy, but things quickly took a turn in the best way. As it sometimes happens in the yachting world, the initial customer left the project before it was completed. At the time, Geco was officially just a hull in a new series, called S-Force.But its builder, Admiral, part of the prestigious Italian Sea Group, eventually attracted a new customer, who asked for certain changes to the initial design, and who planned to use it for charter. The new pleasure craft had to open up to the world more, which would translate to more outdoor spaces and a greater closeness to water.Gian Marco Campanino, The Italian Sea Groups Art Director, borrowed a few supercar features for the new yacht . Bold curves, aerodynamic volumes, and a sporty overall appearance connected Geco with the automotive world. And that wasnt all. Its owner was the one who chose the yachts unique color, a very light shade of baby blue, which was also an automotive paint, with a metallic pearl finish. The grey accents were Campaninos personal touch.A majestic 181-footer (55.2 meters) the Geco reveals striking features, beyond its rare hull color. The huge helipad, sitting at the front of the yacht, is a peculiarity. But thanks to this placement, the circular helipad doubles as a Moroccan-style, open-air lounge area, perfect not just for cocktails at sunset, but even for stargazing.Another surprising placement positions the formal dining area closer to the outdoors, with the main salon hidden from view. This makes the dining area take center stage while allowing more privacy for the salon. The dining rooms circular design instantly stands out, displaying an unusually bold combination of navy blue and cognac orange. A massive chandelier (custom-made by a Czech crystal brand) brings everything together and is a work of art by itself.But Gecos most exquisite feature is the open-stern beach club. The huge space stays open to the surrounding waters, while still protected by elegant, tinted-glass panels. Plush seating and recessed lighting turn the beach club into an area thats both ultra-cozy and glamorous. Cascading steps and a submersible platform appear as if by magic, from under the deck, for easy access to the water, either for swimming or fun sports.The elegant outdoor-indoor flow is also noticeable on the upper deck, where sliding glass doors are used to separate the internal living spaces from the al-fresco dining area. This is also where guests can enjoy another fabulous bar, sporting a long counter thats specifically designed for wine tasting. A generous swimming pool and a fully equipped gym are ready to welcome everyone on the spacious sun deck, with cozy, plush sun pads all around.The overall glamorous appearance is also supported by an extensive use of precious materials, such as various marbles, leather, oak, and wenge wood, with bronzed metal accents. In addition to the master suite, one VIP cabin, two double cabins, and two twin cabins can accommodate up to 12 guests. With 13 crew members ready to cater to everyones needs, the crew-to-guest ratio is unbeatable (and a key element when it comes to luxury charter yachts).This automotive-inspired beauty has strong Italian roots, plus the right dose of French sophistication. Its wide living spaces look deceptively simple, but the absence of technical complications is actually the result of impressive engineering.As a pleasure craft that was specifically intended for lavish and comfortable vacations, it doesnt sport any remarkable innovations performance-wise. Fitted with two CAT engines and zero-speed stabilizers, the Geco (whose unusual name is actually the owners nickname) can ensure comfortable cruising at 16 knots (18.4 mph/29.6 kph).Able to carry up to 63,000 liters of fuel, it typically sticks to popular destinations in the Mediterranean (from Italy and France to Montenegro and Croatia), as well as the Middle East (mostly Dubai).For the current season, one week onboard this baby blue boat costs at least 335,000 ($362,000), yet the steep price doesnt make it any less popular. Its a perfect choice for those who arent shy about turning heads wherever they go this toy was made to flaunt its impeccable style and draw everyone closer. AWD Here is a conundrum: what on Earth are the Blue Oval companys corner-office head honchos waiting for before finally releasing the all-new second-generation Ford Ranger in North America, as well? After all, the European and Australian versions roam the hills and construction sites, including in feisty Ranger Raptor form , for quite a while, already.Meanwhile, in America, competition is heating up with the D41 Nissan Frontier, now a standalone mid-size pickup truck from the international Navara sibling, or the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins that are fresh out of the General Motors birth chambers. Not to mention the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has recently kicked off the teaser campaign for the upcoming new generation of the best-selling Tacoma!Back to other regions, the Ford Ranger has even grown old enough to warrant the introduction of not just new model years but also fresh versions. And after we have seen and been awed at the asking price of the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X for Australia , which equates to around $51k in U.S. dollars (AUD76k), now it is also the ripe time to meet its cousins dwelling on the Old Continent aka Ranger Wildtrak X and Ranger Tremor. And, yes, they are still forbidden fruits in America, despite snatching the Tremor nameplate!Anyway, one might not even want them over the Atlantic Ocean at their current asking quotations 43,900 euros for Ranger Tremor and 49,950 euros for Wildtrak X, respectively. That is around $47,489 and over $54k, respectively, at the current exchange rates but keep in mind that Ford of Romania , the division that spilled the MSRP beans, offered them without VAT! Well, at least let us check out the highlights (and if you want all the details one can also check out the press release embedded below).Both variants are geared towards rugged adventurers, featuring perks such as a bespoke long-travel suspension with Bilstein dampers, advanced off-road driver assistance systems, and a bold new style. Plus, these two also showcase what the company names as a segment-first, aka the Flexible Rack System designed to help free cargo space for cargo but also enable the pickup truck to carry stuff like planks, kayaks, or ladders. Both will be available to order starting this month, but first deliveries are not expected across European markets until August 2023 at the earliest.The Ford Ranger Tremor is based on the hard-working Ranger XLT trim and gets all the chassis, tech upgrades, and newsystem from the Wildtrak X, albeit with distinctive Boulder Grey exterior accents and a dark grille. Its sibling, meanwhile, builds on the Wildtrak grade with a unique Asphalt Black grille surround, black touches (including on the matching 17-inch alloys), wider stance, more protection, and Miko suede-trimmed seats plus Cyber Orange stitching.The Wildtrak X is only offered with the 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel mill packing 205 ps (202 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) and has an upgraded heavy-duty steering, new Trail Turn Assist and Rock Crawl mode, plus a ten-speed automatic transmission. The new Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor series follow the same recipe as our iconic Ranger Raptor; each one adds even more off-road ability and stunning looks to Europes most popular pickup, explained Hans Schep, the general manager of Ford Pro for Europe. The route options Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution HERE WeGo is currently considered a top Google Maps replacement . It comes with a mix of essential and advanced navigation capabilities, sometimes offering more options and controls than Googles navigation solution.The bugs that are occasionally encountered by Google Maps push many users to alternative software. The crashes, the freezes, or the random location tracking problems are becoming way too common for Google Maps users, and HERE WeGo could be one of the apps to benefit.HERE is trying to put users in full control over the routes generated by the app. As such, the company is offering several options that allow its navigation software to look for routes according to users expectations.First and foremost, HERE WeGo allows users to choose if they want the navigation app to prioritize the shortest travel time or the shortest travel distance.This way, the generated routes would be either the fastest or the shortest, with the ETA to vary according to traffic conditions. Google Maps looks for the fastest route by default, and starting in 2021, it also generates eco-friendly alternatives.Google Maps tries to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by taking into account additional factors, such as engine type and road incline. This way, the navigation app only generates routes that make sense for each car. The company claims this helps save fuel, despite the longer routes sometimes being generated.HERE WeGo doesnt look for eco-friendly routes, despite coming with support for multiple engine types.On the other hand, HEREs navigation software comes with a rerouting option. If youve used Waze and Google Maps, you probably know they occasionally scan for better routes according to traffic conditions. In Google Maps, the better route is automatically enabled if no response is offered when the suggestion shows up on the screen.This has long been a major annoyance for some drivers. Because of the automatic rerouting, they are taken off a certain road despite them specifically wanting to use it. As such, the route planning phase is mostly ignored, with Google Maps always insisting on using a better route.In HERE WeGo, users can disable this behavior. The app lets them turn off the real-time rerouting and therefore stick with the original route that was suggested before the navigation started. At the same time, HERE also developed an option to prevent the app from automatically accepting a suggested route.The application can enable a faster route 10 seconds after the suggestion is displayed on the screen. This setting is disabled by default, but if you dont want to interact with the app, turning it off is allowed from the settings screen.HERE WeGo also enables users to configure the types of roads they want to use while navigating with the app.Google Maps allows users to instruct the routing engine to avoid highways, ferries, and toll roads HERE pushes things a step further by adding additional options.First of all, all three settings bundled with Google Maps are available for HERE users as well. As such, users can also configure their navigation to ignore highways, toll roads, and routes that include ferries.In addition, the suggested routes can also ignore unpaved roads. This particular option comes in handy when you dont want the fastest route to direct you to narrow country roads that might not be suitable for your car. Some Google Maps users ended up stuck in mud after following the navigation just because this happened.If you want to use only proper roads, make sure you enable this option in HERE WeGo.Last but not least, the application allows users to avoid tunnels. This way, the provided route wouldnt use any tunnels, sending you on alternatives a small ETA increase is very likely, though.A recent feature added to HERE WeGo is door-to-door directions. This is a new approach for detailed guidance , as HERE wants users to get directions from the moment they leave the house to when they reach the destination.As such, HERE WeGo can provide turn-by-turn instructions to reach the parked car. Once you arrive at the destination, if the location you are looking for isnt nearby, the application switches to walking instructions to guide you. The aim is to offer a complete navigation experience to make sure you always find the address youre looking for.All these options are available on Android and iPhone, and they are also carried over to the larger screen in the car when the smartphone is connected to the head unit. Needless to say, HERE WeGo is completely free, so you can use it as a Google Maps alternative without paying a single cent for it. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration AWD Adaptive Cruise Control Affected vehicles were produced between January 3rd, 2020 and July 23rd, 2021. Manufactured by Magna, the side mirror assemblies of said vehicles may detach. The automaker first realized that something may be wrong in December 2018, following a mirror vibration quality report. Honda continued investigating through July 2021, when the supplier changed the back plate adhesive tape and heater pad to address the aforementioned condition. Even though it was a recall condition back then, Honda gingerly ignored the safety risk posed by detaching mirrors. Thankfully for affected customers, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) within theforced Honda to resume investigating the problem in October 2022.Come February 2023, it was clear that Honda couldnt weasel its way out of a recall. Thats when the company determined the affected population of vehicles, with Honda further determining that a noncompliance condition also exists. The noncompliance in question concerns vehicle safety standard 111 (rear visibility). Honda is aware of 71 warranty claims to date, issued between May 2020 and October 2022. No reports of injury or death related to said condition have been submitted thus far. Dealers have been instructed to replace both the left and right mirror sets with new sets that feature the design improvement from July 2021.Known owners will be informed by first-class mail no later than May 8th with instructions to bring their vehicles in for the replacement holder assemblies. Of course, all owners who paid from their pockets to fix this worrying problem are eligible for reimbursement.The Pilot was redesigned for the 2023 model year on the Acura MDXs platform. It now packs a 3.5L naturally-aspirated V6 connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pricing kicks off at $35,950 sans destination charge. Seating for up to eight peeps, an off-road trim level in the guise of the TrailSport, and up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) of towing capacity are the highlights of the fourth-generation Honda Pilot.$41,100 is the starting price of the weirdly named Passport , which is the more rugged five-seat brother of the Pilot. The i-VTM4system is standard, along with 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, tri-zone automatic climate control, a one-touch power moonroof, 20-inch alloys, leather seats, and heated front seats.The family-oriented Odyssey minivan is $37,490 excluding freight, with standard highlights including Magic Slide second-row seats,with Low-Speed Follow, and second-row sunshades. The Ridgeline is pretty well equipped as well for $38,800 right off the bat, although youre better off buying a body-on-frame truck if you want to tow or haul stuff. Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution The unified app experience Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Downloading Android Auto apps Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Photo: Google The voice command integration allows users to control their apps without looking at the screen, therefore reducing distraction behind the wheel.By default, most Android devices are fitted with a series of pre-loaded apps offering Android Auto compatibility. Google Maps is the default navigation app , so Android Auto can already provide route guidance out of the box.Android Auto also supports third-party applications. As such, users can access their favorite services even when the mobile device is connected to the Android Auto head unit in their cars.Android apps must be updated specifically to support Android Auto. This means not all apps that are available on your mobile device can also run in the car when the phone is connected to a head unit.By design, apps running on Android Auto use Google templates that eventually help provide a unified experience in the car.For example, all music apps offer a similar now playing interface, so when Google makes a change to the default template, the update isnt limited to a specific application.Listening to music on Spotify and YouTube Music is therefore a similar experience, though eventually, the difference is made by the content available on the two apps and other unique features.Given Android Auto is essentially the mobile UI mirrored to the dashboard screen, the apps you see in the car are still running on the smartphone.This means you cant install any apps on the head unit itself, as the entire experience is powered by the mobile device.Compared to Android Auto, Android Automotive is running at the car hardware level. The platform does not require a mobile device to run, and it is only available in vehicles where its installed from the factory. Getting Android Automotive in a car where its not already available is not possible.Android Auto can also be installed in a vehicle that shipped without support for the app. An aftermarket head unit upgrade would provide drivers with either wired or wireless Android Auto support. The cheapest Android Auto head units only come with wired connectivity.As a result, apps that run on Android Auto must initially be installed on the Android device. If the app comes with Android Auto support, it should show up in the car automatically.In some cases, the apps might not be available on Android Auto if they are disabled or suspended by the operating system. This happens if they eat up device resources. More often than not, simply running the mobile device on the smartphone restores them, eventually re-enabling them on Android Auto as well.If you want to install a new Android Auto, you can download any application that supports the car experience from the Google Play Store. Theres no dedicated filter in this regard, but Google has created a special app group for Android Auto.The Android Auto Essentials includes the most popular apps currently offered to drivers. Big names like Waze , Spotify, and WhatsApp are part of this group. Oddly enough, Googles own YouTube Music is only highlighted in the music app category but is not considered an Android Auto essential.Google recommends apps from categories like music, live news, sports, messaging, audiobooks, and podcasts. Worth knowing is that other apps also offer Android Auto support but are not listed on this page, so you can install them by searching for them directly on the Google Play Store.Users must set up apps on mobile devices, and then the same configuration is carried over to Android Auto.Google also shares a list of Android Automotive apps on the same page, but this could eventually make things more confusing for beginners. Android Automotive apps can also be installed directly from the car using the pre-loaded Google Play Store. As explained earlier, Android Automotive is the upgraded version of Android Auto and does not require a mobile device to run. Some Android Automotive apps might not run on Android Auto.Messaging apps that run on Android Auto, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, dont come with a conversational interface similar to the one on mobile devices. The messaging experience is powered by Google Assistant, which is in charge of reading incoming messages and sending replies. As such, the application runs entirely on the mobile device, so you are only notified when you receive a message. Users are not allowed to type text in these apps from the Android Auto display.Googles recommended Android Auto app collection does not include a navigation app group. The only highlighted name is Waze, but Android Auto users can also install a series of alternatives , including Sygic GPS Navigation and HERE WeGo. Photo: Anoop Khatra/Twitter BEV Photo: Anoop Khatra/Twitter Photo: Anoop Khatra/Twitter Witnessed and recorded the most INSANE car crash yesterday, you can see Autopilot also swerve and avoid the rouge tire for me $TSLA pic.twitter.com/csMh2nbRNX Anoop (@Anoop_Khatra) March 25, 2023 Khatra managed to film the whole thing because of the dashcam in his Tesla. He shared the footage on Twitter to say Autopilot swerved from the tire, which is as unbelievable as the accident itself. It is almost impossible to conceive that any driver as distracted as they might be would not grab the steering wheel hard and brake instantly after witnessing such a wreck. If he didnt, Khatras report is more concerning than reassuring. Thecould have hit the Kia and killed its occupants. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) , the Soul driver suffered only minor injuries which is almost a miracle given what we could see.Whether Autopilot played any role in this only the driver and Tesla know. The good news is that it does not make any difference to what this event teaches: that roads are unpredictable and anything can happen. This is one of those rare situations in which driving defensively would not have helped the Kia Soul driver: they would not have been able to anticipate a tire would (very briefly) give them wings. On the other hand, that does not mean some precautions would not have helped.The Chevrolet Silverado went to the fourth lane for no apparent reason: there was no one on the third lane that the truck driver could have needed to overcome. If it were on the third or even on the second lane, the truck would get faster to the roadside, and the rogue wheel would be more visible to other drivers. However, who would imagine their front left wheel would wave goodbye in the middle of a freeway?The Kia Soul was on the fifth lane, moving much faster than most other road users. There is no way to determine its speed, but it may be the case that if it were driving slower, its driver would have had more time to react. Although nobody would ever think that a wheel would suddenly run in front of their cars, the vehicle in the nearby lane could do exactly that. However, how many times do we overcome other vehicles on streets, avenues, and highways every day in the same conditions, and nothing more serious happens? Most cars do not have Autopilot, but that does not mean we do have our own autopilots turned on, numbly and unmindfully driving around. Ironically, this case suggests the Tesla software may lead to similar results.Despite all these hypothetical scenarios, the truth is that the whole thing happened so fast it urges us to humbly recognize we cant control the world around us. It may change so swiftly that there will be moments when we just need to admit we could have done nothing to prevent the outcomes. Depending on how we decide to face that, we can either feel helpless or at peace with whatever occurs. Fortunately, nobody died or was seriously hurt by this accident. If that had been the case, it would have been very challenging to blame anyone and it would not make that much of a difference anyway. After all, and despite all crashes we hear about every day, accidents happen. BEV ACC Multiple studies and reports have shown in the past that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) leave the factory with a larger carbon footprint than gas- or diesel-powered cars. Detractors have been using this piece of information to campaign against the transition to zero-tailpipe emission vehicles. Albeit correct, the thing these people kept talking about was missing an important part the longer ais being used, the better it is for the environment. Unlike a traditional car, a BEV doesnt burn fossil fuels, which means there are no greenhouse gasses released into the air every time its being used.Well, Mercedes-Benz takes it a notch further with this partnership it just announced with Rock Tech Lithium. Soon, the German automaker will shorten the supply chain for raw materials needed in all-electric vehicle batteries, which is great news for the out-the-door carbon footprint. Simply put, having a refiner close by means fewer transportation needs for goods, so the overall shorter supply chain also becomes cheaper, which might even reflect in the price the customer must pay.Rock Tech Lithium must provide Mercedes-Benz with enough raw material for 150,000 BEVs every year starting in 2026.Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz and Rock Tech Lithium will work together to completely neutralize the carbon emissions associated with lithium hydroxide production by 2030, which can potentially reduce the carbon footprint of European-made BEVs even further.Better yet, the startup is a German-Canadian venture, and thats a reassuring thing for investors because Canada has one of the best mining and refining companies out there. Thats why, for example, Thacker Pass is going to be mined by Lithium Americas another Canadian company with expertise in, as the name suggests, the lithium department. Thats where General Motors (GM) chose to invest so it can have the necessary metals for its batteries.Even though Teslas CEO believes that iron-based batteries might be the future of low-cost BEVs, the American carmaker is on track to open its refinery in Texas even though most of its batteries currently come from China. Its getting easier and easier to understand why the worlds most well-known auto brands are in a race to secure these vital metals and some are (finally) doing it well by also considering the environment and the feasibility of a long-term, sustainable supply chain.But back to Mercedes-Benz, the brand does not end this partnership announcement here. It also intends to support Europe in becoming a key player in the BEV sector together with Stellantis and Frances Total Energies by investing in the Automotive Cells Company (). Rock Tech Lithium will supply the raw materials (high-grade lithium hydroxide) and ACC will make sure they end up in the right battery packs with the best chemistry currently available for scaling up manufacturing. It's an effort that spans across several countries of the Old Continent, including some Eastern European ones!But this is mostly going to be possible thanks to the company's plants in Germany, France, and Italy. The involved automakers will benefit from not having to import batteries from outside the EU. It sounds simple, but this takes a lot of planning and many smart investments, which is why we consider this development a good step forward for Europeans, albeit a tad bit late.Finally, even though Europe, Japan, and Australia may wish to fight America and Chinas BEV dominance with fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), Germanys auto industry doesnt want to leave BEVs behind, so Mercedes-Benz is also making sure to develop a high-power charging network that is going to use only renewable energy to help its customers enjoy a guilt-free experience. Interestingly enough, the first such stalls are scheduled to appear in the U.S., where the Stuttgart-based brand already found a partner in MN8. Passengers aboard the MS Westerdam cruise ship docked at Jeju Port arrive on the southern resort island on March 24. Courtesy of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province By Ko Dong-hwan The waters around Jeju Island are busier than ever, as the country's No.1 tourism destination is increasingly sought by tourists and opened a new trade route with China to spur bilateral business exchanges. The economic invigoration of Jeju is marked by visits from large cruise ships and a meeting in Qingdao on Sunday between its governor and the president of China's biggest seaport authority. The special self-governing provincial authority has dubbed this the "great comeback from COVID-19." In March alone, the island was visited by five cruise ships together carrying over 6,200 passengers. MS Westerdam, an 82,000-ton, large luxury cruiser from the Netherlands, arrived in Jeju Port on the island's northern coast with 2,600 passengers on March 24. Coming from Busan with tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia and England, the cruise ship spent nine hours on the island before heading to Kagoshima in the Japanese Prefecture of Kyushu. Silver Whisper, Seven Seas Explorer, MS Nautica and Amadea all made visits from March 16 to 25, each with over 400 passengers and smaller numbers of crew. Once the cruise ships docked, almost 1,000 passengers aboard set foot on the island to visit local street markets, temples, museums for sea women ("haenyeo" in Korean) and other folklore heritage and urban spots in Jeju City, according to the Bureau of Maritime-Fisheries Affairs under the provincial government. "The seaways started opening wide after COVID-19, offering momentum to the cruise tourism business here," said Jung Jae-chul, the chief of the maritime fisheries affairs bureau. "We are mixing and matching departments right now so that the prospects link up to boost the local economy." Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun, left, shakes hands with Shandong Port Group Chairman Huo Gaoyuan after signing a deal in Qingdao, Sunday, to open up a new sea trade route connecting the Korean island and Qingdao Port in Shandong Province. Courtesy of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Horsepower The question here is, what do women want from their cars? The number one feature according to this study is safety. Why does this not surprise me at all? Well, because women thought of safety-related improvements in automobiles a long time ago. Not only did the ladies think of them, but they set to work and invented some of those.Things like turn signals, brake lights, windshield wipers, rearview mirrors, instructions manual, or GPS are all womens work. So yeah, safety makes complete sense. Serbias representative in the Womens World Car of the Year jury gathered answers from 14,000 car-related interviews with women. The majority emphasized an automobiles safety-oriented options and seating position (with a raised position regarded as a more desirable aspect).Practicality, performance, and space are also essential for ladies who take the steering wheel into their own hands. Women pay attention to safety features like rearview cameras, blind spot monitoring, and other driving aids. This is not to say that creature comfort features (storage pockets, cupholders, or air-conditioning) are not considered, says Vietnams envoy.Its not all about the security of a motoring experience aspects like fuel economy and looks (inside and out) are also important. Reliability, handling, performance, or environmental impact all these traits are on a womans checkbox list when choosing a motorcar.The reason-centered method prevails over the emotional factor something that strongly contradicts urban legends, pop culture, and shallow-thinking myths about women drivers. When it comes to cars, girls follow their heads before their hearts, according to the Chilean juror of WWCOTY When women put logic ahead of emotions, they prefer to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. No surprise here, either it was a brave woman (Dorothy Levitt) who wrote a motoring book full of valuable instructions, and that was 114 years ago.Of course, one generic rule of thumb does not apply to every individual situation. After all, conditions dictate radical differences in car-purchasing behavior. Mothers will look for kids-oriented automotive attributes (safety being paramount), like extra space for toys, childcare accessories, and clothes. A special note for ease of access is added by women with small children who require car seats; buckling an infant - or more! is a task that all family car manufacturers should put in the first five priorities.is not overlooked although it isnt a top-tier factor as a more potent vehicle would be chosen in favor of a least powerful alternative with similar traits. At least, thats what the information from the United Arab Emirates indicates.Environmentalism is present, too, on womens list of car specs and features a green(er) vehicle holds a higher-up spot on a motoristes book. Women have always been the sensible side of the gearheaded community. Dont believe me? Next time you punch in a GPS destination, thank Hedy Lamarr and Dr. Gladys West. The first one gave us the concept of Wi-Fi (an early 1940s' version of it), and the second calculated the mathematical algorithms that eventually led to satellite navigation. FSD "Tesla China will push a major update to Autopilot soon," auto blogger Zheng Xiaokang, who has 532,000 followers on Weibo, said today. $TSLA pic.twitter.com/FFY0nKk54e ???????????????????????????? (@Umbisam) March 27, 2023 Tesla China has been internally testing Tesla Vision Park Assist for several months, and this feature will soon be pushed out to Chinese owners. pic.twitter.com/ttKOwUhIQr Chris Zheng (@ChrisZheng001) March 24, 2023 TeslaBeta software is only available in Canada and the U.S., with the rest of the world relying on Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot as the sole driver-assist features. With the V11, FSD Beta uses a unified stack software that would make Autopilot obsolete. While it's unclear whether the unified stack would also replace Navigate on Autopilot in other markets, parts of it are already pushed to vehicles in Europe. We're talking about Tesla Vision Park Assist, which initially deployed with the FSD Beta software and was later pushed to production software as well.Based on a social media post by popular blogger Zheng Xiaokang (also known as Chris Zheng on Twitter), Tesla China is preparing a "major update" to Autopilot. No other details are offered, but the update is expected to make Tesla Vision official in China. Until now, cars sold on the Chinese market still came with ultrasonic sensors, but that is set to change. Tesla China's website already mentions that the Model 3 relies on Tesla Vision to detect nearby vehicles to reduce the risk of collisions and assist with parking.In most parts of the world, Tesla has removed ultrasonic sensors from its vehicles without offering a comparable solution. Because of this, Park Assist and Summon functions are unavailable, although Tesla promise to reinstate them once Tesla Vision can catch up. The Chinese customers were treated differently, and Tesla waited until it developed the Vision-based park assist solution to remove the ultrasonic sensors. With the Tesla Vision Park Assist now live in North America and Europe, it's safe to assume this will also launch in China.Tesla China recently filed for permission to remove ultrasonic sensors from the Model Y cars sold in the country, according to CnEVPost. The electric crossover will be its first model to sell without ultrasonic sensors. It's expected that Tesla Vision Park Assist will offer similar capabilities, although first impressions from North America are a mixed bag . According to Chris Xiaokang, Tesla China has been internally testing Tesla Vision Park Assist for several months already.Tesla could go further and replace the Navigate on Autopilot with the unified stack from the FSD Beta. This has been proven to work incredibly well on highways, especially in the latest software iteration, V11.3.3 . Chinese customers consider the Autopilot a rudimentary safety assist system, far inferior to other self-driving solutions in China.Several local carmakers, including NIO and XPeng, are the trendsetters in advanced safety assist systems, with many positive reviews on social media. XPeng markets an FSD rival, City Navigation Guided Pilot, available in select cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. NIO names its equivalent solution "Navigate on Pilot Plus," a flattering name. The commission is specifically tasked with furthering military-technical cooperation, which mainly involves supplies of weapons and/or their joint manufacturing. Opening the annual meeting, Armenian Deputy Defense Minister Karen Brutian stressed the importance of deepening Russian-Armenian relations in this area. Brutian expressed hope that the members of the joint task force will hold productive discussions over the next few days. The Armenian Defense Ministry reported no other details of the meeting. Russia has long been the principal supplier of weapons and other military equipment to Armenia. In an apparent reference to Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian complained last September that our allies have failed to deliver weapons to Armenia despite contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars signed in the last two years. He did not shed light on those contracts. Pashinian responded to opposition claims that his government has done little to rebuild the Armenian armed forces after the 2020 war with Azerbaijan. Brutian visited Moscow and met with his Russian counterpart Alexander Fomin in November. No concrete agreements between the Russian and Armenian militaries were announced as a result of that trip. Russian-Armenian relations have deteriorated since then because of what the Armenian government sees as a lack of Russian support in the conflict with Azerbaijan. Pashinian suggested in January that the close military ties with Russia may be putting Armenias security and territorial integrity at greater risk. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the claim as absurd. The unprecedented tensions between the two allied states rose further late last week after Armenias Constitutional Court gave the green light for parliamentary ratification of the International Criminal Courts founding treaty. The ruling came one week after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over war crimes allegedly committed by Russia in Ukraine. Moscow warned on Monday that Yerevans recognition of The Hague tribunals jurisdiction would have extremely negative consequences for Russian-Armenian relations. The Armenian government did not publicly react to the stern warning as of Tuesday evening. Some Armenian opposition figures claimed that Pashinian engineered the Constitutional Court ruling to score points among the Western powers at loggerheads with Russia. 28 March 2023 18:15 (UTC+04:00) As an exclusive telecom partner of Apple Inc. in Azerbaijan, "Azercell Telecom" LLC has obtained 5G support for iPhones in the country. Azercell, the first mobile operator in Azerbaijan to launch the fifth-generation technology in trial mode for the range of smartphones in December last year, is now collaborating with Apple to make 5G accessible on iPhones. The tech giant, having completed Azercell's network quality validation as well as performance testing, pushed out 5G network software upgrades in Azerbaijan on March 27, 2023. Azercell subscribers can now test 5G on iPhones in the entire area of Fountain Square using their existing data packages by dialling *595#YES. The fifth-generation wireless network offers download rates of up to 1 Gbps, ultra-low latency, better dependability, vast network capacity, and advanced user experience. Currently, 5G technology is mainly utilized by large industrial entities for remote equipment control or instant access to data from any distance. The deployment of a 5G network will significantly improve technology solutions for local businesses and domestic industries and open up new horizons for the end-to-end user experience. Concerning the use cases for 5G at the consumer level, many promising innovations are being developed worldwide to unlock the value of the new technology in customers' everyday lives. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 17:47 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerkhalcha OJSC has showcased stunning carpet products in Washington as part of the "Week of empowerment of women in Azerbaijani villages". The week was organized within Women's History Month, announced by the Mayor of Washington, D.C Muriel Bowser, to honor women's contribution to world history and the development of modern society, Azernews reports. The exhibition themed "Azerbaijani carpets" opened in the gallery of the United States - Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) office. The event showcased Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage, based on the special skills, craftsmanship and history of each carpet, designed in traditional, classic, pastel colors and contemporary art styles. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the fact that Mayor Muriel Bowser declared March 27-31 "Azerbaijan Rural Women's Empowerment Week". In an effort to present Azerbaijani carpets to the world in a modern interpretation and establish international relations through the organization of exhibitions abroad, Azerkhalcha OJSC is taking as a next step to generate great interest in Azerbaijani carpets and carpet weaving traditions in the United States. The cooperation agreement reached between Azerkhalcha OJSC and the the United States - Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC). USACC, operating in Washington, provides an opportunity to organize exhibitions and sales, which will present the original handmade carpets under the Made in Azerbaijan brand, produced by Azerkhalcha OJSC in Washington and in other states. At the opening of the exhibition, USACC Executive Director Natig Bakhishov delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing project to promote Azerbaijani carpet art. Chairman of the Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC, Honored Art Worker Emin Mammadov noted that Azerkhalcha OJSC, which consists mainly of women, is the leading provider of jobs for women in the regions. The company manifests itself as a strong supporter of the professional development of women in the regions, their employment, socialization and well-deserved reputation in society as individuals. It regularly carries out the process of training new weavers, improves their skills, teaches forgotten ancient technologies in training centers and workshops by professional craftsmen. In addition to the displayed carpets, Azerbaijani women who weave them, as well as the work of weavers living in the regions, are widely represented at foreign exhibitions. Along with carpets presented in other US states, each visitor of the exhibition is provided with extensive information and various videos about Azerbaijani women, national carpet weavers and their craft. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 February 2023 12:11 (UTC+04:00) Sabina Mammadli Read more Azerbaijani and Russian Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov respectively have met within the latter's two-day visit to Azerbaijan. According to Azernews, the visit is timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed between Russia and Azerbaijan on February 22, 2022. It's scheduled to exchange views on the whole range of bilateral issues, as well as relevant regional and international topics. The visit will pay particular attention to the implementation of the trilateral statements signed by Azerbaijani, Russian, and Armenian leaders dated November 10, 2020, January 11, and November 26, 2021, as well as October 31, 2022. Noting that, the Russian minister arrived in Azerbaijan on February 27. The declaration on "Allied Interaction between Azerbaijan and Russia" aims to raise Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level - that of allied relations. The parties agree to promote cooperation in the political, economic, defense, cultural, humanitarian, educational, and social spheres, as well as healthcare, youth cooperation, and sports, based on mutual historical traditions of friendship and good neighborliness, as well as deep cultural and humanitarian ties. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 11:02 (UTC+04:00) The peaceful protest of Azerbaijani eco-activists, NGO representatives, and young volunteers on the Lachin-Khankandi road bypassing Shusha over the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits, especially the Gizilbulag gold and Damirli copper-molybdenum deposits in Azerbaijani territories, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily deployed, has entered the 107th straight day. They performed the national anthem of Azerbaijan early in the morning. The protestors chanted various slogans in English and Russian, calling for an end to the ecocide against Azerbaijan, as well as demanding monitoring of Azerbaijans mineral deposits in the areas under the control of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. The unimpeded passage of various types of vehicles, including ambulances and humanitarian convoys is ensured and the road is open for humanitarian purposes. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 10:51 (UTC+04:00) Sabina Mammadli Read more The US is committed to peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Deputy Spokesman for US State Department Vedant Patel said at a briefing. Patel noted that direct dialogue is key to resolving this issue and reaching a lasting peace. Well continue to facilitate discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan bilaterally as well as with partners, and as well as throughout multilateral organizations as well, the spokesman said. Besides, the official recalled that a phone conversation was held yesterday between US Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, during which she emphasized the USs commitment to Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 12:33 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A Day of Azerbaijan was marked and iftar - a fast-breaking meal - was arranged in Moscow on the initiative of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva. Over 1,500 people, including public figures, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora, and Muslims from various nationalities attended the events at the Tent of Ramadan, opened at the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill with the organization of the Moscow-based Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Russian Federation and with the support of the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims. Tent of Ramadan is an annual social and charitable project that takes place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On the initiative of Vice President Leyla Aliyeva, the Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has taken part in the charitable project since 2006. This year, the events were dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev. On behalf of the Mufti of Moscow, Chief Imam of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque Ildar Alyautdinov, a letter of thanks was presented to Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for her high appreciation of religious and spiritual values. Deputy Mufti of Moscow Marat Khazrat Arslanov expressed his gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, adding that these cultural evenings were very eventful. He stressed that the guests of the events got acquainted with the Azerbaijani culture and showed a keen interest in visiting the country. Next, Khazrat Arslanov presented the Al-Fakhr Order of Honor to the Chairman of the Moscow-based Ahli-Beyt religious organization, Nizami Baloglanov, on behalf of the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims. Director of the Muslim school under the Risalat religious community in Moscow Anas Hazrat Mammadov congratulated everyone on the holy month and thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for hosting the event. Various videos were screened as part of the events. The videos provided insight into Azerbaijani history, culture, and traditions. Buta Trio mesmerized the guests with magnificent mugham music, well-known as one of the most valuable treasures of the spiritual culture of the Azerbaijani people. Students of the Muslim school presented theatrical scenes about the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Before the iftar, verses from the Holy Koran and the evening prayer were read. Then, the Muslims tasted Azerbaijani traditional dishes and pastries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Chun Woo-won, a grandson of late former President Chun Doo-hwan, speaks to reporters upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, March 28. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul Police apprehended a grandson of late former President Chun Doo-hwan at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday over suspected illegal drug use. Chun Woo-won, the 27-year-old grandson, was detained by officers from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency upon his arrival at the airport at 6 a.m. from New York and transported to the police agency for investigation. Woo-won, a son of Chun's second son Jae-yong drew headlines earlier this month for his revelations online and via media interviews about irregularities involving his family. Chun Doo-hwan, who served as president from 1980-1988 after seizing power in a 1979 military coup, is widely criticized for the bloody crackdown on the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju in 1980, which left hundreds of people dead. In a video uploaded online from New York, the grandson called Chun a "slaughterer" and accused his family of allegedly using money from hidden assets. In another YouTube video, Woo-won said he and his acquaintances have been using illegal drugs and swallowed what he called ecstasy and other narcotics while livestreaming. Chun Woo-won, a grandson of late former President Chun Doo-hwan, speaks to reporters upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, March 28. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul On Sunday, he said on his social media account he will return to South Korea to visit Gwangju and offer apologies to the victims of the 1980 military crackdown. "I am blessed to have a chance to apologize to those whose are emotionally hurt. I am sorry to have been born," Woo-won said at the airport shortly after his detention. "I am a sinner. ... The life of other people is as precious as my life, and the sin rests with me because I am alive, but they are no longer alive," he said of the crackdown victims, adding he will apologize to them and their families after undergoing investigation. Police plan to conduct a drug test on Woo-won and look into suspected drug use by him and his acquaintances to determine whether to seek an arrest warrant for him. (Yonhap) 28 March 2023 14:37 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Recent occurrences in the region - taking the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road under control by the Azerbaijani army as well as Iran's activity on the border with Azerbaijan indicate existence of the potential tension in the region. In order to clarify what might happen in the region, Azernews interviewed military expert Adalat Verdiyev. Q: First of all, thank you very much for taking your time to give us interview. Certainly, the liberation of the height with the conventional name of 2054 and the restoration of control over the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road will provide Azerbaijan advantages in many terms. The questions is - what would be the benefits of this road for Azerbaijan? Above all, the liberation of the 2054 height will prevent the transportation of weapons and other supplies from Armenia to Karabakh. Another advantage is that two soldiers of Azerbaijan were martyred on March 5 on the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road. Having this road under our control indicates that Azerbaijan takes revenge on its martyrs, and sooner or later the positions where Azerbaijani soldiers were fired upon will be under the control of the Azerbaijani army and the Azerbaijani flag will be raised there. Another advantage is that this peak is of an important strategic height, and a number of large areas around it are under full fire and visual control of Azerbaijan. Q. As is known, there are rumors in the Armenian media about the complete siege of Karabakh, which, in turn, paves the way for a humanitarian disaster. We would like to clarify something for both local and international audiences. Was Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road, which had been taken under Azerbaijani control, potentially closed? A. A humanitarian disaster in Karabakh is out of the question. For example, yesterday 31 vehicles belonging to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement left Khankendi for Armenia. What kind of humanitarian disaster can one talk about? If there is a humanitarian disaster in Karabakh, how did Ruben Vardanyan gain six kg? There is no humanitarian disaster. A humanitarian disaster is happening in Nakhchivan which is under siege for 31 years. We have taken control of the peak of the mountain located several hundred meters above the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road. That is, Azerbaijan did not descend to the road. However, the road is in our palms, and in front of our eyes. No car or vehicle of an Armenian militant can move on that road. No illegal provision and supply can be done by using the road. In other words, the road is actually closed for military transport. Q. Do you think that taking under control of this road will also be able to completely prevent the sending of weapons and ammunition to the separatists in Karabakh? Or, considering the landscape of Karabakh, are there other dirt roads that the separatists will use? A. A little north of the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turshsu road, there is the Khankendi-Kosalar-Mirzaler-Turshsu road, and this road was also used by the Armenians for illegal purposes. However, we do not have accurate facts about the complete closure or taking under control of the second road. I think that Azerbaijan will definitely take control of that road because the transportation of weapons must be prevented. In parallel with this, the Azerbaijani side will install a border crossing or checkpoint on the conventional border with Armenia in the territory of the Lachin region. I think these processes will be completed during April. Q. Obviously, the Lachin highway is under the control of Russian peacekeepers, and every day dozens of trucks belonging to peacekeepers pass on this road. Of course, it is not clear what was transported in these trucks. Do you think that the Russians can arm the separatists using the Lachin road, and what measures can Azerbaijan take in this regard? A. We have never ruled out Russians arming Armenian separatists. In order to prevent this, as I mentioned before, Azerbaijan must establish a checkpoint on the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Because the Armenian side has already established such a checkpoint and the US ambassador to Armenia took a picture in front of that checkpoint. Q. At a time when Azerbaijan is doing its best to restore peace in the region and open communications, Iran is resorting to all kinds of provocations, stating that the Zangezur corridor is a red line for them. According to recent information, Iran has deployed troops, heavy equipment, and S-300s on the border. What does this have to do with it? A. Iran is a despicable state. It is a stain on the name of Islam. The history of Iran's activities against Azerbaijan is very old. We have observed this before the war, during the war, and in the post-war period. Iran's fear is that Iran is a state oppressed by sanctions. Relations with any of the neighboring states are not in positive dynamics. Armenia and Syria are the countries siding with Iran in the region. However, Iran has no border with Syria. That is, Iran's access to the world is only through Armenia to Georgia. Iran is worried that if the Zangazur corridor is opened, it will it will totally be restricted of access to the world. Because of the presence of US warships, Iran currently has no access to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The only way it can connect is through Armenia. However, after the opening of the Zangazur corridor, the Azerbaijani side allows it to pass under the road (through tunnels) or over the road (through a bridge). This is not a problem. Iran's policy in general is a stain on the name of Islam and Turkic hostility. The only value that unites Armenia and Iran is Turkic enmity. Q. How can we evaluate this action of Iran against the background of the processes taking place in the world and in the region - especially the impasse in which Russia is in Ukraine and the events taking place inside Turkiye? A. There are several countries with which Iran cooperates in the world. These are Syria, North Korea, Russia, and Armenia. There is no need to explain the country that cooperates and is friendly with such countries. Iran is busy creating threats in the region. The US, Israel, and their allies are well aware that Tehran will become a global threat if it acquires nuclear weapons. The process also goes in this direction. I believe that consultations on stopping Iran are ongoing. Presumably, we will witness pre-emptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at the end of April and the beginning of May. I believe that consultations on stopping Iran are ongoing. Presumably, we will witness pre-emptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at the end of April and the beginning of May. Against the background of the threatening activities voiced and carried out by Iran against Azerbaijan, the latter receives quite serious support from the United States, Israel, England, and other countries, as well as from the member states of the non-alignment movement and the Union of Turkic States, and Iran cannot ignore this. Iran's domestic audience will not support any action of Iran against Azerbaijan. This should make Iran think seriously. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 14:56 (UTC+04:00) Sabina Mammadli Read more Russian IrAero airline has launched flights from Omsk to Baku, Azernews reports. According to the website of the Federal Air Transport Agency, the air carrier plans to fly to the capital of Azerbaijan 3 times a week. Currently, there are no direct flights from Omsk to Baku. Moreover, the airline has also launched flights on the new Novosibirsk-Baku-Novosibirsk route. Flights from Novosibirsk to Baku will be carried out twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays, and from Baku to Novosibirsk, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. "The first Novosibirsk-Baku flight is scheduled for March 31. A plane will depart from Novosibirsk at 1400 (GMT+7) and arrive in Baku at 1540 (GMT+4). The flight time will be four hours and 40 minutes. The return flight will be carried out at 2310 (GMT+4) with arrival in Novosibirsk at 0600 (GMT+7), and the flight time will be three hours and 50 minutes," the company said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 14:17 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Masim Mammadov over his appointment as Special Representative of the President in Lachin District, which is included in the East Zangezur economic region. The head of state made a speech at the meeting. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - You are being appointed as special representative of the President in Lachin district. Great trust is being placed in you. I am sure you will live up to this trust. Lachin district is one of the largest districts of our country. The district has tremendous potential. Of course, former IDPs who will return to Lachin district should live comfortably in Lachin, and the state of Azerbaijan will make sure this is the case. Lachin district was under occupation for 28 years, and during this period, almost the entire infrastructure of the district was destroyed by Armenia. Great damage was caused to the environment. In general, as a result of illegal exploitation of our forest fund, 60,000 hectares of our forests were destroyed, cut, looted and sold by the Armenians. A large part of that is made up of the forests of Lachin district. During the occupation, Armenians conducted a policy of illegal settlement in Lachin. Armenians were brought to the city of Lachin and several villages from foreign countries and settled there. This is considered a war crime according to all international conventions. Unfortunately, the Armenian state has not yet been brought to justice for this war crime. Lachin district was occupied a few days after the occupation of Shusha. It was a great tragedy for our country, it was a great tragedy for the people of Lachin, and it was yet another act of betrayal on the part of the PFPA-Musavat treacherous duo. The PFPA-Musavat duo aspired to power, tried to seize it by all means, and the transfer and sale of land to Armenia was actually an opportunity for them to achieve this ugly goal of theirs. This is how they evaluated it they believed that if the people of Azerbaijan were exposed to major suffering, this would provide them with additional opportunities. Unfortunately, this is what happened. The occupation of Shusha and then Lachin caused a very serious political crisis in Azerbaijan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the PFPA-Musavat treacherous duo seized power illegally one month after the occupation of Lachin, and this opened the way for even greater tragedies. Less than a year later, in April 1993, Kalbajar was occupied, and thus a geographical connection was established between the territory of the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and the territory of Armenia. This, of course, was the key contributor to the defeat in the first Karabakh war. We regained Lachin both on the battlefield and by political means. During the Second Karabakh War, the liberation of Lachin district from occupation was one of the priority tasks. We actually liberated the southern part of Lachin district by fighting, on the battlefield. Gulabird and a number of other villages were liberated on the battlefield, and we accessed the Lachin-Khankendi road. This operation, as well as the liberation of the city of Shusha from the Armenian invaders, actually led to the capitulation of the Armenian state. The Armenian leadership, which once said Karabakh is Armenia, was forced to accept its defeat and sign an act of capitulation on November 10, 2020. The other part of Lachin district, the bigger part, was liberated by political means. This is our great and historic victory. I have to emphasize that during the many years of negotiations, the mediators always showed a special approach to Lachin district. On the whole, Armenia considered the return of Lachin district to Azerbaijan to be unacceptable. They did not intend to vacate other districts either. Now, two and a half years after the war, it has become obvious to everyone. International mediators, the former Minsk Group of the OSCE, actually tried to solidify this occupation by conducting negotiations. Everything has become clear now France's unfair and prejudiced attitude towards Azerbaijan is not accidental. They simply tried to cover it up to some extent during the occupation. They simply wanted to misguide us. But notice the ugly acts that have been committed against us in the two and a half years since the war, since the Second Karabakh War. Notice the baseless accusations that have been made against us. In other words, all this is obvious, including a series of resolutions adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan, which are still the products of the pro-Armenian, corrupt anti-Azerbaijani group, and French deputies are playing the leading part here. Of course, we felt this during the occupation too, but not to such an obvious extent. We could not even imagine that countries can be so hypocritical and deceitful. They can look into your eyes and say one thing, but do the exact opposite behind your back. So the whole world could see everything again over the past two and a half years. At the same time, the anti-Azerbaijani forces could see our unbending resolve. No-one can influence our resolve. No-one can speak to us in the language of ultimatums. We proved this to Armenia in the Second Karabakh War, and we also proved it to Armenia's patrons during the two and a half years after the war. We defeated them and showed the whole world again that we can and we will achieve what we want. Therefore, the history of Lachin district should certainly serve as a lesson in many cases. From now on, ensuring the security of Lachin district and returning the displaced people there as soon as possible are priority tasks for us. All engineering and fortification work in Lachin district along the border with Armenia has almost been completed. Roads that never existed there have been built. 100 kilometers of local roads in Lachin and Kalbajar districts, as well as the roads leading to military positions, have been built. So we have acquired very favorable positions in the direction of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, we are reinforcing ourselves in these positions, and we will remain in these positions. Of course, other steps and measures are being taken for the security of Lachin district. These measures will allow our returning compatriots the opportunity to live there comfortably and safely. Although the district came under our control when the Second Karabakh War ended, the city of Lachin was not in our hands. There were objective reasons for that. Because the road from Armenia to Karabakh passed through the center of the city of Lachin. As a result of many hours of phone conversations with the President of Russia on November 9, 2020, we managed to incorporate the return of the city of Lachin to Azerbaijan as a precondition. For this purpose, the construction of an alternative road was included in the final statement at my insistence and a deadline was indicated. However, it was indicated in somewhat vague terms that discussions on this issue would be held within three years. But as soon as the Second Karabakh War ended, I immediately ordered that the route and all technical parameters of the new road be determined. We quickly started this work and finished it in a year and a half. So a new road bypassing the city of Lachin was built and the road was ready for operation at the beginning of August last year, or rather on August 2. We sent a message to the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces that they should move their posts from the current route to a new one, and by August 5, we should be able to enter the city of Lachin, the villages of Zabukh and Sus. Representatives of Karabakh Armenians who were in contact with our representatives at the time asked us to give them some time, said that they would resolve those issues themselves by August 25, that they would evict the illegally settled Armenians from the city of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus, and thus the issue would be resolved comfortably. I didn't mind that. After all, 20 days doesn't make that much of a difference. So all Armenians illegally settled in the city of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus were removed from there by August 25. On August 26, we returned to the villages of Zabukh, Sus and the city of Lachin. After that, I visited the city of Lachin, raised the Azerbaijani flag in the center of the city and declared that we would live in our native land forever. Immediately after that, the instruction was issued to start the process of rebuilding the city of Lachin without wasting any time. It has been more than two years since the restoration of Lachin district started. A lot of work has been done. As you know, an international airport is being built in Lachin district. There has never been an airport in that region before and we faced tremendous difficulties in finding a location for the airport. Because it was not possible to find a flat place for the construction of a runway there. We are building an international airport in mountainous areas, in places surrounded by mountains. We cut through mountains and carry out extensive ground disturbance work. The airport will probably be put into operation at the end of next year or at the beginning of 2025. The process of rebuilding the Kalbajar-Lachin road has started. I personally drove from Kalbajar to Lachin, and although the distance is not very large, the road is extremely difficult and dangerous. It is almost impossible to use the current road. People who lived in those regions during the Soviet era might remember quite well that the road was very difficult. In many cases, it was a winding road, and it was very dangerous. This is why we are rebuilding this road. Many tunnels will be built. In general, most of our tunnels are located in Kalbajar and Lachin districts, and the length of the tunnel passing under Mount Murov will be about 12 kilometers. So we are opening a road from Goygol district to Eastern Zangezur. At the same time, the construction of the Gubadli-Lachin road is in full swing. So as soon as the war ended, work on the reconstruction of Lachin district started. But the reconstruction of the city of Lachin has been underway since August 26 of last year. I want to inform you and the people of Azerbaijan that about 500 private houses are being built in the city of Lachin or the houses destroyed by the Armenians are being rebuilt as part of the first phase. Eight high-rise residential buildings are being rebuilt or overhauled. More than 30 public buildings are under construction. On my instruction, we should finish all this work by the end of this year. This will only be the first phase. The number of these houses shows that thousands of people will live in the city of Lachin by the end of this year. The people of Lachin will return to their homeland this year. At the same time, a mosque will be built in the city of Lachin by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I personally laid the foundation of the mosque while I was in Lachin, and our religious temple will be built in a beautiful location in the near future. In parallel with this, we have started the process of completely rebuilding the villages of Zabukh and Sus. More than 1,000 people will be settled in the village of Zabukh and more than 300 in the village of Sus. The Armenians living abroad built a village and houses in the village of Zabukh. This did that together with the Armenian state, which committed that crime. Our military personnel are now based in those houses. However, a completely new village is being built for the residents of Zabukh village. Along with this, I must state that I have approved the master plan of Gulabird and Gorchu villages. At the first stage, 2,400 people will be settled in the village of Gulabird and 1,300 in Gorchu village. So taking into account all these figures, everyone can see that we will settle about 10,000 people, perhaps even more former displaced people in Lachin district in the near future this year and in 2024. I should also note that the entire infrastructure of the city of Lachin is being rebuilt water lines, sewage lines, electricity lines, roads, all internal roads of the city of Lachin are being rebuilt. The length of internal roads is more than 50 kilometers. The architectural style of the city of Lachin is also pleasing to the eye. So it will become one of the most beautiful cities not only in Azerbaijan but also in the world. Considering that Lachin has a very charming nature, forests, mountains and rivers, it will be a paradise. So we are doing this work, and this is just a part of the major work being done. We are now carrying out large-scale construction work on all the liberated lands. We are doing it and will continue to do this work at our own expense. As my special representative, should start work immediately. You should take charge of all these activities. Infrastructure projects are, of course, being implemented by central executive bodies. At the same time, you should make additional proposals regarding the future development of Lachin district, the creation of jobs and comfortable living standards for local residents. Because we are trying to work in parallel in all our liberated regions. Therefore, for example, three to four villages are to be built in each district in the first stage. At the same time, of course, cities also need to be built. However, if we are talking about Lachin district, the names of all the villages to be established in Lachin district at the first stage have been confirmed. We will concentrate the residents of several villages in some places in the first stage. Because this would be more convenient for the people and, at the same time, from the point of view of logistics. As a whole, villages were located far from each other in mountainous regions not only of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, but also other districts, and this was often inconvenient for people. This is how traditional placement of villages was done in the past. Of course, every village on our liberated lands will be restored now and in the future, but the state of Azerbaijan sees its responsibility in gathering the residents of nearby villages to one place and creating good conditions for them. We will build urban-type villages, and I have approved master plans of all the villages to be built. At the same time, the external appearance of the villages has been confirmed. Let me say again that they will be beautiful both from comfort and architecture perspectives. Of course, environmental protection should be top priority in Lachin district from now on. We will return the former displaced people, we will create infrastructure and there will be jobs. Great opportunities will be created. However, you as my representative and every former IDP who will return to our lands should know that we must protect the environment. Because in some parts of our country, great damage is being caused to the environment. Illegal work is carried out, lands are occupied, trees are cut down, houses are built instead, facilities unrelated to agriculture are built. So you as my representative and all our citizens should know that there are rules and regulations. No-one can do anything on their own. Whatever the rules say, whatever the laws require, everyone must follow. There should be no encroachment of land, destruction of forests and other unpleasant situations. There should be zero tolerance to such situations. I am sure that all the former IDPs who will return to their ancestral lands will live in accordance with that. State bodies should help them and exercise control so that everything is settled and regulated according to the law. We will create a large energy capacity using the water resources of Lachin and Kalbajar districts. Now the construction of hydropower plants is going fast in Lachin, Kalbajar, Zangilan and several other districts. We are receiving more than 50 megawatts of energy. The first station was built in the village of Gulabird. This project has been implemented. On the whole, the goal has been set that the hydropower plants in the liberated areas should provide a capacity of 200 megawatts by the end of this year. It should reach 500 megawatts in the future. Lachin and Kalbajar districts have immense wind energy potential. So all this work will be done. Let me say again that the state is doing its job. It is possible to say that after this appointment, my special representatives will be working in most of the liberated districts. One hasnt been appointed for Kalbajar district yet, but this will also be done. At the same time, a new governance method should and is already being applied to these territories. In the future, this new governance model should be applied to all other parts of our country. So this is both major construction work and a new governance method. I am sure that this will greatly contribute to the comprehensive development not only of the liberated areas, but also of our country as a whole. So these are my instructions and you should justify my trust. *** Special Representative of the President in Lachin district Masim Mammadov said: Honorable Mr. President, let me express my gratitude for the high confidence being placed in me. I would like to note that, going to the liberated territories and seeing the great devastation caused by Armenian barbarians, one cannot help but be deeply shaken as an Azerbaijani. Nevertheless, I witnessed the extensive construction work under way in that region. I also saw that there was great determination. Under your leadership, the people of Azerbaijan are determined to quickly restore these territories, move there and develop them again. I want to assure you that I will spare no effort and strength to carry out all the tasks set before me with determination and on time. The main thing is that it is a great honor for me to serve the state of Azerbaijan and you, Mr. President, honestly and conscientiously. Thank you. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 14:29 (UTC+04:00) President Ilham Aliyev received Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin district, which is included in East Zangezur economic region. In a meeting, the Azerbaijani President spoke about future prospects of work and the return of the former IDPs to the region. "Lachin district is one of the largest districts of our country. The district has tremendous potential. Of course, former IDPs who will return to Lachin district should live comfortably in Lachin, and the state of Azerbaijan will make sure this is the case," the President said. Lachin district was under occupation for 28 years, and during this period, almost the entire infrastructure of the district was destroyed by Armenia. Great damage was caused to the environment. In general, as a result of illegal exploitation of our forest fund, 60,000 hectares of our forests were destroyed, cut, looted and sold by the Armenians. A large part of that is made up of the forests of Lachin district, President Ilham Aliyev added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 16:10 (UTC+04:00) Of course, every village on our liberated lands will be restored now and in the future, said President Ilham Aliyev as he received Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin District, which is included in East Zangezur economic region. But the state of Azerbaijan sees its responsibility in gathering the residents of nearby villages into one place and creating good conditions for them. We will build urban-type villages, and I have approved master plans of all the villages to be built, the president emphasized. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 15:53 (UTC+04:00) Lachin district is one of the largest districts of our country. The district has tremendous potential. Of course, former IDPs who will return to Lachin district should live comfortably in Lachin, and the state of Azerbaijan will make sure this is the case, said President Ilham Aliyev as he received Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin district, which is included in East Zangezur economic region. Lachin district was under occupation for 28 years, and during this period, almost the entire infrastructure of the district was destroyed by Armenia. Great damage was caused to the environment. In general, as a result of illegal exploitation of our forest fund, 60,000 hectares of our forests were destroyed, cut, looted and sold by the Armenians. A large part of that is made up of the forests of Lachin district, the head of state emphasized. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 March 2023 22:26 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani MP Fazil Mustafa was gunned down by an unknown person/s outside his home, Azernews reports. The parliamentarian was hospitalized with gunshot wounds. An operational-investigative group is currently at the scene and the search for a suspect is underway, the Interior Ministry reports. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz This photo released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, March 28, shows remains of Korean War massacre victims discovered in Asan, 87 kilometers south of Seoul. Yonhap Multiple remains believed to be civilians massacred for collaborating with North Korea during the Korean War (1950-53) have been discovered in central Korea, a state truth panel said Tuesday. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission said some 40 sets of remains presumed to be massacre victims were found on a mountain in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, 87 kilometers south of Seoul. The commission speculates that the victims were local residents and their families who were killed by South Korean police and other perpetrators between September and November 1950 for aiding the North's military. The remains, most of them believed to be sturdy men in their late 20s to early 40s, were buried densely in a trench 3 meters in width and 14 meters in length, the commission said. They appeared to be buried shortly after being shot with both hands tied, it said, adding a large number of A1 and Type 99 rifle bullets and cartridges were also found at the burial site. In 2018, the Asan municipality discovered 208 sets of remains 150 adults and 58 children at a nearby site. The commission estimates that about 800 civilians were massacred in the Asan area during the war. (Yonhap) Jack Mitchells phone is ringing off the hook these days, but he almost always picks up. You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. China sets its own path to inspire others 08:18, March 28, 2023 By XU WEI ( Chinadaily.com.cn Burkina Faso students learn how to grow crops at an experimental farm in Hebei province. [Photo/Xinhua] Cooperation: Nation's success inspires world With border conflicts, climate change and rising prices threatening the food security of millions of people displaced from their homes in Burkina Faso, emergency humanitarian assistance funded by China poured into the country earlier this month. The aid, from China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, delivered lifesaving food and other nutritional assistance to 170,000 refugees in the West African nation, marking another effort by Beijing to bolster Burkina Faso's food security. "This is the demonstration of China's role as a major country and its support for the developing nations; a vivid practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind," said Lu Shan, Chinese ambassador to Burkina Faso, at a handover ceremony of the aid this month. A team of Chinese agricultural experts and another of medical workers have continued to operate in the African nation. Behind the moves are Beijing's greater commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind by supporting global South-South cooperation, aiding developing nations in attaining a higher level of independent development and presenting a vision for countries, cultures and civilizations to better connect, said analysts and observers. While setting out the vision for the Chinese path to modernization at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underlined the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, which he first put forward in 2013, as an essential part of the modernization process. Xi, who is also Chinese president, underscored in his report to the Congress that China will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress and stay dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the nation follows its own path to modernization. Over the past decade, Beijing has emerged as one of the top providers of global public goods, proposing the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and initiating the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund. As of 2021, Beijing had sent over 2,000 agricultural experts to more than 70 countries and regions, sharing technologies and methods that directly benefited over 1.5 million rural households, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Chinese medical teams, now working at 115 locations in 56 countries, are at the forefront of China's broader push to help developing countries improve their level of healthcare. The nation responded quickly in February when the deadly earthquakes struck Turkiye and Syria, sending key supplies including makeshift homes, clothing, tents and medical equipment. As China strides forward on its own path to modernization, the nation will remain steadfast in supporting other developing countries, to expedite their growth and work toward a better world, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang wrote in an article on Friday. While addressing the High-level Dialogue on Global Development in June, President Xi announced China's decision to upgrade the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund to a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and add $1 billion to it on top of the $3 billion already committed to boost global development cooperation. Koh King Kee, president of the ASEAN Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, said the building of a community with a shared future for mankind is a manifestation of China's foreign policy goal of peace, equality, development and win-win cooperation. He noted that the vision is rooted in Chinese civilization, and represents China's answer to the world being beset by myriad challenges and risks including COVID-19, slow economic growth, climatic change, protectionism and anti-globalization. The Malaysian scholar said Beijing's commitment to following its own path to modernization will inspire other developing countries to explore development paradigms tailored to their own conditions. "Beijing's phenomenal rise to the world's second-largest economy has shown developing countries that modernization does not necessarily mean Westernization," he said. "China's success stories are inspirations and encouragements to leaders of the developing world who see in China an alternative development model, and an important trade partner and a source of foreign investment," he said. In the past decade, China has ratcheted up efforts to help developing countries, including those from Africa and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to boost their growth amid global headwinds. Xi announced in 2021 that Beijing would undertake 10 poverty reduction and agricultural projects in Africa and send 500 agricultural experts to the continent. China's imports from African nations will total $300 billion between 2022 and 2024. Guo Jia, an associate researcher at the China-Africa Institute, said Beijing's unwavering commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind and its success in following its own path to modernization will be of particular significance to developing countries, especially Africa. "For Africa, one favorable factor in its modernization process is that China will remain a good friend, partner and brother and make sure bilateral cooperation is on an equal footing, is win-win and fruitful, which is a key requirement for building a community with a shared future for mankind," she added. China has also offered more scholarships to students from developing nations over the past decade in an effort to help build up these countries' talent base. Since 2015, Beijing has offered 10,000 government scholarships to countries participating in the BRI. Muhammad Fahad Baqa, a Pakistani postgraduate student at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said he appreciates the opportunity to study in China because of the top research environment and the chance to better understand the nation's development and culture. "Historically, we have seen that it is difficult for less-developed nations to modernize under a global political and economic structure that was created by and is dominated by Western wealthy nations," he explained. "Some aspects of China's development provide an example for other nations pursuing sustainable development, such as motivating the populace to build infrastructure, legal frameworks, industrial policies and education," he said. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee, said Xi's vision for building a community with a shared future for mankind "is based on inclusivity, people-centric development and win-win cooperation". He said the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Xi on March 15 seeks to present an alternative to the "military-oriented, security-centric, Cold War mindset" being promoted by some hawkish elements in the West, who still have a zero-sum mentality that sees the world in black-and-white terms. "This mindset divides and builds barriers, while President Xi's vision unites and builds bridges, as China did recently by promoting Iran-Saudi Arabia peace and rapprochement," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Chun Woo-won, center, the grandson of the late former President Chun Doo-hwan, is taken by police officers upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday, as he faces charges of illegal drug use. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul Chun Woo-won apprehended upon arrival over suspected drug use By Jun Ji-hye Civic groups connected with the Gwangju Democratic Uprising said Tuesday that they will accept a proposed visit by the grandson of former authoritarian leader Chun Doo-hwan, as he has vowed to apologize to the bereaved families and victims of the government's deadly suppression of the pro-democracy movement. Members of the groups said they are willing to wait for the younger Chun even if his visit is postponed indefinitely due to an ongoing police investigation into his suspected use of illegal drugs. Woo-won, the son of Jae-yong, the second son of the former dictator, initially vowed to visit Gwangju to make an apology upon his arrival in Korea from New York where he lives. But he could not keep this promise as he was apprehended upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport earlier in the day for ingesting what he claimed was ecstasy and other narcotics while livestreaming on YouTube. In that video on March 17, he claimed he and his acquaintances had been using illegal drugs. Chun Woo-won, the grandson of former President Chun Doo-hwan, is surrounded by reporters while being escorted by police officers upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday, on charges of using illegal drugs. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul Woo-won, 27, has been making media headlines since March 13 over his series of revelations about his family members through Instagram, YouTube and several media interviews, calling his grandfather a "mass murderer" and all of his family members "criminals." Chun Doo-hwan is a former Army general who rose to power through a military coup in December 1979 and led an authoritarian government from 1980 to 1988. During the Gwangju Uprising which began on May 18, 1980, thousands of Gwangju citizens rose up against the military junta led by Chun. More than 200 people were killed, with 1,800 wounded, according to official data. The former dictator died at age 90 from chronic ailments in November 2021, having never apologized for his wrongdoings. He did not pay back the bulk of the forfeiture related to his treason and bribery convictions, either. This captured image from Chun Woo-won's Instagram shows former President Chun Doo-hwan lying down with two grandsons. Woo-won, the grandson of the former dictator, has recently made a series of revelations about his family members. Captured from Instagram Central Oregon Coast Cleanup Needs Help; Event Explains Yaquina Bay Plan Published 03/21/23 at 6:30 PM By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Newport, Oregon) Looking for ways to help cleanup on the Oregon coast (before the big cleanup in April)? Want to learn more about the future of the Yaquina Bay? (Above: Siletz River, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Two events take place in April that will do just that, with the Siletz River Cleanup on April 1 and a presentation on the Yaquina Bay Management Plan on April 5. Near the central Oregon coast town of Lincoln City, a little ways inland at Siletz, things get rather dirty up the Siletz River. That's why there's the Siletz River Cleanup on Saturday April 1 at 9 a.m., beginning at the Hee Hee Illahe Park in Siletz. After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the annual central Oregon coast clean-up event is returning. Participants will pick up trash by boat and by foot to support the health of this important river system. Courtesy photo The clean-up is sponsored by the MidCoast Watersheds Council, and relies on those who value the river. For over 20 years, local residents, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and river users from the coast and Willamette Valley have participated in this event. The Siletz River is an important fishing area, supporting populations of coho salmon, spring chinook, rainbow trout, and steelhead. The cities of Siletz, Toledo, Newport, and Seal Rock also rely on drinking water from the Siletz River. Collecting trash at this event means a wide range of items, from smaller bits such as plastic bottles and food containers, to larger items like car tires. The council is particularly requesting help from those with a boat. By working with local boat owners, we are able to remove much more trash - and much larger pieces of trash - from the river than would be possible with just land-based coverage, the council said. If you can help with a boat call 541-265-9195. Bring your friends, gloves, waterproof boots, and dress in layers to take part in this community effort. Coffee and donuts will be provided for the welcome and introductions at 9 a.m. Volunteers will then be divided into teams for the day. Participants should return to the park by 1 p.m. to offload debris in a dumpster generously provided by Dahl Disposal Services. Then stay to enjoy a BBQ lunch with meat and vegetarian options provided at no cost. In Newport, a presentation about one of several estuary management plans on the Oregon coast takes place on April 5, in what's being called a community open house. The Yaquina Bay Estuary Management Plan is hosted by several participating agencies. It outlines what kind of development can happen where and which areas are set aside for protection in Yaquina Bay. Local officials from Lincoln County and the cities of Newport and Toledo are working together with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development to update the Estuary Management Plan to serve the communities around Yaquina Bay, for generations to come. Those from Newport or concerned regulars to the Oregon coast will find it helpful, learning more about the estuary from local experts as well as how the plan is being updated. This will also be an opportunity for interested parties to share input on what features of the bay are important to them. It runs 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Newport Public Library, 35 NW Nye Street, Newport, Oregon. https://www.yaquina-emp.org/get-involved Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted JERUSALEM Scholars of the Hebrew Bible at Israel's Bar Ilan University have discovered new fine print in the Noahic Covenant. The divine vow to never again flood the earth is renderedexperts explain, if humanity ever co-opts the rainbow into a widespread and ongoing campaign for weird sex stuff.Lead researcher Avi Goldstein introduced the panel of legal, biblical, and archaeological scholars at his University's conferenceActivist groups have violated much of the panel's outlined Covenantal precedent authorizing another flood, including using the rainbow to symbolize the great sin of pride and sexual perversion rather than God's solemn vow to never again flood the earth.At publishing time, evangelical Christians had weighed in with contradicting claims, with scholar Ken Ham taking umbrage with the panel's insistence on calling the Ark a For more than 40 years, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina has been responsible for administering the benefits for some 740,000 state employees, teachers and retirees covered by the plan. Beginning in 2025, Aetna will be taking over the contract. But this decision is more than just swapping out one big company for another. In reality, it is perhaps State Treasurer Dale Folwell's most significant move yet in his mission to reduce the cost of health care in our state. A quick primer on the State Health Plan The State Health Plan is the primary health care benefits system for state agency employees and their families across North Carolina. The plan has its own board of trustees and lives within the Department of State Treasurer. The plan is self-funded, meaning the state of North Carolina pays all of the medical bills. But its administered by a private company. This means that a private company handles all of the billing, claims processing and paperwork. But, crucially, its also responsible for negotiating the prices it pays for different procedures with healthcare providers across the state. (Yes, in our nations convoluted healthcare system, theres no set price for a medical procedure. The amount something costs is entirely dictated by closed-door negotiations between hospital groups and insurers.) For 40 years, this private company has been Blue Cross NC. The companys contract with the state typically runs for three to five years, and its been renewed time after time over that period. That changed last week. Why North Carolina is changing course The announcement Wednesday stated that Aetna has been awarded a three-year contract running from 2025 through 2027, with two one-year options to extend it. Its a big contract. In the past year, the state paid roughly $79 million in administrative fees to Blue Cross NC, according to data the State Treasurer's office provided to Longleaf Politics. This fee is per member, per month, and thus can fluctuate. The state treasurers office noted that the new contract is projected to save about $140 million over its term. But this decision wasnt likely just about the cost benefits. In previous cycles, Blue Cross NC has offered to reduce its administrative charges and likely was willing to do so again to keep this contract. The company worked hard to win its bid. Instead, the key element is almost certainly transparency. In the Department of State Treasurers announcement, Folwell said he looks forward to working with Aetna on price transparency, a major emphasis of his since taking office in 2017. Remember that point about the State Health Plan administrator being responsible for negotiating prices with healthcare providers? Under current state law, that data is completely private, and the state treasurers office has no access to it. Folwell had long wanted Blue Cross NC to be more open with its pricing data. He repeatedly pushed for the company to provide his office with the rates it pays for different procedures to ensure that the North Carolina taxpayer is getting a good deal. "We will reset our relationship, not just renew our vows," Folwell said in 2017 when Blue Cross renewed its contract soon after Folwell took office. In 2021, Folwell supported a bill that would require the State Health Plan administrator to make pricing data open to the public. Despite bipartisan support, the bill stalled out in the state House. House Speaker Tim Moore has long been overly sympathetic to the healthcare industrys desires. Switching to Aetna is a signal that State Treasurer Dale Folwell is willing to act for the good of North Carolinians when the General Assembly wont. Thats one reason why its so gutsy. Its also a blow to Blue Cross NC, one of the most politically powerful companies in the state chaired by Ned Curran, a prominent Charlotte real estate developer with deep political connections. Why this is important Getting pricing data will allow North Carolina to audit a huge piece of its budget some $3.5 billion per year in healthcare spending. But prying loose this data is a key component of making healthcare spending more transparent as a whole. Despite making up nearly 20% of the U.S. economy, healthcare is one of the only industries in which people receive a service and have no idea how much it costs. In fact, its all so convoluted that theres really no way for them to figure out what it costs. When pricing is opaque, pricing steadily increases. Healthcare providers have no competitive pressure to reduce costs while improving quality, meaning we all end up paying way more for healthcare than we should. 3 things of note Who is the N.C. House Democrat most likely to switch parties? We discussed last week whether the General Assembly will be able to find a "working supermajority" in the House, where Republicans are just one vote short of being able to override a gubernatorial veto. There have been some rumblings that these efforts could go even further -- with a Democrat member or two actually switching parties and joining the GOP caucus. This wouldn't be without precedent. As recently as 2017, six-term representative Bill Brisson of Bladen County switched parties from Democrat to Republican. He continues to hold his seat, which at the time of the switch was in the reddest Democrat-held district in the state. However, there aren't any seats like that left. Other than a shrinking handful of sheriffs and local officials, there simply aren't any more conservative Democrats in state office. The shift of the rural conservatives from Democrat to Republican is all but complete. And over the last three cycles, Republicans have been successful in picking off every single Republican-leaning seat in both the state House and the Senate and even some left-leaning ones. I took a look at the House roster anyway to try to figure out who would be the Democrat most likely to switch parties. I came up with two names. I don't think either will actually switch parties, but both will likely be willing to vote with Republicans to override a veto in certain circumstances. The first is Rep. Michael Wray, who has represented Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties in northeastern North Carolina for nearly two decades. He's by far the most conservative Democrat currently in the state House, consistently earning the highest rating in his party in the American Conservative Union's index. Still, even Wray isn't super conservative. His vote record displays a willingness to cross party lines and vote with Republicans, but not even half of the time. And he's not barely holding onto his seat, either. His is a D+13 district, and Wray just won his 10th term by defeating former Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, taking more than 61% of the vote. Wray has been willing to vote to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes in the past. The House did not take a single override vote in the most recent biennium, but did so six times in the 2019-20 session. Only two were successful. Wray voted in favor of overriding vetoes on bills to protect the Second Amendment and open gyms during COVID. The second name is Rep. Garland Pierce, a minister who has represented Hoke and Scotland counties since 2005. His district is D+5, so definitely winnable by the right Republican, but far from an easy get. Pierce has proven to be socially conservative overall, including voting to override Gov. Coopers veto of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in 2019 and voting in favor of House Bill 2 in 2016. Again, he may well be willing to override a veto once more but I wouldnt count on him switching parties. Most other conservative-leaning Democrats have already lost re-election or retired from the General Assembly. Former Rep. James Gailliard of Rocky Mount lost to Republican Allen Chesser in 2022. Former Rep. Scott Brewer of Rockingham lost to current Rep. Ben Moss in 2020. U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop votes against Kevin McCarthy to end "uniparty lock on Washington" but ultimately supports him If you followed the U.S. House speakership drama, you likely noticed a familiar name in the small group of lawmakers consistently voting against U.S. Kevin McCarthy: U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop. Bishop was the only member of North Carolina's delegation part of the 20 Republicans voting for other candidates. In a brief interview with Pete Kaliner on WBT (starts at the 21:15 mark) on Wednesday, Bishop explained why. He said he was intending to break the "uniparty lock on Washington," which he described as a lobbyist-led movement that handpicks legislation to move on the floor and chooses "squish" candidates to run in Republican primaries. "We are pushing to change leadership in the house so that we have a leader who wants to make change for the American people," Bishop said. By Friday afternoon, Bishop had flipped and voted in favor of McCarthy and McCarthy finally took the gavel in the early morning hours of Saturday. In a statement posted to Twitter, Bishop said it was because he was happy with the slate of concessions McCarthy made to woo defectors over to his side. The big one that's gotten a lot of national attention is reverting back to a pre-Pelosi rule that allowed any member to call for an immediate vote to "vacate the chair" -essentially a vote to keep the current Speaker or elect a new one. When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took over, she changed the rule to require a party leader or majority vote of the party in control of the House to trigger a vote to vacate. Before this week, McCarthy had said he'd be willing to reduce that number to just five members of the party. Finally, he agreed to going back to a single member. Other concessions Bishop mentioned are much more meaningful to the American people. One is a response to the $1.7 trillion omnibus budget bill rammed through last month. Bishop said he pushed for rules that require bills to be on a single subject, preventing gigantic thousand-page bills that cover a host of topics. He also said he wanted a concession that requires amendments offered on a bill to be germane to the topic of the bill. It looks like those concessions are definite. If Bishop succeeded in getting them, I think his hold-out was well worth it. More post-Dobbs fallout: Planned Parenthood drops lawsuit challenging N.C. abortion laws When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in last year's Dobbs decision, the first major impact on North Carolina was the reinstatement of the 20-week abortion cutoff that had been in state law for decades. But now it appears that the Dobbs decision is having a more far-reaching impact. Planned Parenthood has dropped a lawsuit it filed in 2020 challenging five pro-life laws passed by the General Assembly between 2011 and 2015, according to an email from the N.C. Family Policy Council. These laws require "informed consent" before an abortion, a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion, ban telemedicine abortions, require annual inspections of abortion facilities, and require doctors to perform abortions. For now, these laws are not being challenged. However, depending on what the General Assembly does in this long session, it is possible that Planned Parenthood will seek a different way to challenge state abortion laws again in the future and try to establish a right to abortion in the state Constitution. That's exactly what just happened in South Carolina, where the S.C. Supreme Court just overruled the state's six-week abortion limit based on a right to privacy found in their state constitution. 1 good idea from another state This is the first in a new weekly section of Longleaf Politics, where we highlight innovative legislation thats worth considering in North Carolina. If you see any good ones, send them my way. Louisiana requires age verification on porn sites. A new law that went into effect Jan. 1 helps to protect children from hard-core pornography by requiring porn sites to verify that their visitors are age 18 or older. If they dont, theyll be legally liable. The bill passed nearly unanimously in the state legislature and was signed into law by Louisianas Democratic governor. Some of our readers may be interested in the following article that appeared in The Blaze.com. There has been a similar brouhaha over the same issues here in Beaufort County and particularly in the last school board election. Thankfully our school board has not hired consultants to lead discussion groups as this article says has been done in the Temecula Valley Unified School District in California. Below is The Blazes article: A newly elected majority-conservative school board in California recently approved a resolution to hire an anti-critical race theory consultant. On March 13, in a 3-2 decision, Temecula Valley Unified School District voted to allocate $15,000 to anti-CRT initiatives, including hiring a consultant to hold "discussion groups" at an after-school board workshop. The discussions would cover the history of critical race theory and the board's December resolution to ban CRT. The district, which enrolls approximately 28,000 students, plans to host six two-hour sessions. Christopher Arend, former school board president of Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, was hired by the district to host the discussion groups and serve on the workshop's six-member panel, which will be held at James L. Day Middle School. All of these panelists are reportedly against teaching CRT in classrooms. While Arend was president at Paso Robles, the district passed a resolution in 2021 banning CRT. He has also written a manuscript for a new book entitled "Critical Race Theory Scam." TVUSD governing board members Dr. Joseph Wayne Komrosky, Jennifer Wiersma, and Danny Gonzalez voted to approve the resolution, while Allison Barclay and Steven Schwartz voted against it. Schwartz accused Arend of not having the proper qualifications to teach critical race theory. "He's not an expert, he's not an expert on CRT. Because he's an attorney and he's studied it does not give him the degree in history or ethnic studies or anything that is related to critical race theory," Schwartz said, citing that Arend does not have teaching credentials. When asked to clarify his "expertise" regarding the education code, Arend stated, "This has been a subject I have been interested in for a very long time. It kind of goes hand in hand with studying the law. When you study the law, you study one of the main principles of equal protection under the law." In response, Schwartz argued that the funds should go towards other district expenses, including high school field trips and graduation expenses. "I don't think we need to spend 15,000 on a gentleman who thinks CRT is a disgustingly racist ideology," Schwartz stated. Wiersma defended the board's decision to hire Arend and claimed that the district had spent "thousands" of taxpayer dollars to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion training. "My point is that I kind of went through our track record of what we've done for training. Things that are important to us. They come from a variety of fields, and so, this is not out of the ordinary," Wiersma said. "I think as important as this discussion is on global, state, and national levels, it is important to have somebody that comes to the table and can advocate but also pull in people for the discussions from that point I would hope there would be some talk about where the resolution might need to go with the workshop, which is entirely different. You're going to have five different experts that don't vote the same, they don't look the same, and they don't have the same background," Wiersma added. During a recent school board meeting, one of the district's teachers blasted Arend for allegedly previously agreeing to teach CRT for gas money, according to an audio clip played by the teacher. "He said he'd do it for gas money. That $15,000 is a lot of gas money. In my opinion, hiring Christopher Arend or really any of the CRT panels should be a no-go. CRT is a non-issue at TVSD and for the record, I resent the time, money, and resources being spent on this non-issue. We should be focused on our students and our educational programs at TVSD," she said. Another speaker claimed that the school board's resolution might violate state law. "The state has content standards and frameworks. The state of California made our curriculum. Teachers must teach that," she said. "So we have to make sure this CRT resolution you passed doesn't prevent the teachers from doing the job they must do. We must teach about racism in our society." The district did not reply to a request for comment, Fox News Digital reported. Editors Commentary We have just two points to make, the first about the focus of The Blaze article and the second about the contrast between how this California school board is handling the issue compared to the way Beaufort County handled it, thus far. First, The Blaze offers several quotes from people complaining about how much money is being spent on a consultant to the process there$15,000 to anti-CRT initiatives, including hiring a consultant to hold "discussion groups" at an after-school board workshop. We studied the TVUSDs website and we are comfortable that $15K will not break the TVUSD. The spend a ton of money on central office staff as can be seen at this link. That $15K is but a drop in the bucket of the TVUSDs $367,904,000 budget creating a per pupil expenditure of $13,152 per year. The second and most important thing about this school system is the effort they are making to educate the community about Critical Race Theory. That is a far different stance than the Beaufort County NC Superintendent and School Board took on this issue. Like the California district they appointed a committee but Beaufort put only insiders on their committee. No parent representatives, only educators. The Superintendents response when he was first presented with some pushback by the Citizens for Better Government Committee and the Beaufort County Conservative Republican Education Committee was to just declare that we dont teach CRT in BCS. The BCS Board recently amended a Policy by including language that expressly said BCS will teach CRT if it is included in curricula approved by the NC State Department of Public Instruction. When the board approved this policy the Chairman proclaimed it as an anti-CRT policy. The CBGC learned otherwise, and it was confirmed when the Social Studies Curriculum Committee brought forth its recommendation. They selected an extremely radical leftist woke curriculum called SAVVAS. The Citizens for Better Government Committee opposed the SAVVAS curriculum. So did dozens of parents at the next school board meeting. Before the following board meeting on March 21, 2023 the Superintendent just announced to board members that he was not bringing the social studies curriculum to the board for a vote because he said he sees no reason to embarrass the Committee members further. The SAVVAS Social Studies curriculum was not on the agenda. So let us tell you what we think is going on here. This is another example of how this Superintendent and the previous School Board (before the November Election and the new members taking office in December) had attempted to implement this curriculum by keeping it hidden and dominated by educators. Parents have consistently been treated as unwelcome at school board meetings, allowed only three minutes to speak at one meeting per month. There was only one school board meeting where the proposed curriculum was presented. There was no outreach to parents to help them better understand CRT. The Superintendent took no significant efforts that we are aware of to help educate the stakeholders in this issue. Thankfully, some of the new School Board members in Beaufort County were not willing to be a part of the closed culture that has developed in recent years in Beaufort County Schools. Its a good thing they were not developing a building program that requires a bond vote to pull it off. We think it deplorable for the Superintendent to hide behind the committee of teachers that he blames for the issue of the SAVVAS curriculum being presented to the School Board in a presentation that was not factually accurate. That is unconscionable, in our humble opinion. What we need is a Superintendent who has the wisdom to LEAD the community and a Board that will represent the will of the parents and taxpayers, not what Big Publishing companies and the NCDPI think is best for our children. The NC General Statutes clearly state the local school boards are responsible for curriculums taught in public schools. Finally, a point we cannot resist making. It is this: We have seen the proposal of a social studies curriculum without any significant reference to how wellor poorlyour students are now learning history, economics, government/civics. But dare we say it? Talk to a recent graduate of one of our high schools and see how much history they can tell you about and quiz them on fundamentals of government. A good place to start is to ask them to tell you what rights are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, and from where those rights are derived. If youre satisfied with that then engage your student in a discussion of federalism. And if you really have the nerve, ask them why we are supporting Ukraine. You get our point: the knowledge of our students about American History, Government and economics is abysmal. And frankly, we dont see SAVVAS as doing whats needed. And if that embarrasses anyone Dr. Cheeseman, so be it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two Vidor churches partnered for a community prayer service Thursday night after two Vidor High School students died in a fiery crash last weekend. Blake Post, 15, was driving a 2012 Dodge Journey south of Vidor on Concord Street when the truck hit a utility pole and a recreational vehicle, then caught fire just before 2 a.m. on Dec. 18, Texas DPS said in a news release. Johnny Castillaw III, 14, was a passenger in the truck. The person inside the RV was not injured. Dozens of people gathered at First Baptist Church of Vidor Thursday to remember the teens. Grief is different for everyone, FBC Vidor youth pastor Jay Anderson said as he opened the service. Blake and Johnny were wonderful young men who loved to have fun and loved to make you laugh, and we will miss that, he said. That will never go away. Anderson said the churches partnered to hold the vigil for anyone who needed prayer, especially with school being closed during the winter break. I know for our students on Sunday morning, it hit hard, he said. Pastors, counselors and school administrators gathered at the back of the church for those who needed someone to talk to, Anderson said. Senior Pastor Terry Wright gave the opening prayer. We lift up the hearts of these that hurt, Lord, our whole community, as it grieves over the loss of these two young men, he said. His prayer focused on families as well as the school community. Andersons talk centered on healthy ways to deal with grief. Grief often feels like a monster, he said. It scares us, it makes us feel vulnerable, like we dont have control anymore of our life and whats going on. It fills us with questions and doubts and anger and fear, but grief is not a monster. Family, students and community, you are not broken, but you are hurting. The grieving process is different for everyone, Anderson said. Some of you feel cold and uncaring and hate yourself for it and are upset about it and dont understand why you dont feel like everyone else, he said. Some of you are emotional and cant get a grip on it, and you wonder whats wrong with you. Theres a wide range of how you deal with grief. Anderson said he wished he could give the community a simple answer, but the reality is that grief is complicated. I would love to say that this is the proper path, this is how you feel, and you complete steps A, B, and C, and youll feel better tomorrow, but it would be a lie, he said. Grief is not the same for you as it is for me, but it is on your own time and in your own way. He strongly encouraged Post and Castilaws friends and classmates to not isolate themselves. Grief was never intended to be taken alone, Anderson said. Thats why we wanted to have a night like tonight, to bring the community together, to bring loved ones, family, friends, classmates together in one place, because its easy to feel alone and isolated, especially in circumstances like these. Youre hurting, rightfully so, you have questions as to why and how, and they are justified, but the reality is still the same. Both churches want to make sure that the community does not feel alone in their grief, Anderson said. We dont want you to think that you have to get over it, and its all on you, because its not, he said. Dont just grit your teeth and say Im ok and push through on your own. I know you want to be strong for each other, but there is grief that must be dealt with. Rose City Baptist Church pastor Tony Wilcoxson also told a story about Johnny Castilaw III becoming a Christian while at their churchs youth camp in July 2018. Johnny attended both the youth group at First Baptist Church of Vidor and services at Rose City Baptist Church with his family, Wilcoxson said. I was there on the scene Sunday morning, he said. I struggled this week. I cried and cried and cried. Dont leave this place with that burden still on your heart, that you dont know how youre going to continue to go through this. Were here to help you. Churches all across this city are grieving with you and are praying with you and for you. Some people may feel the loss later, Wilcoxson said, but they want to be there for anyone who needs to talk. The counselors are here for you as you go back to school, we are here, you dont have to face this alone, he said. If you find yourself in a few days needing prayer, pick up the phone. Well be glad to come to you. Anderson gave a closing prayer and said he didnt want to keep attendees due to bad weather, but reemphasized that anyone who is hurting should reach out and find help. His prayer focused on the two families, students who will go back to school without their two classmates and teachers with empty desks. Theres no time limit on grief, he said. You come around next week, next month and youre hurting and it hits, you dont hesitate to reach out to either of our churches, to school staff, to loved ones, and if you need help beyond just prayer, come talk to one of us and we can help coordinate that with you. If theres anything we can do, anything we can provide, we want to be there for you. Our prayers are with you and our hearts are with you. The vigil ended with attendees kneeling at the altar and hugging each other along with songs Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns and Cry out to Jesus by Third Day. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN DIEGO (AP) The fire that killed 38 people at an immigration detention center in Mexico happened as Western hemisphere countries face pressure to address the extraordinary number of people fleeing their homes. Mexico has expanded its network of dozens of detention centers while working closely with the United States to limit movement of asylum-seekers through its territory to the U.S. border, including to Ciudad Juarez, where authorities said migrants set mattresses on fire late Monday in a detention center after learning they would be deported. Here are some questions and answers about the conditions and policies that led to one of Mexico's deadliest events at an immigration detention center. WHY WERE THESE MIGRANTS DETAINED? Specifics have yet to be released, but Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. It is still largely a transit country, though, for those on the way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up without work in Tapachula, near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also assembled in border cities, including Ciudad Juarez, often arriving illegally after harrowing journeys or paying someone off. A sprawling network of lawyers, fixers and middlemen has sprung up to provide documents and counsel to migrants who can afford to speed up the system. More than 2,200 people are believed to be at Ciudad Juarez migrant shelters, and more are living elsewhere in the city after arriving from Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and El Salvador, according to a report issued last month by the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin. Mexico carried out more than 106,000 deportations last year, with about 8 out of every 10 sent to Guatemala or Honduras. HOW ARE U.S. POLICIES AT WORK? The Trump and Biden administrations have relied increasingly and heavily on Mexico to curb a flow of migrants that has made the United States the world's most popular destination for asylum-seekers since 2017, according to U.N. figures. Guatemalans were the largest group among those killed or injured in Monday's blaze, according to Mexicos Attorney Generals Office. Others were from Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Guatemalans have been disproportionately affected by a U.S. policy in effect since March 2020 to return people who enter the U.S. illegally to Mexico. The practice suspended their rights to seek asylum on grounds of preventing COVID-19. Mexico takes back Guatemalans and some other nationalities, while people from other countries are often released in the U.S. to pursue their cases in immigration court. That's due to the costs and diplomatic challenges of sending them home. On May 11, the Biden administration plans to end the pandemic-era rule, known as Title 42, and replace it with a sweeping new policy that largely bans asylum for anyone who travels through Mexico without first seeking protection there. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security received more than 11,000 comments on the new policy before a Monday deadline for public feedback. The U.N. refugee agency said key elements of the proposal are incompatible with principles of international refugee law. The American Federation of Government Employees, the main union representing asylum officers, opposes the change. The proposal is subject to revisions based on public comment and will almost certainly be challenged in court. Amid the uncertainty and rapid change, frustration is running high among many migrants about a glitch-plagued app called CBPOne, which was expanded in January to grant some exemptions to the asylum restrictions. The U.S. has been admitting about 740 migrants daily at land crossings through CBPOne. About 80 migrants are being admitted daily from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso using CBPOne, according to the Strauss Center. WHY CIUDAD JUAREZ? The Biden administration has been under intense pressure after the tally of illegal border crossings reached its highest levels ever recorded last year. Traffic has slowed sharply since January, when the administration extended humanitarian parole to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who enter through an airport with a financial sponsor. At the same time, Mexico agreed to start taking back people from those four countries who crossed the border illegally. Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said at a Senate hearing Tuesday that the policy on those four countries has been tremendously successful. Toward the end of last year, El Paso became the busiest of the Border Patrol's nine sectors along the Mexican border, causing many migrants to sleep outside or in overcrowded shelters upon their release and prompting Joe Biden's first visit to the border as president. El Paso, with its expansive network of shelters in Ciudad Juarez, remained the busiest corridor for illegal crossings in February, when migrants were stopped more than 32,000 times. Nearly half of those incidents involved people from Mexico. ___ This story has been corrected to show that eight of 10 people Mexico deports are sent to Guatemala or Honduras, not four. ___ Associated Press writers Maria Verza in Mexico City and Rebecca Santana in Washington contributed. Yulya Bortulyova/Getty Images/iStockphoto The venom in the diversity letter is obvious. As to labeling the Silicon Valley Bank board as inexperienced Democrats -- bankers have traditionally been seen as conservatives - Republican. The letter writer opposite points out that repealing Dodd-Frank restrictions enabled risk taking. That an executive cashed out $3 million in stock just before the crash is suspicious. As to failures: Trump's dealing with COVID was disastrous. Remember when we morbidly kept track of the daily death toll, reaching into the thousands? He tried to minimize the impact -- it would be gone by Easter. Mainlining Clorox and sticking lights down the rear would cure it. Hydrochloroquine. Horse dewormer. Masks and social distancing as assaults upon our freedom. Trump it was who negotiated with the Taliban our withdrawal from Afghanistan. The loosening of railroad safety regulations fit Trump's pattern of catering to corporate convenience. President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, March 28. Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday that not a single won should be given to North Korea as long as it continues to develop nuclear weapons, according to his spokesperson. Yoon made the remark during a Cabinet meeting after being briefed by Unification Minister Kwon Young-se on the government's first public release of a North Korean human rights report this Friday. "Disclosing the reality of North Korea's human rights situation is very important to national security as well, because it shows where the legitimacy of a state can be found," he was quoted as saying by Lee Do-woon during a press briefing. "From now on, the unification ministry should stop giving away to North Korea and make it clear that as long as North Korea pursues nuclear development, we cannot give them a single won," he said, apparently referring to economic aid under past administrations. Yoon's remark came as North Korea has intensified its weapons testing in recent weeks in protest of expanded military exercises between South Korea and the United States. Hours before the Cabinet meeting, North Korean state media released photos of what appeared to be miniaturized nuclear warheads and said leader Kim Jong-un had called for boosting the production of weapons-grade nuclear material to expand the country's arsenal. Yoon stressed that investigating the reality of North Korea's human rights, political, economic and social situation, and making it known to the world is the "key road map" for national security and inter-Korean reunification, Lee said. Under the North Korean Human Rights Act passed in 2016, the unification minister is required to submit an annual report to the National Assembly on North Korea's human rights situation. The law also calls for the establishment of a North Korean human rights foundation, but its launch has been delayed for years as the main opposition Democratic Party has refused to recommend its share of members for the foundation's board. "Seven years have passed since the North Korean Human Rights Act was enacted, but the North Korean human rights foundation has still not been launched, and the North Korean human rights report is only now being published," Yoon said. "The North Korean Human Rights Act must be implemented in practice even now." Yoon said he hopes to see the North's human rights conditions widely publicized during the Summit for Democracy starting Wednesday and during the ongoing regular session of the U.N. Human Rights Council. He also called on each government ministry, including the unification and education ministries, to use the publication of the North Korean human rights report to inform people at home and abroad of the North's human rights situation. President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, March 28. Yonhap The Cabinet meeting was held to discuss next year's government budget, among other items. Yoon said the government will spend boldly to fulfill its job while pursuing strong fiscal reforms to ensure not a single penny of taxpayers' money goes to waste. He especially called for preventing "leaks" in the form of subsidies for organizations that lack transparency or "populist distributions of cash." On South Korea's campaign to host the 2030 World Expo in the port city of Busan, Yoon noted that an inspection team of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), an intergovernmental body in charge of overseeing the Expo, is due to visit the country next week, and urged the Cabinet members to do their best to win the bid. Yoon also recalled his instructions the previous day to strengthen policy coordination between the government and the ruling People Power Party, saying the public's opinion should be reflected in all stages of the policymaking process. (Yonhap) This year, Steven Ozeran, MD, medical director of Lewiston, Idaho-based Ozeran Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, made the decision to close down his practice's affiliated ASC, Syringa Surgery Center, due in part to a nursing shortage that has been impacting practices nationwide. While the nursing industry recommends a 1-2 nurse-patient ratio, with shortages exacerbated by the pandemic that is becoming harder for many ASCs. In New Jersey, one-third of nurses have left the bedside since 2020 as facilities struggle with keeping 1-3 nurse-patient ratios. Nurse shortages can also lead to patient safety impacts, with a one-patient increase in a nurse's staffing load increasing the risk of death by 7 percent. As nursing shortages plague several regions in the U.S., ASCs are forced to become competitive to keep up with larger hospitals and health systems, spending more money on hiring and retaining qualified staff. "I am finding that ASCs are competing in the same region against one another for the available staffing pool. This creates the constant awareness of what it takes to not only be competitive with compensation and benefits, but to align the potential employee's goals to your center's culture and how they can best be happier in your facility," Michael Powers, administrator of Children's West Surgery Center in Knoxville, Tenn., recently told Becker's. Dr. Ozeran faced similar issues at his ASC, telling Becker's how the ability to attract a qualified nursing staff led to his decision to close Syringa Surgery Center: Dr. Steven Ozeran: There are so many things that led to our decision to shut down our one-room outpatient surgery center this year, and the ability to attract qualified nurses was certainly one of them. Several years ago, we had two or three full-time nurses and a bevy of soon-to-be-retired nurses. After the pandemic started, we had problems finding adequate staff. Only two or three candidates responded to job offers posted on sites like Indeed, and our former charge nurse went to work for the insurance company. The only nurses we were able to hire had no operating room experience but learned quickly. They were still limited in the ability to start IVs and provide skilled postoperative care. This is a nationwide problem, and in our case, it was best to shut down rather than continue to deal with the burdens of equipment costs and staffing costs and retention. As procedures migrate to the outpatient setting, ASC leaders are seeing cardiology and orthopedics as huge opportunities for growth. Cardiology procedures received the highest estimated Medicare payment increases in 2021, making it the fastest growing ASC specialty, according to Avanza's "2022 Key ASC Benchmarks and Industry Figures" report. Orthopedics is the most common specialty for ASCs in 2022, according to March data from the ASC Association. "As CMS allows more procedures to be performed in centers, it gives centers the option to be open for more procedures," Catherine Retzbach, BSN, RN, director of ASC operations at Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health, told Becker's. "Cardiology and spine procedures offer patients more options to have procedures be performed in a high-quality, low-cost environment." High acuity procedures, such as those in cardiology and orthopedics, offer a massive financial opportunity for ASCs, if they can cover the costs of technology and other expenses. ASC chains are also looking at high acuity procedures. By the end of the third quarter, orthopedic and spine procedures made up 20 percent of ASC chain United Surgical Partners International's volume. In an Oct. 20 earnings call, Saum Sutaria, MD, CEO of Tenet Healthcare, USPI's parent company, said the chain is doubling down on its high-acuity growth strategy. He cited growth at an ASC in Tennessee, where the center boosted revenue by 46 percent by replacing high-volume, low-acuity procedures with high-acuity orthopedic cases. Additionally, earlier this year, Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners inked a deal with ValueHealth to expand access to high-value surgical care and capitalize on cardiology's migration to the outpatient setting. Some payers are getting on board. Aetna dropped its policy to not cover cardiac PET/CT scans in July, and CMS recently added several cardiac procedures to the ASC covered procedure list, including diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures, peripheral vascular interventions, and placement of pacemakers and defibrillators. "The future looks bright for more total joint cases in the ASC, along with spine and cardiology. However, insurance carriers will need to revisit the procedures previously only allowed in the hospital setting to create an easy transition to ASCs," Brenda Carter, administrator of Wilmington (N.C.) Surgcare, told Becker's. "As the carriers have historically been slow to respond to changing trends, this may initially present some challenges. Franklin, Ind.-based Johnson Memorial Health spent six months trying to get their operations back to normal after Hive ransomware group infiltrated its networks in October 2021, but it is still feeling the effects of the cyberattack two years later, Side Effects Public Media reported March 27. In October 2021, Hive ransomware group left ransom notes on local servers demanding $3 million in Bitcoin after infiltrating the health system's network prompting its emergency department to divert ambulances, and forcing some of its critical systems offline, including its EHR system. The effects of the attack lasted months for the health system. "Our lives were absolute chaos and mayhem for months on end," Dona Thomas, an ER nurse at Johnson Memorial told the publication. "And we are still reeling from the effects of that." During the attack, the health system's obstetrics unit's secure gate system was taken offline and could not open, causing hospital staff to have to physically guard the doors. A remote translation service was also down, leaving clinicians to struggle to communicate with non-English speaking patients. Fetal monitors also went down and staff could not receive notifications to monitor vitals of women in labor and their fetuses. Johnson Memorial Health also couldn't bill for services as those systems were also affected. Although the health system has brought its systems back online, it took them a total of six months to do so, and has left long-lasting effects. Its revenue cycle has not yet recovered and its insurance claim from nearly two years ago has yet to be paid. Heidell, Pittoni, Murphy & Bach, a law firm that represented New York City area hospitals, has been forced to pay $200,000 to the state for its role in a 2021 data breach that compromised the health information of 114,000 patients. In addition to the penalties, the law firm must take measures to enhance its cybersecurity posture. The attacker was able to exploit a vulnerability in HPMB's Microsoft Exchange email server, according to a March 27 New York attorney general news release. Electronic health information, patient names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers were exposed as part of the breach. Delta (Colo.) County Memorial Hospital is looking for ways to stabilize its financial situation after discovering that nearly all of its cash on hand was being used to pay off debts when CFO Larry Vincent unexpectedly resigned March 13, The Denver Post reported March 28. One of the biggest stressors on the hospital was the $11 million in advance payments from CMS that the hospital paid back with at least $350,000 per month and payments sometimes exceeding $750,000. An audit of the hospital's finances found that Delta County Memorial had $9.7 million in debt at the end of 2021. The hospital will be able to pay employees, at least for the upcoming pay period. "We have the money, it's just encumbered," Jean Ceriani, president of Delta's board of directors, said at a board meeting Monday. "We need to figure out a way to make it available." McLaren St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee, Ohio, will lay off 743 workers when it permanently closes this spring, according to a notice filed with state regulators. The 300-bed hospital anticipates May 8 as its last day of accepting new patients, with employees notified of separations starting March 15 through May 15 "as operations wind down with low census and particular hospital functions no longer being needed," according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification. Of the 743 layoffs, 239 (32 percent) are registered nurses. Other roles with more than a dozen workers affected include physical therapists, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and pharmacy support staff, and nursing assistants. The hospital's COO is also affected, and s spokesperson for McLaren Health Care told Becker's other senior leadership roles are also affected by the layoffs. No physician roles were listed among the affected in the notice. When it announced the closure plans March 3, Grand Blanc, Mich.-based McLaren Health Care said it was working with Cincinnati-based Mercy Health to finalize an asset purchase agreement in which Mercy would acquire McLaren St. Luke's facilities, land and physical assets. As part of that agreement, McLaren said Mercy expected to extend employment to a "significant percentage of McLaren St. Luke's physicians and employees." The WARN notice does not specify how many McLaren employees would transition to Mercy. A spokesperson for Mercy shared the following statement with Becker's: "Mercy Health has held several career connection events tailored at offering a smooth transition to McLaren St. Lukes Hospital employees and is pleased to announce that more 400 McLaren St. Lukes staff members have signed commitment letters indicating that they will join the Mercy Health ministry. To date, 300 staff members, including 106 registered nurses, have secured positions at Mercy Health. Additionally, offers are expected to be finalized for approximately 100 more associates before the end of the month. They will start work for Mercy Health as McLaren proceeds through the closing process and releases them from their employment at McLaren St. Luke's. "During this transition process, Mercy Health is pleased to be offering competitive hiring packages for all associates considering employment with Mercy Health. Mercy Health has seven hospitals in the region, including Mercy Health Perrysburg Hospital located less than five miles from the current McLaren St. Luke's location and the closest full-service hospital to the Maumee community. "McLaren Health Care and Mercy Health remain in the process of finalizing an asset purchase agreement in which Mercy Health will acquire the McLaren St. Lukes facilities, land and physical assets, pending final due diligence. As this transition continues, Mercy Health is committed to engaging the community to develop a thoughtful go-forward plan." Athenahealth has upgraded its healthcare app marketplace with new features and capabilities that aim to help customers and partners find new tools that can improve clinical and operational performance. The marketplace, dubbed Athenahealth Marketplace, now offers search functionality, a new partner program, a marketplace and diversity and inclusion program, resource hub, and better automation, according to a March 21 release from Athenahealth. Athenahealth, which offers cloud-based services for electronic health records, launched Athenahealth Marketplace in 2013. A number of hospital and health system executives have recently stepped down or announced they would be stepping down from their positions. Here are eight hospital and health system executive departures that were reported by Becker's since March 6: 1. Jonathan Nalli, who serves as CEO and ministry market executive of Indianapolis-based Ascension St. Vincent and senior vice president with St. Louis-based Ascension, will be leaving his role April 28. Kevin Speer was named the new senior vice president and ministry market executive of Ascension St. Vincent, effective May 1. 2. Perry Gay resigned as president and CEO of Logansport (Ind.) Memorial Hospital. Mr. Gay resigned from his position March 22. David Ameen, who served as CEO of Logansport Memorial from 2010-2015 before retiring, was named interim CEO. 3. Steven Salyer will resign as CEO of Watsonville (Calif.) Community Hospital. In a prepared statement shared with The Pajaronian, Mr. Salyer said he is leaving for "family reasons." COO Matko Vranjes was named interim CEO of the hospital. 4. Kimberly Boynton stepped down as president and CEO of Syracuse, N.Y.-based Crouse Health. Seth Kronenberg, MD, who joined Crouse in 2014 and has served as chief medical officer and COO, took the helm March 17, according to a statement shared with Becker's. Ms. Boynton joined Crouse in 1998 in finance. She became CEO of Crouse in 2014 after serving as its CFO since 2003. 5. Craig Richmond resigned as CFO of Cleveland-based MetroHealth after nine years in the role. The resignation came months after MetroHealth's board of trustees fired former president and CEO Akram Boutros, MD, for allegedly authorizing more than $1.9 million in supplemental bonuses for himself, without disclosure to the board. Geoff Himes, the health system's former vice president of finance, was tapped as interim CFO. 6. Mark Foote resigned as CFO of Mariposa, Calif.-based John C. Fremont Hospital. Mr. Foote had been on the job five days. 7. Michael Zenn is set to step down as CEO of University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics in May and move into the new role of senior advisor for enterprise strategic initiatives within the university's office of the vice chancellor for health affairs. Mark Rosenblatt, MD, PhD, is set to serve as interim CEO. 8. Guy Hudson, MD, will be stepping down as CEO of Seattle-based Swedish Health Services and chief executive of Renton, Wash.-based Providence's north division. Dr. Hudson will step down as chief executive on April 1 and as president and CEO of Swedish on Sept. 30, according to a news release. Kevin Brooks, who has served as COO of Providence Swedish, was selected to serve as chief executive of Providence's north division, effective April 1. 9. Rand O'Leary will be stepping down as president of Bangor-based Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. Mr. O'Leary has accepted a new role as president of Henry Ford Health Wyandotte (Mich.) Hospital, according to a March 3 news release. Timothy Dentry, president and CEO of Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health, EMMC's parent company, will assume direct leader responsibility for EMMC on an interim basis, in addition to his current role. West Des Moines, Iowa-based MercyOne has named Keith Vollstedt, MD, chief medical officer of its Western Iowa division. He has served in the role on an interim basis since October, according to a March 27 news release. Dr. Vollstedt is a bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon with more than three decades of healthcare experience. After briefly retiring from surgical practice in 2021, he returned to MercyOne to serve as interim CMO. "Most of my career was spent working directly with patients," Dr. Vollstedt said. "However, I find, working in the hospital capacity as CMO allows for wider discussions about patient care and the delivery of high-quality care," he said. MercyOne Western Iowa includes Siouxland Medical Center, and several other community hospitals and health centers. Mount Sinai Health System has launched a new program to provide more career advancement opportunities for Black men within the organization. The New York City-based health system's Growth in Operations, Administrations, and Leadership Society initiative includes networking and mentoring efforts to increase the representation of Black men in middle and upper-level management jobs, according to a March 27 news release shared with Becker's. Efforts include partnering with executive leaders to grant members of the first cohort of the new GOALS initiative exclusive interviews for career advancement, according to the release. Executive leaders will also provide slots in their certificate courses for members as needed. Mount Sinai said cohort candidates will be handpicked GOALS members, interviewed by the GOALS counsel, and introduced to human resources for opportunities at open internal positions at the health system. The GOALS initiative will also include quarterly meetings and social networking mixers. The first cohort is set to launch this spring, according to Mount Sinai. To learn more about the initiative, click here. Activists rally in front of Chinese Embassy in Seoul to protest against China's repatriation of North Korean defectors in this 2012 file photo. The large blue banner in front of the protestors reads, "China urged not to send North Korean defectors back to the North." Korea Times file Humanitarian crisis looms as April 15 could be a turning point for North Korea's 3-year border closure, experts say By Kang Hyun-kyung Many North Korean defectors are believed to be detained in China, according to activists familiar with the situation. The number of North Korean detainees varies, depending on experts, but estimated figures range from 600 to 2,000. Once North Korea reopens its border with China sealed in January 2020 to keep out COVID carriers, Beijing is widely expected to repatriate the North Korean escapees back to the North as the country has done for decades. If the massive repatriation takes place, a humanitarian crisis will unfold. In the past, North Korean defectors faced human rights violations by the authorities in Pyongyang, including torture, beatings, sexual assaults and hard labor in prison camps. Citing sources, Seo Jae-pyeong, president of the Seoul-based non-profit group, Association for North Korean Defectors, said that about 1,000 North Korean escapees are said to be imprisoned in China. "They are defectors who crossed the border into China and were caught by the Chinese authorities as they are deemed illegal aliens," he told The Korea Times on Monday. Seo, also a North Korean defector, said the number of North Koreans currently held in Chinese prisons is a three-year estimate based on a yearly migration trend of 200 to 300 North Koreans crossing the China-North Korea border seeking better lives. The number of North Korean detainees continues to rise, as China has been unable to return them for three years due to the COVID-driven border closure. Activists present different estimates of the number of North Korean defectors detained in China. Seo said he personally believes the actual number of North Korean detainees in China would be lower than 1,000 as some activists claim. "I think the figure was a little bit inflated and it would be around 600 or so," he said, claiming that his number is based on information he heard from those with access to information, such as brokers in China and North Korea. Some others, however, claim the number of North Koreans held in China could be much higher than that. Elizabeth Salmon, the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of North Korea, said the number could be 2,000. "I received information that as many as 2,000 North Korean escapees are currently detained in China and some other escapees are held at the North Korean consulates in other countries, facing the risk of repatriation," she said during a video speech to the 18th General Meeting of the International Parliamentarians' Coalition for North Korean Refugees and Human Rights held on Sept. 15, 2022, in Washington D.C. An Chan-il, a North Korean defector, said an estimated figure of 2,000 would be the total number of North Koreans imprisoned in China, meaning that it includes criminals, such as drug dealers caught by the Chinese authorities for violating Chinese laws, rather than the pure number of undocumented North Koreans who were detained in Chinese prisons. Therefore, when and if North Korea lifts the border closure, the actual number of repatriates would be less than 2,000, he said. But Seo said the detainee figure is not an issue. What really matters is that at least hundreds of people will face repatriation en masse, which will lead to their brutal treatments in the North, he added. "Imagine what will happen if China sends them back to the North. It will be a disaster," he said. Citizens hold banners during a protest against China's repatriation of North Korean defectors in this 2012 file photo. Korea Times file The Chinese Embassy in Seoul said it has no official data on how many North Korean defectors are imprisoned in China. "We cannot confirm whether the number of North Korean detainees suggested by foreign agencies or groups is true or not," an official at the embassy told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity. For decades, China has repatriated undocumented North Koreans to the North, seeing them as illegal aliens who crossed the border illegally for economic reasons. China has drawn international condemnation for its repatriations. North Koreans, who managed to escape their country again after being sent back to the North, have testified about the appalling human rights violations they suffered. After Kim Jong-un succeeded his father as leader of the North in 2012, he imposed strict border controls to prevent residents from escaping from the reclusive state. The clock is ticking for China's repatriation of North Korean defectors en masse as North Korea appears set to reopen its border with China. Citing sources, Japanese media outlets reported, Monday, that the new Chinese Ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun arrived in the North, 15 months after his predecessor Li Jinjun left the country for a new position. Wang is believed to be the first foreign diplomat to arrive in North Korea since the country closed its border. It remains uncertain whether North Korea's acceptance of the new Chinese envoy signals that its strict border closure will be eased any time soon. Cheong Seong-chang, the director of the Center for North Korean Studies at Sejong Institute, said North Korea may gradually lift the border closure after April 15, the birthday of North Korea's founder Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of the current leader. "To my knowledge, North Korea initially planned to allow its workers in China to return home on Feb. 16 which is the birthday of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il," he said. Before the pandemic, North Korea had sent its nationals overseas to earn hard cash to finance its nuclear and missile programs and the regime's survival. China and Russia are two popular destinations for North Korean workers. Tens of thousands of North Korean nationals are believed to be working in China and they have not been allowed to return home since the COVID-19 pandemic. "If the North had to reschedule the date of their arrivals due to crop shortages or other reasons, it will probably try it again after April 15," said Cheong. "Once the North Korean workers return home, the North will partially reopen its border to visitors and will selectively allow foreigners to enter the country." An said North Korea's border could reopen soon. "Currently there are various signs that show that North Korea is trying to resume trade with China. So I guess the border closure to foreigners and visitors from China may be lifted after April 15," he said. Seo concurred with other experts that April 15 could be the starting point from when the North can consider allowing visitors from China to enter. But he added that he could not rule out the possibility that North Korea delays reopening its border until June. Washington (Pa.) Health System one of only three independent health systems in the Pittsburgh area may be considering a merger, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported March 28. The health system is involved in merger negotiations with Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health and other large health systems, according to three sources described by the newspaper as "people with knowledge of the negotiations" who were "not authorized to speak publicly about them." The newspaper suggests that a partnership or acquisition is not unlikely. Highmark Health and Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Health signed a strategic partnership in 2017, including a commitment for a shared $1 billion investment in a community health network. And Highmark's Allegheny Health Network currently owns Canonsburg (Pa.) Hospital, six miles from Washington Hospital. Furthermore, Washington Health System has no bond debt, which is a favorable trait for potential acquirers. "We are routinely engaging in discussions with independent providers in the region about how we can work together to better meet the healthcare needs of the community," Highmark Health spokesperson Dan Laurent told the newspaper. Washington Health System and UPMC which collaborates with the independent system to provide cancer care both declined to comment on the newspaper's story. Becker's also reached out to Washington Health System. A representative declined to comment on the article. Resident physicians employed by Detroit Education & Research and working at Detroit Medical Center hospitals are seeking a unionization election. On March 24, the American Federation of Teachers Michigan filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board asking to allow resident physicians to vote on whether to unionize. The new bargaining unit would include about 1,300 resident physicians, interns and medical fellows, according to the filing. "Our organizing campaign has been going extremely well with an overwhelming majority of residents choosing to sign cards supporting the union and our right to collective bargaining," Justin Bria, MD, a third-year resident in the surgery department, said in a union news release. "This organizing effort has been successful because residents know that through a union we can bargain together for the resources, respect and support we deserve on the job while ensuring patients are receiving the best care possible and improving the hospital system as a whole." Representatives of Detroit Education & Research did not immediately respond to a request from Law360 for comment March 27. Detroit Medical Center shared the following statement with Becker's: "We are committed to working with our trainees to ensure they continue to receive the most advanced and comprehensive medical training in a supportive environment. "We believe any concerns related to the program can best be addressed and resolved by working collaboratively with Graduate Medical Education and hospital operations leadership without the involvement of a third party." The effort in Detroit is among the latest by physicians across the U.S. to unionize. A number of factors are driving the trend. Physicians are seeking greater investments by hospitals in working conditions, staffing and other resources needed to provide patient care. Hospitals and health systems, meanwhile, emphasize their commitment to quality care and these professionals during a challenging time in healthcare. They also express their preference to work directly with workers. Health systems have been partnering with tech companies on artificial intelligence, mobile apps and telehealth. Here are five of those collaborations Becker's reported on in March. 1. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic formalized an agreement March 14 with Google to "explore further research, model development and commercialization." Over the past three years, the collaboration has been studying how to use AI to improve radiotherapy treatment. 2. Portland-based MaineHealth is piloting the use of Dragon Ambient Experience, a tool to record and transcribe patient conversations from Microsoft AI subsidiary Nuance, the Bangor Daily News reported March 21. IT leaders from Renton, Wash.-based Providence and Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health also praised the new platform, which uses OpenAI's GPT-4 technology. 3. Seattle Children's integrates Zoom-powered video visits into its mobile app, its developers told Becker's for a March 20 story. 4. Health systems with Epic EHRs have been leaning toward Microsoft Azure for their cloud migration, a March 21 KLAS Research report found. 5. Salisbury, Md.-based TidalHealth merged its Epic MyChart patient portal with the Apple Health app March 23. Major hospital groups are ramping up resistance to physician-owned hospitals, which were checked by the Affordable Care Act but have recently become subject of renewed attention. Physician-owned hospitals have been largely quiet in conversations about hospitals over the past decade-plus due to the Affordable Care Act. Enacted in 2010, the law placed a number of restrictions on POHs, including a prohibition on expanding the capacity of existing Medicare-certified POHs unless they meet certain exceptions and a moratorium on the establishment of new Medicare-certified POHs. In December 2022, POHs regained some industry attention when CMS granted a "high Medicaid facility" expansion request from Edinburg, Texas-based Doctors Hospital at Renaissance to establish a new physician-owned hospital 55 miles away in Brownsville. The Federation of American Hospitals, which represents investor-owned hospitals, heavily criticized the development as unlawful and argued that the 55-mile distance between DHR's main campus and new location makes it "a thinly veiled attempt to set up a new POH in a new service area." Shortly after that development, in February, more than a dozen Republican lawmakers reintroduced legislation that would repeal the ACA's ban on POHs. The bill, dubbed the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act, received support from the American Medical Association and Physician-Led Healthcare for America. "The hospital industry has long argued that physicians cherry-picked healthy patients and preferred those with private insurance as a rationale for supporting the ban on physician-owned hospitals," legislation co-sponsor Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., co-authored with an assistant professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, likening the ban on physician-owned hospitals to the absurdity of a ban on chef-owned restaurants. Now, a new report jointly issued by the FAH and American Hospital Association reasserts the idea that POHs cherry pick. The March 23 report, prepared by health economics and policy consulting firm Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, suggests POHs are outliers compared to their non-POH counterparts due in large part to their patient populations and acuity. Based on an analysis of 163 POHs and 3,020 non-POHs, the report contends that POHs generally treat a population that is younger, less complex or comorbid, and less likely to be dually eligible or non-white, the report states. They also have higher margins and lower unreimbursed and uncompensated care costs as a percent of net patient revenue compared to non-POHs. "If there was ever any doubt, the evidence against POHs is as crystal clear today as it was when Congress passed the self-referral ban in 2010," FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn said in a statement. "Weakening or unwinding the current ban opens the door further to the very behaviors that Congress sought to prevent." "The growth of physician-owned hospitals was restricted by Congress for good reasons and those remain valid today as this analysis shows," AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said in a statement. "Physician-owned hospitals undermine our nation's health care safety-net and jeopardize access to care by cherry-picking the most profitable cases and avoiding patients with complex conditions and lower-reimbursing coverage." While the new Tisch Cancer Hospital at New York City-based Mount Sinai Hospital will not officially open completely until 2027, new "patient-centric" treatment initiatives, inspired by the promise of the state-of-the-art facility, are already being added to protocols at the Tisch Cancer Center. Two cancer experts have been hired to lead the new Tisch Cancer Hospital: Cardinale Smith, MD, PhD, was appointed chief medical officer and vice president of cancer clinical affairs and Ash Tewari, MD, was appointed surgeon-in-chief. Dr. Smith will oversee clinical operations and inpatient oncology units at the hospital and throughout the Mount Sinai health system, adding she will be "responsible for the patient's journey from start to finish." Dr. Tewari will oversee surgical oncology at the new hospital in addition to doing departmental research and teaching missions. "We are literally taking care of thousands of cancer patients right now," Dr. Tewari told Becker's. "While we wait for the new building, the care is already going on. Even without the new physical structure, every part of our new protocols can start functioning today because patients are here." By 2025, Dr. Smith said she expects half the building will be completed and her team will begin to see patients there. When the full hospital is completed in 2027, Mount Sinai's cancer care operations will move there. The new four-floor hospital will have 72 single-bed patient rooms and will feature several clinical spaces to ease patient transitions between stages of cancer treatment. She said that among other initiatives, two new programs that will be fully operational when the new building opens are far along in the development process and are being piloted. Mount Sinai at Home is especially helpful for cancer patients, Dr. Smith said, as they are now able to be discharged from the hospital sooner after treatment. "[This includes] some populations of patients, for example, who have historically been admitted for certain types of chemotherapy and then had to stay in the hospital until their white blood cell counts rise before they are discharged," she said. "Now we are doing a discharge to home where they're continuing their hospitalization at home. They still get hospital-level care by the clinicians who are already caring for them but in their own homes." Similarly, Mount Sinai oncologists are piloting an initiative that allows patients who receive novel cancer therapies, including Car T treatment or Bispecific T-cell Engager technology, to do remote patient monitoring. "These therapies have a high risk of toxic side effects, including Cytokine release syndrome," Dr. Smith said. "Now we are able to send these patients home and monitor their vital signs while they're in the home setting. If anything were to happen, we could bring them in right away." In addition to leading these pilot programs, the leaders are part of the development of the new hospital, which Dr. Smith said will be patient-focused. "There will be a lot of glass that brings light into the space; it will be like bringing the outside in," she said. The new building also will offer amenities such as meditation and art therapy as well as wellness spaces. Most hospitals are designed and constructed with a focus on meeting the needs of the hospital staff. In the case of Tisch Cancer Center, however, "We are really thinking through to figure out how we design this hospital to meet the needs of the patients and their loved ones who are managing and dealing and living with this illness," Dr. Smith said. State health officials cited St. Luke's Hospital-Monroe Campus for failing to properly monitor a patient experiencing suicidal ideation, The Morning Call reported March 27. The Pennsylvania Department of Health investigated the Stroudsburg, Pa.-based hospital in November after leaders voluntarily reported a safety event that occurred two months prior. The hospital admitted a patient experiencing suicidal thoughts, alcohol withdrawal, manic delirium and a skin infection to the hospital's inpatient psychiatric unit on Sept. 15 under one-to-one observation. On Sept. 16, the patient was switched to virtual observation, but there was no documentation about changes to their suicide status, per hospital policy. On Sept. 17, caregivers caught the patient trying to wrap a pillowcase around their neck, and the individual was placed back on one-to-one observation. "The patient received excellent care, was always safe and suffered zero harm. This is about documentation," Don Seiple, president of St. Luke's-Monroe, told The Morning Call. "The state's report identified opportunities for St. Luke's to make its internal reporting processes even better so as to improve the documentation of treatment involving the remote monitoring of behavioral health patients and we have already updated our internal guidance accordingly." The hospital is also reeducating staff members on the hospital's suicide risk screening and prevention policy, and auditing all records of patients at risk for suicide to ensure proper protocols are being followed, among other corrective actions. Four drugs listed as products with the greatest risk of supply disruption and vulnerability after a U.S. drugmaker closed in February are on back order. The U.S. now has no supply of four others. The backordered drugs are tropicamide 1% ophthalmic solution, orphenadrine citrate injection, sufentanil, and fluorescein sodium injection solutions. These shortages are partly because Akorn Operating Co., a Gurnee, Ill.-based drugmaker, shut down all operations, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Akorn made 100 percent of the nation's supply of calcitriol injection, alfentanil injection, dimercaprol injection and physostigmine salicylate injection solutions. All four are discontinued. A few weeks after Akorn shuttered all production, the End Drug Shortages Alliance compiled a report of 16 drugs most vulnerable to supply disruptions based on the drug company's market share and the likelihood of whether a product will be in shortage by March 2024. Three of the discontinued drugs are an essential medication, according to Vizient. For backordered products, here are the shortage details and mitigation strategies: 1. Tropicamide 1% ophthalmic solution: Akorn's solution is unavailable and two drugmakers, Bausch Health and Sandoz, have their solutions on back order. Bausch Health told ASHP it cannot estimate a release date for its 2 milliliter bottles, and Sandoz said it estimates a resupply date of its 15 milliliter bottles in April. Alcon has Mydriacyl and Somerset has tropicamide 1% ophthalmic drops available, according to ASHP. The anticholinergic agent is used to produce mydriasis and cycloplegia in diagnostic procedures, according to the report. Other suppliers may have the product, and "for healthy eye penalization, nonpharmacological options may be considered," the End Drug Shortages Alliance wrote. Akorn accounted for 33 percent of the drug's market share, and its vulnerability score is 89.9 percent. 2. Orphenadrine citrate injection: There are no presentations available, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals has its 30 milligram/mL, 2 milliliter solutions on back order with a release date of mid-April. Hikma did not provide a reason for the back order, according to ASHP. The report said there are no mitigation strategies for the muscle relaxer used to treat muscle spasms and pain. Akorn made 75 percent of the market share, and the drug has a 57.1 percent vulnerability score. 3. Sufentanil injection: Three of Akorn's solutions 1 milliliter, 2 milliliter and 5 milliliter ampoules are not available, and the ASHP did not list any available products. Pfizer has its 1 milliliter vial on back order and estimates a release date in April. The report said healthcare workers should "evaluate use of other opioids in this class as an alternative," such as fentanyl and remifentanil. Sufentanil is used to relieve pain during and after procedures such as childbirth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Akorn was responsible for 79 percent of the market share, and the drug has a 81.8 percent vulnerability score. 4. Fluorescein sodium injection: Increased demand pushed Alcon Labs' 10 percent, 5 milliliter vial of Fluorescite (fluorescein sodium injection) into a shortage, the drugmaker told ASHP. Whether the solution is on back order or on allocation, or when its shortage will end, was not stated. The drug "is considered the gold standard for diagnostic use in evaluating certain disorders, such as retinal vasculitis," the report said. For clinical uses, the End Drug Shortages Alliance recommended reserving supply for "essential" diagnostic purposes, using indocyanine green if appropriate, and consulting with ophthalmology specialists. Akorn made 82 percent of the market share, and the supply chain vulnerability score was not reported. For discontinued drugs, here are the details and mitigation strategies: 1. Calcitriol injection, an essential drug, is a vitamin D drug used for managing hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis, according to the report. "It significantly reduces elevated parathyroid hormone levels which has been shown to result in an improvement in renal osteodystrophy," the alliance said. Akorn's 1 microgram/milliliter, 1 mL ampoule is discontinued, according to ASHP. "Calcimimetics, calcitriol, or vitamin D analogs, or a combination may be utilized" in some patients, the report said, adding that some conversion ratios have been studied. Another mitigation strategy is using oral calcitriol formulations. Its vulnerability score is 82.4 percent. 2. Alfentanil injection: There are no more 2 milliliter or 5 milliliter solutions, according to ASHP. A vulnerability score was not reported, and the recommended mitigation strategy is to consider use of other opioids in this class as an alternative, including fentanyl and remifentanil. 3. Dimercaprol injection is an essential medication with a 28.6 percent vulnerability score. It's an antidote intended to treat heavy metal poisoning, including arsenic, gold, lead and mercury, the report said. "Akorn [was] the sole manufacturer of dimercaprol and there are no other intramuscular chelating agents for heavy metal poisoning on the market," the report said. For clinical uses, recommended strategies include considering the use of oral succimer when appropriate and consulting with the "regional poison control center or institutional toxicologists to ensure administration is necessary on a case-by-case basis." 4. Physostigmine salicylate injection is an essential medication with an 88.4 percent vulnerability score. It is a "reversible carbamate anticholinesterase inhibitor indicated to reverse the effect on the central nervous system caused by clinical or toxic dosages of drugs capable of producing anticholinergic syndrome," the report said. "In past shortages of physostigmine, oral rivastigmine a tertiary amine has been used as a treatment alternative for patients with anticholinergic delirium; however, limited evidence does not allow for recommending this product for routine use for this indication." The End Drug Shortages Alliance recommends that, in clinical uses, workers save remaining supply for patients when pure anticholinergic poisoning is suspected and for those who need the "reversal of significant toxic anticholinergic effects on the central nervous system," including instances of moderate to severe agitation or delirium. The report also recommends consulting with toxicologists and poison control centers. Antibiotics are overprescribed or inappropriately prescribed between 30 and 50 percent of the time, according to a recent study, but the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in hospital settings can reduce costs and antimicrobial consumption significantly. Growing antibiotic resistance has been noted as an increasing health threat by the United Nations and could lead to 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050. The challenges of antibiotic resistance are what prompted researchers to look at the effectiveness antibiotic stewardship programs can have. The study, published in Nature, looked at consumption, cost and antibiogram patterns in 2,367 patients who took at least one targeted antibiotic meropenem, colistin or tigecycline during their hospital stay. Results were tracked over the course of 20 months at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine for both pre- and post-implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs. The hospital's stewardship program included regular rounds by an infectious disease specialist and an infectious disease pharmacist, who were also available for consultation during off-hours. The hospital also put a pre-authorization process in place for several restricted antibiotics, except in cases of emergency. Researchers found not only that there were increases in bacterial susceptibility to several of the drugs after the stewardship program was implemented, cost savings were also identified. "The program's benefits were observed not only in the clinical aspect but also in the financial aspect, where the mean cost of selected antimicrobials was significantly reduced by 55.5 percent in the post-[antibiotic stewardship program] phase," researchers wrote. As a result, researchers recommend adoption of antibiotic stewardship programs and that hospitals continue to "closely follow its impacts, and adjust interventions accordingly to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve last-line therapeutic regimens." Some employees at Walgreens will not see any "further" wage increases, the chain's CEO said March 28. "We did go to $15 an hour, and that's spreading out over a period of time at our hourly rate," Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer said during an investor call. "And then we also made the investment to [regain] the pharmacy talent in our stores. And it's working for us. Right now, we don't see any advanced needs in that area to move on labor any further." In August, The Wall Street Journal reported on Walgreens posting pharmacist job positions with bonuses ranging from $30,000 to $75,000. Walgreens told Becker's in January it saw "positive staffing trends for the past several months" and recently hired thousands of pharmacists and other staff members. During the March 28 call, Ms. Brewer said the company is seeing more control over staffing shortages and does not plan to raise base wages above $15 an hour. The CDC has recently called attention to the growing threat posed by Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that spreads rapidly in healthcare facilities and can cause severe illness among immunocompromised people. C. auris is generally not a threat to healthy individuals but poses significant risk to "people who are very sick, have invasive medical devices, or have long or frequent stays in healthcare facilities," according to the CDC, which has deemed the fungus an "urgent antimicrobial resistance threat" due to its resistance to multiple antifungal treatments, ability to spread quickly and cause severe infections. Five things to know from recent studies and reports: 1. Clinical cases of C. auris, meaning infection is present, grew 95 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to new findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Overall, 3,270 infections were reported in the U.S. from 2016 when the first clinical case was reported through 2021. 2. The same study found there were 7,413 screening cases, situations where the fungus is detected but does not lead to infection, from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, the number of cases that were resistant to antifungal drugs tripled from 2019 to 2021. 3. Since November, at least 12 people in Mississippi have been infected with C. auris, with four deaths possibly linked to the cluster of infections, according to a March 20 report from NBC News. The state's health department has been monitoring transmission at two long-term care facilities. In the last year, clusters of C. auris infections have also been reported in a Detroit specialty hospital and a Nevada hospital. 4. Recent findings related to C. auris underscore larger challenges and issues surrounding hospitals' infection control efforts, experts told The Washington Post in a March 21 report. Health experts said staffing and financial challenges have made infection control standards more difficult to stick to. "That is why we continue to advocate for needed financial support to hospitals and for supportive workforce resources and policies across all levels of government," Akin Demehin, senior director of policy at the American Hospital Association, told the news outlet 5. The CDC recommends five drugs to treat infections from the fungus: anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin and, in some cases, liposomal amphotericin B and amphotericin B deoxycholate. The ruling People Power Party leader Kim Gi-hyeon, right, shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming for a photo during their meeting at the National Assembly in western Seoul, March 28. Yonhap The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) met with Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming on Tuesday, and discussed bilateral relations and cooperation on North Korea. Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon said during the meeting that relations between the two countries have made strides over the past 30 years, and called for further improving the bilateral cooperation in the economy and other issues. Kim also expressed hope Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Seoul, noting Xi's remarks during a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol in November that he will visit South Korea at the right time when the COVID-19 situation is stabilized. Kim also called for a resumption of the trilateral summit between South Korea, China and Japan. The summit, which kicked off in 2008, has been suspended since 2019. Kim asked China to play a "constructive" role to get North Korea back to the negotiating table. North Korea has intensified its weapons tests in recent weeks in apparent protest of Seoul and Washington's expanded military exercises, which the regime views as rehearsals for an invasion. Xing said China will work to cooperate with South Korea on various matters, including a possible resumption of the trilateral summit among Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo as the leaders of the two countries have agreed they are "inseparable" partners. (Yonhap) When inefficient workflows and antiquated communication tools are added to an already-stressful emergency department (ED) environment, physician burnout increases, and both staff and patient satisfaction plummets. In a March Becker's Hospital Review webinar sponsored by TigerConnect, Jessica Carlson, MSN, RN, clinical nursing support manager at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, described her organization's workflow and communication challenges, how TigerConnect helped resolve these difficulties, and results Sharp Memorial has achieved. Four key takeaways were: Sharp Memorial had unique ED complexities. Besides the typical complexities associated with an ED, Sharp Memorial also had a complicated call system involving three large medical groups, antiquated communications pathways, and inefficient workflows. According to Ms. Carlson, this 62-bed emergency department and Level II trauma center had not focused on physician-to-physician communication prior to initiating a project to modernize communication and workflows. "We believed this could be fairly straightforward and could potentially have significant impacts," she said. "We started by looking for opportunities to optimize efficiency." Carlson shared this ED to Inpatient workflow example to illustrate the previous communication process: Once a physician decides to admit a patient, the physician asks a clerk to page the hospitalist. The clerk reviews which hospitalist is on call and notifies the hospital operator, who sends a one-way pager notification with limited information to the hospitalist. The hospitalist calls the clerk back, who then puts the call on hold to find the ED physician. By this time, the physician may be pulled away to assist a different patient. "There were too many people involved, too many interruptions, and too much time spent waiting by all parties," she said. "We learned that at least 20 percent of the time, the hospitalist took 15 to 20 minutes to return a page to discuss an admission. This is zero-value-added time." Sharp Memorial implemented TigerConnect to provide two-way, HIPAA-compliant communication, simplifying the existing workflow. "We needed to streamline and modernize the workflow by reducing the number of people involved and leveraging HIPAA-compliant technology," Carlson explained. TigerConnect provided a two-way closed-loop communication between physicians on their cell phones and an integration with the hospitals physician scheduling tool to ensure the right doctors were getting notified at the right time. Widespread implementation and adoption took only two months. TigerConnect has helped Sharp Memorial improve response time, decrease delays and streamline physician on-call assignments. "Since implementation, we have seen a 72 percent improvement in the average response time for all admissions; the average response time is now 3.2 minutes," Ms. Carlson said. "The solution automatically switches from the outgoing physician to the oncoming physician during on-call changes, requires a single sign-on, and allows for group messaging and forwarding. It has helped reduce physician burnout and improved patient satisfaction. The impact of TigerConnect has been dramatic." Critical success factors included having executive support, forming a multidisciplinary team, and setting pre- and post-implementation metrics. "It was important that we had a commitment from leadership to seek out a solution to fix an age-old problem," Ms. Carlson said. "Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and having shared decision-making contributed to the success of this project. Pre- and post-implementation metrics for response time helped secure physician buy-in and adoption. Finally, having ED leadership set clear expectations that TigerConnect will be the primary method of communication going forward was huge." By implementing a HIPAA-compliant, clinical communication and collaboration platform like TigerConnect, hospitals can improve ED throughput and reduce ED overcrowding with a streamlined ED admissions process. Efficient ED workflows remove communication gaps leading to an increase in ED capacity, reduced length of stay and improved provider and patient satisfaction. To register for upcoming webinars, click here. United Musculoskeletal Partners has added Orthopedic Associates to its network, management services organization said March 28. Orthopedic Associates was founded in 1976 and has 11 physicians. It has locations in Flower Mound and Northlake, Texas. The practice's addition marks UMP's sixth partnership in the state, according to a news release. "Joining the UMP platform is the next step in our evolution as a practice," Orthopedic Associates surgeon Ian Wilkofsky, MD, said in the release. "Our physicians and staff are active members of our communities and are dedicated to providing the very best orthopedic care in the region. UMP offers unique resources that will enhance the patient experience even further and help us continue to grow." UMP now has 29 total locations and 80 physicians in Texas. Two former Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System orthopedic surgeons Julie Adams, MD, and Scott Steinmann, MD and former CIO Stephen Adams, MD, have filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the system alleging Medicaid fraud, according to a March 27 report from the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The lawsuit accuses hospital leaders of knowingly overlapping surgeries and allowing trainees to operate on patients without physician supervision. Erlanger would then bill for two or three surgeries taking place in the same time frame. Medicare and Tennessee's Medicare program, TennCare, require a supervising physician to be present for each surgery to receive federal payment. "The surgeries were often scheduled to start within 15 to 30 minutes of one another and, in the case of three overlapping bookings, two or more surgeries frequently occurred entirely within the duration of a third," the lawsuit reads. "This routine practice meant unwitting patients were subjected to longer-than-necessary operating-room times and charges, often under anesthesia, often in the care of trainees, and nearly always without the backup of a properly qualified surgeon, despite legal requirements." Dr. Julie Adams, Dr. Steinmann and Dr. Stephen Adams allege that when they raised concerns about safety and compliance with the health system, they were terminated. The three physicians are seeking damages for a "malicious and unlawful campaign of retaliation," according to court documents. "Erlanger has worked with and otherwise fully cooperated with the government's review of the claims as they relate to Erlanger over the past 18 months. Erlanger disputes the merit of the allegations," Erlanger spokesperson Blaine Kelley told the Times Free Press. "No instances of patient harm relating to these allegations have been identified." Industry group warns that government help is needed for the sector to reach full potential Growth in hotel rooms in Northern Ireland has become sluggish since the pandemic despite 1bn in investment in the last 20 years, a report has said. Tributes have been paid to economist John Simpson, the longest-serving contributor to the Belfast Telegraph and a much-respected figure in public life, following his death. Mr Simpson died on Monday, aged 90, in Antrim Area Hospital after a short illness. He leaves two daughters, Joanne and Susan, and grandsons Ryan and Connor. Joanne said they had simply loved granddad and that her father had been an unassuming man. Mr Simpson wrote regular columns for the Business Telegraph and sister magazine Ulster Business. He was the author of the Belfast Telegraphs Top 100 Companies, a flagship publication which he led for more than 20 years. A former economics lecturer at Queens University, he was also a frequent commentator on the economy and business on other media. Mr Simpson was also a long-serving chairman of the panel of judges at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, stepping down in 2018. Eoin Brannigan, Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life editor-in-chief, said: I was very sorry to hear about Johns death. I had the pleasure of sitting with him at one of our Top 100 events and found him fascinating company with plenty of stories to keep all within earshot entertained. "His knowledge of business, local and international, was second to none, and the respect in which he was held was clear. My condolences to his daughters and grandsons. Belfast Telegraph Business Editor Margaret Canning said: John made a huge contribution to our coverage and we will truly miss him. "He kept a watchful eye on companies performance, public spending and economic trends. The breadth of his knowledge was and still is unmatched. "He was always utterly impartial and independent-minded, and that ensured he had the ear of many influential people. "John was always ready to provide a comment on the economy and company results to us. It didnt matter how much or how little you knew about the subject you were calling him about he was always so obliging and treated everyone equally. "He was consistently good-humoured, and when you called him up with a query and asked how he was, he would always quip Im awake! "True to his unflagging work ethic, John was concerned about his deadlines right up until the end. Well miss him hugely. John Mulgrew, Editor of Ulster Business, described him as an important voice in the economic and business community who had contributed to the magazine for many years. It was clear he had a bank and wealth of knowledge which made him a great inquisitor. He was also never afraid of speaking his mind, or asking the tough questions as and when they were required bringing a wide and expansive level of knowledge to the table. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Deric Henderson, former editor of PA Ireland, recalled Johns work at the Belfast Telegraph during his time, from 1973 to 1980. "He was a fantastic soldier and just didnt stop. It felt like he was a permanent fixture, and I thought he would go on for ever and ever. "He was a prodigious writer and just put out so much material. Also paying tribute was former First Minister Dame Arlene Foster. She said: "So very sorry to hear about John Simpsons passing. I really enjoyed talking to him especially when I was Enterprise minister. A mine of information especially on energy policy. Deepest sympathy to Johns family. Current DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: I met John many times on the margins of debating panels and admired his love for Northern Ireland, his ideas about our public services and tremendous grasp of economics. We will be remembering his family and colleagues in prayer as they grieve his sad loss. UUP MLA Steve Aiken said: "John Simpson was both a friend and a mentor to me. An economist who instinctively understood our circumstances in Northern Ireland. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he was deeply saddened, adding: His skill and insight will be missed. An Irish Goodbye star James Martin has been named as Outstanding Newcomer at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Ireland Awards 2023. Originally founded in London as the Television Society in 1927, the Irish centre was launched in 1995. Its annual gala event celebrates the breadth of talent in the TV sector across the island of Ireland. As well as the category awards, the RTS Ireland committee present an Outstanding Newcomer accolade in recognition of emerging screen talent. Oscars winners back in Belfast to celebrate success of short film An Irish Goodbye Oscar sensation James Martin received the award this year, with the RTS describing him as an actor who has made his mark on both Irish and international audiences this year, through his excellent portrayal of his characters on screen. The society added: His latest work includes the role of Danny Armstrong in Netflix/ITV series Marcella and his portrayal of Lorcan in the Oscar-winning best Short Film, An Irish Goodbye. James played one of the lead roles in An Irish Goodbye, which won the coveted statuette for Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards earlier this month, with the ceremony also falling on James 31st birthday. Presenter-Caitlin Nic Aoidh, James Martin ( An Irish Goodbye) Presenter- Cormac O hEadhra The black comedy was co-written and co-directed by a fellow Belfast native, Ross White, who described James as the beating heart of our film. It doesnt matter if you have Down syndrome, James told the BBC following the Oscars event, which saw hundreds of Hollywoods finest A-listers sing Happy Birthday to him in LAs Dolby Theatre. "As long as you do what you do and I do what I can to be funny. Im the first person with Down syndrome to win not just a Bafta but an Oscar especially on my birthday, its fantastic, he added. Agnes Cogan, chair of the RTS in the Republic of Ireland, said James has been lighting up our screens recently, particularly with his unforgettable portrayal of the lovable Lorcan. James has also starred in the 2017 BBC drama Ups and Downs, which earned him an award for Best Actor at the New York City TV festival in 2019. He then took a role in the third season of Anna Friels TV series Marcella, where he played the role of Danny Armstrong, the brother of a low-level drug dealer who runs into problems with a dangerous crime family. Two restaurants in Northern Ireland have made it onto The Sunday Times annual top 10 list of the best restaurants in Ireland. James Street in Belfast took the highest spot in the catalogue for NI, claiming fourth, while Coleraines Lir: Native Seafood came sixth. Overall, 12 Northern Irish eateries made the newspaper brands top 100 index. In Holywood, Co Down, three businesses are on the list for 2023; Frae, Lynchpin and Noble. Artis and Scarpello & Co in Derry also cut the mustard. NI has three Michelin-star restaurants all in Belfast with Ox and The Muddlers Club both making The Sunday Times cut. However, Deanes Eipic missed out, despite its owner and culinary veteran Michael Deane winning the Mentor of the Year award at the Michelin 2023 guide on Monday. Further Belfast inclusions on The Sunday Times list were Stock Kitchen which is upstairs from St Georges Market Hill Streets Waterman, and Flout Pizza on the Newtownards Road, which was also recently given a 10 out of 10 rating by world-famous blogger account, Food Review Club. Library Street in Dublin was crowned number one altogether, followed by Goldie in Cork and Big Mikes in Blackrock, Dublin. A statement from The Sunday Times reads: This years list focuses on the most exciting and vital rooms to eat modern and creative Irish cooking. The Top Ten Hottest Dining Rooms capture the spirit of modern Irish cooking and hospitality using local Irish ingredients found close to their location. Compiled by renowned food critics John and Sally McKenna, this is their fourth decade covering the Hundred Best Restaurants in Ireland and their seventh edition with The Sunday Times. Describing James Street, John and Sally praised executive head chef Ryan Stringers local links to his home county. "Stringer goes back to his Tyrone roots when it comes to steak: he hails from Dungannon and sources his meats from the peerless Lisdergan Butchery of Fintona, they said. "The result is meat cookery of the highest standard, and if we suggest the crab and chilli linguine to start and the 70 per cent chocolate tart for dessert, you will have experienced the perfect meal. Twenty years old, and frisky as a pup, James Street is on top form. Meanwhile, Lir, which is based at Coleraine Marina and is the creation of local couple Stevie and Rebekah McCarry, was regarded so highly due to its strictly wild style. "The squid snack, for example, comes as a bhaji, noted John and Sally. "The john dory is transformed into a schnitzel. Monkfish and coley are transmuted into chorizo or lomo. Always dreamt of a monkfish sausage roll? You can stop dreaming and go to Coleraine. No one else attempts this wild reimagining of seafood, where the raw ingredients and the culinary context in which they are served are transformed into brilliantly avant garde creations. "Avant garde seafood? Eating is believing. Daytime offers coffees and Native Seafood lunches; dinner is the full Lir imaginarium. You can view the full top 100 list here. National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han attends a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, March 28. Yonhap The presidential office denied a news report Tuesday that it is considering replacing National Security Adviser Kim Sung-han. The Donga Ilbo newspaper reported Kim could be replaced over a planning issue related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to the United States next month. The paper also said Yoon is considering reshuffling his lineup of foreign policy and defense aides. "That article is different from the truth," a presidential official told reporters. (Yonhap) The institution did welcome practical adjustments to existing NI Protocol The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has voted unanimously not to support a return to the Stormont Executive until issues posed by the Northern Ireland Protocol and subsequent Windsor Framework deal have been resolved. Members of the Orange Institution said they met on Saturday to debate a comprehensive review of the Frameworks content and impact. In a statement, the organisation said: We have measured the content of the Framework against our publicly stated opposition to the existing Northern Ireland Protocol. The Windsor Framework has delivered some limited, but welcome practical adjustments to the existing Protocol. These changes were brought about as a result of unionisms determined and united opposition to its implementation. However, it does not resolve the fundamental concerns which were articulated in the text of the Anti-Protocol Declaration of September 2021. Many aspects of the Windsor Framework have been oversold. The proposed Green Lane is not a frictionless border. Substantial levels of bureaucracy which will disadvantage traders, hauliers and consumers remain and trade is clearly not unfettered as within Great Britain. If it were, there would be no need for a Green Lane. The Windsor Framework continues to treat Northern Ireland as a place apart within the United Kingdom and equal citizenship has not been restored. Article 6 of the Act of Union remains in suspension and as such, Northern Ireland continues to be a semi-detached part of the economic Union the Act created. The Windsor Framework, which was unveiled in February, is a legal agreement designed to adapt the current NI Protocol. It was formally signed off on between the UK government and the European Union last Friday. Under the Windsor Framework, the new Green Lane means that goods coming from trusted traders in the UK to NI will not have to undergo paperwork, checks and customs controls. Article 6, which the statement refers to, is a part of the Acts of Union, that came into effect on January 1, 1801 and essentially formed the United Kingdom. Article 6 ensures that Northern Ireland has the guaranteed and unfettered right to trade freely within the United Kingdom. The DUP are continuing to oppose a return to power-sharing which collapsed last year following the partys concerns over the Protocol as its leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson claimed the Framework did not deal with fundamental problems created by the Protocol, including this aspect of Article 6 needing to be fulfilled and the avoidance of any diversion of trade. The Orange Order seems to support and echo Mr Donaldsons position. The Order has also said that the UK government must create new legislation which reframes and protects the trading relationship between GB and NI so as to fully restore Article 6 of the Act of Union and create truly frictionless trade. "The UK Government has the power and legislative authority to do this without the involvement of the EU as it would exclusively deal with internal UK trade issues, they added. Another issue mentioned is the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which can apply EU laws here unless 30 MLAs or more object to the legislation, thus triggering the Stormont Brake, under the Framework. At that point, the UK government has the power to veto future EU law which would otherwise apply to Northern Ireland under the Protocol. However, a government minister can ignore the 30 MLAs if the minister considers there are exceptional circumstances that justify the adoption of the decision in the absence of an applicability motion having been passed or that the new EU act would not create a new regulatory border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Orange Order thus continued: The Windsor Framework does not address our other fundamental concern in that Northern Ireland citizens are still subject to laws made by Europe, and therefore subject to European Courts. In order to resolve this matter, EU laws and in turn, the ECJ should only apply to NI goods manufactured for export to the EU. Businesses will therefore have the option to opt-in to EU laws if they wish to trade in the European market, whilst the vast majority of our local business, which is carried out within the UK single market, would trade solely under UK rules. We believe there is still unity in purpose within Unionism, in that all parties continue to oppose the two fundamental issues that remain from the Protocol namely the Irish Sea Border and the non-selective imposition of EU law on Northern Ireland. Like the Unionist political parties, we want these issues resolved so we can continue to work to make a Northern Ireland a better place for all. However, given the seriousness of the concerns outlined above, the Grand Lodge voted unanimously not to support a return to the Stormont Executive until there is substantial and tangible progress which resolves these fundamental issues. A Belfast takeaway has been fined after a rat infestation was discovered on the premises. The takeaway was prosecuted at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to food hygiene offences. The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council against Siam Kitchen Ltd following an inspection of the premises at Woodstock Road in February 2022. During inspections, it had been discovered that Siam Kitchen was not pest proofed and there was an active rat infestation. Siam Kitchen The premises received a rating of one following a food hygiene inspection indicating major improvement necessary to comply with requirements. The food business operator agreed to close voluntarily. Several follow-up inspections were carried out to monitor improvement in hygiene standards. The premises re-opened on 4 March 2022 as officers were satisfied sufficient measures had been taken to remove the imminent risk to public health. The operator Siam Kitchen Ltd was fined 1000 and the directors 500 each in total and ordered to pay 165 legal costs. A woman accused of her partners murder had been accused of abusing other, previous partners, a court has heard. The details emerged during a pointless and ultimately unsuccessful bail application on behalf of 34-year-old Wiktoria Maksymowicz. A detective sergeant told Lisburn Magistrates Court there was a domestic history between Maksymowicz and other partners. She also revealed that Polish national Maksymowicz is allegedly linked to other knife incidents in domestic settings involving both the deceased and another partner. Maksymowicz, with an address at Woodside Park in Dunmurry, is in custody accused of the murder of Anthony Browne on October 14, last year. The 54-year-old, known as Tony, was allegedly stabbed in his home. Maksymowicz applied for bail for the first time this week. One of the first obstacles to bail for any defendant is having a suitable address and the detective said the address Maksymowiczs lawyers have put forward is not suitable. The officer also revealed that Maksymowicz was in a relationship with Mr Browne and the other man at the same time and had told the murder victim the other man was abusive to her. Maksymowiczs defence counsel said he had been instructed to proceed with the application for bail, even without a suitable address, but District Judge Rosie Watters said without one, it doesnt get off the ground. I think its pointless, so Im going to refuse bail and you can go to the High Court, she said. She remanded Maksymowicz back into custody until April 24. Teachers, nurses, ambulance and hospital staff take part in a strike which gathered at at Belfast City Hall. Thousands of health workers in Northern Ireland will strike for two days, after trade union members met with officials who have confirmed the Department of Health will not match the offer given to NHS staff in England and Wales. Trade union Unison said: The Secretary of State had an opportunity [on Monday] to put a proposal to striking health workers which would have allowed us to suspend industrial action. Instead neither he nor any Northern Ireland Office (NIO) representative turned up at the meeting and the local health leadership simply stated that it did not have any money with which to make an offer. Consequently, thousands of health workers will now take 24 hour strikes across the system on 31st March and 3rd April. Many NHS staff across the UK including nurses and ambulance workers - have already taken strike action over the past few months. An offer was proposed to employees in England earlier this month, which includes a one-off lump sum for 2022-23 that rises in value up the NHS pay bands as well as a permanent 5% rise on all pay points for 2023-24. The offer has been backed by the Royal College of Nursing, the GMB and Unison, but Northern Irelands Department of Health has not matched it, according to Unison. Anne Speed, head of bargaining at Unison and lead negotiation for trade unions added: We will not be bounced from pillar to post. Last night we were told that we must wait until the outcome of the pay consultation in England before we know whether the health budget in Northern Ireland will be drip fed any money or alternatively we must wait until the Secretary of State makes up his mind on the delivery date for the Northern Ireland budget." The unions regional secretary, Patricia McKeown, blamed the Conservative government and Stormonts political impasse for the current dispute between the department and health workers, stating: "UK ministers should know by now that workers in Northern Ireland will not tolerate being left behind. "We proved it in the past and we will prove it again, she continued. "The Secretary of State holds the responsibility to sort this problem now, he cannot sit on the fence. He cannot blame anyone else. It is his Government that has failed to make money available for health workers in Northern Ireland. At the same time local politicians cannot stay silent. We cannot accept that playing political games takes precedence over the rights of health workers and their patients alike. All parties can expect to hear from angry health workers in the coming days. People Before Profits Gerry Carroll has backed the further health strikes, noting: Affordability has never been a serious question in this dispute. Every year, the government hands millions to the private healthcare sector at the expense of our NHS. That money should be used to pay health workers a decent wage. Health workers will not watch the NHS go to ruin. I look forward to joining them on the picket line on Friday. Thousands of Nipsa union members in the health service took part in a 24-hour strike in February as a warning to employers that workers are not prepared to accept real-terms pay cuts and the destruction of services. And last week, midwife and maternity support worker (MSW) members of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) working in the health service here voted 89% for industrial action, and 93% for industrial action short of strike. They are set to strike across Northern Ireland from 8am to 12pm on April 3, and take industrial action short of a strike by claiming payment for any overtime worked in the week following strike action. The RCM said that during any industrial action there will be midwives and MSWs working on maternity units to ensure women such as those in labour or needing emergency care receive the care they need. A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: The Department welcomes work undertaken at national level to resolve the pay dispute in the health service. Senior Officials from the Department met with the Joint Negotiating leads from across the HSC Unions yesterday and discussed if strike action could be paused whilst the Department awaited clarification on the available budget and the lack of a functioning Executive. Unfortunately, given the current absence of a budget for 2023/24 and the expectation of a significant financial deficit, the Department is unable to provide certainty at this time on a new NI pay offer. We are seeking clarification from the UK Government on Barnett consequentials for NI from the proposed pay settlement in England. This will help inform further engagement with trade union colleagues. An NIO spokesperson added: "The pressures affecting Northern Ireland health services demonstrate the pressing need to have locally accountable political leaders in place to take fundamental decisions on Northern Ireland's public services and deliver better outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland. "It remains the Secretary of State's hope that the parties will recognise the importance of getting back to work so that an Executive is in place to take the decisions and action needed to address the challenges facing the public sector at this critical time." A 35-year old Belfast man who supplied two unlicensed doormen to a bar business had financial penalties totalling 1,250 imposed on him. Christopher Michael Butler appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he admitted five offences committed between July and October 2019. He pleaded guilty to two counts of provided an unlicenced security operative, one count of failing to provide information to an investigator authorised by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and two counts of making a false statement to the SIA. The court heard that by law, those acting as security personnel should be licensed to ensure appropriate standards are met. In 2019, Butler ran a security services company and between June and November of that year he supplied security staff to Romas bar and bistro in Newtownards. He supplied two doorman to the bar who, at the relevant time, were not licensed. One doorman provided to the bar by Butler worked on 21 occasions whilst the other doorman worked 12 times. An investigation was launched and Butler, from Highfield Drive in Belfast, gave incomplete information to the Security Industry Authority by leaving these two men off a list of door supervisers he provided to the investigators. When he was interviewed, Butler denied any wrongdoing and claimed he believed both men were licenced. He subsequently accepted his guilt and pleaded guilty to all five offences. A defence barrister said that in 2019 Butler was running a commercial business supplying security staff but that his circumstances have changed since the offences. The barrister revealed his client sustained significant injuries including a bleed on the brain in an assault, is now unable to work and is currently on benefits. Judge Mark Reel acknowledged that both men in question had previously been licensed to work as doormen but were unlicensed when they were provided at the relevant times in 2019 by Butler. The judge said that whilst Butler held a relevant licence himself, he did not run his company with sufficient rigour as to ensure that all his staff had up-to-date regulations. Noting Butlers guilty plea and his lack of criminal record, Judge Reel imposed a 150 fine on each of the five offences. He also ordered Butler to pay costs of 500 and gave him 20 weeks to pay the total financial penalty of 1,250 imposed. A former top PSNI officer has said an entire generation should have been living in better days since the Good Friday Agreement after the terrorist threat level in Northern Ireland was increased. It comes after MI5 raised the level from substantial to severe just 12 months after it had been downgraded. The move follows a rise in attacks from dissident republicans in the last year. Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot by two masked gunmen outside a sports complex in Omagh in February. Police believe the attack was carried out by the New IRA. Former PSNI detective chief superintendent Roy McComb, who is now an international consultant in organised crime and justice, said the threat level will only have been increased after careful assessment by MI5. It is based on intelligence they hold about the intentions and capabilities of these terrorist groups, adding that post-Good Friday Agreement its disappointing to be back at the same threat level Northern Ireland faced 25 years ago. Intent and capability have merged, he explained, meaning the capability to use firearms or explosives has increased or it could be related to recruitment of experienced members who have a history of terrorist activities in the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s. The public has reason to be concerned, Mr McComb believes, because while PSNI officers have been identified as the primary target, they too are citizens who happen to wear a uniform. They have families and will be in the company of friends He added that it is a sad indictment that the country is living under a terrorism threat. We have an entire generation now who are older than 25 years of age who shouldve been living in the better days of a post-conflict society where theres a better form of normality, said Mr McComb. Now what we have in both sides of the community is the veneration and the applauding of the activities of terrorists on both sides of the divide. Youve got the constant revelling of IRA songs in pubs, clubs and sporting events. Youve got the loyalist paramilitaries on display up and down the north side of north Down, east Belfast theyre involved in organised crime, everywhere you look theres a level of terrorist activity often disguised as organised crime. In a society 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement, society shouldve been much more stable, much more calm and much more peaceful with itself. We have a continuation of support, with a small s for terrorist activity. Mr McComb said he fears the threat level could remain severe for years as there will have to be a change in intent and capability. NI terrorism threat level raised before Biden visit Meanwhile, the chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), Liam Kelly, said no one should be surprised that the threat level has increased. The PFNI represents rank and file PSNI officers, and Mr Kelly said there are paramilitary and criminal gangs committed to undermining the safety of officers. Following the cowardly attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell in Omagh, and other attacks on officers, our colleagues have stepped up their personal security and exercise increased vigilance, said Mr Kelly. "Frankly, no one should be surprised by this latest MI5 intelligence assessment which acknowledges the extent of the challenge. This escalation in the threat level is justified. One might reasonably ask why it was downgraded to substantial in the first place when it was clear dissident republican groups were still actively wedded to causing murder and destruction. Our officers will not be deterred from doing what they have to do on behalf of our communities. MI5 raises Northern Ireland terror threat level to severe Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said the public should not be alarmed by the rise in the threat level, but to remain vigilant and report concerns to the PSNI. PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said the increase in the threat level is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5. "We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22, he added. We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities." DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, said it was bad news for Northern Ireland when the risk of further attacks has risen to very likely. Read more Timeline: Dissident republican activity in Northern Ireland from 2018 Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said there was no place in Northern Ireland for paramilitary gangs, and called on them to pack up and go. Meanwhile, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said those who choose violence for constitutional change will never win. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (PA) Jordan Pettitt Read more UDA feud: Two further arrests following spate of incidents in North Down and Ards Alliance MLA and Policing Board member John Blair said Northern Ireland cannot be dragged into the past. This is incredibly concerning but unfortunately not surprising given the unjustifiable events weve seen in recent weeks and months, the sinister targeting of police and the threats made against them and their families, he added. Julie Lillis, a prominent cancer campaigner and much-loved member of the film and TV production community in Northern Ireland, has passed away. The Co Antrim native was first diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2020, less than a month after finding a lump. The day after Julie was given the news of her cancer being incurable, she began a 300km cycle around Northern Ireland for local cancer charities, and to help self-fund her own life-prolonging treatment. She gave 5,000 to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland to help fund a new support group for younger women with breast cancer something needed in our locality and the charitys research into the BRCA gene at Queens University. The Whiteabbey woman worked for many years in production office roles on projects including Dracula: Untold, Game of Thrones, Lost City of Z, My Mother And Other Strangers, Derry Girls, Frank of Ireland and most recently, on Nova Jones. Northern Ireland Screen, the national film and TV agency for NI, said it was deeply saddened to hear of her death. Julie was an inspiration to everyone who knew her, a spokesperson said. "She worked tirelessly to help raise awareness for breast cancer charities. When she was first diagnosed in 2020 she cycled 300km for breast cancer awareness raising over 10,000. Julie will be missed greatly by her many friends and colleagues in the film and TV industry, and we would like to extend our condolences to her mum Jean, sisters Allison, Jacqui and Jane and brother Bobby. Cancer Focus NI, also extended its sympathies, writing: "Raising an amazing 10,460, Julie donated 5,000 towards our research into the mutant BRCA gene at Queens University and to fund our Focus Friends group a unique support group for younger women with breast cancer. "In the following years, Julie kindly shared her humour, kindness, and knowledge to help further support the work of our charity. "In 2021, she was a charity advocate of our Support Your Girls breast cancer campaign where she shared her story to help raise awareness and even participated in an Instagram Live initiative to highlight signs and symptoms to local women. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The charity continued: However, Julies lasting legacy will be as a trailblazing campaigner. In 2022, she along with others, highlighted the urgent need for a clinical audit of secondary breast cancer patients in Northern Ireland, similar to that being commissioned in England & Wales. Her reason for this was simple, she wanted to improve cancer services and patients outcomes for local women now and in the future. "As a charity, we were delighted to announce in February 2023 that we would fund Northern Irelands first secondary breast cancer research audit. The work that Julie has done to see the Secondary Breast Cancer audit become a reality will make a permanent difference to Northern Irelands health service and the lives of women living with the disease. Julie will be missed by everyone at Cancer Focus NI and we are immensely thankful for her support over the years. At this heart-breaking time, our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with her ever-supportive family and friends who loved her dearly. In 2021, Julie spoke in-depth with Sunday Life. She talked about how a month after she was given her diagnosis, she was told that the cancer had spread (called secondary breast cancer) and was incurable. The type of breast cancer that I have, theres not many treatment options because they dont know what drives it, whereas other ones they do, she had said. You need to go as soon as you find something, which I did but it wasnt enough. Its important to get awareness out there of people being aware of their bodies and not to put anything off, go to your GP as soon as you can. You have to just keep picking yourself back up and carrying on after the down days. Funeral Mass will be held for Julie at 11.30am on Wednesday, March 29, at St Marys Star of The Sea Church, Whitehouse followed by interment at Carnmoney Cemetery. A funeral notice also states: Family flowers only but if you would like to donate the chosen charity is Cancer Focus NI cancerfocusni.org/fundraising/donate/ One in 10 women in Northern Ireland is diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women. Approximately 1,450 local women are diagnosed here each year, according to Cancer Focus NI. Police carryout a search operation in the Newtownards area on March 27, 2023 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Police have arrested a further two men following a series of incidents in the North Down and Ards area. A 50-year-old man was arrested in Belfast under the Terrorism Act following a search at a residential property in Newtownards. Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was also arrested in the town on suspicion of a range of offences, including arson with intent to endanger life. Both men were taken to Musgrave station for interview. It comes after three prominent loyalists were arrested on Monday evening in connection with the attacks. Two arrests were made under the Terrorism Act. A 29-year-old man was arrested in Newtownards and a 53-year-old man was arrested in Hillsborough. A 30-year-old man was also arrested in Newtownards on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B controlled drug. All three remain in custody at this time. A number of searches were conducted in the Newtownards area as part of the ongoing operation on Monday and several items were removed for further examination. On Monday evening, the PSNI appealed for the public to remain vigilant following a number of incidents in North Down over recent days. North Down and Ards District Commander Johnston McDowell said: Police are investigating a linked series of incidents, including criminal damage and arson with intent to endanger life. "These incidents are linked to an ongoing feud between two rival drug gangs operating under the banner of the Ulster Defence Association in the North Down and Ards areas. This activity will not be tolerated and I want to reassure people living in North Down and Ards that we have already increased our policing presence across the area so they can expect to see heightened police activity." Police have asked anyone with information to contact them via 101. A High Court case has started without Irish teacher Enoch Burke after he did not agree to comply with the authority of the court. Mr Burke had represented himself in the case taken by his former employer, Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath, as part of a dispute over how a student who was transitioning gender should be addressed. The court heard that Mr Burke is taking a counter-action against disciplinary proceedings issued against him by the school, as well as his suspension and subsequent dismissal. Enoch Burke with his mother Martina and sister Ammi leaving the High Court in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Niall Carson The school says the dispute emanates from Mr Burkes behaviour after a direction was given from the schools then-principal last May, while Mr Burke maintains the case is about the freedom to express his Christian beliefs. During the morning session, Mr Burke had continuously asked the court to take action on an issue he raised about access to evidence, despite the fact that the matter had been ruled on by the judge. After an hour and a half of back-and-forth between the presiding judge and Mr Burke, the court ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke would not be allowed to return when proceedings resumed in the afternoon. Mr Justice Alex Owens said Mr Burke would be able to watch proceedings by videolink. After recess, Mr Burke attempted to return to the courtroom but was prevented from entering by four gardai, acting on an order of the court. When the case resumed, Mr Burkes sister Ammi told the hearing he wanted to address the court. The judge said Mr Burke could only address him if he was willing to obey the rules of the court. Ammi and Enoch Burke (Niall Carson/PA) Niall Carson But if he doesnt want to do that, he has to stay outside, Mr Justice Owens added. Ms Burke replied are you denying Mr Burke justice then?, prompting a sigh in the courtroom. The judge said Mr Burke would have justice, but it required his co-operation. After Ms Burke held discussions with her mother Martina and brother Isaac, she asked if Mr Burke would only be allowed back into the courtroom if he engaged in falsehoods. The three members of the Burke family then left the courtroom. Oh there they go, the judge remarked as they left. In Mr Burkes absence, Mark Connaughton SC, acting on behalf of the school, delivered his opening arguments and said the schools then-principal is to give evidence. In relation to the email sent from the principal in May 2022, which said a student was to be addressed in neutral terms, Mr Connaughton said the school had been over this territory once before and had taken some advice on how it should deal with the matter. He added that the school was not on a mission to promote a certain world view, or to challenge Mr Burkes beliefs, but was simply trying to fulfil its obligations to one student in the development of their education. Mr Connaughton said Mr Burke has a misconceived notion that the case is to do with his religion, when it is about conducting himself in a manner appropriate for a teacher in the school. He added that Mr Burke was always given an option to engage, both in the courts and with the school. That isnt his way, that isnt what he chose to do, he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Justice Owens dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Mr Burke, who claimed a document from a book of evidence supplied by the schools legal team had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. Mr Burke argued that the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out, instead of in the form of screenshots. I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said. During one exchange, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the way he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Enoch Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school (Niall Carson/PA) Niall Carson Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the outrageous allegations made against his solicitors and his client in the strongest terms. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to people in matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say there had been deliberate tampering, adding that this was most unlikely as both sides had the original document. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought that may not be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced or how he himself had been misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled in the case. Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. In the following exchange, the judge told Mr Burke there was no indication that he was going to pay a blind bit of notice of what I do. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about aspects of the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. He added that he had offered to deal with the concerns raised by Mr Burke, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Mr Connaughton added that he had watched Mr Burkes appearance before the Court of Appeal, where he was repeatedly asked if he would comply with orders of the court, to which he absolutely refused to do so. He will not behave himself properly in court, he will not allow this case to run properly, he said. The court has gone out of its way to move the matter forward, Mr Burke wont have any of this, this is how he behaves. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, after ruling that Mr Burke should not be allowed to return to the courtroom after recess. Im afraid its bye-bye to you. The King has taken on a new ceremonial role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) Kirsty Wigglesworth The King has taken on a new ceremonial role with the British Armys military engineers, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen. Buckingham Palace announced that Charles has become Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Knowns as the Sappers, the Engineers are multi-skilled soldiers and combat engineers who provide global military engineering and technical support to the armed forces and their allies. The King receives Chief Royal Engineer Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Richard Urch during an audience at Buckingham Palace (Victoria Jones/PA) Victoria Jones The King held an audience with Chief Royal Engineer Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch at the Palace on March 14. Lt Gen Sir Tyrone said: I am absolutely delighted that His Majesty The King has agreed to be our new Colonel-in-Chief. This is a great honour and continues a long-standing tradition started in 1904 by His Majesty King Edward VII. This wonderful news will inspire the entire Sapper family worldwide. The Queen, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of the Royal Engineers, visits the 42 survey Engineer Group at Denison Barracks in Hermitage, Berkshire, in 1998 (Tim Ockenden/PA) Tim Ockenden During his state visit to Germany, Charles will meet representatives from the Royal Engineers in Brandenburg and see a demonstration of a wide river pontoon bridging by 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron. As sovereign, the King is head of the armed forces. The Corps was founded in 1716 and gained the prefix Royal in 1787. Elizabeth II took on the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Engineers following her accession to the throne in 1952 and held the role for 70 years until her death last September. By Choe Chong-dae Over the past decade, the relationship between Korea and Japan has been complicated by historical and territorial disputes. However, amidst the fractious relationship, the Korean government recently announced a framework for a resolution to the significant issue of compensation for victims of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule. This initiative aims to put an end to the vicious cycle of strained relations between the two Asian powers. While Japan and the United States, including Korea's conservatives, welcomed the announcement, victim groups and the opposition expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that the resolution fell far short of their demands for a genuine apology from Japan and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved. I was deeply impressed by a photo in the Korean media showing former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Seoul on Aug 12, 2015, bowing on his knees outside Seodaemun Prison and in front of the memorial dedicated to Korean independence activists who had fought against Japan's colonial rule (1910-1945). He offered a profound apology to those who had sacrificed their lives and suffered under the harsh treatment of Japanese colonial rule, expressing remorse for Japan's wartime actions. Hatoyama's apology reminds me of the historic gesture made by then-West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, who knelt in front of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising memorial in Poland in 1970. Brandt's courageous act of falling to his knees and observing a moment of silence during his visit to the memorial of the Warsaw Ghetto, also known as the "Warsaw Genuflection," played a significant role in fostering reconciliation between Germany and Poland. Similarly, both Hatoyama and Brandt recognized the significance of acknowledgment and responsibility for past wrongs in order to move forward as a nation and establish a better future. Over the past decade, Hatoyama has been advocating for his country to take complete responsibility for its history as a former colonizer. He has been the most vocal representative of Japanese politics, reflecting on the brutal treatment of civilians during the oppressive Japanese colonial regime. However, he has been criticized and called a traitor by ultra-right-wing Japanese conservatives. It is inspiring to learn that Hatoyama was awarded the Woodang Special Award by the Woodang Foundation for Education and Culture recently, in recognition of his outstanding courage and determination in upholding justice and historical truth, despite facing opposition from popular opinion. The Woodang Foundation commemorates the philanthropic activism and remarkable contribution to the Korean independence struggle by Lee Hoe-yeong (1867-1932), who is better known by his pen name Woodang. He, along with five brothers, is highly respected by Koreans for their active participation in Korea's independence movement in Manchuria. Nelson Mandela's emotionally powerful words in 1999, "We should forgive, but not forget. Truth and reconciliation are the only hope for nations that are bitterly divided," left a profound impact on me. They inspired me to recognize the significance of acknowledging a nation's painful history as a crucial step toward achieving unity and peace. In reflecting on the bitter history between the two Koreas and Japan, forgiveness becomes a vital element of the healing process. However, forgiveness does not entail forgetting the past or ignoring its impact. Instead, it involves acknowledging the wrongs committed, holding individuals or nations accountable for their past actions, and working toward reconciliation. By facing the past and dealing with it head-on, we can move forward toward a brighter and more united future to put strained ties back on track. To surmount a variety of difficulties between the Koreas and Japan, it is necessary to open dialogue free of prejudice and excess emotion. Such sincere discussion will enable us to better understand each other's situations. The two countries should make every possible effort to move forward beyond the past and establish a productive relationship that shares universal values and interests. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. The Orange Order has rejected the Windsor Framework as the basis for returning to powersharing at Stormont. In a statement, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said the decision was taken unanimously at a meeting on Saturday. The framework was unveiled in February as a means of adapting the Northern Ireland Protocol to deal with trade disruption between the region and the rest of the UK. Last week, the deal was formally signed off by the UK Government and the EU later. The DUP, the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, has expressed concerns about the framework and has shown no sign of returning to powersharing at Stormont. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is a member of the Orange Order (Liam McBurney/PA) Liam McBurney A number of unionist politicians, including DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, are members of the Orange Order. In its statement, the order said the Windsor Framework had delivered limited but welcome practical adjustments to the protocol. It added: These changes were brought about as a result of unionisms determined and united opposition to its implementation. However, it does not resolve the fundamental concerns which were articulated in the text of the Anti-Protocol Declaration of September 2021. The Orange Order said many aspects of the framework had been oversold and a proposed green lane for goods entering and staying in Northern Ireland was not a frictionless border. The statement continued: The Windsor Framework continues to treat Northern Ireland as a place apart within the United Kingdom and equal citizenship has not been restored. Article 6 of the Act of Union remains in suspension and, as such, Northern Ireland continues to be a semi-detached part of the economic Union the Act created. The order said the UK Government needed to introduce new legislation to protect the trading relationship between Northern Ireland the Great Britain. The statement concluded: Like the unionist political parties, we want these issues resolved so we can continue to work to make a Northern Ireland a better place for all. However, given the seriousness of the concerns outlined above, the Grand Lodge voted unanimously not to support a return to the Stormont Executive until there is substantial and tangible progress which resolves these fundamental issues. A researcher demonstrates a machine used to stress test prosthetics during the launch of the worlds first hub for child blast injury research (James Manning/PA) James Manning The worlds first hub for child blast injury research has been opened in London with an immediate focus on providing support to victims in Ukraine. The Centre For Paediatric Blast Injury Studies, a partnership between Imperial College London and Save The Children, will particularly focus on reducing pain in children with limb loss and developing new prosthetics. Almost 1,000 recorded civilian casualties among children in Ukraine have been caused by explosive weapons, with actual numbers expected to be considerably higher. More than 250,000 explosive devices have already been removed and destroyed since the conflict began last February. Anthony Bull, centre director and professor of musculoskeletal mechanics at Imperial College London, said: Children are not just small adults, theyre small human beings who have a very different physiology, very different behaviour, so they get influenced in a significantly different way than adults by blast injury. Medics are doing a brilliant job of learning how to treat children immediately, saving their lives. But what they dont know is how their first medical intervention might influence their long-term outcome. Professor Anthony Bull talks to the media during the launch of the worlds first hub for child blast injury research at Imperial Colleges new Centre For Paediatric Blast Injury Studies at the London universitys White City campus (James Manning/PA) James Manning Professor Bull said the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is very sad but the scope for research in the medical area is huge. He added: This is a conflict thats happening in a country that had a fairly well-developed healthcare system already. We have the opportunity to interact with individuals who are at the forefront of civilian medical practice and help them and learn from them. Im hopeful that devices, technologies, medical interventions that have been designed, developed, learnt, developed here will be used in the field. And we think thats going to happen, of course. The centre, located at the universitys White City campus, will fund research students over a four-year period and includes advanced technology such as motion capture and musculoskeletal modelling. Some prosthetics from previous projects are already being used in former conflict zones such as Cambodia. Dr Andriy Dvorakevych, a leading surgeon at Lviv City Childrens Clinical Hospital in western Ukraine, said: We dont have similar research and learning centres in Ukraine and were very hopeful that the Unbroken centre, recently set up in Ukraine to respond to urgent medical needs, will collaborate and have partnership with Save The Children and Imperial College London to exchange and to learn. Dr Andriy Dvorakevych (James Manning/PA) James Manning We will also share whatever we have learnt on the ground in Ukraine. Were ready to contribute to research here in the UK. Dr Dvorakevych, who had no experience in military trauma before the war, now specialises in amputation and pain management and said around 350 severely wounded children have been treated at his hospital. He said he hopes the research centre will allow Unbroken to become self-sufficient, with current needs unable to meet demand. He said: The main purpose is to treat and rehabilitate patients from Ukraine in Ukraine. Right now, there is no prosthetics facilities and technology in Ukraine. Thats why all patients who need prosthetic assistance must go to other countries in Europe. Imperial College and Save The Children have worked together since 2019, bringing together a community of medical specialists, humanitarians and academics and developing the first field manual on paediatric blast injury. Sonia Khush, Ukraine country director at Save The Children, said: This partnership is going to be hugely beneficial to children in Ukraine, not to mention children caught up in conflicts around the world. Its going to impart that knowledge to Ukrainian doctors on the frontline who are not only supporting adults, but also children, and I think its probably going to save a lot of Ukrainian childrens lives. Save The Childrens country director for Ukraine Sonia Khush (James Manning/PA) James Manning She added: Save The Children does work with some fantastic Ukrainian organisations that are doing life-saving medical treatment. We also work with organisations that support children with disabilities. So in both those aspects theres going to be a lot of valuable knowledge that those doctors and paediatricians and physiotherapist can all benefit from. An Afghan human rights activist who has campaigned for girls education has been arrested in Kabul. The UN mission in Afghanistan said Matiullah Wesa, founder and president of Pen Path a non-governmental group that travels across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library was arrested in Kabul on Monday. Local reports said Taliban security forces detained Mr Wesa after his return from a trip to Europe. The UN urged authorities in Kabul to clarify Mr Wesas whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and ensure he has access to legal representation and contact with his family. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Since their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on womens and minority rights. Girls are barred from school beyond the sixth grade and last year the Taliban banned women from going to university. Mr Wesa has been outspoken in his demands for girls to have the right to go to school and learn, and has repeatedly called on the Taliban-led government to reverse its bans. His most recent tweets about female education coincided with the start of the new academic year in Afghanistan, with girls remaining shut out of classrooms and campuses. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The UN special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was alarmed by Mr Wesas detention. His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected, Mr Bennett tweeted. The latest fatal shooting at an elementary school in the United States was carried out by a 28-year-old former pupil, according to police. (John Amis/AP) John Amis The latest shooting at an elementary school in the United States which killed three children and three adults was carried out by a 28-year-old former pupil, according to police. Police named the gunwoman as Audrey Hale, who they said was transgender and carried out the attack after drawing a detailed map of The Covenant School in Nashville and conducting surveillance of the building. The victims were identified as nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, as well as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists Katherine Koonce as the head of the school since July 2016. Cynthia Peak was a substitute teacher and Mike Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. The suspect was fatally shot by police 14 minutes after the initial emergency call was made. Metropolitan Nashville Police chief John Drake did not give a specific motive but gave chilling examples of the planning for the attack. A child weeps while on the bus leaving The Covenant School (Nicole Hester/The Tennessean/AP) Nicole Hester We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he said. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He told NBC News investigators believe Hale had some resentment for having to go to that school. Police said Hale gained entry by firing into glass doors and was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun, two of which were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area. They added a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. Pupils held hands as they walked to school buses, which drove them to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Rachel Dibble, who was at the church as families found their children, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Speaking at the White House, President Joe Biden called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Children from The Covenant School are taken to the Woodmont Baptist Church after the shooting at their school (Jonathan Mattise/AP) Jonathan Mattise Its ripping at the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of this nation, he said. The president ordered the US flag to be flown at half-mast on all federal buildings and spoke to Tennessee governor Bill Lee and Nashville mayor John Cooper about the shooting, officials said. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church which is affiliated with the conservative evangelical Presbyterian Church in America The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighbourhood just south of downtown Nashville. Metro Nashville Police chief John Drake speaks to the media (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean/AP) Andrew Nelles The school has about 200 pupils from pre-school through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. A statement from the school said: Our community is heartbroken. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Milo Djukanovic has accused the EU of being negligent towards the western Balkans (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) Risto Bozovic Montenegros pro-Western president has criticised the European Union for allegedly allowing Russia to spread its influence in the Balkans, saying on Tuesday that the volatile region has become a platform for anti-EU policies due to the blocs negligence. President Milo Djukanovic spoke to the Associated Press as he prepares for a Sunday runoff election with a political newcomer who has the support of the Montenegrin government, which includes parties seeking closer relations with Serbia and Russia. Russia has simply walked into an open space left by the European Union, Mr Djukanovic said of the EUs position toward the Balkans. The European Union in the past 10 years didnt know what to do with the western Balkans, but Russia did. It has developed its network in the Balkans. Milo Djukanovic is facing a runoff in the countrys presidential election (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic) Risto Bozovic Mr Djukanovic, who has held Montenegros largely ceremonial presidency since 2018, won the most votes in the first round of the countrys presidential election, which was held on March 19. Analysts in Montenegro think his challenger in the two-candidate runoff, former economy minister Jakov Milatovic, stands a good chance of winning because he has the backing of other candidates and political parties. With an early parliamentary election scheduled for June 11, this weekends vote is considered an important indicator of the future path of Montenegro, a small Nato member nation of 620,000 people. A political stalemate has stalled the countrys EU path and raised fears of instability as the war rages in Ukraine. Mr Djukanovic told the AP the presidential contest presents a choice between his pro-EU policies and the brutal populism of the current coalition government, which is dominated by parties that favour closer ties with Serbia and Russia. His Democratic Party of Socialists governed the country more or less unchallenged for three decades. The president alleged that the the ruling coalition that came to power after a 2020 parliamentary vote has devastated Montenegro economically and financially. For the past two and a half years, we have witnessed serious stumbling by Montenegro, Mr Djukanovic said. The coalition government has pledged that Montenegro would remain on its European Union path. Mr Milatovic, the presidents challenger, also has expressed support for the country pursuing EU membership. Analysts say the Western-educated Mr Milatovic, 36, is seen as the favourite on Sunday against Mr Djukanovic, 61, who as prime minister took Montenegro to independence from Serbia in 2006 and defied Russia in 2017 to secure Nato membership. The death toll from a landslide in central Ecuador which buried dozens of homes has been cut to seven. (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Dolores Ochoa The death toll from a landslide in central Ecuador which buried dozens of homes has been cut to seven. Officials had reported at least 16 deaths, but president Guillermo Lasso put the confirmed number at seven as he visited the scene of the landslip in Alausi, about 137 miles south of the capital Quito. The president promised people in the Andean community we will continue working on the search effort. The aftermath of the deadly landslide that buried dozens of homes in Alausi, Ecuador (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Dolores Ochoa The number of people reported missing has been raised to 62 with Risk Management Secretariat confirming more than 30 people were rescued after the mountainside collapsed around 10pm on Sunday with 23 people injured. The landslide, which buried more than 50 houses under tonnes of mud, destroyed a portion of the Pan-American Highway. Firefighters from a half-dozen cities were sent to the scene with rescuers focused on the flanks of the landslide where they found traces and debris of houses. Rescuer and paramedic Alberto Escobar said it was unlikely more survivors would be found because of the time that had elapsed. Rescue workers and residents walk amid the debris (Dolores Ochoa/AP) Dolores Ochoa He said the search would continue as long as it did not rain. Survivors were housed in temporary shelters, among them Sonia Guadalupe Zuna. We went to the shelter, but my mother didnt want to, she said. My daughter went to convince her. They arrived covered in dirt and crying. I dont know where, but were all leaving. A cancer diagnosis is a scary prospect for anyone. It changes lives, affects the whole family and is the news everyone dreads. All the more reason why if its something anyone is going to fight their way through and return to a healthy life where they see their children grow and their grandchildren born early treatment is a must. That means getting a diagnosis as early as possible. If theres the slightest sign that something may be amiss, get yourself to a doctor, get assessed and, if necessary, get the treatment started. The earlier, the better. Urgent work is needed to ensure the path to recovery is as quick and smooth as possible. That means cutting down the waiting list for red-flag referrals. Read more Linda Nolan reveals cancer has spread to her brain in scary development Red flags signal danger, and people should not be left waiting months to have the tests and specialist treatment they desperately need. Today we feature the story of Linda Nolan, who was left shocked and scared after being told by her doctor her cancer had spread to her brain. She will now be losing her hair for the fourth time. Her family, like so many others, have a history with cancer. It is so important when people in the public eye speak out about what they are going through after they have been diagnosed with serious diseases. Linda Nolan has been a regular on our TV screens for decades and was part of the Anglo-Irish family pop group who got us in the mood for dancing in the 1970s. Paul Burrell, Princess Dianas former butler, is another famous face facing difficulties with his health. He announced this week that a simple health check ahead of his return to Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here for a special series ended with him being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has shared his experiences publicly, urging others in his place to act as soon as possible. The Nolan family has already shown that the right treatment at the right time can and does save lives. Lindas sister, Anne, whom she joined on the TV series The Nolans Go Cruising, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time three years ago but is now cancer-free. Not all the family are so fortunate, however. Another sister, Bernie, died of breast cancer in 2013 aged 52. Giving yourself a chance is the best thing you can do. Supporting our health service to give everyone that chance is the best thing the government could do, and that has to begin with cutting the waiting time for people who need life-saving treatment. By Sean O'Malley During a recent, surprise visit to Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged $5.5 billion in aid to the country while clearly stating Japan resolutely rejects Russian aggression and fully supports Kyiv. His visit coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, providing a stark contrast of values between a democratic belief in the international rule of law and authoritarian revisionism. He then invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the G7 summit he will host this May in Japan. The optics could not have been clearer: Japan intends to play a significant role in opposing global revisionism. Having been accused of "checkbook diplomacy" in the past, an ignoble phrase demeaning Japan as a global free-rider in times of conflict, Kishida's government has supported Ukraine from the beginning by joining Western sanctions on Russia immediately and pledging billions of dollars in aid last year. Additionally, the country's parliament voted to double defense expenditures from one to two percent of GDP in part to increase its regional position against the revisionist states of China and Russia. Relevance in global political influence is not a trait intrinsic to developed status. Political influence is earned by using one's economic, military or cultural power to foster change in the international system. A state's relevance increases as it earns respect from other states through its political will to exercise its power, time and again, in the cause of fostering change. Having aligned its values, money and actions to counter revisionist threats to global order, Japan is making itself more relevant. It is acting like a "global pivot state." Somewhat ironically, it is the South Korean administration of President Yoon that most recently advanced the concept of a global pivot state by self-anointing South Korea thusly. The Yoon administration believes a global pivot state promotes peace, prosperity and universal values. Moreover, this newly evolved concept implies that a global pivot state is the nucleus of a certain global activity or tips the scales to favor a principled direction in global policy. Yet, in contrast to Japan, South Korea seems a laggard in such regard. From the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, South Korea's material interests have been a priority for successive administrations. When Western sanctions-hit Russia, the former South Korean administration of Moon Jae-in wavered, reportedly worried that supporting sanctions would harm Seoul's corporate interests in Russia. For his part, President Yoon Suk Yeol secured a major Korean arms sales deal to Poland, estimated to be worth $17 billion-$20 billion, while refusing to sell to Ukraine, the victim of an illegal war of aggression. Seoul's position on arms sales to Ukraine caused the Ukrainian ambassador to South Korea to quip, "Sitting on the fence and pretending to be neutral does not help either the one who chooses such a 'path' or the cause of peace as a whole." Compared to Japan and other major economies, Seoul's contributions in aid to Ukraine have been meager. South Korea has pledged $230 million a mere four percent of Japan's pledged aid. Arguably, the highest-ranking Korean visitor to Ukraine is the ousted former chief of the ruling party, Lee Jun-seok, who was accompanied by a small group of legislators, while Japan sent Prime Minister Kishida. Shamefully, when Ukrainian President Zelenskyy virtually addressed South Korea's lawmakers at the National Assembly, only 60 of 300 lawmakers reportedly attended, with some spending time on their smartphones. It is said that news of the Ukraine conflict is still prevalent in Japan and often discussed. Prime Minister Kishida reportedly felt domestic political pressure to visit the country. This is hardly the case in Korea, where Ukraine barely warrants a place in the news. South Korean political elites and the public seem consumed by talk of political vendettas, historical grievances with Japan and domestic economic challenges. South Korea enjoys a top ten economic ranking and a top six military power ranking, the latter of which is higher than Japan and just shy of the United Kingdom. Korean conglomerates, cultural contents and military arms sales enjoy an increasing global presence. So why does it feel as though South Korea is verging on irrelevance in global political influence? Self-anointing the status of a global pivot state does not make it so. Nor does an increasing corporate or cultural contents presence assure such status. Rather, it is necessary to put forth well-crafted and selfless leadership actions in confronting the world's most complex problems. Unfortunately, South Korea has been virtually non-existent, as a participant or a leader, when it comes to the crisis in Ukraine. A global pivot state can be seen as an influencer in world affairs as well. Although Seoul often talks of promoting universal norms in world affairs, it continues to stay on the periphery as a mostly passive observer of the world's most complex issues. Focused mainly on the health of its own economy, the country takes few risks in foreign affairs and gives so little in total foreign aid that accusing it of checkbook diplomacy would be difficult. While South Korea scrambles to further financial interests and pretends to be neutral, Japan is clearly signaling its intentions to block global efforts at revisionism while supporting Ukrainians. It is signaling these intentions by aligning its values, money and actions to put more pressure on Moscow and Beijing. These are the actions of a global pivot state. Is South Korea's global political relevance currently in decline? The question may seem counterintuitive with an increasing global presence of corporate and cultural contents. However, global pivot states should be activists that push great powers to do better. They can do this by joining coalitions to induce behavioral change. At this time, South Korea's interests appear too parochial and materialistic to act as a global pivot state. If it does not align its professed values, money, and actions more proactively, I fear it may find itself irrelevant in future affairs. Sean O'Malley (seanmo@dongseo.ac.kr) is a tenured professor of international studies at Dongseo University, where he teaches classes on U.S.-Korea Relations, the European Union and regionalism. His most recent paper, "Nationalism as a Primary Institution in Northeast Asia" can be found in Asia Review. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as finance minister, holds budget documents as he arrives at Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, Feb. 24, 2023. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim embarks on his first official visit to China on Wednesday, where he will focus on strengthening economic ties during his four-day trip to shore up infrastructure and digital investments back home, he and his office said. The issue of overlapping claims in the South China Sea may be raised in a closed-door session, analysts said, adding that as the dispute was unlikely to be resolved soon it would only overshadow economic ties both countries seek to benefit from. I will go to China on Wednesday, then we will announce a new investment later on Thursday or Friday, which is the highest commitment of the government, Anwar said while addressing the Malaysian diaspora in Cambodia on Monday at the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh. This is to ensure the growth of Malaysias economy and attract new investments. Anwar said infrastructure and digitization need to be strengthened to guarantee Malaysians education and health. Liew Chin Tong, International Trade and Industry deputy minister, told BenarNews on Tuesday that Anwars visit was meant to build mutual trust and understanding between Malaysia and China. The Malaysia-China relationship is important because China is Malaysias largest trading partner and China is a highly consequential regional and global player, he said. Anwar, in his maiden press conference after taking office in November, emphasized the importance of enhancing relations with China, describing the country as a crucial neighbor. Of course, its a priority to enhance bilateral trade, investment and cultural relations with China. I would not just leave ties with China as it is. They need to be enhanced, he said at the time. China has been Malaysias largest trading partner over the last 14 years, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of U.S. $203.6 billion (898 billion ringgit) last year, according to Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs analyst at the University Malaya. Chong said Malaysia is in critical need of Beijing investments in key areas, including local transportation, property, the digital domain and areas of future interests such as 5G, artificial intelligence and green energy. This visit will focus heavily on these areas and on further enhancing economic, business and financial ties and partnerships that are made more urgent and critical for both players, as both scramble to reignite their economic recovery mode since the fallout of the pandemic, he told BenarNews. Malaysia is shifting its focus toward a digital and green economy, with a strong emphasis on high-tech and digital technology sectors, Chong said, adding Beijing sees this as an opportunity to establish its footprint in these areas and play a bigger role in Malaysias economic transformation. On Monday, Mao Ning, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, described Malaysia as an important emerging economy and said that Anwars visit would enhance bilateral relations as they celebrate their comprehensive strategic partnerships 10th anniversary. We hope this visit will promote new progress in bilateral relations as our two countries work together toward a community with a shared future, she said at the ministrys regular press conference. South China Sea issue Meanwhile, analysts noted that if the South China Sea dispute is raised at all, it wont be in public, as Malaysia is prioritizing economic collaboration over the ongoing conflict, which involves several countries. The issue of the South China Sea dispute would at most be raised in the closed-door session, Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs told BenarNews. Oh said Malaysia cannot put up an effective fight with China in the South China Sea dispute, leading to a preference for handling the issue privately and prioritizing economic collaboration over confrontation. If [it raises it] at all, it would see no immediate resolution, and would only serve to overshadow the larger, closer economic collaboration, he said. Another analyst agreed with Oh. Anwar could address the South China Sea dispute. The question is whether he chooses to do so publicly in China. That could underscore the seriousness of the matter to Malaysia but may take political skill to pull off when he also seeks economic cooperation. It could happen, but I would be cautious, Chong Ja Ian, of the National University of Singapore, told BenarNews. Chong said previous Malaysian premiers have been cautious in handling the South China Sea dispute with China, balancing economic interests, despite the issue being a matter of sovereignty. From my understanding, past Malaysian administrations publicly displayed varying degrees of concern over repeated Chinese incursions into waters disputed between Malaysia and China.Few have opted to initiate action to challenge or call out Chinese incursions, probably out of considerations of wanting to keep relations stable, Chong said. That said, the disputes are matters of sovereignty in addition to the economic interest that no responsible administration should take lightly. Workers carry the remains of two Philippine drug war victims exhumed from a rented crypt at Navotas public cemetery in Manila, Feb. 28, 2022. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippines would end communications with the International Criminal Court after The Hague-based body rejected Manilas appeal to stop investigating his predecessors deadly drug war. The ICC is investigating ex-President Rodrigo Dutertes alleged crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs, during which thousands of suspected addicts and dealers were killed by police. While rejecting Manilas appeal on Monday, the ICC said it was not convinced by the Philippine governments argument that continuing with the Hague probe could jeopardize its own investigations. Reacting, Marcos said that the Southeast Asian nation does not recognize the ICC. That ends all our involvement with the ICC. We can no longer appeal. The appeal has failed. In our view theres nothing more that we can do. And so at this point, we essentially are disengaging from any contact, from any communication with the ICC, he told reporters. [W]e cannot cooperate with the ICC considering the very serious questions about their jurisdiction and about what we consider to be interference and practically attacks on the sovereignty of the republic. The Philippines in February formally appealed to the ICC decision to allow its prosecutor to press on with investigating the drug war, saying it has a fully working justice system. The ICC on Monday said as far as national investigations are concerned, the Philippines is in a position to continue its investigations irrespective of the ongoing proceedings before the Court. The Hague body said the Philippines failed to convince the body that it had no jurisdiction over the case because it had already rescinded from the international treaty that created the ICC. In 2019, Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the Rome Statute that established the tribunal, after the court began an inquiry into his drug war. The former president previously said he hoped that by disengaging from the ICC, his drug war would no longer be placed under the spotlight. But the ICC has said it was mandated to investigate complaints from when the country was under its supervision, meaning from the time Duterte took office in 2016 until 2019. Marcos succeeded Duterte following the 2022 election and has promised that no ICC investigator would be allowed into the country. He has taken Dutertes position that the Philippines has a working justice system and can try its own cases. About 8,000 suspected addicts and dealers died during the drug war under the Duterte administration (2016-22), according to official government numbers, but human rights groups have said the figure could be three times higher. An investigation by the justice department in 2021 said that in many cases, police officers involved in the killings did not follow protocol and could be prosecuted. So far, four police officers have been convicted of murder linked to drug war killings. Earlier this month, a court convicted former patrolman Jefrey Perez for the killings of Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, and Reynaldo de Guzman, 14. In 2018, three officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz were found guilty of murder for killing Kian Loyd delos Santos, 17. Just the start Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher in the Philippines, welcomed the ICCs ruling, saying the government has an obligation to cooperate with the international body. [T]he decision doesnt preclude Philippine authorities to also move forward with their own investigation in the meantime, if they wish to do so, he told BenarNews on Tuesday. Meanwhile, families of those who died in the drug war welcomed the ICC decision, but added that it was a tiny step toward justice. This is just the start, and the government can still try to wriggle its way out of it, said Grace Garganta , whose 52-year-old father and 27-year-old brother were killed in the early days of Dutertes drug war. Her father was killed in what police claimed was a shootout. Her brother was arrested while protesting against the deadly raid in their slum neighborhood in Manila and his body was found a day later, bearing signs of torture his face was wrapped in packaging tape. The relatives and survivors of the drug war will fight until the end, she told BenarNews. I want to testify before the ICC because here in the Philippines justice can be bought. It is better to die fighting, than die without having been heard. Violence marred the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the southern Philippines after suspects from a pro-Islamic State group killed a soldier and wounded another on Wednesday. Troops were securing a highway in the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao province when militant suspects belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) opened fire at a checkpoint, local army chief Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog said. The attack instantly killed Pfc. Jorey Abibas while Pfc. Jonathan Nacion was wounded, he said, adding a stray bullet struck a civilian. Nacions and the civilians injuries were not life threatening. Pangcog said the militants were possibly responding to the militarys killing of a BIFF commander last month. This is in retaliation for that, Pangcog said. We have alerted our detachment and they were looking for the vehicle used by the militants. Army troops launched artillery attacks against BIFF positions in the marshes bordering the towns of Pagalungan, Datu Montawal and Pikit following the ambush, said Von Al Haq, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regions interior minister. BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was the countrys largest separatist force before it signed a peace pact with the government in 2014. BIFF, which has openly supported the Islamic State group, has been blamed for several attacks, including bombings in public areas. The latest ambush came a day before the countrys Muslim minority was to begin the Islamic holy month of fasting. A large Muslim minority more than 6 million of 110 million lives in the southern part of the Philippines, Asias only predominantly Catholic nation. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. SK Telecom employees inspect network system equipment using the company's AI-based A-STAR, Tuesday. Courtesy of SK Telecom By Baek Byung-yeul SK Telecom developed A-STAR, an artificial intelligence-based solution for wireless network quality management, and applied it to its network base stations nationwide as part of efforts to improve service quality by detecting abnormalities quickly, the company said Tuesday. A-STAR monitors the status of hundreds of thousands of base stations nationwide, finds equipment that is expected to cause problems affecting network quality, alerts field operation managers and, at the same time, recommends how to fix the issues, the company explained. "A-STAR preemptively responds to deterioration in wireless network quality. By doing so, the solution minimizes customer inconvenience," the company said. SK Telecom said A-STAR analyzes the quality of base station equipment every hour and reports abnormalities to field managers, and also analyzes the cause of quality degradation by looking at an average of 250 kinds of data per equipment. During a test operation in 2022, the AI solution greatly helped the field operation managers, reducing the time required for equipment quality analysis by 80.7 percent. Also, the preemptive improvement measures of the equipment was improved by 46.7 percent. SK Telecom developed the AI solution in collaboration between field operation experts from the company and SK Ons, a network maintenance affiliate of SK Group. SK Telecom began developing A-STAR in 2020 and improved its quality to the level that it can be applied to actual field operations. A-STAR is designed to continuously improve its performance by receiving and relearning the final measurements from field quality improvement managers. To improve the efficiency of the network quality management, SK Telecom will continue to upgrade A-STAR by shortening the analysis cycle, which currently performs an analysis every hour. "The company has further upgraded network operation by using AI technology," said Park Myung-soon, vice president and head of Infra DT Office at SK Telecom. "We will continue to innovate our system to establish an AI-based infrastructure." NORTH ADAMS Indie rock legends the Pixies and Modest Mouse will take the stage on Joe's Field 7 p.m. Aug. 26 as the third and final leg of the Pixies' 2023 North American tour stops at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Cat Power joins as a special guest. Mass MoCA members/Spotify presale tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29. Tickets for the general public go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, March 31. Tickets are $75 in advance/week of. A $200 Modest Mouse VIP Experience that includes a special pre-show performance and Q&A also will be available. Tickets: massmoca.org/pixies Formed in Boston in 1986 by songwriter Black Francis and guitarist Joey Santiago, who had met while living in the same dorm suite at UMass-Amherst, the Pixies' original lineup included Francis, Santiago, Kim Deal and David Lovering. They are credited with influencing Nirvana, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer. The band broke up in 1993, but after gaining in popularity later in the decade, got back together in 2004 for a reunion show that led to them reuniting on a permanent basis. Deal left the band in 2013 and was replaced by bassist Kim Shattuck, who was hired to tour with the band. Paz Lenchantin joined the Pixies as their bassist in 2016. Pixies concerts are well-known for being one-of-a-kind, as the band has no predetermined set lists the next song is the one that feels right." Band members come on to every stage prepared to play any of the 90 to 100 songs they've rehearsed. The Pixies' 2022-23 World Tour, in support of their latest album, "Doggerel," launched in March 2022, playing sold-out shows across North America, the UK, Europe, South America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Portland-based Modest Mouse co-headlines the last leg of the Pixies tour. The rock band, originally formed in 1993, recently wrapped a sold-out 25th anniversary tour celebrating their 1997 breakthrough album "The Lonesome Crowded West." The band's latest album, "Golden Casket," was released in 2021. Police say the Nashville school shooter legally bought seven firearms in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before killing three children and three adults at a Christian school Pittsfield Public Schools has added two new school resource officers to its middle and high schools, increasing such police presence after a community discussion last year led to few concrete actions. The move comes nearly a year after the district revealed the results of a survey showing less than a positive response from students of color concerning the school resource officers. Superintendent Joseph Curtis said that the survey came to no conclusions about a best course of action for the district, as the survey firm TNTP provided only a few recommendations, including the establishment of the city's School Safety Committee. The survey, conducted in 2021, asked parents, staff members and students about the presence of school resource officers, who are meant to promote school safety, maintain a positive environment and uphold the partnership between the schools and the Pittsfield Police Department, per its memorandum of understanding. The survey found that parents and employees emphatically supported school resource officers, but students of color did not. Only 41 percent of Black students responded that they felt safe with a school resource officer on campus, and only 45 percent of mixed-race students did. Taking into account the entire school enrollment, only 51 percent of students either "strongly agree(d)" or "somewhat agree(d)" that school resource officers make them feel safe. The survey's executive summary also noted that the firm heard many concerns from communities of color in focus groups. Kamaar Taliaferro, a community activist in Pittsfield, said that he felt the districts decision to bring in more officers disregarded those sentiments. Lip service was paid to having a community conversation," Taliaferro said, "as it always is when it comes to matters of police. Officers Izinna Degraffenried and Ansy Jumeau are the new school resource officers. Degraffenried is assigned to Taconic High School, and Jumeau is splitting his time at Reid and Herberg middle schools. Officer Jessica Godfroy will continue in her role as school resource officer at Pittsfield High School. Curtis said adding the two officers was a decision by the Pittsfield Police Department and is a restaffing of positions that have historically been at the schools. Retirements and departures left the vacancies in recent years. The school resources officers were introduced last week at a meet-and-greet session at Taconic High School. Ive always wanted to be an SRO, Jumeau said. I always wanted to be in the school because I feel like the school is where you can make a difference in someones life. I love the job, trying to provide the best perspective I can and building relationships with the kids. Its a natural fit. Curtis said he hoped to hold more meet-and-greets in the future and make the school resource officers as available to the public as possible. Lieutenant Matt Hill said the Police Department wanted to get back to its previous level of staffing in the schools. The department once had a school resource officer in each of the high schools and junior high schools, for a total of four. The department has only had one officer in the schools for the last few years. Its a voluntary position, Hill said. Its just a matter of there being interest. It takes a certain kind of person to do that and excel at that. I think the officers we have there now will excel. Taliaferro said the decision to add officers was disappointing considering how much discussion was raised last year in the survey and in subsequent meetings of the school safety committee that the consultancy firm recommended to be established. Curtis noted that the schools have continued to operate under a memorandum of understanding with the Police Department even through that process, with that agreement dated August 2021. The survey was conducted in November 2021, and its results were released in April 2022. The new officers being assigned fell within that understanding. If Pittsfield Public Schools is committed to having armed individuals in our schools, then it's their responsibility to ensure every single community member knows exactly what those folks are doing, Taliaferro said. Not just that they're good people. Not just what their names are. Not just, you know, what their personal lives are, but which schools they're in and what they are and are not allowed to do." Curtis said he welcomed the calls for transparency, and that the school system has tried to provide more information about the school resource officers. He added that Monday's meet and greet was part of the information process. Curtis said that the memorandum of understanding was also a publicly available document, and that the school safety committee, in its meetings, regularly discussed what school resource officers are doing. He also reiterated his intention to have more public meetings for the officers going forward. I dont want to give the impression that were trying to do any of this behind a curtain, Curtis said. World Expo 2030 Busan Bid Committee Secretary General Yoon Sang-jik, right, and Hyundai Motor Company Senior Vice President Kim Dong-wook hold a copy of a signed memorandum of understating at D Tower in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap By Lee Kyung-min The public-private committee promoting Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor Group, in a coordinated effort to illustrate the capabilities of Korea's infrastructure and technological advancements in high-tech and green electric vehicles (EVs), market watchers said, Tuesday. The joint cooperation is in preparation for next week's visit by the Enquiry Missions of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), an intergovernmental organization in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos. The Enquiry Missions comprised of key BIE officials and member states will stay for five days through April 7 to review the feasibility and viability of holding the Expo here as well as the level of national support for the international event. Hyundai Motor and the World Expo 2030 Busan Bid Committee signed 12 MOUs which will see the provision of eight high-end G80 electric models and four express buses for the Missions. "We teach our students the importance of collaboration. Kokosing Hall would not have been completed without so many people working so well together," said Dr. Jennie Gallimore, dean of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering. "Throughout the process, we met and listened to our industry partners who told us they're looking for graduates who understand the process from design to build. BGSU is now the only university in Ohio where construction management students and architecture and environmental design students are under the same roof, learning with and from each other. "By sharing the same physical workspace, students receive a more complete understanding of the process and the skills they need to succeed. In Kokosing Hall's new classrooms, collaborative spaces and cutting-edge labs, our faculty will have space to innovate with our students. Our students will be exposed to technologies and experiences they will encounter in the real world. This fantastic new facility will help us meet the ever-evolving workforce needs and prepare graduates more effectively for jobs in the future. Our industry partners will benefit from a highly trained and sophisticated workforce that will be ready to hit the ground running upon graduation." The new Kokosing Hall addition encompasses 22,900 square feet and boasts new equipment including a materials lab complete with a bench oven, concrete compression testing machine. The facility's new digital labs include all-new workstations with dual monitors, advanced audio-visual equipment, new work desks and seating, designed and installed as per industry standards. The new 6,700-square-foot Innovation Lab and Classroom is prepped to house a 10-ton crane hoist. In addition to industry-standard seating and desks in the lab, the space is designed for constructing everything from a tiny modular home to a 2-story tall structure, including planned CNC routers and laser cutting machines for digital fabrication and material-related exploration and innovation. Kokosing Hall and the philanthropic gift from Kokosing will expose students to situations, technologies and experiences that they will encounter in real-world roles through coursework, and also allow for increased engagement with alumni and corporate partners. Tonight's rundown: Talking Points Memo: Joe Biden continues to decline with the world watching and remains out of the press reach Presidential Historian Larry Cook weighs in on how Bidens relationship with the press compares to past presidents US Special Forces have been confirmed to be in Ukraine OReilly describes Democrats hosting the DNC in Chicago as Crazy Arrogant The trial of Fox News gets underway 58% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck even as inflation begins to cool off Smart Life: Utilizing Kelly Blue Book when searching for a new car This Day in History: FDR dies in office Final Thought: what to do when someone is disrespectful to you In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "Reason to Believe" Join 'Team Normal!' Order your gear now at BillOReilly.com! Pre-order Bills next bestseller Killing the Witches NOW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this photo released by the Ma Ying-jeou Office, Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, center, walks with his delegation as he arrives at the Pudong airport in Shanghai, China, March 27. AP-Yonhap Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou departed for a tour of China on Monday, in what he called an attempt to reduce tensions a day after Taiwan lost one of its few remaining diplomatic partners to China. The ex-president is visiting in a private capacity, bringing a delegation of academics and college students for exchanges, as well as members of his family, but the trip is loaded with political meaning. Ma's policies brought Taiwan and Beijing to their closest relationship ever, but his exit from office was overshadowed by massive protests against a trade deal with the mainland and his successor has focused on bolstering ties with the U.S. and defending the autonomy of the democratically governed island that China claims as part of its own territory. Current President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to launch a 10-day diplomatic tour of her own Wednesday, ostensibly to visit the island's remaining allies in Latin America. She will stop in the U.S. , Taiwan's biggest unofficial partner and supplier of arms. Ma's visit comes amid rising tensions. Beijing has stepped up pressure against Taiwan in recent years, poaching its diplomatic allies while also sending military fighter jets flying towards the island on a near daily basis. On Sunday, Honduras established diplomatic relations with China , leaving Taiwan with only 13 countries that recognize it as a sovereign state. Ma, a member of the opposition Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang), will land in Shanghai before starting his visit in nearby Nanjing. He is expected to tour the mainland from March 27 to April 7, stopping in Wuhan and Changsha, as well as other cities. He is bringing college students from Taiwan to meet with fellow students from Shanghai's Fudan University and Changsha's Hunan University. Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou waves to the media at the airport before departing on a visit to China, as for the first time a former or current Taiwanese leader will be visiting since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949, in Taoyuan, Taiwan March 27. Reuters-Yonhap India is the second country where the technology is being introduced after Japan Fujifilm India has launched an upgraded version of CAD EYE, an empowering tool based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology which assists gastroenterologists in early detection and characterisation of abnormal growth in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The product was launched at a national event GI Update 2023 at Mysuru. Fujifilm has introduced this technology for the first time outside Japan. This is the second chapter to the already existing AI diagnostic technology available for detection in colon. The newly launched AI technology will work on three different visualisation modes: White light, LCI (Linked colour Imaging) and BLI (Blue light Imaging). LCI mode is a combination of light settings which can visually enhance any abnormal lesion and inflammation. BLI mode magnifies the detected growth for better pattern analysis of cells. This technology is designed to solve two major screening problems- Lesion oversight (The lesions are in the view but cannot be detected) and Blind spots (Missing lesions when not in observation range). Landmark Photo Checker is the newest advancement that assists the proper observation of the major landmarks in the stomach. This assists the practitioner to navigate lesions in less time, which might be missed with conventional methods that eventually helps in saving lives. Speaking about the new launch, Koji Wada, Managing Director, Fujifilm India said, Fujifilm India has always been at the forefront of healthcare innovation. With the launch of the new CAD EYE Upper GI in India, we are expanding our endoscopy portfolio. The aim is to provide superior technological medical facilities that can help save lives and encourage patients to become more engaged in their personal care." . Pharma logistics market has evolved significantly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with vaccine distributions getting streamlined. According to Arizton's latest research report, the pharmaceutical logistics market is set to reach $146.7 billion by 2027. In addition, digital transformation is expected to offer a huge opportunity for pharmaceutical logistics companies to gain a competitive advantage along with numerous job opportunities. Based in Hosingen, Luxembourg, B Medical Systems is one such global player that is leveraging this opportunity, particularly for the Indian market. In conversation with BioSpectrum India, Jesal Doshi, Deputy CEO, B Medical Systems talks in detail about the company's hiring plans in India. What are the major plans for the Indian market in 2023 regarding new launches, investments and partnerships? We aim to ensure India has access to the worlds best medical cold chain products. In line with this vision, we have made rapid strides in the last few years in terms of investments, building a solid distributor network and production of the most efficient cold chain solutions for the storage and transportation of vaccines, blood and its components and other biologicals. We had also said that we would be looking at several multiple phases over 18-24 months, which will entail additional investments. In 2023, we will continue expanding with new product launches and partnerships. In our growth journey, partnerships with various government and private enterprises have resulted in broader acceptance and demand for our innovative and highly efficient medical cold chain solutions. At the same time, we have also been focused on introducing the most advanced cold chain equipment to the Indian market. Soon, we will launch a new version of RVTV (Refrigerated Vaccine Transport Vehicle) for the Indian market. Further, we are also looking at launching minus 80 degrees mobile freezers that can work even in cars. How much growth are you expecting in FY 22-23 across different business verticals in India? Which vertical is doing better than the other? We are very new in the Indian market. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited us in November 2020 to start manufacturing in India, and in January 2021, we set up a legal entity. In a short time, we have gained a significant foothold in the country through our innovative and 24/7 reliable solutions for storing and transporting vaccines and blood components. We have set up offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. At the same time, our first plant in Mundra (Gujarat) is fully operational, with a capacity to produce over 1,00,000 medical cold chain equipment annually. Our various medical refrigeration devices for vaccines and blood management have attracted more significant interest in the market. While expanding, we expect better-than-estimated growth in FY 2022-23. What are your plans for hiring new talents in India? What expertise are you looking for? Our plant in Mundra, Gujarat, employs skilled and highly professional workers. We regularly seek new talents who want to make a career in India's promising medical cold chain industry. We understand India has a diverse technical talent pool, and B Medical Systems is eager to harness its potential. Currently, there are several job opportunities in our offices across Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad while we are looking to hire more qualified production personnel for our Mundra plant. Some of the expertise we seek in candidates include experience in product development, industrial design, 3D designs software and cooling technologies. Do we have a skilled workforce for the cold chain logistics sector, especially with digitisation setting in? As mentioned, India has a fantastic talent pool of young and energetic skilled workers who are competent and keen to take economic propulsion forward. The countrys digital talent pool is especially commendable as they are the ones who are now powering many multinational companies operating in the country and abroad. Moreover, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has fast-tracked digital transformation across industries, and Indian workers have been quick to take up reskilling in a big way to meet the current demands of the job market. How can technology adoption help build an efficient pharma cold chain sector? Millions of lives can be saved through reliable and innovative technology. Therefore, technology adoption at scale is critical for building an efficient medical cold chain sector in the country. As medical cold chains deal with highly temperature-sensitive materials like vaccines, blood and its components, and other biological ingredients, poor temperature control can damage the molecular dynamics of many compounds and endanger lives. Thankfully, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things and Data Analytics enable the healthcare and medical devices sectors to serve the common people unimaginably. Tech-enabled medical cold chain solutions can help reduce the wastage of critical life-saving resources like vaccines and blood products. With solutions such as ultra-low freezers, solar direct drives, plasma freezers, vaccine freezers and solar vaccine refrigerators, the state of blood and vaccine management in the country can be taken several notches higher. Cell and gene therapies also require extremely intensive cold chains besides vaccines and blood management. Therefore, our work with the entire medical and pharma services sector is critical for reliable and quality health services in India. GE HealthCare has joined forces with Axim Life Isotopes South Africa (Alisa) to expand provision of molecular imaging in South Africa with the delivery of two cyclotrons. These produce radioisotopes enabling the production of tracing agents used in molecular imaging scans. Source: Suipplied. The agreement is a joint venture between Life Healthcare and the Axim group of companies. GE HealthCare will deliver the cyclotrons to Alisa's laboratory facility in Midrand, South Africa early next year, giving patients in Africa access to medical advancements. Molecular imaging enables doctors and clinicians to see inside the body with a non-invasive process, helping to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases. It can allow early and precise diagnosis. It uses biomarkers to highlight molecular changes, which can sometimes alert doctors to possible disease. Because of the relatively short half-lives of Pet radioisotopes, they must be created within hours of the patients scan. Thus, hospitals need to be a certain distance from the cyclotrons in order to get functioning isotopes for patients. From a mechanical engineer to a father of a child with pediatric cancer, Mark Frontera turned personal tragedy into a quest to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. Read his story of hope, persistence and the incredible role of imaging technology in his family's journey. GE HealthCare (@GEHealthCare) March 23, 2023 Expanding access to molecular imaging in South Africa Eyong Ebai, general manager of the sub-Saharan Africa division of GE HealthCare said, GE HealthCare is pleased to partner with Alisa. This collaboration will drive continuous innovation in molecular imaging agent production to improve access to radiopharmaceuticals in South Africa and help drive precision care in the region. Peter Goldberg, chairman of Axim group of companies said, The creation of our new radiopharmacy in Midrand, housing two new GE cyclotrons, will provide a stable, reliable and consistent supply of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Howard Marsh, chief financial officer of International, Life Healthcare said, This will include other sought-after medical grade isotopes for all Pet-CT customers in southern Africa. This includes access to isotopes for oncology, cardiovascular, and neuro-degenerative diseases. Alisa is building on the established global collaboration in place between GE HealthCare and Life Healthcare. Turning houses into beautiful homes has been integral to CTM's business model. Since the leading specialist retailer in the market opened its trading doors in 1983, many South Africans have been able to turn their home renovation dreams into a reality - demystifying the notion that a beautiful home requires millions and millions of cash. And this year, CTM invites all South Africans to join them in celebrating 40 years of existence and 40 years of journeying with consumers to create their perfect sanctuary. CTM believes everyone deserves a beautiful home, not just a living structure but a place of comfort, belonging, beauty and warmth they can enjoy daily. Many of us live extremely stressful lives, juggling between work, studies and being a parent, and long to escape to a place of solace. At CTM, our role is to help our consumers find this escape by turning their houses into a place that allows them to block out the stresses of life and create a home haven conceptualized and styled by them using CTM's high-quality products. I am grateful that our customers have trusted the quality and service at CTM for 40 years and am excited to celebrate with our customers, employees, suppliers and partners. Thank you! Today, more than ever, we are dedicated to stock fashionable products to support our customers and make their home dreams a reality. explains Lance Foxcroft CEO of Italtile Limited. CTMs success over the last 40 years is a testament to their consumers' longstanding support and trust. CTM aunts to celebrate and thank them for believing in their brand and ensuring that CTM finishes remain a permanent fixture when transforming and making their homes reflect who they are, and the realities they wish to build for themselves. To mark the celebration of this milestone, CTM will gift consumers a voucher valued at R40,000 to create the home they deserve every week until December 2023. Consumers are invited to visit any CTM store nationwide or online, spend R4,000 or more and stand a chance to be the weeks lucky winner. The founding essence of CTM is rooted in the fundamental consumer desire to create beautiful homes, with an understanding that each consumer's definition of beauty varies. Over the years, this insight has influenced the product offering model, ensuring that the brand caters to the many style tastes and different pockets of South Africans delivering one of CTM's key messages, 'There's a Tile for everyone'. Not all South Africans are the same; our style preferences and affordability pockets vary. In the last four decades, we have been obsessed with finding the best quality products for all our consumers whether you are a Nige or Bob looking for style, quality, and a great price, CTM is where your renovation dreams will come to life. Our travels have taken us as far as Tivoli to bring Italian style and sophistication, to exploring the great outdoors from the Cape to the heights of Kilimanjaro to bring the beauty of Africa to consumers' homes. CTM has also collaborated with two of Mzansis most soulful voices, Thokozani TK Nzima and Mariechan Luither, to create the 40-year celebration campaign anthem. Whats a celebration without a song?" enthuses Sudesh Bhageloo, head of Italtile group marketing. "In true South African style, celebrations are accompanied by song. We felt that creating an original song that communicates the brand's gratitude to consumers would help us deliver our message more succinctly and transcend beyond demographics. Touching the many faces and tastes of our consumers." Bhageloo adds that it was an honour to work with Nzima and Luither, as they both resonated with the brand and have been immersed in the CTM story in their life journey. What a milestone for the CTM Brand, I am proud to be part of CTM for more than 25 years and we have consistently stood by our promise to deliver great quality home finishing products at great prices to all South Africans. We have seen CTM transformed over the last 40 years and I want to thank all our loyal customers for turning us into a household name and continuing to make us your number one choice, says Paul Isaac, brand leader: CTM SA & Southern Africa. CTMs heritage and legacy can be traced to their launching and operating as a concept store, trading as Ceramic Tile Market. Today they have a footprint across all South African provinces and in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Therefore, investing in the upliftment of local and developing industry players who continue to help us show up for their consumers and elevate the brand to even greater heights is vital. As a brand that prides itself on being proudly and loudly South African, CTM believes in giving back to the communities in which it operates, by supporting local tile and sanitary ware factories, ecological sustainability, and CSI initiatives, with 70% of their offerings locally produced. Verve, the experts in culture, communities and smart digital research, have opened Verve Benelux in Amsterdam, headed up by Kirby Johnson and supported by Katrien Gunn and Sanne van der Steeg. Sanne van der Steeg Saskia Racke Kirby Johnson Katrien Gunn Verve Benelux will service the complex global insight needs of multinational corporate clients headquartered or based in the region, such as Shell, Kraft Heinz and Samsung. Johnson joins Verve as Research director. A qualitative and ethnography specialist, Johnson has extensive experience in FMCG, health and beauty amongst other sectors. Before joining Verve, she spent three years at Human8 (previously InSites Consulting) in Germany and The Netherlands. At Verve she will lead the Amsterdam hub and focus on developing a number of existing and new high profile accounts. Kirby will be supported by Belgian native Katrien Gunn, an experienced Verve director, and Dutch native Sanne van der Steeg, who recently joined the team as associate director following a number of years at Thinks Insight & Strategy (formerly Britain Thinks). Luxembourg native Saskia Racke, a research executive with a masters degree in neuroscience, forms part of the extended team Verve founder and CEO, Andrew Cooper, comments: Our holistic approach to insight, where smart tech such as Ignite AI alongside smart research approaches such as commercial semiotics, can create not only deeper insight, but can provide clients with a blueprint for action. This plays well to the complex needs of multinational clients of which many are headquartered in the Benelux region. Marriott International has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Tingana Hospitality Group to open an Autograph Collection hotel in the Kruger National Park. The property, which is currently under construction, will undergo a brand positioning process before opening as an Autograph Collection by 2025. Source: Supplied "We are extremely excited to have signed with the world-renowned Marriott International group, which has a global footprint internationally in the hospitality sector. This lodge is a distinctive addition to Autograph Collection Hotels and will be a unique destination for Marriott Bonvoy members and travellers from across the globe to visit," says Haroun Peer, director, Tingana Hospitality Group. Talya French, director of lodging development for Marriott International adds: "We are delighted to work with Tingana Hospitality Group to bring Autograph Collection Hotels to one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Autograph Collection features curated properties that celebrate individuality and we look forward to offering a distinct perspective on design and hospitality to the emerging and beautiful areas of Mpumalanga. Through this deal signing, we continue to enhance our portfolio in South Africa and support the growth of the tourism sector in the country. The Autograph Collection hotel in Kruger National Park is anticipated to feature 18 villas, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar and swimming pool, amongst other features and facilities. The hotel will be located on the Sabie River bordering the Kruger National Park, and it is near the Kruger Gate entrance to the park. As part of the vision of the ownership group, the hotel will be committed to social responsibility and empowering the local community through its operations. Marriott International's current portfolio in South Africa encompasses nearly 50 properties and more than 6,000 rooms across eight brands. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) recently published a new national standard, SANS:18513 which sets out the vocabulary for hotels and other types of tourism accommodation. Source: jcomp via Freepik According to the Department of Tourism, tourism contributes 3.7% to the South African GDP, employing more than 1 million people and is a sector that is growing. In 2019, before the Covid 19 pandemic, the global tourism sector was estimated at $8.9t. SANS 18513 has been adopted from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and provides the definitions to create a common understanding of the various accommodation types and facilities. " "The tourism sector evolves regularly as new experiences and types of facilities emerge and there must be a globally accepted and used common vocabulary. "A common set of terms, especially identifying types of accommodation and the facilities will improve the tourist experience as consumers can adequately find the right accommodation to meet their needs and allow service providers to correctly advertised their offerings," explains Sadhvir Bissoon, acting CEO of the SABS. The national standard includes definitions for half board, suites, junior suites, early check-in, mini-bar service, accessible rooms, air conditioning, gyms and a range of other commonly found amenities that applies to the tourism sector. SANS 18513 can be purchased from the SABS webstore. The Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo is featuring more than 200 high-quality home-grown goods and service providers, who are showcasing everything from pharmaceutical and health products to stylish furniture and electronics for home and office use, delicious food and drink products, as well as jewellery and textiles. This Proudly South African flagship event kicked off on Monday, 27 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. It offers an informative, jam-packed programme under the theme, Growing the Economy and Creating Jobs through Localisation. The summit was opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, who gave the keynote address. A diverse range of industries and sectors are being featured in a not-to-be-missed showcase, which goes beyond mere product sales and makes a crucial contribution to strengthening local and international trade and the growth of economies. Eustace Mashimbye, Proudly SA CEO, said: Aspiring and established SMEs and entrepreneurs will have access to the Business Solutions Hub, an area dedicated to entities and organisations that exist to regulate, legislate, and advise small businesses. The entities will be on site to resolve disputes, attend to queries and accept applications. These include CIPC, CIPS, CGCSA, the dtic, SEFA, SEDA, SARS, SABS, NEF and The BBBEE Commission. Members of Proudly South African share a commitment to an uplifting ethos that promotes social and economic change and progress. They make a meaningful contribution to building South Africa's economy, alleviating unemployment, and retaining existing employment opportunities. The conference floor is abuzz with panel discussions and presentations from representatives of various labour-intensive sectors. The ongoing electricity crisis was the focus for seasoned broadcaster Jeremy Maggs on day one, as a facilitator of the panel discussion aimed at unpacking the countrys energy status quo, as well as the localisation and industrialisation opportunities that exist in the Renewable Energy industry. The panel aims to bring out feasible solutions to the crisis that can also create jobs within the country. Partners of the 2023 Buy Local Summit & Expo include Absa, Sasol, Aspen, Sizwe IT, Southern Sun, GCIS, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, SA Breweries, the DTIC, Brand South Africa and Trade and Industry KZN (TiKZN). A full programme and day visitor registration is available at www.buylocalsummit.co.za and all participating exhibitors' information can be found at https://buylocalsummit.co.za/exhibitors/ Eskom has returned two hydropower plants to Uganda's government after Ugandan authorities declined to renew its licence, Uganda's energy minister said. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Ugandan minister of energy and mineral development. Source: Reuters/Shelley Christians Under a 20-year concession signed in 2002, Eskom had been running the two plants located at the source of the River Nile in Jinja, about 90km east of the capital Kampala. Both plants have a combined installed generation capacity of 380 megawatts (MW). Last year, the government said it would not renew Eskom's licence when it expired this month and would instead run the plants as part of plans to reduce power costs to consumers. Part of those plans, according to the government, was to reduce private capital in the sector. "We also strongly believe that Eskom has built adequate local capacity that will be able to continue the proper operations and maintenance of the complex," energy minister Ruth Ssentamu Nankabirwa said while taking over the plants from Eskom. State-run firm to operate plants In a speech during Eskom's transfer, Nankabirwa said state-run Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UEGCL) will now operate the plants. She said the government was conducting an audit to determine if it owed Eskom any compensation for un-recouped investments. "Government of Uganda is ready to fulfil the outstanding obligations that will arise out of this audit." Uganda has an installed capacity of about 1,400MW of power, and that will rise to 2000MW when a Chinese-built plant, Karuma, also on River Nile, is commissioned this year. New flight routes open for summer By LI LEI (China Daily) 08:33, March 28, 2023 An Air China plane takes off from Beijing Daxing International Airport. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn] More services launched to meet pent-up desire for travel post-pandemic Airlines have added more routes for the summer-autumn flight season that started on Sunday, aiming to shore up flight volume to surpass pre-pandemic levels, official figures showed. Experts said that carriers operating on the mainland have seized the twice-a-year shift in flying schedules the other being in October to expand routes as passengers venture out of their homes with the cutting of many pandemic-related restrictions. During the 217-day flight season that lasts till late October, a mix of 169 domestic and foreign carriers plan to schedule 117,222 passenger and cargo flights each week, up 20.8 percent from 2019, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The increase has translated into more flights and new routes for airlines big and small in the coming months. Air China said it has scheduled an average of 1,547 flights each day, which is 51 percent more than in 2019. China Southern Airlines has scheduled more than 3,000 flights a day linking 216 airports at home and abroad, the company said. China United, a budget airline, has opened 14 new air routes in addition to restoring seven ones that were canceled during the pandemic-induced travel slump. Fan Qingsong, a strategic executive officer with budget airline China Express, said the jump in flight volume is a telltale sign of an industrywide recovery, and many carriers, including his, are laying a great deal of emphasis on this change of season by arranging more services. "The summer-autumn season is crucial for airlines in terms of revenues, which can account for about 60 percent of the annual earnings," he said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency. The CAAC said that 38 carriers have added 726 exclusive routes in the new season, with a weekly average of 6,659 flights linking cities such as Ordos in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Zhanjiang in Guangdong province and Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region with regional transportation hubs including Chongqing, Dalian in Liaoning province, and Guiyang in Guizhou province. Han Tao, a researcher with the China Air Transport Association, told Xinhua that the additions are mainly "branch airways" featuring short-distance flights commuting between smaller cities, and that the routes help carriers tap small-town and rural markets. Data showed that the number of overseas flights has also witnessed an upsurge. According to the CAAC, there are 3,463 passenger and cargo flights each week to and from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. These flights are operated by 36 carriers and represent a 30.8 percent increase year-on-year. There are also an average of 14,702 international passenger and cargo flights each week. Xie Zhinan, an official with Beijing Capital International Airport, said it is handling around 76 international passenger flights each day, or 50 percent more than the winter-spring season, in the new season, and these flights are to and from 54 airports in 41 countries on five continents. The airport's management told state broadcaster China Central Television that there will be at least one flight daily to cities such as Frankfurt, Moscow and Sydney in the new season starting Sunday. The restoration of international flights came ahead of a slew of Chinese public holidays in the next couple of months, such as Qingming Festival on April 5, International Workers' Day on May 1 and Dragon Boat Festival on June 22. Xinhua has reported that the orders for outbound flights scheduled between March 26 and June 30 have seen a six-fold increase year-on-year. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Israeli security forces use water canons to disperse protesters during ongoing demonstrations in Tel Aviv, March 27. AFP-Yonhap Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night paused a judicial overhaul which triggered a general strike, political division and mass protests in the country's most severe domestic crisis in years. After nearly three months of increasing tensions, Netanyahu said in a broadcast: "Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill" to allow time for dialogue. The proposed reforms would curtail the authorities of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges. The legislation will now be considered further in the next session of parliament which begins in the second half of April, the prime minister said. His comments came a day after he sacked his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who had called for a halt to the legislative process citing national security concerns. Earlier Monday President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, made a similar demand, and tens of thousands of protesters had rallied near parliament in Jerusalem after the strike declaration. Flights had been disrupted, hospitals stopped non-emergency services, and even diplomats walked off the job. But immediately after Netanyahu announced the pause, Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut trade union confederation, called off the strike. About 80,000 demonstrators joined the Jerusalem rally against the reform package, the latest such protest to draw tens of thousands, Israeli media estimated. A nearby counter-demonstration attracted thousands of right-wing backers of the overhaul, an AFP journalist said, after Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged their attendance. Demonstrators have for months decried the reform plans as a threat to Israel's democracy. The Israel Medical Association had joined the strike call, which affected public hospitals, though it said life-saving treatments continued. The strike also affected flights at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, where an AFP journalist saw multiple delayed departures. Diplomatic staff were among those walking out, with Washington embassy spokesman Elad Strohmayer tweeting the Israeli mission "will be closed... until further notice". 'Tangible threat' The government plans have sparked concern from Israel's allies including the United States, and Washington welcomed Netanyahu's pause "as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise", Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said he is conditionally ready to engage in dialogue over the proposed changes, "if the legislation truly and totally stops," and the government is not bluffing. Former defense minister Benny Gantz, a leading opposition figure, said he was immediately ready for talks mediated by Herzog. "Better late than never," Gantz said of Netanyahu's pause. The government, a coalition between Netanyahu's Likud party and extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues the changes are needed to rebalance powers between lawmakers and the judiciary. Moments after Netanyahu fired Gallant, demonstrators converged on a central highway in Tel Aviv, blocking traffic and burning tyres. Some threw metal barricades at mounted officers while police deployed water cannon. Herzog recalled the "difficult scenes" and said: "The entire nation is rapt with deep worry," with security, the economy and society all "under threat". Herzog had previously raised the specter of civil conflict. "We can't allow a civil war," Netanyahu said in his address. Yoav Gallant, the outgoing defense minister who had been a staunch ally of Netanyahu, on Saturday cited a "tangible threat to Israel's security". Referring to threats by reserve military personnel not to report for duty, he said: "The growing social rift has made its way into the (army) and security agencies." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, stands at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, March 27. AFP-Yonhap An agent shows up at the home of the Twitter files journalist who testified before Congress. Democrats are denouncing the House GOP investigation into the weaponization of government, but maybe thats because Republicans are getting somewhere. That includes new evidence that the Internal Revenue Service may be targeting a journalist who testified before the weaponization committee. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan sent a letter Monday to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen seeking an explanation for why journalist Matt Taibbi received an unannounced home visit from an IRS agent. Weve seen the letter, and both the circumstances and timing of the IRS focus on this journalist raise serious questions. Nashville police on Monday identified 28-year-old female-to-male transgender Audrey Hale as the mass shooting suspect who killed three children and three adults at a Christian school in Tennessee. VIDEO: Nashville police chief confirms Audrey Hale identifies as transgender, suggests her trans identify motivated the killings: "We have a manifesto ... and a map of how all of this was going to play out." pic.twitter.com/Mss0FPqnUn Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 27, 2023 BREAKING: The deceased mass shooter of the Christian school in #Nashville has been identified as #trans person Audrey E. Hale. Three children & three staff were murdered. The shooting comes amid a surge in far-left death threats in Tennessee over the state https://t.co/gHQ6S0YSYd pic.twitter.com/RbJyFe5xM9 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) March 27, 2023 Nossi College of Art & Design, formerly attended by the #trans mass shooter of a Christian school in Nashville, has locked down its Twitter account. pic.twitter.com/zahjvujfa8 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) March 27, 2023 Far-left extremists & militant #trans activists are threatening to injure or kill lawmakers in Tennessee as revenge for the state banning the medical transitioning of minors. Their violent threats have surged in recent weeks. https://t.co/F3BsnpsijZ pic.twitter.com/BgeEcCrZzU Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) March 26, 2023 From The Post Millennial, "Transgender Nashville school shooter had detailed manifesto, map of Christian school, police confirm": Police said during a Monday press conference that the person who killed six including three children at the Covenant Christian school in Nashville was a former student of the academy, Audrey Hale, who identified as transgender and had left a detailed manifesto with plans on how to conduct the attack at the school. Hale entered the building by shooting through a door on the side, police said. Once inside, Hale reportedly began firing at anyone in sight. Among the victims were three 9-year-old children, Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, as well as custodian Mike Hill, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, and school head Katherine Koonce. Girl, 9, killed alongside two schoolmates by transgender shooter at Nashville Christian school, as head of school, 60, custodian and woman, both 61, are named as remaining victims https://t.co/NzG7LSaYPf pic.twitter.com/BtrZC5YCuc Terri Green (@TerriGreenUSA) March 27, 2023 Metropolitan police arrived quickly, and Hale was killed after an encounter with officers on the second floor just four minutes into the shooting. Officers found that Hale was equipped with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, and a search of the family home in Nashville revealed detailed maps and a manifesto of the attack. Andy Ngo questioned whether Hale potentially taking testosterone influenced the attack. Was the #Nashville trans mass shooter on cross-sex hormones (in this case, testosterone)? Women committing mass shootings are exceptionally rare, but if Audrey "Aiden" Hale took testosterone, it could explain part of the male-typical mass violence the Christian school tragically Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) March 27, 2023 In Colorado in 2019, another female-to-male transgender mass shooter went on a rampage together with her pro-LGBT friend targeting students who mocked her "gender identity." The DC regime together with Big Tech and the controlled media have been pushing transgenderism on children aggressively for over a decade now -- ruining countless lives and permanently mutilating thousands of children. The havoc this mass psychosis and mass mutilation is going to wreck on society has only just begun to be felt. The media is going to try to blame the "intolerant" people who opposed this lunacy for the havoc rather than the social engineers who imposed it on the public from the top down. Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram. Bill Gates, a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, has long been perceived as a benevolent figure, striving to improve global public health. However, the reality may be far different than this carefully cultivated image. In this article, we delve into the influence Bill Gates wields in public health sectors and explore the reasons why he is often seen as a medical expert despite having no formal qualifications. We also examine some of the questionable motives and connections that cast a shadow on his seemingly charitable endeavours. Gates Foundation and the WHO The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has become one of the World Health Organizations (WHO) most significant donors in recent years, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In fact, the Gates Foundations financial support to the WHO has grown so much that it now outpaces the contributions made by many individual nations. This considerable funding has raised concerns about the level of influence the foundation wields over the organizations decision-making processes and global health policies. Influence Over Global Health Policies With the Gates Foundation being a substantial source of funding for the WHO, there are valid concerns about the Foundations impact on the Organizations agenda and priorities. The Bill Gates Foundations financial influence has the potential to divert the WHOs attention from critical public health issues to projects that align more closely with the foundations interests. This has resulted in a disproportionate focus on specific diseases or the promotion of certain interventions, such as mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, at the expense of other crucial health initiatives and the health and lives of the public. Conflicts of Interest The Gates Foundations funding of the WHO raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest, given that the Foundation holds shares in pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture vaccines. With the WHO being responsible for coordinating global health responses and providing guidance on vaccination policies, there is a concern that the Gates Foundations financial interests have and will continue to influence the WHOs decision-making in ways that are more aligned with the foundations profit motives than with global health needs. The Gates Foundation-MHRA Connection In 2017, the UK Medicine Regulator, the MHRA, received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation worth 980,000 to facilitate a collaboration between the two entities. But according to a Freedom of Information request answered by the MHRA in May 2021, the Gates Foundation sent funds of over $3 million to the MHRA to support a number of projects. While this relationship might not have raised eyebrows under different circumstances, the fact that the Gates Foundation owns shares in companies developing Covid-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in children by the MHRA raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Gates Foundations Ties to Moderna In 2016, Moderna announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had granted them $20 million to support their initial project, which involved the evaluation of antibody combinations in a preclinical setting and the conduct of a Phase 1 clinical trial for a potential mRNA injection. Moderna also revealed that the framework agreement between Moderna and the Gates Foundation could potentially result in total funding of up to $100 million for follow-on projects proposed and approved by the Gates Foundation through 2022. As part of this agreement, Moderna is obliged to grant the Gates Foundation certain non-exclusive licenses. A Profitable Arrangement A non-exclusive license allows the licensee to use the intellectual property while the licensor retains the freedom to exploit the same property and grant additional licenses to other parties. Therefore, because of their agreement with Moderna, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been granted a non-exclusive license for Modernas mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, allowing them to profit from its use. A vaccine, that may have been developed in 2019, at least a year before the alleged COVID-19 pandemic changed the world for the worse. This opens up a whole kettle of other questions surrounding the origins of the alleged Covid-19 virus, but you can read some evidence surrounding that here. But the financial interest in Moderna also extends to other vaccine manufacturers as well, with the Gates Foundation having owned significant shares in both Pfizer and BioNTech during the height of the alleged Covid-19 pandemic. A Lucrative Partnership The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation bought shares in Pfizer back in 2002 before coincidentally buying $55 million worth of shares in BioNTech in September 2019, just before the alleged Covid-19 pandemic struck. The partnership between Pfizer and BioNTech has proven to be highly profitable, as their Covid-19 vaccine was among the first to receive emergency use authorizations worldwide. This rapid approval and widespread distribution have resulted in a substantial increase in the stock prices of both companies. Consequently, the Gates Foundations investments in these corporations have also grown in value, adding to the foundations already significant wealth. Questions of Motivation and Objectivity The Gates Foundations investments in Pfizer and BioNTech raise questions about the motivation behind the Foundations advocacy for vaccination programs and its influence on global health organizations. While the Foundations support for vaccination efforts may seem to be genuinely driven by a desire to improve global health on the surface, its financial interests in the companies that produce these vaccines cast serious doubt on the objectivity of its recommendations. Impact on Public Perception and Trust The revelation of the Bill Gates Foundations investments in Pfizer and BioNTech, coupled with its funding of organizations like the WHO and the MHRA, should at the very least contribute to public scepticism and mistrust towards Covid-19 vaccination efforts. Transparency regarding these financial interests is crucial in maintaining public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, as well as the impartiality of the organizations responsible for their development, regulation, and distribution. And as we know, with mortality rates per 100,000 lowest among the unvaccinated, 92% of Covid-19 deaths in the UK in 2022 confirmed to have been among the triple+ vaccinated, and 2 million excess deaths since their roll-out, there is nothing safe about the Covid-19 vaccines. But you can read more about that here, here, and here. Bill Gates Questionable Associations Despite the philanthropic image that Bill Gates has cultivated over the years, his associations with certain individuals have raised eyebrows and cast doubt on his motives. As a powerful and influential figure, Gates has mingled with an array of notable personalities, some of whom have been embroiled in controversies and scandals. These connections warrant closer scrutiny, as they provide a broader context in which to evaluate Gates actions and intentions. Sinister Implications of Gates-Epstein Meetings One of Gates most infamous associations is with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Although Gates has attempted to downplay the extent of their relationship, reports have emerged indicating that he met with Epstein on multiple occasions. These interactions occurred AFTER Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution, raising questions about Gates judgment in choosing to associate with Epstein. These meetings included visits to Epsteins New York City mansion where they allegedly discussed philanthropy and global health initiatives. Given Epsteins criminal history and the secretive circumstances surrounding their meetings, there are serious concerns that these discussions will have had sinister undertones and ulterior motives. The sinister implications of Gates meetings with Epstein raise concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations who are the intended beneficiaries of global health initiatives. Could it be possible that Epstein agreed to provide funding for Gatess profit-making public health schemes in exchange for children and underage girls? After all, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that an estimated 460,000 children are reported missing every year in the United States. At the very least these meetings have added fuel to the fire surrounding Bill Gates true motivations. They are further evidence that his interests are not truly aligned with the greater good. The association raises serious concerns about Bill Gates judgment and the company he chooses to keep, casting a dark shadow over his seemingly benevolent endeavours. Melinda Gates Concerns Reports confirm that Melinda Gates, Bill Gates ex-wife, had expressed her concerns about her husbands relationship with Epstein. According to a New York Times article, Melinda was uncomfortable with Epstein and his reputation after meeting him in 2013. It has been reported that her concerns were significant enough to prompt discussions with lawyers, potentially contributing to the eventual decision to end their marriage. The Gates Divorce In May 2021, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to divorce after 27 years of marriage. While the couple stated that they no longer believe we can grow together as a couple, the exact reasons behind the divorce remain private. However, speculation has arisen about the possible influence of Bill Gates association with Jeffrey Epstein on the decision to end their marriage. The Wall Street Journal reported that Melinda Gates began exploring the possibility of divorce as early as 2019, with her concerns about her husbands ties to Epstein allegedly playing a role in that decision. Gates: An Expert in Marketing, Not Medicine Bill Gates is, without a doubt, a highly intelligent and successful individual. However, as Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, pointed out in his biography, Gates primary skill is marketing. He did not invent the computer or even the Windows operating system. Instead, he capitalized on the ideas of others and successfully marketed them to become one of the wealthiest people in the world. While this skill is impressive, it does not qualify him as an expert in medicine or public health. A Voice That Should Be Questioned Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mainstream media has given Bill Gates an amplified voice, allowing him to shape public opinion and promote the interests of the companies he had invested in, such as those producing Covid-19 vaccines. However, it is crucial to remember that Gates is not a doctor or a scientist, and his financial interests may not align with the greater good. Conclusion: The Importance of Scepticism In conclusion, Bill Gates is a complex figure whose expertise lies in seizing opportunities and marketing them effectively. While on the surface it may look like he has made significant contributions to global public health through his foundation, it is crucial to recognize that he is not an infallible authority. His associations, investments, and potential conflicts of interest should be carefully examined, as they may reveal more about his motives and true intentions. As members of the general public, it is our responsibility to question everything and not blindly accept the narratives presented by powerful individuals like Bill Gates. This scepticism will ensure that we make informed decisions and hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions and influence. A German Leopard 2A6 in Germany / Getty Images Germany has delivered promised Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday, providing Kyiv with much-needed heavy weaponry against Russia. The delivery of what Scholz said were "very modern" German-made battle tanks comes some two months after Berlin finally gave the green light for them to be sent. Ukraine has appealed to its western allies to make good on their pledges of heavy arms to push back Russian forces, ahead of a possible spring counter-offensive by Kyiv. "Yes, we delivered Leopard tanks as we announced," Scholz told a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Rotterdam when asked to confirm a report in news outlet Spiegel. "We're providing very modern (tanks) which we have now delivered." The Spiegel report said Berlin had delivered 18 of the advanced Leopards, with the last of the tanks having left Germany at the end of last week, before being handed over to Ukraine at the border. Germany's defence ministry later confirmed the 18 Leopard deliveries, along with two armoured "Buffel" tank recovery vehicles. About 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles have also arrived in Ukraine, it said. "Our tanks have made it into the hands of our Ukrainian friends as promised and on time," German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. "I'm sure they can make a difference on the ground." Berlin was keeping the route of the deliveries secret for security reasons, Spiegel said. Tanks from Germany and the United Kingdom are arriving in Ukraine / Ukraine Ministry of Defense Twitter Dangerous Ukrainian soldiers were trained on the 2A6s, the most advanced of the Leopard models, on German military bases. They have also trained at Spanish bases. At the end of January, Berlin finally gave the green light for Leopards among the world's most advanced tanks and used by militaries across Europe to be sent to Ukraine. The US said at the same time it would send advanced American Abrams tanks. Under German law, any country wanting to send the tanks to another country must first get approval from Berlin. Scholz's government initially said it was aiming to assemble, along with allies, two battalions of tanks for Kyiv about 60 tanks in total. But they have since struggled to get the numbers together. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, right, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte attend a joint news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine Feb. 2, 2022. Reuters-Yonhap A handout photo made available by the office of Taiwan's former president Ma Ying-jeou shows Ma Ying-jeou writing a message during his visit at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, China, March 28. EPA-Yonhap People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwan's ruling party has criticized. Ma, in office from 2008-2016, is the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. He is visiting amid heightened tension as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan into accepting Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party has questioned why he is visiting just after China took away another Taiwanese diplomatically, Honduras, on Sunday, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries. In comments in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where the man celebrated for overthrowing the last Chinese emperor in 1911 and ushering a republic is buried, Ma praised Sun's contributions. "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors," Ma said, in comments provided by his office. Ma used wording in Chinese meaning people of Chinese ethnicity, rather than referring to their nationality. Descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors is an expression referring to a common ancestor for Chinese people. In this photo released by the Ma Ying-jeou Office, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, center, stands at the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, March 28. AP-Yonhap A new report from Amnesty International highlights Ireland's failure to protect sex worker's human rights. The report is part of the non-governmental organisations annual assessment of human rights around the world. Speaking about the issues in Ireland, Amnesty International Irelands interim director for Human Rights, Fiona Crowley, said: Over 2022, we raised serious concerns about the state of human rights in Ireland. "The disregard shown for the safety of sex workers through continued criminalisation of aspects of sex work, as well as the governments dismal failure to provide truth, justice and reparation for women and children who had spent time in Mother and Baby Homes, are both grave wrongs." They also voiced concerns over the last year in relation to the proposed use of facial recognition technology by Garda in public spaces and, amid the escalating housing crisis, called again for a referendum on the constitutional right to housing. Advertisement Research published by Amnesty in January 2022 shows that the criminalisation of aspects of sex work in Ireland has placed sex workers at higher risk of abuse and violence, including rape, and less able to trust gardai. This in turn has created a chilling effect on sex workers exercise of their human rights. Amnesty International is calling on the Irish authorities to listen to sex workers and decriminalise all aspects of sex work. The report of a three-year review of the 2017 law by the Department of Justice has still not been published. Elsewhere in the report Amnesty criticised Europe's double standard when it comes to immigration. Sport Human rights issues a glaring omission in White... Read More Within days of the Russian invasion, the EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive for the first time, providing immediate protection to displaced Ukrainians. Nils Muiznieks Amnesty Internationals Europe director said: "It demonstrated that, as one of the richest blocs in the world, it is more than capable of receiving large numbers of people seeking safety and providing them with quick access to accommodation, the labour market and education. "In contrast, people arriving at Europes borders seeking protection, and in particular racialised people who fled Afghanistan, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa, continued to face racism, torture and other ill-treatment including violent rejection at the borders. European nations have demonstrated that they know what they must do in response to people seeking international protection and, crucially, that they can do it." The full hearing of sacked teacher Enoch Burke's dispute with his former employer begins in court on Tuesday. The hearing of the dispute between Wilsons Hospital School and Mr Burke is listed to last four days. It will be heard by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, who will be the sixth High Court judge to deal with aspects of the dispute. The case centres on the conduct of a disciplinary process initiated against Mr Burke last September under which he was placed on paid administrative leave. The process arose from his behaviour at a school event in June last year where he publicly voiced opposition to a request from the then school principal to address a student by their new preferred name and using the pronoun they. When Mr Burke continued to attend at the school, it secured High Court orders in late August and September restraining him from doing so and he was later imprisoned for 108 days for contempt of those orders. Advertisement His continuing contempt of the orders following his release from prison just before Christmas has led to fines of 700 daily being imposed by the High Court on him since January 27th. He was directed to pay 23,800 in relation to those fines by March 23rd and Mr Justice Brian OMoore, who imposed the fines, said the school could apply to enforce payment over Mr Burkes assets if he did not do so. The judge said the fines would continue to accrue until Mr Burke purges his contempt. Mr Burke was served with a notice of dismissal by the school board of management on January 20th but his appeal against that notice, which will be decided by an independent panel, has yet to be heard. Mr Burke has claimed the disciplinary process was initiated in breach of his rights, including to freedom of religious belief. He is expected to call three senior Church of Ireland clerics to give evidence in relation to his argument that transgenderism goes against his religious beliefs. An Irish MEP has expressed concern about leaked European Commission plans to remove the UK from the list of countries recognized as providing European television and streaming content. The proposal, first reported by Politico Europe, would put Irish broadcasters like RTE and Virgin Media in a tight spot, as British programmes form a major part of their output. Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher said the Commission was considering removing UK from the list of countries that are providing European content because of the Audio Visual Media Services Directive. "A certain amount of content has to be made in Europe effectively," he told RTE radio. "Obviously since Brexit, as you know, people view the UK differently, but from the perspective of the European Commission in reviewing what constitutes European work, they are considering removing the UK and that would have a profound impact on RTE and many other providers of content in Ireland as well." Advertisement Most people were unaware that broadcasters have to adhere to certain rules on where content is produced, he said. If the Commission decides to define work produced in the UK as not being European then that could have a major impact on RTE and other providers who would have to change scheduling, Mr Kelleher said. "It is a very serious issue and I think it's just something that we have to monitor very, very quickly. On the face of it looks like being petty from the point of view of the Commission coming forward with its proposal to tighten what qualifies as European. "Just because the UK has left the European Union doesn't mean that they haven't and don't produce European content. English is the most spoken second language across Europe. You know, it's something that we have to be very conscious of and from an Irish perspective, and the Netherlands and Denmark and others, Sweden and many countries that you know, see a lot of their content through English. This could have profound implications." The RTE director general Dee Forbes had contacted Mr Kelleher to raise the issue. "The Commission is looking at how they can tighten the grip as such in terms of the interpretation of what is European content. Advertisement "I would be concerned that this is a political motivation as much as anything else, because other countries are really pushing their own visual audio, visual media content as well. "We really need the Irish Government and others to lobby hard just to tell the Commission that this is definitely a bridge too far for an impact report on the viability of what RTE can put on, but it will impact on what Irish people can view. Business RTE reports median gender pay gap of 13% Read More "From our perspective and an Irish government perspective, we have to be very clear with the Commission that this is just completely unacceptable. There is strong historical and cultural links between Ireland and the UK in terms of what we view and the content we view, and that's also the same with the Netherlands, with Denmark and others where you have English as a second language. A lot of those people, you know, would look at media television as well and streaming. So it would be very damaging. "It's early days, but from the point of view of the leaked paper coming out of the Commission, we certainly have to be on our guard. We now need the Government to act as well." Mr Kelleher said he would be raising the issue in the European Parliament to ensure that European content was examined in "a very broad basis." "All countries in my view across Europe are European content and certainly a country like the UK has been a dominant player in media and streaming services for years, then all of a sudden we would rule them out. It looks to be vindictive and petty at the very least, but very damaging to our TV and Irish viewers and to viewers that look at English as a traditional medium across Europe." A High Court judge has dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Enoch Burke in favour of a delay in a High Court case with his former employer. As the case opened on Tuesday, Mr Burke claimed that evidence submitted to the High Court had been tampered with. Representatives for Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath denied the outrageous allegations in the strongest possible terms. After presiding judge, Mr Justice Alexander Owens, ruled not to delay proceedings based on the allegations made by Mr Burke, a row erupted between the two for over an hour, during which Mr Burke was asked by the judge if he had a problem with his ears. Before the lunchtime break, the judge ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke will not be allowed to return to court when proceedings resume in the afternoon, and will be facilitated to watch proceedings via a video link. Advertisement Wilsons Hospital School and Mr Burke are pursuing claims against each other in the case. Mr Burke was accompanied by his sister Ammi Burke, his brother Isaac and his mother Martina. At the beginning of proceedings, Mr Burke told the court that he believed something from a Book of Evidence submitted to the court had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. He said the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and that it had been taken out of the booklet and replaced by the repeat of another email. Mr Burke also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out as evidence, and requested screenshots of the communications. He said he noticed this while preparing for his cross-examination on Monday at 3pm, with some of it balanced at the edge of the bed. Ammi and Enoch Burke. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said, calling the allegations grave. After a back-and-forth between Mr Burke and Mr Justice Owens, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the manner in which he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Advertisement Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the allegations made against his solicitors and his client. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say that there had been deliberate tampering adding this was most unlikely, as both sides had the original document where the material in question was still present. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. Enoch Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought which may not necessarily be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced nor was he himself misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times after this, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled on the matter. Advertisement Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. You dont tell me what I can do, I hold all the cards in relation to this, you hold none of them now please stop. Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that Mr Burke is inclined to label anyone who disagrees with him as a liar. He said if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about the several aspects in the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. Mr White said he had offered to deal with the concerns, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court that Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. Advertisement When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, before leaving the courtroom during the recess. Mr Burke was suspended from work on full pay last year pending the outcome of a disciplinary process following incidents stemming from a row with the school over a student who wished to transition to another gender. Teachers at the school had been asked to address a student by a new name and to use the pronoun they in an email from the schools principal, sent in May 2022. Sport Kellie Harrington refuses to answer questions on i... Read More A number of incidents followed, which led to injunctions being taken by the school against Mr Burke, preventing him from attending the school's grounds. He was later committed to prison by a High Court judge in September after breaching a temporary court order to stay away from the school while suspended. He was released before Christmas. Mr Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school since then. Lawyers for one of the men accused of taking part in assaults at a repossessed farmhouse in Roscommon has challenged the evidence that two mobile phones were taken from the accused's home. At around 5am on December 16th 2018, a group of approximately 30 armed men, some wearing balaclavas, arrived at the rural property just outside Strokestown and attacked four of the security guards present, the trial has heard. The house and farmlands had been repossessed five days previously. Patrick Sweeney (44) of High Cairn, Ramelton, Co Donegal, Martin O'Toole (58) of Stripe, Irishtown, Claremorris, Co Mayo, Paul Beirne (56) of Croghan, Boyle, Co Roscommon and David Lawlor (43) of Bailis Downs, Navan, Co. Meath, have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Each man is separately charged with false imprisonment of and assault causing harm to four security personnel at Falsk on December 16th 2018. Advertisement Each man is also charged with aggravated burglary, as well as four charges of arson in relation to a car and three vans which were allegedly set alight. The four men are also each charged with criminal damage to a door of a house, violent disorder, robbery of a wristwatch from security guard John Graham and, finally, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal by causing or permitting an animal to be struck on the head. Search warrant On day 16 of the trial Detective Sergeant Shane Killeen told Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, that on January 10th 2019 he and a number of gardai went to Mr O'Toole's home in Stripe, Claremorris for the execution of a warrant to search the property. He said he was aware that the previous day Garda Sergeant Enda Daly had gone to the District Court and sworn an information for the application of a search warrant. Dt Sgt Killeen said he conducted a search of a living room in the presence of Mr O'Toole and he seized a Samsung mobile phone and a Huawei phone. He said he asked Mr O'Toole were they his phones and he said Mr O'Toole said they were. He said he bagged the phones as exhibits and brought them to Roscommon garda station and handed them to another garda for analysis. Advertisement Gda Sgt Enda Daly testified that he affected the arrest of Mr O'Toole, pursuant to the Offences against the State Act, for an offence of unlawful possession of a firearm at the incident at Falsk. Sgt Daly agreed with Sean Rafter BL, defending Mr O'Toole, that no firearm was found at the property. He said he was satisfied that there was a firearm at the scene of the incident, and it was his belief that Mr O'Toole was present at the scene. Mr Rafter, defending Mr O'Toole, put it to the Dt Sgt Killeen that the information sworn to the District Court judge in applying for the search warrant did not mention mobile phones. Counsel asked Dt Sgt Killeen were you hoping to recover phones?. The witness replied that we were looking for any evidence we could gather. Counsel asked if he thought the absence of any mention to mobile phones on the sworn information grounding the warrant was unfortunate. Dt Sgt Killeen said no and that the warrant allowed gardai to search for information relating to the incident at Falsk. Ireland Man who sent explicit images of himself to German... Read More Mr Rafter put it to the witness that the custody record book, detailed the personal items of property taken from Mr O'Toole at Castlerea garda station, included a Samsung mobile phone and a Huawei phone. Dt Sgt Killeen said that he had told the member in charge, the garda charged with documenting the custody record, that he was seizing the two phones and to include them in the property of Mr O'Toole. Mr Rafter put it to the witness that it was quite clear that the mobile phones were on his client's person and that you didn't take them from the house. Dt Sgt Killeen said that is not correct. He said he disputed entirely the submission by Mr Rafter that the contemporaneous records don't support your version of events. A man who was granted international protection in Greece is now challenging a finding that his application for protection here was inadmissible. The Somalian claims he experienced ethnic violence from gangs, persistent racism and degrading treatment and inhumane living conditions which caused him to leave a refugee camp in Greece. He was then homeless, forced to beg for food and to rely on food scraps from restaurant bins while in Greece, he alleges. The married father of two used a false passport to travel to Ireland in November 2021, and applied for international protection on the basis of an alleged fear of violence from the Al-Shabab terrorist organisation in Somalia, he says. He did not disclose his previous application in Greece. His Irish application was deemed inadmissible by the International Protection Office, and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (Ipat) upheld this finding. Advertisement The man, who cannot be identified due to his immigration status, claims the Ipat erred in holding that the Minister for Justice was obliged to dismiss his international protection claim due to him having been granted protection in another EU member state. Mr Justice Charles Meenan remarked this week that this issue raised by applicants coming from Greece is arising very very frequently before him in the High Courts asylum list. He made the comments while granting permission to pursue judicial reviews to three applicants, including the Somalian, who arrived in Ireland from Greece. Judicial review He said the Ipat and the Minister for Justice have indicated in previous similar cases that they are not opposed to the court granting permission for judicial review to be sought. For this reason, he was satisfied he could grant leave in these three actions while only the applicants were represented in court. The decision of the Ipat and the Minister not to oppose the grant of leave in the earlier cases does not negate their ability to oppose the challenges at the next stage of the court process, the judge added, adjourning the cases to a date next month. The Somalian, a former boat owner, alleges he was attacked by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and forced to flee Somalia in 2019 after his brother was killed. His children and wife remain in Somalia, he says. Advertisement He was granted international protection in Greece in June 2020, but left for Ireland due to the conditions and degrading treatment there, he says. His proceedings ask the High Court to quash the Ipats affirmation of the International Protection Offices recommendation that his protection application be deemed inadmissible. He claims, the Ipat erred in finding he failed to adduce evidence of his living conditions in Greece. Ireland Enoch Burke's 'flimsy' arguments dismissed by High... Read More A decision of the Court of Justice of the EU supports his contention, he says. The ruling does not require an applicant to provide particular content or material and does impose an obligation on the tribunal to consider objective, reliable, specific and properly updated information, he adds. Country of origin information and previous decisions of the European Court of Human Rights support the existence of a systematic failure in relation to the supports and rights provided to international protection applicants in Greece, the man claims. The Ipats assessment of his claim was unreasonable and irrational in failing to consider the existence of systematic failures on the basis of country of origin information, he adds. It was also wrong to read the International Protection Act of 2015 without considering a section of the Interpretation Act of 2005 which, he says, provides that an individual shall not be returned to a territory where they would be threatened due to, among other things, race, religion, nationality, or would be subject to serious risk of inhuman or degrading treatment. A man who assaulted his former partner by strangling her with both hands has been jailed for three years. Before sentencing him, Judge Martina Baxter noted that Gerard McQuillan (35) of no fixed abode but from Raheny, Dublin, had exhibited misogynistic tendencies and posed a possible danger. She said that during the trial he had assassinated the character of the complainant and claimed that she had assaulted him. Judge Baxter said the jury rejected his web of lies and she noted the fact that the offending took place in the context of an intimate relationship was an aggravating feature under the 2018 Domestic Violence Act. McQuillan was convicted after a trial last December at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of assault causing harm and two counts of criminal damage at the woman's home on September 9th, 2020. Advertisement The court heard that McQuillan damaged the woman's necklace while he was lifting her up by the neck with both his hands. After apologising to her, he then punched a wall in the house and apologised again. Blaming victim Judge Baxter noted that while McQuillan has said, through his lawyers, that he accepts the guilty verdicts of a jury, he continued to blame the victim in later assessments with the Probation Servic. He has very, very limited insight and he possibly poses a danger, Judge Baxter said. Defending counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, said that his client needed interventions as recommended by the Probation Service. The court heard that the assault took place after a verbal altercation between McQuillan and the woman at her home. McQuillan grabbed her neck with his hands and lifted her off the floor and threw her on the floor. The court heard the victim's evidence was that she was strangled around the neck and that when she was on the floor she felt she was kicked. Previous convictions Separate assessments carried out by a psychologist and by the Probation Service deemed McQuillan to be at a high risk of repeating spousal abuse. He has 76 previous convictions, primarily for road traffic offences. Advertisement Judge Baxter said this was a horrific and unprovoked assault on an innocent woman during which the accused had used his hands as weapons. She suspended the final six months of a three and a half year prison term on condition that he engage with the Probation Service for a year after his release, particularly in relation to therapy around overcoming violence. She ordered that he was to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim and to disclose any new intimate partner relationship to his Probation officer. Ireland Acclaimed musician Donovan charged with being drun... Read More The investigating garda agreed with Mr Le Vert BL, defending, that his client has no previous convictions for violence. Mr Le Vert told the court that his client left school at 15 and started to work. McQuillan had to leave an apprenticeship at 20, following the death of his father. He has worked in hospitality and in venues including the Malahide Rugby Club. He is a father of three young children and is also a talented musician who has engaged in charity work, counsel said. A number of documents were handed to the court, including references from friends and family. A letter of apology from McQuillan was also handed to the court. Mr Le Vert said his client feels deep regret for his actions and apologises to all parties and accepted full responsibility for his actions. Britain's intelligence agency MI5 has increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris cited a small number of individuals who remain determined to use politically motivated violence. Announcing the change on Tuesday, he urged the public to remain vigilant but not be alarmed. The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in the North, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell (David Young/PA) The threat level for Britain remains at substantial, meaning an attack is considered likely. Northern Irelands level had been lowered to substantial a year ago the first time it had been altered since 2010. In a written statement to British MPs, Mr Heaton-Harris said MI5 had increased the threat level to the region from Northern Ireland-related terrorism independently of ministers. Advertisement The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, he said. Ireland Woman arrested by police investigating shooting of... Read More He said that despite the success of the Good Friday Agreement a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland related terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. At least 60,000 new homes could be built on land already owned by the State, a new report from the Land Development Agency (LDA) finds. The LDA has identified land in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford that could provide for thousands of new "affordable homes". The Dublin sites identified as being suitable for housing include Horseracing Ireland land at Leopardstown, land at the Central Bank mint in Sandyford and CIE's bus depot at Conyngham Road near the city centre. Lands at Galway Harbour, ESB property at Sarsfield Road in Cork and the Ervia gasworks site at Dock Road in Limerick are also on the list of premium sites that could be developed in the next five to 10 years. Five regional centres are also recommended for development in Sligo, Letterkenny, Dundalk, Drogheda and Athlone. Advertisement However, the agency said there are still obstacles to unlocking State land for housing. Ireland Labours Ivana Bacik calls for structural revolut... Read More The LDA was established in 2018 to amass and develop State property for housing. Under a 2021 law it was also required to identify where lands already in public ownership could be exploited for housing. The agencys report, due to be reviewed by the Cabinet on Tuesday, is the first overarching assessment of the public land that could in the future be used for housing. Meanwhile, Cabinet ministers will on Tuesday agree to oppose a Sinn Fein bill looking to extend the evictions ban, which will be voted on in the Dail on Wednesday. The Government will also agree a counter-motion to the Labour confidence vote in the Coalition on Wednesday morning. A High Court action by the Pensions Authority against a company linked to the collapsed Dolphin Trust has been settled. Under the settlement, Wealth Options Trustees Ltd (WOTL) is to retire in the next 12 months as trustee provider over small pension scheme funds used to invest in the German Property Group (GPG), formerly Dolphin Trust, which collapsed resulting in Irish investors being owed more than 100m. The settlement was without admission of liability on behalf of WOTL. WOTL acted as a trustee for some 1,300 small self-administered pension schemes. Funds from 107 of these schemes were loaned on to GPG which was set up to buy and renovate listed and landmarked buildings in Germany. Irish investments went to GPG through two special purpose vehicles called Dolphin MUT 103 Ltd and Dolphin MUT 116 Ltd. Advertisement Following the collapse of GPG, the Pensions Authority launched an investigation in March 2021 to look into the conduct of the relevant pension schemes which WOTL was trustee of and whether it was in compliance with its duties imposed by law. As a result, the authority sought an order from the High Court seeking WOTL's removal and replacement as a trustee and an order that it be disqualified from acting as a trustee for five years. The authority, in its proceedings, claimed as administrator of Dolphin MUT 116 which then paid a distribution fee to a linked firm called Wealth Options Capital (WOC) which had common shareholders and directors with WOTL. The WOTL directors were Brian Flynn and Eanna McCloskey. They currently face proceedings by the Dolphin MUT 116 liquidator who claims they were in breach of their directors' duties, negligent and reckless in causing tens of millions of euro of creditors' funds to be passed on to GPG. The authority claimed fees paid to WOC were not disclosed to the pension scheme members. The arrangement also incentivised WOTL to sell the GPG product to schemes which WOTL was trustee of, or at the very least, led to a perception to that effect, the authority said. Advertisement The structure of the investments on behalf of the Irish pension funds involved loan notes being issued and lent onwards to GPG which provided security on a pooled basis for the investment. The authority said the pooled nature of the security meant WOTL could not give effect to the wishes of the individual small pension members, who might wish to have the security enforced, unless all other schemes in the pool were of the same view. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest arose between WOTL's pension trustee role and its role as holder of security for the loan notes. There was a further conflict in the obligation to act in the best interests of the existing investors by the fact that WOTL shareholder directors stood to gain from the promotion of GCG product to new investors, it was claimed. The authority wanted the court to disqualify WOTL for five years from acting as a trustee but was prepared to allow a six-month stay on that order to ensure the smooth and orderly transfer of functions to a replacement trustee. Ireland Getaway driver in gangland murder 'accidentally' f... Read More WOTL had denied the claims. The case was due for hearing for five days on Tuesday when Mr Justice Brian O'Moore was told the matter had been settled without admission of liability by WOTL. The terms of the settlement were not revealed other than that the court was told that WOTL will be retiring from its position as trustee, but it was envisaged that this will take at least 12 months to complete. The judge congratulated the parties on coming to a resolution and said if there were any difficulties he would give liberty to re-enter the matter. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has accused Sinn Fein of playing politics with the housing crisis through their attempt to extend the eviction ban. Speaking to Newstalk on his way into the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, Mr Martin said there were definitive votes on the eviction ban last week and pointed out that Sinn Fein agrees the eviction ban should not be permanent. The Sinn Fein stance would see the eviction ban issue kicked further down the road, he claimed. Labour and Sinn Fein are ramping up pressure on the Government for allowing the eviction ban to expire by forcing two further Dail votes as a result of the controversial decision. With the Coalitions official Dail majority down to just one TD, the Opposition is seeking to chip away at the support it often gets from Independent TDs. Advertisement The Labour Party has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government, while Sinn Fein has proposed legislation that would see the eviction ban extended into 2024. The Government decided earlier this month to allow the ban to expire from the end of March, though protections will remain in place for some renters until mid-June. Mr Martin said: Sinn Fein themselves are saying there shouldnt be an indefinite eviction ban so I think what they are doing is playing politics with the issue. They themselves are saying the decision we took now, they say, they would take in January. They also acknowledge you cant transform the situation in a number of months. The Governments only motivation was to, maintain the existing level of properties that are in the market for rent but also attract more into the market. Ireland Potential to build at least 60,000 affordable ho... Read More Officials were continuing efforts to speed up the supply of housing and were looking at, modern methods of construction to see if we can increase that and build houses more rapidly. The Dail had dealt with the eviction ban in definitive votes last week, he said. My own view is that the Opposition will do what an Opposition feels it has to do but Government must remain focused on the issues and making a difference for people out there on the ground. The Dail will see two votes on Wednesday, the first in the morning on a Coalition confidence motion in response to the Labour bid to unseat it, and the second vote on the Sinn Fein Bill that evening. A brother of sacked school teacher Enoch Burke has pleaded not guilty to a breach in connection with outbursts in the Court of Appeal (CoA). Simeon Burke (24), a student at the Kings Inn, told Judge Cephas Power at Cloverhill District Court: "We are not in North Korea, judge, where you can be thrown in a cell and not be told what you have done." He remains in custody and bemoaned that he should have been sitting his drafting exams in Kings Inns as he demanded a speedy trial and accused gardai of lies. He will learn his hearing date on Wednesday. The student had been arrested following chaotic scenes where gardai intervened in the CoA after a judgement was handed down in Enoch Burke's case on March 7th. Simeon Burke and his family had been there to support his brother, awaiting a ruling on his unsuccessful appeal against the High Court orders refraining him from attending Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath. Advertisement Gardai arrested Simeon Burke, with an address of Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, and brought him to the Bridewell Garda station. He was charged with a breach of the peace under the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive words and behaviour at the CoA. However, he had refused to take up bail on the evening of his arrest, resulting in gardai bringing him before a late sitting of Dublin District Court. There was no objection to bail set at 200, requiring no lodgement, but with a condition to stay away from the Four Courts. However, the student would not accept that and refused to sign the bond, claiming that the CouA was trying "to shove transgenderism down the throats of the people", and he called for a halt to his prosecution. As a result, he was remanded in custody with consent to bail and has remained in prison for the past three weeks. The hearing of the transgenderism dispute between the school and Enoch Burke commenced on Tuesday in the High Court and is expected to last four days. 'A made-up story' Meanwhile, Simeon Burke faced his third hearing on his breach of the peace charge when he appeared before Judge Power at Cloverhill District Court. Advertisement Dressed navy suit, white shirt and blue tie, he was supported in court by his father, Sean, who watched from the front row of the public gallery and waved to his son. Mr Burke had been provided with a disclosure of a summary of prosecution evidence two weeks ago, and his case was listed to enter a plea. Standing and facing the judge, he complained that the prosecution disclosure was "15 lines, 15 sentences" and "a made-up story". He claimed gardai had fabricated evidence against him and said it was "lies that I was insulting, lies that I was abusive, lies that I was aggressive in court". He maintained his arrest was manifestly unlawful and the power of arrest had not been explained to him. "We are not in North Korea, judge, where you can be thrown in a cell and not be told what you have done," he said, adding that his detention was unlawful. He said it was the gardai who were insulting and abusive, claiming his shirt had been ripped open and that expletives were used towards him. Simeon Burke also claimed it was gardai who had "broken the law" and flung him into a cell, leaving him injured with wounds on his hands and bruising on his body, adding he required medication for the pain. Advertisement He demanded that his hearing date be expedited stating he had been deprived of his exams. "I should have been in Kings Inn this morning, sitting my drafting exams," he said, but "the rights of the citizens in this country are hanging in the balance". He again complained about his treatment by gardai, asking: "Are they above the law?" I take it you are pleading not guilty When he finished, Judge Power said: "From that, I take it you are pleading not guilty." Mr Burke confirmed his not-guilty plea and said he was innocent and ready to face the case. The prosecution asked to make minor amendments to the charge, which Judge Power allowed, and he told the accused they did not affect the nature of the allegation. "They are still lies," Simeon retorted. Ireland Enoch Burke's 'flimsy' arguments dismissed by High... Read More The judge heard there would be five prosecution witnesses and asked how long the defence case would last. "As long as it takes to expose the lies," Simeon Burke replied. Judge Power ordered him to appear before Dublin District Court when he will be given his hearing date. The judge reminded him there was consent to bail, but he must sign the bond. Nevertheless, Simeon Burke maintained his remand in custody was "blatantly unlawful". Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has visited the Sumy region in northern Ukraine as he continues his tour of areas of the country that have felt the brunt of Russias invasion and with the stage set for a Ukrainian counter-offensive. Mr Zelenskiy met officials and local people in two cities in the region which borders Russia. It was partially occupied by Russian forces after war started more than a year ago but the Russians withdrew from the region by early April. The Associated Press was granted exclusive access as Mr Zelenskiy visited the Sumy region cities of Okhtyrka, which saw fierce battles last year but was never occupied, and Trostianets, which was held by the Russians for a month after the invasion but liberated by Ukrainian forces on March 26 2022. Volodymyr Zelenskiy poses for a photo with military personnel, police officers and civilians during a visit to Okhtyrka (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Mr Zelenskiys trip followed his visits over the past seven days to the Kherson and Kharkiv regions, parts of which were retaken last year from the Kremlins forces, to the intensely contested area near Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, and to Zaporizhzhia in the south. Advertisement At least three civilians were killed and 43 others were wounded on Tuesday by the latest Russian attacks involving drones, gliding bombs and heavy artillery, Ukraines presidential office said. In the eastern Donetsk region, Russian shelling hit 12 towns and villages, killing two and wounding 34. The Russian shelling also targeted the southern city of Kherson, where five people were wounded. In Bilopillia in the Sumy region, a Russian strike damaged a school building and an apartment building. Addressing a crowd of people on a square in Okhtyrka, Mr Zelenskiy promised that the battle-scarred city would be rebuilt. We wont let any wound remain on the body of our state, he said. In Trostianets, Mr Zelenskiy honoured soldiers at the local railway station, where Ukrainian authorities say the Russians tortured prisoners. He also met Ukraines minister for reconstruction Oleksandr Kubrakov. Many buildings in the city are damaged or destroyed by the war, with crumbling walls and punctured roofs. Mr Zelenskiy presents a medal to a servicewoman in Okhtyrka (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Trostianets resident Dmytro Zaiats told the AP that the presidents visit to the city meant a lot to him. Its a symbol of unity and the iron will that brought the country together, he said. Expectations of a Ukrainian push against Russian positions are mounting as the weather improves and Western-supplied weapons for Kyiv arrive. Advertisement Germany said late on Monday it has delivered the 18 Leopard II tanks it had promised to Ukraine. The United Kingdom, Poland, Canada and Norway have also delivered promised tanks. Russia has kept up its long-range bombardment of Ukraine areas but its nighttime attacks with Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones are causing little damage. The Ukrainian military downed 14 of the 15 Shahed drones Russia fired late on Monday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces said. The Kyiv regional military administration said that wreckage from a downed drone hit an administrative building in the Sviatoshynskyi district in the western part of the capital, causing a fire. There were no casualties. The Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, Serhii Lysak, said that the Ukrainian military shot down two drones overnight but another one hit a privately owned industrial facility in the city of Dnipro and caused a fire that took hours to extinguish. Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention centre, starting a fire that left at least 40 dead, Mexicos president has said. Hours after the fire broke out late on Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. At least 40 people died and 29 were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire. Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called the incident unfortunate and said the director of the countrys immigration agency was on the scene. Dozens of migrants were killed and injured (AP) They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Mr Lopez Obrador said. Advertisement Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the US or who have requested asylum there and are waiting for a decision. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organisations published an open letter on March 9 that complained of a criminalisation of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abuse and using excessive force in rounding up migrants, complaining that municipal police were questioning people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumours that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. US authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said on Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the US border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. And the countrys immigration centres have seen protests and riots from time to time. Advertisement Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration centre in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. The attacker who killed three students and three staff members at a US school legally bought seven guns in recent years and hid them from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said on Tuesday. The violence on Monday at the Covenant School is the latest school shooting to shock the United States. Three nine-year-old students were killed, as well as the head of the grade school, a custodian and a substitute teacher. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Police said the shooter did not target specific victims. Authorities said Hale was not on their radar before the attack. Police say Hale was under a doctors care for an undisclosed emotional disorder. Advertisement Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooters car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from officer Rex Engelberts bodycam, shows a woman greeting police outside as they arrive at the Covenant School on Monday. The kids are all locked down, but we have two kids that we dont know where they are, she tells police. OK, yes, maam, Officer Engelbert replies. Police officers move into the school in this image provided by Metropolitan Nashville police department from bodycam footage (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Upstairs are a bunch of kids, she says. Three officers, including Officer Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles. Metro Police, officers yell. Lets go, lets go, one officer yells. As alarms are heard going off in the school, one officer says, It sounds like its upstairs. Police officers respond to the report of an active shooter at the school in Nashville (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Advertisement Get your hands away from the gun, an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police earlier said Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. Bodycam footage taken from the camera of Officer Rex Engelbert (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) In Nashville, police have said 14 minutes passed from the initial call about a shooter in the school to when the suspect was killed, but they have not said how long it took them to arrive. Surveillance video of the Covenant School grounds released by police shows a time stamp of just before 10.11am, when the glass doors were shot out by the shooter. Police said they received a call about a shooter at 10.13am but have not said precisely what time they arrived, and the edited bodycam footage didnt include time stamps. A police spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email on Tuesday asking when they arrived or whether any version of the video includes time stamps. Advertisement A woman and a child bring flowers to lay at the entry to Covenant School in Nashville (AP Photo/John Amis) Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours on Monday, police identified the attacker as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email on Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The victims were: children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age nine. The adults were: Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. A group of girls leave after a prayer vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for victims of the shooting (Mark Zaleski/The Tennessean via AP) The website of the Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Ms Peak was a substitute teacher, and Mr Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove Hale but said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Advertisement Drake provided chilling examples of the assailants elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. President Joe Biden said he had spoken to the Nashville chief of police, mayor and senators in Tennessee. He pleaded with Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons. The Congress has to act, Biden said. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. An Afghan human rights activist who has campaigned for girls education has been arrested in Kabul. The UN mission in Afghanistan said Matiullah Wesa, founder and president of Pen Path a non-governmental group that travels across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library was arrested in Kabul on Monday. Local reports said Taliban security forces detained Mr Wesa after his return from a trip to Europe. The UN urged authorities in Kabul to clarify Mr Wesas whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and ensure he has access to legal representation and contact with his family. Men, women, elderly, young, everyone from every corner of the country are asking for the Islamic rights to education for their daughters. Penpath female volunteers calls for girls education and their rights to education #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign #PenPathGirlsEduCampaign pic.twitter.com/gekG7fsGKj Advertisement Matiullah Wesa (@matiullahwesa) March 26, 2023 Since their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on womens and minority rights. Girls are barred from school beyond the sixth grade and last year the Taliban banned women from going to university. Mr Wesa has been outspoken in his demands for girls to have the right to go to school and learn, and has repeatedly called on the Taliban-led government to reverse its bans. His most recent tweets about female education coincided with the start of the new academic year in Afghanistan, with girls remaining shut out of classrooms and campuses. Alarmed by reports that @matiullahwesa famous educator esp. for #girls, leading civil society member & founder of @PenPath1, has been arrested in Kabul by the Taliban dfA. His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected.#ReleaseMatiullahWesa pic.twitter.com/5yvt7nsejB UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) March 27, 2023 The UN special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was alarmed by Mr Wesas detention. His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected, Bennett tweeted. Gary Lineker has won his 4.9 million tax battle with the UK's revenue and customs department, HMRC. The Match Of The Day host was told by the taxman he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer. The tax authorities pursued him for 4.9 million it claimed should have been paid on income received between 2013 and 2018. It comes as part of legislation known as IR35, designed to clampdown on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies. Throughout proceedings the presenter (62) insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with his ex-wife Danielle Bux. Tribunal Judge John Brooks found the IR35 legislation did not apply because there were direct contracts between the presenter and both the BBC and BT Sport. Advertisement Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker leaves his home in London with his dog. Photo: James Manning/PA. The tribunal found that while Gary Lineker Media (GLM), which he set up with his then wife in 2012, was a partnership to which IR35 legislation applies, the appeal was still dismissed in full because contracts existed. The judge said: As a matter of law, when Mr Lineker signed the 2013 BBC Contract, the 2015 BBC Contract and the BT Sport Contract for the provision of his services, he did so as principal thereby contracting directly with the BBC and BT Sport. As such, the intermediaries legislation cannot apply it is only applicable where services are provided not under a contract directly between client and the worker. Business Twitter to scrap features for non-paying users in... Read More In this case Mr Linekers services were provided under direct contracts with the BBC and BT Sport. Although such a conclusion might appear inconsistent with my conclusions that the intermediaries legislation can apply to partnerships that is not the case. HMRC has 56 days to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) if it wishes to do so. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material, according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency report followed seven missile launches this month and rising tensions during a series of military exercises between the US and South Korea. Officials say North Korea could move to more provocative displays, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, talks with military officials (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP) The report said Mr Kim stressed the need to ramp up bomb fuel production during a meeting with officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute to expand his nuclear arsenal exponentially. He examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles. Advertisement The agency also said North Korea detonated mock warheads during tests of nuclear-capable missiles and a purported underwater attack drone a day after neighbouring militaries detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired toward waters off its eastern coast. A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station on Tuesday (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Mondays launches came hours before a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier and its battle group engaged in joint training with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island. The USS Nimitz and the other warships pulled into the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Tuesday. North Korea is coming off a record year in weapons testing, launching more than 70 missiles in 2022. Portuguese police have shot a man suspected of stabbing two people to death at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon. Police were called to the centre on Tuesday morning where they encountered a suspect armed with a large knife, a police statement said. Officers ordered him to surrender but he advanced toward them and was neutralised, the statement said. The suspect was taken to a Lisbon hospital where he is in police custody. Several other people were wounded but police provided no further details. Two people have been killed at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon, Portuguese police confirms to Reuters. Heavy police presence outside. pic.twitter.com/PM9aJKQjcU Catarina Demony (@CatarinaDemony) March 28, 2023 Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa told reporters the attack was a criminal act. Everything points to this being an isolated incident, Mr Costa said. Advertisement There was no immediate word on the identity of those killed. Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building. Mr Costa said police were investigating the attack and it was too soon to speculate about a motive. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. They are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world. Portugal hasnt recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of in the country. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has spoken of his admiration for Ukraine after lending his voice to an app linked to the countrys air defence. The grave but calming baritone of the Luke Skywalker actor can be heard urging people to take cover when Russia unleashes aerial bombardments on Ukraine. The intrusion of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy into the grim daily realities of war is a result of Hamills decision to help the downloadable app Air Alert. When air raid sirens start howling, the app also warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming. Dont be careless, Hamills voice advises. Your overconfidence is your weakness. The Air Alert app warns of Russian attacks (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) The California-based actor said he has admired how Ukraine has shown such resilience under such terrible circumstances. Advertisement Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the Star Wars saga, he said of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. He said voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his Star Wars touch was his way of helping out. A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine, Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm. When the dangers pass, Hamill announces via the app that the air alert is over. He then signs off with an uplifting: May the Force be with you. Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He has autographed Star Wars-themed posters that are being raffled off. Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering, he said. It motivates me to do as much as I can. Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent. Advertisement People sit in the subway after an air raid alarm, in Kyiv (Francisco Seco/AP) On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms but many others are real and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in Lviv, says he chose Hamills voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. Besides, we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us, he said. Ajax Systems, a Ukrainian security systems manufacturer that co-developed the app, hopes Hamills star power will encourage people outside Ukraine to download it so they get a taste of the angst heaped on Ukrainians by nerve-shredding alarms and airborne death and destruction. With Marks approach, it wont be so terrifying, said Valentine Hrytsenko, the chief marketing officer at Ajax. But they will understand somehow the context. In the invasions first year, air-raid alarms sounded more than 19,000 times across the country, so of course people are getting tired, he said. The app has been downloaded more than 14 million times. Mr Hrytsenko is among those who use its English-language setting to hear Hamills voice. For Star Wars fans, it sounds really fantastic, he said. Its kind of a Ukrainian mentality to find some humour even in the bad situation or to try to be positive. British ammunition stockpiles are being used for the purpose they were intended degrading Russias fighting ability, Rishi Sunak has said. The British prime minister said he would not necessarily see it as a negative that levels of shells and missiles were being run down because they were being used to deter the threat from Vladimir Putins military. Mr Sunaks comments came as British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks were poised to begin combat missions in Ukraine. Appearing before the Liaison Committee of senior MPs, Mr Sunak defended the level of funding allocated to the Ministry of Defence to rebuild stockpiles. Delivered by Britain to defend Ukraine https://t.co/cybU4zSTpM Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 28, 2023 Almost 2 billion has been allocated over two years to replenish munitions and strengthen supply chains. Advertisement The British prime minister told the Liaison Committee: I would not necessarily see it as a negative that our own stockpiles have been drawn down, for the simple fact that if you think about what are those weapons for, they were ultimately there to degrade and deter primarily Russian aggression. They are being used to do exactly that, they are just being used by the Ukrainians. So, in one sense, even though the stockpiles are lower, they are being used for the purpose for which they are intended and degrading the capabilities of an adversary in the process. It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Thank you, @RishiSunak, @BWallaceMP, and the people. pic.twitter.com/zoCRmKdBnN Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) March 28, 2023 Mr Sunak also questioned the credibility of a Chinese peace plan for Ukraine, arguing that Xi Jinping should speak directly to Volodymyr Zelensky. The Prime Minister also urged Mr Xi to use his influence over Mr Putin to push for an end to the invasion. Its clear that Russia is dependent on China, Mr Sunak said, and we would ask President Xi to use his influence with Putin to urge him to end this war and withdraw from Ukraine as a precondition to any negotiations. Advertisement In Ukraine, defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said the fantastic Challenger 2 tanks have recently arrived in the country. The UK promised 14 of the vehicles to Ukraine, a move which helped persuade other Western nations to supply their own tanks to aid the fight against the Russian invasion. Mr Reznikov posted a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s for a spin in Ukraine. He thanked the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, adding: These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Ukrainian tank crews trained in the UK on the vehicles, which are being donated by the Government along with ammunition and spares. World Dozens of migrants die in fire at detention centre... Read More Mr Wallace said the crews return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger. Russia has condemned the UKs move and predicted the tanks would burn on the battlefields of Ukraine. Mr Putin has also reacted to the UKs decision to supply depleted uranium armour-piercing rounds for the tanks in Ukraine by announcing plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. Federal prosecutors added a foreign bribery charge to the growing list of crimes already pending against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, according to a new indictment filed in federal court in Manhattan. Federal prosecutors said that in 2021, Bankman-Fried instructed those working for him to pay a bribe of $US40 million to one or more Chinese officials to help unfreeze trading accounts maintained by Alameda Research, FTXs sister company, that held about $US1 billion in cryptocurrencies. Sam Bankman-Fried is facing a dozen federal charges related to the collapse of FTX. Credit: Bloomberg The bribe money was paid to the Chinese officials in cryptocurrency, the document said. The indictment said the effort to pay off the unnamed Chinese officials was successful in getting the trading accounts unfrozen. The bribery charge was brought under the Foreign Corrupt Business Practices Act, a federal law used by authorities to go after big corporations for paying bribes to operate in other countries. First domino to fall Bransons reserve coincides with growing caution among investors in an industry in which the technical risks are as high as the costs to surmount them. It marks a reversal for the businessman, a pioneer of the COVID-era SPAC boom for space companies that used the special-purpose-acquisition-company approach to provide startups with a rapid route to the public markets, potentially before they were ready for the scrutiny that comes with it. Kelly Latimer is the only female test pilot for Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit. Credit: Los Angeles Times After Virgin Galactic in 2019, Virgin Orbit followed with its market debut in late 2021, commanding a value in excess of $US3.5 billion, after completing just two successful flights. Unlike competitors that use ground-based launch systems, Virgin Orbit sends small satellites to space on its LauncherOne rocket blasted from beneath the wing of a Boeing 747. Its a very specific market, and one that experts warn may not support many players. Virgin is the first domino to fall, said Caleb Henry, director of research at space advisory firm Quilty Analytics. There will be more hard times for SPAC companies going forward. Spectators watch on a big screen at Cornwall Airport in England on the night of Virgins space failure. Credit: Getty Virgin Orbit declined to comment, as did Bransons Virgin Group. Brown, the Texas investor, did not immediately respond to questions. There were warning signs from the outset. Virgin Orbit had sought to raise almost $US500 million by going public, but the blank-cheque merger generated gross proceeds of less than half that, at $US228 million. Then two successful launches in the US appeared to put doubters at ease, before the high-profile failure in January. When a company-wide meeting was scheduled earlier this month, employees began bracing for bad news. They soon learned on a video conference with Chief Executive Officer Dan Hart and the head of human resources that most of the employees would be on furlough while the company temporarily shut down. Loading Virgin Orbit began bringing back some employees last week and pledges to stay focused on its next launch, but its troubles are giving the space industry a jolt. After years of growth fuelled by easy SPAC cash and stargazing billionaires, startups vying for a SpaceX-like trajectory are now finding a more hostile environment. Blank-cheque deals for launch providers, satellite makers and space-tech specialists have slowed, while private investment in the industry tumbled 58 per cent last year, according to venture firm Space Capital. The financial turmoil sparked by Silicon Valley Banks collapse is expected to add more challenges. The world were in has changed, said Carissa Christensen, founder and CEO of advisory firm Bryce Space and Technology. Its changed in terms of available capital, its changed in terms of risk tolerance, and just generally the appeal of venture-funded startups. The risk of missteps is particularly acute in the highly technical, capital-intensive space business. That makes it even harder to recover from a failure like Virgin Orbits. Loading The January 2023 flight would have been the first orbital launch to take off from British soil. While Virgin Orbit is based in California, its name and ties to Branson made it a logical choice to usher Britain into the ranks of space nations. The mission started as planned, with the 747 taking off from Spaceport Cornwall in southwest England and successfully deploying the LauncherOne rocket. The company even mistakenly tweeted that the vehicle had reached orbit, before clarifying that it had suffered a mid-flight malfunction, destroying the nine customer satellites onboard. Virgin Orbit and Astra Space are among the many companies seeking to capitalise on the so-called small satellite revolution. With smaller rockets, the businesses aim to offer less-expensive, more customised launches for customers. But that market is already under threat from larger launch providers, like Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies, which have started offering ride shares, flights that pack multiple small satellites onto one larger rocket and send the payloads to orbit in batches. That can save customers money even though the overall launch cost is higher. The small launch market has room for one or two companies, Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, said during a panel at a satellite industry conference in Washington on March 15. So Rocket Lab, perhaps, and one other, at most. Elon Musk and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is in competition with Branson and Virgin Orbit. Credit: AP Success for launch companies may mean doing more than just launches. SpaceX builds satellites and offers broadband internet through its Starlink business, while Rocket Lab also has its own satellite manufacturing arm. Launch alone doesnt make a business, Anderson said. All of the launch companies that have successfully made it to orbit, starting with SpaceX, will tell you that the launch market isnt enough to support a business. Theyre all doing other things. This series explores the plight of the National Gallery of Australia, an institution in a state of disrepair and in desperate need of funding. One of Australias most prominent arts industry figures has decried the state of the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra as a national disgrace as pictures emerged showing buckets and towels being used to mop up water leaking from the roof. Brisbane art gallerist Philip Bacon, a member of the gallerys fundraising foundation, said such leaks would be scandalous in other world-leading institutions. National Gallery staff have been forced to use towels to prevent water damage in the building. Images shared on private social media chat groups and obtained by this masthead show buckets and towels on a concrete ledge and the floor of the buildings uppermost level, where boardroom meetings are held and administrative staff are located. Artworks have had to be pulled from the wall of the boardroom as a result, and mould has penetrated three floors of the building. Bacon said such leaks would be scandalous in galleries such as the Louvre or Londons National Gallery. Buckets and towels had been permanently on hand since 1997 when Bacon had become involved in the gallery. The metaphorical dead cat on the table is a political technique thats become all too well known in recent years, with politicians happy to shock in order to divert. What Darebin Council bore witness to on Monday night, though, was a daring variation: an actual dead lizard on an actual table. The deceased reptile in question was among a box full of dead lizards, mostly collected along the banks of Merri Creek by local activist Caroline Lunt and sprung on the unsuspecting councillors during Mondays meeting. Northcote Golf Course has had a controversial recent history. Credit: Chris Hopkins Lunt who was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the council just last week produced the dead wildlife as she spoke against a council motion to look at a new pedestrian and bike path through the controversial Northcote Golf Course, as evidence of what a speeding bike can do to a blue-tongue lizard. We cant say if the demonstration was persuasive, but Mayor Julie Williams certainly didnt look very impressed. Would you like me to pass these around? Lunt asked. Um, no thank you, Williams replied. Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. Last week, David Henry, a professor of evidence-based practice at Bond University, sent me an email that triggered some old pandemic memories. The subject line was Closure on ivermectin for COVID-19. He pointed to a new study, freshly published in JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association), that he reckoned hammered the final nail into the coffin of the horse dewormer that was briefly touted as a COVID-19 cure. After a chat on the phone, we agreed Henrys subject line was right and wrong. The evidence is now overwhelming that ivermectin cannot treat COVID-19. But we dont have closure. The 44th president, who is in Australia on a speaking tour, was warm and entertaining in discussion with former foreign minister Julie Bishop before an audience of thousands at the Aware Super Theatre in Sydneys Darling Harbour on Tuesday night. While maintaining that 65 to 70 per cent of America does occupy a reality-based world, he said media distortion also played a role in polarising the community. Barack Obama waves to onlookers after leaving Bathers Pavilion restaurant in Balmoral on Monday. Credit: Michelle Haywood / AAP Theres a guy you may be familiar with, first name Rupert, who was responsible for a lot of this, he said, referring to Murdoch, the Australian-born media mogul. He perfected what is a broader trend ... its now a Wild West and a splintering of media. In America, its Fox News, here I guess its Sky. If all you are doing is watching one source of news and by the way, in America youre seeing that progressives say Well, were going to have our own news and our own perspective you no longer have a joint conversation and a shared story. The easiest way to attract attention without having a lot of imagination, thought or interesting things to say, is just to make people angry and resentful and to make them feel as if somebodys trying to mess with them and take whats rightfully theirs. Addressing the state of global finance following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Obama said banking regulation was still not as effective as it ought to be. He lamented the winner-take-all economy in which those with a competitive edge, new idea or breakthrough technology could access unprecedented riches, but teachers, nurses and labourers were increasingly vulnerable to automation and technology. Loading It has weakened the ability for the average worker to get a fair share of the overall production, and it has greatly exacerbated inequality to levels we havent seen since the 1920s. Its also exacerbating the gulf between nations. That is a recipe for polarisation and people are getting angry and frustrated and resentful, he said. Obama said this contributed to the election of his successor Donald Trump, and other democratic events worldwide such as Brexit or the popularity of right-wing populist Marine Le Pen in France. This underlined the importance of leaders paying attention to inequality and fostering social trust so that people did not feel screwed over by economic change and modernity. There was a little bit too much arrogance about free markets and free trade, and anybody whos questioning jobs being moved offshore, theyre backwards looking, and everybodys going to be a coder some day, he said. It turns out when peoples lives are disrupted, [and] entire communities or entire industries feel disrupted, you better have some good answers for them, and we havent always had those. Barack Obama is on a speaking tour of Australia and will appear in Melbourne on Wednesday night. Credit: Nine News Obama on: China Obama said the global community should be supportive of a peacefully rising China, which had lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. But he said China had taken advantage of a vacuum in the global rules-based order under Trump, and it felt it no longer had to operate under the same constraints as during his own presidency. Taiwan is going to be a potential fault line, and Im hoping that [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] is paying attention to the massive strategic error that Russia just made with respect to Ukraine and that gives him some pause. Putin I dont want people to think that, if Putin fails, weve won. What he represents is bubbling up everywhere, including in my own country, and we have to watch out for it, he said. If we are not setting the example that validates this new idea of how human societies can organise themselves, then we may be able to blunt what Putins trying to do but, on the other hand, youll see China gain adherence to the idea that democracy cant function, and youll see developing countries say: I dont think America looks like its operating very well, and Europe seems like a mess. Loading Angela Merkel Obama named the former German chancellor as an example of a relationship he formed during his presidency that has become a lasting friendship. He spoke about their shared values and their first meeting when he was the Democratic nominee for president and held a massive rally in Berlin. He said Merkel resisted giving too much co-operation on the logistics of the event as she wanted to remain impartial. Outdated and insufficient careers education is leaving students anxious, lost and directionless when considering their options for the future, experts warn. Monash University senior research fellow Jo Gleeson said it was often up to individual schools to decide the time and resources they dedicated to career education, which wasnt always prioritised due to competing pressures with workforce shortages, student mental health and academic goals. A study of nearly 2800 students in years 10 to 12 showed one-third felt they had insufficient information to make career choices. Credit: iStock These students are lost, feel directionless, feel like they dont know where to go or where to do and feeling really stressed about it, she said. Gleeson has worked in career education for about 10 years and said the career anxiety of students was very real. Melbourne urgently needs more child-friendly apartments and townhouses in developed suburbs if the state has any hope of slowing growth on the citys exploding greenfield fringe, says Victorias peak infrastructure body. Families need homes with a place to park a pram, bathtubs, bedrooms big enough for two children and outdoor play space. But the lack of suitable three and four-bedroom apartments and townhouses that are affordable for moderate-income families (those who earn $88,000 to $132,020) has been identified by Infrastructure Victoria as one of the key drivers for over-development in growth areas with lagging infrastructure. Rebecca and Jordan Smith outside their recently purchased three-bedroom townhouse in Ringwood East. Credit: Chris Hopkins The agencys report, released on Tuesday, says 1.3 million new homes need to be built in Melbourne to meet projections that the citys population will swell from 5 million people to more than 8 million over the next 30 years. Its survey of 6000 people showed 60 per cent of growth in fringe areas were families with children, compared to 40 per cent in established suburbs. Perths only high-rise school will change locations to the tune of $53 million, with plans to nearly double its student capacity and facilities at a site just down the road in the CBD. St Georges Anglican Grammar School has purchased an office block at 441 Murray Street, just 700 metres from its existing campus. An artists impression of the new St Georges Anglican Grammar School in Perth. In 2022, the building was used as the schools examination centre for its Year 11 and 12 students, but construction is planned to transform it into a permanent single campus home for the school. When finished, the school will span 15 floors, including a basement with woodwork and mechatronics teaching facilities, and a rooftop terrace with a student fitness centre and recreation area. A federal climate deal struck between Labor and the Greens wont impact major gas projects such as Scarborough, Premier Mark McGowan says. Laws enabling an overhaul of the safeguard mechanism are expected to pass parliament this week with the backing of the Greens and crossbenchers. The new rules would not impact Scarborough. Credit: Australian Financial Review Labor secured the support of the Greens after agreeing to amendments placing a ceiling on gross greenhouse gas emissions and requiring new or expanded projects to be tested for their impact on carbon budgets. Greens leader Adam Bandt has said the amendments mean new fossil fuel projects will be less likely to go ahead. The nations peak union body has broken with the federal government over its plans to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, with Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele ONeil expressing support for a nuclear-free defence policy. The ACTU joins several significant unions including the Electrical Trades Union and the Maritime Union of Australia opposed to the plan to spend up to $368 billion on nuclear-powered submarines, highlighting a divide on the AUKUS pact that spans Labors industrial and political wings. Michele ONeil said the peak union body supported a nuclear-free defence policy. Credit: Rhett Wyman A number of leading Labor figures such as former prime minister Paul Keating, former NSW premier Bob Carr, former industry minister Kim Carr, former foreign minister Gareth Evans and former environment minister Peter Garrett have also voiced concerns about the plan to buy up to five American nuclear-powered boats before building its own fleet based on a British design. ONeil told the National Press Club on Tuesday that the ACTU has a longstanding policy of opposition to nuclear power, nuclear waste and proliferation. Tertiary education should not be free, precisely because it is not universal. The majority of people who avail themselves of it are from middle-class households. They will, as a result of tertiary education, have their own earning power enhanced. Tertiary fees in whatever guise will make the taxation-expenditure system more progressive. The Lefts opposition to tertiary fees runs counter to its own tradition. And claims that a graduate tax would deter poorer students from undertaking tertiary education ring a little hollow when they come from people who advocate higher personal income tax rates for people on high incomes. The argument that a very small increase in the marginal tax rate will destroy the incentive to go to university is exaggerated New Right. Students gather at Town Hall on March 29, 1988. Credit: Greg White The legitimate objections to the proposed tertiary education tax are that it will not recover enough of the cost from the students - who benefit the most from the education - and that it is inefficient. An undisguised tertiary fee, with student loans for those with poor or unsupportive parents, would be better because it would be collected by the universities. Universities could more easily set their own rates and those with high reputations could prosper and expand. And within universities, departments that were able to command high fees and attract money to the university would be more likely to expand. No-one would argue that the commercial value of courses should determine the direction of universities. But nor should the allocation of resources within a university be driven purely by past decisions and academic politics. There should be a lively and healthy competition between Australian universities - to get the best lecturers and researchers, and to offer the best courses. There should be, but there isnt. Premier Daniel Andrews has been accused of paying lip service to press freedom after shunning Victorian journalists on his trade mission to China and providing limited details of his itinerary on his first day in Beijing. Andrews landed in China on Tuesday morning for his four-day trip aimed at strengthening Victorias standing among prospective Chinese students. He is joined by the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Jeremi Moule, and two staff members from his private office. In a break from tradition, Andrews did not invite journalists, representatives from the education sector he was seeking to boost or a relevant minister. The premiers office released a schedule on Tuesday afternoon of his first day showing that Andrews would meet Brett Stevens, Commissioner for Victoria to Greater China; Graham Fletcher, Australian ambassador to China; Li Xukui, the vice-president of the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries; Education Minister Huai Jinpeng; and Beijing Mayor Yin Yong. The McGowan government will lower the threshold of suspicion for police to search people and vehicles for illegal drugs at 22 border locations across the state. The locations include all the states road and rail border crossings as well as major ports and airports, despite many of these locations already having Australian Border Force and federal police presence. Perth Airport is one of the locations falling under this new law. Credit: Getty Images The government will introduce amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act to parliament later this week, creating specified areas around these border locations where police will be able to easily search vehicles and people using electronic wands and drug detection dogs. Premier Mark McGowan said the laws would replicate the best parts of the COVID-19 border rules that had a marked impact on the importation of drugs into the state during the pandemic. The SNP has a new leader, following the sudden resignation of Nicola Sturgeon. Her departure has revealed all the cracks within the party, which is increasingly falling apart. Workers and youth must fight for a Scottish Workers Republic. Humza Yousaf has been elected leader of the SNP, after securing a narrow victory in the partys messy leadership contest. He will therefore succeed Nicola Sturgeon as Scotlands First Minister. Yousaf narrowly beat Kate Forbes in the final round, by 52% to 48%. Despite the controversy surrounding Forbes socially conservative views, and Yousafs status as the de facto continuity candidate, the race was much closer than anticipated. This leadership race has sparked turmoil in the party, following Sturgeons sudden exit, revealing the divisions within the SNP and the bankruptcy of its leading politicians. Anxiety and scandal This leadership race has sparked turmoil in the party, following Sturgeons sudden exit / Image: Socialist Appeal Throughout the short two-week campaign, one could feel a palpable anxiety rising amongst SNP members. A trio of mediocre politicians had stepped forwards to offer platitudes to the public, while sniping at each other and recklessly raising criticisms of their own government. Then the partys HQ was engulfed in scandal, as SNP boss Peter Murrell resigned over his attempt to conceal the real membership figures. Murrell has been responsible for several irregularities while heading the SNP bureaucracy. His interim replacement, Mike Russell, candidly described the situation in the party as a mess. Sturgeon felt compelled to deny that this was the case, calling the crisis growing pains. When the membership figures were finally revealed, however, it showed that quite the opposite is true. Since the last Westminster general election in 2019, the SNP membership has fallen by 43%. This represents a significant drop from the SNPs peak popularity; a possible hollowing out of the party ranks. It may still be the largest political party in Scotland, by a big margin, but there is clearly a rapidly diminishing enthusiasm for SNP. Independence at an impasse Overall, the contest has underlined the crisis facing Scottish nationalism. The independence movement has been led into a dead-end by Sturgeon and the rest of the outgoing leadership clique. The SNP leaders strategy if you could call it that of pressuring the Tories in Westminster to grant a second independence referendum has failed. These constitutional methods were always bound to stall, given their reliance on the consent of the British establishment and its representatives. This impasse has demoralised many in the movement. Local groups such as Airdrie for Independence have withered over the years, despite continued SNP election victories. Supporters can see that the prospect of an independent Scotland is no closer now than it was in 2014. At the same time, pressing class issues like the cost-of-living crisis are cutting across the national question. Humza Yousaf does not offer much hope. While in his victory speech he suggested that there would be no more hollow promises, he still felt obliged to claim that we will be the generation to achieve independence for Scotland. His only proposal to make this happen, however, is to continue on the same well-trodden path of his predecessors, which has turned out to be a cul-de-sac. Axe of austerity Already, the Scottish government has announced over 1.2 billion in cuts at Holyrood / Image: Socialist Appeal This cynicism and dishonesty is just the start. As well as claiming the mantle of leading the independence movement, Yousaf will also have to wield the axe of austerity. Already, the Scottish government has announced over 1.2 billion in cuts at Holyrood. Meanwhile, local councils across the country will be following suit with cuts to services and jobs. In the past period, the SNP could afford to hide their austerity measures to a certain degree by pushing minor reforms like the baby box scheme, increases to certain benefits, eliminating prescription fees, and so on. This policy is no longer possible, however, as the crisis of capitalism deepens, the economy shrinks, and the narrow margins of Holyroods budget get even narrower. For a Scottish Workers Republic! The SNP is coming up against the limits of its reformism that is, the very real limits of capitalism in an epoch of crisis. Tory-style austerity, counter-reforms, and battles with the working class are on the horizon. Already the Scottish government has been beset by strikes and potential industrial action, as it imposes derisory pay offers on some of the lowest-paid workers. The SNPs petty-bourgeois leaders will not be able to govern as before. Until now, they were able to channel a certain amount of discontent against the status quo into their own support base, capitalising on the mood around Tory austerity, Brexit, and of course independence. Increasingly, however, the rising class anger in Scotland will be directed against them. And they will have to contend with it. More and more workers and young people are realising that they should not place any trust in the likes of Nicola Sturgeon or Humza Yousaf either to fight for the democratic right of self-determination, or for the interests of the working class in Scotland. Instead, we must fight on our own terms and with our own programme: For a Scottish Workers Republic and for world socialist revolution! London: Jeremy Corbyn, the left-wing British Labour MP who led the party to two election losses in the past decade, has been banned by his colleagues from standing as a candidate at the next election. The move, proposed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and approved by the partys national executive 22 to 12 on Tuesday, now risks plunging the opposition back into the vicious factional disputes that became a hallmark of his five years in charge. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been blocked from contesting the next election as a party candidate. Credit: Getty Corbyn, who served as leader from 2015 to 2020, has sat as an independent MP for Islington North in Greater London since October 2020 after he was suspended from Labour following his reaction to a UK equalities watchdog probe into anti-semitism within the party. It identified serious failings in leadership under Corbyn and an inadequate process for handling anti-semitism complaints. Corbyn was sacked from the parliamentary Labour Party for later saying the scale of the partys anti-semitism problem had been dramatically overstated for political reasons during the inquiry. Warning: Graphic content Washington: The shooter who killed three children and three adults at a school in Nashville had sent a series of chilling messages to a friend moments before the attack, warning something bad is about to happen. In an apparent suicide message received minutes before the rampage, 28-year-old assailant Audrey Elizabeth Hale wrote an Instagram note to a former school basketball teammate that also declared: Im planning to die today. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote to her friend Averianna Patton. Ive left more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Latest News ANZ makes rate changes The bank hikes its basic variable home loan for new customers, cuts three-year fixed rates New broker inspired by solving 'big puzzle' for clients Move from banking career motivated by greater choices A leading industry cyber security expert has warned brokers they could be at risk of being sued, losing clients or having accreditations revoked if they become the victims of a cybercrime. Paul Hankin, a former mortgage broker who now works as a cybersecurity adviser at Kaesim Cybersecurity, said cybercrime had become industrialised over the last 10 years, and is now worth over $1.5 trillion annually. Recent major data breaches involving household brands such as Optus, Medibank and Woolworths also mean consumer expectations have risen in the last two years. This means brokers customers are now more aware of their data and privacy rights, know they need to protect their personal data, and know there are ways they can take action, Hankin said. Cybercrime is everywhere now. Where 20 years ago you might get a virus on a computer, which would be annoying, now its affecting everyone, both in their businesses and personally, he said. Hankin said brokers involved in a cybercrime incident risked being sued under the Privacy Act, losing client business, or facing increased compliance action from aggregators or lenders to ensure cybersecurity. Essentially they could lose money, lose clients and could even lose their accreditations, he said. In the case of Optus, which involved a breach of the personal data of 9.8 million customers, Hankin said 10% of customers had left the business, which added up to a $140 million cost to the business. Financial services industry and brokers are a target Latitude Financial recently advised the ASX that it had been hacked. Since then, it has expanded its estimation of the attack size, saying a total of 14 million customer records had been accessed. Hankin said the financial services industry was one of the highest risk sectors and largest targets of cybercrime according to available incident data, alongside industries such as government and healthcare. Hankin said professional services providers were also at the top of the list for ransomware attacks. Cybercrime is all about money, and the easiest way to get money, and that is available in the financial services industry. They are not going to target a McDonalds or a hair salon, he said. Cybersecurity risks are also shared throughout the broker, aggregator and lender supply chain, because if someone in the supply chain has their data hacked, it could impact other parties. In the case of Latitude Financial, the company said the attacker appeared to have used employee login credentials to steal information being held by two other Latitude service providers. A broker might say if the client gives me personal information and my aggregator loses it, the client doesnt care about that but the reality it was lost after they gave it to me, Hankin said. In a supply chain everyone carries responsibility, it doesnt matter by whom it was lost. Cybersecurity risks and solutions for brokers Ransomware and business email compromise have consistently remained the two biggest risks facing mortgage and finance brokers over the last five years, Hankin said. However, a lot of businesses still dont have the protections they should have on their email accounts and devices, in large part because of widespread apathy among users of technology. The first thing is that everyone hates IT cybersecurity is incredibly boring. Its something like life insurance, in that people only do something about when something goes wrong. The penalties levelled on businesses responsible for breaches have also not been high enough to spur action, though they did increase to $50m for larger businesses at the end of last year. Hankin has encouraged brokers to implement three measures that could protect them. First, switch on two-factor-authentication for logins to your email, files and your CRM, he said. We would also recommend switching on automatic updates for software like Windows so that your software stays up to date with security updates as they come through. Brokers should also ensure that they install business grade anti-virus software on their computer, tablets and phones, he said. Hankin estimates that about seven or eight out of 10 businesses do not have these basic measures in place and rely on the outdated view that the anti-virus software they have installed is enough. Anti-virus software is only 20% of the equation. People in businesses are still getting hacked every day of the week because they dont have the other security gaps plugged. Have you or someone you know experienced a cybersecurity incident? Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below. Prince Harry inherit part of Prince Philip's wealth. (Photo: Geoff Pugh/Pool via REUTERS) Prince Harry arrived at the High Court in London on Monday for a trial hearing, marking his first UK appearance since Queen Elizabeth's funeral last September. During his four-day stay in the UK, the Duke of Sussex is not expected to reunite with his father, King Charles, or his brother, Prince William. While Prince William and his family, including Princess Kate and their children, are away for the Easter holidays, a reunion between the brothers seems unlikely. In his memoir, "Spare," Harry described William as his "beloved brother and arch nemesis." Kensington Palace has not commented on the book's claims. A reconciliation with King Charles also appears unlikely. Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, were scheduled to visit Paris and other regions in France between March 26 and 29 for their first state visit. However, their trip was canceled due to ongoing protests in Paris. The royal couple is still planning to travel to Germany on Wednesday. It is understood that Prince Harry was informed that King Charles would be occupied until his departure to Germany. Charles and Camilla are thought to be either in Scotland or Highgrove in Tetbury, rather than in London. During his UK visit, Prince Harry is believed to be staying at Frogmore Cottage, which he and Meghan have been told to vacate by King Charles, as they are no longer working royals and reside permanently in the US. It remains uncertain whether the Sussexes will attend King Charles' coronation on May 6. Privacy Lawsuit Hearing Prince Harry made an unexpected appearance at a London High Court on Monday to attend a hearing for a privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The Duke of Sussex joins a group of prominent individuals, including Elton John, David Furnish, Sadie Frost, Elizabeth Hurley, and Doreen Lawrence, who are accusing the publisher of employing illegal information-gathering methods. The claimants, who are not expected to speak during the four-day hearing, allege they have "compelling and highly distressing evidence" of "abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy" by ANL. The publisher is accused of placing listening devices in homes and vehicles, paying police officials for sensitive information, impersonating individuals to access medical records, and unlawfully accessing financial records. ANL has "categorically" denied the allegations and is seeking to have the case dismissed based on the statute of limitations and the claimants' alleged unlawful acquisition of evidence against the publisher. ANL also intends to reveal the names of specific journalists mentioned in the claims if the case proceeds. This marks Prince Harry's first visit to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. ANL previously lost a similar privacy lawsuit filed by Meghan Markle in 2021, and the Duke of Sussex is currently suing the publisher separately for defamation regarding a 2022 article about his security arrangements. From K-beauty to K-Pop and K-Dramas, South Koreas influence on global pop culture and the beauty world has only grown more immense by the minute, thanks to the many brilliant Korean creatives. As such, its no surprise that the countrys league of designers are also among the fashion industrys best visionaries. Take couturier Miss Sohee or minimalist must-know label Andersson Bell for example; what sets Korean fashion apart is its propensity for experimentation and the unconventional, atop an appreciation for all things timeless and classic. Read on for our round-up of the best Korean brandsboth emerging and establishedyou need to follow, stat: READ: Style in the city: Whats trending in Seoul, South Korea Miss Sohee View this post on Instagram A post shared by M I S S S O H E E (@miss_sohee) Loved by Bella Hadid, Cardi B and Gemma Chan, London-based brand Miss Sohee creates delicately beautiful demi-couture pieces from deadstock and recycled fabrics. Often adorned with sequins, pearls and embellishments, her ethereal gowns carry a sense of old Hollywood glamour underscored by her signature ultra-feminine flair. Her velvet Swarovski-encrusted custom ensemble worn by Gemma Chan during the Eternals premiere in Rome was one of the most talked-about red carpet moments of 2021. MORE INFO Hyein Seo View this post on Instagram A post shared by HYEIN SEO (@hyeinantwerp) Consider yourself a bit late to the party if this is the first time youre hearing of the eponymous label Hyein Seo. The designer was a star of her class at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and was generating buzz within the fashion world before she had even graduated. Dystopian with an edge of adolescent rebellion, the experimental label champions the counter-cultural expression of the young generation to present technical silhouettes, elaborate string ties and convertible hoodies with a playful yet widespread appeal. Her latest collection features intricate yet distinct drawings of multidisciplinary artist Somnath Bhatt. MORE INFO We11done View this post on Instagram A post shared by WE11DONE Official (@we11done) What happens when former Girls Generation member Jessica Jung and G-Dragons sister Dami Kwon come together in the name of fashion? You get the highly-successful brand We11donean in-house line to the pairs renowned concept store Rare Marketthat boasts an enviable global fanbase including the likes of Billie Eilish, Angelababy and Kylie Jenner. A mix of streetwear and tailoring, the brands offbeat designs offer modern interpretations of bygone silhouettes that reference the early aughts and have appeared at Paris Fashion Week since 2020, as well as on top global retailers such as Net-a-Porter and Saks. MORE INFO Andersson Bell View this post on Instagram A post shared by ADSB ANDERSSON BELL (@anderssonbell) Scandinavian design principles meet trend-forward Korean sensibilities through Andersson Bell to offer clean lines and timeless silhouettes created for the contemporary moment. From pressed pleats to knitwear in subtle pops of colour, the Seoul-based label embraces fluidity and individuality via a neutral selection of garments that are meant to be passed down for generations to come. MORE INFO MinjuKim View this post on Instagram A post shared by MINJUKIM (@_minjukim_) Since being crowned the winner of Netflixs Next in Fashion series at the beginning of 2020, Minju Kim has established herself as one of fashions global rising stars. The namesake label combines youthful playfulness with the craft of couture via delightful frou-frou smocked dresses, poplin-sleeved tops and charming cardigans adorned with abstracted graphics. MORE INFO TheOpen Product View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheOpen Product (@theopen_product) It-girl favourite TheOpen Product has appeared on everyone from Kendall Jenner to Peggy Gou. The buzzy South Korean brand challenges outdated womenswear tropes via a distinctive approach to design that highlights individual expression through unique, modest creations. Wardrobe staples are updated with bold cut-outs and vibrant colours in tonal shades, while handbags are presented in irregular proportions to unveil a vision of time-proven silhouettes that disrupt the status quo. MORE INFO Osoi View this post on Instagram A post shared by OSOI OFFICIAL (@osoi_official) Osoi is the place to go if youre on the lookout for timeless, thoughtfully-created accessories. Lifting its name from the Japanese word for unhurried, the 2016-established brand reinterprets staples with a fresh, minimalist approach, offering a versatile mix of sculptural leather bags, multifunctional hardware and puffy platform slides that combine designer Heejin Kangs architecture background with technical craftsmanship. MORE INFO Kimhekim View this post on Instagram A post shared by K I M H E K I M (@maison_kimhekim) Paris-based label Kimhekim befittingly takes its name from an ancient royal family in Korea in their creation of couture that draws on traditional Korean costuming. Having honed his skills at Balenciaga, founder Kiminte Kimhekim is known for his play on volume and scalebalancing feminine detailing with avant-garde silhouettes in elevated simplicity. Think Hanbok-style shapes, exaggerated bows, and Renaissance art motifs on statement blazers, dress shirts and trench coats that offer a refined take on wardrobe classics. MORE INFO Goom Heo View this post on Instagram A post shared by GOOMHEO (@goomheo) London-based, South Korean designer Goom Heo creates menswear that challenges the conventional through collections that are genderless, individual and daring. The Central Saint Martins and Fashion East alumni was the first to be awarded the venerable LOreal Professional Award twicefirst for her BA collection in 2017, and again for her MA collection two years afterwith good reason. Her intelligent cutting and confident graphic language is accentuated by meticulous construction thats since expanded into womenswear for her AW21 collectionthink layered T-shirts, sportswear tropes and tons of bold colour. MORE INFO Skoot Apparel View this post on Instagram A post shared by SKT (@skoot_apparel) Founded in 2016 by the ever-talented MLMA (MeLoveMeAlot), Skoot Apparel has been worn by some of the biggest artists that are dominating the music industry, including Billie Eilish, BTS, Rosalia, and Blackpink, amongst many others. The streetwear label offers manga and anime-centric garments unlike any other, most of which are genderless. Each piece boasts striking prints and unique silhouettes that are an amalgamation of streetwear and punk styles in the most fantastical fashion. Perhaps the perfect way to describe the brands distinctive aesthetic is simply MLMAbold, eccentric, and cooler than anything youve ever seen. MORE INFO Goen.J View this post on Instagram A post shared by GOEN.J (@goenjofficial) After graduating from the prestigious Studio Bercot in Paris with a degree in fashion design, Goen Jong returned to South Korea to launch her eponymous label in 2012, and it has since become one of her countrys representative global brands, recognised by the likes of Opening Ceremony and Harvey Nichols Hong Kongall without any marketing or runway shows. The brand elevates simplicity with a fresh and contemporary perspective, creating a harmonious blend of architectural silhouettes and delicate femininity in each design. MORE INFO Moon Choi View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moon Choi_ (@moon_choi_studio) Walking the line between masculinity and femininity, Moon Choi offers beautifully tailored formals that are designed to be layered but are just as stylish when worn alone. The brands founder and designer has swept numerous accolades under her belt for her sublime works, including winning Portfolio of The Year and Designer of The Year in Womenswear after graduating from Parsons School of Design, being selected as a semi-finalist for the VFiles Academy Prize and the CFDA Liz Claiborne Design Scholarship Award, as well as coming up as a finalist for the CFDA+ 2016 Design Graduates. MORE INFO Rokh View this post on Instagram A post shared by ROKH (@rokhofficial) Rok Hwang has had quite a journey in fashion. He pursued his studies in fashion design at the prestigious school of Central Saint Martins in London, where he graduated with a BA in menswear and, later, an MA in womenswear. Phoebe Philo herself recognised his talents in womenswear, leading him to join her team at Celine for three years before freelancing for Chloe and Louis Vuitton. It wasnt until 2016 that he launched his own label, Rokh, which was awarded LVMH Prizes Special Prize only two years later. Hwang takes classic silhouettes and reconstructs them into a whole new design that can be worn in various ways with detachable elements, allowing its wearer to personalise the look to their liking. Each collection is always different from the last, with his latest featuring a line-up of intricately tailored office essentials that are nothing less than remarkable. MORE INFO For more fashion reads, click here. This is the first performance review of employees since the Tata Group took control of Air India. The step is likely to bring parity between expatriate and Indian pilots, the report said, quoting an industry expert. Air India is expected to announce salary hikes for its employees. The planned hikes will benefit employees across the board, including pilots and cabin crew, a Livemint report said. Increments are likely to be in the range of 8-10 per cent. The development has come when industry competition is on the rise. As airlines in the industry are planning expansion to meet the rising demand, there has been a greater demand for pilots and cabin crew. The report added that the shortage of pilots in the industry is the key reason behind the decision to hike salaries. Primarily, the airlines do not want talent to join another company. Furthermore, the report quoted the expert as saying, "The first round of hikes may be over the next couple of months. Pilots will be the first to get hikes. Salary corrections will also take place for the cabin crew and other officers." In its report, aviation consultancy firm CAPA said that Indian airlines are expected to order 1500-1700 planes over the next two years. Presently, Indian airlines operate more than 700 commercial aircraft, and an additional 1,000 plus planes are in the pipeline, the report said. Considering all these factors, airlines are wary of competition and want to secure their talent. The lucrative offers provided by the middle-eastern operators are another challenge that Indian airlines are keeping in mind, the report said. In its report, aviation consultancy firm CAPA said that Indian airlines are expected to order 1500-1700 planes over the next two years. Presently, Indian airlines operate more than 700 commercial aircraft, and an additional 1,000 plus planes are in the pipeline, the report said. First Solar Inc. and Avaada Group are among winners of Indias Rs 195 billion ($2.4 billion) in incentives to encourage domestic manufacturing of solar modules. Avaada Group, backed by Thailands oil and gas major PTT Pcl, was also awarded a grant, according to its chairman, Vineet Mittal. The company won a production-linked incentive of 9.62 billion rupees for 3 gigawatts of capacity from wafers to cells and modules, he said, adding the company would consider expanding the project to 5 gigawatts. Tempe, Arizona-based First Solar won a government grant of Rs 11.78 billion for its planned 3.4 gigawatt Tamil Nadu plant, which will be a fully integrated facility, Sujoy Ghosh, the companys India managing director, said by phone. Reliance Industries Ltd., First Solar Inc. and Avaada Group are among winners of Indias $2.4 billion incentives plan to encourage domestic manufacturing of solar modules. By Rajesh Kumar Singh India plans to more than quadruple its solar generation capacity to 280 gigawatts by 2030, making it an attractive market for module makers. The country has levied import taxes to protect local makers, although it has had to relax a key non-tariff barrier to imports temporarily to prevent a slowdown in project installations. The government said it allocated total capacity of 39.6 gigawatts of annual production to 11 companies under the program. India will give out 139.4 billion rupees to boost local module output, state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India said in a note on its website, indicating there were not enough bidders for all of the 195 billion rupees ($2.4 billion) on offer. Indosol Solar Pvt. won the maximum incentive of 33 billion rupees, followed by billionaire Mukesh Ambanis Reliance, which won almost 31 billion rupees. Both companies offered to develop end-to-end integrated facilities, committing to build manufacturing capacity of 6 gigawatts each, according to the statement. The 39.6 gigawatts of manufacturing capacity is expected to require investment of 930.4 billion rupees, according to a government statement. Also Read First Solar, Avaada among winners of India's $2.4 billion green stimulus Viraj Profiles with Avaada Energy to set up 100 MW solar plant in Maha Reverse auction must be done away with in solar: Vikram Solar vice chairman This Chris Wood owned stock hit a 52-week low. What's worrying the Street? Mukesh Ambani completes 20 years at helm of Reliance Industries Vedanta board approves Rs 7,621 crore of interim dividend for FY23 Ex-Flipkart exec-led Flash.co launches new shopping email ID to reduce spam Tamil Nadu's Hosur belt switches on as hub for EVs, ancillary units Air India's low-cost subsidiaries move to single unified reservation system AI Express, AirAsia India launch unified reservation system for passengers Avaada Group, backed by Thailands oil and gas major PTT Pcl, was awarded an incentive of 9.62 billion rupees for 3 gigawatts of capacity from wafers to cells and modules, said Chairman Vineet Mittal, adding the company would consider expanding the project to 5 gigawatts. Tempe, Arizona-based First Solar won a grant of 11.78 billion rupees for its planned 3.4 gigawatt Tamil Nadu plant, which will be a fully integrated facility, Sujoy Ghosh, the companys India managing director, said by phone. All of the bidders, including JSW Energy Ltd., ReNew Energy Global Plc, Tata Power Co. and Waaree Energies Ltd., won a part of the grants, according to the statement. The think tank of Indian digital start-ups said on Tuesday that Googles policy of charging a commission of 11-26 per cent on alternative billing systems would make it economically unattractive for app developers. It added that the tech giant is charging an exorbitant commission without providing any additional service, while Indias entire payment industry is working on 1-5 per cent service fees. The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has accused Google of repeatedly disobeying the orders by Competition Commission of India (CCI) and pushing Indian app developers to use the Google Play Billing System (GBPS) for in-app purchases and subscriptions. The revised policies of Play Store allowed app developers to offer alternative billing systems to users, apart from Google Plays system. However, the app store will charge a service fee on such transactions, which is 4 per cent lower than the 15-30 per cent fees charged on payments through GBPS. Therefore, the effective service fees on payments through an alternative billing system stand at 11 per cent for the first $1 million earned by the developer in revenue each year, and 26 per cent for earnings above it. The CCI had, in October 2022, ordered Google to allow app developers to use any third-party billing or payment processing services for purchasing apps, as well as in-app purchases. Google started acting on the order in January after the Supreme Court refused to grant any interim relief in the matter. The resulting increase in charges borne by developers creates an uneven playing field for digital startups entering the Android ecosystem and additionally widens the digital divide for millions of Indian users. This would take away a huge chunk of the revenue made by Indian app developers and startups and would render business models of many young startups unviable, especially those relying on in-app purchases, paid apps or subscriptions, ADIF said. AIDF argued that developers would still be liable to pay processing fees to third-party service providers in addition to Googles 11-26 per cent fees, making developers shell out at least the equivalent, if not more, of the 15-30 per cent GPBS fee they pay today. Also Read Google pauses in-house billing system in India on antitrust directive Indian developers benefit from Android, Play: Google on CCI penalty Apps and payments: What is the controversy about Google Play Billing System Google disobeying CCI orders blatantly: Digital start-up thinktank Google launches Play Points rewards programme for users in India Honda introduces new Activa125, compliant with latest BS-VI norms First Solar, Avaada among winners of India's $2.4 billion green stimulus Vedanta dividend: Decision on fifth payout today; check all details here Amid rising competition, Air India may reward talent with 8-10% salary hike Larsen & Toubro arm bags new large orders in domestic, overseas markets On the other hand, Google believes the fees are necessary for a sustainable business model in the Android ecosystem. However, queries sent to Google did not elicit any response till the time of publishing this article. It added that the policy would impact many startup sectors, including gaming, education, music, video content, fitness, and matrimony and dating apps. It warned that Indian entrepreneurs will not be able to invest in innovation, expansion and economic products. Google Plays service fee has never been simply a fee for payment processing. It reflects the value provided by Android and Google Play, and all of the developer services we offer, including app distribution and discovery, the commerce platform, developer tools, analytics, training, and more, says a console page of Google Play. DMRC is in a long, legal battle with a subsidiary of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra). After a warning from the judiciary, the Centre has moved to amend the Metro Railways Act to protect Delhi Metro Rail Corporations (DMRCs) assets from being attached. The court said in case DMRC failed to clear its dues, it (the court) reserved the right to give directions to the ministry and the Delhi government. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued a draft Bill to amend Section 89 of the Act, excising the sub-section that allows courts to attach properties of Metro corporations. On March 17, the Delhi High Court handed down an order to ensure the payment of an arbitral award due for over five years. The Central government, being a custodian of the public good, cannot allow such a lethal situation to arise, the ministry said. In a background note for the amendment, the ministry said the courts order necessitated the change in law, adding that such a course could result in the closure of Delhi Metro, bringing the city to a halt and putting law and order at risk. Also Read After SC rap, DMRC launches Rs 7,100 crore rights issue for RInfra dues DMRC vs Rinfra to be heard on Friday, HC tells Delhi, Union govt No sanction for attachment of DMRC's operational assets: Centre to Delhi HC Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts HC asks Centre to decide on attaching DMRC's assets for payment to RInfra Warburg sells 2.3% stake in Kalyan Jewellers, mops up Rs 257 crore Cracking the whip: 18 drug companies lose licence over spurious medicines US-based cloud computing firm Rackspace to lay off 4% of workforce Jindal Stainless to invest Rs 1,200 cr in nickel pig iron JV in Indonesia Eye on expansion, Haldiram family to invest Rs 2,500 crore in 5 years The Central government is being asked to give sanction to attach the properties of DMRC to pay a company which abandoned/deserted the service of the airport metro line in the first few years of a 30-year contract, Union Minister Hardeep Puri had told the court in an affidavit earlier this month. DMRC, which owes Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Ltd (DAMEPL) nearly Rs 4,700 crore, was earlier told by the court to ensure payment to the company or face the risk of having its assets attached. In the March 17 order, the Centre was given two options: To either provide interest-free subordinate debt to DMRC along with the Delhi government, or repatriate all money received by it from DMRC after March 10, 2022. The money will then be sent to an escrow account for paying the award. The ministry has removed from the Act the part that allows the Central government to provide sanctions for attaching assets. In what is being seen as a reflection on Indias efforts to be an international arbitration hub, DMRC has been unable to pay the award despite instructions from multiple courts. The proposed provisions of the Act will apply to all Metro corporations in the country, an official said. RInfra had moved the Supreme Court on December 2, 2022, against DMRC, seeking the payment of the award. On December 14, the apex court gave DMRC three months to pay the dues and sent the matter back to the Delhi High Court. It is amazing that there are two elected governments who have formed this corporation and now were being told that this corporation has no money. Imagine what message you are conveying to the outside world a government corporation which is refusing to deal with an award, Justice Yashwant Varma orally remarked during a hearing on March 2. Brief history The two companies have been in dispute since DAMEPL pulled out of operating the Delhi Metro Airport Line due to safety issues on account of structural defects. An arbitral court in 2017 had ruled in favour of the RInfra, asking DMRC to pay DAMEPL the amount it had borrowed from 11 banks. In June last year, the urban transporter had written to 18 banks, seeking a credit facility for Rs 2,700 crore to meet its obligations. However, it later told the court that opting for such debt would push it into a debt trap. Mar 3: Centre denies sanction citing risk to law and order Feb 28, 2023: Delhi HC seeks Centres sanction to attach Delhi Metros assets to pay Rs 4,700 cr arbitral award to RInfra Mar 17: Delhi HC passes order, tells Centre and Delhi govt to ensure payment of arbitral award or face action Mar 3: Union Minister Puri reportedly directs officials to revisit provisions of Metro Railways Act to protect assets Mar 23: DMRC seeks review of HCs order JSL will invest Rs 1,200-1,300 crore, giving it a 49 per cent stake in the joint venture (JV) company while the balance would be with New Yaking. Jindal Stainless, Indias largest stainless steel company, and New Yaking Pte, which is part of Eternal Tsingshan Singapore, have signed an agreement to set up a nickel pig iron (NPI) smelter in Indonesia. Nickel being a critical raw material for our industry, we felt that it made absolute sense to make the investment in backward integration, now that we are a 3 million tonne (mt) player, said Abhyuday Jindal, managing director of Jindal Stainless, adding that the company sought to secure an ore scarce in India. JSL said this is the first strategic partnership by an Indian company for securing a stake in a nickel reserve abroad. The smelter would be located in an industrial park in Halmahera Islands, Indonesia. JSLs cash outflow for the investment would be over two years: Rs 700-750 crore in FY24 and around Rs 500-550 crore in FY25. The project, which would have a production capacity of 200,000 tonnes, would secure JSLs NPI requirements. The smelter would be a greenfield set-up and the project would take about two years. We expect the (JV) company to be operational by the end of FY25. Also Read Crucial for India to secure its nickel needs, says Jindal Stainless MD Jindal Stainless (Hisar) fixes record date for merger with JSL; stock up 3% Jindal Steel & Power net profit down 68 per cent to Rs 518.67 crore Metal stocks: Will export duty rollback help? JSW Steel eyes 50 MT capacity by 2030 via greenfield, brownfield options Eye on expansion, Haldiram family to invest Rs 2,500 crore in 5 years Piramal, TPG on verge exit from Shriram General Insurance Holdings Automaker SML Isuzu to raise prices to offset higher input costs Reliance, Tata Power, among others win in round II of solar module PLI First Solar, Reliance, Avaada Group among winners of $2.4 bn green aid JSL meets the bulk of its nickel requirement through stainless steel scrap and NPI/ferro nickel. Even though purchase from the JV would be at market price, it would help availability. Geopolitical issues, logistics, prices and the pandemic have affected demand-supply dynamics of nickel, increasing cost and uncertainty for industries such as stainless steel. About 16 per cent of our nickel requirement as of now is in the form of nickel pig iron. With this JV we are creating the possibility of securing the NPI which we are using for our nickel requirements, said Tarun Khulbe, wholetime director of Jindal Stainless. JSL, which has been in expansion mode, expects to commission 2.9 mt capacity in steel production in April and will ramp up later. We will see a volume growth of 25 per cent in FY24 and another 20-25 per cent in FY25. But if the market progresses and we see an uptick in demand, we can ramp up faster, Jindal said. We are envisaging a project IRR (internal rate of return) of 25 per cent with a payback of about four years, said Jindal. JSL has two stainless steel manufacturing plants in India, in Haryana and Odisha. Biscuit maker Saj Food Products, which is expecting to touch a revenue of Rs 2,500 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal, is eyeing at Rs 5,000 crore turnover in five years, a company official said on Tuesday. The Kolkata-headquartered company, which owns Bisk Farm' brand, is likely to close the current financial year with a revenue of around Rs 2,100 crore. "We are aiming at Rs 5,000 crore of revenue in the next five years. The company expects to touch a turnover of Rs 2,500 crore in the next fiscal, Saj Food Products managing director Vijay Kumar Singh told reporters here. The biscuit maker is trying to expand its distribution network in the east, south and north of the country for achieving a higher revenue next fiscal, he said. The company, currently, has six plants - four in West Bengal and one each in Nagpur and Bangalore. We are building our new plant in Guwahati at an investment of Rs 200 crore and it will be operational by the January-March quarter of 2024, Singh said. Also Read World Food Day: 19 million Afghans face food insecurity, says WFP Global food security at risk: Over 350 mn family farmers warn world leaders Global food prices in 2022 hit record high amid drought, war: FAO FSSAI recognizes Yak as a 'food animal' to check declining population Wipro acquires packaged traditional food and spices brand Nirapara Highdell Investment sells 2.26% stake in Kalyan Jewellers for Rs 256 cr Hike in withholding tax rate: Indian arms of MNCs may not feel sharp pain Tata Capital Financial Services, Tata Cleantech to merge with Tata Capital Vedanta announces 5th interim dividend; FY23 outflow Rs 37.7K crore Govt moves to end possibility of attachment of DMRC's assets in RInfra case The company has plans to ramp up its distribution presence in 23 states of India and also in Bhutan and Nepal, he said. Eastern states contribute to nearly 80 per cent of the company's annual sales, he said According to him, Bisk Farm' brand is the fourth biggest nationally after Britannia, Parle and Sunfeast of ITC, with a market share of four per cent. The company is growing at a CAGR of 15 per cent for the last five years, Singh said, adding that this year the volume growth will be around 12 per cent. "We also plan to go for an IPO (initial public offer) after crossing Rs 5,000 crore revenue in the next five years. Our investments so far have been from internal accruals and the company is practically debt-free", he said. With biscuits contributing to the bulk of the business, the company had also launched a food brand 'Indiaah', which is growing fast. Saj Foods has retail stores - 'Just Baked' presently across West Bengal, with plans to set up one in Bangalore. "We plan for organic growth and we may go for acquisition for either a distribution-strong or product-strong company in future, Singh said. The overall plan is to become the third largest player in the country, he added. The B2B company said it will use the funding to expand business in the USA, West Asia and Europe. Through its platform, Fashinza connects small and medium enterprises directly to fashion brands across the world. Fashinza, a start-up that helps fashion supply chains, has raised $30 million in funding from Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. "Our capital is non-asset based and will hence support Fashinza to grow their business internationally in the most capital-efficient manner," he said. "Fashinza is transforming the global fashion supply chain. Their performance since inception, the strength of their founding team, and their existing global network of manufacturers and customers gave us enough confidence in their ability to scale this business and sustain in the medium- to long-term," said Navas Ebin, managing director of APAC for Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. "As we focus on expanding our presence in international markets, including the USA, we are excited to partner with Liquidity Group to support our growth and to bring our innovative manufacturing solutions to a global audience," said Sharma, co-founder and COO of Fashinza. Fashinza, which was founded in 2020 by Abhishek Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Jamil Ahmad, assists more than 250 factories of 200 brands in five countries, including India. Also Read Gatik's driverless B2B delivery service gains pace in US and Canada Aditya Birla Fashion Q2 revenue up 50%, hits lifetime high; profit rises 6x Why are Indian start-ups facing such a severe funding winter? Reliance Retail's fashion-lifestyle store AZORTE to take on Zara, Mango Tata CLiQ Luxury expands its luxury fashion category with launch of Le Mill HR tech start-up InCruiter partners with Taggd to speed up hiring Nimbbls other investors include Amara VC, a American angel collective, Cred founder Kunal Shah, Pine Labs chief executive officer Amrish Rau, Jupiter founder Jitendra Gupta, Nium founder Prajit Nanu and former senior Mswipe executive Srinivas Rao. Fintech start-up Nimbbl said on Tuesday it has raised $3.5 million in funding from Groww, a financial services platform, Sequoia Capital India and Global Founders Capital (GFC). Payment failures and checkout abandonment due to poor consumer experiences are key reasons for loss of revenue for businesses, said Pandey, co-founder of Nimbbl. Our technology enables merchants to personalise the checkout experience for their consumers resulting in 40 per cent higher payment initiations. This translates to over 6-8 per cent increase in revenues. The Mumbai firm was founded in October 2020 by former Citrus Pay and PayU executives Anurag Pandey and Amit Bansal. It helps businesses in increasing customers and revenues while reducing costs. Nimbbl, which has teams in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, will use the funding from seed and pre-series A rounds to strengthen its product and market capabilities. With us, merchants of all sizes get an ecosystem to manage payments, offers, payment aggregators, and settlements through one dashboard, said Bansal, another co-founder at Nimbbl. More than 4,000 merchants use Nimbbls one-click checkout solution. offering customers a better experience on Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). Also Read Sequoia's Surge unveils 8th cohort of 12 start-ups across India, SEA Why are Indian start-ups facing such a severe funding winter? How two RBI circulars could impact fundraising in fintech space going ahead Indian fintech start-up funding fell 47% in 2022, says Tracxn report India's startup funding in 2022 double the pre-pandemic level: PwC Apparel supply chain start-up Fashinza raises $30 mn in business funding HR tech start-up InCruiter partners with Taggd to speed up hiring A report by BCG said recently that Indian digital payments will be worth $10 trillion by 2026, when two out of three transactions in the country will be done digitally. The total value of digital payments in 2021 was $3 trillion. Consumer payments to merchants and government as well as business-to-business payments will contribute about 40-45 per cent of this volume. Bulk/ Block Type: All Block Deals Bulk Deals Unsubscribe to continue This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp Chaired by Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, the meeting will act as a platform for all the work that has happened so far in the Finance and Sherpa Tracks to G20. It will be hosted in Kumarakom, on the outskirts of Kochi. In the scenic backwaters of Kerala, Sherpas of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations) will meet from March 30 to April 1 to take stock of the work done under Indias Presidency so far, and the road ahead leading up to the Leaders Summit in September. The main agenda items under the Sherpa track that will be discussed include women-led development, green growth, lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE initiative), technological transformation, inclusive and resilient growth, multilateralism, tourism, and culture. The Indian Sherpas (Kant's) job will be to brief everyone on the work being done in both tracks, across engagement groups, working groups, and the meetings of finance and foreign ministers held recently. The road map for the rest of the year will also be discussed, a top government official told Business Standard. There will also be separate sessions on the sidelines of the main Sherpa meet, on digital public infrastructure and green development. Agenda items under the finance track include sovereign debt resolution of poorer nations, reforms in multilateral institutions, digital public infrastructure, food and energy security, financing for resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities of tomorrow, and global taxation, among others. Also Read Crisis in multilateralism affecting developing nations most: PM at G20 meet G20 foreign ministers' meeting today: Schedule, agenda, other details here LIVE: Blinken asks for 'contact' with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov 'US looking forward to support India's G20 presidency': Janet Yellen G20 foreign ministers' meeting to kick off in Delhi today; all details here G20: Working group meet calls for paperless international trade EPFO marginally raises interest rate on PF deposits to 8.15% for FY23 Goods and services exports to cross $760 bn in FY23: Piyush Goyal Export ban on wheat to continue; record output likely: FCI CMD UPI merchant transactions over Rs 2,000 to carry charge of 1.1% from Apr 1 There could be further discussions with other interested nations in the upcoming Sherpa meeting, the official quote above said. Digital public infrastructure has been one of the successes so far in G20 under Indias stewardship. As reported earlier, a number of Commonwealth nations from the Caribbean and South Pacific, and some Latin American countries as well are interested in taking Indias help to develop their own payments systems. It is not expected to be all smooth sailing though. Since the Group of Seven nations on one hand and Russia-China on the other have expressed disagreements on the language of the official statements over war in Ukraine in previous meetings, similar concerns could be discussed among the Sherpas as well. Since this wont be a ministerial meeting, there wont be a communique or a chair summary issued at the end of it. However, there will be daily briefings and updates, including by Kant. In the meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in February in Bengaluru, and in the Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi in March, there could be no communique issued as Russia and China were opposed to the language of condemnation of the formers invasion of Ukraine. Our aim, as the host, is to build consensus should any such discussions arise. It is to update, taking views forward, and to inform, the official said, adding that G20 was not the forum to discuss geopolitical developments related to the war in Europe or further sanctions. According to the "Compliance Audit Report Number 1 of 2023 of the CGI on Union Government (Economic and Service Ministries - Civil)" for FY21, the department under the finance ministry did not conduct an assessment of the capital requirement according to its own standard practice before recapitalisation. The State Bank of India (SBI) received Rs 8,800 crore from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) as part of a recapitalisation exercise without asking for such funds in 2017-18, a report presented by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in the Parliament on Monday said. The report further said DFS considered the cushion over and above the norms prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) while recapitalising PSBs. "DFS infused Rs 8,800 crore into SBI in 2017-18 for credit growth considering it the largest Public Sector Bank (PSB) in the country even though there was no demand. DFS did not conduct an assessment of the capital requirement as per its own standard practice before recapitalisation," it said. DFS infused Rs 831 crore into Bank of Maharashtra in 2019-20 against the bank's demand of Rs 798 crore to avoid the surrender of funds amounting to Rs 33 crore, it added. "RBI had already prescribed enhanced capital requirements of an additional 1 per cent on banks in India. This resulted in an excess infusion of Rs 7,785.81 crore," it said. Also Read SBI Q2 PAT may rise up to 98% QoQ, asset quality could improve: Analysts SBI Q3 profit may rise nearly 60% YoY; deposit growth could outrun peers SBI loans to get costlier as bank hikes key lending rate; Details here SBI's Q2 net rises 74% to Rs 13,265 crore on improved interest margins What does Parliament's winter session mean for you? After Supreme Court's fraud tag verdict, responsibility now on banks SJVN gets Rs 915 crore from Japan Bank for International Cooperation Full-KYC Paytm wallets can now make payments across all UPI QR codes Credit card loans aid over 182,000 street vendors, jobless in Rajasthan Many cases may have to be reopened after SC ruling on borrowers' voice The apex court said, in an order on Monday, that a borrower should be allowed to be heard before a bank declared his account 'fraudulent'. The Supreme Court verdict on fraud-tagging is likely to lengthen the process for banks, Soma Sankara Prasad, managing director and chief executive officer, UCO Bank, said on Tuesday. The processes followed by banks for tagging accounts as fraudulent and as wilful defaulters were different. But now they will almost become the same, as we would have to call the borrower or his representative and hear him out before declaring his account as fraud, Prasad said. If we have to give a notice to the borrower, listen to him and then take a call, it will only lengthen the process for us, Prasad said, adding that it would soon be the same as the process in determining wilful defaulters. Accounts were identified as fraudulent under the Reserve Bank of Indias Master Directions circular in 2016, which allowed banks to classify an account as such without giving the borrower a chance to be heard. He went on to explain that in the case of wilful defaults, there is a committee that identifies such defaulters, listens to them and takes a call. Ultimately, there is a review authority alsoit is put up to the board. And the board either confirms it (the wilful default status) or uses its discretion not to declare the defaulter as wilful after looking at the material, he said. Also Read UCO Bank net profit up 145% at Rs 504 cr in July-September quarter Hear borrowers before declaring accounts 'fraud': Supreme Court Three questions on EWS quota: Here's what the Supreme Court judges said What is a constitution bench? Can't declare a borrower 'fraud' without hearing him first: SC tells RBI EXIM Bank expects foreign currency borrowings to be $3-3.5 bn in FY24 MPC should raise rates by 25 bps next week: Economists tell RBI RBI likely to hike rates by 25 basis points next week, says economist Fiscal year change-led carry boosts Indian rupee; importers cap upside Rupee appreciates 15 paise to 82.16 against US dollar in early trade Asked about the impact on past cases, Prasad said that since a call had already been taken by the bank, re-examining such cases retrospectively would be an issue. The circular was challenged in the Telangana High Court, which held in 2020, that borrowers would have to be heard before their accounts were classified as fraudulent. SBI and RBI had moved the Supreme Court against the order. FY23 performance However, he said the SC verdict would not deter banks from classifying accounts as fraudulent where applicable. Once we get a forensic audit done and have the report, we will have to give an opportunity to the borrower to represent his side of the case. Ultimately we have to take a call. Prasad was speaking on the sidelines of an event to mark 80 years of the bank. We had set a net profit target of Rs 1,500 crore, which I think we are going to cross, Prasad said. For the 9MFY23, the bank's net profit had stood at Rs 1,281 crore, which again was the highest in any nine-month period. On the eve of the celebration, the bank touched a business of Rs 4 trillion. The bank's MD & CEO said the net profit for FY23 would be the highest ever in the lender's history. He said that corporate loan growth has been almost 30 per cent. It has grown faster than retail, though car, home and personal loans have grown at roughly 19 per cent. The bank has seen good loan growth this year, Prasad said. We are expecting to close the year with a growth in advances of more than 20 per cent year-on-year (YoY). President Droupadi Murmu calls for balancing act Prasad added that in FY24, with the finance ministry withdrawing LTCG benefits on debt mutual funds, a huge inflow was expected from debt schemes to bank deposits. Speaking on the occasion of 80 years of UCO Bank, the president said that banks have two major responsibilities. First, they have to be custodians of public money. Second, they use the savings of today to create assets for tomorrow. Balancing these two responsibilities is a challenge for every bank. Banks need to strike a balance between creating assets and protecting public money, said President, Droupadi Murmu, on Tuesday. Stating that she belongs to a family of bankers, the President said that fintech has been transforming the way people access and manage their money. She also said that the inability to strike the right balance has sometimes led to economic worries in different parts of the world. Banks are duty-bound to sustain the trust reposed in them by millions of people who save their money in the banks. President Murmu, who was on a two-day visit to West Bengal, virtually inaugurated 50 new branches of UCO Bank. She also laid the foundation stone for renovation of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education and Research Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha, under the CSR initiative of the Bank. An MP-MLA court here on Tuesday held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case, and sentenced them to rigorous life imprisonment. Ahmad's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf and six others have been acquitted in the case. This is Ahmad's first conviction in over 100 cases registered against him over the years. Government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari said special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandra Shukla held Ahmad, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder). "The court has awarded the three rigorous life imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine to each," Agrahari said, adding that the amount will be given to the family of Umesh Pal, who was gunned down last month. The two brothers are also accused in the murder case. After undergoing court formalities, Atiq Ahmad and others were taken back to Naini jail in separate police vans. Also Read State machinery will take care, SC refuses Atiq Ahmad's plea for protection Another accused in Umesh Pal murder case killed in encounter: UP Police Composite insurance licence regime may trigger M&A activity: HDFC Life CFO Job aspirants protest in Srinagar, demand inquiry report to be made public Battle for Reliance Nippon Life Insurance: Nippon top brass to visit India OPD services to remain closed in Rajasthan on Wednesday due ongoing protest More BJP wins, more Oppn protests it will face, says PM Narendra Modi India develops own mathematical model for estimating TB cases in country Railway line to Kohima to be completed by 2026: Northeast Frontier Rail Competition Commission conducting inquiries against big tech firms: Govt In a reply to queries by mediapersons, Ahmad said from inside the police van, "I have respect for the court...this is wrong punishment (saja galat hui hai)... I will move the High Court against it." Earlier, when Ahmad and Ashraf were produced in the court, a number of lawyers raised slogans of "phansi do" (give them capital punishment). Ahmad's counsel Dayashankar Mishra said they have the right to appeal and they will approach the High court against the conviction. He said Ahmad will be kept in Sabarmati Jail (Ahmedabad) in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision. In her reaction to the judgement, Umesh Pal's mother Shanti Devi said she has full faith in the country's judiciary, but expressed apprehension Ahmad "could do anything from inside the jail". "I request the court to award him capital punishment for getting my son killed," she said, but added she won't challenge the Tuesday's court order. "My son fought like a lion. He was awaiting judgement in this case. He was sure that Ahmad would get punished in the case. But he (Ahmad) got him (Umesh Pal) killed. We will not challenge today's court order. I want to request the CM to take care of us as we have on one with us," she said. Reacting on the court's judgement, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the state government was running a campaign against crime and criminals and taking up their cases in courts for conviction. "Our government is committed to check crime and curb criminals. We are taking up cases in courts to ensure conviction. No one will be allowed to play with law and order, which is our top priority," he said. Additional Director General (ADG), Law and order, Prashant Kumar said the state government has zero tolerance towards mafia and they are being identified irrespective of their area of operation, caste and religion. "The anti-mafia task force of the state police is directly monitored by the DGP. In the past few years, illegal properties worth Rs 2,827 crore of such mafias were either seized of demolished. This is for the first time Atiq Ahmed was convicted by any court due to evidence, witnesses and prosecution officers of the state government," he said. "All police personnel of the state are committed to demolishing the economic empire of the mafia. In the days to come, we will ensure punishment to all such mafias by taking up their cases in courts effectively," Kumar said. The kidnapping case against Ahmad, Ashraf and nine others emanates from the murder of then BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005. Umesh Pal, who was then a zila panchayat member, had told the police that he was a witness to the murder. Pal later alleged that he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006 as he refused to retract under pressure from Ahmad. An FIR was registered against Ahmad, his brother and nine others on July 5, 2007. The police had submitted a chargesheet in the matter against the 11 people. One of them later died. Ahmad and Ashraf are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal. Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24 last. In the murder case, Umesh Pal's wife Jaya filed a case at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmad, his brother, his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Earlier in the day, Ahmad, Ashraf and others were brought to the court from Naini jail in separate police vans and produced before the judge amid tight security. The two brothers were on Monday brought to the Naini Central Jail here after long road journeys from two separate prisons. Pal's wife Jaya earlier said she won't be going to the court but will "pray" that Ahmad gets capital punishment. "I will be in my house and pray for capital punishment for Ahmad. If they get life imprisonment, they will continue to do the same things that they did with my husband," she told reporters. Ahmad, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case, police said. President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that banks need to strike a balance between protection of public money and use of savings for asset creation in future. The President said banks have two fundamental responsibilities- acting as custodians of public money and using savings of the present for future asset creation. "Balancing both these responsibilities is a challenge for every bank. Sometimes due to vitiation of the balance between these two, worrying economic conditions arise in different parts of the world," she said. The President was speaking at an event organised by UCO Bank here to celebrate the completion of 80 years of the public sector lender. Murmu said all banks are duty-bound to uphold the trust of millions of people who keep their savings in banks. She expressed confidence that the professional staff and vigilant leadership of UCO Bank will discharge these responsibilities effectively. Also Read What do unique terms in the data protection bill mean? TMS Ep314: Adani expansion, job creation, Indian equities, climate IFC invests Rs 300 cr in agro-chemical firm Crystal Crop Protection India's services activity cools to 6-month low in Sep; job creation slows New formal job creation fell again in September, shows payroll data CP, Dilli Haat most in-demand filming locations: Delhi govt official Licences of 18 pharma firms cancelled for manufacturing spurious drugs House panel wants e-pharmacy rules in place asap, MoHFW to act soon Tech SME sector revenue to reach $40 bn by FY30, says Nasscom report BIS framing standards for yoga equipment amid rising yoga popularity The President said fintech has been transforming the way people access and manage their money. "In India, widespread adoption of fintech, even by residents in the poorest and remotest areas, is a proof that people in India are open to adopt technology that empowers them and provides social justice. Today UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is widely regarded as one of the most successful fintech innovations globally," Murmu said. Stating that she belongs to a family of bankers, the President said fintech has done an enormous job during the COVID-19 pandemic for settling transactions. She virtually inaugurated 50 branches of UCO Bank across 18 states in the country. Murmu also laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of a school in Odisha where the President once worked as a teacher. West Bengal minister of state for finance, Chandrima Bhattacharya, said that the state is putting all efforts in implementing financial inclusion among the people. She said the state administration is running 'Lakshmir Bhandar', the largest social security programme in the country, while another initiative 'Duare Sarkar' (Government at doorsteps) is conducted for extending government services to the people. Under the Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, financial assistance is to be provided to the deserving family of the state. Around Rs 1.14 lakh crore credit has been extended to the MSME sector in the state, while self-help groups got Rs 20,000 crore of loans from the banking sector, she said. UCO Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer S S Prasad said the lender made the highest net profit by the end of December 2022, while current business stood at Rs 4 lakh crore. The bank has also increased market capitalisation, benefitting its shareholders, he added. BJP MPs, mostly from Other Backward Classes, on Tuesday took out a march from Parliament complex to Vijay Chowk here protesting against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on the 'Modi surname' and demanded his apology. Gandhi was convicted by a Surat court last week in a criminal defamation case for his 'Modi surname' remark. The ruling party's 'OBC Morcha' also announced a campaign between April 6, the party's foundation day, and April 14, B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary, against Gandhi's "insulting" remarks against the backward castes and to highlight the "historic" decisions of the Modi government for the community's welfare. BJP workers will reach out to one crore households across one lakh villages in the country, Morcha president K Laxman told reporters here. BJP president J P Nadda will launch the campaign from Manesar in Haryana, he said. He said from giving the constitutional status to the OBC Commission, which was "toothless" in the long rule of the Congress, to giving reservation to the community in educational institutions and filling up thousands of backlog vacancies in universities, the Modi government has taken many historic decisions to uplift the community. These decisions will help boost their living standards, the senior BJP leader who is also a member of its parliamentary board said. Also Read Rahul means Bharat, Bharat means Rahul, says UP Congress chief Khabri Andaman & Nicobar Cong protest Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha disqualification Rahul responds to wearing T-shirt as Delhi shivers; BJP jibes 'Shehzada' Congress protests in Hyderabad over Surat court's verdict against Rahul J P Nadda says Rahul Gandhi speaking language of China and Pakistan Karnataka Congress promises to scrap quotas announced by BJP when it wins More BJP wins in elections, more protests it will face from Oppn: PM Modi Delhi excise policy scam: ED questions former Dy CM Manish Sisodia's PA Threat calls to Gadkari: Nagpur cops take custody of suspected caller Congress' Kharge slams Centre after Rahul Gandhi asked to vacate bungalow The OBCs will help Modi become prime minister for a third term after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he asserted, adding that such an atmosphere in the BJP's favour has rattled the Congress, causing Rahul Gandhi to heap caste "insults" on the prime minister. Last Thursday, Gandhi, a former Congress president, was sentenced to two years in jail by the court in Gujarat after he was held guilty of defamation over his 'Modi surname' remark. The Department of Immigration, Nepal government has alerted its offices, particularly those at airports to prevent Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher from Punjab, India who could flee to a third country using Nepali territory either on his own passport or a fake passport, the Himalayan Times reported. DG Jhalak Ram Adhikari told The Himalayan Times that Indian Embassy had written to his office seeking his office's help in stopping Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh from fleeing to a third country. The Punjab government has launched a massive manhunt against the separatist leader Amritpal, who has been hiding since March 18. Indian Embassy has provided the photograph of the Punjabi fugitive and all details about him. The embassy also has flagged Nepali authorities that Amritpal Singh could flee to a third country using his own passport or a fake passport. Adhikari said that all passengers who wanted to go abroad using Nepal's airport would be screened at the airport so that Amritpal who is under the surveillance of the Department of Immigration can not flee. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Sunday sent a letter to the Department of Immigration requesting them to not let pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh travel to a third country. "As per the request from Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, we have included him on the 'watch list', Director of Nepal's Department of Immigration Jhalakram Adhikari told ANI over the phone. Also Read Want to change your passport photo online? Check instructions, details Indian Embassy in Kathmandu claims Amritpal Singh hiding in Nepal: Report Indian Embassy, Nepal govt sign MoUs for projects in education, healthcare Nepal plane crash: At least 68 dead, rescuers search for 4 missing persons Nepal plane crash: Death toll rises to 70; handover of bodies begins Active Covid-19 cases in UP increase three-fold in the past 10 days Twitter activist booked for posting misleading information about Make in UP Varanasi court issues notices to Akhilesh, Owaisi on Gyanvapi remark China's transgressions remain trigger for escalation along LAC: Army Chief Maharashtra to produce nearly 16% less sugar as mills close early At first, the embassy had requested the Nepal government to enlist him on a watch list and shared the details along with photos with the department, the official added. "They have warned us that he might use a fake passport to enter Nepal and attempt to fly out. He might be hiding somewhere here in Nepal as well. No one is sure about Amritpal whereabouts. But as per the request we have informed all the concerned departments and authorities," Adhikari added. Asked about the letters, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu did not respond. On March 25, Punjab Police appealed to people not to believe rumours and fake news of the arrest of radical preacher and pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, which is being circulated on social media. Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Bathinda SSP Gulneet Khurana said, "We urge people not to believe the fake reports of the arrest of Amritpal Singh that are being widely circulated on social media." On March 18, Punjab Police launched an operation against Amritpal Singh and his aides. The crackdown came almost over three weeks after Amritpal's supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on February 23, on the outskirts of Amritsar, demanding the release of one of his close aides, Lovepreet Toofan. The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted fresh searches at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation into an illegal coal levy case, official sources said. The investigation relates to "a massive scam in which illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen", the agency had earlier said. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had said an amount of at least Rs 540 crore was "extorted" over the last two years. Premises related to those allegedly linked to Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal and arrested coal businessman Sunil Agarwal, besides a few others, in state capital Raipur and in Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh were searched, the official sources said. Nine people, including state administrative service officer Saumya Chaurasia, coal trader Suryakant Tiwari, his uncle Laxmikant Tiwari and Chhattisgarh-cadre Indian Administrative Service officer Sameer Vishnoi, have been arrested till now in the case by the ED. Also Read ED files prosecution complaint in alleged coal levy scam in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh coal levy 'scam': Enforcement Directorate raids multiple sites ED raids Congress MLAs, leaders' premises in Chhattisgarh coal levy 'scam' C'garh bureaucrat's ED custody extended by 4 days in alleged coal levy scam ED seizes properties worth Rs 153.31 cr of Baghel's Deputy Secy, others Sale of residential property in Mumbai touches a five-year high in 2022 Stalemate to continue in Parliament, budget session likely to end early Top headlines: After SC say on fraud, onus on banks, Adani Green under ASM India reports 1,573 fresh Covid infections, active cases at 10,981 Prove Savarkar apologised, late Hindutva ideologue's grandson tells Rahul India has potential to be the world's "skill capital", Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh said on Tuesday as his ministry signed an MoU with 19 "Captive Employers" for providing jobs to 31,067 rural youths under a government scheme. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the government will give these employers the target to train and provide gainful employment to rural youths, with a minimum salary of 10,000 per month for the minimum period of six months. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said education should be focused on skill development, and skill development should be focused on providing employment... That is what we are trying to do," Singh said at an event to sign the MoU. "India has the potential to be the skill capital of the world. In this direction today for the first time an MoU is being signed between government and employers," Singh said. He also sought suggestions from the employers on implementing the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) across the country, and distributed appointment letters to some candidates who received similar training under the DDU-GKY and are placed with captive employers. The Rural Development Ministry launched the Captive employment Guidelines under DDU-GKY to ensure that the candidates are trained as per the industry requirement and employed. The Captive Employment model allows the employer to select rural youth, skill and employ them. Also Read PM National Apprenticeship Mela to be held in 197 districts of India Are states with high levels of poverty spending less on MGNREGS? House panel moots spl projects to fill 29 mn skill gap in automotive sector FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2023: Obstacles India will face on its home turf Mamata Banerjee to launch scheme for development of rural roads in Bengal Focus on wellbeing significant to cut burn out in companies: Report Pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal seen without turban in fresh CCTV footage Hiring intent for manufacturing, services sector up 10% in Q1FY24: Report Goods, services exports to cross $760 bn in FY23:, says Piyush Goyal 18 pharma companies lose licence for manufacturing spurious medicines The RTD (Recruit, Train & Deploy) model has been developed to address the needs of the Industry on one hand and ensuring sustainable placement for rural youths. The Captive Employment Guidelines will increase the direct involvement of the industry due to the benefits provided to the industries for encouraging them to participate in the DDU-GKY program thereby ensuring the large quantity employment for rural youths. The basic objective of DDU-GKY is to provide the gainful placement in sustainable manner to rural youth after skilling hence the concept of captive employment was envisaged and launched on the occasion of Antyodaya Divas in the year 2020. India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability, and enhance the defence capabilities together, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday. He also said India is steadfast in its commitment to provide support to African partner countries in all defence-related matters, including capability enhancement of their armed forces, to ensure their economic growth and social development. Singh was speaking at the first edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave organised on the sidelines of the 2nd Africa-India Joint Exercise 'AFINDEX'. "As maritime neighbours linked by the Indian Ocean, our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography and countering terrorism and extremism will be essential for regional peace and prosperity," he said. He emphasised that the full potential of a nation's progress can be realised only when its security is ensured. The conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations, along with other civil and defence dignitaries. Also Read Has the rally in defence-related stocks run its course? Pakistan pushes to increase non-permanent members in UN Security Council Lankan defence minister meets CDS Gen Anil Chauhan on sidelines of DefExpo Added value to Council: Russia backs India's permanent membership at UNSC Bolstering national security is top priority, says Defence Minister Rajnath Experts seek consensus on long Covid definition, bat for treatment protocol India to become largest civil aviation market in next decade: Scindia IAF's 'Kargil Courier' airlifted over 3,000 stranded passengers this winter Reusing treated wastewater in irrigation could've reduced emissions: Study Meta 'optimistic and excited' about India, says Sandhya Devanathan "India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance the defence capabilities together," the defence minister said. He said India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. A defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created in India which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. Singh described capacity building in terms of defence equipment and platforms as another critical aspect of India's military cooperation with its African partners. He also invited the African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies to fulfil their security needs. The Indian defence industry can work with you to fulfil your defence requirements, he said. "With the aim to empower African partner nations to indigenously meet their defence requirements, India is committed to sharing its expertise and knowledge in defence manufacturing, research and development," the defence minister said. Singh said India has been at the forefront of providing training to the armed forces of African nations and equipping them with the necessary skills to face the security challenges of the 21st Century. The training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations, he stated. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance, Singh said. He termed 'AFINDEX' as a reflection of India's continued focus on African nations to develop capacities and enhance mutual capabilities. The joint exercises between India and African nations provide an excellent opportunity for the armed forces to learn from each other and promote interoperability," he said. Singh said the preservation of individual human rights such as the right to life and personal liberty, the right to employment, and the right to livelihood is dependent on a strong and effective state apparatus which can ensure the rule of law as well as promote economic growth and social development. Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment, he added. "Though many of us have come a long way since Independence, there are many African countries where the capacity building of state systems is still a work in progress, Singh said and stressed the need to build robust state structures which can cater to the needs and aspirations of the people. Singh said India and Africa are united by the common goals of eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable development, promoting peace and harmony and improving the quality of life of the people. He added that this partnership drives the South-South cooperation to build a truly multi-polar world order which is more responsive to the aspirations of developing countries. PM Modi addresses party workers after the inauguration of the residential complex and auditorium. He said, "The journey began with 2 Lok Sabha seats and is now at 303 seats. BJP is the only pan-India party from east to west and from north to south. BJP gives the opportunity to the youth to progress." He further said, "BJP is not only the world's biggest but also the most futuristic party, its only goal is to make a modern and developed India. The party was almost finished in the 1984 elections, but we didn't lose hope. We continued working for the people." Government of India cancels licenses of 18 pharma companies for manufacturing of spurious medicines following an inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 76 companies across 20 States, said Official sources. The huge crackdown underway on pharma companies across the country related to manufacturing of spurious medicines. Action on 70 companies in Himachal Pradesh and 45 in Uttarakhand and 23 in Madhya Pradesh during govt crackdown on companies manufacturing spurious medicine. Government of India cancels licenses of 18 pharma companies for manufacturing of spurious medicines following an inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 76 companies across 20 States, said Official sources. The huge crackdown underway on pharma companies across the country related to manufacturing of spurious medicines. Action on 70 companies in Himachal Pradesh and 45 in Uttarakhand and 23 in Madhya Pradesh during govt crackdown on companies manufacturing spurious medicine. According to reports, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan. Local officials said that a magnitude-6.1 earthquake shook northern Japan. Soon after the quake hit Japan's coast, people were seen rushing to safety as tremors were felt across the country. A few days ago, an earthquake of magnitude 4.6 on the Richter Scale struck Japan's Izu Islands. The Izu Islands are a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from Japan's Izu Peninsula. According to reports, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan. Local officials said that a magnitude-6.1 earthquake shook northern Japan. Soon after the quake hit Japan's coast, people were seen rushing to safety as tremors were felt across the country. A few days ago, an earthquake of magnitude 4.6 on the Richter Scale struck Japan's Izu Islands. The Izu Islands are a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from Japan's Izu Peninsula. India has logged 1,573 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases have increased to 10,981, according to Union health ministry data updated on Tuesday. Congress has called a meeting of its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs today at Congress Parliamentary Party office in Parliament at 10:30 am to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House. In a latest development in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was on Tuesday grilling Devendra Sharma, the personal assistant (PA) to former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.India has logged 1,573 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases have increased to 10,981, according to Union health ministry data updated on Tuesday.Congress has called a meeting of its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs today at Congress Parliamentary Party office in Parliament at 10:30 am to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House. Active Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh have increased three times in the past 10 days. Almost all the patients, however, are recuperating in home isolation with no major symptoms. Active Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh have increased three times in the past 10 days. Almost all the patients, however, are recuperating in home isolation with no major symptoms. Police officers engaged in probing cyber-related offences believe that the simple process of upgrading the addresses of individuals in the Aadhaar data has emerged as one of the biggest causes of cyber fraud. The state of human rights should be determined by reality, not fallacy Xinhua) 08:34, March 28, 2023 Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Recently, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) released its report on China's human rights. As much as China prepared a wealth of information for the CESCR review and sent a large delegation to answer questions in an open and frank manner, Concluding Observations of the CESCR still cited false information and rumors on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. This time, as before, the false accusations against China are not only rejected by China, but also refuted by quite a number of developing countries and NGOs at the recent General Debate of the 52nd Regular Session of Human Rights Council. While some rich countries keep repeating the cliche of alleged poor human rights situation in developing countries, delegates of many developing countries expressed their appreciation clearly for the development of human rights in China. Undeniably, China's human rights progress speaks for itself. As some may have never heard, from the early 1990s to 2016, terrorism was a lingering nightmare in Xinjiang. Terrorists and extremists plotted and carried out thousands of explosions, assassinations, poisonings, arson, attacks and other violent crimes, resulting in casualties of innocent people including pregnant women and children, the sacrifice of hundreds of police and incalculable property damage. People visiting Xinjiang at that time were told not to go out alone or at night. In the face of the grave and complex counter-terrorism situation, Xinjiang has taken a host of decisive, robust and effective deradicalization measures. Through the efforts of people of all ethnic groups, including the Uyghurs, Xinjiang has seen no violent terrorist incidents since 2016. Nowadays, Xinjiang enjoys sustained economic growth, social harmony and stability, better living standards, and thriving cultures like never before. Local workers of all ethnic groups choose their professions according to their own will. Last year, before the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued the so-called assessment on Xinjiang, more than 60 countries, nearly 1,000 non-governmental organizations from across the world and people from various walks of life in Xinjiang have written to the High Commissioner to voice their opposition. As for Tibet, over the past 70 years or so, Tibet has emerged from the shadow of serfdom and embarked on a path of modernization. Nowadays, Tibet has eradicated extreme poverty and enjoys a stable social environment, and economic and cultural prosperity. Tibetans, from children to the elderly, embrace the modern life while retaining their own religion, customs and language. Recently, a video clip went viral on social media showing a traffic policewoman stopping the passing vehicles to give way to a Tibetan who was performing full-body prostration. Many netizens left comments that, "this is the true freedom of religion," "if the Tibetan did so in a Western country, he would probably be locked up in prison." Performers dance at the grand bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) To those who still harbor prejudice against Xinjiang and Tibet, the Chinese Association for International Understanding's questioning at the General Debate of the 52nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council is the best response -- "have you ever been to Xinjiang or Tibet? Have you seen the local people and the smiles on their faces?" In Hong Kong, local residents report a living experience diametrically different from the picture painted by the CESCR report. Perhaps it is difficult for many people to imagine that, in 2019, just four years ago, Fu Guohao, a reporter with the Global Times, was tied up with zip ties on his wrists and ankles and beaten by radical protesters at the Hong Kong airport while on normal reporting duties. Fu was imprisoned and abused for up to 50 minutes that night, and died in 2021 at the age of 30 after suffering depression. Not only that, the radical protesters set fires in public places, threw bricks at police stations, and poured suspected corrosive liquids at police officers, which seriously disrupted law and order of Hong Kong and undermined the human rights of Hong Kong police and people. However, the radical protesters were glorified as a "beautiful sight" by the West. Western politicians sang the praises of a chaotic Hong Kong, while Hong Kong residents were living in fear and despair. Fortunately, since the promulgation of the National Security Law, Hong Kong has soon ushered in greater security and restored social order with the legitimate exercise of the freedom of expression unaffected. A street poll in Hong Kong also showed that 71.9 percent of the respondents believe that the rule of law has been restored after the implementation of the National Security Law. According to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranked 19th out of 139 in 2021, close to the United Kingdom (16th) and Singapore (17th). As can be easily seen, many of the Concluding Observations' accusations against China are clearly and factually incorrect. In fact, the lectures and suggestions offered by the UN human rights bodies are increasingly challenged by developing countries in recent years. At the ongoing 52nd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council alone, South Sudan have accused the UN's country report of lacking facts and undermining its sovereignty and efforts, and a number of countries also called for professional and respectful cooperation between the international institution and the state. No country can claim that its human rights situation is perfect, but what we should do is to keep filling the lacunae and improving the status quo. Lies and unaccountable organizations only deteriorate the hard-won stability in the developing world and stall efforts to improve human rights. The CESCR review should return to its original purpose of helping countries better implement their duties and make more progress in protecting economic, social and cultural rights, and not the other way around. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Canon launches its seventh student programme, acting as a springboard for burgeoning photojournalists to develop and showcase their work. 100 students to receive mentorship from industry experts representing established news agencies and news publications, as well as Canon Ambassadors. A shortlist of 30 students will be invited to take part in a five-day workshop in Girona, including a visit to Visa pour lImage, where they can form new connections with professionals and peers. The final five mentees will be granted an exclusive Canon-curated experience at the Hamburg Portfolio Review . Applications opened from Monday 13th March to students across Europe, Middle East and Africa Canon once again opens its prestigious Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) for applications today, marking its seventh iteration of the programme that has already supported hundreds of aspiring photographers in taking the first vital steps towards a career in photojournalism. The industry-leading initiative offers access and exposure to experienced professionals from the photographic community and the opportunity to attend key industry events. CSDP has established itself as an invaluable springboard to the next generation of photojournalists. Former alumni have gone on to work for reputable news agencies and internationally renowned publications, such as 2021 alumni Chiara Negrello, whose work has since been regularly featured in the New York Times, 2022 alumni Vasilis Tsiolis, whose intimate portrayal of nomadic goat herders in Greece has been covered by the Guardian, and Swiss-based Sara Affolter, who has been supported by her CSDP mentor Ulla Lohmann throughout the process of publishing her first book on animal rights. The programme is open to students and internsi residing and studying in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, from March 13th until April 16th. A limited number of spaces will also be available to talent endorsed by industry professionals. Submissions will be judged by a panel of editors from Getty Images, Reuters, AFP and EPA who will decide on the initial 100-strong cohort of the regions most promising young storytellers. One-to-one mentorships The selected 100 students will be partnered up with one of the programmes expert mentors, with the aim to discuss their current work and longer-term career aspirations in dedicated one-to-one sessions. Virtual reviews throughout summer will help refine their portfolio and project synopsis with a particular focus on exploring different editing options and ways to further strengthen narrative skills and develop authorial signatures. Canon Ambassador and photojournalist, Daniel Etter said, The Canon Student Development Programme has become one of the leading initiatives supporting and connecting young photographers. For me, it has been a privilege to follow previous students work and growth over the years. It is fantastic to see that this years programme again offers access to one of the industrys major events and most esteemed photojournalists, as well as financial support that gives young photographers a platform to launch their careers. Girona workshop and Visa pour lImage in Perpignan, France In September, up to 30 students will be invited to a five-day Canon workshop in a grand Catalan farmhouse in Girona, Spain, concluding with a final nights stay at the Visa pour lImage international photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France. The workshop will offer an intimate forum to exchange ideas and build relationships with renowned professionals from the world of photography, such as award-winning photojournalist Brent Stirton, Head of Photography at The Guardian, Fiona Shields and Lars Lindemann, Director of Photography at Germanys GEO Magazine. Group portfolio reviews offer a rich learning opportunity for students and a chance to both critique the work of their fellow peers, as well as receive professional feedback on their own. Canon Ambassador Paolo Verzone will also deliver a practical hands-on lighting masterclass for participants. Aside from taking in the key exhibitions and evening screenings during Visa pour lImage, students will also have the opportunity to participate in additional portfolio reviews and further expand their network. Hamburg Portfolio Review After finessing their portfolio and learning how to present their work in the various programme modules, a final group of five mentees will be given the opportunity to attend Hamburg Portfolio Review. During a three-day trip, each student will take part in individual portfolio reviews and attend a series of exclusive media appointments with key editors in the industry. Each participant will also receive a 2,000 grant and top-of-the-line Canon equipment to support their next creative chapter. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires By Rajendra Jadhav MUMBAI (Reuters) -India's top sugar-producing state, Maharashtra, could churn out nearly 16% less sugar than the previously estimated as mills are closing early due to limited availability of sugar cane, a senior state government official told Reuters on Monday. Lower sugar output could prevent the world's second-biggest exporter from allowing additional exports, potentially supporting global prices and allowing rivals Brazil and Thailand to increase exports. The western state of Maharashtra, which accounts for more than a third of India's sugar output, could produce 10.7 to 10.8 million tonnes in the 2022/23 marketing year that began on Oct. 1, down from an earlier forecast of 12.8 million tonnes, Maharashtra's sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said. "Mills are closing at a rapid pace. Almost all mills will close by this month end. Only a handful will be operational in the first week of April," Gaikwad said. Sugar mills in Maharashtra were operational until mid-June in 2021/22 as they harvested a record crop. Also Read Sugar mills in Maharashtra to close early as rain hits cane supply Thailand targets 2 million Indian tourists in 2023, same as pre-Covid India's palm oil imports jumed 29% to 1.14 million tonnes in Nov: Report Fitch affirms Bangladesh's issuer default rating at 'BB-'; outlook stable Tropical rains cause heavy floods in Thailand, 5,000 seek shelter Easy address change process in Aadhaar major cause of cyber fraud: Police Be prepared for hospitalisation of patients: Odisha govt amid Covid cases Centre ready to prepare policy for air taxis: Civil Aviation Secretary Flight between Amritsar-UK to work as catalyst for development: Scindia People of Bengal have always been cultured, progressive: Prez Murmu Maharashtra, which often surprises the global sugar market with wide swings in production, has produced 10.38 million tonnes of sugar as of March 26, lower than the last year's 11.6 million tonnes during the period. Out of 210 sugar mills that started operations this year, 155 mills had stopped crushing as of March 26. In 2021/22 Maharashtra produced a record 13.7 million tonnes, higher than an initial estimate of 11.2 million and allowing New Delhi to export a record 11.2 million tonnes. India allowed mills to export only 6.1 million tonnes in the current season in the first tranche. The industry was expecting the government to allow additional exports of around 2 million tonnes in a second tranche. "The sharp drop in Maharashtra's production means there won't be additional exports," said a government official, who declined to be named. India mainly exports sugar to Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Somalia and the United Arab Emirates. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; editing by Jason Neely) A Bench of NCLAT Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan and Dr Alok Srivastava, member (technical), had reserved its verdict on March 20 after hearing the arguments for over a month. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will on March 29 give its judgment on Googles plea against the Competition Commission of India (CCI)s order imposing a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem. The CCI had on October 20, 2022, penalised the tech giant and asked it to pay Rs 1,337.76 crore for practices related to Android devices. Google was earlier given three months to comply with the CCIs directive and its deadline ended on January 19. The tech giant then moved the NCLAT on December 22, and on January 4, the appellate tribunal asked Google to pay 10 percent of Rs 1,337.76 crore in three weeks. After the apex court refused to grant interim relief to Google on January 19, the matter was sent back to NCLAT for the final order by March 31. The judgment will be pronounced at 2 pm. Also Read Google dials NCLAT against CCI's Android order, Rs 1,337-crore fine NCLAT directs Google to pay 10% of Rs 1,337 crore penalty imposed by CCI Google may face a third CCI fine in less than a month. Now for Android TV NCLAT declines stay on CCI's Rs 936 cr Google penalty, asks firm to pay 10% Google shows design of Pixel 7 series, Pixel Watch ahead of Oct 6 launch First batch of 2,585 Agniveers graduate after four months of training Printed receipts from ATM or grocery store may be toxic, says report Include coarse grain in diet of children under PM POSHAN scheme: Parl Panel 11-year-old Kerala girl develops unique eye scanning app that uses AI Political analyst sues Netflix to take down Big Bang Theory; read to know The tech giant said CCI itself had recognised that Googles Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) was beneficial to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Once recognised, there can be no imposition of unfair terms, OEMs are free to install any other browser on the system, and, unlike Apple devices till 2020, Google Chrome is not the default browser on Android systems, it submitted. Google had argued before the NCLAT that the CCI order imposing a fine of Rs 1,337.76 crore on it for allegedly misusing its dominant position in the Android ecosystem was without any inquiry or analysis. In a watershed event for the AIADMK, the party on Tuesday elevated Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) as its supreme leader, the general secretary, moments after deposed leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) lost one more legal battle against his expulsion from the party. While the Madras High Court rejected pleas of Panneerselvam and his aides against their expulsion from AIADMK, 68-year old Palaniswami for the first time became the general secretary after the post's revival last year. Before his elevation, EPS was the interim general secretary. Party founder-leader M G Ramachandran (MGR), former party supremo J Jayalalithaa, Navalar VR Nedunchezhiyan, P U Shanmugam and S Raghavanandam were the only other leaders who had held that top post in the AIADMK, which was founded in 1972. On being elevated, cadres gave Palaniswami a rousing welcome and made him wear a dark glass and bright white cap just like MGR and he happily waved at cadres, seen as a gesture of bringing the party under his full control, very much like his iconic predecssors, MGR and Jayalalithaa. He swung into action immediately and announced a new membership drive. Palaniswami assuming the top position though has brought down the curtain on the leadership issue, the battle is set to continue in courts as OPS camp is determined to take forward its legal struggle. Political commentator and observer of AIADMK since the 1970's, Durai Karuna told PTI that this development does not mean that OPS could be "written off" from the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Also Read SC ruling allowing EPS as AIADMK chief not a setback: Panneerselvam SC allows Palaniswami to continue as AIADMK interim general secretary Madras HC delays AIADMK general secretary election results till March 22 AIADMK sets ball rolling for EPS' elevation; Panneerselvam slams rival camp Madras HC allows AIADMK GS polls, directs not to declare the outcome High ammonia levels in Yamuna to hit water supply in parts of Delhi Toll on Mumbai-Pune Expressway to be increased by 18% from April 1 PFRDA increases Ombudsman's upper age limit to 70 years from 65 years Atiq Ahmad, two others get life term in 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case OPD services to remain closed in Rajasthan on Wednesday due ongoing protest Like in the past (1989), if the AIADMK faces electoral setbacks it may lead to a situation warranting factions eased out of the party to join hands once again, he said. "In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. It is the electoral outcomes and several other factors that prove to be decisive," he said. He pointed to aspects like the resentment among several Most Backward communities against EPS regime's internal quota of 10.5 percent to Vanniyar community. Parallely, he pointed to OPS continuing to strengthen his faction organically across the State by appointing office-bearers right from grassroots level. "OPS has vowed to take the battle to the people's court. Especially in southern districts, it could have a bearing on electoral politics," he said. OPS belongs to the Mukkulathor community, also known as Thevars who wield a decisive electoral clout in southern Tamil Nadu. "OPS was handpicked by Jayalalithaa and he has the credential of being trusted by her and factors such as these will come in handy for OPS camp," Karuna said. Panneerselvam and his aides went to the Madras HC against the AIADMK's July 11, 2022 general council resolutions, one of which expelled him and his supporters including Paul Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam. Justice K Kumaresh Babu said that the AIADMK's general council resolutions relating to expulsion of Panneerselvam and appointing his rival K Palaniswami as the then interim chief were prima facie valid. Now, OPS and his aides have approached the High Court challenging the rejection of their suits. The HC said: "It has been brought to the notice of this Court that the General Council consist of 2,665 members; 2,190 members have made a requisition to convene the General Council, 2,460 members have attended the meeting of the General Council on July 11, 2022 and they voted in favour of the resolutions." There is a prima facie case in favour of amendment of bye-laws --to revive the post of general secretary and other changes-- and if the election to the post of general secretary is injucted, it would affect the functioning of the political party. "Hence I do not find any prima facie case, balance of convenience or irreparable injury in favour of the applicants (OPS and his supporters), but on the other hand, I find that the injunction as prayed for is granted, irreparable injury would be caused to the first respondent (EPS and party), as it would affect the functioning of the political party (AIADMK) which has over 1.55 crores primary members in the State of Tamil Nadu," the judge noted. Following Jayalalithaa's demise in 2016, the warring OPS and EPS factions came together ousting VK Sasikala --confidante of Jayalalithaa- and her relatives and amended party bye-laws designating Jayalalithaa as the eternal general secretary. It came up with a new dual leadership structure giving equal powers to EPS and OPS and made them joint-coordinator and coordinator respectively. The dual leadership was scrapped last year and Panneerselvam and his supporters were expelled leading to legal battles in the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court and the matter also reached the Election Commission. OPS and his team had lost in several such battles. The Union Health Ministry is likely to take up the matter soon, sources said. A decision on regulating online pharmacies is likely to be taken soon. A Parliamentary panel has now asked the Ministry of Health to finalise the draft e-pharmacy rules and implement them without any further delay. It has also expressed concerns over the possible misuse of such avenues of sales and distribution of medicines in the absence of regulations. We would be happy to work with the ministry and regulators, should they need any industry alignment or views on any aspects, said the person who is also the co-founder of an online pharmacy. Meanwhile, e-pharmacies are open to working with the Ministry and regulators for any alignment required. I think it is good if the draft rules are published and there is clarity. The parliamentary report seems very much in favour of the rules being published at the earliest, said an industry player who did not wish to be quoted. The health ministry is considering the matter and has also initiated discussions with other ministries in this regard, said a government source, who added that the concerns primarily are surrounding data privacy rules. The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce said in its report that undue delay in adopting a definitive regulatory framework results in uncertainty, which is not conducive for fast-paced digital markets. The committee, headed by Abhishek Manu Singhvi, recommended in its report that the health ministry formulate comprehensive guidelines in consultation with stakeholders. Also Read SC clears decks for CCI probe into WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy Data privacy rising exponentially as a job creator, says Tsaaro report What does Parliament's winter session mean for you? Privacy in the digital Wild West This is how India's new Parliament building will look like: Pics inside Tech SME sector revenue to reach $40 bn by FY30, says Nasscom report BIS framing standards for yoga equipment amid rising yoga popularity India to work with African nations to promote regional security: Rajnath Experts seek consensus on long Covid definition, bat for treatment protocol India to become largest civil aviation market in next decade: Scindia Recommendations of Assistant Secretaries received from the respective Departments were considered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and a few recommendations were agreed to. The Prime Ministers Office vide communication dated 20.09.2019 constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to further examine the details of the proposal to notify e-pharmacy rules and make suitable recommendations. The recommendations of the GoM are under consideration of the Government, the report said. Three groups of Assistant Secretaries, one each in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of Health and Family welfare were constituted to study the draft rules and submit their reports. Stakeholders especially Chemists and Druggists Associations opposed the proposed e-pharmacy rules stating that approximately 800,000 chemists would be out priced and shall go out of business. The chemists are presently not allowed to home deliver drugs while this is being permitted for online pharmacies, the Parliamentary committee report stated. Sources indicate that the Centre is concerned around the data privacy issues as online pharmacies have patients medicine use and even diagnostic test data. This data which is collected by online pharmacies can be eventually misused. Moreover, offline retailers have protested that online pharmacies go for predatory pricing to attract consumers, which, in turn, is detrimental for the small retail chemist shop. There are more than 800,000 chemist shops in the country. On the issue of data privacy, online pharmacy industry sources say that those are easy to comply with. The chemists represented that online pharmacies should only be permitted to sell medicines on the basis of e-prescription to avoid multiple dispensing of same medicines and also said that online pharmacies should not be allowed to sell habit forming drugs, anti-tubercular drugs and higher antibiotics. Parliamentary panel asks MoHFW to finalise the draft e-pharmacy rules and implement them The report has further noted that the finalisation and enactment of the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 is crucial as this will provide the guiding principles for formulation of rules regarding the ownership and storage, use and access and cross border movement of data. MoHFW has published a draft gazette notification in Aug 2018 for amendment to Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 Three groups of Assistant Secretaries--one each in MeitY, DoP and MoHFW--were set up to study the draft rules and submit their reports Online pharmacies say willing to work with govt and regulators Draft rules published on August 28, 2018 contain provisions for registration of e-pharmacy Offline chemists want online pharmacies barred from selling habit-forming drugs Amid strains in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance over Rahul Gandhi's strident criticism of V D Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying the Shiv Sena's concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership. Opposition leaders said Congress has agreed to tone down its criticism of Savarkar, which has led to unease among the NCP and Shiv Sena, its alliance partners in Maharashtra. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday evening and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help the opposition alliance in the state, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI. Former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting along with leaders of opposition parties. Pawar also told Rahul Gandhi that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS and underscored that the real fight of the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. As the BJP stepped up attack on Rahul Gandhi and sought his apology for "maligning" India on his recent tour to the UK, the former Lok Sabha member from Wayanad had said that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise. Also Read Savarkar theme park, museum to come up in Nashik: Maha Minister Lodha Pawar pitches for MVA allies to contest Maha Assembly and LS polls together Will ensure MVA contests Maha assembly and LS polls together: Sharad Pawar Savarkar should not be insulted, will speak to Kharge, Rahul: Sanjay Raut Congress 'mukt' Bharat not possible, says Sharad Pawar at Pune party office Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm as opposition protests over Adani issue Toll operators in India to see a revenue jump of 16-18% in FY23: CRISIL Essential medicines set for a highest ever price rise of 12% this year Rahul to visit K'taka on April 5 to take on BJP over disqualification row Rahul trying to 'rip apart' PM Modi's image, but won't succeed: BJP Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had slammed Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and said his outfit will not tolerate any insult of the freedom fighter. The Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had skipped the meeting convened by Kharge as a mark of protest against Gandhi's remarks targeting Savarkar. President Droupadi Murmu, on her maiden visit to West Bengal on Monday said that the people of the state have always been cultured and progressive. "The people of Bengal are cultured and progressive. The land of Bengal has given birth to immortal revolutionaries on one hand and prominent scientists on the other. From politics to the justice system, from science to philosophy, from spirituality to sports, from culture to business, from journalism to literature, cinema, music, drama, painting and other art forms, Bengal's remarkable pioneers have found new ways and methods in many fields," she said on the first day of her visit to the state. Murmu attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of West Bengal in Kolkata. Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the government and the people of West Bengal for the warm welcome. President further lauded the state saying that sacrifice and martyrdom, culture and education have been the life ideals in the land of Bengal. "Even after reaching the highest pinnacle of success, the people of Bengal maintain their connection with their soil and keep on increasing the glory of Mother India. The people of Bengal have always given priority to the ideals of social justice, equality and self-respect," she added. Also Read UCO Bank net profit up 145% at Rs 504 cr in July-September quarter UCO Bank Q2 net rises 145% to Rs 504 crore, gross NPA declines to 6.58% Mamata Banerjee to leave for three-day tour to West Bengal districts President Droupadi Murmu to embark on a two-day visit to Arunachal today Saddened by loss of lives in Uttarakhand bus accident: President Murmu LIVE: Congress calls a meeting of MPs at party office to chalk out strategy Washington watching Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts: US official Why disqualifying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi doesn't help PM Modi FIR against 13 cops in two cases in UP's Pilibhit after court orders Namibian cheetah Sasha dies of kidney ailment, first detected in January The President expressed her happiness noting that a street on the former East Esplanade, in Kolkata has been named 'Sido-Kanhu-Dahar'. "Such initiatives give strength to the ideals of our freedom struggle, especially to the self-confidence and self-pride of our tribal brothers and sisters," Murmu said. Murmu reached Kolkata on Monday for her two-day visit to the state. President Murmu will visit Belur Math today, according to the official statement of the President's House. "She will also grace the celebration of the completion of 80 years of UCO Bank in Kolkata," the release said. Later, the President will visit Shantiniketan where she will grace the annual convocation of Visva-Bharati. Union Minister Smriti Irani on Tuesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by saying that in an attempt to insult Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he also insulted the entire OBC community. Addressing the media here, Smriti Irani said, "In an attempt to insult PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi also insulted the entire OBC community. This is not the first time Gandhi family has tried to insult people from Dalit or backward communities. When a woman from the tribal family became the President, even then Droupadi Murmu was insulted by a Congress member on the instructions of the Gandhi family." "He (Rahul Gandhi) abused and accused PM Modi in Parliament but could not verify his own statement by authenticating it with his own signature. Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by the court for not abusing an individual but the whole OBC community and this is known to every citizen of our country," she added. Amid protests by the Congress over the Adani issue, Smriti Irani also attacked Gandhi over an earlier picture of Robert Vadra with Gautam Adani. She said, "If he (Rahul Gandhi) has a problem with Adani, why is Robert Vadra seen with Adani holding hands?" Irani also said, "The political psychosis of Rahul Gandhi is on full display. He kept lying in London and in India, inside and outside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi's target is PM Modi, and PM Modi's target is the development of the country." --IANS Also Read Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi pay tribute to 2001 Parliament attack victims Rahul Gandhi convicted in Modi surname defamation case: What we know so far Rahul means Bharat, Bharat means Rahul, says UP Congress chief Khabri India, govt open for business round the clock, says Smriti Irani Lok Sabha adjourned for the day over Rahul Gandhi's democracy remark Mamata Banerjee to launch scheme for development of rural roads in Bengal BBC Punjabi Twitter account withheld in connection with Amritpal's case Savarkar should not be insulted, will speak to Kharge, Rahul: Sanjay Raut Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid Oppn protest on Adani-Hindenburg issue BSF shoots down another Pakistani drone in Punjab, seizes contraband dr/dpb Reusing treated wastewater in irrigation in India could have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1.3 million tonnes in 2021, according to the latest study by a think tank. Greenhouse gases causing greenhouse effect are one of the main drivers of climate change. As greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun's heat. This leads to global warming and climate change. The study by 'Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)' looks at mainstreaming the reuse of treated wastewater in the country. It assesses the economic and market potential for the reuse of treated wastewater (domestic sewage) for irrigation at the national scale and makes recommendations to strengthen the existing governance on reuse. According to the analysis using the Central Water Commission (CWC) estimates, 11 out of 15 major river basins in India will experience water stress by 2025, with annual per capita renewable water availability below 1,700 cubic metres. "Hence, it is essential to explore alternative sources of water to address the demand-supply gap," the CEEW said in the new study. Also Read Indian companies need to reduce corporate flying emissions: Report Big emitters not acknowledging climate risks: Carbon Tracker Initiative Kirit Parikh panel may recommend price caps to help moderate CNG rates Italy's greenhouse gas emissions rising despite lower energy use: Report In line with new govt rules, Reliance re-auctions gas from its KG-D6 block Meta 'optimistic and excited' about India, says Sandhya Devanathan To assess worldwide view on bail in case of assault, HC turns to ChatGPT India reported 1,317 H3N2 cases from January 1-March 21: Govt in RS MCD special meeting for civic budget adjourned, to resume on Wednesday G20 expert group formed for strengthening multilateral development banks The study also found that reusing treated wastewater in irrigation in India could have reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1.3 million tonnes in 2021. "Our analysis suggests that the available treated wastewater would have irrigated 1.38 Mha in 2021, which would have reduced pumping in 3.5 per cent of the groundwater-irrigated area. Further, this would have led to a reduction of 1 million tonnes of GHG emissions. Additionally, on account of the inherent nutrient value of treated wastewater, fertiliser consumption would have reduced, resulting in further reduction of GHG emissions by 0.3 million tonnes," it said. The market value of the total available treated wastewater in 2021 was Rs 630 million if there was a mechanism in place to sell the treated wastewater to different sectors for reuse. "The market value will substantially increase to over Rs 830 million in 2025 and Rs 1.9 billion in 2050 at the current market rate," the study found. The study said nine times the area of New Delhi could have been irrigated using the treated wastewater available in India for the irrigation sector in 2021. "Further, about Rs 966 billion would have been the revenue generated from the agricultural yield produced from this area of land," it said. Over 6,000 metric tonnes (MT) of nutrients could have been recovered from the available treated wastewater in 2021, generating savings of more than Rs 50 million on account of the corresponding reduction in synthetic fertiliser use, it said. India, presently, treats only 28 per cent of the total sewage it generates per day from the urban centres (CPCB 2021). "Out of the 72,368 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage produced in urban centres, the actual treatment is of only 20,236 MLD (CPCB 2021). Class I cities (those whose population is above 1,00,000) and class II cities (with populations of 50,00099,999), which represent a major share (72 per cent) of the total urban population, produce an estimated 38,254 MLD of sewage, of which only 30 per cent is actually treated (CPCB 2021). The untreated wastewater is then discharged into freshwater bodies such as rivers. The study said given the exponential amount of wastewater generated in the country, India has immense potential to meet the growing water demand across different sectors and improve the water environment with proper management. "Through this study, we intend to estimate the market potential for the reuse of treated wastewater (domestic sewage) at the national scale and make recommendations to strengthen the existing governance on reuse," it said. The study pointed out that only a few states have identified the positive externalities associated with the treatment of wastewater and reuse. These include improvement in the water quality of receiving natural water bodies and the associated public health impacts, it said. The study also pointed out that there are only a few policies prioritise sectors for reuse. "Also, only a few policies classify treated wastewater (TWW) into 'mandatory' and 'non-mandatory' reuse. Most policies make only a brief recommendation on the technologies for wastewater treatment. A majority of the state policies that we reviewed do not provide details on the treatment process and technologies," it said. With the stalemate continuing in Parliament, the session is likely to be wound up early. The Budget session is scheduled to end on April 6, but with continued logjam over various issues, sources are saying that it may be sine die soon. The opposition has decided to remain steadfast on its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani Group matter. The opposition MPs moved adjournment notices in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday also on the JPC demand and also against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification. Leaders of the opposition parties on Monday attended a meeting at Congress President and leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and decided to continue their protest over the JPC. Disqualified Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was present in the meeting. The other parties which attended the meeting are -- DMK, NCP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, AAP, MDMK, KC, TMC, RSP, RJD, J&K NC, IUML, VCK, SP and JMM. Also Read Budget 2023-24: Manufacturing sector eyes revised taxations, new PLIs Union Budget 2023: Experts don't expect surprises in social sector outlay Budget 2023: A look back at some major announcements in previous Budget Crypto industry wants 0.1% TDS, Sebi-like regulator in Budget 2023 Budget 2023 to increase capex for infra projects for growth: Experts Top headlines: After SC say on fraud, onus on banks, Adani Green under ASM India reports 1,573 fresh Covid infections, active cases at 10,981 Prove Savarkar apologised, late Hindutva ideologue's grandson tells Rahul Jamia violence: HC to order on plea against discharge of 11 accused today State prepared to handle Covid-19 wave, says Kerala Health Minister The opposition parties have collectively decided to press for the JPC demand and stage protests in Parliament. Mallikarjun Kharge after the meeting said in his tweet, "To save one man, Modi ji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues.If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Opposition's demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee?" The Congress is organising a major show with 35 press conferences in two days to highlight the Adani issue. --IANS miz/dpb Though the parties stress the ever-present unity in the opposition camp, political observers maintain the latest show of solidarity is among rare instances, and don't see this evolving into a united front against the BJP by the Lok Sabha election next year. Over the past week, the fractious opposition has been seen banding together over various issues -- from opposition MPs wearing black to protest the Centre over the Adani group issue to resoundingly criticising Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha and 14 non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parties petitioning the Supreme Court alleging the arbitrary use of law enforcement departments. As political parties close ranks around the grand old party, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav said that the Congress should take a back seat where regional parties are strong. One thing is clear, we have said it earlier also, wherever regional parties are strong they have to be in the driver's seat, the Congress people should understand this," he recently said. This follows a similar comment by the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, who said that the Congress should keep the regional party forward and then fight the elections, and "only then can we win against the BJP". According to political scientist Suhas Palshikar: Right now, there is no possibility of non-BJP parties coming under one umbrella because they do not agree on who will hold that umbrella. At the state level, many parties find Congress as their rival, so, naturally, they will have reservations about joining hands with it. Still, Palshikar said that if the Congress has a good showing in the upcoming Assembly elections, the chances of it anchoring an opposition front, however loose it may be, becomes realistic. But political analyst Sumanth C Raman doesn't see much depth in such talks. He said "the myth of a divided or united opposition does not matter", as is the case in the upcoming state elections of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, where regional parties do not have a strong presence. And in some states where regional parties are the dominant force, this idea of them joining hands with Congress does not hold water, he said. Also Read Rahul Gandhi convicted in Modi surname defamation case: What we know so far Mikes of opposition silenced; media under attack in India: Rahul Gandhi Why Rahul Gandhi remains in the BJP's cross hairs Rahul Gandhi aside, these high-profile leaders faced disqualification What explains the Congress-BJP fracas over Rahul Gandhi? Centre working to reduce logistics cost to GDP to 7.5% in 5 years: Shah BJP MPs protest against Rahul Gandhi's 'insulting' remarks on OBC-community Karnataka Congress promises to scrap quotas announced by BJP when it wins More BJP wins in elections, more protests it will face from Oppn: PM Modi Delhi excise policy scam: ED questions former Dy CM Manish Sisodia's PA Echoing Shrinates comment on the opposition unity, Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson, said: Im sure some parties will be a major irritant in the formation of a united front, but coming together to fight the BJP is inevitable. Congress National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate told Business Standard: "The fact that opposition parties came in support of Rahul Gandhi shows that non-BJP parties are very well together... There will be instances when well (Congress) step back a little, and instances where we will want a larger share, but the reality is well fight the elections together. Key regional parties, such as the SP, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party, have stressed maintaining a distance from both national parties and have extensively spoken about a non-BJP, non-Congress opposition front. Earlier this month, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC would go it alone in the 2024 general elections. Praveen Rai, a political analyst with the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, thinks otherwise. "Talks of a Congress resurgence after the Bharat Jodo Yatra turned out to be nonsensical after the party lost badly in Tripura, even after aligning with the CPI(M)," Rai said. At the state level, regional parties have their turf to protect, so the Congress may have to keep its ambitions of being the bigger brother aside, he added. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also rejected the idea of an alliance without the Congress. An alliance without the Congress should be rejected, as it would not succeed. I humbly request all the political parties opposed to the BJP to understand this simple electoral arithmetic and stand united, he said, addressing a public meeting organised to mark his 70th birthday celebration. While the Congress is yet to pitch itself as the leader of any opposition front, Jairam Ramesh, party general secretary, said no opposition is possible without the Congress. "The Congress will have to play a central role in it," Ramesh told PTI. Labelling such attempts as non-starters, Raman said any non-Congress front has no chance of success "simply because they do not have the muscle to win the elections on their own." Such calls before the election are just meetings of minds and nothing more, and this does not mean there is a division in Indias opposition. "It is just that the opportunity hasnt presented itself," said Manuraj Sundaram, DMK spokesperson. The court of Additional District judge Anuradha Kushwaha has issued notices to defendants in the revision petition filed by a lawyer Hari Shankar Pandey, that seeks filing of a case against SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and others for their alleged remarks on the purported 'Shivling' found in the Gyanvapi mosque compound and alleged dirtying of its ablution pond by visitors. Hari Shankar Pandey said: "After the court of additional chief judicial magistrate-V (MP-MLA) Ujjwal Upadhyaya rejected my plea on February 15, I filed a revision petition in the court of the district judge. From the district judge court, the revision petition was transferred to the court of ADJ-IX. The court started the procedure of hearing the revision petition and served notices to all defendants. "The court has fixed April 14 for next hearing." --IANS amita/ksk/ Also Read Gyanvapi mosque case: Varanasi court defers hearing to October 11 Court's verdict likely today on 'Shivling' carbon dating in Gyanvapi case Allahabad HC gives 'last chance' to ASI to file reply in Gyanvapi case Varanasi court to hear plea seeking worship of Shivling at Gyanvapi mosque Gyanvapi row: HC fixes Dec 5 for hearing on mosque committee's plea China's transgressions remain trigger for escalation along LAC: Army Chief Maharashtra to produce nearly 16% less sugar as mills close early Easy address change process in Aadhaar major cause of cyber fraud: Police Be prepared for hospitalisation of patients: Odisha govt amid Covid cases Centre ready to prepare policy for air taxis: Civil Aviation Secretary Amid massive protest by the doctors in Rajasthan against the Right to Health (RTH) Bill, the state health minister Parsadi Lal Meena on Monday said that the government would not take back the bill at any cost. "If there's any problem with the bill, then we are ready to hold a discussion but the bill won't be taken back. At any cost, we will not take back the bill," Meena said while talking to ANI. He further said that the protesting doctors are taking "undue advantage". "After a lot of discussions, the Right to Health bill was brought by our government. People of the state are being benefitted from it. We held discussions and abided by all demands of protesting doctors. CM has appealed to them to come back to work. They are taking undue advantage," he further said. The state minister also said that the bill was also sent to a select committee before it was passed. "If required we will recruit more doctors if protests continue, we will do whatever is required," he added. Also Read Don't go on strikes, tie black ribbon instead: Gehlot appeals to doctors Rajasthan CM appeals to doctors to end protest against Right to Health Bill Private doctors protest against Right to Health Bill in Rajasthan Doctors protesting against Right to Health Bill clashes with cops in Jaipur 2-day 'Chintan Shivir' of the Rajasthan government commences in Jaipur Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik asks Centre to lift 2 mn tonne of surplus rice Small arms factories witnessed very less demand from armed forces: CAG Most people in India not serious about following road safety rules: Gadkari Work begins on installation of steel spans on RRTS corridor in Delhi: NCRTC MCD gets Siva Prasad KV as new municipal secy; disengages Bhagwan Singh Parsadi Lal Meena's reaction came amid the strike of private doctors and hospitals regarding the Right to Health Bill. Significantly, private hospitals and doctors in Rajasthan have been protesting against the Right to Health (RTH) bill through a work boycott urging the state government not to implement it. Rajasthan, last week passed the Right to Health Bill, which gives every resident of the state the right to avail free Out Patient Department (OPD) services and In Patient Department (IPD) services at all public health facilities, becoming the first state to do so. Also, similar healthcare services will be provided free of cost at select private facilities. According to the Bill, free healthcare services, including consultation, drugs, diagnostics, emergency transport, procedure and emergency care, will be provided at all public health institutions and select private facilities subject to conditions specified in the rules, which will be formulated now. Also, all residents will be entitled to emergency treatment and care for accidental emergencies without prepayment of any fee or charges. In a case of medico-legal nature, the bill says no public or private hospital can delay treatment merely on the grounds of receiving police clearance. The bill gives a right to the resident of the state to emergency treatment and care "without prepayment of requisite fee or charges" by any public health institution, health care establishment and designated health care centres. The Bill was passed amid protests by the opposition BJP, which wanted to bring in certain changes to the provisions, as well as an agitation by a section of doctors. However, experts point out an anomaly in the new framework, which may require the markets regulator to provide more clarity. Designated depository participants (DDPs) entities who facilitate FPI investments in the country could soon approach the regulator over the issue. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has eased the on-boarding process of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) through several procedural relaxations around documentation, PAN verification and disclosure of details of the investor group constituents. Clarity should be sought by the custodians from Sebi on this gap to understand their scope of action for the period between the 8th day and expiry of the sixth month, added Dua. One gap that remains between the master circular and the amended FPI Regulations is on the time period for intimation of material changes to DDPs and Sebi. How the text currently reads is that while the FPIs have to intimate the DDP within seven days of a change, the DDPs will have to inform Sebi within two working days in case there is a delay of more than six months in the DDP intimation, said Prakhar Dua, leader, financial services & regulatory practice, Nishith Desai Associates. Among key relaxations include allowing DDPs to grant FPI registration on the basis of scanned copies of common application form and documents. Further, FPIs will also be able to use digital signatures for the form and for other documents. In a circular issued on Monday, the market watchdog detailed the changes which industry expects to considerably reduce the time taken for granting FPI registration and opening of demat, trading and bank accounts. Also Read Resilient growth outlook seen bringing FPI flows back to India Sebi sets up three panels to push market reforms, ease of doing business India-dedicated funds stanch FPI sell-off in September, shows data RBI pauses onboarding of online merchants by Paytm Payments Services 7 working days: Sebi now prescribes 'strict' timelines for FPI disclosures Adani stocks fall amid debt concerns; 8 out of 10 shares hit lower circuit Sebi introduces framework for scheme of arrangement by clearing corps Bandhan Bank crashes to 3-year low on heavy volumes Adani share sale takes block deals to 5-month high despite skittish market Vedanta dividend: Decision on fifth payout today; check all details here Though the regulator has brought procedural leniency for onboarding FPIs, a stricter timeline has been introduced for disclosures effective March 14 through amendments in FPI Regulations. Additionally, in case of an existing FPI investor group, they are relaxed from providing complete details of constituents in lieu of the unique FPI investor group ID which is generated by NSDL. Experts said that in some cases the processing time could range between 60-75 days which is now expected to come down to nearly thirty days through the use of digital signatures and copies of documents for the SWIFT mechanism. The existing regulations said FPIs had to inform the DDPs forthwith, which now has been replaced by as soon as possible but not later than seven working days. The markets regulator had approved the majority of the changes in its previous board meeting held in December 2022 and they have been brought into effect with the latest circular. Nitin Desai: Peace in Ukraine requires peace between the US and Russia. Is it possible? : Peace in Ukraine requires peace between the US and Russia. Is it possible? Global peace and global and local leaderships in firms are what we have today Indrajit Gupta: The high standards the earlier generation of leaders of HUL had set, especially despite many constraints, remain a golden era for management development in India. Mahesh Vyas talks of improvement in consumer sentiments. talks of improvement in consumer sentiments. : The high standards the earlier generation of leaders of HUL had set, especially despite many constraints, remain a golden era for management development in India. first edit appreciates government policy on municipal bonds. The second edit highlights the dangers in Russias nuclear threat, which, it says, should be taken seriously. QUOTE Theappreciates government policy on municipal bonds. Thehighlights the dangers in Russias nuclear threat, which, it says, should be taken seriously. Also Read Best of BS Opinion: An unmistakable slowdown, lost fragrances & more Best of BS Opinion: Abolish exemptions, politics over pension, and more Best of BS Opinion: Growth challenges, Re-design and deliver & more Best of BS Opinion: Fumes of failure, setting standards, and more Best of BS Opinion: Laws and order, corporate battles of 2023, and more Best of BS Opinion: Tax treatment, a monster from the past, and more Best of BS Opinion: Powell's playbook, the lure of local media & more Best of BS Opinion: Steep correction, notes on urban prosperity, and more Best of BS Opinion: A comprehensive partnership, not just adaptation & more Best of BS Opinion: Avoiding contagion, Covid-19 risks, and more It is a horrendous act. We have experience of people coming to this court, saying they have been languishing in jail for ordinary cases of murder and their remission is not being considered. So is this a case where the standards have been adopted uniformly as in other cases? South Korean consumer durables maker LG Electronics on Monday said it has started manufacturing Dual Inverter Air Conditioner Compressors at its plant in Greater Nodia. LG Electronics India, which is among the leading players in the residential air-conditioning market here, has invested around Rs 100 crore in the new facility in Uttar Pradesh. The new line has a capacity to roll out one million units per year, the company said. According to the company, it has 'become the first brand to manufacture its own Dual Inverter Air Conditioner compressor in India". Hyunjin Lee, Manufacturing MD of LG Electronics India, said this continuous expansion is a step towards making self-reliant India a reality. LG Electronics aims to make India a powerful manufacturing hub. "We have invested approximately Rs 100 crore in setting up this Air Conditioner Compressor manufacturing line and are continuously working towards strengthening our local operations," he added. Also Read Samsung to offer 20-year warranty on some of its products in India Matter Energy, Luminous Power tie up to develop dual-purpose home inverter S Korea, US to hold simulated drill to prevent North Korea's use of nukes North Korea fires more than 10 missiles after threat: South Korea North Korea fired ballistic missile toward eastern waters: South Korea Here's what Google's Artificial Intelligence-powered Bard can do Only verified accounts to get For You recommendations from Apr 15: Musk Twitter proprietary source code leak turns into hunt for the perpetrator GPT-4: Bing to Word and Excel, AI is changing Microsoft platform experience Is premium category a saving grace for India's shrinking smartphone market? In January, LG Electronics India started a new line for manufacturing the premium range of side-by-side refrigerators at Ranjangaon in Pune where it had invested around Rs 200 crore. LG Electronics India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Korea-based LG Electronics. The company, which was established in January 1997 in India, has two manufacturing units at Greater Noida and Pune. For the financial year that ended March 31, 2022, LG Electronics India's total revenue was at Rs 17,171.3 crore. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $41 million financing package with the Bank of Maldives (BML) on Tuesday to support locally owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism. As the sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, the Manila-based ADB has arranged, structured, and syndicated the entire financing package, comprising a loan of up to $13 million from the ADB's ordinary capital resources, a parallel loan of up to $13 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and a parallel loan of up to $5 million from the Development Bank of Austria, reports Xinhua news agency. To improve development impact and to address bankability issues relating to blue economy transactions in Maldives, the ADB said it blended the project's debt financing with a concessional loan of up to $9 million from the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia II (CFPS II) and a grant of up to $1 million from the ADB's Asian Development Fund (ADF)-Private Sector Window (PSW). "The blue economy is crucial to future prosperity in Maldives, as its people and economy are intrinsically linked to the health and wealth of the ocean, coral reefs, beaches and marine life. However, investments in the blue economy, including by SMEs and through climate adaptation projects, have been lacking," ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury said. She added the ADB partnership with BML, Maldives' largest bank, will deliver much-needed financing to the tourism sector and support climate projects and locally owned SMEs, including those owned and run by women. The ADB said at least 60 per cent of the loan package will be earmarked for lending to SMEs, and 5 per cent will be allocated to women-owned or led firms. Also Read MSMEs can continue to avail non-tax benefits post re-classification: Govt 83% Asian SMEs say ESG is high priority but only 37% have roadmap Nearly 1.5 million tourists visited Maldives this year: Ministry of Tourism AU Small Finance Bank hikes fixed deposits rates by 60 bps to 7.5% SMEs in Singapore urged to use PayNow-UPI scheme for biz deals with India South Korea's retail sales up 7.9% in Feb amid return to pre-Covid normalcy UN Council votes against Russian resolution on Nord Stream sabotage Microsoft lays off 559 employees as Seattle-area job cuts top 2,700 At least 20 Umrah pilgrims killed, 29 injured in Saudi Arabia bus crash Russia says it has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan The ADB said the CFPS II loan and PSW grant will support BML's capacity to support and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation projects focused on the blue economy. Maldives is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and extreme climate events due to its fragile ecological profile and low elevation. Moreover, Maldives lacks domestic conventional energy resources and is dependent on imported fossil fuels. The ADB said financing from ADB-administered funds will help improve the resilience and sustainability of the economy, especially the tourism sector. --IANS ksk/ The unprofitable partnership is set to end later this year after another round of merchandise from the Ivy Park line hits market, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Adidas AG and pop star Beyonce have reportedly ended their partnership following disappointing sales, just as the German sportswear maker struggles with the fallout of the collapse of its Yeezy shoe alliance. Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden is looking to turn around the struggling brand after joining the company in January. The German apparel maker is already dealing with the fallout of its canceled Yeezy partnership after cutting ties the musician and designer Ye following his string of antisemitic statements. The company didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. The Hollywood Reporter earlier said that the two sides were breaking up. The first products from the adidas x IVY PARK collection hit market in January 2020, right as the pandemic was taking hold of the world. Since then, the collaboration has produced sales figures that were well below Adidass expectations, the WSJ reported. Revenue fell by more than half to $40 million in 2022, while the company had targeted $250 million for that year, according to the newspaper. Adidas partnered with Beyonce in 2019 to develop products for the Ivy Park brand, which the pop star owns and had launched a few years earlier. Also Read US universities add policies to counter caste-based discrimination Kanye West, Adidas and his long list of controversies: A look at the past A stripe more or a stripe less? Beyonce wins second Grammy award, Viola Davis win makes her an EGOT Beyonce scripts history, becomes most decorated Grammy winner of all time US, Japan reach agreement on vital minerals for electric vehicle batteries Competition from Indian carriers will drive innovation globally: Etihad Fed official: SVB management itself was responsible for bank's failure ADB, Maldives sign $41mn financing package to support SMEs, tourism Profit outflows from Pakistan drop by 80.4% during last 8 months: SBP Beyonce on Friday introduced a separate collection in a partnership with French fashion house Balmain. Earlier this month, Gulden said its been difficult for musicians to grow their fashion brands in the Covid era, due to frequent lockdowns as well as canceled tours and festivals. Gulden said it should be easier to market these products now. Adidas shares were roughly flat at midday Tuesday in Frankfurt trading. The recent changes to Christie's novels are part of a trend to edit the works of several classic writers. In 2022, edits were made to the books by Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming to remove offensive references and to preserve their relevance to modern readers. Several works of Agatha Christie, including Poirot and Miss Marple, have been edited by "sensitivity readers" to remove offensive language and references to ethnicity. The changes to Poirot and Miss Marple novels are already visible in the digital versions of the new editions, a report by The Telegraph said. These readers are hired by publishers to read a book and make editorial suggestions regarding content that many could consider offensive or stereotypical. The sensitivity readers have, of late, found themselves at the centre of the debate. Some publishers believe these amount to censorship, but others welcome the changes. Several passages have been removed or reworked in the new editions. Some of these editions have already been released, while others will be released in the coming months by HarperCollins. According to The Telegraph, the publisher uses the services of "sensitivity readers". This has been changed to, "They come back and stare, and stare. And I don't believe I really like children." In Christie's 1937 Poirot novel, Death on the Nile, Mrs Allerton complains that a group of children are pestering her, saying that "they come back and stare, and state and their eyes are simply disgusting, and so are their noses, and I don't believe I really like children." Also Read Rewriting Roald Dahl's work: What, why, how and the story behind it Tech view: Check key levels on Sensex, Nifty as trend remains indecisive Self-publishing picks up among children, young adults; few go mainstream Saas-based accounting platform Zoho Books has eyes on world markets Career-focused content a big draw as Book Fair returns to capital Kim Jong-un wants North Korea to make more nuclear material for bombs Musk announces how new Twitter plan will stop people from voting in polls Wrong to assume fired H1B staffers have to leave country: USCIS director Nine killed, 74 others injured due to floods in 23 provinces of Afghanistan Ukraine receives UK Challenger tanks amid ongoing conflict with Russia From several of Christie's works, comments on ethnicity and race have also been removed. For example, in the Mysterious Affair at Styles, an earlier description of a character as a "Jew" has been cut. In her other works, the N-word has been completely removed. Some words, too, have been replaced. "Native" has been changed to "local". In The Mysterious Affair at Styles, a young woman who was earlier "of gypsy type" is now "a young woman". In Miss Marple's Final Cases and Two Other Stories, the Indian judge earlier had an "Indian temper"; now he just has a "temper". Roald Dahl Other authors whose works have been revised In James and the Giant Peach, The Earthworm no longer has "lovely pink" skin. It has "lovely smooth skin" in the new editions. In the same book, Aunt Sponge no longer has "fat arms". She has just "arms". However, after a backlash, Penguin announced that they would not revise Dahl's work and keep the original text. Puffin Books, a division of Penguin Random House, made several changes to Dahl's novels. The description of Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been changed from "enormously fat" to "enormous". Ian Fleming 2023 marks 70 years of Fleming's Casino Royale, the first book featuring James Bond. This year, the full set of James Bond books will be reissued but with a disclaimer, "This book was written at a time when terms and attitudes which might be considered offensive by modern readers were commonplace." According to a report by The Guardian, in Live and Let Die, Bond's comment that African criminals are "pretty law-abiding chaps I should have thought, except when they've drunk too much". This has now been changed to "pretty law-abiding chaps I should have thought". 80 per cent of the lending was made between 2016 and 2021, mainly to middle-income countries including Argentina, Mongolia and Pakistan, according to the report by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, AidData, and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. China spent $240 billion bailing out 22 developing countries between 2008 and 2021, with the amount soaring in recent years as more have struggled to repay loans spent building Belt and Road infrastructure, a study published on Tuesday showed. Chinese loans to countries in debt distress soared from less than 5 per cent of its overseas lending portfolio in 2010 to 60 per cent in 2022, the study found. China has lent hundreds of billions of dollars to build infrastructure in developing countries, but lending has tailed off since 2016 as many projects have failed to pay the expected financial dividends. Beijing is ultimately trying to rescue its own banks. Thats why it has gotten into the risky business of international bailout lending, said Carmen Reinhart, a former World Bank chief economist and one of the authors. The Peoples Bank of Chinas (PBOC) swap lines accounted for $170 billion of the financing, including in Suriname, Sri Lanka and Egypt. Bridge loans or balance of payments support by Chinese state-owned banks and companies was $70 billion. Rollovers of both kinds of loans were $140 billion. Argentina received the most, with $111.8 billion, followed by Pakistan with $48.5 billion and Egypt with $15.6 billion. Nine countries received less than $1 billion. Also Read Jammu and Kashmir govt okays Rs 91-cr project for revival of silk industry Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd reports an all-around solid performance in Q2 Govt consideing quality control order for silk import: Piyush Goyal Order rebound could lead to uptick for road infrastructure players Why is demand for private credit on the rise? The politics of time: United by calculations and divided by biases India, UK scientists collaborate on SMART early warning flood alert system Renewable energy needs to be ramped up to meet global climate goals US labour activists push for $20 per hr minimum wage as inflation persists If layoffs accelerate in next few months, a recession 'will be underway' Chinas government hit back at the criticism, saying its overseas investments operated on the principle of openness and transparency. The study was critical of some central banks potentially using the PBOC swap lines to artifically pump up their foreign exchange reserve figures. The bailout loans are mainly concentrated in the middle income countries that make up four-fifths of its lending, due to the risk they pose to Chinese banks balance sheets, whereas low income countries are offered grace periods and maturity extensions. China is negotiating debt restructurings with countries including Zambia, Ghana, and Sri Lanka and has been criticised for holding up the processes. In response, it has called on the World Bank and IMF to also offer debt relief. China acts in accordance with market laws and international rules, respects the will of relevant countries, has never forced any party to borrow money, has never forced any country to pay, will not attach any political conditions to loan agreements, and does not seek any political self-interest, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. Beijing anti-graft agency to inspect major state-owned companies Chinas top anti-corruption agency will inspect dozens of state-owned companies from China Investment to PetroChina, suggesting the government may be expanding its push to boost profits at some of the countrys biggest and most important state firms. The announcement did not provide specifics on how the probe will play out. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said late Monday it will carry out checks on more than 30 companies, also naming China Petroleum & Chemical or Sinopec, China Everbright Group, and China Development Bank. - Bloomberg China has been pushing for state-owned enterprises to improve their efficiency and profitability for years. We are all Chinese: Former Taiwan president Ma during China visit People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwans ruling party has criticised. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors, Ma said. Ma, in office from 2008-2016, is the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. UAE's Etihad Airways has aggressive growth plans in India, and is not concerned about Indian airlines starting more services to west Asian destinations, a company official said. Speaking to PTI, Etihad Airways' head for Indian subcontinent Salil Nath said such competition would drive innovation as the sector grows, lapping up the pent-up demand created by the pandemic. "We are operating services to 62 destinations globally, and this year, we will be flying to six more destinations with Kolkata being the first. We are rapidly expanding. Besides, we also started increasing frequencies on the key routes from India this month," he said. "On March 26, besides resuming services on the Kolkata-Abu Dhabi route, we started operating two daily flights from Ahmedabad and Chennai, and six more flights from Kochi per week. From April 24, Etihad will operate three services daily from Delhi and Mumbai," he added. Nath said the post-pandemic recovery has been rapid for the sector as there was a lot of pent-up demand for travel. "The pent-up demand is still continuing, and there are no signs of it abetting at all. We really hope to ride this wave through the rest of 2023, and into 2024 as well," he said. Also Read Etihad Airways expands in India; Kolkata-Abu Dhabi service to begin in 2023 Sony, Manchester City building a metaverse, share brief look at CES 2023 Etihad Airways resumes direct flights between Kolkata and Abu Dhabi New bus routes going to be big relief to city commuters: Kailash Gahlot Air India to temporarily reduce frequency of flights on some US routes: CEO Fed official: SVB management itself was responsible for bank's failure ADB, Maldives sign $41mn financing package to support SMEs, tourism Profit outflows from Pakistan drop by 80.4% during last 8 months: SBP South Korea's retail sales up 7.9% in Feb amid return to pre-Covid normalcy UN Council votes against Russian resolution on Nord Stream sabotage Asked about the increasing competition in the sector as Indian carriers plan more international flights, the official said, "We always welcome competition as it pushes us to innovate. We have a very aggressive growth plan, which is far ahead... may be one flight may start from here and there (by Indian carriers)... We are focussed on our own strategy, it's working really well for us." Justifying the steep airfares, Nath said tariffs are a function of supply and demand, which is a cyclical phenomenon, and tariffs would come down as the demand shrinks. The grand jury in an alleged hush-money payment case relating to former US President Donald Trump will reportedly return to session on April 3, according to media reports. The grand jury is expected to reconvene in lower Manhattan, New York City, and may hear a witness in the afternoon of that day, Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is reportedly investigating Trump's role in an alleged hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The payment of $130,000 was said to be used to prevent Daniels from going public about an alleged sexual encounter that she had with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied that the affair happened, dismissed any wrongdoing, and charged that the inquiry led by Bragg, a Democrat, is politically motivated. "Prosecutorial misconduct is their new tool, and they're willing to use it at levels never seen before in our country," the former President said at a campaign rally in Waco, Texas, last weekend. Also Read Donald Trump invited to testify before New York grand jury: Report Trump lawsuit claims Woodward audiobook violates copyright, seeks $50 mn Donald Trump seeks $475 million in defamation lawsuit against CNN Donald Trump again hints at running for office in 2024 presidential polls Writer who accused Trump of rape files upgraded lawsuit in New York After Roald Dahl, Agatha Christie's novels revised by 'sensitivity readers' Kim Jong-un wants North Korea to make more nuclear material for bombs Musk announces how new Twitter plan will stop people from voting in polls Wrong to assume fired H1B staffers have to leave country: USCIS director Nine killed, 74 others injured due to floods in 23 provinces of Afghanistan The possible indictment of Trump has been closely watched as no former American President has been indicted on criminal charges and he is running for the White House. Republicans have rallied around Trump by attacking Bragg and lashing out that the case is yet another example of law enforcement being "weaponised" by Democrats for political purposes. Congressman Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, tweeted last week that "House Republican efforts to interfere in the investigation of Trump are a blatant attempt to shield the former president from justice". In addition to the Manhattan probe, Trump is under criminal investigation by a prosecutor in Georgia for his efforts to overturn his loss in that state's 2020 presidential election. He is also facing criminal probes by the Department of Justice for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, and in retaining classified documents at his private Florida residence after leaving the White House. --IANS ksk/ The Iraqi Parliament has approved amendments to the election law despite the objections of independent candidates and smaller parties. A parliamentary session attended by 218 lawmakers voted to amend the election law of the Parliament and provincial councils, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the media office of the Parliament. "The amendments aim to hold free and fair elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives (Parliament) and provincial councils to ensure fair distribution of seats among the competing lists," according to the statement. The latest amendments to the election law reduced the number of electoral districts from 83 countrywide in the previous 2021 elections to one electoral district for each of Iraq's 18 provinces. The amendments also returned to the modified Sainte Lague system introduced in the 2014 elections, which depends on a complicated seat distribution formula and tends to favor established parties. The amendments regarding the number of electoral districts and the seat distribution system angered many independent lawmakers and smaller parties, who walked out of the session because they saw the amendments as a means to strengthen the dominance and control of the larger parties over the political process. Also Read Quarter of Iraqi population beneath poverty line in 2022: Ministry 133 injured in protests as Iraq's Parliament reconvenes after two months Gujarat Assembly elections: BJP upbeat ahead of counting of votes Iraqi Parliament elects Abdul Latif Rashid as country's new President Amendments to tobacco control law a step towards healthy India: BJP leader South Dakota Guv Noem's veto of cryptocurrency regulations upheld Israel PM Netanyahu delays judicial reform plan amid general strike Biden calls Nashville shooting sick, urges Congress to pass weapons ban Train carrying 'hazardous' materials derails in US, no threat to public US condemns violence at Indian Embassy, says violence is never acceptable The Parliament also decided to hold provincial council elections no later than December 20. The last elections for the provincial councils took place in 2009 and were supposed to take place in 2013 but were halted over political disputes. --IANS int/sha Ukraine received the first batch of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, media outlets reported. The German-made tanks were handed over to Ukraine two months after Berlin's decision to supply them, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Monday, citing German news outlet Der Spiegel. It did not specify the number of tanks that were transferred to Ukraine. In January, Germany decided to supply its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and green-lighted requests by other countries to do so, Xinhua news agency reported. Media outlets reported that Germany intended to send 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine. --IANS Also Read Won't block Leopard tanks to Ukraine, says Germany's foreign minister Man-animal conflicts rise as leopard population grows in Jaipur's forests We have decided to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine: Poland President Duda Hockey World Cup final, Germany vs Belgium: Germans out to stop Red Lions Greater Noida housing society lives in terror with leopard on the loose Neither Sikhs in India nor Indian diaspora advocate for Khalistan: IWF US government to adopt new restrictions on using commercial spyware Hungarian parliament approves Finland's bid to join Western alliance Nato Zelenskyy, UN's atomic agency chief discuss disaster risk at nuclear plant Sri Lanka to seek fresh $1 billion credit from India to buy essential items int/sha Ukraine has received its first British main battle Challenger tanks and other Western-made armoured vehicles, CNN reported citing Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. In a Facebook post, Oleksii Reznikov said, "Today, I had the honour to test the newest addition to our armoured units together with the commander of the Airborne Forces, Major General Maksym 'Mike' Myrhorodskyi, and our paratroopers." He stated that Ukraine received Challengers (main battle tanks) from the United Kingdom, Strykers (infantry fighting vehicles) and Cougars (infantry mobility vehicles from the mine-resistant ambush-protected family) from the United States, and Marders (infantry fighting vehicles) from Germany, according to CNN report. Reznikov expressed gratitude to Ukraine's allies for their continued support. He said, "A year ago, no one could have imagined that the support of our partners would be so strong." He further said, "This year, everything has changed. Ukraine has changed the world. The resilience of the Ukrainian people and the skill of our army convinced everyone that Ukraine will win." Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that Germany has delivered German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, as per the CNN report. He made the remarks during a joint news conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Rotterdam on Monday. Previously, Germany previously pledged 18 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. "Germany and the Netherlands have jointly delivered howitzers and ammunition and are just preparing, together with Denmark, to deliver Leopard 1 main battle tanks to support Ukraine," Scholz said. He further said that Germany "just now delivered" the "very modern" tanks. Also Read Ukraine gets first batch of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, says report From tanks to howitzers: Ukraine using Russian arms to repel their invasion UK to supply tanks to Ukraine as Russian missiles hit Kyiv: PM Rishi Sunak Won't block Leopard tanks to Ukraine, says Germany's foreign minister We have decided to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine: Poland President Duda Walt Disney begins job cuts with goal of eliminating 7,000 positions H-1B visa cap for FY 2024 reached, successful applicants informed: USCIS UN Security Council declines Russian request to probe Nord Stream blasts Washington watching Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts: US official Iraqi Parliament approves amendments to election law despite objections Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, multiple explosions were reported in Kyiv late Monday night (local time), the city's Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said in a post on Telegram. Vitaliy Klitschko in a Telegram post said, "Explosions in the capital, initially in Obolon and Sviatoshynskyi residential districts. All services are being sent to the scene. More details will follow later," according to CNN. Fire and rescue services are responding to the site of a building fire in Sviatoshynskyi district, he said. The Kyiv region's military administration in a telegram post said that the city's air raid sirens were activated ahead of the explosions. The Kyiv region military administration further said that the danger in the adjacent region to Kyiv city remains and air defence forces remain on the alert. The UN Security Council did not support the Russian-Chinese resolution on the international investigation of the Nord Stream sabotage Monday, Russian news agency TASS reported. The resolution was supported by 3 countries, with zero votes against and 12 nations abstained. Thus, the resolution failed to receive the nine votes required for approval. The resolution was supported by Russia, China and Brazil, with Albania, the UK, Gabon, Ghana, Malta, Mozambique, the UAE, the US, France, Switzerland, Ecuador and Japan abstaining. The resolution was also co-authored by Belarus, Venezuela, DPRK, Nicaragua, Syria and Eritrea. However, these states are not members of the Security Council and did not take part in the vote. The UN Security Council on Monday will vote on a Russian-Chinese draft resolution on an international investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, Russian news agency TASS reported. The text of the draft proposed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres establish an international independent commission to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation of all aspects of the act of sabotage on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, including identifying the perpetrators, sponsors, organizers, and their accomplices. Also Read OnePlus debuts Nord Watch at Rs 4,999: Specifications, features, and more Nord Stream explosions show the deep sea is now a zone of conflict Added value to Council: Russia backs India's permanent membership at UNSC OnePlus Nord Watch review: Not perfect, yet makes a good budget smartwatch Pakistan pushes to increase non-permanent members in UN Security Council Microsoft lays off 559 employees as Seattle-area job cuts top 2,700 At least 20 Umrah pilgrims killed, 29 injured in Saudi Arabia bus crash Russia says it has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan Grand jury in Trump hush-money case to resume session on April 3: Reports After Roald Dahl, Agatha Christie's novels revised by 'sensitivity readers' The document encouraged countries conducting their own investigations to fully collaborate with the commission and share information with it. The document urged these nations to share information with other interested parties as well, TASS reported. Russia prepared the first version of the Nord Stream resolution at the end of February but did not immediately bring it to a vote, instead invited Security Council members to discuss the document. Three sets of consultations had been held since. A resolution must be backed by at least nine Security Council members in order to be adopted. Any of the permanent members may veto it, but only if the necessary number of votes is obtained to pass the document. If the resolution receives eight votes and the United States votes against it, it means that the veto was not used. However, if the document receives nine or more votes, voting against it will result in the use of veto power, TASS reported. "It's not about the number of votes; it's about the way they vote," according to Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Previously, Western countries claimed that Russia was isolated and did not have the Security Council's support, because it opposes the UN Security Council's initiatives on Ukraine, while the rest of the Council's members either back it or abstain, TASS reported. The draft resolution was earlier co-sponsored by China. Other permanent members of the Security Council, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and France, are unlikely to back it and may vote against or abstain in order to avoid being accused of obstructing Security Council work. Other Western Security Council members - Albania, Malta, Switzerland, and Japan - will probably vote as heads of their bloc. On March 26, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry revealed plans to call an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement about his intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus. The time has not yet been decided. On September 27 last year, Nord Stream AG reported "unprecedented damage" that took place on three lines of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. Swedish seismologists registered two explosions that occurred on September 26 near the pipeline route, TASS reported. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office initiated a criminal case over charges of international terrorism. On February 8, US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published an article, said, citing sources, that US Navy divers had planted explosive devices under the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines under the cover of the BALTOPS exercise in June 2022, and Norwegians activated the bombs three months later, TASS reported. According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House security specialists. White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a comment to TASS that Hersh's account was "utterly false and complete fiction. The UN Security Council on Monday declined a Russian request to investigate the blasts on the pipelines that move natural gas from Russia to Europe under the Baltic Sea. Russia, China and Brazil voted in favour of the Russian request, but other Security Council members abstained or said another investigation was unnecessary. For a resolution to be adopted by the UN Security Council, it needs a minimum of nine "yes" votes in the 15-member council, and no veto by one of the permanent members the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France. The US deputy ambassador, Robert Wood, said there was no need for a UN probe when investigations by Sweden, Denmark and Germany "are proceeding in a comprehensive, transparent and impartial manner". "It was an attempt to discredit the work of ongoing national investigations and prejudice any conclusions they reached that do not comport to Russia's predetermined and political narrative. It was not an attempt to seek the truth," he said. The pipelines, known as Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, are majority-owned by Russia's state-run energy giant Gazprom. Also Read OnePlus debuts Nord Watch at Rs 4,999: Specifications, features, and more Nord Stream explosions show the deep sea is now a zone of conflict OnePlus Nord Watch review: Not perfect, yet makes a good budget smartwatch Sweden finds fourth leak on Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea Nord Stream breaches reminder of vulnerabilities in undersea infrastructure Washington watching Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts: US official Iraqi Parliament approves amendments to election law despite objections South Dakota Guv Noem's veto of cryptocurrency regulations upheld Israel PM Netanyahu delays judicial reform plan amid general strike Biden calls Nashville shooting sick, urges Congress to pass weapons ban Nord Stream 1 carried Russian gas to Germany until Moscow cut off supplies at the end of August 2022. Nord Stream 2 never entered service as Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The explosions on both occurred on September 26. The investigations by European nations have yet to yield conclusive results, at least none made public. Both pipelines bypass existing routes that go through Ukraine, meaning that Ukraine could lose income from transit fees and be unable to directly use the gas they carry. The Nord Stream pipelines were seen as an effort by Russia to gain further control over Europe's energy supplies. Some have said the blasts caused the worst release of methane in history. The New York Times, The Washington Post and German media have published stories citing US and other officials as saying there was evidence Ukraine, or at least Ukrainians, may have been responsible. The Ukrainian government has denied involvement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed as "sheer nonsense" allegations that Ukrainians could have been behind the blasts and pointed the finger at the US. Everen Limited (Everen) held its March 2023 Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 21st and its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, March 23rd. During the Board Meeting, the directors approved Everens 2022 financial statements, discussed the ongoing execution of the 5-year Strategic Plan, and declared a dividend in the aggregate amount of $200 million payable on or before September 29, 2023 to shareholders of record on March 21, 2023. During the AGM, the Shareholders approved technical wording corrections to the Eligibility Requirements and definition of a Nuclear Facility and amended Everens Bye-Laws to resolve inconsistencies and elements not required by the Bermuda Companies Act 1981. They also elected a new Board of Directors who will serve for a year ending at the March 2024 AGM. The Shareholders recognized Gail Miller (VP, Human Resources) for her 18 years of service and significant contributions to the organization and also welcomed Robert Foskey into the role of Chief Operating Officer as he succeeds George Hutchings who is retiring at year end but will remain with the company for the balance of 2023 as Special Advisor. Following the AGM, the newly elected Board met and elected John Weisner as Chair of the Board and Robert Wondolleck as Deputy Chair for 2023. For 2022, Everen recorded a net loss of $776.7 million, driven by net investment losses of $524.8 million, net underwriting losses of $229.2 million and general and administrative expenses of $22.7 million. For additional information about Everens 2022 financial results, please visit www.everen.bm to view the audited financial statements. Bertil Olsson, President and CEO, explained, While 2022 was financially challenging, our insured losses were within expected levels. Everen is focused on creating long term value and a strong commitment to our shareholders. Our goal is to continuously deliver stable and sizeable capacity with consistent terms and conditions through difficult market environments. Over the past 9 years, Everen has charged premiums of $4.1 billion while returning almost $3.0 billion in dividends to shareholders. The Boards decision to issue the $200 million dividend carefully considered the companys multi-year Capital Management Plan and potential future capital needs of the Strategic Plan. Robert Foskey, Senior Vice President and COO commented, During 2022, Everen focused on several Strategic Plan initiatives including expanding our product offering by increasing the limit to $450 million, rollout of the companys new brand and website, and enhancing our internal and external marketing activities. We continue to see strong interest from energy companies around the world and welcomed two new shareholders including CEZ from the Czech Republic and Colonial Enterprises from the United States. For further information about the company, please visit www.everen.bm Headquartered in Bermuda, Everen Limited is the insurer of choice for the worlds leading energy companies, insuring almost $4 trillion of global energy assets. The company was established in 1972 as a mutual insurer, an innovative structure whereby its policyholders are also its shareholders and coverage is provided at cost. Everen offers its shareholders per occurrence property limits of up to $450 million across an extensive range of energy industry assets from traditional oil and gas through to alternative industry segments such as renewables. Everens shareholders consist of medium to large sized energy companies in both the public and private sectors with an investment grade rating or equivalent. Everen is rated A by S&P and A2 by Moodys. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005674/en/ NTT Ltd., a leading global IT infrastructure and services company, today announced the launch of its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security service to help companies achieve business performance objectives through improved cyber resilience. The cloud-native, analytics-driven offering combines human and machine expertise with leading technologies and threat intelligence to reduce the mean time to detect and respond to cyber attacks. The MDR service is built on Microsoft Sentinel, Microsofts leading next-gen security information and event management (SIEM) platform, powered by AI, automation, and threat intelligence. Sentinel enables organizations to collect data at scale across all users, devices, apps, and infrastructure, both on-prem and in multicloud environments. Using analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence, the service hunts for suspicious activities and minimizes false positives. With built-in orchestration and automation of common tasks, enterprises can respond to incidents rapidly and remotely isolate threats. This latest offering represents another step forward in NTT and Microsofts multi-year Strategic Alliance Agreement (SCA) signed in 2020. Since then, the two companies have collaborated to build advanced solutions in public, private and edge cloud, data & AI, digital & app innovation, modern workplace, and now most recently in security. With over 25 years of Microsoft experience, including 5000+ Microsoft engineers, and more than 10,000 Microsoft certifications, NTT provides an advanced combination of application and systems integration, advisory and managed cloud, and security services that are built using Microsoft platforms and can be delivered globally. Organizations are typically utilizing a patchwork of security technologies that lack alignment, said Charlie Li, Senior Executive Vice President: Managed Cloud and Infrastructure Services, NTT Ltd. This disjointed approach has left businesses often unable to detect hard-to-find threats and lacking the necessary agility to mitigate them. Many are simply adding more security layers, increasing complexity, and generating even more logs and alerts that go untreated. NTTs MDR service helps organizations stay ahead of attackers and has a direct impact on workforce productivity and customer satisfaction through real-time and long-term threat correlation, advanced analytics, and continuous monitoring of digital transactions. It delivers a strong cyber-resilience posture, directly impacting an organizations operational, financial, and resource resilience, he added. Our research indicates that IT security professionals are in high demand, largely driven by more threats that have sprouted with the expansion of todays hybrid workforce and the magnitude of the increased volume of digital transactions impacting businesses, said Craig Robinson, Research VP, International Data Corporation (IDC). MDR services are greatly assisting organizations in taking a pro-active stance to protect all forms of digital transactions and providing those organizations with high-impact, real-time, advanced analytics and professionals 24X7X365. Were extremely pleased to expand on our existing strategic relationship with NTT through the launch of the new MDR service, based on Microsoft Sentinel, to further help protect and support our joint customers, said Csaba Deme, General Manager, Global Security Sales at Microsoft. NTT is well-positioned to enhance its strategic partnership with Microsoft, having earned the esteemed Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider status, as well as 8 Specializations. NTT is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) and boasts a strong legacy with over 20 Microsoft Partner Awards, including the prestigious Partner of the Year. The global managed detection and response market size is predicted to increase from $2.6B in 2022 to $5.6B by 2027. Some of the factors that are driving market growth include shortage of skilled cyber security professionals and budget constraints, government regulations, and strict compliance for adoption of MDR services. NTTs MDR base service includes service tiers and deployment options, as well as support for add-ons that provide additional capabilities to expand detection capabilities and response actions. Current add-ons are MDR for Endpoint and Security Device Management (SecDM) for MDR, for Security Devices and Services. To find out more about NTTs Managed Detection and Response service click here. -ENDS- About NTT Ltd. As part of NTT DATA, a USD 30 billion IT services provider, NTT Ltd. is a leading IT infrastructure and services company serving 65% of the Fortune Global 500 and more than 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We lay the foundation for organizations edge-to-cloud networking ecosystem, simplify the complexity of their workloads across multicloud environments, and innovate at the edge of their IT environments where networks, cloud and applications converge. We offer tailored infrastructure and ensure consistent best practices in design and operations across all of our secure, scalable and customizable data centers. On the journey towards a software-defined future, we support organizations with our platform-delivered infrastructure services. We enable a connected future. Visit us at services.global.ntt View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005103/en/ Type One Energy announced today the close of an over-subscribed $29 million financing round. This effort launches the companys ambitious, partner-rich and capital-efficient FusionDirect program to commercialize its stellarator fusion technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005074/en/ Type One Energy Group is bringing stellarators to the global energy market by applying proven innovations in advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets. Their FusionDirect program sets the path to directly commercialize scientifically mature stellarator technology without the need for a large proof-of-concept prototype. (Photo: Business Wire) Type One Energys technical foundations provide a powerful springboard to achieve its mission. Founded by several of the worlds leading stellarator experts, Type One Energy also brings concentrated experience from renowned fusion science institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the U.S., the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Germany and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for its work on advanced magnet technology. The stellarator is a fusion technology characterized by inherently stable and steady-state operations. Related to tokamaks, stellarators do not, however, require massive circulating electric currents to assist in creating the magnetic fields used to confine their fusion plasma. This makes stellarator technology less physically complex and easier to translate into a practical fusion power plant. Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), TDK Ventures and Doral Energy Tech Ventures co-led the round with additional cleantech investment from Darco, the Grantham Foundation, MILFAM, Orbia Ventures, Shorewind Capital, TRIREC, VAHOCA and others. The companys unique FusionDirect commercialization program takes advantage of recent important breakthroughs to pursue a lowest-risk, shortest-schedule pathway to fusion energy. Improvements in stellarator fusion performance and plasma science work together with technical innovations in high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology and advanced manufacturing to spark Type One Energys launch of FusionDirect. Type Ones commercialization program is being executed through a set of global partnerships with leading fusion science and technology research institutions, universities and industrial companies. These partnerships reflect the career-long collaborative relationships which the companys industry-recognized technical leaders bring to Type One Energy. This technical leadership team includes Chief Technology Officer Dr. Thomas Sunn Pedersen, Chief Science Officer Dr. John Canik, Chief Engineer Dr. David Anderson, and Head of Stellarator Plasma Science Dr. Chris Hegna. Fusion is the ultimate energy source, and its successful commercialization will be a huge leap towards achieving clean and abundant energy for everyone, said Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Advances in stellarator science, including Type One Energys ability to execute a stellarator development project, provide the basis for a very exciting and promising path to practical fusion on the grid in the coming decades. With this announcement, the company will onboard former Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) Senior Advisor on Fusion, Christofer Mowry, to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Type One Energy represents a special opportunity. This teams knowledge and credibility gives Type One the unique ability to effectively integrate recent global advances in stellarator-relevant technology and to deliver a fusion power plant without another costly, large-scale, science validation machine, stated Type One Energy Group CEO Christofer Mowry. Previously, Mowry held the CEO position at General Fusion, where he scaled up the company and raised over $200M in private investment and government support from three countries. The science basis for stellarators has taken major leaps forward in the past several years. Through a combination of experimental demonstrations and the use of high-performance computing, the stage is set for the development of power plant scale machines, said Dennis Whyte, Director of MITs Plasma Science and Fusion Center. We look forward to collaborating with Type One Energy to realize the advantages of HTS high-field fusion magnets to their stellarator technology. The world will need a source of high energy density low-carbon power in the coming decades to achieve energy transition and decarbonization. Among several startups that we have evaluated, Type One Energy is on a credible accelerated trajectory to commercialize a steady-state baseload fusion power plant. TDK Ventures is excited to back this highly accomplished leadership team, said Tina Tosukhowong, Investment Director at TDK Ventures. About Type One Energy Group Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. The company was formed in 2019 by a team of globally-recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in successfully scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies. Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Its FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy. For more information, visit https://www.typeoneenergy.com/. About Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) Founded by Bill Gates and backed by many of the worlds top business leaders, BEV has raised more than $2 billion in committed capital to support cutting-edge companies that are leading the world to net-zero emissions. BEV is a purpose-built investment firm that is seeking to invest, launch and scale global companies that will eliminate GHG emissions throughout the economy as soon as possible. BEV seeks true breakthroughs and is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market and policy expertise. BEV is a part of Breakthrough Energy, a network of investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy and other activities committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Visit www.breakthroughenergy.org to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005074/en/ THE trial date for former top model Mercy Mushaninga, who is being accused of fraud, has been set for next month. Mushaninga, who was arrested in October last year, appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, who informed her, her trial would get underway on April 13. The Miss Curvy pageant founder is facing five counts of fraud. The complainants are models Daniel Tineyi Muzondo, Temani Isabel, Wendy Kamwana, Shalom Ramunyenyiwo and Eldah Wadzanai Chitate. The court heard that in August last year, Mushaninga, a former Miss Princess Zimbabwe Model, contacted the complainants. She flighted an advert on WhatsApp inviting them to participate in two pageants in Dubai. The pageants were the sixth Miss Universal VIP World 2022 and the 16th Little Miss Universe, which were scheduled for October 25-30, last year. Mushaninga allegedly introduced herself as the organiser of the pageants. She asked the models to pay for their air tickets, visa fees and accommodation, through her. She informed them that they would be staying together as a team at Al Habtoor Hotel Polo Resort in Dubai. The models allegedly paid different amounts ranging from US$1 650 to US$2 900 each to Mushaninga to cater for the costs. The court heard that on October 24, the day they were set to travel, the models discovered that they had been duped by Mushaninga. She failed to provide their tickets at the RGM International Airport. Investigations also established that Shalom, 31, and Tamar Kunashe Ramunyenyiwa, a minor aged 8 years, were left stranded at the Al Habtoor Hotel Polo Resort after Mushaninga swindled them of US$2 000 cash meant for accommodation. They later approached the Zimbabwean Embassy which facilitated their safe return home. Mushaninga is accused of duping the models of US$10 200. H Metro Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 8:31AM Image: Valve Steam will officially stop supporting Windows 7 and Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1) starting January 1, 2024. According to Valve, the newest features in Steam need an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer works with these older versions of Windows. Plus, future versions of Steam will need Windows features and security updates available in Windows 10 and above. So, if you haven't made the shift to the newer Windows operating system yet and use Steam, now is the time to switch. Source SSC GD Constable Result: The Staff Selection Commission will soon declare the SSC Constable GD date released. The SSC GD gate examination for constable in CAPFs, SSF, Rifleman in Assam Rifles and Sepoy in NCB was held from January 10 to Feburary 13. The commission is expected to declare the SSC GD constable result by visiting the official website at ssc.nic.in. The SSC GD answer key was released on Feburary 18, 2023 and the candidates were allowed to raise objections against the SSC GD answer key till March 25, 2023. Candidates are required to pay Rs. 100 per question challenged. According to the eligibility, the minimum qualifying mark for the SSC GD constable for the general and ex serviceman categories is 35% while those belonging to SC, ST, OBC categories have to clear the exam. The computer-based examination was held to fill a total of 50,187 vacancies. The commission had recently released the force-wise consolidated vacancies of constable (GD) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), SSF, Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles and Sepoy in Narcotics Control Bureau Examination on the SSC official website. Candidates who qualify the SSC GD constable written exam 2023 will have to take the physical standard test, medical examination, and document verification to be shortlisted for the post. Those who clear all the selection rounds will be recruited. Seven-seaters are all about practicality. For the Filipino family, it has to be safe, reliable, but most of all, offers comfort and joy with... Semen Indonesia sales volume declines 3% in 2022 28 March 2023 Semen Indonesia Group (SIG) recorded lower sales volume inline with lower domestic demand in 2022. Domestic cement sales volume weakened by 3.4 per cent YoY to 63.03Mt led by a contraction in bag sales volume of 8.7 per cent YoY due to price increases, while the bulk market maintained growth of 14.5 per cent. SIGs total sales contracted by 12.9 per cent YoY to 36.92Mt. Domestic cement sales declined 7.2 per cent YoY to 31.6Mt in 2022, while regional sales fell by 36.4 per cent YoY to 5.28Mt. For January February 2023 cement sales, the domestic market was still under pressure with volumes declining by 2.6 per cent YoY to 9.39Mt, due to prolonged heavy rains in February, while the bag market weakened by 6.5 per cent YoY and the bulk market grew by 10.2 per cent. SIGs cement sales in January February 2023 decreased slightly by 0.2 per cent. Domestic sales volume contracted by 3.9 per cent YoY to 4.83Mt while export sales increased by 33.5 per cent YoY to 1.07Mt. Inline with the decline in sales volume, SIG achieved revenues of IDR36.38trn (US$2.4bn), down slightly by 0.9 per cent YoY. Domestic demand is expected to recover with ongoing infrastructure projects in 2H23 while Lebaran and fasting in March April will lead to temporarily lower demand. Top line growth of 15 per cent YoY is estimated to IDR38.8trn in 2023. 4Q22 results SMGR reported net income of IDR715bn, a rise of eight per cent YoY but down 13 per cent QoQ in the 4Q22 due to a higher average selling price and higher fuel and distribution costs. This resulted in a lower net profit margin compared to 3Q22 of 6.4 per cent. For 2022FY, SIGs net profit increased 15.5 per cent YoY to IDR2.36trn while the NPM increased to 6.5 per cent. SIG managed to lower operating expenses by 12 per cent YoY in the 4Q22 mainly from lower transportation, promotion and labour costs. Profit after tax increased slightly due to lower tax expenses in 4Q22. Published under Five female pilots to fly heavy-duty fighter jets 08:49, March 28, 2023 By ZHAO LEI ( Chinadaily.com.cn Yan Zhongyue prepares to take off in a fighter jet on Monday. She is one of the first Chinese female pilots who has qualified to operate heavy-duty fighter jets of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Cui Baoliang / For China Daily The People's Liberation Army Air Force now has its first female pilots who can operate heavy-duty fighter jets, according to the Air Force. The Air Force said the five female flight students, who are currently in the middle of training for heavy-duty combat aircraft, recently carried out their first solo flights in the J-11 fighter jet. During the flights, the female aviators conducted some difficult maneuvers and received high scores from their instructors. The students, with an average age of 23, will next start training in aerial-battle maneuvers and tactics, as well as land-attack skills, according to academy commanders. "We wanted to show people that we, as Chinese women, can also fly heavy-duty fighter jets. Now we have been able to operate the J-11, and in the near future we will also be able to fly the J-20 stealth combat jet," Yan Zhongyue, one of the pilots, told China Central Television in a recent interview. Before them, all female fighter pilots in China flew light-duty combat planes such as the J-7 and J-10. Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said on Monday that operating a heavy-duty, air-superiority fighter jet is basically not different to flying a light-duty jet with regard to requirements such as physical strength. "Advanced combat planes have a fly-by-wire flight control system, which means it is now much easier to steer the heavy machine and physical strength is no longer an obstacle for women to fly fighter jets," he explained. "However, sitting in a heavy-duty fighter jet in combat means you are likely to engage your enemy in a more complicated situation or face more challenges. You will be ordered to fly a much longer distance to hit targets in an airspace you may not be familiar with. You will use a wider rage of equipment and munitions such as large anti-ship cruise missiles. All of this requires more training, skills and experience." Wang added that female pilots will definitely fly the J-20 in the future. "This is only a matter of time." China enrolled its first female pilots in 1951. Since then, the Air Force has recruited and trained nearly 700 women at its flight schools. About 360 out of the female trainees passed all exams and flight tests and joined the Air Force. However, flying a combat plane was never an option for female aviators in China until 2005, because before that year, all female pilots in the Air Force were trained only to fly transport aircraft. When the Air Force started to recruit women to fly fighter jets in 2005, more than 200,000 young women from across China applied. Thirty-five were selected and sent to the PLA Air Force No 3 Flight Academy. Sixteen finally graduated after four years of stringent training, becoming the country's first female fighter pilots in 2009. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Dear Members of this distinguished Committee: We deeply appreciate being allowed to testify on behalf of Juneteenth as a legal State holiday today. Juneteenth is the oldest and most recognized African-American holiday observance in the United States. Juneteenth ( also Freedom Day), the "19th of June", is the date when Union General Gordon Granger and thousands of Union soldiers, many of them United States Colored Troops, arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865. General Granger would issue Gen. Order Number 3 which informed the tens of thousands then held in bondage that they were in fact free. It represents the first day that the "new birth of freedom" professed by the Emancipation Proclamation and later enshrined in the 13th Amendment would become self-evident for all Americans. It can then be said that as we rightfully celebrate the Fourth of July as an occasion that freed us as a land, Juneteenth is celebrated because it freed us as a people. We are affiliated with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. NJOF founder Rev. Ronald V Myers, Sr., M.D., introduced Juneteenth and obtained Juneteenth legislation in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Likewise, the Juneteenth Nation presented 1.9 million signatures to Congress in 2019 as we worked with elected officials to obtain unanimous passage in the Senate and 415 votes in the House. NJOF and the Juneteenth Nation are recognized as the Subject Matter Experts on Juneteenth by the Library of Congress and the 400 Year Commission on African American History. In a historic moment with NJOF board member Opal Lee at the table, in 2021 President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day legislation into law. There is currently Juneteenth legislation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 17 of those have already passed paid state holidays. Some may ask if this is already a federal holiday, and we have a State recognition, then why is there a need to designate this occasion as a legal state holiday? Our reply is because it honors the legacy of our State and many who have lived, worked and served here. Tennessee as a state has played a pivotal role in what is known as the Wave of Freedom which moved across our great nation between 1862-1866. We think of the Unionists in East Tennessee who were steadfast in their belief of the Union. We think that within this State we had the second most battles, second only to the State of Virginia. We think of the over 20,000 United States Colored Troops who served this nation in the name of freedom, many of whom helped to build up our towns, schools and greater society after the war concluded. We are also reminded of the 8th day of August because that is the date military governor of Tennessee Andrew Johnson freed the slaves of this State. This celebration began in Greeneville, Tn. in 1871 by several former slaves of that community, including Sam Johnson. As it spread across Tennessee, at one point Emancipation Day was celebrated in seven states and over 50 communities across the nation. It is still celebrated in Greeneville and many communities today. Further, we think a legal holiday embodies the principles this nation and great State continues to aspire towards, liberty, freedom and justice not for the one or few, but liberty, freedom and justice for us all. Most importantly, in a time when we can point to so much that divides us, we have to have signs and symbols that demonstrate that we are far better off united than divided. And Juneteenth, which is at its core the most American of American holidays, represents just that, one nation, indivisible, coming into balance, standing on the freedoms and principles that make us whole. Eric Atkins, Unity Group of Chattanooga McCallie Lacrosse traveled to Ravenwood High School Sunday and left with a well-played14-8 victory. Leaders for the Blue Tornado were Zach Chari with 6 goals and 2 assists, William Cole with 2 goals and 2 assists, and Judson Rainero with 2 goals and 1 assist. Other goal scorers include Jack Forrester, Jetty Miller, Leo Medina, and defenseman Aaron Alford. The Blue Tornado heads north for Spring Break this weekend to take on Archbishop Moeller and Western Reserve Academy in Cincinnati, OH. Memphis has not always been a city that has encountered the recent problems that have existed in the Bluff City following the reign of one of the most dominant political figures in the state of Tennessee. Boss Crump was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1874 and moved to Memphis as a 17-year-old bookkeeper, married the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and began a political career that lasted until his death in 1954. Crump was a close political ally of Senator Kenneth D. McKellar, who together would form probably the most powerful political team in the states history. Crumps main strength was his ability to run an un-elected efficient administration in Shelby County and was able to build a powerful statewide political machine that guaranteed his financial security but also satisfied the citizens in allowing Memphis to function under his absolute power and control. Patronage with city employees provided clean streets, daily garbage service, strict law and order in the area of crime, low taxes on property, and a modest government budget kept costs low in the Crump administration. The boss formed an insurance company after he obtained political power in the late 1920s. It required any business that started in Memphis to purchase their insurance coverage through the Crump Agency or city inspectors would find reasons to prevent the business to start operating. As a result he became a multi-millionaire in insurance and soft drink franchising. With the persona name of the Red Snapper, the boss allowed his political organization to intimidate union organizers and the black leadership of the community with both violence and tactics that would result in many leaving town. With the use of a statewide poll tax in elections the poor and minorities were discouraged from voting and guaranteed a lower voter turnout that could be more easily controlled by the Crump Machine. Third District Congressman Estes Kefauver(E.K.) of Chattanooga incurred the wrath of Boss Crump in the 1948 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Senator Tom Stewart. Crump's famous comment about Kefauver in a political ad in the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper on June 10, 1948 was, Estes Kefauver Assumes the Role of A Pet Coon suggesting that E.K. was a raccoon-like instrument of communists as he supported Stewart. Kefauver quickly responded that I may be a pet coon, but Im not Boss Crumps pet coon. It was a significant factor that led Kefauver to victory. An abundance of raccoons suddenly showed up at Kefauvers rallies and the Chattanoogan was not embarrassed by also wearing a coonskin cap to the chagrin of some of his political advisers, but the cap helped. However, the dominance of the Democratic Party in Tennessee during that era was probably more significant as E.K. not only defeated the sitting senator in Congress but also his Republican opponent, Congressman J. Carroll Reece from Johnson City. That defeat in 1948 and its election of Albert Gore, Jr. in 1952, who defeated Crumps closest political ally over the years, Senator McKellar, effectively ended Crumps statewide influence but he would remain a dominant force in Memphis until his death. (This was an important chapter in the political history of the Volunteer State.) * * * You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com Engineering Club President Kylie Burgess came to Cleveland State with an associate degree in pre-physical therapy, but she didnt want to be a physical therapist. It wasnt until a co-worker encouraged her to take classes at Cleveland State that she realized engineering was her field.Growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ms. Burgess graduated from a private boarding high school in Georgia. She spent four years at a private college studying journalism and then physical therapy.She studied abroad for a year in Argentina, becoming fluent in Spanish, and even worked as a summer camp counselor in Alaska.After completing 80 hours of physical therapy observations, Ms. Burgess knew that she didnt have the passion for it. In August 2021, she withdrew from the physical therapy graduate program two weeks before it began. That summer she worked in the Cleveland YMCA aquatic program. She said, When there were problems with the chemical feeder systems for the pools, I wanted to figure out what was wrong with them. I had a lot of fun trying to see if it was mechanical failure or human machine interaction failure, analyzing things and figuring out how we could improve them. We had lots of spare parts, so I built machines to use as we waited for new ones to arrive.As Ms. Burgess thought about her career path, a co-worker encouraged her to take a computer aided design (CAD) class at Cleveland State. In January 2022, Burgess enrolled in CAD and pre-calculus classes. She said, I really enjoyed those classes, especially the math lab for practicing concepts.She joined the engineering club and thought about being a math major. As she talked to other students and the club sponsor, Ms. Burgess realized that engineering was a good fit for her. In the fall of 2022, she enrolled as a full-time engineering major.Ms. Burgess said, I wish I had started out at Cleveland State. I felt lost when I started college. There werent any faculty that took an interest in me that I could talk to at my first college. With the smaller class sizes, I have a much closer relationship with my teachers here. There are so many resources for students at Cleveland State.Darrell Oakley, associate professor and engineering club sponsor, said, Kylie is a very motivated person and has been a great leader for the engineering club. She is excellent at making others feel a connection to the group and creating an inviting atmosphere. Kylie has accomplished all of this while balancing a challenging electrical engineering course schedule.Ms. Burgess plans to graduate in May 2024 and transfer to the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in electrical engineering. She wants to work in automation, robotics and computers. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D. in quantum physics. The Salvation Army of Chattanooga received donations on Monday from the McCallie School to provide Easter meals for Chattanoogas senior adults in need. McCallie School middle and high school volunteers collected donations including ham, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes, quick bread or yeast bread mix, canned fruit cocktail, jell-O mix, mini marshmallows, dessert mix, butter or margarine and bagged Easter candy. The Salvation Armys social services team distributed 50 Easter blessing baskets with the donated items to senior adults who might not otherwise have a complete Easter meal to cook at home. For more information on how you can assist the Salvation Army in doing the most good, please visit https://www.csarmy.org/. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will be the newest institution participating in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, an initiative supported by the National Academy of Engineering to educate a new generation of engineers expressly equipped to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century.The Grand Challenges Scholars Program, implemented at fewer than 100 universities nationwide, is a curriculum-integrated, co-curricular and extracurricular program with five competencies designed to prepare the next generation of students to address societys grand challenges.Once accepted into the GCSP, each institution creates its own program for implementing the competencies.The UTC GCSP will begin in the fall 2023 semester as a partnership between the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Honors Collegewith participation from the other colleges on campus.This will be the first college- or department-specific honors program on campus beyond the Honors College, said UTC Honors College Dean Linda Frost, and I believe this is the first Grand Challenges anywhere thats an actual collaboration between an Honors College and a College of Engineering.Dean Frost has been involved with bringing the GCSP initiative to UTC for several years, along withamong othersCollege of Engineering and Computer Science Dean Daniel Pack, Guerry Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Daniel Loveless and UC Foundation Professor of Mechanical Engineering Cecelia Wigal.I love the Grand Challenges model and find it extremely interesting, Dean Frost said. You can tell that engineers put it together because its sustainable, and while its driven by engineering, its very interdisciplinary.One of the tenets of the new program is that it will enable students to make a visible impact on their world as part of their degree programs by providing research opportunities and support to UTC faculty whose research interests coincide with the Grand Challenges.If they can see the big picture they will make those connections, Ms. Wigal said. This Grand Challenges program allows them to build how they want that experience and what they want to learn. It helps them build that experience and become immersed in that learning.Each student gets to create their own path; for instance, a student on a mechanical engineering track might work with a faculty member in entrepreneurshipand get a minor in that field.If we think about the big problems humanity is facing, theyre not discipline-focused; theyre multidisciplinary, Mr. Loveless said. Its all about collaboration. Theres not a department for sustainability. Certainly, we tackle those problems and have our disciplines in engineering.But this is, in my view, a way to create a connection for students to see how what theyre doing matters for the betterment of humanity. This program brings people together to help illustrate to students a path to connect what theyre learning and studyingand makes it something bigger. Two women testified Tuesday morning about being shot by a man they said was mad because they had called police after one of his three girlfriends had been arrested. After the preliminary hearing, General Sessions Court Judge Lila Statom set a $400,000 bond for 28-year-old Brian "G-Way" Stone. Prosecutor Carl Huskins said Stone is also facing carjacking charges in Marion County and would be returned there. He said Stone also fired shots at two men in the same incident, but they had not come to court. They will be required to come to court to show cause why they did not appear. Stone is charged with four attempted murder counts. After the Jan. 30 shooting, authorities said Stone and another man carjacked a DCS van that had been transporting a convicted juvenile to a facility in West Tennessee. Stone was later captured in Marion County. One woman testified that Stone had previously lived at the house occupied by several people at 6405 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, where the shooting occurred. She said she and the other woman were on a bed when there was a knock on the bedroom door. She said they opened it, believing it was one of the males who lived there - the son of the owner of the house. However, Stone appeared wearing a ski mask and black hoodie. Both women said they could tell it was Stone from his voice, eyes and dreads as well as his short stature. One woman said, "He's about five feet." The first witness said her car had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier and police were called. She said "G-Way" was mad that "Diamond" - described as one of his girlfriends - had been arrested for car theft. She said Stone asked her to put her cell phone down, but she refused. She said he came around the bed and put a handgun to her forward. She said he pressed it in, and she responded by pressing back with her forehead. The woman said he briefly left the room, but returned and fired four shots. She said one grazed her leg, but another went into her lower left leg and out the other side. She said she now has a drain on the wound. She said the other woman was also hit and was bleeding profusely. The second woman said she was a prior girlfriend of Stone. She said she is pregnant and was so at the time of the shooting. She said five people were living at the house at the time and all were on drugs. She said she had been a fentanyl addict. The woman said shots to her legs damaged arteries and she began losing large amounts of blood. She said she was able to crawl to the bedroom door and lock it. "I basically swam through my blood," she said. After paramedics arrived and began treating her, she said she blacked out. She was in the hospital for 11 days and has gone through surgeries to repair her arteries. Bill Lee Beagan, 56, of Chickamauga, Georgia, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 25, 2023, after a valiant seven-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Bill was born on May 28, 1966, in Warren, Mi., to William and Bettie Beagan of Rossville, Ga. He was the youngest of their three living children and was known by many as Big Shot. He moved to Georgia with his family when he was 14 and attended Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School through the 12th grade. He met the love of his life when he was just 14, and seven short years later they were married on October 10, 1987 and together they built a beautiful life. He loved cars - working on them, driving them, racing them, teaching his son to work on them and to race them too. He started working on engines as a kid with his brother and never stopped. He could diagnose a car problem over the phone and was right nearly every time. Bill was many things to many people - a Christian, an honest mechanic, a hunting or fishing buddy, a friend, a brother, an uncle, but the roles that brought him the most joy were being a husband, a father, and a Papa. Through the almost 40 years he was a mechanic, he helped so many people and touched so many lives with the kind, honest, and hard work that he was known for. His love for cars, hunting, racing, and fishing was surpassed by only two things, his Savior and his family. Bill was loved by so many. His kind heart, gentle spirit, unmatched work ethic, positive attitude in the midst of some of lifes greatest challenges will echo in eternity in the lives he has touched. Bill is home now. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. Bill was reunited in heaven with his Mother, Bettie Lou Beagan (Lewis); his infant brother, Matthew Beagan; and his first unborn child. He is survived by his father William Beagan, his loving wife of 35 years Jordana Lee Beagan (Miller), Daughter Shalane (Adam) Lamb, Son Joshua (Suzannah) Beagan, six grandchildren; Catherine, Grady, Barrett, Billie Mae, Evelyn, and Lea, Brother Dan (Rhonda) Beagan, and Sister Lori (Brad) Miller, and many nieces and nephews that were dear to his heart. Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view memorial tribute. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, from 2-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 3239 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742. Funeral service is on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m. at Covenant Life Worship Center, 7001 Lafayette Road, Chickamauga, Ga. 30707. A Red Bank Middle School student has been arrested for making a threat of mass violence. The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office School Resource Deputy assigned to Red Bank Middle School was notified on Tuesday at approximately 10:15 a.m. by school administrators of a possible school threat made by a student. Upon investigating the incident, the SRD collaborated witness statements and obtained probable cause to charge the juvenile suspect via juvenile petition with a threat of mass violence on school property (TCA 39-16-517), which is a Class A misdemeanor. A group of citizens have gone to court to try to block the city's Climate Action Plan. The group filed suit in Chancery Court on Tuesday, just before the City Council was to vote on the plan from Mayor Tim Kelly. The council voted 5-2 in favor. Those voting approval were Raquetta Dotley, Isiah Hester, Marvene Noel, Carol Berz and Jenny Hill. Voting no were Chip Henderson and Chip Smith. Absent were Darrin Ledford and Demetrus Coonrod. City officials said the plan is "a growth strategy that will protect Chattanoogans quality of life and increase national competitiveness amid changes to the climate and international economy. The plan includes a series of actions to drive smart, clean-energy growth, protect natural resources, and strengthen the local economy, driving home Chattanoogas leading position as a green, sustainable city in a changing world." Mayor Kelly said, At its core, this is a sustainability plan for Chattanooga, one that will lead to social and economic benefits that all residents care about like more transportation options, good-paying jobs, more accessible parks and greenways, and energy cost savings for taxpayers. I want to thank our City Council for their vision and leadership in formally adopting the plan tonight. As we look ahead, Im committed to ensuring community engagement and input remain at the forefront of this work. Thats why our next step will be to convene a committee with representatives from every corner of the city, who will help guide implementation of the plan in the years to come. City officials said the city "made a number of minor additions and clarifications to the plan this week, in response to the feedback received during and after the public hearing held on March 21. Additions emphasize the need for key progress measurements focused on public health and equity, and include a new strategy to analyze the regions food systems, with the goal of better understanding how to plan for sustainable, healthy food sources over the long term. The Kelly administration also added a preamble to emphasize to residents that no action or data collection mechanism recommended in the plan will violate their privacy, restrict their movement, or lead to community-wide laws, mandates, or surveillance." The updated version of the plan is available at cha.city/sustainability. The best cities are made up of residents who are engaged and civically involved, and it was inspiring to see so many folks share their thoughts and input in response to this plan, said the Citys Director of Sustainability Erik Schmidt. We look forward to continuing the conversation with the community as we work together to make Chattanoogas neighborhoods more livable and sustainable for the future, as well as working with partner organizations who are already making great strides in their work to this end. Officials said the plan includes six goals and 104 strategies, which all include actions that fall into four main categories: transportation, buildings and waste, green spaces and waterways, and jobs and opportunity. Officials said, "Together, these actions will preserve and protect Chattanoogas natural resources by reducing the citys carbon footprint and the amount of waste sent to local landfills. At the same time, they will lead to significant economic and social benefits such as new, integrated transportation options, operational cost savings across city government, better, more accessible park systems and wildlife preserves, and new, good-paying jobs and skill-building opportunities." A video explainer of the plan is available here. Officials said, "Pursuing the actions in the plan will help qualify the city to receive a portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars in grant opportunities that are being made available by the federal government, as well as millions more in philanthropic and private investments that would have generational impacts. "With adoption of the plan, the city will immediately begin work to establish two committees: an internal Climate Action Plan implementation committee, comprising City staff who will ensure the plans goals are integrated into all departmental work; and an external Chattanooga Climate, Sustainability, and Resilience (CSR) committee, which will include representatives from across Chattanooga who will work with city staff to engage the community in the implementation of the plan city-wide. "The committees will develop and publish a full list of key performance indicators, and updates will be reported on a regular basis to City Council, published on the City website, and incorporated into regular Plan updates. "The city will also seek City Council approval in the coming weeks to offer commercial property owners a financing approach that would make it easier for them to finance clean energy and resiliency improvements. The strategy, known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER), allows property owners to repay financing for clean energy and resiliency upgrades through voluntary special assessments placed on their properties, which are billed and collected as part of their annual property tax bills and then remitted to the lender. "Benefits of the program include higher performing buildings and property values, and significant energy efficiency cost savings for property owners. More than 37 states currently have legislation enabling C-PACER financing, including Tennessee. "As a privately financed economic development tool, C-PACER does not affect tax bills of non-participating residents, nor does it impact grants or other public funding." Filing the suit against the city and the City Council were Robert Biles, Melody Garcia, Cecile Parris, Harriette Reid, Robert Sohn, Pam Skipper and Richard Walser. A hearing was set before Chancellor Pam Fleenor on April 12 on whether a temporary restraining order should be issued. The group wants a vote by Chattanooga residents on the plan. Joda Thongnopnua, chief of staff to the mayor, said the mayor's office "was listening" when a number of citizens recently expressed opposition to the plan at a public hearing. He said some modifications were made to the plan, including adding a preamble. The lawsuit states: Petition for Temporary Restraining Order and Request for Permanent Injunction Now come Robert Biles, Melody Garcia, Cecile Parris, Harriette Reid, Pam Skipper, Robert Sohn and Richard Walser, henceforth known as the Petitioners, and file this Petition for Temporary Restraining Order and Request for Permanent Injunction against the City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga City Council, et al., henceforth known as Respondents, to wit: 1. Chattanooga City Council is to vote on the adoption of a Climate Action Plan on March 28, 2023. 2. This plan calls for radical government overreach which is believed will not only cost the taxpayers of Chattanooga, Tennessee dearly, but also impact their ability to live free without invasive government interference, control, and surveillance. a. Chattanooga will reduce disparity among socially and economically vulnerable communities - This provision will result in individuals paying for benefits from which they will not derive a benefit and prioritizing equity over equality on all facets of analysis. b. Chattanooga will become a net zero carbon community - This provision involves the imposition of solar energy on citizens who may not wish to participate and is ripe to create taxes, potential fines, or penalties for not participating. This provision by design imposes a normative vision on society and citizens who may otherwise not agree with this worldview. c. Chattanooga will become a net zero waste community - This provision restricts land use and constitutes unwarranted invasion into individuals private use of their property. d. Chattanooga will build a more sustainable city - This provision will create governmental overreach in control over output, it will undermine capitalism, and impose neo-Marxists duties of conscience, per the World Economic Forum. This provision indefinitely prevents innovation and is anti-progressive because it is, by definition, circular. e. Chattanooga will preserve and improve natural resources integrity - This provision calls for governmental overreach and interference with a private property owner's use of their property. This provision is suggesting the imposition of a sustainable normative vision, not left up to the choice of the people. f. Chattanooga will be a leader in the green economy - This provision will impose overreaching governmental control and under the guise of incentivizing businesses to participate, potentially creates taxes and penalties for businesses who do not want to participate, and it imposes a normative vision. The green economy imposes a will that did not come forth from the people or the elected and that this will is a special worldview. g. The Plan also calls for invasion of privacy through the use of bi-directional data flow, which will enable the capture of information on an individual's phone who happen to come into proximity to the devices that are to be installed. It also calls for recording devices, which will violate a person's reasonable expectation of privacy. 3. It is submitted Chattanooga residents living in the City limits have not been properly informed or educated on the impact of this Climate Action Plan. 4. No referendum has been taken; therefore, the Chattanooga City Council should not take a vote on the adoption of this Plan as it threatens to impact the freedom and property rights of the people as well as their pocket books without asking the people first. If the City of Chattanooga violates a citizen's property rights, the City of Chattanooga is violating their being. In the United States of America, rights to property are sacred. 5. Without giving the people a right to first vote or have a voice on the Climate Action Plan by referendum on a ballot during the General Election on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the implementation of the Plan to include the installation of surveillance and recording equipment will cause immediate and irreparable harm. Thus, a Temporary Restraining Order is needed to stop the Chattanooga City Council from voting to adopt this Plan before a referendum occurs. ARTICLES OF AUTHORITY: 6. This Schwabian plan violates the 5th and 14th Amendment. The Framers of the American Constitution venerated the right to property, both for its own sake and as a means of guaranteeing personal independence. Property is one with liberty and is a guarantee of the people's legal rights. The Framers believed that neither liberty nor property could exist without the other. 7. This plan is unconstitutional. Marbury v. Madison (1803) - anything against the Constitution is null and void. 8. The plan includes a vision for connected vehicles that provides technologies required for robust vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communications. This functionality that implements bi-directional V2I data flow and is capable of pushing data to a vehicle. This violates Tennessee Code Title 39 Chapter 13P Part 601 - Wiretapping and electronic surveillance Prohibited plans Exceptions which states a person commits an offense who intentionally intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, any wire, oral, or electronic communication. 9. The recording devices violate Tennessee Code Title 39 Chapter 13 Part 605. Unlawful Photographing in Violation of Privacy which states it is an offense for a person to knowingly photograph, or cause to be photographed an individual, when the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the prior effective consent of the individual, or in the case of a minor, without the prior effective consent of the minor's parent or guardian, if the photograph: Would offend or embarrass an ordinary person if such person appeared in the photograph; and was taken for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of the defendant. The photograph depicts areas of the individual's body, clothed or unclothed, that would not be visible to ordinary observation bur for the offensive or embarrassing manner of photography. BASIS FOR JURISIDCTION: 10. Jurisdiction is proper in this Court as equitable relief is sought and because all petitioners are either residents of the City of Chattanooga and live within City limits or have businesses within the City limits. The resolution before the City Council said: WHEREAS, the City of Chattanooga has a history of proactive planning and leadership in sustainability, including adopting the 2009 Chattanooga Climate Action Plan, participating in the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Challenge, and creating the 2020 Regional Resilience Report; and WHEREAS, the City of Chattanooga is poised to establish itself as a regional and national leader in attracting and growing the "green" economy of the future, including being the home to Volkswagen's all electric SUV and the nation's first domestic manufacturer of clean battery materials; and WHEREAS, natural resources are the core of Chattanooga's international reputation, a major driver of economic activity, and an essential resource for the health and well-being of all Chattanoogans; and WHEREAS, extreme weather events such as droughts and wildfires, record rainfall, damaging winds and tornadoes, and extreme temperatures have become more common and more destructive; and WHEREAS, the impacts of the changing climate widen the disparities that exist across Chattanooga; and WHEREAS, the 2023 Climate Action Plan will enable the City of Chattanooga to access the billions of dollars in federal, state, and private funding available for climate change, sustainability, and resilience; and WHEREAS, the City of Chattanooga 2023 Climate Action Plan has six goals that will maximize these opportunities and address these challenges and will allow the City of Chattanooga to harness the City's resources into a structured and collaborative framework, catalyzing long-lasting, community-wide change in the years to come: City of Chattanooga 2023 Climate Action Plan Goals: 1. Chattanooga will reduce disparities among socially and economically vulnerable communities; 2. Chattanooga will become a net zero-carbon community; 3. Chattanooga will become a zero-waste community; 4. Chattanooga will build a more sustainable city; 5. Chattanooga will preserve and improve natural resources integrity; and 6. Chattanooga will be a leader in the green economy. WHEREAS, full implementation of the 2023 Climate Action Plan will require consistent, dedicated effort by the City of Chattanooga and partners across the city; and WHEREAS, the City of Chattanooga will convene a Climate, Sustainability, and Resilience Committee that will be responsible for implementation, oversight, and reporting on the Climate Action Plan; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, That it hereby adopts the City of Chattanooga 2023 Climate Action Plan. Tennessee State House passed House Joint Resolution 5, which proposes a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution with 66 yeas and 27 nays. Rep. Chris Todd led the resolution along with co-sponsors: Sparks, Warner, Zachary, Bricken Hawk, Lynn, Richey, Garrett, Powers, Capley, Carr, and Vital. HJR5 was backed by the nonpartisan nonprofit U.S. Term Limits. More than 60 Tennessee legislators have signed the term limits pledge, indicating their support for this election reform. According to the most recent poll conducted by RMG Research, 78 percent of likely voters in Tennessee support term limits on Congress, including support across party lines. Seventy-seven percent of Republicans, 90 percent of Democrats, and 71 percent of independents support this election reform, officials said. U.S. Term Limits President Philip Blumel commended the Tennessee House for addressing the issue of term limits, saying, "The people of Tennessee are fortunate to have public servants who recognize what is happening in D.C. and are willing to take action to fix it. They understand that Congress won't establish term limits on itself. Consequently, it falls upon the states to do so." Next stop is the senate committee then onto the Senate floor for a full vote. If approved by the Senate, Tennessee will be one of several states applying for a states-only convention to propose term limits on Congress. To become a part of the U.S. Constitution, the term limits amendment must be approved by 38 states after being proposed by 34 state legislatures. A 20-year-old man from New Iberia, La., has been charged in an incident on Saturday in which two people were shot at the Red Roof Inn on Williams Street. Jalen Fusilier was charged with two counts of attempted criminal homicide and with unlawful possession of a weapon. He turned himself in at Pulaski, Tn., and was returned to Hamilton County. The victims did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Police said Fusilier is seen on video before and after the shooting outside the room on the third floor where the shooting occurred. Also, four to five people are seen running out of the room. Those inside said Fusilier believed that someone in the room had taken his wallet. They said he entered the room making statements about the wallet, then began firing. Fusilier told Chattanooga detectives that he believed his wallet had been taken. He said when he went into the room that one of those present pulled a gun and racked it. He said he then fired six shots in self-defense. Police said those in the room said Fusilier began firing soon after going into the room, and that no guns were drawn on him. Why The Beatles Pete Best Avoided Offers to Cash in on His Time With the Band After two years with The Beatles, drummer Pete Bests time with the band came to an abrupt end. Not long before the band got their first No. 1 hit, they fired Best and replaced him with Ringo Starr. A number of people who were tangentially attached to The Beatles wrote books about them or sold their stories to news publications. Best resisted doing this for years. Pete Best, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Pete Best joined The Beatles in 1960 In the early days of The Beatles, they worked with several different drummers. When one drummer, Norman Chapman, had to leave the group for the National Service, they found themselves without a drummer ahead of their residency in Hamburg, Germany. Luckily, Best was looking for a job. The Cavern would like to wish a Happy 81st Birthday to The Beatles first drummer Pete Best. ?? pic.twitter.com/ojeRsW7wz0 The Cavern Club (@cavernliverpool) November 24, 2022 His band was about to break up, so Paul McCartney called Best to ask if he wanted to join them for the trip. Best agreed, and he went on to play with the band for the next two years. Pete Best didnt want to sell his story about his time with The Beatles Eventually, the band decided that they wanted a different drummer, so they fired Best. Shortly after, the band began its massive rise to success. Because of this, many magazines and news sources started reaching out to Best. They wanted to pay him for the stories of his time with The Beatles. He refused these offers, even though he spoke about needing money to afford a house. I did have offers to tell my story and make a lot of money, he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. I had been hurt by the many things said about my playing and me. But I didnt want to drop them in it. He said that he didnt want to come across as bitter, particularly because he didnt hold onto any bad feelings toward the band. It would have seemed like sour grapes, he said. I just let them get on with it and hoped on my own to get going again. Best added that he would not take money from his former bandmates if they offered. I dont want them to feel sorry for me, he said. I dont know. I probably wouldnt take anything from them anyway, on any condition. Not now. He showed the band more grace than they showed him Best ultimately did release books about his time with The Beatles. The first, The Best Years of the Beatles, which Best wrote with author Bill Harry, came out in 1996. To his credit, he waited until nearly three decades after the bands split to write about them. By doing this, Best showed his former bandmates more grace than they showed him. When The Beatles fired Best, they didnt want to break the news to him directly. Instead, they had their manager, Brian Epstein, fire him. After this, they avoided speaking to Best altogether, though he said he didnt hold this against them. The Beatles original drummer, Pete Best turns 81 today. ? Happy Birthday, Pete! ? pic.twitter.com/Y6gEUrszTl The Beatles Story (@beatlesstory) November 24, 2022 I never felt hatred for them, even at the time, he said. At first I did think theyd been a bit sneaky, going behind my back all the time, scheming to get rid of me, then never telling me to my face what they had decided. But I got over that after a while. I suppose I could see why theyd been sneaky. Best easily could have profited from his stories of Hamburg, particularly because of the debauchery during the bands time there. He didnt, though, allowing The Beatles to hold onto their public image of being good and charming. By waiting to share his stories, Best showed his acceptance of the firing and forgiveness of the band. Avi Kwa Ame in Nevada spans more than 500,000 acres near the Arizona and California state lines. Pexels/Bekir U?ur In 2022, St. Bernard Church was shut down due to various reasons. The 1,300-square-metre building was remembered as the "centerpiece of the town", yet, it was announced that the church is now up for sale. Selling of St. Bernard Church The Global News reported that the number of persons attending mass at St. Bernard Church in Nova Scotia dwindled to approximately 30 to 40, resulting in the church's official closure in the summer of 2022. The structure has been put up for sale with an asking price of $250,000. The real estate agents state that it is among the largest churches in eastern Canada and comprises more than 8,000 blocks of granite in its construction. As per the CTV News, the interior is covered with plaster and decorated with figures of other religions. Douglas fir plywood sourced from British Columbia was utilized to construct the pews and wall panels. However, Suzanne Lefort, a former treasurer of the parish council, stated in an interview that it was estimated that comprehensive repairs would cost more than one million dollars. These repairs would include improvements to the water system, roof, and the 28,000 cubic meter interior of the building. Lefort, who is 72 years old, expressed the hope that an investor will buy the building and give it a new function for the community's benefit. As mentioned, the president of the Heritage Society of St. Bernard, Jean Le Blanc, stated that he had high hopes that the church would be transformed into apartment units to help alleviate the severe lack of housing in the surrounding rural area. According to Le Blanc, a study conducted by an architect revealed that the building could function successfully as a housing development with around 28 units if the provincial government or benefactors assisted. He also stated that one of his other hopes is that the artifacts that were housed in the church will be donated to local organizations rather than being sold or thrown away. Also Read:Pastor James Edward Smith II, Convicted for Allegedly Selling New Jerusalem Baptist Church for $600K to Support Drug Habit Deconsecration of St. Bernard Church in 2022 According to CBC News, community traditions will end since the landmark church is deconsecrated as the population in the area is decreasing, attendance is reducing, and the building needs many repairs. The process of deconsecration aims to render the building unfit for use either as a place of worship or for secular purposes. The beautiful Gothic church was the pride of the Acadian town. It was at the center of many significant milestones in Louise LeBlanc's family's history, as she recalls from her childhood in the little community of St. Bernard, Nova Scotia, where she grew up. "I think for us as Acadians, we don't want to see the church go, but we also are very realistic and understand that there's no way a community of our size can keep the church going," she added. Moreover, the decision was reached after consultation with the Archdiocese of Halifax and Yarmouth. Rev. Robert Doyle, a deacon at the Halifax archdiocese, described the church as the "centerpiece of the town." He expressed sadness and noted that deciding to deconsecrate the chapel was difficult. Related Article:Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church Building Put On Sale For Various Reasons Pexels/Mario Wallner Three teenagers recently destroyed the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church's angel statue in Fresh Meadows. The incident was caught on the CCTV camera of the church. Act of Vandalism of the Three Teenagers On Thursday, Mar. 23, at about 10 p.m., a group of teenagers can be seen on a surveillance video standing in the back of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church at 175-20 74th Avenue in Fresh Meadows. The New York Post reported that two teenagers reached a fenced-in area and lifted the concrete angel. They stepped away a few feet and then smashed the statue on the sidewalk, where it shattered into multiple pieces. After that, the trio, thought to be between the ages of 15 and 17, took off on foot. Moreover, the worth of the statue was believed to be around $500. Investigations are being conducted by the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force. According to the Daily News, at the Sunday service at Holy Family Church in Hillcrest, Pastor Sean Suckiel shared the shocking news with the congregation. "We found it Friday morning in pieces on the floor. The good thing is it happened right in front of our security cameras. We were able to get it all on video." One of the other teenagers was filming their act of vandalism. They believe it is associated with a challenge on TikTok. As mentioned, the act of vandalizing schools and school facilities has become increasingly common in response to a challenge that has been going on in social media. Pastor Suckiel informed the people in his congregation that it was an attack on them since the donations had been used to purchase everything in the church and come from people's money due to their generosity. In addition, the pastor gave his word that law enforcement would be on Palm Sunday and during the rest of the holy week. They have promised to locate these children and hold them accountable for their actions. Also Read:Community Outraged as Pittsburgh Church Vandalized: Calls for Justice Amplify Amidst Pressing Issue of Religious Institution Vandalism Alarming 'Devious Licks' TikTok Challenge on Students A report from The Washington Post stated that students had been known to steal from or vandalize property at their schools to complete a TikTok challenge that has gone viral. After completing the challenge, the students uploaded videos of themselves performing 'devious licks' on the popular social media platform, often. At the same time, a sped-up version of the song "Ski Ski BasedGod" by rapper Lil' B plays in the background. Accordingly, restroom mirrors have been cracked, and toilets have been inundated in the Canyons School District in a Salt Lake City suburb. The school's spokesperson, Jeffrey P. Haney, said, "In two school years unlike any other, this is absolutely the last thing we need to be dealing with." TikTok announced on Sept. 15, 2021, that it will remove videos linked with the trend and redirect related hashtags after reports of schools from California to Connecticut experiencing vandalism and theft due to the 'devious licks challenge.' The challenge has already been condemned by already-stressed school leaders, leading to a handful of arrests. In addition, several news outlets from different parts of the country state that the pranks come with a hefty price tag: one school in the San Antonio region posted photographs of broken mirrors and dislodged soap dispensers in the bathroom. Another school in Southern California reported that paper towel dispensers and fire alarms had been stolen. The principal of a high school in eastern Michigan said that the tendency had progressed beyond stealing trophies to gain social media clout and had evolved into "malicious vandalism," such as purposely clogging toilets. Related Article:US Bishops Ask For Prayer To Resist Church Vandalism, Abortion On Religious Freedom Week Unsplash/Thays Orrico Father Joseph Crowley stated something unexplainable happened inside the church during a St. Thomas Catholic Church mass. The eucharistic ministry reportedly had difficulty finding hosts, but suddenly, more hosts appeared in the ciborium. Eucharistic Miracle During Mass at St. Thomas Catholic Church After a mass on Sunday, March 5, Father Joseph Crowley announced to the congregation that a eucharistic minister had seen something that could not be explained while administering communion. The Catholic News Agency reported that Father Crowly emotionally said that "One of our eucharistic ministers was running out of hosts and suddenly there were more hosts in the ciborium. God just duplicated himself in the ciborium." "It's really, really cool when God does these things, and it's really, really cool when we realize what he's done and it just happened today," he added. The Archdiocese of Hartford is investigating this possible miracle. As mentioned, on its tour worldwide, the exhibition "Eucharistic Miracles of the World," sanctioned by the Vatican and featuring documentary evidence of 152 such miracles, has made its way into more than 3,000 churches. On the other hand, according to Historic Buildings of Connecticut, early in 1869, St. Thomas Parish was founded, and after approximately two years, the first permanent pastor was chosen. In 1872, a basement chapel was opened, and in 1876, the finished church was dedicated. The church was built on land donated by Aaron Thomas, the son of the clockmaker Seth Thomas. The expansion of the parish around the turn of the century mandated the construction of a larger church to accommodate the growing congregation. The church was constructed at the intersection of East Main Street and North Main Street between 1906 and 1908. Also Read: 'A Miracle From God': Nevada Woman Who Suffered From Serious Blood Clot Following COVID Jab Now Recovering Eucharistic Miracles Occured in Church As per the Magis Center, a few notable Eucharistic miracles occurred many years ago. Others have taken place more recently, such as the eucharistic miracles that occurred in Buenos Aires between 1992 and 1996 and have been verified by scientific research. On the other hand, several miracles have happened in the past 20 years. Accordingly, a host that had been consecrated was accidentally dropped on the floor of the Church of Saint Hyacinth in Legnica, Poland, on Christmas Day in 2013. The host was placed in a container that contained water to get it to dissolve. Instead, it resulted in the formation of crimson streaks. In February 2014, the host was investigated by several research institutes, one of which was the Department of Forensic Medicine in Szczecin, which reported that "In the histopathological image, the fragments were found containing the fragmented parts of the cross-striated muscle. It is most similar to the heart muscle." Moreover, although most Eucharistic miracles involve a host that bleeds, the one in Chirattakonam, India, was slightly different. In April 2001, the pastor of St. Mary's church in Chirattakonam, India, Fr. Johnson Karoor, exposed the Holy Sacrament so parishioners could worship before it. Soon after, Father Karoor pointed out what he saw, three dots on the host. When he told the people what he saw, they confirmed his observation. The priest then went away for a week, and when he returned, he saw that the host had taken on the appearance of a human face in his absence. He questioned a server of the altar to see if he observed anything in the host, just to be sure it wasn't his mind. The altar server responded, "I see the figure of a man." Related Article:Miracle Survivor: Tennessee Pastor Progressing Well After Surviving Deadly Plane Crash Parents were invited into the chapel at The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, as they are every school-day morning. They sang and prayed with the roughly 200 elementary students and 40 or 50 staff at the Presbyterian Church in America school and listened as pastor Matthew Sullivan raises it to another level, as one student put it, with his kid-friendly Bible lesson. A few hours later, though, parents crowded into the sanctuary of Woodmont Baptist Church, two miles down the road, waiting to hear the worst. In the interval, the private Christian school became the site of the 130th mass shooting of 2023, which left three children and three staff members dead. I know this is probably the worst day of everyones lives, a police officer told the crowd. I cant tell you how sympathetic we are. The three students killed were each 9 years old. Police identified them as Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs, the daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Church senior pastor Chad Scruggs. The adult victims were head of school Katherine Koonce, 60; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; and custodian Mike Hill, 61. In a statement Monday night, The Covenant School said its community is in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church and asked for privacy as the investigation into the attack continues. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said that a 28-year-old former student shot out some glass doors and entered through the side of the building carrying two assault rifles and a handgun. Police were called at 10:13 a.m. They arrived less than 15 minutes later and followed the sounds of gunfire to the second floor of the private Christian elementary school. They shot and killed the suspect, whom they later identified as a transgender person. Five of the victims were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital, about four miles away, but were pronounced dead on arrival. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, Rachel Dibble, who was at the Baptist church with the waiting families, told the Associated Press. They probably had some Froot Loops, and now their whole lives changed today. At Woodmont Baptist, not long after they heard the sirens whir by, pastors and staff read reports of a shooting at Covenant. When they saw on Twitter that their church was named as the reunification site, they didnt question itthey just put on their nametags, met police in the parking lot, and prepared to open their doors to buses of surviving children and parents desperate to see their kids safe and sound, senior pastor Nathan Parker told CT. The children gathered in the fellowship hall, where the student minister handed out coloring sheets and began processing the shooting with them. Parents waited in the sanctuary through the slow reunification process, not yet knowing the extent of the attack. As pastors, we are supposed to have the words. Today was one of those days that words didnt come easy. If they came, they came from the Spirit, Parker said. He prayed for peace, asking God for the safety of each child whose parents anxiously sat in his pewsor cried on the floor. The grief and trauma of what happened a couple miles away filled the church building, a palpable heaviness and sense of loss. Between first responders and volunteers, hundreds came to help. They ministered to the waiting families, dropped off food, and helped clean up. Their hearts had broken for other school shootings reported on the news, and this time the tragedy struck right at home in Nashvilletheir neighbors, their community, their brothers and sisters in Christ. Were about to enter Holy Week, and its going to be a different kind of Holy Week for sure, said Parker, thinking to what hell preach on SundayPalm Sundayin the room where parents feared their kids were gone, where teachers learned that their students and colleagues were killed. The message of the hope of the ResurrectionI dont know if its ever been more needed or more welcome. It wasnt until the end of the day that Parker learned that the facilities manager at Covenantknown for singing the Lords Prayer at graduationwas the one who named the Baptist church as the place to send the buses of students; hed driven by the Southern Baptist congregation for 18 years on his way to work at the school and said he knew it was a good church. Parker was honored. Nashville is an evangelical hub in a state where over half the population is evangelical (twice the national average). In the hours after the shooting, leaders and ministries offered prayers; churches and schools scheduled vigils. Nearby Belmont University in Nashville held a service of lament and offered prayers to every member of our Belmont community who is connected to the school and its home church, Covenant Presbyterian. A half dozen faculty members at Covenant are listed as Belmont alumni. A statement from R. Neil Spence of the Nashville Presbytery of the PCA called for lament in the face of unbearable grief and trial. He said, Words fail us in speaking of this tragedy even to one another, but our prayers will not fail us in lifting our pleas to God for mercy and the grace that is needed. God Himself will help us to pray in our weakness. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been an average of about 1.5 mass shootings per day so far in 2023. The 129th happened earlier on Monday outside a bar in Wisconsin, wounding five adults. The Nashville shooting is the deadliest attack on a school since 21 students were killed in Uvalde, Texas, last May. This is the ultimate crime, Nashville district attorney Glenn Funk told reporters, when school children and caregivers are the victims of senseless gun violence. Covenant Presbyterian Church, located in Nashvilles affluent Green Hills neighborhood, added the school in 2001. Its student body is intentionally small and spans prekindergarten through sixth grade. Koonce described the mission of the school as upholding timeless truths and helping the children become who God wanted them to be. She said at Covenant, students are able to see and be anchored in the truth of Gods word with respect to who they are. Its these timeless truths that allow them to engage in life more fully and be successful wherever they go. Covenants motto is Shepherding hearts. Empowering Minds. Celebrating Childhood. Last Thanksgiving, Koonce told the students she was thankful because I know that youre getting to be a child and youre not having to grow up too fast. The schools most recent Instagram story shows a sanctuary full of small children swaying and singing, Let the love of God surround you / everywhere, everywhere / you may go. This is a developing story and will be updated. [ This article is also available in espanol. ] Death in a Christian home in the Kathmandu Valley brings more than just sorrow. It commences a familys search for a way to bid a dignified goodbye to their loved one. The biggest obstacle for mourners is finding a place to bury the dead in the Kathmandu Valley, a region in central Nepal that is home to the mountainous nations three largest cities and hundreds of smaller towns and villages. But despite its size, the area has no public cemetery for its Christian population, which numbers just over 100,000 according to the National Christian Community Survey report released in December 2022. (Kathmandus British cemetery includes only the remains of expatriates, and its Jesuit cemetery is no longer in use.) We can cremate our dead, but we cannot bury them, said Suman Dongol, who manages Koinonia Patan church in Kathmandu. Hindus, who comprise 81 percent of the population, cremate their dead. Nepali Muslims have access to two graveyards attached to their mosques in Kathmandu. (Among those who follow indigenous faiths are the Kirat, who comprise 3 percent of Nepals population and are said to be the earliest inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. They typically bury their dead but face a similar plight as local Christians.) No known Christian existed in the country in 1951, when modern-day Nepal was founded and its young government prohibited proselytizing and conversion. A year later, however, Nepali Christians from India established the first Protestant church. By the early 1970s, there were about 500 baptized Christians in the Hindu Kingdom. Evangelism efforts carried a possible criminal sentence of three years in prisonand successful evangelism, six yearsbut Christians continued to tell people about Jesus. By 1990, when a democratic reform movement decriminalized conversion, there were an estimated 50,000 Christians in the country. According to the 2011 census, Christians in Nepal made up 1.4 percent of the population, but since the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy ended in 2008, Nepal has witnessed a huge jump in that number. According to recent reports, the last decade has seen a 68 percent increase in the total number of Christians, who today are estimated to be around 3.5 percent of the countrys nearly 31 million people. Not all Nepali Christians have been denied access to burial grounds. Local governments have provided graveyards to Christians living in Biratnagar, in the eastern part of Nepal, and those in Butwal in the south. Funerals in those parts of the country have left some witnesses overwhelmed. There were 500 people, singing, with flowers, walking through the jungle, and they buried their loved one in a very dignified manner, said Dilli Ram Paudel, the general secretary of the Nepal Christian Society. It is only in Kathmandu Valley that Christians don't have a burial ground, said Manoj Pradhan, a leader at Nepal Christian Fellowship. For many Christians, no burial ground means no funeral. As a result, throughout the years, Christians have sought various remedies to their burial problems. According to reports, Christians began to bury their dead in a forest near the historic Hindu Pashupatinath Temple in April 1990. But in 1998, the government banned all burials there after the countrys oldest temple was designated as a UNESCO heritage site and its worshipers had claimed the forest as their own. After strong protest from the Christian community, in 2009, the authorities granted Christians access to once again bury their dead in the Shleshmantak forest. Yet the win was short-lived; following protests across the country from the Hindu community, the government reinstated the ban in 2011. According to our culture, we erect crosses or stone over the graves, but they did not like that, said Paudel. It is a heritage site for Hindus, and we understand their stance. Christian communities made several efforts to secure burial lands in the Kathmandu Valley from 2008 until Nepal adopted a new constitution in 2015. Christians in two different districts purchased land but faced opposition from Hindu fundamentalists and an unsupportive government. Now nobody can go there and bury, said B. P. Khanal, Nepals coordinator of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. In 2011, these challenges prompted Christians to stage a hunger strike until the government promised them a land for burial. But 12 years after this agreement, the government has yet to follow through with its promise and dedicate any burial land for Christians. Nepals Catholics did not participate in the 2011 protests and have adopted what they believe to be the most practical solution to this dilemma. Catholics have accepted the fact that in a country like Nepal, where burial is not common, a body needs to be cremated after Mass and ashes should be kept in a columbarium. All three Catholic churches in Kathmandu Valley have been doing it for years now, Chirendra Satyal, a spokesperson from the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, told UCA News in an interview in 2021. Evangelicals say that they are only following what they have learned from the previous generation of believers. Everyone should be buried. We have heard this over and over, and it is a tradition that Christians across the world follow, said Khanal. Other burial solutions have left Christians similarly frustrated. We bought private lands at many places on our side of the valley to bury our dead, but the villagers objected to it. They said that having a cemetery near their village with the dead buried there made them fearful of ghosts. Every time we would try to bury someone, we would need police protection to do so, said Paudel. The majority of Nepali evangelicals have been forced to cremate their loved ones or travel significant distances to other cemeteries in their countryor even in Indiato perform burials. Some, however, negotiate agreements with the few churches who own private land. "The problem is that not all churches have their private land and not all churches who have their private land have access to bury the dead. The community [villagers and neighbors] normally do not allow us to bury, said Dongol. Nevertheless, many Christians are still willing to risk the anger of their neighbors. We have to hide through the jungle and must have a quiet funeral ritual with very few people in attendance, hushing the process and doing it all so secretly to avoid any retaliation from anybody, said Paudel. We fear the neighboring villagers, the government, the harassment of the police, and then worry about the possible exhuming of the bodies, if the villagers come to know about the burial later. All of this is very painful. All of this serves only to antagonize Hindus for no reason, said the Catholic spokesperson Satyal. Many of the graves are unmarked to avoid detection. The burial ground is used as a garbage dumping site, and at times foxes dig up the buried bodies. There are also cases of bodies being dumped on top of one another," he said in a 2011 interview. Those who do opt for cremation must rely on Hindus to share their cremation spaces, as Christians lack their own. Christians also lament the lack of access to a traditional firewood procedure, as many find electric cremation machines cold and families consider it emotionally taxing because of the manner and speed of incinerating the body. Christians wide-ranging views and practices regarding burials have made it challenging for them to present a clear request to the government. If the Christians were united for the cause, the issue of burial grounds could be resolved, a Protestant pastor who asked to remain anonymous told UCA News. But, as for now, the duration of these ongoing burial challenges reinforce many Nepali Christians feelings of marginalization. As a citizen of this country, we have a lot of rights, but we are not able to use those rights. Who will lobby for us before the government? said Pradhan. There is no Christian member of parliament or member of the legislative assembly who represents us who will speak for us. When Fabian Beck volunteered to help with the childrens ministry at his small evangelical church on the outskirts of Hanover, Germany, he imagined hed be singing songs, telling Bible stories, and performing puppet shows. He had no idea what he could do to protect Sunday school children from the possibility of sexual abuse. As he prepared to join the team, however, he came across resources provided by the Federation of Free Evangelical Churches (FeG) on the subject of violence against children and adolescents in the context of Christian communities like his own. Believers have to face the fact that our congregations are not safe just because they are full of Christians, Beck said. Safe places for kids dont come naturally, and too often, we dont know what we dont know. Andreas Schluter, the FeGs federal secretary for the young generation, said the program Beck is using, Protect and Accompany, is part a much larger trend among free churches organizing against abuse. Evangelical churches are developing programs to face the reality of sexual abuse and seeking to prevent it from happening in the future. I know that in Germany, every free church is actively tackling the issue, he said. Free evangelical congregations should be, or become, safe places for children and young people. In recent years, child sex abuse cases have been extensively reported across multiple Roman Catholic dioceses in Europe. Spurred by these revelations, Catholics have taken steps in France, Portugal, Germany, and Italy to prevent abuse. Pope Francis, for example, removed the option for pontifical secrecy from cases involving the mistreatment of minors or other vulnerable persons. Myriam Letzel, coordinator for the French evangelical organization Stop Abus, said that the Catholic church in Frances groundbreaking investigations into clerical abuse (the so-called Sauve report) not only highlighted the systemic nature of sexual violence but also put evangelicals on notice about dynamics in their churches that might also lead to inappropriate and illegal behavior. The conversations around #ChurchToo and revelations of widespread abuse among Southern Baptists in the United States have also led European evangelicals to reckon with the fact their churches are not immune. We have to question ourselves on the theological bases which have, in the past, favored inappropriate sexual behavior: a misunderstanding of the relationship between men and women and a distorted relationship to sexuality, Letzel said. In September 2022, the National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF) started Stop Abus. It is run by a commission of 10 experts in the fields of social work, psychology, medicine, law, and pastoral care. The organization also has a listening service with a team of 35 listeners who receive abuse reports. In its first six months, Stop Abus received 15 disclosures that are now being processed. Letzel said this is just the first step. What was happening elsewhere served as a warning: We could not pretend that such things did not exist in evangelical Protestant churches, and above all we did not want to pretend that they did not exist, she said. The mission entrusted to us by Christ obliges us: As Christians we have a duty to be exemplary in our conduct and in our way of caring for the most vulnerable. One of the church networks belonging to the CNEF, the Reseau-FEF, informed members and partners at the end of March that it would "neither recognize nor support any ministry" by one pastor, who has been accused of abuse by six women, two of whom went to the police. This is a first for French evangelicals. The pastor had a wide influence in French-speaking evangelical circles, especially online. Other evangelical groups in Europe have launched similar efforts. In Switzerland, under the umbrella of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, some 60 Christian groups and organizations put standards in place for staff and started crisis intervention teams alongside local church prevention programs. Among these organizations, the Federation romande d'Eglises evangeliques (FREE) promoted online resources to help prevent abuse, including guidelines for Sunday school teachers. The German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) has had a so-called clearing house for abuse cases in evangelical congregations in Germany for several years now. To equip churches in their association, they turn to groups like the White Cross (Weies Kreuz), a Protestant organization that advises institutions and individuals on issues related to sex and sexuality. Ute Buth, a gynecologist and sexual counselor who has worked with the White Cross for 15 years, said the organizations first task is to help churches become more aware of how their environments can provide fertile ground for abuse. Buth said there are no reliable statistics on the prevalence of abuse among Europes evangelicals. But mainline Protestants in Europe, including Germanys national Protestant church, have similar concerns about sexualized violence in their congregations and created a forum and working groups to address the issue in June 2022. Some, however, think evangelical Christians may be especially vulnerableand may even draw sexual predators. Christian Rommert, a public theologian and former host of the popular Christian television program Wort zum Sonntag (Word on Sunday), told Germanys largest public-radio broadcaster that free churches emphasis on trust and obedience, close physical contact, and conservative sexual morality create an environment where sexual abuse can thrive. In the free church context, everyone trusts everyone. No one expects the other to do anything bad, he said. The topic of sexuality is still something that is still somewhat taboo in the church context. Because you combine fear with it, you cant talk about it openly. And unfortunately, there are also churches in which the power gap between man and woman is cultivated. And such power disparities are always uncertainty factors. Buth said that evangelical opposition to working with White Cross on issues of sexual abuse has declined, though, as people have become more aware of the widespread problems and turn their attention to prevention. The White Cross does not make accusations against churches but provides training. If you dont have a good strategy on these things, structures allow children or even adults to be abused, she said. Thats a heavy price to pay for the Christian faith. Buth first guides churches through a risk analysis to help them understand what makes churches vulnerable. Its about the atmosphere, Buth said. Do you give preference to one gender? What is the speech you use? Are there sexualized jokes? Is your leadership very hierarchical? Thats where the perpetrators start, taking advantage of the cultures and customs your church has already created. At the end of training, Buth said, congregations do a self-analysis before developing a new Schutzkonzeptor protection conceptthat involves safety guidelines and reporting mechanisms. German laws, passed in 2010, stipulate that every organization that works with children, including churches, must have a protection plan in place. Having a plan allayed Becks fear as he became a childrens minister in Hanover. Its a big relief to have a system in place, he said. Now our church is aware of the problem, and we know what to do. [ This article is also available in Francais. ] Churches, pastors respond to Nashville Christian School shooting: 'May our merciful God be somehow glorified' Churches and pastors within the Presbyterian Church of America lifted up The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, in prayer after a 28-year-old trans-identified shooter shot and killed three children and three adults at an elementary school affiliated with the denomination on Monday morning. Police identified the shooter as a former student at the school: Audrey Hale from Nashville, who had recently chosen a new sexual identity as a man. They said the shooter was armed with "at least" two assault rifles and a handgun during the attack. Authorities identified the children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, two of whom were 9 years old and one who was eight and soon to turn 9, and Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Our community is heartbroken, the Covenant School, a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, said in a statement. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. We appreciate the outpouring of support we have received, and we are tremendously grateful to the first responders who acted quickly to protect our students, faculty and staff. We ask for privacy as our community grapples with this terrible tragedy for our students, parents, faculty and staff. Koonce was the head of the school, according to the school website. The Nashville Presbytery confirmed to CBS News that 9-year-old Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church and former pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. "We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter, Hallie. Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need," Park Cities Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Mark Davis told the outlet. Paul Goebel, associate pastor of Park Cities Presbyterian Church Dallas, said his congregation was weeping deeply for the unimaginable sorrow that our friends at Covenant Presbyterian Church and School are suffering and will continue to suffer. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we will suffer alongside our friends and grieve together, but not as those without the hope of Jesus, he said. Mark Davis, senior pastor of Park Cities, told ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas that members of Park Cities have flown to Nashville to offer comfort to the Scruggs family, who have three other children, as they grieve. They are so deeply connected to this [church] body, Davis said. Even now, members of our church are flying to Nashville to be with them. The impact they had here was enormous. All four of their children had that radiance; we talk about the radiance of Christ, even at a young age, he said. Theyre gifted children, they really are. But theyre godly children. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the attack was targeted, and police had found writings and detailed maps of the school and its security protocols. Hale was prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement and prepared to do more harm before being killed, Drake said. Police are also carrying out an ongoing search of Hale's home where they seized "a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other evidence." On Tuesday morning, Nashville police released body camera footage from two officers who shot at the shooter. The video shows the officers entering the Covenant School Monday morning before going up to the second floor, where they found Hale. Hale was shot dead about 14 minutes after the initial 911 call came in, according to police. "They didn't hesitate at all," Drake said of the officers on "Good Morning America" Tuesday. "Yesterday was just a tragic event," he said. "I've done this job for 35 years and I prayed that this would never, never be a day that we would have to deal with." On Facebook, Ken Klett, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hollan, Michigan, voiced his devastation at the tragic event and said his congregation was praying for those impacted. Covenant Church in Holland, MI, through the bond of fellowship and love we share in the Lord Jesus Christ, embraces our dear brothers and sisters at Covenant PCA in Nashville through the communion of saints and the power of prayer, he wrote. While we may not have regular interaction with the body of Christ there, we carry your burden as our own and mourn with those who are mourning. We pray that the grace of God will abound to the students and faculty of the school, the church, and all the families affected by the horrific tragedy you have experienced. May our merciful God be somehow glorified in the Nashville community in the midst of this indescribably horrific incident. Lord, have mercy. Amen. Scott Sauls, senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, offered a reminder of the hope found in Christ amid tragedy. Even as we wait in grief, the text of Scripture whispers hope. We grieve with hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Its a good thing that in times like this, hope doesnt have to be a feeling. It is more of an inescapable, resurrection-sealed fact than it is a feeling, to be sure, he wrote in a lengthy blog post. This is not okay. Easter is coming, but everything right now feels like Good Friday. But because this is not okay, we know this is not the end. The Covenant School is a private Christian school with 33 teachers and up to 210 students starting in preschool through sixth grade, according to the school website. As we capture our childrens attention and their minds for learning, we also want to capture their hearts in relationships that challenge their thinking and help them learn critical skills. Our graduates attend the finest schools in the Nashville area, where they not only excel academically, but also act with character that comes from authentic faith in Jesus, the school website notes. Border agents unlawfully targeted pastor ministering to migrants in Mexico, judge rules The federal government wrongfully targeted a United Church of Christ pastor for having a ministry that benefited migrants and refugees at the Mexican border, a court has ruled. The Rev. Kaji Dousa, the senior pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church of New York, affiliated with both the UCC and the Disciples of Christ denominations, won a legal victory against government officials she accused of interfering with her ministry to migrants and refugees. In a ruling issued last week, Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson concluded that border patrol officials "unlawfully retaliated against" Dousa for exercising her First Amendment rights, "violated her Free Exercise right to minister to migrants in Mexico" and violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This included CBP Branch Chief Saro Oliveri sending an email in December 2018 to the Mexican government encouraging their immigration authorities to deny entry to Dousa and several other people. "Dousa's ministry to migrants and speech concerning U.S. immigration law and policy constitute 'constitutionally protected activity,'" wrote Robinson. "Oliveri's email to the Mexican government would chill a person of ordinary firmness from continuing to engage in Dousa's protected activities." "[T]he Court concludes that Dousa's constitutionally protected activity was a substantial or motivating factor in at the very least Defendants' decision to email the Mexican authorities." Dousa's troubles with CBP began in November 2018 after Border Patrol caught a Honduran woman trying to unlawfully cross the U.S. southern border. The woman told agents that she had been at a migrant camp in Tijuana. The Honduran woman claimed that Dousa told migrants at the camp that getting married would help them in their quest for legal status in the U.S. She also claimed that she was forced to marry another migrant even though she had a husband back home. That same month, Dousa performed marriage ceremonies for 17 couples. The pastor contends that she interviewed all the couples before marrying them, and they were all common-law married in their home countries but didn't have paperwork to verify that fact. As the Trump administration pushed hard for border officials to crack down on illegal immigration, Dousa testified that she believed that being married would "offer the chance for families to stay together once they were taken into immigration and detention." In January 2019, Dousa visited Tijuana again to engage in ministry work but could not use her trusted-traveler Global Entry status, which provides expedited entry into the United States from other countries. Although the court concluded that Dousa's Global Entry privileges were not revoked, "the December 10, 2018 email has accomplished the same end result." "Dousa credibly testified at trial that she had never 'address[ed] a crowd of migrants in Tijuana and t[old] them that if they got married, they would get papers to live in the United States,'" the judge wrote. "She also denied that she 'ever t[old] anyone in Tijuana in any setting that if they got married, they would get papers to live in the United States,' they 'would get marriage certificates to facilitate their political asylum claims,' or she ever 'forced anyone to get married.'" In a statement published by the UCC on Tuesday, Dousa said she was "humbled and full of gratitude for Judge Robinson's thoughtful ruling in our favor." "To be the prevailing party in a lawsuit against the most powerful government in the world, quite honestly, feels like a miracle," said Dousa. "With this decision, I see the hand of God bending the arc toward justice." "Judge Robinson vindicated what I knew to be true all along: my own government didn't like who God called me to serve, so they did everything they could think of to make that nearly impossible for me. This righteous ruling gives me the chance to get back to my ministry unimpeded by government intervention." In July 2019, Dousa filed suit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and assorted government officials in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The litigation stemmed from a January 2019 incident in which Dousa was detained and interrogated by border security after working at a mobile clinic in Tijuana aimed at helping migrants. Additionally, government officials tracked her activities in New York, such as her participation in events and vigils surrounding immigration advocacy, and added her to a covert government database of figures involved in work with migrants as part of "Operation Secure Line." The lawsuit argued that these actions on the part of the government "has diminished attendance of migrants at church services she leads, depriving her of the ability to minister to her congregation and the community at large." "By targeting Pastor Dousa for surveillance, detention, interrogation, and other adverse actions on the basis of her Christian ministry to migrants, refugees, and those who provide them aid and sanctuary, Defendants' actions violate the First Amendment and RFRA," read the suit. 3 children killed in Christian school shooting memorized 'Amazing Grace' in chapel before massacre The three children shot and killed by a heavily-armed assailant who forced her way into The Covenant School in Nashville had spent the morning in the chapel memorizing the words to Amazing Grace, a missionary who visited the school revealed. On Monday morning, Hallie Scruggs, 9, William Kenney, 9, and Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, were all killed by the mass shooter, while school head Katherine Koonce, 60, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and chef Mike Hill, 61 were also murdered. On Facebook, missionary Britney Grayson, a pediatric doctor based in Kenya, posted a final image of the schoolchildren listening to her talk an hour before Audrey Hale, who had recently chosen to self-identify as a man, carried out the murders. Hale was shot and killed by police. Grayson revealed that the children were learning the word "Jambo" in the chapel and were learning all the verses of 'Amazing Grace' to sing for grandparents day next week. Just four hours ago, we arrived at The Covenant School in Nashville. Our dear friends invited us to speak at Chapel and stay and visit their girls' classrooms, pictured below. The kids were great. We taught them about life in Kenya, some Swahili words, and what it means to be a missionary, she wrote in the Monday post. We drove away at 10:12 a.m. and less than 20 minutes later, at least three children were shot right there on the campus. There are no words for this feeling. I think the normal feeling is supposed to be relief relief that we were already gone and our lives are safe. But to do what I do makes me literally one of the most qualified people on the planet to help in that situation. Why had we driven away just minutes before? Could I have helped those children if we were still there? I feel guilty for being safe. Grayson urged her followers to pray for those impacted, adding: Pray for the doctors, nurses, and surgeons caring for them right now. Pray for all the little hearts that weren't physically wounded but who will never be the same. Pray. Pray. PRAY. Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the preliminary investigation indicated the shooting was targeted. Hale, who identified as trans and previously attended the school, reportedly left a detailed manifesto and plan for the shooting at her home and in her car, a Honda Fit. Drake told NBC News he believed the attack stemmed from "resentment. "We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident," he told reporters. "We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place." Koonce was the head of the school, according to the school's website. The Nashville Presbytery confirmed to CBS News that 9-year-old Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church and former pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Mark Davis, senior pastor of Park Cities, told ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas that members of Park Cities have flown to Nashville to offer comfort to the Scruggs family, who have three other children, as they grieve. They are so deeply connected to this [church] body, Davis said. Even now, members of our church are flying to Nashville to be with them. The impact they had here was enormous. All four of their children had that radiance; we talk about the radiance of Christ, even at a young age, he said. Theyre gifted children, they really are. But theyre godly children. One parent with two children enrolled at Covenant told BBC News that Koonce was a "saint who did so much for those kids." "She knew every single student by name," she added. "She did everything to help them when families couldn't afford things, it didn't matter. She found ways for them to stay." On the school's website, Koonce wrote the school is "about more than simply educating our students, but about "helping children become who God intends them to be. As we capture our childrens attention and their minds for learning, we also want to capture their hearts in relationships that challenge their thinking and help them learn critical skills. Our graduates attend the finest schools in the Nashville area, where they not only excel academically, but also act with character that comes from authentic faith in Jesus, she wrote. Dieckhaus family described the young girl as a shining light, and said they are completely broken by her death. Kinneys family called him unfailingly kind and always inclusive of others as well as praising him for loving his two younger sisters. A GoFundMe for the Kinney family states: Will had an unflappable spirit. He was unfailingly kind, gentle when the situation called for it, quick to laugh, and always inclusive of others. He loved his sisters, adored his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and was always excited to host friends of every age. Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts our broken for his family as they try to find their way forward. Pastor seeking to open all-boys school for black youth to drop poverty rate, promote 'Kingdom culture' A pastor seeking to open an all-boys school for black youth said advancing the Kingdoms culture through education is a solution to the present state of public education that results in a cycle of poverty in black communities. During a panel discussion at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit in Chicago, Illinois, last Friday, speakers stressed the need for education reform in urban areas of the country. While one panelist runs a network of charter schools in South Bronx, New York, and the other serves as an assistant pastor at a Chicago church that hopes to establish a school for the neighborhood children, both agreed about the need for schools designed specifically for young black men to instill family values in the next generation. Ian Rowe, the CEO of Vertex Partnership Academies, kicked off the conversation by citing dismal statistics showing that of nearly 41,000 black pregnancies in New York City in 2019, about 21,000 ended due to abortion, while the remaining 20,000 babies were born. Rowe noted that 70% of the black babies born in New York City were born to unmarried parents. I recognize that its imperative to run great schools and have them teach strong math and science and reading and everything that a school should do, Rowe said, adding that an all-boys school can help young men think about their roles as fathers and husbands and responsible parents. T.J. Grooms, an assistant pastor at Chicagos New Beginnings Church, homed in on his churchs desire to create an all-boys Christian school for students in the first through eighth grades. We need to make a concerted effort to win our young men and to train them as being the heads of their families, understanding the importance of manhood, not when we see them as a teenager but instill into them those ideas and those principles in their formative years, he insisted. Grooms detailed the vision for his school, which he vowed would encourage students to embrace what he described as the one culture that supersedes all cultures, and thats the Kingdoms culture. There is no greater culture in the world than the Kingdom culture, he added, illustrating how that focus will push back on the narratives that currently prevail in the minds of young black children. If our school is centered around Kingdom culture, then it wipes out me telling a young child that theres a system that is automatically bucked up against them that will stop them from doing work because they already in their mind think that they are not able to do what it is they put their mind to, he maintained. When you get them at 5 and 6 years old, and youre able to drill that on a daily basis, it will change [who] they are. And when they get to the high school, theyll already be ready to go. Grooms contrasted the emphasis on foundational, doctrinal, biblical ways of family and other Christian values at his churchs proposed school, which the academy would work to instill in our children on an eight-hour schedule every day of their lives, to the material his young children are currently learning in public school. He lamented that when his daughter was 5 years old and enrolled in public school, she brought home a Spanish assignment asking her to color in a picture of two same-sex parents with rainbow colors. The assistant pastor spoke of establishing a prayer force at the school, which would include a time for chapel, a time where our students will be taught the Word of God, taught the foundational basis of the Word of God. He added that in light of New Beginnings Church Pastor Corey Brooks existing ministry, the Project HOOD initiative, we have parents that are excited and waiting to send their children to the school. Theyve seen what we have done, he said. We have such an intricate role in our neighborhood that we have street cred when it comes to the programs and things that we do. There are people now that are lined up waiting to put their children in that type of environment because they know that what Project HOOD and New Beginnings has done has been successful and want to see their children be raised by a village that they know has their best interest at heart. Rowe offered additional statistics illustrating how the poverty rate for black married couples has been in single digits for as long as the data has been collected. The role that family structure plays in every community, but especially in our community, is so central and yet it is often not the thing that we are focused on like a laser in terms of how we help the next generation think about those consequential decisions, he added. Rowe outlined a path to success that will keep young people out of poverty, which requires them to finish their education before moving on to work, relationships, marriage, then children. He emphasized that an all-boys school would be the place where you can have that kind of conversation to talk about what are the likely rewards or consequences when these decisions are not made without the knowledge of what could really be possible with your life. If you finish just your high school degree then get a full-time job of any kind just so you learn the dignity and discipline of work and then if you have children, marriage first, 97% of millennials who follow those series of decisions avoid poverty, he added. The vast majority enter the middle class or beyond. Our young people need to know that. Both Rowe and Grooms suggested that the goal of both public charter and faith-based all-boys schools should go beyond closing the achievement gap between black and white students. In the entire history of the National Assessment for Educational Progress, which is often referred to as the nations report card, there has never been a year in which a majority of white students are reading at grade level, Rowe proclaimed. If we close the gap, all that would mean is universal mediocrity. Our standard should be excellence instead of universal mediocrity, Rowe added. Reflecting on the high number of out-of-wedlock births in the black community, Grooms commented on how a lot of our young men are limited to the environment that they see, so thats the only thing that they attain. He described how when they see someone or something that looks like them operating in a different environment and theyre exposed to it, they begin to want that. Grooms characterized bringing children into his home as a way to help youth in his neighborhood and church community: A lot of the young men that we see in my neighborhood, I bring to my home and they see a family, they see children that say yes maam, no sir. They see children in a whole family unit, and they say, you know what, I want that, but Ive never seen that. They didnt think it was possible. Revelation 11: The temple and its place in the divine economy We currently live in an era when temples, church buildings and other religious edifices are mostly diminished in importance. We rightly understand God to be everywhere, and it isnt necessary to go to a building to find Him. Of course, the New Testament speaks of the Church as the Temple of God (Ephesians 2:20). However, one cannot read the Bible without noticing that the Temple, the building, is given a place of prominence in Gods economy. There have been two Temples in the history of Israel. First, Solomons Temple was a matchless structure of beauty but was ultimately destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in approximately 590 B.C. Seventy years later, when the Babylonian captivity ended, Cyrus, the King of Persia, allowed some Jews to return to Jerusalem, and they built the Second Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel around 520-515 B.C. Zerubbabels Temple was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes, a Greco-Syrian Ruler who erected a statue of the god Zeus and sacrificed a pig on the altar. King Herod would later remodel and expand the Second Temple under Roman occupation. However, in 70 A.D., the Romans utterly destroyed it to put down rebellious Jewish factions. In Revelation chapter 11, John is transported into the future to see another Temple. It must be another or a Third Temple, because the first Temple was long gone, and the Second Temple, the one of Johns day, had been destroyed 20 years before John gave his account. This is the only way to understand the passage unless one spiritualizes the Temple as a symbol of the Church, which leads to considerable confusion. Heres what John said: Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar and count the number of worshipers. But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months' (Revelation 11: 1-2). The text begs an important question: If temples or edifices dedicated to the worship of God are of little consequence, why would they have such a prominent place in past and future dispensations? An executive order issued by North Carolinas Governor Roy Cooper in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, caused me to consider this questions importance. Governor Coopers executive order essentially closed church buildings. Outdoor church services were allowed if strict social distancing was exercised. Drive-in services were acceptable if people remained in their cars. Indoor worship services and weddings were only approved for gatherings of ten people or fewer in the same confined space. Fortunately, the constitutionality of the Governors executive order was challenged in court and knocked down. Nevertheless, the circumstances brought to the fore particular religious beliefs prescribing why corporate worship services are preferable inside an edifice consecrated to the veneration of God and his ways. There are specific reasons for church buildings and their beautiful sanctuaries, which go far beyond protecting parishioners from the elements. Unfortunately, sometimes these reasons are little understood, and the Churchs members unwittingly disparage their importance. The point of the church sanctuary is to provide a place where the atmosphere is conducive to inspiring one to worship, which is not always an easy task for earth-bound, fleshly entities such as ourselves. The sanctuary doesnt resemble a place in the commercial or the secular world; neither is it even like our home life. Instead, its more of a refuge from the troubles and anxieties of what is mostly a profane and irreligious world. Christians of yesteryear seemed to understand this better than some believers today. So, they constructed grand cathedrals and church houses to reflect Gods majesty and provoke the most profound experience of worship from the people. Undoubtedly, this is one of the tremendous lessons that may be garnered from Gods pleasure in the temple. Although I am not a Catholic, Msgr. Charles Pope, a Catholic writer, presents the argument marvelously, saying: Churches are meant to remind us of Heaven. Until recent decades, they were built along lines that spoke to heavenly realities both Moses and John saw as they were shown the heavenly worship and vision. Churches have high jeweled (stained glass) walls because Heaven does. Churches have glorious throne-like altars with the tabernacle at the center amidst tall candles because in Heaven, there is a throne-like altar with the Lamb upon it, and Jesus stands among the lampstands. Painting and statues of saints and angels, incense, priestly robes, standing/kneeling appropriately, and singing hymns remind us of the communion of saints and angels in the heavenly worship. All of this is revealed in the heavenly visions contained in the Bible. In other words, whether Catholic or Protestant, the externals for corporate worship have a spiritual purpose in assisting us to focus entirely on God, His Kingdom, and his will for our lives. Brian Kingslake, in Out of This World, also addresses the question of the importance of the temple, so to speak. He says: The whole subject of the relationship between the externals and the internals of religion is very interesting. Just as the stone walls and locked doors of a church building protect the altar Bible, the Communion vessels, and the rich carpets of the sanctuary so the externals of religion can protect and preserve the more precious worship of the heart. The fact that we discipline ourselves to attend service in a certain building at a definite hour and take part in a certain ritual that has evolved during the ages, can help to preserve and protect our spiritual consciousness. To depend entirely on ones spiritual vitality is beyond the capacity of most of us. Structure can get in the way, but without any structure, there is a tendency for our thoughts to dissipate and degenerate into trivial and superficial or sentimental nothingness. We need to get together with our friends from time to time to fill our tanks at the filling station to recharge our flat batteries. Many pastors tell me large swaths of their congregations have not returned to their churches since the pandemic, but they are watching streamlined services over the internet. Quite frankly, this misses much of the point of going to Church. There is still something else to see here about corporate worship. John indicates there will be a future Temple in Jerusalem during the end times. Because of where this passage falls in the Book of Revelation, it is apparently a part of the Tribulation period. The Jews have always wanted to build another Temple. Its the very heart and soul of their religion. But the current Temple Mount in Jerusalem is occupied by the Dome of the Rock an Islamic Shrine where Muslims believe Mohammed ascended into Heaven. Trying to move it would create a world conflict. However, John sees a Third Jewish Temple; how this comes about is unclear and left to much speculation. The command for John to measure the temple and its worshipers, says George Eldon Ladd, has nothing to do with determining their actual dimensions. Its a metaphor. Its a symbol of setting aside something for preservation or destruction. Ladd writes: Zechariah saw a man measuring Jerusalem, which was symbolic of her divine protection (Zechariah 2:1-5). Ezekiel had an elaborate vision of measuring Jerusalem a symbol of the fact that Jerusalem would yet become the true city of God (Ezekiel 40-43). In other places, measuring is a symbolic act indicating destruction rather than preservation (II Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Lamentations 2:8). In Johns vision, the measuring of the temple, its inner courts, and those who worship there is a symbol of preservation and protection The key to our understanding of this passage is found in the fact that the outer court and the entire city of Jerusalem are both trampled by the Gentiles. The most natural meaning of Jerusalem is that it stands for the Jewish people. When Jesus spoke of the trampling of Jerusalem by the Gentiles (Luke 21:24), he meant to designate the city as representative of the entire people. When in contrast to the city as a whole, the temple proper and its worshipers are preserved, the contrast seems to be between the Jewish people as a whole and a remnant who are true worshipers of God. Historically, all Jews had access to the inner court of Israel to engage in the worship of God. Yet it is obvious that here the Temple and its worship cannot represent all Israel, for they stand in contrast to the outer court and to the city of Jerusalem as a whole, which represents the nation. This suggests a contrast between a faithful remnant of believing Israelites who, in contrast to the city as a whole (the holy city), are true worshipers of God. Israel as a whole will be trodden down by the nations they will fall under the divine judgment because they have become spiritually apostate. So, what can we learn from this about worship? The spiritual apostasy of the Jews is that they would look to the sacrifices of bulls and goats in the Temple for their salvation rather than the one sufficient sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. In the end, only the true worshipers of God will be preserved and saved. Those who seek to worship in some other way, God will reject. In this dispensation and the Tribulation period, all must come to him solely based on the shed blood of Jesus. Today church buildings and temples are full of people counting on their membership, baptism, confirmation, attendance record and services in the name of God for their salvation. Others attempt to get into Gods favor through another religion and not Christianity. But unless we realize our spiritual bankruptcy as sinners and cast our only hope of redemption in Jesus Christ as Savior, we cannot be considered authentic worshipers of the Lord. Jesus said we are to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23), meaning worship must genuinely flow from the heart and conform to Gods disclosure of himself in Scripture. Anti-Semitic incidents hit record high in US; over 3,600 documented by rights group in 2022 A leading Jewish advocacy group documented a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2022, recording a 36% increase from the previous year and the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in one year since it began tracking data in 1979. The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks anti-Semitic violence or harassment against Jews in the United States, released its annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents last Wednesday. According to the report, the ADL documented 3,697 anti-Semitic incidents in the United States in 2022, a 36% increase from last year. The audit tracks "criminal and non-criminal incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault against individuals and groups as reported to ADL by victims, law enforcement, the media and partner organizations." According to the report, cases of anti-Semitic harassment increased by 29% (2,298), vandalism increased by 51% (1,288) and anti-Semitic assaults increased by 26% (111). Orthodox Jews were the target of 53% of anti-Semitic assault incidents nationally. While the report found that no assaults resulted in mass casualties, the organization notes that at least one fatality did happen. In 107 of the 111 assault cases documented, attacks were conducted without the use of a deadly weapon. Serene Hudson, vice president of advocacy at Passages, an organization that facilitates trips for Christian students to the Holy Land, cited a January ADL report which found beliefs in anti-Jewish tropes have grown and basic knowledge about the Holocaust has declined. "Passages is committed to continue standing by the Jewish people," she told The Christian Post in a Monday statement. "This is an alarming moment for American Jews, who must think about increasing security for Jewish institutions or the safety of wearing a kippah or the Star of David in public." Hudson asserted that America has become "increasingly unsafe" for Jewish people. She urges Christians and others to "advocate boldly for the well-being and safety of the Jewish community." "In order to stem the tide of antisemitic perceptions, we must educate the Church on the dark legacy of Christian antisemitism and Holocaust history and forge allyships with Jewish communities," she stated. "To do this, Passages trains young leaders to confront antisemitism within their spheres of influence. Finally, we can make connections so that genuine friendship between Christian and Jewish people can counteract negative stereotypes, and we encourage Christians to advocate boldly for the wellbeing and safety of the Jewish community." Anti-semitic incidents occurred in all 50 states, but the areas with the highest numbers were New York (580), California (518), New Jersey (408), Florida (269) and Texas (211). These states account for 54% of the total incidents, according to the ADL. Two-hundred and forty-one anti-Semitic incidents involved references to Israel or Zionism, a decline from 2021, when it accounted for 345 such incidents. However, 589 incidents occurred at Jewish institutions, such as synagogues, Jewish community centers or schools, a 12% increase from 2021. Most of the incidents at Jewish institutions consisted of harassment, but the ADL recorded 86 incidents of vandalism and nine assaults. Ninety-one bomb threats were made against Jewish institutions, the highest recorded since 2017. In 2022, 494 incidents happened at non-Jewish K-12 schools, an increase of 49% from 2021. At least 219 incidents occurred on college campuses, an increase of 41%. "The dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents in 2022 in almost all categories cannot be attributed to any one cause or ideology," the report reads. However, ADL noted an increase in activity from white supremacists. "Known white supremacist networks engaged in coordinated efforts to spread antisemitic propaganda, which accounted for 852 incidents in 2022, more than double the 422 incidents in 2021," the report continued. "If white supremacist activity had remained the same in 2022 as in 2021, the Audit total would have been 3,267 an increase of 20%, rather than the actual increase of 36%." In 2021, ADL documented 2,717 anti-Semitic incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism. According to a survey released last month by the advocacy group the American Jewish Committee, 82% of American Jews agreed that anti-Semitism in the United States increased in the last five years. Forty-three percent of American Jews said anti-Semitism increased significantly, and 39% said it increased somewhat. Sixteen percent of respondents said that anti-Semitism in the United States remained the same, and only 2% said that they believe it has decreased within the last five years. As for the general public, 47% of respondents agreed that anti-Semitism in the U.S. has increased within the last five years, while 15% said it decreased. Twenty-six percent said it stayed the same, and 13% said they were unsure. Estranged daughter of adulterous Hope City founder Jeremy Foster says he is unrepentant Despite his recent claim on social media that he apologized to his ex-wife and children for an affair that destroyed his marriage and ministry, Jeremy Foster, the founder of Hope City Church in Houston, Texas, remains unrepentant, his estranged oldest daughter claims. "From the moment I found out he had an affair, my dad moved in with his mistress," Jayden Foster said in a recent series of Instagram videos titled "spicy q&a," where she fielded questions related to the relationship with her father after finding out about his affair that led to his resignation from the church last January. "A month and a half after my parents' divorce was finalized, I got an email because I don't have communication with him and he was telling me that he had gone ahead and gotten married," she added, saying that her mother had previously told her that her father remarried. "It like gutted me. Like, it really, really wrecked me. And I don't know if I can adequately put into words how that felt." She added that her father was living with his "affair partner" after the affair became public while still legally married to her mother. After her father moved in with his "mistress," she said she didn't see him for three months. "He would spend the weekend at my grandparents when the [younger] kids went over to spend time with him," Foster said. "In an email he sent to me, he said they were getting married because he wanted my younger siblings to have a correct biblical view of marriage. That is a little ironic." Foster and his ex-wife, Jennifer, founded Hope City Church in 2015. Within four years, the church had roughly 12,000 people attending weekend services, earning it the title of the "fastest-growing church in the country," according to Ministry Solutions. On Jan. 1, 2022, however, overseers of the church announced in an approximately 3-minute YouTube video that Foster "confessed to an extramarital affair with a woman not affiliated with Hope City." Jeremy and his ex-wife, Jennifer, have five kids. The Hope City Church founder recently claimed on social media that he took responsibility for the affair and apologized to Jennifer and his children. "Our marriage was well documented [and] had been challenging. At the same time, that gave me no right to do what I did. It was on me. I know people who've gone through really hard marriages and didn't have an affair. That was my fault. I have no defense. I have an apology," Jeremy Foster said. "I have learned through this. I can either have grace, or I can defend myself. I have no defense. I need grace. I need God's grace deeply. I have apologized to Jennifer. I've apologized to the kids. We've walked through a divorce. Divorce is ugly in every form of the word. And it's still not OK." Jayden Foster says her father posted that video without her knowledge and "repositioned us in the spotlight." She contends there is a "big difference between apology and repentance" and "grace and enabling." Foster's resignation came approximately a year and a half after TBN UK published an interview where the Fosters candidly shared how God healed their dysfunctional marriage, where Jennifer physically abused him. He, at times, called her "crazy." "And abuse started on our honeymoon," he said. "We're getting married. And literally, on the honeymoon is where the abuse started again. Only this time, it didn't come from a man. It came from a woman. It came from me. You see, that's the only way I knew how to fight. That's the only way I knew how to argue," Jennifer said. "It existed in every relationship that I ever knew in some form. ... So when we got in an argument, and he didn't respond to me that way, like all this rage, like literally pent-up rage, just came out of me and projected onto him." Jayden Foster, who says she doesn't currently have a relationship with her father, said she never witnessed her mom being abusive to her father. "I've never ever in my life, seen my mom lay a hand on my dad, ever," she said. "I have seen my dad display aggression and anger. And he's gotten in my face, and he's yelled. And my mom threw rotisserie chicken at my dad once, which is not right. That's kind of funny," she quipped. "My mom is one of the sweetest people I've ever met, who was abused for so many years of her life, and she talks publicly about it. But to throw that on her and to say those things about her is vile." Asked if she thinks her father being overworked contributed to his affair, she said it could have but insisted that being overworked was not an excuse. "I do think that there are a ton of contributing factors to why somebody would have an affair, why my dad would have an affair. And I think that being overworked is 100% one of them, but that does not excuse the behavior. There is a lot of talk about forgiving my dad for the mistake that he made. He didn't make a mistake," she said. "He made the conscientious decision every single day for a year, possibly more, who knows, to continue an affair despite the fact that he was being called out by people on his staff, me, his daughters, his wife, his overseers," she continued. "My sisters and I called his overseers, had a conversation and said we were concerned. They called him, called him out, and he fired them. So there are a lot of things that point to this not being an accident." The daughter claims her father never repented for his actions. She alleged that about a week after she learned about the affair, she wrote him a letter asking him to leave his mistress and reconcile with her mother. "He did neither of those things," she said. "And so that, and then a ton of other things ... have led to a relationship with him, like just being really, really toxic and harmful," she said. "Right now, it's just not possible. But pray that maybe one day the Lord gets through to him, and he's able to repent." She added that she and her father were "best friends" for most of her life, and she has felt a deep pain in losing that relationship. She ultimately desires to have a relationship with him again one day but argues that her father has not taken any "step toward reconciliation that is meaning full to me." Answering another question, Foster said two of her sisters also don't communicate with their father. In another video, she said that her grandparents officiated her father's wedding ceremony with his new wife in their home, and she was not informed of the ceremony. She said that decision has "fundamentally altered" her relationship with her grandparents. When asked if she feels supported by the church, she said that she feels supported by the big-c Church because of people who have rallied around their family in support but stressed that some people in "ministerial positions" have let her and her family down. Foster also challenged the notion of celebrity pastors and suggested it is antithetical to the Gospel. "Celebrity pastors, I think those two words are antonyms. I just think that we need to look at how Jesus led. We need to look at how the disciples led, and first and foremost, there is a book called Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund," she said. "It talks about the heart of the Father. I think that spiritual leaders need to be gentle and lowly, and I don't think you can do that when you refer to yourself as a celebrity." We dont scare easily: Greg Locke vows to fight county's lawsuit against his church Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke plans to fight litigation against his church over allegations that it violates local ordinances regarding planned building expansion, saying the legal action is based on "faulty findings, misrepresentation, and just plain speculation." Tom Brashear, director of Wilson County Development Services, filed a lawsuit against Locke and his Mt. Juliet-based Global Vision Bible Church last Thursday in the Circuit Court of Wilson County. The lawsuit claims that the church failed to have the proper permits for building and stormwater, as well as complaints over noise issues from locals. In comments given to The Christian Post on Monday, Locke called the lawsuit "bogus." "We will continue to press for them to dismiss it. If they refuse, we will fight as long as it takes," Locke declared. "At the end of the day, they cannot and will not win. This is unconstitutional. We will not back down. We don't scare easily. The Lord is on our side and we will be victorious." Locke and his church are already dealing with a lawsuit filed by a couple that lives near the facility, who complain that Global Vision's worship services are causing them many problems. Brashear emailed CP a copy of the lawsuit the state agency filed and stated that "we are open to considering other means of resolving the zoning violations that have resulted in the suit while legal proceedings continue." The lawsuit seeks to force the removal of "all buildings from the property" and for the church to be "permanently enjoined from placing any other buildings on the property until there is full and strict compliance with the Wilson County Zoning Ordinance and the Wilson County Strormwater Regulations." Dozens of noise complaints have been filed against the church by locals, according to WKRN of Nashville, as Global Vision erected a new tent in February in an attempt to reduce the noise. Locke said his church has reportedly grown considerably since 2020, telling the news outlet that it "grew so fast that a tent is really the only option." He said that his church has grown by 1,000 members every year for the past three years. "Even if we broke ground today, we would still need to be in a tent for two to three years," he claims. At a meeting last week, the Wilson County Board of Commissioners heard multiple people speak about the noise, demanding more action from the municipal government. "Larry and Linda Kent have filed suit against Global Vision Church and Pastor Greg Locke. A stay has been issued in this case while the Church filed an Appeal to Appellate Court," recounted the minutes for the March 20 meeting. "Discussing Codes Violations, it was mentioned that the State of Tennessee has a Stop Work Order on the septic in front of his house. There are also issues with stormwater runoff and codes violations that the Church and the Pastor ignore." A petition on change.org calling for a noise ordinance for Wilson County has received more than 1,900 signatures as of Monday afternoon. The petition protests "excessive amplified sound emanating in the west end of the county." The petition, which does not mention Locke or Global Vision by name, speaks of "amplified sound from large groups of people that are frequently heard late into the night on weekdays and weekends for extensive periods of time." "We, the undersigned residents, have placed many calls to the Wilson County Sherriff Dept reporting the loud noise and music. The excessive noise and music have continued all hours of the day and late into the night, despite our repeated complaints," reads the petition. "In order to preserve our peaceful community, maintain property value, and protect our quiet rural community, we must push for a noise ordinance. A noise ordinance has been in the works, but nothing has yet to change." Locke garnered controversy for many of his political stances, such as refusing to follow a face mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and telling his congregation not to vote for Democrats, prompting a Johnson Amendment complaint. Recently, Locke has championed efforts to advance a deliverance ministry aimed at exorcising demons from people, as showcased in a recently released film titled "Come Out in Jesus' Name." Nashville-based Christian musicians react to school shooting: 'Dear Lord, we need you' Nashville-based Christian musicians issued urgent calls to prayer and voiced their heartbreak following a shooting at a small, private Christian school in the city that left three children and three adults dead. The shooting occurred Monday morning at the Covenant School, a private elementary school affiliated with Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville's Green Hills neighborhood. The victims were Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, two of whom were 9 years old and one who was eight and soon to turn 9, and Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The victims were killed when Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a 28-year-old former student of The Covenant School who self-identified as trans, entered the premises with two "assault-type rifles" and a handgun and began firing, police said. Hale, who had left a manifesto and had drawn a detailed map of the school, with entry points, was shot and killed by police. Scruggs was named as the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church and former pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Dieckhaus had been attempting to pull the fire alarm to get help when she was shot, her family revealed. Video footage released Tuesday by Nashville police shows Hale using a gun to gain entry by shooting and shattering glass panes on the front doors. Hale then walks through the halls of the school, at one point walking past a room labeled "Children's Ministry. Our community is heartbroken, the Covenant School, a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, said in a statement. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. We appreciate the outpouring of support we have received, and we are tremendously grateful to the first responders who acted quickly to protect our students, faculty and staff. We ask for privacy as our community grapples with this terrible tragedy for our students, parents, faculty and staff. As the heartbroken community began to grieve the victims with prayer vigils and memorial services, Nashville-based Christian musicians took to social media to share their heartbreak over the tragedy. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next Nightmare in Calif. jail: Imprisoning women with 6'5'' male murderer If youve ever wondered what a godless society devoid of everything good and decent looks like, what follows is a snapshot of the worlds largest womens prison, Central California Womens Facility. Based on daily reports I receive from my sisters inside (I was formerly incarcerated), I no longer recognize the prison or the culture of psychological terror they are being forced to adopt. Currently, under the implementation of The Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act, males, including hardened criminals, are permitted to self-identify as the opposite sex and are allowed to transfer to prison facilities based on their chosen gender identity. Any rational person can see the intentional indifference of Californias lawmakers efforts to prioritize predators. This recently enacted law does not even require a male inmate to take cross-sex hormones or have sexual reassignment surgery prior to transfer. A good friend of mine, Cathleen, whom I met many years ago while in prison, is firmly standing on her Christian faith, and she is paying for it dearly. Her freedom, her civil liberties, and her right to the pursuit of happiness that she earned back after serving decades in prison have recently evaporated. As I explained during the bonus episode of The Christian Posts podcast series Generation Indoctrination and will again next month in Dallas at CPs public event, what she and others are enduring is a nightmare. Cathleens ordeal is a case study of what incarcerated women regularly experience in this morally convoluted, torturous environment. Cathleen was found suitable for parole by the board of parole at hearings last year. It is always a time of celebration when a person is granted parole, especially when they have worked hard for it. I met Cathleen in the honor dorm in 2009 where she still lived until very recently. A trans-identified male and self-proclaimed satanist that transferred from the mens prison violated her privacy many times by entering the toilet when she was in the stall. In the months before this incident, another woman from a different prison yard told me about this same guy, that he is 65 and is a big dangerous man who was convicted of murder 40 years ago, and killed another inmate while he was in the mens prison. I was and still am scared to death of this man. I was afraid to report him to the guards, she added. Others noticed what was happening, and they decided to submit inmate complaints together. None of these women were prepared for the psychological warfare that ensued as the predator is a skilled manipulator who has had approximately 40 years to perfect his craft. After receiving a tip from a confidential informant that the three women who used the correct avenue to voice their concerns were in danger, all three were arrested for their own safety and taken to administrative segregation. All three of these women were honor dorm residents with jobs and records free of write-ups, which is required for them to live in the honor dorm, unless one transferred from a mens prison which was set forth under Californias law, SB 132. After being released from segregation, the women received serious rules violations for false reporting and harassment. Cathleen was then referred to an en banc hearing either by the Decision Review Unit or the Governor, because of the new information about her rule violations. En banc hearings are open to the public and give supporters and those in opposition to a persons release an opportunity to speak. Her hearing was full of formerly incarcerated women who served many years together, some of whom guided me and mentored me during my time in prison. Employment and housing were secured for her and peer support was available from some of the most notable and successful ex-lifers in California. But Cathleens parole grant was vacated and the panel voted to reverse her suitability grant. She was ordered a new hearing as her serious rules violations were still pending as she was not yet found guilty of anything. Months later, the false reporting violations were all dropped. Cathleen was later found not guilty of harassment. The lieutenant who heard her on the write-up told her that not only did she do nothing wrong, but that, in fact, she did exactly what she was supposed to do in such circumstances. This was encouraging news given how emotionally traumatic this process can be and she was eager to know what the next step was regarding her grant reinstatement. Every step is like free-falling in the gamble for potential freedom. At her next legal visit, her attorney urged her to write an open letter of apology to the male predator who violated her privacy and to apologize specifically for her ignorance and transphobia that stemmed from her religious upbringing. She was advised to focus on her unwillingness to see the other person, a dangerous male felon, as a woman. She was advised to use words like "unwilling" rather than "unable to show that she made a choice instead of using words like "lack of knowledge/understanding" because "I don't know" is deemed less accountable than apologizing. She was also advised to own her part in the harm she caused and add: "Today, I have done the work to understand more deeply what your identity means and I have more knowledge about the issues you face as a transgender woman. She was told to reflect on the negative impact her actions had on the transgender community as a whole and to commit to using correct gender pronouns and even correcting her peers when they harmfully refer to a male-bodied inmate as he. They even suggested she express a willingness to use her cis-gendered privilege to create a reverse ripple effect in support of the transferred inmates from the mens prison. In addition to her basic dignity as a woman being violated, Cathleens Christian faith is also on trial. Hebrews 13:3 reminds us to [c]ontinue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering, and that certainly applies here. Cathleen is not only being mistreated but is being denied her freedom and liberty because she refuses to bow down to the god of gender. Her commitment to withstand this darkness has bolstered my faith and I believe the Lord will somehow redeem this terrible situation. Im praying that it inspires her fellow inmates, my friends, to continue to remain steadfast amid these ongoing horrors. To the Body of Christ, please hear me: Cathleens ordeal is not limited to the prison context and she is far from the only one enduring this cruel abuse. This savagely evil exploitation of the vulnerable that is being allowed to flourish in Chowchilla prison (CCWF) is what is to come for us if we do not stop what is happening to these incarcerated women who are precious to Jesus. This is the fate we are sealing for ourselves if we do not actively protect the least of these. Big tech vs. parents: The battle for our children Parents today are caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, allowing kids online means exposure to content that threatens their mental health and their innocence. On the other hand, removing online access threatens to socially isolate kids from their friends and peer groups. What are parents to do? Earlier this month, social media behemoth TikTok announced that it would soon introduce new features designed to limit access to the app for users under 18 to 60 minutes per day to help parents monitor usage and to silence notifications. Unfortunately, these steps are unlikely to provide the silver bullet parents so desperately need right now for at least two reasons. First, the tool is flawed. As commentators have noted, there is nothing to stop minors from continuing to use the app once the hour limit is reached. Rather, at that point, TikTok will simply notify users with a prompt to keep using the app. Though kids under 13 will need parental approval to continue, minors aged 13 to 17 can simply create their own passcode to keep using the app. Second, parental controls cannot override the ideological commitments of social media platforms. TikTok is a perfect example. Last year, the platform updated its community guidelines to prohibit anti-LGBTQ+ content and to promote inclusion. Today, a simple TikTok search will turn up thousands of videos of trans-identifying teen girls happily flaunting mutilated chests after top surgery. One of these videos has garnered over 30 million views, 644,000 likes, and 18,000 shares. Parents should not rely on TikTok to shield kids from this content. So-called parental controls cannot replace direct and intentional parental engagement. Jonathan Haidt has noted that social medias harms can no longer be reduced only to mere usage. Perhaps in 2012, a teen girl using Instagram for five hours a day would see improvements in mental health if she were to unplug. That is because most of her friends were not on Instagram yet. Since 2015, however, the problem has changed. Once social media usage became ubiquitous amongst teens, and smartphone owners became a majority, the popularity of social media and smartphones meant that teens were spending less time together in person. As of 2021, almost three-quarters of minors were owners of smartphones by age 12, and 84% of 13-17-year-olds use social media. Given that the majority of teens do interact online, limiting or eliminating a teens use of social media seems unthinkable to many parents and could have isolating effects on students. Limiting screen time could even, in some cases, make pre-existing conditions like depression and mental instabilty worse. Haidt thinks that (e)ach [teen] might be worse off quitting Instagram even though all [teens] would be better off if everyone quit. I understand Haidts comment, but I dont fully agree. As embodied creatures, we are not only shaped by ideas and images but also by our habitual practices. Any long-term solution to the problems that social media presents will have to directly engage our habits and practices. Our current social media practices are not attuning us to the rhythms of reality. Rather, they are embedding in our hearts and minds rhythms of an alternative world, one that does not actually exist. This means that parents must not only train their children to think critically and biblically about the content they encounter online especially on matters of gender and sexuality they must also work to cultivate better habits of heart and mind as practical alternatives in our present technological culture. That may include long fasts, forbidding and preventing access to social media platforms (especially TikTok and Instagram), or in some cases, taking away phones altogether. This could even look like partnering with other parents to provide kids with alternative, tech-free communities. In Maryland, a group of 30 Christian families made a year-long commitment to keep their kids off smartphones and social media. Instead of using tech, these families provided alternatives for social interaction and connection, regularly coming together in person for things like Scottish dances, field days, and community picnics. A year in, parents reported that their kids were more focused, more intentional, and more aware of what really nourishes and satisfies. We cannot escape digital technology, but we can pursue embodied alternatives to online interactions, cultivate better habits, and foster critical thinking and discernment. In fact, we must. Originally published at BreakPoint. Richard Dawkins understands two genders but has a God delusion How can a distinguished biologist realize that there are only two genders, and yet fail to recognize the person who created the two genders in the first place? Seeing gender while failing to see Jesus is a massive oversight, to say the least. British evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins is best known for his bestselling book, The God Delusion. Dawkins recently told British journalist Piers Morgan: As a biologist, there are two sexes, and thats all there is to it. And while Dawkins stands on science when affirming the two genders, he takes an equally firm stand against religion. He stated, I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world. Ironically, Dawkins appears quite satisfied with not understanding the Savior of the world. But why the disdain for Jesus? And why is Dawkins so confused about Christ's life and message? Dawkins actually made this outrageous assertion: Jesus was a good man, and a man of his time had to be religious because everybody was. But I suspect that if he had the knowledge we have today, he probably would have been an atheist. Talk about someone having a God delusion! The idea that the Son of God could be an atheist demonstrates the delusion of an atheist who seems to think he is god. While understanding the two genders, Dawkins completely overlooks the beauty and perfection of the King of the Universe (Colossians 1:15-17). Sadly, there are plenty of scientists who do not yet know the Redeemer who willingly laid down his life on the cross so that we could receive forgiveness of sins and the free gift of everlasting life in Heaven (Romans 6:23). Why the disconnect? Why do so many smart people fail to see the very Creator who gave them their intelligence? Simply put, The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). That is to say, the man who does not have the Holy Spirit living within him through faith in Jesus is unable to appreciate the Savior and understand the purpose of his death and resurrection. You dont have to know much about Christianity to know that Pentecost took place shortly after Christs death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. And when the Holy Spirit came to rest on each of those who were all together in one place, then all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). And the rest is history. These followers of Christ were emboldened like never before to be Christs witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Savior had told them: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8). The power of the Holy Spirit was filling them, motivating them, and leading them forth to spread the Gospel and make disciples. This same power has transformed the hearts and lives of millions of people who have accepted Christ as Savior. For example, John Lennox is a professor of mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus), and a vibrant witness for Jesus Christ. In The God Delusion Debate with Richard Dawkins in 2007, Lennox stated: God, far from being a delusion, is real. Ultimate reality is a personal, eternal and supernatural God, who has revealed himself in the Universe, in the Bible, and supremely in Jesus Christ his Son who is Lord and God incarnate. Lennox pointed out one of the fatal flaws of atheism: If in the end my beliefs, my theories, my scientific theories are the results ultimately of the motions of atoms in my brain produced by an unguided, random, mindless process, why should I believe them? Lennox also said, The world that Richard Dawkins wishes to bring us to is no paradise except for the few. It denies the existence of good and evil. It even denies justice. But our hearts cry out for justice. And centuries ago the Apostle Paul spoke to the philosophers of Athens and pointed out that there would be a day in which God would judge the world by the Man that he had appointed, Jesus Christ. And that he had given assurance to all people by raising him from the dead. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a miracle, something supernatural, for me constitutes the central evidence upon which I base my faith, not only that atheism is a delusion, but that justice is real, and our sense of morality does not mock us, because if there is no resurrection, if there is nothing after death, in the end the terrorists and the fanatics have got away with it. Nevertheless, Richard Dawkins refuses to place his faith in the overwhelming evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While understanding the biology of the two genders, Dawkins lacks the necessary discernment from the Holy Spirit to accept and celebrate the Messiah's resurrection. Scripture informs us that no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Each one of us will stand before Jesus on Judgment Day (2 Cor. 5:10), but only those who are forgiven of their sins will be granted entrance into Heaven. Just as there are only two genders, only two paths exist into eternity (Matthew 7:13,14). John Lennox and millions of other believers are on the narrow path to Paradise. Which path are you on? Separated from her mother, but not for lack of love Haitian families have experienced a near-constant threat of violence, housing instability and sickness for decades. And for the countrys single mothers, many of whom find themselves raising their families in extreme poverty, the challenges can be impossible to overcome. This was almost the case for Makilene an unemployed single mother of five. The childrens father had recently passed away, and Makilene was left with no way to provide for her family. In desperation, Makilene took her youngest child, a baby girl, to Port-Au-Prince in search of an orphanage. She felt this was the only way. Miraculously, the orphanage she approached turned out to be an avenue for help for her whole family. Makilene met a woman who ran an organization, Papillon Marketplace, that connected vulnerable women with job opportunities. It wasnt long before Makilene was earning a living as a jewelry maker, supporting her children under one roof on land she purchased herself. Makilene's story isnt unique there are millions of women around the world who have overcome unimaginable circumstances and accomplished great things for their families. And this month, the United States is celebrating Womens History Month a month set aside to honor the significance of what women have accomplished. Really, this celebration is a reminder of the strength and virtue that has existed within every woman throughout history. And as someone who works in the child welfare space, it reminds me of women's essential role in the life of every child. There are few things more worthy of celebration than a mothers love. But Ive discovered through my involvement with the global family strengthening movement that, tragically, millions of children are growing up without their mothers in residential care facilities, like orphanages or childrens homes. Whats more, in most cases, these children have living mothers, aunts, grandmothers, or other extended relatives who could step into that maternal caregiver role if given the support to do so. These children didnt become separated from their mothers because of a lack of love, but like Makilene, they were women needing support. Yet orphanages continue to receive steady aid from well-intending donors, particularly U.S. Christians. With a proper understanding of the vital role a mother plays in a childs life, this could all change. When I had my first son, I remember the profound experience of bottomless love and the deep connection between myself and my child. As a woman working in child welfare, I began to reflect on my own experience as a mother in relation to children in residential care around the world. In the middle of the night, when I would rush down the hall to a shrieking newborn and feel him relax almost immediately upon being picked up, I would remember the children who werent picked up. Over time, many babies in residential care learn not to cry because it doesnt result in the caring embrace of a parent. In the same way, as I watched my toddler take those brave first steps out onto the playground, looking back at my face in a moment of fear to make sure he was safe, I would remember the children who cling to strangers coming into their orphanage because they were so starved for connection. Mothers play an essential role in healthy child development. A stable attachment between a mother or other caregiver and an infant will help set that child up for future success physically, mentally, and socially. Unfortunately, research has shown that growing up in an orphanage without the consistent care of a parental figure actually negatively impacts a childs brain development. Sometimes circumstances make a mother feel like she cant carry out that essential role like her only choice is to surrender her children to a residential care facility to ensure their basic needs are met. Its a misconception that children in orphanages do not have loving parents. More commonly, its factors outside of a familys control poverty, lack of access to education, disability that lead to children being placed in an orphanage. Therein lies the importance of strengthening families. By working to build up communities and families directly, mothers will no longer have to relinquish their children to secure resources for them they can reach their full potential in their most critical role. A global network of these family-strengthening organizations already exists, and I have the privilege of working alongside many of them. My sincere hope is to see that network grow. In countries all around the world, these defenders of family are connecting women with job opportunities, ensuring children have access to education, providing medical assistance to children with disabilities, and the list goes on. The impact is clear we can transform families and communities when we invest in women. Research shows empowering women and supporting children creates better outcomes for both. But if we want to see this impact multiply, supporters of vulnerable children worldwide must redirect their aid toward family-strengthening efforts. Its time we realize orphanages can never replace mothers. This Womens History Month, consider how you can support mothers and, in turn, care for orphaned and vulnerable children. Look for organizations that empower mothers to care well for their children in the way only they can. And pray for women who feel they arent nurturing their families and children as they should be the power of their love in a child's life cant be overemphasized. The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left a traumatised community where agencies such as Global Christian Relief is partnering with local churches to provide aid and hope. The result of the Nigerian presidential election has further imperilled Christians in that country. There was a global day of prayer for Burma Myanmar on 12 March. Islamic violence in Burkina Faso has resulted in more than a million internally displaced people who are struggling to survive.In Indonesia, Christian teachers are being thrown in prison. Turkey and Syria Relief efforts are critical. Since 28 February, St George Church has fed around 5,000 people per day. They have also distributed blankets, rations, water, tents, hygiene kits and much more with the help from supporters worldwide. These prayer points have been put together by churches: - The weather has been unseasonably cold and families need permanent shelters with heaters. - Tent camps are experiencing the spread of diseases pray that these will not spread and for healing of those affected. - Pray that the government would make every effort to help rebuild homes and treat survivors justly. - Pray for the collective trauma of the communities that God would indeed be an ever present help in time of trouble. - Relief efforts seem to be dwindling pray that supporters will not get weary of offering help. Nigeria has a Muslim president On Wednesday 1 March, Nigerias Independent National Electoral Commission announced that Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had won the presidential election with 37 percent of the vote. According to Nigerias constitution, a winning candidate does not need a majority of the vote to win. Tinubu ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket. The election had the lowest voter turnout in Nigerias history. This can be attributed to naira and petrol scarcities in the weeks leading to the poll. Also there were reports of violence and voter suppression in many parts of the country, as well as delays in actual voting. Maybe more people tried to vote than were able. Two other candidates Christian candidate Peter Obi (Labour) and Atiku Abubakar (PDP) will contest the results in court. Tensions are running high. Prayer is needed that any corruption, ballot box stealing and violence will be exposed in court. State governors and politicians will be elected later in March and we ask God for favour for Peter Obis party, since state governments are responsible for transport, education and health. Myanmar Myanmar Burma is today suffering a Christian crisis of monumental proportions. To crush all resistance, the military junta has resorted to a strategy known as the Three Alls. It is a military campaign to burn all, kill all, loot all. The expectation is that eventually the civilian populations will break, and pressure the resistance essentially to surrender and broker a deal with the junta. Over the last 6 months of 2022, 78% of the juntas attacks targeted civilians. Increasingly the military is resorting to bombing and strafing villages from the air. Millions are displaced without access to humanitarian aid. Across the country, churches have been bombed and mined, while senior Christian leaders have been arrested. In townships under martial law, gatherings of more than five are not permitted. Please pray. Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a secular state whose constitution guarantees that individuals can choose, practise or change their religion at will. In reality, a military coup in January pushed aside the president and Islamic militancy is being established. Christians are often caught in the crossfire between extremist groups. Jihadists have increased their forces and the intensity of their violent attacks by burning churches, abducting Christian women and children, raiding villages and targeting pastors. There are more than 1 million internally displaced people from Islamic violence. These believers are struggling to find shelter, food, clothing and medicine. The future of the church in Burkina Faso hinges on the power of God and the strength and resilience of believers who face unthinkable challenges. Please pray. Indonesia Christian apologists jailed In August 2021 Muhammad Kece former Muslim scholar, now Christian apologist was arrested in West Java and charged with blasphemy over his YouTube channel. He was subsequently sentenced to 10 years in jail (reduced to six years on appeal). On 6 November 2022 a young Christian YouTuber named Rudi Simamora was arrested in Medan, North Sumatra, and charged with blasphemy for his YouTube channel. He was sentence on 23 February to one year in jail. On 6 December 2022 police arrested Gratia Pello and charged him with blasphemy for his YouTube channel. Pello (40) a Coptic Orthodox theologian and apologist with an extensive knowledge of Biblical theology, Eastern Christianity, Arabic language and Islam taught at Nusantara Bible School in Malang, East Java. Nothing has been heard of Pello since his arrest. Hebrews chapter 13, verse 3 encourages us to Remember those who are in prison, as though in person with them, and those who are mistreated, since you are also in the body. Let us pray for these parts of the Body of Christ throughout the world Lord, have mercy. 6 killed in Tennessee Christian school shooting by trans-identified shooter with 'assault-type rifles' (CP) A female shooter opened fire on the campus of a Christian school in Tennessee on Monday morning, killing at least three children and three adults before being shot dead by police. The Covenant Presbyterian School of Nashville, a private school founded in 2001 by the Covenant Presbyterian Church, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America, was the target of the shooting. The shooter has been identified as Audrey Hale, 28, of Nashville, according to Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake. Hale was a former student at the school and self-identified as trans. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department held a press conference Monday afternoon, with spokesperson Don Aaron providing a "police overview" of the events. He said the "police response was swift." According to Aaron, authorities received the first call about the shooting at 10:13 a.m. local time. A team of five officers killed the shooter by 10:27 a.m., with two police officers opening fire on the shooter. Aaron said that the shooter was armed with "two assault-type rifles and a handgun." "Officers entered the first story of the school, began clearing it, they heard shots coming from the second level, they immediately went to the gunfire," Aaron reported. "When officers got to the second level, they saw a shooter a female who was firing. The officers engaged her. She was fatally shot by responding police officers." Aaron said authorities are investigating the shooter's identity and will examine the school's video footage to determine the sequence of events. "She entered the school through a side entrance and [made] her way from the first floor to the second floor, firing multiple shots," Aaron said. "We now know there are three students who are fatally wounded, as well as three adults inside the school. We are working to identify those victims. Including the shooter, a total of seven persons were killed." Shortly before the press conference, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee took to social media, saying he is "closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant." "As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community," Lee wrote, adding that "the Tennessee Department of Safety & Tennessee Highway Patrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene." Earlier in the morning, the Nashville Fire Department stated on Twitter that it was "responding to an active aggressor at 33 Burton Hills Blvd Covenant School." According to NFD spokesperson Kendra Loney, the Fire Department is always dispatched to possible mass shootings to provide medical support and other aid to those impacted by the mass shooting. "We can confirm we have multiple patients. Parents coming to the school should go to 20 Burton Hills at this time. this is an active scene," tweeted the NFD. The department also set up a reunification site to unite parents and their children when possible and also provided mental health professionals to assist those traumatized by the shooting. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also reportedly investigating. The Christian Post Artist to 'drench' St Paul's in blood in protest against Prince Harry's Taliban kill claim A Russian artist is planning to "drench" St Paul's Cathedral in a projection of blood donated by Afghan refugees. The blood will be used to fill a sculpture of the royal coat of arms that will then be projected by artist Andrei Molodkin onto the exterior of St Paul's. Molodkin said his art was a protest against Prince Harry's claims that he killed 25 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The artist told Sky News that he was "very, very angry" about the Duke of Sussex's controversial remarks, made in his bestselling memoir, Spare. "While in the heat and fog of combat, I didn't think of those 25 as people," the Duke wrote. "You can't kill people if you think of them as people. You can't really harm people if you think of them as people. They were chess pieces removed from the board, Bads taken away before they could kill Goods." Molodkin told Sky News, "They read they are just 'chess figures'... for some prince hunting by helicopter. "It looked like a safari situation. "How he told it, for him it's like a computer game." He said he also plans to project a video of Prince Harry onto the cathedral alongside the blood sculpture. Diversity takes precedence over religion? The case of Rev Dr Patrick Pullicino "Diversity takes precedence over religion." This is the rather remarkable statement made by an NHS Trust to Rev Dr Patrick Pullicino, a Catholic Chaplain and former professor of neurosciences. The Rev Dr acted as a Chaplain at the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. On 20 August 2019, Rev Pullicino was assigned to visit a male patient on one of the hospital's mental health wards. The two, at the patient's request, went for a walk outside and talked. During their 20-minute conversation, the patient told Rev Pullicino that he was in a same-sex relationship and that he wished to legally marry his partner. The patient asked Rev. Pullicino his opinion on the matter as a Catholic priest. At no point did Rev Pullicino condemn the patient or chastise him for his relationship. In fact, he expressed empathy and compassion because the patient's father was at odds with him over the relationship. Nevertheless, in accordance with Rev Pullicino's deeply held beliefs, and the very clear teaching of the Catholic Church, he could not affirm the man in his same-sex relationship or encourage him to get married. Complaint As a result of this conversation, the patient complained about Rev Pullicino to the Trust. The following day, Rev Pullicino was barred by another member of staff from entering the ward because of the complaint. Even after the patient was discharged, Rev Pullicino continued to be barred from visiting patients. He was told that the Trust might consider allowing him to return should he submit a formal written response admitting that his comments were against the Trust's values and behaviours, that he understood why his comments were wrong, and that he promised not to re-offend when approached about LGBT matters. The Trust repeatedly apologised to the patient and launched a formal investigation. In correspondence from the Acting Chief Executive of the Trust, Vanessa Ward, to the patient, the Trust vowed that Rev Pullicino's supervisor would make sure that the Rev Dr understood that Equality and Diversity takes precedence over his religious beliefs. In an email sent to Rev Pullicino by the Trust, he was also told that: "NHS policy on Equality and Diversity in relation to the complaint supersedes religious standing whilst working and representing the trust." Not all people are created equal? While it may be a tautology, it is self-evident that equality should mean that all people are equal in the eyes of the law. When Parliament adopted the Equality Act 2010, it did not create a hierarchy of rights. The Hansard record does not indicate any discussion that one protected characteristic should take precedence over another. In fact, had that been the intention of Parliament, then the statute could not rightly be called the Equality Act. Legislating to make one protected characteristic supersede another would actually make it the 'inequality' act. Nor does the NHS Trust seem to understand the meaning of the term 'diversity'. Briggs J, writing for the High Court in Smith v Trafford Housing Trust captured the meaning of diversity well when he wrote: "the encouragement of diversity in the recruitment of employees inevitably involves employing persons with widely different religious and political beliefs and views, some of which, however moderately expressed, may cause distress among the holders of deeply felt opposite views." Perhaps the strangest unintended consequence of the Trust's email to the patient was the implicit admission that the patient's desire to enter a same-sex marriage was contrary to Catholic teaching. By telling the patient that the Trust's staff should respond in a way which affirms the equality principle in question, rather then the religious position, suggests that the religious dogma should be ignored because it is incongruent with same-sex marriage. Convictions matter If the Trust's position is to be taken to its logical conclusion, the NHS believes that all members of staff, including chaplains, should disavow their deeply held religious beliefs or values and affirm anyone in behaviour that their conscience and convictions tells them is wrong. The problem with this position is that the NHS would then be void of any chaplains or medical personnel with any real convictions whatsoever, apart from those which affirm LGBT views. And this would ultimately hurt patients. In a 2009 study, nearly 90 per cent of people interviewed from across the ideological spectrum believed that choosing a healthcare professional with similar values as their own was important. This would logically be true of hospital clergy as well. The case law of the European Court of Human Rights speaks to this fact by noting that the personality of religious ministers is undoubtedly of importance to every member of that religious community. It would be paramount to many patients with sincerely held Christian beliefs that they receive pastoral care from a chaplain with integrity and who believes in the value of religious truth. In the Book of Revelations, the Church in Laodicea is criticised for being lukewarm, with the prophecy reading that Christ will spit them out for their lack of conviction. This is because beliefs and adherence to beliefs matters to God, as it does to countless believers. Catholic social teaching Rev Dr Pullicino is Catholic. The Catholic Church's official teaching on the issue of same-sex attraction is clear: "Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved." "Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." Several years ago, when Europe began legislating in favour of same-sex marriage, Pope Benedict wrote that same-sex marriage was a cultural revolution that is opposed to the whole tradition of humanity. He further called the large-scale adoption of same-sex marriage a distortion of conscience; one which could not be answered with some small moralism or exegetical reference alone. He believed the problem ran deeper and must be addressed in fundamental terms. Rev Pullicino's beliefs are consistent with this teaching, and his concerns about appeasing culture rather than adhering to Church teaching are in line with Pope Benedict's warnings about this issue. Conclusion Rev Pullicino's case is now before the Employment Tribunal. Legally, what is clear is that the Trust has failed to do any balancing test whatsoever between the Rev Dr's right to hold and express his religious views as a chaplain and the Trust's zealous adherence to equality (whatever the Trust believes that word to mean). This failure alone implies a breach of Rev Pullicino's legal rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. The deeper concern about this case, however, is the NHS's authoritarian, and frankly blindly fundamentalist adherence to some vague notion of equality which prizes sexual identity above the duty of a chaplain to do his job in accordance with the beliefs of his church. To be clear, to force employees, especially chaplains, to violate their consciences and affirm what they view as sin, would be the end of religious freedom in this country outside of the four walls of our churches. There is no more radical equality than Christian equality; the belief that we are all created in the image of God. Any equality built by man is nothing more than a Tower of Babel, an edifice that inspires division and confusion. Whatever the outcome of Rev Pullicino's case, he chose God. And for that he will receive a reward greater than any remedy the Employment Tribunal can afford him. Roger Kiska is a Legal Counsel with the Christian Legal Centre. Pro-life group's abortion up to birth fears after election of new SNP leader Humza Yousaf Pro-lifers are calling on new SNP leader Humza Yousaf to abandon his support for the decriminalisation of abortion in Scotland. Earlier this month, Yousaf said on Twitter that he planned to bring forward decriminalisation proposals in the current parliamentary term. Right to Life UK warned that the changes will permit abortion on demand for any reason up to the point of birth in Scotland, including sex-selective abortion. Under current law, abortion is a crime in Scotland but exemptions allow it to be available on request up to 24 weeks, with the approval of two doctors. Recent polling from Savanta ComRes found that only 1% of British women support abortion up to birth or extending the upper time limit beyond 24 weeks. In the same tweet, Yousaf also expressed his "unequivocal" support for Green MSP Gillian Mackay's bill to introduce abortion clinic buffer zones across Scotland. The buffer zones would criminalise prayer and offers of help to women outside abortion clinics. Right to Life UK said that the proposed decriminalisation of abortion "would leave Scotland with one of the most extreme abortion regimes in the world". Right To Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said: "Humza Yousaf has committed to a change to abortion law, proposed by radical pro-abortion campaigners, that would see the upper time limit completely abolished in Scotland. Abortion would be available on demand, for any reason, right through to birth. This means abortion throughout pregnancy." She continued, "Are the 13,758 lives lost to abortion in Scotland in 2021, the fourth highest on record, not enough for Humza Yousaf? It appears not. "Police Scotland recently confirmed to The Guardian that they had no recent cases of women being charged for procuring an abortion in Scotland. So it is disingenuous for politicians and campaign groups to claim that they are seeking this law change to stop prosecutions." She called on Mr Yousaf to commit to reducing abortion numbers. "What decriminalisation is really about here is making radical changes to abortion legislation that would allow abortion up to birth, a change in the law that polling shows the general public and women, in particular, are totally against," she said. "Humza Yousaf should be committing to bringing forward sensible new restrictions and increased support for women with unplanned pregnancies. "This would ensure we were working together as a society to reduce the tragic number of abortions that happen each year." Terrorists kill 27 Christians in Kaduna State, Nigeria Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists killed 27 Christians in two attacks this month in Kaduna state, Nigeria, local sources said. Both attacks took place in Zangon Kataf County, where 10 Christians were killed on March 14 in Langson village and 17 slain in Ungwan Wakili village on March 10, residents said. Residents of Langson said dozens more were wounded in the attack that began at 9pm. "I urge the government to match words with action by arresting the perpetrators since the government knows them and where they are," said Sam Achie, president of the area community development association. "I appeal to Nigeria government to as a matter of urgency deploy more security agents to Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in order to arrest the recurring attacks on innocent Christians whose lives and property are being destroyed for no justifiable reason." In Ungwan Wakili, residents said Muslim terrorists attacked the village and nearby Christian communities at about 9pm for about 40 minutes before retreating. "My family house in the village was attacked by the terrorists and armed herdsmen," resident Joshua Solomon told Morning Star News in a text message. "The house was burned down, and no one is left alive. They killed all my family members." Solomon identified 16 of those killed as Daniel Soji, Emmanuei Ibrahim, Jummai Gajere, Aaron Thomas, Rahila Sunday Ishaya, Blessing Zakaria, Felicia Zakaria, Gloria Zakaria, Gaji Tonak, Elizabeth Tokan, Peace Tokan, Favour Patrick, Peace Patrick, Chinwe Patrick, Ruth John and Emmanuel John. He also identified six Christians receiving hospital treatment for wounds received in the attack as Precious Timothy, Sunday Ishaya, Jessica Zakaria, Chison Ikechukwu, Patience Matthew and Jessica Tokan. Area resident Barnabas Tonak said his mother and an in-law with her two children were among those killed. "Our attackers were Muslim Fulani herdsmen who came along with terrorists to invade our community," Tonak said in a text message to Morning Star News. "In all, 17 Christians were killed during the attack. Five members of my family were among those killed, and another family member was injured. Aside from the killing of our people, these herdsmen have in the past deliberately destroyed our farms and crops." Christians from southern Kaduna who have fled to Europe condemned the attacks. "We are concerned with the recent killings in Ungwan Wakili and other villages that resulted in the loss of over 17 lives, with innocent citizens injured," Casimir Biriyok and Janet Nale, president and secretary respectively of the Southern Kaduna People in Diaspora (SOKAPDA), Europe, said in a statement. "These attacks are coming barely three months after the mass murder of 38 harmless Christian villagers in Malagum, Kamuru-Ikulu and Abun (Broni Prono) communities in southern Kaduna on Dec. 18, 2022." They said that they have heard no statement from authorities on the attacks, much less visits by officials to the survivors. "The governments of Nigeria and that of Kaduna state have shown little support to either the victims or issued a simple statement of condemnation of the killings," they said. Christians from southern Kaduna living in Europe find it difficult to comprehend how human lives seem to have little or no value in Nigeria in general and in Kaduna state, they said. "It is essential to hold those who have sworn to protect us to do the needful, for we in diaspora are frustrated that in the 21st century, technology like phone tracking, geo orbits satellite, drones and old-fashion spying, etc., have not been fully utilized," Biriyok and Nale said. "The peaceful Kaduna state that we once knew is no more, and we sincerely hope that somewhere within the political class, someone will take security of lives seriously, for it is absolutely too tragic that our state has become a killing field." Muhammad Jalije, spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, said in a statement only that, "I can confirm that there was an attack, and people were killed." Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. "Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery," the WWL report noted. "This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation... Nigeria's government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians' rights are carried out with impunity." Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a recent report. "They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity," the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians' lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. 2023 Morning Star News What does the election of Scotland's new Muslim First Minister mean for the Church in Scotland? Humza Yousaf will be the new first minister of Scotland. The 37-year-old Muslim was narrowly elected leader of the SNP and will be confirmed as first minister by the Scottish Parliament. Much will be made of him being the first Muslim leader of a government in the UK. But what does his election mean for Scotland - and for the church in Scotland? Are there lessons for the wider Church to learn? In terms of politics, the election was surprisingly close. The SNP establishment, 80 per cent of the payroll politicians, most of those on what Scottish journalist Kevin McKenna calls 'the gravy train', were all behind Yousaf. His main rival, Kate Forbes, was outed as an evangelical Christian early in the campaign, the press smelled blood, and the Twitterati went for her. But she stuck to her guns, and if the campaign had gone on longer (it was shortened by the party machine) would probably have won. As it is she got 47.9 per cent of the final vote, with Yousaf getting 52.1 per cent. What have we learned about Scotland? 1. The SNP is much weaker than previously thought. Going into the election it was presumed that it had a membership of between 100,000 to 125,000. As it turns out, the membership is only 72,000, of whom only 50,000 voted. 2. Independence is unlikely within the next decade. Forbes was widely recognised as the most competent candidate who would appeal to the voters that the SNP needs to win over. But the SNP voted for the least popular candidate with the public and the most incompetent. Although there will be lots of talk, the reality is that Westminster will refuse a new referendum and the SNP/Green alliance will not be able to get enough support to pressure the UK government. I suspect they know that. For them being 'progressive' is more important than achieving independence. 3. Scotland faces an economically, politically and socially testing time. Yousaf is generally regarded as having failed in his three ministries so far (transport, justice and health) something Forbes devastatingly pointed out during the campaign. 4. Yousaf will do well to survive. It may seem counter intuitive, but this result was really a humiliation for him. With all the apparatus of the SNP and Scottish government behind him, he still just scraped over the line. Only one third of the SNP membership actually voted for him. The exodus from the party is likely to continue. Yousaf is famous for his gaffes, for example tweeting his disgust over a video showing Rangers players using sectarian language (it was fake); or claiming that concerns about the state of Scotland's police buildings were 'hyperbole' just hours before the ceiling of the Broughty Ferry police station collapsed. Within weeks of becoming health secretary, he was forced to apologise for wrongly claiming that 10 children had been hospitalised because of Covid. Yousaf and his wife, an SNP councillor, recently dropped a 30,000 legal claim against a nursery owned by two Asian immigrants they had accused of discrimination. During the campaign he asked a group of Ukrainian refugee women "where are all the men?" He can read from the script; he can't write it. But what about the Church? Why should we be concerned? Not because Yousaf is a Muslim. Islam is his cultural religion; he ignores it when it goes against his real religion progressivism. No, we should be concerned because of his authoritarian tendencies, fuelled by his ideology and his sense of 'the right to rule' that comes from his privileged upbringing. When he was justice minister, he introduced one of the most authoritarian, Orwellian pieces of legislation ever passed by a Western democracy his hate crime bill, which was, and is, a real threat to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. It even criminalises people for private conversations they have in their own home. Little wonder that the former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars described it as being "one of the most pernicious and dangerous pieces of legislation ever produced by any government in modern times in any part of the United Kingdom". We should be concerned about the impact of Yousaf's policies on the poor (a failing economy and weakened health service always impact the poor the worst); women (his gender recognition bill is deeply unpopular in Scotland and will have a real adverse effect on women and children not least putting men in women's prisons; and children (the decline of the Scottish education system in a land once known for its literacy has been horrific as has the decline of the family). In addition to this, Yousaf has said he is in favour of decriminalising all abortions in effect allowing abortion on demand up to nine months for any reason including sex selective abortions. The evil of this is almost incomprehensible. But what will the Church do? Will it be a prophetic voice crying out in the progressive wilderness? Will we speak up for the voiceless and the powerless? The trouble is, that much of the Church is either dispirited or too embedded in the institutions that have been taken over by the collective psychosis that is now such a part of so many Western societies. The challenge for the Church is how to live in this world, to be in it and yet not of it. We have to face up to the fact that Kate Forbes was not elected because she is a Bible-believing Christian. She was by far the most competent, attractive and viable leader and she almost made it. But it was her Christianity that she was demonised for. The ABC in Australia even reported that she stood on "a platform of hard-line Christian values"! It's fascinating that we live in a country where we can have a Hindu prime minister, a Buddhist home secretary, a Muslim mayor of London and a Muslim first minister of Scotland and that is celebrated. But if any of these were evangelical Christians, I suspect there would be dire warnings of Far Right theocracies coming round the corner, such is the hatred of biblical Christianity by those who consider that they are the enlightened but still oppressed, progressives. But some may argue 'look at how close Forbes got!' Indeed. It could be that others will now see that their Christian faith is no barrier to political office. But I suspect that the main political parties (including the so-called 'conservative' ones) will ensure that no one like her gets near power again. This was too close a call for the progressive establishment. Yousaf during his campaign, in a thinly veiled threat, suggested that the SNP needed to vet candidates more closely so that those with 'unacceptable' views could not get elected. We are moving into a situation in many Western democracies where a small ruling elite will effectively veto anyone who does not share their 'values' from getting political, corporate, academic or media power. We are moving away from a liberal democracy based on Christian values to a soft authoritarianism based on the ruling elite's progressive ideology. So, what should the Church now do? Weep We can and should weep for our nation. "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 19:41-42). I weep for my beloved Scotland as it continues to head downhill. Warn Ezekiel 33 is a solemn and sobering chapter, but surely it is one that applies to us? "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood (Ezekiel 33:6-7)." "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so, hear the word I speak and give them warning from me (Ezekiel 3:17)." I've noticed this rather alarming tendency for churches to warn about what is going to happen after it has already happened. We need to lovingly and graciously point out what the consequences will be of rejecting Christ and God's law. Win I don't mean win elections. Kate Forbes was not standing as the Christian candidate and, unlike the progressives, we should not expect to impose Christianity by law. We need to win people for Christ. As the proverb puts it: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). While the Church is, and should be, rightly concerned about the state of the nation - economically, socially, morally - that is not our primary concern. Our primary concern and purpose is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, and to live it in such a way that many will be drawn to him. We are to be salt and light. We are to pray so that there would be peace and we would have the freedom to proclaim the Gospel. And we are to do so knowing that whatever happens, Jesus wins! David Robertson leads The ASK Project in Sydney, Australia. He blogs at The Wee Flea. Houston Dynamo vs Inter Miami tickets start at just $20 Kickoff for the Dynamo vs Inter Miami game is Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Taylor Swift last-minute ticket prices are falling If youve been waiting up until the last (last) minute to snag tickets, the time is now. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday. The charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act raises to 13 the number of charges Bankman-Fried faces after he was arrested in the Bahamas in December and brought to the United States soon afterward. The indictment was returned on Monday. The charge also contains language revealing that a fifth arrest was imminent in what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has repeatedly described as a continuing investigation. That unidentified individual, according to the indictment, participated in the bribery conspiracy with Bankman-Fried and will be arrested in the Southern District of New York." FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run on the global cryptocurrency exchange. He has remained free on a $250 million personal recognizance bond that lets him stay with his parents in Palo Alto, California. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors out of billions of dollars before his business collapsed. A spokesperson for Bankman-Fried's lawyers told The Associated Press Tuesday that they had no comment. An arraignment on the rewritten indictment was set for Thursday by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. He also on Tuesday banned Bankman-Fried from communicating with current or ex-employees of FTX or Alameda Research, its affiliated cryptocurrency hedge fund trading firm. The order also limits Bankman-Fried to one laptop and phone and bans him from encrypted communications or other cellphones, computers, or smart devices with internet access. The alleged bribes stemmed from the operation of Alameda Research. The indictment said Chinese law enforcement authorities in early 2021 froze certain Alameda cryptocurrency trading accounts containing about $1 billion in cryptocurrency on two of China's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Bankman-Fried, 31, understood that the accounts had been frozen by Chinese authorities as part of an ongoing probe of a particular Alameda trading counterparty, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried failed multiple attempts over several months to unfreeze the accounts through methods including using lawyers to lobby, Bankman-Fried ultimately agreed to direct a multimillion dollar bribe to try to unfreeze the accounts, the indictment said. Among failed attempts, the indictment said Bankman-Fried and others he directed opened new fraudulent accounts on the Chinese exchanges using personal identifying information of several individuals unaffiliated with FTX or Alameda to try to evade freeze orders and move cryptocurrency from frozen accounts to the fraudulent accounts. A portion of the bribe payment of cryptocurrency, then worth about $40 million, was moved from Alameda's main trading account to a private cryptocurrency wallet in November 2021 and the frozen accounts were unfrozen at about the same time, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried received confirmation that the accounts were unfrozen, he authorized the transfer of additional tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency to complete the bribe, according to the indictment. Among those already charged in the case is Carolyn Ellison, Alameda's former chief executive. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried, as have two former FTX executives who have pleaded guilty in cooperation deals with the government. Messages for comment were sent to the Chinese consulate in New York and the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. _____ AP Writer Jennifer Peltz contributed to this story. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) New Mexicos largest electric provider wants the states highest court to overturn a 2021 decision by regulators who rejected a proposal to transfer its shares in a coal-fired power plant to a Navajo energy company. The state Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case that could determine how long the Four Corners Power Plant will continue to operate. Providing power to customers in Arizona and New Mexico, it's one of a handful of remaining coal-fired plants in the Southwestern U.S. that are slated for closure over the next decade. Navajo Transitional Energy Co. had sought to take over Public Service Co. of New Mexicos shares, saying that preventing an early closure would help soften the economic blow to communities that have long relied on tax revenue and jobs tied to coal-fired generation. The arrangement was proposed as PNM looked for ways to remove coal from its portfolio. A condition of a multibillion-dollar merger with a subsidiary of global energy giant Iberdrola required the New Mexico utility to show that it was taking steps to do so. In rejecting the plan, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission said PNM had failed to specify how lost power would be replaced to ensure the lights would stay on for the utility's more than 500,000 customers. The concerns were amplified at the time since the utility already was warning about delayed solar and battery storage projects that were meant to replace the capacity lost with the closure of another major coal-fired power plant in the region. Jason Marks, an attorney for the Sierra Club, told the court Tuesday that the New Mexico utility had rushed to submit the application to abandon the Four Corners Power Plant because of the pending merger with Avangrid. If this was a normal case, they could have developed their replacement resource portfolios. There was more than enough time to do that but they came in with what they had on the shelf. They repackaged it and they came in with a case of hypotheticals," said Marks, a former commissioner. PNM attorney Rick Alvidrez argued that the Navajo energy company was the driver of the filing, not the merger. He asked the court to declare that the commission was wrong in dismissing the application since it had decided in an earlier case to approve the abandonment of the other power plant the San Juan Generating Station based on modeling and potential replacement power sources. PNMs abandonment request sought to recover $300 million it has invested in Four Corners using bonds that would be paid off by utility customers. While considering the application, commissioners had raised questions about what costs the utility should be allowed to recover and how much authority regulators have to determine whether those costs are prudent. PNM had argued the arrangement would benefit its customers as well as the Navajo Nation. The plant is located on tribal land between Shiprock and Farmington in northwestern New Mexico. The majority owner Arizona Public Service Co. hasn't indicated any plans to end operations before 2031 because doing so could undermine the reliability of that utilitys network. Marks told the court Tuesday that the purpose of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act passed in 2019 was to shift from coal to renewable resources and to forbid regulated utilities from using transactions to move coal plants off their books to an unregulated entity. This form of the abandonment was against public policy and that really needs to be considered, he said. It definitely goes head on into what the Legislature wanted with the ETA. In 1994, Rae Dunn took a ceramics class in San Francisco and figured out almost immediately that she loved everything about working with clay. In particular, she developed a fondness for stamping words onto her pottery pieces as a way to express herself. "I am a very quiet and super-shy person," says Dunn, now 60 and living in Berkeley. "I pretty much have always distilled what I had to say out loud down to using the least amount of words possible." She started inscribing plates, bowls, mugs and vases with verbs like "dream," "focus" and "begin" - monosyllabic aspirations for her own life. Nearly three decades later, that small act of self-expression has exploded into a major business with a cult following. "Dunn hunters" stalk the stores that sell Dunn's products, namely T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls, looking to amass as much as they can, sometimes to resell at a markup. Former employees of those chains have described fights breaking out over the pieces. Dunn finds it all a bit overwhelming and says she never anticipated this outcome when she agreed to license her art to a company called Magenta back in 2003. The products distributed by that corporation still feature words, often tied to their literal function. A bowl and plate set, for example, reads "soup" and "sandwich." Dishes proclaim "eat," "devour" and "taste." While the Rae Dunn craze is especially intense, the brand is just one part of a larger category of home decor whose popularity has persisted since the early 2000s. You know the stuff. We're talking about the "Gather" sign above your friend's dining table. The "Live, laugh, love" decal on your aunt's wall. The "Lake life" throw pillows at the Airbnb you rented last summer. Other fads have come and gone, but consumers can't seem to get enough of this one. Surely, no one needs a "Family" sign to know that they are, in fact, in the family room. So, the question is why? Kelly Ray, a Rae Dunn collector in Alabama, says the messages on some of her favorite pieces got her through hard days when she was dealing with fertility issues. She particularly likes items with religious sayings, such as "amen" or "grace." "Those things kind of helped me every morning when I made my coffee," says Ray, 34, who just had her second child. "I could look at it, and it was just encouraging." This type of merchandise, known in the retail industry as "word art" or "sentiments," has been around for so long now that it doesn't qualify as a trend, says Tom Mirabile, founder of Springboard Futures, a trend-forecasting company for retailers and manufacturers. It's "so much more than wall art or dish towels," he says. "It's usually a strong reflection of our culture." Not long after Dunn licensed her work to Magenta, American shoppers started gravitating toward decor with "sweet, saccharine" sayings - including the ubiquitous "Live, laugh, love" - Mirabile says. The motto's origins have been traced to a 1904 poem, but in more recent history, Mirabile estimates its popularity peaked around 2008, when millions lost jobs and homes because of the Great Recession. Google searches for "live laugh love" were at their highest between 2007 and 2012. "It started around the time when we needed to center ourselves on intangibles, on things that delivered value other than monetary value," Mirabile explains. As the recession waned, another cultural phenomenon arrived: The HGTV series "Fixer Upper" and its charismatic stars Joanna and Chip Gaines. The show's first season aired in 2013, quickly amassing mega ratings. Many of the houses Joanna designed featured pieces from her trusty, metal-sign designer Jimmy Don Holmes. Among them: "grow old along with me, the best is yet to be" for one homeowner's bathroom, and "I love you to the moon and back" over the mantel of a ranch home. Oftentimes, the pieces served as ways to personalize houses that had otherwise been completely gutted and decorated from scratch. Indeed, part of the reason this trend has endured, say retail-industry watchers, is because it's something of a shortcut for homeowners seeking to inject personality into their spaces. "It's about people . . . being like, 'yeah, this speaks to me,'" says Hannah Craggs, head of subscription and content at trend forecasting agency Trend Bible. Before "Fixer Upper," Holmes ballparks that his Valley Mills, Tex., studio produced two custom signs a day. Now he's up to about 10 a day, or 300 a month, on top of the mass-produced signs his team has made for Magnolia, the Gaineses' brand. "People like something cut out of metal because it won't change," says Holmes. "Three generations down, when you're getting rid of all great-grandpa and -grandma's stuff . . . that metal sign is going to look exactly the same, even if it rusted." The use of words and typography in the home has actually already endured for generations, says Cassandra Gagnon, an interiors analyst with consumer trend forecaster WGSN. Before millennial and Generation X women became Rae Dunn and Joanna Gaines obsessives, their grandmothers were framing crewel embroidery or needlepoint pieces with Bible verses and phrases like "bless this home." Thanks to internet culture and social media, the "flowery language" of older generations got ditched for "snappier points," Gagnon explains via email, noting that recent popular phrases have included "choose kindness" and "good vibes only." Such optimistic sentiments, she surmises, are likely a response to pandemic burnout. There's no doubt the internet has catalyzed the frenzy around Dunn's pottery. The artist herself attributes its popularity to platforms such as Instagram, where more than 1 million posts are tagged with #raedunn. On Facebook, thousands of collectors buy, sell and trade the pieces. Though Dunn finds the more unsavory behavior distressing (the fighting, the reselling), she says she also hears from fans on social media who say her work has changed their lives or helped them form friendships while collecting it. "It's about community," says Michele Martino, 49, of New Jersey, who owns about 300 Rae Dunn pieces. She acquired one of her first while decorating for Christmas in 2019 - a canister that says "reindeer snacks." Now she runs two Instagram pages for fellow Dunn enthusiasts, one dedicated to new releases and another sharing a Rae Dunn mug of the day. Though rare Rae Dunn pieces may go for several hundred dollars on the secondary market, word decor in general is inexpensive and widely accessible, which of course adds to its staying power. Stores like Target and Bed Bath & Beyond dedicate entire sections of their websites to wall art with "sentiments" or "typography." For under $30, shoppers can buy decor with such aspirational phrases as "work hard and be nice to people." As with many oversaturated markets, though, this one has spurred a backlash, especially among Gen Z. On TikTok, users post tours of their families' houses, reading the seemingly endless litany of phrases on decor throughout the rooms. Or, they head straight to the source, reading from the signs and other items for sale at stores such as Hobby Lobby. Karleigh Norris, a social media marketer in Decatur, Tex., experienced a brief moment of internet fame when she posted a video poking fun at "live, laugh, love" in August 2021. She was working an exhausting job for a repossessions company and recorded a TikTok of herself in a gas station parking lot, crying out: "How am I supposed to 'live, laugh, love' in these conditions?" The sound bite took off, used in videos posted by national brands such as Mattel. Amid the political and pandemic chaos of the past few years, treacly phrases don't seem authentic, says Norris, now 28. "I don't think we're in the business of faking it, as much as previous generations are." But even the backlash has turned into its own kind of word art. Norris sells stickers and T-shirts with the viral saying. For a while, comedian and artist Shawna Jarrett sold housewares mocking Rae Dunn under a brand she called "Stae Dumb." Offerings included a container inscribed with "Not weed." The actual Rae Dunn says her work is very different now than when she made it all by hand. She now works with an entire team at Magenta to decide which words go on each piece. The artist compares living through her brand's evolution to being at a party where you gradually have to talk louder to make yourself heard. "I don't even know if I should say this," Dunn says, laughing, "but I just feel like I've put so much product into the world. Me, personally, I want to get back to being more quiet." - - - Courtney Vinopal is a freelance journalist based in New York City. Sarah Nguyens exhibit Light that Dwells opened to a lovely reception from the community and art lovers at the Martha Fenstermaker Memorial Visual Arts Gallery on Thursday, March 23. Visitors were given the opportunity to experience the traditional Jewish paper cutting art form from a wonderful and talented artist. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Woodlands College Park senior Siddhu Pachipala swapped the typical high school spring break experience for a trip to Washington, D.C., placing ninth at the Regeneron Science Talent Search for his research into using artificial intelligence to gauge suicide risk. Pachipala won $50,000 for his research on March 14, which analyzed how patients used language in daily diary entries to determine suicide risk. On Saturday, his SuiSensor application placed first in the Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair in College Station, earning a berth in Regenerons International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas this May. Pachipala developed code based on two language properties semantics, or word choice, and syntax, or word order. His semantics model was over 98 percent accurate at assessing suicide risk and 86.75 percent accurate at treatment recommendations. While his syntax assessment was lower, at around 60 and 40 percent, respectively, its still higher than the current systems 5.5 percent accuracy, Pachipala said. On YourConroeNews: This Houston-area poet's nonprofit helps sick children express themselves through writing Pachipala said suicide risk identification and treatment has remained virtually unchanged since 1952. We're using the same assessments our grandparents used, and you see that with low accuracy and low performance in clinical settings, Pachipala said. So I just saw that and the contrast between this as a big issue, one thats more important than ever. Pachipala, 18, already is a veteran in data analysis. A current research intern for the University of Californias EdgeLab, Pachipala has been bridging the gap between hard-hitting data and hot button social issues since seventh grade. Previous work includes studying the factors behind political polarization, developing an ASL interpreter that accounts for ethnic dialects, and disaggregating surgery outcomes by race for the Baylor College of Medicine. Pachipala also has written editorials for Newsweek and is the CEO of advocacy group Embolden. Suicide rates are highest among teens and young adults, an issue Pachipala has been involved with since 2019. Pachipala said personal experience and the COVID pandemic inspired him to analyze suicide research. People were more stressed, more anxious and more depressed, and they did exactly what they thought they had to do, right? They went to therapy and got treatment after treatment after treatment, and it seemed that none of that would work for them, Pachipala said. A lot of them I think felt hopeless, that they were the problem, that they were unfixable. But when you look at that, simultaneously you see that suicide is highly preventable. After a two-year decline, suicide rates rose in the U.S. once more in 2021. Montgomery County officials have prioritized mental health, allocating $15 million of federal funding to mental health programs in November 2022. In March, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office formed a crisis intervention team in which officers will be accompanied by experts on mental health calls to de-escalate the situation and offer mental health interventions. On YourConroeNews: Montgomery County Sheriff's Office launches team to help on calls with mental health issues Last fall, a county-wide task force conducted a qualitative study to identify gaps in mental health services in Montgomery County. Judge Wayne Mack, NAMI Greater Houston President Brenda LaVar and other local advocates presented their findings at the Hope Rising Mental Health Conference in The Woodlands March 3. Magnolia-based mental health nonprofit Mosaics of Mercy also released the county's second phase with an online quantitative mental health database. The database can be used as a middleman between potential patients and providers in the county, filtering their search based on insurance and treatment needs in order to find appropriate mental health services. Mosaics of Mercy executive director Jamie Freels-Runey said the organization will also collect analytics from the database, providing concrete demographic data on what groups need the most support in the county. While personal anecdotes help identify an issue, Freels-Runey said data analysis, like Pachipalas research, can help advocate for new funding and policies. "How do you measure quality in mental health? It's not like (physical) medicine," Freels-Runey said. "Part of our problem has been, if someone throws a million dollars at something, they want to know what their return is on that investment, and that's not always easy to define...so if you have the numbers, they can tell a much different, more powerful story." Pachipala will attend MIT in the fall, where he hopes to continue to apply a sociological lens to science. "Over high school, I've really gotten the perspective that science is more like a method. It's how we can pick apart our biggest social issues," Pachipala said. "I'm also really interested in the civics and advocacy side of things because I think a lot of research might end at the point where I really think it should be continuing. After we find out something big, the way we really make a difference is to work past the symposium, past the technical papers and into our communities." Until then, Pachipala will continue to sing in his a cappella group, finish his senior year and head to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair May 14-19 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate School districts in the Houston region are set to hold job fairs in April as teachers decide to renew their contracts. As the country continues to struggle with a national teacher shortage, districts across the region have made efforts to stay competitive with staffing whether it's giving bonuses to current staff or creating an incentive program for teacher referrals and new hires. As of Monday, Houston ISD had 245 teacher openings, while Fort Bend had 194, Conroe ISD had 144 and Katy ISD had 200. On HoustonChronicle.com: As HISD faces state takeover, database shows schools in Texas that received failing rankings At the start of the 2022-23 school year, districts across the city struggled with filling more than 3,400 vacancies. This has left districts to think of creative ways to bring in new staff. Houston ISD awarded nearly $3.3 million in sign-in incentives for the current school year and $10.5 million to 3,432 teachers working in bilingual education and special education because those areas faced the most severe shortages. Katy ISD approved 5 percent pay raise this summer for all teachers, while Magnolia ISD approved in February to give staff and new hires a monthly stipend of a maximum earning of $8,000 as a means to retain and add staff. Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has also offered two $500 recruitment and retention stipends for full-time staff, one to be paid in the fall and spring semesters. Willis ISD staff are expected to receive a bonus in September between $1,500 to $2,500. For Conroe ISD, Human Resource Director Paula Green said vacancies in the current school year has posed a challenge. "We've constantly had vacancies since the start of school, running anywhere between 50 to 60 teachers that we're still trying to fill vacancies for," Green said. "And some of that is because of growth." Fort Bend ISD Strategic Communications Director Sherry Williams said while the district faces teacher vacancies, it still is actively looking to recruit other personnel like bus drivers. "Like other districts, we have been impacted by the nationwide shortage of bus drivers," Williams said via email. On HoustonChronicle.com: Can the TEA rescue HISD's failing special education department? Parents are mixed on support. Spring is ideal for districts to hold job fairs, as teachers have a one-year contract, said Jamie Bone, assistant director for Conroe ISD's human resource department. Teachers have 45 days before the fist day of class to leave their current contract, she said. While some area districts held job fairs in March, here are some holding career fairs in April: Conroe ISD Conroe ISD is hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 1 at Grand Oaks High School, 4800 Riley Fuzzel Road in Spring. The district has a total of 144 teacher openings. To register for the job fair, visit www.conroeisd.net/department/hr/cisd-job-fair/. Fort Bend ISD Fort Bend ISD will be hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 1 at Austin High School, 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr. in Sugar Land. The district, considered one of the largest in the Houston region, has a total 194 teacher openings. To register for the job fair, visit www.fortbendisd.com/careers. Pearland ISD Pearland ISD will be hosting a job fair from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. April 1 at Pearland High School, 3775 South Main Street. The district has a total of 48 teacher openings. While registering for the event isn't required, those looking for employment are encouraged to visit www.pearlandisd.org/employment and apply beforehand. For more information about the job fair, visit the district's website. Magnolia ISD Magnolia ISD will be hosting a job fair from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 3 at the Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488 in Magnolia. The district has a total of 70 teacher openings. To register for the job fair, visit www.magnoliaisd.org/careers. Cy-Fair ISD Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will be hosting a job fair from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. April 4 at the Berry Center of Northwest Houston, 8877 Barker Cypress Road in Cypress. The state's third largest system has a total of 130 teacher openings. To register for the job fair, visit www.cfisd.net/careerfair. Galena Park ISD Galena Park ISD will be hosting a job fair from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 15 at North Shore Senior High School, 353 Castlegory Drive in Houston. The district has a total of 14 teacher openings. For more information about the job fair, visit www.galenaparkisd.com. Willis ISD Willis ISD will be hosting a job fair from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 15 at the district's Career and Technology Education Center, 40 FM 830 in Willis. The district has a total of 80 teacher openings. To register for the job fair, visit www.willisisd.org. MONROE, N.C. - When Anderson Clayton walked into the member meeting of the Union County Democratic Party, her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face as she surveyed the packed room of people who had turned out on a recent weekday evening to meet their new state party chair. "I really did not expect to come into a room this full," Clayton said, prompting laughter from the crowd of more than 80 Democrats. "I get my energy from people, and I have got an overwhelming amount of it right now, to be honest." One month into her role as head of the North Carolina Democratic Party, the 25-year-old organizer is still getting used to the spotlight as the youngest state Democratic chair in the country. She's hoping to use her platform to highlight that it is people like her - young and from rural parts of the state - that Democrats need to draw out to help North Carolina flip blue. Clayton also knows that while being the first Gen Z member in her position has given her more exposure, it also means more pressure to prove, after disappointing results in recent election cycles, that Democrats can fare better in the Tar Heel State in 2024. She has a tough challenge: Democrats haven't won a presidential or U.S. Senate race there since 2008, when Barack Obama and Kay Hagan, then a state senator, carried North Carolina. Republicans are one seat short of a supermajority in the state legislature and have control of the Supreme Court. And if Democrats lose the governor's race next year, the GOP would have an opening to pass an abortion ban and sign it into law in one of the last states in the South with abortion access. "So many people across the state are fed up. I don't know about y'all, but I'm tired of losing," Clayton said, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. "I'm tired of Republicans coming in and threatening my rights. . . . We all should be so tired and angry." Here in Union County, which is about 45 minutes southeast of Charlotte and one of the state's top poultry producers, Clayton is met with the kinds of Democratic voters to whom she's hoping to provide a renewed sense of optimism: They live in a red county that hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1980. And many hail from rural parts of the county that think the party has ignored them. "We have all experienced a lot of disappointment and discouragement over the past few years and even longer than that," Lisa Walker, chair of the local party, said as she introduced Clayton. "And with her leadership - it's just a breath of fresh air. I feel like our batteries are being recharged." Clayton was elected chair in February. She said she decided to run for party chair in December after talking with county party chairs and young leaders across the state. She challenged the incumbent chair, 73-year-old Bobbie Richardson, who had been endorsed by Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and the rest of the state's Democratic establishment. The party's state executive committee voted 272 to 223 on a second-round ballot for Clayton over Richardson, a former state lawmaker who became the state party's first Black chair in 2021. Party leaders, including the governor, were quick to publicly unite around Clayton after her win. Richardson did not respond to a request for comment. During her campaign for the job, Clayton's message was simple: The state party needs a change in direction. Party leaders and activists have been frustrated over Democratic losses in recent cycles, including in the midterms, when the party lost the state Supreme Court and seats in the General Assembly. In 2022, turnout among Black voters, young voters and those in urban areas fell short of 2018 levels, and rural support continued to erode. Clayton said she ran for chair to challenge "the idea that demographic changes are going to be what saves the state of North Carolina and what flips us blue in the future. We can't wait to organize the state that exists 10 years from now. We've got to organize the state that we live in right now." Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University and formerly chief of staff to Rep. David E. Price (D-N.C.), said that for years political observers saw demographic shifts in the state - more voters of color in growing urban areas - as a sign the state was diversifying in a way that would make it reliably Democratic. But while it's clear that cities are becoming bluer, he said, rapidly growing areas along the coast and other areas where higher numbers of retirees are moving into the state are becoming redder. Republicans acknowledge that Clayton's election might energize Democrats, but they say the party's policies are out of touch with the state's voters and the GOP already has a strong ground game. Jonathan Felts, a veteran GOP operative in North Carolina, said Clayton's election was "probably a good thing for Democrats," given her background in organizing, but also a sign that the party's "standard-bearer Roy Cooper has no influence on the grass roots" because he endorsed Richardson. Going into 2024, he said, "it's a very clear reality that Republicans have all the advantages right now." "We've got a fired up grass roots, and we know how to organize them," Felts said. "Democrats, they have been ignoring grass roots for basically six years now." Since her election, Clayton has zigzagged across the state to meet with party leaders, precinct chairs, volunteers and voters. Her car has been in the shop for a few months because a part has been out of stock due to supply chain issues, so she has borrowed different people's cars and has recently been using her father's work truck. She has temporarily transformed her father's Reading truck, which she calls "Big Red," into a mobile office, stocked with everything she needs. There are a variety of blazers hanging on the passenger seat, the jacket on top a plaid printed one from Madewell. She keeps a makeup bag, hot-air hair brush and Ponds cream in there, quipping that if the cream is good enough for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), it is for her, too. Just hours before the Union County meeting, she sat in the truck and moved everything aside as she pulled her laptop out of her lavender Telfar bag, which matches her iPhone cover. She then spent an hour making calls to invite donors to fundraisers the state party is hosting in Washington at the end of March. Clayton grew up in Roxboro, a small town in Person County, which is along the state's northern border with Virginia. Her passion for politics and social issues was ignited as she saw the struggles of her diverse circle of friends in their hometown. "I grew up with a gay best friend in Roxboro," Clayton said in an interview. "I grew up with someone who was in an interracial relationship - and things that I felt like weren't really accepted there at that point in time." "I got told a lot growing up, 'You've got too big of ideas to be in Person County for the rest of your life, Anderson. You need to go somewhere else and do something different with it,'" she said. After attending Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., Clayton got involved in national politics - working as a field organizer for the presidential campaigns of Sens. Kamala D. Harris and Warren in Iowa and then working for Amy McGrath's Senate campaign in Kentucky ahead of the 2020 election. "One of the things that I think that I learned from being on national campaigns is that a lot of times the national party is not looking at rural places like they should be. They're not looking at places like Union County as a place of opportunity," she told the crowd here. "They're looking at it as a place of a problem. And for me, I got really frustrated with that. It was part of the thing that called me home." Clayton returned to North Carolina after the 2020 election and became chair of the Person County Democratic Party. During her tenure, Democrats flipped the Roxboro City Council and one state House seat. She said that she, a group of volunteers and local candidates knocked on every Democratic door in the city of about 8,000 residents to get out the vote. She still lives in Roxboro, making the one-hour commute to party headquarters in Raleigh. Clayton also works part time as a broadband analyst for a nonprofit organization focused on rural innovation. The party chair position comes with a salary, but she says it's not enough to get by, so she has continued to work at the nonprofit. Clayton acknowledges that a top challenge will be raising money. In the Union County meeting, she said it takes about $114,000 per month to fund the state party, "and that's just to keep the lights on" at the state party headquarters and keep staff employed. Her goal is to bring back a year-round organizing program, but that would essentially double the amount of money she needs to raise each month. She also acknowledged that the party can't turn around overnight. "This is not a two-year rebuild of our party," she said. "This is a 10-year rebuild of our state party because we're not just looking at 2024. We're looking at 2030." Democrats in the state emphasize that North Carolina has a track record of being a purple state even if the party has struggled to win federal elections. Democrats have held the governor's mansion for seven out of the last eight election cycles and the attorney general's office since 1975. The current attorney general, Josh Stein, has announced his campaign for governor next year. Clayton sees the attention she's gotten for being the youngest state party chair as a chance to draw fresh attention to North Carolina. She's received the numbers of several high-profile members of Congress to call them for advice. Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, congratulated her in a direct message via Twitter and they're planning a call to talk strategy. She's also heard from Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.), 40 - who during a recent chat over morning coffee gave her tips on how she should use TikTok - and Ken McCool, the 24-year-old mayor pro tem for the town of Matthews, a Charlotte suburb. The two of them brainstormed about getting more people their age to vote. Ruth Helms, 81, the last Democratic county commissioner in Union County in 1990, who came to see Clayton at the member meeting, said she was thrilled to see a young woman taking the leadership role. "When I walked in the door tonight, I was just floored with the amount of people here. It's like what we used to be years ago," Helms said. "It's just wonderful to see this energy and her optimism for the future." After the meeting, Clayton stuck around to chat with members. She took selfies with some and offered up her email to others, asking them to stay in touch and let her know of any local issues she should have on her radar. She was among the last to leave before making her three-hour drive back to Roxboro. BALTIMORE (AP) Baltimore leaders announced criminal indictments Tuesday against 33 people accused of operating a violent drug trafficking organization, saying the prosecution illustrates the continued success of an anti-violence program launched last year in one of Americas most violent cities. Baltimores Group Violence Reduction Strategy uses an individualized focused deterrence approach to target potential shooters and victims, offering them services and support where possible, in lieu of law enforcement action. But officials said some people, like the 33 defendants facing indictment, are a serious risk to public safety. Nineteen of those indicted have already been arrested, according to a news release from the state attorney general's office. The others were still being sought Tuesday. They said the arrests should serve as a warning to other people contributing to Baltimores high homicide rate. Dont let this be you, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the indictments. We want you to change your life. We want you to stay alive. We dont want you to go to jail. But if you choose to do this, thats whats going to happen to you. Scott, who has made gun violence a key priority of his administration after years of surging homicides, touted promising results from a pilot program of the anti-violence strategy that was implemented last year in the police departments Western District. The district experienced a 38% reduction in shootings and homicides in 2022. The program has since expanded into the neighboring Southwest District with plans to expand further in the coming months. This strategy works and it works for a reason, Scott said. Other cities have seen success with similar programs, though experts warn the effects are sometimes short-lived. Baltimore has tried twice before to implement a focused deterrence program, but past efforts never made it fully off the ground. Homicides citywide have been trending downward in recent months, resulting in a roughly 25% reduction compared to this time last year, according to police department data. Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said the department is committed to dismantling open-air drug markets in hopes of addressing both gun violence and overdose deaths. As our city and state continue to grapple with overdose deaths and addiction, we must dismantle these organizations that destroy our neighborhoods and damage our quality of life through drug distribution, he said. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, whose office will prosecute the 33 defendants, said investigators used undercover drug purchases, video surveillance and wiretaps to build their case. He said they seized a large quantity of fentanyl and cocaine. The investigation stemmed from a 2022 nonfatal shooting involving two of the defendants, Brown said. Tuesdays announcement marked the second such large-scale law enforcement action under the anti-violence strategy. Officials announced a series of gun and drug arrests in August after the program received criticism from some Baltimore City Council members complaining about its slow rollout amid surging violence. Election Day shortages of the paper needed to run voting machinery caused significant problems in a northeastern Pennsylvania county in November, but the extent of the problem or what caused it are still unclear, witnesses told a congressional committee Tuesday. The three-hour hearing of the U.S. House Administration Committee into events in Luzerne County on Nov. 8 brought outrage from members of both parties about the problems that contributed to a delay in reporting results from the country's largest swing state. The fact-finding, billed by the Republican majority as a look into government voter suppression in Luzerne, included anecdotal reports of problems voting in a county where a judge agreed to order polls to remain open for two extra hours, until 10 p.m., to accommodate those who may have been unable to cast ballots earlier in the day. This is catastrophic, in my view, said U.S. Rep. Joseph Morelle of New York, the committee's ranking Democrat. This is a complete breakdown. Elections officials rushed to stores in an effort to get paper for voter-created emergency ballots, said committee Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil, a Wisconsin Republican, calling it "unbelievable in American elections today. To date, no official action has been taken in Luzerne County," Steil said. No report from the district attorney. No report from the secretary of state. No report from the Luzerne County Board of Elections. There must be accountability. The hearing did not include the Luzerne County officials who oversee and run elections, as they apparently received legal advice not to participate while Luzerne District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce investigates what happened. The Pennsylvania Department of State also declined to testify, telling Steil in a March 22 letter that the statewide elections agency did not want to interfere in or compromise the results of Sanguedolce's investigation. Though the Department offers guidance and assistance to counties on election administration issues, the Department of State, with very few exceptions, unrelated to the issues here, has limited authority under Pennsylvania's Election Code to dictate how counties run their elections, wrote Jonathan Marks, Pennsylvania's deputy secretary for elections and commissions. Sanguedolce, who watched the hearing, declined to comment afterward on his investigation or when he might disclose its findings. Sanguedolce said he wouldn't narrow it to a criminal investigation, noting his office has jurisdiction to look into anything involving voter irregularity. If everyone in that hearing operates from the assumption that the facts set forward are true, then everyone should be concerned, Sanguedolce said. But I'm not sure you should assume the facts are true. The hearing included claims that paper shortages were widespread, questions about the procedures used to cast emergency or provisional ballots, and reports some voters were unable to cast ballots at all. There was also testimony about employee turnover problems within Luzerne's elections office. We don't have the answers that we need, said Jim Bognet, a Republican who lost by less than three percentage points in a challenge to Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright in November. That's why we're so happy you guys are looking into it. Luzerne, formerly a reliable Democratic majority county, has become much more Republican in recent years, although Democrat Josh Shapiro won the county by barely one percentage point in the November governor's race. In recent presidential contests, Donald Trump easily beat Hilary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020 in Luzerne. LOS ANGELES (AP) A former Southern California man who convinced troubled girls as young as 12 to perform masochistic acts and urged one to become his sex slave was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years in federal prison. Matthew Christian Locher was "a parent's worst nightmare," U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee said during his sentencing in Los Angeles, the U.S. attorney's office said in a statement. Locher pleaded guilty last August to one count of sexual exploitation of a child for the purpose of producing a sexually explicit visual depiction. In his plea agreement, prosecutors said Locher, 32, acknowledged that while living in Redondo Beach in 2020 and 2021, Locher got into online conversations targeting girls suffering from mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia, anorexia and suicidal thoughts. Locher groomed his victims to engage in self-mutilation and instructed a victim struggling with an eating disorder to starve herself, ordering her to film herself cutting her body when she disobeyed him, the U.S. attorneys office statement said. Two girls sent him images and videos of self-harm that included cutting their breasts with razor blades, prosecutors said. He convinced a third victim, who was 12, to run away from her Ohio home and attempt to reach California to have sex with him, prosecutors alleged. Encouraged by Locher, the girl first set fire to her home in a failed bid to kill her parents, prosecutors alleged. Locher had promised he would pick her up, bring her to California, and make her his slave, the U.S. attorneys office said. Locher moved to Indiana in 2021 after authorities searched his home. He was arrested in January 2022 in Indianapolis and sent back to California. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a U.S. Army sergeant charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an armed protester in Texas in 2020 during nationwide protests against police violence and racial injustice. Sgt. Daniel Perry was working for a ride-sharing company in July 2020 when he turned onto a street and into a large crowd of demonstrators in downtown Austin. Perrys attorneys said he acted in self defense when he shot and killed Garrett Foster, 28, after protestors banged on his car. Foster pointed a weapon at Perry, the sergeant's attorneys say, and Perry fired from inside his vehicle. Perry, who was stationed at Fort Hood, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Austin, was indicted in Foster's death on charges of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct, a misdemeanor, in 2021. The trial comes after attempts from Perrys team to throw out the case over the past year. Clint Broden, who represents Perry, confirmed that jury selection began but did not comment further on the case. In video that was streamed live on Facebook, a car can be heard honking before several shots ring out and protesters begin screaming and scattering. Police can then be seen tending to someone lying in the street. When Foster was killed, demonstrators in Austin and beyond had been marching in the streets for weeks following the police killing of George Floyd. Floyd died May 25, 2020, after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against the Black mans neck for more than nine minutes. Floyd, who was handcuffed, repeatedly said he couldnt breathe. Floyd's killing was recorded on video by a bystander and sparked worldwide protests as part of a broader reckoning over racial injustice. "Post Reports" is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you've come to expect from the newsroom of The Post - for your ears. - - - In this episode: For months, Israelis have rallied against the country's right-wing government as it tries to force a drastic overhaul of the Supreme Court. But protests intensified when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, after Gallant criticized Netanyahu's judiciary reform. The country was at a standstill as Israeli universities, workers' unions, hospitals, malls and Israel's national air carrier, El Al, announced a general strike and the international airport terminated outgoing flights indefinitely. And it seems the protests had an effect. On Monday, after a long day of protests, Netanyahu announced a delay to the judicial reform proposal. The Washington Post's Steve Hendrix in Jerusalem walks us through what happened, what this means for Israel and what might come. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) Scientists are naming a rare species of beetle in honor of former California Gov. Jerry Brown after finding one at his ranch. Bembidion brownorum was last seen in 1966, but it hadn't been named or described until one was collected near a creek on Brown's ranch in Colusa County, about an hour's drive northwest of Sacramento, the University of California, Berkeley announced Monday. The beetle is brown and tiny at about 5 millimeters (0.20 inch) long, although that is still larger than other Bembidion beetles. Under magnification it glows with a green and gold metallic shimmer, according to UC Berkeley. Brown, who left office in 2019, lives in California's inner coastal mountain range on land that has been in his family since the 1860s. He has offered his property as a meeting space for the California Native Plant Society, entomologist, and forestry and fire experts. UC Berkeley entomologist Kipling Will has been sampling insects at the 2,500-acre (1,012-hectare) ranch for more than two years. On July 1, 2021, he found an unfamiliar beetle and called up an expert, David Maddison at Oregon State University, to help identify it, UC Berkeley said. They determined that it was a species that hadn't been previously named or described. Will later found 21 specimens in museums throughout California, although they may have been unlabeled or misidentified, UC Berkeley said. The species probably was rarely spotted because it probably has been rapidly declining as its habitat is destroyed by urbanization and agricultural development, Will said. The beetle was named in honor of Brown and his wife, Anne Brown. Im very glad that (my ranch) is advancing science in some interesting and important ways, Brown said in the UC Berkeley statement. There are so many undiscovered species, he said. I think its very important that we catalog and discover what we have and understand their impact on the environment how its functioning and how its changing. Will and Maddison described the beetle in a study published Monday in the journal ZooKeys. John S. Sproul of the University of Nebraska Omaha is a co-author. As of the moment of publication this morning the species was formally named, Will said through UC Berkeley in answer to a question by The Associated Press. "If the question is about a ceremony of some sort, no we dont do that. Days after being ousted as the main concessionaire at Houston's Hobby Airport during a contentious and controversial bidding process, Pappas Restaurants has filed a formal protest with the city alleging that City Council violated local and state laws over the course of a convoluted procurement process that spanned nearly four years and several rounds of bidding. Locally-owned Pappas, operating as 4 Families, has managed concession operations at the airport since 2002, when they won the first of two 10-year contracts with the city. On March 8, after delaying the vote for several weeks, City Council finally decided to award a new contract to Areas USA, a company based in Spain with an offshoot in Miami, Florida (and now, Houston). While the new contract will mean the end of Pappas-brand restaurants in the airport, Areas intends to bring local brands like Galveston hangout The Spot, Spindletap Brewery, and Killen's Barbecue to the transportation hub. The deal is worth $470 million and is expected to bring "a significantly higher rate of return" than Pappas' proposal, according to the Mayor's Office of Communications. During debate ahead of the vote, Turner said the deal constitutes a difference of $20 million in revenue for the city over the next 10 years. The process of awarding the contract, which first began in 2019, was unusually drawn out, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But representatives of 4 Families, including Pappas Restaurants CEO Chris Pappas, have also pointed to a cryptic process that was at one point shelved by Council for being too close to call. "The City violated its own policies throughout the entirety of the Hobby Airport procurement process, and we intend to continue to investigate and hold them accountable," Chris Pappas said in a statement Tuesday. "In addition to filing a protest, we have requested a post-award debriefing, which is permitted by the City of Houston's most recent Procurement Manual. We have not received a response from the Procurement Department to either the debriefing request or our protest." In a statement provided to Chron, Jedediah Greenfield, Houston's chief procurement officer, said "The City of Houston has received the protest and request for debrief. We are working expeditiously on our review and response to the protest. Once we complete our review and response, we will reach out to schedule the requested debrief as per our standard process." The city's procurement office has 30 days to investigate and respond to the protest. Among nearly a dozen issues laid in the formal protest, 4 Families alleges: Some members of the evaluation committee lacked the relevant experience to serve on the committee The City applied unstated evaluation criteria The evaluation committee improperly failed to identify 4 Families local participation as a strength The City improperly failed to apply the Hire Houston First Ordinance 4 Families wasn't the only group who saw issues with the city's procurement process. During debate on the vote on March 7 and 8th, several members of council expressed frustration with the city's procurement manual, including a lack of guidelines on how to proceed if a two bids are too close to decide, along with what constitutes "too close." Council member Robert Gallegos, who represents the district in which Hobby Airport is located, said that the restaurants within Hobby constitute a $5.8 billion dollar benefit, and that while Pappas' success has been proven over the past two decades, Areas has not. "This procurement process has holes in it," he said. "Do you rally want to risk that?" As for 4 Families, Pappas has said the company is exploring all of it's legal options. "We will continue to fight for a just process, and we will continue to pursue all legal actions available. Texas just got a lot closer to outlawing drag performances across the state. A Texas Senate committee voted on Monday in favor of two bills that would effectively make performing drag or hosting drag performances criminal offenses in the Lone Star State, according to The Dallas Morning News' Lauren McGaughy. The vote follows a contentious hearing on the bills before Texas senators last week, clips from which went viral on TikTok after a physical confrontation between activists and Senate officials ensued during public comment. On Monday, the Texas Committee on State Affairs voted 6-2 to pass Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 1601. The bills are now up for debate before the full Texas Senate. SB 12 would make it illegal for men presenting as women or vice versa to perform in public spaces or in front of minors if the performance "appeals to the prurient interest in sex." If passed into law, SB 12 would allow authorities to charge alleged violators with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a year in jail, a $4,000 fine or both. SB 1601 would prevent libraries that host drag story hours from receiving public money. The libraries' performers do not have to appeal to the so-called "prurient interest in sex" for the library to be punished for hosting them in this case. During committee debate last week, public testimony against the bill outweighed supporters by a five-to-one margin. Dramatic footage of activists denouncing the bills immediately went viral on TikTok; one clip has amassed 1.1 million likes, nearly 8,000 comments and more than 6,000 shares since it was posted on Friday. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer San Antonio U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro posted a photo with his kids to share an update on his recovery one month after he underwent surgery to remove cancer. Castro shared the photo to Instagram on Monday night, March 27, saying that he has been recovering from his February 27 surgery at home in San Antonio with his family. "I still have a ways to go but Im getting there," Castro writes. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) The state of Arkansas sued TikTok and Facebook parent Meta on Tuesday, claiming the social media companies were misleading consumers about the safety of children on their platforms and protections of users' private data. The state filed two lawsuits against TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance and a third lawsuit against Meta, which also owns Instagram, accusing the companies of violating the state's deceptive trade practices act. TikTok is a wolf in sheep's clothing, one of the lawsuits, filed in state court, said. As long as TikTok is permitted to deceive and mislead Arkansas consumers about the risks to their data, those consumers and their privacy are easy prey. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin, both Republicans, announced the lawsuit as TikTok faces growing questions about the safety of its users' data. Both the FBI and officials at the Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance could share TikTok user data with China's authoritarian government. One of Sanders' first moves after she was sworn in as Arkansas' governor in January was to sign an executive order banning TikTok from state devices. One of the lawsuits claims that TikTok isn't taking proper steps to protect minors who use the platform from inappropriate content, including sexual content and material depicting drug or alcohol use. TikTok did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment Tuesday. We have watched over the past decade as one social media company after another has exploited our kids for profit and escaped government oversight, Sanders said in a statement released by her office. "My administration will not tolerate that failed status quo. The lawsuit against Meta accuses the company of manipulating Facebook to maximize the amount of time that young people spend on the platform, which it says has helped fuel mental health problems among the state's youth. Meta on Tuesday outlined steps it has taken to protect teens on its platforms, including age- verification technology and technology that finds and removes content related to suicide, self-injury or eating disorders. These are complex issues, but we will continue working with parents, experts and regulators such as the state attorneys general to develop new tools, features and policies that meet the needs of teens and their families, Antigone Davis, Meta's head of safety, said in a statement. Indiana last year filed a similar lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the video-sharing platform misleads its users, particularly children, about the level of inappropriate content and security of consumer information. Seattle's public school district in January also sued the tech giants behind TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat, seeking to hold them accountable for the mental health crisis among youth. Sanders is also backing a bill advancing in the Arkansas Legislature that would require parental permission for anyone under 18 to use a social media site. The proposal, which a Senate panel endorsed on Tuesday, would require social media sites to verify a user's age. Utah last week became the first state to enact such a requirement, though experts have questioned how such rules can be enforced and whether they could create unintended consequences. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NANJING, China (AP) Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou began a 12-day tour of China with a symbolism-laden visit to the mausoleum where a founding figure revered in both China and Taiwan is entombed. Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, the capital when Ma's Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang) ruled China in the early part of the 20th century. The party claimed to be the legitimate ruler of China for decades and is seen as more sympathetic to integration or unification with the mainland than the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. There, he paid tribute to Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China and the Nationalist Party, giving a short speech and then bowing in front of the memorial. The people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation, are children of Yandi and the Yellow Emperor, he told a group of Chinese and Taiwanese reporters who had been allowed to follow him on the trip, referring to mythical emperors revered as founders of Chinas dominant Han ethnicity. Ma's tour of China comes as tensions between Taiwan and China rise, aggravated by an antagonistic U.S.-China relationship. Taiwan, where the Kuomingtang retreated after losing the civil war in China, is today a self-governed democracy and the U.S. is its largest unofficial ally. China, however claims the island as its own. Ma's tour comes a few days after Taiwan lost yet another diplomatic ally to China, which has spent the past seven years pressuring countries to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. He has framed the trip as an effort to lower tensions by promoting exchanges, bringing Taiwanese college students with him on the visit, and has said he hopes that his trip could help lower tensions. Observers expect the visit to be more symbolic than substantive. Both sides must pursue peace, otherwise, neither will have a future, he said. Ma praised Sun, who advocated for a modern Chinese nation and the overthrow of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. It was Sun who founded the Republic of China in 1912, and ruled over the mainland, very briefly. After the retreat to Taiwan, the Kuomingtang continued to call their nation the Republic of China. Meanwhile, the Communist Party took over the mainland in 1949, and renamed the country the Peoples Republic of China. Outside the mausoleum, a crowd of curious onlookers and tourists gathered in the morning to see if they could catch a glimpse of the former President. Most of the regular tourists expecting to be able to see the mausoleum and the surrounding park found themselves blocked from entering, though a lucky few who had reserved in advance were allowed to enter the site. Even though there are some difficulties on the official front, as long as there are benefits to the public and you can build a good foundation, then this will be good for the unification of both sides, said Chen Shao'an, who had come to the mausoleum to see Ma. Ma is also visiting the China Modern History Museum, which is the site of the old Presidential Palace in Nanjing. - Wu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Olivia Zhang in Nanjing contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of Taiwan's ruling party is the Democratic Progressive Party, not the Democratic Peoples Party. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS (AP) Frances highest court ruled Tuesday against extraditing 10 former far-left militants who were convicted of attacks in Italy carried out in the 1970s and 1980s. The two women and eight men fled Italy after their convictions and before they could be sent to prison. Now ranging in age from 62 to 79, they have lived freely in France for decades. The crimes of which they were convicted include the killing of a Carabinieri paramilitary general and the kidnapping of a judge, both in 1980. A Paris court also had ruled against their extraditions, and the decision was appealed last year. But Tuesdays decision by the Court of Cassation is the final French legal ruling on the decades-long affair. Italys justice minister, Carlo Nordio, said Italy had done everything in its power to remove the political obstacles that had guided the French policy allowing the militants to live freely in France, and took note of the courts final decision. In a statement carried by LaPresse news agency, Nordio praised the efforts of his French counterpart, Eric Dupond-Moretti, for having responded to Italys requests for justice. Resistance by French authorities to incarcerating the Italians has long been a thorny issue between Paris and Rome. Over the years, Italy has sought the extradition of around 200 convicted former militants believed to be in France. Under a 1980s policy known as the Mitterrand doctrine, named after Socialist then-President Francois Mitterrand, France refused to extradite Italian far-left activists unless there was evidence that they committed crimes of blood. Italian officials have challenged that criteria as too vague and said the doctrine was based on the false notion that Italy respects democratic freedoms less than France. Most of the 10 people who were the subject of the extradition requests the Court of Cassation rejected were dramatically arrested at their homes in France in April, 2021, a development Italy hailed as historic. They were held in French judicial supervision since then. Some of them were linked with the Red Brigades group, which during the 1970s and 1980s carried out killings kidnappings and kneecappings, in which targets were shot in the legs. The court also refused to extradite Ciorgio Petrostefani, a militant from the far-left group Lotta Continua, which in English means The Struggle Continues. He was convicted of the 1972 slaying of Milan Police Chief Luigi Calabresi and sentenced to 22 years in prison. The police chief was shot three times from behind while he walked to his car. His slaying was one of the more notorious crimes during the so-called Years of Lead, the period when acts of terrorism committed by the extreme right and the extreme left bloodied Italy. Before his death, Calabresi had led the interrogation of Giuseppe Pinelli, a suspected anarchist, about the 1969 bombing of a Milan bank that killed 17 people. Pinelli fell to his death from the 4th floor of police headquarters, an event that inspired a play and a movie. Another Italian whom the court cleared to remain in France was a former member of the Armed Cells Against Territorial Power who was convicted of the 1979 killing of a Carabinieri police officer. Adriano Sabbadin, whose father a butcher was killed in 1997, said he was disgusted by the French courts decision. Let the judges tell us: who are the guilty ones? They have dead people on their consciences, the ANSA news agency quoted him as saying. The Italian justice minister Nordio, a former prosecutor, offered his thoughts to the families of the victims of that bloody season, who waited for years along with the entire country for a response from the French judiciary. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SOL NASCENTE, Brazil (AP) The buzzing main avenue of this poor Brazilian neighborhood is filled with people popping off buses after work or grabbing a bite. Teens attend an open-air rap battle and gymnastics class. Hymns and prayers from tiny church services spill into the night. Its an ordinary Wednesday in Brazils biggest favela, or low-income neighborhood. And for the first time since poverty, lack of opportunity and economic inequality caused favelas to mushroom across many of the nations cities, that superlative doesnt belong to a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Sol Nascente (Rising Sun, in English) is just 21 miles (34 kilometers) from capital Brasilia in the Federal District, whose GDP per capita is by far higher than any Brazilian state, underscoring the inequality between affluent public servants' neighborhoods and the districts outskirts. The number of households in Sol Nascente has swelled 31% since 2010 to more than 32,000, surpassing Rio's hillside Rocinha favela that had been Brazils most populous, according to preliminary data from the ongoing census. Rocinha has almost 31,000 households, the data show. Along Sol Nascentes unpaved dirt roads of self-built homes and inside the main strips busy stores and restaurants, no one The Associated Press spoke welcomed the new ranking, We still need lots of things, like basic sanitation and infrastructure, but people nowadays have better conditions. Some even have a car, said street vendor Francisca Celia, 43. Celia added that, despite its challenges, Sol Nascente isnt nearly as disorganized nor dangerous as the favelas she saw when visiting Rio three years ago. Plus, available plots of land are much bigger. Its a paradise here, she said. The growth of Sol Nascentes population reflects new arrivals searching for cheap or unoccupied land to build homes, whereas elsewhere in the Federal District poor people often pay relatively high rents. It also mirrors the surge of people living in working-class neighborhoods nationwide, driven by a generalized housing crisis caused by deep recession and higher rent prices, the effects of which were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Marcelo Neri, an economist and social researcher at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university and think tank. The number of people living in areas the national statistics institute classifies as subnormal agglomerates jumped 40% to 16 million people since the 2010 census, according to the institutes preliminary data, reviewed by the AP. Brazil's population as a whole grew less than 9% in that period. Subnormal agglomerates include not just favelas, but also other terms used in Brazil to describe urban areas with irregular occupation and deficient public services. Residents of Sol Nascente acknowledge that it once was a favela, but told the AP that many areas of the community have outgrown that term. The statistics institute ceases to consider communities subnormal agglomerates once most residents gain legal title to their properties or all essential services are available, according to the institutes geography coordinator, Cayo Franco. Favelas grow as settlers move onto unoccupied public and private land, whether on steep hillsides or flatland, like Sol Nascente. Sol Nascente still has poor public transport and unpaved, impassable roads, which flood frequently during the months of summer rains. Only some residents have obtained legal title, and services aren't universally accessible. I pay electricity, water, taxes, but theres no sewage nor asphalt here in front, said Debora Alencar, 39, who moved to Sol Nascente 15 years ago after finding the opportunity to buy land and build a house. This is where I gained dignity, she added. Alencar runs a collective that receives food, clothing and school materials for the needy. It also provides vocational training for manicurists and make-up artists, as well as dance and theater classes. She has also been a community representative since 2019, negotiating with the Federal Districts government for investments. She said she has secured some improvements, but not enough. A common characteristic among favelas is that the stigma lingers even after residents obtain titles and services, according to Theresa Williamson, executive director of non-profit Catalytic Communities, a Rio-based non-profit that studies favelas. That sentiment is familiar to Nayara Miguel, a housewife with two kids in a tidy area of Sol Nascente that now has electricity and water, and where the local government recently paved streets and installed public lighting. The federal governments cities ministry has earmarked funds for a housing project there. For me, this isnt a favela; its a city, said Miguel, 30. Of course, its lacking a lot: I couldnt get a spot in daycare for my daughter, so I cant work; we can get to the hospital, but theres no doctor there to attend to us. Neighboring areas still feature shacks. Bruno Ferreira and his wife have been carving out a life in a destitute area of Sol Nascente for the last seven years. They found a place where, with their own hands, they could build a one-bedroom home to call their own and escape the rent trap. Ferreira, 39, works odd jobs and his wife has a formal, full-time job at a lunch counter. They are raising five children, with a sixth on the way, and saving to put in tile atop their homes earthen floor. Neither desires to leave. Its very good here, he said. Its just lacking infrastructure to be beautiful and legal. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALAUSI, Ecuador (AP) Rescuers on Tuesday pulled the body of a 6-year-old girl from the rubble of a house buried by a big landslide in central Ecuador, raising the confirmed death toll to eight while the search continued for more than 60 people still missing. The girls body was the first to be found in about 40 hours of searching after the initial landslide Sunday night, reflecting the difficulty rescuers were having digging through the mud, rocks and rubble. The landslide buried at least 50 houses in the Andean town of Alausi. The girl was found at a depth of 5 meters (5 yards) on one side of the lower part of the avalanche. Rescuers expanded the search in the area to look for the girls uncle and two cousins, who relatives said were with her when the landslide struck. The head of one of the rescue teams, Jorge Torres, told The Associated Press the conditions of the terrain made the search very difficult since the bodies must be between 20 and 30 meters underground. He said rescuers were feeling tremors in the ground and feared another landslide. Torres said the first hours are essential for finding survivors and hopes of finding people alive fade as the days go by. But he said they will continue searching hoping to rescue someone alive or at least provide peace of mind amid the pain with a body for relatives to mourn. The head of the Quito Fire Department, Esteban Cardenas, told local media the area is covered by more than 2 million cubic meters of earth, mud and rocks that have buried houses of up to three stories. The searchers, who were using heavy machinery, were joined by dozens of Indigenous people from nearby areas. Fire department, army, police and Red Cross rescuers were exhausted but vowed to keep searching. A reason the death toll was not higher was that at the end of February, authorities warned about the risk of earth movements in the area due to heavy rains. When cracks in the ground began to widen, officials recommended that people evacuate. Some did, others didnt. Milton Taday said he was able to move his disabled mother into the house of a neighbor on more stable ground who let them use a couple of rooms. But now everything is closing, people are leaving everything out of fear, he said. ___ Associated Press journalist Gonzalo Solano in Quito, Ecuador, contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Six people were killed at a small, private Christian school just south of downtown Nashville on Monday after a shooter opened fire inside the building of about 200 students, police said. Police received a call about an active shooter at The Covenant School a Presbyterian school around 10:15 a.m. Authorities said that about 15 minutes after that call to police, the shooter was dead. The remaining students were ferried to a safe location to be reunited with their parents. Here's what we know and don't know about the shooting: HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE KILLED? Nashville police said six people, including three students, were killed. The victims were identified as Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; Mike Hill, 61; and Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9. Police officers also killed the shooter. The website of The Covenant School, founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. On Tuesday night, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Peak was a close friend of his wife, Maria, and that the two had been scheduled to have dinner after Peak taught that day. ___ WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE NASHVILLE SHOOTER? Police gave unclear information on the shooter's gender. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. Police said Hale was a former student of the school, but it was unclear if Hale had any current affiliation with the school or was related to anyone in the school at the time of the shooting. Police said the shooter had made a detailed map of the school and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Police said Hale had two assault-style weapons and a pistol when Hale shot through the front door to enter the building. Police said Tuesday that Hale had legally purchased seven firearms from five different stores in the Nashville area. Investigators found a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence during a search of Hales home. Police Chief John Drake said Hale's parents were unaware that Hale had obtained most of the weapons. They told police Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder, Drake said. Hale's parents also said they believed Hale had only purchased one gun and had sold it. ___ HOW WAS THE NASHVILLE SHOOTER KILLED? A team of five Nashville police officers entered the school after the initial call, said Aaron, the police spokesperson. While clearing the first floor of students and staff, they heard shots being fired on the second floor. Two of the officers opened fire in response and fatally struck Hale at about 10:27 a.m., police said. Police identified Rex Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. ___ WHAT VIDEOS HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND WHAT DO THEY SHOW? Police released body camera footage Tuesday from two officers that showed a team of Nashville Police SWAT officers briefly speaking to a staff member outside before entering the building and searching several classrooms quickly. They then rush toward the second floor where gunshots could be heard. Officers are heard yelling commands, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Shortly after, an officer yells for Hale to stop moving and get your hands away from the gun. Hale, whose face and injuries are blurred in the released footage, is seen laying on the floor motionless. The six-minute video supplements a release late Monday, of about two minutes of edited surveillance footage that shows the shooters car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. ___ DO WE KNOW THE MOTIVE? Investigators were sent to the shooter's home shortly after Hale was killed, police said. Hale had a map of the school with a planned route for the shooting, and officers found writings, police said. No motive has been confirmed by police, but officials said Hale targeted the school, not any particular individual killed in the shooting. Chief Drake said officers found writings that detailed the plan to attack the school and potentially other locations. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. ___ HOW MANY SCHOOL SHOOTINGS HAVE THERE BEEN SINCE COLUMBINE? There have been 15 mass shootings at schools or universities in the U.S. since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Mass shootings are defined as more than four people dying, not including the perpetrator, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, in addition to other AP reporting: Of those 15 shootings, 175 people have died, the data shows. China vows to develop socialist democracy, bilateral ties with Vietnam Xinhua) 08:51, March 28, 2023 Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Vietnam's National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday vowed to uphold and develop socialist democracy together with Vietnam, and to enrich the connotations of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. The remarks were made by Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, while holding talks with Vietnam's National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue via video link. Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbors. He said China is ready to work with Vietnam to consolidate the traditional friendship, adhere to high-level strategic guidance, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, cement public support for the friendship between the two countries, commit to the path of socialism suited to their respective national conditions, and build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that bears strategic significance. China's whole-process people's democracy is a new form of political civilization created by the people under the leadership of the CPC, Zhao said, adding that China is willing to work with Vietnam to uphold and develop socialist democracy, and to showcase the advantages and bright prospects of the socialist system. He called on China's NPC and Vietnam's National Assembly to strengthen exchanges and cooperation among special committees, friendship groups, deputies and local legislative bodies, and to learn from each other's experience in governing the country. He also called on the two bodies to provide legal and policy support for pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Hue, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said that Vietnam regards developing relations with China as a strategic choice and the top priority of its foreign policy and firmly adheres to the one-China policy. Vietnam's National Assembly is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC and make positive contributions to promoting bilateral pragmatic cooperation, enhancing the friendship between the two peoples, and deepening the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Hue said. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Vietnam's National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) After recent rounds of high-profile layoffs, a lot of technologists are looking for work in a market thats different from any theyve experienced. More companies are now set up to support remote work, which offers candidates a wider range of potential employers. The new working models benefit companies, too, since they can now hire people with rare and highly desirable skills, regardless of location. Yet some organizations still insist everybody come into the office. Ed Toner, for example, CIO of the State of Nebraska, has a policy of 100% in-office work. When you decrease face-to-face interaction, you decrease growth and professional development, he says. At the other end of the spectrum, and half a world away, other organizations accept fully remote arrangementsat least for some positions. When you need highly skilled workers in a sparsely populated country, you benefit from a policy that allows remote work in suitable roles, says Jarkko Levasma, Government CIO for Finland. Overall, however, most IT leaders now favor hybrid work, which usually means at least three days a week in the office. According to Gartners Human Resources Research Team, employee expectations for a flexible work environment have grownand hybrid work is clearly here to stay. Forward-thinking IT leaders have already thought a lot about how to best implement hybrid work, and this extends well beyond technology. It also means providing emotional support to a dispersed workforce. Job seekers should target companies that address all the needs of people who work at least part-time from home. Getting the technology right The most obvious thing CIOs need to do to support a remote or hybrid work environment is provide the right technology. But theres more to it than that. As soon as you start heavily supporting remote work, your footprint increases significantly, says Irvin Bishop, Jr., CIO of Kansas City-based engineering firm Black & Veatch. This significantly raises your security concerns. Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 57F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A few clouds. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable. Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele This content has been supplied by a commercial partner. Email is not secure. Over 90% of all cyber attacks begin with email. Despite all the advances in cyber defence, email still provides an open door for attackers to knock on. Email is your biggest security risk, by a long way. Finance staff are, of course, very heavy email users, and are dealing with money on a daily basis. Finance staff in charities also have to deal with a mixed quality of IT systems, often on stretched budgets (especially for their own systems, which mostly arent frontline facing), and sometimes with a very limited team around them, meaning higher workloads. Its a heady mix, so it is perhaps not surprising that targeting the finance team with phishing emails is very common. Everyone working in finance should be aware of the types of attacks they may be receiving, and the red flags to look out for. Organisations should appreciate that email is likely to be their highest cyber security risk, and the finance team one of the most highly targeted. The good news is that there are a mix of protection measures that arent expensive, which greatly reduce the risk of fake emails getting through. The bad news is that many organisations do not have these in place. So, we hope the below helps you to ask the IT team to check and then check again that you are doing what you can to protect yourself, and keeping awareness front and centre when using email. What is a phishing attack? Phishing emails are when someone tries to get you to do something or provide them with some information by engineering a very convincing email. Most often this is used to try to gather usernames and passwords, for example the email could say your password has expired and ask you to put in your old password and a new one to sign in. If you do so they have collected your password. With finance staff its often a payment request that looks legitimate, but payment is made to an attacker rather than a legitimate supplier (eg the sort code and account number is changed, or the link to make the payment is false). Attackers may be silently monitoring a mailbox for months, looking at the patterns of email messages, approvals and so forth, before seizing an opportunity to launch their attack. Types of attack A common attack is an email that appears to come from someone important in your organisation, potentially a finance director or CEO, sending you an invoice asking you to make payment for a service or product. The email has actually come from an external email address that looks like the colleague and if someone falls victim to this attack then a payment would be made to an account used by the attacker. This can happen in the middle of a genuine email conversation that the attacker is passively watching, ready to intervene at the key moment when bank details get shared, or approval to make the payment is sent. Another method, more difficult to identify, is when the attack actually comes from a legitimate email account, that has been compromised silently. Attackers gain access to an email account and lie in wait, looking through emails and gathering information, looking for something like an invoice in a thread that they can put themselves in the middle of. Once they find what they are looking for they might send through an invoice for a legitimate service that you have received but where they have asked you to change the payment details to their new account. Making this payment would result in the money being paid to the attacker rather than a supplier. Top five protection measures Reducing an organisations risk and exposure to these attacks requires a blend of ongoing defences, and as a minimum we recommend the following: Finance teams should have a process to verbally verify requests for new or changed payment details, every time. User awareness training is absolutely essential. Anyone can send anyone an email, so knowing what to look for is vital. There are lots of free cyber security training resources on the National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) website. Testing knowledge. Phishing simulations are training exercises that deliberately send a spurious email to staff (one that is safe) and if clicked, directs them to training, and can be reported centrally to see how aware staff are. We recommend doing this quarterly. Domain-based message authentication, reporting and conformance (DMARC) is a techie process. DMARC and sender policy framework (SPF) exist to help stop outsiders impersonating your domain name, yet few use it fully. A lot of charities use Microsoft 365 for email, and this comes with a huge array of security controls which are often not configured fully. The Centre for Internet Security (CIS) sets out a framework that your organisation can adhere to if they use 365, which includes more advanced phishing controls, use of two factor authentication and so on. Microsoft provides a handy tool to measure your security posture and recommend improvements to achieve best practice, free of charge, called the Microsoft Secure Score. Conclusion Working environments are fast paced. Can you be sure that while you are juggling priorities, a genuine looking email couldnt slip through the net? Its important to remember that email is, inherently, not secure. Email security should be continually reviewed and re-assessed as part of your cyber security strategy, to ensure that the right things are in place. By blending technical controls with policies and user training, you stand the best chance of staying protected, but vigilance is always required, within the finance team more than anywhere. And if you arent confident of your organisations cyber security, speak to someone independent to get a second opinion. Andrew Coyle is head of information security at Smartdesc Charity Finance wishes to thank Smartdesc for its support with this article The Charity Finance Yearbook is the ultimate reference source for charity finance professionals. Produced by the Charity Finance editorial and research team it includes updates, advice and trends on accounting and audit, VAT and taxation, investment strategy, responsible investment and finance, risk, funding, performance and governance, law and regulation, HR and pensions, IT and property. Purchase online here. is the ultimate reference source for charity finance professionals. Produced by the Charity Finance editorial and research team it includes updates, advice and trends on accounting and audit, VAT and taxation, investment strategy, responsible investment and finance, risk, funding, performance and governance, law and regulation, HR and pensions, IT and property. The Small Charities Advisory Panel has officially launched today, with 14 members appointed and a first meeting scheduled. Its creation was planned after the Small Charities Coalition (SCC) closed last year and its services were transferred to a partnership between the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) and NCVO. Given that the FSI is now preparing to close , the panel will have the responsibility of holding NCVO and any future partners to account for continuing the legacies of both the FSI and the SCC. The panel sits independently but will advise and offer strategic insight to NCVO and its partners. It will also engage other infrastructure partners and organisations across the voluntary sector to ensure wider support for small charities. The panel will meet quarterly, with the first full meeting held in May. Panel members It is made up of 14 members, with representation from six small charities, two funders and six infrastructure organisations, including one with a focus on volunteering. The panel agreed to appoint two co-chairs, Ray Coyle, director of Oxford Hub, and Vicki Beevers, chief executive of the Sleep Charity. Vicki Beevers said the panel will have a vital role in engaging other infrastructure partners and organisations across the small charity sector at a national level. She said: We will work hard to widen the offering for small charities, advocating for these organisations that play an increasingly important role in our society. There has never been a greater need for the support many of these organisations offer. Coyle said: The mounting pressures on many communities across the UK means that small and community charities are needed more than ever. This increased demand, alongside increased costs and squeezed funding, means that small charities need our support and need it now. The panel will work with charities, funders and infrastructure partners to help NCVO and others to design and deliver that support effectively and quickly so that we provide small charities with what they need to carry on doing their amazing work. Other panel members include Amina Ali, principal consultant at NPC, Maddy Desforges, chief execuitve at NAVCA and Becky Gilbert, co-founder, trustee and voluntary operations director at Baby Bank Network. They also include Shahed Molvi, head of grants at Leeds Community Foundation, Leon Osahaon, chief executive of the WISE Youth Trust, Matt Plen, operations consultant and former chief executive at Masorti Judaism, and Noorzaman Rashid, currently chair of the FSI and chief executive of CEME. The panel will also include Sara Sellek, assistant director at Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), Jenny Walton, director of charity services at the Media Trust, Laura J Welti, panel member, chief officer at Bristol Disability Equality Forum, Olivia Barker White, chief executive of Kids Club Kampala, and Karen Wint, chief executive of Sister Circle. sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- A handful of residents living near a proposed WetGo at Pearl and Drake roads spoke out against the car wash last week during a public hearing. The question my neighbors and I have is, overall, does the city of Strongsville really need another car wash, with presumably out-of-state ownership, competing with locally owned car washes and businesses? Patricia Lonergan, who lives in the Hunting Meadows subdivision, said to City Council during the March 20 public hearing. As council members, ask yourselves, Is this in the best interest of your constituents or does this primarily benefit the out-of-state business? Lonergan said. Lonergan was referring to Giant Eagle and its GetGo gas station chain, which operate WetGo car washes. Both Giant Eagle and GetGo are headquartered in Pennsylvania. Hunting Meadows residents said the Pearl-Drake area already has enough car washes -- Lonergan said an existing car wash is within walking distance of the proposed WetGo -- and expressed concern about noise, bright lights, pollution and environmental disturbances the WetGo might cause. Residents also questioned why the city didnt notify them until recently that a car wash and perhaps additional commercial development were planned for Pearl and Drake. The city was required to notify residents of the March 20 public hearing because the WetGo project would require changes to the municipal zoning code. By law, the city must notify everyone owning property within 500 feet of a site where a rezoning has been proposed. Council has failed to (communicate) openly with the residents until the 11th hour, basically, Lonergan said. Im kind of wondering why the lack of openness. At the March 20 public hearing, council members took no action and said little if anything about the proposed WetGo or the rezoning. Council may vote on the rezoning April 3. An extra toe The WetGo car wash -- and possibly additional retail stores, restaurants and/or offices -- are planned for a vacant 10-acre parcel near the northeast corner of Pearl and Drake roads, just north of an existing GetGo gas station and convenience store. WXZ Development, a Fairview Park firm, is working on the project on behalf of Giant Eagle and GetGo. WXZ would build a car wash on a 1-acre corner of the 10-acre parcel, which is currently owned by grocery store chain Heinens Inc. Before the project can move forward, WXZ needs council to pass two zoning ordinances. One would amend the city zoning code and allow car washes in motorist-service zoning districts. Currently, car washes are permitted in commercial-service districts, but not in motorist-service zones. The second ordinance would rezone the proposed 1-acre car wash site from a general business zone -- which allows retail stores, restaurants and offices, but not car washes -- to a motorist-service zone. Most of the remaining part of the 10-acre parcel would remain a general business district. The rezonings would not go to the ballot because they dont involve residential districts. Council will decide whether to rezone the 1 acre for WXZ. If council approves the rezoning, WXZ would purchase the remaining 9 acres of the 10-acre parcel and lease the land to a business or businesses. It hasnt been determined which businesses would lease the land from WXZ. Lonergan said council must address the concerns of residents in Hunting Meadows, which is behind and just east of Pearl Road businesses, including GetGo and the proposed WetGo, if they approve the rezoning. She asked what kind of barriers would screen the car wash from Hunting Meadows homes. Also, Lonergan asked who would monitor the car wash to ensure that chemicals and polluted water dont leak into groundwater and what would happen to wildlife on the 10 acres. The Heinen family allowed their property to flourish with plants, trees, owls, bats, cardinals, fox, deer and many other kinds of wildlife and foliage, Lonergan said. Really, you should see it. Related, what steps will be taken to offset the removal of the trees as they relate to the environment and flooding for myself and neighbors, an issue Im sure that comes to the attention of council members as properties are developed and land changes? Lonergan said. Dan Grahovac, another Hunting Meadows resident, said he and others invested heavily into reviving two existing car washes in Strongsville. He said the WetGo would stand about 300 yards from those locally owned car washes. Were a big town, but we have small-town flavor ... so I would encourage you to look at this and consider a no vote on it, Grahovac told council. Robert Lonergan, also of Hunting Meadows, said automobile-related businesses, including car washes, already fill the Pearl-Drake area. He said a 7-Eleven/BP station down Pearl in Brunswick has a car wash, and a refurbished car wash is nearby. Meanwhile, a Conrads Tire Express & Total Car Care is across from GetGo, and another auto and tire store is up the road. With the economy and the direction its heading, we dont want to open new businesses that would oversaturate our market on fixing, washing and repairing cars, especially when its not owned by a local resident who has no attachment to it, Robert Lonergan said. Pretty much, they could cut it off just like its an extra toe. Whereas a local person who has their own business, lives in the community, can respond to things and relies on that business staying open no matter what the economic times are calling for, he said. Council says little Strongsville Law Director Neal Jamison said many of the questions residents asked would be answered once WXZ presents its formal plans to the citys Planning Commission -- if and after council approves the zoning amendments. Jamison said zoning dictates what is permitted on land throughout the city. Even if council approves the zoning amendments, that would only allow a car wash at Pearl and Drake, not a specific car wash or site plan. Jamison also addressed concerns by residents that the city was rushing the approval process. We are not rushing this, Jamison said. This has been out there. Notice (of the public hearing) has been properly sent by the clerk (of council). Part of it is up to the applicant (WXZ) to come here and explain as well, Jamison said. If they choose not to come, thats their decision. Our job as a city is to basically respond to whoever comes in and give them their opportunity for due process to put this forward to council for a vote. Jamison said any property owner can develop a piece of land as they see fit. We dont dictate how a property owner wants to come forward and use their property, Jamison said. This is what zoning does, though. It tells them what they can and cannot do in certain zoned areas. David Budge, assistant vice president of WXZ, said the WetGo would be an extension of the existing GetGo station at the northeast corner of Pearl and Drake. Budge added that a rear portion of the 10 acres is zoned residential and would not be part of the proposed rezoning. That would add about 400 feet of buffer between Hunting Meadows residents and the proposed WetGo. I think (the proposed car wash) is consistent with the uses in that area, and its an extension of the existing business, so I would hope that you would vote in favor, Budge told council. Read more from the Sun Star Courier. BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- With the May 2 primary little more than a month away, Issue 7 -- the citys $12 million, 20-year bond issue to replace the citys two current fire stations with a new station at 1094 Hadcock Road -- topped the City Council Safety and Environment Committee agenda Monday (March 27). City Manager Carl DeForest said that if the bond issue is approved in May, construction of the new fire station is expected to be completed by 2025. He also noted that a political action committee has been formed in support of the bond issue and that information on the levy is available on the citys website, www.brunswick.oh.us/issue7. Fire Chief Greg Glauner can also be contacted at 330-273-8046, DeForest said, adding that the Brunswick Division of Fire will be hosting open houses at both Fire Station 1, 4383 Center Road, and Fire Station 2, 3410 Grafton Road, from 10 a.m. until noon every Saturday in April. Law Director Ken Fisher noted that the city itself is not actively promoting the levy, but rather only providing information to voters. A March 24 press release from the city stated that the proposed bond issue would cost approximately $29 annually per $100,000 in appraised property value for 20 years. The release went on to state that a centralized fire station will give the Brunswick Division of Fire the ability to potentially respond to three concurrent medical calls, a 50 percent increase to medical emergency response. Housing all personnel and equipment at a centralized fire station would also result in more consistent response times for the entire city. And having a proper space for decontamination and turn-out lockers is the best defense against carcinogens and other harmful materials, the release stated. At the Mondays meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Nick Hanek said he is concerned with the condition of the two existing fire station buildings. Hanek said whether or not the bond issue passes, he feels repurposing the buildings will be a hard sell. They are not in good shape, Hanek said. Even if we keep them for municipal purposes, we have challenged buildings. Read more news from the Brunswick Sun. SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Have you been watching the spectacles in the skies -- bold Mars, twinkling Venus? What about the budding concert about to begin on Earth? Flowers whisper, flowers sing. From both vantage points, there is much to learn. You may have missed a spirited, though brief, exchange with a reader on the forerunner of this column, Lovin Lyndhurst, published some time back. I asserted that trees are sentient. The faithful reader saw things differently. Who is right? Who is wrong? Maybe neither are on target or, paradoxically, both hit the bulls-eye. Actually, I think diametrically opposed points of view can be refreshing. They may intersect to forge a new blend. They can be engaged in a dialectic of sorts. They show, as my mother would have put it, how and what another person sees, even as others see things differently. My mother had borrowed the phrase thats how you see it from a Cleveland State University professor when she took classes free of charge in a program then called Project 60. As we all stand at a different place in relation to what we see as reality: Why should our takes on things always converge? Perhaps seeing things with a different slant can lead to something like intellectual grafting. We can blend realism with imagination to add wonder to the facts. We can combine nostalgia with hope for a hybrid of appreciation for this moment. We could risk knowing everything to knowing just a bit for that pivot point of awareness, plus expectation. For an encounter with spring, be sure to look up, if you can, and also notice what is at your feet. A venerable oak: Driving north on Richmond Road on Sunday morning, I saw a massive, uprooted tree on a front lawn, a victim of the wild winds on Saturday. I could not quite grasp that something so large could lose its grasp in the earth. A reminder to be cautious during spring storms and to be prepared for inevitable power outages. A future-scape? Make a note of a learning opportunity to be held from 7 to 9 p.m. April 5 at Highland Heights Community Center, 5827 Highland Road. The Highland Heights Green Task Force will host Landscaping for the Future, a presentation by Kate Chapel, watershed coordinator for the Cuyahoga County Soil and Water District. Chapel is also a botanist, and her talk will focus on how homeowners and others can make some changes to our landscaping for the future, based on some of the climate challenges of today. I am passionate about conservation ecology, applying it practically and communicating it effectively to the general public, Chapel said by email. I am especially interested in issues of land use, fragmentation and invasive species. I would like to use my skills to educate the public about the importance of landscapes and ecosystems and the services they provide humans. Congratulations! Gerald Richland of Highland Heights has earned a master of science in analytics degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Long COVID-19: Though I would rather type So long, COVID-19, the virus is still with us. Those who are over 18 and meet eligibility criteria may wish to consider participating in a study at University Hospitals that currently has 930 participants and hopes to enroll 1,000. Eligibility requirements include: Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 28 days Individuals who believe they were infected with COVID-19 in the past 28 days Individuals who have never been infected with or tested positive for COVID-19 Compensation and a meal voucher are provided for each completed visit. Coverage for travel includes parking, rideshares and mileage reimbursements for those eligible. With roughly 9,000 new cases of COVID-19 weekly in Ohio, the virus persists. Over time, the reality of long COVID, which can affect people for months and beyond, remains a mystery -- with debilitating fatigue, brain fog, breathing problems and other issues. COVID-19 has disproportionally affected racial and ethnic minority populations, including African American, Hispanic, Latino, Spanish, American Indian and Alaskan-Native individuals, who are three times more likely to be hospitalized than white individuals, said Dr. Grace McComsey, MD, vice president of research and associate chief scientific officer at University Hospitals. She stresses that research studies urgently need diverse participants of all races and ethnicities in order to promote health equity and advance medicine. People may experience the same disease differently. Its essential that clinical trials include people with a variety of lived experiences and living conditions, as well as characteristics including race and ethnicity, age, sex and sexual orientation, so that all communities benefit from scientific advances, McComsey said. The long COVID study is to help learn more about long-term effects of the virus and to learn who is at greatest risk. Participants will be followed for up to four years, with collection of blood and other specimens and completion of questionnaires every three months. Participants may be asked to complete other procedures or tests to learn more about symptoms. UH was first in the nation to enroll in the long COVID study, or whats called the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) Longhauler Study, said McComsey. For more information, text STUDY to 440-762-6843, call 440-76-COVID (440-762-6843), email COVIDResearch@UHhospitals.org or visit: UHhospitals.org/CovidStudy . The remarkable work of researchers creates pathways of understanding. Lets bask in Sun Messages! Write to mariashinestewart@gmail.com with your events, achievements, opportunities and more. Read more from the Sun Messenger. CLEVELAND, Ohio A former Cleveland teacher, who served a recent prison term for sending sexually explicit messages to a federal agent posing as a minor, is now accused of molesting a 12-year-old student in 2019. Gregory Kinat, who taught music at Our Lady of Angels Catholic School in the citys Kamms neighborhood, was arrested Monday and charged in Cleveland Municipal Court with gross sexual imposition. A judge set his bond at $100,000 at his initial court appearance on Tuesday. Kinats attorney Kevin Cafferkey declined to comment. The incident happened during Kinats music class the fall of 2019 while he still taught at the school, court records said. Kinat, 46, of Bay Village, was released from prison on Aug. 15 after serving a one-year sentence for sending explicit social media messages to an undercover FBI agent posing as a 15-year-old girl, including telling the agent he wanted to teach her various sex acts. He pleaded guilty to two counts of importuning in that case and was required to register as a sex offender and remains on post-prison supervision until August 2027. Kinat told investigators in that case that he was asked to resign from an Indiana school earlier in his career after he was accused of having a relationship with a 17-year-old student, prosecutors said at the time. CLEVELAND, Ohio With the Food and Drug Administration recently granting accelerated approval of the drug lecanemab, Americans now have a second treatment available for people with early symptomatic Alzheimers disease. But what if lecanemab also could slow or stop the earliest brain changes due to Alzheimers disease - before symptoms show up? A world-wide study is testing this possibility at sites across the globe, including at three medical centers in Ohio - the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and Ohio State University. Alzheimers is characterized by the buildup of a protein called amyloid, which forms sticky plaques on the brain and can cause brain cells to die. Testing for the presence of these amyloid plaques on the brain is an important part of Alzheimers diagnosis and research. Were really crossing our fingers that (eliminating amyloid early) has a much bigger and more profound effect on delaying or reducing the symptoms of Alzheimers, said Dr. Douglas Scharre, director of the division of cognitive neurology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. We do not know, and thats why were doing this study. Scharre is principal investigator for the study at OSU. While a study called AHEAD has been investigating this second use for lecanemab for several years, the drug made news recently when it received the FDAs accelerated approval as a treatment for some Alzheimers patients. But the cost of lecanemab $26,500 annually and limited availability for most Alzheimers patients who could benefit from it, make it controversial. Lecanemab, however, may prove effective in ridding the brain of amyloid, thus slowing down or preventing the onset of Alzheimers symptoms in people who dont yet have symptoms but do have amyloid proteins associated with the disease. The AHEAD trial enrolls people up to age 80 who have amyloid, but arent experiencing memory or cognition problems. People in this category often have a family member with dementia or Alzheimers. This trial, which began in 2020, is the first Alzheimers study to enroll participants as young as 55 with intermediate levels of brain amyloid. The AHEAD study, a phase 3 trial, will run for four years. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Eisai, which developed lecanemab. The pharmaceutical company Biogen is marketing the drug. Find out how to sign up for the study at the AHEAD website. Early treatment is a standard approach to obtaining better outcomes in many diseases, and in preventing memory loss, said Dr. Alan Lerner, CWRU professor of neurology, who is participating in the study. Lerner is also a neurologist at University Hospitals. We know that the brain changes of amyloid protein start up to 20 years prior to clinical onset of memory loss, Lerner said. This is the window of opportunity for prevention of Alzheimers disease dementia. More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimers disease, according to the Alzheimers Association. How the study works Prospective AHEAD participants undergo PET scans to measure the amount of amyloid present in the brain. Once accepted into the study, AHEAD participants receive periodic spinal fluid taps or PET scans to track their amyloid levels. Because this is a double-blind trial, participating physicians dont know who is receiving the drug or a placebo, or if their amyloid levels are rising or falling. AHEAD hopes to enroll 1,400 participants across the globe, an OSU spokesperson said. All of the Ohio study sites still need participants. CWRU has enrolled four people, and hopes to sign up 15 more, Lerner said. At the Cleveland Clinic, five participants are enrolled with the goal of reaching 20 participants by the studys conclusion, said Dr. Babak Tousi, head of clinical trials for the Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. OSU currently has three patients in the trial, a spokesperson said. Lecanemab approved to treat Alzheimers, at high price Lecanemab joins Biogens Aduhelm, the brand name for aducanumab, as the second drug approved in the United States aimed at eliminating amyloid build-ups in the brain. Both drugs have astronomical price tags, and most patients will have to pay out of pocket for the drugs, according to press reports. Aduhelm, approved by the FDA in 2021, initially cost $56,000 per year before its maker Biogen slashed the price in half, to $28,000 annually. Medicare and Medicaid coverage of Aduhelm and lecanemab is currently restricted to patients enrolled in specific clinical trials, including AHEAD, according to the pharmaceutical company Eisai. Private insurance coverage for lecanemab and Aduhelm varies among plans. Its possible that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will consider covering lecanemab once the drug receives full approval, press reports said. In March, the Veterans Administration said it would cover the cost of lecanemab for veterans who meet certain criteria. This suggests coverage by Medicare, Medicaid and other insurances are a matter of time, Lerner said. Full FDA approval is expected later in 2023, he said. Lecanemab is costly because it belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies, which attack just one kind of protein. Developing and manufacturing a new drug, especially a monoclonal antibody, is expensive, time consuming and difficult, Tousi said. Pharmaceutical companies go through hundreds of failed trials before landing on a drug that works. These companies rely on high drug prices to help recoup their costs before the patent expires, Tousi said. Lecanemabs current price is similar to other monoclonal antibodies that are currently used to treat autoimmune diseases or cancers, Tousi said. But a drug that could slow down or delay the onset of Alzheimers could save the U.S. healthcare system three or four years of end-stage dementia costs, Scharre said. Financially that would be huge, Scharre said. And of course, it has lots of meaning for families and for the patient themselves. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Demolition clean-up crews found a womans dead body amid the rubble of a building being torn down as part of a $100 million revitalization of Irishtown Bend, authorities said. Boyas Excavating employees found the womans body about 2:30 p.m. Monday as they cleared debris from an abandoned womens shelter on West 25th Street in Ohio City. CLEVELAND, Ohio When the MetroHealth board fired Dr. Akram Boutros as its CEO last November over a salary dispute, it raised questions about whether the health system would follow through on the $1 billion campus transformation conceived and partially realized on his watch. In an interview on Tuesday with Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, MetroHealths new president and CEO, Airica Steed, sought to dispel doubts on that question. But she said she needs to conduct her own due diligence to make sure the plans are up to date with MetroHealths current needs. I would not characterize any efforts as on pause and in fact, we are full steam ahead, she said, declaring that shes been a huge supporter' of the MetroHealth vision for years. Under Boutros leadership since 2013, Cuyahoga Countys public health system developed a vision for turning its 52-acre main campus on the citys West Side into a hospital in a park. The project became a signature part of his tenure. The plans were also designed to harmonize with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authoritys emerging vision for a bus rapid transit line on West 25th Street, and the recently completed master plan for Clark-Fulton, which was co-funded by MetroHealth along with the city of Cleveland and the Cleveland Foundation. A key element in MetroHealths plan has been the idea of demolishing the Outpatient Pavilion built in 1992 on the east side of West 25th Street north of Southpoint Drive. Scheduled for 2024, the demolition was intended to create space for a large part of the 12-acre park envisioned as MetroHealths new front door. The park was also viewed as an important asset for Clark-Fulton, a low-income, largely Hispanic neighborhood that suffers from a lack of high-quality public space. Steed said that omitting the park from MetroHealths future plans was furthest from my thought process right now. I love the hospital-in-a-park concept. But she said, she said she needs to review the plans before moving ahead, given that they were developed before the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent changes in the city and in healthcare. I still need to catch my breath a bit and catch up on all the plans, she said. She didnt set a timeframe for any decisions, but said, this is not on the back burner by any stretch of the imagination. Steeds arrival MetroHealth announced last September that Steed, the former chief operating officer of Sinai Chicago Health System and president of Mount Sinai and Sinai Childrens Hospital, would succeed Boutros. Steed had originally planned to start work on January 1, but she agreed to start December 5 after the MetroHealth board fired Boutros in November, saying he had given himself more than $1.9 million in unauthorized bonuses over the nearly 10 years in which he led the health system. Boutros departure followed shortly after MetroHealth opened the Glick Center a new inpatient tower conceived as the centerpiece of the campus transformation. Built at a cost of $767 million, the glassy, 11-story building is located west of Scranton Road at Southpoint Drive. MetroHealth demolished a historic house and a church on the block west of the Glick Center to create the first few acres of the envisioned 12-acre park. The area is now landscaped with a temporary picnic area and other amenities. The rest of the campus transformation has been scheduled to unfold in upcoming phases. They include a new, 700-space garage west of the Glick Center and the upcoming completion of the new $140 million Apex Building, now being built just south of the Glick Center and west of the new garage. The Apex building will replace functions now housed in the current Outpatient Plaza, a concrete and glass building with four clinics set atop a ground-level garage with concrete facades at sidewalk level along West 25th Street. MetroHealth has also planned in 2024 to demolish its Towers Building, the iconic, 11-story inpatient high-rise built in 1972 off MetroHealth Drive. The demolition of a related structure next door would require MetroHealth to build a new south-facing facade on its Rammelkamp research building. In all, the demolitions would leave MetroHealth with about half of its main campus consisting of parklike open spaces. Walter Jones, the in-house architect at MetroHealth who led the development and construction of the campus transformation prior to Boutros departure, retired at the end of 2022. Steed asked him to return in February as interim senior vice president for Facilities, Construction and Campus Transformation. His job is to gather data on current operations that will inform future decisions about the entire MetroHealth system, including developments on the main campus. Community uplift From the beginning, the overall goal of the transformation effort was to show how a big-city medical center could serve individual patients while strengthening entire neighborhoods marred by disinvestment and decline. To that end, MetroHealth has also planned three new affordable housing complexes at the edges of its campus to be built through its nonprofit CCH Development Corp, an affiliate working in partnership with private developers. The initiative includes the recently completed Via Sana, which means healthy way' in Spanish. Its a $15 million, 72-unit apartment complex on the north side of MetroHealth Drive east of West 25th Street. The housing projects are intended to ensure that MetroHealths campus transformation, funded by $957 million in revenue bonds issued in 2017, wouldnt displace longtime residents and businesses by increasing rents and real estate taxes through gentrification. Speaking of the housing, Steed said: Im a huge supporter of CCH and all the development projects. She added that MetroHealths development efforts go hand-in-glove with my top priorities on driving health equity and not just looking at the four walls of the health system. As part of her work in Chicago, Steed said she supported the development of Ogden Commons, a 10-acre mixed-use development with housing and retail designed to uplift the Lawndale neighborhood on the citys West Side. Partners in the project include the Sinai Health System. Ive never wavered on my focus of lifting up community, Steed said. Ive been steadfast in saying that. COLUMBUS, Ohio A former Ohio House speaker was convicted earlier this month of a racketeering conspiracy, predicated in part on bribery and money laundering, to pass House Bill 6 in 2019. The new man with the gavel, current House speaker and Kitts Hill Republican state Rep. Jason Stephens, said Tuesday hes not planning any effort to repeal the vestiges of HB6 that remain in state law. Rotunda Rumblings Just a frack in the park: A Houston-based company wants to drill for oil and gas under Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, Jake Zuckerman reports. The companys efforts offer a window into what could be coming for Ohios state parks after a new state law streamlined drillers ability to access those resources. Police and academy: Advocates are concerned Gov. Mike DeWines $388 million budget proposal to pay for a cop in each Ohio public and private school will exacerbate the school-to-prison pipeline. Thats a term to describe school practices and actions that follow kids out of school to the juvenile and adult criminal justice system and mostly affect Black and Latino students. Laura Hancock reports that the groups representing criminal justice and children advocacy offered three suggestions if the state is about to spend nearly $400 million in federal funds for school resource officers. Ending executions? A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers is again introducing legislation to abolish the states death penalty. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, while a growing number of Republicans have backed efforts to end capital punishment in Ohio, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will have enough support particularly among GOP legislative leaders to pass this session. Voter ID: A stricter, new photo ID requirement to vote in Ohio is stirring concerns among military veterans and out-of-state college students, in Amish communities and among older voters. Julie Carr Smyth of the Associated Press reports Ohio joined a coalition of GOP-led states in stiffening voter laws in the wake of unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories surrounding accuracy of U.S. elections. Both sides? Proposed legislation in the Ohio Senate would require college professors to teach both sides of controversial subjects like climate change, the Energy News Networks Kathiann M. Kowalski reports. The Senator who sponsored the bill which would also reshape teaching around subjects like slavery, abortion, immigration and others said different views exist about the extent of climate changes and solutions to limit it. The scientific consensus says that the planets temperature is warming as a result of human activity. Running interference: U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan is deciding whether to draft legislation that would protect former and/or current Presidents from politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials in response to potential charges against former President Donald Trump for his role in making an alleged $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Sabrina Eaton reports. The Committee on the Judiciary, as a part of its broad authority to develop criminal justice legislation, must now consider whether to draft legislation that would, if enacted, insulate current and former presidents from such improper state and local prosecutions, said a letter Jordan wrote with three other committee chairs. Consumer report: A pending U.S. Supreme Court case that challenges the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus legality poses an existential threat to multiple independent watchdog agencies ability to protect the financial systems stability, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Cleveland Democrat, declared in a MarketWatch opinion piece. Washington and Wall Street expect the government to spring into action when businesses money is put at risk, wrote Brown, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking Housing and Urban Affairs But when workers are scammed out of their paychecks, thats not an emergency its business as usual. Full Disclosure Five things we learned from the March 16, 2022, financial disclosure for Ohio Rep. Jim Hoops, a Napoleon Republican. 1. Besides his legislative work, he receives retirement income from his state employee pension account. 2. Hes a treasurer with the Henry County Humane Society 3. He received an award from the Ohio Trucking Association worth $53.75 4. He disclosed investments in various deferred compensation programs, retirement funds, life insurance policies and others but no individual stocks 5. He owed at least $1,000 at some point in the year on his Meijer MasterCard. Birthdays Terese Herhold, Ohio Senate Democrats director of policy, budget, and finance Former State Rep. Paul Zeltwanger Straight From The Source Ban these f---ing weapons and get them out of our country. The fact that the Majority spent last week talking about protecting our children from books about being gay and not these weapons is even more maddening today. Three more dead elementary children. -U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, a Cincinnati area Democrat, reacting to the latest mass shooting in a Nashville public school that left three children and three adults dead. Officials say the shooter used two assault-style rifles in the massacre, per the Associated Press. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. The market sell-off earlier this month has hurt small-cap stocks more than their larger peers. Yet Josh Bennett, senior portfolio manager at Alger, believes the volatility has created opportunities for investors to pick stocks that will outperform in the medium to long term. Bennett named three such stocks on CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Monday: Core Laboratories , a company that helps oil and gas producers better understand the reservoirs where they extract oil and gas; Novanta , which designs and manufactures high-tech components such as lasers and sensors; and finally, Wingstop , a quick-service restaurant chain specializing in chicken wings. According to Bennett, these companies will be less impacted by macroeconomic trends, making them ideal investments in a challenging market environment. "At Alger, we look for companies with a durable competitive advantage and each of these companies has that," said Bennett, who manages the $640 million Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund. Core Labs is one of Bennett's top 10 largest holdings. Wingstop shares have risen over the past year by more than 60%. Most equity analysts covering the stock currently give it a hold rating, according to FactSet data. Core Labs shares have fallen by 35% over the same period, but analysts are most bullish toward the company, giving it a 13% upside. Bennett acknowledged that the tighter lending environment since the turmoil in the banking sector started on Mar. 9 has created challenges for smaller businesses. But it has also pushed multiple companies into Algier's valuation or market cap range. The S & P 600 small-cap index is down by 8% this month compared to the large-cap S & P 500 , which has regained nearly all of its losses over the month to date. .SPCY .SPX YTD mountain "On the smaller cap side, what we're seeing is that small-cap stocks are trading at the lowest valuation that we've seen in 20 years relative to the S & P 500," Bennett added. "The last time we were at these levels, we saw over 20% returns from that market over the ensuing years." Bennett also said small-cap growth stocks do better when leading economic indicators point toward a recession. Last week, DoubleLine Capital CEO Jeffrey Gundlach, nicknamed the "bond king," said the markets were flashing "red alert recession signals." Gundlach was referring to the Treasury yield curve, which is rapidly becoming less inverted and indicative of an economic downturn on the horizon. Meanwhile, Alger's Bennett believes that stocks in his fund rely more on innovation and technology than on industry or economy-level growth. "The companies that we look for are likely to perform on the other side of this [recession]," the portfolio manager said. "Whether it's innovative technology, innovative management, new processes, and ways of doing things, these are the leading companies that we think can rise above the current indicators." Asia, especially China, is an area of certainty amid global uncertainty, according to an annual economic outlook report released Tuesday at the high-profile Boao Forum in Hainan province. HAINAN Asia, especially China, is an area of certainty amid global uncertainty, according to an annual economic outlook report released Tuesday at the high-profile Boao Forum in Hainan province. "Deepened financial integration in Asia has made regional economies more resilient against negative impacts from international capital flows," according to the executive summary of the report. The Boao Forum outlook did not go into detail about recent banking turmoil in the U.S. and Switzerland, but said the banking sector is expected to remain stable. It was not clear whether it was referring to the global financial sector or the banking sector in Asia or China. Instead, the report spent more time discussing the negative impact of aggressive U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hikes on Asian economies. Stocks in the Asia-Pacific traded mixed on Tuesday after Wall Street saw eased investor fears of contagion from the recent banking turmoil after First Citizens BancShares agreed to buy large parts of Silicon Valley Bank. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 1.1%, leading gains in the region, and the Hang Seng Tech index gained 0.7%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.04% to close the day at 7,034.1. Banks largely traded higher, and retail sales in February rose 6.4% compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.15% to close at 27,518.25 and the Topix saw a larger gain of 0.25% to end at 1,966.67. South Korea's Kospi rose 1.07% to finish at 2,434.94, and the Kosdaq was also up 0.7% to close at 833.51 as investors further digested economic data from the region. Mainland Chinese markets were the outlier in the region, as the Shanghai Composite closed 0.19% lower at 3,245.38 and the Shenzhen Component shed 0.72% to end at 11,564.45. Bank of America thinks media giant Paramount could see big gains ahead. Analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich upgraded the stock to buy from neutral Tuesday. She also hiked her price target on Paramount to $32 per share from $24 per share, implying upside of 54.1%. Ehrlich noted the company's list of strong assets that could aid the business if it ever puts itself up for sale. "It is our view that PARA has a unique collection of assets that would generate significant buyer interest if ever put up for saleeither in pieces or whole," Ehrlich said. "Recent press reports (Reuters and others) suggest there is interest from at least four qualified buyers for BET." Shares of Paramount popped 5.4% in premarket trading Tuesday, adding to the company's 23% gain from the start of the year. PARA YTD mountain Bank of America sees Paramount as a buy thanks to the company's strong assets in the event of a sale of the business. Even though concerns remain over Paramount's ability to successfully transition toward streaming without neglecting the legacy media operation, Ehrlich said that even the downside risk could still turn positive. Either Paramount is successful in pivoting toward streaming, which will speed up earnings growth, or the company is forced to sell at a premium, she said. And, despite a noted unwillingness from Paramount Chair Shari Redstone, "market dynamics could increase pressure to consider an offer or to proactively sell." CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Image taken from a video showing ambulances and rescue teams staffers outside an immigration center in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. At least 39 people were killed after a fire broke out at a migration center along the U.S.-Mexico border, officials said Tuesday. Authorities believe the fire was caused by a protest initiated by some of the migrants sheltered at the center "after we think, they found out they'd be deported," according to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Based on initial reports, migrants fearing deportation put small mattresses at the door of the shelter and set them on fire "as a form of protest," Lopez Obrador said in a press conference Tuesday morning. "They didn't imagine this would cause this misfortune." The fire began Monday night at the migration center run by the National Migration Institute in Ciudad Juarez, the agency said in a statement. Dozens more were injured, with 29 people taken to four hospitals in "delicate-serious condition," the agency said, adding that there were 68 men from Central America and South America, most from Venezuela, being held in the facility at the time of the fire. Authorities don't know yet the names and nationalities of those who died, Lopez Obrador said. Images showed rows of bodies laid out under silver sheets as rescue teams, firefighters and police responded to the scene. The National Migration Institute did not immediately reveal the cause of the fire, but the agency said that it "strongly rejects the acts that led to this tragedy," without elaborating on what they may have been. Authorities were investigating and the government's National Human Rights Commission had been called in to help the migrants, it said. The facility, in Chihuahua state, is close to the Santa Fe International Bridge and across the border from El Paso, Texas. The country's prosecutor general has initiated an investigation, Andrea Chavez, federal deputy of Ciudad Juarez, said in a statement on Facebook. Consular teams were also being engaged to identify the deceased, officials said. Mexican authorities did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants trying to make the journey across the border to the United States. Its shelters are full of migrants waiting for opportunities to cross or who are waiting out the asylum process. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow of migration to the U.S. border under pressure from Washington, its National Immigration Institute has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. Jay Varela, Associated Press and Natalie Obregon contributed. The exterior of a Dollar General convenience store is seen on March 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Dollar General is in settlement talks with federal regulators after the discount retailer was labeled a "severe violator" of workplace safety rules, according to a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The spokesperson said the "mandatory settlement proceedings" before the agency's review commission would occur "pursuant to Commission rules." OSHA is part of the Department of Labor. Dollar General did not comment directly on the settlement talks. Until recently, the discount retailer was unwilling to engage with OSHA about the violations, according to federal officials who spoke to The New York Times under the condition of anonymity. A Dollar General spokesperson told CNBC "we regularly review and refine our safety programs, and reinforce them through training, ongoing communication, recognition and accountability." "When we learn of situations where we have failed to live up to this commitment, we work to address the issue and ensure the company's expectations regarding safety are clearly communicated, understood and implemented," the spokesperson added. Dollar General has been accused of exposing workers to fire hazards and other safety concerns, such as merchandise stacked at unsafe heights, leading to "chronic failures to meet federal safety requirements," according to OSHA. Since 2017, OSHA inspected over 270 Dollar General stores, finding more than 100 workplace safety violations. OSHA also issued Dollar General over $15 million in fines. The company operates more locations in the U.S. than Target and Walmart. Dollar General was the first company to be added to the "severe violators" list last fall after OSHA expanded the reach of one of its longstanding safety enforcement programs. That program, dubbed the Severe Violator Enforcement Program, was traditionally aimed at companies with notably unsafe working conditions, like manufacturers or construction firms. Under the program, OSHA officials can inspect a store at random, without a direct complaint about working conditions. The Tennessee-based company rapidly expanded throughout the pandemic, opening thousands of new locations. Amid this growth and profitability, the company also faced criticism from other workers' rights advocates, making it a logical target for the Biden administration. "Dollar General's growing record of disregard for safety measures makes it abundantly clear that the company puts profit before people," said OSHA regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer in a January news release. "These violations are preventable, and failing to prevent them shows a blatant disregard for the workers on whom they depend to keep their stores operating." Throughout the course of their inspections, OSHA officials have found everything from blocked fire exits to unstable stacked merchandise that could fall on workers. Members of Rise and Resist participate in their weekly "Truth Tuesday" protest at News Corp headquarters on February 21, 2023 in New York City. Dominion Voting Systems is seeking to compel Fox News' top TV personalities to appear as witnesses before a jury in a trial scheduled to begin next month. Dominion's live witness list of Fox Corp .'s right-wing TV networks includes Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro, as well as former host Lou Dobbs and Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, according to court papers. Dominion has pointed to 20 broadcasts in which they believe the hosts on Fox News and Fox Business repeated false claims of election fraud and continuously had on guests who repeated those claims. Documents, including text messages and emails, show Fox's TV hosts were skeptical of the election fraud claims being made on air. Dominion brought the defamation lawsuit against Fox Corp. and its right wing networks, arguing its hosts pushed false claims that its voting machines were rigged in the 2020 election, which Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden. Trump, who is running for president in 2024, has repeatedly claimed that the election was stolen from him. On Jan. 6, 2021, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block Congress from confirming Biden's victory. Dominion and Fox argued during a hearing Tuesday over what witnesses could be present at the trial in April, and logistics around how it will work. Dominion is also requesting the depositions of Fox Corp. executives, including Chairman Rupert Murdoch and CEO Lachlan Murdoch, as well as others, be included in the trial. "Dominion's needlessly expansive live witness list is yet another attempt to generate headlines and distract from the many shortcomings of its case. Ultimately, this case is about the First Amendment protections of the media's absolute right to cover the news," a Fox spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. Although the elder Murdoch is not being called to appear in person, Fox had opposed the possibility of him going to Delaware in April since he earlier gave seven hours worth of testimony. Judge Eric Davis on Tuesday said had Murdoch been on the witness list, Fox wouldn't have been able to argue hardship, given he has recently been engaged and had discussed travel plans. While both Dominion and Fox last week urged Davis to make a ruling without going to trial next month, the case has to proceed as if a trial will take place. Davis indicated he would make a ruling before the scheduled April 17 trial start date. If a trial occurs, it is expected to last for weeks. Dominion alleges its business suffered in the months following the election when the claims were made on Fox's networks. Fox has denied the claims and has argued it is protected by the First Amendment. The lawsuit has been heating up recently as reams of evidence from both sides has been published, consisting of pages of full excerpts of testimony from depositions, text messages and emails. In addition, a former Fox producer, who worked on the shows of Bartiromo and Carlson, came forward last week alleging she was coerced into providing misleading testimony as part of the Dominion lawsuit. Abby Grossberg, who filed lawsuits against Fox in New York and Delaware, has also accused the network of discrimination. Following her lawsuits going public last week, Grossberg's attorneys said in court papers that she was fired by Fox in retaliation. In court papers filed Monday, Grossberg said that while she cannot be compelled to testify at the trial, she would only voluntarily testify on behalf of Dominion. Grossberg was included on Dominion's witness list on Tuesday. A Fox spokesperson explained the decision to fire Grossberg: "Like most organizations, Fox News Media's attorneys engage in privileged communications with our employees as necessary to provide legal advice. Last week, our attorneys advised Ms. Grossberg that, while she was free to file whatever legal claims she wished, she was in possession of our privileged information and was not authorized to disclose it publicly. We were clear that if she violated our instructions, Fox would take appropriate action including termination. Ms. Grossberg ignored these communications and chose to file her complaint without taking any steps to protect those portions containing Fox's privileged information. We will continue to vigorously defend Fox against Ms. Grossberg's unmeritorious legal claims, which are riddled with false allegations against Fox and our employees." Elon Musk Twitter account seen on Mobile with Elon Musk in the background on screen, seen in this photo illustration. On 19 February 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. Elon Musk said that only verified accounts will appear in Twitter's recommendation feed, as the billionaire further shakes up the social media platform. Twitter's "For You" tab shows users tweets from people they don't follow, but that are recommended to them by the social media firm's algorithm. To date, this has showed accounts from any Twitter users, whether they are verified or not. But Musk announced in a tweet late Monday that, going forward, only verified accounts will show up in the "For You" section of the site. Musk claims the move "is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over." Musk also said that only verified users will be able to vote in polls. Since buying Twitter last year, Musk has sought to shake up the way the company does verification. Before Musk's acquisition, Twitter used to verify users with a blue check mark as a way to identify the account matches the person or company it says it is. This process was free and applied to celebrities, journalists, government officials and organizations. Musk introduced a subscription service last year called Twitter Blue that allows a user to pay $8 per month to be verified and obtain the blue check mark. Twitter said last week that it would begin to wind down its "legacy verified program" and remove "legacy verified" check marks on Apr. 1. The company is prompting people with the legacy checkmarks to sign up for the Twitter Blue subscription service. Musk has been trying to find ways to generate new revenue streams at Twitter, with paid verification being a flagship policy. But the company has reportedly lost a huge amount of value. Musk told employees last week that Twitter is now valued at $20 billion, according to an email sent to employees and seen by the New York Times. That is down more than 50% from the $44 billion Musk paid for company last year. Close up of young woman inserting her bank card into automatic cash machine in the city. French authorities on Tuesday searched offices of several large banks, including Societe Generale, BNP Paribas and HSBC on the suspicion of money laundering and fiscal fraud, a spokesperson of the PNF financial prosecution office told Reuters. Societe General confirmed the searches. The other concerned banks could not immediately be reached for comment. The spokesperson confirmed earlier reports by paper Le Monde which said the probe was linked to dividend stripping and also hit Exane and Natixis. The PNF said that five investigations were ongoing linked to so-called "cum-cum" practices, through which wealthy clients sought to evade taxes on dividends through complex legal structures. "The ongoing operations, which have required several months of preparation, are being carried out by 16 investigating judges and over 150 investigation agents", the PNF said in a statement issued around midday on Tuesday. Here's a rapid-fire update on every stock in the CNBC Investing Club portfolio. Jim Cramer ran through each one of them on Tuesday during the March edition of our "Monthly Meeting." Apple (AAPL): The iPhone maker launched its "buy now, pay later" service Tuesday. While it's not necessarily a near-term needle mover, the company's financial services push will over time strengthen its ecosystem and customer loyalty. Own it, don't trade it. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): We remain patient with the chipmaker following a rough 2022, and hope that the benefits of its expensive Xilinx acquisition continue to come into focus. Memory chipmaker Micron Technology (MU) reports earnings Tuesday, which may offer some insight on the same end markets AMD plays in such as PCs. Amazon (AMZN): There is a lot to like about the e-commerce and cloud computing giant, with management getting a better handle on its expenses now that revenue growth is normalizing after a few Covid-fueled years. We remain committed holders of the stock. Bausch Health (BHC): The pharmaceutical firm has become such a damaged franchise that even positive news about a fresh CEO at its former eye-care unit Bausch + Lomb (BLCO) hasn't been able to break through. BHC remains the majority owner of Bausch + Lomb, so what's good at BLCO is good for BHC. We're holding on to BHC while we wait for legal rulings around its patent for its key Xifaxan drug. Caterpillar (CAT): We'd like to see CAT shares fall more so we can increase our position at more attractive levels. The machinery maker is poised to benefit from the federal government's massive infrastructure spending initiatives. Costco (COST): A special dividend payment may be on the horizon. Historically, that's helped spark a rally in shares of the retailer, whose value-focused ethos makes its business resilient in a slowing economy. Salesforce (CRM): CEO Marc Benioff has successfully navigated pressure from five activist investors, adopting a plan to accelerate the enterprise software maker's margin expansion to become more profitable. It's not too late to buy shares and if the stock falls, that's an opportunity to add more. Cisco Systems (CSCO): Our patience with Cisco should soon pay off, although we recognize it's been frustrating to see the company's strong business performance get overlooked by Wall Street. Coterra Energy (CTRA): We're planning to consolidate our four energy stocks into three, which will include Coterra. The exploration and production company has a nice mix of oil and natural gas exposure. Plus, we like management's stepped-up focus on stock buybacks over paying variable dividends that fluctuate quarterly based on free cash flow. Danaher (DHR): The life sciences firm is preparing to separate its Environmental & Applied Solutions division into a publicly traded company, and history shows spinoffs have worked out well for Danaher shareholders. Walt Disney (DIS): Our discipline is standing in the way of buying more Disney shares, which trade around $95 each on Tuesday afternoon. That is above our last buy on March 10 at roughly $93 per share. We're surprised CEO Bob Iger's cost-cutting plans haven't caused the stock to break out. Eventually, the stock should catch up to the improving fundamentals. Devon Energy (DVN): Our plan is to exit our Devon position and reallocate the money raised from the sale into our other energy positions, which are executing better at the moment. Estee Lauder (EL): The highest quality consumer products company out there. Its stock is still well off its late 2021 highs, but it can return to those levels as its all-important China business recovers following the country's removal of strict Covid rules. Emerson Electric (EMR): The company's attempted hostile takeover of National Instruments was a mistake. We need to see a resolution on this situation soon. It either needs to walk away from the acquisition and return cash to shareholders with a stock buyback, or acquire National Instruments at a fair price to boost earnings. Ford Motor (F): Our roughly 2.5% weighting is appropriate as we await the automaker's upcoming first-quarter results in early May. We continue to have a short leash on Ford and want to see the promised earnings power in the numbers. Foot Locker (FL): Newly installed CEO Mary Dillon has laid out an impressive turnaround strategy that attracted us to the shoe retailer. We started our position in Foot Locker on Monday , and expect to own it for the long term due to our confidence in Dillon. While turnaround stories take time, Foot Locker's dividend makes the wait attractive. Alphabet (GOOGL): A recovery in the advertising market will allow Alphabet to make a lot of money. But admittedly our patience in the company has been waning, particularly its spending on its money-losing "Other Bets" segments. It's cost-cutting strategy also has been generally disappointing relative to Big Tech peers like Meta Platforms. Halliburton (HAL): Halliburton is set to stick around after our energy consolidation because the oilfield services company remains early in what management expects to be a multiyear cycle of increased drilling investments. The stock has come down hard over the past month, and Jim said he thinks our position should be larger. Honeywell International (HON): Honeywell has ample firepower to make acquisitions and repurchase stock, and the company should be able to do both even after President and COO Vimal Kapur takes over as CEO in June. Its aerospace business remains well-positioned. Humana (HUM): Similar to Costco, Humana is another stock suited for an environment where investors fear a recession. The health insurer has moved past its Medicare Advantage issues from two years ago and is now taking share from competitors. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Talc lawsuits have, unfortunately, become a huge drag on J & J's stock price. However, we're unwilling to part ways with such a high-quality company at these levels. Our hope is that eventually appeals make their way to the Supreme Court and bring the litigation to a reasonable resolution. Linde (LIN): This may be the best cyclical stock in our portfolio. The industrial gas giant is able to pass through cost increases to customers and has exposure to great end markets, including semiconductors and green hydrogen. Plus, the company's penchant for stock buybacks increases our ownership stake. Eli Lilly (LLY): The stock's struggles to start 2023 are not indicative of the pharmaceutical company's future prospects. They remain bright thanks to Lilly's type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro, which has shown promise as a treatment for weight loss and possibly more conditions. We'd be looking to buy more on a pullback. Meta Platforms (META): The Facebook and Instagram parent has been the opposite of Alphabet. Its aggressive expense-reduction program should begin to show real results as monetization of Reels improves. Shares have surged more than 65% year to date, but there should be more room to run. Morgan Stanley (MS): Morgan Stanley looks nothing like beleaguered First Republic (FRC) or the three U.S. lenders that failed in early March and dragged other bank stocks down with them. Morgan Stanley's growing asset management presence, a main reason we're shareholders, wasn't enough to prevent the company from getting caught in the blast zone. Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft is firing on all cylinders. It is leading on artificial intelligence with the help of fellow Club holding Nvidia, and its potential acquisition of video-game publisher Activision Blizzard appears to have a better chance of securing regulatory approval. While the stock isn't exactly cheap, you get what you pay for, and Microsoft is a top-notch company. Nvidia Corp. (NVDA): The next broad sell-off on Wall Street will create a better entry point to add to Nvidia. But importantly, the chipmaker has joined Apple in rarified air, becoming an "own it, don't trade it" stock for the Club. Its dominance in artificial intelligence is unmistakable, designing the chips and developing the software to fuel the burgeoning tech trend. Palo Alto Networks (PANW): The company has become the gold-standard cybersecurity provider under the leadership of Nikesh Arora. Spending on cybersecurity has proven to be a resilient pocket of the software industry, to the benefit of Palo Alto. Inclusion in the S & P 500 could be in PANW's future now that it's been GAAP profitable over the past 12 months. Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD): We're sticking with Pioneer as part of our energy exposure consolidation because CEO Scott Sheffield is a terrific operator. Sentiment around oil became too negative, and a bounce higher looks to be in order. Procter & Gamble (PG): The consumer staples giant is currently Jim's favorite stock in the portfolio. The company's business can withstand an economic slowdown and benefits from a weaker U.S. dollar because of its large international presence. Commodity price declines help, too. Qualcomm (QCOM): Jim said he got too excited about the chipmaker's diversification strategy, which hasn't translated into the price-to-earnings expansion that he expected amid a slowdown in cell phones. If the stock gets into the $130 territory, we're looking to exit our position. Starbucks (SBUX): We're in a holding pattern with Starbucks, which officially installed Laxman Narasimhan as CEO last week. We trimmed our SBUX position around $107 per share in January, and the stock is trading in the upper $90s now. We may add more on a future pullback. Constellation Brands (STZ): Its upcoming quarterly results may not be great, due in part to bad weather in the Modelo maker's key California market, but we can be patient and see through any weakness. In fact, we're eager to buy more around here. Constellation has excellent cash flow and its stock is relatively cheap amongst its beverage peers. TJX Companies (TJX): The Marshalls and TJ Maxx parent is a huge beneficiary of the inventory gluts across the retail industry. Plus, if credit conditions tighten meaningfully, any retailers who need cash in the future can turn to TJX. Wells Fargo (WFC): We're sticking with Wells Fargo, even though we recognize in the near term the banking crisis will remain an overhang. It's been a bit disappointing as of late, but we remain hopeful that technological improvements, disciplined expense management and the eventual removal of the Federal Reserve-imposed asset cap will be good for Wells Fargo shareholders. Wynn Resorts (WYNN): Our decision to hold onto a small Wynn position has been validated by the stock's nearly 60% rise over the past six months. A recovery in the Chinese gaming hub of Macau is underway, which points to a brighter future of Wynn's business. But, at the same time, the stock still has a less than 1% weighting in our portfolio. That makes the question of when to bolt a difficult one. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer Rob Kim | NBCUniversal A Turkish is on view during a presentation at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Siauliai, Lithuania, on July 6, 2022. Lithuania on July 6, 2022 exhibited a crowdfunded Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 combat military drone that it plans to send to Ukraine to help the war-torn country fight Russia's invasion. Petras Malukas | AFP | Getty Images In the early weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a music video surfaced online. It featured clips of missile launchers and Russian tanks in a drone's crosshairs, as deep-voiced men sang the words in Ukrainian: "The occupiers came to us in Ukraine, with brand new uniforms and military vehicles, but their inventory melted into steel Bayraktar!" The last word drops as an explosion is seen obliterating a Russian target. The video quickly went viral, the song written as an homage to the powerful Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 drone that helped Ukrainian forces devastate Russia's initial offensive. The now-famous drone is produced by Istanbul-headquartered defense company Baykar Makina whose chief technology officer happens to be Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son-in-law. Drones aren't the only thing elevating Turkey's status as a growing player in the global defense industry. The sheer number of international deals the country's defense firms have made in the last few years reveals rapidly rising demand, major R&D investment and a growing source of leverage for Turkey's foreign relations. Record defense exports In 2022, Turkey hit a record $4.4 billion in arms exports a figure larger than some European countries' annual defense budgets. After exceeding its export target for the year, Turkey's government aims to bring that figure to $6 billion in 2023. Turnover for the country's defense industry as a whole last year was $10 billion, according to Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries. Revenue from overseas defense exports rose by 42% between 2020 and 2021, with foreign contracts making up as much as 90% of revenue for some Turkish companies like Baykar, the Atlantic Council reported in December. Turkey is home to some 2,000 companies in the sector. A vessel claimed to be a Russian Raptor boat is destroyed with use of Ukrainian, Turkish-supplied Bayraktar drone, near Snake Island, Ukraine in this screen grab obtained from a social media video on May 2, 2022. Courtesy: Ukraine Naval Forces The transformation has its roots in the early 2000s, when Ankara outlined a strategy to build a modern and self-sustained defense sector and encourage domestic investment. Erdogan's two-decade long project, which continues to see strong state investment in local firms, is paying off as arms sales bolster Turkish influence abroad. And while Turkey's military manufacturing footprint is still small compared to major players like the U.S., Russia, and China, it's won outsized attention for the performance of its weapons like the Bayraktar drone, which has been used in Libya, Syria, and the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict in addition to Ukraine. Keeping up foreign relations Sales of weapons and technologies, especially drones, "have helped [Turkey] improve ties" internationally, the Atlantic Council wrote, in particular with "states such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, and even establish new ties with various other countries such as Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia." The sales bolster Turkey's clout in the Gulf states and Europe, too. At IDEX, the Middle East's largest arms fair held in February in Abu Dhabi, Turkey's presence was impossible to miss. Enormous Turkish-branded pavilions showcased everything from armored trucks and drones to assault rifles, tactical gear and laser-guided missiles. The Ukraine-Russian war has created a huge demand, even the countries that are not participating in the war are stockpiling. We are already doubling our manufacturing capacity just to meet demand. Emin Oner Chairman of the board, Assan Group "There is significant international demand from the Middle East, from Asia, from Europe. Also with the war in Ukraine, Turkiye is trying to do our best in supporting with equipment, including with UAVs and land platforms," Alper Oziblen, chairman of Turkish defense company Pavo Group, told CNBC at IDEX. "This shows us that Turkish products have been mature enough to use in the battlefields," he said. "Our clients, our partners are very happy." Tulpar, Turkish heavy infantry fighting vehicle designed by the Sakarya-based automotive manufacturer Otokar, on display at the 16th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 21 2023. Photo by Mohammed Zarandah | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Oziblen and other Turkish executives CNBC spoke to all confirmed they had ongoing or planned partnerships and deals with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other oil-rich Gulf states. Many of those countries are investing heavily in growing their own defense sectors and some, like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have provided substantial financial support to Turkey or pledged billions of dollars in trade and investment. Oziblen highlighted the expertise of his and other Turkish companies in areas like cryptography, essential for secure communications on the battlefield, as well as electronic subsystems for drones and land platforms. "Information technology is a major part of the defense domain, and we are positioning ourselves in that domain," he said. And the investment shows in the numbers: research and development in Turkey's defense sector "recently increased by 30 percent," the Atlantic Council's report wrote. Supplying NATO, Ukraine and beyond As NATO allies race to supply Ukraine with arms to combat Russia, many of those allies particularly in Europe are running severely low on their own weapons stocks. Turkish defense manufacturers say they are booked for the next several years with orders to help replenish NATO stockpiles. Those firms also have high demand from Turkey's military alone it is, after all, the second-largest military in NATO after the United States. A view from the stand of Turkish ASSAV Defense Company at the 16th edition of International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 21 2023. Mohammed Zarandah | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images "The Ukraine-Russian war has created a huge demand, even the countries that are not participating in the war are stockpiling. We are already doubling our manufacturing capacity just to meet demand [from NATO countries]," Emin Oner, chairman of the board of Turkish defense firm Assan Group, told CNBC. "All the manufacturers are booked for at least five more years," Oner said. He said that his company was fully booked with orders for the next few years, with shifts running round the clock despite that fact that Assan does not currently make products for Ukraine. It would do so if the Turkish government requested it, he said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (C) and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R) pose during a joint news conference after their meeting in Lviv, Ukraine on August 18, 2022. Metin Atkas | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp., speaks during the Windows 10 Devices event in New York on Oct. 6, 2015. Microsoft Corp. introduced its first-ever laptop, three Lumia phones and a Surface Pro 4 tablet, the first indication of the company's revamped hardware strategy three months after saying it would scale back plans to make its own smartphones. Microsoft on Tuesday announced a chatbot designed to help cybersecurity professionals understand critical issues and find ways to fix them. The company has been busy bolstering its software with artificial intelligence models from startup OpenAI after OpenAI's ChatGPT bot captured the public imagination following its November debut. The resulting generative AI software can at times be "usefully wrong," as Microsoft put it earlier this month when talking up new features in Word and other productivity apps. But Microsoft is proceeding nevertheless, as it seeks to keep growing a cybersecurity business that fetched more than $20 billion in 2022 revenue. The Microsoft Security Copilot draws on GPT-4, the latest large language model from OpenAI in which Microsoft has invested billions and a security-specific model Microsoft built using daily activity data it gathers. The system also knows a given customer's security environment, but that data won't be used to train models. The chatbot can compose PowerPoint slides summarizing security incidents, describe exposure to an active vulnerability or specify the accounts involved in an exploit in response to a text prompt that a person types in. A user can hit a button to confirm an answer if it's right or select an "off-target" button to signal a mistake. That sort of input will help the service learn, Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president of security, compliance, identity, management and privacy at Microsoft, told CNBC in an interview. Engineers inside Microsoft have been using the Security Copilot to do their jobs. "It can process 1,000 alerts and give you the two incidents that matter in seconds," Jakkal said. The tool also reverse-engineered a piece of malicious code for an analyst who didn't know how to do that, she said. That type of assistance can make a difference for companies that run into trouble hiring experts and end up hiring employees who are inexperienced in some areas. "There's a learning curve, and it takes time," Jakkal said. "And now Security Copilot with the skills built in can augment you. So it is going to help you do more with less." Microsoft isn't talking about how much Security Copilot will cost when it becomes more widely available. Jakkal said the hope is that many workers inside a given company will use it, rather than just a handful of executives. That means over time Microsoft wants to make the tool capable of holding discussions in a wider variety of domains. The service will work with Microsoft security products such as Sentinel for tracking threats. Microsoft will determine if it should add support for third-party tools such as Splunk based on input from early users in the next few months, Jakkal said. If Microsoft were to require customers to use Sentinel or other Microsoft products if they want to turn on the Security Copilot, that could very well influence the purchasing decisions, said Frank Dickson, group vice president for security and trust at technology industry researcher IDC. "For me, I was like, 'Wow, this may be the single biggest announcement in security this calendar year,'" he said. There's nothing stopping Microsoft's security rivals, such as Palo Alto Networks , from releasing chatbots of their own, but getting out first means Microsoft will have a head start, Dickson said. Security Copilot will be available to a small set of Microsoft clients in a private preview before wider release at a later date. WATCH: Microsoft threatens to restrict data from rival AI search tools Nokia hopes to install a data network on the moon sometime in 2023, an executive told reporters. Nokia is preparing to launch a 4G mobile network on the moon later this year, in the hopes of enhancing lunar discoveries and eventually paving the path for human presence on the satellite planet. The Finnish telecommunications group plans to launch the network on a SpaceX rocket over the coming months, Luis Maestro Ruiz De Temino, Nokia's principal engineer, told reporters earlier this month at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona. The network will be powered by an antenna-equipped base station stored in a Nova-C lunar lander designed by U.S. space firm Intuitive Machines, as well as by an accompanying solar-powered rover. An LTE connection will be established between the lander and the rover. The infrastructure will land on the Shackleton crater, which lies along the southern limb of the moon. Nokia says the technology is designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space. The network will be used within Nasa's Artemis program, which aims to send the first human astronauts to walk on the moon's surface since 1972. No decisions have been made on how Nasa will use the network, a Nokia spokesperson said. The aim is to show that terrestrial networks can meet the communications needs for future space missions, Nokia said, adding that its network will allow astronauts to communicate with each other and with mission control, as well as to control the rover remotely and stream real-time video and telemetry data back to Earth. Market Movers rounds up the best trade ideas from investors and analysts throughout the day. Jim Cramer discussed Alibaba . Shares climbed 14% after the Chinese e-commerce platform announced plans to split into six business groups . Each group will be managed by its own CEO, making it the most significant reorganization in the company's history. Ritholtz Wealth Management's Josh Brown explained why he likes Occidental Petroleum . The energy stock rose 4% after Berkshire Hathaway bought 3.7 million more shares of the company . Cowen also upgraded Occidental Petroleum to outperform from market perform . Other stocks mentioned included Apple and Paramount . Apple is currently held in Cramer's Charitable Trust portfolio. The current German coalition government is seeking to accelerate the country's transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear to renewable and sustainable production energy means. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images The global energy transition is off track to prevent the worst impact of the climate emergency, according to the head of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and a fundamental course correction is required to successfully pivot away from fossil fuels. A report published by IRENA on Tuesday said an additional $35 trillion of investments in transitional technologies would be needed by 2030 to curb global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This temperature threshold refers to the aspirational goal of the landmark Paris Agreement. It is widely regarded as a crucial global target because so-called tipping points become more likely beyond this level of global heating. Tipping points are thresholds at which small changes can lead to dramatic shifts in Earth's entire life support system. "We are off track," Francesco La Camera, director general of IRENA, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Tuesday. La Camera said that IRENA's findings show energy transition progress has been made, particularly in the power sector where renewables account for 40% of installed power generation worldwide but the scale and extent of the change to date fall far short of the 1.5 degrees Celsius pathway. IRENA said deployment levels must grow from some 3,000 gigawatts today to more than 10,000 GW in 2030. The agency also noted that deployment is limited to certain parts of the world, with China, the EU and the U.S. accounting for two thirds of all additions in 2022, leaving low-income nations further behind. 'Survival guide for humanity' The IRENA report comes shortly after the world's leading climate scientists published a "survival guide for humanity." The U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said earlier this month that the unprecedented challenge of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius had become even greater in recent years because of the relentless increase in global greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC said deep, rapid and sustained greenhouse gas emission reductions across all sectors would be necessary to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The IRENA report meanwhile said that a successful global energy transition must see bold and transformative measures reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis. A vehicle drives past a dry, cracked lake bed on its way to Boulder Harbour in drought-stricken Lake Mead on September 15, 2022 in Boulder City, Nevada. Frederic J. Brown | Afp | Getty Images Investment, comprehensive policies across the world and all sectors must take steps to grow renewables, the report adds, and implement the structural changes required for a predominantly renewables-based energy transition. "The process we are assisting on is unstoppable. So, we are moving to a new energy system that will be largely dominated by renewables, complimented by hydrogen mainly green hydrogen and the sustainable use of biomass," La Camera told CNBC. "In the medium to long term, this will happen, so the question is not where we are going," he added. "It is important to understand that the most important variable is time." Stranded assets warning The global market for salt was worth over an estimated $13 billion in 2021, according to Research Insights. This valuation comes after a rich global history showcasing wars fought over salt, trade routes built for commodities, taxes levied against the mineral and even cities named in sodium's legacy. Salt has shaped the global economy and the way we use it has shifted dramatically throughout history. "You could not have an international economy if you didn't have salt," Mark Kurlansky, author of "Salt: A World History," told CNBC. "There was very little food you could export without salt. Vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products." Today, the common uses of salt are just as prolific but less apparent. Road salt Highway deicing salts accounted for about 42% of total salt consumed in 2022, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. But now, since the rise of refrigeration and frozen food, salt is primarily used on snowy and icy roads and highways to make them drivable. "We're seeing that the majority is deicing salt," Seth Goldstein, equities analyst with Morningstar, told CNBC. The University of Vermont estimated that the U.S. uses 20 million metric tons of salt on roads every year. However, if too much salt permeates our environment, the effects can be dangerous, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Runoff from deicing salts that keep our roads safe in wintry weather is the most obvious way that salt enters the environment. It is estimated to cause anywhere from $800 to $3,300 in structural damage for every ton used, according to the EPA. "This is an issue that affects everybody on a daily basis," Sujay Kaushal, scientist and professor with the University of Maryland, told CNBC. Kaushal has studied freshwater salinization syndrome and its impact on drinking water, ecosystems and infrastructure corrosion. "We found that some of the major rivers and streams in the world have been showing these increasing trends," Kaushal said. Lower chloride products Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, arrives on the day of a hearing at Manhattan federal court in New York City, January 3, 2023. FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried paid out tens of millions of dollars worth of bribes to at least one Chinese government official, federal prosecutors alleged in a new indictment Tuesday. The indictment said accounts belonging to Bankman-Fried's hedge fund, Alameda Research, were the target of a freezing order from Chinese police "in or around" November 2021. The indictment alleges that Bankman-Fried and others "directed and caused the transfer" of at least $40 million in cryptocurrency "intended for the benefit of one or more Chinese government officials in order to influence and induce them" to unfreeze some of these accounts. Bankman-Fried and his associates considered and tried "numerous methods" to unfreeze the accounts, which contained around $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency, prosecutors allege. Ultimately, after both legal and personal efforts failed, Bankman-Fried agreed to and directed a multimillion-dollar bribe to have the frozen accounts unlocked, prosecutors alleged. Bankman-Fried's hedge fund used the unfrozen assets to continue to fund Alameda's loss-generating trades, continuing on what the government says was a fraud upon customers and investors for another year. FTX and Alameda imploded in November 2022 after concerns about their balance sheet turned into a veritable bank run. Bankman-Fried now faces a federal indictment and civil charges from both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Chinese technology stocks such as Alibaba and Tencent have been hammered in 2022 as regulatory pressure and a slowing Chinese economy weighed on growth. But investors are starting to feel slightly more optimistic toward Chinese tech giants in 2023. Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading. Alibaba Shares jumped 9.8% after the e-commerce giant said it would split its company into six separate business groups. Each will have the potential to raise outside funding and go public. Lyft The ride-sharing company added 5% after announcing its co-founders, CEO Logan Green and President John Zimmer, will soon step down from their day-to-day roles. Former Amazon executive David Risher will take the helm April 17. First Republic Bank The closely followed regional bank gained 3.6%. That follows an 11.8% rally in Monday's session as investors bought back into the stock after selling off last week. Investors were contemplating whether a $30 billion rescue plan from a group of banks would be enough to shore up its liquidity. Walgreens Boots Alliance The pharmacy stock advanced 1.7% after the company posted better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.16, above the $1.10 anticipated by analysts, per Refinitiv. Meanwhile, the company reported revenue at $34.86 billion, beating the $33.53 billion expected by Wall Street. PVH Shares of the apparel company jumped more than 12% following a better-than-expected fourth-quarter report. PVH generated $2.38 in adjusted earnings per share on $2.49 billion of revenue. Analysts surveyed by Refinitiv were expecting $1.67 in earnings per share on $2.37 billion of revenue. Revenue from the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands grew by 3% each, and PVH's revenue guidance also topped expectations. PagSeguro Shares gained 5% after Citi upgraded the Brazilian payment stock to buy on the back of fourth-quarter earnings. While the firm said the earnings report was largely unsurprising and the company was still in "rough waters," shares were more attractive following a bout of underperformance. Ciena The technology company added 3.1% following an upgrade to strong buy from outperform by Raymond James, which cited Ciena's entry in the edge router market as a catalyst. Occidental Petroleum The energy stock jumped 1.9% in premarket after a regulatory filing showed Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway purchased an additional 3.7 million shares for $216 million on Monday and last Thursday. The move boosted the conglomerate's stake in the oil giant to 23.5%. Paramount Shares of the legacy media giant advanced 5% on Tuesday morning on a rating upgrade from Bank of America from neutral to buy. The firm highlighted the company's strong lineup of assets that could help Paramount value itself at a premium compared with the market in the event the business is ever put up for sale. Fox Shares slipped more than 1% after Bank of America downgraded the media company to neutral from buy, saying there were no near-term catalysts to drive the stock price up. Array Technologies The renewable energy stock added 3.6% following an upgrade to buy from hold by Truist. While the firm said the company should see some weakness in the first quarter, it will be helped by domestic and international tailwinds later in the year. CNBC's Arjun Kharpal, Jesse Pound, Michelle Fox, Brian Evans and Yun Li contributed reporting. Correction: Raymond James upgraded Ciena shares. A previous version misstated the firm's name. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading Tuesday. PagSeguro Shares popped 4.1% on Tuesday after Citi upgraded the Brazilian payment stock to buy from neutral. The firm called the company's fourth-quarter earnings unsurprising and said it is still in rough waters, but shares were more attractive following recent underperformance. Stone , which was also upgraded by Citi to buy from neutral, edged higher as well on Tuesday. Affirm The pay-later service lost 7.3% after Apple announced a competing service. Apple shares were down about 0.9%. Occidental Petroleum The energy stock jumped 4.3% on Tuesday after a regulatory filing showed Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway purchased an additional 3.7 million shares for $216 million on Monday and last Thursday. TD Cowen upgraded Occidental to outperform from market perform following the news. Micron Technology The semiconductor stock dropped 0.85% ahead of its scheduled second-quarter earnings report after the bell on Tuesday. Analysts expect revenue of $3.71 billion and a loss per share of 67 cents, according to FactSet. Micron's shares have gained more than 18.5% in the last six months. PVH Shares soared 20% after the apparel company's fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.38, beating estimates of $1.67, per Refinitiv. Its revenue of $2.49 billion beat expectations of $2.37 billion. PVH's guidance for the first quarter and full year also surpassed estimates. Paramount Shares of the media giant gained 3.1% during Tuesday's trading session on a rating upgrade from Bank of America from neutral to buy. The bank highlighted Paramount's strong lineup of assets that could help the business in the event it puts itself up for sale. McCormick & Company The spice maker's stock price jumped 9.6% after reporting better-than-expected earnings for the first quarter. McCormick reported quarterly earnings of 59 cents per share, while analysts surveyed by FactSet expected 50 cents per share. Alibaba Shares soared by nearly 14.3% after the e-commerce giant said it would split its company into six separate business groups, with each group having the potential to raise outside funding and go public. Ciena The technology company gained about 4.7% on Tuesday after Raymond James upgraded the stock to strong buy from outperform. Walgreens Boots Alliance Shares of the pharmacy giant rose more than 2.7% after the company reported an increase in its quarterly revenue despite seeing a sharp decline in demand for Covid tests and vaccines. Walgreens posted revenue of $34.86 billion for the most recent quarter, compared to analysts' estimates of $33.53 billion, according to Refinitiv. Carnival Corp The cruise operator's stock price rose 6.1% on Tuesday after Wells Fargo upgraded Carnival to equal weight from underweight. The firm said it sees a more balanced risk/reward for the company CNBC's Alex Harring, Yun Li, Jesse Pound and Michelle Fox Theobald contributed reporting. Correction: According to FactSet, Micron is expected to post a loss of 67 cents per share. A previous version misstated the estimate. Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr testifies at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on "Recent Bank Failures and the Federal Regulatory Response" on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 28, 2023. The run on Silicon Valley Bank's deposits this month went far deeper than was initially known. Since the day regulators seized SVB, it was public knowledge that panicked customers withdrew $42 billion from the bank on March 9 on concerns that uninsured deposits were at risk. Follow CNBC's live coverage of the SVB hearing But that pales in comparison to what would've gone out the next day, Michael Barr, vice chair for supervision at the Federal Reserve, testified Tuesday before the Senate Banking Committee. Regulators shuttered SVB on March 10 in the biggest bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis. "That morning, the bank let us know that they expected the outflow to be vastly larger based on client requests," Barr said. "A total of $100 billion was scheduled to go out the door that day." The combined withdrawal figure of $142 billion represents a staggering 81% of SVB's $175 billion in deposits as of the end of last year. The dizzying pace at which money left SVB shows how quickly bank runs can happen when social media heightens panic and online banking allows for quick transactions. Lawmakers summoned top U.S. banking regulators to Washington to explain why Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed earlier this month. Barr and others pointed to mismanagement by bank executives, and noted that banks with assets of more than $100 billion may need stricter rules. The former CEOs of the banks did not attend. In fact, Fed supervisors began warning SVB management about the risk that higher interest rates posed to the bank's balance sheet in November 2021, Barr testified. The bank "failed to address" Fed concerns in a timely way, exposing the company to its deposit run this month. Former US President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Waco, Texas, US, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Former President Donald Trump is not expected to face indictment this week in the probe into his then-lawyer's hush money payment to a porn star before the 2016 election, NBC News reported. The grand jury is not expected to meet Wednesday, and is set to hear a different matter when it sits on Thursday, three sources familiar with the matter told NBC. If the grand jury sticks to that schedule, the soonest an indictment could come down is Monday. Trump earlier framed the probe by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office as a new way of "cheating" in elections. Trump's latest accusation echoes past, false claims he made leading up to and after the 2020 presidential, when he said there was widespread fraud as a result of mail-in ballots that became more common due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to suppression of his supporters' vote. He and his allies argue that Bragg's probe, and others by a Georgia prosecutor and the Department of Justice, are designed to harm his chances of winning the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and, ultimately regaining the White House. The Manhattan grand jury that has been hearing testimony in the hush money case is expected to have the day off Tuesday, a day after former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker made his second appearance before the panel. That means that the earliest day the grand jury could vote on a potential indictment of Trump is Wednesday. Pecker tipped off Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen in 2016 that porn actress Stormy Daniels was shopping around a story about having had sex with Trump a decade earlier. Cohen soon afterward paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her quiet about the alleged tryst. Trump denies having sex with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Bragg's investigation is focused on the Trump Organization recording Trump's reimbursement to Cohen for the payment as "legal expenses." It is a misdemeanor under New York state law to misclassify business expenses in official records, and that can become a felony if the false statement was done to conceal another crime. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to multiple federal crimes, including to a federal campaign finance violation for the payment to Daniels. The first shipment of German Leopard 2 tanks, much-awaited by Ukraine, has arrived in the war-torn country, Germany's defense ministry said Tuesday. Eighteen of the tanks, ammunition and spare parts, as well as two "Buffalo" armored recovery vehicles arrived in Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement. In addition, 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles have also reached Ukraine. "As promised, our tanks arrived on time in the hands of our Ukrainian friends. I am sure that they can do something important at the front," Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commented, adding that "Germany even delivered four more tanks than initially planned. You can rely on us." The ministry said that Leopard 1 A5 tanks will also be delivered to Ukraine in the near future but that those are currently being repaired by German industry, with the repair financed by Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. The aim is to have the first 25 tanks available by summer, around 80 by the end of the year and to increase to at least 100 Leopard 1 A5s over the course of 2024, the ministry said. The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, has spent the last two months training Ukrainian soldiers on the weapon systems at a site near Munster, Germany. Nonetheless, Berlin has been singled out for criticism during the war, accused of not doing enough to help Ukraine, and of being slow to decide on giving Kyiv heavy battle tanks. On the heels of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision in January to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks, the Biden administration announced it will equip Ukraine with the mighty M1A1 Abrams tank. The 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks will expand on the more than $27 billion the U.S. has committed to Kyiv's fight since Russia invaded more than a year ago. Holly Ellyatt, Amanda Macias Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner of the office of food policy and response at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), speaks during a House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Ting Shen | Bloomberg | Getty Images The U.S. supply of infant formula is still vulnerable to safety issues and supply disruptions more than a year after a nationwide shortage that left parents scrambling to feed their children, a former Food and Drug Administration official told U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday. "It is my view that the state of the infant formula industry today is not much different than it was then," Frank Yiannas, the agency's former deputy commissioner for food policy, said during testimony before a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee. Yiannas helped lead the FDA's response to the shortage before resigning earlier this year. "In other words, the nation remains one outbreak, tornado, flood or cyberattack away from finding itself in a similar place to that of February 17, 2022," he added. The FDA announced a nationwide recall on that day of Abbott Nutrition 's popular Similac, Alimentum and EleCare baby formulas that sparked the nationwide shortage. The infant formula was recalled after several infants became sick with bacterial infections and two died. He said the agency was slow to act when those concerns about contamination arose at Abbott's formula manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan. The plant was shuttered for months, sharply reducing formula supply across the U.S. Prior to the recall, Abbott controlled an estimated 40% of the nation's baby formula market. Yiannas underscored dysfunction within the FDA that he believes exacerbated the shortage. He pointed to structural and cultural issues within the agency, a failure to monitor the food supply chain and inadequate public health surveillance of the fatal bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii, that he said contaminated Abbott's formula. But he also highlighted ongoing threats to infant formula supply that need to be addressed to prevent a similar crisis in the future, such as manufacturing plants in need of refurbishment and heavy consolidation in the industry. Shelves normally meant for baby formula sit nearly empty at a store in downtown Washington, DC, on May 22, 2022. Samuel Corum | AFP | Getty Images The FDA first received a whistleblower complaint about the contamination at Abbott's formula plant on Oct. 26, 2021, he said. But Yiannas said he only became aware of the complaint four months later on Feb. 10, 2022, which prompted him and his team to take action to mitigate the shortage at the time. Yiannas said the FDA previously blamed "mail issues" for the delay, but noted that multiple agency officials received both hard and electronic copies of the complaint. He instead pointed to decentralized offices and centers at the agency that were slow to pass along the critical information, he noted. "I wish that the communications silos had not existed and that I would have been notified earlier, so I could have initiated these steps sooner," Yiannas said during the hearing. "I also believe that had we been able to initiate these steps and act sooner, the recall may have been smaller in size." Strengthening prevention Yiannas said a "key lesson" he learned from the crisis is the FDA needs to update infant formula policies to strengthen prevention. He noted that Abbott's Sturgis plant isn't the only one to experience issues with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. The FDA needs to update its infant formula rule, which includes testing regulations for that bacteria, Yiannas said. Only about 300 grams of formula are typically tested for the bacteria despite some plants manufacturing up to 50 to 60 thousand pounds at a time, he noted. Those testing requirements should be updated, because they currently make the chances of detecting Cronobacter sakazakii "much smaller than they should be," according to Yiannas. He recommended the FDA and the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention designate Cronobacter sakazakii as a nationally notifiable disease, which would require states to report data and other information about the bacteria to the government. The CDC says only two to four cases of infections are reported to the agency every year because Minnesota and Michigan are the only states that require reporting. Yiannas acknowledged that making a disease nationally notifiable is a complicated process that requires the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to deliberate and vote. The FDA has been working to get it on the agenda for the council's meeting in June, he said. The FDA also needs to work with the baby formula industry to ensure manufacturing facilities are up to date, Yiannas said, adding that some equipment at Abbott's Sturgis facility "is older than I am." "We should no longer be producing food for infants using equipment that is showing its age and increasing the risk of potential problems," he told lawmakers. Abbott, in a statement to CNBC, pushed back on the testimony, saying "no sealed, distributed product from our Sturgis, Mich., facility tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter." "Some continue to imply that our product caused the four infections investigated by FDA/CDC that led to the February 2022 recall, but no Cronobacter or Salmonella was found in any of the closed containers recovered from the infant's homes," the company said. Abbott added that it's running U.S. facilities at increased capacity and is importing additional formula from Europe to help meet the nation's supply needs. The company also said it's investing to build a new $500 million infant formula plant in the U.S. New FDA strategy US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping (L) shake hands as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 14, 2022. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images Relations between the U.S. and China are on a "dangerous" path with "no trust" on either side, political observers told CNBC. Beijing regards Washington as "its primary adversary" and "believes the U.S. is intent on closing off the path of China," said Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale University's Paul Tsai China Center. "Right now, there is no trust," he told "Squawk Box Asia" on Tuesday, who is currently attending the China Development Forum in Beijing. William Cohen, former secretary of defense under the Clinton administration, underlined a similar sentiment and said the contentious back and forth between both sides has reached a "dangerous" level. "I think it's very dangerous whenever you have two competing powers, and nuclear weapons in the hands of both powers that's a very dangerous place to be," Cohen, now chairman and CEO of the Cohen Group, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Monday. In early March, China's new foreign minister Qin Gang, said relations with the U.S. have left a "rational path" and warned of conflict if Washington doesn't "hit the brake." U.S.-China tensions spike Tensions between the U.S and China have been rising over the years, ranging from trade and tariffs to tech rivalry and alleged spying. More recently, things escalated again after the U.S. shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon. This triggered Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel his trip to Beijing over the incident last month. watch now "The balloon was a spark that really put us on a swift downhill descent," Roach added. "If a balloon can derail this relationship the way it did so swiftly, it just tells you how damaged and distrustful the two nations are of this relationship." China and the U.S. have also been sparring over other contentious issues. Washington was "very concerned that China's considering providing lethal support" to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Issues over Taiwan have also drawn China's anger, with Beijing consistently warning that Taiwan is the "first red line" that must not be crossed. If a balloon can derail this relationship the way it did so swiftly, it just tells you how damaged and distrustful the two nations are of this relationship. Stephen Roach Senior fellow Yale University "I just have been in China now for five days and the story here is the mirror image of what you pick up in the U.S.," Roach said. "China is absolutely convinced they have an American problem." He added: "I'll go back tonight to the U.S. and I'll hear the exact opposite that America has a China problem." Concerns over Tik Tok Last week, the CEO of China-owned social media app TikTok, spent hours testifying to U.S. lawmakers, who wanted to know if American data could fall into the hands of the Chinese government. There was "a lot of discussion" around the issue at the China Development Forum, said Roach. "The videos of that appearance really went viral," he noted. "It really is something that I would say the Chinese experts, officials, and business people that I spoke with at the [forum] found very offensive and made them very worried." watch now Historically, when you have two competing powers rising, it often leads to conflict "on a majority of occasions," Cohen warned. Beijing is fast becoming a global economic power that is closely competing with Washington on several fronts, according to him. China has amassed an "amazing amount of weaponry that they developed in a very short period of time. Their economy, I think, is quite solid throughout the world," Cohen said. The relationship is "going to get harder," he noted, who stressed that both sides need to engage to avoid misunderstanding or miscalculation. Taiwan visit There is potential for tensions to flare up again after Taiwan's office of the president confirmed last week that Tsai Ing-wen is scheduled to transit through New York and Los Angeles at the end of March during her visit to Guatemala and Belize. The office did not provide details of her itinerary while in the U.S. On Taiwan, China has repeatedly said the issue is an internal affair. Beijing claims that the self-governed island is part of its territory, and maintains that Taiwan should have no right to conduct foreign relations. The Biden administration has been keen to downplay the Taiwan president's transit, calling it "not uncommon." "President Tsai has done it six times. Every single Taiwan president in recent memory has done this," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, said at a press briefing last week. watch now Energy was the second-best-performing sector of the S & P 500 last week, as investors flocked back into the stocks amid a recent dip in oil prices. Despite last week's rebound, the sector is still down about 5% in the past month, however, and oil prices are hovering near their Dec. 2021 lows. So is now the time to buy the dip on selected names? Fund manager Rob Thummel believes companies with a lot of free cash flow and which pay high dividends could look "compelling" to investors. One of his top picks is oil giant Chevron , a company he described as having an attractive dividend yield. The company is growing oil production in the Permian Basin in southwest United States, and will "lead the way" in meeting growing global energy demand and decarbonization needs, according to the senior portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital. Thummel also likes two energy infrastructure stocks Cheniere Energy and Energy Transfer . Cheniere is generating a lot of cash in the short term and will continue to do so in the longer term due to its decades-long contracted cash flow, he said. Moreover, the stock has more than 10% free cash flow yield and the company has an "aggressive" stock buyback program, he added. Thummel said Energy Transfer also has "significant" free cash flow and a dividend yield of more than 10%. The fund manager is focused on the longer-term fundamentals of oil markets. "There has been under-investment in oil markets. We are bullish on oil prices for that reason [it's] just going to make it difficult for supply to keep up over the longer term and in the next several years as well," he told CNBC's Squawk Box Asia on Monday. Thummel sees global oil demand hitting a record high in 2023, with oil prices rebounding to a range of between $80 to $90 a barrel by the end of the year even if a recession strikes. A different way to play oil Fund manager James Davolos has a different way to play the energy sector. He likes Viper Energy Partners , which owns a royalty portfolio of oilfield assets. Royalty companies typically provide funding for mining or exploration projects in exchange for a cut of production revenues or a contracted quantity of the commodity. "Viper Energy has one of the largest backlogs of tier-one locations in the [Permian] basin. And their parent company Diamondback [Energy] is probably the best, if not one of the best, independent operators. So, you basically have an operator that's self-funding production at the highest quality acreage and sponsoring the growth of your royalty cash flow," Davolos, portfolio manager at Horizon Kinetics, wrote in notes to CNBC on Monday. This implies that while Diamondback's economic breakeven may be around $50 to $55 a barrel, Viper Energy's breakeven is in the "low, single digits" as it needs only to cover the administrative costs of the royalties, he added. Viper Energy is thus able to leverage improving energy prices while having "strong" downside support, according to Davolos. Goldman and Morgan Stanley's energy picks A host of investment banks have also shared their top energy picks recently. Goldman Sachs favors Exxon as a defensive play , as well as Enterprise Products Partners within the midstream sector, which comprises companies involved in the processing and storing of oil and gas. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley upgraded the shares of French energy firm TotalEnergies to "overweight" last week, citing "significant" growth potential, its strong balance sheet and an "ambitious strategy" for the energy transition. CNBC's Weizhen Tan contributed to reporting. The Walmart logo is displayed outside their store near Bloomsburg. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Walmart for firing a North Carolina employee with Crohn's disease after the retail giant allegedly refused to grant her disability-related leave. The EEOC's complaint, filed in Charlotte federal court, accuses Walmart of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act in its treatment of deli worker Adrian Tucker. The lawsuit comes months after a Wisconsin federal court judge rejected Walmart's request for a new trial in a case where the EEOC sued the retailer for firing an employee with Down syndrome. In that case, a jury in 2021 found that Walmart wrongfully fired Marlo Spaeth, who worked for nearly 16 years at a Walmart Supercenter, after failing to accommodate her disability when her working hours were changed. The jury's verdict called for Walmart to pay more than $125 million in damages for its treatment of Spaeth. That was reduced by the judge to $300,000, the maximum allowed under the law. "We have been a top employer for those with disabilities for years and have thousands of associates who perform their jobs with reasonable accommodation, including applying for and receiving appropriate leave. We don't tolerate discrimination of any kind and take allegations like this seriously. We are reviewing the complaint and will respond in court as appropriate once we are served," a spokesperson for Walmart said in a statement. In the new North Carolina case, the EEOC alleges Walmart fired Tucker for violating the company's attendance policy after nine "unauthorized" absences in a period of six months. Tucker worked for Walmart between February 2014 and April 2017 at its Statesville store. While there, Tucker served customers, took orders, prepared food, washed dishes and lifted boxes of chicken weighing up to 50 pounds. According to the complaint, Tucker suffers from Crohn's disease, a chronic bowel condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to stomach cramps, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. The EEOC alleges Walmart refused to provide reasonable accommodation to her when she experienced symptoms multiple times between November 2016 and April 2017. The complaint further says Tucker asked for intermittent leave or excused absences, as well as requesting to be moved to a position closer to the bathroom. While Walmart excused some of her disability-related absences it did not accommodate several other absences that were due to medical appointments and a hospitalization, the suit says. The EEOC is seeking monetary relief for Tucker, which incluides back pay, and compensatory and punitive damages. The commission also seeks injunctive relief against Walmart to end any ongoing discrimination. Melinda Dugas, the regional attorney for the EEOC's Charlotte District, said in a statement, "The Americans with Disabilities Act was created to protect employees like this deli associate." An attorney representing Tucker declined to comment beyond the complaint citing "pending litigation." watch now Cassie Jupin grew up wanting to be a nurse. She set her sights on a job at St. Peter's Health Partners hospital in Albany, New York, and landed a position in the same maternity ward where she was born. "Knowing that I can come back to work every single day and work with a group of women and people that just make it so easy" has been gratifying, Jupin said. "Like, everybody's here to help you." Still, when she graduated from nursing school last July, she and her classmates joked about taking travel nurse jobs which paid a lot more than entry-level staff positions. "They were up in like the $140s, $150s, depending on the area you were searching," she explained. The pay wasn't per day. It was per hour. Over the last year, keeping nurses like Jupin on staff has ranked as the most pressing workforce issue for 90% of CEOs at community hospitals like St. Peter's, according to a survey by the American College of Healthcare Executives. Staff shortages The pandemic has exacerbated nursing staff shortages and resulted in contract nursing rates surging during successive waves of Covid infections. During the omicron surge in the winter of 2022, national rates spiked to an average of $150 an hour, according to consulting firm Syntellis. That amounted to three times the national average for full-time staff nurses. As hospitals have become increasingly reliant on contract nurses, travel nurse expenditures have risen more than 250% since the start of the pandemic. "There continues to be significant volatility in hourly wages paid to registered nurses, which represent a significant share of overall labor costs," said Flint Brenton, CEO of Syntellis Performance Solutions. A nurse instructs a colleague while tending to a Covid patient in the Covid intensive care unit at Leipzig university hospital. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images At the same time, using high-paid workers from travel-nursing agencies also made for a vicious circle when it comes to staffing. "Agency staff were paid significant salary rates and had complete control of their work schedules," explained Carol Boston Fleischhauer, managing director and chief nursing officer at the Advisory Board, and as result "more in-house nurses left their permanent positions for external opportunities, increasing turnover." In-house travel nurses St. Peter's is part of Trinity Health System, which has not been immune to the need for contract nursing. But Trinity has been able to have more control over staff turnover by using its own in-house travel nurse program an idea that stemmed from its own nurses over a decade ago. "We realized that if we developed our own internal agency, if you will, we could orient people to Trinity Health for all of our hospitals," said Jennifer Misajet, chief nursing officer at St. Peter's hospital. That internal program, called First Choice, grew threefold during the pandemic, as older nurses looked to scale back from full-time work, and younger nurses sought higher pay and greater flexibility over their working conditions. "It's not like the old days where nurses became inpatient nurses for 30 years. A lot of new graduates expect to work in an inpatient setting for only a few years, and then they want to get their master's degree, or become nurse practitioners," said Trinity CEO Mike Slubowski. With nearly 90 hospitals in 26 states, First Choice has helped Trinity have better control over its contract nursing costs, while also maintaining ties with nurses who can help them maintain a consistent quality of care. "If they wanted to work in a different location, for example, go to Fresno, California, or Boise, Idaho, to cover, you know, we have the same clinical information system everywhere and so there's a familiarity with providing care within that environment," Slubowski said. With more than 30,000 registered nurses in its system, nearly 1 in 10 of Trinity's nurses currently work through First Choice. That now includes about a dozen senior leaders like Misajet at St. Peter's. "We really tried to meet our nurses where they are, and they're in different places," Misajet said. In her case, she's gone part-time rather than retire, in order to spend more time with her family. Paying more The automation will help Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., a public sector oil company in Assam, to remotely monitor and control vital pipeline parameters. Leading engineering company ABB India Ltd. on Tuesday announced that it has automated the first India-Bangladesh cross-border oil pipeline that carries diesel from India to Bangladesh. The company said that it has delivered integrated automation and control solutions to enable a safe, secure, and reliable operation of the 130-kilometre Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL). The automation will help Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., a public sector oil company in Assam, to remotely monitor and control vital pipeline parameters such as flow, pressure, and temperature, as well as detect leaks. ABB solutions will also provide real-time data on the performance of the pipeline network by generating reports, history sheets, critical messages, and alarms. The diesel will be transported from Numaligarh Refinerys marketing terminal at Siliguri to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporations oil depot in Parbatipur. Approximately 6 km of the pipeline which is the first of its type between the two countries - will be within the territory of India, with the remainder within the territory of Bangladesh. Notably, ABB India has a track record in pipeline automation for cross-country projects including the Indo-Nepal petroleum pipeline, which was the first of its kind in South Asia when it opened in 2019. Shares of ABB India are trading 0.17 percent lower at Rs 3,319. Five more cases made it onto the Colorado Supreme Court's docket last week, implicating the insanity defense, the right of the accused to question alternate suspects at trial, and disputes over oil and gas production. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gorge Social Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. First batch of imported exhibits for Canton Fair arrives in Guangdong Xinhua) 08:54, March 28, 2023 GUANGZHOU, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of imported exhibits for the 133rd China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, which will kick off both offline and online on April 15, arrived in south China's Guangzhou of Guangdong Province, from Thailand on Sunday. The exhibits are mainly made in Thailand, and they include pruning machines, air coolers, spray machines and other products suitable for outdoor agricultural production. The time-honored Canton Fair will resume all on-site activities in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, after being held largely online since 2020 due to COVID-19 prevention measures. More than 500 enterprises from nearly 40 countries and regions are expected to participate in the import exhibitions at this fair. The exhibition area will be expanded from 1.18 million square meters to 1.5 million square meters this year. It is estimated that more than 30,000 Chinese and overseas enterprises will take part in the trade fair, and participating Chinese enterprises include more than 5,000 leading manufacturing and high-tech enterprises. The event has been held twice a year since 1957. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Kremlin says western criticism will not change Putins plans The Kremlin said Western criticism would not change plans announced by President Vladimir Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. Putin's announcement came over a year into his grinding offensive in Ukraine. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia The West condemned Putin's weekend announcement on placing the weapons in EU and NATO-bordering Belarus, triggering calls for new sanctions on Moscow. Ukraine said it was seeking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the move. "Such a reaction of course cannot influence Russian plans," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Speaking during a televised interview on Saturday, Putin said Moscow would station the tactical nuclear weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation". He said this was "nothing unusual". "The United States has been doing this for decades. They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin said. The Russian leader said he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same". Putin's announcement came over a year into his grinding offensive in Ukraine. 03/28/2023 Photo (c) Krisanapong Detraphiphat - Getty Images A lawsuit filed in an Ohio state court takes aim at pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), accusing them of driving up prescription drug costs for patients. The suit, filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, accuses the industry of employing tactics designed to reduce competition and keep prices high. In a statement, Yost didnt mince words. Noting that PBMs are supposed to be middlemen between the drug companies and the pharmacies, he said the desired competition has never materialized. PBMs are modern gangsters, Yost said. They were designed to protect and negotiate on behalf of employers and consumers after Big Pharma was criticized for overpricing medications, but instead they have absolutely destroyed transparency, scheming in the shadows to control drug prices on all sides of the market. Three major players The suit claims that consolidation in the industry has led to collusion on prices. Currently, three companies Express Scripts, Humana, and Cigna reportedly control more than 70% of the PBM market. So far, none of those companies have commented on Yosts lawsuit. Yosts suit seeks to stop the PBMs named in the complaint from carrying out secret and anti-competitive conduct and strong-arm tactics preventing the marketplace from determining prices for prescription drugs. It also seeks statutory fines and disgorgement of the ill-gotten profits. PBMs are key players in the healthcare system. Many employers and unions, as well as local and state governments, contract with PBMs to manage their payments for prescription drugs. Among the services a PBM provides, it processes payments to pharmacies and determines which drugs it will pay for. Critics, like Yost, have claimed a lack of transparency has worked against consumers. Insulin costs Yost says the high cost of insulin has been an example of how drug prices have inflated in recent years, noting more than one million people in his state are diabetic and need the drug. In recent weeks three major drug companies have announced reductions in insulin prices. Medications shouldnt cost an arm and a leg, metaphorically or literally, Yost said. Insulin is just a symptom of the problem; PBMs are the disease. In the background, the U.S. Senate is considering legislation to place limits on what PBMs can do and to increase industry transparency. Last week the Senate Commerce Committee approved the PBM Transparency Act of 2023, sending the reform legislation to the full Senate. Even in a deeply divided Congress, chances of approval appear good since the measure enjoys rare bipartisan support. Its a win-win and warrants swift approval in Congress, said Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R-Iowa), a co-sponsor of the legislation. Advertisement In 1859, a pig living on San Juan Island on the border between the U.S. and Canada saw some potatoes. As pigs are wont to do, it immediately decided that these potatoes needed eating, and it was the perfect man for the job. As it chomped away happily on a couple of seemingly free spuds, it had no idea that it was setting in motion what would almost become a war between the U.S. and Britain. The problem here was first, that San Juan Island, thanks to being right on the 49th parallel that divided the U.S. and Canada, was still claimed by both countries. Second, it was that the pig in question was British, and the potatoes in question were American. When the farmer who owned the potatoes saw this act of international potato larceny, he shot the pig dead on the spot. Of course, the owner of the pig didnt take too kindly to that, and demanded money for the pig, but was less than pleased with the offer of $10. He countered by requesting $100. One thing led to another and suddenly the pigs owner was threatening to have the farmer arrested and the farmer had requested military assistance. Advertisement Two months later, there were warships, cannons and thousands of men staring each other down over this single pigs honor. Thankfully, at least one man, British Rear Admiral Robert Baynes, had the good sense to refuse an order to fire on the U.S. troops over a pig, and eventually, the whole thing was defused diplomatically. In the end, the death toll remained at only one pig, whose simple search for potatoes held more power than he ever could have dreamed. Its difficult to overstate the cultural significance of I Think You Should Leave, the sketch comedy series thats become a veritable language of online memes and inspired the production of real, extremely complicated shirts. So, in anticipation of the upcoming third season, weve assembled 15 pieces of trivia about the show or five sets of triples, if you will 15 The Lonely Island Helped Get the Show Made I Think You Should Leave co-creators Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin first met at Saturday Night Live, then went on to make Detroiters (along with Sam Richardson and Joe Kelly). While all three members of The Lonely Island are executive producers of I Think You Should Leave, reportedly, it was Akiva Schaffer who encouraged Netflix to develop something with" the pair. 14 Robinson Was in a Canceled Groupon-Based Sitcom In an alternate universe, I Think You Should Leave never got made because Robinson was busy playing a side character in Friend Me, the cringey sitcom pilot about working for big tech that he co-starred in back in 2012 which was thankfully canceled in our dimension. 13 It Inadvertently Reflected Trump Some fans have interpreted the shows themes as a commentary on the Trump presidency. While this wasnt intentional, Kanin has said of the theory: Theres nothing funnier to us than someone who feels embarrassed or ashamed, and, to save face, digs themselves a way deeper hole and reveals much worse things than you thought at first. And Trump did that all the time. 12 Getting in the Karl Havoc Suit Made Robinson Panic for Real In the infamous I dont even want to be around anymore sketch, Robinsons character is the star of a hidden camera show who transforms into Karl Havoc who basically looks as if a Gary Busey sex doll melted in the sun then has an existential freak-out. Robinson similarly hated the getup in real life, telling an interviewer: I legitimately have claustrophobia issues, so I was really nervous to get in that suit for real. Like, I was panicking violently because thats true to me that I would freak out in that. Play Advertisement Advertisement 11 Parents Are Happy to Put Their Kids in the Show A number of sketches require the involvement of child performers, whether theyre hawking Tammy Craps or portraying infant bad boy Bart Harley Jarvis. According to casting director Leslie Woo, most parents are totally game to have their kids participate in the weirdness, telling her, We love the show so much. My kid will definitely be reading for this. Play 10 They Only Used Four Coffins for the Coffin-Flop Sketch For the Corncob TV sketch, all about the show Coffin Flop, the series naturally needed a lot of footage of suspiciously naked bodies falling out of coffins during funerals. During production, they only used four coffins, but each had four to five false bottoms. So they filmed around 14 or 15 flops and shot them from multiple angles, making it look as though there were 36 to 40 drops in the final product. Play Advertisement Advertisement 9 Coffin Flops Are A Real Problem While you might think that coffin flops are an invention of the show, there is at least one recent incident in which a casket broke during a funeral, and the corpse fell out. This resulted, however, in a lawsuit against the funeral home, not a Corncob TV segment. 8 Robinson Hired Patti Harrison Because of Instagram Harrison has appeared in a number of sketches and was one of the shows writers in the second season but she first made her I Think You Should Leave debut in Season Ones printer sketch. According to Harrison, Robinson cast her because he said that he thought I was funny through Instagram, adding that it was at least one positive of the sea of poison that is Instagram. Play Advertisement Advertisement 7 Ilhan Omar Used the Hot Dog Guy Meme to Slam ExxonMobil There is perhaps no greater I Think You Should Leave meme than that depicting the hot dog guy who has just crashed his hot dog-themed car through a storefront but is attempting to find the guy who did this. Play The image has become the perfect shorthand for denoting when someone is trying to fix a situation they are so clearly to blame for, so much so that it was famously used by Ilhan Omar on Twitter in response to ExxonMobils call to join their climate-change initiative. 6 A Pro Hockey Team Designed Dan Flashes-Inspired Jerseys The Dan Flashes sketch proved so popular that the ECHLs Adirondack Thunder tweeted out a design idea for a new jersey with impressively complicated patterns. Advertisement Advertisement 5 Bob Odenkirk Was One of the Few Actors Who Was Allowed to Improvise Typically, actors on I Think You Should Leave stick to the script, but according to Robinson, they were understandably cool with letting Odenkirk do a bunch of improv at the end of the Diner Wink sketch, later stating, It was all really funny, and I feel like it elevated the sketch off of what was on the page a lot. Play 4 Before Detective Crashmore, Biff Wiff Played Santa Claus Three Other Times Detective Crashmore was, of course, played by a Billy Bob Thornton-esque Santa Claus who doesnt want to talk about his toy-delivering career and Santa was played by actor Biff Wiff, who wasnt inexperienced when it came to pretending to be Kris Kringle. Wiff previously played the same role in three other projects, including the Disney Channel series Just Roll With It. Although, presumably, that show didnt include any scenes in which Santa brings up how hes seen everyone in the world naked. Play Advertisement Advertisement 3 Wiff Was Also in Everything Everywhere All at Once (But Not as Santa) Incidentally, Wiff also appeared in the Oscar-winning hit film Everywhere Everywhere All at Once as a character named Rick, who were going to go ahead and assume was secretly Santa Claus all along. 2 The Focus Group Advertisement Advertisement s Breakout Actor Returned, But the Scene Was Cut from the Show There is perhaps no more memorable character from I Think You Should Leave than the focus-group attendee who suggests building a car where the steering wheel wont fly off. Which is just a sensible idea, frankly. Play The creators of the show loved actor Ruben Rabasa so much that they brought him back to play a guy whos been tricked into thinking hes a music star by a sleazy producer in a part of the Laser Spine sketch that ultimately ended up on the cutting room floor. Play Scrubs holds a special place in television history as one of the rare medical shows that somewhat reflected the realities of a hospital, but, somehow, creator Bill Lawrence is hellbent on bending the laws of nature by resuscitating something thats been dead for 13 years. The past couple of years have seen some improbable sitcom reboots and revivals that came long after we thought we stopped caring about That 70s Show or How I Met Your Mother, so it comes as no surprise that Scrubs would be the next on the list of 2000s comedies to drag itself back into the zeitgeist. The rumblings of a Scrubs reunion first began during a Variety panel where the shows featured players all expressed their desire to return to Sacred Heart Hospital. Then, in a recent interview for his new show Shrinking, Lawrence said of a possible Scrubs film revival, I think its inevitable that it happens, explaining of the cast and crews passion for the project, The joke of it with us is the first time that six months go by that we dont hang out, well end up doing a Scrubs reunion. If distance really makes the (sacred) heart grow fonder, Lawrence must have been seeing far too much of his cast when he subjected them to the Season Nine scripts. There have been some very horny kings over the centuries. Edward VII of England, who ruled from 1901 to 1910, is a definite contender his philandering earned him the nicknames Dirty Bertie and Edward the Caresser. He had affairs with dozens of well-known upper-class women and famous actresses and was a regular at countless Parisian brothels. He spent so much time at one particular establishment, Le Chabanais, that he had a custom-made sex chair to accommodate himself and two paid companions. However, Alfonso XIII of Spain may have him beaten, in part due to his commitment to solo horniness Edward VII travelled to Paris to indulge himself, while Alfonso was more than happy to take matters into his own hands. Alfonso XIII is both the only royal to have ever been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the only royal to have a Pornographic Cinema tab on his Wikipedia page. Born in 1886, Alfonso was king from birth as his father had died shortly after he was conceived. His existence was unusual from the get-go immediately after his birth he was presented to the prime minister naked on a silver tray; he was featured as a child as a character in stories about the Spanish version of the Tooth Fairy (Raton Perez); and he was extraordinarily inbred. Alfonso was a member of the House of Bourbon, which had broken off from the famously inbred Habsburgs. Lots of uncles marrying nieces and that kind of thing, to keep the wealth and titles in the family. If you think of your family tree, you have two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, sixteen great-great-grandparents and so on, the number doubling each generation. Eleven generations back, this gets to 1,024 people. In Alfonsos case? 111. Thats a lot of repeats, a lot of dirty uncles. When the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) highlights a threat in its unclassified assessment and intimates that there is substantive supporting evidence available, one should not sit back and let the data points pass idly by and we arent. The ODNI minced no words as they addressed China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as the key nation-states responsible for cyber threats and then continued to highlight other non-state actors that are equally worthy of our attention in the 2023 Threat Assessment. The ODNI is the focal point of numerous intelligence organizations within the US and has the all-source optic into their work vis-a-vis intelligence gathering on the topic of cybersecurity. While this assessment is US-centric, the findings will be of interest to the United States allies and partners. From a CISO perspective, borders are meaningless when it comes to the threats identified by the US intelligence community, the source of the warning carries with it an all-important credibility factor. CISOs should be discussing international cyber threats CISOs would be well served to use these findings as a starting block in discussions with available interlocutors from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI, and other US government agencies about the dangers they or their sector may be facing and about which the CISO lacks visibility and has a need to know. The commonality across the four nation-states identified is that each is not only able, but they are also willing to engage adversarial targets of interest in the cyber domain. China is identified as the broadest, most active, and persistent cyber espionage threat to US Government and private-sector networks. Since the OPM hack of 2015, followed by the various credit reporting agencies, then health organizations, social matchmaking sites, and finally TikTok, China is continuously collecting bits and pieces of data building mosaics on both companies and individuals. Even the recent spy balloon incident may have been a Chinese gambit to collect more data. China plays the long game. Its strategy isnt measured by quarterly reports but focused on generational change. The inhibitor to their long-term planning is the United States, which is viewed as standing in the way of Chinas global expansion and threatening the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) hold on power. That said, the current US administration makes clear both publicly and privately to China they are interested in competition, not confrontation. China is preparing for both competition and confrontation It is the domestic audience to whom Chinas CCP mouthpieces are playing, and the continued exclusion of US web content is demonstrative of the CCPs fear that such would cause its hold on power to be placed in jeopardy. Thus, China is preparing for both competition and confrontation. China brings to the table a panoply of cyber espionage capabilities as evidenced by successful operations that have included compromising telecommunications firms, providers of managed services and broadly used software, and other targets potentially rich in follow-on opportunities for intelligence collection, attack, or influence operations. In other words, Chinas cyber espionage intent when it targets an entity is for sustained and continuous access. The assessment notes that if Beijing feared that a major conflict with the United States were imminent, it almost certainly would consider undertaking aggressive cyber operations against US homeland critical infrastructure and military assets worldwide. Such a strike would be designed to deter US military action by impeding US decision-making, inducing societal panic, and interfering with the deployment of US forces. The ODNI assesses China as capable of currently being able to disrupt critical infrastructure services within the United States, including against oil and gas pipelines, and rail systems. Chinas cyber intrusions will likely target the political narrative In their effort to control the narrative, the intelligence services in support of the CCP target US and non-US citizens alike via cyber intrusions targeting those who they view as a threat to include journalists, dissidents, and individuals critical of CCP narratives, policies, and actions. Both China and Russia were assessed by the ODNI as being both capable and successful in running operations designed to influence audiences, both foreign and domestic. With respect to China, its efforts are designed to sow doubts about US leadership, undermine democracy, and extend Beijings influence, particularly in East Asia and the western Pacific. When engaging the US as an audience, its efforts have largely been focused on improving the perception of China by the US populace. To accomplish this, they use a sophisticated array of covert, overt, licit, and illicit means to try to soften US criticism, shape US power centers views of China, and influence policymakers at all levels of government. Russias priority is Ukraine, but the US remains a target Russia, for its part, is also engaged in influence operations and is viewed by the ODNI as the most serious foreign intelligence threat to the US, because it uses its intelligence services, proxies, and wide-ranging influence tools to try and divide Western alliances undermine US global standing, sow discord inside the US and influence US voters and decision making. US elections are viewed as fair game by Moscow and whose various intelligence arms have been conducting influence operations against US elections for decades, including as recently as the US midterm elections in 2022. On the cyber front, Russia has prioritized Ukraine since 2022 and its efforts in that realm were assessed as falling short of expectations. That said, Russia should be viewed as the top cyber threat as it goes through refinement of its attack processes and procedures. With respect to the US, the critical infrastructure of the United States is at the top of Russias targeting folio, particularly focused on improving its ability to target critical infrastructure, including underwater cables and industrial control systems, in the United States as well as in allied and partner countries, because compromising such infrastructure improves and demonstrates its ability to damage infrastructure during a crisis. ODNI identifies lesser players who are powerful nonetheless The minor-league players identified in the ODNI assessment are minor only in their geographic size and ability to project their power. They remain and continue to demonstrate that they are formidable adversaries in the cyber world. Iran has adopted an opportunistic approach to cyber-attacks which makes US critical infrastructure a prime target, as Iran may choose to demonstrate it can push back against the US by taking advantage of lax security by critical infrastructure owners. Skeptics need only look at the recent successes which Iran has enjoyed against Israel, including the compromise, recruitment, and exploitation of insiders and their access to targets of interest. North Korea is cash poor and thus uses its cyber capabilities to fund the regime. To watch North Korea in action, one would think they were observing a masterclass on how to conduct cybercrime, with a side serving of espionage and attack threats. A blockchain entity in Singapore was light $225 million after North Korea danced through their infrastructure heisting their cryptocurrency. ODNI notes how Pyongyangs cyber forces have matured and are fully capable of achieving a range of strategic objectives against diverse targets, including a wider target set in the United States. Nation States target who they target. Ive long said, you dont get to choose whether you are the target, the adversary chooses who they target. You can, however, be better prepared by engaging in public-private partnerships when available to stay on top of what is happening on a broad scale. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Attention. Air raid alert, the voice says with a Jedi knights gravitas. Proceed to the nearest shelter. It's a surreal moment in an already surreal war: the grave but calming baritone of actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of Star Wars, urging people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine. The intrusion of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy into the grim daily realities of war in Ukraine is a consequence of Hamill's decision to lend his famous voice to Air Alert a downloadable app linked to Ukraine's air defense system. When air raid sirens start howling, the app also warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming. Dont be careless," Hamills voice advises. Your overconfidence is your weakness. The actor says he's admired from afar, in California how Ukraine has "shown such resilience ... under such terrible circumstances." Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the Star Wars saga, he says of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. Voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his Star Wars touch was his way of helping out. A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine, Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically ... Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm." When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that the air alert is over." He then signs off with an uplifting: "May the Force be with you. Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed Star Wars-themed posters that are being raffled off. Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering," he said. It motivates me to do as much as I can. Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent. On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms. But many others are real and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamill's voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. He's a Star Wars fan, too. Besides," he said, we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us. After one alert, Zvonyk was riding a trolley bus when Hamill's voice rang out from his phone. He said the man in front turned to me and said, smiling: Oh, those damn Sith,'" to describe Russian forces. The Sith are the malevolent enemies of the do-gooding Jedi. Olena Yeremina, a 38-year-old business manager in the capital, Kyiv, said Hamill's May the Force be with you" signoff at first made her laugh. Now its enduring humor gives her strength. Its a very cool phrase for this situation, she said. I wouldnt say that I feel like a Ukrainian Jedi, but sometimes this phrase reminds me to straighten my shoulders and keep working. Sometimes it can be wise to shut Hamill off. Yeremina forgot to do that on a trip outside Ukraine to Berlin and paid for the error when the alarm started shrieking at 6 a.m. and, again, when she rode the subway in the German capital. She wasn't alone. Another person in the subway car also had the app and it erupted, too. The two of them first cursed, but then it made both me and that person smile, Yeremina recalled. Ajax Systems, a Ukrainian security systems manufacturer that co-developed the app, hopes Hamill's star power will encourage people outside Ukraine to download it so they get a taste of the angst heaped on Ukrainians by nerve-shredding alarms and airborne death and destruction. With Mark's approach, it wont be so terrifying," said Valentine Hrytsenko, the chief marketing officer at Ajax. But they will understand somehow the context. In the invasion's first year, air-raid alarms sounded more than 19,000 times across the country, so of course people are getting tired, he said. The app has been downloaded more than 14 million times. Hrytsenko is among those who use its English-language setting to hear Hamills voice. For Star Wars fans, it sounds really fantastic," he said. Its kind of a Ukrainian mentality to find some humor even in the bad situation or to try to be positive. Hamill is pleased that the sci-fi saga is again transporting people, even if just temporarily, to its galaxy far, far away. It does inspire people, he said. Everyone flashes back to being 6 years old again. And if the movie can help people get through hard times, so much the better. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine and https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine-a-year-of-war This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma's top prosecutor and attorneys for death row inmate Richard Glossip both asked a court on Monday to once again delay Glossip's upcoming execution while his attorneys seek to have his conviction overturned. Attorney General Gentner Drummond and one of Glossip's attorneys, Warren Gotcher, filed a joint motion for a stay of execution with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. They ask that the execution, currently set for May 18, be delayed until at least August 2024 so that the court can consider a separate motion from Glossip's attorneys for an evidentiary hearing they suggest could prove his innocence. Shortly after Drummond took office in January, he made available to Glossip's defense team a box of material that Drummond's predecessor, John O'Connor, had not permitted them to view. O'Connor had designated the materials, consisting largely of prosecutor's notes in the case, as work product, according to the filing. Glossip's defense attorneys maintain that evidence included in those notes point to his innocence and have asked the court for an evidentiary hearing and to reverse his conviction and sentence. Had these items from Box 8 been disclosed before trial as the state was constitutionally obligated to do, there is a reasonable probability that the result of the trial would have been different, Glossip's attorneys argue in their application for post-conviction relief. Messages seeking comment from Glossip's attorneys were not immediately returned Monday. Drummond's office has not taken a position on Glossip's application for relief, but agreed to the motion for a stay of execution. Drummond has also ordered an independent inquiry into Glossip's case that has not yet been completed. Among the evidence Glossip's attorneys say should have been turned over to his defense are notes related to the mental health and drug use of Justin Sneed, who admitted robbing and killing motel owner Barry Van Treese, but claims he did so only after Glossip agreed to pay him $10,000. Sneed, who received a sentence of life in prison, was a key witness in the case against Glossip. Glossip's attorneys suggest other details from witness statements that conflicted with the state's evidence also was never disclosed to them. Glossip, now 60, has long maintained his innocence in the 1997 murder-for-hire killing. His case attracted international attention after actress Susan Sarandon who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of death penalty opponent Sister Helen Prejeans fight to save a man on Louisianas death row in the 1995 movie Dead Man Walking took up his cause in real life. Prejean herself has served as Glossips spiritual adviser and frequently visited him in prison. An independent investigation conducted last year by Houston law firm Reed Smith raised new questions about Glossip's guilt. The firms report did not find any definitive proof of Glossips innocence, but raised concerns about lost or destroyed evidence and a detective asking leading questions to Sneed to implicate Glossip in the slaying. Glossip has been scheduled to be executed three separate times, only to be spared shortly before the sentence was set to be carried out. He was just hours from being executed in September 2015 when prison officials realized they had received the wrong lethal drug, a mix-up that helped prompt a nearly seven-year moratorium on the death penalty in Oklahoma. ___ Follow Sean Murphy: @apseanmurphy WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Thats according to two people familiar with the decision, who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the ruling remains under seal. The ruling says Pence will not have to answer questions about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol building as Republican Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify Democrat Joe Biden's victory, according to one of the people. However, he would have to testify about any potential illegal acts committed by the former president, the person said. Pence and his attorneys had cited constitutional grounds in challenging a grand jury subpoena issued weeks ago. They argued that, because he was serving in his capacity as president of the Senate that day, he was protected from being forced to testify under the Constitution's speech or debate clause, which is intended to protect members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts. Trumps lawyers had also objected to Pence complying, citing executive privilege. A Trump spokesman criticized the decision in a statement, accusing the Justice Department of continuously stepping far outside the standard norms in attempting to destroy the long accepted, long held, constitutionally based standards of attorney-client privilege and executive privilege. There is no factual or legal basis or substance to any case against President Trump," they added, but did not respond to questions about how Trump's legal team might respond. Pence said Tuesday evening that his team was evaluating the judge's ruling and would make a decision whether to appeal in the coming days. Im pleased that the court accepted our argument and recognized that the Constitutions provision about speech and debate does apply to the vice president, Pence said during an appearance on Newsmax. But how they sorted that out and what other testimony might be required, we're currently reviewing. The sealed ruling from U.S. District Judge James Jeb Boasberg sets up the unprecedented scenario of a former vice president being compelled to give potentially damaging testimony against the president he once served. And it comes as Pence has been inching closer to announcing a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination a decision that would put him in direct competition with his former boss. In addition to the Justice Department probes, Trump is under investigation in Georgia and in New York, where a grand jury has been hearing testimony about hush money paid to women on Trumps behalf during the 2016 campaign. That grand jury will not take up the inquiry again this week, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday, meaning any potential vote on a possible indictment will not happen until next week at the earliest. In Washington, Pence was subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before the federal grand jury investigating election interference. In public appearances, he has cast that action as unconstitutional and unprecedented and has said he would pursue the matter as far as the Supreme Court. Still, he told ABCs This Week that he might be open to testifying about matters not directly related to his congressional role. Ive actually never asserted that other matters unrelated to January 6 would otherwise be protected by speech and debate," he told the network. Were gonna make that case, but I promise you well respect the decisions of the court." A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn Biden's win in the 2020 presidential election to keep Trump in the White House. Multiple Trump aides have already appeared before the federal grand jury, as well as before a separate panel examining allegations of Trump mishandling classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment. A lawyer for Pence did not return messages seeking comment. Pence has spoken extensively about Trumps pressure campaign urging him to reject Bidens victory in the days leading up to Jan. 6, including in his book, So Help Me God. Pence, as vice president, had a ceremonial role overseeing the counting of the Electoral College vote, but did not have the power to impact the results despite Trump's contention otherwise. Pence has said that Trump endangered his family and everyone else who was at the Capitol that day and history will hold him "accountable. ___ Colvin reported from New York. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday signed a Medicaid expansion law that was a decade in the making and gives the Democrat a legacy-setting victory, although one significant hurdle remains before coverage can be implemented, thanks to a Republican-backed provision. At an Executive Mansion ceremony attended by hundreds, Cooper celebrated passage of expansion legislation, which he's ardently sought since being first elected governor in 2016. It took Republicans in charge of the General Assembly all this time to come around to the idea and agree to offer coverage to more low-income adults, with federal coffers paying for most of it. North Carolina has been among 11 states who havent accepted expansion from the federal government. States with Republican leaders have recently been considering expansion after years of opposition. This law, once implemented, will be the working families bill of the decade, Cooper said. Today is a historic step toward a healthier North Carolina. The measure contains a proviso that Cooper opposed requiring a separate state budget law to be enacted first for expansion to be accepted and implemented. That makes an enrollment start date unclear and gives the GOP leverage in upcoming negotiations. Still, Monday's new law should mean government-funded health coverage to potentially 600,000 adults who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to received heavily subsidized private insurance. Also coming will be billions of dollars annually from Washington into the state. North Carolina currently has 2.95 million Medicaid enrollees, but Cooper said many others suffer in a health care coverage gap, having to ignore treatable and preventative illnesses. While a solution sat just out of reach, with this law Im about to sign, many of them will be close enough to grab it, Cooper said, standing next to House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate leader Phil Berger and other expansion supporters. The two legislators earlier this month finalized a negotiated agreement that contains expansion and looser certificate of need regulations on health care facilities before they can open more beds or use expensive equipment. The House and Senate approved the deal separately, with the final vote happening Thursday. Republicans in charge of the legislature had for years knocked down the expansion idea that originated from the 2010 Affordable Care Act. That led to litigation against Cooper and budget impasses between them. But GOP leaders reversed themselves in recent times, convinced that the states Medicaid program was fiscally sound with a switch to managed care, and that Congress would neither repeal the 2010 law nor raise the state's 10% required share of expenses. Now we have a Medicaid system that is stable, Berger said. By transforming our states Medicaid program, were now in a place where our system can handle those additional enrollees. Republicans also were attracted to an additional two-year $1.75 billion payout for North Carolina from the federal government if it expanded Medicaid. A persistent coalition of expansion proponents with the governor and his Cabinet leading the charge had helped build pressure toward a deal. Im thankful for Gov. Cooper, who has pushed the need for health care since the beginning and didnt stop until this was completed, said Cassandra Brooks, who owns day cares near Raleigh and advocated for expansion after two of her teachers lacking insurance died prematurely. The expansion fight between Cooper and the legislature began during his first week as governor in 2017. Cooper tried to get President Barack Obama's administration to approve his expansion request before Donald Trump took office. Moore and Berger successfully sued to block the efforts, citing in part a 2013 state law preventing expansion without express General Assembly approval. In 2019, Coopers demand that expansion be negotiated contributed to a state budget deadlock with GOP legislators that never got fully resolved. The 2021 budget law contained language to convene a legislative blue-ribbon commission that looked at expansion and other ways to improve health care access. The Senate and House approved competing expansion measures in 2022, but negotiations stalled. They resumed this winter. Requiring the budget's passage for expansion provisions to be enacted means Republicans could fill the budget bill with unrelated items that Cooper opposes. Republicans are now just one House lawmaker shy of holding veto-proof control at the General Assembly. I feel confident that we can work together to get something that we can agree on, Cooper told reporters after the signing, adding that expanding Medicaid is now a question of when and not if. Monday's legislation directs the state's expansion expenses be paid with hospital assessments. Hospitals also will get money for treating Medicaid expansion patients, and the law will enter them into a federal program for larger reimbursements. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MOSCOW (AP) Moscow test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan, Russias Defense Ministry said Tuesday, with two boats launching a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles). The ministry said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometers (430 miles) from Japan's northern Hokkaido island. The Russian military has conducted regular drills across the country and Russian warships have continued maneuvers as the fighting in Ukraine has entered a second year exercises that were intended to train the troops and showcase the country's military capability. The U.S. Navys 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told a news conference later Tuesday that Tokyo will continue to monitor Russias military operations, as it has been stepping up activity in the region. Tokyo does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its location Peter the Great Bay is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries. On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russias increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, Matsuki said. He added that Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week. In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands some of which are claimed by Japan and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year. ___ AP writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Authorities originally reported 40 dead, but later said some may have been counted twice in the confusion. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. The institute said almost all were from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador. In the video, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards did not appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead ran away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adan Augusto Lopez, Mexicos interior secretary, confirmed the authenticity of the video in an interview with local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney generals office. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said. The deaths forced the government to rent refrigerated trailers to hold the migrants bodies, Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui told reporters. The detention facility is across the street from Juarezs city hall. At a nearby hospital, Viangly Infante Padron, a 31-year-old Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the U.S. with her husband and three children, waited for her husband, who was being treated for smoke inhalation. The previous evening, she was waiting outside the detention center for his release when the fire broke out. There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration," she said. The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived. She saw several dead bodies before finding her husband in an ambulance. I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didnt see him anywhere. Earlier, about 100 migrants gathered Tuesday outside the immigration facilitys doors to demand information about relatives. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman with her two children, ages 2 and 4, was seeking her half-brother, Orlando Maldonado, who had been traveling with her. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she said. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Authorities did not immediately answer that question. Marquez and Maldonado were detained Monday with the children and about 20 others. They had been in Juarez waiting for an appointment from U.S. authorities to request asylum. They were staying in a rented room where 10 people were living, paying for it with the money they begged in the street. I was at a stoplight with a piece of cardboard asking for what I needed for my children, and people were helping me with food, she said. Suddenly agents came and detained everyone. Everyone was taken to the immigration facility but only the men were placed in the cells. Three hours later, the women and children were released. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or for the asylum process to play out. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. After that, Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar started campaigning to inform migrants there was room in shelters and no need to beg in the streets. He urged residents not to give money to them and said authorities would remove them from intersections where it was dangerous to beg and allegedly a nuisance to residents. Migrant advocates who recently denounced more aggressive tactics said Tuesday that the immigration facility was over capacity and that the site of the fire was small and lacked ventilation. You could see it coming, the advocates' statement said. Mexico's immigration policy kills. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. Mexico's immigration lockups have seen overcrowding, protests and riots from time to time. In October, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities. At a Mass celebrated in memory of the migrants, Bishop Mons. Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos lamented the sudden grief that had descended upon the migrant community. The shout, the cry of everyone is enough, enough of so much pain, enough of so much death," he said. ___ This story has been correct to show the age of Viangly Infante Padron is 31. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernandez and writers Guadalupe Penuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. BRANFORD A student was charged with making a threat targeting Walsh Intermediate School on Wednesday, police said. Branford police said officers responded after a threat was called in to the school. The school was placed on lockdown, but police noted that most of the students had already left because there was a scheduled early dismissal on Wednesday. The lockdown was later lifted, the police department said. "The student has been referred to juvenile court and other appropriate services," according to Branford police. As a precaution, police said additional officers will be assigned to the schools. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate OKHTYRKA, Ukraine (AP) Ukraines president visited the Sumy region in northern Ukraine on Tuesday, continuing his tour over recent days of areas of the country that have felt the brunt of Russias full-scale invasion and as the stage increasingly looks set for a Ukrainian counteroffensive. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with officials and local people in two cities in the region and with border guards at an undisclosed location near the border with Russia. The Sumy region was partially occupied by Russian forces after the war started more than a year ago. The Russians withdrew from the region by early April. The Associated Press was granted exclusive access as Zelenskyy visited the cities of Okhtyrka, which saw fierce battles last year but was never occupied, and Trostianets, which was held by the Russians for a month after the invasion but retaken by Ukrainian forces on March 26, 2022. The president's office said Zelenskyy also went up to the Russian border to meet with border guards and hear how they are protecting checkpoints. Ukrainian authorities say Russia has increased shelling of border areas in the Sumy region in recent weeks. Zelenskyys trip followed his visits over the past seven days to the Kherson and Kharkiv regions, parts of which were retaken last year from the Kremlins forces, to the intensely contested area near Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, and to Zaporizhzhia in the south. Also Tuesday, at least three civilians were killed and 43 others were wounded by the latest Russian attacks involving drones, gliding bombs and heavy artillery, Ukraines presidential office said. In the eastern Donetsk region, Russian shelling hit 12 towns and villages, killing two people and wounding 34. The Russian shelling also targeted the southern city of Kherson, where five were wounded. In Bilopillia in the Sumy region, a Russian strike damaged a school building and an apartment building. Addressing a crowd on a square in Okhtyrka, Zelenskyy promised that the battle-scarred city would be rebuilt. We wont let any wound remain on the body of our state, he said. In Trostianets, Zelenskyy honored soldiers at the local railway station, where Ukrainian authorities say the Russians tortured prisoners. He also met with Ukraines minister for reconstruction, Oleksandr Kubrakov. Many buildings in the city are damaged or destroyed by the war, with crumbling walls and punctured roofs. Trostianets resident Dmytro Zaiats told the AP that the presidents visit meant a lot to him. Its a symbol of unity and the iron will that brought the country together, he said. Expectations of a Ukrainian push against Russian positions are mounting as the weather improves and Western-supplied weapons for Kyiv arrive. Germany said late Monday it has delivered the 18 Leopard II tanks it had promised to Ukraine. Poland, Canada, Norway and Portugal have also delivered promised Leopard tanks. Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Twitter that the first British Challenger 2 battle tanks had arrived, too. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions, Reznikov said. Russia is stepping up its own production of war materiel. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited factories in the Chelyabinsk and Kirov regions producing artillery rounds and rockets, Russias Defense Ministry said, adding that the plants will increase the output of certain items by seven or eight times later this year. Russia has kept up its long-range bombardment of Ukraine areas, but its nighttime attacks with Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones are causing little damage. The Ukrainian military downed 14 of the 15 Shahed drones Russia fired late Monday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces said. The Kyiv regional military administration said that wreckage from a downed drone hit an administrative building in the Sviatoshynskyi District in western part of the capital, causing a fire. There were no casualties. The Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, Serhii Lysak, said the Ukrainian military shot down two drones overnight, but another one hit a privately-owned industrial facility in the city of Dnipro and caused a fire that took hours to extinguish. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. (AP) The family of a toddler who was fatally shot by a police officer during a standoff last year between her father and law enforcement has filed a federal lawsuit over her death. Kansas authorities have said that 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford was shot by a Joplin, Missouri, police officer during a confrontation March 26, 2022, in Baxter Springs. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Mass shooters have killed hundreds of people throughout U.S. history in realms like stores, theaters and workplaces, but it is in schools and colleges where the carnage reverberates perhaps most keenly places filled with children of tender ages, older students aspiring to new heights and the teachers planting the seeds of knowledge, their journeys all cut short. If a mass shooting is defined as resulting in the death of four or more people, not including the perpetrator, 175 people have died in 15 such events connected to U.S. schools and colleges from 1999's Columbine High School massacre to Monday's shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. That's according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, in addition to other AP reporting: THE COVENANT SCHOOL, March 2023, 6 dead A 28-year-old female shooter wielding two assault-style rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville. The suspect also died after being shot by police. ROBB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, May 2022, 21 dead An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two adults, officials said. Law enforcement killed the attacker. OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL, November 2021, 4 dead A sophomore student is accused of killing four people and wounding others at his school in Oxford, Michigan, near Detroit. His parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter; authorities say they failed to secure a gun and ignored the mental health needs of their son before the shootings. SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL, May 2018, 10 dead A shooter opened fire at a Houston-area high school, killing 10 people, most of them students, authorities said. The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with murder. MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL, February 2018, 17 dead An attack left 14 students and three staff members dead at the school in Parkland, Florida, and injured many others. The shooter was sentenced to life without parole. UMPQUA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, October 2015, 9 dead A man killed nine people at the school in Roseburg, Oregon, and wounded nine others, then killed himself. MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK HIGH SCHOOL, October 2014, 4 dead A 15-year-old used text messages to draw several cousins and friends to his cafeteria table at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Washington state. He fatally shot four of them before killing himself. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA, May 2014, 6 dead A 22-year-old college student frustrated over sexual rejections fatally stabbed or shot six students near the school in Isla Vista, California, and injured several others before he killed himself. SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, December 2012, 27 dead A 19-year-old man killed his mother at their home in Newtown, Connecticut, then went to the nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 first graders and six educators. He took his own life. OIKOS UNIVERSITY, April 2012, 7 dead A former nursing student fatally shot seven people at the small private college in East Oakland, California. He died in prison in 2019. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, February 2008, 5 dead A 27-year-old former student shot and killed five people and wounded more than 20 others at the school in DeKalb, Illinois, before killing himself. VIRGINIA TECH, April 2007, 32 dead A 23-year-old student killed 32 people on the campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, in April 2007; more than two dozen others were wounded. The gunman then killed himself. WEST NICKEL MINES AMISH SCHOOL, October 2006, 5 dead A 32-year-old man entered an Amish schoolhouse near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dismissed the boys, bound the girls, and fatally shot five of them before killing himself. Five others were wounded. RED LAKE HIGH SCHOOL, March 2005, 9 dead A 16-year-old student killed his grandfather and the man's companion at their Minnesota home, then went to nearby Red Lake High School, where he killed five students, a teacher and a security guard before shooting himself. COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL, April 1999, 13 dead Two students killed 12 of their peers and one teacher at the school in Littleton, Colorado, and injured many others before killing themselves. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise spoke out Monday when the "epidemic of violence" continued with a school shooting in Tennessee. A woman wielding two assault-style rifles, a pistol and "significant ammunition" killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville, according to authorities. The suspect also died after being shot by police. The violence occurred at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school for about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. The killings come as communities around the nation are reeling from a spate of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first-grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. Sandy Hook Promise co-founder and CEO Nicole Hockley, whose 6-year-old son Dylan was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012, called for action as another community is "traumatized by gun violence." Our hearts are heavy for the families and friends of the victims of this latest school shooting at Covenant School. Once again, parents are living the nightmare of sending their children to school never to have them come home," Hockley said in a statement. "I know that horror and that grief it never ends. Another community, and our country along with them, has been traumatized by gun violence." Po Murray, chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance, another organization formed in the wake of Sandy Hook, also spoke up in support of change. Our hearts are with the Nashville families and their community, and we make a commitment to continue to fight for the assault weapons ban legislation to end the cycle of deadly school shootings in the U.S.," she said in a statement. Police initially said the shooter appeared to be in her teens, but later identified her as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, of Nashville. The Nashville victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Other students walked to safety Monday, holding hands as they left their school surrounded by police cars, to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Police officers with rifles, heavy vests and helmets could be seen walking through the school parking lot and around the grassy perimeter of the building Monday morning. In addition to advocates like Hockley and Murray, Connecticut lawmakers also condemned the shooting. "Children dead & gravely injured. Casualties of gunfire. My heart is with the Covenant School community," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal wrote on Twitter. "Congress can help stop this senseless violence now," he wrote. "Our thoughts & prayers are not enough." His remarks were echoed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), who called the shooting "heartbreaking." "This is all too common parents, families, and communities are left devastated on a daily basis in this country as a result of rapid gun violence," DeLauro wrote on Twitter. "We can and must enact legislation that saves lives no matter how long it takes." U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy reflected on the scars survivors of the shooting will bear. "Today's shooting is uniquely cataclysmic for the families of the kids and teachers who died," he wrote on Twitter. "But let's not delude ourselves. Every kid and adult in that school is a victim. Most of them will experience life-altering trauma that we can never understand and will never go away." Rep. John Larson (D-1st District) invoked Sandy Hook in his remarks on the shooting. "It's devastating to once again hear of the lives of innocent children & staff lost at a school to senseless gun violence," Larson wrote on Twitter. "In CT, we know all too well the pain these shootings inflict on families & communities, more than a decade after 26 lives were stolen from us at Sandy Hook. Larson also noted that more than 100 mass shooting have already occurred in 2023 so far. "It is regretful that our society has grown numb to the pain of these tragedies, as they have quickly become the norm when we turn on the news and to think our children pay the price," he wrote. In accordance with a proclamation by President Joe Biden, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday night that U.S. and state flags throughout Connecticut would be lowered to half-staff "as a mark of solemn respect" for the victims of the shooting. The flags will be raised after sunset Friday, according to Lamont. I am sickened and heartbroken by another mass shooting at a school by a person with assault weapons, Lamont said in a statement. Our elected leaders in Congress have become too complacent and comfortable with doing nothing to protect Americans from this epidemic of gun violence. The overwhelming majority of Americans support meaningful reforms on gun violence prevention and it is far past time that Congress acts. The Covenant School was founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2001, according to the schools website. The school is located in the affluent Green Hill neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville, situated close to the cities top universities and home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a beloved spot for musicians and songwriters. The grade school has 33 teachers, the website said. The schools website features the motto Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood. Nashville police said Hale drove a Honda Fit to the Covenant campus Monday morning before embarking on the shooting spree. Photos shared by police on Facebook show the dark gray Honda bore a number of bumper stickers, including one reading "THRASHER" in letters stylized to resemble flames. Detectives conducting a search of the car "found additional material written by Hale," police said without elaborating on the nature of the material. When authorities began to arrive on scene, Hale fired at police vehicles from a second-story window, according to police. Based on the photos, at least one cruiser was hit by a bullet, shattering a section of the front windshield. The students killed in Monday's shooting were identified by police as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Three adults, Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, also died, police said. Koonce's profile on the Covenant School website lists her as the head of school. My heart has broken so many times in the last 10 years there is nothing but tattered remains," Hockley said in the Sandy Hook Promise statement. "And every day, there are more people like me. As my heart dies, my anger grows at cowards and profiteers who stand in the way of protecting children from gun violence. We all can, and must, do more. Democratic Tennessee state Rep. Bob Freeman, whose district includes The Covenant School, called Mondays shooting an unimaginable tragedy. I live around the corner from Covenant and pass by it often. I have friends who attend both church and school there, Freeman said in a statement. I have also visited the church in the past. It tears my heart apart to see this. This story includes reporting by the Associated Press. Cathy Zuraw/Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT A Bronx, N.Y. man is facing up to 70 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old local girl. The six-member Superior Court jury deliberated about a day before finding 34-year-old Henry Beceril-Aldea guilty of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a child. An Army sergeant from Rhode Island who was captured during the Korean War and died of starvation in a POW camp in May 1951 has been accounted for, news his family has been waiting to hear for years. Sgt. Lawrence J. Robidoux 22, of Cumberland, was accounted for in January after his remains were identified using mitochondrial DNA, dental and anthropological analysis and his family was recently briefed on the identification, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Robidoux was one of eight children in a French-Canadian family that immigrated to Rhode Island, Larry Couture, Robidouxs nephew, said Tuesday from his Arizona home. Six of those siblings are still alive including Coutures mother Robidouxs sister, Lucille Couture, who is now 97. Hallelujah!" Couture said, describing the family's reaction when they found out Robidoux's remains had been identified. Thats kind of what everyone was hoping for, that he would be identified prior to Mom passing. This is something shes wanted for quite some time, so there was some surprise there, said Couture, 68, who is named after the uncle he never met. Robidoux joined the Army in 1949 and was deployed to Japan as part of the U.S. occupation force, his nephew said. Robidoux, a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was reported missing in action on Nov. 27, 1950, according to his personnel profile on the DPAA's website. His company came under Chinese attack from two sides and after the Chinese infiltrated the American positions, U.S. troops pulled back. Robidoux was captured and marched to a POW camp on the Yalu River in the far north of the country. POWs released in 1953 reported that Robidoux died in May 1951, according to military officials. Remains from the camp were returned by North Korea to United Nations Command in the fall of 1954, but none could be associated with Robidoux at that time and he was determined non-recoverable, the Army said. The remains were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. More than 650 Korean War Unknowns were disinterred from that site in December 2019 and some of the remains were determined to be those of Robidoux, military officials said. A large contingent of relatives is expected at the burial service which will be held at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington at a date to be determined, including three of Robidoux's surviving siblings, Couture said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CAPE COAST, Ghana (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. With her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris was insisting on remembering the painful past even as she stood earlier Tuesday before a monument commemorating Ghanas independence, envisioning a grand future between the U.S. and Africa propelled by innovation on the continent. "The horror of what happened here must always be remembered," she said from the fort as the sun set over the water. It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned." The nation's first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. The events on her second day in Ghana are part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Cape Coast Castle is one of dozens of fortresses in West Africa that held slaves, many of them in Ghana. The government here has viewed preserving them as part of its historical responsibility. Harris skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish that reeks from this place, and the horrors endured by the people who passed through those walls; mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived were sold into bondage in the Americas. And yet, they survived," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. She said the endurance and determination of the African diaspora in the world should be admired. All of us, regardless of our background, have benefitted from their fight for freedom and justice," she said. During their tour, Harris and husband Doug Emhoff walked past a plaque commemorating a visit by Barack and Michelle Obama, the nations first Black president and first lady. The couple walked along the stone ramparts flanked by cannons, pausing to gaze out over the sea as waves crashed on the rocky shore below. She passed through white archways and down a darkened path leading through the infamous door of no return, through which slaves left the coast and never came back. Harris choked back tears, her hand on her mouth, as she approached. She placed a white bouquet of flowers, given to her during the arrival ceremony, at the entrance to a women's dungeon nearby. Tour guide Kwesi Blankson said he told the vice president about how captives would sometimes gaze up through the holes in the dungeon ceiling and pray to the gods and sing songs. He sang one to her, about wishing for death, because death means freedom. He described the tour as a solemn moment, like a graveyard. Harris has proved to be a potent messenger in Ghana, and thousands waited hours earlier Tuesday at Independence Square for a chance to see her speak at the Black Stone Gate monument. Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first Black vice president of the United States, she said to huge cheers from the crowd. And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child. Tracy Sika Brobbey said its a special moment to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible. Its like a blessing, she added. During her remarks at the monument, Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning a future that is propelled by African innovation. Much of her remarks there focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. Its something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continents innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create ones own future. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africas future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own, she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them dreamers and innovators; Africas population has a median age of 19. It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. ___ Long reported from Washington. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TALLINN, Estonia (AP) A Russian court on Tuesday convicted a single father over social media posts critical of the war in Ukraine and sentenced him to two years in prison a case brought against him after his daughters drawing at school opposed the invasion, according to his lawyer and activists. But Alexei Moskalyov fled house arrest before his verdict was delivered in his Russian hometown of Yefremov and is at large, court officials said. His 13-year-old daughter Maria, who has been taken from him by the authorities, wrote him a supportive letter for his trial from the orphanage where she is living, according to his lawyer, telling him, Daddy, youre my hero. Moskalyovs case has drawn international attention and was a grim reminder that the Kremlin is intensifying its crackdown on dissent, targeting more people and handing out harsher punishments for any criticism of the war. The broad government campaign of repression has been unseen since the Soviet era. Moskalyov, 54, was accused of repeatedly discrediting the Russian army, a criminal offense in accordance to a law Russian authorities adopted shortly after sending troops into Ukraine. He was indicted for a series of social media posts about Russian atrocities in Ukraine and referencing the terrorist regime in Moscow that he insists he didn't make. But, according to his lawyer and activists who supported him throughout the case and trial, his troubles started last spring after his 13-year-old daughter, Maria, drew an antiwar picture at Yefremov School No. 9 that depicted missiles flying over a Russian flag at a woman and child and said, Glory to Ukraine. In April 2022, Moskalyov was fined for critical comments on social media. His apartment was raided in December and a criminal case was opened against him this month. He was placed under house arrest and his daughter was placed into the orphanage. At the trial, which concluded in one day on Monday, three teachers and the director of Maria's school testified that they found Moskalyov's discrediting social media posts at random and that Maria's drawing had nothing to do with the case contradicting the accounts of his lawyer and other supporters. Men in military uniforms and medals showed up at the courthouse Monday, apparently in support of the authorities. Moskalyov rejected the accusations and insisted he had nothing to do with the social media posts in question. In a short closing statement, Moskalyov said he was against what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation. How can one feel about death, about people who are dying? Adults are dying, children. ... Only negatively how else can one feel about a war? he was quoted as saying by Russia's independent news site Mediazona. Court officials said Moskalyov fled house arrest overnight from his apartment in Yefremov, about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) south of Moscow and a similar distance north of the Ukrainian border. He had been wearing a bracelet that tracked his movements but apparently had taken it off. When an official announced in court Tuesday that Moskalyov had fled, some in attendance shouted, Bravo! Moskalyov's lawyer Vladimir Biliyenko said he learned of his client's disappearance at the hearing. Moskalyov was scheduled to appear in court again next week on a petition to restrict his parental rights. Biliyenko told The Associated Press the authorities' petition to restrict Moskalyov's parental rights was based almost solely on his political views and his prosecution for discrediting the army, which they said posed a threat to his daughter. The officials have also accused Moskalyov of being a negligent parent because Maria stopped attending school after her drawing was reported to the police and she was questioned. According to Biliyenko and Moskalyov's supporters, she was scared to go back after that and studied at home. The lawyer described the prosecution of Moskalyov as bullying of the family. The lawyer visited Maria in the orphanage Tuesday and told reporters that while he wasn't able to see her, local administrators allowed him to photograph a letter she wrote to her father, which ended with, Daddy, you're my hero. Biliyenko also was given two drawings Maria made, depicting a dog and rabbits. Olga Podolskaya, a member of Yefremov's municipal council who has been helping Moskalyov, told AP that father and the daughter clearly love each other, and the decision to take Maria away was politically motivated. Maria's mother left when the girl was 3 and has another family in a different city, Podolskaya told AP by phone. Podolskaya said the news that Moskalyov escaped house arrest shocked her. We're all really worried, including Alexei's lawyer, she said, adding that the hope now was for other relatives to seek custody of Maria. Biliyenko said after the hearing that he tried calling Moskalyov after his visit to the orphanage, but he wasn't answering his phone. I thought that he was being brought here (to the courthouse), because they usually arrive in advance, he said. Russian human rights activists say the Kremlin has ramped up pressure on those who disagree with the war. The OVD-Info rights group that tracks political cases and provides legal aid this month has registered an increase in prison sentences for people prosecuted for their antiwar stance, said Daria Korolenko, the group's lawyer and analyst. Repressions are picking up speed, Korolenko told AP in a phone interview, adding that the numbers are expected to continue growing. Also on Tuesday, a court in St. Petersburg continued a hearing in the case against Irina Tsibaneva, 60, who is charged with desecrating a grave. In October she left a note on the grave of President Vladimir Putin's parents that said, among other things: You raised a monster and a killer. She faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Earlier this month, a court in the nearby region of Tver sentenced a married couple to 6 1/2 and 7 years in prison on charges of vandalism and spreading false information about the army. According to OVD-Info, Alexander Martynov and Lyudmila Razumova were charged after critical social media posts and antiwar and antigovernment slogans they allegedly wrote on buildings. In Moscow last week, police raided two bars suspected of raising funds for Ukraine's military. According to media reports, police played patriotic songs and forced the guests to sing along during the raid. At least 40 people were briefly detained. Another recent raid in the capital targeted an event dedicated to the jailed artist Sasha Skochilenko, who is on trial for spreading false information about the army. The event's participants reported being beaten by police or threatened with rape. In the far eastern city of Vladivostok, a court reversed the acquittal of a feminist artist who was tried on charges of disseminating pornography after she shared artwork online of women's bodies. Yulia Tsevtkovas case drew international outrage and ended in a rare acquittal last year after fears she would be sent to prison. Tsvetkova has since left Russia; a new trial has been ordered for her case. In Yefremov, Yelena Agafonova, an activist who has been helping the Moskalyov family, told AP after the trial that anyone can run afoul of authorities these days with their comments. Perhaps your children will express their opinion somewhere. Perhaps your children will laugh at something somewhere, and they will be in exactly the same situation in which this family is now, she said. "Perhaps a neighbor, who thinks they saw something (untoward), will report on you. So while you are lying on the couch, this will all happen more, and more, and more. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Great Rooms A visual diary by Design Editor Wendy Goodman. In the evening, Grimanesa Amoross living area is lit by candles and her glowing light installations. The floor piece on the right is Light Between the Islands, inspired by the sea-foam that washes up on the Peruvian seashore. Photo: Annie Schlechter The first time I visited the loft Grimanesa Amoros shares with her husband, William Grant Fleischer, and daughter Shammiel, it was on the occasion of a dinner party. The vast living room atop a wonderful old Tribeca building was lit only by candles and Amoross light sculptures, which rest on the floor or float through the air the way jellyfish do through water, pulsing in different colors and appearing to shift shapes. Amoros was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and the loft is populated with a mix of art and furnishings from her childhood and later travels: rugs from India and Morocco, a coffee table from Indonesia, a bird boat from Myanmar, 17th- and 18th-century lanterns and wooden chests. No two sofas are alike, and during the party, guests drifted among islands of gathering places centered beneath candelabras many from Peru or sat around the fireplace or at the wooden table. At one end of the room is a centuries-old convent door. To the side of that, hanging from a ceiling beam by the kitchen, is an indoor swing that Amoros made from a piece of wood. The loft itself has a history that had to be revealed. The brick walls were covered with thick layers of plaster and many coats of paint, and the floor was covered in cement, Amoros recalls. People were in here with jackhammers for ten days because there was so much. The wood underneath was very well protected by black paper and tar and more paper. The tin ceiling, in disrepair, was removed to reveal the wooden beams. During a midmorning visit, the room takes on a different character. This settee was bloodred, Amoros says, and it turned salmon from the sun, which comes in through the skylights. The same is true for the colors of all the rugs on the living-room floor; she takes a corner of one in her fingers and flips it over to reveal a more intense color. Once upon a time, they were like that, but that is the beauty also, she says. Everything changes in this house. I like to use it. The Fireplace: She put in the wood-burning fireplace years ago, and its a focal point of the room. The salmon-colored chaise, formerly dark red, was faded by the sun coming through the skylight. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Kitchen: I have loved swings since I was a little girl growing up in Peru; it was my way of connecting with the wind and sky and loving how it felt, Amoros says. She made this one out of a ceiling beam. Photo: Annie Schlechter Change and the love of adventure have been constants in Amoross life. She came to America from Peru in 1984. I got a ticket one way, I grabbed two bags, and I left for New York, she says. Her father had encouraged her to study to become a psychologist, but she left university three months before graduation: I knew I was never going to use that degree. I also knew I would never be starving because I know how to draw, so I could always sit on the street and do portraits. In New York, she studied at the Art Students League from 1985 to 1988. After many shared studios on the Bowery, Amoros met Fleischer, and they married on a boat near the Statue of Liberty in 1988. They lived briefly in Forest Hills, then found space in their current building. Amoros initially attempted to add a studio inside the living space. Soon, she says, she found it wasnt a good idea. I was too distracted. She discovered a separate studio in the building in 1993, and they moved into the duplex apartment around 2009, before the renovation was complete. Amoros turned from painting and sculpture to creating light installations after seeing the northern lights during a trip to Iceland in 2001. But her childhood in Lima and all the natural wonders around her are what have always captivated her imagination and remain most relevant to her work today, like the patterns and iridescence of the sea-foam along the shore. She also made a practice of drawing and memorizing maps of various countries. Her sculptures today bring forward the ephemeral mystery of light using LED and 3-D technology. Her work has been exhibited around the world, from Times Square to the Venice Biennale to the Noor Riyadh festival of light and art in Saudi Arabia. I always compare my life to how a river moves, she explains. Water cannot be stopped; it will always find a little hole to make it to the other side. So I always have that metaphorical way of seeing my life that it always keeps going. The Dining Area: The wooden table seats eight, but at a large dinner party, guests sit around the room in smaller groups on the various sofas. Photo: Annie Schlechter The Big Door: Once the entrance to a convent, it was brought in through a skylight in two pieces. It leads to the study. Photo: Annie Schlechter Her Art Studio: The piece on the right is from her installation Light Between the Islands; the other, Aureum, is the first in a series in which I use light metaphorically, she says. The golden lighting sequence is constantly changing. Photo: Annie Schlechter Crude Oil, US Dollar, WTI, SVB, FDIC, Iraq, Kurdistan, Turkey, Volatility Talking Points Crude oil roared back to life to start this week after FDIC action The banking sector appears to have steadied the ship for now, boosting sentiment Supply issues continue to linger for energy products. Where to for WTI? Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter Crude oil streaked higher overnight as sentiment was given a boost by the rescue of SVB Financial announced by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). A sinking US Dollar and supply concerns also appear to have provided some impetus for the lift. The sale of SVB to FirstCitizens Bank & Trust Company has allayed concerns of contagion of banking problems for now. The statement from the FDIC highlighted mismanagement as the key cause for the demise of the tech industry focussed bank. The FDIC had previously underpinned the troubled Signature Bank. Combined with the Swiss regulators backstopping Credit Suisse with a tie-up to UBS, markets seem to have taken a breath of relief. Republic Bank shares have also rallied overnight on speculation that the FDIC may step in to assist there as well. The US Dollar was softer against most major currencies despite Treasury yields resuming their march higher. The entire curve lifted in a bear-flattening (inversion) moves with the benchmark 2-year note back above 4.0% after touching 3.56% on Friday. Recommended by Daniel McCarthy How to Trade Oil Get My Guide It is being reported that an international arbitration court ruled in favour of Iraq and it will mean that Turkey will no longer be able to access oil from Kurdistan via a pipeline. It is estimated that the impact might be around 400k 450k fewer barrels per day hitting the global market. In and of itself, it is not a large amount in the change of supply, but it perhaps reflects the nervousness within the energy sector against the backdrop of the Ukraine war given the move in price. The US session saw the WTI futures contract finish up over 5% for the day as it eclipsed USD 73. At the same time, oil volatility eased from the peak seen last week, which may indicate a degree of comfort with the rally. The crack spread between the WTI crude and RBOB gasoline futures contracts might also be supportive of the current price action. The crack spread bifurcates the difference in price between WTI crude oil and refined RBOB gasoline. WTI CRUDE OIL, CRACK SPREAD, BACKWARDATION/CONTANGO, VOLATILITY (OVX) Chart created in TradingView --- Written by Daniel McCarthy, Strategist for DailyFX.com To contact Daniel, use the comments section below or @DanMcCathyFX on Twitter New Scottish First Minister Humza Yousafs elevation might leave King Charles unamused. The SNP is in coalition with the Scottish Greens, who oppose the monarchy. Co-leader Patrick Harvie called it outdated. He also refused to attend the proclamation of Charles as King in Edinburgh. Nicola Sturgeon kept the monarchy off the table when agreeing her deal with the Greens but Humza may be prepared to offer the Kings head in order to turbo-charge the alliance. The SNP is in coalition with the Scottish Greens, who oppose the monarchy. Co-leader Patrick Harvie called it outdated (Humza Yousaf after being elected leader of the SNP) He has floated the idea of holding a referendum on the monarchys future in an independent Scotland, but for now hes keeping the peace and says he will attend the Coronation. Princess Annes husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will be hoping that his brother-in-law Charles will use the opportunity of his Coronation to promote him. To mark his 65th birthday in 2020, the late Queen was expected to elevate him to full Admiral at the same time as Andrew received the honour for his 60th birthday. The late Queen was expected to elevate him to full Admiral to mark his 65th birthday in 2020 but the Prince Andrew scandal is said to have derailed plans (with Princess Anne at the Commonwealth Day service on March 13) But when Andrews promotion was halted following his disgrace from sexual abuse allegations, HM, not wanting to rub salt into her sons wounds, postponed Tims advancement. The King is expected to make amends. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, in conversation with author Elizabeth Day at the Southbank Centre, declined to answer questions, snapping: I know what you are trying to do here. It is an aggressive question: What makes you happy? That should be, like, a private thing. Walller-Bridge said: I know what you are trying to do here. It is an aggressive question: What makes you happy?' (pictured at the Oscars earlier in March) An exasperated Day then appealed to the audience to avail the concluding Q&A to ask Phoebe, pictured, to answer some questions. I wont really [answer] though, she barked, so dont bother. And the subject of the evening? Days new book: Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. Living artworks Gilbert and George were once sounded out by the Crown Office for a knighthood. I tried to explain that we are two people but one artist and that we have always created our art together, George says. But the woman was obviously very irritated by that so she said, Oh, well I will put you down as not interested then and she slammed down the phone. At least Ant and Dec have OBEs. Anthony Horowitz has vowed to never write a political thriller despite his son Cass working in Downing Street as Rishi Sunaks director of communications. Admitting that Cass, creator of the Dishy Rishi brand, does not trust his dad with inside information, he tells Radio Times: He knows I tend to blab or tweet, so he doesnt share state secrets. Historian Patrick French, who has died aged 56, once rang the Earl of Sutherland in the middle of the night asking in a broad Glaswegian accent if he thought that the Strathnaver pie of West Sutherland was inferior to the mass-produced Fray Bentos product. His graces reply is unrecorded. Those who doubt whether God has a sense of humour might like to think again in view of The Guardians connections with slavery. For the newspaper is probably more sensitive about racism than any other on earth. Its concerns are often appropriate. But it is also liable to discern racists even where none exist. It turns out that John Edward Taylor, the journalist and cotton merchant who founded The Guardian in 1821, had links to slavery, according to the papers apologia which went online yesterday afternoon. So also did at least nine of his 11 backers. Imagine the mortification at the citadel of woke as investigations proceeded during recent months. How could this have happened? How could The Guardian, of all newspapers, be connected in any way with the evil of slavery? Our response should be more measured. I believe The Guardian is agonising more than it needs to, and is guilty of virtue-signalling as it beats its own breast while pledging 10 million in compensation. I also think the restorative justice championed by the paper is likely to be socially destructive. The Guardian is probably more sensitive about racism than any other on earth. Its concerns are often appropriate. But it is also liable to discern racists even where none exist (Pictured: The Guardian's head office in north London) In the first place, John Edward Taylors connections to slavery, as described by the newspaper, were somewhat tangential. He wasnt involved in the slave trade in the manner of Edward Colston, the merchant whose statue was toppled into Bristol harbour by a mob in 2020 an action applauded by The Guardian. The slave trade was abolished in the British Empire in 1807; and slavery brought to an end in 1833. Taylors sin, as the newspaper sees it, was to import cotton from the south of the United States, where slavery was, most regrettably, still thriving. In its statement yesterday, The Guardian referred to the part [the newspaper] and its founders had in this crime against humanity. People will have to decide for themselves whether it is exaggerating the moral deficiencies of its founder. For if Taylor was responsible for a crime against humanity, so too were countless thousands, if not millions, of people. Much of the wealth of our great northern cities such as Manchester was built on the cotton trade. Factories, parks, chapels, pubs, houses and much more were constructed out of the enormous riches produced by the textile industry. Taylor was very far indeed from being the only sinner, if that is what he was. Must all these buildings be torn down, or at the very least have plaques attached to them attesting to their infamy? Are the millions of descendants of those involved in the cotton trade in whatever shape or form to be demonised? That, I strongly suspect, is the hope of academics from The Institute for the Study of Slavery and similar bodies that have investigated John Edward Taylor on behalf of The Guardian. We are all assumed to be guilty and, in one way or another, we must all be made to pay for our ancestors alleged transgressions, even if they were not involved in the slave trade. This appears to be the implication of a number of academics, such as the historian David Olusoga, who has been holding The Guardians hand as it endured its self-inspired punishment beating. I dont think we are all guilty. We cant be held morally responsible for the acts of people who lived long before we were born and acted without the remotest collusion from ourselves. That is the pit of shame into which The Guardian and others would lead us. It turns out that John Edward Taylor, the journalist and cotton merchant who founded The Guardian in 1821, had links to slavery, according to the papers apologia which went online yesterday afternoon The suggestion is that, as most of us are concealed racists which I do not at all believe we must shoulder responsibility for racism in the past. Naturally, if The Guardian wants to give away 10 million as a sign of its collective remorse, it is free to do so, though one cant help observing that it is a small slice of its 1.3 billion war chest, derived from other publishing ventures since disposed of. Not a great financial sacrifice, then, though a very public one. All the same, some of the dozens of the newspapers staff who have been made redundant in recent years may feel justifiably aggrieved that money can be found to pay for the sins of forebears but not to keep them in employment. In a similar way, poorly paid clergy and their spouses can reasonably look incredulously at the Church of England, which recently found 100 million to address past wrongs after it emerged that some of its wealth can be traced back to the slave trade. Why not focus on the here and now? This is the essence of my complaint. Restorative justice is a misnomer. The sins of the past cant be undone or reversed in the slightest degree. Its victims are long since dead. What we can profitably do is build a better, and a more just, future. To be fair to The Guardian, it is to some degree trying to do that. It plans to support projects in the Gullah Geechee region in South Carolina and in Jamaica over the next decade, and to invest in journalism designed to help black communities in the UK, U.S. and the Caribbean. If admittedly tiny sums of money really do benefit a few deprived people and make the folk at The Guardians board table feel more virtuous we can hardly criticise the newspaper for its efforts. The same point can be made about BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan. She and her family have recently travelled to the Caribbean island of Grenada to publicly apologise for their ancestors ownership of more than 1,000 slaves. They have promised 100,000 in reparations. It may do some good. But I repeat: the sins of the past cant be assuaged by what we do today, whether or not we are trying to attract attention to our virtue. Perhaps the urge to try to repair former iniquities illustrates the secularism of our age. It was up to God so it was once believed to judge the evil that men do. Of course, if we are looking for evil, there are more recent examples than slavery. The Nazis murdered six million Jews within living memory, some of whose relatives are still alive. Nazi Germany caused incalculable damage. So did Imperial Japan. Thousands of Allied servicemen died in Japanese camps. Do we demand reparations for these recent outrages, which necessarily cast a more vivid shadow over our times even than slavery and the slave trade, so much farther back in history? Or do we look to the future and try to free ourselves from the tyranny of the past? I believe that is what we should do. It is futile and unproductive and ultimately divisive to obsess about the sins of those who died 200 years ago. The Guardian may feel a little better about itself this morning. It may believe it has come to terms with its past though of course it hasnt changed it one whit; and in its case the past really wasnt quite as bad as it thinks it was. The ill-judged cause of restorative justice will lead us down a bleak path towards endless recrimination. Nearly all of us will end up in the dock, charged with racist offences for which we dont bear the slightest responsibility and can never begin to undo. As motivational speakers go, he's hardly Robert the Bruce. Not much of an Alex Ferguson for that matter, or dare one say it even an Alex Salmond. In fact, first impressions of yesterday's freshly anointed SNP leader Humza Yousaf are he's a windbag, as entertaining as a punctured bagpipe. While Mr Salmond and his successor Nicola Sturgeon brought a certain presidential air to the position of Scottish First Minister, Mr Yousaf seems a considerably less weighty proposition. He strikes me as one of life's bureaucrats, prone to self-aggrandising phrases and buzzwords. Several times during his victory speech yesterday, he referred to his party as a team 'one team' 'Team SNP'. He pledged not to shy away from 'difficult decisions'. Shades of an incoming regional sales manager giving his fleet of store staff a pep-talk. The big reveal was made at Edinburgh's Murrayfield rugby stadium, inside a tightly packed lounge that looked about as comfortable and inviting as a tweed jockstrap. First impressions of yesterday's freshly anointed SNP leader Humza Yousaf (pictured) are he's a windbag, as entertaining as a punctured bagpipe While Mr Salmond and his successor Nicola Sturgeon (pictured) brought a certain presidential air to the position of Scottish First Minister, Mr Yousaf seems a considerably less weighty proposition All around the room, well-upholstered SNP bigwigs shook hands and squeezed one another's shoulders. For some reason I felt as though I was observing a mafia don's wake. While the seconds ticked down before the result was announced, the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn sat hunched in the front row, texting furiously. At the back, Scottish TV journalists jawed away, struggling to fill airtime. As soon as the three candidates entered the room, any tension about the outcome evaporated. It was obvious who'd won just from the trio's body language. Kate Forbes was relaxed and jokey. Mr Yousaf, by contrast, was a tightly-wound jitterbug. A realisation, perhaps, that his life was about to become rather different. Meanwhile, Ash Regan, who picked up just 11 per cent of votes, looked drained, her mind seemingly miles away. Possibly, she was wondering whether her energies might have been better spent elsewhere these past few weeks, instead of her traipsing around the country to appear in endless hustings debates. Catching up on some constituency work perhaps. Or rearranging her sock drawer. When the SNP's general Secretary Lorna Finn eventually pronounced Yousaf the victor, he put his hand on his heart hammily. There was a touching kiss for his dad before bounding on stage and pronouncing himself the 'luckiest man in the world'. He was certainly dressed the part. The hair was bouncy, the beard carefully tweaked and manicured. He wore a tartan tie and a natty three-piecer, the breast pocket of which sprouted a neatly pressed pocket square, hinting at dandyish tendencies. There was a nice bit when he thanked his wife Nadia and their daughter, prompting the missus to make the obligatory scramble for the Kleenex. Moments later, when Yousaf announced that his election sent a clear message that 'the colour of your skin or your faith was not a barrier to leading our country', it was his dear old mum who blubbed. As soon as the three candidates entered the room, any tension about the outcome evaporated. It was obvious who'd won just from the trio's body language. Kate Forbes (pictured) was relaxed and jokey. Mr Yousaf, by contrast, was a tightly-wound jitterbug Leadership-wise, he made it clear he would represent more of the same. Several times he paid tribute to his predecessor, repeatedly pledging to build on Sturgeon's 'foundations' and to make Scotland independent within five years. He also vowed to continue the fight for those gender law reforms that so hastily brought about Sturgeon's demise. What sweet, sweet music that will have been to Unionists' ears. Someone asked if there would be space for both of his leadership rivals in his Cabinet. At this point, Ms Forbes suddenly found a spot on the floor to stare at. It may be that she's preparing to take a break from the political front line. Relations between her and Yousaf during the contest were at times far from cordial. And with that, the new leader of the SNP was off, swallowed up by the crowd amid the applause and the explosion of camera shutters. Meanwhile, at both Labour and Conservative headquarters down in Westminster, there could be heard the sound of hearty backslaps and the celebratory clinking of glasses. After years of devastating headlines, I had come to imagine that my visceral anger at womens treatment at the hands of the police and the criminal justice system could not be stoked any further. I was wrong. Just days after the publication of Baroness Caseys damning report into the Metropolitan Police and their manifold failings to protect victims of crime among others, yesterday we learn of another sickening way women are betrayed by a system that is meant to protect them. How else to describe the revelation by the Mail that more than 1,000 sex offenders have escaped any kind of formal sanction for their crimes by instead offering little more than an apology to their victims? This includes rapists and among them child abusers walking away from their actions with the judicial equivalent of a handshake. As someone who has spent most of her adult life campaigning to highlight the blight of violence against women, I have rarely been more furious (file image) First-time offenders guilty of less serious crimes and who accept responsibility can avoid the judicial system by issuing an apology and, in some cases, paying compensation (file image) Its called a community resolution although something that leaves offenders with no real sanction is not a resolution of any kind. Its a heinous sell-out of the victims of sex offences. So yes, I am angry. As someone who has spent most of her adult life campaigning to highlight the blight of violence against women, I have rarely been more furious. Sadly, though, I cannot say I am shocked. This is the way that our criminal justice system has been for the past 20 years. To cut processing backlogs and save money, there has been a steady move towards restorative justice. First-time offenders guilty of less serious crimes and who accept responsibility can avoid the judicial system by issuing an apology and, in some cases, paying compensation. When its deployed correctly, Im all in favour of it. For low-level crime, it can sometimes be better for both victim and offender: the former spared the ordeal of a court case, the latter given a second chance without undergoing a sometimes brutalising and corrupting stint behind bars. But since when did sex offences get lumped into the same category as a vandalised shed or a stolen bike? We already know that rape convictions nationally stand at less than one per cent of those reported. And Baroness Caseys report commissioned, lest we forget, in the wake of the brutal murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens two years ago exposed the horrific shortcomings of the Metropolitan Police in dealing with sexual offences. Rampant culture of sexism aside, the promised focus on tackling violence against women and girls after Sarahs death never materialised. In fact, it was taken less seriously than other crimes in terms of prioritisation. As one officer, in a startling admission, told Caseys review, in London rape has effectively been decriminalised. Now we have more evidence to prove how sexual violence, and its impact on victims, is systematically being downplayed by our criminal justice system. In the past year, the number of community resolutions given out to sex offenders has doubled, with 1,064 such cases in 2021 and 2022. Among them are several instances where the penalty has been handed out for child rape, including one involving a girl aged under 13. Can anyone believe that a community resolution could be appropriate for such a horrendous crime? But then such measures underline an all-too-common philosophy, particularly when the victim and perpetrator of a sexual crime are known to each other, that it is easier for all concerned to deal with the issue outside a courtroom. It is a deeply flawed strategy. Research shows that those who commit sexual crimes, particularly in a domestic setting against a partner, have high reoffending rates. Such crimes are undertaken by men who know that it is very unlikely they will ever be reported for it, let alone charged. These are men who aside from the minuscule number convicted for rape each year are unlikely to be behind bars for long, even if they find themselves subject to a guilty verdict by a jury. The conventional system of justice is, then, hardly a deterrent. Yet instead of facing the judicial process, some offenders are being given the option to accept responsibility and say sorry. One can only imagine the message it sends to those predisposed to prey on vulnerable women. Naturally, police have been quick to defend this policy, pointing out that the penalty is normally used only in relation to sexual offences if the victim is content for the crime to be dealt with that way. But this is no justification at all, and it is hard not to see this as a convenient fallback which does not remotely consider the often complex dynamics of victims and offenders, particularly set amid a domestic backdrop. Is it any surprise that some female victims many of whom struggle to take their complaint to the police in the first place might feel enticed by an option in which the prospect of appearing in court as a witness is replaced by this neat solution? Women may not be forced into accepting a community resolution, but a traumatised woman might feel that she should accept it. The consequences resonate for all of us. Unlike cautions or convictions, community resolutions do not constitute a criminal record and are not recorded on the Police National Computer. It means thousands of sexual offenders are walking free. The consummate irony behind this charade, meanwhile, is that community resolutions can be meted out only if an offender has admitted to their crime in part, at least. So why not take advantage of that by supporting victims to take their case through the court system? Police have been quick to defend this policy, pointing out that the penalty is normally used only in relation to sexual offences if the victim is content for the crime to be dealt with that way (Sir Mark Rowley, Met Commissioner) I am calling for a blanket ban on community resolutions when it comes to sex crime with one notable exception. In instances where two consenting teenagers have had sex while underage, it may not be appropriate to criminalise one or both The answer, of course, is that it is easier and cheaper not to. And so, once again, we find womens safety sacrificed on the altar of crime numbers and political expediency. Every time another sex-abuse scandal breaks, politicians and police chiefs extol the need for lessons to be learned just as they did last week in the wake of Baroness Caseys searing report. Its staggering and deplorable. Which is why I am calling for a blanket ban on community resolutions when it comes to sex crime with one notable exception. In instances where two consenting teenagers have had sex while underage, it may not be appropriate to criminalise one or both. In all other circumstances, the police must move to prosecute. That means gathering evidence even if it seems to be of the her word against his variety which the Crown Prosecution Service should then assess and, where appropriate, take to court. Will this result in a 100 per cent conviction rate? No. But it will certainly be higher than the one we have; and it would send a strong message that sexual violence of any sort will be taken seriously. Of course, in the short term this will be more time-consuming and expensive. But continuing as we are will inflict an altogether more grave cost on Britains most vulnerable women. Experts advise us to clean our bedding once or twice a week to avoid a grimy build-up of skin cells, sweat, and other dirt. But one woman horrified television viewers when she admitted that she had never washed her bedding. Cornelia Bayley, who made the revelation while appearing on Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners in 2013, lives in a Grade I listed 17th century manor in Flintshire, north Wales. She bought the 10 bedroom Jacobean mansion, which was built in 1610, for 70,000 in 1985. She devoted herself to preserving the historic home, moving there from London following the breakdown of a relationship with a man she described as the 'love of [her] life'. At her time of moving, the property was a derelict shell, prompting her to spend tens of thousands of pounds to keep the property standing. Cornelia Bayley (pictured) appeared on Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners in 2013, where she revealed she hadn't ever washed her bedding However, her money had since dried up, and she had been forced to live off her small pension, which she supplemented by holding paranormal evenings in her home. Since living in the mansion, the whole place had become increasingly grimy, thanks to her only cleaning once or twice in the whole time she had lived there. '200 years ago, there would be 20 or 30 people looking after the house,' Cornelia said. 'Now there is just me and the cat.' She admitted that she hadn't bathed in two or three years, as the boiler was broken and she couldn't afford hot water, but said: 'In the 18th century people didn't bathe all the time so I'm just living in another age.' However, the real horror, when it came to cleanliness or lack thereof, was to be found in the bedroom. Speaking with the programme's hosts Hayley and Dann, retired antiques dealer Cornelia opened up about her bedding. Not only had she never washed it, she admitted, but she believed her mattress was a staggering 100-years-old. Cleaning obsessives Hayley and Dann were horrified by the admission, as well as by the general grubbiness of Cornelia's home Plas Tag. She also revealed that her mattress - which had also never been cleaned - was probably around 100-years-old Examining the bedroom, Hayley said: 'Cornelia, when was the bedding last washed?' Cornelia replied: 'Never.' Hayley continued: 'It's never been washed? What about the mattress? Do you clean the mattresses?' Dan added: 'How old is the mattress?' Cornelia said: 'It could be 100 years old, or something. You know, this is how people used to live years ago and I still live like that.' Her desire to live like people did 100 years ago extended beyond her mattress, something which would prove tricky for Hayley and Dann. Cornelia said they were only allowed to use water and a sponge to clean the house - no modern cleaning products. When Hayley warned that this would not kill the bacteria, Cornelia responded: 'The bacteria can live here, I couldn't care less.' In a 2020 YouTube video reflecting on the episode, Hayley admitted that this restriction worried her. The programme's hosts Hayley and Dann (pictured) appeared aghast at Cornelia's revelations regarding her lack of cleaning She said: 'That was the first hurdle for me, and instantly I was like, "this is going to go downhill very, very quickly. 'Because I was thinking in my mind things like, "how am I gonna get these toilets clean? What am I gonna use to clean the sink drains and put down the drains and stuff?".' However, the cleaning work was completed using water with a small amount of washing up liquid. While Cornelia appeared reasonably happy with the cleaning job, she admitted she had no intention of using the now pristine bath. She continues to live in Plas Teg, which is a private family home and not open to the public. Updates on the house, which is undergoing structural repairs, can be found on Instagram. Viewers of BBC's Blue Lights were left stunned when they spotted a glaring blunder in the first episode of the crime show last night. BBC1's gripping new cop drama, which aired at 9pm yesterday, follows three rookie cops in Belfast as they try to keep the peace in the post-Troubles era. Written by the team behind Novichok drama The Salisbury Poisonings, Blue Lights stars Sherlock actress Sian Brooke as Grace, a single mum and ex-social worker who's decided to switch careers in mid-life to become a probationary cop. At the end of the first episode, Grace offers one woman, Angela, a lift home in her Audi - however viewers quickly spotted the steering wheel was from a Skoda. Many of those watching couldn't help but spot the mistake and took to Twitter, with one writing: 'How can you get the vehicle exterior and interior shots so wrong? Discovery/Freeland and then Audi/Skoda.' Viewers of BBC's Blue Lights were left stunned when they spotted a glaring blunder in the first episode of the crime show last night - as a car appeared to change from an Audi to a Skoda in the same scene During the intense scene, viewers confessed they were distracted by the changing logos on the steering wheel of the car Another commented: 'So picked up in an Audi. Which turns out to be a Skoda on the drop off...tv bloopers at its best.' A third added: 'I maybe wrong but Grace is not driving an Audi...look again.' A fourth wrote: 'Towards the end, one minute it's an Audi in the rain, next minute they're in a Skoda, then when you see it drive off, it's an Audi again! 'That was a second rate afternoon show at best. Not good.' Another added: 'Anyone else notice the Audi, Skoda, Audi blooper?' 'Picks her up in an Audi and a few minutes later drops her off in a Skoda!! Basic stuff...' one commented. 'Why has her Audi got a Skoda steering wheel?' one viewer tweeted. The series sees probationary cop Grace frequently out of her depth and finding herself in unexpected danger. The other rookies are played by Nathan Braniff as Tommy and Katherine Devlin as Annie, and their Belfast station is a buzzing hub where the newbies get both pranked and helped by their peers, as well as told off by their superiors. Many of those watching spotted the blooper during the programme last night, with one commenting it was 'second rate' They appear alongside bigger stars including Game Of Throness Richard Dormer as experienced policeman Gerry, who partners under-confident Tommy. The Falls John Lynch plays their adversary James McIntyre, an organised crime gang leader whos recruiting local lads, which provides the central storyline of Blue Lights six episodes. During the first episode, Grace tries to help Angela, whose son is very familiar with a gang after he crashed a stolen car that belonged to gang leader James. Despite warnings from her colleagues that Angela is trying to lure her into a false sense of security, Grace is determined to help her and ends up offering her a lift home. The car appeared to have switched back to an Audi when Grace drove away from the scene after dropping Angela off Written by the team behind The Salisbury Poisonings, BBC1's gripping new cop drama Blue Lights follows three rookie cops in Belfast as they try to keep the peace in the post-Troubles era And things don't seem to be getting any easier for Grace in upcoming episode - with a synopsis for the next show teasing that the team is faced with more issues all related to the drug rings in Belfast. It reads: 'The team scrambles to deal with a series of mysterious emergencies across the city, all stemming from a bad batch of drugs. 'The McIntyre gang soon realise the crisis can be traced back to one of their young drug runners, has been selling drugs outside of their area, so race to cover their tracks. 'Annie receives terrifying news that has her wondering who she can trust even within her own community.' The Princess of Wales delighted fashion fans when she stepped out in a pair of glamorous black opera gloves at this year's BAFTAs. And now it seems as though Princess Anne has turned to Kate Middleton for fashion inspiration for her latest engagement. Last night, the royal, 72, pulled out all the stops to attend the International Financing Review Awards at The Grosvenor Hotel in her role as patron for Save the Children UK. As guest of honour at the annual event, which has raised over 30m for the charity, the Princess Royal cut a glamorous figure in a glistening green gown with short sleeves. The show-stopping dress features several embellished patterns running diagonally along the front as well as small slit in the side. The Princess Royal, 72, cut a glamorous figure last night as she was pictured arriving at The Grosvenor Hotel in London for the International Financing Review Awards Along with some black suede heels and a rectangular clutch with gold hardware, the Princess Royal finished off her glitzy ensemble with a pair of black velvet gloves. Seemingly inspired by her nephew's wife, Princess Anne's gloves also finished just above her elbow - meaning most of her arm was covered as she braved the cold in the capital. Last month, stylist Miranda Golder praised Kate Middleton's 'fashion forward' look - which saw the mother-of-three pair her gloves with a recycled one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown. The expert labelled Kate Middleton's bold monochrome outfit as a 'confident' showing from the Princess . Speaking to the Mirror, Miranda said: 'Since gaining the title of Princess of Wales, Kate's style has evolved into something more refined and confident, as she takes on this new role with gusto, looking every inch our future Queen. 'In comparison with previous BAFTA outfits, this look felt more grown up, even more polished and poised, showing us that Kate can take on whatever challenges the role throws at her.' She added the statement monochrome look helped Kate stand out on the red carpet so members of the public could see her - which harks back to a style trait of the late Queen. Queen Elizabeth II was known for dressing in outfits and colours that made her stand out in a crowd during public engagements, meaning royal fans and well-wishers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of her could spot her easily. The Princess of Wales wore a similar pair of black opera gloves to attend the 2023 BAFTAs last month Princess Anne's gloves also went beyond her elbow and were made out of black velvet. The Princess Royal finished off her glitzy ensemble with a pair of black velvet gloves As Kate appears to be taking a leaf out of the late monarch's book, the stylist claimed she is aleady looking like a 'future queen'. Princess Anne attends the IFR Awards in central London, which honours individuals working in the baking and finance industries and also raises money for Save the Children UK. The mother-of-three became the charity's royal patron in 2017 - having served as their President from 1970. After being announced as patron, the royal said: 'I am proud of my long association with Save the Children, and I am honoured to succeed Her Majesty as its Patron. It is an organisation that embodies a spirit of compassion, openness and excellence. Its values are an inspiration; its achievements, a source of hope for millions of children. 'From significantly reducing malnutrition in some of the poorest parts of Bangladesh to sheltering, feeding and vaccinating the young people affected by the devastating winds and rain of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and ensuring children in the UK leave primary school reading competently and able to fulfil their potential, their efforts to ensure that every child survives to live a happy, healthy life are outstanding.' A woman was dubbed 'a Christ-like figure' after sneaking a bottle of wine into a music festival in a hollowed-out loaf of sourdough bread. Alexandria Funnell, 34, from Melbourne, went to see the band Bon Iver at Sidney Myer Music Bowl earlier this month with her friend, Lauren, 34, and didn't want to spend the night queuing for drinks at the bar. The TV producer came up with an ingenious way to save time and money - buying a $1.75 loaf of bread and hollowing it out to hide a $15 bottle of cabernet sauvignon. Alexandria claims nobody suspected a thing as she poured the wine from the bread into red plastic cups - as concert goers were allowed to bring in food. Social media users have compared Alexandria pouring wine from bread to a scene from the bible and have even called her Jesus. Alexandria Funnell, 34, from Melbourne, was dubbed 'a Christ-like figure' after sneaking a bottle of wine into Bon Iver at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in a hollowed-out loaf of sourdough bread She even used the hollowed out bread to make cheesy garlic bread when she got home. Alexandria said: 'It's a bit silly and ridiculous but there's always such a big line for drinks so I thought maybe we should smuggle in some wine. 'I'm a rule bender and opportunistic. I prioritise comfort and practicality at concerts. We had already paid $200 for a ticket. 'You were allowed to bring snacks in so I thought maybe we should take some bread in and hide the wine. We got past security and didn't end up lining up for drinks. 'The comments on the video have been wild - people have been saying I'm our new modern saviour.' One TikTok user said: 'You're Jesus.' Another said: 'Jesus said bread and wine.' The TV producer came up with an ingenious way to save time and money - buying a $1.75 loaf of bread and hollowing it out to hide a $15 bottle of cabernet sauvignon She went to see the band Bon Iver at Sidney Myer Music Bowl earlier this month with her friend, Lauren, 34, (left) and didn't want to spend the night queuing for drinks at the bar The pair had a great night as they went to see the band Bon Iver at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 3rd March 2023 Lauren also managed to sneak in a hip flask of whiskey. Alexandria added: 'My friend also snuck in a flask of whiskey. There was something beautiful about whiskey and wine and listening to Bon Iver under the stars.' Alexandria ensured nothing went to waste - she made the hollowed bread into cheesy garlic bread and they ate the sourdough loaf. She said: 'It was fresh and fluffy and delicious, we had it with dips cheese and ham.' She was left with many broken bones and had to spend a year in a wheelchair A woman who survived a 'date from hell' that left her in a wheelchair and scarred for life has detailed the excruciating pain she has dealt with and how she recovered. Kiaha Kurek, 35, from Portland, Oregon, met a man on the dating site Plenty of Fish in 2012. She was looking forward to their date, but she never expected it would end with her bruised and bloody. Her date drove them to the movie theater, but on the way back, they were involved in a traumatic car accident that saw another vehicle colliding with them while travelling at 50mph. Their car was hit on the passenger side - the side Kiaha was sitting on - and the then-24-year-old woke up to the sound of rescue teams cutting her out of the vehicle. She spent the next year trying to recover from the trauma and learning how to walk again. Kiaha Kurek, 35, from Oregon, survived a 'date from hell' that left her in a wheelchair and scarred for life has detailed the excruciating pain she has dealt with and how she recovered She met a man on the dating site Plenty of Fish in 2012. She was looking forward to their date, but she never expected it would end with her bruised and bloody Her date drove them to the movie theatre, but on the way back they were involved in a severely traumatic car accident that saw another vehicle colliding with them while travelling at 50mph While driving to the cinema for their first date, the man she met on the dating app - who had said he was 24, but was actually 19 and a newly-qualified driver - stopped mid-turn. Kiaha saw headlights coming straight towards and thought she was going to die in that moment. 'I remember being sat in the car, seeing headlights coming towards me and thinking "this is the end,"' she recalled. 'I woke up and my eyes were burning because blood was dripping into them - and I could hear a loud noise as the car was cut open.' She said: 'I tried to get out of the car and realized I was injured. It hurt so much I passed out again.' And things didn't change when she got the ER. 'I kept passing out then waking up and being in so much pain as they got me to hospital - I was begging for painkillers,' Kiaha explained. Kiaha broke her pelvis, several ribs, and her leg was completely shattered, requiring her to have reconstructive surgery. Once she arrived at the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, she was told she had an extensive catalog of injuries, and even said she may never walk again. Kiaha broke her pelvis, several ribs, and her leg was completely shattered, requiring her to have reconstructive surgery Once she arrived at the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, she was told she had an extensive catalog of injuries, and even said she may never walk again She recalled begging for painkillers as she suffered from internal bleeding, and her liver was lacerated. She said: 'When I was in the ER I remember the doctor trying to pull glass out the side of my face. 'I was covered in blood head to toe, my clothing was all bright red and had to be cut off.' And while Kiaha knew things had gone horribly wrong, she explained that the reality of the horrific situation didn't hit her until she saw her parents arrive. She explained: 'When my parents arrived I remember being so afraid because my parents are normally so chilled, but they looked so worried.' Kiaha had to endure a seven-hour surgery to put her shattered femur and pelvis back in place, and she had to have a blood transfusion. Because she was in 'excruciating pain,' doctors had to give her an epidural to numb her body. 'I remembered coming out of surgery being in excruciating pain and I was devastated when doctors told me I might not be able to walk properly again,' she said. Following her release from the hospital, Kiaha had to rely on her parents for everything. She said: 'I had to move back in with my parents and I had to rely on other people to do everything, which was the worst part. 'I couldn't dress myself, feed myself, or do anything by myself. She recalled begging for painkillers as she suffered from internal bleeding, and her liver was lacerated Kiaha had to endure a seven-hour surgery to put her shattered femur and pelvis back in place, and she had to have a blood transfusion 'I couldn't leave my bed, and that was the worst - having to rely on others to do everything for me.' A physical therapist would visit daily, and it took her six weeks to take a single step, and she was wheelchair-bound for months. Getting back on her feet in the aftermath was the 'hardest part' where she would wake up every morning in 'absolute agony'. The process took a year in total - starting in a wheelchair, then moving to a walker, then crutches, then a cane, before finally walking unaided. She was left with a huge scar on her leg - which a year later she concealed with a tattoo to help her move on. A few weeks after their 'date from hell', the man driving the car called her to apologize. 'My date called me to apologize a few weeks later then I never heard from him again,' she said before reflecting on the pair's date. Kiaha went on her Plenty of Fish car crash date in November 2012. She went to dinner with her date, who told her he was also 24, but was actually a newly qualified 19-year-old driver, she said. She said her date was keen to show her his new muscle car - so she agreed to a cinema trip. But they had barely left the car park when they found themselves in the path of a 50mph oncoming traffic, she said. Kiaha said: 'We went to turn left and he just stopped dead, halfway through the turn.' When he called her after the accident, he revealed the truth about his age. Her recovery process took a year in total - starting in a wheelchair, then moving to a walker, then crutches, then a cane, before finally walking unaided She was left with a huge scar on her leg - which a year later she concealed with a tattoo to help her move on Now married to Bartek Kurek, 45, Kiaha has had tattoos to cover the scars on her legs - and says they are a reminder of her 'worst date ever' She said: 'He revealed he had lied about his age, and was only 19. I was very upset he lied - he was a very new driver.' Due to her medical bills that totaled to $1,000,000, Kiaha filed for bankruptcy, however, opted against suing her date and put the accident behind her. Reflecting on the journey, she said: 'When it comes to dating, you have to be aware of how much trust you put in people. 'Trust your gut instinct - if it says don't get in the car, listen to it. Listen every time.' Now married to Bartek Kurek, 45, Kiaha has had tattoos to cover the scars on her legs - and says they are a reminder of her 'worst date ever'. 'Ten years on, I'm happily married and I could tell Bartek was the one from our first date - it was the opposite to my first date from hell!' She explained that she knew he was the one right away. Kiaha added: 'On our first date, I called my best friend and said "I think I've found my future husband" and I had. 'It was the total opposite of that first date from hell, and I'm so happy now. 'Sometimes life just happens, you can wallow in it or do something different and move on.' A Reddit user has sparked a fierce debate online after they posted a scathing rant about how slow people are during the deplaning process on a flight. The traveler, who goes by the username Romantic_Thinker, from New Mexico, recently went on a tirade against people who take a long time to get their bag from the overhead bin and exit a plane after he took a Delta flight from San Francisco to his home state - and it launched a major argument between other social media users. 'Why does it take SO LONG for people to exit an airplane?' he asked in the post, which was shared earlier this week. 'Stand up, grab your bag from the overhead bin, and walk. Why does this simple maneuver seem to take the majority of people so much time to execute?' A Reddit user has sparked a fierce debate online after they posted a scathing rant about how slow people are during the deplaning process on a flight (stock image) The traveler, who goes by the username Romantic_Thinker, went on a tirade against people who take a long time to get their bag from the overhead bin and exit a plane His question led to hundreds of comments from other flyers - some of whom shared in his frustration and others who insisted it wasn't the passengers' fault, but rather, the design of the aircraft was to blame. 'If you insert one person with a touch of dysfunction and lack of awareness, the entire system falls,' wrote one person. Poll What do YOU think is to blame for the slow deplaning process? The passengers The design of the aircraft What do YOU think is to blame for the slow deplaning process? The passengers 672 votes The design of the aircraft 245 votes Now share your opinion 'Its the noobs, children, old folks, and the highly inconsiderate that take forever,' said someone else. 'Its always amazing how a pretty high percentage of people are in no particular hurry and just take their sweet time getting their stuff out of the overhead storage,' added a different user. 'I will never forget the time a man put his jacket on and started slowly buttoning it in the aisle blocking the entire plane from leaving,' recalled another person. 'The rage was immense. I was trying to figure out what to say but just stewed silently.' 'Its a Starbucks line effect. Everyones impatiently wanting the people ahead of them to move faster, and then once its their turn its like they have no idea where their bag is or where the exit is,' joked one commenter. 'Because people are idiots and dont pay attention to their surroundings. Im also convinced the average travelers IQ drops 50 per cent as soon as they hit airport property,' another disgruntled person wrote. His post led to hundreds of comments from flyers - some of whom shared in his frustration and others who insisted it wasn't the passengers' fault, but rather, the airline was to blame 'If you need help, if you are older, if you have children or some other reason that is holding you up you get a pass on this but if you are just a jacka** taking your sweet time because you don't give a damn about the other 100+ people behind you, or you don't even realize you are the one holding up the entire plane - you suck,' read a different comment. Someone else shared: 'Ive missed two [connecting] flights so far because of absolute clueless morons taking their time to get their doo-doo together and getting their butts off the plane. 'Absolutely infuriating. That said, if more people would be courteous and offer to help older/disabled people get their luggage out of the overhead, deplaning time would be cut in half. 'Far too often I see people in their 20s and 30 stare at their phones while the 75 year old woman in front of them grunts and groans trying to get her 20lb carry on from over her head. Even more infuriating.' Others, however, said if the airline was more organized or if the plane had wider aisles, the delay would never happen. 'Everyone gets up at once to grab bags. Chaos ensues because bags arent always directly next to/over people, and because theres less space in the aisle than necessary for everyone to get up at once,' read another comment. Someone else responded: 'Because the overhead space is so limited a bunch of people have to put their suitcases far away from them.' A different person claimed the hold up was because you usually have to wait '15 minutes for the doors to open.' Another Reddit user said they had figured out a way to beat the process. They wrote: 'I also found this infuriating, then I had an idea. 'Now I usually sit and wait for the plane to empty, then I stroll off and pass by those same dilly-dalliers walking through the terminal. 'If I checked a bag, there's no sense rushing, only to wait at the baggage carousel. If I have no bag, just carry-on, I'm usually passed the slowpokes by the time I hit the exit door to the terminal. 'Most of the timewasters are inexperienced travelers, which is why flying to Orlando is like flying to Hell.' Someone else explained that there's no avoiding the long wait time since there's simply so many people on board. Some commenters pointed out that if the airline was more organized or if the aircraft had wider aisles, the delay would never happen 'A Delta 737 has about 180 people in the three cabins when full. Let's just give everyone 10 seconds to get their s**t and start walking down the aisle. 'That's 1,800 seconds or 30 minutes to empty the plane. So chill the f**k out. I fly over 100,000 miles a year and I've never had it take 30 minutes to disembark. 'If you think 10 seconds per person is too long you need to fork over the cash to ride in the first row for your flights.' Back in 2014, a study by Northwestern found that de-boarding times would be reduced by 35 per cent if airlines had people exit by seat type rather than row. That means all the people sitting in aisle seats would go first, followed by the middle seats, and then the window seats. 'The only real efficient use of the aisle and overhead bins comes right when the plane first parks, and all the aisle seat passengers are able to get their bags down at once without blocking others,' Vox reported while discussing the results. 'This deboarding method would replicate this stage for the whole process. All middle and window seat passengers would similarly have a minute in the aisle to pull their bags down without blocking people behind them. 'At any given moment, use of the aisle space and overhead bins would be maximized, and the line would be blocked for a much smaller amount of time.' The problem with this method, however, would mean that families sitting together would be separated. A Great Dane has shocked dog lovers by giving birth to a massive litter of 21 puppies during a 27-hour labor. The two-year-old pooch - named Namine - overwhelmed her owner Tanya Dubbs from Pocahontas, Virginia, after she delivered 21 pups. Although Tanya expected the large dog to have around '13 or 14' puppies, she never thought it would birth nearly two dozen. It took Namine more than a day to finish bringing her 21 babies into the world, however two of them sadly died shortly after birth. Namine, a two-year-old Great Dane, has given birth to 21 puppies in the span of 27 hours She began her birthing journey last week and had a large litter of pups The proud dog mom Tanya Dubbs from Pocahontas, Virginia, boasted about Namine and how strong the large dog was It took Namine over a day to finish bringing her 21 babies into the world, however two of them sadly died shortly after birth Speaking to WWVA, Tanya said: 'Out of all of her puppies, all of the them were over a pound except two. 'The one was .94 ounces and the other one was .98 ounces. The next day I weighed them and everybody had gained anywhere from two to five ounce.' The dog owner knew that her Great Dane would have many pups, but didn't expect 21. Tanya explained she thought Namine would have '13 or 14' but then when her dog brought 16 into the world and then another, she knew she wasn't done yet. 'I was sitting on the bed and she was on the bed with me and I was talking to a friend of mine and I heard a gush of fluid and I looked over and I said we have another puppy,' Tanya told the outlet. The dog mom explained that she will sell the puppies once they have weaned from Namine in a few weeks. She added that the money she makes from the first pup sold will go to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter. According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes are known to be one of the largest dog breeds. They often weigh anywhere from 99 to 200 pounds and stand at two to three feet tall. The dog mom explained that she will sell the puppies once they have weaned from Namine in a few weeks She added that the money she makes from the first pup sold will go to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter The average dog litter size ranges from to one to 12 pups, with larger breeds having more. In 2004, A Neapolitan mastiff named Tia had 24 puppies and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest litter. Tanya also revealed that last year, Namine got out of the house and was injured. She revealed the large dog's eye was torn up and she had a scar on her side. Tanya said: 'Shes still here, we got our girl back.' A young aristocrat who has been called the 'face' of Burberry has shared that she was rejected by a major fashion brand - for being 'too big'. Lady Jean Campbell, 25, who is one of the world's most sought after models, having shared catwalks with Kendall Jenner and Willow Smith, said she felt 'pretty worthless' after a job was cancelled over her size. The daughter of the Earl of Cawdor and former British Vogue editor Lady Isabella Stanhope, shared a picture of herself in her underwear on social media alongside a message about the 'huge brand'. Fellow models and friends leapt to support the young aristocrat, reassuring her of her beauty and condemning the fashion industry for its callousness. 'Here's a photo of me late at night in my underwear having been cancelled from a job by a huge brand for being "TOO BIG",' posted Lady Jean, whose first Burberry photos were taken by Princess Diana's favourite photographer, Mario Testino. Lady Jean Campbell, 25, shared an image of herself in her underwear in the post where she shared that she had a job cancelled by a 'huge brand' over her size The model said she initially felt 'worthless' after the rejection but she soon realised that 'there is no greater beauty than love' (featured in a Burberry campaign in 2016, shot by royal favourite, Mario Testino) The staggering and perverse verdict was, she adds, 'shocking to say the least', and initially left her feeling 'worthless', the model said. 'But looking back I feel compassion for how I felt as I believed as it was coming from people with such vision and influence. 'Today I know how unhealthy and dysfunctional that is.. Now I can say with confidence that there is no greater beauty than love. The sadness in my eyes is a result of how disempowered this made me feel and how reductive it is to measure "beauty" by size.' Her candid observations have inspired waves of support on social media, from Naomi Campbell to King Charles's goddaughters Princess Olympia of Greece and India Hicks. Treating Jean to rows of heart emojis, Naomi Campbell issues the simple instruction: 'Tell it.' The model, who is one of the most sought after in the world, has shared catwalks with the likes of Kendall Jenner and Willow Smith The young aristocrat - who is the daughter of a former Vogue editor - has modelled for brands including Burberry and Boden (pictured) The model, who went through two major hip surgeries at the age of 19, was back on the catwalk just months later (pictured in 2016) The sentiment was immediately endorsed by Georgia May Jagger. 'Thank you so much for speaking out on this,' Sir Mick Jagger's daughter says. 'You should never be made to feel like this.' Daisy Lowe assures her fellow model of her 'extraordinary beauty' and adds with reference to the as yet unnamed brand: 'That was their loss!' Perhaps the most forthright support comes from model Poppy Delevingne, albeit in phrasing incompatible with a family newspaper. Lady Jean required two major hip operations when she was only 19. They left her in a wheelchair but she was back on the catwalk in months. Let's hope the same fighting spirit persuades her to name and shame the brand which considers her 'too big'. A Canadian woman has poked fun at tourists who have returned from a visit to Australia and roasted some common Aussie sayings and customs. Laura Ramoso has gained a huge following online for her hilarious skits and she recently took aim at Australians. In a red swimsuit and pink makeup covering her body to look like a bad sunburn, Laura Ramoso mocked people who come home from a holiday in Down Under and start using classic Aussie sayings with a fake accent. 'How ya goin'?' she says before complaining about her sunburn, asking where the 'servo' is and requesting a 'flat white' coffee. Laura also parodied the way Australians say the word 'No' and pretended to gag after having a spoonful of the beloved Aussie spread Vegemite. Scroll down for video With pink makeup covering her body to look like sunburn, Laura Ramoso (pictured) mocked people who return from a trip in Down Under and start using Aussie sayings with a fake accent 'Where's the serve-o? Do I want a coffee? Oh god no, I'll have a flat white,' Laura said in a phoney Aussie accent in an online clip with the heading 'That one girl who just got back from Australia'. 'What, do I have an accent?' she asked then launched into a rant about how long it takes to fly to Australia. 'You don't know about long haul flights until you've flown to 'STRALYA. I was in the air for 36 hours, on the ground for seven, back in the air...' she said before the edit cut her off. She then made fun of tourists who claim not to go to the 'touristy areas' but head straight to Sydney's Bondi Beach. Laura cycled through some more Australian phrases in her forced accent including: 'Oh it was cracking', 'Gold Coast living!' and 'Yeah, nah. Nah, yeah'. The TikTok comedian pretended to complain about having to wear shoes. 'What do you mean I have to wear shoes here? North America and its regime. Fine, I'll go put on my thongs,' she said. 'Ever heard of Vegemite? This stuff is basically yoghurt to me,' Laura said before pretending to eat a spoonful of the spread and gagging. She teased people who complain about the dangerous 'sharks, spiders and wildlife' in Australia then joked she had to be 'resuscitated twice' during her 'trip'. 'Why is everyone wearing coats? Oh my god, I totally forgot that when it's summer there, it's winter here. Also this sunburn is my jacket,' Laura joked before exclaiming 'It's no worries!'. Things North American tourists say after visiting Australia 'How ya goin'?' 'Where's the serve-o?' 'Do I want a coffee? Oh god no, I'll have a flat white' 'What, do I have an accent?' 'You don't know about long haul flights until you've flown to 'STRALYA. I was in the air for 36 hours, on the ground for seven, back in the air...' 'Nauurrr' 'I made sure to stay out of all the touristy areas so we started off at Bondi Beach' 'Oh it was cracking' 'Gold Coast Living!' 'Yeah, nah... nah, yeah... yeah' 'What do you mean I have to wear shoes here? North America and its regime, fine I'll go put on my thongs' 'Ever heard of Vegemite? This stuff is basically yoghurt to me' 'Sharks, spiders, wildlife, blah blah blah, 'I'm scared of the wildlife'' 'I had to be resuscitated twice' 'Why is everyone wearing coats? Oh my god, I totally forgot that when it's summer there, it's winter here' 'It's no worries' Advertisement Her clip quickly went viral racking up more than 19.1million views across TikTok and Instagram and had both Australian residents and tourists alike in stitches. 'The Bondi beach bit had me wailing. I promise there's 12billion better beaches than Bondi here, y'all please branch out,' a Sydneysider replied. 'Oh god but that flight to Australia is actually pure hell,' another viewer wrote. 'Australians watching this... wait? Are we like this? (Sips flat white, kicks thongs *off their feet*, shrugs. Story checks out),' laughed a third. 'Me after watching one episode of Bluey,' someone else joked. Others loved the 'accuracy' of Laura's skit while one person said despite the sunburn being fake it 'still brought up painful memories'. 'Did study abroad there for six months. Can confirm this was me. I also ended up in a hospital just off of UNSW campus to be treated for a horrific sunburn. You nailed my likeness,' another viewer commented. 'Went to Oz to visit my white family. They told me to use sunscreen. I'm brown and cocky so I said, 'Nah I'm good'. Came home with blisters covering my body. I was essentially microwaved,' added a second. A tourist has penned a note in the hopes her 'Aquaman' might see it, after a chance encounter at a street library left her head spinning. Pina, who was in Sydney's eastern suburbs on holiday, said she had an incredible moment with a man who reminded her of the super hero. The Perth-based woman wrote a 'message in a bottle' style note and left it at the library where she met the man in the hopes he might have felt something too. 'I met a lovely man at this beautiful spot on Thursday,' the note read. 'He reminded me of Aquaman, I wish I'd got his number,' she continued. A woman has penned a note in the hopes her 'Aquaman' might see it, after a chance encounter at a street library left her head spinning She revealed she was so engrossed in conversation with the tall, long-haired, well dressed man that she didn't even think to ask for his number. 'If the reader of this note knows who he is or can pass it on I would love to connect with him again,' she said. She added her number to the bottom of the letter and placed it in the beachside box. Within 24 hours a visitor to the street library, on the rocks in Maroubra, had posted the note online in the hopes of helping Pina find the man. Hundreds of people supported her mission. The library is a small box on the rocks in Maroubra 'Surely someone must know her Aquaman. We need a part two,' one woman said. 'I cant help but this is next level! I l love it. Nobody goes to this kind of effort anymore. I hope she find her Aquaman,' said another . While others poked fun at her efforts. 'Plot twist: after perusing the books, he returned to the deep ocean,' one laughed. 'If the guy would have been into her, he would have asked for her number. Just saying,' said one man. Terminally ill Brits are having to choose between 'suicide, Switzerland or suffering', MPs were told today. In a powerful plea to the Health and Social Care Committee, Baroness Meacher argued future generations would be 'appalled' at how long it has taken for laws on assisted dying to come close to changing. Currently, helping someone take their own life is punishable with up to 14 years in prison. But campaigners have for decades been pushing ministers to reconsider, wanting Britain to follow the likes of Australia and New Zealand in making it legal. Baroness Meacher was speaking during today's first session of the Health and Social Care Committee's inquiry into assisted dying. In a powerful plea to the Health and Social Care Committee, Baroness Meacher argued future generations would be 'appalled' at how long it has taken for laws on assisted dying to come close to changing In December, it was announced the Committee's inquiry would examine 'different perspectives' in the often controversial and passionate debate, with a focus on the healthcare aspects. Today marked the first session of the inquiry 'I've just spent my life really trying to listen to people's needs, trying to reduce unbearable suffering and trying to protect vulnerable people,' the former social care worker said. 'At the moment, some people have to choose between suicide, suffering or Switzerland. Baroness Meacher added: 'Future generations are going to be appalled that we've taken so long to put this right.' In December, it was announced the Committee's inquiry would examine 'different perspectives' in the often controversial and passionate debate, with a focus on the healthcare aspects. What is the current law on assisted dying in the UK? In England, Wales and Northern Ireland helping someone to take their own life is punishable with up to 14 years in prison. While no specific law exists in Scotland helping someone end their own life could lead to to prosecution for culpable homicide. This, in theory, includes helping someone go through assisted dying overseas. Charities say the current system leaves terminally ill Brits with little choice but to go pay thousands to go overseas for their death. They also warned that those who can't afford to travel are deciding to take their lives at home, sometimes in pain, compared to a medically assisted death. UK charities currently estimated that one Brit travels overseas for assisted dying every eight days. There are currently proposals to change the law in some parts of the UK. Last September in Scotland, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur lodged the final proposal to introduce a Member's Bill which would legalise assisted dying for people who are terminally ill, though no date has been given yet for when this might be considered. A public consultation on a Private Member's Bill on assisted dying closed on the Isle of Man at the end of January. A consultation on assisted dying proposals also took place in Jersey between October 2022 and January and publication of a consultation feedback report is expected in April. Advertisement Supporters of legalisation argue people should be able to help terminally ill loved ones who are experiencing great suffering to end their lives. But a change in the law is opposed by many religious groups, who claim it would undermine the value society places on human life. Baroness Meacher, who chairs the UK campaigning organisation, Dignity in Dying, also told the committee: 'If we think of patient autonomy, for many years polls and surveys have shown that the huge majority of British people want an assisted dying law. 'They want an assisted dying law for people who are terminally ill and who are mentally competent. It's very clear that it where the support lies. 'We know that choices and control at the end of life will bring tremendous comfort to dying people relieving unbearable suffering.' She added: 'Terminal illness brings unbearable suffering in various forms. Obviously uncontrollable physical pain is one such form.' Other forms include 'endless nausea and vomiting' or a 'fumigating tumour creating the most appalling odour that the patient cannot get away from', she said. 'Or the complete and utter loss of the ability to move maybe because of motor neurone disease,' she added. 'These patients at the end of life are unable to swallow, to speak, to eat, to drink. They are existing, they're not living. We all want more and better palliative care, of course we do. 'But however good palliative care is, it will not be able to eliminate the unbearable suffering of many of these people.' Over the past 13 years, there have been 200 cases of assisted dying or assisted suicide referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by the police, with four successful prosecutions. Some form of assisted dying or assisted suicide is legal in at least 27 jurisdictions worldwide. In the UK, Dignity in Dying, is campaigning for a law allowing assisted dying. In contrast to euthanasia and assisted suicide - helping another person to die by suicide, assisted dying would apply to terminally ill people only. It became legal in Canada in 2015, in the Netherlands in 2001, and in the US state of Oregon in 1994. Baroness Meacher also told MPs there are currently 'no safeguards or regulations' in place in the UK to protect vulnerable people from coercion to shorten their life. 'An assisted dying bill will introduce really strong safeguards involving two doctors of course and a succession of interviews with patients to make sure they really have a sustained wish for help to die and interviews with relatives to check their motives too,' she added. 'But what about healthcare professionals? My daughter is a doctor. I'm very conscious of the historical issues around assisted dying for doctors in particular and nurses,' she said. Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Falconer of Thoroton and Baroness Hollins also appeared alongside Baroness Meacher in front of MPs this morning Baroness Meacher was speaking during today's first session of the Health and Social Care Committee's inquiry into assisted dying. It was chaired by Steve Brine, pictured above 'But of course the medical profession has changed tremendously over recent years. She added: 'The British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal College of Physicians are now neutral having consulted their members.' But a 2020 BMA survey of almost 30,000 of its members also found 45 per cent (13,061) would not be willing to participate in any way in the process if the law changed on prescribing drugs for eligible patients to self-administer to end their own life. It comes as new figures released earlier this month by Dignitas - the not-for-profit organisation assisting patients with a 'self-determined end of life' - revealed there were 1,528 members from Great Britain at the end of 2022. This has risen from 821 in 2012. Some 33 people from the UK had an assisted death at Dignitas in 2022 up on 23 people the year before. Asked later by conservative MP Chris Green, a member of the committee, whether there was scope for assisted dying criteria to open up in five or ten years time once a bill is passed, Baroness Meacher responded: 'The majority of jurisdictions that have passed laws on assisted dying have done so restricted to terminally ill people who are mentally competent. She added: 'Not a single one of those jurisdictions has broadened the scope from the initial scope. 'That is incredibly competent because that is what I believe will be the case in the UK. 'We are a highly disciplined country. That is the route I believe we will follow. 'We will have a narrow route for terminally ill people who are medically competent and it will remain thus.' Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Falconer of Thoroton and Baroness Hollins also appeared in front of MPs this morning. Baroness Finlay, a palliative care physician, who has long shared opposing views on the introduction of an assisted dying bill and its criteria told the committee: 'I had a patient back in 1991 who was desperate for euthanasia. Four of us thought his prognosis was three months.' She added: 'I said I would try and relieve his symptoms and he said he would give me two weeks before he killed himself. 'Eleven years later, he phoned me because his wife was dying. She died in my care with his children at her bedside and him in a wheelchair. He is still alive today. 'This is just an example of how wrong you can be. I have had many conversations with patients where they've said "I never believed I that could feel so much better again". 'The one thing that palliative care and assisted dying have in common is that they are very poorly understood and that's a real problem.' New figures released earlier this month show as of the end of December, there were 1,528 members of Dignitas from Great Britain, according to figures from the not-for-profit organisation, which assists dying patients with a 'self-determined end of life'. This has risen from 821 in 2012. Some 33 people from the UK had an assisted death at Dignitas in 2022 up on 23 people the year before Discussing clinicians ability to assess the capacity of patients, Baroness Finlay also later raised concerns over the spread of misinformation. 'You have to look at the balance. How safe is safe enough?' she said. 'The evidence from other countries is that there will be some people who die when actually their death is based on the wrong information. The information they had in making that choice was misinformation and that's the problem.' She added: 'I think you also have to look at what is the acceptable number of unacceptable deaths through error and decide that if you're making a law that allows doctors or anyone else to give lethal drugs to patients at their request. 'It is a balance of harms and we have a duty to the most vulnerable in society not only to the most vocal in society.' The government has stated it is for parliament to decide on the issue. In 2015, MPs voted overwhelmingly by 300 votes to 118 against changing the law to allow doctors to help terminally ill people end their lives. A private member's bill on assisted dying was also introduced by Baroness Meacher in May 2021. It received its second reading in the House of Lords, but failed to progress before the end of the parliamentary session. Meanwhile, last September in Scotland, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur lodged the final proposal to introduce a Member's Bill which would legalise assisted dying for people who are terminally ill, though no date has been given yet for when this might be considered. A public consultation on a Private Member's Bill on assisted dying closed on the Isle of Man at the end of January. A consultation on assisted dying proposals also took place in Jersey between October 2022 and January and publication of a consultation feedback report is expected in April. A nasal spray could treat erectile dysfunction up to ten times faster than Viagra, scientists say. Viagra was revolutionary when it hit shelves in the 1990s, but experts say it has one drawback it takes up to an hour to act, potentially ruining a spur-of-the-moment sexual encounter. A new experimental nasal spray treatment, named SPONTAN, triggered an erection in as little as five minutes in early trials and could be available in the US in the next two years. Lee Rodne, who heads up the Australian company developing the spray, suggested it could be the most significant advancement in helping men keep an erection since Viagra emerged. About 30million men in America suffer from erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity. Experts say they are developing a spray Viagra that could be available in the US in just two years. It acts within five to 15 minutes The treatment, named Spontan, has shown promise in early proof-of-concept studies (pictured). It is set to be trialed in a larger study in California When a man gets an erection, the smooth muscles around the penis relax, allowing blood to flow into the region. In those with erectile dysfunction, this system may be disrupted by heart disease or emotional issues such as stress and anxiety limiting blood flow to the penis. Viagra works by relaxing the muscle cells in blood vessels supplying the penis, allowing more blood to flow into it. The drug also thins the blood making it flow more easily. When aroused, the increase in blood flow allows a man to have a stronger erection. The drug must be taken orally and takes 30 minutes to an hour to kick in because it is absorbed by the digestive system. But doctors at Brisbane-based bio company LTR Pharma are now working on a spray version dubbed SPONTAN. This version will use the drug vardenafil, sold under the brand name Levitra. This is different from Viagra, which uses the drug sildenafil. The treatment works faster than standard Viagra because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the nose. Early proof-of-concept studies in California showed the treatment acted within five to 15 minutes. It is now moving into larger trials in Australia, which will start recruiting men in the second half of this year. These trials are expected to start reporting results in the first half of next year. If successful, the company says it will apply to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of its drug. This is expected by 2025. Lee Rodne, the executive chairman of LTR Pharma, said: 'Our nasal delivery bypasses the digestive system so it really goes straight into the bloodstream and had an effect in five to 15 minutes. 'We expect it to be a lot more effective than oral tablets so that it works consistently and in a quicker and faster amount of time, so men don't have to plan ahead and they don't have variable results.' He added: 'We have very high confidence [in the drug]. 'This product has already had a small proof-of-concept clinical study in California that showed a fast-acting rapid onset effect.' The Royal Australian College of GPs reports that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common clinical problem managed in the general practice setting. It can contribute to relationship breakdowns and mental health issues. Its estimated the condition will affect around 40 percent of men, with the prevalence increasing with age. The self-made British billionaire Issa brothers who bought Asda are reportedly plotting an 8billion takeover of US fast-food giant Subway. Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who made their riches after creating a petrol station empire, are said to be considering acquiring the global restaurant chain to add to their growing empire of wealth. The pair who own EG Group already have Subway restaurants in some of their 6,300 petrol stations around the world, 340 of which are based in the UK, thanks to franchising deals. But the Issa brothers are reportedly weighing up buying the chain outright, with a source telling The Sun: 'EG Group have felt for a while that Subway treated them the same way as other franchise partners and their massive growth hadn't been appreciated. 'So what better way to show who's boss than owning them'. The business titans, who are the children of immigrants who moved to Blackburn from Gujarat, India, in the 1970s, saw a rapid expansion of their business after they teamed up with investment firm TDR Capital. It is thought Mohsin, 51, and Zuber, 50, are looking to acquire the restaurant chain, which they believe will fit well into their empire EG Group's headquarters in Blackburn, Lancashire, where the Issa brothers were born and raised They started out with one petrol station in Bury, Greater Manchester, but then acquired several stations before embarking on their successful 6.8billion takeover of supermarket giant Asda in 2021. The billionaire Issa brothers and the rise and rise of EG Group 1970s - Mohsin and Zuber Issa's parents arrive to the UK from Gujarat, India, and the brothers are born not long afterwards in Blackburn, Lancashire. They work at their parents' petrol station before it closes. 2001 - The brothers buy their first filling station in Bury, Greater Manchester. 2015 - Private equity firm TDR Capital acquire a 50% stake in their Euro Garages chain. 2017 - Euro Garages buys EFR Group, a Dutch-based forecourt operator, and is renamed EG Group. The new company buys 1,000 garages from Esso in Germany. 2018 - EG Group announces it will buy 800 Kroger convenience stores in he US before buying 1,200 sites in Italy from Esso. Later that year it buys 97 fuel stations in the Netherlands and 540 from the Australian retailer Woolworths. 2019 - In another US expansion, EG buys 54 Fastrac sites in the US and 69 from Certified Oil. 2020 - EG becomes KFC's largest franchisee in Europe after buying 145 KFC outlets in the UK & Ireland. 2021 - The Issa brothers buy Asda from Walmart for 6.8billion, bringing the supermarket back under British control. The deal also included its chain of petrol forecourts. It was thought Walmart was wooed by the Issas' entrepreneurial flair and the potential to put Asda convenience stores in EG's petrol stations. Since then, EG Group has purchased food chain Leon, and has made a bid to add Caffe Nero to its collection of businesses. They are also believed to have looked into a bid to takeover Boots. The group also owns KFC's biggest franchise, and has a close working relationship with the likes of Greggs, as well as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and Cinnabon. The Blackburn-born brothers were brought up in a terraced house after their father came to Britain to work in the textiles industry Their woollen mill worker father Vali and mother Zubeda came from India 'with nothing' and were living in a two-up, two-down terraced house on Balaclava Street in Blackburn when Mohsin and Zuber were born in the early 1970s. Their first experience of business was selling petrol from their parents' filling station, where they would have their big idea that would revolutionise the industry and make their millions. They took a lease on a local garage with their combined savings of 5,000 and in 2001, the brothers founded Euro Garages with a single petrol filling station in Bury, Greater Manchester. Petrol sales were in decline and fuel duty was on the rise, cutting into already wafer-thin fuel margins and leading to hundreds of operators leaving the market. At the time most garages - if they sold food at all - offered a measly selection of pre-packaged sandwiches, crisps, sweets and chocolate. But the Issas realised fuel sales still had a purpose in creating a captive market at petrol stations, who could then be offered appetising food rather than the gruel offered elsewhere. The road in Blackburn where the Issa brothers grew up. Their company is still based in the town The 115,000 terraced house where the brothers grew up in Blackburn. They were born in the town after their parents moved from Gujarat, India The brothers struck franchise agreements with brands including Starbucks, Subway and KFC, before embarking on a buying spree to snap up sites that had previously become vacant. TDR Capital - a London investment firm behind We Buy Any Car and David Lloyd gyms - bought a 50 per cent stake in EG Group in 2015. The Issas retain the remaining 50 per cent. Describing the secret of their success, Zuber told the Financial Times: 'We wanted to create a destination where you could get fuel, food-to-go and shopping. 'This is the formula and it works. 'We were fortunate that the big players were leaving the market just as we were growing.' In 2017, the pair purchased a 25million mansion in Knightsbridge, central London, which estate agents said could be worth 80 million when planned renovations are carried out according to estate agents. They started out with one petrol station, but then acquired several stations before embarking on their successful 6.8billion takeover of supermarket giant Asda in 2021 It took three years to complete EG Group's headquarters in Blackburn, Lancashire Two years later, by 2019, they owned Europe's largest forecourt operator, formerly known as Euro Garages, which had reported revenues of more than 17.9bn. This prompted a debt-fuelled buying spree that saw the brothers buy thousands of new sites and expand into other 10 countries around the world. In 2021, the brothers bought Asda from Walmart for 6.8billion, bringing the supermarket back under British control. Mohsin and Zuber stunned the City by being named as lead bidders to take over the retail giant alongside private equity firm TDR Capital. They committed to keeping the retailer's headquarters in Leeds and said they would invest to grow its convenience and online operations. Walmart retained a minority stake in Asda as part of the agreement. Mohsin and Zuber Issa were named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018 In 2021, the brothers bought supermarket chain Asda from Walmart for 6.8billion At the time of the Asda takeover, the Issa brothers were worth an estimated 3.56bn, including a 25m Kensington townhouse and a private jet that is kept in a hangar at Blackpool Airport alongside Donald Trump's personal helicopter. They have also been developing five identical mansions just three miles from the 115,000 Blackburn two-up two-down where they were raised. Mohsin is expected to live there with his wife, Shamim with whom he has two grown-up children. As proud Lancastrians, the brothers have insisted on keeping EG Group's headquarters in Blackburn, unveiling a new 35m headquarters. EG Group currently employs 53,854 people. 'People are always asking when we will move to London or Manchester,' Zuber told the FT at the time. 'But the quality of life here is great. A lot of people do a few years in London then come to the North West. 'They want to raise a family and have less pressure. We have got a lot of fantastic people that way.' EG Group declined to comment when approached. Millions of Britons are dusting off their suitcases and getting ready for a well-deserved break as as the Easter holidays approach. Up to 7.5 million Britons take a trip over Easter, or more than 10 per cent of the population, according to national tourism agency Visit Britain. But many will take these trips with no travel insurance, especially as the cost of living crisis means many Britons have cut back on their spending. In fact, the Association of British Travel Agents previously found that 38 per cent of UK holidaymakers have no travel cover. Travelling with no insurance can be a false economy if things go wrong, as it can mean footing bills of hundreds or thousands of pounds. Covered up: Travel insurance can save consumers thousands of pounds if they need to make a claim when on their holidays Travel insurance can cover a lot of things depending on the type of policy, but the main areas are medical costs, lost and stolen possessions and cancellation cover. Here is how to get the right travel insurance for you and stay protected without breaking the bank. How to get the best travel insurance Get the right policy Make sure you buy the right travel insurance deal for you, as every policy is slightly different. If you think you might have more than one trip in a year, consider an annual policy instead of a single trip policy, as it could work out cheaper. Likewise, if you are travelling within Europe then make that clear when buying insurance - because worldwide policies tend to be more expensive. Getting the right policy is not just about price, but also also making sure it covers you for what you really need. All policies on the market today have at least 2 million of medical expenses cover, so you should have enough for any medical emergency while abroad, according to financial rating firm Defaqto. However, if you plan to do any winter or extreme sports, check that your policy covers this - as you may need to pay extra. Should the airline you are travelling with go bust, 40 per cent of annual multi-trip policies on the market provide no cover, and a further 17 per cent offer less than 1,000. This may not be enough to purchase replacement flights at short notice. One per cent of travel insurance deals do not pay out if your holiday is cancelled, and of those that do 18 per cent offer less than 1,000. Again, this may not be enough to cover the cost of your holiday, or to take another one at a later date. When it comes to covering your possessions while on holiday, nine out of 10 of the best-value travel insurance deals analysed by This is Money had restrictions on paying the full cost of replacing items with new equivalents. Insurers call this kind of cover 'new for old'. How many travel insurance deals include new for old cover? Insurer Policy name Premium New for old included? Admiral Standard 6 Yes - if item is less than one year old Ergo Element 6.04 Yes - if item is less than one year old Coverwise Standard 6.34 No Admiral Gold 6.49 Yes - if item is less than one year old Coverwise Bronze 6.90 No Start Travel Essential Single 7.41 Yes - if item is less than one year old Coverwise Silver Plus 7.55 No Admiral Platinum 7.57 No Ergo Protect 8.25 Yes - if item is less than one year old Insurefor.com Economy 8.26 Yes Cheapest 10 single trip travel insurance deals, 9/2/2023 Shop around As with many sorts of insurance, comparing prices across the market can save you money. You may be offered add-on insurance by an agent or airline when you book a flight or holiday, but this might not be the best choice for you. Low insurance costs might represent a great deal, or might be a sign that a policy lacks the specific cover you need. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, many mainstream insurers on price comparison websites may not cover you at all. But do not lose heart, because specialist insurers should be able to. To find these specialists, try the Find a Broker service from the British Insurance Brokers' Association. Late payment: Travel insurance can protect against the cost of delayed and cancelled flights Check to see if you are already covered You may be able to save money on travel insurance if you have already have cover elsewhere, Defaqto said. For example, you may have worldwide personal possessions cover within your home insurance, meaning you would not need to buy baggage cover with your travel policy. Likewise, your bank current account may come with insurance which protects your gadgets while overseas. Some credit card providers also offer free or discounted travel insurance, though this might not be comprehensive. Should you hike your excess to cut your premium? One area that often trips travellers up is setting an excess. This is the amount the customer pays before making a claim, and a higher excess means lower premiums. However, cover for areas such as cancellation, medical, baggage and money are usually in different sections of a policy. If you make a claim, travel insurers usually charge one excess for each part of the policy being claimed on. For instance, if you fell over and injured yourself, then when you arrived at hospital you discovered your handbag and purse were missing, you would claim for personal injury, lost baggage, and lost money. Insurers would charge one excess for each of those three parts of the claim, which can soon add up. Around 8 per cent of travel insurance policies have no excess, while 2 per cent have one excess to pay regardless of the number of claims. Defaqto travel insurance expert Anna-Marie Duthie said: 'The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone but if you are planning on taking a trip overseas, it can be a false economy to skimp on travel insurance. 'You don't need to buy the most expensive policy on the market but you should make sure it has sufficient cover for your needs. 'It is also worth making sure you have an up to date GHIC card, which will provide some medical assistance in most countries abroad, which may reduce or save you having to pay an excess if you need to claim on your insurance.' What cover do I get from Atol and Abta? Consumer agreements Atol and Abta are designed to provide protection for holidaymakers if they have booked a trip with a package holiday firm and it goes bust. Atol stands for Air Travel Organiser's Licence. Atol protection covers people taking a package holiday with a flight involved. If a package holiday company goes bust during a trip, Atol protection pays for accommodation and can handle refunds for things like car hire and flights home. Protection from Abta - which stands for the Association of British Travel Agents -covers package holidays including travel by road. Abta will pay out for money lost on accommodation and travel, including transport home if you end up stuck overseas. If you have booked flights and hotel separately and not as part of a package, you are not covered by either scheme. ATOL and ABTA also do not cover your luggage being lost or stolen, the cost of any medical treatment overseas, the cost of you cancelling a trip or the bill for any delays that rack up extra costs for you. British Gas HomeCare is hiking its premiums by as much as 83 per cent for existing customers. HomeCare is British Gas cover for boilers and heating going wrong. Many of those hit with price hikes have already been let down by the companys poor service. Customers have complained to This is Money's sister title, Money Mail, of long call wait times and delays with booking call-outs. Others reported that engineers have either caused damage to their property or failed to show up. But one reader, a British Gas customer for 35 years, says his renewal is nearly doubling from 278 to 510 despite him receiving only one call-out last year. The pensioner asked for an explanation for the dramatic cost increase but says he was fobbed off. Boiling over: British Gas customers have complained of long call wait times and engineers who either cause damage to their property or fail to show up It comes after parent company Centrica's reported profits last year tripled to 3.3 billion. Centrica chief executive Chris OShea had been handed a 4.5 million pay package as families struggle with soaring bills. Around three million policyholders pay for insurance with British Gas to cover boiler repairs and annual services. The policies can also protect home electrics, drains and plumbing. The company was inundated with complaints about delayed visits in 2022. Last summer, it paid out 28.7 million in refunds for repeatedly cancelling boiler services. That came after 400,000 policyholders cancelled their cover in 2021. One customer, Eev Rhodes, was horrified when engineers sent out last December not only left her with a faulty boiler in freezing temperatures but also caused a flood in her home, forcing her to call out an emergency plumber, costing 250. She then struggled to get through to the firm on the phone for months. She has since been told her premium is going up by nearly 22 per cent, from 904 to more than 1,089 this year. Eev, 62, who has been a loyal British Gas customer for more than 20 years, says: Not only have the engineers flooded my house and not got my boiler working properly, and the firm has ignored all my communications, now it wants to charge me an extortionate amount for a service it doesnt give. Eev was offered a measly 20 compensation from HomeCare for the poor service she received. After Money Mail intervened, British Gas apologised and agreed to cover the cost of the work done by the third-party plumber. It also refunded the plumbing and drains element of Eevs bill for 2022, totalling 169.21. Last year, Money Mail presented British Gas HomeCare with our Wooden Spoon Award for poor customer service. A British Gas spokesman says: Weve invested in our capabilities, including an additional 350 engineers to manage spikes in demand, and are improving appointment availability as we know customers need us as quickly as possible. t.armstrong@dailymail.co.uk A 1970 Mini that was found in a dusty garage and hadn't turned a wheel for 33 years has sold at auction for almost four times its pre-sale estimate. The 1275 GT, which had been stored away since 1990 and found earlier this year, sold for an 'astonishing' 39,100 at the Practical Classic Car and Restoration Show at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday. Before the auction, it was tipped to fetch between just 10,000 and 12,000, while experts say a pristine example should only be worth half what the new owner paid at the weekend. Sold as seen: This 1970 Mini 1275 GT that had been in storage since 1990 was bought at auction on Saturday for an 'astonishing' 39,100 The winning bid was almost four times the pre-sale estimate, set at 10,000 to 12,000 Classic Car Auctions says the Mini had received 'substantial pre-sale interest' following This is Money's exclusive story covering its availability at the block earlier this month. The 'remarkable garage find' is a one-owner car with just 11,836 miles on the clock. Its discovery 'patently delighted the Mini enthusiasts at the sale', the auction house said, hinting that a number of collectors were embroiled in a bidding war to secure the keys to the low-mileage classic motor. The Mini was found in a garage in Buckinghamshire and was showing serious signs of neglect Classic car hunters were recently located to the car's whereabouts for the last 33 years, which was a storage unit in the village of Prestwood, which is near Great Missenden, Roald Dahl's fomer home village Given that the car hadn't moved for 33 years before going to the block, there is little surprise to see it has pretty low mileage The classic Mini was sold at the Classic Car Auctions sale at the Practical Classic Car and Restoration Show at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday 25 March The former keeper had been the lone owner of the seventies Mini dating back a whopping 55 years. However, it was its lack of use for the last three decades that made it appeal to collectors, with the car having been stored in a garage in Buckinghamshire for 33 years. Finished in Bronze Yellow paint, it entered the auction room still covered in the dust that had accumulated on its bodywork after decades of no use. It even displayed its last tax disc, which shows an expiration date of 30 June 90. Classic car hunters were located to the car's whereabouts earlier this year. It was tracked down to a brick garage in the village of Prestwood, which is near Roald Dahl's former home village of Great Missenden between Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Finished in Bronze Yellow paint, the covered in three decades' worth of dust having not seen the light of day since it was taken off the road in 1990 Registration 'RR0 797J' still has its original 1,275cc four-cylinder A-Series engine linked to a four-synchro, close-ratio, four-speed manual gearbox Classic Car Auctions said the garage where it was found earlier this year hadn't been opened for so long that they struggled to get the door open to access the Mini Despite being left in a garage since 1990, the interior was found to be in remarkably good condition, with little sign of ageing Once the car was found in the storage unit, those attempting to retrieve the dinky vehicle struggled to get the garage door open because it had remained locked shut for so long. The reason for why it had not seen the light of day for an extended period has not been revealed, though it clearly hasn't received much love for the last 33 years of its existence. The 1275 GT was the brand's restyled version of the classic Mini and arrived in 1970, with this model one of the earliest examples. It features a boxier front end than the conventional classic Mini, with a full-width grille, larger headlights and a revised front bumper. When new, it was offered in two trim levels: the Mini 1275 GT as seen here, and the Mini Clubman estate. The Mini's odometer shows it having just 11,836 miles on the clock ahead of it going to the auction room. That's an average of 223 miles per year since it came off the assembly line in 1970 The car's odometer reading is supported by the last service stamp on the car, which is at 10,418 miles The Mini was found with its final tax disc on display. It is dated for expiry on 30 June 1990 The black vinyl interior is certainly better than the dust and dirty-coated bodywork on the outside Registration 'RR0 797J' went to auction with its original 1,275cc four-cylinder A-Series engine under the bonnet, which is linked to a four-synchro, close-ratio, four-speed manual gearbox. However, having not been run for 33 years, it didn't enter the auction room under its own power - and it was recommended to the new owner to give it a full service before trying to turn the powerplant over. Other desirable original features it has includes 10-inch Rostyle alloy wheels fitted over 7.5-inch Cooper 'S' disc brakes. Inside, the black vinyl cabin looks to have been relatively well protected from the dust coated on the exterior panels. The car retains almost all of its original features. This includes 10-inch Rostyle alloy wheels fitted over 7.5-inch Cooper 'S' disc brakes Classic Car Auctions presented the Mini it in the sales room later this month in its 'as found' condition. It still sold for double what experts say a pristine example is worth The new owner will need to give the windscreen a good clean before getting behind the wheel - there's more dirt than the windscreen wipers can clear A 'concours' 1970 Mini 1275 GT is said to be worth just 18,000. That makes the 39,100 paid for this one an auction 'outlier' With an indicated mileage of 11,836 and stickers confirming the next service at 13,438 miles, those who uncovered the vehicle believe it was taken off the road in late 1989 or early 1990. And since then, it hasn't turned a wheel on Britain's roads. Commenting on its availability ahead of the auction, Richard Greenhalgh, the man who sourced the car for CCA, said that despite the coating of dirt and dust, the bodywork and interior 'seem to remain in remarkable condition'. The 1275 GT was the brand's restyled version of the classic. It features a boxier front end featuring a full width grille, larger headlights and a revised front bumper While the seats in the front show little sign of use, the rear bench doesn't even look to have been sat in for its 53-year life After finding the car, Classic Car Auctions transported the Mini to its holding area to keep the vehicle safe before the auction Richard Greenhalgh, the man who sourced the car for CCA, said that despite the coating of dirt and dust, the bodywork and interior were in 'remarkable condition' He told This is Money: 'It almost feels as though a soapy wash and a good valet would have it back in shape. 'The engine bay however, is not so good and the car will undoubtedly need a full mechanical recommission.' It was presented at the auction as it was found, with its original Passport to Service and tool kit. But even with its low mileage, original features and some documented history, the price paid is well over the average value of one of these cars. Classic vehicle valuation experts Hagerty UK believes an excellent to 'concours' condition (meaning it is good enough to be put on display) is worth between just 15,100 and 18,000 - that's around half the sale price. This means the figure shelled out this weekend is likely an 'outlier' in the auction room. Another panel in the car shows it as being serviced by a British Leyland main dealer using only Castrol GTX oil. The next service due is at 12,614 miles, it says. The car hasn't reached that yet! The boot also looks like it is need of some attention, thought there is still a spare wheel in there Another interior shot shows just how much dust is covering the outside of the car having been left standing in the storage unit for 33 years A close up sot of the last indicated service, which was carried out at 10,418 miles In January 2021 we ordered two large sofas from Marks & Spencer costing 1,598. When they arrived three months later, we immediately noticed a squeaky noise when we sat on one of them and so reported it to M&S. Technicians inspected the sofa, stripped it and advised us that the frame was broken in a few places as if it had been dropped from a great height. We were told it was not safe to use, but they suggested it could be repaired. Sofa so bad: A reader has had no end of trouble with their Marks & Spencer sofas, but the company has done little to help M&S said if we wanted a replacement sofa instead there would be a ten-week wait. Since we'd disposed of our old sofas, we agreed to the repairs. How we regret that decision now, as after it was repaired both sofas started to give us problems. The seat pads developed severe bobbling, making them very unsightly. M&S said it could do no more and referred me to the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman. It ruled that there wasn't a manufacturing defect but requested M&S replace the seat covers. But the same problem occurred soon afterwards. I asked for replacement sofas in a different fabric that didn't bobble but was refused and the ombudsman agreed with M&S when we asked it to rule again. Please can you help. V. C., Hitchin, Herts. Sally Hamilton replies: Acquiring a sofa, whether or not it's from M&S, is not just an expense, it's a big expense. It's not something people do regularly, so I can understand your dissatisfaction over the fabric bobbling relatively soon after you bought your furniture. You said you understood that this might not be considered a manufacturing problem as such, but felt M&S should have stated in its description at the point of sale that the material used would be prone to bobbling and piling. Even after six months, if the item is not doing what it's supposed to do, then you can ask for a repair, replacement or refund if the goods aren't lasting a reasonable length of time Consumer expert Martyn James As you said to me, 'no one wants their sofas to look like an old jumper'. If it had couched its description more helpfully, you could have made an informed choice not to buy sofas in this fabric. You felt M&S had mis-sold you the sofas and that they weren't fit for purpose. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, shoppers have a right to a remedy if their purchase does not meet a certain standard of quality and durability. Consumer expert Martyn James says: 'After the first 30 days you have an additional six months from purchase during which you must give the firm one shot at a repair or replacement, after which you can get a refund. 'Even after six months, if the item is not doing what it's supposed to do, then you can ask for a repair, replacement or refund if the goods aren't lasting a reasonable length of time.' Reasonable is hard to quantify, and with an aesthetic issue such as bobbling, the complaint falls into a grey area, he says. 'The sofa hasn't broken but it's not quite as it should be. Though the onus from this point is on the consumer to prove the item has not functioned as promised, the firm should still try to reach some sort of compromise.' M&S did replace the covers on the seats of your couches, although only after you'd taken your case to the ombudsman. However, the bobbles soon came back. I felt that the persistent bobbling issue was enough to merit my intervention. I suggested to M&S that even though the sofas weren't technically broken, it might be time to show some goodwill and cushion your disappointment either by offering replacement items in a different fabric or refunding you at least some of the original cost. Within a couple of days, a member of M&S's executive office got in touch with you directly offering to take back the sofas and reimburse you the full 1,598. You were delighted with this result and have used the money to order new sofas from another retailer with (fingers crossed) non-bobbling upholstery. Straight to the point I have been unable to access my Virgin Media account from the start of my three-month contract. I cannot check costs or change settings. Virgin Media does not respond to emails and the customer phone line sends me round in circles. M. R., Essex. A Virgin Media spokesman says: 'We apologise for the issues the customer had in accessing the account. They are now able to log in and are happy the matter is resolved.' *** I've been trying to cancel a deed of assignment contract with tax repayment agent Brooksdale so it can no longer claim tax refunds on my behalf. I sent it a signed letter asking for the contract to be cancelled last year, but it sent another request to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for a tax overpayment in February. E. B., via email. Brooksdale confirms it has sent HMRC a letter requesting for it to be removed as your tax agent, along with your letter. *** In 2020 I was given two John Lewis gift cards amounting to 350. I was unwell last year so spending them was the last thing on my mind. When I checked I saw they had expired, and John Lewis is refusing to extend them. M. W., via email. A spokesman says: 'Our gift cards clearly state that they will expire after two years - but that this can easily be extended by using the gift card or by checking the balance online. 'Given the two-year window has passed, unfortunately we are not able to provide a refund.' Six weeks to clear a cheque at Barclays I paid in a 10,000 (8,766) cheque I had received as an inheritance from an aunt in Ireland to my Barclays bank current account. Two weeks later it still had not been credited. I went in to my 'local' branch eight miles away to chase it up, but was told it could take up to six weeks to clear. In this age of technology, this is ridiculous. My brother deposited a cheque he received for the same amount at around the same time with his bank Lloyds, and it cleared in four days. Six weeks after depositing mine, I returned to the branch and was given a number to ring. A message said to leave my number and that somebody would return my call, but this didn't happen. Can you please apply some pressure? Anon. Long wait: Barclays has taken more than six weeks to clear this reader's cheque Sally Hamilton replies: Cheques are dwindling in popularity due to the rise of internet banking, and now account for less than 0.5 per cent of payments made each year. But with fewer cheques to process you would think banks would be able to deal with them more speedily. Don't bank on it. When I asked Barclays to justify the delay you experienced compared with your brother, it explained that banks have two methods of crediting foreign currency cheques to accounts, each with different clearing periods. The options are 'negotiation' or 'collection'. A negotiation is effectively when a bank gives a loan of funds to the customer until the funds have finally 'cleared'. A collection is where the customer only receives the money once the funds have been cleared by their own bank. As it's essentially a loan of the value of the cheque until it clears, the choice of which method used depends on factors such as the cheque amount and the level of activity of money going in and out of an account. As your cheque was for quite a large sum, the decision was taken to use the collection option. It seems likely your brother's bank chose negotiation, which explains the speed at which he received his money. Perhaps he is also a more active user of his account. The collection process can take up to eight weeks. Barclays, however, admits that in your case there were delays in requesting the funds from Allied Irish Bank, the issuer of your 10,000 cheque, with the request not made until nearly seven weeks after you had paid it in. After I stepped in, the bank finally got its act into gear and credited your account nine weeks after you delivered the cheque to your branch. Barclays paid you 200 as an apology for such poor service. Annoying as the delays were, a movement in exchange rates between when you deposited the cheque and when the funds were eventually credited to your account worked in your favour, meaning you were better off by a further 230. A Barclays spokesman says: 'Unfortunately, on this occasion we failed to provide the high level of service that our customers can rightly expect to receive, for which we sincerely apologise.' Rural teacher spends decades helping children pursue education dreams Xinhua) 08:56, March 28, 2023 This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Huang Jinlong arranging records of students whom he has helped in Jiuba Town of Zunyi, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 24, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Jingya) GUIYANG, March 27 (Xinhua) -- For more than 30 years, Huang Jinlong, a rural teacher in southwest China's Guizhou Province, has been dedicated to helping students in need to finish their schooling. Teaching in Jiuba Town, located in a remote mountainous area administered by Zunyi City, Huang, 73, has donated part of his salary and has been raising money, assisting more than 1,500 impoverished students in their pursuit of education. Huang remembers an early autumn night 35 years ago, when the mother of Cheng Qingjiang, a third-grade student at Pujia Primary School, came to his home and asked for help because she could not afford her son's tuition. Huang, then a teacher at the school, told the mother without hesitation, "Let the child come to school tomorrow." At that time in the mountainous area of Guizhou, which once had the largest poverty-stricken population at the provincial level, there were many children like Cheng who could not afford to go to school. Despite the fact that he was the only breadwinner in his family of seven, Huang began using part of his meager salary to support Cheng and his sister, a first-grader in primary school, until they finished college and vocational high school. Huang also supplied tuition fees to other students who couldn't afford them. In the spring semester of 1998, he spent nearly 5,000 yuan (about 727.65 U.S. dollars) on these students, equivalent to his annual salary at the time. Meanwhile, he decided to look for help to fund more students' schooling. Through written proposals and letters, Huang called on society to help children in distress to change their fate. He visited the families of poor students in the mountains and sent the details of their actual situations all over the country, inviting caring people to visit the mountainous area. Thanks to Huang's efforts, in the autumn of 1997, several people from Zunyi came to visit Pujia Primary School, selecting 43 poor students to become long-term aid recipients. "At the time, I was so excited that I cried. My efforts were not in vain," Huang said. Huang also walked the streets of Tongzi County, which administers Jiuba Town, persuading both people he knew and those didn't know to help his needy students. "He is careful and bold," said Cheng Bulian, then principal of Pujia Primary School. "And he can bear hardships that ordinary people cannot." Huang retired in 2006, but he never stopped caring for his students. In April 2014, local officials of Jiuba Town came to Shuihe Village and Lianhe Village, offering one-to-one assistance to finance poverty-stricken students' schooling, according to a list provided by Huang. Later, more than 20 volunteer service organizations from inside and outside of Guizhou, as well as more than 100 people from over 30 cities, joined Huang's volunteer service team to help the families of students in need. China achieved the feat of removing all remaining counties from the country's poverty list after an announcement in November 2020 that the last nine impoverished counties -- all in Guizhou Province -- had eliminated absolute poverty. In 2022, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in Tongzi County was 38,270 yuan, and 16,790 yuan for rural residents. The county will comprehensively promote rural revitalization this year, aiming to increase the per capita net income of those lifted out of poverty by more than 16 percent, according to the county's government work report for 2023. The local governments in Guizhou have also increased their investment in education. The provincial department of finance has allocated nearly 15 million yuan for student aid and subsidies in Tongzi County this year to promote the balanced development of education in urban and rural areas. Data shows that the retention rate in nine-year compulsory education, which includes six years of primary school and three years of junior secondary school, in Tongzi County has topped 103 percent, while the gross enrollment rate of high schools has reached almost 94 percent. The Pujia Primary School, where Huang had taught, has 375 students, none of whom have dropped out of their education. Huang is still busy, despite his age. He has extended his help to the outlying townships in his home county and to the poverty alleviation relocation communities in Tongzi County. His family, despite occasional complaints, has supported his acts of kindness. "My son often drove around to inform good-hearted people of meetings or to help me deliver donations. My wife didn't understand at first, but later she was very supportive," Huang said. Many students who grew up with his help have followed in his footsteps. Cheng Qingjiang, who works in Zunyi, and Yao Zhengchao, who lives in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou, have each sponsored a student. He Jinlong donated 10,000 yuan on New Year's Day last year and asked Huang to distribute it to students in need. Over the decades, Huang has raised donations exceeding a total of 2.8 million yuan, enabling more than 1,500 students from impoverished families to complete their studies and realize their dreams. Over 400 of these students have finished their college education and another 100 are now studying at colleges. At the end of 2022, Huang won the title of "Guizhou Man of the New Era" due to his decades of selfless support for students in need. Since March this year, Huang has organized a volunteer team to deliver donations to schools and children with disabilities, and go to schools to educate students about juvenile law. "I will continue to devote my spare time to caring for the next generation. I hope to do my best to inspire people around me to spread love and help more people in need," Huang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) I had a dormant pension with a large pension firm, on which my ex-wife was granted a pension sharing order of just under a third of its value during the last decade. All paperwork was filed correctly on my side, but it has recently become apparent my ex did not complete the necessary documentation to correctly enforce the order, something I was unaware of. A few years ago I asked for a settlement figure from the pension firm, paid the required tax and took the lump sum - which I assumed was with my wife's percentage deducted. My ex-wife and pension firm messed up our divorce deal, and now I'm being chased for 20k I have recently been contacted by my old solicitor who dealt with the messy divorce. He advised me that my ex had been in contact with him and the pension firm, years after the draft order was filed with them, asking for her percentage. The pension firm has confirmed there was a draft order filed by my solicitor, but not by my ex, and that the money paid to me did not take account of her share. It has admitted breach of data protection by speaking to my ex without my permission, but says it is not at fault for paying out in full to me. It said it 'has followed its process', leaving me at present being chased for 20,000 that I do not have by my ex. Any advice will be appreciated. Tanya Jefferies, of This is Money, replies: You are in a really sticky situation. We asked a senior and very experienced lawyer to explain your options, if your ex-wife pursues this with you. He also looked at the matter of the pension firm, and whether you or your ex can get it to pay up instead of you. Should your wife take legal action, it would be wise to get a solicitor in your corner if you haven't already. If you don't want to use your previous solicitor because you prefer to get fresh eyes on this, you can look for one on the Law Society's website here. Rhys Taylor is a barrister specialising in matrimonial finance claims who practises from The 36 Group chambers in London. He is also the co-author of Pensions on Divorce: A Practitioner's Guide. What normally happens when divorcing couples make a pension sharing order? Provided that a divorce is finalised with a decree absolute, pension sharing orders 'take effect' in law on something called transfer day. Rhys Taylor: In a pension sharing order, 'transfer day' functions a bit like exchanging contracts on a house - meaning your ex-wife does have some rights Transfer day is arrived at on the later of decree absolute, or 28 days after the court approved the financial order. On transfer day, the pension share is effective even though it has yet to be implemented. It is not a perfect comparison, but think of transfer day as being like the exchange of contracts on a house. The completion has yet to happen, but a purchaser has some enforceable rights from that day. In order to implement an effective pension sharing order, the parties must supply the pension trustee with the required documents and, if required by the trustee, pay any stipulated fee. Once these necessary formalities have been complied with, the pension trustee moves into the 'implementation period'. This gives it four months to take the 'inchoate rights' - in plain terms, the rights to the pension share that are still in progress towards completion - from the transferor's pension fund and send them to the new destination pension fund. I am not totally clear from what you have written where you got to in this process. It sounds to me as if you probably got to transfer day, but as your wife did not return whatever was required, the implementation period did not commence. The legal status of a pension share between transfer day and the start of the implementation period is not totally clear. As I have already said, your wife has some rights analogous to the way the purchaser of a house with exchanged contracts may have. What legal action might your ex-wife take now, and where does that leave you? It may be that your wife will apply back to the family court. She may say that she has not had her pension share. The court may look at the court order and see whether there are any other claims left open (for example, for periodical payments or for a lump sum) which it could make an order about to require a sum in lieu of her percentage in the pension sharing order. However, if all other matrimonial claims have been dismissed, the family court's scope for further interference is extremely narrow and legally contentious. There is a disputed jurisdiction (some judges say this is possible, others not) for the court to vary an 'executory order' - an order which has been made, but for whatever reason has yet to be implemented. Some might say that if you have another pension fund it would be permissible to 'vary' the executory order to apply to a new pension, but expert actuarial advice may be required as to what percentage may apply to the new fund. Others would say that this is simply not possible and a judge should not entertain the claim. I am sorry that this is far from clear, but this is the position. Sometimes an appeal out of time might be allowed and there are special provisions for appealing a pension sharing order in some circumstances. However, from a procedural point of view the time limits for seeking permission to appeal are 21 days from the date of the order, and the court probably would not allow an appeal years out of time unless there was an extremely good reason for the delay. My guess is that if all other claims have been dismissed in the court order it may be unlikely that anyone can successfully seek to disturb it, unless each side had an agreed way to proceed before the court. Your pension firm may simply do nothing, if the cost of the dispute would be disproportionate to the sum of money they would hope to recover from you From your point of view, this means you probably would not have to pay your wife the percentage of your retirement fund agreed in the original pension sharing order, at least via this legal route. You and your former wife are of course free to come to your own agreement. In light of the fact that she has failed to properly implement the order she may be willing to discuss a lower lump sum payment or indeed a payment by instalments. And if you still have pension assets, if you agreed, it would be possible to make a pension sharing order over another pension fund - but not the fund which was originally subject to the pension sharing order which was not implemented. You cannot have two pension sharing orders against the same pension in relation to the same marriage. However, if you do not agree these avenues may be extremely difficult for your ex-wife to pursue. Can the pension firm be forced to pay your wife her pension share? You or your ex-wife may also consider a complaint to the Pensions Ombudsman. Arguably, the pension trustee should not have allowed you to cash out/transfer your pension if it was fully appraised of the pension sharing order which has become effective. If for some reason transfer day had not been reached - for example, the decree absolute was not granted until after you had drawn down the pension, or the trustee had not been informed it had been reached - then the position may be different. But if the trustee knew it was the guardian of an effective pension sharing order, the Pensions Ombudsman might consider making an order for the pension fund to compensate your wife for the loss she has suffered. It would then be a matter between you and your former pension company whether they were able to claw back any of the money which you should not have had. If you are now a man of straw - meaning you lack the assets to make it worth suing you - that is not going to happen. However, if you have other assets you would have to consider the terms of your contractual relationship with the pension firm as to whether you are liable to make any repayment. Your pension firm may simply do nothing if the cost of the dispute would be disproportionate to the sum of money they would hope to recover from you. The residents of a small far-north Queensland town are holding angry protests after an Indigenous man was killed during a four-hour police operation. Aubrey Donahue, 27, was shot by Police after they were called to a home in Mareeba, 60km west of Cairns, at about 11.30 am on Saturday. Queensland Police said it received reports Mr Donahue was threatening self-harm during a domestic violence incident. Officers held negotiations with Mr Donahue for four hours and alleged he was holding a woman inside the Love St home against her will. However, Queensland Police claim at 3.30 pm Mr Donahue lunged at specialist officers with a knife and was shot by Police. Aubrey Donahue (above) was shot by police after four hours of negotiation at a home in Mareeba, far-north Queensland, on Sunday 'Immediate first aid and CPR was provided however, the man died at the scene,' police said in a statement. Mr Donahue's family has since claimed he was unarmed during the dispute. Acting Superintendent Sonia Smith said a crime scene was established following Mr Donahue's death, and forensic investigations are ongoing. 'Circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by independent officers from the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the state coroner,' she told reporters on Sunday. 'The matter is also being overviewed by officers from the Crime and Corruption Commission.' However, the promise of a fair investigation has done little to quell anger in the local Indigenous community, which claims Mr Donahue was unfairly targeted. Distressing footage shows more than 100 of Mr Donahue's family, friends and neighbours holding a protest on the small town's street Mr Donahue's family, friends and neighbours have held protests since his death and claimed he was unarmed when he was shot (pictured, Mr Donahue's mother Desley Ketchup holding his photo on Sunday) A Queensland Police officer attended an emergency town meeting (above) with more than 100 angry residents on Sunday Protesters hurled rocks at police vehicles, waved Aboriginal flags and cried over the 27-year-old's sudden death. Mr Donahue's mother, Desley Ketchup said a violent outburst wasn't in her son's nature. 'My son's loving and caring, always thought about his siblings and his mum,' she told Nine News. Family member Victoria Van Schie claims Mr Donahue didn't have a weapon while negotiating with police. 'There was no DV (domestic violence) situation as has been reported to date... We want police to release the body cam footage to us, we will review it,' she told The Courier Mail. 'He had his whole life ahead of him and it's been stolen. 'He had no knife. He had his mobile phone in his hand.' Acting Superintendent Smith said police are using 'open communication' with the Mareeba community. A Queensland Police officer attended an emergency town meeting with furious residents on Sunday. Queensland Police have declared the Love St home (above) a crime scene and announced an independent Ethical Standards Command will investigate the attending officers' actions Mr Donahue's death has sent shockwaves through the local Indigenous community, which claims he was unfairly targeted by police (pictured, Sunday's town meeting) However, the meeting only fuelled frustrations with police unable to tell locals much about Mr Donahue's death due to the ongoing investigation. During the meeting, Ms Ketchup told the crowd police have kept her in the dark about what happened, the Courier Mail reported. 'My son has got bullet holes in his body. I'm his mother, and they (police) aren't telling me anything,' she said. 'I thank you all for coming. I don't know what me and my kids would do without your support.' Appeared to share an in-joke with her fiance, Max Heerey Australian of the Year Grace Tame has called out former US President Barrack Obama in a bizarre reference to a 2016 water crisis in a small US town. Prime minister Anthony Albanese shared a picture of himself with the former US president standing underneath umbrellas on a rainy Sydney morning on his Instagram page alongside the caption: 'Honoured to welcome President @barackobama to Sydney'. 'Did he drink the water, or just pretend?', wrote Ms Tame underneath the post. Ms Tame's Instagram story (pictured) where she makes clear her comment was a reference to a 2016 episode during the Flint water crisis when then President Obama took a sip from a glass of water to reassure people it was safe The former Australian Of The Year, 28, tagged her fiance Max Heerey in the comment and later clarified what she was referring to in an Instagram story. She shared a picture of her comment with a screengrab from a 2016 Guardian article which analysed Mr Obama's then visit to the US town of Flint. At the time, the former President had declared a state of emergency in the Michigan city after its drinking water was contaminated with lead. The public health crisis happened after the town changed its water source to the Flint River and residents started complaining about the taste, smell, and appearance of the water. Between 6,000 and 12,000 children were exposed to drinking water with high levels of lead. Ms Tame (left) with her fiance Max Heerey (right) Kobie Thatcher criticised the 'heavy police presence' associated with Mr Obama's visit, questioning whether Australian taxpayers are footing the bill Obama infamously took a brief sip of Flint water at a press conference in 2016 after the city switched back to its original water supply. Mr Obama told those gathered that the act was 'not a stunt' but rather to show that people could drink the water if it was properly filtered. The excerpt Ms Tame shared quoted US filmaker Matthew Moore who was deeply critical of the US Government's handling of the crisis. 'You say youre coming to "listen to the people of Flint",' Moore wrote ahead of Mr Obama's visit to the town. 'Sir, theyve been poisoned for two damn years. Youve known about it since October. Theres nothing to listen to.' It is unclear why Ms Tame was referencing that particular episode during Obama's tenure as President. Her fiance Mr Heerey responded: 'Lead us all know the truth', in a presumed jibe referencing how the water was contaminated. Mr Heerey works as the chief operating officer of The Grace Tame Foundation, which advocates for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Mr Obama is currently in Australia on a speaking tour. He was pictured disembarking from a private jet with his wife Michelle in Sydney this morning. He is set to speak in Sydney Aware Super Theatre for 'An Evening with President Obama' on Tuesday evening - where Australians are spending $195 to hear about the politician's 'path to success'. He is doing the same talk the following day in Melbourne. However, not everyone is delighted about his trip down under. Some have questioned whether Australian taxpayers are shelling out for his security detail while he is in the country. Twitter user Kolbie Thatcher shared a video of the Obama's police motorcade which stopped traffic in central Sydney. 'Heavy police presence as Former US President Obama arrived in Australia this evening,' wrote MS Thatcher. 'Who is paying for his police escorts while he is in Sydney and Melbourne for speaking events? It wouldn't happen to be Australian taxpayers, would it?' Dedicated workers are mourning the closure of music and video chain store Sanity, with one ex-manager revealing he loved the shop so much he even completed a shift after surviving a heart attack - before then checking himself into a hospital. Sanity's final two stores closed on March 27, prompting hundreds of employees and thousands of customers to share their memories from the shop floor. Those employees can now freely reflect on their time since a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that CEO Ray Itaoui enforced on January 4 against staff has ended with the closure of all 50 stores. Nick White, a 'Sanity nerd' and former manager of two of the country's top performing stores, delivered a touching eulogy online after 'a life changing 10 years' with the company. Nick White (pictured), a 'Sanity nerd' and former manager, delivered a loving eulogy online after 'a life changing 10 years' with the company Former employees are now left with nothing but memories and nametags as the bricks and mortar store transitioned online After almost a decade with the company, Mr White said he is grateful for the relationships and opportunities his time at the store provided. 'I moved interstate, I visited and helped out in a few different stores, I even survived a heart attack and went to work the next day before admitting myself to hospital. And it was all worth it. 'I'm also proud to say that every day I gave my all to fulfill the Sanity Customer Promise that hung in every single store.' The Sanity Customer Promise declared that staff will always satisfy the customer - whether by figuring out which movie a scene came from or finding the song a particular line comes from. Other staffers left Sanity with a mixed opinion about the retailer. One former employee, who asked to go by the pseudonym Bruce due to their NDA, told Daily Mail Australia that though the staff were great, it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows. 'We learnt about the closures the same day as everyone did,' Bruce said. 'Channel Nine had already called my boss before Ray [Itaoui] had even sent out the NDA email.' All staff were under NDAs as part of their employment contract, which Mr Itaoui reiterated by email on January 4 after the closure was announced. 'Lucky they trusted their gut and told the reporters that they couldn't discuss it or it would've been a bad day,' she said. Some staff found it hardest saying goodbye to the regular customers, who saw some staff as close friends who they could discuss pop culture with. The Sanity Customer Promise says staff will always satisfy the customer - figuring out which movie a scene came from or finding the song a particular line comes from Sanity announced it would close all its physical stores on January 4 (pictured, Sanity employees in Mount Gambier, SA) During the final weeks of of trading, the stores went through phases of sales, starting at 50 per cent off and climbing to 75 per cent off. Bruce said the dizzying number of customers rushing through the store to grab a bargain made the time fly by, with people 'literally waiting for two hours' in lines. 'Some customers used to just come in and talk all day about their favourite show, which was nice if we weren't busy,' Bruce said. 'They'd pretend they wanted to pre-order something as a guise just so they could talk about other shows, or give us recommendations for things to watch or listen to. 'You could tell they lost a big part of their life by not having the opportunity to come down to the store and browse stuff on the shelf.' The CD and DVD retailer closed the doors to its last two physical stores in Queensland's Browns Plains, in south Brisbane, and Bundaberg, in the state's north, on Sunday. Sanity was a staple of most Aussie shopping centres for more than 40 years, boasting more than 200 storefronts around the country in its prime. Sanity (above) closed its last two stores in South Brisbane and Bundaberg on Sunday after more than 40 years of business A Nine News presenter has been left 'confused' after being refused by an Uber driver after he noticed she was holding an unopened box of champagne. Jo Hall, 64, had been holding the bubbles as she waited for the Uber outsider her Melbourne home to be picked up and taken to a friend's birthday dinner on Sunday night. 'I had my hands full. I had a pot plant as a gift, a candle and a bottle of champagne in a box. I was struggling a bit,' she told 3AW radio. 'As I walked towards the Uber, he wound the window down, and I honestly thought he was going to say "Do you want a hand" because I was struggling. 'And he said "Is that alcohol?" and I said, 'Pardon?' because I was a bit confused.' The Uber driver told Hall: 'We don't take people holding alcohol'. She replied that the champagne was closed, in a box, and was a gift for a friend. 'I was very surprised, I've been in many Ubers taking a bottle of wine to dinner, and I know that most people do,' she said. Jo Hall, 64, had been holding the bubbles as she waited outsider her Melbourne home to be picked up and taken to a friend's birthday dinner on Sunday night The Nine News presenter (pictured on March 9) told radio host Dee Dee Dunleavy that she had no intention of drinking the wine in the car and was left 'confused' by the interaction Hall told the driver she hadn't heard of the rule before and asked if it was an Uber policy or if he was personally refusing to take her. She pressed him, asking if the alcohol ban was on cultural or religious grounds. However, the man drove off without giving her an explanation. Hall told radio host Dee Dee Dunleavy, who had also attended the birthday dinner, that she had no intention of drinking the wine in the car. 'I have awesome experience of Ubers generally, there's been moments when they cancel, and it does get a bit frustrating,' she said. 'But I've never had one cancel to my face.' She said the second Uber driver she called had noticed her hands were full and immediately jumped out of the car to help her. The presenter explained to him what had happened. 'He said it was unheard of and 'totally wrong',' she said. A woman has expressed her shock after an Uber driver refused to take her after he spotted a unopened box of champagne in her arms (stock image) Drug use and open containers of alcohol are never allowed in an Uber driver, according to the company's website. 'Never bring illegal drugs or open containers of alcohol into a car,' Uber says. 'If you have reason to believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ask the driver-partner to end the trip immediately. 'Then exit the car and call 000/111. Once you have left the vehicle, please also report your experience to Uber.' A house painter from Melbourne has officially been named as the new national boss of the Comanchero bikie gang. Bemir Saracevic, 35, who drives a $700,000 Lamborghini Aventator, has replaced the former National President, Allan Meehan, following his arrest last month. Saracevic and Meehan, known as the Bathrobe Bikie after a series of pictures emerged of him in dressing gowns, are known to be close and were recently pictured together at the lightweight fight between George Kambosos and Devin Haney in October last year. The Comancheros have seen a string of leadership changes, with the 'Supreme Commander' - the group's international boss - also changing hands. Bemir Saracevic, 35, (right) who drives a $700,000 Lamborghini Aventator, has replaced the former National President, Allan Meehan (left), following his arrest last month That role will now be held by a former Sydneysider now living in Dubai, Noah 'Bones' Ramziya, The Daily Telegraph reported. Ramziya owns a wedding car hire company and succeeds former Supreme Commander Duax Ngakuru who was arrested in Turkey in January. Ramziya is understood to be the proud owner of a Bentley, and hangs out with former Comanchero Marco Coffin who now lives overseas. Another Comanchero, Tarek Zahed, had been set to take over the club's national arm before he was arrested and charged with the 2014 murder of Youssef Assoum. In 2016, Saracevic was sentenced to three years behind bars for the blackmail of two property developers Zahed had escaped an attempt on his own life outside a gym in Sydney's west in May last year. He suffered ten bullet wounds with the attack claiming the life of his brother Omar. Saracevic has also been pictured with Zahed, and is good mates with former Supreme Mick Murray - who is behind bars on a charge of murder. The Comancheros leadership had been thrown into disarray when the former president Mark Buddle was arrested in Turkey and extradited to Australia in August, last year, over drug importation charges The Comancheros leadership had been thrown into disarray when the former president Mark Buddle was arrested in Turkey and extradited to Australia in August, last year, over drug importation charges. In 2016, Saracevic was sentenced to three years behind bars for the blackmail of two property developers. Saracevic, a father-of-three, came to Australia as a child with his family from war-torn Bosnia. He joined the Comancheros in 2013. Despite the Comancheros boss being based in Melbourne, underworld sources claim members in Sydney are still calling the shots. Those Sydney-based bikies are running the 'Commission', a mafia-like organisation controlling the price of drugs being imported. 'Most of the drugs come into Sydney and move on from there and is where the power is, although a lot of guys have moved interstate because of the pressure NSW cops keep putting on them,' one underworld source told the publication. Former Vice President Mike Pence will make his eighth trip to Iowa Wednesday, as he flirts with launching a presidential bid against his ex-running mate, former President Donald Trump. Pence has breakfast, lunch and dinner events with Republican groups in Urbandale, near Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and then Coralville, located just outside of Iowa City. He'll do a 'fireside chat' and sign books, as well as address a Reagan-themed dinner. Iowa will continue to host the country's first Republican presidential caucus, despite Democrats reordering their primaries, and it will take place early next year. The former vice president's trip to the Hawkeye State comes as all eyes are on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and whether the grand jury he's assembled in New York charges Trump with a crime related to the 2016 hush-money payments given to porn star Stormy Daniels. Pence has criticized the potential charges, telling ABC's Jonathan Karl that the prosecutor's actions are 'politically charged' and 'not what the American people want to see.' Former Vice President Mike Pence will make his eighth trip to Iowa Wednesday, as he flirts with launching a presidential bid against his ex-running mate, former President Donald Trump Trump launched his 2024 campaign in mid-November and is photographed at his Waco, Texas rally on Saturday At the same time, Pence lashed out at the role Trump played in the January 6 Capitol attack in front of an elite D.C. audience earlier this month. 'President Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election, and his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable,' Pence said at the Gridiron Dinner, which was attended by a who's who of Washington including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Special President Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Trump and Pence had a falling out over the ex-president's decision to falsely claim that widespread voter fraud cost him a second term. Trump pushed Pence to reject Electoral College votes from swing states President Joe Biden won as he was presiding over the joint session of Congress on January 6. Trump is in legal hot water for January 6 as well, with Special Counsel Jack Smith overseeing the Justice Department's probe on the matter. Smith is also in charge of the case relating to Trump's treatment of classified documents after leaving office. Some classified documents were also found at Pence's Indiana home. HAPPIER TIMES: Trump (left) points to Pence (right) at the Cleveland Republican National Convention in 2016 after picking the Indiana governor to be his ticket-mate If Pence does enter the race, he'll be playing major catch-up as he's significantly behind Trump - as well as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - in both national and early state polls. The Real Clear Politics polling average of national surveys has Pence at 6.2 percent. Meanwhile Trump is at 44.3 percent and DeSantis is at 29.2 percent. Trump announced a 2024 bid in mid-November, while DeSantis has yet to launch a campaign. Other Republicans who are already officially in the race include former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. A poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and reported on by Axios Sunday found that Trump, DeSantis and Haley had higher favorables than Pence in Iowa and in New Hampshire, which will hold the country's first GOP primary in 2024. In Iowa, 59 percent of GOP primary voters held a favorable view of the former vice president. However, 60 percent said the same of Haley, 74 said that of Trump and 81 percent felt that way about DeSantis. The alleged incident occurred last Tuesday night in Saint Simon's Island, an affluent area of coastal Georgia A Georgia teen was left on a ventilator after being forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol and magic mushrooms by his so-called friends in a brutal hazing ceremony. Trent Lehrkamp, 19, remains in the intensive care unit in a stable condition following the out-of-control abuse he suffered during a spring break house party at a Saint Simon's Island party last Tuesday. Police are investigating whether a picture circulating on social media was taken during last week's incident, which left the teen on life support after his breathing slowed to just six breaths a minute. The image, which appears to have been taken on Snapchat, shows the Glynn Academy High School graduate sitting in a chair, unconscious, covered in spray paint, as several other teenage males stand behind him, flipping their middle fingers to the camera. Snapchat image of Trent Lehrkamp allegedly being victimized by a group of teenage boys in Georgia last week Lehrkamp was allegedly forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, as well as magic mushrooms, in addition to being spray painted by the group of boys A community Facebook account based in Glynn County called 'Glynn County Citizens on Patrol' posted a clip of the young man, apparently during a separate hazing incident, in which his head is bowed and he is being sprayed with a hose. 'These fine young men bound an unconscious and unresponsive boy to a chair, spray painted him from head to toe, pissed on him, took a s*** on his lap and the list goes on and on,' wrote the account, referring to last Tuesday's incident. The account alleged that the boys then 'dropped him off at the ER. They gave their names and left.' The county police department did not confirm any specifics about the alleged assault against the victim, but said a group of kids had dropped off the unconscious teen at a local hospital early Wednesday and departed prior to the arrival of the cops. In a release, the agency said, 'Officers did not see any signs of physical injury on the individual but did note the presence of spray paint.' The teen was treated 'due to a high level of intoxication, from a mixture of controlled substances and alcohol.' Police continue to investigate the incident - which happened in an affluent area of coastal Georgia - and have collected evidence from the house where the party took place. A GoFundMe for Lehrkamp, which has so far raised more than $50,000, said that Trent 'expected to have a casual night with his friends' but 'wouldnt know until it was too late that these were not friends, but vile and abusive perpetrators who would go on to torture, humiliate, and assault him in inhumane, terrifying ways for hours.' A condemnatory post about the incident appeared on a Glynn County community Facebook page several days following the incident An image shows Trent hooked up to a ventilator in the intensive care unit following his traumatic outing A video posted on Facebook shows a separate alleged hazing video, during which Trent was aggressively sprayed with water by a group who taunt him The page adds that when he was dropped off at the hospital, he was 'deemed inconclusive to life; only passing 6 breaths per minute.' He has since regained enough strength to discuss the incident with police investigators. Some reports identified Lehrkamp as autistic, however, the organizer of the GoFundMe appeared to dispute that label. 'As the story continues to travel, we want to make sure all of the information you are receiving is factual. Please know that Trent has never received a medical diagnosis of Autism,' she wrote. Broadwater was released from prison in 1998 and Sebold went on to become a famous author whose book 'The Lovely Bones' was turned into a film Anthony J. Broadwater had his convicted vacated in November 2021 after a judge ruled that the case against him had been deeply flawed New York will pay $5.5 million to a 62-year-old man who was wrongly spent 16 years in prison for raping author Alice Sebold in Syracuse in 1981 New York State will pay a man who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for raping author Alice Sebold more than $5 million after he filed a lawsuit following his release. Anthony J. Broadwater, 62, was imprisoned for 16 years for Sebold's rape, which occurred when she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1981. According to the New York Times, lawyers for Broadwater signed a settlement last week and New York's Attorney General Letitia James was present. The agreement will be sent to a judge for signing off. Melissa Swartz, a lawyer for Broadwater, said Ramon E. Rivera with the state's court had verbally approved. 'I appreciate what Attorney General James has done and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice,' Broadwater said Monday. The wrongfully imprisoned man had his conviction vacated by a New York judge in November 2021 who said at the time the case against him was deeply flawed. Anthony J. Broadwater, 62, was imprisoned for 16 years for author Alice Sebold's rape, which occurred when she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1981. Pictured: Broadwater after his conviction was vacated in 2021 After Broadwater was convicted, Sebold went on to write popular novels including 'Lucky' which documented her own rape, as well as 'The Lovely Bones' which was turned into a film 'I appreciate what Attorney General James has done and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice,' Broadwater said Monday in a statement. Pictured: Broadwater after his conviction was overturned in 2021 Swartz on Monday said Broadwater was happy to hear that New York state lawyers had decided against a deposition where he would have to rehash the events. 'That would be extremely difficult for Tony to go through,' the lawyer said. In a statement, James said the payment is a 'critical step to deliver some semblance of justice to Mr. Broadwater.' The man says he hopes to use the money to buy land and a home for himself and his partner somewhere private. On Monday after the settlement became public, Sebold released a brief statement. 'No amount of money can erase the injustices Mr. Broadwater suffered,' she said. 'But the settlement now officially acknowledges them,' the author wrote. After the 1981 assault, Sebold went on to write a memoir in which she detailed the rape. In 'Lucky,' the author described in detail her assault which happened at a park near Syracuse University's campus. The author was 18-years-old and a freshman at the college at the time. She told campus security about the assault immediately after it occurred and then told the local police. Evidence including a rape kit was taken. Sebold described her attacker to police and a sketch was composed. The sketch that was made did not resemble the actual man who had attacked her. On Monday after the settlement became public, Sebold released a brief statement 'No amount of money can erase the injustices Mr. Broadwater suffered,' Sebold said Monday Sebold wrote her memoir 'Lucky' which was released before the 2002 novel 'The Lovely Bones' In a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said the payment is a 'critical step to deliver some semblance of justice to Mr. Broadwater. Pictured: Broadwater in 2021 Lawyers for Broadwater signed a settlement last week and New York's Attorney General Letitia James (pictured above) was present at the signing Broadwater was arrested months after the rape when Sebold passed him on the street and informed local police she may have seen her attacker. In her book, Sebold said she had picked out a different man in the police line up but that they looked extremely similar. She later identified Broadwater in court. Broadwater's lawyers said prosecutors had falsely told Sebold that Broadwater and the man next to him in the lineup were friends who appeared together to trick her. The prosecutorial misconduct led to an influenced testimony from Sebold, Broadwater's lawyers claimed. Even after the man was released in 1998, he struggled to put his life back together. Broadwater had to register as a sex offender after his release and 'Lucky' was released one year later. The wrongly convicted man later hired Swartz to help clear his name after he found out that Sebold was looking at a film adaptation of her memoir. In the motion to vacate, Swartz and an associate argued he had been entirely reliant on Sebold's own identification and a discredited hair analysis. Judge William J. Fitzpatrick joined the motion to vacate the conviction and in 2021, Justice Gordon J. Cuffy of State Supreme Court overturned Broadwater's conviction for first-degree rape and five other charges. Broadwater's requirement to register as a sex offender was also dropped. 'It's a long day coming,' Mr. Broadwater said at the time. This is the 1981 line up of black men that Alice Sebold was told to choose from. Anthony Broadwater is the second from the right, fourth along in the lineup. She picked the man next to him, who was in the fifth position, but was then told by police she had 'failed to identify the suspect' 'I PICKED THE WRONG MAN': ALICE SEBOLD DESCRIBES PICKING DIFFERENT SUSPECT 'Five black men in almost identical light blue shirts and dark blue pants walked in and assumed their places. "It's not one, two, or three. 'I stood in front of number four. He was not looking at me. While he looked toward the floor I saw his shoulders. Wide like my rapist's, and powerful. 'The shape of his head and neck - just like my rapist's. His build, his nose, his lips. I hugged my arms across my chest and stared. 'I moved on to number five. His build was right, his height. And he was looking at me, looking right at me, as if he knew I was there. Knew who I was. The expression in his eyes told me that if we were alone, if there were no wall between us, he would call me by name and then kill me.... I approached the clipboard... I placed my X in the number five box. I had marked the wrong one,' she wrote. After the lineup, she was told by a Sergeant Lorenz, that she picked out the wrong person. 'Alice, it's my duty to inform you that you failed to pick out the suspect,' she quoted him saying. 'He did not tell me which one was the suspect. He couldn't. But I knew. I stated for the record that in my opinion, the men in positions four and five were almost identical.' She then described how the then Assistant District Attorney Gail Uebelhoer came into the room and said: 'Well, we got the hair out of the bastard,' referring to Broadwater. Advertisement The assault allegedly took place at Syracuse University in 1982, Sebold said Broadwater broke down in tears after Judge Gordon Cuffy overturned his conviction in 2021 After leaving prison in 1998, Broadwater worked a series of low paying jobs after being forced to register as a sex offender. According to the New York Times, he worked temp jobs a metal plating factory, bagging potatoes, doing yardwork and roofing, mopping floors, and scavenging for scrap metal. He eventually filed his lawsuit against the state as well as civil rights lawsuits against many of the key players in his case. That case is still pending and cites Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse, an assistant district attorney and a police office. Following the vacation of his conviction in 2021, Sebold issued a lengthy apology to the man she helped wrongfully imprison for nearly two decades. At the time, she apologized for 'unwittingly' being one of the reasons he went to jail. 'I am sorry most of all for the fact that the life you could have led was unjustly robbed from you,' she wrote in an online statement. 'And I know that no apology can change what happened to you and never will.' Broadwater responded to her apology and said 'it took a lot of courage' and that 'she was a victim and I was a victim too.' A Greens senator has stunned a top US politician by telling him that Australia should use 'diplomacy' instead of the military to protect itself against foreign threats. During an ABC Q+A discussion, Senator Jordon Steele-John told ex-President Trump's former Navy Secretary Richard Spencer that Australia's AUKUS military build up - where eight nuclear submarines will be purchased for $368billion over 30 years - was not the answer. But when he was confronted by Mr Spencer over how he plans to 'sustain national security' without such a deal, senator Steele-John replied: 'Diplomacy.' Greens senator Jordon Steele-John has stunned a top US politician by telling him that Australia should use 'diplomacy' instead of the military to protect itself against foreign threats. Ex-President Trump's former Defense and Navy Secretary Richard Spencer (pictured) was briefly left speechless in the confrontation on ABC's Q+A on Monday night 'Just to be really clear, I do not want the Australian community bound for the next 30 years to the United States and the UK and to your foreign policy decisions. 'I do not want our nation round the table trying to convince whichever right wing, conservative evangelical that you elect next. 'I just don't want it and I don't want our kids going to the wars that they will start.' The Greens senator continued to speak over the top of the former US official before Mr Spencer got the chance to fire back. 'I totally understand,' he said. 'If you think that I want your treasure and my treasure going off to war, you are wildly mistaken. 'The reason you have strong national security is to give your (foreign affairs office) one more day to make their point.' Host Stan Grant intervened in the row - one of several on Monday night's fiery show - and joked: 'Everyone's had their Weetbix tonight, haven't they?' Earlier senator Steele-John - who entered Parliament in 2017 and has cerebral palsy - said he wanted to scrap the AUKUS deal and spend the cash on community services. 'We want to see that money go into bringing dental care into Medicare, putting roofs over people's houses, raising JobKeeper,' he said. 'Not building nuclear submarines, which will not be delivered for the next 30 years. 'We don't have to continue down this path.' He was also challenged about keeping Australia safe without nuclear submarines by Northern Territory Country Liberal senator Jacinta Price on the show. 'What would you do for our sovereignty, so our shipping lanes can be clear, so that we can interact with our with our Asian partners and be free to conduct ourselves globally?' she said to applause from the audience. 'What would you do to protect our sovereignty then? We need to defend our nation.' Senator Steele-John insisted: 'The path the major parties have put our nation on now is a path of escalation of tension. 'And to cut through the jargon, where that ends is Australian kids going off to war to die.' But senator Price fired back: 'Not if we can deter it.' Host Stan Grant intervened in the row - one of several on Monday night's fiery show - and joked: 'Everyone's had their Weetbix tonight, haven't they?' Senator jodron Steele-John was also challenged about keeping Australia safe without nuclear submarines by Northern Territory Country Liberal senator Jacinta Price on the show (Pictured from left, host Stan Grant with panellists South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, NT senator Jacinta Price, WA senator Jordon Steele-John, former US Defense Secretary Richard Spencer and NT senator Malarndirri McCarthy) Panellists and audience members also expressed concerns about the future disposal of spent nuclear fuel that will be produced by the submarine fleet. But Mr Spencer insisted technology would find an answer. 'We already have some technologies that will use spent fuel,' he told the show. 'There's many avenues - I don't think you can you can say what a submarine looks like in 15 years due to technology. 'The cost might come down to $20 million for a carbon fibre pod that sits on the bottom of the ocean and is allowed to discharge your defensive system.' The Greens senator scoffed at the suggestion and added: 'We have entered the comedy section of the evening.' The AUKUS deal was signed in September 2021 when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison axed a conventional powered subs deal with France to acquire nuclear submarines in a three way deal with the UK and USA. As well as eight nuclear-powered submarines, the deal also sees the three nations co-operating on the latest hi tech military capabilities, including cyber innovations, AI, quantum technologies, hypersonic ballistics and electronic warfare. The new alliance was perceived as a major escalation in the West's presence in Asia and a warning to China to curb its expansionist policies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to the deal after winning election and said it was 'necessary to keep our country secure' As well as eight nuclear-powered submarines like the Virginia class sub pictured, the deal also sees the three nations co-operating on the latest hi tech military capabilities The deal has been bitterly opposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who accused the AUKUS nations of 'Cold War mentality' and attempting a policy of 'containment'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to the deal after winning election and said it was 'necessary to keep our country secure' but insisted it was not putting the nation on a war path. He told The Project earlier this month: 'I dont think it is constructive to talk about war. 'Whats constructive is to make sure we have the best defence capacity possible to put in place an optimum pathway for that defence strategy. 'Thats what were doing but we want peace and security in the region.' Jim Jordan is delaying the Judiciary Committee's markup of a part of Joe Biden's budget that seeks to implement more gun control by massively increasing funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The chairman of the House Judiciary panel is accusing Democrats of using the latest tragedy shooting at a Nashville, Tennessee elementary school on Monday to 'politicize' Second Amendment rights. 'Democrats were going to turn this tragic event into a political thing,' Jordan told reporters when asked about reports that he was delaying the markup scheduled for Tuesday. Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is delaying a markup of President Joe Biden's budget increasing funding for the ATF by 7.4 percent in order to implement more gun control rules Rep. Jordan said that Democrats would try to use the markup to 'politicize the tragedy' of the Monday school shooting in Nashville where three nine-year-old students and three staff were killed Instead of moving forward with the markup, Jordan says they will come back to the issue at a later date. Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old trans woman, opened fire at The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, killing three nine-year-old children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney and three staff members: substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61. The latest is a long string of school shootings in the U.S. over the last decade, and is leading to even more calls from Democrats to restrict Second Amendment rights and implement more gun control measures. Biden's Fiscal Year 2024 budget would bump ATF funding by 7.4 percent with a total $1.9 billion with the goal of tightening gun laws. The money would be used, in part, to seek stricter rules and legislation related to firearms registration as Biden continues to make part of his priorities combating gun violence in the U.S. The budget request specifically looks to implement a 2022 law to address gun violence despite getting support from only 14 of the 207 House Republicans who voted on it at the time. Congress passed a law last year in the fallout of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that requires more thorough background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21, as well as helps put in place 'red flag' laws. In order to implement the new laws deemed the 'most substantial' firearms law change in generations, the ATF is requesting $71 million. A rule at the center for the now postponed markup was submitted by the Justice Department earlier this year and would require gun owners to federally register their firearms if they mount their hand guns with a stabilizing brace, which is a modification that can turn a pistol's functionality and appearance into that of a short-barreled rifle. Republicans have criticized Biden's actions to toughen firearm enforcement. Republicans are highly critical of President Joe Biden's push to pass stricter gun control laws, including wanting to give the ATF $1.9 billion in funding for Fiscal Year 2024 in order to implement a new law that requires more thorough background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21 and puts in place 'red flag' laws Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde, a gun store owner and member of the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing ATF funding, said his party's push to reduce spending to the levels of Fiscal Year 2022 will apply to the ATF and DOJ. 'I don't see them getting an increase in any way,' Clyde said of Biden's requested increase in ATF spending. Additionally, the Republican lawmaker introduced a resolution to prevent the ATF from enforcing the rule. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, and other Republican lawmakers, want to get rid of the ATF altogether. 'I hope that we can act to put an end to this ATF overreach,' Biggs said at a hearing last week. 'And I would suggest that the most effective approach is to reduce funding, or better still eliminate all funding. And even better, eliminate this woke, weaponized agency.' A policeman who pushed his pregnant partner down a flight of stairs because he did not want the baby has been convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour. Thomas Gair pushed his pregnant girlfriend Chloe Bradley, also a police officer, down the stairs at their home in Norton, Teesside in May 2020, after three years of ongoing abuse. Gair, 23, mocked his partner's weight and controlled who she saw and where she went, Durham Crown Court heard. It was alleged that the Cleveland Police officer tried to sabotage her effort to also join the force by stopping her from going to the gym as she prepared for the recruitment fitness test. Gair, of Middlesbrough, denied all the charges and said he'd never abused or assaulted Ms Bradley. But jurors found him guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour, three counts of assault and one of stalking. He was remanded in custody to await sentence on April 24. Thomas Gair pushed his pregnant girlfriend Chloe Bradley, also a police officer, down the stairs at their home in Norton, Teesside in May 2020, after three years of ongoing abuse. Ms Bradley, also a Cleveland Officer, told the court of the difficulties in her relationship with Gair, who she said would decided where she went, who she saw and what she ate. In video interview played to the court, Ms Bradley told a detective: 'When I fell pregnant, he told me to have an abortion or he was going to leave me. He said we couldn't afford it and it would ruin our lives. 'He told me I would be a crap mother and I was probably going to lose the baby. 'I was really ill when I was pregnant, I was backwards and forwards to the hospital, but he offered me no help or support, he wanted me to have a miscarriage. 'He would poke and jab me in the stomach and he would threaten ''I will put you down the stairs.'' ' On May 31, 2020, he carried out his threat at their home. 'I was going upstairs to the top floor of our house and he was coming down', Ms Bradley said. 'He began shouting and screaming in my face and he pushed me back and I fell right down the stairs backwards and hit my head twice. 'I was knocked out and he was panicking when I came round. I was taken to hospital by ambulance and needed a CT scan'. Their baby was eventually delivered safely, but Ms Bradley had a difficult pregnancy and was often unwell. She said she would often not feel like eating, but that Gair would force her to until she was sick. Gair was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviours, three counts of assault and one of stalking. He was remanded in custody to await sentence on April 24. Ms Bradley also needed daily injections to counter a blood clot that had developed on her lung, which Gair was told to administer as she had a fear of needles. She told the court he would sometimes withhold the injections or 'come at me really fast with the needle to scare me'. The court also heard about an incident earlier in their relationship. In January 2020, he had picked her up from a nightclub and pushed her out of the car when they got home, leaving the passenger door open. She fell but as she got up, he reversed quickly, hitting her with the door. 'I was knocked flying and I fell', Ms Bradley said. 'I think it was the side of my head I landed on and I was knocked unconscious. I don't know how long I was out'. She also told the court that Gair mocked her weight and tried to control her, including what they watching on TV, pulling her hair and hitting her with the remote when he wanted the channel to be changed. She said he told her she was fat, would poke her stomach to make it wobble and urged her to throw herself in front of a car. The abuse continued after the pair joined the police force within weeks of each other in 2021. But it proved to break the chain of abuse, the court was told. Prosecutor Ian West told the court: 'When Chloe Bradley joined the police force she got into a cohort of other trainee police officers and they began to socialise together. Gair, 23, mocked his partner's weight and controlled who she saw and where she went, Durham Crown Court heard 'It was in the context of social evenings that they began to notice how she talked about Thomas Gair and saw and heard the messages she received from him. 'Colleagues began to try to press her to report what was happening to the police but she did not want to break up the family. One friend then took matters out of her hands and reported him to a confidential police hotline and from there the balloon went up ' When Cleveland Police investigated, they found that Gair was still monitoring Ms Bradley's movements on CCTV cameras, despite having moved out of the home. He had changed the password to allow himself to remotely view who was visiting her. Gair told jurors he had never controlled Ms Bradley and had never assaulted her. 'I am quite quiet, shy and I rather enjoy my own company'. he said. 'I think I have always been like that and tend to avoid social interactions when I can. 'We argued quite a lot, we'd argue sometimes over small issues but I never threatened to hurt her and I did not ever assault Chloe.' After the case, Acting Superintendent John Bonner, Acting Head of Cleveland Police Directorate of Standards and Ethics, said: 'Gair was a student officer with Cleveland Police studying at the Force training school when reports were made that he was perpetrating domestic abuse against his partner. Gair (pictured) told jurors he had never controlled Ms Bradley and had never assaulted her 'Those reports came from the victim and other student officers, who were able to identify the signs of domestic abuse from the learning they received prior to moving on to the independent patrol phase of their training. 'The reporting made by those officers is a testament of their morals in doing the right thing, abiding by the Code of Ethics. It enabled the Directorate of Standards and Ethics to take immediate and robust action in arresting Mr Gair within 24 hours of the report. 'During the investigation Cleveland Police applied, and were successful, in obtaining a Stalking Protection Order against Mr Gair from Crown Court. 'The swift arrest of Mr Gair and the Stalking Prevention Order ensured the Force was able to safeguard the victim from any further offending. 'The Directorate of Standards and Ethics revoked Mr Gair's vetting and applied for him to be discharged from Cleveland Police. 'Thomas Gair was discharged on March 17th 2023, having never been in contact with the public during his short time in the police service. 'I am utterly committed to adopting the learning and recommendations found within the HMICFRS Investigation of Vetting, Misconduct, and Misogyny in the Police Service, The Baroness Casey Report and Centre of Women's Justice Super Complaint. 'In addition to recommendations on how police forces should investigate allegations of police perpetrated domestic abuse, the reports place significant emphasis on all police forces to utilise the vetting regime and Regulation 13 (discharge of student officers). In doing so, we can root out police officers who are not fit to be in the service. 'This should be evident in our approach in removing Mr Gair from the police service as swiftly and lawfully as possible. 'Following today's outcome, the Force will now pursue the gross misconduct element of the investigation into the former officer, seeking to bar him from the police service.' The daughter of one of the teachers at the private school where three nine-year-old children and three staff members were fatally shot Monday said her mother hid out in a closet with her students. Six people - including three children - are dead after transgender female shooter Audrey Hale opened fire at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville. Avery Myrick, whose mother has been a pre-K teacher there for over a decade, said she was unsure if her mother was safe. Myrick eventually received the call that she had gotten out alive and detailed how she and her students were hiding out from the 28-year-old shooter Hale. 'She said they were hiding in the closet, and there was shooting all over,' Myrick said. '[She said] they had potentially tried to get into her room.' Avery Myrick (pictured), whose mother has been a pre-K teacher at Covenant Presbyterian School for over a decade, said she was unsure if her mother was safe Myrick told WSMV that she was heartbroken for people who hadn't gotten the same call she did to tell her that her mother was safe. At around 10.13am, Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the affiliated presbyterian church. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe she attended the school at some point. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place,' Nashville Police John Chief Drake said. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Shortly before 10.13am, the woman entered the school by shooting through a locked side door and began opening fire on the second floor. Myrick told WSMV that she was heartbroken for people who hadn't gotten the same call she did to tell her that her mother was safe Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the Presbyterian church affiliated with the school Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, aka Cindy Broyles Peak, is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot to death at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, 2023 Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing six Hale's LinkedIn profile suggested they were now living as a man A terrified child presses her hand against the glass of a school bus window after being evacuated from The Covenant School Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members Terrified children peer out the windows of their school bus as they wait to be driven away from the school after the shooting Children from The Covenant School run past an ambulance on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three staff members and three students, before being shot by police A father carries his son out of The Covenant School in Nashville after a shooter killed three students and two staff members before being shot dead Police arrived at the scene and heard the gunshots coming from the 2nd floor. By 10.27am, she had been shot dead. She was armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. Cops said Hale was transgender, although they haven't specified further details and referred to her as a woman. Hale was born female, but a LinkedIn profile believed to be hers uses he/him pronouns, suggesting Hale was living as a man. 'I know this is probably the worst day of everyone's lives. I can't tell you how sympathetic we are,' a Metro Police officer was heard telling the parents as they waited at a nearby church for updates. Neighbors of the school watched as parents frantically rushed to the scene to find their children. 'Everyone as a parent are terrified. Parents collect their children from The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday A family prays together after being reunited outside The Covenant School in Nashville A man carries a child at the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville A man walks with children at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at The Covenant School Adults walk with a child at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church Adults walk with a child at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church after the shooting A man takes two children home from The Covenant School after Monday's shooting Two adults escort terrified kids away from the Covenant School on Monday after a school shooting Children and adults wait outside The Covenant School in Nashville following the shooting Parents gathered in the sanctuary waiting for updates on whether or not their children were among those harmed A police officer walks by an entrance to The Covenant School after a shooting in Nashville Terrified children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a shooter opened fire, killing three children, before being shot dead by police A woman holds her young child after a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday. Three children were killed by the woman 'You don't send you kid to school thinking there would be an active shooting, especially in this area. 'Just hearing as a parent myself it's truly overwhelming. Seeing all the parents run up the hill to see if their children are okay,' Lisa Debusk told DailyMail.com. Susan Perkins, 68, told DailyMail.com that her daughter and step-grandson were in the school at the time of the shooting, and unhurt. Her daughter is a communications director and her step-grandson is a sixth grade student. 'I talked to my daughter and she was so busy she just couldn't talk, just enough to say she was okay,' said the mother, who lives in Knoxville, TN. 'I'm just shaking with fear and so sorry that this happened,' she said. 'I just can't hardly believe that three children got killed.' She described Covenant School as a small, tightknit, Christian school where everyone knows and supports each other. 'I did not think it would ever hap to my school and I would like to see the guns off the street,' Perkins said. Terrified parents wait for their kids at The Covenant School in Nashville. The woman was killed by police Parents rushed to the scene to collect their children after the incident on Monday morning Children pour out of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023 Alison Grippo, 40, told DailyMail.com that she has three children in Covenant School who survived. As word spread of the mass shooting, she like other parents were directed to nearby Woodmont Baptist Church, set up as a meeting point as they anxiously waited for their kids. 'She said her own children, like many others, were still speaking with investigators. 'We're waiting to be reunited with our kids,' Grippo told DailyMail.com. 'This is just hard to understand or put into words. We praise God in all situations, good and bad.' There are around 33 staff members in the school and some 210 students. Many of those students were seen running from the building today in their school uniforms after the shooting began. Other schools in the area have gone into lockdown as a precaution, but there is not thought to be any additional threat. Parents are now gathering at a church next to the school. Tim Dunavant, a pastor at Harstville First United Methodist Church, said he hired Hill to work at the school over a decade ago. 'He was the last employee that I hired when I ran the kitchen at the Covenant church and school,' said Dunavant. 'That was over 13 years ago. He was still working there today when he was shot and killed. 'I don't know the details yet. But I have a feeling, when it all comes out, Mike's sacrifice saved lives. 'I have nothing factual to base that upon. I just know what kind of guy he was. And I know he's the kind of guy that would do that.' He added: 'Goodbye Mike, I'm going to miss those encouraging texts out of the blue from you.' The Scruggs family is pictured together. The youngest member, nine-year-old Hallie, was among the six victims Hallie Scruggs is seen with her three brothers and her parents, Chad and Jada The Scruggs family on vacation. Chad Scruggs and his sons were keen hunters, and his social media shows the family out hunting for wild turkey Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn was among the first to share her condolences. 'Chuck & I are heartbroken to hear about the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. 'My office is in contact with federal, state, & local officials, & we stand ready to assist. Parents gather in the sanctuary of Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville on Monday after a shooter opened fire, killing three students At the National League of Cities conference on Monday, First Lady Jill Biden said: 'I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. We stand with Nashville in prayer' 'Thank you to the first responders working on site. Please join us in prayer for those affected.' Sen. Bill Haggerty tweeted: 'Devastated and heartbroken about the tragic news at Covenant School. 'I'm grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their heroic actions.' Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted: 'I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant...as we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community.' At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the shooting was proof the ongoing need for stricter gun reform. First Lady Jill Biden, speaking at the National League of Cities conference on Monday, told the crowd: 'We just learned about another shooting in Tennessee - a school shooting. 'I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. We stand with Nashville in prayer.' Monday's shooting is the 129th shooting this year. A woman has died after she entered a home in the early hours of the morning and was allegedly restrained by a male resident. Police were called to a duplex on Partridge Place in the Gold Coast suburb of Tugun, Queensland, at 1:40am on Tuesday. A woman, aged in her 30s, who was unknown to the occupants of the duplex, was found at the rear of the property. It's understood a man, his partner and their children were inside at the time. The woman got into a scuffle with the occupants before the man held her down in the backyard, according to police. She allegedly went into cardiac arrest and was declared dead at the scene after emergency services were unable to revive her. A woman has died at a Gold Gold property (pictured) after she was allegedly restrained by a male resident Two residents of the duplex were treated for minor injuries by paramedics. The man was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital and is believed to be in shock, reports the Gold Coast Bulletin. Gold Coast police Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn confirmed the woman had been held down by the man in a press conference. 'She has been held down on the ground in that position whilst police were contacted,' he said. Police are unsure why the woman entered the duplex in the first place. 'There could have been any number of reasons,' Det Insp Ahearn explained. 'Certainly the home owner didn't know the person and she had not been invited.' Detectives believe the woman was in the area earlier visiting 'associates'. Det Insp Ahearn said the male resident was 'devastated' by the incident and was cooperating with detectives. Police were called to the duplex while the woman was being held down. She was later declared dead at the scene Gold Coast police Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn (pictured) said detectives were unsure why the woman entered the property but they believe the woman was in the area earlier visiting 'associates' Queensland Police are investigating and have not charged anyone so far. 'We will conduct an investigation and it will inform us as to the facts of what happened and leading up to how this woman actually died,' Det Insp Ahearn said. 'From there we will make an assessment as to where this investigation goes.' He urged residents not to restrain intruders and to call police if they found someone on their property. A neighbour told the ABC he woke up to 'screaming and yelling' next door. 'I got up and all the lights are on next door,' he said. 'There was something about 'she looks like she is, you know, dying or something' or 'there is something wrong with her',' he said. He added that police arrived about 10 minutes later. But James Cleverlys spokesman said the minister convicted it was inappropriate The Foreign Secretary was at odds again with the Government yesterday over plans to build a migrant accommodation centre in the middle of nowhere in his constituency. A former RAF base at Wethersfield in north Essex has been identified as a suitable site to house 1,500 male asylum seekers more than double the 700 residents who live nearby. But James Cleverlys spokesman said yesterday that the minister, pictured, had visited the airfield and was convinced it was inappropriate due to the small country roads. James Cleverlys (pictured) spokesman said the minister visited a former RAF base at Wethersfield in north Essex, and deemed it inappropriate to house to house 1,500 male asylum seekers He added: There are country lanes. If youre going to improve the infrastructure youre talking about putting in A-roads but its in the middle of nowhere. The comments doubled down on a post the Braintree MP put on Facebook earlier this month, in which he said he had told immigration minister Robert Jenrick the base wasnt appropriate. Nashville police have released footage showing the moment a transgender 28-year-old shot down the door of a Christian school she attended as a child and began stalking the corridors, assault rifle in hand. Audrey Hale arrived at the Covenant School in her Honda Fit just before 10am and killed six people before she was shot dead. Hale opened fire on arriving police from the second floor of the school before she was confronted by Officer Rex Englebert, a four-year MNPD veteran, and Officer Michael Collazo, a nine-year MNPD veteran. The pair returned fire and shot her dead. Nashville police on Monday released photos of the two semi-automatic rifles and handgun she had on her. A shotgun and a sawn-off shotgun were also found at her home, they confirmed. Hale can be seen arriving at the school and then shooting through the locked glass door, which shatters. Wearing a red baseball cap worn backwards, a white t-shirt covered in a tactical vest, and combat trousers, Hale is caught on camera stalking the corridors. Her victims were killed at random, police said. Audrey Hale is seen arriving at the school in her gray Honda Fit at 9:53am on Monday, driving calmly without giving any indication of what was to come At 10:10am, Hale is seen shooting through the locked glass door Hale goes from room to room inside the church, adjacent to the school, searching for victims She can be seen looking for someone to shoot within the church before opening the door and heading to the first floor Hale can be seen stalking the corridors in footage released by Nashville police. She walks the length of the corridor before disappearing in the distance to go up to the second floor. She fired at arriving officers from a second floor window, and was shot dead on the second floor Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing six John Drake, the Nashville chief of police, said Hale left a manifesto which suggested 'resentment' at being forced to attend the Christian school Officer Michael Collazo (left) and Officer Rex Englebert (right) were the two officers who shot and killed Hale, Nashville police said How the Nashville school shooting unfolded 09:53am - Hale's gray Honda Fit is seen arriving at The Covenant School in Nashville. 09:54am - Hale is seen driving through the parking lot, seemingly calm. Nothing suggests anything is out of the ordinary as she finds a spot to park. 10:10am - The glass front door, which was locked, is shattered as Hale opens fire. She then steps through the debris into the empty reception of the church, which is adjacent to the school. 10:13am - Brandishing her assault rifle, Hale is seen entering a carpeted room, inside the church looking for any victims. The room is empty. The first call to 911 about shots being fired in the building came in at this time. 10:18am - Hale is seen on the same camera inside the church still looking for victims. She opens a door into the next room. 10:19am - The 28-year-old returns through the door, and aims her gun, although there is no one there. She tries another door, then returns 30 seconds later. 10:20am - Hale is now walking through a wooden-floored building labelled 'first' in the footage, past an empty reception. She stalks the corridor, then disappears from view. 10:27am - Hale is shot dead on the second floor of the school, having engaged officers who fired back, killing her. Advertisement Police said Hale was transgender, although they haven't specified further details. She was born female, but a LinkedIn profile believed to be hers uses he/him pronouns, suggesting Hale was living as a man. Police released this image of Hale on Monday On Monday night they continued to refer to Hale as 'she'. John Drake, the chief of Nashville police, said Hale left a manifesto which suggested simmering anger at being sent to a Christian school. Hale's mother, Norma Hale, worked as a coordinator at a local church and posted about religion frequently on Facebook. 'The person we know as Audrey Hale, she's a 28-year-old Nashvillan. We have belief that she went to school in the area - at that actual school. 'There's some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school,' said Drake, speaking to NBC News. 'Don't have all the details to that just yet and that's why this incident occurred.' The six victims were three nine-year-old children and three staff members. Hale's LinkedIn profile suggested they were now living as a man Hale was identified from her car, parked at the school The 28-year-old shot through a locked door (pictured) to enter the school Debris from Hale's forced entrance of the school is pictured. The 28-year-old shot through the locked door of the school Night falls on Brightwood Avenue in Nashville, where the Hale family lives Drake told NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt that the victims were random. 'She targeted random students and persons in the school - whoever she came into contact with,' he said. 'We feel that she identifies as trans but we are still in an initial investigation into that, and if it actually played a role in this incident. 'Right now we are unsure if that played a role.' He said her manifesto has been turned over to the FBI. 'There was a map of the school with entry points and surveillance that was going to be on that day,' he said. She drove to school in a car, which Nashville police said helped identify her. 'Active shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, drove this Honda Fit to the Covenant Church/school campus this morning and parked,' the police tweeted. 'MNPD detectives searched it and found additional material written by Hale.' At around 10.13am, she opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing nine-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs. Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, who since 2018 had served as the pastor at the affiliated presbyterian church. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place,' said Drake. Drake said that Hale mentioned another location in her manifesto, but decided that there was too much security to launch an attack. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. 'Our community is heartbroken,' the school said in a statement issued on Monday night. 'We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. 'We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' President Joe Biden on Monday ordered flags to be flown at half staff until Friday at sunset. He also reiterated his call for an assault weapons ban. Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the presbyterian church affiliated with the school Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, known as Cindy, is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot and killed on Monday in Nashville Shortly before 10.13am, Hale entered the school, shooting through a side door and began opening fire on the second floor. Police say all of the doors were locked. Police arrived at the scene and heard the gunshots coming from the 2nd floor. By 10.27am, Hale had been shot dead. She was armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. Hale styled herself as an illustrator, drawing under the name Aiden. Hale's work included renderings of Sponge Bob Squarepants, a Keith Haring tribute, and a drawing of Jack Nicholson in the film The Shining, with his infamous quote: 'Here's Johnny!' Hale styled herself as an illustrator, creating artworks under the name Aiden Hale's art, featured on their illustration page One of Hale's pieces was entitled 'Mad World' Hale's art page, where work was displayed under the name Aiden Hale drew Jack Nicholson, with the catchphrase from The Shining: 'Here's Johnny!' Hale described herself as a graphic designer and illustrator A terrified child presses her hand against the glass of a school bus window after being evacuated from The Covenant School Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members Terrified children peer out the windows of their school bus as they wait to be driven away from the school after the shooting Children from The Covenant School run past an ambulance on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three staff members and three students, before being shot by police A father carries his son out of The Covenant School in Nashville after a shooter killed three students and two staff members before being shot dead Parents were told to collect their children from a nearby church, but no other information has been given. 'I know this is probably the worst day of everyone's lives. 'I can't tell you how sympathetic we are,' a Metro Police officer was heard telling the parents, as they waited at a nearby church for updates. Neighbors of the school watched as parents frantically rushed to the scene to find their children. The community where Covenant School is located is one of the most affluent in Tennessee, The Tennessean reported. The private Christian school's zip code of 37215 has one of the state's highest average household incomes, and enjoys bustling retail districts. In 2020, the 37215 zip code ranked the area as the most expensive place to buy a home, with a median home sale price of $719,000. Shortly following the shooting, a heavy vehicle presence could be seen as ambulances and police vehicles flooded Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Parents collect their children from The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday A family prays together after being reunited outside The Covenant School in Nashville A man carries a child at the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville A man walks with children at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at The Covenant School Adults walk with a child at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church Adults walk with a child at a reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist Church after the shooting A man takes two children home from The Covenant School after Monday's shooting Two adults escort terrified kids away from the Covenant School on Monday after a school shooting Children and adults wait outside The Covenant School in Nashville following the shooting Parents gathered in the sanctuary waiting for updates on whether or not their children were among those harmed A police officer walks by an entrance to The Covenant School after a shooting in Nashville Terrified children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a shooter opened fire, killing three children, before being shot dead by police A woman holds her young child after a school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday. Three children were killed by the woman 'Everyone as a parent are terrified,' said Lisa Debusk. She told DailyMail.com: 'You don't send you kid to school thinking there would be an active shooting, especially in this area. 'Just hearing as a parent myself it's truly overwhelming. Seeing all the parents run up the hill to see if their children are okay.' Susan Perkins, 68, told DailyMail.com that her daughter and step-grandson were in the school at the time of the shooting, and unhurt. Her daughter is a communications director and her step-grandson is a sixth grade student. 'I talked to my daughter and she was so busy she just couldn't talk, just enough to say she was okay,' said the mother, who lives in Knoxville, TN. 'I'm just shaking with fear and so sorry that this happened,' she said. 'I just can't hardly believe that three children got killed.' She described Covenant School as a small, tight-knit, Christian school where everyone knows and supports each other. 'I did not think it would ever hap to my school and I would like to see the guns off the street,' Perkins said. Terrified parents wait for their kids at The Covenant School in Nashville. The woman was killed by police Parents rushed to the scene to collect their children after the incident on Monday morning Children pour out of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023 Alison Grippo, 40, told DailyMail.com that she has three children in Covenant School who survived. As word spread of the mass shooting, she like other parents were directed to nearby Woodmont Baptist Church, set up as a meeting point as they anxiously waited for their kids. 'She said her own children, like many others, were still speaking with investigators. 'We're waiting to be reunited with our kids,' Grippo told DailyMail.com. 'This is just hard to understand or put into words. We praise God in all situations, good and bad.' There are around 33 staff members in the school and some 210 students. Many of those students were seen running from the building today in their school uniforms after the shooting began. Other schools in the area went into lockdown as a precaution, but there is not thought to be any additional threat. Parents gathered at a church next to the school. Tim Dunavant, a pastor at Harstville First United Methodist Church, said he hired Hill to work at the school over a decade ago. 'He was the last employee that I hired when I ran the kitchen at the Covenant church and school,' said Dunavant. 'That was over 13 years ago. He was still working there today when he was shot and killed. 'I don't know the details yet. But I have a feeling, when it all comes out, Mike's sacrifice saved lives. 'I have nothing factual to base that upon. I just know what kind of guy he was. And I know he's the kind of guy that would do that.' He added: 'Goodbye Mike, I'm going to miss those encouraging texts out of the blue from you.' The Scruggs family is pictured together. The youngest member, nine-year-old Hallie, was among the six victims Hallie Scruggs is seen with her three brothers and her parents, Chad and Jada The Scruggs family on vacation. Chad Scruggs and his sons were keen hunters, and his social media shows the family out hunting for wild turkey Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn was among the first to share her condolences. 'Chuck & I are heartbroken to hear about the shooting at Covenant School in Nashville. 'My office is in contact with federal, state, & local officials, & we stand ready to assist. 'Thank you to the first responders working on site. Please join us in prayer for those affected.' Sen. Bill Haggerty tweeted: 'Devastated and heartbroken about the tragic news at Covenant School. 'I'm grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their heroic actions.' Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted: 'I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant...as we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community.' Parents gather in the sanctuary of Woodmont Baptist Church in Nashville on Monday after a shooter opened fire, killing three students At the National League of Cities conference on Monday, First Lady Jill Biden said: 'I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. We stand with Nashville in prayer' At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the shooting was proof the ongoing need for stricter gun reform. First Lady Jill Biden, speaking at the National League of Cities conference on Monday, told the crowd: 'We just learned about another shooting in Tennessee - a school shooting. 'I am truly without words. Our children deserve better. We stand with Nashville in prayer.' Monday's shooting is the 129th shooting this year. A deal between the federal Labor government and the Greens to cap carbon emissions is likely to push up power prices and threaten jobs, a leading economist says. Meanwhile, Greens leader Adam Bandt boasted the agreement would threaten the future of 116 planned coal and gas projects - and suggested these would be far from the last. 'In balance of power, the Greens have stopped many of the 116 coal and gas projects in the pipeline from proceeding, and now we're coming after the rest,' Mr Bandt said. The Greens reached a deal with Labor on Monday to put an absolute cap on emissions, as Australians battle a cost of living crisis. The negotiations on the 'safeguard mechanism' form a key component of Labor's plan to reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030. The deal also regulates the emissions of Australia's 215 biggest polluters. Mr Bandt boasted this would stop the likes of the Beetaloo gas project in the Northern Territory and the Barossa gas project off the coast of Darwin. Greens leader Adam Bandt (pictured with wife Claudia Perkins) boasted his party's agreement with Labor would threaten the future of 116 coal and gas projects - and suggested these would be far from the last But BAEconomics managing director Brian Fisher said the absence of new gas sources, as Australia transitioned to renewable energy and a net zero by 2050 carbon emissions goal, would threaten manufacturing jobs. 'If you are put at risk, the industries dependent on gas at the moment, then you inevitably put jobs at risk,' the climate policy economist told Daily Mail Australia. 'Any industry that's dependent on gas to produce heat is seriously in danger because there aren't, at the moment, easy substitutes for that, that are commercially available.' This would particularly push up production costs in the food processing and alumina refining industries. 'Those sorts of industries that are heavily depending on gas to produce heat will be vulnerable if we see further increases in gas prices,' Mr Fisher said. The absence of new gas sources, as coal-fired power stations were shut down, would also see Australians continue to pay expensive electricity bills. 'Inevitably, it means higher power prices, higher electricity prices,' Mr Fisher said. 'It's not obvious to me at all that we're going to see a quick reduction in electricity prices.' But BAEconomics managing director Brian Fisher said the absence of new gas sources, as Australia transitioned to renewable energy and a net zero by 2050 carbon emissions goal, would threaten manufacturing jobs and push up electricity bills (pictured is a stock image) Renewable energy battery storage technology is still not advanced enough to provide reliable, 24-hour power, with coal and gas still making up two-thirds of Australia's energy mix. 'We don't have enough batteries to do that and they're still reasonably expensive,' Mr Fisher said. The Australian Energy Regulator is expecting power prices in New South Wales to rise by 22.2 per cent during the next financial year as Queensland bills went up by 19.8 per cent. This is occurring as coal-fired power stations are shut down, with Liddell in the NSW Hunter Valley due to close in April 2023. The Eraring station at nearby Lake Macquarie is due to close in August 2025 but during the NSW election campaign, Labor Premier-elect Chris Minns floated the idea of buying it back so the state could have reliable power generation. 'The New South Wales government buying back Eraring, if they continue to run it, then of course, that is not contributing to a reduction in emissions,' Mr Fisher said. The Greens weren't entirely united with Tasmanian senator Nick McKim tweeting his party had capitulated to Labor, which he described as the 'political puppets' of 'the big corporate polluters' The closure of coal-fired power stations means energy companies aren't spending money on maintaining transmission lines, which leads to more blackouts. Voters could eventually lose their patience with the Labor and Liberal parties committed to a net zero by 2050 target, as the Greens push for net zero by 2035. 'There's been a presumption that we're going to relatively easily and it's just not obvious that that's the case,' Mr Fisher said. 'This is going to take a lot longer than people have been saying.' The Greens weren't entirely united with Tasmanian senator Nick McKim tweeting his party had capitulated to Labor, which he described as the 'political puppets' of 'the big corporate polluters'. 'The fight against the psychopaths running the big corporate polluters, and their political puppets, goes on,' he said. 'We have been in negotiations with the corrupt, ecocidal government of a petro-state that was prepared to hold a gun to the head of future generations by threatening to blow up climate action unless they could continue to approve new coal and gas projects. 'Our negotiating position was unfortunately not as strong as it could have been. 'It has hard enough negotiating with the political arm of fossil fuel corporations without having out position actively undermined by people who should know better.' Labor is relying on the Greens to pass its climate change bill through the Senate. EXCLUSIVE: Liberal who is 'more left than the GREENS or Labor' is accused of ruining the Coalition with his energy policies - as he's forced to abandon his crack at leadership Matt Kean pushed 70 per cent emissions reduction plan Liberal insider said cost of living decided NSW election The 'woke' energy policies of former NSW Liberal treasurer Matt Kean have been blamed for the government's humiliating election defeat on the weekend. A Liberal Party insider has told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Kean's zealous focus on renewable energy had alienated voters who wanted more focus on cost of living pressures than the pre-occupations of wealthy Greens and teal voters. 'The reality of why Matt Kean's not put his hand up the leadership is because it's untenable because he's had such a negative impact already,' he told Daily Mail Australia. There had been an expectation that Mr Kean would step up to replace outgoing premier Dominic Perrottet, who resigned the Liberal leadership on Saturday night, given he had been deputy Liberal leader. But Mr Kean issued a statement on Sunday afternoon saying he needed to spend more time with his family. 'I have decided not to throw my hat in the ring for the NSW Liberal leadership,' he said. Former NSW Liberal treasurer and energy minister Matt Kean's (second from the right) 'woke' climate policies have been linked with his party losing seats from western Sydney to wealthy areas by the beach 'I have a young family and I would love to spend a little more time with them. 'The election result will enable me to do that. 'Tommy recently turned three and now is the time for me to hang out and be a dad, while also continuing to serve my wonderful Hornsby constituents and the Liberal Party, though not as leader and not as part of the leadership team.' Mr Kean, who is also the member for Hornsby on Sydney's upper north shore, had been a fierce advocate for a faster transition to renewable energy - in December pushing a 70 per cent renewable energy target. A Liberal Party branch president from Sydney's north, who was not authorised to speak on the record, told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Kean's renewable energy focus, driven by the left-wing moderate faction, had alienated battlers in western Sydney and coastal retirees more concerned about the cost of living. 'We're no longer any different to Labor, and in fact we're more left than Labor compared with say the right faction within Labor,' he said. 'A party that's basically trying to put itself up as a left-leaning party, when you already have the Greens and you have Labor. 'Matt Kean is further left than the leader of the Labor Party.' The Liberal Party insider said Premier-elect Chris Minns, from the ALP's more centrist right faction, cleverly campaigned on cost of living issues, arguing he was as down to earth as the late former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke. 'Chris Minns came across as an everyday man that could really relate to people,' he said. Outgoing Premier Dominic Perrottet was described as an 'elitist' - like Mr Kean - from a Sydney north shore seat. A Liberal Party insider has told Daily Mail Australia Mr Kean's zealous focus on renewable energy had alienated voters worried about the cost of living, from battlers in the suburbs to retirees by the beach (he is pictured centre right with outgoing Environment Minister James Griffin, outgoing metropolitan roads minister Natalie Ward and North Shore MP Felicity Wilson) 'The reality is he didn't come across as an everyday person or a mainstream Australian and looked elitist from my perspective,' the insider said. Another Liberal Party member from the South Coast - where the Liberal Party lost the seats of Kiama and South Coast - said the party had mistakenly tried to win over Greens voters who would never support them. 'They're going about it the whole wrong way with a completely false strategy,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'The results speak for themselves. The party has lost all its principles, it's gone more woke than the Greens, it's just basically ruined itself. 'What opposition do they now pose to the Greens and Labor?' The Liberal Party at a federal level last year lost another three previously safe seats on Sydney northern beaches, north shore and eastern suburbs seats to 'teal' independent candidates focused on tackling climate change. Mr Kean, a leading Liberal Party moderate, led the effort to keep these disaffected Liberal voters in wealthy beachside electorates where the environment is a bigger concern than the cost of living. Two days before Christmas, he announced a dramatic 70 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035, as most Australians battle higher electricity bills with more increases expected. Matt Kean issued a statement on Sunday afternoon saying he needed to spend more time with his family (he is pictured with his son Tommy who has recently turned three) 'Days like today deliver real action to benefit the economy and the environment,' Mr Kean said. The backdrop was the ultra-wealthy suburb of Manly on the northern beaches where the median house price is more than $3million - almost triple Sydney's $1.2million median. To make the point, Mr Kean was flanked by Liberal candidates and MPs from the party's left-leaning moderate faction. But the strategy backfired, as the appeal to the climate-conscious well-to-do alienated many more voters than it attracted, even in those wealthier areas. Jordan Lane, running in the northern Sydney seat of Ryde in retiring minister Victor Dominello's old seat, suffered a 9.6 per cent swing against him and is in danger of losing to Labor with a count underway. The electorate had been Liberal-held since a 2008 by-election. In western Sydney, the swing was even worse with the Liberal Party losing Parramatta with a 15 per cent swing against them after preferences. The big swings against the Liberal Party were widespread, with Labor getting a 13 per cent swing in the wealthy Central Coast seat of Terrigal, making an ALP gain there a real possibility. The swing in the South Coast electorate was an even bigger 15 per cent to Labor. The Liberal Party's ambitious climate change policies didn't protect it from independent challengers. Two days before Christmas, he announced a dramatic 70 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035, as most Australians battle higher electricity bills with more increases expected Former health minister Brad Hazzard's old seat of Wakehurst has fallen to Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan, while retiring planning minister Rob Stokes' old electorate of Pittwater has possibly gone to environmental campaign Jacqui Scruby. Just weeks before Saturday's state election, the Australian Energy Regulator determined NSW electricity bills would rise by 22 per cent during the next financial year, equating to a $463 increase. Making matters worse, the coal-fired Eraring power station on Lake Macquarie near Newcastle is slated for closure in August 2025, which would reduce the available wholesale supply of electricity. During the election campaign, Mr Minns floated the idea of buying back the Eraring power station to keep a lid on power price rises, cleverly positioning Labor as more pragmatic on energy security than the now green-friendly Liberals. Michael Photios, a powerbroker within the Liberal Party's moderate faction which has driven the party into political irrelevancy on the mainland, runs Premier National, a lobbying firm. The Liberal Party insider from the north shore, who is factionally unaligned, said this nexus between Mr Photios and the party influenced who could run as a candidate. Outgoing Premier Dominic Perrottet was described as an 'elitist' - like Mr Kean - from a Sydney north shore seat (the outgoing Premier is pictured with his wife Helen conceding defeat) 'What's really interesting is - and people are not realising this - the left faction which is driven by Matt Kean and others is in control of the federal and state party rooms and its preselections.' Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock, whose local government area overlaps with Mr Kean's state seat, said Mr Kean had legitimate personal reasons for not running for the leadership. 'I do know him and I do know him well, I know he's only recently been in a relationship which has given him a young son and I think he is very conscious of his personal relationship,' the Liberal Party's former NSW president told Daily Mail Australia. 'I understand the difficulties that he has; my wife will frequently remind me that I was so long in politics that it was a very heavy burden that she had to shoulder bringing up two young daughters.' Mr Ruddock, who was a Liberal member of federal Parliament from 1973 to 2016, said cost of living issues were a concern, making it 'extraordinarily difficult' for the state Liberal Party to retain seats where the local member was retiring. In a sign of a possible way forward, the Liberal Party's right-wing member for Badgerys Creek in Sydney's west, Tanya Davies, bucked the election trend and had a 1.7 per cent swing to her, and was rewarded for speaking out against lockdowns and vaccination mandates. James Griffin, from the moderate faction, was shaping up as a possible leadership candidate against Alister Henskens and Anthony Roberts from the right, but he has since ruled himself out of the race. Labor has returned to power after 12 years in the political wilderness, with Mr Minns only the fourth NSW Labor leader to win from Opposition since the height of World War II in 1941. Daily Mail Australia has sought comment from Mr Kean. The cost of going to a dentist will rise by the largest amount for 17 years next month as part of price hikes branded utterly grotesque by the British Dental Association. NHS dental charges will increase by 8.5 per cent from April 24, the largest single jump since the current system of charges was introduced in 2006. This means the cost of a filling will rise more than 5 from the current 65.20 to 70.70. The price of a basic check-up will rise from 23.80 to 25.80, while more complicated band 3 treatments such as crowns or dentures will increase by 24 to 306.80. Government officials said the rises the first in more than two years are necessary to meet the increased costs of delivering dental care. But the British Dental Association (BDA) hit out at the hikes, accusing ministers of prioritising government funds over access to affordable treatment. Around one million adults declined to see an NHS dentist due to cost last year according to data from the GP survey, with the increase meaning many more will think twice about seeking care, they warned. The cost of going to a dentist will rise by the largest amount for 17 years next month as part of price hikes branded utterly grotesque by the British Dental Association. [File image] BDA chairman Shawn Charlwood said: This is an utterly grotesque display of priorities from the Treasury. This hike wont put a single penny into a struggling service. Our patients are being asked to pay more simply so ministers can pay less. The Government did not have to go down this path during a cost of living crisis. This is a cold, calculated political choice, that will hit millions on modest incomes. Ministers must know some face a choice between heating, eating and seeking NHS care. And they are carrying on regardless. It comes as millions struggle to see their dentist, with three in ten children now starting school with rotting teeth. NHS dental charges will increase by 8.5 per cent from April 24, the largest single jump since the current system of charges was introduced in 2006. [File image] Data from the National Dental Epidemiology Programme last week showed 2 per cent of children in England have advanced tooth decay, while one in five (21.2 per cent) children had some dental plaque. Meanwhile, the number of dentists carrying out NHS work in England remain below pre-Covid levels, according to NHS Digital figures. Revealing the rises in Parliament yesterday, health minister Neil OBrien acknowledged it was higher than some uplifts but said it was proportionate given the freeze since 2020. He said: The most recent uplift was in December 2020, delayed from April 2020 due to the impacts of the pandemic. While there has been no uplift for two years, the cost of delivering NHS dental care has increased. Exemptions and support to those on low incomes will still apply, he added. It follows the announcement prescription charges will rise by 30p to 9.65 from April. A 190-year-old cliff-top tower in Cornwall that has endured decades of lashing sea storms is to be saved by a local council. The Storm Tower at Compass Point near Bude was at risk of falling into the sea as a result of coastal erosion. Bude-Stratton town council has now secured funding to move the tower - which has a unique octagonal shape - one hundred meters inland, The Times reports. Town councillor Peter La Broy described how the project had seemed like an impossible feat for those desperate to save the tower. He said: 'To get to the point where we would have contractors... ready to start seemed at times unimaginable. he Storm Tower near Bude, Cornwall, (pictured) is to be saved from crumbling into the sea The 190-year-old Storm Tower near Bude, Cornwall, was at risk of falling into the sea after enduring decades of lashing sea storms - but the council has now secured funds to move it inland 'At the first meeting about five years ago, when we started to talk about saving our Storm Tower, there was serious doubt that we could even get the project going.' Now, a Lottery Heritage Fund grant worth 249,362 has been awarded to the town council to save the Grade II-listed building. Sally Strachey Historic Conservation has been contracted to carry out the work. On April 24, a team will begin the arduous process of taking apart the Victorian tower before rebuilding it in its new location. It won't be the first time the 30ft tower has been taken apart and reassembled. In 1881, it was shifted away from a cliff edge following a spate of savage weather that saw hundreds of locals killed. The Storm Tower was modelled on the famed Temple of the Winds in Athens. It was designed in 1835 by George Wightwick as a refuge for the coastguard, and was paid for by landowner Sir Thomas Acland. The building is leased on a 500-year term to Cornwall council. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says cliffs in the north Cornwall could retreat by as much as 40m over the next century The historic tower (pictured), designed in 1835, is set to be moved 100-metres inland News of next month's project has been greeted with enthusiasm by Stuart McLeod, of the lottery fund. The cliffs of north Cornwall are among the worst-affected by coastal erosion in the UK. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says cliffs in the vicinity could retreat by as much as 40m over the next century. In Norfolk, coast erosion has led to the demolition of dozens of homes in The Marrams, a picturesque clifftop strip in the town of Hemsby. Last Friday, homeowner Lance Martin and a handful of other residents of The Marrams were forced to evacuate after crumbling cliffs left their homes standing dangerously on the precipice. Such was the extent of the crisis that over the weekend Great Yarmouth Borough Council was forced to demolish five houses. Coastal erosion has long placed Hemsby in jeopardy. In 2013 a storm surge destroyed seven homes, while the Beast from the East, the notorious February 2018 storm, led to seven more bungalows being demolished. Lance's two-bedroom bungalow would have been among them that year, had he not managed to move it 32ft back from the cliff edge. Lance Martin and his team moved his house from the edge of the cliff today stopping it falling into the sea And so, a week ago, instead of issuing Mr Martin with paperwork, the council gave him a verbal ultimatum: haul the whole building backwards a 'noticeably significant distance', far enough not to be in 'imminent danger', within a week, or it would be demolished by a digger. The land behind Mr Martin is privately owned, but he has permission to move the house there. With the help of three diggers, three telegraph poles, six chains, a long-suffering partner and the goodwill of a tight-knit community and extraordinary resolve, the home was successfully moved. 'There have been low moments, but we never lost the faith we could do it,' says Mr Martin, 65. 'The worst of times bring out the best of people, and everyone has rallied around to help.' A grandfather-of-two who spent 22 years in the Forces, Mr Martin bought his home in November 2017 for 95,000, dreaming of a coastal retirement. He had spent the previous 17 years living in a London flat, where he was working as a security manager and spent most of his free time indoors. He has been supported in his ordeal by his son, Alex, 39, from Cardiff, a radio communications worker. He said he knew the area was liable to coastal erosion and acquiring any building insurance was out of the question. But at that point his house was 130ft from the 30ft-high cliff edge so he figured that, allowing for 3ft of erosion a year, the house would last his lifetime. Having enjoyed bird-spotting in his retirement, he says: 'I wanted to live on the coast. Being down on the beach every day, surrounded by wildlife, gave me a new lease of life. I wasn't that concerned. But then we got the Beast from the East, and that wiped away 40 metres [130ft] in a fortnight.' Ten years ago, five homes in Hemsby fell into the sea after a storm and the damage to the cliff meant that others were demolished in 2018, as part of 'a managed retreat' by the local authority. Great Yarmouth Borough Council has told media it is doing everything it can for residents involved. One affected resident named Sue - whose home was demolished earlier this month - acknowledged that the sea had been 'dramatic' in the week prior to leaving her home. A number of other homes in Hemsby have been moved away from the cliff edge and Sue was hoping the same thing would happen to her property (pictured) 'The last week was dramatic, the sea was wild but you've got a lot of factors, you've got (we had) the bomb blast and I heard that miles away... according to the newspapers we had an earthquake over Yarmouth, the knock-on of that must have [been big], think what a tsunami does. Even though it was 3.7 on the Richter scale, it would have had some effect on the seabed and the sea.' Sue also said two new sandbanks had formed along the cliff edge recently. She added: 'I think, where we were exactly where we were, the water had been pushed in further.' 'I hadn't left the main property I was in. So I'm back here with things up to my eyeballs, so I'm luckier... I used to live there fulltime but unfortunately my husband died and I needed to be back [here]. 'The erosion had been really slow in that area but geographically the tides have changed, it is different - it's not the same as three years ago. Three residents from The Marrams in Hemsby, Norfolk, were forced to leave their wooden homes The first of the demolished houses belonged to Sue (pictured), who hoped more could have been done to save her home for the past three years The tower, known as Compass Point, is based on the Temple of Winds in Athens, Greece. It was moved to its current position in 1880. Mary Withey, another resident whose home was demolished this month, previously said: 'I'm not okay with it, it's been my home, I don't want to move... it's very sad. 'When I first heard I was in shock... I've just been tearful, it's horrible.' She and her partner had lived in their home for four years before hearing the terrible news. The head of property and asset management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Jane Beck, said the council had undertaken to demolish three homes in a day, before the next high tide at 9.38pm. 'It's extremely sad for those people and we're trying to do everything we possibly can to help them through that process,' she said. Fire crews knocked on doors, urging those still in the affected properties to leave. The head of property and asset management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council claimed the plans were to demolish all three properties within the day Fire crews were reported to have knocked on doors, urging those still in the affected properties to leave Noel Galer, Great Yarmouth Borough councillor for East Flegg ward, containing Hemsby, said: 'I think that the decline when you start to lose parts of it would be quite dramatic. I have a feeling that Hemsby would lose its prominence quite quickly' Hemsby resident Sue looks out from her home on the cliff edge Several other wooden properties in the Marrams are also currently at risk of collapsing into the sea. Noel Galer, Great Yarmouth Borough councillor for East Flegg ward, containing Hemsby, said the village plays an important role in the local tourism industry. Tearful Mary Withey was forced to remove belongings from her home on the cliff edge He said: 'It's the place where everybody's children tend to go to get a holiday job when they are 16 in the summer holidays and when they're at university when they come back.' The councillor said there are 'loads' of 'little companies' there. He continued: 'You can just imagine with virtually no other industry or commerce in Hemsby, I feel that about 90 per cent of Hemsby's economy is dependent on their tourism and if you were to lose the next bit of Hemsby. 'It's going to be very difficult to see how that holiday industry is going to continue to operate if you start chiselling little bits away from it. 'I think that the decline when you start to lose parts of it would be quite dramatic. I have a feeling that Hemsby would lose its prominence quite quickly.' He added that there are 'precious little other employment opportunities' in the area. Residents react as they watch a neighbours house get demolished Sue and other neighbours who spent the morning packing their belongings before the demolition Several other wooden properties, built on sand dunes in The Marrams, Hemsby, are also currently at risk of collapsing into the sea Slide me Hemsby is largely built on sand which provides little protection against the raging sea, as pictured here in January 2007, but sixteen years later, on March 1, 2023, any remaining grass was long gone and some of the homes had sand up to their front door The only access road to properties on the Marrams has been cordoned off and is expected to collapse The shoreline has shrunk significantly in last 50 years and coastal communities risk falling into the ocean Referencing tourism data collected by the council, Mr Galer insisted Hemsby has 'tremendous value' in the region. 'It's so important,' he said. 'It's difficult to stress how it would be if Hemsby lost 50 metres in a huge storm or a succession of storms over a week or so. It would be horrendous.' 'Can you imagine that with a large number, a majority, of the bookings for Hemsby holidays coming from home grown areas in the UK, the incredible effect that might have on people thinking: ''Oh crumbs, we were thinking of going to Hemsby, we better cancel our holiday - looks like it's going to be closed forever''?' Mr Galer added: 'We could have a really bad year now as a result of bad news and people making assumptions over a few days when this sort of terrible thing is happening and lose a lot of business.' On evacuated residents, the councillor said people will be 'trying very hard' to ensure they are looked after. 'Some people literally have a second home which happens to be very close to the beach,' he went on. 'Perhaps they knew the risks and understood the risks, accepted the risks.' The Storm Tower at Compass Point, near Bude in Cornwall, was at risk of falling into the sea as a result of coastal erosion Michelle Obama was spotted beaming outside the Sydney Opera House with husband Barack yesterday - just hours after she made headlines for looking glum following a ritzy beachside lunch. The former First Lady and President were photographed on the steps of the Opera House on Sydney's Harbour on Monday evening after they had been given a tour of the iconic venue. Dressed in an all-black ensemble paired with sunglasses, large hooped earrings and a black headband, Mrs Obama smiled and chatted with US ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of fellow President John F. Kennedy. Michelle Obama (left) and husband Barack (right) were pictured on the steps of Sydney Opera House following a tour of the iconic venue The best-selling author (left) and her husband (right) chatted with US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy (middle, in black and white dress) Mrs Obama looked relaxed in an all-black ensemble paired with sunglasses, large hooped earrings and a black headband Mr Obama in a pensive moment outside the Sydney Opera House on Monday evening Her relaxed and casual appearance - including a complete outfit change - was in marked contrast to her demeanour following lunch at fine-dining restaurant Bathers' Pavilion in Balmoral on Sydney's north shore earlier in the day. The best-selling author and podcaster, 59, was pictured looking less than impressed as she and Barack, 61, left the venue. Footage taken outside the restaurant - where a six-course degustation menu including pink snapper sashimi and handmade fettucine costs $300 - showed the couple greeting dozens of awestruck fans. Despite failing to make a public appearance with his wife in more than five months, Mr Obama looked ever the statesman, waving at the adoring crowds behind his wife who made a beeline for their waiting car, looking decidedly glum with her arms folded. The couple had only just after arrived in Australia on Sunday night by private jet, meaning Mr and Mrs Obama were likely still suffering from jet lag. The former first lady was spotted looking less-than impressed following a ritzy beachside dinner with husband Barack in Sydney on Monday, after arriving in the city late Sunday night Mrs Obama (left) made a beeline for their waiting car while her husband waved at the adoring crowd The Sydney Opera House sighting comes after a whirlwind 48 hours in Australia's most populous city for the former president - who is set to speak at the Aware Super Theatre Sydney on Tuesday night for 'An Evening with President Obama'. It is the first stage of a whistle-stop tour that will also see the former president speak in Melbourne on Wednesday. The event offers Australians - willing to spend between $195 and $895 - a firsthand account from the politician on his 'path to success'. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Obama at Kirribilli House on Monday morning. The presidential pair were all smiles as they posed together for the camera, taking in the view by the harbour while holding black umbrellas amidst a subtle drizzle. 'Honoured to welcome President @barackobama to Sydney,' Albanese captioned the post to Twitter, which has since been viewed more than one million times. President Obama's last official visit to Australia was for the G20 Summit in Brisbane in November 2014 - and prior to disembarking a private jet with Michelle on Sunday, had not been seen in public with his wife since last year. A former SAS soldier accused of murdering a farmer while serving in Afghanistan has been granted bail due to the risks he would face from Islamic extremists in jail. Oliver Jordan Schulz, whose name had previously been suppressed, would find prison 'a very difficult if not dangerous environment,' a magistrate found on Tuesday. Details of the 41-year-old's alleged war crime were revealed for the first time in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court before bail was granted. Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson said Schulz had been part of a patrol sent by helicopter into a village in Uruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan in May 2012. A dog accompanying the SAS patrol had run into a wheat field towards a young Afghan man, Dad Mohammad, who dropped to the ground. A former SAS soldier accused of murdering a farmer while serving in Afghanistan has been granted bail due to the risks he would face from Muslim extremists in jail. Oliver Schulz (above) would find prison 'a very difficult if not dangerous environment,' a magistrate found The Crown alleges Dad Mohammad was lying on his back with his hands and knees raised, remaining quiet and offering no resistance to the Australians. Schulz allegedly had a conversation with other patrol members, then turned towards Mad Mohammad and shot him three times. The incident was allegedly captured on a helmet-worn camera. Ms Atkinson said it was alleged Dad Mohammad, who was aged 25 to 26 and holding prayer beads, went limp after the first shot and died in the wheat field. Dad Mohammad's father made a complaint to the Australian Defence Force, stating his son was disabled, not a member of the Taliban and not taking part in hostilities. He believed his son had been shot in the head and stabbed in the neck and heart. Ms Atkinson said while the case against Schulz appeared 'fairly strong', there were 'exceptional circumstances' which meant bail should be granted. She said it was likely Schulz would not face trial before 2025 and any time he spent in custody would be 'onerous and difficult and dangerous'. Ms Atkinson referred to the attack upon former soldier Michael O'Keefe by jihadi Bourhan Hraichie when the pair shared a cell it the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre n April 2016. Details of the 41-year-old's alleged war crime were revealed on Tuesday before bail was granted. Helmet-worn footage screened by Four Corners (above) allegedly showed Schulz shooting dead farmer Dad Mohammad in a wheat field Hraichie had waterboarded Mr O'Keefe then carved 'e4e' - an eye for an eye - into his forehead, telling police the former soldier had blasphemed against the Prophet Muhammad. Ms Atkinson said Schulz would find prison 'a very difficult if not dangerous environment'. She noted the Taliban was now in power in Afghanistan and that continuing overseas conflicts could influence the conduct of extremist inmates in NSW jails. 'There may be some people being held there who may take an adverse position to what was said to be the accused person's behaviour,' Ms Atkinson said. She further noted Schulz had no criminal record as well as accepting submissions he was not a threat to Australia or any Australian citizen. 'In my view the matter is broader than that,' Ms Atkinson said. 'This occurred outside Australia in a situation where the Australian Defence Force was deployed.' Ms Atkinson ordered an acceptable person lodge $200,000 to secure Schulz's bail. He must report daily to police, surrender his passport and not not leave Australia. Schulz cannot contact any former comrade who served with him in Afghanistan between February and July 2012 or any witnesses in the case against him. In granting Schulz bail Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson referred to an attack upon former soldier Michael O'Keefe by jihadi Bourhan Hraichie (above) when the pair shared a cell it the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre n April 2016 He is not to leave his home between 10pm and 5am and must present himself at his front door between those hours if requested to do so by authorities. Ms Atkinson suppressed Schulz's name on Monday but lifted that order on Tuesday and he had previously been identified when he was arrested. She issued a non-publication order on where Schulz lives due to the risk of reprisal attacks against him. 'Those risks may still be real for the accused in this matter,' Ms Atkinson said. 'The security issues are very real.' Schulz, who appeared in court via audio-visual link, was arrested by the Australian Federal Police on March 20 and has spent eight days in custody. On Monday, his barrister Phillip Boulten SC argued Schulz faced serious risks to his personal safety and had to be segregated from other inmates. 'Wherever this man is going to be held in prison, he is likely to have to mix with people in prison who sympathise with the Taliban or with other Islamic extremist groups,' Mr Boulten said. Bourhan Hraichie had waterboarded Michael O'Keefe then carved 'e4e' - an eye for an eye - into his forehead, telling police the former soldier had blasphemed against the Prophet Muhammad. O'Keefe's injuries are pictured 'This is a case of an ex-army officer being in prison charged with this crime. He is extremely vulnerable where he is at the moment.' Dad Mohammad's death was reported by ABC's Four Corners program in March 2020. After the broadcast, then-defence minister Linda Reynolds referred the matter to the AFP. Shulz was suspended from duty and later terminated from the ADF on medical grounds. As part of the AFP investigation, officers searched his home in May 2022. This is the first time a serving or former Australian Defence Force member has faced a war crime charge of murder under domestic law. Mr Boulten urged the court to suppress Schulz's name and where he lived, saying this information could pose a danger if publicly revealed, particularly as the Taliban was now the lawful government of Afghanistan. 'There is a state actor who has an interest in what he did in their country and [there] are literally hundreds if not thousands of people in custody who would be set against him for what he did.' Defence personnel need comprehensive protection of their identities both while they served and afterwards, Ms Atkinson heard. Mr Boulten said his client had remained in the country without fleeing despite knowing he was under investigation for years and up to $1million in surety could be offered to ensure he turned up to court. Schulz would also have difficulty consulting with lawyers from behind bars, given security measures put in place concerning material relevant to the case which, if divulged, could cause national security issues, the court was told. Crown prosecutor Sean Flood opposed bail, saying there was no evidence the man would be in danger in jail. 'Corrective Services are putting in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure [his] safety,' Mr Flood said. The possibility of Schulz fleeing the country also remained because there was a difference between an investigation where charges were merely possible to being arrested for this type of crime, the prosecutor argued. 'There's clearly a strong motivation to flee once a person is charged with such a serious offence involving a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.' Schulz's case will be mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on May 16. Guests at an upmarket Adelaide hotel have recalled hearing 'screeching' moments before a woman and baby were rushed to hospital. Police and paramedics arrived at the Avani Adelaide Residences on Franklin Street in Adelaide's CBD at about 6:30am on Sunday morning. Akeim Takamura, 23, was staying on the 12th floor of the apartment complex when he heard 'screeching' coming from the room opposite him. 'There were no words, there were no cries for help, it was just a screeching sound and it lasted for about five minutes,' he told The Advertiser. 'A few moments after that we heard a baby crying right in front of our room.' Mr Takamura waited in his room before going downstairs where he saw police attending to a woman 'with glass around her' in a courtyard area. Police and paramedics arrived at the Avani Adelaide Residences (pictured) on Franklin Street in Adelaide's CBD at about 6.30am on Sunday morning Akeim Takamura, 23, had been staying on the 12th floor of the complex and recalled hearing 'harrowing' screams coming from across the hallway (pictured, one of the hotel rooms) The woman was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The baby was also taken to hospital but did not appear to have any injuries. A man, believed to be the infant's father, appeared agitated at the scene and accompanied the baby to hospital. It's believed the woman had been staying at the complex for about six months. SA Police declined to provide an update on the condition of the woman or baby, citing privacy principles. Police remained at the apartment complex for several hours before detectives arrived to analyse the scene. A woman is warning Aussies to check their swimming pools before diving in them after discovering not just one but four venomous spiders in the water of her pool. Lynda Smith, who lives on NSW's north coast, checked her swimming pool after the area was hit with heavy rain. To her surprise, she spotted four eastern mouse spiders lurking at the bottom of her pool, similar to funnel-web spiders in venom and appearance. Ms Smith urged Aussies to check their swimming pools because venomous spiders such as the eastern mouse and the funnel web are 'not to be messed with.' 'Please always check your pools before jumping in, especially after rain,' Ms Smith wrote on Facebook. NSW north coast woman Lynda Smith found four mouse spiders at the bottom of her swimming pool (pictured) Experts explained the male mouse spider commonly falls into swimming pools while searching for a females and can be seen wandering during the day especially after heavy rainfall 'We haven't had any for a while, but all the rain we've had up here of late has obviously resurrected them,' she added. Anyone who finds a spider submerged in a pool should not assume it is dead, as experts warn some of the state's most venomous spiders are capable of living for up to 30 hours under water. Australian Museum arachnology collection manager Helen Smith explained spiders can survive underwater for long periods of time as they breathe different to humans. 'Spiders do not breathe in the same way as we do, so it takes much longer for them to drown,' Ms Smith told 7NEWS.com.au. 'Also, hairs on the underside can trap an air bubble. They can survive for several hours and sometimes a thoroughly dead-looking spider can suddenly twitch or come back to life slowly.' Ms Smith said spiders commonly fall into swimming pools while searching for a female mate especially after heavy rainfall. The mouse spider (pictured) is considered to be potentially as dangerous as a funnel-web spider. However, unlike funnel-web spiders, the mouse spider is believed to 'use less venom' She added that the mouse and funnel-web species can bite while underwater despite being unable to swim. 'But to bite, they need to grip onto something so don't poke them,' Ms Smith said. 'If you needed to get these spiders out of the pool... do not handle it, scoop it out with something that keeps it at a safe distance, (like) a net or maybe an empty flower pot.' Mouse spiders vary from 10mm to 35mm in body length and are characterised by their distinctively bulbous head and jaw regions. Found all over Australia, Mouse spiders inhabit a range of environments - including open rainforests to arid shrublands - and live in deep underground burrows covered by a hinged top or trapdoor. There are no recorded deaths due to mouse spider bites, however, there have been cases where patients have suffered severe reactions after being bitten. Mouse spiders live in deep underground burrows covered by a hinged top or trapdoor and inhabit a range of environments all over Australia (pictured) According to the Australian Museum, the mouse spider is considered to be potentially as dangerous as a funnel-web spider. However, unlike funnel-web spiders, the mouse spider is believed to 'use less venom' and even 'dry bite'. The same first aid recommendations as a funnel-web spider bite should be applied to anyone bitten by a mouse spider - pressure bandage the affected area and immobilise the person and get medical assistance. If symptoms worsen, funnel-web antivenom has proven to be effective. A high school friend of the Nashville school shooter was shocked to learn the outgoing girl she ran track with was behind the massacre that left six dead at a Christian campus. The friend, who requested to remain anonymous, described Audrey Hale, 28, to DailyMail.com as 'sweet and funny' hours after the suspect opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing three nine-year-olds and three staff on Monday. Cops said Hale was transgender, although they haven't specified further details and referred to her as a woman. Hale was born female, but a LinkedIn profile believed to be hers uses he/him pronouns, suggesting Hale was living as a man. The friend recalled her faint memories with Hale at the Nashville School of the Arts from around 2011 to 2014. 'What she did was unforgivable but when I knew her she was a sweet and funny girl,' the friend told DailyMail.com. 'When she came out as trans (female to male) no one was surprised. 'She really didn't fit the school shooter archetype. I don't know what would have happened to turn her into this person we see on the news. Everyone in my graduating class is losing it on Facebook. Really none would have seen this coming.' Audrey Hale receiving a certificate at Nossi College of Art in Nashville Audrey Hale in her LinkedIn profile picture: Hale describes herself as an illustrator and graphic designer The friend referred to Hale as 'her' because she knew the suspect as a female before the 28-year-old transitioned after graduation. 'We went to Nashville School of the Arts in high school, where we had several trans students and others who were a part of the LGBTQ community,' the friend said. 'We were both in Visual Arts classes together and she was very involved with the school and had several friends.' Along with participating in the same clubs, the friend also knew Hale as a team player. 'We ran track together as well for [Martin Luther King Jr. School] (a sister magnet school) and she was a great part of the team,' the friend said. The friend added: 'I'd never defend anyone that would hurt a child. But really it's still really hard to believe that she did this. I thought for sure it was a mistake at first. The whole situation is so surreal. 'She really did have a good group of friends and she did a lot of projects and school activities. Not at all what you would expect from someone in this kind of news headline.' DailyMail.com obtained messages from the Nashville School of Arts alumni page where several former classmates of Hale were in disbelief. 'This is crazy y'all,' one person wrote. 'I'm sure all of us could say the Audrey we knew back in high school was so opposite from who they were this morning. 'Its tough enough to grasp if we even knew Audrey, you know? I know this is a shock to the NSA fam. My heart breaks for those sweet families who lost loved ones this morning.' Another alumni added: 'JESUS!!' All six victims were identified on Monday. They were nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, and three members of staff Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61, and school head Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60. Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the Presbyterian church affiliated with the school Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, aka Cindy Broyles Peak, is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot to death at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, 2023 Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Hale went into The Covenant School around 10.13am, opened fire and was killed by police less than 15 minutes later. Aside from the three students, all aged nine, pronounced dead, Hale also killed substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61. The suspect drove to school in a Honda Fit, which was discovered in the Covenant Church/school campus early Monday. Nashville police said it helped identify her. 'MNPD detectives searched it and found additional material written by Hale,' police said. It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe she attended the school at some point. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. Police said Hale left behind a manifesto they believe will give them a motive into the massacre, the 129th in the United States in 2023. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this day,' Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna to take place. There's right now a theory that we may put out later but it's not confirmed. We'll put that out as soon as we can.' Audrey Hale's Honda Fit which she parked at The Covenant School campus before opening fire inside the school As officers responded to the Covenant campus, Hale fired on arriving police vehicles from a second story window A police car which Audrey Hale fired upon from a second story window once she had blasted her way into The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday Cracked glass can be seen in a second story window where Audrey Hale fired on an approaching cop car outside The Covenant School A child weeps while on the bus leaving The Covenant School, following a mass shooting at the school in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. March 27, 2023 Children from The Covenant School hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on Monday March, 27, 2023 Drake said that Hale mentioned another location in her manifesto, but decided that there was too much security to launch an attack. According to the chief, Hale and no criminal history and said he did not know of any history of mental illness, though investigators were still looking into that. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Hale styled herself as an illustrator, drawing under the name Aiden. She received an education from Nossi College of Art in Nashville for digital art and design. Her work included renderings of Sponge Bob Squarepants, a Keith Haring tribute, and a drawing of Jack Nicholson in the film The Shining, with his infamous quote: 'Here's Johnny!' Photos of Audrey receiving an award in spring 2017 at Nossi has since surfaced. Audrey - who drew under the male name Aiden - was an illustrator and graphic designer He was sworn in alongside seven members of his ministry Chris Minns has been sworn in as the 47th Premier of NSW Chris Minns has been sworn in as the 47th Premier of New South Wales - as vote counting from Saturday's election suggests he'll be leading a minority government despite earlier predictions it would govern in its own right. The Labor Leader and seven members of his ministry were sworn in by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at Government House on Tuesday. Apart from Mr Minns, Prue Car was sworn in as the new deputy premier, Daniel Mookhey as the treasurer, Jo Haylen as transport minister, John Graham as roads minister, Penny Sharpe as environment minister and Ryan Park as health minister. Ms Beazley congratulated the incoming ministers and commented on how the change of government was an 'historic moment'. Mr Minns and Ms Car spoke following the ceremony. Chris Minns has been sworn in as the 47th Premier of New South Wales (pictured with NSW Governor Margaret Beazley) 'There's a huge responsibility on our shoulders and work starts today,' he said. 'Counting is continuing in many key seats and we don't know the final composition of the next parliament but my team and I are ready.' Mr Minns also shared the moment to his social media, writing, 'Officially the 47th Premier of NSW.' 'An incredible honour, and now it's straight to work.' It comes as votes are still being counted, with several seats too close to call. Labor currently holds 45 seats and, in a setback for the new administration, still does not have the required 47 seats to form a majority government. The Labor Leader and seven members of his ministry were sworn in at Government House on Tuesday The new ministry includes Prue Car as the new deputy premier, Daniel Mookhey as the treasurer, Jo Haylen as transport minister, John Graham as roads minister, Penny Sharpe as environment minister and Ryan Park as health minister The results indicate the new premier may preside over a minority government despite earlier predictions the ALP would reach a majority in the new parliament. However, three independent members of the crossbench said they would provide Mr Minns with 'confidence and supply' if he did not make up the necessary seats on Monday. The seats of Goulburn, Holsworthy, Kiama, Miranda, Ryde, Terrigal and the Upper Hunter are still in doubt, although the Nationals appear likely to retain the Upper Hunter. About 60 per cent of the votes have been counted so far. On Saturday voters abandoned the Coalition after 12 years in power, with the crushing election defeat showing a massive swing to Labor. Mr Minns has pledged to fix the state's toll road system, provide more social and affordable housing, boost healthcare worker numbers, end the privatisation of state assets and return to a state-owned energy company. Unions in NSW called on the new state Labor government to lift public sector wages and abolish the Coalitions wage cap of 3 per cent. Minns said the wages cap would be an urgent priority for his new government, and he will meet with unions to work out the 'next stage forward'. The staffer was attacked in broad daylight in Washington D.C. about a mile and a half from the Capitol A member of Senator Rand Paul's staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight and left with life-threatening injuries by a 'sex trafficker who had just been released from prison'. Cops arrested and charged suspect, 42-year-old D.C. resident Glynn Neal, with assault with intent to kill after the vicious attack which happened on Saturday afternoon in Northeast, Washington D.C. Records show Neal was released from prison on Friday - one day before the attack - after spending nearly 12 years behind bars for compelling two North Carolina women to engage in prostitution via the use of threats, a first-degree sex charge. Senator Paul released a statement on Monday shortly after the Metropolitan Police said in a news release that Neal had been charged. Neal's motive in the stabbing remains unclear. The adult male victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries, said the police. Senator Rand Paul announced Monday that one of his staffers had been brutally stabbed over the weekend 'This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C. I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions,' the senator's statement read. 'We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery.' A police report said the victim had been walking down the street - the 1300 block of h street - when a man 'hiding in a corner' popped out and stabbed him multiple times before the victim was able to grab the suspects arms as another person tackled the suspect to the ground. The attack is believed to be the second impacting a member of Congress or congressional staffer this year. Last month, Representative Angie Craig said a man punched her in the face and attempted to grab her neck inside an elevator at her apartment building. Craig said she threw hot coffee at her assailant before he fled. The congresswoman suffered bruising but was otherwise okay. Two people have been charged with murder following the death of a two-year-old girl. The girl, from Gravesend, Kent, was admitted to hospital with injuries on May 27 2020, before she was transferred to a hospital in London where she died two days later, according to Kent Police. A force spokesman said: 'Upon her arrival at hospital concerns were raised to Kent Police and two people were arrested. Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate subsequently launched an investigation.' Jan Gholami, 32, and Roqia Ghulami, 31, both of no fixed address, have now been charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child and child neglect. The pair appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court and were remanded to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday March 28. Indigenous TV journalist Stan Grant has sent a letter to the ABC slamming the national broadcaster for its lack of diversity during its coverage of the NSW election. The Q&A host sent the outraged letter to management on Sunday and ripped into his own employer for using an 'entire white panel' on during its state election coverage. David Speers and Sarah Ferguson led the panel on Saturday night with appearances from NSW treasurer Matt Kean and Labor frontbencher Penny Sharpe. Grant, a Wiradjuri man born in 1963, questioned how it was 'acceptable' and accused the broadcaster of using non-white journalists as 'cameos'. Grant said he was 'fed up' with the broadcaster claiming it was on a 'journey' towards diversity, and claimed 'the dial has barely moved' in 40 years. He said he had seen no significant change in diversity or equity since joining the broadcaster 40 years ago and was 'fed-up' with its empty promises to lead change. Q&A host Stan Grant (above) sent ABC's top bosses a scathing email to slam its 'entire white panel' for its NSW election coverage 'In 2023, how is it at all acceptable that an election night coverage features an entire white panel?,' Grant wrote in a letter seen by Crikey. 'This is not a criticism of my colleagues who are all well qualified, but it is a criticism of the ABC that for decades has nurtured and promoted white staff at the exclusion of others. 'There is no excuse for what I saw on air last night. None. 'I have worked at organisations around the world and nowhere would what we presented last night be tolerated.' Malaysian-born ABC journalist Jeremy Fernandez was one of the journalists Grant claims was reduced to a 'cameo' role, despite featuring in promotional material for the coverage. During the show, Fernandez was tasked with explaining the ABC's 'big board' that showed which way highlight seats were expected to fall. 'The fact that any journalists of colour in our coverage were 'off Broadway' in support roles, reporting from the suburbs, only adds to the insult,' he said. As an Indigenous man and the company's First Nations journalist, Grant said he felt he had a responsibility to better the ABC. 'I don't do it for myself, I have had my career but I don't want to wait another decade for things to change,' he told Crikey. Sarah Ferguson (left) and David Speers (right) led Saturday's panel, which Grant claims only featured 'cameos' from journalists of colour ABC Director News Justin Stevens told Daily Mail Australia the company values Grant's input and 'welcomes constructive discussion'. 'Stan says the ABC is not yet where we want to be. I agree that we have a way to go,' he said. 'We respect Stan enormously. For decades he has been one of the highest-profile First Nations journalists in this country and with that he has carried the burden of fighting for the advancement of his First Nations and culturally diverse colleagues. 'That responsibility is on all of us to carry at the ABC and not him alone. As Stan said, Saturday's NSW election coverage was editorially strong and well presented. 'It also showcased the terrific next generation talent we have coming through the NSW newsroom.' Western Sydney locals divided on whether should be released State Parole Authority ruled he should be released after more than 12 years' jail A man who bundled the body of his stepdaughter into a suitcase before setting her on fire has been granted parole. Robert Smith is serving a minimum 12-years' jail for manslaughter and being an accessory to the murder of six-year-old Kiesha Abrahams in 2010. He was jailed alongside Kiesha's mother, Kristi Abrahams, who was convicted of murder and jailed for at least 16 years. Smith appeared in Parramatta District Court on Tuesday and was told by Judge Geoffrey Bellew that the NSW State Parole Authority had granted his parole. Kiesha died in her bed at their home in Hebersham, western Sydney, after being knocked unconscious by her mother when she refused to put her pyjamas on. Robert Smith (left) is currently serving a maximum 16-year sentence for manslaughter and being an accessory to the murder of Kiesha Abrahams in 2010 but the NSW State Parole Authority has made their intention clear to grant his release next month Kiesha (pictured) died in bed at their Mt Druitt home in Sydney's west, after being knocked unconscious by her mother before being put to bed, where she died The couple did not seek medical help after Kiesha was beaten and instead put her in the shower and then to bed, where she died. Despite the brutal crime, the Parole Authority formed an 'intention to grant parole' and plan on releasing Smith as early as April 21. Smith appeared via video link in his prison greens on Tuesday with his long greying hair slicked back into a low ponytail. He was devoid of expression as he waited to learn his fate. The court heard the victim's family had not objected to Smith's release but asked for him to be prohibited from entering Blacktown or Penrith in western Sydney. Smith was a model inmate in prison while participating in multiple programs and employment. Judge Bellew granted him parole, and he will serve the next four years of his sentence under strict supervision. 'The authority determines that the offender should be released,' he told the court. 'The authority is satisfied that it is in the interest of the community that the offender be released.' The court heard Smith would be released between April 21 and 28. Smith did not react to the decision to grant him parole, but community members sobbed outside court as they grieved Kiesha's loss. On Monday protesters lead by Alison Anderson (pictured) took to the streets to demand he is not granted parole after the State Parole Authority Congregating outside the home of Smith's mother in Bidwill, where he will stay if he is to be granted parole, protesters demanded he is not released from prison Protesters took to the streets on Monday to demand he was not granted parole after the Parole Authority stated its intention to do so. Congregating outside the home of Smith's mother in Bidwill, Alison Anderson, once a devoted supporter of Kristi Abrahams turned one of the most vocal in the fight for justice, led the calls to keep him behind bars. Ms Anderson told Daily Mail Australia the sentence imposed on the couple wasn't enough and no matter how much rehabilitation Smith had, he should never be released. 'It should be life for a life, I don't care how much so-called rehabilitation it takes, his papers should have been stamped never to be released,' she said. 'I say no parole for child killers. 'They should never be released, he has taken a life and he needs to rot in hell in there.' Many locals applauded Ms Anderson's protests for justice for Kiesha, calling her 'a champion' and 'the voice for Keisha'. On the street where Smith will live with his mother if he is to be granted parole, local Tash Taylor told Daily Mail Australia that the community needs to stop taking their anger out on his mother. 'Our courts are far too lenient but it's not his mother's fault,' she said. 'It's horrible she's the centre of this for something she didn't do.' On the street where Smith will live with his mother if he is to be granted parole, local Tash Taylor told Daily Mail Australia that the community needs to stop taking their anger out on his mother (pictured- the home where Smith will stay if he is to be released) Smith and Abrahams were arrested in 2011 at Shalvey, a short walk from where the little girl's body was found in dense bushland. On April 11, they went to check out the location where she was buried on what would have been Keisha's seventh birthday. But little did they know police were waiting in Freya Crescent, Shalvey for the pair to exit the park and place them under arrest. Residents on Freya Crescent said they still recall that night and can't believe it has been over a decade. One man, who has lived on the street for two decades said the area has always been a police hotspot, with late-night arrests a relatively frequent occurrence. Smith and Abrahams were arrested in 2011 at Shalvey, a short walk from where the little girl's body was found in dense bushland On April 11, they went to check out the location where she was buried on what would have been Keisha's seventh birthday before being arrested by police on Freya Crescent, Shalvey (pictured) The local, who spoke under the guise of anonymity, said he remembers that night as cops lined the streets waiting for the couple to exit the park. 'I remember waking up to it was just like wow what is happening,' he said. 'I can't believe it was that long ago but police being here isn't unusual, so it wasn't like we realised how big that arrest was at the time'. The man, however, said he was glad Smith was set to be released as he 'deserves a second chance'. 'It's good that he's going to be getting out, he's done his time and deserves a second chance and all that,' he said. 'It is time for him and others to get on with their lives.' Yet just a few houses up the street, a woman said she believes Smith should have been given a sentence to reflect the years he 'stole from that little girl'. 'I am surprised he only received a 16-year sentence and is being released after only 12,' she said. 'That girl would be 18 years old now and I believe the punishment should reflect at least the years he took from her, so it should have been more like 80.' Smith hid Kiesha's body in a suitcase inside a wardrobe for five days before taking it to bushland at Shalvey (pictured), not far from their home Smith doused Keisha's body in petrol and set it alight before burying the charred remains Because Smith's non-parole period has now ended, the SPA had to consider his freedom. The SPA is obliged to begin assessing if an inmate is suitable for release 60 days before the date they are eligible and must make a final parole decision no later than three weeks before the inmate's eligible release date. When the five members of the SPA met to discuss Smith's potential release, they came to the consensus that they intend to free him on parole. The matter will now go to a public review hearing on April 4 which will be held in open court. Victims and the state will be allowed to have their say before a final decision is handed down. 'A final parole decision will not be made until the Authority considers all the available information before it, including any submissions that may be made at the review hearing,' the SPA said. Abrahams (pictured) initially said she had put Keisha to bed in their Hebersham home at about 9.30pm but had disappeared by the following morning Abrahams called police to tell them her daughter was missing, sparking an extensive search in Sydney's western suburbs that caught nationwide attention before her remains were uncovered Kiesha became a well-known face after she was reported missing by Abrahams and Smith in August, 2010. Abrahams initially said she had put Kiesha to bed in their Hebersham home at about 9.30pm but had disappeared by the following morning. She then called police to tell them her daughter was missing, sparking an extensive search in Sydney's western suburbs that caught nationwide attention. Abrahams and Smith made emotional pleas at the time, and gained an outpouring of support from Australians after appearing on TV several times. But it didn't take long for police to suspect them, and Abrahams eventually made a tearful confession to an undercover cop. Abrahams claimed she just gave her daughter 'a little nudge' and she fell over and hit her head on the floor, but forensic evidence disproved this and pointed to forceful blows to the head. Eight months after Kiesha was reported missing, police arrested Abrahams and Smith in 2011. Abrahams was charged with murder after human remains were discovered in bushland at Mt Druitt on what would have been Kiesha's seventh birthday. Smith hid Kiesha's body in a suitcase inside a wardrobe for five days before taking it to bushland at Shalvey, not far from their home. He then doused her body in petrol and set it alight before burying the charred remains. Abrahams was jailed for 22 years and Smith was jailed for a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 16 years The little girl was relentlessly abused by her mother, who was unable to care for her due to abuse she herself suffered as a child. Abrahams also hated how Kiesha resembled her ex-partner Christopher Weippeart, the girl's biological father. Though Kiesha's body was burned after her death, a post-mortem found 10 separate injuries to her head, jaw, and body, including teeth fractures. Abrahams abused her daughter for more of her short life, but it escalated in the 18 months before her death. When a case worker spoke to Kiesha in 2007, when she was three, she pointed to a burn mark and said 'mum did that' and 'mum hit there'. Abrahams was jailed for 22 years and Smith was jailed for a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 16 years at his sentencing in 2013. Celebrity neurosurgeon Charlie Teo sat in silence with his head down as his life's work was torn to shreds in front of family, supporters, and a panel of experts who will decide whether he should be allowed to continue to operate in Australia - restriction-free. Dr Teo arrived at his disciplinary hearing in Sydney for the seventh day on Tuesday to a crowd of adoring fans holding homemade posters with handwritten messages of encouragement and print-outs of selfies he took with patients. One man felt so passionately about Dr Teo's innocence that he stood in the street, on a metaphorical soapbox, yelling about how the case against the surgeon was 'fake news' and berating journalists for reporting on the hearing. Tuesday was the final day of evidence where the beloved doctor got to have his say and explain to a committee of experts exactly why he decided to operate on two women with brain tumours, known as Patient A and Patient B. Celebrity neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has had his life's work was torn to shreds in front of family, supporters, and a panel of experts who will decide whether he should be allowed to operate in Australia restriction-free. He is pictured with fiancee Traci Griffiths Both women had terminal brain tumours with weeks or months to live, but Dr Teo said he could improve their quality of life. However, they were both left in vegetative states and passed away soon after surgery. A panel of legal and medical experts is examining Dr Teo's conduct, including whether he adequately informed his patients of the risks involved. Throughout his career, Dr Teo has developed a reputation for being a maverick in his field - operating on tumours other experts have deemed inoperable. He says many of his peers have grown to resent him for his controversial practices and, outside the hearing in February, claimed the husband of Patient A was 'hoodwinked' by other doctors into filing an official complaint against him after his wife's death. The barrister acting for the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), Kate Richardson SC, spent most of Monday forensically quizzing him on whether he cut into the midline of Patient A's brain, and whether he cut too much from Patient B. Supporters in the public gallery audibly sighed as she questioned him on the same topic over and over, while Dr Teo threw his head back in frustration at one stage and and exclaimed: 'Really, are we going to go on about this?' At another stage, Dr Teo was so irritated that he and Ms Richardson talked over each other - to the point were the chairperson of the committee presiding over the hearing, Jennifer Boland, had to intervene. There were also multiple occasions Ms Boland stepped in and said 'I think we have exhausted this line of questioning'. But on Tuesday, Ms Richardson embarked on attacks on Dr Teo's character and reputation in her closing submissions - slamming the doctor as an 'opportunistic' and 'deliberately untruthful' witness who could not be relied upon. Dr Teo arrived at his disciplinary hearing in Sydney for the seventh day on Tuesday to a crowd of adoring fans holding homemade posters with handwritten messages of encouragement and selfies he took with patients (above) 'There are a number of matters where there is an element Professor Teo's version versus the person on the other side of the conversation,' she said. Ms Richardson referred to various moments during the hearing where Dr Teo said Patient A's tumour was a tectal tumour - a slow-growing tumour at the roof of the brain stem - but later changed his evidence. She also spoke about moments when Dr Teo initially told the hearing he could not remember whether he gave Patient A's family a percentage-based risk of a 'catastrophic outcome', then said he told her family there was a five per cent risk. 'He then saw a file note with an ambiguous "100" and he jumped on it, saying "yes I told them there was a 100 per cent risk of paralysis",' Ms Richardson said. '(Dr Teo) made up evidence opportunistically as a response to a complaint made against him.' She also claimed he 'lacked empathy' due to his statement about Patient A's widower being hoodwinked. Ms Richardson said he suffered trauma because he had to pay for his intubated wife to be repatriated, by plane, from NSW to their home in WA. 'There were were negotiations at a political level to get her back into the WA health system,' Ms Richardson said. One man felt so passionately about Dr Teo's innocence that he stood in the street, on a metaphorical soapbox, yelling about how the case against the surgeon was 'fake news' and berating journalists for reporting on the hearing. Supporters are pictured on Tuesday She told the hearing Dr Teo's assertion that the husband was simply coerced into filing a complaint by medical rivals, and did not genuinely want to make one, implied a 'lack of empathy and a lack of ability to reflect on what happened'. His supporters in the gallery were tense - sometimes shaking their heads in disagreement. One woman left the hearing early because she was upset. Throughout Ms Richardson's closing submissions, Dr Teo kept his head down and stared intently at his phone. Sitting behind his legal team, he appeared to sink lower into his chair as Ms Richardson's closing submissions surpassed the two-hour mark. In fact, the doctor kept his head down most of the time when he wasn't being questioned. He assumed the same position with his eyes closed while Associate Professor Andrew Morokoff told the hearing on Monday that he believed Dr Teo went 'beyond the midsection of the brain' when operating on Patient A. And again when expert witness Professor Bryant Stokes called Dr Teo's rationale for operating on Patient B 'nonsense'. Dr Teo had his head in his hands at one point, then his face was resting on one fist, then his hands were under his thighs as he closed his eyes. He was, however, significantly more animated when answering Ms Richardson's questions during cross-examination on Monday - no matter how frustrated he became, the brain surgeon spoke clearly, and in full sentences. But he really hit his stride during his re-examination on Tuesday - when he was given a range of brain scans and asked to explain them, and proceeded to give the room a short crash course in tumours. In Patient A, he was accused of operating beyond the midline of her brain and irreparably damaging her. In Patient B, he was accused of removing chunks of healthy brain tissue and leaving most of the tumour behind. Outside the hearing, Dr Teo said: 'I dont think my colleagues will ever let me operate again. I'm hoping one day I can build my own hospital and operate in my own hospital' On Tuesday morning, Dr Teo was able to show his reasons for operating the way he did - he stood up, faced the committee, the legal teams, and the public gallery while referencing a range of brain scans projected before the room. He was able to show where Patient A's tumour was in the brain, and showed the tumour did go beyond the midline of the brain and he therefore tried to remove it. Dr Teo willingly admitted fault and pinpointed the part of brain where he believes he went wrong. 'I think I've been too aggressive here,' he said, pointing to a brightly-lit section in the middle of the patient's post-operative scan. 'If I'd stuck to the edges of the tumour perfectly - and I've probably gone across the midline here - by 1.5mm, but that's enough to damage a patient when you're doing surgery in this area,' he said. When talking about Patient B, he was able to show the breadth of the tumour and the extent to which it was compromising her brain. He said the growth was so widespread it was difficult to say what was tumour, what was swelling, and what was healthy brain. 'It was brought up that I was coercing the patient or forcing her by saying she was close to death and could die at moment,' he said. He then explained the pressure the tumour created on her brain meant the middle of her brain had shifted by 11mm, known as a midline shift. A midline shift of 4mm in children is considered an emergency, and a midline shift of 6mm in adults is an emergency. '[11mm] is a sign of impending death,' he said. 'To assert that this patient wasn't about to die is incorrect - this patient could have died at any time from this midline shift.' He previously told the hearing the patient's brain bulged out of her skull when he started operating. Outside the hearing, Dr Teo said: 'I dont think my colleagues will ever let me operate again. I'm hoping one day I can build my own hospital and operate in my own hospital.' The hearing will continue on Wednesday. Three males - one of whom was wearing an FBI T-shirt - have been arrested following an alleged armed crime spree in Melbourne's western suburbs on Tuesday morning. Two of them were allegedly armed with a machete when they allegedly robbed two businesses in Werribee, 32km south-west of Melbourne CBD, the police said. They entered a business on Watton Street, Werribee just after 9am and allegedly demanded cash, which was handed over. A short time later the same offenders attended a business on Cottrell Street and one male allegedly entered the store armed with the machete. Cash and alcohol were allegedly stolen. Three males - one of whom was wearing an FBI T-shirt (pictured) - have been arrested following an alleged armed crime spree in Melbourne's western suburbs on Tuesday morning They then fled the area in an allegedly stolen grey Hyundai hatchback, leading to a police pursuit. The car was chased through Werribee and stopped on the Princes Freeway near Duncans Road. The alleged offenders then lost control of the car and crashed into a pole on Ascot Vale Road in Moonee Ponds just before 10.30am. Two teenage boys and a 20-year-old man were arrested. One of the alleged offenders was taken to hospital and the other two have been taken into custody. Two of them were allegedly armed with a machete when they robbed two businesses in Werribee, 32km south-west of Melbourne CBD, the police said. One of the males is pictured being handcuffed Nashville police have shared photos of the three weapons used by the trans school shooter who killed six, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members on Monday. Audrey Hale, 28, is a transgender woman and alumnus of the school who wrote out her plans in a detailed manifesto. Police shared pictures of three weapons Hale had been carrying when she shot her way into the Covenant Church/School building. The weapons are believed to be two assault-type rifles and a 9 millimeter pistol. Officials said on Monday that two of the three weapons used in the shooting were bought legally. She was also carrying a significant amount of ammunition. One of the rifles was daubed with the word 'HELL' while the pistol had the shooter's new male name, Aiden, inscribed upon it. Late on Monday night, Nashville Metro Police confirmed that a search of Hale's home revealed Metro two other firearms, a shotgun and a sawed-off shotgun were also found in the residence. Nashville police have released photos of the three weapons used in the shooting, which included two assault-type rifles The second of two rifles used in the shooting has been pictured by Nashville Police A 9 millimeter pistol was also being carried by the shooter during the Monday murders When Hale pulled up to the school in her Honda Fit, the glass doors were locked. Hale shot her way inside firing at the doors to get onto the premises. Hale also allegedly had planned out an attack on another school but decided not to attack there after believing there was too much security, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake in a Monday afternoon press conference. At around 10.13am, she opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing nine-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. Koonce worked alongside her daughter at The Covenant School. Anna Koonce serves as a faculty/student assistant. Cops said Hale was transgender, although they haven't specified further details. She was born female, but a LinkedIn profile believed to be hers uses he/him pronouns, suggesting Hale was living as a man. It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe she attended the school at some point. The school released a statement late on Monday night. 'Our community is heartbroken. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' The shooter has left behind a manifesto, the chief said, that Drake thinks will give them a motive into the massacre, the 129th in the United States in 2023. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. Nashville police have shared a photo of the car used by Audrey Hale, the private school shooter who killed six, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members They also posted photos of the doors of the school, which Hale had shot out in order to gain entrance Audrey Hale (pictured), the private school shooter in Nashville who killed six, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members, is a transgender woman and alumnus of the school who wrote out their plans in a detailed manifesto The front entrance of The Covenant School shows the glass doors clearly decimated by bullets 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this day,' Drake said. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna to take place. There's right now a theory that we may put out later but it's not confirmed. We'll put that out as soon as we can.' When asked if how Hale identified might impact the motive, Drake paused before saying: 'We can give you that at a later time. There is some theory to that, we're investigating all the leads.' According to the chief, Hale and no criminal history and said he did not know of any history of mental illness, though investigators were still looking into that. Drake also said that Hale had plans to attack another school in the Nashville area. 'There was another location that was mentioned but because of a threat assessment by the suspect, too much security, they decided not to,' he said. Terrified children peer out the windows of their school bus as they wait to be driven away from the school after the shooting Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members The Nashville shooting is the 129th mass shooting this year. The country surpassed the milestone of 100 mass shootings on March 5 with the rate rising faster than in the past ten years. Last year, the U.S. hit 100 mass shootings on March 19, almost two weeks after this year's date. The previous year, 2021, was March 20, while in 2020 it was May 3 and 2018 and 2019 also saw late May dates for the grim mark. So far this year, there have been 13 school shootings, with six children killed in total and four adults or employees losing their lives. Nashville is the deadliest school shooting of 2023 and is one of just five in history which had a female gunman. Mr Buckingham said Liberal and Labor had 'their heads in the sand' His son Eden took his own life after telling parents he was abused as a child A politician leading the charge to legalise cannabis as a tribute to his son who took his own life is on the verge of claiming a seat in the NSW Parliament. Legalise Cannabis Party candidate and former Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham re-entered politics after four years in memory of his son Eden. Eden, 23, was found dead in bushland last August after telling his parents he 'suffered the most evil abuse' at the hands of a relative as a young boy. He struggled with depression and drug addiction as a result and his dad wants cannabis legalised as an alternative treatment to opiates. Legalise Cannabis Party candidate Jeremy Buckingham is on the verge of claiming a seat in the NSW Parliament Mr Buckingham led his party's Legislative Council ticket at the NSW election on Saturday and has 0.84 quotas so far, very close to the threshold required for a seat. Legalise Cannabis has 3.8 per cent of the upper house vote, more than any other minor party besides the Greens (9.5 per cent) and One Nation (5.7 per cent). Counting will continue for many days to come, with only 60 per cent tallied so far, and Mr Buckingham wasn't yet ready to claim victory. 'We're cautiously optimistic we can secure a spot,' he said, noting the party got about 10 per cent of the vote on the mid-north coast. Election analyst Ben Raue said the party could form part of a progressive majority in the upper house by pulling in votes from Liberal-leaning citizens. 'Legalise Cannabis, Liberal Democrats, and the Shooters are clearly in front, with Animal Justice in a close contest with the coalition for the final seat,' he said. Mr Buckingham during the campaign said Premier Dominic Perrottet and Labor leader Chris Minns were too conservative for modern Australia after they ruled out decriminalising marijuana for recreational use during the debate. 'The major parties have got their heads in the sand,' he told Daily Mail Australia after watching the debate. 'The legalisation of cannabis is inevitable and the rise of the Legalise Cannabis Party is indicative of a growing awareness in Australia that it is the sensible rational thing to do. 'We can reduce harm, save money, and free up a drug that millions of Australians use both recreationally and for medicine.' Mr Buckingham pointed to Hawaii voting to legalise marijuana on Tuesday, and numerous other US states and countries that made the switch years ago. He also noted recent polling showed a majority of Australians for the first time wanted recreational cannabis legalised, and surveys showed most had tried it. 'The major parties are making a massive mistake by continuing with prohibition, which is expensive, pushes it into the hands of criminals and the black market. That's a mistake and everyone in Australia knows it,' he said. 'Millions of Australians have tried cannabis and thousands in NSW use it - they should not be criminalised and we should not be wasting millions of taxpayers' dollars on a pointless war that hasn't worked.' Mr Buckingham's son Eden, 23, (pictured) took his own life last August a day after revealing he had been abused by a relative, and his dad wants to legalise marijuana as a tribute to him Mr Buckingham said he wasn't surprised both leaders ruled out legalisation because they were both 'very conservative and have their heads in the sand'. He said this position was to both their detriment as it was out of touch with what NSW voters, particularly younger ones, wanted. 'Young people, especially, recognise that cannabis use and be safe if it's well regulated,' he said. 'Ultimately the major parties are going to have to change their position.' Mr Buckingham said if he and others in his party were elected at the March 25 election, they would push for both the legalisation of cannabis and the reform of roadside drug testing laws that 'unfairly impact on people who are using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis'. Tragedy behind push for legal weed Mr Buckingham lost his boy Eden, aged just 23, last August after a long struggle with depression and drug addiction. Eden was found dead in bushland after telling his parents he 'suffered the most evil abuse' at the hands of a relative before he was even a teenager. Eden's death prompted Mr Buckingham's return to politics after four years as he hopes to provide an alternative to opiates for young people suffering mental illness and chronic pain. 'The struggle my son had with his mental health issues was very, very difficult and he was on various medications, opiates, that I don't think did him any good whatsoever,' he said. Mr Buckingham said 'every day was a struggle' since his son's suicide, and he didn't want another family to go through what his did. 'It's been, and will continue to be, a dark and and tragic circumstance. I love my son, I miss him every day,' he said. He described his 'beautiful, golden boy' as a sensitive and intelligent 'warrior' and sharing news of his death were 'the hardest, unbearable words'. 'Eden couldn't live with his truth, telling us a day before he passed that he had suffered the most evil abuse from a relative,' Mr Buckingham wrote in an emotional Facebook post after his death. 'His trust, faith and hope were shattered. He couldnt live with the secret shame and guilt, and couldnt live with the truth revealed. 'He said he didnt want to be the guy that this had happened to. It was too much for him. I understand and am not angry at him. I know why.' Advertisement Mr Buckingham previously told Daily Mail Australia that Australia was 'far behind' many Western democracies that legalised marijuana years ago, and the drug was less dangerous than other legal ones. 'The government makes a fortune out of alcohol and tobacco taxes, and there's incredible harm from that,' he said. 'When was the last time you saw two stoned people having a punch-up in a car park? Never. Poll Should Australia legalise cannabis? Yes No Should Australia legalise cannabis? Yes 231 votes No 102 votes Now share your opinion 'But how many people who've had 14 cans of rum have you seen having a ding-dong in the Maccas car park?' Mr Buckingham said it was 'inevitable' Australia would soon legalise marijuana, and it would happen faster if voters supported his party. 'We're riding a wave [of support] with two people elected in WA and Victoria and we have confidence about NSW... and a majority of Australians support legalisation,' he said. 'It won't happen overnight but it won't take forever. We need to build consensus but don't want to get bogged down in inquiries - the research is being done overseas.' He hoped for a progressive upper house that wouldn't be dominated by MPs who 'have their heads in the sand with a just-say-no approach that doesn't work'. 'Whoever forms government should be looking at this - even conservative states in the US are legalising cannabis because it's a freedom issue, people should be free to enjoy their lives with a plant that's humans have been using for thousands of years,' he said. Eden's death prompted Mr Buckingham's return to politics after four years as he hopes to provide an alternative to opiates for young people suffering mental illness and chronic pain Mr Buckingham called the war on cannabis one of the most catastrophic policy failures in Australian history that needed to end quickly. 'We've wasted billions of taxpayer dollars on a senseless and damaging war on cannabis. It's needlessly criminalised tens of thousands of people for no reduction in harm,' he said. He had particular disdain for draconian drug driving laws that punished even medical cannabis patients if they failed a roadside saliva test as long as a month after they last used it. 'With alcohol you can have a glass of wine or mid-strength beer and drive, but if you have a small trace of a legal cannabis prescription for chronic illness three days later you can lose your licence and be fined even though you're not impaired, it's ridiculous,' he said. 'Australia is way behind, Canada and US states like California legalised cannabis more than five years ago and studies show there was no corresponding spike in drug-related accidents. If anything, they show marijuana users are slightly better drivers. 'There are many tests that measure impairment, and that is what we should be moving to - not ones that catch people taking medicine.' Mr Buckingham said research overseas showed more people tried marijuana when it was legalised, but there were only a small number of additional, regular users 'We don't want kids using it, and if you have well-formed legislation you're far more able to protect and educate young people young people,' he said. 'That's a far more effective way to deal with an issue that isn't going away because Australians use cannabis.' Mr Buckingham called the war on cannabis one of the most catastrophic policy failures in Australian history that needed to end quickly Mr Buckingham was a member of the NSW Legislative Council from 2011 to 2019. He was a Greens member from 2011 to 2018, but resigned from the party in December 2018. Announcing his return to politics, he said he was fighting for the common sense change that California, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Thailand and soon the ACT had already moved to and it was now time for NSW. 'I believe that current laws criminalising cannabis use and possession are not only costly and ineffective but also unjust. They disproportionately affect the sick, the young and Indigenous Australians,' he said. 'The legalisation of recreational cannabis for adult use would create a significant industry and employer, whilst massively reducing the burden and cost of prohibition on the community and criminal justice system.' For confidential crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 It appeared to refer to a recent incident at Stanford Law School , during which a conservative judge was shouted down mercilessly during a scheduled speech The post appeared to advocate for killing those with differing political opinions Wayne State University has suspended an English professor and referred him to police for saying Stanford students who abused a conservative judge should have killed him instead of just heckling. The professor is believed to be Steven Shaviro, a self-styled philosopher and teacher of English at the university, who wrote that Stanford students would be justified in killing the conservative judge whose appearance on campus was recently protested. University president Roy Wilson announced the suspension Monday morning, which is when he said the school became aware of the post. In a note, Wilson wrote that the professor works in the school's English department and has been suspended with pay. Shaviro's controversial post read: 'Although I do not advocate violating federal and state criminal codes, I think it is far more admirable to kill a racist, homophobic or transphobic speaker than it is to shout them down.' Wayne State English Professor Steven Shaviro who was suspended Monday for a social media post Shaviro's post which appears to condone violence against political rivals The professor wrote that 'right-wing' groups invite speakers to campuses across the country in order to provoke a reaction from progressive groups. 'The protesters get blamed instead of the bigoted speaker; the university administration finds a perfect excuse to side publicly with the racists or phobes; the national and international press has a field day saying that bigots are the ones being oppressed, rather than the people those bigots actually hate being the victims of oppression.' Finally, the professor goes on to site the instance of Sholem Schwarzbard, a Jewish, Russian-born French poet, who in 1926 assassinated Symon Petliura, the former head of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Schwarzbard held Petliura responsible for the deaths of his family, who had been killed in the 1919 pogroms. He killed Petliura on a street in Paris. 'The exemplary historical figure in this regard is Sholem Schwarzbard, who assassinated the anti-Semitic butcher Symon Petliura, rather than trying to shout him down. Remember that Schwarzbard was acquitted by a jury, which found his action justified,' wrote the professor. Wilson's email went on to say that the post had states that 'rather than "shouting down" those with whom we disagree, one would be justified to commit murder to silence them.' 'We have on many occasions defended the right of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but we feel this post far exceeds the bounds of reasonable or protected speech. It is, at best, morally reprehensible and, at worst, criminal.' 'We have referred this to law enforcement agencies for further review and investigation. Pending their review, we have suspended the professor with pay, effective immediately.' The posts has since been removed from the internet. Wayne State University, where an English professor was suspended Monday for posting a violent message on social media Judge Kyle Duncan, 51, of the Fifth Circuit Court, a Trump appointee, who was shouted down and protested by progressive Stanford Law students earlier this month The Fifth Circuit Judge's appearance was protested by more than 100 students at Stanford Law Judge Duncan is protested during a Stanford Law School Federalist Society event Earlier this month, a group of Stanford students heckled and shouted down Fifth Circuit Judge Kyle Duncan, a Trump appointee, during a visit to Stanford Law's Federalist Society. He'd been invited to speak by the society's members, but was shouted down by a the group of left-wing protesters. Among other things, students were displeased with the judge's record of refusing to allow a transgender pedophile to change her name from Norman Keith Varner to Kathrine Nicole Jett on court records. When he arrived at the school, he was met by around 100 students yelling obscenities at him, including one protester who told him: 'We hope your daughters get raped.' In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, the judge wrote that he also saw signs on campus that read 'you should be ASHAMED', with others claiming he had committed 'crimes against women, gays, blacks and "trans people.'' 'Stanford Law Schools website touts its "collegial culture" in which "collaboration and the open exchange of ideas are essential to life and learning,"' he wrote. 'This didnt seem "collegial."' He was warned prior to his arrival that there may be protesters and the school had to allow it, but reassured him they were 'on top of it.' If there was any disruption, the school would handle it, he was told, but Duncan said that didn't happen. Many say the incident is demonstrative of the growing intolerance for conservative ideas among the nation's top schools. The sister of one of the nine-year-old girls murdered in the Nashville school massacre sobbed 'I don't want to be an only child' at an emotional vigil Monday night. The community came together to pray for the six families who lost loved ones in Monday's Covenant School shooting that saw three young children and three adults lose their lives, including third grader, Evelyn Dieckhaus. Evelyn - who was described as 'adorable' by her Sunday School teacher - leaves behind an older sister Eleanor, who made her heartbreaking comments at Woodmont Christ Church. The community is also mourning the loss of nine-year-olds Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, as well as school staff Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce and Mike Hill. Dr. Michael Dieckhaus is seen holding his baby daughters, named Eleanor and Evelyn. Evelyn Dieckhaus, who was nine, was one of six people shot and killed at Covenant School in Nashville Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the Presbyterian church affiliated with the school Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, aka Cindy Broyles Peak (right) is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot to death at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, 2023 Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Two women cry at a prayer vigil at Woodmont Christian Church In an online tribute to the little girl, a Sunday School teacher, Sarah Drury, described Evelyn as 'adorable.' 'One of the 9 year old victims of the Nashville school shooting goes to my church. Her name is Evelyn Dieckhaus. She was adorable. I taught her equally angelic big sister in Sunday Sunday school,' Drury explained. 'Her mom Katy volunteered in our children's ministry... such a sweet Christian family. We had a prayer vigil tonight at our church. We are, the whole city, saturated in grief. Now. It's time to marry prayer and grief with action.' At Monday night's vigils, boxes of tissues were placed at the end of each church pew. They were a much needed addition to the short service as people came into the church, many with tears streaming down their faces. The crowd grew silent as candles were lit and Nashvillians began to grieve. 'It has been a hard day. We are sad. Sad for the families who came rushing to our church. Sad for those whose lives will never be the same because of the trauma inflicted on them. Sad because we live in a world broken by sin, suffering, and death,' senior pastor Nathan Parker said in statement. The reeling city mourned during multiple vigils on Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings, at one point reciting together, 'we confess we have not done enough to protect' the children injured or killed in shootings. 'We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve,' said Paul Purdue, the church's senior pastor. 'We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors.' People gather at Belmont United Methodist Church during a vigil for the victims killed earlier in the day at the Covenant School, Covenant Presbytarian Church in Nashville, Tennessee Two girls hug at a prayer vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for victims of the mass shooting A woman hugs her daughter during a prayer vigil on Monday night Family members pray during a vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for victims of the mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville Senior Pastor Paul Purdue preaches at Belmont United Methodist Church during a vigil for the victims killed earlier in the day at the Covenant School Boxes of tissues were placed at the end of each pew. They were a much needed addition to the short service as people came into the church with tears streaming down their faces Pastors Kate Fields and Ingrid McIntyre lead during a vigil for the victims killed earlier in the day at the Covenant School, Covenant Presbytarian Church in Nashville, Tennessee Skyler Bush of Nashville lights a candle at Belmont United Methodist Church during a vigil On Monday night, Covenant School which also lost the school's top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian, released a statement regarding the tragedy. 'Our community is heartbroken. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing,' the school wrote. The massacre at Covenant was the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. 'I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building,' Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said on Monday during one of several news conferences. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. Late on Monday night, cops continued to refer to the shooter using female pronouns. Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing six Hale's house in Nashville is pictured with its front door already boarded up The home of the Nashville shooter is seen in the southwest of the city Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after the shooting Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville are taken to a site away from the school, following the shooting The shooter gained entry by firing into glass doors on the building, shattering them, police later said in a tweet. The shooter was armed with two 'assault-style' weapons as well as a handgun, authorities said. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all nine years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Dr. Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Students held hands as they walked to school buses, which drove them to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Rachel Dibble, who was at the church as families found their children, described the scene as everyone being in 'complete shock.' 'People were involuntarily trembling,' said Dibble, whose children attend a different private school in Nashville. 'The children ... started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today.' A group prays with a child outside the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after the school shooting Children and a woman, all visibly shaken are seen following the school shooting Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a 'family's worst nightmare' and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. 'Its ripping at the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of this nation,' Biden said. Biden later ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings through March 31. He also spoke to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor John Cooper about the shooting, officials said. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church - which is affiliated with the conservative evangelical Presbyterian Church in America - The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe - a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled 'church office,' then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. JK Rowling mocked footage, which came after Australia and New Zealand riots The video showed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire being torched in a fire pit JK Rowling has ridiculed an Australian trans rights activist who posted video of a Harry Potter book being burned. The disturbing footage from Tess Hall was posted on a public Twitter feed and showed a fire pit before the novel was added in. Over video of the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, being torched, Ms Hall bemoans the 'hate we've been seeing of late' without a hint of irony. She uploaded the video with the caption 'a fireside reflection on fanning the flames of hate', adding: 'Tess Hall 2023 - All Rights Reserved'. But her pyrotechnic stunt drew the attention the best-selling author behind the magical character, who shared it with her 14 million followers and roundly mocked Ms Hall. 'I love that you added "all rights reserved", just in case people try and submit to the Academy Awards without your approval,' she told Ms Hall. It came in the wake of violent scenes as women's rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen -also known by campaign name Posie Parker - was attacked in New Zealand. The footage from Tess Hall was put on a public Twitter feed and showed a fire and the book As the book burned, without a hint of irony Hall bemoaned the 'hate we've been seeing of late' Ms Rowling ridiculed the video and showed her 14 million Twitter followers the footage Ms Hall, who has lived in Byron Bay, New South Wales, since 2015 describes herself as a 'integrated producer, director, strategist and writer'. In 2021, she campaigned vociferously against the Netflix reality show 'Byron Baes' - featuring 'hot Instagrammers living their best lives' - from being set in the town. She set up a petition which garnered over 9,000 signatures and organised a paddle out to protest the show. 'What right do they have to exploit, brand, Byron?' Ms Hall told the New York Times. She said she feared the show would draw 'the wrong type of person' to the region and share the towns secret beach spots with the rest of the world. 'Were not Venice Beach,' she said. 'Its a different vibe.' A first season of the show aired in 2022 and locals have been In September 2021, Ms Hall revealed that she had terminated some friendships when people did not agree with her stance on Covid-19 vaccinations. 'I have lost friendships over this,' Ms Hall told The Daily Telegraph. 'Theres a couple of clients that Ive decided to no longer work with because of their stance on vaccination.' She has described herself as gay in a past tweet and took issue with a gay reporter celebrating the show Real Housewives TV franchise by claiming 'for gays, this is our moon landing. 'No it's f****** not,' said Ms Hall. 'I am gay and I think GAY MEN who watch this bitchy trash are bitchy trash.' Her Twitter cover photo features a banner which reads ''f*** Murdoch', presumably in reference to media billionaire Rupert Murdoch. Ms Hall's two minute 20 second book-burning diatribe has been viewed almost eight million times. Hall declares: 'It's a barmy Sunday and I have just been reflecting on some of this hate we've been seeing of late. 'If we're going to return to this sort of time where hate is emboldened, people marching the street against the existence of others. She added: 'I think if we are going to be in the business of book burning lets make sure we are burning the right books. 'Of course book burning is something of an inflamatory gesture, one not to be encouraged. 'This dangerous tome authoured by an obsessed bigot who needs a new hobby is in homes all over the world, but the burning question is "won't somebody think of the children?".' Ms Rowling has become a target for trans activists who believe she is against their movement. Ms Rowling left little doubt of what she thought about the video showing the book burning Posie Parker, pictured with tomato sauce on her head, was targeted by pro-trans activists at a rally in Auckland, New Zealand In fact the author has been campaigning for women's rights and female-only spaces amid safety fears predatory men could poses as trans women to use them. It came hours after Ms Rowling slammed an ex-SNP councillor for 'having a right old laugh' after another campaigner was pelted with tomato sauce. It happened during a confrontation with pro-trans activists before Kellie-Jay Keen who was due to speak at her rally. Ms Keen has since been forced to leave after the chaos. Ms Rowling accused former Glasgow City councillor Austin Sheridan of being 'open' about not taking 'male violence against women' seriously after he tweeted a photo of a bowl of tomato soup. Mr Sheridan responded, 'I have never ever condoned violence against women', to which Ms Rowling sarcastically responded that it was 'entirely about your desire for tomato soup'. Ms Keen was covered in sauce at a rally in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday by activists against her gender critical views. She was escorted away by police before having the chance to speak. A video taken by New Zealand Herald columnist Shaneel Lal, who praised the fact she wasn't allowed to deliver a speech, showed counter-protesters taking over the area where the rally was taking place. JK Rowling has previously worn this t-shirt designed by Parker. It reads 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights' Counterprotestors have taken over the Albert Park Rotunda and Posie Parker didnt get to say a single word. Thats us, Auckland. Thats us. pic.twitter.com/LZFmE7AZwu Shaneel Lal (They/Them) (@shaneellall) March 24, 2023 Rowling, who has come under fire from trans activists for her views on gender, hit out at the actions of the group, calling them a 'mob' and 'repellent'. On Sunday, Mr Sheridan tweeted a photo of tomato soup, with the caption, 'seems that you can't have a nice wee bit of tomato soup without transphobes getting all worked up about it' and the thinking face and crying with laughter emojis. This sparked Ms Rowling, who is campaigner against male on women violence and has previously spoken out about being a victim of domestic violence, to respond. Referencing Mr Sheridan's support for Humza Yousaf in the SNP leadership campaign, she wrote: 'We've all met "progressive" men who think male violence against women they don't agree with is a right old laugh. What's new is seeing them being this open about it. Maybe Humza will let you write his gags if you manage to get him elected.' Mr Sheridan responded by tweeting: 'I have never ever condoned violence against women or anyone for that matter. No matter what views people hold I expect everyone to observe the law and anyone who doesn't observe the law should be punished in the appropriate manner. 'I was saying it's ridiculous that people can no longer post what they are having for dinner or tea without transphobes jumping on it saying some of the most awful things. Not only is some of the stuff being said by GC people abhorrent, it's just down right peculiar. Anyway. Happy Sunday JKR.' However, Ms Rowling hit back again, sarcastically saying: 'The laughing emoji, the sly smirk emoji and the mention of '"transphobes", a mere forty-eight hours after a highly publicised mass attack on women, at which at least one was punched, absolutely confirm that this was entirely about your desire for tomato soup, Austin.' She added: 'However, you could always tweet again, denouncing the trans activists who punched and assaulted the women speaking up for their rights and point out that their violence is one of the reasons women fear their presence in our single sex spaces.' JK Rowling hit out at ex-SNP councillor Austin Sheridan after he tweeted a photo of tomato soup days after a women's rights campaigner was covered in it by pro-trans activists Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, who goes by Posie Parker, had been on a trip to Australia and New Zealand for her Let Women Speak tour. Ms Keen-Minshull, who calls herself a 'women's right activist but not a feminist', believes it's impossible to change gender and campaigns to exclude trans women from female-only spaces. The mother-of-four from Wiltshire's views on gender have sparked chaos Down Under, and her talks have seen demonstrations from local trans activists in both countries. One Australian Green MP called her 'a c***', while neo-Nazis have also taken the chance to take part in a bid to stir up trouble. Speaking to MailOnline, she said she feels like 'public enemy No 1' and admits she fears for her safety after becoming 'a hate figure'. She said: 'I didn't realise how much women are hated by some parts of society before I came here. 'I feel like there are some great powers somewhere who don't want women talking. 'I can take being called a transphobe, but calling someone a Nazi? One of the politicians here called me a c***. They used rhyming slang of "dropkick and punt". 'The war on women in these countries is absolutely frightening. 'I have got to have a team of seven security guards out here with me. I genuinely do feel my life could be in danger sometimes.' Her rally in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday was over before it even really began, after a trans activist poured tomato sauce on her and some 2,000 demonstrators refused to allow her to speak. Parker was covered with tomato sauce at her rally in Auckland, New Zealand The 48-year-old has become a controversial figure for her views on gender. In 2018 she raised 700 for this poster to be put up in Liverpool More than 2,000 counter-protesters demonstrated against her rally in Auckland, New Zealand Protesters held up signs saying 'Trans women are women' to protest her appearance in Auckland A statement released by Speak Up For Women said a planned Wellington speaking event had been cancelled after being 'overrun by a violent mob'. 'Speak Up for Women thanks Mrs Keen-Minshull for having the courage to come to New Zealand and showing up in Albert Park today, despite receiving multiple death threats and threats of violence in the last week,' the statement read. 'In the coming weeks Speak Up For Women will be gathering witness statements and laying a formal complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority about the lack of police action to prevent violence in what was clearly an increasingly volatile situation.' On the same day in London, pro-trans activists gathered outside an event held by The Lesbian Project in its first workshop which aims to put 'lesbians back in focus'. Following the incident Ms Rowling tweeted: 'After the repellent scenes from New Zealand, in which a mob assaulted women speaking up for their rights, #TheLesbianProject is being intimidated and threatened in the UK, right now.' An MP who spoke out against vaccine mandates and abortion was the only incumbent Liberal in Sydney to get a swing towards her in the NSW election, and now she's running to be deputy leader. Tanya Davies, the member for Badgerys Creek, defied the state swing towards Labor that ended 12 years of Coalition rule. In her outer western Sydney electorate, she achieved a 1.1 per cent swing towards her, with counting so far showing her with a crushing 60.8 per cent to 39.2 per cent two-party margin over her Labor opponent. 'My community experienced a very tough set of circumstances during Covid and I was not afraid to speak on their behalf and fight for them,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Throughout my time as a Member of Parliament, I have been a strong advocate for my community and I think it's played a significant role in what looks to be a swing in my direction.' Her electorate, previously known as Mulgoa, was an ultra-safe Labor seat until she won it for the Liberal Party in 2011. Tanya Davies (pictured, left), the member for Badgerys Creek, defied the state swing towards Labor that ended 12 years of Coalition rule Mrs Davies is now running for the Liberal Party's deputy leadership, arguing she was the party's only MP now representing a western Sydney electorate, following the loss of Parramatta, Penrith and East Hills. The Liberal Party is narrowly leading in Holsworthy. 'As the only Liberal left standing in Western Sydney with what looks to be an increase in support for me, I believe I can offer so much more to the NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party and I will be seeking support from colleagues in the Party over the coming days and weeks for the deputy leadership,' she said. She suggested there needed to be a clearer difference between the major parties, without mentioning the moderate faction of the Liberal Party's support for a 70 per cent carbon emissions target by 2035. 'I am committed to ensuring that the Liberal Party offers a clear choice between political parties and addresses the serious concerns of the people of Western Sydney and NSW more broadly,' Mrs Davies said. Mrs Davies in August 2021 stirred the ire of former Nationals deputy premier John Barilaro when she sent a group email denouncing vaccine mandates for construction workers as Sydney residents were in lockdown. Mrs Davies, who is now running to be the Liberal Party's deputy leader, a year ago addressed a rally outside NSW Parliament House, speaking out against vaccinate mandates for public sector workers 'As many of you are aware I intend to put to our party room tomorrow my intention to move a private member's bill to protect businesses and employees against forced Covid-19 vaccinations and discrimination based on vaccination status,' she wrote. In March 2022, the MP from the Liberal Party's right faction addressed a rally outside NSW Parliament House, speaking out against vaccinate mandates for public sector workers during Dominic Perrottet's first few months as the former premier. 'Give us back our freedoms to go and earn an income,' Mrs Davies told the rally. 'I have been working with the new premier and his office to give him a chance to actually get more evidence to say that Covid is not the deadly disease that is going to eradicate millions of people in Australia.' During that speech, she also slammed then prime minister Scott Morrison for betraying the Liberal Party's ethos of personal freedom and responsibility. 'Prime minister Scott Morrison declared two weeks ago we are now living with Covid,' she said. 'We are not living with Covid if people are not allowed and permitted to work.' In 2019, she challenged then Liberal premier Gladys Berejikilian over a bill to decriminalise abortion and resigned as the minister for women, mental health and ageing (she is pictured addressing an anti-abortion rally in Sydney in September that year) In April 2019, she challenged then Liberal premier Gladys Berejikilian over a bill to decriminalise abortion and resigned as the minister for women, mental health and ageing. She spoke at an anti-abortion rally five months later in Sydney. Her local victory is a stark contrast to other contests across Sydney where the Liberal Party lost Parramatta with a 15 per cent and Riverstone with a 12.2 per cent swing. Labor is also leading in Ryde in Sydney's north, following a 9.2 per cent swing. The Liberal Party also lost the safe seat of South Coast with a 15 per cent swing. In nearby Kiama, former Liberal minister Gareth Ward is marginally leading Labor candidate Katelin McInerney after preferences, with 50.8 per cent of the two-party voted despite contesting a series of sex charges. In nearby Kiama, former Liberal minister Gareth Ward is marginally leading Labor candidate Katelin McInerney after preferences, with 50.8 per cent of the two-party voted despite facing a series of sex charges Daily Mail Australia has received images showing Mr Ward's campaign team wore Liberal Party blue shirts and had corflutes and a marquee in the same shade Mr Ward is fighting charges of sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count of common assault. He pleaded not guilty in Nowra District Court on Tuesday to the five charges. His Liberal opponent, Melanie Gibbons came third with just 11.4 per cent, and was trailing the Greens earlier in the count. Mr Perrottet only announced her as the candidate on March 7 - a fortnight before Saturday's election - after she had lost preselection in Holsworthy 100km away in south-west Sydney. Daily Mail Australia has received images showing Mr Ward's campaign team wore Liberal Party blue shirts and had corflutes and a marquee in the same shade. Susan Grey, who was handing out for the Labor Party, said Mr Ward's campaigners had tricked voters into think he was the endorsed Liberal candidate. 'Especially on the first maybe three or four days of pre poll when there were no Liberal signs and in some cases either no Liberal volunteer, or one timid one that would stand at only one of the entrances and was too intimidated to approach voters due to all the Gareth Ward supporters,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I am Labor and even I am disgusted at this. This is not democracy.' Susan Grey, who was handing out for the Labor Party, said Mr Ward's campaigners had tricked voters into think he was the endorsed Liberal candidate Daily Mail Australia understands Liberal Party members of the State Executive, from the dominant moderate faction, had delayed the Kiama preselection, which meant there was no Liberal challenger to Mr Ward until very late. Mr Ward was suspended from the Legislative Assembly in March last year after he was charged. He had resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2021, after being part of the moderate faction. The former minister for families, communities and disability services is contesting all charges with police alleging he indecently assaulted a 17-year-old boy at Meroo Meadow in 2013 and sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man in Sydney in 2015. New Labor Premier Chris Minns, who was sworn in on Tuesday, has 45 seats declared for his party, two short of the 47 needed for a majority in the 93-member Legislative Assembly with counting still underway. New Labor Premier Chris Minns, who was sworn in on Tuesday, has 45 seats declared for his party, two short of the 47 needed for a majority in the 93-member Legislative Assembly (he is pictured right with his deputy Prue Car, who Tanya Davies defeated in Mulgoa in 2011) Labor was previously leading in Terrigal, on the Central Coast, but is now trailing the Liberal Party with more votes counted. Mrs Davies in 2011 defeated Labor's Mulgoa candidate Prue Guillaume, as she was then known. By the next election in 2015 that Labor candidate, known by her married name of Prue Car, won the neighbouring seat of Londonderry and on Tuesday was sworn in as Deputy Premier. Kyle Kutasi, a former member of the Liberal Party's State Executive, said the party machine had sought to impose 'woke' candidates on the electorate. 'They deliberately ran down the clock on preselections in western Sydney and regional New South Wales - they tried to impose woke candidates,' he told Sky News. Mr Kutasi said he was expelled from the Liberal Party following a November meeting with the Premier's office, after he opposed those 'woke' candidates. He argued the party prioritised saving wealthy electorates on Sydney's north shore and northern beaches, against a threat from teal independents, at the expense of western Sydney and regional areas. But he noted the Liberal candidates who campaigned against Covid measures had the best results. 'The MPs and candidates who were most outspoken against the Covid lockdowns actually got swings towards them or who had very, very small swings against them,' Mr Kutasi said. One-time Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake says she will 'seriously consider' running for the US Senate, despite not yet formally conceding her gubernatorial race to current Arizona governor Katie Hobbs. Lake, a Trump-backed Republican, maintains that she won her race last November against Hobbs allegedly due to voter fraud and ballot irregularities that she is currently in court fighting to prove. Lake's name has been floated as a potential Republican candidate for the US Senate from Arizona in 2024 since incumbent Democrat Kyrsten Sinema confirmed late last year she would run as an independent. When asked by Republican media personality Charlie Kirk about her future political plans, Lake said she is currently entirely engaged with her ongoing election lawsuit. Kari Lake, who was in a tight race for the governorship in Arizona in 2022, now says she will seriously consider a 2024 Senate Bid The consideration comes after incumbent Senator Kyrsten Sinema announced late last year that she will run in 2024 as an independent 'I don't know politically what I will do next. I never had any desire to get into politics, and the people of Arizona recruited me to run for governor and we have led an amazing movement of We The People,' she said. She added, however, that a Senate bid 'is something I will seriously consider.' 'I've looked at a lot of polling, probably five polls showing that I can not only win handily in a primary, but I can go on to win the entire race for Senate,' she continued. Late last year and early this year, there were several polls that found in a hypothetical match up between Lake, Sinema, and Democratic challenger Representative Ruben Gallego, Lake would come out on top. More recent polls, however, appear to show Gallego emerging victorious. A mid-February poll from OH Predictive Insights also showed that Gallego would be the one heading to Washington if his Republican challenger were either former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, former GOP gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Rbson, or former Senate candidate Blake Masters. Lake said she is 'very concerned about somebody like Ruben Gallego.' 'He's a socialist and maybe even more, maybe even hinging on a communist, a Marxist. And his voting record is atrocious. I don't believe he's an honest man,' she said. 'And Kyrsten Sinema, she votes with Joe Biden 93 percent of the time, she votes with this maniac who's driving our country into the ditch. 'She is a radical in the Senate. And I don't think she's that well liked, except for people like Mitt Romney who adores her, so that tells you what kind of person she is,' Lake added. Recently, Lake topped a straw poll at the CPAC gathering where Trump loyalists were out in force, drawing 20 per cent support on the question of who would be a favored vice presidential candidate. She lit up the crowd at the annual gathering of conservative activists, and even appeared to kiss a Trump portrait on stage. Progressive Congressman Ruben Gallego out of Arizona has also announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Sinema's seat in the Senate Lake also maintains that she is laser focused on continuing her ongoing court battle over her 2022 election against current Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs In a statement following the conference, Lake said: 'My goal is to be in the Arizona Governors office,' she continued. 'I won the election and everyone in Arizona knows it. We The People deserve to have the leaders we elect hold the office we elect them to.' 'Our best days are ahead of us and it all starts with electing America-First candidates all across this country,' she added. Lake traveled to the presidential proving ground of Iowa last month, where she told the Des Moines Register she would help Trump 'in any way I can.' She also said at that time she was 'not running for VP' and 'not running for president.' Lake's comments come after Axios reported Trump is already thinking about Lake as a potential vice presidential pick, and that she is among several female potential candidates. The report says Trump considers the telegenic Lake to be a 'model' vice presidential pic, and cites people who have discussed the matter with the former president. It stresses her loyalty to Trump, having taken up many of his election fraud claims. Former Liberal MP Gareth Ward has pleaded not guilty to sexual and indecent assault allegations on the same day he edged closer to retaining his state parliament seat. The MP for Kiama - 122km south of Sydney - said on Tuesday that he is 'confident I will prove my innocence' and win his case. Ward, who has been suspended from parliament and is on bail, will fight five charges; sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with act of indecency, and one count of common assault. 'Not guilty,' Ward said in Nowra District Court, after each of the five charges were read to the court. Police allege the incidents occurred in 2013 and 2015. Former Liberal MP Gareth Ward (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to sexual and indecent assault allegations on the same day he moved closer to retaining his state parliament seat The alleged 2013 incident involved a then-25-year-old man in the Shoalhaven area of NSW. The alleged 2015 incident involved a man who was then aged 17 at Potts Point in Sydney. Outside court, he told media there were a lot of things he wanted to say but was 'prohibited from saying'. 'I'm incredibly confident I will prove my innocence given the opportunity,' he said. 'It's been a really difficult two years, I am looking forward to proving my innocence.' He said he believes in truth and justice, while 'passionately' believing in the presumption of innocence. Ward (pictured second left), the MP for Kiama - 122km south of Sydney - said on Tuesday that he is 'confident I will prove my innocence' and win his case Ward said it is a 'human right' rather than an 'optional extra'. 'I'm looking forward to not only winning this case but winning this election as well,' he said. Ward, who was elected to parliament in 2011, previously served as the NSW Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister. He resigned as minister and moved to the crossbench after he was expelled from the Liberal Party in 2021, and recontested his seat in last weekend's NSW election as an independent. The seat of Kiama is still being fought out by Ward and Labor's Katelin McInerney, with Ward leading by around 600 votes as of Tuesday afternoon. But even if he retains the seat, his future prospects in parliament remain uncertain. The NSW state parliament seat of Kiama is still being fought out by Ward (pictured) and Labor's Katelin McInerney, with Ward leading by around 600 votes as of Tuesday afternoon The new Labor Premier Chris Minns said he will not let Ward enter parliament, even if reelected, while he faces charges. Mr Minns also said he would not countenance seeking Ward's vote in Labor need independents to pass legislation. 'We're not going to negotiate with (Ward) at all,' Mr Minns told reporters. Ward will face court next Monday for an application to change the location of the trial. The 28-year-old who opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing three nine-year-olds and three staff members, sold disturbing art online as a transgender artist. Audrey Hale, 28, was shot dead by police after staging her attack. Police said she was transgender, and online used the pronouns 'he/his' - although they referred to Hale, who was born female, as 'she'. Hale ran an online art side, Audrey Hale Illustrations, and described her work as: 'Commercial Illustration and Graphic Design'. Hale also had a social media account promoting the art, where Hale referred to herself by the name Aiden. Hale's work included a drawing of Jack Nicholson from The Shining, with lettering including his catchphrase 'Where's Johnny?' Police released this image of Audrey Hale, 28, on Monday after she shot and killed six people in a Nashville school Hale drew Jack Nicholson, with the catchphrase from The Shining: 'Here's Johnny!' The film follows a writer and recovering alcoholic who begins to lose his mind and endanger his family when he becomes the caretaker of a ghost-infested hotel Hale created this image, captioned 'To be a kid forever and ever' The drawing had the words 'Red Rum' written across it - murder, spelt backwards. The words were written on a door in a scene from the 1980 horror film. Hale also created an image of some feet stretching up towards the sky, with a person in recline, perhaps swinging on a swing. 'To be a kid forever and ever,' the caption states. Hale also appeared to draw cartoons for a children's book, 'Toys and Books'. Hale left a detailed manifesto and plan for the shooting at her home, and another in her car. John Drake, chief of Nashville police, told NBC News he believed 'resentment' lay at the core of her behavior, but didn't speculate further. Hale described herself as a graphic designer and illustrator Hale's art, featured on their illustration page Hale's art page, where work was displayed under the name Aiden One of Hale's pieces was entitled 'Mad World' Norma Hale (pictured center), the mother of Audrey Hale (pictured right), the transgender shooter who killed six people, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members, was herself an advocate for gun control on social media Hale began her attack on Monday morning, driving into the school parking lot shortly before 10am. At around 10.13am, Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged nine. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. Koonce worked alongside her daughter Anna at The Covenant School, who serves as a faculty/student assistant. Within 14 minutes, Hale was dead, as Nashville police revealed photos of the two officers - Rex Engelbart and Michael Collazo - who shot and killed Hale. In a statement issued late Monday night, a spokesperson for the school said: 'Our community is heartbroken. 'We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. 'We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' A photo of Audrey Hale inside The Covenant School during the shooting This is the moment the doors to the school shattered as Audrey Hale blasted through them with one of the three guns she brought to kill six people Hale was filmed stalking through a tiled area shortly after entering the school. She was shot dead 14 minutes after she broke into the school by two cops, after firing at them from an adjoining church A 9 millimeter pistol was also being carried by the shooter during the Monday murders Nashville police have released photos of the three weapons used in the shooting, which included two assault-type rifles The second of two rifles used in the shooting has been pictured by Nashville Police Norma Hale spoke to ABC News shortly after her daughter Audrey Hale, 28, was named as the shooter. She said: 'It's very, very difficult right now. I think I lost my daughter today.' Norma then requested privacy as her family struggles to cope with the magnitude of her late daughter's actions. Norma's own posts decrying school shootings and calling for increased gun control have emerged in the wake of Hale's massacre at the school she once attended. On February 21, 2018, Norma posted a petition to make large-capacity gun magazines illegal to her page as a response to the horrors at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. And on March 8, 2018, she posted a petition to keep guns out of schools with the caption: 'So important!' Hale and her family were described as 'very nice' and 'very religious.' She's pictured here with Audrey and her brother Scott Night falls on Brightwood Avenue in Nashville, where the Hale family lives Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the presbyterian church affiliated with the school Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, known as Cindy (right) is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot and killed on Monday in Nashville Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing six Hale's LinkedIn profile suggested they were now living as a man A high school friend of the Hale's was shocked to learn the outgoing girl she ran track with was behind the massacre. The friend, who requested to remain anonymous, described Hale to DailyMail.com as 'sweet and funny'. The friend recalled her faint memories with Hale at the Nashville School of the Arts from around 2011 to 2014. 'What she did was unforgivable but when I knew her she was a sweet and funny girl,' the friend told DailyMail.com. 'When she came out as trans (female to male) no one was surprised. 'She really didn't fit the school shooter archetype. 'I don't know what would have happened to turn her into this person we see on the news. 'Everyone in my graduating class is losing it on Facebook. 'Really no one would have seen this coming.' Sir David Jason's long lost daughter only discovered her father's true identify when she wrote to the Only Fools Star asking for a paternity test - after they appeared together on stage and friends noticed they had a similar nose. The actor, 83, who previously believed he only had one 22-year-old daughter, has 'welcomed' Abi Harris and his grandson Charlie, ten, into the Jason family - and they spent their first Christmas together last year. Ms Harris, who was born in 1970, is the daughter of actress Jennifer Hill - who starred in Octopussy and had a brief relationship with Sir David in a stage production of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood, also starring Hi-de-Hi's Ruth Madoc and Windsor Davies from It Ain't Half Hot Mum, at the May Fair Theatre in London. Incredibly, Abi is an actress who appeared in a revival performance of Under Milk Wood in 2008 in which Sir David and her mother also took part. Friends who saw the legendary actor and Abi standing next to each other remarked on their similar facial profiles, especially her nose, and as the years went past, she worked up the courage to find out the truth. Ms Harris wrote to Sir David asking him if he would take a paternity test, and the comedy legend agreed, given his relationship with her mother, and it confirmed she was his daughter. He said: 'To say it was a surprise to find out I had a daughter from years ago is an understatement. I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can.' Jennifer Hill and David Jason (circled) with the cast of Under Milk Wood at London's May Fair Theatre in 1970, including Windsor Davies, from It Ain't Half Hot Mum (top left) The legendary actor (left in The Darling Buds of May) discovered actress Abi Harris (pictured) was his daughter after taking a paternity test - after her friends noticed how similar their profiles were, especially their noses Sir David Jason, pictured here with his future wife Gill Hinchcliffe and their daughter Sophie Mae in April 2001, was shocked to find he had another daughter born more than 30 years earlier Until last year, Sir David had believed that he had become a father for the first time aged 61. But actually he was 30 when his first child was born. Abi, now a casting director, had believed that her father was the actor Geoffrey Davion, who appeared in Miss Marple and The Stars Look Down and died in 1996. A source close to Abi said: 'Things just didnt seem to add up.' READ MORE HERE: Sir David Jason takes to the skies in his own Robinson R44 helicopter before touching down in Buckinghamshire Advertisement The news came as a shock to Sir David, as well as his wife Gill Hinchcliffe and daughter Sophie Mae, but the family say they have since welcomed Abi and Charlie with open arms. Abi's mother is 86 and lives in Brighton. Sir David married Lady Gill in 2005, four years after the birth of their child. Previously Sir David was in a long relationship with Myfanwy Talog, a Welsh actress who died from breast cancer in 1997. Speaking to the Mirror, he said: 'My wife, Gill, and daughter, Sophie, have been very supportive and understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family.' Abi's belief she was related to Sir David grew stronger after realising she shared the same shaped nose as him, and her parentage has now been confirmed. She had previously thought her father was Geoffrey Davion, who was married to her mother, until his death 27 years ago. Since the surprise discovery was made, Abi and Charlie have been to visit him and spent a period over Christmas with him and his family at his home in Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire. The Mirror reports that she wrote a letter to Sir David asking him to take a paternity test, beginning it with a line from the Thomas play, saying: 'To begin at the beginning. Or to be more precise, my beginning...' A source said the letter came as a shock to Sir David, but he was touched by the request and agreed to do it. The insider said: 'It's a lovely letter, which David has kept. 'It was light-hearted but serious, without being overwhelming. It was obvious whoever had written it was a nice person who just wanted to find out her heritage. The Dylan quote was the perfect way to start it. 'It was a sympathetic way of saying, "Brace yourself".' The legendary actor thought he only had his 22-year-old daughter Sophie from his current relationship with Gill Hinchcliffe (pictured together) Abi was born after Sir David had a brief relationship with actress Jennifer Hill in 1970. Pictured: Ms Hill in the James Bond film Octopussy in 1983 Sir David, pictured here at the Royal Albert Hall in January 2022, was reportedly 'surprised' to discover he had another daughter and a grandson The revelation he has another daughter and a grandson has shocked the former Only Fools and Horses star, pictured here as his character from the show, Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter After the bombshell, the two families agreed to meet in London to figure out how to move forward from this life-changing news. Abi said: 'In discovering my father's identity, I am starting to piece together my own. READ MORE HERE: Sir David Jason reveals 'seriously bad' Covid battle that saw him collapse on the floor with paralysed arms and legs Advertisement 'Of course, I am tickled pink and incredibly proud but, frequently, completely overwhelmed with sorrow for the years we have lost. 'After a measured start, now I hope we can consciously make time to see each other more often, so that I can master the art of being the best big sister and build a meaningful father-daughter relationship in its truest sense.' Sir David added: 'We hope we are all allowed the privacy to continue our new relationship and get to know each other more and more.' Sir David was knighted for his services to acting and comedy in 2005. He married Ms Hinchcliffe in November of that year. He started dating Ms Hinchcliffe after his long-term partner of 20 years, Welsh actress Myfanwy Talog, died at 45 from breast cancer in 1995. The TV star believed he became a father for the first time at the age of 61, and after Sophie was was born he said it had been 'thrust upon him' as most of his life was focused only on being a success. He previously said: 'My life has been in reverse. It wasn't fame and it wasn't money, but I always wanted to succeed. The only way I could do that was to try with every job to be better than I was in the last one, and to learn. 'Because of that I needed to be footloose and fancy free.' One of the nation's best-loved TV stars, other roles have included starring as Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May alongside Catherine Zeta Jones, and as Granville in Open All Hours with Ronnie Barker. He also provided the voice for Mr Toad in an adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. Sydney residents have hit out at the huge motorcade that is ferrying ex-US President Barack Obama around the city - as he prepares to deliver a speech at a $350-per-head event. Obama and his wife Michelle touched down in Australia on Sunday night ahead of his speaking tour and have since visited several locations, including the Opera House and Balmoral Beach. The ex-President was spotted enjoying an afternoon coffee on Tuesday, while Michelle took to Mosman Bay in a yacht, cruising around the harbour for about an hour. However, the couple have come under fire from locals who have blasted the 'nuisance' motorcade that is transporting them through the city. Some have asked for information on who is paying for the convoy of black four-wheel-drives, while others have questioned why Obama has such a large security presence for an ex-President. It comes as Julie Bishop wowed in a $1800 designer suit as she attended Obama's first speech in Australia. Barack Obama still sipping his latte at 4pm in the afternoon. Michelle Obama looking beautiful as ever. #Sydney pic.twitter.com/s0vhLZLWFr Yannick Stevaert (@YannickStevaert) March 28, 2023 Ex-US President Barack Obama was spotted enjoying a late afternoon coffee on Tuesday Former first lady Michelle Obama leaves the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. She was later seen enjoying a yacht trip in the north of the city Former US President Barack Obama is currently in Australia for a speaking tour, hosted by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (centre). The 66-year-old posed at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848 The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, 66, spared no expense as she arrived to host the event, posing at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848. Ms Bishop beamed as she posed for a selfie, which was shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday. Obama is set to speak at the Aware Super Theatre Sydney on Tuesday night for 'An Evening with President Obama'. It is the first stage of a whistle-stop tour that will also see the former president speak in Melbourne on Wednesday. The event offers Australians - willing to spend between $195 and $895 - a firsthand account from the politician on his 'path to success'. Barack Obama waves to onlookers as he leaves his 5-star Sydney hotel on Tuesday Obama and his wife Michelle touched down in Australia on Sunday night ahead of his speaking tour However, the lucrative nature of the event has seen him come under some criticism from some Sydney residents unhappy with his motorcade. Taking to social media, one critic asked: 'Barack Obama is running around the country with a 20 vehicle motorcade. 'Why is the NSW taxpayer bearing the cost of his detail? For goodness sake, hes going to make $1 million or more on his speaking tour, so HE should pay for it.' Another wrote: 'One can only hope Barrack Obama and wife Michael waved to the homeless as he swept past in his taxpayer funded motorcade.' While a third said: 'Flew in on a private jet. Uses this many gas guzzlers & our police force because he's "oh so important". 'Lectures us on climate change.' Barack Obama cut a suave image as he greeted fans ahead of his lucrative speaking event on Tuesday night Former US President Barack Obama (centre) waves to onlookers after leaving the Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral on Monday Obama was welcomed by swarms of fans on Tuesday morning as he stepped out of the Four Seasons Hotel. The security presence around the former President was massive on Tuesday, with throngs of police officers lining the streets outside of the Four Seasons. President Obama's last official visit to Australia was for the G20 Summit in Brisbane in November 2014 - and prior to disembarking a private jet with Michelle on Sunday, had not been seen in public with his wife since last year. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Obama at Kirribilli House on Monday morning. The presidential pair were all smiles as they posed together for the camera, taking in the view by the harbour while holding black umbrellas amidst a subtle drizzle. 'Honoured to welcome President @barackobama to Sydney,' Albanese captioned the post to Twitter, which has since been viewed more than one million times. President Obama's last official visit to Australia was for the G20 Summit in Brisbane in November 2014 - and prior to disembarking a private jet with Michelle on Sunday, had not been seen in public with his wife since last year. A thief stole more than 100 number plates from parked cars during a four-hour spree, police allege. The number plates were allegedly pinched from the Brighton Le Sands area in Sydney's south between 1am and 5am on March 12. Streets targeted included Bay, O'Neill, Princess, Bruce and Gordon Streets, Crawford and Teralba Roads, Brighton and Moate Avenues. Detectives began looking for the alleged culprit after receiving a flood of reports from car owners about missing registration plates on the same day. Police previously released a CCTV image of a man they wanted to speak to who they said might be able to assist with their enquiries as part of a public appeal for information. Streets targeted included Bay, O'Neill, Bay, Princess, Bruce and Gordon Streets, Crawford and Teralba Roads, Brighton and Moate Avenues in the Brighton-Le-Sands area (stock image) Police previously released a CCTV image of a man they said might be able to assist with the investigation. It is not known if this was the man arrested On Tuesday, officers arrested a 28-year-old man at a Brighton Le Sands residence about 7am following extensive inquiries and the public call for assistance. The man been charged with larceny and also with destroy or damage property. A video uploaded to social media earlier this month showed how the spree across multiple streets in Brighton-Le-Sands left a string of cars without number plates or with them out of shape in an attempt to pry them off. Number plates are commonly targeted by criminals who place them on other vehicles to avoid being caught when breaking the law. Police may then issue fines or even arrest the unsuspecting motorists who had their number plates stolen. A video was posted online earlier this month showing some of the damage in the suburb A video uploaded to social media showed cars in Brighton-Le-Sands having had their number plates removed Community groups are urging drivers to increase both security and anti-theft measures to curb the spate of number plate crime. Car owners can purchase special screws to secure number plates from car parts stores which are unable to be removed. The arrested man briefly appeared in court on Wednesday and was granted strict conditional bail to reappear in Sutherland Local Court on April 4. Police added their investigation into the why the number plates were allegedly stolen is ongoing. But the Australian media have not been invited on his trip Dan Andrews' trip to China has been engulfed in a further secrecy row after he published a vague six-line itinerary of his daily meetings with communist party officials. The Victorian Premier flew to Beijing on Monday night and is set to attend a number of meetings with senior Chinese politicians to discuss education, trade, and cultural matters. But he came under fire after banning journalists from accompanying him on his four-day trip to the communist state, despite being the first Australian leader to visit since the coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan. Chinese state-owned TV station aired a 2017 interview with Victorian Premier on Monday evening in which he praised the state's relationship with China Daniel Andrews (pictured in Tiananmen Square in 2015) has not invited any Australian media on his trip to Beijing this week Peter Greste, chair and spokesperson of the Alliance for Journalists' Freedom, condemned the state leader's decision, saying it was 'hardly appropriate in a democracy'. Now, Mr Andrews has been blasted for sharing an incredibly scant daily schedule. The six-line bulletin, issued by the Victoria State Government, just lists a series of names of Chinese officials he is supposedly meeting on Tuesday but with no details about what they will discuss. The figures include Huai Jinpeng, the Chinese Communist Party's education minister and Dr Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing. Laura Jayes, host of the AM Agenda on Sky News Australia, suggested the scant itinerary was 'doing its best to pretend that this trip is boring and insignificant'. Mr Andrews will meet Huai Jinpeng, the Chinese Communist Party's education minister 'If thats the case he should do it via zoom,' she wrote on twitter. 'Is media is going to get a full read out and recording or each meeting?' Ms Jayes had previously dubbed the Victorian Premier's ban on Australian reporters 'sneaky' and suggested it was 'a middle finger to the central tenet of democracy that has served him so well'. It comes after Chinese state-owned station Phoenix TV aired a news segment which included an interview with Mr Andrews in which he praise Victoria's relationship with China. 'The Chinese story is absolutely central to the Victorian story for more than 150 years,' he said. 'You cannot imagine a modern Victoria without a Chinese influence.' He added: 'We are certainly very proud to have the best part of 100,000 Chinese students here in Melbourne and across Victoria. 'It makes us a more dynamic city; it's the biggest export industry that we have.' Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the video was recorded in 2017. Mr Andrews is set to visit Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces before returning to Melbourne on Saturday morning. Laura Jayes, host of the AM Agenda on Sky News Australia, blasted Mr Andrews' decision not to allow reporters on his four-day China trip The list of officials the premier will meet was only published following widespread criticism from the likes of The Australian's media writer Nick Tabakoff and 3AW presenter Neil Mitchell. 'It seems to be a case of Chairman Dan adopting the Chinese government culture of explaining as little as possible to the public.' Mr Tabakoff referred to the famous snap of Dan Andrews talking on his mobile phone while standing in Tiananmen Square on a trip to Beijing in 2015. 'Part of the problem from Andrews perspective might be the photographs that could be snapped by the travelling media on such a visit,' he added. Notable Daniel Andrews critic, 3AW's Neil Mitchell, claimed the move not to allow media was 'certainly a bad look' for the premier. He then joked: 'He's involved in so many inquiries in Victoria, that it wouldn't be surprising if he sought asylum there!' Liberal MP Dan Tehan called on the premier to be more transparent about his itinerary in China. 'I think he's been to China more times than he's visited Warrnambool. 'I'm concerned that the only reports we'll get out of it will be by state-run media in China and I'd really like to know the purpose of this visit,' Mr Tehan told Sky News on Monday. However, Mr Andrews defended the decision not to take media after his plans were revealed on Sunday. 'We're having a series of meetings back to back, and I don't think I've taken media on every trip I've ever done,' he said. 'There'll be other trips this year to lots of different parts of the world, potentially. We still haven't firmed that up. But you'll be appropriately invited to those.' 'We've made our choice. You can have a view on that. That's entirely your job.' The Victorian Premier will attend a number of meetings with senior Chinese officials to discuss trade, education and cultural matters Chinese President Xi Jinping is not expected to be on the itinerary for Mr Andrews' visit Mr Andrews has been accused of being to close to China's dictatorial government after joining Beijing's controversial Belt and Road Initiative. The Morrison Government used newly created powers to tear up the agreement in April 2021 on national interest grounds. The Belt and Road broadly aims to foster infrastructure projects around the region, and in Victoria's case 'increase the participation of Chinese infrastructure companies in Victoria's infrastructure construction program'. However, it is criticised as a soft power grab by China to increase its influence on developing countries, and trap them in debts that force them to do Beijing's bidding. Mr Andrews said China was Victoria's largest and most significant trading partner and it was important to strengthen that relationship even further. 'This is not the first trip that I've made to China and it won't be the last,' he told reporters on Sunday. 'We think that's really important for Victorian jobs and exports.' Mr Andrews said he spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was very positive about the trip. The Victorian premier denied the relationship between Canberra and Beijing was strained after the $368billion AUKUS submarine deal. 'I'm not here to be a commentator on the China-Australia relationship... nor am I here to talk about defence or strategic issues or foreign policy issues,' he said. 'My job, the job I have always done, is to make sure that more Victorian companies can get access to the biggest market in the world.' This will be the premier's seventh visit to China since the Labor government came to office, with previous trips in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and two in 2019. Vladimir Putin is ready to destroy the West with hypersonic nuclear weapons if it attempts to defeat and dismember Russia, his top security aide has warned. Nikolai Patrushev also demanded in an interview that Moscow must be allowed to dominate Europe after the supposed impending collapse of the EU. The 71-year-old hardline ideologue - seen by some as the brains behind Putin's ill-conceived war in Ukraine - showed how conspiracy theories are rampant inside the Kremlin. 'Some people in the West are already talking about revenge that would lead to a military victory over Russia,' he said. Ignoring the fact that Putin ordered a brutal invasion of sovereign Ukraine last year while frequently threatening full-scale world war, Patrushev claimed: 'Russia is patient and is not intimidating anyone with its military superiority. Vladimir Putin is ready to destroy the West with hypersonic nuclear weapons if it attempts to defeat and dismember Russia, his top security aide has warned. Pictured: A test launch of Russia's Sarmat (Satan) missile (file photo) Top Putin ally Nikolai Patrushev (pictured, file image) demanded that Moscow must be allowed to dominate Europe after the supposed impending collapse of the EU 'However, it possesses unique modern weaponry capable of destroying any adversary including the US in case of a threat to its existence.' His chilling threats included Putin's demand to dominate Europe. The US currently 'does as it pleases in Europe ignoring the fact that the leading role on the continent has historically been Russia's', he told the Kremlin's mouthpiece newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta. 'The Russian empire's in the 19th century, the Soviet Union's in the 20th. 'That's how it will be in the 21st century as well.' Patrushev, longtime secretary of Russia's security council, is seen to be plotting for his son Dmitry Patrushev, 45, now Putin's agriculture minister, to take over from the dictator as president if he is felled by ill-health or ousted due to war failures. Patrushev, the ex-FSB chief, warned: 'Nato countries are a party to the [Ukraine] conflict. They have turned Ukraine into one big military camp... 'In trying to prolong this military confrontation as long as possible, they are not hiding their main goal - the defeat of Russia on the battlefield and its further dismemberment. 'The US authorities' unrestrained aspiration to retain the dominant role in the world has at least since 1945 been the source of all instances of escalation in tensions on the global scale. 'American politicians that are hostage to their own propaganda for some reason retain the conviction that in case of a direct conflict with Russia the US would be capable of delivering a preventive missile strike, after which Russia would no longer be able to respond. 'That is shortsighted idiocy of a very dangerous kind.' The Putin henchman claimed the US uses 'military-biological laboratories to create new viruses to destroy the people of unwanted countries while once clean American cities are drowning in filth and rubbish'. 'False' war crimes allegations are made against Putin and his entourage while the West 'turns a blind eye to real acts of genocide and financial machinations carried out with the White House's approval', he claimed. In Patrushev's analysis 'the collapse of the EU is not far off'. He claimed: 'The paradox lies in that Washington is directly interested in the break-up of the EU, to remove its economic rival, to not allow Europe to prosper through cooperation with Russia.' Meanwhile, according to the Kremlin 'there can be no doubt that sooner or later the US's southern neighbours will regain the territories stolen from them'. In his warped analysis, sanctions against Putin such as curbs on Western medical supplies to Russia by major pharmaceuticals are redolent of Hitler's gas chambers. 'It is well known that most of these same companies at one time worked on the development of poison gases and soul-killing agents for Nazi Germany,' he said. 'They fully supported the ideology of genocide of the so-called "superfluous" peoples.' His rant continued: 'Let us remember how the same Anglo-Saxons fostered the Nazis in the 1930s, hoping to direct them against the Soviet Union. 'Having earned financial and geopolitical dividends from World War II, today Washington and London are once again indulging in Nazism and fascism. 'Using Ukraine, they do not mind stirring up a pan-European or even global conflict, imagining that they can get away with it.' Ukrainian servicemen fire with an M119 105mm howitzer at Russian positions near Bakhmut on March 23 as the war continues to rage in the east of Ukraine Drone footage over Bakhmut in the Donetsk region shows devastation amid fierce fighting during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This image is from a social media video released March 26 His diatribe appeared to be an attempt to rally a Moscow elite increasingly doubtful over the wisdom of Putin and Patrushev's direction. And he added that the West 'has opposed our country more than once'. 'Sometimes under the banners of the Poles and Swedes, sometimes with Napoleonic eagles, under the British flag or under the Hitler swastika. 'The result is the same - all attempts to crush Russia are in vain.' Commuters faced chaos on the M25 today after a horror crash left a man fighting for his life. Motorists formed queues stretching as long as three miles after a smash involving a car and lorry last night resulted in a clockwise nine-hour closure between J14 and J16 near Heathrow airport. The car driver was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police told MailOnline. Just after 9am today, National Highways confirmed that all lanes had reopened clockwise between J14 and 15, with delays of around half an hour above usual journey times and heavy congestion. A driver smashed his car into a lorry on the M25 near Heathrow Airport just before midnight Drivers faced long delays on their morning commute following an overnight horror crash There was heavy congestion approaching J14 on the M25 where the closure began. Roads in the area are much busier than usual Authorities are encouraging drivers to avoid the area, reroute their morning commute and allow extra travel time. Officers responded to the reports of the collision at 11.55pm yesterday, along with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service (LAS). Photographs from the crash site show severe damage to the front of the car. The driver was treated at the the scene for head and chest injuries and then taken to a major trauma centre as a priority, the LAS confirmed. Photographs from the scene show the severely damaged car behind the lorry National Highways said the 'serious collision' had resulted in a clockwise closure between Junction 14 (Stanwell Moor/Heathrow Airport) and Junction 16 (M40) Metropolitan Police and National Highways traffic officers have been at the scene of the crash as they investigate the smash. Traffic tailbacks approaching the J14 stretched as far as three miles, but lanes have now reopened following earlier closures. Roads in the area are much busier than usual. Traffic reports indicate that motorists are facing long queues from J13 at Staines. There are also delays on the nearby A30, A308, A4 and M4 Heathrow Spur. Nearly 9,000 Afghan refugees living in hotels in Britain after being rescued from the Taliban are expected to be moved into permanent homes. The Government is expected to commit as much as 750million to supporting the Afghans - many of whom risked their lives for Britain in the war-torn country. Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer is set to tell the Commons today that around 8,500 Afghan refugees staying in hotels will be offered a permanent home. The refugees will be given three months' notice in April to leave their current hotel and move into a house with the aim of vacating all hotels by the end of this year. Afghan evacuees prepare to board a plane in an evacuation at Kabul Airport in August 2021 Refugees from Afghanistan wait to be processed after arriving at Heathrow in August 2021 The plan, reported in The Times and The Daily Telegraph last night, will see the refugees be offered one property which they must accept. Any families who have not had an offer or who have turned it down at the end of the three-month period will need to present as homeless. A government source told The Times: 'Eighteen months after we invited these people to Britain, many still find their lives on hold living in hotel rooms. 'We will be announcing a new support package to help them move into homes so they can build a proper future.' A flight arrives at an airport in the Midlands - precise location not given - from Kabul in 2021 Prince William met Afghan refugees at a hotel in Leeds during a visit in November 2021 The news is likely to spark concerns that some Afghan refugees could become homeless. According to The Times, the plan will not apply to asylum seekers housed in hotels by the Home Office. Thousands of Afghan refugees arrived in the UK following the Taliban takeover and the fall of Kabul in 2021. The Refugee Council said it was 'deeply concerned' over the reports that the refugees could now be forced out of hotels. The charity's chief executive Enver Solomon said: 'We are deeply concerned about many elements of these plans, in particular the risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. UK citizens residing in Afghanistan board a military plane for evacuation from Kabul in 2021 'This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated. 'Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. 'To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval.' Figures provided to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed that 5.6million a day was being spent on hotels for people who have arrived in the UK and have submitted an asylum claim, with 1.2million paid to house Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban. Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer (pictured last month) is expected to tell the Commons today that about 8,500 Afghan refugees staying in hotels are to be offered a permanent home About 21,450 Afghans fled to the UK after the Taliban captured Kabul in August 2021 and a year later 9,667 remained living in hotels in England. Some 7,385 people had gone into settled accommodation, or waiting to move into a home after being matched. For seven years, the Daily Mail's award-winning 'Betrayal of the Brave' campaign has battled to get former Afghan British Army translators to safety. Vulnerable translators who felt abandoned by the Government won the right to come to the UK in 2015, 2018 and 2021 thanks to the Mail's campaign. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the intergalactic battle saga, has lent his voice and fundraising efforts to a real-life war down here on earth. A staunch supporter of Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion, Hamill's grave but calming voice can be heard urging people to take cover whenever Putin's forces unleash aerial bombardments on the country. 'Attention. Air raid alert,' his voice can be heard with a Jedi knight's gravitas. 'Proceed to the nearest shelter.' It comes as earlier this week, Hamill had a video meeting with members of the Ukrainian Army of drone operators, as he works to raise money to help arm Zelensky's troops. Hamill, 71, decided to lend his famous voice to 'Air Alert' - a downloadable app linked to Ukraine's air defense system, in a morale-boosting message of hope to Ukrainian fans. Mark Hamill salutes as he arrives at the world premiere of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019. When air raid alarms sound in Ukraine, they trigger a downloadable app that has been voiced by 'Star Wars' actor Mark Hamill (file image) The 'Air Alert' application which shows regions currently under Russian rocket attacks (picture taken yesterday) When air raid sirens start howling, the app warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming. 'Don't be careless,' Hamill's voice advises. 'Your overconfidence is your weakness.' The actor says he's admired - from afar, in California - how Ukraine has 'shown such resilience... under such terrible circumstances.' Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the 'Star Wars' saga, he says - of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. Voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his 'Star Wars' touch was his way of helping out. 'A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine,' Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. 'The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically ... Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm.' When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that 'the air alert is over.' He then signs off with an uplifting: 'May the Force be with you.' An ambassador for United 24, Hamill is raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed 'Star Wars'-themed posters that are being raffled off. 'Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering,' he said. 'It motivates me to do as much as I can.' Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent. On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms. But many others are real - and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamill's voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. He's a 'Star Wars' fan, too. 'Besides,' he said, 'we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us.' President Zelensky is pictured in his office last year sharing a video call with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill to discuss the actor's participation in the United24 fundraising initiative for Ukraine amid war with Russia Schoolchildren shelter with their teachers in a metro station during an air raid alert last week in Kyiv A man tries to repair his vehicle parked outside a destroyed building after a deadly strike in the city of Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine yesterday After one alert, Zvonyk was riding a trolley bus when Hamill's voice rang out from his phone. He said the man in front 'turned to me and said, smiling: 'Oh, those damn Sith,' to describe Russian forces. The Sith are the malevolent enemies of the do-gooding Jedi. Olena Yeremina, a 38-year-old business manager in the capital, Kyiv, said Hamill's 'May the Force be with you' signoff at first made her laugh. Now its enduring humor gives her strength. 'Its a very cool phrase for this situation,' she said. 'I wouldnt say that I feel like a Ukrainian Jedi, but sometimes this phrase reminds me to straighten my shoulders and keep working.' Sometimes it can be wise to shut Hamill off. Yeremina forgot to do that on a trip outside Ukraine - to Berlin - and paid for the error when the alarm started shrieking at 6 am and, again, when she rode the subway in the German capital. She wasn't alone. Another person in the subway car also had the app and it erupted, too. The two of them first cursed, but then 'it made both me and that person smile,' Yeremina recalled. Ajax Systems, a Ukrainian security systems manufacturer that co-developed the app, hopes Hamill's star power will encourage people outside Ukraine to download it - so they get a taste of the angst heaped on Ukrainians by nerve-shredding alarms and airborne death and destruction. 'With Mark's approach, it wont be so terrifying,' said Valentine Hrytsenko, the chief marketing officer at Ajax. 'But they will understand somehow the context.' In the invasion's first year, air-raid alarms sounded more than 19,000 times across the country, so 'of course people are getting tired,' he said. The app has been downloaded more than 14 million times. Hrytsenko is among those who use its English-language setting to hear Hamills voice. 'For Star Wars fans, it sounds really fantastic,' he said. 'Its kind of a Ukrainian mentality to find some humor even in the bad situation or to try to be positive.' Hamill is pleased that the sci-fi saga is again transporting people, even if just temporarily, to its galaxy far, far away. 'It does inspire people,' he said. 'Everyone flashes back to being 6 years old again. And if the movie can help people get through hard times, so much the better.' The father of murdered Caroline Crouch said he would be 'honoured' to execute her killer if the death penalty still existed in Greece. David Crouch, 79, spoke out ahead of Babis Anagnostopoulos's appeal against his 27-year sentence for murdering Caroline, 19, at their Greek home in May 2021. He will argue he killed her because he 'was worried she would hurt' their then nine-month-old daughter Lydia and his jail term should be reduced for mitigating circumstances. Anagnostopoulos, 35, was sentenced last year after strangling Caroline at the couple's home in an upmarket suburb of Athens. He then lied to police saying she had been killed 'by burglars' before his tissue of lies fell apart. According to Anagnostopoulos's legal team, his shameless appeal will argue that he did not mean to murder Caroline and he reacted during a row because he was scared she would hurt Lydia. David Crouch, 79, has spoken out ahead of Babis Anagnostopoulos's (right) appeal against his 27-year sentence for murdering Caroline (left), 19, at their home in Athens in May 2021 Anagnostopoulos (pictured in May last year), 35, was sentenced last year after strangling Caroline at the couple's home in an upmarket suburb of Athens. He then lied to police saying she had been killed 'by burglars' before his tissue of lies fell apart Led by lawyer Alexandros Papaioannidis who Anagnostopoulos fired last year but has now rehired they will argue he deserves a more lenient sentence. It is understood they will say he has been a 'model prisoner and helped other inmates' while serving his time at Korydallos jail. But in a furious attack Mr Crouch described him as a 'weaselly b**tard' and said: 'If the death penalty was still available here (in Greece), I would take it as an honour to be allowed to pull the handle to send him to oblivion. 'I hate him more than I have ever hated anything in my life. May he rot in hell.' Speaking ahead of the appeal. Mr Papaioannidis told MailOnline: 'Not a day goes by without my client regretting what happened but what he wants and what we want for him is justice. He does not deny what happened but we are asking for the sentence to be reduced. 'Every day he is in prison he is thinking about what happened and how much he hates himself, his only thoughts are for his daughter. 'All he wants is a fair trial and for the mitigating circumstances of what happened at the time of Caroline's death are taken into account. 'He is not a narcissist and he accepts the court's decisions, since his conviction he has been a model prisoner in jail and helps out with other inmates and has been very well behaved and we will explain all this in court.' He also hit back at suggestions from Caroline's father that Anagnostopoulos, a helicopter pilot, had killed Caroline because she had found out he was a drugs runner. Mr Papaioannidis said: 'No evidence of this claim emerged during the trial and no evidence was found in the investigation and he has never been prosecuted for similar crimes. He has an unblemished 11 year career as a helicopter pilot. We respect the grief of Caroline's father but deny this claim categorically.' But Mr Crouch has painted a very different picture of his late daughter's husband, saying that since her death, he and his wife Susana have learned Anagnostopoulos was controlling her finances and movements. 'In order to give you some idea of what my daughter's killer is like let me tell you what Susana and I found out about the way he treated Caroline,' Mr Crouch said. 'When Caroline first left home in order to attend Piraeus University, Susana and I each gave her a monthly allowance of 750 for food, rent etc. Within a year she had married and had stopped attending classes and was living with her husband. 'As I had few other commitments, I continued to give her a monthly allowance of 750 and Susana reduced her contribution from 750 to 250 per month. Led by new lawyer Alexandros Papaioannidis who Anagnostopoulos fired last year but has now rehired they will argue he deserves a more lenient sentence for the murder of his wife Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Crouch has painted a very different picture of his late daughter's husband to that being pushed by his lawyer, saying that since her death, he and his wife Susana have learned Anagnostopoulos was controlling her finances and movements 'We did this because we felt that it would be nice if Caroline could have a certain amount of independence from her husband and not keep having to ask him for money to buy clothes and other personal items. 'We found out after her death, money Susana and I had been paying into Caroline's bank account each month had been appropriated by her husband and that any time she needed money to buy a coffee or to buy food for her pets she would have to ask her husband for this money,' her father said. 'All of the domestic shopping was controlled by him, they always shopped together, and she was never allowed to shop alone. 'Occasionally she was allowed to meet a friend for coffee, but he ensured that she would travel to the rendezvous in a taxi driven by his friend and paid for in advance by him. When it was time to come home she was required to telephone him so that he could come and pick her up,' Mr Crouch said. 'It is a mystery to me how she tolerated this arrangement. Caroline had always been a strong-willed girl with fixed ideas and would never allow herself to be bullied.' Conniving Anagnostopoulos cruelly strangled Caroline and then covered up her death for six weeks insisting she had been murdered by burglars who had even strangled their pet dog Roxy. But dogged detective work revealed his lies after it emerged details on Caroline's smartwatch didn't tally with what her devious husband told Greek police and he was arrested after flying to the island of Alonnisos for his wife's funeral. Mr Crouch added: 'After my daughter's death, Susana and Caroline's husband accompanied her body back to Alonnisos for the funeral and I had never seen a man so broken by grief. 'Although I was completely devastated by my daughter's death I realised that his grief was even greater than mine, something that I didn't think was possible. 'We held hands in my house, tears streaming down both our faces, completely inconsolable. After the funeral he returned to Athens with his parents and Lydia.' But Liverpool born Mr Crouch, a retired engineer, soon began to have suspicions about his son-in-law. He told MailOnline: 'In the intervening period between the funeral and Caroline's memorial service, occasional disquieting thoughts would occur to me. 'It struck me that there was something odd about the whole affair, just little things that didn't make sense. Why would the robbers kill my daughter before leaving after they had taken all the valuables and money in the house. 'How did they know about the internal CCTV system and how were they sufficiently switched on to think about removing the memory card from the system. 'I next saw Caroline's husband on the morning of Caroline's memorial service. He was still depressed, a picture of misery, but he embraced me and again the tears began to flow down his face, his voice choked with emotion. 'He told me that he had brought me a present and unwrapped a huge framed photograph of him and Caroline taken at their wedding in Portugal. 'I was very moved by this kind gift which he knew was my favourite picture. I then noticed that he was wearing the expensive Rolex watch of which he was so proud. 'He subsequently sold this watch to a dealer for about 7,500. I then knew that either the robbery had been committed by complete incompetents or there was something very wrong with his story. Conniving Anagnostopoulos (pictured in May 2021 outside the couple's Athens home) cruelly strangled Caroline and then covered up her death for six weeks insisting she had been murdered by burglars who had even strangled their pet dog Roxy 'The picture became much clearer an hour later when two large policemen led him away from the cemetery towards a waiting helicopter, ostensibly to identify a suspect who had been arrested in Athens. 'One didn't need to be an expert in body language to realise that the policemen who were leading him away weren't gently shepherding him onto his VIP transport but taking away the man they suspected of murdering his wife.' Earlier this year it emerged that Lydia had moved to the Philippines - where Mr Crouch's wife is from - and he told MailOnline she was now living with Caroline's half sister Donna. He said: 'Lydia is happily settled there. All of her cousins, like all Philippians, have straight black hair - so she stands out from the others and gets lots of attention - which she enjoys.' Humza Yousaf will be confirmed as Scotland's new First Minister today after scraping home in the SNP leadership battle. Mr Yousaf will be confirmed in the role by a vote at Holyrood this afternoon, with Nicola Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning. But he faces a mammoth task to revive the separatists' ailing fortunes after an extraordinary meltdown over the abortive bid to loosen gender ID rules, and with support for independence well under 50 per cent. Mr Yousaf has already pledged to push on with Ms Sturgeon's agenda on trans rights and demanded an immediate referendum on splitting the UK - something Rishi Sunak has flatly dismissed. Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he is likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes. She tore into his record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the closer-than-expected 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it'. Humza Yousaf will be installed as Scotland's new First Minister today after scraping home in the SNP leadership battle yesterday (pictured) Nicola Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he is likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes (right) Mr Yousaf will be confirmed in the role by a vote at Holyrood this afternoon, with Nicola Sturgeon formally sending her resignation letter to the King this morning Critics have also pointed out that Mr Yousaf only just emerged on top despite having that backing of 'the entire SNP establishment'. Tories believe that Mr Yousaf's triumph will help secure the union, as Ms Forbes would have been a more dangerous opponent. However, it could also be a major opportunity for Labour, which is eyeing picking up a dozen seats north of the border at a general election. The 37-year-old will become the youngest First Minister, and the first from an ethnic minority. Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats are also expected to put their names forward. They will be asked to speak by Alison Johnstone the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament with a separate vote for each, but as they lack the numbers they are set to fail. Mr Yousaf has the backing of the Scottish Greens, who have reiterated their commitment to the Bute House Agreement a powersharing deal which gives the SNP an overall majority. Assuming he wins the vote Mr Yousaf will be sworn in as first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow, before facing his first FMQs on Thursday. But an Ipsos poll has underlined the challenges ahead of him, with half of Scots fearing the country is heading in the wrong direction. Across all policy areas from the NHS to managing the economy more felt the Scottish Government had done a bad job than good. Election guru Sir John Curtice said Labour now has an opportunity to win at least 10 Scottish seats in a general election. Sir John, who is professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told TalkTV: 'I think the Labour Party will certainly feel they have an opportunity and they are quite right to feel that way. Ms Forbes tore into Mr Yousaf's record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the close 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it' 'They are now running at about 30 per cent in Scotland. That leaves them only 10 points behind the SNP. 'The reason why that matters is that at kind of level of lead, the Labour Party begins to pick up seats from the SNP. 'There are around 10 seats in Scotland which might fall to Labour if the SNP lead across Scotland as a whole is down to 10 points.' He added: 'The Labour Party is the one unionist party that has some ability to appeal to some people who are in favour of independence but are not necessarily going to vote for the SNP. 'The crucial question is whether the Labour Party can increase that constituency.' Mr Yousaf's campaign manager said he will have conversations about bringing defeated leadership rivals Ms Forbes and Ash Regan into government. Neil Gray, the Scottish culture minister and MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, told Times Radio: 'There are conversations to be had about government going forward and the make-up, the structure and those that are involved in government. 'I'll leave it to Humza to have those conversations over the coming days.' He added: 'In terms of what Humza will do differently, he has already said that he will be his own man. He will have his own leadership style.' Mr Gray also confirmed that Mr Yousaf will continue to challenge the UK's block on the SNP gender reforms. 'Of course he is going to listen to the legal advice he has to do that but there is an important principle at stake which is about the democracy and the democratic mandate given to the Scottish Parliament that must be defended,' he said. 'A two-thirds majority passed the Gender Recognition Bill in the Scottish Parliament 'MSPs from every single political party supported it, so it is right now that Humza Yousaf at the first time that section 35 of the Scotland Act has been used tests that and challenges it, because democracy is at stake. 'We must defend Scottish democracy and devolution. Otherwise, what is the point?' 'He will look to utilise the talent across the party in a big-tent approach.' A man has died after what is believed to be a workplace accident inside a shipping container in Sydney's northwest. Paramedics were called to a carpark at Old Windsor Rd in Glenwood, near to an Outback Steakhouse restaurant, on Tuesday afternoon. They found the man with significant injuries inside a shipping container placed in the carpark which contained construction materials and were unable to save him. The shipping container had been placed in a carpark (pictured) at Glenwood in Sydney's northwest The identity of the man or the specifics as to how he was injured have not yet been revealed. Detectives cordoned off the area on Tuesday afternoon as they conducted an investigation, reports The Hills Shire Times. SafeWork NSW has also been notified and is conducting its own investigation. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. A US star of the hit Netflix show Squid Game has revealed footage he recorded of the moment he claims he was assaulted and refused service by a McDonald's manager 'for being American'. Geoffrey Giuliano - who played one of the evil VIPs who paid to watch people die in Squid Game - was returning from a work trip in Lisbon, Portugal, when the incident unfolded on December 31. The father-of-six, 69, said he visited the McDonald's outlet during a connection at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol when the staff allegedly refused to serve him a veggie burger. Footage shows a male employee seemingly barge into Giuliano, who actually once played Ronald McDonald on TV, before a second man appeared to raise his hand towards him. The actor, who had been using a wheelchair for a knee injury sustained during a movie stunt, claims he was assaulted during the confrontation and has demanded that McDonald's apologise. Geoffrey Giuliano said that when he started talking to his son Eden, a young manager heard his American accent and decided not to serve him. A member of staff is shown trying to shield himself from Giuliano's filming American actor Geoffrey Giuliano played one of the evil VIPs who paid to watch people die in Squid Game Geoffrey Giuliano's mask-wearing 'VIP' character He says that he is diabetic and needed food at the time, with McDonald's the only food establishment available to him. He told MailOnline he will be taking legal action against McDonald's and Amsterdam Schiphol airport, where the incident happened. He said: 'It was conveniently "closing time" as soon as they saw me. 'An older Indian McDonald's greeter saw me, politely put me in the line and pushed me forward. 'However, when I started talking to my son Eden, a young manager heard my American accent and suddenly they would not serve me. 'When they realized we were American, they would not serve me. The whole thing was due to an aggressive manager and another employee who obviously did not like Americans.' Giuliano says this is not the first time he has experienced 'anti-American discrimination' in Holland, claiming it has worsened since Donald Trump was elected president. It comes after footage of the actor and his son emerged in 2017 showing what the camera man claimed was Giuliano cutting in line at a supermarket in Thailand before telling him 'I'm an American, I do what I want, we're the kings of the world'. He said he had another incident with his granddaughter where a woman in a shop told him 'why don't you go back to America and Donald Trump'. In this incident, as in Thailand in 2017, Giuliano was with his son Eden, now 15. He said his 'very shy' son was 'upset' by the two experiences and no longer wants to go out for food with his father. 'I had a wheelchair for the flight there and back. I stood up and began filming when the manager and another male employee became suddenly aggressive and moved toward my son and me. At one point a McDonald's worker (wearing dark shirt) appeared to barge past the actor 'If you look at the video carefully you can see where he hit me as the camera bumps and I shout "that's assault". 'Regardless of what the staff say, they served people before me and they served people after me, I was the only one who was not served. 'This is a case of blatant discrimination that spiraled into a physical assault upon my person at the Amsterdam airport. 'Hitting people is not a justifiable way to deal with anything.' Giuliano explained that he was flying back from a work trip in Lisbon in Portugal to his second home in Thailand with a connecting flight in Amsterdam. He visited the fast-food outlet for a snack and says he had reached the front of the queue, with people ahead of him and behind him being served despite claims it had closed from staff. 'Of course this is all the more ironic in that in the 1980s I was Ronald McDonald on television in North America, and a vegetarian at the time undercover,' he said. The operators of the McDonald's branch did not reply to requests for comment. However, in a previous email exchange with Giuliano, they claimed that 'the restaurant closed at 20.00 PM'. He told MailOnline he will be taking legal action against McDonalds and Amsterdam Schiphol airport, where the incident happened Giuliano said: 'Of course this is all the more ironic in that in the 1980s I was Ronald McDonald on television in North America, and a vegetarian at the time undercover.' Pictured: Giuliano as Ronald McDonald However, video metadata shows the video was recorded at 5.54pm and Giuliano's flight with Dutch carrier KLM departed at 8.55pm. The company wrote: 'Thank you for your response, informing us about your visit on New Year's Eve 2022 at one of the McDonald's restaurants at Schiphol Airport, where you and your son, during a long layover, were unable to order food. 'Please be informed that the restaurant closed at 20.00 PM on New Year's Eve. Since you entered the waiting line before the cash register after 20.00 PM, you were no longer able to place an order since the restaurant had officially closed. 'The guests in front of you had placed their orders before 20.00 PM and hence were being served. 'We have looked at the footage you sent us and based on that, we do not agree that the manager (or any other staff) assaulted, humiliated or harassed you. 'The footage clearly indicates that they were being filmed against their will and without their permission.' In more dramatic footage involving the actor, from 2017, Giuliano was filmed in a Big-C supermarket in Pattaya, Thailand, appearing to push in front of another customer. The French expat claims Giuliano then threw around 25 items onto the conveyor belt which was in the 'ten items or fewer' zone. He began filming Giuliano - even telling him he would share it publicly - who then launched a foul-mouthed rant in front of his wife and child. Giuliano - wearing several press passes with his name on - said: 'You're not intimidating me by that camera, I'm an actor.' The Frenchman replied: 'I'm just waiting for the next round, because what you said about America was very interesting.' Giuliano, originally from Rochester, New York, then appeared to become even more aggressive as he begins swearing and moving towards the filmer. He claims the cameraman was a member of the paparazzi and had followed him to the supermarket. He said he left the queue ahead of him to go and get bananas then returned to see the French man filming his wife and son, then 11, was crying because of the man 'I did what any person would do and told him to f*** off'. The video shows Giuliano saying: 'Go f*** yourself, OK. Go f*** yourself, OK, let's get it real straight. You can go f*** yourself, OK. 'I'm an American, I do what I want, we're the kings of the world, OK.' ''We're professional a*******. We have taken being a******* to the highest possible f****** level in this world.' The Frenchman said: 'I agree with you.' Giuliano replied: ''You agree, so we have a point of agreement. Now next time mind your own f****** business.'' A few moments later Giuliano walks out of the busy supermarket in the South Pattaya district of the city yesterday at around 6pm. Giuliano claims that he had put on the 'ugly American act' to 'wind up' the cameraman, who he felt had taken a disliking to him for being American. He said McDonalds workers didn't know who he was while Thai supermarket man filmed it because he knew he was an actor. A father who rang 999 to threaten to blow up his bank over online access problems has been spared jail by a sympathetic judge, who said internet banking issues were a 'daily occurrence'. Dean Prescott, 44, made the crank call to emergency services after he encountered difficulties logging into his personal account to check his balance. During the call, father of one Prescott told the operator: 'Can I have the bomb squad please, I want the bomb squad - I'm going to the blow the f****** Lloyds Bank up tomorrow!' then hung up. The call handler was able to trace the source of the message and four police officers were dispatched to Prescott's home in Hindley, near Wigan, Greater Manchester. When confronted Prescott who had been drinking heavily said he was 'letting off steam' and being 'a bit stupid' after finding himself temporarily blocked from accessing his online bank account due to an IT issue. Dean Prescott, 44, made the crank call to emergency services frustrated over his bank acount Prescott said he was going to put a bomb in his local branch of Lloyds, despite fact it was shut His local branch of Lloyds shut down in 2019 with his nearest branch three miles away in Westhoughton, near Bolton. At Bolton Crown Court, Prescott faced up to two years jail after he admitted sending a malicious communication but was given an eight month jail term suspended for 18 months. His not guilty plea to the more serious charge of making a bomb hoax was accepted. Sentencing Prescott Judge Thomas Gilbart told him: 'Frustration at internet banking is perhaps a daily occurrence for many people but this was a grossly disproportionate response. However it was an unsophisticated piece of offending which was easily detected.' He added: 'You also express your remorse for what you did and I am satisfied that remorse is genuine. The view of the probation services is you pose a pose a medium risk of harm and those risks can be managed in the community. The incident occurred on July 21 last year after Prescott who suffers from anxiety and depression had been drinking lager and taking the anti-anxiety drug Pregabalin 'You said your behaviour was a 'bit stupid' but it was a great deal more than that and it was a very serious thing to do. However it cannot be said to have been a major cause of disruption or caused substantial distress although four officers were called out which was a needless inconvenience for the emergency services who have better things to do. 'A custodial sentence is normally required in cases such as this, however in this case you made a fairly pathetic threat to set off a bomb. There is no evidence of any impact other than the police intervention and you admitted what you did immediately and expressed regret and remorse.' The incident occurred on July 21 last year after Prescott who suffers from anxiety and depression had been drinking lager and taking the anti-anxiety drug Pregabalin as he attempted to log into his Lloyds account on his home PC. Duncan Wilcock prosecuting said: 'He called 999 and asked to be put through to the bomb squad as he said he intended to blow up Lloyds Bank. 'The call handler considered the defendant may have been drunk whilst he was calling but the threat was taken seriously and four police officers attended the defendant's address. 'He was at home on his own and said he knew it was a 'bit stupid what he had done' and he was formally arrested. Nothing was found in connection with the bomb threat itself but his mobile phone used to make the call was seized. 'He was interviewed and said he had made the call because he was drunk. He said he 'didn't mean anything by it' and was 'letting off steam'. He said there had been an issue with him accessing online banking. He admitted being 'not right in the head'.' In mitigation for Prescott, defence counsel Thomas Wood said his client had mental health problems and added: 'The incident was short in duration and no bank branch was specified at the time and although alcohol was suspected he had in fact been taking Pregabalin. 'The incident is heavily mitigated by his state of mind at the time. He was simply frustrated with internet banking and not being able to log in. He is genuinely remorseful for what he has done.' Prescott will also have to complete 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity and a six month mental health treatment programme. The case comes after the Financial Services Ombudsman (FOS) said it receives about 150 to 200 complaints every three months about online banking services, most of them about system outages and IT failures. At the same time high street banks are increasingly shutting the doors to their physical branches, leaving customers with no other option but to persist with online banking. Last November TSB which was formerly part of the Lloyds Bank was fined 48.7m by the City regulator for a computer meltdown in 2018 that locked millions of customers out of their accounts for weeks. At the time the FOS was flooded with over 5,700 complaints as customers were left unable to pay the bills or run businesses. Bending to a wave of mass protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed his contentious judicial overhaul plan Monday and said he wanted 'to avoid civil war' by making time to seek a compromise with political opponents. The announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled three tumultuous months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized the nation, and the antigovernmental protest movement vowed to intensify its efforts. In his prime-time address, Netanyahu, who had previously rejected calls to delay the legislation, took a more conciliatory tone than in recent speeches. He acknowledged the deep divisions in the country and said he was hitting the pause button 'to prevent a rift in the nation.' 'When there's an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue,' he said. He vowed to reach a 'broad consensus' during the summer session of parliament, which begins on April 30. He spoke after tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside parliament, and the country's largest labor union launched a nationwide strike in a dramatic escalation of the mass protest movement against his plan. Anti government demonstrators block streets and clash with police during a protest against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to overhaul the judicial system Israeli protester throws a placard showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a bonfire after clashes erupt during a demonstration Netanyahu and his religious and ultranationalist allies presented the overhaul in January just days after forming their government, the most right-wing in Israel's history. The proposal has plunged Israel into its worst domestic crisis in decades. Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs have all come out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward an autocracy. Fighter pilots and military reservists have threatened not to report for duty, and the country's currency, the shekel, has tumbled in value. The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation's judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court's ability to review laws. Netanyahu has argued that the overhaul is needed to rein in a liberal and overly interventionist court of unelected judges. But his opponents say the package would damage the country's system of checks and balances by concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahu's allies. They also say that he has a conflict of interest as a criminal defendant. Tens of thousands of people, largely secular, middle-class Israelis, have regularly joined mass protests against the plan. Those demonstrations ramped up Sunday night after Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had urged the prime minister to put his plan on hold, citing concerns about damage to the Israeli military. The firing sparked a spontaneous outburst of anger, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in just one hour. Chanting 'the country is on fire,' they lit bonfires on Tel Aviv's main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. Demonstrators continued Monday outside the Knesset, or parliament, turning the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. 'This is the last chance to stop this move into a dictatorship,' said Matityahu Sperber, 68, who joined a stream of people headed to the protest outside the Knesset. 'I'm here for the fight to the end.' Israel's main trade union, the histadrut, declared a general strike in what it said was the first time it has carried out such an action over a political issue. The chaos shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy. Departing flights from the main international airport were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of travelers. Large mall chains and universities closed their doors, and the union called for its 800,000 members to stop work in health care, transit, banking and other fields. Diplomats walked off the job at foreign missions, and local governments were expected to close preschools and cut other services. The main doctors union announced that its members would also strike. In a sign of easing tensions, the union said late Monday that it was halting the strike in response to Netanyahu's delay. The announcement appeared to buy the embattled Netanyahu several weeks of quiet. But it was far from clear whether the disputes could be resolved. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the night of March 27, 2023, paused a judicial overhaul which triggered a general strike, political division and mass protests in the country's most severe domestic crisis in years The dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on March 26 intensified the political crisis An Israeli protester is detained by police during clashes after the demonstration A protester waves the Israeli flag as police officers use water canon after clashes erupt Anti-government protestors burn tires and a flag near Beit Yanai, Israel The country's figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, said pausing the legislative blitz was 'the right thing.' 'This is the time for frank, serious and responsible discussion that will lead urgently to calming spirits and lowering the flames,' he said. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he was willing to hold a 'genuine dialogue' under Herzog's sponsorship. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist who has pushed for quick passage of the package, said he would respect the delay but showed few signs of compromise. 'The reform will pass,' he tweeted. 'No one will scare us.' The first of a series of laws - giving the coalition control over judicial appointments - had been scheduled to pass this week. Before Netanyahu's speech, some 20,000 right-wing Israelis attended a counter demonstration in support of the prime minister. That demonstration also took place near parliament and passed without violence. 'They won't steal the election from us,' read a flyer for event, organized by Religious Zionist party. Netanyahu said he was 'moved' by the show of support. Shikma Bressler, one of the leaders of the antigovernmental protest movement, said the campaign would continue until the legislation is canceled. 'This is just an attempt to weaken the protests in order to enact Netanyahu's dictatorship,' she said. 'Now is not the time to reduce the pressure, but to increase it.' Former Israeli ambassador to the UK Mark Regev has defended Netanyahu's judicial overhaul proposal, arguing that it was part of the government's agenda when the prime minister was re-elected last year. Speaking about the mass protests against the controversial reforms, Mr Regev told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'There were tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on the street (in Israel), but there was a poll taken, and that was the Israeli election on November 1. 'This government was elected with a majority and judicial reform was part of its agenda. 'Even people who voted for the government support the idea that this be done in a less confrontational manner, that this be done through consensus. 'I think there's support on both sides of the legal divide for this process of dialogue, which I hope will succeed, but I'm not sure it will.' He added: 'All coalition governments involve compromises, and I'm sure Netanyahu from his perspective, didn't get re-elected prime minister to see other people dominate the agenda.' Dozens of protesters from rival sides faced off late Monday in central Tel Aviv. The sides, kept apart by police, exchanged insults, but there was no violence. Police used a water cannon to disperse antigovernmental protesters. Israel's Palestinian citizens have largely sat out the protests. Many say Israel's democracy is tarnished by its military rule over their brethren in the West Bank and the discrimination they themselves face. The Biden administration, which has been uneasy with Netanyahu and the far-right elements of his government, welcomed the announcement as 'an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Vladimir Putin's navy fired anti-ship cruise missiles into the Sea of Japan in an attack simulation, Russia's defence ministry said on Tuesday. Russia's Pacific Fleet drills - which saw the missiles fired at mock targets - came a week after Tokyo's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine to show support to the country currently under invasion by Putin's forces. Moscow holds regular drills off its Far East coast, but Tokyo said these were 'increasing' and that it was 'closely' monitoring Russian military activity in the area. 'In the waters of the Sea of Japan, missile boats of the Pacific Fleet fired Moskit cruise missiles at a mock enemy sea target,' the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram early on Tuesday. The ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 60 miles away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. Vladimir Putin's navy fired anti-ship cruise missiles into the Sea of Japan in an attack simulation, Russia's defence ministry said on Tuesday. Pictured: A still image from a video released by Russia's defence ministry shows the missile launch on March 28 Russia's Pacific Fleet drills (pictured) - which saw the missiles fired at mock targets - came a week after Tokyo's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine to show support to the country currently under invasion by Putin's forces The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 155 miles. Russia said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 430 miles from Japan's northern Hokkaido Island. The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 'The target, located at a distance of about 100 kilometres (62 miles), was successfully hit by a direct hit from two Moskit cruise missiles,' Russia's ministry said. Moscow said its naval aviation oversaw the 'safety of the combat exercise.' Russia has held such exercises before, firing test Moskit missiles in a similar drill last year. Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. But Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said that as Moscow's Ukraine offensive continues 'the Russia military is increasing activity in the Far East, including areas near Japan', suggesting that tensions are rising in the region. 'We will continue to monitor Russia's military movements closely,' he said, quoted by the Jiji Press news agency. He said there had been no reported damage from the test strikes. Moscow holds regular drills off its Far East coast, but Tokyo said these were 'increasing' and that it was 'closely' monitoring Russian military activity in the area. Pictured: One of two Russian ships fires a supersonic cruise missile during drills in the Sea of Japan Russia's defence ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 60 miles away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. Tasuku Matsuki, the Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russian affairs, said his country does not plan to lodge a protest over the missile tests. He noted that the location of the exercise (Peter the Great Gulf) is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries. The gulf is also close to China, North Korea and South Korea. 'On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russia's increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest,' Matsuki said. He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. He said Japan is not in a position to comment on Russia's intention of the exercise. Last week, Russia said two of its Tu-95 strategic bomber planes performed 'flights in the airspace over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan.' The bomber jet flights came after Japan's Kishida visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, and as China's president Xi Jinping visited Moscow. In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands - some of which are claimed by Japan - and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year. Japan has joined Western allies in sanctioning Russia over its offensive in Ukraine. Russia's far eastern Pacific coast is separated from Japan by the narrow Sea of Japan. Russia said the exercise (pictured), which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates Reports of the missile tests came as Japan, the United States and the Philippines are preparing to establish a formal framework for high-level ministerial talks on security matters, the Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday. The three countries are considering holding their first meeting as early as April, Kyodo said. The move comes as Taiwan, which lies between Japan and the Philippines, has become a focal point of intensifying Chinese military activity that Tokyo and Washington worry could escalate into war. Japan held joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines as recently as October. A husband who was beaten by his wife - a leading prison reformer - told today how he kept her campaign of abuse a secret for 20 years because it is 'hard' for men to speak out. Father of three Richard Spencer, from Bubwith, East Yorkshire, was subjected to verbal assaults and daily beatings from Sheree Spencer, 45, that left him cowering on the floor in a foetal position. For years he secretly recorded video and audio of his wife's attacks on him and when police became involved he handed over 43 images of his bruised face, taken on different dates following savage assaults. She was jailed for four years last month, and today Richard bravely spoke out about his experience on ITV's Good Morning Britain. 'It's really hard for any victim of domestic abuse to disclose what's happened. I kept it as a secret for 20 years,' he said. 'But then there's a different element in that I'm bigger and stronger and I could physically stop the violence by restraining her, but then at some point you've always got to let go and it would be worse. There's a stigma of not wanting to tell your friends that a lady could do that to you.' Sheree Spencer, 45, was jailed for four years for making her husband Richard's life a living hell with daily beatings and verbal attacks that left him cowering on the floor in a foetal position In furious wine-fuelled tirades, Spencer would call Richard 'fat boy,' 'a p***y' and 'dumb dumb' and caused bruises and scratches that he would need to cover with make-up before going outside. On one occasion she defecated on the floor and forced him to clean it up, and on another she beat him with a wine bottle so hard it permanently disfigured his ear. Yet, in an effort to hide her abuse, she would claim to be a victim herself. 'She'd open the window and shout ''Richard, stop hitting me, you're hurting me'' and then say how clever she was,' Richard told Good Morning Britain. Asked how he managed to deal with the abuse for two decades, Richard said the reasons were 'complex', adding: 'The key thing to get across is how incremental it was - it started off with minor things like pushing, slapping and abusive shouting. 'But those sort of things were normalised. You'd see them every day on a soap opera - it wouldn't be out of the norm for a lady to slap a man. 'Then it got worse and worse. She was always really apologetic. She'd say how sorry she was the next day and tell her she loved me. Write notes saying we were soulmates and stuff like that. 'For her it was almost like a coping mechanism when she was going through things she found difficult to deal with. She could control what she was doing to me but not other things in her life.' Richard Spencer, who was subjected to verbal abuse and daily beatings from Sheree Spencer, 45, that left him cowering on the floor in a foetal position, took photos of his injuries Mr Spencer revealing his injured arm. He said the evidence he collected made it easy for police to secure a conviction Spencer worked at the highest levels for HM Prison and Probation Service and bragged to friends that she had the ear of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson Richard, who praised officers from Humberside Police for dealing with his case in an 'empathetic' manner, said the fact he shared three young children with his wife made it harder to speak out. Describing what was going through his mind during the beatings, he said: 'I was lying in the foetal position so I could protect my face so I could still take my children to school. That was the main thing that was going on in my mind. 'They're doing really well now. They've been really resilient. The eldest one got upset the first time I told her. And the kids were talked a bit about at school, but they've been really resilient.' Spencer worked at the highest levels for HM Prison and Probation Service and boasted to friends that she had the ear of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A former friend said: 'She would brag about being only two down from the Prime Minister in her field and had meetings with Boris Johnson, who she spoke of as though he were a friend. 'She was bragging about her high-flying career while subjecting her poor husband, a lovely man, to daily abuse, degradation and humiliation.' Within months of becoming a couple in 2000, Richard Spencer endured her violent rages, which happened whether she was drunk or sober. Giving evidence in court, Richard said he became almost immune to the physical abuse she meted out, even though she would cause him immense pain by sinking her teeth into him. But he said the mental scars left by 16 years of her hate-filled attacks were what would leave the most lasting effect. Her reign of domestic terror finally ended in June 2021 when the police were called to their family home by a concerned welfare worker Spencer's reign of domestic terror finally ended in June 2021 when the police were called to their family home by a concerned welfare worker. Her arrest that day on suspicion of assaulting her husband opened a door into the hell he had kept private for his entire married life. During her trial, Richard Pratt, KC, defending, told Hull Crown Court there was little he could say to mitigate against Spencer's appalling treatment of her husband and described her professional accomplishments as 'ironic'. He said it was 'almost impossible to recognise' her professional persona as being the same woman who subjected her husband to 'shocking and distressing' attacks. Mr Pratt added: 'It is perhaps particularly ironic that one of the projects she had been working on has been dealing with the effects of custodial sentences on the family. 'That is an irony, but what is important and significant is that she continued to work and has an excellent work reputation and record.' He said that Spencer had suffered bouts of depression and anxiety throughout her life which she had 'wrongly' sought to self-medicate by drinking alcohol. The court was told that on some days she would drink as much as three bottles of wine. Judge Kate Rayfield told Spencer: 'This is the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour I have seen.' Her arrest that day on suspicion of assaulting her husband opened a door into the hell he had kept private for his entire married life She described how she had sat through two hours of video and audio recordings of Spencer hurling hateful abuse at her husband. Judge Rayfield said: 'In one of these recordings it is clear you had defecated on the floor. Your husband can be heard scrubbing while you are heard to say to him: 'I made you do that, all I asked you to do was go to the shop. 'I watched as you spat in his face time and time again and called him bitch, tiny c*** and skank and insulted members of his family. 'You whispered in his face in the most sinister way, shouted demands and instructions at him - "Get the f***ing chicken on, get to the f***ing shop" - and warning him "you will learn". 'By your actions you intended to humiliate or degrade Richard and you have caused him significant psychological harm. 'Richard Spencer was a vulnerable victim, isolated from his family and trapped financially.' Spencer admitted coercive and controlling behaviour and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges could only cover a five-year period dating from the time the law on controlling and coercive behaviour was passed in late 2015. But Judge Rayfield said she took account of her persistent behaviour towards her husband because it cast light on his vulnerability as her victim. Spencer could be heard sobbing as she was led away to the cells to begin her four-year term last month. Unable to speak English, Jane Susin often did not understand what was happening as her son lay in a coma at a Gold Coast hospital. Yet for 10 days she remained by his side 'waiting for the slightest sign'. She had flown in from Brazil after Ivan Patricio Susin was punched outside a Surfers Paradise kebab shop by Ricky Kevin Lefoe in October 2019. Her 29-year-old son had fallen and suffered head injuries after being struck when a brawl erupted over stolen hot chips. The family could afford just one plane ticket so Mrs Susin took her first international flight after being notified of the serious assault. Ivan Patricio Susin was punched outside a Surfers Paradise kebab shop by Ricky Kevin Lefoe in October 2019 When Mrs Susin arrived, she hoped to 'find my son smiling'. 'I found my son unconscious, connected to many medical devices ... and in a coma,' she said in a victim impact statement. She kept a bedside vigil but in the end her son was declared brain dead. Mrs Susin had to watch as hospital staff turned off his life support. 'Can you imagine what that means to a mother?' she said. Three years after losing a daughter in a car accident, Mrs Susin helped organise a Gold Coast wake for her son that her husband had to watch online. By then, her daughter Joseane was by her side. She had organised a flight from Brazil after being told her brother would 'probably not survive'. 'The night before my flight I received the news that my brother was brain dead - from that moment on I began my journey of pain,' she said in a statement. Mr Susin's parents and Joseane on Tuesday watched via video link as Lefoe, 32, was sentenced to eight years' jail for manslaughter in Brisbane Supreme Court Mr Susin's parents and Joseane on Tuesday watched via video link as Lefoe, 32, was sentenced to eight years' jail for manslaughter in Brisbane Supreme Court. Lefoe showed little emotion as the family's statements were read in court. They touched on dealing with Mr Susin's loss to the embarrassment of being stopped at airport X-rays with his ashes in his mother's bag on the journey home. 'Our son's life was ripped away from us by this man who ... does not even have the decency to own up to his actions - he took everything from us,' Mrs Susin said. The fatal blow was delivered during a brawl that started when Lefoe's intoxicated friend Shaun Simpson grabbed hot chips Mr Susin's group were eating near the kebab shop. Lefoe left the scene but later returned, making no attempt to help those assisting an unconscious Mr Susin who was on a working holiday, the court heard. Lefoe also showed no remorse when arrested. 'He tried to hit my mate, I f***ing put him to sleep,' Lefoe told police. The fatal blow was delivered during a brawl that started when Lefoe's intoxicated friend Shaun Simpson grabbed hot chips Mr Susin's (pictured) group were eating near the kebab shop At Lefoe's Supreme Court trial in February, a jury was repeatedly shown CCTV footage of the assault and only took a couple of hours to find him guilty. After watching the footage, Joseane Susin described Lefoe's actions as 'cowardice'. 'That person has no honour at all,' she said. The court heard Lefoe had a string of convictions in NSW after his brother had been murdered in a 2011 gang attack. Lefoe also had a 2022 conviction for an assault offence while on bail for the manslaughter charge. The court heard he had been remanded in custody from December 2020 to November 2021 for further charges which are yet to proceed in NSW. Chief Justice Helen Bowskill said Mr Simpson had behaved like an aggressive idiot and picked a fight but Lefoe's 'split second decision' had tragic circumstances. 'Impulsive violence has no place in our civilised society,' she said. Lefoe will be eligible for parole in 2027. The two shootings on the weekend of March 17 led to a curfew being imposed Spring Break in Miami could be shut down next year as city leaders plan strict new rules to put at end to the annual tradition that this year saw two people killed in a 72-hour period. Miami's mayor Dan Gelber spoke spoken against boisterous Spring Breakers descending on Miami Beach for the annual vacation period during a meeting of city leaders who discussed plans to close liquor stores, set up metal detectors and ticket big events. This year's break descended into violence with two men fatally shot and revelers jumping on a car, brawling in streets and even trashing a slushie shop on the main drag, prompting a temporary curfew and State of Emergency to be declared. Mr Gelber said: 'We are doing everything we can to tell the world we don't want you here.' Jordan Idahosa, 21, was shot at 10:40pm on the night of March 17 in the South Beach neighborhood. Footage of the incident showed people diving for cover and running from several gunshots being fired. Several blocks were cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape. During a commission meeting on Monday, mayor Dan Gelber voiced his strong opposition to boisterous Spring Breakers coming to Miami Beach The weekend starting March 17 saw two men fatally shot and revelers jumping on a car, brawling in streets and even trashing a slushie shop on the main drag The second shooting occurred at around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on Ocean Drive in South Beach, according to Miami Beach police. The male later died at a hospital, and officers chased down a suspect on foot, police said on Twitter. His name has not been released and the suspected gunmen for both shootings were arrested. Gelber said during a commission meeting on Monday that he wants to make Miami Beach a less desirable destination for Spring Break partygoers. This year, the police from various South Florida agencies found the crowds difficult to maintain. Jordan Idahosa, 21, (pictured) was shot at 10:40pm on the night of March 17 in the South Beach neighborhood. He was one of two people killed during the wild weekend of student debauchery Gelber and city officials said past violence and pandemonium has led them to predict that it will persist for future Spring Breaks unless they take action to prevent it. 'This is not an all-inclusive resort where people can do what they want,' Gelber said. 'We certainly aren't Las Vegas or New Orleans.' Miami Beach officials voted in support of a South Beach curfew and closing down liquor sales early next March, although the final decision on the liquor sale crackdown has not yet been made. On Monday, Miami Beach police released citywide numbers between February 27 and March 27, which includes peak Spring Break time. A total of 488 arrests were made, and more than half of those were for felony arrests. The chaotic weekend that began on Friday March 17 saw two men shot dead including this horrific moment a man was shot at point blank on Ocean Drive early Sunday morning Police said that 105 firearms were impounded. The possibility of rolling back the sale of liquor will be discussed again in a meeting next month. Miami Beach officials imposed a curfew starting on the night of Sunday, March 19. The city said in a news release that the two separate shootings on Friday night and early Sunday that left two people dead and 'excessively large and unruly crowds' led to the decision. The news release said the curfew would be from 11:59 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday, with an additional curfew likely to be put in place Thursday through to Monday, March 27. The curfew was mainly for South Beach, the most popular party location for Spring Breakers. Gelber said in a video message posted on the Sunday after the shooting that the crowds and presence of numerous firearms has 'created a peril that cannot go unchecked' despite a massive police presence and many city-sponsored activities designed to keep people busy. 'We don't ask for spring break in our city. We don't want spring break in our city. It's too rowdy, it's too much disorder and it's too difficult to police,' Gelber said. Over that weekend, Miami was hit with hundreds of arrests, while Fort Lauderdale had only one or two minor incidents with their bikini-clad crowds. After the students partied throughout the day there were violent confrontations with police in the evening as officers used pepper balls to dispel the crowds in Miami Authorities in Fort Lauderdale said that there were 'no major incidents' related to the 2023 Spring Break, except for a teenager who assaulted Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and a separate incident of a fight with a security guard at a bar. Ohio spring-breaker Max Edward Hartley, 19, violently attacked the one-armed drummer outside of the Four Seasons. A police report from Fort Lauderdale Police said Hartley, from Ohio, was hiding behind a pillar outside the hotel before he rushed at the drummer and knocked him to the ground, causing him to hit his head. Last year, the city imposed a midnight curfew following two shootings, also on Ocean Drive. The year before that, there were around 1,000 arrests and dozens of guns confiscated during a rowdy spring break that led Miami Beach officials to take steps aimed at calming the situation. Starmer says party's election hopes are 'not well served' by Mr Corbyn running Jeremy Corbyn has decided to run against Labour at the next election if he is frozen out by Sir Keir Starmer today, setting up a major party row. The hard-Left former party leader faces being officially barred from standing for Labour in Islington North in a vote by its ruling NEC today that was instigated by his successor. Mr Corbyn has sat as an independent MP since losing the whip in October 2020, when he said that allegations of antisemitism during his time in charge had been exaggerated by his political opponents. Allies expect him to announce by the end of this week that he will run anyway in a move that would mean his automatic expulsion as a Labour Party member. One told The Times: 'It has become personal.' His Parliamentary allies continue to push for him to be allowed to run, with MP Beth Winter making the extraordinary demand that he be cleared 'in the interests of General Election success'. Under Mr Corbyn's leadership at the 2019 election, Labour suffered its worst result since the 1930s, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority. The hard-Left former party leader faces being officially barred from standing for Labour in Islington North in a vote by its ruling NEC today that was instigated by his successor Mr Corbyn has sat as an independent MP since losing the whip in October 2020, when he said that allegations of anti-Semitism during his time in charge had been exaggerated by his political opponents His Parliamentary allies are pushing for him to be allowed to run, with MP Beth Winter making the extraordinary demand that he is cleared 'in the interests of General Election success' Mr Corbyn remained tight-lipped on his future plans but insisted in a statement that he and his allies were 'not going anywhere' Ed Miliband, himself a former party leader, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Labour's National Executive Committee would consider Mr Corbyn's response to a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission following an investigation into the antisemitism row that engulfed the party under Mr Corbyn's leadership. He added: 'I'm not privy to exactly what goes on in the National Executive, but I don't think there is any mystery about the background to today's discussion at the National Executive Committee. 'It's about one thing, which is about Jeremy Corbyn's reaction to the EHRC report on antisemitism and his refusal to apologise for that reaction. That is the background of this. I don't think there's any mystery about that. 'Keir Starmer said some weeks ago that he didn't believe Jeremy Corbyn should be a candidate at the election and that is obviously a decision the National Executive will have to make.' A motion in opposition to the veteran MP, who has represented the London constituency of Islington North since 1983, is expected to be backed by the NEC. It states: 'The Labour Party's interests, and its political interests at the next general election, are not well served by Mr Corbyn running as a Labour Party candidate.' Sir Keir ruled out Mr Corbyn standing again for Labour last month, as he insisted the party had undergone a transformation since he took over. He confirmed the move after the EHRC lifted Labour out of two years of special measures over its failings on antisemitism under Mr Corbyn. Mr Corbyn is sitting in the Commons as an independent after being suspended over his response to the damning EHRC report in 2020, which found that Labour had broken equality law. He accused Sir Keir of 'undermining the party's internal democracy' ahead of the vote. Members of Labour's Left wing expressed their fury at Sir Keir's action and branded him 'duplicitous' as they highlighted how the Labour leader has previously described Mr Corbyn as a 'friend'. Ms Winter, the MP for Cynon Valley in Wales, said: 'I believe Jeremy Corbyn being allowed to stand would broaden Labour's appeal. NEC members should uphold the right of Constituency Labour Party members to conduct a selection process including Jeremy. 'In the interests of General Election success, I urge NEC members to withdraw the motion.' Rishi Sunak told Cabinet today that the Channel boats crisis is 'not sustainable' after Tories warned he will 'pay a heavy price' at the next election unless legislation is toughened up. The PM and his top team took stock of the situation in No10 after ministers won some breathing space by promising to consider proposals for tightening the controversial legislation. However, Mr Sunak is still facing a pincer between backbenchers who want to bolster the rules and block European judges from meddling - and those who are demanding more safe routes and exemptions for children. According to Downing Street, Mr Sunak told ministers that controlling numbers of arrivals was critical and the millions of pounds of costs being incurred by the taxpayer every day could not continue. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick is due to give an update on action being taken later this week. The government proposals would effectively ban Channel arrivals from claiming asylum in the UK. The Illegal Migration Bill is back in the House today, but the reckoning with MPs is now likely to come in May at the report and third reading stages. Tory former minister Sir John Hayes - a close ally of Home Secretary Suella Braverman - warned during the latest Commons debate last night that Conservatives will not be given a 'third chance' to address the issue. ory former minister Sir John Hayes warned during the latest Commons debate last night that Conservatives will not be given a 'third chance' to address the Channel boats issue Home Secretary Suella Braverman was among the ministers gathering for Cabinet today A file picture of a migrant boat being helped to safety in the Channel Pointing to the Nationality and Borders Act, which passed last year, Sir John said the public was told that legislation would 'do the job' but he conceded it 'couldn't achieve what we wanted'. He warned his party would pay a 'heavy price' if the latest Bill fails to deliver on Mr Sunak's vow to 'stop the boats'. He said: 'If (the Bill) fails, and the Government is found wanting, those on this side of the House will pay a heavy price. So, the minister needs to know that we've been down this road before with the (Nationality and Borders Bill). 'Of course, we were told that the borders bill would do the job. And I don't think ministers were deceiving us. They genuinely believed that would be the case and yet we found that we couldn't achieve what we wanted with the borders bill. 'We will not be given a third chance. This is our second chance to deal once and for all with the matter of the boats arriving in Dover, the and I do use the word, tide, wave, I think Home Secretary described it as a swarm of people coming here who know they're arriving illegally. 'It isn't too much to expect that a government maintains lawful control of our borders it is modest, it is moderate, it is just, it is virtuous to have a system which means that people who come here come here lawfully.' He also told MPs: 'I hope when (Home Office minister Robert Jenrick) sums up this debate, he will agree to enter into a dialogue with those of us who are speaking for the people, and we claim no more than that, that we are the spokesmen of the hard-working, patriotic, lawful majority with the aim of improving the Bill.' He voiced support for amendments from backbench Tories, saying: 'These amendments are designed to do two things. 'The first to give more power to Government to achieve its objective. 'The second is to limit those opportunities which exist and we know they will be taken to frustrate the Government's will, and by the Government's will I emphasise Parliament's will, to do more to deal with this matter.' Fellow Conservative Miriam Cates complained that many of those who 'argue against strong borders and strong action against illegal immigration are not themselves personally affected by illegal immigration'. 'Their wages are not threatened by the black market economy, they don't rely on essential local resources that are taken up with housing migrants, their children are not sent to school with young men who are clearly not children, and their sense of agency and national identity does not rest on the integrity of our borders or the sovereignty of our Parliament,' she said. 'For those whose lives and culture are not negatively impacted by thousands of people arriving here on small boats it makes sense to argue for open borders in the name of compassion. Mr Sunak is still facing a pincer between backbenchers who want to bolster the rules and block European judges from meddling - and those who are demanding more safe routes and exemptions for children 'For many of my constituents, these are luxury beliefs and the reality is that high and clearly visible levels of illegal immigration are a threat to ordinary people's safety, security, identity and sense of fair play. 'Believing in and upholding strong borders and firm boundaries is not uncompassionate or bigoted. It is a prerequisite for a fair, safe and cohesive nation.' Asylum-seekers have been crossing the Channel in small boats for a number of years despite efforts made to prevent them. In 2018, then home secretary Sajid Javid declared the situation a 'major incident'. At the start of 2019, a joint UK-France plan aimed to reduce it to an 'infrequent phenomenon' by spring 2020. In December 2021, the then home secretary Priti Patel told the Commons the Nationality and Borders Bill would provide 'a new comprehensive, firm but fair, and long-term plan that seeks to address the challenge of illegal migration facilitated by serious organised criminals exploiting people and profiting from human misery'. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken to Twitter to call for more guns in schools following the horrifying attack on the Covenant School in Nashville on Monday. The US representative for Georgia yesterday called the shooting 'another absolutely horrific, needless tragedy' as she rallied for better protection of children 'like precious stones' in schools. She wrote: 'Children and school staff should always be protected the same way politicians, money, precious stones, and gold are protected, but even more so, by good guys with guns.' She added: 'Joe Bidens gun free school zones have endangered children at schools leaving them as innocent targets of sick horrible disturbed people ever since he worked as a Senator to pass this foolish law.' The comments follow the killing of three nine-year-olds and three members of staff after former student Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at the Tennessee private school on Monday. Hale was shot by responding police officers, leaving a total of seven dead from the horror shooting. US Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, from Georgia, waves as former President Trump mentions her during a 2024 election campaign rally in Waco on Saturday Hallie Scruggs (left picture, right) and Mike Hill (right) were shot dead by Hale in the attack Cynthia Peak (left picture, right) and Head of School Katherine Koonce (R) died in the shooting In the tweet, Taylor Greene called for Biden 'and Democrats' to 'give up their Secret Service protection and put themselves on the same level as our unprotected innocent precious children at school. 'School shootings should NEVER happen and will end immediately when our nations [sic] children are defended the same way Joe Biden is by good guys with guns.' There have been 13 school shootings in 2023, with six children killed in total and four adults or employees losing their lives. "MTG" has been a staunch defender of second amendment rights in the wake of recent mass shootings. After the Colorado Springs shooting at Club Q last November, she snapped at Biden over calls for an assault weapons ban. She wrote on Twitter: 'Banning "assault weapons" will not stop a transgender [sic] from shooting up his own LGBTQ community or any other murderer already breaking laws to kill people. 'More gun control laws just create more defenseless victims.' The congresswoman posted a photo of herself with an AR-15-style assault rifle, crouched over a dead hog with a helicopter in the background. As in the case of the Nashville shooting, the suspect is alleged to have used an assault-style weapon and a handgun to carry out the attack, authorities said. At the time of writing, 2.7 million people have seen MTG's tweet saying 'school shootings... will end immediately when our nations [sic] children are defended the same way Joe Biden is' Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene last year responded to gun control calls with a photo of herself, armed, crouched over a dead hog Audrey Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged nine. Audrey Hale, 28, opened fire at a Nashville school on Monday, killing six It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe they attended the school at some point. Hale had detailed hand-drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. 'We have a manifesto. We have some writings. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place,' Nashville Police John Chief Drake said. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all nine-years-old, were killed in the attack. Staff members Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61, and school head Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, were also shot dead. Drake said Hale and no criminal history and that police did not know of any history of mental illness. A school friend of the suspect said in a DailyMail.com exclusive interview that 'no one saw this coming' and that Hale was 'sweet and funny'. A photo of Audrey Hale inside The Covenant School during the shooting on Monday Nashville police have released photos of the three weapons used in the shooting, which included two assault-type rifles The second of two rifles used in the shooting has been pictured by Nashville Police A 9 millimeter pistol was also being carried by the shooter during the Monday murders Last year, Marjorie Taylor Greene made headlines in the US and Britain after telling a reporter from the UK to 'go back to your country' in a heated debate over gun control laws. 'We like our [guns] here,' she said. It was noted the majority of voters supported tighter gun laws at the time. Following the Uvalde massacre, 65% of polled voters supported gun reform. 'Our children aren't scared to go to school,' the London-based journalist sniped. 'You have mass stabbings, lady. You have all kinds of murder and you've got laws against that,' she said. Reporter Siobhan Kennedy snapped back on Twitter: 'There are no mass stabbings in the UK. Yet here kids are frightened to go to school? Britain ranks #191 in the world for stabbing death rate, with 0.08 per 100,000 people, and #189 for gun death rate, with 0.04 per 100,000. The US ranks #114 globally for stabbings and #32 for gun death rate, with 0.6 and 4.12 per 100,000 respectively. This year, the US has suffered 132 mass shootings and is on track to endure its worst year in history. In total, 63 children have been shot and killed in the US as a result of gun crime this year. An Ofsted inspector has quit amid a backlash against the watchdog following the suicide of a headteacher. Andy Webster, leader of Park View School in Tottenham, north London, accused 'toxic' and 'inexperienced' inspection teams of placing 'awful pressure' on schools. Taking aim at what he called the watchdog's 'political agenda', in a series of tweets he added that the death of Ruth Perry, had brought 'into sharp focus' how Ofsted has 'taken a turn for the worse'. Ms Perry killed herself after a negative inspection at Caversham Primary School in Reading. The schools watchdog has faced fierce backlash with calls for Ofsted inspections to be paused out of respect for Ms Perry But the call has been rebuffed by Ofsted's chief Amanda Spielman, who claimed that stopping inspections would not be in the best interests of schoolchildren. Andy Webster (pictured), headteacher of Park View School in Tottenham, north London, accused 'toxic' and 'inexperienced' inspection teams of placing 'awful pressure' on schools in a series of tweets Mr Webster's tweets announcing his resignation yesterday Mr Webster said that the death of Ruth Perry (pictured), who killed herself after a negative inspection at Caversham Primary School in Reading, had brought 'into sharp focus' how Ofsted has 'taken a turn for the worse' Yesterday, Mr Webster said he 'would not be surprised if many other serving heads and school leaders make this same decision' to resign in their roles as Ofsted inspectors. He continued: 'The system needs urgent reform to reduce the awful pressure it can place on school communities. Until that happens, I'm out.' Ofsted inspector Andy Webster's resignation post in full As of this week I have resigned from Ofsted as an inspector. I do think that there is place for external scrutiny of schools, however the political agenda that seems to be driving the inspectorate, coupled with the toxicity of some inspection teams with inexperienced lead inspectors or HMI who may have very little experience of school senior leadership is putting too much pressure on schools and school leaders. I have learnt a lot in my time as an inspector, but Ofsted seems to have taken a turn for the worse. The death of Ruth Perry has brought this into sharp focus and I would not be surprised if many other serving heads and school leaders make this same decision. The system needs urgent reform to reduce the awful pressure it can place on school communities. Until that happens, I'm out. Advertisement Ms Perry's school had been ranked 'outstanding' since 2009, before three Ofsted inspectors arrived last November 15. It was Caversham's first inspection in 13 years as previously those which had been ranked so highly were exempt. The inspection report, published on Ofsted's website earlier this month, rated the school to be 'good' in every category apart from leadership and management, which was found to be 'inadequate'. Her sister Julia Walters has since called on parents of schoolchildren to 'destroy' the power of Ofsted by 'refusing its legitimacy'. Following her death, a vigil was held outside Ofsted's offices and last week protesters also descended on Westminster to hand a petition calling for Ofsted to be axed - signed by 45,000 people - to the Department of Education. In a statement, Ms Spielman described Ms Perry's death as 'a tragedy' and said she was 'deeply sorry' for the loss suffered by the headteacher's family, friends and the school community. She said the news had been 'met with great sadness at Ofsted' and acknowledged that school inspections 'can be challenging' as she said inspectors always aim to carry them out with 'sensitivity as well as professionalism'. Ms Spielman said: 'The sad news about Ruth has led to an understandable outpouring of grief and anger from many people in education. There have been suggestions about refusing to co-operate with inspections, and union calls to halt them entirely. 'I don't believe that stopping or preventing inspections would be in children's best interests. Our aim is to raise standards so that all children get a great education. It is an aim we share with every teacher in every school.' Ofsted has faced intense scrutiny following Ms Perry's death, with a spotlight now being shone on 'brutal' inspections which can put educators under immense pressure. Research has found that stress from Ofsted inspections has been cited as a factor in the inquests of ten teachers over the last 25 years. Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman has defended the watchdog's inspections Ms Perry was the principal of Caversham Primary School in Reading for 12 years Charity Hazards Campaign has conducted the research alongside the University of Leeds, which may add to 'the outpouring of anger' among teachers over the death of Mrs Perry. Health and safety expert Hilda Palmer, who carried out research for the Hazards Campaign, said: 'These figures are absolutely disgusting. When there are lots of suicides relating to one factor or one organisation, that needs to be investigated urgently.' A helpline for headteachers also reports that the majority of its crisis calls are about Ofsted. Andrew Morrish, a former school head and co-founder of support group Headrest, said some headteachers had 'left school in an ambulance' after being told their institutions were being downgraded. Mr Morrish added that the stress of being ordered to keep the school's status confidential until Ofsted's publication of its report often made matters worse. The backlash has prompted the government to intervene, with Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove saying Ofsted ratings should be 'looked at' following Ms Perry's death. A teaching union has demanded a full inquiry into the role an inspection branded 'deeply harmful' and 'unfair' played in the primary school headteacher's suicide. Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of NASUWT, The Teachers' Union, called for 'proper independent scrutiny', adding that 'the role played by the inspection process must also be examined and lessons learned'. Last week, the National Association of Head Teachers union slammed Ofsted's decision not to pause inspections, calling it 'a terrible mistake' which 'serves to reinforce the view that Ofsted is tin-eared and shows scant regard for the wellbeing of school leaders'. Paul Whiteman, general secretary, said 'warm words and sympathy' are welcome but are not enough and argued this should be a 'watershed moment' for 'a completely new approach to school inspection'. He added: 'School leaders want to see tangible actions being taken to reduce the intolerable pressure that the current inspection regime places on everyone in schools, and they want to see those actions now. 'We are not against inspection per se, we simply believe that a fairer, more humane approach is possible. We also believe parents would support a new approach.' The National Education Union said replacing Ofsted with a new agency 'would be good for children'. MailOnline has contacted Ofsted for comment. For help and support, contact the Samaritans for free, anonymously, on 116 123 At least 39 people have died and dozens left injured after a fire broke out at a migration center on the US - Mexico border. The blaze broke out at the National Institute of Migration (INM) in Ciudad Juarez late Monday night. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Thirty-nine people died and 29 were injured and are in "delicate-serious" condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire, the agency said. A blaze broke out at the National Institute of Migration in Ciudad Juarez on Monday night. The facility is located near the Stanton International Bridge, which links Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, Texas Mexican authorities and firefighters remove injured migrants from inside the National Migration Institute (INM) building during a fire in Ciudad Juarez on Monday night The fire broke out shortly before midnight, prompting the mobilization of firefighters and dozens of ambulances Local media, citing unnamed sources, reported that there were dozens dead and around 40 victims hospitalized, some in serious condition. The INM facility is located near the Stanton International Bridge, which links Juarez to El Paso, Texas. The Mexican city has seen the arrival of thousands of migrants, mainly from Venezuela, in recent months. The fire broke out shortly before midnight, prompting the mobilization of firefighters and dozens of ambulances. Local police, the Mexican National Guard, Mexican Army, Juarez Forensic Medical Services and officials with the Institute of Migration are reportedly on-site assisting with recovery efforts. Photographs taken at the scene show firemen and rescuers placing several bodies covered with blankets in the parking lot of the INM facility. Several migrants have been hospitalized with with serious injuries, KVIA journalist Heriberto Perez Lara reported on Twitter. A rescuer who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the press explained that there were about 70 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, at the site. A raid by immigration authorities on Monday afternoon resulted in an unknown number of detainees being housed in the INM building, reported Alfredo Corchado of Dallas Morning News. The migrants were allegedly brought in - after being removed from street corners where they cleaned windows, sold goods or begged from money - just hours before the blaze erupted. Children from Venezuela watch as Mexican authorities and firefighters remove injured migrants, mostly Venezuelans, from inside the National Migration Institute on Monday night Viangly, a Venezuelan migrant, reacts outside an ambulance carrying her injured husband Eduard Caraballo while Mexican authorities and firefighters remove injured migrants from the INM building on Monday night Ciudad Juarez, which neighbors El Paso, Texas, is one of the border towns where numerous undocumented migrants seeking refuge in the United States remain stranded. A recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) states that since 2014, some 7,661 migrants have died or disappeared en route to the US, while 988 perished in accidents or while traveling in subhuman conditions. Border Patrol agents detained migrants more than 2.5 million times at the southern border in 2022, including more than 250,000 in December, the highest on record. A US official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said two weeks ago that agents stopped migrants about 130,000 times in February, similar to January. Migrant encounters in January were at their lowest level since February 2021 More than 100,000 migrants each month were being released in US border cities late last year with notices to appear in immigration court or report to immigration authorities. President Joe Biden announced in early January that Mexico would take back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans under a pandemic-era rule that denies migrants the right to seek asylum as part of an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, the US agreed to admit up to 30,000 a month of those four nationalities on humanitarian parole if they apply online, enter at an airport and find a financial sponsor. The administration also proposed generally denying asylum to anyone who travels though another country on their way to the US without seeking protection there - effectively all non-Mexicans who appear at the US southern border. This is the shocking moment heavily armed cops drew guns and arrested three alleged fugitives. The men allegedly robbed several businesses with a machete in Werribee, in Melbourne's inner suburbs, before leading police on a wild chase. Officers initially abandoned the high-speed pursuit, which was live-streamed by those inside the getaway car, deeming it to be too dangerous. The cops later spotted the alleged robbers at a service station and started a second chase, which ended with a Hyundai hatchback crashing into a pole. Footage shows officers drawing guns and closing in on the alleged fugitives before arresting them. Police allege two men entered a supermarket just after 9am and demanded cash with a machete Footage shows officers drawing guns and closing in on the alleged fugitives before arresting them Police allege two men entered a Foodworks supermarket just after 9am and demanded cash with a machete. The group then allegedly entered another store where one man is accused of stealing cash and alcohol. A 20-year-old, 18-year-old and 16-year-old allegedly fled the scene in a stolen grey Hyundai hatchback. 'When the vehicle got onto the freeway at 160km/h, it became too unsafe,' Senior Sergeant Keith Kissack said. However, the alleged thieves then showed off on social media, allowing police to close in. Once the pursuit was called off, police were still able to track the offenders, because they were live-streaming on social media. Three men were arrested at the scene after the crash (pictuerd). One offender was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital and the other two are currently in custody It is alleged that the offenders threw a wheel brace and bottle of alcohol at cops during the pursuit. All three men were arrested at the scene after the crash. One offender was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital and the other two are currently in custody. 'You could hear the police coming down the road and then all of a sudden there was this almighty bang,' witness David Rogers told the Herald Sun. NQR Werribee employee and alleged victim Paris Jones said the offenders trashed the store after stealing items. 'Everyone's okay but it was a bit of a scary ordeal, obviously,' she recalled. 'It was very quick, they (allegedly) came in, threatened, they got the money, got what they wanted but then they've gone into the alcohol section and stolen some more and thrown some stuff around just for fun.' Hale conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre A former student who killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville had 'some resentment for having to go to that school', cops said as they try to pin down a motive. Nashville police chief John Drake said police are still investigating what drove the killer - who they named as Audrey Hale, 28 - to open fire on Monday morning at The Covenant School, where she used to be a student, before being shot dead by police. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the killer had 'some resentment for having to go to that school'. He also provided chilling examples of the killer's elaborate planning for the shooting as she had a map of the building marking possible entry points and conducted surveillance before carrying out the attack, massing shootings across the nation. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,' he told reporters. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.' Nashville police chief John Drake did not say what drove the killer - who they named as Audrey Hale, 28 (pictured above) - to open fire on Monday morning at The Covenant School, where she used to be a student, before being shot dead by police Audrey Hale in her LinkedIn profile picture: Hale describes herself as an illustrator and graphic designer Drake said police had a theory in relation to Hale's motive 'they may be able to talk about later but it's not confirmed'. He promised the theory on the motive would be made public as soon as police can do so. A high school friend of Hale was shocked to learn the outgoing girl she ran track with was behind the massacre that left six dead at a Christian campus. The friend, who requested to remain anonymous, described Hale as 'sweet and funny' hours after the suspect opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing three nine-year-olds and three staff on Monday. Cops said Hale was transgender, although they haven't specified further details and referred to her as a woman. Hale was born female, but a LinkedIn profile believed to be hers uses he/him pronouns, suggesting Hale was living as a man. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,' police chief Drake told reporters. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.' The friend recalled her faint memories with Hale at the Nashville School of the Arts from around 2011 to 2014. 'What she did was unforgivable but when I knew her she was a sweet and funny girl,' the friend told DailyMail.com. 'When she came out as trans (female to male) no one was surprised. 'She really didn't fit the school shooter archetype. I don't know what would have happened to turn her into this person we see on the news. Everyone in my graduating class is losing it on Facebook. Really none would have seen this coming.' The friend referred to Hale as 'her' because she knew the suspect as a female before the 28-year-old transitioned after graduation. 'We went to Nashville School of the Arts in high school, where we had several trans students and others who were a part of the LGBTQ community,' the friend said. 'We were both in Visual Arts classes together and she was very involved with the school and had several friends.' Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the Presbyterian church affiliated with the school Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, aka Cindy Broyles Peak, is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot to death at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, 2023 Along with participating in the same clubs, the friend also knew Hale as a team player. 'We ran track together as well for [Martin Luther King Jr. School] (a sister magnet school) and she was a great part of the team,' the friend said. The friend added: 'I'd never defend anyone that would hurt a child. But really it's still really hard to believe that she did this. I thought for sure it was a mistake at first. The whole situation is so surreal. 'She really did have a good group of friends and she did a lot of projects and school activities. Not at all what you would expect from someone in this kind of news headline.' DailyMail.com obtained messages from the Nashville School of Arts alumni page where several former classmates of Hale were in disbelief. 'This is crazy y'all,' one person wrote. 'I'm sure all of us could say the Audrey we knew back in high school was so opposite from who they were this morning. 'Its tough enough to grasp if we even knew Audrey, you know? I know this is a shock to the NSA fam. My heart breaks for those sweet families who lost loved ones this morning.' Another alumni added: 'JESUS!!' The Nossi College of Art & Design said Hale was a 2022 graduate of their Nashville-based school, according to NBC News. In a statement, the school said Hale was a 'talented artist and a good student' during her time at the college. The school added: 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, to the victims and their families and to our city.' All six victims were identified on Monday. They were nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, and three members of staff Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61, and school head Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60. Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Audrey Hale receiving a certificate at Nossi College of Art in Nashville Hale went into The Covenant School around 10.13am, opened fire and was killed by police less than 15 minutes later. Aside from the three students, all aged nine, pronounced dead, Hale also killed substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61. After the killing, parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described everyone as being in 'complete shock'. 'People were involuntarily trembling,' she said. 'The children ... started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today.' The suspect drove to school in a Honda Fit, which was discovered in the Covenant Church/school campus early Monday. Nashville police said it helped identify her. 'MNPD detectives searched it and found additional material written by Hale,' police said. It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe she attended the school at some point. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. Police said Hale left behind a manifesto they believe will give them a motive into the massacre, the 129th in the United States in 2023. 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this day,' Nashville Police Chief John Drake said. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna to take place. There's right now a theory that we may put out later but it's not confirmed. We'll put that out as soon as we can.' Audrey Hale's Honda Fit which she parked at The Covenant School campus before opening fire inside the school As officers responded to the Covenant campus, Hale fired on arriving police vehicles from a second story window A police car which Audrey Hale fired upon from a second story window once she had blasted her way into The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday Cracked glass can be seen in a second story window where Audrey Hale fired on an approaching cop car outside The Covenant School A child weeps while on the bus leaving The Covenant School, following a mass shooting at the school in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. March 27, 2023 Children from The Covenant School hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a shooting at their school, on Monday March, 27, 2023 Drake said that Hale mentioned another location in her manifesto, but decided that there was too much security to launch an attack. According to the chief, Hale and no criminal history and said he did not know of any history of mental illness, though investigators were still looking into that. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighbourhood just south of central Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe - a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from pre-school through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. 'Our community is heartbroken,' a statement from the school said. 'We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Hale styled herself as an illustrator, drawing under the name Aiden. She received an education from Nossi College of Art in Nashville for digital art and design. Her work included renderings of Sponge Bob Squarepants, a Keith Haring tribute, and a drawing of Jack Nicholson in the film The Shining, with his infamous quote: 'Here's Johnny!' Photos of Audrey receiving an award in spring 2017 at Nossi has since surfaced. Audrey - who drew under the male name Aiden - was an illustrator and graphic designer She is said to be dating web designer Robert Davies, who she met 5 years ago Here is Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen with her new businessman lover taken four-and a half years before her marriage collapsed. Amanda and her estranged husband Clive hired web designer Robert Davies to launch a website to promote her work after she shot to national prominence. Amanda, 48, and Clive, 68, were married for 21 years and have nine children but announced their separation last June. In a Facebook post from December 2018, Mr Davies, 71 posted a picture of himself with Amanda and writes: 'Have you been watching Channel 5's series 'Our Yorkshire Farm' about the Yorkshire Shepherdess? I really enjoyed working on her website earlier this year, and very happy that she loves it!' In a response to a message, he described Amanda as 'amazing.' Our Yorks Farm's Amanda Owen, 48, pictured with her new lover web designer Robert Davies, 71, over three years ago Split: The TV star confirmed she had separated from her husband of 21 years Clive, 68, last summer, they share nine children together (pictured in 2020) In an earlier post from January 2018 Mr Davies even boasted about having lunch with Amanda and Clive at their Ravenseat farm in North Yorkshire. Posting a picture of the couple, he wrote: 'Had lunch with these two at their farm in Upper Swaledale. 1,000 sheep, 9 kids and very soon a brand-new website for the Yorkshire Shepherdess.' He also posted a message he received from Amanda in which she writes: 'I forgot to thank you for making the epic trip in coming to me. That was appreciated. I love the website, I know that j (sic) am hard work and that it has been a long haul but you have achieved the near unachievable in crafting something that I think reflects me. With just a few minor tweaks we will be good to go. Happy . Amanda.' Businessman Robert Davies, 71 runs It'seeze Web Design Scarborough, which is based in the North Yorkshire seaside town and designed Amanda's website, 'yorkshireshepherdess.com' which was launched in 2018. He lives in Malton, North Yorkshire and his company has worked with a number of businesses in the area helping them to establish an online presence. On his company's website, Mr Davies is described as having 40 years of experience working in marketing for some of the UK's biggest brands and boasts that he has the 'expertise to help your company successfully develop its online presence.' It adds: 'It doesn't stop there however, as Rob will provide continued support and assistance to ensure that you're always getting the most out of your website long after it goes live.' Life goes on: Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen is 'inseparable' with a new man - businessman Robert Davies (pictured right), ten months after she split from husband Clive Amanda is said to be 'inseparable' with Robert and the couple spent the weekend together in Folkestone, Kent. Pictures obtained by The Sun showing them together on the south coast, where Amanda was starring in 'an evening with' fan event. A source said: 'Amanda and Robert have known each other many years long before her split. 'Now he travels everywhere with her and they've become seemingly inseparable.' A representative for Amanda has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Amanda and Clive still run Ravenseat in the Yorkshire Dales, a remote working farm at which they have been tenants for more than 20 years. Before their split was confirmed last summer, neighbours revealed to MailOnline that Amanda had moved out of the farmhouse and into their rental property down the road in Swaledale, while Clive had been staying in the farmhouse. Amanda has since moved back to the farmhouse though, revealing in an interview this month with the Sunday Times that she and Clive have 'two farms that are basically next door to each other, so it's close enough for it to be useful, but far enough for us to have space.' Exes: Amanda and Clive run Ravenseat in the Yorkshire Dales, a remote working farm at which they have been tenants for more than 20 years (pictured together in 2016) 'Whatever our personal situation, there's a farm to run and nine children to look after so we're just working together, making it happen.' Speaking to the Radio Times recently Amanda gave her own matter-of-fact take on the split: 'Look, there are two simple facts: if he thought I was brilliant, and I thought he was brilliant, then we wouldn't have separated,' she pointed out. 'It's a fact, isn't it? But, you know what, that's not unique, it's just how things are, pressures, all the rest of it. 'But we have nine kids, with associated friends, girlfriends, and we just have to get on with it.' Late last year C live's new show Beyond The Yorkshire Farm: Reuben and Clive premiered and saw him launch a digging business with his son. A masculinity activist has warned schools that they are partially responsible for the popularity of misogynistic 'influencer' Andrew Tate. The 36-year-old, accused of human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group to exploit victims, has been detained in a Romanian prison since December 29. Speaking to The Times, Mark Brooks, a co-founder of the Men and Boys Coalition, said Tate's toxic masculinity was popular because boys are 'unfairly treated by society' and warned schools are not addressing problems adequately. Mr Brooks warned of a lack of male teachers and whether the institutions were 'actually boy friendly'. This comes as a new YouGov survey about what it means 'to be a man' found that almost a third of young men thought society did not care about them. Andrew Tate (right), 36, was arrested on December 29 with his brother Tristan (left) on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group to exploit women (pictured today outside the Bucharest Court of Appeal) Mark Brooks (pictured), a co-founder of the Men and Boys Coalition, said one of the reasons the toxic masculinity peddled by Tate is popular is because schools are not addressing boys' problems adequately' Andrew Tate rose to fame as a kickboxer in the 2000s, winning his first ISKA world title in 2011. Later he joined Twitter as he gained an international reputation. His videos gained popularity in 2022 through TikTok, Instagram and YouTube shorts, with misogynistic soundbites about masculinity which were shared millions of times. He was banned from Twitter in 2022 for comments attributing 'some responsibility' to rape victims. Tate claims he was playing a character and taken out of context. Mr Brooks, who campaigns for boys' wellbeing, told The Times that the reason why 'people like Andrew Tate take hold' is because boys feel schools are not 'taking the problems they face seriously enough'. He said: 'The emphasis has to be on schools to take more care of boys. Boys are behind girls at school. There's a lack of male teachers, which has an effect. Boys have eating disorders, are bullied and have depression.' A poll carried out for Future Men, the charity for boys, asked 2,168 adults what it meant 'to be a man'. It found that 52 per cent of men in the UK felt pressured by social expectations. A third of men younger than 35 believed that struggling with mental health made them less masculine. More than half, 51 per cent, believed they were expected to 'man up' when facing challenges. Tate's videos gained popularity in 2022 through TikTok, Instagram and YouTube shorts, with misogynistic soundbites about masculinity Last week Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan said they were 'speechless' after a Romanian court decided they must remain in prison for another 30 days on sex trafficking charges. Today, a Romanian court of appeals is expected to rule on Tate's request to be released on bail from police custody pending a criminal investigation into alleged sex trafficking. On March 22 a judge granted prosecutors a fourth 30-day extension on their arrest, meaning all four - the Tate brothers and Luana Radu, 32, and Georgina Naghel, 28 - will remain in custody until April 21, Tate's spokesperson told MailOnline. None of the four have yet been formally charged. Tate and Tristan slammed the judge's decision, and said his image has been 'irreparably harmed' by the Romanian criminal justice system while insisting it will 'take years to rebuild' his reputation. A 20-day old boy has died in Rome after a failed home ritual circumcision attempt, police have revealed. Two Nigerian women were arrested in connection with the child's death after his parents rushed him to the hospital on Friday. Both women were charged with aggravated manslaughter and illegal exercise of a profession. The mother of the child is also being investigated on suspicion of conspiracy to commit manslaughter. It follows on from a host of other such similar cases in Italy, such as that of a two-year-old in Rome in December 2018. Many Muslim immigrants in Italy practise circumcision for cultural and religious regions - but it is not a popular practice among Italy's Roman Catholic majority The operations are usually performed in backstreet surgeries and private clinics as most hospital doctors refuse to perform the surgery until the boys have reached at least age four The boy - who was undergoing a circumcision operation performed by an American citizen of Libyan origin - also had a twin brother who narrowly survived his operation following intensive care. The doctor of the deceased child had called for help after he started to bleed excessively, Italian media reported at the time. His mother was believed to be of Nigerian origin, and reportedly sought asylum in Italy and has five other children in Nigeria. She reportedly asked for the operation to be performed in line with Islamic traditions, despite being Catholic. Many Muslim immigrants in Italy practise circumcision for cultural and religious regions - but it is not a popular practice among Italy's Roman Catholic majority. The operations are usually performed in backstreet surgeries and private clinics as most hospital doctors refuse to perform the surgery until the boys have reached at least age four. Over 5,000 such operations are performed in Italy every year, with 35% being done clandestinely, according to health charity Amsi. Operations in private clinics can cost up to 4000 euros, but can be offered for between 50 and 200 euros at backstreet surgeries. The Bank of England Governor today insisted recent financial turmoil was not similar to the 2008 financial crisis, telling MPs: 'We're in a very different place to then.' Andrew Bailey, giving evidence to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee, stressed that the UK banking system was 'in a strong position'. But he added that Britain's financial institutions were in 'a period of very heightened tension' following recent woes afflicting Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Credit Suisse. Mr Bailey sugggested the collapse of SVB was 'the fastest passage from health to death' since Barings Bank was brought down in 1995. He vowed that Threadneedle Street would 'go on being vigilant' as he appeared to blame recent market volatility on traders trying to 'test out' other banks. It came after Mr Bailey last night warned that is was 'striking' how quickly runs on banks could gain momentum in the social media age. That point was backed up today by his fellow Bank official Sam Woods, chief of the Prudential Regulation Authority, who pointed to how news could quickly spread via private messaging groups, such as those on WhatsApp. Andrew Bailey, giving evidence to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee, stressed that the UK banking system was 'in a strong position' SVB's collapse in the US earlier this month saw its UK arm swiftly bought by HSBC amid Government fears of disaster for Britain's tech sector The demise of SVB was then quickly followed by a crisis for Credit Suisse, which has since agreed a rescue deal with UBS SVB's collapse in the US earlier this month saw its UK arm swiftly bought by HSBC amid Government fears of disaster for Britain's tech sector. The demise of SVB was then quickly followed by a crisis for Credit Suisse, which has since agreed a rescue deal with UBS. As he compared the disintegration of SVB to Barings Bank, Mr Bailey told MPs: 'That was a Friday to Sunday thing and this was pretty similar.' But he added that Credit Suisse's troubles were 'a more drawn out affair'. The Governor expressed confidence in Britain's banking sector as he pointed to an 'important difference' in UK and US banking regimes in relation to SVB and highlighted 'institutional-specific' problems at 'idiosyncratic' Credit Suisse. 'The US authorities are still dealing with some of the consequences of the issues and the issues with regional banks which we saw with SVB,' he told the committee. 'Credit Suisse is a rather institutional-specific story about long-running issues in that institution. 'My very strong view about the UK banking system is that it is in a strong position both capital and liquidity wise, it is not showing signs of problems in that respect and we tested very extensively.' The Bank of England Governor appeared to blame recent market volatility on traders trying to 'test out' other banks London stocks fell more than 1 per cent on Friday amid a sharp decline in banking shares, including a battering for Germany's Deutsche Bank. But Mr Bailey suggested this was due to financial markets attempting to 'test out' firms, rather than 'identified weaknesses'. 'What we saw at the tailend of last week, Friday in particular, when there were quite sharp market movements - I think there are moves in markets to test out firms,' he added. 'I would not want to say that those, in my estimation, are based on identified weakenesses rather than testing out. There is quite a bit of testing out going on at the moment.' Pressed on whether the UK was 'out of the woods' following the recent banking crises, Mr Bailey suggested the situation was not similar to the 2008 credit crunch. 'I don't think we're at all in the place we were in in 2007/08 - we're in a very different place to then,' he told MPs. 'But we have to be very vigilant, so if I give you the answer "I don't think there is a problem going forward", I do not want to give you for a moment the idea that we're not very vigilant because we are. 'We are in a period of very heightened tension and alertness and we will go on being vigilant.' Following a speech at the London School of Economics last night, Mr Bailey admitted that regulators needed to take heed of the speed at which bank runs could gain momentum in the social media age. 'It is striking that it happens very quickly and of course, word gets around,' the Governor told an audience. 'And I think we will have to constantly look at the calibration of liquidity measures to say: how do they match to that sort of dynamic that's taking place?' Mr Woods added to that warning today, telling MPs: 'All of us can move money from our accounts in as short a time as it's taken me to answer this question. 'That is a relatively new feature of the market. The other aspect we have had... is the speed with which news can travel, particularly among communities and sometimes through private messaging groups. 'That is a noticeable phenomenon both here and elsewhere.' A mild-mannered Adelaide mother accused of being a Russian spy was dragged away from her family and interrogated before being hauled off to a detention centre. Marina Sologub, 39, lived in the city's western suburbs with her husband and their teenage son until their home was raided on February 23 by the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and her visa was cancelled. The Kazakhstan-born ethnic Russian arrived in Australia in 2020 on a distinguished talent visa, having forged a career in the space sector in Ireland where she lived most of her life. She is currently being held in a Melbourne immigration facility awaiting an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision on her visa, which is expected to be given in July. 'Of course I am innocent. I have nothing to hide,' Ms Sologub told 7News from detention this week. Marina Sologub (pictured) is being held in immigration detention accused of being a Russian spy by ASIO Ms Sologub arrived in Australia on a distinguished talent visa for her work in the space sector. Her husband said their family is devastated over her arrest (pictured together) The dramatic raid on her home was conducted by ASIO, Border Force and the Australian Federal Police. ASIO is the only intelligence agency in the Five Eyes group - consisting of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - which can openly detain alleged spies for interrogation for 24 hours without charge. Her visa was cancelled within that 24 hour window and she was transported to immigration detention. Ms Sologub was most recently working as a procurement advisor for the City of Marion council in Adelaide. She was fast-tracked into Australia on an '858 distinguished talent visa' for her expertise in the space sector. The Australian Space Agency is based in Adelaide and the city is a hub for space research and development. She had worked for Ireland's National Space Centre and also worked for consultancy firm Deloitte on space projects when she first arrived in Australia. Ms Sologub said she had worked with Russian individuals while doing her job for the Irish space agency but denies being a Russian spy for the Kremlin. 'The whole situation is very devastating, for me, for (my) family, it's breaking us apart,' she said. 'If I was a Russian spy the Australian government for sure will never invite me. 'I just feel powerless.' The couple have a teenage son with the family frantic Ms Sologub has been locked up Her visa was cancelled but she is appealing with a decision expected in July. She is not charged with any crime Her visa was cancelled by Home Affairs Minister Claire O'Neil after a negative security assessment was given to her by ASIO. The minister has the power to cancel individual visas if they believe a person does not meet a character test and it is in the national interest. Ms Solugub's lawyer said it was a tough to fight her case with the appeals tribunal because ASIO was providing very little information and the onus was on her client to provide proof she isn't a Russian spy. She has not been charged with any criminal offence. Her husband of two decades, Alexander Sologub, said their whole family was frantic over her arrest. 'They didn't knock they smashed the door in (in the raid),' he said. 'We are just normal people.' JK Rowling warned new SNP leader Humza Yousaf he will follow Nicola Sturgeon into the political wilderness today after he vowed to continue her controversial gender reform battle with Westminster. The Harry Potter author and women's rights activist lashed out at the incoming First Minister of Scotland as he prepared to be confirmed in the post at Holyrood this afternoon. Mr Yousaf narrowly won the SNP election, but was the first choice of fewer party members than his two challengers combined. Both Kate Forbes and Ash Regan opposed Ms Sturgeon's Gender Recognition Reform Bill (GRR) and vowed to end the legal challenge she brought after Rishi Sunak used devolved powers to block it. The Bill would lower the age at which teens can legally alter their gender from 18 to 16. Mr Yousaf said last night he would continue the High Court case despite warnings that it was doomed to failure. In response, Ms Rowling, an outspoken critic of the law, said: 'Humza Yousaf is the kid who just saw the skater in front of him disappear through the ice, but yells ''watch me, everybody!'' while wobbling straight for the hole.' Ms Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning. But Mr Yousaf faces a mammoth task to revive the Scottish separatists' ailing fortunes after an extraordinary meltdown over the abortive bid to loosen gender ID rules, and with support for independence at well under 50 per cent. The Harry Potter author and activist threw the warning at the incoming First Minister of Scotland as he prepares to be confirmed in the post at Holyrood this afternoon. Humza Yousaf will be installed as Scotland's new First Minister today after scraping home in the SNP leadership battle yesterday Nicola Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he was likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes (right) Mr Yousaf will be confirmed in the role by a vote at Holyrood this afternoon, with Nicola Sturgeon formally sending her resignation letter to the King this morning Mr Yousaf has already pledged to push on with Ms Sturgeon's agenda on trans rights and demanded an immediate referendum on splitting the UK - something Rishi Sunak has flatly dismissed. Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he was likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes. She tore into his record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the closer-than-expected 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it'. Critics have also pointed out that Mr Yousaf only just emerged on top despite having the backing of 'the entire SNP establishment'. Tories believe Mr Yousaf's triumph will help secure the Union, as Ms Forbes would have been a more dangerous opponent. However, it could also be a major opportunity for Labour, which hopes to pick up a dozen seats north of the border at a general election. Mr Yousaf, 37, will become the youngest First Minister, and the first from an ethnic minority. Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats are also expected to put their names forward to become First Minister. They will be asked to speak by Alison Johnstone the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament with a separate vote for each, but as they lack sufficient backers they are set to fail. Mr Yousaf has the backing of the Scottish Greens, who have reiterated their commitment to the Bute House Agreement a power-sharing deal that gives the SNP an overall majority. Assuming he wins the vote Mr Yousaf will be sworn in as First Minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow, before facing his inaugural First Minister's Questions on Thursday. But an Ipsos poll has underlined the challenges ahead of him, with half of Scots fearing the country is heading in the wrong direction. Across all policy areas from the NHS to managing the economy more felt the Scottish Government had done a bad job than good. Election guru Sir John Curtice said Labour now has an opportunity to win at least ten Scottish seats in a general election. Sir John, who is professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told TalkTV: 'I think the Labour Party will certainly feel they have an opportunity and they are quite right to feel that way. Ms Forbes tore into Mr Yousaf's record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the close 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it' 'They are now running at about 30 per cent in Scotland. That leaves them only ten points behind the SNP. 'The reason why that matters is that at kind of level of lead, the Labour Party begins to pick up seats from the SNP. 'There are around ten seats in Scotland which might fall to Labour if the SNP lead across Scotland as a whole is down to ten points.' He added: 'The Labour Party is the one unionist party that has some ability to appeal to some people who are in favour of independence but are not necessarily going to vote for the SNP. 'The crucial question is whether the Labour Party can increase that constituency.' Mr Yousaf's campaign manager said he will have conversations about bringing defeated leadership rivals Ms Forbes and Ash Regan into government. Neil Gray, the Scottish culture minister and MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, told Times Radio: 'There are conversations to be had about government going forward and the make-up, the structure and those that are involved in government. 'I'll leave it to Humza to have those conversations over the coming days.' He added: 'In terms of what Humza will do differently, he has already said that he will be his own man. He will have his own leadership style.' Mr Gray also confirmed that Mr Yousaf will continue to challenge the UK's block on the SNP gender reforms. 'Of course he is going to listen to the legal advice he has to do that but there is an important principle at stake which is about the democracy and the democratic mandate given to the Scottish Parliament that must be defended,' he said. 'A two-thirds majority passed the Gender Recognition Bill in the Scottish Parliament 'MSPs from every single political party supported it, so it is right now that Humza Yousaf at the first time that section 35 of the Scotland Act has been used tests that and challenges it, because democracy is at stake. 'We must defend Scottish democracy and devolution. Otherwise, what is the point?' 'He will look to utilise the talent across the party in a big-tent approach.' The first of Britain's Challenger 2 main battle tanks have arrived in Ukraine, with the country's Defence Minister giving the UK the thumbs up as he took a ride in the heavy armour that will soon take on Vladimir Putin's invaders. Britain said in January it would send 14 of the tanks to Ukraine, which is preparing for a possible counter-offensive against Russian forces that invaded 13 months ago. Oleksii Reznikov wrote on Twitter that the tanks had 'recently arrived in our country' and posted a video that showed him sitting in one of a long line of tanks in an open field, all of them flying Ukraine's yellow and blue flag. 'It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT (main battle tank) for a spin,' Reznikov wrote. 'These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions,' he added, tagging Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as well as Wallace. In the video, he gave the thumbs up sign and thanked British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for the tanks, as they tore around the muddy field. Five armoured vehicles are seen in this photograph shared by Ukraine's armed forces. From left to right: A US-made MRAP Cougar, a US-made Stryker armoured fighting vehicle, a British-made Challenger 2 main battle tank, a German-made BMP Marder, and a Canadian-made Roshel Senator. Ukraine's defence minister can be seen in the foreground (centre) 'Marvellous, Ben,' he said in English. 'It's...very good stuff. Thank you very much from Ukraine to the United Kingdom.' In addition to the video, Ukraine's armed forces shared a picture of the British Challenger 2 lined up with four other vehicles sent to Ukraine from its allies. The picture showed a MRAP Cougar along-side a Stryker armoured fighting vehicle - both from the US, a German-made BMP Marder, and a Canadian-made Roshel Senator. Ukrainian soldiers held the flags of Ukraine's airbourne forces, the US, the UK, Germany and Ukraine in front of the vehicles, while Ukrainian flags flew from the top of each piece of military hardware as well. Germany's defence ministry also said on Monday that 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles had also arrived in Ukraine. 'I'm sure that they can make a decisive contribution on the front,' German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Twitter. The 5million Challenger 2, with a 120mm rifled gun and a 7.62mm machine gun, is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks. It is the UK's only guaranteed 24-hour, all-weather mobile tank with protected precision direct fire and anti-tank manoeuvre capability, the British army says. An earlier version of the tank claimed the longest-distance tank kill in history, with the war machine destroying an Iraqi tank from three miles away during the Gull War. The 27ft-long Challenger 2 has a crew of four and a range of 340 miles on-road and 160 miles off road. However, it has a top speeds of about 37mph, meaning it is slightly slower than Germany's Leopard tank. The 75-ton Challenger 2 has been described by British military commanders as a modern tank which is 'much better protected, more reliable and quicker' than Russia's Soviet-era tanks. Meanwhile, the Leopard 2s are seen as the workhorses of militaries across Europe, and are thus in the arsenals of several countries willing to send aid to Ukraine. Canada, Norway and Poland also have sent such tanks to Ukraine. Rheinmetall AG, a German defense contractor that makes the 120mm smoothbore gun on the Leopard 2, says the tank has been deployed by 'more nations than any other', with 3,500 units being supplied to 19 countries. More than 2,000 of those have been sent to over a dozen European countries and Canada. It is this sheer number of Leopard tanks that has meant they are seen as the best option for Ukraine - as they would be easily deployable to Ukraine - while also being easier to repair and replace in the event that any are damaged or destroyed. The tank's manufacturer, Krauss-Massei Wegmann, has touted it as 'the world's leading battle tank' with a 120mm smooth bore gun and a fully-digital fire-control system. It also costs around 5million, and has a top speed 45 miles per hour. Britain said in January it would send 14 of the tanks to Ukraine , which is preparing for a possible counter-offensive against Russian forces that invaded 13 months ago. They have now arrived in Ukraine, and were seen in a video shared on Tuesday tearing around a field Pictured: A row of British-made Challenger 2 tanks are seen in a field in a video posted by Ukraine's minister of defence on Tuesday In the video, Ukraine's defence minister (pictured) gave the thumbs up sign and thanked British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for the Challenger 2 tanks How do Germany's Leopard 2 and Britain's Challenger 2 main battle tanks compare? As more military aid arrives in Ukraine, analysts expect Kyiv to launch a counterattack to get underway in earnest over April-May as the weather improves. READ MORE: Putin security chief vows to destroy the West with hypersonic nukes if it attempts to defeat Russia Advertisement Front lines in Ukraine have barely moved for more than four months despite a Russian winter offensive, with the most intense battles centred on the eastern city of Bakhmut, which has been likened to a First World War 'meat grinder'. It is understood that Ukraine's military aims to wear down Russian forces before mounting its own attack, in the hope of pushing Putin's armies back further. Russia's Wagner mercenary force, which is thought to have sustained heavy losses in eastern Ukraine (some estimates put the group's losses as high as 50,000), is seeking to replenish its ranks ahead of any Ukrainian counteroffensive. A giant recruitment advertisement for the group has appeared on the facade of an office building in northeast Moscow. It shows Wagner's logo and slogans such as 'Join the winning team!' and 'Together we will win', along with a picture of a masked man holding a weapon. On the battlefield, Russian forces appear to be focusing on Avdiivka, 55 miles south of the battered mining town of Bakhmut, while a Ukrainian general said the country's forces were planning their next move. Ukraine shut Avdiivka to civilians on Monday, with an official describing the town as a 'post-apocalyptic' wasteland. The Ukrainian military has warned that Avdiivka could become a 'second Bakhmut', which has been reduced to rubble in months of fighting described by both sides as a 'meat grinder'. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said this month that a counterattack was not 'far off', visited frontline troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling attacks on Bakhmut. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said air defences shot down 12 drones near Kyiv on Monday and falling debris set a non-residential site ablaze. No casualties were reported. Russia launched a total of 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight on Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces destroying 14 of them, Ukraine's military said early on Tuesday. Ukrainian soldiers ride atop a military vehicle on the frontline in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 26 Ukrainian soldiers ride atop an APC on the frontline in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 26 A damaged building is seen in this aerial view of Bakhmut, the site of heavy battles with Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 26 A British Challenger 2 main battle tank is seen in action during a drill in 2017 (file photo). The UK has sent 14 of the heavy tanks to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion 'The logic of the Russians' actions is terror aimed at civilian infrastructure,' Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Telegram about the drone attacks. 'It won't work, just like geopolitical blackmail.' Since Putin's invasion to 'demilitarise' Ukraine got bogged down in the autumn, he and other Russian officials have played up the prospect the war could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. On Saturday, he said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Ukraine and its Western allies have denounced the plan. Belarus said on Tuesday it was forced to host Russian nuclear weapons due to 'unprecedented' Western pressure, insisting their deployment did not violate international agreements. At the weekend Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in the Moscow-allied country, drawing condemnation from the West. 'Belarus is forced to respond to strengthen its own security and defense capability,' the foreign ministry in Minsk said. It said Minsk had been subjected to 'unprecedented' political and economic pressure from the United States and its allies. Belarus said it would not have control over the weapons and their deployment 'in no way contradicts' the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko (L) at the Palace of Independence in Minsk last year, where Putin 'discussed military and economic cooperation' Minsk allowed Russia to use its territory as a launchpad for Moscow's offensive against Ukraine last year. The two countries have since held military exercises on Belarusian territory and increased cooperation between their armies. 'Military cooperation between Belarus and Russia is carried out in strict accordance with international law,' the foreign ministry said. Putin's plans to place nuclear weapons on the European Union's doorstep have triggered calls for new sanctions against Moscow. With fears of a nuclear war rising since Putin sent troops into Ukraine, experts believe that any Russian strike would probably involve 'tactical' small-sized battlefield weapons as opposed to 'strategic' high-powered long-range nuclear weapons. Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994. The West has hit Minsk with multiple rounds of sanctions over its crackdown on political dissent and its role as a springboard for Moscow's assault on Ukraine. Putin's decision to station nukes in Minsk follows from the UK's recently announced commitment to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing tank rounds containing depleted Uranium. Annabel Goldie, Minister of State for Defense of the United Kingdom said on March 20 on the UK Parliament website: '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. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.' Belarusian army Su-25 jet fighters fly during a parade marking Independence Day in Minsk, Belarus, Wednesday, July 3, 2019 It marks the first time since the mid-1990s that Moscow will have based nuclear arms outside of the country. The Russian president was adamant that it wouldn't violate global efforts to limit the spread of nuclear weapons, as the US has done the same for years. He added that Moscow would not actually be transferring control of the arms to Minsk. Russia has stationed 10 aircraft in Belarus, which are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons, he claimed. Moscow has already transferred a number of Iskander-K tactical missile systems to the country, according to Putin. The missiles could potentially be used to launch nuclear weapons by Russia. In 1992, four former Soviet states (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine) all agreed that the nuclear weapons of each country would be held by Russia alone, with the transfer of warheads being completed by 1996. Barack Obama revealed he once had a 'crush' on a Qantas flight attendant - as he started his lucrative Australia speaking tour on Tuesday night. The ex-US President sat down with former foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop in Sydney, with people paying hundreds to hear him discuss leadership and other issues, including China. The sold out audience was kept waiting for more than 20 minutes for the event to start, after it was delayed because 'massive' queues were still trying to get into the International Convention Centre at the 7.45pm start time. Despite the delay, Obama still received a standing ovation from the crowd after taking to the stage to the sounds of Stevie Wonder. The ovation was a stark contrast to earlier on Tuesday, when Sydney residents slammed the ex-President for the huge 'nuisance' motorcade that carried him and his wife Michelle through the city. At the event, Obama opened his talk by hailing Sydney and describing his love for the city. 'Sydney is fantastic, we have had such a wonderful time here, it's one of the world's great cities.' Discussing his first time visiting as an eight-year-old, he added: 'I was travelling from Indonesia where my mother was living at the time, to my grandparents in Hawaii and I was travelling unaccompanied,' he said, describing his first trip. 'We had to stop for a day for the connecting flight and Qantas stewardess took very good care of me.' 'I had a big crush on her,' he said. The ex-US President sat down with former foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop in Sydney at the event Ex-US President Barack Obama was spotted enjoying a late afternoon coffee on Tuesday Obama received a standing ovation from the crowd after taking to the stage to the sounds of Stevie Wonder Former US President Barack Obama is currently in Australia for a speaking tour, hosted by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (centre). The 66-year-old posed at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848 'I felt very sophisticated, very worldly, travelling on my own and so that's my first association with Sydney. 'And it just keeps getting better every time I come back.' The event was hosted by Ms Bishop and the 66-year-old spared no expense, turning up in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848. As well as the sell-out crowd, around 500 people tuned into the talk online, with tickets to buy a link to the stream selling for around $400. Those who wished to hear Obama speak had to dig deep into their pockets for a ticket, with a standard fare coming in at just under $200. The event's 'platinum package', which comes in at a whopping $895 and features a welcome cocktail at a one-hour drinks function, a commemorative lanyard and a signed copy of Mr Obama's book, has now sold out. With around 9000 people to attend the Sydney 'Evening With President Obama' and 10,500 to see him in Melbourne, the former president could be up for a payday upwards of $1 million. It is the first stage of a whistle-stop tour that will also see the former president speak in Melbourne on Wednesday. Wiradjuri woman Yvonne Weldon offered a welcome to country, before Mr Obama and Ms Bishop walked onto the stage to loud applause. The former President was quizzed by Ms Bishop on the rise of China, he complimented President Xi Jinping on his 'forceful and confident' demeanour. Obama opened his talk by hailing Sydney and describing his love for the city Former first lady Michelle Obama leaves the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. She was later seen enjoying a yacht trip in the north of the city Tuesday's event was hosted by Ms Bishop, who previously met Obama in the White House Those who wish to hear Obama speak had to dig deep into their pockets for a ticket, with a standard ticket coming in at just under $200 Mr Obama said China began to change 'after I left office', with the country beginning to crack down on liberties inside its borders after President Xi sensed that the next US leader - Donald Trump - would be more lenient. 'With my successor coming in, I think he saw an opportunity because the US president didn't seem to care that much about a rules-based international system,' Mr Obama said. 'And so as a consequence, I think China's attitude as well, we can take advantage of what appears to be a vacuum internationally on a lot of these issues.' He said that the relationship between the US and China is 'significantly strained' and that tensions aren't 'going to go away anytime soon'. 'Nor should they, because I think there are some fundamental differences in terms of how we operate when you look at the South China Sea,' he told the crowd. 'The fact of the matter is, is that if China starts claiming what had previously been international waters that is going to make life difficult for its neighbours, and for everyone, long term, I don't even think it's going to be good for China.' Obama and his wife Michelle touched down in Australia on Sunday night ahead of his speaking tour and have since visited several locations, including the Opera House and Balmoral Beach. The ex-President was spotted enjoying an afternoon coffee on Tuesday, while Michelle took to Mosman Bay on a yacht, cruising around the harbour for about an hour. However, the couple have come under fire from locals who have blasted the 'nuisance' motorcade that is transporting them through the city. Some have asked for information on who is paying for the convoy of black four-wheel-drives, while others have questioned why Obama has such a large security presence for an ex-President. Barack Obama still sipping his latte at 4pm in the afternoon. Michelle Obama looking beautiful as ever. #Sydney pic.twitter.com/s0vhLZLWFr Yannick Stevaert (@YannickStevaert) March 28, 2023 Barack Obama cut a suave image as he greeted fans ahead of his lucrative speaking event on Tuesday night Former US President Barack Obama (centre) waves to onlookers after leaving the Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral on Monday However, the lucrative nature of the event has seen him come under some criticism from some Sydney residents unhappy with his motorcade. Taking to social media, one critic asked: 'Barack Obama is running around the country with a 20 vehicle motorcade. 'Why is the NSW taxpayer bearing the cost of his detail? For goodness sake, he's going to make $1 million or more on his speaking tour, so HE should pay for it.' Another wrote: 'One can only hope Barrack Obama and wife Michael waved to the homeless as he swept past in his taxpayer funded motorcade.' While a third said: 'Flew in on a private jet. Uses this many gas guzzlers & our police force because he's 'oh so important'. 'Lectures us on climate change.' Obama was welcomed by swarms of fans on Tuesday morning as he stepped out of the Four Seasons Hotel. The security presence around the former President was massive on Tuesday, with throngs of police officers lining the streets outside of the Four Seasons. President Obama's last official visit to Australia was for the G20 Summit in Brisbane in November 2014 - and prior to disembarking a private jet with Michelle on Sunday, had not been seen in public with his wife since last year. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Obama at Kirribilli House on Monday morning. The presidential pair were all smiles as they posed together for the camera, taking in the view by the harbour while holding black umbrellas amidst a subtle drizzle. 'Honoured to welcome President @barackobama to Sydney,' Albanese captioned the post to Twitter, which has since been viewed more than one million times. President Obama's last official visit to Australia was for the G20 Summit in Brisbane in November 2014 - and prior to disembarking a private jet with Michelle on Sunday, had not been seen in public with his wife since last year. The suspected gunman accused of shooting a Metropolitan Police officer dead inside a police station while his hands were cuffed behind his back appeared in court today. Louis De Zoysa allegedly killed custody sergeant Matt Ratana by firing four bullets at Croydon Custody Centre, hitting the New Zealand-born officer and also injuring himself, on September 25, 2020. Appearing at the Old Bailey in London via a video link from custody today, the 25-year-old defendant was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murder, possession of prohibited firearms and possession of firearms and ammunition without a certificate. Mr Justice Jeremy Baker set a further hearing for April 24 at Northampton Crown Court and remanded the defendant into custody. Louis De Zoysa (pictured today) appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from a secure hospital. He sat in a black wheelchair with his right arm in a blue sling and communicated by writing on a whiteboard, using it to confirm his name and date of birth to the court De Zoysa is said to have discharging four bullets in a holding cell at Croydon Custody Centre, hitting custody sergeant Matt Ratana (pictured) and also injuring himself De Zoysa appeared via video-link from a secure hospital wearing a brown turtle neck jumper with long black curly hair. He sat in a black wheelchair with his right arm in a blue sling and communicated by writing on a whiteboard, using it to confirm his name and date of birth to the court. The defendant faces a three-week trial from June 6 also at Northampton Crown Court. Sgt Ratana, 54, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after De Zoysa allegedly smuggled a revolver into the Windmill Custody Centre in Croydon, south London. The New Zealand-born officer was just two months away from retiring when he was gunned down. The New Zealand-born officer was just two months away from retiring when he was gunned down Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward earlier said that on the night in question, De Zoysa 'discharged four shots', the first of which hit Sgt Ratana in the chest and killed him. The fourth and final shot hit De Zoysa in the neck causing his current injuries. He was left fighting for his life with brain damage, the court heard. De Zoysa has been in a 'stable, non-life-threatening condition' under police guard ever since the shooting. He is charged with murder. Sgt Ratana had been planning to propose to Su Bushby, his partner of six years when he died. The sergeant - who had served with the Met since 1991 - was the first British officer ever killed inside a police station. A landlord who was responsible for the damp-infested flat where tragic two-year-old Awaab Ishak lived prior to his death said that refugees were 'lucky to have a roof over the heads', a damning report has revealed. The Housing Ombudsman report found the toddler's family were 'not seen at all' by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and that 'their entire treatment was based on assumptions as to who they were and how they lived'. If found RBH treated its residents in 'dismissive, inappropriate or unsympathetic ways', and the Ishak family were subject to 'lazy assumptions' and bosses had a 'wholly unacceptable' attitude towards asylum seekers and refugees. The Ombudsman report said: 'We also received a report from former staff that 'residents complained about mold [sic] and living conditions...regularly...raised it with her manager...was told it's ok and acceptable. 'Most of residents were refugees and she was told they are lucky they have [a] roof over head.' Two-year-old Awaab died from a respiratory condition caused by black mould at his home in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, in 2020 Conditions inside the flat were appalling with layers of thick mould carpeting the walls New legislation will ensure that social housing bosses have appropriate qualifications, as well as set strict time limits on solving mould and damp (Pictured: black mould in Awaab's family home in Rochdale) The one-bedroom flat he lived in with his parents had damp and mould for years, despite complaints from the family The Ombudsman's findings come after a special investigation into RBH initiated after the inquest into Awaab's death in 2020. Amongst the report's findings, of a 'disturbing picture of residents being judged entirely by staff members' held prejudices' emerged. The report found a tenant's lifestyle was 'often used as a reason to dismiss their concerns and apportion blame without any real focus on the limitations residents faced with modern day living'. Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by mould in the one-bedroom housing association flat where he lived with his parents, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. In response to his death, ministers have proposed that landlords will have to investigate and fix damp and mould in social housing within strict time limits under what would be known as Awaab's Law. Four months after Awaab's death, the Housing Ombudsman asked RBH a series of questions to gather evidence for a review. The report shows that when RBH were asked why so many of their flats suffered from damp and mould, they replied: 'Tenants lifestyle eg not heating the property adequately, insufficient use of ventilation provided, drying clothes and cooking in the home, not venting tumble dryers, ritual bathing.' 'In the case of Awaab's family, when the mould issues were reported, the landlord focused entirely on the way his parents were using their home without considering if there was anything about the home that was contributing to the problems,' said the report. Staff had ill informed assumptions that the family practised ritual bathing prior to Awaab's death (pictured) Mould in the flat contributed to Awaab developing a continuous cough that meant he couldn't breathe through his nose in the final weeks of his life Since his passing, MP's and pressure groups have lobbied for Awaab's Law to be passed in his memory Staff had also made ill informed assumptions that the family practised ritual bathing because they saw a bucket. The report said the inquest heard the family had a 'lifestyle of boiling food in pans on the stove'. One member of staff was recorded as saying: 'When people come to this country and go through the asylum process...everything is done for them in terms of cleaning and so they expect it when they are moving into accommodation and that they can call housing services to come and clean the place for them.' Another said: 'The issue appeared to be the style of cooking...and the style of bathing.' The report, shockingly, said the Ishak family were 'not seen at all' by staff working for the landlord, which has 12,521 properties. It said: 'Their entire treatment was based on assumptions as to who they were and how they lived. 'We also received a report from former staff that 'residents complained about mold [sic] and living conditions...regularly...raised it with her manager...was told it's ok and acceptable. Most of residents were refugees and she was told they are lucky they have [a] roof over head.' The report also found that there was a 'culture of othering' tenants which was defined by 'a pattern of exclusion and marginalisation'. The 2021 review also 'showed a propensity by staff towards making the residents responsible for the situation', it added. And of the Ishak family's flat, the report said: 'At the inquest it transpired that the bathroom fan had not been fully functioning for the previous two years and that the family had reported that. 'The professional assessment of the property in December 2020 after Awaab died found that the toilet was leaking because of defective plumbing and continuously discharging. 'There was no ventilation in the kitchen, no extractor fan, there were no secure external drying options for clothing and the report made specific comment that no excess lifestyle was noted.' The walls of the family home were caked in layers of black mould The toilet was leaking because of defective plumbing and continuously discharging 80 per cent of homes on the Freehold Estate (pictured) suffered with damp and mould Michael Gove (right) meets Awaab Ishak's father Faisal Abdullah (left) in Rochdale, Greater Manchester in February this year to discuss Awaab's Law The 2021 review 'failed to find the damp and mould that a subsequent survey in late 2022 found throughout the estate that Awaab lived on', added the report, which said 80 per cent of homes on the Freehold Estate suffered with damp and mould - and 12 of the 380 properties surveyed were branded as category one hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.' The review of tenants, however, was carried out by telephone - no actual visits to properties took place. The report found the interviewer often asked leading questions and comments were passed on about families, including 'it is likely they feel the cold of an English winter'. 'Ensuring the issues found in the Freehold Estate are addressed is imperative - the landlord committed in its recovery plan to have all Freehold Estate properties assessed and it completed those in March 2023 - but there are other estates and other families that need and deserve additional support,' the report said. In the months after the inquest, complaints came in about the landlord, most notably from addresses in neighbouring Middleton, the report revealed. One resident reported 'concern' after her young son developed chest problems she believed were because of severe damp and mould. No action had been taken when she contacted the Ombudsman. Another complaint referenced concerns by a resident about 'the impact of the extensive mould on the entire family and the respiratory problems they are experiencing'. The report said: 'Photographs sent to us show the extensive damp in the living room, kitchen and bedrooms, with a surveyor informing the resident that this is because of the leak through the chimney caused by a tree growing out of the mortar.' Shocking images of the damp and mould taken days after the tragedy were released during an inquest into Awaab's death Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, said in his conclusion the root cause of failure within Rochdale Boroughwide Housing 'was a propensity to dismiss residents and their concerns out of hand, with staff believing that they knew better and that the expectations of their residents were unreasonable'. He said: 'People's lives and welfare depend on the landlord knowing who they are, what home they live in, and what has been done previously - this information must be reviewed regularly and updated through a tenancy audit or similar method.' Mr Blakeway said in a statement later: 'Our investigation has highlighted that culture change will be central to the landlord's recovery. The weakness in policies, repeated failures and failure to learn from complaints has led us to conclude there was wider service failure by the landlord in areas other than its response to damp and mould, including record keeping and communication. 'Our investigation found re-occurring instances of residents being treated in dismissive, inappropriate or unsympathetic ways. In some instances, the language used was derogatory. 'It is highly unlikely that this endemic behaviour of 'othering' is isolated to a single landlord and the social housing sector should consider whether they also need to turn over the stone and do a deep dive into their culture and whether they are living their social purpose. It is encouraging to see that the new leadership at the landlord is determined to lead from the front with the development of their recovery plan.' Last year Housing Secretary Michael Gove stripped new funding from the RBH. As a result, it was not given its expected 1 million funding from the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) or receive any new AHP contracts for new homes, until the Regulator of Social Housing has finished its investigation and RBH can prove it is a responsible landlord. The landlord is a not-for-profit mutual housing society and registered provider of social housing, which took ownership of homes previously owned by Rochdale Council. As of March 2022, it owned 12,521 homes. In a statement, RBH said: 'We would like to thank the Ombudsman service for its very thorough and balanced report. The findings in the report are sobering but not unexpected. There has been significant learning from the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, which highlighted key areas of concern within RBH. 'We have recognised that too often damp and mould was not seen as a serious issue and was attributed to a resident's lifestyle. 'At RBH we have taken significant steps since December 2022 to tackle this across our homes. But it is fair to say that this work should have started much sooner and that the scale of the issue in our homes means it will take us time to complete. 'The report also highlights concerns with the way in which residents were treated. Our residents have the right to be treated with respect and listened to and too often this wasn't happening. We will put this right and have begun a culture shift programme across the organisation. 'There are wider lessons that we need to act upon, around the investment in our existing homes, and how this is balanced against the desperate need for more homes. Issues of overcrowding in homes have a detrimental effect in a lot of areas and is a significant issue within Rochdale but also across the country, with insufficient family homes to move people into. However, this should not excuse us from trying to find solutions, investigating the root cause of the damp and mould and taking action to treat it.' Celebrity chef Mark Hix MBE has been floored by a council's decision forcing him to tear down an 'illegal' decked seating area outside of his restaurant. The Great British Menu star, 60, slammed 'petty' councillors in Lyme Regis, Dorset, as he began to remove the 20,000 wooden structure. He had been in a four-month dispute with local bureaucrats over the three-tier decking outside his prestigious seafood restaurant The Oyster and Fish House. The chef had been given temporary permission to build the decking during Covid to create extra outdoor eating space as the Government relaxed rules to help restaurants recover from the pandemic. But when Mr Hix tried to make the decking permanent last December, Lyme Regis Town Council rejected his application and ordered him to remove it from their land by the end of this month. The decking was taken apart after the council refused to allow it to stay in its place outside The Great British Menu star slammed 'petty' councillors in Lyme Regis, Dorset Mr Hix warned that removing the 40ft by 26ft structure may cause his restaurant to close but the council remained unmoved, even when presented with a petition signed by 10,000 people in support of him. Today, with the help of his supporters, the chef is taking the decking down. He said in a statement: 'It's a sad day. Thank you Lyme Regis Town councillors for your total lack of support. 'Our deck will be gone by Friday as requested. 'We fought the battle to the very end, but sadly lost. We shall soldier on at the Oyster House regardless. Celebrities have taken to social media to post messages of support for Mr Hix over the decking The decking being torn up at Mark Hix's restaurant after the council made its ruling Chef Mark Hix MBE said the removal of the decking was a 'sad day' but said he would soldier on 'Huge thanks to our friends who have been so kind to come and volunteer to take the deck down and put it back to the piece of grass that was never used. 'Also huge thanks to all the people who have got behind us in so many ways to try to keep our deck. 'It will be a very different spring and summer this year but what can you do?' Celebrities have taken to social media to post messages of support for Mr Hix. Fellow chef and Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver said: 'So petty and nasty. I'm sorry you didn't prevail.' Turner prize artist Tracey Emin described the situation as 'totally insane'. Geoff Baker, a friend of Mr Hix, expressed his absolute 'disgust' at the councillors' decision. Friends of the chef said they had been 'disgusted' by the council's decision Mr Baker said: 'This is the decision of a few petty councillors which will overrule 10,000 people who want this decking to stay. 'It is absolutely outrageous. It benefits the council and all of the businesses nearby. 'People come to Lyme to enjoy the food there and his reputation attracts thousands of people a year. 'To go to the restaurant people park at one of two council owned car parks so they are shooting themselves in the foot too. 'It's putting jobs at risk and it's all to get back an empty piece of grass. 'We should chip in to get a plaque put up there saying "Here lies the site of what was once a bloody good restaurant idea".' But Graham Turner, one of the local councillors who voted against the decking, said Mr Hix was doing the right thing. He said: 'The Government was very clear about what you could have in the pandemic. 'I am afraid the decking was not acceptable and had no permission from the council. 'I'm surprised but glad that Mr Hix has decided to take it down and done the honourable thing in the end. 'For a while I was worried that we were going to have to go through legal proceedings to get it taken down. 'This is the best outcome we could have hoped for, hopefully this is an end to any bad feelings.' She has now made a full recovery after surgeries and hyperbaric oxygen therapy A family in Wisconsin has warned about LED collars after their pet puppy mauled their toddler's face and tore off half of her ear after being 'spooked' by its own collar. Two-year-old Kenzie Riemenschneider, from Houlton in St. Croix County, was sitting on the sofa playing with the Bernedoodle, Curly, aged 10 months. She grabbed the dog's LED collar and pulled it round, causing him to become 'blinded' by the light. The puppy then bit the child's face, taking a pie-shaped chunk from her lip, mauling her cheek and biting off the upper half of her left ear. After hearing Kenzie's screams, her mother, Jaisa Riemenschneider, 37, and her father, Andy Riemenschneider, 41, rushed to the living room where they found her covered in blood. Pictured: Kenzie Riemenschneider (left) and her family. Kenzie was sitting on the sofa with the Bernedoodle, Curly, aged 10 months, when the incident occurred The puppy then bit the toddler's face, taking a pie-shaped chunk from her lip, mauling her cheek and biting off the upper half of her left ear Jaisa said: 'Kenzie grabbed the LED light [on the collar] and pulled it round. 'I'm sure he got spooked or scared by the light, because she blinded him essentially.' Jaisa rang for paramedics who picked the top of Kenzie's ear up from the living room floor and warned that 'time wasn't on their side' to reattach it. Kenzie had surgery at Children's Hospital Minnesota, around half an hour's drive from the family's home, followed by 62 hours of sessions in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber. The 90-minute operation was followed by a further two further surgeries. Kenzie is now fully healed, aside from some damage to the tip of her ear. Following the horrifying accident, the family said they made the 'difficult' decision to rehome Curly to avoid any further risk. The family has taken the difficult decision to rehome their Bernedoodle, Curly, to reduce the risk of a similar incident Kenzie's mother Jaisa said: 'Kenzie grabbed the LED light [on the collar] and pulled it round. 'I'm sure he got spooked or scared by the light, because she blinded him essentially' Jaisa, a business development and marketing professional, said that when she heard the scream during the attack, her first thought was that the dog's bark must have scared her because it had not previously shown any signs of aggression. Jaisa said: 'She screamed very loudly. My husband ran in there and grabbed her. 'Her lip on the left side was sliced wide open. It was like a pie shape, you could see her teeth.' She added: 'I immediately passed off Kenzie to the paramedics, and the paramedics started wrapping her head. 'I looked at them like, "her lip is cut", thinking that's the only thing that's wrong with her. They said, "she's missing part of her ear". I was like, "you're joking".' Jaisa said she remembers the paramedic telling her that they probably wouldn't be able to attach the ear as there was not enough time to do so. After she heard the screams, Jaisa rang for paramedics who picked the top of Kenzie's ear up from the living room floor and warned that 'time wasn't on their side' to reattach it. As well as taking a huge chunk from Kenzie's ear, the dog also took a pie-shaped chunk from her lip and mauled her cheek She said: 'I was trying to stay strong for Kenzie. A lot of that came from the adrenaline, and just shock. I knew I couldn't break down in front of her. 'I walked up [to the ER] and they saw me covered in blood from holding her, and Kenzie with blood all over her face. 'At this point, I was beyond heartbroken.' When Kenzie came out of surgery, she was taken to a private room to recover. Her head was wrapped up and she had stitches on her lip and small clusters of stitches on her cheek. 'I was so broken seeing our little two-year-old sleeping in the bed hooked up to all of these machines,' Jaisa said. Kenziwas placed in one of the USA's largest hyperbaric chambers for 62 hours over the course of a month. The therapy stimulated regrowth, fusing Kenzie's ear back together and quickly healing the wounds on her face After surgeons stitched her ear back together, Kenzie was taken to Hennepin County Medical Centre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received treatment in one of the USA's largest hyperbaric chambers for 62 hours over the course of a month. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy speeds up the healing of oxygen-deprived wounds by supplying pure oxygen through air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than average. The therapy stimulated regrowth, fusing Kenzie's ear back together and quickly healing the other wounds on her face. Jaisa said that if the toddler had been treated in the hyperbaric chamber two days later she may have lost her ear. Kenzie was discharged on December 2. After undergoing costly treatment, Kenzie is now fully healed apart from some remaining damage to the tip of her ear She said: 'We could see the skin on her severed ear turning almost red and skin-toned again, and it was really exciting to see that process happen. 'It was an amazing feeling. A sigh of relief that it worked, that she's healing and now we can try and get back to a normal life.' After undergoing costly treatment, Kenzie is now fully healed, aside from some remaining damage to the tip of her ear. She was discharged on December 2. A GoFundMe set up for Kenzie has so far raised more than $10,000 towards the $60,000 target to pay for the overall costs. The two women killed in a stabbing spree at a religious centre in Lisbon, Portugal, were the English teacher and classmate of the attacker, who was an Afghan refugee who had recently lost his wife, according to reports. The attacker reportedly 'invaded' the centre and was seen wielding a large knife. He launched himself at responding cops before they shot him in the leg and 'neutralised' him at the city's Ismaili Centre just before 11am today. The knifeman, who was said to have been suffering from psychological problems, has since been transported to the Sao Jose Hospital, where he is in a serious condition and remains under arrest. The two women who were killed in the horrific attack were both employees of the centre, the head of the Ismaili community in Lisbon, Nazim Ahmad, told Portuguese TV channel SIC. The president of the Afghan community Association, Omed Taeri, said the attacker had arrived in Portugal 'a year or so ago,' and was being aided by the Ismaili centre. The attack happened at the Ismaili Centre on Tuesday, Portuguese police said. Pictured: Officers standing outside following the attack 'This person lost his wife in Greece and suffers from psychological problems due to this situation,' Taeri told CNN Portugal. 'He was also concerned about his work situation and where to leave his children after finding a job.' The suspect is a 'young man' whose wife died in a refugee camp in Greece, leaving him to care alone for three children, ages 9, 7 and 4, according to Portugal's Interior Minister. He had arrived in Portugal through a European Union program that transfers asylum-seekers to member countries to help relieve pressure on Mediterranean nations such as Greece and Italy, Minister Jose Luis Carneiro said. While police have said they were investigating the attack as a possible extremist act, Carneiro urged caution, saying any 'hasty analysis' should be avoided. Authorities had no information indicating he had been violent in the past, Carnieiro said. 'From what we know, he was a calm person who had received help from the Ismaili community in terms of knowledge of languages, knowledge, food care, care for younger children,' he said. At least two other people are reported to have sustained serious injuries in the attack and are being treated in hospital. It is not known if this number includes the attacker. The women who were killed were Portuguese staff members at the center, Ismaili community leader Narzim Ahmad told TV channel S.I.C. today. Pictured: Main courtyard of the centre Forensic scientists arrive at the crime scene after two people were killed Anti-terrorism police officers at the scene after two people were killed by a 'young' attacker, said to have been an Afghan refugee In a statement, Rahim Firozali, the president of the National Council of the Muslim Ismaili Community said the armed man 'attacked three people who were in the premises of the Ismaili Centre, killing two of them and wounding a third'. He said the attacker entered the Ismaili Centre 'where classes and other activities that normally take place there were taking place'. According to Mr Firozali, the police and ambulance service was called to the scene immediately and the attacker was removed from inside the centre. 'The Ismaili Muslim community is already providing full support to the families of the victims, to whom it offers the deepest condolences', he added. The case has now been passed to a counterterrorism unit for investigation, although the motivation behind the attack is not yet known. Police officers stand guard outside Ismaili Centre, after a deadly knife attack in Lisbon. Police said an alert was put out at 10.57am today Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building this afternoon. The Policia de Seguranca Publica (PSP) put out an appeal on Twitter this afternoon telling people not to travel to the area of the city where the centre is, due to the ongoing police operation. Prime Minister Antonio Costa told reporters it was 'a criminal act' and that two lives had been lost in the incident Tuesday. People were seen comforting one another outside the centre following news of the attack People embrace each other after the killing of two women at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon 'Everything points to this being an isolated incident,' Costa said, without elaborating. He added that it was was 'premature' to make any interpretation about the crime. In a statement made to CNN Portugal, the police said an alert was put out at 10.57am and that the first responders arrived at the scene a minute later. 'The police came across a man armed with a large knife. Police officers remained in attendance this afternoon following the deadly knife attack 'The attacker was given orders to stop the attack, which he disobeyed, advancing towards the police, with the knife in his hand and in execution, the police made effective use of a firearm against the person, reaching and neutralising the aggressor', the note reads, roughly translated from Portuguese. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Ana Catarina Mendes, this afternoon released a statement on Twitter about the attack. 'It was with shock that I learned of the attack today at the Ismaili Centre. I express all my solidarity with the victims' families and the community, and I salute the prompt action of the security forces,' she wrote. In a statement made to CNN Portugal, the police said an alert was put out at 10:57am. Pictured: Police outside the centre following the attack Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building The police and ambulance service was called to the scene immediately and the attacker was removed from inside the centre, Rahim Firozali, the president of the National Council of the Muslim Ismaili Community said. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. Ismaili Muslims are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world, according to their website. There are around 7,000 Ismaili Muslims living in Portugal, a nation of around 10 million people. Portugal hasn't recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of. Members of the minority group have however been attacked by extremist groups in countries such as Pakistan. An emotional Nicola Sturgeon drew a line under her time as Scottish First Minister today as she hands over to Humza Yousaf. The former SNP leader walked out of the Bute House residence in Edinburgh for the last time this afternoon - after saying she is looking forward to having a lie-in. In her final acts in charge, Ms Sturgeon sent a resignation letter to King Charles saying it had been a 'pleasure' to serve. She walked down the stairs, where a nail has already been installed ready to hang a picture of Mr Yousaf, and bade farewell to staff. Her departure took effect as a vote at Holyrood confirmed Mr Humza as the next First Minister - even though he will not be sworn in until tomorrow. In her final acts in charge, Nicola Sturgeon sent a resignation letter to King Charles saying it had been a 'pleasure' to serve Ms Sturgeon's departure will take effect when a vote at Holyrood confirms as the next First Minister - even though he will not be sworn in until tomorrow She walked down the stairs, where a nail has already been installed ready to hang a picture of Mr Yousaf, and bade farewell to staff Ms Sturgeon was given a guard of honour by staff as she left Bute House this afternoon The former SNP leader walked out of the Bute House residence in Edinburgh for the last time this afternoon - after saying she is looking forward to having a lie-in Mr Yousaf has been confirmed as Scotland's new First Minister today after scraping home in the SNP leadership battle yesterday (pictured) Nicola Sturgeon tweeted to say she had officially tendered her resignation to the King In her letter to the King, Ms Sturgeon wrote: 'I should wish to reiterate that it has been my pleasure to serve Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Scotland as First Minister since November 2014.' In a separate statement released, Ms Sturgeon added that being first minister was 'the privilege of a lifetime', adding: 'As the first woman to hold this office, I am proud to demit it knowing that no girl in our country is in any doubt that a woman can hold the highest office in the land. 'My congratulations go to Humza Yousaf who, subject to parliamentary process and appointment by His Majesty the King, will become the first person from a minority ethnic background to lead our country as its First Minister and in doing so will reiterate the powerful message that it is a role that any young person in Scotland can aspire to.' However, Mr Yousaf faces a mammoth task to revive the separatists' ailing fortunes after an extraordinary meltdown over the abortive bid to loosen gender ID rules, and with support for independence well under 50 per cent. He only narrowly won the SNP leadership contest yesterday, and has already pledged to push on with Ms Sturgeon's agenda on trans rights and demanded an immediate referendum on splitting the UK - something Rishi Sunak has flatly dismissed. Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he is likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes. She tore into his record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the closer-than-expected 52 per cent to 48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it'. Critics have also pointed out that Mr Yousaf only just emerged on top despite having that backing of 'the entire SNP establishment'. Tories believe that Mr Yousaf's triumph will help secure the union, as Ms Forbes would have been a more dangerous opponent. However, it could also be a major opportunity for Labour, which is eyeing picking up a dozen seats north of the border at a general election. The 37-year-old will be the youngest First Minister, and the first from an ethnic minority. Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats are also expected to put their names forward. They will be asked to speak by Alison Johnstone the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament with a separate vote for each, but as they lack the numbers they are set to fail. Mr Yousaf has the backing of the Scottish Greens, who have reiterated their commitment to the Bute House Agreement a powersharing deal which gives the SNP an overall majority. Assuming he wins the vote Mr Yousaf will be sworn in as first minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow, before facing his first FMQs on Thursday. But an Ipsos poll has underlined the challenges ahead of him, with half of Scots fearing the country is heading in the wrong direction. Across all policy areas from the NHS to managing the economy more felt the Scottish Government had done a bad job than good. Election guru Sir John Curtice said Labour now has an opportunity to win at least 10 Scottish seats in a general election. Sir John, who is professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told TalkTV: 'I think the Labour Party will certainly feel they have an opportunity and they are quite right to feel that way. Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he is likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes (right) Ms Forbes tore into Mr Yousaf's record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the close 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it' 'They are now running at about 30 per cent in Scotland. That leaves them only 10 points behind the SNP. 'The reason why that matters is that at kind of level of lead, the Labour Party begins to pick up seats from the SNP. 'There are around 10 seats in Scotland which might fall to Labour if the SNP lead across Scotland as a whole is down to 10 points.' He added: 'The Labour Party is the one unionist party that has some ability to appeal to some people who are in favour of independence but are not necessarily going to vote for the SNP. 'The crucial question is whether the Labour Party can increase that constituency.' The Northern Ireland terrorism threat level has been raised to 'severe' - meaning an attack is considered highly likely. MI5 has lifted the risk assessment from 'severe' after police were targeted by groups intent on 'politically-motivated violence'. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris revealed the shift in a statement to MPs - although he stressed the decision is not taken by ministers. The news comes ahead of a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - with US President Joe Biden due to visit in the middle of next month. Sectarian tensions have been rising for some time, with the most high-profile incident being the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. The situation has threatened to snowball against the backdrop of the row over post-Brexit rules. The DUP has been refusing to participate in power-sharing in protest at the Protocol - with Rishi Sunak's new Windsor Framework package so far not succeeding in bringing them back to Stormont. The Northern Ireland terrorism threat level has been raised to 'severe' - meaning an attack is considered highly likely The news comes ahead of a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - with Joe Biden due to visit in the middle of next month The threat level for the rest of the UK remains at 'substantial', meaning an attack is considered 'likely'. Northern Ireland's level had been lowered to substantial a year ago the first time it had been altered since 2010. Biden's NI visit will 'advance peace', says Tony Blair Joe Biden's visit to Northern Ireland will help 'advance peace', Tony Blair has said. The ex-PM played down concerns that the US president's proud Irish heritage might prevent him being seen as an honest broker. In an interview with ITV ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement he helped forge, Mr Blair said people were 'right' to criticise the way one party could grind powersharing to a halt. But he cautioned that a review of the pact could only work if all the sides agreed what should be done. Mr Blair said he hoped that the DUP will eventually get on board with Rishi Sunak's new Windsor Framework that reworks the post-Brexit Protocol. 'The Good Friday Agreement has the ability to be reviewed. It's one of the provisions in the agreement,' he said. 'The problem is, if you want to change existing arrangements, it's very difficult to do that unless you have all the principal parties on board. 'People are completely right when they say, why should one partner (have) veto over the whole system. 'In the end, there is a good case for reviewing it. But you're only going to get a successful review if everyone is on board.' Asked about Mr Biden previously comparing the plight of the Irish Catholics under the British to the treatment of Palestinians by Israelis, Mr Blair said: 'You know, I've known Joe Biden for a long, long time. And he's got a strong Irish heritage, (of) which he's very proud. 'But I would be extremely surprised if President Biden comes to Northern Ireland and does anything other than advance the process.' Advertisement Mr Heaton-Harris said the threat level review 'takes into account a range of factors and analysis of recent incidents'. 'The decision to change the threat level is taken by MI5, independently of ministers,' he said. 'The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. 'Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society. The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society. 'However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. 'In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland Related Terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. 'These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. 'I pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and security partners, and the determination and resilience of the Northern Ireland people, who are making Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work. 'The political future of Northern Ireland rests with the democratic will of the people and not the violent actions of the few. Together we will ensure there is no return to the violence of the past.' DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on the Government to fund more police officers in the region. 'It is bad news for Northern Ireland when the risk of further attacks moves to "likely" or "very likely",' he said. 'I look forward to a day when the threat level is removed but to get there the community must stand with the police and demonstrate there is no space for terrorism in Northern Ireland in 2023. 'The Government made a commitment to help fund 7,500 officers in the PSNI but have not yet made good on that promise. 'With police officers facing such a threat, now is the time for the Government to provide that additional funding to ensure the Police Service of Northern Ireland has the full capacity to meet this threat.' The DUP has been refusing to participate in powersharing in protest at the NI Protocol - with Rishi Sunak's new Windsor Framework package so far not succeeding in bringing them back to Stormont A 'superstar' model was killed in a flat fire on New Year's Day after a converted e-bike battery burst into flames. Sofia Duarte, 21, perished in a horror blaze which broke out in the hallway of the property on Old Kent Road in Bermondsey, south London - blocking the residents' fire escape route. Investigators later found that a bicycle stored in the corridor had been converted into an e-bike and its lithium battery-pack had failed catastrophically, causing it to burst into flames. Her devastated mother Maria Frasquilho Macarro, who is originally from Portugal and brought her daughter Sofia up in west London, has pleaded with Britons to take care with electric bicycles and scooters so her daughter's death is 'not in vain'. Sofia Duarte (pictured) perished in a horror blaze which broke out in the hallway of the property on Old Kent Road in Bermondsey, south London The e-bike which burst into flames and sparked the fire that killed Sofia Maria said: 'Sofia loved life, she loved to party and she enjoyed her job working behind the bar at a nightclub. Now all I have left is my daughter's ashes. 'I really want to make sure her death is not in vain and if I can raise awareness about the dangers of e-bikes and lithium batteries then there will be a positive in this. If we can save someone else's life, I will take great comfort in that because at the moment I am hurting - I don't want others to suffer as much as I have done. 'Sofia meant the world to me and my family. I don't know how to live without her. It feels like a nightmare and I can't wake up.' So far this year, on average, the London Fire Brigade has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days - a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period as last year. In 2022, it attended 87 e-bike and 29 e-scooter fires - a total of 116 fires. Sofia, who was a bartender at iconic London club Fabric, was visiting her boyfriend when she got caught in the flaming building. Sofia, who was a bartender at iconic London club Fabric, was visiting her boyfriend when she got caught in the flaming building So far this year, on average, the London Fire Brigade has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days - a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period as last year. In 2022, it attended 87 e-bike and 29 e-scooter fires - a total of 116 fires The model was found dead above Nigerian restaurant Calabar Zone after fireballs burst from the third-floor windows The model was found dead above Nigerian restaurant Calabar Zone after fireballs burst from the third-floor windows. Kyle Steward, 21, who was a close family friend of Sofia's, told The Evening Standard: 'She was such a superstar, she kept me going. She was wild, funny and knew how to live. 'She was the perfect person and I'm devastated she is gone.' The LFB has seen a rise in the number of serious fires involving lithium batteries, which are commonly used with these modes of transport. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, a fire or explosion may result. And if there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire or explode. Conversion kits allow people to add an electric motor to their bikes but not all of them are sold with a battery. London Fire Brigade's Deputy Commissioner, Dom Ellis, said that Sofia's death is a tragedy and they are working hard to prevent these kinds of incidents in the future Cheaper batteries purchased from online sources, which don't necessarily adhere to UK safety regulations, are more likely to fail and present an increased fire risk. While the LFB says there was no evidence of poor installation in the bike which caused Sofia's death, DIY installations can also lead to damage of the kit - increasing the chances of battery failure and the likelihood of a fire. LFB's Deputy Commissioner, Dom Ellis, said: 'Sofia's death is a tragedy, and our condolences are with her family and friends. We are working hard to prevent these types of incidents in the future. 'E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in London and the risk of significant fires is rising too. We want people to travel safely and be aware of the risks that the batteries present as part of our #ChargeSafe campaign. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following our #ChargeSafe tips and by using our Home Fire Safety Checker. 'Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. The only way to be sure of a legal, safe and reliable e-bike is to buy one in complete form, from a trusted and reputed retailer. 'The number of incidents our fire crews are attending shows that buying a product from a reputable seller will help protect you, your family and property from bursting into flames - not forgetting the peace of mind it can give.' The Brigade said it would not usually speak out about cases while coroners' court proceedings are ongoing, but due to the severity of the incident special permission was granted to raise awareness of the fire risks and to prevent future deaths. Russia says he killed himself, while Ukrainian source say he was 'liquidated' There are competing reports over who is responsible for the mysterious death Lt-Col Dmitry Lisitsky, blamed for massacre in the Ilovaisk cauldron in 2014 One of Vladimir Putin's most notorious commanders Lt-Col Dmitry Lisitsky has died from a gunshot wound aged 48, according to reports. There are competing claims over who was behind his death, with Ukraine alleging he was 'liquidated' in revenge for the notorious slaughter of hundreds of its troops as they retreated in 2014 in the 'Ilovaisk cauldron'. Russian sources insist he took his own life with his hunting rifle in his kitchen, in his home city Stavropol, amid 'depression' over the on-going war in Ukraine. Lisitsky - recipient of his country's highest medal, the Hero of Russia - was commander of the 1st Airborne Assault Battalion of the 247th Airborne Assault Regiment. His death was first announced by Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov who claimed Kyiv forces had 'again avenged Ilovaisk - they liquidated [] Dmitry Lisitsky.' Russian Lt-Col Dmitry Lisitsky (pictured) is understood to have been killed by a gunshot wound, but Russian and Ukrainian are in disagreement over who was responsible for his death. Russians claim he killed himself, while Ukraine has said he was 'liquidated' in revenge Lisitsky - recipient of his country's highest medal, the Hero of Russia - was commander of the 1st Airborne Assault Battalion of the 247th Airborne Assault Regiment. He is blamed for the notorious slaughter of hundreds of its troops as they retreated in 2014 in the 'Ilovaisk cauldron'. Pictured: Pro-Russian rebels are seen near Ilovaisk on August 31, 2014 His regiment had suffered 'heavy losses' as Russia retreated from Kharkiv last year and 'the liquidation of Lisitsky will seriously weaken the combat capability of the regiment,' Butusov claimed. Russian sources, however, say his body was found in his apartment in Stavropol. Colleagues said Lisitsky had recently been depressed over 'a complaint about his illegal actions against [military] personnel' during the war against Ukraine. No further details were given about the supposed complaint. The 'Ilovaisk cauldron' referred to the slaughter of at least 366 Ukrainian military and volunteers as they retreated from an encirclement in Donetsk region in 2014. He commanded the Russian battalion group which is accused of attacking the Ukrainians during a mutually agreed ceasefire enabling a peaceful retreat. He allegedly gave the order to open fire on the Ukrainians once they came into the open. As well as the 366 who died, 450 were wounded and 300 captured. Putin awarded him the Hero of Russia medal in 2015. Ukrainian forces had been able to enter the city of Ilovaisk on August 18, 2014, but were quickly surrounded by pro-Russian insurgents affiliated with the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), and soldiers from Russia's armed forces. The Ukrainian forces rejected the DPR's proposal to open a humanitarian corridor to leave the city, on the condition that they abandon their weapons and vehicles. On the morning of August 29, the Ukrainian soldiers began to leave the city with their weapons, but the Russian side opened fire on them - under Lisitsky's orders. A criminal probe into the failure of government troops in Ilovaisk was opened by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, and the defence minister at the time was forced to resign, at least in part because of his responsibility in the battle's failure. Every year, Ukraine holds a day of remembrance on August 29 - chosen because it was the date which saw the highest number of soldiers killed during the battle. In Russia, meanwhile, the Russian soldiers who joined the battle are praised and are commonly referred to as the 'Northern Wind' by pro-military types. The same Russian unit responsible for the massacre - the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment - has also been investigated for war crimes carried out in Bucha during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched by Putin in February 2022. Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen fire with a TRF-1 155mm at Russian positions, on March 27 Pictured: Ukrainian soldiers ride atop an APC on the frontline in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 26 On September 9, 2022, it was reported that the whole unit had been destroyed in Ukraine's rapid counter-attack in the Kherson region. Several high-profile Russian military figures have died since the war began. As of July 11, 2022, Ukrainian sources claimed 14 Russian generals had been killed. While some of Kyiv's claims are disputed by Russia, four have been confirmed by both sides. A loss of even two general officers would be considered rare. Dozens of lower-ranking military leaders have also been killed in the fighting. Jeremy Corbyn was today formally blocked from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election following a crunch vote of party officials. A motion tabled at a meeting of Labour's ruling body, which branded the party's former leader an electoral liability, was this afternoon passed by 22 votes to 12. The result sparked a furious backlash from Mr Corbyn's allies on Labour's Left-wing. Current leader Sir Keir Starmer was accused of acting like Vladimir Putin over his treatment of his predecessor. And Labour activists in Mr Corbyn's Islington North constituency vowed to 'reject' the meddling by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC). The eruption of tensions within Labour came just hours after Mr Corbyn was filmed snapping at a young female reporter outside Parliament. The 73-year-old berated a Sky News correspondent last night as she attempted to quiz him over Sir Keir's efforts to officially end his long spell as a Labour MP. Ex-party leader Jeremy Corbyn was today formally blocked from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election following a crunch vote of officials Mr Corbyn, pictured right with his successor Sir Keir Starmer (also left), has sat as an independent MP since losing the Labour whip in October 2020 Mr Corbyn's allies are pushing for him to be allowed to stand for Labour, with MP Beth Winter making the demand that he is cleared 'in the interests of general election success' Local Labour activists in Mr Corbyn's Islington North constituency vowed to 'reject' the meddling by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) Mr Corbyn is said to have already decided to run against Labour as an independent candidate at the next election following the move to bar him from standing for the party. But when the Sky News journalist tried to ask him about his intentions, he replied: 'I'm going to a demonstration against the Immigration Bill and I suggest you report that too.' When she replied that it was being covered by the TV news channel, he added: 'Well good, you can come and listen to what I have to say. I look forward to seeing you over there, thank you very much.' As she pressed him on whether he would stand as an independent candidate, Mr Corbyn turned towards her and glared, repeating: 'Thank you very much.' Mr Corbyn has sat as an independent MP since losing the Labour whip in October 2020, when he said that allegations of anti-Semitism during his time in charge had been exaggerated by his political opponents. Allies expect him to announce by the end of this week that - despite the block on him being a Labour candidate - he will stand at the next election anyway in a move that would mean his automatic expulsion as a Labour Party member. One told The Times: 'It has become personal.' Mr Corbyn's parliamentary allies are continuing to push for him to be allowed to run for Labour, with MP Beth Winter making the extraordinary demand that he be cleared 'in the interests of General Election success'. Under Mr Corbyn's leadership at the 2019 election, Labour suffered its worst result since the 1930s, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority. Speaking to Times Radio this afternoon, former Momentum leader Jon Lansman said: 'I think we should be campaigning still for radical policy. 'We have to demand. We're a democratic party. This is not an authoritarian party. Keir Starmer unfortunately is behaving as if he was some kind of Putin of the Labour Party. That is not the way we do politics.' However, he said he would not campaign for Mr Corbyn as an independent, saying: 'I want to see Keir Starmer elected as prime minister of this country, and we need a Labour government.' After the NEC vote this afternoon, the Islington North Labour Party pointed to past comments by Sir Keir in which the Labour leader had insisted that 'local party members should select their candidates for every election'. 'The officers of Islington North Constituency Labour Party strongly support this statement from Keir Starmer in February 2020,' they said. 'We believe in the democratic right of all constituency parties to choose their prospective parliamentary candidates. 'Therefore, we reject the NEC's undue interference in Islington North, which undermines our goal of defeating the Conservatives and working with our communities for social justice.' Meanwhile, Momentum condemned an 'anti-democratic stitch-up' by Sir Keir. A spokesperson for the group said: 'Keir Starmer was elected on a pledge to end NEC stitch-ups and let local members decide their candidates. 'Yet at a stroke his paper bans a former party leader from seeking the Labour nomination in a constituency he has won ten times and represented for over forty years. 'This unjust decision drives a massive wedge within the Labour Party and risks alienating the millions of people, especially young people, who were energised by Jeremy's socialist politics.' Mr Corbyn has so far remained tight-lipped on his future plans but insisted in a statement that he and his allies were 'not going anywhere' Prior to today's NEC meeting, shadow cabinet minister Ed Miliband - himself a former party leader - told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that officials would consider Mr Corbyn's response to a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission following an investigation into Labour's anti-Semitism row. He added: 'I'm not privy to exactly what goes on in the National Executive, but I don't think there is any mystery about the background to today's discussion at the NEC. 'It's about one thing, which is about Jeremy Corbyn's reaction to the EHRC report on anti-Semitism and his refusal to apologise for that reaction. That is the background of this. I don't think there's any mystery about that. 'Keir Starmer said some weeks ago that he didn't believe Jeremy Corbyn should be a candidate at the election and that is obviously a decision the National Executive will have to make.' The NEC motion in opposition to Mr Corbyn, who has represented the London constituency of Islington North since 1983, stated: 'The Labour Party's interests, and its political interests at the next general election, are not well served by Mr Corbyn running as a Labour Party candidate.' Sir Keir previously ruled out Mr Corbyn standing again for Labour last month, as he insisted the party had undergone a transformation since he took over. He confirmed the move after the EHRC lifted Labour out of two years of special measures over its failings on anti-Semitism under Mr Corbyn. Mr Corbyn has sat in the Commons as an independent after being suspended over his response to the damning EHRC report in 2020, which found that Labour had broken equality law. He accused Sir Keir of 'undermining the party's internal democracy' ahead of this afternoon's vote. Members of Labour's Left-wing expressed their fury at Sir Keir's action and branded him 'duplicitous' as they highlighted how the Labour leader has previously described Mr Corbyn as a 'friend'. Ms Winter, the MP for Cynon Valley in Wales, said: 'I believe Jeremy Corbyn being allowed to stand would broaden Labour's appeal. NEC members should uphold the right of Constituency Labour Party members to conduct a selection process including Jeremy. 'In the interests of General Election success, I urge NEC members to withdraw the motion.' Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is visiting the southern border next week, becoming the first announced presidential candidate to survey the migrant crisis first-hand. While Donald Trump has made several trips to visit the wall between the U.S. and Mexico, he has not yet done so in his capacity as a presidential candidate. Haley, joined by Republican Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, will travel to southern Texas on April 3 and make stops between San Antonio in the northwest tip of the state down to Eagle Pass, some of the areas that have seen the heaviest migrant traffic in recent years. GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley will become the first candidate to visit the southern border with a trip next week, including several stops between El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas Migrants gather at a crossing into El Paso, Texas, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Dec. 20, 2022. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley's proposal to deal with the prevailing crisis at the southern border includes scrapping new funding to bolster IRS staffing to 87,000 total and instead allocating those appropriations for 25,000 new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Haley was the second person to enter the 2024 GOP primary race, following only her former boss Donald Trump, for whom she served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered more than 2.3 million migrants at the southern border in Fiscal Year 2022 and FY2023 is on track to surpass those record-setting figures. Encounter figures dropped in January and February for the first time in half a year. But the crisis is ongoing as a large group of more than 1,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, rushed the border checkpoint from Juarez, Mexico into El Paso, Texas on March 12. The crowd was unsuccessful in breaching the U.S.-Mexico border, with Mexican military and CBP agents preventing them from gaining access. Haley's immigration plan includes requiring all businesses to use E-Verify to authenticate potential workers' legal status. She would also redirect money allocated to bolster staffing at the IRS to hire 25,000 more border agents. Pictured: Migrants try to cross a barrier near the Paso del Norte international bridge on March 12, 2023 Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales will join Haley for the trip to his state to survey the border crisis If she becomes president, Haley also vows to cut funding to states giving money to those who have entered the country illegally. An example of this practice is in New York, where $2.1 billion in the state budget was allocated to undocumented immigrants who lost work during the pandemic - with one-time payments of up to $15,600 per person, according to the New York Times. During a Fox News interview earlier this month, Haley said: 'We fix [the border crisis] by going back to Remain-in-Mexico, we fix it by stopping catch and release, we fix it by putting up an actual wall and closing our border.' 'But we do it by doing what I did in South Carolina as governor,' she added. 'We did a mandatory E-Verify program that said none of our businesses could hire anyone that was in this country illegally. That is what got them out of South Carolina because there were no jobs for them to come to, that's what will get them out of this country, we've got to make sure none of our businesses hire anyone that is here in the country illegally, and we've got to start taking this seriously. Every state is a border state.' Alex Murdaugh may have planned to murder his wife and son for over six months due to mounting pressure to conceal his financial crimes, attorney Mark Tinsley has claimed. Tinsley represents the family of Mallory Beach, who was killed in an infamous boat crash in 2019 allegedly caused by Murdaugh's son Paul when he was 19 years old - an event Tinsley says may have fueled the former lawyer's motive. The attorney, who testified at the disgraced legal scion's trial, said that he became suspicious that Murdaugh's plan to butcher his family was months in the making following the discovery process for his civil lawsuit against the patriarch. After finding pictures that 'documented that Maggie knew about Paul's drinking', an issue that was blamed for the boat crash, Tinsley requested to have the images included in his lawsuit against Alex Murdaugh for the incident - which would have protected Maggie from her own suit. Murdaugh, however, refused the request, forcing Tinsley to sue Maggie to include the pictures, which he told The Interview Room: 'Was shocking to me... the denial of those requests to admit indicated that he was already contemplating (murder).' Attorney Alex Tinsley, pictured, represents the family of Mallory Beach, and testified during Murdaugh's murder trial Alex Murdaugh, center, may have planned for six months to kill his son Paul, left, and wife Maggie, right, according to Tinsley The February 2019 boat crash involving Paul became a central event in Alex Murdaugh's high profile murder trial, with prosecutors arguing that the accident may have fueled his decision to kill as a way to prevent his financial crimes being discovered. Paul, who was underage at the time, allegedly drove his parent's boat at high speed while drunk before crashing into a bridge, killing Beach and injuring others on board. Tinsley subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Murdaugh and others. Tinsley said after he began representing the family of Mallory Beach, he first visited Maggie's Facebook page, 'which had picture and video after picture and video of Paul with alcohol.' 'Paul in the boat with alcohol. Paul loading the coolers. Paul sitting on the sandbar with beer between his legs... Those photographs clearly documented that Maggie knew about Pauls drinking.' Tinsley said he sent the images to Murdaugh's attorney, and in November 2020 he requested to include the images in the civil case to 'admit that Maggie knew, that all of the things that by then had been sanitized from her FB account, were imputed to (Alex) for purposes of liability.' But his 'olive branch' to Murdaugh was swiftly denied, a decision that shocked Tinsley. 'So, heres a way to protect your wife, this person that you love more than anything, to keep her from being sued,' he added. The refusal forced Tinsley to sue Maggie to admit the evidence in the lawsuit. Since Maggie was killed in June 2021, before he could complete suing her, he instead sued her estate since Alex was the beneficiary. 'It was shocking to me,' he added. 'And it wasnt until after the murders that I really put two and two together why he would do that.' Alex Murdaugh is pictured during his murder trial in February 2023. He is currently serving two life sentences for the killings of his wife and son The Murdaugh's were a notable legal family for decades in South Carolina Tinsley said his suspicions that Murdaugh was planning to kill his wife were heightened due to a 'disturbing' conversation the disgraced former lawyer had with Maggie's sister, Marion Proctor. Proctor testified during Murdaugh's trial that she asked him if Maggie had suffered after she was shot, to which Alex said no, adding 'whoever did this had been planning for a long time.' 'I think he told the truth then,' said Tinsley. The wrongful death suit is set to go to trial in August, however Murdaugh, who is serving two life sentences, is not expected to take the stand. Convenience store Parker's Kitchen, which allegedly sold Paul alcohol on the night of the crash, is also being sued. After Alex Murdaugh was sentenced in March for the murders of Maggie and Paul, the father of Mallory Beach refused to shake hands with the Murdaugh family, and claimed 'justice has been served'. And earlier this year, the family of Mallory Beach reached a tentative settlement with Murdaugh's surviving son Buster Murdaugh in a $50million lawsuit after she was killed during the fatal late night boat ride on February 23, 2019. It is believed Paul was driving drunk when the boat of six people crashed in Archer's Creek near Parris Island, and Buster was accused of lending his younger brother his ID in order for him to buy the alcohol. According to legal documents seen by DailyMail.com, Paul was 'highly intoxicated,' 'drunk' and 'belligerent,' on the evening when he sped his boat into a piling. The six youths on board that night, who were under 21, were ejected from the vessel - and all but Beach made it to shore. Her body wasn't found for a week. Paul was indicted on three counts of boating under the influence in April 2019. But while awaiting trial, the 22-year-old along with his mother Maggie, were found shot to death at their hunting lodge in June 2021. Paul's father Alex Murdaugh, who has since been convicted of his wife and son's murders, had tried to convince the jury that someone else had killed Maggie and Paul in revenge for the boat wreck. The boat crash victims and their families recently appeared in a new Netflix docuseries called Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. The city of Nashville should be braced for copycat shooters in the wake of trans killer Audrey Hale's massacre due to a 'contagion' effect, the FBI's former top profiler tells DailyMail.com. 'In 2000 when the FBI released its first report on school shooters, we found that the copycat influence was powerful and it influenced the 18 cases that we studied,' Mary Ellen O'Toole said. The report was compiled in the wake of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre which claimed the lives of 13 people, O'Toole added. The criminologist said that it was her opinion not to release the shooter's manifesto in that case, for fear of the 'contagion' effect. According to O'Toole, communities should remain on alert for up to two weeks following a shooting because of potential copycats. 'The term now used is the "contagion effect". More shootings will follow the one in Tennessee. I am also expecting that there will be references to other shootings in the shooter's computer, her writings, her manifesto, etc,' O'Toole added. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police 'There will be evidence of "injustice collecting" themes in those writings - which is a major motivator for many of these shootings,' O'Toole, the current director of the forensic sciences program at George Mason University, continued. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country. In 2000, O'Toole wrote in the report: 'School shootings and other violent incidents that receive intense media attention can generate threats or copycat violence elsewhere.' FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole is now the director of forensic sciences at George Mason University 'Copycat behavior is very common, in fact. Anecdotal evidence strongly indicates that threats increase in schools nationwide after a shooting has occurred anywhere in the United States,' she wrote. O'Toole encouraged students, teachers, other school staff and police to 'be more vigilant in noting disturbing students behavior' in the wake of shootings across the country. By Monday night, nearly 12 schools in Missouri received threats, all of which were deemed not credible, reports KMOV. The original 2000 study saw researchers looking at 18 cases, because that was the amount of school shootings that they could find. 'Today, we have an estimated 100 cases that have occurred since January 1st of this year,' O'Toole told DailyMail.com. 'I was brought into the Columbine case to review the basement tapes and provide an opinion as to whether or not those tapes should be released to the public,' O'Toole said of the 1999 shooting. 'It was my opinion that they should not be released to the public - ever, because it would influence other prospective shooters. They were never released but everything else about Columbine was.' On April 20, 1999, Dylan Klebold, 17, and Eric Harris, 18, began a murderous rampage that left 12 students and one teacher dead in Columbine. The massacre prompted the FBI's first profiling of potential school shooters In the aftermath of the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, schools around the U.S. brought in additional security staff and restricted visitors as they dealt with a rash of copycat threats. Gustavo Reveles Acosta, a spokesperson for the El Paso Independent School District, told the Associated Press in May that the district, which has its own police department, stepped up patrolling all 85 campuses. Officers have been pulled from monitoring traffic or other duties. Schools already have updated camera surveillance systems. Visitors are required to ring a doorbell and show identification before they can enter. The district is making a point to look out for teachers and students mental health. A counseling team has been visiting every school to speak about the shooting in Uvalde. They are also urging people to talk in private about any distress. Schools ramped up police presence in a host of states, including Connecticut, Michigan and New York, after the Uvalde massacre. Salvador Ramos, 18, (pictured) shot and killed 19 students and two teachers in Uvalde in May 2022, prompting nationwide increased security at schools The same month, in Buffalo, where a white gunman fatally shot 10 people in a racist attack in a supermarket on May 14, the largest school district announced new security rules effective immediately. Any visitors parents, siblings, vendors have to call ahead for approval. No exceptions will be made. They may be subjected to a search by a wand detector. Doors will be locked at all times. In Jacksonville, Florida, the Duval County Public Schools chief of school police banned backpacks or large handbags at any school through Friday, the last day of school. Small purses were allowed but could be searched. Less than a week after the Robb Elementary School massacre, two Seattle-area schools went into lockdown leading to police eventually recovering an airsoft gun. The Everett, Washington, schools then had their lockdowns lifted. Two people were arrested Thursday after a Denver high school locked down its campus. Police found a paintball gun but no other firearms. Classes were canceled anyway. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the Nashville shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Police released this image of Hale on Monday Authorities said Hale was armed with two 'assault-style' weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. 'Our community is heartbroken,' a statement from the school said. 'We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' Whoopi Goldberg has slammed the decision to remove a white Mississippi news anchor from air after she quoted Snoop Dogg lyrics during a broadcast. Barbie Bassett, a popular anchor and WLBT's first chief meteorologist, hasn't been seen on the NBC-affiliate station since March 8 after repeating a famous Snoop slang: 'Fo shizzle, my n****e.' Speaking on The View, Whoopi gave the news anchor grace - while also taking a dig at political correctness in general - saying 'just because we're on television, doesn't mean we know everything.' Bassett's comment came during a segment about Snoop Dogg's wine company, Cali Wine Collection- and the launch of his Snoop Cali Blanc variety. The racial epithet she referred to is one for black people - but Whoopi is now among a growing number of people, including Charlamagne The God, defending Bassett. Whoopi Goldberg slammed the decision to remove a white Mississippi news anchor from air after she quoted Snoop Dogg lyrics during a broadcast - and she came to the defense of all tv hosts who sometimes 'don't know everything' Morning news anchor Barbie Bassett (center) is seen with her co-anchors during the controversial on-air broadcast. Bassett hasn't been seen on air since the March 8 incident after making the racially insensitive remark Whoopi told The View: 'There has to be a book of stuff that nobody could ever say, ever, ever, ever. Include everything. The things that change, you can say this, but you can't say that, but next week you might not be able to say this, it's hard to keep up. 'It's hard to keep up. And if you're a person of a certain age, there's stuff we do, and we say. 'We don't know everything you're not supposed to do. And if there is something someone says, if you're not going to give them the opportunity to explain why they said it, at least give them the grace of saying "you know what, I've just been informed that I should not of done that," as opposed to "youre out." 'Because saying "you're out" means that you don't want to hear what people have to say or the mistakes that they might have made that could have helped somebody else not make that mistake.' Goldberg also complained that television stations 'never let you' come back and clarify your controversial statements - perhaps in reference to her own on-screen gaffes. The View host was previously suspended from the show for saying 'The Holocaust isn't about race' and also filmed an apology for using the word 'g****d' - a term considered derogatory toward people of Romani heritage. The phrase is one used by the rapper Snoop Dogg a lot in his music The former beauty pageant queen (right) had been cited in October 2022 for making a racially insensitive remark to a fellow co-anchor that she late apologized for Bassett is seen speaking to viewers on March 8 - on what appears to be her final broadcast Barbie Bassett's latest spat comes just months after she referred to her co-anchor, Cameron Poe's grandmother as 'grandmammy' - a term African-American slaves used for their grandmothers. Poe is black. She apologized to the viewers and her co-workers for the offensive remark during the October 2022 broadcast, calling it 'insensitive and hurtful' and said she was going to participate in training to 'better understand our history and our people.' After the firestorm, WLBT Vice President and General Manager Ted Fortenberry issued a statement on social media: 'As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters.' Discussing Bassett's latest incident with DJ Envy, Charlamagne The God recently also came to her defense: 'She can't say, 'Fo s*****e, my n****e?' Bassett said: 'Fo s*****e, my n****e', while plugging the Cali Wine Collection- and the launch of his Snoop Cali Blanc variety 'Oh, I guess cause n****e is a derivative of the N-word. I'm saying that in context. I didn't mean to say I'm not using that word.' The word is sometimes used as slang for the n-word, and is considered offensive. But DJ Envy said that he didn't think the use of it was 'fireable', with Charlamagne interjecting: 'She might not even know what 'N***e' means, yo. 'I'm not like, come on, we got to like, stop man. That's not a reason to fire that woman.' 'That's the thing with hip hop, man. Hip-hop is so big and so mainstream and it's just like, who can consume it and who can't? 'You know what I mean? Who can repeat slang and who can't? She might be old. She probably has no idea n****e is a derivative of the N-word.' DJ Envy was also quick to defend Bassett, adding that she was probably a 'fan of Snoop Dogg.' President Joe Biden's administration has invited Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit him at the White House 'soon', after the Israeli leader announced a pause in a controversial judicial overhaul plan amid mass protests. The invite, announced by U.S. ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, comes at a time of steep tensions in Israel and follows numerous White House statements that were critical of the plan, which drew months of protests inside Israel. The White House had praised the delay on Monday as a potential opening for compromise, after days of protests in the streets and civil unrest with unions carrying out a general strike and schools and universities shuttering their doors. 'We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise,' said White House spokesman Karine Jean-Pierre. 'A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for. And we continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible.' The Biden administration said Isreal's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to visit President Joe Biden in Washington, although no date has been set. It comes after Netanyahu's government backed down and paused a judicial overhaul plan amid mass protests Earlier Monday, national security spokesman Adm. John Kirby told reporters that 'we remain concerned by the recent developments' in Israel. 'I'm sure he'll be coming relatively soon,' Nides told Israel's Army Radio. 'I assume after Passover, obviously no date has been set yet,' he said, referencing the Jewish holiday that begins next week. 'Without question, he'll be coming to the White House as soon as their schedules can be coordinated,' he added. The Times of Israel reported that the administration wants to see Israelis and Palestinians get through the holiday peacefully before nailing down the terms, and that it wouldn't happen for 'at least another month or two.' The New York Times noted that the lack of a precise date indicated it could fall through. Netanyahu's government backed down Monday amid mass protests Protesters took to the streets after Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had criticized the judicial overhaul. Here an Israeli protester throws a placard showing Netanyahu to a bonfire on March 27, 2023 in Tel Aviv The invitation comes after the Biden administration has criticized the judicial overhaul. 'We are deeply concerned by today's developments out of Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise,' National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Sunday The latest development followed mass protests that erupted Sunday after Netanyahu fired his defense minister, who said the judicial overhaul was threatening security by inserting divisions into Israel's armed forces. The administration had avoided extending an invitation to Netanyahu to visit, although he was set to take part virtually in a summit on democracy Wednesday. The scandal-beleaguered politician, who faces corruption charges in Israel, became close to former President Donald Trump, and had fraught relations with President Barack Obama when Biden served as vice president. The White House has shared its concern publicly about the latest developments in Isreal. 'We are deeply concerned by today's developments out of Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise,' National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Sunday. 'Democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Thousands of Afghans who fled to Britain after the Taliban takeover of their country in 2021 will be moved out of hotels over the coming months, it was confirmed today. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer told the House of Commons that hotel accommodation was never meant to be a 'permanent solution' to housing evacuees. He warned the continued residency of 8,000 Afghans in hotels, half of them children, was an 'unacceptable and unsustainable situation' and costing taxpayers 1million a day. 'Long-term residency in hotels has prevented some Afghans from properly putting down roots, committing to employment, integrating into communties and creating uncertainty as they look to rebuild their lives in the UK long term,' Mr Mercer told MPs. He outlined how those Afghans continuing to live in hotels would be given three months' notice to move out from the end of April. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer told the House of Commons that hotel accommodation was never meant to be a 'permanent solution' to housing evacuees Operation Pitting saw the evacuation of 15,000 people from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021 as the country fell back under Taliban control Mr Mercer promised 'significant support' for Afghans to find alternative accommodation and 35million in extra support for local councils to help provide increased assistance, while the local authority housing fund will be expanded by 250 million. But the minister warned those Afghans who turned down a 'generous offer' of new accommodation would not receive a second offer. He said 9,000 Afghans had already been supported in settled homes. 'At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available,' Mr Mercer told MPs. He also announced that new Afghan arrivals in the UK would in future go straight into 'appropriate accommodation' rather than hotels. Operation Pitting saw the evacuation of 15,000 people from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021 as the country fell back under Taliban control following the chaotic withdrawal of Western troops. Afghans have been welcomed to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, set up for Afghans who worked for or with Britain in Afghanistan; and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, which was launched in January last year and aims to resettle up to 20,000 people over the next few years. Mr Mercer told MPs the Government remained 'unbowed in our commitment to those who supported us, at great personal risk, in Afghanistan'. 'The debt we owe them is one borne by our nation as a whole. We also need to support those people who we brought to the UK as genuine refugees fleeing persecution,' he added. Mr Mercer told MPs there were British veterans across the UK 'enjoying normal lives today because of the service and sacrifice' of Afghans who 'kept them safe' during the long conflict in the Asian country. But Labour claimed the Government was serving 'eviction notices' on thousands of Afghans and demanded an assurance that none would be left homeless. Shadow defence secretary John Healey told MPs: 'Never mind the warm words from the minister today. He has confirmed the Government is giving them the cold shoulder. 'He is serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans, half of whom are children, with no guarantee they will be offered a suitable, settled place to live.' Charities have also expressed concern the Government plans. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: 'We are deeply concerned about many elements of these plans, in particular the risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. 'This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated. 'Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of Government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. 'To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval.' The Local Government Association called for 'sufficient resources' to be given to councils in order to prevent a 'further rise in homelessness as a result of a chronic shortage of properties across the UK'. A man and woman charged with murdering a two-year-old girl during the Covid lockdown failed to appear in court today. The child died two days after she was transferred from a local hospital near Gravesend, Kent to a London hospital on May 29, 2020. Two people were arrested at the time and were charged last week in relation to her death. Jan Gholami, 32, and Roqia Ghulami, 31, both of no fixed address, are accused of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and child neglect. They were expected to appear at Maidstone Crown Court, but neither defendant was produced from custody nor were Farsi - the official language of Iran - interpreters booked. Jan Gholami, 32, and Roqia Ghulami, 31, both of no fixed address, were expected to appear at Maidstone Crown Court accused of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and child neglect Judge Julian Smith told the court the trial is unlikely to start before November. He said: 'Disappointingly there has been a mistake, they have not been produced and there is no interpreter and they should have been produced. 'This is a 48-hour hearing and they are charged with murder. In their absence I will deal with what I can.' The little girl was admitted to hospital on May 27 2020 with serious injuries. Upon her arrival concerns were raised to Kent Police and two people were arrested. Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation and following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, charged the pair. The hearing was adjourned until Friday March 31 at 2.30pm. Defence counsel Paul Jackson, for Gholami, and Adrian Rohard, for Ghulami, did not make any applications for bail and the defendants were remanded in custody. A show-off motorcyclist taunted police by shamelessly pulling wheelies in front of their patrol car while riding without a helmet on a busy dual carriageway. The rider was caught on camera waving at the cops behind him as he weaved about in front of the vehicle in Leeds. The frustrated police officers appear to make no effort to stop the biker's dangerous antics as he repeatedly gets into the kneeling position on the saddle and vanishes into the traffic. However, according to West Yorkshire Police, the reason the officers did not chase after the individual was because pursuits of motorbikes can only be done by officers 'trained to the required level and in a suitable vehicle'. Footage of the incident has been widely shared on social media. The clip has caused widespread anger among those who do not understand why officers did not attempt to intervene. A show-off motorcyclist taunted police by shamelessly pulling wheelies in front of their patrol car while riding without a helmet on a busy dual carriageway The rider, hiding behind a ski mask, was caught on camera as he seemingly put on a show for the other drivers on the A64 York Road Two young men travelling in the car behind the driver filmed him as he seemingly puts on a show. The group is heard laughing at the officers. One asks: 'Why aren't they doing nowt.' The other replies: 'They can't do owt. It is not a traffic copper.' Then the first cries out: 'Look at him. Look at him waving at the coppers, man' as the biker takes one hand off the handlebars, then the other, to wave. The biker then draws alongside the police car and not only pulls another wheelie but straddles the machine so he is kneeling on the saddle. He then goads the police even more by gesturing towards the patrol car crew. The filmers burst into hysterical laughter just before the police car turns off at the next junction. 'This is classic,' one yelled as they continue to film on the A64 York Road through the inner ring road, leading onto the A58(M). The rider makes beckoning gestures to the police car as he continues to roar alongside. The filmers then make an offensive racist comment about the rider's ethnicity and chant: 'He is taking the p**s' before boo-ing the police car as it turns off. The motorcyclist continued along the A64, still pulling wheelies. The men howl: 'He is high as a kite.' The rider waved at the cops behind him as he weaved about in front of the vehicle in Leeds The biker and the filmers exchanged a thumbs-up as he performed a long wheelie before again getting into kneeling position on the saddle and vanishing into the traffic The biker then draws alongside the police car and not only pulls another wheelie but straddles the machine so he is kneeling on the saddle The biker and the filmers exchanged a thumbs-up as he performed a long wheelie before again getting into kneeling position on the saddle and vanishing into the traffic. West Yorkshire Police have released a picture of the motorcyclist and appealed for information. It said in a statement today: 'The pursuit of motorbikes is permitted in West Yorkshire only by officers trained to the required level in a suitable vehicle. 'Any potential pursuit situation must be appropriately assessed with full consideration given to the safety of members of the public, the officers involved and the rider of the motorbike. 'We are still looking into the circumstances of this incident, but we have been able to establish that the officer involved had activated body-worn video to capture footage of the suspect and the manner of driving, before making a deliberate tactical decision to deviate from their route to de-escalate the risks around a situation involving a rider who was clearly already driving dangerously and had a high probability that he would fail to stop. 'We are aware of the level of public concern that motorbike-related crime and anti-social behaviour causes in our communities and continue to target the issue through a range of proactive operations, alongside our partner agencies. 'We are carrying out enquiries to identify the rider involved in this incident and would ask that anyone who recognises him or who has any information that could assist contact officers via 101 quoting reference 13230173212 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.' Like many police forces, West Yorkshire allows ordinary police cars to start following law-breakers. But they are then supposed to contact control to allow more highly trained drivers, usually traffic cops, to take over the pursuit. The policy also states: 'It is recognised that police pursuits are a potentially dangerous activity for all the parties involved. 'However, this must be balanced against the need to apprehend offenders and prevent crime. 'Only officers who are currently trained and authorised in Initial Phase or Tactical Phase Pursuits must actively participate in a pursuit.' Some angered citizens took to social media, apparently concerned that the officers permitted the motorcyclist's lawlessness. 'This just show's how useless the police have become... Then they moan when people take justice into there own hands,' was one of many similar comments. Others understood the police's position but did not agree with law-breakers getting off free. The frustrated police officers appear to make no effort to stop the biker's dangerous antics as he repeatedly gets into the kneeling position on the saddle and vanishes into the traffic Officers in beat cars are not allowed to pursue, particularly motor bikes in case the poor disadvantaged darling falls off and hurts himself. 'Police aren't allowed to chase are they especially if no helmet on? - ridiculous.' However, police chiefs have always made clear that no wearing a helmet does not guarantee immunity to antisocial riders. It just makes it more important to balance the risks of a pursuit, since helmet-less riders are more likely to sustain serious injury. A rapist convicted in the Rotherham grooming scandal has been ordered by the High Court to pay his victim more than 425,000 in damages. Taxi driver Asghar Bostan, 52, was jailed for nine years in 2018 after being convicted of two offences against a girl under 16 in Rotherham between 2000 and 2002. Now the victim - known as 'Liz' - has brought what is said to be the first successful civil action of its kind against Bostan, who was released from prison last year. She started civil proceedings against Bostan three years ago 'to at last get real justice' and has now received damages of 425,934.09 in a judgment last week. Taxi driver Asghar Bostan, 52, was jailed for nine years for two offences against a girl under 16 Liz told BBC News: 'I wanted to give something back not only to myself, but to other survivors and do something not only for Rotherham but for all the UK. 'I am really, really pleased for the outcome and really, really pleased this might open the floodgates for other survivors. It will never heal the past, we will always walk in these shoes, but it is about closing a chapter.' She added that she was 'proud' to have brought the case against Bostan - who was in jail at HMP Leicester - but the scale of the damages had not 'sunk in' yet. Bostan failed to engage with the civil court proceedings while still in jail, and the order is likely to bankrupt him, reported The Times. It has been claimed she is likely to receive around 100,000. The victim previously told the National Crime Agency that she was given drugs and alcohol, coerced to a flat and raped on two occasions when she was 14 or 15. Baroness Cox, Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Honour Based Abuse, said: 'I have met with many grooming gang survivors over the years and I am delighted that Liz has been awarded this financial justice. Her great legal victory should bring hope to many other survivors.' Bostan was charged in May 2017 as part of Operation Stovewood - the National Crime Agency's investigation into non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse between 1997 and 2013. Bostan was jailed for nine years in 2018 and was being held at HMP Leicester (file picture) The victim came forward to South Yorkshire Police in 2014 to report the abuse and the case was referred to the NCA's team. Bostan was then jailed at Sheffield Crown Court in February 2018. Liz was supported in her legal case by former Ukip leader Lord Rannoch and former Conservative peer Lord Vinson who both raised money to help her. She was also backed by Hearts of Oak, a 'free speech campaign group' launched in 2020 by a team including English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson. Peter Mcilvenna, director of Hearts Of Oak, said: 'Liz has been admirably courageous to see the legal process through to this victory. 'We would like her ground-breaking civil action to be just the start of a wider campaign to get compensation for more victims and to punish more grooming gang rapists where it hurts.' A news reporter broadcasting live from the scene of the Nashville elementary school massacre revealed that she is a school shooting survivor. Joylyn Bukovac was reporting at the scene from The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, after transgender Audrey Hale, 28, shot and killed three children and three adults on Monday. While bringing WSMV 4 viewers updates about the school shooting, Bukovac revealed that she was in fact a victim herself - and the traumatic ordeal brought memories 'flooding back.' She was in eighth grade at Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama, on February 5, 2010 when shots were fired in the hallway of her school - killing one of her classmates. Bukovac, while on air, said: 'This is something that hits close to home for me. I'm actually a school shooting survivor. I was in middle school. This is bringing up a lot of tough memories for me that I'm going through.' Joylyn Bukovac, a reporter for WSMV 4, revealed on air that she was also the victim of a school shooting. She was broadcasting live from the scene of the Nashville elementary massacre on Monday when she told viewers how the ordeal was bringing back her traumatic memories Transgender shooter Audrey Hale, 28, (pictured inside The Covenant School on Monday) shot and killed three children and three adults at the Tennessee school. Bukovac was at the scene reporting on the massacre Keeping composure, she continued to give parents of those children advice on what to do next - while admitting that it took her about two years to fully open up about her own school shooting experience. Bukovac was later heralded, not only by her co-workers, but by swathes of viewers online for her professionalism and composure during what must have been a tough broadcast. At the Discovery Middle School shooting in 2010, Todd Brown, 14, was shot dead by 15-year-old Hammad Memon. Bukovac added: 'The shock that they're going to be feeling is going to be unfathomable. 'I was in the hallway when the gunman opened fire in my school shooting, I was in eighth grade at the time. I wasn't ready to talk about it for two years really. 'I hid underneath the risers in my choir class and those minutes and hours of waiting to be released by police officers, it just felt like a lifetime. So I know exactly what some of these kids are going through today. 'I'm a mom now, so I'm trying to put myself in those shoes.' Writing on Twitter after her broadcast, the reporter said: 'I appreciate all the support Ive received after sharing my story. 'I dont talk about it much, but I think about what happened on February 5, 2010 often. I just want people to know they arent alone. I also want to discuss solutions. As a mom, I am worried for the future.' Hammad Memon (left) shot Todd Brown (right) at Discovery Middle School in February 2010 - the school shooting that reporter Joylyn Bukovac was referring to The reporter kept her composure as she recalled her trauma from the February 2010 shooting In a remarkable live hit, this local reporter covering the horrific school shooting in Nashville shared her own experience of surviving a school shooting when she was in middle school. I didn't catch her name. pic.twitter.com/qFLu6uWQxl Reem Akkad (@reemakkad) March 27, 2023 All six victims of The Covenant School shooting were identified on Monday. They were nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, and three members of staff Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61, and school head Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60. Hale went into The Covenant School around 10.13am, opened fire and was killed by police less than 15 minutes later. After the killing, parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. It's unclear what Hale's motive was, but police believe she attended the school at some point. She had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it, according to police. Police said Hale left behind a manifesto they believe will give them a motive into the massacre, the 129th in the United States in 2023. Audrey Hale (pictured) was responsible for the lives of six people at the Tennessee school Moscow's high society has been rocked by a scandal after a pair of prominent Vladimir Putin cronies were allegedly heard insulting the Russian despot. Oligarch and former Russian senator Farkhad Akhmedov and high-profile Moscow music producer Iosif Prigozhin, both supposedly supporters of Putin, have been accused of calling him 'Satan' and a 'dwarf'. An audio recording of what is reportedly a 35-minute phone call between the wealthy pair was shared by Ukraine's Channel Five and quickly jumped on by other outlets - as well as Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). In the audio clip, the pair are heard eviscerating Putin's invasion of Ukraine, slamming his Kremlin entourage over their failings, and even insulting his height. Any public criticism of Putin in Russia is rare - not least among those who have benefited most from his consolidation of power. Those found guilty of insulting the Russian state, its army, or Putin himself face fines and even jail time. Russian oligarch and former senator Farkhad Akhmedov (right) and high-profile Moscow music producer Iosif Prigozhin (left), both supposedly supporters of Putin, have been accused of calling him a 'Satan' and a 'dwarf' Since its release, several Ukrainian and independent Russian outlets - including Meduza - have analysed the audio recording that is understood to have been made on January 24. They have broken down the transcript. According to Meduza, Akhmedov is heard saying the Russian government 'f***ed us, our children, their future, their destiny,' in reference to Putin's war in Ukraine. 'He's Satan,' he adds, referring to the Russian dictator, before also criticising the deputy head of the Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who was also Russian president for four years from 2008 to 2012. 'Both this one [Putin] and the second [Medvedev] are notorious. Lilliputians are f***ing undergrown, notorious,' Akhmedov is heard saying, Meduza reports. Putin - who often wears high-platform shoes - is known to be deeply sensitive about his diminutive 5ft 7inch height - with claims he suffers from 'Napoleon complex'. Medvedev, at 5ft 4 inches, is even smaller than his boss. On the invasion, Prigozhin, 53, bemoans that Russian authorities are losing to 'Kvartal 95' - the name of the production company founded by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2003, while he was still an actor and entertainer. Most leading figures inside the company joined Zelensky's administration after he become president. Zelensky and his close allies have been credited with many of Ukraine's successes, particularly in the court of public opinion. Prigozhin says that Putin should just pull his forces out of Ukraine and give up. 'The fact that they say that they are fighting against them, back and forth, they themselves gave them a reason. He [Putin] was driven into this garbage. He got himself into it,' Prigozhin is heard telling Akhmedov, Meduza reports. 'To be honest, f**k it, I would stop, get the Nobel Prize, and f**king leave. I gave up the country anyway, damn it,' he added. Akhmedov disputes this, telling his friend that 'it will be a long time, unfortunately' before Putin decides to pull his armies out of the neighbouring country. In the audio clip, the two high-profile figures are heard eviscerating Putin's invasion of Ukraine, slamming his Kremlin entourage over their failings, and insulting his height 'He won't go back, he can't go forward. He will be like this,' he says, suggesting that he believes the war in Ukraine will continue to drag on for years. READ MORE: Russian commander who oversaw notorious slaughter of hundreds of Ukrainian troops is found dead from gunshot wound at his home Advertisement According to Meduza, swearing is a constant throughout the phone call. It says that the F-word is said 157 times in the recording. The call which first appeared on Telegram has caused a sensation in Russia despite the story being censored by the state media - as it appears to show that Putin's main cheerleaders are privately contemptuous of him and his war. The voice sounding identical to Prigozhin - no relation of the head of Wagner private army who has the same surname - says on the call that the elite 'blame [Russian defence minister Sergei] Shoigu for everything. 'Behind his back they call him a mother******. Their task is to knock him down, but they are not doing it yet.... 'Because somebody must be blamed for [the chaos].' In his raging diatribe, he slams one of Putin's oldest and closest KGB cronies Sergey Chemezov, now head of hi-tech giant Rostec, a key military supplier. 'The ***** is responsible for the military-industrial complex and doesn't give a ****. They are the most ****** up people in the world . 'My opinion is they behave like kings, like Gods, I can't say a single good word about them. They are ********.' Akhmedov says there is 'collective guilt' at the top of Russia. 'They at the top are each responsible for their own sector, and they ****** them all. 'Not a good one left. [Putin] used to say the army was the key thing, and it turned out there was no army, too.' Putin believed he had a competent fighting machine but his circle 'fooled him, they fooled him, they've been fooling him. 'They live in their own reality, in their own world with their ex- secretaries as wives, and behave like they are special. Everything is just so ****** up.' Akhmedov asks if Putin and his circle can cling on. 'I don't know,' replies Prigozhin. Soon after attention was drawn to the alleged conversion, Prigozhin desperately claimed that the recording had been generated by 'neural networks,' Meduza reports. On March 26, he published a video message. Soon after attention was drawn to the alleged conversion, Iosif Prigozhin (pictured) desperately claimed that the recording had been generated by 'neural networks'. On March 26, he published a video message 'Fake audio recording with supposedly my voice and a conversation with an influential person. I want to say that today's technologies, neural networks, allow you to fake not only a voice, but also a conversation,' he said. 'You know, the Internet has turned into a big dump where there is something useful and you can devalue, discredit any person. Everyone knows my political position, it is present in all interviews and in the public field.' He later admitted that some phrases in the conversation were genuine, saying in an interview that he 'doesn't exactly remember' the conversation. 'People in a private conversation can talk about anything. The main thing is that you speak in practice and how you behave in life and in different circumstances,' he said, according to Meduza. He said he last spoke to Akhmedov in January. He admitted that he was afraid the consequences that he could face in light of the audio recording, and said that while he and Akhmedov maybe have spoken some of the phrases heard in the recording, they have been altered. He added that he treats Putin with the utmost respect, saying he is a figure of a 'planetary scale' and said that he would not flee Moscow. Journalists contested Prigozhin's suggestion that the clip was fake. Independent TV station chief Vadim Vostrov insisted: 'This can neither be faked nor compiled.' The 'intonations and nuances' made clear this was a genuine recording. 'I know that many representatives of the so-called ruling class, from [MPs] to governors, discuss similar things and in approximately the same terms.' There was 'so much offensive for Putin personally' in the call, he said. Journalist Dmitry Kolezev said the recording appeared 'genuine' but 'many details that are very difficult to invent and fake' with precise voice matches and 'manner of communication'. 'For the first time we have heard what some members of the Russian elite really think and feel,' he said. 'They hate Putin, they are fully aware of the scale of the disaster and they understand that the country has no future with Putin. 'At the same time, they are frightened, not ready to do something themselves, and in fact they are simply waiting for the regime to collapse.' He warned of retribution by Putin, especially over the slur on his height. 'In their place, I would urgently evacuate myself and loved ones from Russia (if not already) and not think about returning in the coming years,' he said. Pro-Kremlin Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy said the conversation was 'real' and he has known about it for two weeks. He called Prigozhin's denial 'funny'. 'The recording was made in Akhmedov's room. Speaker phones are evil.' Ukrainian servicemen fire with a TRF-1 155mm at Russian positions, on March 27 Akhmedov - who like Prigozhin was sanctioned by the West for his links to Putin - did not initially comment on the recording. Meanwhile, Yevgeny Prigozhin - founder of the Wagner private military company which has been fighting in Ukraine - quickly moved to ensure that there was not case of mistaken identity between him and his namesake Iosif Prigozhin. 'It is possible that those people who carried out this special operation and who posted this conversation could think that I was talking,' he said, Meduza reported He said he was more softly spoken than Iosif. Startling new footage of war graves highlights the scale of the death toll Vladimir Putin has inflicted on his fighters in Ukraine. The Goryachiy Klyuch graveyard in Krasnodar region is set aside for troops in the Wagner private army backing the Russian invasion. This force comprising volunteers, mercenaries and jail convicts has seen tens of thousands of deaths, roped into suicidal 'human wave' death squads and thrown at the front line without hope of return. The graveyard - described as being 'so large it's impossible to walk across' - emerged as veteran Russian political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin said there are now signs key players in the dictator's circle are distancing themselves from him to avoid drowning in his 'bloody swamp'. Rows of graves marked with flowers and crosses mark the fallen in Krasnodar, south Russia A weeping Russian woman, filming, says the graveyard is so large it is impossible to walk across Lying in this necropolis are men whose relatives did not ask for them to be buried in their home region. Many more corpses lie unclaimed on the battlefield. The commentary on the video is by a weeping Russian woman who says: 'It's such a big graveyard, all graves are new 'There is no end in sight There are young men, and men of all ages. 'Rest in peace. You can't even walk to the other end of it, this is such a big graveyard at Goryachiy Klyuch.' It was 'impossible to count' the graves, she said. There are visibly far more graves than in January. 'My soul is bleeding,' she said. Wagner Group is seeking to expand the given permission for 700 to be buried. Political analyst Oreshkin told We Can Explain media: 'The more Putin plunges into the bloody swamp, the fewer people will want to drown with him.' He singled out ex-ministers Arkady Dvorkovich and Alexei Kudrin as well as billionaires Vladimir Lisin, who owns a Scottish castle, and Oleg Deripaska, as formerly close figures now shunning the dictator. Another is the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, one of his closest allies until now. 'They understand that Putin is toxic,' he said. 'Everyone is driven into one bottleneck, and Vladimir Putin is the cork in it. 'The question is whether this bottle will burst under pressure from the inside, as was the case in the Soviet Union. 'As Putin becomes toxic, this cork corrodes a little. 'The problem is simple - which is more likely to happen: the cork will rot under the pressure of its acid contents, or the bottle will explode? 'The most intelligent people understand that it is necessary to separate from it. 'They understand that the boss is leading the country to a dead end.' Putin has sought to bring loyalists closer as support has waned for his disastrous war in Ukraine. This week, his daughter made headlines after stating that her own research had led her to believe that Russians aged 18 to 35 were not loyal enough to her father. Earlier this month, an elite Russian tank bridge reportedly refused orders after they were told to drive to their deaths through an infamous Ukrainian minefield. In February, Ukrainian intelligence reported that members of Putin's inner circle were now spying for Ukraine as the situation worsened for Russia. In January Putin replaced top General Sergei Surovikin, who organised Russia's retreat from Kherson with a difficult crossing of the Dnipro, with Putin loyalist General Valery Gerasimov, who led the messy initial invasion of Ukraine. The commentary on the video is by a weeping Russian woman who says: 'It's such a big graveyard, all graves are new' There are visibly far more graves than in January. Wagner Group is seeking to expand the given permission for 700 to be buried A black and white flag was pictured flying over some of the graves in the cemetery Almost every grave had a floral wreath on top of the fresh soil at the cemetery in Krasnodar, a city in southern Russia previously connected to Crimea by the Kerch Bridge Arkady Dvorkovich, 51, Russian politician and economist, singled out as one of the former ministers now 'shunning' Putin Alexei Kudrin, 62, Russian economist and politician meets Vladimir Putin in Kremlin, Moscow. Kudrin was also singled out as one of Putin's inner circle members distancing himself The graveyard footage comes from Krasnodar, a city in southern Russia previously connected to Crimea by the Kerch Bridge. The Kerch bridge was reportedly reopened last Thursday, nearly half a year since it was badly damaged in an explosion in October. Krasnodar is famous for the war crimes trial of Soviets who had collaborated with Nazi Germany, held in 1943. It was the first war crimes trial of World War II. A former top communications aide to Donald Trump's past campaign is ditching the ex-president to join a pro-Ron DeSantis Super PAC launched by another once-Trump administration staffer, Ken Cuccinelli. The Never Back Down political action committee now has Trump's former campaign deputy communications director Matt Wolking on as its strategic communications director. Cuccinelli, once a top official in Trump's Department of Homeland Security, abandoned his allegiance to his former boss to launch the Super PAC seeking to get Florida Gov. DeSantis to run in 2024 and earn the GOP nomination for president. While Trump remains the favorite to win the Republican nomination, DeSantis is in a close second sometimes beating out the ex-president in certain polls. Super PACs are different from other political action committees in that they can raise unlimited sums of money from individuals and corporations but are unable to coordinate directly with parties or candidates. Top communications aide for Trump's former campaign, Matt Wolking (pictured), is ditching the ex-president to join pro-Ron DeSantis Super PAC Never Back Down Several former Trump-world aides and advisers have broken their allegiance in favor of top competitor Ron DeSantis. Pictured: Trump walks to his plane after a campaign rally in Waco, Texas on Saturday Wolking oversaw the rapid response and war room teams for Trump's 2020 campaign. He was the campaign communications director for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021. Trump continues to see a drop-off in support from allies and a refusal from members of his former inner-circle to support his 2024 run. Out of the nine former Trump campaign officials who spoke with CNN earlier this month, only three said that they publicly plan to support the former president's third consecutive White House bid. Once Trump's top trusted campaign manager, Corey Lewsandowski is reportedly privately pitching potential Republican candidates to go up against the former president in the primary elections including DeSantis and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Lewandowski, who is a New Hampshire resident, was not with Trump during his visit to the Granite State in January. The former Trump aide, however, insists that he has not 'courted any other GOP candidates for president.' Former senior Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli launched a super PAC on Thursday aimed at getting DeSantis elected president in 2024, even though the governor has not yet announced his bid. Former senior Trump administration official Ken Cuccinelli launched a super PAC earlier this month aimed at getting Governor Ron DeSantis to run in the GOP primary and be elected president in 2024 Donald Trump is losing support from his once-inner circle as former aides and advisers refuse to weigh-in or get on-board with other GOP candidates for 2024. This includes Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, once Trump's White House press secretary, who told Trump in a recent phone call that she wasn't ready to levy an endorsement after he asked for it Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as Trump's White House press secretary and was one of his most staunch supporters throughout his tenure, has refused to take a side in the upcoming presidential election. Trump called Sanders recently to ask for her support, the New York Times reported earlier this month, but she wasn't ready to wade into the waters of an endorsement for 2024. 'I love the president, have a great relationship with him,' Sanders told Fox News in January. 'I know our country would be infinitely better off if he was in office right now instead of Joe Biden, but right now my focus isn't 2024, it's focusing here in Arkansas.' Alexa Henning, a spokeswoman for Sanders, told CNN that her comment still stands two months later. The distancing from Trump comes as the 2024 primary race heats up and reports emerge that DeSantis will announce his candidacy as early as May. The Sunshine State's leader has started touring the country and visiting key states like Iowa and New Hampshire that indicate an announcement is impending. Two former aides reached by CNN say that they want to remain neutral in the 2024 race, while three others refused to weigh-in publicly. Trump's former 2016 campaign spokesperson Katrina Pierson was noncommittal about an endorsement. Once Trump's top trusted campaign manager, Corey Lewsandowski is privately pitching potential Republican candidates to go up against the former president in the primary elections including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, according to CNN Lewandowski has been by the former president's side for many of his trips to New Hampshire, but opted out of Trump's first visit there in his 2024 bid for president despite being invited to attend. While many see this as his continual drifting from Trump, Lewandowski says it was just bad timing. 'I was over 1,500 miles away, and Mr. Trump was well aware of that,' Lewandowski told CNN. He added that his relationship with Trump has 'never changed for the last eight years' even though more than a dozen people in Trump's orbit noted a change. Another stab-in-the-back is Cuccinelli starting a PAC directly aimed at getting Trump's biggest rival elected the GOP nominee in 2024. NEVER BACK DOWN PAC filed paperwork in late February with the Federal Election Commission and is now the fourth political committee created to encourage DeSantis to run. 'I have been speaking to many grassroots conservative activists around the country who are very enthusiastic for Governor DeSantis to run for president in 2024,' Cuccinelli said in a statement on the PAC's formation. 'The energy is there, grassroots conservatives see the governor as a leader and a fighter with a winning conservative track record who will lead the Republican Party to victory in 2024. Based on those conversations, I am most confident that we will build an unmatched grassroots political army for Governor DeSantis to help carry him to the White House.' Trump is still holding onto some tried-and-true supporters within his inner-circle, including Jason Miller, who worked on his 2016 and 2020 campaigns; social media guru Dan Scavino; and Steve Bannon A paediatric doctor posted a final haunting image of schoolchildren peacefully listening to her talk an hour before a transgender shooter gunned down three nine-year-olds and three members of staff. Missionary Britney Grayson visited The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, leaving after talking about their life in Kenya at 10.12am Less than 20 minutes later Audrey Hale, 28, shot her way into the private Christian school and killed six before being gunned down by police. Hale used the names Audrey and Aiden but her preferred pronouns were he/him according to a LinkedIn page. Police confirmed on Monday that she had previously attended the school in Nashville, Tennessee, but her motive for the shooting was unclear. Dr Grayson posted a heartbreaking picture of the innocent children sitting and listening to her talk before they were forced into a lockdown amid the active shooter alert. It is not known if any of the children who were killed in the brutal attack were pictured in the image Missionary Britney Grayson visited The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, leaving after talking about their life in Kenya at 10.12a Hallie Scruggs, 9, William Kenney, 9, and Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, were all killed by the mass shooter, while headmistress Dr Katherine Koonce, 60, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and chef Mike Hill, 61 were also murdered. All three of the children had been in the chapel learning the word Jambo and singing verses of Amazing Grace to perform for their grandparents next week according to Dr Grayson. The doctor, based in Kenya, had visited the school with her husband Micah Wilfong after they were invited by friends whose daughters attended the school. Dr Grayson posted a heartbreaking picture of the innocent children sitting and listening to her talk before they were forced into a lockdown amid the active shooter alert. It is not known if any of the children who were killed in the brutal attack were pictured in the image. She said: 'The kids were great. We taught them about life in Kenya, some Swahili words, and what it means to be a missionary. 'We drove away at 10:12am and less than 20 minutes later, at least 3 children were shot right there on the campus. 'There are no words for this feeling. I think the normal feeling is supposed to be relief- relief that we were already gone and our lives are safe. Hallie Scruggs, 9, was killed in the shooting and is pictured with her father, a pastor at the church, Chad Scruggs Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, known as Cindy (right) is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot and killed on Monday in Nashville 'But to do what I do makes me literally one of the most qualified people on the planet to help in that situation. 'Why had we driven away just minutes before? Could I have helped those children if we were still there? I feel guilty for being safe. 'But furthermore, why are our children being massacred in their schools?! I have no idea when this country will have had enough and I'm utterly, completely, totally shocked that, as a nation, we aren't there yet. 'I have personally operated on a school shooting victim. I have told too many parents and family members that their loved ones are dead as a result of gun violence.' Horrified parents rushed to the school shortly after the active shooter alert on Monday, which saw several others placed into lockdown. Police took 14 minutes to arrive and shoot Hale dead, with bodycam footage revealing the moment they came across her in the school. Hale used the names Audrey and Aiden but her preferred pronouns were he/him according to a LinkedIn page A spokesperson for the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Monday night revealed that Officers Rex Engelbart (pictured left) and Michael Collazo (pictured right) were the members of the team who fired at Hale, ultimately killing her Horrified parents rushed to the school shortly after the active shooter alert on Monday, which saw several others placed into lockdown. Pictured: Brightwood Avenue in Nashville, where the Hale family lives She had been shooting at police officers through a window, with cops taking less than six minutes to track her down within the building. Parents and students have been back to the school to pray for those who died, as well as leave tributes for the fourth graders who were murdered. Dr Grayson herself admitted that she had worked on school shooting victims, and added: 'It's a weird feeling, knowing that just if it had happened just moments earlier, one, we might have been victims ourselves, and two, maybe I would have been there to offer immediate care. 'It's different when you receive a patient at the hospital. I'm on my turf. I have all my skills and or tools with me and all of the team and everything. That is definitely different than what we experienced today. 'Physically in the children that died, but also all of the children that were there today. Hale was born female but had recently begun using he/him pronouns and the name 'Aiden' After shooting her dead, the officers approached Hale. Her weapons are clearly shown, along with what appears to be an armored vest 'The counseling that's going to be required and the way that this is going to affect their lives forever.' Hale left a detailed manifesto and plan for the shooting at her home and her car, but officers have yet to disclose its contents. Nashville Metro PD Chief John Drake told NBC News he believed 'resentment' lay at the core of her behavior. Police shared a picture of the Honda Fit she drove to The Covenant School and announced they'd found 'additional material' written by Hale from the manifesto she'd left. They also posted photos of the doors of the school, which Hale had shot out in order to gain entry. Police confirmed the glass doors had been locked when Hale arrived. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Hale also allegedly had planned out an attack on another school but decided not to attack there after believing there was too much security, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake in a Monday afternoon press conference. Before driving to the school, she messaged a friend on Instagram telling them: 'I'm planning to die today. THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!! 'You'll probably hear about me on the news after I die. 'This is my last goodbye. I love you. 'See you again in another life. Audrey (Aiden)'. Nashville police have released photos of the three weapons used in the shooting, which included two assault-type rifles A 9 millimeter pistol was also being carried by the shooter during the Monday murders White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday renewed her call for Republicans in Congress to get behind a bill to ban so-called assault weapons after senior lawmakers expressed doubt there was sufficient support to enact any major new measures after the Nashville school shooting. 'We need gun safety laws, comprehensive gun safety laws. We need to ban assault rifles, those weapons of war do not belong on our streets,' she told MSNBC Tuesday. 'They do not belong in schools ... This is unacceptable. You're going to continue to hear from the president call this out,' she said. She spoke a day after she said at the White House that 'enough is enough' following the mass shooting at The Covenant School outside Nashville the latest in a long line of school shootings. Her comments Tuesday came on a day when authorities released chilling body cam footage of the shooting that left six people dead. Jean-Pierre spoke from the White House grounds after Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who helped broker the most extensive gun legislation in years in the last Congress, said there was little appetite to do more legislatively in the wake of still more shootings. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called for 'comprehensive gun safety laws' and renewed a call for an assault weapons ban after the Nashville school shooting 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' Cornyn said Monday. He was asked specifically about taking additional steps on background checks for gun purchasers. Jean-Pierre rejected that posture in a separate interview on CNN. 'We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' she said. Jean-Pierre spoke about her own family and said she 'hugged my 8-year-old just a little bit tighter' after the news. 'I was one of the lucky ones. Like many Americans, I was one of the lucky ones last night. You know why? My daughter came home from school. So this is what we're living with as a country,' she said. She repeated a message from Monday: 'Enough, enough, enough.' We have had a president who has acted on this,' she said after being pressed on whether President Biden was planning any new executive actions. 'I know you were asking me about executive action, what else can we do? This president has taken more executive actions on gun violence safety than any president before him,' she said. 'We need Republicans in Congress to show some courage. This is what they owe these parents. This is what they owe these family members who are losing their loved ones.' Any legislative action would have to get majority support in the House, and need to clear a 60-vote hurdle in the Senate, where Republicans and gun-rights advocates can launch a filibuster, making reenactment of Clinton-era assault weapons ban an exceedingly heavy lift. The shooting occurred in the congressional district of GOP Rep. Andy Ogles, who is calling for a focus on mental health rather than a push to ban semi-automatic assault rifles like the AR-15. President Joe Biden addressed the school shooting in Nashville at the White House Monday Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' said Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn Without a clear legislative path, Jean-Pierre repeatedly takes to the airwaves to demand school safety. 'We cannot sit around to allow this anymore. You know, kids should be able to go to school and be safe. Teachers should be able to go to school and be able to teach. Again, we do not see this anywhere else around the world except here,' she said. In an interview with CNN, she slammed the House Judiciary Committee for delaying a resolution that would nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rule under Biden that would establish criteria for stabilizing braces that can make pistols work like rifles in a fashion used in the Las Vegas mass shooting. 'When you hear elected officials say it's another talking point, when the president is saying that we need to do more, that's actually devastating to hear as well, because that's what you're also saying to those families who lost loved ones, to those parents who lost three 9-year-olds. They lost their kids yesterday, and that's what we're saying?' 'We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' Jean-Pierre said. Dr Phil quizzed a 21-year-old Polish woman who believes she is the missing Madeleine McCann, despite her own parents branding the claims 'lies and manipulation' and said that 'it's obvious she isn't'. Julia Wendell, 21, appeared on Dr Phil on Monday night and claimed she is missing Madeleine McCann, which she said she started suspecting in June last year - without having any proof to back up her claims. She made these claims despite there being no DNA evidence or any other proof to support them - with even her own parents from Poland saying she fabricated her story. She vehemently told Dr Phil: 'I believe I am Madeleine McCann,' as he probed her about her non-existent evidence. Madeleine McCann, then 3, vanished during a family holiday to Portugal in 2007, which would now make her around 19, two years younger than Wendell is - yet another reason to dismiss her unsupported claims. Madeleine McCann, then 3, vanished during a family holiday to Portugal in 2007, which would now make her around 19, two years younger than Wendell is - yet another reason to dismiss her unsupported claims Police are set to receive 300,000 to continue the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. She has never been found and the latest update in her case was that German police could soon charge suspect Christian Brueckner, 45, who is a convicted paedophile from Germany and the main suspect in the ongoing investigation. Wendell claimed that her mother would always change the subject when Wendell brought up her birth. She claimed that neither photos of her early years or a birth certificate were ever shown to her, as well as that her Polish health pass used to track health related issues like vacinations had six blank pages at the start. These claims were quickly refuted by her Polish parents, who said in a statement: 'We have memories, we have pictures. Julia also has these photos, because she took them from the family home with the birth certificate, as well as numerous hospital discharges.' They added that they always tried to understand Julia and her 'lies and manipulations'. Julia Wendell, 21, appeared on Dr Phil on Monday night and claimed she is missing Madeleine McCann, which she said she started suspecting in June last year She vehemently said: 'I believe I am Madeleine McCann,' and added that her mother would always change the subject when Wendell brought up her birth They said: 'The internet won't forget, and it's obvious that Julia isn't Maddie. Excerpt of Julia's Parents' Statement 'For us as a family it is obvious that Julia is our daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and step niece. We have memories, we have pictures. 'Julia also has these photos, because she took them from the family home with the birth certificate, as well as numerous hospital discharges.' 'We always tried to understand all situations that happened with Julia. Threats to our address from Julia, her lies and manipulations, activity on the internet.' 'The internet won't forget, and it's obvious that Julia isn't Maddie. We are devastated at this current situation.' Advertisement 'We are devastated at this current situation.' Dr Phil showed Wendell side-by-side pictures of her and Madeleine, which the Polish woman had used to promote her theory on social media. Wendell claimed that she had many similarities with missing Madeleine, and that the rare eye defect she allegedly shares with Madeleine had 'faded' after Dr Phil questioned her about it. She said she also had a similar laugh and dimple to the missing girl. Dr Phil asked his guest about her parents, who maintain they are her biological parents. She claimed her mother 'didn't want to show me any proof'. The host said to her: 'She [Wendell's mother] says she went to the hospital and gave birth to you,' to which the 21-year-old replied: 'She said, yes. 'When I asked her for DNA before this whole situation, when I asked her for some pictures from her pregnancy, some childhood pictures she refused.' She was asked why she did not send her DNA samples to the police - since her ancestry could be verified once and for all with the test. Wendell calimed that she tried contacting the British and Polish embassies when she first thought she could be Madeleine but nobody would listen to her. She persists that she would take any test needed to prove her claims. Integration with global chains in focus 08:58, March 28, 2023 By MA SI ( China Daily Employees work on the production line of a microelectronics company in Nantong, Jiangsu province. XU CONGJUN/FOR CHINA DAILY Chinese firms urged to adopt broader perspective for better use of resources China will encourage domestic enterprises to integrate more deeply into global industrial and supply chains, and strengthen the coordination and allocation of resources in key industries such as semiconductors, the country's top industry regulator said on Monday. Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong said optimizing and stabilizing the industrial chain and supply chain cannot be separated from the smooth and efficient circulation of industrial resources around the world. China will optimize the layout of the domestic industrial chain and focus on key areas, promote the convergence of high-quality element resources, such as technology, finance and talent, to cultivate a number of advanced manufacturing clusters, Jin said. According to him, more efforts will be made to strengthen resource coordination and allocation of key industries like integrated circuits, new energy, biomedicine and medical equipment worldwide, so as to jointly create a collaborative and efficient industrial ecosystem. Jin made the remarks at the China Development Forum that ended on Monday. The moves reflect China's efforts to ensure industrial and supply chains function as public goods and deepen international cooperation in this area. Denis Depoux, global managing director of consultancy Roland Berger, told China Daily on the sidelines of the CDF, "China remains a significant market for most foreign companies, and has gradually become an important source of innovation to strengthen the global competency of some foreign companies." With the optimized COVID-19 containment measures, the winter of 2022-23 has, to a certain extent, seen "a replay of the 2021 situation when China's supply chain supported economic recovery in Europe and in the US because of its flexibility and availability", Depoux said. China's industrial and supply chains, he said, have improved significantly, as domestic and foreign companies invested heavily in modernizing their local production systems. "China has demonstrated its innovation capability and is leapfrogging in several fields, gaining leadership globally in areas like the electric vehicle chain, from batteries to charging infrastructure, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, nuclear and telecommunications equipment." China's industrial modernization, big consumption potential and growing innovation prowess are three strong fundamentals that create a new China story for the world, he said. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of TCL, a Chinese manufacturing and tech company, who attended the CDF, said that in recent years, the Chinese economy has shown great resilience and vitality in the face of challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. As China's industrial and supply chain adjust to the new environment, its economy and market demand can be strong and sustainable. "TCL looks forward to having more cooperation with foreign enterprises in technology and trade, so as to jointly contribute to the high-quality development of China's economy and promote the expansion of domestic demand in the Chinese market." As the United Nations forecast that India is projected to surpass China as the most populous country this year, some experts worry China's advantages in manufacturing and its position in the global supply chains may diminish. But Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, told China Daily: "China's strength right now is that it is on the cutting edge of many of the most important technology innovations for the future, including low-carbon energy solutions, electric vehicles, batteries, supply chains, artificial intelligence, high-speed trains and many other sectors. All of this will be very good for China's growth in the future." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Kim Jong-Un is ready to up the ante in coming weeks with increasingly provocative and eccentric displays of his military nuclear program. In recently released photos provided by the North Korean government, the Supreme Leader visited a hall displaying what appeared to be various types of nuclear warheads designed to be mounted on missiles or rocket launchers. The photos showed Kim - who weighs a whopping 270lbs, or 122kg - talking with officials inside the hall. The warheads included around 10 khaki-green capsules with red tips. Other weapons included devices that looked like a black-and-white cone with fins or a large torpedo. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting nuclear warheads at an undisclosed location The Supreme Leader visited a hall displaying what appeared to be various types of nuclear warheads designed to be mounted on missiles or rocket launchers He could also be seen standing next to smaller, blunter and more rounded nuclear devices. These weapons were originally called Fat Man nukes following their use in the detonation of Nagasaki in August 1945, due to their rounded, wide shape. One of the nukes was a warhead called the Hwasan-91, as described by a poster in the hall. The posters graphics implied that the weapon could fit on some of North Koreas short-range ballistic systems, cruise missiles and a purported nuclear-capable underwater drone the country first unveiled last week. The size and shape of the Hwasan-31, which some experts estimated was around 50 centimeters (19 inches) wide and 90 centimeters (35 inches) long, suggested progress in North Korean efforts to create a miniaturized warhead that could fit on its delivery systems, said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. Other weapons included devices that looked like a black-and-white cone with fins or a large torpedo He could also be seen standing next to smaller, blunter and more rounded nuclear devices It comes as Kim used the meetings to stress the need to ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal 'exponentially,' and issued unspecified 'important tasks' for his nuclear industry. Kim also examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles, the Korean Central News agency said. Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said the reports suggest North Korea is moving closer to its next nuclear test. Hours before North Koreas sixth test in 2017, state media showed Kim Jong Un observing a silver, peanut-shaped device, which apparently was a purported thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles the North claimed to have detonated during that test. One of the nukes was a warhead called the Hwasan-91, as described by a poster in the hall Cheong said the North will likely use its next test to claim it acquired a miniaturized nuclear warhead to mount on a growing range of weapons it describes as 'tactical.' The Norths use of the term communicates a threat to proactively use them during conflicts to blunt the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the United States. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Souths military was analyzing the warhead unveiled in the North Korean photos but didnt provide specific assessments. The posters graphics implied that the weapon could fit on some of North Koreas short-range ballistic systems, cruise missiles and a purported nuclear-capable underwater drone the country first unveiled last week It comes as Kim used the meetings to stress the need to ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal 'exponentially' Kim's calls for boosting bomb fuel production came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, in what was seen as a warning to the West as it increases military support for Ukraine. While aligning with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has stressed three-way cooperation with Moscow and Beijing to confront a 'new Cold War' waged by 'U.S. imperialists,' who it accuses of bringing the conflict to Asia by stepping up military activities with Seoul and Tokyo. The investigation appeared to take a look at Ivana's connections to her home country of Czechoslovakia, which was a communist nation during her youth The documents indicated allegations made about Ivana led the FBI into opening the probe, but the claims were redacted along with most of the file's information Newly declassified FBI documents revealed Donald Trump's first wife Ivana Trump was the target of a counterintelligence investigation in the early 1990s. The investigation probed into unknown allegations about Ivana's connections to her home country of Czechoslovakia, which was a communist nation during her youth and remained in turmoil when the investigation into her began in 1989. The documents, first obtained by Bloomberg through a Freedom of Information Act request filed after Ivana's death in July 2022, showed the investigation was conducted across numerous countries including Canada and Austria, and dug into years of Ivana's divorce, immigration, and employment records. It remains unclear exactly what the allegations about Ivana were or who they came from, as the 190 declassified pages were heavily redacted and were merely a fraction of the investigation's 900-pages of information. The FBI told Bloomberg the rest of the files would be released in April. Ivana and Donald Trump were married from 1977 to 1990. The currently available documents indicate the investigation started in 1989 and was closed in 1990, but documents from between 1998 through 2001 were also present. At no point in the released information is Ivana accused of a crime, and there was no suggestion she was involved in any wrongdoing. Documents revealed the FBI opened a probe into Ivana Trump beginning in 1989 Donald and Ivana Trump in 1988. The couple married in 1977 and divorced in 1990 Documents from February and March 1989 indicated a source 'previously advised the FBI' about something the Bureau decided was worth opening a preliminary investigation into Ivana about. The exact allegations made against Ivana and the identity of who made them are completely redacted from the documents, but the file notes 'it is unknown if the allegations stem from jealousies of her wealth and fame. Investigation is continuing.' Citing 'highly reliable' and 'highly sensitive' sources throughout, as well as clippings from news outlets like Time and Newsweek magazines, the files delve into Ivana's father's occupation as an electrical engineer, her education, her time as an Olympic skier for Czechoslovakia, and her career working as a ski instructor and a model in several countries. The files detail Ivana's marriage and divorce with Alfred Winklmayr, as well as her marriage and divorce with Mr. Trump. 'Ivana met Donald in 1975 on a ski trip and married him in 1977,' one page noted. 'Ivana was a former Olympic skier before her marriage to Trump.' Aside from references to his relationship with Ivana, Mr. Trump appeared to receive little attention in the investigation. A file from 1990 noted a 'highly confidential and reliable source' told the FBI that Ivana had been in Czechoslovakia in June of that year where she was given an autographed book by Czech President Vaclav Havel. The file mentioned Barrandov Film Industry studio in Prague, which was connected to President Havel and where Ivana appeared in an episode of a television show when she was unknown in 1970, according to Bloomberg. It is unclear why the document mentions the studio. Donald and Ivana Trump display her American citizenship in New York City in 1988 Ivana Trump with children Don Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump who she had with Donald Trump Also present in the documents were references to an individual with connections to Czechoslovakian intelligence who was known for arranging fake marriages, and who Ivana allegedly had connections to, according to Bloomberg. A page from 1990 showed the FBI interviewed a prominent Czechoslovakian writer named Jiri Mucha who was described in the file as a 'sometime "arranger" of fortuitous relationships and/or marriages.' He was characterized in the files as a 'leading member of the Czechoslovak artistic/intellectual community,' but his connections to Ivana were unclear. His interview with the FBI was redacted. Despite the investigation being apparently closed in 1990, news clippings from the late '90s and early 2000s are present in the files. One clipping from a 1998 Barron's article references Ivana consorting with 'questionable characters' in her business ventures at the time. Another clipping covered Russian mobsters and the 1999 gangland-style murders of a pair of stock brokers. At least one page from 2001 indicated interviews were conducted in relation to the investigation. The FBI told Bloomberg some documents from the investigation had been destroyed, and that 'hundreds' were under review by other government agencies. Humza Yousaf was voted in as Scotland's new First Minister today amid a furious row with JK Rowling over gender reforms. The SNP leader won a vote of MSPs at Holyrood this afternoon - with the support of the Greens - to become Scotland's first ethnic minority leader. But he used a speech before the vote to vow to fight any attempt to 'undermine devolution' - which will be seen as a sign of his desire to fight Westminster over a controversial trans rights law. Mr Yousaf, 37, has pledged to continue a High Court fight to get Nicola Sturgeon's Gender Recognition Reform Bill into law, after it was blocked by Rishi Sunak using devolved powers. The law would change the age at which teens can legally alter their legal gender from 18 to 16. Following his election as First Minister, Mr Yousaf appointed social justice minister Shona Robison, who led the passage of the bill through Holyrood, as Deputy First Minister. But his leadership rival Kate Forbes, who was finance minister and opposed the gender law, rejected a move to rural affairs and quit the Government. In a phone call with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tonight, Mr Yousaf said he had 'made clear that I expect the democratic wishes of Scotlands people and Parliament to be respected by the UK Government'. It came hours after Harry Potter author Ms Rowling lashed out at his position. The writer, an outspoken critic of the law, said: 'Humza Yousaf is the kid who just saw the skater in front of him disappear through the ice, but yells ''watch me, everybody!'' while wobbling straight for the hole.' The SNP leader won a vote of MSPs at Holyrood this afternoon - with the support of the Greens - to become Scotland's first ethnic minority leader. The Harry Potter author and activist threw the warning at the incoming First Minister of Scotland as he prepares to be confirmed in the post at Holyrood this afternoon. Ms Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning. But Mr Yousaf faces a mammoth task to revive the Scottish separatists' ailing fortunes Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross accused the new First Minister of doing 'a poor imitation of his predecessor', adding: 'Instead of setting out a platform to focus on Scotland's real priorities, Humza Yousaf decided on his first day to renew Nicola Sturgeon's constitutional conflict with the UK Government. 'Continuing to attempt to appeal to his divided party rather than the wider Scottish public. The record player has changed but the tune remains the same.' Mr Yousaf highlighted his experience of racism after 9/11 as a Muslim as he sent a message 'to everyone out there who feels like they don't belong'. 'No matter what anyone says, no matter who you are, whether Scotland has been your home for a day or 10 generations, no matter your ethnicity, no matter your gender, no matter your religion, no matter your sexual orientation, your transgender identity or your disability: this is your home,' he said. 'And do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough ... as First Minister I will always fight for your rights, and where possible I will do everything I can to advance them.' Ms Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation to the King this morning. But Mr Yousaf faces a mammoth task to revive the Scottish separatists' ailing fortunes after an extraordinary meltdown over the abortive bid to loosen gender ID rules, and with support for independence at well under 50 per cent. Mr Yousaf won the votes of 71 fellow MSPs, with members of the SNP and Greens backing his candidacy for First Minister of Scotland. The 31 Tory MSPs voted for Douglas Ross while 22 of the Labour contingent voted for Anas Sarwar. The four Lib Dem MSPs back their leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. Both Kate Forbes and Ash Regan opposed Ms Sturgeon's Gender Recognition Reform Bill (GRR) and vowed to end the legal challenge she brought after Rishi Sunak used devolved powers to block it. The Bill would lower the age at which teens can legally alter their gender from 18 to 16. Mr Yousaf said last night he would continue the High Court case despite warnings that it was doomed to failure. Mr Yousaf has already pledged to push on with Ms Sturgeon's agenda on trans rights and demanded an immediate referendum on splitting the UK - something Rishi Sunak has flatly dismissed. Allies of Mr Yousaf - ridiculed by political opponents over his track record as a 'gaffe machine' - indicated he was likely to hand a senior job to his leadership rival Kate Forbes. She tore into his record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the closer-than-expected 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it'. Critics have also pointed out that Mr Yousaf only just emerged on top despite having the backing of 'the entire SNP establishment'. Failed leadership candidate Kate Forbes watched Mr Yousaf speak in the chamber Tories believe Mr Yousaf's triumph will help secure the Union, as Ms Forbes would have been a more dangerous opponent. However, it could also be a major opportunity for Labour, which hopes to pick up a dozen seats north of the border at a general election. Rishi Sunak said he was 'looking forward to having a dialogue' with Mr Yousaf. Asked if he had already rejected the new First Minister's call for a Section 30 order allowing a second independence referendum, Mr Sunak told MPs: 'I have not had the opportunity to talk to the new First Minister yet, so I look forward to doing that.' In response to questions from the SNP's Angus MacNeil at the Liaison Committee, Mr Sunak said: 'I look forward to having that conversation with him.' Pressed on whether the next general election should be viewed as an effective referendum on independence, Mr Sunak said 'I think in elections people vote on all sorts of different things' and it was 'not appropriate to try and hijack' it for a single issue. 'People in Scotland will vote on the various issues they think are important to them,' he said. Mr Yousaf will be official sworn in as First Minister of Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow, before facing his inaugural First Minister's Questions on Thursday. But an Ipsos poll has underlined the challenges ahead of him, with half of Scots fearing the country is heading in the wrong direction. Across all policy areas from the NHS to managing the economy more felt the Scottish Government had done a bad job than good. Election guru Sir John Curtice said Labour now has an opportunity to win at least ten Scottish seats in a general election. Sir John, who is professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, told TalkTV: 'I think the Labour Party will certainly feel they have an opportunity and they are quite right to feel that way. Ms Forbes tore into Mr Yousaf's record handling the health service during the campaign, and has warned the close 52 per cent-48 per cent result shows 'continuity won't cut it' 'They are now running at about 30 per cent in Scotland. That leaves them only ten points behind the SNP. 'The reason why that matters is that at kind of level of lead, the Labour Party begins to pick up seats from the SNP. 'There are around ten seats in Scotland which might fall to Labour if the SNP lead across Scotland as a whole is down to ten points.' He added: 'The Labour Party is the one unionist party that has some ability to appeal to some people who are in favour of independence but are not necessarily going to vote for the SNP. 'The crucial question is whether the Labour Party can increase that constituency.' Mr Yousaf's campaign manager said he will have conversations about bringing defeated leadership rivals Ms Forbes and Ash Regan into government. A man who 'changed totally' and became a career criminal after finding the body of murdered toddler James Bulger when he was 14 has died in police custody, MailOnline can reveal. James Riley, 44, was discovered on his police cell floor on March 15, after being detained by officers. Riley, nicknamed Osty, discovered James's body in 1993 on a railway line in Liverpool, Merseyside, when he was 14 years old. James, then two, was murdered by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both aged ten, in a brutal killing that shocked the nation. Friends and family say the discovery left him struggling to cope with drug addiction - and led to a life of crime, racking up more than 40 convictions. Riley's lawyer Brendan Carville, defending, told a court: 'The horror of what he found on that occasion with his brother and two friends is something he has lived with ever since. Rather than taking advantage of counselling and the like he turned to alcohol and drugs.' James Riley, 44, (pictured) became addicted to drugs and led a life of a crime after discovering murdered toddler James Bulger's body on a Liverpool railway line in February 1993 The body of murdered James Bulger (pictured) was discovered by 14-year-old James Riley and his brother Terence on a railway line in Liverpool Two years ago, he was found dumped on the street wearing just his underwear and holding a knife after running up debts with gangsters in Scotland. In 2010, he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for theft - and blamed the grim find of the toddler's body for how his life had panned out. In 2003, Riley's grandmother said of the find by him and his brother Terence: 'Neither has spoken of it. They bottled it up. We tried to get the boys to talk about it, but they used to become hysterical, screaming they didn't want to think about it. 'After that day James went off the rails and Terence's personality changed totally. We hardly see him these days, but we know it was finding James' body that changed him. 'Every night I pray for little James, but I also pray for my grandsons.' Riley's friend Darren Gee, tweeted: 'He was never the same after finding young James on the rail track. RIP Osty.' The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said Riley was detained after being approached by police officers at 10pm on March 14. It has launched an investigation into the death. James, Bulger then two, was murdered by Jon Venables (left) and Robert Thompson (right), both aged ten, in Liverpool in February 1993 At 5pm the following day, staff found him on the floor of his cell and needing help. Paramedics were called to the station and he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. The police watchdog sent investigators to the custody suite to begin reviewing evidence by obtaining CCTV and body-worn video footage. The IOPC has also been in touch with Merseyside Police about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved. IOPC Regional Director Catherine Bates said: 'This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 'Merseyside Police referred this matter to us, and as he was in the custody of police at the time he became unwell, it is important there is a thorough and independent investigation. 'We will examine all relevant matters including the interaction officers had with the man on the street, and what happened after he arrived at the custody suite. We have made contact with his family to explain our role and will update them as our enquiries progress.' The European Union has been 'aiding and abetting' crimes against humanity including the murder, torture, rape and enslavement of migrants attempting to reach Europe from Libya, a UN investigator has found. A fact-finding mission by the United Nations Human Rights Council established that there were 'reasonable grounds' to conclude that crimes against Libyans and migrants were 'widespread'. An 800 million EU project is aiming to stop illegal migration to Europe from North Africa, and has involved funding and giving equipment and training to armed groups and delivering patrol boats to the Libyan coastguard. 'We're not saying that the EU and its member states have committed these crimes. The point is that the support given has aided and abetted the commission of the crimes,' investigator Chaloka Beyani said on Monday. The EU today defended itself and pointed to the work it has done to relieve the suffering of migrants in Libya. Migrants stand in front of the illegal immigration building during the process of deporting them to their countries in Tripoli in November last year Migrants listen to an explanation of where they are on the Geo Barents rescue ship, operated by NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres, after being rescued from a wooden boat off the coast of Libya this week Mr Beyani said that EU support to the Libyan coastguard 'led to violation of certain human rights' including moving migrants to unsafe areas. He added that support to authorities running detention centres 'facilitated' human rights abuses. Responding to the report, the EU's executive branch, the European Commission, said it takes the allegations 'very seriously' but that its work in Libya is vital and often done in coordination with UN agencies. 'Not doing anything is not an answer. And our objective, our joint objective, is to help to improve the situation of the people stranded in Libya,' commission spokesman Peter Stano said. 'Of course, there are incidents. There are issues which are a source of concern. We try to address them with the partners in Libya, with the international partners,' Stano told reporters. Mr Stano said that the EU does not fund the Libyan coast guard 'nor any other entity in Libya,' adding that the EU assistance was meant to 'improve their performance'. 'We are not financing any Libyan entity. We are not giving physical money to partners in Libya,' he said. Migrants are seen at a detention centre in Zawiyah, 45 kilometres west of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on June 17, 2017 'What we are doing is allocating a lot of money, which is then usually used by our international partners. A lot goes through the UN, for example.' 'We are providing assistance to help them improve their performance when it comes to search and rescue, be it with vessels, be it with equipment, or previously training with a focus exactly on human rights,' he said. The United Nations' Human Rights Council set up the fact-finding mission in 2020 to investigate violations and abuses of human rights from 2016 onwards. It intends to share its closing findings with the International Criminal Court, including the names of individuals who could be held responsible for abuses. Libya has been gripped by stop-start conflict since the 2011 revolt that toppled dictator Colonel Gaddafi, with a myriad of militias forming opposing alliances backed by foreign powers. It remains split between a nominally interim government in Tripoli in the west, and another in the east backed by military figurehead Khalifa Haftar. Investigators cited evidence of crimes against humanity in prisons in parts of eastern Libya controlled by Hifter's forces, as well as in areas controlled by an umbrella group of militias led by Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli, an infamous warlord known as 'Gheniwa' in the capital, Tripoli. Migrants being rescued from a wooden boat by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) off the coast of Libya this week The two ruling governments in the country failed to cooperate with requests from from the UN mission to visit southern Libya, they said due to security concerns. This has led to fears that human rights abuses are most severe in this area. Mission member Tracy Robinson said the abuses they had uncovered included slavery and sexual slavery, being committed against migrants and Libyans. 'We have found instances of enslavement of persons who have been traded to outside entities to perform various services, but also sexual slavery of women in and around detention centres,' she said. Nearly all the survivors interviewed did not lodge official complaints out of fear of reprisals and a lack of confidence in the justice system. 'There is an urgent need for accountability to end this pervasive impunity,' said Mohamed Auajjar, the head of the mission. 'We call on Libyan authorities to develop a human rights plan of action and a comprehensive, victim-centred roadmap on transitional justice without delay, and hold all those responsible for human rights violations accountable.' Rescued migrants sit on the coast of Khoms, some 100 kilometres from Tripoli in 2019 Auajjar said Libyans and migrants were hoping the world would pay attention to the violations in the country. 'They are looking forward to the end of this nightmare,' he said. The chaos that followed the fall of Gaddafi made Libya a preferred route for tens of thousands of migrants trying to reach Europe. At least 529 migrants were reported dead and 848 others missing off Libya last year, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM). More than 24,680 people were intercepted by the Libyan coastguard as they tried to leave, and brought back. King Charles III will officially be crowned as King of the United Kingdom on Saturday, 6 May. Having assumed the throne in September last year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles will be crowned at Westminster Abbey per tradition. The ceremony falls on a Bank Holiday weekend, which means Brits will have until Tuesday to celebrate the event. As part of the celebrations, a coronation concert will be held. But are tickets still available? Where can you purchase them? Read on below for all you need to know about King Charles' coronation concert. The concert will take place a day after the official coronation ceremony as part of the celebrations The coronation concert will be held on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle When is the King Charles coronation concert? Part of the celebrations for Charles' coronation, the concert will be held on the evening of Sunday, 7 May. This precedes the public Bank Holiday, which falls on Monday, 8 May. Where is the King Charles coronation concert? The event will be held on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle. It will be the first time a concert has been held in the grounds. Which artists will be performing at the coronation concert? The official lineup has not yet been revealed. It has been reported that Lionel Ritchie could open proceedings. Andrew Lloyd Webber, who played as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, has also been tipped to make an appearance. Reports say Adele and Ed Sheeran will be unable to perform, with Harry Styles, Kylie Minogue and Elton John all rumoured to have declined an offer to take the stage at Windsor Castle. The Coronation Choir, made up of community choirs from across the UK, will perform at the concert. Are King Charles coronation concert tickets still available? The public ballot to purchase tickets for the concert has now closed. 10,000 members of the public who did apply will be informed if they have been successful by the end of April. The remaining tickets will be split between charities of Charles and Camilla, organisations supporting young people, the military, the environment, local communities and the Commonwealth. It is not yet known if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be in attendance for the coronation ceremony or the concert Will Prince Harry be at the coronation concert? Prince Harry has not yet confirmed if he will be present for the coronation ceremony of King Charles, but did reveal he had received an invitation. Is the coronation concert on TV? The coronation will be broadcast across the BBC, so is available to watch for free across the UK. Tens of thousands of Stranger Things fans waited in online queues for more than an hour today to get their hands on tickets to its West End show. With prices as low as 20, many were dismayed to see more than 39,000 people ahead of them in the queue, with hardcore fans remaining there for over an hour. The upcoming play - called Stranger Things: The First Shadow - is set 20 years before the first series of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon. The 2023 production will follow existing characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Henry Creel when they were younger. The website stated that it was 'experiencing high demand' for the presale event, but reassured Stranger Things enthusiasts that there were 'plenty of tickets' available. Tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow - which is set 20 years before the first series of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon - went on sale today causing tens of thousands fans to try their luck More than 26,000 people were waiting for tickets just two minutes after they were released Fans were booking tickets for performances between November 17 2023 and June 30, 2024. To prevent ticket touters for the in-demand show, people were only allowed to purchase a maximum of six tickets. Fans took to Twitter to document their progress at securing tickets to the highly-anticipated play. Rene Power tweeted: '17,000th in presale queue for @STOnStage. No idea when or how much but still...' User @ashleybxtr appeared to be less than confident after remarking that there were 30,000 people ahead of them. One social media user said they had never waited in a ticket queue before and threatened to 'flip a table' if they were unsuccessful. Unsuccessful fans today will be able to try and get tickets when they go on general Sale from 12pm on Thursday, March 30. The new play is written by series writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry and directed by The Crown 's Stephen Daldry with co-director Prima Facie's Justin Martin. The producers said the play will open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper's car fails to start, Newby's sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave. Fans who were desperately trying to get their hands on tickets to the Stanger Things play took to Twitter to share their shock at the number of people in the queue Teasing the new play, the producers said a new student, Creel arrives, and his family find 'a fresh start isn't so easy... and the shadows of the past have a very long reach'. They teased that the beginning of Stranger Things 'may hold the key to the end'. Matt and Ross Duffer, who are the creators of the Netflix series, said: 'You will meet endearing new characters, as well as very familiar ones, on a journey into the past that sets the groundwork for the future of Stranger Things. 'We're dying to tell you more about the story but won't - it's more fun to discover it for yourself. Can't wait to see you nerds in London.' It is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions as the Duffer Brothers act as creative producers. Sonia Friedman, whose company produced the hit play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, said London will host the 'incredible story' for now. A 'world class creative team' has built on the Duffer Brothers 'boundless imagination to dream up an unbelievably exciting theatrical event for our audiences'. Greg Lombardo, VP Live Experiences for Netflix said: 'Stranger Things has captured the imagination of fans around the world and we are incredibly thrilled to expand this exciting universe with Netflix's first live stage production.' SBF has previously pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding investors An indictment claims he directed a payment of $40million in cryptocurrency to unfreeze accounts belonging to his hedge fund, Alameda Research Federal prosecutors charged Sam Bankman-Fried, 31, of bribing at least one Chinese government official Sam Bankman-Fried paid a $40million bribe to at least one Chinese government official to unfreeze $1billion worth of cryptocurrency, a fresh indictment today alleged. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged Bankman-Fried on Tuesday with directing the payment in cryptocurrency in order to unfreeze accounts belonging to his hedge fund, Alameda Research, that Chinese authorities had frozen in November 2021. The accounts held more than $1billion of cryptocurrency, U.S. prosecutors said. Once those assets were unfrozen, the indictment says, Bankman-Fried authorized another transfer of tens of millions of dollars of additional cryptocurrency to complete the bribe. The 13 new international bribery charges increase the pressure on the 31-year-old former billionaire, who had previously pleaded not guilty to eight counts of defrauding investors by using their money to plug losses for Alameda. Sam Bankman-Fried, 31, is facing fresh charges of bribing a Chinese government official He previously pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding investors in the collapse of FTX According to the new indictment, Bankman-Fried and his associates tried 'numerous methods' to unfreeze the accounts in November 2021. But after both legal and personal efforts failed, Bankman-Fried agreed to and directed the multimillion dollar bribe 'intended for the benefit of one or more Chinese government officials in order to influence and induce them' to unfreeze the accounts. He then allegedly used the money to help fund Alameda's failing trades, and was able to defraud customers and investors for another year before the cryptocurrency exchange imploded. SBF was ultimately forced to declare FTX bankrupt in November 2022 as concerns about the missing funds led to a bank-run. He is now facing federal and civil charges from both the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission. And with this new indictment, he is also charged with 13 counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to bribe foreign government officials to win business. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan scheduled a court hearing for Thursday after prosecutors asked for Bankman-Fried to be arraigned on the new indictment. Bankman-Fried has previously denied knowingly committing fraud, instead blaming sloppy accounting and poor oversight. DailyMail.com has reached out to his lawyers for comment. China's foreign ministry could not immediately be reached after normal business hours in Beijing. Bankman-Fried's FTX cryptocurrency exchange came crumbling down in November 2021 The new indictment comes just one month after federal prosecutors accused Bankman-Fried of orchestrating an illegal campaign donation scheme to buy influence in Washington, D.C. He has not yet been arraigned on the new charges. But the alleged fraudster pleaded not guilty in January to criminal charges that he defrauded investors in his crypto exchange out of $1.8billion. He is now being held at his parents' Palo Alto, California home on $250 million bond ahead of his October 2 trial. On Monday, his lawyers and prosecutors reached a new agreement on revised bail conditions, after Kaplan raised the prospect of sending Bankman-Fried to jail pending trial. That came after prosecutors raised concerns he may have been tampering with witnesses. The hero Nashville police officers who took out transgender female shooter Audrey Hale, 28, at Covenant Presbyterian School on Monday, did so as she attempted to reload after firing shots out of a second floor window at cars below. An officer can be heard yelling: 'Reloading,' as he came upon the crazed killer and began firing a volley of shots in her direction, knocking her off of her feet. A second officer then fired several more shots, neutralizing Hale. Nashville Metro Police Chief John Drake also said in a press conference Tuesday that Hale demonstrated 'some training to shoot from a higher level,' and knew to stand 'away from the glass so (he) wouldn't be an easy target.' In total, Hale shot-and-killed, three children and three employees of the school. The three slain children were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Also shot dead were Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school; Mike Hill, 61, a school custodian; and Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher. The brave cops who brought down Hale, entering the building without tactical armor, one armed only with a handgun, have been named as Officer Rex Engelbert and Officer Michael Collazo. They were part of a five man team that hunted Hale through the building. 09:53am - Hale arrives at The Covenant School in Nashville in gray Honda Fit 09:53am - Hale arrives at The Covenant School in Nashville in gray Honda Fit Hale's gray Honda Fit is seen arriving at The Covenant School in Nashville. Security cameras captured her driving into the mostly empty parking lot of the school and the adjacent Covenant Presbyterian Church. Chief Drake said police are still investigating what drove the killer to open fire on Monday morning at the Presbyterian school, where she used to be a student. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the killer had 'some resentment for having to go to that school.' 09:54am - Hale calmly drives through parking lot Hale is seen driving through the parking lot, seeming calm. Nothing suggests anything is out of the ordinary as she finds a spot to park, driving past a few parked cars. 10:10am - Hale opens fire shattering glass door into church The glass front doors, which were locked, are shattered as Hale opens fire. Pieces of glass fall to the floor as most of the two double doors is broken byt he gunfire. She then steps through the frame of the destroyed glass door, with debris on the floor around her. Hale then steps into the empty reception of the church, which is adjacent to the school. 09:54am - Hale calmly drives through parking lot 10:10am - Hale opens fire shattering glass door into church 10:13am - First 911 call is made as killer stalks rooms for victims Brandishing her assault rifle, Hale is seen entering a carpeted room inside the church, looking for any victims. The room seems empty, as Hale exits it again a short time after entering. The first call to 911 about shots being fired in the building came in at this time. 10:13am - First 911 call is made as killer stalks rooms for victims 10:18am - Hale continues searching through doors for victims Hale is seen on the same camera inside the church still looking for victims, turning left and right holding her riffle. She opens a door into the next room and steps inside. 10:18am - Hale continues searching through doors for victims 10:19am - The 28-year-old continues to stalk rooms Hale returns through the door, and aims her gun, although there is no one there. Hale looks around pointing her riffle. Just 30 seconds later, she tries another door. She steps through the door while she is aiming her gun. 10:19am - The 28-year-old continues to stalk rooms 10:20am - Hale is in the main school and walks pasts reception and starts shooting Hale is now walking through a wooden-floored building labelled 'first' in the footage, past an empty reception. She stalks the corridor, then disappears from view. In the next four minutes without footage, Hale shoots six people. She shot and killed head teacher Katherine Koonce in the hallway in an 'assassination' style killing, in addition to shooting church custodian Mike Hill and substitute teacher Cynthia Peak. Hale also murdered three nine-year-old students; Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney and Evelyn Dieckhaus. Police do not believe any of the students were specifically targeted. 10:20am - Hale is in the main school and walks pasts reception and starts shooting 10:21am - Cops arrived to find a panicked woman outside the school and a male standing beside a tree. The woman told them: 'They're upstairs!' The officers are shown making their entrance to the building 10:21am - The first police arrive on the scene and enter through the main school doors The start of the Nashville police video shows an officer retrieving a rifle from his trunk as a staff member tells him that the school is locked down but that two children are unaccounted for. 'Let's go! I need three!' the officer yells as he uses a key to unlock a door and enter the building, where alarms can be heard ringing. 10:23am - The officers clear class rooms as they ascend to the second floor towards Hale's perched position The video shows officers passing by bulletin boards and cubbies as they clear one room after another. 10:24am - Officers encounter what appears to be a deceased person as they close in on Hale When the officers reach the second floor, one says, 'We've got one down,' before they race down the hallway to confront the shooter. Officers move swiftly down the hall as intermittent shots can be heard in the distance. 10:24am - Hale is shot dead Nashville Metropolitan Police Officer Rex Englebert fired first with his rifle. He is shown, right, approaching the shooter yesterday Officer Michael Collazo, who was armed with a handgun, fired four shots at Hale. He then approached her body to strip it of weapons and checked if she was still alive Seconds later, Officer Engelbert and Officer Collazo both fire several rounds at the suspect. The video shows the assailant still moving on the ground as another officer repeatedly yells, 'Get your hands away from the gun!' Earlier statements from police said that Hale had engaged with the officers, in the video, it does not appear that the shooter fired before being killed. Hale was standing in front of a large window on a second floor atrium of The Covenant School. Police previously released surveillance footage showing the shooter arriving at the school and gaining entry by shooting through a glass door. The suspect is seen stalking through empty hallways as emergency lights flash, brandishing a rifle and entering rooms, seemingly looking for people. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley says that the feds should be investigating the Covenant school shooting as a 'hate crime' against Christians. The Republican reiterated Police Chief John Drake's statements that trans shooter Audrey Hale, 28, 'targeted' the Nashville school. In total, three students and three staffers were killed. 'Targeting victims on the basis of religious affiliation is a hate crime. It should be investigated as such,' Hawley tweeted. The conservative later added that he would be introducing legislation on the floor of the Senate condemning Monday's attack as a hate crime. 'We must speak out and condemn the hate that leads to violence,' Hawley said. Hate crime charges would require proving that the gunman was motivated by bias, such as against the victims religion or beliefs. Senator Josh Hawley said Tuesday that he will be introducing legislation condemning Monday's attack in Nashville as a 'hate crime' A terrified child presses her hand against the glass of a school bus window after being evacuated from The Covenant School 'All federal resources necessary should be brought to bear. And those individuals or groups who have spread a message of hate against the Christian community - which resulted here in horrific violence - should be held to account,' Hawley also tweeted. Right-wing activist Dinesh D'Souza echoed Hawley's statements, asking: 'Is it fair to call the Nashville Covenant School mass shooting a hate crime perpetrated by a transgender domestic terrorist against Christians? If not, why not?' While one of Donald Trump's legal team, Jenna Ellis, tweeted: 'Will the Left condemn this as a hate crime against Christians?' The shooting did lead President Joe Biden to call again on lawmakers for stronger gun safety laws. 'Our message here is very, very clear: Enough is enough. We need to see action in Congress,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday morning on CNN. Shooter Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the Covenant School in Nashville 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,' Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters. 'We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.' He said in an interview with NBC that investigators believe the shooter had 'some resentment for having to go to that school.' In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale 'was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile.' The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all 9 years old; and adults Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Authorities said that the shooter was armed with two 'assault-style' weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. Hate crimes in the United States surged 11.6 percent in 2021, with the largest number motivated by bias against black people, followed by crimes targeting victims for ethnicity, sexuality and religion, the FBI said in a report released earlier this month. The FBI said reported hate crime incidents rose to 9,065 in 2021 from 8,120 in 2020. The bureau said 64.5 percent of hate crime victims in 2021 were targeted because of their race, ethnicity or ancestry bias, while 15.9 percent were targeted because of sexual-orientation and 14.1 percent due to religion. The largest number, some 2,233 incidents, were motivated by anti-African American bias, the report found. Of the religion-based hate crimes in 2021 cited in the report, a little more than half targeted Jewish people. Some 948 of the reported crimes were motivated by anti-white bias, while there were 543 incidents targeting gay males and another 415 incidents involving members of the broader LGBTQ community. Bias against Hispanics totaled 433 incidents, while the FBI reported 305 such incidents targeting Asians. Attorney General Merrick Garland has made enforcement against hate crimes a top priority for the Justice Department. The nations earliest protections against hate-motivated violence were passed after the Civil War, amid a rise in white supremacist violence against formerly enslaved Africans. Modernization of federal hate crime legislation happened in 1968, and has since expanded to 46 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arkansas, South Carolina and Wyoming are the only states without hate crime statutes. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. A British father has died while snorkelling on holiday with his family in St Kitts. Andrew Evans, 60, from Wales, was found dead at around 10am on March 27, during a tourist snorkelling trip to Peninsular Cove, off the Caribbean island's southeast peninsular. Local press said he only arrived in St Kitts that day aboard a P&O Britannia cruise ship. He was part of a large group, holidaying with his wife and daughter on a 14-day trip from Barbados to Southampton. It is unclear whether he drowned or died of natural causes. P&O Cruises flagship, Britannia, pictured making her first visit to Las Palmas in 2015. The unnamed British father is reported to have been on a 14 day cruise on the ferry when he died Do you have details about the incident? Contact tips@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement The man was pulled from the water, where another tourist tried to perform CPR without success. He was pronounced dead by the District Medical Officer. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force told MailOnline:Sometime after 10am police received a report from the St. Kitts-Nevis Coast Guard. 'Upon arrival, detectives met with members of the Coast Guard who escorted them to the pier where they saw the body of Mr Evans lying on his back.' They said investigations were ongoing. MailOnline has contacted P&O Cruises for comment. Earlier in March, a 77-year-old British man died while snorkelling in the Caribbean. Gareth Weekes, a former newspaper editor, was on a sailing trip near St Vincent and the Grenadines. Locals to his Devon home said Weekes would be a 'huge loss to our community'. Ian Simpson, 55, died while snorkelling with his son in the Dominican Republic late last year. Simpson failed to resurface in choppy waters off the coast of Caleton de Bruno beach in the town of Cabrera. Locals took a small fishing boat out in the middle of the night and found his body nearby. Rishi Sunak today warned that Vladimir Putin is now 'dependent' on China - as he dismissed fears about UK weapons stocks being depleted by the Ukraine war. Appearing before the cross-party Commons Liaison Committee, the PM insisted the weapons were being used for their intended purpose of degrading Russia's forces. Mr Sunak also said that the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping was more evidence that Moscow was reliant on China. The comments came as British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks were poised to begin combat missions in Ukraine. Appearing before the Liaison Committee this afternoon, Rishi Sunak dismissed fears about UK weapons stocks being depleted by the Ukraine war The comments came as British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks were poised to begin combat missions in Ukraine Mr Sunak also warned that the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping showed how 'dependent' Moscow had become on China The PM said: 'I would not necessarily see it as a negative that our own stockpiles have been drawn down, for the simple fact that if you think about what are those weapons for, they were ultimately there to degrade and deter primarily Russian aggression. He defended the level of funding allocated to the Ministry of Defence to rebuild stockpiles. Almost 2billion has been allocated over two years to replenish munitions and strengthen supply chains. 'They are being used to do exactly that, they are just being used by the Ukrainians. 'So, in one sense, even though the stockpiles are lower, they are being used for the purpose for which they are intended and degrading the capabilities of an adversary in the process.' Mr Sunak also questioned the credibility of a Chinese peace plan for Ukraine, arguing that Xi Jinping should speak directly to Volodymyr Zelensky. He urged Mr Xi to use his influence over Mr Putin to push for an end to the invasion. 'It's clear that Russia is dependent on China,' Mr Sunak said, and 'we would ask President Xi to use his influence with Putin to urge him to end this war and withdraw from Ukraine as a precondition to any negotiations'. In Ukraine, defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said the 'fantastic' Challenger 2 tanks have 'recently' arrived in the country. The UK promised 14 of the vehicles to Ukraine, a move which helped persuade other Western nations to supply their own tanks to aid the fight against the Russian invasion. Mr Reznikov posted a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s 'for a spin' in Ukraine. He thanked the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, adding: 'These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions.' Ukrainian tank crews trained in the UK on the vehicles, which are being donated by the Government along with ammunition and spares. Mr Wallace said the crews 'return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger'. Russia has condemned the UK's move and predicted the tanks would 'burn' on the battlefields of Ukraine. Mr Putin has also reacted to the UK's decision to supply depleted uranium armour-piercing rounds for the tanks in Ukraine by announcing plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. What is the Second Amendment? The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.' Such language has created considerable discussion surrounding the Amendment's intended scope. Some believe that the Amendment's phrase 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms' creates an individual constitutional right to possess firearms. Under this 'individual right theory,' the United States Constitution restricts legislative bodies from preventing firearm possession, or at the very least, the Amendment renders prohibitory and restrictive regulation presumptively unconstitutional. On the other hand, some scholars highlight the prefatory language of 'a well regulated Militia' to argue that the Framers intended only to restrict Congress from legislating away a state's right to self-defense. Scholars call this theory 'the collective rights theory'. A collective rights theory of the Second Amendment asserts that citizens do not have an individual right to possess guns and that local, state, and federal legislative bodies therefore have the authority to regulate firearms without implicating a constitutional right. US President Joe Biden (file photo). On June 25, 2022, Biden signed into law the bi-partisan gun-safety bill Historical surveys of the Second Amendment often trace its roots, at least in part, through the English Bill of Rights of 1689, which declared that subjects, which are protestants, may have arms for their defence suitable to their condition, and as allowed by law. That provision arose from friction over the English Crown's efforts to use loyal militias to control and disarm dissidents and enhance the Crown's standing army, among other things, prior to the Glorious Revolution that supplanted King James II in favor of William and Mary. The early American experience with militias and military authority would inform what would become the Second Amendment as well. Following the Revolutionary War, numerous states codified constitutional arms-bearing rights in contexts that echoed these concerns - for instance, Article XIII of the Pennsylvania Declaration of Rights of 1776 and the Massachusetts's Declaration of Rights from 1780. Tasked with digesting the many proposals for amendments made by the various state ratification conventions and stewarding them through the First Federal Congress, James Madison penned an initial draft of the Second Amendment. It read: 'The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; a well armed and well regulated militia being the best security of a free country: but no person religiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service in person.' As resolved by the House of Representatives on August 24, 1789, the version of the Second Amendment sent to the Senate remained similar to the version initially drafted by Madison, with one of the biggest changes being the re-ordering of the first two clauses. The provision at that time read: 'A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the People, being the best security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed, but no one religiously scrupulous of bearing arms, shall be compelled to render military service in person.' The Amendment would take its final form in the Senate, where the religious-objector clause was finally taken out and several other phrases were modified. The final language of the Second Amendment was agreed to and transmitted to the states in late September of 1789. Guns are displayed for the public to shoot at a shooting range (file photo). The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed' How do gun laws differ for each state? The following states have assault weapon bans: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC. Minnesota, Virginia and Washington regulate but do not ban assault weapons. Florida Requirements to purchase a firearm: Must be 21 years of age. Rifles and shotguns may be purchased by a person who is at least 18 when that person is a law enforcement officer or correctional officer as defined in F.S. 943.10 or service member as defined in F.S. 250.01. Must be a Florida resident to purchase a handgun. Long guns may be purchased by persons who are residents of other states so long as the sale complies with applicable laws in the purchaser's state of residence. Legal permanent resident aliens who are Florida residents may purchase a firearm and must provide a valid alien registration number. Non-resident aliens visiting Florida must present a border crossing number (I-94) and a valid exception document. Florida does not require a permit to purchase a firearm nor is there a permit that exempts any person from the background check requirement. There is a waiting period of three days, excluding weekends and state holidays, between purchase and delivery of all firearms. Individual counties and cities have the authority to enact local ordinances extending the waiting period to as much as five days. Please consult local ordinances for more detailed information. There is no limit to the number of firearms that may be transferred in a single transaction. The transaction is considered complete once the dealer has completed and signed the ATF Form 4473. An additional transfer (whether minutes later, the next day, or the next month) requires an additional background check. Federal law has ten categories of people who are not eligible to purchase firearms. These include those convicted of a felony (or equivalent), an unlawful user or addicted to a controlled substance, and dishonorable discharge from the US Armed Forces. Texas The following applies to handguns. As of 2021, people who qualify under the law can carry a handgun in a public place in Texas without a license to carry (LTC). Texans can still apply for an LTC since it may carry additional benefits. Sections 46.02 and 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code describe unlawful carry and possession of a firearm. Generally, to carry a handgun in public in Texas without an LTC, a person must: Be at least 21 years old (Note: a recent court decision may affect the age restriction) Not have a prior felony conviction as described in Section 46.04 Not have a recent conviction for certain types of misdemeanors as described in Sections 46.02 and 46.04 Not be subject to an unexpired protective order as described in Section 46.04(c) Not be restricted from possessing a firearm under federal law as described in 18 United States Code Section 922(g) Not be intoxicated, except in certain situations as described in Section 46.02(a-6) These changes did not give the right to carry a handgun to anyone who was prohibited before the amendment took effect. Section 2 of HB 1927 states: 'Persons who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law will not gain the right to possess or carry a firearm under this legislation.' Texas law does not specifically put restrictions on who can carry a long gun such as a rifle or shotgun. However, some people are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm by law. The White House, Washington DC (file photo) Arizona Arizona is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual. The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21. Open carry is legal in Arizona for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted 'no weapons' signs. Anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm may concealed carry a firearm without a permit. Arizona Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are issued to residents and non-residents at least 21 years old or 19 for active military and veterans and require a firearms training course that has been state-approved, although there are training exemptions that may apply to law enforcement and members of the military, to name a few. In terms of reciprocity, since Arizona has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit. Tennessee Tennessee is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Safety & Homeland Security. There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Tennessee prohibits the possession of a firearm 'with the intent to go armed'. However, as of July 1, 2021, a law was passed creating a statutory 'exception' which allows permitless open and concealed carry for anyone that at least 18 years old or older, that may lawfully possess a handgun, is in a place where the person has a right to be and meets three additional criteria as defined in the table below. Some areas are off-limits, including government buildings and schools. Which state ranks highest for gun safety? Hand guns (file photo). According to 2020 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the states with the lowest Firearm Mortality as judged by number of deaths per 100,000 total population are: Hawaii, 3.4, Massachusetts, 3.7, New Jersey, 5, Rhode Island, 5.1, New York, 5.3, and Connecticut, 6 According to 2020 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the states with the lowest Firearm Mortality as judged by number of deaths per 100,000 total population are: Hawaii, 3.4, Massachusetts, 3.7, New Jersey, 5, Rhode Island, 5.1, New York, 5.3, and Connecticut, 6. In terms of the total number of firearms deaths, the lowest states were Hawaii, 50, Rhode Island, 54, Vermont, 76, North Dakota, 100, South Dakota, 120, and New Hampshire, 128. Which state ranks lowest for gun safety? According to 2020 data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top states by gun death rates (per 100,000 total population) are: Mississippi, 28.6, Louisiana, 26.3, Wyoming, 25.9, Missouri, 23.9, Alabama, 23.6, and Alaska, 23.5. What is the bi-partisan gun-safety bill? On June 25, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the most significant gun control bill in three decades. The bill enhances background checks for gun buyers aged under 21 years, provides billions for mental health services and closes the so-called 'boyfriend loophole' to prevent convicted domestic abusers from purchasing a firearm for five years. Additionally, the plan provides $750 million in grants to incentivize states to begin crisis intervention programs, clarifies the definition of a federally licensed firearms dealer and creates penalties for straw purchases and gun trafficking. A recent report has laid bare the world's most beloved brands - with high-end sellers like Tiffany and Burberry among several taking the top spots. The results come from an analysis of millions of tweets involving more than 2,000 global brands ranging from clothing stores, brewing companies, and food distributers. To find how well they were liked, the blog that carried out the report used an AI tool to search for certain tweets about those brands, and analyze how positively each were talked about. The program then sensed any positive sentiment present in the tweets, and subsequently determined which local brands are liked. Merchant Machine, the blog, proceeded to map out the most-loved in each nation - and some of the conclusions may come as a surprise. A recent report has laid bare the world's most beloved brands - with high-end sellers like Tiffany and Burberry taking the top spots in the US and UK, respectively In the US, the high-end a jewelry brand headquartered on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue earned the distinction the most loved, based on a sentiment analysis of millions of tweets In the US, the high-end a jewelry brand long headquartered on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue earned the distinction of most-loved. Founded in 1873, the seller has since enjoyed mountainous success - both financially and now in the court of public opinion - reportedly valued somewhere in the ballpark of $16billion. Across the pond, the most-liked was another high-end seller, Burberry, the London-based fashion house worth roughly $6billion. The results make clear that both Americans and their counterparts over the Atlantic prefer high-quality products even when charged a premium - especially if met with stellar customer service and luxurious displays used to win over customers. Elsewhere across the globe, results alternated from more of the same to markedly different. For instance, in Scotland, the most loved company was Renfrewshire-based Mackays, one of the country's best known clothing chains - despite rumors over the brand's economic situation, as it was just put up for the sale for the second time in three years. Across the pond, the most-liked is Burberry, the high-end fashion house worth $5.9billion In Denmark, citizens seemed to prefer the taste of a cold can of Carlsberg to a fine-fitting suit or dazzling necklace, according to the result - with Copenhagen-based beermaker Carlsberg beating other brands like Lego to earn the distinction of the country's most beloved brand This past month, the company - which began operations in 1938 - confirmed suspicions about its flailing profits, announcing it would close all 170 Scottish stores this spring, with the loss of almost 2,000 jobs. Still, with all these developments - which were likely noticed by Merchant Machine's AI tool - the historic brand managed to secure one of 195 top spots. Markedly more different were results received in countries like Denmark and Cyprus, both of which saw breweries balloon to the top of their lists of beloved brands. In the southernmost Scandinavian country, citizens seemed to prefer the taste of a cold can of Carlsberg to a fine-fitting suit or dazzling necklace - with the Copenhagen beermaker beating other brands like Lego to surface as most beloved. Across the European continent in the Mediterranean, residents of Cyprus exhibited similar tastes, with their tweets thrusting beer brewery KEO to the top of their list. KEO, a light, straw-colored lager, is distinct to the island country - and, if Merchant Machine's report is to be taken seriously, is a favorite among locals. The report also broke down other brands in the US that ranked behind Tiffany, based on positive sentiment sensed in citizens' tweets In Ireland, residents preferred another drink, based on the results - with Dublin based coffee chain Insomnia Coffee Company trumping other brands. Mexicans, meanwhile, expressed pronounced rapport for local wireless servicer Claro, which serves Central and South America. In Russia, citizens' sentiment saw local supermarket chain DIXY - the country's third-largest grocer - hit the top spot. The brand has emerged over the past decade as a prime competitor to longtime stalwarts Magnit and X5 Retail. The store likely took first place due to a combination of affordability and accessibility, with roughly 2,600 of its 2,650 stores situated in out-of-the way rural areas. The report also broke down four other brands in the US that ranked behind Tiffany, with software company Salesforce coming in at number two and theme park giant/filmmaker Universal Studios taking third. Other companies in the American top ten included Cisco, Intel, and Dell, demonstrating residents love for big-tech. The company also ranked the world's most hated brands - with results for both distinctions available here. In Scotland, the most loved company was Renfrewshire-based Mackays - now M&Co. - despite the chain announcing it will close all 170 of its stores this spring due to poor earnings In Ireland, Dublin-based coffee chain Insomnia Coffee Company trumped other brands Talks with Royal Mail staff over a bitter dispute for pay, jobs and conditions could collapse in the next 48 hours. Bosses are thought to have threatened to put the postal service into administration as talks with union chiefs become more fraught. The explosive idea is regarded as a last resort but has been raised with the Communication Workers Union, the Guardian reports. And the next two days are thought to be key to settling the dispute, with a source close to the talks telling the BBC that discussions are 'precarious' and in their 'last throes'. They continued: 'Administration is a real possibility for Royal Mail if the industrial action continues. The explosive idea is regarded as a last resort but has been raised with the Communication Workers Union 'It is not a negotiating ploy.' If the government approve to put the service into administration, the Royal Mail could be declared insolvent. This comes just weeks after members of the union overwhelmingly voted to continue industrial action - with 96 per cent in favour of more strikes unless the deadline is broken. Royal Mail workers have staged a series of strikes in recent months, including in the busy run up to Christmas. Over 100,000 postal workers are involved in the dispute over pay, which has been running for almost a year. Royal Mail claims the strikes have cost them 200 million in lost business and covering staff. And it is losing 1 million a day - with a total loss of as much as 450 million for the last financial year. A spokesman for Royal Mail said: 'Throughout the dispute we have highlighted the need for Royal Mail to transform, and been very clear about the damaging impact of strike action. This comes just weeks after members of the union overwhelmingly voted to continue industrial action - with 96 per cent in favour of more strikes unless the deadline is broken 'Our latest trading update shows that we lost 295 million in the first nine months of the last financial year, and around two thirds of the losses were due to strike action. 'We also said that we expected an adjusted operating loss around the mid-point of 350 million to 450 million for the year. Further strike action would continue to cause losses. 'That is why we are doing all we can to get agreement with the CWU, including making numerous improvements to our offer throughout the negotiations with the CWU, supported by Acas and Sir Brendan Barber. 'We remain committed to getting the right deal, which secures the future of Royal Mail and its workforce that would be the best outcome for our people, our customers and our shareholders.' A Communication Workers Union spokesperson added: 'It is clear Royal Mail Group are in a serious financial situation. 'This is as a direct result of mismanagement and recklessness at the most senior level of the company. 'Those individuals who have led the company into this crisis have no right to lead us out of it. 'The company as a whole now have a decision to make do they reach an agreement with the union or do they continue their relentless and daily assault on postal workers in workplaces across the UK? 'There is no positive future for Royal Mail without the support of the workforce.' The Guardian today apologised for its founders' links to the slave trade and announced it would be paying 10million in reparations as part of a 'decade-long programme of restorative justice'. The newspaper's owner, The Scott Trust, said it expected to dedicate millions to descendant communities linked to The Guardian's 19th-century founders. The newspaper, originally called the Manchester Guardian, was founded in 1821 by John Edward Taylor (1791 1844), a cotton merchant whose father had also worked in the textile industry. Today's announcement comes almost three years after The Scott Trust commissioned an independent investigation into any historical connection between slavery and Taylor and the other Manchester businessman who funded his new newspaper. Katharine Viner, the editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, said: 'We are facing up to, and apologising for, the fact that our founder and those who funded him drew their wealth from a practice that was a crime against humanity.' The Guardian said its founder John Edward Taylor, and at least nine of his 11 backers, had links to slavery, principally through the textile industry The Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement report, published today, reveals that Taylor, and at least nine of his 11 backers, had links to slavery, principally through the textile industry. The Guardian said Taylor had multiple links through partnerships in the cotton manufacturing firm Oakden & Taylor, and the cotton merchant company Shuttleworth, Taylor & Co, which 'imported vast amounts of raw cotton produced by enslaved people in the Americas'. Researchers from the universities of Nottingham and Hull were able to identify Taylor's links to plantations in the Sea Islands on the south-eastern US Atlantic coast, after reviewing an invoice book. It showed that Shuttleworth, Taylor & Co received cotton from the region, which included the initials and names of plantation owners and enslavers. The newspaper's owner apologised 'to the affected communities identified in the research and surviving descendants of the enslaved for the part the Guardian and its founders had in this crime against humanity'. The Scott Trust said it plans to raise awareness of transatlantic slavery, expand its reporting of black communities in the UK and other foreign territories, creating 12 new Guardian journalism roles in the process, and fund a global fellowship programme for mid-career black journalists, among other initiatives. The Manchester Guardian went on to side with the slave-owning south in the American civil war and it was only after Taylor's nephew, CP Scott took the helm as editor in 1872 that the paper began to forge the liberal independent identity that it remains known for to this day. Ole Jacob Sunde, the chairman of the Scott Trust, said: 'The Scott Trust is deeply sorry for the role John Edward Taylor and his backers played in the cotton trade. We recognise that apologising and sharing these facts transparently is only the first step in addressing the Guardian's historical links to slavery. 'In response to the findings, the Scott Trust is committing to fund a restorative justice programme over the next decade, which will be designed and carried out in consultation with local and national communities in the US, Jamaica, the UK and elsewhere, centred on long-term initiatives and meaningful impact.' Katharine Viner, the editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, said: 'We are facing up to, and apologising for, the fact that our founder and those who funded him drew their wealth from a practice that was a crime against humanity.' In January it was revealed that three producers involved in a podcast being produced by the newspaper about its historic connections to the slave trade had complained of 'institutional racism, editorial whiteness and ignorance'. The podcast is believed to be part of the wider investigation into Taylor's links to slavery. In June 2020, when The Scott Trust commissioned the research into Taylor, then-chairman Alex Graham said that there was no evidence Taylor was involved 'in any direct way in the slave trade', but some of Taylor and his funders' family businesses would 'almost certainly have traded with cotton plantations that used enslaved labour'. Taylor became a cotton merchant after being apprenticed to a cotton manufacturer at the age of 14, rising to become a partner in the business seven years later. He began to write political articles for newspapers and journals, including the Manchester Gazette and determined to set up his own newspaper after witnessing the Peterloo Massacre in the city in 1819. Many of the new paper's funders also worked in the textile and cotton trades in the city, then the centre of the cotton industry and known a Cottonopolis. The Manchester Guardian went on to side with the slave-owning south in the American civil war and it was only after Taylor's nephew, CP Scott took the helm as editor in 1872 that the paper began to forge the liberal independent identity that it remains known for to this day. The slave trade was abolished in the British Empire in 1807, but it was only 26 years later that the Abolition of Slavery Act finally banned the ownership of other human beings. Under the heading 'A shameful period of English history,' the June 19 2020 edition of the Guardian highlighted how finance houses including Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays Bank, HSBC and Lloyds Bank, insurance market Lloyd's of London and the brewer Greene King had founders and predecessors who made money from slavery, some of whom received substantial compensation when the evil trade was abolished. Earlier this month, BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan quit the broadcaster to campaign for reparative justice full time. The decision came after her family made history by publicly apologising for its ownership of more than 1,000 enslaved Africans and paying 100,000 reparation. Police have launched an urgent appeal to find two 12-year-old girls who have gone missing. Kyra and Gracie were last seen together at approximately 3pm on Monday, March 27 on Breamore Road, Downton near Salisbury. Salisbury Police said in a Facebook post that it is believed Gracie is wearing a black jacket, black leggings and black Nike trainers. Kyra is believed to be wearing school uniform with a white puffa coat and has blonde hair which is believed to be in bunches. Gracie (pictured) is believed to be wearing a black jacket, black leggings and black Nike trainers Kyra (pictured) is believed to be wearing school uniform with a white puffa coat. She has blonde hair which is believed to be in bunches. Salisbury Police have asked members of the public to contact them on 101 or 999 in an emergency with any information regarding the two girl' whereabouts A police spokesperson said: 'Enquiries are currently ongoing to locate the two girls and we would urge anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to contact police immediately. 'We'd also appeal to Kyra and Gracie directly - if you read this, please know that you are not in trouble, however, your family, friends and police are worried about you. 'Please get in touch with your family as soon as possible or come to a police station.' *Police have asked members of the public with information on the two girls' whereabouts to contact them on 101 or 999 in an emergency An Airbnb landlord faces a 100,000 court bill after leaving a count and countess living in 'total darkness' and 'utterly freezing' by cutting off their electricity. Countess Christine Bolza, 48, told a judge she and her husband, Count Niki Bolza, 51, were left with 'no lighting or heating or fridge' after falling out with Talha Abbasi, the owner of a 3,435-per-month Airbnb in Maida Vale, London, which the couple rented in November 2021. The countess, whose husband is an aristocrat of Austro-Hungarian and Italian descent, complained the ordeal was 'particularly hard' for their young son, to whom she couldn't even read a bedtime story. The couple had needed a short-term home having uprooted from their previous flat in Mayfair - after the countess complained it had too many flights of stairs - and moved into a deluxe apartment near Portobello Road in November 2021. But they clashed with the landlord after they developed cash flow problems in the lead-up to the collapse of their property development company Niboco Ltd, which was wound up in July 2022. The couple clashed with landlord Talha Abbasi (pictured) when they developed cash flow problems in the lead-up to the collapse of their property development company Niboco Ltd Count Niki Bolza, 51, (pictured) is the son of publishing boss and architect Count Antonio Bolza, an aristocrat of Austro-Hungarian and Italian. He is pictured outside Mayor's and City County Court in London Countess Christine Bolza (pictured) says she and husband, Count Niki Bolza, were left 'living in total darkness' with 'no lighting or heating or fridge' after falling out with the owner of an Airbnb in London which the couple rented last year When they started falling behind on their rent in March last year, Mr Abbasi responded by cutting off their power for 19 days, leaving the aristocratic couple 'homeless at home,' stripped of light, heat and cooking facilities, and unable to use telephones, TV or computers. After a trial at Mayor's and City County Court, Judge Stephen Hellman has now backed Countess Bolza's claim for harassment and breach of lease against the landlord, ruling that he had no legitimate grounds for cutting off the power. He ordered the landlord to pay 12,924 compensation for harassment and for breach of the posh couple's rights to the 'quiet enjoyment' of their flat, plus around 90,000 to cover their legal costs. The Count is the son of publishing boss and architect Count Antonio Bolza, an aristocrat of Austro-Hungarian and Italian descent with a 2,000-acre estate set around the historic castle of Castello di Reschio, in Umbria. But the couple found themselves living in much less salubrious circumstances after falling out with Airbnb landlord Mr Abbasi, the judge was told during the trial in December. When the couple told the landlord they were having financial problems, he was unmoved and 'repeatedly chased for payment of the outstanding sums', the countess told the court. Mr Abbasi had also reported the countess to Westminster City Council's environmental health department over claims that she and her family were living in a property that was 'unfit for human occupation'. The Count and Countess had paid 3,435 per month for their rental (pictured) in the swanky London suburb of Maida Vale before they ran into money issues Woodfield Place, in Maida Vale, where the aristocratic couple was renting their Airbnb apartment Judge Hellman accepted 'this was part of Mr Abbasi's campaign to drive her and her family out of the flat,' adding that their landlord had also committed an 'act of harassment' when he demanded access to their flat on March 19 to inspect the electricity supply. On top of that, he said Mr Abbasi had arranged for the family's internet supply to be suspended, which the judge accepted was part of a plan to uproot the countess and her family. She sued Mr Abbasi for 25,000 to compensate her for the 'anxiety, inconvenience and mental stress' caused by alleged attempts to force her family from their temporary home by axing the power supply, which left food to rot in the freezer and the couple to spend extra cash killing time in local cafes. Mr Abbasi accepted the couple's electricity supply was stopped, but claimed it was down to concerns about safety after the meter was tampered with to bypass it. Ruling in the couple's favour, Judge Hellman said he was satisfied that the meter was 'probably' tampered with by an electrician on the instruction of Count Niki Bolza. The landlord was 'genuinely outraged' at that, but the judge said that was no excuse for him to deprive his tenants of electricity. 'The failure to supply electricity was not justified by non-payment of rent or by Mr Abbasi's concerns - even if well grounded - that the claimant or her husband had caused the meter to be tampered with,' he said. 'Withholding the electricity was not justified on safety grounds.' Count Niki, a high-flying property developer and designer, played a key part in renovating his family's Italian estate alongside his architect brother, Benedikt, and Castello di Reschio is now a world-renowned retreat for the wealthy, boasting seven luxury farmhouse stays. In 2019, the couple's company was behind plans to redevelop a massive apartment store in Liverpool into a 157-bedroom hotel, but by March 2022, as the company inched towards collapse, he and his wife were suffering cash flow problems. She and her husband had paid 3,435 per month for their rental in Woodfield Place, Maida Vale. Mr Abbasi denied all the allegations against him and claimed the flat was only rented out to the couple on the basis of an Airbnb 'holiday' rental, which conferred limited rights as a tenant. But Judge Hellman found the lease taken out by Countess Bolza had gone beyond a standard Airbnb holiday let and was effectively an 'assured shorthold tenancy' with extensive protection for tenants' rights. As well as damages, the judge ordered Mr Abbasi to pick up Countess Bolza's lawyers' bill for the trial, which is estimated at around 90,000. He was told to pay 70,000 up front towards that bill. Sen. Josh Hawley is asking the FBI to open a hate crime investigation into the shooting at a Nashville Christian school as Sen. Rick Scott said shooters should face 'automatic death penalty' after a trans shooter killed six people on Monday. The White House, meanwhile, is charting a different path -- President Biden insists Congress needs to act on an assault weapons ban after it was found the shooter was carrying to semi-automatic rifles. 'We need to consider an automatic death penalty for school shooters. Life in prison is not enough for the deranged monsters who go into our schools to kill innocent kids & educators,' Scott, R-Fla., wrote on Twitter. Scott was governor at the time of the Parkland shooting that left 17 dead at a high school in 2018. That gunman was sentenced to life in prison. Sen. Josh Hawley is asking the FBI to open a hate crime investigation into the shooting at a Nashville Christian school Sen. Rick Scott said shooters should face 'automatic death penalty' after a trans shooter killed six people on Monday The Nashville shooter was shot by police on the scene. 'Police report the attack here was 'targeted' -- targeted, that is, against Christians,' Hawley, R-Mo., wrote in the letter. 'The full resources of the federal government must be brought to bear to determine how this crime occurred, and who may have influenced the deranged shooter to carry out these horrific crimes,' he continued. The 28-year-old shooter Audrey Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, killing Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and 61-year-old Mike Hill. Koonce was the head of school at Covenant, according to the school's website. Nashville police Chief John Drake said Hale, an alum of the small, private Christian school, had carefully planned the attack and written a manifesto. 'We have also determined that there were maps drawn of the school in detail of surveillance entry points. At one point she was a student at that school,' he said at a news conference Monday. 'There was a vehicle nearby that gave us a clue as to who she was.' Children from the Covenant School hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site Six people were killed when a gunman opened fire at the Covenant School on Monday Robin Wolfeden prays in front of a makeshift memorial at the entrance to The Covenant School Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Nashville Drake said that during a search of Hale's home he recovered the manifesto and map. He said his team is still 'going over' the writings and offered no details. 'There's some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school,' Drake told NBC News' Lester Holt on Monday evening. 'Don't have all the details to that just yet and that's why this incident occurred.' Police said Hale was equipped with at least two assault weapons and a handgun at the time of the attack. Asked if he would describe the shooting as a 'targeted attack,' Drake said: 'there is some theory to that.' Hale is a biological woman who used male pronouns on social media. Police said Hale had no police record or record of mental health problems and that they are in contact with the suspect's father. And while Congress took bipartisan action on gun control last year, the White House insists there is still more to be done. Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who helped broker the most extensive gun legislation in years in the last Congress, said there was little appetite to do more legislatively in the wake of still more shootings. 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' Cornyn said. He was asked specifically about taking additional steps on background checks for gun purchasers. Jean-Pierre rejected that posture in a separate interview on CNN. 'We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' she said. At least 39 migrants died after a fire broke out late on Monday at a migrant holding center - which was caused by a protest over deportations, officials said. The inferno started just after 10pm when Central and South American migrants, fearing deportation, set mattresses ablaze inside the Mexican Immigration Detention center in Juarez - which is across from El Paso, Texas. Of those who died at the center on Monday, twenty-eight were Guatemalans, the nation's migration institute said. It was the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said authorities believed the blaze broke out when migrants set fire to mattresses in protest after discovering they would be deported. Lopez Obrador said: 'They didn't think that would cause this terrible tragedy.' Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Paramedics and security forces work amid the covered bodies of migrants who were killed in the fatal fire on Monday. The Mexican Immigration Detention center is in Juarez - which is across from El Paso, Texas. Authorities now believe the inferno was caused by migrants protesting Viangly Infante, a Venezuelan migrant, reacts outside an ambulance for her injured husband Eduard Caraballo while Mexican authorities and firefighters remove injured migrants Medics give aid to a migrant who survived a fire that broke out at a Mexican immigration detention center. Authorities are now saying that the fire was caused by migrants lighting mattresses on fire Image taken from a video showing bodies lying under shimmery silver sheets following the fatal blaze. It was the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country The bodies of dead migrants are covered with blankets in the parking lot There were 68 adult men from Central and South America staying at the facility in the city opposite El Paso, Texas, Mexico's National Migration Institute said Forensic investigators begin the task of transporting the bodies of migrants that died after a fire broke out at a Mexican immigration detention center in Juarez on Monday, March 27, 2023 A spokesperson for Guatemala's foreign ministry said Mexican officials had informed them that some Venezuelans at the center had set mattresses alight. There were 68 adult men from Central and South America staying at the facility in the city opposite El Paso, Texas, Mexico's National Migration Institute said. Twenty-nine of them were injured in the blaze and taken to four hospitals in the area, the INM said in a statement. Those who died included migrants from Guatemala and Honduras. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it 'energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy' without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (pictured) said authorities believed the blaze broke out when migrants set fire to mattresses in protest after discovering they would be deported. He said: 'They didn't think that would cause this terrible tragedy' The fire, one of the most lethal to hit the country in years, occurred as the U.S. and Mexico are battling to cope with record levels of border crossings at their shared frontier Mexico's National Migration Institute Commissioner Francisco Garduno (right) observes a migrant injured after a fire broke out late on Monday at a migrant holding center Medics give aid to a migrant who survived the gruesome fire - which was caused by migrants protesting over deportation fears Forensic investigators begin the task of transporting the bodies of migrants that died after a fire broke out. Officials now say a burning mattress caused the inferno It was one of the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country Paramedics carry an injured migrant following a fire that killed dozens of migrants Viangly Infante weeps on the side of an ambulance following the catastrophic blaze A Honduras foreign ministry official said there had been 13 Hondurans at the center but did not yet know if any of them were among the dead. The fire, one of the most lethal to hit the country in years, occurred as the U.S. and Mexico are battling to cope with record levels of border crossings at their shared frontier. 'I was here since one in the afternoon waiting for the father of my children, and when 10 p.m. rolled around, smoke started coming out from everywhere,' said 31-year-old Viangly Infante, a Venezuelan national. Her husband, 27-year-old Eduard Caraballo, was in a holding cell inside the facility when the fire started and survived by dousing himself in water and pressing against a door, said Infante, who added she saw many dead bodies lying on the ground. White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Twitter expressed her sorrow over the 'heartbreaking' loss of life, and said the U.S. government stood ready to provide Mexico with any necessary support. Firefighters and Mexican soldiers stand during a rescue for migrants from an immigration station in Ciudad Juarez A migrant cries leaning on an ambulance as a person she knows is attended by medics after a fire broke out at the Mexican Immigration Detention center in Juarez Forensic workers lift the bodies of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, who died in a fire inside the National Migration Institute A spokesperson for Guatemala's foreign ministry said Mexican officials had informed them that some Venezuelans at the center had set mattresses alight Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the U.S. border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. And the countrys immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn demanded Tuesday that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas apologize to all the parents who've lost their children from fentanyl overdoses during a fiery border hearing. Mayorkas was testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee and got hammered by Republican senators over the flood of migrants - and fentanyl - coming over the border. 'Mr. Secretary, would you like to take the opportunity today to apologize to these parents who lost their children to fentanyl poisoning because of the policies of your department and the Biden administration? Would you like to apologize to them?' Cornyn asked. Mayorkas responded that his heart was with the family of every victim of a drug overdose death. 'Is that an apology?' Cornyn asked. 'You won't even apologize to these parents - like so many other parents - who have lost their teenage children to counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl.' Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn demanded Tuesday that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas apologize to all the parents who've lost their children from fentanyl overdoses during a fiery border hearing. Mayorkas told the Texas Republican: 'We are bringing unprecedented force in the fight.' 'And you're losing!' Cornyn yelled. Cornyn was also aghast when Mayorkas testified that he was unaware of Mexican drug cartels using illegal immigrants to distract Border Patrol so contraband could be snuck into the United States. In February, John Modlin, chief patrol agent in Arizona's Tucson sector, told lawmakers that cartels are using a tactic called 'task saturation,' in which they're dividing up groups of border crossers so it takes more agents to find them. 'Task saturation is a term we use to describe a tactic where smuggling organizations split large groups of migrants into many smaller groups. These small groups are then directed to illegally cross the border all at once and at different locations, effectively saturating the area with migrants and exhausting our response capability,' Modlin described at a Congressional hearing last week. Cartels are using drones to keep tabs on agents. Mayorkas told lawmakers Tuesday that the 'scourge of fentanyl' is not related to the record migrant crossings. 'I am not aware of that as a strategy,' Mayorkas countered when Cornyn tried to tie the 'task saturation' cartels are utilizing to the fentanyl crisis. Mayorkas said that most fentanyl is coming into the U.S. hidden at checkpoints, not being snuck over the border by migrants. 'You've simply lost all credibility, Mr. Secretary,' Cornyn said. The hearing also got heated when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz asked Mayorkas how many migrants have died during Biden's tenure. Mayorkas shot back that the Texas Republican's 'phrasing of the question is actually quite misleading.' But then answered 'I do not,' when pressed by Cruz for a figure. 'Of course you don't! I know how many died, 853! You go back to 1998, you see it's consistently between 300 to 400 Suddenly 2021. What happens? You get in office!' Cruz said. Cruz gesticulated toward a chart that showed the uptick in migrant deaths. 'That red line - are dead bodies!' Cruz yelled. Cornyn's confrontation with Mayorkas comes as the Texas senator has been criticized for saying Monday that Congress has done all it can on gun legislation to protect kids from being massacred in the classroom. In the wake of yet another mass shooting, this time at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, Cornyn - one of the GOP senators to negotiate a gun control bill last year - was asked about President Joe Biden's proposal to ban semi-automatic rifles and further strengthen background checks. He said Biden was reiterating 'tired talking points.' 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go - unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' Cornyn told reporters on Capitol Hill. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized that sentiment, without naming Cornyn, saying comments like that were 'devastating' to these families. 'They lost their kids yesterday and that's what they're saying? We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' Jean-Pierre said on CNN This Morning. Twisted school shooter Audrey Hale was at odds with her devout Christian parents because they 'couldn't accept' she was gay and transgender, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, refused to let Hale - who had recently adopted the name Aiden and used he/him pronouns - dress as a man in their home. The 28-year-old loner would instead wait until she left their $700,000 Nashville property to change outfits, according to a well-placed source. 'You only see what you want to see. Their religion does not allow them to accept homosexuality,' the source told DailyMail.com. Posing sweetly with a bow in her hair, Audrey Hale was the picture of innocence in her eight-year-old yearbook photo from The Covenant School, the school she attacked yesterday Ronald and Norma Hale told police they did not know Audrey still had any weapons 'She was Audrey at home but when she left the house she changed clothes. They did know about it, they just didn't accept it.' Neighbors in the tree-lined suburban street where the family lived for three decades said they were clueless about Hale's apparent transition and remembered her as a 'skater, tomboy type.' 'She introduced herself about a year and a half ago as Audrey,' said one. 'I treated her like a female and she didn't correct me. She seemed artistic, quiet, and well-mannered.' Police now say Hale planned to carry out more attacks - including against her own family. 'We've talked to the father and the mother. We searched the home and found two more weapons there and some more maps, pertaining to thinking about some other incidents. 'We strongly believe there were going to be some other targets, including family members, and one of the malls here in Nashville and it just did not happen,' Chief John Drake told CBS this morning. Posing sweetly with a bow in her hair, Audrey Hale was the picture of innocence in her eight-year-old yearbook photo from The Covenant School. Audrey was transitioning to become Aiden. Shown above with mother Norma and brother Scott Norma posted proudly on Facebook about Audrey's love of God. This post from 2019 describes loaning her a 'devotional book' By 2017, Audrey was enrolled at Nossi Art College and was flourishing Hale with her older brother Scott, who has not commented on the shooting. Neighbors say Hale was 'sweet' and 'quiet' Audrey in a more recent LinkedIn photo. The shooter left a manifesto describing her plans Twenty years later, after being rejected by her Christian family when she came out to them as gay, Hale had turned into a killer. Yesterday, she murdered three innocent children and three staff members at the very school where her photo was taken as a child. It's unclear why she targeted that facility. Police also say she planned to attack a mall and family members, but she was shot dead at Covenant before she could murder any more. There is still little known about how Hale transformed from a the 'sweet' girl described by neighbors, to a murderous shooter with two rifles and a handgun, who penned a killing manifesto and even drew a cartoon about how she planned to attack. Police say she was being treated for an 'emotional disorder', and that her parents believed she no longer had any weapons. They knew that at one time she had one firearm, but thought she had sold it. In reality, Audrey was stockpiling her arsenal. She visited five different stores, buying a total of seven weapons. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said America owed it to the relatives of children killed at a Nashville school to do more than send prayers. 'Those children should all be with us still,' he said at the start of a speech in North Carolina. 'As a nation, this is not hyperbole. We owe these families more than prayers. We owe them action.' He demanded once again that Congress pass an assault weapon ban and said the Second Amendment was not absolute, having already accommodated the prohibition of certain types of firearms. His pleas come as key lawmakers are already stating their doubts about the ability to move legislation even after a shooter at The Covenant School killed six, including three 9-year-old children identified by police as Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney. Also killed were Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher, Katherine Koonce, 60, listed as head of school, and Mike Hill, 61, a custodian. 'I'm a Second Amendment guy. I have two shotguns... But people think the Second Amendment is absolute. These are weapons of war,' said Biden. He went on to list the extraordinary arsenal of firepower that the Nashville shooter was able to accumulate. 'It's sick,' he said. He raised the issue earlier in the day as he left the White House to fly to North Carolina, admitting the limits of his power. 'I have gone the full extent of my executive authority, on my own. I think it's about time,' Biden told reporters at the White House. 'The Congress has to act. The majority of the American people want an assault weapons ban,' he continued. 'I can't do anything except plead with Congress to act.' Support was at 47 percent compared to 51 percent who were against it in an ABC News / Washington Post poll released last month. That was a steep drop from 2019 - a 9-point in support for a ban and a 10-point rise in opposition to it. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday renewed her call for Republicans in Congress to get behind a ban after senior lawmakers expressed doubt there was sufficient support to enact any major new measures after the Nashville school shooting. 'We need gun safety laws, comprehensive gun safety laws. We need to ban assault rifles, those weapons of war do not belong on our streets,' she told MSNBC Tuesday. 'They do not belong in schools ... This is unacceptable. You're going to continue to hear the president call this out,' she said. Speaking about the tragedy in Nashville, she said at that 'enough is enough' - as authorities released chilling body cam footage of the shooting. Flowers and mascots left at a makeshift memorial at the entrance to the Covenant Presbyterian Church school shooting site in Nashville, Tennessee. A woman hugs a police officer at the entrance of the Covenant School at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tennessee, March 28, 2023. Gun control activists rally in Nashville, Tennessee following a school shooting, where three students and three staff members were killed on Monday, March 27, 2023 Support was at 47 percent compared to 51 percent who were against it in an ABC News / Washington Post poll released last month. That was a steep drop from 2019 - a 9-point in support for a ban and a 10-point rise in opposition to it. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday renewed her call for Republicans in Congress to get behind a ban after senior lawmakers expressed doubt there was sufficient support to enact any major new measures after the Nashville school shooting. 'We need gun safety laws, comprehensive gun safety laws. We need to ban assault rifles, those weapons of war do not belong on our streets,' she told MSNBC Tuesday. 'They do not belong in schools ... This is unacceptable. You're going to continue to hear the president call this out,' she said. Speaking about the tragedy in Nashville, she said at that 'enough is enough' - as authorities released chilling body cam footage of the shooting. Jean-Pierre spoke from the White House grounds after Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who helped broker the most extensive gun legislation in years in the last Congress, said there was little appetite to do more legislatively in the wake of still more shootings. 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' Cornyn said Monday. He was asked specifically about taking additional steps on background checks for gun purchasers. Jean-Pierre rejected that posture in a separate interview on CNN. 'We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' she said. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who helped author the original ban and who is set to retire in 2024, released an analysis of academic studies in 2019 showing mass shootings deaths dropped when the ban was in place and jumped when it expired. Jean-Pierre spoke about her own family and said she 'hugged my 8-year-old just a little bit tighter' after the news. 'Like many Americans, I was one of the lucky ones last night. You know why? My daughter came home from school. So this is what we're living with as a country,' she said. She repeated a message from Monday: 'Enough, enough, enough.' We have had a president who has acted on this,' she said after being pressed on whether President Biden was planning any new executive actions. 'This president has taken more executive actions on gun violence safety than any president before him,' she said. 'We need Republicans in Congress to show some courage. This is what they owe these parents. This is what they owe these family members who are losing their loved ones.' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called for 'comprehensive gun safety laws' and renewed a call for an assault weapons ban after the Nashville school shooting Children hold hands as they leave The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday after a female shooter opened fire, killing three kids and three staff members 'I would say we've gone about as far as we can go unless somebody identifies some area that we didn't address,' said Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn Any legislative action would have to get majority support in the House, and need to clear a 60-vote hurdle in the Senate, where Republicans and gun-rights advocates can launch a filibuster, making reenactment of Clinton-era assault weapons ban an exceedingly heavy lift. The shooting occurred in the congressional district of GOP Rep. Andy Ogles, who is calling for a focus on mental health rather than a push to ban semi-automatic assault rifles like the AR-15. 'We should not be saying there's nothing else to do. We should be trying to figure out what else there can be to do,' Jean-Pierre said. The schoolgirl was described by her family as a 'shining light' and have been left 'completely broken' by her death A schoolgirl who was shot and killed while trying to pull the fire alarm to stop a transgender shooter from opening fire on her classmates has been pictured for the first time. Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, was one of the victims shot by Audrey Hale, 28, after she opened fire at the private Christian school on Monday. Her family has described her as a 'shining light' and said that they are 'completely broken' by her death. They added that she had been desperately trying to pull the fire alarm to get help when the shooting unfolded on Monday. Tributes have flooded in for a second victim, Will Kinney, who was shot and killed along with Hallie Scruggs, both 9, in the massacre. His family called him 'unfailingly kind' and 'always inclusive of others' as well as praising him for loving his two younger sisters. Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, was one of the victims shot by transgender shooter Audrey Hale, 28, after she opened fire at the private Christian school on Monday Tributes have flooded in for a second victim, Will Kinney, (pictured) who was shot and killed along with Hallie Scruggs, both 9, in the massacre A GoFundMe set up by a family friend of the Kinney's said: Will had an unflappable spirit. He was unfailingly kind, gentle when the situation called for it, quick to laugh, and always inclusive of others. 'He loved his sisters, adored his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and was always excited to host friends of every age. 'Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts our broken for his family as they try to find their way forward.' Headmistress Dr Katherine Koonce, 60, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and chef Mike Hill, 61 were also killed in the mass shooting. The daughter of Mike, who had worked at the school for more than a decade, said that she 'never thought' he would be killed in a mass shooting. Brittany Hill posted online saying: 'I have watched school shootings happen over the years and never thought I would lose a loved one over a person trying to solve a temporary problem with a permanent solution. 'I will not say her name because I will not glorify her actions. I wish the media would not say her name ever again. 'I am so sorry for the loss of those children seeing their names not called out safe was devastating as well as the chaplain telling me and my siblings and family this god awful news.' Hallie Scruggs, 9, was killed in the shooting and is pictured with her father, a pastor at the church, Chad Scruggs Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Cynthia Peak, a substitute teacher (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale The daughter of Mike Hill (pictured), who had worked at the school for more than a decade, said that she 'never thought' he would be killed in a mass shooting His niece added that three other family members also worked at the school at the time of the shooting, but were not harmed. Hale used the names Audrey and Aiden but her preferred pronouns were he/him according to a LinkedIn page. Police confirmed on Tuesday that she had previously attended the school in Nashville, Tennessee, but her motive for the shooting was unclear. Police Chief John Drake added that Hale had been suffering from an 'emotional disorder' at the time of the shooting Hale has been described as having 'high-functioning' autism, but police revealed today she also was under doctors' care. Hale was born female but had recently begun using he/him pronouns and the name 'Aiden' A spokesperson for the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Monday night revealed that Officers Rex Engelbart (pictured left) and Michael Collazo (pictured right) were the members of the team who fired at Hale, ultimately killing her Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the presbyterian church affiliated with the school, her mother and three older brothers Her parents - Norma and Ronald Hale - knew that she had a weapon at one time, but told her to sell it because they thought she couldn't be trusted with it. Instead, she hid her stockpile and added to it, buying seven different weapons in total from five local stores. Chief Drake added: 'Law enforcement knew nothing about the treatment, and it is apparent that she should not own weapons''. Authorities also confirmed that Hale's mother, Norma, had asked her what was in a red backpack she was carrying on the morning of the murders but she dismissed her question. Yesterday, she took three of her weapons to The Covenant School - two rifles and a handgun. Another two weapons were seen being removed from the house yesterday in a video obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. Police Chief Drake said of her family: 'They felt she had one weapon and that she had sold it. She was under doctors' care for an emotional disorder. 'Her parents felt like she should not own weapons, and they were under the impression that she didn't own any anymore. But she had been hiding several within the house.' After shooting her dead, the officers approached Hale. Her weapons are clearly shown, along with what appears to be an armored vest Hale was born female but had recently begun using he/him pronouns and the name 'Aiden' In addition to the weapons found at her home, police recovered these three weapons from the scene - confirming she had bought seven legally It comes after a doctor posted a final haunting image of schoolchildren peacefully listening to her talk an hour before the shooting. Missionary Britney Grayson visited The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, leaving after talking about their life in Kenya at 10.12am. Less than 20 minutes later Hale shot her way into the private Christian school and killed six before being gunned down by police. All three of the children had been in the chapel learning the word Jambo and singing verses of Amazing Grace to perform for their grandparents next week according to Dr Grayson. The doctor, based in Kenya, had visited the school with her husband Micah Wilfong after they were invited by friends whose daughters attended the school. Dr Grayson posted a heartbreaking picture of the innocent children sitting and listening to her talk before they were forced into a lockdown amid the active shooter alert. A photo of Audrey Hale inside The Covenant School during the shooting Ronald and Norma Hale told police they were unaware their daughter still had guns Audrey Hale is shown after being gunned down by police on the second floor of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, yesterday A police car which Audrey Hale fired upon from a second story window once she had blasted her way into The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday Nashville police have shared a photo of the car used by Audrey Hale, the private school shooter who killed six, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members It is not known if any of the children who were killed in the brutal attack were pictured in the image. Horrified parents rushed to the school shortly after the active shooter alert on Monday, which saw several others placed into lockdown. Police took 14 minutes to arrive and shoot Hale dead, with bodycam footage revealing the moment they came across her in the school. She had been shooting at police officers through a window, with cops taking less than six minutes to track her down within the building. Parents and students have been back to the school to pray for those who died, as well as leave tributes for the fourth graders who were murdered. Norma Hale (pictured center), the mother of Audrey Hale (pictured right), the transgender shooter who killed six people, including three nine-year-old children and three staff members, was herself an advocate for gun control on social media The front entrance of The Covenant School shows the glass doors clearly decimated by bullets Dr Grayson posted a heartbreaking picture of the innocent children sitting and listening to her talk before they were forced into a lockdown amid the active shooter alert. It is not known if any of the children who were killed in the brutal attack were pictured in the image Missionary Britney Grayson visited The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday morning, leaving after talking about their life in Kenya at 10.12a Hale left a detailed manifesto and plan for the shooting at her home and her car, but officers have yet to disclose its contents. Police shared a picture of the Honda Fit she drove to The Covenant School and announced they'd found 'additional material' written by Hale from the manifesto she'd left. They also posted photos of the doors of the school, which Hale had shot out in order to gain entry. Police confirmed the glass doors had been locked when Hale arrived. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Hale also allegedly had planned out an attack on another school but decided not to attack there after believing there was too much security, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake in a Monday afternoon press conference. Before driving to the school, she messaged a friend on Instagram telling them: 'I'm planning to die today. THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!! 'You'll probably hear about me on the news after I die. 'This is my last goodbye. I love you. 'See you again in another life. Audrey (Aiden)'. Before traveling to the school, the killer sent a haunting final message to Averianna Patton on Instagram Two trans activists are demanding the end of the conservative 'love affair' with 'radical religious schools' in a response to the Nashville mass shooting, in which they appear to shift the blame away from twisted killer, Audrey Hale, 28. Eli Erlick, who recently boasted about providing cross-sex hormones to children, posted a tweet with screen grabs to a story about false accusations of abuse at the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Nashville in 2013. The Covenant School in Nashville is connected to the church. Erlick described the school, at which three nine-year-olds and three adults were gunned down by Hale, as 'a right-wing institution' - claiming without any evidence that the killer had 'been abused' with 'many others.' Veronica 'Nikatine' Ripley, another trans activist, reposted the tweet and slammed 'conservatives love affair' with those institutions. There have been no suggestions that Hale was abused. Police have called the grisly attack 'targeted' and that Hale most likely held 'resentment for having to go to that school.' Trans activists Eli Erlick (left) and Veronica Ripley (right) are demanding the end of the conservative 'love affair' with 'radical religious schools' in a response to the Nashville mass shooting A photo of Audrey Hale, 28, inside The Covenant School during the shooting Erlick tweeted without evidence: 'As we learn more, It's clear the Nashville Covenant School is a right-wing institution in which Audrey Hale and many others were abused. 'Obviously, this isn't an excuse to attack it. But there are problems with deregulating religious schools + the US's lack of mental healthcare.' One twitter user questioned how Erlick knew that Hale had been at the school during the alleged abuse, but did not receive a response: 'What is the source on Hale being there at this same time?' Another user slammed Erlick saying: 'Sounds like you're excusing it to me.' 'Nashville shooting was a hate crime from a transgender against a Christian school. Media stop being a cowards and report it as you would if it was against Asians, Blacks, or any other politically popular narratives,' said another user. Meanwhile, another user talked to the 'easy access to very powerful weapons.' 'You are trying to get into the mind of a killer I see no point in that, the problem is the easy access to very powerful weapons,' they wrote. Hale's LinkedIn profile suggested they were now living as a man Ripley reposted Erlick's tweet and said: 'A lot of things need to happen in the wake of this terrible Nashville tragedy, but certainly the conservative love affair with radical unregulated religious 'schools' should come to an end. 'They try destroying public schools any chance they get, but here we are.' Hale began her attack on Monday morning, driving into the school parking lot shortly before 10am. At around 10.13am, Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, shooting and killing Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged nine. Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, head of school Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were also killed. Koonce worked alongside her daughter Anna at The Covenant School, who serves as a faculty/student assistant. Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, was one of the victims shot by transgender gunman Audrey Hale, 28, after she opened fire at the private Christian school on Monday Tributes have flooded in for a second victim, Will Kinney, (pictured) who was shot and killed along with Hallie Scruggs, both 9, in the massacre Katherine Koonce, head of school (left), and Mike Hill, a custodian (right) were among those shot dead by Audrey Hale Hallie Scruggs is seen with her father Chad Scruggs, the pastor at the Presbyterian church affiliated with the school Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, known as Cindy (right) is shown with her daughter Ellie. Peak was one of six people shot and killed on Monday in Nashville Within 14 minutes, Hale was dead, as Nashville police revealed photos of the two officers - Rex Engelbart and Michael Collazo - who shot and killed Hale. In a statement issued late Monday night, a spokesperson for the school said: 'Our community is heartbroken. 'We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. 'We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing.' Jeremy Corbyn tonight appeared to confirm he will run against Labour at the next general election after being blocked from standing as an official party candidate. The ex-Labour leader, who has been an independent MP since losing the party's whip in October 2020, defiantly insisted he would 'not be intimidated into silence'. The 73-year-old has represented his Islington North constituency for almost 40 years and signalled he intends to stand again at the next election, whether as a Labour candidate or not. 'I have spent my life fighting for a fairer society on behalf of the people of Islington North and I have no intention of stopping now,' he said in a statement this evening. It came after Labour's ruling body this afternoon passed a motion - which branded their ex-leader an electoral liability - by 22 votes to 12 in order to bar Mr Corbyn from being a party candidate at the next election. Jeremy Corbyn appeared to confirm he will run against Labour at the next general election after being blocked from standing as an official party candidate The ex-Labour leader, who has been an independent MP since losing the party's whip in October 2020, defiantly insisted he would 'not be intimidated into silence' The result of the National Executive Committee ballot has revived bitter tensions between Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Corbyn's successor as party leader, and Labour's left wing. Mr Corbyn himself accused Sir Keir of a 'disgraceful' move to block him from being a Labour candidate and claimed it 'shows contempt' from those who backed the party at the 2017 and 2019 elections, when he was leader. He also blasted Sir Keir for launching 'an assault on the rights of his own Labour members, breaking his pledge to build a united and democratoic party'. Mr Corbyn released his statement this evening after earlier refusing to answer questions as he returned home. He has been staunchly backed by local Labour members in Islington North who have vowed to 'reject' the NEC's meddling in the selection of their general election candidate. Allies of Mr Corbyn also today compared Sir Keir to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin over his treatment of his predecessor. The eruption of tensions within Labour came a day after Mr Corbyn was filmed snapping at a young female reporter outside Parliament. He berated a Sky News correspondent last night as she attempted to quiz him over Sir Keir's efforts to officially end his long spell as a Labour MP. When the Sky News journalist tried to ask Mr Corbyn about whether he intended to stand as an independent candidate against Labour at the next election, he replied: 'I'm going to a demonstration against the Immigration Bill and I suggest you report that too.' When she replied that the protest was also being covered by the TV news channel, he added: 'Well good, you can come and listen to what I have to say. I look forward to seeing you over there, thank you very much.' As she pressed him on whether he would stand as an independent candidate, Mr Corbyn turned towards her and glared, repeating: 'Thank you very much.' Mr Corbyn accused Sir Keir Starmer of a 'disgraceful' move to block him from being a Labour candidate Mr Corbyn's allies continued to push for him to be allowed to stand for Labour, with MP Beth Winter making the demand that he is cleared 'in the interests of general election success' Local Labour activists in Mr Corbyn's Islington North constituency vowed to 'reject' the meddling by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) Mr Corbyn has sat as an independent MP since losing the Labour whip in 2020 after he said allegations of anti-Semitism during his time in charge had been exaggerated by political opponents. His allies are continuing to push for him to be allowed to run for Labour at the next election. Beth Winter, Labour MP for Cynon Valley, made the extraordinary demand that he be cleared 'in the interests of general election success'. Under Mr Corbyn's leadership at the 2019 election, Labour suffered its worst result since the 1930s, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority. Speaking to Times Radio this afternoon, former Momentum leader Jon Lansman said: 'I think we should be campaigning still for radical policy. 'We have to demand. We're a democratic party. This is not an authoritarian party. Keir Starmer unfortunately is behaving as if he was some kind of Putin of the Labour Party. That is not the way we do politics.' However, he said he would not campaign for Mr Corbyn as an independent candidate, saying: 'I want to see Keir Starmer elected as prime minister of this country, and we need a Labour government.' After the NEC vote this afternoon, the Islington North Labour Party pointed to past comments by Sir Keir in which the Labour leader had insisted that 'local party members should select their candidates for every election'. 'The officers of Islington North Constituency Labour Party strongly support this statement from Keir Starmer in February 2020,' they said. 'We believe in the democratic right of all constituency parties to choose their prospective parliamentary candidates. 'Therefore, we reject the NEC's undue interference in Islington North, which undermines our goal of defeating the Conservatives and working with our communities for social justice.' Momentum condemned an 'anti-democratic stitch-up' by Sir Keir. A spokesperson for the group said: 'Keir Starmer was elected on a pledge to end NEC stitch-ups and let local members decide their candidates. 'Yet at a stroke his paper bans a former party leader from seeking the Labour nomination in a constituency he has won ten times and represented for over forty years. 'This unjust decision drives a massive wedge within the Labour Party and risks alienating the millions of people, especially young people, who were energised by Jeremy's socialist politics.' Advertisement Anti-government rioters brought 'fire and blood' to the streets of France today days after a state visit by King Charles was cancelled because of the violence. Up to a million people joined Tuesday's marches against President Emmanuel Macron raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a parliamentary vote. Ones in cities including Paris and Nantes erupted into violence with gangs involved in running battles with the police. 'Radicalised elements from the Left and the Ultra-Left want to hijack the trade union processions,' said Gerald Darmanin, France's Interior Minister. 'Their aim is to bring fire and blood to France,' he added, saying that 13,000 police and gendarmes were mobilised, including 5,500 in Paris alone. Anti-government rioters brought 'fire and blood' to the streets of France today. Pictured: Riot police charge pension protesters in Paris The protests have intensified since the government used special constitutional powers to bypass parliament on a final vote on the pensions bill almost two weeks ago The most recent protests come days after a state visit by King Charles was cancelled because of the violence in Paris. Pictured: A protester throws a stone as he stands amid tear gas Gerald Darmanin, France's Interior Minister, said 13,000 police and gendarmes were mobilised, including 5,500 in Paris alone. Pictured: A protester clashes with an officer They were supported by armoured cars, water cannon, and military units in reserve. Dozens of fires were lit around Nation square in Paris, after an authorised march finished in the mid-afternoon. Paramilitary units responded with tear gas rounds and baton charges, in an attempt to hold back a huge group. The most feared group was the Black Bloc an alliance of anarchists from all over Europe. King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, were meant to be in Bordeaux today, as part of a four-day state visit to France, but it was dramatically halted on Friday. Attacks included an attempt to burn down the City Hall in the south west city, where unions had pledged to barrack the Royal couple. The protest movement is the biggest domestic crisis of Macron's second term, with the strikes on Tuesday also affecting refineries, bin collections, rail transport, air travel and schools. The Louvre museum in Paris was blocked by strikers, while pickets continued at petrol depots and waste incinerators, particularly surrounding the capital, where 10,000 tonnes of rubbish are still piling up. Students held a banner in front of a raging fire on the tenth day of nationwide strikes today as unrest grows across the country Protesters have taken to the streets in their numbers as President Macron faces major backlash over his pension reforms Dozens of fires were lit around Nation Square in Paris, after an authorised march finished in the mid-afternoon One banner held aloft by a protester dressed as a Gaul read, 'Macron declared war on the people' after the president raised the retirement age without a parliamentary vote The crisis has intensified as lawyers complain of excess violence and arbitrary arrests by squads of paramilitary police. A 30-year-old man was fighting for his life in a coma on Tuesday after being repeatedly hit over the head with a police truncheon during a riot at the weekend. In turn, Mr Darmanin said 'many police officers have been severely injured' during the protests. Despite the violence and industrial paralysis, Mr Macron and his prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, said there was no chance of a climb down from flagship pensions reform. 'We have to find the right path,' said Ms Borne 'We need to calm down'. A protester jumps over a raging fire during a rally in Paris today as France battle's with an ongoing national strike against Macron's pension reforms Some protesters wore masks as Paris was set ablaze in a furious response to Macron trying to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 A lone protester stands in front of French riot police as fireworks explode behind them during a rally attended by up to a million people Thousands of protesters are seen marching through the streets of Paris this month. Public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment. Millions of people have been demonstrating, largely peacefully, and joining strike action since mid-January. Pictured: A riot police officer is struck by a firework in Paris last week But Laurent Berger, the head of the moderate CFDT union, said the protests would continue until there was a U-turn. Millions of people have been demonstrating, largely peacefully, and joining strike action since mid-January to show their opposition to Macron's plans to make most of them work an extra two years to 64. But public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment. The protests have intensified since the government used special constitutional powers to bypass parliament on a final vote on the pensions bill almost two weeks ago, bringing scenes of chaos reminiscent of unrest by supporters of the yellow-vest movement during Macron's first term as president. The alleged 'mastermind' of the 'barbaric' murder of a drug dealer which was arranged with the help of his ex-wife faces extradition back to Britain after he was seized in South America. John Belfield, 28, was held in the former Dutch colony of Suriname on suspicion of drug related offences, police confirmed today. They now hope to put him on trial for the killing of Thomas Campbell, who was robbed and 'tortured to death' in his own home last July after an acrimonious split with his wife Coleen. Appealing for information about his whereabouts earlier this year, detectives said Belfield was 'thought to be a dangerous individual who must not be approached'. Campbell, 36, who led a lavish lifestyle through drug dealing and laundering dirty money, suffered 61 separate injuries during an ambush at his 350,000 townhouse in Mossley, Greater Manchester. John Belfield, 28, (pictured) is suspected of being the 'mastermind' behind the death of Thomas Campbell in July 2022 Coleen Campbell with Thomas Campbell outside court in 2019. She was sentenced to 13 years in prison for her part in his murder He was stabbed, punched and stamped on before boiling water was poured on his buttocks. Neighbours found his body in the hallway naked except for his socks. The year before he and his wife Coleen had split when he started an affair with another woman, her trial heard. She later got caught up in a sinister plot after Belfield who was the unnamed mistress's ex-boyfriend also learnt of the romance and decided to rob Thomas of cash, drugs and valuables in a revenge raid on his home, it was alleged. She shared key information about Thomas, including details of his van's registration plate, his house number and his movements. A tracking device was even placed on the vehicle whilst he was picking his daughter up from school. Coleen was convicted of his manslaughter in February after unwittingly implicated herself by attending a seance after her ex-husband's death. The former Matalan store assistant visited a clairvoyant four days after her former husband of ten years was tortured to death. The 38-year-old later told his suspicious mother how Thomas had been 'summoned' by the clairvoyant. He had given intimate details about both the killing and his injuries as she listened in. Coleen was convicted of his manslaughter in February after unwittingly implicated herself by attending a seance after her ex-husband's death (pictured together on holiday) The gangster was stabbed, punched and stamped on before boiling water was poured on his buttocks. Neighbours found his body in the hallway naked except for his socks In a text message sent after the break-up, Coleen had written: 'Karma is best served cold - and then tables turn real fast' Because little information had at that stage been made public by police about the fatal assault, she immediately fell under suspicion. Inquiries revealed the mother-of-four had been tipping off the killers about his movements in the run-up to the killing. In a text message sent after the break-up, she had written: 'Karma is best served cold - and then tables turn real fast. 'I be the coldest MF you ever met.' Despite Coleen and Belfield (pictured) previously being strangers, they subsequently shared 35 phone calls and 68 messages Her trial heard Belfield texted his ex, threatening: 'You and that helmet will get domed. You will never have a boyfriend. You will have to move country. 'Give it a week and you will see why and what happens when you take the pi**. 'Why would I respect you getting sha**** off Tom Campbell.' Belfield - named in court and alleged to have been the 'mastermind' of the robbery - met up with Coleen after messaging her on Instagram. Despite the pair previously being strangers, they subsequently shared 35 phone calls and 68 messages. On July 2, 2022, Campbell was ambushed and attacked by two or three men as he unlocked his front door. After being subdued he was dragged around his home and viciously attacked for two hours. Coleen denied wrongdoing but was jailed for 13 years following a trial at Bolton Crown Court. Reece Steven, 29, was convicted of murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 37 years whilst Stephen Cleworth, 38, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years. Karl Murphy, 50, was found not guilty of participating in the activities of an organised crime group. Belfield - who has been said to be 'heavily concerned in the large scale supply of class A drugs' was initially thought to be on the run in Spain. However it emerged today that he was arrested last Thursday by Suriname authorities on suspicion of drug related offences. Stephen Cleworth, 38, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years for his part in the plot Reece Steven (pictured), 29, was convicted of murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 37 years He is likely to remain in South America while British detectives work with international partners to bring him back to face questioning, Greater Manchester Police said today. Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson from GMP's Major Incident team said: 'The news of Belfield's arrest is an important development in our investigation, we will be working with international law enforcement agencies to bring Belfield back to Manchester and continue in our pursuit to find answers for Thomas' family. 'Through vigilance shown by our colleagues in South America, Belfield was recognised by Suriname's law enforcement upon his arrest and information regarding his whereabouts was shared with our Force Critical Wanted Unit. 'We have previously released numerous appeals to ask for help in finding him and we thank the public for their continued support in this case. 'This is an excellent result which shows once again, that UK law enforcement does not give up on finding those abroad who are wanted for offences in the UK.' Former Vice President Mike Pence must testify in special counsel Jack Smith's probe of former President Donald Trump's 2020 election overturn effort, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Federal Judge James E. Boasberg, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, issued his sealed ruling in Washington on Tuesday. Pence had fought a subpoena seeking testimony. His lawyers invoked the Constitution's 'Speech or Debate' clause, pointing to his ceremonial role as Senate vice president. The judge, who recently succeeded Judge Beryl Howell as chief judge on the court, did include some limitations in the ruling, NBC News reported, allowing Pence limited protections due to his legislative role. (Lawmakers also often invoke it for protections related to their official duties and statements). Those limitations wouldn't apply to alleged 'illegality' by the former president. Pence is allowed to decline to answer questions related to his actions on January 6, CNN reported. Former Vice President Mike Pence must testify in special counsel Jack Smith's probe of former President Donald Trump's 2020 election overturn effort, a federal judge ruled Tuesday Trump publicly and privately demanded Pence refuse to accept votes certified by states when Congress met to count the electoral votes on January 6, 2021. Pence is set to campaign in Iowa on Wednesday as he prepares for a potential run for the White House. Trump, who has announced a campaign to get back to the White House, wrote that Pence lacked 'courage' on January 6. Pence criticized his boss at a swanky dinner in D.C. last month. 'His reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know that history will hold Donald Trump accountable,' Pence said at the annuarl Gridiron dinner in Washington. Pence could choose to appeal the ruling. Several defendants who had a role on January 6 have been convicted on 'seditious conspiracy' charges, and hundreds have been charged with offenses related to the attack on the Capitol, which came as Congress met to count the electoral votes. Pence is set to campaign in Iowa on Wednesday Pence's lawyers had resisted the subpoena, invoking the Constitution's 'Speech or Debate' clause Trump said Pence lacked 'courage' when he didn't yield to Trump's demand that he refuse to accept votes certified by states The development came Monday as Trump has faced legal setbacks on a number of fronts. Chief Judge James E. 'Jeb' Boasberg issued the ruling Tuesday A separate grand jury in Manhattan is reportedly meeting again Wednesday on an investigation related to the 'hush' payments reimbursed by Trump that went to porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with him in 2006. Trump denies the affair, and furiously attacked Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg in online posts and at a rally with supporters over the weekend in Waco, Texas. On Friday, it was revealed that Judge Howell ruled against Trump's claim of executive privilege and ruled that former White House Chief of Staff Meadows and other former aides must testify before the grand jury in a sealed order. Pence wrote in his own memoirs about some of the events leading up to January 6. He wrote that Trump told him on a Jan. 1, 2021 phone call that, 'You're too honest,' and said 'hundreds of thousands are going to hate your guts.' 'Mr. President, I don't question there were irregularities and fraud,' Pence wrote he told Trump. 'It's just a question of who decides, and under the law that is Congress.' Special Counsel Jack Smith has obtained a series of favorable rulings during his probe Pence refused to testify before the House Select January 6 Committee, although some of his key aides did submit to questioning. The committee in its hearings repeatedly referenced members of a crowd who chanted 'hang Mike Pence!' and featured images of a scaffold constructed near the Capitol that day. Members lauded him for refusing to leave the Capitol that day, even as he came within yards of an angry mob. A pair of rare Rolex watches owned by Paul Newman are expected to fetch millions at auction after the late-actor's daughter Nell discovered them in a desk drawer in their family home. One of the watches - a white-faced chronograph with a metal band - was awarded to Newman after he won the 24 Hours of Daytona race in 1995, and the other - black-faced and with a leather band - was given to him by his wife and is inscribed with the advice 'Drive Very Slowly Joanne.' Both watches will be auctioned in June as part of a sale of over 300 items that belonged to Newman and his wife, Joanne Woodward. Though Sotheby's estimated the watches would sell for between $500,000 and $1million each, watch specialists predicted they could draw more than a million apiece, according to the Wallstreet Journal. The racecar driving actor's watches have drawn high price tags at auction before, with another Rolex with a unique dial fetching almost $18million in 2017. Paul Newman wearing what appears to be his 1993 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16520 in Mexico City in 2007. The watch which is going up for auction in June and is expected to fetch millions The two Rolexes that belonged to Paul Newman and are being auctioned in June The white-faced Daytona is a 1993 Rolex Daytona Zenith 16520, with 'Rolex at Daytona 24 Paul Newman Rolex Motorsports Man of the Year 1995' inscribed on the back. Newman was 70 years old when he won that watch, the oldest person in history to win the 24-hour race in Daytona, Florida. It appeared to be on Newman's wrist in photos from subsequent races, including while he was behind the wheel in a 2007 race in Mexico City. The watch was previously auctioned in 1999 after Newman donated it to a charity auction. Back then it fetched a mere $39,000, which Newman donated to his camp for children with special needs called The Hole in the Wall Gang. Sometime after the sale the watch made it back to Newman, which was unknown to Nell until she discovered it at the family home, according to the Wallstreet Journal. 'That was news to me,' Nell said, 'And I thought, what a delightful story.' She said she discovered the watches while looking for a pencil in Newman's desk office at their family home several years ago after his death. 'There they were with his driver's license,' she said. 'They were just in a box on his desk.' Newman was awarded the watch in 1995 after winning the 24 Hours of Daytona race (above) The back of Paul Newman's watch which he won in 1995 during the Daytona 24 The back of Paul Newman's watch with a message from his wife Joanne Woodward The black-faced watch, a 2006 Daytona 116519, has a white-gold case and a leather strap. He wore it on the racetrack Lime Rock Park in 2008 during his final race before his death later that year, according to the Wallstreet Journal. Its message from his wife advising him to drive safely is similar to advice inscribed on the backs of two other watches she gave him, which read 'Drive slowly, Joanne' and 'Drive Carefully, Me.' The first sold for $5.5 million at auction, while the second fetched $17.8 million. New York City watch dealer Andrew Shear told the Wallstreet Journal that the Rolexes Newman prominently wore during his life and career helped spark today's vintage watch market. 'We can tie vintage-watch collecting, vintage-Rolex collecting to him,' he said. Shear added that the simple fact that Newman wore any given watch while keeping time on the racetrack or checking if he was late for dinner added hundreds of thousands of dollars in value to a watch. His daughter said though he loved Rolexes, he did not treat them as valuable jewelry, but instead as hard-working time-keeping tools. He did not put his watches on a pedestal,' Nell said, adding his Rolexes were 'all about keeping time, being on time and timing race cars.' Since 2001, more than 2,000 first responders have died from illnesses connected to their work at Ground Zero Bryan Smith, 50, said he spent weeks helping in New York City with no PPE Ohio man was given the shock diagnosis on a trip to California to visit family An Ohio man who was on a trip to San Diego received a life-changing cancer diagnosis that he believes is connected to his work at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terror attacks. Bryan Smith, 50, was suffering from a cough just days before his Halloween trip to California to visit his brothers. While there, he said his cough just got worse. A trip to the ER revealed Smith had Stage 4 lung cancer, a shock for a man who said he has never smoked. His mind immediately went to his service. 'I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,' Smith told ABC 10 News San Diego. Since 2001, more than 2,000 first responders who assisted in the weeks and months after the Twin Towers attacks have died from illnesses believed to be connected to their work. An Ohio man who was on a trip to San Diego received a life-changing cancer diagnosis that he believes is connected to his work at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terror attacks 'I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,' Bryan Smith, 50, told ABC 10 News San Diego Since 2001, more than 2,000 first responders who assisted in the weeks and months after the Twin Towers attacks have died from illnesses connected to their work Smith said he was traveling to San Diego to visit his brothers and that his cough kept progressing. Two weeks later, he wound up in the hospital due to his symptoms. 'Also, weakness, lethargy, and dramatic weight loss,' Smith said. After a series of tests, Smith was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer which he said had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes. 'I was terrified. My whole world stopped right there,' said Smith. 'It was completely surprising. I've never smoked,' he told the San Diego station. Without hesitation, the former first responder connected his diagnosis to his time at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks. In 2001, Smith was an officer with the Federal Protective Service, an agency that protects federal buildings. He was sent from Washington, D.C. to New York after the attacks and patrolled an area just 10 blocks from Ground Zero. 'Also, weakness, lethargy, and dramatic weight loss,' Smith said of his symptoms leading up to his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis In 2001, Smith was an officer with the Federal Protective Service, an agency that protects federal buildings Without hesitation, the former first responder connected his diagnosis to his time at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks Smith was sent from Washington, D.C. to New York after the attacks and patrolled several buildings just 10 blocks from Ground Zero 'Your uniforms could be covered in ashy soot, a short amount of time after your shift had begun, and you're breathing it all in,' Smith said In his interview with the San Diego TV station, he described the situation around the time as dire. 'Your uniforms could be covered in ashy soot, a short amount of time after your shift had begun, and you're breathing it all in,' Smith said. He said he worked for three months straight without PPE before he left and volunteered to work in a different area. 'I believe there is a strong possibility my diagnosis is linked to my time near Ground Zero,' he told the outlet. In the description of a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of his medical bills, he says he has reached out to the World Trade Center Registry to establish a link between his illness and his time at Ground Zero. The World Trade Center Registry is an organization that investigates the long-term health effects of those who lived and worked near Ground Zero after the attacks. 'Even with good medical insurance, the costs of long-term care and daily expenses quickly sapped my savings and Im currently not able to work,' the GoFundMe states. He has been evaluated by a doctor which is the first step in obtaining benefits from the Registry. Smith is hoping to raise $15,000 to help cover his bills. As of March 28, the GoFundMe has raised just under $2,000 Smith has been evaluated by a doctor which is the first step in obtaining benefits from the World Trade Center Registry Many firefighters and police officers have been known to experience higher rates of cancer In the description of a GoFundMe, Smith says he has reached out to the World Trade Center Registry to establish a link between his illness and his time at Ground Zero The World Trade Center Registry is an organization that investigates the long-term health effects of those who lived and worked near Ground Zero after the attacks Many firefighters and police officers have been known to experience higher rates of cancer. 'I think we're seeing the scope of this tragedy from 9/11, is long-term and continues,' said Smith. Smith said he is currently undergoing oral chemotherapy. His prognosis, however, is unclear. The Ohio man plans to spend several more months in San Diego while he continues to undergo treatment for his cancer. Smith is hoping to raise $15,000 to help cover his bills. As of March 28, the GoFundMe has raised just under $2,000. 'I would be immensely gratefully to everyone that could share my story with as many people as possible to spread the word,' he wrote. 'Any help you can share would be so welcome to me and my family,' the fund says. The trans shooter who killed six people at a Nashville school has sent shockwaves through the transgender community, raising tough questions about militancy and mental health problems among the marginalized group. Since Audrey 'Aiden' Hale rampaged through The Covenant School on Monday, murdering three children and three adults, investigators and analysts have looked at her trans identity, and how this may have played a role in the bloodbath. Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters of a 'theory' that Hale, a biological woman who had recently started using 'he/him' pronouns and the moniker 'Aiden,' had launched the attack as a manifestation of her shifting gender identity. Hale, 28, was heavily armed when she fatally shot three children and three adult staffers at the private Christian elementary school she once attended in Tennessee's capital city, before herself being shot and killed by officers. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear. Hale had drawn detailed maps of the school, including entry points for the building, and left behind a 'manifesto' and other writings that detectives were studying, Drake added. Audrey 'Aiden' Hale in a recent LinkedIn photo. The shooter left a manifesto describing her plans A patch on the backpack of a trans rights activist at a protest in Boston. Some trans activists say their community is under attack and that they need to defend themselves, including with arms, against a purported 'genocide' The Nashville attack has drawn parallels to other shootings by young female-to-male transitioners: Maya 'Alec' McKinney (left), who took part in a shooting at a Denver, Colorado, school in May 2019, and Snochia Moseley, who killed three at a Rite Aid warehouse in Aberdeen, Maryland, in September 2018 A doctor had been treating her for an 'emotional disorder,' Drake said on Tuesday. Despite the 'he/him' pronouns, Hale is most often described as a female who was in a provisional stage of gender transition. Hale was at odds with her devout Christian parents, Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, because they 'couldn't accept' she was gay and trans, a source told DailyMail.com. The attack quickly spawned a debate between conservatives and trans activists. Tennessee Republican representative Tim Burchett called for Hale's manifesto to be made public, telling Fox News that 'We need to know what was going through this person's head.' 'Our trans youth are troubled,' said Burchett. 'If they don't get the help they need, they can grow up to have some serious issues, but I obviously don't believe they'll all grow up to be shooters like this.' The shooting has raised questions about the drugs used in sex-reassignment treatment and mental health conditions that are widespread in the trans community, and drawn parallels to other attacks by young female-to-male transitioners. They include Maya 'Alec' McKinney, who took part in a shooting at a Denver, Colorado, school in May 2019, and Snochia Moseley, who killed three at a Rite Aid warehouse in Aberdeen, Maryland, in September 2018. 'Our trans youth are troubled,' says Tennessee Republican Tim Burchett Prominent members of America's trans community took to social media to stress that Hale's suspected killing spree was more clearly linked to the availability of guns than anything to do with her gender identity or politics. They were pushing back at claims from right-wing commentators that the violence was a symptom of an increasingly radicalized trans community that was embracing terror tactics in a push against mainstream gender ideas. 'When hundreds of white men commit mass shootings, it's a 'societal problem,' but when one trans person commits a mass shooting, it's a 'trans problem',' posted Alejandra Caraballo, a male-to-female trans clinical instructor at Harvard Law School, 'The actual problem is that this country is unable to do anything at all to stop gun violence.' Transgender activists, like these protesters in London earlier this year, take an increasingly hard-line stance against efforts to restrict access to sports, bathrooms and sex-reassignment treatments, which they frequently describe as a 'genocide' against them Hale with her older brother Scott, who has not commented on the shooting. Neighbors say Hale was 'sweet' and 'quiet' Hale was at odds with her devout Christian parents, Church coordinator Norma, 61, and her husband Ronald, 64, because they 'couldn't accept' she was gay and trans, a source told DailyMail.com Alex Petrovnia, another prominent trans voice on social media, echoed this view, saying the 'identity of the shooter was less contributory to this tragedy than the access they had to military grade firearms designed to kill en masse.' Drake's comments on Hale's 'emotional disorder' shine a spotlight on the higher rates of mental health issues and suicide that are endured by America's roughly 1.6 million trans-identifying individuals. These mental health problems frequently relate to underlying issues and gender confusion, as well as the impacts of society's anti-trans discrimination, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms can include 'anxiety, depression, sadness and isolation,' the clinic says. Hale was reportedly 'autistic but high-functioning,' an unnamed friend told the Daily Beast. Autism is a common issue among girls and young trans women, various studies show. Testosterone shots can increase a female's 'propensity for violence' While Hale was opting to use male pronouns and was socially transitioning by wearing boyish clothing, it's not clear if she received sex-reassignment treatment, such as the male hormone testosterone. Genspect, which campaigns against gender-affirming care for young people, on Tuesday noted that 'when females are given testosterone, their propensity for violence quickly increases.' Trans rights have become a frontline issue in America's culture wars, with Republican lawmakers in Hale's home state, Tennessee, and elsewhere restricting access to sex-reassignment treatments in a broader push against radical gender ideology. Erin Reed, another prominent trans voice, has described the legislative push as part of an 'ongoing anti-trans genocide in the US.' Many members of the trans community have vowed to fight back. Protestors at pro-trans rallies against the law have been seen with banners decrying the 'trans genocide.' Some trans activists say their community is under attack and need to defend themselves, including with arms. Hale employed two assault weapons and a handgun during the assault on the elementary school, the latest in a long string of US mass shootings that have turned guns into a hot-button political issue. Those three guns were among seven Hale bought legally from five area stores, Drake told reporters. Hale's parents did not know that Hale was in possession of seven guns, the chief said, adding that they were under the impression that the suspect had owned only one gun but had sold it. Drake said it appeared that the suspect had some sort of training with firearms. Hale fired on officers from the second floor as they arrived in patrol cars while standing back from large windows to avoid becoming an easy target. Monday's violence marked the 90th school shooting defined as any incident in which a gun is discharged on school property in the US this year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, a website founded by researcher David Riedman. Last year saw 303 such incidents, the highest of any year in the database, which goes back to 1970. The three nine-year-old children who were killed were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Also shot dead were Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of school; Mike Hill, 61, a school custodian; and Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher. Scruggs' father, Chad, is a pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, which is connected to the school. In a statement given to ABC News, he said the family was heartbroken. 'Through tears we trust that she is in the arms of Jesus who will raise her to life once again,' the statement read. The school in a statement said: 'Our community is heartbroken. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church.' Nashville police began receiving calls about a shooter at 10:13 am, spokesperson Don Aaron told reporters on Monday. The suspect was pronounced dead by 10:27 am. 'The police department response was swift,' Aaron added. Wires contributed to this report. Hugh Grant has joked that he misses the good old days when actors would fall in love with each other and hook up with their co-stars. The British actor, 62, said that instead of flirting and drinking together, co-stars now just go home and 'look on Twitter' after a long day on set. Speaking on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert, he said: 'Films are so weird now. 'They are weird because, in the old days, by the end of the second week, you were all getting drunk in the evening and having dinner and falling in love with each other and all of that. 'All of that stopped because of telephones. Everyone goes home and looks at Twitter. Its so sad.' Grant has been gracing the big screen as the leading man in films since the 1990s - starring in a number of romantic films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually. Hugh Grant, 62, told the Late Show With Stephen Colbert: 'In the old days, by the end of the second week, you were all getting drunk in the evening and having dinner and falling in love with each other and all of that' Grant has been gracing the big screen as the leading man in films since the 1990s - starring in household names including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually. He is pictured here on screen with Julia Roberts (right) in Notting Hill Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant were together for many years before they separated. But they actually met on set of Remando Al Viento in 1988 The actor actually met his partner Liz Hurley while the pair were acting in Spanish production Remando Al Viento in 1988. Grant was playing Lord Byron, and Hurley played Claire Clairmont. They were together for several years and separated in 2000, but are still friends. Among Grant's gorgeous co-stars he's had the pleasure to work with over the years is Renee Zellweger - who played the eponymous Bridget Jones, while Grant played womanizing book publisher Daniel Cleaver. He then starred alongside Martine McCutcheon in the British sensation Love Actually in 2003. He played the Prime Minister, who falls madly in love with one of his Downing Street staff. And in 1994 romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, Grant plays Charles - and Andie MacDowell stars as his love interest, Carrie. Grant also starred alongside Sandra Bullock in an 2002 romantic comedy Two Weeks Notice. Grant played womanizing book publisher Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Diary Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in a promotional shot for the 1999 film Notting Hill Grant starred alongside Martine McCutcheon in the British sensation Love Actually in 2003. He played the Prime Minister, who falls madly in love with one of his Downing Street staff Colin Firth, Renee Zellweger, and Hugh Grant all starred in Bridget Jones Hugh is currently on the promotional trail for their film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Development on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves began in 2013, when a project centered on the long-running role playing game was greenlit by Warner Bros. Pictures executives. The feature experienced a lengthy development process, during which figures such as Joe Manganiello and Dwayne Johnson were attached to the project. Goldstein and Daley were reported to have been in talks to headline the feature in 2019, and it was revealed that they had written a new script for the movie the following year. Chris Pine signed on to appear in the film in 2020, and the rest of its cast was added over the next two years. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill, 1999 The movie became a favorite across the world, as they watched American Julia and British Hugh slowly fall in love Hugh Grant and Andie Macdowell share a passionate kiss in the movie Four Weddings and A Funeral in 1994 Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant starring in the romantic comedy Music and Lyrics in 2007 Other figures set to be featured in the movie include Jason Wong and Rege Jean Page. It tells the story of a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers, who embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long lost relic, but their charming adventure goes dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Physical production on the movie began in April of 2021 with filming taking place in both Iceland and Ireland. After several months of work, the project's crew wrapped in August of that year. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was initially supposed to be released in 2021, although its premiere date was pushed back several times. The fantasy-adventure feature is now scheduled to be released to the public on March 31. A man who killed his partner and savagely dumped her body in a country park after hearing she was planning to leave him has been convicted of murder. Killer Gary Bennett, 37, screamed 'how f***ing dare you' at Basildon Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of murdering his 30-year-old girlfriend Madison Wright. Bennett, from the small town of Pitsea in Basildon, Essex, is due to be sentenced at the same court tomorrow. The trial heard that Bennett had killed his girlfriend - a 'happy, gentle, thoughtful' mother - between July 22-30 last year when he realised she was planning to leave him. Ms Wright was last seen alive at 8.30am on July 22 and her body was recovered in Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Basildon, eight days later under a pile of shrubbery, branches and a fence panel which had Bennett's DNA on it. Killer Gary Bennett (left), 37, screamed 'how f***ing dare you' at Basildon Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of murdering his 30-year-old partner Madison Wright (right) Bennett drove Ms Wright out to Wat Tyler Country Park (pictured) and dumped her body after hearing she was planning to leave him Across the two-week trial, the jury heard how Bennett had put Ms Wright's body into her own car and driven her to the park where he hid her body before police discovered it while patrolling the area. In December, Essex Police revealed that the mother's phone had been switched on two months after her body was found in the local beauty spot. Judge Samantha Leigh, who oversaw the trial, described the killing as 'one of the most overwhelming' cases of murder she had seen, 'even for someone who has been involved in the criminal justice system for as long as I have'. Prosecuting barrister Tracy Ayling KC said in her closing speech that there was 'no other candidate' for the killing of Ms Wright and that the evidence from the scene of her discovery suggests Bennett dragged her body from the car to where her body was found. She said: 'To quote Casablanca, it seems of all the fence panels in all of Wat Tyler Country Park, Mr Bennett's DNA had to be on this one. There is no other candidate for the killing of Madison Wright.' In a tribute previously shared by her family, Ms Wright was described as the 'most loving' daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and soon-to-be aunt. The jury heard how Bennett had put Ms Wright's body into her own car before taking her to the country park. Pictured: A photo of her Vauxhall Astra released by police after she went missing in July Bennett (left) will be sentenced for the murder of Madison Wright (right) tomorrow. Pictured: The pair smiling together in March 2022 They said: 'Throughout her life Madison was a happy, gentle, thoughtful and kind person. She was never a fan of being the centre of attention and definitely would not have liked this. 'Our family has suffered a loss that is unimaginable and irreparable, and the void Madison leaves will never be filled. 'Her life has been stolen from not just her but from all of us. Her memory however will live on through her son whom we cherish dearly. We will remember every smile, laugh and every moment we had the honour to share. 'We will miss you for the rest of our lives Mad. The love we have for you is beyond words and you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace Mad, until we meet again.' A new mom was hospitalized after finding herself the victim of a social media stunt gone horribly wrong - where people put buckets on the heads of complete strangers just to film their reactions. The increasingly popular fad - seen widely on platforms like TikTok - saw a simple shopping trip to Target for baby supplies Sunday turn into a life-or-death scare, and sent unwilling participant Lana Clay-Monaghan to a Southern California hospital. Recounting the ordeal in a video interview Monday, Clay-Monaghan - a 30-year cancer survivor who recently developed epilepsy - described how she was caught off guard by the four teen boys responsible for the prank, who are still at large. She says the assault deprived her of air and ultimately caused her to faint and be rushed to UC Irvine Medical Center. She further claims the incident left her with physical and psychological damage, as well as lingering neurological side effects. Police in the small SoCal city are now treating the altercation as an assault - and are reviewing surveillance video from the Tustin Target to identify the four young men, who fled the store as their prank unraveled before them. Scroll down for video: Recounting the ordeal in a video interview Monday, Lana Clay-Monaghan - a 30-year cancer survivor who recently developed epilepsy - described how she was caught off guard by the four teen boys responsible for the prank, who are still at large Cops investigating the incident believe the four at-large perpetrators - all boys in their teens - had been taking part in a fad where people put buckets on the heads of strangers to film their reactions. The pranks are often pulled on unsuspecting shoppers while their backs are turned Cops add they believe the stunt was the result of the so-called 'stranger bucket challenge,' an internet craze that teenagers across the country have largely embraced - albeit to mixed reception, often from those being pranked. 'I was looking at some baby soap,' Clay-Monaghan told local outlet KTLA. 'I leaned down and my whole world changed.' She proceeded to recall how she lost her breath and sense of equilibrium, before realizing that a generic mop bucket being sold in the store had been placed on her head. 'Everything went quiet, dark, and there was really no air,' she said, adding in another interview to KCBS: 'I started freaking out. I was screaming.' After she pulled the bucket off her head, she recalled how she the four young boys thought to be teenagers laughing and filming her - before suddenly passing out. 'I flipped off what was put over me, around my neck, and I turned around and looked over my left shoulder,' she told KTLA, while revealing that she was pressing charges over the incident. 'To my dismay, it was a group of individuals who were filming me, seemingly for some sort of prank or maybe for something like TikTok.' After she passed out, she said she awoke to paramedics carting her to the nearby hospital, where she was released later that day. A new mom to two twin boys, Clay-Monaghan was hospitalized after the incident, which she says left her struggling for air and saw her faint inside the Tustin Target Seen here during her hospital stay, Clay-Monaghan - who is 30 years leukemia free - insists that she is still recovering and suffered neurological damage as a result of the incident, and wants the boys to face the full wrath of the law Speaking to the press in a slew of interviews the next day, she insists that she is still recovering and suffered neurological damage as a result of the incident. The extent of those supposed injuries remains unknown - but Lieutenant Ryan Co of the Tustin Police Department says his department is treating the altercation as an assault, and are looking for the four youngsters responsible. In a news release, he added that his department - which oversees crime in the city of some 80,000 roughly 30 miles from LA - believe the stunt was related to the social media fad, which are often pulled on unsuspecting shoppers while their backs are turned. 'Obviously, in this case, it can have some pretty bad consequences, but at the end of the day, it's a crime,' said Co of how his men are treating the investigation, and how they plan to hit the teens with charges that could be treated as either a misdemeanor or felony. 'It's an assault and battery on another person, and we're going to investigate it that way,' the lieutenant said, adding that the department is currently reviewing surveillance footage recorded by the store showing the incident. Police said they have not come across any social media posts of the failed prank, but add that they are currently collecting statements from witnesses who may have seen the stunt play out. The increasingly popular fad - seen widely on platforms like TikTok - has been taken up by social media users across the country, and contributed to the mom's health scare, cops said That said, it is more than likely the youngsters, if found, will be subject to no more than a slap on the wrist - given their prospective ages and the nature of the incident. In the state of California, assaults can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor - something decided on based on factors such as whether the defendant used a weapon, and the amount of force the defendant used. In this particular case, neither of those determining factors appear relevant - though, for Clay-Monaghan, the ordeal is anything but a joke. 'I keep looking over my shoulder. I'm a nervous wreck,' she told KTLA of the lasting emotional damage left by the stunt. 'I cannot believe that in my community, you could go to Target, be in Target maybe a mere 10 to 15 minutes and someone would find it amusing to come and strategically find a female by herself in the baby aisle and think this would be funny or laughable for likes.' She added that she plans to press charges if the boys are apprehended, and that the group should face the full wrath of the city's judicial system. 'This needs to be an example that families can talk about now and say, 'Look, you see this on social media, it's not appropriate to do that,' and again, those individuals need to come forward and be held accountable,' she said. The Tustin Police Department say they are still working to find the underage suspects. Their investigation is ongoing. This is because his vacation hearing needs to be re-done, an appellate court said Adnan Syed's murder conviction has been reinstated by an appellate court panel - after he served over two decades behind bars and was sensationally released following the re-popularization of his case, thanks to the podcast 'Serial.' In September 2022, a judge ordered Syed's release from his life sentence for strangling Hae Min Lee - after serving 23 years - because they could no longer justify keeping him locked up based on new information. He was tried in 2000 and found guilty of burying his high school sweetheart's body in a shallow grave in Baltimore's Leakin Park. But now, the Maryland appeals court ruled that the lower court violated the right of the victims family to attend a critical hearing in the case - and have therefore dismissed the circuit courts vacation of Syeds convictions. This 'results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence,' the court said in a ruling on Tuesday. This does not necessarily mean Syed will go back to prison - but instead that his hearing will have to be re-heard. Adnan Syed, the subject of the 'Serial' podcast, had his murder convictions vacated last year. However, a move today has reinstated them after the Maryland Special Court of Appeals ruled that the victim's family's rights were violated during the case Syed was convicted of strangling Lee (with him above at junior prom in 1998). The two were high school classmates who had dated. He went to prison for the crime - but in 2022 a judge ruled that it was no longer justifiable keeping him behind bars because of new information The Maryland appellate court ordered that the hearing at which Syeds conviction was vacated needs to be re-done - resulting in the 41-year-old's original sentence being reinstated. Hae Min Lee's brother, who represents the victim in this case, has long argued that he was not given enough time to attend the vacation hearing. The Baltimore city state's attorney gave him less than one business day, he claims. The panel today ruled in his favor. The circuit court judge did indeed violated the rights of Young Lee in how it conducted Syed's vacation hearing. It is not immediately clear what will happen next. It is possible that the new hearing may result in the same outcome as before. The Maryland Special Court of Appeals' ruling, seen by DailyMail.com, read: 'These rights were violated in this case, where the State gave Mr. Lee notice only one business day before the hearing, which was insufficient time to reasonably allow Mr. Lee, who lived in California, to attend the hearing in person, and therefore, the court required Mr. Lee to attend the hearing remotely. 'Allowing a victim entitled to attend a court proceeding to attend in person, when the victim makes that request and all other persons involved in the hearing appear in person, is consistent with the constitutional requirement that victims be treated with dignity and respect. The 41-year-old was serving a life sentence after he was convicted in 2000 of strangling Hae Min Lee and burying her body in a shallow grave in Baltimore's Leakin Park 'Because the circuit court violated Mr. Lees right to notice of, and his right to attend, the hearing on the States motion to vacate, in violation of CP 8-301.1(d), this Court has the power and obligation to remedy those violations, as long we can do so without violating Mr. Syeds right to be free from double jeopardy. 'We can do that, and accordingly, we vacate the circuit courts order vacating Mr. Syeds convictions, which results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence. 'We remand for a new, legally compliant, and transparent hearing on the motion to vacate, where Mr. Lee is given notice of the hearing that is sufficient to allow him to attend in person, evidence supporting the motion to vacate is presented, and the court states its reasons in support of its decision.' David Sanford, the Lee family attorney, said in a statement on Tuesday: 'We are delighted that the Appellate Court of Maryland agrees with Mr. Lee that his right to have reasonable notice of the Syed vacatur hearing and his right to be physically present at that hearing were violated by the trial court. 'We are equally pleased that the Appellate Court is directing the lower court to conduct a transparent hearing where the evidence will be presented in open court and the courts decision will be based on evidence for the world to see.' Syed's sensational release from jail in September 2022 was due to work by Becky Feldman, the chief of the State's Attorney's Office's Sentencing Review Unit. Feldman started investigating Syed's case in June 2022 after a new Maryland law allowed prosecutors to modify sentences for offenders who were under 18 at the time of their crimes and had served at least 20 years in prison. Syed fit the criteria because he was 17 in 1999 and imprisoned since 2000. It was during her investigation that Feldman stumbled upon another possible suspect - who had previously threatened to murder Lee and said he would 'make her disappear.' While rummaging through the state's 17 boxes of Syed's case file at the Attorney General's office this summer, she found two handwritten letters. Two letters, thought to be penned by prosecutors, referred to two different phone calls from two different people who called the State Attorney's office to give details about the same potential suspect. The notes, although messy, hard to make out, and undated, were written before Syed was ever tried in court. Hae Min Lee's brother, Young (left) and mother pictured, following her tragic death. The new development today in Syed's case stems from Young's ongoing complaint that he was not given sufficient time to attend Syed's vacation hearing in person in September 2022 The Korean-American girl was also a scholar at school, as well as an athlete who wanted to be an optician. She was killed in 1999 Brought to tears: Youn Wha Kim is pictured crying as her daughter's murderer is sentenced in 2000 In the phone calls, the two different people revealed information about the same suspect, explaining and giving evidence that he had a motive to kill 17-year-old Lee. After investigating the man in question, Feldman deemed the leads to be credible. Both new suspects were known to detectives 23 years ago, it was confirmed. They were not properly ruled out during the 1999 murder investigation. Under the circumstances, they couldn't justify holding Syed in prison any longer. However, since vacating Syed's conviction, there still have not been any new arrests in the case over who killed Hae Min Lee. In September, the victim's brother, Young, wanted to attend the vacation hearing in Baltimore, but he could not travel from California on such short notice. As well as the 'late' notice, the family weren't told any details about the new evidence or two new suspects, which ultimately helped get Lee's convicted murderer out of prison. The new development in Syed's case today therefore stems from Young's ongoing complaint. His father Haroon Rashid, 41, claimed medical staff were laughing as he died The grieving parents of a five-year-old boy have claimed they heard hospital staff laughing as their son's life support machine was turned off. Haroon Rashid, 41, said he was forced to say goodbye to his child, Muhammad Ayaan Haroon, as medical staff in the same room at Sheffield Children's Hospital were laughing in the background. He said only a thin curtain stood between the laughing doctors and nurses who had treated Ayaan as they watched him take his final breath. Mr Rashid has submitted a formal complaint about the staff after a relative had to ask them to be respectful while they spent their last moments with Ayaan. Bosses at Sheffield Children's Hospital have pledged a 'thorough' investigation into the family's claims. Father Haroon Rashid, 41, said he was forced to say goodbye to his five-year-old son, Muhammad Ayaan Haroon (pictured), as medical staff in the same room at Sheffield Children's Hospital were laughing in the background The father said only a thin curtain stood between the laughing doctors and nurses who had treated Ayaan as they watched him take his final breath Bosses at Sheffield Children's Hospital (pictured) have pledged a 'thorough' investigation into the family's claims Ayaan had been admitted to the hospital on March 5 with trouble breathing. He had a history of respiratory illnesses and a rare genetic condition called Hace 1, which caused developmental delays. He lost his life on March 13. Mr Rashid, a taxi driver and father of four from Sheffield, said: 'We don't know how we will live without him now our son is gone. 'When the machine was switched off at 2.30am we had a lot of family members there. 'There was laughter coming from staff members. We were so upset. 'There was no one else on the ward apart from staff and one other small child behind the curtain from us. 'Surely the staff knew Ayaan's machine was about to be turned off. They continued laughing after my relative asked them to stop. A child's life was coming to an end. Ayaan, pictured as a toddler, had a history of respiratory illnesses and a rare genetic condition called Hace 1 which caused developmental delays. He lost his life on March 13 The child's father said: 'We don't know how we will live without him now our son is gone' Mr Rashid and his wife Fakhra Dibi, 45, have now called for an investigation into the treatment of their son. [File image] 'It was highly insensitive. We are living with our son's loss but we are very, very angry about the staff behaved.' Mr Rashid and his wife Fakhra Dibi, 45, have now called for an investigation into the treatment of their son. Their 10-page complaint details concerns over the medical care Ayaan received as well as the 'inappropriate' behaviour from staff while his family were saying goodbye. Mr Rashid also described a similar incident, when his wife was given the news that Ayaan's condition was deteriorating a few days before his death. According to her, she was given the news that Ayaan's chances of survival were slim due to an adenovirus infection in a ward full of laughing staff, children and other parents. Mr Rashid, whose daughters are 20, 16 and 12, said: 'My wife rang me crying after the doctor broke the news. 'They told her out there in the ward, with nurses who were laughing in the background. Mr Rashid submitted a formal complaint about the staff after a relative had ask them to be respectful while they spent their last moments with Ayaan 'They should have taken her to a private room, not told her like that in front of everyone. It's hugely insensitive.' Ayaan's initial cause of death has been listed as an adenovirus, which can cause flu-like symptoms and pneumonia. A decision as to whether an inquest into his death will be held has not yet been made by a coroner. However, Mr Rashid is now concerned about the treatment of his 12-year-old daughter, who is an outpatient at the same hospital and also experiences developmental delays. This comes after the father experienced what he called a 'dismissive' attitude to care concerns he raised about his son. He said: 'Every day in the treatment of my son something went wrong. They didn't listen to my years of experience in caring for my children. 'I'm not a doctor but I know my son's history. 'From past experience I knew what treatment my son needed from the outset but no one listened to me. Mr Rashid described Ayaan as a youngster who always had a smile on his face, who loved to be picked up and enjoyed children's shows like Cocomelon and Hey Duggee 'My son was shown no compassion, no dignity, no respect and no humanity. 'I want to highlight the hospital's failings to you so no other child suffers like my son.' He added: 'I have another child who is a patient of the same hospital. 'After how her brother was treated I do not feel she is safe in the care of the staff at Sheffield Children's Hospital.' According to Mr Rashid, he was stopped from giving his son a nebulizer and suctioning to remove mucus from his chest after his son was not being able to cough up the fluid himself. The staff refused to do it despite Haroon saying it was necessary and had to be reminded after the procedure became part of Ayaan's treatment plan. The father also alleged that the staff delayed taking sending samples to identify his son's chest infection, which he said stopped his son from having a 'fighting chance' at recovering from the virus. On Mar 23, ten days after Ayaan's death, Mr Rashid alleged that he was phoned by the hospital about a follow-up appointment for Ayaan, despite his records showing his death. However, he was keen to praise previous treatment that his family had received from Sheffield Children's Hospital. He said his son's treatment as an outpatient at the hospital previously had been faultless, and that his consultants had been there for them throughout. Ayaan was described by his father as 'the best in the whole of Sheffield'. His father said the whole of the school's staff came to his son's funeral at the Madina Mosque in Sheffield. He described Ayaan as a youngster who always had a smile on his face, who loved to be picked up and enjoyed children's shows like Cocomelon and Hey Duggee. Dr Jeff Perring, medical director at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'I wish to express my deepest condolences to Ayaan's family for their loss. 'The death of any child is tragic and I know that my colleagues who treated, and came to know, Ayaan during his short life will share in expressing these condolences. 'The loss of a child while they are a patient at Sheffield Children's is something we take very seriously. 'Our colleagues pride themselves on providing the best clinical and pastoral care for all children and young people who need it. 'We have received Mr Rashid's complaint, which is very detailed and complex. 'There will be a thorough internal investigation of the care and treatment Ayaan received at the hospital between 5 and 13 March which will cover the concerns raised in Mr Rashid's complaint.' Mer Rashid and his family were emboldened to make a formal complaint to Ruth Brown, the Chief Executive of Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, after support came from another family whose child died last year at the same hospital. Yusuf Mahmud Nazir was five years old when he died of pneumonia at Sheffield Children's Hospital after being sent home from another hospital days earlier due to a lack of beds. Kohberger is back in court on June 26 and being held without bail until then Melissa Kohberger, who was a counselor, and Amanda Kohberger, who was an actress, reportedly lost their jobs over their relationship with their brother The sisters of Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger have lost their jobs, despite the family refusing to visit the accused killer in jail, a source has revealed. The 28-year-old is accused of stalking and brutally murdering four University of Idaho students at their off-campus home in Moscow last November. Kohberger's arrest for the killings has severely impacted his family, who are struggling financially, the source told News Nation. Now, his sisters, Melissa and Amanda, have been let go from their jobs because of their relationship with the accused killer, the outlet learned. Kohberger was arrested at his parents' home in Pennsylvania after driving cross-country with his father after the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty. He is due back in court on June 26 and is being held without bail until then. DailyMail.com spoke with current and former inmates, as well as jail sources who told of alleged quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger's time in jail Kohberger's older sister Melissa Kohberger was a school counselor Kohberger's other sister, Amanda, had been working as an actress In January, his family issued a statement that said they would be standing by him, adding: 'We will love and support our son and brother.' The statement was released just days after the former Washington State University criminology student was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in the first degree, as well as felony burglary. Now, months later, Kohberger's family are facing a multitude of troubles in the wake of the arrest. His older sister Melissa Kohberger was a school counselor and his other sister, Amanda, had been working as an actress. Both have been let go from their jobs. The family has reportedly not visited Kohberger in jail, but have spoken to him on the phone. Kohberger, who was pursuing his PhD at nearby Washington State University before his arrest in January, is now back in Idaho where he is being kept in isolation far from other inmates given the depravity of his alleged crimes. Kerri Rawson, who is the daughter of Dennis Lynn Rader, also known as the BTK Killer, joined News Nation's Brian Entin on the show where she discussed the impact on family when related members are accused of crimes. 'Kohberger's family, as far we know at this point, are crime victims too,' Rawson said. Kohberger meets with a local pastor who leads him in prayer every Sunday, follows his trial on the news and seldom speaks to other inmates, sources reveal Maddie Mogen (top) Kaylee Goncalves (second from left) Xana Kernodle (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) - all students at the University of Idaho - were knifed to death on November 13 in the quiet, college town of Moscow This is the murder house where four students were stabbed to death. The home is now boarded up and is slated for demolition Between 1974 and 1991, Rawson's father killed 10 people in Wichita and Park City, Kansas, and sent taunting letters to police and media outlets describing the details of his crimes. Rawson said her family took a break from their jobs and their lives to deal with the fallout from her father's arrest and trial in the early 2000s. Rawson said she didn't visit her father in jail for emotional reasons, but said it's possible the Kohberger family hasn't visited the Idaho murder suspect for financial reasons. Kohberger has been locked up at the Latah County Jail since early January. Dailymail.com revealed earlier this month that each week, Kohberger sits down for one-on-one sessions with members of Project Hope Idaho, a local Christian organization that dispatches about a dozen lay ministers to county jails and prisons to provide gospel services and classes on Sunday nights. Kohberger leaves his cell at 7pm on Sundays to meet with the minister who leads him in prayer in the prison library. By all accounts, the 28-year-old has been a model prisoner, a jail official told DailyMail.com. This despite facing taunts from inmates who sometimes shout at him as he shuffles past their cells. Kohberger, 28, has been locked up without bail at the Latah County Jail in Idaho since early January as he awaits trial Ministers at the Christian organization believe everyone, including Kohberger and other accused criminals, are welcome to receive God's forgiveness for their alleged crimes. The group shares the gospel and provides classes at local Idaho prisons, according to the website Earlier this month, prosecutors laid out in charging documents how Kohberger stalked his alleged victims' off-campus home in Moscow for weeks before the murders and kept multiple photos of one of one of the female students on his phone. Some of his former friends have even told FBI and state investigators how Kohberger changed both physically and emotionally in his senior year of high school even apparently getting a tummy tuck. Prosecutors also laid out how Kohberger turned off his phone on the night of the murders in an alleged attempt to cover his tracks before brutally stabbing the four college students. He is even alleged to have returned to the scene of the crime at 9am on November 13 just hours after police believe he committed the quadruple homicide. The probable cause document then goes on to say that the criminal justice graduate stalked the property at least 12 times, and his DNA was found on a knife sheath close to the bodies of Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. An ensuing investigation of Kohberger's apartment at Washington State University later found several hair strands, including one suspected animal hair, a black glove, a computer tower and one unidentified item with a collection of 'dark red spots.' The university where he worked was only a little over eight miles from the murder scene Police said they also hauled away a pillow with a 'reddish/brown stain' on it and the top and bottom of a mattress cover with 'multiple stains'. All the items are now being stored at the Washington State University Police department. A motive for the brutal killings remains unclear - and Kohberger is currently being kept isolated from other inmates in an Idaho for his safety, a former FBI agent recently told Newsweek. Despite being in solitary confinement, however, Kohberger is far from roughing it - and has reportedly been allowed amenities such his own television as he is kept away from other accused and convicted criminals. His is not set to appear in in court until June 26 and has not yet entered a plea - but his lawyer in December said he was 'eager to be exonerated.' He is being held without bail until then. The BBC's former director-general has told MPs Gary Lineker plainly broke the corporations guidelines with his anti-Conservative tweets. Lord Birt, who ran the broadcaster between 1992 and 2000, said the stars remarks which compared the Governments language in its migration crackdown to Nazi Germany was way over the top. Speaking in front of a special hearing of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the peer said: The guidelines are extremely clear....They plainly cover this situation and its clear that the expectation is that people like Gary have to obey the rules and he didnt. The former BBC boss added he was very sorry other presenters, pundits and commentators didnt stop to think about what the BBC stands for, before they walked out in solidarity with the star, after the broadcaster took him off air. Stars like Ian Wright and Alan Shearer pulled out of a planned appearances on the BBC in support of Lineker, 62, after he was temporarily stood down by the corporation. Lord Birt, the BBC's former director-general, said Gary Lineker plainly broke the corporations guidelines with his controversial migrant tweets The former BBC boss described the Match of the Day presenter's comments about the government as being way over the top Lord Birt said he hoped Lineker will continue to host Match of the Day but added this had to happen in the context of agreeing to abide by these very clear guidelines. When asked if it had been right for the BBC to take action over the social media post, he responded: Its certainly appropriate to call it out and to say what it is. Lord Birt also poured cold water on the idea that Lineker, as a freelancer, should not be subjected to strict rules on impartiality for BBC staff. READ MORE: Gary Lineker appears to take swipe at Boris Johnson after ex-PM's Partygate defence was published Advertisement The peer said he was sure the public doesnt even think about the differences between news staff and freelancers, adding that Linekers power and status were entirely due to his hosting of Match of the Day. He added: What it knows is that Match Of The Day is one of the most important BBC programmes and this is a well-established presenter. And yes, he was one of Englands great centre-forwards but lets not kid ourselves. His status, his standing and his power arise above all else from presenting this extremely important programme. Lord Birt said he did not think it was legitimate and right that a BBC presenter of such an important programme should opine. He suggested the committee imagined if a presenter of Strictly Come Dancing, another flagship BBC show, who was passionately opposed to immigration spoke openly about stopping small boats. He added: It doesnt matter whether it comes from the left or right. I dont think it is appropriate for a BBC presenter, certainly of news which everybody seems to agree with, but any presenter who is inextricably bound up with an important BBC programme. Lord Birt indicated that the brouhaha over Linekers tweets showed the situation could not continue, and said he expected the BBC to lay down very clear guidelines for the presenter. He added he did not think the damage from the row was terminal but it was an issue that needs resolving and the speedier it is resolved the better. He said he wished it had been resolved more speedily. A New York City family was left devastated after a shelter euthanized their beloved dog without asking them, just hours after the pup was found wandering the streets. The Leons are now demanding justice for their small dog, Leona, who wandered out of their backyard in the Briarwood neighborhood of Queens on March 12. She was found near Grand Central Parkway by a good Samaritan, who brought her to the Animal Care Centers of New York Brooklyn shelter. When they first found out that Leona was at a shelter, Ericka Leon said, she felt relieved, figuring she would be able to pick up her dog under its 72 hour holding period but her heart sank just moments later when someone at the shelter told her they decided to put down their 19-year-old dog. The shelter is now defending their actions, citing the elderly dog's health problems, even as at least one New York City official is calling for an investigation. Ericka Leon, center, is demanding answers from a Brooklyn shelter after her dog was euthanized. She is seen here at a protest of the shelter in the aftermath Leona was put down at the Animal Care Centers of New York Brooklyn shelter on March 12 She was found roaming the streets and was brought to the shelter pictured here The Leon family told News 12 Brooklyn that Leona had been missing for several hours on March 12 and were asking for the public's help in finding their dog, when someone reached out to them with a post from Animal Care Center of NYCs Lost and Found page showing Leona at the Brooklyn shelter. 'I was happy, my family was happy,' Ericka said of finding out her dog was at the ACC. 'I heard the word shelter, and I was like "Im good, everythings safe."' But when the shelter finally called her at around 2.30pm, she said, they started asking her questions first to verify that she really was the dog's owner, and then questions about Leona's medical history. Eventually, someone from the shelter told her during that conversation that they had already put Leona down. 'Within three to four hours, my dog was missing, found and killed,' Ericka told News 12. The next day, she posted about the incident on Facebook, noting that she first woke up to find her father searching for Leona and she soon joined in the effort, but could not find her beloved pet until someone told her Leona 'was at a shelter safe and sound.' She then went on to explain the pain she felt when she heard that her dog had been euthanized, writing: 'My innocent dog who was 19-years-old died in the hands of strangers. I didn't get [to] wake up and see my dog one last time.' Then when she arrived at the shelter to pick up her dog, Ericka said, 'They treated my dog as an object, and weren't compassionate.' Ericka Leon posted photos of her and her brother, Juan Carlos, with Leona when they first got her 19 years ago Leona wandered out of their backyard in the Briarwood neighborhood of Queens In a Facebook post, Ericka expressed her grief of suddenly losing Leona She is now claiming that the ACC violated its own policy of waiting 72 hours to give potential pet owners time to reclaim them. But the shelter has disagreed, saying veterinarians acted in the best interest of the dog, who was 19 years old and had several health conditions. The group told NBC 4 New York how Leona was blind, deaf, had a heart murmur and several dental issues. It said in a statement that a 'comprehensive physical exam was done by a veterinarian, indicating Leona was in a very debilitated state, suffering from progressive neurological symptoms.' The ACC continued to note that 'the law specifically states that although the stray-hold period is 72 hours, euthanasia may be performed if a licensed veterinarian deems that the animal is suffering.' Ericka, though, insists the dog was just suffering from old age, writing on Facebook on March 15: 'My dog's medical conditions are normal for a dog of 19 years! She was living a great life. 'ACC is painting this narrative that she was suffering and they did the right thing. Making it seem as if we were neglectful and unaware of our dog's condition. As if we haven't been by her side for 19 years.' And her brother, Juan Carlos argued, 'She should have come home to us, and she should've died on our terms. 'Our family should have made that decision when to start her end-of-life story.' The family is considering legal options, as Councilman James Gennaro requests the Department of Health open an investigation into the incident A Change.org petition calling for the city to end kill shelters has now garnered nearly 2,000 signatures New York City Councilmember James Gennaro is now requesting that the Department of Health, which oversees animal control centers, open an investigation into the situation. In the meantime, the Leons are considering bringing legal action against the shelter. 'No matter how much it hurts, I am gonna talk about this everyday and fight for it every day,' Ericka vowed. Juan Carlos, meanwhile, said: 'A part of me is truly gone. A part of us is truly gone. 'We need answers. My family wants answers. We don't understand how ACC operates like this.' A Change.org petition calling for the city to end kill shelters has now garnered nearly 2,000 signatures. President Zelensky said his ten-year-old son was struggling with not having 'warm moments' with his father during the conflict in Ukraine. Survival expert Bear Grylls travelled through Ukraine to meet Zelensky in Kyiv in November 2022, for an interview broadcast on Channel 4. The Ukrainian leader also said Russian soldiers had raped children in front of their parents and that thousands of children had been 'deported' to Russia from occupied territories. He described the first day of the full-scale invasion as the 'hardest moment' in the fighting so far and said that some officials hadn't believed that there would be an invasion until the very last minute. Since the beginning of the war Zelensky has often been far from his own family and he told Grylls that his then nine-year-old son, Kyrylo, was finding it difficult to be separated from his father. The Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky (left) told Bear Grylls (right) Russian soldiers had raped children in front of their parents and that thousands of children had been 'deported' to Russia The Ukrainian leader shares two children with his wife Olena, who he met when he was 17, son Kyrylo and daughter Oleksandra, 19 President Zelensky said: 'Sometimes, I have four to six hours to be with them [his family]. Its very hard for my son, because you know, this age, so for him its a really tough situation because he needs father and we dont have enough warm moments. But the now ten-year-old Kyrylo is also proud, the President said: 'Hes in the solider form. He loves it. Hes always ready. 'This war also changed our people and changed our children. They are not children they are adults.' The Ukrainian leader shares two children with his wife Olena, who he met when he was 17, son Kyrylo and daughter Oleksandra, 18. In the interview with Bear Grylls, the Ukrainian leader accused Russian forces of raping Ukrainian children and deporting thousands, leaving occupied villages decimated. 'They raped children. They wanted mothers and fathers to see it. So it was terrible and this was shocking really. 'People always ask, how many people have been killed by Russians and I always say that nobody knows.' UN experts accused Russian forces in September 2022 of raping children as young as four after a team from the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine investigated alleged war crimes in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy. Zelensky says of his own childhood that he 'had a different dream every day' and did not want to be an actor when he was young. 'Like all the kids, maybe with a little bit more power and speed because I was always running, not to waste time. The Ukrainian leader shares two children with his wife Olena (right), who he met when he was 17, son Kyrylo, 10, (bottom) and daughter Oleksandra, 19 (top) Zelensky said of his own childhood that he had a 'different dream every morning' and that he ran around everywhere The security forces that accompanied the President and Bear Grylls on their walk through Kyiv in November 2022 Zelensky meets a wounded soldier. The Ukrainian leader explained the toll the war was taking on his own family to the television presenter Bear Grylls Burnt out Russian tanks. Grylls also visited Irpin, near the capital Kyiv, which came under heavy bombardment in the early days of the invasion 'I think each morning I had another dream.' He responded to a question about the 'hardest moment' in the conflict so far with a thoughtful silence before saying: 'The first day.' Zelensky added that the Ukrainian people had responded with incredible bravery and courage to the invasion in February 'Great, great honour. How strong they are, how really when the Russians attacked our people and the Russians thought if they attack more and more our people would be shocked and afraid, our people would be shocked and afraid. 'The more they fought and the more they attacked us, the stronger our people became.' The President takes Grylls to a warming station, where Ukrainians still in Kyiv could go for warmth and electricity during the many blackouts caused by Russian air strikes. They share some chocolates with the presidential security team, who Grylls revealed after the interview were suspicious of the sweet treat. The pair shared a tea from a warming station in a public park but Grylls caused concern when he offered Zelensky chocolate, as his security team worried it was poisoned The President takes Grylls to a warming station, where Ukrainians still in Kyiv could go for warmth and electricity during the blackouts He said that during the first days of very cold weather last winter, Russia had attacked with 78 missiles in just two hours. 'People never thought, I think, that they could be attacked from the sky in the 21st century. Its a tragedy but anyway people are ready.' He said many of his personal friends and their wives and families, who had left when Russia launched the full-scale invasion, had now returned to their home country. Zelensky impressed upon Grylls the strength of Ukrainian belief in their own cause. 'We have to. We dont have another way and we don't have to have a way out and we don't want to life with their flag. President Zelensky has become the face of the conflict, Grylls says, as he sets off on a long journey to the capital to interview him (Zelensky, centre, with Ukrainian forces) 'All we defend, we love it, and they dont love it, they hate it, and that has never been their homeland, its our homeland. 'That really saved Ukraine. This attitude to the country, the peoples attitude.' The wartime Ukrainian leader said that there was a 'long list' of things needed for peace and added that he didn't think the fighting would end until Putin was 'alone'. 'I think it will not come, because it will come. You have to work for peace; you have to fight for peace. Thats really the situation. 'You have to fight for the victory. When Putin will feel that he is not strong, that he is alone, then peace will come.' In the hour-long documentary, Grylls can also be seen crossing the Ukrainian border with his security and filming team, placing his phone into a Farady cage to stop the phone signals being tracked. The Chief Scout also visited Irpin, a town near Kyiv that was a key battleground early in the invasion. He spoke to a journalist local to Kyiv, Elina Polyakova, whose father has died in the conflict. She expressed her grief and her sorrow that he will never be a grandfather. Bear Grylls interviewed a Ukrainian family who had returned to their home country and presented a new Scout badge to their son (pictured) Grylls was gifted Peremoha tea to drink on the occasion of the Ukrainian victory by the family he met there 'We will cry, after the victory. And it will be the tears of happiness,' she said. He also spoke to a Ukrainian family who had returned to the country, after finding it too difficult, living abroad. He presented the newest scout badge - a never give up badge - to the children of the family, who are Scouts. Grylls was gifted tea to drink on the occasion of the Ukrainian victory by the family. Bear Grylls is an experienced interviewer and has previously had discussions with U.S. President Barak Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bear Grylls also spoke to a journalist local to Kyiv, Elina Polyakova, whose father has died in the conflict. She said she was devastated that he wouldn't get to be a grandfather and held back tears during their interview Bear is one of several celebrities that have been invited to Ukraine to show their support. The most recent was Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom, who praised the 'incredibly stoic nature' of the Ukrainian people and encouraged Zelensky to 'go win' the war. The pair were seen in footage in the capital's presidential palace, where they discussed humanitarian projects and reconstruction efforts to help the children of Ukraine. In addition to Kyiv, Bloom visited Irpin and Demydiv. Britain's first intersex-inclusive train has been launched onto the UK's railway network. The multi-coloured Class 444 train will run on the South West main line between London Waterloo and Weymouth and had its first journey yesterday. Only staff from the LGBTQIA+ community crewed the train on its first run. On future journeys, straight, cisgender staff will be allowed to staff the train alongside their LGBTQIA+ colleagues. South Western Rail (SWR) said: 'We think our new livery looks fantastic and we've had some amazing feedback from colleagues and customers. 'We are really proud to stand with all the communities we serve. Everyone is welcome on SWR.' Britain's first intersex-inclusive train (pictured) has been launched onto the UK's railway network The multi-coloured Class 444 train will run on the South West main line between London Waterloo and Weymouth and had its first journey yesterday Pictured: SWR's Managing Director, Claire Mann (left), and Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Meek (right), alongside the flag's creator, Valentino Vecchietti Valentino Vecchietti, who created the flag design and founded Intersex Equality Rights UK, told MailOnline: 'I'm delighted that the LGBTIA+ staff network at South Western Railway chose to use the intersex-inclusive Pride flag on their Pride train this year!' Intersex people are those with differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy. The flag on the train was designed by Valentino Vecchietti, who added the purple circle to represent intersex people. The white, pink and blue stripes represent the trans community, while the black and brown ones stand for people of colour. The rainbow stripes have traditionally been used to symbolise the LGBT community. Intersex people are those with differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy. The purple circle on the flag represents intersex people The train was seen pulling out of Waterloo station for its maiden journey to Weymouth at 11.35am yesterday What is intersex? The I in LGBTQIA+ stands for 'intersex.' Intersex is an umbrella term for differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy. There are many possible differences in genitalia, hormones, internal anatomy, or chromosomes, compared to the usual two ways that human bodies develop. Pictured: The intersex-inclusive pride flag. The purple circle represents that people are 'born complete and perfect', intersex activist Valentino Vecchietti told MailOnline Some intersex traits are noticed at birth. Others don't show up until puberty or later in life. Source: interactadvocates.org Advertisement Many reacted with glee at seeing the intersex train launch. Train driver Mike Slatter, 40, said it was 'great to have been asked to drive the progressive #trainbow for its unveiling at Waterloo'. Valentino Vecchietti, who also founded Intersex Equality Rights UK, told MailOnline: 'I'm delighted that the LGBTIA+ staff network at South Western Railway chose to use the intersex-inclusive Pride flag on their Pride train this year! 'It's a wonderful way to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and equality in a way that now includes Intersex people.' She added: 'The purple hoop/circle in the flag represents that we are born complete and perfect as we are.' SWR chief Stuart Meek said: 'It is wonderful to have this train proudly flying the flag for equality on our network, furthering inclusion with the new Intersex-Inclusive flag design, and visibly showing our support for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and customers. 'SWR is one family, and we are committed to fostering a sense of togetherness and standing up for all of our customers and colleagues, and all of the communities we serve.' Weymouth Station Manager Bryce Hunt, who is also SWR's Pride Network chair, commented: 'Being proud of who you are is the opportunity to be openly expressive, loving, and honest. 'Our commitment to our colleagues and customers is that they can be unafraid of their true self and be met with understanding and support. 'Our Pride Network has released this new livery which shows our full commitment to the communities we serve internally and externally.' Charming, always impeccably dressed and often at the wheel of a large, glossy Mercedes, Nina Tiara was the very image of middle-class respectability. She was a businesswoman, she'd insist, and a very successful one too, with a home in the South of France, and a fortune in (variously) gold jewellery, gold bars and land in India, courtesy of her Indian-born parents. If she was often away from her 550,000 detached bungalow in a picturesque Wiltshire hamlet, neighbours had no reason to remark upon it. Now, of course, they know exactly why their well-heeled neighbour was rarely seen at home. For, from 2015 to 2019, 53-year-old Tiara was working, effectively, as a professional shoplifter. It was an astonishing, six-day-a-week operation that saw her driving the length and breadth of Britain in order to scam High Street shops out of hundreds of thousands of pounds. All together, investigators who finally brought Tiara's elaborate con to an end estimate the single mother's industrial-scale deception, which exploited a little-known loophole in the way retailers handle refunds for goods without a receipt, netted her more than half a million pounds some of which police found stuffed under a mattress in envelopes when they arrested her in September 2019. Charming, always impeccably dressed and often at the wheel of a large, glossy Mercedes, Nina Tiara (pictured) was the very image of middle-class respectability If she was often away from her 550,000 detached bungalow in a picturesque Wiltshire hamlet (pictured), neighbours had no reason to remark upon it As fraud investigator Stephen Tristram of the West Mercia Police tells the Mail: 'She was making, on average, over 2,000 a week. The scale was astonishing.' What is more astounding is that Tiara or Narinder Kaur, as she asked to go by in court has made a lifetime career out of deception, defrauding businesses and members of the public since she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl. And far from these being victimless crimes, on at least one occasion Tiara staged a terrifying campaign of harassment against a solicitor who'd threatened to expose her. At Gloucester Crown Court earlier this month, at the end of a four-month trial, Kaur was found guilty on 26 separate charges of fraud, possessing and transferring criminal property and perverting the course of justice. The court heard how she'd devised an intricate, complicated and lucrative system of getting cash refunds on stolen goods. As most honest customers know, retailers do not typically give cash refunds when goods are returned without a receipt. They give a credit note the same value as the item which can only be redeemed in that particular shop. Tiara's ruse exploited a weakness in the system. She'd walk into a shop with a branded carrier bag prominently in hand, then, when no one was looking, slip something into it, like a throw for example. Without leaving the store, Tiara would then continue browsing and select something for a similar amount of money to the throw say, a shirt which she wanted to 'buy'. She'd then approach the till, produce the carrier bag with the throw inside and claim she'd bought it some time ago and wanted to return it, but had lost the receipt (she'd sometimes go through a performance, digging through her purse for the mislaid piece of paper). Tiara - or Kaur as she went by in court - was found guilty on 26 separate charges of fraud, possessing and transferring criminal property and perverting the course of justice She'd ask if she could exchange the throw for the shirt, carefully choosing another small item let's say a pair of socks to push the total over the value of the throw. The switch would be made, and the new items would end up on the same receipt. Then, at a later date, she'd drive to another town and go to a branch of the same store with her 'legitimate' till receipt and claim a full cash refund for the shirt and socks. Performed again and again, it proved a highly lucrative scam. From Wales to Watford and up to Warrington, she would think nothing of covering hundreds of miles a day to chalk up fraudulent returns; using a series of hire cars to avoid her own car being detected as a frequent visitor on car park automatic number plate recognition software. When investigators pored over her bank accounts (there were many) and credit card bills they found payments totalling 5,172 to Boots, balanced out against 60,787 received, or 3,681 paid to Debenhams, against 42,853 received. It was long-winded ruse, set around a terrifyingly simple principle. 'She was caught quite a few times in the early stages [by store staff and police and had received multiple fines and cautions],' says Stephen Tristram. 'But she is very clever; a very, very manipulative woman. She learned from her mistakes.' At the time, stores were not routinely monitoring the scale of refunds to individual customers. But Tiara's actions triggered a collaboration between major retailers to get a court injunction banning her from setting foot in any of their stores. The loophole, meanwhile, is said to have been dramatically reduced. Born Narinder Kaur in Wolverhampton in 1970, Tiara's first brush with fraud was in 1985 when she was sentenced to five months' youth custody for staging a bogus sponsored walk. Tiara (pictured in TK Maxx) tricked stores out of thousands of pounds by returning items for refunds despite never purchasing them in the first place Details are scant the case was only referred to briefly six years later, when, aged 21 and a student at the local polytechnic, she appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court. This time she was prosecuted for a 72,000 mortgage fraud and for stealing 27,000 from her employers while working as a Saturday girl at a Safeway in Birmingham. She'd secured part-time jobs at various branches of the supermarket chain by giving false names and had been stuffing thousands of pounds from the tills into her shoes. She was caught when an eagle-eyed shopper spotted her slipping a 10 note into her footwear. Following her arrest, it then emerged she had fraudulently secured a 72,000 mortgage on her first home by claiming to be the self-employed boss of a cleaning firm; not only that, she had furnished the home and bought a 13,000 BMW. She was jailed for two years and nine months. And so the seeds were sown for the events of the next 30 years, during which time she was in and out of court, under a multitude of names, chalking up a string of fines, cautions, electronic tags and at least one restraining order. In 1993, when she was 23, she had a son who was educated at private schools in Worcestershire and who is now a high-flying professional working in London. Five years later, she married a Worcester businessman, by which time she had changed her name by deed poll to Nina Tiara. Tiara married at the impressive art deco Burgh Island Hotel, just off the coast of Bigbury on Sea in Devon, and the couple worked together at his employment agency, By 2009, she owned the Rajdoot Indian restaurant in leafy Cutnall Green, Droitwich, Worcestershire. As one former school-run acquaintance and local resident remembers: 'She liked nothing better on a Friday evening than to hold court.' Tiara's actions triggered a collaboration between major retailers to get a court injunction banning her from setting foot in any of their stores. Pictured: Tiara in TK Maxx) Attractive and charming, she styled herself 'Nina Naanbread', and made sure to remember her clientele's names and favourite dishes. 'Some people talked about the fact she wore an ankle tag, but none of us ever knew why,' says the acquaintance. 'She was a hardened businesswoman, always talking to customers about who she knew and business opportunities she was planning to invest in. 'The place was always packed at the weekends because the food was good, but it was dead during the week, so it wasn't a surprise when she put it up for sale about three years after she'd opened it.' By then her marriage had collapsed. And then there is Worcester solicitor Tracy Lowe, who has more reason than most to feel aggrieved at Tiara's exploits. She was setting up her own family law firm in Worcester in March 2012 when she hired Tiara then using her married name Nina Dalman as office manager. She was, Tracy remembers, 'charm personified'. It was only through a stroke of blind luck that Tracy discovered her employee was up to some dubious dealings. She'd been trying to inveigle herself access to the company accounts, and had also set up her own company, registering it at Companies House and giving Tracy's firm as the postal address. Gloucester Crown Court (pictured) heard how she'd devised an intricate, complicated and lucrative system of getting cash refunds on stolen goods Tracy only rumbled what was going on when her bank manager called saying Tiara was trying to add her own name to her boss's account. 'I think her motive was to launder money or commit fraud through my office,' says Tracy. What happened next was even more shocking. Tiara waged a sinister revenge campaign of harassment against Tracy, her husband and her business for the next five months. Signs were removed from outside the office building, phone calls and emails were redirected, prospective clients were told that Tracy was going to be struck off as a solicitor. There were threatening phone calls anonymous, of course and twisted posters distributed branding Tracy a 'child killer'. 'Sadly, I lost two children in a house fire many years ago. Nina knew this and her vindictiveness went as far as sending me and various people posters calling me a 'child killer solicitor'. You can imagine the impact that had on me,' says Tracy. A strong woman, not easily cowed, Tracy says she was scared when she returned home from work to find she had been sent a bullet in the post, accompanied by the chilling message that she had a 'past, present but no future'. The solicitor says the police were involved from the outset. 'I had dozens of messages and threats,' she says. 'There was not a day when something did not happen. 'She knew where I lived and seemed to know when I got up, as I would then get an anonymous call. It was as if she was watching us. I could recognise her voice and she sent me text messages, but it was always from untraceable numbers. She was very clever.' In June 2013, Worcester Magistrates Court imposed a five-year restraining order and a curfew. This week, back at Tiara's old haunts in Worcestershire, nobody is surprised by her downfall. 'Over-confident and flirtatious', is how a fellow school-run dad describes her. 'She was all about networking and looking for financial opportunities. She liked to give the impression she had money, although no one knew the truth.' Neighbours in Malvern, where Tiara moved nine years ago, remember her unusual habit of popping over to borrow things lamps, crockery, even to use their own shower because her water had mysteriously gone off. 'It felt to us as if she was just coming round to look in our house and we felt a bit uneasy about it,' say Vivien and John Watts. 'Once she realised we weren't going to be a pushover, she turned her attention to the neighbours on the other side of her. They were a nice couple and even invited her to their holiday home in Italy. Nina said if they took her there, they would be able to join her at her villa in the South of France but, of course, that never happened.' Vivien remembers Tiara disappearing, without a word, 18 months after moving in, an event that was followed a short time later by the arrival of police carrying out the first of four separate raids. 'They never told us what they were looking for, but they kept coming out with full black bin bags and stacks of paperwork,' says Vivien. The layers of Tiara's deception have been years in the unwrapping. Even when she was arrested in 2019 she remained defiant. While on bail she tampered with documents to alter her bail conditions, then went to Asda, where CCTV spotted her picking up an electric toothbrush and trying to get a refund. It was declined. 'She's probably unparalleled as a retail fraudster,' says Tristram. As for her own family, Tiara's parents are both dead and she is estranged from her brother. 'She's an embarrassment to us,' declared one man at a family address this week. While over in Sutton Coldfield, her brother-in-law says: 'We have no intention of getting in touch with her again. She's bad news. We want to stay a million miles away from her.' Police believe Tiara was up to her old habits right up to the start of her trial. She's now in custody and will be sentenced in April; whether she can change her ways remains to be seen. Additional reporting: Christine Challand Channel migrants will be housed on ex-military bases, disused ships and barges under plans to be announced today. The aim is to end a 'hotel farce' costing taxpayers more than 6million a day. Sites include an Essex airfield and RAF Scampton, home of the Dambusters squadron in the Second World War. The 'floating accommodation' could include disused cruise ships and ferries as well as barges with ship containers as living quarters. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick told the Cabinet yesterday the average cost of housing a migrant in a hotel had reached 150 a night, more than 6million a day in total. Offshore barges, similar to those used by construction crews (pictured), could be used to house migrants Those on the vessels would be allowed on to land for a limited time for exercise, according to reports 'He made it clear that the cost is completely unsustainable,' a source said. 'We need to start getting people out of expensive hotels and into more appropriate accommodation.' A surge in Channel migrants, coupled with a snail's-pace system for processing them, has led to the Home Office scouring the country for rooms. And the latest figures suggest that taxpayers are funding accommodation for more than 50,000 people in almost 400 hotels. A report by an official watchdog today warns that 3.5billion of foreign aid money was spent on dealing with asylum seekers and refugees in the UK last year nearly 10million a day with the Home Office being slammed for its profligacy. Sources said Mr Jenrick hoped to start moving new arrivals to military sites within weeks. Those already in hotels will be moved out as more accommodation comes on stream. Disused barracks, mobile homes and converted shipping containers will also be used. A government source said the accommodation would be 'appropriate' and would have access to medical facilities. Anti-migrant protesters at a demonstration outside the Beresford Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, on March 26. The hotel is housing around 200 asylum seekers Pictured: A former prison ship housing foreign workers at Grimsby docks could be similar to those the government wants to put migrants in Plans to turn RAF Scampton (pictured) into a migrant detention centre have sparked fury among locals RAF Scampton, which was home to the Dambusters' 617 Squadron (pictured here in 1943 at the airbase) has been listed as a site that could be turned into a migrant centre READ MORE HERE: Council applies for listed status for Dambusters' officers' mess at RAF Scampton in bid to block government plans to turn base into asylum seeker detention centre Advertisement The insider added: 'We think there will be an added deterrent effect simply from the fact that if you come here illegally you are no longer going to be put up in a Hilton and left to chill out for months on end.' Mr Sunak proposed putting Channel migrants on cruise ships during last summer's Tory leadership contest, saying it would help end the 'hotel farce'. The idea was dropped when he became PM last October but is back on the agenda as ministers scramble to secure large-scale facilities. The push for floating accommodation also reflects concerns about the level of local opposition to the use of military sites. The proposal to use the former Dambusters base has triggered outrage, with a council in Lincolnshire seeking listed status for part of the site to block it. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has indicated he supports opposition to housing thousands of migrants at a former military base at Wethersfield in his Essex constituency. The council there is seeking an injunction. Mr Sunak yesterday defended plans to deport to Rwanda anyone crossing the Channel illegally. In evidence to the Commons liaison committee, he said it was vital to tackle people-smuggling gangs by breaking the link between boarding a dinghy in France and starting a new life in the UK. The PM said those crossing the Channel illegally would be detained and swiftly removed, either to their home country or to a safe third country. Former Tory immigration minister Caroline Nokes questioned whether under-18s should be included in the removals policy. Rishi Sunak told MPs today it was important government policy doesn't 'incentivise people to bring children who wouldn't otherwise come here' She has likened Mr Sunak's 'horrendous' asylum plans to Donald Trump's 'caging of children'. But the PM hit back, saying: 'It's important that we don't inadvertently create a policy that incentivises people to bring children who wouldn't otherwise come here.' He played down hopes that flights to Rwanda could start by the summer, saying they could not begin until legal challenges brought by campaigners had been exhausted. Ministers have seen off a series of rebellions on the Illegal Migration Bill which is going through parliament. However, Conservative MPs on the Right of the party are pushing for assurances that the European Court of Human Rights will not be able to block the Rwanda asylum scheme. New data reveals 650,000 migrants to arrive this year and next Australia is set to see its biggest-ever immigration surge with government figures revealing 650,000 migrants are predicted to arrive this financial year and next. The sudden population boom is likely to put even greater pressure on the national housing crisis which has seen record rent rises as too many tenants compete for too few homes. But it will also ease workforce shortages which have caused chronic job vacancies where employers have struggled to find staff to fill positions, especially in retail, healthcare, hospitality and tourism. The revised migration data comes after just 300,000 migrants touched down in the country during the three years of pandemic lockdowns and lockouts. Treasury officials in 2019 predicted a total of 1.2million migrants would arrive in the country by the end of 2024, but that figure has now been revised down to 950,000. The latest analysis means the country is expected to see 650,000 migrants start a new life in Australia by the end of the 2024 financial year. Australia is predicted to see its biggest two-year population growth ever with some 650,000 migrants arriving this financial year (pictured, skilled workers) At least 350,000 are predicted to settle in Australia this financial year with 300,000 more in the following 12 months. The previous record high over two financial years was 577,000 migrants in 2008 and 2009 under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The sudden surge in the population is set to deliver a budget windfall to the government with a boost in consumer spending and taxes to help economic growth. But it will add to the deepening homes crisis, with housing supply unable to meet the needs of renters, while soaring interest rates and the high cost of living have curbed property sales. The rapid rise in immigration will see Australia's population pushing 27million by June next year and tipped to hit almost 30million in 2033 according to Treasury projections. More than half of the expected migrants arrived in Australia as part of the post-Covid boom in skilled workers, international students and working holiday-makers. In the first three months of this financial year, from July to September 2022, a record 106,000 migrants arrived in Australia, reports The Australian. They were part of a wave of 304,000 immigrants arriving in the country in the year to September as borders reopened after Covid restrictions shut Australia down. It was the highest population rise since March 2009, but is set to be overshadowed by the flood of migrants now predicted in the 15 months ahead. Jim Chalmers has revealed net overseas migration this financial year is likely to be 350,000, a 50 per cent rise on what was expected in the October budget and January's annual population statement. He said the sudden growth will be a key factor in the Albanese Government's second budget, set to be delivered in six weeks which will focus on cost-of-living relief. Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy told a Senate hearing last month temporary migration had recovered faster than expected. 'Net overseas migration numbers are being artificially boosted this year by the resumption of inward flows of international students and working holidaymakers,' Dr Kennedy said. 'Coupled with broad softening in hiring demand, increases in net overseas migration should help to ease skill and labour shortages, particularly for the hospitality and retail sectors.' The high number of migrants, tourists and working holidaymakers is expected to boost spending, government tax take and the demand for services. Jim Chalmers said the sudden growth will be accounted for in the Albanese Government's second budget (pictured, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon) In particular, the influx of migrants has fed concerns about Australia's housing shortage and limited rental market. 'Bigger is not better, it's just bigger,' economist Chris Richardson said. 'It's good for the construction industry. We haven't been building enough homes. 'Covid pushed us into smaller households but we definitely need more supply.' Following 10 consecutive interest rate rises, National Australia Bank economists said rent has been driven up by about 11 per cent in major cities. 'This has contributed to a sharp tightening in the rental market where vacancy rates have fallen to around or below 1 per cent in most cities,' NAB said. Government sources insist the spike in migration is temporary and will return to the pre-Covid 10-year annual average of around 230,000 migrants after 2024. The IRS visited Twitter Files journalist Matt Taibbi's home on the same day that he gave evidence to Congress on the 'weaponization' of the federal government. The federal agent showed up at his New Jersey property and left a note on March 9 - and now House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is demanding an explanation over the visit. According to the report in the WSJ, the note left by IRS asked Taibbi to call them four days later - and when he did, an agent told him his tax returns from 2018 and 2021 had been rejected. They said the rejection was based upon identity theft concerns. Taibbi gained the attention of millions of viewers with the first installment of the Twitter Files - focusing on its internal discussions leading them to censor the Hunter Biden laptop during the 2020 presidential election. The IRS visit occurred on the same day that the journalist appeared in front of the Select Subcommittee on the 'weaponization of the federal government.' Independent journalist Matt Taibbi testifies before the House committee about the 'Twitter Files' on March 9 - the same day that an IRS agent showed up at his house in New Jersey He was testifying on what he learned from the Twitter Files - which were a series of internal Twitter documents made public after Elon Musk released them to Taibbi. The journalist wrote on Twitter: 'For those asking, I dont want to comment on the IRS issue pending an answer to chairman Jim Jordans letter. Im not worried for myself, but I did feel the Committee should be aware of the situation.' In a follow up tweet, he added: 'Ive been reassured now that theres no problem, but I still look forward to hearing an explanation.' Chairman Jim Jordan sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and the Department of Treasury, demanding to know why Taibbi's home was visited by the IRS. According to Taibbi, the 2018 and 2021 tax issues were not to do with money, and in fact, the IRS owed him money, WSJ reported. In 2018, documents he gave the committee show that the IRS accepted his electronic filings, and nothing had been flagged about it in the last five years. In 2021, his return was rejected twice despite his accountants refiling with an IRS-provided PIN number. On March 9, the House panel probing the 'weaponization' of the federal government' and the subsequent release of the 'Twitter Files,' kicked off with a fiery start as the Republican-led hearing began with sniping attacks between Rep. Jim Jordan and the ranking member, Rep. Stacey Plaskett. Chairman Jim Jordan sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and the Department of Treasury, asking why Matt Taibbi's home was visited by the IRS The chairman's opening statements included a tirade against the 'cozy relationship' between Big Tech and government agencies, with particular ire against Twitter for suppressing a story in 2020 about the release of embarrassing emails and photos from Hunter Biden's laptop. Jordan claimed that Twitter executives were tipped off that the Bidens would be the target of a 'hack and leak operation' by U.S. government officials, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 'What a coincidence,' Jordan snarked. Plaskett retorted that Republicans are pushing a misleading narrative and possess questionable motives. 'There is something going on between Congressional Republicans and Elon Musk,' she said. 'Mr. Chairman, Americans can see through this. Musk is helping you out politically, and you're going out of your way to promote and protect him, and to praise him for his work.' 'Ridiculous!' snapped Jordan as he continued to bicker with Plaskett, who complained that the Democrats didn't get access to letters from the Federal Trade Commission until 8 p.m. the night before the hearing. The chairman introduced the witnesses, including journalists Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, who were given access by Musk to review 'voluminous' amounts of Twitter's internal communications on possible working relationships between social media companies and government agencies. In his opening statement, Taibbi told the panel that he attracted intense public interest when the first 'Twitter Files' reports came out. 'My computer looked like a slot machine as just the first tweet about the blockage of the Hunter Biden laptop story registered 143 million impressions and 30 million engagements.' Richard Gere made an appearance on Capitol Hill Tuesday where he praised the rare bipartisan show of support for a bill to stand up against China's abuses of the Tibetan region. 'Have you ever seen an event where Democrats and Republicans get along this well?' the Pretty Woman star said as he stood flanked by a number of Republicans and Democrats. 'We're at a moment of reevaluating our relationship with the Chinese communist party -- can they ever tell the truth?,' added Gere, who found Buddhism in the late 70s after meeting with Tibetan Buddhist monks in Nepal. He is a friend of the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India after the Chinese takeover of Tibet. Seventy-three-year-old Gere has testified in Congress on the matter before, and gave warm hugs to Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Rep. Jim McGovern, Mass., top Democrat on the Rules committee. The actor was also joined by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. McCaul said that he promised Gere the Free Tibet Act would get a markup in the Foreign Affairs Committee so he could 'get it to the House floor.' US actor and Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet Richard Gere attends a bipartisan press conference to highlight the important plight of the Tibetans Gere found Buddhism in the late 70s after meeting with Tibetan Buddhist monks in Nepal. He is a friend of the Dalai Lama The bill would allow the president to recognize the 'Tibet Autonomous Region' as a separate and independent country from China as the Chinese Communist Party has ruled the region since the 1950s. 'Our bill rejects the [Chinese Communist Party's] claims that their tyranny over Tibet is a legitimate government, and asserts that the people of Tibet have a say in their future,' McCaul said at the news conference. Testifying before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Gere accused Chinese authorities of separating Tibetan families, prohibiting their language, destroying religious sites and engaging in nonconsensual DNA collection. 'For decades, as we know, the Chinese Communist Party's ethnic policies have been largely predicated on containment, denial, destruction and assimilation,' said Gere. Gere accused Beijing of 'cruelty, collective violence and persecution' of the Tibetan people, whom he said were repressed by a 'pervasive surveillance system.' Gere accused Beijing of 'cruelty, collective violence and persecution' of the Tibetan people, whom he said were repressed by a 'pervasive surveillance system The actor gave out warm hugs to members of Congress before the Tibet news conference McCaul said that he promised Gere the Free Tibet Act would get a markup in the Foreign Affairs Committee so he could 'get it to the House floor' The bill would also amend the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 to direct the State Department to publish periodic reports on countering disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government. 'When it comes to Tibet, we are running out of time, and we need to do something different,' McGovern said at Tuesday's presser. 'Let's get this bill passed and send a clear and unambiguous message to the people of Tibet and the Chinese government that the whole world is watching what happens. We will not remain silent.' A new report has laid bare the most disaster-prone counties in the US - unmasking communities in California and Florida as some of the most dangerous. The findings may come as little surprise to some, given coastal states' increased likelihood of being struck by natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. Coincidentally, those phenomenon - recently represented by rampaging Hurricane Ian and a slew of summer fires - serve as the two most common culprits among the counties deemed most threatening to residents. In all, 25 counties were analyzed, with 19 of them split between the Golden and Sunshine states. The next-riskiest state, in terms of number of counties represented, was Louisiana - another locale notorious for extreme weather events - with three of its southernmost counties, including New Orleans, appearing in the top ten. A new report has laid bare the most disaster-prone counties in the US - unmasking communities in California and Florida as some of the most dangerous The worst offender was Los Angeles County, a region historically wrought by wildfires. Pictured are firefighters battling a blaze in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in 2019 - a fire that accounted for one of the county's 22 disasters seen over the past decade The worst offender, however, was Los Angeles County, according to Forbes Advisor, who tallied the highest number of Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations over the past decade when tabulating the results. According to the data published Monday, the county housing well-heeled cities like LA and Long Beach accounted for 22 weather- and climate-related disasters since 2013. For reference, the entire nation recorded 341 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters over the past 43 years, amounting to damages to the tune of roughly $2.48trillion. The county's dubious reputation, however, has done little to deter the roughly 9,861,224 residents estimated to live in the region as of last year - a population greater than that of 40 individual US states combined. For decades, the region has been subject to a spate of wildfires each summer - a phenomenon that was bolstered this year by a blistering heat wave that led California Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a state of emergency. The region is also subject to earthquakes - yet another natural disaster residents have to be wary of. Coming in second was East Baton Rouge Parish and Orleans Parish in Louisiana, both tied for second - and both being two of three counties in the top 25 from the Bayou State. For decades, the region has been subject to a spate of wildfires each summer - a phenomenon that was bolstered this year by a blistering heat wave that led Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a state of emergency. Seen here is a Santa Ana firefighter fighting another LA wildfire in 2020 Coming in second was East Baton Rouge Parish and Orleans Parish in Louisiana, both tied for second - and both two of three counties from the Bayou State, which is one of the most at risk for the most common natural disaster, hurricanes The three regions in Louisiana are located on the state's southern side, along the Atlantic, and are thus bombarded with hurricanes yearly Coincidentally, the third and last Louisiana county to grace the list, Jefferson Parish, snagged the next top spot - tied with LA neighbor Riverside County at fourth. Moreover, the three regions in Louisiana are located on the state's southern side, along the Atlantic, and are thus bombarded with hurricanes on an almost annual basis. Cities included in those counties include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Jefferson - all situated in zones at risk of seasonal hurricanes. Tied at sixth with another California county - NorCal's Sonoma - was the sole region hailing from arid Nevada, which while not coastal, is at extreme risk of wildfires. Set directly on the state's shared border with northern California - whose redwood trees regularly serve as fuel for spreading flames - Washoe County houses cities such as Reno and Sparks, and recorded 14 disasters over the past decade. Sonoma, meanwhile, located 30 miles north of San Francisco, is located over that border roughly 300 miles southwest, in one of those densely wooded areas known to be at risk of wildfires. Northern LA neighbor Ventura County also made the list, due to an abundance of wildfires. A man is seen staring at 2013's Springs fire from his home in Camarillo Rounding at the top ten was Charleston, one of two South Carolina counties to make the list, followed by another tie between northern LA neighbor Ventura County, and Florida's Duval - a region recently overwrought by flooding brought by Hurricane Ian. Several other Ian victims - all situated along Florida's east or Gulf coasts - made an appearance as well, such as Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Those three came as part of 13-way tie between ten more Florida counties, such as Hillsborough, Pinellas, Brevard, Seminole. All experienced 11 disasters over the past decade. Gun laws in Tennessee have relaxed in recent years after lawmakers stripped requirements for background checks and permits, and enacted laws expanding concealed carry. Nashville mass shooter Audrey Hale purchased seven guns locally despite having received treatment for an emotional disorder that was not reported to authorities. Despite Hale's massacre taking the lives of six people at the Covenant School in Nashville, the state's GOP lawmakers are pushing numerous bills which would further broaden access to firearms, with Rep. Rusty Grills spearheading part of the effort. One bill would allow members of staff at schools to carry guns on campus, another would allow permit holders to bring guns to college campuses, and another would further expand concealed carry. Below is the current state of gun laws in the Tennessee. Protestors demonstrating against gun laws in Tennessee after the Monday mass shooting Rep. Rusty Grills is one of Tennessee's GOP lawmakers spearheading expanded gun rights The Tennessee state constitution clearly states that its residents 'have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.' Those rights include permitless concealed and unconcealed carry of handguns for people over 21, which Governor Bill Lee signed into law in 2021, according to ABC News. 'I signed constitutional carry today because it shouldn't be hard for law-abiding Tennesseans to exercise their #2A rights,' Lee tweeted at the time. Handgun buyers are not required to undergo any background checks or training, and members of law enforcement and the military between the ages of 18 and 20 are not required to have a permit to carry a handgun. The state allows anybody over the age of 18 to purchase a shotgun or rifle without a permit, according to ABC News, but they are not allowed to carry them if 'if it is not concealed on or about the person and must be unloaded.' Residents with felony convictions, DUIs, and reported mental health problems are not allowed to purchase or carry handguns. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation told NBC News 'voluntary treatment for mental conditions are not prohibiting' factors for owning or buying a gun in the state. 'Also, in Tennessee, the only ones disqualified from purchasing a firearm are the ones who have been involuntarily committed by a judge,' the Bureau added. Gun owners are barred from taking weapons to schools, public parks, anywhere that serves alcohol, or two government buildings. Private establishments are allowed to bar guns so long as their rules are clearly displayed, according to ABC. There is no limit on the number of guns you can buy in Tennessee, according to WATE. Mass shooter Audrey Hale owned at least even guns despite having an emotional condition Audrey Hale walking through the Covenant School with one of her guns on Monday Hale brought three guns with her to carry out her massacre on Monday - two rifles and a pistol. Following the shooting, police could be seen carrying the rest of her gun collection out of her family home. At a press conference on Monday, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said of her family 'felt she had one weapon and that she had sold it. She was under doctors' care for an emotional disorder. 'Her parents felt like she should not own weapons, and they were under the impression that she didn't own any anymore. But she had been hiding several within the house.' He added that Hale's mother saw her leave the house with a red bag yesterday and asked her briefly what it contained. 'She dismissed it, thinking it was just a motherly thing.' Despite being under doctors' care, her 'emotional disorder' had not been reported to the authorities. Had it been reported - or had a more thorough background check been conducted - she may have been prevented from buying the weapons. JK Rowling has said her stance on women's rights has led people who disagree with her to threaten her family. The Harry Potter author, who has been outspoken in her views on gender and single-sex spaces, said she doesn't regret vocalising her position despite the abuse she's received. However, she added she was disappointed at the lack of support from the literary world including publishers who 'should stand for the plurality of views'. Earlier this week Rowling hit out at 'repellent' trans rights activists after Let Women Speak organiser Kellie-Jay Keen was hit with tomato sauce, branding them a 'mob'. And on Tuesday she warned new SNP leader he would 'disappear through the ice' behind his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon if he continued her battle to push through gender reforms. JK Rowling, pictured here wearing a shirt that reads 'Nicola Sturgeon - destroyer of women's rights', says she has received threats against her family after speaking out on gender issues Earlier this week Rowling hit out at a 'mob' of trans rights activists who stopped a speech by Let Women Speak organiser Kellie-Jay Keen in Auckland, New Zealand The 57-year-old told the pre-recorded The Witch Trials of JK Rowling podcast that she would continue to speak out and be vocal in her opinions, even if that brought abuse her way. She said: 'Although I don't regret anything, I've had concerns for my family's safety, and some of the threats haven't been too amusing to me. 'There has been fall-out in my life, inevitably, but I still don't regret standing up.' She added she had 'lost a degree of faith' in the publishing industry, which is 'the industry I know best'. She said: 'I've been shocked by the positions publishing has taken. I think if publishers don't stand for anything else they should stand for the plurality of views. 'If I think about the people I most admire, the writers I admire, when it mattered, they stood up. 'They didn't sit at home and worry about their royalties or worry about their public image greatly. 'I have never wanted to be famous, so if you're very invested in that, then of course this is going to destroy you. 'I don't say this in any self-aggrandising way but, I think it could have destroyed some people if that's where you're very invested, what has happened to me in the last few years. 'I think there's no hope that you will come out with your mental health intact or that you wouldn't be offering false apologies.' Rowling, pictured here with Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe at a film premiere in 2009, said she was disappointed with the lack of support she had received from the literary world Campaigner Posie Parker was covered in tomato sauce by trans rights activists at a rally in Auckland, New Zealand READ MORE HERE: JK Rowling warns new SNP leader he will 'disappear through the ice' behind Nicola Sturgeon if he continues her gender rights battle Advertisement Rowling has been outspoken on gender issues in recent years and has received abuse from trans rights activists in response to her opinions. The author has been campaigning for women's rights and female-only spaces amid safety fears predatory men could poses as trans women to use them. In recent days she has hit out at activists who stopped women's rights' campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen - who also goes by the name Posie Parker - from speaking at a rally in Auckland, New Zealand. Parker was doused with tomato juice at the rally on Saturday, forcing her to leave the protest early in the back of a police car. The same day in London, trans activists gathered outside an event held by The Lesbian Project - it's first workshop which it says aims to put 'lesbians back in focus'. Harry Potter author Rowling shared a tweet from one of the workshop's attendees, which claimed that activists outside were aiming to disrupt the meeting and 'protesting that lesbians are meeting without men present'. Rowling responded to the tweet claiming that those attending the meeting in Euston were 'being intimidated and threatened.' Rowling went on to say in her tweet that those gathering in New Zealand at Parker's rally were equivalent to a 'mob' and that they had 'assaulted women speaking up for their rights'. Rowling previously wore a t-shirt designed by Posie Parker. It reads 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of women's rights' after a Holyrood inquiry approved plans to allow Scots to self-identify their legal gender without medical proof. And yesterday she responded to an Australian trans rights activist who posted a video of one of her Harry Potter books being burned. Footage shared online on Monday by an Australian trans rights activist showed one of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books being burned In the video Hall complained about 'hate' being directed to the trans community while the book burned Rowling responded by sarcastically writing: 'I love that you added "all rights reserved", just in case people try to submit to the Academy Awards without your approval The disturbing footage from Tess Hall was posted on a public Twitter feed and showed a fire pit before the novel was added in. Over video of the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, being torched, Ms Hall bemoans the 'hate we've been seeing of late' without a hint of irony. She uploaded the video with the caption 'a fireside reflection on fanning the flames of hate', adding: 'Tess Hall 2023 - All Rights Reserved'. But her pyrotechnic stunt drew the attention the best-selling author behind the magical character, who shared it with her 14 million followers and roundly mocked Ms Hall. 'I love that you added 'all rights reserved', just in case people try and submit to the Academy Awards without your approval,' she told Ms Hall. The Guardian was founded as the Manchester Guardian in 1821 by cotton merchant John Edward Taylor (1791-1844). Taylor became a merchant after being apprenticed to a cotton manufacturer at the age of 14, rising to become a partner in the business seven years later. He began to write political articles for newspapers and journals, including the Manchester Gazette, and decided to set up his own newspaper after witnessing the Peterloo Massacre in the city in 1819. Taylor was radicalised by what he saw at Peterloo, where a military cavalry charge left 15 dead and hundreds injured in an ill-judged attempt to scatter a crowd of 60,000 protesters. Taylor discovered that the only reporter from a national newspaper, John Tyas of The Times, had been arrested and imprisoned in what Taylor feared was a government attempt to suppress news of the event. Founder: Cotton merchant John Edward Taylor founded the Manchester Guardian in 1821 Slaves picking cotton on a plantation in the fields in 1800 He teamed up with 11 liberal-minded textile owners from Manchester then the centre of the cotton industry and known as Cottonopolis to finance the venture, at a cost of 1,050. The first edition appeared on May 5, 1821, as a four-page weekly newspaper costing 7d (seven old pence). The Manchester Guardian went on to side with the slave-owning South in the American Civil War and it was only after Taylors nephew, C P Scott, took the helm as editor in 1872 that the paper began to forge the liberal independent identity that it is now known for. The slave trade was abolished in the British Empire in 1807 but it was another 26 years before the Abolition of Slavery Act finally banned the ownership of other humans in Britain and its colonies. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that nothing would stop him from visiting Northern Ireland after the region's terrorism threat level was increased to 'severe' less than two weeks before the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Although Biden's trip has yet to be confirmed by the White House, DailyMail.com revealed that he is expected to visit Belfast and Dublin next month. On Tuesday, Britain's MI5 security service increased its risk assessment from 'substantial' after police were targeted by politically-motivated groups. That makes no difference to President Biden, who has talked excitedly for months about his plans to visit the island of his ancestors. 'They can't keep me out,' he told DailyMail.com as he spoke with reporters under the wing of Air Force One before returning from a day trip to North Carolina. However, the new assessment will cast a shadow over plans to welcome VIPs to Belfast next month to celebrate an accord that helped end decades of violence. President Joe Biden said a higher terror alert level in Northern Ireland would make little difference to plans for a visit. 'They can't keep me out,' he said Biden is one of the American dignitaries expected in Northern Ireland next month to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Belfast Agreement that ended decades of violence Former President Bill Clinton, who was in power at the time, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are among the dignitaries flying across the Atlantic. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris revealed the shift in a statement to British Members of Parliament earlier on Tuesday. Sectarian tensions have been rising for some time, with the most high-profile incident being the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. American officials played down the possible impact on travel plans. 'No, it does not have any potential implications for future travel,' White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton told reporters aboard Air Force One. 'I think, as some of you may be aware, according to the UK authorities, this announcement returned Northern Ireland to the threat levels that they have been at for the last 12 years, reversing a downgrade that occurred just last year.' Even so, the situation has threatened to snowball against the backdrop of a row over post-Brexit rules. The pro-British Democratic Unionist Party has been refusing to participate in power-sharing in protest over import rules - with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's new Windsor Framework package so far not succeeding in bringing them back to Stormont. The Northern Ireland terrorism threat level has been raised to 'severe' from 'substantial' - meaning an attack is considered highly likely, according to an MI5 assessment Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris made the announcement on the threat level Biden's NI visit will 'advance peace', says Tony Blair Joe Biden's visit to Northern Ireland will help 'advance peace', Tony Blair has said. The ex-PM played down concerns that the US president's proud Irish heritage might prevent him being seen as an honest broker. In an interview with the UK's ITV television station ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement he helped forge, Blair said people were 'right' to criticize the way one party could grind powersharing to a halt. But he cautioned that a review of the pact could only work if all the sides agreed what should be done. Blair said he hoped that the DUP will eventually get on board with Rishi Sunak's new Windsor Framework that reworks the post-Brexit Protocol. 'The Good Friday Agreement has the ability to be reviewed. It's one of the provisions in the agreement,' he said. 'The problem is, if you want to change existing arrangements, it's very difficult to do that unless you have all the principal parties on board. 'People are completely right when they say, why should one partner (have) veto over the whole system. 'In the end, there is a good case for reviewing it. But you're only going to get a successful review if everyone is on board.' Asked about Biden previously comparing the plight of the Irish Catholics under the British to the treatment of Palestinians by Israelis, Blair said: 'You know, I've known Joe Biden for a long, long time. And he's got a strong Irish heritage, (of) which he's very proud. 'But I would be extremely surprised if President Biden comes to Northern Ireland and does anything other than advance the process.' Advertisement The threat level for the rest of the UK remains at 'substantial', meaning an attack is considered 'likely'. Northern Ireland's level had been lowered to substantial a year ago the first time it had been altered since 2010. Biden was invited to Northern Ireland by Sunak earlier this month. 'I know it's something very special and personal to you. We'd love to have you,' the prime minister told the American president. Biden responded by saying he had every intention of taking up the invitation soon. An invitation from the Republican of Ireland followed soon after. Biden is among the American politicians who can claim a role in helping push through the deal. He was a member of the Senate foreign relations committee which nudged the Clinton administration to deploy its political clout and broker the deal. His Irish heritage has been a frequent touchstone for his political speeches, and he has described how his family left their homeland 'because of what the Brits were doing.' Last year, on St. Patrick's Day, he set out what his Irish heritage gave to him and other Irish emigrants. 'Hope is what brought forth on the Emerald Isle a nation of poets and patriots, saints, scholars, artists, and engineers,' he said at the White House. 'Hope kept us looking toward the far horizon. It urges us over every obstacle. It tells us to try again when we fall short, to rise each time we fall.' Mr Heaton-Harris said the threat level review 'takes into account a range of factors and analysis of recent incidents'. 'The decision to change the threat level is taken by MI5, independently of ministers,' he said. 'The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. 'Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society. The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society. 'However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. 'In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland Related Terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. 'These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. 'I pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and security partners, and the determination and resilience of the Northern Ireland people, who are making Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work. 'The political future of Northern Ireland rests with the democratic will of the people and not the violent actions of the few. Together we will ensure there is no return to the violence of the past.' Biden accepted the invitation to visit Northern Ireland from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a meeting in San Diego earlier this month. He is also invited to the Republic of Ireland DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on the Government to fund more police officers in the region. 'It is bad news for Northern Ireland when the risk of further attacks moves to "likely" or "very likely",' he said. 'I look forward to a day when the threat level is removed but to get there the community must stand with the police and demonstrate there is no space for terrorism in Northern Ireland in 2023. 'The Government made a commitment to help fund 7,500 officers in the PSNI but have not yet made good on that promise. 'With police officers facing such a threat, now is the time for the Government to provide that additional funding to ensure the Police Service of Northern Ireland has the full capacity to meet this threat.' Royal Mail on brink of collapse after privatisation in 2013 as union talks go on When Royal Mail was privatised in 2013, the then business secretary Sir Vince Cable said the move would 'secure a healthy future for the company'. A decade later, the group is on the brink of collapse. Long-running talks between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are now at a critical stage, with the next 24 to 48 hours seen as key to settling the dispute. If there is no breakthrough, Royal Mail bosses at parent group International Distributions Services have threatened to pull the plug, putting the postal service into some form of administration. Such a move would be politically explosive and leave Royal Mail in uncharted territory. Suffice to say, the Government would be called in to ensure some sort of service remains. Rishi Sunak will not want the demise of a postal service whose heritage dates back to 1516 when Henry VIII set it up to happen on his watch. This may be seen as a negotiating tactic by bosses. But sources insist they are not bluffing. No longer first class: Postal workers' union is resistant to modernisation They have already changed the parent company name to International Distributions Services and threatened to break it up, separating the loss-making British arm Royal Mail and the profitable European logistics offshoot GLS. The company has been rocked by 18 days of strikes since August last year, costing it 200million so far. Particularly damaging were the strikes over Christmas that left piles of cars and presents undelivered. This at a time when the price of stamps is rising sharply. The cost of a first class stamp will top 1 for the first time next week, rising from 95p to 1.15 on Monday, while a second class stamp is going up to 75p. Talks to resolve the strikes have been ongoing since the end of last year and there are signs there may be some movement on pay. But the row is about more than salaries. Royal Mail wants to make changes to the way postal staff do their jobs, including changes to when they clock on and sick pay. The unions remain resistant and further strikes are a real possibility. The threat of strikes at Royal Mail is nothing new, of course. The CWU threatened to walk out around the time of privatisation a decade ago when shares in the company were sold to investors at 330p each. The strikes were averted, and the sale of Royal Mail by the Government into private hands saw employees given 10 per cent of the shares. The stock topped 600p in 2018. Any posties who cashed out then almost doubled their money. But those who hung on have lost out. The slow death of snail mail has hit the letters business hard while the more successful Parcelforce arm faces ever stiffer competition from the likes of Evri, DHL, DPD and Yodel. Thousands of striking Royal Mail workers and supporters attend a rally organised by the CWU at Parliament Square on December 9, last year And there has been upheaval at the top. Former chief executive Rico Back left in 2020 after just two years in the job, replaced by Keith Williams, a former chief executive of British Airways famed for settling a bitter industrial dispute at the airline a decade earlier. He has, so far, failed to emulate his BA successes. And his new chief executive Simon Thompson has not been without controversy. Earlier this month he was accused by MPs of 'either an unacceptable level of incompetence or an unacceptable level of cluelessness' about the company he runs. Ten years after privatisation and more than 500 years on from its creation by Henry VIII the future of Royal Mail has rarely looked so imperilled. Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. With her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris was insisting on remembering the painful past - even as, earlier in the day, she'd envisioned a grand future between the U.S. and Africa, propelled by innovation on the continent. 'The horror of what happened here must always be remembered,' she said from the fort. 'It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned.' Harris' remarks come as many in the United States rail against controversial Critical Race Theory, which teaches children about America's history through the lens of racism, including lessons about slavery, white privilege, and unconscious bias. The nation's first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Biden's administration to visit Africa, as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. Vice President Kamala Harris lays a wreath at Cape Coast Castle in Ghana on Tuesday. It was one of around 40 'slave castles' that served as prisons and embarkation points for slaves en route to the Americas Harris and Emhoff look at the cannons as they tour the former 'slave castle' in Ghana Tuesday Last month, first lady Dr. Jill Biden also visited the continent. The castle tour came on Harris's second day of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Cape Coast Castle is one of dozens of fortresses in West Africa that held slaves, and he Ghanaian government has viewed preserving them as part of its historical responsibility. Harris skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish 'that reeks from this place,' and the horrors endured by the people who passed through those walls: mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived, she said, were sold into bondage in the Americas. 'And yet, they survived,' she said, her voice cracking with emotion. She said the endurance and determination of the African diaspora in the world should be admired. 'All of us, regardless of our background, have benefitted from their fight for freedom and justice,' she said. The couple walked along the stone ramparts flanked by cannons, pausing to look out over the sea. They passed through white archways and down a darkened path leading through the infamous 'door of no return,' through which slaves left the coast and never came back. Harris choked back tears, her hand on her mouth, as she approached. She placed a bouquet of white flowers, given to her during the arrival ceremony, at the entrance to a women's dungeon nearby. Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff listen to a guide as they tour Cape Coast Castle Vice President Kamala Harris spoke after her tour of the castle. 'The horror of what happened here must always be remembered,' she said Harris (center) and Emhoff (right) dressed in traditional garb as they arrived in Ghana earlier Tuesday Harris addresses young people gathered on Black Star square in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday Tour guide Kwesi Blankson said he told the vice president about how captives would sometimes gaze up through the holes in the dungeon ceiling and pray to the gods and sing songs. He sang one to her, about wishing for death, 'because death means freedom.' He described the tour as a solemn moment, 'like a graveyard.' Harris has proved to be a potent messenger in Ghana, and thousands waited hours earlier Tuesday at Independence Square for a chance to see her speak at the Black Stone Gate monument. 'Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first black vice president of the United States,' she said to huge cheers from the crowd. 'And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child.' Tracy Sika Brobbey said 'it's a special moment' to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris 'gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible.' 'It's like a blessing,' she added. During her remarks at the monument, Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning 'a future that is propelled by African innovation.' Much of her remarks there focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. It's something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. 'We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities,' Harris said, highlighting the continent's innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided 'not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners.' Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. 'Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles,' she said. 'The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create one's own future.' U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africa's future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. 'Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own,' she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them 'dreamers and innovators;' Africas population has a median age of 19. 'It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future.' 'Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation,' she said. Dominic Raab has vowed to fight 'spurious' attempts to block a new ministerial veto on dangerous offenders winning parole. The Government's Victims and Prisoners Bill, to be unveiled later today, will give the Justice Secretary new powers to overturn decisions by the Parole Board. Mr Raab confirmed prisoners could face successive vetoes if ministers are not convinced it is safe to release them - meaning offenders could serve many more years in jail. The Bill contains a range of tougher conditions on the release of the most serious offenders, amid widespread concern about parole panels being too soft following scandals over Black Cab rapist John Worboys and double child-killer Colin Pitchfork. Mr Raab said: 'I am confident that it is lawful, but we shouldn't allow the risk of spurious litigation to stop us doing what's right. Dominic Raab has vowed to fight 'spurious' attempts to block a new ministerial veto on dangerous offenders winning parole 'I don't think it's any secret that the Parole Board don't like this. 'The Parole Board rather regard this as a balancing act exercise. 'And I think you can see that I want to take this in a different direction. 'Parole Board decisions should be, if you like, an inquisitorial fact-finding exercise. If this individual poses a risk to the public, they should not be released.' The veto will only apply to the most dangerous offenders including murderers, rapists, terrorists and those convicted of causing the death of a child. Last month the Mail revealed the head of the Parole Board had questioned the legality of Mr Raab's veto plan. Martin Jones, its chief executive, said the move was likely to trigger multiple challenges in the courts and cost the taxpayer huge sums. Mr Raab confirmed that prisoners could face successive vetoes if ministers are not convinced it is safe to release them He suggested the veto would face legal challenge under the European Convention on Human Rights and domestic laws, and described it as a 'really expensive way to keep a prisoner in jail for a few months until it's overturned'. Justice sources said last night that current methods used by the Parole Board to assess the risk posed by dangerous offenders are 'surprisingly thin'. Other measures in the Bill include barring prisoners serving a 'whole life' order from marrying behind bars. It comes after serial killer Levi Bellfield - whose victims included 13-year-old Milly Dowler - last year applied for permission to wed a woman who had been visiting him in high security Frankland jail, County Durham. Asked whether he could prevent Bellfield's application, Mr Raab said he was 'using all my powers that I've got at the moment from stopping that happening'. He added that it would ultimately depend whether the new measures are made law in time. Mr Raab said of the new powers: 'When I've looked at this, there is a history of vulnerable, vulnerable women who have become pen pals with serial killers or particularly nasty offenders who get into relationships and then there is an issue around marriage. 'We're doing this as a safeguarding issue but also as a public confidence in the justice system issue.' The Bill will also require parole panels to include an ex-police officer in the most serious cases, in a bid to toughen up decision-making. Victims will be given new rights to challenge decisions by the police and prosecutors, and it will be made easier for them to lodge complaints to an ombudsman. Just 2 per cent of car thefts result in a suspect being charged, according to shocking figures. The analysis reveals that more than 70 per cent of thefts are also going unsolved in communities across England and Wales. MPs last night said the data from the House of Commons library left them wondering if car theft had been 'decriminalised'. It sparked accusations that police are spending too much time on promoting 'woke' causes and policing comments on the internet rather than fighting street-level crime. The analysis shows that, of more than 97,000 car thefts in the first nine months of last year the latest data available just over 2 per cent (2,220) resulted in thugs being charged. Up to a further 27 per cent faced sanctions such as cautions, which are seen as softer punishments as they don't involve attending court or jail sentences. Just 2 per cent of car thefts result in a suspect being charged, according to shocking figures (pictured) Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey (pictured) said: 'These shocking figures will leave people wondering if car theft has been decriminalised.' But no suspects were identified in 68,800 cases, meaning 71 per cent of car thefts went unsolved across England and Wales between January 1 and September 30 last year. The most stolen cars of 2022 REVEALED Britain's most-owned car is also the most stolen, with Ford Fiesta thefts increasing 53% in 2022. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) figures show 5,979 Fiestas were reported stolen last year compared to 3,909 in 2021. It means a criminal made off with one every 88 minutes on average. The figures also suggest thieves are continuing to target high-value motors, with Range Rovers second in the order of stolen vehicles by volume last year. In fact, there was a 47% rise in the number of the expensive SUVs unlawfully taken from their rightful owners in 2022 compared to the year previous, while Land Rover Discovery thefts also rose by more than half. Read more: See the full list of the top 10 most stolen cars of last year The research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, gives one of the most detailed pictures to date of how police are dealing with the scourge of car theft, as the figures include all 43 forces in England and Wales as well as British Transport Police. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'These shocking figures will leave people wondering if car theft has been decriminalised. This is an outrageous failure. 'The Home Secretary is asleep at the wheel. People are waking up to find their car gone and the police too overstretched to actually catch the criminal. 'These thieves, who have brought misery to communities across the country, need to be caught and punished. 'We need more coppers on the beat to clamp down on these crimes going unsolved. 'Instead, the Government has slashed community officer numbers, which only benefits the criminals.' Tory MP Peter Bone said: 'What people want to see is the police investigating crimes such as burglary, car theft and vandalism. 'They're not interested in the so-called woke concerns and investigations that some forces seem to be carrying out.' The worst-performing police forces for the first three-quarters of last year were Essex, South Yorkshire and West Midlands. In the West Midlands, 10,784 car thefts were recorded but a suspect was not identified for 8,787 of these, with 81 per cent going unsolved. Just 1 per cent resulted in a suspect being charged. In South Yorkshire, 3,858 were recorded but no suspect was identified for 3,138, with 81 per cent going unsolved. Mr Davey accused Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured) of being 'asleep at the wheel' In Essex, 3,746 car thefts were recorded but a suspect was not identified for 3,025, meaning 81 per cent went unsolved. Just 2 per cent resulted in a suspect being charged. The best-performing force was Devon and Cornwall Police, where only 13 per cent of car thefts were unsolved. But only 5 per cent of suspects were charged. A rise in car theft, particularly in suburban communities, has also been fuelled by the switch to keyless vehicles. Gangs use relatively inexpensive equipment to re-direct signals from key fobs inside motorists' homes into cars, unlocking the doors. Separate figures show police forces failed to solve a single burglary in nearly half of the country's neighbourhoods over a three-year period. It comes following a string of incidents which have seen police criticised for taking up 'woke' causes. A Home Office spokesman said: 'Vehicle-related crime is down by 18 per cent since December 2019, but we are determined to drive it down further. 'We are supporting police by providing funding for crime prevention measures, including better street lighting and CCTV, delivering 20,000 additional officers and equipping the police with better technology to help catch more criminals.' The full witness statement by a private investigator denying his supposed 'confessions' which lie at the heart of the privacy case being brought against the Mail by Prince Harry, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Liz Hurley, Elton John and others was released by the courts yesterday. In it, the private investigator, Gavin Burrows, categorically denies all allegations that he hacked phones, tapped landlines, or bugged cars on behalf of the Daily Mail or Mail on Sunday. The allegations seem to be based on a witness statement apparently signed 18 months ago by Mr Burrows. This witness statement was only produced by the claimants after they had received a witness statement Mr Burrows made earlier this month for Associated Newspapers. In his witness statement for the Mail, Mr Burrows stresses: 'I was never commissioned by the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail to conduct unlawful information gathering on their behalf.' He says he is aware it is being alleged he was commissioned by the Mail newspaper group 'to conduct unlawful information gathering on the defendant's behalf' but states: 'This is false.' Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, arrives at the High Court in London Prince Harry arrives at the High Court yesterday Addressing specific allegations made by Prince Harry, Baroness Lawrence, Elton John, David Furnish, Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, he says in each case: 'I was not instructed or commissioned by the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail to conduct unlawful information gathering.' Mr Burrows refers to allegations by the claimants that he provided 'unlawfully obtained information' to the Mail on Sunday from 2000 to 2007 and was asked to target Hugh Grant, Miss Hurley, Kate Middleton's mother Carole, former London mayor Ken Livingstone, Lord Mandelson and former BBC DJ Simon Bates. In response, he says in his statement: 'This is false. I was never asked to target or conduct unlawful information gathering on any of the high-profile individuals listed above by the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail.' Baroness Doreen Lawrence arrives at the High Court yesterday Sir Elton John at the High Court on Monday He specifically denies an allegation that he was regularly paid by The Mail on Sunday in cash, which was left at a drop-off location in Regent's Street in London: 'This is false neither I nor my companies received payment in cash, bank transfer or bankers' draft from the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail.' In his witness statement, signed on March 8, 2023, he declared: 'In conclusion, I wish to make clear that I was never instructed or commissioned by anyone at the Mail on Sunday or the Daily Mail to conduct unlawful information gathering on their behalf.' Along with Mr Burrows' evidence, witness statements were yesterday also released on behalf of the claimants. Both emotive and emotional, the language used in them is remarkable for its similarity. The more lurid the allegations made by the claimants, the less evidence is supplied to support them. Virtually all of them, however, cite Burrows' alleged confession. Associated Newspapers categorically denies the claims made in their witness statements. Mr Burrows also figures prominently in the witness statement of Prince Harry who has become a serial litigant against Mail newspapers with whom he seems obsessed. Associated Newspapers profoundly regrets his untrue, inflammatory and deeply offensive remarks about the Mail's journalists. If they were repeated outside court, they would be highly defamatory. Sadie Frost leaves the High Court on Monday Nor have the claimants produced witness statements from other key individuals alleged by the claimants' unnamed 'research team' to have carried out unlawful information gathering for the Mail: Jonathan Rees, Christine Hart, Glenn Mulcaire or Greg Miskiw. In her witness statement, Baroness Lawrence refers to three private investigators: Burrows who refutes her claims about his activities Jonathan Rees and Christine Hart. Ms Hart has publicly denied any unlawful information gathering for Associated. Jonathan Rees was sentenced to seven years' jail for attempting to pervert the course of justice in a divorce case where drugs were planted in a mother's car. Associated Newspapers has never commissioned, instructed or paid Mr Rees to carry out unlawful information gathering. A witness statement by Sir Simon Hughes was also released by the court yesterday detailing claims made by the private investigator, Glenn Mulcaire. Associated Newspapers has never instructed, commissioned or paid Glenn Mulcaire to engage in 'hacking' or unlawful information gathering for any of its titles. Nor have we ever knowingly published articles as a result of his activities. Any suggestion to the contrary is indefensible and highly defamatory, particularly when it relies on the word of a man convicted and jailed for phone-hacking. Seventeen years ago Greg Miskiw, then working as a freelance journalist, did offer information to a Mail on Sunday executive which he many years later revealed came from Glenn Mulcaire. This was emphatically NOT made clear at the time. The information was not published and Miskiw, who is now dead, was paid a kill fee. As far as Baroness Lawrence's claims about Christine Hart are concerned, submissions by Associated Newspapers' lawyers record how in February 2016 Hart sent a Daily Mail executive an email, saying she had been contacted by former News of the World reporter Graham Johnson. Mr Johnson was fired by the News of the World for making up stories and was notorious for fabricating news stories while working for the Sunday Mirror. He himself has been convicted of phone hacking and is now deeply involved with the anti-press group Hacked Off. Mr Johnson told Hart he was working for the actor Hugh Grant and 'announced that Grant was out to destroy/get the Mail and [she] must give over her old bank statements or remittances to prove [she] worked for the Mail.' In the same email she denied any work she had done for the Mail involved illegality. Wearing a suit and a bracelet given to him by an indigenous Amazon leader, this is the first official portrait released of King Charles III. And in a touching nod to his late mother it was painted in oils by artist Alastair Barford, a former QEST - Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust - scholar. The release comes as King Charles prepares ahead of his first official state visit to Germany on Wednesday. The monarch postponed a planned visit to France earlier this week following widespread civil unrest and German authorities are set to deploy up to 1,100 officers during the two-day tip to Berlin and Hamburg. The King and Queen are expected to be received at the capital's Brandenburg Gate , the first foreign leaders since the Second World War to be honoured in such a way, before he dines with his German cousins at a state banquet hosted by the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The new portrait of King Charles III was painted in oils by artist Alastair Barford, a former QEST - Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust - scholar, in a nod to the King's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II A portrait by artist and Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust scholar Alastair Barford painted of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 to mark her becoming Britain's longest-reigning monarch The portrait was commissioned by the Illustrated London News and will feature on the front cover of its special Coronation Edition. The artist had just two weeks to complete the likeness. While His Majesty did not sit for the portrait, Mr Barford was able to study him at work at a Buckingham Palace reception in February held in support of global biodiversity, working from his photographs and sketches of the occasion. The bracelet on His Majesty's wrist was presented to The King by the Amazonian leader Domingo Peas and was included to give the portrait context and authenticity, a symbol of The King's advocacy on climate change and sustainability. Mr Barford, who also painted Queen Elizabeth, said: 'It was a terrifying honour. It's a great responsibility to create a portrait of someone who means so much to so many people. 'I wished to capture his warmth and sensitivity, the empathy which came across in his interactions with the people he met.' Queen Elizabeth II is wearing the George IV diadem and is holding the sceptre in her right hand which rests, with the Imperial State Crown, on a table to the left, in this portrait from 1953 The artist told The Times that it was important for him to capture the 'warmth and sensitivity' of the monarch and the 'empathy which came across in his interactions'. Mr Barford, who is from Bridgeport in Dorset and studied painting in Florence, birthplace of painters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, said he wanted to picture the king with a 'sympathetic expression'. Lisa Barnard, Chief Executive of Illustrated London News, said: 'Illustrated London News has had a long tradition, dating back to 1842, of commissioning royal portraits for Coronation and Jubilee editions. 'It is the first painting of The King where the artist has been able to observe the Monarch first hand. We are grateful for the Palace's support in making this happen.' It came as His Majesty, who will today embark on his first state visit as sovereign to Germany with the Queen Consort, was announced as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers, taking over from his mother. Everything you need to know about the coronation weekend King Charles will be crowned as King at Westminster Abbey on Saturday May 6. As part of the celebrations, a coronation concert will be held. Ten thousand members of the public will be successful in a ticket ballot for the event (Platinum Jubilee concert, 2022, in front of Buckingham Palace) The ceremony falls on a Bank Holiday weekend, which means Brits will have until Tuesday to celebrate the event. As part of the celebrations, a coronation concert will be held. But are tickets still available? Where can you purchase them? Read on below for all you need to know about King Charles' coronation concert. When is the King Charles coronation concert? Part of the celebrations for Charles' coronation, the concert will be held on the evening of Sunday, 7 May. This precedes the public Bank Holiday, which falls on Monday, 8 May. Where is the King Charles coronation concert? The event will be held on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle. It will be the first time a concert has been held in the grounds. Which artists will be performing at the coronation concert? The official lineup has not yet been revealed. It has been reported that Lionel Ritchie could open proceedings. Andrew Lloyd Webber, who played as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year, has also been tipped to make an appearance. Reports say Adele and Ed Sheeran will be unable to perform, with Harry Styles, Kylie Minogue and Elton John all rumoured to have declined an offer to take the stage at Windsor Castle. The Coronation Choir, made up of community choirs from across the UK, will perform at the concert. Are King Charles coronation concert tickets still available? The public ballot to purchase tickets for the concert has now closed. 10,000 members of the public who did apply will be informed if they have been successful by the end of April. The remaining tickets will be split between charities of Charles and Camilla, organisations supporting young people, the military, the environment, local communities and the Commonwealth. It is not yet known if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be in attendance for the coronation ceremony or the concert Will Prince Harry be at the coronation concert? Prince Harry has not yet confirmed if he will be present for the coronation ceremony of King Charles, but did reveal he had received an invitation. Is the coronation concert on TV? The coronation will be broadcast across the BBC, so is available to watch for free across the UK. Advertisement The state visit to Germany will be kicked off with a military welcome ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin, the first ceremony of its kind to be offered to a foreign leader since the Second World War. Access to the event will be strictly controlled, with a police cordon in place including 20 sniffer dogs to find any explosive devices. Thomas Drechsler, head of police operations, said the desire to walk among the crowds and meet the people who come out to see the King and Queen made planning 'a kind of tightrope walk'. The King will also dine with the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, who are personal friends of the royal couple. Several of the King's German cousins will be in attendance at the state banquet, a source close to the proceedings told The Telegraph. The then Prince of Wales lays a wreath on November 15, 2020 during a trip to Berlin for Germany's National Day of Mourning that commemorates victims of war and fascism The King and Queen pictured with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and his wife Elke during the couple's 2020 trip to Berlin. The president will host a state banquet for the royal couple during their visit this week Prince Ludwig of Baden reminisces about Prince Philip in a BBC documentary. A member of the House of Baden has confirmed they will attend the state banquet in Germany this week Prince Rainer of Hesse, Princess Clarissa of Hesse, Prince Georg of Hanover and Prince Ludwig of Baden all count the King as a first cousin and he is also closely related to Bernard, hereditary prince of Baden and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. A relative from the House of Baden has said they will attend. The King is expected to make a speech in both English and German. He is said to be highly proficient in the language, like his late father, Prince Philip, who was fluent. The monarch has previously spoken about how he 'cherishes' his ties with his German ancestry. On Thursday the King will oversee a joint German-British engineer battalion laying a pontoon bridge over the Oder-Havel canal, north of Berlin. It is the first joint battalion between the counties for more than two centuries and was reinstituted 18 months ago. The battalion was intended to rebuild defence ties between Britain and Germany following the initial withdrawal of British troops from the country in 2020 and impacts of Brexit. Following the Windsor framework, German officials including ambassador Miguel Berger, have suggested there may be more renewed military engagement as proof of 'renewed trust' with the UK. Portrait of King Charles III by Alastair Barford Illustrated London News. The Illustrated Coronation Edition is published by Illustrated London News and is on sale though leading supermarkets and WH Smith from 30 March Confidential documents being deployed by Prince Harry and others in their privacy case against the Mail were obtained in breach of orders made by the Leveson Inquiry, the High Court was told yesterday. Copies of financial ledgers from the publisher of the Mail titles were given to the 2011/12 inquiry into Press standards. Under the protocol of the Leveson Inquiry, the documents were treated as confidential and the chairman, Lord Justice Leveson, made an order that no documents such as these provided to the inquiry 'shall be published or disclosed'. But the accounts ledgers were passed to lawyers acting for the Duke of Sussex, Baroness Lawrence and other public figures who are now trying to use them to allege the Mail on Sunday and Daily Mail paid people to steal their private information, which it vehemently denies. The Mail is objecting to the confidential documents being used in this case, contending they breach the 'restriction order' made by Lord Justice Leveson under the Inquiries Act 2005 which 'binds all persons'. Prince Harry arrives at the High Court yesterday Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, arrives at the High Court in London Baroness Doreen Lawrence arrives at the High Court yesterday David Sherborne, barrister for the claimants, was also at the Leveson Inquiry, where he acted for various celebrities including Hugh Grant, and where he also signed a 'personal written undertaking' to Lord Justice Leveson that he would 'not disclose, publish or use the documents'. Yesterday, on day two of a High Court hearing, Harry watched from the back of the court as his barrister argued he should now be allowed to use the confidential information to help his clients' case. He was challenged by Mr Justice Nicklin, who suggested Mr Sherborne was bound by his own confidentiality undertakings to the Leveson Inquiry. The judge put it to the barrister: 'You've got no answer because you have undertaken to protect the confidentiality of these documents.' Lawyers for Associated Newspapers said that just because information from the ledgers had been published online in 2017 'does not relieve those who entered into the undertaking from their obligations'. Mr Justice Nicklin has not yet decided on the Mail's application. A controversial law that could force newspapers to pay legal costs for people who sue them regardless of who wins is to be scrapped by the Government. The plan is set out in the draft Media Bill, which features new freedoms allowing public service broadcasters such as the BBC to compete with the likes of Netflix, while streaming services will also be required to provide subtitles, audio description and signed content in a win for disabilities campaigners. And in a major victory for freedom of speech, it also pledges to repeal Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, drawn up following the Leveson Inquiry into the culture and behaviour in the British Press. The law was never brought into force amid widespread opposition from every major national newspaper group, and campaigners such as the Index on Censorship, which campaigns for and defends free speech. Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale, who refused to enact the law, said last night: 'I always thought this was a draconian measure that represented a real threat to media freedom. A controversial law that could force newspapers to pay legal costs for people who sue them regardless of who wins is to be scrapped by the Government Former culture secretary Sir John Whittingdale (pictured), who refused to enact the law, said last night: 'I always thought this was a draconian measure that represented a real threat to media freedom.' 'Section 40 sat on the statute books like a Sword of Damocles hanging over the Press all sections of the Press. 'I know how important it was for the industry (to repeal Section 40), and I certainly never thought it was right for any government to force a state regulator upon them. This is a welcome step.' Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, which represents national, regional and local news organisations across the UK, said: 'The repeal of this pernicious piece of legislation will be a welcome step forward for press freedom in this country.' Under Section 40, newspapers that refused to sign up to a state-approved regulator such as Impress, set up with funding from Max Mosley family trusts, would be forced to pay both sides' costs in libel cases whatever the outcome in the courts. Most national and local newspapers from across the media landscape are instead members of the independent regulator Ipso, which has the power to impose sanctions on organisations if there have been serious breaches of its editorial code. Elsewhere, the draft Bill plans to ensure video on-demand viewers can more easily discover public service broadcast services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX on smart TVs, set-top boxes and streaming sticks. Mainstream video on-demand services such as Netflix will also fall under a new Ofcom content code, designed to protect audiences from harmful material. In addition, Channel 4 will no longer be barred from producing its own content, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said, amid question marks over its future. A grieving son who mummified his mother's corpse and put it on a sofa in front of the TV after digging up her grave and taking her home is facing jail. The grisly find was made after the 76-year-old man's estranged brother-in-law decided to visit him at his home in the small town of Radlin, southwest Poland. Noticing him wandering around outside 'looking mad' the brother-in-law decided to call paramedics. When they entered the property they found the mummified corpse lying on a couch on top of a pile of newspapers dating from 2009. Police spokeswoman Magorzata Koniarska followed up on the report leading to the body Police spokeswoman Magorzata Koniarska said: 'We received a report in connection with the disclosure of the body from a family member of the owner of the apartment. 'The policemen went to Ul. Rogozina in Radlin. In the part of the house belonging to an elderly man, a mummified corpse was discovered.' Joanna Smorczewska from the District Prosecutor's Office said: 'According to the DNA content, the mummified corpse is that of a woman, Jadwiga L., who died in January 2010, and thus Marian L.'s mother. 'It was established that the grave of Jadwiga L., where she was buried on January 16, 2010, remains empty. 'It is likely that the man dug up the mother's body immediately after its burial and then mummified it and the body has remained in this house since 2010.' It is thought that Marian L. who lives just 300 metres from the cemetery may have taken the corpse home on his bike. Head of the district prosecutor's office Marcin Felsztynski added: 'Everything indicates that the man must have used some chemicals to mummify the corpse. 'The smell of mothballs was noticeable.' The body was apparently in 'perfect condition' regardless. The cemetery where his mother was buried is 300 metres from his house in Radlin Although the initial discovery was made in February, the news is only now being reported following the suspect being charged with desecration of a corpse. According to local media, Marian L. was a loner and his neighbours didn't even know his name. One said: He always left the house at night, took his bike and went into the unknown. His mother will be reburied. A sea monster was pulled from the depths off the coast of Australia by fisherman who was surprised when he dragged in a shark with beady eyes and a human-like smile. The shark appeared to have rough, charcoal-colored skin and a small mouth with tiny sharp teeth lining the top and bottom. The image of the dead creature was shared on Facebook, sparking several theories as to what kind of shark it is - some suggest it was a cookiecutter or goblin shark. Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory told Newsweek, that it looks like a gulper shark. The creepy creature is said to be a gulper shark that is critically endangered around Australia due to overfishing The shark was caught by fisherman Trapnman Bermagui on September 12. He reeled the nightmarish fish to his boat from more than 2,000 feet below the surface off the coast of New South Wales, Live Science reports. Trapnman Bermagui shared a picture of the lifeless creature on Facebook, which has collected more than 1,000 likes and sparked several theories about what kind of shark it was. Several users posted that it was a cookiecutter shark, due to the small mouth and tiny, sharp teeth. While many Facebook users thought the creature was a cookiecutter shark, an expert determined it is a gulper shark (pictured) Others were amazed by the look of the sea monster, some saying it gave them the major creeps. And a few people suggested it was a prehistoric creature. But Fisher told Newsweek it is totally not a cookiecutter, but is a rough skin shark that is also known as gulper shark. This species is found in the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Pacific. According to the Shark Research Institute, this shark has smooth skin, but the one recently caught had skin that looked like sandpaper. This could be due to the shark being dead. This species is also identifiable by its short first dorsal fin and the second positioned higher than other sharks. Males can grow up to 2.6 feet long, while females can measure up to three feet long. And the gulper shark is critically endangered regionally around Australia. The sharks are a hot commodity by fisheries that use their oil and meat. A scientist who is living 30 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean gave DailyMail.com a tour of his home away from home where he is set to spend 100 days. Joseph Dituri, 55, a retired Naval officer, is currently living in a 100-square-foot pod, where he is testing pre-NASA technology set for Mars and treatments to reverse aging. Dituri is studying how the human body responds to long-term exposure to extreme pressure in a small space for 100 days - a similar environment spacefaring heroes will endure while traveling to the Red Planet. While the underwater lodge is small, the pod has a work area, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms, and a small 'swimming pool' that acts as the exit and entrance and a window with a view of the ocean. Dituri, who began the mission on March 1, told DailyMail.com from the bunker on day 24: 'I'm loving it, I've got a coffee maker because God knows science does not happen without coffee.' Joseph Dituri is spending 100 days 30 feet below the surface to break the record of 73 days, test pre-NASA technology set for Mars and hopefully find a way to reverse aging One of the devices being tested is a pre-NASA tool, meaning it must be tested before the agency takes it on, It is similar to Star Trek's tricorder, which scans the body to monitor a person's health and determine if they need medical assistance. Dituri is also investigating how to prevent muscle mass loss while in space, which plagues astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). 'We're going to Mars, but it is going to take 200 days to get there on the best home and transfer window,' Dituri told DailyMail.com. '[When you get there] you are going to have decreased muscle mass, and you're not going to be able to see very far, and you're not going to be in really good shape, and you're going to have decreased bone density, and we're going to land you hard on a re-endurable market as it lands and slams down to the ground. 'I think maybe that's a bad idea and we need to figure some stuff out first, but that is just me.' Dituri's home away from home is located at Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo. 'There is a TV, although I really do not know how to turn it on. I have a small freezer like in a hotel room,' he said, while also noting he keeps a stash of chocolate in the pod. There is a small microwave on a shelf, the only thing that can be used for cooking. 'Every good hotel has to have a pool, and my hotel has a teeny little pool outside,' said Dituri. 'This is how we enter and exit from the habitat. So when I go for a scuba dive with all my scuba diving gear, I get it on. I go out of the hole, and then I dive around. So that's how people come in and come out.' Dituri sleeps on a twin-size bed with a small bunk on top, which is the same setup in an adjacent room for scientists who visit him. He is currently 28 days, as of March 28, into his 100-day mission, and when completed, he will break the record - the previous record for most days spent underwater by a non-military was 73. Dituri's home away from home is located at Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo And Dituri will spend 10 days more under the surface than military personnel spends in submarines. Military submarines can only support 90-day excursions before returning to shore. Although he is testing futuristic technology, Dituri told DailyMail.com that another part of the mission is to teach children about the marine space. 'I want to reach these kids and talk to them about the science and engineering of actually being a scientist, and being under water and doing cool things as opposed to beakers and microscopes and classrooms,' he said while explaining how children dive to the pod and high five him at the window. He is, however, also looking to help astronauts endure the long and lonely journey to Mars. The body scanning device being tested is much larger than the version that would travel with astronauts to Mars. It works by scanning the body then the user inputs symptoms that are analyzed by a computer to determine the ailment or injury. 'Even somebody who is just barely medically trained can operate this and kind of figure out what's going on and what's wrong in the human body, Dituri said. The cuff is worn while he exercises with resistant bands, which is part of the routine on the ISS, and goes around the biceps to block flow intermittently. 'What that does is it increases something called nitric oxide synthesis,' said Dituri. 'It leads to mitochondrial health, swelling in the mitochondria and greater muscle growth. 'So we are hoping to grow muscles while the astronauts are in space long term as opposed to losing muscle mass from lack of use.' Dituri told DailyMail.com that his bicep muscle has increased since the mission began. Although he is testing futuristic technology, Dituri told DailyMail.com that another part of the mission is to teach children about the marine space. Pictured are a group of kids swimming up to the pod window There is a toilet and small shower inside the pod. Dituri sleeps on a twin-size bed with a small bunk on top, which is the same setup in an adjacent room for scientists who visit him Dituri found his passion for science while serving in the US Navy for 28 years as a saturation diving officer Along with bigger biceps, he also sleeps longer and deeper than when he is on the surface. Dituri and many other scientists believe the fountain of youth could be hiding in the depths below. Previous research has shown that telomeres, which protect chromosomes from becoming frayed, lengthen when the body is under extreme pressure. We suspect, or we know in hyperbaric medicine that after about 60 treatments one hour per day at a higher pressure than I'm at right now, one hour per day you will grow them between 25 and 33 percent , the jury is still out on that it is not full of science,' said Dituri. 'I suspect that after a 100 days of being at this pressure, that my telomeres are going to be much longer. So, adding, thus adding to my life, so that with the combined muscle growth.' After retiring in 2012 as a commander, Dituri enrolled at the University of South Florida to earn his doctoral degree to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. And he is also a published author Dituri is a father to three girls: Sophie, 19, Josephine, 27, and Gabrielle, 21 Dituri found his passion for science while serving in the US Navy for 28 years as a saturation diving officer. After retiring in 2012 as a commander, Dituri enrolled at the University of South Florida to earn his doctoral degree to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. And he is also a published author. 'I was bored during COVID because they would not let me treat patients for the first couple of months, so I wrote a book,' Dituri said while noting it is available on Amazon. 'It's called 'Secrets in Depth. It's about a nice Italian boy from New York who joins the Navy, and gets it to a whole bunch of trouble with the CIA.' While the scientist is working to find a cure for astronaut ailments, he is also missing his three daughters who he raves about at any chance he gets. His 21-year-old daughter, Gabrielle, is graduating from California Institute of Technology in May, an event he cannot attend. Sophie, 19, happily works at a restaurant in South Tampa, Florida and Josephine, 27, has a Masters in psychology and works in New York City. NASA is eyeing the late 2030s or early 2040s for when it will send the first humans to Mars, where they will live and explore for an estimated 30 days. Dituri's research will be a vital component to this epic adventure, as the daring individuals will spend at least 200 days inside a small pod. Currently, astronauts lose muscle mass, have impaired vision and even shrink while in space - but the retired Navy officer could help reverse these effects while 30 feet below Earth's ocean. As use-by dates go, this meatball is just a few thousand years past its best. That's because it contains the resurrected flesh of a woolly mammoth a beast that went extinct some 10,000 years ago. The prehistoric meatball was made by an Australian cultivated meat company that ultimately wants to mix and match cells from unconventional species to create new kinds of meat. Scientists took the DNA sequence from a mammoth muscle protein and filled in the gaps with code from an elephant, the species' closest-living relative. This sequence was then placed in the myoblast stem cells from a sheep, which replicated to grow 20 billion cells that were in turn used to grow the mammoth meat. However, despite creating what they hope will be a 'really tasty' meat, the experts are too afraid to eat it in case the ancient protein proves deadly. Unusual: Scientists have grown mammoth flesh in a lab to make a prehistoric meatball (shown) How it works: Scientists took the DNA sequence from a mammoth muscle protein and filled in the gaps with code from an elephant, the species' closest-living relative 'We haven't seen this protein for thousands of years,' said Professor Ernst Wolvetang, who made the meatball with Vow. HOW DO YOU MAKE MAMMOTH MEATBALLS? 1. Scientists take the DNA sequence for the mammoth muscle protein myoglobin 2. Gaps in the DNA are filled with the code of the mammoth's close living relative, the African elephant 3. The resulting sequence is then placed into a sheep's stem cells 4. The stem cells replicate to produce 20 billion copies that can then be used to make mammoth meat and produce a meatball Advertisement 'So we have no idea how our immune system would react when we eat it. 'But if we did it again, we could certainly do it in a way that would make it more palatable to regulatory bodies.' Professor Wolvetang, of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering at the University of Queensland, told the Guardian the process was 'ridiculously easy and fast' and was completed in a 'couple of weeks'. He added that the initial aim was to make dodo meat. However, because the DNA sequences required for this do not currently exist this was not possible. The initial idea to create a mammoth meatball came from Bas Korsten, at creative agency Wunderman Thompson. Vow said it ended up choosing this meat 'because it [the mammoth] is a symbol of diversity loss and a symbol of climate change'. It is believed the animal was driven to extinction by human hunting and a warming world after the last Ice Age. The company's overarching goal is to demonstrate the potential of meat grown from cells as an alternative to the slaughter of animals and associated global warming linked to large-scale livestock production. Cultivated meat uses much less land and water than livestock, while also producing no methane emissions. Scientists say the overall environmental impacts of cultured meat production are likely to be substantially lower than those of conventionally produced meat, despite no direct comparison being possible because cultivated products are not yet being produced on an industrial scale. Gaps in the DNA are filled with the code of the mammoth's close living relative, the African elephant The resulting DNA sequence is placed into a sheep's stem cells, which replicate to produce 20 billion copies that can then be used to make mammoth meat and produce a meatball Lab tests: The DNA sequence was placed in the myoblast stem cells from a sheep which replicated to grow 20 billion cells that were in turn used to grow the mammoth meat One study claimed that cultivated meat involves approximately seven to 45 per cent less energy use than conventionally produced European meat. Greenhouse gas emissions were also found to be 7896 per cent lower, while land use was cut by 99 per cent and water use by 8296 per cent. Plant-based alternatives to meat are commonly seen on supermarket shelves worldwide, but cultured meat is still a burgeoning area of expertise. Good Meat's cultivated chicken, which replicates the taste of the actual meat, is currently only sold to consumers in Singapore. Lumbering beast: Vow said it ended up choosing the mammoth 'because it is a symbol of diversity loss and a symbol of climate change' Off the menu: However, despite creating what they hope will be a 'really tasty' meat, the experts are too afraid to eat it in case the ancient protein proves deadly However, two companies Good Meat and California-based Upside Foods have now passed an approval process in the US. George Peppou, CEO of Vow, told the Guardian: 'The goal is to transition a few billion meat eaters away from eating [conventional] animal protein to eating things that can be produced in electrified systems. 'And we believe the best way to do that is to invent meat. We look for cells that are easy to grow, really tasty and nutritious, and then mix and match those cells to create really tasty meat.' The mammoth meatball will be unveiled at Nemo, a science museum in the Netherlands, this evening (Thursday). Whether they're poached, scrambled or fried, everyone has their favourite way of preparing eggs. But some of the world's most famous artists made use of them in a different manner by adding them to paint, a study suggests. The likes of Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, also known as 'Old Master' artists, may have added protein to their oil paintings to overcome issues with humidity, surface wrinkling and yellowing, researchers have discovered. And while the presence of protein in their masterpieces which date back more than 500 years has previously been detected, the reasons why they added the unusual ingredient has remained unknown. A team led by scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany examined the effects of adding protein in the form of egg yolk to oil paints. The likes of Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, also known as 'Old Master' artists, may have added protein to their oil paintings to overcome issues with humidity, surface wrinkling and yellowing, researchers have discovered. Pictured: Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece, the Lamentation of Christ While the presence of protein in their masterpieces which date back more than 500 years has previously been detected, the reasons why they added the unusual ingredient has remained unknown. Pictured: Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation Did Leonardo da Vinci 'discover' gravity first? Sketches from the 1500s showing the motion of falling objects suggest the famed polymath understood the force before Isaac Newton - READ MORE The sketches show experiments to demonstrate that gravity is a form of acceleration. And Leonardo da Vinci modeled the gravitational constant with around 97 percent accuracy Advertisement They discovered water uptake from humid environments can be suppressed when the egg proteins formed a thin layer around the particles of paint pigment. Adding egg yolk was also found to provide stiff paints with strong impasto - being able to layer it on thickly - and prevented wrinkling of the surface during drying. Antioxidants within the yolk also helped prevent the paint from yellowing when it dried, by slowing the reaction between oxygen and oil. The team said their findings help improve our understanding of why these artists added protein, such as egg yolk, to their oil paintings. Examples of this technique being used include Botticelli's 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ', in which Christ's face and feet show evidence of an egg layer build-up. Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers said: 'It is usually assumed that traditional Old Masters' oil paints only contain oil as a binding medium, possibly with varying additions of some resins. 'However, proteins have also been detected in oil paints by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and other Italian Renaissance masters. 'What was the role of these proteins, how and why were they introduced into oil paints? The flesh, details of Christ's head show the typical egg tempera layer build-up and paint application by hatching in Botticelli's Lamentation of Christ Details of St. Johns feet show the typical egg tempera layer build-up and paint application by hatching. In contrast, the grass foreground shows typical properties of oil paints 'The technical knowledge of the Old Masters, how paints had to be prepared, was initially passed down in workshops but is lost today. 'We investigated oil paints with a small amount of added egg yolk to better understand Old Masters' paintings and their techniques.' They conclude that they were able to show how these artists might have used protein such as egg yolk to 'overcome unexpected problems with humidity and produce paint layers stable against wrinkling and oxidative degradation, giving us the opportunity to admire their masterpieces still today.' The researchers also said their findings may aid the conservation and preservation of some Old Master artwork today. Apple's own designs of 21 new emoji are finally available through iOS 16.4 A shaking face, a Wi-Fi symbol, a jellyfish and different coloured hearts are among the 21 new emoji available on Apple devices with the latest iOS update. The highly-requested 'pink heart' emoji is one of three new hearts included in the release, along with light blue and grey variations. 'Shaking face', meanwhile, could be used for shock reactions or to indicate excessive movement, such as during an earthquake. Other inclusions are pea pod, ginger, angel wing, maracas, moose, donkey and a khanda the symbol of the sikh faith. The emoji are included in iOS 16.4, Apple's new software update, which is available now for iPhone models from the iPhone 8 and newer. Here are the 31 new emoji now available on Apple devices - including shaking face, a Wi-Fi symbol and pink heart Emojipedia which is part of the Unicode Consortium, the central bank of all approved emoji approved the new emoji release called 15.0 last year. The 21 new emoji available from today Shaking face Pink heart Light blue heart Grey heart Pushing hand left (available in five colour variations) Pushing hand right (available in five colour variations) Moose Donkey Wing Goose Jellyfish Ginger Pea pod Maracas Flute Khanda Hyacinth Folding hand fan Hair pick Wireless Black bird Advertisement Companies apply stylised versions of the designs to their own operating systems including Apple, Google and Meta, which started rolling out its own new designs to Facebook at the end of last month. One of the most anticipated additions is a pink heart, one of the most 'discussed absences on the emoji keyboard' since 2016, Emojipedia has said. There are already several other versions of pink hearts including a growing pink heart, two-hearts, heart with arrow, heart with ribbon and beating heart, but not a plain pink heart. Other new emoji are blackbird, goose, hyacinth, hand fan, wooden flute and hair pick used for combing curly or thick hair. Despite faces being among the top-used emoji, the only new face emoji in this release is 'shaking face'. There's also 'pushing hand' in a range of colours yellow and various skin tones either right-facing or left-facing. Pushing hand emoji looks like one half of the existing 'folded hands' emoji, which is often used to indicate prayer, thanks or reverence. It could be used to indicate refusal of something, or holding out a hand for a high five. Apple's version of pushing hand is markedly different from the sample image revealed by Emojipedia last year. Including the colour variations of the pushing hands, 31 new emoji are available from today. 'Today Apple has debuted 31 new emoji designs within its newly-released iOS 16.4 update, finally bringing a plain pink heart emoji to iPhones, iPads, and all other Apple devices across the world,' said Keith Broni at Emojipedia. 'Each of the 31 new emoji included within iOS 16.4 are from Unicode's Emoji 15.0 recommendations, which were made in September of last year.' 'Shaking face', which could be used for shock reactions or to indicate excessive movement, such as during an earthquake Apple's emoji, from top left going clockwise: Grey heart, light blue heart, pink heart, khanda and the Wi-Fi symbol Overall, Apple's versions of the emoji are more detailed and realistic and less cartoon-like than the Emojipedia sample images. Apple launches a new iOS upgrade for iPhones - READ MORE Apple's software update is available for iPhone models from the iPhone 8 and newer Advertisement Apple has also made some subtle redesigns; maracas has a different colour pattern, while Apple's version of the Wi-Fi symbol has fewer radio waves. Fans may notice the new batch does not contain any flag emoji not only geographical flags, but also pride flags, language flags and other colour-based flags. A decision to create no more flag emoji was taken by Emojipedia due to the 'transient nature' of many pride flags, and the 'challenges including some identities while excluding others', it said. Emojipedia pointed out that there are far fewer emoji as part of this year's draft list compared to previous years only 31. That compares with 112 in 2021's Emoji 14.0, while 2020's Emoji 13.0 and Emoji 13.1 contained 334 between them (117 and 217, respectively). Overall this year's list could be perceived as less 'progressive' compared to previous years. Emojipedia caused some controversy back in 2021 when it approved a 'pregnant man' emoji to show that 'pregnancy is possible for some transgender men and non-binary people'. Pictured, Emojipedia's sample images revealed last year. Apple's own versions are more detailed and realistic Men get pregnant in both real life and in fiction, Emojipedia argued, citing Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in the 1994 film 'Junior' as an example. Looking forward, the next batch of emoji, version 16.0, is likely to be revealed in the summer and approved in September before a release in 2024. To be considered, the candidate emoji must have multiple uses, use in sequences, break new ground, be distinctive, be compatible and be frequently used, according to Unicode Consortium. In the past, Emojipedia has previously revealed new emoji around the time of World Emoji Day July 17 so it's likely they will be announced then. Elon Musk is vocal about 'treating everyone equal' on Twitter, but a new report reveals the CEO has a list of 'around 35 VIP users' who get a boost on the platform. Documents obtained by Platformer claim people in politics, sport, Hollywood and also several journalists are receiving increased visibility. The report states that when tweets from VIP users drop, engineers for the social networking platform tweak the code so they 'are always visible.' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro, President Joe Biden, Los Angeles Laker LeBron James and Bloomberg columnist Matt Yglesias are among the 'elite' - plus many others. The move of tweaking the algorithm to boosts tweets echoes Musk's demands to Twitter engineers in February to push his tweets after President Joe Biden's Super Bowl post overshadowed his. A report claims Twitter has a list of around 35 VIP users, which includes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro Musk is set to only give Twitter Blue subscribers access to the verification checkmark, which he likened to a 'lords and peasants system' in November 2022. However, news of an alleged list suggests Musk may be playing favorites. Platform reports that YouTuber Mr. Beast, Twitter user @dril and Menswear writer Derek Guy are also on the list. Considering the names of the so-called VIPs, it appears they were given the status due to how much users engage with them - whether they love them or hate them. Some speculate the list is Musk's plan to boost revenue, as many - including himself - said the CEO overpaid for the platform that has been struggling to generate revenue. And Musk has not been shy about monetizing tweets. He is set to pull the plug on unpaid verification checkmarks on April 1. While it is unclear if this is an April Fools' Day prank staged by Musk, who does not shy away from a joke, the announcement was made Thursday evening on Twitter. Musk also revealed this week that, from April 15, users who do not pay for Twitter Blue - which costs $8 a month will no longer be able to vote in polls. Documents obtained by Platformer claim people in politics, like President Joe Biden, sport, Hollywood and also several journalists are receiving increased visibility The report states that when tweets from VIP users - including YouTuber Mr Beast (left) and LA Lakers star LeBron James, drop, engineers for the social networking platform tweak the code so they 'are always visible' In some sense, this could be seen as a great business move for Musk, but it may also spark rage among users who had praised the CEO for wanting to level the Twitter playing field He said the changes will stop 'AI bot swarms taking over' the site, although he stopped short of explaining exactly how. The CEO who purchased the social media network in October said that paid social media will be 'the only social media that matters'. It was also revealed that Twitter is now worth just $20 billion - $24 billion less than it was when Musk paid for it six months ago, the world's richest man told his employees. The news was shared in an internal email by Musk, but this is not the first time the CEO, 51, has complained about the platform's value. He famously tried to stop his own $44billion takeover of the company, claiming in court that internal documents proved the social media network was not worth that much. If you recognise any of these retro Apple computers, now may be a good time to have a rummage through your attic. That's because the set of over 500 devices is going up for auction tomorrow, and is expected to rake in thousands of dollars. The Hanspeter Luzi Vintage Apple Archive is said to be one of the worlds most comprehensive collection of Apple computers and products ever offered. It includes a rare 1983 Lisa I computer, which is expected to sell for up to $3,000 (2,400) alone. All devices were collected by the late Hanspeter Luzi, a Swiss special educational needs teacher who used computers as part of his lessons. A collection of over 500 Apple devices will go up for auction tomorrow. It includes this rare 1983 Lisa I computer, which is expected to sell for up to $3,000 (2,400) All devices, including this Apple 1985 Lisa XL computer, were collected by the late Hanspeter Luzi, a Swiss special educational needs teacher who used computers as part of his lessons WHAT IS BEING AUCTIONED? 1979-1982 Apple II Plus Computer 1979 Bell and Howell Apple II Plus Series Computer 1980 Apple III Computer 1981 Osborne OCC1 (Portable Computer) 1984 Macintosh (128K) 1983-1984 Apple IIE and IIC Joystick 1978-1983 Apple II Europlus Computer 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus computer including a keyboard and mouse 1986 Apple Macintosh SE computer including a keyboard and mouse 1989 Macintosh Portable 1991 PowerBook 100 1994 Apple QuickTake 100 1997 Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh 2001 iMac G3 MacADIOS 411 Mac N Frost CH Products Joystick APPLE 1979-1983 SummaGraphics MacTablet Early Apple Motherboards Apple 1983 Lisa Motherboard Apple 1983 Lisa I Computer 1985 Dayna Communications MacCharlie Computer System Advertisement The Lisa I computer was the first ever PC to come with a mouse and the first to use icons instead of simple text. It introduced features still common on computers today, such as overlapping windows, pull-down menus and the recycle bin. Although it came with a bulky external hard disc with just 5MB of memory - about enough to store one song - the 1983 machine was state of the art at the time. It was the brainchild of Apple founder Steve Jobs, who got the idea of the mouse and icons after seeing a prototype of a similar Xerox computer during a visit to its base in the Silicone Valley. Xerox never put theirs into production unlike Apple, who sold approximately 10,000 first-generation Lisas. Apple said the name Lisa stood for Local Integrated System Architecture, but Jobs later revealed he named it after his first daughter Lisa, who was born in 1978. Owners of the Lisa I were able to return theirs for a free upgrade to the Lisa II. The recalled computers were destroyed, and as a result it is estimated that only between 30 and 100 Lisa Is still exist. Other highlights of the auction include Lisa II and Lisa XL computers from 1984 and 1985 respectively, which could both sell for up to $1,200 (972) each All gadgets up for auction at Juliens Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, were built between 1977 and 2008, and prices start at $25 (20). Other iconic Apple computers available are the 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus computer with keyboard and mouse, and the 1977 Commodore International 'PET 2001' computer. The latter, which has an integrated cassette tape deck, is expected to fetch up to $800 (648). Not all the items to go under the hammer are computers, as cameras, joysticks, motherboards, tablets and instruction manuals are also for sale. A 1994 Apple QuickTake 100 camera is expected to fetch up to $300 (240) and is described as 'one of the first commercially successful digital camera lines'. It had a maximum resolution of 640x480 pixels - significantly less than the 48million pixel camera on a modern iPhone 14 Pro. Other items include a timeline of computer mouses spanning from 1998 to 2017, a 'History of Apple' poster and boxes of miscellaneous floppy disks. All gadgets being sold at Juliens Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, were built between 1977 and 2008, and prices start at $25 (20) Not all the items to go under the hammer are computers, as cameras, joysticks, tablets and instruction manuals are also available - including this Apple Newton personal digital assistant Other items include a timeline of computer mouses spanning from 1998 to 2017, including this vintage Apple iMac mouse, a 'History of Apple' poster and boxes of miscellaneous floppy disks It is thought that Mr Luzi gained his passion for computers and other gadgets when he volunteered as IT manager for several schools, setting them up with the latest equipment THE APPLE LISA I Features: First computer to come with a mouse, use icons instead of simple text, overlapping windows, pull-down menus and the recycle bin Processor: 5MHz and one megabyte of RAM Launch date: 1983 Creators: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak Cost: $10,000 in 1983 - The equivalent of $24,000 or 14,000 pounds today Biggest customer: Nasa, which used the machine for project management Auction estimate: $3,000 (2,400) Rarity: Between 30 and 100 left worldwide Advertisement It is thought that Mr Luzi gained his passion for computers and other gadgets when he volunteered as IT manager for several schools, setting them up with the latest equipment. He collected Apple products for more than 25 years, and acquired a vast technical knowledge of hardware and software. But it was not his first collection - prior to this he acquired a vast number of sewing machines that he sold to a German textile industrialist. This formed the foundation of the Albrecht Mey Collection at the Sewing Machine Museum in Albstadt, Germany. Mr Luzi died in 2015 after a mountain accident, and now his family are putting his impressive collection up for auction for the first time. This is not the only significant sale of nostalgic Apple memorabilia in recent months, as a fully-functional Apple 1 computer went up for sale in December for $241,000 (196,000). Launched in 1976, the tech giant's first ever product was sold as an assembled circuit board and lacked basic features such as a keyboard or monitor. This particular machine had been hand-numbered by Steve Jobs himself. In October, an unopened, first generation iPhone from 2007 was sold at an auction for more than 50 times its original price. With a starting bid of $2,800 (2,500), the 15-year-old device ended up fetching a whopping $39,000 (34,700). The Hanspeter Luzi Vintage Apple Archive, which features this Apple 1989 Macintosh Portable computer, is said to be one of the worlds most comprehensive collection of Apple computers and products ever offered Mr Luzi died in 2015 after a mountain accident, and his family are now putting his impressive collection up for auction for the first time A 1994 Apple QuickTake 100 camera is expected to fetch up to $300 (240) and is described as 'one of the first commercially successful digital camera lines' But this was nothing compared to another first generation iPhone which went for some $63,356 (51,341) at an auction last month - the most the device has ever sold for. The first iPhone was introduced by Jobs in January 2007 at MacWorld San Francisco, with the slogan 'Apple reinvents the phone'. That June, the 8GB version was released to the public at $599 - or 269 at the time - and proved revolutionary in the development of smartphones. It is not just the Apple gadgets raking in the big bucks, as in November a pair of old Birkenstock sandals worn by Jobs were auctioned for a massive $218,750 (177,260). The technologist popularised the idea of tech executives wearing the same basic outfit in public appearances. The sandals, which he wore in the 1970s and 1980s, were saved from the trash by Mark Sheff, a chef who managed one of his properties in Albany, California, in the 1980s. These sandals, worn by Steve Jobs in the 1970s and 1980s, were saved from the trash and sold at auction for $218,750 (177,260) in November It is not a hole per se but a region that is much cooler than the sun A second coronal hole has ripped through the sun's magnetic field A massive hole 20 times larger than Earth has ripped through the sun - making it the second to appear in one week. The gaping 'coronal hole' is unleashing 1.8million mile-per-hour solar winds towards our planet, which will impact us on Friday. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation to see if the winds will impact the Earth's magnetic field, satellites and technology. The first hole, spotted on March 23, is 30 times the size of Earth and released solar winds that triggered stunning auroras as far south as Arizona. The second hole is 20 times larger than the Earth. It is unleashing solar winds at 1.8 million miles per hour, which are set to reach our planet on Friday Both holes were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which studies the sun. 'Coronal holes are magnetically open areas that are one source of high-speed solar wind,' NASA said. 'They appear dark when viewed in many wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light, such as seen here. At times, the solar wind can generate aurora at higher latitudes on Earth.' While the image may look alarming at first, it does not indicate that we are in danger. Coronal holes are a common feature on the sun, though they appear at different places - particularly near the poles - and with more frequency at different times of the sun's activity cycle. They are cooler less dense areas and are generally more common when the sun is at a less active point in its 11-year cycle. The holes are usually harmless, although satellite communications and high-altitude radio transmissions can sometimes be temporarily disrupted. The second hole sits on the sun's equator. The first hole, spotted on March 23, is 30 times the size of Earth. It released solar winds that triggered stunning auroras as far south as Arizona 'The shape of this coronal hole is not particularly special. However, its location makes it very interesting,' Daniel Verscharen, associate professor of space and climate physics at University College London, told Insider. 'I would expect some fast wind from that coronal hole to come to Earth around Friday night into Saturday morning of this week. The first coronal hole resulted in brilliant auroras on March 24, which lit up the night sky with electric purples and greens. They were caused by a G3 storm, referring to a 'strong' solar storm that can affect power systems and spacecraft operations, including orientation issues. A small town in Minnesota, home to around 14,564 people, has experienced two major radioactive water leaks from a nearby nuclear power plant months apart. Xcel Energy spilled 400,000 gallons of toxic material in November - the public was made aware just this month - and the second leaked hundreds of gallons last week. At the time of the most recent incident, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found at least 230 fish had died in the Mississippi River adjacent to the plant. The agency and company claim 'the fish kill was not caused by tritium,' a radioactive isotope, but was due to a change in water temperature. The plant temporarily closed on Saturday to fix the latest leak and stopped pumping warm water into the river, dramatically changing temperatures that 'the fish get used to.' 'The fish kill is unfortunate but not unexpected given the significant temperature change that can occur when warm water from the plant stops flowing to the river during a shutdown in operation,' the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Monday. At the time of the most recent incident, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found at least 230 fish had died in the Mississippi River adjacent to the plant DailyMail.com has contacted Xcel Energy and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Xcel Energy is set to restart operations 'next week' but will temporarily close in mid-April for an annual maintenance project. Xcel's Theo Keith said more than 30 percent of the tritium had been recovered from groundwater, and the clean-up process will continue over the next year Chris Clark, president of Xcel EnergyMinnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said Thursday in a statement regarding the recent leak: 'While the leak continues to pose no risk to the public or the environment, we determined the best course of action is to power down the plant and perform the permanent repairs immediately.' The water contained tritium, a rare and radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a half-life of about 12 years. Tritium can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or absorption through the skin. Xcel Energy spilled 400,000 gallons of toxic material in November - the public was made aware just this month - and the second leaked hundreds of gallons last week The Monticello plant is about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis, upstream from the city on the Mississippi River It increases the risk of cancer if consumed in extremely large quantities, according to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Minnesota Health Commissioner Dan Huff told MPR News: 'While tritium is radioactive, its low energy, and so it is not like plutonium. 'If you were to sit it next to you in a glass, it would not hurt you. 'If you drank it, it would increase your radiation exposure. And we want to limit radiation exposure because radiation can cause tissue damage.' The Monticello plant is about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis, upstream from the city on the Mississippi River. After the first leak was found in November, Xcel Energy made a short-term fix to capture water from a leaking pipe and reroute it back into the plant for reuse. The solution was designed to prevent new tritium from reaching the groundwater until the installation of a replacement pipe during a regularly scheduled outage in mid-April, the company said. However, monitoring equipment indicated Wednesday that a small amount of new water from the original leak had reached the groundwater. Operators discovered that the temporary solution was no longer capturing all of the leaking water, Xcel Energy said. In a statement, Xcel Energy reported the first leak to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the state on November 22. Since the leak occurred, Xcel Energy claims it has been pumping groundwater, storing and processing the contaminated water, which contains tritium levels below federal thresholds. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said tritium spills occasionally happen at nuclear plants, but it has repeatedly determined that they have either remained limited to the plant property or involved such low offsite levels that they did not affect public health or safety. Xcel reported a small tritium leak at Monticello in 2009. Looking for an adventure to stir the soul? ROAR AFRICA'S Wildest Safari on Earth is a 14-day voyage across the untouched wilderness of Africa. Gliding on the ultimate magic carpet, the Emirates Executive Private Jet, from Zimbabwe and South Africa, to Tanzania and Rwanda. The trip-of-a-lifetime is devoted to preserving the continents last remaining wildlife and reviving the seamless elegance of what long-haul travel once was, with an itinerary that will leave you in wild awe! Ten guests will experience the natural beauty of Sub-Saharan Africa, staying at Singita's five-star luxury lodges. ROAR AFRICAs Wildest Safari on Earth is a 14-day voyage across the untouched wilderness of Africa. The trip-of-a-lifetime is devoted to preserving the continents last remaining wildlife and reviving the seamless elegance of what long-haul travel once was, with an itinerary that will leave you in wild awe Ten guests will experience the natural beauty of Sub-Saharan Africa, staying at Singita's five-star luxury lodges and flying on an Emirates Executive Private Jet The Wildest Safari on Earth unites three top-tier brands renowned for their commitment to ultra-luxe experiences: Emirates, Singita, and ROAR AFRICA. Unsurprisingly, such access and hassle-free movement comes at the cost of $149,200. And, while all 10 travelers fly together, its an entirely singular experience at each destination for each guest, with every individual want, need and desire catered to. The Wildest Safari on Earth unites three top-tier brands renowned for their commitment to ultra-luxe experiences: Emirates, Singita, and ROAR AFRICA. Unsurprisingly, such access and hassle-free movement comes at the cost of $149,200 The Emirates Executive Private Jet was custom-created for travelers who want to go "beyond first class" and reflect the glamour of a bygone era when air travel was both exclusive and an integral aspect of luxury travel experiences The most lavish African adventure is under the impeccable orchestration of ROAR AFRICAs CEO and founder, Deborah Calmeyer, and of Africa's top guides. Deborahs deeply-rooted lineage goes back 300 years to when her ancestors first arrived in Cape Town. While she currently splits her time between New York and Africa, she spent her childhood growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, surrounded by wildlife. With incredible insight and on-the-ground knowledge only a local can have, her safari offers clients unparalleled access to Africas finest treasures. This life-changing journey to four of Africas most pristine, untouched tracts of wilderness, brimming with wildlife and epic scenery, will 'move you in ways you never imagine,' said Deborah. This trip is about turning explorers into restorers.' On board are 10 private flatbed suites with minibars, a spacious lounge and spa bathrooms The Emirates Executive Private Jet includes a cabin crew committed to providing exceptional personal service alongside sumptuous fine dining, and a spectacular wine list The annual trip is only offered to 10 people and takes place in September the very best time for exceptional wildlife viewing. 'I promise you a life-changing journey of great passion and meaning. We travel not to move but to be moved,' she told DailyMail.com. Deborah and her all-African team have designed an itinerary filled with spectacular activities that blend glamour, enchantment, culture, and surprise within an ethos entrenched in humanity and a commitment to sustainability and conservation. 'This authentic experience sets a new paradigm in ultra-luxe adventure and sustainable travel and is also a robust catalyst for change,' she said. The voyage begins on September 11th at the five-star Bvlgari hotel in Dubai. The voyage begins on September 11 with a night at the five-star Bvlgari Resort in Dubai The Bvlgari spa features a variety of relaxing amenities, including innovative treatments and a large 25m indoor pool From there, guests board the Emirates Executive Private Jet, custom-created for travelers who want to go "beyond first class" and reflect the glamour of a bygone era when air travel was both exclusive and an integral aspect of luxury travel experiences. It features 10 private flatbed suites with minibars, a spacious lounge, spa bathrooms, and a cabin crew committed to providing exceptional personal service alongside sumptuous fine dining, and a spectacular wine list. The first stop is Zimbabwe's Singita's Pamushana Lodge in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is famous for its colorful Masa trees, ancient rock art sites, and elusive black rhino population Singitas Pamushana Lodge is nestled within the reserve to perfectly embody the thrill of the African bush The first stop is Zimbabwe's Singita's Pamushana Lodge in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, famous for its colorful Masa trees, ancient rock art sites, and elusive black rhino population. Next, Singita Ebony in the world-famous Sabi Sands, where adventures will include guided bush walks and glorious game drives across vast, untamed landscapes with the highest density of leopards in South Africa. To spend unhurried time so close to these majestic cats with all the expert insights and knowledge of a ROAR AFRICA guide is an experience that will stay with you forever. The 12 deluxe suites at the Singita Ebony Lodge feature glass and canvas walls that accentuate stunning uninterrupted river views while opening onto pavilion decks with private pools Adventures in Sabi Sands will include guided bush walks and glorious game drives across vast, untamed landscapes Sabi Sands boasts the highest density of leopards in South Africa To spend unhurried time so close to these majestic cats with all the expert insights and knowledge of a ROAR AFRICA guide is an experience that will stay with you forever 'By encountering the wild with intention and purpose, I've come to understand how nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and spiritual integrity,' said ROAR AFRICAs CEO and founder, Deborah Calmeyer Then, on to Singita Sasakwa in Tanzania and finally ending at Singita Kwitonda to see the last remaining mountain gorillas on earth in the lush rainforests of Rwanda. With a belief that nature is our nurture, The Wildest Safari on Earth is more than an ultra-luxe adventure through Africa; it's a journey within. 'I live between Cape Town and New York City, and after living in Manhattan for more than 22 years, what has become painfully obvious to me is that the western world's obsession with self-improvement, self-optimization, and self-indulgence sidesteps that most sacred and ancient connection the one between all living things,' said the founder of ROAR AFRICA. The voyage ends at Singita Kwitonda to see the last remaining mountain gorillas on earth in the lush rainforests of Rwanda With a belief that nature is our nurture, The Wildest Safari on Earth is more than an ultra-luxe adventure through Africa; it's a journey within Here's to a true safari in the wild...a journey back to self. Perfectly curated and utterly transformative 'I call this ancient connectedness ecological intelligence, and I've witnessed Africa's vast, untamed spaces awaken the discovery of peace, purpose, and a deep sense of self. 'By encountering the wild with intention and purpose, I've come to understand how nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and spiritual integrity.' Here's to a true safari in the wild...a journey back to self. Perfectly curated and utterly transformative. Russell Crowe takes on one of the juiciest roles of his career as the 'James Bond of exorcists' Father Gabriele Amorth in the new film The Pope's Exorcist. With the seemingly endless appetite for demonic possession movies like The Conjuring and the Exorcism of Emily Rose, it was inevitable that Hollywood would turn to Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican for inspiration. Russell Crowe stars as Father Gabriele Amorth in The Pope's Exorcist Amorth (who died in 2016), was an Italian Catholic priest and best-selling author. He was one of the most famous and respected exorcists in the Catholic Church, making him a tantalising character for Oscar winner Russell Crowe to tackle. 'There is actually a real job called the Chief Exorcist in the Vatican,' says Crowe. 'Father Gabriele Amorth was a real man who held that office for 36 years, and was involved in tens of thousands of exorcisms.' Father Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe) banishes a demon in The Pope's Exorcist 'Gabriele Amorth had a purity of faith that gave him a level of courage and bravery to do the job,' Crowe continues. 'It's a very dark pursuit you're dealing a lot with people who are suffering deeply.' Crowe, who has played a number of characters drawn from real life Jeffrey Wigand in The Insider, John Nash in A Beautiful Mind, Roger Ailes in Loudest Voice says he was attracted by the opportunity to portray a real-life exorcist. 'I do enjoy the responsibility of playing real people. I've done it a few times. There is an extra responsibility when you're playing somebody real, to try and get the essence of that person across.' Father Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe) uncovers the devil's work in The Pope's Exorcist For Crowe, The Pope's Exorcist is the first time he has played a lead in a horror movie. 'It was just something I hadn't done a genre I've never really touched at all. To be quite frank, I don't really like scary movies. They put me off my sleep,' he says. 'I'm incredibly superstitious. Moving in circles like this where you're examining situations that the characters face It's not necessarily a comfortable place for me.' Despite having such a dark vocation, Amorth remained light-hearted in his methods. He began his rituals by literally thumbing his nose at the devil. He'd tell jokes: 'You know why the devil flees when he sees me? Because I'm uglier than he is!' Daniel Zovatto and Russell Crowe face a demon in The Pope's Exorcist 'Our director Julius Avery always described this movie as a battle between two apex predators: the devil versus Father Amorth,' says producer Doug Belgrad. 'He's one of those rogues inside an institution an iconoclast who challenges the status quo,' says Avery. 'I admire that. Throughout his time as the chief exorcist of the Vatican, he was a very controversial figure he spoke up.' To understand what made Amorth tick, Crowe travelled to Rome, where he spent a week meeting people from the Vatican who knew the Pope's exorcist. For all of the rumours of the secretive Church, he says, 'I have to say that the Church was very open. We were given some extreme privileges by those in charge at the Vatican.' Crowe says he discovered the true Amorth through his research. He had a certain irreverent take on things that I tried to bring into the film. Hes an individual, not a cookie cutter man of the cloth. He rides a Lambretta motor scooter! The Pope's Exorcist is only in cinemas from April 6 Lives will be left hanging in the balance by a terrifying car crash on next week's EastEnders, as Kim Fox's night of celebrations takes a shocking turn. In upcoming scenes, Kim receives a brand new car after being crowned 'Influencer Of The Moment' at an awards show, but is left fuming when it's revealed Denzel decided to throw a party while and Howie were at the event. Back at the Square, a delighted Kim (Tameka Empson) is celebrating but they are soon distracted by Denzels party. A disappointed Howie (Delroy Atkinson) and Kim quickly shut down the party as Howie fumes at Denzel for his actions. But, still overjoyed by her win, Kim offers to take Denzel (Jaden Ladega) for a spin in her car, but the ride doesn't go to plan, leading to a shocking crash. SPOILER: Lives will be left hanging in the balance by a terrifying car crash on next week's EastEnders, as Kim Fox's night of celebrations takes a shocking turn Oh dear! In upcoming scenes, Kim receives a brand new car after being crowned 'Influencer Of The Moment' at an awards show Following the crash, a shaken Kim wakes up to find an unconscious Denzel on the seat next to her. Mitch (Roger Griffiths) spots the crash and quickly calls an ambulance, and with the help of the emergency services, Kim gets free but Denzel is trapped inside. Later Kim is joined at the hospital by Denise (Diane Parrish) who tries to comfort her, but she snaps as she reveals the reason why she accidentally crashed, Elsewhere this week, Denise struggles to hide her frustrations as Ravi and Chelsea continue to grow closer, with Nugget dragged in to babysit Jordan whilst they go on a date. Once alone, Nugget takes Jordan to Denzels house party where he shirks his responsibilities of babysitting to be with his friends. Meanwhile, Chelsea starts to think twice about her feelings towards Ravi when their passionate kiss prompts a warning from Stacey. With Staceys words playing on her mind, Chelsea begins to grill Ravi in attempt to gauge a better understanding of his character. Ravi is reluctant to answer at first, but the pair eventually connect when he shares his experience of being a father. Tension! Following the crash, a shaken Kim wakes up to find an unconscious Denzel on the seat next to her Close call: Mitch spots the crash and quickly calls an ambulance, and with the help of the emergency services, Kim gets free but Denzel is trapped insidEe Worrying: Later Kim is joined at the hospital by Denise (Diane Parrish) who tries to comfort her, but Kim snaps as she reveals the cause of the shocking crash Back soon: EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer As Kim spots Ravi and Chelsea flirting, and tells Denise that they need to intervene to break up their relationship for fear that Chelsea will get hurt. Kim later corners Chelsea and attempts to convince her to break off the relationship, while a nervous Denise approaches Ravi and warns him to stay away from Chelsea. Ignoring Denises threats, Ravi teases Denise by revealing his plans to take things to the next level with Chelsea, and a desperate Denise heads out, before making a mysterious call - who has she called? EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. James Nightingale makes a shocking deal that could throw his wedding into turmoil on next week's Hollyoaks, after agreeing to make a deal with jailed incel Eric Foster. In upcoming scenes, the lawyer decides to represent Eric during his appeal to try and reduce his prison sentence, in a desperate bid to earn enough money to pay for his cancer-stricken sister Juliet's treatment. But, when James decides to end his deal, Eric isn't so keen to let him go, and demands he steal a necklace from his caravan to earn the cash. Ste is also furious when he learns that James has taken on Eric as a client and issues him with a stark ultimatum, drop the case or say goodbye to his family forever. Will this put the brakes on the couples' big day? SPOILER: James Nightingale makes a shocking deal that could throw his wedding into turmoil on next week's Hollyoaks, after agreeing to make a deal with jailed incel Eric Foster Drama! In upcoming scenes, the lawyer decides to represent Eric during his appeal to try and reduce his prison sentence When James learns that a private clinic in Germany can take Juliet for stem cell treatment, he is desperate to find the money to pay for it as quickly as possible. But, he is stunned when Eric (Angus Castle-Doughty) reveals that in order to get the cash the desperate solicitor needs to pay for his sisters treatment, he must break into his caravan that is being held by the police and retrieve a necklace Things go from bad to worse for James (Gregory Finnegan) when he is caught by detective sergeant Zoe... meaning his loved ones could finally discover the truth about his deal. Meanwhile Ste (Kieron Richardson) has a morning of dance lessons planned in preparation for his wedding, and not taking no for an answer, the enthusiastic fiance arranges for Maxine to handle James business meeting. Backed into a corner, James confesses to Ste his new client is inmate Eric Foster Ste is hurt and angry at his fiance's decision to take on Eric as a client and leaves James with another ultimatum that he must decide between; dropping Erics case and choosing their family or his career. Ste and James relationship issues are put on pause while the families come together to put on a leaving spread for Juliet and Peri, unaware the couple are planning to leave without saying goodbye. That evening, Ste find a distraught James, overcome with fears about his little sisters future, and fearful its the end of the line for their relationship. Dark: But, when James decides to end his deal, Eric isn't so keen to let him go, and demands he steal a necklace from his caravan to earn the cash Tension! James is torn whether to go through with Eric's request, as he struggles to find the money to pay for Juliet's treatment What's next? Ste is hurt and angry at his fiance's decision to take on Eric as a client and leaves James with another ultimatum that he must decide Will the couple reconcile? Or is the wedding off? It comes after viewers finally learn Eric's fate as he is finally sentenced for his dramatic siege at The Dog. In tense scenes, Tony Hutchinson and his wife Diane will finally learn how long Eric will be thrown behind bars for his crimes, after he tormented the village with his violent threats. Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) who was held hostage by Eric, joins Tony and his wife Diane as they await news on Eric's fate. Eric spent weeks terrorising the women of the village, spiking their drinks while grooming teen Mason Chen-Williams (Frank Kauer). Things came to a head when Eric took multiple people hostage at The Dog, shooting Diane and Maxine with a crossbow. Eric spent weeks terrorising the women of the village, spiking their drinks while grooming teen Mason Chen-Williams (Frank Kauer). Things came to a head when Eric took multiple people hostage at The Dog, shooting Diane and Maxine with a crossbow. Eric was later arrested and sent to prison, and viewers learned he had plead guilty, to Diane and Maxine's surprise. Over? Will the couple reconcile? Or is the wedding off? The fallout has also left Tony increasingly fearful for his wife's safety, with upcoming scenes seeing him concerned for Diane as she prepares to embark on a women's conference. Upon learning Eric's sentence, Tony is stunned when he receives a letter from his brother inviting him to visit. Diane is also convinced her husband needs to seek professional help for what hes going through, and later accompanies Tony on his visit to see Eric - will this bring the family some much-needed closure? Hollyoaks airs Mondays to Fridays at 6:30pm on Channel 4, and first look episodes at 7pm on E4. Linda Nolan's announcement that her cancer has spread to her brain is just the latest tragedy to befall the famous family. Since rising to fame in the 1970s, the family - which consists of sisters Denise, Maureen, Linda, Bernie, Anne and Coleen and brothers Tommy and Brian - have faced plenty of heartache, whether it be health scares, marriage woes or sad deaths. While Linda is currently battling cancer for the third time, she and her sister Anne also both fought the disease together in 2021. The family also mourned the death of sister Bernie Nolan in 2013, when she passed away at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. So, as Linda shares the latest heartbreaking update in her health battle, MailOnline takes a look-back at the tragedies that have hit the Nolan sisters. Sad: Linda Nolan's announcement that her cancer has spread to her brain is just the latest tragedy to befall the famous family Legends: Since rising to fame in the 1970s, the family have faced plenty of heartache, whether it be health scares, marriage woes or sad deaths Family tragedy Heartbreaking: The Nolans Sisters' brother Brian suffered his own loss, when his wife Linzie died at the age of just 26 after contracting a viral infection Fans will best know The Nolans thanks to the troupe of sisters, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits including I'm In The Mood For Dancing. But the family itself was hit by tragedy when Brian Nolan lost his wife Linzie just two years after they tied the knot. At the age of just 26, Linzie contracted a virus, which turned into a viral infection that attacked her lungs and later her heart. Linzie went onto lose her battle with the virus, leaving the family devastated. The sisters also lose their mother Maureen in 2007, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in her early 70s. Coleen detailed her mother's health battles in a column for The Mirror, writing: 'The disease took all that from her. My family watched her sink and felt helpless. It got to a point where it was too dangerous for Mum to be left on her own. Their mother was moved into a care home during her final years, and died in her sleep after celebrating her 80th birthday. Anne also previously discussed with MailOnline the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her late father Tommy Nolan. Bravely writing: 'At 11-years old] I trusted him. Maybe this was something dads did with their daughters. My overwhelming reaction was one of puzzlement. I remember thinking to myself: 'Why is Dad doing this?'. In later years, the Nolans received another bombshell, when they learned that they had a half-sister, as their father had a child with another woman during an affair in the 1950s. Despite their best efforts and DNA testing, the sisters never managed to find their sibling, who is believed to be the same as Denise, born around 1952. Linda previously told OK! Magazine: 'When our dad died our mum told us that we had a sibling and she thought it was a girl, and she was happy for us to try and find her. 'She told us how it happened and that dad had a fling and this woman was pregnant the same time mum was pregnant and I'm one of the ones who is so excited. 'It was Maureen who went further and she did the DNA test and so we might find something out.' Cancer battles Tragic: Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and while undergoing treatment she lost her husband of 26 years Brian to the disease Sad time: While Linda was battling incurable cancer, her sister Anne was also diagnosed with breast cancer before being given the 'all clear' in 2020 Hard times: In March 2022, Linda revealed her cancer had spread to her brain, while battling the disease for a third time The main tragedy to have beset the Nolans remains the devastating cancer diagnosis, with multiple siblings battling the disease on more than one occasion. In 2005, Linda was the first, diagnosed with stage three breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast. While she underwent gruelling treatment, Linda's husband of 26 years Brian tragically died, after he was diagnosed with skin cancer, but she went onto get the all-clear in 2006. She previously admitted she struggled to move on following his passing, telling the Belfast Telegraph: 'Life without Brian is a nightmare. He was my soulmate and I miss him terribly.' In 2017, Linda revealed she'd been diagnosed with a form of incurable secondary cancer in her hip, which later spread to her liver in 2020. At the same time, sister Anne was also diagnosed with breast cancer before being given the 'all clear' in 2020. The sisters underwent chemotherapy during the Covid pandemic, where restrictions prevented them from being accompanied by other members of the family for support. In an extract from their book Stronger Together, shared by The Mirror, Anne credited Linda for helping her through the therapy, which left her with traumatic side-effects 'When [other sister] Maureen called to say Linda and I could have our chemotherapy treatment together, I cried with relief. We've shared every emotion the highs and the lows and we are stronger together because of it.' In March 2022, Linda then shared the heartbreaking news that her cancer had spread to her brain, days after celebrating her 64th birthday. She said on Good Morning Britain: 'I've always been hopeful with my treatment and what's going on in my life. 'I just want to tell you unfortunately for me my cancer has spread to my brain and that's obviously frightening because there isn't much treatment for brain cancer except for chemotherapy.' She added: 'I'm not giving up. I'm positive. I'm going to lose my hair again for the fourth time. 'I've moved back in with my sister to live, I was having falls, the cancer in my brain was affecting my balance and I had three quite nasty falls. 'So, as usual, my amazing family - I'm back living with my sister Denise and her partner. Maureen has been looking after me for the past few weeks. 'I've bought a wheelchair, we're getting stuff ready for the inevitable really. It's a scary trip to be on this one.' Linda said she's trying to remain positive: 'I don't know how long I've got left and that's not me being morbid or anything, but I don't know, none of us know really. So for me, it's making the most of every day and spending it with people I love. 'Just being positive: ''Yes, I've beaten it before,'' I've been fighting it since 2005 originally and then I've beaten it before, so hopefully I can do the same again. Obviously, with the great help I've always had from the NHS.' Bernie's death RIP: In 2013, Bernie Nolan passed away after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and despite being given the all-clear the disease returned in 2012 In 2010, Bernie was then diagnosed with breast cancer, and after gruelling chemotherapy and a mastectomy, was given the all-clear. However, in 2012 she learned the cancer had returned, and had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones in 2012. Despite her terminal prognosis, Bernie vowed she was 'living' with the disease, and began taking medication to control it. In 2013, Bernie tragically passed away at the age of 52, with her family at her side. At the time a statement from the family said: 'The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister; she is irreplaceable. 'The mum-of-one had been being cared for in a hospice but returned home to be with her family for her final days.' Marriage struggles Over: Alongside her siblings' health woes, Coleen has had her fair share of person struggles, splitting from her first husband Shane Richie in 1999 after nine years of marriage Split: In 2018, she then shared an emotional statement r evealing she had split from her second husband Ray Fensome after ten years of marriage Alongside her siblings' health woes, Coleen has had her fair share of personal struggles, splitting from her first husband Shane Richie in 1999 after nine years of marriage. In 2018, she then shared an emotional statement revealing she had split from her second husband Ray Fensome after ten years of marriage. Coleen, who publicised her fight to save her marriage over the 'hellish' year, admitted that while she was 'convinced they would grow old together', there was inevitably 'too much diving them' - causing their marital breakdown. News of her marriage troubles first emerged over a year earlier when Coleen confessed that she and Ray were struggling to salvage the distance between them - after he admitted he no longer found her attractive. Taking to her column she revealed: 'We can't go back. There is too much dividing me and Ray. I can hardly sit here and keep dishing out advice if I'm not being totally straight about what is going on in my own life.' 'Once you know your marriage is truly dead you need to make your peace with that, bury the past and move on. After 17 years together that's what I'm about to do.' Explaining her state of mind as she penned the letter, Coleen revealed: 'I've got tears pouring down my face as I write this. It's hard to imagine that so much could have changed from that day when we married. On that day I thought there was nothing that could split us up.' The 15-year-old son of influencer Sophie Guidolin has revealed his Snapchat account was hacked by a troll who shared false and malicious gossip about his mother. A post purporting to be from Kai Guidolin's account was widely shared on a gossip forum this week. In it, the account responded to a question from one of his followers about why he had recently spent several months living apart from his mother. Gold Coast-based Sophie, 34, has acknowledged her son spent time living with her parents in South Australia while their family was going though 'a hard time' - including her giving birth to a stillborn daughter and splitting from her husband Dr Andrew Firgaira after just four months of marriage. The post on Kai's Snapchat read: 'Long story short, she married a guy I hated... [I] had two options: streets or rehab in Northern Territory. 'Was homeless for one to two months [and] heading down [the] wrong path. Chose to move to Streaky for [a] fresh start.' Sophie Guidolin's 15-year-old son Kai (pictured together) has revealed his Snapchat account was hacked by a troll who shared false and malicious gossip about his mother This post, purporting to be from Kai Guidolin's account, was shared on a forum this week. In it, the account responded to a question from one of his followers about why he had recently spent several months living apart from his mother. It read, 'Long story short, she married a guy I hated... [I] had two options: streets or rehab in Northern Territory. Was homeless for one to two months [and] heading down [the] wrong path. Chose to move to Streaky for [a] fresh start' The post was likely referring to Streaky Bay, a coastal town on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, where Sophie's parents live. The post concluded: 'My mum and I have reconnect[ed] and we are in a good place.' After Daily Mail Australia contacted Sophie's representatives for comment on Monday, her manager directed us to a post Kai shared on Instagram last week in which he clarified his Snapchat had been hacked. He said it was an 'old' profile he no longer used that had been hacked by someone 'making up rumours' and 'saying all my personal stuff'. 'To everyone saying this is me, it's my old account that got hacked on Snapchat and saying all my personal stuff on my Instagram [and] making up rumours,' Kai said. 'We were perfectly fine as I was actually living with my grandparents,' he added. 'I'm sick of Instagram and trolls taking stuff out on my mum. She has done nothing wrong.' Gold Coast-based Sophie, 34, has acknowledged her son spent time living with her parents in South Australia while they were going though 'a hard time in our lives' Sophie is getting her life back on track after a difficult year that saw her give birth to a stillborn daughter and split from her husband Dr Andrew Firgaira (left) after four months of marriage After Daily Mail Australia contacted Sophie's representatives for comment on Monday, her manager directed us to a post Kai shared on Instagram last week (seen here) in which he clarified his Snapchat had been hacked. He said it was an 'old' profile he no longer used that had been hacked by someone 'making up rumours' and 'saying all my personal stuff' It comes two weeks after Sophie's husband Dr Andrew Firgaira, who was briefly Kai's stepfather, confirmed the couple's split just four months after their dream wedding. The dentist said he was 'not willing' to discuss the reasons for the break-up, which came after Sophie gave birth to a stillborn baby while he was on holiday in Europe with his daughters from a previous relationship. 'In order to remove the constant speculation I'll answer this once by saying we are no longer together,' he wrote in a comment on his own Instagram post. 'I have my reasons why and I'm not prepared to discuss this matter any further.' He stressed he 'wants people to refrain' from commenting on the relationship as 'nothing positive can come from discussing it further'. Days later, Sophie claimed on Instagram that - contrary to rumours doing the rounds online - she was the one who 'left' her husband, not the other way around. Sophie shared a slew of Instagram photos with Kai earlier this month after they were reunited. She said being back with her son was 'the silver lining' after a nightmare year A fan commented, 'Here's to a better year ahead. Happiest birthday,' and the self-styled nutritionist responded, '[It] can't be worse than the last' One follower offered kind words after Guidolin's horror year, and praised her for her 'bravery' She replied 'oath' when a supporter said it's 'better to split than live a miserable life' She opened up about her marriage on her 34th birthday, after posting a gallery of photos with her son Kai, with whom she had recently reunited after he spent several months living with her parents while they went though 'a hard time in our lives'. Sophie said being back with Kai, who had reportedly not attended her wedding to Dr Firgaira, was 'the silver lining' after a nightmare year. 'Gratitude times a million to have you back in my arms. I will do everything in my power to never let anyone or anything ever come between our bond,' she wrote. 'Thirty-three Nothing on earth could have prepared me for the year that was. Here's to redoing 33 #family #love #Kai.' Dr Firgaira confirmed the couple's split in this statement on Instagram recently Dr Firgaira's comments came after Sophie quietly unfollowed him on Instagram (as seen here) and wiped all evidence of him from her own feed Sophie later claimed that - contrary to rumours doing the rounds online - she was the one who 'left' her husband, not the other way around One of her followers asked in the comments section, 'Where's your hubby?' to which Sophie replied, 'I left him.' Another fan said, 'Here's to a better year ahead. Happiest birthday,' and the self-styled nutritionist responded, '[It] can't be worse than the last.' The exes' online tit for tat come after Sophie quietly unfollowed Dr Firgaira on Instagram weeks earlier, and wiped all evidence of him from her own feed. The couple tied the knot in November, and announced a month later they were expecting their first child together (pictured) Photos of the pair at their wedding were deleted, as well as their engagement post and a photo announcing Sophie's pregnancy over Christmas last year. Rumours about the couple's marriage had been swirling for months, after fans noticed the model had stopped posting photos of Dr Firgaira on social media. Last month, Guidolin added more fuel to the fire by uploading a cryptic Instagram post hinting at heartbreak. She said she was going through a 'rough patch' and stressed the importance of 'human connection' despite her desire to 'recharge her batteries alone'. She then alluded to her need for 'closure' after a difficult time, writing: 'Forgiveness is key, but some things are unforgivable and closure is the choice.' Sophie announced her engagement to Dr Firgaira in June 2022, just over two years after splitting from Married At First Sight star Jake Edwards in May 2020. The couple tied the knot in November, before announcing a month later they were expecting their first child together. Sophie, who has four children from a previous relationship, encountered serious health problems during her fifth pregnancy. In January, she told fans she had been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. While recovering from the condition in hospital, Sophie shared a post complaining about how lonely she felt without Dr Firgaira by her side. When quizzed by fans where her husband was, she said he was overseas on a long-promised European holiday with his two daughters. Sophie announced in late January her fifth child, and first with Dr Firgaira, a girl named Pixie, was stillborn. In January, Sophie told fans she had been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. (Pictured recovering from the condition in hospital) While in hospital, Sophie shared a post complaining about how lonely she felt without Dr Firgaira by her side. She described her struggles during an exchange with MAFS star Martha Kalifatidis, who was also pregnant at the time When asked by her followers where her husband was, Sophie said he was overseas in Europe She responded candidly after one fan asked how she was coping 'I cannot begin to articulate my pain, grief and despair through my entire soul,' she wrote in an emotional Instagram post, revealing she underwent a C-section. 'I am trying to trust in God's timing and I have always believed that the universe has my back and no matter how confusing this all feels, I am trying to make sense of this grief with my faith. 'I feel so guilty for my thoughts prior and I would do anything to have that pain, over this harrowing experience. I don't even have the words on how to write or how to comprehend this. Maybe some souls were always meant to be angels.' Drama is set to erupt on Married At First Sight next week as Harrison Boon attempts to even the score with his ex-wife Bronte Schofield at the reunion. And footage has now surfaced of Bronte, 28, brutally sledging Harrison, 32, as she arrived in Sydney ahead of filming the explosive episode in December, weeks after dumping him at the final dinner party and returning to Perth. The clip, published by Yahoo! Lifestyle, shows Bronte chatting to a photographer at Sydney Airport about the prospect of seeing Harrison again. 'Yeah, look I'd rather sniff paint than have to see him again, but here we are,' the online beauty educator scoffed. Despite this, Bronte assured the photographer she was feeling 'cool as a cucumber' and 'stoked' about returning to the show for one last hurrah. Married At First Sight's Bronte Schofield, 28, (left) sledged her ex-husband Harrison Boon, 32, (right) ahead of next week's explosive reunion In a trailer for the reunion released on Sunday, Harrison rocks up with receipts in the form of damning texts he says will expose Bronte as a fraud. He is clearly still nursing a bruised ego after Bronte walked out on him at the last dinner party following weeks of ups and (mostly) downs. Bronte meanwhile puts on a confident facade in front of the other participants but admits her husband is out for revenge. A clip published by Yahoo! Lifestyle shows Bronte chatting to a photographer at Sydney Airport about the prospect of seeing Harrison again. 'Yeah, look I'd rather sniff paint than have to see him again, but here we are,' the online beauty educator scoffed 'Everyone is on the chopping block tonight,' warns Harrison, before Bronte says in a voice-over, 'Harrison has said that he has dirt on me.' It then cuts to Harrison holding up a print-out of leaked text messages, which have been censored for the promo. The builder smugly asks, 'Is that in frame?' In a trailer for the reunion released on Sunday, Harrison rocks up with receipts in the form of damning texts that he says will expose Bronte as a fraud Tahnee Cook (left) and Caitlin McConville (right) look shocked as Harrison drops a bombshell While it's unclear what the texts are about, they could relate to the leaked voice notes scandal that emerged just days after Harrison and Bronte's wedding aired in February. The couple's big day was overshadowed by news, delivered by one of Bronte's wedding guests, that Harrison had a 'secret girlfriend' waiting for him on the outside. However, it later emerged the guest had already told Bronte about the other woman days earlier, and together they planned how the scandal would play out on TV. Their scheme was laid bare in a series of texts and voice notes in which Bronte spoke openly of how she planned to leverage the drama to her advantage. Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now While it's unclear what the texts are about, they could relate to the leaked voice notes scandal that emerged just days after Harrison and Bronte's wedding aired in February (pictured) The couple's big day was overshadowed by news, delivered by one of Bronte's wedding guests (right), that Harrison had a 'secret girlfriend' waiting for him on the outside Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson was recently forced to call the police after she believed she had been the victim of a home robbery. Discussing the ordeal on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this week, the 48-year-old said she was shocked after a package went missing at her $13million Woollahra mansion. The star, who moved out of the residence earlier this year, often gets mail and other items delivered to the property. When she went to pick up a pair of shoes which had been left at her mailbox by a private courier company, she discovered it had been taken by a man dressed in an Australia Post uniform. After catching footage of the incident on her security cam, Jackie took it to her local Australia Post office and was told the man didn't work there and may have been a thief. Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson was recently forced to call the police after she believed she had been the victim of a home robbery Discussing the ordeal on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this week, the 48-year-old said she was shocked after a package went missing at her $13million Woollahra mansion 'I was really very close to releasing this footage on my social media,' she said on Monday. After calling the police, Jackie was shocked to discover her missing package had arrived at her new three-storey oceanfront house in Clovelly. It was then revealed the 'thief' was indeed a legitimate Australia Post worker and had kindly taken the package to deliver to her new address because he knew that she'd recently moved homes. 'The police said he works for Australia Post and he just knew that you weren't living there anymore...' she sheepishly admitted. It was then revealed that the 'thief' was a legitimate Australia Post worker and had kindly taken the package to deliver to her new address because he knew that she'd recently moved homes Her co-host Kyle Sandilands chimed in, saying: 'He wanted to save someone else stealing it and he went above and beyond!' Jackie pocketed a tidy $2million in profit on the sale of her old home in Woollahra, after paying $1million over the $10million asking price for it in 2020. Sources said she barely got to enjoy the luxury property the last few years due to the paparazzi frenzy in the nearby park. 'They were gazing in from the park and it's just such a narrow street making it difficult to escape,' they said. OnlyFans and TikTok star Anna Paul brushed shoulders with her celebrity idol Emma Watson at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour over the weekend. The model, 23, met the Hollywood star, who is famous for her breakout role in the Harry Potter movie franchise, in the bathroom at Allegiant Stadium in Los Angeles. But she was left devastated when Watson, 32, kindly refused to take a selfie with her. The actress has a long-held policy of not taking selfies with fans for safety reasons. Recalling her celebrity encounter in a TikTok video, Paul said she went to the bathroom in the middle of the concert and ran into Watson as she was washing her hands. OnlyFans and TikTok star Anna Paul (left) brushed shoulders with her celebrity idol Emma Watson (right) at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour over the weekend, but the British actress refused to take a selfie with her 'I'm a fat Harry Potter fan. What do I do? I don't want to be annoying. I don't want to harass. But I also thought, "If I don't say something I'm going to regret it for the rest of my life." I really will,' Paul said. She went on to say she got up the courage to stop Watson for a chat just as she was about to leave the bathroom. However, as she was about to ask for a selfie, Watson stopped her and apologised as she refused. 'As I said it she went, "Oh, I'm so sorry." And I was like, "No, no, no, that's fine. Enjoy the concert." And she said, "You too." Like she was so nice,' Paul said, clearly thrilled with her encounter. She told her TikTok followers on Saturday she attempted to get a photo with Watson but the actor kindly refused due to her long-held policy of not taking selfies with fans for safety reasons Watson first revealed her no-selfies rule to Vanity Fair in 2016, saying she had concerns for her personal safety after she shot to stardom for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. 'If someone takes a photograph of me and posts it, within two seconds they've created a marker of exactly where I am within 10 metres,' she told the magazine. 'They can see what I'm wearing and who I'm with. I just can't give that tracking data.' Watson went on to say she would much rather give a genuine fan her 'undivided attention' than just be another celebrity sighting, but said she made an exception for children who wanted a photo with her. Streaming giant Stan have released stunning preview images from their upcoming blockbuster limited series, Ten Pound Poms. The Stan Original Series dramatises the famous Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, which brought more than a million people to Australia after World War II. Featured in the first-look photos is stunning British actress Michelle Keegan. The glamorous 35-year-old Our Girl star plays Kate, a nurse desperate to rewrite her devastating past after arriving in Australia without her fiance. One preview snaps features a smiling Michelle in character as Kate - sporting a a stylish black beret and a 1950s-style grey and white winter coat. Stan have released stunning preview images from their upcoming blockbuster limited series, Ten Pound Poms and featured in the first-look photos is stunning British actress Michelle Keegan, The Stan Original Series dramatises the famous Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, which brought more than a million people to Australia after World War II Another dramatic photo shows the actress dressed in a nurse's uniform while she appears to be taking an anxious telephone call. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones actor Faye Marsey and Warren Brown from BBC crime series Luther feature in another photo. The pair play married couple The Roberts, who come to Australia in 1956 after paying just 10 for their passage out. The glamorous 35-year-old Our Girl star plays Kate, a nurse desperate to rewrite her devastating past after arriving in Australia without her fiance One of the preview snaps features a smiling Michelle in character as Kate - sporting a a stylish black beret and a 1950s-style grey and white winter coat. Game of Thrones actress Faye Marsey (second-from-right) and Warren Brown (far right) from BBC crime series Luther in a scene from Ten Pound Poms. They play a British couple who battle prejudice and tough conditions in the Australia of the 1950s The Australian government promise them a better house, better job prospects and a better quality of life Down Under, far away from dreary post-War England. But the family soon discover the grim reality of migrant life as they battle the poor living conditions in a hostel for 'New Australians' as well as prejudice. The sneak peak shows them arriving in a migrant hostel, weighed down with luggage and surrounded by other newcomers. Also included in the images are local co-stars Sophie Gregg (Home and Away) and veteran Aussie fave David Field (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries). Other cast members in the Ten Pound Poms include Rob Collins (Cleverman) and Underbelly: Golden Mile star Cheree Cassidy. Collins (Mystery Road) appears in the drama as an Indigenous war veteran who feels like an outsider in his own country. Meanwhile Australian actor Leon Ford plays a new arrival struggling to survive after losing his business back in England. Sophie Gregg and David Field (pictured) are also featured in the cast Rob Collins plays an Indigenous war veteran who feels like an outsider in his own country Declan Coyle from SBS series The Family Law also appears as a teenager trying to escape a dysfunctional family relationship. The Australian government originally undertook the 'ten pound pom' scheme to bolster the country's population, which was at only 7.4 million in 1947. When the APMS ended in 1982, Australia was home to 15 million people. Meanwhile, 25 per cent of Britons who joined the scheme returned home. The brand new Stan Original Series Ten Pound Poms will premiere later this year, only on Stan. She was left heartbroken when she discovered her fiance Dean Gibbs was sending flirty texts to one of her friends earlier this year and promptly dumped him. And now former Married At First Sight bride Cheryl Maitland has debuted her revenge body. The 31-year-old posted a 'thirst trap selfie' of herself in a skimpy pink bikini while spending time at popular beach club Mrs Sippy in Bali on Monday. The blonde bombshell flaunted her taut abs and slender legs in the very high-cut two-piece. She also revealed her holiday glow and new blonder locks in the image. Married At First Sight bride Cheryl Maitland has flaunted her stunning 'revenge body' after dumping her 'cheating' fiance Dean Gibbs who she blasted online for texting her friend The racy photo comes just six weeks after she dumped disgraced former Victoria Police officer-turned-plumber Dean, who she was in a relationship with since early 2017. Cheryl publicly blasted her ex-fiance online after claiming to have found texts that he sent to a friend of hers, Maria Pepi, in which they made plans to meet up at the beach for a coffee and swim. She posted the texts on Instagram upon discovering them on February 12, and called the pair two 'dogs' and said she 'hopes the sharks get these two' next time they go to the beach together. Fans of the influencer, who has over 100k followers on the app, flocked to the comments to support her following the messy break-up. The 31-year-old posted a 'thirst trap selfie' of herself in a skimpy pink bikini while spending time at popular beach club Mrs Sippy during a trip to Bali. 'You are gorgeous and the right guy will come along and know how lucky he is, don't let a horrible friendship cast doubt on good friends,' one person wrote. While another said: 'I cant believe someone would jeopardise being with someone as gorgeous as you you will find someone who deserves you and all your beautiful self.' Cheryl's angry reaction suggests Dean may not have told her he was catching up with one of her mates. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any infidelity took place. He also appears to have tried to conceal the texts on his phone by saving Maria under a man's name, 'Andrew Galata - Burleigh.' However, Cheryl was allegedly able to prove he was texting her friend by cross-refencing the number for Maria on her fiance's phone with Maria's number in her own contacts. The leaked texts, which had a flirtatious tone, centred on Maria and Dean planning meet-ups as recently as January, including one time when they arranged to go for a 'crazy' sunrise swim and coffee together. The racy photo comes just six weeks after she dumped disgraced former Victoria Police officer-turned-plumber Dean, who she was in a relationship with since early 2017. Cheryl publicly blasted her ex-fiance online after claiming to have found texts that he sent to a friend of hers, Maria Pepi (pictured), in which they made plans to meet up at the beach for a coffee and swim 'The forecast is cloudy Monday and Tuesday. How about we do Wednesday??' Dean wrote to Maria in texts allegedly exchanged in January. 'Yea Wednesday is good. What time and location,' Dean replied. 'Wanna be crazy and do a sunrise swim???' Dean then wrote. 'Or do you wanna do it in comfort with a warm coffee?' Maria responded: 'Let's do both. Coffee on the beach then a swim.' Her angry reaction suggests Dean may not have told her he was catching up with one of her mates. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any infidelity took place Cheryl posted the texts on Instagram upon discovering them on Sunday, then called Dean and Pepi 'dogs' and said she 'hopes the sharks get these two' next time they go to the beach He appeared to have tried to conceal the texts on his phone by saving Pepi under a man's name, 'Andrew Galata'. But Cheryl was allegedly able to prove he was texting her friend by cross-refencing the number for Pepi on his ' phone with Pepi's number in her own contacts 'Boom,' Dean said with a fist-pump emoji. He then wrote, 'Love it,' with a devil emoji. Cheryl then shared another text message exchange in which Dean joked about having to 'save' Maria from a rip in the ocean. 'Broadbeach near you? Maybe out front of the Kurrawa surf club?' Dean suggested. 'Yes!!! Locked and loaded, added it in my calendar,' Maria eplied. Pepi (right, with Cheryl) has been pictured with the couple in multiple Instagram posts, which suggests the trio have been good friends for a while 'That means it's official. Hopefully you get caught in a rip so I can rescue you,' Dean joked to the glamorous blonde. 'Hahaha omg I'd be so scared, shark bait,' Maria wrote, adding a string of laughing emojis. 'You better rescue me lol,' she added. Cheryl angrily wrote over the text messages: 'DOGS! @_gibbsy @misspepix...' The former MAFS bride added: Sooooo much more! I'm just getting started... Hope the sharks get these two next swim.' Maria has been pictured with the couple in multiple Instagram posts, which suggests the trio have been good friends for a while. Cheryl (near), Dean (left), Pepi (right) and an unidentified man (back) are pictured kayaking on Hayman Island in October 2020 Cheryl and Dean became engaged last March and he announced the news on Instagram with the caption: 'Pop the champagne, she's changing her last name!' The couple began dating in 2017, shortly after she failed to find love on MAFS' fourth season with her two husbands, Jonathan Troughton and Andrew Jones. Almost a decade ago, ex-cop Dean was handed a one-year suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to trafficking and using cocaine, as well as possessing steroids and ecstasy. Dean, who retrained as a plumber after leaving the police force, pleaded guilty to five drug-related charges in the Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2014. His mother Karen told Daily Mail Australia in March 2017 her son had worked hard to build a new life for himself ever since he narrowly avoided jail. 'That is all in the past he's moved on from all of that,' she said of his criminal conviction. Cheryl and Dean became engaged in March last year; he announced the news on Instagram with the caption: 'Pop the champagne, she's changing her last name!' 'He has worked very hard to build a new life; he's got a successful plumbing business and he's very proud of that,' she added. According to previous reports, the former constable had started dealing drugs after his salary was unable to cover the cost of his cocaine habit. Dean faced more than 15 years in jail but pleaded guilty to trafficking and possession charges, and also failing to store ammunition appropriately. He resigned from the police force in disgrace and took up a position as a plumbing apprentice. Scandal-prone influencer Em Davies has announced her engagement to boyfriend of two years, Joel Gambin. Joel proposed this week during a romantic trip to New York, and Em, 28, wasted no time sharing the news with her Instagram fans. The bikini model uploaded a gallery of photos that captured the moment Joel proposed in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of DUMBO. 'I'm speechless. I love you so much. Someone pinch me !!??!!! What just happened?' she wrote in the caption. She also included close-up photos of Joel presenting her with an elegant emerald-cut diamond engagement ring. Scandal-prone Perth influencer Em Davies, 28, announced her engagement to boyfriend of two years Joel Gambin on Tuesday. (The couple are pictured in bed following Joel's proposal) Em was dressed to the nines in the candid photos, sporting a silk red gown with cap sleeves and an open back. Her accessories included a $6,000 Dior saddle bag, gold jewellery and slingback black pumps. Joel also looked slick in a black turtleneck, matching trousers and a trendy wristwatch. Joel proposed this week during a romantic trip to New York, and Em wasted no time sharing the news with her Instagram fans She also included close-up photos of Joel presenting her with an elegant emerald-cut diamond engagement ring In a subsequent post, Em shared photos of the pair cuddling in bed and toasting with champagne at an upmarket restaurant shortly after Joel's proposal. Joel had lovingly decorated their hotel room bed with rose petals that read 'I [heart] U' In a subsequent post, Em shared photos of the pair cuddling in bed and toasting with champagne at an upmarket restaurant shortly after Joel's proposal. Em's happy news comes after a string of recent controversies. In August last year, the Perth star landed herself in hot water after she uploaded an image of a sealed ziplock bag containing a brownie, as she made her way to the airport to catch a flight to Bali. Em's happy news comes after a string of recent controversies In August last year, the Perth star landed herself in hot water after she uploaded this image of a sealed ziplock bag containing a brownie, as she made her way to the airport to catch a flight to Bali 'Are we going to regret eating this weed brownie on our way to the airport?' she wrote alongside a 'yes' or 'no' poll. The post was deleted a few minutes later, presumably when Davies realised it was shared with her more than 360,000 followers, rather than her close friends. Em also raised eyebrows in January 2020 she shared a joke video of herself on Instagram following a New Years Eve gathering, where she pretended to snort a white powder with pals. 'Are we going to regret eating this weed brownie on our way to the airport?' she wrote alongside a 'yes' or 'no' poll In the clip, Em was seen lifting a non-illegal substance from a small piece of paper to her nose, guided by a tiny metal spoon. The influencer was then seen laughing at the camera, before saying: 'Yeah, the boys!' She also landed in hot water in early 2021 when she appeared to break Perth's mandatory lockdown rules during her daily outdoor exercise session. In November 2019 she was heavily criticised for publishing a $97 health and fitness advice book despite not having a nutrition degree. Em, who has a degree in fashion business, claimed all of the information was '100 per cent referenced to science'. Em also raised eyebrows in January 2020 she shared a joke video of herself on Instagram following a New Years Eve gathering, where she pretended to snort a white powder with pals Love Island winner Sanam Harrinanan has spoken out on her career plans after winning the 50,000 prize pot with her beau Kai Fagan. The couple were crowned the winners of the winter series of the ITV2 show earlier this month, but for Sanam her time in the villa has meant a drastic decision. Sanam, 24, worked as a social worker before the show, and in a new interview she had admitted her decision to appear on Love Island has put a halt to her previous career. 'I can't go into social work again, I don't think I'll be able to,' she admitted to heat Magazine. New path: Love Island winner Sanam Harrinanan has spoken out on her career plans after winning the 50,000 prize pot with her beau Kai Fagan Winners: The couple were crowned the winners of the winter series of the ITV2 show earlier this month, but for Sanam her time in the villa has meant a drastic decision She added though that she has plans to use her new platform to help her local community. 'I've got a meeting about it this week with my social work manager because I want to be able to use this platform to help children locally,' she explained. P.E. and science teacher Kai meanwhile has said he hopes to continue working with kids but knows his career path will most likely have to change. 'I still want to do the same thing I was doing but in a different capacity but it's just finding out what that capacity is and how I can do it,' he explained. Kai and Sanam made history as the first time a Casa Amor bombshell has entered the show and gone on to take the win in the show. Sanam has revealed she plans to use some of the 50,000 prize money to support her mum - who he is on her own after her dad passed away - as well as potentially invest in projects to help children. Meanwhile teacher Kai told how he is planning to go on nice holidays with the money and plenty of fancy dates. Speaking on The Morning After podcast, Kai revealed: 'We have about a thousand dates planned. We said we want to go to the Amalfi coast and Santorini. I feel like they are more holidays than dates. 'Maybe invest a little bit.' Sanam continued: 'I am going to be soppy but I am going to give my mum some of course because it's just me and mum so I have got to support her aswell. 'I was literally on the phone going 'Mum you are getting some, I don't care what Kai says you are getting some' and the rest we will spend on ourselves, invest and build something with it.' She continued: 'We have actually spoken about we come from jobs where we both work with children and I actually want to be able to do something for those children. 'I don't know what it is because I am not very business minded but that is something I want to do and we want to pursue with that.' Big plans: Sanam, 24, worked as a social worker before the show, and in a new interview she had admitted her decision to appear on Love Island has put a halt to her previous career Married At First Sight's Cameron Woods has broken his silence on his ex-wife Lyndall Grace's post-show romance with Josh White. Lyndall and Josh had a brief fling that started when they kissed on December 17 - the day after filming the show's reunion - during a wild night out in Sydney. But things ended badly a month later when Josh flew to Perth to spend the Australia Day weekend with Lyndall and was heartbroken to learn she already had a boyfriend. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, Cam said Josh had contacted him shortly after breaking off the relationship. 'I received a phone call from Josh after all that went down and he wasn't in a really good place,' he told radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson. Married At First Sight's Cameron Woods (pictured) has broken his silence on his ex-wife Lyndall Grace's post-show romance with Josh White '[Josh] flew to Perth to visit [Lyndall] to find out she had a partner back in Sydney,' added Cam, who split from Lyndall at their final vows on Monday. It comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed Josh and Lyndall were 'no longer on speaking terms' after he discovered she had a boyfriend she hadn't told him about. He learned about her other relationship after flying out from Sydney to Perth to see her in late January. Their brief romance and subsequent break-up was described by one cast member as 'messy AF' from the start. The pair reportedly couldn't keep their hands off each other when they first hooked up at a post-finale party at the Ivy in Sydney in December. Their behaviour apparently left their fellow cast members 'shocked'. 'Lyndall and Josh were all over each other in front of everyone, and it was really uncomfortable to watch,' a MAFS participant said. 'They were so caught up in the moment they didn't even care who was watching.' Lyndall (pictured) and Josh had a brief fling that started when they kissed on December 17 - the day after filming the show's reunion - during a wild night out in Sydney Their late-night pash became more serious when Josh decided to take things to the next level by flying to Perth to meet Lyndall for a secret rendezvous. Josh, a Sydney-based advertising director who was paired with sex-obsessed hairdresser Melissa Sheppard on MAFS, planned a romantic weekend with accountant Lyndall from January 26 to 29. The pair thought they had covered their tracks, but one of Lyndall's close friends eventually worked out what was going on. This friend reached out to Josh and asked him why he'd travelled across the country to be with her knowing she was 'in a long-term relationship' with another man. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, Cam said Josh (pictured) had contacted him shortly after breaking off the relationship. He was apparently heartbroken to learn she already had a boyfriend after flying to Perth to spend the Australia Day weekend with Lyndall This was news to Josh, who had no idea Lyndall was dating somebody else. 'Josh was heartbroken as he was under the impression Lyndall was single. She completely led him on,' said a source. 'He was on the first flight back to Sydney and not f**king happy one bit. They spoke for hours every day leading up to this holiday and she didn't mention it once.' The insider added that when the other MAFS cast members found out what went down in Perth, they were all 'really, really angry'. 'It has caused a lot of tension and drama within the group, and Lyndall and Josh are no longer on speaking terms. It's a complete mess,' they said. 'Lyndall wanted to keep the whole thing on the down-low - which is funny because she actually told some of the cast about it all on a night out in Perth.' Fatboy Slim has revealed the shocking ritual he goes through before taking to the stage to perform. Superstar DJ, real name Norman Cook, has a rather unorthodox request which his manager indulges in to make sure the musician is in the right frame of mind. The 59 year old requires a slap round the face to ensure he's alert and ready to go on stage for each gig. 'That transformation involves three Red Bulls, putting on a Hawaiian shirt, removing my shoes and being slapped really hard around the face by my tour manager, Al,' he said according to The Sun. The ritual first came about when he went sober 14 years ago, with the smack taking the place of any drinks. Unusual: Fatboy Slim, 59, has revealed the shocking ritual he goes through before taking to the stage to perform He explained: 'The slap replaces the cheeky vodka and orange or something else which used to get me on stage fighting. 'It just means all my adrenaline is there and I am in a fighting mood to perk me up.' Elsewhere, the star has admitted the first time he played a gig sober, he got stage fright and felt like a middle-aged man playing 'loud squelchy noises to a bunch of drunk people'. He checked himself into rehab in 2009 when he found his relationships with his family deteriorating. But the star - previously married to broadcaster Zoe Ball - said he was 'worried' he wouldn't be able to do his job anymore. He told the Changes podcast that he got such bad stage fright that his knees turned to jelly, and he reevaluated his career. He said: 'I was worried about if I could still DJ. 'The first time I DJ'd sober, I was so petrified. All those things they say about your knees turning to jelly - it actually felt like that. Shocking: The 59 year old requires a slap round the face to ensure he's alert and ready to go on stage for each gig 'I was so stiff that I couldn't dance or move. 'I was paralysed with fear. All the stage fright I hadn't had for 30 years all came at once. 'It was like, what am I doing here? Why are you going to play that record next? 'It's just a bunch of squelchy noises. 'It's like, what the hell are you doing? You're a middle-aged man playing a load of loud squelchy noises to a bunch of drunk people. 'You're waving your arms around, and they're waving their arms around. 'It took a really beautiful Japanese audience to get me over that.' It comes after Fatboy Slim and Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook has insisted his famous parents are 'normal people', as he discussed life growing up. Speaking out: 'My dad comes off stage, puts his slippers on and makes puzzles': Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim's son Woody Cook, 22, insists his parents are 'normal people' Hilarious: Years before Woody (right) was born in 2000, Fatboy Slim (left) was a fixture on the London nightclub scene, admitting in 2020: 'I was a drugged-up lunatic in the 1990s' While his DJ father once admitted to being a 'drugged-up lunatic' during his 1990s heyday, his offspring, 22, remembers the mellowed Grammy-winner putting on a pair of slippers and getting stuck into a jigsaw puzzle following his sold-out gigs. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Woody said: 'It sounds like there was more alienation than there actually was. I've always been a normal person, hang out with normal people, and my parents are two normal people. 'I think a lot of people have this idea of this different life that you live... I mean, it's like, you know, for me growing up, the only thing I knew was different was my parents would be out working a lot. 'And that's the only thing I could put the notion on. I am like everyone else and I always have been.' Explosive leaked messages prove Married At First Sight's Bronte Schofield was in cahoots with Harrison Boon's ex-girlfriend Abby Miller and begged her for evidence they were together during filming of the show so she could 'expose him' at the reunion. In the bombshell texts, Bronte attempts to uncover the truth about Harrison's past with Bachelor star Abby when she reached out to his former flame just days before the finale. Harrison ended things things with Abby in October, days before walking down the aisle to Bronte on the Channel Nine dating show. In the leaked messages, Bronte, 28, writes: 'He just told me so many different stories about you two, it changed every time it was bought up.' 'I just wanted to hear it from you whether you two were dating/seeing each other for more than 1-2 weeks like he claimed at the end or a couple of months at the start, it never made sense to me.' Explosive leaked messages prove Married At First Sight's Bronte Schofield was in cahoots with Harrison Boon 's ex-girlfriend Abby Miller and begged her for evidence they were together during filming of the show so she could 'expose him' at the reunion In the bombshell texts, Bronte attempts to uncover the truth about Harrison's past with Bachelor star Abby when she reached out to his former flame just days before the finale Bronte continues: 'I also have zero intention on speaking to him, I have to see him at the reunion next week, I just wanted to hear it from a woman's perspective.' 'You don't have to like me, but take Jess [Tomlinson, Bronte's best friend, who confronted her at the wedding about his relationship with Abby] out of this, take Harrison out of this, woman-woman, I'm honestly just wanting some clarity.' Bronte then begs for a simple 'yes or no' answer regarding the duration of Harrison and Abby's relationship and whether he had planned to see Abby during their time apart. In the leaked messages, Bronte, 28, writes: 'He just told me so many different stories about you two, it changed every time it was bought up' Bronte then begs for a simple 'yes or no' answer regarding the duration of Harrison and Abby's relationship and whether he had planned to see Abby, right, during their time apart Harrison, who uncovered these messages after Abby sent them to him, is seething over his bride's secret plot Harrison, who discovered the messages after Abby sent them to him, was seething over his bride's secret plot. 'He's absolutely livid,' a friend close to the builder revealed. 'Harrison can't believe Bronte would go behind his back like this. He was upfront with her about the Abby thing from the start. 'He feels completely betrayed, and he's not going to let her get away with it. 'Harrison can't believe Bronte would go behind his back like this. He was upfront with her about the Abby thing from the start,' a source told Daily Mail Australia 'There was nothing to his relationship with Abby. They were hooking up over a few weeks, Harrison was actually seeing a number of girls.' It comes after Harrison's best friend Paul Salviani, who attended his wedding as his best man, set the record straight about Harrison's fling with Abby. 'Harrison was never committed to Abby, he was just seeing her for a few weeks for fun. She was so unimportant that I only knew her as "the 21-year-old",' Paul said. 'I did meet her but I forgot her name and we just called her that. So how important to him could she be?' Paul added that Harrison never promised Abby that they were going to be together during the show. It comes after Harrison's best friend, Paul Salviani, pictured right, who attended his wedding as his best man, set the record straight about Harrison's fling with Abby 'She was free to move on. He broke up with her. Got the message across,' he added. 'Harry made it clear he was going on the show to get married, so it goes without saying that he does not want to see her at all. That it was done.' Leaked messages between Harrison and Abby confirm Harrison secretly met up with Abby on a number of occasions after filming the show's reunion on December 15 and 16, but didn't see her throughout the show. 'Harrison was never committed to Abby, he was just seeing her for a few weeks for fun. She was so unimportant that I only knew her as "the 21-year-old", he explained. Harrison pictured left with Paul in Sydney last month 'We were seeing each other for a couple of weeks, I knew you were leaving so we said our goodbyes,' Abby clarifies to Harrison in a text on December 15 when he asked about the nature of their relationship on the day of the reunion. 'I wished you luck and haven't spoken to you again since recently.' Texts show that Harrison and Abby reconnected two weeks after the reunion was filmed on December 30 and went out on another date night as friends. Leaked messages between Harrison and Abby confirm that the TV groom secretly met up with Abby on a number of occasions after filming the show's reunion on December 15 and 16, but did not meet up with her throughout the show 'We were seeing each other for a couple of weeks, I knew you were leaving so we said our goodbye,' Abby clarifies to Harrison in a text on December 15, when he asked about the nature of their relationship the day of the reunion Sharing photos from the evening, Abby joked she looked like a 'dork', to which Harrison replied: 'Yes. I was so h**ny, when you left omg'. 'I tend to do that to you,' she laughed. 'I feel like you don't respect that I've been through a lot more than you and you don't seem to care,' he wrote. 'Abby you're an awesome chick and I enjoyed the few weeks we had having fun, before going on MAFS,' he continued 'I'd rather we just chill on things for now and wait for all of this to blow over. I need to feel I can trust you and I can't if you're gonna keep telling people our private details.' Abby said she too had trouble trusting Harrison, adding: 'I never wanted this drama to start with you. I was left in the dark for months.' To Harrison's surprise he received a message from Abby's mum writing: 'You broke my little girls heart'. 'Abby you're an awesome chick and I enjoyed the few weeks we had having fun, before going on MAFS. I made it clear I couldn't see you anymore as I wanted to put 100% into the experiment,' he then wrote to his ex. 'I'm so confused as to why your mum is sending me this? We weren't in a relationship as I was always honest with you. This is too much. 'I wish you the luck on your Bachelor journey, and wish you the best of luck in the future. I think it's best if we stop contact now.' During their wedding, Bronte's friend Jessica (right) confronted the bride with intel about her groom just minutes after the couple said 'I do' Hailey Bieber got her week off to a fashionable start, sharing new snaps on Instagram as she prepares for the Canadian launch of her Rhode skincare line. The 26-year-old wife of Justin Bieber shared four new snaps on Instagram on Monday to her nearly 50 million Instagram followers. 'Gearing up for @Rhode Canada launch tomorrow!!!!!!' she said in the caption, adding a party face emoji. The supermodel was wearing a backless black full-length gown for the snaps, while she enjoyed an iced coffee. She also accessorized with large gold spiral-shaped earrings for the new snaps, which already received over 270K likes just hours after posting. Fashionable Hailey: Hailey Bieber got her week off to a fashionable start, sharing new snaps on Instagram as she prepares for the Canadian launch of her Rhode skincare line Bieber launched her Rhode skincare line (named after her own middle name) in June 2022, which already had a wait list of over 100,000 strong upon launch. The business has been booming ever since, with CEO Melanie Bender, who joined the company in October 2022, telling Vogue Business last week about the brand's astronomical sales. 'We crossed the eight-figure [sales] threshold in just 11 days of selling. Its surpassed anything Ive ever seen,' Bender said. She added that Bieber is also heavily involved in all aspects of the business, stating, 'As founder and creative director, she plays a major role in product development and overall creative direction of the brand.' 'We are speaking to her more than once a day to build our formulas and priorities around what she identifies as a need in the market,' she added. Not even a year in, Bieber is already planning a global expansion that will be spread out throughout the year. The Canadian line launches on Tuesday, while she is also planning a United Kingdom expansion later this summer. Bieber also recently made headlines when she mended fences with her husband's ex, Selena Gomez. Backless: The supermodel was wearing a backless black full-length gown for the snaps, while she enjoyed an iced coffee Launch: Bieber launched her Rhode skincare line (named after her own middle name) in June 2022, which already had a wait list of over 100,000 strong upon launch While Gomez and Bieber posed together for photos at an October 2022 event, there were rumors in February 2023 that Hailey was making fun of Selena in a TikTok video, claims she denied. Last week, Gomez shared that Bieber reached out to her and she wanted to end all of the hate. 'Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity,' she wrote. 'This isn't what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying. I've always advocated for kindness and really want this all to stop,' Gomez concluded. Bieber thanked Gomez for speaking out on her behalf in an Instagram story post to her fans. 'I want to thank Selena for speaking out, as her and I have been discussing the last few weeks how to move past this ongoing narrative between her and I,' Bieber began. 'The last few weeks have been very hard for everyone involved and millions of people are seeing so much hate around this which is extremely harmful. While social media is an incredible way to connect and build community, moments like this only create extreme division instead of bringing people together,' she continued. 'Things can be taken out of context or construed differently than they were intended. We all need to be more thoughtful about what we post and what we say, including myself. In the end I believe love will always be bigger than hate and negativity and there is always an opportunity to meet each other with more empathy or compassion,' Hailey concluded. Australian soap star Tammin Sursok has revealed her nine-year-old daughter Phoenix was caught up in the horrific school shooting that has shaken residents of Nashville, Tennessee. Six people, including three children, are dead after a transgender female shooter opened fire at a church-run primary school on Monday morning. Tammin, who lives in Nashville with husband Sean McEwen and their two daughters, revealed after the attack that her eldest child's school was in lockdown. The Home And Away star, 39, shared an Instagram video of herself crying as she paced in her kitchen, telling fans: 'There's been an active shooter in one of the schools in Nashville... It's right next to my daughter's school. She's in lockdown, she's fine.' She described the ordeal as hitting 'too close to home' for many parents in America, where school shootings occur almost every year. Australian soap star Tammin Sursok, 39, (right) has revealed her nine-year-old daughter Phoenix (left) was caught up in the horrific school shooting that has shaken residents of Nashville, Tennessee 'I know a lot of other mothers are completely hysterical and shaking right now, because I can't believe this keeps happening. And you always think it's not going to happen to you,' she wept, shaking her head in disbelief. Hours later, she uploaded a heartfelt essay pleading with American lawmakers to overhaul firearms legislation to end mass shootings for good. 'Our community in Nashville is in shock. My thoughts and prayers are with the families going though this unimaginable tragedy,' she began. Tammin, who lives in Nashville with husband Sean McEwen and their two daughters, revealed on Monday that Phoenix's school was in lockdown, shortly after a shooter opened fire at The Covenant School, killing six people. (Tammin is pictured with husband Sean McEwen and their two daughters Lennon and Phoenix) The Home And Away star shared an Instagram video of herself crying as she paced in her kitchen. She tearfully described the horror she felt after receiving the call that there was an active shooter within walking distance from Phoenix's school, calling the ordeal 'a parent's worst nightmare' 'Today I got a call that I never thought would happen but at the same time expected because I live in the USA.' Tammin described the horror she felt after receiving the call there was an active shooter within walking distance from Phoenix's school, calling the ordeal 'a parent's worst nightmare.' She went on to reiterate the often-used adage 'guns don't kill people, people kill people', before questioning how assault rifles, like the ones the shooter was carrying, are still being sold to civilians. Hours later, she uploaded a heartfelt essay pleading with American lawmakers to overhaul firearms legislation and end mass shootings for good She went on to reiterate the often-used adage 'guns don't kill people, people kill people', before questioning how assault rifles, like the ones the shooter was carrying, are still being sold to civilians 'In most states, an American can buy an AR-15 after their 18th birthday. The AR-15 (and military style weaponry) is not designed for hunting or 'sport.' It's meant to kill people. Lots of people all at once,' she wrote. 'How is this allowed? Please explain it to me? How? I'm numb. I'm angry. I'm at a loss. Most of us are.' Tammin concluded by calling for both sides of the political aisle to unite on the issue of protecting children from school shooters. Tammin is known for her appearances on Australian soap operas Home And Away and Neighbours, as well as American TV series Pretty Little Liars Six people - including three children - are dead after a transgender female shooter opened fire at The Covenant School in Nashville, killing three nine-year-old children and three staff members on Monday. The shooter was 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who at one time attended the school. While Hale's motive is still unknown, police say she had detailed, drawn maps of the school and had been surveilling it for some time. Six people - including three children - are dead after a transgender female shooter opened fire at The Covenant School in Nashville, killing three nine-year-old children and three staff members on Monday. (Pictured: School buses with children arrive at Woodmont Baptist Church, Nashville, to be reunited with their families after the shooting) 'We have a manifesto, we have some writings. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place,' Nashville Police John Chief Drake said. The small school is run by a church and does not employ a school resource officer. Police said she identified as transgender, and online profiles show Audrey used 'he/him' pronouns. Shortly before 10.13am, the woman entered the school through a side door and began opening fire on the second floor. By 10.27am, she had been shot dead. She was armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. Emily Ratajkowski enjoyed some quality time with her two-year-old son Sylvester at Tokyo's newest museum, featuring a plethora of stunning immersive art exhibitions. After paying a visit to teamLab Planets, where visitors can walk through water and explore wall-to-wall mirrors, the model, 31, uploaded a TikTok video with her little boy having 'the best time ever' as she filmed him running and dancing around. 'Then, we walked into this other room that was filled with LED-lights that, I don't know, felt like you were in heaven,' she gushed. 'I could've spent all day in there. She continued: 'I'm not a big meditator, but it kind of made me want to meditate.' The footage showed her holding her tot in her arms as they walked through a room of massive white balls, you 'could push.' Doting mom: Emily Ratajkowski enjoyed some quality time with her two-year-old son Sylvester at Tokyo's newest museum, featuring a plethora of stunning immersive art exhibitions For her excursion, the five-foot-seven beauty wore a high neck crop top, low-rise pants and a cropped black and beige jacket. Her son, who who already has a full head of bouncy blonde curls, wore a patterned jacket with horses on the sleeves and a pair of cargo pants. 'I'm very proud of his outfit,' the mother-of-one, who launched her podcast High Low with EmRata in November, raved. In addition to making memories across the globe with Sylvester, Ratajkowski made headlines for her steamy make-out session with Harry Styles over the weekends. Six months after the 29-year-old pop star's split from Olivia Wilde, 39, he was seen passionately locking lips with the Gone Girl actress on the streets of Tokyo. Despite sparking romance rumors with their kiss, Ratajkowski's public display of affection (PDA) seen around the world may have cost her a friendship. A source Page Six that the My Body author is 'begging [Wilde] for forgiveness.' 'This is a betrayal,' the insister insisted. Meanwhile, Wilde, who dated for nearly two years before calling it quits in November 2022, 'is staying far away from this and taking the high road.' Latest adventure: After paying a visit to teamLab Planets, where visitors can walk through water and explore wall-to-wall mirrors, the model, 31, uploaded a TikTok video with her little boy having 'the best time ever' as she filmed him running and dancing around 'Then, we walked into this other room that was filled with LED-lights that, I don't know, felt like you were in heaven,' she gushed. 'I could've spent all day in there Feeling good: She continued: 'I'm not a big meditator, but it kind of made me want to meditate' While it is unclear how close Ratajkowski and the Dont Worry Darling director are, the I Feel Pretty star and her were previously filmed dancing at Styles Paris concert together and have publicly sang each other's praises over the years. Ratajkowsk even said she felt very protective' of Wilde, whose latest film was nearly overshadowed by allegations of on-set feuds and her relationship with its leading man. It was reported at the end of last month that Harry had moved on from Olivia with someone else, although the mystery lady was not identified. A source told the Mirror at the time: 'Harry is seeing someone. Hes going to great lengths to keep her identity quiet after the circus surrounding his relationship with Olivia. 'But his close circles all know about the romance. Though its early days, things seem to be going well.' Having fun: The footage showed her holding her tot in her arms as they walked through a room of massive white balls, you 'could push' Shining bright: For her excursion, the five-foot-seven beauty wore a high neck crop top, low-rise pants and a cropped black and beige jacket Emily had in recent months been linked to serial dater Pete Davidson. She filed for divorce from her film producer ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard in September. The married couple first split in July amid accusations that 42-year-old Sebastian was a 'serial cheater'. Meanwhile, Harry and actress Olivia, 39, went their separate ways in November after they found they had 'different priorities that are keeping them apart'. Olivia was last seen supporting Harry when she attended his November 15 concert at LA's Kia Forum, where she was accompanied by her two children. In November, it was claimed that Olivia was 'disappointed' that her relationship with Harry Styles did not work out. End of the road: Ratajkowski's public display of affection (PDA) with Styles may have damaged her friendship with Olivia Wilde, who he dated for two years before calling it quits in November (seen above together in March 2022) Meanwhile, Olivia appears to have her own problems to deal with after she appeared to plead poverty in court filings this week. Despite being worth more than $10 million, she detailed her income and expenses included in her childcare battle with ex Jason Sudeikis, who she was spotted with on Saturday. In papers, Wilde claimed that the Ted Lasso star is prolonging his court fight with her because he is trying to 'litigate her into debt'. 'While Jason can afford to spin his wheels with filing after filing, Olivia cannot,' her lawyers wrote in advance of a hearing scheduled in Los Angeles for today, which has now been canceled. 'Jason seems intent on throwing whatever he can against the wall to see what will stick, and this Request for Order seeking a stay of the California Parentage action is just the latest example,' they add. She accused him of being 'underhanded' and acting 'in bad faith' over the future of their two children. Friday's hearing was scheduled to be over whether California courts should determine the warring couple's fight over the children, Otis, eight, and six-year-old Daisy, or whether New York is the appropriate venue. Union end: Ratajkowski filed for divorce from her husband of four years, Sebastian Bear-McClard (seen in 2020), two months after they split over allegations that he had cheated Blossoming bump: In October 2020, Emily and her then husband announced that they were expecting their first child together. Emily is seen during the pregnancy Meanwhile Olivia's split from Harry came a surprise to fans. People Magazine claimed the pop star and US film actress were 'taking a break' from their romance due to having 'different priorities that are keeping them apart'. A source said: 'He's still touring and is now going abroad. She is focusing on her kids and her work in LA. It's a very amicable decision. They're still very close friends.' A friend added to the publication: 'Right now, they have different priorities that are keeping them apart. The public pressure on them has been difficult. They've had ups and downs throughout the relationship.' Despite their split, the two have 'no bad blood between them', according to Page Six. 'Harry didnt dump Olivia, or vice versa. This is the longest relationship Harrys ever had, so clearly they have a special bond,' the insider shared. The source added: 'Theyre on a break. Its impossible to have a relationship when hes in every continent next year and Olivia has her job and her kids. This is the right thing for both of them.' Model and influencer Ellie Gonsalves married her long-term partner Ross Scutts in two luxury ceremonies over the weekend. The 33-year-old's official nuptials took place at the floating beach club La Luna on the Gold Coast in an intimate toi et moi wedding. They followed it up with a second luxury gathering where they invited their bridal party and other guests, reported Vogue on Saturday. Gonsalves said she originally just wanted to elope overseas with her entrepreneur beau, but changed her mind after visiting the 'Mediterranean-inspired' La Luna. The actress went on to say that the lovebirds knew from the beginning they wanted a 'really intimate' ceremony with just the two of them, and enlisted wedding planner Alysia Bridger to help organise it all. Ellie Gonsalves, 33, (left) married her long-term partner Ross Scutts (right) in two luxury ceremonies over the weekend The model's official marriage took place at the floating beach club La Luna on the Gold Coast in an intimate toi et moi wedding 'We wanted our ceremony to be really intimate. We've both lost our dads, so we always knew it would be an emotional day,' the former Big Brother VIP star said. 'We got married the way we started, just him and me. Celebrating our love in the most special way we could think of.' Those in attendance at the first ceremony included wedding planner Alysia, their dog Daisy which acted as a ring bearer, celebrant Jake Smith, videographer Caio Souza and photographer Lauren Shulz. The Wildlife Warrior ambassador wore a long-sleeved gown by designer Sam Oglialoro and stylist Paul Versace with a sheer neckline and floral appliques along the form-fitting bodice and dramatic train. One of three gowns she wore throughout the weekend, the luxury garment featured a plunging neckline which accentuated her assets and highlighted her glamorous makeup crafted by Alex Perrin. She accessorised with a 1920s-style capped veil adorned with petals which molded to her platinum blonde pixie cut styled by Brodie Tsiknaris, along with a plethora of classic diamond jewellery designed by Calleija. The couple followed up the first nuptials with a second luxury gathering where they invited their bridal party and other guests Gonsalves revealed she and Sam, who is the founder of Oglia-Loro Couture, 'have worked together for years' and 'he has a mannequin of my body shape in his office with my exact measurements'. They, along with Paul from from Styled By Bloom, 'all decided on three couture dresses - a ceremony dress, reception dress and a party dress'. 'I'm really a low-key kinda gal but when your friend and one of the best wedding dress designers in the world wants to make you three dresses, you say yes,' Gonsalves said. Gonsalves walked down an aisle over the pool at La Luna carrying a bouquet of white flowers with a photo of her deceased father attached, before she and her new husband celebrated with a private dinner catered by celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. Residents of the real Ramsay Street were paid a hefty sum for Neighbours to film outside their homes, a report has revealed. The Melbourne cul-de-sac, located at Pin Oak Court in Vermont South, stands in for the iconic location in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough. Residents of Pin Oak Court get a whopping AUD $33,000 to $50,000 a year from the show's production company to film external scenes that stand in for Ramsay Street, News Corp has alleged. Homeowner Miles Shackley, who lives in the house depicted as belonging to the character Karl Kennedy and his wife Susan, told the I've Got News For You podcast this week that having Neighbours shoot on his front lawn was relatively peaceful. All Shackley and his other real-life neighbours had to do was stay inside while cameras are rolling and occasionally park their vehicles out of the way. Residents of the real Ramsay Street were paid a hefty sum for Neighbours to film outside their homes, a report has revealed. Pictured are former cast members Annie Jones, Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue in the recent finale episode 'You could be at home, that was no problem at all. But they typically ask us to remove our cars,' he said. 'I just often park it around the corner for them the previous night.' The series filmed scenes on Shackley's lawn and driveway, with interiors shot on a nearby set. Shackley added: 'But there's no real impact, really they just sort of let us know when they are filming and basically asked us not to come out the front door in the middle of a shot.' Disruption came only in the form of occasional busload of tourists taking photos of the street, but a security guard was posted on site around the clock to ensure residents were not bothered by curious fans. Shackley would not comment on the fee he was paid by the production company, however. Last year, it was revealed that Ramsay Street will not go down in Australian history as a heritage listed site. The Melbourne cul-de-sac, located at Pin Oak Court in Vermont South, stands in for the iconic location in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough Residents of Pin Oak Court get a whopping AUD $33,000 to $50,000 a year from the show's production company to film external scenes that stand in for Ramsay Street Homeowner Miles Shackley, who lives in the house depicted as belonging to the character Karl Kennedy and his wife Susan, told the I've Got News For You podcast this week that having Neighbours shoot on his front lawn was relatively peaceful A petition for six homes at Pin Oak Court in Vermont South, Melbourne, to be granted heritage protection based on their appearance in soap opera Neighbours was rejected at a Whitehorse Council meeting in September. A heritage claim requires the location to hold 'historic, aesthetic and social significance' It was announced last year that Neighbours would no longer be filmed after Channel 5 and the production company Fremantle failed to reach a new deal. Kylie Minogue returned for the final episode last July along with Jason Donovan who played her husband Scott. The all-star finale of Neighbours saw the long-running Australian series win the TV ratings for the first time in more than a decade. However, last month it was confirmed that Amazon Freevee would be bringing the show back. Lukas Gage raved about his new relationship with the hairdresser for the stars, Chris Appleton, while on Today in New York City on Monday. The White Lotus star, 27, addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship with Kim Kardashian's infamous hairstylist, 39, and confirmed that the two are dating. He shared with the hosts of the show that he is 'very much in love' with his new beau after the pair seemingly confirmed their relationship via several Instagram posts last month. After receiving a comment about his 'phenomenal' hair and being asked what Appleton felt about it, the actor joked, 'I think this mane needed to be tamed.' The You star then continued the joke by saying: 'I also needed to be tamed.' He's in love: Lukas Gage confirmed his relationship with the hairdresser for the stars, Chris Appleton He's in love: The White Lotus actor addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship with Kim Kardashian 's infamous hairstylist; seen at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2023 Lukas then took on a more serious tone to share his true feelings about his relationship with Appleton. 'I feel very happy, very lucky, and very much in love,' Lukas expressed as photos of the pair then popped up on the screen. He added: 'Hes a good-looking man. Theres something about being in London. I think I got a taste of the Brits andI couldn't help myself.' After he enjoyed looking at several more photos of himself and the hair professional, he said: 'We have fun together. We go on adventures, and it's the best.' While on Today, the actor also talked a bit about his newest role as Adam, a social climber on the fourth season of the hit Netflix show You. 'It's bonkers. This show is completely bonkers. My character is bonkers. He is full of secrets, and it's such a thrill to be a part of a show that's just so fun and crazy.' He then revealed that he had originally auditioned for the lead role of the show back in its beginnings as the titular character Joe, who is played by Penn Badgley. 'I auditioned for pretty much every character in every season and did not get it,' Lukas shared while laughing. Chatty: He shared with the hosts of the show that he is 'very much in love' with his new beau Hair stuff: After receiving a comment about his 'phenomenal' hair and being asked what Appleton felt about it, the actor joked that 'I think this mane needed to be tamed' Acting: The actor also talked a bit about his newest role as Adam, a social climber on the fourth season of the hit Netflix show You Cute: 'I feel very happy, very lucky, and very much in love' 'Persistence pays off, guys,' the actor said, having finally been cast in the newest season of the thriller. Back in February, Lukas and Chris seemed to confirm their relationship after they posted a slew of photos on their personal Instagram accounts while on vacation together. They enjoyed each other's company as they took a vacation to Punta de Mita, Mexico, at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. In a series of photos, the men were seen riding a four-wheeler on a trail, with both donning helmets, bandanas, and goggles on the outdoor excursion. Gage captioned the post in Spanish, 'la mejor' - which translates in English to 'the best' - and tagged the resort in the post. Appleton shared the same pictures, captioning the post 'Joyride,' and an extra one of both enjoying an outing on the shore while standing in the Pacific Ocean. The hairstylist has worked with notable names such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande, with his work appearing in publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. Lukas has films on tap, including Down Low, Road House, and Parachute. He compared navigating his Hollywood career with his love life in an interview for The Hollywood Reporter earlier in February. Officially official: Lukas and Chris seemed to confirm their relationship after they posted a slew of photos on their personal Instagram accounts Vacation time: They enjoyed each other's company as they took a vacation to Punta de Mita, Mexico, at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Couple things: The men were seen riding a four-wheeler on a trail, with both donning helmets, bandanas, and goggles on the outdoor excursion You: He also then revealed that he had originally auditioned for the lead role of the show back in its beginnings as the titular character Joe, who is played by Penn Badgley; (L to R) Penn Bedgley as Joe, Lukas Gage as Adam 'I do think everything works out the way its supposed to, but I wasnt always able to see that,' he said. 'Im getting better at it every year. The older I get, the more I realize I have no control over anything. 'Its kind of like dating - when youre seeking a partner, you never find somebody. People can feel that youre trying too hard.' Gage said that 'the best thing to do in this industry is to build a full life outside of your work and have your work be just a part of that life.' He added: 'This is an accessory to my happiness, not the source of my happiness.' Former US President Barack Obama is currently in Australia for a pricey speaking tour, hosted by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop. The Australian politician, known for her keen sense of fashion, opted for a chic ensemble for Obama's Sydney conference in Sydney on Tuesday evening. The 66-year-old spared no expense, posing at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848. She paired the Australian brand's sleek Ivory Crepe Scalloped Jacket with their Ivory Crepe Wide Waisted Pant. The chic jacket alone costs a whopping $1,249 while the matching trousers retail for $599. Former US President Barack Obama is currently in Australia for a speaking tour, hosted by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (centre). The 66-year-old posed at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney in a Carla Zampatti cream suit valued at a total of $1848 Julie beamed as she posed for a selfie at the event, which was shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday. Barack will speak at the city's 'An Evening with President Obama' - where Australians will hear about the politician's 'path to success'. Tickets for Obama's speaking dates come in at between AUD $195 to $895 and the trip is expected to net the former president as much as AUD $1million. The 61-year-old will continue his tour in Melbourne on Wednesday night where he will speak at John Cain Arena. Barack will speak at the city's 'An Evening with President Obama' - where Australians will hear about the politician's 'path to success' Tickets for Obama's speaking dates come in at between AUD $195 to $895 and the trip is expected to net the former president as much as AUD $1million The Australian politician is known for her keen sense of fashion Obama was seen touching down in a private jet in Sydney on Monday, taking wife Michelle along for the long ride. The politician, who served as US president between 2009 and 2017, last visited Down Under in November 2014. 'President Obama faced a number of complex challenges, including the rise of China, ISIL taking territory in Syria and Iraq, the Syrian civil war, the 2008-09 global financial crisis and much more,' Bishop said ahead of the tour. 'He sought closer economic relationships with key nations of the Indo-Pacific through enhanced trade. President Obama's insights into current world events will be invaluable.' Alison Hammond has spoken out after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspicion of blackmail. The presenter, 48, took to Instagram on Monday to share an empowering video, which saw her smile while laying in bed. She overlaid the clip with a male voice, saying, 'You want to know four main reasons why I will always win? 'I don't hate on nobody, I pray, I stay in my own lane, and lastly, I'm not competing with nobody expect for myself.' Captioning the post with a red heart, the former Big Brother housemate flashed a peace sign with her hand. 'I will always win!' Alison Hammond has spoken out after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspicion of blackmail Happy: The presenter, 48, took to Instagram on Monday to share an empowering video, which saw her smile while laying in bed She looking chic in a polka-dot blue dress, while sporting a coordinating headband in grey. It comes after Alison appeared to once again confirm she was single during an appearance on Monday's This Morning - fuelling further speculation she had split from partner Ben Hawkins. The host, who is sitting in for Phillip Schofield this week showed off her 'single ring' during a discussion about dating apps. Joined by Holly Willoughby, 42, Alison revealed she was wearing the green jewellery as way of declaring her single status. As she flashes the Pear Ring she said: 'More people are wanting to meet people out and about and having a green ring might be a good idea so that people know you're single. 'As you can see, I've got my single ring on.' Before Holly interjected: 'Hopefully you won't need it for a lifetime.' The Pear Ring works the opposite of an engagement ring, with users donning it to show strangers they are available. Back on the market? It comes after Alison appeared to once again confirm she was single during an appearance on Monday's This Morning - fuelling further speculation she had split from partner Ben Hawkins Single and ready to mingle? The host who is sitting in for Phillip Schofield this week showed off her 'single ring' during a discussion about dating apps Pals: Before Holly (left) interjected: 'Hopefully you won't need it for a lifetime' The official green ring costs 19.99 and aims to help people find love in person rather than on dating apps. Earlier this month Alison shocked This Morning viewers by declaring she was single just weeks after it was reported she and her beau were 'engaged'. She slipped up on her relationship status when she exclaimed: ' well I am single!' while discussing the new Love Island spin-off show with co-host Dermot O'Leary. As Dermot read the casting call for new show The Romance Retreat - to be hosted by Davina McCall - he hinted to his co-star about signing up, telling her they were looking for 'vibrant single parents'. To which she replied: 'Hey, I'm single!. Alison Hammond broke her silence on Sunday after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspicion of blackmail. Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a beaming selfie from her 'girls night' with pals Holly Willoughby, Nicole Appleton and Emma Bunton, writing the caption: 'Needed that.' West Midlands Police told MailOnline that a man had been bailed following his arrest on suspicion of blackmail. Ex? Earlier this month Alison shocked This Morning viewers by declaring she was single just weeks after it was reported she and her beau were 'engaged' (Ben pictured) What happened? She slipped up on her relationship status when she exclaimed: ' well I am single!' while discussing the new Love Island spin-off show with co-host Dermot O'Leary Alison allegedly told pals she handed over thousands of pounds and a car to a former friend who threatened to leak false details about her private life. The force confirmed it had arrested a 36-year-old man from Warwickshire on suspicion of blackmail against a woman in her 40s. The man was questioned by police and on Sunday was released on conditional bail, it added. West Midlands Police said on Sunday they 'take reports of this kind very seriously' and enquiries were 'progressing swiftly'. According to The Sun, the former Big Brother contestant also handed over a BMW worth 5,000. It's claimed the presenter reported the incident to police last week, with a colleague telling the publication Hammond revealed she had 'reached the end'. She allegedly showed officers from the force messages she had received from the man on Tuesday. The new Great British Bake Off host is said to have fought back tears and claimed that she had 'trusted' the man when speaking to a friend. Speaking out: On Sunday Alison broke her silence on social media after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspiction of blackmail Candid: Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a beaming selfie from her 'girls night' with pals Holly Willoughby, Nicole Appleton and Emma Bunton adding in the caption: 'Needed that' 'I thought he valued our friendship. I now know he only wanted me to fund his life of luxury', The Sun reported. It is claimed the man took advantage of Alison's kind nature and they forged an unlikely friendship despite his issues with drugs. Alison reportedly told her friend that he sprung the demands on her out of the blue after she had been happy to try and help him and spend money on him. It is claimed she attempted to cut ties with him a number of times but he managed to make his way back into her life. Things reached boiling point for Alison when she is said to have told a colleague last week: 'He sent me a message stating that if I didn't give him 3,500 he would ruin me. Development: On Sunday, West Midlands Police told MailOnline a man had been bailed following his arrest on suspicion of blackmail Drama: Alison allegedly told pals she handed over thousands of pounds and a car to a former friend who threatened to leak false details about her private life 'I was flabbergasted. I'm still in shock. To have a friend seeking to blackmail and extort me is just heartbreaking. I had to realise I'd reached the end and go to the police.' Things reached boiling point for Alison when she is said to have told a colleague last week: 'I had to realise I'd reached the end and go to the police.' However, Alison is said to be 'genuinely scared' of any retaliation from the man now she has stopped giving him money and gone to the authorities. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Alison for comment. A former holiday rep, she first appeared on British TV screens as a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002, which she later admitted she had only signed up for in a bid to clear a 3,000 debt. Her bubbly personality and warmth soon landed her a spot on This Morning after ITV bosses saw her potential. Her career has since gone from strength to strength, recently landing hosting jobs at the BAFTAs and on GBBO. Zan Rowe has decided to take a break from her role at Double J Mornings. The Australian radio presenter, 45, announced the shock news via Twitter on Monday. 'This'll be my last full week on Double J Radio for the rest of 2023,' she wrote. Zan went on to reveal her colleague Karen Leng would host the daily morning program from Mondays to Thursdays from next week. 'Karen and I have broadcast alongside each other over 20 years,' Zan told abc.net.au Zan Rowe has decided to take a break from her role at Double J Mornings. The Australian radio presenter, 45, announced the shock news via Twitter on Monday. Pictured 'She is the icon I looked up to at community radio when I first started out, and she's one of Australia's most respected music brains. 'Her CD and vinyl collection fills walls of her house, and you'll always find Karen at the front of every gig. I couldn't think of a better person to take care of you on Mornings,' Zan added. Zan will round out the week hosting Friday Mornings with Take 5 and DESKO. 'This'll be my last full week on Double J Radio for the rest of 2023,' she wrote. Zan went on to reveal her colleague Karen Leng would host the daily morning program from Mondays to Thursdays from next week Zan went on to thank all of her loyal listeners over the years. 'The community of J listeners is the best in the world,' she said. Zan will remain with ABC and serve as their national music correspondent. Her Take 5 with Zan Rowe podcast-turned-TV series will return to television screens on ABC later this year for its second season. Keanu Reeves has garnered praise for being a 'gem of a person' as a viral video of the actor helping crew carry equipment while filming John Wick 4 resurfaced online. In the clip from 2021, the star is seen holding two boxes of items that he carries upstairs on the action film set. Since it was posted by screenwriter Todd Spence and the new flick was released, the footage has racked up more than 10.2 million views and 73,000 likes. Fans were impressed by Keanu lending a hand, describing him as a 'gem' and saying that there should be more individuals like him. One wrote on Twitter: 'That's the reason why he is still called a gem of a person.' Helping hand: Keanu Reeves has garnered praise for being a 'gem of a person' as a viral video of the actor helping crew carry equipment while filming John Wick 4 resurfaced online Going viral: Since it was posted by screenwriter Todd Spence and the new flick was released, the footage has racked up more than 10.2 million views and 73,000 likes Action hero: Keanu has been in the John Wick action film franchise since 2014 and revealed he has been one of his favourite characters to play (pictured in John Wick 4) Another said: 'We need more people like Keanu' while a third added: 'Seriously, Keanu is an amazing, kind, gentle, great person. 'The vast majority of celebs will just sit in their trailer and be waited on until their scene is ready. 'He helps out, gives and does all he can above what any actor even in a Z-list film would be thanked for doing.' Elsewhere, a separate person wrote: 'People in the comments going off about how this should be the standard. 'I worked in the film industry for a long time: it is not. Credit where credit is due. Keanu Reeves is doing a good thing. 'Most A list celebs hide in their trailers waiting to see which PA will score drugs.' However, not everyone was impressed by the video, with some fearing he was putting the production of the film at risk by helping out. One person said: 'Old people are always doing this s**t and then hurting themselves and someone else always gets blamed in the end. 'Sit the f**k down grandpa. No one wanna get fired over your ass.' Another penned: 'Everyone: A sterling example counter to selfish Hollywood Ideals!' 'Amateur production: Oh wow, I wish MY on-camera meat puppets did this!' 'Producers: 'Jesus f**k Keanu are you trying to tank this production?! Why am I getting a call from the attorneys at 3.30am?!' Praise: People were impressed by Keanu lending a hand, describing him as a 'gem' and saying that there should be more individuals like him And a third said: 'Actors, please don't do this lol', unimpressed by his show of help. It comes after Keanu said that John Wick is one of his favourite roles he's ever played - even more than his roles in Speed and the Matrix franchise. 'It's a fun character to be able to have that, you know, that John Wick kinda thing,' he said. 'I mean, I think the film is really epic, and I love playing the role,' he continued. 'I love the John Wick world.' The Point Break star also said it's 'cool' and 'kind' for people to be referring to John Wick: Chapter 4 as one of the greatest action movies of all time. Reeves has been playing the assassin since the first John Wick movie in 2014. Playing John Wick requires 'training before the training' and 'a John Wick toolbox' according to Reeves. Keanu noted that he works with the film's stunt coordinator on the mix of 'judo, jiu-jitsu and weapons manipulation,' or gun fu, as it has come to be known. Good Morning America's Will Reeve asked him if he's feeling his age when performing the complicated stunts the role requires. 'I'm not quite there yet,' he said, but the fourth John Wick movie 'got me closer.' 'I'm definitely feelin' the age,' he said, also explaining that he's 'more experienced' and therefore 'more efficient' in tackling the action than he was when starting out. Alison Hammond flirted up a storm with LBC presenter Nick Ferrari during his appearance on Tuesday's This Morning. The TV host, 48, recently confirmed she was single during Monday's episode of the show - fuelling further speculation she had split from partner Ben Hawkins. And it appears she's already got her sights set on a certain somebody as she vowed to go on a luxury cruise with the broadcast journalist, 64, which had been promoted on the show. While discussing a recent survey with Holly Willoughby, 42, which claims men of feet size seven are better lovers, she quipped, 'I do like a short man!' Five-foot-five Nick saw his opportunity and made his move while joining the ladies via video link. 'I do like a short man!' Newly-single Alison Hammond, 48, flirted up a storm with Nick Ferrari, 64, as he vowed to show her 'a good time' on a luxury cruise Ooh la la! She vowed to go on a luxury cruise with the broadcast journalist, which had been promoted on Tuesday's This Morning Taking off his shoe, he quipped to Alison, 'I'm a size twelve but, for what that leaves elsewhere, we'll only find out when we get on this boat! We'll have a good time, I assure you.' Later on in the chat, the former Big Brother housemate reminded him, 'Book that cruise, Nick.' Just the previous day, she appeared to once again confirm she was single. The host, who is sitting in for Phillip Schofield this week on This Morning, showed off her 'single ring' during a discussion about dating apps. Joined by Holly, Alison revealed she was wearing the green jewellery as way of declaring her single status. As she flashes the Pear Ring she said: 'More people are wanting to meet people out and about and having a green ring might be a good idea so that people know you're single. 'As you can see, I've got my single ring on.' Before Holly interjected: 'Hopefully you won't need it for a lifetime.' Tragic: The TV host, 48, recently confirmed she was single during Monday's episode of the show - fuelling further speculation she had split from partner Ben Hawkins Really? While discussing a recent survey with Holly Willoughby, 42, which claims men of feet size seven are better lovers, she quipped, 'I do like a short man!' Fingers crossed! Five-foot-five Nick saw his opportunity and made his move while joining the ladies via video link The Pear Ring works the opposite of an engagement ring, with users donning it to show strangers they are available. The official green ring costs 19.99 and aims to help people find love in person rather than on dating apps. Earlier this month Alison shocked This Morning viewers by declaring she was single just weeks after it was reported she and her beau were 'engaged'. She slipped up on her relationship status when she exclaimed: ' well I am single!' while discussing the new Love Island spin-off show with co-host Dermot O'Leary. As Dermot read the casting call for new show The Romance Retreat - to be hosted by Davina McCall - he hinted to his co-star about signing up, telling her they were looking for 'vibrant single parents'. To which she replied: 'Hey, I'm single!. Alison broke her silence on Sunday after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspicion of blackmail. Back on the market? It comes after Alison appeared to once again confirm she was single during an appearance on Monday's This Morning Single and ready to mingle? The host who is sitting in for Phillip Schofield this week showed off her 'single ring' during a discussion about dating apps Pals: Before Holly (left) interjected: 'Hopefully you won't need it for a lifetime' Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a beaming selfie from her 'girls night' with pals Holly, Nicole Appleton and Emma Bunton, writing the caption: 'Needed that.' West Midlands Police told MailOnline that a man had been bailed following his arrest on suspicion of blackmail. Alison allegedly told pals she handed over thousands of pounds and a car to a former friend who threatened to leak false details about her private life. The force confirmed it had arrested a 36-year-old man from Warwickshire on suspicion of blackmail against a woman in her 40s. The man was questioned by police and on Sunday was released on conditional bail, it added. West Midlands Police said on Sunday they 'take reports of this kind very seriously' and enquiries were 'progressing swiftly'. According to The Sun, the former Big Brother contestant also handed over a BMW worth 5,000. Ex? Earlier this month Alison shocked This Morning viewers by declaring she was single just weeks after it was reported she and her beau were 'engaged' (Ben pictured) What happened? She slipped up on her relationship status when she exclaimed: ' well I am single!' while discussing the new Love Island spin-off show with co-host Dermot O'Leary It's claimed the presenter reported the incident to police last week, with a colleague telling the publication Hammond revealed she had 'reached the end'. She allegedly showed officers from the force messages she had received from the man on Tuesday. The new Great British Bake Off host is said to have fought back tears and claimed that she had 'trusted' the man when speaking to a friend. 'I thought he valued our friendship. I now know he only wanted me to fund his life of luxury', The Sun reported. It is claimed the man took advantage of Alison's kind nature and they forged an unlikely friendship despite his issues with drugs. Alison reportedly told her friend that he sprung the demands on her out of the blue after she had been happy to try and help him and spend money on him. It is claimed she attempted to cut ties with him a number of times but he managed to make his way back into her life. Things reached boiling point for Alison when she is said to have told a colleague last week: 'He sent me a message stating that if I didn't give him 3,500 he would ruin me. Speaking out: On Sunday Alison broke her silence on social media after it was revealed over the weekend that a man had been arrested on suspiction of blackmail Candid: Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared a beaming selfie from her 'girls night' with pals Holly Willoughby, Nicole Appleton and Emma Bunton adding in the caption: 'Needed that' 'I was flabbergasted. I'm still in shock. To have a friend seeking to blackmail and extort me is just heartbreaking. I had to realise I'd reached the end and go to the police.' Things reached boiling point for Alison when she is said to have told a colleague last week: 'I had to realise I'd reached the end and go to the police.' However, Alison is said to be 'genuinely scared' of any retaliation from the man now she has stopped giving him money and gone to the authorities. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Alison for comment. A former holiday rep, she first appeared on British TV screens as a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002, which she later admitted she had only signed up for in a bid to clear a 3,000 debt. Her bubbly personality and warmth soon landed her a spot on This Morning after ITV bosses saw her potential. Her career has since gone from strength to strength, recently landing hosting jobs at the BAFTAs and on GBBO. James Argent packed on the PDA with girlfriend Stella Turian as the pair enjoyed a romantic day out in Venice. The former TOWIE star, 35, and the actress, 18, looked more loved-up than ever as they locked lips while exploring the famous canals on Tuesday alongside Stella's mother. James wrapped up in a black padded jacket which he teamed with a pair of blue jeans and bright yellow trainers. The TV personality - who is 16-years older than Stella - hid behind a pair of dark sunglasses as he cosied up to his girlfriend. Stella looked effortlessly chic in a black jumpsuit, a coordinated blazer and a pair of crisp white trainers. Loved-up: James Argent packed on the PDA with girlfriend Stella Turian as the pair enjoyed a romantic day out in Venice on Tuesday Romantic: The former TOWIE star, 35, and the actress, 18, looked more loved-up than ever as they locked lips while exploring the famous canals PDA: The TV personality - who is 16-years older than Stella - hid behind a pair of dark sunglasses as he cosied up to his girlfriend She toted her belongings around in a Dior shoulder bag and hid behind a pair of large dark sunglasses. The couple were all smiles as they posed for selfies on Stella's phone during the boat ride. The loved-up pair were accompanied by Stella's mother on the boat trip, who sat at the bow with the driver. James and Stella were later seen cosying up as they beamed for photos taken by her mum in the street. The former TOWIE star removed his large dark coat to show off a fitted khaki V-neck jumper. James also took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a glimpse into his romantic weekend trip. The TV personality cut a casual figure in a red polo top and blue cardigan, teamed with jeans and bright yellow trainers. James accessorised with a pair of dark sunglasses and flashed a huge smile while Stella dressed in an all black ensemble. The couple enjoyed a lavish meal together as the actress snapped a picture of Arg donning a black open collar shirt at the dinner table. James looked away from the camera as he accessorised his look with a long pendant necklace. The reality star penned: 'Weekend in Venice'. The pair were also joined on the trip by the actress' mum as Stella beamed for a selfie with her by the Venice canals. She wrote: 'From Venice with love'. James recently gushed over new girlfriend Stella and revealed that he wooed her with Mafia movies in his home cinema. The reality star also recalled how they 'serenaded each other' when they first met by chance at a restaurant in Greece in June, before pursuing a romantic relationship months later. Speaking to The Sun, he confessed: 'I feel very lucky, sometimes I have to pinch myself to remind myself this is all really happening.' As well as being genetically blessed, the 18-year-old beauty is fluent in four languages, while the TOWIE star is working hard on improving his Italian. Arg also told how he wooed his new girlfriend, revealing: 'I'm lucky enough to have a home cinema there have to be some perks to being in showbiz and I'm obsessed with Mafia films, so I made her watch Goodfellas and some Sopranos and Casino too.' Locking lips: Stella pushed her long brunette tresses back with a pair of large dark sunglasses Family outing: The loved-up pair were accompanied by Stella's mother on the boat trip, who sat at the bow with the driver Posing up a storm: The couple were all smiles as they posed for selfies on Stella's phone during the boat ride Looking good: James wrapped up in a black padded jacket which he teamed with blue jeans and bright yellow trainers Stunning: Stella looked effortlessly chic in a black jumpsuit, a coordinated blazer and crisp white trainers Chic: Stella's mum looked simply stylish in an all black ensemble and carried her belongings in a designer bag Getting the angle: James and Stella were later seen cosying up as they beamed for photos taken by her mum in the street Out and about: The former TOWIE star removed his large dark coat to show off a fitted khaki V-neck jumper Incredible: Stella toted her belongings around in a Dior shoulder bag Hugging: The couple embraced while sightseeing in Italy All smiles: James and Stella seemed smitten for one another as they spoke in the street Dedicated: Stella styled her long brunette tresses in luxurious curls as she posed for a photo, taken by her mum, with beau James The reality star - who's trouble past is widely documented - insisted he has been completely up front with Stella about the 'ups and downs' he's had. He gushed: 'We've got an amazing connection, she is extremely supportive, and she knows everything there is to know about me.' Arg met Stella by chance at a swanky restaurant called Nammos, while in Mykonos, Greece in June for a friend's wedding, He said they 'serenaded each other' as he reminisced of how he showed her clips of himself singing Rat Pack songs, while she showed him clips of her singing Italian love songs. The pair then exchanged numbers, and Arg explained how after performing gigs they'd send each other videos of themselves singing, and added how Stella gave his mic skills 'her seal of approval'. Despite meeting just once in Mykonos, they then spent the summer messaging and FaceTiming. Arg recalled how he eventually plucked up the courage to fly to Italy in September to see her and see if there was a romance to be had. The TOWIE star confessed to being 'incredibly nervous' for fear that when they saw each other again, there might not be a romantic connection. But thankfully, the second their eyes met again, he gushed over how they felt 'an amazing link' which has continued to develop. And after meeting each other's families, Arg confirmed that they will spend Christmas together, but have no plans to move in together. Instead, they will focus on making their long-distance relationship work. It comes after MailOnline revealed James' burgeoning romance with Stella in September. Sources close to the pair said that it was 'love at first sight' for James, who hasn't felt this way for years, and he's 'determined' to make this relationship the best of his life. 'James and Stella are in love, they fell for each other the moment they met and have spent as much time together as possible since,' a source told MailOnline. 'This is a big deal for James he hasn't been in a relationship for years because he's been working on himself and finally now, he's ready to share his life with someone. High spirits: The couple were later all smiles as they stood on a balcony taking photos of below Having fun: James enjoyed a yoghurt while filming from his balcony Capturing the moment: The actress held her phone up high to snap a picture of her and James locking lips Making memories: He seemed in high spirits as she wrapped her arms around his neck 'From Venice with love': James took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a glimpse into his romantic weekend trip to Venice with Stella Family: Stella beamed for a selfie with her mother by the Venice canals Date night: The couple also enjoyed a lavish meal together 'Weekend in Venice': James looked away from the camera as he posed up a storm for the snap 'The age difference hasn't played any part in their romance so far, they've holidayed together in Italy and Marbella, getting to know each other away from the spotlight.' Stella appears in the film Infiniti, which screened at this year's Venice Film Festival. James hasn't publicly dated anyone since the end of his turbulent romance with former TOWIE co-star Gemma, 41, who was left brokenhearted on multiple occasions after James called her names and they fell out on and off screen. He also dated TOWIE's Lydia Bright, 31, who is now a mum to daughter Loretta while Gemma is engaged to fiance Rami Hawash. Anya Taylor-Joy looked stunning as she shared a cigarette with her 'husband' Malcolm McRae as the couple wrapped up their romantic Venetian getaway. The actress, 26, and her musician beau, 28, appeared to be in high spirits as they laughed and chatted together before hopping on a taxi boat on Saturday. Their trip to the iconic Italian city has been filled with love and affection, after they were spotted sharing sweet kisses together on a balcony on Friday. The couple continued their loved-up display as The Queen's Gambit star looked stunning in a burnt orange sundress, which showed off her back with thin straps. The ensemble was belted at the waist and emphasised her porcelain complexion. Romantic trip: Anya Taylor-Joy looked stunning as she shared a cigarette with her 'husband' Malcolm McRae as the couple wrapped up their romantic Venetian getaway Stylish couple: The actress, 26, and her musician beau, 28, appeared to be in high spirits as they laughed and chatted together before hopping on a taxi boat on Saturday Anya went make-up free and wore a dark cap as she carried a brown coat while departing sunny Venice. Malcolm looked handsome in a long leather jacket as he pulled a peace sign for the cameras. Rumours have swirled that the pair secretly tied the knot after Anya was pictured on several occasions in Sydney wearing what appears to be a wedding ring, but has yet to comment on the speculation. It was claimed at the time that Anya had secretly married her rocker boyfriend after one year of dating. The couple confirmed their relationship at the Vanity Fair Oscars party in March 2022. The Emma actress first sparked engagement rumours in June when she was seen sporting a dazzling diamond on her ring finger. It was claimed in July 2022 that the actress and the musician had tied the knot in a modest courthouse ceremony in the US. Anya and Malcom were said to be planning a larger ceremony with friends and family once the actress wrapped filming Mad Max: Fury Road prequel, Furiosa, in Australia and was able to return home to Los Angeles for a longer period. Saying goodbye: It was claimed in July 2022 that the actress and the musician had tied the knot in a modest courthouse ceremony in the US The source claimed the actress jetted back to Australia shortly after the wedding to resume filming Furiosa, a prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. She is starring as a younger version of Charlize Theron's character in the earlier film - set for release in May - which saw Tom Hardy take over the Mad Max title character from Mel Gibson. Malcolm, an Alabama native, has dabbled in acting, but his primary interest is playing guitar and piano in his rock duo More alongside bandmate Kane Ritchotte. In July 2021, The Sun reported that McRae had 'practically moved into [Taylor-Joy's] Los Angeles home'. Anya has mostly stayed quiet about her relationship, but she offered a rare comment about him to British Vogue in March 2022 when she described some of their favourite activities at home. 'I said to my partner the other day that he was my hobby,' she said. 'I see reading as something that I have to do. 'He loved it because he's the same. I've finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading. We're basically 80 years old and seven at the same time and it works really well.' She also noted that the occasionally long-distance nature of their relationship could be trying on her, though they seem to have made it work. 'Yes, it is [hard], but it's also kind of great because when you're together you're really valuing the time that you have. 'Everyday mundane activities are so full of joy. I love going to the petrol station with him and filling up the car and going to get breakfast,' she added. Kate Ritchie has shared a sweet letter penned by her daughter following her return to work at Nova FM. The former Home & Away star, 44, star recently started her new breakfast gig alongside Ryan Fitzy Fitzgerald and Michael Wippa Wipfli following a lengthy hiatus at the commercial radio station. 'Dear Mummy, I hope you had a fabulous day at Nova,' it read. 'I love you with all my heart. Every time I see you my heart is is filled with love. 'I love you, thank you for being the best mum ever.' Kate Ritchie (pictured) has shared a sweet letter penned by her daughter following her return to work at Nova FM Posting the letter to Instagram on Tuesday, Kate captioned the picture: 'My head will rest easy tonight thank you bubba girl'. Nova confirmed in a statement that Ritchie would be joining Fitzgerald and Wipfli on their Sydney breakfast show from March 13. 'I am so excited to be joining Fitzy and Wippa in the very competitive breakfast slot,' Ritchie said. 'I'm a huge fan of the show and I've been great mates with the boys for years. The past eight years on drive has been an important part of my life but I'm thrilled to take on this new challenge by returning to breakfast radio in my hometown. 'I can't wait to wake up Sydneysiders beside two of the industry's much-loved breakfast announcers.' Fitzgerald and Wipfli added: 'We've been annoying Kate around the office for over ten years; now we get to do it every morning. 'We are excited for our audience to hear how funny Kate thinks we are. Nova listeners have always loved Kate and now she'll be served up every weekday. Please enjoy your breakfast.' The former Home & Away star, 44, star recently started her new breakfast gig alongside Ryan Fitzy Fitzgerald and Michael Wippa Wipfli following a lengthy hiatus at the commercial radio station. 'Dear Mummy, I hope you had a fabulous day at Nova,' it began Loyal listeners of Nova's Fitzy and Wippa are tuning out after the Sydney breakfast show bumped long-serving co-host McGilvray to make way for Ritchie. McGilvray's sudden exit and the introduction of Ritchie, formerly of Nova's national drive show, has led to fans complaining about the move on social media. After the program posted a photo on Facebook of Ritchie with co-anchors Fitzy and Wippa, listeners flocked to the comments section to express dissatisfaction with the new line-up. One fan said the trio sounded 'awkward' and described the former Home and Away star as 'no match for Sarah'. One listener said they simply would not 'bother' with the new team having heard Ritchie's work on the Nova drive program. Hersh unveils US' long sabotage plot 08:59, March 28, 2023 By ZHAO MANFENG ( China Daily White House considered possibility of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines in 2021 The United States had a longstanding plan to bring an end to the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, said Seymour Hersh, an investigative journalist who first revealed that the US is the mastermind behind the explosions. In an interview with China Daily, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter said the sabotage of the pipelines has thrown Europe into an energy crisis, with gas prices skyrocketing and some countries being forced to ration their supplies. Hersh said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was in contact with potential executors of the operation when US authorities were considering the possibility of pipeline blasts in late 2021 before Christmas. On Sept 26, Nord Stream 1 and 2 were hit by unexplained blasts in what Moscow called an act of international terrorism. Hersh noted that US President Joe Biden said on Feb 7 last year in a news conference that the US would "bring an end" to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if there were "tanks or troops crossing the border of Ukraine". When pressed for details on how he would keep that promise given that the pipeline is not under US control, Biden told reporters: "I promise you, we will be able to do it." Hersh added that Biden's phrase of ending Nord Steam before the Russia-Ukraine conflict was all on television, stating that "it was no secret" that Biden was opposed to the pipelines, while "those people in the Western press seemed to have forgotten that phrase". As the conflict was not going well by late fall, there was a possibility that it would end up being a stalemate. "The president was afraid that (German) Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz was not wanting to put more guns and more arms. That's all. I don't know whether it was an anger or punishment," Hersh said. "But the net effect is that, it cut off a major power source through Western Europe." Hersh said Europe is in a crisis now, with people in France paying five times as much for electricity and the French government going to reopen two nuclear power plants that were shut down due to safety concerns. "So down the road this summer and fall, it's going to be very difficult for Biden. He's going to get a lot of criticism for what he did, that's for sure," Hersh said. In his article published on Feb 8, he cited an anonymous source with direct knowledge of the operation, claiming that US Navy divers planted explosives that destroyed three of the four Nord Stream pipelines. Hersh said the US has always been disturbed by Russian gas and oil sales to Western Europe since the Cold War, and believed that Moscow was weaponizing energy. "So it wouldn't have surprised me one bit when I first heard it," said Hersh, adding that he was not surprised at the stupidity of what the US administration did when he first heard that the Nord Stream pipelines were bombed at Biden's order. Hersh gained recognition in 1969 for exposing the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, for which he received the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting in 1970. During the 1970s, Hersh covered the Watergate scandal for The New York Times, and also reported on the secret US bombing of Cambodia and the CIA's domestic spying program. In 2004, he detailed the US military's torture and abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq for The New Yorker. Possible compensation? Moscow may seek compensation over damage from last year's explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, news agency RIA Novosti reported on Monday, citing a Russian diplomat. "We do not rule out the later raising of the issue of compensation for damage as a result of the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipelines," Dmitry Birichevsky, the head of Russia's Foreign Ministry department for economic cooperation, said in an interview. Birichevsky also said the future of the pipelines was not clear. Agencies via Xinhua contributed to this story. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Jack Whitehall has addressed the bizarre rumour that Richard Madeley is secretly his real father. The theory has circulated for over a decade, since it first sprung up on an online forum after the Bad Education star, now 34, presented Big Brother's Big Mouth in 2008. Earlier this month Jack appeared on Good Morning Britain with Richard, 66, where comparisons were once again made between the two. Jack famously starred alongside his real father, Michael Whitehall, 82, in the hit Netflix series Travels With My Father, which saw the two attempt to bond as they travelled the world together. The comedian has now addressed rumours over his parentage in an interview with this week's heat Magazine, where he finally put the claims to rest. Talking point: Jack Whitehall has finally addressed the bizarre rumour that Richard Madeley is his real dad (pictured together on Good Morning Britain earlier this month) Addressing the situation: The actor and comedian, 34, said that the theory was 'genuinely a rumour' in a new interview He said: 'Richard seemed very flattered by that idea, didn't he? But yes, that was genuinely a rumour.' He went on to speak about the source of the rumours and his own theory behind them - as he looks like Richard Madeley's son, who also happens to be called Jack. Jack continued: 'When I was hosting Big Brother's Big Mouth back in the day, there was a rumour on one of those online forums that I was Richard Madeley's son. 'Maybe because I looked like his real son?' He added that there is a running joke in his family that his godfather Nigel Havers is his real dad because of his close connection with them and the fact he was present at Jack's birth. Travels With My Father shot Jack's parents, Michael and Hilary, into a spotlight of their own and they now have their own podcast. Recently the star featured in a new three-part series Live Italian on Amazon Prime, which showed him trying out different foods and music in Tuscany, Italy and featured celebrities such as Maya Jama and Lawrence Dallaglio It comes after Jack revealed his girlfriend Roxy Horner collapsed at the Brit Awards in 2021 while he was hosting the ceremony. Real father: The rumour that the Good Morning Britain presenter, 66, could be Jack's real Dad first sprung up in 2008 Hit show: Jack has famously starred with his real father, Michael, in their Netflix documentary Travels With My Father (pictured together in 2017) Resemblance? Jack believes the rumour may have begun because he looks similar to Richard's son, also called Jack (Whitehall, left, is pictured in 2008; Jack Madeley, right, in 2009) The model and actress, 31, revealed that she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in 2021. But before she was diagnosed, Roxy had a health scare and had to be resuscitated by paramedics. Jack told The Sun: 'We found out she had diabetes the night I was hosting the Brits. She had something called a diabetic hypo and she fainted. 'Paramedics were trying to resuscitate her and her sugar levels were spiking dangerously.' Roxy now wears an electronic device which monitors her blood glucose level and sends a message and alarm to her and others phones when it is dangerously low. She previously admitted to having a 'rough time' with the condition as she struggled to handle her glucose levels. Opening up to her 199k Instagram followers, she explained: 'I've been having a really rough time managing my glucose levels the past few weeks, they are yo-yoing for absolutely no reason. 'I throw up when I go too high and I've had a few too many hypos for my liking lately. Back in March 2022, Roxy praised Jack for being her 'rock' amid her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. 'Jack's been my absolute rock, he's so lovely. He was there when I got diagnosed. My parents and my family live in Australia, so he has been my family. We're amazing,' she told The Sun. The smitten couple have now been dating for over two years and reside in Jack's 17.5million, five-bed home in Notting Hill with their pooch Coco. Bondi Rescue star Jesse Polock and his fiancee Tullie Zimmerman have married. The couple shared their wedding news in a post to Instagram on Tuesday, with the bride and groom sharing a kiss at their gorgeous cliffside ceremony. 'THE POLOCKS,' Tullie captioned the moving image, alongside a white heart emoji, while Jesse shared a photo of the bride, captioned, 'My wife!' The pair exchanged vows on Sunday at Lurline Bay, Maroubra, with the waves crashing below. Tullie looked stunning in a semi-sheer lace gown with a plunging neckline and a long train. Bondi Rescue star Jesse Polock and his fiancee Tullie Zimmerman have married. Both pictured The pair exchanged vows on Sunday at Lurline Bay, Maroubra, with the waves crashing below The couple shared their wedding news in a post to Instagram on Tuesday, and included their young children in the festivities She went without a veil and wore her blonde locks in a bun with loose strands around her face. For makeup, the beauty opted for a soft bridal look created by Sofia Olivares Makeup Artistry. The groom kept things casually cool, going without a tuxedo, or a blazer, exchanging vows in a white shirt and matching trousers. The newlyweds partied at a nearby venue surrounded by friends and family, with their two young children taking part in the festivities. 'THE POLOCKS,' Tullie captioned one moving image, alongside a white heart emoji Jesse shared a stunning photo of the bride, captioned, 'My wife!' The pair shared a sweet smooch after saying their vows Tullie looked stunning in a semi-sheer lace gown with a plunging neckline and a long train The groom kept things casually cool, going without a tuxedo, or a blazer, exchanging vows in a white shirt and matching trousers The stunning backdrop made for a breathtakingly romantic ceremony Jesse and Tullie announced they were expecting their second child together in 2021 and welcomed the baby to their brood last year. The elated couple shared the news of the pregnancy on Instagram alongside an image with their son Chase, who they welcomed in 2019. 'Words can't describe how happy I am to add another one to the clan next year, love you babe,' Jesse, 32, wrote. The duo welcomed their first child Chase two years prior, and shared the happy news to their Instagram pages at the time. Tullie went without a veil and wore her blonde locks in a bun with loose strands around her face The bride carried a bouquet of white orchards Jesse kept the dressed down energy going by donning a pair of sneakers The couple married beside a floral arbour decorated in muted tones that matched the sandstone of the cliffs Jesse and Tullie had announced their pregnancy in January the same year, where they also revealed they had become engaged. The lifeguard previously told WHO magazine that he decided to propose to Tullie during an ultrasound session. He said: 'As soon as I saw the [child's] heartbeat, and as soon as they said, "There's the hands and the feet" I was like, "Tonight is the night I am going to propose to her!"' Jesse and Tullie had been dating for two years before they got engaged. The newlyweds partied at a nearby venue surrounded by friends and family For makeup, the beauty opted for a soft bridal look created by Sofia Olivares Makeup Artistry The lifeguard previously told WHO magazine that he decided to propose to Tullie during an ultrasound session when she was expecting their first child The television star proposed to Tullie at the revolving 360 restaurant atop Sydney Tower The television star proposed to Tullie at the revolving 360 restaurant atop Sydney Tower. 'I was waiting for [the restaurant to rotate to] the Harbour Bridge,' Jesse explained of picking the perfect moment. 'I was drinking rose, and I nearly drank a whole bottle by myself because I was so nervous!' Jesse quit his role as a lifeguard on Bondi Rescue in 2019. Katy Perry flashed her midriff in white top with denim bottoms, adding a leather jacket while heading to a studio in New York City on Tuesday. The star, 38, chose flared denim with ripped bottoms with a fitted waist, opting to add pointed black boots. Katy sported a cropped black and yellow motorcycle jacket that had a button detail at the neck. The pop star wore vintage inspired sunglasses with her long raven hair loose in waves around her. Katy painted her pout a peachy pink color, adding rosy blush to her cheeks beneath defined brows. Striking: Katy Perry flashed her midriff in white top with denim bottoms, adding a leather jacket while heading to a studio in New York City on Tuesday Gorgeous: The star, 38, chose flared denim with ripped bottoms with a fitted waist, opting to add pointed black boots Katy rocked several rings on one hand with nude polish on her nails to complete her edgy look. Hours earlier, Katy was seen rocking a brown leather and fuzzy trim coat with a matching fabric belt. The star paired the statement coat with pointed red lace up heels, adding a matching handbag. The beauty rocked delicate earrings with her hair pulled back for a striking touch for her outing. Katy is a judge on American Idol alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan; Ryan Seacrest is the host of the singing competition reality show. Season 21 of American Idol is currently underway; it premiered on February 19, 2023 on ABC. The artist began as a judge for American Idol in 2018. Pretty: Katy sported a cropped black and yellow motorcycle jacket that had a button detail at the neck Looking good: Luke Bryan was also seen arriving to the same studio in NYC; he also serves as a judge on American Idol Chic: Hours earlier, Katy was seen rocking a brown leather and fuzzy trim coat with a matching fabric belt Katy is engaged to British actor Orlando Bloom, 46. Katy and Orlando are parents to daughter Daisy Dove Bloom, two, whom they welcomed in August 2020. Orlando is also dad to Flynn, 12, with ex wife Miranda Kerr. Katy and Orlando first met at the January 2016 Netflix Golden Globes/ Weinstein Company after party, sparking rumors of a romantic connection. Soon after they were seen on several occasions spending time together, with images of the duo in Hawaii in February 2016 showing them kissing, confirming their burgeoning relationship. Katy and Orlando split in March 2017 with their reps confirming the news and their desire to take 'respectful, loving space at this time.' Lovebirds: Orlando proposed to Katy on Valentine's Day 2019 with a pink stone diamond surrounded engagement ring; Katy and Orlando seen September 30, 2021 in Beverly Hills at the Variety's Power of Women event However five months later, the duo are seen getting cozy at a concert and they are back on romantically by February 2018. Orlando proposed to Katy on Valentine's Day 2019 with a pink stone diamond surrounded engagement ring. In March 2020 it was revealed that Katy and Orlando were expecting a baby together, with the pop star revealing the news by showcasing her baby bump in the Never Worn White music video. They welcomed daughter Daisy in August 2020. Amanda Owen has been pictured out with her new businessman lover Robert Davies, ten months after confirming her separation from husband Clive. The Our Yorkshire Farm star, 48, looked cosy with the web designer, 71, as they arrived at Folkestone Leas Hall by car on Tuesday, where she had been due to perform her one woman show about farming in the Yorkshire Dales. Wrapping up in a navy coat, she layered the number above a matching dress while sporting heavy-duty boots and her light brown locks in bunches. Clive, meanwhile, cut a smart figure in a light blue shirt and an indigo coat as he supported his new partner. It comes after MailOnline uncovered a photo of the pair taken four-and a half years before her marriage collapsed. Couple: Amanda Owen has been pictured out with her new businessman lover Robert Davies, ten months after confirming her separation from husband Clive Amanda and her estranged husband Clive hired web designer Robert to launch a website to promote her work after she shot to national prominence. Amanda and Clive, 68, were married for 21 years and have nine children but announced their separation last June. In a Facebook post from December 2018, Mr Davies, 71 posted a picture of himself with Amanda and writes: 'Have you been watching Channel 5's series 'Our Yorkshire Farm' about the Yorkshire Shepherdess? I really enjoyed working on her website earlier this year, and very happy that she loves it!' In a response to a message, he described Amanda as 'amazing.' In an earlier post from January 2018 Mr Davies even boasted about having lunch with Amanda and Clive at their Ravenseat farm in North Yorkshire. Posting a picture of the couple, he wrote: 'Had lunch with these two at their farm in Upper Swaledale. 1,000 sheep, 9 kids and very soon a brand-new website for the Yorkshire Shepherdess.' He also posted a message he received from Amanda in which she writes: 'I forgot to thank you for making the epic trip in coming to me. That was appreciated. I love the website, I know that j (sic) am hard work and that it has been a long haul but you have achieved the near unachievable in crafting something that I think reflects me. With just a few minor tweaks we will be good to go. Happy . Amanda.' Businessman Robert runs It'seeze Web Design Scarborough, which is based in the North Yorkshire seaside town and designed Amanda's website, 'yorkshireshepherdess.com' which was launched in 2018. Emerging: The Our Yorkshire Farm star, 48, looked cosy with the web designer, 71, as they arrived at Folkestone Leas Hall by car on Tuesday One to watch: She had been due to perform her one woman show about farming in the Yorkshire Dales Stylish: Wrapping up in a navy coat, she layered the number above a matching dress Looking good: Sporting heavy-duty boots, she wore her light brown locks in bunches Split: The TV star confirmed she had separated from her husband of 21 years Clive, 68, last summer, they share nine children together (pictured in 2020) He lives in Malton, North Yorkshire and his company has worked with a number of businesses in the area helping them to establish an online presence. On his company's website, Mr Davies is described as having 40 years of experience working in marketing for some of the UK's biggest brands and boasts that he has the 'expertise to help your company successfully develop its online presence.' It adds: 'It doesn't stop there however, as Rob will provide continued support and assistance to ensure that you're always getting the most out of your website long after it goes live.' Amanda is said to be 'inseparable' with Robert and the couple spent the weekend together in Folkestone, Kent. Pictures obtained by The Sun showing them together on the south coast, where Amanda was starring in 'an evening with' fan event. A source said: 'Amanda and Robert have known each other many years long before her split. 'Now he travels everywhere with her and they've become seemingly inseparable.' A representative for Amanda was contacted by MailOnline at the time. Histyory: Amanda and her estranged husband Clive hired web designer Robert to launch a website to promote her work after she shot to national prominence Talented: Businessman Robert runs It'seeze Web Design Scarborough, which is based in the North Yorkshire seaside town Helping hand: He designed Amanda's website, 'yorkshireshepherdess.com' which was launched in 2018 Dapper: Clive, meanwhile, cut a smart figure in a light blue shirt and an indigo coat as he supported his new partner Gang: The pair were joined by a friend as they made their way into the venue Chic: Amanda toted her essentials around in a black leather handbag Amanda and Clive still run Ravenseat in the Yorkshire Dales, a remote working farm at which they have been tenants for more than 20 years. Before their split was confirmed last summer, neighbours revealed to MailOnline that Amanda had moved out of the farmhouse and into their rental property down the road in Swaledale, while Clive had been staying in the farmhouse. Amanda has since moved back to the farmhouse though, revealing in an interview this month with the Sunday Times that she and Clive have 'two farms that are basically next door to each other, so it's close enough for it to be useful, but far enough for us to have space.' 'Whatever our personal situation, there's a farm to run and nine children to look after so we're just working together, making it happen.' Speaking to the Radio Times recently Amanda gave her own matter-of-fact take on the split: 'Look, there are two simple facts: if he thought I was brilliant, and I thought he was brilliant, then we wouldn't have separated,' she pointed out. 'It's a fact, isn't it? But, you know what, that's not unique, it's just how things are, pressures, all the rest of it. 'But we have nine kids, with associated friends, girlfriends, and we just have to get on with it.' Late last year Clive's new show Beyond The Yorkshire Farm: Reuben and Clive premiered and saw him launch a digging business with his son. Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper was seen on a trip outside in London with a carer on Tuesday as he continues to recover from long Covid. Derek, 55, was diagnosed with coronavirus at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and left in a life-threatening condition. Doctors put him in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator and he was in hospital for 13 months. He has been seriously ill since 2020 and has been in and out of hospital ever since. On Tuesday, Derek was seen being pushed in a wheelchair as he spent time in the fresh air, which has been encouraged by his medical team. Rare trip out: Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper had a trip outside with his carer on Tuesday as he continues to fight serious health issues following his long COVID battle Recovery: His carer pushed him in a wheelchair as he sported a coat and gloves for his time in the fresh air, which has recently been encouraged by his medical team Although he was released from hospital in 2021, Derek has remained mostly bedridden and needs constant care after suffering organ damage due to COVID. Speaking to the Mirror, a family friend said: 'Over the last couple of weeks Derek's been going in and out of hospital for a number of ongoing appointments and tests, as a number of referrals he has been waiting for since his first release from hospital in April 2021 have come through. 'Even though he can only sit for very short periods of time, the medical teams are now very keen he gets short bursts of fresh air with his nurse to aid his recovery. Derek's friends and Kate are really hoping he can build on this.' It comes after it was revealed that Kate is reportedly planning a trip across the world to find pioneering treatment in a final bid to save Derek's life. A source told Bella Magazine: 'This really is Kates desperate bid to try and save Dereks life and she is willing to try anything. 'Shes been looking into a number of experimental medical options around the world and particularly in Mexico in an effort to save him from the devastating effects of Covid-19. 'Kate only wants the best for Derek. She wants to try it because she feels as though its her last hope.' Derek, a former political advisor, has previously travelled to Mexico in 2021 and 2022 for clinical trials. Fresh air: Although he was released from hospital in 2021, Derek has remained mostly bedridden and needs constant care after suffering organ damage due to COVID Ill: It is hoped that short trips out will aid Derek's recovery as he continues to fight serious health conditions As a result of lockdown rules during the pandemic, Kate and the couple's two children Darcey, 16, and Billy, 13, were unable to visit him as he received treatment. Thirteen months later, Derek was finally allowed to go home. However, following the long period of hospitalisation, his body was ravaged with various crippling conditions and he now remains confined to a bed and wheelchair. While Dereks long-term chance of recovery is still not known, the 'utter devastation' to his body is undeniable. Although Kate insisted that they'd had 'wonderful treatment' from the NHS, which were essential in keeping her husband alive, the foreign trips offer 'potentially life saving treatment'. As well as the trip, the Smooth Radio presenter has had to spend 'tens of thousands of pounds' adapting the family home in London for Derek, which included the installation of ramps, a downstairs wet room and a makeshift downstairs bedroom. Due to the severity of his illness and length of time spent in hospital he remains unable to walk and has developed debilitating symptoms. In summer last year, Derek developed sepsis and was again rushed to hospital, where the severe condition nearly killed him. Speaking about his current condition and caring for him, she told The Sun: 'There are some days where he literally cannot do anything and it's like the computer is switched off. Together: It comes after it was revealed that Kate is reportedly planning a trip across the world to find pioneering treatment in a final bid to save Derek's life (pictured in 2019) 'He cannot move, and he's in so much pain as we are manipulating him, trying to get him more mobile so that he doesn't regress.' The presenter noted that despite Derek's insistence that they carry on, she says it's 'unbearable' to see him in pain, admitting it makes her 'emotional' just speaking about it. However, she added: 'It also makes me fall in love with him all over again because of that spirit, that determination to keep going. Derek is trapped, but he fights on. We cling on to the good days.' Reflecting on the ups and downs of caring for her husband, Kate remarked that every day is a 'roller coaster' as Derek's spirit 'fluctuates'. The journalist added that it is 'heart-breaking' to watch her husband of 18 years unable to move with tears streaming down his face, noting that as 'hard' as it is for them, she 'cannot imagine' how tough it is for Derek. Jax Taylor revealed that there were 'almost brawls' during the taping of the Vanderpump Rules reunion last week. The reality star, 43, confirmed that a fight almost broke out between two male cast members during an interview with Extra on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Awards, hinting that it was Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz. 'I heard i was crazy, heard it was everything that everyone that it was going to be,' he said. Jax said the reunion was 'uncomfortable,' noting that 'there was security there' and 'almost brawls.' When asked about the rumor about two cast members having to get separated and Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss not having anyone on their side, Jax said: 'Yeah, I don't know what I'm allowed to say... I have a feeling it's the two boys... In fact, I know that because I talked to him [Tom Schwartz].' The latest: Jax Taylor revealed that there were 'almost brawls' during the taping of the Vanderpump Rules reunion last week; seen on the red carpet for the iHeartRadio Music Awards in LA on Monday, March 27 Could it be them? The reality star, 43, confirmed that a fight almost broke out between two male cast members during an interview with Extra on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Awards; Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval Please visit Extra for more 'I talked to him right after it happened because I checked in with everybody,' he added. Jax, who was with wife Brittany Cartwright, gave their opinion on the pictures of Tom and Raquel sitting together and chatting outside the reunion. 'Well, you know, they put themselves in the situation... I don't really feel bad for them,' Jax said. 'They knew exactly what they were doing. This wasn't a mistake. This wasn't like, "Oh, a hookup,"' Jax said. 'This has been going on for a long time, premeditated. The lack of empathy... I'm sorry, you deserve everything that's coming to you, you know.' 'It's a s****y situation to be in.. You got to own it, you got to be a man. This is the time where Tom Sandoval needs to learn how to be a man... because he's never been one before, so this is the time.' Brittany added that was excited to see the show because of Lala Kent's 'comebacks and quick wit.' 'She goes in and she cracks me up. I just can't wait to see it,' she said. The couple said there was no way that Ariana would take Tom Sandoval back, with Brittany noting that Ariana will 'shine and be amazing after all this drama is over.' Drama: 'I heard i was crazy, heard it was everything that everyone that it was going to be,' he said 'I gotta be honest... I saw her about two hours after the reunion. They all came to the bar that we were all at and I hugged her for about 30 seconds. She came into the bar, pointed right at me and I hadn't seen her in a long time. Just gave her a hug and said, "You know what? You're gonna thrive. You already look better." She's already glowing,' Jax said. After Sandoval and Raquel got verbally 'annihilated' by their costars for betraying Ariana for starting their fling amid Sandoval's nine-year relationship with Ariana, they dined with just each other, according to TMZ. On Friday, a source close to the production teased some of the drama to TMZ. 'It was like a nuclear bomb went off in the studio,' the insider spilled, before noting that not one person 'sided with Tom and Raquel.' According to a seating chart, released by Bravo ahead of the reunion, Sandoval was seated next to Leviss. Ariana was placed just two seats away from her cheating ex and beside Cohen. A restraining order which was dropped on Friday between Scheana Shay, 37, and Raquel, however, created some logistical complications. Showdown! According to a seating chart, released by Bravo ahead of the reunion, Sandoval, 39, was seated next to Leviss Months-long affair: When the topic of when her alleged romance began with Tom Sandoval, she expressed that it had, 'started off as a friendship and turned into something more' In order to comply with the order and keep the women 100 feet apart, Bravo swapped Raquel out for Scheana. Following the reunion, Leviss revealed she had her attorney take her case with Shay after 'the court calendar' and had already filed 'the appropriate paperwork requested by the court' to dismiss her Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). She continued: 'We let the court know I will not be moving forward with a permanent restraining order.' The announcement came hours after Shay's lawyer, Neama Rahmani, told DailyMail.com in a statement that the papers that the Bravo host, 54, handed her client have 'no legal meaning' whatsoever. Bob Mortimer has shared a throwback snap from his time living in a homeless hostel in Peckham in the 1980s. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, he posed a snap of himself sitting on a sofa smoking in his flat while the television played in the background. At the time, he was working as a solicitor for the council and although he was not actually homeless, he liked the hostel. He captioned the snap: 'Living in homeless hostel. Peckham 1985. Smoking hard and loving life.' Speaking on Desert Island discs in 2019, he revealed that there was a cockroach infestation in flats in the borough and he took the borough to court over it. 'Smoking hard and loving life:' Bob Mortimer has revealed he lived in a homeless hostel in Peckham in the 1980s while working as a solicitor- before breaking into comedy The comedian, from Middlesbrough, said: 'I was on the front of the local paper - a picture of me as the cockroach king.' He explained: 'I had nowhere to stay in London so the Council said that I could stay in their homeless hostel until I found somewhere. I ended up staying there for four years. 'I did a very good job of playing the system. I could more or less guarantee people that could re-house them, which is what they wanted. They were living in dumps and I could get them out. It really changed their lives.' While he was living in the homeless hostel, his life changed forever. One of his friends from Middlesbrough came to his flat and asked if he wanted to go to Vic Reeves' Big Night Out. That was where he met his comedy partner Vic, real name Jim Moir, and the men soon became a successful funny duo. It comes after Vic and Bob told how they were threatened at gunpoint during a 'doomed motorcycle trip' through California in 1992. The comedy duo revealed they took a 'wrong turn' and ended up in the city of Compton, Los Angeles, renowned for its gangland culture at the time. Speaking on his new podcast with Jools Holland in 2021, Vic said they had stopped at a red light in the city before being threatened with a gun by another driver. Significant: While he was living in the homeless hostel, his life changed forever as a friend came to his flat and asked if he wanted to go to Vic Reeves' Big Night Out (pictured in February) The comic, whose real name is Jim Moir, said: 'We went on a doomed motorcycle trip in California in 92. We got there, hired a couple of motorbikes. 'I had been reading a book about the Bloods and the Cribs and the gangs in Los Angeles, and we made a mistake. 'We did a wrong turn and ended up in the middle of Compton and a big van turned up next to us at the lights and a fellow pointed a gun at us through the window and said, "Get out of here". 'We said: 'We are just waiting for the lights to change and we are off'.' Speaking to Bob, he added: 'You were very casual about the whole thing. I had read this book and I was terrified. 'We didn't actually go anywhere because it started raining. It was the floods of 92. We stayed in a house in Laurel Canyon for three weeks with our motorcycles outside.' Bob added: 'We were going to cross west to east coast on motorcycles but when we returned them to the hire place I think we had done 19 miles on them.' Ron Perlman, 72, looked like a happily married man on Monday. The actor was seen with his new wife Allison Dunbar, 50, at the Air premiere in Los Angeles. She stood out in a low-cut red mini dress with her blonde hair worn down. He had on a dark suit with a blue shirt and no tie. The pair met while acting on the show StartUp and were spotted kissing on a sidewalk in May 2019. It later emerged that Ron had legally separated from his first wife Opal just five days before his public lip-lock with Allison. Allison and Ron then carried on a lockdown romance that led to an Italian wedding last June and an 'awesome' current relationship she told People is 'so fun.' Lovebirds: Ron Perlman, 72, seen with his new wife Allison Dunbar, 50, at the Air premiere in Los Angeles on Monday Kissy! She stood out in a low-cut red mini dress with her blonde hair worn down. He had on a dark suit with a blue shirt and no tie He called her 'better than me in every way.' The blonde bombshell revealed: 'We kind of started living together, and then there was a pandemic about a month later.' She explained: 'So we found out really quick whether we were going to make it or not, as did most relationships.' Allison recalled: 'You're locked down together 24/7 and you're seeing each other in nothing but sweats and pajamas.' She shared: 'We moved out to Pasadena right when the pandemic hit and we were kind of like: "Is this going to be really lame if we just launched into suburban life?"' Allison, who along with being an actress has also worked as a burlesque dancer, said: 'But we love it. It's turned out to be such a good move.' Ron and Allison were seen kissing outside Alexander Steakhouse in Pasadena on May 15, 2019 in pictures exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com. Side by side: The blonde bombshell revealed: 'We kind of started living together, and then there was a pandemic about a month later'; she and Ron are pictured last April Five months later Ron filed for divorce from his first wife Opal Stone, whom he had been married to for 38 years and with whom he shares two grown children. In court documents cited by TMZ, the date of separation was given as May 10, five days before Ron and Allison were snapped indulging in their sidewalk smooch. After they moved in together, insiders spilled to The Sun that Ron was 'madly in love' with Allison and that their 'passionate relationship' made him 'feel younger.' They ultimately tied the knot last June at a former 19th century hilltop palazzo in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins have predicted which Love Island couple will split up next as they discussed their thoughts in a new interview. It's been a mere three weeks since the dating show came to an end, and two couples from the series have already ended their relationships. Casey O'Gorman and Rosie Seabrook announced they had split, after two weeks, revealing that 'life outside the villa is just very different for them'. And they weren't the only couple struggling to adjust to life away from the show, as Zara Lackenby-Brown and Jordan Odofin also confirmed they had broken up. Speaking to Cosmopolitan on YouTube, Lana and Ron revealed which contestants could be next, after 'not having enough time in the villa.' Juicy! Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins have predicted which Love Island couple will split up next as they discussed their thoughts in a new interview Answering the question, Ron said: 'Juicy. I do actually love them as well, but Liv and Maxwell. 'I think they will just because they never had enough time in there. Weve never really spoken to them about how its been outside.' 'Yeah we havent caught up with them yet,' Lana added. MailOnline exclusively revealed that Casey and Rosie split just two weeks after they were dumped from the villa, becoming the first couple from the winter series to breakup. The former Islanders, who appeared together during filming of the Love Island Reunion show last week, have already gone their separate ways despite telling host Maya Jama that they planned to go on dates and explore their blossoming romance. Casey dramatically ended his relationship with Claudia Fogarty to pursue his feelings for Rosie during their stint on the ITV2 series. Claudia was left brokenhearted and has since opened up about being 'rejected' by Casey, 26, who was part of the 'three musketeers' alongside fellow Islanders Tom Clare and Will Young, and often preferred spending time with the boys instead of potential girlfriends. A source told MailOnline: 'It was clear from the moment they left the villa that Casey and Rosie weren't going to last.' Oh no! Answering the question on Cosmopolitan's YouTube, Ron said: 'Juicy. I do actually love them as well, but Liv and Maxwell' Already over: Casey O'Gorman and Rosie Seabrook announced they had split, after two weeks, revealing that 'life outside the villa is just very different for them' The continued: 'They haven't made any effort to spend time together on the outside or go on dates to truly get to know each other and they both agreed it was better to quit while they were ahead.' Confirming their split on Instagram, Casey later said: 'Rosie and I have spoken she's a great girl. Life outside the villa is just very different and we will remain friends moving forward.' Shortly after, Zara and Jordan announced their split as the pair took to Instagram. Expressing their gratitude for the support they'd received from fans, they insisted they were just pursuing a 'fun friendship' for now. Zara and Jordan were not coupled-up on he show but took a shine to each other when they arrived back in the UK from the villa in South Africa. Sharing the same statement on both their Instagram pages, Zara wrote: 'Hey everyone, Jordan & I would like to acknowledge the increasing public support for us to be seen as an exclusive couple. 'After a few dates since leaving the villa, we know that we definitely get along & enjoy each others company. 'It's been two-and-a-half weeks of getting to know each other, & for now it's a fun friendship between us. 'We have a lot of respect for each other & that's what matters.' Casey confirmed the couple's split last week, saying he hopes to remain friends with Rosie but they won't be going further in their romance Exes: Shortly after, Zara Deniz Lackenby-Brown and Jordan Odofin announced their split as the pair took to Instagram Grateful: Zara and Jordan thanked their fans for their support before confirming they were just friends It came after Love Island fans were convinced they had already split, after they appeared to take brutal swipes at each other on social media. Zara and Jordan revealed last month that they were dating after being separately dumped from the villa, and even made a joint appearance during the show's reunion. However, fans began to speculate the pair's short-lived romance was already over, after they failed to appear loved-up during the reunion show. Jordan and Zara also failed to share any social media snaps together, with the hunk instead posting a now-deleted image alongside the other male villa stars. Tom Sandoval regrets cheating on Ariana Madix and wishes he handled things differently. The reality star, 39, was asked by a TMZ cameraman about the scandal while he went to a band practice at Pop Music Studios in the San Fernando Valley in LA. The cameraman asked him if he could go back and change how it all went down, Tom said 'Hindsight's always 20/20 man.' The cameraman pointed out that a lot of the Vanderpump Rules cast members cheated on the show, asking him why he thinks he is getting a lot of heat for his scandal. 'I just think it was really unexpected,' Tom said. The latest: Tom Sandoval regrets cheating on Ariana Madix and wishes he handled things differently; seen on March 23, 2023 in LA The way they were: The reality star was asked by a TMZ cameraman about the scandal while he went to a band practice at Pop Music Studios in the San Fernando Valley in LA; Ariana, Tom Sandoval, Raquel and Tom Schwartz Tom then clarified what hindsight means to the camera: 'You think of all the things that you should have, could have done better... hindsight... looking back at when you handled the situation.' 'And yes, I could have handled things way better,' Tom said. The cameraman said: 'Alright so you do regret cheating on Ariana... like maybe you could have done it way better...' 'Of course. Of course...' Tom said as he walked away. Hours earlier, Jax Taylor revealed that there were 'almost brawls' during the taping of the Vanderpump Rules reunion last week. The reality star, 43, confirmed that a fight almost broke out between two male cast members during an interview with Extra on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Awards, hinting that it was Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz. 'I heard it was crazy, heard it was everything that everyone that it was going to be,' he said. Jax said the reunion was 'uncomfortable,' noting that 'there was security there' and 'almost brawls.' When asked about the rumor about two cast members having to get separated and Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, 28, not having anyone on their side, Jax said: 'Yeah, I don't know what I'm allowed to say... I have a feeling it's the two boys... In fact, I know that because I talked to him [Tom Schwartz].' The latest: Jax Taylor revealed that there were 'almost brawls' during the taping of the Vanderpump Rules reunion last week; seen on the red carpet for the iHeartRadio Music Awards in LA on Monday, March 27 Could it be them? The reality star, 43, confirmed that a fight almost broke out between two male cast members during an interview with Extra on the red carpet at the iHeartRadio Awards; Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval 'I talked to him right after it happened because I checked in with everybody,' he added. Jax, who was with wife Brittany Cartwright, gave their opinion on the pictures of Tom and Raquel sitting together and chatting outside the reunion. 'Well, you know, they put themselves in the situation... I don't really feel bad for them,' Jax said. 'They knew exactly what they were doing. This wasn't a mistake. This wasn't like, "Oh, a hookup,"' Jax said. 'This has been going on for a long time, premeditated. The lack of empathy... I'm sorry, you deserve everything that's coming to you, you know.' 'It's a s****y situation to be in.. You got to own it, you got to be a man. This is the time where Tom Sandoval needs to learn how to be a man... because he's never been one before, so this is the time.' Brittany added that was excited to see the show because of Lala Kent's 'comebacks and quick wit.' 'She goes in and she cracks me up. I just can't wait to see it,' she said. The couple said there was no way that Ariana, 37, would take Tom Sandoval back, with Brittany noting that Ariana will 'shine and be amazing after all this drama is over.' Drama: 'I heard i was crazy, heard it was everything that everyone that it was going to be,' he said 'I gotta be honest... I saw her about two hours after the reunion. They all came to the bar that we were all at and I hugged her for about 30 seconds. She came into the bar, pointed right at me and I hadn't seen her in a long time. Just gave her a hug and said, "You know what? You're gonna thrive. You already look better." She's already glowing,' Jax said. After Sandoval and Raquel got verbally 'annihilated' by their costars for betraying Ariana for starting their fling amid Sandoval's nine-year relationship with Ariana, they dined with just each other, according to TMZ. On Friday, a source close to the production teased some of the drama to TMZ. 'It was like a nuclear bomb went off in the studio,' the insider spilled, before noting that not one person 'sided with Tom and Raquel.' According to a seating chart, released by Bravo ahead of the reunion, Sandoval was seated next to Leviss. Ariana was placed just two seats away from her cheating ex and beside Cohen. A restraining order which was dropped on Friday between Scheana Shay, 37, and Raquel, however, created some logistical complications. Showdown! According to a seating chart, released by Bravo ahead of the reunion, Sandoval, 39, was seated next to Leviss In order to comply with the order and keep the women 100 feet apart, Bravo swapped Raquel out for Scheana. Following the reunion, Leviss revealed she had her attorney take her case with Shay after 'the court calendar' and had already filed 'the appropriate paperwork requested by the court' to dismiss her Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). She continued: 'We let the court know I will not be moving forward with a permanent restraining order.' The announcement came hours after Shay's lawyer, Neama Rahmani, told DailyMail.com in a statement that the papers that the Bravo host, 54, handed her client have 'no legal meaning' whatsoever. Liv Tyler has made her first appearance on the set of Captain America: New World Order. The actress, 45, who is returning to the Marvel Universe as Betty Ross, was dressed in all black while shooting a scene at a cemetery Monday in Atlanta. The Critics Choice Award winner looked mournful in a black belted trench coat over a black dress. Her long, dark locks were styled in a tasteful updo. The makeup artist accented Liv's natural beauty, creating a muted look. First appearance: Liv Tyler has made her first appearance on the set of Captain America: New World Order. The actress, 45, who is returning to the Marvel Universe as Betty Ross, was dressed in all black while shooting a scene at a cemetery Monday in Atlanta Mournful costume: Liv looked mournful in the funeral scene. She was costumed in a black belted trench coat over a black dress. Her long, dark locks were styled in a tasteful updo. The makeup artist accented Liv's natural beauty, creating a muted look The look was accessorized with pearl earrings and Live carried a black clutch handbag for the scene. This latest Marvel film is the first time Liv as reprised her scientist character on screen since appearing 2008's The Incredible Hulk as Bruce Banner's love interest with Edward Norton in the starring role. She also voiced Betty's character in the video game the same year. The Hollywood Reporter revealed another Incredible Hulk alum, Tim Blake Nelson will reprise his role as Dr. Samuel Sterns aka supervillain The Leader in New World Order. A lot of changes have happened in the MCU since Liv's last appearance. Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is now Captain America after taking over the role in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. The Avengers star was spotted in the scene dressed in a black suit with his left arm in a sling. He was standing next to a uniformed Xosha Roquemore, who is also appearing in the film. New Captain America: Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is now Captain America after taking over the role in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. He was spotted in the scene dressed in a black suit with his left arm in a sling, standing next to a uniformed Xosha Roquemore Harrison Ford, will now play the part of Betty's father, General Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross, replacing the late William Hurt. Israeli actress Shira Haas has been cast as Sabra, aka Ruth Bat-Seraph. Sabra is a Mossad agent and a mutant with 'superhuman strength, stamina, speed, and durability as well as enhanced reflexes and agility,' according to Collider. Da Brat is going to have a baby boy. The rapper, 48, and her wife Jesseca Harris-Dupart, 41, learned the sex of their child at a lavish gender reveal party thrown over the weekend. The couple had a massive screen installed outdoors which informed them of their child's sex. Along with their many guests, the parents-to-be did a countdown before the screen announced in bold font, 'It's a boy.' After the announcement, guests were showered with blue confetti as they cheered in excitement. Oh boy! Da Brat and her wife Jesseca Harris-Dupart, 41, learned the sex of their child at a lavish gender reveal party they threw over the weekend Da Brat and her wife, both decked out in blue and pink, held each other and shared a smile after learning the happy news. Posting video of the exciting reveal to their Instagram accounts, Jesseca captioned the moment: 'Baby Harris - Dupart is a boy,' along with a slew of blue heart emojis. The joyous parents-to-be sparred no expense in celebrating the special occasion, marking the moment with a festive outdoor bash complete with hot pink and navy balloons. Guests dined outdoors on plush cushions before a long table decorated with beautiful bouquets of pink roses. Da Brat cloaked her baby bump in a pink suit while rocking a fuchsia and blue tinted mohawk. As for Jesseca, she too was dressed for the occasion in pink and blue. Her azure hued hair was worn down with two fun top knots. Da Bra revealed her pregnancy joy last month, announcing she was expecting her first child with Jesseca. In an interview with People, she discussed her IVF journey and heartbreaking miscarriage for the first time. Celebrate! The parents-to-be looked overjoyed after learning the sex of their baby Dressed the part! For the joyous occasion, the expectant couple wore pink and blue It's a boy! A massive screen announced the sex of their child Da Brat - real name Shawntae Harris-Dupart said: 'I never thought I was going to have kids. I just thought it wasn't in the cards for me. I've had a great career, a full life. I felt like, because I didn't get pregnant earlier on, then it just wasn't going to happen for me. After she met Harris-Dupart, who is a mom of three - her outlook changed, and she said: 'I started looking at life so differently. I was like, I want a little me with you. Something special from the both of us that we can share and raise and love unconditionally.' The couple used Harris-Dupart's eggs and an anonymous sperm donor - who she branded 'an eager entrepreneur' - to conceive. Yay! The couple were showered with blue confetti after learning they were going to have a boy Fun for everyone! The joyous parents-to-be sparred no expense in celebrating the special occasion, marking the moment with a festive outdoor bash complete with hot pink and navy balloons The rapper had to undergo surgery to remove fibroids and polyps before the embryo transfer, while Harris-Dupart had suffered 'major' health complications during her egg retrieval. Da Brat also revealed she'd had a devastating miscarriage, saying: "I had never been so excited about something that I didn't even know I wanted. I fell in love with the idea and then it was all snatched away from me. Luckily we still had quite a few of her eggs left. The musician said she is feeling 'excited and exhausted' in her second trimester, adding she doesn't have any cravings or nausea yet. Da Brat and Dupart-Harris made their relationship public in March 2021 when the celebrated rapper came out as a lesbian in her mid-40s. Da Brat admitted she used to be terrified of Dupart seeing her 'imperfections' at the start of the relationship. 'At first I would hide behind furniture when she would talk to me,' the Chicago native said. 'I would cover up my face when I laughed.' And though Da Brat was shy, Jesseca found her quirks utterly charming. 'It was the cutest thing ever,' she gigged in the couple's confessional. Too cute! The lovebirds shared a tender embrace Rod Stewart's son Sean Stewart, 42, was spotted out in Los Angeles with his wife, Jody Weintraub, 42, for the first time since they eloped in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day. The newlyweds were dressed casually with Sean in a pair of knee-length navy blue shorts, a short-sleeved button-front shirt with anchors and other nautical items printed on it and white Nike trainers. The bride, meanwhile, wore black leggings with an oversized black hoodie and platform-heeled sheepskin booties. She carried a grey Chanel tote bag and wore her waist-length blonde hair swept over her left shoulder and cascading down her chest. The couple - who have known each other since they were teenagers - surprised family and friends when they spontaneously decided to get married during a trip to Las Vegas last month. Newlyweds: Rod Stewart's look-a-like son Sean Stewart, 42, was spotted out in Los Angeles with his wife, Jody Weintraub, 42, for the first time since they eloped in Las Vegas on Valentine's Day The couple were dining at Catch in Las Vegas when Sean proposed during their romantic meal. The pair are said to have tied the knot at the Little Church of the West while clad in their normal clothing. According to People, Sean wore jeans and a YSL sweater, while the bride donned a black cashmere jumpsuit for the ceremony. A source revealed to Daily Mail: 'He just asked her to marry him. It was spur of the moment and no one was there except for the two of them.' It's not known exactly how long the pair have been dating, but they have known each other since their teenage years, having met through a mutual pal, producer Courtenay Semel, who has been best friends with Sean since they were children. Courtenay gushed about the union between her two close pals when contacted by DailyMail.com, saying: 'I am beyond happy for my two lifelong best friends. I knew years ago that they were meant to be. Timing is everything. They were a match made in heaven, literally.' Sean and Jody attended Courtenay's birthday party together in November - and she celebrated their union by posting a sweet clip of the couple at the celebration on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday. Jody is the daughter of late Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub and has a five-year-old son, Doc from her first marriage to Hunter Adams. Eloped: The couple - who have known each other since they were teenagers - surprised family and friends when they spontaneously decided to get married during a trip to Las Vegas last month 'They are both very family-oriented people. They both have famous families, they just get each other,' a source told People. After Sean proposed he is said to have called his mother Alana Stewart, 77, while en route to the courthouse, but Alana didn't believe that he was being serious. The insider revealed that after sending the family pictures from the occasion, Alana was left in tears and 'so so happy for him,' while 'his dad was so happy to hear the news.' The newlyweds celebrated their wedding back in Los Angeles with Sean's parents as the group headed for dinner at Nobu in Malibu. Wedding clothes: Sean wore jeans and a YSL sweater, while the bride donned a black cashmere jumpsuit for the ceremony uniting them in marriage Alana was Rod's first wife, and they married in 1979, but they divorced five years later. As well as Sean, the couple share daughter Kimberly, 43. Documenting the dinner on Instagram, Alana penned: 'Congratulations to my boy @seanstewart and his beautiful bride @jody_weintraubstewart who surprised us all with a spur of the moment Las Vegas wedding. 'Im so happy for you both! #wedding #marriage #love.' The couple were first spotted together in November 2022 with Daily Mail referring to the new Mrs. Stewart as a 'mystery blonde' at the time. The X-Files may be returning in a new form, according to the original series' creator Chris Carter. During an appearance on Monday on CBC's On The Coast, Carter said that Creed director Ryan Coogler was hoping to 'remount' the science fictionhorror series, via Bloody Disgusting. Though Carter only spoke briefly about the potential project, it may eventually have a new, more representative cast, presumably without its original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. 'I just spoke to a young man, Ryan Coogler, who is going to remount The X-Files with a diverse cast,' Carter said. He added that Coogler has 'got his work cut out for him, because we covered so much territory.' Back for more? The X-Files may be revived by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, the original show's creator Chris Carter said on CBC's On The Coast on Monday; Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny seen on the original show Rising star: Carter said Coogler is envisioning a more 'diverse' reboot with new characters. Coogler most recently directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; seen March 9 in LA The original series starred Duchovny as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder, while Anderson played his partner Dana Scully, a Special Agent who was also trained as a medical doctor. The two were assigned to investigate secretive 'X-Files,' a group of unsolved cases with possibly extraterrestrial or supernatural explanations. Duchovny's Mulder was the more inquisitive of the two agents who was willing to take stock in outlandish conspiracy theories, while Anderson played Scully as the rational realist who reigned in his most extreme instincts, even though they were often correct. The hit series ran for nine seasons from 1993 to 2002, before being revived for two more seasons from 2016 to 2018. Duchovny and Anderson also starred in two X-Files films, released in 1998 and 2008. Coogler's connection would add a prestige sheen to any new X-Files project. He made his feature debut with Fruitvale Station, which he wrote and directed with Michael B. Jordan starring. The film details the final 24 hours in the life of Oscar Grant (Jordan), a Black man who was shot to death by police at a train station in Oakland, California, in 2009. The film was received rapturously by critics and made its $900,000 budget back many times over. Fruitvale Station's success allowed Coogler to direct and co-write the Rocky spin-off Creed, which was again a critical and commercial success. Long-running: The X-Files ran for nine seasons from 1993 to 2002, followed by two revival seasons from 20162018 (pictured) with Anderson and Duchovny returning Hit maker: After directing the acclaimed Fruitvale Station, Coogler went on to helm the first Creed film and both Black Panther movies; seen March1 in Beverly Hills In limbo: In 2020, the animated comedy The X-Files: Albuquerque was announced, but it's unclear if the show is still moving forward; still from The X-Files He followed that film up with Black Panther and its sequel Wakanda Forever. In 2017, he was reported to be reteaming with Jordan for the film Wrong Answer, about the Atlanta cheating scandal, though it is unclear if that project will ever see the light of day. Carter's description of the potential project revealed few details other than its diverse casting, and it is possible that it may never come to fruition, like many film and television projects. As noted by Bloody Disgusting, another X-Files spin-off, The X-Files: Albuquerque, has been in the works since 2020, with Carter producing. The animated series would focus on a 'B-team' squad of new characters, but it is also unknown if the show is still moving forward. Natalia Dyer stepped out on crutches for the second time on Tuesday as she left her hotel in Paris. The Stranger Things star, 26, appears to have suffered an unknown injury in recent times and last week was seen with the leg supports for the first time as well as bruises on her forehead. Natalia stood out while wearing a multi-coloured button-up jacket that featured the logo for the New York Rangers. She also donned a knitted black and white scarf, pink cap and dark shades as she slowly exited the building. The Velvet Buzzsaw actress also wore a cream maxi skirt, as well as white socks and Adidas Samba sneakers. Injury: Natalia Dyer stepped out on crutches for the second time on Tuesday as she left her hotel in Paris Ouch: The Stranger Things star, 26, appears to have suffered an unknown injury in recent times and last week was seen with the leg supports for the first time as well as bruises on her forehead Her dyed red hair remained free-flowing and cascaded onto her back and shoulders. DailyMail.com has contacted Dyer's rep for comment. Although Dyer is best known for her work on Stranger Things, she has also made strides into the film industry over the years. The performer is currently preparing for the release of the horror feature All Fun and Games, in which she will star. It was revealed that the actress was attached to the project in January of last year, when it was also announced that she would star alongside Asa Butterfield. The movie will be centered on a pair of siblings who take part in a game in which they interact with demonic figures. It was subsequently announced that performers such as Keith David and Annabeth Gish had joined the cast of the feature. All Fun and Games, which was reported to have entered the post-production phase last November, currently does not have a set release date. Casual: Natalia stood out while wearing a multi-coloured button-up jacket that featured the logo for the New York Rangers Outfit: She also donned a knitted black and white scarf, pink cap and dark shades as she slowly exited the building Last time she was at an event: Dyer attended the Saint Laurent Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 28 in Paris and didn't use crutches Dyer opened up about working on film projects as opposed to series during an interview with Cosmopolitan UK. The actress expressed that, while 'it's amazing to get to be on huge sets, I also really love the intimacy of small films.' The performer went on to speak about working on the set of Velvet Buzzsaw and being inspired by how cast members Jake Gyllenhaal and John Malkovich interacted with the project's creative team. 'It was amazing to work with people to see how they carry themselves, how they communicate with the director and what they ask for,' she said. Bear Grylls Meets President Zelensky Rating: ***** Murder In Mayfair Rating: **** Bear Grylls is being serious. Hes not munching insects, chewing on yaks eye-balls or swallowing elephant dung this time. We know hes ditched the frivolous survival stunts for his latest mission because he has grown a moustache the full special forces face hair, circa 1980. He looks like hes about to storm the Iranian embassy. In fact, he was in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, to interview the premier, in Bear Grylls Meets President Zelensky (Ch4). Theres not much point in challenging the fearless Ukrainian leader to abseil down a cliff or tackle white-water rapids on a raft, when he defiantly faces the constant threat of Russian missile attacks every day. Instead, the two of them went for a walk through the city centre, stopping at a community centre under canvas in a park, where locals whose homes are without heating or electricity can go to warm up and recharge their phones. A platoon of bodyguards surrounded them, scanning the skies for drones, while Zelensky chatted with his inimitable charm and cool self-deprecation. Bear Grylls Meets President Zelensky aired on Channel 4 'The two of them went for a walk through the city centre, stopping at a community centre under canvas in a park, where locals whose homes are without heating or electricity can go to warm up and recharge their phones' Bear was visibly awed, as well he might be. Landing this interview was an extraordinary coup. Persuading President Obama to take a day off from the White House in 2015, to go hiking in the Alaskan wilderness, must have been a cinch by comparison. Zelensky is an interviewers dream. Every time he opens his mouth, he coins a fresh soundbite. When Bear asked him if he was living day to day, the President replied, We live for the future, not for today. And when asked to describe himself as a boy, he said, I was always running not to waste time! Bear has a gift for soundbites himself. Arriving on the outskirts of Kyiv after a two-day drive, he drew a long breath at the sight of whole apartment blocks flattened. Its like Ground Zero wherever you look. Though his interview with Zelensky amounted to only a few minutes of footage in the whole hour, he was able to make every question count. In particular, he did well to get the 45-year-old President talking about his family, whom he sees for a few hours on rare occasions. His nine-year-old son was suffering, Zelensky said. He needs father, he doesnt have enough warm moments. This war changed our people and changed our children. They are not children, they are all adults, but you see wet eyes of your son and you understand this is a child. When he pledged that the Ukrainians love for their country and for their families will defeat Putins invaders, his conviction was inspirational. Bear offered him some winter survival advice just two words. Stay together, he urged. The BBC reporter Nawal Al-Maghafi also secured an interview in near impossible circumstances, as she persuaded fugitive murderer Farouk Abdulhak to talk to her, on Murder In Mayfair (BBC2). BBC journalist Nawal Al-Maghafi speaking to Farouk Abdulhak in Murder In Mayfair Abdulhak, the playboy son of a Yemeni arms dealer, fled Britain after killing fellow student Martine Vik Magnussen, from Norway, at his London apartment in 2008. For nearly 15 years he has lived on the run in Yemen, which has no extradition treaty with the UK. Tracking him down through social media, Nawal found him pathetically eager to talk, though he refused to appear on camera. He claimed the murder was just a sex accident, nothing nefarious, and Nawal seemed sickened even to be talking to him. Its a pity she didnt begin with more innocuous questions, about his life in hiding, because he was clearly desperate to talk. Abdulhaks slimy self-pity made the quiet, implacable quest for justice by Martines father seem all the more admirable. An Australian entrepreneur who made millions documenting her sugar-free lifestyle is now encouraging her fans to banish another kitchen staple: gas stoves. Sarah Wilson, known for her best-selling 2012 book I Quit Sugar, is the face of Climate Council's new 'I Quit Gas' campaign, which seeks to discourage people from using gas-powered household appliances. The Climate Council is Australia's leading climate change communications organisation. The influencer, 49, shared a video on Instagram on Monday about the 'perils of cooking with gas' and why information about the 'nefarious' gas industry needs to be circulated. Gas stoves have become a hot-button issue in Australia after a recent U.S. study found contaminants from these appliances can increase the rate of childhood asthma. I Quit Sugar author and entrepreneur Sarah Wilson (pictured) is encouraging her fans to banish gas stoves from their homes as part of a new campaign with the Australian Climate Council Climate change activists also believe removing gas appliances from homes would reduce greenhouse emissions and therefore benefit the environment. 'I founded I Quit Sugar a decade ago to help people live healthier by cutting processed sugar out of their lives at a time when there was a pretty low level of public awareness of the links between sugar and chronic diseases,' Sarah said in a statement. 'Now, I'm taking on gas, another dangerous substance lurking in Aussie homes.' Sarah, who sold her I Quit Sugar empire in 2018 and gave the profits to charity, wants to help 'save our precious life on this wild planet' by calling on the government to 'provide interest-free loans for switching to all-electric home appliances'. The influencer, 49, shared a video on Instagram on Monday about the 'perils of cooking with gas' and why information about the 'nefarious' gas industry needs to be circulated Sarah sold her I Quit Sugar empire in 2018 and gave the profits to charity 'Big Gas is just like Big Sugar - it has worked tirelessly to sell us the message their product is "natural" and healthy. It's so far from the truth it hurts,' she added. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph about the campaign, Sarah said: 'Public awareness about the ticking time bombs in our homes is unacceptably low. 'Just like Big Tobacco and Big Sugar have gone to great lengths to downplay the dangers of their products, the gas industry has spent millions trying to falsely market gas as 'natural', when it is in fact toxic and dangerous.' However, many experts believe banning gas appliances could create an even worse outcome for the environment, depending on how the electricity is produced. If electricity is produced via coal-powered plants, switching to electricity could actually be worse for the environment as coal produces more carbon dioxide emissions than natural gas. A large-scale move to electrical appliances could also put an unmanageable amount of stress on power grids. It has also been argued that discarding massive amounts of gas appliances for landfill would also be detrimental to the environment. Climate Council confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Sarah was paid to promote its campaign. Sharon Stone has recalled the humiliation she endured by a Basic Instinct producer who insisted on calling her 'Karen'. During her speech at the NYWIFT Muse Awards, Stone described how a line producer started calling her 'Karen' during her very first audition for the movie. So unnerved Stone, who has previously discussed her difficult memories working on the film, was by the moniker, she later got into a car accident. The nickname stuck all throughout filming and remained even when she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Catherine Tramell. When her name was announced as a nominee, Stone said the room broke out into laughter. 'I carried that humiliation quietly': Sharon Stone has recalled the humiliation she endured by a Basic Instinct producer who insisted on calling her 'Karen' 'After 13 other women turned it down and I got the part, after auditioning for nine months. For the entirety of the film, the line producer called me Karen, to the point that when I went in for my first audition I came out so rattled I backed my car into a semi. 'Even at the Governors Ball he still called me Karen. I carried that humiliation really deeply within me, even when my name wasn't on the poster. 'And when I got nominated for a Golden Globe and they called my name and the room laughed, I carried that humiliation quietly and decided to carry my dignity even louder.' Now, Sharon is receiving a different kind of reception whenever she hears her name called out. 'And now when people call my name and they say I made the movie Basic Instinct, there are cheers in the room because I broke convention and I said women were allowed to cross their legs in a different way. It wasn't just that we saw up my skirt for a quarter of a second that broke VCR'S globally. 'We weren't allowed to see armpits prior to Basic Instinct we weren't allowed to cross our legs other than at the ankle prior to Basic Instinct. It wasn't about how many times we said f** prior to that film, now we've seen the statue of Michelangelo's David- have a teacher fired. 'I think we should think a lot more about what women can do, so much more than I did in Basic Instinct and there's a whole lot more reasons for people to be mad at us than that.' During her speech, Sharon also recalled a crude remark she overheard about her body when she once filmed a sex scene for a film. 'The room laughed': The nickname stuck all throughout filming and remained even when she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Catherine Tramell Iconic film: Stone starred opposite Michael Douglas in the thriller Basic Instinct 'When I would go to the set there would be 300 men and me; my hair and make-up and dressers were men. When I was doing sex scenes it was all men and me. 'And sometimes I could ask the wardrobe supervisor, who may be a woman, if she wouldn't mind staying on set while I did that. When they didn't clear the set for me to do them, I could some actor saying "can you just get out of the way-I can't see her t*ts."' Sharon's speech comes several days after she revealed that she lost half her money in the recent banking crisis. The star broke down at a glittering Hollywood fundraising gala earlier this month as she urged the audience to donate money to a cancer charity. She told them: 'I just lost half my money to this banking thing and that doesn't mean that I'm not here.' Uh-oh: Sharon's speech comes several days after she revealed that she lost half her money in the recent banking crisis It is unclear which bank Ms Stone who has a reported 50 million fortune lost her money with, but the gala she attended a Women's Cancer Fund event took place earlier this month, just days after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. These were the second and third largest bank failures in US history after the implosion of Washington Mutual Bank during the 2008 financial crisis. The US Federal Reserve has stepped in to guarantee all deposits held at the two banks, which makes it is unlikely that Ms Stone, who lives in a 18million Beverly Hills home, will lose any money. Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham put on a show-stopping display in a pink satin gown with feathered sleeves and a racy slit while out in New York City on Monday night. As she left the Peninsula Hotel in New York City, the reality star, 31, radiated beauty in her eye-catching look, styled by Stacey Jordan, which she paired with a pair of silver drop earrings. While descending down a flight of stairs in her shiny heels, she gave a friendly wave to onlookers after undergoing lip blushing, which is a semi-permanent tattoo that tints your lips. On her Instagram Story, the mother-of-one snapped a selfie of herself in her vibrant ensemble as she reflected on leaving a rehabilitation center last year. 'One year after my trauma center & I'm back flourishing more than ever! Back to set! Thank you 12 steps!' she captioned the image. Stunner: Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham put on a show-stopping display in a pink satin gown with feathered sleeves and a racy slit while out in New York City on Monday night In 2022, the Nebraska-born influencer revealed she spent 28 days in a trauma treatment center to improve her physical and mental health, which she called 'life-changing.' In a video, uploaded to her Instagram account at the time, the TV personality announced her plans to go off grid to focus on herself and working toward a 'brighter future.' 'I am taking time for my healing. I have ignored people for over 11 months after having a sexual assault and having my whole body break down, my whole brain break down,' the reality star told her three million followers. Abraham added: 'No matter your traumas whether they are physical or mental, people see them or dont see them I wanted to take the time and say I am grateful for my family for hanging with me this year in one of my hardest years.' 'I am looking forward to understanding more medically what I can do for myself and transition,' she concluded. The My Teenage Dream Ended author also sent 'love and light to those who want to improve their lives [and] un-traumatize themselves.' In January, the MTV personality was arrested and taken into custody by the LAPD after allegedly assaulting a security officer at a club in Hollywood. Abraham, who was issued a citation for the misdemeanor following the incident, addressed her brush with the law later in a statement to TMZ. Dazzling: As she left the Peninsula Hotel in New York City, the reality star, 31, radiated beauty in her eye-catching look, styled by Stacey Jordan, which she paired with a pair of silver drop earrings Glowing: While descending down a flight of stairs in her shiny heels, she gave a friendly wave to onlookers after undergoing lip blushing, which is a semi-permanent tattoo that tints your lips 'Im tired of being maliciously battered, attacked, conspired against while having dinner at Grand Master Records, this was a private person's arrest my lawyer is handling from here,' she said. 'It is terrifying and traumatizing that people attack me and I can not even enjoy dinner as Im the only person out of 3 attacked and harassed when. I look forward to court as always, warning this place is a danger to public figures [sic].' According to the publication, the 16 And Pregnant star said that staff members of Grandmaster Records assaulted her. She also claimed that they had filmed the incident intending to leak it to new organizations. Stronger than ever: On her Instagram Story, the mother-of-one snapped a selfie of herself in her vibrant ensemble as she reflected on leaving a rehabilitation center last year Later in the week, Farrah posted video of the altercation to her Instagram Stories, though she left it without audio. The man held her leg and back down, and she appeared to have something tied around her wrists that kept them behind her back. 'Never again,' she captioned the first clip. 'What a horrible dining experience being battered and assaulted by your staff. Such an unsafe, disturbing environment,' she continued in the next video, which also tagged Grandmaster Records. Rough night: Last year, Abraham was arrested for allegedly slapping a security guard following a confrontation in an LA club 'The staff yet again attack a paying customer and hold me against my will and hurt me,' she continued. 'The only 1 out of 3, woman abuse must stop. The staff @grandmasterrecords should be in jail.' Farrah continued her quest to get the employee who had held her down fired in a subsequent video filmed before police arrived. 'Why is a male on top of me holding me down when I was walking. This is scary and he should be fired and in jail for batterment [sic].' Traumatic: During an interview with In Touch magazine back in 2014, the 16 and Pregnant alum was 'drugged and raped more than once' following the release of her sex tape (seen in 2021) She claimed that the events leading up to her arrest were part of a pattern. 'I'm tired of people harassing me, holding me down, hurting me and lieing about me and selling things to tmz it's scary, it effects mothers, it is traumatizing and I'm hurt [sic],' she wrote. Farrah has previously had physical altercations with staff. Doing her best: As a single mother to 13-year-old daughter Sophia, whose father died in a car accident weeks before her birth, Abraham has worked hard to provide for her little girl and is currently focusing on becoming a lawyer; seen 2020 In 2018, she was arrested for allegedly hitting an employee of the Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge, which resulted in her being banned as punishment. During an interview with In Touch Weekly back in 2014, the 16 and Pregnant alum reflected on her personal trauma, including getting 'drugged and raped more than once' following the release of her sex tape. 'It was a dark time,' Abraham, who has previously spoken about being abused as a child, told the outlet. 'Violence has been a big part of my life.' As a single mother to 14-year-old daughter Sophia, whose father died in a car accident weeks before her birth, Abraham has worked hard to provide for her little girl and is currently focusing on becoming a lawyer. Sofia Vergara isn't afraid of a little color and pattern. The actress had heads turning as she arrived in Pasadena, California to tape the 18th season of America's Got Talent on Tuesday. The Modern Family alum, 50, smiled brightly as she exited her car and walked into the studio. The stunner wore a black and white zebra print suit made up of a body-hugging blazer and skinny ankle-length pants. The suit also featured red roses and a green vine running across the zebra print. Bright and festive: Sofia Vergara isn't afraid of a little color and pattern as she proved on Tuesday as she arrived in Pasadena, California to tape the 18th season of America's Got Talent The brunette bombshell wore black peep-toed platform heels and carried a $3800 large Christian Dior Book Tote handbag. The Hot Pursuit star styled her voluminous locks in flowing waves with a center part. She wore oversized sunglasses with a black and white pattern on the frames as she greeted the assembled fans. The mother-of-one's famous curves in were highlighted by the form-fitting suit. At one point, Sofia stops to greet a young fan who drew a picture for her. She can be seen hugging the ecstatic little girl. Sofia is a judge on the popular talent show alongside Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel. Sofia has been a judge on AGT since season 15, which aired in 2020. Before that, she was booked and busy on her hit show Modern Family, which ended its 10-year run in 2020. While Heidi, Simon, and Howie were judges on the first season of the spin-off, America's Got Talent: All-Stars, which premiered earlier this year to positive reviews, Vergara was notably absent. However, she has made her grand return as a judge for the 18th season of the original competition series. Happy camper: The Modern Family alum, 50, was all smiles as she exited her car and walked into the studio Zebra print: The stunner wore a black and white zebra print suit made up of a body-hugging blazer and skinny ankle-length pants featuring red roses and a green vine running across the zebra print Sunny day: She wore oversized sunglasses with a black and white pattern on the frames as she greeted the assembled fans Art: She accepted a drawing from a young fan and drew her into a tight hug Over the weekend, the busty beauty shared her excitement for the new season in an Instagram post, writing: 'Back to the best job in the world!!!!! @agt thank you @simoncowell.' The show has started filming its upcoming 18th season, which is set to premiere sometime over the summer. According to NBC, AGT began filming on Thursday and will continue filming until later next month on April 12. Sofia has been sharing behind-the-scenes snaps from the AGT tapings on Instagram. Season 18: Sofia is filming season 18 of AGT alongside fellow judges Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel Best job: She thanked Cowell on social media for 'the best job in the world' In a quick mirror selfie, the Modern Family alum showed her fans and followers a close-up look at one of her outfits for the busy day. In a funny video clip, she can be seen trying to hide the cake she was eating from her hair and makeup team. In another post she struck a pose wearing a green tank top that contained a lace trim which was then paired with lighter green-colored slacks and a matching trench coat. Her long, thick hair was parted in the middle and cascaded past her shoulders in light, bouncy curls. 'Ready for the first day of auditions!!! @agt,' she excitedly penned in a caption on top of the snap. Bill Bailey paid tribute to his late friend Sean Lock on Tuesday. The comic died in August 2021 from cancer and his passing lead to a widespread outpouring of grief in the comic world. Comedian Bill shared a sweet throwback snap of the pair joking around while on a country walk. The musician and actor wrote on Twitter: 'Some days I still can't quite believe he's gone. Today is one of those days.' He added: 'Miss you Sean old pal' 'Miss you old Pal': Bill Bailey paid tribute to his late friend Sean Lock on Tuesday, who passed away in August 2021 from cancer The musician and actor wrote on Twitter: 'Some days I still can't quite believe he's gone. Today is one of those days.' Last August, Bill raised over 100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his friend Sean. He finished a 100-mile walk for the charity alongside Lee Mack and Sean's loved ones, and said he's been 'moved' by the generosity of the public who came out to support him during the trek. The walk started in Bude, Cornwall on August 3 and finished in Combe Martin, Devon sticking to the beautiful coast path. Bailey said that many people had approached the group to offer money and kind words, and he has been overwhelmed by the goodwill and support. 'We're all a bit done in,' he said. 'I have just been knocked out by the number of people who have come up to me, handed me money in the street just offering donations. Sean, known for his surreal content and deadpan style, starred as a team captain on Jimmy Carr's popular Channel 4 comedy panel show and its spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Carr led the tributes, saying it was 'brutal news' and that he was 'laughing and crying' while watching clips of Lock - while Lee Mack, called him a 'true original both in comedy and life'. Father-of-three Lock, who had two daughters and one son with his wife Anoushka, appeared on Have I Got News for You, QI, and They Think It's All Over - and also wrote and starred in the popular BBC sitcom 15 Storeys High. Jon Richardson, Lock's fellow captain on 8 Out Of Ten Cats, praised his 'incredible comic brain'; Susie Dent from the Countdown version described him as an 'exceptional man'; Ricky Gervais said he was 'one of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation'; and Alan Davies said Lock was 'funny on stage, hilarious off'. Lock's agent labelled the Woking-born star as 'one of Britain's finest comedians', saying his 'boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy'. Heartbreaking: The comic died in August 2021 from cancer and his passing lead to a widespread outpouring of grief in the comic world Achievement: Bill previously raised over 100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his friend Sean after walking 100 miles from Devon to Cornwall TV star: Sean Lock appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown with Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent It is not known what form of a cancer Sean battled, but he previously made a full recovery from skin cancer which he blamed on over-exposure to the sun while working on building sites before he became a comedian. He previously credited a one-night stand in the 1990s with saving his life, after the woman he was with spotted a black and misshapen patch of skin on his back, which he had removed in hospital and it was diagnosed as cancer. Fellow comedian Harry Hill revealed Lock had spent time in a hospice, telling the Guardian: 'At his best, Sean reminded us all what we loved about a great gag and why we got into comedy in the first place. 'That's why he was so often called 'the comedian's comedian'. He took his illness in typically dry style. I heard he was in a hospice for a bit of a rest. I called him up. 'Wow!' I said. 'A hospice, what's that like?' 'It's OK,' he said ' and the sex is amazing'.' Holly Hagan was once so proud of her first 'FF' boob job that she referenced in her Geordie Shore opening title quote. But now, the reality star has revealed she regrets spending 30,000 on surgery - inspired by Katie Price. Over the years, Holly has had lip fillers, Botox injections, three breast operations, jaw fillers, nose fillers and a non-surgical bum lift. The reality star, 30, candidly discussed in her new newsletter how going under the knife made her feel worse about herself. Detailing how she had her first boob job at age 18, Holly reveals that it cost her 4,000 on finance. Surgery: Holly Hagan was once so proud of her first 'FF' boob job that she referenced in her Geordie Shore opening title quote Regrets: But now, the reality star has revealed she regrets spending 30,000 on surgery over the years After Holly lost weight she wanted a second operation, and less than a year later she went from a FF to a GG - saying she 'looked at people like Katie Price' before committing to the surgery. She then decided to get lip fillers and botox in 2014, leaving her with what she now describes as 'sausage lips'. In 2017, had a Brazilian bum lift but was once again not happy with the results, leaving her wanting more. The surgery uses liposuction to remove fat from the lower body and then the extracted fat is purified and injected into specific points on the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and size. A few months after her first operation, she decided to fly to Turkey and pay 5k for a second procedure - which costs around 15k in the UK. She revealed she was 'scared and covered in blood' but went back for a third and final BBL which 'made it worse' and she hit an 'all time low'. Holly went under the knife in 2019 to have her final surgery, which was a boob reductions, taking her from an FF cup to a DD cup. Asked how her love of cosmetic surgery affected her mindset, Holly previously said: 'Surgery made my body image 1000 x worse. I went in with the expectations that I was going to finally be happy and have the perfect body after. 'Not only have I end up heavier than I've ever been after two months, but I was twice as wide too. I looked awful and it was upsetting. 'I had so much guilt and shame that I spent so much money and looked worse than before.' Work: Over the years, Holly has had lip fillers, Botox injections, three breast operations, jaw fillers, nose fillers and a non-surgical bum lift Throwback: Detailing how she had her first boob job at age 18, Holly reveals that it cost her 4,000 on finance Boob job: After Holly lost weight she wanted a second operation, and less than a year later she went from a FF to a GG - saying she 'looked at people like Katie Price' before committing to the surgery Holly showed off her body transformation after 'three years of hard graft' in an Instagram before and after video. She detailed how regrets turning to surgery after facing years of 'abuse' and how she has finally achieved the 'body of her dreams'. Holly opened up about her life change to get the figure she wanted by ditching gruelling gym workouts for enjoyable aerobic dance routines. In one video, Holly posed in a red set of Calvin Klein underwear as she turned around revealing her two Brazilian Butt Lifts a few years ago. In the comparison video Holly looked completely unrecognisable as she showcased her gym toned figure in a strapless neutral and black bikini. The beauty turned around revealing her peachy behind in the skimpy two piece, as she accessorised with a straw hat and white fashion sunglasses. She explained: '5 years ago to now I genuinely couldn't be happier with the changes I have made to my lifestyle to get me where I am today.' Discussing the first clip Holly said she had two Brazilian Butt Lifts and shared her regret with fans in the hope to helping 'one person reconsider surgery.' She continued: 'The first video was after not one but TWO rounds of BBL. I didn't go into these surgeries lightly. It took years of appearance based abuse before I finally decided enough was enough and I was going to get the body of my dreams! How wrong was I! 'I would get messages weekly offering free surgery. Do you know how tempting that is for a 22 year old with a lifetime of weight issues and an ED who wants to stop being bullied for being fat? Very bloody tempting however I didn't want to ever promote it so I paid. 'I have always just said surgery generically because I never wanted anyone to go and copy what I did and be left unhappy, especially after learning how dangerous the procedure actually is. 'As much as I tried to hide it, it was pretty noticeable and instead the comments just went from "fat slag" to "too much surgery she looked better before" overnight. 'I was left with such an awful amount of shame having paid so much money, equivalent to a house deposit. To be left looking worse than when I started.' Wow: Holly showcased her sensational body transformation after 'three years of hard graft' in an Instagram before and after video Family: Holly is currently pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Jacob after they tied the knot in July Holly is currently pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Jacob after they tied the knot in July. Holly and Jacob jetted out to the stunning Balearic Island of Ibiza to tie the knot in a lavish ceremony in June. She recently revealed she is expecting a baby boy with Jacob, making the special announcement at a gender reveal and joint second wedding party she filmed for Geordie Shore. The star enjoyed the lavish celebration in Newcastle, where she pressed a red button to reveal her baby's gender. Santiago Munoz Machado, director of the Royal Spanish Academy, received his peers from the Institut d'Estudis Catalans, Teresa Cabre, at a round table at the International Congress of the Spanish Language; and from the Royal Galician Academy, Victor Freixanes, in a historic meeting: never before had the academies of Spanish languages had a public or private meeting. The event, which Adolfo Arejita, secretary of the Euskaltzaindia, was unable to attend at the last minute, ended with Freixanes' invitation to repeat the event every six months. Something like the one who goes to dinner with some friends and when saying goodbye he says "hey, we have to see each other more". The act could not have been friendlier. Munoz Machado opened the session with an explanation of the language policy of the Kingdom of Spain in the last 46 years of democracy. He summarized what the Constitution says and what the autonomy statutes say, explained what the concept of linguistic normality is and what legal reasons it responds to and, above all, recalled that the courts have supported almost all regional policies dedicated to promoting this normalization. The conflicts, focused above all on educational policies, were exposed with a professional distance. Only at the end of the colloquium did Munoz Machado leave legal language behind and move on to political-moral language: "We regret any aggression [against your languages]. We feel that you are fellow travelers. To the extent that you have that feeling of discrimination, [we will do what possible for] the debt to remain settled" In the middle, Cabre and Freixanes made their exposure of historical grievances with the same reasonable and fraternal attitude, without much emphasis. Cabre wondered "how to structure linguistic coexistence in Spain" and described a reality outside of politics in which the vast majority of Catalan citizens do not feel that Spanish and Catalan culture are confronting realities. "If the reality is like this and we all defend plurality, why don't we get this to be a really implanted and generalized idea? Perhaps there are factors that we need to delve into. We are not doing something right." And Victor Freixanes, a powerful and good-humored speaker, gave him the answer a few minutes later, recalling an Andalusian exile who explained his experience in America, alongside Galicians, Catalans, Madrid and Aragonese: "We all make the same trip. We are very different but as we get to know each other, prejudices and fears end.The day a child from Almeria understands that Salvador Espriu and Alvaro Cunqueiro belong to him, without this meaning that he has to learn to speak Catalan or Galician... That One day we will have solved the basic problem". Freijanes explained the concept of dysglossia (the idea that there is a language for domestic use, a second language, and another for public life) and applied it to the case of Galician. But no grudges. The director of the Royal Galician Academy referred to Spanish as a "sister language" and later said that "see you in six months." Made. According to the criteria of The Trust Project More than 2,000 mummified rams' heads dating back to the Ptolemaic era have been discovered in the Temple of Ramses II in the ancient city of Abydos in southern Egypt, authorities said on Sunday. Mummies of sheep, dogs, goats, cows, gazelles and mongooses were also exhumed by a team of American archaeologists from New York University on this site famous for its temples and necropolises, announced the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism in a press release. According to the director of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, these discoveries will make it possible to know more about the temple of Ramses II and the activities that took place there between its construction under the sixth dynasty of the Old Kingdom (between 2 374 and 2140 BC) and the Ptolemaic period (323 to 30 BC). For Professor Sameh Iskandar, head of the American mission and quoted in the same press release, these rams' heads are "offerings", indicating "a cult to Ramses II celebrated 1,000 years after his death". Besides the remains of mummified animals, the team discovered the remains of a palace with walls about five meters thick dating from the Sixth Dynasty, as well as several statues, papyri, remains of ancient trees, leather clothes and shoes. 550 km south of Cairo and famous in antiquity for having housed the tomb of Osiris, the god of the dead, the predynastic site of Abydos is known for its temples, notably that of Seti I and its necropolises. The Egyptian authorities have been regularly announcing archaeological discoveries in recent times, described by some experts as announcement effects with a political and economic impact more than a scientific one. Because the country of nearly 105 million inhabitants in serious economic crisis relies on tourism, which employs two million people and generates more than 10% of GDP, to restore its finances: its government is targeting 30 million tourists per year. by 2028, compared to 13 million before Covid-19. However, many critics point to the dilapidated state of certain archaeological sites and museums. German luxury auto maker BMW plans to introduce 19 car models, including electric vehicles, in India this year as it looks to sustain double- digit sales growth in the country, a top company official said on Monday. The car maker, which expects 2023 to be the best for it in terms of sales in the country so far, also aims for electric vehicles to account for about 15 per cent of its overall sales this year. The group also plans to introduce three bike models under the BMW Motorrad business in India this year. We are going to launch 22 products which includes 19 cars and three bikes during this year, BMW Group India President Vikram Pawah told PTI in an interaction. It would be a mix of all new product introductions and facelifts of existing model range, he added. The company has been launching over twenty products a year for the last few years, Pawah said, adding, two-third of our volume will be either new or refreshed products which is probably for the first time that so much of the product is changing in one year itself. What is the future of Rahul Gandhi after his disqualification from Parliament? It is not over yet if we are to go by the history of politics in India Is Congress leader Rahul Gandhi politically finished after the recent court verdict and his subsequent dismissal from Parliament? Is it an advantage or a setback for him and his party? It is too early to predict as it is an evolving story. But experience says that no politician is finished until he is finished. The BJP is happy that the court has fixed Rahul and believes he is politically finished. However, the Congress claims Rahul is in a win-win position. It will be advantageous if a higher court stays or overturns the verdict. If it does not, Rahul is prepared to pay 'any price' and even go to jail, which might give him more political mileage. Why did the court punish Rahul? Gandhi said at a campaign rally in Karnataka in April 2019: "Why do all these thieves have Modi as their surname? Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi?" In response, a BJP politician Purnesh Modi filed a criminal defamation complaint accusing Gandhi of defaming the "Modi community." The ruling could have been milder. The court pronounced a two-year sentence on Thursday. The court also gave him bail immediately and suspended the sentence for a month. This allowed him time to appeal against the punishment. The defamation provisions used against Gandhi date back to the 1860s, when India was a British colony. Section 500 of the IPC makes the crime punishable by up to two years in prison. Rahul will also be unable to contest the Lok Sabha elections for the next eight years apart from losing his present membership in the lower house. According to a historic Supreme Court decision in 2013, the membership of an MP or MLA sentenced to two years or more ends immediately after the court convicts them. The Lok Sabha announced Rahul's dismissal the next day. Rahul needs three layers of support to escape the situation: the strong backing of the united party, the united Opposition and the support of the public. Congress responded that the conviction was to divert the Adani issue in Parliament. Congress has demanded a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani-Henderson report. Rahul Gandhi said he would not "back down" from asking questions on the Adani stocks issue or be intimidated by threats, disqualifications, and prison sentences. Refusing to apologize for the remark, Rahul said: "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi. Gandhis don't apologize to anyone." Secondly, the judgment united the Opposition against the ruling dispensation. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and other Opposition leaders, like Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin, Former U.P .chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray joined the condemnation of the act. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was the first to condemn the action while opposing Congress for years. Thirdly, though the public is shocked at the punishment, the complete response is yet to come. The Congress is yet to take it to the streets to involve the people. As a result of Rahul's punishment, other contentious issues, such as Rahul's controversial Cambridge speech, have become more prominent. The BJP has stalled business in Parliament, demanding an apology from him. Even though the conviction was a psychological blow to Rahul, his party, and the entire Opposition, it all depends on how it is communicated to the people. This is because they must handle the situation, translate it into public sympathy, and sustain it until the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Critics are skeptical about this. Given the BJP's increasing popularity and tight control over the media, it might not be easy. But Gandhi will still be news. In the coming months, before 2024, the Congress will face its first significant test in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This will be a direct contest with the BJP. If the party wins the elections in these states, it will cheer the opposition. If the party loses, it will be a setback before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the party will have to reconcile itself with Modi completing the hat trick. Rahul's success depends on many ifs and buts. This includes whether he will get a higher court order to stay his verdict and how the public reacts. Congress must also change the poll narrative for the 2024 polls. In short, the BJP cannot wish away Rahul. No politician is finished until he is finished. Rahul is no exception. The BJP probably realizes that it's best not to bring your opponent to the forefront of your campaign. The moral of the story is that politicians, whatever high positions they occupy, should have tight control over their tongues. (The author is a senior journalist) The inclusion of ineligible persons on the beneficiaries list of PM-KISAN raises concerns and undoes the very purpose the scheme was launched for A significant decline in the number of farmers receiving income transfers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme from 104 million during 2021-22 to 80 million during 2022-23 and a corresponding reduction in payment from Rs 67,032 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 57,646 crore in 2022-23 has caused much consternation. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2019, and made effective from December 1, 2018, PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme under which the Union Government. It provides an income support of Rs 6,000 a year to farmers with a valid enrolment, paid in three equal cash transfers of Rs 2,000 each every four months. The money is credited to their account via the DBT mode. Any landholding farm household is eligible for cash transfers, provided they dont pay income tax, hold government posts, or are retirees receiving pensions above Rs 10,000. The cutoff date for beneficiary identification based on Agriculture Census 2015-16 estimates is February 1, 2019. The total number of beneficiaries intended to be covered under the scheme was about 140 million. Since the launch of the scheme, Rs 250,000 crore has been given to nearly 110 million farmers spread over 13 installments. Having decided who should be eligible to receive income transfer, with time, the number of beneficiaries can only increase as more farmers are added to the list. There is no reason for the number to go down. Unlike other schemes such as NREGA, where the number of beneficiaries covered and payments made thereof is linked to the availability of work, under PM-KISAN, all farmers in the beneficiaries list once decided are entitled to receive the money. It is only plausible that the farmers (24 million) were incorrectly identified and, therefore, ineligible to receive assistance if there was a reduction. Their names have now been dropped from the list. This has ensured that they havent received payments during 2022-23 and will not in the future. What about the money already given to them during 2021-22 and even before that? The Centre claims it has a smooth and transparent recovery mechanism in place. This is whereby the ineligible beneficiaries are identified and the money is auto-transferred from the state nodal departments account to the Central Government account. Hopefully, it would have recovered all the excess payments made during the relevant years. The process should be expedited in cases where it hasnt been done yet. But the inclusion of ineligible persons in the beneficiaries list raises concern. This is all the more relevant since the Centre has adopted a robust and foolproof IT-based process for beneficiary identification. Let's look at the steps involved. The farmer registers on the PM- KISAN portal and the State validates her eligibility; after eligibility verification, the State uploads farmer details on the portal; the portal validates the records for junk data or duplicity; accepted data is forwarded to the public financial management system (PFMS) for account number and type validation; the list is sent back to States for the final approval; eligible records are available for generation of Request for Fund Transfer (RFT); signed RFTs are submitted to PFMS for generation of Fund Transfer Order (FTO); creation of sanction orders by agriculture ministry for approved FTOs; payment is processed and the beneficiary list is made available on the portal. At all levels of authentication, the rejected data is sent back to the States for correction. At the foundation of this fintech architecture is confirming the genuineness of beneficiaries; States have the sole responsibility of doing this. In particular, it is important to know which documents they used for this purpose. On a close scrutiny, it turns out that in the initial years, neither States used Aadhaar for validation nor the Centre made it compulsory; it was required to do so a year after the scheme's commencement. In such circumstances, a large number of ineligible persons making their way to the beneficiary list was inevitable. Other issues related to the implementation of the scheme also deserve attention. When launched, PM-KISAN was designed to supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers (SMFs), those with land holding less than 2 hectares, in procuring various inputs such as fertilisers, suitable quality seeds, pesticides, etc. To ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with farm income at the end of each crop cycle. The scheme was meant to protect poor/vulnerable farmers (read: SMFs). Yet, within six months, from June 01, 2019, its scope was extended to cover all landholding farmers. In other words, the Government decided to give Rs 6,000 even to farmers with large landholdings who didn't deserve it. This meant an increase in beneficiaries by 25 million and expenditure by Rs 15,000 crore. The Government should exclude better-off farmers from the beneficiaries list. The money saved (Rs 15,000 crore annually) should be used to increase SMF support. Within this group, it may also consider giving more to marginal farmers, i.e., those with land holding less than 1 hectare in sync with PM Modis philosophy of using national resources for the poorest of the poor. Farmers in certain States don't benefit from the scheme. For instance, in Bihar, against a total of around 16 million potential beneficiaries, the state has uploaded only 6 million. West Bengal hasnt joined the scheme, thereby denying access to about 7 million farmers in the State; the Centre is now encouraging those farmers to apply directly on the portal. In other jurisdictions, coverage in some districts is poor. To address it, the Centre has taken some initiatives. States that have achieved 90 per cent coverage are required to verify 100 per cent 25 randomly selected villages in districts where the coverage is low. In States where the coverage is less than 80 percent, they need to verify 25 villages even in districts that are relatively high. These efforts should be vigorously pursued to ensure that all SMFs get income transfer in every nook and corner of the country. There are millions of farmers who cultivate the land but dont own it. But, under the current arrangement for income support under PM-KISAN, they are not eligible; instead, the money is sent to the account of the person who owns the land. This anomaly should be corrected by securing data on all such tenant farmers and transferring the money to their accounts. Finally, PM-KISAN is meant to meet the small SMF needs. It cant replace assuring them of a reasonable income on a sustainable basis. This wont be possible unless they get a reasonable price for their produce. This in turn, will require the resurrection of the now junked three Central farm laws. Unless this is done, episodes similar to that of a farmer from Maharashtras Solapur getting a measly Rs 2.49 from the sale of over 5 quintal onions will continue to reverberate. (The writer is a policy analyst) Technology has greatly impacted the art world. It has added a number of techniques artists can use to express their creativity Digital space thrives in almost every sphere. You name it and its there. With a vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy by ensuring easy access, digital inclusion, digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide, the Government of India launched the Digital India programme on July 1st, 2015. Since then, there has been no turning back. Art is a broad category that incorporates creativity with the goal of expressing aesthetic, emotional depth or intellectual concepts. Today, companies hire web designers and graphic designers who can create designs and art as per societys requirements. This is unlike the traditional form which required pen, paper, lots of money and time. Today, the traditional form of art is almost out of range. The world of art has always played a significant part in everyones life. Anyone can express information, ideas, feelings, such as love, happiness, sorrow, or boredom through art. Art is everywhere and can be experienced anywhere and at any point of time be it walking through the city, listening to the radio or even while driving a car. Behind every art there is a message that makes an individual aware of the world around them and how one reacts to each other. We are living in a world where technology has provided artists with new tools of expression. Art and technology have allowed artists to cross over into new perspectives, thus giving birth to the booming term 'Digital Art'. Digital art is a growing creative evolution in which traditional painting techniques such as watercolour, oil pastel, impasto and acrylic are combined with powerful digital tools such as Coral Draw, Canva, Adobe Photoshop and much more. It encompasses a wide range of techniques from digital drawings to paintings and illustrations, photos, videos and many more. Technology has greatly impacted the art world and the artists. It has not only opened numerous opportunities for artists but expanded the number of techniques they can access. Digital styles such as dynamic painting, digital photography, pixel art, 2D and 3D computer graphics are among the most in demand. Artists can paint or draw on an iPad or tablet with a stylus just as they can on canvas with a paintbrush and paint by quickly switching between tools and colours in just a few clicks thereby having access to a wealth of colours, effects, layers and tools unlike traditional artists worrying about refilling colour palettes. Art has no universal definition, but perspectives evolve over time. Artists are often tempted to implement new media technologies and interpretations. Today, artists from across the globe can display their art virtually and viewers can access it at their convenience. The world is going through a digital revolution, India being one of them, thereby stretching the bounds of conventional media and generating a strong presence that aptly describes general societal perspectives on social, cultural, and other elements of existence. Soon, its advancement in art will be worth observing considering the huge talent the country possesses. Also, it will be a great opportunity for artists both existing and aspiring in terms of employment and available in non-accessible geographical locations. Digital art will benefit India. (The writer is a teacher at a reputed school in Delhi) Pandemic Center analyzes the lessons of COVID-19 Brown University In March 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus took the nation by storm. The COVID-19 pandemic blindsided leaders and forced hasty decisions that came with long-term repercussions for the health and well-being of Americans, and local, national and global economies. In 2022, the Brown University School of Public Health launched its Pandemic Center with the goal of reducing the chance for repeat mistakes. Theres no doubt that future public health emergencies will arise, said founding director Jennifer Nuzzo, and the country urgently needs to be better prepared. The reality is that we have seen over time an increasing number of new infectious disease threats, said Nuzzo, an epidemiologist who focuses on global health security, public health preparedness and response, and health systems resilience. That has to do with several factors, including how we've changed our relationship with the environment and how we, as humans, have changed behaviorally. In the future, we could see events that have an even greater potential to negatively impact society than COVID-19. At the outset of the pandemic, she said, the nation launched into crisis mode, and leaders made decisions quickly with the best information they had at the time. But the next emergency should come as less of a surprise: Three years later, we should absolutely be asking what worked and what didnt, so that next time we can do better. Scholars at the Pandemic Center are working not only to ensure the world more fully understands catastrophic threats like viral pandemics, but also to develop tools, policies and practices to mitigate and prevent their harmful impacts. Browns commitment to collaboration across disparate fields of study makes it an ideal place to carry out that work, Nuzzo said. Working with partners toward the centers mission extends well beyond campus. too. As just one example, the Pandemic Center is collaborating with the COVID Collaborative and the Center for Strategic and International Studies Global Health Policy Center to convene a bipartisan effort focused on unearthing state and community lessons from the pandemic. Beth Cameron, senior advisor to the Pandemic Center and a Brown professor of the practice, is leading that effort for the School of Public Health. Most recently, that team organized a roundtable of nearly 40 leaders: governors and mayors; officials from red, blue and purple states and from the Biden, Trump, Obama and Bush administrations; and experts in incident management and pandemic inequity. The group produced a report that discusses failures, highlights community successes and, Nuzzo said, points to a path forward. With the three-year anniversary of COVIDs major impact in the U.S. having arrived this month, Nuzzo and Cameron shared three key takeaways from pandemic, and described how the Pandemic Center will use them to inform realistic strategies for future response. Lesson 1: A successful public health response does far more than limit the number of disease cases The impacts of the pandemic have been profoundly far-reaching: it cost the world millions of lives and trillions of dollars, and caused major societal deficits in learning, health and well-being. Case numbers didn't represent the totality of how the virus was affecting us, Nuzzo said. She pointed out that beyond the individuals directly infected by the virus, the COVID-19 pandemic harmed health and society in multiple ways for example, by setting back a generation in terms of learning, worsening a national mental health crisis, causing people to forgo necessary medical treatment, and damaging the well-being of workers unable to make a living. Unintended harmful effects of laser-focused COVID mitigation strategies can erode public support for public health, Nuzzo said, citing stories from people who were prevented by lockdowns from getting medical care or tending to a dying loved one. Emergencies touch all aspects of not just public health, but of society, Nuzzo said. So we need plans that have a broad scope. Nuzzo said that expanding the definition of a public health response means integrating the effects of pandemics on education, the economy and society overall; broadening and updating the concept of how public health operates to protect Americans; and creating stable, consistent mechanisms that are capable of bridging sectors and parties during biomedical crises. Data is essential to creating those kinds of complex, multi-layered approaches, she added: We need better, faster data to inform better, faster decision-making. In a pandemic, useful data goes beyond case counts, Nuzzo explained it identifies gradations of risk. She cited masks as an example: Part of the reason there is such an intense and heated debate over mask mandates, she said, is that there arent enough good studies that help communities understand how to use masks and masking policies to reduce infections. Scholars at the Pandemic Center are working not only to ensure the world more fully understands catastrophic threats like viral pandemics, but also to develop tools, policies and practices to mitigate and prevent their harmful impacts. (Photo: David DelPoio) My husband works for NASA, so I've gotten to see what it means when a government agency has well-exercised playbooks and implementation plans, Nuzzo said. We don't send a rocket to space without having data to understand if that rocket is on course. Unfortunately, in the case of the pandemic, the country didnt collect the data that was needed in order to understand if our response was having the right impact, or if there were ways the response could be improved. Thats where places like the Pandemic Center can play a role, Nuzzo said. A major goal of the center is for its scholars to generate, synthesize and translate evidence. To that end, its leaders are currently building and integrating better global, national and local data systems for detecting and responding to pandemic threats and mitigating their impacts. A new satellite office in Washington, D.C., will soon open, enabling close partnership with the Brown in Washington program, where students will have opportunities to complete internships, and where Brown researchers will have more direct access to policymakers. Our goal is to do actionable research at the Pandemic Center and then ensure it gets translated to policymakers and quickly and efficiently implemented in communities, Nuzzo said. Lesson 2: Pandemic planning needs to reflect the political and social realities of the country as it is Not long into the pandemic, it became clear that the zero-COVID approach adopted by Chinas government would not work in the U.S. Instead of expecting the country to change so drastically, Nuzzo said, an effective response needs to engage people in defining the response strategy, to ensure that approaches work for communities and align with their values. Crucially, she added, its important that future pandemic response efforts are equitable and dont leave behind the most vulnerable. Organizing the conversation and report titled American Democracy and Pandemic Security with the COVID Collaborative and the Global Health Policy Center is one way the Pandemic Center is trying to understand what that means and engage a diverse group of leaders in identifying new solutions. The conveners of the roundtable discussion said they were struck by how much agreement there was around the fact that the country doesnt have enough tools for communities to be able to function even somewhat normally in a pandemic. According to the report, many leaders felt that pandemic responses put Americans in a position of choosing between health or the economy, online or in-person education, locking down or lifting restrictions, and individual freedom or collective responsibility. These blunt, binary options created divisions within and among political parties and forced some Americans to take sides, Cameron said. The choices also werent adaptable for the wide range of communities in the country, from rural to urban to tribal. What we need are tools that allow communities to stay as safe as possible while preventing spread, so that they dont always have to make impossible choices and can more easily open schools and businesses, scale community testing, and improve equitable access to vaccines and treatments, Cameron said. To that end, and to engage people in solution-planning, Pandemic Center leaders plan to work with partner organizations to host a series of discussions in communities with a wide variety of political demographics to capture experiences and local successes, and to understand when communities had to make do and what worked for them. The plan is to combine the feedback from those discussions with additional research to create playbooks that give communities what Nuzzo has referred to as a menu of options to prepare for and respond to future pandemics. "We plan to define different measures and when they can or should be used, Nuzzo said. She added that lockdowns and shutdowns made many Americans equate public health with restrictions and mandates. Its time to get back to that point where the public is engaged in public health, and sees it as helping them do the things they care about in a safer and healthier way. Lesson 3: Social vulnerabilities are pandemic vulnerabilities Early on, many experts believed that simply sharing science with the public would be enough to change human behavior. The problem, Nuzzo said, is that even when people understood the science, they werent always able to act upon it. For example, while many Americans were able to avoid large groups by working remotely, others had jobs that required them to report to work in-person; they couldnt Zoom in to the nursing home, the warehouse or to a restaurant shift. Then there were those who worked in-person and didnt have paid sick leave, which meant that following public health recommendations and staying home after testing positive would mean forfeiting compensation. Nuzzo also cited the high cost of high-quality N95 and KN95 respirator masks, which meant that many people werent able to wear them as health experts advised. She stressed that social vulnerabilities exacerbated the pandemics effects. We saw that social vulnerabilities like having a low income, being uninsured, and lacking a safe place to isolate were associated with a higher risk of getting sick, Nuzzo said. Vulnerable populations cant be considered a special case; we need to recognize that these individuals should be the highest priority to attend to. Protecting our vulnerable populations is central to the goal of protecting society and keeping the public safe. Moving forward, Nuzzo said, equity needs to be a focus of pandemic preparedness plans, not an addendum. Future interventions need to recognize where society falls short; and sick leave policies, housing policies, childcare availability and transportation options all need to be factored into a pandemic response strategy. Nuzzo pointed toward the Biden administrations equity-focused COVID-19 vaccination program as a public health success story. When the administration made efforts to engage underrepresented communities in planning and organizing, vaccination rates among Black and Hispanic populations increased significantly, and as a result, the racial gap in death rates disappeared. Thats the kind of lesson we can learn from, Nuzzo said. A banned pro-Khalistan organisation has made threat calls to hundreds of people including journalists ahead of a crucial three-day G-20 meeting to be held in Uttarakhands Ramnagar with an aim to internationalise the issue, officials said. They said those who received the calls on Sunday night heard pre-recorded messages by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, head of the organization Sikh for Justice, in which he said they will raise flags at airports, railway stations and other areas during the meeting days. Ramnagar is not a part of India and it will be made a part of Khalistan after Punjab is freed, Pannu said in the message, according to Uttarakhand Special Task Forces Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Senthil Abudai Krishnaraj S. The Chief Scientific Advisors Roundtable (CSAR) of G-20 countries will be held in Uttarakhands Ramnagar from March 28-30 with its focus on harnessing the benefits of traditional knowledge in healthcare. Krishnaraj S said all the numbers from which such recorded calls were received are being traced. The DIG said the Special Task Force is probing the matter. It seems that Pannu is trying to gain publicity on the Khalistan issue through the G-20 meeting. However, the Uttarakhand police is fully prepared and we will not allow the purpose of these separatists to be fulfilled, he said. There is a full security arrangement for the G-20 meeting. Our senior officers are keeping a watch there, he said. Meanwhile, the police in Udhamsinghnagar district which has a sizeable Sikh population are on alert over the absconding Khalistan separatist preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates. Following intelligence received from the Punjab Police and central agencies, the district police has tightened security especially in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh districts of Rampur, Pilibhit and Bareilly, and Nepal. All government and private vehicles are being checked and religious places are also being monitored, officials said. City Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Katyal said religious places near the international border are also being searched, and a special vigil is being kept on the people passing through the India-Nepal border. The police have also pasted posters of Amritpal and his associates at various places, and running a verification campaign, he said. The Punjab Police has alerted their Uttarakhand counterpart suspecting that absconding Amritpal Singh might have taken a shelter in Uttarakhand and might flee to Nepal. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the state police in Pithoragarh are also keeping a close watch in areas near the India-Nepal border, officials said. As Amritpal Singh continues to escape the police dragnet, India has requested the Nepal Government not to allow the fugitive radical leader, believed to be hiding there, to flee to a third country and arrest him if he escapes using Indian passport or any other fake passport. In a letter sent to the Department of Consular Services on Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has requested the Government agencies to arrest Singh if he tries to flee from Nepal, the Kathmandu Post newspaper reported on Monday. Singh is currently hiding in Nepal, the paper said, citing a copy of the letter obtained by it. The esteemed Ministry is requested to inform the Department of Immigration not to permit Amritpal Singh flee Nepal for any third country and arrest him if he attempts to escape using Indian Passport or any other fake passport under intimation to this mission, it said. The letter and Singhs personal details have been circulated to all the concerned agencies from hotels to airlines, the paper said, citing multiple sources. Singh, who is said to be possessing multiple passports with different identities, has been on the run since March 18 when the police launched a crackdown against him. The elusive preacher gave the police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Punjabs Jalandhar district. One of the eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia in mid-September last year died of kidney failure at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The death of the more than four-and-a-half-year old female feline Sasha is being seen as a setback to Project Cheetah, aimed at reviving the population of the worlds fastest land animal in India, seven decades after they became extinct. Sasha was suffering from a kidney ailment even before her translocation from Namibia, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife) JS Chauhan. A monitoring team found Sasha lazy on March 22, following which they decided to take her to a quarantine enclosure for treatment, he said. Her blood sample was collected the same day and examined. A wildlife expert armed with a portable ultrasound machine went inside the KNP to examine the ailing cheetah and it was found that Sashas kidneys were infected, said Chauhan. Later, senior Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientists and KNP management contacted the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia, to know the treatment history of Sasha. They found that in her last blood sample, collected on August 15, 2022, the animals creatinine level was 400 (an indicator of poor kidney function), he said. Namibian wildlife experts and KNP veterinary doctors worked hard day and night to cure Sasha, but the animal did not survive, the forest official said. The seven other cheetahs are doing well. Among these seven, three male and a female were released in the parks open forest area and they are totally healthy, active and hunting in a normal manner, the statement said. Twelve cheetahs brought to the KNP from South Africa last month are at present housed in a quarantine enclosure and they are healthy and active, it added. The eight Namibian cheetahs --- five female and three male --- were released into their enclosures at the KNP on September 17 at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The last cheetah died in India in Koriya district of present-day Chhattisgarh in 1947 and the fastest land animal was declared extinct in the country in 1952. Stepping up their protests, alleged Khalistan supporters have burnt the Indian flag outside its consulate in Toronto and came close to the boundary wall of the Indian embassy in Ottawa. More protests are expected in the coming days causing concern about security of the Indian diplomats there. Another protest was held outside the Indian consulate late Sunday in Vancouver. The protesters late Saturday staged a demonstration in front of the consulate in Toronto and the Tricolour was burnt with several in the gathering shouting Khalistan Zindabad in the presence of local police, reports said. Two days earlier, on Thursday, protesters from Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) gathered outside the High Commission in Ottawa. They were dangerously close to the embassy. During previous protests, they were held across the road, but on this occasion, they came close to the boundary wall. The incident was termed as an infringement of diplomatic space. About 400 protesters gathered in front of the High Commission, the largest number ever witnessed in a demonstration there. About 500 also protested in front of the Indian consulate in Vancouver on Sunday. India had already alerted Ottawa to the requirement for heightened security measures given tensions related to the manhunt in Punjab for Amritpal Singh and the potential for escalation if he were to be located. The National Alliance of Indo-Canadians criticised the flag burning incident and said in a tweet, Is publicly burning flag of a country, in this case India, consistent with Canadian values? This must not be allowed in a civilised democracy, like ours. In the US, a large number of Khalistan supporters staged a protest at the iconic Times Square here to express support for the fugitive radical preacher. The protesters took out a car rally that originated from the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in the Richmond Hill neighbourhood and culminated at Times Square in the heart of Manhattan city on Sunday afternoon amid tight security. There was a heavy police presence in the area with several New York City Police Department (NYPD) vans and cars manning the area On March 19, Indias High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma had to cancel an appearance at a reception organised by the Friends of India and Canada Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia as nearly 200 protesters, some wielding swords, gathered in front of the venue, the Taj Park Convention Centre, and blocked the entrance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday advised farmers in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh to postpone harvesting of matured crops, and keep already-harvested produce in safe places or cover them in the field with tarpaulin sheets to protect it from likely fresh spell of rainfall and thunderstorm over North-East from March 29. For farmers in Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana and a few other States from northern India, the IMD suggested resumption of harvesting of matured crops during clear weather. A fresh spell of rainfall and thunderstorm beginning from March 29 will impact Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh, the IMD said. Strong wind/hail may damage plantation, horticulture and standing crops, the IMD said in its advisory to farmers. In its bulletin, the IMD advised to postpone sowing of maize in Arunachal Pradesh and drain out excess water from crop fields. Provide mechanical support to horticultural crops and staking to vegetables, it added. According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Indias wheat production in 2023 is expected to be a record 112 million tonnes as good weather pushed the acreage under the staple to 34.1 million hectares, 12 per cent higher than the The country as a whole has recorded 29 per cent more than normal cumulative rainfall so far in March. The western disturbance-induced rains provided respite from high temperatures, but sent farmers scrambling to protect their crops. The unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm have already damaged the standing crops including wheat, gram, coriander and cumin seeds (jeera) in northwest, east and north India. The State Governments have started to assess the damage of the standing crops. So far, central India has reported the highest excessive rainfall in March, with 207 per cent more cumulative rainfall than normal in the month, followed by peninsular India (119 per cent more) and east & northeast India (22 per cent more). The two rounds of hailstorm and rains with high wind speeds in Haryana, Punjab and UP resulted in the loss of rabi (winter sown) crops, which are the principal crops in these areas. In a related development, State-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI) on Monday said wheat sale at discounted rates via e-auction to bulk consumers, institutions and state governments has been stopped for now as procurement of the fresh crop begins next month. Under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), the FCI has sold 33 lakh tonnes of wheat till March 15 through e-auction, out of which, buyers have lifted 31 lakh tonnes of the grain so far. They have to lift the balance quantity by March 31. The Government aims to procure 34.15 million tonnes wheat in the 2023-24 marketing year starting April, higher than 18.79 million tonnes purchased in the previous year. Wheat procurement had declined last year due to a fall in domestic production and higher exports. However, the Government has projected a record wheat production at 112.18 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June) as per the second estimate of the Agriculture Ministry. India logged its hottest February in 2023 since record-keeping began in 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department. March 2022 was the warmest ever and the third driest in 121 years. The year also saw the countrys third warmest April, eleventh warmest August and eighth warmest September since 1901. Disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha last week has brought under one umbrella 18 Opposition parties whose leaders attended a strategy meeting late on Monday evening at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul too were present in the meeting. However, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut said the party did not attend the meeting at Kharges residence in protest against Rahuls unacceptable remarks against VD Savarkar. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) said Rahuls attack on freedom fighter VD Savarkar will lead to ebbing of sympathy he has gained due to his disqualification as a Lok Sabha member. An editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana said the truth, which Rahul is fighting for today, will not win by making defamatory statements against Savarkar. At a rally on Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray said he considers Savarkar as his idol, and asked Rahul to refrain from insulting him. Leaders of TMC, AAP and BRS attended the meeting. The TMC, which has so far stayed away from the Oppositions protests, joined the sit-in at Vijay Chowk in the morning. It was decided in the meeting that the protest in black clothes will continue in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament. TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a dharna in Kolkata. BRS, earlier known as TRS, too expressed their solidarity with the Opposition which has so far been making attempts for a third front of its kind eyeing TMC, DMK, Shiv Sena, JD(U) on its side. To keep up its charge against the Government, the Congress has decided to hold Press conferences across the country on March 28 and 29. Senior Congress leaders will address Press conferences in 35 cities on March 28 and 29 on Democracy DisQualified. Among other issues, the reality of Modani and the Modi Governments clean chit to Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi will also be highlighted, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. Kharge shared some photos of the Opposition meeting and tweeted, To save one man, Modi is trampling the interests of 140 crore people. To protect PMs Param Mitr, BJP stalls Parliament that discusses peoples issues. If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Oppositions demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee? In Parliament, Opposition members caused disruptions in both Houses forcing their adjournment soon after they reassembled for the day. Kharge said Opposition MPs were dressed in black as the Prime Minister is finishing off democracy. Sonia was seen wearing a black scarf while other members of her party wore black shirts. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was wearing a black kurta. In the morning, MPs of various Opposition parties met at the Parliament Complex to discuss a strategy. In the Lok Sabha, Congress members wearing black scarves trooped into the Well shouting slogans. Two Congress members, T N Pratapan and Hibi Eden, who were in the Well holding placards, hurled order papers towards the Chair along with their scarves. Dear ED daro mat, Adani per raid karo (ED dont be scared, raid Adani), read one of the placards. After the Houses were adjourned, Opposition MPs, including Sonia and Kharge, gathered near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament Complex and raised slogans against the government. Holding a huge Satyamev Jayate banner and placards with save democracy written on them, the MPs proceeded towards the Vijay Chowk where they staged a sit-in. Today is like a Black Day! Such things never happened earlier. For small things defamation cases are put on leaders and even when the punishment is not exceeding two years our leader has been disqualified, Kharge told reporters, alleging that this has been done to discourage him, silence him and scare him. The Modi Government asked the Speaker to disqualify him in minutes and acted in lightning speed because they did not want him to speak in Parliament, Kharge alleged, adding that they wanted him to be silenced so that he does not raise his voice against the prime minister on the Adani issue. He also asked how businessman Gautam Adanis wealth rose so much in the last few years. When you are going to foreign countries how many times have you taken the industrialist with you, he questioned the prime minister and said, We want a JPC on the Adani issue. Why is the government not agreeing to this? Why are you scared of a JPC probe... It means dal mein kuch kala hai (something is wrong). The Opposition has been seeking a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the allegations of corporate fraud and stock price manipulations against the Adani Group. The business group has denied the allegations. Leaders from DMK, Samajwadi Party, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, NCP, IUML, MDMK, Kerala Congress, TMC, RSP, AAP, NC and Shiv Sena (UBT), among others, met at Kharges chamber. Opposition members have displayed coordination during the Budget Session of Parliament and the Congress has expressed hope that this coordination will also be extended outside Parliament. A national seminar on The Future of Accounting in Increasingly Complex Business Environment was held in the Department of Commerce, Utkal University, in collaboration with the Indian Accounting Association on Sunday under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof Sabita Acharya. Nalco CMD Sridhar Patra said, Since 1,000 years, accounting has been a value-added profession and it will continue for another 1,000 years. But the challenge in this digital era is the technological revolution and how to protect the businesses from the technological/cybercrime/errors. Be it Block Chain, BSE, NSE, Stock Market, Cloud Computing is developed on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and it may be the future of accounting. But do not allow AI to be more intelligent than you, because it is manmade and operated. Knowledge is most important not AI; you must have an appetite of learning; he urged. He also focused on the virtual decision making by learning this age which is led for growth in businesses. Prof Ranjan Kumar Bal, Vice-Chancellor, ASMB University and president of IAA, Bhubaneswar Branch, shared his last four decades expertise on the accounting field. We have to navigate the complexities of the future of accounting as the change is the constant in recent time, he said. Prof Ashis Kumar Sana, a faculty from the Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta, lent his views on this topic. A research cell on commerce was inaugurated on the occasion. A total of 86 research papers were presented by academics, industries and professional bodies. Prof Sabita Acharya emphasised on interdisciplinary research and to devise a course based on the changing business environment. A survey conducted in Chhattisgarh states that the condition of tobacco use in the state is worrisome. Generally, 8 percent of the young in the age group of 13-15 years are in the grip of tobacco addiction, says experts. The experts were deliberating on creating awareness among youths and the public about the harmful effects of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and hookah bars. A one-day orientation programme of officers and employees was organized at the New Circuit House, Raipur, an official communication said. The National Tobacco Control Programme and the State Tobacco Control Unit organized the event. State Nodal Officer Tobacco Control Program Dr. Kamlesh Jain said a Tobacco Monitoring App is used to monitor the situation. Experts from New Delhi spoke on different legislations at the central and state level on use of tobacco products, hookah bars and e-cigarettes. The use of tobacco increases the risk of not only cancer but many other diseases. The 16th Vigyan Manthan Yatra started from Monday with the aim of creating interest in science among the school students of the state and introducing them to new innovations in science. More than 1,000 students from classes VIII to XII from 52 districts of the state participated in this yatra organized by the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology. On the inauguration of the Yatra, Dr. Vivek Katare, Head of Mission Excellence, said that it is a matter of great pleasure that the students of the state will get an opportunity to meet the eminent institutions, scientists and researchers of the country. Dr. Anil Kothari, Director General, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, present in the programme, explained the importance of science and technology to the school students and said that India's scientific journey has been very authentic. Whatever steps have been taken by India in the field of science, they have been appreciated in the world. Show toys to children in the session During this, R&D Synopsis Scientist Manish Jain taught the children to make various types of toys virtually. Manish Jain said that toys should continue to be a source of wonder and joy for children to embark on a new journey. In the second session, Dr. Alok Chowdhary, Principal Scientist, MPCST, gave detailed information about Space Based Information Support to the children. He said that this technology is not of today. It was used many years ago by Tipu Sultan during his war. With this, he attacked the enemies by making a cannon. Dr. Chowdhary told the children about the first meeting of India. He said that when we send any of our missiles into space, there are many reasons for that. Through this, we do research about the activities happening in space and know about the lifestyle there. Agriculture is very important in India Present in the program, Babusaheb Khade of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research Center National Center for Grapes, Pune, talked to the children about agriculture and the new developments taking place on it. He said that our India is an agricultural country. Here about 50 percent of the population depends on the income from agriculture. Think how this society would be if there were no farmers, without them our life would be very difficult. Three persons, including a minor girl, were killed and four others sustained critical injuries as a truck hit a bus by which they were travelling at Chandiposh here early on Monday morning. The deceased were identified as bus driver Anupam Vivek Lakra, Satya Prakash Nayak of Rourkela, who was a bus owner, and a 12-year-old girl. According to reports, the ill-fated vehicle was heading towards Rourkela from Bhubaneswar. The bus was parked near a dhaba when the speeding truck hit it at around 4 am. Satya Prakash and the minor girl died on the spot. The injured ones, including the mother of the girl, were initially rushed to the Rourkela Government Hospital and later shifted to the Jaiprakash Hospital here as their conditions deteriorated. Anupam succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. angster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad was brought to Prayagraj from the Sabarmati jail in Gujarat by road on Monday amid tight security. On reaching the city, he was lodged in the Naini central jail. The high security cell of the jail where Atiq's son Ali had been lodged was vacated for him. The police cavalcade bringing Atiq from Gujarat reached the Naini Jail at 5:30 pm. A large posse of police personnel was posted at the main entrance of the Naini central jail and the entry of outsiders into the jail premises was stopped. A battery of journalists thronged the area to cover the event. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed in the cell for round-the-clock watch on the gangster, and the surveillance is being monitored by the top brass of jail administration. The convoy of the gangster-turned-politician being escorted by police entered Uttar Pradesh after crossing Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The carcade entered MP from the Rajasthan border in the morning, hours after it set out from the Sabarmati central jail in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening. The convoy halted briefly at Kharai in Shivpuri district at around 7 am on Monday to enable Atiq Ahmed to attend natures call. The convoy left Shivpuri district after a brief halt and entered Jhansi district of UP at around 9 am, officials said. When Atiq Ahmed, wearing a white turban, got down from the police van to attend natures call, reporters asked him whether he was afraid, to which he replied by saying kahe ka dar (what fear) before police personnel whisked him away. After stepping out of Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Atiq Ahmed had expressed fear that he might be murdered. Earlier, on its way to Prayagraj on Monday morning, a vehicle in the convoy carrying Atiq Ahmed hit a cow in Shivpuri district. A video of the incident which occurred at around 6:25 am shows a cow darting towards the road when it was hit by the vehicle carrying Atiq Ahmed. The cow fell near the road divider. After the incident, the vehicle stopped for a while before resuming the onward journey. According to eyewitnesses, the cow got up after a while and went away. Atiq Ahmed will be produced before a court on Tuesday, when it is likely to pass an order in a 17-year-old kidnapping case in which the former MP is an accused. He has been brought to Prayagraj in compliance with the courts orders, Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma said Atiq Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati central jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault on real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the recent Umesh Pal murder case, according to the police. Atiq Ahmads younger brother Khalid Azeem aka Ashraf was also brought to Prayagraj from Bareilly Jail by a separate police team under tight security. A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) officer was killed on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists went off in Bijapur district. The incident took place between Etepal and Timenar villages when teams of CAF were sent on an area domination operation to ensure security for road construction work in Mirtur area, Bijapur Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Governa said. Assistant Platoon Commander Vijay Yadav, belonging to the CAFs 19th Battalion, stepped on the IED connection, leading to his death, the ASP said. The body of Yadav, a resident of Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, was brought to Bhairmagarh. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed grief over the incident. The Uttarakhand Congress has demanded that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe should be conducted to investigate the wealth amassed by the Dehradun mayor Sunil Uniyal Gama. The general secretary of Uttarakhand Congress Navin Joshi said that it is really surprising how the mayor was able to amass wealth worth crores of rupees within some years after being elected the mayor of Dehradun. A Right To Information (RTI) activist had recently claimed that the wealth of the Gama increased tremendously after he became the mayor. Joshi said that Gama has definitely misused his powers as mayor and there should be a CBI inquiry into all the movable and immovable properties possessed by the mayor and his family members. He said that Gamas wealth has increased ten fold in the last four years after he assumed the charge of mayor. He claimed that the sudden increase in the wealth of the mayor is ample proof that he is corrupt. The Congress leader said that the claim of the zero tolerance on corruption of the State government is hollow and the BJP government of Uttarakhand is immersed neck deep in corruption. He said that Gama has no right to continue in the office and the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami should order a CBI probe to investigate the corruption by the mayor. The Bharatiya Janata Party has said that after imposing the emergency on the nation and Presidents rule 91 times, the Congress is now indulging in a drama in the name of saving the constitution and democracy. The BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt questioned how the Congress wants to save the constitution by taking to the roads to demand constitutional rights after opposing judicial and constitutional decisions and insulting the OBC community. Reacting to the Samvidhan Bachao Andolan started by the Congress, Bhatt said that the fact is that the Congress does not have any moral right to comment on constitutional decorum. He said, In 1975 the Congress had murdered democracy by imposing emergency in the nation. Two years ago Rahul Gandhi had publicly acknowledged this error. It is the Congress party which imposed the Presidents rule in Punjab within four months of the results of the first election in independent India. Later, this very party imposed Presidents rule a record 91 times in the nation and killed democracy in various States. It is unfortunate that during the term of the UPA government in the centre under the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi had torn the Centres ordinance publically to build his own image while shredding constitutional decorum. It is due to the ordinance not coming into existence that Rahul Gandhi has lost his membership so early now. The Congress has enacted a law in the parliament against a Supreme Court ruling so that a woman from the minority community- Shah Bano could be deprived of her rights. The Congress has a bad record when it comes to democratic and constitutional decorum. Such a party undertaking a movement to save the constitution is laughable. Instead of seeking an apology, the Congress considers insulting the OBC community its constitutional right and has taken to the roads which is akin to adding insult to injury, said the BJP State president. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday directed the officers of Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to develop a separate dashboard for all the properties of HSVP, on which all information like location of the property, name of the owner, etc. would be registered. He also directed that the entire record of the HSVP including the documents of the properties should be digitised. The Chief Minister, who is also the Chairman of Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, was presiding over the 125th meeting of the HSVP in Chandigarh. In the meeting, giving ex-post facto approval for the construction of multi-storey car parking and commercial complex being constructed by Faridabad Smart City Limited on about 4,000 square meter land of HSVP in Sector-18A of Faridabad, the Chief Minister said that in place of this land, the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran should get the same amount of land transferred from Municipal Corporation, Faridabad or Faridabad Smart City. In the meeting, post facto approval was also given for the issuance of allotment letters of ownership rights to 131 shopkeepers and Antyodaya Market being constructed in place of the Rehri Market; as per the instructions of the Chief Minister, after the incident of fire in the Rehri market of Sector-9, Panchkula. Apart from this, pucca shops will be set up as Antyodaya Market in place of Rehri markets in Sectors 7, 11 and 17 of Panchkula. The Chief Minister said that pucca shops should be made in the cities where Rehri markets are functioning. On this, Chief Administrator, HSVP, Ajit Balaji Joshi informed the Chief Minister that the HSVP has a proposal to set up Antyodaya Market in place of Rehri markets in Gurugram, Faridabad and Karnal. Khattar instructed the officers to constitute a committee to prepare a list of the cities where buildings or any other type of construction or activity has been done on the HSVPs land or on the land of other departments. It was apprised in the meeting that the HSVP has 5,418 residential, 2,688 commercial and 230 institutional properties, out of which 4,804 residential, 2,305 commercial and 205 institutional properties have been sold through e-auction. Khattar said that on the lines of the scheme for setting up cooperative group housing societies for MLAs, employees, journalists and lawyers in Panchkula; permission can be given to set up cooperative group housing societies for former MLAs as well. 'Shri Krishna AYUSH University to be built on 100 acres of land in Kurukshetra' After inaugurating the Ayurveda festival at Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Sector 46, Chandigarh, Khattar said that Shri Krishna AYUSH University will be built on 100 acres of land in Kurukshetra. Ayurveda is the oldest medical system and has made possible the treatment of incurable diseases. Early treatment is possible in the Allopathy medical system but it has many side effects whereas in Ayurveda, the patient gets better treatment, he added. Khattar said that everyone has the right to education and health and keeping this in mind, the state government has made efforts to expand education and make medical facilities easily available to all. The Chief Minister said that CHIRAYU Haryana Yojana has been implemented to provide medical facilities to every citizen. It is the endeavour of the government to ensure the health check-up of all the citizens and for this the Nirogi Haryana Yojana has been started. In the first phase, free medical check-up of Antyodaya families will be done, he asserted. Programme spokesperson Dr Geeta Joshi said that Ayurveda Parv is being organized at Dhanwantri Ayurveda College, Sector 46, Chandigarh, in which many eminent Ayurvedacharya participated. Free checkup and distribution of medicines will be done by Ayurvedacharya for three consecutive days from Monday. There will be free entry for the general public on all three days of Ayurveda camp. General Secretary, Shri Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Vaidya Naresh Mittal explained in detail about the achievements of the college. Punjab Minister Aman Arora on Monday asked officials of the Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training department to work more vigorously to make youth skilful to cater to the needs of the industry. Chairing a meeting here after assuming the charge as minister of Employment Generation and Training, Arora emphasised that skilful youth should be readily available to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skilled manpower. He also asked the officials to come out with a comprehensive plan to impart training in the fields, which is in demand and has a high rate of employability, so that the youth won't have to face hardships in getting a job. According to an official statement, secretary of the Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training, Kumar Rahul and director of Employment Generation Deepti Uppal apprised the minister that 1,21,335 candidates have been facilitated by organising 2,003 placement camps for private sector jobs. As many as 32,383 candidates have been imparted skill training and 799 camps organised in which 80,329 candidates have been trained for self-employment. Uppal said that five multi-skill development centres in Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana, are already imparting training in different courses to youth. Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC), Indore, has invited bids for the purchase of 97,000 renewable energy certificates (RECs) through power exchange or bilateral trade for the power project in the special economic zone (SEZ) of Pithampur in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The last date to submit the bids is March 28, 2023. Bids will be opened the following day. The trader member should bid on behalf of MPIDC for REC purchase and pay to the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) as per bid rate inclusive of REC amount, IEX transaction fee, and applicable taxes. Also, the payment toward the purchase of RECs from IEX, along with transaction charges of IEX and professional charges of the bidder, will be paid by MPIDC. To participate in the bidding process, the trader member should be a registered power trader with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) or a power consultant who can execute the bilateral trade of RECs for MPIDC. Additionally, the bidder having a mandate from the seller, will be allowed by providing details of its associated trader to complete the transaction as per the National Load Despatch Center. The bidder should provide certificates as per the CERC REC Regulations 2022. As per the tender documents, within the time stated in the contract data, the contractor should submit to the engineer for approval a program showing the general methods, arrangements, order, and timing for all the activities. The program should be supported with all the details regarding key personnel, equipment, and machinery proposed to be deployed for its execution. The contractor should submit the list of equipment and machinery being brought to the site, the list of key personnel being deployed, the list of machinery and equipment being placed in the field laboratory, and the location of the field laboratory along with the program. As part of a special drive against criminal elements in the state, Haryana Police has arrested 1,334 people, officials said on Monday. Under Operation Akraman, 565 FIRs were lodged under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Arms Act, and Excise Act. Haryana's Director General of Police P K Agrawal said the police department had been collecting pinpointed intelligence on criminal activities in the state, including trafficking of illegal arms, narcotic substances, and illicit liquor. As many as 1,443 teams comprising 7,620 police personnel, under the command of senior police officials, conducted coordinated raids that began early Sunday and continued through the day. ''The element of surprise and simultaneous targeting of criminals at multiple locations led to very encouraging results. A total of 80 illegal firearms and 40 cartridges were seized,'' DGP said, according to a statement issued by the state police department. Similarly, 52.704 kg of cannabis, 29.8 grams of heroin, more than 35 kg of poppy husk, 595 grams of opium, 19.76 grams of smack, 1,222 prohibited tablets, and 62 capsules were among the narcotics that were seized. During the raids, police also nabbed five most wanted/other offenders carrying cash rewards. Police have also arrested 218 proclaimed offenders and 39 bail jumpers. Several of them were evading arrest for a long time, police said. In addition, 16 other accused involved in heinous crimes were also nabbed during the special drive. Cracking down on bootleggers, the teams confiscated 271 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, 4,288 bottles of country-made liquor, 685 bottles of beer, and 977 bottles of licit liquor. According to the statement, the special drive was the fifth in the series of intelligence-driven statewide crackdowns under ''Operation Akraman''. Amid controversy over power subsidy being given by the Kejriwal government in the national Capital, the AAP government has decided an audit of the subsidy being given to discoms to ascertain if there are any discrepancies. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said a conspiracy is being hatched to stop his governments free electricity scheme, but he will not let it succeed at any cost. Speaking to reporters after addressing the Delhi Assembly, he claimed that round-the-clock free electricity to the people of Delhi makes the BJP uncomfortable. Conspiracies are being hatched. They want to stop the power subsidy at any cost, but I wont let it happen till I am alive, he said. He also said the subsidy being provided to power discoms will be audited. We had ordered an audit of discoms when we formed government in Delhi in 2013. Earlier, Delhi Power Minister Atishi on Monday announced that the chief minister Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered an audit of the subsidy being given to discoms to ascertain if there are any discrepancies. Atishi said agencies empanelled with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India will conduct the audit and directions in this regard will be issued in two to three days. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has termed the Kejriwal government decision as a political gimmick and an eye-wash. A big conspiracy is being hatched at a high level to stop free electricity being provided by the Kejriwal government. Files are not being shown to the chief minister and the power minister... It shows that something is amiss, Atishi claimed while addressing a press conference on Monday. Why has the LG removed experts in the power sector and the best chartered accountants of the country from the boards of power companies? Is there collusion between the LG, the officers and the DISCOMs? Why is the file related to free electricity not being shown to the elected government of Delhi? Is there any collusion between the officials and the power companies, with the blessings of the LG?, she said. Earlier this month, the Delhi government had announced that there were no plans to revise its power subsidy scheme and it will continue without any restrictions. The assurance was prompted by the Lt Governors office seeking changes to the power subsidy policy in the national capital. There are many questions being raised about Lt Governors nexus with power discoms, Atishi said. The AAP leader alleged that files pertaining to free electricity were not being shown even to the power minister of the elected government. Terming the government to conduct an audit on power subsidy being given to discoms a political gimmick and an eyewash, BJP MLA and former leader of the opposition, Vijender Gupta said that for the past eight years, the Delhi government has been funneling Rs 3,500 crore of public funds to private entities under the pretext of power subsidies. He questioned why this money was not provided to the people directly through direct benefit transfers (DBT). Gupta emphasized that although crores of rupees are transferred to the discoms annually, no audit has been carried out so far. It was only when the Delhi Lieutenant Governor expressed concerns that the AAP government suddenly announced an audit, which Gupta believes will ultimately be a futile exercise. Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that this government is on back foot on the power subsidy issue. The government has committed a big fraud in the name of the power subsidy. Why dont they provided direct benefit to consumers, he added. The dispute between the Delhi government and the lieutenant governors office has intensified over the citys free electricity scheme. On Saturday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the LGs office of plotting to terminate the scheme, a claim that the office refuted as false and misleading. Under the scheme, the Delhi government offers up to 200 units of free electricity each month to consumers and a 50% subsidy to those using up to 400 units per month. Last year, the government introduced an opt-in scheme, and around 4.8 million consumers have already opted in for the power subsidy. The dispute over the power subsidy began on March 10 when the LG asked the chief secretary to instruct the power department to present the statutory advice of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) before the council of ministers. Governor cum Chancellor of the universities of the State CP Radhakrishnan today said, We are not in this position to change the system. We have to work under this system. This is the reason that the government is unable to delegate powers to the universities of the State. The Chancellor of the universities inaugurated the first vice chancellors conference of the Jharkhand organised by the department of higher and technical education department and Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag in the Vivekanand seminar hall of the university on Monday. In the inaugural speech the Chancellor said, I have listened to the problems of the different universities of the state and assured that all the problems will be presented on the proper platform. Emphasizing on the quality of education, the Governor said that the university is always known by the quality education not by the buildings and infrastructure. He said that the vice chancellors of the universities must listen to the genuine problems of the students and try to solve them on their level. On the issue of increasing the court cases in the university, the Governor said that there are more than 50 per cent cases of such nature which can be solved on the university level. The vice chancellors have to work in this direction. He further said that the success story of the universities is not vice chancellor, secretary and other officials, it depends upon the dedication of the teachers towards the study. The vice chancellor should work on the admission of the students. It should be on time, if the admission will be in time then examination and result will be in time. There are some problems regarding recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff in the state universities. Steps will be taken soon to fill up the vacant posts of teachers as well as non-teaching staff in various universities and colleges of the state. The Vice-Chancellors of universities should prepare the details of vacancies, sanctioned posts in the universities or Constituent Colleges for teaching and non-teaching staff along with roster clearance to speed up the process of recruitment, he said. The Governor said that all-out effort should be made to encourage the students from backward communities, particularly girls students from scheduled tribe communities, who are interested in pursuing higher education. All the Universities need to analyse the breakup of students in U.G and P.G Courses. He further said that the Academic Calendar helps students get the full visibility of events that would happen during the year. The academic calendar enables educational institutions to connect and communicate with all students and parents enrolled in the institutions various courses and the batches. It is crucial for students and teachers to plan their studies. The advance release of the academic calendar also makes sure the activities and events happen exactly as per the plan and these do not need additional communication. Better job opportunities for students should be the goal of education. For the proper placement of students, all universities must organize placement fairs and call local industries to explore the possibilities of job requirements for students. As per New Education Policy, all V.Cs should concentrate on rationalisation of the subjects being studied in universities and introduce new subjects as per the market demand, he said. For the improvement in education, Universities should explore the possibilities for students exchange programmes with other universities in other states. Branding of the university should be such that students should feel proud to be part of that university, said the Governor. He assured that we are going to set up a university service commission in the state. He said that in future all the appointments and assistant professor will be on merit of the candidates. Vijay Kumar Srivastava and Sudhanshu Ranjan and all the vice chancellors of the state expressed their views. The vote of thanks was given by director higher education Garima Singh. The vice chancellor of the VBU Mukul Naryan Deo honoured the chancellor by presenting a memento and Secretary Rahul Kumar Purwar was honoured by the registrar of the university. Dr Mandar Mahavir Shah, Chief Consultant & Head Cardiology, Tata Main Hospital, delivered the keynote address on Technological Interventions in saving lives as part of Safe Talk organised by the Tata Steel Safety Department at Steelennium Hall inside Jamshedpur Works. Safe Talk series is organised to bring safety awareness and current insights and knowledge by subject-matter experts on various aspects of safety, increasing audience involvement and knowledge enrichment. During his address, Dr Shah elaborated the major advancements in the development of Cardiology from traditional methods to current practices of digitally assisted minimally invasive procedures. He informed about the latest cathlab facilities available at TMH besides the latest diagnostic and treatment facilities and options available in TMH. He explained to the audience the importance of timely intervention that helps in saving many precious lives particularly of patients reporting in critical conditions. From traditional Cardiography methods to currently popular hand-held devices & mobile enhanced devices, he shared glimpses of current devices, modes of diagnosis and intervention methods used in various situations. He highlighted how timely starting of treatment from onset of symptoms could save innumerable lives, the earlier the better will be results. The informative speech aptly illustrated by example cases, was well received by the audience. The session concluded with Dr Shah answering queries from the audience. The session put the spotlight on matters that affect the heart most. He gave assurance that local citizens' hearts are in safe hands. The Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Russia and the two leaders Xi Jinping and Putin had several rounds of one to one meeting and a joint statement was issued. Naturally, it covered the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Xi Jinping made a prescription for an early end of the conflict. The second issue that was referred to in the joint statement was Quad which consists of America, Australia, UK and India which aims to maintain a balance of power in the Indo- Pacific region. The statement criticised Quad as a close and exclusive alliance. China claims control over South China Sea which is a vast expanse of ninety six lakh square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean where China has artificially made more than two hundred islands and has deployed powerful weapons there. The whole region is rich in mines, minerals natural gas etc. and the maritime trade done through it is of critical importance. The rest of the world contests this Chinese claim and Quad aims to contain the expansion of Chinese influence in the region. The Chinese prescription for peace in Ukraine is not likely to cut much ice as the America led west won't allow China to walk away with the laurels of a successful arbitrator of peace and further enhance its stature globally. The reference to Quad is disturbing for India because it is for the first time that Russia has joined China in crticising Quad in writing. Russia is an old, time-tested and the most valuable ally of India. Its growing inclination, rather dependence on China as a junior partner is definitely a bad omen for India. This dependence might prove to be temporary and Russia could regain its pre Ukraine conflict stature after the Ukraine conflict is over. The growing proximity of China and Russia would lead to the formation of a powerful military alliance that would challenge the West. India would be left to fend for itself as it has serious boundary disputes with China. The Russia China proximity is, therefore, a cause of concern for India. It is also a cause of grave concern for the West as it is only Russia which has nuclear parity with America led NATO. Who is responsible for this mess? Definitely America, whose sanctions have left no option to Russia but to turn to China for all kinds of help. China has so far refrained from giving any meaningful and effective weapon systems to Russia which has kept the Ukraine conflict confined to the present level. The day China decides to supply Russia advanced weapon systems and logistic support, the whole texture of the conflict would change and it would further erode the sheen of American hegemony. The West would be forced to either upscale the conflict or meekly surrender to the marching strides of Chinese hegemony. Such a situation would be a cliffhanger for India and a balance of strategic interests would be very hard to achieve. However, it won't be easy for China to take such a course of action as its economic interests are closely interwined with the West. There could be no sudden disconnect. Further, this joint statement might alert America to recalibrate its policy vis-a-vis the Ukraine conflict. It is difficult to say how things would unfold but it would be a testing time for the Indian diplomacy. India cannot trust America and the West as a faithful ally going by their past records. At present, the increasing incidents of Khalistani vandalism in America, UK and Canada are symptomatic of a malady which is more deep and profound than meets the eye. The fast changing situation demands a fresh look to our defence preparedness. India has bought a large number of arms, ammunition and weapon systems from Russia. Their repair, maintenance and spare parts need Russian support. The capacity of Russia to do so has been greatly depleted due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. It is good that India has embarked upon the policy of self-reliance in matters of defence requirements and diversified its sources of procurement. Of late, India has bought many weapon systems from America, UK and France. This has reduced our dependence on Russia. But India should be watchful as America and her allies are known for strangulating their buyers in the name of sanctions when they have a clash of interests. The saving grace for India is its importance as a member of BRICS which finds mention in the joint statement. Russia, too, would try its best to keep India strong to balance the increasing influence of China in the region. The writer is a noted academician and political commentator. Views Expressed are personal. The police have arrested three members of the gang who were involved in cheating old women in Bhopal. The police have also arrested a minor involved in the gang. The gang used to flee after cheating old women by duping them of jewellery and handing them cash which used to be paper bundles. The leader of the gang is a resident of Delhi. According to the police, on March 3, a 60-year-old woman was duped by a gang in Mangalwara and on March 23 by a 55-year-old woman in Hanumanganj area. In return, by giving them a bundle made of pieces of paper by telling them a bundle of notes, they ran away. The police formed a team to nab the gang. Meanwhile, the police came to know that the gang was roaming in Obaidullaganj toll naka Narmadapuram road. Arriving at the spot, the three accused were nabbed and confessed to have committed the crime with both the old women. Gang leader Dhaniram Solanki alias Suraj JJ Colony, New Delhi. The police have taken him on remand to recover the stolen jewellery. The police will take him to Delhi. The accused were identified as Ramesh Silavat (40), Dhaniram Solanki aka Suraj, Rahul Solanki aka Rahul and a minor. Two men died and another person was injured after a tiger attacked them on Monday in a forest in Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred near Kalamanjan village in the Odgi block when the victims went to collect firewood in the forest, Surajpur Collector Effat Ara said. The deceased were identified as Kailash Singh and Samay Lal and the injured was Rai Singh. Locals have been advised not to venture into the forest, the Collector said. The Odgi Block Education Officer has ordered schools to close as a precaution. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Monday that authorities have made adequate security arrangements for the G20 summit to be held in Ramnagar from Tuesday to Thursday. The CM's statement comes after recorded calls from a notorious Khalistani stating that Ramnagar is a part of Khalistan and that Dhami will have to pay for actions being taken against Khalistan sympathisers in Uttarakhand were received by many members of public, media persons and government officials in the State. The recorded message also talked about unfurling the Khalistan 'flag' at various important locations in Ramnagar. A total of 100 delegates including 70 foreign guests and 30 Indian officials will participate in the meeting. The CM said that all necessary preparations for the G20 summit have been done from the administrative and security point of view. "Police officials have been directed to do the needful. Home department, police headquarters and the security agencies are keeping an eye on every activity, said the CM. A recorded audio call was received by many Uttarakhand residents and also surfaced on social media earlier on Sunday in which a pro- Khalistan organisation, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), called for the boycott of G20 meetings in Ramnagar. In the recorded message, the president of SFJ Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has allegedly threatened to replace Indian flags with Khalistani flags in the G20 meeting venue and prominent destinations in the city claiming that Ramnagar is a part of Khalistan and not part of India. However senior officials said that Pannun had made similar calls earlier this month to boycott G20 meetings in Amritsar stating that Amritsar is a part of Khalistan. The deputy inspector general of Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) Senthil Avoodai Krishna Raj S said the STF has been investigating the audio. It was revealed in the preliminary investigation that the audio clip was shared through a spoofed number. It appears to be just an attempt by Pannun to gain publicity before the G20 meeting. Still, we have increased forces in Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts to strengthen security arrangements, said the DIG. He added that nobody needs to panic as the State police have made tight security arrangements to tackle any critical situation. The TT Nagar police have booked a UP based man for molesting a woman professor posted in the Government College of Bhopal has been harassed by a miscreant from Uttar Pradesh for 20 years. Accused used to send obscene messages on her mobile. He sent 250 obscene messages to the woman's mobile within 24 hours on March 3, 2023. When the professor reprimanded him, he started threatening to take revenge. Not only this, he also threatened to kill. TT Nagar police have registered a case against the accused. A 48-year-old woman resident of Tulsi Nagar opposite Narmada Mandir is a professor in Government College. She told the police that a relative of hers lives in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He gave my phone number and home address to one of his relatives, Rajinder. Not only this, aunt has been telling information about her and family to Rajinder. Family does not know Rajinder. She came to know from Mami that Rajinder is a resident of village Mon Thana Maharajganj. He has been troubling me for the last 20 years by different mobile numbers. Harassing by sending obscene messages. Initially he used to make blank calls on our home landline phone, after that he started making blank calls, missed calls, obscene messages on my mobile continuously. Threatens for refusing to call. Between March 3 and March 4, he sent 250 obscene text messages. Rajinder threatens to kill her if she opposes it. The female professor has told the police about a serious threat from Rajinder. Police have registered a case against the accused. He has not been arrested yet. Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has issued orders for withholding the salary and pension of 28 leaders of the power employees joint action committee for the month of March. The order has been issued following an interim order of the Allahabad High Court. The UPPCL has also issued orders directing the managing directors of all five subsidiary power distribution companies to mark all the employees who were absent from duty without leave during the three-day strike period from March 17 to March 19. The UPPCL order issued on March 25 said the absence of all the employees who did not report on duty without sanctioned leave be treated as unauthorised absence in ERP column. ERP (enterprise resource planning) is a software system that is used for managing business supporting automation and processes in finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain, services, procurement etc. Joint action committee convener Shailendra Dubey said that the salary and pension of only one month had been withheld by the High Court. He said the next hearing in the case was listed on April 24. The High Court had taken a dim view of the 72-hour token strike by the power employees and had held the power employees leaders in contempt of court and directed withholding of their salary and pension. The UPPCL management, adopting a tough stance, has also not initiated the process for withdrawing the cases lodged against the power employees and their leaders. The employees were booked under the provisions of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) On March 19, after several rounds of talks with the government officials and Energy Minister AK Sharma, power employees leader Shailendra Dubey had announced to withdraw the strike several hours before the deadline of 72-hour. Energy Minister AK Sharma had publicly promised to withdraw the orders for the termination of services of contractual employees and also the criminal cases and ESMA against the employees and their leaders. The minister had said that he had instructed UPPCL Chairman M Devraj to withdraw FIRs and suspension and termination orders issued against the employees and their leaders. The power employees on March 25 staged protest demonstrations across the state as the government failed to ensure the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against power employees and engineers during the recent 72-hour strike. Dubey said that instead of undoing the action, the management continues to take fresh penal action against us with a sense of vengeance. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has welcomed the Supreme Court order allowing the state governments petition for accepting the OBC commission report and allowing the urban local bodies elections along with reservation of seats for the Other Backward Classes. The apex court on Monday allowed the UP governments petition on municipal elections and reservations for the OBCs. The notification for the elections is likely to be issued in the next 48 hours. We welcome the Supreme Court order accepting the report of the OBC commission and holding the elections of the urban local bodies in the state with reservations of seats for the OBCs. The state government is committed to holding these polls within the time frame set by the Supreme Court, the chief minister tweeted. The Supreme Court on January 5 had stayed the December 27 order of the Allahabad High Court that allowed notification of elections of state municipal bodies in Uttar Pradesh without any reservation for Other Backward Classes. The SC decision was a major relief for the UP government since the issue had become a political hot potato in the state. Hearing separate appeals of the UP government and UP State Election Commission against the December 27 verdict of the High Court, a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha said: High Court has directed to go ahead with the elections. This cannot be accepted as we see that a segment of the state would remain unrepresented. In Uttar Pradesh, backward groups were crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Partys phenomenal electoral performance in 2022, when it became the first party in three decades to return to power in the state, and the High Courts verdict had put the Yogi Adityanath government under pressure from opposition parties who were blaming the BJP for failing to protect reservations for the OBCs. The High Court, in its December order, set aside a government notification on quota for Other Backward Classes in local bodies elections on the grounds that the state must follow a triple test formula laid down by a Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in 2010 before carrying out such an exercise. The triple test requires the state to set up a dedicated commission to conduct a rigorous empirical inquiry into the nature and implications of the backwardness of OBCs with respect to local bodies, specify the proportion of reservation in light of the commissions proposals, and not exceed the 50 per cent quota cap as held by the Supreme Court in its 1992 landmark judgement. Pakistans electronic media watchdog banned the live coverage of rallies and public gatherings in the federal capital on Monday, hours before former prime minister Imran Khan was scheduled to appear before a top court here seeking interim bail in seven cases. The PEMRA issued this communique after law enforcement agencies said Khans appearance before the Islamabad High Court could lead to a possible law and order situation in and around the federal capital. The watchdog observed that satellite television channels run live footage/images of violent mobs attacking police and law enforcement agencies. Such footage or images were seen on TV without any editorial oversight during the recent standoff between political party workers and law enforcement agencies in Lahore and Islamabad wherein, the violent mob used petrol bombs, injuring armless (sic) policemen and blazing (sic) police vehicles, it observed. It said that airing footage on different satellite TV channels created chaos and panic among viewers and the police. Such activism by mob not only jeopardises law and order situation but also makes public properties and lives vulnerable, it warned. PEMRA said airing such content would be tantamount to the violation of several Supreme Court judgments. Earlier, PEMRA banned satellite television channels from broadcasting live and recorded speeches of Khan with immediate effect, hours after the former premier dodged arrest and made provocative statements against state institutions. Pakistan has begun in-house consultations to decide whether to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meetings of the defence and foreign ministers in India, a report said on Monday. New Delhi has already extended invitations to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The defence ministers meeting is scheduled in April in New Delhi while foreign ministers would meet in May in Goa, according to the Express Tribune. India, the current president of the eight-nation SCO, is holding a series of events. Barring one event where Pakistan was denied entry over a map controversy, Islamabad has attended all other events, including the chief justices conference and meeting of energy ministers via video link. However, a three-member Pakistan military delegation headed by a Brigadier attended the meeting of an expert working group under the Council of Defence Ministers in person in New Delhi on Thursday. The presence of the Pakistani delegation in New Delhi has raised the possibility of defence and foreign ministers travelling to India. While the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson insisted that the final decision would be taken closer to the events, sources said that in-house consultations are already underway. The authorities are currently divided over attending the high-profile meetings hosted by India. One view is that given the current state of the bilateral relationship, Pakistan, if required, would only send junior officials to the SCO meetings. However, other officials do not agree with this. They believe that Pakistan must not leave such key regional forums unattended, and since SCO comprises powerful countries, including Russia and China, Pakistan must use this opportunity to advance its interests. The ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after the Indian Air Force fighter jets pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack. The relations further deteriorated after India in August 2019 scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories. The Express Tribune quoted sources as saying that a lot will depend on China, Pakistans closest ally. If China, being the founding member of SCO that played a key role in making Pakistan its full-time member, asks Islamabad to attend the meetings it would be difficult for the government to ignore the advice, the report said. Pakistan and India were accepted as full members of the SCO after both sides committed not to undermine regional focus by bringing up their bilateral issues. Sources told the newspaper that foreign minister Bilawal was keen to go to India for the SCO meeting. If Pakistan attends the defence and foreign ministers meetings, it is possible that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may also go to India in July for the SCO summit. Sources said the final decision about Pakistani participation in SCO ministerial meetings and a summit would be taken after due diligence. It would also depend on the political situation in Pakistan, they added. The relationship between Pakistan and India remains at a standstill despite efforts in recent times to normalise ties. If Pakistan sends a high-powered delegation to India for SCO, it may break the ice though it may not bring any dramatic change in the bilateral ties, according to the paper. The SCO member countries are India, Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Imran Khan filed an application in a Pakistani court here on Monday against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah for calling the former premier an enemy of his party. Sanaullah, who is very close to former premier and London-based PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, said when the ruling party feels that its existence is under threat, it will go to any extent against its chief political rival. In an interview with a private TV channel, the senior leader of PML-N termed the ex-PM and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief an enemy of his party and said Khan will be treated like that. Either he will be eliminated from the political arena or us. He has now taken the countrys politics to a point where only one of the two can remain PTI or PML-N, Sanaullah said on Saturday. The PTI said it has never witnessed in the past that a ruling party openly declared eliminating a popular leader of Pakistan. Seeking the Islamabad High IHCs intervention on this issue, Khan has requested the court to block his arrest and prevent the respondents from acting on their plans, according to The Express Tribune newspaper. A suicide bomber struck on Monday near the foreign ministry in Kabul, killing at least six people and wounding several, according to officials. It was the second time this year that there has been an attack near the ministry. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing but the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group has increased attacks since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August 2021. IS has targeted Taliban officials and patrols, as well as members of the countrys minority Shiites. According to Khalid Zadran, a spokesman for the Kabul police chief, Taliban security forces spotted the bomber before he was able to reach a checkpoint at the Malik Asghar intersection, near the ministry. The attacker then detonated his explosives, killing at least six civilians. Three members of the Taliban security forces were among those wounded in the attack. The Kabul hospital run by the EMERGENCY non-governmental organisation said it received two fatalities from the explosion and 12 wounded, including a child. In mid-January, an IS attack near the ministry killed at least five people and wounded several others. Checkpoints line the fortified route to the ministry, which is on one of the roads leading to the presidential palace. Guards stop and search vehicles and people along the way. The Islamic State group has also claimed other recent attacks in Kabul, including a bombing near a checkpoint at the citys military airport that killed and wounded several people and also an assault on a Kabul hotel in mid-December. Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou departed for a tour of China on Monday, in what he called an attempt to reduce tensions a day after Taiwan lost one of its few remaining diplomatic partners to China. The ex-president is visiting in a private capacity, bringing a delegation of academics and college students for exchanges, as well as members of his family, but the trip is loaded with political meaning. Mas policies brought Taiwan and Beijing to their closest relationship ever, but his exit from office was overshadowed by massive protests against a trade deal with the mainland and his successor has focused on bolstering ties with the US and defending the autonomy of the democratically governed island that China claims as part of its own territory.Current President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to launch a 10-day diplomatic tour of her own Wednesday, ostensibly to visit the islands remaining allies in Latin America. She will stop in the US, Taiwans biggest unofficial partner and supplier of arms. Mas visit comes amid rising tensions. Beijing has stepped up pressure against Taiwan in recent years, poaching its diplomatic allies while also sending military fighter jets flying towards the island on a near daily basis. On Sunday, Honduras established diplomatic relations with China, leaving Taiwan with only 13 countries that recognise it as a sovereign state. Ma, a member of the opposition Nationalist Party (Kuomingtang), will land in Shanghai before starting his visit in nearby Nanjing. He is expected to tour the mainland from March 27 to April 7, stopping in Wuhan and Changsha, as well as other cities. He is bringing college students from Taiwan to meet with fellow students from Shanghais Fudan University and Changshas Hunan University. Ma has framed the visit as a bid to lower the tensions in cross-strait relations through people to people exchange. Asana, Inc. (NYSE:ASAN Get Rating) CFO Tim M. Wan sold 3,336 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.86, for a total value of $69,588.96. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 603,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,593,494.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Asana Trading Down 1.9 % ASAN traded down $0.38 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $20.04. 1,639,267 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,820,423. The firms fifty day moving average is $16.88 and its two-hundred day moving average is $17.91. Asana, Inc. has a 1-year low of $11.32 and a 1-year high of $45.49. The company has a current ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 2.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The company has a market cap of $4.26 billion, a PE ratio of -9.82 and a beta of 1.23. Get Asana alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Asana from $22.00 to $19.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 28th. JMP Securities boosted their price target on Asana from $21.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Piper Jaffray Companies boosted their price target on Asana from $13.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an underperform rating and set a $10.00 price target on shares of Asana in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $18.00 target price on shares of Asana in a report on Monday, March 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Asana has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.84. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Asana Asana Company Profile Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Rafferty Asset Management LLC raised its position in Asana by 88.2% in the 2nd quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 48,752 shares of the companys stock valued at $857,000 after purchasing an additional 22,854 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Asana by 11.7% in the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,150,108 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,567,000 after acquiring an additional 120,270 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP increased its holdings in shares of Asana by 46.7% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 1,498,281 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,307,000 after acquiring an additional 477,239 shares during the last quarter. Diversified Trust Co increased its holdings in shares of Asana by 22.9% in the 3rd quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 30,220 shares of the companys stock valued at $672,000 after acquiring an additional 5,635 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brooklyn FI LLC purchased a new position in shares of Asana in the 3rd quarter valued at about $279,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 28.22% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Asana, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates a work management platform for individuals, team leads, and executives in the United States and internationally. The company's platform enables teams to orchestrate work from daily tasks to cross-functional strategic initiatives; and manages product launches, marketing campaigns, and organization-wide goal settings. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Asana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enviva Inc. (NYSE:EVA Get Rating) Director Gerrit Livingston Jr. Lansing bought 2,000 shares of Enviva stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $27.38 per share, with a total value of $54,760.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 8,477 shares in the company, valued at approximately $232,100.26. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Enviva Stock Performance NYSE:EVA traded up $1.11 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $28.47. 861,626 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 633,180. Enviva Inc. has a twelve month low of $26.34 and a twelve month high of $91.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.48, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.46. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $41.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.95 and a beta of 1.04. Get Enviva alerts: Enviva (NYSE:EVA Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 1st. The energy company reported ($0.76) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.66 by ($1.42). The firm had revenue of $239.31 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $443.54 million. Enviva had a negative return on equity of 20.29% and a negative net margin of 15.38%. On average, analysts expect that Enviva Inc. will post 0.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Enviva Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Enviva The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 21st were given a $0.905 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, February 17th. This represents a $3.62 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.72%. Envivas dividend payout ratio is presently -139.23%. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enviva during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. American International Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Enviva in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enviva in the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Fiduciary Alliance LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enviva in the 4th quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Capital Analysts LLC bought a new stake in shares of Enviva in the 2nd quarter worth $43,000. Institutional investors own 83.41% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes EVA has been the topic of several research analyst reports. TheStreet cut shares of Enviva from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Enviva from $61.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Enviva from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. StockNews.com raised shares of Enviva to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Enviva from $76.00 to $63.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.80. Enviva Company Profile (Get Rating) Enviva, Inc engages in the production, process, and distribution of wood biomass to power generators. It offers wood pellets and wood chips which are used in coal-fired power generation and power plants. The company was founded on November 12, 2013 and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Enviva Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enviva and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B Get Rating) major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 1,877,185 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $58.65 per share, with a total value of $110,096,900.25. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 209,917,590 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,311,666,653.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Berkshire Hathaway Inc also recently made the following trade(s): Get Berkshire Hathaway alerts: On Monday, March 27th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 1,789,529 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of $59.32 per share, with a total value of $106,154,860.28. On Wednesday, March 15th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,518,001 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $56.70 per share, with a total value of $86,070,656.70. On Monday, March 13th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 3,145,896 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $59.17 per share, with a total value of $186,142,666.32. On Monday, March 6th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,678,017 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $61.56 per share, with a total value of $103,298,726.52. On Friday, March 3rd, Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 2,363,088 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $60.85 per share, with a total value of $143,793,904.80. Berkshire Hathaway Price Performance Shares of BRK-B stock traded up $0.55 during trading on Monday, hitting $298.92. The company had a trading volume of 3,905,988 shares. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Berkshire Hathaway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Berkshire Hathaway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. U-Haul Holding (NYSE:UHAL-B Get Rating) major shareholder Mark V. Shoen acquired 24,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $56.41 per share, for a total transaction of $1,404,609.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 24,900 shares in the company, valued at $1,404,609. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. U-Haul Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of NYSE:UHAL-B traded up $0.48 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $49.13. 136,526 shares of the company traded hands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for U-Haul Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U-Haul and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mandom Co. (OTCMKTS:MDOMF Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $11.75 and last traded at $11.75, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.75. Mandom Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $567.16 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.03 and a beta of 2.58. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.75. Mandom Company Profile (Get Rating) Mandom Corporation engages in the manufacture and sale of cosmetics, perfumes, and quasi-drugs in Japan, Indonesia, and internationally. The company offers a range of products, including men's everyday grooming products, as well as general fashion items, such as hair styling, skin care, and body care products; and hair coloring, scalp care, and face care products under the Gatsby and Lucido brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mandom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mandom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pola Orbis Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:PORBF Get Rating)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $13.45 and last traded at $13.45, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.45. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Pola Orbis from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. Get Pola Orbis alerts: Pola Orbis Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $2.98 billion, a PE ratio of 20.69 and a beta of 0.43. The firms fifty day moving average is $13.45 and its 200 day moving average is $12.07. About Pola Orbis Pola Orbis Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells cosmetics and related products in Japan and internationally. It operates through Beauty Care and Real Estate segments. The Beauty Care segment offers cosmetics; skincare products; health foods; and fashion products, such as women's underwear, women's apparel, and jewelry under the POLA, ORBIS, Jurlique, H2O PLUS, THREE, DECENCIA, Amplitude, ITRIM, FIVEISM THREE, and FUJIMI brand names. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pola Orbis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pola Orbis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II (NYSE:PNI Get Rating) saw a large increase in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 17,300 shares, an increase of 208.9% from the February 28th total of 5,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 38,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Stock Up 0.7 % NYSE:PNI traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $7.59. The company had a trading volume of 18,870 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,432. The company has a 50-day moving average of $7.86 and a 200 day moving average of $7.86. PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II has a 1 year low of $7.15 and a 1 year high of $9.94. Get PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II alerts: PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 13th will be issued a $0.03 dividend. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 10th. Institutional Trading of PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Company Profile Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PNI. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 249,039 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,980,000 after purchasing an additional 17,331 shares during the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its stake in PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II by 7.2% during the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 229,834 shares of the companys stock worth $2,184,000 after acquiring an additional 15,339 shares in the last quarter. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II during the 1st quarter worth about $1,117,000. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II by 70.4% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 113,788 shares of the companys stock worth $905,000 after acquiring an additional 46,997 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Melfa Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II during the 4th quarter worth about $490,000. (Get Rating) PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II operates as a non-diversified and closed-end management investment company. It intends to provide current income exempt from federal, New York State and New York City income tax. The company was founded on March 29, 2002 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SUTNY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,100 shares, a growth of 250.0% from the February 28th total of 600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 180,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Stock Performance SUTNY traded down $0.09 during trading on Monday, hitting $3.37. The stock had a trading volume of 70,527 shares, compared to its average volume of 87,383. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.25. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust has a 12 month low of $2.72 and a 12 month high of $3.95. Get Sumitomo Mitsui Trust alerts: About Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Get Rating) See Also Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc engages in the management of its group companies with trust banking as its core business operations. Its services include the supervising management strategies, financial management, human resource management, corporate administrative management, operational process management, risk management and compliance management; as well as managing the internal auditing services. Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG Get Rating) insider Joan M. Hilson sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.72, for a total transaction of $707,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 258,065 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,250,356.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Signet Jewelers Stock Performance SIG stock traded up $1.31 on Monday, hitting $73.77. The company had a trading volume of 529,727 shares, compared to its average volume of 683,802. Signet Jewelers Limited has a 12-month low of $48.31 and a 12-month high of $83.73. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $74.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $67.25. The stock has a market cap of $3.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.68, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 2.18. Get Signet Jewelers alerts: Signet Jewelers (NYSE:SIG Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, March 16th. The company reported $5.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.35 by $0.17. Signet Jewelers had a net margin of 4.80% and a return on equity of 46.64%. The company had revenue of $2.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.65 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $5.01 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Signet Jewelers Limited will post 11.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Signet Jewelers Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 28th will be given a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 27th. This is an increase from Signet Jewelerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.25%. Signet Jewelerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.58%. A number of equities analysts have weighed in on SIG shares. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of Signet Jewelers in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, December 7th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $90.00 to $100.00 in a report on Friday, March 17th. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Signet Jewelers from $92.00 to $98.00 in a report on Friday, March 17th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Signet Jewelers in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $86.00. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SIG. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 25,524 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,856,000 after purchasing an additional 404 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new stake in shares of Signet Jewelers during the 1st quarter valued at $377,000. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 7.1% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 136,265 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,906,000 after purchasing an additional 9,028 shares during the period. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 50,017 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,742,000 after purchasing an additional 1,772 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Signet Jewelers by 188.0% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 34,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,521,000 after purchasing an additional 22,633 shares during the period. 97.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Signet Jewelers (Get Rating) Signet Jewelers Ltd. engages in the retail of diamond jewelry. It operates through the following business segments: North America, International, and Others. The North America segment operates jewelry stores in malls, mall-based kiosks, and off-mall locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The International sells primarily in the UK and Ireland under the H. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Signet Jewelers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Signet Jewelers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Singapore Telecommunications Limited (OTCMKTS:SGAPY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,500 shares, a drop of 72.2% from the February 28th total of 5,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 158,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Singapore Telecommunications Trading Up 1.3 % SGAPY stock traded up $0.24 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $18.10. 39,020 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 59,106. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $18.33 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.59. Singapore Telecommunications has a one year low of $16.19 and a one year high of $20.99. Get Singapore Telecommunications alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Singapore Telecommunications from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. About Singapore Telecommunications Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. is an investment holding company, which engages in the provision of telecommunications systems and services. It operates through the following segments: Group Consumer, Group Enterprise, Group Digital Life, and Corporate. The Group Consumer segment includes mobile, pay TV, fixed broadband and voice, as well as equipment sales. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Singapore Telecommunications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Singapore Telecommunications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Universal Insurance (NYSE:UVE Get Rating) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Friday. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Universal Insurance from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 27th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Universal Insurance from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 25th. Get Universal Insurance alerts: Universal Insurance Stock Performance UVE stock opened at $18.70 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $15.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $12.08. Universal Insurance has a fifty-two week low of $8.39 and a fifty-two week high of $19.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $569.04 million, a PE ratio of -25.27 and a beta of 0.91. Universal Insurance Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Universal Insurance The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 9th were issued a dividend of $0.16 per share. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, March 8th. Universal Insurances dividend payout ratio is presently -86.49%. A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of UVE. Voya Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Universal Insurance by 25.7% in the 4th quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 68,775 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $728,000 after buying an additional 14,058 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Universal Insurance by 20.8% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 25,587 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $271,000 after buying an additional 4,398 shares during the period. rhino investment partners Inc acquired a new position in shares of Universal Insurance in the 4th quarter valued at $4,929,000. State of Tennessee Treasury Department grew its holdings in shares of Universal Insurance by 167.9% in the 4th quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 30,265 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $321,000 after buying an additional 18,967 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Universal Insurance by 257.1% in the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 78,452 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $831,000 after buying an additional 56,483 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.85% of the companys stock. About Universal Insurance (Get Rating) Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc engages in offering property and casualty insurance and value-added insurance services. It develops, markets and underwrites insurance products for consumers in the personal residential homeowners lines of business and perform substantially all other insurance-related services for primary insurance entities, including risk management, claims management, and distribution. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Universal Insurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Universal Insurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Taiwan Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TWN Get Rating) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,400 shares, a decline of 83.1% from the February 28th total of 8,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 9,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Taiwan Fund Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of TWN. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in shares of The Taiwan Fund by 21.7% during the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 3,652 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,000 after acquiring an additional 651 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its holdings in shares of The Taiwan Fund by 3.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 17,644 shares of the companys stock valued at $580,000 after acquiring an additional 664 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its holdings in shares of The Taiwan Fund by 198.2% during the second quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,333 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 886 shares in the last quarter. Bulldog Investors LLP increased its holdings in shares of The Taiwan Fund by 32.9% during the second quarter. Bulldog Investors LLP now owns 327,977 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,239,000 after acquiring an additional 81,192 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of The Taiwan Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $83,000. Institutional investors own 69.60% of the companys stock. Get The Taiwan Fund alerts: The Taiwan Fund Trading Down 0.3 % TWN stock traded down $0.08 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $27.25. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,401 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,757. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $26.44 and its 200 day moving average price is $23.85. The Taiwan Fund has a 12 month low of $18.35 and a 12 month high of $33.44. The Taiwan Fund Company Profile Taiwan Fund is an an integral economic player and closed-end management investment company. It allows investors to access and participate in the growth of the economy and the stock market, as well as the investment potential of the mainland and other emerging economies in the region. See Also Receive News & Ratings for The Taiwan Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Taiwan Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Straight Path Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 2,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $271,000. Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 45.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,035,879 shares of the companys stock valued at $559,235,000 after purchasing an additional 1,571,747 shares in the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 35.1% during the second quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 3,850,053 shares of the companys stock worth $423,814,000 after acquiring an additional 999,342 shares in the last quarter. Eaton Vance Management grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 289.1% during the 3rd quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 1,088,926 shares of the companys stock valued at $108,489,000 after purchasing an additional 809,078 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 36,122.5% in the third quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 669,754 shares of the companys stock worth $66,727,000 after purchasing an additional 667,905 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fayez Sarofim & Co boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 9.4% during the third quarter. Fayez Sarofim & Co now owns 5,218,104 shares of the companys stock valued at $519,878,000 after buying an additional 450,280 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 6.09% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Cowen increased their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $130.00 to $145.00 in a report on Monday, December 12th. StockNews.com began coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from 925.00 to 1,100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Finally, Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $130.00 to $145.00 in a report on Monday, December 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $697.78. Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Up 0.0 % Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend Shares of NVO traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $154.75. The company had a trading volume of 186,811 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,428,870. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $350.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.58, a P/E/G ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.47. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52-week low of $95.02 and a 52-week high of $155.86. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $141.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $125.60. The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 27th will be issued a dividend of $1.1887 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 0.8%. This is a boost from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous semi-annual dividend of $0.58. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 24th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is presently 49.28%. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get Rating) Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company, which engages in the the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. It operates through the Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Biopharm segments. The Diabetes and Obesity Care segment includes insulin, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products (OAD), obesity, and other serious chronic diseases. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zimmermann Investment Management & Planning LLC bought a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 5,560 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $400,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first quarter worth about $332,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $150,000 after buying an additional 1,082 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $12,075,000 after acquiring an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter valued at $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $24,725,000 after buying an additional 68,018 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.51% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Insider Activity In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total transaction of $835,258.27. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 23,043 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,721,081.67. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total value of $17,916,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 236,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,625,163.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total transaction of $835,258.27. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 23,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,721,081.67. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.6 % Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on BMY shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. StockNews.com began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, January 17th. They issued an overweight rating and a $95.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, March 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $62.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $79.69. Shares of NYSE BMY traded up $0.41 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $68.48. 569,450 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,210,076. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $65.28 and a 12 month high of $81.43. The company has a market cap of $144.03 billion, a PE ratio of 23.07, a PEG ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.46. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $70.43 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.89. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $11.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.20 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 51.60%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.83 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 10th will be given a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 77.29%. About Bristol-Myers Squibb (Get Rating) Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Benchmark restated their buy rating on shares of Bristow Group (NYSE:VTOL Get Rating) in a research report report published on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Benchmark currently has a $40.00 price objective on the stock. Bristow Group Trading Up 1.2 % VTOL opened at $21.26 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $26.82 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $26.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $595.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 66.44 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.44. Bristow Group has a 1-year low of $20.20 and a 1-year high of $38.47. Get Bristow Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, major shareholder Alternative Asset Manage Solus sold 20,000 shares of Bristow Group stock in a transaction on Monday, March 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.18, for a total transaction of $423,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,897,918 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $82,557,903.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 16.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Bristow Group Company Profile Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Swiss National Bank lifted its holdings in shares of Bristow Group by 7.1% in the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 16,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $619,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Bristow Group by 293.4% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 183,280 shares of the companys stock worth $6,796,000 after purchasing an additional 136,686 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in Bristow Group by 10.8% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 19,598 shares of the companys stock worth $727,000 after purchasing an additional 1,906 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in Bristow Group during the first quarter worth approximately $226,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Bristow Group by 57.0% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 13,043 shares of the companys stock worth $484,000 after acquiring an additional 4,735 shares in the last quarter. 95.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. (Get Rating) Bristow Group, Inc provides offshore oil and gas transportation, and search and rescue and aircraft support services to government and civil organizations. The companys services include global SAR, helicopter sales, maintenance and modifications, training, oil & gas, and unmanned aircraft system solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristow Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristow Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copper Mountain Mining (TSE:CMMC Get Rating) had its target price hoisted by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from C$2.00 to C$2.20 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Stifel Nicolaus price target suggests a potential upside of 4.27% from the companys current price. CMMC has been the subject of several other research reports. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Copper Mountain Mining from C$3.00 to C$2.75 in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. Haywood Securities boosted their price objective on Copper Mountain Mining from C$2.00 to C$3.00 in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. CIBC boosted their price objective on Copper Mountain Mining from C$1.90 to C$2.20 in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their price objective on Copper Mountain Mining from C$2.25 to C$2.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Copper Mountain Mining has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$2.46. Get Copper Mountain Mining alerts: Copper Mountain Mining Stock Performance TSE:CMMC traded up C$0.09 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching C$2.11. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,371,728 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,226,601. Copper Mountain Mining has a 12-month low of C$1.23 and a 12-month high of C$3.92. The firms fifty day moving average price is C$2.09 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$1.87. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 88.37. The stock has a market cap of C$451.10 million, a P/E ratio of -26.38, a PEG ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 2.71. Insiders Place Their Bets Copper Mountain Mining Company Profile In other Copper Mountain Mining news, insider Zeta Resources Limited sold 200,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$2.23, for a total value of C$446,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 26,166,545 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$58,456,061.53. Insiders sold 400,000 shares of company stock worth $864,300 in the last three months. 3.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders. (Get Rating) Copper Mountain Mining Corporation operates as a mining company in Canada. The company explores for copper, gold, and silver deposits. Its flagship asset is the Copper Mountain mine that comprise 138 crown granted mineral claims, 149 located mineral claims, 14 mining leases, and 12 fee simple properties covering an area of 6,702 hectares located to the south of Princeton, British Columbia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Copper Mountain Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copper Mountain Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Family Investment Center Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 6,500 shares of the railroad operators stock, valued at approximately $1,602,000. Norfolk Southern accounts for 1.2% of Family Investment Center Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in Norfolk Southern by 18.3% during the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 7,647,054 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,603,203,000 after buying an additional 1,181,936 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Norfolk Southern by 31.4% during the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,330,991 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $529,811,000 after purchasing an additional 557,432 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in Norfolk Southern by 1.1% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,295,294 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $481,323,000 after purchasing an additional 24,172 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc boosted its position in Norfolk Southern by 0.8% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,166,108 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $492,338,000 after purchasing an additional 17,430 shares during the period. Finally, London Co. of Virginia boosted its position in Norfolk Southern by 1.9% during the third quarter. London Co. of Virginia now owns 1,462,496 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $306,613,000 after purchasing an additional 27,419 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 72.98% of the companys stock. Get Norfolk Southern alerts: Norfolk Southern Price Performance NYSE NSC traded up $0.96 on Tuesday, reaching $203.89. 457,836 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,632,524. Norfolk Southern Co. has a 12 month low of $196.33 and a 12 month high of $291.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $229.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of $234.53. The stock has a market cap of $46.44 billion, a PE ratio of 14.60, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.30. Norfolk Southern Increases Dividend Norfolk Southern ( NYSE:NSC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 25th. The railroad operator reported $3.42 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.41 by $0.01. Norfolk Southern had a net margin of 25.66% and a return on equity of 24.98%. The business had revenue of $3.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.20 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.12 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 13.65 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 3rd were issued a $1.35 dividend. This is a boost from Norfolk Southerns previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 2nd. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. Norfolk Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.85%. Analyst Ratings Changes NSC has been the subject of a number of research reports. Cowen increased their target price on shares of Norfolk Southern from $256.00 to $259.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Norfolk Southern from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $285.00 to $245.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 4th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Norfolk Southern from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $255.00 price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 21st. Susquehanna increased their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $225.00 to $231.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 26th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, November 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $249.83. Norfolk Southern Profile (Get Rating) Norfolk Southern Corp. is a transportation company, which engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. The company also transports overseas freight through several Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. Its services include property leases and sales, wire line or pipeline and fiber optics projects, access property, managing private crossings, promoting businesses with signboards, and natural resource management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NSC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Norfolk Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norfolk Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares International Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:INTF Get Rating) by 1.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 370,699 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,045 shares during the period. iShares International Equity Factor ETF makes up approximately 0.1% of First Command Advisory Services Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. First Command Advisory Services Inc. owned approximately 1.05% of iShares International Equity Factor ETF worth $9,111,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $71,000. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $211,000. Quantitative Advantage LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF by 11.5% in the 3rd quarter. Quantitative Advantage LLC now owns 10,895 shares of the companys stock valued at $228,000 after buying an additional 1,125 shares during the period. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares International Equity Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $272,000. Get iShares International Equity Factor ETF alerts: iShares International Equity Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of INTF opened at $25.67 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $26.13 and a 200-day moving average of $24.42. The company has a market cap of $921.55 million, a PE ratio of 10.65 and a beta of 0.88. iShares International Equity Factor ETF has a one year low of $20.47 and a one year high of $28.35. iShares International Equity Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX International Equity Factor index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap equities in developed markets outside the US. Stocks are selected and weighted to maximize exposure to five factors: momentum, quality, value, low volatility, and size. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INTF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares International Equity Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:INTF Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares International Equity Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares International Equity Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Freehold Royalties Ltd. (TSE:FRU Get Rating) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, March 30th, TickerTech reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, April 17th will be given a dividend of 0.09 per share on Monday, April 17th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.52%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. Freehold Royalties Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of TSE:FRU traded down C$0.05 during trading on Tuesday, reaching C$14.37. 95,209 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 641,407. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.35, a P/E/G ratio of -0.92 and a beta of 2.10. Freehold Royalties has a 52-week low of C$11.66 and a 52-week high of C$17.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.48. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$15.36 and its 200-day moving average is C$15.70. Get Freehold Royalties alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on Freehold Royalties from C$18.00 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$20.05. About Freehold Royalties Freehold Royalties Ltd., an oil and gas royalty company, owns working interests in oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and potash properties in Western Canada and the United States. The company holds approximately 6.2 million gross acres of land in Canada and 0.8 million gross drilling unit acres in the United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Freehold Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freehold Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY Get Rating) saw unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock traders acquired 2,972 call options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 530% compared to the average volume of 472 call options. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG acquired a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining during the 2nd quarter worth about $214,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 3rd quarter valued at about $553,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 41.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 11,182 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 3,264 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 57,636,837 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $140,057,000 after purchasing an additional 544,685 shares during the period. Finally, FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 4th quarter valued at about $306,000. 36.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts: Harmony Gold Mining Price Performance NYSE HMY traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $4.06. 1,219,165 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,081,697. The company has a 50 day moving average of $3.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 0.97. Harmony Gold Mining has a 52-week low of $1.93 and a 52-week high of $5.25. Analyst Ratings Changes About Harmony Gold Mining A number of research firms have commented on HMY. StockNews.com began coverage on Harmony Gold Mining in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. HSBC downgraded Harmony Gold Mining from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a research report on Monday, January 30th. (Get Rating) Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd. engages in mining and exploration of gold. It involves building mines, open-pit operation, sales and financial management, land rehabilitation and mine closure. It operates through the following segments: Tshepong Operations, Moab Khotsong, Mponeng, Bambanani, Doornkop, Joel, Target 1, Kusasalethu, Masimong, South African Surface Operations, Mine Waste Solutions, Kalgold, and Hidden Valley. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Presima Securities ULC lifted its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Rating) by 11.4% in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 38,173 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 3,900 shares during the quarter. Presima Securities ULCs holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust were worth $804,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Accurate Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Coston McIsaac & Partners bought a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the 3rd quarter worth $26,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co boosted its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 91.4% during the 3rd quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co now owns 1,675 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 7,854.2% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,909 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 1,885 shares during the period. Finally, Wipfli Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the third quarter worth $58,000. 96.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Kite Realty Group Trust Stock Performance NYSE KRG traded up $0.05 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $19.52. 414,806 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,700,609. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 12 month low of $16.42 and a 12 month high of $23.35. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $21.18 and a 200 day simple moving average of $20.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.04. Kite Realty Group Trust Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 7th will be paid a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 5th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.92%. Kite Realty Group Trusts payout ratio is presently -1,371.43%. Several analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Raymond James decreased their target price on Kite Realty Group Trust from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 4th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Kite Realty Group Trust from $24.00 to $27.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 6th. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut Kite Realty Group Trust from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $26.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $25.29. Kite Realty Group Trust Profile (Get Rating) Kite Realty Group Trust operates as a real estate investment trust. It engages in the ownership, operation, acquisition, development, and redevelopment of neighborhood and community shopping centers in selected markets in the United States. The company was founded on August 16, 2004 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lynch Asset Management Inc. lowered its stake in The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Get Rating) by 15.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,350 shares of the health services providers stock after selling 2,250 shares during the quarter. The Cigna Group makes up 3.5% of Lynch Asset Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest position. Lynch Asset Management Inc.s holdings in The Cigna Group were worth $4,092,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CI. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,108,166 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $862,423,000 after acquiring an additional 268,793 shares in the last quarter. Amundi raised its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 2,132,943 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $564,239,000 after acquiring an additional 150,412 shares in the last quarter. Putnam Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 16.5% in the 3rd quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 1,997,800 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $554,330,000 after acquiring an additional 283,323 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,808,135 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $433,248,000 after acquiring an additional 28,643 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. raised its holdings in shares of The Cigna Group by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 1,611,338 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $447,098,000 after acquiring an additional 99,144 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.61% of the companys stock. Get The Cigna Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James decreased their price objective on The Cigna Group from $370.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 7th. StockNews.com cut The Cigna Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company cut The Cigna Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $370.00 to $355.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on The Cigna Group from $347.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on The Cigna Group from $359.00 to $348.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $339.00. The Cigna Group Stock Down 0.2 % NYSE:CI traded down $0.44 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $261.34. 97,627 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,713,844. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $291.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $303.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.24, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.67. The Cigna Group has a 1 year low of $239.50 and a 1 year high of $340.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 3rd. The health services provider reported $4.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.84 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $45.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.79 billion. The Cigna Group had a return on equity of 16.01% and a net margin of 3.69%. The firms quarterly revenue was up .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $4.77 earnings per share. Analysts predict that The Cigna Group will post 24.92 earnings per share for the current year. The Cigna Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 23rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 8th were paid a dividend of $1.23 per share. This is a boost from The Cigna Groups previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, March 7th. This represents a $4.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.88%. The Cigna Groups payout ratio is presently 23.01%. Insider Buying and Selling at The Cigna Group In other news, CEO David Cordani sold 20,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $294.06, for a total value of $5,924,720.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 120,496 shares in the company, valued at $35,433,053.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO David Cordani sold 20,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $294.06, for a total value of $5,924,720.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 120,496 shares in the company, valued at $35,433,053.76. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Michael W. Triplett sold 1,731 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, March 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $271.67, for a total value of $470,260.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 30,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,213,942.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 27,752 shares of company stock worth $8,008,479. 0.80% of the stock is owned by insiders. The Cigna Group Profile (Get Rating) The Cigna Group is engaged in the provision of global health services. It operates through the following segments: Evernorth, U.S. Medical, International Markets, and Group Disability and Other. The Evernorth segment includes a broad range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy solutions, benefits management solutions, care solutions and intelligence solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for The Cigna Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Cigna Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDR Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 940,939 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,971,000. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC owned approximately 1.57% of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of IBDR. Norway Savings Bank grew its position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF by 20.0% in the 3rd quarter. Norway Savings Bank now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Asset Dedication LLC grew its position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 41,643 shares of the companys stock worth $968,000 after buying an additional 567 shares during the last quarter. Praetorian Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Praetorian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 157,829 shares of the companys stock worth $3,645,000 after buying an additional 720 shares during the last quarter. PSI Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA purchased a new position in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Get iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF alerts: iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF stock opened at $23.59 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $23.52 and its 200-day moving average price is $23.37. iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF has a 52-week low of $22.66 and a 52-week high of $24.71. iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF Company Profile The iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (IBDR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing between Dec 31, 2025 and Jan 1, 2027. IBDR was launched on Sep 13, 2016 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naples Global Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Rating) by 1.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 25,607 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 255 shares during the period. Accenture accounts for 0.9% of Naples Global Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Naples Global Advisors LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $6,833,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ACN. United Bank boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 6.3% during the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 2,969 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,001,000 after buying an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. now owns 89,400 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $30,148,000 after buying an additional 1,168 shares in the last quarter. Fund Management at Engine No. 1 LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 7,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,459,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 104.8% in the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 441,451 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $148,871,000 after purchasing an additional 225,943 shares in the last quarter. 73.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Price Performance NYSE ACN opened at $273.96 on Tuesday. Accenture plc has a 1 year low of $242.80 and a 1 year high of $345.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $172.66 billion, a PE ratio of 25.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.25. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $271.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $274.00. Accenture Dividend Announcement Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, March 23rd. The information technology services provider reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.49 by $0.20. Accenture had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 30.73%. The business had revenue of $15.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.59 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.54 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Accenture plc will post 11.49 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 13th will be given a dividend of $1.12 per share. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.64%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 12th. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 41.25%. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 10,296 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.93, for a total transaction of $2,892,455.28. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 44,158 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,405,306.94. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Julie Spellman Sweet sold 10,296 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.93, for a total transaction of $2,892,455.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 44,158 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,405,306.94. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 556 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.53, for a total transaction of $155,974.68. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 42,991 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,060,265.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 36,475 shares of company stock worth $10,225,149. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on ACN shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Accenture from $311.00 to $314.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $300.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a report on Monday, March 13th. Piper Sandler cut Accenture from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $268.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on Accenture from $290.00 to $279.00 in a report on Monday, December 19th. Finally, Cowen increased their price target on Accenture from $295.00 to $300.00 in a research report on Monday, December 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $314.00. Accenture Profile (Get Rating) Accenture Plc engages in the provision of management consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. It operates through the following geographical segments: North America, Europe and Growth Markets. The company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Naples Global Advisors LLC lessened its position in shares of Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:VGT Get Rating) by 3.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,918 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 475 shares during the quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard Information Technology ETF were worth $4,126,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of VGT. First Personal Financial Services raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 226.9% during the 3rd quarter. First Personal Financial Services now owns 85 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Glassy Mountain Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Psagot Value Holdings Ltd. Israel acquired a new position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC acquired a new position in Vanguard Information Technology ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, American National Bank increased its stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 390.9% during the 3rd quarter. American National Bank now owns 108 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Get Vanguard Information Technology ETF alerts: Vanguard Information Technology ETF Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of Vanguard Information Technology ETF stock opened at $369.59 on Tuesday. Vanguard Information Technology ETF has a 12-month low of $291.61 and a 12-month high of $429.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $45.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.70 and a beta of 1.14. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $357.22 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $337.64. Vanguard Information Technology ETF Profile Vanguard Information Technology ETF seeks to track the investment performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index, a benchmark of large-, mid-, and small-cap United States stocks in the information technology sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Information Technology ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Information Technology ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Presima Securities ULC lifted its position in Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Get Rating) by 7.5% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,271,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 88,400 shares during the quarter. Hudson Pacific Properties accounts for approximately 3.6% of Presima Securities ULCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. Presima Securities ULC owned approximately 0.90% of Hudson Pacific Properties worth $12,367,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties by 31.9% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,812,665 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $249,799,000 after purchasing an additional 5,516,360 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties by 0.7% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,183,249 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $615,584,000 after purchasing an additional 160,204 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties by 12.0% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,287,870 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $229,988,000 after purchasing an additional 885,181 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties by 12.3% in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,298,007 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $63,782,000 after purchasing an additional 469,341 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PGGM Investments bought a new position in Hudson Pacific Properties in the third quarter worth about $40,154,000. 95.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance NYSE:HPP traded down $0.08 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $5.80. The company had a trading volume of 884,609 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,987,511. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. has a 1-year low of $5.27 and a 1-year high of $28.66. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $9.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.21, a quick ratio of 2.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. Hudson Pacific Properties Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 20th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 17.24%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 17th. Hudson Pacific Propertiess payout ratio is presently -256.40%. A number of equities analysts have commented on HPP shares. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $10.00 to $7.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 16th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $10.00 to $6.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research note on Tuesday, March 21st. They set a sell rating and a $5.50 price target on the stock. Mizuho dropped their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $12.00 to $10.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 4th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upgraded Hudson Pacific Properties from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $13.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $11.32. Hudson Pacific Properties Company Profile (Get Rating) Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc is a real estate company, which acquires, repositions, develops, and operates sustainable office and state of-the-art studio properties in high-barrier-to-entry submarkets in California, the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and Greater London, United Kingdom. It operates through the Office Properties and Studio Properties segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maisons du Monde S.A. (OTCMKTS:MDOUF Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, a drop of 40.0% from the February 28th total of 2,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Maisons du Monde Stock Performance MDOUF stock remained flat at $12.15 during trading on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $12.15. Maisons du Monde has a 52 week low of $9.12 and a 52 week high of $12.15. Get Maisons du Monde alerts: Maisons du Monde Company Profile (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Maisons du Monde SA, through its subsidiaries, creates and distributes home decoration items and furniture in France and internationally. The company's decorative products include bed linen products, carpets, candles, pillows and cushions, clocks, tableware, lamps, kitchen utensils, mirrors and frames, vases, storage units, curtains and net curtains, and bath products. Receive News & Ratings for Maisons du Monde Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maisons du Monde and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By SA Commercial Prop News In his budget speech, finance minister Pravin Gordhan lashed out, asking why the commercial property sector wasnt honest in negotiating rentals with government. The department of public works spends over R3bn/year leasing office space in privately owned buildings on behalf of national government departments. A review of these leases confirms government is being fleeced. Cabinet is outraged but shouldnt be because irregular leases are the main reason the departments audit opinions have got steadily worse over eight years and are now in the disclaimer zone. The Department of Public Works (DPW) and National Treasury wont give figures on how much government is losing on leases; some officials believe the cost could be cut by 50% with better management. The lease review flags how government is paying for accommodation thats unoccupied or thats occupied by non-governmental organisations. In other cases its paying rentals that exceed the going rate per square metre. Leases are also being entered into without adherence to the required procurement system or valid lease agreements. In his budget speech, finance minister Pravin Gordhan lashed out, asking why the commercial property sector wasnt honest in negotiating rentals with government. But the SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA) says Gordhans comment was unjustified because the real problem is governments own inefficiency and mismanagement. Sapoa says this is made worse by public works property management strategy, a black economic empowerment job creation and poverty alleviation policy which has limited fair market competition. It has not helped that the department, which should have strong negotiating power, has been unwilling to engage with listed and institutional property owners. Tokuyama Co. (OTCMKTS:TKYMF Get Rating) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 43,200 shares, a drop of 47.2% from the February 28th total of 81,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently days. Tokuyama Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS TKYMF remained flat at $15.10 during mid-day trading on Tuesday. 1,000 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 100. Tokuyama has a twelve month low of $13.56 and a twelve month high of $15.10. The firms 50 day moving average price is $14.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.01. Get Tokuyama alerts: About Tokuyama (Get Rating) Featured Articles Tokuyama Corporation produces and sells various chemical products in Japan. The company operates through six segments: Chemicals, Cement, Electronics Materials, Life Science, Eco Business, and Others. The Chemicals segment offers caustic soda, soda ash, calcium chloride, sodium silicate, vinyl chloride monomer, polyvinyl chloride resin, propylene oxide, chlorinated solvents, and hydrogen. Receive News & Ratings for Tokuyama Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tokuyama and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Keudell Morrison Wealth Management trimmed its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Get Rating) by 5.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 10,344 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 571 shares during the quarter. Keudell Morrison Wealth Managements holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $403,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 311.0% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 637 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 482 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 110.1% in the 4th quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA now owns 689 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 361 shares during the last quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 93.4% in the 3rd quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 940 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 454 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Price Performance Shares of VWO stock traded up $0.41 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $39.93. The company had a trading volume of 2,631,669 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,279,369. The companys fifty day moving average is $40.73 and its 200 day moving average is $39.35. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $34.88 and a fifty-two week high of $47.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.88 billion, a PE ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.70. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) had its price objective decreased by Royal Bank of Canada from $45.00 to $42.00 in a research note released on Friday morning, The Fly reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other research analysts also recently commented on WFC. Cfra raised shares of Wells Fargo & Company to a buy rating and set a $50.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $60.00 to $58.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 15th. Piper Sandler cut shares of Wells Fargo & Company from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $58.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $51.88. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Stock Up 3.4 % WFC opened at $37.47 on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $35.25 and a 12 month high of $53.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The stock has a market cap of $141.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.93, a P/E/G ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.17. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $44.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.95. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.63 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $19.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.04 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 9.28% and a net margin of 15.91%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.38 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.8 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 3rd were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.20%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.22%. Insider Buying and Selling at Wells Fargo & Company In other Wells Fargo & Company news, EVP Kleber Santos sold 34,698 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.27, for a total value of $1,605,476.46. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,590 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $906,429.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo & Company A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of WFC. Defender Capital LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $246,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $124,000. Dakota Wealth Management acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $222,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 273,936 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,274,000 after buying an additional 770 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 24.5% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 9,630 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,000 after buying an additional 1,895 shares during the last quarter. 72.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Wells Fargo & Company (Get Rating) Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage products and services, and consumer and commercial finance. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Country Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe As parliament has now ruled that Brexit is illegal, the Supreme Court has now ruled that being British is illegal in Britain. The case brought to the court by a Guyanese Indian woman, Gina Nadira Singh, was hailed by the assembled EU appointed court justices. I hereby rule that it is now illegal for anyone to be British in Britain, Judge Baroness Fale, announced after a three minute judgement. Euro lawyers all clapped in unison, and cheered as the judges gave their verdict to the crowded court. What does the ruling mean? Amongst the myriad of EU regulations and laws that former Britons will have to obey, will be directives that will require every household to fly an EU flag outside their property. It will be illegal to proclaim yourself as British, and this will be policed by immediate arrest warrants to anyone daring to call themselves by the forbidden national word. EU Directive 14335-d1 Democracy will be illegal within the Vichy territory of SEKTOR 28, formerly known as Britain. It will also be illegal to even mention the word Brexit, simply because within the Federal EU, freedom and democracy are illegal. All EU citizens within the former Britain will also be required to serve in the EU army, and sent to the Russian front. Children will be enrolled forcibly into the EU-Jugend and once reaching the age of fifteen sent to the front to have their legs blown off by Russian artillery. There will be intermittent surprise inspections from Brussels Politburo Agents to see if EU operatives working in the EU House of Commons and courts are conducting EU directives within the Vichy territory in a satisfactory Soviet manner. Palace Museum center to be built in Macao By DENG ZHANGYU (China Daily) 09:04, March 28, 2023 SAR base to focus on protecting cultural heritage, producing creative products A new center for the protection of Palace Museum heritage is being built in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and is due to be completed in two to three years, said an official from the Palace Museum in Beijing on Friday. The Macao center will have two major functions protecting the cultural heritage of Macao, and designing cultural offerings related to the Palace Museum, which is also known as the Forbidden City, according to Dong Dan, deputy director of the International Exchange Department of the Palace Museum. "We want our Macao center to be different from its counterpart in Hong Kong, which displays exhibits mainly on loan from Beijing," said Dong. According to Dong, the Hong Kong Palace Museum has welcomed more than 900,000 visitors since its opening last July. It has a collection of 900 priceless treasures borrowed from the Palace Museum in Beijing, covering ink paintings, calligraphy, ceramic and cultural artifacts related to the imperial families that previously inhabited the Forbidden City. Dong also noted that as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are close to one another, tourists can visit exhibits at the Hong Kong Palace Museum and enjoy related cultural creations at the Macao center. She added that the Palace Museum aims to spread Chinese culture through products to be exhibited and sold at the Macao center. The museum's products have become very popular on the mainland, and many of them sell out quickly. "Macao is a popular tourist destination and we hope tourists visiting from across the world will take home our products and learn about Chinese culture," added Dong at a news conference introducing the international exchanges on Friday. Since Macao's return to China in 1999, the Palace Museum has held 31 shows in the SAR. The latest was Auspicious Beginning: Spring Festival Traditions in the Forbidden City, an exhibition showcasing the imperial traditions of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In addition to cultural exchanges with Macao and Hong Kong, the Palace Museum has expanded cooperation with counterparts overseas, demonstrating the philosophy, methods and techniques of Chinese archaeology. Xu Haifeng, director of the Archaeological Institute of The Palace Museum, said that the museum has been involved in archaeological research with India, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan since 2014, focusing on ceramics and techniques related to ceramics. This year, the museum plans to launch a new five-year cooperation program with Durham University in the United Kingdom to continue its participation in archaeological projects on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. In addition, negotiations with the Archaeology Department of the University of Tehran in Iran are underway. Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, emphasized that the museum's international archaeological projects are based on friendly relationships. "Archaeological cooperation is a sign of friendship between nations. We can enrich our culture by learning from others, and we will be involved in more such overseas programs in the future," Wang said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Imagine, if you will, long-gone dodos once again flouncing through the tropical forests of Mauritius, dearly departed majestic woolly mammoths stomping in the Arctic Circle, and much-missed Tasmanian tigers prowling the Australian outback. Biotech startup Colossal Biosciences is dead set on making this a reality by populating the world with revived species. "I think this is an opportunity where, given the man-made nature of the extinction of the dodo, man could not only bring the dodo back but also fix what was done to parts of the ecosystem to reintroduce them," noted Colossal's co-founder, tech entrepreneur Ben Lamm, in a call to Motherboard: Tech by Vice. "There's a lot of benefits from a conservation perspective, in terms of what we can learn from rewilding." Colossal has raised $225 million from investors and celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Hollywood heartthrobs and brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth, and motivational speaker Tony Robbins. Bloomberg reported that the latest investment round has shot up the company's valuation to approximately $1.5 billion. The Demise of the Dodo The beleaguered bird lived on Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, some 550 miles east of Madagascar. It was driven to extinction when Dutch and Portuguese ships introduced invasive species such as rats, pigs, and monkeys into the environment. The flightless creature was also hunted for food. With its habitat nearly destroyed, the last one was killed in the late 1600s, never to be seen again. But the scientists at Colossal Biosciences never say never. The company's lead paleogeneticist, Dr. Beth Shapiro is "an evolutionary biologist who specializes in the genetics of ice age animals and plants," according to the Colossal website. Shapiro is also a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz and the first person to have sequenced the dodo genome. For Shapiro, the biggest challenge was finding a dodo specimen preserved well enough to extract a DNA sample. After scraping the insides of several dodo skulls and going through digs in Mauritius, she struck gold. The specimen was provided by the Natural History Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark. Colossal now claims to have the only known high-quality, complete dodo DNA sample. "A goal here is to create an animal that can be physically and psychologically well in the environment in which it lives," Shapiro told Scientific American. "If we are going to bring back something that's functionally equivalent to a dodo, then we will have to find, identify, or create habitats in which they're able to survive." Heavy Hitters Back Colossal Biosciences The company was co-founded by Lamm, a serial tech entrepreneur, and George Church, a top-notch geneticist at Harvard University. The firm started another round of private investment in early February to raise funds for its dodo de-extinction project. According to Lamm, his exciting venture has allowed him to recruit the sharpest minds. "You can work on yeast or you can work on bringing back an extinct species," he told Bloomberg. And forward-looking investors agree. No less than Jurassic World producer Thomas Tull - also a tech investor - joined forces in Colossal's latest Series B fundraising round. "Along the lines of being able to bring a species back, we're going to learn things we can't learn in a wet lab," Tull told Bloomberg. "When you're doing big things like this, who knows what you're going to discover along the way." Tull's point-of-view is shared by In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture capital arm, which has invested in Colossal because "it's less about the mammoths and more about the capability," it wrote in a blog posted on its website in September 2022. The optimism runs across the board. "They're solving complex problems, and we've been pleased with the progress so far," said Jim Breyer. "Long term, there will be significant revenue opportunities around sustainability, conservation, and re-wilding." Breyer invested in Colossal through his firm, Breyer Capital, which was also one of Facebook's early backers. The revival of the dodo is just the first step. Shapiro is closely working with the authorities in Mauritius, which have already begun to recreate the ecosystem prevalent back when the dodo was alive. "Once we have functional dodos," she said, "we'll have to create a habitat that can sustain them." Shapiro also said that the dodo would need protection from the predators that drove it to extinction. Colossal Biosciences: 'Give It to the World' That's just the beginning. Colossal has revealed that it expects to revive the first woolly mammoth by 2028. It's also working on returning the marsupial Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, to its native Australia. Who knows how much these efforts could benefit humankind and the planet in the long run? "I'm really excited about advancing these technologies," Lamm told Motherboard. "Any technology that we develop that has applications to conservation, we want to subsidize and just give to the world." And to think, it's all starting with a bird everyone calls "dumb." Said Shapiro, "My approach to the dodo was always deeply about the plight of the species that are in danger of becoming extinct now. "Because everyone thinks of extinction and the dodo together, it really provides an opportunity to make people care a little bit more about what's going on. That is one of the many reasons why I'm so excited about this particular project." Living in some sort of Remainer parliamentary cocoon, a Remain MP was today surprised that millions of people are very angry about having their Brexit vote dishonoured. As a socialist Remainer it is okay for me to use foul nasty language at others, but when it is directed at me, I immediately cry to the papers, and to the Speaker of the House. Socialist Remainer double standards of speech are a prerequisite, and I can call a Brexiteer a Nazi Tory Scum but if they say anything back to me it is not okay. Thats when I start talking about censoring speech, and shutting down free speech for them, but not us, the Remainer MP sobbed. Receiving nasty phone calls from the angry public, who are truly fed up seeing their democracy and vote thwarted every day by corrupt surrender-monkey Remainer MPs in parliament, was a serious surprise for one Remain MP. Were doing our damned best to stop Brexit and deny the vote of 17.4 million people every day in parliament. Dont these people leaving nasty messages on my phone system realise that its quite hard work trying to stop Brexit and kill off any semblance of democracy left in this godforsaken country? During another parliamentary session, as soon as things became a little sticky and the Remainers were being ripped to shreds by the Prime Minister, they immediately brought out the corpse of a murdered politician. Thats a fail-safe for us, as soon as they are winning any argument we start sobbing and bring out the dead corpse of a Remainer MP who got whacked a few years ago by some nutter. Of course, it has nothing to do with the conversation but will gain immediate sympathy from other Remainers, who cant see how cynical and calculating we are, another Remain MP revealed. How Far-Left MPs and Activists Shut Down Speech The following tactics used by Western far-left groups and Labour MPs are all techniques extricated from Soviet methods of discrediting targets, gleaned during Russias communist era, and the current Chinese communist regime. A typical witch-hunt involves one or more of the following tactics: The first is to impute guilt by association. Even if the target himself has not said anything inflammatory, Marxist activists will protest that he has links to more invidious actors (such as having merely been cited by them). The second is to mischaracterise the targets views, usually by cherry-picking quotations or relying on tendentious third- party criticism. One especially common tactic is to conflate the targets good-faith arguments or impartial statistical claims with hatred of a particular group. The third is to employ emotional blackmail. Far Left activists have developed a bewildering array of slogans that allow them to portray those who might dismiss their plight as callous and unfeeling. For example, they will accuse the target of violating their safe space, or complain that the targets words deny their right to exist or that they receive threats because of the targets words. People are sick to death of Remainers blocking Brexit As our man in Number 10 said: It is not surprising some people are angry about it. If you are a bunch of politicians and say that we swear we are going to respect the result of a democratic vote, and then after you lose you say, we dont want to respect that vote, what do you expect to happen? Meanwhile, the people are getting angrier and angrier every day, much to the surprise of deluded Remainer MPs who are so removed from the public, they might as well be living in cloud-cuckoo-land. Note to Remainer MPs allow Brexit to happen, and the anger will dissipate. Continue pursuing your current anti-democratic route of thwarting the result of the EU Referendum and stopping Brexit, and the public anger will increase exponentially. Dont say you were not duly warned. Boris Johnson has announced that Remainer tears will be used to generate Britains electricity once Britain leaves the EU on the 31 January 2020. The propulsion and mass of Remainer tears will be used by power stations across Britain to generate millions of kilowatts of electricity powering homes up and down the breadth of Great Britain. Ill put a cuppa on. Kettles boiling on the power of Remainer tears. Wahey! Got Brexit Done! Have some crumpets with your tea! If youre watching Eastenders or Love Island, your telly will be powered by the Remoaning flood of tears from the insufferable pathetic Remainers who just cant get over the EU Referendum result even after three long years and three fucking prime ministers. Plug your chainsaw in and go round your Remainer neighbours house with an extension lead in tow, why not carve up their wardrobe in the style of the goddess Britannia, or their kitchen table in the shape of the British Isles. As you pour another whisky, sit back and watch the news reports of Britain leaving the EU, smile like a Cheshire cat, put your feet up, snuggle your toes, and giggle insanely as you realise all of this is being powered by the sorrowful tears of Remainers. With the rate that lot are crying, there will be no chance of power outages for years. WASHINGTON D.C. - USA - The Obama administration and the Bidens were complicit in selling out America to China during their long reign. Under the Obama administration China increased its economic stance tenfold off the back of America. Manufacturing practically disappeared under the Obama/Biden ticket and millions of decent hard-working Americans lost their jobs to China. WATCH HUNTER BIDEN VIDEO HERE China had the upper hand at all times thanks to near slave labour costs attributed to the communist regime. Obama and Biden not only turned a blind eye to the millions who lost their jobs in manufacturing and retail, but they did not bat an eyelid to the massive theft of intellectual property from American businesses and the military. Under Obama, the U.S. lost millions of pieces of intellectual property to China, who then manufactured American designs cheaply with no copyright existing in China. The Chinese military was able under the Obama reign to increase its technical ability and upgrade its military capabilities with stolen blueprints from U.S. arms contractors. Much of the money made off the back of selling Americans cheap plastic trinkets was pumped into the Chinese army upgrades. Not only was half of Ukraine lost under the Obama presidency, but China was allowed to practically buy off large swathes of America. Hollywood is a prime example of China increasing its influence in the West, it pumped vast amounts of money into the film industry, effectively dictating what American films disseminated as messages. The turn in events took place in 2016 when a serious spanner was thrown into the works Donald J. Trump. Trump has attempted in his measly four years to turn around the gross injustices created by the Obama administration, and even though he has come up against serious brick walls, he has succeeded in some capacity to bring back some business to the USA, and to even the playing field somewhat in trade deals. There is still a lot of work to be done, and this is why it is crucial for the USA, as a mantle of the West, to claw back lost revenue from China, to bring back manufacturing jobs to America, and to halt the theft of American intellectual property by the Chinese. China is a brutalist, evil communist regime that imprisons millions of its Uighur population in re-education camps, and brutalizes the population of Tibet. China daily carries out a program of forced organ harvesting on condemned citizens, and Chinese hospitals are complicit in the trade of human organs to the highest bidders. Obama and the Democrats never said one word to China about these brutal injustices. China has repeatedly ignored International treaties with Hong Kong, and has imposed its brutalist communist regime on the former British protectorate. China only recorded 4,634 deaths from Coronavirus, which is a blatant lie and cover-up as much as it covered up the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic allowing the virus to spread globally unfettered for months before eventually being coerced to admit that there was a deadly airborne virus emanating from Wuhan, China. Under the auspices of Obama and his administration, censorship on the internet increased by 90%, involving U.S. internet giants utilising Chinese communist censorship techniques to silence anyone critical of the Democrat agenda. The incriminating evidence from Hunter Bidens recovered laptop reveal that the Bidens are Chinese assets of its Kompromat program. The Biden family, and Joe Biden, are essentially the property of China and a liability to the USAs national security. Theres a good reason why the bampots in the Scottish National Party (SNP) voted for a deranged militant foaming-at-the-mouth fake Jihadist, Humza Yousaf to head the party. Aye, after we let Wee Jimmy Krankie go, we needed someone with some passion to head the SNP and fuck the UK up. We scoured the streets of Glasgow and came up with this jihadist looking gadgie. Our reasoning is, we told him he would get 72 goats in heaven if he breaks up Scotland from the rest of the UK. As soon as we told the dirty bawbag about the virgin goats, he was on the job like no business, a senior SNP official revealed on Tuesday. Mr Humza Yousef is so dedicated to breaking the UK up, he attends the Scottish Parliament buildings with a fully functioning suicide vest at all times. I dont like losing arguments me, if you say something I dont like, I may detonate. Haram Despite giving off a pseudo-jihadist image, Yousaf is in fact viewed as an apostate and traitor by Muslims. In 2023, Yousaf vocally supported same-sex marriage and gender reforms for trans people. He also voted in favour of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill and has also vowed to secure the rights of LGBT community in a written constitution if Scotland gains independence. There is, however, great fear in the UK that Yousaf could break up our great union. Imagine a terrible existence of not having immediate access to a Haggis, or a deep-fried Mars bar? Scotch whiskey is no doubt the best in the fucking world, and being glassed in the face by some Begbie character in a dark Scottish pub is the highlight of many. These are some of the small things we would miss from Scotland. We ask you not to go. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. (Photo:DC) Hyderabad: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of the Telangana governments petition against Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, over a deadlock on Bills passed by the state legislature, to April 10. The Telangana government, in its petition, alleged that the Governor was creating a "constitutional impasse" by giving her approval for the Bills. On Monday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted to the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice J.B. Pardiwala that he had discussed the issue with the Governor and sought time to get instructions and statements from the Governors Secretariat. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the Telangana government, cited examples of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, where Bills are assented to by the Governor within seven days and a month, respectively. He submitted that the Telangana Governor has been sitting on the Bills for months without a decision. The bench said it was not inclined to issue a direction in the case as the Solicitor General would get the Governors statement within two days. It also refused Daves request to adjourn the case to March 29. TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy. (DC Image) Hyderabad: In the wake of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi being disqualified and asked to vacate official residence in New Delhi, the Congress party on Tuesday launched "Rahul bhaiyya, Mera gharAapka ghar" campaign on social media. Telangana Congress president Revanth Reddy led the campaign on social media. "Rahul bhaiyya, Mera gharAapka ghar. I welcome you to my home. We are family, it is your home too," he tweeted. Many other leaders from Congress party were seen sympathising with Rahul Gandhi by asking him to come to their homes. Rahul Gandhi was on Monday served a notice to vacate the government bungalow, allotted to him, by April 22 following his disqualification as a member of Lok Sabha after his conviction in a criminal defamation case last week. Rahul on Tuesday replied to the Lok Sabha Secretariat's notice to vacate his official bungalow and said he will abide by the eviction notice, even as his party leaders slammed the government, accusing it of humiliating him. In his communication to the LS Secretariat, Gandhi said,"thank you for your letter of March 27, 2023, regarding the cancellation of my accommodation at 12 Tughlak Lane. As an elected member of the Lok Sabha over the last four terms, it is the mandate of the people to which I owe the happy memories of my time spent here." "Without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by the details contained in your letter," he said in his letter to the MS branch of the LS Secretariat which had sent him the notice. Slamming the Centre over the eviction notice, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he condemns the government's attitude to "threaten, scare and humiliate" the former party chief. He also said that Gandhi could go and live with his mother Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence or he could himself provide a house by vacating one for the Gandhi scion. Asked about the eviction notice at a press conference, Union minister Smriti Irani said the property does not belong to him, but to the people. A local court in Gujarat convicted Gandhi in a criminal defamation case on March 23 and sentenced him to two years in jail. The conviction triggered his disqualification as a Lok Sabha member from the date of the verdict. Gandhi was granted bail to allow him to appeal to a higher court in a month. A senior official said a Member of Parliament (MP) has to vacate the official bungalow within one month of losing his membership. (With inputs from agency) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Cracks appeared in Opposition once again on Monday when the Shiv Sena (UBT faction) stayed away from the dinner meeting of all Opposition MPs at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) also didnt attend the joint Opposition protest at the Gandhi statue and the march to Parliament but it attended the morning Opposition meeting at Mr Kharges chamber at Parliament House. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is upset over Congress leader Rahul Gandhis remarks about Veer Savarkar. In the pre-lunch session, the Opposition MPs, wearing black clothes to protest against Mr Gandhis disqualification from Lok Sabha, created a ruckus over the Adani issue and the governments disinclination to set up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the issue. The Rajya Sabha, meanwhile, returned the Finance Bill as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2023-24 and appropriation bills to the Lok Sabha without any discussion. With this, the Finance Bill has cleared both Houses of Parliament. In a first in this session, the Trinamul Congress (TMC) on Monday attended a Congress-led Opposition strategy meet and was also part of the protest against the Adani issue and Rahul Gandhis disqualification as a Lok Sabha MP. "The BJP has crossed the line. Democracy, Parliament, federalism and the Constitution have to be saved. The Opposition is united in this cause. Its also about graciousness on all sides," said Derek OBrien, TMC parliamentary party leader in the Rajya Sabha. But instead of the TMCs floor leaders, two of its MPs were in attendance at both events. After Rahul Gandhi was disqualified, West Bengal CM and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said that Opposition leaders have become the "prime targets of the BJP". Earlier, speaking at a rally in Maharashtra Sunday, former chief minister Uddhav Thackrey said: "Savarkar is our idol and his insult will not be tolerated if we have to fight together to protect our democracy." He added: "I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that we have come together to save our countrys democracy and its Constitution. But you are deliberately being provoked. If we allow this time to get wasted, then democracy will cease to exist. 2024 will be the last election." The meeting discussed the way forward on the Adani issue and the aftermath of Rahul Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha. The Congress has already done a nationwide satyagraha on Sunday. The party wants to fight this issue both politically and legally. At the moment, legal documents are being prepared by Rahul Gandhis legal team. Almost all Opposition parties expressed solidarity with Mr Gandhi. Leaders from DMK, Samajwadi Party, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, NCP, IUML, MDMK, Kerala Congress, TMC, RSP, AAP, NC and Shiv Sena (UBT), among others, met at Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharges chamber in the morning. US President Joe Biden (R) and China's President Xi Jinping (L) shake hands as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 14, 2022. The nervous global reaction to deteriorating Sino-American relations recalls the old saying that it is the grass that suffers when elephants fight. But Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who warns that no one can "afford a conflict between China and the rest of the world, and in particular between China and the United States" might remember an astute African leaders comment that the grass also suffers when elephants make love. He may have had in mind Richard Nixons pampering of China as a potential pawn against the former Soviet Union. Recalling the horrors of the Korean and Vietnam wars, there is no denying that Asia in particular needs a stable equilibrium between the United States, which has dominated global affairs since the Second World War, and the Peoples Republic of China, which gives every impression of aspiring to a similar hegemonic position. Yet, the appearance of being on a collision course may be deceptive. True, the United States wants to remain the global hegemon. True also, China cannot easily shed what Jawaharlal Nehru called its "Middle Kingdom complex". But both powers are well aware of the economic realities that advise cooperation such as Spain and Portugal, the two major powers of medieval Europe, practised in 1494 when they signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, in effect dividing the newly "discovered" lands of Asia, the Americas and Oceania between their empires. The arrangement somewhat modified an earlier division of the New World proposed by Pope Alexander V, which the Portuguese dictator, Antonio Salazar, trotted out to rebuff India and justify his colonial stranglehold of Goa. Democratic hackles everywhere will of course rise at the prospect of carving up the world like this but, truth to tell, the Cold War did exactly that. In fact, the inspired diplomacy of George F. Kennan, the American official who authored the policy of "containment", suggests a precedent for managing Sino-American competition that is even more relevant than the 529-year-old Treaty of Tordesillas. Although determined to confine the Soviet Union within certain well-understood borders, Kennan did not advocate "rolling back" Soviet sovereignty, as some ideological militants like John Foster Dulles wanted to. Ever the realist, he played a major role in the withdrawal of 45,000 American troops from Korea arguing that it was beyond US capabilities "to keep Korea permanently out of the Soviet orbit." Moscows rule might be "undesirable", but Kennan felt that "a period of Russian domination (was) preferable to continued US involvement" in the ravaged Korean peninsula. Reflecting on the partition that created two Koreas, he ruled out the need to extend "an anti-Soviet Korean regime to all of Korea", thereby ruling out the need for unification of North and South. He even suggested that the United States could "tolerate for a certain period of time a Korea nominally independent but amenable to Soviet influence". A similar pragmatism has determined American policy in other spheres too since then. Despite the electrifying rhetoric of John F. Kennedys famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner) speech on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin, American policymakers have in practice usually toned down the idealism that if unchecked might have led to major international clashes. The "accidental" encounters of successive American Presidents with the exiled Dalai Lama, for instance, usually take place only when some sticky controversy persuades Washington of the diplomatic advantage of delivering a polite public snub to Beijing. For all the stern denunciation of "serious human rights violations" of the Uighur community in Xinjiang, there has been no whisper of military action or even sanctions such as have been put in place against Russia since it invaded Ukraine. Nor did genuine sympathy for Aung San Suu Kyi find expression in any major action to bring down Myanmars Tatmadaw military junta. Chinas so-called nine-dash line whose only purpose seems to be to lend some kind of historical credence to Beijings insistence on sovereignty over certain disputed tracts of the South China Sea and various islands and formations there probably presents one of the most serious threats to regional amity. Although Washingtons allies and proteges are victims of the nine-dash theory, the Americans have been relatively restrained in backing the conclusion by the arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that the entire theory with its supposedly historic basis has no legal validity. Beijing cannot have failed to notice either that verbal support notwithstanding, the Americans did not rush to Manilas defence when China seized the disputed Spratly Islands, which Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei also lay claim to. The harassment to which TikToks Singaporean chief executive Chew Shou Zi is being subjected in the US has understandably generated fervent interest throughout Asia. The app, used by more than 150 million Americans, has been accused of being anything from a Chinese espionage tool to a method of indoctrinating children and encouraging suicide amid soaring US-China tensions, though members of the US Congress have not presented evidence of such occurrences. It might be different if Beijing were seriously to threaten invasion and annexation of Taiwan. That could lead to military action but the more likely danger is economic. A report by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Rhodium Group reckons that it would cost the US an annual $190 billion in GDP if it imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with China. Forcing the United States to sell half of its direct investments in China would cost American investors $25 billion a year in capital gains and up to $500 billion in GDP losses. US businesses also risk losing global competitiveness if its sweeping policies force separation from China. All prices would spiral while the American capability to earn in the aviation, semiconductor, chemicals and medical devices industries would be drastically reduced. For example, losing out on Chinas massive market for airplanes alone would mean a loss of $875 billion by 2038. Not surprisingly, therefore, people are clutching at the prospect of a rapprochement after last Novembers Bali G-20 meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is said that before the nineteenth century opium wars, many Chinese hoped that there would be a lot of "talkee-talkee" before "fightee-fightee". That should remind both sides to prove the doomsayers wrong and recalibrate their positions in a changed and changing world. Singapore PM Lees father, Lee Kuan Yew, had warned long ago that China should be engaged, not contained. High cost of logistics, which stands at around 16 per cent of GDP, is a major challenge for Indian industry and the government targets to bring it down to 9 per cent by the end of 2024 helped by focused improvement in roads and railways, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. The main challenge in the Indian industry, trade and business is the high cost of logistics which is currently at 16 per cent, whereas in European countries and in Americas it is 12 per cent and in China it is 8 per cent, Gadkari said while speaking at an event organised by Assocham. By the end of 2024, the aim of my ministry is to bring down logistics to a single digit at 9 per cent which in turn will help us increase exports, the minister said. Also Read | India can become number one EV manufacturer by using lithium reserve in J&K: Gadkari To accomplish this, the government is focusing on improving both roadways and railways. We are building green highways and industrial corridors with focus on reducing the distance between major cities and hubs, he added. Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the annual general meeting of Assocham, Home Minister Amit Shah said the government has planned to invest about Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure. In 2014, the length of National Highways in the country stood at 91,000 kilometers, which has now increased to 1.46 lakh kilometers, Shah said. The home minister said the government has set a target to bring down the logistics cost to 7.5 per cent of GDP in the next 5 years. Shah claimed that Indias share in global GDP increased to 3.4 per cent in March 2022 from 2.60 per cent in 2014. Our share in global FDI inflow was 2.10 per cent in 2014 which has increased to 6.70 per cent in 2022, he said. A Georgia judge on Monday ordered the Fulton County district attorney's office to respond to a motion by former President Donald Trump to throw out a report by a special grand jury that investigated attempts to interfere in the state's 2020 presidential election. The motion by Trump's legal team also seeks to toss out all testimony from the inquiry and to bar Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from continuing to investigate or prosecute Trump. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ordered Willis to respond by May 1 and to let him know whether an in-person hearing is needed to resolve any issues. A spokesperson for Willis said her office would reply through its court filings. Also Read | 'Not a crime': Trump dismisses NY probe at Texas rally The filing is an effort by Trump to escape one of the multiple legal challenges he faces, including a state inquiry in New York into hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president as well as a pair of US Justice Department criminal investigations. One examines his efforts to overturn his loss in the 2020 election. The other examines Trump's possession of hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate. Willis began her investigation shortly after the release of a recording of a January 2021 phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In that conversation, the then-president suggested that Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, could find the exact number of votes needed to overturn Trump's narrow election loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden. The special grand jury heard from about 75 witnesses and considered other evidence before issuing a report that includes recommendations for Willis on criminal charges. McBurney released the report's introduction and conclusion, as well as a section in which the grand jurors expressed concerns that some witnesses may have lied under oath, but the rest of the report has remained under wraps so far. Willis said in a January hearing that decisions on indictments were imminent. The challenge by Trump's legal team, filed last Monday, also contended that McBurney misinterpreted Georgia law and erred by not disqualifying Willis from the entire probe when he ruled in July that Willis could not pursue charges against Burt Jones, now Georgia's lieutenant governor. Trump's lawyers asked for another judge besides McBurney to hear the challenge. He did not acknowledge that push in Monday's brief order. The lawyers also faulted Willis for granting repeated news interviews, citing a list of 39 media appearances and saying her comments cast a shadow of bias over her office and the entire investigation". Trump's lawyers similarly argued that interviews that the foreperson and other grand jurors have given should disqualify the case. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced a pause to divisive judicial reforms moving through parliament, after months of street rallies that drew tens of thousands. "Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill," he told the nation. He added he would delay consideration of the bill to the next session of parliament which begins in the second half of April. Also Read | Netanayhu government survives Knesset no-confidence votes Israeli President Isaac Herzog earlier Monday had called for an immediate halt to the legislative process, a day after Netanyahu fired his defence minister Yoav Gallant for making a similar demand. That sparked a general strike call on Monday from Israel's top trade union chief, Arnon Bar-David, but he called off the action after Netanyahu's address. "Following the prime minister's announcement I declare the end of the strike," Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut trade union confederation, said in a statement. Flights were disrupted, hospitals stopped non-emergency service, and even diplomats had walked off the job on Monday. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi are the latest targets of vandalism in Canada where the pro-Khalistani Sikhs have intensified a hate-campaign against India. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Peace Square within the Burnaby Campus of the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver was vandalized by some miscreants in the latest incident of pro-Khalistani demonstrations. We strongly condemn [the] heinous crime of vandalizing the statue of the harbinger of peace, Mahatma Gandhiji, @SFU Burnaby campus. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver posted on Twitter on Tuesday. We strongly condemn heinous crime of vandalizing the statute of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, @SFU Burnaby campus. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.@MEAIndia @GAC_Corporate @MayorofBurnaby India in Vancouver (@cgivancouver) March 28, 2023 The incident took place just close on the heels of a similar incident of vandalism on another statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the city hall at Hamilton in Ontario on March 23 last. The vandalism of the two statues of Mahatma Gandhi comes at a time when pro-Khalistani Sikhs in Canada and other western nations, like Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have stepped up their campaign, particularly condemning the police crackdown on radical preacher Amritpal Singh and other secessionist elements in Punjab and other states of India. Also Read | Tushar Gandhi rubbishes Manoj Sinhas claim that Mahatma didnt have a single university degree Ottawas envoy to New Delhi, Cameron Mackay, had on Saturday been summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where the senior officials conveyed to him the strong concerns of India over the actions of (the) separatist and extremist elements against its diplomatic mission and the consulates in Canada. Mackay had been the third foreign diplomat to be summoned to the MEA headquarters in New Delhi over the protests by pro-Khalistani Sikhs against the Government of India in the western nations. A group of protestors mostly Canadian Sikhs had staged a demonstration in front of the Consulate General of India in Vancouver on Saturday. They had protested against the crackdown on radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab in India. They had waved the flags of Khalistan and raised slogans demanding its secession from India. They had also raised slogans against India and the Government of India. Earlier, a similar protest had been staged in front of the High Commission of India in Ottawa. Indias High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, had avoided attending an event in the British Columbia province of the North American country after a violent protest by the Khalistanis on March 19. The protesters had also assaulted Indian-Canadian journalist Sameer Kaushal, who had gone to the venue to cover the visit of the High Commissioner of India to the province. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government had issued an advisory on September 23 last year for the students and other citizens of India currently in Canada as well the ones planning to visit the North American country. It had advised the students to exercise due caution and remain vigilant in view of the sharp increase in the incidents of hate-crimes and anti-India activities in Canada. The Modi governments move had come after the vandalization of the Swaminarayan Temple and the Vishnu Temple at Toronto in Canada. Slogans like Khalistan Zindabad and Hindustan Murdabad had been spray-painted on the walls of these shrines. The issue of implementation of OBC reservation in all-India quota seats of state agricultural universities is under examination, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Tuesday. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Tomar said: "The issue of implementation of OBC reservation in All India Quota (AIQ) Seats of State Agricultural Universities is under examination." He was replying to a query whether the government has received legal opinion from legal affairs on implementation of OBC reservation in All India Quota Seats of State Agricultural Universities. Also Read | Amit Shah defends Karnataka govts decision to scrap 4% reservation for Muslims A K P Chinraj, the DMK MP from Tamil Nadu, asked whether the government has received legal opinion on implementation of OBC reservation in All India Quota Seats of State Agricultural Universities and whether the centre proposes to implement it. While replying to another question, Tomar said, "the budget allocation of the Ministry of Agriculture (including DARE) and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is 2.92 per cent of total budget allocation during the year 2023-24." DARE refers to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education. The budget allocation to the agriculture sector was 3.90 per cent during 2021-22 and 3.51 per cent during 2022-23, he added. One of the eight Namibian cheetahs brought last year to create a cheetah population in India, died on Monday due to renal infection after almost two months of illness. The five-and-half-year-old female big cat named Shasha was reported sick in January third week following which she was treated by veterinarians who consulted scientists from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun as well as experts from Namibia and South Africa to decide on the course of treatment. The Madhya Pradesh forest department said Shasha had a kidney ailment much before she landed in India in a special flight from Windhoek as a blood test carried out in August 2022 showed a very high level of creatinine. The first batch of eight cheetahs including Shasha arrived a month later. Also Read | Cheetah gifted by Saudi Prince dies of heart attack in Hyderabad Zoo A medical team from Vani Vilas national park in Bhopal with portable ultrasound machine was also sent to Kuno, 350 km away for her treatment, but it was of no avail. Out of the remaining seven African cheetahs from the first batch - three males and one female - have been released in the wild of Kuno national park, while the remaining three are still in a large restrictive territory where they can hunt. The 12 South African cheetahs are also in the same zone. Experts said such deaths were not uncommon with cheetahs who are delicate creatures and the Indian programme took into account such possibilities while designing the trans-continental shift of the cats. The fifth Namibian cheetah, according to sources, might also be released in the wild in near future, but the remaining two would not be because they had limited experience in the wild and were less fearful of humans as they grew up close to human settlements. Nevertheless, the two animals were still brought to India on the ground that they could be used for mating in a fenced breeding area. However, the Union Environment Ministry is yet to set up the second cheetah site at Mukundara hills where the Rajasthan government offered to host the animals in an 80 sq km fenced forest. We are not in a hurry with Mukundara hills. Let the population at Kuno stabilise first, a top ministry official told DH. The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed jailed former MP and alleged gangster Atiq Ahmad's plea seeking protection during his custody with the Uttar Pradesh police in the Umesh Pal murder case. A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela M Trivedi granted Ahmad liberty to approach the Allahabad High Court for protection after he claimed his life is under threat while being in the custody of UP police. Since he is in judicial custody, the Uttar Pradesh state machinery will take care of his protection in case of threat to his life, the court said, refusing to record the former Samajwadi Party MP's counsel's vehement requests that his life is under threat. Read | Lucknow court rejects plea of Atiq Ahmed, son Umar seeking clean chit in 2018 abduction case of bizman "It is not a case where this court is going to interfere. Liberty granted to move appropriate application before the High Court. Whatever is the process prescribed under law will be followed," the bench said. At the outset, Ahmad's counsel said there is serious threat to his life while in police custody in the Umesh Pal murder case. "I am not shying away from any custody or police interrogation in the case but what I want is grant me protection as there is serious threat to my life," he said. The bench, however, dismissed his plea. The top court was hearing a plea of Ahmad seeking protection and claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" as accused in the Umesh Pal murder case in Prayagraj. Umesh Pal, a key witness in the 2005 killing of then BSP MLA Raju Pal, and his two security guards were killed in a shooting on February 24. In his plea, Ahmad, who was earlier lodged at the Ahmedabad central jail in Gujarat pursuant to apex court's direction, has referred to the statement made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the floor of the assembly to "completely ruin and destroy" him and claimed there is a "genuine and perceptible threat" to his and his family members' lives. Ahmed has also sought directions to ensure that no physical or bodily injury or harm is done to him in any manner during police custody or interrogation. The Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Union government to allow MBBS students returning from China and Philippines due to Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently from war-affected Ukraine, to clear their examinations in medical colleges here by giving them two attempts instead of a single chance. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Vikram Nath took into record a submission by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that a committee formed under the chairmanship of Directorate General of Health Services with representations from the National Medical Council had recommended that the student returnees in their penultimate year and who studied online could be given a chance to clear the MBBS final exam. A written statement by the Centre stated that a single chance to clear the MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations (theory and practical) would be given as per existing guidelines without being enrolled in any of the Indian colleges, within a period of one year. It further stated the theory examination would be conducted centrally and physically, on the pattern of the Indian MBBS examination while the practical examination would be conducted by designated government medical colleges. The students would be required to complete a two-year-long compulsory rotatory internship after clearing the two examinations, the first year of which would be free and the second year paid as decided by the NMC. It was also clarified that the recommendations were a one-time, emergency measure and could not be the basis for future decisions. However, senior advocates S Nagamuthu and Gopal Sankaranarayanan, and others, appearing for the students, raised concern on a single attempt being given, along with the other issue of syllabus. The bench, on this, said, "We accept the report of the committee, subject to a minor modification that the student being offered a single chance to clear MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations, be read as student being offered single/two chances to clear both the examinations. We clarify that the two chances will be for both Part I and Part II examinations." Earlier, the top court had asked the Union government to consider the plight of students returned from foreign countries. The Madras High Court on Wednesday rejected the pleas filed by deposed AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam and his aides against the party's July 11 general council resolutions, that among others, expelled him and his supporters. The court verdict also paves the way for interim chief K Palaniswami's elevation as the party's general secretary, its top, powerful post. Also Read AIADMK factional feud plays out in Tamil Nadu Assembly AIADMK advocate I S Inbadurai said the court rejected all petitions, including that against the conduct of the party's General Secretary election. "Panneerselvam (and others) filed a plea against the July 11, 2022 resolutions. It has been rejected. This means the general council is valid, its resolutions are valid," he told reporters. He recalled that the party had earlier given an undertaking to the court that it will not publish the results of organisational polls held recently, referring to the election to the post of general secretary and said it is now evident Palaniswami is going to be elevated to the highest seat in the decades-old organisation. The court ruling drew instant celebrations from Palaniswami supporters at the AIADMK headquarters here as they burst crackers and distributed sweets to welcome the verdict. Palaniswami visited the party headquarters and paid tributes to the statues of late AIADMK stalwarts M G Ramachanndran and J Jayalalithaa. Amid a crackdown on pro-Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, the Twitter account of BBC Punjabi news has been withheld in India. A message displayed on the Twitter handle said the account has been taken down "in response to a legal demand". The details of the the legal demand, however, are not known. The development comes after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Monday gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to release all Sikh youths who were held during the police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his aides. The police had last week launched a crackdown against elements of 'Waris Punjab De,' headed by Amritpal. The elusive preacher himself, however, gave the police a slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in the Jalandhar district. More details awaited. Johnson & Johnson is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company that started in the early 1870s. Robert Wood Johnson began training as a pharmacist at 16 and founded his 1st company in 1873. That company would be disbanded by 1886 when Johnson joined his brothers to form today's entity. The companys first line of products was sterile surgical dressings which were soon followed up by household products and medical guides. Today, Johnson & Johnson is one of the worlds largest companies. It is ranked 36th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list and is a Dow Jones Industrial Average member. The company operates via 250 subsidiaries with operations in 60 countries and product sales in 175. As of 2021, annual sales were in the range of $95 billion and growing. The company is also a leader in equality and the advancement of womens rights. Johnson & Johnsons workforce was nearly 50% female by 1910, and many held significant positions of responsibility. Among the companys many advances in health care is the advancement of sterile conditions to prevent postoperative and secondary infections. Products include sterile gauze, cotton and dressings, and the development of the industrial sterilization process. However, the product that launched the company to success was the combination of a sterile dressing with tape. The company called the new products Band-Aids, which is now synonymous with small, prepackaged bandages. Another major win for the company was Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap. Today, Johnson & Johnson operates in 3 segments: Pharmaceutical, Consumer Health and MedTech. The Consumer Health segment alone covers brands like Aveeno, Listerine, Tylenol, Zyrtec, Band-Aid and Neosporin, which are among the worlds most recognizable brands. The companys purpose is to blend science and ingenuity to change the trajectory of health for humanity profoundly. The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in all segments of the healthcare spectrum and has partnerships to develop new drugs with at least 10 other major healthcare providers and dozens of smaller research facilities. Products are offered wholesale to retailers and through healthcare systems. The MedTech segment develops and manufactures various healthcare devices and diagnostic tools. Among the many recognizable products from this segment are ACUVUE contact lenses. Johnson & Johnson went public in 1944 and began paying dividends soon after. The company began increasing its dividend payment in 1962 and has increased it yearly. The company is a member of the Dividend Aristocrat Index and qualifies as a Dividend King with more than 50 years of consecutive annual increases. The company employs more than 142,000 individuals and serves more than 1 billion daily. Regarding the companys health, its track record of dividend payments is backed up by a AAA credit rating. Johnson & Johnson is one of only 2 US corporations with such a rating and is more trusted than the US government. The company announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies in 2021. The move is expected to be complete in late 2023 and will result in a Consumer Health company and a Pharmaceutical company. The United States Navy has delivered a budget request of approximately $255 billion, focusing on the acquisition of at least nine battle force ships. They hope one such ship will be its second Columbia-class submarine. The proposal... More of this article Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Local hair stylist, Brooklyn Scargill at Urban Hair and Beauty in Limavady, has scooped two of the six creative awards at this year's GLammies. The GLammies are awards for hair extension specialists. Over one hundred of Irelands top hair extensions experts gathered to celebrate the very best in the sector. Brooklyn scooped the awards for Enviable Volume and Captivating Colour, ahead of competition from stylists in Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, Armagh and Dublin. Speaking to Derry News, the 25 year old said she is delighted to have won two awards after only a short time working in the field, "To be honest I was so happy just to be nominated by Great Lengths," she said. "I am a newcomer to the field of hair extensions and it was my Mum and my mentor who entered me for these awards. "I am so excited for the future and to be working with Great Lengths and to continue to offer their bespoke hair extensions to my lovely existing clients and welcoming even more new clients in the future." All winners received tickets for a group tour of the Great Lengths production facility in Rome, with two nights 5 star accommodation, meals and internal transfers for two people. Winners also received their very own GLammies trophy, logos for marketing, social media coverage and plenty of PR across the country in both trade and local press all of which will allow salons and stylists to stand out from the competition and mark themselves out as the best in the business. The GLammies by Great Lengths seek to celebrate the craft and creativity of hair stylists and salons across the Republic of Ireland and the business of extensions. With six creative categories and two business categories including the coveted Great Lengths Trophy for Extension Excellence, stylists across the country created their most daring and innovative looks to stand out amongst their peers in each category. Professionals from the industry were tasked to choose the finalists of each category and award the overall Great Lengths Trophy for Extension Excellence. CEO of HB Collective, the home of Great Lengths Joscelin McCourt said of the event, This is the 11th anniversary of the GLammies event and the standard gets higher every time. "The creativity, colour and cut of our finalists were without doubt the best to date and I would like to commend each and every one of our finalists and of course our eight winners. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. 120,000 in grants awarded to local government to mark Irelands 50th anniversary of joining the EU Press release The Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD, today congratulated 17 local authorities and library services who have been awarded funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs 2023 EU50 Local Government Grant Scheme. A total of 119,700 has been awarded. 2023 marks 50 years since Ireland joined the European Communities, now the European Union. The Governments EU50 programme, which began in January 2022 and which continues to May 2023 is marking this historic milestone. Local Government will play an important role in bringing EU50 to communities across the country, particularly around the Europe Day period in early May. Announcing the funding allocations, the Minister of State congratulated the 17 successful projects, all of which will make an extremely valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on Irelands place in, and the future role of, the European Union. The Minister said: As Minister for European Affairs, I was delighted to ensure this special funding stream for local authorities as part of our EU50 programme. I would like to congratulate each of the 14 local authorities and the 3 library services for applying with ambitious and exciting projects. These initiatives and the funding behind them will combine with our recent Communicating Europe Initiative funding to open a new dimension to our EU50 programme: Nine counties in all four provinces are represented in this local government funding stream, while many more counties received funding through the Communicating Europe Initiative. This will empower local communities and their representatives to reflect on and celebrate what Europe means to them. The types of projects that have been awarded funding are innovative and creative. They include European film nights and food tasting events to Transition Year debating; local paper supplements; quizzes and storytelling. Most of these events will take place in and around Europe Day, 9 May, promising a very special and memorable Europe Day. For more information on EU50, please visit www.ireland.ie/eu50. ENDS Press Office 28 March 2023 Note to Editors A full list of recipients is available here Local Authority / Library Service Amount Approved Arklow Library Services 5,200 Carlow CC 7,500 Cork CC 7,500 Donegal CC 7,500 Dublin CC 7,500 Fingal CC 7,500 Galway CC 7,500 Kerry CC Library Services 7,500 Laois CC 7,500 Mayo CC 2,000 Meath CC 7,500 Monaghan Library Service 7,500 Offaly CC 7,500 Monaghan CC 7,500 Tipperary CC 7,500 Westmeath CC 7,500 Wicklow CC 7,500 Total 119,700 Previous Item | Next Item As the world gets more and more advanced when it comes to mobile technology, the demand for high-speed, reliable connections has grown exponentially. 5G technology offers just that - faster data speeds, lower latency, and better connectivity. With the rise of 5G, many mobile phone manufacturers have launched new devices that support this technology. Amazon offers a range of 5G phones with crazy deals and discounts. These phones offer advanced features, and cutting-edge technology, and are sure to provide a seamless and efficient user experience. Here are five 5G smartphones on Amazon: 1. OnePlus 11R OnePlus 11R was launched at a price of 39,999 and it is available on Amazon at the same price but Amazon has offered some bank offers which are: 5% instant discount up to 150 on Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 300 on ICICI Bank Credit and Debit Cards. 7.5% Instant Discount up to 1,500 on Bank of Baroda Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 250 on City Union Bank Mastercard Debit Card. 5% Instant Discount up to 250 on HSBC Cashback Card Credit Card. Amazon has also offered an exchange offer which can be availed to get a discount of up to 18,050. 2. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the top high-end phones around the globe right now and it was launched at a price of 1,49,999. However, Amazon is offering a 17% instant discount on this one which drops the price to 1,24,999. Along with that, there are five bank offers available as well: Flat 8000 Instant Discount on HDFC Bank Credit Card. 7.5% Instant Discount up to 1500 on Bank of Baroda Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 250 on City Union Bank Mastercard Debit Card. 5% Instant Discount up to INR 250 on HSBC Cashback Card Credit Card. The exchange offer here comes with a discount of up to 32,050. It can be availed by trading your old phone while buying Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. 3. iQOO Neo 7 iQOO Neo 7 is available on Amazon at a price of 29,999. Amazon has offered a 14% discount on this one and it also comes with a bank offer as well: Flat 1500 Instant Discount on SBI Credit Card. Flat 1500 Instant Discount on HDFC Bank Card. 7.5% Instant Discount up to 1500 on Bank of Baroda Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 250 on City Union Bank Mastercard Debit Card. 5% Instant Discount up to 250 on HSBC Cashback Card Credit Card. The iQOO Neo 7 can be purchased with more discount by trading in your old phone. The exchange offer on the phone can give you a discount of up to 20,050. 4. Realme Narzo 50 Pro The Realme Narzo 50 Pro was launched at a price of 21,999. Now it is available on Amazon at a price of 17,980. Along with that, there is an exchange offer worth up to 17,081 and bank offers: 7.5% Instant Discount up to 1500 on Bank of Baroda Credit Card. 5% Instant Discount up to 250 on HSBC Cashback Card Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 250 on City Union Bank Mastercard Debit Card. 5. OnePlus 11 OnePlus 11 is available on Amazon at its original price of 61,999. But Amazon has offered an exchange offer which can be availed to get an additional discount of up to 18,050. Amazon has also offered the same bank offer which it offers with OnePlus 11R: 5% instant discount up to 150 on Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 300 on ICICI Bank Credit and Debit Cards. 7.5% Instant Discount up to 1,500 on Bank of Baroda Credit Card. 10% Instant Discount up to 250 on City Union Bank Mastercard Debit Card. 5% Instant Discount up to 250 on HSBC Cashback Card Credit Card For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. Motorola Edge 40s likely specs and renders have surfaced and from the looks of it, this will be a rebranded Motorola X40. The renders of the phone come to us through 91Mobiles and purported specs from MySmartPrice. So, thanks to the leaks, rumours and the X40 specs, we know what to expect from Edge 40. Motorola Edge 40 features (Expected) 1. Motorola could present a 6.55-inch pOLED display with FHD+ resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. 2. The front of the phone could have a 32MP selfie snapper lying within a punch hole and on the back, there could be a squircle island housing a 50MP main camera (with OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide shooter. Motorola Edge 40 - 6.55" FHD+ pOLED, 144Hz - MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC - 8GB RAM - 128/256GB storage - Rear Cam: 50MP (OIS) + 13MP (UW) - Front Cam: 32MP - Android 13 - Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos - WiFi 6 - IP68 rating - 4,400mAh battery - 68W wired, 15W wireless charging Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) March 28, 2023 3. Inside the phone, we are expecting a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage. 4. On top of this hardware setup, you could be getting Android 13. 5. Other features of the device could include a 4400mAh battery with 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, stereo speakers aided by Dolby Atmos, WiFi 6, and IP68 ingress protection. Moto Edge 40 could come in vegan leather and PMMA Acrylic build materials. The colour options could include Magenta, Lunar Blue, Nebula Green, and Eclipse Black. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. Infinix Hot 30i has landed in India at 8,999. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G37 chipset. The other key features are a 50MP dual rear camera setup, a 90Hz display, and a 5000mAh battery. Heres the complete set of features: Infinix Hot 30i display The Hot 30i comes with a 6.6-inch HD + IPS LCD display which has Panda Glass protection, a 90Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of peak brightness. Infinix Hot 30i internals Infinix has equipped the device with a MediaTek Helio G37 SoC, paired with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The device is also getting virtual RAM support up to 16GB. Infinix Hot 30i camera The device has a 50-megapixel primary camera accompanied by an AI lens. On the front, a 5-megapixel selfie camera has been provided for selfie and video recording. Infinix Hot 30i OS The smartphone runs on XOS 12 custom skin based on Android 12. Infinix Hot 30i battery Infinix Hot 30i is packing a 5000mAh battery that supports 10W charging. Among other things, the handset also brings a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an IP53 rating for dust and water resistance. Infinix Hot 30i price and availability Infinix Hot 30i is available in Marigold, Diamond White, Mirror Black, and Glacier Blue colours. You can buy it for 8,999 on Flipkart starting April 3. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. Oppo is expected to launch its new mid-range smartphones, likely in May. The Chinese manufacturer is expected to launch the Reno 10 series which could include Oppo Reno 10, Oppo Reno 10 Pro and Oppo Reno 10 Pro Plus. Recently Digital Chat Station (DCS) leaked the specifications of two models from the Reno 10 series and we suspect that these two models are Reno 10 Pro and Reno 10 Pro Plus. Sadly there are no leaks about the specification of OPPO Reno 10. Lets have a look at the specifications we have for now. OPPO Reno 10 Pro specifications Oppo Reno 10 Pro could boast a 6.7-inch FHD+ Curved AMOLED display with the support for a 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit colours. The phone is said to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset coupled with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 Storage. The phone may run on ColorOS 13.1 based on the Android 13 operating system. In terms of camera, it could sport a triple camera setup holding a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel telephoto sensor. It could sport a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. This phone is also said to be equipped with the MariSilicon X chip. It is tipped to pack a 4600mAh battery with 100-watt fast charging support. OPPO Reno 10 Pro Plus specifications OPPO Reno 10 Pro Plus is rumoured to boast a 6.74-inch 1.5K Curved AMOLED display with the support of a 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit colours. It might be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 3.1 Storage. This phone could run on the same ColorOS 13.1 based on Android 13 OS. The phone could sport a triple camera setup holding a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a periscope lens. On the front, it might sport a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. In terms of design, both phones could come with a similar design carrying the same elliptical-shaped camera module on the back. Along with that, they might also feature an in-display fingerprint scanner, Infrared remote control, USB Type-C 2.0 Port and dual speakers powered by Dolby Atmos. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page. ThroughTek to unveil latest cloud VMS at ISC West 2023 ThroughTek Co., Ltd. (TUTK), a solution provider of AIoT cloud platform services, has announced its participation in ISC West 2023, a leading security industry trade show in the United States. The event will be held from March 29 to 31 at Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. ThroughTek team will be at booth no.34060 to demonstrate its latest Cloud VMS and showcase a series of video surveillance solutions, while giving visitors an introduction to learn how these solutions can benefit their businesses. TUTK Cloud VMS is a cloud-based service platform for video monitoring and event handling. With ThroughTek's SDK plugins and cloud services, it supports seamless data connectivity and video integration with various devices, including IP cameras, NVRs, DVRs, and IoT devices. The Cloud VMS enables users to remotely configure, monitor, perform the smart search, and record videos via the cloud, all while utilizing encrypted transmission for optimal security. Additionally, the Cloud VMS provides flexible user and device groups that simplify video and device management, resulting in a seamless and hassle-free user experience. Additionally, TUTK Cloud VMS integrates AI technology from 3rd party for event processing and offers easy management of videos and devices. It is a perfect choice for brand companies and system integrators seeking an easy-to-implement solution to attract more businesses. ISC West is a comprehensive and converged security trade event in the U.S., and it brings professionals to discuss and explore the latest trends and advancements in the security industry. "We are excited to be exhibiting at ISC West 2023 and to have the opportunity to showcase our latest TUTK Cloud VMS," said Patrick, Kuo, CEO of ThroughTek." Our Cloud VMS has earned recognition from one of Taiwan's top telecom service providers (TSPs), and we have signed the MOU with the TSP recently. The TSP is planning to integrate TUTK Cloud VMS with traffic cameras to create a system for technical law enforcement. This system can provide real-time monitoring to crack down on traffic violations and alleviate the burden on traffic police officers in handling accidents. We are excited to showcase TUTK Cloud VMS at the event and share our expertise with attendees. We also look forward to exploring potential collaborations with interested parties to further develop more solutions for vertical markets." The highlights in the exhibition will only show a part of ThroughTek's commitment to leveraging its IoT technologies and cloud-based solutions to support video surveillance applications. ThroughTek will be continuing to enhance its capabilities and provide diversified value-added solutions. ThroughTek is ready to unveil latest Cloud VMS at ISC West 2023 Samsung's US semiconductor plant unaffected by proposed PFAS regulation, for now The US government may impose stricter regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals", to the disaproval of companies such as Intel, Nvidia, and IBM. Samsung Electronics, which also has semiconductor factories in the US, has not yet taken any action in response. According to reports from Chosun Biz, a Korean media outlet, more than 30 US state governments are considering passing legislation to restrict the usage of PFAS. Intel, Nvidia, IBM, and other semiconductor businesses have formed a lobbying coalition to take action against the regulations. PFAS contains a series of up to tens of thousands of different types of toxic chemicals, of which there are currently no effective material replacements in the field of semiconductor manufacturing. Given that Samsung has wafer foundries located in Austin and Taylor, Texas, the PFAS issue also poses potential risks to the company. Texas has yet to propose PFAS-related restrictions. However, if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expands PFAS restrictions nationwide, Samsung will need to address a medium- to long-term crisis. According to sources close to Samsung, the company has not taken any official stance on the issue at the moment. However, Samsung continues to monitor various risk factors in the medium- to long-term. The South Korean tech giant does not rule out the possibility of joining forces with the lobbying coalition with other U.S. semiconductor businesses. As the EU and the US tighten their regulation on PFAS, there are concerns about whether it will affect the supply of coolants used in semiconductor etching processes. According to the proposed PFAS regulation in Europe, in principle, the use of PFAS will be completely banned. However, depending on the industry, a grace period of up to 18 months to 12 years will be allowed until substitute materials are developed. Considering the legislation needs to go through socio-economic impact assessments and be approved by the European Commission, it is estimated that the earliest implementation would begin in 2026. Responding to the situation, 3M, the global leader in semiconductor coolants in terms of market share, announced in December 2022 that it will cease production of PFAS by the end of 2025. Previously, 3M's Belgium plant was temporarily shut down in March-April 2022 after the government raised the environmental standards for PFAS emissions, causing a supply shortage of semiconductor coolant. This situation prompted South Korean semiconductor companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix to diversify their suppliers and turn to Chinese businesses. Given that Samsung and SK Hynix have diversified their coolant supply with sources from different countries, industry insiders from South Korea do not believe it will immediately impact the supply chain of Samsung and SK Hynix, even if European and American businesses reduce the production of PFAS coolant in response to environmental regulations. Indian MEMS startup INFAB shares perspective on surging domestic market India's interest in developing a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem has been the subject of much discussion. However, there are other closely related segments that offer just as many opportunities but receive less attention. One such area is MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems), which are becoming increasingly important components in various industries. It is not surprising that few Indian companies have expressed interest in the MEMS sector. However, Bangalore-based INFAB Semiconductor is taking significant steps towards innovating in this segment. In a recent interview with DIGITIMES Asia, Muthuraman Swaminathan, the company's CEO, noted that INFAB is leveraging the momentum in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to further its efforts in the MEMS space. "Domestic chip manufacturing could potentially lead to heightened competition, which may affect the prices and margins of MEMS devices," Swaminathan said. "Therefore, it makes sense for us to align ourselves with the chip manufacturing industry since MEMS and IC chip manufacturing rely on about 80 percent of the same equipment and facilities. However, there is still a lack of awareness regarding MEMS, despite the significant demand for these devices in the domestic market, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors." Catering to a broad market INFAB's devices are ideal for various industries, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. These devices are designed to provide high precision, accuracy, and reliability, making them well-suited for these markets. In healthcare, microfluidics MEMS devices are popular in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and patient monitoring. New methodologies such as organ-on-a-chip are also emerging. "In the automotive industry, our devices are useful for tire pressure monitoring and vibration measurement to gain insight into tire wear and tear," Swaminathan said. "In aerospace, we are currently developing sensors for hydraulic systems and have applications in pressure, temperature, altitude, and navigation. Our devices are also used in consumer electronics, such as RF antennas in mobile phones. In the defense sector, our MEMS devices play a critical role in strategic applications such as missile guidance systems." Ensuring reliability in a complex segment INFAB begins by first creating a conceptual design based on customer specifications. After validating and refining the design through simulations and testing, they proceed to the prototype and production phases, using microfabrication and high-volume manufacturing techniques. The company also collaborates with other teams in areas such as electronics integration and packaging, ensuring that their devices perform optimally in their intended environments. Several strategies are employed to ensure quality and reliability in the devices. During the prototype phase, the company runs extensive reliability cycles, which can last up to a million cycles. This rigorous testing is essential, as these devices are utilized in various critical applications. "Furthermore, we adhere to strict quality control measures by following industry-specific standards," Swaminathan continued. "For example, in the defense sector, we comply with military standards even before beginning the design process. These precautions are essential because reliability is a key requirement for our devices." In addition to adhering to established standards and methodologies, INFAB also employs advanced tools for quality assurance and reliability testing. Innovating and collaborating to stay ahead The MEMS market is expected to grow significantly due to increased demand from areas like IoT, wearable devices, autonomous vehicles, and the aerospace industry. Healthcare applications, such as microfluidics for faster diagnostics, drug delivery, patient monitoring, etc. have also gained prominence. "To stay competitive, we are focusing on key areas, investing in R&D, and developing innovative products for future needs," Swaminathan said. "One example is a low-cost, initial cancer screening device that can deliver results in just a few hours. Additionally, we are exploring new packaging methodologies and optimizing processes to remain relevant for the next decade. Equipped with the necessary resources, we are prepared to face market challenges and maintain a competitive edge." INFAB is also keen to collaborate with companies from countries like Taiwan, Korea, and Japan to explore more growth opportunities. Swaminathan pointed out this could be something like a joint research and development project focused on developing some MEMS technology and processes. The company is also interested in better understanding the packaging industry in Taiwan. "We believe that collaborating with countries like Taiwan and Japan can help us to stay at the forefront of innovations in the MEMS market and can better serve the needs of the customers," Swaminathan said. "We haven't done this yet, but it is something we would like to explore." Conclusion Looking forward, India's push for semiconductor self-reliance presents a significant opportunity for MEMS solution providers. Companies like INFAB Semiconductor, with their focus on innovation and collaboration, are well-positioned to benefit from this trend. As India continues to develop its semiconductor industry, Indian MEMS companies can play a crucial role in building a robust ecosystem and meeting the growing demand. An exhibition marking 50 years of Ugandan Asian refugees, and the impact they have had in shaping our city, is to be celebrated at a conference on Thursday with speakers from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). The Rebuilding Lives: 50 Years of Ugandan Asians in Leicester exhibition, organised by Navrang Arts, has been a sensation since it opened in July last year. More than 90,000 people have passed through the doors of the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to view the collection of historical artefacts, photos and personal memories marking the exodus in 1972 of Asians fleeing the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. At the same time the exhibition reflects on the huge contribution the Ugandan Asian community has made to Leicesters culture and communities over the last half century. Now Changing Lives, Changing Leicester, run in a partnership between Navrang Arts and DMU, will look at what the legacy of the exhibition should be and open up wider conversations about the experiences of migrants and their children in Leicester today. RELATED NEWS DMU Pharmacy lecturer tells of familys escape from Uganda to UK DMUs Leena tells of parents flight from Uganda in 1972 Find your new home at DMU. Come to our next DMU Open Day The exhibition has also led to the building of an archive containing personal stories by those who fled Uganda or their children and grandchildren. A section of the one-day event on Thursday 30 March will be dedicated to DMU academics applying their specialisms to the stories of refugees. Professor Stuart Price, Director of the Media Discourse Centre at DMU, will talk about 'Exclusionary Speech? Community, Language and Public Rhetoric', Professor Panikos Panayi, a leading authority on the history of migration, will discuss A Brief History of the Refugee in Britain, and Mark Charlton, Net Zero Theme Director at DMU, will look at Climate Change, Politics and Refugees. Nisha Popat, of Navrang Arts, said: The exhibition has been an amazing success and has proved to be a really emotional experience at times. Many of those who fled Uganda for Leicester have been in tears while viewing the exhibits and others have been so excited to use the exhibition to tell their stories to their children and grandchildren. There is a strong feeling of ownership of the exhibition by those who have been affected by the story we are telling. Changing Lives Changing Leicester is free to attend but you do need to book in advance. For more details and to book your place visit here In August 1972, Idi Amin who a year earlier had declared himself president of Uganda following a military coup detat - issued a decree banishing all Asians from Uganda under what he called the economic war. Families born and raised in the East African state - some for generations - were told they had 90 days to leave behind their businesses, their homes, their livelihoods and their country before all possessions were handed over to Amins supporters. A judge has dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Irish teacher Enoch Burke in favour of a delay in a High Court case with his former employer. Mr Burke has claimed that evidence submitted to the High Court in Dublin had been tampered with, as the case opened on Tuesday. Representatives for Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath denied the outrageous allegations in the strongest possible terms. After the judge ruled not to delay proceedings based on the allegations made by Mr Burke, a row erupted between Mr Burke and the presiding judge for over an hour, during which Mr Burke was asked by the judge if he had a problem with his ears. Before the lunchtime break, the judge ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke will not be allowed to return to court when proceedings resume in the afternoon, and will be facilitated to watch proceedings via a video link. Wilsons Hospital School and Mr Burke are pursuing claims against each other in the case. Mr Burke was accompanied in the packed courtroom by his sister Ammi Burke, his brother Isaac and his mother Martina. At the beginning of proceedings, Mr Burke told the court that he believed something from a book of evidence submitted to the court had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. He said the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and that it had been taken out of the booklet and replaced by the repeat of another email. Mr Burke also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out as evidence, and requested screenshots of the communications. He said he noticed this while preparing for his cross-examination on Monday at 3pm, with some of it balanced at the edge of the bed. I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said, calling the allegations grave. After a back-and-forth between Mr Burke and the presiding judge Mr Justice Alexander Owens, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the manner in which he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the allegations made against his solicitors and his client. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say that there had been deliberate tampering adding that this was most unlikely, as both sides had the original document where the material in question was still present. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought that may not necessarily be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced nor was he himself misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times after this, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled in the case. Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. You dont tell me what I can do, I hold all the cards in relation to this, you hold none of them now please stop. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that Mr Burke is inclined to label anyone who disagrees with him as a liar. He said that if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about the several aspects in the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. Mr White said he had offered to deal with the concerns, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court that Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, before leaving the courtroom during the recess. Mr Burke was suspended from work on full pay last year pending the outcome of a disciplinary process following incidents stemming from a row with the school over a student who was transitioning genders. Teachers at the school had been asked to address a student by a new name and to use the pronoun they in an email from the schools principal, sent in May 2022. A number of incidents followed, which led to injunctions being taken by the school against Mr Burke, preventing him from attending the grounds of the Co Westmeath establishment. He was later committed to prison by a High Court judge in September after breaching a temporary court order to stay away from the school while suspended. He was released before Christmas. Mr Burke has been dismissed from his role at the school since then. A man who did not take the Covid-19 vaccine as he claimed it was made from aborted foetuses that were dissected in a satanic manner has lost a discrimination case against a Louth gym. Paul Taaffe was refused entry to the DkIT Sport Gym on December 16 2021 when he failed to show his Covid-19 vaccination certificate. At the time, gyms were legally obliged to only allow people with vaccine certs to enter and use the facilities. Mr. Taaffe submitted a complaint to the Workplace Relation Commission (WRC) under the Equal Status Acts on February 15, 2022 alleging that the gym had discriminated against him by reason of his religion. At the remote adjudication hearing held last month, Mr. Taaffe gave evidence on his own behalf. He claimed he was discriminated against by reason of his medical status as well as his religion. He said he was a Catholic though he doesnt take guidance from the church. Mr. Taaffe explained that he believes vaccines are made from aborted foetuses which are dissected in a satanic manner and does not want to put something like that in his body. He said that on the day in question he was informed that he could not train at the gym unless he showed a Covid-19 vaccine cert. He asked to speak to the manager, who also said he couldnt let him into the gym without the cert, and ended the conversation. Mr. Taaffe told the WRC he felt discriminated against. He accepted that the gym may have been following Government policy, but said it was his view that legislation was unconstitutional and that the DkIT Sport Gym should have refused to follow it or challenged it in the courts. DkIT Sport Gym, was represented at the hearing by Catherine Needham BL. Derek Anderson, DkITs Operations & Finance Director, Gerard Morgan, Group Health and Safety Manager, and Kyle McGee, Gym Manager, all gave evidence. The gym argued that it followed public health guidance at the time. Mr McGee said that he dealt with Mr. Taaffe in an entirely polite and respectful manner. He said he properly enforced the policy the gym was required to implement. In deciding the case, WRC Adjudication Officer David James Murphy found that Mr Taaffe had not been discriminated against by reason of his medical status or religion. Choosing whether or not to get vaccinated does not fall under Sections 3 and 4 of the Equal Status Acts, which outlaw discrimination against people on certain grounds, Mr. Murphy found. Mr. Murphy also said that Mr Taaffe did not draw his attention to any prohibition against Catholics attending the gym that day. He instead advanced a case, totally without any medical evidence, that the Covid-19 vaccine was made from dissected foetuses and was satanic, Mr Murphy said. As a result of this belief the Complainant felt taking the vaccine would [be] incompatible with his religion. Mr. Murphy said that while he believed that feeling was genuinely held that did not make it factual or inherently related to Mr Taaffes Catholicism. As such I do not see how it can form the basis for a case of religious discrimination, he said. Click the 'Next >' arrow above or 'Next Story' below to go through the gallery Pupils of Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire in Ardee are in their 23rd year of engaging with the Green-Schools programme coordinated by An Taisce. They have successfully earned each of the available Green Flags as part of this initiative, focusing on themes such as litter and waste, travel, water, biodiversity, energy and global citizenship. Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire was approached in September 2022 to take part in a new pilot scheme by An Taisce called Primary Climate Ambassadors. It is one of just 21 schools nationwide invited to take part in this project, and the school says it is delighted to have been offered this opportunity. Some of the aims of this initiative include: Increasing climate literacy in senior primary students in Ireland; Combatting climate anxiety in young children through improved nature connection; Empowering students to take climate action in school, at home, and in the local community; Upskilling climate communications via public speaking and novel campaigns. The school's Primary Climate Ambassadors have undergone their training and are working towards raising more awareness in their local community about topical issues such as energy management and climate change. The Climate Ambassadors initiative integrates with the primary curriculum, while supporting children to learn about active citizenship. Pupils are making real choices and decisions for their school, while taking responsibility for implementing their ideas. They are also encouraged to use their voice to inspire others to take action through engagement with their peers, their parents & guardians and their local community. The Climate Ambassadors have been recently focusing on the theme of energy due to the current cost of living and energy crisis. They have worked with materials from the Home Energy Saving Kit available from local libraries to learn more about energy consumption in our school. One interesting fact that they learned was that the interactive whiteboard uses the most energy in each classroom. To help spread their message further, they approached a local organisation, Energy Team, based in Dunleer, Co. Louth. Energy Team provides energy education, assists with grant applications and manages retrofits. They offer advice on the best solutions that will reduce energy consumption, use renewable energy solutions, save money and help address the challenges of climate change. The Energy Team visited the school recently, accompanied by Gerry Reaburn from DKIT. The children learned more about responsible energy use and even got involved in calculating their energy consumption! The Primary Climate Ambassadors had their own mini exhibition about the work they do in school. They also gave live demonstrations on how to use the Home Energy Saving Kit from Ardee Library. They hope that this exhibition will give their peers and families ideas about how they can change their energy consumption for the better. In the near future, the pupils would like to see their school provided with solar panels. Solar panels are to be provided free of charge to every school in the country as part of the budget package announced in September 2022. They hope that their school can move to using renewable energy very soon! Louth Craftmark said they are pleased to announce their forthcoming group exhibition Greater Than >. The exhibition will be on display in The Basement Gallery, An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk. The renowned visual arts collective said they are delighted to officially open their show on Wednesday 29th March at 7pm, all welcome to attend. The free exhibition will run from Thursday 30th March until Saturday 15th April, with opening hours from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Louth Craftmark is widely recognised as one of the largest, and most respected visual arts collectives in Ireland. The exhibition will feature 29 members from the extensive Louth Craftmark Designers Network, with a broad range of artistic disciplines on show including ceramics, glass, jewellery, painting, print, mixed media, textiles, and sculpture. Founded in 2006, Louth Craftmark is a collective of talented Northeast based professional artists, designers, and craftspeople, who have come together to promote and support each other. The Louth Craftmark network has grown exponentially in recent years, now standing at 68 members in total. The title Greater Than > is open to interpretation by each of the artists exhibiting. The various themes being explored include inequality, gender, and school days gone by. Each artist will be taking their own inspiration from the theme to create a dedicated piece of art. Ceramicist Gillian Callan from Louth Craftmark said: Building on from our very successful Connective 22 Exhibition, and the fantastic Winter Weekender events last year, it gives us great joy to present our Greater Than > Exhibition in the Basement Gallery, in An Tain Arts Centre. Our members have been working tirelessly on brand new work, which they are very excited to exhibit to the public. I want to encourage anyone with an interest in art to come and see the beautiful pieces that we have on display, all of which have been created by visual artists in the northeast of Ireland. Paul Hayes, Director, An Tain Arts Centre said: "Its wonderful to welcome back Louth Craftmark to our Basement Gallery for the first time since the pandemic. We have hosted them a number of times before and they always deliver a selection of work that is of the highest quality and standard and are a wonderful showcase for local craft. For further information please visit: www.louthcraftmark.com Every TD in the Dail has been urged by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald to back a motion to extend the eviction ban until the end of January 2024. Speaking during leaders questions in the Dail, the Sinn Fein president said the proposed Bill would buy time for the Government to introduce measures to ease the housing crisis. But Taoiseach Leo Varadkar accused Mrs McDonald of trying to exploit peoples fears over homelessness and said the Government would introduce an amendment when the Bill is debated later on Tuesday. The Government has decided the evictions prohibition will run out at the end of the month as scheduled, despite facing calls from homelessness campaigners and opposition parties to extend it. While critics of the move claim it will result in more people becoming homeless, the Government has insisted prolonging the measure will see more landlords leave the rental market, reducing an already low supply of accommodation even further. Mrs McDonald told TDs that a report had been presented to Cabinet on Tuesday, stating that thousands of homes could be built on state owned land. She said: For years we have said building public homes on public land is the answer to the housing crisis, but you didnt want to know. This report lands on your desk three days before you lift a vital protection for renters, three days before you escalate a housing crisis that is already out of control, three days until you and your Government choose to increase homelessness. The clock is ticking for those whose eviction notices kick in from April 1. You made this decision without putting any adequate planning in place and you still refuse to answer the fundamental question: where are people to go? Mrs McDonald added: It doesnt have to be this way we have one last chance to stop thousands from losing their homes. The Sinn Fein Bill before the Dail tonight will extend the eviction ban, it will buy time for your Government to use emergency powers to ramp up the delivery of social and affordable homes and crucially to expand emergency accommodation. I am asking every TD to back this Bill. Dont vote to evict your own constituents into homelessness. But it shouldnt come to a vote, I ask you to reverse your decision before it is too late. Mr Varadkar told TDs that 50,000 new tenancies were created in Ireland last year. He added: That is the answer to your question where people will go: new tenancies. What you are doing is trying to exploit peoples fears and anxieties and fuel them, when you should be trying to reassure people and help them. He said the Government would put down a reasoned amendment to the Sinn Fein Bill stating what it had done in the last few months and what it intended to do in the future. Referring to the Sinn Fein motion, he said: It might be a response to the crisis but it is not a solution to it. Mrs McDonald said: Our Bill buys your Government time to do what you need to do. The demonstrable, unanswerable evidence of your absolute failure to provide housing, your failure to protect renters, the evidence of that is everywhere to be seen and felt. You have comprehensively failed, amongst all of your bluster, to answer the one question that matters, where do they go? The Taoiseach said the Sinn Fein Bill would help some people, but hurt plenty of others. Sinn Feins housing spokesperson said there had been a significant drop of almost 20% in commencements over the last 12 months. Speaking outside Leinster House, Eoin O Broin made a final appeal to independent TDs to support the partys Bill. Do not vote to allow homelessness to increase from this weekend, do not vote to send people into uncertainty, he said. China, Honduras establish ties without any precondition: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 09:08, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China greatly appreciates Honduras' decision to establish diplomatic ties with China, which is a political decision made by Honduras on the basis of the one-China principle and based on no preconditions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday. "Diplomatic relations are not a bargaining chip," spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing when asked about the issue. She added that over the past few years, when Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Nicaragua established or restored diplomatic relations with China, there were no preconditions whatsoever, neither was there any for Honduras. After the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Honduras, China will, on the basis of the one-China principle, act in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development, actively promote the mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields with Honduras, and contribute to its economic and social development and the well-being of the local people, Mao said. Noting that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan are widely known as an expert of using dollar diplomacy, Mao said "Taiwan independence" and dollar diplomacy have no future and any attempt to go against the trend of history will end in failure. In response to another question on whether China will allow Honduran students in Taiwan to transfer to the Chinese mainland to further their study, Mao said China cares deeply about Honduran students in Taiwan, and is ready to receive every one of them if they wish to come to study in the mainland. "The establishment of diplomatic relations will serve as our new starting point, as we set out to broaden cultural, people-to-people and educational exchanges and cooperation and bring our peoples closer to each other," Mao said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Property for Industry Limited (PFI, the Company) is pleased to announce that it has refinanced its $100 million loan facility from the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). The facility expiry date has been extended to 31 March 2025 and the facility has been increased from $100 million to $175 million. The extended facility is in addition to PFIs bonds and other bank facilities, which are detailed in the table below: (See table in the attached PDF) Post this refinancing, the weighted average term to expiry of the Companys bonds and bank facilities has increased to 2.8 years, as at 28 March 2023. PFI Chief Finance and Operating Officer, Craig Peirce, notes: We are very pleased to have refinanced the facility from one of our key banking partners, BNZ. High levels of liquidity from a diverse range of sources, coupled with low gearing, provide PFI with funding flexibility to execute on the Companys committed brownfield development opportunities at 30-32 Bowden Road and 78 Springs Road, both of which will target 5 Green Star ratings. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Restaurant Brands Q1 Sales Announcement TASK Group Q4 FY23 Quarterly Report and Appendix 4C TWR - AM Best affirms Tower Limited's A- (Excellent) FSR NZX Subordinated Notes - first election date April 24th Morning Report HBL Subordinated Notes Interest Rate Set HBL Subordinated Notes Offer - Offer Closed Rua Bioscience CFO Hamish White Resigns SML - Director of People & Culture appointed Seeka Provides the Results of Meeting - ASM SITTING inside a cocoon-like round structure made out of plywood and painted dark blue with spikes on the outside, and with books such as George Orwells 1984, Wuthering Heights and The Great Gatsby beside us, Im chatting with artist Catarina Araujo who built this space. Its one of four cocoons, designed and expedited by the artist in collaboration with four mental health practitioners. Two of them are on show at the Lord Mayors Pavilion in Fitzgeralds Park, where I met Catarina. The other two are in the nearby Cork Public Museum. Catarina, 29, who is from Portugal, came to Cork over five years ago where her sister lives. She was on the look-out for opportunities and wanted to live independently of her parents. It has worked out well for Catarina, who describes herself as a visual socially engaged artist, based at Sample Studios in Churchfield. She recently completed 15 months of an artist residency with Sample Studios as part of The Radical Institute Studios of Sanctuary programme for socially engaged artists from a refugee, asylum or migrant background. She was the recipient of the Artist-in-Residency programme from Waterford Healing Arts Trust. Artist Catarina Araujo, whose latest exhibition is running at the Lord Mayors Pavilion in Fitzgeralds Park and at Cork Public Museum, until April 22. Pictures: Sean Daly Catarina has won other awards including the Agility Award from the Arts Council. Having studied sculpture in Portugal, she has a Masters from the MTU Crawford College of Art & Design. She also works with the Beag programme for babies and toddlers in Graffiti Theatre Company. Interested in mental health, having spoken in the past about her own mental health challenges, Catarina was aware that mental health professionals played very much a supportive role, helping people through the pandemic. I thought it would be nice to do something to give back to them, she says. We started working together in 2021 at workshops. The word cocoon kept coming up at these meetings. It came to be associated with a state of being imposed on people by the State during Covid lockdowns. The four participants were invited to think about what expressions would illustrate their experience during the pandemic and to imagine and create their own cocoon (small-scale sculpture models) that would provide them with what they felt was lacking in their immediate environment. Catarina then built the cocoons to scale, based on the models. The cocoon we meet in is based on Johnny Goodwins model. A lecturer in mental health nursing in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UCC (and Catarinas mentor), Johnny, who has studied visual art, spread the word among his colleagues about Catarinas project. As Catarina says, she didnt have an end goal in mind. I wanted to talk to the mental health professionals to understand what Covid did to change their lives. Through conversations, there was a lot of talk about space and the lack of space, being sent home to work and trying to find a space to work in. In hospitals, all the rest spaces were gone. In the workshops, we talked a lot about reclaiming words. For me, it was the word cocooning. I was intrigued why the word kind of changed in the context of the pandemic. I invited the mental health professionals to start building spaces, imagining whatever they wanted. Johnnys design was inspired by his need for a space, just for himself. It would be where he could leave the world behind and be left alone. The spikes sticking out on the exterior of the sculpture are hedgehog-like. They scare people away. Then theres the secret door idea, leading to a space to read. Its an impressive structure that occupies a fair bit of space in one of the two rooms in the Lord Mayors Pavilion. The other exhibit in the building is by Caroline Newman, a nurse with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). She wanted something womb-like, a place she could lie down in, something round and comfortable. It has a weighted blanket and sheepskin. She has her music playlist there. Artist Catarina Araujo, whose latest exhibition is running at the Lord Mayors Pavilion in Fitzgeralds Park and at Cork Public Museum, until April 22. Pictures: Sean Daly Kate Murphy, who has a masters in psychology and works as a psychology assistant with the HSE, wanted to reclaim the word asylum. It was funny. The model she made broke when I tried to move it. But Kate was delighted because she really wanted to rebuild something. So she rebuilt it with the bits and pieces left. Her second experience of making a model felt like going back to when she was a child. Theres a lot of playful things going on there with Christmas lights and a tent and chocolate bars. The tent part is for lying down in. The other mental health professional involved is Alice Taylor, an art therapist and a nurse with CAMHS, who, like Kate, inspired Catarinas sculpture on show in the museum. The piece is called The Womb Space. The floor and walls are made of fake sheepskin so its very fluffy and comfortable with a teddy bear there and star lights. In building the exhibits, Catarina had to use the skills of a sculptor, a builder and an architect. With my background in sculpture, it was nice to get back to the physicality of that work, working with different materials. I worked with metal in Portugal. So it was nice to work with wood (mostly flexible plywood). I did the work at the National Sculpture Factory. It was great to have conversations there with other artists and it was brilliant to have the support from Sample Studios. Cocoon: Catch A Breath is at the Lord Mayors Pavilion and the Cork Public Museum in Fitzgeralds Park until April 22. THE conversation surrounding the crisis in Irelands hospitality industry is dominated by a narrative cloaked in despair. There are no chefs, and no-one wants to work in the industry is the de rigueur point of view. Undoubtedly, this reflects reality, but it hardly stokes the fire in anyone considering a hospitality career. The narrative must change for there to be hope of setting a new course. Its already happening in Cork, at a training centre providing qualifications and experience that works for both students and employers. Cork College of Further Education Westside Hospitality Centre is where this bright beacon of positivity can be found. The centre works hard to change negative perceptions of careers in hospitality in an environment that is supportive and encouraging. The mantra here promises all who pass through its doors a pathway to learning and a rewarding career. The commis chef class at Cork College of Further Education Westside Hospitality Centre. The centre is located on the Model Farm Road, part of the wider Cork Education Training Board and a satellite training centre of the colleges Bishopstown Campus. Established in 2019, the centre has built up a repertoire of professional training programmes with internationally recognised qualifications, highly experienced and enthusiastic instructors, links with other training centres and campuses in the college, and successfully completing courses and apprenticeships with thousands of students. The centre is the first FET to offer courses for both Adult and Post Leaving Certificate training provision for the hospitality sector in Ireland, with programmes delivered by the colleges Bishopstown and Morrisons Island campuses. Training programmes in kitchen, restaurant, bar, barista and accommodation skills are delivered at the training centre year-round and boasts state of the art facilities, including two professional kitchens fitted out to the highest standard, restaurant, barista suite, fully equipped bar and classrooms. There is even a mock hotel room, complete with en suite bedrooms, and facilities for learning professional linen laundry, flower and gift arranging, ensuring students are abreast with best practice and standards expected in the modern hospitality service. The commis chef class at Cork College of Further Education Westside Hospitality Centre Anne-Marie OKeeffe is Assistant Training Manager at Westfield Training Centre and explains each programme covers theory and practical aspects of learning underpinned by international recognised professional qualifications, equipping students with all they need for their hospitality career. The centre is home to the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship, a two-year programme of learning undertaken by students with the support of their employer. Students are taught by instructors Yeohan Cunningham and Justin Ryan two days per week at the centre and return to their workplace three days a week. Its a chance for students to earn as they learn and immediately use what they learn where they work. Commis chefs at the centre. The Commis Chef Apprenticeship is a QQI Level 6 qualification, and, as Justin Ryan says, for those who want to go further, completing the course is a gateway to going on and gaining culinary arts qualifications to level nine, (Masters equivalent), opening career paths from Chef de Partie (level 7) to Sous Chef (level 8) and Executive Head Chef (level 9). Yeohan says the apprenticeship isnt just about forging chef careers for students. The learning remit is broad, incorporating business, entrepreneurship, menu planning, product development, mentorship and health and safety skills in addition to how to be a chef. Ger OCallaghan is the lead instructor for the centres National Craft Butchery Apprenticeship, a QQI Level 5 qualification, and the only one in the Munster region. His background is as a master butcher, and in 2022 he represented Ireland in Sacramento, USA, at the World Butchers Challenge, winning an award for the best pork sausage in the world. We teach students about the abattoir, carcass selection, cutting and boning to get the most from the carcass and limit waste, different cuts for retail and hospitality. We teach them about curing, making bacon, sausages and puddings, and how to innovate for value added products, Ger says. Commis Chef Apprentices at the Westside Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan. Westside Hospitality Centre works in conjunction with O Crualaoi, Ballincollig, teaching skills such as sausage making, and Ger works with Yeohan and Justin on the Commis Chef Apprenticeship, too. When we get in a whole carcass, we work together across the programmes to use everything, Ger explains, illustrating why prime cuts like steaks are not only expensive, but wasteful if the yield from the whole animal isnt considered. With sustainability an important focus in the apprenticeships, teaching students to be aware of food waste and how to use and reduce at every interaction with food, not only feeds creativity for budding chefs, but also for future butchers. The National Commis Chef and Craft Butchery Apprenticeships are carried out exclusively in conjunction with industry and employers. A varied programme of certified courses in patisserie, restaurant skills and the successful regional West Cork Chef Academy is open to students already working in hospitality looking for training or upskilling. Pastillage handbag with flowers, also made during training. Courses offering City & Guilds in Professional Bartending and City & Guilds International Award in Barista Skills are open to anyone over the age of 18 and 16 respectively, either in the industry or just eager to learn a new skill. John Tynan leads the three-week course on professional bartending, and says he loves opening students; eyes to the world of drinks by delving into history and origins to add something extra to their learning. Students learn how to pour the perfect pint and mix a delicious cocktail, but theyll also learn about the social aspects of bartending, including appreciation the difference between budget and premium spirits, and practical skills such as cleaning lines or bar supervision. It helps to broaden students horizons about what their future employment could be, says John, who teaches interested individuals and seasoned professionals alike. Corporate clients can be catered for, too, with training courses delivered to a schedule that works for the business. In the barista training suite, Michael OShea teaches a three-day intensive course to students from all walks of life and ages. We go through the history of coffee, its journey from farm to cup, how to make different beverages, customer service and equipment management and maintenance. In the final exam, students must make seven drinks in 16 minutes. Its a tall order, achievable but designed to mimic the time management required in a real-life barista environment. Another attractive feature for undertaking the barista course is the internationally recognised qualification. I like to say the barista course provides students with the Two Cs: Competence and Confidence, Michael says. If you want to go to Australia and work as a barista, you must have this qualification. That exemplifies what Westfield Hospitality Centre is all about: its here to address the staff shortages in the domestic hospitality industry and upskill those already working in it, but also to expand horizons. Some of the dishes created at the Course completed and certificate in hand, anyone can work anywhere in the world as a chef, professional bartender or barista. Despite opening in 2019, I hadnt heard of Westside Hospitality Centre until recently. This exceptional facility and its inspiring instructors have quietly built their offering and are now ready to accelerate growth. Weve successfully put students through all the programmes, learned what needed to be tweaked or improved, and now we feel that were in the place where we should be, telling more people about what we do here, Anne-Marie OKeeffe says. A pastry chef in action. When it comes to working with businesses and employers, because all of our programmes are funded by SOLAS [an agency of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science] most of the time when we work out what the cost to the employer will be to send a student here, its either zero cost or minimal cost to them. Calculating cost to release students to the centre for college days alongside the earn-as-you-learn element of the apprenticeships, for example, may mean students and employers are accessing training, upskilling and high-level qualifications for themselves and their staff at a value of thousands of euros for almost nothing. Right now, spending on staff training may seem like an unaffordable luxury for employers, yet training will always yield benefits for individuals and businesses. Knowing quality training is available in Cork, well-funded, with great supports for students that need it, and qualifications that work, while acting as a beacon for positive change in an industry under pressure, can only be a good thing. For course information, visit www.bishopstowncampus.ie/westside-hospitality-training-facility-2/ or Instagram @corkcollege_bishopstowncampus THE search is on for the next Cork Rose of Tralee. The 2022 Cork Rose, Jenny Byrne, launched the campaign last Friday. This years Cork selection will take place on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, at The Metropole Hotel, which is also the sponsor. Ms Byrne was joined by the Cork Rose Centre co-ordinators, Katie Conolly and Heather Mulcahy, and representatives of the Cork Rose committee, as well as Metropole Deputy general manager, Jan Mitchell, and conference and sales manager, Eoghan Hedderman. Cork Rose centre co-lead, Heather Mulcahy, said: Cork has taken the Rose of Tralee title three times during the festivals history, with Josie Ruane in 1961, Denise Murphy OSullivan in 1991, and Geraldine OGrady Finn in 1999. Its high time the Rebel County did it again! Entrants will enjoy several days out, including a Rose tour around some of Corks finest establishments and landmarks. The woman chosen to represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival will enjoy a wonderful fortnight in August, beginning with the Rose tour, alongside the other national and international Roses, and, in Tralee, the chance to take part in the parades and gala functions; rounded off with her live interview on RTE with the Kerry legend himself, Daithi O Se. The 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 1822. Irelands flagship family festival, the Rose of Tralee International Festival continues to grow in popularity, with more than 100,000 enjoying all that was on offer across the five-day event. As well as inviting possible Rebel Roses to apply, The Rose of Tralee is also seeking some of Corks finest men to be escorts. The 2022 Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year, Shane McHugh, urged men not be shy in applying for the festival: Well, what a year its been so far! Ive travelled the four corners of Ireland, clocking the miles. The key takeaway for me has been the lifelong friendships made. All I can say is, lads get your applications in! PEOPLE across Cork are being encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes to try some new dancing styles this week. A new opportunity is coming your way to discover what dance is all about. The Tribe Dance Academy is hosting a special open night on Wednesday this week, March 29, and are inviting everyone to join a free evening where you will have a chance to learn the fundamentals of all the styles taught at The Tribe. Be it the glamorous Bachata, the playful Salsa, or the trance-like Kizomba, all these options will be taught in just a few hours, free of charge. Simply head over to The Tribe website, thetribeda.com, and come to the Middle Parish Community Centre at 6.45pm on Wednesday, March 29, to join fellow beginners for a night of discovery of these popular dance styles. Worry not if you are on your own: in these dance styles, everyone dances with everyone else so you will find plenty of partners at the venue. And, under the attentive supervision of the Tribe staff, two left feet are transformed into a matching pair, and everyone gets to experience the joy of movement. There are side effects that need to be mentioned, however. There have been numerous reports of bouts of giggles, hugs, and friendships occurring on the premises of the Tribe Dance Academy. Physical and cognitive improvements have also been reported, as well as mental health impacts related to joining a warm, welcoming and friendly community. Considering the impact of such side effects, we advise you to take a moment of reflection, and once your decision is made, register for the event and simply bring yourself to the Tribe Dance Academy to start your discovery. Corks overstretched Firefighters deserve better pay and conditions given the challenges they face such as tackling gorse fires or saving lives at the scenes of road traffic collisions, according to local Councillors. Fine Gael Cllr Caroline Cronin called on both Cork County Council and on the Department of Local Government to review the pay of firefighters. It is urgent that we address these vital emergency services in rural areas before it literally becomes an emergency, said Ms Cronin. The recent gorse fires throughout west Cork have highlighted both the shortage of part-time Cork County Council fire crews in certain stations as well as the extreme conditions that these crews are forced to work under. From Sunday, February 26, to Monday the 27th, a skeleton crew of just seven firefighters based in Schull were forced to work through the night. On the Tuesday, the Schull crew was limited to just five firefighters as they continued to fight the gorse fires. These facts highlight that the Schull Fire Station, which covers a huge geographical area, from Ballydehob to the Mizen Head, and from Durrus to Dunmanus Bay, is far overstretched, said Ms Cronin. The crew had been reduced to seven, due to retirements and resignations by relatively young members. The part-time positions offer unattractive rewards for the risks and the sacrifices made by the firefighters being on call, added Ms Cronin. Party colleague Cllr Michael Murtagh, a member of the emergency services, seconded the motion. Read More Corks Michelin ambitions hit the jackpot with a newly starred restaurant and a second nod for Dede Mr Murtagh said the retained County Brigade fire services are now expected to provide a wide range of services, besides firefighting. They now do river rescue and heights rescue, all the things that would have been confined to a full-time service before, he said. Recently, they tended to a massive fire at R&H Hall in Ringaskiddy. These guys have to be skilled in breathing apparatus wearing, and rescue and management, at these scenes. We also have road traffic collisions throughout the county. Firefighters have to be trained in dealing with hazardous chemicals and materials, pharmaceuticals, explosions, and emergency cardiac first responses. Last Saturday, they were called out to help with a resuscitation at Cork University Hospital. There are high-line technical rope and heights rescues. People who climb up cranes, and they get stuck and need help: Firefighters go up and they have to use technical rope equipment to do that, said Mr Murtagh. Heavy vehicle emergency driving is another skill. The type of candidate required, with the capacity to fulfil these skills, are individuals of high quality calibre, said Mr Murtagh. When the funding isnt there to pay individuals like that, you dont get that calibre, unfortunately. Thats why were struggling for numbers at the moment. Plans to increase the number of personnel in retained stations to 16 from 10 are on hold. We cant even get 10, said Mr Murtagh. There are seven in Schull. Poor pay and conditions mean that the fire service is not conducive to family life, he added. Environmental Director of Services, Louis Duffy, said that challenges associated with both the recruitment and retention of retained firefighter personnel are being experienced by many local authorities around the country as is evidenced in the recently published review, entitled Retained Fire Services in Ireland A Review of Recruitment and Retention and the Future Sustainability of Service Delivery. The publication of this review follows extensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, together with in-depth research and analysis of the current model for fire service delivery in Ireland and in other jurisdictions, he said. The review sets out recommendations in key strategic areas to ensure a sustainable and effective fire service delivery model into the future. A process for implementation of the recommendations, which includes engagement with the Local Government Management Agency and staff interest groups, has recently commenced through the Retained Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group under the remit of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, added Mr Duffy. CORK Airport has officially launched its 2023 summer schedule which includes 1.2 million seats across 44 scheduled routes, operated by eight airlines. Over 2.5 million passengers are forecasted to travel through the airport. This summer, Ryanair will operate their largest ever summer schedule at Cork Airport, with 29 routes to choose from. Of these, five are new summer routes with twice-weekly services to Seville, La Rochelle, Venice Treviso and Rome Fiumicino along with a three-times weekly service to East Midlands. Ryanair will also operate increased frequencies on 11 routes this summer - London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Lanzarote, Malaga, Faro, Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona Reus, and Bordeaux. Aer Lingus has resumed services to Faro and Malaga, while services to Dubrovnik and Palma de Mallorca will recommence in May. Aer Lingus has increased frequencies on the Malaga and Faro routes from Cork Airport this summer, with the airline operating a daily service to Malaga and a six-times weekly service to Faro in the months of July and August. Aer Lingus will also maintain key European hub connectivity to Amsterdam Schiphol (six-times weekly with two services on Monday, Friday, and Sunday) and London-Heathrow, with a four-times-daily service to the latter. Last Sunday, Cork Airport welcomed the return of Air France, operating a daily service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, providing direct air access to the French capital and superb onward connectivity across the wider Air France global network. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will operate a twice-daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol while Lufthansa and SWISS International Air Lines (operated by Edelweiss) will return in April, operating services to Frankfurt and Zurich respectively, complementing the range of European flag carriers that are operating at Irelands second busiest airport. Our 2023 Summer Schedule got off to a flying start today Earlier, we welcomed back @Ryanair services to Girona, Reus and Bordeaux, @AerLingus service to Faro and @airfrance service to Paris CDG. View our full list of summer routes on https://t.co/5VmQb9TR4n#LoveTakingOff pic.twitter.com/B0FTrhmQkT Cork Airport (@CorkAirport) March 26, 2023 Aer Lingus Regional will restore important connectivity to the south-west of the UK as it commences a six-times weekly service to Bristol. This new service, operated by Emerald Airlines will provide great access for passengers across the South of Ireland to Bristol, Bath, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire, the West Country as well as Wales. SUN HOLIDAYS Cork Airport will offers a selection of routes to some of Europes most popular sun hotspots including Ryanair services to Sardinia (Alghero), Valencia, Tenerife, Alicante, Pisa, and Aer Lingus services to Dubrovnik and Lanzarote. Speaking at the launch of the Cork Airport 2023 Summer Schedule, Head of Aviation Business Development, Tara Finn said: We have an incredibly jam-packed summer schedule on offer at Cork Airport this year. With 44 routes across the UK and Continental Europe, there is superb choice to be had from Irelands second-busiest airport. "The highlights of this years extensive summer schedule are new routes to great destinations such as Seville, La Rochelle, Rome, and Venice Treviso along with increased frequencies on no less than 13 routes. "Business passengers will be well catered for this summer, with the return of services to Frankfurt with Lufthansa, twice-daily services to Amsterdam Schiphol with KLM and the much-anticipated return of a daily service to Paris Charles de Gaulle with Air France. Managing Director at Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy added: We have a great team in Cork Airport, working hard every day to make your passenger journey easier. We strive to provide friendly service, in a spotlessly clean building with short, easy security queues, friendly greetings upon your return trip and fast baggage return to get you on your way quickly. "Our travel advisory remains to arrive 90 minutes before your flight, and we will see you safely on your way. Passengers planning to fly from Cork Airport this summer are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time to allow for a hassle-free airport experience. Since the start of the year, an average of 96% of passengers have cleared security in less than 15 minutes. Cork Airport has consistently ranked highly for customer service, with recent, independent market research showing that passengers gave a high score of 4.7/5.0 for customer satisfaction. For a full list of destinations this summer, check out corkairport.com . A two-month jail term was imposed on a young man who admitted handing his heroin to a woman to mind for him. Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the jail term on Leigh Moran of St. Vincents hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, at Cork District Court. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the young man, who had two previous drug possession convictions, was presently doing well in prison with addiction counselling, education and attending at the gym. He has work available to him on his release from prison, Mr Buttimer said. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said at Cork District Court that the incident occurred on May 27, 2020 at Parnell Place bus station. On that date he was stopped with a woman at the bus station for the purpose of them being searched. While being searched it was discovered that the woman had a package in a tin foil wrapping which contained another clear wrapping filled with brown powder. It was concealed in her undergarments, Sgt. Davis said. The suspected heroin was tested at the Forensic Science laboratory and found to be that drug. A voluntary cautioned memo of interview was taken by gardai in which Leigh Moran admitted handing the diamorphine (heroin) to the woman with the intention of getting it back. It had a street value of 120. A WOMAN was in such fear of her husband that she hid from him at their home and then fled to her mothers where he arrived on a later date highly intoxicated and with a dagger on the floor of his car. These incidents occurred on dates in February. Now at Cork District Court he has been sentenced to three months imprisonment. Defence solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said the accused did not realise he was an alcoholic until he was remanded in custody and had to be put on Librium because of the severity of his withdrawal from alcohol. The 49-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of putting his wife in fear in breach of a safety order. He now accepts he is an alcoholic and why his wife had to go and get a safety order, Mr Kelleher said. Even before Sergeant Gearoid Davis reminded the judge of the evidence, Judge Olann Kelleher said, I am very familiar with the case. It was unusual. She hid in the house. She escaped. He came back again in defiance of court orders. Judge Kelleher said the presence of a dagger in the footwell of the car in the circumstances was concerning. Mr Kelleher, solicitor, said it was an ornamental weapon brought home from a Spanish holiday and the accused had forgotten that it was even in the car. Garda David Ahern said the complainant moved house after the first safety order breach on February 13. However, on Sunday night (February 19) he turned up outside his wifes mothers address looking for her. On the arrival of gardai he was exiting his vehicle. He was highly intoxicated and extremely agitated. The vehicle began rolling on a slope. I had to get in and pull up the handbrake. As I did I saw an object in the footwell of the front passenger seat. It turned out to be a dagger. He acknowledged it was there, that it was his. His excuse was that he had it for fighting knackers. His wife was absolutely terrified, Garda Ahern said. The defendant said in a court appearance soon after the February 19 incident, he was breaching his bail but that he just wanted to speak to his wife. I cant understand what is after happening. I dont understand how it got this far with her. We are married at least 20-odd years. We were on holidays a few weeks ago. When Im good Im good. When I drink I gets angry not towards her. I shouts. No physical, the defendant said. When it was put to him that he said something different to the guards about having the knife for fighting, he said, I was just throwing out things. I was angry. I never did any harm to that woman. I looked after her. She looked after me. Reminded of saying that he had it for fighting knackers, he said, Oh that was a lie. Judge Olann Kelleher acknowledged the attitude now shown by the defendant but said a custodial sentence had to be imposed. FORMER An Bord Pleanala deputy chairman Paul Hyde has appeared in court on nine counts of failing to comply with planning laws. The 50-year-old appeared before Skibbereen District Court regarding nine summonses, one for each year from 2014 to 2022, inclusive. Mr Hyde, with an address at 4 Castlefields, Baltimore in Co Cork, was present in court when the matter came before Judge James McNulty. Mr Hyde stood back from his duties with the planning board last May and subsequently resigned last July and has previously denied any wrongdoing. The nine summons relate to alleged breaches of Section 147 of the Planning and Development Act. The first is that on or about April 29, 2014, when purporting to comply with the requirements of Section 147 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, that he gave particulars which were false or which were to his knowledge misleading in a material respect, contrary to Section 147 (11) of the same Act. The other charges relate to similar alleged offences on or about January 26, 2015, January 19, 2016, January 31, 2017, January 19, 2018, January 14, 2019, January 22, 2020, February 5, 2021, and January 31 of last year. The prosecuting Garda is Sgt Shane Curtis of Sundrive Road Garda Station in Dublin. In court, Clodagh Grace for the State Solicitors Office said it was the first day the case had appeared in the list and she was looking for a date for either a plea to be entered or to fix a date for trial. Ms Grace said full disclosure would be made but it would take some time. Paula McCarthy BL, for Mr Hyde and instructed by Colette McCarthy of Wolfe and Co Solicitors, said disclosure had not been received as yet and that with the upcoming Easter break and remaining business she had to attend to in the circuit court, it may mean a wait for a preferred date, such as in late May. Ms Grace said her Detective was in difficulty regarding a suggested date in mid-June. Judge McNulty directed that disclosure be made to Ms McCarthy and adjourned the matter until June 27 next, in Skibbereen, at 2pm, for either a plea or to fix a date. I would have liked it to be dealt with earlier, now it will be dealt with later, he said. Sixties music legend Donovan is facing charges of being drunk in charge of a vehicle and then of failing to provide a sample at a Garda station, with a court in West Cork hearing other charges may follow. Donovan Leitch, 76 and with an address at Castlemagner, Kanturk in Co Cork, was not present in Skibbereen District Court when the case was brought before Judge James McNulty. Mr Leitch has been charged with being drunk in charge of a vehicle, contrary to Section 5.1 of the Road Traffic Act, at Aghills in Skibbereen on February 11 of this year. On the same date it is alleged that he failed to provide a sample to gardai at Bantry Garda Station contrary to Section 12.2 of the Road Traffic Act. In court in Skibbereen Judge James McNulty heard that Mr Leitchs solicitor, Lettie Baker, had made an application last Thursday in Bantry District Court, excusing her clients appearance before the court in Skibbereen today. Sgt Paul Kelly said: There are additional charges to be preferred. Judge McNulty adjourned the matter until May 9 next, when any additional charges will be brought. The acclaimed songwriter, whose hits include Hurdy Gurdy Man, Mellow Yellow and Sunshine Superman, has lived in Ireland for many years. His most recent album, 'Gaelia', was released just last December. A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a Passage West-based woman following her conviction for assaulting three women during separate incidents in the town. Cases against 22-year-old Denise Cawley, of Parker Place, Passage West, Co Cork, were listed for hearing at Cork District Court, but she failed to attend court for the cases. Her solicitor, Donal Daly, was present without the accused. Judge Marian OLeary heard evidence of four separate incidents including the three for carrying out assaults. The judge then issued the warrant to have the defendant brought to court to be sentenced. Eve OSullivan, who is aged around 20, testified that she was having a drink at the Criterion Bar in Passage West on January 29, 2022, when Cawley came in. I knew there was going to be a breakout because I dont know she has something against me, said Ms OSullivan. I knew something was going to kick off. I walked to the smoking area. I felt someone hit the left side of my face. Ms OSullivan said she also said hello to a young man in the area and he said hello to her and that Cawley asked: What the f*** are you looking at, girl? The witness said she replied: Im not looking at you, I am saying hello to my friend. "That is when she hit me in the face. On February 13, 2022, another woman aged around 20, Laura ODonovan, was in Aldi in Passage West doing her shopping. Denise approached me in Aldis, she testified. She said she was going to take my head off outside, she was going to kill me. I said, Leave me alone, Denise. Outside I got a bang in the back of the head. She grabbed me by the hair. Workers and people doing shopping separated us She [the defendant] was sticking up her middle finger. The third witness, Patricia ODonovan, said that on May 8, she was shopping in Passage West when she saw the defendant coming towards her on the street. I didnt get what she said, said Ms ODonovan. She lifted her hand and pushed me in the chest She hit me in the chest. Judge OLeary convicted the accused on all three assaults and issued the warrant for her arrest, on the application of Inspector Martin Canny. The cases were investigated by Detective Garda Tom Delaney. Victim impact statements will now have to be prepared. A NEW report from the Land Development Agency (LDA) has identified 14 sites in Cork City which have the potential to deliver up to 16,080 affordable homes. The Report on Relevant Public Land identifies 83 state-owned land sites nationally and assesses them as having the development potential for up to 67,000 homes. Much of the land involved is brownfield and located in existing urban centres in cities and towns with strong public transport links, suitable infrastructure, and other facilities nearby, said the LDA. Some of the sites are currently in use by public bodies. The LDA said there are complexities with many of the sites and substantial further work will be required to unlock their potential. This process is likely to be complex and any development projects will take varying lengths of time to complete depending on the level of constraints involved. Some of the sites may require rezoning. Class 1 lands with the least known constraints with near- to medium-term delivery potential - within five years - include a 5.5-hectare car park and undeveloped land owned by Cork City Council at Estuary Drive and St Michaels Drive, near Mahon Point, potentially yielding between 290 and 410 homes. The 5.9 ha Cork County Council Depot near the Farranlea Rd could yield between 360 and 510 homes. A 5.2 ha parcel of land adjacent to Gas Networks Ireland on the Rockboro Rd owned by Bord Gais Eireann, ESB, may yield between 220 to 310 homes. Other possible projects Class 2 sites considered to have moderate known constraints with medium- to long-term delivery potential include a 2.1ha animal laboratory on the Model Farm Rd owned by the minister for agriculture, yielding 140 to 200 homes, and the 2.5ha Capwell Rd bus depot owned by CIE, with potential for 150 to 210 homes. A part of the 7.3ha ESB Networks site on Sarsfield Rd is identified for transfer to the LDA under the Housing For All plan. It has potential for 310 and 450 homes. A 5.1ha ETB site at Rossa Avenue, owned by Cork Education and Training Board, has potential for 300 to 420 homes. A 4.9ha site at the Cork North Docks owned by CIE is currently used for car parking, a bus station, or is undeveloped land. It has potential for 400 to 520 homes. The 4.7ha CSO HQ at the Lough Mahon Technology Park has potential for 300 to 400 homes. A 4.3ha former prison and part of a military barracks, adjacent to Cork Prison, owned by the minister for justice, may yield up to 570 homes. A 7.6ha Marina Generating Station site owned by the ESB is estimated to yield 690 to 930 homes, while a 2ha Monahan Rd site owned by Bord na Mona has a yield potential of between 170 to 220 homes. Long-term potential Class 3 sites considered complex land with numerous constraints, requiring infrastructure and a forward-planning-led approach and which generally need long-term delivery potential include 77 ha of land at Kilbarry owned by the IDA, yielding up to 3,250 and 4,420 homes. Also in this category is the 61 ha Tivoli Industrial Estate owned by the Port of Cork Company which has the potential for 4,830 to 6,510 homes. Speed of delivery crucial Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Colm Burke TD said State-owned companies can be slow to deliver on projects. He said where State-owned lands are available, there should be detailed discussions in the fastest possible time period with those State agencies to see what land they can release, which can be used for housing, and which would not in any way interfere with their future development plans. Could you set up a time frame, that the owners of every one of those 14 sites would be able to come back within a six-month time period and confirm: This is what we are prepared to make available, or this is the reason we cant make it all available? He said they should set out a clear plan for what their future proposals are for the remaining land, so you dont have a scenario where you go in and start building on land which would not be advantageous to those residents who might be moving into those houses. By Sam Blewett, PA Deputy Political Editor Britain's intelligence agency MI5 has increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris cited a small number of individuals who remain determined to use politically motivated violence. Announcing the change on Tuesday, he urged the public to remain vigilant but not be alarmed. The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in the North, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell (David Young/PA) The threat level for Britain remains at substantial, meaning an attack is considered likely. Northern Irelands level had been lowered to substantial a year ago the first time it had been altered since 2010. In a written statement to British MPs, Mr Heaton-Harris said MI5 had increased the threat level to the region from Northern Ireland-related terrorism independently of ministers. The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, he said. He said that despite the success of the Good Friday Agreement a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland related terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Vow Food's cultivated meatball made, in part, with wooly mammoth DNA, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on March 28, 2023. Vow Food The concept of a mammoth meatball might conjure up an image of a gigantic meatball at a county fair, but Australian cultured meat company Vow Food which cultivates meat from animal cells without the slaughter of animals has produced a meatball that incorporates DNA from the extinct woolly mammoth. The first-ever recreation of the flesh of the extinct creature is meant to show the potential of lab-grown meat, and to call attention to the large-scale raising and slaughter of livestock that is responsible for the destruction of forests and the wildlife and ecosystems that depend on them, reported The Guardian. We need to start rethinking how we get our food. My biggest hope for this project is that a lot more people across the world begin to hear about cultured meat, said Vows Chief Scientific Officer James Ryall, as CNN reported. The 0.88-pound meatball isnt actually intended to be eaten and only contains a small amount of woolly mammoth DNA. The scientists made a synthesized gene created from the DNA sequence of the woolly mammoth found in a genome database available to the public. Gaps in the sequence were filled in with African elephant genome data, and the synthesized gene was grown in the muscle cell of a sheep. From a genomic point of view, its only one gene amongst all the other sheep genes that is mammoth. Its one gene out of 25,000, said Ernst Wolvetang, professor and senior group leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Queensland, who was part of the project, as reported by CNN. Vow has been looking at combining cells from species that arent commonly consumed, like crocodile, alpaca, peacock and kangaroo, to create different meat varieties, The Guardian reported. Japanese quail will be the first type of cultured meat to be sold in restaurants and will be available in Singapore later this year. The goal is to transition a few billion meat eaters away from eating [conventional] animal protein to eating things that can be produced in electrified systems, said Vow CEO George Peppou, as reported by The Guardian. And we believe the best way to do that is to invent meat. We look for cells that are easy to grow, really tasty and nutritious, and then mix and match those cells to create really tasty meat. Raising livestock for meat production is believed to contribute as much as 14.5 percent of human-produced greenhouse gas emissions, BBC News reported. Cultured meat doesnt produce any methane and uses much less water and land than raising livestock for slaughter. Its a little bit strange and new its always like that at first. But from an environmental and ethical point of view, I personally think [cultivated meat] makes a lot of sense, said Wolvetang, as reported by The Guardian. It is believed that planetary warming following the last ice age and hunting by humans drove the majestic mammoth to extinction. We chose the woolly mammoth because its a symbol of diversity loss and a symbol of climate change, co-founder of Vow Food Tim Noakesmith told The Guardian. Neither Wolvetang nor Ryall had tasted the meatball because of safety concerns. Normally, we would taste our products and play around with them. But we were hesitant to immediately try and taste because were talking about a protein that hasnt existed for 5,000 years. Ive got no idea what the potential allergenicity might be of this particular protein, Ryall said, as The Guardian reported. [W]e have no idea how our immune system would react when we eat it, Wolvetang said. But if we did it again, we could certainly do it in a way that would make it more palatable to regulatory bodies. The mammoth meatball had its debut at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. Cebu, Philippines governor opposes culling of pigs over ASF concerns The Governor of Cebu, the Philippines, Gwendolyn Garcia, reiterated on March 27 an earlier call on the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to forego the culling of pigs suspected of having been infected with the African swine fever (ASF) virus. In a press conference, Garcia cited the negative effect on the local supply of pork should the agency continue its culling policy on pigs that fall within the 500-meter radius. Garcia maintained that there is no ASF outbreak in Cebu as the infection was only reported in six out of 53 localities in the island province. The governor's statement came as BAI announced on March 20 that they detected ASF in Cebu City and the towns of Tuburan, Sibonga, Liloan and Bogo City, in addition to Carcar City where the deadly virus afflicting pigs was first discovered on March 1. She said the provincial government will exert all efforts to save the local hog industry and protect the consumers from the effect of a shortage of pork if culling is pursued even in pigs that have not displayed clinical signs of the viral disease. "So you continue to kill these pigs, you continue to reduce our local supply, and, in effect, kill our local hog industry in exchange for imported meat," Garcia said. The governor said she suspected a classical swine fever (CSF) inflicted on the pigs in Cebu, adding that although this disease is endemic in Asia, it can be prevented through the anti-hog cholera vaccine. Lawyer Donato Villar Jr., the capitol's legal officer, said they recently went to Carcar City to gather sworn statements from backyard hog raisers who are opposed to the culling policy. Villar said many of the piggeries in Cebu have become a source of livelihood for the Cebuanos. Meanwhile, Garcia released a memo addressed to mayors, directing them to form the Barangay Swine Fever Task Force as a way to combat ASF in villages. - Philippine News Agency Alsons Aquaculture invests US$3.6 million to expand inland aquaculture project Philippines' firm Alsons Aquaculture Corporation (AAC) of the Alcantara group will invest PHP 200 million (~US$3.6 million; PHP 10 = US$0.18) to expand its inland-based aquaculture project in Alabel, Sarangani province, south of the country, Fish Information & Services reported. According to AAC, the project will take three years to complete. To meet the expanding market demand, the expansion project will add an additional 5,000 tonnes of annual production over 193.68 hectares of adjacent land. For the expansion project, which will involve the building and administration of new aquaculture facilities, AAC is looking for an environmental compliance certificate (ECC). By utilising the natural resources of the region, such as the Buayan River and Sarangani Bay's brackish water, the project hopes to promote sustainable aquaculture practises. By utilising the natural resources of the region, such as the Buayan River and Sarangani Bay's brackish water, the project hopes to promote sustainable aquaculture practises. Many aquaculture species can be found in brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salt water. Shrimp, tilapia, and milkfish can all thrive in brackish water conditions. By lowering the amount of freshwater needed for operation, using this type of water in aquaculture can also lessen the project's impact on the environment, according to AAC. The company said that its proposed expansion would offer an additional food source both locally and internationally, as food security has become a global concern. AAC is the Philippines' largest processor and exporter of premium quality bangus and many other processed seafood products. AAC is involved in the production of bangus, tilapia, and other marine cultured species. The increased production capacity will help the Philippines meet market demand. The country is the biggest exporter of bangus. AAC said this new facility will accommodate additional tilapia and prime bangus production for the municipality of Alabel, gradually contributing to the increased level of food security in the local government unit. AAC currently exports its products to the US, Canada, Guam, Australia, China, and the Middle East. AAC keeps 12,000 spawners of various ages in its 30-hectare hatchery farm, where they are grown and processed into more than 4,000 metric tonnes of aquaculture products annually in inland ponds. The company operates two processing plants in Mindanao and one in the Visayas. - Fish Information & Services Humane Society International event in Malaysia focuses on cage-free egg production in country Business leaders, egg producers and government representatives in Malaysia gathered at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Kuala Lumpur this month to explore cage-free egg production in the country. The landmark event, hosted by Humane Society International, comes at the beginning of a wave of cage-free egg production in Malaysia and beyond as producers across the world prepare to meet the shifting market and rising customer demand for higher welfare eggs. Recent surveys show that 84% of Malaysians agree that the welfare of farmed animals is important and most prefer to purchase cage-free eggs. As a major egg producer in the region, Malaysia is poised to be a leader in supplying the growing consumer demand for products from higher welfare farming systems, Humane Society International said. During the event, scientists and veterinarians from Humane Society International and Wageningen University (the Netherlands) gave research-based information on cage-free egg production. Both local and international corporations with cage-free pledges, including Accor and Hyatt hotels, Old Town White Coffee and Farm Cafe described their commitments to social responsibility and animal welfare. Successful cage-free egg producers shared their stories and their reasons for transitioning from cages to cage-free. Humane Society International's senior adviser of policy and engagement for the farm animal welfare department, Dr. Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, stated: "Providing adequate room is a basic tenet of farm animal care and housing. Humane Society International is eager to assist egg producers who wish to embrace more scientifically advanced, socially accepted and higher welfare methods of production. This event demonstrated that the future is without a doubt cage-free." The audience at the event also received advice and guidance from egg producers in Taiwan and Mexico who have already made the transition. - Humane Society International Regulatory updates, control systems cyber protection addressed at USPOULTRY's 2023 Feed Mill Management Seminar Feed industry professionals recently gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, the United States, for USPOULTRY's 2023 Feed Mill Management Seminar. Programme elements covered a multitude of topics, from regulatory updates to shrink control, control systems cyber protection, evolving energy opportunities, dust accumulation and more. Isaac Kinnard, network engineer for CPM Beta Raven, and Pete Ensch, president and chief executive officer of WEM Automation, discussed the significance of cyber protection for mill control systems. The importance of segregating mill systems from the internet and implementing appropriate access controls was discussed, including suggestions on how to do this. Ways to prepare for, mitigate and recover from a cyber attack were also discussed. Dr. Adam Fahrenholz, associate professor with the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University, spoke about the changing hiring landscape and the importance of positioning organisations so that they can successfully recruit and retain feed mill employees. The construction of feed mills in remote locations has advantages but also reduces the available pool of employees. Fahrenholz noted that feed mills have incorporated more automation and technology, requiring specific technical knowledge in addition to operational knowledge. Methods of developing employees and considerations made at various levels of the organisation were also discussed. In partnership with USPOULTRY and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), Gary Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs at AFIA, presented the 2022 Integrator Feed Facility of the Year award to Mountaire Farms' Scotland County feed mill in Maxton, North Carolina. Notable aspects of the facility's application included commitment to employee safety, particularly Mountaire's "Goal Zero" programme, as well as community involvement through the "Mountaire Cares" programme and animal food safety. - USPOULTRY Political party says it will stop Norway's salmon tax if reelected Norway's Conservative party said it will scrap a controversial salmon tax if reelected in 2025. The party's leadership also hinted that European Union membership could be on the agenda again. At the party's annual conference, senior officials said the salmon tax, also known as the ground rent tax, should be replaced by something closer to the Faroese model. The party has been under pressure from the industry to take a firm stand against the current Norwegian government's tax proposal. The government, led by the Labour and Centre parties, has seen its poll ratings plummet over both the cost of living issue and the salmon tax. - Fish Farmer Laos stops pork imports from Vietnam over ASF concerns Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the suspension of pork imports, including live pigs and processed products, from Vietnam and other countries hit by the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). Relevant units will monitor illegal import at international, local and international border gates and international airports. Additionally, pork that has been smuggled or illegally imported into Laos are ordered to be destroyed. In 2020, the country suspended the import of pork from China and Thailand after detecting seven ASF outbreaks, with 973 dead pigs in Salavan province. Most recently in January, Laos also halted the import of pork from Thailand. - Vietnam Plus Used water from washing uncooked soybeans provides potential nutritional alternative for fish, study finds Murky wastewater from washing uncooked staples like rice or soybeans may eventually become microbial factories' to grow food for fish at an industrial scale. Scientists from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) have found that various microbial organisms in used water from soy processing plants can become a "substantial" amount of protein. These microbes multiply even when simply stirred at room temperature in bioreactors making it a cheap, convenient and sustainable way to synthesise protein. The proof-of-concept study, which will be published in the journal Science Of The Total Environment in May, shows that such wastewater itself is nutrient rich and can support the growth of microbial communities containing many types of beneficial bacteria that can produce vitamins or probiotics. Once the nutrients in the water are exhausted, the microbes can be dried and harvested as protein. Around 40% of the dried biomass extracted from exhausted soy processing wastewater is viable protein, with essential amino acids needed for fish aquaculture. Professor Stefan Wuertz, who led the study, said the new finding has the potential to create a local sustainable source of aquaculture feed, which is typically made of ground-up fish a finite, imported resource. He added that 4.9 litres of nutrient-rich wastewater are produced for every litre of soy sauce produced in Singapore, while four litres of wastewater are produced for every litre of beer made here. "With aquaculture producing around 10% of Singapore's local food consumption, we thought that connecting the waste stream of the food processing industry to the growing needs of the aquaculture industry would help create a local circular economy." Additionally, used water from food processing plants is also particularly viable compared with wastewater from other sources such as sewage, because it must already meet the Singapore Food Agency's standards for cleanliness and the absence of dangerous pathogens. A further study is currently under way to quantify how protein yields from food processing wastewater can be improved to make them viable as a replacement for aquaculture feed. The study will be out later in 2023. Prof Wuertz said the best way to operate such a microbial protein farming facility would be for food processing companies to build the facility close to their premises, as this would avoid the logistical difficulties and cost of transporting large amounts of wastewater to a central plant. The microbial protein harvested can be sold to aquaculture farms, creating a new revenue stream for food processing companies, he added. Prof Wuertz said that while the proof-of-concept study was done specifically on wastewater from soy processing plants, he expects the findings to be applicable to wastewater from any type of food processing plant. "What we are trying to do is build a blueprint that can inform those who would like to apply such technology towards contributing to the circular economy in a commercially viable way." - The Straits Times Evonik tackles animal nutrition with science-based solutions, reveals methionine strategy at VIV Asia Evonik recently held the "Sciencing the Global Food Challenge" press breakfast on March 9 at this year's VIV Asia show in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was opened by Gaetano Blanda, Evonik's head of Business Line Animal Nutrition. Presentations were made by head of Product Line Essential Nutrition Jan-Olaf Barth, global product manager (Gut Health Solutions) Xu Wang and global product manager (ScreenFloX) Dilan Deniz. Providing sustainable animal nutrition based on scienced-based solutions was the main topic of the event, Blanda stated in his opening speech. "The greatest challenge (today) is to ensure food (availability)," he said. With the global population expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades, industry players have to feed the world with the "right" and "secured quality" of food. Food production will also have to align with animal health and welfare standards, Blanda added. To tackle food production challenges, Evonik endeavours to "do it with science," the bedrock of its solutions. Through data, Evonik "can prove what it is offering to the customer," Blanda said. Per the agenda of "Sciencing the Global Food Challenge," Evonik's ECOBIOL FIZZ effervescent tablet and ScreenFloX service were presented by Wang and Deniz, respectively. Based on the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, ECOBIOL FIZZ is employed for water line systems in poultry production and rapidly produces beneficial effects on birds' microbial balance, even during times of stress. ScreenFloX monitors the microbial status of poultry birds and is the only environmental screening system that non-invasively determines pathogenic levels of a flock, with a confidence of more than 90%. These solutions are part of a bigger effort by Evonik to "communicate at all levels" the harms of antibiotic overuse in livestock production, according to Blanda as he spoke to eFeedLink following the event. Evonik's strategy for better sustainability, announces Singapore methionine plant expansion Of considerable interest for the methionine market, the key highlight of the event explored the next phase of Evonik's Methionine Asset Strategy. Barth explained three key aspects that the strategy addressed these are customer proximity (being active in all global regions), cost leadership (supplying products at the best price and the best production cost) and sustainability. Barth focused on Evonik's production hubs in Singapore, Mobile (Alabama, the United States) and Antwerp, Belgium. Investments had been made at these facilities, driven by the goals of implementing new, efficient processes, reducing carbon footprints and lowering production costs. For its Mobile site, Barth said that an October 2022 investment of more than US$170 million in a methyl mercaptan facility there will ensure customers in the US and the wider Americas region of supply security. The investment also helps to achieve "the best cost position by producing key intermediates" and sustainability. Furthermore, it would help to foster "responsible care standards" in Evonik's US operations. Barth also highlighted another investment, this time, in a methyl mercapto-propionaldehyde (MMP) plant in Germany. The facility will supply MMP to Evonik's methionine plant in Antwerp. With an investment of around 25 million (US$27 million), Evonik created new production processes to establish the highest technological standards. These standards will minimise the production of toxic intermediates and set up "best chemical processes," Barth said. He then announced Evonik's next exciting development in the Asia-Pacific, bringing attention to the organisation's methionine plant in Singapore. It was revealed that the plant's capacity would be expanded by 40,000 tonnes to around 340,000 tonnes yearly to produce Evonik's MetAMINO DL-methionine. "This investment is supporting (Evonik's) growth in Asia," Barth noted. "We believe in this region. We are here to stay and we are set for further growth." He added that Evonik's Singapore plant will also supply markets outside Asia including those in the Middle East and Latin America. Barth reiterated Evonik's push for more sustainable operations, as he revealed that a 'green' hydrogen power unit will be installed at the Singapore plant. This type of renewable energy would mitigate more carbon emissions than the "conventional production of hydrogen," he said. Additionally, Evonik invested in a new steam turbine and other "technical integration measures" which will decrease the energy consumption of the Singapore plant, Barth added. Taking these developments into account, the carbon footprint of MetAMINO production in Singapore would drop by 6%. "We are very well on track on what we have announced some years ago," Barth said. "We continue to roll out (the Methionine Asset Strategy) independent of the current political situation and turmoils that we have seen in the last two or three years. We are executing this plan in all (global) regions, and with this, I'm very much looking forward to deliver on our promise towards supply security for our customers." Speaking to eFeedLink after the end of "Sciencing the Global Food Challenge," Gaetano Blanda said that the expansion of Evonik's Singapore plant reflects the organisation's enduring interest in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Asia would remain as the strongest growth region for methionine worldwide. Through innovation and the application of science-based solutions, Evonik will continuously generate value for the region, Blanda added. Despite the challenges in today's market, the organisation is a "trustworthy" and "reliable partner," that rejects immediate, opportunistic gains for long-term, meaningful objectives, Barth remarked. "We invested in the future growth of our customers," he concluded. - Terry Tan, eFeedLink Climate change: Paris Agreement extended to Isle of Man A landmark international treaty on climate change has been formally extended to the Isle of Man. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding treaty, agreed by 195 countries to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees C, above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees. The move means the Isle of Mans climate action will contribute to the UKs commitment to reduce its emissions by at least 68% on 1990 levels, by 2030. The intention to extend the Paris Agreement to the Isle of Man (and the UKs other Crown Dependencies) was announced at COP26 in Glasgow by the former Climate Minister Greg Hands, after a full review of the Islands plans to reach net zero by 2050. Following a formal request from the Isle of Mans Chief Minister to the UKs Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the letter of extension to the Isle of Man has now been signed by the UK Foreign Secretary and deposited to the United Nations, which finalises the process. Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK, said: It is a hugely significant milestone that will see the Isle of Man stand shoulder to shoulder with nearly 200 countries on the serious matter of climate change. The formal ratification by the UK clearly demonstrates how seriously the Isle of Man takes its obligations on climate change and I would like to thank the Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, and the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly for recognising this and affirming and supporting our request. Apple Pay Later is finally available in the US, but only with an invite You can split Apple Pay purchases into multiple payments. It took nearly a year, but Apple's pay-over-time system is here. The company has launched Apple Pay Later for US customers in a "prerelease" version that requires an invitation. If you're included, you can split your online Apple Pay purchases (made with an iPhone or iPad) into as many as four payments spread over six weeks. You can't apply for loans larger than $1,000 and have to link a debit card, but there are no fees or interest payments. This also won't hurt your credit score, and Apple says it won't share data with third-party marketers. Apple Pay Later is part of the Wallet app in iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, and includes a calendar to help you track your next instalment. You'll also get app-based and email notifications for looming payments to be sure you're on time. The feature should reach every eligible user in the "coming months," Apple says. Businesses that use Apple Pay don't need to do anything on their end due to a Mastercard partnership if you can use Pay Later, you'll see the option during checkout either on the web or in apps. Apple will report Pay Later loans to American credit bureaus starting in the fall, and hopes they'll "promote responsible lending" for both borrowers and lenders. Apple first previewed Pay Later at WWDC 2022, and was rumored to be working on the option in 2021. It was supposed to arrive alongside iOS 16 in September, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman heard that it was pushed back due to technical challenges. The company hasn't officially explained the wait. Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadgets editorial team. See latest Subscribe Please enter a valid email address Please select a newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy. Staggered payment systems aren't new, of course. Companies like Affirm and Klarna have been operating for a while, and they aren't tied to specific platforms. However, Pay Later represents a significant expansion of Apple's financial ambitions. It already offers a credit card (managed by Goldman Sachs) and money transfers, and plans to provide savings accounts. Now, the company is making lending decisions. While Apple is still far from a bank, it can easily play a large role in your financial life. All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing. Internacional El jefe de Wagner afea a las jovenes elites rusas que estan eludiendo el combate en Ucrania Ramadan started Wednesday. Passover starts next Wednesday. Easter weekend begins two days after Passover. And today, the Wednesday halfway between the starts of these sacred Muslim and Jewish celebrations, we mourn. Again. As a Jew, Ill be celebrating Passover Seders next week with family and friends. Part of the Seder is a song called Dayenu, which means It would have been enough for us. The song thanks God for many miracles involving the exodus from Egypt and the journey across the desert. Many Jews also add a second text: Lo Dayenu: It is NOT Enough for Us. In the modern Midrashic tradition, lots of people have written their own versions. I like this Lo Dayenu, by Joy Stember. Social Justice Lo Dayenu Seder reading by Joy Stember With the six deaths in Nashville yesterday, the grisly total of people in the US killed in school mass shootings from Columbine in 1999 through yesterday has grown again. It reached 554 10 months ago. 554 children and adults who died for no reason other than a broken political process that gets in the way of even the most basic protection from gun violence. And counting all mass shootings, not just those at schools, from Columbine through the end of May, 2021, more than 2000 people had been killed. And the killings continue: at least 54 more deaths just in March, 2023. While right-wing politicians are quick to offer another round of thoughts and prayers, they offer no action. It is easier to get an assault rifle than a license to cut hair. Its been 5 years since Parkland, 10 since Newtown, and 24 since Columbine. And the carnage continues. WHY CANT WE GET THIS DONE? Interestingly, many of the guns-uber-alles crowd are the same people who suddenly discover that life is sacred after all, as long as its a life inside a pregnant woman (a position that happens to violate several religious traditions that consider the life of the mother more important than the life of an unborn fetus). But apparently, once these kids are born, theyre no longer important. Heres a basic human decency rule Id love to see taught in every classroom, reinforced in every workplace and community gathering: Freedom TO take an action stops when it interferes with another persons freedom FROM harm. By my logic, the freedom to own or use an assault riflea weapon of mass destructionis overridden by the freedom from being randomly shot. And here are a few Lo Dayenu verses I just wrote: If we could block killers from having access to assault rifles, But allow them to enter schools, cultural venues, places of worship, and public spaces with other murder weapons, Lo dayenu. It would not be enough for us. If we could have international peace meetings and far-reaching agreements, But still solve international disputes with war, Lo dayenu. It would not be enough for us. If we address the violence of mass shootings, But not address the violence of poverty and starvation, or of rape and beatings, Lo dayenu. It would not be enough for us. If we reach the ability of people around the world to live in harmony with each other, But fail to curb violence against the planet, Lo dayenu. It would not be enough for us. Please feel welcome to add other verses in the comments. May whatever holidays you celebrate be joyous, despite the troubled world we share. And may we come together with both our Dayenus of gratitude and our Lo Dayenus of work that we still need to do. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Texas students are falling behind and it will cost them dearly in terms of future earnings, according to a new report,. A report on student readiness from the George W. Bush Institute and Texas 2036 estimates 70 percent of jobs in Texas will require a post-secondary credential by 2036 -- but just 22 percent of Texas eighth graders earn such a credential within six years of high school graduation. Students are considered ready if they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the next grade, or post-graduation. In the San Antonio area, a Trump-era tax break created to encourage investment in underserved neighborhoods has been tapped in connection with a variety of projects, including a self-storage facility, hotels, apartments, an Amazon delivery station, office building renovations and an automated indoor farm and packing facility at places such as Brooks and downtown. Now, a solar farm on a rural swath of ranchland on the South Side, across the Medina River from Toyota's manufacturing plant, could be the latest project to capitalize on the program, which provides tax breaks on capital gains to investors who put such gains into long-term investments in so-called opportunity zones. Roughly 814 acres near the intersection of Neal Road and Loop 1604 are slated to be turned into a 145-megawatt solar farm known as El Patrimonio, according to a city memo. CPS Energy will buy 100 megawatts of solar generation from the farm, which is expected to begin producing power in May 2025. The city-owned utility signed a 20-year contract with Ashtrom Renewable Energy, the renewable energy arm of Israel-based Ashtrom Group, and OnPeak Power, an Austin-based renewable energy company. As part of that deal, the developers committed to contributing funds to CPS student scholarships and construction of an outdoor classroom for school field trips, as well as to providing on-site field day mentorship to students, the utility said. On ExpressNews.com: Solar generation makes another big jump in Texas in 22, but gas is still states top power source The site is near other solar farms across U.S. 281 that provide power to CPS. It is owned by Medina Del Rey QOZB LLC, which is affiliated with former Austin technology executive J.R. Carter, and SS1604 Ranch LLC, which is linked to local real estate investor and agent Vishnu Vemulapalli, state corporate filings indicate. Carter said the owners are leasing the land to the developers; he was not immediately available for an interview. Medina Del Rey bought the bulk of the land more than 600 acres in 2021 from trusts linked to the Miller family of the Bill Miller Bar-B-Q restaurant chain. Balous Miller said the property was his family's farm for decades and was caught up in a showdown in the 2000s over building around Toyota's facility. It falls within an opportunity zone, an initiative established by then-President Donald Trump's 2017 tax bill to spur development in economically distressed areas. The size, topography and location of the property are appealing for a solar farm, said Ingmar Sterzing, managing partner at OnPeak. There is a large CPS transmission line across it, and it's largely flat and devoid of trees and rocky soil. All the decision-making was geared toward the viability of the solar project for CPS Energy, not necessarily the fact that it was in an opportunity zone, Sterzing said. Depending on how long investors park their money in a zone, they can reduce or eliminate their capital gains tax burden. They can defer taxes on capital gains invested in a qualified opportunity fund until the end of 2026 or when the investment is sold or exchanged, according to the Internal Revenue Service. If they hold the investment for five years, 90 percent of the capital gains invested are taxable. At seven years, it's 85 percent, and at 10 years, new gains are tax-free. QOZB stands for qualified opportunity zone business, which must earn at least half of its gross income from business activities within a qualified opportunity zone. The abbreviation is in the name of Medina Del Rey QOZB LLC, suggesting that the owners plan to participate in the opportunity zone program. On ExpressNews.com: Will a Trump tax break fuel investment in San Antonio or just give money away? Governors had to nominate and submit census tracts to the U.S. Treasury Department for consideration as potential opportunity zones, and developers in Texas lobbied Gov. Greg Abbott's office to create zones in areas where they already have or plan to build big projects, documents show. To be eligible, the poverty rate in a tract had to be at least 20 percent of the population, or the median family income had to be below 80 percent of the region's median income as of 2015, according to census data. Treasury designated 24 census tracts in the San Antonio area as opportunity zones, including portions of the East Side near Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, most of downtown, Port San Antonio, JBSA-Lackland Kelly Field Annex, Stinson Municipal Airport and chunks of the near West Side, South Side and Northeast Side. The opportunity zone program has been criticized for primarily being used for luxury developments or businesses with few employees, serving as a tax dodge and lacking transparency in measuring the effects of the investments, and research by the Urban Institute showed that many of the designated tracts in San Antonio were already attracting development before the designation. Supporters say the program has helped draw investment to low-income areas that may otherwise not see it. Many of the ventures undertaken under the opportunity zone program have been real estate developments. With solar farms, benefits of the opportunity zone program could potentially be combined with tax credits and other incentives for renewable energy. There may be a better alignment of time frames with solar farms compared with other types of projects, and it's difficult to attract investment in rural areas, said Nicholas Bergfeld, a business consultant and opportunity zone expert. The amount of energy generated can be calculated consistently and pricing predictions made based on historical trends, which can affect a lender's willingness to finance the project, Bergfeld said. Solar projects typically operate under power-purchase agreements of 10 years or longer with cities or other energy users, and 10 years is the point when opportunity zone investors' new gains become tax-free. When it comes to the opportunity zone program, one of the challenges in terms of attracting investment into it has really just simply been the long-term time horizons necessary to benefit from the program, Bergfeld said. The banking industry has also become more sophisticated with underwriting solar projects. If banks are more willing to lend larger percentages of a project's cost, that boosts the return on equity, which could make using the opportunity zone program for such investments more attractive, Bergfeld said. When it comes to the opportunity zone program, it's all about the equity. If you're essentially able to get an even higher rate of return on equity, because of essentially being able to be more leveraged in one of these projects, not having to pay capital gains on your equity at the time of sale becomes even more attractive, he said. The sights and sounds of the country could be headed back to Helotes. The suburb city abutting the Northwest Side is pecking at the idea of lifting certain restrictions to its animal-control ordinance for people who live on less than 1 acre. The change would apply to parents of children involved in local 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs who currently have to break city law if they want to raise chickens or rabbits at home. You might also like: As avian flu endures, Texas poultry farmers try to protect their flocks Helotes Mayor Rich Whitehead said any future change to the citys ordinance would be only for agricultural projects, which typically last six to eight weeks, and would not lift the citys ban on livestock. It would let homeowners associations have the final say on whether to allow nondomesticated animals. The impetus to seek the change apparently came after someone in Helotes cried foul and accused Whitehead of allowing a friend to break the citys longstanding chicken ban for a 4-H project, the mayor said at a City Council meeting last week. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News This has affectionately been known as Chickengate because it turns out that one of my neighbors had chickens in their backyard, Whitehead said. I will quite openly confess that I was unaware that we had an ordinance, and on top of that we had a homeowners association rule against keeping chickens on smaller lots. Requests for allowances for chickens and small livestock on residential property have increased in recent years as more children are flocking to 4-H and FFA programs. At Sandra Day OConnor High School, there are about 500 students enrolled in the agricultural program, which has livestock barns, a greenhouse, and chicken and other livestock pens. The school has about 3,000 students. Related: Egg prices reignite desire for backyard chicken operations However, the program at O'Connor and ones like it often leave out middle school students or families who cant care for the animals outside their homes. Helotes used to be little more than a patch of open country on a back road. Now that Hill Country paradise is largely enveloped by urban sprawl, and thats caused some tensions in the past. The changes Whitehead suggested aim to alter Helotes controversial, first animal-control ordinance, which passed into law in the 1990s. For years, 4-H and FFA members pushed against the ordinance. The city finally settled on the 1-acre rule it has today. Shortly after the ordinance passed, some residents unsuccessfully pushed the city to lift its ban on pigs. They decided that potbelly pigs were en vogue and people wanted to bring those in, Councilwoman Cynthia Massey said. They brought a potbelly pig into City Hall during one of the City Council meetings to show how cute they were. Massey pointed to Helotes long history as a farming and ranching community and how the citys recent growth has tested that tradition. This was a rural area thats not so rural anymore, Massey said. We have a lot of subdivisions with quarter-acre lots. Thats why its become difficult to decide what to do. Massey said her biggest concern is acreage and how chickens and rabbits could be incompatible with the citys subdivisions. I think about people who live there who dont have kids in 4-H, who maybe are retired and want to sit in their backyard and not have to smell things, she said. Massey said she lives on a 2-acre lot. Nearby are chickens, ducks, turkeys and a rooster. A turkey once ran away and got into her yard, and the rooster always wakes her up at the wrong time. I have an affinity for some of these animals, but I live on a bigger acreage, and Im trying to figure out how people living on smaller properties are going to feel, Massey said. In Kerrville, a bucolic city along Interstate 10 northwest of San Antonio, a Dallas company is seeking to capitalize on the Hill Country's explosive growth. A division of RREAF Holdings developed 120 apartments at Loop 534 and Singing Wind Drive about five years ago and the complex known as Sendero Ridge leased up quickly, a sign of strong demand for housing in the area, said Carl Schwab, president of RREAF Development Services. Now the company is planning to build more than a thousand new homes and apartments on two other swaths of undeveloped land. "We love the community. Who doesn't love the Hill Country?" Schwab said. "Everybody's seen the growth in Kerrville and Fredericksburg, and then along I-10 back to Boerne and San Antonio. (Kerrville is) not a small town, but it's not like Austin and San Antonio with all the traffic and hustle and bustle." On Express-News.com: Aerospace manufacturer begins work on base at Kerrville Airport Commerce Park He's planning to add from 550 to 575 apartments and potentially commercial space on 38 acres next to Singing Wind Park and from 550 to 600 apartments, build-to-rent homes and for-sale homes on 203 acres off Texas 16 and Camp Meeting Road. RREAF is developing the bigger site in phases and adding public infrastructure, including a road off of Texas 16 that will be dedicated to the city. Courtesy of RREAF Holdings and HEDK Architects Growth and opportunity The first phase is a mix of 262 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, some of which will have garages, on about 13 acres. Construction could begin within six weeks, Schwab said. The second phase will add 208 apartments. Later phases are expected to include homes for sale on large lots and build-to-rent homes, a booming category of the U.S. property market aimed at families who cannot afford to buy a home but want more space than an apartment offers. Schwab said RREAF aims to price the units in line with Sendero Ridge, which ranges from around $1.60 to $1.90 per square foot per month. As construction materials and labor costs rise, it's unclear what the range of rents and prices will be and it will likely take four or five years to build out the property. "For a community of that size, that's a pretty significant amount of new product," Schwab said. "But what we see is a city that's desiring to realize that growth, and so we feel that provides an opportunity for us to partner with the city to try and get that accomplished." Kerrville, with a population of about 25,000, is the seat of Kerr County, which saw its population grow nearly 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to census data. That's a much lower growth rate than other counties in the Hill Country, which is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., according to the 2020 census. In Kendall County, which includes Boerne, the population jumped 32 percent to about 44,000 people during the same period. Hays County which includes San Marcos, Kyle and Buda was the fastest-growing county nationwide from 2010 to 2020 among those with populations of 100,000 or more. Its population jumped 53.4 percent during that period to just over 241,000 residents. William Luther /Express-News Limitations The Hill Country's growth has generated concerns about its impact on the environment and increasing burdens on the limited infrastructure in the small cities that dot the region. "Demand has outpaced oftentimes the available infrastructure," Schwab said. "We stand prepared to move as fast as the city wants to realize growth, subject to the availability of the services the city is capable of providing." On ExpressNews.com: Gold rush in Hill Country as homebuilding surges; stresses on environment, infrastructure prompt dire warnings A comprehensive plan Kerrville adopted in 2018 anticipates there will be demand for 6,127 additional rental units and 17,585 additional ownership units by 2050 in the area based on current and expected trends. But affordable rental and for-sale housing is difficult to find, a concern for the city's workforce. "The lack of inventory in the affordable categories will begin to affect not only the growth of the population of Kerrville, but also the health of its economy if workers and entrepreneurs are unable to find places to live, assuming it hasn't done so already," the plan states. The plan suggests providing a range of housing types. The "sample action items" outlined include creating a citywide strategic housing plan with a focus on affordable and workforce housing, as well as looking into possible funding mechanisms for developing workforce housing and rehabilitating existing housing. Two 13-year-old boys attending Briscoe Middle School were arrested Monday, accused of texting threats to harm a teacher. The students were arrested at about 10:30 a.m. at the school, in the 4000 block of Lone Star Parkway, on charges of making a terroristic threat, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. The boys are not being identified by authorities because they are juveniles, per state law. ALSO READ: Ex-student arrested; found with weapons outside Brennan High School Barry Perez, a Northside Independent School District spokesman, said that district police and deputies increased their presence when they learned of the threat and began investigating. As deputies were investigating, the sheriff's office received an additional report that a student had a weapon at the school. Deputies searched a backpack and locker belonging to the student in question, but no weapon was found. Thus, deputies determined it was a rumor. The school had been flooded with calls in response to misinformation stemming from the incidents, Perez said Monday. Principal Christina Rather said in a Facebook post that the campus had addressed two physical altercations Friday amid rumors alleging that many more fights had taken place. Administrative action was taken in both incidents, she said. The staff, Rather said, is also aware of social media posts referencing students' plans to engage in a mosh pit in the halls. "Rest assured that campus staff will actively monitor hallways and other public spaces and administrators will follow through with disciplinary action for any student engaging in this type of disruptive and dangerous behavior," she wrote. No weapons were found at the middle school with respect to either of the Monday incidents, though investigations into both are ongoing, officials said. Anyone with information about weapons, drugs or illegal activity occurring at any Bexar County school may email schooltips@bexar.org. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Congressman Joaquin Castro marked the one-month anniversary of his cancer surgery by taking to social media Monday evening to thank well-wishers. Thank you to everyone friends, strangers and even some folks who cant stand my politics whove reached out, the San Antonio Democrat wrote on his official Facebook page. Castro, 48, had surgery at Houstons MD Anderson Cancer Center on Feb. 27 to remove tumors in his gastrointestinal tract. READ MORE: Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center After 10 days in the hospital in Houston I got home to San Antonio to recover, Castro wrote in Mondays Facebook post. I still have a ways to go but Im getting there, he added. A doctor first noticed the potential tumors last summer when Castro underwent a precautionary MRI after he was involved in a car accident in Spain. Castro was in the country for a meeting of the United States-Spain Council. He was still hospitalized when his mother, Rosie Castro, was sworn in as the interim District 7 City Council member in early March, though his twin brother Julian, a former San Antonio mayor, was there to cheer their mother on. The congressman said Monday that hell be back on the job in Washington, D.C., by mid-April. He has represented Texas 20th Congressional District since 2013. READ MORE: Rep. Joaquin Castro's cancerous tumors are rare but manageable, experts say Prayers for your rapid & total healing, Harrison Farms commented on Castros post. You are greatly needed back in D.C. Texas needs you. Stay strong, Eric-Benjamin Hernandez wrote, adding, Im also fighting (cancer) here in Dallas. University of Texas research associate Steve May was driving down a highway three years ago when something caught his eye. A Buc-ees billboard that said: This is Beaver Country. It reminded May of the new species of ancient beaver hed been studying at the universitys Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Collections. So he decided to give the beaver a name. Anchitheriomys buceei, or A. buceei for short. You might also like: Buc-ees worst travel center is one of its first and smallest, review analysis shows It is named after the Texas chain of colossal gas stations, known for its toothy cartoon beaver mascot. I thought, Yeah, it is beaver country, and it has been for millions of years, May said. May, a research associate at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences, is the lead author of the paper that describes A. buceei, along with another, much smaller, species of fossil beaver. Published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, the paper provides an overview of beaver occurrences along the Texas Gulf Coast from 15 million to 22 million years ago based on bones and archival records in the UT collections. Courtesy of UT Jackson School of Geosciences A. buceei lived in Texas about 15 million years ago, according to a university news release. To the casual observer, it probably wouldnt have looked much different from beavers living in Texas today, according to study co-author Matthew Brown, the director of the Jackson Schools vertebrate paleontology collections. More Texas business news: Luby's apologizes for Amber Alert joke in promotion for ham dinners One key difference is size. A. buceei was bigger about 30 percent larger than modern beavers though still much smaller than the bear-size beavers that lived in North America during the last Ice Age. The UT collections include A. buceei fossils from six Texas sites. But most of what researchers know about the new fossil beaver comes from a unique partial skull from Burkeville. The fossil is a fusion of bone and brain cast that was created when sediment naturally seeped into the beavers brain cavity eons ago, creating a rock replica of the brain as the specimen fossilized. Courtesy of UT Jackson School of Geosciences/ National Center for Health Statistics/ USDA Forest Service High-resolution X-ray images of the skull obtained at UT Austins Computed Tomography Lab brought small anatomical details of the skull into clear view. These details helped May and Brown confirm that the skull belonged to a new species. But they werent the first to suspect it. The skull originally was collected by a team of Texas paleontologists in 1941. One of them, Curtis Hesse, a museum curator at Texas A&M University, said in notes that he intended to name it a new species. However, Hesse died in 1945 before he could complete his study and publish his findings. Eighty years later, May and Brown, with the help of new technology and a better understanding of the fossil record of beavers, picked up where Hesse left off. Rene Guzman / Staff New discoveries in the field capture lots of attention, but equally as valuable are the discoveries made in existing museum collections, Brown said. We know that these opportunities are littered throughout the drawers in these cabinets. After hearing about the ancient beaver named after his business, the founder and CEO of Buc-ees, Arch Beaver Aplin III, said in a news release that Buc-ees has a longer history in Texas than he initially thought. Buc-ees was founded in 1982, but we may need to rethink our beginnings, Aplin said. timothy.fanning@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Human smugglers routinely bundle migrants into rail cars or tractor trailers to transport them across Texas in suffocating conditions. Three people were found dead in sweltering rail cars in just the last few days. They were merely the latest victims of the cross-border traffic in people. Many of the deadliest incidents have involved tractor trailers. Last June 27, some 53 immigrants from Mexico and Central America were found dead or dying in a trailer abandoned on a desolate stretch of San Antonios Southwest Side. In July 2017, 10 people died after being transported in a trailer from Laredo to a Walmart parking lot on the South Side. Whos behind this activity? Criminal organizations whose reach spans the U.S.-Mexico border. How does it work? Much of the activity is along the Interstate 35 corridor between Laredo and San Antonio. Drivers in human smuggling cases have told federal investigators they were recruited on social media or through people they knew. Smugglers offer drivers cash payments to transport a load from one point to another, no questions asked. Sometimes, the smuggling network provides the rig. Sometimes, the driver uses his own. And sometimes, a driver working for a commercial trucking outfit will use the companys vehicle, unknown to his employer. To deflect law enforcement attention, smuggling organizations often use trucks cloned from legitimate commercial vehicles. In the incident in which 53 people died last June, the smugglers used a red Volvo cab with a white trailer the same make, model and color of a legal vehicle operated by a produce hauler based in the border town of Alamo. The smugglers even copied the legal trucks state and federal registration numbers. How long has this been going on? For many years. What's changed is the method. Migrants once paid small fees to individual smugglers to get them across a largely unguarded border. By some accounts, smugglers turned to big rigs in the 1990s as the U.S. stepped up border enforcement. In May 2003, 19 migrants hoping to make it to Florida to work at a tomato packing plant, were found dead at a truck stop in Victoria. They'd been packed into a trailer with no water, food, light or air. Authorities say that in recent years, smugglers have begun to pack larger numbers of migrants into boxcars and truck trailers. How large are the numbers? In March 2022, the driver of an 18-wheeler led police on a chase that began in Laredo and ended in Cotulla, about halfway to San Antonio. Police found 60 immigrants in the rig. On April 7, federal agents searched a trailer at an immigration checkpoint north of Laredo and found 87 people inside. That was a light load compared to the 145 migrants discovered in a trailer a week later at the same checkpoint. One of the migrants, a Guatemalan, told federal investigators the trailer was excessively hot and there was no water. That same month, a trucker was arrested after agents found 98 migrants in a trailer he was hauling. The driver stated he had a feeling he was hauling something illegal but decided not to inquire on it due to needing the money and not wanting any problems with the individual who hired him, according to a federal arrest affidavit. How much do drivers get paid to do this? The driver who was hauling the 98 migrants told federal agents he was promised $800 to $1,000. He appears to have taken the job on the cheap. In December 2021, a Louisiana trucker named Roderick Dewayne Chisley was promised $50,000 to drive a load from Laredo to San Antonio. At least thats what he told federal agents who arrested him at the Laredo checkpoint after finding 52 migrants in his trailer. A driver arrested last April told agents, I met these guys on the internet, and they told me to come down and pick up a load and they would pay me $20,000. When I got here, I asked them, This isn't drugs, is it? They said, No, its just immigrants. Some of the drivers arrested for transporting migrants claim in their own defense that they didnt know there were people in the trailers they were hauling. One driver told federal agents hed been told the cargo was chickens. Are most smugglers caught at checkpoints? No, its believed that most get through undetected. Thats because the volume of traffic is so great that agents can thoroughly inspect only a fraction of the rigs that pass through. About 20,000 trucks travel the Laredo-San Antonio corridor every day. In the case of the rig in which 10 people died in 2017, authorities acknowledged that an X-ray machine at a federal immigration checkpoint wasnt working went the rig went through with its human cargo. The drivers of the rig that was abandoned on the Southwest Side last June are believed to have timed their passage through the Laredo checkpoint to take advantage of a shift change. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, told the Express-News at the time that the vehicle was waved through the checkpoint because traffic was backing up. What its like inside those trailers and rail cars? To judge from court records and witness accounts, conditions are unspeakable. And sometimes deadly. Migrants rescued from the trailer abandoned on the Southwest Side last June were hot to the touch and too weak to get out and help themselves, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said. Temperatures in South Texas approached 100 degrees that day, and experts said temperature inside the unventilated trailer ranged from 120 to 150 degrees. Sustained exposure to that kind of heat causes heat stroke, severe dehydration, seizures and eventually organ failure. Adding indignity to their misery, the migrants had been covered with steak seasoning to hide their scent from law enforcement K-9s, authorities said. Survivors of the 2017 incident involving the trailer found at the South Side Walmart testified that they were told the rigs air conditioning would turn on as soon as they left Laredo, but it never did. First responders said that by the time the trailer reached San Antonio, its interior was stained with urine, feces, vomit and blood. A federal investigator testified that the desperate migrants tried to gouge holes in the trailers walls with knives, keys and their bare hands. There was blood everywhere, the agent said. You could tell they just shredded their hands. Is anyone ever held accountable for these crimes? The drivers and their direct accomplices sometimes are. For instance, James Matthew Bradley Jr., the driver of the rig found at the South Side Walmart, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants for profit, resulting in death. In 2018, a federal judge sentenced him to two life sentences, to be served concurrently with no possibility of parole. In the incident in which 53 migrants died, two men have been charged with the same offenses as Bradley and also could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. How about the heads of the smuggling networks? Only rarely are they brought to justice. Criminal organizations are carefully compartmentalized, making it hard for authorities to gather evidence against those higher up the chain of command. Thats a big problem, as reporter Guillermo Contreras wrote in the Express-News last year: If truck drivers and other low-level accomplices are the only ones being caught and prosecuted the criminal organizations that run the smuggling networks can just recruit new people. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University in Virginia who has studied border security and human trafficking, told Contreras: Arresting people is not enough. You have to prosecute, you have to dismantle a migrant smuggling network. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Faced with the certainty of an unpopular decision weeks before board elections on May 6, trustees at the Harlandale Independent School District picked between two bad choices late Monday and voted to close four elementary schools to stave off a financial crisis. But none of them ducked. Speaking just before the vote, the board's president, Norma Cavazos, became emotional. She said it was better to close schools and ensure all students had certified teachers than risk having more of them taught by long-term substitutes in half-full classrooms. Not for one second do I want you to assume that I have not carried that responsibility with me every single day for months, Cavazos told an audience that included many parents wearing T-shirts bearing the names of the affected schools. Presented with two options, the board voted 4-3 to close Columbia Heights, Morrill, Rayburn and Carroll Bell elementary schools this fall, a list generated by community feedback as an alternative to the district's original proposal. Some of the 18 speakers in public comments before the vote urged the board to reject the proposals altogether. Some said the closures made the most sense, no matter how painful. Albert Luna said four generations of his family have gone to Carroll Bell Elementary, but he urged the board to "go with the best decision for the district." Trustees were split between the two options in separate votes. Christine Carrillo, Louie Luna, Juan Mancha and Ricardo Moreno formed the majority for the second option. Cavazos and trustees Elizabeth Limon and Elaine Ayana-Ortiz favored the first option, which included the closure of Vestal Elementary instead of Carroll Bell. The second option was based on community feedback during weeks of town hall meetings. Vestal had more room to grow than Carroll Bell, some had argued. The school district is not the only one in the area to be trapped between declining enrollment numbers, difficulty hiring teachers and the costs of maintaining half-full neighborhood schools. South San Antonio ISD's board last week decided to close two elementary schools and a middle school, but took no action on a recommendation to reverse its 2019 decision to reopen a high school. Harlandale ISD also has been surveying parents about the possibility of switching to a four-day school week. In a presentation last week, Superintendent Gerardo Soto said the district's enrollment had dropped from 12,476 students in the 2018-2019 school year to 10,432 students this year. Federal pandemic relief funding will no longer be available to make up for a $12 million budget deficit next school year. Without cutting costs, the district would have to declare a financial exigency by January and lay off 300 staff members, Soto said. We have a problem. Its a decline of enrollment, he said. Our solution is to keep our buildings open. The superintendent has promised to expand career and technical education programs and create a makerspace facility in the Jewel Weitzel Center, where students now in a post-secondary job training program would be transferred to the Frank Tejeda Academy. The Scheh Building, which does not currently house students, also would be expanded and repurposed for wellness and fine arts. Near the end of the public comments, a group of about 15 representatives of Communities Organized for Public Service/Metro Alliance urged the board to communicate more information in Spanish, some of them speaking in Spanish with English translations. Trustees responded by having their individual speeches before the school closure votes translated into Spanish. A member of the COPS/Metro delegation, Juan Cristan, asked board members what they were going to do about the "hemorrhaging" of enrollment in Harlandale ISD. Some parents have accused the district of seeking to close schools just to expand specific programs, but at last week's town hall, Soto cautioned them not to confuse cause and effect. He said his aim is to keep the campuses in use, because no one in the community wants empty buildings. Others noted that IDEA South Flores, a charter school that competes with the district for students, has been handing out flyers in the parking lots of schools that were slated for possible closure. Soto said using the campuses of closed schools to expand the district's magnet programs and other offerings could help Harlandale keep students and recruit new ones. The district plans to give educators at closed schools priority for which campuses they would like to move to. Auxiliary staff, including custodians and cafeteria workers, will move to other locations based on vacancies. Maricruz Martinez, a second grade teacher at Vestal, said after Monday's vote that it makes logistical sense to close Carroll Bell rather than Vestal but she wasn't happy about closing any of the schools. "I want to cry," she said. Martinez attended Carroll Bell as a child and feels close to the campus, but she said it was "land-locked" and wouldn't be able to expand if enrollment ever grows again. Vestal has more parking than Carroll Bell and can accommodate a larger student population. Under the plan the board adopted, the Harlandale Care Center will be relocated to Morrill Elementary, the first school ever built in Harlandale ISD. Mancha said the biggest impact a school district can have on its students is with its staff. "The teachers are going to make them who they're going to be, not the campus, not the building. It's the connection you make with the children," he said. Luna ended his speech with a grito, and the few dozen still in the audience joined him: "Que viva Harlandale! Que viva Harlandale!" Long live Harlandale. The final vote was greeted by commotion from the Vestal staff and families: claps, yells and hugs. Participating in a public process, they had been able to save their school. Families and staff from Carroll Bell left quietly. They could not say the same. While there will be no ring of fire visible from Houston during the next solar eclipse, Space.com named a Texas beach as one of the annual spectacle's best viewing locations, complete with the longest window of visibility. Saturday, Oct. 14, the moon and sun will be positioned in such a way that the moon will appear smaller than the sun, blocking some visibility and creating a shadow described as the ring of fire. The eclipse will only be visible from eight states as it crosses the U.S., from Oregon to Texas. MORE ON GULF COAST BEACHES: Best U.S. beaches: Texas location named a top travel destination For those looking for the perfect watch spot, a Texas beach may be the answer, although it comes with a risk of clouds. Padre Island National Seashore, along the Gulf of Mexico, will have the longest view of the ring of fire in the U.S., at a total of 4 minutes and 52 seconds, according to Space.com. However, potential visitors should be aware the location has, on that date, been reported cloudy 65 percent of the time since 2000. At Padre Island National Seashore, the eclipse will be visible at 11:56 a.m. above the south-southeast horizon if there are clear skies. The last time people in the U.S. were able to see a similar solar eclipse was May 20, 2012. Most of the country will only be able to see a partial solar eclipse, and will not get the perfect ring of fire Houston included. San Antonio is one of the few cities where the ring of fire can potentially be seen. It is expected to be visible there at 11:52 a.m,, Space.com reported. After the solar eclipse passes by, the next one will be about a year later, Oct. 2, 2024, and will be visible from the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate On Jan. 26, San Antonios City Council voted to use eminent domain to condemn the downtown bar Moses Roses Hideout to move forward with the planned Alamo visitor center and museum. The city is partnering with the Texas General Land Office and the Alamo Trust on the project. Although the city hasnt exercised this power just yet, many believe it will soon because the city has been unable to settle with the bars owner, Vince Cantu. The holdup is the purchase price. As last reported, Cantu wants $17 million for the property, but the Alamo Trust has only been willing to offer $4 million. At first glance, this disparity in sales price seems extreme, maybe even absurd. It is rare to see such a big disagreement over the purchase price in ordinary real estate transactions. If such a considerable disagreement ever existed, the parties would probably never enter into substantive negotiations. But having your property condemned is anything but ordinary, and significant disparities in property valuation are quite common in this area of the law. In fact, they reflect the subjective nature of property valuation and the wide array of evidence relevant to properly valuing property in these disputes. According to the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, for example, landowners are guaranteed just compensation if the government condemns their property. But our Founding Fathers never defined what just meant. To find a practical standard for this tricky constitutional mandate, early courts adopted the concept of fair market value as descriptive of the just compensation requirement. This required courts to ask what amount a purchaser willing, but not obliged, to buy a property would pay to an owner willing, but not obliged, to sell it. But what a purchaser is willing to buy, and what a seller is willing to give, often change, depending on several variables. Examples include financial feasibility of future development, legal restrictions that encumber the property and the propertys perceived maximally productive use. Because of this, proposed property values often differ drastically between landowners and condemners. In 2020, for instance, a jury awarded a landowner nearly $29 million for a property that was condemned by Texas, which was originally appraised by the state at $1.3 million. Moses Roses Hideouts $17 million price tag may not be that unreasonable, especially when considering the lack of building inventory in the area, the unique and high-traffic characteristics of the neighborhood and the propertys ability to accommodate a wide range of development opportunities, like a vertical mixed-use building. Given these facts, a jury could reasonably award even more than $17 million for Moses Roses Hideout should one ever be called to evaluate what just compensation is for this exercise of eminent domain. Emilio Longoria is an assistant professor of law at St. Marys University whose practice focuses on defending property owners against unjust takings. This article is his opinion and does not necessarily reflect the position of St. Marys University. Last June, three mothers in Nashville didnt know Kimberly Rubio, a grieving mother in Uvalde, was speaking for them about gun violence. Rubio, whose 10-year-old daughter Lexi was murdered in Uvalde, spoke about the inevitability of future gun violence in a nation that fails to take meaningful action and embrace commonsense reforms. Somewhere out there, there is a mom listening to our testimony thinking, I cant even imagine their pain, not knowing that our reality will someday be hers. Unless we act now, Rubio told the House Oversight Committee in virtual testimony two weeks after the Uvalde massacre in which 19 children and two teachers were killed. Mothers in Sandy Hook, Parkland, Santa Fe and so many other shootings across the nation have given voice to such unfathomable pain and spoken with urgency for action. As Gloria Cazares, whose daughter Jackie was murdered in Uvalde, tweeted on the 10-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre Dec. 14, My heart broke for the victims family and friends while I held my 6 month old in my arms. Not knowing almost 10 years later I would be in their shoes. Now, three mothers in Nashville, Tenn., join our nations endless chain of sorrow. On Monday morning, a 28-year-old attacker fired through a side entry door at the campus of the Covenant School, a private Christian school, and shot to death three children and three adults before Nashville police killed the attacker. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney were all 9 years old. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, substitute teacher; Mike Hill, 61, custodian; and Katherine Koonce, 60, the schools director. The shooter was armed with two AR-style weapons and a handgun. The shooter, officials said, had once been a student at the school. In the span of minutes, six lives lost. In the span of minutes, three children murdered. The datelines of mass shootings change; the names of the victims change; and the reasons for the shootings change. What stays constant is the presence of AR-style weapons in many of these tragedies and the inability for lawmakers, specifically Republicans, to enact meaningful gun safety reforms. Another constant is the lack of sustained attention. The drumbeat for reform must continue, not rise with each massacre only to fall into complacency. In the aftermath of Uvalde, federal lawmakers passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This was significant because it was the first set of federal gun safety reforms in nearly 30 years, but it is hardly comprehensive, much less substantive enough to truly change this prolonged crisis. It strengthened background checks on buyers under 21 years old; restricted access to firearms for dating partners convicted of domestic abuse; created stiffer penalties for gun trafficking and straw purchasing, in which someone buys a firearm for someone prohibited from owning one; provided funding for mental health programs and school security and for states to enact red flag laws or other intervention methods meant to stop shootings before they happen. But this should not be confused with raising the purchase age for AR-style weapons to 21, mandating universal backgrounds, mandating red flag laws or other reforms most Americans support; or banning assault weapons, as President Joe Biden has called for. School, whether public or private, is supposed to be a place of nurturing and growth. A place of exploration, civic engagement, friendship and trust. A place of safety. We have allowed the easy access to weapons of war to turn our schools into killing fields. Today, across this nation, there are mothers who cant imagine the shattering pain and loss that, as of Monday morning, will always be felt by three Nashville mothers. It is pain and loss that should be unthinkable but is somehow made even more unbearable because we all know it will happen again. The Austin Independent School District kicked off its annual Pride Week celebrating LGBTQ Texans this month with All Are Welcome Monday. On Tuesday, the theme was Differences are Awesome. RELATED: LGBTQ Texans rally at Capitol as organizers decry 140 bills seeking to restrict their rights Students and staffers collected pride and ally stickers, posters, flags and buttons from their front offices throughout the week. They wrapped things up on Saturday with the Pride Y'all! Community Event featuring food trucks, family activities and a student dance. Its the kind of celebration that state Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, wants to stop. What about the kids that don't want to be included in that, or the parents that don't want their kids to be included in whatever? he said as he introduced the legislation at a Tuesday hearing at the state capitol. If there's an event going on, and a first-grader comes home with a sticker that goes against what the child's being taught at home, that first-grader doesn't know what that sticker means. They know they got a free sticker. YESTERDAY: Texas Republicans likely have the votes to outlaw transgender care for minors His legislation, House Bill 1507, prohibits any programs dedicated to celebrating or providing special instruction regarding a sexual preference. If a district hosts those events, a teachers permit could be suspended or terminated, and the district or school employees could be fined up to $10,000. Civil rights advocates, students and educators testified that the bill would only hurt LGBTQ children who already face bullying and discrimination from their peers, and it punishes public school teachers for supporting their students. What I love about what we do with these pride events is that we educate our kids and our families, so that ignorance doesn't exist and so that all our kids feel that they are welcomed, they are part of a community and accepted, said state Rep. Gina Hinjosa, a Democrat and former Austin ISD school board member. The hearing came just eight hours after LGBTQ rights activists flooded the Capitol on Monday to protest legislation that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender children. They have traveled to Austin frequently in recent weeks, decrying more than 140 bills filed this session that they say would restrict the rights of LGBTQ Texans. King said his legislation doesnt target any specific group it just takes sexually oriented events out of schools. As a parent, teaching my child to be accepting and how to view the world outside of our own lens is my job, King said. It's not a school district's job. It's not a teacher's job, and not every teacher is going to be happy about having to do this. Attorney General Ken Paxton last year said Austin ISDs annual Pride Week events violate state law, likening them to sex education. The district said it would continue anyway, and officials hosted the celebration again last week. Democrats and other critics raised concerns that the bills language is so broad that it could impact a host of other activities, from banning gay-straight alliance clubs to prohibiting teachers from celebrating their marriages or pregnancies at school. The legislation could block school dances or Valentines Day activities, they said. King said that wasnt his intent, and he is open to suggestions to narrow the legislation. He said he is also willing to discuss provisions clarifying that the bill would only apply to district-sponsored events, not individual classroom exercises. If a teacher had an activity themselves, and it was a small group of kids that want to participate in it and their parents are OK with it, my bill is not trying to stop that, King said. My bill is trying to stop an entire district forcing the entire student population to participate in something whether they want to or not. SURVEY: 77% of Texas teachers are seriously considering quitting as morale plummets, new poll shows State Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, asked the bill's author whether he believes being gay is a choice, and King said he cant answer that. Talarico then asked whether he believes LGBTQ people have been discriminated against, and King said every group has suffered discrimination. LGBTQ people are a historically marginalized group, targeted with violence and hate-based discrimination. In 2021, nearly 20 percent of all single-bias hate crimes were motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the FBI. Whether it's gay kids, whether it's Black kids we want to make sure that we are creating time to uplift those students, so that we're kind of counterbalancing the historical discrimination against those kids, Talarico said. For instance, why we have Black History Month to ensure that a group of kids who have faced historical discrimination are included and that we're specifically going out of our way to make sure that they are included. King said comparing Pride Week to Black History Month is like comparing apples and oranges. Seventy-three percent of LGBTQ young people say they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a 2022 national survey by the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth focused on suicide prevention. More than a third said they had been physically threatened or harmed. Almost half of all LGBTQ youths have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, according to the survey. But LGBTQ youths who live in supportive communities at home, school or both have reported significantly lower rates of suicide attempts than those who do not. Being a teenager and going through high school is hard enough already when you don't have your own government working against you and your well-being under the guise of doing what's best for children, a 19-year-old transgender Texan testified before the House committee on Tuesday. IN THE SENATE: Critics blast Texas GOP bill to ban drag shows in public Dr. Maria Rivera, the managing director of student wellness and medical director of KIPP Texas Public Schools, said inclusive schools lead to better student outcomes attendance is good and students are suspended less often, for example. KIPP Texas is a public charter school network that operates 59 schools throughout the state. Ryan Davenport, an assistant principal at Dallas ISD, said HB 1507 threatens public schools and their educators some of the states most important employees who are already grappling with a growing teacher shortage. Schools should be a place to celebrate who kids are and teach them how to appreciate differences, he said. Davenport said he is a gay, Christian Republican. He noted that he used to work for the conservative Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick back when Patrick was a state senator, and he helped elect Republican candidates for years. I'm old enough to remember the days of the Republican Party when we believed in liberty and freedom and allowing people to be who they are with as little government interference as possible, Davenport said. If I stacked up the bills you guys pass every single year that make my job harder as an administrator and as a teacher well, that doesn't really square with what I know it to be as a Republican. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 35F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 35F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. (The Center Square) After a Monday morning shooting at a Christian school in Nashville that left three 9-year-old students and three staff dead, the nation is once again talking about the best way to protect children in schools from gun violence. Leaders on both sides of the aisle have responded to the latest deadly school shooting tragedy at The Covenant School, further evidence of a nation divided on how best to stanch such violent killings. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department identified the student victims as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. They were all 9 years old. The staff members who were killed in the attack were Cynthia Peak, 61, headmaster Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61 Police killed the shooter at the scene and identified the 28-year-old transgender woman Monday. Police said the shooters attack was planned. President Joe Biden commended the Nashville police Monday for responding so quickly to the incident and called on Congress to pass his assault weapons ban. The shooter in this situation reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol, Biden said. I call on Congress again to pass my assault weapons ban. Its about time that we began to make some more progress. Republican lawmakers told the media that such a ban would likely not have been able to prevent the deadly shooting. Its a horrible, horrible situation, and were not going to fix it, said Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, according to NBC News. Criminals are going to be criminals. I dont see any real role that [Congress] can do other than mess things up, Burchett told the media. I dont think youre gonna stop the gun violence. I think youve got to change peoples hearts. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, said on Twitter that the shooting should be investigated as a hate crime. We should be clear about what happened in Nashville. Police say the shooting was targeted. That makes it a federal hate crime against Christian children and teachers, Hawley wrote. Targeting victims on the basis of religious affiliation is a hate crime. It should be investigated as such. All federal resources necessary should be brought to bear, Hawley continued. And those individuals or groups who have spread a message of hate against the Christian community which resulted here in horrific violence should be held to account. Tennessee State Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville, told the Tennessee state House that lawmakers dont want to take handguns and hunting rifles away from citizens. We dont need an assault rifle with 30 shot capacity on our street. Its not safe for police, its not safe for anybody, Mitchell said. So please dont say youre pro-life and then vote to put more weapons on the street. Police released video of how the shooter entered the building by using the firearms to shoot the glass out of the doors. The shooter also took aim at police vehicles as they arrived on the scene. Police entered the building and fatally shot the attacker about 14 minutes after the 911 call was placed, according to NBC News. Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, urges the House floor to vote for House Bill 648 on its second reading on Monday, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) On its first floor vote Monday, 23 House Republicans joined all 32 Democrats to advance Bozeman Democratic Rep. Alice Buckleys bill to expand the Best Beginnings Scholarship program, which provides child care scholarships for low-income families in Montana. Three Republicans spoke up in favor of House Bill 648, saying it would be a benefit for Montana businesses working to hire more workers in Montanas tight job market while also lowering child care costs that have increased for some of the states lowest wage workers. Some Republicans who ended up voting against the measure decried the estimated $7 million a year the expansion of the scholarship program would cost while growing scholarship access to another estimated 723 children and capping those families copays into the program. But Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, urged his Republican colleagues to look at HB648 like a businessperson, saying the bill would cost state taxpayers roughly $200 a month to help low-income families return to the workforce because they could afford child care. Im completely happy with my tax dollars going to a system thats going to get me one or two more employees every month, because those employees are worth a heck of a lot more than that to me, he said. Weve got to put this into perspective that as employers, we are dying for workers. This is a great way to support the kids, get them into a good child care setting, and to support their parents, get them into the workforce, and help our businesses be successful. Rep. Bob Barker, R-Roberts, also called for a yes vote on the bill, calling it a strong workforce tool that would have a positive impact on hiring, which he said deserved a deeper discussion in the House Appropriations Committee. Buckley told the chamber it should think about the program like any other that provides incentives for workforce development, and said Montana was falling behind its neighbors in child care investments. As she did in discussion in the House Human Services Committee, Buckley outlined how moving the eligibility for the program from 150% back to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, as it was during the pandemic. She said it would allow families making only $27,000 a year as single parents, and $42,000 a year for couples, to better afford child care and not worry that a raise at work or taking a part-time job would put them above the cap to qualify. Further, she said, the 9% cap on a sliding scale for copays families would need to pay under the program would help them keep more money to pay for other things like rent and food. This is a workforce and economic development bill. It will provide a stabilizing force across the state for child care for an industry thats barely hanging on, Buckley said. Rep. Scot Kerns, R-Great Falls, said the state needed more child care facilities and people who wanted to work at them and said the bill does nothing to get providers where they hope to be. Rep. Jerry Schillinger, R-Circle, called the bill a setback for other families that wouldnt benefit from the scholarship expansion. Rep. Jennifer Carlson, R-Churchill, said she preferred putting the extra money toward mothers who stay at home to care for their children. And Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, questioned why any taxpayer money was being moved around to fund more child care. So, I ask, is this the proper role of government to take by force of taxation, from one person, to give to other people to fund their child care? Fielder asked. If that is the proper role of government, then Im in the wrong place. But Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, urged the House to pass the measure on its second House reading. He said he received a letter from a special education specialist in his district whose child care center served a single mother, who works as an elementary school teacher, who earns $35,000 a year, whose copay rose to $740 per month earlier this year when pandemic caps reverted. In closing, Buckley told the floor that while more was needed to address the child care crisis in Montana, her bill was a start to the process and should be advanced for further consideration. Every community across the state needs more access to affordable day care, and this bill is a step in the right direction, she said. The bill now moves on to the House Appropriations Committee ahead of next weeks deadline for appropriations bills to pass one chamber. Should it advance out of the committee, it would face another House floor vote before moving on to the Senate. The post Best Beginnings Scholarship expansion clears initial House vote with bipartisan support appeared first on Daily Montanan. The Montana state Capitol in Helena on Jan. 2, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a bill Monday that would prohibit public funds from being used to pay for abortions unless they were the result of rape or incest, or if the mothers life is at risk. House Bill 862 sponsor Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula, said committee members, regardless of party, should agree that state tax dollars should not be used to fund abortions no matter where they stand on the issue of abortion. Its not unreasonable. It hasnt been unreasonable for the last 40 years. And its not going to be unreasonable when its the law in the state of Montana, Hopkins said. Opponents, who had the majority of testimony on the bill, said it would functionally act as a ban on abortions for low-income Montanans who could not afford them and would end up costing the state more in the long-term when those children have to be supported by taxpayer money. Forcing someone to give birth against their will is unconscionable, and Montanans will not stand for this government intrusion into our private lives and our personal decisions, said Aileen Gleizer, with Missoulas Blue Mountain Clinic. If you pass this law, youll be responsible for harming low-income Montana families and burdening Montanans with costs of paying for forced child bearing. Hopkins told the committee the bill was simple that it would create a Montana Hyde Amendment, which bans the use of taxpayer dollars for abortions for people on Medicaid and Medicare in most cases. Montana is currently one of 16 states that uses its own state funds to cover certain abortions under Medicaid, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In the 1995 decision in Jeannette R. vs. Ellery, a Montana court found the state had a statutory obligation to pay for medically necessary abortions under the Montana Medicaid program through the general fund. Physicians performing a Medicaid-covered abortion have to certify they are doing so under one of three reasons: The procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother; the pregnancy was due to rape or incest; or it is medically necessary, but the members life is not endangered, with space to provide an optional explanation. Hopkins proposal would limit public funds from being used for an abortion except under two circumstances: if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or if a physician certified that the mother was in danger of dying unless an abortion is performed. That differs from the administrative rule proposed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, which says Montana Medicaid could also cover abortions when, although it does not place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, a woman suffers from a physical or psychological condition that would, as certified by a physician, be significantly aggravated by the pregnancy. That proposed rule, which would require physicians performing abortions under Medicaid to require patients provide personal information about why an abortion is medically necessary and should be eligible for reimbursement, underwent a public hearing in January and is still awaiting full implementation. Representatives for the Montana Family Foundation and the Montana Catholic Conference spoke as proponents of HB862 Monday. Montana Family Foundation President Jeff Laszloffy said the idea was not new and did not prohibit abortion. Taxpayer money should not be used to support a procedure that many people find objectionable, he said. This is especially true when that same taxpayer money could be used to provide preventative care or treatment for chronic diseases. Another bill that has already passed the House and been referred to a Senate committee, Bozeman Republican Rep. Jane Gillettes House Bill 544, would limit Medicaid-covered abortions so they could only be performed by a physician. The bill would also allow for reimbursements with physician certification if the mothers life was in danger; if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest; or if the mothers life was not in danger, if she had physical or mental illnesses that would be aggravated by a pregnancy. The fiscal note for Hopkins bill from the Governors Office of Budget and Program Planning says its language conflicts with HB544. It says there were 648 Medicaid-covered abortion in Montana in FY2022, a number which is estimated to grow by about 20 during each of the next four years. Each abortion costs an estimated $400. Opponents of the bill, including Montana abortion providers, civil rights groups, and citizens, said they believed that in addition to harming low-income people, the measure infringed on the right to privacy under the Montana Constitution. In the 1999 Armstrong vs. State decision, the Montana Supreme Court held that the right to privacy means a woman can choose to have an abortion unless the state can demonstrate a compelling interest for infringing the right. Danielle Vazquez, speaking on behalf of Montana Women Vote, said the bill would make low-income families suffer even more financially. Politicians shouldnt be able to deny anyone access to health care services, including abortions, just because of their income or who their insurance provider is, she said. Jennifer Hensley, representing Missoula County at the hearing, also wondered how the bill might affect the countys employee-funded insurance plan, which does not take any Medicaid funding. Repeatedly asked by Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, if he intended for the bill to apply to such plans as well, Hopkins said he did not have a current answer and would like time to think before coming to a conclusion. The post Bill aims to prohibit Montana Medicaid abortion funding in most instances appeared first on Daily Montanan. One of the top U.S. Department of Agriculture reports for the entire year is coming to town March 31, and all of the market news is affected by the twist we put on the report. Corn futures gained last week, and added a good gain March 27. This is being termed a recovery, as it reverses some of the losses of the last two weeks. However, the gains came after volatile swings that saw some chart damage in both directions. The May contract on the Chicago Board of trade managed a new high for the month, but the December new crop contract made the lowest trade since late July before recovering March 24. May futures managed a gain of almost nine cents, but December actually declined a penny. The March 27 market saw a gain of five and a quarter cents, while the December was up nine and a half cents. Drop in soybeans The soybeans raised some eyebrows with declining prices. The November contract set the pace, with the finish to 13 consecutive lower closes until the March 26 close. That is the longest new crop break in prices since 1973. Not the kind of record we want to see! The May contract had a range of over $1.33 a bushel to the low of $14.05. The November futures lost $1.39 over the same period. The trading March 27 was very positive for soybeans, with the May futures up 14 cents, and the November up 15 1/4 cents. So, as I mentioned last week, the farmers were shooting for $7 corn and $16 beans, and we are now a long way away from those psychological levels. At the same time, we are seeing lower markets; with now a little rally back, there are solid fundamental reasons why these prices seem too low. Planting intentions A look at the USDA balance sheets has us wondering. The supply is tight, and these prices dont seem high any more. The Planting Intentions report that comes out March 31 is based on farmer surveys. At this point, it is not believed there will be any early planting to distort them. Although Ohio has had mild weather, with snow coming and going, much of corn country has had snow cover all winter and will already need a warm spring to get field work moving. Northern climates have farmers who are already realistic about planting some corn in June because of record snow pack. The good news is, there is not much frost in the ground because of the insulating effect of the snow, so a lot of moisture will be absorbed to build soil moisture instead of creating river bottom flooding. Analysts are putting out private estimates of the USDA Planting Intentions. Of course, the big game here is not guessing the actual planted acres, just guessing what USDA will report, so that they can get positioned ahead of March 31. This may, in fact, be why prices were off the last couple of weeks, and why they are starting to turn around. Opinions abound Expect that the market maneuvers will come early in the week and slow trading will evolve March 30 and even March 29. There are a lot of opinions about the numbers to come. First, the grain stocks are expected to reflect a supply that is smaller than at this time last year. The trade average guess comes in at 7.473 billion bushels of corn still on hand. That compares to the 7.758 we had left last year. The crop year ends Aug. 31, and the report will be for the stocks on hand March 1, 2023. Thus, the report is for the last six months of the reported year. Soybean stocks are expected to be reported at 1.728 billion bushels. The range of guesses is from 1.61 billion to 1.91 billion. We had 1.932 last year, so we are expected to be significantly short of that. It is the acreage estimate that can stir up the markets. At the USDA Outlook Forum, Uncle Sugar reported an expected 91 million acres. The trade is now expecting 90.9, not much change, but the range of estimates is from 87.7 to 92.3 million acres. That leaves a lot of room for market action if one of the extremes is correct. At the Outlook Forum, soybean acres were estimated at 87.5 million. The trade is expecting a report of 88.3 million acres, on a range of guesses of 87.4 to 89.6. Again, there is room for excitement if the average pre-report estimate is wrong. It is in the soybean acres that many think we can see changes. As I have mentioned several times, there is still coming the full realization of the possibility of abandonment of wheat acres. Plains wheat was planted in very dry conditions, and the fear is that stands will be poor where there was no germination. Soybeans may be planted on abandoned acres, where there is rain enough. Farther north in spring wheat country, soybeans may be substituted merely because the price is relatively better. March 31 will be a significant day for our markets. Seasonally, from here on, we have just a few general market movers. They are spring planting progress, May and June weather and unseen geophysical events to come. Last year, the market mover was the Ukraine War. That could return, in the form of reduced exports from that region. Or, something else could come up. Remember, as that great grain guru Gilda Radner once said: Its always something! The sheep sector is at risk of being permanently forced to live with the consequences of dog attacks, the National Sheep Association has warned as it published its annual survey into the issue. New findings into the crime have revealed 'disheartened and discouraged' farmers who fear the threat of sheep worrying affecting their flocks on a regular basis. In the survey of more than 300 sheep farmers, 70% had experienced a sheep worrying attack in the past 12 months. On average, three sheep deaths were reported each year per farmer as a result of dog attacks. This does not take into account production losses in sheep, including miscarriage, that were reported by almost 70% of respondents. The National Sheep Association (NSA) said one of the most concerning threats to sheep welfare - worrying by dogs - "continues to be swept under the carpet". The body warned there was a real concern amongst sheep farmers that the situation was "spiralling out of control and becoming the norm". "It seems to be an area where resolution is too difficult a challenge to tackle and so, attacks continue with little consequence to those at fault," said NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker. As reported in the survey, farmers are taking what steps they can to protect their flocks, including displaying signs and moving sheep to areas with less public access. Farmers are also working with communities via social media, but the NSA said these actions were having 'little impact' in improving the number of sheep worrying incidents. Most farmers (82%) strongly agreed that additional powers are necessary to act as a deterrent to dog owners allowing attacks to happen. Increased powers and fines proposed in the new Kept Animals Bill were welcomed by the sector but concerns were raised they will not be strong enough to have a serious impact. The bill does not require dogs to be on leads when in fields with sheep, while suggesting maximum fines for those found guilty being limited to 1,000 in England. This compares to a recent change of legislation in Scotland that has seen the same crime punishable with up to a 40,000 fine or prison sentence. Mr Stocker said this disparity must be addressed: "A lack of punishment and continued varied responses from Police Rural Crime teams is frustrating farmers who are experiencing great upset as well as financial loss because of this issue. The latest survey results are released by NSA ahead of its Sheep Worrying by Dogs campaign week that will launch on Monday 3 April. This annual campaign aims to highlight this terrible issue and is timed as sheep farmers face their busiest but also most vulnerable time. Stone-curlew are making a triumphant comeback across southern England and East Anglia, with the RSPB hailing work done by farmers for the increase. Record numbers of the bird can now be found on RSPB nature reserves during spring and summer, the UK's largest nature conservation charity said. Once found across much of Eastern and Southern England, the species, which breeds on farmland, experienced declines until work started to recover numbers in the 1980s. Since then, conservationists, farmers and land managers have been restoring and protecting suitable nesting sites across Norfolk, Suffolk and Wessex. Work has been undertaken to protect nests and create safe nesting habitat on farmland, while restoring and creating suitable grassland habitats. Alongside suitable farmland, nature reserves such as RSPB Minsmere and RSPB Winterbourne Downs are also providing a safe haven. Farmers and land managers have been restoring and protecting suitable nesting sites RSPB England's director, Nick Bruce-White, said that nature friendly farming methods had helped boost numbers of the peculiar looking birds. "With these enchantingly wide-eyed birds migrating to our shores to raise the next generation, we must do all we can to ensure they have enough suitable habitat to nest on," he said. "It is only through working in collaboration with likeminded farmers, landowners and partners that we can continue to see a rise in species like the Stone-curlew here in England. However, there is worry: With current uncertainty over the nature of future support through agri-environment schemes, there is much to be done to secure a long-term future for this species. "Now, more than ever, our farmers need the guarantee of support from the government through these schemes, empowering farmers to deliver for wildlife, climate and long-term food security." Wales is set to be the first country in the UK to license game shoots, prompting concern about the impact excessive regulation could have on the rural economy. A consultation, launched by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on behalf of Welsh government, introduces proposals for a licensing system for the release of pheasants and red-legged partridge. If the proposals are implemented, gamebird releasing will be banned and only allowed under licence. Rural campaigners said this would have a 'devastating negative impact' on biodiversity and the livelihoods of those living in the Welsh countryside. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has described the plan as a 'significant threat' to the countryside. Countryside Alliance Wales said it was concerned that the devolved government could push forward with "burdensome" legislation. The proposals, published on 27 March alongside a 12-week consultation, will see gamebird release banned except under licence, subject to conditions and fees. Shooting in Wales is worth 75 million annually to the local, rural economy. But BASC Wales director Steve Griffiths said the proposals were "the next step towards the endgame of shutting down all shooting in Wales". This is the thin end of the wedge," he said, "The introduction of a ban and licensing regime in Wales presents future governments in Wales and across the UK with an open goal to introduce further restrictions. The proposals as they stand leave the future of shooting in Wales under significant threat, with hundreds of jobs and businesses, and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of conservation projects at risk." Rachel Evans, director of Countryside Alliance Wales, said it was vital the Welsh government awaited the evidence from the consultation. The consultation sadly seems to have a predetermined outcome, and that regardless of the evidence the Minister is determined to see all shoots in Wales licensed." However, NRW's regulation chief Nadia DeLonghi told the BBC that the regulatory body wanted to create a new system that was "proportionate and workable". "We've used the available evidence to consider how best to manage any ecological impacts of gamebird releases without disproportionately compromising the environmental, social, and economic benefits provided by game shooting. "This is not about stopping gamebird release." Agri-tech start-ups and businesses are being invited to apply for funds totalling 2m to transform the dairy industry across Scotland and Cumbria. The competition offers businesses seeking support for new products and ideas, which create improvements in the dairy supply chain, the opportunity to secure grants. The overarching aim is to transform the dairy sector in southern Scotland and Cumbria through investing in innovation projects, including a focus on improving productivity and sustainability. The competition is one of four funding opportunities offered by the Digital Dairy Chain, which is a five-year Scotland Rural College (SRUC) led project. With a deadline for submissions fixed at the end of May, industry innovators are being encouraged to submit their applications once the competition opens on 17 April. Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate potential to support business growth and job creation, resulting from a collaborative project running over a period of six 24 months in the specified region. Stuart Martin, programme director, said that in addition to funding opportunities, the competition could help facilitate partnerships and steer businesses towards the right people to get ideas off the ground. With the help of local businesses we can work towards decarbonising dairy production and manufacturing, reduce environmental impact and make ground-breaking strides towards improving productivity. "By working together, we will make South and West Scotland and the North West of England a world leader in dairy production. To discover more about the funding, businesses are also being invited to attend a Knowledge Exchange Event on 19 April. The free event will take place from 10am3pm at Easterbrook Hall, Crichton Campus, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4UQ. Talented young people working in the Scottish food and drink industry are being encouraged to enter the fifth annual Inspirational Young Person Award. The award seeks to uncover inspiring examples of talented people aged 16 to 26 who own, work, or study in the sector and who are a driving success in their field. It seeks to highlight the innovation young people bring to Scotlands food and drink businesses, as well as the contribution they make to the sectors future. NFU Mutual has partnered with industry body Scotland Food & Drink to launch this year's award. The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight in September, and will be awarded cash prizes of 500, 300 and 200 respectively. In recognition of the challenges the industry has faced economically in the last year, this years judges are looking for entrants who are adapting the way they work and contributing to the resilience of the sector. Last years winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso. He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business and the way he identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business maintain the original price point for customers as energy prices increased. Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutuals regional manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said the importance of young people to Scotlands food and drink sector 'cannot be overstated'. He said: "This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success. Like all industries, the food and drink sector has been facing some very challenging times. "This years judging will consider how young people have responded to this and also adapted to the way they work environmentally, such as saving energy or cutting down on food waste. Iain Baxter, chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: I am really looking forward to discovering the wealth of talent both culinary and business-focused among the younger generation in our industry. Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success. How do I enter? The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2022 is open for entries until 3 July 2023. Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive 500, with the second and third place finalists receiving 300 and 200 respectively. Winners will be announced in September 2023. Donald Trump has blasted "incompetent people" in the US government for Russia's nuclear escalation. Donald Trump has blamed the US government for Putin's nuclear escalation The former US president took aim at successor Joe Biden in an incensed social media rant following Vladimir Putin's announcement that Moscow is to station nuclear weapons in Belarus in response to the West's military support for Ukraine. In a furious post on Truth Social, Trump claimed to have predicted the developments and told his followers to "pray". His post read: "Here we go!!! Just as I predicted, now we're playing with the 'BIG STUFF.' The 'N' WORD is now being used, front and center. "This situation was caused by us - it's what happens when you have incompetent people running your government. All I can say right now is, PRAY!" Trump is bidding to return to the White House in 2024 and described that year's presidential election as the "final battle". In the first rally of his election campaign in Waco, the provocative politician said: "Our opponents have done everything they can to crush our spirit and to break our will. But they failed. They've only made us stronger. And 2024 is the final battle, it's going to be the big one. "You put me back in the White House, their reign will be over and America will be a free nation once again." Vladimir Putin has been accused of sending a body double to Mariupol. Vladimir Putin has been accused of sending a body double to Mariupol The Russian president visited the war-ravaged city over the weekend but Kyiv officials have posted images of Putin's chin and questioned whether it belongs to the same man. Interior Minister advisor Anton Gerashcenko taunted: "What's up with your chin, Putin? "Looks like lately his make-up artists (i.e. for the recent trips of the bunker man to the occupied Crimea and Mariupol) had to work with quite a low-quality copy, not even a double but its copy. I wonder which one of them was real?" It has repeatedly been claimed that Putin uses body doubles on trips outside Moscow or when there are lots of people around. The Telegram channel General SVR has insisted that the tyrant did not visit Sevastopol or Mariupol and used a double for the engagement. The anti-Putin channel said: "The information from the Kremlin's resources that Vladimir Putin visited Crimea and Mariupol is NOT true. "In Crimea, a double of the president was noted with a short visit and solely for the sake of a video photo shoot." The double was "forbidden to conduct meaningful conversations and hold long meetings, fearing embarrassment or another (mistake) of the understudy". The channel added: "The same applies to the visit of Mariupol. "The double was filmed (but) did not talk much and did not stay anywhere for a long time." Vladimir Putin has been sleeping in his Kremlin office due to the stress of the Ukraine war. Vladimir Putin has been sleeping in his Kremlin office due to the stresses of the Ukraine war The paranoid Russian leader is said to have abandoned his gymnast lover Alina Kabaeva and their young children to live inside the Russian fortress. It has been speculated that Putin has made the move to the well-guarded Kremlin for security reasons as Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine continues to falter. Putin had lived in his official residence, Novo-Ogaryovo, outside Moscow until recently and also has a number of properties around Russia. Recent disclosures revealed that he shares a forest palace with his mistress Kabaeva and their children on Lake Valdai. Putin admitted to hosting Chinese president Xi Jinping in his Kremlin apartment when the leader visited Russia last week. In a television interview, the tyrant said: "I have an apartment here, where I spend a lot of time lately. I work here and spend a lot of nights often." Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov had made it clear that the president's decision to live close to his Kremlin office was linked directly to the conflict in Ukraine. Asked how often the president lived there, Peskov said: "Very often since the beginning of the (special military operation in Ukraine). "He uses this apartment as his work schedule is busy." Putin is previously believed to have conducted most of his work away from the Kremlin. The world of business travel is a vital component in many industries, and flight disruptions can be both time-consuming and financially burdensome. It is crucial for companies and their employees to grasp their entitlements when faced with flight compensation for a missed connection or a cancelled flight. Business travel This article delves into the various facets of flight compensation for business travellers, aiming to safeguard the interests of both the company and the employees. Protecting Your Company's Interests When a business traveller experiences disruptions like delays or cancellations, it can impact the company's bottom line, as valuable time is wasted and important meetings or events may be missed. Therefore, it is crucial for companies to have a clear policy in place to manage flight compensation claims. This policy should outline the steps employees should take to claim compensation and how the company will support them in this process. By proactively addressing these issues, businesses can protect their interests and minimise losses. Eligibility for Compensation Compensation for business travellers is governed by the same regulations that apply to all air passengers. The European Union's Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 is a prime example, as it outlines the rights of passengers on flights to or from EU countries, as well as flights operated by EU-based airlines. Specific circumstances dictate whether travellers qualify for reimbursement, be it compensation for a missed connection, a cancelled flight, delays, or denied boarding. Familiarising themselves with these regulations is essential for both employers and employees to understand their rights and entitlements. Apart from the EU regulations, unique rules and guidelines for flight compensation exist in different countries and regions. For instance, the United States and Canada have distinct regulations in place that define air passengers' rights and the compensation they might be eligible to receive. Making a Claim as a Business Traveller When claiming compensation, business travellers should follow a series of steps to ensure they adhere to their company's policy and maximise their chances of receiving compensation. These steps include: Consulting the company's policy on flight compensation to ensure the correct procedures are followed. Gathering all necessary documentation, such as boarding passes, booking confirmations, and correspondence with the airline regarding the disruption. Contacting the airline directly to detail the nature of the disruption and request compensation. If the airline rejects the claim or offers an unsatisfactory amount, consider escalating the matter by involving lawyers or a national enforcement body. In addition, business travellers should be aware of potential arguments airlines may use to avoid paying compensation, such as citing "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or political unrest. It is essential for business travellers to be aware of these potential arguments and be prepared to counter them. Maximising Your Compensation To maximise compensation for a cancelled flight, business travellers should ensure that they have comprehensive documentation, as this will make it easier to prove the disruption and its impact. Additionally, they should be aware of their rights under relevant regulations and be prepared to challenge any airline that does not comply. Utilising the services of flight compensation lawyers can also be beneficial in this regard, as they are well-versed in the complexities of compensation law and can help to negotiate a fair settlement. Another crucial aspect of maximising compensation involves acting promptly and diligently in submitting claims. Timeliness is important, as many regulations impose strict deadlines for filing compensation claims. Business travellers should report disruptions as soon as possible to both their company and the airline, as this can expedite the resolution process. Balancing Company Needs and Employee Rights Striking a balance between safeguarding company interests and upholding employee rights is critical when addressing flight compensation. This may entail assisting employees with documentation collection, offering advice on the compensation claims process, and aligning company policies with relevant regulations. Beyond the practical aspects of flight compensation, companies should also be attentive to the emotional well-being of their employees who have experienced disrupted travel since it can cause stress and may negatively impact an employee's performance and job satisfaction. By collaborating in this manner, companies and their employees can more effectively navigate the often complex world of flight compensation. In Conclusion Flight compensation for business travellers is a significant concern for both companies and their employees. By comprehending the pertinent regulations and implementing clear policies, businesses can defend their interests while also endorsing their employees' rights. This involves proactively filing flight compensation claims and optimising compensation for a cancelled flight or a missed connection. Partnering with a flight compensation agency when necessary and fostering a cooperative atmosphere ensures that both the organisation and its employees' needs are met in these demanding situations. Indonesia will restrict textile product imports to address Indonesian Textile Association's concerns over high levels of unrecorded imports of such products, cooperatives and small, medium enterprises (SME) minister Teten Masduki said. Meanwhile, trade minister Zulkifli Hasan said his ministry will focus on destroying illegally-imported used clothing. Illegal imports account for 31 per cent of total clothing imports, he noted. Indonesia will restrict textile product imports to address concerns over illegal import of such products, cooperatives and small, medium enterprises minister Teten Masduki said. Meanwhile, trade minister Zulkifli Hasan, after meeting Masduki, said the focus will be on destroying illegally-imported used clothing. Destruction operations have already begun. "Illegal used clothes enter our country as waste. Our MSMEs cannot compete with it," he was quoted as saying by a news agency. The trade body noted that legally-imported apparel and footwear comprised 43 per cent of the domestic market. Apart from acting against such importers, the government will also educate traders to protect domestic products. Destruction of smuggled used clothing is essential to break the sales chain, Hasan said. Destruction operations have already been initiated in areas like Pekanbaru, East Java and Tangerang. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Turkiye's apparel exports to Africa decreased in 2022, after recovering in 2021 compared to the pandemic-hit year of 2020. Despite reaching $773.261 million in 2021, the exports dropped to $737.611 million in 2022. On the other hand, Turkiye's apparel imports from Africa increased in 2022, reaching $253.584 million compared to $152.597 million in 2021. Turkiye's apparel exports to Africa experienced a sharp decline in 2020, reaching $570.534 million. However, before the pandemic, the country had been recording healthy growth, with exports going from $604.827 million in 2018 to $707.549 million in 2019, as per Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro. Despite the pandemic, Turkiye's apparel exports to Africa showed promising recovery in 2021, but this momentum was not sustained in 2022. In 2022, Africa accounted for 3.87 per cent of Turkiye's total apparel exports, which reached $19.075 billion. Before the pandemic, Africa's share in Turkiye's total garment exports was 3.23 per cent, with total apparel exports amounting to $15.072 billion in 2019. Turkiye's apparel exports to Africa decreased in 2022, dropping to $737.611 million compared to $773.261 million in 2021, although it had shown recovery from $570.534 million in 2020. Meanwhile, Turkiye's apparel imports from Africa increased in 2022 to $253.584 million. In 2022, Africa accounted for 3.87 per cent of Turkiye's total apparel exports. Nonetheless, Turkiye's imports of apparel from Africa increased significantly in 2022, compared to the previous year. The imports had slipped to $126.990 million in 2020 from $155.503 million in 2019 before bouncing back in 2021, as per TexPro. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) UKs retail sales are expected to increase moderately by 9 per cent next month, marking the first positive growth expectations since September 2022, as per the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The sales volumes for the countrys retail sector were broadly unchanged in the year to March, a weighted balance of 1 per cent from 2 per cent in February. UKs retail sales in March were judged to be good for the time of year, at 12 per cent from 6 per cent in February. Retailers expect sales to exceed seasonal norms to a broadly similar extent13 per centnext month, according to the CBIs latest Distributive Trends Survey. UK retail sales volumes were broadly unchanged in the year to March, with a weighted balance of 1 per cent from 2 per cent in February. The CBI predicts that sales volumes will return to growth next month, with a 9 per cent increase expected. Meanwhile, online sales fell at a firm pace, and retailers are facing ongoing labour shortages and skills gaps. Orders placed upon suppliers were broadly unchanged in the year to March, at -2 per cent from -25 per cent in February, and are expected to remain unchanged next month. Retailers considered stock volumes in March to be elevated relative to expected sales, and to a broadly similar extent as last month, at 10 per cent from 8 per cent in February. Stock positions are expected to ease slightly next month but remain too high, at 6 per cent. Martin Sartorius, CBI principal economist, said: Its encouraging that activity in the retail sector showed signs of stabilising after a challenging winter. This resilience has helped inspire some spring shoots of optimism, with firms expecting an increase in sales for the first time since last September. The chancellors decision to back CBI calls to increase support for occupational health and expand childcare provision will help address some of the labour shortages that retailers are currently facing. However, these measures alone do not go far enough for the sector. In particular, more will need to be done to tackle retailers ongoing skills gaps, such as through transforming the Apprenticeship Levy into a more flexible Skills Challenge Fund. Moreover, online sales continued to fall at a firm pace in the year to March, at -26 per cent from -30 per cent in February. Retailers expect a modest expansion of 5 per cent in online sales next month. Elsewhere in the distribution sector, wholesale volumes grew at a firm pace in the year to March18 per cent from -28 per cent in February. Wholesalers expect sales to remain broadly unchanged next month at 2 per cent. The survey was based on the responses of 135 companies, including 48 retailers. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB) Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed the final component of Israel-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The signing will make it possible for the agreement between the two countries, which was signed in May 2022, to take effect. The customs agreement was signed by UAE ambassador Mohamed al-Khaja and Israels foreign minister Eli Cohen in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel and UAE have signed the final component of their free trade agreement, a customs agreement. The agreement covers issues such as regulation, customs, services, e-commerce, and intellectual property rights. It is expected to eliminate tariffs on more than 96 per cent of tariff lines and 99 per cent of the value of trade between the two countries. Issues like regulation, customs, services, government procurement, e-commerce, and the protection of intellectual property rights are covered under the agreement. It is expected to lower or cancel customs duties on approximately 96 per cent of goods and will allow Israeli companies to gain access to UAE government tenders, Israel's ministry of foreign affairs said in a media statement. "The taking effect of the free trade agreement is important news for the Israeli economy, for the strengthening of ties with the UAE and is further testament to the importance of the Abraham Accords. We are currently striving to expand the Abraham Accords to additional countries," said minister of foreign affairs Cohen. "This historic agreement that has been signed with the UAE continues to bear fruit for the benefit of the people of both countries. The customs agreement that was signed today will lead to the implementation of the free trade agreement between Israel and the UAE, which will reduce customs duties, lower the cost-of-living and inject energy into business between Israel and the UAE. I am certain that we will be able to expand the circle of peace between Israel and additional countries in our region," said Prime Minister Netanyahu. The normalisation agreement between the UAE and Israel was signed in 2020 as part of the US-backed Abraham Accords. The agreement will go into effect on April 1, 2023. The agreement will help increase the scope of bilateral trade, which will lead to additional jobs in the Israeli market and will also lower the cost-of-living in Israel, as per Israels ministry of foreign affairs. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB) Konkona Sen Sharma in Page 3 Preity Zinta in Lakshya Rani Mukerji in No One Killed Jessica Sonakshi Sinha in Noor Nargis Fakhri in Madras Cafe Kareena Kapoor Khan in Satyagraha The majority of our movies idolise journalists. From the days of black and white, our filmmakers have been producing movies about the media and media personalities. The films typically show the tenacious reporter overcoming various obstacles and pressures in order to present the unvarnished truth to the public. Another question is if the general public is capable of handling the truth. Although some movies have also been satires, showing the less honourable side of the noble profession.Even if they are merely overly glamorised depictions of media professionals' everyday lives, they do make for entertaining viewing. The field of journalism is challenging. One careless phrase here and there could lead to scandal. However, it is a fascinating profession. It is admirable how a journalist can go from taking a piece of news and making it interesting for the audience. Bollywood has consistently produced a large number of films featuring combative and strong journalists. We take a look at times when Bollywood actresses portrayed tenacious journalists.The movie highlighted the shadier aspects of both page 3 journalism and mainstream news. A young journalist named Madhavi Sharma () travels to Mumbai in search of employment. She is employed by newspaper editor Deepak Suri (Boman Irani), who gives her the assignment of producing articles for Page 3 on celebrity news. She is instructed to learn from renowned crime journalist Vinayak Mane (Atul Kulkarni). They see a bomb explosion in the city, and Madhavi is outraged by how the authorities treat the incident with contempt. Later, she learns of a report claiming that children are being kidnapped from an orphanage. And that these kids are being molested at a wealthy industrialist's property. Political pressure results in the story being suppressed, but Madhavi uses her contacts on page 3 to ensure that justice is served. The movie informed us that actual news is never published. Konkona Sen Sharma received much appreciation for her performance here.In many aspects, Lakshya is an iconic movie. The Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta movie have many instances of bravery and strength. However,of the film's obstinate, cunning journalist played a significant part in how the narrative developed. The story of one person's journey through life, from humiliating inactivity to redeemed self-motivation, is told in Lakshya. Hrithik adopts the persona of the aimless urban drifterthe kind of south Bombay brat who gets up at noon and makes difficult selections about which parties to attend that night. Preity Zinta pulls off her role with lip-smacking credibility as the TV journalist Romila. One of the numerous detours Farhan's film takes before sailing the motorway to heroic redemption is her terse but well-articulated relationship with an ostensibly liberal fiance, who finally offers her an option between a profession and marriage. She provides the ideal counterpoint to Hrithik's intensely reflective performance. In addition to inspiring many young women to pursue careers in media, Preity Zinta's bob-cut hairdo also gained a lot of traction.The murder of Jessica Lal serves as the inspiration for this gritty film. It featuresas Sabrina, Jessica's sister, and Rani Mukerji as Meera Gaity, a character who draws inspiration from the different TV news reporters covering the case. Despite the fact that there are numerous witnesses to Jessica's murder, no one comes forward to testify. The cops and the legal system botch what should have been a clear-cut case. A news reporter named Meera Gaity takes up the cause as Sabrina loses all faith in her ability to ever bring her sister's case to justice. Her revelations spark widespread indignation, and the public calls for a new trial. The case moves quickly, this time the police perform their job well, and the accused is given a life sentence.was highly praised for her performance here and got much critical acclaim.The novel Karachi, You're Killing Me! by Pakistani novelist Saba Imtiaz served as the basis for Noor. A young Karachi-based reporter who is learning about life through a series of disasters is the subject of the book. Yet, Mumbai, not Karachi, served as the film's setting. Noor () would prefer to work on a serious story but is given the task of pursuing fluff stuff. Her maid tells her that the doctor in the feel-good story she's working on is actually a criminal involved in the organ trade. Even one of the victims is introduced to her by her. However, her boyfriend Ayan has stolen her narrative (Purab Kohli). Her maid's life as well as the life of the main witness are now in jeopardy. When the witness is killed, she conducts her own investigation and gathers enough proof to bring the doctor to justice.Director Shoojit Sircar's film "" stars John Abraham and features Nargis Fakhri in the role of a scribe. In the movie, a John Abraham-played Indian intelligence agent enters a coastal island that has been devastated by war in order to subdue a stubborn rebel group. In a situation where the opponent is faceless and the sole advice is "Don't get caught," he skillfully manages his resources to achieve important accomplishments. He encounters a fascinating and driven journalist, played by, at numerous intersections who is driven to reveal the real causes of the civil conflict. The plot develops as their pursuit of the truth reveals a greater plan by an adversary without a face who has banded together to assassinate a common foe. Nargis' faultless performance more than makes up for a stellar role and draws attention to the intricacies of the journalistic industry.played Yasmin, an aggressive and passionate journalist, in the multi-starrer Satyagraha. In the movie, Akhilesh (Indraneil Sengupta), an engineer and the devoted only child of retired teacher Dwarka Anand (), meets with an accident and perishes. Balram Singh (Manoj Bajpai), the state's minister of the interior, offers Akhilesh's family compensation after his passing. Akhilesh's widow Sumitra (Amrita Rao) visits the government offices multiple times but never receives even a cent in compensation, falling victim to corruption. Dwarka Anand, who was frustrated to witness everything, slapped the officer in charge one day, and this slap resulted in his imprisonment. Manav Raghavendra (), Akhilesh's best friend, enters at this point. Sumitra informs Manav about this situation. Following this, Manav makes the decision to launch a big revolutionary movement that will benefit everyone in the country who is being smothered by corruption. Arjun Singh (Arjun Rampal), a social activist, and Yasmin Ahmed, a passionate television reporter, are assimilated into this movement (Kareena Kapoor). Later on, a sizable flock of people join this movement, motivated by a just social cause. Kareena's performance as the obstinate and headstrong Yasmin demonstrated her prowess in this film. Eve Reborn Rich SKY Castle The World of the Married The Penthouse: War in Life Iteawon Class My Name Vincenzo Revenge of Others Weak Hero Class 1 Revenge is best served cold. And Moon Dong-eun from The Glory is the epitome of retaliation, making her the ideal embodiment of the phrase. This revenge drama, in which Song Hye-kyo plays the lead role, quickly rose to the top of the streaming rankings after the first few episodes were released. Hye-kyo puts on a fantastic performance as she takes on the role of Moon Dong-eun, who sets out to exact revenge on the bullies who tormented her in high school after meticulously plotting their destruction for more than ten years.Check the trailer here:The story's frequent twists and turns keep the audience and spectators on the edge of their seats. Moon's life and goals are motivated by her desire for retribution against the ones who have harmed her. She exerts effort into devising a complex plot to hold her abusers accountable.If you are going through a slump in this hit series, we would like to recommend you some of these Kdramas which have similar themes explored in the show.Park Bong-seopSeo Yea-ji, Park Byung-eun, Yoo Sun, and Lee Sang-yeobEve follows Lee La-el, a scientist's daughter who, after the murder of her father, sets out on a dangerous mission to avenge him by taking revenge on the LY Group, one of the wealthiest families in South Korea. For 13 years, she holds all of her frustration and rage inside while putting together a strategy to bring down LY Group. She uses Kang Yoon-gym, the group's heir, as her target in order to take her vengeance. She weds him, then sues him for a staggering 1.6 billion dollars in an effort to create a scandal surrounding the family. She goes to ridiculous lengths to exact retribution, but as she develops feelings for the offender, her resolve falters.The show features many ethically dubious individuals, including the main character, which helps to create a gripping story of suffering and treachery.Jung Dae-yoonSong Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min, and Shin Hyun-beenReborn Rich is the ultimate reincarnation with a twist turned revenge drama where Yoo Hyun-woo, a loyal employee of Chaebol Soonyang group. He is murdered by a member of the family to cover up the companys fraudulent tax evasion schemes. However, instead of dying, he finds himself transported back to 1987 in the body of the familys youngest chaebol Jin Do-joon. He uses his knowledge about the family from his previous life and also the economic situation of the future that he had lived in to wedge his way up in the company and seek revenge for the injustice done to him.The drama features an intriguing plot, outstanding performances from Song Joong-ki and Lee Sung-min, and a mind-blowing finale that will remain with you long after the credits have rolled.The series is based on a webtoon The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate.Jo Hyun-takYum Jung-ah, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Seo-hyung, Lee Tae-ranSKY Castle examines upper-class families and their hedonistic aspirations. The abbreviation "SKY" refers to the three most prestigious universities in South Korea - Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University - and the show takes place in a luxurious residential complex called SKY Castle, where wives of professors, doctors, and others compete to send their children to the best schools in the country. In this competitive educational system, Kim Joo-young, a coordinator and private teacher with a high success rate in helping students gain admission to Seoul National University, is at the centre.Mo Wan-il, Kim Sung-jinKim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, and Han So-hee.In this story, Ji Seon-u, a doctor who believes her marriage to Lee Tae-oh is perfect with a loving husband and a happy son, discovers that Lee Tae-oh is having an affair with Yeo Da-kyung. She tries to get to the bottom of the incident, seeking vengeance while trying to keep her son out of it.Joo Dong-min (S13), Park Bo-ram (S1), Park Soo-jin (S23)Lee Ji-ah, Kim So-yeon, Eugene, Um Ki-joon, Yoon Jong-hoon, and Park Eun-seokPenthouse centres around a group of affluent families residing in Seoul, notably in the Hera Palace, an opulent highrise. The people who live in the building are well-off and powerful, and they are constantly competing with one another to send their kids to the top institutions in the nation. Oh Yoon-hee, who comes from a low-income family, enters Hera Palace and sends her daughter to Cheong-ah Arts School, where she competed against Cheon Seo-jin.Due to the success of the series, the show was renewed for two more seasons which explore secrets, revenge, pressure to be the best, etc.Kim Seong-yoonPark Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Yoo Jae-myung, and Kwon NaraItaewon Class is based on a webtoon of the same name and stars Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi, a young man who opens a bar-restaurant in the neighbourhood of Itaewon after being wrongfully expelled from school and loses his father in a tragic accident.Kim Jin-minHan So-hee, Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Hee-soon, Lee Hak-jooThe story follows Yoon Ji-Woo, who on her birthday witnesses her father's horrific death. Her obsession with vengeance drives her to search for his killers. Ji-Woo is helped by a powerful crime boss who later instructs her to enter the police force. Ji-Woo then encounters a series of perilous encounters and revelations.The K-drama's action and emotions will keep you hooked as the protagonist risks everything to avenge her family.Kim Hee-wonSong Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-been, Ok Taec-yeon, Kim Yeo-jin, and Kwak Dong-Yeon.It is about a Korean-Italian consigliere (Song Joong-ki) who leaves Italy after being betrayed by the mafia family he worked for to return to Korea. There, he embarks on a mission to recapture a building held by the Babel Group, where he had previously concealed 1.5 tonnes of gold for a Chinese businessman who had suddenly gone away. Vincenzo finally meets and joins forces with Hong Cha-young, a lawyer seeking revenge for her father's murder at the hands of the same firm he's after.This revenge and intrigue tale is more character-driven and was incredibly well-liked when it first came out. This show is among the best new K-dramas now on the market thanks to its expertly crafted plot and stellar performers. The show also maintains its grip thanks to its compelling blend of drama, violence, and humour.Kim Yoo-jinShin Ye-eun and Park SolomonThis teen vengeance thriller similar to The Glory emphasizes the horrible and tragic effects of bullying. Chan-mi, a high school girl who is saddened by the passing of her twin brother Soo-heon, is the protagonist of the suspenseful K-drama. She looks for the truth about her brother's passing and wants retribution from those to blame. She receives assistance from Lomon, a classmate who supports bullied pupils. He has a brain tumour and doesn't have long to live; as a result, he makes the most of his time left by fightingliterally, by using his fistsfor students who have been mistreated. But when she learns a startling secret about her brother, everything in her world is turned upside down.Yoo Soo-minPark Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Hong KyungYeon Si-eun, one of the top 1% of students in his class, has no interests outside of academics. Despite his physical weakness, Jeon Yeong-bin's bullies in his class do not intimidate him. (Kim Su-gyeom). Si-eun defends himself from their increasing acts of violence by using his fast judgment, understanding of physics, and the items in his environment. But when he finds himself in serious danger, Ahn Su-ho, the best fighter in their class, and Oh Beom-Seok, the troubled son of an assemblyman, come to his aid. The three get to know one another while attempting to endure a violent high school experience and discovering what it takes to be genuinely resilient. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ram Charan (@alwaysramcharan) After, the title release of the highly anticipated film which was tentatively named RC15, revealed it to be called, Game Changer. On his birthday Ram Charan also shared his first look at the film on social media.In the picture, Ram Charan is seen posing while riding a bike and flaunting his fashionable appearance, which includes messy locks and a bushy beard.Sharing the first-look poster on social media, Ram Charan wrote, "I couldnt have asked for a better birthday gift !! #GameChanger. Thank you @shankarshanmugh sir!!"Game Changer is an upcoming political thriller, directed by S Shankar and also stars Kiara Advani in the lead role.The film's release date has not yet been confirmed. The first look poster makes hints at Telugu and Tamil releases, despite the movie being advertised as having a pan-Indian release. Chinese foreign minister meets ASEAN secretary-general Xinhua) 09:21, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday met with Kao Kim Hourn, the secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Qin said the stability and continuity of China's domestic and foreign policies and its cause of advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization will inject more stability into regional peace and tranquility, and provide stronger driving force for regional development and prosperity. This year marks the 10th anniversary of China's proposal to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future and the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. China and member states of ASEAN have coexisted peacefully and set an example of good neighborliness and friendship, Qin said. He expressed China's willingness to work with ASEAN to carry forward the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to jointly defend regional rules and order. As the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has fully entered into force, China hopes that the two sides will make good use of this opportunity to yield significant outcomes in the negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) as soon as possible, he said. China is ready to work with ASEAN to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and strengthen people-to-people exchanges to provide inexhaustible energy for mutually beneficial cooperation, Qin said. He pointed out that China is willing to work with ASEAN members to eliminate external interference, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and reach an early agreement on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), so as to provide institutional guarantee for building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Qin stressed that Myanmar is a member of the big ASEAN family, and that China supports ASEAN in playing constructive good offices relating to Myanmar in the ASEAN way. For his part, Kao Kim Hourn said China is a good partner of ASEAN, and ASEAN is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in various fields, speed up negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA, host commemorative activities marking the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Expo, and step up the negotiation on COC. ASEAN appreciates China's support for ASEAN centrality and its constructive role in easing the situation in Myanmar. ASEAN supports the Global Development Initiative proposed by China, agrees to exchanges and mutual learning among diverse civilizations, and is ready to cooperate with China on the implementation of relevant initiatives, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves' heartbroken hitman punches, kicks, shoots and slices his way through a seemingly endless barrage of opponents. With its extended action sequences, the film is perhaps the most high-octane instalment of the action-packed franchise. While the Chad Stahelski directorial was a blast from start to finish, the ending comes as a bit of a shocker. The big question at the film's climax is - Did John Wick die?If you're still looking for answers, you're in the right place. Let's go over the ending of the film to figure out what really happened and how it sets up future John Wick projects.John Wick is very much a man on the run at the beginning of Chapter 4. The big bad of the film is Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard) from the High Table. Tasked with taking Wick down, he recruits the blind former assassin Caine (Donnie Yen) by threatening to kill his young daughter. After the New York Continental falls, Wick goes to the Osaka Continental where Caine and the Marquis' men nearly get him but an old friend - Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada) comes to his aid. Koji dies while his daughter Akira (Rina Sawayama) is left devastated. This is also where a tracker who goes by "Nobody" (Shamier Anderson) begins following John for a bounty. When John finds out that challenging the Marquis to a duel can end the fight once and for all and earn his freedom from the High Table, he takes the shot. This sends him on a side quest to join a notable crime family and qualify for a sunrise duel. At the dawn of the duel, John goes through a brutal battle up 222 steps and finally reaches the top with some help from Caine.The final duel takes place between John and Caine who is chosen as the champion by the Marquis. When it looks like Caine is winning, the Marquis decides to take the gun from him to finish the job. This turns out to be a bad move as John shoots him in the head. This frees both Caine and John. But by the time the latter is ready to leave, he collapses on the stairs. Things look definitive as he dreams of his late wife. Later we see Winston (Ian McShane) and Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) at John's grave that says, "John Wick, loving husband". King asks if Wick is in heaven or hell to which Winston says, "Who knows?". While that seems pretty definitive, we have seen several films where a tombstone isn't always proof of death. That being said, the movie offers no other hint of John's fate. So it looks like he's done for now. In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, director Stahelski explained, In our minds, Keanu and I are done for the moment. We're going to give John Wick a rest. Im sure the studio has a plan. If everyone loves it and it goes kooky, then well take a quiet minute." Make of that what you will.John Wick doesn't have a mid-credits scene. And the scene that comes after the long credits list is not the one fans expect. It sees Yen's Caine who after the duel is a free man. He makes his way through the crowds to hear his daughter playing the violin. He brings flowers and it looks like he will finally be united with her. However, someone in a hood can be seen walking towards him and it's none other than Sawayama's Akira who seeks revenge for her father's death at the Osaka Continental. The scene sees her pull out a knife and that's where it ends. No hint of John Wick. This could mean we're getting a sequel film with Akira, however, details of the next instalment are not confirmed. There have been talks of John Wick sequels to expand the franchise. In fact, Ballerina starring Ana de Armas is a prequel show that will follow the initial days of the New York Continental.The duel's outcome finally frees John Wick from the High Table. With his quest over, and his few friends gathered around his grave, it looks pretty final. Moreover, it ties up all the threads of the franchise as far as the main man is concerned. However, with the films minting money, it's safe to assume that the studio might be tempted to have Reeves show up in a prequel or in flashbacks. The narrative after all relied wholly on the actor's star power. For now, it looks like viewers, at least, need to be convinced that John is dead. In a franchise that's about dealing with the fallout of one's actions, it only makes sense for him to face the consequences of everything that went down.Cover image: Krishna Sirdoshi/Filmfare Registration is now live for the six-in-one co-located show, set to bring together 300+ exhibitors NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Informa Markets Engineering East (IME East), hosting six-in-one design and manufacturing expos, is designed to give a comprehensive view of the product lifecycle-from prototype to production. Set to take place June 13-15, 2023 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, the east coast's most extensive design and smart manufacturing show invites exhibitors and buyers to explore the latest insights and solutions spanning medtech, packaging, automation, plastics, design and quality. The East Coast expo edition will host six co-located shows including: Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) covering digital health, surgical robotics and medical devices; WestPack displaying packaging across healthcare, sustainability, pharmaceuticals, cannabis, food & beverage; Plastec showcasing 3D printing, injection molding, plastics and polymer materials; Design & Manufacturing (D&M) of all things prototyping and manufacturing; Automation Technology Expo (ATX) innovations in assembly, operations, security and logistics including AI and smart manufacturing; and Quality Expo for the latest in compliance, quality assurance (QA), testing, metrology and inspection. Offering over 30 educational sessions across multiple tracks, the East Coast manufacturing event announces its two keynotes, Marissa Fayer, HERHealthEQ on Opening Day and Mark Tarighi, Reliabotics the subsequent. Marissa Fayer is the founder and CEO of HERhealthEQ, a nonprofit working to improve the health outcomes of women by providing essential medical equipment to developing regions around the world. A 23-year veteran of the medtech industry, Fayer is among the "Top 100 Women in Medtech" in Medical Design & Outsourcing, a First in Femtech award winner, PeopleMaven's "Top Woman Activist to Watch" and the recipient of the Africa Development Award. Fayer also serves as the CEO of DeepLook Medical, VP of Operations at Ultrasound AI and the US Partner at Goddess Gaia Ventures, all companies that focus on women's health. On the second day of the event, Mark Tarighi will discuss a Robotics & Automation Industry Update. Tarighi provides a diverse background in robotics and automation with a career spanning 35 years in engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies, including executive corporate leadership in global sales and operations and executive consultancy to financial institutions and technology research firms such as McKinsey, GCC Private Equity, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Silicon Valley VCs among others. Traveling to 25 countries, he has established OEM distributors, systems integrators and strategic partners in enterprise and public sectors, resulting in over $200M+ of revenue. The nation's largest trade show advances the manufacturing industry, which accounts for $2,269 billion of the U.S. GDP according to the NIST Annual Report on U.S. Manufacturing, serving as a springboard for continued innovation and a launchpad for the introduction of groundbreaking technologies. Top exhibitors set to showcase include ASAHI INTECC, Braun, Tessy Plastics Beseler, BMF, Formlabs, AstroNova, B9Creations, GW Plastics, Boston Conveyor & Automation, Canon, Delta ModTech, PAC Machinery, QOSINA, ProtoCAM and XCENTRIC. To register for IME East, please visit www.imengineeringeast.com. About Informa Markets Engineering: Informa Markets' Engineering portfolio is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3 trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3 million name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com, and keep up to date with the latest Informa Markets engineering news on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Media Contact: Jordan Douglas Informa Markets Engineering pr.ime@informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/745528/HERHealthEQ-and-Reliabotics-Set-to-Headline-East-Coasts-Largest-Design-and-Manufacturing-Event Adjacent to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, the new 172-key business-class hotel invites guests to experience Snuneymuxw First Nation art and culture. NANAIMO, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / PEG Companies ["PEG"], a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment firm known for its creative approach to creating value, and Snuneymuxw First Nation announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo, a highly anticipated 172-key business-class hotel located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. This new hotel positions the city of Nanaimo for further growth while also honoring the Snuneymuxw First Nation's rich history, art, and culture. Located at 100 Gordon Street adjacent to the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, the Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo represents a significant collaborative effort between PEG, the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the City of Nanaimo, and other project partners, including Omicron Construction. "As the majority owner of the hotel, we celebrate the opportunity to share Snuneymuxw culture with visitors from all over the world while supporting the economic growth of our Nation and the local community," says Chief Mike Wyse. "By investing in Nanaimo's hospitality industry, we have created local jobs and established essential infrastructure that benefits a growing tourism sector." "It's only been three years since we saw the ground break on this project, but for the citizens of Nanaimo, a hotel next to our Vancouver Island Conference Centre has been more than a decade in the making. The City appreciates the confidence PEG and Snuneymuxw First Nation are showing in our economy. With excitement, we welcome the very impressive Courtyard by Marriott; we know this hotel will help us grow our leisure and business tourism markets in a big way," said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. PEG was selected to develop the hotel in 2017. The Utah-based firm broke ground in February 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which later created many hurdles for the company to overcome, including labor shortages, elevated construction costs, and travel restrictions. Through diligence and creativity, PEG ultimately pushed through those challenges and is now delivering the upscale hotel they promised to the community. "Here at PEG, our word is our bond," said Chief Investment Officer Robert Schmidt, who oversaw the entire development and construction process. "We appreciate the great trust the community of Nanaimo placed in us as its development partner of choice, and we learned a lot while persevering through the challenging market conditions and exercising our value engineering capabilities," he explained. The hotel has the benefit of being located on culturally significant land where the beloved, and now extinct, Wool Dogs were cared for by the Snuneymuxw people. In recognition of this, the hotel has integrated site-specific Snuneymuxw art throughout its design, including in its guest rooms and public spaces. Ay Lelum The Good House of Design was selected for the project and worked in conjunction with the PEG and Marriott team. Featured Snuneymuxw artists include Joel Good, Dr. William Good, Sandra Moorhouse-Good, Aunalee Boyd-Good, Sophia Seward-Good, and Thea Harris. "Our goal was to create an immersive and one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates Snuneymuxw culture and the unique history of the land on which the hotel is located," says Aunalee Boyd-Good. "Our family of artists is honored to share the profound connection between art, place and history with hotel guests." To construct the nine-story building, PEG partnered with Vancouver-based Nexxi Building Solutions Inc. ["Nexxi"]. Nexxi's low-carbon, concrete alternative panels for the exterior sped up construction time and reduced the climate impact, nearly diminishing the on-site construction waste that traditional builds typically produce. Hotel Equities, which manages a portfolio of 250-plus hotels and resorts throughout the U.S. and Canada, now operates the property with hospitality veteran Paul Dodds serving as General Manager. So far, 56 people have been hired to work in the hotel, many of whom are members of Snuneymuxw First Nation. With several convention center-related bookings in place, hotel operations are off to a strong start. PEG plans to host a community-wide ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate construction completion this May. About PEG Companies: PEG Companies ["PEG"] is a full-service commercial real estate investment firm known for its unique approach to creating value. A vertically integrated organization with five highly synergistic companies that each manage a different aspect of PEG's investments, the group is known for its hands-on involvement through the entire investment process. With $2 billion AUM diversified across the multifamily, build-for-rent, student housing, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality asset classes throughout 27-plus states/provinces, the firm sponsors multiple investment products on behalf of its investors. For more information on PEG, visit pegcompanies.com. About Snuneymuxw First Nation: The Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, residing in the center of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, with villages on the Fraser River and waterways in the Gulf Islands. Snuneymuxw territory encompasses one of the most productive and resource-rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea. On Dec. 23, 1854, the Snuneymuxw People entered the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 to forever and always preserve and protect Snuneymuxw villages, enclosed fields, waterways, harvesting and gathering, and the rights to hunt and fisheries as formerly. Often referred to as a trade and commerce treaty, the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 is protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Ancestors were brilliant to protect the Snuneymuxw way of being by entering into the strongest treaty agreement available to Canada. For more information, visit Snuneymuxw.ca. For art-related inquiries, please contact Aunalee Boyd-Good at info@aylelum.com. Contact Information Ali Monsen Vice President, Branding & Communications amonsen@pegcompanies.com 801.783.7334 SOURCE: PEG Companies View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/745520/Highly-Anticipated-Courtyard-by-Marriott-Nanaimo-Hotel-Opens-for-Business Meredith Bell, Atmospheric Program Manager, to testify before Subcommittee on Environment, to discuss collaboration with NOAA and airlines CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX-V:FLY) (OTCQX:FLYLF) (the "Company" or "FLYHT") today announced that Ms. Meredith Bell, Atmospheric Program Manager at FLYHT, will testify before the Subcommittee on Environment of the United States House of Representatives tomorrow, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Ms. Bell will join representatives of Saildrone, Inc., Spire Global, and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, to provide a prepared statement and answer questions related to the proposed reauthorization of the Weather Act. Widely viewed as the first comprehensive weather authorization since the NOAA Authorization Act of 1992, The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (the "Weather Act") bolsters the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's (OAR) commitment to advancing weather research and reinvigorating the weather portfolio. The Weather Program Office (WPO) ensures alignment by collaborating with various subject matter experts across National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop Congressional reports and insights required, and briefing NOAA leadership on OAR-related activities and reports. The hearing, which will be livestreamed here, will bring together subject matter experts in data collection in the sea, space, and sky, with Ms. Bell speaking to data collection for airlines and the sky. "Recent extreme turbulence events on flights highlight the importance of increased in-situ observations, improved weather modeling and collaboration," added Ms. Bell. "The Weather Act is a key pillar in the effort to understand our changing weather patterns, so we can better model and forecast severe weather., This will in turn improve turbulence and aviation forecasts and ensure aviation safety. I look forward to sharing how tools such as FLYHT's weather sensor technology, in partnership with the federal government, can be leveraged for the benefit of us all." Specifically for weather, FLYHT provides Aircraft Meteorological Data Reports (AMDAR) data through its Automated Flight Reporting System (AFIRS) system, which includes temperature, wind speed and direction as well as two solutions that include relative humidity: the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) sensor and the FLYHT Water Vapor Sensing System (WVSS-II) sensor. FLYHT works closely with NOAA and the WMO to ensure the weather community is receiving and decoding its aircraft data properly. About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. FLYHT provides airlines with Actionable Intelligence to transform operational insight into immediate, quantifiable action, and delivers industry leading solutions to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and profitability. This unique capability is driven by a suite of patented aircraft certified hardware products. These include AFIRS, an aircraft satcom/interface device that enables cockpit voice communications, real-time aircraft state analysis, and the transmission of aircraft data while inflight. The AFIRS Edge is a state-of-the-art 5G Wireless Quick Access Recorder (WQAR), Aircraft Interface Device (AID), and Aircraft Condition and Monitoring System (ACMS). The Edge can be interfaced with FLYHT's TAMDAR probe or the FLYHT-WVSS-II relative humidity sensor to deliver airborne weather and humidity data in real-time. CrossConsense, FLYHT's wholly owned subsidiary, offers highly skilled services to the commercial aviation industry and provides preventative maintenance solutions. These include Aircraft Fleet View, a native application that gives a real-time view of airline fleet status; AviationDW, a managed data warehouse for enhanced business intelligence; and ACSIS, a visualization and predictive maintenance alerting tool. FLYHT is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and is an AS9100 Quality registered company. CrossConsense, located in Frankfurt, Germany, is an ISO9001 certified operation. For more information, visit www.flyht.com. Contact Information: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. FNK IR LLC Satichi Consulting Inc. Alana Forbes Matt Chesler, CFA Daniel Kim Chief Financial Officer Investor Relations Corporate Development 403.291.7437 646.809.2183 416.728.5630 investors@flyht.com flyht@fnkir.com dkim@flyht.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746064/FLYHT-to-Provide-Testimony-to-US-Congress-Regarding-Reauthorization-of-the-Weather-Act RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 46 new mining licenses during January 2023, including 31 exploration licenses, 14 building materials quarry licenses, and an excess mineral ores license, according to the report of the Ministry's National Center for Industrial and Mining Information. According to the report the amount of active mining licenses in the sector by the end of January 2023 amounted to 2,230. Taking the lead are quarry licenses for building materials with 1,331 licenses, followed by 647 exploration licenses, 178 small mine exploitation license, 42 reconnaissance licenses, and 32 mineral ores licenses. Of the total active mining licenses, the largest number have been awarded to projects within the province of Riyadh with a total of 507 licenses, followed by 418 licenses in the Makkah region, 369 licenses in the eastern region, 242 licenses in the Madinah region, and 191 licenses in the Asir region. Other regions to have been granted licenses include Tabuk (139), Qassim (102), Hail (68), Jazan (65), Najran (45), Al-Baha region (37), the Northern Borders (25), and Al-Jouf (22). Saudi Arabia's Mining Investment Law offers six types of mining licenses, ranging from a two-year, five year and twenty-year mineral exploration license to a license to quarry building materials for up to 10 years. The law also includes exploration licenses for minerals of two categories (A) and (B), with license periods ranging from 20 to 30 years. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources aims to develop the mining sector in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Industry Development and Logistics Program, with the goal of making mining the third pillar of the national industry. With mineral resources estimated to be worth around 5 trillion riyals, there is great potential for the sector to contribute significantly to the country's economy. For more information on the Kingdom's mining licensing procedures, visit mim.gov.sa. Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041110/mining_key_Infographic.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2032760/3957209/Ministry_of_Industry_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/46-mining-licenses-issue-by-saudi-arabias-ministry-of-industry-and-mineral-resources-in-january-2023-301782646.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2023) - Sylogist Ltd. (TSX: SYZ) ("Sylogist" or the "Company"), a leading public sector SaaS company, is pleased to announce that Sujeet Kini has joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kini will start on May 1, 2023, and join the executive leadership team of Sylogist, reporting to Bill Wood, Sylogist's President and CEO. Mr. Kini is an experienced finance professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in capital markets, strategic acquisitions, and international markets. After beginning his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he held executive financial and operational roles across the technology sector, including Chief Accounting Officer at OpenText, and Chief Financial Officer at Hootsuite, Solium Capital, and BlueCat Networks. "I'm thrilled to have someone of Sujeet's caliber and character join Sylogist as our CFO," stated Bill Wood. "His extensive background with software companies, track record of success, and experience building companies into market leaders will complement our already strong executive leadership team. To that end, Xavier Shorter will remain with Sylogist as Vice President, Finance & Operations, reporting to Sujeet, with expanded duties related to leading operational improvements across the company to support its accelerating growth. Sujeet will assume overall responsibility for finance, accounting, FP&A, HR, M&A, and investor relations and I look forward to partnering with him to further Sylogist along its growth and value creation path." "We are pleased to welcome Sujeet to the Company's executive leadership team," stated Barry Foster, Sylogist's Board Chair. "He's joining Sylogist at an important juncture following the company's foundational investments in its growth platform. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role in executing on strategic objectives, scaling the business, and driving our financial success." "I am honoured and very excited to be joining the Sylogist team," stated Mr. Kini. "I believe Sylogist has excellent prospects for long term sustainable growth and value creation and I look forward to working with Bill, the management team, and the Board to help develop and execute on Sylogist's operational and growth strategies." About Sylogist Sylogist provides mission-critical SaaS solutions to over 2,000 public sector customers globally across the government, nonprofit, and education verticals. The Company's stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist, inclusive of full financial statements together with Management's Discussion and Analysis, can be found at www.sylogist.com . Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements with respect to Mr. Kini's start date and complementing Sylogist's executive leadership team, furthering Sylogist along its growth and value creation path, and Mr. Kini's role in executing on strategic objectives, scaling the business, and driving financial success. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including its inability to attract key employees or enlist customer support, its inability to develop innovative technology, its inability to find opportunities to deploy free cash flow, continuing headwinds from COVID-19, and economic turmoil. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2021, and in the management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2022, and other documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Material assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include Sylogist's ability to attract and retain employees and customers and to realize on its investments, the ability to expand technology partner and customer relationships and the acceleration of organic and inorganic growth. Although Sylogist believes that the material assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur. Sylogist disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Certain information set out herein may be considered as "financial outlook" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The purpose of this financial outlook is to provide readers with disclosure regarding Sylogist's reasonable expectations as to the anticipated results of its proposed business activities for the periods indicated. Readers are cautioned that the financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes. For further information contact: Bill Wood, President and CEO or Rudy Shirra, Director of Business Development and Operations Strategy Sylogist Ltd. (403) 266-4808 ir@sylogist.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160097 Oak Brook offers holistic pain relief techniques to help patients heal from the inside out. OAK BROOK, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / The team at Oak Brook Medical Group, a leading pain management clinic in Illinois, recently discussed their approach to individualized care. The group's strategy aims to provide patients with personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. This approach is based on the idea that every patient is unique and that healthcare should be customized to address individual needs. "Our goal is not only to treat your pain, but also to bring about complete recovery. By using natural methods for pain relief, there are no harmful side effects, making it safe and effective for any age group," explains the team at Oak Brook. "All of our staff members are experts in their field. For example, our pain relief physician, Dr. Wilson, is double board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Academy of Pain Medicine. With 30 years of experience in treating pain, he brings expertise in multiple modalities to our natural pain management practice." With the increasing demand for personalized healthcare and holistic options for wellness, Oak Brook Medical Group's approach is becoming more and more relevant to today's patients. Individualized Care for Patients Individualized care is essential because it recognizes that each patient has their own set of needs, preferences, and circumstances. Healthcare providers should tailor treatment plans to each patient to ensure they receive the best possible care. "We know that every person experiences pain differently so we use an individualized approach to address your specific condition and symptoms." Individualized care has been shown to improve patient outcomes significantly. Healthcare providers can address specific health issues more effectively by tailoring treatment plans to each patient. This approach reduces the risk of adverse events and improves the patient's overall quality of life. Patients receiving personalized care are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment. They know that their care team is focused on their needs and that they aren't just another name on the list. This knowledge can lead to patients being more comfortable during treatment, thus more willing and able to communicate with their providers openly. Open communication benefits providers and patients, as it allows providers to tailor their care further based on what the patient is experiencing. Oak Brook's Holistic Approach to Pain Management Oak Brook Medical Group offers a holistic approach to treating pain. Their center for pain management addresses both physical and emotional aspects of pain by evaluating the problem, identifying its root causes, and working with patients to implement traditional and alternative solutions. "The body has its own wisdom. We help bring its natural response to pain out through holistic techniques so you can experience true relief," says the team. "We aim to heal what's wrong with your body and mind while helping you get back on track to a healthier life. Oak Brook Medical Group provides a complete continuum of care for patients experiencing pain. It's our mission to assist each patient in achieving optimal wellness through integrative medicine practices. We offer various pain solutions to help you achieve this balance." By taking this holistic standpoint to healing, Oak Brook Medical Group helps patients develop better coping mechanisms and learn how to manage their chronic pain effectively. Their therapeutic methods combine physical therapy services, chiropractic services, and therapeutic massage services with expanded knowledge of nutrition, personal fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits, so patients can take control of their health and live more actively. When the source of the pain is removed or addressed, patients will see long-lasting results to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. About Oak Brook Medical Group Oak Brook Medical Group serves the residents of Oak Brook, Illinois, and the surrounding community by providing comprehensive natural pain management care in various disciplines. Their dedicated professionals and amazing staff work diligently to ensure all patients receive the individualized care they need. With on-staff medical doctors, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, their team can comprehensively help patients find relief for various pain conditions. In addition, their staff combined is able to speak English, Spanish, and Polish, so they can truly engage with all of their patients. Oak Brook Medical Group treats patients of all ages and stages of life, including children and infants, expectant mothers, and the elderly. Their physicians and specialists commonly treat individuals who have been injured in an accident, suffer from an overuse injury, are recovering from surgery, or have another condition where severe pain is a symptom. Contact Information Patients interested in learning more about holistic pain management can contact Oak Brook Medical Group by calling 630-317-7478 or by sending a message through their online form . Business Name: Oak Brook Medical Group, Ltd. Website: https://www.oakbrookmedicalgroup.com/ Phone Number: 630-317-7478 SOURCE: Oak Brook Medical Group, Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746080/The-Importance-of-Individualized-Care-Oak-Brook-Medical-Groups-Approach-to-Treatment Data Phase will work with Logsign in Australia and other parts of Oceania to identify and deliver enhanced protection, real-time monitoring and security intelligence for sensitive organizational data. Logsign announces a new partnership with Australia-based solutions provider Data Phase. Announcing the partnership today, both companies will focus on opportunities in Australia to deliver enhanced protection for sensitive enterprise data. Having already identified opportunities across Australia, the Partnership will focus on delivering enhanced incident management by allowing the security team to identify an attack's route across the network, identifying the compromised sources and providing the automated mechanisms to stop the attacks in progress. Australia is one of the most active financial markets in Asia. Australian companies follow the Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) strategies to mitigate Cyber Security Incidents (known collectively as the Essential Eight). In doing so, Logsign is able to help companies to achieve compliance to the Essential Eight through a set of controls that are designed to prevent malware from running and limit the extent of compromise. Logsign helps organizations to improve their cyber resilience through avoiding risks and chaos, besides ensuring compliance with relevant regulations by bringing together all data, threat detection, investigation and incident response capabilities on a single, unified whole platform. This is achieved through the integration of various native Logsign tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Intelligence, User Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA), Threat Detection, Investigation, Response (TDIR). About Data Phase At Data Phase, our specialized consultants focus on delivering business solutions, and leveraging the best-in-class cybersecurity solutions. We believe that it is a combination of people, process, technology, and partner drivers that support the most successful implementations. As a leading cybersecurity partner with over two decades of industry expertise, we cover the specialized product offerings in the products we supply, supporting our client to modernize their systems and processes. Our collaborative client engagement model centered on business outcomes enables us to deliver the most innovative and creative use of technology. Our consulting expertise and offerings offer niche cybersecurity priorities Secure Remote Support, Vendor Access Management, Privileged Access Management, Threat Hunting, Vulnerability Management and AI Virtual Assistance, anchored around our business solution. We have the necessary industry- recognized credentials to assure qualification to perform, namely CISSP, CEH, GCIH, GCFA, CREST Practitioner, ITIL Expert, COBIT and multiple product certifications. About Logsign Logsign is a Netherlands-based Cybersecurity company, focused on Detection and Response Technologies. Our vision is always to enable cybersecurity practitioners to work more efficiently with smart, clutter-free and next-generation software. And finally, we created a consolidated, intelligently integrated, easily implemented, and user-friendly platform with the help and inspiration of the expertise from our customers and market experience. The Logsign Unified SO platform embodies this vision, saving organisations time and resources by eliminating the need to bring different products together. Now operating in more than 50 countries with more than 500 customers worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230406005001/en/ Contacts: Data Phase Pty Ltd Eugene Zhang (General Manager) +61 238221688 LogSign BV Tugce Durmaz (Chief Growth Officer) +31 627560228 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Sebastiani Ventures Corp. ("Sebastiani" or the "Company") (TSXV:SBS.H), further to its press releases issued September 23, 2022 and December 22, 2022, is pleased to provide an update on its proposed reverse takeover to acquire EvokAI Creative Labs Inc. ("EvokAI") (the "Acquisition"). The Company's filing statement, dated as of March 27, 2023 (the "Filing Statement"), has been cleared by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for filing and may be viewed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Filing Statement describes the Company's proposed Acquisition, as announced on September 22, 2022. In connection with the Acquisition, Sebastiani will complete a consolidation of its common shares on a 2.6628503 old for 1 new basis (the "Consolidation") such that it will have 8,414,286 common shares issued immediately prior to closing of the Acquisition. Pursuant to an amendment dated March 23, 2023 to the definitive business combination agreement (the "Merger Agreement"), holders of all EvokAI shares will be issued an aggregate of 51,500,000 post Consolidation common shares of Sebastiani at a deemed price of $0.75 per share (the "Consideration Shares"), as consideration in exchange for 100% of the EvokAI shares outstanding immediately prior to closing of the Acquisition. Pursuant to an amendment dated March 23, 2023 to the non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") that closed on December 22, 2022, the subscription receipts were amended such that EvokAI has issued 6,666,667 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.75 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000,000. Immediately prior to the Acquisition, on satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), each Subscription Receipt will be automatically exercised, for no further consideration and with no further action on the part of the holder thereof, to acquire units of EvokAI (each whole unit, an "EvokAI Unit"). In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, the EvokAI Units will be exchanged for units (a "Resulting Issuer Unit") of the issuer resulting from the Acquisition (the "Resulting Issuer"), resulting in the issuance of 6,666,667 Resulting Issuer Units. Each Resulting Issuer Unit will be comprised one post Share Consolidation (as defined below) common share (a "Resulting Issuer Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Resulting Issuer Warrant") of the Resulting Issuer. Each Resulting Issuer Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $1.25 per share for a period of two years from closing of the Acquisition. The gross proceeds of the Financing are currently held in escrow with Endeavor Trust Corporation as escrow agent, pending satisfaction of certain conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions"), including, amongst others, the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions precedent to the Acquisition. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not met on or before April 15, 2023, the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled, and holders of Subscription Receipts will be returned a cash amount equal to the issue price of the Subscription Receipts. Union Group Ventures Limited ("Union"), a private company indirectly controlled by Juan Sartori, participated in the Financing, acquiring 1,333,333 Subscription Receipts. Upon closing of the Acquisition, Union will own 34,541,775 (51.9%) Resulting Issuer Shares, and 666,666 Resulting Issuer Warrants. Arvesa Corp., a private company also indirectly controlled by Juan Sartori, will own 5,996,780 (9.0%) Resulting Issuer Shares. Board of Directors and Management Changes On completion of the Acquisition, the Company's Board of Directors and management team will be reconstituted to include four directors and management comprised of individuals from EvokAI and Sebastiani, including the individuals listed below. Alejandro Antalich - Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Antalich is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Company ICC Labs Inc. (TSXV), the first publicly traded company in the world to sell cannabis to a federal government. Mr. Antalich led ICC Labs to its successful sale to Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX) in November 2018, a $300 million transaction. Mr. Antalich is an entrepreneur and investor with a commercial instinct and vision towards business growth, with expertise in the medtech and foodtech sectors, as well in the pharmaceutical industry, operations, manufacturing and product development. Mr. Antalich is also the CEO and a director of Biomind Labs Inc., a Canadian publicly traded life sciences company specializing in fast acting psychedelics and tailored drug delivery systems targeting specific therapeutic indications. Scott Ackerman - Director and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Ackerman is the President and CEO of Emprise Capital Corp. ("Emprise") a company providing management, restructuring, accounting and financial services to public companies. Mr. Ackerman has been active in the public markets for 30 years, having held senior executive roles in various capacities from Investor Relations to Executive Management, including Chair of the Audit Committee. In addition, to this role with Emprise, Mr. Ackerman serves as director and/or officer of a number of publicly traded and private "start-up" venture companies. Mr. Ackerman graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology with a diploma in Marketing in 1987. Peter Dickie - Director Mr. Dickie has spent over 40 years in the public and private corporate environment, having served in a variety of management and executive roles in both private and public companies during that time. Mr. Dickie is the former President, CEO, and a director of NioCorp Developments, a company developing the largest super-alloy mineral deposit in North American. During Mr. Dickie's six years with NioCorp, NioCorp's market capitalization grew from under $5 million to over $200 million. Mr. Dickie is a former Registered Investment Advisor with a Canadian securities firm, and a graduate of both the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia. Rick Cox - Director Mr. Cox is the President of a privately held water sciences company, Ocion Water Sciences Inc. Mr. Cox has also served as a senior officer of a private geothermal manufacturing company which was sold to a publicly held multinational corporation. Mr. Cox is also a director of several public companies and has been a senior officer and owner of several privately held manufacturing entities over the past 25 years. Completion of the Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to: final approval of the Exchange; completion of the Consolidation; and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Assuming all conditions are satisfied, closing of the Acquisition is expected to occur in early April, 2023. Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Company is expected to meet all of the minimum listing requirements of the Exchange for a Tier 2 Technology issuer. Trading of the Company's common shares will remain halted until completion of the Acquisition. The common shares of the Company, as the Resulting Issuer, will resume trading under the symbol "OKAI" following the publication of a final exchange bulletin by the Exchange in respect of closing of the Acquisition. Further details of the Acquisition will follow in future news releases. For further information, contact Scott Ackerman at 1-778-331-8505 or sackerman@emprisecapital.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of: SEBASTIANI VENTURES CORP. Scott Ackerman Director Sebastiani Ventures Corp. Email: sackerman@emprisecapital.com Completion of the Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, final Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document prepared in connection with the Acquisition, any information released or received with respect to the Acquisition may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Sebastiani should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Acquisition and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our and EvokAI's plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, among other matters, the Company's expectations regarding the Acquisition, the terms and timing of the conversion of the Subscription Receipts, the trading status of the Resulting Issuer Shares upon completion of the Acquisition, the ability of the Company or EvokAI to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, and the proposed use of proceeds from the Financing. Forward-looking statements may be, but are not always, identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties (including risks that the Acquisition does not proceed, or does not proceed on the expected terms, geopolitical risk, regulatory, Covid-19 and exchange rate risk) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement will prove to be accurate or that management's assumptions underlying such statements, including assumptions concerning the Acquisition or future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this new release and the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Sebastiani Ventures Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746091/Sebastiani-Ventures-Provides-Update-on-Evokai-RTO Brentwood, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2023) - RAB Capital Holdings Limited ("RAB Capital"), a private investment holding corporation controlled by Mr. Philip Richards ("Mr. Richards"), and Mr. Richards report that, on March 24, 2023, they purchased 2,250,000 units ("Units") of Viva Gold Corp. (TSXV: VAU) ("Viva Gold") pursuant to a private placement, at a price of C$0.14 per Unit for aggregate consideration of C$315,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of Viva Gold at an exercise price of C$0.23 per share until March 24, 2026. Mr. Richards now beneficially owns and controls, directly and indirectly, 18,350,000 Common Shares and 10,850,000 warrants to purchase Common Shares ("Warrants") (representing approximately 17.19% of the outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 24.83% on a partially-diluted basis). Prior to this investment acquisition transaction Mr. Richards beneficially owned or controlled 16,100,000 Common Shares and 8,600,000 Warrants. The Unit were acquired by RAB Capital for investment purposes. Mr. Richards and RAB Capital have a long-term view of the investment and may acquire additional securities of Viva Gold, including on the open market or through private acquisitions, or sell securities of Viva Gold, including on the open market or through private dispositions, in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors. RAB Capital is a private company that invests in a wide range of assets based on fundamental analysis. RAB Capital currently targets investments in small companies, both listed and private, and real estate development opportunities. Viva Gold is a British Columbia company having its registered office at 20th Floor, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3R8. This news release is being issued in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report. A copy of the early warning report with respect to the foregoing will appear on Viva Gold's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by contacting its office at + 44 (0) 20 7389 7000 (PO Box 12996, Brentwood, United Kingdom CM14 9TB). RAB Capital Holdings Limited "Andrew Knatchbull" Andrew Knatchbull Finance Director T: 02073897161 E: Andrew.Knatchbull@rabcap.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160117 Guangzhou, one of the most developed Chinese cities, is building a communication and cooperation platform for Asian youth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230326005039/en/ Asia Youth Leaders Forum opens in Nansha, Guangzhou (Photo: Business Wire) Asia Youth Leaders Forum opened on March 25. Nearly 400 guests and youth representatives from Asian countries have gathered in Nansha to discuss how to enhance youth cooperation, strengthen common values, and promote the peace and development in Asia. In the three-day forum, guests and Asian youth representatives will hold discussions on such topics as high-quality development, healthcare, global trends, finance and investment, the cooperation and development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and dialogues between youth leaders of China and the United Arab Emirates. The goal is to promote people-to-people bonds in the countries along the Belt and Road, and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity by leveraging the power of young people in global governance, exchange, and mutual learning. In order to motivate young people to make greater contributions to global governance, political leaders from multiple countries expressed their expectations for young people at the forum online or on site. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said via video, "The power and courage of Asian youth are needed to address the common problems facing mankind." Lee Jae-jung, Vice Chairperson of Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, stated, "Youth will play a greater role in Asia." Youth representatives believe that all Asian countries have tremendous cooperation potential in fields like science and technology, culture, healthcare, finance and investment, and other key areas. As a communication and cooperation platform, the Asia Youth Leaders Forum is widely recognized for the opportunities it created for young people. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a video, "I thank the Chinese for giving youth the opportunity to engage because a conference is only a catalyst for broadening our horizons." Participants said that the forum has played a positive role in promoting cooperation and outlining a bright future for Asia. The "Asia Youth Friendship Forest" planting event will start after the conclusion of the forum, to enhance friendship between Asian youth. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230326005039/en/ Contacts: Asia Youth Leaders Forum Deng Min 619378122@qq.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Edison Lithium Corp. (TSXV: EDDY) (OTCQB: EDDYF) (FSE: VV00) ("Edison" or the "Company") further to the Company's news release dated May 19, 2022, the Company is pleased to provide an update regarding the proposed spinout of its cobalt assets in northeastern Ontario, referred to as the Kittson Cobalt Property (the "Spin-Out"), into a newly incorporated subsidiary ("SpinCo"). The Company will continue to hold its interest in the Antofalla Salar and Pipanaco Salar lithium projects in Argentina. It is proposed that the Spin-Out will be carried out by way of statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Common shares of SpinCo (the "SpinCo Shares") will now be distributed to shareholders of Edison on the basis of one SpinCo Share for every eight common shares of Edison held. There will be no change in Edison shareholders' holdings in the Company as a result of the Spin-Out. If the Spin-Out is completed, shareholders will own shares in both companies, Edison and SpinCo. The proposed Spin-Out will be subject to the terms of an arrangement agreement to be entered into between Edison and SpinCo, approval of shareholders at a meeting of Edison shareholders, approval of the British Columbia Supreme Court, and approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company intends to seek a listing of the SpinCo Shares on the Exchange, however no assurance can be provided that such a listing will be obtained. Listing will be subject to SpinCo fulfilling all of the requirements of the Exchange. The Company expects the Spin-Out will increase shareholder value by allowing capital markets to ascribe value to the Kittson Cobalt Property independent of the Company's lithium properties. Nathan Rotstein, Chief Executive Officer of Edison, comments, "We are always looking at opportunities to unlock shareholder value and spinning out the cobalt asset makes perfect sense. Cobalt is an essential mineral that has strong demand in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. The new entity will present a compelling opportunity for further investment in the heated battery metals space." Upon completion of the Spin-Out, SpinCo intends to undertake a private placement of up to 15,000,000 units (the "Units") at $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will consist of one SpinCo Share and one warrant (a "Warrant"), each Warrant will be exercisable into one SpinCo Share at an exercise price of $0.12 per SpinCo Share, for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The Private Placement is expected to close concurrently with listing on the Exchange. The SpinCo Shares and Warrants will be subject to a four-month statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Private Placement. Further details of the Spin-Out and Private Placement will follow by additional press releases. Timing of the Spin-Out and Private Placement will be based on prevailing market conditions. The particulars of the Spin-Out are not yet final and shareholders are cautioned that there can be no assurance that the Spin-Out will be completed on the terms described herein or at all. About Edison Lithium Corp. Edison Lithium Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium, and other energy metal properties. The Company's acquisition strategy is based on acquiring affordable, cost-effective, and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. Edison is building a portfolio of quality assets capable of supplying critical materials to the battery industry and intends to capitalize on and have its shareholders benefit from the renewed interest in the battery metals space. On behalf of the Board of Directors: "Nathan Rotstein" Nathan Rotstein Chief Executive Officer and Director For more information please contact: Tel: 416-526-3217 Email: info@edisonlithium.com Website: www.edisonlithium.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Disclaimer: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Edison's beliefs and expectations, are forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "will be", "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue,", "proposes", "contemplates", "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. All information provided in this news release is as of the date of this news, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: the incorporation of SpinCo, completion of the proposed Spin-Out, the Company maintaining its interest in the Antofalla Salar and Pipanaco Salar properties, distribution of SpinCo Shares to Edison shareholders and the basis of such distribution, no changes occurring to Edison shareholders' holdings, the receipt of required shareholder, court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals for the Spin-Out, listing of the SpinCo Shares on the Exchange, increases to shareholder value as a result of the Spin-Out, the new entity presenting compelling opportunity for further investment in the heated battery metals space, the timing of the Spin-Out transaction, and the timing of additional details concerning the Spin-Out and the terms and timing for completion of the Private Placement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of management on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: determination of acceptable terms for the proposed Spin-Out, receipt of all required shareholder, court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals for the Spin-Out; changes in the value of the Kittson Cobalt, Antofalla Salar, and Pipanaco Salar properties; fluctuations in the securities markets, commodity pricing and the market price of the Company's common shares and Exchange approval for listing of the SpinCo Shares. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160116 SINGAPORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Azentio Software is pleased to announce that it has been named Gold Winner of the 'Best Industry Cloud ERP for Manufacturing' category at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, held on Saturday 18 March at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The prestigious award recognizes organisations' purpose-led innovation and excellence throughout 18 nations in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is a testament to Azentio's commitment to providing innovative and reliable cloud ERP solutions that meet the needs of world-class manufacturing enterprises in the MENA region. Azentio ONEERP Manufacturing Cloud is IR 4.0 compliant and supports digitization for manufacturing businesses in various domains, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and rubber and plastics. It is one of the first ERP platforms in the manufacturing industry to offer a ground-breaking blockchain-enabled Halal industry cloud solution. The platform provides a fully integrated and collaborative system that merges digital manufacturing and SCM components to address dynamic conditions in the industry value chain and meet changing customer demands. It optimizes business processes for manufacturing, distribution, and financial management through advanced technology, robust software security, and best-in-class scalability. Suryanarayan Kasichainula, President and Global Head - ERP at Azentio Software, commented, "We are thrilled to be recognized as the 'Best Industry Cloud ERP for Manufacturing' at the Stevie Awards. At Azentio, we strive to revolutionize how manufacturing enterprises operate in the modern era of cloud technology. Our cutting-edge ERP solutions empower our clients to undergo digital transformation and succeed in today's challenging business landscape." Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, stated, "We were impressed by the capabilities of Azentio ONEERP Manufacturing Cloud, which powers many of the world's mid-market enterprises. This state-of-the-art cloud platform brings together the capabilities of financials, procurement, project management, HR and FP&A onto a unified cloud platform that shares real-time, and is designed with a powerful, people-centric approach. It supports rapid and continuous change while delivering individualized fit for clients at scale, delivering the right tools to unify processes across the organization." About Azentio Software Azentio provides mission-critical software products across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and India to banks, Islamic financial institutions and insurance companies. It also provides ERP solutions to mid-market enterprises. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1978771/Azentio_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/azentio-software-wins-gold-award-for-best-industry-cloud-erp-for-manufacturing-301782916.html Share Buyback Transaction Details March 20 March 24 2023 Regulatory News: MotorK Plc (AMS: MTRK) ("MotorK" or the "Group") announces today that it has purchased the following number of ordinary shares in the Company. This is part of a repurchase program announced on July 18, 2022. MotorK intends to buy back its own ordinary shares by way of off-market purchases on Euronext Amsterdam and via block trades up to a maximum aggregate value of 3,000,000 (the "Programme"). The authorization will expire following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2023. Aggregate Information Date Transactions Number of Ordinary Shares Total Consideration () Average price ( per share) Minimum price ( per share) Maximum price ( per share) 20/03/2023 Purchase 8,113 20,096 2.48 2.43 2.53 21/03/2023 Purchase 8,065 20,163 2.50 2.50 2.50 22/03/2023 Purchase 8,157 19,967 2.45 2.44 2.46 23/03/2023 Purchase 8,032 19,795 2.46 2.41 2.50 24/03/2023 Purchase 5,001 12,252 2.45 2.41 2.45 Total Weekly 37,368 92,272 2.47 2.41 2.53 Cumulated to date 1,782,382 2,866,983 The Programme is implemented within the limitations of the authority granted by the General Meeting on July 18, 2022. Any shares so repurchased shall be treated as cancelled pursuant to section 706(b) of the Companies Act 2006. The Group has entered into non-discretionary instructions with Kepler Cheuvreux SA ("Kepler Cheuvreux") to conduct the Programme on its behalf and to make trading decisions under the Programme independently of MotorK. REGULATED INFORMATION This press release contains information that qualifies or may qualify as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014/EU) ABOUT MOTORK PLC MotorK (AMS: MTRK) is a leading software as a service ("SaaS") provider for the automotive retail industry in the EMEA region, with over 400 employees and eleven offices in eight countries (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, the UK, Belgium and Israel). MotorK empowers car manufacturers and dealers to improve their customer experience through a broad suite of fully integrated digital products and services. MotorK provides its customers with an innovative combination of digital solutions, SaaS cloud products and the largest R&D department in the automotive digital sales and marketing industry in Europe. MotorK is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 5th Floor One New Change, London, England, EC4M 9AF Company Registration: 9259000. For more information: www.motork.io or www.investors.motork.io. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005444/en/ Contacts: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MotorK Investor Relations Etienne Jacquet etienne.jacquet@motork.io +33 6 22 18 39 09 MotorK Corporate Communications press@motork.io The cybersecurity architects at Azure IAM have announced that they are now able to design and implement robust verification systems for collaborative, decentralized business environments. Sterling, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - As decentralized data storage is becoming the new normal for many industries, Azure IAM announces it is now adapting its service to the changing landscape. As part of their cybersecurity architect solutions, they design adaptive MFA and access management systems for cooperatives and other organizations. To learn more, visit https://azureiam.com/ Azure IAM Announces MFA Cybersecurity Architect Service For Cooperatives To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/160151_1cf17faa447f08bf_001full.jpg This new service is designed for large, employee-owned businesses that may have different cybersecurity or cloud storage needs than a traditional business. Azure IAM's certified cybersecurity architects can build custom security infrastructure to defend these clients from threats both internal and external. As a Microsoft partner, Azure IAM has access to a large toolkit of solutions which can in turn be accessed through the Azure Active Directory, an all-in-one control panel for all other implementations. Also included in their toolkit are a number of solutions designed for large workforces based around on-premise data storage, including the Authenticator app and verification protocols designed by Sailpoint. For these internally governed companies, Azure IAM can build solutions that automate the verification process through flexible MFA and permissions management systems. These systems are intended to ensure that network governance remains unconsolidated while a high degree of security is maintained. This is the latest in a series of expansions by the consulting firm as they continue to incorporate new strategies and technologies into their toolkit. Through this expansion, they are also seeking to keep up with the latest industry trends regarding how businesses are run, and to reflect the large-scale adoption of cloud technology as a mainstay of most commercial operations. Azure IAM's solutions are fully scalable and customizable, making them an ideal choice for cooperative businesses that are likely to require more adaptive data structures. By implementing the Azure Active Directory, the firm seeks to ensure that these ever-changing verification procedures can be tightly contained and controlled. Azure IAM's team is available now for consultations on custom verification systems. For more, visit https://azureiam.com/ Contact Info: Name: Robin Lilly Email: robin@azureiam.com Organization: Azure IAM, LLC Address: P. O. Box 650685, Sterling, Virginia 20165, United States Website: https://azureiam.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160151 GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders of Concordia Maritime AB (publ), 556068-5819, are hereby invited to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 4 May 2023 at 1.00 p.m. CEST at Elite Park Avenue Hotel, Gothenburg. Registration for the Annual General Meeting begins at 12.15 p.m. CEST. The Board of Directors has decided that shareholders shall be able to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting also by postal voting in accordance with the regulations in Concordia Maritime's Articles of Association. Right to participate and registration Attending the meeting venue A) A person who wishes to attend the meeting venue in person or by proxy must be recorded as a shareholder in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB concerning the circumstances on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 , and in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB concerning the circumstances on Tuesday, , and give notice of participation in the Annual General Meeting no later than Thursday, 27 April 2023. Notification of participation at the Annual General Meeting can be made by post to Computershare AB "Concordia Maritime Aktiebolag's Annual General Meeting", P.O. Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm, Sweden , by email proxy@computershare.se, by telephone +46 771-24 64 00 or on the company's website www.concordiamaritime.com (only for natural persons). The notification must state name, social security- or company registration number, address, telephone number and the number of possible assistants (maximum two). If shareholders are represented by proxy, a written and dated power of attorney signed by the shareholder must be attached to the notification and presented at the meeting. If the shareholder is a legal entity, a registration certificate or other authorization document must be attached. Form of proxy is available at the company's head office and on the company's website, www.concordiamaritime.com. Participation by postal voting B) A person who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting by postal voting must be recorded as a shareholder in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB concerning the circumstances on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 , and in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB concerning the circumstances on Tuesday, , and give notice of participation in the Annual General Meeting no later than Thursday, 27 April 2023, by having submitted a postal voting form in accordance with the instructions below, so that the postal vote is received by Computershare AB no later than that day. A shareholder who wishes to attend the meeting venue in person or by proxy, must give notice in accordance with the instructions stated under A) above. Hence, a notice of participation only through postal voting is not sufficient for a person who wishes to attend the meeting venue. A special form shall be used for postal voting. The form is available on Concordia Maritime's website, www.concordiamaritime.com. The completed and signed form must be received by Computershare AB no later than Thursday, 27 April 2023. The completed and signed form shall be sent to Computershare AB "Concordia Maritime Aktiebolag's Annual General Meeting", P.O. Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm, Sweden. The completed form may alternatively be submitted by email and is then to be sent to proxy@computershare.se (state "Concordia Maritime - postal voting" in the subject line). Shareholders can also choose to cast their postal vote electronically through verification with BankID. A link to electronic postal voting can be found on the company's website, www.concordiamaritime.com. Such electronic votes must be submitted no later than Thursday, 27 April 2023. The shareholder may not provide special instructions or conditions in the voting form. If so, the vote (in its entirety) is invalid. Further instructions and conditions are included in the form for postal voting. If the shareholder postal votes by proxy, a written and dated power of attorney signed by the shareholder must be attached to the postal voting form. If the shareholder is a legal entity, a registration certificate or other authorization document must be attached to the form. Form of proxy is available at the company's head office and on the company's website, www.concordiamaritime.com. Nominee-registered shares In order to be entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting, shareholders who have registered their shares in the name of a nominee must, in addition to giving notice of participation in the Annual General Meeting, request that their shares be registered in their own name so that the shareholder is entered into the share register on Tuesday, 25 April 2023. This registration may be temporary (so-called voting right registration) and is requested with the nominee in accordance with the nominee's procedures and in advance as determined by the nominee. Voting right registrations completed no later than Thursday, 27 April 2023, are considered when preparing the share register. Items and proposed agenda Opening of the meeting. Election of Chairman of the meeting. Election of person to verify the minutes. Preparation and approval of the voting list. Approval of the agenda. Consideration if the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened. Presentation of the Board of Directors and statement by the Chairman of the Board. Presentation by the CEO. Presentation of a) the annual accounts and the consolidated annual accounts; b) the audit report and the audit report for the group; c) the auditor's statement regarding the company's compliance with the guidelines for remuneration to members of the executive management. Resolutions regarding a) adoption of the income statement and balance sheet and the consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet; b) the allocation of the company's profit according to the adopted balance sheet; c) the discharge from liability towards the company in respect of the Board of Directors and the CEO. Resolution regarding the number of members and deputy members of the Board of Directors and the number of auditors and deputy auditors. Resolution regarding the remuneration to the Board of Directors and the auditors. Election of members of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Board. Election of auditor. Presentation of the remuneration report for approval. Resolution regarding guidelines for remuneration to the executive management. Closing of the meeting. Election of a Chairman for the meeting (item 2) The Nomination Committee proposes that the attorney Aleksander Ivarsson is elected as Chairman of the meeting. Preparation and approval of the voting list (item 4) The voting list proposed for approval is the voting list drawn up by Computershare AB on behalf of the Company, based on the Annual General Meeting's register of shareholders, shareholders having given notice of participation and being present at the meeting venue, and postal votes received. Proposal of profit allocation (item 10b) The Board of Directors does not propose any distribution of dividend. Resolution regarding the number of members and deputy members of the Board of Directors and the number of auditors and deputy auditors (item 11) The Nomination Committee proposes that the number of Board members elected by the shareholders shall be four and that no deputies should be appointed. The number of auditors is proposed to be one. Resolution regarding the remuneration to the Board of Directors and the auditors (item 12) The Nomination Committee proposes that remuneration to the Board members is to be paid with SEK 400,000 (400,000) to the Chairman and SEK 300,000 (225,000) to each of the other Board members elected by the shareholders. The remuneration to the auditors shall be paid according to invoice approved by the company. Election of members of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Board (item 13) The Nomination Committee proposes that Stefan Brocker, Henrik Hallin, Mats Jansson and Ulrika Laurin shall be re-elected as Board members. Stefan Brocker is proposed to be elected as Chairman of the Board. Carl-Johan Hagman has declined re-election to the Board of Directors. Election of auditor (item 14) In accordance with the Board of Director's recommendation, the Nomination Committee proposes that Ohrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB is re-elected as auditor of the company for a period of one year until the end of the Annual General Meeting 2024. Ohrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB has notified that the authorised public accountant Fredrik Goransson will be principally responsible auditor, if Ohrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB is elected as auditor by the Annual General Meeting. Resolution regarding guidelines for remuneration to the executive management (item 16) The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to adopt guidelines for remuneration to the executive management in accordance with below. Scope of the guidelines, etc. Members of the executive management of Concordia Maritime fall within the provisions of these guidelines. The guidelines are forward-looking, i.e. they are applicable to remuneration agreed, and amendments to remuneration already agreed, after adoption of the guidelines by the annual general meeting 2023. These guidelines do not apply to any remuneration decided or approved by the general meeting. Remuneration under employments subject to other rules than Swedish may be duly adjusted to comply with mandatory rules or established local practice, taking into account, to the extent possible, the overall purpose of these guidelines. The guidelines' promotion of the company's business strategy, long-term interests and sustainability The company's vision is to always be the preferred carrier and business partner within tanker transportation, and in order to achieve the purpose, the company has a business strategy that, in short, is to provide safe, sustainable and reliable tanker transportation based on innovation and performance for its customer, and to make timely investments in vessels and gain financially from fluctuations in their values. A prerequisite for the successful implementation of the company's business strategy and safeguarding of its long-term interests, including its sustainability, is that the company is able to recruit and retain qualified personnel. To this end, it is necessary that the company offers attractive and competitive remuneration. The absolute level depends on the scope and complexity of the position in question and on the individual employee's annual performance. These guidelines enable the company to offer the executive management an attractive and competitive total remuneration. Variable cash remuneration covered by these guidelines shall aim at promoting the company's business strategy and long-term interests, including its sustainability. Types of remuneration, etc. The remuneration shall be on market terms and may consist of the following components: fixed cash salary, variable cash remuneration, pension benefits and other benefits. Additionally, the general meeting may - irrespective of these guidelines - resolve on, among other things, share-related or share price-related remuneration. The satisfaction of criteria for awarding variable cash remuneration shall be measured over a period of one year. The variable cash remuneration may amount to not more than 50 per cent of the fixed annual cash salary. The variable cash remuneration shall be linked to annually predetermined and measurable criteria, e.g. commercial, operational and financial criteria, that shall be determined by the Board of Directors. They may also be individualized, quantitative or qualitative objectives. The criteria shall be designed so as to contribute to the company's business strategy and long-term interests, including its sustainability, by for example being clearly linked to the business strategy or promote the executive's long-term development. Currently, these criteria include, inter alia, avoidance of work-related personal injuries (LTIF), number of vetting observations at vessel inspections, and fleet utilization. Applicable criteria and the relative size of the criteria is determined individually. To which extent the criteria for awarding variable cash remuneration has been satisfied shall be evaluated/determined when the measurement period has ended. The Board of Directors is responsible for the evaluation so far as it concerns variable remuneration to the CEO. For variable cash remuneration to other executives, the CEO is responsible for the evaluation. For financial objectives, the evaluation shall be based on established financial data for the relevant period. Should the group's profit before tax be negative for the relevant period, the payment of variable cash remuneration be limited to 50 per cent of the actual result. For the CEO, pension benefits, including health insurance (Sw: sjukforsakring), shall be premium defined. Variable cash remuneration shall qualify for pension benefits. The pension premiums for premium defined pension shall amount to not more than 35 per cent of the annual cash remuneration. For other executives, pension benefits, including health insurance, shall be premium defined unless the individual concerned is subject to defined benefit pension under mandatory collective agreement provisions. Variable cash remuneration shall qualify for pension benefits only to the extent required by mandatory collective agreement provisions. The pension premiums for premium defined pension shall amount to not more than 30 per cent of the fixed annual cash salary. Other benefits may include, e.g., medical insurance (Sw: sjukvardsforsakring) and company cars. Such benefits may amount to not more than 10 per cent of the fixed annual cash salary. Executives who are expatriates to or from Sweden may receive additional remuneration and other benefits to the extent reasonable in light of the special circumstances associated with the expat arrangement, taking into account, to the extent possible, the overall purpose of these guidelines. Such benefits may not in total exceed 15 per cent of the fixed annual cash salary. Termination of employment The notice period may not exceed two years for the CEO and one year for other executives, if notice of termination of employment is made by the company. Fixed cash salary during the period of notice and severance pay may together not exceed an amount equivalent to the CEO's fixed cash salary for two years, and one year for other executives. When termination is made by the executive, the period of notice may not exceed twelve months for the CEO and six months for other executives, without any right to severance pay. Salary and employment conditions for employees In the preparation of the Board of Directors' proposal for these remuneration guidelines, salary and employment conditions for employees of the company have been taken into account by including information on the employees' total income, the components of the remuneration and increase and growth rate over time, in the Board of Directors' basis of decision when evaluating whether the guidelines and the limitations set out herein are reasonable. The development of the gap between the remuneration to executives and remuneration to other employees will be disclosed in the remuneration report. The decision-making process to determine, review and implement the guidelines The Board of Directors has not established a remuneration committee, since the Board of Directors found it more appropriate for the entire Board to fulfil the duties of a remuneration committee. The Board of Directors shall prepare a proposal for new guidelines at least every fourth year and submit it to the general meeting. The guidelines shall be in force until new guidelines are adopted by the general meeting. The Board of Directors shall also monitor and evaluate programs for variable remuneration for the executive management, the application of the guidelines for executive remuneration as well as the current remuneration structures and compensation levels in the company. The CEO and other members of the executive management do not participate in the Board of Directors' processing of and resolutions regarding remuneration-related matters in so far as they are affected by such matters. Derogation from the guidelines The Board of Directors may temporarily resolve to derogate from the guidelines, in whole or in part, if in a specific case there is special cause for the derogation and a derogation is necessary to serve the company's long-term interests, including its sustainability, or to ensure the company's financial viability. The Board of Directors resolves on any resolutions to derogate from the guidelines. Description of material changes of the guidelines and how the shareholders' opinions are considered The current guidelines for remuneration to the executive management were adopted at the annual general meeting 2020. These guidelines are substantially the same as the guidelines adopted by the annual general meeting 2020. However, the notice period for other executives, if notice of termination of employment is made by the company, has been amended from a maximum of six months to a maximum of one year. In addition, the maximum fixed cash salary during the period of notice and severance pay for other executives has been amended, to may not together exceed an amount equivalent to the fixed cash salary for one year, instead of as earlier stated six months. No comments or questions on the guidelines for remuneration to the executive management have emerged in connection with the general meeting proceeding. Available documentation The Annual Report in Swedish, the audit report, the auditor's statement regarding the company's compliance with the guidelines for remuneration to members of the executive management, the Board of Directors' remuneration report, and the Board of Directors' proposal on guidelines for remuneration to the executive management will be presented at the Annual General Meeting by being available at the company's headquarters and the company's website, www.concordiamaritime.com, no later than three weeks before the Annual General Meeting. The above documents will also be sent to shareholders upon request, provided that such shareholder states a postal address. Information about the proposed Board members and the Nomination Committee's reasoned statement is available on the company's website, www.concordiamaritime.com. Shares and votes The total number of shares in the company amounts to 47,729,798 shares, whereof 4,000,000 Series A shares and 43,729,798 Series B shares, representing a total of 83,729,798 votes. The company does not hold any of its own shares. Information at the Annual General Meeting The Board of Directors and the CEO shall, if requested by a shareholder and if the Board considers that it will not cause significant damage to the company, provide information on circumstances that could affect the assessment of a matter on the agenda, circumstances that could affect the assessment of the company's or a subsidiary's economic situation and the company's relations with another group company. Processing of personal data For information on how your personal data is processed, see https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf. Gothenburg in March, 2023 Concordia Maritime AB (publ) Board of Directors The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1948/3741132/1945842.pdf 2023-03-28 Concordia Maritime - Notice to the Annual General Meeting 2023 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/notice-to-the-annual-general-meeting-of-concordia-maritime-ab-publ-301783006.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Q Battery Metals (CSE:QMET)(OTC PINK:BTKRF)(FRA:0NB) is currently in the process of refining targets on their La Corne South Lithium Project located north of Val d'Or, Quebec. In particular, the geological team will remodel the company's 2021 drone-supported magnetics survey results and their 2022 deep penetrating electromagnetics survey results to better determine the presence of pegmatites on the property. Previous data interpretation has outlined high magnetic and conductive zones in search of massive sulphide deposits that have distinctly different geophysical characteristics from pegmatite bodies. The data will be re-modeled for geophysical attributes that better reflect pegmatites. Q Battery Metals is also preparing to complete ground resistivity surveying over the highly interesting target area of the Boily Berube mineral showing which has been described as white feldspar and quartz veins with molybdenite and bismuth. The documented lithium showings on the margins of the La Corne batholith often have associated molybdenum indicated in the mineralization summary. As well, the North American Lithium deposit is described as containing molybdenite and bismuthinite. The presence of these elements at the Boily Berube mineral showing is now considered good indicators for lithium. QMET's geological team is preparing to prospect, map and sample the Boily Berube showing and the La Corne Batholith margins to analyze for lithium content. The current geophysical survey remodeling and proposed resistivity survey will assist in determining the location of lithium-bearing pegmatites in that region of the property. Nine lithium projects are located within 20 kilometres (km) of the La Corne South project, including North American Lithium (NAL) mine (Sayona Mining-Piedmont Lithium Joint Venture). The projects are located on the periphery of the La Corne granitic batholith, an area that is highly prospective for pegmatite lithium mineralization. Sayona has successfully produced their first saleable spodumene concentrate of 1,200 tonnes with 6% lithium grade (Sayona March 8, 2023 News Release). Sayona has announced plans for continued drilling at both their NAL project and the adjoining Vallee Lithium property. More than 50,000 metres of drilling are planned (Sayona release March 7, 2023). CEO Richard Penn states that "after attending the PDAC and Swiss Mining Institute conferences, we now have an even greater appreciation of the potential for lithium on the La Corne South Project. Many other lithium projects were summarized at these conferences. We feel that we are in the right location at the right time with the La Corne South and Pegalith Lithium Projects, and are looking forward to exploring and advancing both projects in 2023". The reader is cautioned that resources that exist on properties outside of the Q Battery Metals claims are not direct indicators of lmineralization on the claims. The reader is cautioned that historic results reported by previous operators have not been verified by Q Battery Metals. Q Battery Metals also owns 100% interest in the Pegaltih Lithium Project, the Lorrain Ni-Cu-PGE project, and the McKenzie East Gold Project. About Q Battery Metals Q Battery Metals is a mineral exploration focused on exploration and development of battery, base, and precious metals. The La Corne South Lithium Project is located over the southern portion of the La Corne Batholith. At least 14 lithium projects are associated with the margins of the La Corne Batholith within 20 kilometers of the QMET claims. Sections of the batholith are pegmatitic which host the lithium. The North American Lithium project is a historic lithium mine that now lists proven and probable mineral reserves estimated at 29.2 million tonnes (Mt), grading 0.96% Li2O, with contained Li2O of 280,300t. As well, the potential for VMS deposition containing Cu-Zn-Ag is evident on the claims. The Pegalith Project contains pegmatites that were small scale mined for industrial minerals. The historic Mine Leduc, located in close proximity to the PegaLith property, contains a small lithium-bearing resource (approximately 230 tonnes of 5.39% Li2O) from pegmatitic rocks, indicating the potential for lithium-bearing pegmatites in the region. The Lorrain Property is located over ultramafic rocks that host the Guimond-Church mineral showing. The showing is described as containing 0.48% Cr and 0.27% Ni. A drill hole completed in 2001 by a previous operator is summarized as containing substantial quantities of platinum, palladium, copper, nickel and silver. The Lorrain property remains a project of interest for QMET. The McKenzie East Gold Project is located 30 kilometres north of the city of Val-d'Or, Quebec and situated in the prolific Abitibi greenstone-belt. The Property is covers 1,656 hectares located adjacent to the The McKenzie Break deposit currently under exploration and develoopmment by Monarch Mining Corporation. Monarch reports a current open pit indicated resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 1.8 gpt Au, and 387,000 tonnes indicated underground resource. Perry Grunenberg, P. Geo, a 'a Qualified Person' as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. CONTACT Q Battery Metals Corp. Richard Penn 778- 384-8923 Richard@QMetalsCorp.com SOURCE: Q Battery Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746044/Q-Battery-Metals-Geophysical-Surveys-La-Corne-South-Project-Quebec PARIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lefebvre Sarrut, the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge, has integrated generative artificial intelligence into its legal information search solutions in Spain. By ensuring that its algorithms use verified content only, Lefebvre Sarrut is the first European legal knowledge company to offer reliable and complete AI-generated answers to legal professionals searching for information. Recently, generative AI technology has been brought to the public's attention thanks to solutions like ChatGPT that create content, including texts, images, audio and synthetic data. Although the technology can write impressive texts that mimic human writing, the results can be inaccurate when based on incomplete, outdated or unverified information sources. To overcome these challenges, Lefebvre Sarrut has refined its algorithm's search capabilities to focus exclusively on up-to-date legal content from verified sources. This guarantee that users receive reliable and accurate information is a first for AI-based solutions in the legal sector. Compared to other open models, Lefebvre Sarrut's innovative technology integrates a new advanced search algorithm that meticulously processes editorial content, using reliable sources such as the Group's Memento knowledge, as well as other verified information on legislation, doctrine and case law from its huge database. This content is then harmonized with language models to ensure precise, easy-to-read results, and supported by links to sources. "We're proud to offer our clients this new, more powerful tool to enhance their legal work," said Olivier Campenon, CEO of Lefebvre Sarrut."The benefits for legal professionals are immediate in terms of efficiency and time savings. This is just the beginning, and the combination of technologies we're developing will allow us to go even further. Our goal is to provide trustworthy solutions to bring real value and benefits to our customers. Our AI solutions are at the forefront of the industry, allowing us to take another step forward in our goal of enabling knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society." About Lefebvre Sarrut Lefebvre Sarrut is the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge. With offices in France (Lefebvre Dalloz), Germany (Juris/Stollfu), Italy (Giuffre Francis Lefebvre), the Netherlands (SDU), Spain (Lefebvre) and Belgium, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom (Larcier-Intersentia), the group provides publishing, training and software solutions to a wide range of organisations in the private and public sectors and to regulated professions (notaries, chartered accountants, lawyers, etc.). Lefebvre Sarrut generated revenues of 535 million in 2021 and employs 2,500 people. The group's mission is to enable knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society. www.lefebvre-sarrut.eu Media contacts Agustin Born - a.born@lefebvre.es Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2039375/3953427/Lefebvre_Sarrut_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lefebvre-sarrut-brings-generative-ai-to-legal-information-searches-in-europe--a-first-in-this-industry-301782234.html SINGAPORE, Mar 28, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - CloserStill Media, a world-leading producer of market-leading events, has announced three invite-only Summits for Asia's top C-level executives and senior decision-makers. The Retail Executive Summit, Smart Cybersecurity Summit, and the brand-new Data & AI Leaders' Summit will take place in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands across the month of April. Featuring exceptional conference content and interactive brand showcases, the Summits present unique opportunities for attendees to stay updated on the latest tech advancements, forge strategic partnerships, and discover cutting-edge solutions. "After a record-breaking year for Tech Week Singapore in 2022, there is no doubt that the appetite for knowledge sharing and networking is insatiable," said Andy Kiwanuka, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at CloserStill Media. "These Summits are essential for businesses to stay ahead of the competition." All three Summits includes lunch and post-event networking drinks for the all-important networking with fellow business leaders. Registration for all Summits is now open and can be accessed via singaporeporetechnologyweek.com. To create a value-driven experience, the Summits are exclusive to C-Level leaders and senior decision-makers. The Exclusive Retail Event for Enterprise Executives Happening on 6 April at Marina Bay Sands, the Retail Executive Summit will be a place to revolutionise retail businesses within the highly competitive, yet lucrative, eCommerce space in Singapore. "This is the place to unlock the secrets to success from esteemed experts who have conquered last-mile delivery and empowered tech-savvy customers," said Indiana Forrest-Bisley, Group Event Director for Retail Executive Summit Singapore. Critical topics like omnichannel development, innovative customer engagement, marketing automation, cross-border commerce and logistics will be covered by experts, including Edouard Delvaux, APAC Digital Commerce Lead for Colgate-Palmolive; Sharon Tan, Head of Digital Commerce - SEA for Kellogg's; Kent Teo, CEO and Founder of Invade, and more. Ground-breaking eCommerce solutions will be showcased by impact.com, Nuvei, Overdose, Shippit, and VTEX. Protecting Businesses from Future Threats More than 350 cybersecurity pioneers and business leaders looking to defend their people and assets against cybercrime are expected to attend Smart Cybersecurity Summit in Singapore on 13 April. Almost half of businesses in Singapore experienced a cyber incident, according to Kroll's APAC State of Incident Report 2022. "The threat landscape is constantly evolving. The time is now to come together in an effort to bolster the cyber resiliency of our digital ecosystems," said Dominic Pinfold, Group Event Director for Smart Cybersecurity Summit Singapore. With their complimentary ticket, business leaders can gain actionable advice on implementing zero trust models, tackling the skills shortage, making returns on security investments, and more. Expert-led sessions will feature Richard Wong, Senior VP at Frost & Sullivan; Veronica Tan, Director for the Safer Cyberspace Division at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore; and Dr Carrine Teoh Chooi, Chief Strategy Officer of Bond Holdings. Leading cybersecurity solutions will be presented by BeyondTrust, Illumio, Palo Alto Networks, Proofpoint, SentinelOne, and StarHub. Driving Innovation for a Better Future The Data & AI Leaders' Summit is an exclusive event for data, analytics, and AI leaders to connect and find solutions that positively contribute to Singapore's goal of becoming a big data hub and world leader in AI adoption. "Big data and AI uptake is often hindered by complex data silos, poor data quality or skills shortages. This Summit showcases inspiring case studies and stories of success from distinguished leaders who have harnessed their data to make better business decisions," said Neil Halliday, APAC Director for the Data, Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Portfolio at CloserStill Media. Trending topics such as generative and conversational AI, data management, governance, and sovereignty will be discussed in collaboration with industry experts at Data & AI Leaders' Summit on 27 April at Marina Bay Sands. Presenting innovative ideas at two leading conference theatres will be Geetha Gopal, Head of Infrastructure Projects, Delivery and Digital Transformation at Panasonic Asia Pacific; Sachin Tonk, Deputy Chief Data Officer at GovTech; and Samuel Chu, Head of Data Science and Analytics for Singlife with Aviva. Cutting-edge solutions to drive businesses into the future will be exhibited by Aerospike, Alteryx, Azul, Collibra, Confluent, Fivetran, and Juniper Networks. C-Suites, business leaders, and end-user professionals are welcome to register a complimentary ticket at singaporeporetechnologyweek.com. Members of the press can also secure a press pass - once registered, please contact Stuart Crowley (s.crowley@closerstillmedia.com) for interview opportunities with speakers. About CloserStill Media CloserStill Media organises international B2B tradeshows. In the technology markets, these events reach across five global territories, more than 70,000 delegates and over 2,500 exhibitors. Its portfolio includes some of the fastest growing and award-winning events, including Tech Show London, an umbrella brand featuring Cloud Expo Europe and Data Centre World. Having delivered unparalleled quality and relevant audiences for all exhibitions, CloserStill has been repeatedly recognised as a leading innovator. Its teams and events have been recognised in Europe and Asia, with awards including Best Marketing Manager five times in succession, Best Trade Exhibition, Best Launch Exhibition, and Rising Star two years in succession, among others. CloserStill is headquartered in London, with offices in Singapore, and across America and Europe. For more information, visit www.closerstillmedia.com. Press Contact Stuart Crowley Global Content & Editorial Manager CloserStill Media s.crowley@closerstillmedia.com Source: CloserStill MediaCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (FSE: DTC) (OTC Pink: DTCFF) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of immune-oncology vaccines and drug delivery technologies is pleased to announce that it is currently conducting a final pre-clinical study aimed at validating the efficacy of AccuTOXTM combined to immune-checkpoint inhibitors akin to the clinical design to be used on patients to be enrolled in the Phase I cancer clinical trial planned at the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute. Defence has completed all required pre-clinical and GLP studies on its lead compound AccuTOXTM as an injectable for solid tumors. The Defence team has shown that tumors are effectively controlled following intratumoral administration of AccuTOXTM three times per week in combination with anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA4 or anti-CD47. Dr. Yan Xing, who will conduct Defence's Phase I cancer clinical trial at City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, is a physician, oncologist that has a Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Texas, a fellowship in medical oncology from the Houston Methodist Hospital as well as a fellowship in Phase I clinical trials from the MD Andersen Cancer Center. Dr. Yan Xing strives to improve cancer treatment and outcomes through rigorous data analyses to better determine which practices work best. Under Dr. Xing recommendations, Defence will perform a preclinical study whereas the treatment will be twice a week over a three-week period. Defence's AccuTOXTM ongoing pre-clinical study has implemented a plan to be closely matched as the Phase I cancer clinical trial. AccuTOXTM will be delivered twice a week over a total period of three weeks. This study plan would significantly decrease the number of hospital visits per week for cancer patients. The AccuTOXTM will be delivered as combination therapy with both anti-PD-1 and anti-LAG3. The latter immune-checkpoint inhibitor combination is similar to the use of Opdualag (a BMS premixed combination of nivolumab and relatlimab), which is currently being administered to cancer patients at the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute. "The ongoing in vivo study will highlight potential potency differences using a different administration regimen and in addition it may determine this novel combination that can further enhance the therapeutic potency of AccuTOXTM," says Mr. Plouffe, CEO and president of Defence. Clinical studies have shown that the use of Opdualag has doubled the median progression-free survival of patients with advanced melanoma. The AccuTOXTM as a combo therapy with Opdualag is anticipated to elicit a greater therapeutic impact on cancer patients. With the study expected to be complete by the end of April 2023, Defence plans to finalize its IND filings through City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute by May 2023. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the solid tumors market was valued at USD 209.61 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 901.27 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-solid-tumors-market About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUMTM technology, which enables precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases. For further information: Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director P: (514) 947-2272 Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com www.defencetherapeutics.com Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160051 HELSINKI and SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluefors, a leading Finnish manufacturer of cryogenic measurement systems, has today announced the completion of its acquisition of Cryomech, a pioneering cryocooler technology and manufacturing company, based in Syracuse, New York, USA. "Joining forces with our new team in Syracuse is a major milestone for Bluefors," says Rob Blaauwgeers, CEO and founder of Bluefors. "Adding 60 years of history and expertise in cryogenics to our 15-year journey and now having a comprehensive portfolio of cryogenic products that get us from room temperature to the coldest temperatures on the planet, will strengthen our position to continue to meet and exceed our customers' expectations in the future as well." "We're glad to be part of the Bluefors team," says Rich Dausman, who continues to lead the team and operation based in Syracuse, which continues to be the home for the existing Cryomech products and services portfolio. "This is a great home for our team and together we will continue to take care of all our co-workers and customers around the world while growing together in the rapidly developing ultra-low temperature cryogenics market." Following the closing of the acquisition, Bluefors now has close to 600 employees and cryogenics experts in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA. Through the acquisition, Bluefors significantly increases its direct presence in the USA with approximately one-third of its employees based in the state of New York. Consequently, Bluefors becomes an important part of the US-based supply chain for cryogenic products used in quantum technology, fundamental physics research and other select industries, while also strengthening the presence for the Cryomech portfolio in Europe. The transaction has been approved by the shareholders of Cryomech's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Contact information Contact information Rob Blaauwgeers Rich Dausman CEO, Founder of Bluefors President, Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies Inc. Phone: +358 9 5617 4800 Phone: +1 315 455 2555 Email: rob@bluefors.com Email: rdausman@cryomech.com About Bluefors Bluefors is the world leader in manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems, cryocoolers and other cryogenic product lines for quantum technology, fundamental physics research and other select industries, such as life sciences and clean energy. Now, following the acquisition, with a revenue of over EUR 160 million and around 600 employees, we are dedicated to delivering the most reliable, versatile, and easy-to-operate systems on the market under Bluefors and Cryomech brands. The quality of our products in combination with our scalable production capabilities, has made us the preferred choice for ultra-low temperature requirements at universities, research institutes, and corporations globally. bluefors.com / cryomech.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/20396/3741854/1946197.pdf Press release (PDF) View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bluefors-closes-the-acquisition-of-cryomech-301783056.html BlackRock maintains top position in Broadridge's Fund Brand 50 global asset manager rankings amid market volatility LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest edition of Broadridge's Fund Brand 50 (FB50), an annual research study by global Fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) was released today, highlighting the world's best-performing third-party asset management brands. The study reveals 'green' credentials are more coveted - and more scrutinised - by European fund selectors than ever before. "This development follows news of a European Commission clarification on funds which market themselves under the 'deepest green' Article 9 classification," said Liam Martin, Director of EMEA Insights, Broadridge. Despite this development, the incentive for firms to establish their environmental bona fides is stronger than ever, as Broadridge Fund Buyer Focus Intelligence (FBFI) reveals European fund selector sentiment appetite for ESG assets proved to be one of the sole positive areas of demand through 2022's collapse in risk appetite. The independent study, now in its 12th year, measures and ranks asset managers' relative brand attractiveness based on fund selector perceptions: taking into account 10 brand attributes to reveal the top global and regional brands in Europe, the U.S. and APAC. FB50 also reveals the local market brand leaders in APAC and Europe's most significant retail markets for third-party fund distribution. This is the latest study from Broadridge's Data and Analytics business and highlights the depth and breadth of the firm's global market insights. Top-10 European Asset Management Brands Rank Fund Group Change 1 BlackRock No Change 2 JPMorgan AM No Change 3 Fidelity No Change 4 Pictet AM No Change 5 Amundi ? 1 6 Robeco ? 1 7 Schroders No Change 8 iShares ? 3 9 Nordea ? 1 10 Flossbach von Storch ? 3 Key insights The top-five global brands, led by BlackRock, are all industry giants in terms of both assets under management and operational scale. The top firms continue to jostle for pole position, and there has been some change at the top end of the leaderboard. The remainder of the top-50 list sees selector's favourite companies run the gamut, from niche product and local market specialists to the major one-stop-shop providers. In the wake of the announcement of the European Commission's clampdown on 'greenwashing', ESG credentials are vital to fund buyers. This provides asset managers with a chance to translate 'green' credentials into a genuine competitive advantage. This year's FB50 study shows that positive perceptions of a firm's ESG credentials can have an outsized impact on the success of smaller managers. Firms who have their Article 9 credentials revoked run the risk of reputational damage. But ESG isn't the only shift affecting fund buyer sentiment. High-performing pandemic-era growth strategies are beginning to suffer course correction, which in some cases has led to managers sharply dropping down the leaderboard. An extensive re-rating of former growth market beneficiaries is likely to define the next few years. In some cases, the reputational damage was along extreme lines: firms facing scandal, criminal proceedings or significant exposure to Russia all suffered steep drops down the leaderboard. We are clearly in a new era of ethical investing, where fund buyers will not maintain relationships with firms whose activities fail to meet their moral standards, regardless of fund performance. Valued attributes European selectors valued 'Client-orientated thinking' as the most important brand attribute, ahead of last year's favourite, 'Appealing investment strategy'. Clearly a year of upheaval has led fund buyers to feel more comfortable when they are the focus of attention, with selectors placing a high value on those they can trust to respond and meet their needs. Despite the rise of new metrics for measuring asset manager value, good client service never goes out of fashion. The rest of the top five was as follows: 'Appealing invest strategy, 'Expert in what they do', 'Keeping best informed' and 'Innovation/adaptation to change' - revealing some changes in preference from last year's ranking. Additional findings from this year's study include: Expert reputation drove the fastest-rising brands in Europe : whether the magic touch of a maverick founder; an unorthodox mixture of star-led and qualitative teams; or stock-selection-focused active managers with strong 'green' credentials, firms enjoying positive fund buyer perceptions of expertise made up ground on larger asset managers as they shot up the rankings. : whether the magic touch of a maverick founder; an unorthodox mixture of star-led and qualitative teams; or stock-selection-focused active managers with strong 'green' credentials, firms enjoying positive fund buyer perceptions of expertise made up ground on larger asset managers as they shot up the rankings. With many European fund buyers facing SFDR headaches, firms with strong communications and disclosure capabilities found themselves enjoying a major competitive advantage. About the research The Broadridge Fund Brand 50 report is an annual study monitoring the influence of brand on third-party fund selection. The study is based on intensive interviews with more than 1,200 of the most significant fund selectors in Europe, the US and APAC. Fund selectors name their top-three suppliers across 10 brand attributes. These attributes are as follows: Client-oriented thinking Appealing investment strategy Expert in what they do Keeping best informed Innovation/adaptation to market change Stability of investment management team Solidity Key international player Local knowledge Social responsibility/sustainability These answers, as well as commentary from other preference questions, are collated using statistical analysis and transformed into a 'Total Brand Score', on which groups are ranked. Asset managers, consultants and other industry stakeholders interested in receiving the in-depth Broadridge Fund Brand 50 analysis can make their request via the Fund Brand 50 information page. About Broadridge Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with $5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance, and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions that drive business transformation for banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers, and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than US$9 trillion of equities, fixed income, and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 13,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about us, please visit broadridge.com. Media Contacts: Europe Hannah Polson Cognito +44 (0) 7974 244217 BroadridgeEMEA@cognitomedia.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326728/Broadridge_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/best-performing-fund-brands-globally-according-to-the-broadridge-fund-brand-50-2023-report-301783097.html Issuer: Skyborn Renewables GmbH / Key word(s): Personnel/Strategic Company Decision Thomas Karst appointed as CEO of Skyborn Renewables 28.03.2023 / 10:45 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Hamburg, Germany, March 28, 2023 Thomas Karst, Skyborn Renewables Executive, appointed CEO as of 28 March 2023 Achim Berge Olsen to remain with Skyborn as member of Strategic Advisory Board Thomas Karst has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn), replacing Achim Berge Olsen, who will remain with Skyborn as a member of the Strategic Advisory Board. "We believe that offshore wind, one of the fastest growing renewables segments, will be critical to achieving net zero carbon targets and energy transition goals. At Skyborn, we are working to create one of the world's leading offshore wind platforms. I am delighted that Thomas Karst, with his extensive industry experience and knowledge of Skyborn, will be leading the Skyborn team as they continue to deliver on this goal," commented Raj Rao, President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). "We thank Achim for his leadership and dedication in building this offshore wind organization over the past 20 years and his support as CEO over the past several months. We look forward to continuing to work with him as member of Skyborn's Strategic Advisory Board." Thomas Karst has an international career that spans more than three decades of experience in executing international infrastructure projects. Having worked for companies such as Siemens Gamesa, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, rsted and Make Consulting, he has in-depth knowledge of the wind energy sector. "There is great potential in Skyborn and the offshore wind power market, and I look forward to working together with all the dedicated employees in Skyborn to transform the company into a leading independent producer of renewable power," said Thomas Karst, CEO of Skyborn. Skyborn was launched by GIP, a leading independent global infrastructure investor, on 16 September 2022, following the acquisition of 100% of the business which was previously operated as wpd offshore. In addition to Thomas Karst, the Skyborn Executive Team includes: Joao Metelo, Chief Investment & Financial Officer (CIFO), a senior energy executive with over 23 years of international experience Morten Melin, Chief Operating Officer (COO), an industry expert with more than 25 years of on- and offshore wind experience Cathrin Browne, General Counsel, an experienced lawyer with renewable energy industry expertise from top-tier private practice and in-house positions About Skyborn Renewables Skyborn Renewables is driving global decarbonization by accelerating offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition and an enabler to achieve net-zero targets, ensure energy security, and a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years' experience and a track record of more than 7 GW built, approved or under procurement around the globe to date. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, engineering and design, procurement, financing, construction management and asset management. Skyborn's portfolio includes a global pipeline of > 30 GW in various stages of development. Headquartered in Germany, the company is present in 14 European and APAC markets. For more information, visit www.skybornrenewables.com About Global Infrastructure Partners Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP's global renewables portfolio includes solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage assets representing 17 GW of operating generation capacity, royalty interests in over 21 GW of operating renewable projects, and over 195 GW of assets under construction or in development. Headquartered in New York, GIP operates out of 10 offices: New York, London, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP manages c. US $87 billion for its investors. GIP's portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of c. US $80 billion and employ over 100,000 employees. Contact for Journalists: Meike Wulfers Head of Corporate Communications m.wulfers@skybornrenewables.com +49 (151) 50 12 44 10 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Business simulation coding contest takes place in world-class universities in the UK: Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, offering 30,000 grand prize Top 3 Oxford students received their prizes after Oxford leg on March 7th LONDON, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OBSS Technology is a software development and technology consultancy company, offering a wide spectrum of tech services in finance, banking, e-commerce industries with more than 850 senior developers and software architects for more than 18 years in business. With a vision to attract and grow young and passionate talent in technology, OBSS conducts CodeMaster coding contests for more than 10 years. In its 11th year, the OBSS CodeMaster online coding competition is expanding to the UK at world-class universities; University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, with a grand prize of 30,000. Coding contest takes place in University of Cambridge on March 31st, following University of Oxford Following the University of Oxford, CodeMaster will continue at the University of Cambridge, on Friday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. GMT. Cambridge undergraduates with coding interest are welcome to apply for OBSS CodeMaster 2023 until March 30, 2023, 11.59 p.m. GMT at: https://obss.tech/en/codemaster/codemaster-cambridge/ This year marks the 11th anniversary of the OBSS CodeMaster intercollegiate coding competition, with the overarching goal of supporting talent development and contributing to unlocking their potential. OBSS CodeMaster measures the coding and solution development skills of each participant. CodeMaster 2023 will consist of 3 different tasks, including 1 algorithm and 2 sector-oriented tasks. With these tasks, OBSS aims to measure the skillsets of each participant in producing solutions, analysis, problem solving, planning, analytical thinking, developing algorithms and creating integrated solutions. Participants must be familiar with at least one of the programming languages Java, C#, C, C++, JavaScript and Python in order to complete these tasks of varying degrees of difficulty within the specified time and to be successful in the contest. During the contest, the CodeMaster team of senior software developers will be ready on the online platform to answer any inquiries of contestants. The OBSS CodeMaster team will announce the highest ranking contestant on the same day, at the end of the event. CodeMasters of Oxford received their prizes CodeMaster's first leg in the UK was held online on March 7, 2023, at the University of Oxford, UK. The top three coders were evaluated based on timing, quality of coding and applying theory in practice. CodeMasters Bogdan, Cem and Matilda received their awards of 5000, 2500 and 1000, respectively. The grand prize winner of 30,000 will be determined after all international competitions are completed. Bogdan, 20, who is a BSc Computer Science student at the University of Oxford, said: "As a computer science student, it was amazing to interact with engineering disciplines and see my code come to life. The CodeMaster was a great experience and I would very much recommend it to all students." OBSS Co-founder/CEO Sen visits Oxford campus, says CodeMaster is a 'top talent magnet' OBSS Co-founder/CEO Zafer Sen visited Oxford campus and met young tech talents. Sen says: "CodeMaster is different from other hackathons in how OBSS aims to find, train and bring in passionate people, not just those that are technologically gifted. CodeMaster has become a 'top talent magnet' in Turkey, and I am proud to see it expand to the most prestigious universities in the UK." Standing out from the crowd of hackathons, OBSS CodeMaster coding contest received generous attention from top tech talent- up to 5,000 applications in previous years. For more information please contact Ms. Nil Ayvaz at nil.ayvaz@obss.tech HONG KONG, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) announces the release of OpreX Asset Health Insights (2.0), an enhanced version of the company's cloud-based plant asset monitoring service, which is part of the OpreX Asset Management and Integrity family. In addition to having powerful new embedded asset monitoring and management functions, this latest version now supports implementation on Alibaba Cloud - Yokogawa's first technical partnership with Alibaba Cloud. The Asset Health Insights service collects, refines, and aggregates operational technology (OT) data from distributed assets as well as process data, orchestrating them to form a single source of truth for real-time asset modeling and monitoring in a secured environment. This service gives organizations a 360-degree view of operational assets that eases the task of asset management and improves operational efficiency, performance, and decision-making. Development Background Driven by its customers' focus on integrated, remote, and increasingly autonomous operations, Yokogawa launched OpreX Asset Health Insights on June 6, 2022, to make asset data more visible, integrated, and actionable. The original version of Asset Health Insights supported Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. However, as the number of users of Alibaba Cloud has continued to expand, making it China's largest#1 cloud platform, Yokogawa has chosen to add support for Alibaba Cloud. Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for robust asset monitoring and management capabilities, and the need for greater protection against cyber-attacks, the company has enhanced the functionality of Asset Health Insights with the addition of new features. Main Features 1. Alibaba Cloud support Full integration with Alibaba Cloud has been achieved. Asset Health Insights can now be hosted on Alibaba Cloud, and customers can also connect their existing data in Alibaba Cloud to Asset Health Insights, giving them unprecedented flexibility on where to host applications and data. Chinese language support has also been added, in addition to English, Japanese, and Korean. 2. 2D and 3D graphics to improve operability Both 2D and 3D process graphics are now supported, affording users greater flexibility in how to interactively visualize and display the status of assets such as pumps, motors, and chillers. Self-service tools that allow users to design location graphics and bind various types of real-time asset data are also provided. 3. ISA 18.2 compliant alarm management support Based on the "Management of Alarm Systems for Process Industries" issued by the International Society for Automation (ISA), users can now create ISA 18.2#2 compliant alarms based on various parameters to standardize work processes. They can also check an audit trail to identify who acknowledged an alarm and when the alarm occurred. #1 Synergy Research Group: APAC Region Cloud Provider Market Share, 2021 Q4, published in March 2022. #2 ISA-18.2 is a comprehensive standard developed per stringent methods based on openness, balancing of interests, due process, and consensus (isa.org). Major Target Markets Oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, electric power, and wastewater treatment Applications Asset monitoring, asset performance management, sustainability/energy management, and data management More Information: Asset Health Insights: www.yokogawa.com/ahi About OpreX OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation (IA) and control business. The OpreX name stands for excellence in the technologies and solutions that Yokogawa cultivates through the co-creation of value with its customers, and encompasses the entire range of Yokogawa's IA products, services, and solutions. This brand comprises the following five categories: OpreX Transformation, OpreX Control, OpreX Measurement, OpreX Execution, and OpreX Lifecycle. Asset Health Insights, an OpreX Asset Management and Integrity family solution, is in the OpreX Transformation category. OpreX Transformation delivers operational excellence throughout an enterprise's activities, from production through to supply chain optimization and risk and business management. About Yokogawa Yokogawa provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations. Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 122 companies spanning 61 countries. For more information, visit https://www.yokogawa.com/ The names of corporations, organizations, products, services and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Yokogawa Electric Corporation or their respective holders. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041866/AHI20_dashboard_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/yokogawa-releases-oprex-asset-health-insights-with-enhanced-functionality-and-alibaba-cloud-support-301783148.html LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Cleanroom Consumables Market was worth USD 6034.54 million in 2018 and is slated to reach a valuation of USD 9133.80 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 6.10% over the assessment timeline of 2022-2029. Cleanroom consumables are typically used in cleanroom environments to keep contamination at bay and maintain a sterile and controlled environment. It is worth noting that cleanrooms are used in a variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and healthcare where contamination control is critical. Gloves, masks, coveralls, booties, wipes, swabs, mops, cleaning solutions, and adhesive mats, among others are some of the most common cleanroom consumables. These consumables are predominantly manufactured with adherence to cleanliness and performance standards, such as ISO Class 5 or 6, to ensure they do not introduce additional contaminants into the cleanroom. Get Sample of Report@ https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/1002 Global Cleanroom Consumables Market Outlook (2022-2029) The escalating demand for cleanroom across various sectors, increasing health and hygiene cognizance, along with the booming healthcare sector are primarily augmenting the outlook of this business vertical. Furthermore, growing prevalence of infectious diseases, technological advancements in the field, and increasing popularity of disposable cleanroom consumables are creating lucrative opportunities for this market sphere to prosper. Alongside, rising R&D activities in the field is another crucial growth stimulant for this industry sphere. On the flipside, rigid regulatory standards coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of disposable cleanroom consumables are hindering the remuneration scope of this market. Competitive Hierarchy The prominent players characterizing the competitive terrain of the Global Cleanroom Consumables Market are Berkshire Corporation, Valutek, Texwipe, Nitritex Ltd., Contec Inc., Cantel Medical Corporation, Micronova Manufacturing Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, DuPont de Nemours Inc., and Climet instrument. Segmental Outlook By Product Type: Cleanroom mops Buckets Wringers Squeegees Validation swabs Cleaning chemicals Wipers Gloves Adhesive mats Others By Apparels: Coveralls Frocks Boot and shoe covers Sleeves Face masks Hoods By Cleanroom Stationery: Papers Adhesive pads Binders Clipboards Labels By Applications: Food & beverages Aerospace and defense Academics and automotive Healthcare and Medical device companies Pharmaceutical & biotechnology Others Get Methodology @ https://brandessenceresearch.com/requestMethodology/PostId/1002 Region-Wise Outlook Which is the leading region in the Global Cleanroom Consumables Market? Asia Pacific is presently leading the market in terms of volume share. This is attributable to the growing adoption of cleanroom across sectors like food & beverages, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, among others. How is North America faring in this industry? North America is reckoned to capture a substantial revenue share over the stipulated timeframe of 2022-2029. This is due to the presence of notable players, growing health and hygiene cognizance, along with widespread technological advancements in the field. Category-Wise Insights Which is the top performing product type segment in this business sphere? The cleaning chemicals segment is slated to amass notable gains over the estimated timeline owing to the growing need to maintain a germ and contamination free environment across numerous sectors including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Which is the fastest growing apparels segment in this marketplace? The face masks segment has emerged as one of the fastest growing apparels segment in this marketplace. This is attributable to the rising prevalence of communicable and infectious diseases across the globe. Which applications segment is expected to witness significant growth over 2022-2029? The healthcare and medical device segment is anticipated to register substantial returns over the assessment timeframe. This is ascribed to the growing emphasis on infection control and prevention measures. The cleanroom environment helps to maintain sterility and prevent contamination of medical devices and equipment, which is essential for patient safety. Comparing the historical outlook and ongoing trends of this market The Global Cleanroom Consumables Market is anticipated to generate significant returns over the estimated timeframe due to the positive influence of numerous expansion stimulants. Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic escalated the demand for cleanroom products across the globe. This was powered by the increasing focus on contamination control across sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, among others. Being a transmissible disease, the primary ways to keep the spreading of the Coronavirus at bay was to maintain proper social distancing along with hygiene. This resulted in a surge in demand for cleanroom consumables such as gloves, masks, wipes, and disinfectant, just to name a few. These factors together stimulating the overall dynamics of this industry during the pandemic era. There have been widespread technological advancements in this sector. Cleanrooms are being equipped with advanced air filtration, temperature regulation, and humidity control technologies. Apart from that, many cleanroom activities are being automated to reduce the burden of the operators. As these technologies become more widely adopted, the demand for cleanroom consumables to maintain their effectiveness and cleanliness will also increase. This in turn is positively swaying the outlook of this business sphere. The healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors are the primary users of cleanroom consumables. These sectors directly deal with patients, medications, and other medical entities and therefore require to maintain a sterile and hygienic environment. With the growing demand for healthcare and pharmaceutical products, the demand for cleanroom consumables has increased. This includes not only gloves, masks, and gowns, but also sterile wipes, swabs, and packaging materials. As these industries continue to grow, the demand for cleanroom consumables is expected to increase as well. On Special Requirement Cleanroom Consumables Market for Cancer Treatment Market Report is also available for below region: North America U.S, Canada Europe Germany , France , U.K., Italy , Spain , Sweden , Netherland, Turkey , Switzerland , Belgium , Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific South Korea , Japan , China , India , Australia , Philippines , Singapore , Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia , Rest Of APAC Latin America Mexico , Colombia , Brazil , Argentina , Peru , Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia , UAE, Egypt , South Africa , Rest Of MEA Purchase Copy of Report @ https://brandessenceresearch.com/Checkout?report_id=1002 Major Developments Berkshire Corporation announced the acquisition of Tekni-Plex's cleanroom consumables division in 2020, which included cleanroom wipers, sterile wipes, and other cleanroom consumables. Related Reports: Artificial Intelligence in Epidemiology Market is Anticipated to Reach a valuation of USD 1815.48 Million by 2028 at 30.1% CAGR - Exclusive Report by Brandessence Market Research by 2028 at 30.1% CAGR - Exclusive Report by Brandessence Market Research Therapeutic Respiratory Devices 2023 Size, Status and Forecast | GE Healthcare, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., ICU Medical (Smiths Medical) Continence Care Market is Booming with a Large Industrial Scope | Report Analysis on Expansion, Share, Revenue, Latest and Future Trends (2022-2029) Revolutionizing Customer Service: The Rise of Automated Cell Counter Market | Brandessence Market Research Transplantation Market to Surpass USD 24.81 billion by 2028 owing to Key Technological Breakthroughs | Brandessence Market Research by 2028 owing to Key Technological Breakthroughs | Brandessence Market Research Genetic Analysis Market 2023 Detailed Analysis of Current Scenario with Growth Forecasts to 2029 Drug-Eluting Balloon Catheters Market Share, Size, Regional insights From (2022-2029) Nanotechnology in Medical Devices Market by Product, Application, End-Use and Key Geographical Regions: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2022-2029 Connected Drug Delivery Devices Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029 Stroke Diagnostics Market Growth 2023 Latest Challenges, Recent Opportunities, Emerging Technologies, Business Share and Size Forecast to 2029 i-Factor: Live Market intelligence platform I-Factor is our guaranteed seal to keep our clients ahead of the competition, always. This knowledge platform delivers real-time updates on key economic indicators, competitive landscape, changing demand, trends, customized regional insights, and more. The platform visualizes key data points to help make decision making agile, trustworthy, and holistic. Register for free trial here at?https://brandessenceresearch.com/i-factor/login/userRegister Brandessence Market Research & Consulting Pvt ltd. Brandessence Market Research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in?Pune, India?and our sales office is in?London. Follow Us:?Linkedin ? M & A Advisory: Merger & Acquisition, and Capabilities Blog:What is Market Research? What is Market Sizing? How to Measure Your TAM, SAM, and SOM How to Identify the Right M&A Target for Your Business Post-Merger Integration Due Diligence in M&A Market Extension Merger Automotive Engineering Services Companies Contact: Mr.?Vishal Sawant? Email:?vishal@brandessenceresearch.com? Email:?Sales@brandessenceresearch.com? Corporate Sales:?+44-2038074155? Asia Office:?+917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/BEMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cleanroom-consumables-market-opportunities-regional-trends-and-industry-analysis-2022-2029--berkshire-corporation-valutek-texwipe-nitritex-ltd--brandessence-market-research-301783187.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Heliostar Metals Limited (TSXV: HSTR) (OTC Pink: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has closed its transaction with Argonaut Gold Inc. ("Argonaut") in which it has acquired, indirectly, the Ana Paula Gold Project (the "Ana Paula Gold Project"). Heliostar now holds a 100% interest in the Ana Paula Gold deposit in Mexico (the "Transaction"). Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk commented, "Heliostar is now the owner of the Ana Paula Gold deposit, a 1.4-million-ounce resource (M&I) with a PFS and permits for open pit mining. The transaction has added advanced gold ounces to our company for significantly less than the cost to drill, define and permit them. In the coming months, the Company's re-scope has the potential to deliver wide, high grade drill results, that in conjunction with mining and metallurgical studies can significantly increase the NPV of a mine at Ana Paula. We look forward to delivering on these re-rating steps in 2023." Ana Paula Gold Project 1 Ana Paula is permitted for an open pit mine with measured and indicated (M&I) mineral resources of 1.46 Moz gold at 2.17 g/t gold and 3.27 Moz silver at 4.8 g/t silver. Proven and probable mineral reserves of 1,021,000 ounces of gold at 2.36 g/t gold and 2,254,000 ounces of silver at 5.22 g/t silver. High grade gold project with potential to be an open pit or underground mine. Estimated US$75,000,000 of historic exploration and development expenses. Existing mine infrastructure including a 412 metre long decline in place. 142,000 metres of drilling in 333 holes. For additional information on the Transaction and the Ana Paula Gold Project, please see the Company's news releases dated December 5, 2022, January 17, 2023, March 3, 2023, and March 17, 2023 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR. Acquisition Summary On December 5, 2022, Heliostar entered into a share purchase agreement, as amended (the "Purchase Agreement") with Argonaut for the sale of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Aurea Mining Inc. ("Aurea Mining"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Argonaut, which through Aurea Mining's wholly-owned subsidiary Minera Aurea S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Aurea"), holds a 100% indirect interest in and to Ana Paula. Pursuant to the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, Heliostar acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of Aurea Mining in consideration for a cash payment to Argonaut of US$10,000,000 at closing (the "Cash Consideration") and, in addition to the Cash Consideration, Heliostar also agreed that: On the earlier of receiving an extension to the existing Ana Paula Gold Project open-pit mining permit and the granting of a new underground mining permit, the issuance of such number of common shares in the capital of Heliostar (each, a " Heliostar Share ") as have an aggregate value of US$5,000,000 to Argonaut divided by the volume weighted average closing price (" VWAP ") of the Heliostar Shares for the ten trading days ending on the last trading day immediately prior to the date of the Purchase Agreement; ") as have an aggregate value of US$5,000,000 to Argonaut divided by the volume weighted average closing price (" ") of the Heliostar Shares for the ten trading days ending on the last trading day immediately prior to the date of the Purchase Agreement; On the earlier of (a) the date of completion of a feasibility study for the Ana Paula Gold Project and (b) July 1, 2024, a cash payment to Argonaut of US$2,000,000; On the date that Heliostar announces a construction decision for the Ana Paula Gold Project, it will pay to Argonaut an additional cash payment of US$3,000,000 and US$2,000,000 in cash or Heliostar Shares at a deemed price equal to the VWAP of the Heliostar Shares for the ten trading days immediately prior to announcement of the construction decision; and On the date that Heliostar commences commercial production at the Ana Paula Gold Project, it will pay to Argonaut an additional US$5,000,000 in cash and US$3,000,000 in cash or Heliostar Shares at a deemed price equal to the VWAP of the Heliostar Shares for the ten trading days immediately prior to announcement of the commercial production. All contingent Heliostar Share issuances noted above are subject to a minimum deemed price of $0.24 per Heliostar Share. Statement of Qualified Person Stewart Harris, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as Stewart Harris has not prepared nor verified such information. About Heliostar Metals Ltd. Heliostar is a junior mining company with a portfolio of advanced high-grade gold projects in Mexico and Alaska. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Company intends to focus on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico. In addition, Heliostar is working with the Mexican government to permit the San Antonio Gold Project in Baja Sur, Mexico. The Company continues efforts to expand the resource at the Unga Gold Project in Alaska, United States of America. The Ana Paula Project deposit contains proven and probable mineral reserves of 1,021,000 ounces of gold at 2.36 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold and 2,254,000 ounces of silver at 5.22 g/t silver. Ana Paula hosts measured and indicated resources of 1,461,800 ounces of gold at 2.17 g/t gold and 3,269,000 ounces of silver at 4.8 g/t silver. A Preliminary Feasibility Study was completed in 2017 and the asset is permitted for open-pit mining.1 The asset contains significant existing infrastructure including a portal and 412 metre long decline. San Antonio is a high-grade oxide gold deposit containing measured and indicated mineral resources of 1,735,000 ounces of gold at 0.83 g/t gold. A Preliminary Economic Assessment for Argonaut was completed in 2012. Unga is an advanced vein district containing the SH-1 gold deposit within a large, prospective vein field. SH-1 contains inferred minerals resources of 384,000 ounces of gold at 13.8 g/t gold. For additional information please contact: Charles Funk Chief Executive Officer Heliostar Metals Limited Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com Rob Grey Investor Relations Manager Heliostar Metals Limited Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com Sources Alio Gold Inc., Ana Paula Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Amended Preliminary Feasibility Study with effective date 16 May 2017. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's ability to deliver wide, high grade drill results, the production of a new underground mine plan and an improved resource estimate, and the production of a feasibility study with a significantly increased NPV, simpler mill design and a much higher profit margin versus production cost, and general statements regarding the future plans for Heliostar's business and objectives as well as any anticipated timelines related thereto. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include, but are not limited to, the Company achieving high grade drill results, the production of a new underground mine plan and an improved resource estimate, and the production of a feasibility study with a significantly increased NPV, simpler mill design and a much higher profit margin versus production cost; general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and other risks outside of the Company's control. Further, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, labour shortages, high energy costs, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, the global financial climate and the conflict in Ukraine and surrounding regions are some additional factors that are affecting current economic conditions and increasing economic uncertainty, which may impact the Company's operating performance, financial position, and future prospects. Collectively, the potential impacts of this economic environment pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160073 Four members of the consulting firm's leadership recognized for achievements AArete, a global management and technology consulting firm, celebrates the recognition of four consulting leaders who have received global and U.S. industry awards. The four awards include recognition for leadership and exceptional professional consulting achievements in healthcare payer, financial services, and digital technology consulting. AArete's recent leadership recognitions include: Consulting Magazine's Global Leaders in Consulting 2023 Honoree for Excellence in Leadership Earned by John Carey, managing director, as a recognition honoring the most accomplished leaders around the globe that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and strong professional influence. Carey leads AArete's Cybersecurity and Identity Access Management practice, advising global clients on technology strategy, development and implementation based on his decades of experience with a focus in financial services. Utah Business Magazine's Forty Under 40 Earned by Paul Schuhmacher, managing director, the award honors Schuhmacher's exceptional leadership guiding team members and developing new business-building programs. Schuhmacher is a leader in AArete's Healthcare Payer practice and has been recognized for advising health plans on complex challenges and providing solutions to increase profitability, operational efficiency, and enable quality of care. Consulting Magazine's Women Leaders in Technology 2023 Honoree Earned by Priya Iragavarapu, vice president of AArete's Center of Delivery Excellence (CODE), the recognition honors women with exceptional achievements in the technology and consulting field. With nearly 20 years of experience in data analytics and technology, Iragavarapu has a deep history in the financial sector, designing and delivering analytics solutions which fuel decisions for some of the nation's largest organizations. Consulting Magazine's 2023 Rising Stars Honoree for Excellence in Strategy Consulting in Healthcare Well-Being: Earned by SueEllen Carroll, director, for developing and leading innovative initiatives that position clients for success. Carroll is a leader in AArete's Healthcare Payer and Provider practice, guiding healthcare organizations on operational efficiency and cost savings opportunities without compromising quality. "We are honored to have multiple leaders recognized with prestigious awards," said Loren Trimble, AArete CEO. "These awards are a testament to the leadership and consistent dedication of our team in delivering innovative solutions and exceptional results for our clients. This is a true reflection of the talent and expertise that exists within AArete and we are incredibly proud of John, Paul, Priya, and SueEllen's accomplishments." The leadership awards earned are yet another demonstration of AArete's commitment to bringing the firm's global clients top consulting talent, innovative solutions, and implementation services. About AArete AArete is a global management and technology consulting firm specializing in profitability improvement, digital transformation, and strategy change. Our cross-industry solutions are powered through modern technology, market intelligence and data-driven strategies to drive purposeful change and actionable outcomes. We work across all industries and business functions to optimize profits in a compressed timeframe. AArete humanizes data by translating numbers into actionable insights, helping clients make better decisions and standing by their side to foster change with confidence, empathy, and purpose. Learn more at AArete.com or follow us @AArete on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005053/en/ Contacts: Laitin Sterling LSterling@daltonagency.com 941.806.8777 Localization of Seegene Syndromic PCR technologies with global partners for versatile and proactive response to local emerging healthcare demands. Formation of a collaborative global network to aggressively develop innovative syndromic PCR assays, challenging boundaries of PCR application. Affordable and accessible syndromic PCR tests to the public through Seegene One System. Announcement of the first One System global partnership agreement with Israeli leading diagnostic company, Hylabs, on March 22 - a leap forward in the democratization of syndromic PCR tests. SEOUL, South Korea, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, declared the commencement of sharing its syndromic PCR technologies all over the world. Seegene aims to partner with nationally reputable companies in each country to develop and manufacture customized syndromic PCR tests locally through access to Seegene's proprietary technologies and know-how. This effort will enable partnering companies to effectively address potential disease outbreaks and collaboratively prevent future pandemics. Seegene's collaborative network aims to push the boundaries of what is possible with PCR and simultaneously democratize access to syndromic PCR testing. In general, only a few syndromic tests are developed each year. Embracing an open innovation model, Seegene invites leading companies in each country to join this network and collectively develop hundreds or even thousands of syndromic PCR assays annually to serve both local and global markets. The creation of a sustainable global community will catalyze the development of novel and innovative applications for PCR technologies worldwide. Seegene highlighted its breakthrough automated testing system, 'One System,' that will actualize the goal of decentralizing lab testing at an affordable price. "The major challenge in PCR molecular diagnostics is the number of different laboratory instruments required to run assays from different manufacturers," claimed Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene. "We believe that consolidating all PCR tests onto One System will revolutionize assay developer and user experiences in syndromic PCR tests." On March 22, 2023, Seegene signed the first One System global partnership agreement with the leading diagnostic company in Israel, Hy Laboratories Ltd (Hylabs). Seegene is committed to sharing its syndromic PCR technologies with Hylabs to address local needs and is looking forward to having the Israeli scientific community participate in this global partnership. "This agreement will leverage Hylab's five decades of leadership in the molecular and microbiology diagnostics," said Doron Cohen, President of Hylabs. "This endeavor maximizes both companies' 15 years extensive collaboration as enablers of frontier medical technology in public health." The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of Seegene's proactive search for additional partners to join this global network that will leverage Seegene syndromic PCR technologies, including One System, to advance the quality of life and welfare of people around the world. Seegene has 20 years of dedicated research experience around syndromic PCR technologies, which was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when it provided over 340 million COVID-19 tests in more than 100 countries worldwide. The core feature of Seegene's syndromic PCR technologies is the ability to simultaneously test 14 pathogens that cause similar symptoms in a single tube and provide quantitative information on the infectivity profile to correlate with the severity of illness. Any countries or companies interested in accessing Seegene syndromic PCR technologies and know-how, please contact OneSystem@seegene.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357790/Seegene_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/seegene-declares-to-share-syndromic-pcr-technologies-to-prevent-future-pandemics-301783085.html Israeli President Isaac Herzog will open the 30th edition of GoforIsrael in Tel Aviv, which will host 1,000 participants, including investors, entrepreneurs and corporate heads from Europe, the US, Mexico, Asia, and Israel taking place on May 3, 2023 at Hilton, Tel Aviv. TEL AVIV, Israel, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Investment Conference GoforIsrael will celebrate its 30th edition and will host hundreds of investors from Europe, USA, Mexico and Asia. Organized by Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Catalyst Funds, GoforIsrael is considered as one of the most influential and prestigious business conferences in Israel, thanks to its international recognition of its impact on the future of foreign investments in Israel and on Israeli and global investments worldwide. This year the event marks not only its 30th conference; Cukierman & Co. Investment House celebrates its 30th anniversary, and Catalyst will celebrate the closing of Catalyst IV Fund and launching of Catalyst Investors' Club (CIC). The event will be held at the Hilton Tel Aviv on May 3rd, 2023. The conference's primary purpose is to create new business development opportunities, international partnerships, and strategic alliances. GoforIsrael will welcome 1000 participants including 500 investors from abroad and will facilitate more than 800 one-on-one meetings. Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Managing Partner of Catalyst Investments announces: "The 30th GoforIsrael will demonstrate that Israel'sultimate economic strength is its tech companies, which have always weathered crisis times successfully. We have high-energy density batteries, AI generated real-time maps, high-resolution radars, electronically steered antennas. Israel's tech will continue to thrive." After being held virtually for the past 3 years due to COVID19, this year's live conference will focus on breakthrough Israeli innovation in leading industries including: Life Sciences (Biotech, Medtech), High Tech (Cybersecurity, Deep Tech, Mobility) and Climatech (Foodtech, Renewable Energy). The event will be opened by Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel together withEdouard Cukierman, Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds and Chairman of Cukierman Investment House. Participants include senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs, including executives from the venture capital industry as well as other investors. Speakers include Yair Shamir, Former Israeli Agriculture Minister and Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds; Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties; Luc Muller, Vice-Chairman of Cukierman & Co. & Former CEO of Otto Group; Amnon Shaashua, CEO of Mobileye; Maurizio Molinari, Editor in Chief at La Repubblica Italy; Keren Dahan, CEO of Sarel; Gokhan Eyigun, President of Sabanci Group; Yoav Etzyon, Managing Partner at APM; Alexander Stern, Head of Private Markets Hauck Aufhauser Lampe;Edward Talmor-Gera, CEO - Newvest,; Maria Ameli, Head of Corporate at Banca Generali; Ofer Carmel, CEO of Catalyst Investors' Club, Roger Cukierman, former CEO of Rothschild Bank; Steve Elbaz, CEO of Watergen, Amir Zaidman, CBO of The Kitchen Hub by Strauss; Guy Spigelman, EMEA Life Sciences Startups, Amazon Web Services and more. The conference will focus on the hot issues of Mergers & Acquisitions, fundraising in challenging times, the impact of the economic & political changes on the Israeli High-Tech industry, and the image of Israel abroad. "Despite markets uncertainty, I believe Israel's diverse and impressive supply of breakthrough technology startups will continue to prevail and remain a stable and safe investment," says Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of the Cukierman & Co. Investment House, and Managing Partner of the Catalyst Funds. "The GoforIsrael conference accelerates investors' relationship with the Israeli ecosystem by creating focused and direct meetings between Israeli entrepreneurs in a variety of areas and senior investors from Europe, the U.S., Turkey, China and Latin America. Israeli entrepreneurs will enjoy the opportunity to showcase their technologies on stage as well as pre-arrange meetings with quality investors, which is especially important in light of the current situation." The event will give the opportunity to dozens of startups, at various stage, to pitch their innovative technologies to over 500 foreign investors. Among participants, Unicorns, publicly traded companies such as Taboola, Arbe, Freightos, Satixfy, Storedot, Trax, and Soonicorns such as: Addionics, Civan Lasers, CuraLife, Nexar. Other newcomers at the event: SIS, Novaremed, Omnysense, Virility, Cell-Lipo, Hairstetics, LaserTeam, MedCu, Raziel, Smart Cooling, Level Hydrofoils, Solitek, Robotican, Entropotech, Eatsane, Plantish, Armenta, Brevel, and MushFoods. For registration and agenda 2023, please visit our website:https://goforisrael.com/ For further information about the conference: Nadine Lati Managing Partner GoforIsrael nadine.l@cukierman.co.il For media coverage: Omer Hochbaum Positive Communications Press agency Omerh@gopositive.co.il View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/500-investors-from-across-the-globe-to-attend-goforisrael-conference-301783217.html The IT migration to atNorth's data campus in Stockholm will help BNP Paribas continue its mission towards carbon neutrality, sustainability, and efficiency STOCKHOLM, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- atNorth, the leading pan-Nordic colocation, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence service provider, has announced that its long standing customer, BNP Paribas, continues to move portions of their workloads to the Nordic region. This will enable the leading financial institution to continue to support the increasing need for high performance, data-intensive IT workloads. The migration of another portion of its IT workload to the atNorth site in Sweden is a continuation of BNP Paribas' program to refresh and expand its High-Performance Computing (HPC) server farm - a vital hub for applications used to calculate the positions and associated risks in the financial markets - to atNorth's Nordics datacenters. The original move to Iceland in 2018 resulted in an increase of nearly 30% in total capacity, reduced energy consumption by more than 50 percent, and decreased CO2 output by 85 percent. By moving additional workloads to the atNorth site in Sweden, BNP Paribas demonstrates continued commitment to sustainably future proof its IT infrastructure and reduce its carbon footprint across the whole of the global business. "atNorth has been instrumental in helping BNP Paribas ensure our IT operations are as sustainable and carbon neutral as possible, which is an initiative close to the core of our business at the moment," stated Alexis Carrion, CIB Global Head of Data Centers, BNP Paribas. "We have seen great results from migrating IT workloads to atNorth's data center site in Iceland five years ago. As we look to increase our grid computing capacity, the atNorth site is the obvious solution in meeting both demand as well as our guiding principles for sustainability and efficiency. atNorth meets all our criteria and importantly are an operational partner that we know and trust to help us to advance our best practices to reduce the digital footprint of our IT infrastructure and operations." atNorth's data center in Sweden, is built for heat recovery, and is considered one of the country's most energy efficient data centers. The data center is designed to operate with the lowest carbon footprint possible. The site can capture the heat from up to 85 percent of the electricity used within the center, which is passed on to the central district heating system to provide heat and hot water for the surrounding community. This innovative use of large-scale heat reuse exemplifies a new generation of data center design and contributes to the circular economy. "Our partnership with BNP Paribas is very well aligned with atNorth's mission of providing environmentally responsible compute facilities at scale, BNP Paribas has with this new project yet again demonstrated their leadership in lowering their environmental impact and emphasis on responsible IT deployments. Through the years BNP Paribas has showcased that focus on sustainability amplifies best practices and has resulted in the best outcome for the environment and their business. BNP Paribas has been an early mover in its ambition to put sustainability and carbon neutrality at the forefront of its business and we are excited to help the team expand their operations to the atNorth site in Stockholm," commented Gisli Kr., CSO atNorth. "Sweden's climate and renewable energy resources, combined with atNorth's innovative cooling and large-scale reuse of heat is now attracting European companies who want to reduce their CO2 footprint. BNP Paribas has proven to be an organization that is truly paving the way for business today, demonstrating the critical role that global leaders can play in creating a more sustainable future as we continue to fuel a digitally data-hungry world." About atNorth atNorth is a leading Pan-Nordic data center services company that offers sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable colocation and high-performance computing services across Iceland, Sweden and Finland. The company operates five data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, with a sixth site to open in Akureyri, Iceland in Q2, 2023 and a seventh site to open in Finland in 2024. With sustainability at its core, atNorth's data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. The tailor-made solutions enable businesses to calculate, simulate, train and visualize data workloads in an efficient, cost-optimized way. atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, and is trusted by industry-leading organizations to operate their most critical workloads. The business was founded in 2009 and acquired by Partners Group in 2022. For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter. Press Contacts Caroline Brunton / Natalie Palfreman Kite Hill PR for atNorth +44 (0) 7796 274416 / +44 7870 213530 caroline@kitehillpr.com / natalie@kitehilllpr.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/18907/3742167/1947459.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/atnorth/i/atnorth-bnppcib-pic,c3161014 atNorth bnppcib pic https://news.cision.com/atnorth/i/gisli-kr-atnorth,c3161015 Gisli Kr atNorth View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/atnorth-announces-bnp-paribas-will-move-a-portion-of-it-infrastructure-to-its-swedish-data-center-to-increase-their-grid-computing-capacity-by-20-percent-301783262.html Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton") and Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SIC) (OTCQB: SICNF) ("Sokoman") together, (the "Alliance") are pleased to provide an exploration update and outline immediate plans for the 50-50 Golden Hope Joint Venture (GHJV). The GHJV was formed by the Alliance in 2021 to explore the mineral potential of an underexplored structural belt of rocks in southwestern Newfoundland hosting past-producing gold operations. Within the first week of exploration, the Alliance had discovered the very first hard rock lithium dyke on the Island, and in the fall of 2022, the Alliance discovered the very first cesium-rich dyke. These two areas of high-grade mineralization are now known as the Kraken Lithium Pegmatite Field and the Hydra Dyke. Prospecting, trenching, mapping, soil geochemistry, and three (3) phases of diamond drilling during the 2021 and 2022 field seasons, have resulted in multiple new discoveries which remain wide open for expansion. Golden Hope JV Project - Kraken Lithium Pegmatite Field to Hydra Dyke To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/160127_a10d940e94674941_003full.jpg The Alliance would like to report that it has also renewed and received approval for its camp permits along with continued exploration permits for the entire GHJV land position. These permits allow for a fourth phase diamond drilling program consisting of a minimum of 5,000 metres along with prospecting, soil sampling, and geological mapping along the highly-favourable trend. The fourth phase, 5,000-metre drill program is anticipated to start within the next few weeks and camp preparation will start as soon as next week. Highlights from earlier phases of drilling at the Kraken Lithium Pegmatite Field have returned very promising results including: 1.04% Li 2 O over 15.23 m, including 4.18 m of 1.48% Li 2 O and 2.98 m of 1.23% Li 2 O in GH-22-27 on the newly discovered Killick Zone 0.95% Li 2 O over 8.40 m from 47.8 m to 56.2 m, including 1.76% Li 2 O over 0.80 m in GH-22-01 on the Kraken Main Dyke 5.50 m at 1.16% Li 2 O within a wider intersection of 20.82 m averaging 0.60% Li 2 O in drill hole GH-22-15 on the East Dyke Lithium-in-soil geochemical anomalies of similar strength to the discovery dyke area lie 4 km along strike to the east of known dykes and are top priority trenching targets The Alliance is also pleased to report that it has received drilling permits for the newly discovered cesium-tantalum-rubidium and lithium-rich Hydra Dyke, which is 12 km northeast of the Kraken Lithium Pegmatite Field. Initial channel sampling last fall at the Hydra Dyke returned results as high as 8.76% Cs2O, 0.41% Li2O, 0.025% Ta2O5, and 0.33% Rb2O over 1.20 m in channel sampling (see news release dated December 1, 2022). The Alliance is planning trenching to be followed by drilling as soon as the snow has melted. Stephen Stares, President and CEO of Benton, says: "We are extremely excited to kick off the field season at the GHJV and I'm confident that we'll have another successful year on this newly discovered Lithium-Cesium belt. With our large land position, high demand for these much-needed critical metals and rapidly growing concerns to cut harmful emissions, Benton and Sokoman are truly in a rare position to unlock Newfoundland's potential for LTC-type pegmatite discoveries while increasing shareholder value." Tim Froude, President and CEO of Sokoman, says: "The 2023 exploration program at the GHJV is arguably one of the most important programs we will undertake. The results to date, from an area with no previous critical metal history, have already demonstrated the district-scale potential of the project. The 4 km long untested soil geochemical anomaly, directly on trend from our known dykes, will be one of the first areas targeted, and I will be very surprised if more dykes are not discovered. This still represents only 10% of the strike length of the system that we have under our control." QA/QC Protocols Rock and core samples were submitted to SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland for preparation and then sent to the SGS Canada Inc. analytical laboratory in Burnaby, British Colombia. All samples submitted were taken or saw-cut by Benton/Sokoman personnel and delivered in sealed bags directly to the Grand Falls-Windsor prep lab by Benton/Sokoman personnel. SGS Canada Inc. (SGS) is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples are analyzed using SGS's GS_IMS91A50 method that delivers a 56-element package utilizing sodium peroxide fusion, ICP-AES, and ICP-MS analytical techniques. All reported assays are uncut. Soil samples were collected by Sokoman/Benton personnel utilizing a standard Dutch-auger collecting B Horizon soil where possible. Where B was not present, the material collected was noted. The soil samples were sent to Eastern Analytical Ltd., in Springdale, NL, for Li, Ta, Sn, and Nb assaying by four-acid digestion and analyzed by ICP-OES. Eastern Analytical Ltd. achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in February 2014 (for more details on the scope of accreditation visit the CALA website). QP This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp., and Stephen House, P. Geo., VP Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., both the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101. About Benton Resources Inc. Benton Resources Inc. is a well-funded mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Following a project generation business model, Benton has a diversified, highly-prospective property portfolio of Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, Platinum Group Elements, and most recently Lithium and Cesium assets. In addition, it currently holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. Benton also recently entered into a 50/50 strategic alliance with Sokoman Minerals Inc. (TSXV: SIC) through three large-scale joint-venture properties including Grey River Gold, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland that are now being explored. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects: flagship, 100%-owned Moosehead, Crippleback Lake and East Alder (optioned to Canterra Minerals Corporation) along the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, that is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland, and Cononish in Scotland. The company also recently entered into a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three large-scale joint-venture properties including Grey River Gold, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. Sokoman now controls independently and through the Benton alliance over 150,000 hectares (>6,000 claims - 1,500 sq. km), making it one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, Canada's newest and rapidly-emerging gold districts. The company also retains an interest in an early-stage antimony/gold project (Startrek) in Newfoundland, optioned to Thunder Gold Corp (formerly White Metal Resources Inc.), and in Labrador, the Company has a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe) project that has Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) potential. For further information, please contact: Sokoman Minerals Corp. Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO Phone: 709-765-1726 Email: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com Benton Resources Inc. Stephen Stares, President & CEO Phone: 807-475-7474 Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca CHF Capital Markets Thomas Do, IR Manager Phone: 416-868-1079 x 232 Email: thomas@chfir.com Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com, www.bentonresources.ca Twitter: @BentonResources, @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX, @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @BentonResources, @SokomanMinerals THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Alliance's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Alliance's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Alliance's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Alliance does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Alliance's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160127 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) ("Asante" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that is has entered into an agreement with a major institutional investor, pursuant to which Asante will sell, on a non-brokered private placement basis, 18,232,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a purchase price of C$1.50 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of C$27,348,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share for a price of C$1.75 per Common Share until the date that is twelve (12) months following the issuance thereof. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about April 3, 2023, and is subject to a number of closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the date of issue in accordance with applicable securities laws. No commissions or finder's fees will be paid by the Company in connection with the Offering. The Company is currently at an advanced stage of securing a senior debt facility, to support capital investments and development of its assets. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties and for general corporate working capital purposes. Termination of Previously Announced Brokered Private Placement The Company also announces that it has terminated the brokered private placement financing previously announced on January 23, 2023, due to unfavorable market conditions. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Asante Gold Corporation Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines with combined forecast production of approximately 400,000 ounces of gold for 2023. The Company continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project for early production. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghana's Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.asantegold.com. About the Bibiani Gold Mine Bibiani is an operating open pit gold mine situated in the Western North Region of Ghana, with previous gold production of more than 4.5 million ounces. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a newly refurbished 3 million tonne per annum process plant and existing mining infrastructure. Mining commenced in late February 2022 with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. Commercial production was announced November 10, 2022. For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Bibiani Gold Mine, please refer to Asante's press releases dated July 18, 2022 and September 1, 2022 and the technical report filed on its SEDAR profile (www.sedar.com) on September 1, 2022. About the Chirano Gold Mine Chirano is an operating open-pit and underground mine located in the Western Region of Ghana, immediately south of the Company's Bibiani Gold Mine. Chirano was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground mines. Gold Equivalent Production in 2021 was 154,668 oz on a 100% basis (source Kinross Gold Corporation). For further information please contact: Dave Anthony, President & CEO: +1 647 382 4215 (Canada) or +233 55 879 3309 (Ghana), dave@asantegold.com Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President, frederick@asantegold.com Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Anthony, P.Eng, Mining and Mineral Processing, President and CEO of Asante, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the timing of the closing of the Offering, use of proceeds of the Offering, the Company securing a senior debt facility, resources, reserves, exploration results, development programs and increases in mine-life and potential synergies between Chirano and Bibiani. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and the price of gold. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the securities exchanges on which the Company is listed, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. BANGALORE, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACL Digital today announced it has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with SAP. ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler, a cloud-based app, was built on SAP Business Technology Platform to deliver efficiency and workforce optimization benefits to customers. A constraint-based planning engine, ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler delivers an optimized employee experience. The user-friendly reporting tool helps planners achieve a balance between customer needs and employee preferences while considering constraints such as skills required and the number of people. The people's roster is applicable to IT services and the healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and aviation sectors. "Our strategic partnership with SAP is long-term," said Ramandeep Singh, CEO of ACL Digital. "Our customers will benefit from our deep expertise of IT services with that of SAP technology." Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, Business head of ACL Digital, said, "The Workforce Scheduler uses complex AI algorithms to deliver a balanced roster." The product is scalable and future-ready. About ACL Digital ACL Digital, an ALTEN Group Company, is a digital product innovation and engineering leader. We help our clients design and build innovative products (AI, Cloud, and Mobile ready), content and commerce-driven platforms, and connected, converged digital experiences for the modern world through a design-led Digital Transformation framework. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, ACL Digital is a leader in design-led digital experience, innovation, enterprise modernization, and product engineering services converging to Technology, Media & Telecom. The company has a workforce of 54,100+ spread across more than 30+ countries. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1245971/ACL_Digital_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acl-digital-partners-with-sap-to-launch-workforce-scheduler-app-301781882.html BALTIMORE, MD / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Goldman Small Cap Research, a stock market research firm specializing in the small cap and microcap sectors, announced today that it has published a new research report on Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE American:CEI), a diversified energy and power solutions company that is in a pending merger with Viking Energy Group Inc. (OTCQB:VKIN). The report carries a price target. To view the new research report, along with disclosures and disclaimers, or to download the report in its entirety, please visit https://bit.ly/3lKp95P. Camber Energy is a growth-oriented organization that is leveraging the relationships and expertise of its professionals to build a diversified energy and power solutions company to help service the needs of energy users in North America. Through its majority-owned subsidiary, Camber provides custom energy and power solutions to commercial and industrial clients in North America and owns interests in oil and natural gas assets in the US. The Company's majority-owned subsidiary also holds an exclusive license in Canada to a patented carbon-capture system, and has a majority interest in other, industry-related companies. In the Opportunity Research report, analyst Rob Goldman reviews Camber's pending merger with Viking Energy, the prospective combined companies' competitive positioning, strategic and operational inflection points, and the potential future impact of these events on the companies and its combined valuation. Pending Merger in 2H23 Could Drive CEI Valuation Goldman commented, "Camber Energy and Viking Energy Group are set to merge later this year, sparking what we believe could be a major rise in valuation. We believe the merger could close in 3Q/4Q 2023 as a few steps are completed. In our view, the Company is one of the most diverse equipment and services companies in the energy and industrial segments. This diversification includes custom energy and power systems and services, clean energy technology, and interests in oil and gas interests." CEI to Close New Business Pipeline, M&A, Implement Operational Efficiencies "In our view, since the proposed merger has taken over 2 years, but is now just a few steps from completion, the legacy of "bad news" is reflected in the stock, thus it offers unique, company-wide upside," noted Goldman. "Once the merger is executed management will have the ability to focus solely on closing its pipeline of new business, prospective M&A and implementing operational and financial efficiencies." Near Term Milestones, Meaningful Revenue Growth Ahead "Our preliminary full year pro forma revenue forecasts for the combined company call for $31.0M in 2023 and $42.4M in 2024. These figures do not include any potential, meaningful acquisitions. Our 6-9-month price target reflects a major increase from current levels but still below its 52-week high. This target, which has some variability associated with it ahead of the merger's share exchange finalization, reflects a 4x multiple on 2024E revenue. This multiple is based upon a review of peers in ESG, energy, and specialty industrial equipment," said Goldman. About Goldman Small Cap Research: Founded in 2009 by former Piper Jaffray analyst and mutual fund manager Rob Goldman, Goldman Small Cap Research produces sponsored and non-sponsored small cap and microcap stock research reports, articles, stock market blogs, and popular investment newsletters. Goldman Small Cap Research is not in any way affiliated with Goldman Sachs & Co. This press release contains excerpts of our most recently published company report on Camber Energy, Inc. ("The Company"). The information used and statements of fact made have been obtained from sources considered reliable but we neither guarantee nor represent the completeness or accuracy. Goldman Small Cap Research relied solely upon information derived from Camber Energy, Inc. The information includes authorized press releases or legal disclosures made in their filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission http://www.sec.gov. Separate from the factual content of our update about the Company, we may from time to time include our own opinions about the Company, its business, markets, and opportunities. Any opinions we may offer about the Company are solely our own, and are made in reliance upon our rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and are provided solely for the general opinionated discussion of our readers. Our opinions should not be considered to be complete, precise, accurate, or current investment advice. Statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties affecting results. A Goldman Small Cap Research report, update, newsletter, article, trading alert, corporate profile, sector or industry snapshot, podcast interview, or press release is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned or discussed and is to be used for informational purposes only. Please read all associated full disclosures, disclaimers, and analyst background on our website before investing. Neither Goldman Small Cap Research nor its parent is a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer with FINRA or any other regulatory agency. A Speculative Buy rating for our covered companies is defined as a company that we believe exhibits the potential to generate outsized returns despite inherent, above-average business, market, or financial risk. To download this research report, or any of our research, view our disclosures and disclaimers, or for more information, visit www.goldmanresearch.com. In 2023, Goldman Small Cap Research (GSCR) was compensated by a third party in the amount of $4000 for a research report production and a press release. Contact: Goldman Small Cap Research Rob Goldman, Analyst 410-609-7100 rob@goldmanresearch.com SOURCE: Goldman Small Cap Research View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746183/Goldman-Small-Cap-Research-Publishes-New-Research-Report-on-Camber-Energy-Inc The Study, Led by the University Hospital of Nice, France Involves 30,000 Patients Tech2Heal's Platform has been chosen as the technological backbone for the Study 3.4million Europeans live in assisted-care facilities, and 101million are 65 or older TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / AI/ML Innovations Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:AIML)(OTCQB:AIMLF)(FWB:42FB), a company committed to acquiring and advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies that address urgent societal needs, is pleased to report that its minority-owned subsidiary, Tech2Heal SAS, has been chosen as the sole technology partner for Europe's largest study for the "prevention of loss of autonomy in the elderly through the use of personalized care pathways" (the "Study"). Tech2Heal's Alakin Platform has been chosen as the technological backbone for the University Hospital of Nice, France (CHU) led Study because of Alakin's ability to create digital care pathways, collect data, engage patients, report their information into a clinical dashboard, integrate local and community services in a geo-localized map, and integrate communication tools. Ultimately, because Alakin is a "no-code configurable platform", it empowers CHU to readily create a completely customized, complex, and intelligent, large-scale clinical trial by configuring Alakin to match CHU's exacting parameters. CHU is conducting the Study in conjunction with ten research laboratories from various fields such as public health, sociology, social and cognitive psychology, physiology, biology, and geography, and will be following a cohort of 30,000 elderly patients. "Being chosen as the technology partner for this world-class Study demonstrates of the value of our services," said Fabrice Pakin, CEO of Tech2heal. "This shows both the power and the versatility of Alakin, with one of several potential high-value revenue streams being its ability to facilitate bespoke clinical research projects such as this one. We expect that in the future, Alakin will be the platform of choice for numerous studies and pharma clinical trials, providing us with tremendous commercial potential. Additionally, the market potential for assisting the elderly retain autonomy through the use of Alakin is tremendous, as there are more than 100 million Europeans over the age of 65 today, with the numbers increasing significantly each year". Background of the CHU Study Demographic aging is a major global challenge. In the Alpes-Maritimes department of France, more than a third of the population is over the age of 65, and models what is expected for all of France within ten years. Although life expectancy has increased, healthy life expectancy has decreased. Personalized prevention of loss of autonomy is a strategic priority, but current programs are limited as they are too generic, do not take sufficient account of social, environmental, and individual factors, and are not easily accessible to people who are remote from the healthcare system. CHU is undertaking the Study to move beyond a purely medical approach to loss of autonomy prevention programs. The Study aims to create a prevention program to mitigate loss of autonomy in elderly people who are remote from the healthcare system, using three central concepts: accessibility, empowerment, and individualization. The cohort of Study volunteers will be monitored via a hybrid of digital tools and human interventions. "All participants will be characterized along ten dimensions, with biological samples taken. An individualized pathway will be proposed, with interventions in digital format, by videoconference, or face-to-face. Participants will be re-evaluated after treatment and followed up for one year," said a spokesperson for the Study. Alakin is a SaaS-modelled comprehensive, ARPC (Automatic Remote Patient Care) Platform targeted for use by healthcare providers and pharma, is natively developed in FHIR standards to guarantee high interoperability, and is fully HIPPA compliant. Alakin consists of a clinical dashboard for multidisciplinary care teams and a conversational mobile app for patient use (IOS and Android). Alakin is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, Indonesian, Arabic, Dutch, German, and Portuguese. The Alakin solution facilitates connected care delivery across any clinical condition, patient profile, and treatment plan, significantly increasing patient engagement while helping to reduce adverse events and relieving medical staff by automating time consuming tasks. The flexibility of Alakin enables it to easily adapt to any healthcare setting or workflow - from oncology to primary care, from diabetes to hospital-to-home transition, or even post-acute care. This flexibility is possible thanks to a powerful care drag and drop pathway creator. It allows doctors to fine-tune care workflows to their needs and protocols, either creating remote care programs from scratch, or by leveraging existing protocols from ICHOM standards. These workflows are then instantly transformed into a conversational patient app, empowering patients to manage parts of their care journey themselves. Alakin has highly configurable features and an integrated series of tools unique in the market, such as scheduling management, collaborative tools, embedded telemedicine and chat, a triage dashboard, patient records, a prescription builder, a care pathways studio, and a mobile app for patients. About AI/ML Innovations Inc. AI/ML Innovations Inc. has realigned its business operations to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an initial investment focus on emerging digital health and wellbeing companies that leverage AI, ML, cloud computing and digital platforms to drive transformative healthcare management solutions and precision support delivery across the health continuum. Through strategic partnerships with Health Gauge (100% owned by AIML), Tech2Heal (up to 22% ownership rights, with 9.44% currently owned), AI Rx Inc. (70% owned by AIML) and other planned accretive investments, the Company continues to capitalize on expanding growth areas, to the benefit of all the Company's stakeholders. AI/ML's shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AIML", the OTCQB Venture Market under "AIMLF", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "42FB". On behalf of the Board of Directors Tim Daniels, Executive Chairman For more information about AI/ML Innovations : For detailed information please see AI/ML's website at https://aiml-innovations.com/ The Company's filed documents at www.sedar.com. Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCfOj2P_Fu3TOK6Jl1G9vEQ For further information: Blake Fallis at (778) 405-0882 or info@aiml-innovations.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For AI/ML Innovations Investors Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, AI/ML Innovations' expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies, including strategies for defending the Company's intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. AI/ML Innovations Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Further information regarding the uncertainties and risks can be found in the disclosure documents filed by AI/ML with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746010/AIML-Innovations-Tech2Heal-Chosen-for-Europes-Largest-Study-for-the-Prevention-of-Loss-of-Autonomy-in-the-Elderly VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Intrepid Metals Corp. (TSXV:INTR) ("Intrepid" or the "Company") provides additional details, including its 2023 exploration plans, surrounding the recently announced district scale, advanced exploration and development copper property, the Corral Copper Project (the "Project"), in Cochise County, Arizona. The Project is located 15 miles east of the famous mining town of Tombstone & 22 miles north of the historical Bisbee mining camp which has produced more than 8 billion pounds of copper with grades of up to 23%. "Over 50,000 meters ("m") of drilling from 225 drill holes has been completed within the district, many with significant copper intercepts" states Ken Brophy, CEO of Intrepid. "In addition, we also now have the benefit of the 2017 VTEM and ZTEM geophysical surveys that were acquired from Anglo American (see news release dated February 28, 2023). The previous fragmented land ownership has acted as a barrier in the advancement of the development of the district, and we have now consolidated over 8,500 acres (3,440 hectares). We have invested significant time to listen and engage with local area stakeholders and have been able to consolidate the key property segments required to move this project forward. We continue to be impressed by the data we have acquired as we begin to plan a targeted comprehensive drill program for later this year and our team continues to refine our geological modelling using the latest technology and techniques to plan the drill program." Drilling on the Project is expected to take place later this year after the historical data has been compiled into a new database. All of the historical drill logs and assay data will be re-examined in order to distinguish the copper mineralization (e.g. supergene chalcocite, supergene oxide and primary sulfide zones) ahead of more detailed modeling. This modeling will help guide Intrepid's confirmation drill program and enable the Company to advance the Project much quicker than a typical exploration drill campaign. The two cross sections below show the historical drill results within the recently acquired patented mining claims and highlight some of the copper, silver, gold and zinc grades within the Project. ?Historical Drilling Highlights Copper ("Cu") highlights, as well as the corresponding silver ("Ag"), gold ("Au") and zinc ("Zn") grades, from historic drilling on the Project are included below: 126.2m at 1.24% Cu and 3.45 grams per tonne ("g/t") Ag (30.4m to 156.6m), including 5m at 3.6% Cu in Hole 20_01, and 3.45 grams per tonne ("g/t") Ag (30.4m to 156.6m), including in Hole 20_01, 104.9m at 1.31% Cu, 4.89 g/t Ag and 0.43 g/t Au (60.8m to 165.7m), including 7.6m at 3.74% Cu in Hole 20_21 4.89 g/t Ag and 0.43 g/t Au (60.8m to 165.7m), including in Hole 20_21 71.4m at 0.75% Cu and 26.43 g/t Ag (66.9m to 138.3m), including 6m at 3.5% Cu in Hole NCTR_11 and 26.43 g/t Ag (66.9m to 138.3m), including in Hole NCTR_11 44.0m at 1.35% Cu , 30.38 g/t Ag, 0.21 g/t Au and 0.28% Zn (35.0m to 79.0m), including 7.6m at 3.9% Cu and another 41.0m at 0.32% Cu and 9.18 g/t Ag (106.4m to 147.4m) in Hole BR_06_81 , 30.38 g/t Ag, 0.21 g/t Au and 0.28% Zn (35.0m to 79.0m), including and 9.18 g/t Ag (106.4m to 147.4m) in Hole BR_06_81 51.7m at 1.01% Cu , 7.98 g/t Ag and 0.39 g/t Au (63.8m to 115.5m) in Hole 20_37 , 7.98 g/t Ag and 0.39 g/t Au (63.8m to 115.5m) in Hole 20_37 62.4m at 0.74% Cu and 3.85 g/t Ag (25.8m to 88.2m) in Hole 20_36 and 3.85 g/t Ag (25.8m to 88.2m) in Hole 20_36 63.9m at 0.62% Cu , 8.50 g/t Ag, 0.42 g/t Au and 0.25% Zn (79.0m to 142.9m) in Hole BR_06_100 , 8.50 g/t Ag, 0.42 g/t Au and 0.25% Zn (79.0m to 142.9m) in Hole BR_06_100 41.0m at 0.73% Cu and 3.01 g/t Ag (21.3m to 62.3m) and another 30.4m at 0.70% Cu, 5.03 ("g/t") Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (79.0m to 109.4m) in Hole 20_03 and 3.01 g/t Ag (21.3m to 62.3m) 5.03 ("g/t") Ag and 0.35 g/t Au (79.0m to 109.4m) in Hole 20_03 41.1m at 0.86% Cu and 17.70 g/t Ag (25.8m to 66.9m) in Hole CG_08 and 17.70 g/t Ag (25.8m to 66.9m) in Hole CG_08 25.9m at 1.10% Cu , 6.68 g/t Ag, 0.39 g/t Au and 0.20% Zn (101.8m to 127.7m) in Hole NCTR_07 , 6.68 g/t Ag, 0.39 g/t Au and 0.20% Zn (101.8m to 127.7m) in Hole NCTR_07 62.3m at 0.36% Cu (0.0m to 62.3m) in Hole 20_08 (0.0m to 62.3m) in Hole 20_08 36.5m at 0.37% Cu, 11.9 g/t Ag and 0.44 g/t Au (68.4m to 104.9m) in Hole 20_09 11.9 g/t Ag and 0.44 g/t Au (68.4m to 104.9m) in Hole 20_09 27.4m at 0.91% Cu , 5.72 g/t Ag and 0.47 g/t Au (85.1m to 112.5m) in Hole 20_13 , 5.72 g/t Ag and 0.47 g/t Au (85.1m to 112.5m) in Hole 20_13 39.5m at 0.30% Cu a nd 3.35 g/t Ag (112.5m to 152.0m) in Hole 20_34 nd 3.35 g/t Ag (112.5m to 152.0m) in Hole 20_34 36.5m at 0.54% Cu and 0.26 g/t Au (6.1m to 42.6m) in Hole 20_41 and 0.26 g/t Au (6.1m to 42.6m) in Hole 20_41 35.0m at 0.52% Cu (67.8m to 102.8m) in Hole NCTR_08 (67.8m to 102.8m) in Hole NCTR_08 30.4m at 0.45% Cu, 7.28 g/t Ag and 0.32 g/t Au (7.6m to 38.0m) and another 42.6m at 0.68% Cu, 14.18 g/t Ag, 0.26 g/t Au and 0.21 Zn (54.7m to 97.3m) in Hole BR_06_73 The drill results are historical in nature. Intrepid has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Intrepid considers these historical drill results relevant, as the Company will use this data as a guide to plan future exploration programs. Intrepid also considers the data to be reliable for these purposes; however, the Company's future exploration work will include verification of the data through further drilling. Geological Cross-Sections with Historical Drill Results Sections below are created from composities derived from the historical drill results and considers a cut-off of 0.2% Cu over a length of 20m with 7m waste. Intrepid to Present at the 121 Mining Investment Las Vegas Intrepid is pleased to announce that the Company will be participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference on March 28-29, 2023, at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ken Brophy, CEO of Intrepid, will be presenting about the Company's recent activities and future plans at 11:40am PT on March 28, 2023. The event will host 85 mining companies and over 200 investors for 2 days of one-on-one meetings. As the premier forum in the space, the event will focus on a series of thematic issues that are front and center to the mining industry, including energy transition, the impacts of megatrends on metals and mining investing among others. Investors and interested parties can arrange a face-to-face meeting with management for an update on the Company's key milestones and upcoming catalysts by contacting us directly at invest@intrepidmetals.com. To register as an investor, visit: https://www.weare121.com/121mininginvestment-las-vegas/registration/register-investor-ibn/ For additional information on the conference, visit: https://www.weare121.com/121mininginvestment-las-vegas/ About Corral Copper The Project is a district scale advanced exploration and development opportunity in Cochise County, Arizona. The Project is located 15 miles east of the famous mining town of Tombstone and 22 miles north of the historical Bisbee mining camp which has produced more than 8 billion pounds of copper with grades of up to 23%. Production from the Bisbee mining camp is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at the Project. The district has a mining history dating back to the late 1800s, with several small mines extracting copper from the area in the early 1900s, producing several thousand tons with grades up to 9.2% copper. Between 1950 and 2008, various companies explored parts of the district, but the effort was uncoordinated, non-synergistic and focused on discrete land positions and commodities due to the fragmented ownership. Intrepid has been able to secure data from various sources which provides a solid foundation in creating geological interpretations and identifying new target areas. Anglo American began exploring the district in 2016, conducted mapping and airborne geophysics which identified numerous new target areas through the district. Intrepid has acquired Anglo American's data package and in exchange, Anglo American has retained an interest over a portion of the project area in the form of a right of first refusal over transfers if certain conditions are met. Intrepid is confident that by combining modern exploration techniques with historical data and with a clear focus on responsible development, the Project can quickly become an advanced exploration stage project and move towards feasibility level studies. Dr. Chris Osterman, P. Geo, a consultant of the Company, is a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Dr. Osterman has reviewed and is responsible for the technical information disclosed in this news release. About Intrepid Metals Corp. Intrepid Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on exploring for potential high-grade copper, silver, and zinc projects in proximity to established mining camps in south-eastern Arizona, USA. The Company has acquired several drill ready projects, including the Corral Copper Project (a district scale advanced exploration and development opportunity), and the Tombstone South Project (within the historical Tombstone mining district with geological similarities to the Taylor Deposit, which was purchased for $1.3B in 2018) both of which are located in Cochise County, Arizona and the Mesa Well Project located in the Laramide Copper Porphyry Belt in Arizona. Intrepid is actively looking to acquire additional projects in Arizona and the American Southwest and has assembled an exceptional team with considerable experience in evaluating and developing exploration projects within North America. Intrepid is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol "INTR". For more information, visit www.intrepidmetals.com. INTREPID METALS CORP. On behalf of the Company "Ken Brophy" CEO For further information regarding this news release, please contact: Ken Brophy CEO 604-681-8030 info@intrepidmetals.com Caroline Sawamoto Investor Relations invest@intrepidmetals.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements relate to: (i) future exploration plans; (ii) details about potential mineralization; (iii) the exploration potential of the Corral Copper Project; (iv) data compilation; and (v) potential future production. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the results of exploration activities, expectations and anticipated impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, commodity prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the availability of labour and materials, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to changes in commodity prices, risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of exploration and development activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes and cave-ins, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any 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) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Intrepid Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746031/Intrepid-Metals-Announces-Plans-for-New-District-Scale-Copper-Property-in-Arizona Trialing new technology for producing low-carbon building materials instead of waste Calgary, Alberta and Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - EnviCore Inc. ("EnviCore") and Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) through its subsidiary Talon Nickel (USA) LLC ("Talon Metals") are working together to study EnviCore's technology that avoids the creation of mine waste (tailings) in mineral processing, turning them into value-added products for the building, construction and infrastructure industries. The product would replace primary raw materials in legacy cement and concrete production that require significant CO2 emissions in processing. Talon Metals is the majority owner and operator of the Tamarack Nickel Project in central Minnesota, a world-class high-grade nickel deposit. The process of concentrating metallic minerals like nickel produces a waste known as tailings. Legacy mining practices often ignore the full value potential of repurposing mine tailings as value-added products, leading to higher costs for waste storage and loss of valuable secondary by-products. Mining companies like Talon Metals and technology companies like EnviCore are challenging the concept of waste and exploring how the full value of what is extracted from the earth can be utilized by society. This "full value mining" approach is part of a new era of sustainable practice in the materials supply chain. EnviCore and Talon Metals are conducting lab-scale studies to utilize EnviCore's technology to potentially transform tailings from the processing of nickel and copper bearing ores into products that are used in construction and infrastructure projects, thereby reducing and potentially avoiding the creation of waste. Industry scientists refer to products that replace inputs that currently require primary mining as Supplementary Cementitious Materials ("SCM"). The partnership will leverage EnviCore's expertise in development of tailings management solutions and Talon Metals' expertise in mineral extraction to validate EnviCore's innovative and sustainable process for efficacy, safety, and durability. Figure 1: High-level schematic of process to transform tailings into supplementary cementitious materials ("SCM") for use in cement and concrete for building, construction, and infrastructure projects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/160069_36dbd11674077b81_002full.jpg "We are thrilled to be working with Talon Metals to test and scale our technology in lab studies that if proven, can fundamentally change the way the mining industry looks at its waste streams," said Shahrukh Shamim, CEO of EnviCore. "Our partnership is focused on new sustainable and environmentally responsible practices that potentially avoid waste and provide society with multiple useful materials." Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon Metals, added: "While these are lab scale studies, it's very exciting to challenge conventional thinking about waste. The work we are doing with EnviCore has the potential to avoid waste in the first place. As a bonus, these materials may reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete. If aspects of the ore other than the highly valuable nickel and copper can replace other materials that society needs, then we are ensuring that we make full use of the natural resources that society allows us to extract. This "full value mining" approach is an area of sustainable practice that Talon Metals is dedicated to leading the industry." Talon Metals and EnviCore are subjecting core samples from Talon Metal's Tamarack Nickel Project in central Minnesota to the mineral process of extracting the Cu, Ni and Fe sulphides, and conducting lab tests on replicated waste streams. If the lab studies prove successful, significant independent scientific studies will need to be completed to validate the safety and efficacy of the supplementary cementitious material for public use. Any marketable product would also have to be tested in state and federal permitting process. Development of supplemental cementitious material, that replaces primary materials like Portland cement, is a key focus of the cement industry as it tries to decarbonize one of the highest carbon emitting industries. About EnviCore Inc. EnviCore is a Calgary, Alberta based growing technology company offering innovative and sustainable by-product treatment solutions with superior performance, efficiency, and valuable repurposing. Providing a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative, changing the adverse narrative associated with industrial waste materials. EnviCore's technology is based on a transformational approach to converting a diverse set of mineral feedstocks into SCMs at low temperatures. The technology involves processing multiple types of mineral feed at low temperatures to achieve activation and successful partial replacement of cement in a concrete mix without sacrificing its early strength. For additional information on EnviCore, please visit the Company's website at www.envicoreinc.com. About Talon Talon Metals is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon Metal's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon Metals has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon Metals is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators, and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has an agreement with Tesla Inc. to supply it with 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate (and certain by-products, including cobalt and iron) from the Tamarack Nickel Project over an estimated six-year period once commercial production is achieved. Talon Metals has well-qualified and experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. For additional information on Talon Metals, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com. Contacts: Talon Metals Corp. Todd Malan Tel: (202) 714-8187 Email: malan@talonmetals.com EnviCore Inc. Shahrukh Shamim, CEO Tel: (587) 966-3080 Email: shahrukh.shamim@envicoreinc.com Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that Talon Metals and EnviCore believe, expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of Talon Metals and EnviCore based on information currently available. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the development of the technology for tailings repurposing, the potential of the technology to transform tailings into supplementary cementitious materials, the ability of the technology to meet environmental and safety requirements, and the potential for the technology to create value for stakeholders. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on Talon Metals and EnviCore. 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, Talon Metals and EnviCore disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although Talon Metals and EnviCore believe that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160069 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Grid Metals Corp (TSXV:GRDM)(OTCQB:MSMGF) (the "Company") today announced assay results for drill core samples obtained from a 2012 exploration program on the Lucy claim, part of the Company's 100% owned Falcon West Lithium Property (the "Property"). The Property is located approximately 120 km east of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and 110 km south of the Company's Donner Lake Lithium property. The 2012 drill core had not been previously assayed, and the new samples were obtained by Grid staff from Mr. William C. Hood, P. Geo., who was the vendor of the property. The new assays outline an outcropping and relatively flat-lying, highly fractionated spodumene-bearing pegmatite system featuring high grade lithium, cesium, and tantalum values. The area is only a few hundred metres from the Trans-Canada Highway. Key takeaways from the 2012 drill results reported here are as follows: High grade lithium values encountered in several holes including 2.1% Li2O over 6.1 m (LU-12-02, from 23.5 m) and 1.8% Li2O over 12.3 m (LU-12-05 from 2.0 m) encountered in several holes including (LU-12-02, from 23.5 m) and (LU-12-05 from 2.0 m) High-grade cesium values were also encountered including 10.3% Cs2O over 3.3 m (LU-12-02, 25.7 - 29.0 m) with a maximum value of 17.2% Cs2O over a core length of 1.1 m were also encountered including (LU-12-02, 25.7 - 29.0 m) with a maximum value of Numerous tantalum-enriched intervals were also identified including 0.09% Ta2O5 over 14.4 m (LU-12-05, 3.9 -18.3 m), 0.53 Ta2O5 over 2.7 m (LU-12-03, 17.14 - 19.83 m), 0.04% Ta2O5 over 3.7 m (LU-12-13, 21.36 - 25.00 m), and 0.04% Ta2O5 over 10.66 m (LU-12-14, 24.03 - 34.69 m) (LU-12-05, 3.9 -18.3 m), (LU-12-03, 17.14 - 19.83 m), (LU-12-13, 21.36 - 25.00 m), and (LU-12-14, 24.03 - 34.69 m) These exceptionally high cesium values and associated high-grade lithium and tantalum values confirm the presence of a highly evolved pegmatite system similar to the world class Tanco pegmatite located ~100 km to the north and associated high-grade lithium and tantalum values confirm the presence of a Lithium values in drill results are in line with other known historical drill results The pegmatite system is open to the north, west and south and at depth. The ArtDon-Lucy Target area has spodumene lithium mineralization noted over a 1.25 km strike length with minimal drilling over much of the target area. The Company plans to drill the 1.25 km trend later this year after completing consultation with affected First Nations in the area The Property is 100% owned with no royalties other than 2% NSR royalties on the purchased claims covering the ArtDon and Lucy pegmatites Above: Significant lithium results obtained from the analysis of 2012 drill holes from the Lucy area at Falcon West. Many of the high-grade lithium intersections reported were associated with visible coarse-grained spodumene. Cesium Values To provide context for the high-grade cesium results being reported, the Company notes that cesium is a rare metal classified as a critical metal by both the U.S. and Canadian governments. Its uses include compounds used in drilling fluids, aviation applications and atomic clocks. Globally, there are three principal deposits from which cesium has been commercially mined: the Tanco pegmatite mine in Manitoba; the Bikita pegmatite mine in Zimbabwe; and the Sinclair mine in Australia. In 2019 the Sinclair Mine sold the Tanco Mine 19,000 tonnes of pollucite (the primary cesium ore mineral) ore with an average grade of 9.1 % Cs2O for the sum of A$17.4 million (Power Metals press release dated Sep. 11, 2019 - publicly available). Above: Lucy Pegmatite 2012 drill hole location map (LU-12 holes from the William Hood 2012 DDH program, EB01 holes from the 2001 Avalon Ventures DDH Program and D#24 is from the 1955 East Braintree Corp DDH Program). Above: ADL Target Trend (ArtDon and Lucy Pegmatites) with selected, historic drill holes and significant lithium intersections over the 1.25km target area. About the Falcon West Property The Falcon West property is located within the West Hawk Lake Greenstone Belt area of southeastern Manitoba. Lithium-bearing pegmatites that have been historically known in the area are hosted in mafic volcanic rock units present at the contact between the Wabigoon and Winnipeg River geological Subprovinces. Grid Metals has staked approximately 90 km of this prospective mafic volcanic and granitic contact. The initial focus for exploration is the near surface mineralization at the aforementioned 1.25 km ADL Target Trend. Above: Grid Metals property location map for Southeastern Manitoba region. The ADL Target Trend comprises the known ArtDon, Lucy South and Lucy North pegmatites. Several phases of drilling have been completed over the decades by numerous companies including Sherritt Gordon (1943, 19 drill holes - no analytical data), East Braintree Lithium Corp (1955, 48 holes for 2,986 metres - limited analytical data), Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada Limited (1983, 4 holes 296 metres - tantalum assays only) and Avalon Ventures (2000 - 10 holes lithium and tantalum assays). The last drill holes were completed in 2012 by Mr. William C. Hood P.Geo and were not assayed at the time of drilling but remained securely stored by Mr. Hood, facilitating their re-examination and initial rare metal assays by Grid that form the basis of this news release. The ADL Target Trend is the first priority for the Company's Falcon West exploration efforts. It is approximately 1250 meters in length and historic work suggests that the aforementioned pegmatites may be connected and/or form part of a larger system. Vice President Lithium Carey Galeschuk noted that "It is rare to see outcropping pegmatites with this high degree of geochemical fractionation - especially so close to major infrastructure. The new Lucy Pegmatite assay results underscore the potential of the ADL trend to develop into a near surface resource and for new discoveries of similar, evolved LCT-type pegmatites along the 90 km of the prospective contact zone that we've captured in the greater Falcon West property." Currently Grid is planning to submit work permits for diamond drilling at the Falcon West Property. Surface mapping and both geochemical and geophysical surveys are also being planned for the upcoming field season. Above: Geology of the Falcon West Lithium Property, Southeastern Manitoba (based on Manitoba government mapping). QAQC The exploration program at Falcon West is being supervised by Carey Galeschuk, P.Geo., who is an experienced lithium geologist with over two decades of exploration experience in pegmatites with Grid Metals, Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada, and other companies. The core from the 2012 Lucy pegmatite drilling program has been securely stored at the vendor's property since the completion of that program. Samples reported on in this release were inspected by Grid Metals geologists prior to shipping by secure carrier to the Actlabs (Thunder Bay) laboratory for sample preparation and analysis for lithium, cesium, tantalum and selected major and trace element abundances using a sodium peroxide fusion total digestion method followed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis. Grid Metals applies best practice quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") protocols for all of it's exploration sampling. The Company is currently using two lithium + rare metal certified reference materials ("CRMs") and an analytical blank for the program to monitor analytical accuracy and check for cross contamination between samples. Mr. Galeschuk has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release with respect to NI 43-101 reporting guidelines. About Grid Metals Corp. Grid Metals is focused on both lithium (Donner Lake Project) and Ni-Cu-PGM (Mayville and Makwa Projects) in the Bird River and Cat Lake areas approximately 150 km and 180 km northeast of Winnipeg Manitoba. Grid has resource drilling ongoing at its Donner Lake Lithium Project and has signed an MOU regarding toll milling of lithium with the nearby producing Tanco Mine. In addition the Company has a PEA stage Ni-Cu-PGM-Co project (Makwa-Mayville) undergoing exploration and development activity. Grid Metals also has lithium and Ni-Cu-PGM projects situated in the province of Ontario. On Behalf of the Board of Grid Metals Corp. For more information about the Company please see the Company website at www.gridmetalscorp.com or contact: Robin Dunbar - President, CEO & Director Telephone: 416-955-4773 Email: rd@gridmetalscorp.com David Black - Investor Relations Email: info@gridmetalscorp.com We seek safe harbour. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements include the Company's closing of the proposed financial transactions, sale of royalty and property interests. the overall economic potential of its properties, the availability of adequate financing and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risk, uncertainty of production and capital costs estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, metallurgical risk, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of nickel, cobalt, copper and other metals, completion of economic evaluations, changes in project parametres as plans continue to be refined, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the most recent financial period and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations 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. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. Appendix: Assay Tables from the Lucy Pegmatite 2012 Drilling - ADL Target SOURCE: Grid Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746181/Grid-Metals-Announces-Near-Surface-High-Grade-Lithium-Cesium-and-Tantalum-Drill-Core-Assays-at-Falcon-West Sirius Pintuition - Moving from Localization to Surgical Marker Navigation EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius Medical, the leader in surgical marker navigation, today announced the successful closing of a Series B Round 12 M. The funding will accelerate the worldwide growth of their product Pintuition and support further product development. Holland Capital acted as lead investor for this series B with support from existing investors BOM Brabant Ventures, Curie Capital, Team Holmium, and a major investment from Sirius Medical's management and team. Norgine Ventures joined as a new investor in this round to support further commercial roll-out. Sirius' state-of-the-art navigation system Pintuition provides surgeons with real-time distance and directional navigational guidance to locate tumors easily and accurately. With over 100 active centers and more than 5,000 successful Pintuition procedures across Western Europe and the US, the company experienced an unprecedented growth in revenue in 2022, attributable to Pintuition's ease of use, straightforward implementation, and its unmatched precision in locating the target tissue. "Sirius Medical has done a great job developing and bringing to market the Pintuition technology with a strong commercial start," says Peter Stein, Chief Executive of Norgine Ventures. "Norgine Ventures is excited to support Sirius Medical's leadership and their vision to deliver cost effective solutions in surgery." "We are excited about the market potential for surgical marker navigation," says Jan Frens van Giessel, partner at Holland Capital. "We believe that the Pintuition technology and its future innovations will significantly improve surgery of non-palpable tumors for patients, physicians and improve the care for cancer patients." "Having become the fastest growing company in the industry is a clear confirmation of the unique benefits that our technology brings to both patients and physicians," says Bram Schermers, CEO at Sirius Medical. "Supported by this latest funding round I am confident that our highly talented and motivated team will further drive the adoption of Pintuition across the globe." About Sirius Medical With its roots in the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Sirius Medical is dedicated to improving care for cancer patients by delivery of unsurpassed, yet affordable solutions that enable precise and efficient removal of tumors. The Pintuition technology is precise, simple, affordable and both CE marked, and FDA cleared. Sirius Medical is rapidly expanding with over 100 centers and an international sales network in Europe and the USA. www.sirius-medical.com | @SiriusMedical | pintuition Contact: benjamin.tchang@sirius-medical.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041093/Sirius_Pintuition_system_powered_by_GPSDetect.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sirius-medical-announces-major-funding-round-to-further-accelerate-sales-growth-and-new-product-development-301782492.html HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Paradise Mobile, a new Mobile Network Operator (MNO) building a cloud-native, Open RAN (oRAN) 4G/5G mobile network from the ground up in Bermuda, today announced the selection of Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider to help build an Open RAN 4G/5G network and bring innovative services to Bermuda for the first time. Paradise Mobile will leverage AWS for digital platform workloads, with agreements to roll out AWS edge services on island to host the wireless core and Open RAN DU and CU workloads. Paradise Mobile is also working to bring AWS services to the island, which will provide local businesses and innovators in the IoT industry the necessary tools and infrastructure to rapidly develop, test and deploy cutting edge products and services. The new environment will provide the ability for a secure, scalable, and high-performance network, optimized for businesses to develop and launch their next big thing. Sam Tabbara, Co-Founder and CEO, Paradise Mobile, says: "We see Amazon as a strategic long-term collaborator who shares our vision and values, and has the ability to significantly accelerate our roadmap of innovative new products and services we want to launch in Bermuda. This relationship will allow us to provide our customers with the best possible experience and create a hub for IoT innovation in Bermuda and beyond." The new IoT environment will also provide businesses with access to a wide range of AWS services. These services will give businesses the ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling them to create new and innovative products and services. Sameer Vuyyuru, head of worldwide business development at AWS, says: "Leveraging AWS helps reduce time-to-market as well as create a new path to deliver innovation to customers. Our work with Paradise Mobile will not only help Paradise Mobile rapidly build, scale, and manage its mobile network but also offer secure solutions to accelerate innovation across Bermuda." Paradise Mobile is building a next generation wireless net network in Bermuda, followed by other CARICOM markets to be announced in the near future. About Paradise Mobile: Paradise Mobile is building a world of effortless connection with a next generation wireless network launching in multiple markets and countries, starting with Bermuda in 2023. Visit www.paradisemobile.com to learn more. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/paradise-mobile-selects-amazon-web-services-as-its-preferred-cloud-provider-to-create-advanced-iot-innovation-environments-301782597.html KET01 Phase 2 Clinical Trial with Topline Results Expected Mid-Year MUNICH, Germany, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HMNC Brain Health ("HMNC' or the "Company"), a global clinical stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of personalized therapies in psychiatry, together with Develco Pharma, announced today that the last patient has been randomized in its proof-of-concept Phase II clinical trial of 'Ketabon' (KET01), an oral prolonged-release ketamine formulation (KET01) for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Topline data from the Phase 2 trial, which is investigating efficacy, safety, and tolerability, is expected to be reported soon after the last study visit. Enrollment in the Phase 2 trial commenced in June 2022 and 122 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have now been randomized at 29 clinical sites. Patients were selected based on current major depressive episodes not responding to a minimum of two standard antidepressants. The trial design enables the assessment of the oral prolonged-release formulation of ketamine that could sustainably transform the therapy of treatment-resistant depression, compared with the currently applied intravenous and intranasal ketamine and esketamine therapies. "The goal with KET01 is to improve the lives of patients who are not responding to standard antidepressant therapies, as well as to provide a well-tolerated antidepressant with substantially limited dissociative side effects," said Dr. Hans Eriksson, Chief Medical Officer at HMNC Brain Health. "We are very pleased that Ketabon is progressing positively along the pathway of approval and commercialization. The encouraging results we saw in a small Phase 2, proof-of-concept study, reported in 2022, highlighted the excellent tolerability of Ketabon, in combination with a numerically large improvement for patients treated with 240 mg/day Ketabon, and we look forward to receiving the results from our Phase 2 trial." Participants with TRD in the Phase 2 trial were randomized into three treatment groups and received a placebo, 120 mg/day KET01, or 240 mg/day KET01, given once daily (OD), in addition to their ongoing standard antidepressant treatment over a three-week period. The medication was taken at home. The primary endpoint was the change on the established Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score for depressive severity at day 21 compared to the placebo. Data from the previous Phase 2 trial suggested early-onset of efficacy, placebo-level dissociative side effects, and excellent tolerability, furthering the take-at-home potential of this novel treatment. About HMNC Brain Health HMNC Brain Health (HMNC Holding GmbH) is a global precision psychiatry biopharma company pioneering the development of personalized therapies powered by predictive companion diagnostics, leading to far shorter treatments and higher remission rates. The Company develops a unique pipeline for targeting both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). The Company has operations both in the US and Germany and is backed by a renowned global VC, several family offices, and a strategic healthcare investor. The Company now enters the next stage of its development with a large-scale licensing and fundraising agenda. About Develco Pharma With headquarters in Pratteln/ Switzerland, Develco Pharma is a Swiss-German pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacture of orally administered modified, prolonged & chrono-release drugs containing known active ingredients. Established in 2006, today the company has a workforce of 130 employees. In Germany, a state-of-the-art production facility for analgesics & other indications has been in operation in Schopfheim, in the Baden region, since 2016. Develco identifies and defines pharmaceutical products containing known active ingredients and develops generic, hybrid, value-added, and innovative formulations backed by clinical data for the delayed or modified release of active ingredients. On the strength of its experience and innovativeness, the company has emerged as an internationally recognized provider of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of several disease areas. The customer base of Develco Pharma includes global pharmaceutical groups. The company has some 180 market approvals in all (products of different dosages) in Europe, the US, Middle East, South Africa, Asia, and Australia. About The Ketabon Program The Ketabon program, a joint venture between HMNC Brain Health and Develco Pharma in Switzerland comprises an oral prolonged-release formulation of ketamine for TRD with minimal dissociative side effects. The pharmacokinetic profile of the prolonged-release formulation could significantly improve the risk profile and patient convenience, by minimizing dissociative side effects compared to the currently applied intravenous and intranasal ketamine therapies. TRD patients with insufficient response to standard antidepressants represent 30% of an overall estimated number of 320 million patients worldwide suffering from major depressive disorder. Clinical development of oral prolonged-release ketamine could also be potentially expanded into other indications beyond depression, such as anxiety, aggression, PTSD, and panic disorder. Media contacts Investor Contacts GTT works with Microsoft Teams to deliver a resilient, easy-to-use calling solution to boost enterprise efficiency and productivity MCLEAN, Va., March 28, 2023, a leading global provider of managed network and security services to multinational organizations, announced that it was designated as a certified partner for Microsoft Operator Connect, giving clients a simpler and more reliable path to the productivity gains of integrated SIP Trunking voice-over-IP service integrated with Microsoft Teams. As more enterprises adopt the voice-over-IP capabilities of Microsoft Teams, a disruptive unified communications tool used by enterprises around the world to increase employee productivity, Operator Connect provides a tool for administrators to assign Teams user numbers and call plans more quickly and efficiently. With today's announcement, GTT is positioned to deliver those capabilities on a global scale. "GTT's Operator Connect offers direct peering and integration with Microsoft Teams worldwide in a way that is easy and quick to deploy and offers superior support and reliability," said Todd Kiehn, senior vice president of Strategy & Product, GTT. "As a certified partner, GTT now provides our SIP Trunking service integrated with Microsoft Teams to give customers a resilient, easy-to-use calling solution to help their employees to stay productive. Regardless of whether we are working with a new or existing customer, the joint solution provides an easy onboarding process and simple and quick access to voice calling over a collaboration platform which our customers' employees are already familiar with." Delivering critical business communication capabilities over a single IP connection, GTT SIP Trunkingimproves collaboration and infrastructure efficiency to help drive productivity and efficiency. GTT's fully redundant, global and robust SIP-based network has been purpose-built to meet the demands of bandwidth-intensive applications like Microsoft Teams. The company delivers SIP Trunking across a diverse, low-latency Tier 1 IP backbone network that covers six continents and includes geographically redundant session border controllers to facilitate scalability. About GTT GTT is a managed network and security services provider to global organizations. We design and deliver solutions that leverage advanced cloud, networking and security technologies. We complement our solutions with a suite of professional services and exceptional sales and support teams in local markets around the world. We serve thousands of national and multinational companies with a portfolio that includes SD-WAN, security, Internet, voice and other connectivity options. Our services are uniquely enabled by our top-ranked, global, Tier 1 IP backbone, which spans more than 260 cities on six continents. The company culture is built on a customer-first service experience reinforced by our commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement in our business, environmental, social and governance practices. For more information, visit www.gtt.net . GTT Media Inquiries: Americas: Brad Bass, GTT +1-240-418-0168 brad.bass@gtt.net (mailto:brad.bass@gtt.net) Europe: Siria Nielsen, GTT +31-6-2835-4259 siria.nielsen@gtt.net (mailto:siria.nielsen@gtt.net) GTT Investor Relations: Charlie Lucas, VP of Finance, GTT InvestorRelations@gtt.net (mailto:InvestorRelations@gtt.net) Press releases can be downloaded from gtt.net. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube Read our latest blog here The Tiered Backup Storage Company is up for Eight Industry Awards ExaGrid, the industry's only Tiered Backup Storage solution, today announced that it has been nominated in eight categories for the annual Network Computing Awards. The winners of this year's awards will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on May 18, 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005248/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) ExaGrid has become a finalist in the following categories: Data Protection Product of the Year ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage Storage Product of the Year ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage The Return On Investment Award ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage Hardware Product of the Year ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage Customer Service Award ExaGrid Product of the Year ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage Company of the Year ExaGrid Voting to determine the winner in each category is underway now. Additionally, ExaGrid is nominated for the "Bench Tested Product of the Year" award (determined by judges after an independent product review). "We are honored to be nominated in so many categories for this year's Network Computing Awards," said Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid. "ExaGrid has continued to innovate, regularly updating our Tiered Backup Storage system with new features that add to our unique integrations with the leading backup applications, and to our comprehensive security features. We are the only company completely dedicated to backup storage and to providing our customers with the best customer service." About ExaGrid ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, and scale-out architecture. ExaGrid's Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The Retention Tier offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid's scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and product obsolescence. ExaGrid offers the only two-tiered backup storage approach with a non-network-facing tier, delayed deletes, and immutable objects to recover from ransomware attacks. ExaGrid has physical sales and pre-sales systems engineers in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, Chile, CIS, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iberia, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Nordics, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and other regions. Visit us at exagrid.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and learn why they now spend significantly less time on backup storage in our customer success stories. ExaGrid is proud of our +81 NPS score! ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005248/en/ Contacts: Media: Mary Domenichelli ExaGrid mdomenichelli@exagrid.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Cisco Systems Inc. The theme for the United Nations International Women's Day on March 8, 2023, is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality", and Cisco Networking Academy is at the forefront of providing education for everyone interested in technology as a career. At Cisco Networking Academy, our mission aligns with the company's purpose of powering an inclusive future for all. NOTE: View the Cisco video here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-y33Mfp4Bc Since its inception 25 years ago, the cumulative number of women participating in Cisco Networking Academy ???????(calculated as a percent of the total number of students who identified their gender as male, female, or nonbinary) has grown over time, and now stands at 26 percent. Still, we can do more, especially as women comprise nearly half of the workforce. The reasons why women are underrepresented in technology may be multifaceted. Whether it is because of cultural norms or gender stereotypes-the fact is that technology touches every aspect of our lives. If women aren't better represented in technology as all industries digitize, we are missing their contributions and innovations. Positive role-models may help, and for that we don't need to look further than some of Networking Academy's own alumni. In education In education, people like Nancy not only achieved academically for themselves but realized they could help others, too. "The skills I received during my time at a Cisco Networking Academy changed my life course forever," says Nancy. "I am a first-generation college student and found my passion of teaching through being a student of the Networking Academy. I started my career in the IT industry implementing and supporting networks all over the United States." "After attending Networking Academy courses, I knew I wanted to be a college professor and make a difference in the lives of others. I have been teaching Cisco Networking Academy courses for over 22 years and have touched the lives of thousands of students and I am forever grateful for this opportunity." In India, Matilda has a similar story to tell. "In 2004, networking courses were highly sought after. It was during this time that I graduated as an instructor for a CCNA course and established a local Networking Academy in IFET College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu," she says. Now a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Matilda has continued to help students gain real-world tech skills that have also led to fulfilling careers. Empowering underserved communities Other women use the opportunity to help underserved communities. Lawanda, from Oklahoma, says Networking Academy gave her confidence and opportunities that she never had before. "I used to think only highly intelligent people could work or understand IT and now I'm doing this work," she says. As an Indigenous American, Lawanda is now, "looking forward to working within the Indian Health Services as a System Network Technician while still serving Indigenous communities to give back to my people, as I'd always dreamed of doing." Kutlwano, from South Africa has a similar story of empowerment to tell. "I have learnt to be fearless as a woman in IT firstly, and to believe that I can be whatever I want and achieve it all," she says. "Since 2015, I went from being a Desktop Support Technician, to an IT Administrator, SOC Analyst, Network and Systems Engineer, and now in Risk and Compliance. Networking Academy and TCM Academy was my starting point and opened all those doors for me. This is only the beginning, there's still more to explore and achieve." "My success story also has made other girls and young women see that they too can achieve all they set their mind to and that's all it takes, changing the world by inspiring and giving hope to more women in IT and to continue being fearless." As technology touches every aspect of life, we need to see more inspiring stories like this from women in tech and related fields. According to a report by UNESCO, "women remain a minority in digital information technology, computing, physics, mathematics and engineering, the very fields that are driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution and, thus, many of the jobs of tomorrow." The tech-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution could be "a complement to the best parts of human nature-creativity, empathy, stewardship-it can also lift humanity into a new collective and moral consciousness based on a shared sense of destiny," according to Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. And the world needs women to lead and help shape that future. What actions can we take now? On April 27, we will celebrate Girls in ICT Day, with the theme of "Digital Skills for Life." Our Cisco Women Rock-IT program will host a range of inspiring speakers who are using tech to help address something important in all of our lives-climate change. Cisco hosts events through our Women Rock-IT program, which began in 2014 and has seen more than two million participants with over half enrolling in one of our Cisco Networking Academy courses. Cisco employees also volunteer to support events on Girls in ICT Day in Cisco offices, and on-campus at local schools, colleges, and universities. Our panelists will discuss their work and inspirations in globally-broadcast sessions over four different time zones. Whether you are already a fearless woman in IT, or at the beginning of your education journey, I'm certain you'll find inspiration in these women's stories. Do you know a high school, college, university, or organization that might like to host an event? Share this form with them to register schools now! And save the date to encourage young people in your life to tune-in. Registrations for the virtual event open March 24 and free courses will be offered to attendees over the age of 14. View original content here View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746190/Cisco-Women-Use-Technology-to-Solve-the-Issues-Facing-HumanityAnd-the-World-Needs-More KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / CRB , a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the biopharmaceutical and food and beverage industries, today announced the Board of Directors has named President Ryan Schroeder as Chief Executive Officer. Schroeder succeeds CEO and CRB co-founder Jeff Biskup, who will remain on the Board of Directors and lead the board as Executive Chairman. Additionally, the company announced the formation of CRB Operations, a group uniting the company's Regional Operations and Technical Operations teams into a single structure and led by new Chief Operating Officer Sam Kitchell. Schroeder joined CRB in 1987 as an architectural engineer, progressing in the company's operations before becoming leader of CRB's Midwest region in 2010. He was named President in 2017 and has led the company through unprecedented growth including its first $1 billion-plus revenue years in 2021 and 2022. Under his tenure, CRB has become a pace-setting and preeminent provider of manufacturing facilities that deliver life-saving medicinal therapies and vaccines as well as many of the brand-name food, beverage and pet food products enjoyed by consumers. The company's project portfolio includes numerous award-winning, large-scale food and beverage projects as well as many of the research and commercial production facilities that developed and deployed COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. While growing the company's bottom line, Schroeder has overseen CRB's impressive physical expansion. With an employee count nearing 1,800 - a roughly three-fold increase under Schroeder's leadership -- CRB now has 21 offices in North America and Europe , with additional openings planned in the coming years. "There is no one better positioned to further raise CRB's leadership position in the marketplace while simultaneously nurturing and advancing our coveted culture. From day one we've put remarkable client and employee experiences at the center of everything we do, and no one understands that balance more than Ryan," said Jeff Biskup, one of the company's original three founders who mentored Schroeder during his rise through the company ranks. "This promotion is well-earned by Ryan, and it's terrific news for our clients and employees as our company gets stronger and continues to expand our leadership in the industries we serve." Said Schroeder: "Following in Jeff's footsteps as CEO carries extra meaning for me. He's been an incredible mentor from the day I arrived at CRB, and his devotion to successful client outcomes is unmatched. I will continue to lean on his leadership, experience and instincts as we guide CRB well into the future." NEW CRB OPERATIONS ORGANIZATION Combining CRB's regional and technical teams into a single reporting structure under Kitchell, who previously led the company's Emerging Business Operations group, advances the company's integration efforts and how CRB serves clients. His expertise and experience as both a CRB leader and former client uniquely position Kitchell to deliver on the company's promise to clients: successful, innovative project delivery that consistently meets their business objectives, Schroeder said. "Creating an integrated CRB Operations group continues our journey toward becoming a truly united, global organization driven by technical excellence, continuous learning and innovation, with an exciting work environment that keeps employee experience at the heart of everything we do," Schroeder said. Before his promotion, Kitchell led CRB's Emerging Business Operations team, which worked closely with the company's growth incubator, the Growth Catalyst Program, to identify new initiatives and bring them to market. Chief Strategy Officer Bart Schubert, who created and managed the GCP from its inception in 2019, will assume Kitchell's previous responsibilities. Kitchell has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Before CRB, he served as Group Vice President of Engineering for Shire (now Takeda), where he led the company's global engineering team of more than 1,600 employees, overseeing engineering and validation operations at multiple manufacturing sites across seven countries and leading the corporate capital program. Before that, Kitchell held engineering Senior Director and Vice President roles at global biotech companies Baxalta and Baxter Healthcare. "When I arrived at CRB in 2021, I was thrilled by the opportunity to design an EBO group that would develop our most promising business initiatives and prepare them for the marketplace," Kitchell said. "Over more than two decades, as a client and now an employee, I've seen CRB's entrepreneurial spirit and technical excellence unleashed on some of the world's most urgent challenges. I'm humbled and honored to take this next step and continue working alongside Ryan and our talented corps of professionals in their critical work." About CRB: CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the biopharmaceutical 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, bonnie@clarityqst.com CRB: 816-200-5234 Chris Clark, chris.clark@crbgroup.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CRB on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CRB Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/crb Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CRB View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746189/CRB-Board-of-Directors-Adds-CEO-Title-to-President-Ryan-Schroeder-Company-Announces-Sam-Kitchell-as-New-Chief-Operating-Officer HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NCMI") (TSXV:NMI)(OTCQB:NMREF) is pleased to advise that the Company's common shares have been approved for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the symbol "NMREF". HIGHLIGHTS OTC Markets is a well-established trading platform in the US "QB" quotation significantly expands global access to investment in NCMI shares U.S. investors, in particular, will gain simpler, live-market trading access to NMREF common shares Timing reflects increasing interest and awareness in the rare earth sector The OTCQB is a U.S. trading platform operated by OTC Markets Group in New York. The OTCQB market, often referred to as a "QB" quotation, is structured to provide live-market trading in early-stage and developing companies that may hold primary listings in other markets. Eligibility for OTCQB quotation requires a company to undergo an annual verification and management certification process, meet minimum standards of financial reporting and transparency, and pass other tests relating to the company's capital structure and share price. Namibia Critical Metals had already established a degree of liquidity on OTC Markets through a Pinks quotation under the symbol "NMREF". The decision to commence trading through the higher-profile OTCQB now enables NCMI to engage a far greater network of North American investor, data and media partners, thereby significantly expanding the potential pool of investors in, and followers of, the Company from the U.S. and other jurisdictions. Namibia Critical Metals shares will continue to trade on TSX-Venture under its existing symbol "NMI". The trading on OTC is non-dilutive to existing NCMI shareholders. No capital is being raised and no new shares are being issued to enable trading on the OTCQB. Darrin Campbell, President of Namibia Critical Metals stated: "We are delighted to be able to provide US investors with enhanced access to the NCMI story through the OTC platform. We have seen a significant increase in the number of US based shareholders in NCMI over the last 2 years as the rare earth sector in general has grabbed the attention of investors worldwide." About Namibia Critical Metals Inc. NMI is developing the Tier-1 Heavy Rare Earth Project, Lofdal, a globally significant deposit of the heavy rare earth metals dysprosium and terbium. Demand for these critical metals used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other electronics is driven by innovations linked to energy and technology transformations. The geopolitical risks associated with sourcing many of these metals has become a repeated concern for manufacturers and end users. Namibia is a proven and stable mining jurisdiction. The Lofdal Project is fully permitted with a 25-year Mining License and is under a Joint Venture Agreement with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The Company filed a robust updated PEA for "Lofdal 2B-4" on November 14, 2022, with a post-tax NPV of USD$391 million and an annual IRR of 28% with a capital expenditure of USD$207 million. The project is projected to generate a life of mine nominal cash flow of USD$699 million post-tax over a 16-year mine life. About Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and the JV JOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development. Rare earths are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with US$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry. Namibia Critical Metals owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of historically disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides C$3,000,000 in Term 1 and C$7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further C$10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for C$5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of C$5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. To date, JOGMEC has approved the budget for Term 1 and 2 totaling C$10,075,000 provided that part of this budget is subject to an approval by METI, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Other exploration projects: The Company's Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ("EPLs") prospective for gold are located in the Central Namibian Gold Belt which hosts a number of significant orogenic gold deposits including the Navachab Gold Mine, the Otjikoto Gold Mine and the Twin Hills deposit. At the Erongo Gold Project, stratigraphic equivalents to the meta-sediments hosting the Osino gold discovery at Twin Hills have been identified and exploration is progressing over this highly prospective area. The Grootfontein Base Metal and Gold Project has potential for magmatic copper-nickel mineralization, Mississippi Valley-type zinc-lead-vanadium mineralization and Otjikoto-style gold mineralization. Interpretation of geophysical data and regional geochemical soil sampling have identified first gold targets. Rainer Ellmies, PhD, MScGeol, EurGeol, AusIMM and Vice President of Namibia Critical Metals Inc., is the Company's Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release. The common shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NMI" and the OTCQB under the symbol "NMREF". Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information please contact - Namibia Critical Metals Inc. Darrin Campbell, President Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760 Email: Info@NamibiaCMI.com Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746188/Namibia-Critical-Metals-Commences-Trading-on-OTCQB Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - E-Tech Resources Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I) ("E-Tech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire an 85% interest in exclusive prospecting license 8748 ("EPL 8748"). EPL 8748 is located in the Erongo Mining Corridor of Namibia which lies adjacent to, and surrounds the Company's 100% owned exclusive prospecting license 6762 ("EPL 6762"). The Company has agreed to acquire an 85% interest in EPL 8748 from a Namibian citizen on an arm's length basis (the "Vendor") through its Namibian wholly owned subsidiary E-Tech Kalapuse Mining (Pty) Ltd. (the "Purchaser"). EPL 8748 (165.2 km2) contains a significant portion of the prospective Eureka Dome, the geological feature hosting the mineralised REE bearing carbonatites of which Zones 1 to 4 (~1 km2) on EPL 6762 form part. The Dome is ~12.5 km long (NE) and ~6 km wide (NW), ~56 km2. Approximately a third (~20.7 km2) of the Dome falls within the EPL 6762 boundary whereas the remaining proportion (~35.3 km2) falls on the adjoining license EPL 8748 (Figure 1). Chris Drysdale, E-Tech Resources Inc. Director commented, "Acquiring the complete Eureka Dome is a significant step forward for E-Tech. In the past year our drill program has successfully identified rare earth mineralisation in Zones 1 through 4 representing a footprint of approximately 1 km2. Our team has used a combination of exploration methods to identify 17 more prospective targets all located on EPL 6762. All these targets are hosted within the Eureka Dome structure regarded to be a critical component of the mineralisation model. The acquisition of EPL 8748 adds the remaining portion of the highly prospective Eureka Dome to the Eureka project. Our field team looks forward to obtaining our ECC and identifying new drill targets for the Eureka project." FIGURE 1: Overview satellite image of the EPL 6762 (black outline) and EPL 8748 (purple outline) showing the extent of the Eureka Dome (blue dashed outline). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/160184_2d9c9a65149139ab_001full.jpg. Acquisition Terms Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, E-Tech will acquire an 85% interest in EPL 8748 for aggregate cash consideration of $210,000 and the issuance of an aggregate of 1,200,000 common shares of E-Tech (the "E-Tech Shares"). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, EPL 8748 will be held through a special purpose vehicle, to be owned 85% by the Purchaser and 15% by the Vendor ("NewCo") and the parties will enter into a written shareholders agreement (the "Shareholders' Agreement"). The Shareholders Agreement will contain terms providing that if any party's interest is reduced to less than 10%, its interest will automatically be converted into a 5% free carried interest. Annually on the anniversary of the execution of the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser will have the option to acquire the minority interest from the Seller at fair market value. No finders' fees are payable pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The E-Tech Shares will be issued once certain conditions set out in the Purchase Agreement have been met, including the granting of EPL 8748 to the Vendor and the transfer of EPL 8748 to NewCo. Upon issuance, the E-Tech Shares will be subject to escrow or other trading restrictions and will be released from these restrictions in tranches over a period of 4 years from the closing date of the transaction. A cash consideration was paid of $30,000 with the LOI, with $80,000 to be paid on completion of certain conditions including submission of the application to transfer EPL 8748 and the balance of $100,000 to be paid on completion of the transfer EPL 8748. All currency values mentioned above are denominated in Canadian Dollars. The transaction pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement is conditional upon TSX Venture Exchange approval. Future Exploration Program The Company has contracted Excel Dynamic Solutions, an independent consulting firm specialising in the natural resource sector, to apply for an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). During this period the Company will conduct non-invasive exploration activities that will include desktop interpretation of the government-flown airborne regional geophysical data and reconnaissance ground truthing and evaluation of anomalies. It is expected that this work will highlight additional areas with anomalous REE. Qualified Person Pete Siegfried, BSc. (Hons), M.Sc., is a Consulting Geologist and director of GeoAfrica Prospecting Services CC. Mr. Siegfried has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Siegfried is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) membership number: 221116 (CP Geology), and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About E-Tech Resources Inc. E-Tech Resources Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I) is a rare earth exploration and development company focused on developing its Eureka Rare Earths Project in Namibia. The Eureka Project is located approximately 250 km north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek and 140 km east of Namibia's main industrial port Walvis Bay. The project is situated next to the national B1 highway in the Erongo Region of Namibia. The Eureka deposit lies in the Southern Central Zone of the Neoproterozoic Damara Belt within EPL 6762. which covers Eureka Farm 99 and Sukses Farm 90. Namibia is recognized as one of Africa's most politically stable jurisdictions, with an extremely well-established national infrastructure and a clear and transparent mining law. The Corporation continues to assess new project opportunities and expand its Southern African portfolio. Further details are available on the Corporation's website at www.etech-resources.com or contact Jim Megann, Interim CEO of E-Tech Resources Inc., at +1 902 334 1949. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release may contain forward-looking information, such as statements regarding the completion of the work in Namibia by E-Tech and future plans and objectives of E-Tech, including acquisition of EPL 8748 by E-Tech which is subject to granting of EPL 8748 by Namibian authorities, regulatory approval and closing conditions. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions in connection with the continuance of the applicable company as a going concern and general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of exploration programmes and work in Namibia. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. E-Tech assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings made by E-Tech with Canadian securities regulators, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160184 MONTREUX, Switzerland, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glion Institute of Higher Education has today announced the launch of a new Luxury Management Bachelor degree, based at its Switzerland campuses, which will open doors to a career in the multi-faceted luxury industry. From working in a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant to studying courses devoted to luxury Attitudes and Etiquette and Luxury fashion design, students on the BBA will acquire the knowledge and skills that they need to forge a successful career in the luxury segment of their choosing. Career pathways open to students graduating from this three-and-a-half-year program include personal luxury goods; luxury retail; luxury brand marketing; yachts, private jets, automobiles; private banking; luxury hospitality; bespoke events; high-end health and wellness clinics, real estate investment; and fine dining, food and wine. The seven-semester program, which is now recruiting for a September 2023 start, will incorporate two professional internships. For the first, in semester two, students will venture into the world of luxury hospitality, where the customer experience delivered is now the model for the wider luxury industry. The second will allow students to reflect on managerial competencies in the workplace, providing a foundation for their final two semesters of study. With business-focused academic learning during underpinning the BBA, a key feature of this program is the breadth of direct industry exposure it offers, including a field trip; visits to luxury stores and manufacturing facilities; industry roundtables; and an entrepreneurial challenge. Additionally, during their Bachelor Thesis or Applied Business Project, students will have the opportunity to review real-life business challenges and/or trends. In the Applied Business Project, they collaborate with a 'client' company from the luxury industry, under the guidance of a Glion Institute of Higher Education faculty supervisor. This program delivers the combination of hard and soft skills required to lead in the modern workplace. Business elements cover areas such as corporate finance, digital marketing, data analysis, and strategic brand management; while soft skills will help develop communication, talent management, and change management. It begins with an immersion into the world of luxury, with introductory taught modules combined with real-world experience of luxury service an on-campus restaurant Maison Decotterd plus a two-week Luxury Gastronomy and Hospitality Masterclass. "Our Bachelor's degree is the perfect preparation for a high-level leadership career in the international luxury industry," said Frederic Picard, Managing Director of Glion Institute of Higher Education. "This uniquely specialised degree - combined with professional experience of the internships - will open doors to the most selective luxury employers; for whom rigor, expertise and experience are prized assets. "From the Michelin-starred majesty of our Maison Decotterd to the exceptional range of luxury brands we are proud to partner, there is simply no other institution which combines academic excellence and luxury status in the way that we do. "As specialists in luxury and hospitality business education, this is an exciting development that we expect will attract interest from students all over the world. It will open doors to dream roles that would simply not be available to holders of more generalist business degrees." The full BBA Luxury Business modules are: SEMESTER 1 Foundation: Luxury x Hospitality (Introduction to the World of Luxury, Business Fundamentals, Luxury Hospitality, Luxury Fine Dining Experience, Business Applications). Glion SEMESTER 2 Professional Immersion (24-week internship in the hospitality industry, Reflection on Practice). SEMESTER 3 Luxury Management I (Economics and Sociology of Luxury, Ultra-Luxury Products and Experiences, Luxury Fashion Design, Luxury Marketing Essentials, Talent and HR Management, Analyzing Financial Statements, IT Business Tools, General Education Elective). Bulle SEMESTER 4 Luxury Management II (Business Trends in Luxury, Products and Services, Data Analysis for Decision Makers, Design Thinking for Luxury, Integrated Digital Marketing, Legal Environment of Luxury Industries, Corporate Finance, General Education Elective). Bulle SEMESTER 5 Management Practice (24-week internship in the luxury industry, Business Report). SEMESTER 6 Strategic Luxury Leadership (Strategic Management of Luxury Brands, Retail and Other Physical Distribution Channels, Building Brand Equity in Luxury, Managing Change in Luxury Organizations, Business and Academic Research Methods, International Markets and Finance, Supply Chain Management). Bulle SEMESTER 7 Luxury in the Digital Age (Harnessing Luxury's Omnichannel Opportunity, Designing a More Sustainable Luxury, New Technologies in the Luxury Business). Bulle Visit the website of Glion Institute of Higher Education for more information on the Bachelor's in Luxury Business About Glion Institute of Higher Education Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is a Swiss institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London, UK. Glion is ranked among the world's top five higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management since its entry in the ranking in 2018. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Glion is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). For more information, visit glion.edu CONTACT: Anouck Weiss, CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER, media@sommet-education.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042045/Glion.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981416/Glion_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-glion-institute-of-higher-education-bachelors-in-luxury-business-to-provide-a-pathway-to-high-level-leadership-careers-301783338.html LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Pacific Ventures Group, Inc. (OTC PINK:PACV) ("Pacific Ventures" or the "Company"), a consumer-centric holding company specializing in the distribution of food, beverage and alcohol-related products, today announced that it is expanding the number of high quality products it offers. Seaport Meat Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pacific Ventures, will be introducing a new line of high quality protein and beef products imported from Mexico. As one of America's leading meat processing foodservice distribution companies, Pacific Ventures will continue to diversify the supply chain and target customers looking for a variety of price points. Mexican beef is rated highly for desirability and quality. Results from surveys and testing indicate Mexican beef is in an advantageous position when competing with other beef products in the current open market. "As mentioned in our shareholder letter earlier this month, Pacific Ventures is entering its next phase of growth and we will create new opportunities and operational efficiencies. We believe that the company will be able to cross-market to our existing customers and attract a number of new customers with these new products. By offering quality beef products from across the price spectrum, we are confident we can drive increased revenue and simultaneously increase our margins," stated President and CEO Shannon Masjedi of Pacific Group Ventures. About Pacific Ventures Group, Inc. Pacific Ventures Group, Inc. (OTC:PACV) is a consumer-centric distribution company focused on food, beverage, and alcohol-related products. Through its portfolio of operating subsidiaries, Pacific Ventures delivers specialty groceries, top quality proteins and produce, and innovative products to consumers through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Pacific Ventures Group, please visit www.pacvgroup.com . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 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 and consequently, actual 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) market acceptance of our existing and new products, (ii) delays in bringing products to key markets, (iii) an inability to secure regulatory approvals for the ability to sell our products in certain markets, (iv) intense competition in the industry from much larger, multinational companies, (v) product liability claims, (vi) product malfunctions, (vii) our limited manufacturing capabilities and reliance on subcontractors for assistance, (viii) our efforts to successfully obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, which may not be successful, (ix) our reliance on single suppliers for certain product components, (x) the fact that we will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future and that such capital raising may be costly, dilutive or difficult to obtain and (xi) the fact that we conduct business in multiple foreign jurisdictions, exposing us to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, logistical and communications challenges, burdens and costs of compliance with foreign laws and political and economic instability in each jurisdiction. 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 web site 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. Investor Relations Contact: Chesapeake Group 410-825-3930 info@chesapeakegp.com SOURCE: Pacific Ventures Group, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746012/Pacific-Ventures-Expands-Product-Line-and-Readies-for-Revenue-Ramp 2023 Exploration Plans for Long Valley to be Announced Over the Coming Weeks Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - KORE Mining Ltd. (TSXV: KORE) (OTCQB: KOREF) ("KORE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California has denied a motion by NGO's to overturn authorization granted by the United States Forest Service ("USFS") of KORE's proposed drill program at the Long Valley Gold Project ("Project"), located in California. KORE had voluntarily limited any work at the Long Valley project pending the outcome of the court case between the NGOs and the USFS. Now that the USFSs motion for summary judgement has been granted and the authorization upheld, KORE intends to proceed with exploration during the summer/fall of 2023. Details of KORE's Long Valley 2023 exploration drill program (the "Program") will be announced over the coming weeks. KORE's team has worked closely with the USFS to avoid cultural impacts and mitigate other potential Program impacts. The Program utilizes modern technology and existing road infrastructure to minimize disturbances. KORE will complete pre-disturbance cultural surveys, remove 100% of all drill cuttings, have zero water or waste discharge and intensively remediate all sites post-work. There will be no long-term impact from the Program and no permanent installations will be left behind. The USFS thus granted KORE a categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Protection Act for the Program's plan of operations. The Company has identified opportunities to expand the shallow oxide mineralization in all directions. Additional mineralization could extend mine life, reduce capital intensity and generate higher project economic returns than the 1.2 million ounces of Indicated gold and 0.5 million ounces of Inferred gold from 64 million tonnes of 0.58 grams per tonne and 22 million tonnes of 0.65 grams per tonne, respectively, modelled in the preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") announced October 27, 2020. Additionally, as a fully intact epithermal deposit with a large at surface footprint, Long Valley has the potential for high-grade sulphides and discrete vein zones in the underlying feeder structures. The discovery of high-grade, sulphide dominant gold ("Au")-silver ("Ag") mineralization in addition to near-surface oxide Au-Ag mineralization would open up additional development pathways for the Project, such as underground mining. More details on the deposit geology and exploration potential can be found in KORE's March 23, 2021, January 30, 2020 and March 24, 2020 news releases. About Long Valley Gold Project Long Valley is 100% owned epithermal gold and silver project located in Mono County, California. The large land package around the project is district in scale and covers all deep-rooted fault structures of similar genesis to the Hilton Creek fault, the primary 'conduit' for the current Long Valley deposit. A total of 896 holes have been drilled on the Project, the majority being completed by reverse circulation with lesser core, rotary and air track. The current mineral resource estimate is 1,217,000 ounces of Indicated gold and 453,000 ounces of Inferred gold from 63.7 million tonnes of 0.58 grams per tonne and 22.0 million tonnes of 0.65 grams per tonne, respectively. The mineral resource consists of oxide, transition and sulphides. The estimate was prepared by Neil Prenn, P.E. of Mine Development Associates with an effective date of September 2, 2020. See the "Preliminary Economic Assessment NI 43-101 Technical Report, Long Valley Project", revised and amended dated June 7, 2021, filed on SEDAR on June 11, 2021 (the "PEA"). The PEA for a shallow, low-strip heap leach project contains the following highlights: US $273 million NPV5% post-tax with IRR of 48% at US$ 1,600 per ounce gold; Significant leverage to gold: US$ 352 million NPV5% at spot US$ 1,800 per ounce gold; 102,000 ounces gold per year average over 7 years mine life; Shallow open pit, heap leach with nearby infrastructure; Unmodelled silver potential from metallurgical test-work; and Shallow oxide and sulphide feeder exploration potential to further enhance project. More information is available in the PEA filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on KORE's website at www.koremining.com. About KORE Mining KORE Mining is focused on responsibly creating value from its portfolio of gold assets in California, USA. The Company is advancing the Imperial project towards development while continuing to explore across both Imperial and Long Valley district-scale gold assets. Further information on KORE can be found on the Company's website at www.koremining.com or by contacting us at info@koremining.com or by telephone at (888) 407-5450. On behalf of KORE Mining Ltd. "James Hynes" Chairman and CEO (888) 407-5450 Technical information with respect to the Long Valley Project contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Terre Lane, MMSA, registered member SME, who is the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical matters of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "anticipate", "believe", "budget", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "indicate", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "predict", "project", "should", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing, implementation and results of exploration drilling for the Long Valley project; the opportunities of expansion at the Long Valley Project; the ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including all levels of government; and the mitigation of the planned drilling program's impacts on cultural and biological factors being minimal. Such forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made numerous assumptions, including, among others: there being no significant change to current geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrological and other physical conditions at the Long Valley Project; exploration, permitting, and development of the Long Valley Project being consistent with current expectations and planning; the geological, permitting and economic advice that the Company has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; the cultural impacts and other potential impacts that the Company has worked with USFS in mitigating do not change; and other planning assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Known risk factors include, among others: delays or changes to the Company's plan for the current drill program, which could result, among other things, in delays, additional project requirements, additional costs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; the exploration drill program may not be completed as planned; the need to obtain additional financing; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of future permits and other government approvals; and the actual cultural and biological impacts of the Company's exploration and development programs. Additional risks and uncertainties are described under the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 prepared as of April 27, 2022 available under the Company's issuer profile on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other risk factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The preliminary economic assessments are preliminary in nature, that include inferred mineral resources that 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 preliminary economic assessments will be realized. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve. It is uncertain if further exploration will allow improving the classification of the Indicated or Inferred mineral resource. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160126 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY) (OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), announces that it has closed its recently announced Millican light oil (the "Assets") acquisition (see press release dated March 21, 2023) located in the Permian Basin of west central Texas, USA. The Company completed a payment to the arm's length vendor of USD$160,000 for a 100% working interest in the Assets, subject to a 19% underlying royalty. The vendor has relinquished operator status and has transferred title of the four oil and gas leases and all surface facilities to Wedgemount's subsidiary, Wedgemount Texas Corp. Financing The Company also announces it has closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement by issuing 3,580,557 units (each a "Unit") at CAD$0.17 per Unit for gross proceeds of CAD$608,695 (the "Offering"). Each Unit entitled the holder to receive one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one (1) transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) Common Share at CAD$0.30 until March 24, 2025, subject to an accelerated expiry provision, whereby in the event the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange") exceeds CAD$0.60 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, at the Company's election, the period within which the Warrants are exercisable, will be reduced and the holders of the Warrants will be entitled to exercise their Warrants for a period of 30 days commencing on the day the Company provides notice, any outstanding Warrants not exercised during the 30 day period will expire (the "Accelerated Expiry Provision"). In connection with the Offering, the Company paid finder's fees of CAD$24,903, equal to 7% of the total proceeds raised by eligible finders, and issued 146,487 finder warrants (each, a "Finder Warrant"), equal to 7% of the number of Units sold by eligible finders. The Finder Warrants are exercisable at $0.30 until March 24, 2025, subject to the Accelerated Expiry Provision. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital purposes and for the acquisition of the Assets. All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, are subject to a hold period expiring July 25, 2023, in accordance with the rules and policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. About Wedgemount Resources Corp. Wedgemount Resources is a junior natural resources company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, discovery and advancement of natural resource projects in North America. On behalf of the Board of Directors, WEDGEMOUNT RESOURCES CORP. Mark Vanry, President and CEO For more information, please contact the Company at: Telephone: (604) 343-4743 info@wedgemountresources.com www.wedgemountresources.com Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements made in this news release include the anticipated completion of the acquisition and the proposed timing thereof, the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the potential for gas production and production from additional zones on the Assets, and potential additional acquisition opportunities in the area of the Assets and the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, personnel and other resources necessary to conduct exploration or development programs, successes of the Company's exploration efforts, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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 LAW. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160141 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PE) (OTCQB: PEMIF) ("Pure Energy" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that all permits have been received from key governmental agencies for the construction and operation of the direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot plant at its Clayton Valley lithium brine project ("CV Project") in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The final permit required to operate the DLE pilot plant at the CV Project became effective on March 17, 2023. This permit, together with previously approved permits, authorizes the pilot plant's construction and operation at the Clayton Valley site. Pure Energy's partner, SLB (formerly Schlumberger), through its New Energy business, is responsible for the design, construction and operation of the pilot plant to produce lithium compounds in a highly sustainable manner. "The development of the pilot plant and application of SLB's sustainable lithium production process at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project has important potential for lithium brine projects. Its state-of-the-art approach to lithium production conserves water, has a considerably smaller footprint, and reduces environmental impact compared to existing evaporation pond design," stated Mary Little, Pure Energy director. "As the first project of its kind in North America, we are very pleased with the progress made by our partner, SLB, in advancing the pilot plant through the permitting milestones. The CV Project continues to develop, and we look forward to reporting advances as they occur." About Pure Energy Pure Energy Minerals is a lithium resource developer that is driven to become a low-cost supplier for the growing lithium battery industry. Pure Energy has consolidated a pre-eminent land position at its Clayton Valley Project in the Clayton Valley of central Nevada for the exploration and development of lithium resources, comprising 950 claims over 23,360 acres (9,450 hectares), representing the largest mineral land holdings in the valley. Pure Energy's strategic partner, SLB, is operator of the Clayton Valley Project. In May of 2019, Pure Energy and SLB signed an Earn-In agreement over the CV Project which requires significant investment by SLB at the Project, to include the design and construction of a pilot plant capable of processing lithium-bearing brines for high-quality lithium hydroxide monohydrate ("lithium hydroxide" or "LiOHH2O") and/or lithium carbonate products at a specified rate. For further details regarding SLB's participation, please refer to Pure Energy's Annual General and Special Meeting Management Information Circular dated April 4, 2019, available on SEDAR.com. On January 3, 2019, the Nevada Division of Water Resources ("NDWR") approved and granted a Finite Term Water Right to Pure Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Esmeralda Minerals LLC, for the extraction of up to 50 acre-feet of brine during a 5-year period from the CV properties. This water right is deemed sufficient for brine testing requirements and SLB's future the pilot plant facility. In July of 2020, the CV-09 well was completed pursuant to the Finite Term Water Right and results of initial sampling were published by Pure Energy on October 14, 2020. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Mary L. Little" Director, Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. Quality Assurance Walter Weinig, Professional Geologist and Qualified Person (MMSA registration #01529QP), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information presented in this news release for Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.. He is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. CONTACT: Pure Energy Minerals Limited (www.pureenergyminerals.com) Email: info@pureenergyminerals.com Telephone - 604 608 6611 Cautionary Statements and Forward-Looking Information The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release may include future exploration and development on the Clayton Valley Project. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160149 Rural Texas health system provides industry-leading innovation in Wilson County Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and Connally Memorial Medical Center (CMMC), today announced that CMMC is implementing the new Philips Incisive CT as part of the healthcare system's latest investment in innovation to support the rural Texas communities it serves. The Incisive CT delivers powerful AI-driven applications, streamlining workflows for routine exam planning and preparation and patient positioning to shorten exam times, for an improved patient and staff experience. According to the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH), there are 158 rural hospitals in Texas that provide care to over 3.1 million Texans, including CMMC, a rural hospital in south Texas that supports the 50,000+ residents of Wilson County, residing 20 miles outside of San Antonio. These rural hospitals serve 12% of the Texas population but cover emergency and local hospital care for 85% of the state's geography. These statistics highlight the importance of investment in rural hospitals such as Connally Memorial Medical Center and the impact they can have on the health of local communities. "We're committed to providing high-quality medical care closer to home for our residents, and the new Philips diagnostic imaging solution will allow us to expand screenings and care to provide an important addition to our healthcare system," said Bob Gillespie, chief executive officer of Connally. "The system will allow our staff to give residents of Wilson County access to the same innovations they find in San Antonio, but it will also allow them more time to focus on what is most important patient care." The system offers many advanced reporting tools with a broad clinical focus that simplifies the radiologist's review and supports increased diagnostic confidence. It also helps reduce the burden on IT resources by providing advanced interoperability for integration with a variety of existing informatics systems (e.g. EMRs), the latest security architecture and predictive maintenance of equipment to help optimize uptime and prevent avoidable and costly disruptions to patient care. Together, these benefits will help provide a better experience for clinicians, greater focus on the patient experience and improved patient outcomes. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips' patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2022 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005174/en/ Contacts: Silvie Casanova Philips North America silvie.casanova@philips.com 781.879.0692 An Esker survey of salaried workers reveals that sustainability concerns play an increasing part in where people want to work, where they want to invest and who they want to do business with. With recession concerns and rising costs squeezing margins for many employers, 84% of CEOs in a recent KPMG survey said that they had cut or were considering cutting ESG programs. Now, a new survey from Esker suggests that such measures may be short-sighted, as an employer's demonstrated commitment to sustainability has become essential to many U.S. workers. The Esker 2023 Survey: Sustainability in the Workplace, conducted for Esker on March 8 by the third-party platform Pollfish, asked 600 U.S. salaried workers with middle-class incomes about the role sustainability plays in their choice of employers, their purchasing decisions in the workplace and their personal investments. Key findings from the survey include: 80% of respondents said it is either "extremely important" (48%) or "somewhat important" (32%) for businesses to "prioritize sustainability practices and values in today's society." Women valued sustainability practices more highly than men, with 84% of women calling them important compared to 75% of men. 76% of respondents said that sustainability practices and values are either "much more important" (39%) or "somewhat more important" (37%) to them than they were five years ago. 58% of respondents said they plan to consider a company's sustainability record in their choice of future employers-up from 44% who considered this before taking their current job. This percentage shot up to 71% for workers under 35, including 81% of women under 35. When asked, "What specific steps toward sustainability should companies prioritize in 2023?" respondents said companies should practice energy efficiency (68%), reuse and recycle materials (65%), measure and minimize overall carbon footprint (57%), educate and train employees on sustainability practices (55%), work only with suppliers, partners, and vendors that practice sustainability (48%) and reduce paper use (43%). "While some companies might think that cutting back on sustainability initiatives is the safe course in an uncertain economy, we believe there is more risk in turning away from our commitments," said Jean-Michel Berard, CEO at Esker. "Esker embraces sustainability and encourages other companies to do so as well. It's part of our philosophy of 'positive-sum growth'-tying our business success not just to our shareholders, but to all our stakeholders, including the communities we serve." Visit the 2023 Esker Survey: Sustainability in the Workplaceat Esker's website for the complete survey results. About Esker Esker is a global cloud platform built to unlock strategic value for Finance, Procurement and Customer Service professionals, and strengthen collaboration between companies by automating the cash conversion cycle. Esker's solutions incorporate technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive increased productivity, enhanced visibility, reduced fraud risk, and improved collaboration with customers, suppliers and employees. Founded in 1985, Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.com. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation on the Esker blog at blog.esker.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005188/en/ Contacts: Press Contact: Christina Davies Tel: (972) 366-7453 cdavies@ideagrove.com Investor Relations Contact: Emmanuel Olivier Tel: +33 (0)4 72 83 46 46 emmanuel.olivier@esker.com WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Star Alliance International Corp. ("Star or the Company" has signed an agreement to fund an S1 approved registration of stock. The total amount of the funding depends on the price of the stock, but the Company has agreed to reserve up to 75,000,000 shares for this funding. The discount off the market price is 15% and a commitment fee of 1,000,000 shares of common stock already issued, 500,000 shares upon the effective date of the S1 and $75,000 value of stock when $500,000 has been advanced. This is the first agreement reached to fund the growth of the Company. (Full details of this agreement are described in the 8-K recently filed) Richard Carey, Chairman of STAL, commented, "We are really excited to announce that we have arranged this substantial line of credit for growth. This funding will enable us to complete the NI 43-101 appraisals, open the mines in Honduras and California as well as providing the funding for Genesis and Barotex. Furthermore, we continue to negotiate additional funding opportunities." About Star Alliance International Corp. Star Alliance International Corp. ("the Company", or "STAL") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 17, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada. Star Alliance International Corp is a Worldwide Holding Company with strong assets in the US, Honduras, and Guatemala. Stal's assets include gold mines in California and Honduras. In addition, Star searches out innovative new technologies that are eco-friendly including "Genesis," our environmentally safe gold extraction system. The Genesis gold and other minerals extraction system extracts minerals from oxide and complex ores in an environmentally safe manner. Lastly, we have our patented Barotex Technology. Barotex is a fiber, manufactured from volcanic rock, that is incredibly light, stronger than steel, wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum and Kevlar and is recyclable. The product can be used in many everyday applications. The Company anticipates continued expansion of our efforts domestically and abroad, with a particularly keen focus on breakthrough separation and processing technologies for precious metals and rare earths, as well as other technologies or proprietary innovation. It is Star's goal to become a very well-rounded enterprise with planned diversification, paired with a balanced approach, ensuring the very best possible results and the highest possible value for our shareholders. Safe Harbor and Informational Statement This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements. Contact: STAL E Mail: info@staralliancemines.com Web Site: staralliancemines.com Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, @staralliancein1 SOURCE: Star Alliance International Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746146/Star-Alliance-STAL-Signs-Agreement-for-Significant-Funding-to-Support-the-Growth-of-the-Company Former President of ICE Bonds to Drive Strategy for Firm's Fixed Income Technology DELRAY BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / InspereXSM, the tech-driven fixed income and market-linked product distribution and trading firm, today announced that Marshall Nicholson has been appointed President of InspereX Technologies. Mr. Nicholson will report to John DesPrez III, CEO of InspereX. Mr. Nicholson will be focused on further developing and executing strategy for BondNav, the InspereX fixed income technology platform serving institutional investors, RIAs, banks, and broker-dealers. He will support firm-wide growth through enhanced services and engagements with key client segments, while also initiating and strengthening strategic partnerships. Mr. Nicholson is the former President of ICE Bonds, responsible for ICE BondPoint, a leading fixed income marketplace offering deep liquidity, price discovery, and execution to broker-dealers and institutional investors. Earlier, he served as President of Millennium Advisors, LLC, President of Knight BondPoint, Inc., and Executive Vice President of ValuBond. Most recently, Mr. Nicholson was a Senior Advisor to SumRidge Partners, LLC, a technology-driven fixed income market maker. Speaking to Mr. Nicholson's appointment, Mr. DesPrez said: "We're delighted to welcome Marshall to the InspereX team. He has an impressive track record with over 20 years of experience in fixed income technology, plus a keen understanding of the marketplace. We look forward to his leadership in our technology efforts and his vision for increasingly innovative solutions to our clients' fixed income needs." Mr. Nicholson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA in finance and marketing from the University of Georgia. "Thanks to technology, the speed of fixed income market transformation has accelerated tenfold in recent years, making it a very exciting time to be joining InspereX," Mr. Nicholson said. "The firm has made great strides in its fixed income technology platform, with solutions that deliver comprehensive real-time data aggregation and tools that help users customize and simplify their experience with the markets. I look forward to building on the firm's success and working closely with our clients to improve their productivity and enhance their outcomes." About InspereX InspereX is transforming how fixed income securities and market-linked products are accessed, evaluated, and traded. Home to the pioneering BondNav platform - one of the first cloud-native bond aggregation platforms - InspereX provides financial advisors, institutional investors, issuers, and risk managers deep access to fixed income market data across asset classes, as well as industry-leading origination, distribution, and education in market-linked products. Focused on delivering true price transparency, liquidity, execution targeting price improvement, and the information advantage gained through data aggregation, InspereX inspires greater confidence through the power of technology. The firm is a leading underwriter and distributor of securities to more than 1,500 broker-dealers, institutions, asset managers, RIAs, and banks. InspereX represents more than 400 issuing entities and has underwritten more than $705 billion in securities. The firm has seven trading desks and more than 200 employees with principal offices in Delray Beach, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. MEDIA CONTACT: John Principio River Communications 914-686-5599 jprincipio@riverinc.com SOURCE: InspereX View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/745986/InspereX-Appoints-Marshall-Nicholson-President-of-Technologies NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / U.S. Bank U.S. Army Sergeant Xanthin Luptak with his children, Lily and Luke, checking out their new home. Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog For U.S. Army Sergeant Xanthin Luptak, a home was something he always wanted. U.S. Bank, in partnership with Freedom Alliance and Ole South, teamed up to help Luptak realize his dream with the gift of a mortgage-free home. "This means the world to us," said Luptak, who received the keys to his home at a special event attended by military, government officials, neighbors, employees of the presenting sponsors, and many others. "This is what I've always wanted in my life and I'm not talking just about a roof over my head, necessarily. But, I've always wanted to be able to provide a forever home for my family." Luptak's wife, Jessica, and their two children, Lily and Luke, were the first U.S. Bank HOME (Housing Opportunities after Military Engagement) program recipients in Tennessee. They join 22 other veteran families who have received mortgage-free homes since 2013. The 23 total donated homes in thriving communities across the country are valued over $5 million. "It is such an honor to partner with organizations like Freedom Alliance who make a difference in our communities, especially our veteran communities," said Len McMorrow, senior vice president of default recovery & litigation at U.S. Bank. "Our U.S. Bank HOME program allows a deserving, honorable veteran like Xanthin and his family to begin a new chapter in a mortgage-free home. We are excited for the Luptak family to get settled in Tennessee and enjoy all that the community offers." Since Luptak was a young boy, he wanted to be a soldier. He enlisted in the Indiana National Guard at the age of 17. In 2007, he served a 15-month deployment to Iraq where he performed dangerous route clearing missions such as removing bombs to create safer passage for U.S. troops. While stationed in Colorado in 2010, he met his wife and then received a temporary assignment at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he trained cadets on route clearance operations. A second deployment in 2011 sent him to Afghanistan, where Luptak trained Afghan police on these same procedures. During his deployments, he survived repeated engagement with enemy forces but was severely wounded. He was exposed to dangerous toxins from burn pits, and when he was examined prior to surgery for his combat injuries, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Luptak underwent chemotherapy and is in remission. He was medically discharged in 2017. "March 2023 marks 20 years since the beginning of the Iraq war. There have been a lot of sacrifices made by our military personnel and so it's really fitting during this time that we can present Xanthin and his family with their new home," said President of Freedom Alliance Tom Kilgannon. Freedom Alliance provides mortgage-free homes, specially outfitted wheelchairs, home repairs, vehicles, and scholarships to students of military personnel who are injured or killed in service. There is an application and screening process to match and award homes such as the one presented to Luptak. "I feel nothing but a clean slate in moving forward with a better future," said Luptak. "So, how do I feel? Amazing. Just blessed and amazing." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: U.S. Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: U.S. Bank View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746198/Veteran-Receives-Mortgage-Free-Home System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55760903d618)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5576090557a0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55760903d618)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5576090557a0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5576090215b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5576090557a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5576090557a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x557605f329b8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55760903cf58)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55760903cf58)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Trane Technologies Powhatan Elementary School We're helping solve our customers' big challenges by innovating and delivering solutions that are better for their business - and for the environment. Project At-a-Glance: The opportunity: Help Powhatan County (VA) Public Schools address deferred maintenance needs to enhance lighting; improve air quality, heating, and cooling; and upgrade inefficient systems to lower costs and environmental impact. The solution: Developing, in partnership with the school district and energy provider, a comprehensive plan of upgrades to lighting fixtures, HVAC and water systems, and energy management, leveraging energy savings to pay for the upgrades. Sustainability outcomes: Enhanced learning environment and indoor air quality Reduced energy costs by more than 20 percent Cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500 mtCO2e When leaders at Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) undertook plans to build a new middle school, they recognized that in order to preserve equity across the Virginia school district, they would also need to address years of deferred maintenance needs at their other four school buildings. To develop a cost-effective solution, PCPS partnered with Trane, whose comprehensive auditing, energy modeling, strategic partnerships, and state-of-the-art sustainable technologies would help transform the four outdated buildings into optimal spaces for teaching and learning. The power of planning and partnership The older buildings faced multiple challenges: Dim, outdated lighting; poor indoor air quality; and inconsistent heating and cooling made the classrooms dreary and uncomfortable. Leaders also wanted to upgrade inefficient equipment, combat increasing maintenance costs, reduce rising utility spend, and lower the district's environmental impact. To begin, Trane conducted a technical audit of all district buildings and created a business case for the upgrades. Using energy modeling to evaluate potential solutions, the team compiled a list of proposed energy conservation measures and associated paybacks, recommending that the district focus on five high-impact areas: Lighting and water upgrades Building envelope improvements Energy management Equipment recommissioning Ongoing service To fund the improvements, Trane and PCPS negotiated an energy performance contract with the district's existing energy service, allowing the district to leverage future energy savings to pay for the upgrades. Trane also helped the district streamline purchases, secure better pricing, and expedite delivery by partnering with Omnia Partners, one of the largest cooperative-purchasing organizations for public sector procurement in the country. Comprehensive solutions for efficient, healthier spaces The project team started with a lighting upgrade, replacing more than 10,500 internal and external incandescent lighting fixtures with brighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting LED fixtures. They also installed occupancy controls in select areas, reducing electricity use. The new LEDs lowered operational costs and the district's carbon footprint while better illuminating the academic environment. To address the indoor air quality and inconsistent heating and cooling, Trane refurbished building HVAC systems to ensure proper equipment operation, decreasing operational and energy costs. They identified additional maintenance requirements which were completed to help keep systems running smoothly. Trane also evaluated window and door insulation and implemented building envelopment improvements to reduce drafts and air leakage. Installing low-flow fixtures and valves helped reduce water and sewer costs, while recommissioning the district's existing energy management system (EMS) helped ensure proper operation and control. By upgrading pneumatic equipment controls and stand-alone thermostats to digital technologies and integrating them into the EMS, the district was able to implement energy-saving strategies such as demand control ventilation. Finally, Trane also introduced Powhatan County Public Schools to software that gives administrators insights into their buildings' performance and energy use, streamlining workflow, managing maintenance, and reducing energy spend. The software allows easy scheduling of rooms for classes and other events and allows teachers to make simple temperature adjustments on their laptops. Seamless installation and ongoing impact Trane was able to complete the scope of work during evening hours, on weekends, and over the summer, ensuring that the project never interfered with classroom instruction and was completed before the new building opened its doors, an important timing goal set by the district. The upgrades improved indoor air quality and comfort while reducing energy costs by 20 percent and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3.3 million pounds of CO2. More comfortable, brighter rooms improved the academic environment and community morale. Students and staff responded with enthusiasm; the district reports that test scores improved following the upgrades. "Numerous studies have clearly shown that the learning environment within a school plays a significant role in student achievement," says former PCPS Superintendent Eric Jones, who led the district through the upgrades. "For this reason alone, our performance contracting project with Trane was a huge success. Add to this the fact that we are paying for these upgrades and new equipment through energy savings, and it is easy to see why I believe this is one of the best projects Powhatan County Public Schools has ever completed." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Trane Technologies Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Trane Technologies View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746199/Sustainability-in-Action-Powhatan-County-Public-Schools NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / MilliporeSigma: Green chemistry education provides chemists with a framework to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances-which is key to creating a more sustainable future. Despite green chemistry's benefits, integrating green chemistry into curriculum and practice in higher education remains a challenge for education systems worldwide due to barriers including a lack of green chemistry content in textbooks, a lack of resources required to develop green chemistry education materials, an information gap among educators and other documented factors.1 MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, is expanding its partnership with global green chemistry education nonprofit Beyond Benign. With plans for a multi-year contribution to the organization, MilliporeSigma is helping transform chemistry education to better prepare next generation scientists with skills to address sustainability through chemistry. It is the largest funded partnership made under the company's Employee & Community Engagement program. "We share Beyond Benign's passion and commitment to making green chemistry an integral part of chemistry education," said Meeta Gulyani, Head of Strategy, Business Development and Sustainability for the Life Science business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "This partnership underscores our common goal to increase global access to science and science education while reducing environmental impact." Together, MilliporeSigma and Beyond Benign will provide expanded access to resources and support needed to apply greener practices in chemistry education. This is key to reducing environmental and human health impact while simultaneously accelerating sustainable science. MilliporeSigma's contribution will enhance capacity for Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) online platform and expand global access to resources and trainings for more than 4,000 faculty members worldwide.2 It also advances Beyond Benign's goal of providing 25 percent of the 22,000 graduating chemists annually in the U.S.3 with green chemistry knowledge by 2025. "In many countries, sustainability is not considered a core concept in undergraduate and graduate chemistry education," said Dr. Amy Cannon, Co-founder and Executive Director, Beyond Benign. "MilliporeSigma's support allows us to impact higher education systems worldwide, helping educators to upskill future generations to make more sustainable choices that improve human health and the environment through the reduction or elimination of hazardous substances." MilliporeSigma's partnership with Beyond Benign also supports the goal of its parent company-Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany-to achieve human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology by 2030. Chemistry educators interested in signing Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program can do so by visiting Beyond Benign's GCC webpage, or by contacting Dr. Natalie O'Neil, Beyond Benign's Director of Higher Education, at Natalie_ONeil@beyondbenign.org for any questions. References 1. Grieger, K.D.; Hill, B.; Leontyev, A. Exploring Curriculum Adoption of Green and Sustainable Chemistry in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Courses: Results from a National Survey in the United States. Green Chem. 2022, 24, 8770-8782. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2GC02999E 2. The GCTLC online platform is being developed and launched in partnership with the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI). 3. Chemistry | Data USA. (n.d.). Datausa.io. Retrieved from: https://datausa.io/profile/cip/chemistry View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from MilliporeSigma on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: MilliporeSigma Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/milliporesigma Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: MilliporeSigma View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746200/Partnering-for-Greener-Chemistry-Education-Globally-MilliporeSigma-Announces-Expanded-Partnership-With-Beyond-Benign Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PBM) ("Pacific Bay" or, the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the estate of former Pacific Bay director Guilford Brett (the "Estate") to convert approximately $200,000 of debt consisting of loans, cash advances and accrued interest into common shares of the Company ("Shares") at a price of $0.05 per Share (the "Debt Conversion"). The 4,000,000 Shares to be issued pursuant to the Debt Conversion will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance. Following the issuance of the Shares, the Estate will hold 4,495,297 Shares, or approximately 15.28% of the total issued and outstanding Shares. Further, the Estate and Mr. David Brett, Chairman of the Company (collectively, the "Creditors"), have agreed to forgive certain additional debts of the Company, and sell the balance of the amounts due from the Company to a third party (the "Debt Consolidation" and, collectively with the Debt Conversion, the "Transactions"). Pursuant to the terms of the Debt Consolidation, the Creditors will forgive an aggregate of approximately $125,000 which was incurred by the Company to support operations since 2015. The balance of the amount owing to the Creditors, in the amount of approximately $60,000 (the "Purchased Debt"), will be purchased by an arm's length third party. The Purchased Debt will be a general unsecured debt obligation of the Company, bearing no interest and having no fixed terms of repayment. Further, as disclosed in the Company's September 30, 2022 interim financial statements, the Company previously entered into release and settlement transactions with three former officers of the Company (collectively, the "Former Officers"), pursuant to which an aggregate of $239,845 of debt was forgiven. Beginning in 2020 and through the term that the Former Officers were engaged by the Company, the Creditors assigned approximately $225,000 of accrued debt owing from the Company (the "Assigned Debt") to the Former Officers. The Assigned Debt was forgiven as part of the release and settlement transactions with the Former Officers. The Transactions are designed to improve the financial condition of the Company. The Company has insufficient cash on hand, and no immediate source of cash that would be sufficient to satisfy the debts described above. No new "Control Person" (as defined under the applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) will be created pursuant to the Transactions. The board of directors of the Company considers the terms of the Transactions to be fair and reasonable to the Company having regard to its current circumstances. About Pacific Bay Minerals Limited Pacific Bay Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mining projects. Pacific Bay Minerals is focused on advancing its flagship project, Atlin Goldfields, located in Atlin, British Columbia, with a 56,569-hectare package of mineral tenures. The company also holds 100% interest in three mineral properties located in British Columbia: Wheaton Creek Gold, Haskins Reed, and Weaver Gold. Pacific Bay aspires to see its environmentally responsible exploration and development activities bring meaningful benefits to the communities in which it operates. Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. Per/ Reagan Glazier, President and CEO reagan@pacificbayminerals.com (604) 682-2421 pacificbayminerals.com / Twitter / LinkedIn This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing for and expected completion of the Transactions, statements regarding the financial condition of the Company, spending commitments, and regulatory approvals (including approvals of the TSXV). Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Pacific Bay will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition, results of exploration activities and development of the Company's properties, and risks relating to regulatory approvals. Although Pacific Bay has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Pacific Bay does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160129 CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Barcodes Group announced its acquisition of Identbase GmbH, a leading distributor and reseller of people ID and access control products. Based in Meppen, Germany, Identbase has more than thirty years of expertise in physical security and ID management solutions. "We will immediately start working together with UK-based Digital ID on growth opportunities across Europe," says Marcus Brand, Managing Director and founder of Identbase. "We now have three key distribution hubs located throughout the region to meet our customers' demand in much quicker timescales. We will be able to offer customers a faster, simpler and easier ordering experience. And our trade partners will have instant access to a much wider and innovative product range." Stephen Dodd, European Commercial Director of the Digital ID Group, adds: "Identbase has an excellent reputation in the industry, an impressive team of staff, and a loyal client base. This acquisition takes our global staff numbers to 350+ across 13 cities, including locations in the UK, Germany, Austria, and Sweden." "Identbase will join with Digital ID to create the leading ID and Access Control solutions provider in the UK and EU," says Daniel Nettesheim, President & CEO of Barcodes Group. "The powerful combination of businesses, when paired with our equally scaled business in the Americas, makes up the undisputed global market leader in the industry. As part of our long-term growth plan, Barcodes will continue to invest in the growth of Identbase through expanded stock availability, sustainable products, and industry-leading technology." ABOUT BARCODES GROUP Barcodes Group provides end-to-end technology solutions that improve mobility, visibility, and automation for organizations across the globe. With 25+ years of experience and partnerships with leading technology manufacturers, Barcodes Group delivers exceptional products, software, and services to help businesses navigate a world in motion. Barcodes Group brought together the leading identification solutions retailers in North American and Europe, including ID Wholesaler, AlphaCard, and Digital ID. For more information, please visit www.digitalid.co.uk. Todd Muscato, Chief Digital Officer Barcodes Group 1-312-765-6869, tmuscato@barcodesinc.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1904618/Barcodes_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/barcodes-group-acquires-identbase-gmbh-expanding-access-control-and-people-id-capabilities-in-the-eu-301781274.html 250-MW plant now online in Navarro County, Texas Three companies purchased output under 15-year VPPAs CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS), a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), is now operating its largest solar power plant ever - the 250-megawatt (MW) Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas. "We're excited to continue to grow our Texas solar portfolio," said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. "This project demonstrates how we can continue to expand our renewable energy resources while providing unique sustainability solutions for commercial customers." Charles River Laboratories International Inc., a leading provider of critical research tools and integrated support services that enable innovative and efficient drug discovery and development, has a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 102 MW of the project over the next 15 years. This commitment will address the entirety of the company's North American electric power load with clean, renewable energy by 2023. "Charles River has committed to sourcing 100% of our global electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030," said Gregg Belardo, executive director of EHS & sustainability at Charles River. "Our VPPA with DESS provides coverage for our North American facilities and moves us significantly closer to that global goal. We are proud to partner with Duke Energy and are excited that Pisgah Ridge is now online." Midwest retailer Meijer signed a separate 15-year VPPA agreement for 83 MW of solar energy generated by the Pisgah Ridge Solar project. One other company has a third 15-year VPPA agreement. Together, the three agreements account for more than 90% of the facility's output. All three VPPAs associated with the site will settle on an as-generated basis tied to the project's real-time energy output. "Lessening our impact on the environment through a continued commitment in reducing carbon emissions is an issue that is important to us and our customers," said Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer. "We've made significant progress over the years, but this project with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions puts us on the right path to making an even bigger impact." The engineering and construction for the project was performed by Moss, while Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project. Currently, the company operates nearly 1,500 MW of wind, 750 MW of solar and a 36-MW battery storage facility in Texas. The project employed around 300 workers at peak construction. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, the Pisgah Ridge Solar facility will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing significant tax revenues for the Corsicana Independent School District. Helping the Community The Duke Energy Foundation has given the city of Richland, Texas, in Navarro County, a $50,000 DESS grant to support the revitalization of Richland Community Park. The grant was used to replace existing playground equipment with a new playscape and park benches and enhance landscaping around the new equipment. The Foundation also awarded two grants to the Richland Volunteer Fire Department totaling $37,000 to help the department maintain the critical safety services it provides to local businesses and residents in Richland, Texas, and surrounding Navarro County. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a leader in sustainable energy, helping large enterprises reduce power costs, lower emissions and increase resiliency. The team provides wind, solar, resilient backup power and managed energy services to over 1,000 projects across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of more than 5,100 megawatts of nonregulated renewable energy. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company and one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. The brand includes the following subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation that are registered to transact business in various states and may be branded as Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions for marketing purposes: Duke Energy One, Inc.; Duke Energy Commercial Enterprises, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables, Inc.; Duke Energy Renewables Commercial, LLC; Duke Energy Renewable Services, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Storage, LLC; Duke Energy Renewables Wind, LLC.; Duke Energy Renewables Solar, LLC.; and REC Solar Commercial Corporation. Contact: Randy Wheeless 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 Twitter: @DE_RandyW View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Duke Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Duke Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746205/Duke-Energy-Begins-Operation-of-Its-Largest-Solar-Plant NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Schneider Electric Today's energy-intensive processes are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including machine learning (ML), to help deliver smart automation capabilities needed to decrease machine downtime, expand asset utilization, and unlock immediate insights into real-time process optimization. Organizations with a "digital-first" mindset understand the potential ML offers to vastly increase daily decision-making accuracy, speed, and flexibility. According to a recent study, 84% of C-suite executives believe AI is necessary to achieve their growth objectives, yet 74% concede that significant barriers to implementation exist. Core constraints to building automated analytics into automation and control applications are a lack of access to technical skills, diversity in domain expertise, and deployment tools. Numerous organizations, including Schneider Electric, have found that a fundamental enabler of successful and ground-breaking ML deployment is to team up with expert outside partners. Dynamic collaborations can significantly enhance the skills and abilities of cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams. Such cooperation is the core philosophy behind our Partnerships of the Future program, an initiative designed to develop mutually beneficial professional relationships to speed innovation and generate superior business outcomes for customers and partners alike. A collaborative approach to digital development strategy pays off With valuable input from specialists at Alkhorayef Petroleum, Schneider Electric was able to develop edge analytics-enabled AI capabilities into the EcoStruxure Autonomous Production Advisor platform for oil and gas production facilities. It's one example of the several successful digital co-innovation efforts Schneider is currently executing across multiple industrial segments. The goal of both partners was to build an AI-based solution incorporating ML and pattern recognition models that could detect anomalies in the Oil and Gas extraction process and positively impact several key challenges, including: Harnessing and replicating the insights and expertise of the most proficient well operators so their abilities could be automated and deployed across a broader range of production conditions. the insights and expertise of the most proficient well operators so their abilities could be automated and deployed across a broader range of production conditions. Actively managing equipment lifecycles to optimize well intervention schedules and generate maximum value from the physical asset base. lifecycles to optimize well intervention schedules and generate maximum value from the physical asset base. Monitoring and reacting to downhole conditions in real-time to optimize petroleum production, reduce unplanned downtime, maximize oil volumes, and improve safety. Because traditional automation architectures and strategies wouldn't deliver the required capabilities, particularly for remote oil and gas wells, a new cooperative development approach was undertaken. Together, the team was able to leverage Schneider's expertise in IIoT-enabled control systems and AI-based process optimization with Alkhorayef Petroleum's knowledge and expertise of electrical submersible pumps to create novel techniques to capture and automate expert knowledge. Cloud computing and edge analytics combined EcoStruxure Autonomous Production Advisor merges the power and flexibility of cloud and edge computing with the value-generating capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In conjunction with remote terminal units (RTUs), the platform runs on industrial-grade edge controllers that combine supervised and unsupervised ML models running directly at the edge. Replicating the actions of highly skilled human operators, the AI monitors the pump operation, assesses production variables, and analyzes the interactions and relationships between them, to identify anomalous operations. As a next step, the AI model classifies the detected anomalous events (such as sand intrusion, interfering gas, or mechanical problems) as specific issues. Continuous validation of the AI model's event classifications by operators and experts helps to retrain the model, developing increasingly accurate diagnostic and predictive abilities. The implementation of machine learning models in industrial applications forms an exciting new area because they can be trained to optimize operations and asset performance in a variety of important areas, such as: Identification of asset deterioration Early detection of abnormal behavior Prediction of equipment failure and smart alarming Asset performance management (digital twin) An additional benefit of AI models is that such a solution can be trained for image recognition, enabling it to be an automation aid for several applications, including: Product quality Man down and intrusion detection and alarming Leakage detection and contactless flow measurement Machine vision and object and shape detection Vendor-agnostic hardware enables the platform to be deployed to existing architectures without requiring significant modifications. Co-innovation delivers tangible results In offshore and onshore wells in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the EcoStruxure Autonomous Production Advisor model training process has proven to be very effective at capturing the skills and expertise of the most senior operators and having the system automate and reproduce them. In one use case run by Schneider Electric, the customer reported a 13% increase in production and a 33% reduction in energy consumption. Innovation isn't just about technology; there's no "one size fits all" strategy for partnering to invent new solutions that deliver major dividends. Success depends on nurturing conditions for a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership. With a depth of co-innovation experience unrivaled in the smart control systems and process automation space, Schneider Electric is ready to work with true partners looking to overcome our greatest challenges. Click to learn more about EcoStruxure Autonomous Production Advisor and Alkhorayef Petroleum. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Schneider Electric on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Schneider Electric Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/schneider-electric Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Schneider Electric View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746202/Machine-Learning-and-AI-Combined-Can-Boost-Energy-and-Chemical-Production AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Xtra Energy Corp. (OTC PINK:XTPT) is pleased to announce the successfully completed 80 acre expansion to gain full ownership rights of the historical antimony producing Lofthouse Mine. The Lofthouse is approximately 5 miles southwest of our American Antimony Project and was known to be the principal antimony property of the district alongside the Antimony King Mine. This brings our total ownership rights to nine (9) historically documented antimony mines over 1400 acres in the Bernice Mining District of Churchill County, Nevada. As described in LAWRENCE, E.F., 1963, ANTIMONY DEPOSITS OF NEVADA; NBMG BULL. 61; "The Lofthouse mine is situated on the west flank of the Clan Alpine Mountains in Dyer Canyon, 1.4 miles from its mouth. A small amount of antimony ore reportedly was mined during World War I. In 1940, two tons of ore averaging 30 percent antimony were produced. In 1948, 40 tons of ore averaging 50 percent antimony were shipped to the Harshaw Chemical Co. in Los Angeles. The mine is developed by two adits each 100 feet long and a number of trenches. The veins are 2 to 30 inches wide; the main vein averages 10 inches in width. Both veins are composed principally of quartz with minor calcite. Pods, veinlets, and single crystals of stibnite occur in and with the quartz." On the expansion, Xtra Energy Corp. Chairman Mac J. Shahsavar, P. Eng. commented "The Lofthouse and Antimony King were the most recognized antimony producers of the Bernice Mining District. To gain full ownership rights of one of those is a major step forward for Xtra Energy and our goals to revive the district back to its heights. From bullets to batteries the world is waking up to the vital role antimony plays in several industrial applications, making it an essential component in many manufacturing processes, and its various applications highlight its versatility and importance in modern industries going forward." Contact & Learn More: Xtra Energy Corporation Phone: 512-412-3636 Corporate Website: https://americanantimony.com/ Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtra-energy-corp/ Corporate Twitter: https://twitter.com/xtra_corp Corporate Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/xtraenergycorp/ About Xtra Energy Corp. Xtra Energy Corp. is an antimony exploration company focused on developing its flagship project "American Antimony", approximately 31 miles northeast of Eastgate, Nevada. Xtra Energy Corp. holds a 100% ownership in a 68 lode claim, 1400 acre antimony project surrounding the historically documented Antimony King Mine and covering all other documented antimony producers of the Bernice Mining District. The Company is seeking to develop this expanding portfolio of antimony-rich assets to become a major supplier of antimony based products. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events, including our ability to raise capital, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause materially different results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc. Our public filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the OTC Markets at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/XTPT/disclosure. SOURCE: Xtra Energy Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746096/Xtra-Energy-Corp-Announces-Continued-Expansion-onto-the-American-Antimony-Project-to-Encompass-the-Past-Producing-LoftHouse-Mine NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Comcast Corporation KEY TAKEAWAYS Comcast's award-winning Lift Zones program provides free WiFi and digital resources in more than 1,250 neighborhood community centers nationwide. The Sanneh Foundation's Conway Center - which offers students supervised online schooling and learning support - was the first Lift Zone. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast's $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. At the height of the pandemic, Comcast began its Lift Zone program so that more students, who were unable to participate in remote education at home, could access free WiFi inside neighborhood community centers. In the Twin Cities area, we partnered with The Sanneh Foundation, an organization that for more than 20 years has empowered youth through educational after-school and summer programming, to install free WiFi at its Conway Center in 2020. It was Comcast's first Lift Zone in the country. Later, in 2021, after The Sanneh Foundation suffered a devastating fire that forced it to shut down, our teams worked quickly to install free WiFi at a second location so that the families and students could continue to stay connected. This new location, The Sanneh Foundation's Seton Center, also marked the 1,000th Lift Zone milestone for our program. Partnerships with community-based organizations are at the heart of our work to advance digital equity and to help create a world of unlimited possibilities through our $1 billion initiative, Project UP. Even though nearly all schools have now returned to in-person classes, there remains a need for community learning spaces with free WiFi where people can learn digital skills or even get one-on-one technical support or instruction. That's why we're going even further to help by funding an AmeriCorps Community Technology Empowerment Program (CTEP) member at The Sanneh Foundation. This trusted, local resource - called a digital navigator - will expand the scope of digital literacy skills classes offered to youth, help seniors connect with loved ones, and assist community residents with job searches and application submissions. Thanks to this support from Comcast, students will be able to increase their computer skills that lead to higher paying jobs and careers in technology, and the digital navigator will be available to senior community members who are looking for basic instruction on how to set up computers, create email accounts or even connect with their grandchildren. TONY SANNEH Founder and CEO, The Sanneh Foundation In addition, we are supporting the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), the local Twin Cities organization that manages AmeriCorps' CTEP, by providing funding for operations and member support. This builds on our nationwide effort to create and scale a network of digital navigators who are trained to help people learn how to get online, use devices, and acquire digital skills. Digital navigators are critical to closing the digital divide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities. A Comcast-supported study by the Boston Consulting Group found that with the support of these digital case workers, Internet usage climbed significantly, access to basic needs like healthcare increased, and 1 in 3 users found a new job or earned a higher income. The need for connectivity has never been greater. By working with partners like The Sanneh Foundation and SPNN to expand broadband adoption, we can help close the homework gap, advance economic mobility, and achieve digital equity. KALYN HOVE Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Twin Cities Region We know from years of experience that no single company, nonprofit, or government program is ever going to close the digital divide alone. At Comcast we therefore partner with thousands of local community-based organizations like The Sanneh Foundation and SPNN. We share a mutual and deep commitment to coalition building because working together, we know we can make sustainable and meaningful change. Broderick Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy & Executive Vice President, Digital Equity. Lift Zones and digital navigator programs, as well as partnerships with organizations such as The Sanneh Foundation and SPNN are part of Project UP. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Comcast Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Comcast Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Comcast Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746203/Rebuilding-After-Fire-To-Keep-a-Community-Connected TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / New Acre Project announces a partnership between ALUS and Albo Climate to use a remote sensing-based platform for identifying carbon stocks and sequestration for tree and shrub projects. The ultra high-resolution, AI-powered products will be calibrated for ALUS' tree and shrub projects in four provinces in Canada: Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec. The sites are located on private lands managed and maintained by farmers and ranchers participating in the ALUS program. New Acre Project is ALUS' corporate ESG investment platform, which enables corporations to invest in projects that produce carbon sequestration, water, biodiversity and other social and environmental benefits, which will be bundled in an ecosystem credit. ALUS tree and shrub project sites serve not only as carbon sinks, but also foster local biodiversity and reduce runoff of agricultural inputs into local watersheds. Most projects are developed on the edges of the farmers' fields which are oftentimes underutilized and include a variety of tree species that are native and appropriate to the area, including spruce, pine and maple.? "We are excited about our partnership with ALUS, a fantastic organization massively implementing nature-based solutions across Canada. We are looking forward to applying our modes to service their afforestation, reforestation and regeneration projects, and detect carbon stocks in the woody vegetation even in small patches with recently planted trees," notes Marco Calderon, CTO of Albo Climate.? Albo Climate's innovative technology analyzes satellite imagery using deep learning to map, measure and monitor carbon sequestration, deforestation and land-use changes in nature-based climate solutions. "We are delighted to be partnering with Albo Climate, an innovative start-up developing robust remote-sensing solutions suited to our needs. We are confident that this kind of technology has immense potential to scale up and create transparency in a variety of nature-based climate solutions," says Mary-Ellen Anderson, Head of Special Projects and Innovation at ALUS. About New Acre Project TM ALUS' New Acre Project is a corporate investment platform designed to help purpose-driven corporations go beyond their sustainability objectives and invest in the next-generation of conservation to generate positive impacts in the communities where they operate. Through New Acre Project, corporations are enabling these communities to become more resilient and empowering farmers and ranchers to build nature-based solutions on their land, one acre at a time. Learn more at newacre.org.? About Albo Climate Albo Climate, headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, supports Nature-Based climate solutions with AI and Satellite-Powered technology. They are currently servicing a number of forestry and agriculture projects around the world, including in the USA, Canada, Ecuador, Peru, Germany, Australia and Cameroon. Learn more at albosys.com Contact Persons: ALUS and New Acre Project: Nadine Mercure, Director of Communications, media@alus.ca Albo Climate: Ariella Charny, COO, ariella.charny@albosys.com Marco Calderon, CTO, marco.calderon@albosys.com Tree planting project (2022) in ALUS Monteregie community, Quebec, Canada. (photo: courtesy of ALUS) View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from New Acre Project on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: New Acre Project Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/new-acre-project Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: New Acre Project View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746197/New-Acre-Project-Leverages-Remote-Sensing-and-Machine-Learning-for-Carbon-Credit-Quantification Transaction transforms entity into innovative software company setting a new standard for diagnosis and documentation SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Peak Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Pink:PKPH) ("Peak" or the "Company"), announced that it has merged with Retrieve Medical, Inc., a software company that is commercializing a patented Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) platform, Retrieve DxTM, that enhances physicians' ability to quickly understand the complex clinical history of patients and diagnose chronic conditions by analyzing physician notes, lab results, radiology reports, EKG interpretations and more. Retrieve Medical is validated by, and available through Epic and Cerner, the 2 largest electronic medical record providers in the world. The Company, Retrieve Medical Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Acquisition Subsidiary") and Retrieve Medical, Inc., a Delaware corporation ( "Retrieve"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the "Agreement") pursuant to which the Acquisition Subsidiary was merged with and into Retrieve, with Retrieve surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"). The transaction (the "Closing") took place on March 27, 2023 (the "Closing Date"). The Company acquired, through a reverse triangular merger, all outstanding capital stock of Retrieve in exchange for issuing Retrieve's shareholders (the "Retrieve Shareholders"), pro-rata, an aggregate of 16,338,951 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), representing approximately 86% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock on a fully diluted basis. As a result of the Merger, the Retrieve Shareholders became the majority shareholders of the Company, and the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Retrieve from the Retrieve Shareholders. Neil Reithinger, the sole director of the Company, approved the Agreement and the transactions contemplated under the Agreement, and, on the Closing Date, resigned from his positions of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and sole director of the Company. The directors and shareholders of Retrieve have approved the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder and, as of the Closing Date, own 16,338,951 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate. Immediately following the Closing of the Merger, the Company changed its business plan to that of Retrieve. As a result of the Merger, the Company no longer meets the definition of a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 and, thus, ceased being a shell company. Effective as of the Closing Date, Mr. Jerry Swon, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. As part of the Merger, the Company plans to take the steps to immediately change its name to "Retrieve Medical Holdings, Inc.," as well as its trading symbol, to better reflect its current business to its shareholders. The Company also plans on changing its fiscal year end from September 30 to December 31. "Today's merger and public listing positions Retrieve Medical for success in the months and years to come," commented Jerry Swon, Retrieve's Chief Executive Officer. "After years of product development, a successful proof of concept program with a prominent hospital in New York, and validation by the 2 largest EMRs in the world, Retrieve is now ready to expand its patented software offering to hospitals and other healthcare providers across the United States." Neil Reithinger, former President of the Company stated, "We have endeavored to find a compelling fit for the Company and our shareholders, and we believe that Retrieve will exceed our expectations. They have a stellar management team, a proven business model with strong margins and a patented software product where there is a large market need." About Retrieve Medical, Inc. Retrieve is improving the delivery of healthcare with its proprietary software platform that empowers physicians to accurately diagnose patients. Retrieve's patented and proprietary natural language processor enhances physicians' ability to quickly understand the complex clinical history of patients and diagnose chronic conditions by analyzing physician notes, lab results, radiology reports and EKG interpretations. Once identified by Retrieve's software and reviewed by the physician, the diagnoses are inserted into the medical record, along with supportive documentation and billing information. Retrieve's novel software increases the efficiency of physicians, improves patient outcomes and creates additional revenue for healthcare providers. Retrieve's software is integrated with the Epic and Cerner, 2 of the largest electronic medical record providers in the world. For additional information on Retrieve Medical, Inc., email info@retrievemedical.com. Company Contacts: Neil Reithinger Eventus Advisory Group, LLC nreithinger@eventusag.com Jerry Swon President Retrieve Medical, Inc. jswon@retrievemedical.com SOURCE: Peak Pharmaceuticals, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746208/Peak-Pharmaceuticals-Merges-with-Retrieve-Medical-Inc China and India would contribute half of the world's growth this year (Xinhua) The weighted real GDP growth rate of Asia in 2023 is estimated to be 4.5 percent, an increase from 4.2 percent in 2022, according to a report released by the Boao Forum for Asia Tuesday. As a major engine of the world economy, Asian economies are accelerating the pace in overall economic recovery in 2023, making it a standout performer in view of the global economic slowdown, said the report titled "Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress." According to the report, China and India would contribute half of the world's growth this year, citing data from the International Monetary Fund. Despite a deteriorating global labor market in 2023, the employment situation in Asia, particularly in East Asia, may turn out better than expected, according to the report. This photo taken on March 27, 2023 shows a fountain square in front of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. The BFA will hold its annual conference from March 28 to 31 in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan, according to the official website of the forum. (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Southwire Southwire's 12 for Life is pleased to partner with the Independent Electrical Contractor's (IEC) Atlanta and Georgia Chapters to provide a Skills-Based Electrical Installer Program to its students. 12 for Life, a collaborative partnership that began between Southwire and Carroll County Schools in 2007, provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through the program, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live. Due to its growth and success in the west Georgia area, a second site for 12 for Life was added at Southwire's campus in Florence in 2010. Students who participate in the IEC Installer program will receive 36 hours of in-person, hands-on training that will prepare them to qualify for employment in an electrical wiring occupation after graduating from high school. "This partnership is a practical way for us to connect electrical contractors with a trained workforce. According to IEC, there's a need for at least 10,000 electricians across the United States, and many of those electricians are needed here in west Georgia," said Joel Grubbs, 12 for Life site supervisor for Carroll County Schools. "Jobs in manufacturing may not be readily available when they graduate, so this training will give them an additional opportunity for employment." The certification program consists of nine days of training that are focused on interactive learning and includes hands-on activities. At completion of the training, each student will receive a course completion certificate, an OSHA 10 certification and a first aid card. Students will also qualify for the IEC's Electrical Apprenticeship Program. "The IEC's Atlanta and Georgia Chapters are proud to work with Southwire and the Georgia Industry Foundation for Training (GIFT) to implement our Basic Skills Installer Training in the 12 for Life program through the Carroll County School System," said Niel Dawson, executive director of IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters. "The program will provide ongoing basic skills training in the electrical field and expose them to a high-paying skilled trade that has the potential for a meaningful career. We look forward to this program continuing for years to come and the expansion of it in other school systems." Southwire has a long-standing relationship with IEC, a trade association representing more than 3,300 members with 50 chapters nationwide. Both organizations remain dedicated to providing training for aspiring electricians, teaching a variety of skills like general tool safety and demonstration, electrical theory, pipe bending and more. "The success of getting this program off the ground for our 12 for Life students is a testament to the partnership Southwire has with IEC. What started with just an idea almost a year ago has turned into a great success to add value to our students after graduation," said Bill Fowler, senior training instructor at Southwire and board member for IEC GIFT. "We have also accomplished a way to help the industry and the IEC with qualified talent to enter the electrical industry." To learn more about 12 for Life, click here. For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southwire on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Southwire Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southwire Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Southwire View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746213/12-for-LifeR-Partners-With-Independent-Electrical-Contractors-To-Offer-Electrician-Certification-to-Students NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Wesco International: Wesco has been named to the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) for the fifth consecutive year. The GEI serves as a touchstone for companies seeking to track their progress in gender inclusion and how the implementation of diversity policies shape company performance across five pillars, including female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. Companies included in the index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies. Wesco was one of 484 companies in the United States and one of 20 industrial companies included in the index this year. John Engel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco, said, "An inclusive and diverse work environment is essential to our ongoing business success. We value the unique talents, perspectives and experiences that our 20,000 associates around the world bring to work each and every day. We are very pleased that Wesco has again been recognized for our efforts in advancing gender equality by being named to Bloomberg's distinguished index for the fifth consecutive year." To learn more about Wesco's commitments to Inclusion and Diversity, click here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wesco International on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Wesco International Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wesco-international Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Wesco International View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746211/Wesco-Named-to-2023-Bloomberg-Gender-Equality-Index Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - The Canadian Out-of-Home Awards has solidified their panel of accomplished industry moguls - from big brands to creative and media agencies. These astute professionals consist of marketing CMOs, Presidents and VPs, and their experience provides a multitude of perspectives while considering the award-worthy campaigns submitted. Ajay Durani - Vice President of Marketing, DPAA Andrew Mumford - Senior Manager of National Marketing, McDonald's Axel Dumont - President, Cossette Media Canada Gah-Yee Won - Head of Media Innovation & Growth Marketing, Intuit CG Canada Guillaume Lavallee - Lead Designer, Wedge Luis Areas - Director & Chairman of the Media Directors' Committee, Association of Creative Communications Agencies (A2C Quebec) / Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, Cartier Raven Opatovsky - Head of Media & Digital Marketing, Tim Hortons Shannon Lewis - President, Canadian Media Directors' Council (CMDC) Susan Irving - Chief Marketing Officer, Kruger Products L.P. Catherine Leveille - Senior Media Strategy Advisor, Desjardins Canadian Out-of-Home Awards 2023 "When reflecting on potential judges, our awards committee wanted to ensure we were including a variety of professionals from every corner of our industry," says Amanda Dorenberg, President of COMMB. "It's important that the Canadian Out-of-Home Awards consists of panelists who are not just experienced in visual design, but also understand the OOH medium, its capabilities, and what truly makes a successful campaign." Catherine Leveille, Senior Media Strategy Advisor at Desjardins, shares her enthusiasm towards the gala, as well as her participation as a judge: "I am very excited to be joining the panel of judges for the launch of The Canadian Out-of-Home Awards. This event is a great opportunity to gather as an industry and showcase how much OOH has to offer within a media mix or as a stand-alone media. I am also thrilled to be exposed to this new innovative, creative, and insight driven OOH campaigns that have shined in various cities across Canada." As COMMB's media partner, BNN Bloomberg is featuring the inaugural awards on their website, where you can find the judges' panel as well as additional event information: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/canadian-ooh-awards. ABOUT THE CANADIAN OUT OF HOME AWARDS The Canadian Out-of-Home Awards gala will be an all-encompassing industry celebration recognizing the creative, technical, and strategic achievements of agencies and advertisers for their out-of-home campaigns. Winning categories will be focused on innovation, data, use of programmatic/digital technology, audience targeting, 360 planning, and more. ABOUT COMMB COMMB is the national not-for-profit organization for the Canadian out-of-home (OOH) industry. Our membership base is comprised of advertisers, agencies, programmatic tech stacks, and OOH companies, large and small. COMMB is responsible for the collective marketing and measurement efforts for the OOH industry, developing proprietary audience measurement methodologies for a variety of OOH media formats, and ensuring the voice of OOH is at the forefront of media via broad marketing and communications initiatives. For more information, please contact: Lara Menzies Director, Marketing & Partnerships lmenzies@commb.ca To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160056 Top retailers discuss the challenges and solutions in striving for 99%+ accurate inventory, enabling curbside pickup, and omni-channel retail. Each roundtable examines what's working in the industry, what didn't work, and what's being trialed. Hosted by GDS and led by Carl Brown, a 20-year veteran of inventory optimization, the top results are compared and analyzed. DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Carl Brown, founder and President of SimplyRFiD, TikTok wonder, and inventory expert, hosts a live weekly roundtable "Transforming Inventory Accuracy." This roundtable brings six top retailers together to discuss how accurate inventory enables today's omnichannel supply chains -- and, how to get there from here. Carl Brown Carl Brown, host of "Achieving Inventory Accuracy" a weekly roundtable on modern retail inventory management What are the best practices for achieving 95%+ levels of inventory accuracy? "Store managers often think they have high accuracy -- but, how do they know?" says Carl Brown. "In this roundtable, we discuss how to move from the unknown to the known, in an open format of sharing best practices and outcomes." Topics How are you managing inventory today? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Barcodes? What are your main concerns with your inventory systems? What's your plan for omnichannel, BOPIS, and Curbside? Are you changing your systems to meet it? How so? How do you transform your inventory operation? What are the steps you can do, today, to get there? The next roundtable is April 5 at noon, Eastern. Roundtables are closed door. Press may apply to attend and audit, along with retailers at https://www.simplyrfid.com/mtb. Carl can be reached for comment on TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About SimplyRFID SimplyRFID makes Wave for iOS, the #1 app for counting retail inventory with RFID. https://www.SimplyRFiD.com | Media Room Contact Information William Montalbo Vice President, Marketing william.montalbo@simplyrfid.com +1 703.343.1689 Syd Brown Social Media Manager syd.brown@simplyrfid.com +1 703.343.1689 SOURCE: Simply RFiD View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746209/Transforming-Inventory-Accuracy-Retail-Roundtable-Returns-in-April National Survey Data Provide Insights for Improving the Industry to Better Meet Patients' Diverse Needs DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Veriheal today revealed findings from its annual Medical Cannabis Preference Report, a yearly analysis that explores the health goals and preferences of U.S. medical cannabis patients using segmented survey data. The 2022 report analyzed the relationship between generations and cannabis consumption methods to better understand varying health objectives across age groups. Veriheal collaborated with members of NORML, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and the University of California, Los Angeles to compile the report, which gathered information from 200,000 anonymized adult patients who signed up for an appointment with a medical cannabis doctor using Veriheal's platform in 2022. Upon registering with Veriheal, patients answered assorted questions regarding their medical needs and cannabis use. Findings show that baby boomers and Generation X mostly prefer edibles (63%), followed closely by cannabis flower (61%). Contrarily, millennials and Generation Z demonstrated a strong preference for flower (79%) as well as more interest in concentrates than the older generations. Older patients primarily reported using cannabis for chronic pain (58%), while the most common condition reported by younger patients was trouble sleeping (64%). "Veriheal is committed to helping the medical cannabis industry better serve all patients with the aid of data-driven intelligence," said Anthony Dutcher, Veriheal CMO. The study also assessed whether state cannabis legalization status plays a role in patient product preferences. While no major differences were spotted between states with differing cannabis laws, additional research points to product availability and advertising practices as factors in patient preferences. For a deep dive into the findings, view the full report here. About Veriheal Veriheal is a healthcare technology company that is the largest facilitator of medical marijuana cards in the nation. Its mission is to educate and advocate on behalf of patients and secure their safe access to regulated medical cannabis products. The company has a culture of open communication and transparency with its clients and operates as a concierge service to ensure HIPAA-compliant connections between patients and physicians via its proprietary platform. Visit veriheal.com for more information. Media Contact Information: Anthony Dutcher 833-663-7284 Ext. 4 hello@veriheal.com https://www.veriheal.com/contact-us/ and select the Press/Media option SOURCE: Veriheal View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/745994/Veriheal-Releases-Latest-Medical-Cannabis-Report-Detailing-Generational-Product-Preferences CALGARY, Canada, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eavor Technologies Inc. ("Eavor"), the leader in globally scalable geothermal technology, is pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement with Sonoma Clean Power for the development of up to 200 MWe of new geothermal through the GeoZone initiative in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, California. The Geothermal Opportunity Zone ("GeoZone") creates a public-private partnership for local geothermal development. Sonoma Clean Power then contracts for power generated with selected private partners who provide the technology and capital to enhance geothermal capacity in the Northern California region. The GeoZone provides a sustainable and affordable source of reliable clean energy. Sonoma Clean Power initiated the GeoZone, with three main objectives: Develop a geothermal resource with minimal water use Develop a geothermal resource compatible with community values, including land use Develop a solution that is scalable and cost-competitive In March 2023, the Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors unanimously voted to enter into a cooperation agreement with Eavor to develop geothermal resources in the GeoZone utilizing Eavor's closed-loop technology. Neil Ethier, VP, Business Development at Eavor, stated, "With water and land use of utmost importance to the development of power in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, Eavor's closed-loop technology addresses those issues, while removing the geographic constraint of a permeable aquifer, making it truly scalable throughout the region." Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics at Sonoma Clean Power said, "In Northern California, we see the challenge of meeting an energy demand in the coming years during the winter months, when the sun isn't shining, and the wind isn't blowing for long periods of time. Eavor's technology can meet this critical need." This agreement is the first entered into by Eavor in the California market. Eavor has begun evaluating the opportunity and sees the potential to help meet this critical energy need to satisfy the more stringent portfolio standards set out by the California Public Utilities Commission. "It is through these types of initiatives that we are looking to spur advancements of geothermal development for our customers. We have long appreciated the value of having geothermal power generation as part of our portfolio and would like to see it grow. Eavor's technology is the type of innovation that we are looking to foster through this cooperation agreement," said Geof Syphers, CEO of Sonoma Clean Power. John Redfern, President and CEO at Eavor stated, "The opportunity to work with a forward-looking entity such as Sonoma Clean Power to unlock the geothermal potential in Northern California utilizing Eavor-Loop is a very exciting opportunity for Eavor." About Eavor Technologies Inc. Eavor- Eavor.com About Sonoma Clean Power Sonoma Clean Power is the public power provider for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, serving a population of about a half-million. Sonoma Clean Power offers its customers clean electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources and implements customer programs to advance electrification and energy efficiency measures. Sonoma Clean Power uses geothermal power to offer one of the only 100% renewable 24/7 products in the country and has established a target of mitigating 100% of its hourly marginal emissions by 2026. Sonoma Clean Power's Geothermal Opportunity Zone was established to reinvigorate local geothermal development and build the necessary clean firm capacity to enable complete retirement of California's natural gas power plant fleet. To learn more, visit sonomacleanpower.org or call 1 (855) 202-2139 Contact The company's first Complex Claims Adjuster, Woodworth is recognized for exceptional internal and client dedication BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Openly , the premium homeowners insurance provider, proudly announces today John Woodworth , Complex Claims Adjuster, has been named an Outstanding Claims Professional by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau ( PLRB ). This award recognizes John's exceptional service at Openly since joining the company in 2021 as its first Complex Claims Adjuster. John has successfully led the team and its clients through intensive complex and total loss claims situations, such as the Western Kentucky tornado of 2021 and the 2022 Tennessee wildfires. From his client-facing work managing vendors, virtual inspections, negotiating with contractors and public adjusters, working with field adjusters, and handling his own claim subrogations, John is awarded for his role as a mentor at Openly. "I am honored to receive this award and be recognized among other truly inspiring claims professionals," said John Woodworth, Complex Claims Adjuster of Openly. "I extend my gratitude to the incredible teams I have had the pleasure of working alongside as we continue to inspire the future of homeowners insurance at Openly." "John truly embodies Openly's core values of integrity, empathy, urgency and teamwork, for both his clients and his peers," said Gina Reyes, Vice President of Claims at Openly. "As an organization, one of our main goals is to ensure that our agents and their clients see us as partners throughout the entire claims process. John goes above and beyond in this respect, and we are thrilled to have him on our team." Openly announces John's recognition following its ranking as number 320 on Forbes America's Best Startup Employers . For more information on Openly, please visit the website . About Openly Openly is a remote-first premium homeowners insurance provider. Its centralized platform offers comprehensive coverage, market-leading technology, and exceptional service. Founded by industry veterans in 2017, Openly is dedicated to delivering modern and transparent homeowners insurance and empowering independent agents across America. For more information, visit Openly.com or linkedin.com/company/openlyllc/ . Contact: Catharine Rybeck Caliber Corporate Advisers for Openly catharine@calibercorporate.com SOURCE: Openly View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746218/Openly-Complex-Claims-Adjuster-John-Woodworth-Named-Outstanding-Claims-Professional-by-Property-Liability-Resource-Bureau LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Africa Mobile Networks Limited is pleased to announce that it has successfully reached financial close on their US$20million senior secured loan facility. The new financing package is expected to help deliver long-term benefits and financing a rollout of mobile communications towers in rural and ultra-rural Africa. The facility, provided by BlueOrchard Sustainable Assets Fund (BOSAF) and the OP Finnfund Global Impact Fund I, will deliver a USD 20 million debt investment package to support the growth of Africa Mobile Networks ("AMN"). The transaction was announced in November 2022, and financial close reached in March 2023. AMN eyes to be the leading rural telecoms provider in Africa, aiming to build over 10,000 base stations in 20 Sub-Saharan countries while serving a total population of over 35 million people. AMN's portfolio is spread across different countries, with exposure to a significant number of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as DRC, Liberia, Congo and Guinea. The news follows on from a successful equity investment of US$36 million announced in 2021 from a consortium led by Metier, CDC Group (the UK's development finance institution and impact investor), DEG (Germany's development finance institution), Proparco (the private sector arm of the French Development Agency) and other leading financial institutions and investment managers. "Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 1.1 billion people, one seventh of the global population, 62% of which is classified as rural. It is not only the fastest growing region in the world, but also has the world's largest population percentage that does not have mobile coverage. According to estimations, more than 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are living in villages which have no usable mobile network service today. We have set out to address this challenge," said Michael Darcy, CEO of AMN. AMN was advised by London based Qbera Capital LLP (Financial) and supported by Dentons (Legal). About AMN Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) is a group of companies with its corporate head office in the UK that builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure, delivering services for the biggest Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Africa. AMN's Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model allows Africa's tier-1 Operators to expand their network coverage deep into rural areas, with no capex investment and no opex risk. AMN uses highly advanced technology to enable services to be delivered economically and sustainably to smaller communities than has ever been possible before. AMN is bringing 2G, 3G and 4G voice and data connectivity to towns and villages which have previously been unconnected. Web: https://amn.com About Qbera Capital Qbera Capital is an independent advisory and asset management firm, facilitating and providing debt and equity solutions for real economy assets and companies specialising in the energy, resources, agricultural and renewables sectors. Web: https://www.qberacapital.com About Dentons Dentons is designed to be different. As the world's largest global law firm with 21,000 professionals in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries, we can help you grow , protect , operate and finance your busines. Our polycentric and purpose-driven approach, together with our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, ensures we challenge the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to you. Web: www.dentons.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2014532/3911283/AMN_Logo.jpg For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Africa Mobile Networks Limited ir@amn.com Ricardo Martinez, Head of Sustainable Infrastructure Qbera Capital LLP ricardo.martinez@qberacapital.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/africa-mobile-networks-amn-reaches-financial-close-on-us20-million-holdco-debt-with-impact-investors-301783514.html NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Silver Range Resources Ltd. (TSXV:SNG) ("Silver Range" or the "Company") announces that it has signed a Generative Alliance agreement (the "Alliance") with Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius") incorporating the terms of the Letter of Intent described in the Company's February 21, 2023 news release. Under the terms of the Alliance, Altius subscribed for 3,333,333 shares of the Company for total proceeds of $500,000 and will acquire a one percent (1%) net smelter return royalty interest on three Silver Range projects staked within a specified area of interest in the southwest United States. Silver Range also announces the closing of the unit private placement originally announced on January 17, 2023. The placement consisted of the sale of 768,333 units at a price of $0.15 per unit, for total proceeds of $115,250 with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half (1/2) of a non-transferable share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of two years from closing. All these shares are subject to a hold period until July 28, 2023. The proceeds from this private placement will be used primarily for exploration work in the southwest United States. Silver Range paid cash finders' fees totalling $315 and 2,100 finder's warrants to Canaccord Genuity Corp. in connection with this private placement, with each finder's warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of two years from closing. An insider purchased 66,667 units of the private placement. About Silver Range Resources Ltd. Silver Range is a precious metals prospect generator working in Nevada and Northern Canada. It has assembled a portfolio of 45 properties, 13 of which are currently optioned to others. Four other projects have been converted to royalty interests. Silver Range is actively seeking other joint venture partners to explore the high-grade precious metals targets in its portfolio. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. ON BEHALF OF SILVER RANGE RESOURCES LTD. "Mike Power" President and CEO For further information concerning the private placement, Silver Range or its exploration projects please contact: Investor Inquiries Richard Drechsler Vice-President, Communications Tel: (604) 687-2522 NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522 rdrechsler@silverrangeresources.com http://www.silverrangeresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results. SOURCE: Silver Range Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746229/Silver-Range-Resources-Ltd-Signs-Generative-Alliance-Agreement-with-Altius-Minerals-and-Closes-Private-Placement WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / EarthShare's newly released platform for giving is making environmental philanthropy easier and more accessible for everyday consumers. That includes YOU. Our new platform enables users, regardless of income level, to create no-minimum donor-advised funding accounts and directly support vetted environmental nonprofits across a wide range of issue areas. With an emphasis on education and collaboration, users are introduced to local nonprofits in their area as well as to groups throughout the United States whose missions and impact focus areas are aligned with their goals and interest areas. The platform showcases our deeply vetted Nonprofit Partner network, educational content, volunteer opportunities, tools to easily measure and reduce environmental impact, and it will have the flexibility for donors to recommend grants to any 501(c)(3) organization. The purpose of this platform? To reimagine how people engage with the environmental movement through collective action at the individual level. To date, leveraging donor-advised funding has been limited to a core few-those with significant amounts of both disposable income and time to give to the planet. That changes today. You don't have to be wealthy to do something good for the planet. You just have to care. Alongside the platform launch, EarthShare also announced the roll-out of its first-ever membership offering for individuals. For $25 a year, people interested in supporting environmental action can become part of a fast-growing community of like-minded individuals, nonprofits, and businesses with the common goal of creating a more just and sustainable planet. This membership includes access to EarthShare's Giving Platform. EarthShare CEO Brad Leibov shared, "We envision a world where everyone takes action for our planet. Whether the action is big or small, it is about building a movement of support that is accessible, inclusive, and built for scale. Now more than ever, positive impact will be at the fingertips of anyone who wants to be part of a growing community of dedicated environmental advocates, donors, and those just starting to get involved." EarthShare leads this initiative with 35 years of history supporting environmental nonprofits and the critical work they do. Our network of vetted environmental nonprofits includes 500 local, national, and international organizations, from large and well-known nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy and The Sierra Club to smaller grassroots organizations like West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT) and Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice. We are extremely proud of our history, and now it's time to share our knowledge and resources with others eager to do something positive for the planet. Is that you? If you care, EarthShare. About EarthShare For more than three decades, EarthShare has rallied millions of people in support of the planet, resulting in more than $375M mobilized and countless hours of volunteering. Motivated by the urgent threats facing our planet, EarthShare is increasing support for a diverse network of environmental nonprofits by drawing new people and new investment to aid our planet. Backed by a network of some of the best environmental nonprofits, our issue expertise and partner network exceeds anything on the market, and it's continuously expanding. We are building the world's most robust and inclusive environmental network, with the goal to ensure that lesser-known, grassroots, frontline, and BIPOC-led nonprofits see increased visibility and financial support. Our programs welcome new advocates into the fold, streamlining and enhancing efforts to create positive change by enabling more people to work together for a just and sustainable world. | EarthShare.org Contact Katelyn Pettit, Content Manager Katelyn@earthshare.org -ENDS- View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from EarthShare on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: EarthShare Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/earthshare Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: EarthShare View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746231/EarthShares-New-Platform-for-Giving-Brings-Fintech-to-Environmental-Philanthropy Proxy warfare has been a significant factor in fueling conflicts and instability in the Middle East. by Jude If we want to make peace with the other, we must first make peace with ourselves. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf With failing economic policies, a botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and impediments to peace in Ukraine, Joe Bidens America is losing pieces on the great chessboard of global politics. A rising star of the East, Xis China rather seems to be gaining influential global momentum through classic political interventionism in global affairs. The latest being Chinas role in the brokering of a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran where the two long-standing enemies-of-sorts have agreed to open diplomatic relations. This recent deal could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region. The divide between Saudi Arabia and Iran is largely driven by sectarian differences, with Saudi Arabia being predominantly Sunni and Iran being predominantly Shia. This divide has fueled conflicts in various parts of the region, including Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, with the latter often being characterised as a proxy war between the two countries. Despite this history of tension, the fact that both countries have agreed to reduce tensions and refrain from interfering in each others affairs suggests a willingness to move beyond the sectarian divide and focus on shared interests. Chinese President, Xi Jinping (L) is welcomed by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) at the Palace of Yamamah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 8, 2022. [Photo Credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images ] The Middle East has been wracked by conflict and instability for decades, with terrorism being a major driver of violence and instability in the region. Groups like the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and others have carried out attacks throughout the region, targeting civilians and government installations alike. The rise of Islamic State in particular was fueled by a number of factors, including the US intervention in Iraq and the subsequent destabilisation of the region. The USs role in funding and arming various rebel groups against Bashar al-Assads Syrian regime further facilitated the creation of a chaotic and volatile environment in which groups like the Islamic State were able to thrive. Proxy warfare has been a significant factor in fueling conflicts and instability in the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have often relied on proxy groups to pursue their influence and interests in the region, with these groups carrying out various influence operations and militancy on behalf of their sponsors. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is a particularly stark example of this, with Saudi Arabia and its Western allies backing the Yemeni government, while Iran supports the Houthi rebels, reeling the gulf nation into a spiral of instability and violence. While the fact that China was able to play a role in brokering the Saudi-Iran deal is significant in itself, it further suggests that other countries are increasingly willing to look to China as a major power broker in the Middle East. Chinas growing influence in the region is driven largely by its economic interests, with the country heavily dependent on oil imports from the region and working to expand its economic ties with countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. By demonstrating its ability to play a constructive role in resolving conflicts and promoting stability in the region, China further enhances its reputation as a major power and a reliable partner in the eyes of countries in the Middle East. However, Chinas growing influence in the region is certainly not without its risks. As the Chinese Communist Party becomes more deeply involved in the politics of the Middle East, it could find itself drawn into conflicts or disputes that could prove difficult to resolve as with the plethora of conflicts in modern time. It could also face backlash from other major powers, particularly the United States, which may see Chinas involvement as a threat to its own interests in the region. The Saudi-Iran deal brokered by China is a significant development that underscores the shifting balance of power in the Middle East. It suggests that countries in the region are increasingly willing to look beyond traditional power brokers like the United States and turn to other players like China to help resolve conflicts and promote stability. While there are risks associated with Chinas growing influence in the region, the fact that the country was able to broker this deal suggests that there are opportunities for constructive engagement and diplomacy that could help address some of the most pressing challenges facing the Middle East today. In addition to the sectarian divide, terrorism, and proxy warfare, there are several other factors contributing to instability and conflict in the Middle East. One of the most pressing is the ongoing refugee crisis, with millions of people displaced by conflict and violence throughout the region. The refugee crisis has placed enormous strain on countries throughout the region, and has also created significant political and social challenges for countries in Europe and other parts of the world. Another significant factor contributing to instability in the Middle East is the ongoing struggle for political and economic power. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have long sought to expand their influence and assert their dominance in the region, often at the expense of other countries and groups. This struggle for power has fueled conflicts and tensions, with countries like Qatar and Turkey seeking to challenge the dominance of Saudi Arabia and Iran in the region. The involvement of external powers, particularly the United States, has also been a major factor in shaping the politics and dynamics of the Middle East. The US has historically played a significant role in the region, with its interventions and policies often exacerbating tensions and fueling conflict. This was particularly evident in the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, which destabilised the country through the elimination of its political leadership and disbanding of the Iraqi military, which created a power vacuum that was quickly filled by various armed groups. US support for various rebel groups in Syria also contributed to the chaos and violence in the country, with groups like the Islamic State emerging as a major force in the region as a result. The fact that the US has been unable to resolve the conflicts and tensions in the region has led to a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment among countries in the region, many of whom are now turning to other players like China to help broker deals and promote stability. Overall, the Saudi-Iran deal brokered by China represents a significant shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and perhaps the world at large. While there are risks associated with Chinas growing involvement in the region, the fact that the country was able to play a constructive role in brokering this deal suggests that there are opportunities for other countries to engage in constructive diplomacy and help address some of the most pressing challenges facing the Middle East in the 2020s. This includes the ongoing threat of terrorism, the proliferation of proxy wars, and the need to address the root causes of conflict and instability ranging from racial, religious and political tensions. It is clear that the traditional powers in the region, such as the United States, are no longer the dominant players. On the global stage, the bipolarity world of the Cold War shifted to a unipolar one in the 1990s with a preponderance of power and influence being held by the United States. The unipolar world is shifting into that of a multipolar dimension with strong players such as China and India rising to become heavily influential players on the global stage. The US previous policies of intervention and support for various rebel groups seem to have only served to exacerbate tensions and fuel conflict across the world. The emergence of China as a major player in the region may provide an opportunity for countries to engage in constructive diplomacy and work towards a more peaceful and stable future for the Middle East. Of course, this is not to say that China and the Chinese Communist Party are saviors of the region, but to simply offer a glimpse into the rise of a new player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. It is now up to countries in the region to build on this momentum and work towards a more stable and peaceful future for the region.This will require a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and cooperation, as well as a willingness to address the root causes of conflict and instability in the region. With the fall of the Islamic State and mass withdrawal of foreign troops in recent years, there is reason to hope that nations in the Middle East will be able to overcome their differences and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for their people. Jude is a political and security affairs analyst BANGALORE, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Bioinformatics Market is Segmented by Technology & Services (Knowledge Management Tools, Bioinformatics Platforms , and Bioinformatics Services ), Application ( Metabolomics , Molecular Phylogenetics, Transcriptomics , Proteomics , Chemoinformatics , Genomics , and Others), and Sector (Medical Bioinformatics, Animal Bioinformatics, Agriculture Bioinformatics, Academics, and Others). The global bioinformatics market size generated USD 8,614.29 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 24,731.61 Million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.4% from 2020 to 2027. Major factors driving the growth of the Bioinformatics Market: The demand for integrated data, the rise in protein and nucleic acid sequencing due to lower sequencing costs, and the expansion of proteomics and genomics applications all point to significant growth in the worldwide bioinformatics market in the near future. During the projected period, activities from both public and private organizations and drug discovery and development are also anticipated to spur bioinformatics market expansion. Developers of bioinformatics solutions should anticipate lucrative market possibilities due to the rising need for integrated solutions and systems, the incorporation of machine learning and AI in healthcare, and software firms' investments in the field. Download Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Auto-0B326/Bioinformatics_Market TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF BIOINFORMATICS MARKET: The demand for integrated data, the rise in protein and nucleic acid sequencing due to lower sequencing costs, and the expansion of proteomics and genomics applications all point to significant growth in the worldwide bioinformatics industry in the near future. During the projected period, activities from both public and private organizations and drug discovery and development are also anticipated to spur market expansion. Developers of bioinformatics solutions should anticipate lucrative market possibilities due to the rising need for integrated solutions and systems, the incorporation of machine learning and AI in healthcare, and software firms' investments in the field. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the bioinformatics market. Molecular signatures of diseases based on protein pathways and signaling cascades are widely utilized to discover using high-throughput proteomics methods and cutting-edge bioinformatics. Proteomics relies heavily on mass spectrometry, which has evolved into a crucial tool for molecular and cellular biology. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the bioinformatics market. Biologists can better analyze and interpret biological data by using bioinformatics, a relatively new and developing field that integrates computer science and biology-related knowledge and tools. Bioinformatics is particularly helpful in the science of genomics, which can produce enormous amounts of data. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the bioinformatics market. Applications, tools, and processes for analyzing and extending the use of biological, chemical, medical, behavioral, and health data are provided by bioinformatics and chemoinformatics solutions to R&D groups. These systems can acquire, store, organize, archive, analyze, and visualize data. Cheminformatics facilitates the structural elucidation of molecules isolated from various biological and environmental sources or from reaction pathways. It also assists in the design of reactions and potential synthetic routes. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of the bioinformatics market. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/ALLI-Auto-0B326/bioinformatics BIOINFORMATICS MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS: Due to advances in genomics and proteomics, which produce a vast amount of data that needs to be evaluated and handled, LAMEA is predicted to expand at the greatest CAGR during the projected period. Additionally, in the region where research activities are steadily expanding, the bioinformatics industry is still in its infancy. Thus, when taken as a whole, these variables help the market thrive. Get Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/ALLI-Auto-0B326/Bioinformatics_Market Key Companies: Sophia Genetics Biomax Informatics AG Waters Corporation DNASTAR Partek Incorporated Thermo Fisher Scientific Perkinelmer Agilent Technologies Inc Illumina Inc Eurofins Scientific WuXi NextCODE Accelrys Inc ABM Inc BGI Group QIAGEN Bioinformatics. Get Customized Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/customisation/ALLI-Auto-0B326/Bioinformatics_Market Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact : https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=ALLI-Auto-0B326&lic=single-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. SIMILAR REPORTS: - Single Cell Bioinformatics Software and Service Market - Bioinformatics in IVD Testing Market - Bioinformatics Software Market - Cell separation technologies market size was valued at USD 8,639.20 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 28,766.14 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 15.4% from 2020 to 2027. - Genetic testing market accounted for USD 12,682 Million in 2019, and is expected to reach USD 21,260 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 10.1% from 2020 to 2027. - Cell culture market accounted for USD 16,107.7 million in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 36,926.8 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 10.9% from 2020 to 2027. - Live Cell Imaging Market is anticipated to grow at the rate of 8.9% CAGR by 2027. - Pharmacogenomics Technology & Theranostics & Companion Diagnostics (CDx) market size is projected to reach USD 8514.8 Million by 2028, from USD 5180.8 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2022-2028. - Laboratory Automation market size is projected to reach USD 5121.4 Million by 2028, from USD 3695.5 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 4.3% during 2022-2028. - Cell therapy market accounted for USD 7,754.89 Million in 2019, and is expected to reach USD 48,115.40 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 25.6% from 2020 to 2027. - Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) market size is projected to reach USD 1503.3 Million by 2028, from USD 889 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 7.7% during 2022-2028. - Tissue engineering market size was valued at USD 2374 Million in 2019 and is forecasted to reach a size of USD 6815 Million by 2027 at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2020 to 2027. - Nutrigenomics market size is projected to reach USD 20990 Million by 2027, from USD 10770 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 9.5% during 2021-2027. - Biopreservation Market is projected to grow at a rate of 9.2% CAGR by 2026. - Biopreservation Refrigerator Industry - Metagenomics market was valued at USD 176 Million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 523 Million by 2024 at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2018 to 2024. - Genomics Personalized Health market size is projected to reach USD 16780 Million by 2028, from USD 9232.4 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2022-2028. - China Agrigenomics Market - CTMS Market size is projected to reach USD 2701.8 Million by 2027, from USD 1045 Million in 2020, at a CAGR of 14.5% during 2021-2027. - Organ-on-a-Chip market size is estimated to be worth USD 80 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 581.2 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 39.1% during the review period. Click here to see related reports on Bioinformatics market ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. CONTACT US: Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports LinkedIn - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/512 https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/513 https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/514 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bioinformatics-market-size-to-grow-usd-24-731-61-million-by-2027-at-a-cagr-of-13-4--valuates-reports-301783549.html Zaandam, the Netherlands, March 28, 2023 - Ahold Delhaize (the "Company") today announced that it successfully priced a 500 million Green Bond, with a term of 5 years, maturing on April 4, 2028. The transaction marks Ahold Delhaize's inaugural Green Bond issuance and follows its Sustainability Bond issuance in 2019,the 1bn Sustainability-Linked RCF launched in 2020and refinanced to 1.5bn in 2022, and the Sustainability-Linked Bond issuance in 2021. All these ESG-labelled financings together reinforce the continued alignment of the Company's funding strategy to its sustainability strategyand overall ESG ambitions. Use of bond proceeds The bond proceeds will be used to finance and re-finance Ahold Delhaize's new or existing environmentally friendly assets with a positive measurable environmental impact in the following categories: Green Buildings Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency Clean Transportation Pollution Prevention and Control Updated Green Finance Framework Ahold Delhaize has published an updated Green Finance Framework Confirming commitment Jan Ernst de Groot, Chief Sustainability Officer said: "We're excited to announce the issuance of the first Green Bond and fourth ESG financing instrument for the Company. This transaction confirms Ahold Delhaize's aspiration to taking up its sustainability challenges and mobilizing its teams to strive to create sustainable value for all its stakeholders. This step supports our updated climate plans announced last year, and allows us to accelerate our contribution to the transition to sustainable food systems." Pricing of issuance The issuance is priced at 99.851 per cent and carries an annual coupon of 3.500 per cent. The notes will settle on April 4, 2023 and shall be listed on Euronext Amsterdam. BofA Securities and ING acted as Green Structuring Co-ordinators. BNP Paribas, BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, ING and Wells Fargo Securities acted as Joint Bookrunners. - Ends - Cautionary notice This communication is not for release, distribution or publication, whether directly or indirectly and whether in whole or in part, into or in the United States, Australia, Canada or Japan or any (other) jurisdiction where any of such activities would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. The offer of bonds referred to in this communication was limited in the EEA and the United Kingdom to qualified investors only. The bonds have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") and will also not be registered with any authority competent with respect to securities in any state or other jurisdiction of the United States of America. The bonds may not be offered or sold in the United States of America without either registration of the securities or an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act being applicable. This communication includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words and expressions such as maturing, 2028, continued, alignment, strategy, ambitions, will, new, aspiration, strive, accelerate, transition, shall or other similar words or expressions are typically used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results of Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (the "Company") to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the Company's public filings and other disclosures. Forward-looking statement reflect the current views of the Company's management and assumptions based on information currently available to the Company's management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. For more information Press office Ahold Delhaize: +31 88 6595134 / media.relations@aholddelhaize.com Investor relations:?+31 88 659 5213 / investor.relations@aholddelhaize.com (mailto:investor.relations@aholddelhaize.com) Social media: Instagram: @Ahold-Delhaize | LinkedIn: @Ahold-Delhaize | Twitter: @AholdDelhaize? About Ahold Delhaize Ahold?Delhaize is one of the world's largest food retail groups and a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce. Its family of great local brands serves 60 million customers each week, both in stores and online, in the United States, Europe, and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 414,000 associates in 7,659 grocery and specialty stores and include the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading online grocers in the Benelux and the United States.?Ahold?Delhaize brands are at the forefront of sustainable retailing, sourcing responsibly,?supporting local communities and helping customers make healthier choices. The company's focus on four growth drivers - drive omnichannel growth, elevate healthy and sustainable, cultivate best talent and strengthen operational excellence - is helping to fulfil its purpose, achieve its vision and prepare its brands and businesses for tomorrow. Headquartered in Zaandam, the Netherlands,?Ahold?Delhaize is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels stock exchanges. Legionnaires' disease cases have increased nearly tenfold in recent decades, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Outbreaks are linked to Legionella, a bacteria found in potable water systems in large facilities like hospitals, multi-family buildings, resorts, and office buildings. A recently published study shows that copper-silver ionization effectively controls Legionella in building water systems to prevent Legionnaires' disease. LOMBARD, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / A new study published in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Science journal shows that copper-silver ionization effectively controls Legionella in building water systems. The study, conducted by Dr. Mark LeChevallier with technical and financial support from LiquiTech, examines more than 80 sources of research studies and related literature to analyze the efficacy of copper-silver ionization as a water treatment solution. Dr. LeChevallier concludes "that use of copper-silver ionization to control Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens is highly effective when the units are properly designed, maintained, and operated." Copper-Silver Ionization System A copper-silver ionization system installed in a building to prevent Legionella in the potable water supply. Legionnaires' disease cases have increased nearly tenfold in recent decades, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. Those who catch Legionnaires' disease experience a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella, a bacteria found in poorly maintained water systems. Studies show that Legionella is responsible for about two-thirds of all disease outbreaks from drinking water and the cause of all documented deaths attributed to drinking water-associated infections. Historically, outbreaks were linked to cooling tower systems. As our understanding of Legionella has advanced over recent decades, most outbreaks are now connected to potable water systems in large facilities, such as hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, resorts, and office buildings. It's estimated that 54% of all potable building water systems have some level of Legionella present. Plumbing codes and regulations have been developed to standardize the design, structure, and management of building water systems to prevent waterborne diseases. However, based on the studies cited in this article and elsewhere, there is a need for supplemental treatment of building water systems. One such supplemental treatment is copper-silver ionization, a chemical-free disinfection solution for potable water systems. It releases copper and silver ions into the building's water system to destroy waterborne pathogens like Legionella. Copper-silver ionization is not a new water treatment option. Silver ionization was used in the 1960s by NASA for the sanitation of water on spacecraft. In the 1980s, copper-silver ionization was used in swimming pools as an alternative to chlorine. Later, in 1994, copper-silver ionization was the first reported effective treatment for controlling Legionella in a hospital. Today, copper-silver ionization is used to prevent waterborne pathogens in a variety of buildings with complex water systems. Although copper-silver ionization is a low-cost and chemical-free option for water disinfection, the system must be designed properly and used in the appropriate applications to achieve optimal results. Crucial to its effectiveness is identifying and responding to abnormalities in water usage patterns and chemistry. Dr. LeChevallier, a drinking water research scientist with a Ph.D. in Microbiology, examined literature and studies related to copper-silver ionization system design, maintenance, and operations, and the impact water chemistry has on its performance. In addition to authoring more than 300 research papers, Dr. LeChevallier is a member of the Drinking Water Subcommittee of the Science Advisory Board of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), a past member of the Water Science Technology Board of the National Academies of Science, and the past Chair of the AWWA Water Science & Research Division. In his recently published study, Dr. LeChevallier explained, "These water quality and operational characteristics must be properly addressed to assure that the highest disinfection efficacy is obtained through copper-silver ionization." He reviewed research and related literature to investigate the mechanisms of copper and silver disinfection. Copper-silver ionization works by treating water through electrolysis. An electric current is applied to a copper and silver bar to produce and release positively charged ions. These copper and silver ions then find microorganisms in the water with a negative charge, like Legionella. The copper ions bond to the negative walls of the microorganisms, disrupting cell wall permeability and the absorption of life-sustaining nutrients. This disruption to the cell wall allows the silver ions to enter and destroy the core of the bacteria, thus making it impossible to survive. Dr. LeChevallier cited studies showing that copper and silver can work as biocides independently or together. One study emphasized that combined treatment with copper and silver was associated with decreased incidence of Legionella and a faster reduction of bacteria than copper or silver alone. In addition to copper-silver ionization being considered an effective supplemental method for water treatment by researchers, the US EPA has recognized both copper and silver as metallic antimicrobial agents. Studies show that copper-silver ionization is effective against many waterborne pathogens, including Legionella, Nontuberculous Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, and fungi. While the issue of copper-silver resistance was discussed in portions of the literature that Dr. LeChevallier reviewed, it's important to note that there was no evidence of it occurring with Legionella. Copper-silver resistance, where pathogens can continue to grow and thrive even in the presence of copper and silver, was only observed with E. coli and Salmonella. During his investigation, Dr. LeChevallier found that the design, operation, and maintenance of copper-silver ionization systems are critical to their effective functionality. In his published paper, he explained that copper-silver ionization will act as a water disinfectant; however, the proper engineering and operation of the system are integral to its success. Essential components of the copper-silver ionization system include the electrodes, flow cells, power supply, control panel, flow meter, and web interface. Each component must be operated and maintained for copper-silver ionization to be most effective. "Buyers of [copper-silver ionization] systems should pay attention to the design and configuration of the electrodes - particularly as they wear. The construction of the flow cell and the adequacy of the power supply are important to deliver the necessary amperage to achieve the target copper and silver concentrations. Copper and silver doses should be flow paced and can be remotely monitored with a web-based interface," said Dr. LeChevallier. Additionally, Dr. LeChevallier cautioned that water quality can impact copper-silver ionization as a water treatment. He explained that water chemistry, physiochemical, and environmental factors can influence the efficacy of copper-silver ionization if not considered and managed correctly. Specific factors to consider include temperature, oxygen levels in the water, flow, pH levels, and levels of biofilm, sediment, and other chemicals that can impact the performance of copper-silver ionization. He stressed that these factors must be considered during planning, commissioning, and system operations for copper-silver ionization to be successful. Dr. LeChevallier cited several case studies where copper-silver ionization was implemented in a building water system with positive outcomes. He explained that University of Pittsburgh researchers Dr. Stout and Dr. Yu found that copper-silver ionization is a viable proactive strategy for long-term Legionella control, specifically for healthcare facilities. The studies collected data from 16 hospitals with copper-silver ionization systems over the course of five to 11 years. These studies found that 50% of the hospitals had not reported any indications of Legionella, and 43% had no indications for another five years. In addition to the promising implementation of copper-silver ionization at hospitals, other case studies found benefits in multi-family buildings, hotels, and other specialized hospitals, including children's and veterans' hospitals. Summarizing his findings, Dr. LeChevallier concluded, "This study has shown that [copper-silver ionization] can be effectively used for management of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens through the installation of a properly designed and maintained [copper-silver ionization] system and the details of the engineering and operation of the system are important to ensure the consistent delivery of copper and silver ions at their target levels." About LiquiTech For more than 30 years, LiquiTech has partnered with businesses worldwide to provide chemical-free, sustainable water treatment solutions. Their highly engineered approach brings together the right combination of products, services, and expertise to solve the most challenging water quality issues and help businesses get the most out of their water-bearing equipment. With more than 3,000 installations, LiquiTech is the worldwide leader in smart, clean solutions for water treatment. Learn more at liquitech.com. Contact Information Kelsey Raftery Director of Marketing kraftery@liquitech.com 847.738.0933 SOURCE: LiquiTech View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746235/New-Study-Shows-Copper-Silver-Ionization-is-Effective-for-Legionella-Control EQS-Ad-hoc: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Steinhoff International Holdings N.V.: LAUNCH OF WHOA RESTRUCTURING PLAN 28-March-2023 / 17:40 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DISCLOSURE OF INSIDE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO ART. 17 OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU 596/2014, MAR) STEINHOFF: LAUNCH OF WHOA RESTRUCTURING PLAN Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. is referred to as "SIHNV" or the "Company" and with its subsidiaries, "Steinhoff" or the "Group"; "Group Services Debt" means the indebtedness under (i) the Contingent Payment Undertakings ("CPUs") entered into by SIHNV; and (ii) the debt facilities entered into by Steenbok Lux Finco 1 S.a.r.l. ("LuxFinco 1"), Steenbok Lux Finco 2 S.a.r.l. ("LuxFinco 2") and Hemisphere International Properties B.V. ("Hemisphere") (the instruments together, the "Group Services Debt Facilities"), each as amended from time to time. Steinhoff's Management Board and Supervisory Board resolved on 28 March 2023 to initiate a Dutch law restructuring plan (akkoord) ("WHOA Restructuring Plan") to implement its proposed maturity extension transaction (the "Maturity Extension Transaction") in respect of its Group Services Debt, first announced by the Company on 15 December 2022. The launch of the WHOA Restructuring Plan follows the rejection of the proposal to approve the Maturity Extension Transaction and related equity reorganisation by the Company's shareholders at the Company's annual general meeting held on Wednesday 22 March 2023 (the "2023 AGM"). An outline of the restructuring plan was included in the Company's circular to shareholders issued on 8 February 2023 in connection with the 2023 AGM (the "Circular"). A draft version of the WHOA Restructuring Plan, supporting valuations by BFI and Analysis Group and related materials will be available on the Company's website on 29 March 2023. The WHOA Restructuring Plan will affect the Company's financial creditors, certain intra group creditors and the Company's shareholders. The WHOA Restructuring Plan does not affect the Company's obligations in respect of the global litigation settlement that was successfully concluded on 15 February 2022. The launch of the WHOA Restructuring Plan will initiate a period of consultation on the terms of the proposed plan between the Company and the affected stakeholders. The Company estimates that this consultation period will take at least two weeks. Affected stakeholders may submit views on the draft WHOA Restructuring Plan during this consultation period via email to compsec@steinhoffinternational.com . At the conclusion of the consultation period, the Company will finalise its restructuring plan and set out the timetable for consideration and voting on the plan by the affected classes. Updates on the timetable and information about how affected stakeholders may exercise their voting rights will be provided by the Company on the Company's website in due course. Under the terms of the WHOA Restructuring Plan, the Maturity Extension Transaction will, amongst other things, result in the following amendments. An extension of the maturity date under the Group Services Debt Facilities, associated CPUs of the Company and intercompany loans to at least 30 June 2026, with two twelve-month extension options available with majority lender consent under each of the Group Services Debt Facilities. the Steinhoff Europe AG ("SEAG") Facility A2 lenders receiving the full benefit of the SEAG CPU after the refinancing of the SEAG Facility A1 and SEAG Facility A2. The SEAG Facility A2 lenders will also benefit from a reclassification of the existing SEAG Facility A2 into an instrument which is fully covered by the SEAG CPU (sized at 87% of the existing SEAG Facility A2), with the excess (13%) to be reclassified to SEAG Facility B2 or a new tranche fungible with SEAG Facility B2 (which does not benefit from a CPU). This effectively represents an increase in CPU coverage for the SEAG Facility A2 lenders from 80.3% to 87%. An amendment and extension of the Hemisphere facilities on terms announced on 16 December 2022. A resetting of the SEAG Facility A2 coupon at 10.0% (compounding semi-annually) from 30 June 2023 from the current 10.75%. To ensure full CPU coverage for SEAG Facility A2 going forward, the notional rate under the SEAG CPU will be aligned to grow at the same rate. Amendments to the relevant debt documents of the Group resulting in CPU holders being paid ahead of any holders of equity instruments issued by SIHNV or any new ultimate parent entity of the Group (such new ultimate parent entity of the Group, "New Topco"). A "solvent distribution regime" to facilitate an efficient distribution of the Group's assets at fair value directly to financial creditors, subject to any legal and regulatory restrictions, if debt has not been discharged in full at extended maturity (or following any earlier acceleration). The regime includes limited recourse terms and "solvent liquidation" provisions for the benefit of SIHNV (including New Topco) and its subsidiaries. As previously disclosed, given that the Company's general meeting did not approve the Maturity Extension Transaction and related equity reorganisation at the 2023 AGM, it is intended that under the WHOA Restructuring Plan 100% of the potential economic interests in the post-closing equity of the Group will be for the benefit of the individual financial creditors as at the date of completion of the restructuring. In a change to the position described in the Circular, it is now proposed that the financial creditors will be issued CVRs by New Topco on substantially similar terms to the CVRs that had been originally proposed to be issued to the SIHNV shareholders. As set out in the Circular, New Topco will be an unlisted company. The shares in New Topco will be held by five separate and independent Dutch foundations. The financial creditors will not receive depositary receipts from the Dutch foundations as previously indicated in the Circular. As part of the WHOA Restructuring Plan, it is envisaged that such number of ordinary shares in SIHNV will be issued to the separate and independent Dutch foundations that they will in aggregate hold 50% plus one share in the share capital of the Company. The expectation is that following implementation of the Maturity Extension Transaction, a proposal will be made to the shareholders of the Company to dissolve and liquidate SIHNV which, if approved, will result in the existing SIHNV shares including their current listings falling away with no financial compensation payable to shareholders. The dissolution of SIHNV (including the termination of the secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange) is subject to approval of the South African Reserve Bank. The support agreement entered into by the Company, Newco 3 and the several financial creditors as announced on 15 December 2022 remains in place and the intention remains to implement the Maturity Extension Transaction by the "Long Stop Date" of 30 June 2023. If the WHOA Restructuring Plan is not successful or is not confirmed by the Dutch court by 30 June 2023, the Company may be in default under the relevant finance documentation as per 30 June 2023 and certain elements of the Maturity Extension Transaction including the equity reorganisation may be implemented by way of enforcement of security rights by the financial creditors alongside the implementation of other terms of the Maturity Extension Transaction. In these circumstances, SIHNV would lose its interests in the underlying Group businesses and assets and shareholders would retain no economic interest in the restructured Group. The Maturity Extension Transaction, including the equity reorganisation, is subject to new financial creditor consents and confirmation by the Dutch Court. There is no certainty that such consents or confirmation order will be achieved before the current maturity date under the Group Services Debt of 30 June 2023 following which the financial creditors may enforce their rights. The Company has a primary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Disclaimer The information in this announcement is not intended to be complete. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities. The distribution of this announcement may, in some countries, be restricted by law or regulation. Accordingly, persons who come into possession of this document should inform themselves of and observe these restrictions. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Steinhoff disclaims any responsibility or liability for the violation of any such restrictions by any person. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of that jurisdiction. Steinhoff does not assume any responsibility for any violation of any of these restrictions. Any SIHNV shareholder who is in any doubt as to his or her position should consult an appropriate professional advisor without delay. Certain statements in this announcement may be considered forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future, and Steinhoff cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of forward-looking statements. A number of important factors, not all of which are known to Steinhoff or are within its control, could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Steinhoff expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a change in expectations or for any other reason. Stellenbosch, 28 March 2023 Contact: Steinhoff International Holdings N.V. Investor Relations Phone: +27 21 808 0700 E-mail: investors@steinhoffinternational.com 28-March-2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares For immediate release 28 March 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 125,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 874.70 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 16,681,310; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 208,309,993. The figure of 208,309,993 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 ST. PAUL, MN / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Antea Group consultants Caron Koll, Jack Sheldon, and Scott Recker shared their insights on future PFAS regulation in Environment Analyst's recently published report "Why PFAS rulemaking is a game-changer for US consultants," written by Steven Gilmore. This report discusses the ever-changing litigation landscape surrounding PFAS and how it's driving more work toward consulting firms. New regulations include the recent EPA proposed rule that aims to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to be found in drinking water. New regulations such as this one, consistent public pressure, worry about PFAS in drinking water, and the fact that regulations may soon expand beyond drinking water into other industries - such as wastewater and biosolids, are leading more businesses to seek out specialized environmental consulting help on PFAS issues, including identifying PFAS sources across supply chains, advising on risk management strategies, treating PFAS contamination and providing environmental litigation support. Scott Recker, Senior Consultant and Environmental Remediation Practice Leader at Antea Group USA, is quoted in the Environment Analyst publication, saying "Our clients are nervous and their level of nervousness depends on who they are, what their risk tolerance is and what their brand image looks like." Additionally, treating PFAS is complex, and different technologies are often used. In the publication, Caron Koll notes that, "Treatment trains require a series of different technologies that are continually evolving. We don't want to be locked into one particular vendor whose technology might not always be the best fit for our client." Lastly, as the US government slowly moves toward more PFAS regulations, consultants can expect an influx in demand for PFAS management services. However, not all firms are truly invested in comprehensive PFAS solutions. As Jack Sheldon notes in the report, "We expect an onslaught of PFAS work at some juncture due to regulatory change. Then it's going to be very interesting to see which consultants are true players and which ones are not." To read the full article by Steven Gilmore that features Caron Koll, Scott Recker, and Jack Sheldon, head over to Environment Analyst today. About Environment Analyst Environment Analyst is an international membership community for the environmental services space, built around their market intelligence service. Their analysts help customers examine market opportunities in the environmental sector. They bring together business leaders and practitioners in peer-to-peer networks and share news and insight with member companies. Their mission is to connect the environmental, ESG and professional services community and provide the intelligence to deliver a sustainable transition. Their vision is to be the leading global partner supporting?the environmental, sustainability & ESG community?in?its?ambition to shape a better future.?Learn more at environmentanalyst.com. About Antea Group AnteaGroup is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world's most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746245/Antea-Group-Contributes-to-Environment-Analyst-Report-on-PFAS LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed Japanese calligrapher Kanazawa Shoko will travel to the UK for two events organised by Japan House London in collaboration with the Down's Syndrome Association. These are Kanazawa's first international performances since 2020. Each event will consist of a calligraphy demonstration by Kanazawa herself and a talk by her mother and mentor Kanazawa Yasuko. They will take place on 1 April 2023 at the Langdon Down Centre's Normansfield Theatre, and on 2 April 2023 at Japan House London. Kanazawa Shoko is one of Japan's most acclaimed contemporary calligraphers. She is known for her large-scale performances in which she uses a huge brush and sumi ink to create dramatic works requiring full-body expression. In 2020, Kanazawa created official art posters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kanazawa Shoko has inspired people around the world with her story of defying the perceived limitations of a person who has Down's syndrome to achieve artistic and professional success. During the event at Langdon Down Centre, Shoko will write the phrase tomo ni ikiru (to live together, or to co-exist). This powerful message not only draws attention to notions such as the sense of belonging but is also a call for a more inclusive society, where different individuals can co-exist together enjoying equality and mutual respect. Both events will feature a demonstration of Kanazawa's signature large-scale calligraphy followed by a talk by her mother, who taught Kanazawa calligraphy from the age of five. The events are free to attend and booking is now open. The event at Japan House London will be livestreamed via Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to accommodate those unable to attend in person. Simon Wright, Programming Director at Japan House London: "We are so pleased that we are able to work together with the Down's Syndrome Association here in the UK to present the powerful story of Shoko and her mother Yasuko. 'Working together' - not least 'trans-nationally' - is, indeed, so much a part of what we strive to achieve at Japan House London and these opportunities with Shoko can surely only inspire us all further to bring about wider co-existence." Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, commented, "It's an honour to welcome Shoko and Yasuko to the Langdon Down Centre for this very special event. The power of Shoko's message is so appropriate in the week after World Down Syndrome Day, whose theme this year was 'With Us Not For Us.' Shoko's beautiful work is a wonderful way of spreading that message." Event Information and Booking Links Saturday 1 April 2023, 13:30-14:30 Tomo ni Ikiru (Living Together): Talk & Calligraphy Demonstration with Kanazawa Shoko and Kanazawa Yasuko Normansfield Theatre, Langdon Down Centre, Teddington. https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/2023/tomo-ni-ikiru-living-together-talk-and-calligraphy-demonstration-with-kanazawa-shoko-and-kanazawa-yasuko/ Sunday 2 April 2023, 16:00-17:00 Soaring High: Talk and Calligraphy Demonstration with Kanazawa Shoko and Kanazawa Yasuko The Hall, Japan House London, Kensington https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/2023/soaring-high-talk-and-calligraphy-demonstration-with-kanazawa-shoko-and-kanazawa-yasuko/ About Japan House London Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London'sKensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Part of a global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two other Japan Houses, one in Los Angeles and the other in Sao Paulo. About the Down's Syndrome Association The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) is a registered (1061474) national charity that exists to provide information and support for people who have Down's syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. The DSA seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people who have Down's syndrome. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042407/Kanazawa_Shoko_and_Yasuko.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acclaimed-japanese-calligrapher-with-downs-syndrome-performs-in-the-uk-301783771.html Podcast Creators Can Now Offer Subscription Content Via the Streaming Platform PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Today, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn"), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced that its Glow.fm podcast monetization platform has launched Spotify Open Access, a first-of-its-kind offering in the podcast industry that broadens distribution for creators to offer subscription-based content. The Spotify partnership furthers the mission of Libsyn's Glow.fm to provide the best opportunities for podcasters to turn their content into a thriving sustainable business. Through Spotify Open Access, podcasters who offer paid subscriptions to their shows can now extend those subscriptions to Spotify. The partnership brings an expanded opportunity for podcast creators to offer premium audio subscriptions on a platform that serves more than 500M monthly active users. Participating creators can retain full control over their subscriber bases, their content, and their revenue while leveraging Spotify to grow their audiences. With Spotify's global scale and wide availability across devices and platforms, podcast creators will be able to reach audiences no matter where or how they're listening. Spotify Open Access benefits podcasters with a subscription program, whether that subscription is free or paid. There is no charge for podcast creators to participate in Open Access, and subscriber integration is easy. With just one click, podcast creators can add Spotify distribution to their podcast. For more on how easy it is for creators to connect Glow.fm and Spotify via Open Access integration, watch this quick video. "With the mission of giving podcast creators more opportunities to grow their businesses, Libsyn is thrilled to kick off our partnership with Spotify by officially launching Spotify Open Access," Yvette Menase, Principal Product Manager, Libsyn. "Creators can easily unlock this feature for their podcast, open a world of possibilities for growing their reach, and manage their relationship with their audience on their terms." Libsyn acquired Glow.fm in April 2021. The platform enables Libsyn podcasters, as well as those using other hosting sites, to benefit from a multitude of monetization options and tap into significant podcast subscription revenue streams. Glow.fm, which offers ad-free, private feed podcast paywalls and subscription billing, makes it easy to build a paid membership program and offer exclusive content to podcast audiences. Podcasters also have the option to generate listener-supported revenue - like "buy me a coffee" donations, using the same secure and seamless Glow.fm payment system. About Liberated Syndication Founded in 2004, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn") is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio content. In 2022, the Company hosted over 75,000 shows and delivered over 8 billion downloads to listeners globally. Libsyn's AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that make it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns on over 3,000 shows. Based in Munich, Germany, Libsyn's Julep Media platform is the leading podcasting hosting platform and advertising marketplace in Europe. Libsyn also powers podcast membership platform, Glow, and web hosting platform, Pair Networks. Visit libsyn.com or investor.libsyn.com for more Company information. #? #? # Media Contacts: Ray Yeung + Nancy Zakhary | ray@relev8.co + nancy@relev8.co Investor Contact: investor@libsyn.com SOURCE: Liberated Syndication, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746261/Libsyns-Glow-Launches-Spotify-Open-Access VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Tinka Resources Limited ("Tinka" or the "Company") (TSXV & BVL:TK)(OTCQB:TKRFF) announces the results of the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on March 28, 2023 (the "AGM"). A total of 229,923,010 common shares were represented in person or by proxy at the AGM, representing 58.76% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares of the Company as at the record date. All the matters submitted to the shareholders, as set out in the Notice of Meeting and Information Circular dated February 15, 2023, were voted in favour, including: (a) fixing the size of the Board of Tinka to seven; the re-election of Ben McKeown, Graham Carman, Nick DeMare, Pieter Britz, Raul Benavides and Ms. Mary Little as directors for the ensuing year and the election of Mr. Jones Belther as director of the Company; (c) the ratification of the Company's stock option plan, pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options up to 10% of its issued and outstanding common shares at the time of the grant; and, (d) the appointment of D&H Group LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the ensuing year. Subsequent to the AGM, the Board re-appointed Mr. McKeown as Non-Executive Chairman, Dr. Carman as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. DeMare as Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Mariana Bermudez as Corporate Secretary. Messrs. McKeown, DeMare and Ms. Little were re-appointed as members of the Audit Committee. On behalf of the Board, "Graham Carman" Dr. Graham Carman, President & CEO Further Information: www.tinkaresources.com Mariana Bermudez 1.604.685.9316 info@tinkaresources.com Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts at Contact Tinka and by following Tinka on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. About Tinka Resources Limited Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru. The Zinc Zone deposit has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 19.0 Mt @ 7.15% Zn, 16.8 g/t Ag & 0.2% Pb and Inferred Mineral Resource of 47.9 Mt @ 5.4% Zn, 20.0 g/t Ag & 0.4% Pb (dated August 30, 2021 - see news release). The Ayawilca Tin Zone has an estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 8.4 Mt grading 1.0% Sn. Tinka holds 46,000 hectares of mining claims in Central Peru, one of the largest holders of mining claims in the belt. Tinka is actively exploring for copper-gold skarn mineral deposits at its 100%-owned Silvia project. The Qualified Person, Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed and verified the technical contents of this release. Forward Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; the Company's expectations regarding the Ayawilca Project PEA; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the novel COVID-19 virus; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. 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: Tinka Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746273/Tinka-Announces-AGM-Results NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / CNH Industrial brand CASE Construction Equipment is teaming up with nonprofit Crew Collaborative to sponsor and help build an all-new career counseling and mentoring program for high school students interested in the construction industry trades: FrameWork . "At CASE, we are customer-led in all we do," says Terry Dolan, Vice President, CASE Construction Equipment, North America. "It's no secret that our industry has faced labor shortage issues over the past several years, and we can't think of a better way to support our customers than to help identify enthusiastic students who will make incredible contributions to the construction industry." Crew Collaborative joined CASE in their booth at CONEXPO/CON-AGG . They solicited stories of how mentors have changed the lives of those in the construction industry and what paths industry veterans would recommend to best begin a career in the trades. They also gathered names of those interested in potentially serving as mentors to interested high school students. "A couple of months ago, FrameWork was merely an idea on a sheet of paper," says Kristina McMillan, Crew Collaborative Founder and Board Member. "When we brought the initial concept to CASE leadership and asked about their potential partnership on it, they replied 'We're all in.'" Now, following CONEXPO/CON-AGG, Crew Collaborative will host an in-person retreat with CASE employees and other industry insiders to build out the program and begin beta testing. A full FrameWork program launch is slated for first quarter of 2024. "Although CASE has 180 years of experience in the earthmoving business, we are making moves with the speed and agility of a startup," says Dolan. "Partnering with Crew Collaborative to bring the cutting-edge concept of FrameWork to life will have a true impact on the construction industry here in North America and beyond for years to come." CASE to help build first-ever mentoring and counseling bridge between high schoolers and the construction industry. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CNH Industrial Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CNH Industrial View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/746321/CASE-To-Help-Build-First-Ever-Mentoring-and-Counseling-Bridge-Between-High-Schoolers-and-the-Construction-Industry Durham, North Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - The ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA) - a collaborative forum to advance OT cybersecurity awareness, education, readiness, standardization, and knowledge sharing - today announced its new Advisory Board leadership for 2023-2024: Chair of the Advisory Board: Matt Bohne, Vice President and Chief Product Cybersecurity Officer at Honeywell Vice Chair: Chris McLaughlin, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Johns Manville (JM) Matt Bohne is a passionate cybersecurity leader and executive with a proven track record of building and leading cybersecurity organizations securing energy, industrial, buildings, nuclear, pharmaceutical, and consumer sectors. He is a sought-after expert with deep experience in DevSecOps, critical infrastructure, software engineering, secure SDLC, supply chain security, privacy, and risk management. Chris McLaughlin has a passion for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and has spoken frequently at conferences about the importance of working together with engineering counterparts to manage this threat. Chris has over 25 years of security and infrastructure experience leading the vision for a highly complex manufacturing company. In 2022, he was recognized by C100 as one of the top 100 Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the United States. In addition to his work with JM, Chris serves as president for the Denver InfraGard chapter and is an active member of the Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), both of which focus on protecting critical infrastructure. "We are honored to have two of the industry's most recognizable cybersecurity professionals as the new leaders of the ISAGCA Advisory Board," said Andre Ristaino, ISA Managing Director of Global Consortia and Conformance Programs. "ISAGCA was created to address cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities that are clear and present dangers to our facilities, our processes, and the safety of our communities. With so much work to be done, we will benefit from the balance of a vendor and end-user in the Chair and Vice Chair roles respectively. Matt and Chris are extremely busy in their company roles, and we are grateful for their generous leadership commitment to ISAGCA." "ISAGCA is a critical voice in our industry advocating for OT cybersecurity standards and conformance, and I am honored to lead the Advisory Board alongside many of this industry's thought leaders and experts," said Mr. Bohne. "Honeywell has been a member of ISAGCA since the consortium's foundation, and I am excited about the opportunity to drive even more awareness of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards around the world." "Industrial systems security has finally become a big part of the conversation that I am having with my peer CISOs," said Mr. McLaughlin. "ISAGCA has an opportunity to help organizations understand the ISA/IEC 62443 framework that they can use to help them secure their industrial assets. This is a great opportunity, and I am excited to continue my partnership with the community to keep us all safe and secure." "As we welcome our new ISA Advisory Board leadership, we also extend our thanks to the outgoing ISAGCA Chair Megan Samford, VP, Chief Product Security Officer for Energy Management at Schneider Electric, as well as our outgoing Vice-Chair, Sharul Rashid, Head of Technical Excellence and Group Technical Authority of Instrumentation and Control at PETRONAS, for their leadership during the startup years of ISAGCA. Megan and Sharul have contributed more that we could have ever hoped in establishing the foundational successes for ISAGCA." Chief among ISAGCA's goals includes broad awareness and understanding of ISA/IEC 62443, the world's only consensus-based cybersecurity standards for automation and control system applications. Recent successful projects have included: Mapping the ISO/IEC 27001/2 standards for IT security in the office environment to ISA/IEC 62443, including a presentation at the North American Technology Forum (NATF) to demonstrate how the standards are aligned to support cybersecurity requirement. Providing technical expertise with various groups including NIST, DHS, SMART Grid Forum, and more. Driving global reliance on ISA/IEC 62443 through national adoptions, the latest example being an approved proposal to adopt the standard in Malaysia. Driving US national reliance on ISA/IEC 62443 through incorporation by reference into other standards and codes, including the National Electrical Code. Increasing awareness of ICS4ICS, the leading program for managing industrial cybersecurity incident response. This ISAGCA initiative has today identified over 1,200 volunteers and interested parties contributing to its efforts to adopt to Incident Command System outlined by FEMA. About ISAGCA The International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) created the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance to increase cybersecurity awareness and readiness, bringing end-user companies, automation and control systems providers, IT infrastructure providers, services providers, system integrators, and other cybersecurity stakeholder organizations together to address growing threats across many vertical sectors. ISAGCA is comprised of 55 plus member companies, industry groups, and public entities, representing more than $1.5 trillion in aggregate revenue across more than 2,400 combined worldwide locations. Automation and cybersecurity provider members serve 31 different industries, underscoring the broad applicability of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards. ISA is the developer of the ISA/IEC 62443 series of automation and control systems cybersecurity standards, which have been adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission as IEC 62443 and endorsed by the United Nations. The standards define requirements and procedures for implementing electronically secure automation and industrial control systems and security practices and assessing electronic security performance. The standards approach the cybersecurity challenge in a holistic way, bridging the gap between operations and information technology. For more information about ISAGCA, visit www.isa.org/isagca. Media contact: Morgan Foor, mfoor@isa.org To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160254 Regulatory News: NHOA (NHOA.PA, formerly Engie EPS) successfully met the upward revised guidance for 2022, giving full visibility on 2023 growth: 165.7 million Revenues and Other Income, almost 5x compared to FY2021 1 Backlog and Purchase Orders at around 360 million 2022 has been a turning point for all Global Business Lines ("GBL Energy Storage is the growth engine of NHOA Group's activities with: more than 9x Revenues year-on-year EBITDA of over 2 million Backlog at 301 million Order Intake over 240 million 1.4GWh of projects under construction over 1 billion Pipeline is the growth engine of NHOA Group's activities with: e-Mobility , despite a difficult year with supply chain issues and the reorganization started in November 2022, with the new CEO, Mathilde Lheureux, Free2move eSolutions reached: Sales of 11 million Purchase orders of approx. 60 million at the beginning of 2023 , despite a difficult year with supply chain issues and the reorganization started in November 2022, with the new CEO, Mathilde Lheureux, Free2move eSolutions reached: EV Fastcharging Infrastructure , in slightly more than one year of activity, closed 2022 with: 2,000 fastcharging Points of Charge online and under construction Over 2,700 new sites in the pipeline , in slightly more than one year of activity, closed 2022 with: 2022 Key Figures Revenues and Other Income as of 31 December 2022 amount to 165.7 million, up 448% compared to 20212 Increase in Revenues and Other Income is mainly driven by the 153.6 million revenues realized by the GBL Energy Storage and are mainly related to: the 200MWh Kwinana storage project with Synergy in Australia, that at the end of 2022 was approaching its commissioning phase the 107MWh Yingde project in China, whose main components, including batteries, have been delivered and whose installation is ongoing the first storage system in HePing, Taiwan, and its immediate expansion, for an aggregate of more than 33MWh, now in commercial operation engineering and production activities for the second largest storage system in HePing, Taiwan, currently in installation and approaching commissioning (311MWh) four projects in the Americas for an aggregate capacity of 78.8MWh the portfolio of Fast Reserve projects in Italy, all approaching commercial operation The eMobility GBL contributes for 11.4 million to consolidated revenues and EV Fastcharging Infrastructure booked its first revenues, for 0.6 million. The 9.1% Gross margin including non-recurring item is mainly due to the revenue mix, where the Energy Storage GBL's turnkey contracting business model weights heavier than the capital-intensive manufacturing and infrastructure GBLs. However, in 2022 the Energy Storage GBL marginality was affected by an unusual contribution of lower-margin civil works and interconnection activities, not expected to recur in the future. Backlog totals 301 million, represented by 1,384MWh in Australia, Taiwan, China, Latin America, US and Europe, increasing by 56% compared to the Backlog communicated with the FY2021 Results. Pipeline in the Energy Storage GBL reaches 1,043 million, +36% compared to the pipeline announced with the FY2021 Results. Given the over 200 million Order Intake confirmed at the end of the period, this is equivalent to a 32% conversion rate over 2022 and a year-on-year backlog increase of 56% despite the step change in Revenue generation. Personnel costs reached 30.6 million, more than doubling compared to 14.7 million in 2021, in line with the increase in headcount. As of 31 December 2022, NHOA Group has 451 employees (from 31 nationalities) compared to 236 at the end of FY2021. The strengthening of the workforce is mainly due to the ramp-up of the EV Fastcharging Infrastructure GBL in four countries and to the Energy Storage GBL's global growth, and is in line with NHOA Group's roadmap and Masterplan10x. Capital investments increased to 42.5 million, largely comprised of EV Fastcharging Infrastructure investments. R&D investments amounted to 6.9 million and represent 4% of the consolidated Revenues. Other Operating Expenses increased by 285%, amounting to 17.4 million, compared to 4.5 million in 2021, expressing an organic growth mainly driven by the full cycle of Energy Storage subsidiaries in America and Australia, the first full year of activity of the European structure of the GBL eMobility, its expansion over the US and the growth of the EV Fastcharging Infrastructure business in its first full year of activity. In addition, the eMobility GBL has been also affected by R&D costs related to the processes of discovering, testing and developing new products mainly in the Digital applications and not capitalized. EBITDA including non-recurring income represents a 32.9 million loss in 2022 compared to a 13.2 million loss in 2021, due to the increase in operating expenses and in personnel costs, mainly due to a natural effect of the investments that NHOA made on the new EV Fastcharging Infrastructure GBL, capital intensive business whose benefits are expected to contribute to the bottom line in the following years, and to the eMobility GBL reorganization; indeed, Energy Storage GBL, closed FY2022 with a positive EBITDA that exceeded 2 million. Non recurring expenses and Incentive Plan account for 2.8 million and 1.6 million, respectively; the first one is mainly due to the opening of the new legal entities and to the reorganization of the Group, while the second by the beginning of a new Long Term Incentive Plan approved by the Board of Directors. EBIT and Net Result as of 31 December 2022 stand, respectively, at -50.4 million and -52.2 million, compared to -27.9 million and -28.4 million of the previous year, respectively. Net Financial Position stands at 4.2 million as at 31 December 2022, compared to 74.3 million as at 31 December 2021, mainly reflecting the investment of the Group in the EV Fastcharging Infrastructure GBL and the working capital consumed by the Energy Storage GBL. The Company is carefully exploring its financing options in order to support the accelerated ramp-up of the investments in the EV Fastcharging Infrastructure GBL. 2022 Milestones and 2023 Highlights 2022 has been a transformational year for NHOA Group, across its three GBLs. GBL Energy Storage NHOA Energy is the main growth engine of the Group, with a series of iconic successes achieved in 2022 and a strong pipeline of new projects for 2023 onwards. In 2022 NHOA Energy was awarded, among others, the flagship Blyth Battery storage project by NEOEN for 200MW/400MWh in South Australia, the supply of around 100MWh energy storage capacity in the Americas, as well as over 100MWh of capacity in Asia with TCC. Over 300MWh of capacity were under or nearing commissioning at the end of the year. The Company's Industrial Plant in Cosio Valtellino assembled 230MWh of storage capacity during the year, and since October has been producing at a pace of 45MWh per month. The global origination and delivery effort is now firmly established across four operational hubs in Houston, Milan, Perth and Taipei, working synergistically through the value chain, from commercial development through long-term service. In April, NHOA Energy's 2023 Storage Analysts Class, the Company's Graduate Program, will start its adventure, while the 2022 Class is already involved in the origination and execution of NHOA Energy global project portfolio. GBL e-Mobility Despite the difficulties of 2022, Free2move eSolutions, under the new leadership of Mathilde Lheureux, has started moving forward in its path to drive the EV market evolution and potential. The reshaping of its operations and the focus on sales of eProWallbox, in order to fulfill Stellantis customers' needs, is proceeding. Moreover, at the beginning of 2023, Free2move eSolutions registered approx. 60 million of purchase orders, testifying the new path towards 2023 growth. Free2move eSolutions' eProWallbox is always next to Stellantis new EV launches. The collaboration started in 2022 with the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the new Peugeot DS7 and the new E-Doblo Fiat. eProWallbox will also be close to Stellantis new EV launches in the new year: supplying the charging devices to Maserati and Alfa Romeo, and in the process of launching of new models, as the Jeep Avenger, which recently won the title of Car of the Year 2023. GBL EV Fastcharging Infrastructure With operations started in October 2021 with the set-up of its legal entity and the arrival of its CEO, Atlante in just over one year, managed to sign iconic partnerships and inaugurate its stations in landmark locations. By the end of 2022, Atlante counted on more than 2,000 points of charge online and under construction in Southern Europe, including also iconic stations such as the ones already in operation in Rome Fiumicino Airport, Misano World Circuit, Linate Airport (in collaboration with FreeToX) and its first station online in Spain. Atlante has also been awarded a 23 million grant by the European Union under the CEF-AFIF scheme and acquired a majority stake in KLC in Portugal, making Atlante the fourth largest operator overall in Portugal and the largest by number of fastchargers. Moreover, Atlante was also awarded tenders for the creation of two innovative charging hubs in Padua, equipped with solar canopies and energy storage, and 46 points of charge in Buccinasco, within the Metropolitan city of Milan. In the first two months of 2023, Atlante inaugurated the first fastcharging station located within a dealership that is part of the Stellantis network in Magenta and acquired the Ressolar e-mobility business unit, boosting in this way its presence in Northern Italy. In March 2023, Atlante also announced an exclusive partnership with To Dream for the electrification of its urban district rejuvenation project in Turin with over 130 points of charge, and the entering in operation of the points of charge in the Saint-Memmie commercial area in France. In just more than one year, Atlante can now rely on over 100 passionate professionals, including many young talents, and has already geographical platforms in operation in France, Spain and Portugal. Restatement FY2021 Following some high-level controls on certain bill and hold agreements executed by Free2move eSolutions, at the end of October 2022, Free2move eSolutions became aware of potential accounting irregularities at Free2move eSolutions. NHOA and Stellantis, in their role of shareholders of Free2move eSolutions, promptly started a financial audit and engaged leading forensic independent experts in order to conduct an internal investigation. The analysis conducted highlighted certain irregularities related to the recognition of revenues by the e-Mobility GBL for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 and during the first nine months of the financial year ended 31 December 2022. These irregularities resulted in overstated revenues in NHOA's published financial results over this period. As a result, NHOA has proceeded with a restatement of its consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2021. This restatement was conducted in accordance with IAS8 (see Table 1.6 below). All of the financial figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 included in this press release are taken from those restated financial statements. The Table 1.6 below shows the impact of this restatement on the relevant line items of the consolidated financial statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2021, for the three-month period ended 31 March 2022, the six-month period ended 30 June 2022 and for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2022. An internal investigation on the responsibilities of these accounting errors by Free2move eSolutions is ongoing with the support of specifically appointed forensic independent experts. In parallel with this investigation, NHOA is implementing new internal controls and procedures to strengthen its internal audit and control functions, such as the appointment of a new Group Head of Internal Audit. The internal audit and control procedures will be furtherly reinforced following the results coming from the internal investigation. The investor conference call to present NHOA Full Year 2022 Results and 2023 Highlights is scheduled on 29 March 2022 at 9:00am CEST, the dial-in details and the presentation will be available on NHOA's corporate website: nhoa.energy Please note that the Q1 2023 Trading and Operational Update will be released, contrary to what previously announced on the Company website, on May 1, 2023 and the investor call to present the results included in the Q1 2023 Trading and Operational Update will take place on May 2 at 9:00am CEST. NHOA NHOA S.A. (formerly Engie EPS), global player in energy storage, e-mobility and EV fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure, develops technologies enabling the transition towards clean energy and sustainable mobility, shaping the future of a next generation living in harmony with our planet. Listed on Euronext Paris regulated market (NHOA.PA), NHOA forms part of the CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable financial indices. NHOA, with offices in France, Spain, United States and Australia, maintains entirely in Italy research, development and production of its technologies. For further information, go to www.nhoa.energy follow us on LinkedIn follow us on Instagram Forward looking statement This release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not undertakings as to the future performance of NHOA. Although NHOA considers that such statements are based on reasonable expectations and assumptions at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual performance to differ from those indicated or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include without limitation those explained or identified in the public documents filed by NHOA with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the NHOA 2021 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 6 April 2022 (under number D. 22-02751). Investors and NHOA shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on NHOA. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the verbs or terms "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "build- up", "under discussion" or "potential customer", "should" or "will", "projects", "backlog" or "pipeline" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and that are to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the impacts of the Covid19 pandemic on NHOA's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the world economy. They appear throughout this announcement and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding NHOA's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, NHOA's results of business development, operations, financial position, prospects, financing strategies, expectations for product design and development, regulatory applications and approvals, reimbursement arrangements, costs of sales and market penetration. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management's expectations or could affect NHOA's ability to achieve its strategic goals, include the uncertainties relating to the impact of Covid-19 on NHOA's business, operations and employees. In addition, even if the NHOA's results of operations, financial position and growth, and the development of the markets and the industry in which NHOA operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The forward-looking statements herein speak only at the date of this announcement. NHOA does not have the obligation and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. 1.1. Consolidated Income Statement CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (amounts in K Euro) 31/12/2022 31/12/2021* Revenues 164.220 27.860 Other Income including non recurring 1.466 2.348 TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER INCOME (including non recurring income) 165.686 30.208 Cost of goods sold (150.627) (24.167) GROSS MARGIN FROM SALES (including non recurring income) 15.059 6.041 on Revenues and other income 9,1% 20,0% Personnel costs (30.617) (14.733) Other operating expenses (17.383) (4.511) EBITDA excluding Stock Option and Incentive Plans expenses, including non recurring income (1) (32.941) (13.204) Amortization and depreciation (7.022) (4.889) Impairment and write down (5.977) (579) Non recurring expenses and Integration costs (2.829) (4.045) Stock options and Incentive plans (1.596) (5.204) EBIT (50.364) (27.922) Net financial income and expenses (3.851) (509) Income Taxes 1.971 11 NET INCOME (LOSS) (52.244) (28.419) Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent company (38.577) (27.213) Non-controlling interests (13.668) (1.206) Basic earnings per share (1,51) (1,97) Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 25.534 13.831 Diluted earnings per share (1,51) (1,97) (1) EBITDA excluding Stock Option and Incentive Plans expenses is not defined by IFRS. It is defined in notes 5.5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements *The 2021 figures have been restated for the item described in note 1.6 Restatement FY2021 1.2 Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (amounts in K Euro) 31/12/2022 31/12/2021* NET INCOME (LOSS) (38.577) (27.213) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations and other differences 511 (34) Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods (net of tax) (40) 8 Actuarial gain and (losses) on employee benefits 439 52 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax 910 26 Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax (37.667) (27.187) Attributable to Equity holders of the parent company (37.667) (27.187) *The 2021 figures have been restated for the item described in note 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements 1.3 Consolidated Balance Sheet ASSETS (amounts in K Euro) 31/12/2022 31/12/2021* Property, plant and equipment 52.068 20.142 Intangible assets 15.418 14.725 Other non current financial assets 13.144 16.904 Other non current assets 60 60 TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 80.690 51.831 Trade and other receivables 28.487 18.913 Contract assets 16.770 5.716 Inventories 18.099 3.483 Other current assets 29.753 22.092 Current financial assets 18.495 7.887 Cash and cash equivalent 47.386 122.810 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 158.990 180.901 TOTAL ASSETS 239.681 232.732 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (amounts in K Euro) 31/12/2022 31/12/2021* Issued capital 5.107 5.107 Share premium 180.589 180.589 Other Reserves 5.073 4.008 Retained Earnings (93.843) (67.066) Profit (Loss) for the period (38.577) (27.213) TOTAL GROUP EQUITY 58.349 95.425 Minorities interest 5.749 19.291 TOTAL EQUITY 64.098 114.716 Severance indemnity reserve and Employees' benefits 2.636 2.207 Non current financial liabilities 3.922 22.466 Other non current liabilities 15.867 10.258 Non current deferred tax liabilities 16 16 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 22.441 34.948 Trade payables 61.920 23.825 Other current liabilities 33.126 20.420 Current financial liabilities 58.096 38.823 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 153.141 83.068 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 239.681 232.732 *The 2021 figures have been restated for the item described in note 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements 1.4 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (amounts in K Euro) Share Capital Premium Reserve Stock Option and Warrants plan reserve Other Reserves Retained Earnings (Losses) Profit (Loss) for the period Total Group Equity Minority interests TOTAL EQUITY Net Equity as of 31 December 2020 2.553 48.148 4.969 (570) (52.140) (14.815) (11.854) (11.854) Previous year result allocation 71 (14.886) 14.815 Shareholder's capital increase 2.553 132.442 134.995 134.995 Change in consolidation perimenther (522) 3 (519) (519) Other movements 0 (10) (10) (10) Non controlling interests 20.497 20.497 Loss for the period (27.213) (27.213) (1.206) (28.419) Total comprehensive income 60 (34) 26 26 Net Equity as of 31 December 2021* 5.107 180.589 4.969 (961) (67.066) (27.213) 95.425 19.291 114.716 Previous year result allocation 35 (27.248) 27.213 (19.291) Change in consolidation perimenther (576) (576) (576) Other movements 1.166 1.166 1.166 Non controlling interests 19.417 19.417 Loss for the period (38.577) (38.577) (13.668) (52.244) Total comprehensive income 439 471 910 910 Net Equity as of 31 December 2022 5.107 180.589 4.969 104 (93.843) (38.577) 58.349 5.749 64.098 *The 2021 figures have been restated for the item described in note 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements 1.5 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows CASH FLOW STATEMENT (amounts in K Euro) 31/12/2022 31/12/2021* Net Income or Loss (52.244) (28.419) Income Taxes (1.971) Amortisation and depreciation 7.022 5.199 Impairment and write down 5.977 270 Stock option and incentive plans impact 1.596 5.204 Defined Benefit Plan 428 (2.719) Non-cash variation in equity opening 1.065 52 Non-cash variation in bank accounts 151 Working capital adjustments Decrease (increase) in tax assets 100 (187) Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables and prepayments (35.889) (31.173) Decrease (increase) in inventories (14.616) (1.494) Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables 47.580 30.583 Increase (decrease) in non current assets and liabilities 461 (17.361) Net cash flows from operating activities (40.341) (40.045) Investments Net Decrease (Increase) in intangible assets (8.097) (9.144) Net Decrease (Increase) in tangible assets (34.437) (13.501) Changes in consolidation perimether (6.429) Net cash flows from investments activities (42.535) (29.074) Financing Increase (decrease) in bank debts 729 36.083 Shareholders cash injection 134.995 Minorities cash injection 7.600 8.300 Decrease (increase) in current financial assets (5.908) Decrease (increase) in non-current financial assets (940) Translation differences 511 (34) Lease liabilities 5.459 8.654 Net cash flows from financing activities 7.452 187.998 Net cash and cash equivalent at the beginning of the period 122.810 3.931 NET CASH FLOW FOR THE PERIOD (75.424) 118.880 NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD 47.386 122.810 *The 2021 figures have been restated for the item described in note 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements 1.6 Restatement FY2021 FY 2021 Q1 2022 H1 2022 Q3 2022 Var./Q3 2021 Total Revenues and Other Income As published 32,9 20,9 82,2 99,8 753% Restated 30,2 17,6 78,1 95,7 718% e-Mobility Sales As published 17,1 5,2 9,1 11,3 31% Restated 14,4 1,9 5,1 7,2 -17% Gross Margin As published 7,0 10,3 Restated 6,0 9,7 EBITDA As published (12,2) (5,3) Restated (13,2) (5,9) Net Income As published (27,4) (11,1) Restated (28,4) (11,7) The full effect of the restatement on the financial statements 2021 is described in note 2.6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. _____________ 1 Restated as per Table 1.6 below 2 Ibidem View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005858/en/ Contacts: Press Office: Claudia Caracausi and Davide Bruzzese, Image Building, +39 02 89011300, nhoa@imagebuilding.it Financial Communication and Institutional Relations: Chiara Cerri, +39 337 1484534, media.relations@nhoa.energy DeepWay, a Beijing, China-based smart commercial vehicle developer and manufacturer, raised 770M in Series A+ funding. The round was led by Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group and SB China Venture Capital, with participation from several existing investors, including Qiming Venture Partners. The company intends to use the funds to ensure mass production and delivery its truck, which further consolidates its leadership position in the smart electric heavy truck market. Led by Wan Jun, founder and CEO DeepWay is a manufacturer of smart electric heavy-duty trucks contributing to the create a low-carbon, eco-friendly, and safe environment. Weiqiao Pioneering, a large aluminium producer, will also become one of the first customers of DeepWays premium smart electric heavy-duty trucks. In addition to adopting the smart electric trucks in the closed-loop delivery check that is conducted by the industrial users, the two companies expect that, through the accumulated data on the operation of the large-scale management of vehicles, they will facilitate collaborations with more involved business scenarios and, by doing so, demonstrate how intelligent logistics and transportation solutions are properly implemented and applied. FinSMEs 28/03/2023 Fashinza, an Indian AI-driven B2B marketplace for fashion supply chains, raised $30M in funding. The round was led by Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its ongoing transition into a global business with operations in the USA, Gulf, and Europe. Co-founded in 2020 by serial entrepreneurs Pawan Gupta, Abhishek Sharma and Jamil Ahmad, Fashinza is an online platform that allows both fashion buyers and sellers to connect seamlessly. It offers access to a production process that can be monitored 24/7 with 100% control enabled by their FactoryOS. The company has a roster of over 250 factories that currently serves 200+ brands across five countries, including the United States, Canada, UAE, UK & India. FinSMEs 28/03/2023 Isar Aerospaces launch vehicle Spectrum lifting off Isar Aerospace, a Munich, Germany-based satellite launch service company, raised USD 165M in Series C funding. The round was led by 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital via its Scale Up Fund Bavaria, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures. Investors Porsche SE and HV Capital will join Isar Aerospaces Advisory Board together with 7-Industries Holding joining in an observer capacity. Part of the funds provided by the private investors is backed by the European Union and regional programs managed by the European Investment Fund, such as InvestEU and the German Future Fund. The company intends to use the funds to advance towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up the cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle, scale its production capabilities to serve its order book for launches of small and medium-sized satellites as global demand rises, and keep investing in developments for new initiatives and products, and continue building on its vertical integration, especially its automated production capabilities that lower the cost of building rockets. Founded in 2018 and led by CEO Daniel Metzler, Isar Aerospace develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earths orbit. The company has signed firm contracts with customers globally, including major commercial players, New Space companies, and government institutions. Isar Aerospace started the production of the maiden flight vehicle while entering the qualification stages for its vehicle systems. The entirely in-house developed and manufactured Aquila engine is undergoing engine testing and qualification. At the same time, the company is finalizing the build-up of its launch infrastructure at the launch site in Andya, Norway, from where the inaugural flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum, which is planned for the second half of 2023, will take place. Today, Isar has more than 300 employees from more than 40 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how and experience within other high-tech industries. FinSMEs 28/03/2023 Reeco, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based marketplace that connects hospitality buyers and suppliers, raised $10M in seed funding. The round was led by Net Capital Ventures and Joule Ventures with participation from Eynat Guez, CEO of Papaya Global, and other angel investors. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Led by Henrik Shimony, CEO, Reeco provides a streamlined process for hotels and other hospitality buyers to order everything from food and beverage to cleaning supplies. Buyers select the products they need, and their order is automatically matched with the optimal supplier from hundreds of top local and national suppliers, based on price, availability, and delivery dates. Hotels are already using the hospitality procurement marketplace to solve key challenges like supply shortages, food waste, and overspending on fast-moving goods. Reeco serves customers such as Playa Largo Resort Autograph Collection, Hilton Aventura, The Even Hotel, hotel management company Shaner Hotel Group, as well as hotels from leading brands like Marriott and Ramada. In 2022, the company added Miami, Florida as its United States headquarters location. FinSMEs 28/03/2023 The debate of Bollywood vs Hollywood is not new to the world. With the passing of time, as Indian audiences have shifted their interests more toward Hollywood films, it has left many wondering what exactly changed in the paradigm of film-watching. Speaking of which, while Bollywood films are richer in the emotional quotient, Hollywood is known for proposing a more direct and straightforward approach to subjects closely linked to reality and untouched ideas. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan also has an opinion about the same as he once shared why Bollywood can never match with Hollywood and make films like Inception. In a conversation with Rajeev Masand, the Dangal actor outlined three broad reasons explaining why Bollywood might never make films like Hollywood. From its capability of telling stories and connecting to people, giving a larger headspace to unimaginable ideas, and giving value to writing, Aamir broadly spoke about what goes into making Hollywood films. Aamir Khan on why Bollywood cant match Hollywood Asserting that Hollywood is far ahead of the rest of the world including India in terms of story-telling, Aamir Khan noted how the industry uses its freedom to pick topics that are bizarre and unimaginable. Mentioning the example of Inception, he further said, Dream within a dream, within a dream. How to convey that and connect with people and make them believe that this is happening? So this fantasy of larger-than-life storytelling is something that Hollywood does really well. Technically, even in their headspace, theyre far ahead of us. Theyre able to do anything that they imagine. Were only able to imagine. Aamir Khan added that Indian filmmakers need to free their minds to imagine things that are amazing and then only they can be executed. On the contrary, while noting that Indian films have a long way to go to catch up with Hollywood, Khan believes that Indian films have a large and healthy audience of their own and thus the primary responsibility is to reach out to the audience, emotionally as well. Aamir Khan also mentioned a few of his own films like Lagaan and Rang De Basanti to further assert that there is a need to push creative boundaries and give value to writing. We dont give enough value to story writing or our writers. Thats a big thing to look at in the film industry. we need to give much more value in every way, emotionally, creatively, and economically, he added. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been invited to the ceremony which is scheduled to be held on May 6 this year. But Prince William and Kate are avoiding Harry and Meghan because they dont want any drama on the day of the coronation. They fear that everything is for sale, a royal commentator claimed. Such is the reputation of Harry and most importantly Meghan now that News Corp columnist Louise Roberts said that everyone close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is terrified that any comment could be leaked to the press. Harry and Meghan on the other hand has not confirmed their attendance. Who knows what theyll say after they leave the UK and go back to America after the Coronation. But the problem is that anyone who could be close to them, for example, William and Kate, wont tell them anything. Everyones terrified, everythings for sale, every indiscretion or every aside comment could be magnified for an American audience in order to get them a profit, Louise Roberts said. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made several extraordinary demands ahead of the Kings coronation. The New York Post has reported the pair have requested a spot on the famed Buckingham Palace balcony and a formal acknowledgement of their two children during the May 6 ceremony. Looks like Harry and Meghan demands just doesnt end. And attention seeking Harry and Meghan must know that a spot on the famed Buckingham Palace balcony is generally reserved for working members of the royal family, and they were absent during the Queens Platinum Jubilee last year. This could prove a real sticking point because the Palace have narrowed it down to only working members of the royal family on the balcony. Harry and Meghan are keen that they too should be a part of that special family moment, The Mirror reported. Royal commentator and PR expert Richard Fitzwilliam told OK! that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cant not attend the coronation because it will help them land more business deals. The only reason they get work work for Netflix, for Spotify, work for Random House is because theyre royals, he claimed, adding, Now if they were to emphasise their isolation by not attending a royal event, thats as important as a Coronation as well, it would be something that would adversely affect their contracts, I would have thought, or certainly the renewal of any contracts. News Corp columnist Angela told Sky News that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle need the royal family more than the Royal family needs them which is why they will attend the ceremony, adding that their connection to the royal family gives them the brand. Royal watchers also claimed that the chances of the Sussexes attending the coronation are high as Prince Harry arrived in London to be present at a hearing. Although, he is unlikely to meet with his father King Charles or brother Prince William, reports claimed. Prince Harry has been told by his father that he was busy and would not be able to meet him. The Telegraph reported that Prince Harry has been told by his father that he was busy and would not be able to meet him as King Charles is set to begin his first-ever state visit as sovereign. The monarch is understood to be at Highgrove, Glos, preparing for the German leg of his tour, which begins on Wednesday, Telegraph reported, adding, The hearing would have coincided with the Kings state visit to France before the trip was cancelled on Friday owing to ongoing civil unrest over Emmanuel Macrons pension reforms. (With added inputs from agencies) Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is all set to kickstart this year in May, with expectations set even higher than usual. While Cannes 2022 was a starting point for major commercial hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis, Choice to Leave and EO, hopes are even higher this time around. Cannes director Thierry Fremaux recently opened up about the festival and its relationship with Hollywood, Martin Scorsese, Netflix, Oscars, and TikTok. Speaking to Variety, Fremaux spoke about how he is making efforts to pull together another milestone edition alongside his hopes to lure prestige U.S. independent films. Cannes chief speaks on his efforts ahead of the film festival Beginning with sharing his excitement and enthusiasm ahead of Cannes 2023, Thierry Fremaux noted how the selection process is in full gear with the team working toward bringing in as many films as possible. In 2023, we would like to go back to a more traditional size in order to launch films in the best possible conditions, he added. Further, speaking on where the festival will be premiering Martin Scorseses Flowers of the Killer Moon, Fremaux said that discussions are currently underway to make sure that the filmmaker attends with his new film. He also spoke about Netflixs return to Cannes stating that the streaming platform is a big success story and thus their films will be welcomed triumphantly and benefit from a wonderful launchpad thanks to the festival. Id like to convince them to come, to not stand aside. But I know they wish to be in competition, he said. The Cannes chief while speaking about assembling a jury for this years festival cited the example of Cate Blanchett and said that stars and auteurs are not incompatible. Wed like to reaffirm the fact that cinema isnt just filmmakers and actors, but also crew members, musicians, screenwriters, and producers. But its more and more difficult to assemble juries, he added. Cannes chief on US studios return While responding to whether Hollywood is returning to Cannes this year, the chief asserted a strong friendship between France and Hollywood, further adding that US studios have always liked coming to the Cannes Film Festival. 2023 will prove once again the strength of this bond, Im sure of it! When it comes to American auteur films, they prefer to be released at the end of the year to be closer to the Oscars season, he added. While speaking about Cannes partnering with TikTok this year, he said that TikTok has collaborated with the best cultural institutions, working with the Louvre Museum, the Chateau de Versailles, and now with Cannes. Were happy to contribute to making the festival more accessible to younger people. And the numbers are really impressive, he added. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Months after going through a long-drawn controversial court battle against ex-wife Amber Heard, actor Johnny Depp has been keeping a low profile and taking out time for some solitude. The actors personal life has clearly forced him to take a step back from movies. Depp is presently enjoying a quiet life in the English countryside, experiencing the simple joys of life with the local culture and people. Speaking about his new life, Depp, in a recent interview with a local magazine Somerset Life, spoke about how things are working out for him in Somerset. Sharing how he loves places with character, Depp revealed about his homes in various places that are all special to him. I dont have them just to say I own them, I have them for use and because they are a bit special, he added. British people are so cool and I can be just me: Johnny Depp Praising the place and the people in Somerset, Depp went on to share how the area has allowed him to live more comfortably out of the spotlight. British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbour without going over the top. I dont mind if people want an autograph or a brief chat but not when I am having some private time with my family, he said. The Pirates Of The Caribbean star also noted that the place has allowed him to go to shops without getting mobbed by people, adding that the low-key lifestyle suits him better than some might think. In truth, Im quite a shy person. Thats one of the great things about Britain, and especially Somerset. I can just be me and thats nice, Depp added. It is pertinent to note that Johnny Depp has been trying out some out-of-box ideas to enjoy a life of his own. He recently also took an unannounced helicopter ride for shopping at the Hemswell Antiques Centres, leaving the staff and other customers surprised. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Senior Chinese diplomat meets ASEAN secretary-general Xinhua) 09:22, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn here on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated Kao Kim Hourn on taking office as ASEAN secretary-general and expressed appreciation to him for making China the first stop of his visits to non-ASEAN countries. As ASEAN's largest neighbor, China has always supported ASEAN sincerely and selflessly, said Wang, adding that under the new circumstances, China will continue to firmly support ASEAN's integration and community building, support its strategic independence and solidarity for development, and support maintaining the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation architecture. He added that the two sides should join hands to advance the noble cause of modernization for over 2 billion people in China and ASEAN. The two sides should push for alignment and cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific; build a common homeland that features peace, tranquility, prosperity, a beautiful environment, and friendship; and foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, said Wang. He also called for upholding the environment for peaceful development that has been shaped over the past decades, firmly rejecting the Cold War mentality, and opposing any attempt to stoke conflicts between major countries or camp-based confrontation, said Wang. Kao Kim Hourn said China is a good neighbor and friend of ASEAN, as well as a reliable long-term cooperative partner, adding that the bilateral cooperation enjoys a profound foundation, extensive areas and fruitful results. ASEAN is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy and green development, he said, also expressing the willingness to work with China to promote energy transformation, enhance connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, and unleash cooperation potential to further advance the bilateral ties. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) NATO nations have been studying operations in Ukraine to extract useful lessons for defending themselves in a future war. One important vulnerability was the ease with which airbases and the aircraft there can be destroyed by short-range ballistic missiles. Russia started the war with a large stockpile of these difficult-to-intercept missiles. Ukrainians quickly developed weapons and techniques for intercepting aircraft and cruise missiles, but Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) had no ready solution. When the Russians used their ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets, the target got hit. European NATOs BMD plan was to have European air forces, reinforced by American warplanes and specialist support aircraft, quickly win air superiority against Russian airpower and air defenses and then smash Russian short-range ballistic missiles on the ground. The Russian air force proved as inept as ever in Ukraine, but the Russians had their ballistic missiles. Ukraine had dispersed their aircraft to many temporary locations and this limited the damage done by the ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defenses were able to make it difficult for Russian aircraft to operate and survive. European countries looked at their own air defenses and airbase vulnerability and realized they had problems. Since the 1990s European nations in general have spent a lot less on military capabilities. Currently, the Russian threat has been much diminished by the Ukrainian military and Western economic sanctions. The Russians make it clear that they will never give up on eventually absorbing neighbors who were once part of the Soviet Union. That list includes several post-1991 NATO members. That means the Russians will try again eventually. That gives European military planners and time to prepare for such an attack and reorganize to protect themselves from a surprise attack. It turned out that some non-NATO European nations had already taken precautions. These included air bases built into mountains and plenty of dispersed air fields. These were often little more than straight portions of highways where the air force had practiced shutting off ground traffic and converting that stretch of road into a temporary air strip. European nations have to fix the many problems they created and tolerated after 1991. This included sloppy personnel standards and poor training and maintenance practices. A combat-ready military costs money and leaders who will make sure things get done. Ukraine was a wake-up call that may soon be forgotten. One way to avoid that is to undertake long term projects, like building the hardened bases using tunnels dug into mountains. There are plenty of examples currently and in the recent past showing how this is done. For example, in 2019 Sweden reactivated its once secret Musko underground naval base. Built into the mountainous island of Musko, just south of the capital (Stockholm), the facility was never a secret to locals. Construction of the base began in 1950 and took 19 years to complete. Musko is connected to the mainland by a tunnel and a series of bridges between smaller islands. Parts of the base were usable in the 1960s before construction, which involved drilling, blasting and removing 1.5 million tons of rock, was completed. In addition to three docks for surface ships and submarines, there are also 20 kilometers of roads as well as numerous work, storage and living areas. In 2004, after 35 years of use, ships were moved from Musko to other bases and the underground facility was largely closed. Some parts of Musko remained in use and details of the base were no longer top secret. But in 2019 the navy decided to revive the use of the entire base. While some ships are based there now, Musko mainly serves as the main headquarters for the Swedish Navy. There are several road exits from the complex and plenty of office space inside. All of this was maintained during the decade the navy halted its use as a major navy base. Several other nations have, in the 20th century, built major underground military facilities. Switzerland, for example, has an airbase at Meiringen that is partially underground. While the main airstrip is outside the mountain, along a river, there are hangers and taxiways for aircraft built into the mountain. The Meiringen base began operations in 1941 and housed fighter aircraft vital for the defeat of any invading force. For a while, after World War II Meiringen was used mainly as an underground ammunition storage facility. In the 1960s more tunnels were dug for use as aircraft hangers and the base now serves F-18 and F-5 fighters. These aircraft can move directly into the main airstrip cavern wherein an emergency arrestor gear can be deployed to halt the aircraft if there is a problem during landing. World War II saw extensive use of underground facilities. During the 1930s the French built the Maginot Line along their German border. This was largely a series of tunnels and underground bases with aboveground cupolas for various weapons. The Germans built many underground structures during the war, including a large one for manufacturing their V-2 ballistic missiles. After World War II and the Korean War 1950-53) North Korea began building numerous underground facilities. What got this going was the extensive and effective use of American airpower against the North Koreans and their Chinese allies during the war. Currently, there are believed to be over 8,000 underground facilities in North Korea, including recently built ones for work on and storage of nuclear weapons. North Korea has also dug tunnels under the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) which forms its border with South Korea. Some of the tunnels that extended into South Korea were discovered and destroyed but South Korea believes there are still about twenty of them that extend into the five kilometer wide DMZ. These tunnels can accommodate up to 30,000 troops as well as vehicles and enable the troops to quickly exit near or in the DMZ if there were another war. North Korea has built many smaller naval bases into mountains along the coast for small boats and mini-subs. Most of these tunnels are less than a kilometer long but in wartime would provide shelter for small subs and boats carrying commandos. Most of the underground facilities (at least half) are for artillery and rocket launchers and are built close to the DMZ. In wartime, artillery and rocket launchers can emerge from tunnels, fire, and then withdraw back into the tunnels to avoid air attack or, for the rocket launchers, to reload. Many of these artillery tunnels are built on the reverse (facing north) slope of hills and mountains near the DMZ. Some of the heavier guns and rocket launchers are on rails and behind steel doors. The launchers or guns slide out on the rails, fire, then slide back in and the door is shut to avoid damage from air attacks. Many of these artillery tunnels are meant for bombarding South Koreas largest city and capital, Seoul which is 50 kilometers south of the DMZ. Since the 1960s Seoul has expanded enormously and some of the suburbs are a lot closer to the DMZ. There are also about 200 underground factories and weapons storage/repair sites. Most of these are near the Chinese border. The most recently built facilities, also near the Chinese border, are for the nuclear weapons program and assembling and launching larger ballistic missiles. There are also about ten underground living/working facilities around the North Korean capital Pyongyang. This includes at least 40 kilometers of underground roads and extremely well protected bunkers for the most senior leaders. During World War II the Japanese built more and more underground facilities on Pacific islands with the most extensive system built under the island of Iwo Jima. American marines suffered 26,000 casualties, including 6,800 dead, during five weeks of fighting to take Iwo Jima. Most of the 21,000 Japanese troops manning these fortifications fought to the death and only 216 were taken prisoner. The Japanese were observed building similar facilities on their home islands to oppose a planned 1946 invasion. It was estimated that the invading allied forces would suffer over half a million casualties dealing with these fortifications. The only alternative was to completely blockade and bomb the home islands for another year, which would have left several million Japanese dead and many more starving. The alternative was the two atomic bombs dropped in mid-1945, which compelled the Japanese to do the (to them) unthinkable and surrender. The development of smart bombs in the late 20th century provided another way to deal with these fortifications. These bombs and missiles can be dropped in large quantities outside the range of air defenses and destroy or disable most of these facilities. The U.S. and South Korean air forces have invested in a lot of smart bombs for just that sort of attack. Many of these bombs are penetrators that burrow through many meters of earth and concrete before exploding. These are used against the largest and most important underground facilities. The Americans and South Koreans have trained to do this on a large scale in the event of a war and the North Koreans are faced with a countermeasure they never anticipated or prepared for. The underground facilities have other vulnerabilities. Many of the underground factories near the Chinese border depend on hydroelectric dams and generators for power. Take these out and the facilities quickly become useless. Iran also relies a lot on underground facilities for building weapons and for their ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Iran and North Korea have cooperated on the design and construction of these facilities and the Iranians dont have any solution for the smart bomb attacks either. Over a decade ago China built underground hangars for aircraft at an airport outside the city of Le Dong, on the southern island of Hainan (near Vietnam). There is also a submarine base that has underground docking facilities for nuclear and diesel-electric subs, created by tunneling into coastal hills. The underground facilities not only protect the boats from air or sea based attack, but enable maintenance and modifications to be done in secret. Same deal with the airport tunnels, which are also visible to anyone passing by on the ground. But there's nothing as compelling as pictures. Humza Yousaf, the new leader of the Scottish National Party, has vowed to deliver independence. Yousaf, a Pakistani-origin Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), will replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scotlands new First Minister. Yousafs vow has shone a fresh spotlight on Scottish demand for independence from the United Kingdom. Lets take a closer look at a brief history of Scotland and why the vow of independence will be difficult to achieve: Ancient times As per Smithsonian Magazine, Scotland in ancient times was inhabited by several tribes. The Romans, who turned up fresh after conquering southern Britain in the first century AD, called the locals Caledonians. After some initial success, the Romans struggled to expand their territory in the face of Guerrilla warfare. By 212 AD, the Romans left the region. The Vikings were the next invaders to come calling in the late 8th Century. In 843, Kenneth MacAplin, a tribal leader, managed to knot together the clans to take on the Vikings. MacAplin thus arguably became Scotlands first king making the country one of the worlds oldest states. Modern Scotland After Elizabeth I of England died without leaving an heir, King James VI of Scotland, her first cousin twice removed, took over as monarch of Britain in 1603. James, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots who was executed by the Virgin Queen would henceforth be known as James I of England. Though James and his successors ruled over both dominions, Scotland remained an independent state till 1707 when Great Britain was formed. In the 18th Century, England and France found themselves at odds. Afraid that Scotland would side with the arch-enemy, London blocked trade and deprived Scots of property they owned south of the border unless they agreed to create a single country. After much debate and widespread Scottish hostility both the Scottish and English parliaments were dissolved on 1 May, 1707, and replaced with a new British one. Scotland in recent times Today, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland binds England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK has an overall population of about 68 million, of which Scots make up some 5.5 million. In 1998, the then Labour government passed the Scotland Act which created the Scottish Parliament and devolved some powers from Westminster. In a 2014 referendum, the Scots voted 55 per cent to 45 per cent to remain in the United Kingdom. At the time, both sides agreed the plebiscite would be a once-in-a-generation poll. However, nationalists argue that the vote for Brexit two year later changed everything. While the United Kingdom as a whole voted in favour of leaving the European Union in 2016, a clear majority in Scotland voted to stay in the bloc. Independence supporters say one of the main arguments put forward in 2014 by opponents of a break-up was that an independent Scotland could not join the EU. The SNPs position The left-wing, nationalist Scottish National Party (SNP), which has run Scotlands devolved assembly since 2007, also argues that the UK government has pursued policies with which the vast majority of Scots disagree. In the last national election for the UK parliament in 2019, the SNP won 45 per cent of votes cast and 48 of the 59 Scottish seats, while Britains ruling right-wing Conservative Party captured just six. In elections for the Scottish parliament in May 2021, the SNP said it would seek to hold a referendum if pro-independence parties won a majority. The SNP together with the Scottish Greens, who also support secession, won more than half of 129 seats in the parliament, giving a pro-independence majority to ensure any referendum bill could be passed. In June, Sturgeon had announced plans to hold an independence referendum on 19 October, 2023. An uphill task But its not that easy. Under the Scotland Act, all matters relating to the Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England are reserved for the UK parliament in London. Westminster can grant the Scottish government the authority to hold a referendum using a so-called Section 30 order, a process that was used to allow the 2014 plebiscite to go ahead. The UKs previous prime ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson have repeatedly said the 2014 vote should not be repeated for a generation and refused permission for a referendum. Worse for the nationalists, the UKs top court in November ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold a second referendum on independence without approval from the British parliament. In the aftermath of that ruling, Sturgeon had repeated her vow to campaign in the next UK-wide election, expected to be held in 2024, solely on a platform of whether Scotland should be independent, making it a de facto referendum. We must and we will find another democratic, lawful and constitutional means by which the Scottish people can express their will. In my view, that can only be an election, Sturgeon said. Now, with Sturgeons resignation, it is up to the 37-year-old Yousaf to fulfill the promise of getting independence done. However, opinion polls since the 2014 vote have mostly continued to show a majority of Scots support remaining in the UK. A YouGov poll conducted between 30 September and 4 October found 45 per cent would back independence. The rest 55 per cent said they would vote no. Yousaf had served as the Health and Social Care minister in Sturgeons Cabinet until Sturgeon announced her resignation last month, triggering a leadership contest within the governing party for the devolved region. Yousaf defeated his closest rival finance minister Kate Forbes, who spent some of her formative years in India, where her parents worked as Christian missionaries, and now faces a vote at the Scottish Parliament of Holyrood on Tuesday before being formally confirmed as the regions First Minister. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A cheetah has perished just a few months after being introduced to Indias Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Forest officials said that the female cheetah named Sasha, who was four and a half years old, died as a result of kidney issues. She was one among eight animals that were relocated from Namibia in September of the previous year. The feline had reportedly not been doing well prior to being transported to India, according to officials. Also read: Two friends, two siblings and more: Who are the eight cheetahs coming to India from Namibia? Sasha was suffering from a kidney ailment Sasha was a captive-bred cheetah. According to Hindustan Times, in the third week of January, she contracted a renal infection, which is common among animals, and was undergoing treatment at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur, officials of the state forest department said. Susan Yannetti, spokesperson of Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Namibia-based wildlife NGO that is part of the project to relocate cheetahs in India, Sasha died at around 8 am on Monday. At this point, renal failure is suspected. The Madhya Pradesh forest department, in a statement on Monday, claimed Sasha was suffering from a kidney disease before her translocation. However, Laurie Marker, the CCFs convener, disagreed with the claim. Sashas creatinine level was above 400 (an indicative of impaired kidney function) which resulted in her death. According to Livemint, several reports suggested that she was in quarantine and was offered buffalo meat owing to frailty. The cheetah was about to shift into a soft predator-free enclosure, officials had stated a month earlier. As per the statement, officials first found out about her ill health on 22 January, when she was evidently lethargic. It added that Sasha was examined by three veterinarians, who found that she needed treatment and was brought to the quarantine enclosure on the same day. Blood tests at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal confirmed she had a kidney infection, the statement said. For the past two months, Sasha was treated by all wildlife doctors posted in Kuno, Namibian expert Dr Ilai Walker and South African expert Dr Adrian Tordif. On 18 February, veterinary expert Dr Laurie Marker came to Kuno with 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa and checked on her health. South African experts appreciated that despite such a serious illness, Sasha was relatively healthy due to proper care and treatment, the statement said. According to India Today, Sasha was released at Kuno on 17 September last year as part of Indias cheetah reintroduction programme. During the initial days, all the big cats were kept in quarantine under observation before being released into larger hunting enclosures in November. Since then, the cheetahs have hunted independently and shown signs of adjusting to their new environment. Also read: 12 cheetahs begin their journey from South Africa, to reach India tomorrow Eight cheetahs brought to India Eight cheetahs had been transported to Madhya Pradesh and released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022, seven decades after they had gone extinct in India. Meanwhile, as part of the ambitious plan to restore the gorgeous species into Indian woods, 12 cheetahs arrived from South Africa early this year, reported Livemint. The number of Namibian cheetahs released into the wild in Kuno National Park increased to two last week, making a total of four. Three female cheetahs still survive in hunting enclosures. The group of eight comprised five females and three males. In 1947, the last cheetah in India perished in the Koriya district of modern-day Chhattisgarh, and in 1952 the species was officially deemed extinct. To reintroduce them in India, the former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh launched Project Cheetah in 2009. As part of its efforts to renew and diversify the nations wildlife and habitat, the central government gave the initiative fresh life last year. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The US continues to struggle with horrific mass shootings, with dozens dying each year. According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a mass shooting is one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the perpetrator. So far this year, there have been 9,870 gun-related fatalities in the United States or an average of more than 114 a day. Heres a closer look at gun deaths in America. How many people died from gun violence this year? According to the non-profit gun violence tracker, suicide fatalities accounted for 57.9 per cent of all gun violence deaths this year. In 2023, there were 67 suicide deaths on average every day. 338 teenagers and 60 children were among the people who were killed this year as a result of gun violence, reported ABC News. The report stated Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Louisiana have had the most deaths from these causes. The depressing casualty rate from gun violence includes 322 victims of shootings by police officers. The Gun Violence Archive listed 344 shootings as unintentional. There have been 130 mass shootings so far in 2023, which have resulted in 193 fatalities and 493 injuries. At least 13 K-12 school shootings have occurred so far this year, and the most recent one occurred in Nashville, Tennessee, on 27 March, when three pupils and three staff members at the Covenant School, a Christian school for preschool through sixth graders, were shot dead. Mass shootings on the rise According to Associated Press, mass shooters have killed hundreds of people throughout US history in realms like stores, theatres and workplaces, but it is in schools and colleges where the carnage reverberates perhaps most keenly places filled with children of tender ages, older students aspiring to new heights and the teachers planting the seeds of knowledge, their journeys all cut short. Since 2014, the number of gun-related deaths in the US has exceeded 39,000 per year, as per the data from Gun Violence Archive. Even still, fewer people have died from firearms since 2016, 2017, and 2018, when more than 50,000 people died annually. In 2022, there were 44,310 such fatalities. A three-year rise that started in 2020 is quite evident in the rate of mass shootings this year. The total annual number of mass shootings has increased from 417 to 610 during 2019 and 2020. In 2021, it increased once again, to 690. How many guns are there in America? The countrys mass shootings have drawn attention to the fact that the United States is the most heavily armed country in the world. CNN News cited the data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation from 2019 showing that the rate in the US is eight times higher than in Canada, where gun ownership is the seventh highest in the world, 22 times higher than the European Union, and 23 times higher than Australia. According to Small Arms Survey, a Geneva-based organization, there are about 120 guns for every 100 Americans. No other nation has more civilian guns than people. In addition, a November 2020 Gallup survey found that roughly 44 per cent of American adults live in a home with a gun and that about one-third of them personally own one. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April 2021, almost a third of American respondents believe that if more individuals had weapons, crime would decrease. However, numerous studies reveal that gun-related deaths, such as suicide, homicide, and unintentional injury, seem to be more frequent in areas where people have easy access to firearms. What is the administration doing? The first gun reform legislation in decades was signed into law by President Joe Biden in June, even though it was not as comprehensive as he had hoped, according to ABC News. The legislation, however, did not ban assault weapons. Even so, supporters of gun control continue to call for stricter regulations. According to the outlet, on the fifth anniversary of the devastating massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida politicians Representative Jared Moskowitz and Representative Maxwell Frost spoke with GMA3 and urged Congress to take additional steps to reduce gun violence. Five years later, we believe we have made some progress, Moskowitz said, but then pointed out that nothing has changed. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In Japan, its possible to enjoy a coffee while an owl perches on your head, or to sit at a bar where penguins stare out at you from behind a Plexiglas wall. The countrys exotic animal cafes are popular with locals as well as visitors seeking novelty, cuteness and selfies. Customers can even buy animals at some cafes and bring them home. But visitors of these venues may not realise that many of these cafes put wildlife conservation, their own and public health, and animal welfare at risk. In an exhaustive survey of Japans animal cafes published this year in the journal Conservation Science and Practice, researchers found 3,793 individual animals belonging to 419 different species, 52 of which are threatened with extinction. Nine of the exotic species they found, including endangered slow lorises and critically endangered radiated tortoises, are strictly banned from international trade. Some species we saw are of very questionable origins, said Marie Sigaud, now a veterinarian and wildlife biologist at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, who conducted the study as a postdoctoral researcher at Kyoto University. Many of the animals are most likely caught in the wild, and this has implications for their long-term survival. The potential for transmission of disease from animals to humans is also worrying, Sigaud said. At a typical cafe, individual animals of different species are crammed together in a small room where people are allowed to touch them while having a drink, said Cecile Sarabian, a cognitive ecologist at Nagoya University and co-author of the findings. Many of the animals are under stress and its an excellent interface for the exchange of potential pathogens, she said. The laws governing animal cafes are quite weak, Sarabian added and the researchers are calling on Japans government to strengthen them. Officials at Japans Ministry of the Environment did not respond to requests for comment. Exotic animal cafes are not uniquely Japanese. Since the first known animal cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998, featuring cats and dogs, the concept has rapidly spread across the region. A 2020 study identified 111 such businesses in Asia, primarily in Japan but also in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and Cambodia. Japan, however, seems to have become the epicentre of the phenomenon, Sigaud said. The researchers visited some cafes in Japan in person and also searched online and across social media in both English and Japanese for keywords such as pet cafe, otter cafe and petting zoo. They found 142 exotic animal cafes across the Japanese archipelago and made a list of all the species they observed in photos posted on the cafes websites and social media accounts, excluding insects. The number and diversity of animals came as a surprise, Sigaud said. Birds accounted for 62 per cent of species, and 40 per cent of them were owls. But the researchers also recorded dozens of reptiles and mammals. Thirty-eight of the cafes also offered options for buying the animals they displayed owls, primarily, but also species as diverse as sugar gliders for $150 to $300 (Rs 12,331 to 24,663); ball pythons for $455 to $1,290 (Rs37,404 to 1.06 lakh); secretary birds for $20,500 (Rs 16.84 lakh); and red-tailed black cockatoos for $23,250 (Rs 19.11 lakh). Some of the species were of particular concern, including critically endangered ones such as the pancake tortoise and the Central American river turtle. Others were of questionable origin. Bengal slow lorises and Sunda slow lorises, for example, are endangered species from South and Southeast Asia that are frequently the victims of poaching and are strictly banned from international trade. They are difficult to breed in captivity, Sigaud said, and no professional facilities for these species exist in Japan. So where are they coming from? Sigaud said. Its hard to believe theyre legal. The international trade of 60 per cent of the species the researchers identified in cafes is regulated by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, and most of these animals were registered as coming from captive breeding facilities when they were imported into Japan. Only 14 per cent were marked as coming from the wild, though the researchers say this is likely an underestimate, because no records exist for the 40 per cent of species not regulated by CITES. Wild animals such as otters are also known to be laundered as captive bred to make their trade legal, they point out. In a CITES database search spanning 1975 to 2019, the researchers also found no records of any imports into Japan of seven species whose trade is strictly controlled but that are present at animal cafes, including the Bengal slow loris, spotted pond turtle and barred eagle-owl. These gaps trigger more questions than answers, Sarabian said. Sarabian and her colleagues also flagged welfare concerns at cafes. Animals can become stressed through constant handling, birds of prey are chained to perches and nocturnal species are made to interact with visitors throughout the day, she said. Nearly all species are kept in small cages and artificial environments, and are looked after by people with no specific training or qualifications to work with wildlife. Kohei Kimura, the owner of Funny Creatures Forest, an animal cafe in Kyoto that specialises in reptiles, said he often heard criticisms like the ones raised by the new study, including that cafes keep protected species and that the animals there are mistreated. Kimura whose cafe exhibits around 40 types of reptiles, plus three owls and some tropical fish said he took extra care to ensure he was not contributing to these problems. He sources all of his animals from wholesalers in Japan or breeds them himself. He forbids customers from touching the owls while they are sleeping, he said, and has built his own specialised cages for the reptiles because the commercially available cages are too small. Kimura, who has loved coldblooded creatures since he was a child, said he opened his cafe to share the charm of reptiles with others. A big lizard can make you feel like youre raising a dinosaur. In Japan, reptiles are often disliked and thought to be scary, but in reality, many of them are gentle, he added. Timothy Bonebrake, a conservation biologist at the University of Hong Kong who was not involved in the research, said the new study demonstrated the need for stronger regulations and oversight for Japans exotic animal cafes. Overall, I think the analysis makes clear that there is an alarming number of threatened species in these cafes with questionable origin, he said. But he noted that with proper regulation, it may be possible for animal cafes to play an active role in conservation, much as many zoos do: by raising public awareness and fondness for wildlife. I do wonder often about the possible benefits, he said. Rachel Nuwer, c.2023 The New York Times Company Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I am taking the time out for dialogue. From a will to prevent the rift in the nation, I have decided to delay the second and third reading in order to reach a broad consensus, said Israels Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday as he agreed to suspend a planned judiciary reform that brought the nation to a standstill. The Israeli prime minister in a national address lasting around seven minutes, said he would hold discussions and bring the legislation up for a vote sometime after lawmakers return from a recess at the end of April. He emphasised however that he was determined to pass the contentious judicial reform but called for an attempt to achieve broad consensus. Heres a look at what happened in Israel and what the country can expect next. Protests grip the nation Since January when Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan to reform the judicial system, which would give politicians more power over the courts, there has been unrest in the country. Activists and locals argue that the overhaul is Netanyahus way of quashing possible judgments against him in corruption trials. They contend that the new legislation is a danger to democracy. Also read: Timeline | Israels worst domestic crisis over controversial judicial reforms On Monday, the protests became the worst the county has witnessed after Netanyahu fired his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who expressed his dissent over the judicial reforms. An estimated that 600,000 people took to the streets to protest the proposals on Monday, bringing the capital Tel Aviv and other cities to a standstill. Chants of the country is on fire rang out loud across the nation and protesters lit bonfires on Tel Avivs main highway and even gathered outside the Knesset, the parliament, to put more pressure. Tens of thousands of people waving blue and white Israeli flags gathered outside Netanyahus home in Jerusalem, at one point breaching a security cordon. Israels largest trade union group Histadrut labour federation also called for a strike on Monday, leading to an almost closure of the country. Banks shut down, hospitals cancelled non-urgent treatments. Universities cancelled classes. The chaos also saw the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport, causing cancellation of several flights, affecting peoples travel in and out of the country. Work even halted at the countrys main seaports. Thousands of military reservists also threatened to boycott duty, leading to fears in Israel that the countrys military readiness would be impacted. The situation took a turn for the worse on Monday as diplomats at Israeli missions overseas also protested against the reform and went on strike. Yaniv Levy, the Histadrut spokesman, said the missions were providing only emergency services. Ambassadors and consuls-general were among those on strike. The massive protests even prompted Israeli president Isaac Herzog to state that the government should halt the reforms immediately. For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I call on you to halt the legislative process immediately, Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial post, said in a statement. The entire nation is rapt with deep worry, he added, in an appeal to the government. Our security, economy, society all are under threat. Check out our other stories on Israels judical reforms and the protests Israel witnesses biggest protest in history: What has angered the public? Israel crisis deepens over judiciary row: Benjamin Netanyahus many, many legal troubles Explained: Why Israeli protesters are dressed up as characters from Handmaids Tale Pressure from abroad The protests swelled as the day progressed leading to other countries expressing concern about the situation. A New York Times report states that in the 48 hours before Netanyahu reluctantly delayed his effort to overhaul the Israeli judiciary, his government was bombarded by warnings from the Joe Biden administration that he was imperilling Israels reputation as the true democracy at the heart of the Middle East. The report added that Joe Biden in a phone call to Netanyahu had said that major changes to the system must only be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support. Shortly after Israel announced a pause on the reforms, British foreign secretary James Cleverly welcomed the news, emphasising the importance of checks and balances. Earlier, this week when Netanyahu had visited London, Reuters had reported that Rishi Sunak had raised the matter. The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel, Sunaks office had said as per a Reuters report. Even the United Nations human rights chief had urged Israel to pause the reforms, saying that if passed, these changes risk weakening human rights protections for all. Uncertain future Facing pressure from all corners, Netanyahu announced that he would delay the process to next month after the Jewish Passover holiday from 5-13 April, to give time for a real chance for a real debate. However, protesters refuse to be placated by the move. Protester Zev Soane told The National that the fight was not over, despite the delay. We have a saying: were not afraid of the long path. Evil people can stoop to lows that good people cant, so it will take time. Well just have to beat them in the next election, which well do by even more, he said. Organisers of the protests were quoted as telling Al Jazeera, A temporary freeze does not suffice, and the national protests will continue to intensify until the law is rejected in the Knesset. Haggai Matar, executive director of +972 magazine told Al Jazeera that the halt to the reform was probably a delaying tactic. The opposition and the protest movement have said, time and time again, two things that need to serve as a foundation for negotiations, he said. One is completely stopping, not just slightly delaying, the legislation process. Right now the legislation process is at a point where Netanyahu, if he wanted to, can revive it and within less than a day have it approved. Former head of the Israeli Intelligence Directorate and managing director of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Major General Tamir Hayman said that postponing the vote until after the Passover holiday will not end anger on the streets. The protests will continue unless Netanyahu will note publicly that he was mistaken when leading that reform, and (that) he is holding all future motivations to renew the judicial reform, Hayman told CNN. This is the only scenario where we will see a complete stop of all the demonstrations. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To use, or not to use, Bard? That is the Shakespearean question an Associated Press reporter sought to answer while testing out Googles artificially intelligent chatbot. The recently rolled-out bot dubbed Bard is the internet search giants answer to the ChatGPT tool that Microsoft has been melding into its Bing search engine and other software. During several hours of interaction, the AP learned Bard is quite forthcoming about its unreliability and other shortcomings, including its potential for mischief in next years US presidential election. Even as it occasionally warned of the problems it could unleash, Bard repeatedly emphasised its belief that it will blossom into a force for good. At one point in its recurring soliloquies about its potential upsides, Bard dreamed about living up to the legacy of the English playwright that inspired its name. Bard explained that its creators at Google thought Shakespeare would be a good role model for me, as he was a master of language and communication. But the chatbot also found some admirable traits in HAL, the fictional computer that killed some of a spacecrafts crew in the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. Bard hailed HALs intelligence calling it an interesting character before acknowledging its dark side. I think HAL is a cautionary tale about the dangers of artificial intelligence, Bard assessed. Whats better Bard or Bing? Bard praised ChatGPT, describing it as a valuable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, and I am excited to see how it continues to develop in the future. But Bard then asserted that it is just as intelligent as its rival, which was released late last year by its creator, the Microsoft-backed OpenAI. I would say that I am on par with ChatGPT, Bard said. We both have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we both have the ability to learn and grow. During our wide-ranging conversation, Bard didnt display any of the disturbing tendencies that have cropped up in the AI-enhanced version of Microsofts Bing search engine, which has likened another AP reporter to Hitler and tried to persuade a New York Times reporter to divorce his wife. Its funny, but tamer than Bing Bard did get a little gooey at one point when asked to write a Shakespearean sonnet and responded seductively in one of the three drafts that it quickly created. I love you more than words can ever say, And I will always be there for you, Bard effused. You are my everything, And I will never let you go. So please accept this sonnet as a token of my love for you, And know that I will always be yours. But Bard seems to be deliberately tame most of the time, and probably for good reason, given whats at stake for Google, which has carefully cultivated a reputation for trustworthiness that has established its dominant search engine as the de facto gateway to the internet. An artificial intelligence tool that behaved as erratically as ChatGPT periodically might trigger a backlash that could damage Googles image and perhaps undercut its search engine, the hub of a digital advertising empire that generated more than $220 billion (Rs 18.08 lakh crore) in revenue last year. Microsoft, in contrast, can afford to take more risks with the edgier ChatGPT because it makes more of its money from licencing software for personal computers. Bard admits its not perfect Google has programmed Bard to ensure it warns its users that its prone to mistakes. Some inaccuracies are fairly easy to spot. For instance, when asked for some information about the AP reporter questioning it, Bard got most of the basics right, most likely by plucking titbits from profiles posted on LinkedIn and Twitter. But Bard mysteriously also spit out inaccuracies about this reporters academic background (describing him as a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, instead of San Jose State University) and professional background (incorrectly stating that he began his career at The Wall Street Journal before also working at The New York Times and The Washington Post). Also read: Trump vs Biden: ChatGPT is as biased as the people working on AI bots When asked to produce a short story about disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Bard summed up most of the highlights and lowlights of her saga. But one of Bards three drafts incorrectly reported that Holmes was convicted of all the felony charges of fraud and conspiracy levelled against her during a four-month trial. Another version accurately reported Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud and conspiracy without mentioning she was acquitted on four other charges (the jury hung on three other charges that were subsequently dismissed by prosecutors). I am still under development, and I am not perfect, Bard cautioned at one point. I can sometimes make mistakes, and I can sometimes be misunderstood. I am also aware that my technology can be used for both good and evil. Whats next for Bard? Although Bard insisted it doesnt have a dark side, it acknowledged it can be used to damage reputations, disseminate propaganda that could incite violence and manipulate elections. I could be used to create fake news articles or social media posts that could spread misinformation about candidates or their policies, Bard warned. I could also be used to suppress voter turnout by spreading discouraging messages or making it difficult for people to find information about how to vote. Dont miss: ChatGPT thinks Elon Musk more controversial than Che Guevera, rates him same as Jeffrey Epstein On the lighter side, Bard proved helpful in finding interesting colouring books for adults and hit some notes that resonated during a discussion of rock and roll. When asked who is the greatest guitarist of all time, Bard responded with a broad list of candidates ranging from well-known rock artists such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin to jazz virtuosos like Django Reinhardt before making the case for Jimi Hendrix as a strong contender for the title, his music continues to influence and inspire guitarists around the world. Bard also seemed familiar with contemporary artists, such as Wet Leg, which recently won a Grammy award for best alternative music album. Ive been listening to their debut album a lot lately and I really enjoy it. I think they have a bright future ahead of them, Bard said, and cited Ur Mom and Chaise Longue as its favourite songs by the group so far. Even with Bards occasional miscues, it seemed savvy enough to ask about its potential role in reaching the singularity, a term popularised by computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil to describe a turning point in the future when computers will be smarter than humans. Some people believe that I am a big step toward the singularity, Bard said. I believe that I am a valuable tool that can help people to learn and understand the world around them. However, I do not believe that I am the singularity, and I do not believe that I will ever be able to replace human intelligence. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. From Pakistan to Scotland. Its a long road between the two nations but on Monday that distance was gapped when Scottish nationalists picked Humza Yousaf to be the countrys next leader. The current health secretary edged out competition from Kate Forbes by a narrow margin and against Ash Regan to become the head of the Scottish National Party (SNP), after former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tendered her resignation from the position in mid-February. In winning, he has become Scotlands first Muslim leader. The next step will be for him to be formally nominated to be the First Minister by the Scottish Parliament a vote that is due on Tuesday in Holyrood. Yousaf will then be officially sworn in at the Court of Session, Scotlands supreme civil court, on Wednesday. Below we look at his career in politics to date and his beliefs. Early life and political career As immigrants of this country who knew barely a word of English, they could not have imagined in their wildest dreams that their grandson would one day be on the cusp of being the next First Minister of Scotland, Yousaf said after he won the vote on Monday. And its true. Though Yousaf was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1985, his grandparents had moved to the country back in 1962 from Mian Channu in Punjab, Pakistan. Yousafs mother, also of South Asian descent, emigrated to Scotland from Kenya. He was privately educated at Hutchesons Grammar School in Glasgow and studied politics at the University of Glasgow. After his studies, Yousaf briefly worked in a call centre before becoming a parliamentary assistant to SNP MSP Bashir Ahmad and later an aide to Alex Salmond. In 2011, a then slightly more than 25-year-old Yousaf made history by becoming the youngest-ever member of Parliament. And since then, he has only climbed the political ladder and gaining in reputation. Yousaf became the first Scottish Asian and Muslim to be appointed as minister to the Scottish Government in 2012 when then First Minister Alex Salmond appointed him as the Minister for External Affairs and International Development, responsible for external affairs, fair trade policy and diaspora. When Sturgeon took over from Salmond, he continued his junior ministership. He then became justice secretary in 2018 and introduced the Hate Crime and Public Order bill which made stirring up hatred on religion, sexual orientation, age, disability and transgender identities an offence. Yousaf has also served as transport minister, and international development minister, before becoming the health secretary in 2021. However, its not been all smooth sailing for him. His political performance has been far from stellar. As transport minister in 2016, he was fined 300 (Rs 30,370) for driving a friends car without insurance. He also faced criticism for the performance of ScotRail after Abellio took over the contract to run the rail franchise, which ultimately led to it being nationalised. As health secretary, he was criticised for the long hospital waiting times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he had defended himself, saying the problem wasnt unique to Scotland and, in fact, the country was the only one in the UK to avoid strikes by NHS (National Health Service) staff. Scotlands expectations from him With Yousaf winning the SNP vote, it marks the end of the acrimonious and unpredictable leadership contest. Yousaf has been widely seen as the continuity candidate and the favourite of the SNP leadership, even though Sturgeon refused to endorse anyone. He pledges to preserve the partys progressive values; he is the poster child for multiculturalism in 2016, after winning his second term as an MSP, Yousaf delivered his oath of allegiance in Urdu while wearing a kilt. In 2011, he had worn a sherwani while taking oath. He has liberal views on matters of immigration as well as gender. He was one of the proponents of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 which legalised same-sex marriage. He also extended his support to Sturgeons controversial Gender Recognition (Reform) Bill which will allow trans persons to self-identify. This legislation has been blocked by the Rishi Sunak government as of now. He is also a firm advocate of Scottish independence, but has said that he will not follow Sturgeons path to independence. He has said that the party needs to get back to making the case for independence, rather than endlessly debating process. We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland, Yousaf said in Edinburgh after the result. He also said an independent Scotland should look at ditching the monarchy, telling the National newspaper in an interview: Lets absolutely, within the first five years, consider whether or not we should move away from having a monarchy into an elected head of state. Furthermore, he has stated in a BBC interview that he is his own man and will do things my own way. Yousaf added: I have a lot of admiration, as you would imagine, for the excellent work Nicola Sturgeon has done as first minister. But she had a certain leadership approach. Mine would be less inner circle and more big tent. Challenges ahead of him The road for Humza Yousaf is going to be tricky and full of roadblocks. He faces the monumental task of bringing together a party that has been driven apart by a bitter leadership contest. Yousaf will also have to prove himself and that too quickly. While Sturgeon enjoyed positive approval ratings, her government did not. An Ipsos poll found that across a number of policy issues including on health care, education and standard of living more people think that the Scottish government is doing a bad job than think theyre doing a good job. As The Politico reports, there are some in his party itself who question whether hes up to the job, given his struggle to avoid negative headlines in previous Cabinet jobs. Nobody including his backers looks at Humza and says theres our leader for the next 10 years or even that hell win independence, an SNP adviser was quoted as telling The Politico. It is left to be seen if he sinks or swims. But for now its interesting to see that the three leaders of Britain, Scotland and Ireland all have leaders of South Asian origin Britains Rishi Sunak, now Scotlands Humza Yousaf and Irelands Leo Varadkar. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Helsinki: Finland has moved one step closer to joining NATO after Hungary ratified the Nordic countrys bid on Monday. A similar decision is expected in the coming weeks from Turkey, the only alliance member that hasnt approved Finlands membership. Still, there are specific steps and procedures that are required before Finland becomes the 31st full member of the Western alliance: Acceptance letters Hungary and Turkey once it has ratified Finlands bid dispatch acceptance letters to the United States which is the depositary or safekeeper of NATO under the alliances 1949 founding treaty. Also read: Why Finland wants to join NATO and why Russia has objections to it The letters will be filed in the archives of the US State Department which will immediately notify NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the conditions for inviting Finland to become a NATO member have been met. Invitation NATO subsequently sends Finland an invitation letter signed by Stoltenberg to join the military alliance. Signatures Finland sends its own acceptance document, signed by Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, to the US State Department. Haavisto was authorised to sign the document by President Sauli Niinisto. Either the Finnish Embassy in Washington or a Finnish government official will deliver the document. Full membership Once Finlands membership acceptance document reaches the US State Department in Washington, the Nordic country officially becomes a full NATO member. Finland-Sweden Finland and neighbouring Sweden announced their intention to join NATO in May 2022. The countries, which have close cultural, economic and political ties submitted their bids together and planned to enter the alliance simultaneously. Swedens bid, however, has stalled due to opposition from Turkey whose president has said his country wouldnt ratify membership before disputes between Ankara and Stockholm are resolved. The Turkish government has accused Sweden of being too soft on groups that it deems to be terror organisations. Moreover, Hungarys parliament has yet to ratify Swedens NATO membership bid and it remains unclear when it will do so. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. One of the aides of absconding Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has links to Pakistan, intelligence agencies have claimed. Sources told NDTV that the pro-Khalistan preachers financier Daljit Singh Kalsi is close to Saad Bajwa, the son of former Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. As per the report, Kalsi had links to Saads Dubai-based company and had also visited the United Arab Emirates city for two months. Lets take a closer look at Amritpal Singhs aides that have hit the headlines recently. Daljit Singh Kalsi Kalsi, who has been detained under Section 3 (2) of the National Security Act, is a close associate and adviser of Amritpal Singh, as per Hindustan Times (HT) report. Kalsi often accompanied the Waris Punjab De chief during his public appearances since the Khalistan sympathiser arrived in India last August. A resident of Delhis West Punjabi Bagh, Kalsi set up an office in Delhi some time back and worked as an agent for modelling and movie contracts in Punjab, reported NDTV. As per HT, Kalsi is believed to be behind Amritpals anointment as Mukh Sevadar of the Waris De Punjab movement following the death of Deep Sidhu in a road accident in February 2022. HT report last week said Kalsi had submitted a memorandum against India to the Consul General of Pakistan in Canadas Vancouver. As per the NDTV report, Kalsis two-month stay in Dubai, the dates of which are unknown, was arranged by gangster Lakhbir Singh Sandhu also known as Landa Harike. Harike has been accused of several high-profile crimes in Punjab, including the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack at Punjab Police Intelligence headquarters in Mohali in May last year. Moreover, it is alleged Kalsi was in contact with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sources told NDTV that Amritpals aide has links to a gangster close to the Bambiha gang and is also close to gangster Neeraj Bawania. Papalpreet Singh Papalpreet Singh is reportedly another close aide of the pro-Khalistan preacher. He was Amritpals media advisor. As per an Indian Express report, Amritpal and Papalpreet who has a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science and a three-year polytechnic diploma have likely fled to Nepal and are hiding there. The police have reached out to the local police in Kathmandu to monitor the duos movements and prevent them from escaping to a third nation. Amritpal Singh now in Nepal. Pictures of his free run in Punjab are galore on Social media. Cops clueless. What a joke! pic.twitter.com/xh0lCjjblQ Aman Sharma (@AmanKayamHai_) March 27, 2023 38-year-old Papalpreet and Amritpal were last spotted on 19 March at the formers friends house in Shahbad, Kurukshetra. Papalpreet and Amritpals picture recently went viral on social media. As per News18, the image was taken a day after the Punjab Police launched a crackdown against Amritpal and his Waris Punjab De outfit. Sources told Indian Express Papalpreet claimed to be a video journalist and an activist. In 2015, he was arrested and booked for sedition after police accused him of having links to Pakistans intelligence agency, reported Indian Express. Papalpreet had joined Simranjeet Singh Manns party Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) in 2017 but left within a year. He also ran a website that investigating agencies said was a Khalistan propaganda site, as per the Indian Express report. Varinder Singh Another close aide of Amritpal, Varinder Singh alias Fauji, was recently arrested in connection with the Ajnala police station violence case. On 23 February, 30-year-old Amritpal and hundreds of his armed supporters had stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to get another supporter, Lovepreet Toofan, out of the jail. Varinder is a resident of Johal Raju Singh Wala village, which falls under the Patti sub-division of Tarn Taran district, as per HT. Varinder, who is a retired constable from the Indian Army, has been slapped with the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Assams Dibrugarh jail in the Ajnala case. He served as Amritpals bodyguard and was among the 10 gunmen who always accompanied the pro-Khalistan leader, as per The Tribune. Ultimatum to the Punjab government Meanwhile, Akal Takht issued a 24-hour ultimatum on Monday to the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, demanding the release of Sikh youths picked up during the crackdown on Amritpal Singh. The Akal Takht is the highest seat of authority for the Sikhs. Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said after convening a meeting of panthic organisations that if the ultimatum was not honoured, the Akal Takht will launch Khalsa Wahir, reported The Times of India (TOI). Singh also asked why the stringent NSA was invoked against only those who supported Amritpal and his demand for Khalistan. There are lakhs who demand Hindu Rashtra. Those who are calling for Hindu Rashtra should also be booked under NSA, the jathedar said, as per NDTV. All the Sikh bodies, including SGPC and SAD will go to people and highlight how the Sikhs are being terrorised and defamed, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president also told the media on Monday, as per TOI. Earlier, the Akal Takh had asked the Waris Punjab De chief to surrender before the police and cooperate with the investigation. Following the crackdown, the Punjab Police arrested over 100 aides of the Khalistan sympathiser. The Punjab government has said it has asked the police to release those not involved in any anti-national activity. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The shooter who killed six people, including three 9-year-old pupils and three adults, at a Christian elementary school in Tennessees capital city Nashville in the United States on Monday (27 March) was a former student who had prepared a detailed map of the school, as per the police. Armed with two assault-style weapons and a handgun, the assailant entered The Covenant School by firing through a side door, John Drake, the chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said, as per The New York Times (NYT). The attacker went to the second floor and fired at the arriving officers, before being killed by police. The police identified the shooter as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale. There was confusion regarding the attackers gender, who earlier the police said was a woman but later said Hale identified as transgender. Citing a social media post and a LinkedIn profile, NYT reported that Hale identified as male in recent months. As per Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit that tracks gun violence data, this was Americas 129th mass shooting this year. Lets take a closer look at how most mass shootings are carried out by men in the US. Rare mass shootings by women According to the Violence Project, a nonprofit research group, it is quite rare for a mass shooter to be a woman. The nonprofit describes mass shootings as where four or more people are killed. The database compiled by the project on every mass shooting in the US since 1966 shows that the majority of the massacres are carried out by men between the ages of 18 and 25, Dr Jillian Peterson, a researcher at Hamline University, told Insider. As per the database, 98 per cent of mass shootings have been committed by men. In a statement after the Nashville shooting, the group said: The shooting today is a stark reminder that mass shootings are not exclusive to men. However, if we look specifically at K-12 school shooting cases in our database, the perpetrators were 100 per cent male. Most were current or former students of the schools they targeted, the statement added, as per USA Today. According to separate data collated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), out of the 61 mass shooters in 2021, only one was female. In 2020, out of 42 mass shooters recorded by the FBI, 35 were men, Insider reported. Instances of women mass shooters It was previously believed that Hale was the first female school shooter to have killed four or more people, the Violence Project said, as per USA Today. However, there have been instances of mass shootings carried out by women in the past. As per the Projects database, four of the 191 mass shooters in the US since 1966 have been women, reported New York Post. Two out of these four women had partnered with a male gunman. In 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer opened fire at Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego killing two adults and leaving nine, including eight children injured. When asked why she carried out the massacre, Spencer, who remains in a California prison, had told a reporter: I dont like Mondays. This livens up the day. In 2006, Jennifer San Marco opened fire at a sorting centre where she had worked in Californias Goleta, killing six postal workers before taking her own life. She had also shot dead a former neighbour earlier that day, reported New York Post. In 2015, Tashfeen Malik and her husband Syed Farook gunned down 14 and injured another 17 people at a social services facility in San Bernardino, California. In another recent instance of gun violence carried out by a woman, Nasim Aghdam shot and wounded three people before fatally shooting herself at YouTubes headquarters near San Francisco in 2018. The police said she was upset with the video platforms practices and policies. The same year, a former employee of Rite Aid support facility in Marylands Aberdeen city, 26-year-old Snochia Moseley, shot three people and injured three others before taking her own life, as per CNN. Why do mass shootings occur at schools? The Violence Project mapped the life histories of school mass shooters. It found that 92 per cent of the shooters were suicidal before the shooting or took their own lives during the attack. The project says 85 per cent of the school mass shooters showed signs of a crisis leading up to the attack. Around 93 per cent had shared their plans before committing gun violence, mostly with a classmate. Nearly 73 per cent of the mass shooters had a history of childhood trauma, reported USA Today. As many as 64 per cent showed an interest in or studied previous mass shootings, the project said. Check out our other stories on gun violence in the US Americas Darkest Side: How gun violence claims 114 lives on an average every day Nashville shooting: A look back at the worst gun violence in US schools Nashville school shooting: Who was the transgender woman who killed 6, including 9-year-old pupils? Why are men more prone to carry out gun violence? Experts say men are more prone to committing violence, including mass shootings. Speaking to USA Today, Adam Lankford, a criminal justice professor at the University of Alabama, said men involved in such massacres are usually due to an unhealthy amount of their self-worth to status and so in many cases, men and boys are killing to achieve status or to defend their status. Men commit the overwhelming majority of mass shootings for basically the same reasons they commit most violent crimes, Dewey G Cornell, a licensed forensic clinical psychologist, told CNN in 2018. Men tend to be more violent than women because of a complex interaction of evolutionary and psycho-social factors. Men tend to be more aggressive and less inhibited by empathy, and men in distress seem to be less willing to turn to others for help, he added. The Violence Project says men are behind more than 90 per cent of homicides worldwide because of a host of biological, social, economic, and cultural factors, including societal expectations and gender roles. Mark Bryant, executive director of the Gun Violence Archive, told USA Today that out of 4,025 mass shootings since 2013, 101 incidents involved a female shooter. It describes a mass shooting where four or more people are killed or injured, not including the shooter. As per Insider, Bryant said that more men are responsible for mass shootings than women because they turn to guns as a tool more easily than women do. Guys, in general, from the time they were three or five have played with guns and so theres more of a straight-up use of guns as a tool, Bryant said. When it comes time, guys are more fascinated by guns than girls tend to be. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Russian military has suffered, and continues to suffer, heavy losses in Ukraine but is still planning on how to rebuild and expand. Planners ran into a major problem upon discovering that, somehow, wartime losses and emigration had greatly reduced the number of men able to serve in the military. Another problem is the cost of this rebuilding. Russia hasnt got the cash to pay for recruiting, equipping and training the new troops. The Russian plan calls for a force containing 600,000 volunteer (contract career) soldiers and several hundred thousand conscripts. This latest and greatest new plan ignores past experience with contract soldiers. These men were willing to serve in a peacetime force that would defend the motherland. Invading a neighbor and running into very hostile and lethal locals was unexpected and unacceptable. Many of the contract soldiers who survived the initial weeks of the invasion quit the military, with many justifying this on the ground that their contracts had been violated. This was technically illegal but there were so many departing contract soldiers that the government just let them go. The government planners seem to have forgotten this but many of the military-age men they plan to recruit remember and are not interested. The government response to this is chiefly more attempts to deceive potential recruits into signing up. The number of military age men coming of age is falling rapidly because of a low birth rate. There are also long-used methods to avoid conscription or otherwise being forced into the military. These techniques were developed two centuries ago when the Russian monarchy first introduced conscription. Families would try to hide their military age men, simply leave the country, or bribe conscription officials. The proportions of each varied over time leaving the country was not possible during most of the communist period, while bribery rose in the 1990s and really took off after the first Chechen war (1994). The government got new soldiers any way they could and life went on. 21st Century Russian recruiters have tried to adapt but the young men and their families are not cooperating. Long before the Ukraine invasion disaster, Russia was struggling with the task of rebuilding the military after the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991. Russia needed soldiers and they became increasingly hard to obtain since the 1980s and that got worse after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Having tried just about everything else, Russia sought Russian-speaking foreigners from former Soviet republics that had become independent. Foreign recruits had to meet the psychological and physical standards, and especially if they had needed skills, good jobs are available. Not many Russian-speaking foreigners were interested. This inability to attract new recruits, even with conscription, put the government in an embarrassing situation because promises were made on this issue and not kept. Not once but multiple times. Some of the solutions make the problem worse. For example, in 2012 the government assured the public that conscription would end by 2020 and be replaced with better paid and trained volunteers (contract soldiers). That did not happen because of a shortage of volunteers and money to pay them. To make matters worse the number of eligible conscripts continues (as expected) to shrink. This also puts at risk plans to also create a large reserve force. The decline in available conscripts could be seen in the official number of conscripts expected for the semi-annual draft. Russian conscription still operates like the original 19th century version when it was easier to take the conscripts twice a year. The late 2017 draft expected to obtain 134,000 conscripts, compared to 152,000 in late 2016. Only 147,000 were available for the early 2017 draft and the decline continued into the 2020s. It was obvious that conscription could not be eliminated until the mid-2020s at the earliest and even that was seen as too optimistic because the military, under pressure to meet the quota, takes a larger number of young men who are unfit for service and leaves it to the units that receive these men to sort that out. That can be made to work in peacetime but if there is any combat it quickly leads to disaster. All industrialized nations (including China) now suffer from the problem of too many potential recruits being overweight, out of shape or illegal drug users. In 2015 the conscript problem became a major domestic scandal because the government violated the law by sending conscripts into eastern Ukraine, where there was some combat. At first the government insisted that the law allowed conscripts to go if they were volunteers and signed a consent form. But families complained that a growing number of conscripts were sent in who had not volunteered and that they were sent to a combat zone that the government insisted contained no Russian troops. Some commanders were found to be using deception to get conscripts to volunteer and sign a document attesting to that, so they could be sent into Donbas (eastern Ukraine), which is not a declared war. Apparently some conscripts, caught up in the nationalist NATO is conspiring against us propaganda the government has been pumping out with increasing frequency and intensity, really did sign the document willingly. They were also encouraged by the much higher pay offered for those serving in a combat zone. But as often happens in the military, some volunteers were acting under duress or were deceived when told signing the contract was a formality to justify the extra money for some special training exercises inside Russia. Some of these volunteers later figured out where they really were and deserted inside Ukraine and shared details of their experiences with Ukrainians and others outside Russia. This sort of thing was officially denied and denounced by the Russian government via the government controlled mass media. But the Internet is another thing and there were a growing number of Russians who called out their government for lying about what is going on in Ukraine and for forcing conscripts into combat zones. Some of those conscripts were sent back to their families in sealed coffins with the explanation that it was because of a training accident. Other soldiers who served with some of the dead soldiers, especially those who were also conscripts, provided more accurate and embarrassing, to the Russian government, versions of what went on. Meanwhile, despite resistance from Russian traditionalists in and outside the military, Russia moved ahead after 2012 to establish a Western style military reserve system, composed of troops who are fully trained to begin with, who would regularly refresh that training, and be capable of being quickly mobilized and operating as effectively as active duty troops. This was a big departure from over a century of using less well trained reservists. The new system was supposed to be operational by 2016 and look similar to the reserve system currently used in the United States and other Western nations. The Russian plan did not work out as expected. Rebuilding their reserve system was an attempt to revive the Russian secret army that long drove foreign intelligence analysts nuts because it was difficult to ascertain just how good these reserve troops were. During the Cold War it was known that the first Soviet secret army, composed of former conscripts (reservists with no training after discharge), was not as good as the Soviet leadership believed but good enough to halt, just barely, the 1941 German invasion. After the Cold War ended in 1991, and a lot of secrets were briefly available from the wreckage of the Soviet Union, it was discovered that the Cold War era secret army was more of a shambles than the pre-1941 one. In the 21st century the Russians are determined to do it right. The only problem now is the falling price of oil. Sales of oil are a major part of the national economy and the falling oil price plus Ukraine-related financial sanctions means there was less money for military programs. The reserve program was a victim of this. The old Russian cadre/conscript/reserve system looked impressive on paper but was a mess when actually used. Traditionalists in the Russian military still believe the old system is better than trying to import Western ideas. Yet the recent experience with the traditional reserve system says otherwise. For example, at the end of the Cold War, Russia had over 150 combat divisions in its army. But only a third of these were at full strength in peacetime, the rest were reserve divisions. The Russians planned to mobilize over two million men to fill out their reserve divisions in wartime. In peacetime the reserve divisions and their equipment were maintained by a skeleton crew of active duty soldiers. In theory, this mass reserve system could work and its use against German invaders in 1941 was the best example of that. But it rarely worked well for Russia. In 1914 the Germans demonstrated to their disbelieving opponents that reserves could be as effective in wartime as regulars. The Germans did this by requiring their reserves to train regularly, much like the current American system. Russia could not afford this, although attempts were made to do some training. Most Russian reservists were assigned to a unit they had never seen and never would see unless they were called up. Despite the disastrous performance of their reserves in 1914 and 1941, when Russia called up reservists for their invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 they were forced to quickly withdraw them and bring in regulars. The reservists just weren't effective. Before 1991, Russia maintained an additional fifty divisions on paper, to be raised in wartime from reserves and obsolete equipment held in storage. These units, with troops in their thirties and forties using equipment as old as themselves, were known to be no match for an equal number of active divisions. But such "mobilization" divisions can make a difference, if you believe that quantity has a quality all its own. Now that Russia has sold, scrapped, worn out, lost in combat, or mislaid over 100,000 Cold War era armored vehicles and other equipment, bringing back the old reserve system is not only difficult, but probably more expensive than adopting a Western model. In fact, given the cost of modern equipment and the economic problems, as in not enough cash for any government endeavors, by 2000 reviving the old reserve system was impossible. The pre-1991 Russian system kept track of every veteran until the age of fifty. That was their reserve manpower, and about all they did was keep track of current mail addresses. Many nations still use the same general concept for their reserves. Unable to afford the expense of regular reserve training, the usual source of men with current experience are those discharged in the last few years. Russia has been using conscription since the 19th century and during the Cold War there was a constant supply of recently discharged men for the reserves. That reduced Russia's reserve to a million men times the number of years you want to go back- say two to five million men. This was a major flaw in the Russian system, as it has been found that soldiers lose most of their military skills within a month of leaving active service. It takes several months to get these skills back. If troops are sent into combat before they have been retrained, their units will do very poorly against a better trained opponent. This was demonstrated in Ukraine during 2022 and 2023. The Russian system, based on the one developed in 19th century Germany, was suitable for a nation lacking great wealth. It was cheap, because it had to be. During the Cold War a Russian reservist could not be called up for more than ninety days a year unless a national emergency was declared. This was not done out of any regard for the reservist but in recognition of the labor shortage and economic disruptions that would be created. Most reservists were never called up. An example of the problems inherent in this system could be seen in the Russian mobilization against Poland in 1980. In areas adjacent to Poland Russia had 57 divisions. At least 40 would be needed to guarantee a quick conquest of an increasingly uncooperative Poland. Of the 57 available divisions, only 28 were fully manned and 24 of those were active units already assigned to East Germany and Czechoslovakia. These were for dealing with a NATO invasion or local rebellion in those two countries. Because of possible unrest in Eastern Europe, or interference from NATO countries, the divisions in East Germany and Czechoslovakia were left alone. This forced the use of 36 reserve divisions and bringing most of them in from other areas. Over half a million men would have to be called up. This would have a noticeable effect on the local economy, as over 50 million man days would be lost. In addition, there would be the expense of maintaining the troops and the loss of civilian trucks taken by the army for activated reserve divisions. This strain on the local economy was one of the critical, but not mentioned, factors causing Russia to demobilize and not attempt to pacify Poland by invading. Local officials were also not cooperating because they were not going to be reimbursed by the central government for what the local governments spend on this. Russia made it appear that they were being diplomatic but they were faced with causing enormous economic disruption in Russia areas adjacent to Poland, and that could have led to unrest in Russia itself. Economic disruption is not the only problem Russian-style mobilization armies face. These armies rely heavily on conscripts, to the extent that 75 percent of their manpower were conscripts serving for two or three years. Most of the noncommissioned officers were conscripts of dubious quality. Russian officers are all volunteers and graduates of military academies or civilian universities. These officers also perform many of the supervisory tasks normally assigned to NCOs in Western armed forces. Supervision, management and leadership of Soviet troops was inadequate in peacetime and became even more inept when millions of reservists were mobilized. The mobilized army was about 85 percent conscript, with the rate going over 90 percent in a third of the divisions. If history is any guide, this third of the Russian Army was probably less than half as effective as the top third. The solution to these quality problems is training. Most Western armies train their reserves, or attempt to. Training is critical because an effective soldier is very much a technician. The effective maintenance and use of weapons and military equipment is possible only with constant practice. Reserves that do not regularly practice require one or more months to regain their skills. Personnel with prior military service are easier to whip into shape for combat because of their familiarity with military routine. Because of their prior service, reserve troops have demonstrated an ability to function in a military environment. However, one should not place too much reliance on prior military experience. Unless these troops maintain good physical conditioning and some knowledge of their military skill, they are not a great deal better than raw civilian recruits. The old Russian reserve system provided large numbers of troops but very low effectiveness. The Russians were aware of this, being diligent students of past experience. Their solution was to prepare for a short war, short enough so their deficiencies would not catch up with them. This was not to say that Russia could not win a long war. They were victorious during World War II, but at a cost of 30 million dead (18 percent of the population) and a ruined economy. Many of those losses were the result of sending newly mobilized, and so effectively untrained, reservists out to face German combat veterans. Russia made this same short war mistake in 2022 when they invaded Ukraine. Against the invaders, defending Ukrainians had an advantage because they were defending their country and were not only more motivated, but were better trained and led than most of the Russian invaders because they had adopted Western training methods including effective NCOs. NATO countries sent Ukraine billions of dollars worth of weapons, ammunition and equipment each month of the war. Most of Russias peacetime combat forces have by now been destroyed by heavy personnel and equipment losses. Times have changed. Nuclear weapons make it unlikely that anyone would try to mount a major invasion of Russia. Inside Russia trained reservists would be useful for a local rebellion or natural disaster. This is how they have successfully been used in the United States and other Western nations. Russia wants some of that and believed it would be able to afford to build such a force in the 2020s. Heavy losses in Ukraine have set back those plans by a decade or more after the Ukraine War ends. Its yet another dark day in America marred by a mass shooting. On Monday, a heavily armed former student attacked a private elementary school in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three staff members. Three of the victims were students aged nine at Covenant School; the adult victims were employees at the institute and one was the head of the school. Police identified the pupils as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adult victims were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Koonce was the head of the school. The suspect was identified as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old who identified as a transgender woman. Hale was shot dead by the police. The shootout Police received the first call about the incident at 10:13 am local time on Monday. Hale drove to the school in a Honda Fit and barged in by firing through one of the school doors, which were all locked, according to a report by the BBC. The suspect was armed with three guns including a semi-automatic rifle. They fired shots on the ground floor and then moved to the second floor of the building. As police cars arrived, Hale fired at them and a windscreen of one of the vehicles was hit. One officer was reportedly injured by the broken glass. Police rushed inside the school building and shot the suspect dead at 10.27 am, the BBC reports. Also read: The grim reality of gun violence in the US The shooter Nashville police chief John Drake identified Hale as a transgender woman on Monday afternoon. But Hale listed He/Him pronouns on a LinkedIn profile. It is unclear whether Hale identified as a man or woman at the time of the killings. The police searched a car parked near the school, which gave them clues to the identity of the alleged attacker. They firmly believe that Hale was a former student of the school. Hales home is around five kilometres away from Covenant School. Police officers reached the address and carried out searches. More weapons were reportedly recovered from there, in addition to the ones used in the attack, including a sawed-off shotgun and a second shotgun, reports the BBC. In a tweet, Metro Nashville Police shared a photo of the car driven by Hale and the doors that the shooter shot out to gain entry into the school. Hale entered the Covenant building after shooting out the glass of these doors. pic.twitter.com/EC5e7bA5dN Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 28, 2023 A LinkedIn profile and personal website reportedly linked to Hale describe them as a graphic designer who created logos for businesses. They graduated from Nossi College of Art with a degree in illustration and graphic design last year, according to their LinkedIn profile, reports Fox News. Nossi College of Art & Design is described on its website as the only college in Tennessee designed specifically as an art school. Hale also worked as a part-time grocery shopper. A planned attack According to the police, the suspect had no previous criminal records before the shooting at Covenant School. However, Mondays attack was carefully planned. Hale left behind a manifesto, had maps of the school detailing surveillance and entry-exit points, and was prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement, the police chief told reporters following the latest outburst of gun violence to stun the United States, reports AFP. In an interview with NBC News, Drake said that the suspect was likely plotting a broader attack, as the manifesto indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them. Asked whether Hales identity could be a factor in the motive, Drake said authorities feel that she identifies as trans, but were still in the initial investigation into all of that and if it actually played a role in to this incident. US president Joe Biden has ordered the flags at the White House and all federal buildings to be flown at half-staff to honour the victims of the school shooting. The order will be in effect until Friday, according to the White House. Also read: Nashville shooting: A look back at the worst gun violence in US schools A spat of shootings Gun violence continues to haunt the US. Mondays shooting brings the number of mass shootings up to 129 this year. The country recorded more than 100 mass shootings by 5 March with the rate rising faster than it has in the past ten years, reports Daily Mail. In 2022, the country surpassed 100 mass shootings on 19 March, 14 days after this years date. In 2021, the date was 20 March and it was 3 May in 2020. The Nashville shooting is the 129th this year. There have been 13 school shootings in 2023. "Americans are tired of fearing if they or their families will be the next victims of a mass shooting. Our children are tired of being told to run, hide, and fight, Kris Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, an organisation seeking to mitigate gun violence in the US, told CNN in early March when the country crossed 100 mass shooting in the year. Mass shootings continue to pick up even after last years bipartisan gun safety law. More legislation is the need of the hour but the US Congress remains divided. The gun ownership numbers are stark. There are about 120 guns for every 100 Americans, according to the Switzerland-based Small Arms Survey. No other nation has more civilian guns than people, reports CNN. About 44 per cent of US adults live in a household with a gun, and about one-third own one personally, a November 2020 Gallup survey points out. America has more deaths from gun violence than any other developed country per capita. The rate is eight times greater than Canada, 22 times higher than in the European Union and 23 times greater than in Australia, according to Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation data from 2019, reports CNN. Mass shootings remain the countrys biggest shame. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Washington: A rampage Monday at Nashvilles Covenant School that left three children and three adults dead plus the gunwoman is only the latest in a tragic and relentless cycle of US school mass shootings. Police said they believe the shooter, a 28-year-old Nashville woman armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, was a former student at the school. Here are Americas deadliest classroom gun massacres of the last quarter century. Robb Elementary School (2022) Nineteen students and two teachers were shot dead on 24 May, 2022 when an 18-year-old gunman stormed their Uvalde, Texas elementary school and opened fire. As families mourned the victims, an uproar swelled over the police response. Officers eventually shot and killed the assailant responsible for Americas worst school shooting in a decade. But it soon emerged that more than a dozen officers waited for over an hour outside classrooms where the shooting was taking place and did nothing as children lay dead or dying inside. In October the education board that oversees schools in Uvalde suspended the police force whose bungled response to the mass shooting was widely criticised. Santa Fe High School (2018) Ten people, including eight students, were killed when a 17-year-old student armed with a shotgun and a revolver opened fire on his high school classmates in rural Santa Fe, Texas. Classes had just started on the morning of 18 May, 2018, when the shooting began. Following the tragedy, Texas Governor Greg Abbott unveiled 40 recommendations, mainly focused on increasing armed security on school campuses and stepping up mental health screenings to identify troubled children. Gun ownership can be a point of pride for many Texans, and even some Santa Fe High School students spoke out against linking the shooting to the need for better gun control. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (2018) On 14 February, 2018, a 19-year-old former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who was expelled for disciplinary reasons returned to the Parkland, Florida, school and opened fire. He killed 14 students and three adult staff. Stoneman Douglas students have become crusaders against gun violence under the banner March for Our Lives, lobbying for tougher gun control laws and organising protests and rallies. Their campaign took off on social media, mobilising hundreds of thousands of young Americans but so far failing to bring about significant legislative action. Sandy Hook Elementary School (2012) A 20-year-old man with a history of mental health issues killed his mother in Newtown, Connecticut, on 14 December, 2012, before blasting his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School. Twenty children, aged six and seven, were shot dead, as well as six adults. The shooter then committed suicide. The parents of Sandy Hook victims have led numerous campaigns to toughen gun control laws, but their efforts have largely failed. Conspiracy theorists have falsely claimed the massacre was a government hoax, involving actors in a plot to discredit the gun lobby. The far-right agitator Alex Jones was ordered to pay nearly $1 billion (0.8 lakh crore) in damages for making such claims. Virginia Tech (2007) A South Korean student at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute opened fire on the Blacksburg, Virginia, campus on 16 April, 2007, killing 32 students and professors before taking his own life. Thirty-three people were wounded. The gunman had apparently idolised the shooters at a 1999 school massacre in Columbine, Colorado, referring to them as martyrs in a video, part of a hate-filled manifesto he mailed to police during his assault. Columbine High School (1999) Two teenagers from Columbine, Colorado, armed with an assortment of weapons and homemade bombs, went on a rampage at their local high school. Twelve students and a teacher were killed during the 20 April, 1999, massacre. Another 24 people were wounded. Columbine, whose name has become synonymous with school shootings, was one of the first and still counts among the deadliest such shootings in the United States. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tegucigalpa: A battle in the intense diplomatic war between China and Taiwan is being fought in Latin America, where Honduras has become the latest country to ditch Taipei and align itself with Beijing. Paraguay will be the next front as it holds a presidential election in April, with Opposition candidate Efrain Alegre having vowed to re-evaluate relations with Taipei if he wins. After Honduras severing of ties with Taiwan on Sunday, only Paraguay and 12 other countries now maintain diplomatic relations with the self-ruled democratic island: Guatemala, Belize, Haiti, the Holy See, Eswatini, and seven small Caribbean and Pacific island nations. Taiwans president, Tsai Ing-wen, is set to visit Guatemala and Belize this week seeking to boost ties after Honduras and others recently shifted their allegiance to China: Nicaragua in 2021, El Salvador in 2018, Panama in 2017 and Costa Rica in 2007. She will also have stopovers in New York and Los Angeles. We are facing a geopolitical recomposition of the world, Honduras analyst Zoyla Madrid, recently retired from the National University, told AFP with China one of the imperial poles vying for Latin American support. Also Read: Honduras says economic needs forced Taiwan-to-China switch In that race, the decision by Honduras was a blow to Washington, said Madrid. The United States has always counted on Honduras geopolitically and militarily, in fact Honduras has seven US military bases, she said. The United States has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but a robust unofficial relationship, according to the State Department. It is Taiwans most significant ally and largest weapons supplier, despite having switched recognition to Beijing in 1979. Do as I say, not as I do China considers Taiwan part of its territory, to be retaken one day by force, if necessary. Under its One China policy, it does not allow countries to recognise both Beijing and Taipei. After the Honduras move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington has offered its support to people on Taiwan but that it also stood by the One-China policy. Countries have to make their own sovereign decisions about their foreign policies, he said. We leave that to them. Honduran sociologist Pablo Carias told AFP that Washingtons position amounted to Do as I say, not as I do. The United States is recommending that we do not establish relations with China and yet they have relations, he said. For Paraguays former foreign minister Eladio Loizaga, it seemed unlikely his country would switch recognition to Beijing although it cannot be ignored that there is very great political pressure. Added analyst Hector Cristaldo: Looking at the numbers, there is nothing to discuss when it comes to Paraguays diplomatic loyalty. It is not the same to do business with Puerto Rico as with the United States, said Cristaldo. Before deciding to cut ties, Taiwan claimed, Honduras had asked it for money, saying it would not engage in a meaningless cash diplomacy contest with China. More openings for China Latin America has been crucial to the diplomatic struggle between Beijing and Taipei since they separated in 1949, after the Chinese civil war. The communists seized power in mainland China, while the nationalists retreated to Taiwan. Also Read: Explained: The rising influence of China over West Asia Sung Wen-ti, a lecturer on Taiwan studies with the National Australian University, said Taiwan would be disappointed about losing another ally. But it likely assigns just as high, if not higher priority (to) strengthening relations with other leading countries around the world, countries like the US, Japan, Australia, and Europe, for example. Sung added Taiwan has been playing an increasingly prominent role in the worsening rivalry between the United States and China. And while the United States increasingly needs to prioritise where it spends its strategic resources there may be more openings for China in terms of economic assistance to make friends in Latin America, Africa, Pacific Islands, he said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Its a question that is often posed: Does your job make you happy? After all, job satisfaction and happiness derived from the workplace is an important aspect to a persons mental health and overall well-being. And now after years of research and surveys, researchers at Harvard finally have the answer to which jobs are the unhappiest. And if you thought entry-level positions or low-paying jobs was the answer think again. So, want to know which are the unhappiest jobs in the world? Read on to find out. And the unhappiest job in the world is A Harvard University research has revealed that the type of jobs which tend to be the unhappiest are most often the loneliest ones, where employees are bereft of working with a team. This conclusion was drawn after the team collected data from more than 700 participants from across the world after quizzing them about their work lives. The research has been ongoing since 1938 and the scientists have been reaching out to the participants every two years about their jobs. Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Harvard Study Of Adult Development, told CNBC that the study confirms something we have known all along teamwork is not just necessary for productivity but also for employee morale. He added, Its a crucial social need that should be met in all aspects of our lives. Plus, if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work. So if you sit away in your house, away from your team, chances are you are unhappy at work. The study, however, also pointed out that loneliness doesnt just afflict those in solitary jobs even people with busy, social jobs can feel isolated if they dont have positive, meaningful interactions with others. The study went on to list some of the loneliest jobs in the world, which included night-shift jobs. It said that tech-driven industries, including package and food delivery services or even online retail, are some of the loneliest jobs and hence, the unhappiest in the world. Jobs that involve more independent work than interpersonal relationships or require overnight shifts, such as truck driving and night security, also are some of the most isolated ones, Robert Waldinger added. The research added that creating small opportunities for social connection at work can be restorative and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. Also read: Will recession put an end to work from home in 2023? Loneliness at the workplace Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, remote working has become more prevalent with an increasing number of people choosing to work away from the office. In fact, many firms are struggling to get employees back at the workplace. Remember, Metas Mark Zuckerberg giving a thumbs down to remote working, saying that engineers with some in-person working time (even if they later transitioned to remote work) performed better on average than people who joined remotely. Other companies like Apple and Disney also are struggling to get their employees back at the workplace. While employees do cite several benefits from remote working, most tend to ignore the loneliness factor that is involved in remote working. A 2019 study No Employee an Island: Workplace Loneliness and Job Performance found that loneliness hurt workplace performance in two ways. Firstly, people who were lonelier were effectively less committed to the organisation, the survey found. This means that they cared less and were not motivated to work as hard, which lowered performance. The other reason was that co-workers found those colleagues suffering from loneliness less approachable. This had a negative effect on work performance as a lack of interaction meant less information was shared with co-workers, meaning those suffering from loneliness were less likely to get the resources they needed. Dr Sebastien Fernandez, an organisational behaviour professor at EHL Hospitality Business School told Fortune that employees who report a higher amount of loneliness are more likely to suffer from depression, burnout, sleep problems, and substance abuse. A study by the University of Exeter in England also found that loneliness at the workplace could also make it much harder to find work in the future, due to the impact it can have on your mental health. The team found those reporting that they feel lonely often were significantly more likely to encounter unemployment later, even if they are not lonely when applying for the job. While they didnt explore why this was the case, they speculated it could be due to the impact loneliness has on mental health over time. Solution to workplace loneliness To eradicate this contagion, the first thing that firms and managers should do is to change and be more compassionate and inculcate a more emotional culture at work. Wharton Professor Sigal Barsade, who has studied the effects of loneliness at the workplace, told CNBC in a report that employers often assume loneliness is the fault of the individual, when they should be considering if it is a reflection of an organisational issue. Promoting and participating in social activities, even online, can help strengthen connections among co-workers. Setting aside dedicated times to connect can give employees the chance to improve information-sharing and teamwork. In addition to scheduling team events, try kicking off internal meetings with check-ins or casual updates on peoples days. Work experts have said that if such measures are taken employees may be a happier bunch and you know what they say about happy employees happy workers make the hardest workers! With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pune: India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability, and enhance the defence capabilities together, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday. He also said India is steadfast in its commitment to provide support to African partner countries in all defence-related matters, including capability enhancement of their armed forces, to ensure their economic growth and social development. Singh was speaking at the first edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave organised on the sidelines of the 2nd Africa-India Joint Exercise AFINDEX. As maritime neighbours linked by the Indian Ocean, our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography and countering terrorism and extremism will be essential for regional peace and prosperity, he said. He emphasised that the full potential of a nations progress can be realised only when its security is ensured. The conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations, along with other civil and defence dignitaries. India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance the defence capabilities together, the defence minister said. He said India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. A defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created in India which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. Singh described capacity building in terms of defence equipment and platforms as another critical aspect of Indias military cooperation with its African partners. He also invited the African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies to fulfil their security needs. The Indian defence industry can work with you to fulfil your defence requirements, he said. With the aim to empower African partner nations to indigenously meet their defence requirements, India is committed to sharing its expertise and knowledge in defence manufacturing, research and development, the defence minister said. Singh said India has been at the forefront of providing training to the armed forces of African nations and equipping them with the necessary skills to face the security challenges of the 21st Century. The training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations, he stated. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance, Singh said. He termed AFINDEX as a reflection of Indias continued focus on African nations to develop capacities and enhance mutual capabilities. The joint exercises between India and African nations provide an excellent opportunity for the armed forces to learn from each other and promote interoperability, he said. Singh said the preservation of individual human rights such as the right to life and personal liberty, the right to employment, and the right to livelihood is dependent on a strong and effective state apparatus which can ensure the rule of law as well as promote economic growth and social development. Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment, he added. Though many of us have come a long way since Independence, there are many African countries where the capacity building of state systems is still a work in progress, Singh said and stressed the need to build robust state structures which can cater to the needs and aspirations of the people. Singh said India and Africa are united by the common goals of eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable development, promoting peace and harmony and improving the quality of life of the people. He added that this partnership drives the South-South cooperation to build a truly multi-polar world order which is more responsive to the aspirations of developing countries. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Rahul Gandhis media conference on Saturday where he attacked a journalist for merely asking a routine question, is a new low even for his bottom-scraping standards. Apart from exposing his mentality, that of a school bully and a petulant child, the 52-year-old proved one more time why he is a failed politician and why no amount of packaging, repackaging, campaigning, relaunching and window-dressing will ever change the reality. The news conference, his first since getting disqualified as an MP, was a disaster. It could have been so very different. The situation that led to the presser was unusual. After a long time, it felt as if Congress has a strong political case to make. Regardless of the merit of the sentencing and the disqualification that followed, which is outside the purview of this piece, even a mediocre politician would have been able to create some tailwind. There could be a legitimate debate about the need for continuing with the archaic defamation laws. The disqualification, however, has followed the legal rulebook, and Gandhi isnt the first politician to fall foul of the law. But hes certainly the most high profile one. It threw light on the 2013 verdict of the Supreme Court in the Lily Thomas Vs Union Of India case where it was ruled that a lawmaker would be disqualified immediately, without any window of appeal, if sentenced to two or more years of imprisonment. Still, it seemed disproportionate that a politician is sentenced to two years of jail for defamation and disqualified as a lawmaker for rhetorical excesses during a speech, a culture quite common in the cut and thrust of Indian politics. The BJP and the Narendra Modi government may have nothing to do with the judicial process, but in popular perception one that Congress certainly hopes to fuel and capitalise on Rahuls debarment appears as if BJP is not just going after Gandhi but launching a nuclear device to target a man brandishing a wobbly stick. A skilled politician would have exploited the framing, spinning a narrative of persecution by the state and sacrifice for the nation. Critics of the BJP welcomed the development, hoping it would damage BJPs credibility. The stage was set. All that Gandhi needed to do at the news conference was stay true to the script that his speechwriters and managers would have handed out to him, and launch the narrative that even the BJP expected of him. But this is Rahul Gandhi, the scion of Indias political royalty whose imperial ways cannot be fathomed by mere mortals. Wearing his signature hurt look and a snugly fitted white polo that compliments his biceps, Gandhi swaggered into the presser and let it rip. In his own eyes, he was single-handedly slaying the media, that he considers an ally of the BJP, with truth bombs and fearlessness, even though the world was witnessing a petulant and immature politician who never tires of claiming that his politics is all about love, listening and compassion channeling his inner frustration and bitterness in full public glare. On BJPs demand that Gandhi must apologise for insulting the nation on foreign soil, Gandhi came out with his favourite line: My name is not Savarkar, I am Gandhi. I wont apologise. It is difficult to imagine a dafter statement reeking of recklessness and terrible political judgment. Rahuls statement gave Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde the opportunity to launch Savarkar Gaurav Yatra and put Congress ally, the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, in such a deep state of bother, that Thackeray was left with a trapeze-artist act to maintain the alliance yet shake off the slur against Savarkar, one of Indias greatest icons who is especially deeply revered in Maharashtra. It was difficult to understand what Gandhi was trying to achieve through the Savarkar slur. Yet if that revealed a lack of political acumen, no one was prepared for the explosion ahead. To a routine question by a senior beat journalist incidentally one who has covered the Congress party for a long time on what he thinks of BJPs charge that Gandhi had insulted the Modi community, Gandhi exploded into a frightful rage. He launched a fierce attack against the journalist and accused him of working for the BJP. After heaping insults on the shocked and bemused gentleman, Gandhi rounded it off with a street cant, Kyun hawa nikal gayi?, a mocking half-smile dangling at the corner of his lips, reflecting absolute, hostile derision for the media person who had the temerity to ask him a question that he deemed offensive. Gandhi wasnt dropping a truth bomb, he was name-calling and ridiculing a journalist who was trying to do his job. It reflected a breathtaking sense of entitlement. Gandhi behaved as if he was the feudal lord, rebuking a subject for falling out of line in his durbar where he expects nothing but homage and fealty from toadying hacks. If this the kind of bullying attitude Gandhi shows on camera in a presser, one may only imagine the kind of arrogance and boorishness he carries off camera. Yet Gandhis inglorious hour was a true reflection of the man that he really is. The rebel in him sometimes seeks to break free from the simulated image of a hard-headed democrat that the party wants him to adopt. Sometimes the pretense is too heavy a cross to bear. It must be tough for the Congress First Family to adjust to the new uncomfortable reality where journalists are not fawning courtiers of their imperial dynasty. This is a new India. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New Delhi: It is not just about the BBC. There has never been any love lost between the foreign media and the Indian right, led by the most popular head of state across the world, Narendra Modi. Conversely, the world mediaat least the torch bearers of itloves the left-Congress ecosystem. Another fact is that the global media has never come out of its orientalist ignorance about India. India cannot be the locus of any positive modern outlook of its own, is how the goggled Western media has always ogled at India. These are truisms. One cannot ignore when the global media toyed with India and its government during the Delhi Riots in the wake of the anti-CAA disturbances. Misreporting in the events of the riots was the hallmark of the Western press, especially in the case of the brutal murder of intelligence officer Ankit Sharma. While the BBC documentary on the Indian prime minister was just one more instance of the anti-India mentality of the popular Western media mindscape, the way the global press has come out to defend Rahul Gandhi against his conviction in the criminal defamation case over maligning the Modi surname is just fantastic. All journalistic ethics, professed so vehemently by these very media outlets, was thrown in the dustbin to give full sway to ideological bias that deliberately disrespected Indian law and courts as well. Moreover, while Gandhi was punished as per law, then disqualified as per law, the impression these media houses tried to peddle was that the Gandhi scion was victimised by the all-powerful PM Modi. Just a look at the headlines of a few of the better known global media houses in the matter will reveal their bias, not needing any logical reasoning at all. Sky News carried an article, titled, Rahul Gandhi: Indian MP sentenced to two years in prison for defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The famed Guardian carried a similar headline, as if part of a toolkit. It said: Rahul Gandhi found guilty of defaming Narendra Modi. The New York Times said: Rahul Gandhi, who leads the main opposition party, received a two-year sentence for a comment in 2019 criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the description to its article on the issue. (Italics mine). The Washington Post wrote: An Indian court on Thursday sentenced Rahul Gandhi, leader of the largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress, and a scion of past prime ministers, to two years imprisonment after he was found guilty of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech at a 2019 campaign rally. (Emphasis mine) Now, what could be the reason for this misreporting? The case was not filed by the prime minister. It was filed by a private individual, though related to the ruling BJP. The complainant felt bad at Rahul Gandhis hurtful remarks that maligned an entire community, an OBC community that uses the surname Modi. Plaintiff Purnesh Modi had said: I belong to the Modhwanik Ghanchi community which bears the Modi surname. The defamatory statements of Rahul Gandhi had hurt our sentiments. Where is PM Modi in all this? The case was not about defaming the prime minister at all, and yet the Western press tried to paint it that way. Let us come to Rahul Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament, consequent to the law of the land that lays down that any lawmaker who is sentenced to two or more years in jail automatically loses his/her membership of the house. The Guardians article was titled: Indian opposition leader expelled from parliament after defamation conviction. Mark the word expelled used instead of disqualification; mark the attempt at creating a discourse opposed to the facts. The New York Times carried an article on the issue, titled, Expelling Rahul Gandhi From Parliament, Modi Allies Thwart a Top Rival. Once again look at the suggestion: Rahul Gandhi was expelled, not disqualified as per law. The Washington Post too followed the same script, and therefore, the choice of words remains the same. Its article was titled, Indias top opposition leader Gandhi expelled from Parliament after conviction. One cannot, but conclude that there seems to be an anti-Modi, anti-India and pro-left pro-Congress toolkit in action. These are just some of the examples. If one were to just scour through the Internet and see western publications, almost all use the same terminology, suggesting that Rahul Gandhi has been wronged, that he is the victim of some witch-hunt. Conversely, the attempt is to paint PM Modi as having scripted a major conspiracy to wipe out some very powerful adversary. Even those sympathising with Rahul Gandhi in India are not going to the extent of positing him as a threat to the BJP or the prime minister. And, yes, last I checked, expelled has finally given way to kicked out. If not ideological bias, then the Ministry of External Affairs of India must give these media houses a crash course in Indian law and politics when they can give one to the Taliban. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Leadership transition in the Peoples Republic of China (PRCs) takes place twice in a decade; involves the Party and State Government. The Communist Party of China (CPC) held 20th National Congress in October 2022 where its leadership for five years term was decided. The State Government functionaries are elected by the National Peoples Congress (NPC). The first plenary session of 14th NPC was held in Beijing from 5 to 12 March 2023. Two Sessions-Framework The two-session (Liang Hui) is a collective term for the plenary sessions of the NPC and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held concurrently at the Great Hall of People. It is an annual feature of enormous political significance. While the NPC is a rubber stamp parliamentary body- composed of around 3,000 selected delegates, CPPCC on the other hand is a political consultative and advisory entity. As NPC meets only once a year, a Standing Committee comprising of some 175 handpicked legislatures works full time to formalise the policy decisions This year, the two sessions were highly consequential as a major leadership reshuffle was on the anvil. It was also the first meeting post 20th Party Congress where Xi Jinping was reappointed to the posts of General Secretary of the CPC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) for the record third time to two most powerful positions. This enabled Xi to establish absolute control over the Party, although he had to weather nationwide protests due to his Zero-Covid Policy. Salient highlights During the recently concluded NPC, the most significant event was the re-election of Xi as the president. In a carefully stage-managed show, Xi was formally handed an unprecedented third term when all the 2952 delegates of the NPC unanimously voted in his favour. Xi had set the stage for this special exception by amending the Party Constitution in 2018 and doing away with the two-term norm for the presidency. The new leadership lineup primarily comprises Xis loyalists. The six key members, all part of the apex CPC body Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) are Li Qiang the closest confidant of Xi is the new prime minister. The former Shanghai Party Chief, known for pro-business views is now in charge to revive the nations economy. Zhao Leji Xis trusted head of The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), a returnee of the previous PSC has been made the Chairman of the NPC. Wang Huning- another holdover from the earlier PSC has been appointed as the Chairman of the CPPCC. Cai Qi, former Beijing Party Chief now heads Partys Central Secretariat. Ding Xuexiang previously Xis Chief of Staff has been nominated as First Vice Premier. Li Xi- erstwhile head of Guangdong Province has taken over from Zhao as the head of anti- corruption watchdog. Other important officials of the cabinet include Qin Gang, Xis former Protocol Officer and later Ambassador to Washington. He succeeds Wang Yi (now a member of Politburo and head of the Partys Central Foreign Affairs Commission) as foreign minister, expected to follow his predecessors footsteps and could also be a special Representative on Indo-China border talks. Han Zheng, former member PSC and Vice Premier has been appointed as Vice President, the role being largely ceremonial. General Li Shangfu with military modernisation background was named as the new defence minister. He Lifeng, Xis associate, one of the four newly appointed Vice Premiers will be in charge of economic policy. Yi Gang, Governor of Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) and Liu Kun, Finance Minister have been retained despite the two reaching retirement age of 65 to ensure continuity but are no longer members of Central Committee, Partys elite decision making body. Even Li Xiaoping, son of former prime minister Li Peng has been reappointed as transport minister but had to step down from the Central Committee Xis Third Term: Agendas and Ramifications Having dispensed with the collective leadership model, Xi starts the third term with a further concentration of power. The fine balance that existed between the Party and State is set to tilt in favour of the former with the ongoing organizational reforms and restructuring in the Central Government. It implies that the State organs and business entities are likely to witness increased Party control. There are also hints of greater Party intervention in the legal sector as well. During the opening address, Xi highlighted the vision of Common Prosperity and high-quality development, the foremost task in building a modern socialist country. To rein in the financial sector, new National Financial Regulatory Commission and Securities Regulatory Commission are being established. With Xi laying emphasis on building self-reliance and strengthening science and technology, The Central Science and Technology Commission is to be set up to make China a leading technological power. Security tops the agenda, evident from Xis closing speech where he stated, Security is the bedrock of development while stability is prerequisite of prosperity. We must fully promote modernization of national defence into a great wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and national interests. Xi also highlighted one country-two systems and avoiding Taiwan split. At a meeting with the business leaders, Xi attributed the nations current economic troubles to Western nations animosity and openly accused the US. Chinas current defence budget of $225 billion marks a rise of 7.2 per cent. China is up against numerous challenges evident from the work report presented by the outgoing prime minister Li Keqiang wherein he highlighted the economic headwinds of high unemployment (around 20 per cent with respect to youth in the 16-24 years bracket) and sluggish consumption and precipitous drop in revenue from the land sale. Even the conservative economic growth target of 5 per cent may be hard to achieve. In the wake of repressive actions against private enterprises, there is little hope for the investments to return Xi begins his third term as an all-powerful leader seen as Mao 2.0; riding the Dragon solo amidst tough times, marked by internal uncertainties and an unpredictable international milieu. In pursuit of the China Dream, Xi envisions PRC to play an active part in global governance, evident from his 24 Character Guidelines. Hence, Communist Leadership behaviour is expected to be even more aggressive. Consequently, China is set to encounter increasingly hostile world as its belligerence is bound to be staunchly contested. Xi will deftly endeavour to find ways by mending fences with some, simultaneously pitting one barbarian against the other (Chinese old Strategy); while shoring up support back home by playing the nationalism card. The writer is a professor, Strategic International Studies, a war veteran and a former defence attache to China and North Korea. Views expressed are personal. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Mehul Reuben Das Pros Excellent Battery life Looks more expensive than it is Solid build quality Impressive main camera Impressive Super AMOLED, 120Hz display Samsungs software update policy Cons 25W charging, with no charging brick in the box Teardrop notch is unflattering on the display Could have been priced a little more aggressively More than usual bloatware and banner ads Price: Rs 30,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant Rating: 4/5 The mid-range segment in the Indian smartphone market is already very heated. So, in order to stand out, and ensure that people actually consider your offerings, you really need to step your game up. That is exactly what Samsung has done with their latest Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G smartphones. In this review, we will take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and how, despite some issues here and there, it shapes up to be a pretty good value-for-money smartphone. As with most of their recent launches, for the Galaxy A34 5G, Samsung has focussed on the overall experience of what consumers really want in terms of performance and experience in a mid-level smartphone flagship-like premium looks, performance that is stable and strong, and long continuous support. And of course, tons of features. The Galaxy A34 5G is a pretty solid phone. So, what is the Galaxy A34 5Gs performance like, and more importantly, does it justify the price that Samsung is asking for it? We take a look. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The design In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is as premium looking as the more expensive and premium, S23 and the S23 Plus. The subtle differences that crop up come because of the materials used in the construction of the device. Our test device was a light, lime green coloured one, and because of the rear panels faint prism tint, it looked quite stylish. The polycarbonate back panel also has a hazy pattern to it, which, when combined with the prism effect looks really cool when the light catches it at an unusual angle. Other than the lime green, which Samsung is calling Awesome Lime you get to choose from two more colours Awesome Silver and Awesome Graphite. The Awesome Graphite, or the black-coloured model, looks even better in our opinion. On the front of the display, we get to see a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The display also has a centred teardrop notch that houses a couple of sensors and a front-facing camera. Of all the design choices that Samsung has made for the Galaxy A34, the teardrop notch, is the weakest one, but more on that later. The device has the slightest hint of bezels, but we cant really call it thick. Yes, the bottom bezel is a little thicker than the rest, but in everyday day-to-day use, its hardly discernible. On the right side of the smartphone, we have our volume rockers and the power button. The left side has no buttons. On the top, we get a mic and the hybrid SIM tray, using which, you can either add a second SIM card or use a microSDXC card. At the bottom, we see a speaker grille that houses one of the speakers, as well as the USB Type-C port and another mic. At the rear, we get to see the three rear cameras laid out linearly, along with the LED flash. There is no housing around the camera as such which actually gives the device a premium and minimalistic appeal, which only gets accentuated by the metal deco rings around each camera. This adds to the premium look of the device. The front panel, as well as the rear panel, are flat, whereas the railing, which is made using plastic, is slightly curved, which makes the device very easy and comfortable to hold. This also makes the Galaxy A34 feel strongly built and solid. The device also comes with an IP 67 rating, which means it deals well with dust and is water resistant up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The display The display is one of the strongest aspects of the Galaxy A34 5G. Given that this is what a user will be looking at and interacting with most of the time, Samsung has ticked almost all of the boxes that would make the display in the A34 5G, truly the best in class. We get a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen, which has a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1000 nits. The display consists of a panel that has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, set in a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The display is a quintessentially Samsung display that is found in its top-of-the-line premium range of smartphones it is vibrant, contrasty and a joy to look at. The colour reproduction is awesome and lively and is very pleasing to the eyes. While the blacks may not be as crushing as some of the other premium display panels that we find in higher-end Samsung devices, they get pretty dark. Games and content look as sharp as a tack. As we said, theres just a hint of a bezel around the display, but not anywhere near a level where it would be considered egregious. The only aspect where the front display lets down users is the teardrop notch that it comes with. At this price point, the design looks very odd and dated. Other than that, the display is as good as it gets for a mid-level smartphone. The display in the A34 5G also comes with some eye-protection features. For example, it comes with an SGS Eyecare certification, which means the display significantly reduces the emission of blue light. All in all the display is an aspect where the A34 5G really stands strong, over and beyond most of its customers. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The camera The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G has a triple camera setup at the rear. The main camera is a 48MP sensor, paired with an f1.8 lens, which also comes with a much better, wider and enhanced OIS, and VDIS compared to older devices in the Galaxy A series. This allows the A34 5G to take better photos and videos in low light, and help deal with blurs in a much better manner. Next, is the ultrawide 8MP camera and an f2.2 lens, and finally a 5MP macro camera with an f2.4 lens. At the front, we get a 13MP selfie camera, which gets the job done pretty well. The primary sensor has great clarity and sharpness and captures images with great detail. The dynamic range is also pretty solid, and the colours are vivid. When given enough light, the smartphone can take some pretty awesome photos. During the night too, the images taken were pretty solid. Yes, there were some signs of Samsungs software working its magic, but it wasnt too aggressive or off-putting. The detail in the selfies is also rather impressive. The shots are occasionally oversharpened, although that doesnt appear too horrible. The skin tones are accurately captured. The front-facing camera does have the tendency to overexpose the face a little. We also liked how Portrait mode works on the A34 5G. Edge detection is spot on most of the time, but there is scope for some improvement through an OTA update. The ultrawide camera could have been a little better. Images taken from the ultrawide image dont look as sharp as the ones from the main camera. You also get an AI image enhancer feature which just sorts out your photos in all the right ways it takes care of the highlights and pulls them down when needed, and boosts up the shadows when required. It reduces noise very subtly and also helps with the dynamic range for a better HDR image. The front cameras can shoot videos at up to 4K at 30fps while the rear camera can shoot videos at 4K at 30fps & 1080p at 30 and 60fps. Check out a few unedited shots from the Galaxy A34 here. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The performance, software experience and UI Thanks to a MediaTek 1080 octa-core CPU and the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is a pretty capable smartphone. The SoCs performance feels quite snappy in routine, day-to-day tasks and juggling between apps, because it has been properly optimised for the Galaxy A34. Our device had 128GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage and 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. We also get Samsungs RAM Plus, which gives us the ability to add an additional 8GB RAM. Storage wont be an issue because you also have a dedicated microSDXC slot that can accommodate cards up to 1TB. The A34 performs decently well in benchmark tests, giving the impression that it is just good enough in terms of performance. However, it performed admirably in our daily usage, which included some very intensive gaming sessions and a lot of multitasking. The device handled games like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty Mobile very easily. We were able to play these games at the medium settings and were consistently getting 60fps, without any issues. The OneUI 5 operating system, which is based on Android 13, powers the Samsung Galaxy A34. This is a huge plus because you get Android 13 right out of the box. Despite being a mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy A34 offers some of the best features that Samsungs One UI has to offer. For instance, it has some of the best Knox Security features from Samsung. You also get features like Voice Focus, which improves your voice during regular as well as video calls and virtually eliminates all other background noise. As is the case with most mid-level smartphones, there is some bloatware, mainly in the form of Samsungs own apps and some other very popular apps. What is really egregious though is Samsungs Galaxy Widget, which serves up ads for all sorts of apps. Yes, it can be disabled but given the cost of the device, we feel that this was uncalled for. The Samsung Galaxy A34 has WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port for connectivity. The device has a pair of stereo speakers that can be rather loud but could use some fine-tuning. Still, playing games and watching stuff sans headphones is pretty awesome. The Device has all the necessary 5G bands including N1, N3, N5, N7, N8, N28, N66 N40, N41, N77, and N78. During our 5G tests, we were easily getting about 475-500MPBS at about 500 metres away from a tower, which is usually where and how we do these tests. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The battery life The Galaxy A34 5Gs battery has a capacity of 5000mAh. Even though the smartphone features an OLED panel with a high refresh rate and high resolution, battery life is fantastic due to the gadgets highly optimised SoC and OS. We consumed roughly 1315 per cent of the battery in an hour of intense gaming and video consumption while using the built-in stereo speakers and the display set to 75 per cent screen brightness. At 70 per cent brightness, you can easily get more than 8-9 hours of screen time and more than 17 hours of usage time. Our regular usage consisted of watching videos, accessing the internet, playing a few video games, checking emails, holding office conference calls, etc. Samsung says that you can get about two days of power from the battery. Although we did not try to test that claim, we can see why they would claim that. The Galaxy A34 supports 25W wired charging, provided you have a supporting charging brick. The device does not come with a charging brick, but only with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Considering what the device costs, and that smartphones in this budget have started supporting up to 80W charging, Samsung really needs to work on a better fast charging mechanism. Usually, it would take us just over 2 hours to get the device charged from zero per cent to 100, using a 65W third-party charging brick. Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: The verdict The Galaxy A34 ticks a lot of the boxes which makes it a compelling device to buy. Yes, it seems to be priced slightly on the higher side if you compare it to some of its other competitors from brands like Realme, iQOO, and Vivo. Then, theres the fact that Samsung is already selling some of its former flagships at a similar price point. However, there are a couple of advantages of going with Samsung that other smartphone brands simply dont have an answer for. First, there is the breadth and depth of Samsungs after-sales services, something that most other players in the mid-level segment havent been able to establish even after all these years. Then, there is Samsungs guarantee of giving updates, under which, every Samsung device will be eligible for four major Android updates and 5 years of security updates. Had the Galaxy A34 been a little competitively priced, recommending the smartphone would have been a no-brainer. Having said that, at Rs 30,999, it ticks a lot of the correct boxes for someone whos looking for a budget smartphone from a reputable and established brand that performs well, has a solid camera system, and has a great battery life. Value for money doesnt necessarily mean the cheapest option out here. Therefore, all things considered, the Galaxy A34 is a device that screams value for money. Kyiv: They say never to accept food from strangers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys security team took this advice seriously when they warned him not to accept an offer of chocolate from survival expert Bear Grylls over fears of assassination. In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Grylls, 48, revealed that Zelenskyys security team was not happy when he offered a chocolate bar to the president. The adventurist travelled to Ukraine to document the war-hit country and held an interview with Zelenskyy on the streets of Kyiv. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bear Grylls OBE (@beargrylls) I get it. Normally when I have done this before with world leaders, the wild does half my job for me its a great leveller. It is a great ice-breaker you are out in the mountains, said Grylls. As soon as Grylls made the offer, Zelenskyys security team stepped in and refused the request anticipating an assassination attempt on the president. How did Bear convince Zelenskyy? After facing rejection, the world-famous survivalist went on to prove his innocence by having some the chocolate. When I offered it to Zelensky, one of his guys stepped in and said he shouldnt be eating it, Grylls recalled. He added, I said, Ok, Ill go first, to show Im not out to poison him, and we all laughed. I gave some to the security guys, because everyone likes a little square of Dairy Milk, right? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bear Grylls OBE (@beargrylls) Talking about his time in Ukraine, Grylls said, I had the privilege to travel to Ukraines capital, Kyiv, and spend time with President Zelensky. It has been an experience for me like no other. As the country goes into winter, and with their infrastructure under attack, survival for millions of people is a very real daily struggle. Through this special programme the world will see a side of President Zelensky that has never been shown before. What I wanted to ask was how he was really coping I got so much more. Assassination attempts on Zelenskyy Previous assassination attempts on the Ukrainian president and an ongoing war proves that the task of protecting him is crucial. Soon after Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine, Zelenskyy survived three assassination attempts. According to The Times, reports by Ukrainian officials reveal that two different Russian groups were sent to kill the president the Wagner Group and Chechen rebels. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Moscow (Russia): Belarus said on Tuesday it was forced to host Russian nuclear weapons due to unprecedented Western pressure, insisting their deployment did not violate international agreements. At the weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in the Moscow-allied country, drawing condemnation from the West. Belarus is forced to respond to strengthen its own security and defence capability, the foreign ministry in Minsk said. It said Minsk had been subjected to unprecedented political and economic pressure from the United States and its allies. Belarus said it would not have control over the weapons and their deployment in no way contradicts the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Minsk allowed Russia to use its territory as a launchpad for Moscows offensive against Ukraine last year. The two countries have since held military exercises on Belarusian territory and increased cooperation between their armies. Military cooperation between Belarus and Russia is carried out in strict accordance with international law, the foreign ministry said. Putins plans to place nuclear weapons on the European Unions doorstep have triggered calls for new sanctions against Moscow. With fears of a nuclear war rising since Putin sent troops into Ukraine, experts believe that any Russian strike would probably involve tactical small-sized battlefield weapons as opposed to strategic high-powered long-range nuclear weapons. Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994. The West has hit Minsk with multiple rounds of sanctions over its crackdown on political dissent and its role as a springboard for Moscows assault on Ukraine. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. London: Belarus on Tuesday confirmed it will host Russian tactical nuclear weapons, saying the decision was a response to years of Western pressure, including sanctions and what it said was a military-build up by NATO member states near its borders. The statement from the foreign ministry was the governments first since Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Moscow will deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and would build a nuclear weapons storage facility there. Although Putin did not say when the deployment would take place, or give further detail, the announcement appeared to pave the way for Moscows first deployment of nuclear weapons outside its borders since the 1991 Soviet collapse. The Belarusian foreign ministry said Russias nuclear bombs offered protection after what it called a campaign of pressure from the United States and its allies aimed at overthrowing the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. Over the last two and a half years, the Republic of Belarus has been subjected to unprecedented political, economic and information pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom and its NATO allies, as well as the member states of the European Union, the ministry said in a statement. It complained of direct and brutal interference in domestic affairs, in a country that has been ruled with an iron first for nearly three decades by ex-Soviet collective farm boss Lukashenko. In view of these circumstances, and the legitimate concerns and risks in the sphere of national security arising from them, Belarus is forced to respond by strengthening its own security and defence capabilities, the ministry said. The decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus was one of Moscows toughest nuclear signals to the West since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year in what it calls a special military operation, Anti-nuclear campaigners have warned that the step, which Putin said would mirror the way the United States deploys nuclear warheads in Europe without relinquishing control of them, will lower the threshold for the use of tactical short-range battlefield nuclear weapons and is unnecessary from a military viewpoint. Minsk said the Russian nuclear plans would not contravene international non-proliferation agreements as Belarus itself would not have control over the nuclear weapons. The training of Belarusian pilots able to fly planes with specific warheads, the modernisation of such planes, and the deployment of nuclear warheads on Belarusian territory without giving Minsk control over them or access to the relevant technologies does not in any way contravene the provisions of the non-proliferation treaty, it said. Lukashenko has repeatedly accused the West of trying to topple him after mass protests against his rule erupted in 2020 in the wake of a presidential election the opposition said he had fraudulently won. Lukashenko said he had won fairly, while conducting a sweeping crackdown on his opponents. Minsk allowed Moscow to use Belarusian territory to send troops into Ukraine on February 24 last year. Its own troops have so far not fought in the war however, while stepping up joint military training with Russian forces deployed in Belarus. Lukashenko, who has long been in the process of gradually constructing what he calls a union state with Russia, is due to deliver a state-of-the-nation address on Friday. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Zurich: Chinas state-backed trolling of exiled journalists, especially women, is no longer just a theory as many reports from think tanks around the world have over and over presented evidence. Gangs of hackers harass, and sometimes abuse, journalists who do not fall in line with Beijings agenda. In the most recent case, a woman journalist of Chinese origin, who has been living in exile in Germany since 2010, has complained of being targeted by an organised trolling gang of hackers, who she suspects are backed by her own country. From fake escorts ad to bomb threats tied to reservations under her name at hotels in Berlin, Houston and Hong Kong, blackmailing over doctored nude pictures, catcalling, rape threats, deaths threats, fake social media accounts, Su Yutong has seen it all. The trolls are actively sucking up to Yus patience and sanity for almost 10 months, according to a report by Radio Free Asia. Su grew up in China but since 2010 has lived in Germany, where she works as a journalist, including for Radio Free Asia. Early in June, the strange guys began visiting Su Yutongs Berlin apartment. For several weeks, one or two would show up every day. Su said, Almost every day, a different person rings my doorbell. They claim to be there in search of sex with an Asian lady. According to the report, Su alleges that a fake Twitter account with her name and the word bitch was created. Shes been threatened with doctored nude photographs and forged receipts from adult stores. She said hackers even tried to access her social media and bank accounts. In November, German police told her to leave her apartment after she received rape and death threats, apparently from one particularly aggressive harasser over Telegram. For a time, she said she felt a wave of nausea around strange men in public, though more out of embarrassment than fear, she said. I dont know what other things they will do to harass and threaten me, but it has really affected my life, Su said. Why is she being targeted? Su claims that since fleeing China in 2010 to live in exile in Germany and carry on her reporting career, she has become the target of abuse. However, after she went to a commemorative event for the 1989 Tiananmen Square tragedy in June, the name-calling, threats, and other harassing behaviours increased. She has made a number of police reports in Germany. Sus case originally appeared to be the work of a specific person, a lone stalker, according to one official. Su, like other harassed reporters of Chinese descent, worries that her harassers may be connected to the Chinese government because there is proof of a larger conspiracy. Sus case is being looked into by German police, but they have declined to explain. Even Chinese embassy in Germany was tried for a comment however the efforts were unsuccessful. How it started? Su told Radio Free Asia that when she was attending the June 4 commemoration of the Tiananmen Square massacre, a middle-aged Chinese guy approached the protesters and began taking pictures. Two days later, at around five in the morning, she received a Telegram message with the subject Whos this? and a picture of herself that had been digitally changed to appear naked. The sender advised Chinese migrants not to draw attention to Chinas shortcomings. The events organiser confirmed to RFA that the same account also approached her. She and Su both Telegram banned the number. Su doesnt know how they obtained her phone number. A day or two later, Sus apartment began to get visits from unknown men. She did not answer the door, but in exchanges with them in German, they indicated they were looking for sex, and believed her to be a sex worker. A friend of Sus who RFA spoke with witnessed one encounter in August. The man ran when Su threatened to call the police. Bomb threats and fake ads Su covered a harassment case involving Wang Jingyu, a young dissident residing in exile in the Netherlands, for RFA in October. Su informed RFA that following the publication of the report, another man began to harass her, including by making hotel reservations and subsequently making bomb threats in her name. He informed Su and Wang that he supported the CCP and threatened them via text and video messages. In the report, RFA chose not to mention the name of the accused since it is impossible to confirm his identity and attempts to get in touch with him proved fruitless. Su and Wang were given a receipt for an electronic money transfer that the man claimed to be from a Chinese handler. He also claimed that the handler had instructed him to post doctored advertisements about Su as a sex worker on German-language websites, advertisements that are likely what attracted the random men to her door. Later on, the harasser threatened to humiliate Su in front of the public by sending her forged papers, including a receipt for sex toys. I am truly very traditional. Nightclubs have never been my thing, Su admitted. As she noted how important her Christian faith is to her, she continued, I can never imagine myself getting involved with prostitution and sex services. This is fatal to me, she said. She and Wang reported the harassment to police. After that, the abuse grew worse. Later, after rape and death threats, police advised Su to move houses. Police declined to comment to RFA, other than confirming that an investigation into suspected threats is being conducted by the Berlin police under the case number you provided. Su hasnt heard from the harasser who ejected her from her apartment in weeks, according to the RFA story. After February 9, a Facebook page created in his name ceased to be operational. Su, however, claimed that the harassment never stops. In regards to hotel reservations and/or bomb threats made in her name in Hong Kong, Macau, Istanbul, New York, Houston, and Los Angeles, she got a flurry of calls on February 11 and 12. Su told RFA that she was informed by hotel staff that the bookings included deposits, which suggested that the offenders had some financial means. RFA looked at a screengrab from her phone that showed a continuous stream of unknown contacts. Su claimed that a stranger had contacted the day before and offered to pay her in cash. Cost of being a female Journalist According to a poll conducted by the International Womens Media Foundation and Trollbusters, a group that keeps track of online harassment, nearly 70% of female journalists have been subjected to some kind of abuse because of their jobs. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), a think tank with offices in Canberra, stated in a study published in 2022 that harassment of female journalists of Asian descent who write critically about China can be especially aggressive and seems to be on the rise. State-organised trolling The ASPI in his covered several instances of journalists covering China for leading global news platforms being targeted through posts including graphic online depictions of sexual assault, homophobia and racist imagery and life-threatening intimidation At least some of those offending posts are likely linked to the Chinese government, ASPI concluded. Accounts that had promoted CCP policies pivoted to harass the journalists, the report found. Even as Su was harassed by individuals who claimed to back the Chinese government and cautioned her against criticising Beijing in her writing or speaking. However, this type of abuse always has the same goal: to silence the view of these women and also serve as a deterrence against others reporting critically on China, Albert Zhang, a co-author of the report said. Why only Female journalists? Those who observe China closely claim that since Chinese journalists can look behind the secrecy the CCP attempts to uphold through its own highly censored media, they can be seen as threats. They are fluent in the language, are familiar with the history of the nation, and have contacts in China who can give them insight into what really goes on. Male journalists who cover China also experience abuse, but the women claim that because of the pervasive sexism in both Chinese society and internet culture as a whole, they are more frequently the targets. Yaqiu Wang, a senior China analyst at Human Rights Watch who has written about harassment against opponents of the government, said: I tweet, but I never go on Twitter because there is just too much crap. Every time Wang makes a reference to China in a tweet, she says she should be prepared for hundreds of negative comments, but she doesnt care to read them. I dont want to read 200 comments in which individuals accuse me of betraying my country, she said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. London: A sensor created by scientists can screen for both the flu and COVID at the same time and can identify which one you have in less than ten seconds. The new devices ultra-thin nanomaterial can identify the viruses that cause both infections at lower levels and faster than other options, like lateral flows. Built with graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms organised in a hexagonal lattice. It can detect and differentiate between the presence of various viral proteins because of its extreme thinness, which makes it so sensitive to any electrical changes in its environment. The graphene was connected by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin to the antibodies that the human immune system produces to combat both viruses. The antibodies bind to their target proteins when a sample from an infected individual is applied to the sensor, which alters the electrical current. The sensor was able to detect the sample proteins, even in very small quantities, within just 10 seconds of being added to fluid that was intended to mimic saliva during testing. This may enable the sensor to recognise the even more minute viral particles present in peoples breath, according to Deji Akinwande of the University of Texas at Austin. He claimed that they could make it easier to identify extremely small amounts of pretty much anything that needed to be sensed. Having a sensor that can simultaneously detect whether you have COVID, the flu, none of the above, or both would be extremely useful when both of these viruses are circulating together, as they did earlier this winter, he continued. Many symptoms, including a cough and a high fever, are similar between COVID and the flu. The devices success in identifying both, according to Akinwande, indicates that it could be modified to screen for other infections. The results of his teams discovery will be presented in the American Chemical Society in the coming week, report said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Minsk: Belarusian Air Force personnel training how to operate aircraft with specific munitions and the deployment of nuclear charges on the republics territory do not contradict international law, in particular, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, the press office of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry told TASS on Tuesday. Responding to a question about the over-exaggerated reaction of some states to the reports on the prospects of deploying Russian tactical nuclear weapons in the republic, the ministry said that Belarus and Russia implement their military cooperation in strict compliance with international law. The training of Belarusian pilots capable of flying aircraft with specific munitions, modernization of these aircraft and, likewise, the deployment of nuclear charges on the territory of Belarus without the transfer of control of them and also access to the corresponding technologies to Minsk do not in any way contradict articles I and II of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, it said. NATO has long been using the practice of nuclear sharing and aircraft of the alliances member states are certified for flights with nuclear weapons while the flight personnel are trained for such arrangements and corresponding drills are held. Over 150 US tactical nuclear weapons are stored on the territory of NATOs European member states and more than 250 aeroplanes have been prepared for their possible employment, the ministry said. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans on Saturday to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus, a warning to the West as it steps up military support for Ukraine. Putin said the move was triggered by Britains decision this past week to provide Ukraine with armour-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium. Putin argued that by deploying its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia was following the lead of the United States, noting that the U.S. has nuclear weapons based in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. Russia has stored its tactical nuclear weapons at dedicated depots on its territory, and moving part of the arsenal to a storage facility in Belarus would up the ante in the Ukrainian conflict by placing them closer to the Russian aircraft and missiles already stationed there. Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process needed to create nuclear weapons. The rounds cant generate a nuclear reaction but they do emit low levels of radiation. The U.N. nuclear watchdog has warned of the possible dangers of exposure. Such rounds were developed by the U.S. during the Cold War to destroy Soviet tanks, including the same T-72 tanks that Ukraine now faces in its push to break through a stalemate in the east. With inputs from agencies. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Athens: Greek authorities said Tuesday they dismantled a terrorist network and reported the arrest of two Pakistanis accused of planning to target Israelis in Athens. After coordinated actions by the Greek police and the National Intelligence Service, a terrorist network was dismantled which, from abroad, was planning strikes against carefully selected targets on Greek territory, the statement said. Police said the network had already chosen the target of the attack and were planning how to carry it out. Greek police sources told AFP that officers had arrested two Pakistanis, aged 27 and 29, of Iranian origin, who were planning attacks on Israelis in central Athens. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kabul: The founder of a project that campaigned for girls education in Afghanistan has been detained by Taliban authorities in Kabul, his brother and the United Nations said Tuesday. Matiullah Wesa, head of PenPath1 and advocate for girls education, was arrested in Kabul Monday, the UN mission in Afghanistan tweeted. Wesas brother confirmed his arrest, saying he was picked up outside a mosque after prayers on Monday evening. Matiullah had finished his prayers and came out of the mosque when he was stopped by some men in two vehicles, Samiullah Wesa told AFP. When Matiullah asked for their identity cards, they beat him and forcefully took him away. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Paris: The French parliament on Tuesday recognised as genocide the 1930s starvation of millions in Ukraine under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, a move welcomed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a resolution adopted by 168 votes to two, the French deputies called on the government to do the same, as the current Russian invasion in Ukraine revives memories of the atrocity meted out on the country in the 1930s. Zelenskyy swiftly hailed the historic decision, in a tweet thanking French MPs. Kyiv has urged the international community to declare the starvation a genocide. In December, the European Parliament approved a resolution describing the 1930s starvation in Ukraine as a genocide as did EU-member Bulgaria last month. The text adopted in Paris on Tuesday recognises the genocidal nature of the forced and planned famine by the Soviet authorities against the Ukrainian population in 1932 and 1933. The French parliament condemned those acts and affirms its support for the Ukrainian people in their aspiration to have the mass crimes committed against them by the Soviet regime recognised. The 1932-33 Holodomor Ukrainian for death by starvation is regarded by Kyiv as a deliberate act of genocide by Stalins regime with the intention of wiping out the peasantry. Stalins campaign of forced collectivisation seized grain and other foodstuffs and left millions to starve. Moscow rejects Kyivs account, placing the events in the broader context of famines that devastated regions of Central Asia and Russia. The current conflict has fuelled fears that history may repeat itself. Russias targeting of grain storage facilities and its blockade of Ukraines Black Sea exports have sparked accusations that Moscow is using food as a weapon of war. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kyiv: Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Tuesday thanked the United Kingdom as he took a ride in what he said was the first British Challenger 2 main battle tank to arrive in Ukraine. Britain had announced in January that it would send 14 of the tanks to Ukraine, which is preparing for a possible counter-offensive against Russian forces that invaded the country 13 months ago in February 2022. The Ukrainian defence minister wrote on Twitter that the tanks had recently arrived in our country and posted a video that showed him sitting in one of a long line of tanks in an open field, all of them flying Ukraines yellow and blue flag. It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Thank you, @RishiSunak, @BWallaceMP, and the people. pic.twitter.com/zoCRmKdBnN Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) March 28, 2023 It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT (main battle tank) for a spin, Reznikov wrote. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. In the video, he can be seen showing the thumbs up sign and thanking British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for the much-needed tanks. Marvellous, Ben, he said in English. It's...very good stuff. Thank you very much from Ukraine to the United Kingdom. Germanys defence ministry said on Monday that 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles had also arrived in Ukraine as part of the second tranche of military aid to the war-torn nation. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Washington, United States: The new Republican-led House of Representatives on Monday ordered the State Department to hand over a dissent cable by diplomats which warned of risks as US troops withdrew from Afghanistan. Representative Mike McCaul, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was sending a subpoena to make good on a threat he made Thursday at a hearing to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had offered a compromise of a briefing about the memorandum. The internal cable, sent through a longstanding channel for dissent as President Joe Biden ended Americas longest war, was widely reported to have voiced concern presciently that the Western-backed government would quickly collapse as US troops left. We have made multiple good-faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information, McCaul said. As troops rushed to evacuate Afghan allies, a bombing outside the Kabul airport on 26 August 2021 killed 13 US troops and some 170 Afghan civilians. The Islamic State-Khorasan group claimed responsibility. The American people deserve answers as to how this tragedy unfolded, and why 13 US servicemembers lost their lives, McCaul said. Blinken told the committee that the State Department would cooperate but that he wanted to preserve the integrity of the process and make sure that diplomats in the future are free to express dissent internally. The State Department followed up with the committee to reiterate its willingness to provide a briefing about the concerns raised and the challenges identified by Embassy Kabul, including in the dissent channel, department spokesman Vedant Patel said. The committee chose instead to issue a subpoena, he said. The department remains committed to providing the committee with the information it needs to conduct its oversight function, and has already provided thousands of pages of documents responsive to the committees request. It remains unclear what the committee would do if the State Department refuses to deliver the full document and if it would seek court action to enforce the subpoena. Then-president Donald Trumps administration reached a deal with Taliban leaders that involved the withdrawal of all US forces. Biden delayed implementation by several months but went ahead, saying the United States had no vital interest in maintaining forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban swiftly took over Kabul, restoring an Islamist state toppled by a US-led coalition after the 11 September 2001 attacks. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beijing: China on Tuesday issued a report on Human Rights Violations in the US in 2022, claiming that human rights legislation and justice have seen an extreme retrogression in the country which further undermines the basic rights and freedoms of the American people. The United States, a country that labels itself a human rights defender has been suffering from chronic diseases such as money politics, racial discrimination, gun and police violence, as well as wealth polarization that is rampant there, the report said. According to the report, racism is on the rise and ethnic minorities suffer widespread discrimination. Hate crimes based on racial bias in the United States increased dramatically between 2020 and 2022. A total of 81 per cent of Asian Americans say violence against Asian communities is surging. African Americans are 2.78 times more likely to be killed by police than whites. The sufferings caused by genocide and cultural assimilation taken by the U.S. government against Indian and other aborigines in history still persist today, it said. The report also stated that life expectancy has plummeted and deaths from drug abuse continue to climb in the U.S. Citing the report released in August 2022 by the National Center for Health Statistics under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the report released by China said that average life expectancy in the United States dropped by 2.7 years to 76.1 years from 2019 to 2021, the lowest since 1996. In 2022, more than 5,800 children under the age of 18 got injured or killed by shooting in the United States, the report said, adding that the child poverty rate also increased from 12.1 per cent in December 2021 to 16.6 per cent in May 2022. The report also highlighted U.S. abuse of force and unilateral sanctions that allegedly created humanitarian disasters across the world. The United States has carried out military operations in 85 countries in the name of anti-terrorism since the beginning of the 21st century which directly claimed at least 929,000 civilian lives and displaced 38 million people, it said. Earlier this year, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report on its website titled The State of Democracy in the United States: 2022. According to the report based on facts, media comments and expert opinions, the democracy in America was in chaos at home and a trail of havoc and disasters was left behind as the United States peddled and imposed its democracy around the globe. The report also stated the vicious cycle of democratic pretensions, dysfunctional politics and a divided society continued in the United States in 2022, adding problems such as money politics, identity politics, social rifts, and the gulf between the rich and the poor worsened. China-U.S. relations are at their worst point in decades, strained over numerous issues including microchips, human rights, Covid-19, balloon controversy, tariffs Russia Ukraine war and Taiwan. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Moscow: Russia said Tuesday it had downed in Ukraine a long-distance rocket-propelled bomb recently supplied to Kyiv by the United States a weapon seen as vital for a planned Ukrainian counter-offensive. Air defence (forces) downed a GLSDB guided rocket, the defence ministry said in a statement, referring to ground launched small diameter bombs produced by Boeing and the Saab Group. These devices have a range of up to 150 kilometres (93 miles), which would threaten Russian positions and supply depots far behind the front lines. The Pentagon in February announced it was providing Ukraine with GLSDBs as part of a $2.2 billion arms package. This gives them a longer-range capability that will enable them to conduct operations in defense of their country and to take back their sovereign territory, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said at the time. Ukraine had been asking the United States for munitions that can fly farther than the HIMARS rockets, which have an 80-kilometre range. The GLSDB potentially gives Ukraine forces an ability to strike anywhere in the Russian-held parts of Ukraine. That could threaten key Russian supply lines, arms depots and air bases. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the time tweeted his thanks to President Joe Biden for the new aid. The more long-range our weapons are and the more mobile our troops are the sooner Russias brutal aggression will end, he said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New Delhi: India will be using G20 platform to reach out to more countries to settle cross-border trade in Indian rupee. The main focus nations would be those who are facing problems with a particular currency or a basket of currencies and are looking out ways to come out of the crisis. Indias Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said New Delhi is interested on settling international trade with more countries in INR. Rupee trade to help countries whose currencies are under pressure Responding to a question on whether India will use the G20 platform to boost rupee trades, Barthwal said: We are interested in improving the trade with respect to the currencies of the countries that are trading (with India). Definitely, we would like to see that rupee trade also happens, particularly with those countries which are facing (currency) issues. The Commerce Secretary was addressing the media on the eve of the first Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting under Indias G20 Presidency. The meeting will be held in Indias financial capital, Mumbai between 28 and 30 March. Must Read: Indian rupee could be the new dollar, says Doctor Doom Nouriel Roubini More than 100 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, regional groupings and international organisations will engage in deliberations to accelerate global trade and investments during the three-day TIWG meet. 18 countries willing to trade in India rupee Indias central bank Reserve Bank of India, or RBI as on 14 March this year, has approved opening of 60 special rupee vostro accounts (SRVAs) of correspondent banks from 18 countries. These countries include Russia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and United Kingdom. Also Read: Rupee closer to replacing dollar as 18 nations agree to trade in INR Under the mechanism, Indian importers make payments in INR that is credited to the vostro account of the correspondent bank of the partner country. Similarly, trade would be settled with Indian exporters in Indian rupees from the balances in the vostro account. RBI has allowed the surplus rupee balance in these accounts to be used for payments for projects and investments, export, import advance flow management, and investments in government securities. India G20 presidency India is holding the G20 Presidency from 1 December, 2022 to 30 November, 2023. The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international cooperation on the most important aspects of the international economic and financial agenda. It brings together the worlds major advanced and emerging economies. Dont Miss: Rupee races to replace dollar: Egypt latest entrant to club of countries wanting to trade in INR G20 countries The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and USA. The G20 Countries together represent around 90 per cent of global GDP, 80 per cent of global trade, and two thirds of the worlds population. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tel Aviv: Israels political factions opposed to embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began setting up negotiating teams Tuesday after he paused a controversial judicial overhaul plan that had set off unprecedented street protests and a spiraling domestic crisis. But compromise seemed elusive as the standoff remains over the fundamental issue of what kind of country Israel should be and positions only appear to have hardened. Three months of demonstrations against the overhaul plan intensified this week and Israels main trade union declared a general strike, leading to chaos that shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy. Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a month-long delay for the legislation. He said he wanted to avoid civil war and would seek a compromise with political opponents. Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem. His announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized Israelis. Netanyahu leads the most right-wing government in Israeli history and and his allies have vowed to enact the legislation. Cape Coast: US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday visited the site in Ghana where slaves were shipped to the Americas, saying the horror of slavery should not be forgotten. Her visit to Ghana and later this week to Tanzania and Zambia follows a December summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Washington with African leaders to balance the rising influence of China and Russia on the continent. The US vice president was given a guided tour of Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where slaves were shipped to North and South America and the Caribbean, shown the dungeons and the door of no return. She laid a wreath in honour of those who died during the slave trade. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered, Harris said in solemn remarks, her voice almost breaking into tears. It cannot be denied, it must be taught, history must be learned, and we must then be guided by what we know also to be the history of those who survived on the Americas, she said. Earlier on Tuesday in Accra, Harris called for more investments in innovation in Africa in a speech underlining her optimism for the continent. After a stop at a music recording studio in Ghanas capital, she addressed a crowd of young entrepreneurs and leaders gathered at the Black Star Gate landmark. African ideas and innovations will shape the future of the world, and so we must invest in African ingenuity and creativity which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, she said. Steadfast partner Harris underlined three areas of focus that the United States believes could benefit from more investment: womens empowerment, the digital economy and good governance and democracy. While she noted some of the challenges facing the region, from insecurity to climate change and barriers to economic growth, Harris said the United States would remain a steadfast partner for progress. We are all in on Africa, she added, repeating what Biden said at the US-Africa leaders summit last year. It means that the United States is committed to strengthen our partnerships across the continent based on openness, inclusiveness, candour, shared interests, and mutual benefits. At a state banquet on Monday with President Nana Akufo-Addo, Harris praised his initiatives that have encouraged descendants of slaves to come home since 2019. Hundreds of thousands of Black Americans and members of the diaspora around the world came here four years ago many more visit each year. Your vision, Mr President, made this possible, she said. Harris is expected in Tanzania on Wednesday and Zambia later in the week, as part of a three-nation tour of the continent. On Monday, the United States said it intends to provide $139 million in bilateral assistance for Ghana for economic, health, business and cultural initiatives. It also intends to invest more than $100 million to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in coastal West Africa. Ghana, along with neighbouring Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo, is at risk of jihadist violence spilling over its northern borders from the Sahel. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tehran: Women in Iran will have to pay a fine of $60,000 for flouting the countrys hijab mandate after a new law to enforce strict dress codes is passed by the parliament. Lawmaker Hojjat ol-Eslam Hossein Jalali said that other punishments for not wearing a hijab will include revocation of passports and a ban on internet access for women. The penalties will apply to women who are caught flouting the mandatory hijab rule in public spaces like restaurants, government offices, schools and universities. As Iran continues to be rocked by protests triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was arrested for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly, a number of women have given up their hijabs to defy the rules set by the Islamic Republic. Lack of hijab is the new COVID An Iranian cleric has irked rights activists by likening defiance against hijab with COVID. Member of the Assembly of Experts, Mohsen Araki, said that the Islamic Republic will not allow improper hijab to spread in the Islamic society and that it is a new COVID trying to ruin the society. The goal of the enemies is to destroy the independence of Iranian women because a woman without hijab will not be independent and free and will be a person who is bound by others lust, he added. Enforce hijab to avoid women coming out naked Last month, An Iranian cleric has asked authorities to ensure every woman wears the hijab before they come out naked during summer. Mohammad Nabi Mousavifard added that the government should not back down in enforcing the hijab mandate. We have to pay for the preservation of religious values, even if we need to go to court several times, he said according to a report by Iran International. People and social service providers should stop giving services to people without hijab; People should give women with improper hijab warnings and not be indifferent, otherwise they will come to the street naked in the summer, the cleric added. Imam says less rain result of women without hijab An Iranian imam blamed women who dont wear hijab for the lack of rainfall in the country which has in turn triggered a water crisis. Mohammed-Mehdi Hosseini Hamedani, a close aide of Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei, said that by breaking the mandatory rule of wearing a hijab, women in the Islamic Republic have caused a lack of precipitation across the country. The imam further emphasised that all those who dont wear a headscarf must be confronted by the state. It is not possible to imagine that we are living in an Islamic country when we enter some institutions, shopping malls, pharmacies, etc.! he said while suggesting that authorities should warn shops and malls to deter the entrance of those women who defy the mandatory hijab rules. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Ottawa: A 32-year-old man, identified as Inderdeep Singh Gosal has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder of a Starbucks employee in downtown Vancouver. There is a buzz on social media that Gosal is a pro-Khalistani and was seen attending pro-Khalistani rallies in Canada outside the Indian High Commission. Gosal, on Sunday, visited Starbucks located near West Pender and Granville streets where he had a brief altercation with the coffee shop employee. After the tussle, he stabbed him around 5:40 pm outside the outlet. Police investigating the case said that the suspect and the victim, identified as 37-year-old Paul Stanley Schmidt, were not believed to have known each other. "The circumstances that led up to the fatal stabbing remain under investigation," they added. Gosal was detained at the site after bystanders informed about the incident to a Vancouver Police Department (VPD) officer in the neighbourhood. The video of the incident that has now gone viral shows some bystanders continuing about their business rather than rushing to Schmidt's aid as he collapses. Schmidt was administered first aid and was rushed to the hospital but he died. Reports quoted Sergeant Steve Addison saying that neither the victim nor the suspect had a major criminal past. We believe this homicide was witnessed by dozens of bystanders, and there may be people with information who have not yet come forward, Sgt. Addison said. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was present in the moments before the stabbing, or anyone who has cell-phone video of the incident, said the police officer, urging people to share information at 604.717.2500. On March 19, Khalistani radicals vandalised Indias flag at the Indian High Commission in London. They raised slogans with flags and posters of separatist leader Amritpal Singh. India had strongly protested against Khalistani elements, demanding the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Yangon: Myanmars junta-stacked election commission announced Tuesday that Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy Party would be dissolved for failing to re-register under a tough new military-drafted electoral law, state media said. The NLD, which Suu Kyi led to crushing victories over military-backed parties in elections in 2015 and 2020, will be automatically cancelled as a political party from Wednesday, according to the MRTV broadcaster. The military justified its February 2021 power grab with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in 2020 elections, ending a 10-year democratic experiment and plunging the country into turmoil. In January, the junta gave political parties two months to re-register under a strict new electoral law written by the military ahead of fresh polls it has promised to hold. Its opponents say the polls will be neither free nor fair. Last month, the junta announced a six-month extension of a two-year state of emergency and postponed elections it had promised to hold by August because it did not control enough of the country for a vote to take place. More than 3,100 people have been killed and over 20,000 arrested since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New Delhi: After struggling for weeks to expand the Cabinet, the prime minister and top leaders of the major ruling coalition partners are now closing in on a power-sharing deal. According to a report in the Kathmandu Post, If the officials at the prime ministers secretariat are to be believed, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will expand his Cabinet by Wednesday, if not Tuesday. Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal wins vote of confidence Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal got a vote of confidence for the second time in 70 days, this time with a different set of coalition partners. According to a report in the Kathmandu Post, With the change in the major constituents of the coalitionthe Nepali Congress, the largest party in parliament, replacing the second largest CPN-UMLthe government is all set to move ahead in a new direction. Prime Minister Dahal secured 172 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives. Other 89 lawmakers voted against him whereas one abstained. Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, CPN-Unified Socialist, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janamat Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party, Rastriya Janamorcha and Aam Janata Party voted in his favour. CPN-UML and Rastriya Prajatantra Party voted against him. Nepal Workers and Peasants Party abstained. Dahal, 68, sought a vote of confidence as two parties in the seven-party alliance Rastriya Prajatantra Party and CPN-UML withdrew support to his government. They refused to endorse Prachandas proposal to back Nepali Congress leader Ramchandra Paudel for the post of president. Dahal, who was sworn in as the countrys Prime Minister in December, comfortably passed the first floor test on January 10 with 268 votes after all parties except the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and the Rastriya Janamorcha voted in favour of the government. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Paris: New clashes erupted in France Tuesday between protesters and police as tens of thousands took to the streets to show their anger against President Emmanuel Macrons pension reform which has sparked the biggest domestic crisis of his second mandate. The day of action is the tenth since protests began in mid-January against the law, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. The movement has become a major challenge to Macron who won a second term in elections last year. Last Thursday saw the most violent clashes yet between protesters and security forces, as tensions erupted into pitched battles on the streets of Paris. The police have also been accused of using excessive force both by protesters and rights bodies including the Council of Europe and this has further fuelled the anger of demonstrators. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 13,000 members of the security forces were being deployed on Tuesday 5,500 of them in Paris alone. The number, a record, was justified by a major risk to public order. In the western city of Nantes, protesters threw projectiles at security forces who responded with tear gas, an AFP reporter said. A bank branch was set on fire as were rubbish bins around the city court. Police in Lyon in southeastern France used water cannon and employed tear gas in the northern city of Lille after protesters caused damage including smashing the glass of a bus stop. In Paris, police fired tear gas and launched a charge after some people at the head of the protest, dressed in black with their faces covered, raided a grocery store and then sparked a fire as the march closed in on Place de la Nation in the east of the city. At least 22 people were arrested in the capital by the afternoon, Paris police said. Protesters delayed trains at Gare de Lyon station in Paris, walking on the rails and lighting flares in what they described as a show of solidarity for a railway staffer who lost an eye in a previous protest. No discussions on law Rubbish collectors in the capital are from Wednesday suspending a three-week strike that has seen thousands of tonnes of garbage accumulate in the French capital, the CGT union said. But it said this move was to allow coordination with workers so we can go on strike again even more strongly as fewer workers were now striking. Nearly two weeks after Macron forced the new pensions law through parliament using a special provision, unions have vowed no let-up in mass protests to get the government to back down. A state visit to France by Britains King Charles III, which had been due to begin on Sunday, was postponed because of the unrest. Macron on Monday met Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, other cabinet ministers and senior lawmakers for crisis talks at the Elysee Palace. We need to continue to hold out a hand to the unions, a participant in the meeting quoted Macron as saying, although the president rejected any revision of the pensions law. Borne has scheduled talks over three weeks with members of parliament, political parties and local authorities, while still hoping to meet union leaders. Laurent Berger, the head of the moderate CFDT union, called for the appointment of a mediator between unions and the government as a gesture in favour of cooling off, and finding a way out. Hard-left CGT union leader Philippe Martinez said: The aim is the withdrawal of the pensions law. But government spokesman Olivier Veran said the law was no longer up for discussion. Its in the past now, he said. The CGT union said that 450,000 people had taken part in Tuesdays protests in Paris, almost half of the number who it said took part in the capital in a giant protest last Thursday. Nothing is changing Young people were prominent in Tuesdays protests, with many blockading universities and high schools. Jo Zeguelli, 19, a student at the Sorbonne university in Paris said: Nothing is changing. Macron does not seem like he is listening to us. Yasmine Mounib, another 19-year-old student in the northern city of Lille, said she agreed with the protesters. But they should keep some trains running for students. This is costing me my education, she said, adding she was going to miss her 8:00 am (0600 GMT) class despite getting up at four. Mass transit in Paris was heavily affected, with traffic both on metros and suburban trains disrupted. The Louvre in Paris, the worlds most visited museum, was closed on Monday after workers blocked entry. As on previous strike days, the Eiffel Tower in Paris was also shut on Tuesday. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kyiv: Russia-Ukraine war appears to be turning tougher for Kyiv after Moscow has increased dominance in the skies with its latest generation fighter jets Su-35. The Ukrainian government fears that its forces does not have capabilities to counter the threat Russia could pose with Su-35 jets. Russia has been gaining stronger advantage as it replaces older models of aircraft with the latest Su-35. A real risk A report by ABC News quoted a senior Ukrainian government official saying that the newest Su-35s are equipped with very effective radar and long-distance rockets, enabling them to attack Ukrainian jets and provide air support for Russian ground troops. Ukraine does not have capabilities to counter this threat, the official said. [Russian] air superiority is a real risk, he said, adding that more air defence systems from the US and its allies are currently priority No. 1 for Ukraine. This is a problem The report quoted another official of the Volodymyr Zelenskyy-led Ukraine government confirming that Russian dominance of the skies over the combat zone was a top issue. An official said Russia has 12 times more aircraft that Ukraine. This is a problem. What we keep telling the Americans is that in the end, there is no other solution than to give us [Western] fighter jets, one of the officials said. Kyivs worry comes out loud days after a Western official during a briefing last week said that Russias air power in Ukraine is limited by its air defences, including surface-to-air missiles. Were not seeing a huge change in that situation, the official had said. It is to be recalled that so far, the Biden administration has resisted calls to supply war-torn Ukraine with F-16s. Meanwhile, discussions are underway between Kyiv and NATO countries about supply of modern fighter jets. Slovakia, last week, said it had handed over the first four of 11 Soviet-era Mig fighter jets which it had promised to Ukraine. Also, Poland has promised to supply a number of Mig fighter jets to Ukraine. Last week, Russias defence ministry said a Russian Su-35 combat plane was scrambled over the Baltic Sea after two US strategic bombers flew in the direction of the Russian border. The fighter jet, however, returned to base after the US planes mover away from Russian territory. As morbid and solemn as it can be, there are some who find death very fascinating. People have often wondered what dying feels like exactly, and what happens to ones body as they breathe for one final time. An artist has tried to answer this question and is letting his patrons simulate death, all thanks to virtual reality. The artists reasoning for such a morbid project? Well, virtual reality may help put peoples fears of the afterlife to rest. Experience death in a virtual world Shaun Gladwell, an artist, created an immersive near-death experience that walks people through the de-escalation of life, from cardiac failure to brain death, offering them a glimpse of what might happen in their final minutes. The simulation also includes an out-of-body experience that allows users to peer down on their deceased corpses as they hover above them. One of the patrons of the exhibit who went through the experience took to social media and explained that when he passed out, he was laid down on a vibrating cot and saw the medics fail to revive him. He also stated that the experience could cause worry and that you can leave at any moment. Coming back from the death Many people have perished and returned to tell their stories, which typically include seeing a light at the end of a gloomy tunnel, hearing the voices of loved ones, and even hearing the cries of the damned. However, once the heart ceases beating, there is no telling what faces us. Gladwell believes that an immersive world that depicts and simulates the sensation of mortality will help people come to terms with the inevitable. His Passing Electrical Storms installation is on display at the Melbourne Now event in Australia, which is described as a participatory XR experience with a profoundly moving, out-of-body character. Participants lay on a medical bed replica, put on an XR headset, and go through heart arrest, resuscitation, mortality, and an out-of-body experience that surpasses life and planet Earth. Its also said to be meditative and yet disturbing. Tech makes new art possible Gladwell credits Leo Faber, senior producer of Factual and Culture at the ABC, as the single individual who convinced me that the technology was at a point where it was practical to start working in the realm of VR, thanks to a study collaboration with Deakin Universitys Motion Lab. However, the software that powers his exhibit is only the beginning of what NGV senior curator Ewan McEoin describes as a deeply affecting experience. We still think of virtual reality as a game. However, Shaun has not created a game. Critics may erroneously believe that his work is about technology. It isnt; its a vehicle for producing, I believe, an incredibly poignant experience for individuals. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Islamabad: In a shocking incident, a Muslim cleric in Pakistan drugged a boy and repeatedly raped him throughout the night reportedly inside a mosque. As per the FIR, the incident took place on the intervening night March 9 and 10 in the jurisdiction of Shaheen Chowk Police Station in Pakistans Gujrat, according to local media reports. In the FIR, the victim has alleged that Maulvi Mohammad Riaz who was reportedly the Imam Masjid at the Jamia Masjid Buraq made a phone call to the victim and asked the boy to come to the mosque for consultation regarding Taraweeh prayers during Ramzan. Soon after, the victim reached the mosque where the accused informed him after the prayers that the Masjid Committee was unavailable for consultation on the matter. The accused then asked the boy to stay there during the night. The victim agreed to the Maulvis demand. Later in the day, the minor boy performed the prayers and slept after having his dinner. Later, when he woke up in the morning at around 8 am, he realised that the accused was allegedly raping him throughout the night. In the FIR, the victim stated that the accused beat him up and even threatened to kill him when the boy tried to stop him. The Maulvi allegedly mixed sleeping pills in the food, the victim stated, adding that the accused repeatedly raped him throughout the night. (With inputs from agencies) Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. London: The jury is out on whether Humza Yousaf can deliver independence for Scotland. But historys verdict will be clear on the 37-year-olds breakthrough as the first Muslim leader of a western European democracy. The newly-elected head of the Scottish National Party (SNP) joins the growing ranks of leaders from Britains old imperial possessions who are remaking the face of UK politics. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is the Hindu son of parents whose familial roots lie in India. One of the new SNP leaders chief adversaries in the Edinburgh parliament will be Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who is also of Pakistani heritage. The evolution confirms how far ethnic and faith diversity at the top has become a new norm across British politics, said Sunder Katwala, director of the demographics think tank British Future. King Charles III will now be inviting a Hindu prime minister of Britain and a Muslim first minister of Scotland to his coronation in May, he noted in the Eastern Eye newspaper. That sends a powerful message to the world about how much public life in Britain has changed, to an extent unparalleled in comparable democracies. Among Sunaks most senior cabinet lieutenants, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Home Secretary Suella Braverman are also people of colour. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is now the only white holder of one of the four great offices of state in British politics. Ironically, given the cabinets multi-ethnic profile and his own centrist politics, Hunt counts 1930s fascist leader Oswald Mosley as a distant relative. Mosleys political descendants were vocal on social media with racist attacks on the likes of Yousaf and London mayor Sadiq Khan, who congratulated the new Scottish leader. But the far right remains on the marginal fringes of UK politics. Long wait over One of Bravermans predecessors, Sajid Javid, was the first British Asian to hold one of the four great offices when he became home secretary in 2018. Javids ascent prompted a joke from mayor Khan, of the opposition Labour party, in a riff on Londons long-suffering commuters. Typical you wait for ages for a Pakistani bus drivers son to come along (in UK politics). Then two come along at once, Khan joked. Unlike Khan and Javids working-class fathers, Yousafs is firmly middle class, a successful accountant who could afford to send his son to one of Glasgows most exclusive private schools. Scottish Labours Sarwar attended the same school. But as Muslims, they were a rarity at Hutchesons Grammar, and Yousaf has spoken of the Islamophobic insults he endured from white classmates after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. In his victory speech on Monday, Yousaf said his fathers parents would not have imagined in their wildest dreams that their future grandson would become Scotlands leader when they arrived in Glasgow in the 1960s, barely speaking English. We should all take pride in the fact that today we have sent a clear message: that your colour of skin or indeed your faith is not a barrier to leading the country that we all call home, he said. Christianity in decline Katwala noted that the SNP leadership battle saw a socially liberal Muslim candidate defeat a devout Presbyterian in Kate Forbes, who opposes abortion and gay marriage. Christians are now a minority in England and Wales, while still ranking as the biggest faith overall, according to 10-yearly census findings released last year. People listing no religion were the next biggest group identified in the census, followed in order by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jews. Whatever their faith, or lack of it, the UKs leading politicians all worship in the church of disputation. Sunaks spokesman, while stressing the prime minister looked forward to working with Yousaf, said there was no question of permitting another referendum on Scottish independence. Sarwar put aside any old-school fraternity to warn Yousaf that Labour was gunning for the SNP, whose critics say has neglected public services to push its faltering campaign for separation. Labour is targeting a revival in its old Scottish fiefdoms, including Glasgow, with a view to retaking power UK-wide from the Conservatives. But the Scottish Labour leader added: While I question his mandate and the SNPs record, it is important to reflect on the election of what will be the first first minister from an ethnic minority background. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New Delhi: The official Twitter account of BBC Punjabi has been withheld in India amid continued police crackdown against pro-Khalistani elements in the northern Indian state of Punjab in the wake of the Amritpal Singh saga. @bbcnewspunjabis account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand, read a message on BBC News Punjabis official Twitter handle. The reason behind Twitters action is not yet clear, but reports say that BBC News Punjabi account on the micro-blogging site has been withheld in India for spreading misinformation on law and order situation in Punjab and anti-India propaganda. The move comes within days after Twitter handles several Punjab-based journalists and prominent members of the Sikh community were withheld in India amid the police crackdown. As many as six YouTube channels promoting pro-Khalistan views were blocked a few days ago at the request of the Indian government. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India had said these channels, which were run from abroad and presenting content in Punjabi, were trying to create crisis in the Indian state. Punjab Police has launched a massive operation arrest chief of the radical outfit Waris Punjab De Amritpal Singh who has been on the run since 18 March. He allegedly managed to evade the police net and is absconding. The crackdown on the outfit began weeks after Amritpal and his supporters, some of them brandshing swords and guns, broke through barricades and stormed the Ajnala police station on the outskirts of Amritsar (in Punjab) to secure release of an arrested associate. The incident sparked fears over the possibility of the return of Khalistani militancy to Punjab that borders Pakistan. On Saturday, a new CCTV footage emerged which purportedly showed Amritpal wearing a jacket and a trouser and speaking on a mobile phone. He was seen holding a bag with his face covered with a white cloth. Amritpale key aide Papalpreet Singh was also seen in the footage that went viral last week. With inputs from agencies Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Warsaw (Poland): Officials from Poland and the European Union on Monday discussed artillery munitions manufacturing as part of a new, 2 billion euro ($2.2 billion) program to supply Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces and to replenish Europes dwindling stocks. EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton visited DEZAMET S.A. munition plant in Nowa Deba, in southeast Poland, accompanied by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. The visit came just days after Brussels announced a program to reimburse countries offering artillery ammunition to Ukraine from a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) fund. The program also aims to spend an equal amount on increasing production in 11 countries with such manufacturing capacity. Breton said the EU is determined to quickly do what is needed in light of a conflict thats expected to drag on. He also encouraged other EU countries to transfer ammunition to Ukraine as soon as possible. Morawiecki said munitions are whats most urgent needed by Ukraines armed forces with Kyiv slated to receive a million rounds later this year. He said Ukraine uses up to 6,000 artillery shells daily as opposed to Russian forces which use 50,000 rounds of various types of ammunition per day. The officials said Europe needs to urgently increase its ammunition output and urged EU member states to transfer their existing stocks to Ukraine. The visit came as Russian forces continued to shell areas in Ukraines partially occupied eastern Donetsk region, killing and injuring civilians. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Moscow: Russia has proposed to create BRICS geological platform for data sharing with an aim to enable the BRICS countries to exchange data on their mineral reserves and extraction technologies. Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources and environment of the Russian Federation, met with Mosa Mabuza, the chief executive officer of the Council of Geoscience of South Africa to discuss establishing a geological platform of the BRICS member states, the Russian Natural Resources Ministry said in a statement. BRICS, an economic bloc that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was formed on June 16, 2009. South Africa joined BRICS in December 2010. Mr. Mosa Mabuza supported our proposal to create the BRICS geological platform, Kozlov wrote on his Telegram channel following negotiations with the representative of South Africa. The minister explained that the platform will strengthen the cooperation of the geological services of the BRICS countries: Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa. We will all receive data on each others mineral reserves and mining technologies. This is important because the demand for the mineral resources of the new economy is growing by leaps and bounds: platinum, copper, aluminium, nickel, lithium, cobalt and rare earth metals. We all need exploration of new territories, taking into account the experience, technology and knowledge of each other, the minister was quoted by TASS as saying in a statement. The minister added that Russia and South Africa will discuss steps to create a geological platform at a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on March 30 in Pretoria. The first steps in creating the platform should include an expert meeting and a meeting of the heads of geological services of the BRICS countries. After that, a memorandum is to be prepared and a cooperation program approved. It should include specific areas, forms and types of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, depending on the goals of each BRICS country, the ministry said in a statement. According to the head of the Federal Agency on Subsoil Usage Evgeny Petrov, whose words are also quoted in the ministrys statement, the promising areas for joint geological exploration will be regional geological research, new technologies in geology, including remote sensing, digital control, resource classification. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Moscow: Russias Defence Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 250 kilometres (155 miles). It said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometres (430 miles) from Japans northern Hokkaido Island. The U.S. Navys 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. Tokyo does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its location Peter the Great Bay is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries. On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russias increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, Matsuki said. He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. He said Japan is not in a position to comment on Russias intention for the exercise. Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week. In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands some of which are claimed by Japan and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group near Afghanistans foreign ministry killed six civilians and wounded several others, the interior ministry said. Security has dramatically improved since the Taliban stormed back to power in August 2021, ousting the US-backed government and ending their two-decade insurgency, but IS has proved an increasing threat. On Monday, Afghan forces identified the attacker and shot at him in front of a business centre near the foreign ministry, interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor tweeted. With his killing, the explosives carried by the attacker also exploded which killed six civilians and wounded a number of others, he said. IS later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on Amaq, the jihadist groups news arm. Italian NGO Emergency, which operates a hospital in the capital, confirmed it had received two dead and 12 wounded, including a child. Mondays blast was the second attack near the foreign ministry in Kabul in less than three months, and the first since the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Thursday in Afghanistan. On January 11, a suicide bomber blew himself up near the foreign ministry, killing 10 and wounding 53 people, according to the United Nations. The Taliban authorities, who have often tried to play down attacks challenging their rule, had said that five people were killed in that attack, which was also claimed by IS. The group has increasingly become a major challenge, killing and wounding hundreds of people in several attacks, some targeting foreigners or foreign interests in a bid to undermine the Taliban government. At least five Chinese nationals were wounded in December when gunmen stormed a hotel popular with businesspeople in Kabul. That raid was claimed by IS, as was an attack on Pakistans embassy in Kabul also in December that Islamabad denounced as an assassination attempt against its ambassador. Two Russian embassy staff members were killed in a suicide bombing outside their mission in September in another IS-claimed attack. The Taliban and IS share an austere Sunni Islamist ideology, but the latter are fighting to establish a global caliphate instead of the Talibans more inward-looking aim of ruling an independent Afghanistan. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tech companies across the world have come to realise that the business model of production in China and exporting abroad can be a precarious and unsustainable proposition. Because of the manner in which China handled the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that it imposed, and ever-growing tensions with Taiwan, tech companies have been forced to come up with policies similar to Apples China +1 policy. Hideo Tanimoto, president at electronics power Kyocera, Japan, seems to agree. In a recent interview, Hideo Tanimoto, president at electronics power Kyocera, Japan, stated that it no longer makes sense for tech companies to make in China and then export their products to the rest of the world. Also read: Apple continues to ditch China: Foxconn leases new site in Vietnam for new Apple factory Apples China +1 policy is being adopted everywhere Apple, one of the biggest tech companies operating their manufacturing units in China decided to reduce their dependency on the country and explore setting up facilities in neighbouring countries. As a result, India saw a massive influx of manufacturing investment across many states, as Foxconn and Apple set up factories and production facilities in the country. Vietnam too reaped a lot of benefits from Apples China +1 policy. However, over recent weeks, several other tech giants have announced that they will be looking to set up factories in other parts of Asia, and will be curbing their dependency on China. Global tech titans like Dell Technologies, the worlds third-largest computer maker, have revealed intentions to phase out Chinese microchips by next year. Similarly, Hewlett Packard Enterprise or HP is exiting a 20-year-old IT equipment joint venture, according to a securities statement by Chinese associate Tsinghua Unigroup. Siemens is seeking to invest its next euro in Southeast Asia in order to reduce its reliance on China. For years, companies and advisers have discussed China +1 as ties between Beijing and Washington deteriorated. The situation now, however, has started to go from bad to worse, especially with the introduction of the US Chips and Science act. Also read: How US CHIPS Act will help India become self-reliant in semiconductor industry I heard from companies throughout the region that there is an increased appetite to reduce component sourcing or move manufacturing out of China, says Mehdi Hosseini, senior tech analyst at Susquehanna International Group. Which countries are benefiting from China +1? From Mexico to Poland, Malaysia, and Vietnam, potential benefactors of Chinas tech exodus can be found. Global customers may have to pay more for their electronics as humming Chinese supply networks built up over two decades fracture. Being in China has resulted in significant margin improvement for companies, Mehdi adds. Theyll have to find other ways to save money. Things have taken a nastier turn with the US going after other countries and tech companies to get them to stop working with China, especially their microprocessor and semiconductor businesses. But the US-China chip wars isnt the only reason why things are going wrong for Chinas manufacturing sector. Since 2010, Chinese labour expenses have increased by 40 per cent. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the widespread exodus of foreign businesses, prompted investors to consider a repetition with China and Taiwan. Also read: Final nail in the coffin for China: US, Netherlands and Japan enter into agreement for chip sanctions The zero-Covid shutdowns in China highlighted the dangers of putting too many supply chain chickens in one basket. People believe Taiwan could happen right now, says Daniel Karlsson, executive head of Asia Perspective consulting firm. Zero Covid was the final straw. China desperate to hold on to foreign companies According to Karlsson, Xi Jinpings government has tried sucking up to Westerners a little since removing Covid limits, especially Europeans who may be less affected by the hardening US stance. Any positive feelings may be overshadowed by an authoritarian shift as Xi begins his unusual third term. The last few months have convinced me that the Communist Party will be involved in any type of economic reorganization, says Arthur Budaghyan, chief developing markets analyst at BCA Research. South Korean firms have been pioneers in hedging their China wagers. Their motivation stems from 2016 when the Seoul government pledged to installing the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, anti-missile system with a focus on North Korea. Beijing protested and encouraged a boycott of Korean products and services. The hatred that came out affected a lot of Korean businesses in China, says James Lim, Dalton Investments director of Korea research. Samsung, Koreas largest corporation and one of the biggest tech companies in the world, has since moved all of its smartphone manufacturing out of China, primarily to Vietnam and India. Hyundai Motor also lost three-quarters of its China revenue and closed its flagship plant. Some companies are seeing this as an opportunity The withdrawal from China is countered by a withdrawal into China for businesses that want to market there, which may be the same companies that ship from there. Despite recent setbacks, Chinas economic development is expected to remain above 4 per cent per year for the foreseeable future, far outpacing that of the United States and Europe. Also read: Tesla wreaks havoc in Chinas EV market with new price war, gives 50% discount on all cars Tesla and Apple are two prominent instances of foreign businesses that have capitalised on this development. Unlike rival Samsung, Apple generated 24 per cent of its worldwide sales in China during the most recent quarter. Production diversification efforts have been cautious. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New Delhi: Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Monday denounced the BNPs call for movement in the month of Ramadan. According to a report in the Dhaka Tribune, They (BNP) have announced movement even in the month of Ramadan. Give the people a sigh of relief from the movement during the month of Ramadan, she said at a party meeting. PM Hasina reminded the countrymen that Khaleda Zia had killed 17 labourers with bullets in the month of Ramadan as they waged a movement for raising their salaries. Those who shot people dead in the month of Ramadan, how will they show respect to Ramadan? So, they have called for a movement. The BNP does not sympathize with the sufferings of people, Meanwhile, BNP is deeply influenced by Pakistani ideology and mindset, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader earlier. Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the BNP and Pakistans positions on the genocide of Bengalis in 1971 are the same. BNP demands for caretaker government Tens of thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Bangladeshs capital in December 2022 to demand the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign and install a caretaker before the next general elections expected to be held in early 2024. Hasina and her ruling Awami League party, which returned to power in 2018 for the third consecutive time, have repeatedly ruled out the Oppositions demand, saying a caretaker government goes against the spirit of the countrys constitution. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Dublin: The UK government Tuesday raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland to severe, ahead of an expected visit by US President Joe Biden to mark the 25th anniversary of a landmark peace accord. The domestic spy agency MI5 now judged that the threat of an attack had gone from substantial to severe, meaning an incident is judged highly likely, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said. Biden said in March he plans to soon visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom, to mark the 25th anniversary of the big peace accord. In addition to his praise in that area, Vradeker saluted Biden and the US for helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia. We really want to profoundly thank you and America for your leadership in relation to Ukraine, Varadker said. Were going to roll out the red carpet for Bidens visit in Ireland, he said. The Good Friday agreement came under increasing stress following the U.K.s exit from the European Union, but the recent accord between the U.K. and the EU addresses some of the issues that arose around commerce and goods that cross the Irish Sea from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The White House said the Windsor Framework is an important step in maintaining the peace accord and Biden on Friday spoke of support for the framework, though Northern Irelands political leaders have called for changes. Biden, at an early evening White House reception for Varadkar, noted last months attempted murder in Northern Ireland of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, a well-known officer who has led investigations into murders, organized crime and dissident paramilitary groups. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Kyiv: Ukraine shut the eastern town of Avdiivka to non-military personnel on Monday, describing it as a post-apocalyptic wasteland, as Kyiv tried to break the back of Russias flagging winter offensive before a counter-assault of its own. A Ukrainian general said Kyiv was planning its next move after Moscow appeared to shift focus from the small city of Bakhmut, which Russia has failed to capture after several months of the wars bloodiest fighting, to Avdiivka further south. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff said in a Monday evening update that Russian forces were still trying to storm Bakhmut and had shelled the city and surrounding towns. Front lines in Ukraine have barely budged for more than four months despite a Russian winter offensive. The Ukrainian military aims to wear down Russian forces before mounting a counteroffensive. Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said last week the counterattack could come very soon, visited frontline troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling Russian attacks on Bakhmut. Defending the small city in the industrialised Donbas region was a military necessity, Syrskyi said, praising Ukrainian resilience in extremely difficult conditions. Last week, the Ukrainian military warned that Avdiivka, a smaller town 90 km (55 miles) further south, could become a second Bakhmut as Russia turns its attention there. Both towns have been reduced to rubble in fighting that both sides have called a meat grinder. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. I am sad to say this, but Avdiivka is becoming more and more like a place from post-apocalyptic movies, said Vitaliy Barabash, head of the citys military administration. Only around 2,000 of a pre-war population of 30,000 remain and he urged them to leave. Ukrainian military video showed smoke billowing from ruined apartment blocks and dead soldiers on open ground and in trenches in Bakhmut. Kyiv also said Russian forces again shelled Vuhledar, further south in the Donetsk region, where they have tried to advance for weeks with what the Ukrainian military says are heavy losses. Two people were killed and 32 wounded on Monday after Russian forces fired two S-300 missiles at the eastern city of Sloviansk northwest of Bakhmut, according to regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Moscow denies targeting civilians. In Russia, residents of Kireyevsk, 220 km (140 miles) south of Moscow, reacted angrily to damage from what the defence ministry said was a Ukrainian drone it downed there on Sunday. The ministry said three people were injured and apartment blocks were hit. It was among the closest such incidents to the Russian capital so far. We were used to seeing these things only online but now weve felt it ourselves. Now we know how it is, 62-year-old Kireyevsk resident Yuri Ovchinnikov told Reuters as Russian soldiers combed the area around the damaged buildings. There was no official comment from Kyiv. Ukrainian officials generally do not respond to reports of attacks within Russia, though they have sometimes celebrated them without accepting culpability. Zelenskyy meets IAEA chief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region on Monday, his third trip to the front line in less than a week. He awarded soldiers medals and discussed nuclear safety with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, who also travelled to the area, home to Europes biggest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control for the past year. Zelenskiy met Grossi at the Dnipro hydroelectric power station. He told him the staff at Zaporizhzhia were under pressure from Russian occupying forces who failed to observe certain safety rules and interfered in its technological functions. Without an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and staff from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and adjacent areas, any initiative on restoring nuclear safety and security is doomed to failure, the presidents website quoted him as telling Grossi. Nuclear deployment plan Since Putins invasion to demilitarise Ukraine got bogged down in the autumn, he and other Russian officials have played up the prospect the war could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. On Saturday he said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. Kyiv and its Western allies reacted angrily to the plan, which, while not unexpected, is one of Russias most pronounced nuclear warnings to NATO over its military support for Ukraine. Ukraine has called for a meeting of the UN Security Council and Lithuania said it would call for new sanctions against Moscow and Minsk. EU policy chief Josep Borrell urged Belarus not to host the weapons and threatened more sanctions. Belarus and Russia have close military ties, and Minsk allowed Moscow to use its territory as a staging point for the invasion of Ukraine last year. NATO called Putins words dangerous and irresponsible but Washington played down concerns of nuclear escalation. Weve seen nothing that would indicate Mr Putin is preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons in any way whatsoever in Ukraine, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told broadcaster CBC on Sunday. Tactical nuclear weapons are those used to make specific gains on a battlefield, rather than those capable of wiping out cities. It is unclear how many such weapons Russia has since the topic is still shrouded in Cold War secrecy. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. United Nations: The UN Security Council on Monday rejected a Moscow-drafted resolution calling for an independent inquiry into the sabotage last year of the Nord Stream gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. Western countries blamed the explosions under the Baltic Sea last September on Russia, but the Kremlin has accused the West of sabotage. The resolution got three votes, with China and Brazil backing Russia and the other 12 members abstaining. The resolution called for the creation of a commission to conduct comprehensive, transparent and impartial international investigation of all aspects of the act of sabotage on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, including identification of its perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices. Russia said it had been left out of investigations launched by Sweden, Germany and Denmark, all of which have rejected the accusation. We have serious and very well-founded doubt as to the objectiveness and transparency of national investigations conducted by some European states, said Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia. He pointed to increasing suspicions that the three probes aimed not to shed light on what happened with the acts of sabotage, but rather to hide evidence and to clean up the crime scene. I think that after todays vote, suspicion as to who is behind the act of sabotage on the Nord Stream is just obvious, he added. Several members assured the three countries conducting the investigations of their confidence, and denounced what they dismissed as an attempt by Russia to divert attention from its invasion of Ukraine. It was an attempt to discredit the work of ongoing national investigations and prejudice any conclusions they reached that do not comport to Russias predetermined and political narrative, said Deputy US ambassador Robert Wood. A previous version of the resolution seen by AFP stressed that the sabotage had taken place after repeated threats to the Nord Stream by the leadership of the United States but the line was subsequently omitted. Nearly six months after the explosions that hit the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, the responsibility for the attack remains a mystery. The White House has flatly rejected a self-published report by veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh that US Navy divers helped by Norway planted explosives on the pipelines last June and detonated them three months later. The New York Times pointed to a pro-Ukrainian group opposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing US intelligence sources. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Washington: The United States on Tuesday threw support behind a special international tribunal to try Russia for aggression against Ukraine, building momentum to prosecute the crime for the first time since the aftermath of World War II. The European Union has already advocated for a special tribunal, which could bring fresh charges against President Vladimir Putin and would be the latest legal salvo after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes. A State Department spokesperson said Tuesday that the United States would work with allies to set up a special tribunal on the crime of aggression over Russias February 2022 invasion of its neighbor. We envision such a court having significant international support particularly from our partners in Europe and ideally located in another country in Europe. Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, said the United States wanted the court to have international personnel and resources. We believe an internationalized court that is rooted in Ukraines judicial system, but that also includes international elements, will provide the clearest path to establishing a new tribunal and maximizing our chances of achieving meaningful accountability, she said in a speech Monday at the Catholic University of America. We are committed to working with Ukraine and peace-loving countries around the world to stand up, staff and resource such a tribunal in a way that will achieve comprehensive accountability for the international crimes being committed in Ukraine, she said. It was the first time that the United States which has fraught relations with the International Criminal Court has explicitly supported a special tribunal on Ukraine. The European Union in November floated the idea of a tribunal, which was backed formally in January by a vote of the European Parliament. World War II legacy The crime of aggression, then known as a crime against peace, was last prosecuted against a country in the aftermath of World War II and formed a basis of the Nuremburg and Tokyo trials of Nazi Germany and imperial Japan. A new tribunal would be sure to infuriate Putin as Russia considers World War II victory a defining achievement, with the Soviet Union taking part in the prosecution in the trials. The International Criminal Court since 2018 has had jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, but legal experts say it cannot prosecute Russia as the country, like the United States, is not part of the Rome statute that set up the tribunal in The Hague. Nations not part of the court can still be referred by a vote of the UN Security Council, but Russia would be certain to exercise its veto power. The idea of a special tribunal was first promoted shortly after the Ukraine invasion by Britains former prime minister Gordon Brown, alongside legal scholars. Brown, in a March 2022 petition with experts and prominent writers, said the tribunal would be limited in scope to the crime of aggression for which it may be easier to establish responsibility than for individual war crimes as there was so clearly a gross violation of the United Nations Charter. A tribunal would show that we will leave no stone unturned in bringing to an end the terrible events we are now seeing, thereby ensuring that those who have unleashed such horrors are subject to personal accountability under the criminal law, so that justice can be done, Browns petition said. The International Criminal Courts arrest warrant stems from accusations that Russia unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has balked on whether the United States in theory would arrest Putin. Under a law of Congress, the United States is restricted from cooperating closely with the court, seeking to avoid a precedent for prosecuting Americans. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A Vietnamese ship monitored a Chinese Coast Guard vessel on Saturday in a Russian-operated gas field in Vietnams South China Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ), data show the latest Chinese patrol in a pattern stretching more than a year. Chinese coast guard ships have sailed directly into energy exploration blocks operated or owned by Russian firms in Vietnams EEZ about 40 times since January 2022, according to vessel-tracking data from Vietnamese research organisation South China Sea Chronicle Initiative (SCSCI), an independent non-profit. China considers the area part of its expansive territorial claim in the South China Sea marked by a nine-dash line, a boundary the Permanent Court of Arbitration found in 2016 to have no legal basis. It has built artificial islands and airfields on some reefs and islets in the sea to widespread concern in the region and in the United States. Both Vietnam and Indonesia have asked China to avoid these areas in their EEZs although the zones are not territorial waters and do not have sailing restrictions under international law. The patrols mirror Chinese Coast Guard activity elsewhere in the South China Sea, where such vessels have been used to assert territorial claims. China is asserting jurisdictional rights to seabed energy resources and (has) used its coast guard to put pressure on regional states, said Ian Storey, a senior fellow at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Maps created by SCSCI and analysed by Reuters, using Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals from those vessels, show Chinese ships last year followed nearly identical routes at least 34 times from Vanguard Bank, a submerged feature near the boundaries of Vietnamese and Indonesian exclusive economic zones (EEZs), to two Russian-controlled blocks 50 nautical miles (92 kilometres) away at times getting close as 1 nautical mile from the main wells. Russias state-controlled Zarubezhneft is the operator and a shareholder of one of the two blocks, 06-01; Russias gas giant Gazprom is a shareholder in the other, 05-03, which is operated by a subsidiary of PetroVietnam, the countrys state-owned fossil fuel company, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a think tank in Washington. The Chinese ship on Saturday sailed through both blocks, data show, as well as two others. The Vietnamese ship Kiem Ngu 278, operated by a fisheries law enforcement agency, followed the vessel, data show, at times closing to distances of just a few hundred metres. From those blocks, roughly 630 nautical miles from Chinas Hainan island, the Chinese ships typically return on a direct route to Vanguard Bank, where they are stationed, data reviewed by Reuters show. The Chinese ship on Saturday instead sailed to Malaysias EEZ. A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry said the Chinese Coast Guard carries out patrols in the areas under Chinas jurisdiction in the South China Sea while respecting international law, and said it was not aware of patrols in energy exploration blocks operated by Russian firms. A spokeswoman for Vietnams foreign ministry said on Friday that Vietnam acts in the South China Sea to protect its legal rights. Zarubezhneft, Gazprom, and Russias foreign ministry and embassy in Hanoi did not respond to requests for comment. Exclusive economic zones generally extend 200 nautical miles (370km) beyond its shores. By international law, a countrys territorial waters in which it can control all activities typically extend about 12 nautical miles from its shores. Conflicts can arise where such claims overlap. Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei are among other countries that have competing claims in the South China Sea. The gas-rich fields exploited by the Russian companies are among the furthest from Vietnams coast and are close to the strategic boundary with Indonesias EEZ, and to blocks claimed by China. Since at least November, the Chinese Coast Guard ships have also expanded their routes, moving through block 12-11, which is jointly operated by Zarubezhneft and PetroVietnam, on their way to oil and gas field 12W, explored by Britains Harbour Energy, SCSCI data show. The patrols of the area operated by Harbour Energy started just before Indonesia and Vietnam signed an agreement in December 2022 setting their EEZs boundaries in the South China Sea, which paved the way for gas deals. Harbour Energy declined to comment. Harbour Energy and Zarubezhneft are developing the nearby Tuna gas field in Indonesias EEZ, from which Jakarta plans to export gas to Vietnam via a pipeline starting in 2026. The project is currently suspended because of Western Ukraine-related sanctions on some of the companies involved. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have also patrolled the Tuna block; in January, Indonesia deployed a warship to monitor a Chinese ship there. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Nanjing: People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwans ruling party has criticised. Ma, in office from 2008-2016, is the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. He is visiting amid heightened tension as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan into accepting Chinese sovereignty. Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party has questioned why he is visiting just after China took away another Taiwanese diplomatic ally, Honduras, on Sunday, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries. In comments in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where the man celebrated for overthrowing the last Chinese emperor in 1911 and ushering a republic is buried, Ma praised Suns contributions. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors, Ma said, in comments provided by his office. Ma used wording in Chinese meaning people of Chinese ethnicity, rather than referring to their nationality. Descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors is an expression referring to a common ancestor for Chinese people. Most Taiwanese no longer identify as Chinese, according to polls. Sun is officially still considered the father of the Republic of China, which remains Taiwans official name. Sun is also lauded by the Communist Party for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty, but the governments in Beijing and Taipei do not recognise each other. Mas visit is part of an outreach by Taiwans main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), to China in hopes of reducing tensions. The KMT traditionally favours close relations with China but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rejected as China considers her a separatist. She says only Taiwans people can decide their future. Ma, a senior KMT member, said he hoped for peace. We sincerely hope that the two sides will work together to pursue peace, avoid war, and strive to revitalise China, he said, again using an expression that refers to the Chinese people as an ethnicity rather than a nationality. This is an unavoidable responsibility of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, and we must work hard. Ma is not scheduled to meet with any senior Chinese leaders on this trip. He and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Singapore in 2015. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MBABANE After he was reported to be in hiding, SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini appeared on Friday and attended meetings in Parliament and at the Cabinet offices. The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) president confirmed that he was in hiding, following several threats on his life. Since then, Dlamini had been reportedly out of the country, until last week Friday, when he attended meetings between SNAT, senior government officials and members of the executive board of the Education International (EI), which was in the country. In an interview with this publication on Sunday, Dlamini said he only came for the meetings and would return to hiding thereafter. When asked how his continued hiding would affect his work, Dlamini said he had reported to his employer, being government, on the threats to his life. I have informed the employer that I am not safe, the Occupational Health and Safety Act Section 18 (3) comes in, he said. When sought for comment, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training Bheki Gama confirmed that Dlamini was indeed part of the meetings last Friday. Gama said inasmuch as Dlaminis immediate employer was the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), what they knew as government was that his salary had been suspended until he returned to class. He said as a ministry, they were still waiting for him to inform them that he was back in class, then they would take it from there. Gama said it was also worth noting that Dlamini was not fired, contrary to circulating information. Arrest In early February, he told this publication that he was outside the country to attend to other SNAT business, and while at the border gate, upon his return, he received information to the effect that he should not enter the country as police officers were waiting to arrest him. However, he said he did not heed the warning and proceeded with his journey as he had a scheduled meeting in Ezulwini. The driver dropped me off and when he was heading back to Mbabane, he was stopped by one of the famous GD6 vehicles at Corner Plaza, said Dlamini. The SNAT president said they questioned the driver about his whereabouts and he responded to the effect that he had boarded another vehicle to Manzini. Dlamini said despite everything, he proceeded to attend assassinated Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Masekos memorial service. He said after the memorial service, a relative of his received a call from sources at the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), who told him that he was wanted and it was safe for him to disappear. Dlamini said his decision to flee was not only informed by the fact that police wanted him but also considered information circulating on social media under the name Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF). This account has not been disowned by the spokesperson or army authorities, Dlamini had said. Threats He said there was a person who used a fake account calling himself Zwelakhe, who had been constantly making threats. Dlamini said at one point, the same Zwelakhe posted that he was near his house and looking for him to answer on the logo of the solidarity forces, which was allegedly designed at SNAT Centre and that he had to answer on what was the link between the two. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said when they were looking for someone they classified them as a wanted person and issued a warrant of arrest. Vilakati said for now, they did not know any warrant of arrest against the SNAT president. She wondered whether Dlamini had reported to the police when he heard that he was wanted. She said police officers were not killers and if they wanted someone, they just needed assistance with certain information, hence Dlamini should have gone to find out why he was wanted. IKODOO, a new-age consumer technology brand, has launched Buds One, the companys first ANC earbuds with 50dB ANC. The company has partnered with Vifa Sound, a global technology brand based in Denmark. Vifa combines its precision audio processing technology with patented acoustic algorithms that produce verbal sound and music with captivating clarity, said the company. The earbuds feature multimode AI acoustic noise reduction and personalised ANC algorithms promise noise cancellation depth of 50 dB. The smart anti-wind technology suppresses wind noise to offer crystal-clear music and calls, even in windy conditions. Find my Buds feature enables you to track the location of your misplaced earbuds by triggering an alarm through the app on your smartphone. IKODOO Buds One specifications Bluetooth 5.2, AAC audio codec 13.4mm dynamic driver, DSP acoustic algorithm for deep bass, clear treble clear Active noise cancellation up to 50db Transparency mode Smart anti-wind technology for crystal-clear music and calls with 3 microphones Water resistant (IP55) Low-latency gaming mode (48ms) Touch controls IKODOO App lets users personalise their sound preferences Weight: 5.19g (earphones), 39g (case) 55mAh battery offers up to 27h total battery life fast charging offers up to 2h playback with 10 m charging, wireless charging IKODOO Buds Z The company also introduced the Buds Z with Bluetooth 5.3, Open and Pair feature for quick pairing, 10mm PEEK diaphragm and PU dynamic drivers for a deep bass. IKODOO Buds Z specifications Bluetooth 5.3 10mm PEEK diaphragm and PU dynamic drivers AI Environment Noise Cancellation (ENC) Water-resistant (IPX4) Touch controls 8h of standalone playback, up to 28h total playback, fast charging offers up to 1.5h playback with 10m charging Pricing and availability IKODOO Buds One will be available at a special launch price of Rs. 4999 on Amazon.in starting from March 31, valid for 7 days, compared to the original price of Rs. 6999. The IKODOO Buds Z will come in White, Black and Green colours and will be available from Amazon.in from March 31st for Rs. 999. Commenting on the launch, Tanmay Das, Vice President, IKODOO said: IKODOO, with core brand values of Technology, Art and Lifestyle, was born with a mission to popularise high-end audio technology and serve the younger generation who love music around the world. We are a truly global company with localised operations in India; our R&D and supply chain centre is in China and our Brand Marketing and Design Centre is in the United States. Furthermore, we have a very intrinsic partner- Vifa Sound, a leading sound brand, based in Europe. Ken Lee, R&D Head, IKODOO said: IKODOO Buds are a combination of design, technology and performance, thanks to the tireless efforts of our team that is committed to research, development and technological innovation. By creating and adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as 50 dB ANC, AI ENC and Wind Noise Suppression, we are offering perfect solutions to the impact of noisy environments on the quality of music and phone calls. So that users can enjoy a soothing melody and a smooth phone call, unaffected by all that sound and fury. Commenting on the partnership, Ranjit Babu, Director Wireless and Home Entertainment, Amazon India, said: We are excited about the launch of IKODOOs first product in India, the ANC earbuds. It promises to resonate with customers seeking superior performance, value and reliability. With this launch, we continue to build on our strong portfolio in the audio accessories category at Amazon.in, providing our customers with vast selection across price points and an unmatched shopping experience. HLUTSE - Some community police members of Hlutse are allegedly implicated in a case of a man who died after a through beating. According to a source close to the matter, the incident took place last Wednesday night and the man died while nursing his injuries on Sunday night at Hlutse in the Lubombo Region. The source alleged that the man, who was a murder suspect, purportedly had an argument with a close relative and he reportedly started breaking some windows, supposedly out of anger. Emergency He said the relative called community police members and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) officers, through their toll free emergency line 999. The source said police from Siphofaneni Police Station went to the home and took the man into their custody, but he was later released after his relative did not lay charges against him. The relative told the police that she cannot open a case against him because the court might send him to jail as he was out on bail for a murder, which he allegedly committed in 2019, the source claimed. While at home, the source claimed that some community police members came with community residents (about 15 in total) and when they tried to address the matter, an argument ensued. As a result, the source alleged that the community police, together with the residents, assaulted him heavily. Mainly, he said they used sticks and sjamboks. However, he highlighted that others kicked him while he was lying on the ground. He bled profusely and was rushed to hospital. Later on, he said the man was discharged and he died on Sunday night while he was still nursing the injuries, the source said. This publication visited his home yesterday and the elders who were found at the homestead said they were not ready to talk to the media about the matter. They asked to be contacted later in the week. Comment Some of the community police members who are allegedly implicated in the matter asked not to comment for now. Others, who were found discussing the matter, claimed that the deceased was a down to earth person, who liked to joke around. However, they highlighted that his character would change after he imbibed alcoholic beverages as he would become violent. They added that they believe that the people who assaulted him did not have intentions to kill him, but to bring him to order. On the other hand, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, said the police attended the matter after they got a signal from their toll free emergency line 999. She said the police took the man to the police station and waited for his relative to say if a case would be opened against him or she would ask them to talk with him. She said the relative asked not to lay any charges against him and he was released. She said they recently got a report that the man had died. She said so far, the matter had been recorded as a sudden death, but she highlighted that the police were still investigating it. MANZINI For some civil servants, being wrongly graded came at a cost in excess of E700 000. Last week, government reimbursed 1 600 public service employees for being wrongly graded in 2016. The civil servants were placed under new grades for their remuneration and received a back pay, which was backdated to April 1, 2022. However, the difference between the back pay and the money the public service employees should have been earning since 2016 is huge. The remuneration structure of the deputy director in the Social Welfare Department, under the office of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), was reviewed from D5 to E4. It was re-graded due to the scope of work, job content and supervisory function, while that of the coordinator of in-service training under the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) was an effort to correct the reporting relationship with heads of department (HoDs). In the four years (April 1, 2016 March 31, 2022), the deputy director earned E20 786.83 before tax under grade D5 Notch 1, instead of E33 813.42 under grade E4 Notch 1. The difference between the two grades is E13 026.58 and in the four years, the civil servant had a shortfall approximated to exceed E625 276.16. There is also an additional E161 008.92, which emanates from the difference between the two grades. The above difference was derived from the implementation of three per cent cost-of-living (CoLA) in 2021, which resulted in grade D5 earning a monthly salary of E21 410.42, while grade E4 increased to E34 827.83. This equates to a monthly difference of E13 417.41 between the two grades. Furthermore, in 2022, another three per cent CoLA was implemented, which reviewed grade D5 to E22 052.73, while grade E4 increased to a monthly salary of E35 872.67. The difference between the two grades is E13 819.94. Difference However, government issued Establishment Circular No.1 of 2023; Implementation of the Salary Review Appeals Exercise. It stated that they should be paid the difference of the salary as of April 1, 2022. This equated 11 months and officers whose grades were reviewed from D5 to E4 received E152 019.34 as back pay. This increases the amount the civil servants under this grade missed out onto over E786 285.08 in the said years. The pairs re-grading of their positions formed part of 145 appeals that were tabled to government, seeking that they should be corrected as the personnel in certain grades were made worse off than their previous remuneration. In addressing this, most of the positions were re-graded to higher grades, with the aforementioned pair grossing a higher amount. Also, among the civil servants who were not graded accordingly during the 2016 salary review exercise is the deputy director of public prosecutions (DPP). This position was graded to E5. This means from April 1, 2016 until April 1, 2020, the officer was remunerated E38 743.83 per month. This calculation is based on the assumption that the officer was on grade E5, Notch 1, which in this period had an annual salary of E464 926. During the four years, the civil servant had a shortfall of E8 726.67 per month on their salary. This is because the grade of F3, which they should have been allocated since April 1, 2016, had a monthly salary of E47 470.50 before the aforementioned date until 2021. This difference when calculated for the 48 months tallies E418 880.16 as the amount they were not remunerated. In 2021, government awarded civil servants a three per cent CoLA. This increased the salary of the deputy DPP to E39 906.17 on grade E5 Notch 1, while it hiked grade F3 to E 48 894.58 per month. During these 12 months, the officer missed out on E107 860.96. Also, in the subsequent year, another three per cent CoLA was implemented, which increased the E5 grade remuneration to E41 103.36, while a civil servant in grade F3, started earning E50 361.42. In these 12 months, the civil servant missed out on E111 096.72 as he or she could have received an additional E9 258.06 per month. Remunerated However, given that the new Establishment Circular No.1 of 2023; Implementation of the Salary Review Appeals Exercise states that they should be remunerated the difference of their salary dating back to April 1, 2021, they received E101 838.66. In essence, in the past six years, the civil servant could have amassed E526 741.12. This amount excludes the two once-off of one per cent of their annual salary awarded with the CoLA in the aforementioned instances. It also did not factor in the upward review of their remuneration based on notching, which is applied every year until the employee reaches the last notch of that grade. On the other hand, a civil servant working as a clerk of court or interpreter was graded B5 during the salary review. Using the similar method of setting the grade at Notch 1, it means the employee in the four years (April 1, 2016 March 31, 2020) had a monthly remuneration of E8 824.25 while he/she had been graded C3, the civil servant would have been earning E9 626.67 monthly. The difference between the two scales is E802.42 monthly and in the four years it amounted to E38 516.16. In addition to this shortfall, during the 2021 CoLA award, the public service employee had the B5 Notch 1 scale increased to E9 089 while grade C3 hiked to E9 915.50. This has a difference of E826.50, which in 12 months equates E9 091.5. Furthermore, in 2022, another three per cent CoLA further widened the difference in their remuneration as it increased the B 5 Notch 1 salary to E9 361.67, while grade C3 Notch 1 was hiked to E10 212.96. The difference between the two grades is E851.29 per month. In total, this means civil servants who were re-graded to C3 from B5 could have received a back pay of E9 364.19. They could have earned E49 285.45 between 2016 and March 31, 2022. Officers who are in these grades and their positions were re-graded included cooperative officers and cooperative auditors under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. Reviewed Their positions were said to have been reviewed due to the scope of work and nature of their jobs. Also, in this grade were labour inspectors, assistant human resources officers, and estate accounts examiner, clerk of court/interpreter and estate officer. It is worth noting that the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, in his budget speech, announced that E65 million was reserved for civil servants salary appeals. This was a E20 million decline from the previous allocation, which was announced in 2021. NHLANGANO Nhlangano Town Council interim committee Chairman Mashumi Shongwe appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife, Tigezile Magongo. It is worth noting that at the main entrance, there were women from different organisations against gender-based violence (GBV) who were carrying placards and demonstrating. The women shared that they were against the murder of the former police officer, who was shot dead last year. Also present were the Magongo family members, who filled up the court seats and were all wearing T-shirts with the late police officers picture, as well as words she used to say ukhona God to most people she related with. Shongwes family members were also present and at some point while outside, the Magongo family was heard shouting words directed at Shongwes family, in that justice had to be served for their sister. Further notable faces were those of some former councillors at Nhlangano Town Council, as well the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Babsy Mavuso. Police officers who worked with the deceased Magongo were also present in court, in particular her close friends. Shongwe stands accused of the murder of his wife, who was assassinated at Extension 4 below His Majestys Correctional Services facility in Nhlangano, around 8pm on November 30, 2022. The police officer was returning from work when she was shot. Worth noting is that a case of attempted attack was reported to the police about two weeks before she was killed, after three men attempted to attack her when she got home from work. It was said that she saw them through a window and raised the alarm. In court yesterday, unlike other suspects, who when they appear for the first time, use the main entrances to the court buildings; Shongwe was whisked through the underground entrance, used by His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS) to bring remanded inmates into court. He used the same entrance when appearing before Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi. Jointly According to the charge sheet, the accused has been charged with the crime of murder, in that the said accused person, allegedly acting individually or jointly in furtherance of a common purpose with a person(s) still being sought by the police, did unlawfully and intentionally kill one Tigezile Magongo. Shongwe was remanded in custody until March 30, 2023, pending committal to the High Court. He was taken to the Nhlangano Police Station, before being whisked to HMCS facility. It was gathered that Shongwe recorded a confession. It was also gathered from sources working close to the matter that police investigations led to a man who recorded a statement that Shongwe once requested services of a hit man from him. This was said to have been part of the investigations that led to his arrest. Story of a serf-born Tibetan shows how Xizang experienced earth-shaking progress on democracy, human rights By Shan Jie, Cao Siqi and Fan Wei in Lhasa (Global Times) 09:26, March 28, 2023 A view of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on March 27, 2023 Photo: Fan Wei/GT Editor's Note: March 28 marks the 64th anniversary of the democratic reform of the Xizang Autonomous Region in Southwest China. In March 1959, the central government led the people in Xizang to launch a democratic reform, abolishing Xizang's feudal serfdom under a theocracy. Xizang was then able to establish a new social system that liberated the people and made them the masters of the nation and society. In 2009, the regional legislature announced March 28 as a day to commemorate the emancipation of about 1 million serfs. The democratic reform, which started in 1959, gave personal freedom, right to serfs' life, human dignity and value to the people, and unleashed immense and consistent productive forces for years to come. It is a historical event that all people in China should remember. Recently, Global Times reporters talked with a serf-born man in Lhasa. His own story is a vivid illustration of how Xizang has undergone remarkable changes in democracy. Puciren, who is now 79 years old, was born into a family of serfs in the Xigaze region of Xizang. His parents were both impoverished serfs who had to rent a house from their landlord. As they could not afford to pay rent, Puciren's mother worked for the landlord as a "Duchung (poor serf)." She would carry out various odd tasks during the busy farming season and would give all her earnings to the landlord to pay for the rent. Meanwhile, his father was a "Tralpa (serfs bearing taxes and errands)," who had to pay the serf master with their labor. In old Xizang, serfs were classified as "Duchung," "Tralpa," and "Nangsan (house slave)." At the time, the three major stakeholders (local officials, aristocrats, and higher-ranking lamas in the monasteries) who comprised less than 5 percent of the population held almost all of Xizang's wealth, while the remaining 95 percent of serfs and slaves struggled to survive. The "three lords" had absolute power and the serfs and slaves were regarded as "talking livestock" and "walking tools" that could be abused at will. "I was born in the old society and grew up under the red flag. I witnessed many of my neighbors living a life worse than that of cattle. Their suffering was something I saw with my own eyes and remembered in my heart," Puciren told the Global Times in his house which was bright with spring sunshine in northern Lhasa. "The life of a serf was extremely difficult, not only because of the lack of food and warm clothing but also because they had no personal freedom. The lords would make them do whatever they wanted, and the serfs had to obey. They oppressed us and squeezed us dry. In their eyes, we were just animals with the ability of speech," recalled Puciren. Puciren's childhood was marked by constant hunger and poverty. "When I was little, my mother was able to rent a room in a rich family's house where she worked. But some slaves had nowhere to live and had to live in tents or even in cowsheds." "Some children born to slaves were born in cowsheds, and children's survival rates were quite low in old Xizang. Many newborns died," he said. In the barbaric society of old Xizang, lords often used violent and brutal means and cruel punishment against serfs and slaves to maintain their political power. The ruling class used both soft and hard means to subdue the serf class, including implementation of inhumane punishments such as blinding, ear-cutting, limb-chopping, tendon-snapping, and drowning. The ruling class of landowners also enacted laws, such as the "Thirteen Code" and the "Sixteen Code," which established a hierarchy of three classes and nine levels, affirming the unequal social and political status of the serf class. The government, major monasteries, and landlords all had courts and prisons, and could even establish their own prisons on their personal estates to oppress serfs without restraint. "When I was a child, whenever I saw people being beaten or locked up, I would fear for my own life and would hide," Puciren said. "At that time, people did not know what 'freedom' was and never could have imagined what a 'free life' would be." According to the Tibet Museum in Lhasa, in 1959 almost all the 3.3 million acres of arable land in Xizang were owned by the ruling class. Before 1959, the Dalai Lama himself owned 160,000 liang(one liangis equal to 50 grams) of gold, 95 million liangof silver, over 20,000 pieces of jewelry and jade articles, and over 10,000 pieces of all kinds of silks, satins and precious fur coats. His family possessed 27 manors, 30 ranches and over 6,000 serf farmers and herdsmen. In 1959, there were 197 hereditary aristocratic families in Tibet, with each family owning from several hundred to tens of thousands of acres of land. These aristocrats enjoyed a life of ease and luxury, ordering groups of servants and slaves around, while common serfs lived in squalor and had to resort to eating moldy and smelly peas and gruel for sustenance. The miserable serfs could only catch their breath in the long night: "Even if the snow mountain were to turn into butter, it would still be owned by the lords; even if the river water were to turn into milk, we wouldn't have been allowed a sip." Puciren showcases historic photos of reforms and development in Xizang on March 23, 2023. Photo: Fan Wei/GT New chapter of Xizang On May 23, 1951, an agreement on the peaceful liberation of Xizang was signed. The document, known as the 17-Article Agreement, opened a new chapter in Xizang's history. As Puciren recalled, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) entered Xigaze in 1951, he was only six years old. He and other children ran behind PLA trucks as they drove into the city. "The PLA soldiers brought radios with them. We had never seen anything like it before and were curious about how this cube thing could make sound," Puciren said, fondly recounting how the soldiers held movie viewings for local people, and in particular the 1950-movie The White-haired Girlwhich tells the suffering of a woman in the old society. After watching it, Puciren wondered what the outside world was really like. Soldiers once gave him a book that he has kept for over 70 years. It was the 17-Article Agreement handbook. When he went to primary and junior high school, he read it and gained a deeper understanding of how well the PLA soldiers had behaved in accordance with the agreement. "The PLA soldiers indeed did not take a single needle or thread from the people. I saw all of this with my own eyes and remembered it in my heart," Puciren said. When Puciren was 10 years old in 1954, a rare flood occurred in Gyangze county, Xigaze. After the flood, the central government sent 800,000 silver dollars to aid in disaster relief, and the PLA soldiers brought local people rice and other staples. "All of this left a deep impression on me," he said. On March 28, 1959, the central government announces the dissolution of then local Xizang government. People from all ethnic groups launched sweeping reforms to overthrow the feudal serfdom system. Puciren said that in old Xizang, the serfs were taught to believe that the "three lords" supported them and provided them with food and drink. However, they later realized that it was actually the "three lords" who seized the fruits of their labor. "If we do not work or toil, what do the 'three lords,' who only accounted for 5 percent of the total population of Xizang, eat and wear?" Puciren said. "After we realized these truths, we began to resist." A set of sculptures depicting democratic reform in 1950s in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region in the Tibet Museum in Lhasa. Photo: Shan Jie/GT Masters of the country Democratic reform completely abolished the feudal serfdom of theocracy in old Xizang. Millions of serfs were liberated and, for the first time, gained the right to be human beings and became the masters of their own destinies. "In the beginning, there were people spreading rumors that once our Tibetan children were taken to the inland region, they would never be seen again. However, that was false and the children gained a lot of knowledge in the inland schools, which changed their life. Many of them eventually became scientists, geologists, doctors, writers, and even national leaders. Without the leadership of the Party, they would have never dared to imagine all of this," Puciren said. Recalling the changes brought about by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to the Tibetan people, Puciren said with emotion that such changes allowed the Tibetan people to gain freedom, and sincerely helped Xizang realize modernization and development. "I remember my parents endured a lot of hardships on the long journey from Xigaze to Lhasa. Now, we take the high-speed rail, which only takes 2.5 hours," he said. In 2002, Puciren officially retired from his job as a civil servant in Xigaze. After retirement, Puciren took advantage of his bilingual ability to spread the Party's policies to Tibetan farmers and herdsmen. Once after his speech in Chentang town of Xigaze, an old man in his eighties told him that he had originally planned to move abroad, but after understanding the Party's policies, he finally gave up this idea. "He told me that if he followed through with his initial plan, he would not have lived to be his current age," Puciren said. "This also reminds me of when the upper-class reactionary group in Xizang launched a rebellion in 1959, some of them also instigated us young people to flee along with them." "At that time, there was a small group of people that was bewitched and fled with them. But many regret it; they live a very bad life, and many people expressed their desire to return," he said. In recent years, some foreign forces have speculated that the reforms and development in Xizang is a kind of damage to Xizang, and Puciren strongly disagrees. The Dalai Lama and his separatist followers are still blatantly claiming that there is no democracy in Xizang, but as a witness to this period of history, Puciren deeply feels the changes brought about by the CPC to the people of Xizang. "If there was no Communist Party of China, the Tibetan people would never have been able to talk about personal freedom," he said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) MBABANE The Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) is of the view that the nation expects the dialogue to be held before elections. MSF Secretary General (SG) Sikelela Dlamini said this was because elections were a product of such an engagement process (dialogue). Dlamini said the Government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalos response, that there were no preparations yet, was indeed undermining emaSwati in the call for an all inclusive political dialogue. Dlamini said the call for a dialogue had been made louder since 2021, the year of the escalated political instability. They (government) have always maintained that the environment has never been conducive for dialogue but such an explanation is made so as to run away from the crucial matter, said Dlamini. The SG said to state that no dialogue preparations had been engaged upon until now, other than the availability of the budgetary provision, showed how adamant the government was. Dlamini said the dialogue that they envisaged would not be delivered by government alone, but it shall be a product of a multi-stakeholder involvement, in terms of coming up with its terms of reference, detailing how this process should be progressed with. He said the process to the national dialogue, and dialogue process itself, should indeed be a participatory process. Chairperson of the Political Party Assembly (PPA) Nombulelo Motsa said in her observation, she saw no dialogue happening at all. Motsa said it was true that government wanted peace, and yes currently it was calm, but it (government) would claim that the people liked the current government system and thus make no plans for the dialogue. She said it was noted that national cultural events were held without hesitation and people were also paid to be part of them. She said last year, some money was allocated for the dialogue, same as this year, and all that would be misused and no one would be held to account for it. She said governments only focus was on elections, not dialogue. Communities It is worth noting that since the beginning of the civic voter education by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) in the different communities around the country, some citizens have been calling for the dialogue ahead of the elections. On March 5, Nkhaba residents joined the calls for the national dialogue before the elections, in order to iron out differences. Nkhaba residents made the call parallel to submissions made in Fonteyn under Mbabane East Constituency, where one resident, Muzi Ngwenya, questioned the EBC on how elections would be possible while the country was at war with each other. Ngwenya said the country needed to dialogue first and resolve any problems before going into elections. He said he doubted if the elections would be peaceful, while there were issues behind that were not addressed. Meanwhile, at Nkhaba, one resident by the name of Zwakele Mavuso, said there were currently a lot of differences in views among the people countrywide. Mavuso was of the view that, in order to resolve those differences, there was a need for the dialogue. He mentioned that through the dialogue, people would be able to voice out their concerns and how they wished the country could be governed going forward. Meanwhile, at Somntongo chiefdom, the EBC officials were disrupted by some residents who were demanding the date for the dialogue. As such, the EBC officials ended up not being able to conduct the voters education exercise. At KaLiba under Hosea Inkhundla, the EBC officials were also sent packing by the residents, who were demanding the whereabouts of their Member of Parliament (MP), Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza. On March 2, MPs implored government to initiate community reach-outs (vusela exercise) under Operation Alibuye. The MPs called for the setting of the date for the envisaged national dialogue as the situation on the ground seemed to have now improved. The MPs made the call during the sitting of the Portfolio Committee of the Prime Ministers Office, for the debate on the offices annual performance report for the current year (April 2022 - March 2023). Madlangemphisi MP Sibusiso Scorpion Nxumalo, said government should utilise the E30 million budgeted for the national dialogue in conducting the community out-reach initiatives in all the over 300 imiphakatsi in the country. Nxumalo said through those community out-reach initiatives government might find that what troubled the people was simply lack of jobs and poverty, which could be addressed. He encouraged government to go to the people to hear their concerns ahead of the dialogue. MBABANE Despite the environment on the ground suggesting calmness, government says there are no immediate preparations in respect to the national dialogue. This was stated by Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, in an interview yesterday. Nxumalo had been asked if there were any preparations being made in respect of the national dialogue, having observed that there was some calmness in the country. This also emanates from the fact that government has been adamant that the dialogue would not be held until the political climate became conducive. This was in reference to violence that had engulfed the country, where business establishments were burnt and there were unprecedented killings of state security personnel and civilians. In his response, Nxumalo said there were no immediate preparations to host the dialogue, except for the budgetary provision as presented by the Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, when delivering his budget speech in Parliament in February. Budget Rijkenberg announced that E30 million had been set aside for the national dialogue. Government had been all along, through press conferences and Parliament sessions, stating that the environment was not conducive for the national dialogue. It was cited that the acts of violence were hindering the convening of the dialogue. You have rightly and correctly observed that the environment on the ground does seem to suggest some calmness, said Nxumalo. He stated that government remained committed to the national dialogue, a dialogue that would not have an opportunity to put other peoples lives at risk and in predicaments. Nxumalo said the nation for now was focused on the national general elections, which were already underway. Having said this, government notes with great pleasure the obvious peace and tranquillity that prevails in the country, said the government spokesperson. He further mentioned that no decision had been taken by government as to when the national dialogue would take place. When asked about the calls from some members of the public, that there should be the dialogue first then elections, he said to stipulate would be counterproductive and misleading. He said elections, meanwhile, had been officially announced, hence his assertion that the nation was preoccupied with this particular national exercise for now. If any decision is taken to convene a national dialogue, a proper announcement and communication will be made, said Nxumalo. Meanwhile, during a previous article, Mhlangatane Member of Parliament (MP) Madala Mhlanga observed that there was calm such that emaSwati were able to even sleep peacefully at night. He further appreciated members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) for their tireless efforts in providing security to the nation, despite the attacks against them. On the other hand, Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni asked Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini what was stopping government from convening the dialogue as it was able to commence the processes for the national elections. Support Meanwhile, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of African Affairs, Robert Scott recently said, as America, they were ready to support Eswatini in conducting the dialogue. When addressing the media at a press briefing on March 7, Scott said elections and dialogue did not replace each other. He said the upcoming elections provided the opportunity for all emaSwati to engage directly in the countrys governance, a process which they (US) supported. Scott also addressed the media virtually last week Thursday, where he highlighted that judging from his engagements with different stakeholders in the country, he noted that there was a political will to have the dialogue; it was just a matter of setting up the date. King's University College announces special financial assistance for Indian students 23 Apr 2023 | 9:17 PM New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Kings University College of Canada has announced the Kings International Student Award, a financial support initiative available to eligible Indian applicants starting their study abroad with the university from all 2023 and beyond. see more.. PM expresses happiness over installation of 254 4G mobile towers in Arunachal 23 Apr 2023 | 7:01 PM New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his happiness over installation of 254 4G mobile towers in Arunachal Pradesh. see more.. Sudan evacuation: Two IAF planes on standby in Jeddah, INS Sumedha reaches Port of Sudan 23 Apr 2023 | 6:54 PM New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) India has put two IAF C-130J aircraft on standby in Jeddah, while Indian Naval ship INS Sumedha has reached the Port of Sudan to evacuate Indian nationals as fighting continues to rage in Sudan, an official statement said. see more.. LS Secretariat to organise 'Chintan Shivir' 23 Apr 2023 | 6:03 PM New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Lok Sabha Secretariat will organise a series of 'Chintan Shivir' for its officers and staff following directions from Speaker Om Birla. see more.. Moscow, Mar 28 (UNI) Russia and Belarus on Monday inked 13 documents on integration between the two countries in the framework of their Union State. The documents were signed in Moscow following a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Union State, which was chaired by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Belarusian counterpart Roman Golovchenko. In accordance with these pacts, Russia and Belarus will strengthen cooperation in the fields of space exploration, microelectronic technologies, border security, customs among others. "Together we are stronger and able to jointly cope with the most complex challenges, with the tasks we face in a variety of areas -- from ensuring security to improving the well-being of our citizens and resisting external pressure," Mishustin said at the meeting. "In our opinion, work should be intensified to deepen bilateral cooperation," Golovchenko responded. UNI XINHUA RKM Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has insisted that the presidential candidate of the Labour party, Peter Obi, won the February 25, 2023 elections and is backing his decision to challenge the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in court. In a statement released by legal practitioner Dele Farotimi and was jointly signed by Afenifere leader, Pa Adebanjo and its Secretary General, Sola Ebiseni, the group also stated that for equity, fairness, national cohesion and peaceful corporate existence, the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be someone from the southern part and specifically the South-East.Read the full text of the Quote BEING THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING OF THE AFENIFERE HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF OUR LEADER, CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO AT ISANYA OGBO OGUN STATE ON TUESDAY 28TH DAY OF MARCH 2023. 1. 000 PREAMBLE. 1.02 The Afenifere held its regular monthly General Meeting today, 28th day of March 2023, at the residence of our Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State. 1.03 After intensive deliberations on the state of the Nigerian Federation, the Meeting which was presided over by our Leader aforesaid and attended by delegates from the member states of our Organisation observed and Resolved as follows: 2.00 RESOLUTIONS. 2.01 That Afenifere reiterate our position that the Presidential election held on the 25th of February 2023 was characterised by all forms of primitive manipulations and noncompliance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Guidelines and Regulations made pursuant thereto with concomitant legislative force. 2.02 Reiterate that the results of the lawful votes at the Presidential election available to the Afenifere through credible sources confirm that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, won the said election and we, thus, support his decision challenging the contrary declaration by the INEC. 2.03 Re-assert that for equity, fairness, national cohesion and peaceful corporate existence, the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be person of its southern part and specifically the South-East. 2.04 Condemn in the strongest terms, the campaigns of calumny and acts of ethnic violence deployed by some politicians and their hired criminal gangs in several parts of the federation during the gubernatorial election particularly Lagos State where the election was made to appear like an inter-ethnic war between the Yoruba and Igbo which greatly led to voters suppression and other forms of deliberate disenfranchisement through brigandage. 2.05 Received a message credited to Chief Emmanuel Iwunayanwun in a viral video alleging indictment of the Yoruba as political rascals on account of ethnic violence deployed by politicians of the ruling party in Lagos State. On the analysis of the video and information at the disposal of Afenifere by people at the Anambra State gathering, we are convinced that Chief Iwunayanwun rightly asserted that the Yoruba and Igbo were not at war and truly condemned the shenanigans of some political rascals. 2.06. Flowing from the above, Afenifere state that it never issued any statement and dissociate the Organisation from any such statement against Chief Iwunayanwun. 2.07 Observed the uncouth activities and unauthorised statements in its name and to the constant denigration of the organisation, by Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary and Abagun Kole Omololu the National Organising Secretary. After due consideration of the unending embarrassing conduct of the two officers, the Meeting resolved that they be and are hereby removed immediately from their respective offices and their membership be suspended sine die pending further decisions after their appearance before and recommendations by the Disciplinary Committee. 2.08 Restate our position that in accordance with the hallowed Yoruba culture of civilised conduct, Afenifere assure all persons resident in Yorubaland, indigenes and non-indegenes, of protection in the conduct of their lawful duties and thus warn all threats mongers and merchants of violence to desist therefrom. 2.09 Express our belief in the judiciary as an integral part of the democratic process and expect that it proves itself in the election litigations now pending before it without fear or favour and in accordance with the judicial oaths of its members, in covenant with the Nigerian people. 2.1 0 Call on the President and Government of Nigeria to restore the patriotic confidence and hope of the Nigerian people in the continued corporate existence of the federation which will guaranty their safety throughout Nigeria. 2.11 Appreciate the genuine and renewed interests of the international community in the security and democratic health of Nigeria and urge that as a prominent member of the global community, the affairs of Nigeria should continue to be of concern to the world.'' Turkiye summons French ambassador over hosting of Kurdish militants Ankara, Mar 28 (UNI) Turkiye's Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the French ambassador to condemn the French Senate for hosting members of two Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara considers calls "terrorists." The ministry officials told Herve Magro, French ambassador to Turkiye, that Ankara "strongly condemns" the French Senate's hosting of the members of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), and its awarding them with "medals of honor," semi-official Anadolu Agency quoted anonymous Turkish foreign ministry sources as saying. Chinese FM confirms detention of Japanese national on suspicion of spying Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 27, 2023 04:41 PM The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that a Japanese national was under criminal detention under suspicion of engaging in espionage, saying that Chinese officials had notified the Japanese Embassy in accordance with Vienna Convention and China-Japan consular relations. The detained Japanese national suspected of espionage has violated both China's Criminal Law and Counterespionage Law and the case remains under investigation, Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry told a press conference on Monday. Mao said that China is a country ruled by law, and that all foreigners coming to China must abide by Chinese laws and violators will be held accountable. In the past years, there were several similar cases involving Japanese nationals and Japan should strengthen education and awareness among Japanese passport holders planning to enter China. Japan's Kyodo News reported on Sunday that a Japanese man detained in Beijing earlier this month was an employee of Astellas Pharma Inc., and a spokesperson for the Japanese drugmaker confirmed. Previously in 2015, two Japanese nationals were arrested in China on similar charges. The two men were believed to have been collecting information at the request of Japan's Public Security Intelligence Agency. One of them was held in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, near the border with North Korea, according to local media reports at the time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Executive Order on Prohibition on Use by the United States Government of Commercial Spyware that Poses Risks to National Security March 27, 2023 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. Technology is central to the future of our national security, economy, and democracy. The United States has fundamental national security and foreign policy interests in (1) ensuring that technology is developed, deployed, and governed in accordance with universal human rights; the rule of law; and appropriate legal authorization, safeguards, and oversight, such that it supports, and does not undermine, democracy, civil rights and civil liberties, and public safety; and (2) mitigating, to the greatest extent possible, the risk emerging technologies may pose to United States Government institutions, personnel, information, and information systems. To advance these interests, the United States supports the development of an international technology ecosystem that protects the integrity of international standards development; enables and promotes the free flow of data and ideas with trust; protects our security, privacy, and human rights; and enhances our economic competitiveness. The growing exploitation of Americans' sensitive data and improper use of surveillance technology, including commercial spyware, threatens the development of this ecosystem. Foreign governments and persons have deployed commercial spyware against United States Government institutions, personnel, information, and information systems, presenting significant counterintelligence and security risks to the United States Government. Foreign governments and persons have also used commercial spyware for improper purposes, such as to target and intimidate perceived opponents; curb dissent; limit freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, or association; enable other human rights abuses or suppression of civil liberties; and track or target United States persons without proper legal authorization, safeguards, or oversight. The United States has a fundamental national security and foreign policy interest in countering and preventing the proliferation of commercial spyware that has been or risks being misused for such purposes, in light of the core interests of the United States in protecting United States Government personnel and United States citizens around the world; upholding and advancing democracy; promoting respect for human rights; and defending activists, dissidents, and journalists against threats to their freedom and dignity. To advance these interests and promote responsible use of commercial spyware, the United States must establish robust protections and procedures to ensure that any United States Government use of commercial spyware helps protect its information systems and intelligence and law enforcement activities against significant counterintelligence or security risks; aligns with its core interests in promoting democracy and democratic values around the world; and ensures that the United States Government does not contribute, directly or indirectly, to the proliferation of commercial spyware that has been misused by foreign governments or facilitate such misuse. Therefore, I hereby establish as the policy of the United States Government that it shall not make operational use of commercial spyware that poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person. In furtherance of the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, this order accordingly directs steps to implement that policy and protect the safety and security of United States Government institutions, personnel, information, and information systems; discourage the improper use of commercial spyware; and encourage the development and implementation of responsible norms regarding the use of commercial spyware that are consistent with respect for the rule of law, human rights, and democratic norms and values. The actions directed in this order are consistent with the policy objectives set forth in section 6318 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA FY 2023) (Public Law 117-263) and section 5502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA FY 2022) (Public Law 117-81). Sec. 2. Prohibition on Operational Use. (a) Executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall not make operational use of commercial spyware where they determine, based on credible information, that such use poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or that the commercial spyware poses significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person. For the purposes of this use prohibition: (i) Commercial spyware may pose counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government when: (A) a foreign government or foreign person has used or acquired the commercial spyware to gain or attempt to gain access to United States Government computers or the computers of United States Government personnel without authorization from the United States Government; or (B) the commercial spyware was or is furnished by an entity that: (1) maintains, transfers, or uses data obtained from the commercial spyware without authorization from the licensed end-user or the United States Government; (2) has disclosed or intends to disclose non-public United States Government information or non-public information about the activities of the United States Government without authorization from the United States Government; or (3) is under the direct or effective control of a foreign government or foreign person engaged in intelligence activities, including surveillance or espionage, directed against the United States. (ii) Commercial spyware may pose risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person when: (A) the commercial spyware, or other commercial spyware furnished by the same vendor, has been used by a foreign government or foreign person for any of the following purposes: (1) to collect information on activists, academics, journalists, dissidents, political figures, or members of non-governmental organizations or marginalized communities in order to intimidate such persons; curb dissent or political opposition; otherwise limit freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, or association; or enable other forms of human rights abuses or suppression of civil liberties; or (2) to monitor a United States person, without such person's consent, in order to facilitate the tracking or targeting of the person without proper legal authorization, safeguards, and oversight; or (B) the commercial spyware was furnished by an entity that provides commercial spyware to governments for which there are credible reports in the annual country reports on human rights practices of the Department of State that they engage in systematic acts of political repression, including arbitrary arrest or detention, torture, extrajudicial or politically motivated killing, or other gross violations of human rights, consistent with any findings by the Department of State pursuant to section 5502 of the NDAA FY 2022 or other similar findings. (iii) In determining whether the operational use of commercial spyware poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or poses significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, such that operational use should be prohibited, agencies shall consider, among other relevant considerations, whether the entity furnishing the commercial spyware knew or reasonably should have known that the spyware posed risks described in subsections (a)(i) or (ii) of this section, and whether the entity has taken appropriate measures to remove such risks, such as canceling relevant licensing agreements or contracts that present such risks; taking other verifiable action to prevent continuing uses that present such risks; or cooperating in United States Government efforts to counter improper use of the spyware. (b) An agency shall not request or directly enable a third party to make operational use of commercial spyware where the agency has determined that such use poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or that the commercial spyware poses significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, as described in subsection (a) of this section. For purposes of this order, the term "operational use" includes such indirect use. (c) To facilitate effective interagency coordination of information relevant to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section and to promote consistency of application of this order across the United States Government, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) shall, within 90 days of the date of this order, and on a semiannual basis thereafter, issue a classified intelligence assessment that integrates relevant information a including intelligence, open source, financial, sanctions-related, and export controls-related information a on foreign commercial spyware or foreign government or foreign person use of commercial spyware relevant to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section. The intelligence assessment shall incorporate, but not be limited to, the report and assessment required by section 1102A(b) of the National Security Act of 1947, 50 U.S.C. 3001 et seq., as amended by section 6318(c) of the NDAA FY 2023. In order to facilitate the production of the intelligence assessment, the head of each agency shall, on an ongoing basis, provide the DNI all new credible information obtained by the agency on foreign commercial spyware vendors or foreign government or foreign person use of commercial spyware relevant to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section. Such information shall include intelligence, open source, financial, sanctions-related, export controls-related, and due diligence information, as well as information relevant to the development of the list of covered contractors developed or maintained pursuant to section 5502 of the NDAA FY 2022 or other similar information. (d) Any agency that makes a determination of whether operational use of a commercial spyware product is prohibited under subsection (a) of this section shall provide the results of that determination and key elements of the underlying analysis to the DNI. After consulting with the submitting agency to protect operational sensitivities, the DNI shall incorporate this information into the intelligence assessment described in subsection (c) of this section and, as needed, shall make this information available to other agencies consistent with section 3(b) of this order. (e) The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), or a designee, shall, within 30 days of the issuance of the intelligence assessment described in subsection (c) of this section, and additionally as the APNSA or designee deems necessary, convene agencies to discuss the intelligence assessment, as well as any other information about commercial spyware relevant to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section, in order to ensure effective interagency awareness and sharing of such information. (f) For any commercial spyware intended by an agency for operational use, a relevant official, as provided in section 5(k) of this order, shall certify the determination that the commercial spyware does not pose significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person based on the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section. The obligation to certify such a determination shall not be delegated, except as provided in section 5(k) of this order. (g) If an agency decides to make operational use of commercial spyware, the head of the agency shall notify the APNSA of such decision, describing the due diligence completed before the decision was made, providing relevant information on the agency's consideration of the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section, and providing the reasons for the agency's determination. The agency may not make operational use of the commercial spyware until at least 7 days after providing this information or until the APNSA has notified the agency that no further process is required. (h) Within 90 days of the issuance of the intelligence assessment described in subsection (c) of this section, each agency shall review all existing operational uses of commercial spyware and discontinue, as soon as the head of the agency determines is reasonably possible without compromising ongoing operations, operational use of any commercial spyware that the agency determines poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. (i) Within 180 days of the date of this order, each agency that may make operational use of commercial spyware shall develop appropriate internal controls and oversight procedures for conducting determinations under subsection (a) of this section, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. (j) At any time after procuring commercial spyware for operational use, if the agency obtains relevant information with respect to the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the agency shall determine whether the commercial spyware poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, and, if so, shall terminate such operational use as soon as the head of the agency determines is reasonably possible without compromising ongoing operations, and shall notify the DNI and the APNSA. (k) The Federal Acquisition Security Council shall consider the intelligence assessment described in subsection (c) of this section in evaluating whether commercial spyware poses a supply chain risk, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, including 41 C.F.R. Part 201-1 and 41 U.S.C. 1323. (l) The prohibitions contained in this section shall not apply to the use of commercial spyware for purposes of testing, research, analysis, cybersecurity, or the development of countermeasures for counterintelligence or security risks, or for purposes of a criminal investigation arising out of the criminal sale or use of the spyware. (m) A relevant official, as provided in section 5(k) of this order, may issue a waiver, for a period not to exceed 1 year, of an operational use prohibition determined pursuant to subsection (a) of this section if the relevant official determines that such waiver is necessary due to extraordinary circumstances and that no feasible alternative is available to address such circumstances. This authority shall not be delegated, except as provided in section 5(k) of this order. A relevant official may, at any time, revoke any waiver previously granted. Within 72 hours of making a determination to issue or revoke a waiver pursuant to this subsection, the relevant official who has issued or revoked the waiver shall notify the President, through the APNSA, of this determination, including the justification for the determination. The relevant official shall provide this information concurrently to the DNI. Sec. 3. Application to Procurement. An agency seeking to procure commercial spyware for any purpose other than for a criminal investigation arising out of the criminal sale or use of the spyware shall, prior to making such procurement and consistent with its existing statutory and regulatory authorities: (a) review the intelligence assessment issued by the DNI pursuant to section 2(c) of this order; (b) request from the DNI any additional information regarding the commercial spyware that is relevant to the factors set forth in section 2(a) of this order; (c) consider the factors set forth in section 2(a) of this order in light of the information provided by the DNI; and (d) consider whether any entity furnishing the commercial spyware being considered for procurement has implemented reasonable due diligence procedures and standards a such as the industry-wide norms reflected in relevant Department of State guidance on business and human rights and on transactions linked to foreign government end-users for products or services with surveillance capabilities a and controls that would enable the entity to identify and prevent uses of the commercial spyware that pose significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person. Sec. 4. Reporting Requirements. (a) The head of each agency that has procured commercial spyware, upon completing the review described in section 2(h) of this order, shall submit to the APNSA a report describing the review's findings. If the review identifies any existing operational use of commercial spyware, as defined in this order, the agency report shall include: (i) a description of such existing operational use; (ii) a determination of whether the commercial spyware poses significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, along with key elements of the underlying analysis, pursuant to section 2(a) of this order; and (iii) in the event the agency determines that the commercial spyware poses significant risks pursuant to section 2(a) of this order, what steps have been taken to terminate its operational use. (b) Within 45 days of an agency's procurement of any commercial spyware for any use described in section 2(l) of this order except for use in a criminal investigation arising out of the criminal sale or use of the spyware, the head of the agency shall notify the APNSA of such procurement and shall include in the notification a description of the purpose and authorized uses of the commercial spyware. (c) Within 6 months of the date of this order, the head of each agency that has made operational use of commercial spyware or has procured commercial spyware for operational use shall submit to the APNSA a report on the actions that the agency has taken to implement this order, including the internal controls and oversight procedures the agency has developed pursuant to section 2(i) of this order. (d) Within 1 year of the date of this order, and on an annual basis thereafter, the head of each agency that has procured commercial spyware for operational use shall provide the APNSA a report that identifies: (i) any existing operational use of commercial spyware and the reasons why it does not pose significant counterintelligence or security risks to the United States Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, pursuant to section 2(a) of this order; (ii) any operational use of commercial spyware that was terminated during the preceding year because it was determined to pose significant risks pursuant to section 2(a) of this order, the circumstances under which this determination was made, and the steps taken to terminate such use; and (iii) any purchases made of commercial spyware, and whether they were made for operational use, during the preceding year. Sec. 5. Definitions. For purposes of this order: (a) The term "agency" means any authority of the United States that is an "agency" under 44 U.S.C. 3502(1), other than those considered to be independent regulatory agencies, as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5). (b) The term "commercial spyware" means any end-to-end software suite that is furnished for commercial purposes, either directly or indirectly through a third party or subsidiary, that provides the user of the software suite the capability to gain remote access to a computer, without the consent of the user, administrator, or owner of the computer, in order to: (i) access, collect, exploit, extract, intercept, retrieve, or transmit content, including information stored on or transmitted through a computer connected to the Internet; (ii) record the computer's audio calls or video calls or use the computer to record audio or video; or (iii) track the location of the computer. (c) The term "computer" shall have the same meaning as it has in 18 U.S.C. 1030(e)(1). (d) The term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization. (e) The term "foreign entity" means an entity that is not a United States entity. (f) The term "foreign government" means any national, state, provincial, or other governing authority, any political party, or any official of any governing authority or political party, in each case of a country other than the United States. (g) The term "foreign person" means a person that is not a United States person. (h) The term "furnish," when used in connection with commercial spyware, means to develop, maintain, own, operate, manufacture, market, sell, resell, broker, lease, license, repackage, rebrand, or otherwise make available commercial spyware. (i) The term "operational use" means use to gain remote access to a computer, without the consent of the user, administrator, or owner of the computer, in order to: (i) access, collect, exploit, extract, intercept, retrieve, or transmit the computer's content, including information stored on or transmitted through a computer connected to the Internet; (ii) record the computer's audio calls or video calls or use the computer to otherwise record audio or video; or (iii) track the location of the computer. The term "operational use" does not include those uses described in section 2(l) of this order. (j) The term "person" means an individual or entity. (k) The term "relevant official," for purposes of sections 2(f) and 2(m) of this order, refers to any of the following: the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the DNI, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, or the Director of the National Security Agency. The Attorney General's obligation under section 2(f) of this order and authority under section 2(m) of this order may be delegated only to the Deputy Attorney General. (l) The term "remote access," when used in connection with commercial spyware, means access to a computer, the computer's content, or the computer's components by using an external network (e.g., the Internet) when the computer is not in the physical possession of the actor seeking access to that computer. (m) The term "United States entity" means any entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches). (n) The term "United States person" shall have the same meaning as it has in Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981 (United States Intelligence Activities), as amended. (o) The term "United States Government personnel" means all United States Government employees as defined by 5 U.S.C. 2105. Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to limit the use of any remedies available to the head of an agency or any other official of the United States Government. (c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law, including section 6318 of the NDAA FY 2023, as well as applicable procurement laws, and subject to the availability of appropriations. (d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. THE WHITE HOUSE, March 27, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FACT SHEET: President Biden Signs Executive Order to Prohibit U.S. Government Use of Commercial Spyware that Poses Risks to National Security March 27, 2023 Presidential Directive Will Serve as a Cornerstone Initiative During the Second Summit for Democracy Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order that prohibits, for the first time, operational use by the United States Government of commercial spyware that poses risks to national security or has been misused by foreign actors to enable human rights abuses around the world. Commercial spyware - sophisticated and invasive cyber surveillance tools sold by vendors to access electronic devices remotely, extract their content, and manipulate their components, all without the knowledge or consent of the devices' users - has proliferated in recent years with few controls and high risk of abuse. The proliferation of commercial spyware poses distinct and growing counterintelligence and security risks to the United States, including to the safety and security of U.S. Government personnel and their families. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been targeted by commercial spyware, and untrustworthy commercial vendors and tools can present significant risks to the security and integrity of U.S. Government information and information systems. A growing number of foreign governments around the world, moreover, have deployed this technology to facilitate repression and enable human rights abuses, including to intimidate political opponents and curb dissent, limit freedom of expression, and monitor and target activists and journalists. Misuse of these powerful surveillance tools has not been limited to authoritarian regimes. Democratic governments also have confronted revelations that actors within their systems have used commercial spyware to target their citizens without proper legal authorization, safeguards, and oversight. In response, the Biden-Harris Administration has mobilized a government-wide effort to counter the risks posed by commercial spyware. Today's Executive Order builds on these initiatives, and complementary bipartisan congressional action, to establish robust protections against misuse of such tools. This Executive Order will serve as a cornerstone U.S. initiative during the second Summit for Democracy on March 29-30, 2023, which President Biden will co-host with the leaders of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia. In furtherance of President Biden's National Security Strategy, this Executive Order demonstrates the United States' leadership in, and commitment to, advancing technology for democracy, including by countering the misuse of commercial spyware and other surveillance technology. This Executive Order will also serve as a foundation to deepen international cooperation to promote responsible use of surveillance technology, counter the proliferation and misuse of such technology, and spur industry reform. *** In particular, the Executive Order signed by President Biden today: Applies to U.S. federal government departments and agencies , including those engaged in law enforcement, defense, or intelligence activities, and encompasses spyware tools furnished by foreign or domestic commercial entities. , including those engaged in law enforcement, defense, or intelligence activities, and encompasses spyware tools furnished by foreign or domestic commercial entities. Prohibits departments and agencies across the federal government from operationally using commercial spyware tools that pose significant counterintelligence or security risks to the U.S. Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, including to target Americans or enable human rights abuses. that pose significant counterintelligence or security risks to the U.S. Government or significant risks of improper use by a foreign government or foreign person, including to target Americans or enable human rights abuses. Establishes key counterintelligence, security, and improper use factors that indicate such risks , including if: a foreign government or foreign person has used or acquired the commercial spyware to gain or attempt to gain access to U.S. Government electronic devices, or those of U.S. Government personnel, without authorization from the U.S. Government; the commercial spyware was or is furnished by an entity that (1) maintains, transfers, or uses data obtained from the commercial spyware without authorization from the licensed end-user or the U.S. Government; (2) has disclosed or intends to disclose non-public information about the U.S. Government or its activities without authorization from the U.S. Government; or (3) is under the direct or effective control of a foreign government or foreign person engaged in intelligence activities directed against the United States; a foreign actor uses the commercial spyware against activists, dissidents, or other actors to intimidate; to curb dissent or political opposition; to otherwise limit freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly or association; or to enable other forms of human rights abuses or suppression of civil liberties; a foreign actor uses the commercial spyware to monitor a United States person, without consent, in order to track or target them without proper legal authorization, safeguards, and oversight; and the commercial spyware is furnished to governments for which there are credible reports that they engage in systematic acts of political repression, including arbitrary arrest or detention, torture, extrajudicial or politically motivated killing, or other gross violations of human rights. This ensures application of the Executive Order in situations when foreign actors may not yet have committed specific abuses through the use of commercial spyware, but have engaged in other serious abuses and violations of human rights. , including if: Identifies concrete remedial steps that commercial spyware vendors can take to reduce identified risks , such as cancelling relevant licensing agreements or contracts that present such risks. , such as cancelling relevant licensing agreements or contracts that present such risks. Directs important new reporting and information-sharing requirements within the Executive Branch to ensure departments and agencies can make informed and consistent determinations based on up-to-date all-source information, including a semi-annual comprehensive intelligence assessment. The Executive Order, therefore, seeks to ensure that any U.S. Government use of commercial spyware aligns with the United States' core national security and foreign policy interests in upholding and advancing democratic processes and institutions, and respect for human rights; does not contribute, directly or indirectly, to the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware; and helps protect U.S. Government personnel and U.S. Government information systems and intelligence and law enforcement activities against significant counterintelligence or security risks. *** The Executive Order complements concrete actions the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress have taken to confront the threat posed by the proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware: Congress enacted new statutory authorities and requirements related to commercial spyware in the Intelligence Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, including new restrictions and reporting requirements for Intelligence Community (IC) employees' post-service employment with foreign governments or companies, to include foreign commercial spyware entities. Last week, the Director of National Intelligence issued binding guidance to the U.S. Intelligence Community to implement these statutory requirements, which set an international standard that we hope will be followed by other countries. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has placed foreign entities on the Entity List to address foreign policy concerns related to surveillance technologies. In November 2021, BIS added four commercial entities to the Entity List for engaging in the proliferation and misuse of cyber intrusion tools contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. The Department of Commerce has implemented technology-based controls to address digital surveillance tools. In October 2021, the Department implemented multilateral Wassenaar Arrangement export controls on certain cybersecurity items that could be used for surveillance, espionage or other actions that disrupt, deny, or degrade a network or devices on the network. The final rule has been in effect since May 2022. In January 2022, the Department of State and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's National Counterintelligence and Security Center issued an advisory for the broader public on how to protect oneself from commercial surveillance tools. At the direction of Congress, the Department of State, in consultation with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, has submitted to appropriate oversight committees a classified report on contractors that have knowingly assisted or facilitated certain cyberattacks or conducted surveillance activities on behalf of relevant foreign governments against the United States or for the purposes of suppressing dissent or intimidating critics. In June 2021, Secretary Blinken announced that the Department of State, on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration, will update the United States' National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct. This builds on prior U.S. government guidance, including the U.S. Department of State guidance on implementing business and human rights principles for "Transactions Linked to Foreign Government End-Users for Products or Services with Surveillance Capabilities." In parallel, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to undertake a concerted effort to assess the extent to which commercial spyware has been directed against U.S. Government personnel serving overseas and mitigate the counterintelligence and security risks posed by these tools. Taken together, these efforts aim to reduce the improper use of new technological tools to facilitate repression and human rights abuses, mitigate the counterintelligence threats these tools can pose to the U.S. Government, ensure that U.S. companies and former U.S. Government personnel are not facilitating authoritarian or repressive practices abroad, and provide tools to Americans and civil society to better protect themselves. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese coast guard ship chased out of Vietnam waters Chinese ship and Vietnamese ship came dangerously close to each other inside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. By RFA staff 2023.03.27 -- A Chinese coast guard ship and a Vietnamese fisheries patrol boat apparently had a tense encounter during the weekend in the South China Sea, coming as close as 10 meters to each other, according to data from Marine Traffic, a ship-tracking website. The data, based on the ships' automatic identification system (AIS) signals, shows that the China Coast Guard ship, CCG5205, and Vietnam's Kiem Ngu 278 came "crazy close" to one another at around 7 a.m. on Sunday local time (midnight UTC), said a researcher based in California. As of Monday afternoon (local time), the CCG5205 was operating in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone after it left Vietnam waters where the Kiem Ngu 278 had been pursuing the considerably larger Chinese ship since March 24, tracking data showed. At one point the two ships were less than 10 meters (32.8 feet) apart, according to Ray Powell, the Project Myoushu (South China Sea) lead at Stanford University, who first spotted the incident at sea. "The Vietnamese ship was pretty bold given the difference in size - the Chinese ship is twice the size of the Vietnamese ship," Powell said. "It must have been a very tense engagement." The incident occurred some 50 nautical miles (92.6 kilometers) south of Vanguard Bank, a known South China Sea flashpoint between Vietnam and China. About 90 minutes later, the Chinese ship left Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) where it had been since Friday evening. An EEZ gives a state exclusive access to the natural resources in the waters and in the seabed. Last month, the same China Coast Guard ship was accused of approaching about 150 yards (137 meters) from a Philippine Coast Guard ship and pointing a laser at the crew, causing temporary blindness to them. On Feb. 6, the Philippine Coast Guard said that the Chinese ship had "directed a military-grade laser light" twice at the BRP Malapascua, which was on its way to deliver food and supplies to the troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila lodged a diplomatic protest and the U.S. State Department issued a statement supporting "our Philippine allies." Beijing rejected the allegation, saying the Philippine ship had "intruded into the waters" off the Spratly Islands "without Chinese permission" and the Chinese coast guard ship had "acted in a professional and restrained way." 'Too close for comfort' In the Sunday encounter, Marine Traffic's past track showed the Chinese CCG5205 and the Vietnamese Kiem Ngu 278 were so close that they could have collided. "Ten meters between ships is really too close for comfort," said Collin Koh, a Singapore-based regional maritime analyst. "Depending on the sea state, the risk of collision is fairly high," Koh told Radio Free Asia (RFA). A retired Vietnamese Navy senior officer, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, said the two ships must have narrowly escaped a collision because they were sailing in opposite directions and at a very slow speed. "If they were heading to the same direction a collision would have not been avoidable as the distance is too close and too dangerous," he said. Chinese ships had deliberately rammed Vietnamese patrol ships in the past, he added, but not in recent years. The CCG5205 left Sanya, in Hainan island, for the current mission on March 11 and entered Vietnam's EEZ the first time on March 12. It then moved to the overlapping area between claimant states in the South China Sea and Malaysia's EEZ before entering Vietnam's EEZ again on March 21 for a couple hours and for the third time on March 24 when the Kiem Ngu 278 chased it. The Kiem Ngu 278, officially named Vietnamese Fisheries Resources Surveillance ship KN-278, is homeported in Vung Tau, south of Ho Chi Minh City. It left base on March 13 and had been following the Chinese vessel closely since. In July 2021, the Kiem Ngu 278 was following another Chinese coast guard ship, the CCG5202, which Vietnam accused of harassing its gas-exploration activities. Six parties hold claims to parts of the South China Sea and its natural resources but China's claim is the biggest and Beijing has been trying to hinder other countries' oil and gas activities in the waters inside its self-claimed nine-dash line. A 2,600-ton Chinese survey vessel, the Haiyang Dizhi Si Hao, had lingered inside Vietnam's EEZ from March 9 until March 25, when it switched off its AIS, according to data from Marine Traffic. Its whereabouts are currently unknown. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungarian Parliament Votes for Ratification of Finland's Accession to NATO Sputnik News 20230327 BUDAPEST (Sputnik) - The Hungarian Parliament voted on Monday for the ratification of Finland's accession to NATO. On March 17, the head of the ruling faction Fidesz, Mate Kocsis, said that the Hungarian Parliament will vote on Finland's membership in NATO on March 27 and a parliamentary group will decide on Sweden later. The admission of Finland to NATO was supported by 117 deputies, 40 opposed, and another 18 abstained, according to the parliament's website. On May 18, three months after the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden submitted their NATO membership applications, abandoning decades of neutrality. Turkiye initially blocked their bids due to its concern over Helsinki and Stockholm's long-standing support of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which Ankara regards as a serious threat to its national security. Turkiye lifted its objections after Erdogan and the two Nordic leaders met in Madrid in June 2022, where they signed a security memorandum to unblock the process of Finland and Sweden's accession. The accession process came once more to a standstill for Sweden in January this year following the Quran-burning incident in Stockholm. Erdogan said the country should not count on Ankara's support for its NATO bid, but expressed no reservations regarding Finland's bid. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly 600 Former Boko Haram Militants Graduate From Nigeria Rehab By Timothy Obiezu March 27, 2023 Nigerian authorities say a rehabilitation program for former Boko Haram sect fighters is helping weaken the group's fighting power. Nearly 600 fighters graduated from the program over the weekend and tendered a public apology for their actions. Authorities say they will be reintegrated into society, but experts are warning of possible relapse. The former Boko Haram fighters dressed in white simultaneously and echoed an oath of allegiance to Nigeria during a graduation ceremony Saturday at the De-radicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) camp in northern Gombe state. They're the latest batch of voluntary defectors from the sect to undergo the six-month physical, mental and psychosocial rehabilitation program tagged Operation Safe Corridor. Nigerian authorities started the safe exit program in July 2016 as a strategy to degrade the fighting power of terror groups like Boko Haram. Program coordinator Uche Nnabuihe spoke to Lagos-based television during the ceremony. "Based on the therapeutic interventions these sets of clients have undergone, they're better citizens from when they initially arrived at the DRR camp and accordingly are certified fit for graduation and subsequent reintegration to their respective communities," Nnabuihe said. Authorities said three of the graduates are from Niger and one from Chad, while the rest are Nigerians mostly from Borneo, Adamawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Niger and Nassarawa states. The former fighters offered a public apology and promised to embrace peace in their respective communities. Security analyst Senator Iroegbu said in theory the program could help but warns there could be relapses. "Repentance is a thing of the mind," Iroegbu said. "Someone can pretend to have repented because the conditions to express himself otherwise are not there. This is a controversial program in many facets. There'll always be resistance to it. What has been the impact? Has it been able to stop more recruitment?" Authorities say thousands of repentant Boko Haram members have been freed since 2019 and that they have become productive members of society. But in 2021, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called for a review of the program, saying ex-Boko Haram members spy on communities and then rejoin the group. Local communities in Borno, which is the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, have also questioned the program. Vivian Bellonwu, founder of Social Action Nigeria, explained why. "It appears rehabilitation attention has mostly been focused on the rebels themselves, whereas the communities also suffered very far-reaching trauma," Bellonwu said. "And they are actually supposed to undergo psychological, psychosocial rehabilitation. And I have not seen this sufficiently being done for them." Bellonwu said it will not be easy for the former fighters to be accepted back into the communities they once harmed. "These are communities that have been abducted en masse, Bellonwu said. "Their women have been raped. Some of the children have watched their parents being slaughtered by these elements. These kinds of things have a way of having a lasting impact in the minds of the victims. How do you expect them to forget?" Boko Haram has been fighting to create an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria since 2009. The violence has led to tens of thousands of deaths and spilled over into neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. On Sunday, Nigerian defense authorities said some 51,000 Boko Haram militants and their families surrendered to Nigerian forces between July 2021 and May 2022. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ASEV (Aegis system-equipped vessel) / Aegis Afloat The "Aegis system-equipped ship" was decided to be introduced as an alternative to the ground-based interceptor missile system "Aegis Ashore". As the study for its construction progressed, it became clear that it had specifications that set it apart from the existing ships currently owned by the Maritime Self-Defense Force. But by early 2023, the government seemed to be backing off from the idea of a 20,000 ton BMD Battlecruiser, leaning towards a rather smaller ship. Regarding the introduction cost, it was estimated that it will be about 480 billion to 500 billion yen [US$3,650,000,000 to US$3,800,000,000] or more for two ships in 2020 money. The new missile defense policy of 2020 incorporated the construction of two vessels equipped with the Aegis anti-ballistic missile system, as an alternative to the scrapped plan to deploy the land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system. Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo said Japan must build a robust missile defense system in view of the heightened threats posed by North Korean missiles. Kishi told reporters on Friday that the government will thoroughly consider what kind of equipment will be mounted on the new Aegis vessels and how it should be operated by taking account of the changing situation. In the areas surrounding Japan, China and Russia deploy a great number of ballistic missiles which can deliver nuclear weapons. Ballistic missile test launches by North Korea have made the threat of ballistic missiles a reality. In order to ensure readiness in response to armed attacks by ballistic missiles and other objects, Japan started developing the BMD system in 2004. By the end of fiscal year 2010, the Aegis destroyers of the MSDF, Kongo, Chokai, Myoko, and Kirishima, completed equipment with BMD capabilities. Regarding the Patriot PAC-3, the ASDF successfully modified a total of 16 fire units of the 1st Air Defense Missile Group (Iruma), the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group (Kasuga), the 4th Air Defense Missile Group (Gifu), the Air Defense Missile Training Group and the 2nd Technical School (Hamamatsu) into PAC-3 capable units. Concerning Aegis Destroyers, in addition to the existing four Kongo class Aegis Destroyers, two Atago class Aegis Destroyers were to be equipped with BMD capabilities. Regarding the Patriot PAC-3, one more fire unit of the 5th air defense missile group (Okinawa) will be upgraded into a PAC-3 capable unit. In parallel with the realignment of the existing PAC-3 units, every air defense missile group will have BMD capable PAC-3 fire unit. The government considered introduce the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mobile ground-based missile defense system. But Japan would need at least six units to cover the entire country, while Aegis Ashore required just two units. In 2017, Japan decided to deploy two batteries to the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) training areas. Two years later, it chose Akitas Araya district and Yamaguchis Mutsumi for the deployment which was to take place by 2025. Japan's Defense Minister announced 15 June 2020 the country was cancelling plans to deploy a costly, land-based U.S. missile defense system designed to counter escalating threats from North Korea. Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters he had decided to "stop the deployment process" of the Aegis Ashore missile system after discovering safety concerns regarding two communities near where the system would be based. Kono said the way the system was currently designed, they could not guarantee that the rocket booster from the missile system would not fall outside the Ground Self-Defense Force's Mutsumi base in Yamaguchi, southwestern Japan. By 01 August 2020 the Japanese government was considering three main options to replace the halted Aegis Ashore land-based missile shield. A recommendation approved by defense-related panels in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party urges the government to quickly come out with "concrete proposals" to fill the gap left by the absence of the land-based missile shield, which was put on hold last month due to cost concerns. The three main possibilities were: building a radar system on land that would detect incoming missiles to be shot down by ship-based interceptors, adding more Aegis-equipped ships to the existing fleet, and building a large offshore structure - a megafloat - to house both the radar system and interceptors. A remote radar system would let the government install the interceptor battery in a location that would minimize the risk of booster rockets falling on residential neighborhoods. Adding more Aegis ships would be expensive to build, and the 600 crew members would be required to staff even two would further strain the chronically understaffed Maritime Self-Defense Force. An artificial island would be vulnerable to threats such as torpedoes and terrorist attacks. Japan told the United States 06 September 2020 that it viewed building specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles as the most viable alternative to the scrapped plan to deploy land-based, US-developed Aegis Ashore systems. Building vessels equipped with the radar and missile launch system initially destined for Aegis Ashore, whose functions were only limited to countering ballistic missiles, would be cheaper than adding more Aegis-equipped destroyers capable of responding to attacks from fighter jets and submarines as well. The plan emerged as outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was expected to issue a statement by mid-September to explain the government's stance on missile defense, including the possibility of Japan acquiring a strike capability against missile bases in other countries, as Tokyo sought to review its security policy. There were several reasons why building specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles was the most viable alternative. The first was trying to fill the shortfall of an arms deal with the US as it canceled the previous plan to deploy Aegis Ashore systems. The plan to build specialized ships would not require local consent, and would curb cancellation fees for Aegis Ashore equipment such as Lockheed Martin Corp.'s SPY-7 radar system, which can be loaded onto the envisioned ships. Based on US Navy specification for 6.1 m diameter radar, the SPY-7 here might have about 82 RMA's This could translate to about 29 dB loop gain/sensitivity advantage compared to baseline SPY-1 and 3 dB over 69 RMA AMDR. The radar could detect 2m2 RCS target [eg, a missile warhead] at approximately 1,500 km, while something like 10m2 of side aspect of ballistic missile at 2,200 km. Second, Tokyo hoped to reduce the sensitivity of the project to avoid being criticized by other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Judging from the name, building specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles seemed to underline the defensive and lowering sensitivity. South Korea's plan to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense in 2017 caused relations with many neighboring countries to deteriorate. Tokyo appeared to have drawn a lesson from Seoul's experience. Third, the effect of sea-based deployment would be better than land-based. Sea-based deployment to counter ballistic missiles will increase its flexibility to deal with potential attacks. Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution outlaws war as a mean to settle international disputes involving the state. The article requires, Japan to formally renounces the sovereign right of belligerency and aims for international peace based on justice and order. Building specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles does not contravene Article 9 on surface. There have been reports saying the US was considering deploying mid-range missiles on Japanese soil. Such a move will irritate Japan's neighboring countries including China, North Korea and Russia. By contrast, building specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles conveys the idea that Japan was only improving its defensive capability. And fourth, the sea-based deployment could carry more AEGIS Standard Missile interceptors than the existing DDG missile destroyers, for two reasons. The DDG missile loadout must also include anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles to account for the destroyers other mission requirements. And the sea-based deployment could carry a larger vertical launch system that the DDG, because it was unconstrained by other design tradeoffs.- Specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles can be significantly smaller and less expensive than AEGIS destroyers. Japan's national land area of approximately 380,000 km was the 61st place in the world, but the ocean area of the territorial sea + exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covered by resource development rights was actually about 4.47 million km2 and the 6th place in the world, making it abundant minerals on the seabed. The long-cherished desire of Nippon in the Far East was to establish its own energy. The large-scale offshore wind power generation business was becoming the mainstream as a European power generation system that prioritizes environmental issues. Various offshore vessels such as AHTSV (Anchor Handling tug supply vessel) and PSV (Platform supply Vessel), were expected to be introduced in anticipation of future development/scale expansion of offshore business in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Nippon. Offshore support vessels have high stability/operability even in stormy weather. PSVs were known as the "Sea trucks," as they were used primarily to transport materials and fuel to oil and gas field development rigs. When drilling rigs were transported to different locations, AHTS vessels were used to reel up the anchor from the seabed, tow rigs and support seabed pipeline laying. Both PSV and AHTS were equipped with dynamic positioning systems (DPS) that use the vessel's own propulsion equipment to maintain a fixed position. A representative AHTS from Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd K Line was 95 meters long with a breadth of 24 meters and a deadweight displacement of 4,800 Tons. On 18 December 2020, the Japanese government made a cabinet decision titled "Regarding the development of new missile defense systems and the strengthening of stand-off defense capabilities,"' under which two Aegis-equipped ships were to be built and deployed at sea. It was decided that the Self-Defense Forces would operate it. Officials had considered the option of special-purpose ships dedicated to intercepting missiles. Such vessels would cost less, but the idea was abandoned since they were vulnerable to submarine or air attacks. These would not be giant destroyers or cruisers, but rather large vessels built to commercial standards with radar and VLS bolted on. Conceptually more like the USN's proposed SABMIS missile defense ship than a super CG. The shps would not inherently require air defense or anti-submarine warfare capabilities, its sole main focus being BMD. This was because North Korea does not currently possess such weapons to attack the ASEV. Japan considered using a large ship as an alternative to the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. Kyodo News reported 01 November 2020 that the Defense Ministry was considering a 9,000-ton [light displacement] ship to mount the new Aegis system, allocating larger living space for crew. If realized, it would be the largest Aegis-equipped vessel of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. The larger ship wsa needed because the new SPY-7 radar's height required a vessel beam greater than that of the conventional Aegis destroyers. The proposed 9,000 ton light displacement [probably 11,000 tons full loaded] exceeded that of the Maya, the largest Aegis destroyer, with a light displacement of 8,200 tons [full displacement of 10,000 tons]. Some sources suggested that possibly a final pair of hulls could be completed to the revised specification including AN/SPY-7 radars, but adding beam to the hull might pose a challenge. In June 2020 the government cancelled plans to deploy the shore-based anti-missile complexes, saying the deployment in the prefectures of Akita and Yamaguchi would put residents at risk of falling rocket boosters. The ministry also said that modifying the technology would take years and cost too much. As a substitute measure, the ministry focused on two possible options -- remodeling private-sector vessels to mount the Aegis system and building dedicated maritime ships with the system. The decision would be made around the end of 2020 after the ministry received an interim report in mid-November from two private firms studying with the issue. In July 2021 it was reported that the Defense Ministry plans to use Lockheed Martin Corp.s SPY-7 radar system for its planned Aegis-equipped vessels, though the system was intended for use on land. The Aegis ships will be built as an alternative to the Aegis Ashore ground-based ballistic missile defense system, The original idea for this ship was a SWATH or catamaran hull for better stability. Thoae concepts did not really look like traditional warships, more just radar platforms with some VLS strapped on. Then ideas focused on SPY-7 monohull ships, less cruiser, more fleet auxiliary with a very large radar. However, reports that the new ships will also carry Type 12 cruise missiles could imply that that want a more conventional all-around warship. A large surface combatant based on an Izumo hull could cover more than BMD with the Type 12 ASCM. The speed of the Izumo hull would also give it the ability to keep up with the rest of the fleet while the LPD hull would slow it down by almost 10 kts. By late 2022 Japan had plans to construct its largest warship since the Second World War for the purpose of anti-ballistic missile interception. These planned ships were not Destroyers, but rather Aegis ships. Both were sometimes recognized as having the same meaning, but in Japan, the two were distinct concepts. Land-based Aegis was planned, but the plan was canceled due to opposition from the residents of the planned construction site. This was the alternative, and in order to carry the equipment that was supposed to be on land, the ship inevitably became huge. The massive scale of the vessels will lend it stability under heavy sea states, increasing interception readiness, and increase endurance at sea, similarly increasing combat readiness. Some believe that the hull was enlarged to solve the problem of the size and weight of the SPY-7, a radar manufactured by Lockheed Martin that will be installed on the ASEV. The largest vessel in the JMSDF would be more like a civilian vessel than a warship in that all crew members were given private cabins and the crew complement was quite low for a vessel of this size. On 17 August 2022 Yomiuri Shimbun reported that to increase deterrence against North Koreas missiles, the government plans to place domestic long-range cruise missiles on two naval vessels equipped with the Aegis system it plans to build. These missiles were capable of striking land-based targets as the ships will be designed on the expectation that the vessels have counterattack capability such as to destroy an enemys missile launch site in the name of self-defense. To keep down construction costs, it had also been settled that the ships will be built using a typical single hull, according to several government sources. In addition to the advanced radar and missiles, the Aegis system-equipped ships were likely to carry cruise missiles that will be upgraded versions of the Type 12 surface-to-ship missile currently used by the Ground Self-Defense Force. After the upgrades, the missiles range will extend to about 1,000 kilometers and it will be mounted on naval vessels. Regarding the technical specifications of the ships, nothing was mentioned. Initial details of the ASEV point towards a massive ship: 690 feet / 210 meters long and 130 feet / 40 meters beam, with a standard displacement of 20,000 tons [full displacement closer to 25,000 tons] and a crew of about 110 people. Crew comfort onboard will be a priority as all crew members will be provided with private cabins. In terms of length and displacement, it was equivalent to the Izumo class DDH (248 meters long, standard displacement 19,500 tons), the largest vessel in the JMSDF. Last but not least, the document gave a target of commissionning for the two destroyers. Indeed, the MoD had the ambition to get them by FY2027, meaning between April 2027 and March 2028. This time was necessary in order to develop the J7.B Aegis Weapon System (AWS) system that will fit on those vessels. According to Lockheed Martin, J7.B was the integration of SPY-7 radar into J7 (BL9), the latest software currently installed by JMSDFs Aegis ships. For the record, the J7.B system had been successfully tested in August 2022 by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in front of the JMSDF. Japan was considering downsizing two destroyers to be built with the Aegis ballistic missile interceptor system from their original design in a bid to increase their mobility, government sources said 09 November 2022. Now they will be scaled down to nearly on par with the 8,200-ton Maya, the nation's biggest Aegis-equipped vessel. The ministry also aimrd to use Lockheed Martin Corp.'s SPY-7 radar, which was supposed to be used for the land-based Aegis Ashore system, on the new destroyers while adding the ability for them to respond to hypersonic glide weapons, NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address T-54/55 - Ukraine 2023 The Russian military has lost more than 1,800 tanks since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Dutch open-source group Oryx assessed as of 22 March 2023 that Russian forces have lost at least 57 T-90, 448 T-80, 1,025 T-72, 53 T-64, and 73 T-62 tanks in highly attritional fighting in Ukraine. Russian armored vehicle losses may be constraining the Russian militarys ability to conduct effective mechanized maneuver warfare in stalling offensives in Ukraine, and Russian forces may be deploying T-54/55 tanks from storage to Ukraine to augment these offensive operations and prepare for anticipated mechanized Ukrainian counteroffensives. Photos and video of a train carrying T-54/55 series tanks appeared in the Russian Far East. This was announced on Channel 24 by Ukrainian military expert Oleg Zhdanov. He added that these tanks may be in better condition than some of the newer ones the Russians have been pulling out of storage in recent months. Zhdanov suggested that this might be due to the fact that these particular T-54/55s are in better condition than newer models of Soviet tanks. As far as I understand, when Stalin was in power, the storage was more in line with the technologies that were used then than now. Therefore, these T-54/55s are perhaps in better condition than those tanks that were stored under Khrushchev, and Brezhnev," the military expert emphasized. Georgia-based open-source Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) claimed on its Telegram channel 22 March 2023 that the tanks were being transported from Arsenyev in the Russian Far East. Arsenyev is the storage base of the 1295th Central Tank Reserve and Storage Base, which is the likely source of the tanks. The 1295th Central Base for the Reserve and Storage of Tanks was the source of T-62s that had been mothballed in recent months. However, its not clear whether the video comprises both the T-54s and T-55s, as the CIT positively identifies the T-54s. CIT reported "the filmed train has recently departed from the town of Arsenyev, Primorsky region, where the 1295th Central Tank Repair and Storage Base is located. We had already documented shipments of military vehicles from that base: for example, in October, in Yekaterinburg, a train carrying T-62M(V) tanks was captured on video, and the point of departure of the train was also Arsenyev. " Some of these tanks are older than Vladimir Putin himself. This marked the first time that Russia had confirmed the withdrawal of T-54 and T-55 tanks from its storage; the country had previously focused on refurbishing T-62 tanks from the 1960s to compensate for its losses of modern tanks in Ukraine.... We examined publicly available archive photographs of the 1295th Base and found out that, in addition to relatively modern T-80BV and T-72B tanks, it also stored a significant amount of T-62M(V) tanks. We also managed to find photographs of the T-55 and T-54 tanks." These are old and outdated but it also depends on the commander and his platoon if the number is too big, focus fire on one modern tank which can shoot only once in 10 secs and has to turn the turret around to fire also requiring time. Weak spots are the back of the tank, any modern tank has its rear weak. These are expendable tanks unlike the modern tanks offered to Ukraine. These are small tanks can easily hide in dense vegetation, broken buildings, rubble and ambush other tanks. These may not be used in tank on tank combat but as a infantry support vehicle as a break through tank in case of obstacles for the infantry. These have more efficient diesel engines with longer range and very easy to maintain in the field. Slovakia delivered a highly upgraded version of the T-55 to Ukraine, with a new gun, engine, fire control system, and both modular and reactive armor, which the Ukrainian tankers say made it at least the equal of the T-64, so with the right upgrades it could be useful. Even without the upgrades, the older tanks can't be ignored, and could be used as targets to make the Ukrainians expend limited antitank weapons before following up with the T-72 and T-80. Holding back the more modern tanks could give the Russians a stronger tank force with which to meet the new western MBTs. Quantity has a quality of its own. CIT noted "Even an outdated tank is more useful than no tank at all, but we consider the lack of rangefinders and ballistic computers (not to mention fire control systems) to be the key disadvantages of these series, as well as primitive sights and (in T-54s) an inferior gun stabilization system." Kremlin pundit Oleksii Reznikov ["Military Informant"] stated ""At the moment, it is not known for certain for what purpose these extremely outdated vehicles were reactivated, however, the most realistic assumption is their use as second-line vehicles and improvised artillery pieces, which was what the T-62M tanks previously performed in the Kherson direction." Oleg Zhdanov emphasized that a tank, no matter how old it is, is primarily a means of fire destruction and it can cause trouble on the battlefield. To destroy old tanks, you still need to make an effort, use an anti-tank missile, a projectile or a grenade from a hand grenade launcher. According to Zhdanov, with such a pace, the invaders will reach the T-34 tanks, which were produced during the Second World War. Another Kremlin pundit reportedly stated on a live broadcast on 25 March 2023 that Russia would pull old T-34 tanks from storage and monuments if needed for the war effort while attempting to justify Russias recent deployments of the T-54 and T-55 tanks to the frontlines. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UMPK guided bomb The analog of the American JDAM-ER in the Russian version is called UMPK (Unifitsirovannogo nabora Modulei Planirovanie i Korrekcii - unified set of modules for planning and correction ). The cost of domestic know-how, according to the source, does not exceed 2 million rubles [US$25,000], which is significantly cheaper than overseas ammunition. At the same time, the efficiency of FAB-500 with UMPK is very high. The domestic analogue of the American JDAM-ER, although created in rather artisanal conditions, performs its function with dignity. Aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces strike at enemy targets with the possibility of flight correction and without entering the air defense coverage area. Iranian developers claim that their upgraded aerial bombs are capable of hitting even targets such as a single infantry fighting vehicle or a tank at a distance of about 60 km. Presumably, the device uses inertial or satellite guidance systems. The telegram channel Fighterbomber wrote about this 22 February 2023. "For four months now, bombers, fighters and long-range aircraft have been operating with guided weapons from distances inaccessible to enemy air defense.... Only aviation of "musicians" [ed= Wagner Group] goes purely for classic bombing with "uncontrolled cast iron". Recently, the interest of all types of aircraft in enemy air defense and radar systems has increased manifold, and work on their destruction is going on more intensively than it was during the first six months of the NMD. They beat her now with everything they can. But the enemy's air defense systems are still quite enough to nullify our aircraft in a couple of weeks, if they are thrown into the rush, as in March of last year. The losses of our aviation from the counteraction of crests over the last months have decreased to almost zero. Separately, I clarify on our JDAM, which we call UMPC. It is used almost every day, many times a day, and not one bomb at a time. Hundreds of bombs have already been dropped from the UMPC*. Of course, it has flaws, because it is essentially made on the knee." The Russians have a large stockpile of aerial bombs, in particular the FAB-500. This makes it possible to convert them into guided ones and use them instead of more expensive cruise missiles, the spokesman of the Air Force of AFU said on the air of the telethon 20 March 2023. Gliding / range extension kits are not so much, and there are thousands of FAB 250 and FAB 500 bombs in storage. Highly effective unguided and guided munitions such as, for example, cluster bombs, laser, infra-red, and television guided "smart" missiles which are launched from manned aircraft are in the weapons inventories of many nations. However, since the range of such munitions is limited, it is necessary that the launching aircraft come very close to the target. This presents high exposure of such aircraft to surface-to-air missiles and guns. To reduce this risk, it is therefore highly desirable to increase the stand-off range of the munition so that such munition can be launched a greater distance from the target. Several attempts have been made in the prior art to overcome this problem. Other systems have been developed to extend the range of certain types of munitions and to provide guidance and control. It was known to have on missiles, aircraft and similar mechanisms, wings which can be moved from a stowed to an active position or from a trailing to an extended position, the purpose generally being to allow the wings to be positioned according to requirements, such as in the case of navy planes where it is necessary to fold the wings or in the case of high speed aircraft where it is necessary to use swing wings. It is thus known to so mount the wings on the fuselage or body of a missile that they can be variously positioned according to requirements. Various attempts have been made to add airfoil surfaces to munitions or missiles to provide control and extended range capability. Prior art generally include multiple pop out flight surfaces, an extendible pair of wings or in the present case of joined wings, they are generally comprised of front and rear spars with flexible coverings to join the spars forming a single aerodynamic surface. All these designs were either fragile, produced insufficient lift for heavy weapons, expensive if they contained control mechanisms or could not be extended into a flight configuration after launch from an aircraft or ground launch mechanism such as a tube. This device overcomes the shortcoming of prior art munitions by extending the stand-off range of munitions a sufficient distance so that such munitions can be launched from aircraft at a location where such aircraft have substantially less vulnerability to attack. This end result is achieved by means of a range extension device which can be attached to the munition by a simple retrofit. The device comprises a central main body "saddle" structure in which control and sensing elements are mounted. Mounted on the saddle are a pair of pop-out wings which are folded together prior to launch but which are extended to their flying positions once the munition is launched. Since the beginning of the 2000s, GNPP Bazalt has been developing a full-scale development of a special unified set of planning and correction modules (MPC) to equip them with free-falling aviation bombing weapons - high-explosive bombs and disposable bomb clusters. A similar approach to the modernization of aerial bombs is already being used in the United States, where, under the JDAM program, guided bombs of the GBU-31, GBU- 32,. GBU-38 etc. with completely new combat capabilities, giving the bombs of the 20th century the properties of precision weapons of the 21st century. The intention of the design was to provide an extendible wing kit that could be easily attached to an existing guided munition or missile and result in an improvement to the range performance and maneuverability of said munition or missile to a degree where weapons could be effectively employed over a larger area and aircraft exposure to point defenses could be significantly reduced. The design is intended to ensure that launch platform performance is not degraded by excessive installed drag or space requirements and that the extendible wing kit is easily applied to numerous munitions in inventory and development as well as a wide spectrum of launch platforms. The domestic developer - GNPP "Basalt" - promised a significantly lower cost of upgrading aviation ammunition than American ones. Depending on the task being solved, the refinement will consist in hanging on the body of a conventional free-falling bomb one or more special functional modules, including a folding wings system, control system units, inertial navigation and satellite correction. It will be possible to equip with such kits both the free-fall bombs in service with the Air Force, and all new and modernized ones. The program will improve the accuracy and functionality of free-falling bombs and, depending on the completeness of the configuration, obtain high-precision weapons used from low altitudes outside the area of objective air defense . The advantages of air bombs with the MPK are that the mass of the payload in the bomb reaches approximately 70% of the launch mass, while in a similar missile it is only 15-20%. As for the cost, according to the Bazalt State Research and Production Enterprise, it will be no more than 5-10 times the cost of the bomb itself, which is significantly lower than the cost of new adjustable bombs and guided missiles. For the first time, GNPP "Basalt" demonstrated its new development of the planning and correction module (MPK) at the aerospace salon "Aero India 2003", which was held in Bangalore. In Russia, at MAKS-2009 in the Zhukovsky State Research and Production Enterprise, Bazalt presented a model and information on the FAB-500M62 high-explosive aerial bomb with a planning and correction module (IPC). The FAB-500M62 aerial bomb is one of the most massive domestic aerial bombs, which is still in service with the air forces of many countries of the world. Apparently then the RF Ministry of Defense was not interested in this. Priority was given to the integration of the SVP-24 "Gefest" aiming system. The idea behind the Gefest is that it's basically a digital bomb sight. By using satellite data of the locations of the carrier and the target, it calculated the parameters of atmospheric pressure, air humidity, wind speed, flight speed, issues the flight parameters and automatically drops unguided bombs on the autopilot. The integration of SVP-24 Gefest was widely compared to American JDAM in the Russian media who were critical of the single-use JDAM and praised their "smart planes". In favor of the effectiveness of this approach, they used as an argument the combat experience in Syria, where the bombers launched carpet bombardments from 5-6 km above, so that air defense weapons could not reach them. However, the reality turned out to be not that favorable and now this crooked guidance kit is praised traditionally as a "one-of-a-kind" solution. At the same time, specialized russian media admit the resemblance to JDAM and hope it will make up for the backlog. The planning and correction module (MPC) is a purely aeromechanical system in which there are no engines or even electrical systems. The idea is to make a very cheap device that could, depending on the tactical situation, be attached to a free-fall bomb directly on the airfield. The module includes special wings that unfold in flight and a wind drift correction system. For the use of aviation bombs equipped with a planning and correction module, a regular sighting system is used. Equipping air bombs with the MPK significantly expands the area of destruction of these weapons, gives them new combat capabilities and, in combination with the bomb and the MPK, the carrier increases the combat effectiveness of the latter. Aviation ammunition FAB-500M62 with a planning and correction module (IPC) is designed to destroy military-industrial facilities, railway junctions, lightly armored and vulnerable vehicles, manpower, military field installations. The presence of a planning and correction module (IPC) on a typical free-falling bomb makes it possible to use ammunition outside the range of fire weapons of a potential enemys object air defense. The upgraded ABSP in the MPK + INS / GPS and MPK + INS / GPS + engine configurations acquire completely new qualities that actually move them into the category of a full-fledged high-precision weapon used outside the enemys air defense coverage area, but with greater efficiency at a much lower cost. In the future, these modules can be built up by various systems, turning an ordinary free-fall bomb into a full-fledged gliding and adjustable bomb. The MPK module is also proposed to be used on the modernized high-explosive incendiary bomb of 500 kg FZAB-500M caliber, which has a streamlined shape and is close in weight and size to the FAB-500 M-62. The thickness of the reinforced concrete slab penetrated by the FZAB-500M bomb is 200 mm, during the explosion it creates up to 100 combustion centers, burning pieces of the fire mixture are scattered within a radius of up to 70-80 m Fuse - AVT-E. The use of the planning and correction module (IPC) makes it possible to solve the same problems that free-fall bombs face, only from significantly lower heights than these bombs are usually used. For example, instead of 35 km, bombs equipped with the module can be used from heights of 100200 meters, without losing either in range or in accuracy of hitting targets. After testing is completed, a new planning and correction module will be proposed for adoption by the Russian army. The general concept of the weapon is to mount a bracket along the bomb with a set of folding wings and a movable tail: unlike the Western Mk 80 series bombs, the tail section of the FAB-500M62 bomb is permanently welded to the body, so it was necessary to keep the fixed fins. The guidance system installed inside the bracket is based on the GLONASS satellite receiver. It allows attacking only stationary targets whose coordinates have been previously determined and entered into the navigation system. What draws attention in UMPK is the very low quality of the entire structure, although it must be taken into account that the only available photo shows a hastily built prototype. It is doubtful that under wartime conditions there would be time to thoroughly test the reliability of all mechanisms under all possible conditions. Also, the method of attaching the module to the body of the bomb does not look particularly aerodynamically optimized, which probably reduces the weapon's performance (especially its range) and may cause numerous operational limitations. Despite the imperfections noted, the Russian Air Force had finally received the large-caliber modular ammunition it has been asking for for over 20 years. In 2009, the design office of the 558th Aviation Repair Plant in Belarus came up with a similar proposal called Module-A. At that time, none of these proposals met with the interest of the Russian Ministry of Defence. The main priority of the army at that time was the replacement of basic types of tactical aircraft. Purchases of new machines of the Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35 types were associated with high financial outlays and were a measurable indicator of the success of Minister Sergei Shoigu's reforms. In the annual reports on the state of modernization of the armed forces, the percentage of modernity of aviation systematically reached higher and higher values. At that time, there was not much thought about purchasing modern ammunition for these machines. Even the military intervention in Syria, which began in 2015, did not raise the issue of acquiring stocks of precision-guided munitions among the decision-makers. On the contrary - Russia was delighted with the new SWP-24 ballistic computer developed by Gefest i T, which allowed the destruction of point targets with unguided bombs. As if by the side information that a good result was obtained only by covering the target area with a salvo of 6-8 half-ton FABs. However, it was not omitted to emphasize that the attacks could be carried out at a lower cost than using a single Western bomb with the JDAM module. Of course, when the entire area was razed to the ground, collateral damage was horrendous, but it was in line with the calculations of the VKS command, which hoped to quickly break the will to resist among the civilian population. Needless to say, the Syrian rebels' anti-aircraft defense was virtually non-existent, limited to barreled weapons and a few man-portable missile systems. Russian planes operating at medium altitude in such circumstances were basically in no danger, so they could safely fly directly over the target. Only the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, where a quantitatively strong and well-organized multi-layer anti-aircraft defense was encountered, forced the frantic search for a solution in the stand-off class , which would be possible for mass use. Defense Express reported the first documented usage of this Russian kit in Ukraine on 12 March 2023, as Russian aircraft used it to bomb the northwestern part of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, although the bomb didnt explode back then. On 12 March 2023, an unexploded ordnance was found in the suburbs of occupied Donetsk, which is the first tangible evidence of the use by the Russian air force of precision gliding bombs, which are supposed to be an equivalent of the Western JDAM-ER system. A fragment of the module with folded wings, separated from the body by the force of the impact, was visible. FAB-500 M62 guided bombs with the so-called unified gliding and correction module UMPK (Unificirovannyj Nabor Modulje Planirownia i Korrekcji), entered action on a larger scale carried by WKS aircraft at the beginning of January 2023. However, the combat debut of this weapon probably took place much earlier - perhaps already at the end of September 2022, but the use of the old bomb in the new assembly on a negligible scale did not attract much attention, or its effect was attributed to other types of ammunition. The photos from Donetsk showed the wreckage of the same kit that was used to attack Sumy Oblast on 24 March. Overnight into 24 March 2023, the Russian troops attacked Ukraines northeastern Sumy Oblast with Su-35 fighter jets that dropped more than ten guided air bombs from Russia across the border, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on the national telethon. It is an extremely big threat when guided air bombs, gliding bombs, can fly far and the aircraft do not enter the kill zone of our air defenses, he said. Later, the Air Force Command updated that Russian tactical aircraft were launched from two Russian airfields, Morozovsk and Akhtubinsk ten Su-35 fighters launched 11 guided aerial bombs and one Kh-31P missile at Sumy Oblast. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 27 March 2023 - Day 397 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 22 March 2023, at least three uncrewed surface vessels (USV) and one uncrewed aerial vehicle reportedly attempted to strike the Russian naval base of Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea. Open source reports suggest that one USV was stopped by defensive booms, while two were destroyed in the harbour. Russian officials said that no Russian vessels had been damaged. A previous USV attack on Sevastopol on 29 October 2022 reportedly damaged the minesweeper Ivan Golubets and the frigate Admiral Makarov. Even though the new attacks likely failed to damage any military assets, the USV threat likely continues to constrain operations of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of March 27, Russian forces launched 7x air and 10x missile strikes, more than 15x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian infrastructure in various settlements. For missile strikes, the Russian invaders continue to extensively use S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles. The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine. Russia is focusing its main efforts on the offensive operations on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar'inka axes. The fiercest fighting is for Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mar'inka. Due to professional and coordinated actions, Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 41x Russian attacks on these axes, during the day of March 27. Volyn, Polissya, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna axes: no significant changes in the operational situation, no signs of the formation of offensive groups were found. During the day of March 27, Russian forces shelled the vicinities of settlements of Bleshnya (Chernihiv oblast), Tovstodubove, Holyshivs'ke, Stukalivka, Volfyne, Mais'ke (Sumy oblast), Tymofiivka, Krasne, Ustynivka, and Chorne (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k and Lyman axes: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of settlements of Syn'kivka and Bilohorivka. The invaders fired artillery near Kam'yanka, Kolodyazne, Krasne Pershe, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Kup'yans'k (Kharkiv oblast), Stel'makhivka, Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Spirne, and Vyimka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Russia continues to assault the city of Bakhmut that is held by Ukrainian defenders, as well as the vicinity of Ivanivske (Donetsk oblast). The Russian forces shelled the settlements of Hryhorivka, Min'kivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Bakhmut, Kurdyumivka, Ozarianivka, Druzhba, and Maiors'k. Avdiivka and Mar'inka axes: Russian forces conducted offensive operations towards the settlements of Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke, and Mar'inka (Donetsk oblast), to no success. The Russian occupiers used non-lethal aerosol "tear gas" grenades in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Lastochkyne, Pervomais'ke, and Mar'inka. Russian forces shelled more than 10x settlements. Among them are Krasnohorivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke, Mar'inka, and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). Shakhtars'ke axis: Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Velyka Novosilka, and Vremivka (Donetsk oblast) came under fire. Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russia continues to defend. The invaders shelled Vil'ne Pole, Novosilka, Novopil' (Donetsk oblast), Poltavka, Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Bilohir'ya, Novodanylivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast), Antonivka, and the city of Kherson (Kherson oblast). In addition, the occupiers launched 1x air strike on civilian infrastructure of Beryslav. During the day of March 27, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 9x air strikes on the concentrations of Russian troops and military equipment, and 1x on an anti-aircraft missile system. During the day of March 27, Ukrainian troops shot down 1x Russian Orlan-10 UAV. Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 2x command posts and 1x concentration of Russian troops. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reporeted that, over the past 24 hours, the army of the Russian Federation hit 93 enemy artillery positions, manpower and equipment in 107 regions, using operational-tactical and army aviation, missile forces and artillery. An ammunition depot of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade was liquidated near Berestovoye. A Mi-8 helicopter of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and 13 unmanned aerial vehicles were also shot down. In the Kherson direction, up to 30 enemy soldiers, 2 vehicles and a Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer were destroyed. Up to 65 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2 vehicles, self-propelled guns Krab and Akatsia, as well as a D-30 howitzer were liquidated on the Kupyansky sector of the front. Today, the village of Grafovka in the Belgorod region came under fire from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There were no casualties, but glass was broken in three nearby households, facades and fences were damaged, a household building was damaged, and gas supply was disrupted. The situation in the Donbass In the Limansky direction, a grouping of Russian forces using artillery and aviation liquidated more than 85 Ukrainian servicemen, 2 armored combat vehicles and a D-30 howitzer. Meanwhile, in the Donetsk sector, more than 400 people, 4 armored combat vehicles, 10 cars, 4 pickup trucks, a Grad rocket launcher and a D-20 howitzer lost over 400 people during the day from air strikes, shelling and direct clashes. In the South-Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, Ukrainian units were hit in the areas of the settlements of Vladimirovka, Novopol, Malaya Tokmachka and Shcherbaki. Their losses amounted to 40 servicemen, 2 pickup trucks and a D-20 howitzer. Meanwhile, a fierce confrontation continues in Bakhmut and its environs. During one of the latest raids, Russian attack aircraft eliminated a large enemy group there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 28 March 2023 - Day 398 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that in recent days, Russia has continued to prioritise an operation attempting to encircle the Donetsk Oblast town of Avdiivka. However, Russian forces have made only marginal progress at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles. Russia's 10th Tank Regiment has likely lost a large proportion of its tanks while attempting to surround Avdiivka from the south. The regiment is part of 3rd Army Corps, the first major new formation Russia stood up to support the invasion of Ukraine since August 2022. Numerous open-source accounts suggested that 3rd Army Corps has been particularly dogged by problems with ill-discipline and poor morale. Despite a likely period of training in Belarus, the formation still appears to display limited combat effectiveness. 10th Tank Regiment's losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armoured attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day, Russian forces carried out 11x air strikes and 2x missile strikes, carried out more than 10x attacks from MLRS. The probability of launching missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high, because Russia continues to ignore the laws and customs of war, and continues to use terror tactics against the civilian population. Today, as a result of a missile attack on the infrastructure of the city of Bogodukhiv, Kharkiv Oblast, civilians were injured and private houses were damaged. Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mar'yinka axes: Russia is concentrating its main efforts on conducting offensive actions. The settlements of Bilogorivka, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Maryinka and their surroundings remain at the epicenter of hostilities. Thanks to professional and coordinated actions, units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled 24 Russian attacks in the specified directions during the day. Volyn', Polissya, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly, and no signs of the formation of offensive groups have been detected. On the territory of the Republic of Belarus, the combat training of units of the territorial troops of the armed forces of the Russian Federation continues. Russia continues to maintain a military presence in the border areas of the Kursk and Belgorod regions. During the day, Russian forces shelled the areas of the settlements of Bilopillya and Volfyne in the Sumy Oblast, as well as the areas of the settlements of Timofiivka, Chervona Zorya, Veterinarne, Strilecha, Hlyboke, Krasne, Staritsa, Ohirtseve, Komisarov, Ustinivka, and Stroivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Kupyansk and Lyman axes: during the day, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the areas of Krokhmalne, Bilogorivka, Verkhnyokamianske and Berestov settlements. They carried out artillery shelling in the areas of Kam'ianka, Krasne Pershe, Figolivka, Novomlynsk, Kutkivka, Dvorichna, Zapadne, Vilshana, Kislivka, Berestov settlements of the Kharkiv Oblast; Nevske, Kuzmine, Dibrova and Bilogorivka in the Luhansk Oblast, as well as Spirne in Donetsk Oblast. Bakhmut axis: Russia continues its assault on the city of Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian defenders courageously hold the city, repel numerous Russian attacks. During the day, Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the areas of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Ivanovske and Ozaryanivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces shelled the settlements of Vasyukivka, Minkivka, Orihovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Khromove, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Kurdyumivka, Druzhba, Shumy, and Mayorsk of the Donetsk Oblast. Avdiivka and Mar'yinka axes: Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the direction of the settlements of Stepove, Pervomaiske, and Mar'yinka of the Donetsk Oblast, without success. They carried out shelling of populated areas. Among them are Krasnohorivka, Gostre, Georgiivka, Stepove, Lastochkine, Avdiivka, Tonenka, Pervomaiske, Mar'yinka, Pobieda, Paraskoviivka, and Novomykhailivka of the Donetsk Oblast. Shakhtars'k axis: during the day, Russian forces shelled the areas of Vugledar, Zolota Niva, Velyka Novosilka and Vremivka settlements of the Donetsk Oblast. Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russia continues to conduct defensive actions. They shelled the settlements of Novosilka, Novopil' of the Donetsk Oblast; Gulyaipole, Biloghirya, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanilivka and Novoandriivka of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Antonivka of the Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson. During the day, the Ukrainian Air Force carried out 5x strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian personnel and military equipment. Units of missile and artillery troops hit the command post, the area where the Russian forces' manpower, weapons and military equipment are concentrated, as well as the ammunition depot. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reporeted that, during the night, the Russian army launched kamikaze drone strikes on targets in Kyiv and the Dnieper. It is not known what objects came under fire, but, judging by the footage of eyewitnesses, there were hits, fires broke out on the ground. It is also known about the use of Russian artillery and aviation in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. The situation in the Donbass Military correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny reports that Wagner PMC units are pushing the enemy in Bakhmut (Artemovsk). They managed to take positions near the Central City Market, the territory of which is a powerful fortified area of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Meanwhile, a batch of humanitarian aid collected by Russian volunteers arrived in Donetsk. The cargo included generators, walkie-talkies and accessories for them, batteries and much more. Retired lieutenant colonel Andriy Marochko, citing his own sources, reported on the accumulation of Ukrainian armored vehicles in Kupyansk, from where they are being transferred to the east and south. "Through Kupyansk, a large number of military columns of the armed formations of Ukraine are moving. It was noted that part of the columns goes towards the Novoselovskoye settlement, and the other part - towards Izyum. Also, according to eyewitnesses, the entire road from Izyum to Slavyansk is literally clogged with equipment and manpower," he says. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Underwater Strategic Weapon System Test Held Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, March 28 (KCNA) -- The Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK conducted another test of underwater strategic weapon system from March 25 to 27. The underwater nuclear attack drone "Haeil-1", deployed for the test in Wonsan Bay on the afternoon of March 25, reached the target point in the waters off Hwadae County of North Hamgyong Province on the morning of March 27 after cruising along an jagged and oval course simulating the distance of the 600 kilometers in the East Sea of Korea for 41 hours and 27 minutes and correctly set off the test warhead underwater. Through the test, all tactical and technical specifications and underwater navigational and technical indices were correctly estimated and the reliability and safety of the weapon system were verified. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army Unit in Charge of Important Operation Task in Central Front Conducts Missile Firing Drill Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, March 28 (KCNA) -- A missile unit in charge of an important firing task in the central front conducted a demonstration education firing drill aimed at letting its sub-units get familiar with procedures and processes for carrying out an important firing task on March 27. The drill was guided by the Missile General Bureau and watched by the commanding officers and combatants of all sub-units under the unit. The education company under the unit was involved in the drill, and conducted an education demonstration firing with a nuclear air explosion striking mode by two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles. In the drill for firing preparations, there was an examination of the normal operation of the procedures for authenticating the nuclear attack order and the launch approval system and a demonstration education for standard combat action process and handling of equipment for making nuclear assault to the pointed target according to the set procedures and regulations of receiving an order for nuclear attack. The tactical ballistic missiles were loaded with warheads for trial simulating nuclear warheads. The education company launched a virtual nuclear attack from Ryokpho District, Pyongyang City, aiming at the target islet in front of Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, and blasted the warheads 500 meters above the target. The commander of the unit said that its mission is clear and we know well about what we should do in contingency, affirming that if we fight, we will surely annihilate the enemy. All the officers and men of the unit made a firm pledge to uphold the military and strategic plan of the Party Central Committee with the fighting efficiency of a-match-for-a-hundred by increasing the capability of a real war in every way in the more fierce and intensive training. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada imposes new sanctions against Iranian regime Global Affairs Canada News release March 27, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. This is the 10th package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime since October 2022. Today's sanctions list eight individuals and two entities, including senior officials in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Law Enforcement Forces (LEF)afor gross and systematic human rights violations in Tehran and in Kurdish and Azeri areas of northwestern Iranaand senior officials involved in unmanned aerial vehicle and ballistic missile production in Iran. The sanctioned entities support the Iranian regime by helping them disrupt and manipulate the online communications of those protesting the regime or by supplying the LEF with tactical equipment used in the brutal suppression of demonstrations. This list includes, but is not limited to: Hassan Hassanzadeh, commander of IRGC forces in Tehran Gholamhossein Mohammadi Asl, commander of IRGC forces in Ardabil Province Abbas Nilforushan, Deputy Commander of IRGC Operations Command Abbas-Ali Mohammadian, Chief of Police in Tehran Ghassem Damavandian, senior executive, Qods Aviation Industries Nader Khoon Siavash, Director of Aerospace Industries Organization Imen Sanat Zaman Fara, a company that manufactures equipment for security forces Ravin Academy, a training institute that specializes in cyber-security Today's measures prohibit dealings with these listed individuals and entities, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada. Individuals listed in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canada will continue to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to respond to the Iranian regime's ongoing human rights violations, deployment of propaganda and actions that threaten international peace and stability. This includes working closely with partners and allies to ensure a coordinated and aligned approach to the Iranian regime's destabilizing actions. Quotes "The simple truth is this: Iranians are demanding a better future. They are fighting to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms so that their childrenaand the generations to comeacan live in peace and prosperity. We call on the Iranian regime to stop the brutal oppression of Iran's people and to address their demands in good faith. It's time to end the cycle of violence and to forge a new path built on peace, security and stability for the Iranian people." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick facts On October 7, 2022, Canada announced its intention to implement several new measures to respond to Iran's ongoing human rights violations and the threats Iran poses to international peace and security, including: listing the Iranian regime, including the IRGC and its top leadersamore than 10,000 senior officialsaas inadmissible to Canada because of their engagement in terrorism and systematic and gross human rights violations, by enacting a designation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act adopting new sanctions against members of the IRGC and the Iranian regime, as well as those associated with them, in addition to introducing a new, tailored regulation to ensure that no sanctioned individual connected to the IRGC can enter Canada, pending the passage of Bill S-8 investing $76 million to strengthen Canada's capacity to implement sanctions and ensure the government can move more quickly to freeze and seize the assets of sanctioned individuals, including through a dedicated bureau at Global Affairs Canada and giving additional support to the RCMP to investigate and identify assets and to gather evidence pursuing all the tools at the Government of Canada's disposal, including the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, which enables restrictive financial and property measures to be taken against foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of human rights As of today, Canada has sanctioned 147 Iranian individuals and 191 Iranian entities, including the IRGC and key members of the regime's security intelligence and economic apparatus. In 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. In concert with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, this listing allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages from an act of terrorism with links to Iran committed anywhere in the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada imposes sanctions on more IRGC members, Iran's law enforcement officials over rights violations claims Iran Press TV Monday, 27 March 2023 4:51 PM Canada adds more Iranian individuals and companies to its sanctions list, targeting the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and law enforcement forces, over what Ottawa claims to be systematic human rights violations and production of drones and ballistic missiles. According to a Monday statement by the Canadian government, Canada's latest round of sanctions against Iran, the 10th since October, includes two entities and eight individuals. It added that the new sanctions also target senior Iranian officials involved in production of unmanned aerial vehicle and ballistic missile. The sanctions come amid the West's accusations that the Islamic Republic provided Russia with drones to be used by Moscow against Ukraine. The Islamic Republic has, on repeated occasions, roundly rejected Washington's allegations, saying it has not sold any weapons and drones to be used in the war against Ukraine. The statement by the Canadian government claimed that the sanctioned entities support the Iranian government by helping it "disrupt and manipulate the online communications" of protesters, or by supplying the law enforcement forces with tactical equipment used in the alleged suppression of demonstrations. Foreign-backed riots broke out in Iran in late September after the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini. She fainted at a police station and was pronounced dead days later on September 16 at a Tehran hospital. An official report by Iran's Legal Medicine Organization concluded that Amini's death had been caused by illness rather than alleged blows to the head or other vital body organs. Canada had previously placed sanctions against Iranian officials and entities, but experts have questioned how effective they are. Iran's intelligence community has said several countries, including the United States and the UK, have used their spy and propaganda apparatuses to provoke violent riots in the country. Rioters went on a rampage, brutally attacking security officers and causing massive damage to public property. Dozens of people and security personnel were killed in the riots. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Under mounting pressure from violent protests, Netanyahu agrees to delay judicial overhaul plan Iran Press TV Monday, 27 March 2023 3:42 PM Following twelve consecutive weeks of protests, which at times got violent, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally accepted to delay his infamous judicial reforms plan. According to a Monday statement issued by the far-right Jewish Power party, which is a member of Netanyahu's coalition cabinet, Netanyahu will delay the process for discussions on the controversial planned reforms until next month. The statement added that the legislation would be pushed to the next session of the Knesset in order to "pass the reforms through dialogue." The Knesset will go on recess next week for the Jewish Passover holiday. A few hours later, Netanyahu himself made a televised speech, saying he would delay his judicial reforms until the next parliamentary session. "... I have decided to delay the second and third reading in order to reach a broad consensus," he said. Itamar Ben-Gvir, an Israeli far-right minister, also said he had agreed to delay the judicial overhaul plan in exchange for a promise it would be brought up after the upcoming parliamentary recess. Before the delay was announced, Israel's army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, called on the regime's forces to continue to do their duty in the face of bitter divisions over the judicial plan. His remarks came amid reports that a large group of Israeli forces have pledged not to heed call-ups for military reserve duty if the reforms proceed. Mass protests have gripped the apartheid regime since it announced its proposed judicial reforms in January. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have faced off against police in the streets on a weekly basis, with the latest protests attended by hundreds of thousands in Tel Aviv on Saturday and Sunday. The new protests came after Netanyahu fired the regime's minister for military affairs, Yoav Gallant, over his criticism of the controversial plan. On Saturday, Gallant had called on the regime's far-right cabinet to halt the legislation, saying the bitter dispute it has caused was posing a threat to the occupying regime itself. Israel's embassies, major ports join strike against Netanyahu's judicial reforms Meanwhile, the Israeli regime's embassies in other countries and major ports across the occupied territories on Monday joined mass strikes against Netanyahu's so-called reforms. Media reports cited a letter by Israel's primary worker's union as saying that Israeli embassies worldwide had been instructed to join a strike against the plan. The letter, citing a mass strike in Israel declared by the Histadrut Labor Federation, said foreign ministry activities in the occupied territories and abroad would be limited to emergency services. Two main ports in Israel also announced earlier in the day that they had stopped work following a labor strike in protest at the overhaul. Haifa and Ashdod ports said in separate statements that work was halted after Israel's main labor union announced the general strike and said it would continue until Netanyahu stopped the judicial legislation. In another development on Monday, the Israeli prime minister's extremist coalition cabinet survived no-confidence motions filed by the opposition. One motion failed by a vote of 59-53, a second by a vote of 60-51, according to a Knesset speaker. PM urges protesters on all sides to refrain from violence Moreover, Netanyahu tweeted a call on Israeli protesters and counter-protesters to refrain from violence on Monday as disarray deepened over the judicial reform plan. After weeks of intensifying demonstrations, some lawmakers in Netanyahu's coalition called on their supporters to turn out opposite parliament in the occupied al-Quds as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel pres. calls for 'immediate stop' to judicial reforms as Netanyahu 'backs down' Iran Press TV Monday, 27 March 2023 10:53 AM Israeli president Isaac Herzog has called on prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to back down on the so-called judicial reforms after mass protests against the overhaul and the sacking of the regime's minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant. Herzog said on his Twitter account, "We have seen very difficult scenes tonight. I appeal to the prime minister, the members of the government and members of the coalition: all the nation is surrounded by concerns. Security, economy, society, all under threat. The eyes of all the people of Israel are on you; the eyes of all Jews are on you; the eyes of the world are on you." "For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of responsibility, I call on you to stop the legislative process immediately... This is not a moment of politics, this is a moment of leadership and responsibility." Meanwhile, Netanyahu held discussions about the possibility of freezing the judicial overhaul legislation, following the wave of protests that broke out after he fired Gallant who called on him to stop the legislative process. Gallant, who is a member of Netanyahu's own right-wing Likud party and used to be a staunch ally of the premier, said, "The deepening split is seeping into the military...," adding that the reforms posed "a clear, immediate, and real danger" to the regime. Netanyahu had said the changes will stop the courts from over-reaching their powers, but critics say they will help him as he faces an ongoing trial for corruption. According to Israeli Channel 12, Netanyahu on Monday postponed a public statement in which he had been expected to call a halt to his contested judicial overhaul, after a coalition ally urged him not to back down. However, Israel's Kan broadcaster said Netanyahu told coalition heads he will pause judicial overhaul. Dr. Mohammad Halsa, a prominent expert on Israeli affairs, told Press TV that the Israeli regime witnesses the toughest and most dangerous state of chaos since the very establishment of the apartheid regime. He said the situation is the most dangerous because the threats come from within this time, in light of the dispute over the judicial overhaul and the protests that have been sweeping across the regime. The prime minister, who seems to be stuck in the middle of a tough situation, postponed announcing the halt of the judicial reforms and is unable to make a decision, said the analyst. Netanyahu is stuck in a tough situation, according to Halsa. The analyst said that Netanyahu either has to declare halting the reforms, which means the regime made up of his extremist coalition will instantly dissolve and he will go to jail, or he has to proceed with pushing the reforms forward, which means further angering the opposition, whose supporters have been protesting across the occupied territories for twelve weeks already. "The chaos which rules over Israel forced Netanyahu to fire the minister of military affairs Gallant, and this move was prompted by pressure carried out by Israeli hard-line ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itmar Bin Gvir as well as other members of the Likud party," he told Press TV. The extremist far-right politicians are taking advantage of the situation to serve their own personal interests and agendas, Halsa noted. Firing Gallant accelerated the events inside the Israeli regime, and the protests suddenly jumped to a very sensitive and boiling point. Mass protests have gripped the apartheid regime since it announced its proposed judicial reforms in January. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have faced off against police in the streets weekly, with the latest protest having hundreds of thousands rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday and Sunday. Halsa explained that the Israeli resident usually does not get involved in politics. "His immediate call for Netanyahu to back down shows fears and concerns over the situation following a night of dramatic night of protests across the Israeli regime," the analyst added. Meanwhile, Israel's main union, private sector and airport announced strike over the judicial overhaul. "Recently following the firing of Gallant, the Histadrut, the General Federation of Labor in the Israeli regime joined the opposition in its strike and protests, and this move will paralyze life inside the Israeli regime during the coming few days," Halsa said. "The labor syndicate declared that it will stop its strike only in case Netanyahu rehires Gallant and halts the judicial reforms, and this is why Netanyahu feels confused." Halsa pointed out that the Israeli prime minister was most probably not expecting to see bodies such as the Histadrut, which stands behind the majority of the labor force in the Israeli regime, join the strikes and the opposition groups. According to the expert, the Israeli regime and its illegal settlers will soon enter a war of confrontations in an attempt to eradicate one another. This means that the two Israeli camps and their supporters will pour into the streets in a lunatic confrontation. It is important to keep in mind that the far-right extremists are not only violent against Palestinians, but also against Israelis who do not agree with them and only know the language of violence. "He probably regrets the move of firing Gallant. We will have to wait and see what will happen, but anyways, Netanyahu and the entirety of the Israeli regime is in lose-lose situation," Halsa concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's President Calls on Government to Immediately Stop Adoption of Judicial Reform Sputnik News 20230327 Mass protests against the judicial reform have been held in Israel for 12 straight weeks. The draft law presented by Justice Minister Yariv Levin in January, if adopted, will significantly curtail the powers of the Israeli Supreme Court and give the government control over the procedure of the appointment of judges. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, amid protests in the country, called on the government to immediately halt the adoption of judicial reform. "We have seen very difficult scenes tonight. I appeal to the Prime Minister, the members of the government and members of the coalition ... For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of the responsibility we are obliged to, I call on you to stop the legislative process immediately," Isaac Herzog said. Late on Sunday night, thousands of protesters broke through the last police checkpoint in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem. Police used water cannons against the demonstrators. The Sunday mass protest started after Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who became the first key Israeli minister to call for a halt of the controversial judicial reform on Saturday. On Friday, organizers of the protest movement against the judicial reform in Israel declared a "week of paralysis," which would include nationwide demonstrations against the divisive legislative action. Earlier this week, hundreds of activists swarmed outside the residences of prominent Israeli government officials a including Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, among others a to protest against the judicial reform. Mass protests against the judicial reform have been held in Israel for 12 straight weeks. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli government plans to pass a key part of the proposed legislation in the coming days. In January, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin rolled out a legal reform package that would limit the authority of the Supreme Court by giving the cabinet control over the selection of new judges, as well as allowing the Knesset to override the court's rulings with an absolute majority. In mid-February, the Israeli parliament approved the first part of the legislation. The second half was approved by the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, at the beginning of March. The reform's opponents argue it will undermine democracy in Israel and put the country on the verge of a social and constitutional crisis. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has welcomed the decision to pause legislation to reform Israel's judiciary. 27 March 2023 Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: The UK welcomes the decision today by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel's judiciary. The UK enjoys a deep and historic relationship with Israel. As the Prime Minister stressed in his meeting with PM Netanyahu last week, it is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved. We urge all parties to find common ground and seek a long-term compromise to this sensitive issue. Netanyahu Delays Plans for Israeli Judicial Overhaul By Ken Bredemeier March 27, 2023 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed on Monday his plan to overhaul the country's judiciary in the face of massive street protests and a nationwide workers strike opposing it. Netanyahu said he was ordering the "timeout" on the controversial legislation a until the summer session of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament a in order "to give a real opportunity for real dialogue." Describing it as a way to "avoid civil war," Netanyahu vowed to reach a "broad consensus" during the parliamentary session, which begins April 30. The prime minister's plan called for greater parliamentary control of the judiciary, including the appointment of judges and the right to overturn decisions it did not like. It has sharply divided the Jewish state and led some reservists to say that if the plan were enacted they would not serve in the Israeli military and claimed that the country was veering toward an autocracy. Meanwhile, elements of Netanyahu's narrow legislative majority have continued to call for its enactment. In announcing the delay, Netanyahu said, "One thing I am not willing to accept a there are a minority of extremists that are willing to tear our country to shreds ... escorting us to civil war and calling for refusal of army service, which is a terrible crime." Before Netanyahu's announcement, Israeli workers launched a nationwide strike Monday, and tens of thousands of people demonstrated again outside of parliament. The latest demonstrations erupted after Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday, a day after the defense chief expressed his opposition to Netanyahu's proposals. The work stoppages were widespread, with departing flights grounded from the country's main international airport near Tel Aviv, and large shopping malls and universities also shutting down. Israel's largest trade union called for its 800,000 members a in health, transit, banking and other occupations a to stop work. The main doctors' union said its members would also strike, and the Israeli stock exchange announced it would be closed Tuesday. Isaac Herzog, the ceremonial Israeli president, urged Netanyahu to immediately halt the controversial judicial overhaul. "The entire nation is rapt with deep worry," Herzog said early Monday. "Wake up, now!" After Netanyahu's announcement, Herzog wrote, "Stopping the legislation is the right thing. This is the time to start an honest, serious and responsible conversation that will quickly calm [tensions] and lower the flames. For the sake of our unity and for the future of our children, we need to start talking here and now." In a sign that tensions were beginning to ease, Israel's main trade union called off the strikes following Netanyahu's announcement. However, protest leaders said that they would continue to hold demonstrations until the proposed legislation was dropped entirely. The White House welcomed Netanyahu's announcement and urged Israeli leaders to find a comprise. "Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday. In a recent conversation with Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden called for recognition of democratic norms in Israel, including an independent judiciary, and asked him to reconsider his plans. Initially, it was not clear how Netanyahu, on trial for corruption charges that he denies, would respond to calls for a delay. Some members of his Likud Party said they would support him if he postponed his push for the changes. But he made no major pronouncements early Monday. In the afternoon, he issued his first statement since he fired Gallant, writing on Twitter, "I call on all protesters in Jerusalem, right and left, to behave responsibly and not act violently." Gallant warned in a televised statement Saturday that the divide over the issue is "seeping into the military and security agencies," representing a security threat for the country. Ultranationalist supporters of the judicial overhaul held their own demonstration Monday outside the Knesset, drawing some 20,000 people. "They won't steal the election from us," read a flyer for the event, organized by the Religious Zionist Party. The plan by Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader and now head of the country's most right-wing government ever, has plunged the country into one of its worst domestic crises. The protests have lasted for weeks. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Japan's National Security Secretariat Akiba Takeo March 27, 2023 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Japan National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo today to discuss the regional security environment and U.S.-Japan bilateral cooperation. Sullivan welcomed the recent breakthrough in Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations and expressed strong support for Prime Minister Kishida's recent visit to Kyiv. The two National Security Advisors reiterated the importance of continuing to support Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's brutal and unlawful invasion. Sullivan expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Kishida's successful visit to India, where he reaffirmed Japan's vision to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific with key like-minded partners. They also reconfirmed their commitment to maintaining a credible Alliance deterrence capability and discussed the importance of increasing multilateral cooperation across the region. The two officials committed to continue deepening the bilateral partnership to advance their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Three Kazakh Activists Detained In Almaty After Demonstrating For Release Of Relatives From Xinjiang By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service March 27, 2023 Police detained three Kazakh activists in Almaty on March 27 after they demonstrated near the Chinese consulate to demand the release of their relatives from China's Xinjiang Province. Activists Akikat Kaliolla, Nurzat Yermekbay, and Zauatkhan Tursyn were taken to the police department of the Medeu district, according to another activist, Baibolat Kunbolatuly, son of Tursyn. They were held at the police department for several hours and released without charge, Kunbolatuly told RFE/RL. There was no comment from authorities, and calls by RFE/RL to the police department were not answered. Kaliolla published a video on Facebook purporting to show the demonstrators and police officers following behind them. One of the demonstrators, Almakhan Myrzan, held a photograph of her brother, religious researcher Baqytkhan Myrzan, who died earlier this month in custody in a penitentiary in Xinjiang. Myrzan sharply condemned the authorities for her brother's death, which she confirmed to RFE/RL on March 9. He had been sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2018 for performing an Islamic ritual at a religious event. She also said that authorities in Xinjiang had ignored demands by Myrzan's relatives in China and Kazakhstan to release him due to a medical condition. Almakhan Myrzan has been among dozens of people who for more than two years have been picketing the Chinese Embassy in Astana and the consulate in Almaty to demand the release of relatives held in correctional facilities in China. China has been accused of human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities over the existence of mass detention camps in Xinjiang Province. The crackdown has seen Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Xinjiang's other indigenous ethnic groups sent to the camps. Beijing denies the facilities are internment camps, saying its actions are aimed at combating terrorism, but people who have fled the province say people from the ethnic groups are undergoing "political indoctrination" at a network of facilities officially referred to as reeducation camps. The demonstration and detentions in Almaty took place as Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev met in Astana with Ma Xingrui, the Communist Party secretary in Xinjiang. Toqaev hailed the "eternal friendship" with Beijing as he welcomed the "deepening all-round cooperation with China," Kazakhstan's presidency said. China is among key investors in the oil-rich country, which is home to a large Uyghur diaspora, while around 1.5 million ethnic Kazakhs live in Xinjiang. Ma said Kazakhstan was a "priority area" of mutual cooperation. "In general, China's cooperation with Kazakhstan is carried out through Xinjiang," Ma added. Ma's visit to Astana, which was not widely reported, took place 10 days after the Kazakh ambassador to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev, made a trip to Xinjiang and met with Ma. Kazakh authorities refrain from openly criticizing the policies of China, one of their main creditors. They have responded to the demands of ethnic Kazakhs for the release of their relatives by saying that what is happening in China is an internal affair of the country, and have said the applications of separated family members are considered "through diplomatic channels." With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakh-activists-almaty- detained-xinjiang-protest/32336574.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Expected, Kazakhstan's Ruling Party Takes Majority Of Seats In Parliamentary Vote By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service March 27, 2023 ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- As expected, the ruling Amanat party won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan earlier this month, official results show, in a vote the Central Election Commission said had several "minor" violations but that some opposition politicians claimed was marred by issues. The Central Election Commission said on March 27 that Amanat received 53.9 percent of the votes to win an allocation of 40 seats of the 69 seats on offer in parliament through the party list distribution system. In addition, according to the commission, candidates nominated by Amanat won 22 of the 29 seats on offer in single-mandate contests. The March 19 vote followed a referendum in June 2022 that marked the end of special privileges for long-reigning former leader Nursultan Nazarbaev and snap presidential elections in November that handed 69-year-old incumbent Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev a fresh seven-year presidential term. It was the first vote since 2004 in which candidates without party affiliations could stand for seats in the lower house, called the Mazhilis, as part of a package of electoral reforms initiated by Toqaev in the wake of the unrest in January 2022 that left at least 238 people dead. The second-place Auyl party won eight seats in the party-list distribution after it took 10.9 percent of the votes; the Respublika party won six seats with 8.59 percent; the Ak Zhol party won six seats with 8.41 percent; the People's Party of Kazakhstan won five seats with 6.8 percent; and four mandates were handed to the opposition Nationwide Social Democratic Party (JSDP), which had 5.2 percent of the votes. The return of single-mandate district races added some dynamism to a ballot dominated by system candidates in a country where no elections have been deemed free or fair by international election monitors since Kazakhstan gained independence more than 30 years ago. But several opposition-minded figures were excluded from races at the parliament and city council level on administrative pretexts, while others complained of government pressure on their campaigns. Several candidates said after the elections that they would not recognize the results because of "various violations" of voting laws and that they would launch a court appeal because "the votes of independent candidates were stolen." The various violations include improper counting of ballots and government pressure on public employees to vote for certain parties. The Oraganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) noted after the vote that "limits on the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental freedoms remain and some political groups continue to be prevented from participating as political parties in elections." While the voting "was organized in a smooth manner overall," the OSCE said "significant procedural irregularities were observed." Of the seven parties to compete in the elections, the most well-established is the ruling Amanat party, a renamed version of the Nur Otan party led by Nazarbaev, who remained powerful even after stepping down and allowing Toqaev to succeed him in 2019. Last year's crisis effectively ended the political career of Nazarbaev, who relinquished his remaining positions to Toqaev, while denying rumors of a rift with his protege. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-elections-ruling- party-majority/32336190.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya: Urgent action needed to remedy deteriorating human rights situation, UN Fact-Finding Mission warns in final report Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 27 March 2023 GENEVA (27 March 2023) -- The UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya expressed deep concern over the country's deteriorating human rights situation in its final report today, concluding there are grounds to believe a wide array of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed by State security forces and armed militia groups. The investigation, which outlines a broad effort by authorities to repress dissent by civil society, documented numerous cases of arbitrary detention, murder, rape, enslavement, extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance, and said that nearly all survivors interviewed had refrained from lodging official complaints out of fear of reprisals, arrest, extortion and a lack of confidence in the justice system. Migrants, in particular, have been targeted and there is overwhelming evidence that they have been systematically tortured. The report said there were reasonable grounds to believe that sexual slavery, a crime against humanity, was committed against migrants. "There is an urgent need for accountability to end this pervasive impunity," said Mohamed Auajjar, the Mission's chair. "We call on Libyan authorities to develop a human rights plan of action and a comprehensive, victim-centred roadmap on transitional justice without delay, and hold all those responsible for human rights violations accountable." Libya's Government is obligated to investigate allegations of human rights violations and crimes in areas under its control in accordance with international standards. But "the practices and patterns of gross violations continue unabated, and there is little evidence that meaningful steps are being taken to reverse this troubling trajectory and bring recourse to victims," the report said. The UN Human Rights Council established the FFM in June 2020 to investigate violations and abuses of human rights by all parties since the beginning of 2016, with a view to preventing further deterioration of the human rights situation, and to ensuring accountability. Since then, the FFM has undertaken 13 missions, conducted more than 400 interviews, and collected more than 2,800 items of information, including photographic and audio-visual imagery. "The Mission's mandate is ending when the human rights situation in Libya is deteriorating, parallel State authorities are emerging and the legislative, executive and security sector reforms needed to uphold the rule of law and unify the country are far from being realized," the report said. "In this polarizing context, armed groups that have been implicated in allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, trafficking and sexual violence remain unaccountable." The FFM's investigations found that Libyan authorities, notably the security sectors, are curtailing the rights to assembly, association, expression, and belief to ensure obedience, entrench self-serving values and norms, and punish criticism against authorities and their leadership. "Attacks against inter alia human rights defenders, women rights activists, journalists, and civil society associations have created an atmosphere of fear that has sent persons into self-censorship, hiding or exile at a time that it is necessary to build an atmosphere that is conducive to free and fair elections for Libyans to exercise their right to self-determination and choose a representative government to run the country," the report said. The report said that trafficking, enslavement, forced labour, imprisonment, extortion and smuggling of vulnerable migrants generated significant revenue for individuals, groups and State institutions, and incentivized the continuation of violations. There are reasonable grounds to believe migrants were enslaved in official detention centres well as "secret prisons," and that rape as a crime against humanity was committed. In the context of detention, State authorities and affiliated entities - including the Libya's Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DACOT), the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), the Internal Security Agency (ISA), and the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), and their leadership - were repeatedly found to be involved in violations and abuses. Detainees were subjected regularly to torture, solitary confinement, held incommunicado, and denied adequate access to water, food, toilets, sanitation, light, exercise, medical care, legal counsel, and communication with family members. The report also said women are systematically discriminated against in Libya and concluded that their situation has markedly deteriorated over the last three years. The enforced disappearance of MP Sihem Sergiwa and killing of Hannan Barassi remained issues of deep concern for the FFM, and the Experts reiterated their call on the authorities in Benghazi to adequately investigate these violations and hold accountable those responsible. The Mission called on the Human Rights Council to establish a sufficiently resourced, independent international investigation mechanism, and urged the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to establish a distinct and autonomous mechanism with an ongoing mandate to monitor and report on gross human rights violations "with a view to support Libyan reconciliation efforts and assist the Libyan authorities in achieving transitional justice and accountability." To strengthen accountability, the FFM will share with the International Criminal Court, according to standards of international cooperation in criminal matters and the UN-ICC Relationship Agreement, relevant material and findings it has collected throughout its mandate and a list of individuals it has identified as possible perpetrators of human rights violations and international crimes. ENDS Read the Full Report here, and detailed findings in the Conference Room Paper here. Background: The UN Human Rights Council established the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (FFM) on 22 June 2020 to investigate violations and abuses of human rights throughout Libya by all parties since the beginning of 2016, with a view to preventing further deterioration of the human rights situation, and to ensuring accountability. On 4 July 2022, the HRC extended the FFM's mandate for a final non- extendable period of nine months, to present its concluding recommendations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libyan State, Armed Militia Groups Allegedly Commit War Crimes with Impunity By Lisa Schlein March 27, 2023 U.N. investigators have accused Libyan state security forces and armed militia groups of committing a wide array of crimes with impunity, many of which could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The three-member U.N. Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya on Monday presented its final report on what it called "the country's deteriorating human rights situation" since the beginning of 2016. And the picture it paints is not pretty. The investigation has documented numerous cases of arbitrary detention, murder, rape, enslavement, extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance. Despite the gravity of these crimes, the investigators noted that nearly all the survivors interviewed refrained from lodging official complaints "out of fear of reprisals, arrest, extortion and a lack of confidence in the justice system." Mohamed Auajjar, chair of the Libya Fact-Finding Mission, said the body found "overwhelming evidence that migrants have been systematically tortured while in detention and that sexual slavery, a crime against humanity, was committed against migrants." Factual evidence gathered by the U.N. investigators found that state institutions, groups, and individuals were involved in the commission of violations and abuses. The mission found that crimes against humanity were committed against migrants in places of detention under the actual or nominal control of the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, the Libyan coast guard and other entities. Auajjar said, "These entities received technical, logistic and monetary support from the European Union and its member states." Chaloka Beyani, a member of the mission, added that "the support given by the E.U. to the Libyan coast guard in terms of fallbacks, pushbacks and interceptions lead to violations of certain human rights." "Non-refoulement, for example - you cannot push back people to areas that are unsafe," he said, "and the Libyan waters are unsafe for embarkations of migrants quite clearly." The ongoing systemic widespread character of the crimes documented by the mission strongly suggests that individuals and officials of security and military agencies at all levels of the hierarchy and affiliated militias are implicated. "The violations and abuses investigated by the mission were connected primarily to a reconsolidation of power and wealth by militias and other state-affiliated groups through, for instance, the misappropriation of public funds," said Auajjar. "It is beyond question that significant revenue arising from the widescale exploitation of vulnerable irregular migrants incentivized the continuation of the violations documented." The mission has undertaken 13 field trips to Libya since it was established by the U.N. human rights council in June 2020. It has interviewed more than 400 survivors and witnesses and collected more than 2,800 items of information. More than 670,000 migrants from over 41 countries were present in Libya when the mission began its investigation and these numbers have been increasing since 2021. The International Organization for Migration reports around 5,000 migrants are held in official detention centers, though it believes that number is greatly underestimated. The number of migrants detained in secret facilities run by armed militia groups is unknown. Many of the migrants, who include asylum seekers and refugees, come from West and East Africa and from lands as far away as Afghanistan. Beyani notes smuggling and trafficking of migrants has become a huge money-making industry in Libya. He said geography largely determines which migrants are likely to be kidnapped and held for ransom. "So, those coming from East Africa, for example, attract a fairer price in terms of smuggling and trafficking than those coming from West Africa. "The perception is that perhaps they have a lot more money in this regard," he added. The report said there are reasonable grounds to believe migrants "were enslaved in official detention centers as well as 'secret prisons,' and that rape as a crime against humanity was committed." It said detainees were subjected regularly to torture, solitary confinement, held incommunicado and denied adequate access to water, food, toilets, medical care and other essentials. It also deplored the systematic discrimination of women in Libya, saying that their situation has markedly deteriorated over the past three years. The mission is calling for ending impunity through criminal accountability on the international and local level and recommends supporting the Libyan judiciary to strengthen its capacity for accountability. The investigators are calling for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained in Libya and for secret prisons to be dismantled. It stressed that perpetrators of gross human rights violations must be held accountable for their crimes. The report will be submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council later this week. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. sanctions two people, six entities for supplying Myanmar with jet fuel Without fuel, the junta-led airstrikes on civilians would have been impossible, civil society groups say. By RFA Burmese 2023.03.27 -- The United States Treasury Department has announced additional sanctions on Myanmar to prevent supplies of jet fuel from reaching the military in response to airstrikes on populated areas and other atrocities. The sanctions came just days before Myanmar celebrated its 78th Armed Forces Day on Monday. The announcement on Friday targeted two individuals, Tun Min Latt and his wife Win Min Soe, and six companies including, Asia Sun Trading Co. Ltd., which purchased jet fuel for the junta's air force; Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics Co. Ltd., which transports jet fuel to military bases; and Asia Sun Group, the "key operator in the jet fuel supply chain." The statement said that since the Feb. 1, 2021 coup that overthrew the country's democratically elected government, the junta continually targeted the people of Myanmar with atrocities and violence, including airstrikes in late 2022 in Let Yet Kone village in central Myanmar that hit a school with children and teachers inside, and another in Kachin state that targeted a music concert and killed 80 people. According to a March 3 report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, junta-led airstrikes more than doubled from 125 in 2021 to 301 in 2022. Those airstrikes would have been impossible without access to fuel supplies, according to reports from civil society organizations, Friday's announcement said. "Burma's military regime continues to inflict pain and suffering on its own people," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Burma, and will continue to deny the military the materiel it uses to commit these atrocities." The announcement named Tun Min Latt as the key individual in procuring fuel supplies for the military, saying he was a close associate of the junta's leader Sr. Gen Min Aung Hlaing. Through his companies, he engaged in business to import military arms and equipment with U.S. sanctioned Chinese arms firm NORINCO, the announcement said. "The United States continues to promote accountability for the Burmese military regime's assault on the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma," said U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a separate statement. "The regime continues to inflict pain and suffering on the people of Burma." The additional sanctions by the U.S. aligned with actions taken by Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, Blinken said. Cutting bloodlines "I am very thankful to the United States for these sanctions," Nay Phone Lat, the spokesperson for Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, told Radio Free Asia's Burmese Service. "I know that sanctions are usually done one step after another. It's like cutting the bloodlines of the military junta one after another." He said that the shadow government was trying to cut each route of support for the junta, including jet fuel, one after another. "[The junta's] capability of suppressing and killing innocent civilians will be lessened," he said. Banyar, the director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, which was among 516 civil organizations that made a request in December to the United Kingdom to take immediate action to prevent British companies from transporting or selling jet fuel to the Myanmar military junta, told RFA that the U.S. sanctions would have many impacts. "If you look at the patterns, the number one thing is that taking action against these companies that provide services to the junta directly discredits the military junta," he said. "And the sanctioned companies are also punished in some ways. We can say that this is also a way to pressure other companies to not support the military junta." But Myanmar has been sanctioned before to little effect, said Thein Tun Oo, executive director of Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, which is made up of former military officers. "No matter what sanctions are imposed, there will not be any major impact on Myanmar as it has learned how to survive through sanctions. There may be a little percentage of economic slowdown but that's about it," he said. The military has many options when it comes to buying jet fuel, said Thein Tun Oo. "We are not buying from just one source that they have just sanctioned, we can buy from all other sources. Jet fuel is produced from not just one place," he said. "If we want it from countries in affiliation with the United States, we may have problems but the United States is not the only country that produces jet fuel, so there is no problem for the Myanmar military." The military could look to China, Thailand, India or Russia for jet fuel if necessary, political analyst Than Soe Naing told RFA. "The sanctions imposed against the Myanmar military are little more than an expression of opinion, in my point of view, as they cannot actually restrict the junta effectively from getting what it needs," said Than Soe Naing. "The reason is that the three neighboring countries and Russia can still supply the junta with the jet fuel from many other routes." Ze Thu Aung, a former Air Force captain who left the military to join an armed resistance movement after the coup, told RFA that U.S. sanctions are not enough to stop the junta. "Whatever sanctions [Washington] imposes, the military junta can still survive as it is still in control of its major businesses such as the jade, oil and natural gas industries," he said. "They have enormous funds left. They have Russia backing them as well. China is supporting them to some extent, too." Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar junta chief marks Armed Forces Day with vow to eradicate opposition But observers say the military has already done its worst, with little to show for it. By RFA Burmese 2023.03.27 -- Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing marked the 78th anniversary of the country's Armed Forces Day on Monday with a vow to "take decisive action" against the military's opposition, prompting derision from observers who dismissed what they said were empty threats. Speaking at a ceremony in the capital Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing called the shadow National Unity Government, anti-junta People's Defense Force paramilitary groups, and armed ethnic organizations "terrorists" who seek to destroy the nation, vowing to eradicate them. "The Tatmadaw is going to work to ensure the safety and security of the socio-economic lives of the people and to achieve full stability and rule of law throughout the nation," he said, using the official name of the country's military. "In doing so, we are going to take decisive action against the NUG and terrorist organizations and the [ethnic armies] who are helping them." Min Aung Hlaing spoke at a massive parade ground flanked by the towering golden statues of three kings who founded Myanmar's key dynasties. The ceremony was replete with a color guard on horseback, thousands of marching soldiers shouldering rifles with bayonets, tanks, and mobile missile launchers. Amid the fanfare, it was difficult to tell that the parade ground had come under attack only a day earlier by the PDF, which hit the site with four 107mm rockets. While the junta has yet to issue any statement about the rocket attack, security was notably tightened on Monday, with double the number of troops posted at Naypyidaw's entrances and crowded marketplaces. As the festivities were held, opposition groups protested military rule in several cities, including the commercial capital Yangon. Nan Lin of the University Students' Union Alumni Force in Yangon told RFA that the junta was using Armed Forces Day to display its strength to its opponents, but said his impression was much different than it was two years ago, just weeks after the military seized power in a Feb. 1 coup d'etat. On Armed Forces Day in 2021, the junta violently suppressed and fired on protesters across the country, killing more than 100 civilians, according to data collected by Thailand's Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma). "Their military demonstration two years ago was intended to show the international community how powerful they were and how much they were in control of the country," he said. "But this year, I see that the military parade on Tatmadaw Day is just a failing attempt to show the military and its sympathizers - as well as the people and the international community - that they still hold onto power." Following the coup, the military launched an ambitious offensive to subdue its opposition throughout the country. The offensive quickly devolved into a scorched earth campaign, with junta troops regularly looting villages, torching homes, and torturing and killing civilians. But more than two years later, the military has made little headway, while the armed opposition has increasingly adapted and made significant gains, despite being outmatched in equipment, training, and manpower. Empty threats Ethnic armed groups and PDF groups shrugged off Min Aung Hlaing's threats on Monday, telling RFA that there is little the military can do that it hasn't already tried. Khu Hteh Bu, the spokesperson of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the political wing of the Karenni Army, said the military has been arresting and torturing Myanmar's ethnic minorities "for decades" with no result. "We think that the more threateningly they talk to us, the more they reveal the pain and loss they have suffered because of us," he said. "They are using all their strength to crush us. But since the people neither support them nor give up rebelling against them, they are just creating their own sordid destiny." Former Major Cpt. Ngwe Soe, who defected from the military and is now the spokesman for the Naypyidaw PDF, called Min Aung Hlaing's threats hollow. "This is just his foolish stance to never back down until his last breath, but it will never be possible to crush us like he said," Ngwe Soe said. "The revolutionary forces - such as the NUG, the PDF and the [ethnic armies] have made significant progress in the two years since the military coup." National Unity Government Ministers' Office spokesman Nay Phone Latt said the military is already throwing everything it has at the armed resistance, with little to show for it. "The NUG, the PDFs and the ethnic forces are well prepared for their attacks," he said. Seven elderly villagers killed Armed Forces Day came as at least seven elderly residents burned to death in fires set by junta troops during a raid on Sone Kone village in Sagaing region's Budalin township over the weekend. A resident of Sone Kone told RFA that a military column of more than 50 troops descended on the village at around 8 a.m. on Saturday and began setting structures alight, trapping the six elderly women and one elderly man inside. "Their family members left them at home as they were too old to run or move quickly," said the resident who, like other sources interviewed for this story, spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal. "Since the elderly people who were left in their homes during previous raids were spared, the younger villagers just ran for their lives, leaving the victims behind in their homes, thinking that [the soldiers] would not harm the elderly. When the burnings began, there was nothing they could do to save them." The women killed in the fires were Tin Ei, 80; Daw Pyae, 81; Than Myint, 58; Kyi Aung, 70; Daw Khway, 84; and Khin Myint, 84. Kyee Myint, a 70-year-old man, also perished in the flames. The resident said that by the time the troops left three hours later, some 175 of Sone Kone's 300 homes had been razed. A second resident of Sone Kone told RFA that his home and all of his belongings were destroyed in the arson. "Since many other villagers' houses were also burned down, we are facing a lot of difficulties here, including a lack of food and shelter," he said. Those whose houses were burned are now taking shelter in nearby villages, residents said. Possible revenge attack The Budalin Township Information Team told RFA that Saturday's attack came a day after anti-junta People's Defense Force paramilitaries ambushed junta troops with a landmine in the vicinity of Sone Kone, leaving several soldiers injured. The timing of the two incidents suggest that the military raided Sone Kone as revenge for the ambush. A member of the Budalin PDF said his group attacks junta troops "in every possible situation" in a bid to prevent village raids, but that sometimes conditions do not allow for them to face the military head on. "There are some villages such as [Sone Kone] that we are not in position to protect and the people there suffered," he said. "If our captain tells us that we cannot defend a certain place, we have to follow orders. We have to avoid [direct] contact with the military [to avoid heavy casualties]." The junta had yet to issue an announcement about the incident at Sone Kone as of the time of publishing. Calls by RFA to Aye Hlaing, the junta's social affairs minister and spokesman for Sagaing region, went unanswered Monday. Around 200 junta troops in two columns are currently carrying out "clearing operations" of the eastern and southern villages of Budalin township, residents said. Data for Myanmar, which compiles data on the military's use of arson, said that between the coup and the end of February, junta troops had burned a total of 60,459 civilian homes across the country. Of these, 47,778 were located in Sagaing. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), junta troops have killed at least 3,166 civilians and arrested nearly 21,000 others since the coup, mostly during peaceful anti-junta protests. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Mostly clear early then increasing cloudiness after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear early then increasing cloudiness after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Myanmar Armed Forces Day: UK announces fresh sanctions on aviation fuel and military equipment suppliers New UK sanctions will target those who supply the Myanmar regime with materials, including military equipment, which are still being used to attack its civilians. 27 March 2023 UK announces further sanctions against prominent arms dealer and aviation fuel suppliers in Myanmar sanctions to target enablers of air force bombing campaign against civilian population announcement comes as Myanmar marks its annual Armed Forces Day A new round of UK sanctions will target suppliers to the Myanmar regime of military equipment and other material, which are still being used to attack its civilians. Those sanctioned today include a company and its director who supply the Myanmar Air Forces with aviation fuel and a second individual who is the director of a company which supplies restricted goods and technology through its business. On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically-elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and installed a military regime. Since then, they have used violence and atrocities to maintain power and suppress any opposition voices. The Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: On Myanmar Armed Forces Day, the UK condemns the military's increasingly brutal campaign against the Myanmar people. The sanctions announced today are designed to reduce the military's access to fuel and military equipment. The UK will continue to work closely with partners to hold the military regime to account and support the people of Myanmar, as they strive for a return to democracy and freedom. These targeted sanctions will raise the cost for those profiting from, or supporting, the regime and restrict the military's access to fuel and military equipment. The UK has led the international community's work to support a peaceful resolution in Myanmar and a return to democracy, as well as pushing for progress towards accountability and justice. It has also played a key role in calling on countries around the world to end the sale and transfer of arms and equipment which facilitate the military's atrocities. At the United Nations the UK successfully coordinated a Security Council Resolution on the crisis, the first of its kind, to apply further pressure on the military to end its violence and engage in dialogue. This will be the 15th round of targeted sanctions by the UK against the military regime in Myanmar. The UK will continue to work with international partners to maintain pressure on the military regime and welcomes the sanctions announced by the US to coincide with Myanmar Armed Forces Day. Background Those sanctioned today are: Shoon Energy Pte Ltd: a company profiting from the supply of aviation fuel to the Myanmar Air Force Khin Phyu Win: current Director and shareholder of Shoon Energy Pte Ltd Tun Min Latt: Director of Star Sapphire Trading Company Limited, a company previously sanctioned by the UK which supplies restricted goods or technology through its business Asset freeze An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. Travel ban A travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea Believes North's Underwater Nuclear Drone Report Exaggerated - Military Sputnik News 20230327 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) believes that North Korea's reports about underwater nuclear drone tests could be exaggerated since its engineering is most likely at early stages, South Korean media reported on Monday. "Having pieced together the South Korea-US analysis of the 'underwater nuclear attack drone' as well as expert views on it, our military is putting weight to the possibility that the claim might have been exaggerated or fabricated," the JCS was quoted as saying by the korean news agency. The South Korean military assessed North Korea's new weapon amid growing concerns that Seoul and Washington might be incapable of opposing Pyongyang's capabilities. "There have been movements indicating the North has been working to develop an unmanned undersea vehicle, but our assessment is that it is still at an early (development) stage," the JCS said, according to the news agency. On March 24, the state-run North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the country had tested the Haeil underwater drone, designed to carry nuclear weapons and capable of creating radioactive tsunamis by underwater explosions. According to the report, the drone had traveled 362-492 feet (80-150 meters) below the surface of the Sea of Japan for over 59 hours. Pyongyang also confirmed the testing of two Hwasal-1 and two Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles which were equipped with warheads simulating nuclear ones. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia may seek compensation for damage to Nord Stream pipelines: Diplomat Iran Press TV Monday, 27 March 2023 7:08 PM Russia may demand compensation for the damage to the Nord Stream gas pipelines after a number of powerful explosions last year, a Russian diplomat says, as Moscow names the United States as the most probable culprit behind the blasts. In an interview with Russia's state-run RIA-Novosti news agency, Dmitry Birichevsky, head of the Russia's Foreign Ministry's department for economic cooperation, said Moscow also intended to open an international probe into the attacks on the multibillion-dollar Russian infrastructure, which connects Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. "We do not rule out later raising the issue of compensation for damage as a result of the explosion," he said on Monday, without clarifying who Moscow would seek damages from. Birichevsky said Western countries were against a Russia-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution urging an independent international investigation of the Nord Stream explosions. "Despite this, we intend to continue to insist on a comprehensive and open international investigation with the mandatory participation of Russian representatives," he said. On September 26, 2022, three huge gas leaks, preceded by a series of explosions, occurred on the pipelines. The powerful blasts, according to Moscow, knocked out three of the four strings of the Nord Stream network off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm. Two of the pipelines, known collectively as Nord Stream 1, had been providing Germany and much of Western Europe with cheap Russian natural gas for more than a decade. A second pair of pipelines, known as Nord Stream 2, had been built but was not yet operational. "At the moment, it's very difficult to speak about the future of the Nord Stream pipeline system. On the whole, according to experts, the damaged lines could be restored," Birichevsky said. Following the blasts, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden conducted investigations, with all three countries having barred Russia from participating in the probes. The preliminary results of a joint probe by Sweden and Denmark showed the blasts had been "intentional sabotage," but the responsibility was not assigned to any party. Moscow has been blaming the West ever since the explosions, calling the attack an act of international terrorism. Last month, veteran American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, in a detailed report published on his blog, claimed the bombing had been directly ordered by US President Joe Biden and carried out by the CIA with the help of the US Navy. The White House swiftly rejected the report as "utterly false and complete fiction." The CIA and the US State Department also dismissed the report. On Friday, Hersh further alleged that Biden could have agreed to blow up the pipelines to punish German Chancellor Olaf Sholz for his unwillingness about providing Ukraine with lethal arms and tanks. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that he agreed with Hersh that Biden plotted to blow up the pipelines to punish Berlin for refusing to supply arms to Ukraine in the midst of the war. Earlier this month, the New York Times, in an exclusive report, said US officials "believed the saboteurs were most likely Ukrainian or Russian nationals, or some combination of the two." It did not identify the source of the intelligence and the suspected group involved. However, Moscow was quick to cast doubt on the Times report, questioning the notion that such a group would be capable of conducting the daring task, with Putin rejecting the report as "complete nonsense." "An explosion of this kind, of such power, at such depth, can only be carried out by specialists, and supported by the entire power of a state, possessing certain technologies," the Russian leader said on March 14. Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "For now the data indicates that such a large-scale act of sabotage and a terrorist attack against critical infrastructure could not have been carried out without the participation of the state and special state services." "You see that Western countries are taking all possible measures to cover up this issue... But Russia will do everything possible to prevent this from happening." Last week, Reuters, citing unnamed sources familiar with the Kremlin's plans about the pipelines, reported the pipelines, built by Russia's state-controlled Gazprom, would be sealed up and mothballed as there were no immediate plans to repair or reactivate them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia owns arms to destroy US in case of existential threats: Top Putin aide Iran Press TV Monday, 27 March 2023 4:08 PM A senior Russian official says Moscow owns such weapons that can destroy any enemy, including the United States, if it faces existential threats, alleging that Washington is underestimating Russia's nuclear might. In an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta newspaper published on Monday, Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, sounded the warning, the latest from a senior Russian official to raise the specter of a nuclear confrontation, something that Moscow says it wants to avoid. "Russia is patient and does not intimidate anyone with its military advantage. But it has modern unique weapons capable of destroying any adversary, including the United States, in the event of a threat to its existence", said Patrushev, who is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest aides. Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 to "de-Nazify" and "de-militarize" the country and over the threat of the former Soviet republic joining NATO. Kiev and its allies, however, say they were baseless pretexts for imperialistic ambitions. Since the onset of the war, the US and Ukraine's other allies have sent Kiev tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons, including rocket systems, drones, armored vehicles, tanks, and communication systems. Western countries have also imposed a slew of economic sanctions on Moscow. The Kremlin has time and again warned that the sanctions and the Western military assistance risk prolonging the war that recently completed one year. "American politicians trapped by their own propaganda remain confident that, in the event of a direct conflict with Russia, the United States is capable of launching a preventive missile strike, after which Russia will no longer be able to respond. This is short-sighted stupidity, and very dangerous,", Patrushev stated. The Kremlin has already said one of the reasons it deployed tens of thousands of troops in Ukraine in February last year was to counter an alleged security threat stemming from Kiev's rapprochement with NATO. Since the onset of war, Moscow has in a number of occasions accused the US of making nuclear threats against Russia, and, in response, has voiced its readiness to use nuclear weapons in case of existential threats against the Russian Federation. On Saturday, Putin said Moscow would station tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus, which borders both Ukraine and Russia. The unexpected move sent a warning to NATO over its military support for Ukraine and Russia's escalated standoff with the West. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New START Talks Depend on US Abandoning Its 'Hostile Policy' Toward Russia, Russian Envoy Says Sputnik News 20230327 VIENNA (Sputnik) - The prerequisites for talking about the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) will emerge only if Washington abandons its hostile policy toward Moscow, Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Sputnik. "Our demands are quite modest, clear and absolutely justified. We need the United States to give up its hostile policy toward Russia, and then there will be prerequisites for talking about the New START treaty," Ulyanov said. Relations between Russia and the United States went downhill after Moscow launched a military operation in Ukraine a year ago. In February 2023, Moscow announced the suspension of its participation in the New START, which was signed by Russia and the US in 2010 and envisaged mutual inspections of the strategic nuclear facilities of the two countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the US had demanded that Russia unconditionally fulfill its obligations under the treaty while acting arbitrarily concerning its own obligations. Russia is not satisfied with behind-the-scenes consideration of the issue of the transfer of nuclear-powered submarines by the United States to Australia, an open discussion is needed, Mikhail Ulyanov added. "We advocate that this issue be discussed openly, with the participation of all interested parties, primarily the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] Board of Governors, as has always been the case in the history of the Agency: any innovations in the field of safeguards were tested in an open format during discussions. [AUKUS] is trying to resolve these issues behind the scenes, exclusively with the IAEA Secretariat. We are not satisfied with this option," Ulyanov said. He added that Russia and China are actively opposing the behind-the-scenes discussions and called for a competent, professional, and depoliticized consideration of this issue from the perspective of nuclear non-proliferation and IAEA safeguards. Earlier this month, AUKUS (the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) announced a multi-phased plan to supply Australia with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines and technology for their production. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rosatom: New Russian Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker to Be Laid Down in May Next Year Sputnik News 20230327 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The new, fifth and sixth Russian nuclear icebreakers of Project 22220 are planned to be laid down at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg, in May 2024 and October 2025, respectively, Maxim Kulinko, Deputy Head of the Northern Sea Route Directorate of Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom told Sputnik. "We plan that the fifth icebreaker will be laid down in May 2024, and the sixth - in October 2025," Kulinko said. He added that budget investments in the construction of these two icebreakers, which will operate in the waters of the Northern Sea Route, are planned in the amount of 58.9 billion rubles (over $762 million). The Northern Sea Route, which falls inside Russia's exclusive economic zone, and is set to factor into Russia's economic plans in the future. The Northern Sea Route enables shipments to reach their destination quicker than if they traveled through the Suez Canal Route. Typically, the route is blocked during the winter months due to weather but rising global temperatures has made it more accessible. Rosatom told Sputnik that it had been developing a plan to keeo the route open year-round, though it is subject to final government approval. "The targets of the federal project 'Development of the Northern Sea Route' should be achieved in 2024. Many people ask the question: what's next? State corporation Rosatom is systematically working, on behalf of the government, to extend the target indicators, milestones, and budgeting until 2030," Maxim Kulinko, Deputy Head of Rosatom's Northern Sea Route Directorate said A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ex-President Ma Ying-jeou departs on 12-day China trip ROC Central News Agency 03/27/2023 05:08 PM Taipei, March 27 (CNA) Former President Ma Ying-jeou () said Monday at Taoyuan airport, before departing for Shanghai, that it has taken a very long time for him to visit mainland China. Ma said he began handling China affairs in the government at the age of 37 and has never been able to pay a visit to mainland China until now, at the age of 73. "It has been a long wait," he said at the airport. The former president's Air China flight landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 4:21 p.m. He later took a bullet train to Nanjing, where he will visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum on Tuesday. Before leaving Taiwan, Ma said he was pleased to visit China, adding that in addition to paying respects to his ancestors, he is also taking a group of university students from Taiwan to conduct exchanges with their counterparts in China. It is hoped the current cross-strait atmosphere can be improved through the enthusiasm and interactions of the younger generation, Ma said. However, several members of the pro-independence Republic of Taiwan organization held a news conference at the airport to protest Ma's China trip, shouting "Ma Ying-jeou humiliates the nation and forfeits its sovereignty." The individuals were warned by the police and after scuffles broke out forcibly dispersed, before Ma arrived at the airport. Ma is scheduled to visit China from March 27 to April 7, during which time he and over 30 students from Taiwan will visit the Museum of Wuchang Uprising of 1911 Revolution and the Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Site Museum in Sichuan Province. The group are also scheduled to visit Wuhan University, Hunan University and Fudan University in Shanghai to engage in exchanges with Chinese students. Ma is the first former President of the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, to visit the Chinese mainland since 1949, when the ROC government relocated to Taiwan during the Chinese civil war. (By Wu Jui-chi and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ma Ying-jeou kicks off mainland visit, expected to offset tensions created by DPP Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Mar 27, 2023 09:54 PM Updated: Mar 27, 2023 10:33 PM Former Taiwan regional leader Ma Ying-jeou landed in Shanghai on Monday afternoon, kicking off an ancestral trip in the mainland, which experts viewed as being of special significance to easing the tensions across the Taiwan Straits and enhancing exchanges. Furthermore, Ma's itinerary shows the deep historical, political and cultural ties between Taiwan and the mainland, outlining the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one and the same China. The first ever mainland trip by Ma, former president of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, is also the first to the mainland by a former Taiwan regional leader since 1949. Ma arrived in Shanghai Monday afternoon and then left for Nanjing. He was greeted by Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and senior officials from CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee at the airport. Ma will pay respects to his ancestors on the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-sweeping Day in Changsha, and lead a group of Taiwan students for communication and exchange activities in the mainland cities of Nanjing, Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing and Shanghai. They are also scheduled to visit historical sites where the KMT participated in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), including Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial in Shanghai, Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, and the Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Heritage Museum. Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times that as an ancestral trip, Ma's mainland visit reflects the history, culture and reality of the shared origin of the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, which cannot be erased by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s de-sinicization and anti-mainland manipulation, Zhang said. In addition, visiting the memorial halls to review the history of the two sides' joint fight against foreign aggression and safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is of positive significance to bringing the Chinese people on both sides closer, especially in the face of the DPP's attempts to cut the historical connection between the two sides of the Straits and deliberately whitewash the history of Japanese colonial rule, according to Zhang. Before leaving Taipei, Ma told Taiwan-based media on Monday that the trip is his first visit to the mainland. Ma, 73, said he was dealing with cross-Straits affairs at the age of 37, and has waited 36 years for the opportunity to visit the mainland. According to Ma, taking college students for exchanges this time can improve the cross-Straits atmosphere, and will help resume dialogue and enhance goodwill. Ma's trip brings up memories of our history and prospects for our nation's future, Wang Yingjin, director of the Center for Cross-Straits Relations Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times. The mainland always welcomes and supports the young people in Taiwan to more actively integrate into the mainland's modernization drive and join hands to realize national rejuvenation, Wang Yingjin said. "This trip is significant for inheriting shared memories and developing future ties." Ma's visit came amid an atmosphere of heightened confrontation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. It coincides with Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen's upcoming and provocative stopover in the US en route to Latin America, and just one day after Honduras announced it was cutting ties with Taiwan authorities and establishing official diplomatic ties with the Chinese central government. Ma's visit to the mainland reflects public calls in Taiwan for peaceful development, Zhang said. "It will be of benefit to offsetting the negative impact of the current high confrontation between the two sides provoked by secessionist DPP operations and stabilize cross-Straits relations to some extent." The epidemic and the DPP's obstruction have brought cross-Straits exchanges to a virtual standstill for three years. Ma's visit will further open the door to exchanges and cooperation, Wang said. The high-level reception shows the mainland's recognition and rewarding of Ma's contribution to cross-Strait relations and strong support for exchanges between the two sides, said Wang Jianmin, a senior expert in cross-Straits affairs at Minnan Normal University in Fujian Province. During Ma's eight years as Taiwan's regional leader (2008-2016), the two sides held 11 high-level talks and signed 23 agreements in fields ranging from economy and tourism to flights. Although Ma faced a huge amount of disruption from secessionists in the latter part of his second term, which damaged his popularity, in contrast with Tsai, who has actively colluded with anti-China forces in the US and pushed Taiwan to the brink of military conflict, many people have begun to miss the peaceful development seen between the two sides during Ma's era, Wang Jianmin said. Ma's mainland visit will further awaken and refresh the memories of this peace dividend, he added. According to a recent online poll conducted by Taiwan-based media, 77 percent of respondents said they were optimistic about Ma's visit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former president Ma Ying-jeou's trip to China undermines Taiwan government: critics Ma's visit comes as his opposition Kuomintang chooses rapprochement with Beijing despite rejecting Chinese rule. By Hsia Hsiao-hwa and Hwang Chun-mei for RFA Mandarin 2023.03.27 -- Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou, whose opposition Kuomintang espouses closer ties with China, began a visit there on Monday with a call for peace, as incumbent Tsai Ing-wen's Democratic Progressive Party accused Ma of "endorsing" Beijing's territorial claim on the island. "Apart from going to make offerings to my ancestors, I am also taking Taiwan university students to China for exchanges, hoping to improve the current cross-strait atmosphere through the enthusiasm and interaction of young people, so peace can come even faster and sooner to us here," Ma, 73, who served as president from 2008-2016, told reporters before boarding the plane. Ma's departure from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport was marked by protests from both sides of the political spectrum, with one group holding up a banner accusing him of humiliating Taiwan by kowtowing to Beijing, and another group singing communist revolutionary songs in praise of his trip. Ma's departure comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China that has seen the People's Liberation Army stage military incursions and large-scale exercises around the island since Tsai's government rejected Beijing's call for "unification." President Tsai called on the international community in 2018 to avoid a policy of "appeasement" of Beijing, saying that the Chinese Communist Party's claim on Taiwan is a threat to global stability. Tsai is scheduled to embark on a high-profile visit to the United States and Central America on Wednesday. Taiwan still bears the official name of the 1911 Republic of China after Kuomintang forces occupied the island at the end of World War II, by which time it had formed part of Japanese territory for more than half a century. Taiwan has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, nor formed part of the 73-year-old People's Republic of China, and its 23 million people have scant wish to give up their sovereignty or democratic way of life to be ruled by China, according to multiple public opinion polls in recent years. "We should be more united ... but it's regrettable that the KMT stands with the Chinese communists and ex-president Ma disregards public disapproval to visit China at this moment," Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party said in a statement on Ma's visit. A Kuomintang delegation met with Politburo standing committee member and party ideologue Wang Huning last month, and gained the strong impression that Beijing is trying to steer relations back toward "peaceful unification" rather than toward a military confrontation that could involve the United States, according to two senior party sources. "If the other side wants to calm things down, given all of the problems we are facing with Russia, the United States, the pandemic, the economy, unemployment and all of that, then of course we want to calm things down too," one source told Radio Free Asia. "The Kuomintang isn't the government, so it can't sell Taiwan out." 'But we're not fools' The delegation was also given access to municipal leaders in Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, and called upon to give their opinions in the keynote meeting with Wang Huning that focused mostly on the economy, the party sources said. "Nobody talked about dogma in the meeting - they were all talking about the economy," one source said. "This was a trip that was about making friends." "Nobody mentioned 'unification through force' and nobody mentioned any timetable," they said. "Peaceful unification was mentioned, but with no sense of urgency." "There is definitely a channel of communication now between the Kuomintang and [China]," said one of the senior sources. The source added: "We have to have this contact today, but we're not fools, and we know they have plans for us. I'm not naive - I only know that we don't have that many options." Beijing has denied requests for state-to-state diplomatic talks from Taiwan, as Tsai has insisted on being treated as the leader of a sovereign nation rather than a province of China. Ma was met at the airport on arrival by Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party Central Committee, amid unconfirmed media reports that Politburo standing committee member Ding Xuexiang also went to the airport, which would indicate a far higher-ranking form of protocol than implied by Chen alone. Taiwan independence activist Chen Chun-han said Ma had "violated the will of the people." "His actions are very worrying for the world's democracies that want to support Taiwan," Chen said. "Everyone wants to support us, but it turns out we have a group of people in this country who flirt with the Chinese Communist Party regime." 'Our status is being belittled' A pro-China group dressed in red and bedecked with the five-star red flag of China held up a banner that read: "Spring has come, the flowers are in bloom, and Ying-jeou is going to make offerings to his ancestors [showing that] we are all part of the same family." Ku Hsi-chun, who leads a Chinese patriotic association in Taiwan, said Ma's trip would benefit people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, while a man who gave only the surname Li said he had traveled all the way from the central city of Taichung to protest Ma's trip. "I worry that Taiwan is being sold out," he told reporters at the airport. A resident surnamed Tsai said she trusted Ma - a consummate and veteran politician with a background in Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council - to do the right thing, while an office worker surnamed Chou said the visit was unlikely to affect things one way or the other. "They're not going to stand down all those missiles just because he went [to China]," he said. "It's so they can lie and claim they communicated [with Taiwan], but it would be better if they dealt with our government on an equal footing." He said Chinese state media had only referred to Ma as an ordinary citizen, rather than giving him the title of President or former president, to which he should be entitled. "Our status is being belittled by [China], and so is President Ma's status," Chou said. "It seems as if ... he's being used." One of the students who accompanied Ma, Chou Yong-chin, said more contact could only be a good thing. "Communication is a must," he said, but added that it was "not convenient" to comment on political matters. 'We're not going to submit' Another student, Chiu Tai-ta, said Ma also insists on Taiwan's national sovereignty as the 1911 Republic of China, and that the Kuomintang would never cave in to its old enemy, the Chinese communists. "I don't think our young people will be manipulated into returning to the motherland," Chiu said. "Taiwan, the Republic of China, is our red line, and we're not going to submit to communist rule." Chen Wen-chia, a senior consultant at Taiwan's National Policy Research Institute, said the trip was colluding with China's attempts to downgrade Taiwan's status. "It's obvious that President Ma is being treated in a low-key manner ... which downplays us as a part of China," Chen said. "They didn't mention that Ma was a former president, because if they did that, that would be treating Taiwan like a country." Beijing has been stepping up its campaign to isolate Taiwan diplomatically since Tsai was elected in 2016. Taiwan now has formal relations with only a handful of countries, including Belize, Nauru and the Vatican, with Honduras switching its diplomatic recognition to Beijing at the weekend. Tsai announced an end to diplomatic relations with Honduras in a statement on Sunday. "These past few years, China has persistently used any and all means to suppress Taiwan's international participation, intensify its military intimidations against Taiwan, and disrupt[ing] regional peace and stability," Tsai said. But she added: "We will not engage in a meaningless contest of dollar diplomacy with China." "They cannot erode the Taiwanese people's staunch commitment to freedom and democracy or our determination to engage wholeheartedly with the world," Tsai said. The Taiwanese foreign ministry said 82 years of bilateral friendship and cooperation had been "dismissed" by the Castro government. "Taiwan remains unbowed & continues to work as a force for good in the world," the ministry said via its official Twitter account. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said his government "will not succumb" to pressure and intimidation from Beijing. "We will uphold the values of freedom and democracy," Wu said. Honduras' move comes after Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica all switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in recent years. China's foreign ministry said Beijing "stands ready to enhance friendly cooperation with Honduras in various fields to the benefit of our two countries and peoples." Analysts said the timing of Honduras' decision could be linked to the fact that Tsai is gearing up for a 10-day trip to the Americas on March 29 with stopovers in New York and Los Angeles. When then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, Beijing embarked on several days of military exercises, including live-fire missile launches, around Taiwan. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Matt Reed. Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content March not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 27, 2023 ROC Central News Agency 2023/03/27 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 27, 2023 09:00iUTC+8i 1.Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Sunday to Monday, Mar.26-27 2.PLA activitiesis 4 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. 3.Illustration of flight paths is not provided due to no trace of PLA aircraft crossing the middle line of the Taiwan Strait or entering Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ during the time frame. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Amid Rising Tensions, Taiwan's Ex-President Embarks on 'Peacebuilding' Trip to Mainland China By Cindy Sui March 27, 2023 Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou arrived in the Chinese city of Shanghai on Monday, becoming the first past or current president from the self-ruled island to visit the mainland since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. The visit comes as relations between the two sides have deteriorated to their worst level in decades under current Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen a a sharp contrast to the eight years when Ma served as president, when he brought about an unprecedented improvement in ties between the two longtime rivals from 2008 to 2016. Speaking to reporters before leaving Taiwan, Ma, 73, who was traveling with his four sisters and around 30 students from his Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, said the trip was not just to pay respects at the graves of his ancestors in China, but to build peace. "Apart from going to make offerings to my ancestors, I am also taking Taiwan university students to the mainland for exchanges with them, hoping to improve the current cross-strait atmosphere through the enthusiasm and interaction of young people, so that peace can come even faster and sooner to us here," he said. In a sign that Beijing sees Ma's visit as significant even though he no longer holds any position in government or in his Kuomintang party, the KMT, high-ranking Chinese officials greeted him at the airport. They included a deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office and the Shanghai Communist Party standing committee's secretary general. Ma and his delegation are set to hold discussions with Chinese university students and possibly meet with Chinese officials during his multi-city visit. The trip comes as tensions between China and Taiwan reach dangerous levels. China rolled back tourism and other exchanges with Taiwan after Tsai came to power in 2016 and rejected the compromise agreement, known as the 1992 Consensus, that Ma had accepted and interpreted as the two sides agreeing there's one China, with each free to define what that is a the People's Republic of China (the mainland's official name) or the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name). Tsai and her pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, argue the agreement was never written down and that Beijing has never acknowledged Ma and the KMT's interpretation of it. Beijing, however, had for years tacitly accepted Ma's interpretation, allowing the two sides to put aside the difficult issue of Taiwan's sovereignty and embark on an unprecedented warming of relations that benefited Taiwan's economy and businesses. Such good relations came to an end after the Tsai and Trump administrations built closer relations, with Washington selling more advanced weapons to Taiwan, sending high-ranking officials to visit, and the U.S. Congress passing many acts aimed at strengthening ties with Taiwan as U.S.-China relations deteriorated. Beijing saw such moves as an attempt to change the status quo and responded by stepping up political, military and economic pressure on Taiwan, to prevent the island it hopes to reunify with one day, from moving toward formal independence. That included flying fighter jets and sailing warships near Taiwan almost daily. China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has often stated it prefers peaceful reunification eventually but has not renounced the use of force to prevent its formal independence. Tensions peaked after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, becoming the highest-ranking American politician to travel to the island in nearly three decades. Beijing responded by conducting a blockade of the island and no longer recognizing the median line in the Taiwan Strait separating the two sides. "President Ma is very concerned about the current state of cross-strait relations, so he's using his helping hand to help both sides develop stable relations," said Taiwanese legislator Charles Chen, a former spokesman for the presidential office when Ma was president. "He feels that since the government is unable to do this, citizens like him can." The DPP on Monday accused Ma of going against public opinion by visiting the mainland a day after Beijing "poached" another one of Taiwan's few remaining allies, Honduras, which on Sunday severed ties with Taipei to switch official recognition to Beijing. "Beijing chose the day before he departed on his trip to manipulate Honduras to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. As a former president, he should've adjusted his itinerary and expressed his position, such as by delaying his trip by one or two days," said DPP spokesman Chang Chih-hao. The DPP's criticism of Ma is relatively mild compared to its past comments. With just 10 months to go before Taiwan's presidential election, it needs to win over voters to retain the presidency. And an overwhelming majority of Taiwanese a 76% a favor a reduction in cross-strait tensions, according to the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, citing its survey in March. "Suffice is to say most Taiwanese see peaceful coexistence as the preferred outcome rather than open confrontation, something that could indicate the DPP's 'Confront China to save Taiwan' card that it used so successfully in the 2019-20 cycle might not be working in this coming election," said Paul Huang, a Foundation research fellow. Routinely conducted government surveys consistently found only 30% of Taiwanese people want formal independence, with a majority preferring to maintain the status quo of de facto independence. At the airport in Taiwan, Ma was greeted by mostly supporters and only a handful of protesters from a pro-independence group that opposed his trip, shouting that Ma was humiliating Taiwan and "forfeiting sovereignty." Ma's trip, however, has sparked hopes by Taiwanese increasingly worried about Taiwan being turned into a battlefield, especially with frequent talk of a possible war by some serving U.S. military officials and former U.S. officials, including one who visited Taiwan recently and advocated one million Taiwanese be armed with weapons and prepared to fight. "We give him [Ma] high praise. He's showing the wisdom of a politician," said a local radio station's commentator, Jieh Wen-chieh. "We also hope he will continue to make efforts and not forget his mission for our land and our people. If we continue to follow the U.S. path, be a pawn of the Americans, I tell you a fierce battle is before us." The visit marks the first time that Ma has been able to travel to the mainland and pay respects to his ancestors, given the hostilities between the two sides and his previous status as a government official. The son of mainland immigrants, Ma's family suffered through the horrors of the civil war. Lawmaker Chen said Ma's message for this trip is very clear a that peace is still possible if both sides of the strait have regular and frequent exchanges, mutual understanding and interaction. "His visit will show that this place can have peace, we don't have to march towards war, that there are many people in Taiwan who want peaceful coexistence and not war," said Chen. "His message is not only for Taiwanese people, but also for Americans and the whole world. Peace is still possible." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany's DW to Close Office in Turkey By Graham Keeley March 27, 2023 Germany's public broadcaster Deutsche Welle is set to close its Turkey office Tuesday after Ankara declined to extend its operating license, a move condemned by media rights groups. The case shows the pressure that Ankara is putting on foreign media to make it harder for them to work in the country, some analysts say. Authorities had already blocked access to the Turkish-language websites of DW and VOA last year when the broadcasters refused to comply with license requirements that they said amounted to censorship. In the case of DW, the broadcaster says the Ministry of Industry and Technology informed it on March 7 that they would not extend the operating license of DW Turkish because it had failed to "choose its field of activity correctly." There was no explanation of what this meant, the broadcaster said. The broadcaster's director was cited in reports as saying they had not been informed of errors in the application and that DW had not changed the way it operates in Turkey since the last time the paperwork was renewed. DW has said it is considering legal steps over the decision, which will affect how the broadcaster can hire staff, with employees being cut off from retirement and other benefits. Local reports say more than 10 journalists will now work on a freelance basis so that DW Turkish can keep reporting on events inside the country. Media watchdogs have noted the timing of the decision comes just weeks before presidential and parliamentary elections. Renan Akyavas, Turkey program coordinator for the Vienna-based International Press Institute, said the exit of DW represented the latest attempt by the government to muzzle foreign media. "We expect that the crackdown [on foreign media] will only intensify before elections in May," she told VOA. "This stems from this government's attempts to try to push out the foreign media. They can control the local media. The foreign media were being protected by their own [organizations]," Akyavas said. VOA emailed the Turkish government's directorate of communications for comment but had not received a reply at the time of publication. Erkan Arikan, director of Turkish services for DW, was not available to speak with VOA before publication. Other journalists working for the broadcaster declined VOA's interview requests. Under pressure DW and other foreign broadcasters have come under pressure from Turkish authorities for over a year. In February 2022, Turkey's media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTAK), ordered DW, VOA and Euronews to obtain broadcast licenses. DW and VOA refused, citing concerns that the new licensing regulation gave RTAK broad powers over online content. Because of their refusal to comply, RTAK in late June blocked access to the Turkish editions of DW and VOA. At the time, Peter Limbourg, DW general director, said his agency refused to apply for a Turkish license because it would harm independent broadcasting. "For example, media licensed in Turkey are required to delete online content RTAK interprets as inappropriate. This is simply unacceptable for an independent broadcaster," he said in a statement published by DW in July last year. Media commentators see the actions as an effort by Turkey to control domestic and foreign media outlets. Turkey has a poor media freedom record, with Reporters Without Borders ranking it 149 out of 180 countries where 1 denotes the best environment for journalism. In its country analysis, the media watchdog said that with around 90% of the country's media now under government control, the public has come to rely on foreign media such as DW for insight into politics and the economy. AzgAr Agret, the Turkey representative for New York's Committee to Protect Journalists, said that move against DW meant Turkish people were prevented from seeing independent reporting of their own country. "Denying DW's license serves only to disrupt the broadcaster's activities and deny Turkish citizens critical, independent reporting as elections approach," he said in a statement. An investigation by the news agency Reuters published last year said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had bent the country's media to his will. "The Turkish mainstream media, once a livelier clash of ideas, has become a tight chain of command of government-approved headlines, front pages, and topics of TV debate," the report said. The report, based on interviews with people in the media, government and regulatory bodies, said the media industry in Turkey "has fallen in line with other formerly independent institutions that Erdogan has bent to his will." Reuters cited the head of Turkey's communications directorate as saying that while he "occasionally briefs editors and reporters," he had never done so in a way that could be "viewed as infringing on the editorial independence of news organizations or violating the freedom of the press." Directives and regulations on foreign media are tactics used by several authoritarian countries to try to control or retaliate against foreign media. China has been accused of delaying or refusing to renew journalist visas to retaliate against critical reporting. Spanish daily newspaper ABC had its website blocked in China, along with other foreign media organizations, after it published a critical report of the Chinese government, claiming its reporters had been victims of state intimidation in March 2022. In Cuba last year, reporters at the Spanish state news agency EFE waited for months for accreditation from Havana, which nearly resulted in EFE withdrawing from the country. Some information for this article came from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poland-UK partnership to provide homes and power to Ukraine Republic of Poland 27.03.2023 Poland and the UK will build two major temporary villages in the west and east of Ukraine to provide vital housing to those forced from their homes by barbaric Russian attacks. The UK has announced up to 10 million in funding to support the new Polish-UK partnership, which will deliver temporary shelters, energy supplies and assistance to those who have lost their homes since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The two accommodation villages in Lviv, in western Ukraine, and Poltava, in the east will offer accommodation for more than 700 of the most vulnerable Ukrainians who have fled heavy fighting on the frontlines, or lost their homes due to Russian shelling. More than 17.6 million people are thought to be in humanitarian need in Ukraine, with more than eight million having registered as refugees in Europe - the largest movement in Europe since the Second World War. Nearly half of Ukraine's pre-war population is in need of humanitarian assistance due to the catastrophic impact of President Putin's invasion. Around 6 million people are currently displaced within Ukraine, having been forced to leave their homes and facing freezing winter condition due to the brutal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a total violation of the UN Charter and international law. Ongoing Russian targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has also left nearly 10 million people without power. Widespread power cuts, some lasting eight to twelve hours a day, have forced families to resort to desperate measures for survival, like melting snow for water and heating bricks for warmth. The Poland-UK partnership will also provide 2.6 million worth of generators to support up to 450,000 people via schools, hospitals and community centres in re-taken and frontline areas, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kherson. The UK and Poland are also working with the Ukrainian Red Cross, donating up to 2.5 million to support those living through extreme cold in harsh winter conditions. -For the past year, Putin has continued to target civilian homes and infrastructure, with the Ukrainian people paying a heavy price. This new UK-Poland partnership will help bring light, heat and homes to those most in need. The international community is resolute in our shared determination to support the Ukrainian people and see them prevail with a just peace on Ukrainian terms - said UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. -Poland was first to help Ukraine already in the early morning hours of 24 February 2022. The United Kingdom followed shortly after. Today we stand together in our joint endeavours to help Ukraine and its people. From the pages of the Polish history we know that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their freedom but also for ours. There is no free Europe without free Ukraine. Today, together with the United Kingdom, we stand side-by-side in providing shelter, warmth and above all, in providing hope for the Ukrainian IDPs, both in the west and in central-east of the country. The Russian aggression on Ukraine was the second act of the barbaric "Russkij mir" tragedy. The first act started nearly a decade ago with the annexation of Crimea by Russia. The third and final act will be the end of hostilities and peace written by Ukrainians - said Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau. -I would like to thank our international partners for their support and help.Together, we have managed to complete this project to a high standard and make the accommodation comfortable for displaced Ukrainians who needed a new and safe home in a short space of time. Thanks to your support, hundreds of people have got a chance for a new life, because Russia took away their old one - said Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyi. The Polish and British Ambassadors to Ukraine, Bartosz Cichocki and Melinda Simmons, attended the opening of the new accommodation village at the Lviv site, alongside key Ukrainian officials. The UK-Poland shelter project is being delivered by Solidarity Fund Poland. It builds on Poland's existing shelter programme in Ukraine, which has already provided housing for tens of thousands of people. ukasz Jasina MFA Spokesperson NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskiy Makes Surprise Trip To Zaporizhzhya, Meets IAEA Chief By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service March 27, 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise visit to frontline positions in the region of Zaporizhzhya, where he also met with UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi to discuss the protection of Europe's largest nuclear power station as fighting rages with invading Russian forces across the eastern flank of the country. Zelenskiy told the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on March 27 that it was not possible to restore safety at the plant with Russia still in control of the facility. "Without the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and personnel from the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant and adjacent territory, any initiatives to restore nuclear safety and security are doomed to failure," Zelenskiy told Grossi, according to a statement from the president's office. The president also drew Grossi's attention to the constant pressure that power plant personnel are under from Russian forces, the statement said. There has been no comment from the IAEA on Grossi's meeting with Zelenskiy, but Grossi tweeted earlier that the meeting was to discuss safety issues around the nuclear plant, which is held by Russian forces and has been forced to switch to emergency diesel generators on several occasions after fighting nearby knocked out power lines. "I met with Zelenskiy today in Zaporizhzhya City & had a rich exchange on the protection of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and its staff. I reiterated the full support of the IAEA to Ukraine's nuclear facilities," he said. Grossi said he would be visiting the plant "to assess first-hand the #nuclear safety & security situation at the facility." Zelenskiy's office said in an earlier statement that the president on March 27 spoke with troops "in frontline positions" in the Zaporizhzhya region and presented them with state awards, while also being apprised of the "operational situation in the relevant areas of the front, the provision of ammunition and equipment." Meanwhile, heavy fighting continued unabated in the Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military said, with the Russians keeping up the pressure on the ruined city of Bakhmut, the focal point of Moscow's offensive in the east, and also increasingly targeting Avdiyivka, another city in Donetsk. Two civilians were killed and 29 injured in Russian shelling of the city of Slovyansk, local officials said. Zelenskiy released a video of the shelling in Slovyansk on his Telegram channel, describing the attack as "terrorism." Ukrainian forces repelled more than 60 Russian attacks in Bakhmut and its surroundings, the General Staff of the Armed Forces said in its daily report, as the invading forces continued to indiscriminately bombard both military and infrastructure targets, causing damage and casualties among civilians. "The probability of missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high, as the enemy uses terror tactics," the General Staff said, adding that Russian attacks mainly targeted Avdiyivka, Lyman, Kupyansk, and Maryinka. Russia has repeatedly denied it has targeted civilian infrastructure since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 even as residential and cultural buildings across the country have been constantly hit during the war. The situation in Bakhmut remains "continually difficult," the commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said during a visit to the front line on March 27, according to the Defense Ministry. The current fighting in and around Bakhmut has reached "the most intense phase," Syrskiy said, adding, "The enemy has suffered significant losses in human resources, weapons, and military equipment but continues to conduct offensive operations." Ukrainian military officials say Russian forces are appearing to also be turning their focus on Avdiyivka, less than 100 kilometers southwest of Bakhmut, where incessant Russian shelling has shut down all public services and municipal workers have been evacuated from the city. Only about 2,000 civilians have been left out of a pre-war population of some 30,000. Avdiyivka is some 20 kilometers northeast of Donetsk, the city that has been under Russian-backed forces' occupation since 2014. Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city's military administration, said on Telegram on March 26 that Avdiyivka has been turned into "a place from post-apocalyptic movies" by intensive Russian shelling. The latest fighting came as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany has delivered promised Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine. "Yes, we delivered Leopard tanks as we announced," Scholz told a press conference in Rotterdam when asked to confirm a news report that Germany had delivered 18 of the advanced Leopards. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-bakhmut- avdiyivka-zelenskiy-invasion/32335713.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Receives 18 German Leopard 2 Tanks: Report Sputnik News 20230327 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has received 18 German leopard 2 tanks, as promised by Berlin, a German media reported on Monday. According to the report, Ukraine also received approximately 40 Marder armored infantry fighting vehicles. The German government is not disclosing the exact delivery route of military equipment for security reasons. Earlier, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius promised to hand over 18 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine by the end of March. Russia has repeatedly warned countries giving weapons to Ukraine that it sees military shipments as legitimate targets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that NATO allies' arming and training Ukrainians amounts to direct involvement in the conflict. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Announces Initiative to Rebuild Ukraine, Pledges $27Mln for Interstate Partnership Sputnik News 20230327 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - German Development Minister Svenja Schulze launched an initiative on Monday to rebuild Ukraine, even as the conflict continues in the eastern European country. "Ukraine's reconstruction begins now ... Governments alone will not be able to shoulder such a huge task. Entire societies are needed. In Germany, we see a lot of interest in contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction," she said. The Ukrainian Reconstruction Platform will bring together communities, companies and individuals in Germany and Ukraine, Schulze added. Germany will spend 25 million euros ($27 million) on strengthening cross-border partnerships. Last fall, Kiev estimated the post-conflict reconstruction of the country at around $750 billion, while the European Commission estimated the damage caused by Russia's military operation at 600 billion euros. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zaporozhye Region's Official Confirms IAEA Director General's Visit to ZNPP on March 29 Sputnik News 20230327 SIMFEROPOL (Sputnik) - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi is scheduled to visit the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) on March 29, Vladimir Rogov, a senior official of the Zaporozhye regional administration, told Sputnik on Monday. "The visit is scheduled for March 29 and will be timed to another rotation of the IAEA's experts group that is deployed to the station. On our part, the delegation's security will be fully ensured. The region's residents expect Grossi to tell the truth during the visit, that the power station is being shelled by the Ukrainian army," Rogov said. On March 23, Grossi said that IAEA was not reviewing the possibility of establishing a demilitarized zone around ZNPP anymore, and would only accept a mutual ceasefire. On March 25, the IAEA said Grossi's next visit to ZNPP could take place the following week. Located on the left bank of the Dnepr River, the ZNPP is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe by number of units and energy output. It came under Russia's control in early March 2022 and has since been repeatedly shelled, raising international concerns over a possible nuclear accident. An international mission led by Grossi visited the plant from August 31 to September 5. IAEA observers have since been staying at the plant on a rotational basis. Following the visit by the mission, the IAEA published a report in which it confirmed multiple attacks on the ZNPP. On October 5, 2022, the ZNPP was placed under the control of Russian institutions by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin. On December 8, Moscow sent proposals to the IAEA with specific parameters for creating a security zone around ZNPP. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Envoy Calls on Kiev to Exercise Responsibility, Stop Attacks on Zaporozhye NPP Sputnik News 20230327 VIENNA (Sputnik) - As of now, Kiev is not ready to confirm that Ukrainian forces will not shell the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Sputnik. "All that is required of Kiev is to confirm that it will not shell the NPP, which it has done many times in the past. As of today, Ukrainians are not ready to confirm such a simple thing," Ulyanov said. He pointed out that, when matters concerning the Zaporozhye NPP arise, Kiev tries to shift the conversation to another direction and talks about "demilitarization" and "de-occupation". "But they just need to commit themselves not to shoot at the Zaporozhye NPP and stick to that in the future," Ulyanov told Sputnik. The Zaporozhye NPP has been a focus of the conflict since soon after Russia began its special military operation in Ukraine and has been shelled frequently by Ukrainian forces, raising international concerns of nuclear fallout. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly stated the need to create a safety zone around the ZNPP. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian tank crews complete Challenger 2 training in UK Ukrainian tank crews have completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and have returned home to continue their fight against Russia's illegal invasion. 27 March 2023 Ukrainian tank crews have completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and have returned home to continue their fight against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion. The training began shortly after the announcement in January that the UK would donate 14 Challenger 2 tanks and accompanying ammunition and spare parts to aid Ukraine. UK military trainers spent several weeks training Ukrainian personnel how to operate and fight with the tanks. Instruction included how to command, drive and work together as a Challenger 2 tank crew and effectively identify and engage targets. The Challenger 2 tank marks a step change in capability for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ensuring they are better able to protect their crews and offering them some of the most modern and sophisticated gunnery systems in the world. To mark the conclusion of training Ukrainian Challenger 2 crews, the Ministry of Defence has today released a 30 minute documentary on YouTube. The documentary shows an unprecedented behind the scenes look at the training. Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/S9-Eghtai3s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: It is truly inspiring to witness the determination of Ukrainian soldiers having completed their training on British Challenger 2 tanks on British soil. They return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger. We will continue to stand by them and do all we can to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. Lieutenant Colonel John Stone, who oversaw the training mission said: It has been a privilege for the Combat Manoeuvre Centre team to deliver this training to our Ukrainian partners. We have all been hugely impressed with the level of competence displayed and have no doubt that that our friends will use the Challenger 2 tanks most effectively in the battles to come as they fight to defend their homeland. A Ukrainian tank commander featured in the film said: I fight for my future, for future of my country and for future of my family. We will fight. This tank for us is like a diamond, I think it is the best tank in the world. The UK is sending Challenger 2 tanks, which will soon be in the hands of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Support to Ukraine from the international community has been unwavering since Russia's full-scale invasion over a year ago, on 24 February 2022. The UK has trained and equipped the Armed Forces of Ukraine with a range of capabilities to help them defend their territory including anti-tank weapons, armoured vehicles, and air defence systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address I held an away meeting of the Staff - in Dnipro, a strategic city in the center of Ukraine - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 22:39 Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians! I have just held a meeting of the Staff - for the first time away, in Dnipro. Right here - in the strategic city of the center of our country, after visiting Marhanets and Nikopol, Zaporizhzhia, the frontline positions of our warriors in the Zaporizhzhia region. The commanders of the operational areas reported the actual situation. General Syrskyi, General Tarnavskyi - they were there in person. Those who lead the defense in the Donetsk region, in the hottest areas. There were also online reports by commanders of the operational and strategic groups of troops covering the south and the north. There was a report by the Commander-in-Chief and others. By the way, I want to thank the warriors of our intelligence for the powerful work today in Bakhmut, the "Kraken" unit, as always - top level. Well done, guys! At the Staff's meeting, we discussed the overall situation in the frontline areas, the reinforcement and protection of our borders along the entire length of the front - from the Kherson region to the Kharkiv region. Every commander understands that the enemy must be held accountable for every attack on our cities and villages, on our people. For Slovyansk, for Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka, for Avdiivka and Toretsk, for all the pain of Ukrainians - and not only during the full-scale war, but also since 2014. Dnipro has been our fortress for more than 9 years, all this time supporting the front and warriors. It is here, in Dnipro, that since 2014, thousands of our soldiers have been saved after being wounded. Dnipro concentrated the work of volunteers - from the first weeks of aggression in 2014. I thank you, Dnipro, I thank everyone here in the city who helps Ukraine stand, stand strong and beat the occupier. Today in Zaporizhzhia, I visited the site where Russian rockets hit residential buildings. Ordinary houses... Burnt, partially destroyed, unfortunately. Dozens of people were injured by this insane Russian strike. The terrorists knew exactly where they were aiming their missiles. High-explosive "Smerch". At the houses. 37 people were injured, 2 died. My condolences to those who have lost loved ones... More than 400 people applied for help. Of course, Russia will be held accountable for this strike as well. It is for this that we cooperate to the maximum with international justice, mobilize the world to create a Special Tribunal for Russia's aggression. All this will happen. Terrorists will be sentenced. Of course, we help those who lost their homes as a result of this and similar strikes. Local authorities and partners have the resources to provide people with first aid. And I thank everyone who implements the relevant programs quickly and without excessive bureaucracy. It was painful to look at what Russia did to our Marhanets, to our Nikopol. But our warriors, each and every one of them, who are now in the frontline positions, whom we visited today in Zaporizhzhia, know exactly what they need to drive the enemy out of our land. And it will happen. Today I paid a visit to our soldiers in the hospital, where they are recovering from injuries. Thank you to every doctor, every nurse, and all the volunteers who help save the soldiers. I met with IAEA head Rafael Grossi. The topic is clear: the security of our energy industry, our nuclear plants. First of all, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russia still uses for radiation blackmail of the world. No other terrorist has reached such depths in his cynicism, in which Russia constantly seeks and finds a new bottom. Holding a nuclear power plant hostage for more than a year is the worst thing that could happen in the history of the European and in general global nuclear energy sector. The longer the Russian occupation of the ZNPP continues, the greater will be the threat to the security of Ukraine, the whole of Europe and the world. I am grateful to our partners, grateful to Grossi for understanding this and for supporting Ukraine in the relevant issues. And one more thing. We are already preparing for an important international event that will take place this week at the initiative of President Biden and the United States. Summit for Democracy. Ukraine will participate. Our position in support of freedom will sound strong, as always. I am thankful to everyone who helps our country protect freedom! Glory to all who fight for Ukraine! I am thankful to all our people in Zaporizhzhia, in Marhanets, in Nikopol, in Dnipro, in all the cities that Russia wants to destroy so badly and that stand so firmly! Together we will win. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Nikopol district, which is constantly under enemy fire President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 20:36 During a working trip to the Dnipropetrovsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the city of Nikopol, which is constantly under fire of the Russian invaders. The Head of State observed the situation in the Nikopol district, the consequences of the enemy's terrorist attacks on Nikopol, Marhanets and other settlements in the region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed about the course of restoration of damaged civil infrastructure objects and strengthening of their protection against possible new attacks. The President was informed that almost 5,000 buildings in the district were destroyed, including medical and educational institutions. Injured citizens are provided with the necessary assistance. The parties noted effective interaction of the regional military administration with local self-government bodies, and effective work of law enforcement agencies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President met with Director General of the IAEA on the territory of the Dnipro HPP President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 19:25 During a working trip to the Zaporizhzhia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi. The meeting took place on the territory of the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rafael Grossi observed the consequences of Russian missile strikes on this critical infrastructure facility, the buildings and energy equipment of which were significantly destroyed. The President and the Director General of the IAEA were informed about the measures taken to protect the Dnipro HPP in case of new attacks by the Russian aggressor, as well as about the course of emergency restoration of the facility. The interlocutors discussed in detail the situation at the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The Head of State thanked the Director General of the IAEA for his support in issues related to guaranteeing the security of nuclear energy facilities in Ukraine. "Your role in ensuring Ukraine's energy security is extremely important today," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The Head of State drew the attention of the Director General of the IAEA to the constant pressure that the staff of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is facing due to the Russian occupiers. He separately focused on the forcible passportization of Ukrainian workers by the Russian occupation forces, as well as their non-compliance with safety rules at the ZNPP and illegal interference in the technological process of the plant's operation. The President emphasized the importance of ensuring the permanent presence of IAEA representatives at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP and noted that this is important for guaranteeing nuclear security. Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly appreciated Rafael Grossi's willingness to personally lead a rotating group of experts at the ZNPP. At the same time, the President underscored the primary importance of liberating the station from the occupiers and restoring full control of the Ukrainian side over the facility. "Without the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and personnel from the ZNPP and adjacent territories, any initiatives to restore nuclear safety and security are doomed to failure," the Head of State emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President observed the course of elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike at Zaporizhzhia on March 22 President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 19:07 During a working trip to the Zaporizhzhia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspected the houses in Zaporizhzhia damaged as a result of Russian MLRS shelling on March 22 of this year. Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Yuri Malashko and Head of the Main Department of the National Police in the region Artem Kysko reported to the President about the circumstances of the enemy terrorist attack and the elimination of the consequences. As a result of the rocket hitting one of the nine-storey residential buildings, the supporting structures of one of the entrances were damaged. The collapse of the structures of the upper floors of this part of the building did not occur, but there is still a high probability of this. Therefore, it is necessary to dismantle this part of the building using special equipment. Necessary medical assistance was provided to the injured residents. A mobile hospital was set up on the spot. Temporary housing was provided to those who needed it. In the two most damaged buildings, dozens of apartments are uninhabitable. At the scene of the tragedy, there are aid stations and a mobile administrative services center, where people can get all the necessary consultations and apply for the provision of material assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the work of the command post of the "Zaporizhzhia" operational group of troops and held a meeting on the situation in the region President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 15:58 During a working trip to the Zaporizhzhia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy observed the work of the command post of the "Zaporizhzhia" operational group of troops. The Head of State presented orders and medals to the employees of the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. "Thank you for protecting our state, all of us. For the protection of our homes, territorial integrity and life in Ukraine. I wish you good health. I wish you a great victory, and it will definitely come true," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President chaired a meeting with the military command and heads of law enforcement agencies of the Zaporizhzhia region. Head of the Zaporizhzhia RMA Yuri Malashko informed Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the socio-economic situation in the region and meeting the needs of internally displaced persons. Commander of the "Zaporizhzhia" operational group of troops, Major General Serhiy Litvinov reported on the operational situation and readiness of military units to perform assigned tasks. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also heard information from the leadership of the Security Service and the National Police in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President visited the frontline positions of the Ukrainian troops in the Zaporizhzhia region President of Ukraine 27 March 2023 - 15:48 During a working trip to the Zaporizhzhia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the frontline positions of the Ukrainian military. The Head of State had a conversation with the servicemen and thanked them for protecting Ukraine. The President was informed about the operational situation in the relevant areas of the front, the provision of ammunition and equipment. "I am honored to be here today and thank you for protecting our state, all of us, our sovereignty, our cities, our children," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President wished the soldiers good health and thanked their families for such heroes. "I wish all of us victory. Live and fight. With people like you, we will definitely win," he emphasized. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also presented state awards to the military. The defenders of Ukraine received the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the III degree and "For Courage" of the III degree. The military handed over a coin to the President, which is a symbol of military brotherhood. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latest in Ukraine: Zelenskyy Says No Safety at Zaporizhzhia Power Plant Until Russian Troops Leave Facility By VOA News March 27, 2023 New developments: Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov called Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus "nuclear blackmail," The Associated Press reports. Ukraine is giving hydropower facilities "maximum protection" by hiding equipment underground as it repairs an estimated $1 billion in damage to its energy infrastructure from Russian airstrikes, a senior industry official said. The Ukrainian town of Avdiivka is described as a "post-apocalyptic wasteland" by Ukrainian officials as Russians shift their attention there after their failed attempts to capture Bakhmut. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Monday with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, at the Dnipro hydroelectric power station a about 50 kilometers northeast of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. According to his official website, Zelenskyy told Grossi that safety at the Zaporizhzhia station could not be guaranteed until Russian troops leave the facility. "Holding a nuclear power plant hostage for more than a year is the worst thing that could happen in the history of the European and in general global nuclear energy sector. The longer the Russian occupation of the ZNPP continues, the greater will be the threat to the security of Ukraine, the whole of Europe and the world," he said, using an acronym for the plant. "I am grateful to our partners, grateful to Grossi for understanding this and for supporting Ukraine in the relevant issues." In a tweet, Grossi warned that the Dnipro station is essential to the nuclear safety of the power plant. He also told Zelenskyy that the perilous situation at Europe's largest nuclear plant "isn't getting any better" as relentless fighting in the area keeps the facility at risk of disaster. Fighting near plant Earlier this month, fighting interrupted power to the plant for half a day, forcing staff to activate backup generators. Grossi had expressed alarm at that development. A sustained loss of power at the plants risks a nuclear catastrophe with continent-wide implications. "Each time, we are rolling a dice," he told his agency at the time. "And if we allow this to continue time after time, then one day our luck will run out." Grossi also reiterated the full support of the International Atomic Energy Agency to the protection of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. The Zaporizhzhia plant's six reactors are in shutdown mode, and it is receiving the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown through just one remaining power line. It has on occasion had to switch to emergency diesel generators to power its essential cooling systems. Zelenskyy visited the Ukrainian-held city of Zaporizhzhia, where residential buildings were destroyed by Russian airstrikes. "Dozens of people were injured by this insane Russian strike. The terrorists knew exactly where they were aiming their missiles. High explosive 'Smerch,'" Zelenskyy wrote on his website. "At the houses, 37 people were injured, 2 died. My condolences to those who have lost loved ones. ... More than 400 people applied for help." South of Bakhmut, Avdiivka, another devastated city, has been described by Ukrainian officials as "a post-apocalyptic wasteland." Last week, the Ukrainian military warned that the town could become a "second Bakhmut" as Russia turns its attention there after failing to take the embattled Bakhmut. Reduced to rubble Both towns have been reduced to rubble in fighting that both sides have called a "meat grinder." Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. "I am sad to say this, but Avdiivka is becoming more and more like a place from post-apocalyptic movies," said Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city's military administration. Only some 2,000 of a pre-war population of 30,000 remain, and he urged them to leave. Ukrainian military video showed smoke rising from ruined apartment blocks and dead soldiers on open ground and in trenches in Bakhmut. Kyiv also said Russian forces again shelled Vuhledar, located further south in the Donetsk region, where they have tried to advance for weeks with what the Ukrainian military says are heavy losses. Two people were killed and 32 wounded on Monday after Russian forces fired two S-300 missiles at the eastern city of Sloviansk northwest of Bakhmut, according to regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Moscow denies targeting civilians. Ukraine has called for an extraordinary meeting of the United Nations Security Council in response to Putin's announcement of plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Putin's move is "provocative" and undermines international security. Putin announced on Saturday the deployment of the tactical nuclear weapons, saying it was warranted because of the West's increasing military support for Ukrainian forces, including Britain's decision last week to send armor-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium to Ukraine. Putin said Russia's positioning of tactical nuclear warheads in Belarus was no different than the United States placing nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. "We are doing what they have been doing for decades, stationing them in certain allied countries, preparing the launch platforms and training their crews," the Russian leader said. 'Nuclear rhetoric' NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu called Russian comparisons to nuclear deployment by NATO members misleading, saying, "Russia's nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible." Putin said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has long asked to have nuclear weapons in his country to counter possible NATO threats from nearby Western allies. Deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus could allow Russia to reach neighboring NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Putin is "using nuclear blackmail in a bid to influence the situation on the battlefield and force Western partners to reduce supplies of weapons and equipment under the threat of nuclear escalation," Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov was quoated as telling The Associated Press. "The Belarusian nuclear balcony will be looming over not only Ukraine, but Europe, as well, creating a constant threat, raising tensions and rattling the nerves of Ukrainians and their Western partners," he added. Tactical nuclear weapons can be used on the battlefield and have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted on long-range missiles. Putin said Russia would maintain control over the undisclosed number he sends to Belarus and construct storage facilities for them by July 1. The United States said it would "monitor the implications" of Putin's announcement. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said that so far, Washington hadn't seen "any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon" in its attack on Ukraine. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The electrical fuses market is expected to be worth US$ 6.5 billion by 2032. It is expected to develop steadily at a CAGR of 4.8% in the forecast period. In 2022, the market was valued at US$ 4.1 billion. Increased investment in smart cities, rising electricity usage, and move toward renewable energy sources are three key trends that are projected to drive the market. However, implementation of infrastructure capacity development and environmental permissions are projected to impede growth during the estimated period. Quantity of the current passing through an electrical system is managed by an electronic safety device called as an electronic fuse. It aids in protecting the source from overcurrent. High-temperature melting metal alloys, copper, and tin are used to make these fuses. An electromagnetic fuse is a low-resistance, self-sacrificing component used to interrupt a circuit that is installed in the junction box. Circuit breakers and fuses are regarded by electrical utility providers as excellent protection against high voltages. They are regarded as vital safety equipment as well. For details on vendors and their offerings Request a sample report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-16835 Due to the variety of electric components they include, automobiles require electric fuses. These electric fuses protect home appliances, business machinery, and electronic gadgets against incorrect current fluctuations by reducing and managing the electric load. Owing to a strong economy, increased commercial activity, and optimistic government initiatives, demand for electricity is consistently rising. Numerous cutting-edge programs are being implemented by governments all around the world. Few of these include 24-hour power delivery, expanding the capacity of power plants, and updating the current distribution network. Energy exchange, transmission, distribution, and production are all expected to alter quickly. With ongoing technological advancement and financial support for the power generation sector, it would soon take place. Key Takeaways from Electrical Fuses Market Study The global electrical fuses market exhibited a CAGR of 7% in the historical period (2017 to 2021). Asia Pacific electrical fuses market size is likely to be worth US$ 3.3 billion in 2032. The USA electrical fuses market is expected to cross US$ 901.0 million by 2032. The United Kingdom electrical fuses market is anticipated to surpass US$ 168.6 million by 2032. Based on type, the power fuse & fuse link segment is expected to accelerate at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2032. Fuse use is common in power generation & distribution as it offers essential overload & short-circuit safety. It also offers the ability to shut off power to a malfunctioning system. The global market is progressing due to rising investment in energy production and accompanying infrastructure, which is an essential component of an electric system. Says a lead analyst. Expand operations in the future - To get requisite details, ask for a custom report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-16835 Competitive Landscape: Electrical Fuses Market Existence of various small- and large-scale businesses makes the market for electrical fuses on a global basis quite competitive. By engaging in considerable research and development efforts, they are primarily focused on releasing unique products. A few other businesses want to expand their positions through strategic alliances, acquisitions, and mergers. For instance, Mersen, a global pioneer in electrical power and sophisticated materials, announced non-indicating versions of its popular A2D and A6D Series fuses in March 2022. In both expressive and non-indicating categories, the Class RK1 Time Delay fuse line now offers a range of amperage values between 8 and 600A. Key Companies Profiled ABB Eaton Schneider Electric Siemens Hubbell Mersen Legrand Bel Fuse S&C Electric Company Littelfuse G&W Electric Get More Exclusive Insights into Electrical Fuses Market Study Future Market Insights (FMI), in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the electrical fuses market, presenting historical market data (2017 to 2021) and forecast statistics for the period of 2022 to 2032. The study reveals extensive growth in the electrical fuses market in terms of type (power fuse & fuse link, distribution cut-outs, cartridge & plug fuse), voltage (low, medium, high), and region. Buy Now to gain access to detailed information about each segment: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/16835 Electrical Fuses Market Outlook by Category By Type: Power Fuse & Fuse Link Distribution Cut-outs Cartridge & Plug Fuse By Voltage: Low Medium High By Region: North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Table of Content 1. Executive Summary | Electrical Fuses Market 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.2. Scenario Forecast 3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis 3.4. Product Life Cycle Analysis 3.5. Supply Chain Analysis Know more about this market's geographical distribution along with a detailed analysis of the top regions @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/electrical-fuses-market Top Reports Related To Technology Market Insights Mobile Fuel Delivery Market Size - The mobile fuel delivery market is anticipated to record a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032). The market is expected to be appraised at US$ 4.8 billion in 2022 and is poised to reach US$ 9.3 billion by 2032. Oilfield Communications Market Share - During the forecast period, the oilfield communications market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% through 2032, from USD 3.8 Billion in 2022 to USD 6.4 Billion by 2032. Network Analytics Market Trends - The network analytics market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 19.3% from 2022 to 2032. The market share is likely to boost up to US$ 2.5 Billion in 2022. AI In Fintech Market Demand - The global artificial intelligence in fintech market size was valued at US$ 10.1 Billion in 2021, expected to reach US$ 11.76 Billion in 2022, reflecting a Y-o-Y surge of 16.4%. From 2022 to 2032, demand is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% to reach US$ 54 Billion. Computer Aided Engineering Market Growth - The computer aided engineering market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.3% by garnering a market value of US$ 20.19 Billion in 2032, up from US$ 9.1 Billion in 2022. From 2021 to 2022, the industry experienced a Y-o-Y expansion rate of 8.3%, up from US$ 8.4 Billion the previous year. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights, Inc. 1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com The Annual General Meeting of Borregaard ASA will be held on 18 April 2023 at 13:00 CET as a digital meeting. The following documents are attached: - Notice of the Annual General Meeting - Report on pay and other remuneration to senior management - Guidelines for determining pay and other remuneration to senior management - Recommendations of the nomination committee Borregaards Annual Report 2022 is available at the companys webpage: https://www.borregaard.com/investors/. Notice of attendance is not required for the digital meeting. However, shareholder must be logged in when the meeting starts. The notice will be sent to all shareholders today. Notice of the Annual General Meeting and other documents relating to items of business, as well as further information concerning the rights of shareholders, may be found at https://www.borregaard.com/investors/. The Annual General Meeting will be simultaneously interpreted to English. Login will open at 12:00 CET at the date of the Annual General Meeting. Borregaard ASA Sarpsborg, 28 March 2023 Contact: Lotte Kvinlaug, Investor Relations Officer, +47 922 86 909 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachments Hyderabad, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, Tantalum Market - (2023 2028), the market studied is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5%. The growth of the electrical and electronic industry and the extensive usage of tantalum alloys in aviation and gas turbines are projected to fuel market growth throughout the forecast period. Replacing solid capacitors with polymer tantalum capacitors is expected to act as an opportunity for the market. What is driving the growth of the Tantalum Market? Among tantalum powder sintered tantalum capacitors, there are tantalum capacitors with solid and non-solid electrolytes due to different electrolytes. The shell of tantalum electrolytic capacitors is marked with CA, but the symbol in the circuit is the same as that of other electrolytic capacitors. The following are some of the major market trends shaping the Tantalum Market according to our research experts: Tantalum electrolytic capacitor can work normally at the temperature of -50 ~100 . Although the aluminum electrolytic capacitor can work in this range, its electrical performance is not as good as that of the tantalum electrolytic capacitor. Tantalum oxide film in tantalum electrolytic capacitors is not only corrosion-resistant but also maintains good performance for a long time. According to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), the global computers and information terminal devices export reached a value of JPY 378,097 million in 2021. With growth of 106.5%, this is further expected to grow in the coming years, thereby enhancing the demand for the tantalum market. Additionally, according to ZVEI, the global consumer electronics market is expected to grow by 5% in 2022. In 2022, the lighting segment should again manage a slightly higher growth of 6% to EUR 138.5 billion (~USD 147.08 billion), while domestic electric appliances (to EUR 287.4 billion (~USD 305.20 billion)) and consumer electronics (to EUR 268.7 billion (~USD 285.34 billion)) might each increase by 5%. This growth is expected to enhance the demand for tantalum-based capacitors from consumer electronics applications. How is the growth being addressed? China is one of the largest aircraft manufacturers and one of the largest markets for domestic air passengers. The civil aircraft fleet in the country has been increasing steadily for the past five years. Moreover, Chinese airline companies plan to purchase about 7,690 new aircraft in the next 20 years, which were valued at approximately USD 1.2 trillion. Boeing estimated that the domestic average RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometer) growth rate in China is expected to increase at an annual rate of 6.1% in the next 10 years. Therefore, the demand for capacitors and engine turbine blades for aerospace applications is increasing, which is expected to boost the demand for the market. Indias digital economy is expected to account for USD 1 trillion by 2025, and the Indian electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector is expected to generate over USD 100 billion in economic value by 2025. Who are the key players in the Tantalum Market? The tantalum market is partially consolidated in terms of tantalum mining companies. Major companies include: Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd Pilbara Minerals Alliance Mineral Assets Limited AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV Minsur (Mining Taboca) Piran Resources Limited (Pella Resources Limited) Tantalex Resources Corporation Tantec GmbH Techmet (KEMET GROUP) Taniobis GmbH Recent developments in the Tantalum Market: In March 2022, TANIOBIS GmbH invested a total of EUR 28 million (~USD 29.77 million) in augmenting facilities for the manufacture of functional tantalum powder (the Product) at its Map Ta Phut plant in Thailand and significantly increased its production capacity for the product. In July 2021, Tantalex Resources Corporation announced entering a binding LOI with MINOR SARL to expand its land package in the prolific Manono lithium, tin, and tantalum hub with an earn-in option agreement to acquire the entirety of the dumps located on PER 13698. In May 2021, Pilbara Minerals planned to form a joint venture with tech company Calix to examine the development of a midstream lithium chemicals refinery at the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum operation in Western Australia. In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand this industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/tantalum-market About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics. Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends. Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you: Attachment Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Ammonia Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global ammonia market was evaluated at US$53.668 billion in the year 2020, growing at a CAGR of 3.67%, reaching a market size of US$69.049 billion by the year 2027. Companies Mentioned BASF SE Yara CF Industries Holdings, Inc. CSBP Limited EuroChem Group Nutrien Ltd. GROUP DF IFFCO Huaqiang Chemical Group Stock Co., Ltd Koch Industries, Inc. OCI N.V. SABIC QAFCO Ammonia is a compound of hydrogen and nitrogen. It is a colorless gas that has a distinct odour. Ammonia is considered one of the key components used to manufacture several things. It has the capability of easily getting dissolved in water and forms an ammonium hydroxide solution. Ammonia can be easily compressed and further converted into a colorless liquid under pressure. Due to its less combustible nature, it can be used across several industries in numerous applications. The booming demand for ammonia across the agriculture industry as fertilizer, as it is a major source of nitrogen, is one of the key factors playing a significant role in shaping the market growth during the forecast period. The wide usage of ammonia across the pharmaceutical industry as an ingredient is also anticipated to positively impact the market growth during the next five years. Furthermore, the market is also poised to witness considerable growth on account of the growing usage of ammonia as a refrigerant owing to numerous beneficial properties, such as it being considered safe for the environment and ammonia-based refrigeration systems consuming less electricity. Other capabilities, such as better heat transfer properties compared with other refrigerants, make it suitable for smaller areas, thus allowing the plant construction costs to be considerably lower. Therefore, the rising usage of ammonia in refrigeration systems is projected to augment the business growth opportunities for manufacturers over the next five years. Ammonia is widely used in numerous applications across the food and beverage sector, wastewater treatment plants, industrial and household cleaning products and metallurgical processes, and others. Moreover, regional players are investing heavily in capacity expansions with an aim to meet the growing domestic as well as international demand for ammonia, which further shows the potential for the market to witness growth in the coming five years. However, the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease is projected to hamper the market growth to some extent owing to the fact that operations across several industries were halted due to government restrictions and lockdowns in many parts of the world. Also, the closure of industrial and corporate sectors further impacted the demand for refrigerants as well as refrigeration systems which is further projected to inhibit the demand during the short run. Growing cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry There are high applications of ammonia in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of sulfa drugs, vitamins, and cosmetics, among others. It is used as a neutralizing agent in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Thus, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the cosmetics industry will directly impact the demand for ammonia. One of the major factors augmenting the demand for medicines is the constantly growing prevalence of chronic diseases throughout the globe. The globally growing burden of chronic diseases has led to a significant increase in the production of medicines and vitamins throughout the globe, which is a major factor supplementing the demand for efficient clinical trial packaging solutions. According to the World Health Organization, the contribution of chronic diseases is expected to reach 73% of all deaths and 60% of the global disease burden by the year 2020, which was 60% and 43%, respectively, in the year 2020. The rising tobacco and alcohol intake coupled with the unhealthy living lifestyle of the people across both developed and developing economies are considered to be the leading causes that increase the risk of chronic diseases. As per the statistics from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 6 out of 10 adults in the U.S suffer from chronic disease. The growing focus of pharma companies on the development and launch of new drugs and vaccines to meet the surging demands has further led to an upsurge in demand for ammonia to be used in the manufacturing of vitamins and other drugs, thus positively impacting the market growth during the next five years. The global ammonia market has been segmented on the basis of form, application, and geography. On the basis of form, the market has been classified into dry, liquid, and gas. By application, the segmentation of the market has been done on the basis of agriculture, mining, refrigeration, pharmaceuticals, and others. Geographically, the global market is distributed in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific, among others. Liquid to hold a significant share By form, the liquid segment is projected to hold a significant share in the market throughout the course of the next five years. The wide usage of ammonia as a fertilizer, when compressed into a clear liquid, is considered to be one of the key factors supporting the significant share of this segment during the forecast period. Liquid ammonia is also widely used in industrial cleaning solutions which are also projected to bolster the growth throughout the next five years. Thus, the wide usage of liquid ammonia in cleaning solutions and the agricultural sector are the major factors amplifying the demand for ammonia in liquid form. Agriculture to hold a promising share By application, the agriculture segment is projected to hold a substantial market share until the end of the forecast period. The major factor supporting the share of this segment throughout the forecast period includes the primary applications of ammonia across the agricultural industry as fertilizers. Ammonia is often considered one of the major sources of nitrogen. Moreover, nitrogen is considered one of the essential elements for the growth of plants. Furthermore, ammonia is also used to manufacture liquid fertilizer products that consist of urea, ammonium nitrate, and aqua ammonia. As ammonia reacts instantly with clay particles, soil, and organic matter, which is also an additional factor boosting its application in the agricultural sector. APAC to show good growth Geographically, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold a significant share in the market throughout the forecast period. The presence of the two largest economies, such as India and China, is one of the major factors bolstering the share of the APAC region in the global ammonia market. India and China are some of the crop-producing countries in the region, which is a notable factor supplementing the demand for fertilizers. Furthermore, the presence of well-established industries in countries like India, China, and South Korea further bolsters the ammonia market growth in the Asia Pacific region during the next five years. The growth of respective industries in the region that use ammonia will further positively influence the market growth in the region. The presence of well-established fertilizer manufacturing companies in the region, coupled with the growing pharmaceutical industry in the region, is also one of the additional factors that support the market growth in the coming years. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2020 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2020 $53.67 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $69.05 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.6% Regions Covered Global Segmentation By Form Dry Liquid Gas By Application Agriculture Mining Refrigeration Pharmaceuticals By Geography North America USA Canada Mexico South America Brazil Argentina Europe Germany France UK Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kygc0u About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Chinese navy to recruit more professional, practical carrier-based aircraft pilots among junior high school graduates By Wan Hengyi (Global Times) 09:35, March 28, 2023 A pilot walks toward an unidentified aircraft in a promotional video on carrier-based pilot recruitment released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on February 27, 2023. Observers say it could be China's next-generation carrier-based fighter jet. Photo: Screenshot of the PLA Navy promotional video The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will recruit carrier-based aircraft pilots among junior high school graduates, as the annual recruitment of youth pilots has started in recent days. The move is aimed at training pilots with more professional skills to adapt to the rapid development of China's aircraft carrier construction, said military experts. The student pilots will be selected from junior middle school graduates in 14 provinces and cities across the country, including East China's Shandong Province, Central China's Henan, and Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Starting from late March, a total of about 4,500 junior high school graduates who have passed the exam will enter naval aviation schools for youth located nationwide. One reason for expanding the recruitment process is the accelerated transformation and construction of the Navy, as well as the rapid development of China's aircraft carrier sector, in which the Navy has been building aviation schools for youths since 2015 by relying on 14 top-level high schools across the country. Besides, the demand for outstanding carrier-based aircraft pilots with diverse specialties and comprehensive qualities has become more urgent. The youngsters selected to become pilots will have to pass physical, psychological, cultural and political tests, with special rules stipulating that their scores should not be lower than the minimum admission score for top high schools in that region. In addition to completing the teaching courses in accordance with the national curriculum standards, these students also have additional education and training related to naval pilot cultivation and will be regularly trained by instructors selected by the navy. Song Zhongping, a military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that the pilot training system now implemented by China is an adjustment and optimization of the original mechanism. The navy used to recruit carrier-based aircraft pilots mostly from the air force, while the drawback of this way is that it is difficult to adjust the original flight mode to adapt to the carrier-based aircraft. The best way to train carrier-based pilots is to have some trainees learn from scratch, so that they can adapt to new military equipment, like the aircraft carrier, from the very beginning, the expert noted. In addition, the navy said in its recruitment statement that the cadets will be selected by the Navy in their senior year of high school and will be admitted to the Naval Aeronautical University based on their college entrance examination scores and flight potential test results. Students who are not admitted as pilot students into the navy can also take the national college entrance examination as normal. The PLA navy earlier recruits female carrier-based aircraft pilots for the first time, and it's also the first time the navy will select students outside of military colleges for this position, making history for women in China's armed forces. The 2023 recruiting program has been expanded to include new graduates from science and engineering majors at ordinary universities as well as college students performing military service in the Chinese navy and graduates who have joined the navy. Previously, such recruitment was limited to high school and military school graduates. Military experts say this reflects the diversity and specialization of China's carrier-based pilot team. Training these pilots from scratch not only reduces the combat capability of other land aviation units, but also improves the overall quality of the carrier-based pilots. In the future, there will be a complete training mechanism to ensure that China's carrier-based aircraft pilot training is more systematic, professional and, in addition, more practical, Song remarked. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OMNIMED, the medical technology company and innovator that improves patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs with SmartOR, a customized network of modular, data-driven technologies that sense, observe and understand the complex activities of hospital operating rooms and surgical suites, today announced the addition of Christian Loversky to its management team. Loversky joins the company as national director of technology. Christian brings extensive software product management experience to OMNIMED, with a significant depth of understanding of the building, implementation and management of the intricacies of software development, said Nick Moran, co-Founder and CEO of OMNIMED. We especially value his technical expertise, quick thinking and strategic planning abilities when resolving any challenges that arise. For more than five years, Loverskys experience at Axis Research & Technologies has helped him nurture his medical education and understanding of the unique challenges surgeons face every day. Developing products for use in Axis renowned bioskills labs across the U.S. has given him a strong foundation in the healthcare industry, particularly his ability to address the blind spots that exist in surgical suites. This knowledge has directly led to his promotion at OMNIMED. In his new role, Loversky will oversee and maintain OMNIMEDs national software product management division. I am excited to participate in the development of a product that is going to change the way healthcare operates, offering improved patient outcomes, increased efficiencies, and cost savings, said Loversky. The OMNIMED team works hard to ensure that the pain points of the medical industry are addressed, and that machine learning and AI can be used to improve surgical results and optimize workflows throughout entire hospital systems. OMNIMEDs SmartOR is a platform solution made up of an array of sensors, processors and proprietary, cloud-based software that automates the capture and analysis of data in the OR, or surgical suite. The system collects data from every operation, procedure and object, providing teams with complete transparency into every movement, sound and action. Armed with this knowledge, teams can extrapolate insights and visual data models that drive change and improvements, resulting in improved patient outcomes, improved cost management and reduced risk. OMNIMED was launched in October 2022 and has quickly captured national attention, as it is poised to revolutionize the surgical environment. For more information about OMNIMED, please visit omnimed.ai. About OMNIMED OMNIMED is an innovative medical technology company committed to saving lives by improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs, inefficiencies and risks. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the company collaborates with prestigious organizations such as Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence and Innovation and BDO Digital and Maya HTT, to solve complex industry challenges like the management of modern surgical suites. To learn more about OMNIMED visit www.omnimed.ai or call 1-800-OMNIMED. About OMNIMED SmartOR OMNIMEDS SmartOR is an intelligent customized network of modular, data-driven technologies that sense, observe and understand the complex activities of modern surgical suites. The platform uses a combination of sophisticated technologies to gain access to millions of data points and real-time information to inform decision making to improve efficiencies, accuracies and procedures critical for improving patient outcomes. To learn more about OMNIMED SmartOR visit www.omnimed.ai or call 1-800-OMNIMED. MEDIA CONTACT: Vivian Slater, 714-573-0899 x235 vivian@echomediateam.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/000f94a1-6cc6-4fea-9b91-d864949e75ce Sayre, Pa., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Guthrie Clinic is proud to announce that they have been named to Becker's Healthcare 2023 list of 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare. Beckers Review is the leading healthcare industry news outlet for business analysis. The hospitals, health systems and companies included on this list are exceptional employers, many of which invest in team members' professional development, wellness benefits and continued education. The list honors healthcare establishments that are committed to advocating for diversity in the workplace, promoting work-life balance, and boosting employee engagement. This is the first time Guthrie has received this prestigious award. Dr, Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO, The Guthrie Clinic said, This extraordinary honor is a testament to our caregivers, and their hard work and dedication to our community. Recognitions such as this affirm for our caregivers and for candidates -- that Guthrie is the right choice to work and build a rewarding career. The list is intended to shine a spotlight on hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that have a positive impact on the lives of their employees and communities. Guthrie was one of 96 health systems in the nation recognized and the only locally-based system in its service area to receive this designation. About Guthrie: The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty health system that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Sayre, Pennsylvania, The Guthrie Clinic is one of the nations longest established group practices, founded in 1910 by Dr. Donald Guthrie with a vision of providing patient-centered care through a clinically-integrated network of employed providers. It is an industry leader in the use of technology and electronic medical records to provide high-quality care. Among The Guthrie Clinics 6,500 caregivers are more than 700 physicians and advanced practice providers, representing the spectrum of medical specialties and sub-specialties. The Guthrie Clinic is a five-hospital system with a large network of outpatient facilities that spans nearly 9,000 square miles in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. It is dedicated to training the next generation of health care leaders, offering seven residencies and three fellowships. Visit us at Guthrie.org. Follow us at Twitter.com/GuthrieClinic, Facebook.com/TheGuthrieClinic, Linkedin.com/company/TheGuthrieClinic, and Instagram.com/TheGuthrieClinic. About Becker's Healthcare: Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today. Attachments Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Healthcare Biometrics Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Technology, By End User, By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 - 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Healthcare Biometrics Market size is expected to reach $14.5 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 17.0% CAGR during the forecast period. In order to provide precise patient identification and patient monitoring, Biometrics are utilized in medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Applications include things like patient record storage and access control. In addition to creating applications like electronic prescriptions and remote diagnostics, Biometrics may monitor patients outside the typical healthcare settings. Using biometric security solutions for patient identification and connecting them to the electronic health record system for their patients is increasingly becoming a priority for healthcare institutions. Some of the distinctive advantages biometrics provides are the preservation of the patient's identity, the effective and secure capture of data, the prevention of medical fraud, and the decrease in inventory theft. In addition, with Biometrics, patients and healthcare professionals have the right to protect and keep their information private by limiting access to those who need it. Using demographic information such as first and last names, dates of birth, SSNs, and addresses as input, certain players in the healthcare industry have tried to enhance patient identification with wildly differing degrees of success. Information is susceptible to trade, theft, loss, forgery, typos, and duplication. Yet, a biometric identification like a fingerprint or face is unique to a particular individual. Patient registration, or registering a patient identification, is the initial stage in biometrics-based protection. Biometric information, such as a patient's fingerprint, face, or iris, is gathered during registration. In order to avoid dual enrollment, existing data is checked for previous records. As part of this procedure, the quality and appropriateness of biometric matching are evaluated. The information and record are kept on a secure server if no duplicates are discovered. COVID-19 Impact Analysis The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed global transportation. This pandemic is being fought globally, putting further strain on hospitals and medical staff. The long-term and significant effects of COVID-19 will be felt by biometrics businesses, developers, investors, and clients. The most immediate impact of Covid-19, according to the research 'Impact of Covid-19 on Biometrics,' released in April 2020, is that contactless technologies such as face and iris recognition are now required to address the developing danger. Government protection, monitoring, and screening powers are enhanced by the extraordinary development of biometric artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms. Market Growth Factors Government programs to encourage the use of biometrics in healthcare The Assemblee National of France approved Project 242-95, a new 20 million (about $20.4 million) initiative to create a biometric version of individuals' health cards. The initiative would involve the development of a biometric Carte Vitale with a chip holding the physical features of the insured, such as fingerprints, as part of the French government's financial relief package for the cost-of-living issue. The biometric card would therefore assist healthcare professionals in identifying patients and aid the government in its battle against fraud by being linked to the patient's bank account. Thus, these government measures will drive the demand for the healthcare biometrics market over the projected period. Incidents of healthcare data breaches are increasing In the healthcare industry, breaches are often reported. Personal Health Information (PHI) is more valuable on the black market than credit card information or standard Personally Identified Information (PII). Cybercriminals have a greater motivation to attack medical databases as a result. In addition, the PHI might be used or sold for their financial advantage. According to the health and human services breach report, approximately 15 million health records have been compromised as of this writing. As a result of these considerations, the market for healthcare biometrics is expanding. Market Restraining Factor High cost of deployment The expense must be considered when choosing and implementing a contactless biometric system. Contactless fingerprint scanners use sensors to scan a pattern. These sensors can scan fingerprint patterns and produce a picture of them. The kind of sensor utilized in the biometric device determines how much a fingerprint recognition system will cost. The cost of iris and retina scanners is greater than other biometric devices. The high installation cost and high cost of biometric solution components hamper the demand for contactless technology from private and public businesses. As a result, the market for healthcare biometrics is constrained by the high implementation cost. Scope of the Study By Technology Fingerprint Recognition Voice Recognition Hand Recognition Vein Recognition Iris Recognition Face Recognition Others By End-user Hospitals Healthcare Institutions Clinics Clinical Laboratories By Application Medical Record & Data Center Security Patient Identification & Tracking Care Provider Authentication Home/Remote Patient Monitoring Others By Geography North America US Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe Germany UK France Russia Spain Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Singapore Malaysia Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA Brazil Argentina UAE Saudi Arabia South Africa Nigeria Rest of LAMEA Key Market Players List of Companies Profiled in the Report: Fujitsu Limited Genkey Solutions B.V BIO-key International, Inc. Nuance Communications, Inc. (Microsoft Corporation) HID Global Corporation (Assa Abloy AB) NEC Corporation Imprivata, Inc. (Thoma Bravo, LLC) Integrated biometrics, Inc. IDEMIA SAS (Advent International, Inc.) Suprema, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x87vv5 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Kalamazoo, Michigan, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stryker (NYSE:SYK) announced its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled as follows: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time The Meeting will be held virtually via the internet. Information about the webcast, which will include both the audio and the slide presentation from the meeting, is available on the Investor Relations page of our website at www.investorevents.stryker.com . To listen to the meeting as a guest dial (877) 328-2502 (U.S.) or (412) 317-5419 (International) and request the "Stryker Corporation Annual Meeting" when greeted by the operator. A recording of the annual meeting will also be available from 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SYK202 3 until the definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Stryker is one of the worlds leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. Alongside its customers around the world, Stryker impacts more than 130 million patients annually. More information is available at www.stryker.com . Contacts For investor inquiries please contact: Jason Beach, Vice President, Investor Relations at 269-385-2600 or jason.beach@stryker.com Lima, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Credicorp announces the appointment of Nuria Alino Perez and Pedro Rubio Feijoo to the Companys Board of Directors. Credicorps shareholders provided strong support for each of the Companys proposals at the Companys 2023 Annual General Shareholders Meeting on March 27th, including the appointment of the new Board of Directors, which will hold office for the period 2023-2026. The new board members Nuria Alino Perez and Pedro Rubio Feijoo succeed Fernando Fort and Irzio Pinasco, both of whom decided to retire. Credicorp is deeply grateful for the time and energy Fernando Fort and Irzio Pinasco have dedicated to Credicorp through invaluable professional and personal contributions. The new members, who further diversify Credicorps board and add extensive professional expertise in digital transformation within the financial services sector, fintech investing, sustainability development, and wholesale and investment banking, will offer fresh perspectives to guide collaborative decision-making. Additionally, seven existing directors were re-elected. These appointments increase female board representation to 33.3%. The members of the Board of Credicorp, and their identification as Independent Director are: Board Member Independent Antonio Abruna Puyol I Nuria Alino Perez I Maria Teresa Aranzabal Harreguy I Alexandre Gouvea I Patricia Lizarraga Guthertz I Raimundo Morales Dasso Leslie Pierce Diez-Canseco Luis Romero Belismelis Pedro Rubio Feijoo For detailed information related to the professional backgrounds and qualifications of each of the re-elected directors, please refer to our latest 20-F filing. For detailed information related to the professional backgrounds and qualifications of each of the newly elected directors, please refer to our February 27th 2023 press release . At the next Board meeting, which will be held on April 27th, the new Board will appoint the new Executive Chairman, Vice Chairman and determine the composition of Board committees. Finally, for detailed information related to other decisions taken at the last Annual General Shareholders Meeting, please refer to our latest 6K filing . About Credicorp Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE: BAP) is the leading financial services holding company in Peru with presence in Chile, Colombia and Bolivia. Credicorp has a diversified business portfolio organized into four lines of business: Universal Banking, through Banco de Credito del Peru BCP and Banco de Credito de Bolivia; Microfinance, through Mibanco in Peru and Colombia; Insurance & Pension Funds, through Grupo Pacifico and Prima AFP; and Investment Banking & Wealth Management, through Credicorp Capital, Wealth Management at BCP and ASB Bank Corp For further information please contact the IR team: Investorrelations@credicorpperu.com Investor Relations Credicorp Ltd. Ottawa, ON, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the announcement and review of Federal Budget 2023, the Metis National Council is disappointed with the overall lack of funding that would support Metis citizens. "The Metis National Council put forward a strong budget proposal to support Metis citizens on issues of health, economic development, education, and languages. This budget fails to invest in these areas. While federal investments made in the Metis Nations self-determined priorities since 2015 have tangibly supported and created positive changes in the lives of Metis citizens, the 2023 budget delivered today lacks critical investments in the Metis Nations priorities. This is extremely disappointing. As we move forward, we remain committed to working with the Government of Canada to ensure that the Metis Nation's priorities receive the attention and resources they deserve," shared President Caron. Recognizing the dismal picture that Canada is facing with its economy, the MNC recognizes the weaker economic outlook presented in this budget. However, this government has spoken highly of its nation-to-nation, government-to-government approach on reconciliation, and this budget fails to recognize the significant investments needed to close socio-economic gaps between Metis Citizens and non-Indigenous Canadians. A lack of critically needed investment to support Metis businesses weather the economic storm; no new funding for Metis-led health initiatives; and another missed opportunity on providing funding to ensure Metis language revitalization demonstrates that Metis citizens continue to be left behind by Canada. Further to the lack of new funding in this budget specific to the Metis Nation, announcements that were made for Indigenous Peoples broadly were not made with Metis citizens in mind. For example, the $810.6 million announced for health will be administered through the FNIHB program, which Metis citizens cannot access. On MMIWG, many of the announcements are for existing programs that the Metis Nation is not involved in. The Metis National Council will continue to advocate for distinctions-based programming to ensure that Metis voices lead the development of programs for Metis citizens across the Homeland. Since 1983, the Metis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Metis Nation within Canada. Through the Canada-Metis Nation Accord, the MNC advocates on behalf of its Governing Membersthe democratically elected Metis Governments of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbiato advance Metis rights and interests within their respective jurisdictions, including the implementation of the Metis Nations inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with MNC Governing Members. Cassidy Caron is the President of the Metis National Council. Nonfree (proprietary) software is very often malware (designed to mistreat the user). Nonfree software is controlled by its developers, which puts them in a position of power over the users; that is the basic injustice . The developers and manufacturers often exercise that power to the detriment of the users they ought to serve. If you know of an example that ought to be in this page but isn't here, please write to to inform us. Please include the URL of a trustworthy reference or two to serve as specific substantiation. UEFI-induced vulnerability UEFI makes computers vulnerable to advanced persistent threats that are almost impossible to detect once installed. Here are technical details. Kaspersky discovered this example by chance, but is unable to check in general for the presence of such rootkits in computers. Nonfree software does not make your computer secureit does the opposite: it prevents you from trying to secure it. UEFI is a nonfree program required for booting which is impossible to replace; in effect, a low-level rootkit. All the things that Intel has done to make its power over you secure against you also protect UEFI-level rootkits against you. Instead of allowing Intel, AMD, Apple and perhaps ARM to impose security through tyranny, we should legislate to require them to allow users to install their choice of startup software, and make available the information needed to develop such. Think of this as right-to-repair at the initialization stage. Back Doors DRM Digital restrictions management, or DRM, refers to functionalities designed to restrict what users can do with the data in their computers. Ebooks bought from Microsoft's store check that their DRM is valid by connecting to the store every time their owner wants to read them. Microsoft is going to close this store, bricking all DRM'ed ebooks it has ever sold. (The article additionally highlights the pitfalls of DRM.) This is another proof that a DRM-encumbered product doesn't belong to the person who bought it. Microsoft said it will refund customers, but this is no excuse for selling them restricted books. DRM in Windows, introduced to cater to Bluray disks. (The article talks about how the same malware would later be introduced in MacOS. That had not been done at the time, but it was done subsequently.) Insecurity These bugs are/were not intentional, so unlike the rest of the file they do not count as malware. We mention them to refute the supposition that prestigious proprietary software doesn't have grave bugs. Interference This section gives examples of Microsoft software harassing or annoying the user, or causing trouble for the user. These actions are like sabotage but the word sabotage is too strong for them. Sabotage The wrongs in this section are not precisely malware, since they do not involve making the program that runs in a way that hurts the user. But they are a lot like malware, since they are technical Microsoft actions that harm the users of specific Microsoft software. Subscriptions Microsoft Office forces users to subscribe to Office 365 to be able to create/edit documents. Surveillance Tethers Tethers are functionalities that require constant (or very frequent) connection to a server. The recent versions of Microsoft Office require the user to connect to Microsoft servers at least every thirty-one days. Otherwise, the software will refuse to edit any documents or create new ones. It will be restricted to viewing and printing. Jails Jails are systems that impose censorship on application programs. Tyrants Tyrants are systems that reject any operating system not authorized by the manufacturer. Microsoft accidentally left a way for users to install GNU/Linux on Windows RT tablets, but now it has fixed the error. They have the gall to call this protecting the users. The article talks of installing Linux, but the context shows it is really GNU/Linux that users install. Mobile devices that come with Windows 8 are tyrants. As this page shows, if you do want to clean your computer of malware, the first software to delete is Windows. VANCOUVER, March 27, 2023 - Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) (the "Company" or "Strategic") announces that it has filed on SEDAR its Filing Statement prepared in connection with its proposed acquisition of BlackRock Metals Inc., as first announced on December 13, 2022. The Filing Statement, prepared in accordance with TSXV Form 3D2, and dated March 27, 2023 summarizes the proposed transactions involving BlackRock Metals Inc.; provides an overview of BlackRock and its business; summarizes the National Instrument 43-101 technical report for the Feasibility Study pertaining to BlackRock's project in Quebec, Canada; and sets out details of management, use of available funds, capital structure and related matters as will pertain to Strategic upon closing the acquisition. Readers are encouraged to review the Filing Statement in its entirety. Closing of the acquisition and related matters is expected to occur on or about March 31, 2023. About Strategic Resources Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV:SR) is a Vancouver, Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on vanadium projects in Finland. The Company is primarily focused on its flagship Mustavaara vanadium-iron-titanium project in Finland. The Company is currently in the process of closing the acquisition of BlackRock Metals Inc. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://strategic-res.com/. To follow future news releases, please sign up at https://strategic-res.com/contact/. Follow us on: Twitter or Linkedin. Strategic Resources Inc. Signed: "Scott Hicks" Scott Hicks, CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-resources-files-filing-statement-in-connection-with-reverse-takeover-of-blackrock-metals-inc-301782666.html SOURCE Strategic Resources Inc. SUDBURY, March 28, 2023 - SPC Nickel Corp. (TSX-V: SPC) ("SPC Nickel") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Bathurst Metals Corp. ("Bathurst") giving SPC Nickel the right to acquire a 100% interest in the McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties located within the Kitikmeot Region of western Nunavut. Following this transaction, SPC Nickel will control nearly 650 square kilometres ("km2") of the highly prospective Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1), representing one of the last remaining camp scale nickel-copper-platinum group metal ("PGM") opportunities in North America. Highlights A unique camp style opportunity for the potential discovery and development of a new world-class Tier 1 Ni-Cu-PGM district. Highly prospective geological setting with numerous similarities to many of the world's largest nickel mining camps. Strategic consolidation of a 650 km 2 property package containing all of the most prospective zones and the best known mineralized Ni-Cu-PGM occurrences within the Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1). property package containing all of the most prospective zones and the best known mineralized Ni-Cu-PGM occurrences within the Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1). The McGregor and Speers Lake properties host many of the highest-grade drill intersections and surface sample results reported historically on the Muskox Intrusion. Drill Highlights include: 2.21% Ni, 5.04% Cu over 13.74 metres from 98.12 metres depth in hole EQNX87-05 and 2.11% Ni, 3.91% Cu, 6.71 g/t PGM over 9.30 metres from 99.70 metres depth in hole 00-MU003) (Refer to Figure 2 and Table 1). Extensive proprietary geological and geophysical data covering the McGregor and Speers Lake Properties is contained within SPC Nickel's Muskox database. Grant Mourre, CEO and President of SPC Nickel Corp. commented, "This strategic transaction provides SPC Nickel with a path to consolidate the highly prospective Muskox Intrusion. We believe that the Muskox Property represents one of the last true camp-scale Nickel-Copper opportunities in North America. The Muskox Intrusion is comparable in size, composition and interpreted geological environment to many of the world's largest Ni-Cu-PGM deposits such as Norilsk in Siberia and Voisey's Bay, in Newfoundland and Labrador. This fact, coupled with the numerous high-grade sulphide showings indicate the intrusion has excellent potential to host a world class deposit, Our focus and commitment to our Sudbury based assets, specifically our recently consolidated West Graham Property, remains our top priority with our Phase 1 drill campaign progressing well. By using our proprietary database, the technical team will continue to advance our understanding of the Muskox Intrusion while also generating exciting new base and precious metals targets as SPC Nickel develops a strategy to advance this Project towards a significant discovery." Description of the Property The McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties cover approximately 178.4 km2 of the southern exposure of the Proterozoic aged, Muskox Intrusive in western Nunavut. The Muskox Intrusion has the form of an elongated funnel shaped body with an axial keel dyke. Northward tilting of all the stratigraphic units in the area has exposed the intrusion in an oblique cross-section that is approximately 150 km in length and up to 11 km wide. Previous exploration activity has primarily focused on the marginal rocks of the funnel shaped Muskox Intrusion, where high-grade semi-massive to massive sulphides occurs in close association to the contact and commonly extend into the adjacent country rock. The McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties cover over 45 km (40 km and 5 km respectively) of the highly prospective marginal environment, where previous exploration programs have reported some of the highest-grade surface grab samples as well as drill hole intersections (Refer to Table 1). Note: The reader is cautioned that the drill hole results presenting in Table 1 are selective in nature and may not be representative of mineralization across the entire Muskox Property. Drilling intervals are downhole lengths. True thicknesses cannot be estimated with available information. NR means not reported. Terms of the Agreement To earn a 100% interest in and to the Property, SPC Nickel will be required to issue 7,500,000 common shares and pay $1,350,000 cash over three years with the following payment schedule: Payment Date Cash payments Share Issuances Upon Receipt of TSX-V Approval $300,000 2,500,000 On or before 1st Anniversary $300,000 2,250,000 On or before 2nd Anniversary $350,000 750,000 On or before 3rd Anniversary $400,000 2,000,000 TOTAL $1,350,000 7,500,000 SPC Nickel will have the option to accelerate all or any cash and/or share payments to Bathurst as well as the option to pay cash in lieu of shares. If SPC Nickel vests a 100% interest, Bathurst will retain a 1% Net Smelter Return Royalty (the "NSR") on the property with SPC Nickel retaining the right to buy back 0.5% NSR for $5,000,000 up to the time of commercial production. If SPC Nickel exercises its Option and earns a 100% undivided legal and beneficial interest in the Property (subject to the NSR), SPC Nickel shall pay Bathurst $5,000,000 within twelve months of the commencement of Commercial Production on the Property. For a period of 24 months following the Effective Date of the Agreement, if Bathurst wishes to sell more than ten percent (10%) of any shares issued to them, they must first notify SPC Nickel and SPC Nickel will have 10 business days to purchase or arrange a purchase of the shares at a price no higher than the 10-day VWAP. All securities issued in connection with the Option Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from issuance pursuant to applicable securities laws. The Option Agreement remains subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. Reference 1. Findlay, J and Kovacs, A. 1998, Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Report on the Muskox Project, unpublished Inco drill hole data. Prepared for Muskox Holding Ltd. 2. Page, J.W., Culbert, R.R., and Martin, L.S. 1988. Geochemical, geophysical and diamond drill reports on the Muskox property, NWT. Equinox Resources Ltd., DIAND Assessment Report 082562,56 p., 8 data Appendices. 3. 2001, Muskox Project Summary and Exploration Program Proposal prepared by Muskox Minerals Corp December 2001. 4. Vivian, G. 2007, Muskox Project Nunavut 2007 Drill and Geological Survey Program Annual Report for Prize Mining prepared by Aurora Geoscience Ltd. 5. Press Release, Adriana Intersections 14 metres of Disseminated Nickel-Copper Mineralization in the Muskox Intrusion and Expands MIE Drilling Program, Adriana Resources Inc., June 17, 2007. About the Muskox Intrusion The Muskox Intrusion is one of the last undeveloped camp-scale Ni-Cu-PGM prospects in the world. Originally discovered by INCO in the late 1950s during an aerial survey that discovered visible surface indications of mineralization (gossans) extending over tens of kilometres across the tundra. INCO drilled and sampled 117 shallow holes to test the gossans between 1957 and 1959 resulting in intersections of up to 7.6% Cu, 3.2% Ni and 16 g/t PGM2 over 5.48 metres. Over the next 60 years, companies including Equinox Resources Ltd (1980s), Muskox Minerals Corp. (1995), Anglo American Exploration (2003) and Silvermet Inc. (2007) completed limited exploration programs on the Muskox Intrusion. The Muskox Intrusion is one of the largest and least deformed layered mafic to ultramafic bodies in the world. It was emplaced during a large magmatic event (Mackenzie Magmatic Event) in the Proterozoic by mantle plume volcanism related to the widespread Coppermine River Group flood basalts. The intrusion is broadly composed of two distinct, but related, components called the Main Intrusive Body and the Feeder Dyke, which combined are exposed over a length of 125 km, and range in width from 200-600 metres in the Feeder Dyke to 11 km in the Main Body of the intrusion. The Muskox Intrusion is comparable in size, composition, and interpreted tectonic environment to other mafic/ultramafic intrusions which host major Ni-Cu-PGM deposits (e.g. Norilsk, Russia; Voisey's Bay, Labrador; Jinchuan, China). The presence of numerous high grade sulphide showings in the margin zones of the Muskox Intrusion indicate that ore forming processes occurred during crystallization. This fact, coupled with the favourable geological environment, indicates that the complex has excellent potential to host a world class deposit. Recent developments in ore deposit models and geophysical interpretative techniques have led to the realization that the Muskox Intrusion is significantly under-explored. Qualified Person The technical elements of this news release have been approved by Mr. Grant Mourre, P.Geo. (PGO), CEO and President of SPC Nickel Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. The historical information shown in this news release was obtained from historical work reports filed by Inco, Equinox Resources Ltd., Silvermet, Adriana Resources and Muskox Minerals and have not been independently verified by a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43 101. Note that grab samples and drill hole values shown in this news release are selective by nature and values reported may not be representative of mineralized zones. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About SPC Nickel Corp. SPC Nickel Corp. is a Canadian public corporation focused on exploring for Ni-Cu-PGMs within the world class Sudbury Mining Camp. SPC Nickel is currently exploring its key 100% owned exploration project Lockerby East located in the heart of the historic Sudbury Mining Camp that includes the Graham West Resource and the Crean Hill 3 property under option from Vale. The Company also holds three additional projects across Canada including the large camp-scale Muskox Project (located in Nunavut), the past producing Aer-Kidd Project (located in the Sudbury Mining Camp) and the Janes Project (located 50 km northwest of Sudbury). The corporate focus is on Sudbury, and SPC Nickel continues to look for new opportunities to add shareholder value. Additional information regarding SPC Nickel and its projects can be found at www.spcnickel.com. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of SPC Nickel. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, SPC Nickel expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE SPC Nickel Corp. Vancouver, March 28, 2023 - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has completed mill upgrades and has commenced milling operations with material supplied from Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV) (TSXV: ODV) ("Osisko"). The Company announced in its January 9, 2023 news release that the two parties had signed a Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreement (the "Osisko Agreement"). The Company has noticed a significant increase in mining related activity in British Columbia and is currently in discussions with multiple parties about future mining and milling profit share agreements, in addition to the Osisko Agreement. As the only facility in the Province of British Columbia permitted to accept third party gold and silver mill feed from throughout the province, the Company is poised to benefit from the increased activity. Given the increased demand for Nicola's mill, the Company is considering increasing the size of its ball mill up to 500 tonnes a day, from its current capacity of 200 tonnes, optimizing performance. The modern mill was constructed with the premises that it may be upgraded for increased throughput in the future. Its floatation capacity is already able to handle increased production. Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola, commented, "We are excited about the increasingly optimistic environment in the BC mining industry, as highlighted by the recent news that Artemis Gold Inc. had secured a BC Mines Act Permit for its Blackwater Gold Project. We are receiving more and more inquiries with regards to mining and milling partnerships for both long term agreements and bulk samples. In addition, to recommencing gold production, we are finalizing 2023 plans for the first stage of exploration at our flagship property, New Craigmont Copper Project." Qualified Person Kevin Wells, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Nicola Mining Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture and Frankfurt Exchanges that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola's fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of 10,084 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Teck Resources Ltd.'s Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, consisting of 29 mineral tenures covering 2178 hectares (ha) and a mining lease covering 335 ha. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter Espig" Peter Espig CEO & Director For additional information Contact: Peter Espig Phone: (778) 385-1213 Email: info@nicolamining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/160070 If two familiar Formula 1 faces had their way, free practice sessions would be scrapped. Haas boss Gunther Steiner told the Daily Mail that the sport would be more exciting if the entire race weekend is essentially practice-free. "Qualifying on Friday for a sprint race," he said. "Then on Saturday morning, qualifying for the grand prix. Sprint race on Saturday afternoon. "I have made the case to Formula One Group." Liberty Media-owned Formula 1 is run today by former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali, who championed the sport's move to the occasional 'sprint race' format in 2021. He agrees with Steiner that F1 would be better off without practice sessions. "I am a supporter of the cancellation of free practice sessions which are of great use to the engineers, but that the public doesn't like," Domenicali told Portugal's Sport TV at the opening MotoGP race of 2023. "Free practice is very interesting for the engineers or for the drivers," said the Italian. "But at the end of the day, in sport, you need to fight for something." However, Domenicali admits that scrapping practice altogether is unlikely to be supported by many of the teams and race promoters. "So I will be very aggressive to have one free practice in the morning on Friday and then every time we go on the track, something to be awarded," he said. "So this will be my input for the discussion on the future." (GMM) Asante Gold announces C$27 million financing Business Desk Report Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 13:40 Asante Gold Corporation has entered into an agreement with a major institutional investor to sell 18,232,000 units of the company. The deal which expected to be on a non-brokered private placement basis will go at a purchase price of C$1.50 per unit and expected to raise C$27.34 million. Proceeds from the offering is expected to be used for exploration and development of the its mineral properties and for general corporate working capital purposes. Closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about April 3, 2023, and is subject to a number of closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. A release by the company also noted that the securities to be issued under the Offering would be subject to a four month plus one-day hold period from the date of issue in accordance with applicable securities laws. No commissions or finders fees will be paid by the Company in connection with the Offering The release further noted that the company was currently at an advanced stage of securing a senior debt facility to support capital investments and development of its assets. The release also announced that Asante Gold had terminated the brokered private placement financing previously announced on January 23, 2023, due to unfavorable market conditions. Burkina Faso gets $80.8m IMF support to fight food crisis Business Desk Report Business News Mar - 27 - 2023 , 21:23 Neighbouring Burkina Faso has secured funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help fight a deteriorating food insecurity that has been worsened by insecurity, climate change and other global events. The IMF approved $80.77 million in rapid credit for the landlocked country on Monday, March 27 in a new effort to help save millions from hunger. The fund said in a press release that the loan from its the Food Shock Window (FSW) would help Burkina Faso address urgent balance of payment needs related to the global food crisis. Food insecurity in Burkina Faso has increased significantly owing to deteriorating security conditions, which led to the displacement of about two million people; unfavorable climate events; supply-chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic; Russias war in Ukraine; and increasing prices for food and agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and seed. As a result, about 16 percent of the population is in acute food insecurity conditions, the statement said. The $80.77 million is equivalent to 50 per cent of Burkina Fasos IMF quota and comes under the rapid credit facility (RCF), one of the funds lending window. Transparency The Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Kenji Okamura, said Burkina Faso needed to sustain transparency measures around its resources. Mr Okamura said the country needed to enhance transparency and governance in the use of fund resources allocated under the FSW. The authorities are committed to improving Public Financial Management practices and progressing toward the establishment of the treasury single account. The plans to prepare progress reports and audits on the implementation of the cash transfer program and all food emergency spending are important. Identification and publication of the beneficial owners of entities awarded public procurement contracts related to measures to address the food crisis would be key, the statement. Macroeconomic imbalances The statement said beyond the challenges associated with food insecurity, Burkina Faso faced significant macroeconomic challenges. It said external and fiscal buffers eroded substantially in 2022, as the current account deficit reached 5.2 per cent of GDP while the overall fiscal balance widened to 10.3 per cent of GDP. Both deteriorations reflect persistent and overlapping exogenous shocks, including a volatile political environment; fragile and deteriorating security conditions; the war in Ukraine; and the post-pandemic disruptions in international supply-chains. All these shocks adversely affected economic activity in Burkina Faso, where growth in 2022 decelerated to 2.5 per cent year-on-year, after 6.9 per cent of GDP in 2021, and widened macroeconomic imbalances, the release said. GUTA kicks against additional taxes Kwame Larweh Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 08:11 The Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) has kicked against the re-emergence of some taxes on their businesses and called on government to remove such taxes on their businesses. They are appealing to the MPs in Parliament to salvage the situation to analyse the issue of taxes in the country and prevent additional taxes on businesses. They call on government to lessen the tax burden on their business as promised in 2017 and remove all forms of nuisance taxes for businesses to grow. The business community in the country has done its best in terms of tax payment. Against all odds and the challenges of 2022, the government was able to exceed its revenue target. Therefore, if the government wants to increase its revenue base, the best way is to adopt innovative means to capture those businesses outside the tax net, review policies on tax exemptions, warehousing, free zones etc. to curtail the abuses, as well as prune down expenditure, a release issued this evening and signed by the association president Dr Joseph Obeng stated. The statement added that government continuous attribution of the challenges of the country to the global phenomenon of COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia Ukraine War is no longer tenable. The association feared if these taxes are not removed their businesses will collapse which will lead to increase in poverty and insecurity in the country. The association further believes that the relevant effects of the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) on businesses is been lost since it is very costly to do business in Ghana. Investor Protection Fund: Industry players optimistic Maxwell Akalaare Adombila Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 06:15 AN investor protection fund (IPF) is a confidence booster for investments but could also incentivise reckless risk taking by investors if not properly structured and managed, fund managers and corporate trustees have warned. Any such fund must, therefore, meet the fine balance of protecting investors in the event of a default while letting them know that risky appetites carry consequences, the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA) has said. The President of the GSIA, Winston Nelson Jr, said in an interview that while efforts to establish the insurance mechanism for investments were necessary, an extensive sentisation exercise was required to build an investment-conscious populace. That, he said, would reduce the potential moral hazard that insuring investments could create. It would also bolster confidence and cement public trust in investments, especially following the bruises suffered by some investors in the course of the domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP). Forum The President of the GSIA, an umbrella body of investment dealers, including advisors, fund managers, registrars and custodians, was commenting on the recent revelation by the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Rev. Daniel Obgarmey Tetteh, that an IPF was in the offing to help cushion investors against unforeseen losses. He made the disclosure at the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting in Accra last Tuesday, where he explained that the proposed fund would provide minimum protection for investors in the event of default. Similarities Rev. Ogbarmey-Tetteh noted that the IPF would operate like the Ghana Deposit Protection Scheme (GDPS), which protects small depositors against losses incurred as a result of the occurrence of an insured event. The fund is at the infant stage, but the idea is that the industry needs a support scheme that is broader and can cover the entire securities industry with a minimum protection. So we have successfully developed the concept paper and we intend to engage a consultant to structure the fund; we will also raise some capital to provide some form of protection for depositors, he said. Positive move In the interview, Mr Nelson Jr, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Amber Securities Limited, said the initiative was a positive one that would help strengthen the capital market. It is a confidence booster. Investment is always about taking risks and the more you bring mitigation measures into that process, the more appealing it is for investors to go out there and patronise.So, I think it will be important to the market, he said. Funding Mr Nelson Jr also mentioned the sources of funding for the fund as one critical issue that should be properly explored to help make it sustainable. Although the Securities Industry Act, 2016, (Act 929) makes provision for the Fidelity Fund, its scope is limited to equity investors on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) only. The investment expert, therefore, proposed that instead of establishing a new fund, the Fidelity Fund could be expanded to cover the entire securities market. That, he said, would address the potential fragmentation of insurance schemes for investors, make the proposed fund more liquid and increase its depth and ability to cover significant losses arising from defaults. I generally think that if we have one fund covering the entire industry, it will be better because more people will contribute.It will give it more solid base because once you start segmenting, the less effective it will be, he said. It is like insurance; the more people contribute, the more the fund becomes more functional. In other words, the bigger the pool, the better it is for everybody, he said. Timelines On the structure of the fund, Mr Nelson Jr said the country should learn from global best practices. He urged the SEC to study from the worlds best investor funds to help make Ghanas more solid and responsive to the peculiar needs of the market. On when his outfit expected the fund to be operational, the GSIA President said emphasis must be on setting it up properly.If we are doing it, we must do it well. I do not think we should rush to get it done and I also do not think we should walk around it leisurely and say that we can do it in five years time.It is an important infrastructure in the market and so there must be some priority on it. For example, we can say that before the end of the year, we should all be able to look at the draft and give our comments, he said. Ivorian deficit to narrow on stronger cocoa exports in 2023 Fitch Solutions Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 04:13 Cote dIvoires current account shortfall will shrink to 3.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, following an estimated record deficit of 5.5 per cent in 2022, according to rating firm Fitch Solutions. The trade surplus will widen to 3.6 per cent of GDP in 2023 from 2.6 per cent in 2022 on stronger cocoa exports and softening import growth as global commodity prices moderate. In 2024, we believe that the Ivorian current account deficit will shrink further to 3.3 per cent of GDP, driven by stronger hydrocarbon exports as the Baleine oil field comes online, as well as a rise in inbound tourism on the back of the Africa Cup of Nations. At Fitch Solutions, we forecast that Cote dIvoires current account shortfall will shrink to 3.9 per cent of GDP in 2023, following an estimated record deficit of 5.5 per cent in 2022. While 2022 trade data for Cote d'Ivoire is not yet available, figures published by the Banque Centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) show that regional cocoa exports fell by 1.2 per cent in US dollar terms over the year. Meanwhile, regional imports increased by an unprecedented 21.0 per cent, driven by elevated global food and energy prices following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Given that Cote d'Ivoire is the West African Economic and Monetary Unions largest cocoa exporter and biggest economy, these statistics suggest that the Ivorian current account deficit widened significantly in 2022 from 3.9 per cent of GDP in 2021. In 2023, we expect that exports will improve on a brighter outlook for the Ivorian cocoa sector. Our Agribusiness team projects Ivorian cocoa production to increase by 5.1 per cent in 2022/23 (the cocoa year runs from October to September), compared to a decline of 5.6 per cent in FY2021/2022. Indeed, beneficial rains in Cote dIvoires cocoa producing regions in early 2023 point to a healthy mid-crop (April to September), providing tailwinds to export growth in 2023. Meanwhile, tight global cocoa supply on the back of lower production in Ghana (due to the impact of the cocoa swollen shoot virus and lack of fertilisers) and Nigeria (due to the demonetisation attempt that has disrupted often cash-based cocoa transactions) will keep cocoa prices elevated through 2023. Indeed, our Agribusiness team projects global cocoa prices to average US$2,500/tonne, an 11.5 per cent increase on the US$2,243/tonne recorded in 2022, putting upside pressure on export receipts. That said, previous under investment in Cote dIvoires hydrocarbons sector will keep crude output low, with our Oil & Gas team forecasting that oil production will fall by 3.1 per cent in 2023. Combined with moderating oil prices, this will cap export growth over the year. Taking these various dynamics into account, we project merchandise exports to increase by 12.0 per cent in 2023, well above the 10-year pre-pandemic average of 1.9 per cent. Improving cocoa production to boost exports Meanwhile, we expect import growth to soften as global food and energy prices moderate. Global commodity prices spiked in 2022 but will trend lower in 2023 amid weaker global demand prospects and a stronger supply outlook. Indeed, our Oil & Gas team projects the price of Brent to fall from an average of USD99.0/bbl in 2022 to USD90.0/bbl in 2023, while our Agribusiness team forecasts wheat prices to decline by 18.8 per cent. These dynamics will see import growth ease to 6.0 per cent in 2023, from an estimated 21.5 per cent in 2022. All told, stronger exports and moderating imports will see the Ivorian trade surplus widen to 3.6 per cent of GDP in 2023, from an estimated 2.6 per cent in 2022. Energy costs to deflate import bill While Cote dIvoires trade surplus will widen, its primary income account will remain firmly in deficit. External borrowing increased significantly over recent years in order to finance the governments 2015-2020 National Development Plan and pandemic-related support over 2020-2021. Indeed, we project the external debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 42.9 per cent in 2023, from 25.3 per cent in 2015, which will increase interest payment outflows. Furthermore, a strong economic outlook (see chart below) and robust growth in the countrys infrastructure sector will support corporate performance, which will result in higher dividend pay-outs. These factors inform our forecast that the primary income deficit will widen to 3.4 per cent of GDP in 2023, from an estimated 3.3 per cent in 2022. Strong profit repatriation on robust economic growth in 2023 In 2024, we believe that the Ivorian current account deficit will shrink further to 3.3 per cent of GDP. This will be driven by a stronger outlook for oil exports. Indeed, our Oil & Gas team projects that the Baleine oil field which was discovered in 2021 will come online in early 2024, increasing hydrocarbons production by a projected 25.8 per cent. We believe that this will keep export growth robust at a projected 8.8 per cent in 2024. Meanwhile, we believe that import growth will lag behind at a projected 7.0 per cent as the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (which will be hosted in Cote dIvoire in early 2024) will cap demand for imported capital goods. Relatedly, an increase in inbound tourism due to Africa Cup of Nations will narrow the services deficit to 2.9 per cent of GDP, from a projected 3.2 per cent in 2022. Despite its current account shortfall, we see limited risks to Cote dIvoires external position in 2023 and 2024. The countrys foreign reserves are held at the regional BCEAO, with its reserves covering 4.6 months of imports in September 2022 (latest available data), above the IMFs recommended level of at least 3.0 months. In addition, the IMF announced on March 15 that it had concluded a staff mission to Cote dIvoire and that it expects to finalise a staff-level agreement in the coming days. Potential IMF assistance under the Extended Fund Facility or Extended Credit Facility would boost Ivorian reserves and provide an additional layer of protection to Cote dIvoires external position. Restoring confidence in capital market post DDEP: Business associations urge regulators to do more Emmanuel Bruce Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 05:44 The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and the Association of Ghana Industry (AGI) are calling on regulators of the financial sector to do more to protect the investments of Ghanaians. The two associations are of the view that if confidence and trust would return to the capital market, the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must do more in terms of regulation. Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the Graphic Business/ Stanbic Bank Breakfast meeting, the President of the GUTA, Mr Joseph Obeng, said the regulators must build a strong capital market that would be attractive to traders. The breakfast meeting, which was held on the theme Domestic Debt Exchange Programme; Lessons and Implications for How to Invest, brought together policy makers, regulators, experts and people in academia. All that we need is confidence in the system. We are importers and are in the informal sector but at the same time, we have to diversify our business and that is what we do in trading in the bonds through the banks. If it comes to a time that we cannot have the worth of our investments, then we will take back our investments and trade in what we know best, he stated. He continued that, when we make investments, we expect that it is well managed. Policies should be tailored such that it will enhance investment rather discouraging the people. He said if the regulators do not step up their game and do more to protect the industry, the country would return to the revolutionary days where people shunned away from investing or putting their money in the bank. Regulators must play active role For his part, the President of the AGI, Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke, urged the regulators to play an active in deepening the capital market and restoring confidence in the sector. He said the regulators have over the years not done enough to protect the industry, a situation which must change. Dr Darke said the AGI welcomed the discussion that investors and financial institutions should begin to invest their money in the private sector instead of investing them in government securities. He said the private sector was ready to take advantage of the new era and attract some of these investments to further develop. We agree to the position of diversification of the market from traditional government instruments and looking more into the private sector but we also request that the regulators play their role in regulating the market create market opportunities for private sector to take advantage of the long term funds that are seated with the pension funds and other long term funds, he pointed out. Re calibrating development paradigm The AGI President also noted that the DDEP presented an opportunity to re-calibrate our developmental paradigm to focus on investing a lot more in the private sector. So its a welcoming position, as difficult as it is that we have got to this stage, taking advantage of the opportunity is the next major discussion and actualising the outcomes of this discussions, he stated. Strict tax compliance will boost govts revenue Prof. Bokpin Charles Benoni Okine Business News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 05:00 In the wake of aggressive actions by the government to raise more domestic revenue to shore up its finances, an economist wants greater compliance in the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT). According to him, what the country needed at this time was to ensure that all businesses and individuals mandated by law to charge VAT did so without cutting corners and not necessarily an increase in the VAT rates. For instance, Professor Godfred Bokpin, who is also a professor of finance and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, described the 45 per cent rate of VAT collection was woefully inadequate. We can shore it up by ensuring full compliance by eligible institutions mandated to charge VAT, he suggested. Professor Bokpin also noted that; We can, with increased efficiency through automation and a reduction in human interface, raise more revenue from VAT collections, he said while contributing to a radio discussion on the new tax bills proposed by the government in its quest to meet part of the conditionalities by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to access a $3 billion bailout. Tax bills The call for an increased VAT compliance comes at a time when, the government is racing against time as it urgently seeks the full support of Parliament to pass three crucial tax bills. They are the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Excise Duty and Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bills as well as the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill. The passage of these outstanding revenue mobilisation bills are expected to facilitate approval by the IMF Board to release the $3 billion bailout funds. It is anticipated that should these outstanding revenue bills, which are necessary for effective budget implementation sail through, it will enable the country to push its Tax-to-GDP from less than 13 per cent to the sub-Saharan average of 18 per cent. The government expects the recent move to complete four out of five agreed prior actions in the Staff Level Agreement. Agitations Meanwhile, ahead of the passage of the bills, various trade associations including the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Association of Ghana Industries and Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) have opposed new laws and call on the government to reconsider the new tax bills because of its impact on business. To them, these addtional tax liabilities would affect their businesses and their competitiveness, particularly at a time when the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) had kicked in with other countries leveraging on the opportunities the policy presented to penetrate through the Ghana market. According to Professor Bokpin, over the years, the failure of the revenue collection agency, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure the effective and efficient collection of taxes was not the best and urged greater action in that respect. Generally, with regards to the countrys tax regime, Professor Bokpin said, the government policy to raise revenue was always to resort to increasse in the percatage of the tax threshold instead of ensuring that eligible persons and businesses honoured their tax obligations. He maintained that governments over the years had failed to widen the tax net and that he said, constituted a major reason why the country was not able to bring its tax collection rate at par with the sub-regional average of at least 18 per cent. IMF bailout Government is seeking a US$3 billion balance of payment support from the Breton Wood institution. This is because in the last couple of years, the doors to the international capital markets have been shut to Ghana as a result of its huge debts which currently stands at over 100 per cent. To bring the debts to sustainable levels, the government is embarking on a number of measures which includs the recent Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) in which approximately 85 per cent of bondholders participated. Government managed to rake in 82.99 billion, describing the result as a significant achievement for the government to implement fully, the economic strategies in the post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth during the current economic crisis. It is also expected that the proposed new tax measures will help to close the revenue gap. US to intervene to seek debt forgiveness for Ghana Kwame Larweh Business News Mar - 27 - 2023 , 15:57 The US will intervene on Ghanas behalf with the Paris Club as the country seeks debt forgiveness as part of the International Monetary Funds balance of payment support. This was made known by the US Vice President, Kamala Harris at a joint Press Conference with President Akufo-Addo this afternoon. According to Ms Harris, the US will help Ghana with all the support it needs to ensure that it scales through its current economic crisis. We welcome Ghanas commitment to reform its economy for sustainable and inclusive growth. We support Ghanas engagement with the IMF, and we will continue to push all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it. It is critical to do so to build long-term economic growth and prosperity and to increase US investments. Our partnership is already strong, and I believe that today we have strengthened it. Meanwhile Kamala Harris has entreated Ghanas foreign creditors to help the country meet its debt servicing obligation. Madam Harris believes this will enable Ghana successfully negotiate the bailout it is seeking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ghanas economy is currently in turmoil as the government knocks on the IMFs doors for a financial facility amid a painful domestic debt restructuring programme. Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta also just returned from a trip to China to negotiate external debt forgiveness to enable it to secure the expected $3 billion cushion from the Fund. But speaking at the Jubilee House in Accra, Kamala Harris expressed support for the engagement with the IMF. She insisted that the Biden administration will continue to push for all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that needed including Ghana. We must work together as an international community to ease the debt burden that is facing far too many countries, she added on Monday. She also announced the US government is committing $100 million to combat terrorism in some coastal West African countries. These include Ghana, Guinea, Cote DIvoire, Benin and Togo. This, she said, forms part of President Joe Bidens strategy to prevent violent extremism and promote stability. Madam Harris is currently embarking on a one-week tour which will see her visit Ghana and two other African countries Tanzania and Zambia. American filmmaker Spike Lee in Ghana Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Mar - 27 - 2023 , 19:28 Popular American filmmaker Shelton Jackson, widely known as Spike Lee, has arrived in Ghana yesterday, March 26. The filmmaker is reportedly part of the US Vice Presidents creative arts team. Spike Lee was received by the Beyond The Return team and the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kwesi Agyeman at the Kotoka International Airport. The Beyond The Return team shared a video of the actor who was welcomed by some traditional dancers and surrounded by some fans. The renowned American actor arrived in Ghana yesterday According to myjoyonline.com, the Director of the Beyond The Return secretariat, Annabelle Renee who was also at the airport said, The last time we met, I told him I was about to move to Ghana. That was in 2018. Now hes here in Ghana, and I got to welcome him at the airport. This really is amazing, and I continue to be happy that more African Americans are making the trip to connect with Ghana. Known for his roles in movies such as Da 5 Bloods, Mo Better Blues, Chi-Raq, Malcolm X, BlacKkKlansman, Inside Man, Clockers among many others, Lees work has continually explored race relations, issues within the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues. This years VGMA nominations reflect the industrys growth -Kwesi Ernest Jayne Buckman Owoo Showbiz News Mar - 28 - 2023 , 11:27 Nominations for this years Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) have been released by organisers, Charterhouse and already, it is creating a lot of buzz with industry people giving their own interpretations of the nominations. According to artiste manager/producer and CEO of Media Excel Productions, Kwesi Ernest, this years awards scheme is a reflection of the growth of Ghanas music industry. Well, I think most of the nominations this year is a reflection of the growth of our industry, what is happening on our airplay so I commend the board for a job well done. Apart from one or two of the categories which I have issues with, all the others are okay. And that has to do with Awura Abena being nominated in the New Artiste of The Year category, I need answers from the board as to why an artiste who has released three albums is in the New Artiste of the Year category? I am hoping that the board will come out and explain to all of us. Does it mean that they are using the awards calendar to define the growth of an artiste in the industry? Does that mean that getting a nomination is the definition of ones entry into the industry? Does that also mean that all the hard work the artiste has done over the years does not matter? I also think Kwabena Kwabena should have been nominated in more categories than he was this year. I stand to be corrected but I think he was nominated in only one category and even that was with a feature he did. He had a very good year in the year under review and certainly deserved more nominations. I chanced on some industry people who also questioned why Diana Hamilton didnt get nominated in the Artiste of the Year category? Because she is still very relevant and performing across the globe and she satisfies all the requirements in the Artiste of the Year category. She has been very active all over the place so why was her name omitted? Kwesi Ernest said. Related articles I dont have VGMA at heart -Shatta Wale VGMA organisers introduce one-week provisional window for disputes Winning VGMA Artiste of the year is a done deal - Piesie Esther World Theatre Day: Globe Productions CEO calls for increased investment in Ghana's theatre industry GraphicOnline Showbiz News Mar - 27 - 2023 , 20:34 The CEO of Globe Productions, Latif Abubakar, has called on stakeholders in Ghana's theatre industry to invest more resources in the sector. Abubakar believes that theatre can serve as a means of revenue generation and foreign exchange if given the right support. He urged the government and private sector to commit technical and financial resources to propel the industry to international heights and stressed that theatre practitioners must also put in their best to complement the efforts of the government and the private sector. Abubakar, who has partnered with international organizations such as the Spanish Embassy, Star-Ghana, UK Aid, DANIDA, and the European Union, believes that Ghana's theatre industry has the talent and potential to be showcased on the world stage. He revealed his intention to take Ghana's theatre industry international with Globe Productions, citing the company's experience and determination to make it happen. As a theatre company focused on theatre for development, Globe Productions has 16 plays to its credit, which have been performed 76 times across Ghana to an audience base of about 40,000. With its strategic vision of implementing tri-annual plays, Globe is currently the fastest-growing theatre company in Ghana with the widest coverage. Abubakar's written and produced works include "I can't think far," a non-violence campaign towards the 2016 election sponsored by Star-Ghana, UK Aid, DANIDA, and the European Union. He also produced "Saint and Sinners," which focused on galamsey and was sponsored by WaterAid Ghana and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey. Another impactful work was "Men don die," a road safety campaign sponsored by the National Road Safety Commission. Abubakar's latest work, "The Second Coming of Nkrumah," is expected to go on a world tour in selected countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Spain, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Morocco. Abubakar gained international recognition via an interview on BBC World Service on the topic "Resurgence of Theatre in Africa." He is credited with staging the world's first live virtual plays on COVID-19, with a record of 3.5 million views across various social media platforms. World Theatre Day, initiated by the International Theatre Institute in 1961, has been celebrated annually since 1962 as a global celebration that fosters the values of theatre as an art form. The day is also set aside to commemorate the art form "theatre," celebrated by ITI centres, cooperating members, theatre professionals, universities, organizations, and enthusiasts. Theatre practitioners call on the government, politicians, institutions, and individuals to realize the potential of theatre to improve every aspect of life. Fake car deal lands man in court Gloria Apprey Life Mar - 27 - 2023 , 18:58 A businessman, Lambert Afedo, is before an Adenta Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a man of GH50,495 in a car deal. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Gloria Ayim, Afedo claimed he could purchase three Toyota Vitz cars for one Dr Richard Atsu. The vehicles which were accident vehicles shipped to the Tema Harbour were said to be on auction at the harbour. The prosecutions case was that Dr Atsu wanted to start an online taxi business hence his interest in the said cars. However, the accused after receiving the said amount fled. Afedo was before the court presided over by Her Honour Sedinam Awo Balokah. He pleaded not guilty and the case has been adjourned to March 30, 2023 for the parties to present their cases. Facts of the case Inspector Ayim, presenting the facts of the case, said the complainant, Dr Atsu, was a medical officer with the Madina Polyclinic in Accra. She said Afedo was a businessman who resided at Adenta Lakeside, Accra. According to the prosecutor, in November 2020, Dr Atsu came into contact with Afedo who claimed he was a car dealer. Afedo was said to have assured Dr Atsu that he had connections at the Tema Harbour and could secure him a car. Inspector Ayim said in the same month, Afedo led Dr Atsu to the harbour to view and choose from all the accident vehicles that were being auctioned. Dr Atsu then initially chose two of the said vehicles he intended purchasing. At a later time, Afedo claimed he had gone to meet one Hajia who he said was in charge of the auction and that the said Hajia had requested for payment. Prosecution Inspector Ayim stated that Dr Atsu then opted to add one more car and made several part-payments of monies which summed up to the GH50,495. Afterwards, Afedo started giving excuses and claimed one Hajia had instructed one Kofi to get them the cars, the prosecutor added. She said Afedo claimed the said Kofi was his classmate and a bodyguard to the president and this caused Dr Atsu to be suspicious and so traced the said Hajia leading him to one Hajia Fati Amadu, an NPP activist. She however denied knowledge of the said transaction and Afedo, the prosecutor said. The prosecutor said Dr Atsu then lodged a complaint which led to the arrest of the accused. When he was questioned, Afedo claimed he had given the money to one Hajia Ramatu of Tema, Accra and not the Hajia Amadu, the complainant had traced, the prosecutor said. She said Afedo failed to lead the police to the said Hajia in Tema and was put before court after investigations. ICCs arrest warrant for President Putin Larweh Therson-Cofie Life Mar - 28 - 2023 , 12:00 The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a global warrant for the arrest of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation for allegedly committing war crimes. Issued on February 22, 2023, the warrant stated that Mr Putin was allegedly responsible for the war crimes for unlawful deportation and transfer of children from the occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia. According to the warrant, the alleged deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia was in violation of Articles 8 (2) (vii) and 8(2) (b) (viii) of the Rome Statute. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes. It said that Mr Putin allegedly committed the acts directly, jointly with others and (or through others) in breach of Article 25 (3) (a) of the Rome Statute. Mr Putins failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who were under his effective authority and control pursuant to superior responsibility were in breach of article 28(b) of the Rome Statute, according to the warrant. President Putin On the ICCs warrant, the Courts prosecutor, Karim Khan, has said the warrant to arrest President Putin was based upon forensic evidence, scrutiny and what has been said by Mr Putin. Children cant be treated as spoils of war, they cant be deported, Mr Khan said. This type of crime doesnt need one to become a lawyer; one needs to be a human being to know how egregious it is, he added. A report published earlier by a United Nations-backed independent International Commission of Inquiry has said it found that Russia had perpetuated large-scale violations of international human rights and humanitarian norms in Ukraine. According to the report, some of the violations committed since the start of the Ukraine war on February 24, 2023 -- amounted to war crimes. It mentioned willful killings of unarmed civilians, torture, unlawful confinement, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia from Ukraine -- as some of the violations. Ukrainian authorities had reported earlier that 16,221 of Ukrainian children had been deported to Russia. However, the Russian authorities have denied all the allegations made against it and its current president, Mr Vladimir Putin. Mr Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian government, has said none of the courts decisions had any legal effects on Russia and that they would be null and void. Former president of Russia, Mr Dmitry Medvedev, has described the ICCs warrant for President Putins arrest as toilet paper. Russias spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, has said that the decisions of the ICC have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view. Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it, she added. In reaction, the ICC president, Piot Hofmanski, has said that it was completely irrelevant that Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute. According to the ICC Statute which has 123 state parties, two-thirds of the whole international community, the Court has jurisdiction over crimes committed in the territory of a state party or a state which has accepted its jurisdiction, he said further. Ukraine has accepted the ICC twice in 2014 and in 2015. He added that 43 states had referred the situation in Ukraine to the Court, which means that they have formally triggered jurisdiction. Slobodan Milosevic Sir Geoffrey Nice, an ICC former prosecutor who served as the prosecutor in the trial of former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, has commented that the issuance of the warrant would change the way world leaders view Mr Putin. He will remain an alleged criminal until and unless he submits himself for trial and is acquitted. That seems extremely unlikely; so, he will remain an alleged criminal until the end of his life, he added. The ICC was founded in 1998 and came into force in 2002 after the Rome Statute was ratified. It is the only permanent international criminal court that has jurisdiction to try individuals for international crimes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. Since its establishment, the ICC has tried 31 cases; the ICC judges have issued 38 arrest warrants; and 21 persons have been detained in its detention centre and have been tried. The court has convicted 10 persons and acquitted four. Among heads of state that have been arrested and tried by the ICC include former Serbian president, Slobodan Milosevic; former President Charles Taylor of Liberia, former President of Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, and one-time president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta. Former President Gbagbo won his case on appeal and the case against Uhuru Kenyatta was dropped for insufficient evidence. An ICC arrest warrant was issued against Omar al-Bashir of Sudan while in office but has not been arrested, even after his removal in a military takeover in 2019. Is it likely President Putin will be arrested and tried? The ICC has powers of arrest but cannot do so without the cooperation and collaboration of a country where an arrest is to be made. Russia is not a party and not a signatory to the Rome Statute. Therefore, the Rome Statute has very little impact in Russia. However, Mr Putin can be arrested if he steps outside Russia to where a collaborative government in that country can assist in his arrest and transfer to the Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC headquarters are based. Mr Putin is the third sitting president to be issued with an arrest warrant after al-Bashir and Muamar Gadhafi, former leader of Libya. It has proved difficult for the ICC to arrest a sitting president. None of such personalities issued with arrest warrants have been arrested and tried. That may be the case with the arrest warrant for Mr Putin. However, the moral, diplomatic and economic effects of the issuance can be unpalatable for the Russian Federation and its leader, Mr Putin. The arrest warrant can make Russia and Russians lose face in the eye of the international community. Mr Putin now, and after stepping down as president, would appear an alleged criminal until he has been tried and acquitted. Russia It appears that Russia, a world power, would become more isolated and its economic sphere of operation would become narrow. However, with the recent visit of President Xi of China to Russia, it is believed that a new era of Russia/China cooperation has opened. That is important leverage for Russia. Russian/Chinese political and economic cooperation would increase but closer military collaboration is not likely. Collaborate with MMDAs, chiefs to halt quarry site encroachment - Mireku Duker to quarry operators Daily Graphic Mar - 28 - 2023 , 06:30 A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has encouraged licensed quarry operators in the country to collaborate with their respective metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), as well as traditional authorities, to tackle the menace of encroachment on their concessions. The deputy minister, who is responsible for Mines, said effective coordination among the three parties was needed to forestall the illegal activity. Addressing the media during a working visit to some quarry sites in the Shai Osudoku municipality in the Greater Accra Region yesterday, Mr Duker argued that since the granting of licences for the erection of structures was done by the MMDAs, it was imperative that the companies worked with the MMDAs to ensure that areas designated for quarrying activities were protected and not offered to the public for other activities. He noted that through such collaboration, structures and buildings sited at quarry sites without authorisation could be demolished, as they were illegal. Visit The visit was to apprise the minister, who was accompanied by some officials of the ministry, of the challenges the quarries faced and express the commitment of the government to help resolve them. During the visit, a forum was held, during which Mr Duker engaged members of the quarry industry for them to voice out their concerns. Encroachment on their concessions and pricing came up as two of the greatest challenges impeding the quarry industry. Some of quarry companies were Platinum Seal Quarry, Eastern Seal Quarry, Twin Rock Quarry, Gokay Group and GDS Quarry. Others were Generex Quarry, Derby Quarry, Uni Africa, HR Minerals and Mines, Massey Stone Quarry, among others. Mr Duker expressed satisfaction with the companies adherence to the law and safety measures. He also assured the companies that the government would avail itself to facilitate the smooth operation of their activities Importance On encroachment, Mr Duker charged MMDAs to make the protection of quarry sites a priority and precluded from the activities of encroachers, noting that the quarrying sub-sector contributed significantly to the economy. He said the quarrying industry also provided raw materials for infrastructure activities in the country and, therefore, deserved some protection. He said the government had a responsibility to protect companies whose legitimate activities provided employment opportunities for Ghanaians, and that as long as the ministry was satisfied with the operations of the companies, it would make personnel and resources available to address their issues. He also urged the quarry operators to form a recognised body that would canvass support for their interests, such as coming up with a fair pricing mechanism that would cut across the industry and standardise prices. Benefits For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive for Shai Osudoku, Fred Offei Twum, expressed the concern that although there were many quarry mines in the area, the municipality had not enjoyed the full benefits of their activities. He appealed for solutions to some of the challenges facing the area, such as poor road network. He said in spite of major roads in the municipality being given to contractors to work on, progress of work had been extremely slow and appealed to Mr Duker to use his offices to lobby on behalf of the area. He also appealed to the deputy minister to use his influence to ensure the quick activation of the Quarry Development Fund for Shai Osudoku, adding that its operationalisation would help spur infrastructural development in the area. The deputy minister gave an assurance that the ministry was working on the Quarry Development Fund to ensure that areas where the mines were located benefitted to fuel projects. US pushes for Ghanas debt reduction Donald Ato Dapatem Mar - 28 - 2023 , 07:15 The visiting Vice-President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris, has given an assurance that her country supports Ghana's engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and will continue to push for all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for Ghana. I recognise the challenges Ghanaians are facing, especially in the wake of a global pandemic and the disruptions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she said, and noted that the US welcomed Ghanas commitment to reform its economy to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth. Vice-President Harris gave the assurance yesterday during a joint press conference with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra. Ms Harris also announced a $100-million support for Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo to help them address the threats of violent extremism and instability. Bilateral talks That was shortly after the US Vice-President, who is on a three-day state visit to Ghana, had held bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo and some officials on both sides. The Ghana team included Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia. The discussions ranged from long-term economic outlook, regional security, human rights, democracy to good governance. Earlier, Vice-President Harris, who had entered the Jubilee House through the Ceremonial Gate, opposite the Christ the King Church, had been escorted to the saluting dais for the National Salute and the national anthem of the USA played by the Ghana Armed Forces Mass Band. She also inspected the Front Rank of a Guard of Honour, while some soldiers also fired gun salutes. After the ceremony, Vice-President Harris was ushered into the Foyer of the Jubilee House by the Director of State Protocol, Samuel Yaw Kumah, and she was met by President Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo. After the introduction of government officials to the visiting Vice-President and vice versa, the two went straight to the Ceremonial Room where they had a tete-a-tete and later joined the officials for the bilateral talks. Inclusive growth We welcome Ghanas commitment to reform its economy to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth. We support Ghana's engagement with the IMF and will continue to push for all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it, including Ghana, Vice-President Harris said. She noted that all must work together as an international community to ease the debt burden that was facing many countries, noting that it was critical to build long-term economic growth and prosperity and to increase US investment. Our partnership with Ghana is already stronger and, today, Mr President, I believe we strengthen it even more, the US Vice-President, who will leave the country tomorrow for Tanzania and later to Zambia, said. Ms Harris announced a $100-million support for Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo to help them address the threats of violent extremism and instability. The amount, she explained, was in consonance with the announcement by President Joe Biden last week, dubbed: Strategic Plan for Coastal West Africa, as part of the US strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability. She said the funding would help implement that plan and we'll address security, governance and development issues in the region. Beacon of democracy Vice-President Harris, who is the first US female Vice-President, said African nations, such as Ghana, played a critical role in a number of global issues, ranging from food security, climate crisis or resilience to supply chains. African voices, including that of Ghana, are critical to global peace and security, including the defence of the United Nations Charter and African ingenuity and innovation, which Im certain will shape the future of the world, she added. Mr President, under your leadership, Ghana has been a beacon of democracy and contributor to global peace and security. Your leadership in particular and personal engagement have strengthened the ties between the Diaspora and the continent of Africa and President Biden is grateful to have you as a partner, she indicated. She traced Ghana-US relations back to 1957 and how Ghanas independence inspired millions of Americans and millions more around the world and how Martin Luther King Jr and many other Americans came to celebrate that occasion and witnessed the dawn of a new era. Year of Return Ms Harris added that hundreds of thousands of Black Americans came to Ghana in 2019 to participate in the Year of the Return and more continued to return every year as a reminder of the history of slavery to honour their lineage and understand their ancestry. She quoted a recent statement by President Akufo-Addo in Parliament: It is important we never forget that democracy is not a static event but a promise that needs continuous nurturing, and added that she also believed that there was a duality when it came to democracy. Coups Vice-President Harris commended the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, especially his response to recent coups in West Africa and standing up for democratic principles around the world, adding: We also recognise Ghanas significant contributions in the Sahel and I thank you for your leadership there. LGBTQ Bill Answering a question from a New York Times reporter during the joint press conference that Ghana had a law that punished gay people, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his assurance that the representatives of the people in Parliament would enact a law that recognised the sensibilities of human rights and the feelings of the Ghanaian population with regard to the LGBTQ Bill before the House. He explained that the bill, which was a Private Members, was going through the parliamentary process and expressed the belief that, as usual, Ghanas Parliament would rise to the occasion. The President said the process had attracted inputs from the Office of the Attorney-General (A-G) regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of several provisions which the House was dealing with. He explained that his understanding, from a recent discussion with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee dealing with the bill, was that the substantial elements of the bill had already been modified as a result of the intervention of the A-Gs Office. Regarding issues about the presence of the Wagner Group, also known as PMC Wagner, a Russian private military company, in West Africa, President Akufo-Addo said Ghana was concerned about it and had made that known. He explained that the presence of the military group raised real issues that those in the West African region and on the continent must be worried about because they did not want the continent to become the playground for great power conflicts. The President added that keeping the country and the continent free from great power rivalry was what Ghana was trying to do, hence the countrys major preoccupation. We want to be in a position to resolve our own security problems ourselves as much as possible, without the intervention of foreign troops, he stressed. Kamala Harris pledges US partnership with Africa on Ghana trip GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2023 , 13:00 On the second day of her Ghana visit, United States Vice President Kamala Harris vowed a new era of partnership with Africa and expressed her vision for "a future that is propelled by African innovation. Ms. Harris highlighted the continent's innovation in emergency healthcare supplies, vaccines, farming, and mineral processing. The visit to Ghana is part of a weeklong trip that will also include visits to Tanzania and Zambia, as the US escalates its outreach to the continent. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said. She also highlighted the continent's innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. Ms. Harris said the US must be guided "not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. The Vice President delivered her speech from Independence Square, where thousands of people gathered, waving US and Ghanaian flags. Tearful US VP Kamala Harris speaks after Cape Coast Castle tour says "Slavery cannot be denied" GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2023 , 18:30 As part of her three-day state visit to Ghana, United States Vice President Harris today toured the Cape Coast Castle, an old slave trading post and reflected on the horrors of slavery in emotional remarks. Standing at a lectern with canons in the background, Harris spoke about the crimes that happened at Cape Coast Castle, a hub for the Atlantic slave trade in the 1600s. Being here was immensely powerful and moving, Harris said in a cracking voice. When we think about how human beings were treated by the hundreds of thousands in this very place that we now stand, the crimes that happened here, the blood that was shed here. There are dungeons here where human beings were kept. She wiped her nose and took several deep breaths as she was shown the female slave dungeons and the Door of No Return, where slaves would be forced onto ships for the treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered. It cannot be denied, Harris said. It must be taught. History must be learned. And we must then be guided by what we know also to be the history of those who survived in the Americas, in the Caribbean, those who proudly declare themselves to be the diaspora. Harris said she would take from her visit the need to fight for justice and freedom for all people and human rights for all people. As the first African-American to serve as vice president, Harris emphasized the need to learn from history and remember the horror of what happened at the site. She also announced $100 million in funding to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in the region. The visit to the continent is part of the Biden administration's efforts to be more intentional about its outreach to Africa. What Prez Akufo-Addo and Kamala Harris said about LGBTQ rights during US VPs state visit GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2023 , 06:58 During her ongoing visit to Ghana yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed human rights issues with President Nana Akufo-Addo, including the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill that could imprison LGBTQ individuals and their advocates. While Ms. Harris did not directly address the bill, she emphasized the importance of supporting freedom and equality for all people, calling it a human rights issue. She said "I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting the freedom and supporting the fighting for equality among all people, and that all people be treated equally. I will also say that this is an issue that we consider, and I consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change." President Akufo-Addo declined to comment on the bill's fate if passed, choosing instead to wait and see what parliament decides. While clarifying that there is currently no such legislation in Ghana, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the bill has been proposed and is being reviewed by parliament. "The Attorney General has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of several of its provisions," he said. "But at the end of the process, I will come in." The President expressed confidence that the Parliament will take into account both human rights concerns and the sentiments of the Ghanaian people when reaching a decision on the bill. He noted that the bill is a private member's bill and not an official legislation of the government, and that substantial modifications have already been made as a result of the Attorney General's intervention. MPs would have sworn to Antoa or taken lie-detector test if my father was alive - Zanetor Rawlings GraphicOnline Politics Mar - 28 - 2023 , 08:05 Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, has expressed disappointment over the outcome of the secret balloting in Parliament which saw the approval of the six ministerial nominees. In a Facebook post on Monday, she stated that her father, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, was passionate about the party and would have challenged all NDC MPs to swear on Antoa Nyamaa river god deity or take a lie-detector test. Some Ghanaians on social media say they have lost trust in the Minority and the NDC for approving the ministerial nominees to join the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government amid an economic crisis. Additionally, leading members of the NDC party have issued statements condemning the actions of some of its MPs, with former President John Mahama calling them traitors and asking them to undertake a serious soul-searching. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings described the decision of some individuals to vote in favour of the appointees as "cowardice" and said that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the party to return to its fundamental principles. Read the entire post below; The I in the Collective! The NDC took a decision to vote against the Presidents nominations on principle. We needed President Akufo-Addo to avert his mind to the bloated size of his government/cabinet to show the commitment of the Executive to reduce its expenditure as the government struggles with unsustainable debt. If you disagree with a position the party and leadership have taken, have the courage of your convictions and speak up! It is cowardice and treachery to hide within the collective to pursue your individual parochial agenda!!! For the first time, I was forced to keep evidence of my votes to protect my integrity and my name! Im still reeling from the outcome of the secret ballot in the House on Friday. Ive sat with the sad realisation that the unfortunate side of being part of a collective is the collective shame that comes with the actions of a few unknown faces whose actions affect everyone. In the Chamber, when the back and forth was done, the voting began amidst threats to annul your vote if you were caught displaying your ballot paper. My sister MP, Angela Alorwu-Tay and I, began a discussion on how to ensure that we had evidence of our votes. The last time there was a secret ballot, the women in our caucus were falsely accused en bloc of having betrayed the NDC. Some unscrupulous person even used my picture and that of a number of colleagues as part of that ludicrous headline at the time. We had no intention of allowing our integrity to be attacked again! The idea of taking a photo of my vote was so alien to me but given the high level of suspicion and finger pointing already in the public domain, I realised it was imperative to take such a drastic measure to protect my integrity, "in the interest of probity and accountability (in the words of the late President JJ Rawlings)." As the time drew closer for me to vote and I felt the increasing tension in the room, and I decided to put my camera on video mode. I knew it was risky taking my phone into the booth, because there was a chance that the Speaker might chastise me openly. I told my colleagues sitting in my section what I was going to do and why. I got to the voting booth and nervously lifted my phone to record my hand ticking the 'No' column, feeling so annoyed that I was having to subject myself to this! When I got to my seat, I checked the video to make sure it had captured my vote, and then informed my colleagues that it had worked! I then suggested that they do same, for their own protection. I must admit that I was still shocked by the results. I was crestfallen! But even the knowledge of my evidence of how I voted, did not bring me the relief I had hoped for. People were looking up to us, and we had let the side down. As Ive enquired about the possible reasons for what happened, Ive concluded that we are looking at a situation of different interests converging in a single outcome. So, what is the solution to this wicked problem? As a party, we have been drifting from our principles and values not-so-slowly, and I guess this is a wakeup call that this drift can no longer be ignored or brushed under the carpet. It took a handful of people and a single iceberg to sink the titanic and with it, many innocent persons drowned or froze to death. As I type and share this, Im cognisant of the usual abuse that some people are happy to hurl at anyone who dares, however I know that my reticence on this matter will be even more damaging! My father continued to advise and chastise the party in the face of sometimes outright abuse from his own, but he remained true to his convictions. I still remember vividly when from his hospital bed, he asked me how the people in my constituency were doing in the lead up to the 2020 General Elections. Even when he was a few days away from his own death, he was still worried about Ghana! On Friday night, I felt this deep pain that maybe it was perhaps better that he was not alive to witness what had happened to the NDC. But then again, I thought perhaps had he been alive he would probably have challenged all of us to go and swear on Antoa or dared us to take a lie-detector test! President Akufo-Addo expresses shock at the death of Kumawu MP Zadok Kwame Gyesi Politics Mar - 28 - 2023 , 17:02 President Akufo-Addo has described as shocking the news of the passing of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Philip Basoa. Mr Basoah died on Monday, March 27 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he has been on admission for a serious ailment. His death was confirmed by the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, in a tweet on Tuesday morning. Philip was born on November 18, 1969. He hails from Kumawu in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In a post on social media, President Akufo-Addo said "I have been shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic death of the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon Philip Basoa." He said the late MP was devoted politician who served his nation and party well, saying "I had the opportunity of knowing Hon. Basoa quite well, and, in that time, he proved to be a devoted adherent of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, who never wavered in the belief that the NPP was the only political party that had the welfare of the country at heart." He has therefore extended his condolences to the family of the late MP and the entire New Patriotic Party (NPP) fraternity. Below is President Akufo-Addo's post I have been shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic death of the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon Philip Basoa. All of us in the NPP were hopeful his health condition would take a turn for the better, but, alas, our ways are not Gods ways, neither are our thoughts. I had the opportunity of knowing Hon. Basoa quite well, and, in that time, he proved to be a devoted adherent of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, who never wavered in the belief that the NPP was the only political party that had the welfare of the country at heart. Indeed, he comes from a family with a long history of public service not only to the people of Kumawu, but also to Mother Ghana. He will be missed by all those who knew and met him. I extend my sincere condolences to his widow and children, to the Chairman and members of the NPP, and to the Chiefs and people of Kumawu, whom he so faithfully represented right till the very end. May his soul rest in perfect peace until the last day of the resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!! Canada-based Rock Tech Lithium officially broke ground for its lithium conversion plant in Guben, Germany (earlier post), from which it will supply Mercedes-Benz with battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LiOH) starting in 2026 (starting with a qualification period). Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOHH 2 O) is a crucial precursor for the production of lithium-ion battery cathode material. The Guben converter will have a capacity of 24,000tpaenough to support about 500,000 EVs. The two companies signed an agreement last year for the supply of Mercedes-Benz battery partners with high-grade lithium hydroxide refined in the new Rock Tech plant covering an amount sufficient for around 150,000 fully electric vehicles. (Earlier post.) The strategic partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Rock Tech was announced at the German-Canadian summit at the end of August 2022 in Toronto following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Mercedes-Benz AG and Canada. It paves the way for deeper cooperation across all stages of the automotive value chain, focusing on natural resources development. Under the supply agreement, the two companies will cooperate to create a roadmap for achieving net carbon-neutral production of lithium hydroxide by the end of 2030. Furthermore, lithium hydroxide supplied by Rock Tech must be sourced from mining sites audited by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). Mercedes-Benz is deepening its vertical integration of drive technologies in Germany and Europe: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed legislation to provide free school meals to all students regardless of family income, as New Mexico and several other states look to fill the gap left by lapsed federal pandemic-era benefit programs and address the strain to family budgets caused by food prices. The bill cleared the Legislature during the recent 60-day session, with lawmakers setting aside more than $22 million in the state budget to help pay for the program. Additional money will be used to improve school kitchens so healthier meals can be prepared. When we feed our children, were feeding our future these investments today will yield benefits tomorrow through generations of healthier New Mexicans, the Democratic governor said in a statement issued after she celebrated with dozens of elementary school students. California and Maine have made universal meals permanent, legislation to do so is advancing in Vermont, and Nevada pitched in $75 million to extend free school meals for this school year. In Colorado, voters approved a ballot measure last fall giving school districts the opportunity to offer free lunches. Nationally, debts for unpaid school meals have been rising, indicating the need to continue providing free meals to ensure students are able to concentrate in the classroom. A recent report issued by the Food Research & Action Center showed participation in school breakfast and lunch programs was higher during the last school year than that of pre-pandemic levels. About 67% or 309,000 New Mexico students are eligible to receive free and reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program, according to the New Mexico Public Education Department. Signing of the legislation could impact nearly 70,000 students who normally would have had to pay for school meals, with department officials expecting a 5% to 10% increase in participation in districts that operate national school lunch programs. Lujan Grisham included the proposal in her State of the State address, saying that wherever kids are, there ought to be a kitchen working to keep them healthy, strong and ready to learn. Still, some say more money will be needed to bankroll the effort over time. This year, New Mexico was awash in new revenue due in part to a financial windfall from oil production. Legislative analysts have estimated that providing meals at no costs to students at participating schools could total between $27 million and $40 million in recurring funding from the state's general fund. Advocacy groups see universal free school meals as the next step in New Mexico's march toward combating historically high food insecurity rates in a state that has long struggled with generational poverty. Other recent efforts include legislation in 2020 that eliminated student co-pays for reduced-price school meals and a 2017 measure that made New Mexico the first state in the U.S. to ensure children cant be humiliated by school meal debts. The new law aims to boost the amount of food that comes from local growers through farm-to-table grants. Currently, about 168 farmers, ranchers and food businesses sell locally produced products to schools in 19 of the state's 33 counties. Supporters also hope the new law will lead to less food waste by requiring kindergarten through sixth grade students to have more time to sit down and eat, and by collecting unused food for use by food pantries, students and other charitable organizations. Yale Medicine surgeon Dr. Neil Floch has been appointed director of bariatric surgery at Greenwich Hospital, effective May 1. Floch is a nationally recognized bariatric and general surgeon who uses minimally invasive and robotic techniques. He has performed more than 3,500 advanced laparoscopic procedures, including more than 2,500 bariatric surgeries. We are delighted that Dr. Floch will bring this level of expertise to our community, said Diane Kelly, president of Greenwich Hospital in a news release. As director of bariatric surgery at Greenwich Hospital, Floch will oversee program growth, quality, safety and patient experience at the Fairfield County location in collaboration with the divisions well-established programs at Yale New Haven Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital. Before joining Greenwich Hospital and Yale Medicine, Floch was section head of general surgery and director of bariatric and minimally invasive Surgery at Norwalk Hospital and associate clinical professor of surgery at the University of Vermont School of Medicine. Dr. Flochs stellar commitment, engagement and care of patients will greatly enhance the delivery of bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at Greenwich Hospital, said Dr. John Morton, division chief of bariatric and minimally invasive surgery in the Yale Department of Surgery, in the release. Greenwich 'Innovators' score at fair Eight eighth-grade Greenwich Public Schools Junior Innovators won big at the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair in March during its awards ceremony at Quinnipiac University, wrapping up two weeks of fair activities. The CSEF is a yearly statewide science and engineering fair open to all students in seventh to 12th grade residing in, or enrolled in, Connecticut schools and Fishers Island. A major objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science and engineering while developing skills essential to critical thinking. Through science fair participation, students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods. In its inaugural year, GPS Junior Innovators program is where scientifically curious eighth grade students from each of the three middle schools take part in a science research class, taught by Andrew Bramante. A complete list of CSEF results can be found online. Greenwichs victors are Hannah Dcruz, Rachel Goldenberg, Sara Rahimtula and Lula Wang of Eastern Middle School; Amelia Foell, Bridget Hadden and Kate Wick of Central Middle School; and Amaya Khwaja-Patel of Western Middle School. Sustainability awards announced The Greenwich Sustainability Committee will present its newly-established Sustainability Award in conjunction with the towns Earth Day Proclamation at noon April 1 in the Parish Hall of Christ Church in Greenwich. The presentation will be part of Waste Free Greenwich's ReThink Waste Fair, which will take place at Christ Church from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. that day. According to a news release, "the selection committee found its task very challenging and was heartened to hear about the many contributions made by members of the Greenwich community to advance sustainability in our town. For its inaugural year, it chose to focus on the contributions of our rising leaders, everyday heroes and community icons." This year's winners are Andy and Nancy Chapin, Sally Davies, Bob and Jan DeAngelo, Karen DeWahl, Isabelle Harper, Matt and Alana Kontos, Isabel and Peter Malkin, Thomas McQuillan, Karina Pruitt and Kelly Repaci Greenwich students makes Champlain dean's list Two Greenwich students have been named to the Champlain College Dean's List for achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the Fall 2022 semester. The students are Kendrick Ng-Yow of Greenwich and Alexandria Bocca of Riverside. Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college in Burlington, VT, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. The nubia 4K Red Magic Gaming Monitor that was introduced last summer is finally going global. Today the company announced its international launch and revealed its global pricing. So far North America and Malaysia are confirmed to get the company's first monitor, but more countries will inevitably join them. The Red Magic Gaming Monitor has a 27 miniLED panel with a 16:9 ratio, 4K resolution and 178-degree viewing angle. The display has 10-bit color support and HDR 1000 certification. It has over 650nit regular and 1300nit peak brightness. Gaming features include assistance with crosshair, timer, and frame rate counter. Speaking of frame rate, the monitor goes up to 160Hz refresh rate. The display can be rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise, and in all directions it has Moving Picture Response Time technology, reducing motion blur and improving clarity. Pre-orders in North America will begin on April 3, with shipments scheduled for April 6. The price is set at $869. In Malaysia you will be able to pre-order the nubia Red Magic 27 Gaming Monitor on April 4 for the price of MYR3,999 (over $900). Source Yesterday, rumors started doing the rounds, suggesting Oppo and OnePlus are exiting key European markets, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. OnePlus representatives quickly declined the rumor, later followed by Oppo, both issuing official statements about their companies dedication to the European markets. OnePlus Global PR Manager James Patterson told media: OnePlus will not exit from Europe and the UK and maintains stable operations in local markets. OnePlus will continue to invest in Europe and provide more innovative product and solutions to its users. Oppo EU spokesperson told us the company has big plans for 2023 and is committed to all existing European markets. We had a great start in 2023 with the successful launches of several products in Europe and have a line-up of upcoming products for the rest of the year. As always, Oppo will continue to provide more innovative products and the best-in-class service for users moving forward. The wording on this one is rather puzzling, as Oppo only speaks of its plans for this year rather than declaring its long-term commitments to Europe. Or we could be reading too much into it - we should know the truth soon enough. OnePlus recently launched its OnePlus 11 flagship, which is a well-rounded phone with little to complain about. The Oppo Find X6 Pro was announced last week with three main cameras but is not escaping China, leaving the Find N2 Flip as the only flagship-tier Oppo smartphone in Europe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 50% of people with glaucoma dont know they have it. Most people with glaucoma arent aware they have it because they usually have no symptoms. Hence, the importance of adding a Glaucoma Eye Check to your calendar to remind you to have your eyes checked. Glaucoma affects more than 80 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eyes optic nerve with gradual changes to ones vision. Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma, but if caught early, you can preserve your vision and prevent blindness. Prevention is the key to protecting your vision health. Glaucoma risks Be aware of these glaucoma risks. Hypertension: The high blood pressure readings inflict damage to the blood vessels in the eye which cant compensate for the changes in the blood flow when the pressure in the eyes increases so does the risk of glaucoma. The high blood pressure readings inflict damage to the blood vessels in the eye which cant compensate for the changes in the blood flow when the pressure in the eyes increases so does the risk of glaucoma. History of medical conditions such as migraines, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia. Migraine attacks cause temporary decrease in ocular eye blood perfusion possibly leading to glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy causes abnormal blood vessels that grow out of the retina and block fluid from draining out of the eye. Sickle Cell Anemia can lead to bleeding in front of the eye causing abnormal blood cells to clog fluid drainage out of the eye. Migraine attacks cause temporary decrease in ocular eye blood perfusion possibly leading to glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy causes abnormal blood vessels that grow out of the retina and block fluid from draining out of the eye. Sickle Cell Anemia can lead to bleeding in front of the eye causing abnormal blood cells to clog fluid drainage out of the eye. Eye injury or certain types of eye surgery. Long-term use of eyedrop corticosteroid medications. Glaucoma signs Some signs are easy to spot, others are more difficult. Early cases can display no symptoms. Medium-range cases of glaucoma can show signs that can be more gradual, patchy blind spots and blurred peripheral side vision. Later-term signs of glaucoma could include difficulty seeing from central vision field area, with loss of peripheral side vision. Glaucoma recommendations The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive dilated eye exam for glaucoma every five to ten years for those under 40 years old; every two to four years for those 41 to 54 years old; every one to three years for those 55 to 64 years old; and every one to two years for those older than 65 years old. Additional recommendations include wearing eye protection, shields or goggles to events with potential injury to eyes; knowing your familys eye health and medical history; taking prescription medicine eye drops as ordered and avoiding international or foreign eye drops that you arent able to translate the ingredients or warning label as it may pose a threat to your vision. Glaucoma treatments How can you be treated if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma? One way, Intraocular Pressure Reduction, is a treatment that begins with lowering the pressure in the eye, via surgery, laser treatment, drainage tubes, oral medications or eye drops. Occasionally, a combination of treatments may be prescribed. Experimental research at the Centre of Eye Research in Australia has shown that different types of vitamin B3, including niacin, nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside can slow down glaucoma progression. Vitamin B3 nicotinamide can be found naturally in brown rice, red meat, fish, poultry, nuts and seeds. Of course, discuss all possible treatments with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your individual situation. Use these tips to prevent glaucoma for yourself and your family members. Now that youve been armed with the knowledge to prevent glaucoma the pursuit of good health has never been easier. Representatives of five Guam-based companies traveled to Palau to showcase their locally made products to distributors, wholesalers and retailers as part of the Palau trade mission, organized by the Guam Economic Development Authority Lawmakers will have until Friday to decide whether to force a review of the conditions of a 50-year land lease the administration is seeking for a new hospital complex in Mangilao. The clock is ticking on the land, now owned by the Navy. It will be used by the military for other purposes if GovGuam doesnt sign the lease by April 14, based on a letter from Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson to the governor. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero last week vetoed Bill 12, which would require the Legislature to approve the lease before it moves forward. The measure was passed unanimously by lawmakers with the intent of increasing transparency over the hospital deal. Leon Guerrero said the bill threatened to derail the project and was an encroachment on her powers as governor. But Attorney General Doug Moylan, whose office is now reviewing the land lease, said he will give senators until the end of the work week to entertain an override of Bill 12. I informed (the governor) when we met several weeks ago, Moylan stated. He said a legal review of the deal is ongoing, but did not specify whether approval was expected. Leon Guerrero said there is no issue with the terms of the lease. Some lawmakers, however, have said that they want to scrutinize the terms to ensure a good deal. Author of Bill 12, Speaker Therese Terlaje plans to move for an override of the veto on Wednesday, according to a release from her office. The level of public indebtedness for the possibly $1 billion hospital complex would affect generations of residents, Terlaje said in a statement. Right now, the 50-year lease we have seen says details will be provided only after the lease is signed, regarding the facility requirements of the military and the in-kind contributions that may be used to offset the almost $1 million lease payments for over 40 years. This is concerning, she said. If the override is successful, lawmakers will have to pass new legislation authorizing the lease. The approval will need to go through the public hearing process, unless senators decide to waive that requirement, and be debated on the session floor of the Legislature. Debate could give lawmakers a chance to question administration officials under oath. Its unclear how the vote will swing. All 15 senators voted to pass Bill 12, and just 10 votes are needed to override Leon Guerreros veto. However, the time-sensitive nature of the land lease was not revealed until after the measures passed, and Adelup has since been meeting with lawmakers to discuss the issue. Sen. Chris Barnett aired during Mondays session said the administration is pressuring lawmakers to change their position on the issue. Nicholson said the lease requires the new hospital to have the following: the ability to treat mass casualties; hyperbaric oxygen treatment; inpatient rehabilitation services; inpatient hemodialysis; a pediatric intensive care unit; a heat-resistant landing pad for military aircraft; and an interventional radiology facility that can be used for cardiac catheterization. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Contractors License Board Tuesday voted to issue a cease and desist order to the contractor handling the A.B. Won Pat International Airports baggage handling system and to fine the company $300,000 for working without a contractors license for over a year. Menzies Aviation has been servicing the airport on an emergency basis since November 2021, despite not having a license with the Contractors License Board. The airport was paying a monthly service fee of $78,688, which was bumped up to $119,757 a month starting last July. An administrative hiccup has stalled enforcement by the board, but with an investigation completed and a legal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General finalized Tuesday, board members opted to order the company to shut operations down. Menzies will be fined $1,000 a day until it gets the necessary licensure. Due to pending litigation, we have no comment, Airport Marketing Administrator Rolenda Faasuamalie said in a statement Tuesday. We have not received notice and we do not believe airport operations will be impacted at this time. Board officials were unclear Tuesday on whether the lack of C-13 licensure, which relates to electrical work, would foul up the ability of Menzies to operate the baggage system or only prevent them from maintaining the electrical components. The cease and desist order only applies to work that would require a C-13 license, but it will be up to the airport to decide how to handle the issue, according to the discussion at the meeting. Legal opinion A report from Contractors Board investigators noted the baggage conveyor system is composed of hundreds of 480-volt electric motors, motor control panels, electronic sensors driving thousands of feet of conveyor belts inside the airport facility, the legal opinion from the Office of the Attorney General states. It appeared that the violation was knowing, willful and intentional given the fact that (Menzies parent company Aircraft Services International Group) previously was licensed and how it seemingly interfered with a serious investigation. Menzies employees also had refused to allow investigators access to the system on one occasion, the opinion states. The maximum fine possible was about $632,000, according to the boards investigator supervisor Nida Bailey about 50% of the entire contract value to date. Bailey told Menzies legal counsel there is an appeals process. The company will be able to contest the decision within 15 days of receiving the citation and is entitled to a hearing within 30 days where they can argue their case. Tourism recovery I dont look too kindly at stuff like that, Director of Public Works Vince Arriola said during the meeting, adding that an issue could potentially stymie the recovery of tourism for the island. I think the folks that should really be on this would be, you know, our colleagues at the airport, because theyve got a multi-million dollar facility up there, and they need to protect that. And if youve got someone whos unlicensed, working on certain things there, Id be scared something goes wrong. The cease and desist order caps off over a year of controversy surrounding the project, which began with accusations of fraud from the Office of Public Accountability and the resignation of former Contractors License Board Executive Director Cecil Buddy Orsini in late 2021. Industrial equipment supplier JMI Edison, which lodged a protest against Menzies in November 2021, once again is seeking to retain the contract. The company as of last week served another procurement protest to John Quinata, airport executive director. We installed the (baggage handling system) system in 2017, and we have the backing of the systems integrator and manufacturer to make sure all issues are addressed and no (system) outage happens, JMI Vice President John Ilao said in a statement. Also in our proposal, we assured the airport that we will offer employment to all Menzies employees working on the (baggage handling system), just like how its done all over the world when there is a contract transition from one vendor to another. A man who hit someone in the face with a lamp was found guilty of assault in a jury trial according to a release by the Office of the Attorney General. In 2018, Guam Police Department officers responded to an assault complaint at a house in Dededo. When they arrived, a man said he was hit in the face with an unknown object by someone he knew, 53-year-old Rayland Alfonso Towai. The man was taken to Guam Regional Medical City to treat his injuries a broken jaw, laceration and abrasion. Towai said he hit the man for bothering him, court records state. At first, Towai told officers at the scene that he only used his fist. Later while being taken to a police car, he said, Im getting arrested because I slapped the guy with the light, according to court documents. Near the scene, police found a broken lamp that was taken into evidence. A jury of 12 in the Superior Court of Guam unanimously decided that Towai committed assault as a misdemeanor. The release by the Attorney Generals Office stated the verdict was a victory against violence occurring in the community and protecting victims of crime. Sentencing by Judge Dana Gutierrez is forthcoming, according to the release. Towai was initially charged in 2018 with aggravated assault as a third-degree felony with the special allegation of possession or use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony. You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close Police have identified a pedestrian killed in a traffic crash on Route 1 last week as Kamerino Angkel, 38. Angkel was crossing Marine Corps Drive at 8 p.m. Thursday near HMart in Anigua when he was hit by a gray sedan traveling north, according to police. The Highway Patrol Division was activated and assumed control of the investigation. Guam Fire Department personnel took Angkel to Naval Hospital, where he died. The investigation is ongoing and the case remains open, police said. Angkel was Guams sixth traffic fatality in 2023. Others include: Feb. 7: Venic Fiden, who was driving a Nissan Pathfinder, was killed when his vehicle collided with a trash truck on Route 15 in Mangilao. Feb. 12: Martin Perez Ruiz of Tamuning, a pedestrian in a crosswalk at the ITC intersection, was killed when he was hit by a Honda Ridgeline. Feb. 22: Florinda Herrera Rosero, 83, of Tamuning, was in the crosswalk going from the ITC Building to TakeCare when she was hit by a Ford F150 truck making a right turn. Feb. 25: Chet Charles Gallinnari, of Yigo, was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle southbound on Marine Corps Drive near Chief Brodie School in Tamuning when he collided with a 2019 Dodge Challenger that made a U-turn in front of the school. March 5: Bicycle rider Jeffry Ignacio, 42, of Yona, died after a Mitsubishi Lancer traveling directly behind him struck his rear tire Feb. 15 on Route 16 near the Barrigada post office. Republican lawmakers are seeking arrests and criminal charges over the spreading of a false document bearing the initials of Sen. Chris Duenas last week, which purported to cut funding to a recent raise for school teachers. This is a very serious breach, and in fact a criminal act. And it is the stance of members of the legislature to take these actions very seriously, Republican Minority Leader Sen. Frank Blas Jr. said during a press conference hosted at his caucus joint office in Hagatna Tuesday. Senators would not allow the bullying, cajoling or intimidation of their rank, Blas said. The Republican caucus is calling for the legislature to convene a bipartisan investigative committee to look into the source of the forged document, which was formatted as an amendment to Sen. Duenas Bill 32 and spread online last week. Theyve introduced Resolution 67, which would authorize the creation of the committee, and have the support of Democrat and Legislative Committee on Rules Chair Sen. Chris Barnett. What this legislation will do is allow for subpoena power, allow for forensics to be done, so that the source of the document could be identified, Duenas said Monday. The senator said the fraudulent activity could affect any member of the legislature, if it were allowed to continue. Duenas has already filed a criminal complaint against Julian Janssen, chapter leader of the Progressive Democrats of Guam, who shared and then retracted the document on social media last week. Janssen told PDN he did not create the document, but was only reposting it. He said he was under the impression it had originated with the Clerk of the Legislature. Sen. Tom Fisher, main sponsor of Resolution 67, said that the investigation by the Legislature, once set in motion, would run alongside a police investigation. A crime did occur. When we discover the conspirators who are responsible, I expect arrests to follow. Fisher, who is an attorney, said perpetrators could be facing conspiracy, obstruction of justice or forgery charges. Lawmakers would go every bit as hard on attempts to obstruct justice by clearing hard drives or destroying evidence in an attempt to cover up the origin of the document, he said. Janssen said last week that he was told the document had originated with the office of the Clerk of the Legislature. Rules Committee Chair Sen. Chris Barnett said that a search through the Legislatures records did not reveal that to be true. Minority leader Blas said that lawmakers were not ruling out the possibility that the document had come from inside the Legislature, but declined to elaborate on any evidence that was available. Fisher said that the lawmakers did have reason to believe that the forgery went through a server at the University of Guam on March 20. Senators are not ruling out the possibility that the Office of the Governor was somehow involved either, according to Blas. He said that Janssen, a classified employee with the Bureau of Statistics and Planning, had been given a soapbox by the administration. Janssen and Adelup have both denied any connection between the document and the Office of the Governor. That is completely false. The administration was not involved in the drafting of this amendment, Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin said again on Tuesday. Adelup does not endorse anything knowingly shared by anyone under false pretenses. Our administration is committed to sharing the facts and the truth. Have an idea? Want to praise or comment on something? Submit your letter to the editor. Our View: Cultural repository is a great way to teach us about our past Haiti - Economy : 6.1% of Micro, small and medium enterprises in the Dom. Republic owned by Haitians (Report) The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean country that hosts the largest number of foreign-born people. according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Although the IOM does not provide exact data on the quantity and nationalities, recent estimates indicate that the main countries of origin of immigration to the country are Haiti (86.50%), the United States (2.55%), and Spain with (1.27%). It is therefore normal that Haitians are more present in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). According to a report by the Dominican National Office of Statistics, the percentage is 6.1%. This taking into account that, according to the second national survey of immigrants to the Dominican Republic prepared in 2017 (ENI-2017), there were 497,825 Haitian migrants representing more than 70% of all migrant workers living in the Dominican territory. Other more recent estimates put the number of Haitians between 650,000 and 1 million. These Haitian migrants are mainly concentrated in the sectors of agriculture (33.8%), construction (26.3%), trade (16.3%) and hotels, bars and restaurants, which includes accommodation and catering (5.5%). Regarding the level of education, the report specifies that 35.6% of Haitian owners have attended or are attending secondary school, 34.3% at the initial or primary level and 27.2% have a university education. The postgraduate level has a lower participation, around 1.9%. The Dominican National Office of Statistics also produces data on family socioeconomic groups. Establishes based on general characteristics of the home, such as quality of physical infrastructure, access to public housing services, as well as ownership of assets, such as vehicles, appliances, telephones, air conditioners, etc... 31.8% of these Haitian businesses belong to the middle and upper-middle group, followed by the lower-middle group (26.6%). A significant proportion of business owners are found in the lowest socio-economic groups (15.1%), Only 9.9% of MSMEs belong to a high family socio-economic group. Download the full report (PDF 49 pages in Spanish) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/anelisis-de-la-mipyme-en-rd-un-enfoque-de-grnero-del-modulo-enhogar-2022.pdf S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Dom. Republic : Nearly 24,500 illegal Haitians return to Haiti in one month The latest report (February 2023) from the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) reveals that 24,428 men, women and children have returned to Haiti (repatriated by Dominican migration services, voluntarily returned or turned back at the border). Repatriation by Dominican migration services: 13,090 compatriot s: Repatriation through the official border crossings: Anse-a-Pitres, Belladere, Malpasse and Ouanaminthe, amounted to 10,695 compatriots : Men (81.89%); women (11.25%) and minors, boys and girls, (6.84%). Repatriation through unofficial border crossings : Baptiste, Belladere (Rocher), Cornillon, Fonds-Verettes, Las Cahobas (Bateille), Savanette (Miguel) amounted to 2,395 compatriots B> : Men (47.89%), women (24.75%) and minor boys and girls (27.34%). Refoulement at the border: 3,119 compatriots: Turned back through official border crossings amount to 2,122 compatriots : Men (60.40%), women (34.77%) and minor boys and girls (4.75%) Turned back through unofficial border crossings amount to 997 compatriots : Men (45.63%), women (26.98%) and minor boys and girls (27.38%) "Spontaneous" or "voluntary" returns of our compatriots : 8,219 "Spontaneous" returns through official border crossings amount to 5,941 compatriots: Men (56.9%), women (32.85%) and minors, boys and girls, (6.86%) "Spontaneous" returns through unofficial border crossings amount to 2,278 compatriots: Men (46.66%), women (33.18%) and minors, boys and girls, (20.14%) Pregnant women : 219 Repatriated : 128 Spontaneous returns : 71 Turned back : 20 Total 219 Unaccompanied minors : 331 Repatriated : 113 Spontaneous returns : 141 Turned back : 77 Notes : The memorandum of understanding on repatriation and so many other tools for the protection of migrants signed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are not respected in any way. The GARR observes more and more cases of intolerable excesses on the part of Dominican migration. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... The state of emergency requested by around twenty organizations About twenty civil society organizations including the collective 4 December, CONAHNE and the Karl Leveque Center propose the creation of neighborhood defense groups by citizens and the declaration by the government of a state of emergency in the areas where such a provision is necessary, faced with what they call the "rise of brutal, invading and criminal terrorism". They also asks the government in place to identify any country willing and able to provide Haiti with the materials and equipment needed in the fight against armed gangs. Over 500,000 cigarettes seized The Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), thanks to intelligence work carried out in the municipality of Cabecera, province of Dajabon, seized 121,700 units of cigarettes (Comme il Faut, Capital...) from Haiti. Also yesterday, thanks to intelligence work carried out on El Morro beach in Montecristi, it seized the quantity of 420,000 units of Capital brand cigarettes. Start of School Census Start of online registration operations for schools in the Republic as part of the School Census launched by the MENFP on March 27. The INSTITUTION MIXTE VISION MODERNE THOMAZEAU school in the West is the first to have fulfilled this formality. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30222-haiti-education-school-census-and-accreditation-of-private-schools.html Warning from former Senator Steven Benoit "To those in power today who allow State gangs to murder our peaceful fellow citizens with impunity across the entire PAP metropolitan area, you will one day be judged. And justice will not be kind to you and your henchmen," said former Senator Steven Benoit 83 years of the National Library of Haiti The National Bureau of Ethnology salutes the 83 years of the National Library of Haiti, State guardian of the Documentary Heritage and literary works of Haiti. The work of the National Bureau of Ethnology, which does complementary work to the mission of the BNH, encourages it to do everything in order to keep the course on this noble mission that it pursues. Long at the BNH. A humiliating attitude according to former Colonel Himmler Rebu Former Colonel Himmler Rebu describes as humiliating for the Haitian government the attitude of the international community which has not so far deigned to respond to the request of the Haitian authorities relating to the deployment of an international force in the country. He is very critical of Canada and the United States in the management of the Haiti file. After 5 years, reopening of the National Customs School Reopening of the National Customs School (END), after more than 5 years of closure. Under the leadership of Julcene Edouard, the Director General of the General Administration of Customs (AGD), a training session began on customs value for the benefit of about twenty candidates selected following an internal recruitment notice. HL/ HaitiLibre Login or sign up to follow actresses, movies & dramas and get specific updates and news Login Sign Up New Ad-free Subscriber Login Email Password Password Username Subscribe to our daily NewsLetter Your E-mail will only be used to retrieve a lost password or receive our NewsLetter. Stay logged in Lost password Contact Korean Movie | 2022 Crime Thriller Directed by Hong Seok-goo () Written by Jung Woo-chul-I () 101min | Release date in South Korea: 2022/11/23 Theatrical version of "Drama Special 2022 - TV Cinema - The Distributors". Synopsis "My cell phone disappeared, and I became the Nth" Do Yoo-bin, a man who dreams of a happy married life, is led by his old friend, Gong Sang-beom, and spends an unforgettable day at the club. And then, the memories from before that night disappeared, and a phone call was received from someone. The criminal said that if he didn't get 33 million won, he would release the video to the world... Tonight, everything he wanted to hide is unlocked! Published on 2023/03/27 | Source New poster added for the upcoming Korean movie "I Leave Home" (2021) Advertisement Directed by Kim Sung-hwan-II With Yang Heung-joo, Na Hyun-joon,... Synopsis 'Seong-min', who has been preparing to leave for a long time, heads to a Buddhist temple, Taeungsa, with his friend 'Jin-woo'. However, when Seong-min arrives at the temple, he is unexpectedly denied entry due to the age limit. Confused, Seong-min and Jin-woo did not give up and headed to Bobmunsa Temple in Odaesan, but this time they are rejected for another unexpected reason... Life isn't easy at all! From now on, a pleasant mind journey begins! Shall we leave together? Release date in Korea : 2023/04/05 Published on 2023/03/27 | Source Rookie Yoon Hyun-soo has been cast as the main character in the original TVING series "Running Mate". Advertisement Yoon Hyun-soo's agency, Outer Korea, said in an official press release on March 22, "Actor Yoon Hyun-soo has been cast as the main character in the drama "Running Mate". "Running Mate" is directed by Han Jin-won, who won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay as co-writer of the movie "Parasite" with Bong Joon-ho. It has received a lot of attention since the early stages of production. Yoon Hyun-soo was selected as the main character of "Running Mate" through fierce auditions with his unique boyishness. Meanwhile, Yoon Hyun-soo has been cast in the fantasy romance drama "A Good Day to be a Dog" and "Running Mate" will be released through TVING in 2024. Indian parliament adjourned following protests over Gandhi's disqualification Xinhua) 09:37, March 28, 2023 NEW DELHI, March 27 (Xinhua) -- India's parliament was adjourned on Monday as lawmakers belonging to the Indian National Congress (INC) protested against the disqualification of senior opposition leader Rahul Gandhi from the lower house of the parliament. A former INC president, Rahul Gandhi had been a lawmaker since 2004. He is the son of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, grandson of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, and great-grandson of the country's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. Monday was the first day when the parliament resumed after Gandhi's disqualification from parliament on Friday. He represented the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in the southern state of Kerala in the lower house. Violent protests by INC members were witnessed over the past three days over his expulsion from the parliament. Gandhi told the media on Saturday that his fight for democracy in the country would continue and he would also continue asking questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "association" with business tycoon Gautam Adani. Gandhi's expulsion from the parliament was a result of an order by a court in the western state of Gujarat sentencing him to a two-year imprisonment in a defamation case wherein he had passed certain objectionable comments against the community that Modi belongs to. During the day, the INC lawmakers wore black outfit and raised slogans inside the parliament against Modi linking him with Adani, alleging that the prime minister had been "benefiting" the business tycoon. INC President Mallikarjun Kharge said democracy was being trampled in the South Asian country. He alleged that the federal government had been using the probe agencies to bend those who did not bow before it. Amid the raising of slogans by INC lawmakers, the lower house was adjourned till 16:00 local time on Monday, while the upper house was adjourned till 11:00 on Tuesday. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Photo courtesy of IMBD By Bob Garver Theres something about a fourth movie in a series that tends to be dangerous for a franchises legacy. Batman and Robin led to the Caped Crusader being taken off the big screen for eight years. Terminator: Salvation is better remembered for its miserable production than anything in the finished film. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was widely seen as a severe disservice to the iconic character. Even the Oscar-winning Toy Story 4 was criticized for not leaving a perfectly good trilogy alone. Yes, Mad Max: Fury Road was a rousing success, though fans seemed to care very little about the continuation aspects of the movie. John Wick: Chapter 4 didnt have a 30-year gap to make sure things were just right. It only had, fittingly, four years, and they were affected by the pandemic. What Im saying is that its no surprise that the new movie is the worst of the series. Now thats only a relative worst, I still recommend the movie overall. But I cant help but see this movie as a misstep in a franchise that hadnt made many mistakes up to this point. The film sees the revered title assassin (Keanu Reeves) at war with the mysterious overlords known as the High Table. He killed an off-limits enemy way back in Chapter 2, and the High Table wants him killed as a consequence, but hes not having it, and tensions and body counts have only escalated since. A high-ranking Table member known as the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard) is tasked with handling the situation, and he starts by handing down consequences to Wicks allies Winston (Ian McShane) and Charon (the late Lance Reddick). I would have been unhappy with Charons fate even if Reddick hadnt recently died, and now it frankly seems downright disrespectful. Wick knows that the High Table will kill anyone that helps him, so naturally he goes to Osaka and endangers old friend Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada). A shootout ensues, in which Wick finds out that another old friend, a blind assassin named Caine (Donnie Yen) is working for the High Table, but only because theyll kill his daughter if he doesnt. He also meets an anonymous tracker (Shamier Anderson) who is so greedy that hes willing to help keep Wick alive until the Marquis raises the bounty on his head to a more lucrative amount, then hell kill him. The Marquis is right to be nervous. High Table rules state that Wick can win his freedom if he can kill the Marquis in a one-on-one duel. Theres a whole side-trip where Wick has to be accepted into a family of assassins and get revenge on sleazy crime boss Killa Harkan (Scott Adkins) in order to qualify, but the duel in Paris is destined to happen. Theres just the matter of Wick needing to live until the appointed dueling time of sunrise. To make it, hell have to survive a citywide shootout against anyone that wants to collect the bounty. Cue a seemingly hour-long sequence of Wick in shootouts in the middle of traffic at the Arc de Triomphe, at an abandoned building with wondrous overhead camerawork, and on a steep staircase outside Sacre-Cur. And all John has is a bulletproof suit and a gun provided by his friend The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) that also serves as a flamethrower. The third act saves John Wick: Chapter 4 by the skin of its teeth. Until then, the film is plagued by baffling character decisions, insufficient exposition (like, why does the High Table use extortion on Caine when theyre otherwise happy to pay people for their services?), and poor pacing. But once those gun-kata action scenes start up, I just cant stay mad at this movie. If this marks the end of the John Wick series, then I can say the franchise never had a bad installment. I just have to put a nervous emphasis on bad so as not to give Chapter 4 undue praise. Grade: B- John Wick: Chapter 4 is rated R for pervasive strong violence and some language. Its running time is 169 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at [email protected]. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket By Sherrie Norris The pandemic might have played dirty tricks on lots of events around the area and beyond including forcing the cancellation for two years of the signature Childrens Playhouse event known as Buildfest but this years adventure, even if it is happening on April 1, promises to be everything but a joke. Last years return of Buildfest was an incredible opportunity for 1,400 youngsters and their parents to find their way back into action, and this years fun-filled day offers even more. Playhouse BuildFest is scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Watauga High School in Boone. Always attracting youngsters, parents and educators, BuildFest is a featured event of the 2023 North Carolina Science Festival, is hosted annually by The Childrens Playhouse of Boone and is supported by a number of local businesses, organizations and over 200 volunteers a much-needed component to ensure success. Celebrating eight years of great learning experiences for kids ages 2 to 12, Buildfest offers age-appropriate and hands-on STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and engaging demonstrations. BuildFest offers learning (and volunteer opportunities!) on multiple levels for children from 2-12 and adults who care about them. And for their younger siblings, (toddlers) an activity area will be available onsite in The Childrens Council Family Resource Village, which provides resources for parents/caregivers, plus a quiet space for nursing moms or a break from sensory overload for any of the participants. Kathy Parham, longtime executive director at Childrens Playhouse, along with a skeleton crew, counts on the High Country community every year to come alongside them to make this something special for the kids. And, its something the youngsters dont easily forget. This years BuildFest will include about 70 activities, including many returning favorites (Tiny Town: a Cardboard Neighborhood for Kids 5 and under, and Cardboard City Crew Chiefs), plus two new amazing physics shows:10 am (for sensitive ears) and 1 pm (may be loud). Advanced education interns will be helping facilitate building in Cardboard City, while keeping an eye on safety. Parent / Caregiver Responsibilities Event organizers ask that you do not come to BuildFest if you or anyone in your family has had cough and/or cold symptoms, fever, or diarrhea and vomiting in the 24 hours prior to the event or if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19. You are responsible for supervising the children you bring to BuildFest. There will be a wide range of activities offered, but not every activity will be suitable for every child. Its your responsibility to decide what activities are appropriate and safe for your child. Please help your big kids be thoughtful and kind to the little ones. Volunteers Still Needed If you love BuildFest, please consider volunteering! About 200 volunteers are needed to pull this off, said Parham. Of course, we want you to enjoy BuildFest with your kids, but hopefully, you could consider tag-teaming with another adult so that you can carve out a couple of hours to help. In addition to needing help with activities during BuildFest, we also need help with setup on Friday evening and cleanup on Saturday after 2 pm. Parham describes this event as A day when the community comes together to spark wonder and joy in kids. Admission is free, but families are encouraged to register in advance (online) to avoid over-crowding, to gain faster entry and have a chance to win prizes. You may stay as long as you like after you arrive, and you will probably want at least two hours to explore everything, Parham said. Earlier (survey) responses from Buildfest have included: It was more than just building and had activities that were fun for my kids who are far apart in age. It was extremely kid friendly; well organized with lots of activities. I think this is a great service for the community. So impressed by the scale of your event! I loved all of the helpful people, awesome organizations, kid activities and emphasis on children. It was so fun for our family! While I didnt use the Calm Down Center I thought that was such a wonderful, thoughtful option for families. A Few Reminders: To give everyone a clear idea of what to expect and how to easily navigate through the unexpected: BuildFest closes promptly at 2 pm. First Aid and Lost Child boots will be located in the big gym. Snacks, pizza, fruit and drinks will be available for an optional suggested donation. Lower lighting for those who are sensory sensitive will be provided between 9-10 a.m. There will also be a Calm Down Corner in the WHS library, which will also be available for nursing mothers. The first Amazing Physics Show held at 10 am will be sensory friendly. The Playhouse building in town will be closed beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 31 for BuildFest preparations and all day on Saturday. Parham stressed that the event would not be possible without all the volunteers, donors and sponsors who help make it happen. Sponsors keep the event free, she said and we would like to publicly acknowledge them and thank them for their support: This years BuildFest sponsors include: ECRS, OP Smiles Orthodontists & Pediatric Dentists, Moltox, North Carolina Science Festival, Avery Animal Hospital , BCS Wealth Management, Bluebird Pediatric Dentistry, Erin Anderson Design, Greenway Medical Associates, Mast General Store, Modern Toyota & Subaru, VPC Builders, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vincent Properties, The Cardinal, Cynthia Cero, EPIC Family Chiropractic, High Country Doulas, Lilys Snack Bar, Jo-Lynn Enterprises, Revolution Boone. For more information and/or to register as a participating family and/or volunteer, visit goplayhouse.org or contact Parham at (828) 263-0011 or [email protected]. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket In 2022, Finnish angels invested 37 million euros in 248 growth companies, says the latest study conducted by the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN), collecting answers from 450 private investors out of FiBAN's 670 members. 7% of FiBAN members investments were made outside of Finland. The most popular countries were Estonia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. FiBAN's annual study of investments and exits maps the development and impact of angel investments. "FiBAN members care about the societal impact of their investments. We reach a significant portion of Finnish angel investors, however, private investing happens outside of FiBAN as well" says Annukka Mickelsson, Interim CEO of FiBAN. Figure 1: Investments (in millions of euros) reported by FiBAN members in the years 2017-2022. 248 companies received funding from FiBAN members in 2022. Almost half was invested in new startups Finnish angel investors have remained active. The median size of an investment round increased from 250,000 to 290,000 from the previous year with a total of 791 investment rounds. Almost half of these were invested in new companies. Although globally startup funding has dropped by half, in Finland, the interest in new companies has clearly revived after the pandemic, says FiBAN chair of the board Kim Vaisanen. The median investment size remained at the level of 2021 at 20,000 euros. Less than ten percent of FiBAN's angel investors make half of all investments made through the network. They are so-called super angels whose investments range from hundreds of thousands to millions of euros at a time. Finnish angel investors often have backgrounds in leadership roles, as well as in their own enterprises. For many startups, angel investors are the first believers. "Angel investors' expertise is based on extensive experience in leadership and business development. What they bring into the startup, are the networks and the desire to develop the companies. That is why angels are often desirable partners for startup founders", says FiBANs Interim CEO Annukka Mickelsson. FiBAN offers training and education for its members to support professional angel investing. "Angel investing often starts with smaller amounts and the amounts grow as experience grows. Previously accumulated wealth is often reinvested in new growth companies. Professional angel investing is significant to the whole startup ecosystem," Mickelsson adds. Figure 2: FiBAN members reported to have participated in 791 investment rounds. Almost half of the investments were directed to new companies. High-risk investing with bankrupts and acquisitions The number of exits slightly decreased compared to the record year of 2021, when 168 exits were made. 122 exits were made in the year 2022, of which half were acquisitions and one-third were bankruptcies. Bankruptcies remained at the same level as in previous years. "Angel investments are long-term commitments that should be evaluated over a longer time rather than annually. Angels stand by entrepreneurs even in difficult times. We are with the startup for up to a decade," says Vaisanen. "Exits have changed, as various option systems have become more common in large corporate acquisitions. It has become increasingly common to keep the management involved in the transformation after the acquisition, adds Mickelsson. The expected range of returns on startup investing is very broad compared to, for example, stock investing. However, high-return exits are rare, but an individual exit in Finland can have a return on investment up to 100x. Usually about a third of angel investments drop to zero, but in some cases, the value of the investment can multiply drastically. After taxes, the profits are often reinvested in startups," says Mickelsson. The high valuations of early 2022 manifested as a temporary increase in profitability. "At the beginning of the year, valuations were high, and then exits were made that were larger than usual. These temporarily showed as an increase in the values of exits as well," adds Mickelsson. HT Source: Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) Helsingin Sanomat on Monday reported that all the ratification was opposed only by members of Our Homeland Movement, a far-right opposition party that believes expanding the defence alliance would geographically escalate Russias war of aggression in Ukraine. THE HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT on Monday approved the Finnish application to join Nato by a vote of 182 in favour and 6 against. The party holds 6 of the 199 seats in the National Assembly. The Hungarian government supports Finland joining Nato. Finland has a strong army, and it has been a reliable partner for Nato. Finland meets the criteria and shares the values of Nato, Tamas Menczer, the state secretary at the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, was quoted saying by Helsingin Sanomat. Although the National Assembly ended up supporting the ratification overwhelmingly, the ruling and opposition parties disagreed on how the process should have been conducted, with opposition members criticising the ruling parties for what had been an indecisive process. We suspect that this hesitancy was dictated by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, Brenner Koloman, a member of the conservative party Jobbik Conservatives, was quoted saying by Helsingin Sanomat. YLE on Monday reported that Turkey is expected to ratify the membership application in the coming days, possibly as soon as on Wednesday. One diplomatic source said the ratification would most likely take place this Wednesday, commented Mika Makelainen, a YLE journalist following the ratification process in Turkey. The parliament here is working overtime this week because of the looming elections, so the ratification could also take place over the weekend or next week. Makelainen added that the agenda of a parliamentary session will not be confirmed until moments before it begins. Once Turkey has ratified the accession protocol of Finland, Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of Nato, will invite Finland to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty, the document forming the legal basis of the defence alliance. A Finnish representative will then travel to Washington DC, the US, to submit the accession documents to the Department of State, thus finalising the membership. The Swedish application to join the alliance has yet to be ratified by either Hungary or Turkey. Aleksi Teivainen HT New Delhi, Delhi, India Business Wire India Lighthouse Learning, one of Indias leading early years and K-12 education groups, today announced a strategic partnership with the Heritage Xperiential Schools, a group of premium schools in Gurgaon, to expand its network of schools in the country. The partnership will witness opening of 10 new Heritage Xperiential Schools over the next 5 years, which will bring together Heritage Schools unique model of education with Lighthouse Learnings expertise in operating and expanding diverse schools in its network. Founded in 2003, Heritage Xperiential School is known for its pioneering work in Project-based and Experiential Learning, a progressive pedagogy that has been recommended for replication by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While all Heritage Xperiential Schools are centered around this method of education, the Heritage Xperiential Learning School (HXLS) has been consistently ranked among the top three day-schools in the country for its value system, holistic education and outstanding faculty. The Heritage International Xperiential School (HIXS) offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is one of the top-ranked schools by students academic performance. The Lighthouse Learning Groups network has over 1,300 Pre-Schools and 45 schools in the K-12 segment, nurturing over 150,000 students every day with its Child First ideology. One new state-of-the-art campus of HIXS, with world-class infrastructure across 5 acres, will be launched in Gurgaon in July 2023. The other new HIXS schools are planned for launch across Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad over the next 5 years. Additional elements of the strategic partnership between Lighthouse Learning and Heritage Xperiential Schools include sharing best practices between both groups of schools, and conducting joint R&D to improve the quality of education, particularly with respect to faculty and leadership development. Students and staff of both schools will receive exposure and career development opportunities in other locations and other systems of education. A Steering Committee will be set up to operationalize all aspects of this partnership, co-chaired by Manit Jain, Co-Founder Heritage Xperiential Schools and Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder and Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning. Prajodh Rajan, Co-Founder & Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning said, We are excited to partner with the Heritage Xperiential Schools as we will be able to assist them in expanding their footprint in the country. Heritages goal of transforming mainstream school education is in alignment with our objective of providing a holistic educational foundation to students from early years to K-12. We are thrilled to work with a talented team of educators from Heritage for research on aspects of quality of education and joint development of solutions. On the occasion Manit Jain, Co-Founder, Heritage Xperiential Schools, said, Ever since we built an effective pedagogy around experiential learning about 20 years ago, we have been looking for opportunities to expand the reach of this curriculum and cover more students, without compromising on quality. We are delighted to have found a partner in Lighthouse Learning, who provides a platform of infrastructure, logistics and operations which Heritage Xperiential Schools can tap into to expand our schools rapidly. We are also excited by the opportunities for growth and development for our students and staff that will emerge from a growing network of Heritage and Lighthouse Learning schools of diverse backgrounds and locations. About Lighthouse Learning Group Lighthouse Learning (formerly known as EuroKids International) is India's leading early years & K-12 education group. The group, which global investment firm KKR invested in 2019, is committed to delivering the Joy of Learning to students in early childhood education and K-12 segments. With its portfolio of brands - EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool, Billabong High International and Centre Point Schools, Nagpur, Lighthouse Learning nurtures over 150,000 students every day with its Child First ideology in a safe and engaging learning environment. Over the last 20 years, Lighthouse Learning a Great Place to Work certified organisation has played an active role in evolving the education landscape in India. The group is committed to delivering a robust foundation for future generations with innovation in pedagogy, the use of appropriate technology, and focus on child safety. With a network of over 1,300+ Preschools and 45 Schools, Lighthouse Learning empowers 1,000+ women entrepreneurs across the nation and employs a workforce of over 10,000. To know more, please visit: www.lighthouse-learning.com Media Contact Details Vasudha Rao, Adfactors PR, vasudha.rao@adfactorspr.com, +91-9820347118 Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Modern organizations now depend on logistics software because it makes supply chain management more efficient and effective. Logistics software may automate a variety of tasks and increase productivity, from inventory management to shipping and delivery. The need for logistics software development businesses that can provide top-notch and unique solutions has increased. This blog will examine the top logistics software development companies that have become known for their know-how, inventiveness, and capacity to offer innovative logistics solutions to customers all over the world. List of Top 10 Trusted Logistics Software Development Companies in 2023 Here are the Top Logistics Software development companies: 1. eSparkBiz eSparkBiz provides top notch Web development, mobile app development, eCommerce development and bespoke software development services. The business employs a group of talented engineers, designers, and marketers that collaborate to provide solutions that are specifically targeted to the demands of its customers. Their business, which has more than 12 years of expertise, has proudly serviced clients in more than 20 different nations. More than 250 brilliant members of our development team are committed to giving their clients the best products and services possible. They take great pride in our 95% customer retention rate, 4.9 Clutch rating, and 5.0 HubSpot rating. Their CMMI Level 3 accreditation and ISO 27001 certification serve as additional proof of their dedication to providing top-notch service. They are dedicated to helping our customers succeed and look forward to serving you. Clutch Rating 4.9 Established On 2010 Projects Completed 1000+ Price $15 to $25 / hr Time Zone Availability GMT, ECT, MET, IST, JST, ACT, AET, NST, PST, CST, EST Min Project Size $5,000+ Employees 300+ 2. NeenOpal An Indian firm NeenOpal develops software and offers a variety of services, such as data analytics, AI and ML development, software development, and web development. Since its founding in 2016, the firm has developed into a major supplier of cutting-edge technological solutions to organisations all over the world. Our experts at NeenOpal work with customers to understand their business objectives and provide customised solutions tailored to their individual requirements. They offer dependable and scalable software solutions that let businesses use the most up-to-date methods and technology to streamline operations and accomplish their goals. Clutch Rating 4.9 Established On 2016 Projects Completed 80+ Price $15 to $25 / hr Min Project Size $10,000+ Employees 50+ 3. FlowSpace Modern logistics solutions are provided by an American software business named FlowSpace. This company specializes in warehouse management software and other logistics solutions since its founding in 2015. The FlowSpace team collaborates extensively with customers to fully understand their requirements so that customized solutions can be provided. Innovative techniques and technologies are always being explored to improve their products and services because they place a high value on innovation. Clutch Rating 4.9 Established On 2016 Projects Completed 180+ Price $150 - $199 / hr Min Project Size $10,000+ Employees 150+ 4. Future Platforms UK-based Future Platforms provides cutting-edge digital solutions to organisations across a number of industries. This company has established itself as a top provider of online and mobile development services since its inception in 2000. Future Platforms offers a wide range of services, some of which include digital strategy consulting, web development, UX/UI design, and mobile app development. They collaborate with clients to comprehend their business objectives and offer tailored solutions that are suitable for each client's requirements. Clutch Rating 4.4 Established On 2000 Projects Completed 110+ Price $100 - $149 / hr Min Project Size $25,000+ Employees 50+ 5. Datex WMS Located in Clearwater, Florida, Datex Corporation is a technology firm that offers warehouse management software solutions to companies in a variety of sectors. Since its founding in 1978, the company has been a pioneer in developing cutting-edge warehouse management software. The main programme of the company, Datex WMS, helps businesses manage their order, shipping, and inventory processes. The application is user-friendly and adaptable to the specific needs of each firm. Clutch Rating 5.0 Established On 1978 Projects Completed 750+ Price $100 - $149 / hr Min Project Size $25,000+ Employees 250+ 6. Nventive Linbis is a developer of logistics software with operations in Miami, Florida, serving companies in several sectors. Since its founding in 2013, the firm has seen growth in demand for its cloud-based logistics solutions. Linbis offers services for managing transportation as well as for managing warehouses and freight forwarding. Clutch Rating 4.8 Established On 2008 Projects Completed 1000+ Price $100 - $149 / hr Min Project Size $100,000+ Employees 250+ 7. Linbis Linbis creates logistics software for companies in many sectors out of headquarters in Miami, Florida. Since the business was established in 2013, its cloud-based logistics solutions have gained popularity. Linbis offers services for transportation management in addition to freight forwarding and warehouse management. Clients' logistical needs are understood via collaboration with them, and they then offer specialised solutions that are tailored to each client's demands. Clutch Rating 4.7 Established On 2013 Projects Completed 25+ Price $100 - $149 / hr Min Project Size $5,000+ Employees 50+ 8. App Scoop App Scoop is a Vancouver, Canada-based software development business that focuses in making unique mobile and online applications. Since its founding in 2015, the business has solidified its position as a top supplier of creative and superior software solutions. App Scoop provides a wide range of services, such as digital strategy consulting, web development, UX/UI design, and mobile app development. In order to suit their clients' unique demands, they collaborate with clients to comprehend their company objectives. Clutch Rating 4.8 Established On 2015 Projects Completed 25+ Price $50 - $99 / hr Min Project Size $25,000+ Employees 50+ 9. LogiNext With its headquarters in Mumbai, India, LogiNext is a multinational technology firm that offers logistics and supply chain optimisation solutions to companies in a variety of sectors. Since its establishment in 2014, the business has become a preeminent supplier of cutting-edge and data-driven logistics solutions. Transportation management, last-mile delivery optimisation, labour management, and other services are just a few of the many that LogiNext provides. They collaborate with clients to comprehend their logistical issues and offer specialised solutions that satisfy their particular objectives. Clutch Rating 4.2 Established On 2014 Projects Completed 250+ Price $50 - $99 / hr Employees 200+ 10. UPCORE Located in Kyiv, Ukraine, UPCORE is a software development firm that offers online and mobile application development services to companies in a variety of sectors. Since its founding in 2015, the business has expanded to become a preeminent supplier of cutting-edge, superior software solutions. Mobile app development, web development, UX/UI design, and digital strategy consulting are just a few of the many services provided by UPCORE. They collaborate with customers to comprehend their business objectives and offer specialised solutions that satisfy their particular requirements. Clutch Rating 5.0 Established On 2016 Projects Completed 180+ Price $50 - $99 / hr Min Project Size $10,000+ Employees 250+ Conclusion To sum up, businesses may greatly benefit from the work done by logistics software development companies in terms of streamlining their supply chains and logistical operations. These organizations provide cutting-edge solutions that can help businesses cut expenses, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction, from transportation management to last-mile delivery optimization. These organizations have a track record of assisting companies from a variety of sectors to reach their logistics objectives, whether it be via the development of unique mobile and online applications or the use of data analytics to optimize routes and cut down on delivery times. Businesses can stay ahead of the curve and foster growth and success in the quickly changing business environment of today by collaborating with one of these top logistics software development companies. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday said that he is "ready for open discussion" challenging the Congress on the reservation issue in the state. State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka Nalin Kumar Kateel. (Agencies) Kateel said that the Bommai government has taken the right decision to scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. The decision has been taken so as not to cause injustice to any community. "Congress is playing politics in this issue. I am ready for an open discussion on this matter. It's an open challenge to Congress", said Kateel. "DK (Shivakumar)'s statement told that if their government comes to power then they will scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. Let them remove it if they have the guts. Everyone should get social justice. In that regard, our government has done a good job", Kateel told the media. READ | Karnataka BJP chief's remarks against Rahul Gandhi prompt sharp reactions He also said that Congress is against the ideals of Gandhiji and Ambedkar. On the incident of stone pelting on BS Yeddyurappa's house, Kateel said that it was politically motivated. Congress on Sunday said that if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly election, it will restore reservation for the Muslim community under the OBC list that has been scrapped by the BJP-led government in Karnataka. Addressing mediapersons here Congress State President D K Shivakumar said, "I am confident that Congress will come to power after the next 45 days. We will scrap all these reservations as there is no base in this there was no report while making this decision." He stated that the communities of Vokkaligas and Lingayats will also reject the newly offered reservation quota given to them by the BJP. READ | Congress means corruption and commission: JP Nadda in poll bound Karnataka "Vokkaligas and Lingayats are people who are called 'annadatas'. They plough the land and give food. They are landowners. We don't want any of their reservation as minorities are our brothers and this is a country for all the communities. Our country is very rich in our culture. BJP has taken their 4 per cent and distributed 2 per cent each to Vokkaligas and Lingayats. The Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva Lingayats are rejecting this offer," the Congress leader said. Shivakumar also termed the current reservation system in the State under the BJP government "a mockery". "Reservation in Karnataka is a mockery. It is unconstitutional. They think reservations in the State can be distributed like their property but it is not a property it is a right. The minorities of this soil have their own rights. We don't want their 4 per cent to be scrapped and be given to major communities," the Congress Karnataka chief said. In a cabinet meeting held on Friday, the Karnataka government scrapped the four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims and distributed it to two dominant communities, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. It also decided to move OBC Muslims to the 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. While addressing a public meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Reservations provided to the minority was not as per Constitution. There is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion." "Congress Government due to its polarisation politics provided reservation to the minority. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) scrapped that reservation and provided reservations to Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities," he added. Singapore Three suspected members of a Sikh extremist group on Interpols Red Notice watchlist were arrested during a joint operation by the Philippine government agencies this month, according to an official. CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said on Monday said in a statement that the heavily armed troops stormed an apartment in an exclusive subdivision in the city at dawn on March 7 and caught the militants off guard, state-run Philippine News Agency reported. Officers from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) and the Military Intelligence Group arrested suspected members of the Sikh extremist group - all Indian nationals in their 20s - in the central Philippine city of Iloilo during a joint operation, CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said on Monday. Ramos said in a statement that the heavily armed troops stormed an apartment in an exclusive subdivision in the city at dawn on March 7 and caught the militants off guard, state-run Philippine News Agency reported. The well-coordinated lightning strike by operatives caught members of the militant group flatfooted and (they) did not attempt to resist the heavily armed troops, Ramos was quoted as saying by the news agency. The suspects were identified as Manpreet Singh (23), Amritpal Singh (24), and Arshdeep Singh (26), it said. According to media reports, the trio belonged to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). The suspects - who are also on the Interpol Red Notice watchlist - entered the country using fake passports. They evaded detection until they were tracked down by experts from the CICC. They will face charges of murder, violation of the Explosive Substances Act 2001, and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967 of India. Ramos attributed the operations success to the proper and speedy coordination between the government agencies involved through the National Cybercrime Hub established at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The President will not tolerate any foreign terrorist to set foot in the country, he said. The suspects are also being probed for their alleged ties to the Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), another terror group that has been banned by the Indian government under the anti-terror law, it said. The JKGF has been involved in infiltration bids, narcotics and weapon smuggling, and terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The development comes amidst a crackdown by the Punjab Police on radical preacher Amritpal Singh, the chief of the radical outfit Waris Punjab De. India last month banned the JKGF, which has been formed with cadres from terrorist organisations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed; and the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), which aims to revive terrorism in Punjab. The KTF came into existence in 2011 as an offshoot of the Babbar Khalsa International, a proscribed terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The KTF is a militant outfit and it aims reviving terrorism in Punjab with a view to achieve its agenda of formation of a separate state of Khalistan, and thereby challenges the territorial integrity, unity, national security and sovereignty of India. A day after activists of Punjab students union blackened photograph of chief minister Bhagwant Mann installed on Aam Aadmi Clinic, the district police have booked eight youth, including five unidentified person for defacing the government property. The case has been registered under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of Indian Penal Code and other sections of Punjab Prevention of Defacement Ordinance Act 1997 at Banga police station. (Representational Photo) The case has been registered under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of Indian Penal Code and other sections of Punjab Prevention of Defacement Ordinance Act 1997 at Banga police station. The union held protest against state government on Monday for removing pictures of Bhagat Singh and family members after the health centre has been converted into Aam Aadmi Clinic. Deputy superintendent of police Sarwan Singh Bal said three arrested youth have been identified as Baljit Singh of village Dharamkot, Raju Khan of Nawanshahar and Kamaldeep of Village Mallupota in SBS Nagar. Search for the arrest of other unidentified is on, the DSP said, adding that no one would be allowed to violate the law and order. Meanwhile, SBS Nagar deputy commissioner Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa has served a show cause notice on an Executive Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) for inordinate delay in installation of portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and family members on Aam Aadmi clinic at Khatkar Kalan. During his visit to the Clinic to check the installation of portrait of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Mata Vidyavati and Chacha Ajit Singh at Khatkar Kalan Aam Aadmi Clinic on Tuesday, DC Randhawa said that the earlier portraits were removed from the clinic in wake of repair and renovation work being executed by the PWD. As the repair and renovation work is still in progress and has to be handed over the building to the Health Department by April 5, so the re-installation of the portraits got delayed, the DC said. He said that the district administration has a great respect for the legendary freedom fighter who laid down his life to free the country from the yoke of British imperialism and how it is possible to forget the hero of the nations struggle. Ahead of Jalandhar lok sabha bypoll, senior leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began camping in Jalandhar on Tuesday and will continue meetings on Wednesday also. Rupani said the main focus of his two-day Punjab visit is to mobilise BJP workers and streamline party organisational structure in poll bound constituency before the elections. (PTI File Photo) BJPs state president Ashwani Sharma and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, BJPs Punjab political affairs incharge, held meetings with local leadership and incharges of nine constituencies to chalk out strategy for parliamentary elections. The constituency fell vacant after Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary (76) died of a heart attack while taking part in the Bharat Jodo Yatra on January 14. Rupani said the main focus of his two-day Punjab visit is to mobilise BJP workers and streamline party organisational structure in poll bound constituency before the elections. The feedback has been gathered from the workers about the ground situation. The AAP has completely failed to prove its mettle in past one year and people of Punjab seem to have lost trust in ruling party in the state, he said. Meanwhile, BJP state president Ashwani Sharma said they will propagate Narendra Modis vision in Jalandhar by countering state government of its failure on almost every front be in law and order or governance. Border Security Force (BSF) late on Monday night personnel gunned down a drone that snuck into the Indian territory from Pakistan at the border outpost (BoP) in Rajatal. The drone was carrying a packet containing drugs. On duty BSF personnel gunned down a drone at the Pakistan border in Amritsar. (HT Photo) The incident took place at around 8.30 pm when the troopers heard a buzzing sound in the area and engaged by opening fire. Sharing details, a BSF spokesperson said, On March 27, 2023, at 8.30 pm, alert BSF troops deployed along Indo-Pakistan Boundary detected a drone intrusion from the Pakistan side in the area of BOP Rajatal, Sector Amritsar. The drone was fired upon and counter-drone measures taken. Subsequently, on Tuesday morning, during a search of the area, BSF troops recovered 01 black coloured drones with a white coloured bag approx 700 m from IB and 350 m from BS fence. On opening the bag, a big packet wrapped with yellow coloured adhesive tape and a small torch were found, the spokesperson added. A big packet wrapped with yellow coloured adhesive tape and a small torch were found during the search. (HT Photo) The quantity of the recovered suspected contraband was not immediately ascertained by the BSF. Notably, the seizure of the drone comes a day after 6.2 kg heroin allegedly dropped by a Pakistani drone was recovered in the Amritsar sector. Similarly, on Saturday, 7-kg heroin was seized by the BSF and Punjab Police in their joint operation along the India Pakistan border in Tarn Taran district. Drones galore In a separate incident, BSF troopers recovered 2 kg heroin allegedly dropped by a Pakistani drone in the area falling under the jurisdiction of joint check post (JCP) Attari. BSF troopers also apprehended two suspects and recovered 3.22 kg of heroin from their possession in border post (BoP) Ramtirath area, also falling under the Amritsar sector. The accused were apprehended during a search operation launched after the on-duty personnel opened fire towards a suspected drone in the area. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel apprehended two suspects along with the recovery of a drone, a pistol and 10kg of heroin in four separate incidents reported along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The recoveries and the arrest of the suspects were made by the BSF troopers in four separate incidentsincluding three related to drone intrusions. (HT Photo) Three of the incidents, which were related to the intrusion of drones, occurred in the Amritsar sector. However, the fourth incident was reported in the Fazilka district in which two Pakistani intruders allegedly retreated after throwing a packet of drugs and weapons consignments into the Indian territory. The first incident was reported at around 8:20 pm on Monday when the BSF troops deployed at the border, heard a buzzing sound of a suspected flying object (drone) entering from Pakistan into the Indian territory in the area near the village Hardo Rattan of district Amritsar. As per the laid down drill, the troops immediately reacted to intercept the drone by firing, but the drone made a successful return to Pakistan. During a subsequent search of the area, after the first light, our troops recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2kg from the wheat field of village Hardo Rattan, said a BSF spokesperson. The second incident occurred at around 8:30 pm when the personnel on duty heard a buzzing sound of a flying object entering from Pakistan into the Indian territory in the area near the village Bachiwind of Amritsar. BSF troops tried to intercept the drone by firing, but it also managed to return. During the search of the area, the BSF troops recovered three packets of heroin, weighing around 3 kg, contained inside a polyester bag from the wheat field and two persons were apprehended in-depth area near the village. Similarly, the third incident also occurred around 8:30 pm when the BSF troops deployed along the border detected a drone intrusion from the Pakistan side in the area near the village Rajatal of Amritsar. The drone was fired upon and counter-drone measures were taken. Subsequently, on Tuesday morning, during the search of the area, the BSF troops recovered one black coloured drone (Quadcopter, make - DJI Matrice) with a white coloured bag attached from the farming fields in the depth area of village Rajatal, the BSF spokesperson said. On the opening of the bag, one big packet of suspected heroin wrapped with yellow coloured adhesive tape (gross Wt - appx 2.6 Kg) and one small torch was found, he added. However, the fourth incident was reported at around 3:13 am on Tuesday when the vigilant troops sensed the presence of a miscreant ahead of the border fence and heard the thumping sound of something thrown over the border fence to own side, near village Natha Singh Wala in Fazilka district. Resultantly, BSF troops fired towards the miscreant, who managed to flee, the spokesperson said. Further, during the initial search of the area, the BSF troops recovered two packets, suspected to be heroin (gross wt - appx 2 kg), wrapped with yellow colour tape along with one pistol (made in China), one magazine and eight rounds. The BSF didnt identify the suspects who were apprehended in Amritsar. Police sources said the BSF officials handed over the arrested men to the narcotics control bureau (NCB) for further investigation. The police sources said it appeared that the apprehended suspects had to retrieve the consignment dropped by the drone. The seizures of drugs and weapons and apprehension of two suspects comes a day after 6.2 kg heroin allegedly dropped by a Pakistani drone was recovered in the Amritsar sector. The BSF had also seized a motorcycle without a number, but the suspects had managed to flee. Similarly, on Saturday, 7kg of heroin was seized by the BSF and Punjab Police in their joint operation along the India-Pakistan border in the Tarn Taran district. 28 drones recoveries in 3 years in Punjab: Govt New Delhi: Anti-national elements and smugglers have been using drones for smuggling of arms and narcotics from Pakistan to Punjab and 28 incidents of recovery of such drones have been reported in the last three years, Union minister of state for home Nisith Pramanik said in Lok Sabha. Pramanik said the BSF is doing effective domination of the borders by carrying out round-the-clock surveillance that include patrolling, laying nakas, manning observation posts all along the International Border. The BSF is also in the process of procurement of more anti-drone systems to be installed in Punjab on the Indo-Pakistan border for which trials are going on. Anti-national elements and smugglers are using drones for smuggling of arms and narcotics across India-Pakistan border in Punjab state. In the last three years till February 28, 2023, twenty-eight incidents of recovery of drones involved in smuggling of arms and narcotics have been detected, he said replying to a written question. The minister said from these drones, 125.174 kg of heroin, 0.100 kg of opium, one 9 mm pistol, seven pistols or revolvers besides other arms and ammunition were recovered. He said the Union home ministry has established the Anti-Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) under supervision of the BSF DG with a mandate to evaluate the technology available to counter rogue drones and certify its effectiveness in dealing with rogue drones. PTI An honest investigation into an alleged nexus between the police and people in the drug trade or an attempt to settle scores and better ones own career prospects -- thats the question before the Punjab & Haryana high court as it decides what to do with a controversial report, one of four, but filed alone by Siddharth Chattopadhyaya, a special investigation team (SIT) head and then a DGP in the Punjab Police. The SIT submitted two reports, one on January 30, 2018, and the second on March 14, 2018. The controversy is because the fourth report, one of two submitted on May 8, 2018, was signed only by Chattopadhyaya, with the other two members of the team disassociating themselves from it, a fact that led to the state government at the time too objecting to it. Punjab has a different government now, and it wants the fourth report, like the other three, submitted in sealed covers, to be opened and handed over to it. As the court was deliberating this, the states former DGP and now chief information commissioner (CIC), Punjab, Suresh Arora, filed an application demanding that he be allowed to intervene in the case . Aroras claim is that Chattopadhyaya targeted him, then the DGP, and Dinkar Gupta, his (Aroras succesor), and now head of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in that report. The court on Tuesday opened all four reports and three of the reports were ordered to be part of record, which state also can access now. But the controversial report was resealed and sought the responses of Gupta and Chattopadhyaya, now retired, in the matter by May 4. Interestingly, Chattopadhyaya is among the senior police officers in the state indicted by the Supreme Court-appointed panel looking into a breach in the Prime Ministers security during a visit to Punjab in January 2022. The case before the court is an offshoot of 2013 suo motu one, infamously known as the Bhola drugs case in which high court has been monitoring steps taken by the state for eradication drugs menace and probe against those involved, including those in positions of power and influence. The court-monitored SIT led by Chattopadhyaya was constituted on December 15, 2017 after a then SSP, Raj Jit Singh had levelled allegations of bias against Harpreet Singh Sidhu, the chief of a special task force (STF) that was investigating the drugs case. The SIT submitted two reports, one on January 30, 2018, and the second on March 14, 2018. Then, on April 6, 2018 Chattopadhyaya told the court that the role of then police chief Arora and then DGP (intelligence) Gupta had come to light during the investigation. He suggested that he was being implicated in the suicide case of Inderpreet Chadha, son of former Chief Khalsa Diwan president Charanjit Singh Chadha, because the SIT was getting close to the truth. The suicide case was registered in Amritsar in January 2018. On May 8, 2018, the SIT filed two more reports. Of this, one was signed only by Chattopadhyaya. The high court took all these reports on record on May 8. In the application taken up on Tuesday, Arora argued that he be allowed to intervene to bring right perspective before court, about the private report submitted by Chattopadhyaya. His application stated that Chattopadhyaya acted beyond the scope of the mandate of the SIT, as specified by the court at the time of its constitution, and in a mala fide manner with a view to better his chances of being appointed to the top post of the head of the police force in Punjab. As things turned out, Chattopadhyaya was initially not named DGP after Arora, and fought a service litigation against his non-appointment , during which the government told the Supreme Court that he acted beyond the mandate given by the court and had abused his position as the head of the SIT to target his rivals. The government questioned the timing of his allegations against Arora and Gupta, as the appointment of new DGP was to take place soon. Arora said in his application that Chattopadhyaya somehow developed this perception that Arora jeopardised the latters chances of being appointed to the top post of the head of the police and chose to make wild and baseless allegations. Interestingly, Chattopadhyaya was named DGP of Punjab in late 2021 at the insistence of then Congress state chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. During the hearing on Tuesday, senior advocate RS Rai appeared and received notice on behalf of Gupta. The court posted the matter for hearing on May 4 and also sought a report from the Punjab government in the suicide case of Chadha, in which probe against Chattopadhyaya was stayed on April 4, 2018. The Jalandhar commisionerate police has arrested a travel agent for duping nearly 700 students by providing them with fake offer letters. Accused has been identified as Rahul Bhargav, Jalandhar resident, who owns immigration firm named firm Education and Migration Services along with his partner Brijesh Mishra and Gurnam Singh. As per available information, the matter came to light when the students, most of them reached Canada in 2018, applied for their permanent residency. (Representational Photo (Getty Images) ) The Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) issued deportation notice to atleast 700 gullible Indian students for allegedly providing fake offer letters to the students. Though the police have already registered FIR in this matter on March 17, but two more FIRs have been registered against the three accused on March 27 under sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 465 (for making forged documents), 467 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Deputy commissioner of police Vatsala Gupta is carrying detailed investigation into the matter. One accused has been arrested, while search for other two accused is also on, said Jalandhar commissionerate spokesperson. Two FIRs were registered on March 27. As per available information, the matter came to light when the students, most of them reached Canada in 2018, applied for their permanent residency. After finding a few cases of misrepresentation, the CBSA cross-checked all the cases filed by this particular consultant and identified 700 students, to whom deportation notices were issued. Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner Jaspreet Singh had already cancelled the license issued to the firm. A search operation was launched in the Doaba region with fresh intel inputs suggesting that pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh could be in the area. Police have cordoned off Mernaian Kalan village in Hoshiarpur district and started door-to-door search to nab Amritpal. (HT Photo) A heavy police movement was witnessed as teams were put on high alert as inputs suggested that Amritpal was trying to reach Amritsar to ensure his entry into Golden Temple. A counter intelligence team witnessed some suspicious movement and started chasing an Innova car (PB-10 CK0527) around 7.30 pm, according to people familiar with the development. Three people were in the car but they left their vehicle near Gurdwara Bhai Chanchal Singh on Phagwara-Hoshiarpur road and fled on foot , they added. Police have cordoned off Mernaian Kalan village in Hoshiarpur district and started door-to-door search to nab Amritpal. According to a senior Police official involved in the probe, few reports about Amritpals movements in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar district were received on Tuesday evening after which various teams were put on high alert. Earlier, a fresh CCTV footage ( dated March 21) spotted Amritpal and his aide Pappalpreet Singh on Delhi streets. Amritpal is seen without turban, wearing a denim jacket and a mask. His aide Papalpreet is seen right behind him. HT, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Punjabi couple who had been living in the Philippines were found shot dead in the capital city of Manila. An unidentified assailant is said to have gunned down the couple on Saturday night The deceased, Sukhwinder Singh of Jalandhars Mehsampur village, had been living in Manila, Philippines, for the last 19 years, while and his wife Kirandeep Kaur had shifted five months ago. (HT Photro) The families of the deceased couple, Sukhwinder Singh, 41, and his wife Kirandeep Kaur, 33, in Jalandhars Mehsampur village came to know about the incident late on Monday evening. Sukhwinder had settled in the country 19 years ago and was running a finance business in Manila. His wife Kirandeep, who he married three years ago, shifted to Manila five months ago. Sukhwinders elder brother Lakhvir Singh also lived with his brother, but was visiting India for a family function. Detailing the familys ordeal, Lakhvir said, We were calling him repeatedly since Sunday, but he was not responding. I asked my uncle to visit his place, where he found my brother and his wife lying in a pool of blood. Incident captured in CCTV Footage procured from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed near the house purportedly showed an unidentified man entering the deceased couples house soon after Sukwinder returned from the work on Saturday night. The assailant can be seen firing multiple gunshots at Sukhwinder, before firing two shots at Kirandeep at point blank. Lakhvir, who said the family did not share an enmity with anyone, added, We want Indian authorities to take up this matter with its counterpart in the Philippines so that accused involved in the crime could be arrested at the earliest. Two months after Mohali police rescued 33 immigration fraud victims who were duped, kidnapped and held captive on foreign shores by a human trafficking gang, police have arrested five more members of the gang, taking the total arrests to 10. The accused used to take the victims to Nepal or Indonesia and torture them, said Mohali police. (HT) The five accused, who were arrested between March 19 and 22, have been identified as Sonia, 47, Malkit Singh, 29, and Vinay Seth, 22, from Jalandhar, and Sarabjit Kaur, 43, and Gaurav Sahota from Ludhiana. 8 lakh in cash, two cars, a motorcycle and electronic items worth 5 lakh were recovered from them. Those arrested earlier are Baldish Kaur and Gurjit Singh, both residents of Jalandhar, and Sahil, Som Raj and Veena Kumar from Mukerian, Hoshiarpur. Mohali senior superintendent of police (SSP) Sandeep Garg said while the victims languished in inhuman conditions, these agents were maintaining a lavish lifestyle. They were maintaining heavy cash balances, travelling in swanky cars, wearing premium gold jewellery and using expensive smartphones. Among the seizures so far are 2.92 crore in cash, $2,000, 66 lakh kept in various bank accounts, gold jewellery worth 62.68 lakh, seven cars, a motorcycle and seven high-end mobiles phones. According to police, the accused used to lure residents of Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh wishing to go to the US or Europe and later extorted anywhere between 30 and 40 lakh from their family members after holding them captive. The gang members, according to SSP, used to tell the victims that they would take them to the US or Europe via Mexico and charge them only after that. They would then take the clients to Nepal or Indonesia, torture them and force them to call their kin to say they had reached Mexico. Once the kin paid up, the gang members, based in India, would either leave the victims in Indonesia or make them board a flight back to India, the top cop said. The matter came to light after one of the victims managed to contact his family in Mohali. Srinagar police have arrested nine persons for allegedly harassing a family driving on the Srinagar-Tangmarg highway near Kawoosa on the city outskirts, officials said on Monday. Srinagar police have arrested nine persons for allegedly harassing a family driving on the Srinagar-Tangmarg highway near Kawoosa on the city outskirts, officials said on Monday. (Image for representational purpose) Among the arrested youths were some were street bikers, whose four two-wheelers were also seized. A video was on Sunday circulated widely on various social media platforms, where a group of bikers could be seen harassing the family. The bikers even tried to manhandle the family members, who recorded the act. A police spokesperson said cops took cognisance of the video wherein a group of youths on bikes were seen harassing and attacking a family on road. Midnight raids were conducted and all nine accused arrested, he said, adding that a case has been registered against the youths at the Parimpora police station. The video evoked sharp response on the social media with people demanding strong action against the culprits. This kind of behaviour is completely not acceptable and I expect @SrinagarPolice to take strong action, tweeted Danish Bhat, an activist. A family member said, The group of bikers had started chasing us at Kawoosa and got offended when we recorded them harassing people. They chased us and even manhandled us while demanding to delete the recording. We escaped and took refuge at the Parimpora police station. SSP traffic, Srinagar, said the department will be using radar speed guns to measure the speed of vehicles moving on roads. The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday dismissed a plea from former Punjab Women Commission chairperson Manisha Gulati, who had been removed from her post on March 7. Punjab and Haryana HC dismisses women commission chairs plea against removal. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The plea was dismissed by the bench of justice Anil Kshetarpal. Gulati had moved the high court on March 15, a week after being removed from her post on March 7. She had earlier been removed on January 31, 2023, but the order was subsequently withdrawn. Appointed as the commission chairperson in March 2018 during the then Congress-led government headed by Captain Amarinder Singh, she had gotten an extension of her tenure from March 2023 to March 2024. The plea in HC termed the government order erroneous, passed without giving any notice to her. The order was also without jurisdiction and clear case of abuse of power with pre-determined mind, it alleged. The government, meanwhile, had defended its decision and denied allegations that it was based on political considerations. A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the interim bail granted to Amit Arora, one of the accused in the money laundering case stemming from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the now scrapped Delhi liquor excise policy, for a period of two weeks. Amit Arora, the director of Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd., was chargesheeted by both ED and CBI. (Representative file image) Amit Arora, the director of Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd., was chargesheeted by both Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI. ED had alleged that Arora was involved in the activity connected to use of proceeds of crime and was therefore allegedly involved in money laundering. Arora had moved the application for extension of his interim bail for a period of six weeks stating that his daughter has been suffering from mental issues. Also Read: Delhi excise case: Court extends interim bail granted to accused Amit Arora Appearing for Arora, advocate Ujjawal Anand Sharma, submitted that she was diagnosed to be suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia and needed to be further examined. It was argued before the court that Arora has already consulted a few doctors, but he will have to get his daughter examined by a specialist. It was further pointed out before the court that Arora could not do so till now because during the period of previous extension, he was summoned 5-6 times by ED to join the investigation. The counsel for Arora had also submitted before the court that they will not seek any further extension of his interim bail on any grounds whatsoever. The counsel also expressed regret that the application had to be moved despite an undertaking of not seeking further extension being given at the bar on the earlier date of hearing. Special Judge MK Nagpal after hearing the arguments advanced by the counsel for Arora and ED, and going through the documents placed on record, extended Aroras interim bail and directed him to surrender before the jail superintendent by 6pm on April 12. Arora had initially moved an interim bail application before Delhis Rouse Avenue Court citing that his wife had been diagnosed with gall stones for which surgery was to be done. The court on January 30 granted him two weeks interim bail on humanitarian grounds with the condition that no extension would be sought. Arora had, however, approached the Delhi high court seeking extension on the grounds that his wife had suffered some post-surgery complications. The Delhi HC had then on February 13 directed his interim bail to continue till February 27. The interim bail got further extended till March 6 as the matter was relisted. The high court while taking note of the fact that Aroras wife had to be readmitted due to post surgery complications, extended his bail for a period of 10 days and allowed him to approach the lower court for fresh plea seeking extension on March 6. Arora then approached the city court on March 16 again seeking extension of his interim bail for a further period of four weeks citing that her daughter had been suffering from mental issues and simultaneously her Class 10 board examinations were going on. The counsel for Arora had also given an undertaking that no further extension of interim bail would be sought. The court, taking note of the medical condition of Aroras wife and his daughter had extended his interim bail till March 29. Meanwhile, the city court on Tuesday also extended the judicial custody of three other accused, Raghav Magunta, Rajesh Joshi and Gautam Malhotra, for a period of nine days. Magunta and Joshi were physically produced while Malhotra was produced through video conferencing before the court on the expiry of their previous judicial custody. Regarding Magunta, ED had alleged that he is a manufacturer and is also involved in the wholesale and retail part of the business and owned shares in the company named Indospirits which is said to be a vehicle for recoupment of kickbacks. On the other hand, ED had stated that Joshi had played a part in the laundering of money by raising fake invoices without any underlying service being provided by him. Regarding Malhotra, ED had pointed out that he was a part of the cartel formed by liquor manufacturers wholesalers and retailers, and that he generated proceeds of crying out of the 12% profit margin which he handed over to Dinesh Arora through Amit Arora for further transmission. The city court has extended the custody of all three accused persons till April 6. The Delhi high court on Tuesday set aside the trial courts discharge of Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar, Asif Iqbal Tanha and six others in the Jamia violence case of 2019 while charging them under rioting, unlawful assembly and other offences. Sharjeel Imam. (File Photo) Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma in her judgment said that prima facie, as seen in videos, the accused were in the first line of the mob and they were raising slogans of Delhi police murdabad, adding that they consciously chose to be a part of the unlawful assembly. The court said that accused were carrying dandas in their hands and climbed the barricades to march towards Parliament despite several warnings by the police. The judge, however, discharged the accused of some of the sections. A detailed copy of the judgement is awaited. Also Read: Delhi police to scrutinise footage of protest at India mission in UK The first information report (FIR) in the case was lodged after violence broke out near Jamia Milia Islamia University on December 13, 2019 when a gathering of approximately 700-800 people were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The police indicted 12 people, including Imam, Tanha and Zargar, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The trial court, on February 4, discharged 11 accused, including Imam, Zargar and Tanha, challenging which the Delhi police approached the high court. The trial court, however, ordered framing of charges against one of the accused, Mohammad Ilyas. The sessions court, while exonerating the accused, said that the accused were made scapegoats by police and that dissent has to be encouraged, not stifled. The trial court said there were admittedly scores of protesters at the site and some anti-social elements within the crowd could have created an environment of disruption and havoc. The judge highlighted that the police and investigating agencies need to know the difference between dissent and insurrection, pointing that though insurrection must be quelled indisputably, dissent should be given space as it is reflective of something which pricks a citizens conscience. In its plea, the Delhi police have specifically listed remarks of the trial court that criticised them for initiating the prosecution against them in a perfunctory and cavalier fashion. Additional sessions judge Arul Varma remarked that the right to dissent was part of fundamental protections under the Constitution, adding that such police actions are detrimental to the liberty of the citizens who exercise their right to protest peacefully. Arguing against the trial court judgment, additional solicitor general (ASG) Sanjay Jain told the court that the trial court had not considered the third charge sheet which contained the statements of the injured police officials. He contended that the trial court judge had conducted a mini trial at the stage of framing of charges and overstepped its jurisdiction by passing disparaging observations. The ASG said that they have ten video clips of the incident in which seven accused have been identified from two clips. With respect to the rest of the accused, ASG Jain said that they have been named by the witnesses and the injured policemen. Opposing the submissions, senior advocate Rebecca John for Zargar, told the court that her client could not be identified by the police even by seeing in the video footage of the incident as her face was covered. She said that the call detail records of Zargar would of course show that she was present in the area as she was a student of the University and her house was also in close vicinity. Appearing for Imam, his counsel Ahmad Ibrahim argued that his clients speech in Aligarh, where he had said that his spectacles had broken during the violence, would show that he was the victim of violence and had no active role to play in its culmination. The counsel also told the court that the violence started in the afternoon at 3pm and Imam left the place of occurrence at 3.51pm after his spectacles were broken. In its plea, the Delhi police contended that the trial court erred not only in holding a mini trial but also recorded perverse findings contrary to the record. It said that the trial court should have merely sifted through the evidence in order to find out whether or not there was sufficient ground for proceeding against the accused/respondents. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The year is 1979 and Uttar Pradesh is in ferment. Factionalism in the Janata Party government is rampant, the rise of farmer politics is changing the grammar of elections in the heartland, and organised crime is rising in Indias largest province. It is in this melee that Atiq Ahmad first emerged as a criminal in erstwhile Allahabad, allegedly stabbing a local rival Mohammed Gulam in full public view. Outrage ensued, but so did ripples of fear, allowing Ahmad, then 17, to quickly establish himself as a local strongman. In these four decades, the politician amassed 101 first information reports (FIRs) against him across India, but was never convicted until Tuesday. Born in Shravasti to a Muslim family, Ahmad moved to Prayagraj and quickly gained notoriety, publicly clashing entrenched local gangster Shauq Ilahi, and taking over his fiefdom in the old city area after the latter was gunned down in a police encounter in 1989. Sensing his opportunity, Ahmad quickly announced his candidate for the assembly elections from the Allahabad West seat that year riding a horse through the old city and taking out a motorcycle rally to stamp his authority among young people and the Muslim community. He won the election as an independent candidate , marking the beginning of a long and controversial career where he used a mix of crime and politics to cement his hold in the region. Also Read: Atiq Ahmed should be hanged: Umesh Pals mother, wife That journey came to an end on Tuesday as a special court in Prayagraj convicted the former MP and two associates in a 2006 abduction case. His conviction has broken the myth that criminals like him will always manage to escape the clutches of the law, said former director general of police Brij Lal, who is also a Bharatiya Janata Party MP. In these four decades, the politician amassed 101 first information reports (FIRs) against him across India, but was never convicted. In 12 cases including the 1979 murder he was acquitted, and in another two, the state government withdrew proceedings. He was involved in cases of murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, extortion, fraud, threats, land grabbing, and others, said retired police officer KP Singh, who served in Prayagraj before 2012. Also Read: Man wanted to 'welcome' UP gangster Atiq Ahmed with footwear garland | VIDEO After entering the assembly, Ahmad quickly consolidated his position, projecting his brother Khalid Azeem, and building a network of associates who fanned out across the region to enable control. Things got to a point where Atiq would hold court and decide the fate of his rivals. He awarded punishments in several cases that were settled outside the court, said a police officer, on anonymity. He won again as an independent in 1991, and then in 1993. That year, he joined the Samajwadi Party and stood for elections three years later from the same seat, winning again. In 1999, he joined the newly formed Apna Dal and served as its state president, only to return to the SP in 2003. The next year, he fought the Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur on an SP ticket and won. Atiq built his empire by scaring off people. There was a time when no common man could even think of raising a voice against him, said senior lawyer Rohit Srivastava. During this time, his political influence was on the rise, and several parties scrambled to be close to him. But a rival was on the horizon Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Raju Pal, who defeated Azeem in the assembly election in 2005. Things came to a head three months later, when Raju Pal was shot dead outside his house by gunmen allegedly acting at the behest of Ahmad and Azeem. The public killing of the lawmaker sparked outrage and forced the state government to move against Ahmad and charge him with murder. He went to jail for the first time. But imprisonment didnt temper his influence. He allegedly continued to run his crime empire from the police lock up even allegedly ordering hits and murders. In 2018, a Lucknow-based realtor was thrashed and abducted allegedly by Ahmads aides. This case finally prompted the Supreme Court to order Ahmad be shifted out of the state. Due to his rising notoriety, Ahmad didnt win an election after 2004, and slowly, political parties started dissociating from him. But electoral reverses didnt hurt his enterprise -- when he filed his nomination from jail in 2012, some judges refused to hear his bail plea, until it was finally granted, said a senior police officer familiar with the matter who asked not to be named. The first signs of his impending downfall came in 2016, when his aides allegedly assaulted the staff of a college in Prayagraj for taking action against students caught cheating in an exam. The incident triggered an outrage, and no political party was willing to nominate him anymore. He was arrested and imprisoned next year, and in 2018, moved out of the state. Now, the road appears steep for Ahmad. The UP Police unit has a zero-tolerance policy against all criminal elementsIt is this approach that ensured Atiq Ahmads conviction and sentence for the first time, said additional director general (law and order), Prashant Kumar. Newly appointed Rajasthan BJP president CP Joshi on Monday exhorted party workers to refrain from hero worship and focus on disseminating the previous Bharatiya Janata Party governments welfare policies among people to uproot the Congress government from the state. Newly appointed Rajasthan BJP president CP Joshi addresses party workers in Jaipur on Monday. (PTI Photo) Joshi, who formally took charge as the state president at the BJP headquarters in Jaipur on Monday, sought the support of senior leaders and party workers to bring the BJP back to power in this years assembly elections. Today you have showered your loved and welcomed me...but after today, there will be no more welcomes and no more hoardings...for the next six months... We have to slog, he said addressing a large gathering of enthusiastic supporters. Joshi accused the incumbent Congress government under chief minister Ashok Gehlot of being anti-farmer and anti-youth, and asked the BJP workers help dethrone the useless Congress dispensation. The BJP government has hiked the rail budget, given medical colleges, revoked article 370 in Kashmir, is building the Ram temple in Ayodhya has given Jan Dhan accounts to lakhs, he told party workers. The BJP, faced with rifts and rival camps, has tried to give a message of unity with Joshis appointment. There are a host of leaders in the race for the CMs post, including former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and former BJP president Satish Poonia. The main challenge for Joshi will be to unite the party as they head to the state elections end of this year. What sets him apart is that he does not belong to any camp and maintains good equations with all leaders. Also Read:BJP leader CP Joshi appointed as Rajasthans new party president On Monday, almost all party MPs and MLAs gathered when Joshi assumed charge. Some who were unable to make it sent their wishes through state in-charge Arun Singh. Interestingly, the new posters put up at the state BJP office to welcome Joshi had photos of PM Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Raje and Joshi, but not of Poonia. However, he praised Poonia for strengthening the organisation and carrying out the successful Jan Akrosh rally across the state. I am satisfied with my job. I thank the party for giving me, a simple party worker from a farmer family, the chance to lead the party. I thank you all for your support, Poonia said in his address. At 47, Joshi is the youngest party president in Rajasthan. Interestingly, he entered politics with the National Students Union of India, the student wing of the Congress. He later switched to the BJP and became the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president before becoming an MP. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson RC Choudhary said as an MP, Joshi had not raised any issues of Rajasthan in the Parliament. Three communities, including the Brahmins, Rajputs and Baniyas will be holding a Kesariya Mahapanchayat in Rajasthans Jaipur to demand a hike in EWS (Economically Weaker Section) reservation from 10 to 14% and a caste census, people in the know of the matter said on Tuesday. HT Image The Kesariya Mahapanchayat will be held on April 2, said one of the people quoted above. Several social organisations of Rajputs, Brahmins and Baniyas like the Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, Brahmshakti Sangh and Mahila Suraksha Manch will be jointly organising the event, said the people. According to the information, several leaders from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been invited for the event, including ministers Mahesh Joshi, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Dharmendra Rathore, Rajendra Gudha. Other ministers and MLAs from the three communities have also been invited, said the people. Confirming the event, Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi said, Our original demand was for 14% but the government gave us 10%. We now want 14% reservation. Former chief minister and BJPs national vice president Vasundhara Raje has not been invited to the mahapanchayat, said Gogamedi. The main demand of the community is to increase the EWS reservation from 10 to 14%. He said the criteria of not giving EWS reservation to those who own land or a house should be removed. Gogoamedi said the community has 11 main demands. He said the mahapanchayat aims to bring the upper castes on one platform. Gogamedi said that the political parties have been ignoring the Brahmins, Rajput and Baniyas. The parties are giving fewer tickets to these communities. We want that a caste census be done so that the factual position can be known and everyone should get quota as per their strength. Another major demand which will be discussed during the event is formation of a law to protect Hindu religious saints. There have been several incidents of murders of saints in Rajasthan. We want that the government bring a law on the lines of the advocate protection law, he said. He said the Rajput community also wants a Kshatriya Kalyan Board to be set-up and named after Maharana Pratap. Among the other demands are that the government should give reservation to EWS in panchayati raj elections and other local elections. The rules for EWS reservation should be relaxed and age relaxation, relaxation in marks for admissions should be considered. The government should bring in one policy for EWS quota in the entire country. The demands also include that unemployed youth be given skills training and business loans at zero interest to promote employment opportunities. Small farmers should be given a special economic package to help them financially. Gogamedi said cases against leaders of the EWS community in the gangster Anandpal encounter should be taken back. After Anandpal was killed by police in an encounter in 2017, the Rajput community leaders had taken out a large protest rally leading to violence, after which cases were slapped on them. Reiterating the demand, Swami Saurabh Raghavendracharya the priest at the Raghunath temple said the Brahmin community also wants EWS quota to be hiked. We want the government to bring a bill to protect saints who are being attacked frequently in Rajasthan. We also want a Sanatan Board to be set up for the welfare of the Brahmins, he said. Political analyst Manish Godha said in view of the elections in Rajasthan, various social groups are trying to put pressure on the government. This is one more attempt at pressure politics. The communities are trying to get their demands and political objectives met through such gatherings, he said. Reacting to the developments, Sunil Mudgal of Brahmshakti Sangh said: The Hindus are divided into castes and communities and there are efforts to keep us divided. We want to bring all on one platform. Mudgal said the Brahmins, Rajputs and Banyias were being ignored and not given adequate political representation. The three communities will have a lot of clout if we fight unitedly for our rights, he said. Day after he was brought from Gujarat's Sabarmati jail amid tight security by the Uttar Pradesh police, gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad will be produced before the MP/MLA court in Prayagraj in the 2006 abduction of Umesh Pal. Pal, the main witness in the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Raju Pal, was shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24. Ahmad is the prime accused in the murder case along with his brother Ashraf. ALSO READ: Police draw strategy for speedy conviction of Atiq, Ashraf Heavy security has been deployed outside Pal's residence, whose family has demanded death sentence to the five-time MLA. "...We don't have the strength to fight a case in the time to come. He (Atiq Ahmed) should be sentenced to death by hanging. If he is sentenced to life imprisonment, he can do anything from jail. He got my son killed from jail. He won't let us live if he remains there..." Umesh Pal's mother Shanti Devi told ANI. "I hope court sentences him (Atiq Ahmed) to death by hanging. If he lives, perhaps we won't be able be alive. Maybe it would be us next. If he is gone only then will terror be gone..." the deceased lawyer's wife Jaya Pal said. Prayagraj Police with jailed-mafia Atiq Ahmed outside Sabarmati Central Jail as he is being shifted to Prayagraj. (PTI)(HT_PRINT) Since Pal's murder, the Uttar Pradesh Police have gunned down two alleged aides of Ahmad, while the Prayagraj administration has razed the houses of several others. On March 21, the UP Police arrested five aides of Ahmad said to be allegedly involved in the conspiracy to kill Umesh Pal and provided help to the assailants through different means. On Monday, a 45-member Uttar Pradesh Police team brought Ahmad to Naini central jail wherein he has been kept in a high-security barrack located close to the women's jail. A senior superintendent of the jail said the number of CCTV cameras has also been increased to keep a tight vigil on the don-turned-politician. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was on Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2006 kidnapping case of lawyer Umesh Pal. Ahmad and two others including Dinesh Pasi and Khan Saulat Haneef have been given rigorous life imprisonment and ordered to pay 1 lakh compensation to Umesh Pal's family. A fine of 5000 on each of the three has also been imposed. An MP/MLA court in Prayagraj had pronounced gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and three others guilty in the kidnapping of lawyer Umesh Pal, the main witness in the killing of Bahujan Samaj Party lawmaker Raju Pal. Umesh Pal was shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24. Atiq and former corporator Dinesh Pasi have been convicted of Section 364 A ( Kidnapping a person and the person being put in danger of being murdered ) of IPC among others. Atiq Ahmad was brought to Prayagraj yesterday from Gujarat by a 45-member Uttar Pradesh Police team. He was taken to the Naini Central Jail and has been kept in a high-security barrack adjacent to the women's jail. Ahmad is also the prime accused in the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal, who was later shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24. In another development, the Supreme Court also dismissed Ahmad's plea seeking protection during his custody with the UP Police. A bench of justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela M Trivedi granted the don-turned-politician liberty to move the Allahabad high court for protection after he claimed his life is under threat, PTI reported. UP Police with jailed-mafia Atiq Ahmed outside Sabarmati Central Jail as he is being shifted to Prayagraj, in Ahmedabad.(PTI) The Lucknow police on Monday cracked two separate cases of cybercrime totaling over 1 lakh in the name of KYC update and payment of electricity bill. For representation only (HT File Photo) On March 16, Babita Agarwal, a resident of Lucknow, filed a police complaint alleging that she was defrauded of 60,854 while updating her KYC. The perpetrators texted the victim to update her KYC in her bank account otherwise, her account would be closed. The text message also included a phone number, which she dialled, and the men on the other end, posing as bank employees, asked the woman to download AnyDesk application to help her, and thus, defrauded her of the money. After realising that she had been duped, she immediately lodged a police complaint with the cyber cell, said the police in its release. The money was immediately frozen by contacting the bank. On Monday, the amount which was deducted, was received by the victim with the help of the cybercrime team, said Satish Sahu, in-charge, cybercrime cell, Lucknow. In another case, a city resident, Sishir Rastogi, was duped of 70,900 on March 13 after he downloaded a quick support application and allowed access to his mobile device. The money was debited immediately after, said the victim in his police complaint. The man received a text message with a mobile number to pay the electricity bill or face a power cut. The man dialled the number and followed the steps directed by the perpetrator posing to be a power department official, read the police release. However, on Monday, the victim received the total money in his bank account, said police. In this week, a 70-year-old man, Krishna Kumar Verma, a resident of Indira Nagar, was allegedly duped of 7.8 lakh by a cyber fraud gang posing as an Indonesian woman, in the name of sharing profits with her in helping withdraw 152 crore left as inheritance. The perpetrator introduced herself as Thuma Rini Vidodo in the email and told Verma to help her in return for sharing the profit. He was told by the miscreant to contact an alleged advocate named Harlem Napitul and another local man Akash Mitra. Falling in the trap, the victim transferred about 7.8 lakh to Akash Mitras account which was withdrawn soon after the transfer. All cases due to negligence: Cyber cell When asked about the rise of cybercrime in the city, Subhash Chander, ADG, Cyber Crime, said that all these cases are happening due to the lack of awareness of victims. Regular awareness drives are being held by the cyber cell but people continue to fall into traps. When asked whether there is an involvement of the banks as well, he said, People seek helpline numbers of banks online which, many times, are fake numbers uploaded by fraudsters, and people call on them thinking its legitimate and thus get trapped. Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for challenging a high court order to relocate and provide employment to the family of the Hathras woman found dead after alleged rape. Akhilesh said their harassment was like mental rape. The family of Hathras ki Beti (daughter of Hathras) was now being made to run by the BJP government, that made false promises of job and relocation, said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in a tweet. (Pic for representation) The state governments plea challenging the Allahabad high court order was dismissed by the Supreme Court on Monday. While dismissing the petition of the state government, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala had expressed surprise over the fact that the state had filed an appeal against a high court order. The family of Hathras ki Beti (daughter of Hathras) is now being made to run by the BJP government, that made false promises of job and relocation. This harassment and humiliation is no less than mental rape or manobal ki hatya (murder of morale), Yadav said in a tweet in Hindi with hashtag Hathraskibeti. The state government had submitted that it was ready to relocate the victims family members but they wantedto be shifted to either Noida or Ghaziabad or Delhi. Additional advocate general (AAG) of Uttar Pradesh Garima Prasad said that this was a question of law whether the elder, married brother could be regarded as a dependent. But the Supreme Court bench had said it was not inclined to interfere with the high court order, considering the special facts and circumstances of the case. The 19-year-old woman died in a Delhi hospital a fortnight after she was allegedly raped by four men from her village in Hathras on September 14, 2020. On March 2, a special court in Hathras sentenced the main accused to life imprisonment while acquitting three other accused. (With PTI inputs) A youth was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly calling the Police Control Room in Nagpur and claiming that a bomb had been planted in front of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis house. Security outside Fadnavis house at Dharampeth has been increased.(HT Photo) The accused identified as Kundan Gautam Hire is a resident of the satellite town, Kamptee. He had called the Police Control Room in a drunken state at 2am and made a false threat, said Atul Sabnis, senior inspector of Sitabuldi Police Station. We quickly dispatched a team to investigate the deputy chief ministers bungalow in the Dharampeth area, but nothing suspicious was found inside the house or nearby area of the residence. Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis flags Urdu banner at Uddhav Thackeray rally; Priyanka Chaturvedi hits back The youth claimed that he threatened to blow up the Nagpur home of Fadnavis in a fit of rage after a power failure in his home last night. The call caused a great stir in the area. We are investigating the exact motive behind the threat call, said Sabnis. Meanwhile, security outside Fadnavis house at Dharampeth has been increased. The police have also started looking at other leads in this case. MUMBAI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday obtained a letter of request (LR) to be forwarded to the Nepal government seeking evidence regarding the stay of three accused in the neighbouring country in the case registered for allegedly planting an explosive-laden SUV outside Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani and the murder of Thane trader Mansukh Hiran. Antilla - Mukesh Ambani building - Residence - home- house - HT PHOTO BY Ansuman Poyrekar In its chargesheet, the agency claimed that the trioSantosh Shelar, Satish Mothkuri and Manish Soniwere involved in murdering Hiran on March 4, 2021 and were on the run between March 9, 2021 and March 20, 2021. During this period, the agency said the three went to Delhi, from where they went to Nepal. They then travelled to Dubai from Nepal. Later, they returned to India and were arrested in connection with the case. The agency on Tuesday submitted a plea to the special NIA court for a letter of request to the concerned authorities in Nepal, pleading that they need details and evidence regarding the stay of the three accused in Kathmandu after Hirans murder. It was contended that if the request to share the evidence was not sent, there were chances that the evidence would be tampered with. Allowing the plea, the court ordered the Central government to send the letter of request to the competent authority which in turn would be asked to collect the evidence and share it with the special court. On February 25, 2021, an SUV was found abandoned outside Antilia with 20 gelatine sticks kept in a backpack and a note threatening the members of the Ambani family. On March 5, the body of the vehicles owner, Mansukh Hiren, was found dumped in the creek near Mumbra. The NIA claimed that dismissed Mumbai police officer Sunil Mane had called Hiran to meet him at Ghodbunder Road in Thane and handed him over to the triopurportedly hired by ex-encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma. MUMBAI: Observing that stray animals are living beings and need to be taken care of by the society, the Bombay high court on Tuesday restrained the managing committee of RNA Royal Park, a residential complex in Kandivali West, from hiring henchmen to drive away strays and discourage members from feeding strays in the complex. Mumbai, India - October 29, 2022: Residents of Castle Rock Complex feed stray dogs outside the building premises, at Powai, in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, October 29, 2022. (Photo by Pratik Chorge/Hindustan Times) (Pratik Chorge/HT PHOTO) The HC directed the civic authority to coordinate with the managing committee to identify a dedicated spot in the complex where the strays could be fed and taken care of by the concerned feeders. The division bench of justice Girish Kulkarni and justice Rajesh Laddha was hearing the petition filed by Paromita Puthran, an animal lover, whose advocates Nishad Nevgi, Anjali Mallekar and Samaa Shah informed the court that the woman was living in the complex, in Kandivli East, which comprised of three buildings and had a lot of open space. However, as there was no dedicated spot earmarked for feeding of stray dogs and cats in the society, Puthran was forced to provide food to nearly 18 stray dogs at the gate of the complex. The bench was also informed that as the location was not secluded, there was a possibility of stray animals being run over or injured while being fed and hence, the petitioner was seeking directions for identifying a secluded spot in the complex where she could feed the strays. The bench was further informed that even while the petitioner was trying to get a spot dedicated for feeding, the managing committee in its November 2022 meeting decided to hire bouncers to scare off the strays as well as the feeders. The advocates stated that the decision of the committee was violative of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which provides that it shall be the responsibility of the Resident Welfare Association or Apartment Owner Association of the area to make necessary arrangement for feeding of the community animals residing in the premises or the area involving the person residing in that area or premises who feed those animals or intend to feed those animals, and provide care to street animals as a compassionate gesture The housing complex refuted the allegations by saying that in the November decision, they had also decided to identify a spot for feeding strays, but the same was not done as yet. The bench, however, said, In our opinion, considering the object and intention of the statutory Rules read with all the provisions of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it would be an obligation of all the members of the Society to follow the mandate of law and to prevent themselves from causing any cruelty and harassment to the animals, as also to those, who intend to take care for these animals. With regards to the threat to children and senior citizens from strays the bench said, It is appropriate that proper measures in that regard in consultation with experts, animal lovers, NGOs and the municipal officers can be discussed and implemented. While directing the complex and civic authority to identify a spot in the complex for feeding the strays, the bench said, We also intend to sound a word of caution to the members of the managing committee and the other members of the society that to hate the stray dogs and/or treat them with cruelty can never be an acceptable approach from persons of a civil society, as an act of cruelty to such animals would be against the Constitutional ethos and the statutory provisions. Mumbai: In a push to the infrastructure projects proposed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in Dronagiri node, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended, subject to conditions, 23 works such as roads, sewage treatment plants, desilting etc., to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). HT Image The issue had been pending since last year as the works are located in CRZ1 area. The permission is a huge relief for CIDCO and will enable the development work in new node that is coming up at the Nhava Sheva-end of the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which will connect the region to Mumbai. The projects include construction of different types of infrastructure such as a sewage treatment plant, sewage pump house, bridge across holding pond, channel, road and service and desilting of channels. The projects fall under CRZ IA (50 m buffer zone) and hence, needed MCZMA clearance. Around 1.75 lakh sqm of CRZ area is covered under the projects. CIDCO had submitted the environment impact assessment report prepared by MoEF&CC accredited consultancy Manu Shrushti. Since Navi Mumbai is surrounded by Thane creek, all development work here, whether by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Panvel Municipal Corporation, CIDCO or MMRDA, needs the go ahead from MCZMA. The proposals were first discussed at MCZMA meeting held on August 24, 2022. MCZMA had then decided to verify if CIDCO was seeking fresh CRZ approval for infrastructure activities at Dronagiri or if it was a post facto approval that it was seeking. On December 6, 2022, CIDCO submitted that it is seeking fresh approval for infrastructure activities at Dronagiri and no onsite activities have been initiated till date for the proposed projects. The authority accepted that the composite proposal submitted by CIDCO involving construction of public infrastructure facilities at Dronagri node was in public interest. The authority noted that the sites are situated in mangroves and 50m mangrove buffer zone area (CRZ IA). Its experts opined that matter could be recommended to MoEF&CC, New Delhi. Following discussions, MCZMA decided to recommend the proposal to MoEF&CC, New Delhi under CRZ Notification 2011 subject to conditions. Welcoming the MCZMA recommendation, a CIDCO official said, Dronagiri is a crucial node as it will be the link between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai via MTHL. The node is developing fast and hence, there is a need for basic infrastructure development there for the residents. Added the official, CIDCO is committed to conserving the environment and following all required norms. We shall continue to do follow up with the concerned authorities as per requirement. Said Rajesh Prajapati, founder president of CREDAI MCHI, Raigad unit, Dronagiri is a fast-developing node where the migration of new home buyers has begun. With mega infrastructure projects like Seawoods Uran railway line, MTHL as well as International airport about to start, we expect large scale migration of people to the node. He added, All the infrastructure projects approved by MCZMA are most urgently required for easing the life of existing as well as future home buyers in Dronagiri. Although clearance from MCZMA is a positive sign, the conditions of getting further clearance from MoEF as well as the high court, creates doubts on the speed at which these projects can be finally cleared and implemented. He said, We only hope that CIDCO strongly follows up to get the required clearances for projects approved presently by MCZMA specially the STP which is the most urgently required basic infrastructure. Box The works 1) Construction of Sewage treatment plant of 108 mld at sector 56 and 59 2) Sewage pump house at sector 51A and sector 57 3) Bridge across holding pond at sector 55, 56, 51 and 52 4) 22 m wide channel in sector 15 and 41 5) Road and service thereof in sector 15, 15A, 41, 48, 50, 56, 15 to sector 15A STP, 27, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Box The conditions 1) Proposed construction should be carried out strictly as per the provisions in CRZ Notification and guidelines / clarifications given by MoEF from time to time. 2) Prior high court permission should be obtained by CIDCO since proposed activities are situated in mangroves and its 50m buffer zone area 3) NoC from mangrove cell shall be obtained by MCGM 4) Natural creek / river / channel should not be reclaimed 5) Debris generated during the construction activity should not be dumped in CRZ area. It should be ensured that debris is process in a scientific manner at a designated C&D waste handling site. 6) All other required permission from different statutory authorities should be obtained. Amid the raging political controversy of Rahul Gandhis repeated insults to Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, opposition leaders on Tuesday got together in an attempt to douse the flames. Mumbai, India - November 26, 2019: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar during meeting of Shiv Sena , NCP and Congress alliance at Trident hotel, BKC in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. (HT PHOTO) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut spoke to Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, architect of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra, told the Congress not to unnecessarily rake up the Savarkar issue since it was tricky for the MVA, and contentious issues needed to be kept aside in the interest of opposition unity. The Savarkar controversy has become a sore spot in relations between the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). On Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray, in his Malegaon rally, had warned Rahul Gandhi not to insult the freedom fighter. The Sena (UBT) also skipped the meeting of opposition leaders hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday. Attempts to defuse the tension among the political allies has now begun in earnest. Raut, who spoke to Gandhi on Tuesday, said he had had a fruitful discussion on the Savarkar issue. We are also speaking with other Congress leaders about this, he said. Its not possible to share the details but everyone will know the result of the talks soon. The statement is seen as an indication that the Congress, especially Gandhi, has agreed to keep the focus on fighting the BJP, in keeping with what Thackeray had publicly advised Gandhi in his Sunday rally: that the allies needed to refrain from remarks that would antagonise one another, and concentrate on the main goal. Following the meeting, Raut also slammed the BJP, saying its forthcoming Savarkar Gaurav Yatra was actually an Adani Gaurav Yatra. Raut spoke to Gandhi a day after Sharad Pawar reportedly told the Congress that the Savarkar issue should not be raked up unnecessarily. According to MVA insiders, both Pawar and Raut pointed out to the Congress that the Savarkar issue could be tricky for the MVA coalition, as Savarkar is a household name in Maharashtra and Thackerays party has always been a pro-Savarkar party. Pawar raised the issue in the opposition parties dinner-cum-meeting held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence in New Delhi on Monday. The MVA is getting good support in Maharashtra but the Savarkar issue is creating unnecessarily tension among the allies, Pawar is said to have told the meeting that was attended by former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The NCP supremo then tried to point out that Savarkar and the RSS were never on good terms, and that Savarkar was a pro-science person. Gandhi, however, responded by saying that the two parties had strong ideological differences on the issue, and he did not want to change the Congress stand. According to MVA insiders, he was supported by the Left parties on this. However, it was later agreed by all that the differences would be set aside in the interest of opposition unity, said a senior leader. A senior leader also objected to Congress leaders in Delhi welcoming the arrest of AAP leader Manish Sisodia. After he pointed out that the central agencies were being misused against all the Opposition parties and not selected ones, Congress leaders admitted their mistake and said that they would take care it was not repeated. The Savarkar issue snowballed in Maharashtra after Rahul Gandhi said that his surname was not Savarkar and hence he would not apologise in the recent criminal defamation case against him. The ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance was quick to latch on to the issue to corner Thackeray and the MVA coalition. Chief minister Eknath Shinde questioned Thackerays seriousness in his criticism of Gandhi and dared him to walk out of the MVA. A Thackeray faction leader said that their party was not comfortable with Gandhi repeatedly criticising Savarkar, as for them the latter was an idol. Also, such statements could shift the political narrative, and the BJP will use it to divert the attention of people away from its autocratic behaviour and the non-performance of the central government, he said. It can use it to mobilise people on Hindutva, so it is important to keep such controversial issues under wraps. Congress leader Ashok Chavan, admitting that they had a difference of opinion on a number of issues, including that of Savarkar, said that the Congress leadership was never in favour of forming the government with the Shiv Sena. We did it to keep the BJP away from power, he said. We knew that such issues would come up in future. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai: The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has given its nod, under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, for reclaiming 19 hectares of land at Versova Beach for setting up a fishing harbour. Hindustan Times (March 22) was the first to report on the proposal, being carried out under the Centres Sagarmala initiative. HT Image The reclamation work is largely for the construction of two breakwaters that will jut out more than a 1km into the sea. The area between the breakwater will act as a basin for boats, around 13.5 hectares in area, and will be able to service a fleet of 900 vessels, including 500 trawlers and 400 bag or gill-net fishing vessels. In 2019, Versova harboured a fleet of 846 mechanised fishing vessels comprising 411 trawlers, 395 bag-net and 40 gill-net vessels. The project is spread over 32.8 hectares, involving reclaimed land of 19.19 hectares, in CRZ-1 and CRZ-4 areas. This is completely unnecessary. The infrastructure can be provided onshore without having to dredge the intertidal area. Versova Beach has become prone to severe erosion due to the construction of Coastal Road in the south. In the last two years, the beach has already been reclaimed for a nonsensical anti-erosion wall. We cant afford to lose more of it, said Stalin D, environmentalist and director of city-based NGO Vanashakti. The fishing population in the study area faces several challenges that have impacted their livelihood to a great extent. The fishermen complain about lack of basic facilities. About 84% fishermen families in the study area come under BPL category, upliftment of the families from BPL to APL category is required for the overall development of the fishermen families. To boost the incomes from fishermen, proposed fishing harbour should be started as soon as possible, the MCZMA has noted in the minutes of its last meeting (made public on Monday), in which it recommended the project to the Centre for approval. However, the authority also noted the projects possible impact on the adjoining Versova Creek, and emphasised that all necessary environmental measures at stipulated in Environment Impact Assessment should be implemented in letter and spirit, along with design recommendations of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), which conducted the preliminary ship tranquility study for the project. The Eknath Shinde government has decided to promulgate an ordinance to protect the powers of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), days after it withdrew Maharashtra Industry, Trade and Investment Facilitation Cell (MAITRI) Bill 2022 due to differences over the jurisdiction of agencies. HT Image The bill, which aimed to form an empowered committee for timely approvals to investment proposals, was passed by the assembly in the first week of March. It was proposed that this panel would be headed by the development commissioner (industries) with secretaries from other departments, among others, as members. However, officials at the industries department were unhappy over the powers of the MIDC, the nodal agency, being reduced. As a result, the government could not table the bill in the legislative council and later withdrew it, citing an error in translation of the draft. But sources at Mantralaya said the main reason for the withdrawal was an objection raised by MIDC officials though it is not clear why the objection was not raised before the bill was introduced in the assembly. To resolve the differences, chief minister Shinde approved amendments to the MAITRI bill at a cabinet meeting held last week. As per the new proposal, the MIDC would remain the nodal agency in the areas or estates developed by it while the committee would have the final say in the rest of the state. Since the legislature is not in session, the government is planning to bring an ordinance to convert the bill into act. Industries minister Uday Samant said the state will soon come up with an ordinance to form a MAITRI-empowered committee. The state cabinet has given its approval to the amendments to the bill. Now, the MIDC will be the nodal agency in its areas and for industries outside its jurisdiction, the committee will work as the executing authority. He claimed that there was an error in translation of the draft which caused the misunderstanding that the MIDCs powers would be brought down. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has written to the municipal corporation to expedite the takeover of Indirapuram locality and ensure that it takes place before the local body elections. The move has triggered a row as the corporation has demanded 288 crore from the authority on the grounds that certain facilities need to be upgraded before the handover process. GDA, which developed Indirapuram, has been trying to hand over the locality to the civic body since 2011-12. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo) The Indirapuram locality was developed by the authority about 30 years ago and it has been trying to hand over the locality to the civic body since 2011-12. In order to assess the required upgrade of facilities, officials of both the departments conducted a joint inspection in January 2022. The latest communication was sent through the office of vice-chairperson of GDA on March 18 and the letter states that the handover needs to be expedited before the local body elections. The elections are likely to happen soon as the Supreme Court on Monday allowed the state election commission to issue a notification in this regard in two days. Civic body officials said there were gaps in certain civic infrastructure in Indirapuram related to roads, drains, footpaths and central verge, among others. On May 21 last year, the municipal corporation board approved a partial takeover -- of Indirapurams three services of horticulture, streetlights and cleaning activities. Even these three services have not been taken over as yet and only the 56MLD (million litres daily) capacity sewerage treatment plant has been taken over by the corporation. The joint inspection highlighted certain gaps and we need funds of 288 crore from GDA if the handover is to take place. Otherwise, the authority should take up these works and update the civic infrastructure. We will meet and discuss the issue, said Nitin Gaur, municipal commissioner. GDA officials said 288 crore was not a correct estimate. The amount is less as per our estimates and we have communicated this to the corporation. Our officials will hold meetings to expedite the handover process, said Rakesh Kumar Gupta, chief engineer, GDA. Presently, the services in Indirapuram are maintained by GDA and they collect user charges from residents. The corporation charges property tax from households. The five-year term of the corporation board ended at midnight of January 22 this year. The state government later issued directions for the formation of a committee (comprising the district magistrate and corporation officials) to oversee the day-to-day working of the corporation but has barred them from taking any policy decision until a new house is elected and convened. There is a lot of pressure on the corporation to take over Indirapuram which has incomplete infrastructure. It seems that the handover has been sought to gain mileage during the local body elections but residents would suffer in the long run due to pending works. If the corporation takes over incomplete civic infrastructure in Indirapuram, it would have to incur huge costs to upgrade the amenities and maintain them. In a way, the GDA is trying hard to pass on its liabilities to the corporation, said Rajendra Tyagi, outgoing councillor from Raj Nagar. He also threatened to move the court if the handover process is started with incomplete civic infrastructure. The joint inspection document was agreed upon by officials of both agencies and the authority should abide by it. Further, the handover process is a policy decision and it should wait till the new board is formed, Tyagi said. A row broke out at an apartment complex in Greater Noida after a section of residents objected to some people from outside the complex offering namaz in a vacant area inside the premises on Monday evening. Rambadan Singh, deputy commissioner of police (Central Noida) said the matter was amicably resolved and police personnel deployed as a precautionary measure (TwitterScreengrab) A team of local police officers was deployed following a complaint from some residents of the Supertech Ecovillage-2 complex about the non-residents coming to a portion of the commercial mart of the complex for prayers. They told the police that they were objecting to non-residents coming to the complex for Ramzan prayers, not residents from the Muslim community. In view of the commotion over the prayers, residents from the Muslim community told the police that they too will not offer prayers at the open space designated by the builder this time but at home or a mosque. Rambadan Singh, deputy commissioner of police (Central Noida) said the matter was amicably resolved. The Muslim residents of the society have given it in writing that they will not offer namaz in the public area in the market and will do it either at their home or at their place of worship. As a precautionary measure, the police force has been deployed in the area in case of any untoward incident and to maintain law and order here, the senior police officer said. Anil Rajput, station house officer of Bisrakh police station said the police reached the spot after receiving information of a row at about 8.30pm. The builder of the society had given some space on the third floor of the commercial market of the society for residents to offer namaz during Ramzan. This space was created on the third floor of the commercial complex. Here, around 30 to 40 people were coming every day to offer namaz. However, the society residents objected to non-residents coming here from outside to offer the namaz, Rajput said. A resident of the society, who did not wish to be named, said the concern of the residents was in the context of the complexs security since the commercial mart is located inside the complex. Out of the 30-40 people who were offering namaz at the public place in the market in the last week, only about 10 people were from our society and the rest were from outside. Hence, residents only objected to those coming from outside the society to pray here whereas there were no issues with residents of our society using the space for praying, he said. A police statement, however, put the number of non-residents who offered prayers at 7-8 people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A row broke out at an apartment complex in Greater Noida after a section of residents objected to some people from outside the complex offering namaz in a vacant area inside the premises on Monday evening. A screengrab of a video shows residents of the society confronting people from outside the complex in an attempt to resolve the issue. (Twitter) A team of local police officers was deployed following a complaint by some residents of Supertech Ecovillage-2 complex that non-residents were visiting a portion of the commercial mart of the complex for prayers. They told the police that they were only objecting to non-residents coming to the complex for Ramzan prayers, and had no objections to Muslim residents offering prayers there. In view of the commotion over the prayers, Muslim residents \told the police that they too will not offer prayers at the open space designated by the builder and will pray at home or at a mosque. Rambadan Singh, deputy commissioner of police (Central Noida), said the matter was amicably resolved. The Muslim residents have given in writing that they will not offer namaz in the public area in the market and will instead pray at home or at their place of worship. As a precautionary measure, the police force has been deployed in the area, the DCP said. Anil Rajput, station house officer of Bisrakh police station, said the police reached the spot after receiving information of a row around 8.30pm. The builder has left some open space on the third floor of the commercial market for residents to offer namaz during Ramzan. Around 30 to 40 people daily offer namaz there. However, the society residents objected to non-residents coming here to offer namaz, Rajput said. A resident of the society, who did not wish to be named, said the concern was the societys security since the commercial mart is located inside the society. Of the 30 or 40 people who were offering namaz at the public place in the past week, only about 10 people were from our society and the rest were from outside. Hence, residents objected to those coming from outside the society. There were no issues with residents of our society using the space for praying, he said. A police statement, however, put the number of non-residents offering the prayers at 7 to 8 people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Opposition Congress has refused to meet top Election Commission of India (ECI) officials visiting Assam for consultations with political parties over a delimitation process, saying it will not do so unless its concerns over the merger of districts ahead of the redrawing of electoral boundaries are addressed. An ECI team arrived in Guwahati on Sunday. (HT PHOTO) State Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah on Monday questioned the need for the merger ahead of the exercise and said it could benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) electorally. We are not opposed to the delimitation process. We met ECI officials in New Delhi on January 4 and sought clarification on some of our concerns. But despite assurances, we are yet to get any response from them. Till our concerns are addressed, we will not meet the ECI team, said Borah. Opposition parties have questioned the need for conducting the delimitation based on the 2001 census and not the 2011 census. When we have data from the 2011 census, what is the need to conduct the exercise based on the 2001 census? asked Trinamool Congress (TMC)s state chief Ripun Bora. The last delimitation exercise in Assam was undertaken in 1976 based on the 1971 census. There would be no increase in the number of seats after the fresh delimitation exercise. Assam has 126 assembly and 14 parliamentary seats. The delimitation exercise in Assam was suspended in 2008 following suggestions by the then Congress government that it might create law and order problems. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has maintained the state government has no role in the exercise Representatives of BJP, United People Party Liberal, Asom Gana Parishad, Communist Party of India (Marxist), All India United Democratic Front, Raijor Dal, and TMC met chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar and election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arup Goyal on Monday. The ECI team arrived in Guwahati on Sunday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Madras high court on Tuesday rejected interim applications by expelled All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader O Paneerselvam (OPS) and others against the party's general secretary election. The verdict paves way for former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edapaddi Palaniswami (EPS) elevation as the undisputed general secretary of the party founded by MG Ramachandran. The court dismissed petitions of O Panneerselvam and that of his supporters PH Manoj Pandian, R Vaithilingam and JCD Prabhakaran who sought a stay on these party elections and challenged the resolutions passed by the general council meeting held last July 11. O Paneerselvam and former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.(PTI) Soon after the verdict, AIADMKs election in-charge Natham R Viswanathan and Pollachi V Jayaraman announced the election of EPS as the general secretary of the party. Soon after the verdict, EPS supporters took to streets to celebrate by distributing sweets and bursting crackers. On February 23, the Supreme Court had upheld the Madras high court's September 2 order allowing EPS to remain the AIADMK general secretary. A division bench of high court had set aside a single bench order in favour of OPS. The leader had moved the top court against the division bench order. Last year, Palaniswami had won the battle of the AIADMK leadership following the high court order rejecting OPS' plea to stall the general council meeting. The former CM was named interim general secretary, and then expelled his rival-turned-ally-turned rival OPS from the party. Paneerselvam, who was the treasurer of the party at the time of expulsion, was replaced by Dindigul Srinivasan. A majority of AIADMK leadership had supported Palaniswami. Paneerselvam had served as chief minister twice in 2001 and 2014 when late Jayalalithaa had to step down after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case. He later became the chief minister again in 2016 after her demise, but had to resign two months later after the party split and the then governor appointed EPS as the CM. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Polling to elect members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will be held on Tuesday as an extra candidate from the Opposition camp has filed his candidature. Against seven seats for Rajya Sabha members, eight candidates will now be contesting the elections. Parliament of India. (File Photo) AAPs Raghav Chadha, Congress Shaktisinh Gohil, BJPs K. Laxman, Ghanshyam Tiwari and Sudhanshu Trivedi, TMCs Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva and ADMKs M. Thambidurai are contesting the elections. A senior Trinamool Congress leader said, One of the Opposition candidates was asked to withdraw his candidature. But he didnt, resulting in an election. The three BJP candidates Laxman, Tiwari and Trivedi are expected to secure an easy win. similarly, the lone Congress candidate Gohil and DMKs Thiruchi Siva are also set to sail through. We expect a close contest between Chadha and Thambidurai. The public accounts committee is the apex body to scrutinize CAG reports and other issues of the government. Formed before Independence, the committee is considered one of the key panels. As a part of parliamentary tradition, the PAC is headed by an Opposition leader-- the current chairman is Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. PUNE The army chief (centre) delivered his keynote address at the hotel JW Marriott during the inaugural edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave. (HT PHOTO) Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Tuesday said that both India and African nations face common threats of terrorism and violent extremism that had the potential to impact the development goals and advocated for strengthening ties with partner nations in tackling the scourge of terrorism. We face common threats of terrorism and violent extremism, both of which have the potential to devastate our development goals. One of the ten guiding principles for cooperation with Africa announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 was the need to strengthen our cooperation and mutual capability in combating terrorism and extremism, he said. The army chief delivered his keynote address at the hotel JW Marriott during the inaugural edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave, which was attended by 80 senior military delegates from approximately 35 African nations, eminent military personalities from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army, academia, and captains of the Indian defence industry. The conclave is a continuation of the recent series of events and is intended to engage African defence forces at the senior leadership levels. India and Africa have shared a deep and abiding connection for centuries, dating back to the Indus valley civilization 2500 years ago, when African merchants traded pearl millet and sorghum for Indian oil and spices, he said. India recognises Africas contribution to our freedom struggle. While in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi developed the concept of non-violence and peaceful resistance, which greatly influenced Nelson Mandela. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela led tenacious and formidable resistance movements against colonialism and imperialism, said Gen Pande. The army chief went on to say that 129 Indian armed forces personnel had died in peacekeeping operations on African soil. The army chief added that the Indian armed forces have long had ties with their African counterparts, with the Indian army helping to establish the Ethiopian military academy in 1957 and the Nigerian defence academy in 1964. Gen Pande emphasised the long-standing India-Africa bilateral ties, saying, Today we will deliberate on the key pillars of India-Africa defence partnership and how the Indian defence industry contributes to regional security. Pune Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during first India - Africa Army Chiefs Conclave on Tuesday. (HT PHOTO) Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that both India and Africa were united in their cooperation aimed at building a multipolar world order. He was speaking at the first edition of the India-Africa Army Chiefs conclave organised on the sidelines of the second Africa-India Joint Exercise AFINDEX in Pune on March 28. The conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chiefs and representatives of 31 African nations, along with other civil and defence dignitaries. We are united by the common goals of eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable development, promoting peace and harmony and improving the quality of life of the people, Singh said. India and its numerous defence partners on the African continent are brought together by their focus on maritime security and counter-terrorism, according to Singh. Rajnath Singh pointed out that the people of India and Africa together represent a third of humanity, a demographic dividend which has to be used wisely. Many African nations have the fastest rate of growth of population in the world. As per some projections, by 2050, there would be one African, out of every four people in the world. Therefore, if humanity has to develop, Africa has to develop. Today, Africa is home to more than a billion vibrant people, with more than two-thirds of them under the age of 35, he added. India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance the defence capabilities together, stated Singh. He emphasised that the full potential of a nations progress can be realised only when its security is ensured. We believe that the preservation of individual human rights, such as the right to life and personal liberty, the right to employment, the right to a living, and so on, is dependent on a strong and effective state apparatus that can ensure the rule of law while also promoting economic growth and social development. Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment, he said. India has been at the forefront of providing training to African nations armed forces and equipping them with the necessary skills to face the security challenges of the twenty-first century. Counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security, and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations are all covered by the training programs. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance. Many African countries armed forces personnel continue to visit India for training in different areas. The defence minister described relative technological backwardness as one of the most important causes holding the developing world from high economic growth rates. Stating that new and emerging technologies provide an opportunity to leapfrog this gap, he extended Indias expertise in digital and clean & green technologies for the benefit of African nations. He emphasised Indias achievement of financial inclusion for all citizens through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), describing it as a financial revolution. He also stressed that the exchange of ideas and practises will be two-way and India is keen to learn from the experiences of its African friends. A shocking incident came to light from Hadapsar area in Pune where a mother allegedly killed her 4-year-old daughter. The Hadapsar police detained the accused on Monday night. The incident took place on Monday night at Sasane Nagar in Hadapsar. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The locals are in a state of shock following the horrifying incident. The mother fatally stabbed her four-year-old daughter, said police officials. The incident took place on Monday night at around 7.59 pm at Siddivinayak Durvankur Society, Sasane Nagar in Hadapsar area. The accused has been identified as Kalpi Vader. According to preliminary information provided by the police, the mother and her four-year-old daughter lived alone in a rented house, and she operated a bakery product sales business. According to the police officials, the landlord asked them to vacate the place. On Monday, she was planning to leave the rented home. Therefore, the homes owner and neighbours went to check in on her but she did not respond. Considering the situation, the neighbours and the landlord forced the door open and found the body of her four-year-old girl Vaishnavi in a pool of blood. The house owner immediately informed the police, and a team of Hadapsar police rushed to the spot. Upon reaching the scene, they detained the mother, who is the prime suspect in this case. It is still unclear why the mother committed this crime. However, the police have stated that they are currently investigating the case. Arvind Gokule, senior police inspector at Hadapsar police station said, The accused was not living with her husband, and she was living with her four-year-old daughter. On Monday night she stabbed her daughter. We have arrested the accused and trying to ascertain the reason behind the murder. A case has been registered at Hadapsar police station under charges of murder and further investigation is underway, said officials. Staff Selection Commission SSC Constable GD Result 2022 is awaited.After the results are announced, candidates who took the test can access them on the SSC website at ssc.nic.in. The computer-based test was given between January 10 and February 13, 2023. Between February 18 and February 25, 2023, candidates had access to the answer key. The SSC has not yet disclosed the date of the results. This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 50187 vacancies. After the computer-based examination, SSC will schedule and conduct the physical efficiency test (PET), physical standard test (PST), detailed medical examination (DME), and review medical examination (RME). After bringing in her 30th birthday in London, Alia Bhatt returned to Mumbai on Tuesday. The actor turned 30 on March 15 but celebrated a bit later with husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, mother Soni Razdan and sister Shaheen Bhatt in the UK. Alia had posted pictures of her time in the British capital, spending time with loved ones and exploring the city. As she returned to Mumbai, Alia was spotted at the airport in a casual but simple outfit of a white jacket and black jeans. (Also read: Ranbir Kapoor puts arms around Alia Bhatt as they walk on London street, visit park and explore city) Alia Bhatt had celebrated her 30th birthday with a trip to London. She returned to Mumbai on Tuesday. A paparazzo account posted a video of Alia's return when she posed for the waiting photographers before heading into her car. The video was captioned, "#RanbirKapoor came to pick #aliabhatt though he did not get clicked." As she went to stand for the photographers, Alia tied up her hair in a bun. Fans commented on her youthful looks in the video. One fan wrote, "Can't blv she is married girl and she have a baby. Still looking teenager." Another added, "Ye kaunsi bhi angle se wife aur mom lagti nhi (She doesn't look like a wife or a mother from any angle) looking so so young like 22years college girl." Alia and Ranbir got married in April 2022 in their Mumbai home in a private ceremony with close family and friends only. They welcomed their first child, daughter Raha Kapoor, on November 6, 2022. They both acted together in Ayan Mukerji's fantasy adventure film Brahmastra: Part One Shiva. Last year, Alia was also seen in RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Darlings, all of which were hits. She turned producer with Darlings, which premiered on Netflix. Later this year, Alia will be seen in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani. She made her debut with Karan's Student Of The Year in 2012. In Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Alia is paired opposite Ranveer Singh. Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The actor is also expected to begin shooting for Farhan Akhtar's Jee Le Zaara with Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif. She will also make her Hollywood debut in August with the Netflix film Heart of Stone starring Gal Gadot. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ahead of the release of her upcoming Prime Video series, Citadel, Priyanka Chopra has been speaking to the media about her career. In a new podcast, the actor had opened up on the reasons she was almost forced to leave Bollywood in 2014. After Kangana Ranaut lauded her Fashion co-star, Apurva Asrani has also hailed Priyanka for being candid about her move to Hollywood. He also shared that it was a massive win that she went to succeed and end up like late actors Parveen Babi and Sushant Singh Rajput. (Also read: Kangana Ranaut says everyone knows Karan Johar had banned Priyanka Chopra as latter opens up about moving west) Apurva Asrani also added that few people had defended Priyanka Chopra when she had to relocate to Hollywood. The editor-filmmaker wrote on Twitter, "Finally Priyanka Chopra reveals what everyone knew, but said not a word. Not the liberals, not the feminists. They hail those that ostracized her, celebrate the kings that tried to destroy her. It is a massive win that she didn't end up like Parveen Babi or Sushant Singh Rajput." He also added that few people had defended her when she had to relocate. Fans also commented on his post and agreed with his take. One Twitter user said, "@priyankachopra is a brave girl indeed and made a mark for herself in a new place. She is deserving of everything that she has today. Those who ostracised her should face karma someday." Another added, "Don't forget #Rekha #KangnaRanaut #Nagma & many more actresses. They're fun, fearless,fiesty, seekers, sexy, ultra ambitious & Dangerous in many ways. They cross all boundaries to achieve what they seek! They're femme fatals. #PriyankaChopra Everything comes wit a price!" Yet another shared, "Good that she was able to 'leave' and make a life outside but not everyone got that chance and was eliminated beforehand! Connections and fate aside, Parveen babi and Sushant Singh Rajput cases are not alike. Please be mindful of that." Parveen, who had been in relationships with Kabir Bedi, and Mahesh Bhatt, stopped acting during the early 1980s. She became a recluse after retiring from films. She died in 2005. Meanwhile, actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai home on June 14, 2020. On the podcast Armchair Expert, Priyanka told host Dax Shepherd, "I was being pushed into a corner in the industry (Bollywood). I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, I am not good at playing that game so I kind of was tired of the politics and I said I needed a break." She landed the lead in the ABC television series Quantico in 2015 after moving to the US to start her music career. The actor also appeared in the Hollywood films Baywatch (2017), Isn't It Romantic (2019), and The Matrik Resurrections (2021). She will also be seen in the rom-com Love Again with Sam Heughan, and Celine Dion later this year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actors Kajol and Ajay Devgns daughter, Nysa Devgan, is among the most popular star kids in India currently, thanks to her appearances on paparazzis social media pages. From partying with friends and making public appearances to dressing up for photo shoots she has been making heads turn. Ask mum Kajol how she feels about the popularity that her daughter has earned and she says, I feel proud of her, of course. I love the fact that she conducts herself with dignity wherever she goes. All I can say is, she is 19 and is having fun. She has the right to do whatever she wants to do and I will always support her. Kajol on daughter Nysa Devgan: Love the fact that she conducts herself with dignity All for her daughters freedom of choice, the actor goes on to talk about the principles shes lived by in her three-decade-long journey in the film industry. While validation is integral to many actors, Kajol is quite insouciant about it: I never worried about being a part of a group or following the trend or being at the number one spot in the rat race. I never thought about all that. Another principle that Kajol lives by is inclusivity and she promoted the same at a recent event. Ask what the term means to her and she says, To not leave anyone out, regardless of their race, gender preference, abilities and disabilities. The Salaam Venky (2022) actor feels we, humans, have forgotten about compassion and if she sees discrimination of any kind, she makes it a point to not be the one discriminating. My mum (veteran actor Tanuja) would always say, You should treat others like how you would expect yourself to be treated. Bahut maar-maar ke yeh sikhaya gaya hai. I grew up with [this idea of inclusivity], the actor signs off. Actor Kareena Kapoor attended an event in Mumbai for the promotion of the footwear, Fizzy Goblet. At the event, she was surprised by a shoe-shaped cake, put next to a real one on a table. The hyper-realistic cake is leaving internet users divided about the whole arrangement. Also read: Kareena Kapoor responds to Insta user comparing her to Gstaad, Anushka Sharma reacts on being compared with Bengaluru Kareena Kapoor at an event in Mumbai. (Viral Bhayani)(Viral Bhayani) The video features Kareena in an orange one-shoulder dress. On a table in front of her, a real shoe and its edible replica were kept. The two looked identical which left Kareena amused. She laughed and struggled to identify which one was the cake. With a knife in her hand, Kareena hesitantly cut the cake. She even went on to smell the piece of cake disguised as a shoe. She told everyone at the press meet, I am scared to eat this" with a laugh. Her words leave everyone in the room in splits. Reacting to the post, a user wrote in the comment, Who keeps sandals near to cake, so unhygienic. What's wrong with this people? Making shoe as cake wired, added another one. Someone also said, Can we take a moment and appreciate the cake who made? Earlier in the day, Kareena was also snapped in the same outfit. On the sets, she was seen obliging a fan with a selfie request. She posed with a female fan with her signature pout pose. A video was also shared by a paparazzo account. Kareena returned to Mumbai last week after a week-long family trip to Africa. She was with her husband Saif Ali Khan and their two sons, Taimur and Jehangir. Kareena was last seen in Laal Singh Chaddha with Aamir Khan. Fans will see her next in Rhea Kapoor's upcoming film, The Crew. It also stars Kriti Sanon, Diljit Dosanjh, and Tabu besides her. She also has filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh's next thriller film which is based on the book The Devotion Of Suspect X. It also stars Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. She also has director Hansal Mehta's next untitled film in the pipeline. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub had only a few releases in last three years. But for now, the Raanjhanaa and Tanu Weds Manu Returns actor has impressive work lined up for this year. Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub is currently shooting in Lucknow. I was seen less on screen because I was really busy shooting back-to-back for a series of projects. I am not even able to stay home and spend time with my daughter. Many think that I am out of work but actually its the opposite. A number of projects are scheduled to release this year, says the Chhallaang (2020) and A Simple Murder actor. Currently, shooting a series in Lucknow, the actor says, I have completed Devaashish Makhijas film Joram with Manoj (Bajpayee) sir that was screened at Rotterdam Film Festival, Meghna Gulzars Sam Bahadur, Hansal Mehtas series Scoop, film Haddi with Nawazuddin (Siddiqui) bhai and KD with Abhishek Bachchan. Prakash (Jha) sirs ongoing series Laal Batti and Chandan Aroras untitled series are also slated to wrap soon. A few years back Ayyub was not content with the kind of roles being offered. Since then, a big change that has happened is that I am feeling much better a situation now. I am playing the main guy or a parallel lead character. Ayyub credits the boom of OTT and Anubhav Sinhas Article 15 for this change. The film had just two scenes and my smallest appearance till date but still it gave me a lifelong mention and recognition. After that maker started seeing me in a different light and started offering meat-ier role. Also, in that period, I took a conscious decision that I wont do a role just fit in some blockbuster project. Article... got me Tandav (2021) and work I very much wanted to do. I come from theatre background and the reason I came here was to satisfy my hunger. Now, I am can say ki neend acchi aati hai! Ayyub is happy that his recent roles have been widely accepted. Another bit change that has happened is that people used to address me as Chintu, Murari (TWMR) or Sadik bhai (Raees) but now either they call me by my name or the recent character names like Shiva (Taandav) or Inspector Chautala in Jogi. As an actor its best compliment that people remember you with your character name! Citing an example he says, Recently, I met someone in Prayagraj and he said something really amazing... He quoted my TWM2 dialogue, Duniya bahut thedi hai, agar duniya se deal karna hai to wakil banna chahiye. And actually, he became a lawyer and now acts as a hobby. I was surprised that a character with such lovable yet negative qualities can inspire someone? So, as an actor, I account all this as a success. Actor Nani is busy with the promotions of his upcoming film Dasara, which releases this week in cinemas. In an interview, he opened up about growing up as a fan of late Sridevi and how watching her in Ram Gopal Varmas Kshana Kshanam (1991) still feels unreal to him. (Also read: Nani reacts to Dasara being compared with KGF and Pushpa: We are happy, but on the contrary...') Nani singled out Sridevi's performance in Ram Gopal Varmas Kshana Kshanam (1991) and called it 'unreal'. With Dasara, Nani is going pan-India as the film is releasing in multiple languages. Originally shot in Telugu, Dasara is gearing up for release in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada on Thursday, March 30. It also stars Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko and Sai Kumar in key roles. Talking to Times of India, Nani opened up on his dream date. He spoke about the impact of Sridevi on his life while growing. My dream date would definitely be Sridevi ma'am, but unfortunately, she is not alive today. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Sridevi. I am a big fan of hers even today. Watching her in the film, Kshana Kshanam in Telugu still feels unreal to me, even today, he said. In Dasara, directed by debutant Odella Srikanth, Nani plays a character called Dharani. As part of the chat, he agreed that Dharani was the most challenging character of his career. Speaking at the teaser launch, Nani said: Last year, RRR came from Telugu cinema. KGF and Kantara came from Kannada cinema. I can confidently and with a lot of pride say that Dasara will come from Telugu cinema in 2023. As much as fans were excited for Nanis confidence in the film, some asked him not to be so over confident in the comment section. One user wrote: This man deserves a massive win but I hope this is not over confidence (sic). Another user wrote: It is absolutely fine to build hype around your film. Hope its not over confidence (sic). Nani has pinned high hopes on the film. He had said in a recent press interaction that Dasara will be a career-defining film for him. For a lot of people whove said I dont work out of my comfort zone, this will be the answer. Its a project that I have great expectations from and Im sure audiences wont be disappointed. ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ram Charan celebrated his 38th birthday with a star-studded bash in Hyderabad, days after his RRR song Naatu Naatu won the Oscar. All from his RRR team members to several other celebrities including Vijay Deverakonda and Nagarjuna attended the party. Ram posed for the paparazzi with his wife Upasana Konidela, who is expecting their first child. She looked simple yet stunning in a blue knee-length dress paired with flats. Ram was in an informal black shirt and pants. Also read: Ram Charan 38th birthday bash: SS Rajamouli, Vijay Deverakonda, Nagarjuna, MM Keeravaani and others arrive in style Ram Charan and Upasana Konidela posed together at his birthday party on Monday. (Viral Bhayani) A paparazzo shared a video of Ram and Upasana from the night on Instagram and fans of the couple praised them in the comments section. A fan called them, best couple while another wrote, he has zero attitude. A person even said, Dusra Ram Charan aa raha hai (another Ram Charan is coming). RRR director SS Rajamouli, Naatu Naatu composer MM Keeravani also attended the party. Vijay Deverakonda arrived in a white suit. Nagarujna arrived at the venue with his wife Amala Akkineni, sons and actors, Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni. Actor-producer Naga Babu Konidela was also seen. Earlier in the day, Upasana had shared a post for Ram Charan on Instagram. She shared two candid pictures, one had him sitting on her lap, and wrote, Happy Happy Birthday Bestie @alwaysramcharan. Ram's father and actor Chiranjeevi also dropped an adorable image of him giving a peck on his son's cheek. "Proud of you Nanna.. @AlwaysRamCharan. Happy Birthday," he captioned the post. Ram Charan is currently basking in the global success of RRR. The film's song Naatu Naatu won an Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards in the Best Original Song category. A video from the award event showed Ram telling an interviewer, The baby is bringing us so much luck. From the Globes to standing with you guys here (Oscars). On his birthday, he also announced the name of his upcoming film, Game Changer. It stars Kiara Advani as the female lead who unveiled an interesting title announcement teaser on Monday. ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Samantha Ruth Prabhu has said that she may have had a broken relationship but this doesn't make her bitter. She said she is still extremely loving and has a lot of love to give. Samantha and Naga Chaitanya announced their separation in 2021. The actor is currently promoting her film Shaakuntalam and said that she connected with her character who went through the worst adversities but held herself with such dignity and grace. Also read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu talks about pay parity, wants people to pay her willingly: 'I shouldn't have to beg for it' Samantha Ruth Prabhu will now be seen in Shaakuntalam. Samantha will now be seen in the titular role in Shaakuntalam which will release in theatres on April 14. The film stars Dev Mohan as Dushyanta, Mohan Babu as Durvasa Maharishi and Sachin Khedekar as Kanva Maharishi. Since the film revolves around love, Samantha was asked about the same in a new interview. The actor, who also deals with Myositis, told India Today that the love of her friends kept her going in the last eight months. "I have so much love to give. I'm still extremely loving. One failed relationship does not mean that I become cynical and bitter, she said. Samantha also opened up about how she had to connect with her character in Shaakuntalam as just looking beautiful and graceful wasn't enough. Talking about her character, the actor said, "She appeals to the contemporary woman in me. She is fiercely independent, she has beliefs, she goes against societal norms. But she is unwaveringly truthful and loving in her devotion, even in the hardest parts of her journey. She does it with so much of grace and dignity. And those were the parts that I connected to. That's what makes epic characters. You go through adversity, but it's the choices that you make which makes you like a hero and a heroine. I think that where I connected with Shakuntala. She went through the worst adversities but held herself with such dignity and grace. Samantha had announced her separation from Naga Chaitanya in October 2021. She had written on social media, "To all our well wishers. After much deliberation and thought Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths. We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us. We request our fans, well wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us the privacy we need to move on. Thanking you for your support. ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least 1,400 civilians in the border villages of Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu have been trained in the use of firearms in the past three months by the Central Reserve Police Force, officials said. The residents have been armed with at least 115 guns and adequate ammunition, they said. Within days of the terror attack at Dhangri village, CRPF started training village residents on using weapons. (AP) The arms training started after terror attacks in Rajouris Dhangri village on January 1-2. As many as 19 CRPF companies with around 1,900 personnel are still posted in Rajouri and Poonch districts. The group behind the attacks are still at large. This is not the first time security agencies are arming civilians in the disturbed region. There were village defence committees in the 1990s that were later disbanded. These were revived last year, now called village defence groups (VDGs), so that residents of villages along the border with Pakistan are able to defend themselves against terror attacks. Also Read| Pakistan should take care of its backyard than sending terrorists to Jammu and Kashmir: DGP Within days of the terror attack at Dhangri village, CRPF started training villagers on using weapons. Jammu police has provided some of them with self-loading rifles, instead of the vintage .303 rifles the earlier VDGs received. This is an ongoing process. We have trained over 1,400 village residentswho are part of the VDGs, a CRPF officer said on condition of anonymity. The people trained are retired soldiers and police officers. The training was imparted to ensure that they can respond if there is a sudden attack on their villages. There has been no reduction of security forces, he clarified. This is a form of self-defence, he said. In Dhangri, terrorists barged inside three houses on January 1 and fired indiscriminately, killing four civilians and injuring another. The following day, a bomb exploded outside another house, killing two children. On January 8, an injured girl succumbed to her injuries, taking the death toll to seven. Also Read: Will migrate to safer place if govt fails to catch attackers, say families of Rajouri terror strike victims Bal Kishan, a local resident and member of the former VDG, had rushed out and fired shots with his .303 rifle during the attack on the new year. He was later felicitated by the lieutenant governor. Such training is important, Kishan said. I had taken the training from the army and police more than 20 years ago. I need to undergo a refresher course to use the new weapons. Officials have said our batch of training will happen next month. Dheeraj Kumar Sharma, village chief of Dhangri, said Jammu police has provided at least 115 rifles. The weapons were distributed along with enough ammunition, Sharma said. The training is regularly held by the CRPF. But what we want is the arrest of the people involved in the attack. Many villagers have requested the local administration for fresh arms licences. Our main demand of fresh arms licences, especially for the people of the minority community, is still pending, said Rajesh Gupta, president of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Jammu and Kashmir unit, who led the delegation demanding arms licences and training for village residents. On January 18, the order that prevented district magistrates from issuing new gun licences was revoked, and it was allowed with some checks and balances. But the local administration is yet to act on this. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Announcing month-long satyagraha events starting with the 'Save democracy' peace march on Tuesday 7pm in New Delhi, the Congress said 19 parties have extended support to the Congress and a detailed plan of protests has been chalked out. Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena which expressed disapproval of Rahul Gandhi's Savarkar remark is also among the parties supporting the Congress, general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. "Within 24 hours of the Surat court verdict in the defamation case, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. He addressed a press conference after being disqualified. Within 24 hours of the press conference, Rahul Gandhi gets a notice for vacating his official bungalow. Wonderful speed of the Lok Sabha secretariat. But they don't know that Rahul Gandhi is not worried about his house," KC Venugopal said. Read | 'Thank you for your letter... I will abide...': Rahul responds to bungalow eviction notice Congress on Tuesday announced 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha', Jai Bharat Mahasatyagraha' -- national-level agitation plan -- over Rahul Gandhi's disqualification. "We are not worried about this. But the way they are doing everything, they only want to intimidate Rahul Gandhi. We are not going to be scared by all these tactics," Venugopal said. Rahul Gandhi at Monday's meeting with opposition leaders said that the question is not about his disqualification, Jairam Ramesh said. "He himself said that it is not about saving Rahul Gandhi, but saving democracy and the Constitution," Jairam Ramesh said. "Our question is what is the connection between Adani and Narendra Modi. The government does not want JPC," Ramesh added. Read | 'Can live with his mother or come to me...": Cong chief on Rahul Gandhi bungalow row "The government is giving clean chit to Nirav Modi. They did not conduct caste census for the last nine years but now they are making it an OBC issue. At yesterday's meeting, 19 parties sid in one voice that democracy is in danger and we all need to work together," Jairam Ramesh said. 'Appeal against Surat court' The Congress said the legal team is working on the appeal against the Surat court order which sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case. Rahul Gandhi has one month to appeal against the verdict. "We know where to appeal and when to appeal. But the other details are being worked out by the legal team," Jairam Ramesh said. 'We will sort out whatever issue is there between Congress and Shiv Sena' As Jairam Ramesh said Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) is supporting the Congress in its fight to 'save democracy', KC Venugopal said whatever issues the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have will be sorted out. On 'flaws of Rahul Gandhi's legal team' Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said BJP leaders are spreading lies about Rahul Gandhi's legal team that they had some flaws. "This is a total match fixing which is clear from the chronology of the events. To divert the attention from this fixed match, the BJP leaders are spreading lies that there is a deliberate delay on part of Rahul Gandhi's legal team in making an appeal," Jairam Ramesh said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As many as 61 students from premier educational institutes such as Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have died by suicide over the last five years, the government has told parliament. A bulk of them (33) were from IITs, followed by NITs (24) and IIMs (four). Minister of state for education Subhas Sarkar gave the information in parliament. (ANI) Minister of state for education Subhas Sarkar shared the data in parliament on Monday that showed 11 cases of suicide were reported in 2018, 16 in 2019, five in 2020, and nine in 2021. He was responding to a question from Congress members Pradyut Bordoloi, Gaurav Gogoi, Benny Behanan, K Muraleedharan, Rajmohan Unnithan, TN Prathapan, and Dean Kuriakose on whether the government has identified the reasons behind suicides and steps taken to tackle them. The reasons identified behind such issues include academic stress, family reasons, personal reasons, mental health issues, etc, Sarkar told the parliament. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has provisions for counselling systems for handling stress and emotional adjustments in Institutions. Sarkar said higher educational institutions have been conducting workshops/ seminars as part of a series of measures to destress students. ...students, wardens and caretakers are sensitised to bring to notice the signs of depression in fellow students to the authorities so that timely clinical consultation may be provided. Chandigarh: Amritpal Singh, fugitive leader of Waris Punjab De, is yet to be apprehended but police are closing on him, the state government told the Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday. Efforts to nab the radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh are underway and police are carrying out the operation in close coordination with intelligence agencies, the Punjab government told high court (PTI) Efforts to nab the radical Sikh leader are underway and police are carrying out the operation in close coordination with intelligence agencies, state advocate general Vinod Ghai told a bench of justice NS Shekhawat. The submissions by Ghai were made during resumed hearing of a habeas corpus petition seeking release and production of Singh, who has been on the run since March 18, when police launched a manhunt to nab him in a statewide operation. The petitioner, Imann Singh Khara, legal adviser to Waris Punjab De, submitted that he had footage establishing Singhs presence at the Shahkot police station in Jalandhar on March 18. The court, however, observed that the state has categorically said he has not been arrested. How can I disbelieve? I will record it and ensure that they face consequences if the statement is wrong, the bench said. Show me some evidence. I will appoint a warrant officer. I can ask a district and sessions judge to inquire. But give me some evidence, the court told the petitioners lawyer, asking him to submit evidence in writing before the court so that it can act on it. As the hearing began, Ghai requested the court that arguments should be limited to the alleged illegal detention as the matter in its entirety concerned national security. The bench responded by observing that statements should not go beyond pleadings in the petitions filed before the bench. Notably, the courts observation on March 23, the last date of hearing, that Singhs escaping despite the state government having 80,000 cops at its disposal had made ripples, with the states role coming under criticism from various quarters. The matter will be taken up on Wednesday, by when fresh affidavit from the respective inspector general is to be filed by the state government. Meanwhile, a high court bench on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and Punjab on a plea from the brother of the social media handler of Amritpal Singh, demanding that non-resident Indian Gurinder Pal, alias Gur Aujla, be allowed to contact his family. Last week, police had informed the court that the National Security Act has been invoked against Gur Aujla. The plea demanded that Gur Aujla, who is in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, be allowed to meet a lawyer of his choice. It is a fundamental as well as statutory right of the brother of the petitioner to who have access to a lawyer of his choice, according to the plea from Gur Aujlas brother Surinderpal Singh Aujla. The Centre and Punjab have to respond by April 10 to the issues raised in the plea. The recently concluded elections to Andhra Pradesh state legislative council have sounded alarm bells for the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), indicating a resurgence of the opposition Telugu Desam Party which was virtually written off a couple of years ago, besides paving way for realignment of political forces in the state. The recently concluded Andhra MLC polls mark a revival of TDP and sounds alarm bells for YSRCP. (ANI) The TDP won all the three MLC seats, elections for which were held in graduates constituencies on March 13 one in north-coastal Andhra covering erstwhile combined Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts and two in Rayalaseema, which were considered to be an impregnable fortress for the ruling party. TDP candidates Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, Kancharla Srikanth Chowdhary and Bhumireddy Rambhupal Reddy won the MLC seats in the north coastal Andhra, east Rayalaseema and west Rayalaseema graduate constituencies, respectively, with decisive margins. The TDP also won in the elections to the MLC seats held under MLAs quota when its candidate Panchumarthi Anuradha won with 23 votes against the required 22 votes, despite TDP having an effective strength of only 19 MLAs in the 175-member assembly, indicating that four of the YSRC MLAs crossvoted for her. The four lawmakers Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy, Anam Vivekananda Reddy and Undavalli Sridevi have since been suspended from the YSRCP for defying the party line. Wake up call for Jagan Reddy The MLC elections outcome came as a rude shock to the YSRCP headed by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, which has been winning all the elections held in the state after it came to power in the 2019 assembly elections with a resounding number of 151 out of 175 seats. The YSRCP had won over 90% seats in the gram panchayats, mandal parishad and zilla parishads, municipalities and municipal corporations, besides by-election to Tirupati parliamentary seat and Badvel and Atmakur assembly seats. The party even captured Kuppam municipality, the native of TDP president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. But with just around a year left for the state assembly elections again, a loss in the MLC elections, particularly in three graduates constituencies, was a setback for the YSRCP. The three constituencies are spread over nine out of 13 erstwhile combined districts covering 108 assembly segments. In 2019, of the total 34 assembly segments in three districts of north Andhra, YSRCP won 28 seats and TDP only six seats. And in the Rayalaseema (east) and Rayalaseema (west), the TDP won only seven out of 74 assembly seats, while the YSRCP bagged the remaining 67 seats. Also, the electorate in the three constituencies comprise urban and educated voters so, the voting pattern reflects the mood of this section of voters. In fact, the YSRCP did a lot of ground work to win the three MLC seats in the graduates constituency right from the announcement of the candidates at least four months ahead of the elections. The chief minister entrusted the work to local ministers and MLAs, besides the party in-charges in the regions to ensure that the party wins the seats comfortably. Yet, the party failed to secure the victory, particularly in Rayalaseema, where the party has been on a strong footing. Even in north coastal Andhra, it was a setback for the party which has announced Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital of the state. It doesnt reflect the mood of the entire state. These voters constitute only about 2% of the total electorate (around 7.2 lakh graduate voters out of the total number of 36.6 million voters in the state). The real voters in the rural areas are solidly behind our party. So, nothing to worry, said YSRCP general secretary and advisor to the government Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy. Yet, the TDP feels the MLC elections have come as a much-needed morale booster for the party, though it has a long-way to repeat the show in the assembly elections. It clearly reflects the changing mood of people. It is just the beginning of the downfall of the YSRCP and we are confident of wining in the next years assembly elections, party president N Chandrababu Naidu said. Political analyst Sriram Karri said the MLC election results are certainly a shot in the arm for the beleaguered TDP. With four new MLCs, the party has found confidence and a voice that there is a mood for change, he said. Karri said the ruling YSRCP must be humble enough to take the results as a wakeup call and make enough course corrections. It has to go a long way to ensure the mood for anti-incumbency is a localised exception and not a state-wide phenomenon, he said. Realignment of political forces The MLC election results have also cleared the decks for a possible alliance between the TDP and Jana Sena Party headed by actor Pawan Kalyan in the run-up to the next years assembly elections. Even though, the Jana Sena Party has been in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party on paper, but on ground, there has been no coordination between the two parties. At the Jana Sena foundation day rally in Machilipatnam on March 14,Kalyan openly admitted that there has not been any understanding between the BJP and Jana Sena, because of which he was compelled to look towards the TDP. That the alliance between the two is on rocks was established in the MLC elections, when the BJP, which was representing the north-Andhra graduates constituency in the council, lost the seat by a huge margin. Outgoing BJP MLC P V N Madhav, who secured around 5% of votes, lost his deposit. So did the other BJP candidates in the remaining two graduates constituencies. The elections have proved that there is a strong anti-incumbency against the ruling YSRCP, but the people didnt believe the BJP because they feel the party is going too soft towards the YSRCP, former BJP legislator P Vishnu Kumar Raju said. Madhav said the party might have to go it alone in the next elections, as there are no signs of an alliance with the Jana Sena Party materialising. The Jana Sena did not entertain the request to support me in the MLC elections and the party cadres voted for the TDP candidate, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told his party colleagues to focus on social issues in their respective constituencies to ensure better outreach to people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president J P Nadda, Union home minister Amit Shah and Union minister Nitin Gadkari at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. (PTI) Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Parliamentary Party meeting, the PM said involvement in ensuring implementation of social schemes will benefit the party, said a person aware of the details adding that the PM cited the example of Gujarat, where the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has helped in improving the sex ratio. At a time, the opposition has joined ranks against the BJP, demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) into allegations of financial irregularities against the Adani Group, the PM is learnt to have said that the opposition will try to rake up issues and indulge in mud-slinging every time the BJP performs well in elections, for instance in the recently held polls in three north eastern states, where the party won in two states and formed government with an ally in the third. The PM asked the MPs to focus on the Samajik Nyay saptah (social justice) from April 6-14. From May 15-June 15 they will have to reach out to the masses with information about the accomplishments of the Union government in the past nine years, said a functionary. Also Read | Parliament budget session likely to end tomorrow as protests continue The BJPs OBC Morcha has already lined up a series of programmes to reach out with a list of benefits that the communities have reaped since the party came to power at the Centre in 2014. It will also use the occasion to draw attention to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis comments against the Modi surname, which the BJP said is an insult to the OBC community at large. The lawmakers have also been asked to use technology for better connect with their constituents. Those who are not conversant with the use of modern technology have been asked to seek help from experts, the functionary quoted above said. This is the first such meeting in the second half of the ongoing budget session. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mysuru: Bajrang Dal workers on Tuesday staged a protest opposing the recitation of the Quran during the annual chariot festival at Chennakeshava Swamy temple in Belur in Hassan district, police said. Police said more than 100 Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest on Tuesday outside the temple demanding that the state government stop the practice of the recitation of the Quran during the annual chariot festival. (HT Archives) The temple has an age-old tradition of kicking off the chariot festival after reciting passages from the Quran. The tradition has been opposed by right-wing groups for years. On Tuesday, more than 100 Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest outside the temple demanding the state government stop the practice. They opposed the practice claiming that it offends the beliefs of their organisation, police said. The chariot festival is expected to take place on April 4. During the protest, a Muslim youth who came on a bike shouted slogan, Quran Zindabad, and he was surrounded by the Bajrang Dal workers. The police who were present in large numbers resorted to mild lathi charge and rescued the youth, a scrap merchant in Belur, Hassan district superitendent of police Hariram Shankar said. The situation is peaceful. One youth tried to provoke the Bajrang Dal workers by saying Quran Zindabad during the protest. Police took the youth into custody and presented him before tahsildars court, Shankar said. Though the practice is mentioned in the manual of the department of religious endowments of the state, right-wing groups have been opposed it . However, the department has issued a clarification that the practice is customary and the Quran is recited for the success of the festival when the rath passes in front of the mosque. Last year also the festival took place with the recitation. Ramesh, a doctor and author of a book titled Sri Channakeshava of Belur does not need Quran recitation, is one of main propagators of the demand for a change in the practice. He alleged that the ritual of the Quran recital was forcefully added in 1932. Rohini Sindhuri, who was the commissioner of the muzrai department, had given the green signal for the continuation of the ritual. She stated that according to Section 58 of the Hindu Religious Act 2002, there should not be any interference in the rituals and traditions of the temple. After the direction, the temple committee decided to carry out the ritual recitation of verses from the Quran last year. However, on March 24, pro-Hindu organisations in Belur submitted a petition to the tehsildar and requested that such a ritual harms Hindu sentiments and should be stopped. Shankar said, During last year also the Hindu organizations demanded and protested against the recitation of the Quran but the muzarai department issued a clarification saying it is a tradition that needs to be continued. Bengaluru The vehicular movement between Shivamogga and Shikaripur was disrupted as members of Banjara, Bhovi and Koracha communities staged rasta roko at Kunchenahalli. (ANI) A day after staging massive protests in former chief minister BS Yediyurappas constituency Shikaripur in Shivamogga over internal reservation recommended by the state government to the Centre, hundreds of protesters on Tuesday gathered on the highway in the district and stopped vehicles near Kunchenahalli. The vehicular movement between Shivamogga and Shikaripur was disrupted as members of Banjara, Bhovi and Koracha communities staged rasta roko at Kunchenahalli. Blocking the Shivamogga-Shikaripur highway, the protesters burnt tyres and raised slogans against the BJP government, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, and Yediyurappa, police officials monitoring the situation said. In Bagalkot, members of the Lambani community put up posters against the BJP government and staged protests in various taluks of the district, demanding that the state government revoke the internal reservation. Meanwhile, home minister Araga Jnanendra on Tuesday visited Shikaripur and said that police will investigate the incidents of violence. Yediyurappa has asked us not to book the protesters. However, during the incident, some policemen were injured. So, the police will conduct an inquiry. Some criminal elements were involved in the protests and stone pelting, he said. On Monday, the Banjara community members pelted stones at the residence of Yediyurappa in Shikaripur. Hundreds of protesters clashed with the police posted outside the BJP leaders residence and hurled stones, as the police resorted to lathi charge and water cannons to disperse the crowd. At least four policemen were injured in the incident. Reacting to the violence, Yediyurappa said he would try to pacify the community by assuring them to hold talks in the coming days, and asked the police to not take any action against the protesters. Bommai claimed that reservation quantum for the community would increase under the new system and accused the opposition Congress of instigating them. Bommai said the internal reservation was not done as per the recommendations of the AJ Sadashiva Commission but as per that of the cabinet sub-committee. Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar on Tuesday alleged that its an internal conspiracy against Yediyurappa. This is an internal difference in the BJP which has exploded now. BJP leaders want to finish off BS Yediyurappa due to which they have engineered pelting of stones, Shivakumar said. Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said that the protest is the handiwork of the BJP. A section of the SCs has been seeking internal reservation, claiming that only a few powerful touchable sub-castes were reaping most of the benefits. In response to these demands, the state government resolved to establish an internal reservation to offer equal opportunity to all 101 SC castes. In a cabinet meeting held on Friday, the Bommai-led government recommended a new breakup of the reservation for Scheduled Castes in education and jobs. Out of the 17% reservation for the SC community, the cabinet has recommended a 6% internal quota for SC (left), 5.5% for SC (right), 4.5% for touchable (Banjara, Bhovi, Korcha, Kuruma etc.), and 1% for others. While the BJP has accused Congress of instigating the community, some experts said the protests were a result of miscommunication and lack of clarity among the members over reservation. According to Veeresh Naik, head of the Banjara community in Channagiri taluk, people fear that they would be omitted from the SC list and deprived of reservation. Hitting out at the state government over the new break-up, Naik said, There is no question of internal reservation according to the Constitution. The government has divided the SC community into four segments on the basis of internal reservation. We fear that going forward, we will be removed from the SC list. This is what the protest was about in Shikaripur. The state government is fooling us. Why did they do this on the last day of the cabinet meeting, without taking the people of the community into confidence? Naik asked. Meanwhile, some experts said the Banjara community, which is relatively well-educated compared to the SC (left) and SC (right) and was reaping most of the benefits, is concerned as its share of reservation is now limited to 4.5%. Three people have been arrested in connection with the violence, officials said on Tuesday. The accused, Raghavendra, Puneeth and Kumar, have been booked under section 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections related to rioting, said GK Mithun Kumar, Shivamogga superintendent of police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told lawmakers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to brace for more attacks from opposition parties in the wake of the partys growing footprint and success in the latest round of assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the inauguration of the newly-constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.), in New Delhi, Tuesday.(PTI) The PM also asked them to focus on social issues in their respective constituencies and said that by doing so, they would ensure better connect between themselves and voters, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. Modi was speaking at the BJPs parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, amidst a fractious parliamentary session, which has been disrupted by repeated calls by the opposition parties for a probe by a joint parliamentary panel into a report by US firm Hindenburg Research that alleged fraud and stock manipulation by the Adani Group, whose promoter Gautam Adani is seen to be close to the Prime Minister. Also Read: All corrupt are on one stage under Bhrashtachari bachao abhiyan: PM Modi's dig Without referring to the issue, the PM said that the opposition would try to rake up (such) issues and indulge in mudslinging every time the BJP performs well in elections, such as for instance in the recently held polls in three North Eastern States. The BJP won in two states Nagaland and Tripura and formed government with an ally in Meghalaya. The PM said after the Gujarat polls (in December, which the party swept), he cautioned his party colleagues that the opposition would want to vitiate the narrative. He said that as the BJP goes from strength to strength, the opposition will also intensify its attacks, a party functionary said. This is the first BJP parliamentary party meeting in the second half of the ongoing budget session of parliament. Also Read: Poster war continues, AAP to display signs against PM Modi across country The PM also said that ensuring implementation of social schemes will benefit the party and cited the example of Gujarat, where the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has helped in improving the sex ratio. As per Pew Research data, the sex ratio at birth in Gujarat went from 120 (boys per 100 girls) in 2001 to 105 in 2019-21. The PM has been stressing on focussing on social issues, building ties with different sections of people, irrespective of their faith, instead of just reaching out ahead of elections. He said when we are socially engaged with people, positive electoral outcome follows, said a second party leader. The PM asked BJP lawmakers to participate in programmes for social justice and use technology for better connect with their constituents. Those who are not conversant with the use of modern technology have been asked to seek help from experts, the second leader added. The PM asked the MPs to focus on Samajik Nyay saptah (social justice) from April 6-14. From May 15-June 15 they will have to reach out to the masses with information about the accomplishments of the union government in the past nine years, he said. The BJPs OBC (other backward classes) Morcha has already lined up a series of programmes to reach out with a list of benefits that the communities have reaped since the party came to power at the Center in 2014. It will also use the occasion to draw attention to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis comments against the Modi surname, which the BJP said is an insult to the OBC community at large. K Laxman, the president of the OBC morcha told mediapersons that lawmakers from OBC communities will meet party chief JP Nadda on Thursday and also strategise on how to highlight the issue of Congress leader Rahul Gandhis insulting remarks towards the community. With elections coming up in a Karnataka, and then, later this year, in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana , the BJP does not want to let go of the opportunity to pin the opposition down for disrespecting OBCs who also form a significant chunk of the voter base in these states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday linked the opposition's attack on his government to the BJP's emphatic electoral performances and asserted that the more wins the ruling party achieves, the more it will be targeted, sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday linked the opposition's attack on his government to the BJP's emphatic electoral performances.(HT_PRINT) Modi took the swipe at opposition parties, who are up in arms against the government over a host of issues, at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting in which he asked MPs to dedicate the period between the party's foundation day on April 6 and B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14 to the cause of social justice. Also Read: At BJP meet, PM Modi tells MPs to focus on social issues, outreach to people Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told reporters that Modi also asked the party MPs to promote and publicise various government schemes for a month from May 15 in their respective constituencies to mark its ninth anniversary. In his address, the prime minister also called upon party leaders to work for the cause of "Mother Earth". "Mother Earth" is crying for freeing her from chemicals poisoning her, he said, adding that she has nurtured humanity through trees, grains, and other produce. He said politicians should work for non-political causes as well as they have a lot of impact on society. In this context, Modi noted the Gujarat government's work for "beti bachao" (save daughters) when he was the chief minister and said it helped a lot in improving the gender ratio. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters that Modi also asked the MPs to use the services of experts to learn new technologies, saying not knowing something should not be a reason for not using it. Also Read: 'Without prejudice to my rights..': Rahul Gandhi's full letter on eviction row In an apparent reference to the persistent opposition protests, Modi noted he had said during the Gujarat polls that such agitations will become more intense as the BJP wins more and more elections. The party will face more intense and low-level attacks, he noted. This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the recent assembly polls in three northeast states where the party was able to retain power in Tripura. Its alliance also won the polls in Nagaland while the party again joined hands with the NPP to be part of the government in Meghalaya. Modi was lauded in the meeting for the party's feat. Parliament's budget session, in its second leg, has been a washout since March 13 amid the opposition's protests demanding a JPC probe into the Adani issue. Their protests have intensified following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha after he was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case. BJP MPs too have protested in both Houses of Parliament demanding Gandhi's apology for allegedly insulting Indian democracy from foreign soil during his recent visit to Britain. Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hit back at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party Tuesday over demands Rahul Gandhi - disqualified from the Lok Sabha after a conviction in the 'Modi surname' criminal defamation case - vacate the Delhi bungalow allotted to him as a Member of Parliament. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi arrive at Belagavi along with party's general secretary KC Venugopal. (ANI) "They will make all attempts to weaken him (Rahul Gandhi) but, if he vacates the bungalow, he will go live with his mother or he can come to me... I'll vacate one," Kharge said. "I condemn the attitude of the government to scare, threaten and humiliate him. This isn't the way. Sometimes, we've been without a bungalow for three-four months. I received my bungalow after six months. People do this to humiliate others," Kharge was quoted by news agency ANI. Rahul Gandhi loses bungalow privilege The Lok Sabha Secretariat on Monday issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi to vacate the allotted bungalow - 12, Tughlaq Lane - 'for a maximum period of one month'. or upto April 22. "Allotment of aforesaid accommodation shall deem to have been cancelled w.e.f from 23.04.2003." A senior official told news agency PTI Rahul Gandhi could seek an extended stay from the Housing Committee and that the request would be considered. READ | Rahul Gandhi asked to vacate government bungalow, gets deadline Congress reacts to Rahul Gandhi Lok Sabha notice Senior leaders said the notice was not a surprise; Congress general secretary KC Venugopal told reporters 'Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house' and that there were bigger issues at stake, and party spokesperson Salman Anees Soz said 'literally millions of Indians' would happily offer Rahul Gandhi a home. Rahul Gandhi convicted in 'Modi surname' case The bungalow privilege was revoked after Rahul Gandhi was convicted of criminal defamation by a court in prime minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat. The court found against Rahul Gandhi over his 'all thieves have Modi surname' comment at an election rally in 2019 in Karnataka. He was given a two-year sentence but the court suspended that and gave him bail - on request from his legal team - so the former MP could appeal. The conviction triggered a massive row between the opposition and the government; on Monday as many as 17 parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (which do not usually turn up for Congress-led meetings) united to protest Gandhi's disqualification. READ | 'Black shirt' protest for Rahul Gandhi sees surprise Trinamool visit BJP aims fresh attack at Rahul Gandhi Earlier today union minister Smriti Irani ripped into Rahul Gandhi, declaring he had abused and accused prime minister Modi in Parliament. READ | 'Rahul Gandhi's promise... to rip Modi's image apart', says Smriti Irani "Rahul Gandhi in a magazine interview said that he will keep attacking PM Modi's image until he destroys it," Smriti Irani - who beat Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha election from his family stronghold of Amethi - said. The minister also pointed out the bungalow in question did not actually belong to Rahul Gandhi; " the house belongs to the common people," she declared. With input from agencies SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Union environment ministry will soon notify the Dibang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, officials from National Tiger Conservation Authority confirmed, a development that makes it even less likely that the deferred Etalin hydropower project will be developed in the way it was originally envisaged -- but the indigenous Idu Mishmi people, who were opposed to the hydropower project arent very keen on the tiger reserve either. The Centre said the reserve will boost tourism in Dibang Valley district. (Shutterstock) Once notified, Dibang will be Indias first high altitude tiger reserve and the largest in terms of area, at 4149 sq km, the environment ministry said. The Idu Mishmi are worried that naming Dibang a tiger reserve will restrict their access to the reserve. On the occasion of 50 years of Project Tiger, NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) chief, SP Yadav said that there are 53 tiger reserves in the country and many more will be added to the list soon. For example, Guru Ghasidas in Chhattisgarh and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh will be notified very soon, Yadav said during a press briefing on March 24. In response to a queries from HT on why Dibang is being considered for a tiger reserve tag, the environment ministry said: In 2013-14, for the purpose of assessment of tiger population, a preliminary rapid survey was carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with NTCA, which confirmed the presence of tigers, and sizable diversity and abundance of prey populations. This preliminary study was carried out after the rescue of tiger cubs from Angrim Valley during December 2012. The rescued tiger cubs were the first-ever record of a tiger from the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Tiger number assessment has not been done in the entire landscape though. The proposal to notify Dibang Tiger Reserve is pending with the state government. The All India Tiger estimation exercise in 2018 also revealed the presence of 2 adult tigers . Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary has international borders in the north, east and west. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by several rivers and rivulets, which are the tributaries of Brahmaputra, and it is nestled in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity hotspot. Other than tigers, the sanctuary harbours several endemic and globally threatened mammalian and avian species including takin, serow, gora, barking deer, Asiatic golden cat, marbled cat, and leopard cat according to the Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India 2018 report that recommended naming Dibang a tiger reserve. Considering the importance of tiger conservation in the state and in the country, the proposed tiger reserve will be largest in terms of area, besides being one of focal points as the only high-altitude tiger reserve in the country. This will generate curiosity amongst researchers; tourists (international or domestic) to visit such areas with the improvement of the road/internet communication network in and around Anini, Dibang Valley district. that the place will be a much sought after tourist destination in the country in future, the ministry added in responses to HT. Several hydropower projects are planned in the Dibang Sub Basin of the Brahmaputra Valley including the 3097 MW Etalin Hydropower Project in Dibang Valley, near the Dibang wildlife sanctuary which is facing stiff opposition from indigenous people. HT reported on January 18 that the Forest Advisory Committee of the union environment ministry has asked the Arunachal Pradesh government to go back to the drawing board on the Etalin Hydroelectric project proposal. Bringing at least a temporary relief to conservationists and indigenous communities who had been opposing the project since 2020, FAC said the proposal cannot be considered in its present form . The proposal which involved diversion of 1165.66 ha of forest land and felling of over 2.8 lakh trees in dense subtropical, evergreen, broadleafed- and subtropical rainforest according to a fact sheet submitted to FAC (which has to sign off on the project) on April 21, 2020 has been in the midst of controversy mainly because of environmental and biodiversity loss related concerns raised by experts. But, the Idu Mishmi people are not in support of declaring Dibang WLS a tiger reserve either. This despite the fact that notifying the landscape as a tiger reserve will offer greater legal protection from projects. Ambika Aiyadurai in her 2016 research paper titled: Tigers are Our Brothers: Understanding Human-Nature Relations in the Mishmi Hills, Northeast India which has been cited by NTCA also in its 2018 tiger estimation report, said Mishmi people living on the Sino-India border claim tigers to be their brothers and take credit for tiger protection as they observe taboos against hunting tigers. There is no need to declare Dibang Tiger Reserve. Local people conserve tigers and other biodiversity here. There is no need for the state to interfere in conservation techniques. All big cats are sacred to us. They cannot be killed unless in self-defense and if a tiger is killed then it is as huge a sin as killing a human being. I think the benefits of declaring Namdapha and Kamlang as tiger reserves need to be studied well before considering notifying Dibang. It can go against local sentiment and way of life here, said Anoko Mega, environmentalist and member of Idu Mishmi community. The government will try to seek parliamentary approval for three key proposed laws, including the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, with four more working days left in the current session. In this Budget session, the government has transacted limited legislative business. (ANI) In a meeting involving government managers as well as opposition leaders on Tuesday, two hours have been allotted for discussion on each of these three bills in the Rajya Sabha. The proposed legislations will have to be first cleared by the Lok Sabha. The other two bills are the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022. In this tumultuous budget session, the government has transacted limited legislative business and cleared only the budget proposals in both Houses. It has introduced just one bill related to the defence services. The oppositions demand for a joint parliamentary committee on the embattled Adani Group and the ruling sides demand for an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the initial days of the second half of the budget session did not leave much scope for work. Gandhi has since been disqualified from Parliament after conviction in a criminal defamation case. Also Read: Centre plans to rope in private companies to help secure govt servers, websites The Finance Bill and demand for grants were cleared without any debate. The defence legislation aims to empower the commanders of tri-services organisations to take action against service personnel of the army, air force and navy -- serving under existing or future joint commands or institutions -- to ensure discipline and effective discharge of duties amid a renewed push for theaterisation, a long-awaited military reform for the best use of the militarys resources to fight future wars. On Tuesday, the government listed the biological diversity and competition bills in the Lok Sabha for passage, but frequent disruptions stalled proceedings in the House. The government managers, however, are hopeful about the passage of these three bills as there are still four working days left as the session will run till April 6. There will be no early adjournment of the session. The bills might also be pushed amid din as disruptions are likely to continue, a Lok Sabha functionary said on condition of anonymity. The inter-services bill assumes importance as existing legal framework of the armed forces has its limitations when it comes to tri-services matters, as officers of one particular service lack the authority to exercise disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel belonging to another service. For instance, a three-star general heading a joint command cannot take action against air force or navy personnel serving under him. The biological diversity bill tries to simplify compliance for domestic companies and users of codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners will be exempted from sharing benefits with local communities, according to PRS Legislative Research, an independent non-profit. The amendments to the Competition Act aim to define combinations as the acquisition, merger or amalgamation of one or more enterprises if they meet certain thresholds based on their assets or turnover. Combinations meeting these thresholds have to seek CCIs (Competition Commission of Indias) approval. The Bill seeks to add an additional threshold of deal value of transactions for the notification and scrutiny of combinations. According to the provision, transactions with a value of more than 2,000 crore will have to be notified for CCIs approval. Value of transaction is proposed to include every valuable consideration, whether direct, indirect, or deferred for any acquisition, merger, or amalgamation, says PRS Legislative Research. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Int'l forum on Chinese modernization held in Beijing Xinhua) 09:41, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- An international forum themed "Chinese modernization and a human community with a shared future" took place in Beijing on Monday, with nearly 100 representatives from 14 countries including China, the United Kingdom and France taking part. The forum was held both online and offline by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration (CFLPA) and the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. Yu Tao, vice president of the CFLPA, said that Chinese modernization belongs to both China and the world, and embodies the wisdom and action plan for building a human community with a shared future. Yu said the CFLPA would further cooperate with institutions and intellectuals from other countries to build more platforms for international think tank exchanges and knowledge sharing. Representatives also discussed three sub-themes on the relationship between Chinese modernization and global development, the global governance system and civilization exchanges. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Andhra Pradesh police on Monday issued notices to media baron and Eenadu group chairman Ch Ramoji Rao for questioning in connection with the alleged irregularities in Margadarsi Chit Funds. Ramoji Rao (HT) Rao is also the chairman of the company. Notices were also issued to his daughter-in-law Ch Sailaja Kiran, who is the managing director of the company, an official privy to the development said. In the notice issued under Section 160 Criminal Procedure Code, which was seen by HT, CID deputy superintendent of police Ch Ravi Kumar said Rao has ot be questioned as a witness in the Margadarsi case, as it is just and necessary in view of the facts of the case. He said the investigating agency has to question for effective investigation and to arrive at a better conclusion in the case. Hence, you are hereby requested to make yourself available at your place of residence or office on March 29 or 31 or April 3 or 6 and co-operate for the investigation, the CID official said in the notice. He, however, asked Rao to indicate any of the above four dates convenient to him and also the place well in advance for questioning to the investigation officer either to the email Id: addlsprocidatr@gmail.com or WhatsApp cell No. 9490636900. On March 11, the CID registered criminal cases Ramoji Rao and Sailaja Kiran, in connection with the alleged irregularities in Mardarsi Chit Funds. The CID registered FIRs under Sections 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 477(A) read with 34 (falsification of accounts) of Indian Penal Code, Section 5 of Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 1999 and Section 76,79 of Chit Funds Act,1982. The FIR named Ramoji Rao the prime accused (A-1) and Sailaja as A-2. The CID said searches were conducted in the premises of the offices in November 2022 for three days continuously and found several irregularities in the activities of the company. The CID further said during the search conducted at the corporate office of Margadarsi at Hyderabad from December 14 to 16, it was observed that the chit fund collections from the branches are being transferred to the Corporate Office and the huge amounts in turn are being invested in mutual funds which are contingent on capital markets risks. Efforts to reach the spokesperson of Margadarsi did not succeed, as he did not respond to calls and text messages. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A tribunal constituted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) rejected the argument that Popular Front of India (PFI) and its seven affiliates were banned for political gains with an ulterior motive, saying it did not have any basis or substance while upholding the ban last week. A sealed Popular Front of India (PFI) office in Hyderabad. (PTI) It noted there was no substantive material to show that the ban was imposed to target a particular community. The tribunal has also examined the notification and the entire material on the record with a very objective view and has not found anything on the record which would suggest that the notification and the action on the part of the government are aimed against the particular community, said the tribunal in its March 21 order. The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Monday published the order through a gazette notification. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi high court led the tribunal. The tribunal said MHAs deputy secretary Dharmender Kumar appeared as a government witness and deposed that the ban was imposed on September 27, 2022, based on information and material received from central and state investigation agencies regarding the unlawful activities of PFI and its associates or fronts. Kumar told the tribunal that the organisations operated secretly and were attempting to cover up their illegal activities by putting forward a false picture of being law-abiding. A note in this regard was prepared and sent for the consideration of the Union Cabinet, which approved the proposal at its meeting on September 25, 2022, to ban the outfit. Preparation of the Cabinet note started 15 days prior to September 25, 2022, the order noted, referring to Kumars cross-examination. The PFI was banned days after the National Investigation Agency and the Enforcement Directorate led raids across the country. Advocate Ashok Agrwaal, who appeared for PFIs office bearers, argued the organisation was banned because of political reasons and to target the Muslim community. The tribunal junked the charge. Ashok Agrwaal submitted that the primary factor for the Central government to impose the ban upon the PFI was the upcoming elections in the states such as Karnataka and the general election in the year 2024. He submitted that the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] as a party is hostile to any association or organization that claims to speak on behalf of Muslims in India, the tribunals order noted. He [Agrwaal] submitted that ever since the BJP came to power in the Centre, a regime of terror and intimidation has been unleashed on the Muslims with incidents taking place frequently. Law Enforcement Agencies are not responsive to the complaints by the Muslim community which is subjected to abuse. He submitted that the PFI has been struggling to help the members of the Muslim community which is intolerable to the majoritarian regime. The government submitted confidential documents in five sealed covers as well as Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhallas affidavit claiming privilege under the UAPA for not sharing documents related to the ban with the PFI or a third party. The tribunal rejected PFIs plea to disallow the claim of privilege based on intelligence inputs citing Bhallas affidavit. The affidavit said these documents have been carefully perused and considered and the central government was of the view that they cannot be disclosed in the public interest. ...Bhalla further deposed that this privilege is claimed not only for the information collected, gathered or processed, but also further for the manner and method of collecting such information. It was also deposed that considering the sensitive nature of the said document, the secrecy of the said documents is required to be maintained in the interest of maintenance of security and public order in the State, the tribunal order noted. The tribunal lauded the evidence present against the PFI. The documents placed on record by the union of India reveal the clandestine operations being taken up by these banned organizations, which are certainly detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The tribunal called the evidence impeccable. ...the scale of the preponderance of probability the evidence being produced by Union of India is irrefutable and having more weight as compared to the banned organizations who have only deposed about their stated objectives in the public domain and malice of the central government without any basis. The government examined around 97 witnesses and also presented evidence in at least 71 cases against the PFI. Bengaluru Congress leader Eshwar Khandre was booked following a written complaint by assistant returning officer for Bhalki assembly constituency Prem Singh G Pawar, a police official said. (HT Archive) A case was registered against Karnataka Congress working president and Bhalki MLA Eshwar Khandre for allegedly distributing saris in his constituency ahead of the assembly elections in the state, police said. The case was registered on Monday against Khandre and his associate Rajkumar Doddamani in Bhalki town police station under Section 171E (punishment for bribery) of the Indian Penal Code, a police official said. The Congress leader was booked following a written complaint by assistant returning officer for Bhalki assembly constituency Prem Singh G Pawar, a police official said. In his complaint, Pawar said that he was tipped off about Congress workers distributing saris wrapped in plastic covers,with photo of Khandra, to the people in the constituency. He then rushed to the spot with other officers, the police official said. On Monday, BJP ticket aspirant DK Sidram also alleged that saris were taken to distribute to voters, which led to an altercation between Congress and BJP workers. BJP workers reportedly stopped Congress functionaries while carrying the saris to distribute them to voters in Bhalki town, and insisted that the police confiscate them. The BJP workers also protested in front of the police station in Bhalki demanding action against those distributing freebies. Khandre could not be contacted for his comments. Meanwhile, in Mandya, the police on Tuesday seized a lorry full of cookers meant to be distributed among voters. According to the police, officials have seized 1,595 cookers worth 35 lakh, which Sringeri legislator TD Rajegowda was allegedly carrying on Bengaluru-Mysuru national highway to distribute to voters. Karnataka is scheduled to go to polls by May this year. Several instances of freebie politics have been reported from the state. Last week, the police seized huge amount of cash and valuables in several districts. In Kalaburagi, around 1.9 crore unaccounted cash was seized at check posts. In Gadag, the police seized 1.43 lakh from a car without proper documents. In Belagavi, 9 lakh cash was seized, which was being carried without proper documentation. In Chikkamagaluru, the police seized valuables, including 9.3 kilogram of gold, being carried from Chikkamagaluru towards Tarikere. Meanwhile, the income tax department has opened a control room to check unaccounted cash and freebies in the poll-bound state. The control room will function 24/7 till the election ends. The move comes following the Election Commissions direction to keep a strict vigil over the movement of cash, bullion, jewellery, and other valuables, which could be used to vitiate the conduct of the election. The Congress in its plan to mobilise the opposition parties following Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha plans to talk to the opposition parties to bring a no-confident motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The proposal was kept in a meeting of the Congress MPs, sources said. On Monday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge convened a meeting of opposition leaders. 19 opposition parties, including Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, are on board with the Congress, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday, announcing the party's month-long programme to 'save democracy'. Congress may bring a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. 19 parties supporting us, Rahul Gandhi not worried about bungalow: Congress Rahul Gandhi's conviction in a 2019 defamation case brought the opposition parties together as the non-Congress parties called the conviction 'politically motivated'. Immediately after the conviction, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha which consolidated the opposition unit, though the Congress maintained that no talks of fighting the 2024 Lok sabha election took place as 'saving democracy' is the primary objective. Rahul Gandhi back in Lok Sabha 'very quickly'? Congress leader says... The Congress on Tuesday announced a month-long protest programme across the nation which will start with a 'Save democracy' peace march in Delhi on Tuesday. In the later stage of the protest, national-level leaders of opposition parties will be invited. While this is the ground-level plan Congress has laid, in the Lok Sabha, the party wants to bring a no-confidence motion against the Speaker on next Monday for being biased in the House. Trinamool joined Congress' black day protest On Monday, the Trinamool participated in a protest of the Congress and also attended the strategy meeting convened by Mallikarjun Kharge. As far as electoral politics is concerned, Trinamool has been avoiding the Congress and said that the party should not think of itself as the big boss. The unity comes on the issue of Rahul Gandhi, whose conviction and suspension have been criticised by the party. Uddhav Sena stands with Congress despite 'Savarkar' setback Uddhav Thackeray expressed his displeasure over Rahul Gandhi's 'Savarkar' remark which came amid the ongoing row when Rahul Gandhi was asked a question on apologising for his 'Modi surname' comment for which he has been convicted. "My name is Gandhi, not Savarkar. Gandhis don't apologise," Rahul Gandhi said. However, putting this episode behind, Uddhav Sena has supported the Congress, Jairam Ramesh asserted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi high court on Tuesday issued summons to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leaders Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Aditya Thackeray, Twitter, and Google in a civil defamation case. Rahul Ramesh Shewale, the floor leader of Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Lok Sabha, has filed the case. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Rahul Ramesh Shewale, the floor leader of Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Lok Sabha, has filed the case. He moved the court over Rauts claim of a 2000 crore deal for the allotment of the bow and arrow symbol to the faction following Shiv Senas split. Justice Prateek Jalan issued the summons and posted the matter for hearing on April 17. He directed Google, Twitter, Raut, and the Thackerays to file written statements within 30 days. Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, who appeared for Shewale, asked the court to pass an injunction to restrain Raut and others from making any further defamatory allegations. The court refused to pass any interim order saying that it would hear all the parties first. These are political fights...as far as the institutions are concerned, Election Commissions shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this. In a tweet, Raut on February 19 said his claim was backed by proof which he would disclose soon, saying a builder close to the ruling dispensation shared this information with him. He told reporters the manner in which the Election Commission of India recognised the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena was not justice but business. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is only targeting non-BJP states and it appears that the agency does not have offices in the BJP-ruled states. The CM alleged that the ED had not raided in MP, UP, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Karnataka (all ruled by the BJP). (Bhupesh Baghel | Facebook) This development comes on the same day when the ED conducted fresh raids in the states in connection with the coal levy money laundering case. Chhattisgarh police officials claimed that the ED conducted searches at four locations in Durg and Raipur in an ongoing investigation in the coal levy money laundering case. Also Read: ED raids 3 departments of Chhattisgarh govt in coal levy scam However, no official confirmation was made by the ED. The ED has once again conducted raids in Chhattisgarh. No section is left which has not been raided be it industrialists, traders, transporters, MLA, officers or farmers. The ED had not raided in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Karnataka (all ruled by the BJP). It seems the ED does not have offices there, said Baghel. Premises linked to those allegedly linked to Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee Treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal and arrested coal businessman Sunil Agarwal apart from few others in state capital Raipur and in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) were being searched, they said. They said the premises of a senior bureaucrat and prominent industrialist were also covered in the raids. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recorded 3,497 cases under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in the last five years, the government informed Parliament on Monday. Union minister of state (MoS) for finance Pankaj Chaudhary was replying to a query raised by Congress leader Deepak Baij. (Representative file image) Union minister of state (MoS) for finance Pankaj Chaudhary was replying to a query raised by Congress leader Deepak Baij. Also Read: Fight over jurisdiction holds up trials in PMLA cases Baij had further asked the finance ministry to specify the details money laundering cases registered against offshore shell companies during the same period till March 20, 2023. During investigations under the provisions of PMLA and The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), the role of several Indian Shell Companies & foreign companies/ offshore Shell Companies in money laundering has been noticed. Necessary action as per provisions of PMLA and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) has been taken in these cases. Disclosure of further information may not be in the larger public interest as the same may hamper ongoing investigations, MoS Chaudhary said in his written reply. GUWAHATI: Former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul, who was arrested more than six years ago in connection with the cash-for-jobs case, walked out of prison on Tuesday four days after the Gauhati high court granted him bail. Former Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Rakesh Paul walked out of prison on Tuesday four days after the Gauhati high court granted him bail. (Twitter/Screengrab) I am happy with the high courts decision. Since the case is sub judice, I would not like to comment on it. I had a good experience inside jail and worked on several social and religious causes, Paul told reporters after his release. Paul was granted bail in a case registered by Bhangagarh police in Guwahati on charges that he received a 50,000 bribe from a candidate, Bedanta Bikash Das, to get appointed as an agriculture development officer. When Das didnt get the job, he lodged a case against Paul and another candidate who was appointed and sought action against them. Paul was arrested in November 2016 and has been in prison since then. He is also an accused in four other cases in which he had been named as accused. The APSC cash-for-job scam had come to light in 2016 when many successful candidates including Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS) officers who appeared in the Combined Competitive Examination 2013 were alleged to have indulged in irregular practices in cahoots with Paul, the then APSC chairman. Following the revelations, police lodged several cases and arrested 60 serving officers from the CCE, 2013 batch. Last week, the state government told the assembly that 57 civil servants from the 2013, 2015 and 2016 batches who were arrested in the recruitment scandal have been dismissed from service while three accused officers and three APSC officials had turned approvers. In April last year, the Assam cabinet decided to set up a high-level committee to decide on the action to be taken in view of the irregularities in the 2013 exam. The result of the 2013 exam were declared in May 2015. The move followed the submission of a 700-page report by justice Biplab Kumar Sharma commission. The commission was formed by the state government following directions by the Gauhati high court. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the assembly that the Sarma commissions report is yet to be accepted by the government and it had been forwarded to another committee for review. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a petition by gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed alleging threat to his life from the Uttar Pradesh police. A Prayagraj court convicted Ahmed and two others in connection with the 2007 kidnapping case of Umesh Pal. (ANI file image) Allowing him to withdraw and file a petition before the Allahabad high court, the top court said this was not a matter to be heard by the top court when he is under arrest in connection with a first information report (FIR) related to kidnapping and murder of an important witness in a pending trial of a former MLA Raju Pals killing in 2005. The order passed by a bench of justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela M Trivedi said, After arguing the matter for some time, counsel for the petitioner seeks leave to withdraw the writ petition with liberty to file an appropriate application before the high court. The writ petition is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty prayed for. Also Read:UP police take custody of Atiq from Guj, head to Prayagraj jail The bench said, This is not a matter to be heard by us. Go and file your application in the high court, after learning that his prayer in the petition became infructuous. In his petition, the former member of Parliament (MP) requested not to be shifted from Sabarmati jail in Gujarat to Prayagraj in connection with a fresh case registered against him last month. Advocate Vishwaditya Sharma who appeared for Ahmed said his prayer for seeking protection was still alive as there is a direct threat to his life. I am not saying there should be no investigation against me, but my safety is at stake. Let my statement be recorded that my life is under threat before sending me to the high court, Sharma said. The bench replied, There is a FIR against you. The state machinery will take care of you. You are in their custody. We will simply allow you to withdraw. Incidentally, on Tuesday, a Prayagraj court convicted Ahmed and two others in connection with the 2007 kidnapping case of Umesh Pal, a lawyer and a prime witness in the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal in 2005. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment. Umeshs wife had complained to the police that Ahmed and others had kidnapped her husband to threaten him to influence the outcome of the murder trial. Umesh was murdered on February 24 along with his two police guards. A team of 45 personnel of the UP police had brought the former MP from Gujarat to Prayagraj on Monday. The resignation of former Rajya Sabha member Dharmapuri Srinivas from the Telangana Congress on Monday within hours of returning to the party fold after a gap of eight years has exposed differences within his family, as both his sons are accusing each other of bringing pressure on the father. Ex-MPs resignation within hours of joining Telangana Congress brings to fore differences within family His elder son, D Sanjay, a former mayor of Nizamabad, on Tuesday alleged that his father was facing harassment from his younger brother D Arvind, a Lok Sabha member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Nizamabad parliamentary constituency. Sanjay told the reporters that his father had indeed joined the Congress party along with him at Gandhi Bhavan in the presence of several leaders including AICC in-charge of Telangana affairs Manikrao Thakre on Sunday. But my younger brother Arvind has forced him to resign, since it would affect his political interests, he said. However, Arvind told the reporters in Nizamabad that his father was forcibly taken to Gandhi Bhavan and offered a Congress stole, while he was not even in a position to walk. It was true that my father identified himself as a Congressman ideologically, but the party completely ignored him in troubled times. When he was sick, neither Sonia Gandhi nor Rahul Gandhi had spoken to him, he said. Srinivas, who served as Pradesh Congress Committee president twice during the combined Andhra Pradesh period, quit the party in 2015 a year after the formation of Telangana state in June 2014. He joined the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (previously Telangana Rashtra Samithi) and was made a Rajya Sabha member. After his younger son Arvind joined the BJP and defeated chief minister K Chandrasekhar Raos daughter K Kavitha in 2019 general elections, Srinivas was sidelined in the party. Though he continued as Rajya Sabha member of the BRS till 2022, he was kept away from the party activities. On Sunday, Srinivas, along with his elder son Sanjay, went to Gandhi Bhavan in a wheelchair and extended support to the party. He said he was returning to the party fold to support Rahul Gandhi. Telangana PCC chief A Revanth Reddy termed Srinivas as a lucky mascot for the party, citing that the Congress came to power under his leadership twice. But on Monday, a letter purported to have been written by Srinivas to AICC president Mallikharjun Kharge was released to the media stating that he had not joined the Congress, but had come to Gandhi Bhavan only to witness his son Sanjay joining the party. But the party leaders offered me the Congress stole and announced that I had joined the party, which is not correct. In view of my age and health conditions, I have been keeping away from active politics. If the Congress leadership thinks I have joined the party, please consider this letter as my resignation, he purportedly said in the letter. His wife, Vijayalaxmi, also released a video stating that he had resigned from the party and appealed to the Congress leaders not to use her husband for their political interests. Stating that Srinivas had already suffered a stroke, she asked the Congress leaders not to visit her house again. Meanwhile, PCC vice-president G Niranjan wrote a letter to Hyderabad police commissioner CV Anand on Monday requesting him to provide security to Srinivas, expressing concern over the possible threat to his life from his own family members. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI : Over the past few months, Indian journalists and researchers at leading think-tanks have been approached by people with false credentials claiming to be from Singapore-based institutions with offers to cooperate on projects or to write articles on security and foreign policy, raising concerns of a clandestine propaganda operation by China . PREMIUM Authorities in Singapore have taken the matter seriously as the people making the approaches claimed to be from NUS and SIIA, which both have ties to the government (File Photo) Most of the journalists and researchers, who were approached via email, direct messages on LinkedIn, and Facebook or messaging services such as WhatsApp, focus on and write regularly on issues such as India-China relations, India-Japan ties, or the Indo-Pacific region. The emails and messages about writing analytical articles came with offers of payments of up to $400 ( 32,800) for a piece of 1,800 words. However, recent inquiries in Singapore established that at least two of the people who contacted several Indians Julia Chia, a senior programme manager with National University of Singapore (NUS) and Jian Qiang Wong, a researcher at Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) do not exist. Though Indian journalists and researchers have been approached by others claiming to work for different universities and organisations, Chia and Wong were involved in a majority of approaches that were traced by HT. They approached journalists and researchers based in New Delhi and Mumbai, claiming to have read their articles and offering to cooperate on new projects. Wong, who usually used the direct messaging feature of LinkedIn, recently messaged a Mumbai-based journalist: So I wanna build a cooperation relation with you. Are you interested? Would you like to write something for me? Chia, who claimed to be working on a weekly journal for NUS named Policy Perception, which features columns on economy, politics, security and technology, sought guest writers who could focus on hot events happening in the Asia-Pacific region, promising that your independent analysis will be only for internal and limited reference. The journal, Chia wrote in her emails, will use articles that will not be published or to be found elsewhere and the basic payment for an essay of 1,500 to 1,800 words would be $400, with a bonus thrown in for excellent write-ups. The first author of this article was one of the journalists who was approached. Authorities in Singapore have taken the matter seriously as the people making the approaches claimed to be from NUS and SIIA, which both have ties to the government of the city state. These accounts are fake. These individuals do not work for NUS or Singapore think-tanks. The Singapore-India people-to-people ties are strong enough for such scams to be quickly exposed, Singapore high commissioner Simon Wong told HT after learning of the matter. There was no response to a request for comment from Simon Tay, chairman of SIIA who also teaches international law at NUS. Indian security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the method used by people such as Chia and Wong pointed to similar influence operations conducted by China in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the US. These people are looking for the kind of writing which is often induced by the Chinese State to create a narrative in its favour. They target people who have an understanding of strategic affairs or those who they think can publish or push views which favour Chinas interests, one security official said. It is the use of soft power and it is a standard modus operandi used by Chinese officials all over the world. I wouldnt be surprised if China has sent these messages asking someone to write on strategic issues on the basis of payments, he added. Another official said security agencies witnessed a marked uptick in efforts by China to glean information on India through various means since the start of the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020. They will try harder in India because unlike other countries where they have tried such influence operations, there isnt a sizeable Chinese-origin population in India, this official said. Wongs contacts on LinkedIn included researchers from leading Delhi-based think tanks focusing on security and military issues and retired army and navy officials, including officers of the rank of major general and vice admiral, and those who have handled issues such as defence acquisition and offsets. While such connections on a platform like LinkedIn may not mean much, people familiar with the matter said it was clear Wong had focused on people who had access to sensitive information. Most of the journalists and researchers who were approached became suspicious as emails sent to them after preliminary contacts didnt come from the official email IDs of NUS, SIIA or the other organisations that the people approaching them had claimed to work for. One Indian journalist working for a foreign publication who spoke to the person making the approach received an email from a Yahoo ID though the person claimed to work for US-based consultancy International Development Corporation (IDC). A researcher with a top New Delhi-based think, who focuses on the Indo-Pacific and was approached on Facebook and WhatsApp, was informed by the person making the approach that he worked for China Center for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University. Ajai Sahni, executive director of the Institute of Conflict Management, said he was not surprised by the developments as they fit in with the global pattern for Chinas influence operations to force Beijings point of view. China has been cultivating local influencers wherever it can. If they had greater freedom as in some of our neighbouring countries, China would have opened up friendship institutes that openly lobby for Chinas position in areas of their interest. Chinas strategy documents state that their private organisations and NGOs have to back the CPCs objectives anywhere in the world, Sahni said. New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found companies such as Google, MakeMyTrip and OYO indulging in anti-competitive practices in contravention of the Competition Act, 2002, the Union government told Parliament on Tuesday. Union finance and corporate affairs minister Nirmala Sitharaman was replying to a question by a JD(U) member in the Rajya Sabha (PTI) Inquiries against Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Apple, WhatsApp, Facebook (Meta) are also being conducted for alleged contravention of the provisions of the (Competition) Act, Union finance and corporate affairs minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. She was replying to a question by Janata Dal (United) leader Anil Hegde, who sought to know whether the government is aware of the fact that anti-competitive practices are indulged by big tech companies in the country. Anti-competitive practices including mergers, cartels, collusions, price-fixing and predatory pricing are used by businesses to lessen competition within markets and establish monopolies of dominant firms. Such malpractices are heavily regulated and punishable by law in cases where it substantially affects the market. The Competition Act, 2002 aims to protect the interests of customers from anti-competitive behaviour, encourage and maintain market competition, defend consumer rights, and ensure the freedom of trade of other market players. Notably, Google was fined $161.9 million by the CCI last year for anti-competitive practices related to android mobile devices in multiple markets. The JD(U) MP further asked the minister whether it is also a fact that Parliamentary panel has recommended to government to introduce a Digital Competition Act to regulate this and ensure fair, transparent and contestable digital ecosystem. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance examined the subject Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech Companies and presented its report to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on December 22, 2022, Sitharaman said in her reply. On the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, the Government of India has constituted a Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL). Ahmedabad: Malini Patel, the wife of conman Kiran Patel who was recently arrested for impersonating a PMO official during a trip to Jammu and Kashmir, was on Tuesday detained in connection with a cheating case filed against the couple in Gujarat, officers said. A Crime Branch officer with Malini Patel, wife of conman Kiran Patel, in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. (PTI) The Ahmedabad police crime branch registered a first information report (FIR) against the couple on March 22 on the basis of a complaint filed by Jagdish Chavda, brother of former Gujarat minister and BJP leader Jawahar Chavda. According to the FIR, Jagdish Chavda was approached by the accused couple last year, when he had put up his bungalow in Shilaj area of Ahmedabad for sale. Kiran Patel won Chavdas trust by claiming he worked at the PMO and was a co-owner of a popular cafe joint in Ahmedabad, a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. Patel also claimed that he was into construction and promised to get Chavdas house renovated and help him sell it at a handsome price. For this, Patel took 35 lakh from Chavda in instalments. While the renovation work was on, Chavda had to visit his native place in Junagadh for some work. When he returned, he found that Patel had put his own name plate on the bungalow and even carried out a vastu puja or a house-warming ceremony, said the FIR, a copy of which HT has seen. Confronted by Chavda, Patel vacated the bungalow and promised him to return the 35 lakh. However, in August last year, Chavda learnt through a notice from the Ahmedabad district court that Patel had filed a civil suit claiming ownership of the property, said the officer cited above. On March 22, a case was registered against the Kiran and Malini Patel under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 170 (personating a public servant) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the crime branch said in a statement. On Tuesday, Malini Patel was caught from Jambusar in Gujarats Bharuch district. During her questioning, she told the police that she was unaware of what her husband did for a living, the officer said. She admitted that the couple had carried out some renovation work in Chavdas bungalow and even invited guests by distributing pamphlets for Vastu Puja when the owner was away, the officer added. Besides this case, she is also named as accused in another cheating case filed in 2019, while her husband is accused in four cases of fraud. Earlier this month, her husband Kiran Patel was arrested by the J&K Police for impersonating a top PMO official, based on which he was accorded Z+ security in the Valley. He had also held meetings with senior officials and claimed that he was sent to the Valley to explore the possibility of developing various sectors, including horticulture. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying his hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed into insult to the nation. This comes amid the political controversy surrounding the disqualification of Gandhi from the Lok Sabha after he was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case over his Modi surname remark. Due to political frustration, Rahul Gandhi's hatred towards PM Modi has now transformed into insult to the entire nation. While insulting the PM, he thought it wise to insult the entire OBC community, Union minister Smriti Irani said at a press conference. Union minister Smriti Irani said the Gandhi family tried to malign the image of PM Narendra Modi when they were in power He (Rahul Gandhi) abused and accused PM Modi in Parliament but could not verify his own statement by authenticating it with his own signature. Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by the court, for not abusing an individual but OBC community is known to every citizen of our country, Irani said. This is not the first time Gandhi family has tried to insult people from Dalit or backward communities. When a woman from the tribal family became the President, even then Droupadi Murmu was insulted by a Congress member on the instructions of Gandhi family, the BJP leader added. ALSO READ: Congress considers Gandhi family above Constitution: BJP Rahul Gandhi in a magazine interview said that he will keep attacking PM Modi's image until he destroys it. The Gandhi family tried to malign the image of PM Narendra Modi when they were in power but they failed miserably, he could decrease the love that common people have for PM Modi. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi sent notice to vacate Tughlaq Lane bungalow in 30 days Rahul Gandhi's disqualification has intensified the political showdown between the Centre and the Congress in the stormy Budget session. The Congress leader has vowed that he will continue to ask questions and "fight for the democratic rights of the people". Please understand why I have been disqualified. I have been disqualified because PM Narendra Modi is scared of my next speech on Adani. I have seen it in his eyes, he had said at a presser last Saturday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union minister Smriti Irani hit out at Rahul Gandhi over the official residence eviction notice issued to him after he was disqualified from Lok Sabha. "The house does not belong to him, it belongs to the common people," Irani said at a press conference. Gandhi has been asked to vacate his 12 Tughlaq Lane bungalow by April 22, which he has been occupying since 2005, days after he stood disqualified after being convicted in a defamation case over his Modi surname remark. According to the rule, a disqualified parliamentarian isn't entitled to government accommodation and is given a 30-day period to vacate the official bungalow. Union minister, Smriti Irani. While addressing a press conference, Irani also fired a fresh salvo at the former MP and stated that Gandhi's promise to a magazine editor to rip Modi's image apart is a promise that shall remain unfulfilled because PM Modi's greatest strength is the people of India. Speaking further, the union minister said, This is not the first time Gandhi family has tried to insult people from Dalit or backward communities. When a woman from the tribal family became the President, even then Droupadi Murmu was insulted by a Congress member on the instructions of Gandhi family. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the government, saying, "They will make all attempts to weaken him (Rahul Gandhi) but, if he vacates the bungalow, he will go live with his mother or he can come to me... I'll vacate one." Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said, Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Whatever the government of India is doing with the country's democracy is a bigger issue, that is what he told. Every Opposition party is together, we had a cordial discussion and we will move forward with the same energy." Veteran Congress leader Harish Rawat said the party is not surprised that Gandhi has given the notice to vacate the bungalow. Since Rahul Gandhi questioned the PM regarding the Adani issue, the government is trying to show that it will silence the voice that disagrees with them, SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bengaluru: Lokayukta police on Monday arrested the Channagiri MLA Madal Virupakshappa, hours after the Karnataka high court rejected his anticipatory bail application in the corruption case. (PTI) Bengaluru: A special court in Bengaluru on Tuesday sent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka legislator Madal Virupakshappa to five-day police custody in connection with a corruption case. The order came a day after the Lokayukta police on Monday arrested the Channagiri MLA, hours after the Karnataka high court rejected his anticipatory bail application in the case. While the Lokayukta police demanded a 10-day custody of the legislator citing he was not cooperating with the probe, the MLAs lawyer objected to police custody claiming he has appeared for questioning multiple times, said an officer from the Lokayukta police, requesting anonymity. After hearing both parties, judge B Jayant Kumar of the special court for MP/MLA on Tuesday remanded Virupakshappa in the Lokayukta police custody till April 1 for questioning. The MLA was arrested from a toll booth in Kyathsandra in Tumakuru district on Monday night. Following his arrest, he was taken to a hospital in Bengaluru for a medical check-up and was later shifted to the Lokayukta office, where a preliminary questioning was conducted, the Lokayukta police officer cited above said, adding the MLA has moved the court for bail. On March 2, in what caused the BJP embarrassment, Virupakshappa was named the main accused in a corruption case lodged by the Karnataka Lokayukta after his son was caught taking a bribe of 40 lakh. In the raids that followed, Lokayukta authorities recovered 6.1 crore in cash from his Sanjay Nagar residence and 2.2 crore from his office. A total of 8.23 crore in cash, a huge quantity of gold and silver ornaments and large investments in land in Karnataka were allegedly uncovered. In the days following the raids, the MLA had accepted that the huge cash found in his house belonged to his family. Our taluk is known as the land of areca nut (supari). An ordinary farmer in our areca nut land has 5 crore to 6 crore at home. I have 125 acres of areca nut farm and many other businesses as well. I will furnish the appropriate documents to the Lokayukta and get back my money, he had claimed. On Monday, the high court cancelled the interim anticipatory bail granted to the MLA on March 7. Though this Court granted the interim anticipatory bail until disposal of the case, because there was no material found in FIR (first information report) at that time, but now, there is sufficient evidence to show the involvement of the petitioner in the commission of offence Justice K Natarajan said in his judgment. The court further said that Virupakshappas custody was necessary. The custody of the petitioner is imminent for the Lokayukta police to interrogate him in the matter. Therefore, at this stage, this court feels that the interim anticipatory bail, requires to be cancelled as the petitioner-accused No.1 has not properly co-operated with the investigation officer, it said. Virupakshappa, however, claimed that allegations made in the FIR were absurd and there was no sufficient ground to proceed against him, another Lokayukta police officer said. While hearing his plea, the bench had given him interim bail till the disposal of the anticipatory bail petition, the officer said, declining to be named. The court has rejected the anticipatory bail and thus the interim bail also stands cancelled. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and discussed the latters remarks on VD Savarkar that strained the relationship between the two parties last week, signalling a thawing of tensions. HT Image The parties are part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance along with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), whose chief Sharad Pawar stepped in to play peacemaker on Monday. Speaking to reporters, Raut said he spoke to Gandhi and discussed the Savarkar issue. I discussed the Savarkar issue with Gandhi and the conversation was fruitful. We are also speaking to other Congress leaders on the same, he said. Asked to share more details on the conversation, Raut said: Its not possible to share the details of the discussion but everyone will know the result of the talks soon. There was no immediate reaction available from the Congress. Gandhi, while fending off questions about whether he will apologise for his remarks during a recent visit to the UK, on Saturday had said: My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone. On Sunday, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray warned that demeaning Savarkar would create cracks in the opposition alliance. He further said that he considered Savarkar as his idol and asked the Congress leader to refrain from insulting him. On Monday, the Sena (UBT) also skipped a dinner hosted for opposition parties by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. At the dinner on Monday, NCP chief Pawar stepped in to defuse the tension by asking the Congress to avoid making remarks on Savarkar as it was creating uneasiness among the allies. According to MVA functionaries aware of the details, Pawar told the Congress that Savarkar is a household name and targeting Sena (UBT) could create trouble for the MVA in Maharashtra. Pawar said that the MVA is getting good support in Maharashtra and the Savarkar issue is creating unnecessary tension among the allies, one of the persons said, asking not to be named. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present for Pawars talks. According to a second person in the MVA, Gandhi said the allies have strong ideological differences over Savarkar and that he doesnt want to change their stand. He was supported by Left parties, the person said. Later, everyone agreed to keep their differences aside. A Sena leader from the Thackeray faction said: Such statements on Savarkar could shift the political narrative and the BJP will use it to divert the attention of people from the non-performance of the central government. Congress leader Ashok Chavan said the party was never in favour of joining hands with Sena (UBT). We did it to keep the BJP away from power. We knew that such issues will come up in the future. Rahul ji never said anything about Savarkar in particular. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The G20, under the aegis of Indias Presidency, has set up an expert group on strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) with Harvard University president emeritus Lawrence Summers and Institute of Economic Growth president NK Singh as co-conveners, union finance ministry said on Tuesday. NK Singh is a prominent Indian policymaker, economist and academician. (Twitter | NK Singh) The objectives of the expert group include preparation of a roadmap for an updated MDB ecosystem for the 21st century, with milestones and timelines, touching upon all aspects of MDB evolution, including but not limited to vision, incentive structure, operational approaches and financial capacity so that MDBs are better equipped to finance a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and transboundary challenges such as climate change and health, it said in a statement. The panel will also focus on mechanisms for coordination among MDBs to address and finance global development and other challenges more effectively, it added. Also Read: Second G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Siliguri, Darjeeling from April 1 It will also evaluate various estimates regarding the scale of funding required by and from MDBs for addressing their and member countries increased financing needs for SDG and transboundary challenges, taking into account the additional capacity that can be derived from the CAF recommendations alongside other important sources such as the private sector and public sector funds, it said. Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAFs) play a crucial role in providing affordable financing to the most vulnerable countries. At the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting held in Bali on 15-16 July 2022, the G20 had welcomed the report Boosting MDBs investing capacity on the independent review of CAFs of MDBs. The report made five key recommendations for MDBs adapt approach to defining risk tolerance, give more credit to callable capital, expand uses of financial innovations, improve credit rating agency assessment of MDB financial strength, and increase access to MDB data and analysis. The Expert Group will submit its report to the Indian Presidency of the G20 before 30th June 2023, the statement said. According to the Harvard Kennedy Schools website, during the past two decades Summers served in a series of senior policy positions, including Vice President of development economics and chief economist of the World Bank, Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, Director of the National Economic Council for the Obama Administration from 2009 to 2011, and Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, from 1999 to 2001. Singh -- a prominent Indian policymaker, economist and academician -- was the chairman of the 15th Finance Commission. He also presided as chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review Committee (FRBM), responsible for setting targets for the government to reduce fiscal deficits. He also served as a member of the Upper House of the Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, from 2008 to 2014, during which time he contributed to several prominent Parliamentary Standing Committees including the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Human Resource Development. Other members of the panel are Tharman Shanmugarathnam, senior minister, Government of Singapore; Maria Ramos, Chairperson of AngloGold Ashanti and former Director-General of the National Treasury of South Africa; Arminio Fraga: Founder, Co-CIO Hedge Funds and Private Equity, Gavea Investimentos and former Governor, Central Bank of Brazil; Nicholas Stern: IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics; Justin Yifu Lin: Professor and Honorary Dean of National School of Development at Peking University and former Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of the World Bank; Rachel Kyte: Dean of the Fletcher School of International Affairs at Tufts University and former Vice-President of World Bank; and Vera Songwe: Non-resident senior fellow in the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution and former Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa. China and Pakistan will participate virtually in a meeting of national security advisers (NSA) and top security officials of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be hosted by India on March 29, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The SCO security officials are also expected to assess the threat posed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province, which has claimed a string of devastating terror attacks in recent weeks The gathering of security officials is part of the series of meetings being organised ahead of the SCO Summit to be held in India in July. The security officials are expected to discuss the situation across the region, especially in Afghanistan, and ways to counter terrorism and trans-national crimes. Chinas minister of public security Wang Xiaohong, who holds the rank of state councillor, is expected to join the meeting virtually, the people said. Pakistan currently does not have an NSA and the country is expected to be represented virtually by a senior official from the security establishment, the people added. A statement from Russias Security Council said the organisations secretary, Nikolai Patrushev, will participate in the meeting of security officials in New Delhi that will be chaired by NSA Ajit Doval. Also Read: Experts, journalists approached by fake academics in suspected China op Besides the focus on the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the meeting is expected to look at counter-terrorism, radicalisation and extremism, trans-national crimes such as the smuggling of narcotics and weapons and global security issues, the people said. In the context of Afghanistan, the security officials are expected to assess the threat posed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province, which has claimed a string of devastating terror attacks in recent weeks, and UN-designated groups such as al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the people added. The meeting of security officials will be followed by meetings of the SCO defence ministers in April and foreign ministers in May. These meetings will culminate in the SCO Summit to be held in July, the first time India will host the event since joining the grouping in 2017. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The tumultuous budget session of Parliament might conclude on Tuesday or Wednesday as theres no end in sight for daily protests and disruptions, people familiar with the matter said. After the budget session resumed on March 13 following a month-long recess,the government has been able to pass only the Finance Bill and the Demand for Grants and introduce the Inter-Services Organisations Bill. An official familiar with the matter said the Parliament budget session is expected to end on Tuesday or Wednesday. (ANI) A senior parliamentary official said the Lok Sabha needs to sit on Tuesday to pass the amendment to the Finance Bill that finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman brought in the Upper House on Monday. The Upper House has returned the amended finance bill to the Lower House. The session is scheduled to end on April 6. The session is expected to end on Tuesday or Wednesday. There are clear signals that the session wont run after Ram Navami, said a senior official. On Monday, leaders of 16 opposition parties, mostly dressed in black in a rare show of unity, continued their demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on the Adani issue and protested against the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament. Opposition unity got a fillip with the Trinamool Congress, the second largest opposition outfit in Parliament, joining the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demonstrations after a long time. However, Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena skipped the protests, objecting to Gandhis comment that he wont apologise for his comments in London as he was not Savarkar. Today, by wearing black, we want to show Modi ji is ending democracy in this country one by one. Firstly, the autonomous bodies were abolished. Then they formed their government everywhere by intimidating those who won the elections under the law. Thirdly, they are using ED (Enforcement Directorate) and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) against those who do not bow down. They also question authenticity of everything in Parliament, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to step up its attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by displaying posters across the country on March 30. The posters will be printed in 11 languages, the party's AAP chief and environment minister told the news agency PTI. AAP's 'Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao' campaign All state units of the party have been asked to paste posters in their respective states. The posters have been printed in 11 languages, Rai said. This comes after a poster war unfolded in the national capital last week after thousands ofModi Hatao, Desh Bachao (remove Modi, save the country) posters appeared on walls and electricity poles. In a massive operation, the Delhi police removed all the posters and arrested six people - including two owners of a printing press. In retaliation, similar posters saying Kejriwal Hatao, Delhi Bachao (remove Kejriwal, save Delhi) were pasted across Delhi - allegedly by the BJP. Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed the PM Modi-led dispensation over the arrests made by the Delhi police. "What's going on? In the last 24 hours, six people have been arrested. There is one printer and other six poor people who were putting up posters. Our country's PM is behind the arrest of one printer and the other six people. Is the PM's health ok?" he said. On posters against him, Kejriwal said that he has no objection. In a democracy, the public has every right to express their views in favour of or against their leader. Those who put up posters against me should not be arrested", he added. (With inputs from PTI) The Congress on Tuesday hit the streets, announced a series of protest programmes, including a Jai Bharat Satyagraha, and indicated wider Opposition action to protest against the disqualification of former party chief, Rahul Gandhi, from the Lok Sabha last week following his conviction in a criminal defamation case. Congress workers being detained by Delhi Police at Red Fort in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT) In the evening, the party attempted to take out a 1km-long Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March from Red Fort but clashed with Delhi Police who did not allow them to proceed to the venue. This is a murder of democracy. Our voices are being silenced inside and outside Parliament. Disqualifying our leader and not allowing us to walk now. What kind of a democracy is this? Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said after several party leaders were detained. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal tweeted: Many senior leaders, along with our energetic and dedicated youth cadre were marching towards Red Fort, but the barbaric Delhi Police tried its best to stall our peaceful march. PM Modi & Shah should know, we will not step back from our fight. Bring it on! Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said 96 people were detained. All the detainees have been released and the situation is normal, the DCP was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Meanwhile, two senior Congress leaders, who did not wish to be named, said a section of the party was keen to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, following a proposal by a Lok Sabha lawmaker from Punjab. However, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said: More discussions are required among all Opposition parties before taking any decision. Yechury also hinted that the Opposition should consider bigger political actions against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders said such proposals might not get the support of all Opposition parties. The process for unity is an evolving process. It has to be one step at a time, party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek OBrien said. Earlier in the day, Opposition leaders, dressed in black, staged a protest in Parliament. They also disrupted the ongoing budget session in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the Adani issue, prompting the Speaker and Chairman to adjourn the respective sessions. The Congress announced a series of programmes across the country against Gandhis disqualification. The party held press conferences by prominent national leaders in 35 cities. On Wednesday, a protest by SCs, STs, OBCs and minority departments is scheduled to take place in front of Dr B R Ambedkar or Gandhi statues in all district headquarters. The Congress will also hold a Jai Bharat Satyagraha from March 29 to April 8 to protest against the erroneous conviction and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi, and to express the Congress Partys resolve to keep raising the voice of the people against the blatant loot of the peoples money and nations wealth by Modani, the party said in a statement. The party has asked all block/mandal units to hold Nukkad Sabhas as part of the Jai Bharat Satyagraha and address the public on relevant issues. Social media campaigns will focus on Gandhis message and appeal for public support for the Jai Bharat Satyagraha. TMC, the second-largest Opposition party, also announced its own programmes to protest in Parliament. It will demand discussion on the subject Save Constitution, Save Demo, Save Parliament in both Houses in the remaining days of the Budget session. OBrien said party MPs will also protest in front of Ambedkar statue in Parliament. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The revival of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran under an agreement brokered by the Chinese could have significant ramifications for geopolitics in West Asia, which India sees as part of its extended neighbourhood, experts said on Saturday. The deal was unveiled through a trilateral announcement on Friday by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia (Twitter Photo) The deal, unveiled through a trilateral announcement on Friday by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, took diplomatic circles in New Delhi by surprise as the talks had been kept tightly under wraps. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan said on Saturday the arrangement was the outcome of talks that lasted two years. According to the trilateral statement, Saudi Arabia and Iran will resume diplomatic relations that were snapped in 2016 and reopen their embassies and missions within two months. The two countries further agreed to revive the Security Cooperation Agreement signed in 2001 and another 1998 pact for cooperation in trade, investment, technology and culture. Also Read: India, Australia deepen trade, defence relations Though West Asia watchers advocated a wait-and-watch approach to see how things would pan out between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two arch-rivals in the region that are also divided on theological grounds, Chinas role in facilitating the agreement was a surprise for many since it had never played such a role in the regions diplomacy. Talmiz Ahmad, who served as Indias envoy to Saudia Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was among those taken by surprise by the developments. It came as a complete surprise as everything was kept under wraps. We had heard nothing about it. Past talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran had involved senior intelligence officials but these talks were at a higher level, he said. The agreement was hammered out during five days of talks in Beijing, beginning March 6, between Saudi National Security Advisor Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban and Irans secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Admiral Ali Shamkhani. Both officials have been key interlocutors in security engagements with India. Saudi and Iranian intelligence officials had earlier held talks in Iraq and Oman during 2021-2022. While those talks had been publicly acknowledged, there was no official word on the contacts facilitated by China, which gained pace after President Xi Jinpings visit to Saudi Arabia last December and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis trip to Beijing in February. There has been no official word as yet from the Indian government in response to the development. Waiel Awwad, a New Delhi-based writer and political analyst, said there is a growing feeling in Arab capitals about the need to engage with China, a rising power closer to home, after decades of close ties between many West Asian countries and the US. China can no longer be ignored, especially at a time when the focus of the US has shifted to Europe after the Ukraine crisis, Awwad said, pointing to the manner in which China has firmed up relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran in recent years. Also, China wants to ensure the flow of energy from West Asia, which accounts for about 40% of its oil imports, at a time of volatility on the global markets, he added. Chinas emergence as a new power broker in West Asia, especially as part of Chinese efforts to engineer a new world order at a time of heightened tensions with the US, will be viewed warily by India, which has often referred to the region as part of the countrys extended neighbourhood in view of energy supplies and the presence of an Indian diaspora of nearly nine million spread across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and several other countries. Beijings diplomatic push in West Asia also comes at a time when its relations with New Delhi are at an all-time low because of the dragging military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Ahmad, who has repeatedly advocated a role for India in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia, This has always been part of our space, especially after India strengthened ties with several countries over the past decade or so. There is a worry that India could now recede into the background, he said. The Indian expatriates in West Asia account for annual remittances of about $35 billion to $40 billion, whereas there would be hardly 500,000 Chinese nationals in the region. Our contacts with the region go back thousands of years and there are deep cultural ties, Ahmad said, explaining why India had been better placed to mediate between the West Asian rivals. Also Read: Chinas surprise move, retains Yi Gang as central bank governor The development in Saudi Arabia-Iran ties also comes at a time of reported differences between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, especially over the war in Yemen. The Saudi leader, popularly known as MBS, stayed away from a summit of West Asian leaders hosted by the UAE in January. Last December, the UAE leadership didnt join a China-Arab summit in Saudi Arabia. Some experts believe the Saudi Arabian move to mend fences with Iran was made with an eye on the situation in Yemen, where Houthi rebels backed by Tehran have been blamed for missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities. A rapprochement with Iran could help reduce tensions in Yemen and even facilitate Saudi Arabias exit from the coalition engaged in the grinding war with the Houthis. The UAE was among the countries that embraced the Abraham Accords with Israel and became involved in new groupings such as India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2), while Saudi Arabia has held out on normalising relations with Israel. Experts said it would be necessary to watch developments over a longer period of time to see whether the agreement facilitated by China leads to the overall improvement of relations between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran, which have long sought to exert supremacy over the region. We have to wait and watch to see whether this is just a temporary truce or there is something more to it, said Awwad. Ahmad said a lot would depend on the responses from the US, which appears to be strategically adrift in West Asia despite a significant military presence in the region and Israel. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have not abandoned the Palestinian cause despite changes brought in by the Abraham Accords and all these factors will have a bearing on future alignments in West Asia, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bengaluru: Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday alleged that KPCC president DK Shivakumar is trying to poach Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs by offering them tickets, saying the Congress party is frustrated as it doesnt have good candidates and hence is approaching the ruling party leaders. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said the Congress party is frustrated as it doesnt have good candidates and hence is approaching the BJP leaders. (PTI) KPCC president DK Shivakumar for the last two to three days has been making phone calls to our MLAs in 100 constituencies where they are yet to announce candidates. He is stating that if you (BJP MLAs) come (to Congress) we will give you the ticket, the chief minister told reporters in Bagalkote district. Congress leaders are frustrated; they dont have proper candidates at all, so he (Shivakumar) is calling our party people. This shows that as a matter of fact the Congress party is bankrupt, Bommai said. The Congress has announced its first list of 124 candidates on March 25 for the upcoming assembly polls to be held by May and is yet to announce tickets for 100 seats. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly segments. The chief ministers statement comes after several leaders from the BJP who were denied tickets have joined the Congress. The latest in the list was a popular BJP leader from the chief ministers home district Haveri. Manjunath Kunnur, a close aide of Bommai, joined the Congress on Monday. Along with Kunnur, his son Raju Kunnur, KR Pet Janata Dal (Secular) leader Devaraj, Shivamogga BJP leader Arun, and prominent JD(S) leader Sudhakar and others from Chintamani joined the Congress party in the presence of Shivakumar in Bengaluru. Speaking on this occasion, Shivakumar said, Is it possible to gain the trust of the people of the state when the chief minister of the state does not take his close friends into confidence? Manjunath Kunnurr is a former member of the Lok Sabha and a three-time MLA. He is leaving the BJP and joining the Congress party unconditionally. This is proof that BJP leaders themselves want to change the chief minister. Kunnur, after joining the party, said, Going forward, I will die in the Congress party. BJP is not a leader-based party. It is a terror-based party. Ive seen the party very closely. Shivakumar or the Congress party is yet to respond to the chief ministers allegations of poaching. In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP had won 104 seats and emerged as the single-largest party but failed to form the government as the Congress and the JD(S) joined hands. But the coalition government collapsed on July 23, 2019 after the Congress and JD(S) lawmakers quit. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday slammed BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal for his person born to a foreign woman remark against Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, calling it sick and perverted. Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra (PTI) Person Born To A Foreign Woman Can Never Be a Patriot, says BJP MP. This is so sick & so perverted at so many levels. Saffron sickos always thought this but sad to see it being legitimised by @BJP. This is not Mahua supporting RG, Godi Media. Its Mahua defending decency, Mahua Moitra wrote on Twitter. Also read: 'Without prejudice to my rights..': Rahul Gandhi's full letter on eviction row Protesting against Rahul's controversial remark on the Modi surname, Jaiswal told NDTV earlier in the day that a person born to a foreign woman can never be a patriot - claiming that those are Chanakya's words from 2,000 years ago. A similar remark was made by BJP Pragya Thakur against Gandhi earlier this month. The Lok Sabha MP from Bhopal claimed Chanakya had said a son born to a foreign woman can never be a patriot, adding that Rahul Gandhi proved the saying was true. On Friday, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP after a Surat court convicted him in a criminal defamation case for a remark he made ahead of the 2019 general elections about the Modi surname. During a rally in Karnataka's Kolar, Gandhi had said he wonders how all thieves have Modi as the common surname. On Monday, the ex-Congress MP was served an eviction notice to vacate his 12 Tughlaq Lane residence - which he had been occupying since 2005. According to the rules, a disqualified MP cannot stay in a government bungalow and is given a month to vacate it. To this, Gandhi responded by saying, without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by the details contained in your letter. The Union government cancelled the manufacturing licenses of 18 pharmaceutical companies and scrapped product permissions of three of them as it launched a nationwide crackdown on firms making substandard drugs, people aware of the matter said on Tuesday. Marion Biotech (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo) The measure came after two Indian pharma companies, Marion Biotech and Maiden Pharma, were involved in controversies relating to impure products that led to fatalities in countries they exported products to. The crackdown began two weeks ago and involved the inspection of 76 firms in 20 states, where at least 26 companies were issued notices to explain lapses. Product permission of three firms out of 76 firms inspected was cancelled as some of their products were found to be violating norms, and 26 show-cause notices were issued to companies who were found to be lacking in compliance of good manufacturing practice, said a senior government functionary, asking not to be named. The 20 States where joint inspections were conducted are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkhand, and West Bengal. Officials said that as part of the special inspection, 203 pharmaceutical companies have been identified for the joint inspection. In the first phase, inspection of 76 pharma companies was conducted. This special inspection drive by the drugs regulators will continue in coming weeks, added the official cited above. A majority of the companies are from Himachal Pradesh (70), followed by Uttarakhand (45) and Madhya Pradesh (23). Tajber Singh, drugs controller, Uttarakhand, said that during the inspection in the state, the medicines of six pharma companies were found to be of substandard quality, following which their product permission was suspended. These six pharma companies include two from Haridwar, two from Roorkee and one each from Dehradun and US Nagar districts. They have appealed against the suspension before Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) which acts as an appellate authority in matters of disputes relating to the quality of drugs, he said. According to people familiar with the matter, the joint inspections are a part of heightened pharma surveillance measures that the government is taking after a few incidents were reported globally over the last six months in which several deaths, particularly of children, were reported allegedly due to use of medicines manufactured in India. On March 22, the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority cancelled the manufacturing license of Noida-based pharmaceutical company, Marion Biotech, whose cough syrup was allegedly linked to the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan in December last year. In February, the Tamil Nadu-based Global Pharma Healthcare recalled its entire lot of eye drop allegedly linked to vision loss in the US. Another medical alter was issued by WHO on October 5, last year, over four cough syrups Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup manufactured and exported by Maiden Pharmaceuticals that could have possibly linked to 70 deaths of children in The Gambia. Union health ministry has been working with all stake holders to ensure strict regulatory compliances among pharmaceutical and medical devices companies. Last month, the health ministry conducted a two-day Chintan Shivir (brainstorming camp) with focus on drugs quality regulation and enforcement. The objective of the two-day camp was to review processes and implementation of policies and programmes related to drugs quality and enforcement in the country. As part of the Chintan Shivir, five broad sessions were planned on the key aspects of drugs manufacturing, sale, distribution and regulations in the country. The first session was on building trust and confidence on quality of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in domestic and export markets. The second discussed effective enforcement at the field level; and the other three were focused on Indian pharmacopeia and adherence to its standards, having a unified IT intervention for all regulatory activities, and capacity building of state and national regulators. Any action by the regulator to identify gaps in Good Manufacturing Practices that have a direct impact on drug quality is always welcome; better late than never. My concern still remains. This action, its findings and process by which this action was taken remains opaque. There is no transparency in the functioning of the drug regulator. Until that is addressed, my confidence in the actions of the drug regulator remains abysmally low, said Dinesh S Thakur, pharma expert. As citizens, we have a right to know how the drug regulator identified the manufacturers it inspected, what were the reasons for which these 18 were penalized, what were the inspection observations, how critical they were to product quality, what points of failure were observed/documented during the inspection process etc. The drug regulator needs to make its inspection reports public. Only then will we begin to build confidence that the drug regulator is working on behalf of Public Health and not necessarily protecting the industrys interests. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON British broadcaster BBC News' Punjabi language Twitter account was blocked Tuesday as the state's security forces enter the 10th day of the hunt for Khalistani separatist and 'Punjab Waris De' chief Amritpal Singh. File photo shows the BBC sign outside the entrance to the headquarters of the publicly-funded British media organisation in London, on July 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) Visitors to @bbcnewspunjabi were met with a gray screen and the message: '...account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand'. BBC, or the British Broadcasting Corporation, has not yet commented on the block and Twitter has yet to publish details of the request that led to its action. BBC News' Punjabi language Twitter account was 'withheld' on Tuesday amid the hunt to capture Khalistani separatist and Punjab Waris De chief Amritpal Singh. Reports indicate that over 100 Twitter handles and multiple YouTube channels have been blocked as Punjab and the centre hunt down Amritpal Singh. The operation to capture the 'Waris Punjab De' chief was launched March 18. This morning the centre asked Nepal to put him on a watchlist after intelligence reports suggested he may have crossed the border using either a fake passport. Watch | BBC's Punjabi Twitter handle barred in India amid Amritpal Singh hunt That was after media reports in Kathmandu - these could not be independently confirmed by Hindustan Times - said he was hiding in the Nepal capital. READ | Nepal puts fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh on surveillance list On Monday a new photograph of Amritpal Singh was circulated - he was seen with close aide Papalpreet Singh - on social media as Twitter and the authorities try to keep up as the fugitive changes his appearance frequently. In that image Amritpal and Papalpreet seem to be sitting on top of a truck. In the picture, it appears that Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh are sitting atop a truck. Papalpreet is believed to be Amritpal Singhs mentor and was allegedly in contact with Pakistan spy agency ISI. In the photo, Amritpal Singh is seen in a jacket, a maroon turban and sunglasses, and holding a can of beer. Papalpreet is in a sweatshirt. In an earlier photograph the two can be seen in a three-wheeler carrying a motorbike. READ | Amritpal Singh's new photo - a maroon turban, sunglasses and beer can The operation to arrest Amritpal Singh began about three weeks after his supporters and he stormed a police station near Amritsar to force his aide's release. Six police personnel were injured in that attack. Since then nearly 200 of his supporters/aides have been arrested but Amritpal remains elusive, prompting opposition criticism of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi high court on Tuesday issued summons to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut in a civil defamation suit filed by Rahul Shewale, the Lok Sabha floor leader of Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. (Satish Bate/HT photo) Shewale has accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders of levelling frivolous corruption allegations against him and his party. Justice Prateek Jalan admitted the defamation suit and issued summons to all three leaders. In February, Raut had alleged that 2,000 crore was spent to get Shiv Senas name and bow and arrow symbol. Raut also alleged that the Election Commissions decision was bought through these transactions. The high court also issued summons to social media websites on Shewales complaint and posted the matter for hearing on April 17. It directed Google, Twitter, and the three Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to file written statement within 30 days and issued notice to the defendants on the interim relief application. Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Shewale, asked the court to pass an injunction order to restrain Raut and others from making any further defamatory allegations. The court, however, refused to issue any gag order on the first day, saying it would hear all the parties before passing any order. These are political fights going on...as far as the institutions are concerned, election commissions shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this. Like the courts, people say all kinds of things about the courts, the bench observed. As the senior counsel contended that the allegations shock the conscience of the court, Justice Jalan remarked, The question is not whether it shocks my conscience or not. The question is that in the free marketplace of ideas, are people entitled to say things which shock my conscience? The court clarified it was not making any comments on whether the allegations are right or wrong. I am only saying that the question I will determine after having an affidavit on record, the judge added. In a tweet on February 19, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut had claimed that 2,000 crore was spent to get Shiv Senas name and bow and arrow symbol, adding that it was a preliminary figure and 100% true. Raut further alleged that his claim was backed by proof which he would disclose soon, saying a builder close to the ruling dispensation shared this information with him. He told reporters that the way the EC recognised the faction led by Shinde as the real Shiv Sena was not justice but business. And so far a transaction of 2,000 crore has happened in that case. This is my primary guess. This is my FIR. This decision was bought, he had claimed. On February 17, the Election Commission allotted the name Shiv Sena and its poll symbol bow and arrow to Shinde-led group, capping an eight-month-long feud between the two leaders over control of the party identity, which suffered a vertical split last year when Shinde and 39 other legislators walked out of the party then led by Thackeray, and joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the government. After the decision, Aaditya Thackeray had said EC is an entirely compromised institution. Legitimising thieves does not make the theft legitimate, he had tweeted. The Worli MLA had further said that the acronym CM of Maharashtra currently stands for corrupt man and that illegal and unconstitutional chief minister shall surely go. In his suit, Shewale sought permanent injunction and damages against the defendants, on account of false, malicious and unsubstantiated allegations. He said the allegations are libellous, unfounded and misconceived, tainted with collateral objectives, made knowingly and deliberately to harm the dignity of the plaintiff and his political party. The present plaint demonstrates that the defendant no. 1 to 3 have conspired with each other and with other unknown individuals/ organisations to launch a series of scathing and belligerent attacks against the plaintiff and the political party which the plaintiff belongs to, i.e, Shiv Sena, with the oblique motive to malign, defame and injure the plaintiffs reputation based on a series of blatant falsehoods and gross misrepresentations, the plea said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, and two others were sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in the 2006 kidnapping case of lawyer Umesh Pal on Tuesday. The accused have also been ordered to pay 1 lakh compensation to Pal's family. Umesh Pal - who was a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal - was shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24. Mafioso-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad (FILE PHOTO) Malini Patel, the wife of the alleged Gujarat conman Kiran J Patel who was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for fraud and impersonation, was taken into custody by the Gujarat Police on Tuesday in connection with a cheating case registered against the couple by a former Gujarat ministers brother Jagdish Chavda, police said in a statement. Her husband, Kiran Patel was arrested from the Srinagar hotel on March 2 for posing as an additional secretary in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) (Twitter/kiranpatel1977) Malini Patel was arrested from Bharuch districts Jambusar town in connection with a first information report (FIR) registered against the couple on March 22 after Kiran Patels arrest from a luxury Srinagar hotel. The FIR was registered under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 170 (impersonating a public servant) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, the Ahmedabad crime branch statement said. Her husband, Kiran Patel was arrested from the Srinagar hotel on March 2 for posing as an additional secretary in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) and enjoying security cover besides other hospitality. Soon after, his wife Malini Patel spoke out in his defence, contending that he was an engineer who had gone to Kashmir for development work. He has done nothing wrong, she told the news channel India Today following his arrest. As investigating agencies turned the spotlight on the Patel family, Jagdish Chavda approached the police to seek the registration of a case against them. Kiran Patel allegedly told him too that he worked at the PMO and that he was also co-owner of a popular cafe in Ahmedabad and was into renovating buildings, police said. In February last year, the couple allegedly convinced Chavda to spend on renovating his sprawling bungalow in the Shilaj area that he was trying to sell. While the renovation work was on, Jagdish Chavda alleged that the couple moved into his bungalow, complete with his nameplate at the entrance, and even had even organised a house-warming ceremony. Chavda alleged in his complaint to the police that when he confronted the couple, they vacated the place and promised to return the 35 lakh that he had paid for the renovation. However, in August last year, Chavda alleged that he got notice from an Ahmedabad court for a civil suit filed by the Patels claiming ownership of the property. Chavda is the brother of Jawahar Chavda, who exited the Congress to join the BJP and was a minister in a previous government when Vijay Rupani was chief minister. During questioning, Malini Patel allegedly told the police that her husband and brother-in-law Manish Patel earlier operated a travel agency in Ahmedabad which ran into losses. Police said she underlined that she wasnt aware of what her husband does for a living and that they carried out some renovation work in Chavdas bungalow and also invited some guests for Vastu Puja when the owner was away, the police statement said. It added that Kiran Patel, wife Malini and their two daughters travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on a holiday in October last year and February this year and stayed at the five-star hotel from where he was arrested on March 2. Malini Patel allegedly told the police that his husband managed the police security and government vehicles due to his connections and that the security cover was necessary for their safety in the Valley. She told the police that her husband didnt speak on the topic when she asked him about it. After staying in the Valley for two to three days, the family returned home to Ahmedabad in February. A few days later, Kiran Patel again travelled to the valley with his friend and he was arrested on this visit. Apart from the bungalow case, Malini Patel is also named as an accused along with her husband and brother-in-law in a fraud case in which a resident of Naroda, Rahul Parmar, alleged that they convinced him to become a part of their business of renting cars to the Vadtal Swaminarayan temple. According to the FIR registered in 2019, Parmar alleged that he and his friends gave the Patels 16 cars worth 1 crore in 2017 but did not get back the vehicles or his share of the profits. Kiran Patel has been booked in four other cases of fraud including an FIR lodged against him by a group of farmers on August 27, 2019, at Bayad police station, the police statement said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he will abide by the Lok Sabha secretariats notice to vacate his official bungalow after his disqualification as Member of Parliament (MP), even as his party leaders accused the government of threatening and humiliating him. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Reuters) The secretariat on Monday asked the former Wayanad MP to vacate his official bungalow 12 Tughlak Lane by April 22 after he was disqualified from the Lower House due to his conviction in a criminal defamation case in Gujarat last week. Responding to the notice on Tuesday, Gandhi said: As an elected Member of the Lok Sabha over the last four terms, it is the mandate of the people to which I owe the happy memories of my time spent there. Without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by the details contained in your letter. After a politician ceases to be a member of either House, the official accommodation allotted to him is withdrawn, but the period of time taken in sending an eviction notice is often much longer. Congress leaders on Monday had pointed out that some leaders, such as Ghulam Nabi Azad who retired from the Rajya Sabha in 2022, still retain their official bungalow. Hitting out at the government over the eviction notice, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said he condemned the governments attempt to threaten, scare and humiliate Gandhi. Kharge also said that Gandhi could go and live with his mother, Sonia Gandhi, at her 10 Janpath residence or he could himself get a house by vacating one for the former MP. They will do everything to weaken him (Rahul). He can go live with his mother or he can come to me, I will vacate one for him, Kharge told reporters. I condemn this attitude of the government to threaten, scare and humiliate him (Rahul). This isnt the way. Sometimes, weve been without a bungalow for three-four months. I received my bungalow after six months. People do this to humiliate others, he added. Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal also condemned the eviction notice. Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Every Indian who believes in the values of India has a place in their hearts, he said. He alleged the move was an attempt to intimidate Gandhi. We are not going to be scared by all this, he added. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also took a swipe at the government. Rahul asked to vacate bungalow, their (the governments) conscience has gone on a vacation. Petty politics, of petty men, he tweeted. Asked about the eviction notice at a press conference, Union minister Smriti Irani said: The house does not belong to him, it belongs to the common people. It is that time of the year again when Hindus gear up to celebrate the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri. The nine-day festival starts on the first day of the first month (Chaitra) of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and falls in March or April. Thus, this Navratri is known as Chaitra Navratri or Vasanta Navratri. Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram, also falls on the ninth day of the Navratri festivities. All nine days of the Chaitra Navratri are dedicated to the worship of the nine avatars of Maa Durga or Goddess Shakti - Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Additionally, different colours are also associated with each day and hold significance. Keep scrolling to read more about this. Full list of nine colours of Chaitra Navratri and their significance. (HT PHOTO) (Also Read | Chaitra Navratri 2023: Is Chaitra Navratri beginning on March 21 or 22? Find the correct date of the Hindu festival) Nine Colours of Navratri and Their Significance Navratri Day 1 - Royal Blue One should wear royal blue on day 1 of Chaitra Navratri and participate in the celebrations. This shade represents richness and tranquillity. Navratri Day 2 - Yellow Wearing yellow will help one enjoy Navratri traditions with unparalleled optimism and joy. This is a warm colour that keeps the person cheerful all day. Navratri Day 3- Green Green symbolises nature and evokes a sense of growth, fertility, peace and serenity. The colour represents new beginnings in life and bestows one with tranquillity. Navratri Day 4 - Grey Grey represents balanced emotions and keeps the person down-to-earth. Navratri Day 5 - Orange Worshipping Goddess Shakti in orange colour clothes bestows one with qualities such as warmth and exuberance. This colour is full of positive energy and keeps the person upbeat. Navratri Day 6 - White White colour is synonymous with purity and innocence. Wear white on Shashthi to become worthy of Goddess' blessings and experience inner peace and security. Navratri Day 7 - Red Red symbolises passion and love and is also the most preferred colour of Chunri offered to Goddess Shakti. It fills the devotees with vigour and vitality. Navratri Day 8 - Blue Blue is directly linked with the sky and symbolises the vastness and unbound character of nature. Wear it to expand your horizons and vision. Navratri Day 9 - Pink Pink symbolises universal love, affection and harmony. It is an attractive colour, which makes the person approachable and simultaneously adds oodles of charm to one's personality. Navratri 2023: Chaitra Navratri fasting is coming to an end on March 29 (Ashtami) as the festival concludes with Ram Navami celebrations (March 30), the day when people perform Kumari Pujan and worship nine little girls or kanjaks as avatars of goddess Durga before wrapping up their fasts. While many people fast on all days of Navratri, others observe vrat on first and second-last day of the nine-day festival. During the nine-day fasting period, foods like onion, garlic, wheat, rice, fish, meat, poultry, brinjal and mushrooms are avoided in some parts of India while foods made of cucumber, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, potatoes, barnyard millets, and buckwheat are eaten being considered satvik food. (Also read: Navratri 2023: 7 ways to boost energy levels while fasting) During Navratri fast, one should eat nutrient-dense foods and stay well hydrated.(Pinterest) During Navratri fast, one should eat nutrient-dense foods and stay well hydrated. From protein to fibre to probiotics, healthy ingredients can make fasting easier and a better experience. Susmita Executive Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bellandur, Bangalore suggests 4 easy recipes to prepare on the last day of Navratri fasting. 1. Vegetable Sabudana Khichdi with Cucumber Raita Ingredients: Sabudhana-1 cup Vegetables (mixed potatoes, beans, carrot) - 1/2 cup Chopped chilies - 1 table spoon Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon Sendha namak Peanuts roasted- cup Lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing Method: - Rinse the sabudana and completely soak them in hot water for 1.5 hours. - Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and green chilies. - Add chopped only potatoes to fry them till golden. Now add beans and carrot, salt and cook until soft. - Add sabudana to the mix together. - Lemon juice can be added before serving and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. - Serve hot. Side it with a thick curd if needed. Benefits Sabudana is good source of carbohydrates, it has anti-aging properties and helps improve haemoglobin. Magnesium and potassium are found in abundance and helps with blood pressure regulation, improves digestion. 2. Little Millet/Samai Veg Idly Ingredients: 1 cup washed little millet cup urad dal washed teaspoon soaked fenugreek seeds cup veggies (grated carrot/beetroot/ pre-soaked green peas) Salt and oil as per taste Method: Grind the little millet, urad dal and fenugreek seeds separate and mix it in large vessels. Ferment overnight to get a soft fluffy texture. Add salt as per taste. Steam the batter for 15-20 minutes in idli vessels. Coconut chutney without onion and garlic can be best side dish for the idli. Benefits Little millet helps in weight loss and good source of anti-oxidants. It also helps to control diabetes, hypertension and keeps bowels healthy. 3. Ragi Porridge With Milk Ingredients:6 Ragi flour- 2 table spoon Milk- 250 ml Jaggery- 2 teaspoon Cardamom powder- as required Method - Boil the milk and add ragi flour. Make sure to stir while adding ragi to avoid any lumps. - Let it boil for 2 minutes. - Add jaggery and mix well. - Once the ragi is cooked, add cardamom powder and serve hot. - Water can be added to make the consistency thin. Benefits Ragi as well as milk are good source of calcium and keeps the bones healthy. Ragi helps in weight loss and promotes lactation in mothers. 4. Shankapushpi or Hibiscus Tea Ingredients: Shankapushpi flower- 1 fistful or Red Hibiscus flowers - 4 to 5 no Lemon juice- 1 teaspoon Rock/Himalayan salt - 1 pinch Honey- 1 teaspoon (optional) Method: - Take the flower of your choice and boil it in 200 ml water for few minutes. - Once the water turns lovely blue colour, filter the tea into a cup. - Add lemon and watch the tea change colour to pretty pink. - Rock/Himalayan salt and honey can be added and served hot. Benefits Shankapushpi flower helps in insomnia, improves digestion, reduces stress and calms the mind, whereas hibiscus petals are good for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helps in weight loss, both the flower is loaded with anti-oxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Follow more stories on Facebook & Twitter Austrian Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights on Tuesday as workers strike to demand higher pay, the latest in a string of protests sweeping the European aviation industry in the run-up to the busy Easter travel season. Planes of Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines are pictured at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, Austria. Austrian Airlines cancel more than 100 flights ahead of busy Easter travel season as union demands wage hike (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger) The company has offered a wage hike of as much as 12.3%, according to the Chamber of Commerce in Austria. Worker representatives said the proposal only applies to some employees, while most would have to contend with an increase of 10%. The union meeting started at 9 a.m. in Vienna on Tuesday. A similar gathering earlier this month turned into a warning strike lasting into the early afternoon hours. Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the owner of Austrian Airlines, grounded flights in Germany on Monday amid a similar dispute over salaries. In France, protesters have clashed with police, opposing plans to raise the minimum retirement age and in the UK, British Airways cancelled flights over the Easter vacation because of protests at Heathrow airport ground staff. Austrias state-owned railways operator raised wages by an average 8.9% in December following a day-long strike. Since 1963, key international policy figures have gathered at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) for deliberations on collective global security. Though the platform never lost its transatlantic character, participation expanded with time, comprising all major geographies and countries. This year, unsurprisingly, the conflict in Ukraine was at the centre of all discussions. The war has shaken to the core the western worlds foundational security and economic paradigms. PREMIUM This year, the conflict in Ukraine was at the centre of all discussions. The war has shaken to the core the western worlds security and economic paradigms. (AP) On the one hand, the United States (US) and European Union (EU) have acted in unison, bringing together a powerful coalition of nations to assist Ukraine with funds and weapons, and constraining Russia with sanctions. On the other hand, however, some fault lines are widening, such as the ones between the Anglosphere of the US and the United Kingdom (UK), and the big two in the EU: France and Germany. President Emmanuel Macron distanced himself from the others when he called for negotiations to end the conflict and rejected any French support for regime change attempts in Russia. Germany had made a seismic shift from its once pacifist security policy with Zeitenwende, an additional 100 billion emergency spending plan to boost its military. Europes largest economy, however, was driven by low-cost Russian energy and is affected. Even the much-sanctioned Russian economy is projected by the International Monetary Fund to grow at a greater rate than Germany and the UK in 2023. With increasing economic difficulties and rising public dissatisfaction, democracies where governments need favourable election mandates to continue in power find it increasingly challenging to support their war efforts unequivocally. These trends are worrisome for Taiwan, with the island doubting the capability of the western world to assist during any probable Chinese aggression after being exhausted in their efforts to support the long-drawn-out war in Ukraine. Taiwan is swiftly fortifying its defensive capabilities. Japan and South Korea are ramping up their defence spending, considering the increasing aggressiveness of China and North Korea in the South China Sea. A recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute tracker shows that China leads in 37 of the 44 critical technologies. The US is escalating restrictions on the Chinese high-tech ecosystem to slow them. The unipolar world led by the US is transforming into the age of blocs, similar to the Cold War era, with one led by Washington and Brussels, and another by Beijing and Moscow. Indias stance during the conflict has been aligned with our core interests. Many countries in the Global South took a similar stand because of their complex reasons, historical and geopolitical. During his meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this is not the time for war. However, India managed to avoid additional budgetary pressures by ensuring that we receive fuel and fertilisers at a discounted rate from Russia. By continuing our defence collaborations, we avoided disruptions in our preparedness. Russia is our biggest armament supplier. It also leads in the defence sectors technology transfers into India, bolstering our indigenisation drive. By maintaining good relations with all stakeholders of the Ukraine conflict, India has acknowledged its neutrality and could contribute towards finding a diplomatic solution to this devastation. India is perceived to be in a pole position in creating structures and frameworks that could navigate through this fast-emerging multipolar world. Indias relationship with the US is solid, with increasing collaborations in trade, defence, and high technology. We are investing considerable efforts in the Quad framework and are forming strategic partnerships with like-minded naval powers to secure our maritime interests. We are also partnering with countries, including France, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for developmental projects in Africa and South America. The global economys centre of gravity, which was in the mid-Atlantic in the 1980s, is projected to be between India and China by 2050. Keeping this trajectory in mind, we are active participants and contributors to BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We have, however, stayed away from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as it has projects planned in Indian territories illegally occupied by Pakistan. India is attempting to play a more significant role in West Asia, working through partners like the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, sensing an opportunity in the vacuum created by the US pivoting away from this region. Meanwhile, we are working with Iran, Russia, and other Central Asian countries to stabilise Afghanistan and prevent turbulence from spilling beyond that country. These efforts have yielded rich dividends, with India now being in a once unimaginable position of sharing a better relationship with Afghanistan than Pakistan, reducing our continental security concerns. Chairing the G20 and SCO summits gives India a unique, historic opportunity. We could present to others the Indian model of non-zero-sum multilateralism and multi-alignment, and lay the seeds of a formal framework. This would prevent or minimise conflicts during competition and maximise collective prosperity and security through cooperation in a fragmented multipolar world. Anil K Antony is a public policy commentator, a graduate of Stanford University, and is a Munich Young Leader, 2023, Munich Security Conference, and Korber Stiftung The views expressed are personal Voltas ACs are affordable and efficient in equal measure. Consider Voltas AC if you're searching for a dependable and efficient air conditioning system. These are reputed for their exceptional quality and performance, featuring innovative characteristics, stylish designs, and intuitive controls. Purchasing a Voltas AC comes with significant benefits, including energy efficiency. These ACs offer optimal cooling while consuming less energy, resulting in lower energy bills. Additionally, they come with advanced features such as inverter technology that maintains a consistent temperature and reduces compressor workload, leading to a longer lifespan and quieter operation. Durability is another outstanding feature of Voltas ACs. They are constructed with top-quality materials and components that can withstand harsh weather and frequent use. They are also equipped with self-cleaning capabilities that prevent dust and debris buildup, ensuring maximum efficiency and peak performance. Here are our top 6 picks. Product list Voltas 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Inverter Split AC Introducing the perfect solution to meet your cooling needs - Voltas' 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Inverter Split AC. This air conditioning unit delivers exceptional cooling performance and ensures energy efficiency through its copper condenser and advanced inverter technology. Its 4-in-1 customisable mode lets you adjust the cooling settings according to your preferences, providing optimal comfort. Experience ultimate comfort cooling with Voltas' 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Inverter Split AC, the perfect addition to any home. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Capacity: 1.5 Tons Cooling Power: 5200 Kilowatts Special Feature: Anti-dust Filter, Dust Filter Product Dimensions: 24.2D x 40.6W x 81.3H Centimeters Pros Cons An anti-dust filter captures dust and other contaminants to provide clean, healthy air. A little costly 2. Voltas 1.4 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC Looking for an air conditioner that offers exceptional cooling and energy efficiency?The Voltas 1.4-ton 3-Star split AC could be your stop. This air conditioner delivers clean, healthy air and maximum comfort and is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including customisable cooling, an anti-dust filter, and inverter technology.The copper condenser coil of this AC ensures durability, ease of repair, and efficient heat transfer. The 2023 model of this air conditioner is the latest in its line, providing users with the latest features and technology. Whether you're searching for a reliable air conditioner for your home or office, the Voltas 1.4-Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC is an excellent option. It offers superior performance and energy efficiency, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an air conditioner that provides both comfort and cost savings. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Capacity: 1.4 Tons Special Feature: Remote Controlled Dust Filter Product Dimensions: 21D x 84W x 29H Centimeters Energy Star: 3 Star Pros Cons The copper condenser coil guarantees effective heat transfer and longevity, making it a dependable choice for prolonged usage. It has limited cooling capacity 3. Voltas 0.8 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC The Voltas 0.8-Ton 3-Star, Inverter Split AC provides maximum comfort and pure air through its advanced features, such as adjustable cooling, an anti-dust filter, and inverter technology. The four-in-one adjustable mode of this AC allows users to customise the temperature to their liking, while the copper condenser coil ensures efficient heat transfer and longevity. The latest in its series, the Voltas 0.8 Ton 3-Star Inverter Split AC, provides users access to the latest features and technologies. It is designed for small spaces and guarantees exceptional cooling performance, making it a perfect fit for your tiny office or room. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Capacity: 0.8 Tons Special Feature: Remote Controlled Dust Filter Product Dimensions: 21D x 80W x 26.5H Centimeters Energy Star: 3 Star Pros Cons It features four different changeable modes that let consumers adjust the temperature to their preferred level Makes a little noise that customers can find irritating at times 4. Voltas 2 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC The Voltas 2-ton 3-star inverter split AC is a high-performance air conditioner that can handle large spaces while ensuring ease and energy efficiency. Its 2023 model ensures that you get the latest features, while its superior performance makes it an excellent choice for those needing reliable and effective cooling for their homes or offices. With its advanced features, such as adjustable cooling, an anti-dust filter, and inverter technology, the Voltas air conditioner provides users with the ultimate comfort and pure air. As the latest model in its series, the Voltas AC guarantees users access to the latest features and technologies. Its 2-ton cooling capacity is suitable for larger rooms or areas, making it an ideal option for those who require efficient cooling for a wide space. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Capacity: 2 Tons Special Feature: Remote Controlled Dust Filter Product Dimensions: 23D x 96W x 31.7H Centimeters Energy Star: 3 Star Pros Cons It does have a 2-ton cooling capacity and guarantees effective cooling, making it appropriate for bigger rooms or spaces. High maintenance cost 5. Voltas 2 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC This air conditioner comes equipped with advanced features such as customisable cooling, an anti-dust filter, and inverter technology, which provide users with the utmost comfort and clean air. Its four-in-one adjustable mode enables customers to tailor the temperature to their preferences, while the copper condenser coil ensures efficient heat transfer and longevity. Being the latest model in its series, the 2023 version offers access to the latest features and technology. In addition, with a 2-ton cooling capacity and a 5-star energy rating, this air conditioner is an excellent choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying optimal cooling. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Capacity: 2 Tons Cooling Power: 6200 Kilowatts Special Feature: Sleep Mode Product Dimensions: 36D x 110W x 65H Centimeters Pros Cons The latest model in the market so consists of all the new features and technologies Quite a heavy product 6. Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star Split Air Conditioner with High Ambient Cooling A great choice to consider is the Voltas 1-ton 3-star air conditioner with high ambient cooling. With cutting-edge features like high ambient cooling and a copper condenser coil that guarantees effective heat transmission and longevity, this air conditioner is built to offer the best possible comfort and cooling. It is an environmentally responsible choice with a 3-star energy rating that guarantees long-term cost-effectiveness. Users can change the cooling settings to their preferred comfort level, and the anti-dust filter ensures the air is pure and healthy. Specifications: Brand: Voltas Special Feature: Inverter, Dust filter Energy Star: 3 Colour: White Voltage: 230 Volts Pros Cons It has an anti-dust filter Low capacity of 1-ton Top 3 features for you Products Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 Voltas 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Inverter Split AC Energy-efficient Inverter technology Powerful cooling Voltas 1.4 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC Sleep Mode Efficient cooling Inverter technology Voltas 0.8 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC Inverter technology Compact size Energy-saving Voltas 2 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC High capacity Inverter technology Anti-Microbial Voltas 2 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC High Cooling Energy Saving Anti- Dust Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star Split Air Conditioner Affordable Efficient cooling Durable construction Best overall product The Voltas 2 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC is the best overall product. With a high cooling capacity of 2 tonnes, it is an excellent choice for both domestic and commercial applications because it can efficiently chill large rooms or spaces. Long-term cost-effectiveness is ensured by the 5-star energy rating, which also guarantees energy efficiency. By regulating the compressor speed in accordance with the room temperature, inverter technology offers optimal cooling and energy economy, while the 4-in-1 changeable modes give consumers a variety of cooling options. The copper condenser coil ensures efficient heat transfer and longevity, while the anti-dust filter catches dust and other contaminants to ensure clean and healthy air. Best value for money For those looking for a cost-effective and dependable air conditioner, the Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC is a great choice. It has a high energy rating of five stars, providing lower electricity costs and long-term cost savings. By regulating the compressor speed in accordance with the room temperature, inverter technology offers optimal cooling. The copper condenser coil ensures efficient heat transfer and longevity, while the anti-dust filter catches dust and other contaminants to ensure clean and healthy air. How do you find the perfect Voltas AC for yourself? The most important stage is to thoroughly examine each Voltas AC model that is offered in the category, comes within your desired budget, and uses its most recent features and traits. Choose the option from this small list that best balances cost, utility, and design. Check out the complaints and reviews that customers have posted on various websites; the market is the best enabler. Watch YouTube videos to find trustworthy reviews. Choose the product with the majority of positive reviews and the fewest customer complaints. Consider investing in equipment with a lengthy warranty because it will save you from having to pay for maintenance any time soon. The warranty is a significant component of product maintenance. CCTV cameras from the brand Dahua ensure your homes remain safe. With an estimated 5.6% market share, Dahua is the second-largest producer of CCTV security solutions worldwide. Dahua, a Chinese company with headquarters in Hangzhou, has made significant investments in research and development and consistently creates new, cutting-edge goods. Dahua security cameras are installed at a variety of important and well-known locations, including the Shanghai World Expo and the London underground. Dahua has contracts with local councils all around the UK, and their cameras may be seen securing houses and businesses. Two more London boroughs signed contracts with Dahua in January of this year to modernize their CCTV systems, which entails upgrading more than 900 cameras and constructing a shared control room. Dahua cameras are well-known for their innovative smart features, user-friendly interfaces, high-definition video, and cost-to-quality ratio. Today, we'll examine some of Dahua's most well-liked models to see if their notoriety is truly deserved. Product list 1. DAHUA CCTV Cameras Combo KIT Combination kit comes with a 4 channel HD DVR and 4 bullet cameras from Dahua with full HD and 2MP features. Adding DahuaCCTV cameras for a home or place of business is a reliable method to increase security. They are ideal for catching intruders because they are simple to install and have a high resolution. Also, there are numerous models available, so you may pick one that meets your requirements. Any security demand for a house or business may be met by this secure and durable wall-mounted CCTV camera. Its durable white exterior is suitable for every temperature, and its crystal-clear image clarity ensures that nothing will be missed. The best security cameras in the market are offered byDahua CCTV cameras at priceswhich are affordable. These cameras are ideal for any residence or establishment because of their 2 MP resolution and wall- or ceiling-mounting options. Specifications Recommended Uses for Product: Night Vision Brand: Dahua Connector Type: Wired Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor Compatible Devices: Laptop Pros Cons HD Resolution Network issue 2. Dahua 2MP 1080P Bullet CCTV Security Camera Your CCTV needs will be well-served by the Dahua 2MP HDCVI Infrared Bullet Camera. You can get clear, sharp photographs from this camera thanks to its 2-megapixel sensor and HDCVI technology. The best security equipment available is Dahuasurveillance cameras, which will protect your property. It's incredibly simple to mount these cameras because they are composed of high-quality plastic. Along with having a two-megapixel camera, they are also quite light. These cameras have excellent resolution, which gives you a crystal-clear image and transmission over a long distance. They provide simplicity, OSD in several languages, and the cameras can play a variety of video formats. Enjoy the 2 MP HDCVI camera from Dahua for outstanding image details and wide coverage. The 2 MP HDCVI series makes use of existing coax infrastructures to effortlessly transmit, over great distances, forensic-level images. The camera features a switchable HD/SD output, a multilingual on-screen LCD, and a 3.6 mm fixed lens. TheDahua CCTV camera is perfect for hosting a variety of applications because it has Starlight Technology, real wide dynamic range, and is appropriate for the roughest situations thanks to its IP67 rating. Specifications Recommended Uses For Product: Night Vision Brand: Dahua Model Name: Dahua 2MP 1080P Connector Type: Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor Compatible Devices: Laptop Pros Cons The camera quality is good Night vision is not working properly 3. Dahua IMOU Cruiser SE 4MP Security Camera With its 4MP QHD glass optics and 2 built-in lighting, this CCTV camera produces clear, full-color images both during the day and at night. TheDahua CCTV camera's entire coverage is created by its 355 horizontal and 90 vertical rotating range. There is only 1 camera placed, therefore no detail is overlooked. To reduce false alarms, sophisticated artificial intelligence systems separate human movement from other movements. The Wi-Fi camera monitors the moving object automatically, captures real-time footage, and quickly sends notifications to your smartphone. This outdoor camera will start recording once it notices human motion. The small flood light is then automatically turned on, the scene is recorded, and notifications are sent to your smartphone. Since this outdoor IP camera can endure temperatures between -30 C and 60 C, its IP66 waterproof and dustproof construction allows it to be put in any outdoor weather to monitor your home, in rain or shine. It also has a waterproof plug and 3-meter power wire included. To further secure your privacy, it fully complies with GDPR Data Protection Regulation. The cutting-edge TLS encryption technology is implemented to safeguard your privacy as one of the first manufacturers to receive the GDPR-derived certification from TUV Rheinland regarding data security and privacy protection for IoT products. TheDahua CCTV camera prices are not too costly. Specifications Recommended Uses for Product: Outdoor Security Brand: Dahua Connector Type: Wireless Compatible Devices: Smartphone Power Source: Corded Electric Connectivity Protocol: Wi-Fi Controller Type: Android Pros Cons It has a motion sensor Difficulties with Wi-Fi connections 4. Dahua HAC-HFW1200RP-0360 Bullet CCTV Camera The Dahua HAC-HFW1200Rp-0360 3.6mm Bullet CCTV Camera is a high-end item. ThisDahua CCTV camera is created with premium materials and state-of-the-art production techniques, bringing it up to the standards in this fiercely competitive business. The components used to make the HAC-HFW1200Rp-0360 3.6mm Bullet CCTV camera are obtained from the most reputable and authorized suppliers and picked after doing careful market research. Dahua products are well known for being of the highest caliber on the market. HAC-HFW1220Rp from Dahua offers high speed, long distance, and real time transmission IR bullet CCTV camera with high definition HDCVI 2 megapixels night vision. It is the ideal camera for usage outside. Moreover, it has an IR Lens of 20 meters, allowing you to have excellent video surveillance even at night. This is a good option if you are looking for aCCTV camera for home. Specifications Recommended Uses For Product: Night Vision Brand: Dahua Connector Type: Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor Compatible Devices: Smartphone Power Source: Corded Electric Pros Cons HD resolution 5. Dahua DH-HAC-HFW1220RP A high-end item from Dahua is the DH-HAC-HFW1220RP Plastic 2MP 1080P Black & White Water-Proof HDCVI IR Night Vision Bullet Camera. Thissecurity camera is made with high-quality components and cutting-edge manufacturing processes, making them up to the standards in this extremely competent industry. This Dahuasurveillance camera's raw materials are procured from the most reputable and authorized suppliers after careful market research. Dahua products are well known for being of the highest caliber in the market with the DH-HAC-HFW 1220RP being one of them. With HDCVI, you may enjoy 1080P full HD video and the ease of using your existing cabling infrastructure. The 1080P HDCVI camera from the Lite series is small and produces high-quality images. Specifications Recommended Uses For Product: Night Vision Brand: Dahua Connectivity Technology: Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor Compatible Devices: Smartphone Power Source: Corded Electric Pros Cons Night Vision 6. Dahua Wired 1080P HD 2MP Security Camera A CCTV camera is now a need rather than a luxury. The HDW1220RP, Dahua 2 MP Night Vision CCTV Camera, is a top-notch item. Security begins with aCCTV camera system. This camera comes in a white color option. TheDahua CCTV camera has a motion sensor built in. The video was captured in 1080P, which is an amazing resolution. This item is also helpful for looking from a distance. CCTV cameras are not an expense, but an investment. This CCTV camera can be installed both indoors and outside. It is a night vision dome camera with 2 MP resolution from Dahua, 1 piece provided with an infrared eyeball camera. It has a switchable output between HD and SD, smart IR, 20 m IR, DC 12 V. Camera has a two-year warranty. ThisCCTV camera price Dahua is low. Specifications Recommended Uses for Product: Indoor Security Brand: Dahua Model Name: Dahua Wired 1080p Connector Type: Wired Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor Compatible Devices: Smartphone Power Source: Corded Electric Pros Cons Image sensor Graphic issue 7. Dahua Wired 2MP HD Bullet Camera It features a selection of fixed lens options, a switchable HD/SD output, and a multilingual OSD. It uses a single robust warm white LED illuminator with a 20-meter effective range (65.61 ft). With HDCVI, you can enjoy full HD color video in 1080P while also easily leveraging your existing coaxial infrastructure. Even in complete darkness, the full-color starlight HDCVI camera produces an exceptionally detailed color image. With a switchable HD/SD output and a multi-language OSD, it offers a variety of fixed lens options. It makes use of two strong warm white LED illuminators with an effective range of up to 40m (131.23ft). The LEDs turn on automatically in the dark to continuously record detailed, full-color photos that guarantee accurate item identification. Even in complete darkness, the camera can provide a colorful and vibrant image thanks to two warm supplemental LED lights. Additionally, it offers clarity by default, the camera is in smart light mode, which enables the device to automatically adjust both the exposure duration and light sensitivity to prevent overexposing the focal point of the image. Moreover, the OSD menu allows for remote adjustment of the LED lights' sensitivity and intensity. Specifications Brand: Dahua Model Name: Dahua Wired Connectivity Technology: Wired Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor Connectivity Protocol: HomePlug Mounting Type: Embedded Pros Cons The camera is in smart light mode High-performance sensor Three best features for consumers: Product Feature 1 Feature 2 Feature 3 DAHUA 2MP CCTV Cameras Combo KIT Full HD Budget-friendly 4 Channel HD DVR Dahua 2MP Bullet CCTV Security Camera Night vision Real Wide Dynamic Range 3.6 mm fixed lens Dahua IMOU Cruiser SE 4MP Security Camera Automatic turn on 4 MP Camera GDPR Data Protection Regulation Dahua HAC-HFW1200RP-0360 Bullet CCTV Camera Produces high-quality images Waterproof Night vision is good DahuaDH-HAC-HFW1220RP Provides night vision Suitable for indoor and outdoor Camera from Lite series Dahua Wired 2MP Security Camera 2 years warranty Motion sensor built-in Dahua camera price high Dahua Wired 2MP HD Bullet Camera High-performance sensor The camera quality is good In the darkness, the camera can provide a colorful and vibrant image At least 20 people were killed when a packed bus hit a bridge, overturned and burst into flames in southwestern Saudi Arabia on Monday, Saudi state media reported. Saudi Arabia: The bus hit a bridge, overturned and burst into flames in southwestern Saudi Arabia.(Representational) Al-Ekhbariya TV said 29 other people were injured in the crash and aired footage showing the charred remains of the bus. It said the crash occurred when the vehicle's brakes failed in southwestern Asir province bordering Yemen. Read more: US' Nashville school shooter drew maps to plan massacre, wrote manifesto: Report The crash occurred during the first week of Ramzan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk. Many people travel to enjoy nightly feasts with family and friends during the Muslim holy month. A fire that killed 39 migrants who were about to be deported from Ciudad Juarez highlights the increasing tension over Mexicos continued crackdown on migrants aiming to reach the US. Ambulances and members of the Mexican Army outside the National Migration Institute (INM) following a fire in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Monday.(Bloomberg) The incident on Monday night, one of the deadliest in recent history at the Mexico-US border, was provoked by Venezuelan and Central American migrants in a facility in the city bordering Texas, said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday morning. The fire was started slightly before 10 p.m. in the male-only center for adults, the National Migration Institute said in a statement. This had to do with a protest that they started when they realized that they were going to be deported, moved, and as a protest they put cots in the door of the shelter and they set them on fire, said AMLO, as the president is known, at a press briefing. Its very sad that this has happened. Another 29 migrants were injured by the fire and were transferred to local hospitals, some in serious condition, the statement added. The severe injuries and burns are making the process of identifying victims more complicated, said Venezuelas Ambassador in Mexico Francisco Arias Cardenas. Also Read| Watch: Large crowd of migrants attempt to storm US-Mexico border Guatemalas migration office said in a statement that at least 28 of the victims were from that country. The dead have yet to be identified by name, Lopez Obrador said. White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a tweet that the US was ready to provide any support needed to Mexico and she wrote, Our prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and those still fighting for their lives. Read More: Human Smugglers Profit in Shadows by Paying Poor to Take Risks In 2022, Mexicos immigration authorities returned over 100,000 people to their countries of origin. The majority were from Central America but in recent years, Mexico has seen a growing number of people traveling from other countries, ranging from Haiti to Ecuador, with some arriving from as far as India and Russia. Toronto: The city of Vancouver in British Colombia was left shaken after a person at Starbucks cafe was fatally stabbed, with an Indo-Canadian arrested for that alleged murder. Canada police at the site of a stabbing incident in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Picture for representational purpose only). (AP) The incident occurred on Sunday, around 5.40pm and followed a brief altercation outside the outlet between two men. The victim was identified by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) on Monday as 37-year-old Paul Stanley Schmidt. Meanwhile, Inderdeep Singh Gosal, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder. Police continue to seek additional witnesses to the crime. We believe this homicide was witnessed by dozens of bystanders, and there may be people with information who have not yet come forward, VPD Sergeant Steve Addison said, in a release. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was present in the moments before the stabbing, or anyone who has cell-phone video of the incident. Investigators dont believe the victim and suspect knew each other. The release added that the the circumstances that led up to the fatal stabbing remain under investigation. A police constable patrolling the area was flagged down moments after the stabbing occurred. The suspect was arrested at the crime scene. Officers attempted to save the victims life but he did not survive and succumbed to the injuries sustained after being rushed to hospital. Raw footage of the incident posted online have gone viral throughout Canada, as they show the victim lying outside the Starbucks, surrounded by his own blood, and also the alleged murderer, walking in and out of the glass doors to the establishment. Another video shows Gosal being arrested and taken into custody by police. Schmidt was the citys sixth homicide victim of this year. The apparent random act of violence attracted criticism of the law and order situation in Vancouver, among the major cities in Canada. Filmmaker Aaron Gunn tweeted, Things are not getting better. They are still getting worse. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China plans to clamp down on malicious online comments that damage the reputation of businesses and entrepreneurs, said a Cyberspace Administration official on Tuesday. China plans to clamp down on malicious online comments.(Representational Image) Also Read: Amnesty International Canada system hacked, searched allegedly by Beijing "False information against enterprises and entrepreneurs, especially private enterprises and private entrepreneurs, appear from time to time, damaging the brand image of enterprises," said Shen Yue, an official with the Cyberspace Administration of China, when answering a question at a news briefing. Shen said it also affects the normal production and operation of enterprises, resulting in economic losses. Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the recent Saudi Arabia-Iran talks in Beijing as successful and achieving significant results in improving ties between the two countries, in his first comments on the tripartite dialogue held earlier in March, during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. Wang Yi (centre), a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Chinas Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Ali Shamkhani (right), the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, and Minister of State and national security adviser of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban pose for pictures during a meeting in Beijing, China. (REUTERS) Beijing brokered an agreement between bitter rivals Tehran and Riyadh on March 10, following five days of negotiations in Beijing, to restore diplomatic ties following a seven-year snap in ties. The unexpected move, which reflected Chinas expanding influence in West Asia, seemingly caught the US unawares and is being seen as a sign of Washingtons erosion of sway in the region. The closed-door talks were successfully held and achieved significant results, helping Saudi Arabia and Iran improve their relations, Xi said in his first comments on it, adding that it had a significant demonstration effect on enhancing the unity and cooperation of regional countries and easing regional tensions Following the talks, the two regional foes agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies within two months. On Monday, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced that their top diplomats have agreed to meet before the end of the holy month of Ramzan to take the Beijing-brokered deal forward. Xi told Salman, who is also the Saudi prime minister, that the momentum of detente among regional countries has been growing remarkably and is an example that contradiction and differences could be resolved through dialogue and consultation. Xi said Riyadh and Tehran would uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing. China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks, he said The Saudi leader, in turn, said he sincerely appreciates China for its strong support for Saudi Arabia and Iran improving their relations, which has fully demonstrated Chinas role as a responsible major country. China is increasingly playing an important and constructive role in regional and international affairs, which is highly appreciated by the Saudi side, he said, according to the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, adding that China is an important partner of Saudi Arabia. That partnership actually got stronger over Sunday and Monday when Saudi state giant Saudi Aramco said it would take a 10% stake in Rongsheng Petrochemical Co., a giant oil complex, for roughly $3.6 billion. The deal significantly increases its refining presence in China, but also ties it more closely to a key demand market, ensuring it will supply 480,000 barrels a day to Rongshengs refinery in the eastern province of Zhejiang, Bloomberg said in a report. A day earlier, Aramco signed a deal to build a huge refining and petrochemical complex for the worlds biggest oil importer in the northeastern province of Liaoning. The two deals together would see Aramco supplying the two Chinese companies with a combined 690,000 barrels a day of crude oil, bolstering its rank as Chinas top provider of the commodity, Reuters reported. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ukrainian authorities said air defences shot down Russian drones near Kyiv on Monday and falling debris set a non-residential site ablaze, but no casualties were found. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 12 Russian drones near Kyiv,(Twitter) Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said Russia had launched 12 drones towards Kyiv but Ukraine's air defence forces had identified and destroyed "all enemy targets" in the airspace around the capital. Read Also: Ukraine urges UNSC meet over Russian nuclear plans in Belarus The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its daily morning update that Russia launched a total of 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight on Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces destroying 14 of them. Drone wreckage fell in the western Kyiv district of Sviatoshyno, sparking a fire across a 200-square-metre (2100 sq foot) area in a non-residential building, he added. "According to preliminary data there are no casualties at this time," Popko said in a Telegram post, though he added the information was being clarified. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that a shop was set ablaze in Sviatoshyno but no casualties were found and the fire was contained. Air raid alerts were declared across half the country's regions but the all clear was given for Kyiv after explosions rang out in the city. A US official visited China last week, the State Department confirmed Tuesday, marking a low-key return to dialogue after Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly canceled a trip nearly two months ago. U.S. and China's flags are pictured during a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland.(REUTERS) Rick Waters, who heads the State Department's new so-called "China House" that supervises US policy toward Beijing, traveled to Beijing as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong, department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. Waters "met with working-level counterparts" as well as US government employees stationed in China, Patel said. Patel played down the visit, declining to describe the topics or characterize the results of the discussions. Also Read: 'US-China conflict a luxury world can't afford', warns Singapore PM Blinken had been due to travel to Beijing in early February in the highest-level visit by a US official in nearly five years. The visit had been set by presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden after talks on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in November in Bali where they agreed that the world's two largest economies would work to control spiraling tensions. But Blinken scrapped his visit after the United States said it discovered a Chinese espionage balloon over US soil. Relations have since deteriorated further with Xi publicly accusing the United States of pursuing "containment, encirclement and suppression of China" and traveling to Moscow to rally behind Russian President Vladimir Putin. The H-1B visa cap for the financial year 2024, beginning October 1, has been reached and all successful applicants have been informed about it, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has said. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.(File Photo) In a statement on Monday, the federal agency said it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial period to reach the fiscal year 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption -- the master's cap. "We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration," it said. Read more: Fired H1B staffers need to leave in 60 days? US Immigration Services says this H-1B cap-subject petitions for the financial year 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration. Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for 2024 fiscal and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice, the USCIS said. The US Congress has set the current annual regular cap for the H-1B category at 65,000. Of this, 6,800 visas are set aside under the terms of the legislation implementing the US-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements. Unused visas in this group become available for H-1B use for the next fiscal year's regular H-1B cap. A longtime royal family photographer shared what he thinks of Prince William and. Kate Middleton's children. The couple have three kids- Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis. The photographer shared insights into which members of the royal family remind him of others as well. Prince William and Kate Middleton with their kids Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis(Reuters) Read more: Prince Harry to meet King Charles, William during surprise UK trip? "George is like William because William was very shy. Louis is like Harry I don't know if you saw him at the Jubilee, but he was the star of the show," Arthur Edwards told People. Prince Harry was always seen as the cheeky one when he was growing up while Prince William had the aura of being the more serious one, much like Prince George and Louis, the photographer added. Arthur Edwards, 82, has been photographing the royal family for over 45 years. The photographer also shared how he manages to get beautiful photos of the royal family especially when it involves young children. Read more: If Prince Harry attends King Charles coronation, he is not okay with doing this "The trick is be patient," he said. You've got to be patient because they do something and you just got to make sure you capture it. With the Queen, it was the same. You knew that you'd get a smile eventually, but you had to be patient, he added. Read more: King Charles' strange demand for the day before his coronation is Arthur Edwards also praised Kate Middleton's photography skills. Kate has often been seen capturing family moments. Kate's a really excellent photographe. She's taken some great pictures of her children, and she shares them with us, which is nice, the photographer said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US President Joe Biden joked about ice cream before his statement on the US school shooting that claimed the lives of three adults and three children at an elementary school in Nashville. Joe Biden On US School Shooting: US President Joe Biden speaks.(Bloomberg) Watch: Biden roasted for ice cream joke in first statement on U.S school shooting that left 6 dead Read more: US' Nashville school shooter drew maps to plan massacre, wrote manifesto: Report "My name is Joe Biden. Im Dr. Jill Bidens husband. I eat Jenis ice cream chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs. You think Im kidding? Im not," Joe Biden was heard saying in a video widely shared on social media. The US President then went on to call the shooting "sick" and "heartbreaking" while demanding Congress do more to stop the gun violence. It's just sick. You know, we're still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it's heartbreaking. A family's worst nightmare, Joe Biden said. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie slammed the insensitive joke made by Joe Biden telling Fox News, To say that he misunderstood the moment would be an understatement. You know, the president is watching, youd hope before he comes down there, the awful scenes from the shooting and the reactions of family members and friends of people in that school. And to be coming down, joking about the fact that hes Jill Bidens husband and looking for chocolate chip ice cream is hardly the way to start it. "Theres no way to talk about something like this except to say that for all of us who are parents, what we dread every day is the news about the health and life of our children," he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kim Jong Un has reportedly placed a North Korean city- Hyesan- with a population of more than 200,000 people in lockdown until they can find 653 bullets. Radio Free Asia reported that the bullets went missing during a military withdrawal after which Kim Jong-Un told officials to conduct searches throughout the city for the bullets. Kim Jong Un: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a meeting. Read more: Prince William, Kate 'won't tell Harry and Meghan anything' as they fear The report quoted a source who is a resident of Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located as saying, "The city will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found." The assault rifle ammunition had gone missing on March 7, the report further claimed. They withdrew completely between February 25 and March 10, but an extensive investigation is underway because of a loss of bullets during the evacuation process, the report added quoting sources who said that during the withdrawal, when the soldiers realised they had lost the bullets, they tried to find it themselves instead of reporting it. However, when the soldiers realised that they could not find the bullets themselves, they informed the authorities about the same owing to which the city was put into a lockdown. Read more: Prince Harry to meet King Charles, William during surprise UK trip? Last week, orders were issued to factories, farms, social groups and neighbourhood watch units in the province to actively cooperate with the ammunition-related investigation, the report said adding that authorities were "lying to spread fear among residents". They tried to put pressure on the residents by bluffing that the withdrawal was a manoeuvre related to the safety of Kim Jong Un from reactionary forces, the report said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON King Charles has reportedly been getting help his wife Queen Consort Camilla to bring together a major plan for the royal family going forward after the coronation, it was reported. Camilla has been overseeing the finer details of the shake-up, the Mirror reported. King Charles Coronation: Britain's King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.(Reuters) Read more: How are Prince William and Kate Middleton's children behind the cameras? As per the plan, King Charles aims to cut back on the inefficiencies of the royal household as it has been the monarch's long standing wish to slim down the number of working royals. The master plan, the report claimed, will be launched after the coronation. The report quoted the Evening Standard, It is not about cuts, it is about getting the best value for money from those on the payroll. Sometimes less is more. There will be staff cutbacks. That has already started. Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were "requested to vacate" Frogmore Cottage by King Charles which had been given to them by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The report claimed that the eviction is the "tip of the iceberg" and more royals will have to fend for themselves. Read more: If Prince Harry attends King Charles coronation, he is not okay with doing this King Charles is also keen to cut the number of royals if they do not carry out duties, the report added as the monarch believes that relatives who cannot afford where they are living, should cut their cloth. Royal expert Ingrid Seward previously said that King Charles is "well aware" having empty properties scattered around the country is "not a good look in these hard times". SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A landmark law banning caste-based discrimination came into effect in the US city of Seattle, making it the first city outside India to enforce such a legislation. Seattle: People react to the passing of an ordinance to add caste to Seattles anti-discrimination laws. The resolution was moved last month by Kshama Sawant, an Indian-American politician, economist and an upper-caste Hindu. It was approved unanimously by the Seattle City Council by six to one vote. Seattle is not only the first American city to ban caste discrimination but is the first jurisdiction at any level globally outside South Asia to do so. The worlds first ban against caste discrimination outside South Asia goes into effect TODAY in our city of Seattle! Sawant said on Monday. Seattles law now prohibits businesses from discriminating based on caste with respect to hiring, tenure, promotion, workplace conditions, or wages, Sawant said. Read more: Watch: Joe Biden jokes about ice cream in first statement on US school shooting It will ban discrimination based on caste in places of public accommodation, such as hotels, public transportation, public restrooms, or retail establishments, she said, adding that the law also prohibits housing discrimination based on caste in rental housing leases, property sales, and mortgage loans. Describing it as the biggest breakthrough for the global fight against caste oppression in many decades, Sawant said it has opened the floodgates for potentially winning such a ban on caste discrimination in other cities and states in the US as well. Its not surprising that since we won in Seattle, policies against caste discrimination have been proposed in Toronto and California, she noted. Sawant said further victories are not guaranteed unless activists and working people adopt the kind of fighting strategy they used to win in Seattle. In fact, it is not coincidental that this unprecedented step forward occurred in this city. We won precisely because Socialist Alternative and I use our Council office as a vehicle to build united movements of working people, independent of the establishment that represents big business and the status quo, Sawant explained. Sawant, who migrated to the US from Pune in the late 1990s, said the next step would be to enforce this new law in the city. We need to keep building our movement to put pressure on the courts to win a case against caste discrimination using this law, which will be essential to force the major corporations to actually abide by it. My Council office will host a public hearing in May, inviting working people to speak out, she explained. Last week, California State Senator Aisha Wahab, the first Muslim and Afghan American elected to the state legislature, also introduced the bill seeking to explicitly ban caste discrimination. Many Indian-Americans fear that codifying caste in public policy will further fuel instances of Hinduphobia in the US. Over the last three years, ten Hindu temples and five statues, including those of Mahatma Gandhi and Maratha emperor Shivaji, have been vandalised across the US as an intimidation tactic against the Hindu community. Indian-Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the US. According to data from the 2018 American Community Survey, which is conducted by the US Census Bureau, there are 4.2 million people of Indian origin residing in the United States. India banned caste discrimination in 1948 and enshrined that policy in the Constitution in 1950. Toronto: In the second such incident within a week, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi located in the campus of a university in British Columbia was targeted and decapitated by unidentified vandals. The bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Simon Fraser University campus in Burnaby, British Colombia, Canada was garlanded on October 2 every year. (Supplied photo) The incident is believed to have occurred on Monday. The bust of the Mahatma was located in the Peace Park within the campus of Simon Fraser University (SFU) in the town of Burnaby in British Columbia. The vandalism drew a sharp reaction from Indias consulate in Vancouver, as it tweeted, We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statue of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhi. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly, the consulate added. The bust has been a fixture at the campus since 1970, and was created at the Fine Arts Studio of the Wagh Brothers in Mumbai. On October 2 every year, the university organises garlanding of the bust. Just last Thursday, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located at the City Hall in the town of Hamilton in Ontario was defaced and anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti spray-painted near its base. That incident is being investigated by Hamilton Polices Hate Crime Unit. In July last year, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located at the Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill, was also defaced. The 20-foot tall bronze statue was situated in the temples Peace Park. Similar incidents have continued to take place over the past nine months. In February, a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was desecrated, with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti spray-painted on its back wall. The target of the vandalism was the Shri Ram Mandir in the town of Mississauga in the GTA. On January 30, the Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton was similarly desecrated. None of these incidents have so far resulted in any arrests. While they have been linked by some to the so-called Punjab Referendum being organised by the secessionist group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Canadian law enforcement has yet to establish that connection. Statues of the Mahatma have been targeted in North America even earlier. In February last year, one was discovered decapitated in New York, while in January 2021, another was vandalised in Davis, California. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The political party led by Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to face automatic dissolution by the military-appointed election commission on midnight Tuesday because it declined to register for a planned general election it denounced as a sham. The political party led by Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to face automatic dissolution by the military-appointed election commission on midnight Tuesday. (File)(AP) Critics say the polls will be neither free nor fair in a country ruled by the military that has shut free media and arrested most of the leaders of Suu Kyis National League for Democracy. We absolutely do not accept that an election will be held at a time when many political leaders and political activists have been arrested and the people are being tortured by the military, said Bo Bo Oo, a former party lawmaker. Also read: US to announce more sanctions against Myanmar junta: Official Suu Kyi, 77, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military. Her supporters say the charges were contrived to keep her from actively taking part in politics. The party won a landslide victory in the November 2020 general election, but less than three months later, the army kept her and all the elected lawmakers from taking their seats in Parliament, and top members of her government and party were detained. The army said it acted because of a massive poll fraud, though independent election observers did not find any major irregularities. Some critics of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the takeover and is now Myanmars top leader, believe he acted because the vote thwarted his own political ambitions. No date has been set for the new polls. They had been expected by the end of July, according to the army's own plans. But in February, the military announced an unexpected six-month extension of its state of emergency, delaying the possible legal date for holding an election. It said security could not be assured. The military does not control large swaths of the country, where it faces widespread armed resistance to its rule. Amid the state oppression following the 2021 coup, no election can be credible, especially when much of the population sees a vote as a cynical attempt to supplant the landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2020, said a report issued Tuesday by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think tank. The polls will almost certainly intensify the post-coup conflict, as the regime seeks to force them through and resistance groups seek to disrupt them. The military government enacted a new political party registration law in January that makes it difficult for opposition groups to mount a serious challenge to its favored candidates. It sets conditions such as minimum levels of membership and candidates and offices that any party without the backing of the army and its cronies would find hard to meet, especially in the repressive political atmosphere. The new law declared that existing political parties had to re-apply for registration with the election commission within two months after it took effect by March 28 and those that fail will be automatically invalidated and considered dissolved. It also says the party has to entrust its properties to the government if it is dissolved of its own volition or when its registration is canceled under the law. Also read: Manipur to set up shelter home for undocumented Myanmar immigrants The National League for Democracy rejected the law just days after it was announced, saying at the same time that the military-planned polls are illegal and amount to a sham election. It declared that any individuals and entities cooperating in the polls with the military will be deemed as accomplices in high treason. Bo Bo Oo said that a March 21 meeting of the party's Central Working Committee reaffirmed the decision not to register, and considers the election commission and registration law illegitimate. The state-run Myanma Alinn daily newspaper reported on Saturday that a total of 52 political parties had applied to the election commission for registration under the new law. Twelve applied to contest at the national level and 40 at the level of regions and states. The commission must approve their applications. The Nashville school shooter drew maps to plan the massacre and penned a manifesto, police revealed as per a report. The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale and was killed by police at the scene of the school in Tennessee. Six people, including three children, were killed in the shooting. Nashville School Shooting: Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting.(AP) Read more: Mass shootings at US schools, colleges killed 175 in over two decades Nashville police chief John Drake said that the shooter drew maps of the school with details of surveillance and entry points in order to plan for the shooting, The Mirror reported. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date. We have a map drawn out of how this was all gonna take place. We know there were two AR-style weapons. One a rifle, another was an AR-style pistol, and the other was a handgun. We believe two of those may have been obtained legally, locally, the police chief said. Read more: Female shooter who killed six in US school was former student: Police The Metro Nashville Police Department informed earlier that the shooting happened at 10.13am local time. Officers went to the gunfire. When they got to the second floor and saw the shooter, a female. There was a five-member unit that was on the second floor at the time. We know at this point that this shooter is a female and appears to be in her teens. Her identification isn't confirmed, the spokesperson said. She had two assault rifles and a handgun. She entered the school through a side entrance and went from the first school to the second floor. By 10:27 am, the shooter was dead, the statement added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A scientist from Paris stumbled upon Covid genetic data which was taken from swabs taken at the Huanan seafood market in China's Wuhan just weeks after the virus first emerged. The data suddenly vanished from public view later but the accidental discovery led to confirmation for the first time that animals susceptible to Covid were present at the Wuhan market. China Covid Origin: Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team, tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), are seen in Wuhan.(Reuters File) Read more: Fired H1B staffers need to leave in 60 days? US Immigration Services says this The scientist- Florence Debarre- posted her findings last week to bring forward the origins of the pandemic. Since the publication of the data, Florence Debarre has faced threats to her safety, a report said. Last night, I was crying over the horrible things Im reading about myself on social media, Florence Debarre who is a senior researcher at Frances National Centre for Scientific Research told the Guardian. Its horrible to have people discuss the fact you may be lying, when youre not lying. When you have a profession in which being truthful is essential," she further said. She said that she found the initial data when she was searching on Gisaid, a virology database. The data included thousands of raw genetic sequences from swabs that Chinese scientists had taken in early 2020. Read more: China loans to Pak, Lanka and other nations worth $240bn in 2 decades: Report It was the Latin name for raccoon dog, multiple times. It was one of the greatest emotions of my life," she said as it was found that raccoon dogs are highly susceptible to coronavirus infection. Although, there is still no conclusive proof that raccoon dogs in Wuhan were carrying the virus, she said, But now it cannot be denied that they were there." When she and her team reached out to the Chinese scientists who posted the data online to ask their permission to analyse it, it was granted. But the data was later removed, she claimed. We were shocked. But not surprised," the scientist said, adding, Its a complicated story. The short answer is that were not collaborating right now. But that collaboration was offered [by her team]. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that "history would not forgive us" if parliament did not enact laws to curtail the powers of the chief justice, a day after two Supreme Court judges questioned the suo motu powers of the country's top judge. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (REUTERS) Also Read| Pakistan faces shortage of life-saving drugs amid economic crisis: Reports Addressing the joint session of parliament, Sharif talked at length about the dissenting judgement by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the Supreme Court, who lashed out at the unlimited authority of the Chief Justice to take a suo motu (on its own) action on any issue and constitute benches of choice to hear different cases. Their judgment was about the case of suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on February 22 about elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Speaking passionately about the need for new laws to limit the chief justice's power, Sharif said that if the legislation were not passed, history would not forgive us. Also Read| 'Either Imran Khan will get killed or': Pakistan minister Meanwhile, Pakistan's Cabinet has reportedly approved the draft of a legislation on Tuesday seeking to curtail the discretionary powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. The bill, a copy of which is available with the newspaper, says that a committee of the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court would decide on any suo motu case being taken up by the apex court under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution. The suo motu power is based on the original jurisdiction of the court under Article 184 of the Constitution. However, its usage over the years has created an impression of partiality on the Chief Justices' part. It was openly challenged for the first time by the two judges who were part of a bench that, in its 3-2 majority decision of March 1, directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to consult with President Arif Alvi for polls in Punjab and Governor Ghulam Ali for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The five-member bench was reconstituted by Bandial, who took a suo motu action against the delay in elections and initially formed a nine-member bench to deal with the issue. However, two of the nine judges differed with the decision to take suo motu notice, while two other judges recused themselves, prompting the Chief Justice to form a new bench. Justice Shah and Justice Mandokhail, in their detailed 28-page dissenting note, also rejected the 3-2 judgment in the suo motu case by saying that it was a 4-3 judgment to reject the maintainability of the case and lambasted the Chief Justices power to form a bench for important cases. The coalition government led by Prime Minister Sharif, which is supporting the ECP's decision to delay the election in the two provinces until October 8, is trying to use the parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice. The premier also said that the courts were treating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan favourably and were not ready to hold Khan accountable. Sharif said that enough is enough and the law would take its course while the government would not allow the favourite to play with Pakistan. He added that the Constitution clearly defined the division of powers between the legislature, judiciary and administration and set a red line that no one should cross. The powers of the legislature defined by the Constitution and the powers of the judiciary were being flouted, the prime minister said. The joint session of parliament was summoned last week to discuss the key issues confronting Pakistan and provide guidelines to deal with those issues. The development comes as the top court is hearing a case about the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone the provincial election till October 8, well beyond the 90 days deadline by the constitution to hold elections after the dissolution of an assembly. Scotland's Parliament on Tuesday confirmed Humza Yousaf will replace Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, making him the youngest and the first Muslim leader of a government in western Europe. Newly elected leader of the Scottish National Party, Humza Yousaf with his his daughter Amal after signing the nomination form to become First Minister for Scotland, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, on March 28. (AFP) On Monday, Yousaf (37), narrowly won a Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership battle to clinch the party's top job, vowing to rejuvenate the stalled pursuit of independence for Scotland, reported AFP. The Pakistan-origin leader, who will be formally sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday, secured the nominations of a majority of lawmakers in the early afternoon vote Tuesday to become the countrys new first minister. Here are the top five points to know about Humza Yousaf: 1. Yousaf is the son of immigrants who arrived in Scotlands Glasgow in the 1960s, reported the Independent. His father is from Pakistan, while his mother was born into a South Asian family in Kenya. 2. He studied at the Hutchesons Grammar School in Glasgow and earned a degree in politics from the University of Glasgow. 3. Talking about his late grandfather in February, who, he revealed came to Scotland from a small town in Pakistan in 1962 with barely a word of English, Yousaf said I dont imagine in his wildest dreams that his grandson would one day be running to be first minister of Scotland. 4. Stating that his election to the top job reflects that anyone, regardless of race, can aim for the highest office in our country and not be judged by the colour of their skin, he proclaimed that Scotland should be proud that a grandson of an immigrant can seek to become the next first minister. 5. In 2012, Yousaf became the first Muslim to be appointed to the Scottish government. He became a transport minister in 2016 and was fined 300 (more than 30 thousand as per current market value) for driving a friends car without insurance. Prince William and Kate Middleton have decided that they will not talk to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with respect to plans for King Charles' coronation as they fear that "everything is for sale", a royal commentator claimed. News Corp columnist Louise Roberts said that everyone close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is "terrified" that any "aside comment" could be leaked to the press. Prince Harry-Meghan Markle: Britain's Prince William, Kate, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, second left, leave after they paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.(AP) Read more: King Charles' royal Land Rover is up for sale at auction because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been invited to the ceremony which is scheduled to be held on May 6 this year. However, the couple have not yet confirmed their attendance. Who knows what they'll say after they leave the UK and go back to America after the Coronation. But the problem is that anyone who could be close to them, for example, William and Kate, won't tell them anything. Everyone's terrified, everything's for sale, every indiscretion or every aside comment could be magnified for an American audience in order to get them a profit, Louise Roberts said. This also comes as a report claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to be a part of the "special family moment" when the royal family gathers on the balcony at the coronation but this has become a point of contention. Read more: This Princess Diana nickname is inaccurate, ex-royal press secretary says This could prove a real sticking point because the Palace have narrowed it down to only working members of the royal family on the balcony. Harry and Meghan are keen that they too should be a part of that special family moment, The Mirror reported. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As Prince Harry returned to the UK in a surprise trip, a report said that the Duke of Sussex is unlikely to meet his father King Charles in person over the next few days. The monarch was informed by the Duke of Sussex he would travel back to Britain this week to show his support to the High Court case he and other prominent personalities have brought against Associated Newspapers, Daily Express reported. Prince Harry: Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, leaves the High Court in London, Britain.(Reuters) Read more: Prince William, Kate 'aren't telling Harry and Meghan anything' as they fear However, the Telegraph reported that Prince Harry has been told by his father that he was "busy" and would not be able to meet him as King Charles is set to begin his first-ever state visit as sovereign. The monarch is understood to be at Highgrove, Glos, preparing for the German leg of his tour, which begins on Wednesday, Telegraph reported, adding, The hearing would have coincided with the Kings state visit to France before the trip was cancelled on Friday owing to ongoing civil unrest over Emmanuel Macrons pension reforms. Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are also unlikely to meet Prince Harry despite the latter's likely stay in Frogmore Cottage which is just a short walk away from his brother's house. Kate Middleton and Prince William are spending their children's half-term holidays away from London or Windsor, making an in-person meeting with the Duke very unlikely, the report claimed. Read more: This Princess Diana nickname is inaccurate, ex-royal press secretary says Prince Harry made an unannounced appearance in London court over a legal claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail. He was joined by Sadie Frost, Sir Elton John, David Furnish and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, it was reported. Prince Harry is among seven high profile figures who are suing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The others include Sadie Frost, Elizabeth Hurley, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and former Lib Dem MP Sir Simon Hughes. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The United States on Tuesday said respect for rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, referring to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who was convicted and subsequently disqualified as a member of parliament in a defamation case over his Modi surname remark. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values including of course, freedom of expression. In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights and freedom of expression as key to strengthening both our democracies, Vedant Patel, US Department of State's principal deputy spokesperson, was quoted by ANI as saying. Gandhi was disqualified as the Lok Sabha member of parliament from Kerala's Wayanad following his conviction in the defamation case. His disqualification has triggered a massive political showdown between the Narendra Modi government and the opposition in India. ALSO READ: Congress considers Gandhi family above Constitution: BJP When asked whether the US is engaging with India or Rahul Gandhi, he said, I don't have any specific engagements to read out... but as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships but I don't have any specific engagement to read out. Rahul Gandhi said he asked only one question on Adani issue, adding he will continue to ask questions and fight for democracy in India(Sanjeev Verma/HT) King Charles has reportedly set himself on a strict 6pm bedtime curfew for the night before his coronation. The 74-year-old monarch decided to tell his aides that he will not be engaging in any royal duties beyond 6pm on May 5, ahead of the coronation, as he wants to ensure that he is not too tired for the ceremony, The Mirror reported. Britain's King Charles III.(AFP) Read more: This Princess Diana nickname is inaccurate, ex-royal press secretary says On the eve of his coronation, King Charles is set to host a reception for Commonwealth leaders which will be followed by a dinner at Buckingham Palace. But the monarch may leave the reception early, the report said. However, Queen Elizabeth II had attended a banquet the night before she was formally crowned in 1953, the report said. There have been some logistical challenges caused by the King. He doesnt want to do anything in the evening in case it tires him out. There will be no partying," the Telegraph reported. Read more: Prince Harry to meet King Charles, William during surprise UK trip? The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association said "what was appropriate then will not necessarily be appropriate now. King Charles coronation is much slimmed down as UK faces a cost of living crisis. The ceremony is expected to see around 2,000 attendees and will include a procession back to Buckingham Palace with the monarch and other royal family members to appear on the balcony. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Russia's navy fired supersonic anti-ship missiles at a mock target in the Sea of Japan, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday. Russia's navy fired supersonic anti-ship missiles at a mock target in the Sea of Japan, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday.(REUTERS) "In the waters of the Sea of Japan, missile ships of the Pacific Fleet fired Moskit cruise missiles at a mock enemy sea target," it said in a statement on its Telegram account. "The target, located at a distance of about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles), was successfully hit by a direct hit from two Moskit cruise missiles." The P-270 Moskit missile, which has the NATO reporting name or SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile of Soviet origin, capable of destroying a ship within a range of up to 120 km (75 miles). Also Read: Russia won't change nuke plans in Belarus, says Kremlin Japan's foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo will stay vigilant against Moscow's military operations, while adding that no damage had been reported after the missile launches. "As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, Russian forces are also becoming more active in the Far East, including Japan's vicinities," Hayashi told a regular press conference. The firing of the missiles comes a week after two Russian strategic bomber planes, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours in what Moscow said was a "planned flight". Asked about Russia's plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Hayashi said Japan condemned the move and demanded Russia and Belarus to stop "such an action that would further increase tensions". A student in Japan showed up at his graduation wearing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's now iconic olive sweater and khaki trouser combo. Graduation ceremonies in Japan usually see graduates in suits or formal wear. But Kyoto University has its own tradition where students opt for different attires on their big day. The student was wearing clothes that Ukrainian President Zelensky has been seen in. Watch: Joe Biden jokes about ice cream in first statement on US school shooting I am President Zelensky, the student told local TV network Yomiuri, Sky News reported. The student said that he started growing out his beard to look more like the Ukrainian leader after people told him he looked similar to him. The student was also seen holding a sign carrying messages expressing his support for Ukraine amid Ukraine war. He also held a placard which included a passage from Zelensky's speech in December at the US Congress. The student also held a wooden shamoji - a rice serving spoon - similar to the one that Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented to Zelensky as a gift during his trip to Kyiv last week. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian President said that Russian troops were holding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant "hostage" adding that its safety could not be guaranteed until they left it. Ukraine's forces shut the frontline town of Avdiivka, he informed. Read more: US' Nashville school shooter drew maps to plan massacre, wrote manifesto: Report "Holding a nuclear power station hostage for more than a year - this is surely the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of European or world-wide nuclear power," Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address decrying Russian presence as "radiation blackmail". The comments came after Zelensky's meeting with Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Restoring safety and security without an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the plant is not possible, Zelensky said. Zaporizhzhia is one of four regions Russia claimed to annex in September. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Russian man who was investigated by police after his daughter drew an anti-war picture at school was sentenced on Tuesday to two years in a penal colony after being convicted of discrediting the armed forces, the OVD-Info rights group said. The case has provoked an outcry among Russian human rights activists and sparked an online campaign to reunite father and daughter. (Representational Photo) Alexei Moskalyov has been separated from his daughter Masha since he was placed under house arrest at the start of this month and she was moved to a children's home in their hometown of Yefremov, south of Moscow. Also read: What Russia said about oil sales to friendly India is surprising The case has provoked an outcry among Russian human rights activists and sparked an online campaign to reunite father and daughter. Moskalyov was convicted over comments he himself had posted online about the war in Ukraine. But the investigation started after Masha, 12, drew a picture last April showing Russian missiles raining down on a Ukrainian mother and child, prompting the head of school to call the police. Police began examining Moskalyov's social media activity and he was initially fined 35,000 roubles ($460) for comments critical of the Russian army. In December, investigators opened another case against him on suspicion of discrediting the armed forces, this time based on a social media post in June. The banned Russian human rights group Memorial said it considered Moskalyov to be a political prisoner. Also read: Ukraine urges UNSC meet over Russian nuclear plans in Belarus A lawyer for the family visited Masha on Tuesday in a children's home and came away with drawings she had made for him. He was also allowed to photograph a letter she had written him that read "Dad, you are my hero", according to a video posted by the independent news outlet SOTAvision. Shortly after invading Ukraine last year, Russia passed laws against discrediting the armed forces or knowingly spreading false information about them, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. The United Nations said on Tuesday that a prominent Afghan girls' education activist was arrested in Kabul this week and called on Taliban authorities to clarify the reason for his detention. Afghanistan: The Taliban administration has barred most girls from high school and women from universities.(AFP) Spokespeople for the Taliban administration's information ministry and intelligence agency did not immediately respond to request for comment or confirm the detention. "Matiullah Wesa, head of (Pen Path) and advocate for girls' education, was arrested in Kabul Monday," the U.N. Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. "UNAMA calls on the de facto authorities to clarify his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and to ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family." Read more: Not lying, truth is: Scientist who found Wuhan Covid data speaks out Wesa, who comes from the southern province of Kandahar, has for years advocated for girls' education, particularly in conservative rural areas, including during the tenure of the previous Western-backed foreign government when he said many girls living in the countryside were not reached by education services. His organisation, Pen Path, has held meetings with tribal elders, encouraged communities and authorities to open schools, and disbursed books and mobile libraries. The Taliban administration has barred most girls from high school and women from universities saying there are perceived problems including around female Islamic dress. Officials have said they are undertaking work to reopen schools but have not given a time frame. They say they respect women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan custom and that the improved security in the country since foreign forces left has made it safer for many young children to go to school. Last year, Wesa told Reuters his work was free of political interference and impartial and his focus was on helping communities encourage girls' education. (Reporting by Kabul Newsroom) The head of the Christian elementary school in Nashville who was killed in a shooting there on Monday was described by friends as smart, loving and a rare female leader within a male-led religious culture. People attend a rally to protest gun violence in Nashville, Tennessee on March 28, 2023, following a school shooting, where three students and three staff members were killed on March 27.(AFP) If there was any trouble in that school, she would run to it, not from it, Jackie Bailey said of her friend Katherine Koonce, head of The Covenant School. She was trying to protect those kids Thats just what I believe. Koonce was one of six people killed in the shooting in Tennessee, including three 9-year-old children identified by police as Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney. Also killed were Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher, and Mike Hill, 61, a custodian. Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, the lead pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to a statement released by a Presbyterian Church in Dallas where the elder Scruggs had served as an associate pastor. Also Read: Mass shootings at US schools, colleges killed 175 in over two decades We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie," Park Cities Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Mark Davis said in a statement. "Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need. Cynthia Peak was described as a sweet person from a sweet family by Chuck Owen, who told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that they grew up together in Leesville, Louisiana, and that Peak was a lifelong friend. When he heard that Peak was killed in the shooting, It took my breath away, Owen said. You dont expect something like this. It just took the wind out of me. Owen described Peak as "a loving, caring and attentive person. When Owen's sister passed away, "Cindy got here as quick as anybody else, Owen said. She got here very, very quickly to grieve my sister with the rest of us. Its a small community, a small tight knit group. She was ever present in my sisters life and shes been very attentive to my family since my sister passed away. Peak was also a devout Christian. She told me that she got saved in college and that Gods love changed her life, Owen said, adding it was appropriate that she was teaching at a Christian school. The Covenant School in Nashville has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members, according to its website. Before Koonce took the top role with Covenant, Anna Caudill, a former art teacher, worked with her for almost a decade at Christ Presbyterian Academy, another Christian school in the area connected to a Presbyterian Church in America congregation. She was an absolute dynamo and one of the smartest women Ill ever know, said Caudill, recalling how Koonce excelled at her day job while parenting her children, pursuing her masters and then her PhD, and writing a book. For Caudill, who grew up in several male-led Christian denominations, Koonce had remarkable leadership skills and was the first woman in such a setting to encourage her to keep learning and pursuing her life goals. When Caudill launched her nonprofit advocating for special education resources and other support, she said Koonce was one of the first to donate financially to it. She said Koonce loved her job at Covenant and she was loved by students and their families. She wasnt Wonder Woman, but I never saw the two in the same place, she said. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that it is wrong to assume that fired workers who hold H1B visa have to leave the country within 60 days. The comments came amid mass layoffs in the US in the tech sector. The USCIS also said that H1B staffers who have been fired have multiple options to stay. H1B Visa Rules: The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.(File) Read more: Planning a visit to the US? All you need to know about tourist visa USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou in a letter to the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said, "When non-immigrant workers are laid off, they may not be aware of their options and may, in some instances, wrongly assume that they have no option but to leave the country within 60 days." The FIIDS had written to USCIS regarding the impact of tech layoffs seeking an increase in the grace period for H1B visa holders. In response, USCIS acknowledged the impact of layoffs on non-immigrant workers, saying, We are aware of the issue of involuntary terminations, especially in the technology sector. However the USCIS said that when a non-immigrant worker is laid off, they may take one of the four actions which include include filing an application for a change of non-immigrant status, filing an application for adjustment of status, file an application for a "compelling circumstances" employment authorization document or be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous petition to change employer. Read more: Tourists can apply for jobs while on temporary visa in US: Details If one of these actions occurs within the up to 60-day grace period, the nonimmigrant's period of authorized stay in the United States can exceed 60 days, even if they lose their previous non-immigrant status, the USCIS said. "If the worker takes no action within the grace period, they and their dependents may then need to depart the United States within 60 days, or when their authorized validity period ends, whichever is shorter," the USCIS added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Taiwan must vacate its embassy in Honduras within 30 days, a senior Honduran official said on Monday, after President Xiomara Castro severed ties with Taiwan in favor of China in a bid for more investment and jobs from the Asian giant. Honduran Deputy FM Antonio Garcia ordered Taiwan to leave its embassy in Honduras in 30 days(Twitter) Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia issued the order on local television on Monday, following the government's announcement over the weekend that it had opened formal diplomatic relations with Beijing while simultaneously ending its decades-long relationship with Taiwan. Also Read: Honduras is Chinas new ally as it cuts ties with Taiwan Castro's main conservative opposition later announced it would reverse the opening to China if it regains power. China has long argued that democratically ruled Taiwan is part of its own territory with no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taipei strongly rejects. Communist-run China demands that countries it has ties with must adopt its position. Taipei's embassy in Tegucigalpa's leafy Palmira neighborhood was for years one of the Central American capital's most prominent foreign outposts, as well as the country's second-biggest embassy after the U.S. embassy. In his remarks, Garcia said 30 days "is more than enough time to pack up and leave," adding that officials aim for an "orderly, friendly" exit. Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesman Jeff Liu said 30 days was an "international norm", and that they would comment further later. Also Read: Taiwans former Prez Ma lands in China in landmark, controversial visit The move by Honduras came just before former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou began a historic visit to China, the first by a former or current Taiwanese president since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. The visit has been sharply criticized by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. The Honduras deputy minister also stressed the need for a diplomatic mission to China. "We have to go there to explore the big projects that China can give us," he said, suggesting that China could invest some $10 billion in Honduras in a boon for local workers. The foreign ministry also announced that Honduran students with scholarships in Taiwan would be able to transfer their studies to China. Liu said Honduran students' scholarships would last until the end of the current term, and then they would be provided one-way tickets home. The move leaves Taiwan with only 13 formal allies, mostly poor and developing countries in Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In its own statement on Monday, the conservative National Party pledged to re-establish ties with Taiwan if it can retake the Honduran presidency in 2026. "We will do the impossible to restore relations with our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Taiwan," it said, promising to enshrine allegiance to Taiwan in the country's constitution. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwan's ruling party has criticised. Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou visits China(Twitter) Ma, in office from 2008-2016, is the first former or current Taiwanese president to visit China since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. Also Read: Vacate embassy in 30 days, Honduras tells Taiwan. Here's why China is to blame He is visiting amid heightened tension as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan into accepting Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party has questioned why he is visiting just after China took away another Taiwanese diplomatic ally, Honduras, on Sunday, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries. In comments in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where the man celebrated for overthrowing the last Chinese emperor in 1911 and ushering a republic is buried, Ma praised Sun's contributions. Also Read: Taiwans former Prez Ma lands in China in landmark, controversial visit "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors," Ma said, in comments provided by his office. Ma used wording in Chinese meaning people of Chinese ethnicity, rather than referring to their nationality. Descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors is an expression referring to a common ancestor for Chinese people. Most Taiwanese no longer identify as Chinese, according to polls. Sun is officially still considered the father of the Republic of China, which remains Taiwan's official name. Sun is also lauded by the Communist Party for the overthrow of the Qing dynasty, but the governments in Beijing and Taipei do not recognise each other. Ma's visit is part of outreach by Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), to China in hopes of reducing tensions. The KMT traditionally favours close relations with China, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rejected as China considers her a separatist. She says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Ma, a senior KMT member, said he hoped for peace. "We sincerely hope that the two sides will work together to pursue peace, avoid war, and strive to revitalise China," he said, again using an expression that refers to the Chinese people as an ethnicity rather than a nationality. "This is an unavoidable responsibility of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, and we must work hard." Ma is not scheduled to meet with any senior Chinese leaders on this trip. He and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Singapore in 2015. China's President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, discussing a wide range of subjects including supporting follow-up talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, state media CCTV reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed improving relations and supporting talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran during.(Reuters) Xi said it is hoped that the two sides will continuously improve their relations on the basis of the results of the dialogue, state media said on Tuesday. Also Read: Trump welcomes Crown Prince Salman, says Saudi very wealthy, hails US arms sales to kingdom Xi recently helped broker a surprise deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Middle East rivals, to restore diplomatic ties. Continuing to promote and develop China-Saudi Arabia relations, Xi said the two countries will firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests. China and Saudi Arabia will make more contributions to promote peace, stability and development in the Middle East, Xi said, according to state media. China achieves breakthrough in Yangtze sturgeon's natural reproduction in the wild Xinhua) 10:51, March 28, 2023 Photo taken on Feb. 25, 2022 shows Yangtze sturgeons at a breeding base for rare fishes in the Three Gorges Reservoir in southwest China's Chongqing. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China has just made a major breakthrough in the protection of the Yangtze sturgeon, an endangered species under first-class national protection, with a recent test showing that the rare fish can reproduce naturally in the wild. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday said that the natural ovulation and fertilization of Yangtze sturgeon had been captured by underwater cameras during a test last week, and that the eggs hatched into seedlings on Friday. The test was launched in July 2022 in a tributary of the Yangtze in Jiang'an County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. On March 19, 20 sexually mature sturgeon, 10 males and 10 females, were placed into net cages that have been monitored around the clock. The success of the test has proved that mature individuals in the artificial Yangtze sturgeon population have the ability to reproduce in the wild. This lays the foundation for the full restoration of the species' natural reproduction in the river. Yangtze sturgeon lost their natural ability to reproduce in 2000 due to overfishing and water pollution, among other factors. The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the species extinct in the wild in July last year. With this latest breakthrough, the ministry has said that further efforts will be made to expand the natural reproduction test, increase the species' population in the wild, and restore their habitat in the hopes of forming a self-sustaining natural population at an early date. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Hoteliers Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi of BLVD Hospitality, in partnership with ESI Ventures, are delighted to announce the re-launch of Santa Monica's iconic hotel The Georgian. Perched above the Santa Monica waterfront on Ocean Avenue, The Georgian has been a fixture of the Southern California coastline since its debut in 1933 and will re-open to the public on Monday, April 3rd 2023. Steeped in the history of old Hollywood, the famed Art Deco property has seen several iterations over the years, with regular guests including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and First Mother Rose Kennedy. The hotel's opening coincided with the start of the golden age of hospitality and was the dream of renowned Californian hotelier, Mrs. Rosamond Borde, who commissioned celebrated architect Mr. M. Eugene Durfee to design a hotel of grand proportions. Dramatic in appearance but with a cozy, intimate feel, the landmark property has been lovingly restored to its former glory. A destination where global culture intersects with Californian charm, The Georgian has been carefully restored by Blanchard and Rusconi through the eye of leading interior architecture and design firm, Fettle, with architecture by HLW, alongside branding and experience company Corso Marketing Group. Maintaining the original concept's striking features and presence throughout, complemented by thoughtful design, the property offers 84 keys - with 56 classic rooms and 28 one bedroom suites - with sweeping ocean views. Overlooking the California coastline, the building's unmistakable turquoise facade has pride of place on Ocean Avenue, where the architecturally stunning property's timeless elegance and historic significance is on full display. Fettle's design offers a glimpse into the hotel's 1930's heyday which underscores its inherent traditional elements. As guests approach the entrance they are greeted by rows of peach hibiscus and vibrant foliage designed and procured by LA nursery Rolling Greens. Whimsical topiaries flank the building's distinctive navy striped awning-covered Sunset Terrace. Guests walk upon a Havana Deco inspired floor as they cross the threshold into The Georgian's historic lobby. High ceilings accented with custom Art Deco chandeliers and original decorative reliefs welcome travelers to the cinematic entryway, with the visually striking horseshoe-shaped Sunset Bar to the left, and intimate dining room to the right. Seasonal floral installations by LA-based French floral artist Jean Pascal decorate the space. Passing through the lobby and the Wes Anderson-inspired Reception, guests can explore The Georgian's namesake gallery - Gallery 33. Beautiful, inspiring and contemporary, this dramatic space has been designed to celebrate the best of culture, the arts and the most unique of gatherings as well as showcasing the work of local, internationally renowned, and up-and-coming artists through an evolving program. Gallery 33 will also host specially commissioned exhibitions from historical and cultural institutions and is available to hire for private events, artist dinners and cocktail parties. The space was launched with works by actress Sharon Stone who presents her first show Shedding, a Prelude - on display through the end of March. The Writer's Room offers a private dining space - perfect for intimate dinners and in-conversations - with high-end AV equipment and room for up to 10 guests seated or 20 guests standing. The Library, which features a curated Hugo Guinness collection, presents a fully-stocked study with books curated by Lee Kaplan of Culver City's Arcana: Books on the Arts. Modern best sellers and vintage books highlighting the history of art and culture in Los Angeles and Santa Monica and other foundational elements for The Georgian story can be found here. From Joan Didion to Eve Babitz to a private collection of Christopher Isherwood, the literary curation of the library is truly one-of-a-kind. The 24-hour Gymnasium offers hotel guests top of the line fitness equipment including Peloton bikes, a Precor treadmill, and Alo Yoga Mats. Rooms at The Georgian embrace the hotel's Art Deco heritage, many with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier, stretching out from Santa Catalina Island across to Malibu, where some of the world's most breathtaking sunsets take place. Each room, with their original ornate peephole, features fully custom golden hued arched headboards designed by Fettle and globe shaped crystal light fixtures. Plush beds are draped in sustainable fine Italian linens by Bellino with accent cushions by Italian textile designer Lisa Corti. Rooms and suites all feature an antique bar cart and Marshall speaker. Custom Georgian-branded diamond knit bathrobes are complemented by vegan R+Co toiletries and industry-leading Harry Josh hair dryers. The Georgian will also be the first hotel in the world to offer Alo Moves, which allows guests to complete a selection of yoga tutorials via the in-room television. Every element of The Georgian creates an extravagant but equally refined stage for a contemporary set of service standards. Suites feature separate bedrooms and large living rooms with pastel toned couches. Each suite contains thoughtful touches to accent each guests' stay, including Polaroid cameras to chronicle the visit to Santa Monica on film and Victrola record players to provide the perfect vinyl soundtrack with curated records from California-based Ubiquity Records. The highlight of the suites is the custom-made floor to ceiling bar. Brass, with antiqued and backlit textured glass surround, the indulgent amenity has ornate buttons offering a unique "press for" concierge service, delivering everything from champagne and dessert to an antique cart of rare books, directly to the suite door. On the ground level of the hotel, The Georgian offers a breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant known simply as Restaurant at The Georgian - stretching across the Sunset Terrace, Sunset Bar, and Dining Room. The Restaurant at The Georgian under the direction of Chef David Almany - previously of Osteria Mozza under Chef Nancy Silverton for almost a decade - explores the intersection of timeless culinary classics with Italian cuisine reaching from the rich heritage ingredients of the Italian North to emblematic dishes of Puglia as well as the fragrant and almost embarrassingly romantic citrus and ocean saline flavors of the Amalfi coast. Chef David visits the renowned Santa Monica Farmer's Market just around the corner from the hotel weekly to procure his selection of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables while also partnering with numerous world-class vendors like Thomas Keller's Regiis Ova Caviar, Pat La Freida Meat Purveyors, and Grove and Vine Olive Oil to create a menu that is uniquely elevated and delightfully heart warming at the same time. Cocktails from Bar Manager Jerom Morris complement Almany's food with a beverage menu that is equally refined and creative. Morris is deeply dedicated to pushing the limits of cocktails in a way that pits complexity against simplicity - complexity in the nuance, precision, and preparation but simplicity in refined, delicate presentation. Morris has also curated a wide-ranging spirits program with an added focus on Italian digestivi. The wine program is courtesy of Wine Director Kristin Olszewski. Kristin left Harvard medical school behind to pursue her true passion in wine and service, and spent over a decade in some of America's best restaurants: Saison, Sons & Daughters, Husk, and Osteria Mozza. She has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Vinepair and is one of Wine Enthusiasts 40 under 40. Kristin's wine program at The Georgian is driven by the mantra, "if it grows together, it goes together" with a special focus on the stories of the people behind the vines. The wine list was developed through a similar Italian heritage as the culinary program through a wide ranging showcase of Italian excellence while also displaying the best wines from their backyard. The list features legacy Italian producers like Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Conterno, Emidio Pepe, and Gaja as well as highlighting up and coming talent in the California natural wine scene. Located beneath The Georgian lies The Georgian Room, a historic dinner-only restaurant and piano bar that will re-open for the first time in over 50 years. This discreet hangout gained a reputation amongst the rich and famous, with guests like Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, "Bugsy" Siegel, and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle all seeking refuge and a stiff drink within this notoriously exclusive secret. The Georgian Room is now home to a 1918 ebony polished Steinway & Sons piano built into the bar that will be played after the sun goes down. On the ground floor of The Georgian, a dedicated retail area offers essentials ranging from Salt and Stone deodorant and Dune Suncare to world class goods including Mason Pearson hair brushes, Frette towels, Harry Josh Pro Tools, and objects of indulgence from LA-based accessories brand Flora Nero. Travelers looking to explore what the local community and the city of Los Angeles have to offer will find a wide variety of off-site recreational activities available including complimentary beach cruisers by Priority Bicycles as well as opportunities to surf, sail, picnic, and practice yoga with Alo Yoga. The Getty Villa, the Eames House, the Santa Monica History Museum, and the world-famous Santa Monica Pier are among nearby attractions. Steeped in the area's rich history, The Georgian has been and will continue to be deeply involved in the Santa Monica community. The hotel's heritage is boldly embraced through close relationships with the Santa Monica History Museum and The Santa Monica Conservancy, amongst others, paving the way for new cultural collaborations that will play a role in The Georgian's future programming offerings. BLVD took care throughout The Georgian's renovation to substantially modernize operations systems to meet today's hospitality sustainability standards, and utilizing high-efficiency lighting and plumbing solutions. The Georgian is also pleased to support the Kind Campaign with a donation that will be applied to each stay upon check-out. Founded by Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson, Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl bullying. Hotel website The Property is Nestled Among Six World-Class Ski Resorts Enhancing the Modern Mountain Experience. Denver-based hotel company 5 Senses Hospitality Management has announced the grand opening of the AC Hotel Frisco Colorado by Marriott. The announcement comes nearly two years after the hotel's acquisition in 2021 and subsequent renovation. AC Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, offers a refined and effortless hotel experience that strikes the perfect balance between everything guests need, and nothing they don't. Located on 1202 Summit Boulevard in Frisco, Colorado, off I-70, the property is enveloped by some of Summit County's most in-demand ski resorts including Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Basin and Vail. The property is only six miles away from Sapphire Point, a popular hiking trail and wedding destination, along with the Dillion Reservoir, a 300-acre lake, which is only minutes away. With 133 rooms to choose from, the property is pet-friendly and includes amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness room with floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor hot tub with a fire pit both overlooking the Tenmile Range from Frisco to Breckenridge. The property also offers a game room, private dining and meeting room, locker room, indoor swimming pool, library, business center, and an AC Restaurant and AC Lounge serving local spirits, beer and wine. Keeping sustainability at its core, the hotel underwent a significant renovation in which it recycled 48,000 pounds of scrap metal and saved 22,500 pounds of material from Colorado landfills. Additionally, the hotel salvaged and donated 10 mattresses and more than 150 appliances, recovered 20 couches from the landfill stream, recycled 800 pounds of universal waste, including 400 HHW units, CFL bulbs and ballasts, as well as donated the property's gym equipment for reuse. Hotel website Latest entry in Italy adds to the brand's diverse global portfolio. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with over 9,100 hotels across 95 countries, today announced the opening of the upscale 207-room Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa, its first hotel under the Dolce by Wyndham brand in Italy. The new hotel joins a collection of Dolce hotels around the world including other sought-after locations such as Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Brazil, Vietnam, U.S. and more. Located in the picturesque town of Somma Lombardo near Lake Maggiore and several attractions like the medieval Visconti di San Vito Castle, the amenity-rich property is only 8 kilometres away from Milano Malpensa Airport, combining comfort with scenic countryside. Part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts growing portfolio of 24 global brands, Dolce by Wyndham and its hotels are designed to inspire guests by turning experiences into extraordinary moments, and offer state-of-the-art meeting spaces, curated cuisine, and memorable activities. The opening of Dolce by Wyndham Malpensa builds on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' longstanding franchise collaboration with hotel management firm Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, currently covering 9 hotels in three countries. This latest addition is testament of Zeus' commitment to improving and developing the tourism product in Greece and abroad. Dolce by Wyndham Milan Malpensa is a contemporary hotel with stylish interiors and exceptional amenities. With 207 guestrooms and suites, a Mediterranean restaurant, an exceptional cafe, and top-notch conference facilities featuring five fully equipped conference rooms for up to 400 people, the hotel is the ultimate destination for modern day-travellers seeking the perfect venue for business and leisure stays. Wyndham hotels in Italy and around the world participate in Wyndham Rewards, the award-winning hotel rewards programme offering over 100 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information about Dolce by Wyndham Malpensa please visit https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/dolce/somma-lombardo-italy/dolce-milan-malpensa/overview Hotel website The Board of Directors of Accor has decided to submit the appointment as Director of Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel at next General Shareholders' meeting to be called to approve the 2022 financial statements and which will be held on 17 May 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Company's registered office. Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel is a graduate of HEC and the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and also holds a degree in mathematics. She started her career in 1999 at Lehman Brothers, initially working in capital markets. In 2007, she became Senior Banker in Paris for French companies, advising them on M&A and financing transactions. Then, she joined the investment bank Rothschild & Cie in the financing advisory team, advising companies in France and internationally on capital structure, rating and financing issues. She was appointed as managing partner of Rothschild & Cie in 2014, at which time she dedicated herself to the government advisory business. At the beginning of 2019, Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel leaves Rothschild to create her independent structure: Global Sovereign Advisory. Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel was Chairwoman of the Campaign Committee of the Sorbonne University Foundation from 2020 to 2022. She has been a member of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy since 1st January 2022. Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel will share with the Board of Directors her extensive knowledge of international geo-economic and financial issues. If this proposed appointment is approved by the Shareholders' meeting, Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel would qualify as an independent director. James Sutcliffe has joined the Avani+ Khao Lak Resort in southern Thailand as General Manager. An Australian national, James began his hospitality career with Niyama Maldives working in F&B before taking on his first management role with YTL Hotels in Malaysia. He joins the Avani+ resort near Phuket from the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort where he worked as pre-opening General Manager since early 2022. With over a decade of operational experience in the hospitality industry, other notable appointments include Resort Manager of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau; EAM of Como Point Yamu in Phuket; and Resort Manager of Gaya Island Resort in Malaysia. James holds a MBA from Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School in New South Wales, Australia and certificates in Financial Management, Leadership and Revenue Asset Management from Cornell University. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites located along the edge of the pristine blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay offering spacious and modern accommodations, and Hotel Indigo, the sophisticated boutique waterfront property located in Traverse City's lively downtown area - are pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Herberholz as Dual General Manager for both properties. With more than a decade of hospitality experience in northern Michigan, a track record of high guest satisfaction in both transient and group markets, and extensive experience managing all aspects of property operations teams, Herberholz looks to expand on the success of Hotel Indigo and Cherry Tree Inn & Suites in her new role. Previously, Herberholz supervised housing and residential life at Detroit's Wayne State University as Residential Director before becoming Assistant General Manager and Group Sales Manager at Murray Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Herberholz worked her way up in management over a span of eight years at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island to her most recent position as Director of Resort Operations. Both waterfront properties invite travelers to experience the charm of Traverse City. The Cherry TreeInn & Suites offers beachfront accommodations with luxurious rooms, cozy fireplaces, ideal beach access, a refreshing pool, and plenty of venues for the perfect beachfront wedding, meeting, or event. This summer, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites will welcome families with a plethora of complimentary activities, including bicycles, paddle boards, kayaks, movies on the lawn, fire pits, and shuttle service to town. The Hotel Indigo offers guests a waterfront boutique property with casual dining, a state-of-the-art fitness room, and seasonal rooftop venue, all in the heart of Traverse City's vibrant downtown area. Satink has more than 20 years of experience in finance and strategy and has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Zien Group. During his career he has worked on four continents and in seven countries, including eight years in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe. He brings experience from previous positions in companies ranging from large corporations to family and PE companies. He worked for ten years in international markets at GE, after which Satink moved to Randstad Uitzendbureau where he worked as VP Finance & Strategy in Europe. He then held the position of Finance Director Europe & Asia at global commodities trader ED&F Man, before moving to one of the world's largest fashion brands, PVF Corp, as Business Control and Investor Relations Director. Satink became CFO at IT consultancy Levi9 in 2019. Satink replaces former CFO Joost Peeperkorn, who will continue his career with one of the shareholders of Zien Group. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Just three months into the new year and the meetings environment is thriving. Mills James, an award-winning, concierge-level, audiovisual services provider, is reporting that shorter, in-person meetings are growing in demand this year, with planners expecting the latest audiovisual technologies to make event experiences exceptional. From hybrid equipment and sustainable practices to always-new, portable equipment and stellar service delivery, a facilitys AV partner is playing a pivotal role in the return of meetings for the foreseeable future. Time is a precious resource, and in todays economy businesses are looking for ways to cut costs while re-engaging with their remote workforces. A lot of people are working from home. To keep them from feeling isolated, its imperative that companies bring co-workers together to drive employee wellness and retention, instill company culture and corporate values, improve team bonding, and increase professional development. As a service-focused AV company that works with planners across the globe, we are seeing a big demand this year for smaller, more simplified meetings, and we are finding that the technologies we are investing in for our customers and how they are deployed are making a positive impact on event success. John Watts, Mills James VP of Hospitality Mills James cites 5 AV trends defining the meeting experience in 2023: Still a Need for Hybrid Events Virtual events were popular over the last two years, with streaming equipment becoming standard at most meeting facilities across the globe. Its not surprising that AV providers want to leverage their investment in hybrid equipment, and business owners are also capitalizing on the spend. Despite conjecture, hybrid equipment is not vanishing from the scene. Companies are limiting off-site meeting attendance to one or two people to cut down on travel and registration costs with remaining staff participating remotely. While this is bitter-sweet to venues with guestrooms and catering departments, it is still bringing meetings back, just in a smaller way. Demand for Sustainable Venues, Technology Grows According to the 2023 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, Seventy-one percent of respondents say their organization considers sustainability when planning a meeting or event; of those, 70% are working with a defined sustainable meeting strategy. Minimizing paper usage, choosing green suppliers, and applying energy-saving and waste reduction practices are the top three ways they meet their sustainability targets. This year especially, planners expect greener AV gear. This includes equipment that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Energy Star program and the RoHS Directive that mandates hazardous substances are not built into the equipment. They also want assurances that AV equipment is recyclable. Facilities with green gear and robust sustainability strategies will minimize their event emissions and win new contracts. Stationary Tech is Out, Portable is In With boardrooms being the exception, fewer event facilities are opting to invest in stationary AV equipment for several reasons. First, its costly to purchase. Few, if any, facilities have AV equipment in their 2023 capex budgets, even though planners are demanding the latest digital tools. Second, most maintenance staff are not skilled to fix AV equipment. If gear fails, it can be difficult to service or replace especially if gear goes down during an event. Third, no one can predict how a customer wants a meeting space to look and feel. When AV equipment is stationary (such as 85-inch TV monitors), it limits set up and can even deter a group from booking the event. Portability gives operators the flexibility they need to structure events their way. New Technology Saves the Day Planners want assurances that the AV technology they are paying for is in good working condition. The same goes for how the equipment looks. Boutique AV services providers are investing in new, dedicated inventory for every property. This sets up meeting venues for success, as most planners will opt for a facility with the latest technology vs. one that uses old rental equipment. Hotels, resorts and conference facilities do not have time to worry about managing and maintaining AV equipment. Choosing a partner that understands the importance of providing always-new AV technology for events no matter how big or small is a game-changing service differentiator. Service, Service, Service No matter how new the technology or how great the room looks, its the service that gets events to return. Planners expect AV technicians to be trained and to care about the events and people they support. They expect the same person setting up easels can operate a camera for a virtual event. They expect the equipment to work consistently, the first time, every time. And they expect competitive commissions from a dynamic pricing model that results in substantial revenue returns. The pandemic forced us to rethink how people will interact and connect with each other in a business setting, Watts said. The good news is small meetings are playing a big role within their organizations, and as a result they are infusing new life into travel and the event business. Its more important than ever that conference venues partner with an AV services company that is positioned for growth and technology investment. That way, the industry can migrate from smaller, simpler meetings today to larger conventions and tradeshows tomorrow. ABOUT MILLS JAMES For 38 years, Mills James has focused on elevating experiences, starting with the production experience itself. The firm serves Fortune 500 companies, startups, and not-for-profits all over the nation with offices, production facilities, and hospitality properties in seven states and Mexico. More information can be found at millsjames.com. Barbara Worcester 4409305770 New Delhi - IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hotel companies has signed a management agreement with Amritsar Golden Hospitality LLP to develop the new Holiday Inn Amritsar Golden Temple in Punjab. Expected to open in Q2 2027, the newly built hotel will add 215 keys to IHGs burgeoning portfolio in the city and strengthen its presence in the prime tourist destination of Punjab. This would be IHGs third hotel in the city along with Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue and Holiday Inn Express Amritsar Golden Temple, which is scheduled to open in 2025. Conveniently located in the heart of city centre and short walking distance from eminent spiritual site of Golden Temple, Holiday Inn Amritsar Golden Temple will benefit from excellent visibility and accessibility. Amritsar is one of the most popular tourist destinations and second largest city in Punjab, home to the world-famous Golden Temple, and a hub of textiles and handicrafts industries in India. Additionally, the hotel will be situated in close proximity of 2 km from the railway station and 13 km from the airport. Once opened, the hotel will be one of the most sought after branded accommodations, catering to all segments of leisure, spiritual and business travelers. Holiday Inn Amritsar Golden Temple will feature well-equipped modern rooms and state-of-the-art facilities including all day dining, a lobby lounge, a swimming pool and a gymnasium. It will also have a 2000 sq. ft meeting room catering to the growing demand from MICE and social events, and will offer a comfortable stay experience enhanced through brands signature hospitality. We are delighted to partner with Amritsar Golden Hospitality LLP to bring our third Holiday Inn hotel in the city and strengthen our mainstream portfolio in Punjab. Amritsar is a hotspot pilgrimage centre due to the presence of Golden Temple. Rich in history, culture, food, and as a textiles hub, the city has a strong appeal for both leisure and business travelers. The introduction of Holiday Inn Amritsar Golden Temple at a sought-after location would be an excellent addition to the IHG portfolio in the region. In line with increasing demand, we recognize the growing potential of secondary markets in India and are strategically expanding our presence to fill the need gap of quality branded accommodation and unparalleled service. With the signing of Holiday Inn Amritsar Golden Temple, IHG aims to offer differentiated hospitality experience to guests coming in from all parts of the world. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG We are thrilled to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG to venture into our first branded hotel project. Holiday Inn is one of the most recognized brands across the world offering a consistent and comfortable experience. With a combination of an excellent location and IHGs strength and scale of global systems, technology and loyalty programme, we are confident that the new hotel will be a popular choice when it opens its door to guests. Tejinder Singh, Managing Partner at Amritsar Golden Hospitality LLP IHG currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and a strong pipeline of 55 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years. Numbers as of December 31st, 2022. About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Ankita Chopra +971 4 213 6043 IHG The new 'Off the Beaten Track' challenge aims to create a networking environment that will enable cultural connections between students, governments and businesses. Teams of students will be tasked with developing projects which showcase how tourism can contribute to rural development, a better understanding of different cultures and foster peace. Source: UNWTO Registration is now open for teams of high school students (14-18) and for undergraduate tourism and hospitality students up to the age of 25 . Applications will close 16 April 2023. A Final4 Competition, hosted by UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina, is planned for June. Here, the top 4 teams from each category will compete to be named the overall winners. This latest edition of the UNWTO Students' League will once again aim to inspire and empower young people by providing them hands-on experience within the tourism sector alongside online learning sessions guided by national and international tourism experts. The challenges will require them to develop and present creative and sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector. For this edition, students will be required to focus on supporting sustainable rural tourism development through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along the Via Dinarica trail in the country. The 2023 UNWTO Students' League: Bosnia and Herzegovina is organized by UNWTO, under the framework of UNDP BiH "Building Relations for intercultural Dialogue (BRIDGE) Project" which counts on the financial support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The initiative is implemented and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP BiH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH. RELATED LINKS: About The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency fostering tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation and a central pillar of recovery. As part of the wider UN system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural and cultural heritage. Follow UNWTO on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. UNWTO Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UNWTO A new survey1 by Airbnb revealed that more than two-thirds (67.4%) of EU Hosts back the EUs proposal to tackle fragmented short-term rental rules with a more clear, simple and harmonized bloc-wide approach. Only around one in ten (11.7%) are against the proposal. The Council of the EU reached a common position on STR rules earlier this month, giving hope to many everyday Europeans who are excluded from the benefits of hosting due to fragmented and disproportionate local rules, which were often designed with large scale tourism operators in mind. The EU is home to over 1 million Hosts on Airbnb more than any other region in the world and nearly three-quarters of them share just one home. The typical Host earned just over 3,0002 in 2021 equivalent to two months additional pay for the median EU household and more than 40 percent say the additional income helps them afford rising living costs3. Despite strong overall support for the EUs new rules among Hosts, many continue to live under disproportionate rules that restrict the ability of local Hosts to share their homes. Only a third (32.9%) are optimistic that the proposal will improve their lives and make it easier for them to share their homes to boost their income. Nearly half (44.8%) of respondents from Spain, for example, said their local rules were difficult to comply with. In France, where Airbnb has worked with the French government to introduce simple, immediate and free registration systems for local areas, fewer than one in five (16.7%) felt that their local rules were difficult to follow. The survey also found that nearly half (47.0%) of EU Hosts said they would like to see the EU defend the Single Market and act against authorities that have introduced disproportionate local rules for Hosts. Nearly a third (29.1%) want to see a process established allowing Hosts to connect with the European Commission about the impact of local rules on hosting activity. This survey shows overwhelming support for a more clear, simple and EU-wide approach to regulating short-term rentals. However many EU citizens remain to be convinced on whether the EU will secure a regulation that improves their lives and makes it easier for everyday Hosts to share their homes. The majority of these Hosts are not the ones putting pressure on housing supply or adding to local policy challenges, and yet they are often unfairly prevented from accessing the Single Market. We continue to encourage the EU to listen to the experiences of everyday Hosts and focus its discussions on disproportionate local rules that undermine the single market and prevent many everyday Europeans from sharing their homes to boost their income. Georgina Browes, Head of EU Public Policy Airbnb has long-led calls for EU-wide STR rules and raised a number of points in response the EUs draft proposals to help ensure that the regulation is effective: Streamline data sharing: Airbnb welcomes an EU-level framework to share hosting data. Airbnb believes in a truly single data sharing portal for platforms at the EU level, through which data can then be shared with Member States, and is concerned that the current proposal augments the risk of fragmentation by introducing 27 Single Data Entry Points. Airbnb welcomes an EU-level framework to share hosting data. Airbnb believes in a truly single data sharing portal for platforms at the EU level, through which data can then be shared with Member States, and is concerned that the current proposal augments the risk of fragmentation by introducing 27 Single Data Entry Points. A more active role for the Commission: Airbnb welcomes the proposal setting out principles for proportionate registration at the local and national levels. Airbnb supports a more active role for the Commission in assessing and verifying the proportionality of registration schemes, which would help ensure greater consistency in the application of new EU rules and a more equable experience for everyday Europeans across the bloc. Airbnb welcomes the proposal setting out principles for proportionate registration at the local and national levels. Airbnb supports a more active role for the Commission in assessing and verifying the proportionality of registration schemes, which would help ensure greater consistency in the application of new EU rules and a more equable experience for everyday Europeans across the bloc. Enforcing against disproportionate rules: There are a number of areas in the EU, such as Barcelona and Brussels, where complex STR rules restrict the ability of everyday Hosts to benefit from home sharing even if they share a private room in their primary home. Currently, the STR proposal does not address such instances of disproportionate local regulations that go beyond registration systems. Airbnb believes such disproportionate rules go against the principles of the Services Directive and Member States and local authorities should do more to ensure rules are compliant, or face interventions from the Commission. 1 Based on an Airbnb survey with 831 Hosts with responses from 21 EU countries. Survey conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. 2 Based on 2021 data. Approximately $3,225 USD. 3 Based on an Airbnb survey of over 36,000 Hosts with bookings between June 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 and surveyed between February 17, 2022 and March 31, 2022. Margin of error under 2%. About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals across over 220 countries and regions. Travel on Airbnb keeps more of the financial benefits of tourism with the people and places that make it happen. Airbnb has generated billions of dollars in earnings for Hosts, most of whom are individuals listing the homes in which they live. Among Hosts who report their gender, more than half are women, and one in five employed Hosts are either teachers or healthcare workers. Travel on Airbnb also has generated more than $4 billion in tax revenue around the world. Airbnb has helped advance more than 1,000 regulatory frameworks for short-term rentals, including in 80% of our top 200 geographies. In late 2020, to support our continued expansion and diversification, we launched the City Portal to provide governments with a one-stop shop that supports data sharing and compliance with local registration rules. We continue to invest in innovations and tools to support our ongoing work with governments around the world to advance travel that best serves communities. About Airbnb.org Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis around the world. Airbnb.org operates independently and leverages Airbnb, Inc."s technology, services, and other resources at no charge to carry out Airbnb.org"s charitable purpose. The inspiration for Airbnb.org began in 2012 with a single host named Shell who opened up her home to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This sparked a movement and marked the beginning of a program that allows Hosts on Airbnb to provide stays for people in times of need. Since then, the program has evolved to focus on emergency response and to help provide stays to evacuees, relief workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and frontline workers fighting the spread of COVID-19. Since then, Hosts have offered to open up their homes and helped provide accommodations to 100,000 people in times of need. Airbnb.org is a separate and independent entity from Airbnb, Inc. Airbnb, Inc. does not charge service fees for Airbnb.org supported stays on its platform. Airbnb Press Airbnb Press Office Airbnb The travel and hospitality experts at Accor predict female solo travel trips will become a popular trend in 2023, with Google searches for best places to solo travel as a woman already soaring +5,000% in the last month. In a bid to uncover popular hotspots for solo female travellers, Accor analysed* global Google search volume to reveal the top 10 most popular destinations for those planning a solo getaway. Source: Accor Iceland is the most in-demand destination for a solo female travel trip With 2,740,000 average monthly searches, Iceland tops our list as being the most in-demand destination for women looking to book a solo travel trip in 2023. Located in Northern Europe, Iceland is the ideal travel destination if your desired schedule consists of outdoor activities, including hiking and climbing. Iceland has also ranked consecutively in first place on the Global Peace Index. Italy and Japan make up the top three most in-demand destinations for solo female travellers With 1,898,000 average monthly searches, another European destination Italy takes second place in our rankings. Italy is home to cities Milan, Venice, and Rome, and hosts more UNESCO sites than anywhere else in the world In third place, Japan racks up 1,830,000 average monthly searches. The country, situated off the east coast of Asia, is home to popular tourist destinations including Tokyo and its neighbouring cities, Nikko and Hakone. Japan is also known for its strong transport links which makes navigating your way around the country exceptionally easy especially important for those embarking on a solo female travel trip. Spain is emerging as an up-and-coming hotspot, with the highest increase in searches YoY Despite landing sixth place in the rankings, Spain is predicted to become a travel hotspot for female solo travellers, with a +233% increase in searches YoY. As one of the most visited countries in the world, Spain boasts around 8,000 kilometres of coastline. This perfectly paired with up to 3,000 hours of sun per year makes it ideal for female solo travellers chasing the sun. Accor has partnered with female travel experts, SHe Travel Club In accommodating safe travels for women, Accor has partnered with SHe Travel Club, an independent hotel label that leverages womens feedback to label hospitality locations approved by, and for female travellers. Speaking on the benefits of solo female travel, experts at SHe Travel Club explain: Travelling solo as a woman can have many benefits. On a personal level, it allows women to feel empowered, boosts our self-confidence, and helps us adapt to different cultures, situations and people. Further to Accors study, the experts at SHe Travel Club reveal key points for consideration when finalising your dream travel destination. Safety should be a priority when considering your chosen destination. Conduct research and read reviews to identify safe spots, and dont hesitate to reach out to locals through online forums and communities, especially other female travellers. Enhance your safety through preparation, according to SHe Travel Club When preparing for your travels, SHe Travel experts recommend the following: The 4 pillars: always start your preparations by securing the 4 pillars that surround your journey; safety, comfort, services, and dining. Subscribe to specialised blogs: look out for blogs and forums around your chosen destination(s). Contact other female travellers, and dont be afraid to ask for recommendations. Pre-plan your inter-city travel: if youre planning on hopping across multiple destinations, be sure to have a plan in place that will accommodate this. Look into local, trusted taxi companies, and download or print off public transport timetables and maps to determine the ideal means of transport. With hotels in over 100 countries around the world, you can find affordable accommodation for your solo travel trip at all.accor.com. Notes to Editors: Methodology* We partnered with the co-founders of https://www.solofemaletravelers.club/ who recommended a list of female-friendly solo travel destinations. Using Google, we then analysed global search volumes of each destination over the last 12 months, to determine which destinations have the most average monthly searches, including the YoY increases. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industrys most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit www.group.accor.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. HONG KONG - Marriott International, Inc., today announced plans to expand its portfolio in Greater China with the anticipated addition of 47 hotels in 2023, comprising more than 12,000 rooms, which would bring the companys presence in the region to more than 500 properties and well over 150,000 rooms by this years end. The overall expansion builds on the companys Brand + Destination development strategy to enhance guest accommodations through the companys portfolio of 30 iconic brands. Encompassing luxury, premium and select service brands, Marriott is already well positioned in Greater China with more than 475 hotels across more than 130 destinations. The footprint is slated to grow across key regions, with significant development in the Yangtze Delta Region, the Greater Bay Area and the Bohai Rim Economic Circle. Greater Chinas domestic travel base has proven tremendously resilient and we expect that to continue and to evolve positively along with international travel dynamics. With an eye on changing guest demand, we are strategically building our portfolio under the Brand + Destination strategy and matching brands with complementary destinations to inspire more guests to explore the region. Yibing Mao, President, Greater China, Marriott International Curating Unique Luxury Experiences in New Destinations Marriott Internationals presence in the worlds most exciting destinations and unrivaled protfolio of luxury hotels will be further strengthened by the anticipated addition of properties including Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve nestled near the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province, W Macau Studio City, and JW Marriott Hotel Xian. Joining an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is expected to debut in China this year. Located in the southwest of China, 400 kilometers from the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. Set in a nature reserve, the exotic sanctuary will feature 87 private villas and immersive experiences deeply rooted in the history, culture and natural beauty of the destination. W Hotels anticipates expanding its elevated design, regionally inspired programming and iconic Whatever/Whenever service with the slated opening of W Macau Studio City. Scheduled for the third quarter of 2023, the brand will be making its debut in Macau and is expected to feature a W Sound Suite, the brands signature on-site recording studio, boosting innovation in travel for a new generation. Later in the year, JW Marriott Hotels will continue its emphasis on mindfulness and well-being with the anticipated opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xian. Located at the heart of Xian Economic and Technological Development Zone, the new hotel will offer a panoramic view of the city with 333 modern guest rooms and two dining destinations JW Kitchen and Jin Wei Court Chinese Restaurant. Set to showcase the beauty and history of the destination, the hotel will provide a haven for mindful guests to focus on balancing their mind, body and spirit. Matching Demand for Premium Brands Tapping into evolving guest demands for high-quality service and immersive experiences, Marriott International expects to add 20 properties under the companys premium brand portfolio across brands including Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments, Autograph Collection Hotels and Tribute Portfolio Hotels & Resorts. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is slated to debut in four destinations - Beihai, Ninghai Xuzhou and Taizhou - to continue its transformation journey in Greater China. These additional Sheraton properties will feature an intuitive and holistic experience, with spaces for guests to interact be productive, and feel connected to the local community. With six expected additions in 2023, Marriott Hotels will offer its heartfelt service, modern design and enriching experience that blends leisure and business. Expected brand debuts in emerging cities, such as Shaoxing, Foshan and Shantou, will expand the reach of Marriott Hotels to even more guests in Greater China. The planned debut of Foshan Marriott Hotel, Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Baiyun, and Zhuhai Marriott Hotel Jinwan will complement the companys existing presence in The Greater Bay Area, which has the potential to become a world-class tourist hotspot with its rich cultural resources and heritage. Meanwhile, Shaoxing Marriott Shangyu Hotel and Shantou Marriott Hotel are well-positioned to capture the increasing guest demand for enriching cultural experiences in historic cities. Westin Hotels and Resorts expects to debut in the historic city of Shenyang of Liaoning province and in Yantai, the core city of the Bohai Economic Rim, providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling. Autograph Collection Hotels anticipates its debut in the city of Qingdao of Shandong province, combining the captivating culture of the coastal city with a distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Delta Hotels by Marriott plans to welcome two new properties in the historic city of Xian of Shaanxi province and the natural reserve of Jiuzhaigou, bringing the brands seamless travel experience to the two destinations. Select Service Brands as A Growth Driver Select service brands are expected to represent over half of Marriott Internationals openings across Greater China this year, with 24 planned additions across brands including Courtyard by Marriott Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Hotels, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, and Element Hotels. Debuts in emerging cities and destinations are set to be key drivers of the expansion, such as in Yuyao and Zhuji in Zhejiang province and Qiongzhong in Hainan province. The additions will help inspire domestic travel by enabling guests to explore new areas in first- and second-tier cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, as well as in popular leisure destinations including Qiandao Lake and Jiuzhaigou. The anticipated openings underscore the increasing demand from modern travelers for unique experiences and moderately priced choices. Marriott Internationals development strategy for Greater China signals the companys desire to contribute to the local tourism industry through hotel openings and job creation, adding to the high quality and sustainable development of the Chinese travel industry. The companys award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, will also continue to build meaningful connections with guests through its portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands and money-can't-buy experiences. Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected hotel openings; unit and rooms growth; our growth pipeline; brand debuts in certain markets; travel and business recovery trends and expectations; our local development strategy and expectations; guest demand trends; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Kings Business School and the Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) are to offer an executive education programme designed with and for senior hospitality industry leaders to help them embed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) measures in their businesses. It is estimated that hotels are responsible for 1% of global carbon emissions and with ESG moving from a voluntary marketing and investor relations tool to become a regulated, mandatory, accounting-based requirement, businesses across the industry will gain competitive advantage by fully understanding and embracing the opportunities ESG presents. The programme, co-created in partnership with global industry experts, will give leaders the knowledge and insight they need to integrate ESG into their businesses. Starting in September 2023, the course will combine in-person and online learning in small groups. It will give a thorough grounding in the scientific case for greater environmental sustainability, core concepts such as inclusive innovation, as well as in the regulatory framework and relevant reporting options. Through teaching, guest speakers, case studies and discussion, leaders on the programme will develop a personalised action plan that will enable them to lead and inspire complex, comprehensive change across many areas of their business. The partnership will develop further through the creation of a complementary ESG course for general managers and hotel operating teams. All businesses in the sector need to know how to report on their ESG measures and the best and most successful will understand how to use that type of data to drive sustainable transformation. Done well, ESG drives innovation, value and engagement across the whole business as well as mitigating risk. We are delighted to be partnering with the Energy and Environment Alliance to help asset owners, the leadership teams of brands, franchises and independent operators to understand the new demands on them and also the fantastic opportunity they have to lead the way to a sustainable future for us all. Dr Marc Lepere, Kings Business School Executive Education Lead on ESG & Sustainability The EEAs main ambitions is to forge a network of engaged and proactive industry leaders with the knowledge, skills and ambition to drive sustainable business practices forward across the sector. Im absolutely delighted to announce that the EEA has signed a formal partnership with Kings College London and the Kings Business School to develop ESG Executive Education specifically for our industrys leaders. Ufi Ibrahim, CEO, EEA For more information please contact: Catherine Sirikanda at Kings Business School at [email protected] / 07957 340 795 / [email protected]. About Kings Business School King's Business School, the ninth and newest faculty at King's College London, opened in 2017. It is accredited by AACSB and EQUIS and was rated one of the top 10 business schools for research in the UK based on the Research Excellence Framework 2021. It is rated fifth in the UK for Business Studies by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Based in the heart of London, we are part of an internationally renowned research-intensive university with a track-record of pioneering thinking and the limitless energies of the citys businesses, policy-makers, entrepreneurs and change-makers to draw on. We put our commitment to drive positive change at the heart of our research and education. About the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is not-for-profit coalition of hospitality sector leaders, which is on a mission is to: P ioneer the first universal, scientifically robust standards and metrics for sustainable design, construction and management of hotels and other hospitality assets ioneer the first universal, scientifically robust standards and metrics for sustainable design, construction and management of hotels and other hospitality assets I nitiate access to green finance, sustainability backed loans and improve asset values nitiate access to green finance, sustainability backed loans and improve asset values O btain energy at low cost and carbon free btain energy at low cost and carbon free N egate climate related risks and lead on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices egate climate related risks and lead on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices E SG-proof legal agreements, corporate disclosure, and governance statements SG-proof legal agreements, corporate disclosure, and governance statements E ngage local authorities, government, and international institutions to ensure effective and fair legislation ngage local authorities, government, and international institutions to ensure effective and fair legislation Radiate innovation, know-how and best practice For more information, please visit www.EEA.International or call Anja Spice on +34 6 7716 4441. Anja Spice Energy & Environment Alliance Ltd CHICAGO - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced the strategic growth of its brand portfolio in Mexico, a top leisure and business travel destination for global and domestic travelers, with new luxury and all-inclusive hotels and resorts that reinforce Hyatts commitment to thoughtful growth in key markets. The continued expansion of Hyatts Mexico brand portfolio is expected to increase by 30% through 2025. Strong Brand Growth in Key Leisure Destinations Hyatts expansion of its brands in Mexico reaches desirable destinations known for their culture, architecture, cuisine and history, offering memorable experiences for guests, World of Hyatt members and customers across popular leisure destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Baja California and beyond. Coming soon in spring 2023, Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes will be a new capital-city hub for business and leisure travelers and notable planned openings in 2024 include Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol, which will mark the first Park Hyatt hotel in Mexico and Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort, a luxurious destination on the Yucatan Peninsula. With Hyatts recent acquisition of Dream Hotel Group, Hyatt is expanding The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand with three new luxury Chatwal-branded hotels. Joining The Chatwal in New York and The Chatwal Lodge in the Catskills of New York, The Chatwal San Miguel is slated to debut in 2024, featuring 44 freestanding villas and 125 branded residences, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Laja River Valley and world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage church steeples of San Miguel de Allende. In 2025, Thompson Monterrey is set to expand the luxury-lifestyle Thompson Hotels brands presence in a new market in Mexico, and Park Hyatt Mexico City is expected to welcome guests to Mexicos first urban Park Hyatt. This growth comes on the heels of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand making its highly anticipated Mexico debut with two new, one-of-a-kind hotels: the 30-acre oceanfront escape near the artist haven of Todos Santos, Rancho Pescadero, and NUMU Boutique Hotel in the charming city of San Miguel de Allende, marking the first Hyatt hotels in the Pueblo Magico (magical town) and sought-after leisure market. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt joins several notable Hyatt hotels and resorts that recently opened in Mexico, including Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosi, Andaz Mexico City Condesa, Hyatt Place Monterrey Valle, Hyatt House Monterrey Valle/San Pedro, and four luxury all-inclusive resorts under Hyatts new Inclusive Collection: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, Secrets Impression Moxche Playa del Carmen, Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen and Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa. The continued expansion of the Hyatt brand in Mexico will provide more upscale and luxury hotel options across new and existing resort and urban markets we know are important to our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers. We are proud to thoughtfully grow Hyatts brand footprint in Mexico through our strong relationships with ownership groups and developers, and we look forward to continuing this momentum with an impressive roster of upcoming openings in key destinations across the beautiful country of Mexico. Camilo Bolanos, senior vice president of development, Latin America & the Caribbean, Hyatt Country-Wide Expansion of the Inclusive Collection, Part of World of Hyatt Offering one of the largest portfolios of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world, the Inclusive Collections healthy slate of expected resort openings in 2023 is spearheaded by the recent launch of Secrets Impression Resorts & Spas, a first-of-its-kind product designed to deliver the highest level of luxury all-inclusive service and amenities. The new line extension expects to unveil its second property, Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres, later this year. With the launch of Secrets Impression Resorts & Spas, the Inclusive Collection portfolio is elevating the luxury vacation experience to unprecedented levels. From culturally rich culinary experiences to personalized butler experience, we are continuing to respond to the evolving tastes of discerning travelers and redefining the all-inclusive experience for guests through our signature vacation programs like Endless Privileges. Continuing to invest in our ultra-luxury offering is a critical component of our growth plan moving forward, and Mexico remains a priority market as we raise the bar for leisure travel and exceed the expectations of guests, members and customers. Gonzalo del Peon, Group President, Global Commercial, Inclusive Collection, Hyatt Hyatts anticipated Inclusive Collection resorts and recent openings reinforce the brands commitment to providing new luxury travel experiences across Mexico. Upcoming Mexico openings include intimate, adults-only hideaways such as Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club and Dreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan, a family-friendly resort featuring an aquatic park, lazy river, multiple pools and 350 suites that each have a view of the Pacific Ocean. By the end of 2023, the Inclusive Collection is expected to have more than 45 resorts, representing more than 16,000 rooms, throughout Mexico. Discover Hyatts Latin America Region with a Special Offer From Mexico to Argentina, travelers are invited to experience world-class service, personalized experiences and oceanfront dining at Hyatt hotels and resorts throughout the Latin America region. Guests can enjoy up to 20% off eligible stays at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts when booked by April 10, 2023, for stays now through July 31, 2023, using the offer code LATAM at time of booking. To learn more and for full terms and conditions of the offer, visit: https://discover.hyatt.com/en-us/discover-latin-america. For more information about Hyatt hotels, please visit: www.hyatt.com. The term Hyatt is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2022, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,150 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 72 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Residence Club, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Hyatt Centric, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, and JdV by Hyatt; and the Inclusive Collection, including Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt loyalty program, ALG Vacations, Unlimited Vacation Club, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com. Forward-Looking Statements 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. 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 when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Jorian Weiner Hyatt +1 312 780 3004 Hyatt It is imperative to tell a consistent story about your hotel across all channels. Storytelling can be told through content and images, but it is also about ensuring accurate amenities and offerings across all channels. To ensure higher guest satisfaction and higher conversion rates online, you should regularly audit your local listings as a part of auditing your hotels entire online presence. Here are the top local listings you should regularly audit. We suggest quarterly reviews of: Yext/Rio SEO While most large brands (Marriott, Hilton and IHG) partner with Yext or Rio SEO to distribute content and images to local listings, it is not an exact science. If you have audited your local listings for some information that is incorrect and it keeps popping back up, Yext or Rio SEO is most likely the culprit. Each local listing has a series of relevant questions for your hotel and Yext or Rio SEO may not cover all of the information a listing is looking for. While most large brands (Marriott, Hilton and IHG) partner with Yext or Rio SEO to distribute content and images to local listings, it is not an exact science. If you have audited your local listings for some information that is incorrect and it keeps popping back up, Yext or Rio SEO is most likely the culprit. Each local listing has a series of relevant questions for your hotel and Yext or Rio SEO may not cover all of the information a listing is looking for. Google My Business All of the information on your hotels Knowledge Panel from a Google search comes from the information you provide within Google My Business. New features, amenities and policies are added frequently. Pro Tip: Search for your hotel on Google and find your knowledge panel. Under the Q&A section, put in your top 5 most asked questions and answer them. TripAdvisor TripAdvisor listings allow you to respond to reviews (duh!), update your hotel description, amenities and policies, add images and select a favorite image or a set of images to display on the listings front page, and create a storyboard of images and reviews. Read more about what TripAdvisor platform is right for your hotel if its not already included from your brand. For Branded Hotels: Hilton and Marriott pay for a business listing for each hotel. IHG, no longer provides this for you so your hotel must pay out of pocket. Bing Places Bing has stepped up their game over the last year. Not only can you manage a listing by adding a hotel description, hours of operation, and connect your Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and TripAdvisor listings, it also allows you to add up to 100 photos and tag them! You can even add a special offer. Bing has stepped up their game over the last year. Not only can you manage a listing by adding a hotel description, hours of operation, and connect your Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and TripAdvisor listings, it also allows you to add up to 100 photos and tag them! You can even add a special offer. Yelp A free yelp listing allows you to add images, respond to reviews, share a hotel description, add a call to action, notate if you are a pet friendly hotel, create a check-in offer and include your hotels restaurant menu listing if available. A free yelp listing allows you to add images, respond to reviews, share a hotel description, add a call to action, notate if you are a pet friendly hotel, create a check-in offer and include your hotels restaurant menu listing if available. Apple Maps - Apple maps offers the opportunity to update its pin placement incase you have guests that tell you the maps take them to the wrong place (this happens a lot with new hotels), the hotels URL, name, phone number and address (UNAP), hours of operation Once these are all updated, your hotel can now share a consistent story helping all potential travelers know exactly what to expect from check-in to check-out at your hotel. Stephanie Smith Founder and Digital Matriarch +1 540 239 1052 Cogwheel Marketing View source If theres one piece of feedback we always hear from hoteliers who attend the Direct Booking Summit its that they left with a notebook packed with new tips, ideas and strategies to implement at their hotel right away. But if you forgot your notebook or - even worse - couldnt make it to the recent Direct Booking Summit Bangkok, you have nothing to worry about. The Direct Booking Summit Key Learnings Report is now available to download and enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Its packed with brand-new data, actionable insights, case studies and practical takeaways on some of the most important topics in hospitality, from over 20 industry-leading speakers. So - other than the fact that the Rotunda Bar at the Sian Kempinski knows how to throw a spectacular barbecue party - what else did we learn at the Bangkok Summit? The opportunity is huge if you switch the focus to direct With over 70% of Asias bookings being driven by OTAs, theres clearly work to be done in terms of reducing the reliance on OTAs and better using them to your advantage. Michael Belanger, VP of Commercial Strategy at GCP Hospitality, walked us through exactly what could happen if hoteliers switched just 1% of their direct web business mix away from OTAs. GCP Hospitality wasn't initially focussed on direct bookings and it took them time to balance the use of OTAs with direct business, and to demonstrate the benefits of direct bookings to the leadership team. Download the Key Learnings Report to find out what they did and how to make their strategy work for your hotel too. New Google travel data and tips to make the most of their tools Arindam Das, Head of Business Development, Travel - APAC at Google, shared fascinating new data from the search giant. International travel is surging in Asia - but OTAs remain the more popular way to book online. That could all be set to change though, as Arindam explained how hoteliers can improve their organic presence with Google and capture more bookings themselves. AI has the power to optimize channel and direct booking revenue Multiple factors influence pricing decisions, from historical data and competitors to length of stay, lead time and even operational constraints like housekeeping or renovations. Thats a lot of data and this is often manually decided by the Revenue Management team. Sandy Wee, Senior Regional Director of Sales for IDeaS Revenue Solutions, walked us through the ways that artificial intelligence can take some of the pain out of revenue management decision making, and busted a few hotel AI myths along the way. Ever thought about shutting off all your OTAs? This is what could happen Every hotelier has thought about it, Sunish Sadasivan, VP of ECommerce and Revenue Management at Chroma Hospitality, actually did it. Find out what happened when Sunish shut down booking.com for 30 days, and then rolled that same experiment out to all his OTA partners. He shared real results and outcomes from his hotel, as well as an action plan for hoteliers whod like to try the same thing Learn how to turn TikTok into a source of direct bookings We were thrilled to welcome Tejveer Singh Bedi, Head of Travel-SEA TikTok, to the stage to help hoteliers understand the impact that TikTok can have on their direct bookings, and how to go about creating content that will drive new revenue for their business. According to TikTok, 83% of customers prefer to see video ads from brands rather than blog posts, gifs or static images - so it is imperative to think video-first to connect with your audience and stay relevant. Check out the guide for Tajveers tips on creating great TikTok content for your customers. How to create hotel content that converts Panel discussions are always insightful at the Direct Booking Summit, and Bangkok was no exception. Anita Chan, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing at Dorsett Hospitality International, and Blessy Townes, VP & Head of Digital at Discovery Hospitality, took to the stage to discuss what kind of content hotels should focus on to increase conversions. And when it comes to hotel content, what actually counts as a conversion anyway? If youre feeling uninspired in terms of your own hotels content strategy, this panel provided some fantastic starting points and ideas to test, track and learn from. Game over OTAs? New strategies for turning data into direct bookings Alasdair Snow, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, and Jonathan Hickford, Group Product Manager for Guest Applications at Triptease walked attendees through our latest innovation for hotels - The Triptease Data Marketing Platform. Knowing who your best guests are is hard because it isnt a stable picture - guests needs change continuously. On top of that, OTAs are adapting their pricing and offers all the time, and feeder markets are coming online at different times of the day. The whole market is rapidly moving around you, all the time. The Triptease Data Marketing Platform is designed to help hoteliers take control of all that data, and to apply it across your marketing channels in a synchronised, joined up way. Download the guide to find out more about how Triptease is providing the data sophistication of an OTA for every hotel. What else can you find in the report? The current and predicted state of the industry - and the new trends hotels should capitalize on. Optimizing profitability through product design and upselling. What can we expect in 23? Hotel rate parity trends in Asia. Customer micro-segmentation: the key to direct profit growth. Live website audits with a user experience expert. Whether you were at the Direct Booking Summit in Bangkok or would just like to learn from our experts, download our Key Learnings Report for the complete guide on how to improve your direct bookings. About Triptease Triptease is a SaaS startup building industry-leading software for the hotel industry. The company was co-founded in 2015 by Charlie Osmond, Alasdair Snow and Alexandra Zubko and has offices in London, New York, Barcelona and Singapore. Triptease's most recent funding was led by British Growth Fund alongside Notion Capital and Episode 1. The Triptease Platform is built to help hotels take back control of their distribution and increase their direct revenue. The platform identifies a hotel's most valuable guests then works across the entire customer journey - from acquisition to conversion - to make sure they book directly at the hotel. Direct Booking Summit Triptease View source Q: I signed and recorded a Transfer on Death Deed in 2016. It was the first version of the form. My concern is that the TODD may not be acceptable by some title companies. What would be your take on this? As a backup I do have a will leaving my property to my two children. A: The form you used years ago should still be valid, even though that form is no longer in use. Title companies tend to reject TODDs if they lack proper legal descriptions or if they were not signed or recorded properly. There are many other types of fatal mistakes that can be made. It is unclear at this time, even years after the TODD form was made available in Texas, what other issues might be raised by a title company upon a subsequent sale of the property. Title companies are still developing their underwriting guidelines, and as the use of the forms becomes more widespread, it will then be clearer whether title issues will be a problem or not. RELATED: Beneficiaries entitled to accounting from trustee Of course, the problem with a TODD is that once a title company gets involved, you will no longer be alive and therefore unavailable to sign a correction TODD. There is also a two-year period after your death when creditors of your estate can petition a court to force a sale of the home. There is therefore a risk that your children might face delays following your death if they try to sell the home. Fortunately, you do have a will which can be probated, so an executor with authority from the court will be able to clear up any issues that might arise. Q: My grandmother died in 1977 and gave 8 acres of land to her three sons, all of whom have since passed away. Each son had two children. The six of us recently sold the land for $90,000. I had to probate my father's will so that we could sell the property. Was the sale tax-free because it was an inheritance, or do we have to pay capital gain taxes? If yes, what would our cost basis be? A: The sale was not tax-free, but was instead potentially subject to capital gains taxes. Your cost basis (and the cost basis of your sibling) would be equal to half of the fair market value of your father's interest on the date of his death. You can find out that value by looking at the inventory that was prepared as part of your father's probate. The same would be true for your cousins, except that they would use the fair market value on their fathers' respective dates of death. The information in this column is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not legal advice. Ronald Lipman of the Houston law firm Lipman & Associates is board-certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Email questions to: stateyourcase@lipmanpc.com. The Texas Observer is on the verge of shutting down after nearly 70 years of publishing as an often-lone voice of progressive dissent in a largely conservative political landscape although some on the magazine's staff say they are fighting for a reprieve. The news, first reported Sunday by the Texas Tribune, follows a vote last week by the nonprofit Texas Democracy Foundation, which owns the magazine, to close the Observer and lay off its 17 staff members, including 13 journalists. But on Monday, editor-in-chief Gabriel Arana said that staff will ask for a reprieve. "The Texas Observer is not like a Walmart that can just be shut down," he said in a tweet. "Weve asked the board members who voted to quit to resign and allow those of us who want to see the legacy continue do the work." The Observer was founded in 1954 and gave voice to left-leaning Texans in what was, at the time, a state led by conservative Democrats such as Gov. Allen Shivers. He had been re-elected that year with nearly 90 percent of the vote in the general election after edging past progressive Ralph Yarborough in the Democratic primary. It remained a progressive bastion in the subsequent decades as Republicans began making inroads and eventually took control of state government. The Observer featured investigative reporting, criticism and commentary from journalists including Billy Lee Brammer, Dagoberto Gilb, Jim Hightower and most famously Molly Ivins, the hell-raising humorist raised in Houston. More recently, the Observer published award-winning work from journalists including Melissa del Bosque as well as significant reporting on criminal justice, the border, the environment, labor and civil rights. In an interview with the Tribune, Robert R. Frump who had run the Observer's business operations since June but resigned in protest on Thursday after learning of the vote to close down the magazine said that he could understand the board's decision, even though he disagreed with it. The Observer had, he said, struggled to adapt to a changing media landscape and proliferation of news outlets in Texas, especially with an aging reader and donor base. "Theres a nostalgia for Molly Ivins and Ann Richards and their era, and thats a lot of what still drives the Observer," Frump said. "We werent able to build a bridge to the younger, progressive generation." The Observer had a budget of $2.1 million last year, the Tribune reported, with most of its support coming from a small number of donors rather than its 4,000 subscribers. The magazine did not take advertisements or charge online readers. On Sunday night, the news of the Observer's prospective closing was greeted with sorrow and anger from readers and the magazine's alumni about the potential loss of the outlet itself, the actions of the board leading up to it, and what it might portend for the future of small, nonprofit, independent media organizations, which have never had an easy path. "The thing Im proudest of is that yall are still here," said Duggar, the magazine's founder, in a 2019 interview marking the magazine's 65th anniversary. WASHINGTON - House Republicans plan to vote this week on a sprawling energy package that would expand U.S. oil and gas production, loosen mining restrictions and speed up permits for energy and infrastructure projects across the board. The House Rules Committee on Monday cleared the bill, named the Lower Energy Costs Act, as Republicans seek to pass their first major piece of legislation since taking control of the House in January. The 175-page piece of legislation, which would do everything from repeal new fees for fugitive methane emissions to require quarterly federal lease sales for oil and gas drilling, is not expected to find much support in the Democrat-controlled Senate. But its provisions for permitting reform, a longstanding bipartisan issue, are likely to increase debate around the development of long distance power lines, as well as the mining of lithium and other critical minerals viewed as essential to clean energy development. "The GOP messaging bill sets up an occasion for a conversation with the Senate that could potentially lead to a compromise," Christine Tezak, a managing director with research firm Clearview Energy Partners, wrote in a note to clients Monday. Congress is coming under increasing pressure from American industry to fix a permitting system the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other industry groups described in a letter to Congress Monday as "broken." "Investing in highways, bridges, transit systems and ports will move people and goods more quickly and efficiently. Building new energy production, transmission and distribution projects promises to improve energy reliability and reduce emissions," the coalition wrote. But any efforts to loosen the National Environmental Policy Act, the environmental law governing many large infrastructure projects, is likely to face opposition from progressive Democrats, who scuttled efforts by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., to pass permitting reform legislation last year despite support from President Joe Biden. Environmental groups have attacked Republicans' energy legislation across the board, arguing the permitting reform provisions would expand the infrastructure for fossil fuels at a time the nation should be reducing reliance on them. "Undermining environmental review and desperately trying to ramp up drilling and mining on and beyond public lands as quickly as possible under the guise of climate-friendly solutions is an insult to the public," the Wilderness Society wrote in a report earlier this month. WASHINGTON Two months after President Joe Biden tapped Willie Phillips to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the independent commission is moving toward a faster review process for natural gas pipelines and LNG export terminals. Rising concern among Democrats about climate change had thrown those reviews into increasing uncertainty in recent years, holding up approvals and in some cases causing pipeline companies to abandon projects all together. But a series of recent decisions by Phillips, who is the commission's acting chairman, to allow natural gas projects to move ahead with less rigorous environmental reviews than required by his predecessor, including the expansion of a pipeline running between Texas and Louisiana, could mean an end to a backlog of pipeline and LNG projects. Amy Andryszak, president of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, said she was encouraged by the shift in environmental policy, which she said should reduce permitting reviews that can take years by five months. We look forward to seeing what other changes the chairman makes, she said. FERC had for decades permitted natural gas projects with little debate between Republicans and Democrats commissioners. If developers could prove they had a market for the gas and they could operate a pipeline safely with minimal impact on the environment, they had their permit. But increasing evidence of the damage done to the planet by greenhouse gas emissions has put pressure on FERC to consider the impact on climate change in permitting a pipeline or other infrastructure. Tensions flared last year when the Democrat majority on the commission, led by Chairman Richard Glick, ordered developers to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from their projects, including those that were already under review. After opposition from Democrats and Republicans alike, Glick withdrew the new regulation. But tension persisted, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., the powerful chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, refused to allow a second-term confirmation hearing for Glick, who stepped down after his term expired in January. The incident left some wondering whether FERCs days as an independent arbiter on energy projects, free of the politics that govern much of Washington, were numbered. Its an unfortunate set of circumstances that lead this chair next to me to be open, Commissioner Allison Clements, a Democrat and former attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said at a FERC meeting in January. We have moved beyond the time where this commission can stay out of the political limelight. So far, Phillips has been trying to take a middle ground approach. At his first press conference in January, Phillips, a former assistant general counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corp. and the first African American to hold the position of FERC chairman, said he was focused on working with my colleagues to build consensus. I want to see projects not just approved but built, he said. Its going to take time to figure out the best pathway forward. Phillips is already facing pushback from environmentalists who argue the construction of LNG terminals is likely to increase greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas at a time scientists say the planet needs to begin reducing emissions. Although there is pressure to hurry up approvals of these LNG projects, government regulators should be careful and thoughtful in considering their significant environmental impacts," Alexandra Shaykevich, a senior analyst at the Environmental Integrity Project, said in a statement last year. "A dramatic increase in global dependence on LNG could be risky, from a climate perspective." There is one vacancy on the five-member commission, and the question hanging over the it is whether Phillips can forge a deal between Clements and one of the two Republican commissioners, James Danly and Mark Christie, both of whom opposed the proposal last year to require the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. FERC now has 24 gas pipeline projects awaiting a decision one of which dates back to 2019 - and if Phillips wants pipeline projects to get approved, he will likely need to find a way to deal with projects' emissions that will satisfy both sides of the aisle. I think theres a sweet spot there, said Neil Chatterjee, an attorney and former FERC chairman during the Trump administration. They have to catch up. It has been a tortured process the last couple years and theres a bunch of projects that have been held up. Houstons Phillis Wheatley High School celebrates its centennial in four years. As with many institutions with long histories, Wheatley High School became its own entity independent of its namesake. The school over the years educated a number of prominent Houstonians. Musical alumni include jazz greats like Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, Hubert Laws and members of the Crusaders, including Joe Sample and Stix Hooper. Boxer George Foreman passed through Wheatley, as did several NFL stars. Notable elected officials from Wheatley include Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. But what of the woman whose name greets students when they arrive at the school? unknown Three years ago, poet Honoree Fanonne Jeffers published an award-winning collection of lovely and provocative poems that sought to reframe the life and work of Phillis Wheatley, a corrective to an unreliable and inaccurate biographical account written by Margaretta Matilda Odell nearly 200 years ago. Now Wheatleys life and art are the subject of the book The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poets Journey Through American Slavery and Independence. The scope of research and analysis provided by biographer David Waldstreicher matches the heaviness of his books subtitle. Biographies of poets can veer into dry territory. Waldstreichers text feels like a series of narrative enjambments: Each page bleeds into the next with a tantalizing sense of discovery as the author pulls into better focus a short, brilliant life lived in an era of opaque conflict. The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poets Journey Through American Slavery and Independence' By David Waldstreicher Farrar Straus & Giroux 496 pages, $30 See More Collapse Early years Wheatleys first name came from the name of the slave ship that brought her to Boston from West Africa. The Wheatley family John, Susanna and their teenage daughter Mary purchased her in 1761 and gave the 8-year-old child the name Phillis. The Wheatley family noted Phillis making charcoal letters on the walls of their home. They taught her to read English. By 12 she was writing letters and verse. From the outset, Waldstreicher covers the complicated confluence of influences that informed her work in the Colonies as revolutionary fervor began to rise. All three revivals Greco-Roman, Protestant, British American could, and did, challenge, and also justify African slavery, he writes. All three subcultures religious, political and literary could welcome her or shut her out. And indeed, all three did both, before and after her emancipation. Thats what cultures do in the harsh but clarifying light of politics. The arc of this history bends both toward and away from justice. FSG Finding renown Waldstreicher contextualizes Wheatleys verse, which begins to find favor in Boston and London. She became the third woman and the first person of African descent in the Colonies to publish a book of poems. That her work and renown take place amid the American Revolution creates a complicated narrative, with strands about freedom, revolution and slavery forming a cultural knot. Cast of characters In addition to charting Wheatleys development as a poet, Waldstreichers research also connects her to figures well-known and obscure to create a less insular view of the poet, including Obour Tanner, an enslaved woman in Rhode Island, who Wheatley may have met onboard the Phillis and with whom she maintained a long correspondence. Correspondences with cleric Samson Occom and Gen. George Washington are also discussed. Thomas Jefferson: not a fan While Washington offered admiration for Wheatleys work, Thomas Jefferson was among the most outspoken in his criticism, infamously writing: Religion, indeed, has produced a Phillis Wheatley; but it could not produce a poet. The compositions published under her name are below the dignity of criticism. An incomplete story Wheatley died at age 31 in 1784. Two of her children died before her, one shortly after. At the time of her death, her husband, John Peters, was in debtors prison. Upon his release, he tried to publish her second book, to no avail. Phillis Wheatleys end and her ends are shadowed by the absence of the book we dont have, Waldstreicher writes, a pile of manuscript lost somewhere in a nations origins. The book works through 13 unattributed Wheatleyan poems that the author includes in the appendix, leaving readers to make up their own minds whether Wheatley wrote them and how much that matters. As much clarification and detail as he brings to Wheatleys life and work, he admits to the historians paradox: to remember, to discover, to revise the past is also to realize, always, how much we dont know. Fittingly, the final chapter is not titled The Afterlife but rather The Afterlives. AP MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) A New Hampshire man facing a murder charge in connection with the disappearance of his 5-year-old daughter who has not been seen since 2019 and is presumed dead has been indicted on unrelated gun charges. The Hillsborough County Grand Jury earlier this month indicted Adam Montgomery on two counts each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an armed career criminal. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An alleged human trafficker fatally shot during a deadly FBI raid last week at a hotel in north Houston has been identified by the Harris County medical examiner's office. Alberto Montes died around 4:45 a.m. March 23 at a hotel on Sam Houston Parkway, according to the medical examiners office. Initial findings list his cause and manner of death as "pending" and the office had not provided a date of birth for the man, according to its website. MORE ABOUT CASE: Man charged in hostage case that led to deadly FBI raid in north Houston An FBI agent shot and killed Montes Thursday morning after a police standoff that began when investigators suspected he and another man were holding two people hostage, officials have said. Josiah Lamarion Jackson, 17, has been charged on suspicion of two counts of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the abduction of a man and woman, according to Harris County court records. Legal filings allege Jackson had been one of two people who allegedly abducted and planned to ransom a man and woman, Montes being the other. Officials with the FBI said agents had been helping the Waller County sheriffs office with a hostage rescue operation, which had stretched on for several days when the shooting happened. The rescue attempt began three days earlier when three migrants were kidnapped from a vehicle in Waller County, according to the Associated Press. The three migrants had been traveling in a vehicle March 18 on Interstate 10 when they were stopped by the kidnappers and forced into another vehicle, Sean Whittmore, a prosecutor with the Waller County district attorney's office, told the Associated Press. The driver of the migrants' vehicle called 911 and told officers about the kidnapping. Local authorities later contacted the FBI. It is unclear what happened to the third person in the car who originally called police. Courtesy of Metro Video Services A man late Monday allegedly shot and injured a would-be robber near the Metro station in downtown Houston, police said. Officers around 8:50 p.m. responded to the 1900 block of Main Street where they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, Lt. J.P. Horelica, of the Houston Police Department, told Metro Video Services. The man was taken to a hospital. Courtesy of Metro Video Services A woman was injured and several people were arrested after she was ambushed and a fight broke out at a hotel in north Houston, officials said. Harris County Precinct 4 deputies around 11 p.m. responded to reports of a shooting in the 11500 block of Bammel North Houston Road, where they found several people who were yelling and arguing, Metro Video Services reported. A woman was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators had not yet released the names of those who were reportedly arrested. Courtesy of Metro Video Services A man was injured late Monday when he was shot while trying to get two family members to leave a party he was throwing at a southeast Houston apartment, officials said. Officers around 10 p.m. responded to a report of a shooting in the 8300 block of Park Place Boulevard and found a man with two gunshot wounds, Lt. J.P. Horelica of the Houston Police Department told Metro Video Services reporters. The man was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. There are baby meerkats repeat, baby meerkats at the Houston Zoo. "Our meerkat mob just got twice as cute!," the Zoo announced Monday, in a Facebook post. The two new pups were born in February, the zoo explained. Recently, they've been venturing out of their underground den to explore and play alongside the rest of the zoo's "meerkat mob." Related: Houston Zoo's famous tortoises, Mr. and Mrs. Pickles, welcome three babies Their mother, Meerkat Mae, still keeps the pups in the den part of the day, the Zoo said. But many recent visitors have been able to catch a glimpse of the two pups, who have not yet been named. While they are getting bigger every day, the zoo said, they are still tiny. Meerkats grow to be 9-11.5 inches long or tall, if you catch them as they stand up straight, surveying the landscape. The Houston Zoo's meerkat habitat is outside, at the Carruth Natural Encounters exhibit, which is also home to the zoo's moon jellyfish, naked mole rats, Asian small-clawed otters, white-faced Saki monkeys and red-bellied piranhas (in different habitats). Carruth Natural Encounters is about 50 yards from the zoo's newest exhibit, Galapagos Islands, which opens to the public April 7. It's been a busy spring for babies at the Houston Zoo, which also recently welcomed three new members of the Pickles family radiated tortoises Jalapeno, Gherkin and Dill. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on his increasing range of weapons. North Korean photos of the meeting also showed what appeared to be a small new tactical warhead that was possibly designed to fit on a variety of delivery systems developed in recent years to overwhelm South Korean defenses. The report in state media Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven launch events in this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against his enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle, underscoring heightened tensions in the region. Officials say North Korea could further up the ante in coming weeks or months with more provocative displays of its military nuclear program, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim, during a meeting on Monday with officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute, stressed the need to ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal exponentially, and issued unspecified important tasks for his nuclear industry. Kim also examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles, the agency said. The agencys photos showed Kim talking with officials inside a hall that displayed what appeared to be various types of warheads, including around 10 khaki-green capsules with red tips. Other weapons included devices that looked like a black-and-white cone with fins or a large torpedo. A wall poster near one of the green devices described a warhead called Hwasan-31, based on the Korean word for volcano. The posters graphics implied that the weapon could fit on some of North Koreas short-range ballistic systems, cruise missiles and a purported nuclear-capable underwater drone the country first unveiled last week. State media didnt identify any of the devices in the photos. The size and shape of the Hwasan-31, which some experts estimated was around 50 centimeters (19 inches) wide and 90 centimeters (35 inches) long, suggested progress in North Korean efforts to create a miniaturized warhead that could fit on its delivery systems, said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said the reports suggest North Korea is moving closer to its next nuclear test. Hours before North Koreas sixth test in 2017, state media showed Kim Jong Un observing a silver, peanut-shaped device, which apparently was a purported thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles the North claimed to have detonated during that test. Cheong said the North will likely use its next test to claim it acquired a miniaturized nuclear warhead to mount on a growing range of weapons it describes as tactical. The Norths use of the term communicates a threat to proactively use them during conflicts to blunt the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the United States. North Korea likely has dozens of nuclear warheads that can probably be fitted on some of its older systems, like Scuds or Rodong missiles. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Souths military was analyzing the warhead unveiled in the North Korean photos but didnt provide specific assessments. Kim's calls for boosting bomb fuel production came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, in what was seen as a warning to the West as it increases military support for Ukraine. While aligning with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has stressed three-way cooperation with Moscow and Beijing to confront a new Cold War waged by U.S. imperialists, who it accuses of bringing the conflict to Asia by stepping up military activities with Seoul and Tokyo. A biennial South Korean defense document released in February said North Korea is estimated to have 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of weapons-grade plutonium, which some observers say is enough for about nine to 18 bombs. The document estimated that North Korea has a considerable amount of highly enriched uranium as well. North Koreas main nuclear complex in Yongbyon has facilities to produce both plutonium and highly enriched uranium, the two main bomb fuels used to build nuclear weapons. North Korea is believed to be operating at least one additional covert uranium enrichment facility, in addition to the one at Yongbyon.. In separate reports, KCNA said the North again detonated mock warheads during tests of nuclear-capable missiles and a purported underwater attack drone this week. The reports came a day after neighboring militaries detected the North firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast. Mondays launches came hours before a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier and its battle group engaged in joint training with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island, in the allies latest show of strength. The USS Nimitz and the other warships pulled into the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Tuesday. The Norths official Rodong Sinmun newspaper on Tuesday published a commentary condemning the allies exercises and the U.S. deployment of the Nimitz strike group in the Korean Peninsula, insisting that the move amounts to an open declaration of war. KCNA said the missiles tested Monday were tipped with mock nuclear warheads that detonated as intended 500 meters (1,640 feet) above their sea targets. A front-line unit fired the missiles as part of an exercise familiarizing the troops with executing nuclear attack orders, the agency said. KCNA also said North Korea this week conducted another test of an underwater nuclear attack drone capable of setting off a radioactive tsunami to destroy enemy vessels and ports. Analysts, however, are skeptical whether such a device was a new threat, and South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday it believes the North Korean claims regarding the weapon are likely exaggerated or fabricated. Still, the drone underlines Kims commitment to spur the expansion of his nuclear arsenal as he seeks to force the United States to accept the North as a legitimate nuclear power and negotiate economic concessions from a position of strength. North Korea already is coming off a record year in weapons testing, launching more than 70 missiles in 2022. It had set into law an escalatory nuclear doctrine that authorizes pre-emptive nuclear strikes in a broad range of scenarios where it may perceive its leadership as under threat. ___ Find more of AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate South Dakota's House failed Monday to override Gov. Kristi Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created government regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state. The bill had passed smoothly throughout the legislature, and Noem's veto of last week was upheld on a 37-30 vote. Proponents had argued the bill would have centralized different cryptocurrency systems through one government oversight commission, boosting transparency. But opponents saw the proposed regulations as a tool for potential government surveillance and overreach, saying they wanted more time to see how such legislation fares in other states. Six other states have passed the Uniform Commercial Code's update, which requires tangible records of cryptocurrency exchanges so that they can be considered money. National commercial standards aim to regulate digital currency exchanges by adding transaction records, but Noem said such a step would take away from South Dakotans market freedoms. It would be imprudent to create regulations governing something that does not yet exist. More importantly, South Dakota should not open the door to a potential future overreach by the federal government, Noem said in a statement last week in vetoing the bill. As similar bills emerge in other state legislatures, Republican counterparts like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota have expressed concerns about possible government surveillance akin to China's heavy-handed oversight of its markets. The suspicions over regulation of a Central Bank Digital Currency come a year after President Joe Biden's executive order to explore a federal bank-owned digital currency. Biden's step triggered a burst of misinformation, including claims it would create a cashless society. Bill proponents argued that those who believe the government would replace cryptocurrency companies with a federal system are mistaken, and that the bill simply would have bridged federal government and digital currencies, which are not currently recognized as money. The bill's sponsor, House Republican Hugh Bartels, said he expects most of the country will pass such code updates amid the rise of various forms of cryptocurrency. The misconception is that this bill is authorizing central bank digital currency, Bartels said. Its just setting up a way to do business with it. The first most popular cryptocurrency, bitcoin, launched more than a decade ago. While fundamentally digital money, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government institution. ___ This story has been corrected to show the House vote was 37-30, not 36-30. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. Security Council on Monday declined a Russian request to investigate the blasts on the pipelines that move natural gas from Russia to Europe under the Baltic Sea. Russia, China and Brazil voted in favor of the Russian request, but other Security Council members abstained or said another investigation was unnecessary. For a resolution to be adopted by the U.N. Security Council, it needs a minimum of nine yes votes in the 15-member council, and no veto by one of the permanent members the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France. The U.S. deputy ambassador, Robert Wood, said there was no need for a U.N. probe when investigations by Sweden, Denmark and Germany are proceeding in a comprehensive, transparent and impartial manner. It was an attempt to discredit the work of ongoing national investigations and prejudice any conclusions they reached that do not comport to Russias predetermined and political narrative. It was not an attempt to seek the truth, he said. The pipelines, known as Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, are majority-owned by Russias state-run energy giant Gazprom. Nord Stream 1 carried Russian gas to Germany until Moscow cut off supplies at the end of August 2022. Nord Stream 2 never entered service as Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The explosions on both occurred on Sept. 26. The investigations by European nations have yet to yield conclusive results, at least none made public. Both pipelines bypass existing routes that go through Ukraine, meaning that Ukraine could lose income from transit fees and be unable to directly use the gas they carry. The Nord Stream pipelines were seen as an effort by Russia to gain further control over Europes energy supplies. Some have said the blasts caused the worst release of methane in history. The New York Times, The Washington Post and German media have published stories citing U.S. and other officials as saying there was evidence Ukraine, or at least Ukrainians, may have been responsible. The Ukrainian government has denied involvement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed as sheer nonsense allegations that Ukrainians could have been behind the blasts and pointed the finger at the U.S. You know a corporate tax break is a bad deal for Texas when taxpayers will still be on the hook for $31 billion three decades after it expired. Such is the zombie-esque resiliency of Chapter 313, a program whose brand became so toxic that by the time it came up for renewal during the 2021 legislative session, members of both political parties let the clock run out and thereby killed it. The program gave manufacturing and energy companies deep discounts on their school property taxes for 10 years once a project begins operating, an incentive intended to keep Texas economically competitive. Instead, Chapter 313 proved to be a ripoff; a poorly regulated corporate welfare program rife with abuse. Chapter 313's price tag had ballooned in recent years, costing the state more than $1.1 million in tax breaks per new job, according to the state's own metrics. Dozens of companies failed to fulfill their job-creation promises yet faced no repercussions. It created a system of winners and losers among Texas school districts, where only a small portion attracted the investments, while larger urban districts, such as Houston ISD, lost tens of millions of dollars in much-needed revenue, due to the state's redistribution of education funding commonly known "Robin Hood." In a perfect world, such a roundly acknowledged boondoggle would remain buried; a tax break monster story fiscal conservatives would cite as a cautionary tale for lawmakers. Although the zombie tax breaks will be walking around for decades, at least no new ones would be created. Also in this perfect world, other states would stop their corporate giveaways, but that isn't the case so there's a case to be made for a new and properly regulated version so Texas can keep winning in the competition for new jobs. Alas, like a bad horror movie sequel, Chapter 313 is back this session, and at least theoretically worse than ever because it lacks any brains and could spawn a whole new generation of bad zombie tax breaks. This version of the program, outlined in House Bill 5, a shell legislation introduced by state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, with several Democratic co-sponsors, is notable for its stark lack of detail. It doesn't limit the length or amount of the tax breaks, doesn't mandate that the projects create jobs and doesn't specify that companies must be considering sites outside of Texas in order to qualify. There are also no penalties for companies that violate their agreements. If this is what House Speaker Dade Phelan had in mind when he told reporters in January he wanted to enact a new tax break program with more oversight and transparency and accountability," then the bill is already off to a bad start. Simply re-upping a "Walking Dead" version of Chapter 313 while lawmakers negotiate the finer points behind closed doors does not foster confidence or quiet skepticism. A recent study of a similar tax credit program in California found that each job it incentivized led to more than two additional people working in that location, and increased employment in both high- and low-income communities. It's secret? A rigorous review process, something that the original Chapter 313 lacked. A Chronicle investigation found less than 2.5 percent of 313 applications were rejected by the state comptroller even if companies had no intention of locating anywhere else. At minimum, every project receiving a tax break should have a thorough economic analysis of the entirety of the project and its impact on the community and the state. There is still time for the Legislature to shape HB 5 into something more than a fill-in-the-blank tax incentive program. Complicating matters is Gov. Greg Abbott's demand that any new iteration of the tax incentive won't include renewable energy since "there's already federal incentives" for such projects. Lawmakers should focus on accountability, , not picking energy winners and losers. Tax incentive programs can work. Despite having no personal income tax, Texas' high property taxes are seen by many as a barrier to capital investment. There is value to having a program unique to our state that will attract businesses and create jobs for years to come. What it shouldn't do is rob Texans blind and deprive public school children of sorely needed funds for their classrooms. As currently written, House Bill 5 falls well short of that standard. The Turner administration has narrowed the scope of its proposed conservation district program, targeting just six neighborhoods for a pilot stage, as the City Council prepares to consider the initiative Wednesday. Intended as a more flexible and less onerous tool than historic districts for communities seeking protection from redevelopment and gentrification, conservation districts would allow interested property owners to choose from 19 areas of regulation such as building height, lot size, parking, fences, architectural design and demolition to apply to their neighborhoods. GENTRIFICATION DEBATE: Turner wants to fight Houston gentrification with conservation districts. Critics say it won't work. The Planning and Development Department unveiled the final version of the proposal last week, limiting the initial rollout to six communities that have expressed interest in the designation: Independence Heights, Freedmen's Town, Acres Homes, Magnolia Park/Manchester, Pleasantville and Piney Point. If the program framework is adopted Wednesday, the city would assess each of the six neighborhoods individually, deciding whether to establish a conservation district within its boundaries before expanding to other areas. The goal, according to Planning Director Margaret Wallace Brown, is to manage expectations and prevent her limited staff from being inundated with requests from neighborhoods across the city. I really don't have any idea how much community interest is going to be in this, and I don't want to be overwhelmed with the staff that we have, Wallace Brown said. I know we could handle these six in the next several months. And so let's see how this goes. Let's keep our toe into the water, so to speak, and make sure that we are successful with this before opening it up to the entire city. CHANGING COMMUNITIES: These Houston neighborhoods are evolving through gentrification. Here's a look at their past and present. The proposal has sparked public debate since the Planning Department first announced it earlier this year. While most written comments received by the city 36 out of 48 by February expressed support for conservation districts, some voiced concerns over the zoning-like regulations, their impact on property values, long-term effects on gentrification, and the rushed timeline for the public to provide feedback. There has been very limited public dialogue on the proposed conservation district ordinance, said John Rentz, president of the Houston Real Estate Council. The historic preservation ordinance had several meetings with the community and stakeholders. Additional community and stakeholder meetings are needed to create the best possible ordinance. Under the proposal, a conservation designation would require approval from 51 percent of an area's property owners, in contrast to the 67 percent necessary to apply for a historic district, and the 100 percent required to create deed restrictions. The effect of this ordinance is the city will be creating deed restrictions with 51 percent property owner support, far less than required in state law, Rentz said. In addition, the proposed options for possible items to regulate are more restrictive than historic districts that require 67 percent property owner support and do not provide an opt-out option. Richard Mazzarino, president of Houston homebuilder Mazzarino Construction and Development, said while he is not for or against conservation districts, he wants to remind homeowners that any restrictions that limit what developers can do with a piece of property could negatively affect its value and the owners ability to sell it. When we review the restrictions, minimum lot sizes/building lines, and historic district boundaries, often, we have to pass on purchasing a property because the economics do not make sense, Mazzarino said. Homeowners aren't provided facts and information about how these decisions could affect their property values until they realize they are too late and most builders/developers aren't interested in their property. COURT WIN: Houstons historic preservation ordinance gets OK from Texas Supreme Court Some local advocates, on the other hand, said they desperately need another program to protect their communities from redevelopment. Tanya Debose, executive director of the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council, urged city officials to support a conservation designation for her community to stop the aggressive amount of demolitions taking place there since the COVID-19 pandemic. Zion Escobar, executive director of the Houston Freedmens Town Conservancy, said the entire community could have been saved had there been more preservation tools at its disposal. City officials have said conservation districts, if approved, would arise from community interests rather than being imposed by the city. The latest version also includes more language on property owners' role in the process, although there remains no formal application process, leaving the planning department with the discretion to initiate the designation process. "We try to keep ordinances as simple as possible. And there's a difference between practice and what is required by the code," Wallace Brown said. "How we operate is our discretion, and it's not typically the ordinance dictating that." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have drawn up multibillion-dollar plans to cut property taxes, each with a different approach. So who would benefit from the tax-saving plans, and by how much? PROPERTY TAXES: Leaders of Texas Legislature set battle lines over property tax relief The $17.3 billion House proposal would use state dollars to buy down school property taxes essentially offsetting the burden on local taxpayers and halve an existing 10 percent cap on year-to-year appraisal increases. The new 5 percent cap would apply to businesses, too. Senate lawmakers want to put up $16.5 billion to replace school district property tax revenue. Under their proposal, nearly a quarter of relief would come from raising the school property tax homestead exemption from $40,000 to $70,000, allowing homeowners to shave that amount off the taxable value of their primary residence. The plan would also raise the homestead exemption for those over 65 and for disabled homeowners and extend $1.5 billion of tax relief to businesses. Leaders in the two chambers are heralding their proposals as historic, much-needed pieces of property tax relief. But each approach funded by a massive state budget surplus mostly fueled by sales taxes and taxes on oil and gas would give bigger slices of the pie to different groups. What are the pros and cons of lowering appraisal caps? Its become something of a tradition amid rising property values in Texas: Every April, homeowners brace for their appraisal notices and the sticker shock that comes with them. Cushioning the blow is a state law that, for the last 25 years, has prevented the taxable value of a homestead residence from increasing more than 10 percent annually. House Republicans want to lower the appraisal cap and extend it to all types of property, including rental homes, apartments and businesses. Supporters of the approach say it would strengthen the states existing protections against sudden property value spikes, giving property owners more predictability. The plan is opposed by a wide range of critics, from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt conservative Republicans who are spearheading the Senates property tax package to groups such as Every Texan, a progressive think tank. Dick Lavine, senior fiscal analyst at Every Texan, said appraisal caps benefit wealthier homeowners the most because "higher-value homes have historically tended to appreciate in value faster than other homes." Lowering the appraisal cap any further "could exacerbate this imbalance," Lavine said. Opponents of appraisal caps have long argued that they do nothing to alleviate the overall tax burden, simply shifting the load onto other parts of the tax base that dont benefit from the caps, such as businesses and renters. Even if lawmakers expanded the cap to cover all types of property, the burden would still shift from properties with fast-increasing values to those seeing slower increases, the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, a business-friendly tax policy think tank, wrote in a report last month. Critics argue that the burden would also fall on new homebuyers, who are taxed on their propertys full market value not the value, limited by years of 5 percent or 10 percent caps, used to calculate the previous owners bill. This would become especially painful, critics say, because local governments could simply increase tax rates to ensure they make up for the loss from the lowered cap. Patrick warned that lowering Texas appraisal caps would undermine 2019 reforms that cap how much revenue local governments collect by forcing them to adopt lower tax rates. I think the intentions of the House are good, but that would be a disaster and undo everything weve done that has brought this property tax relief, said Patrick, who once proposed an even stricter cap on homestead reappraisals. What are the main arguments for and against raising the homestead exemption? The Senates property tax package, which passed the chamber unanimously last week, would apply to about 5.7 million homesteads, around 2 million of which belong to owners with an over-65 or disabled exemption, according to Bettencourt. The idea centers in part around increasing the homestead exemption for school district property taxes. Last session, lawmakers hiked the exemption from $25,000 to $40,000, a change that received broad support from Democrats who lauded it as the most progressive way to provide long-term tax relief. Because the taxable value of all homes is reduced by the same amount, Lavine said, the benefits of the current $40,000 exemption are spread fairly evenly, with about one quarter going to households with an income of $166,508 or higher. By contrast, households above that threshold receive about half the benefit of the 10 percent appraisal cap, he said. Critics say that raising the homestead exemption would help only homeowners, leaving out renters who typically have lower incomes. House Republicans also contend their bill would provide more durable relief. State Rep. Morgan Meyer, a Dallas Republican who authored the Houses property tax plan, said the lower chamber is taking a new and bold strategy. No one has ever come up to me and said, 'Morgan, man, we got to do something about our homestead exemption,' Meyer said on NBC DFWs Lone Star Politics show. I've never heard that. I've been doing this for eight years. But what they do come and tell me is, 'Morgan, what is going on with our appraisals?' Based on the statewide average for school district property tax rates about $1.14 per $100 of taxable value in 2022 raising the homestead exemption to $70,000 under the Senate plan would save homeowners nearly $800 a year, up from roughly $450 saved under the existing $40,000 exemption. Savings would vary based on a school districts tax rate. For instance, the Houston Independent School District's tax rate is about 10 cents lower than the statewide average, so those homeowners would save about $726 a year with a $70,000 exemption. Homeowners in Katy ISD, where the rate is $1.21 per $100, would save about $913 a year. The Senate package also would triple to $30,000 an existing exemption for over-65 and disabled homeowners, who would be able to stack that on top of their main $70,000 exemption, trimming a total of $100,000 off their home's taxable value. That would generate $1,062 in annual savings based on the statewide average tax rate, Bettencourt said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas called one another revolting in a heated exchange Tuesday in which the Texas Republican shouted about the state of the border, accusing Mayorkas of refusing to answer questions. RELATED: Sen. John Cornyn wants Congress to 'overrule' Biden's border plan The testy back-and-forth during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing culminated with Cruz telling Mayorkas that migrant children who have been assaulted or raped are at your feet. If you had integrity, you would resign, the Texas Republican said. The men and women of the Border Patrol, they have never had a political leader undermine them. They despise you, Mr. Secretary, because you are willing to let children be raped to follow political orders. The Democratic committee chairman, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, offered Mayorkas a minute to respond. "What the senator said was revolting," Mayorkas said. "Im not going to address it." "Your refusal to do your job is revolting," Cruz fired back. During questioning, Cruz peppered Mayorkas with data points showing border arrests, fentanyl deaths and more all of which Republicans say are clear evidence President Joe Biden's immigration policies are not working. Many of those figures were already rising during the Trump administration, though Republicans say Biden has done nothing to counter the trends. Mayorkas repeatedly attempted to explain what the Biden administration is doing, including establishing harsher penalties for migrants who cross the border without first scheduling an appointment to make a claim for asylum. But Cruz cut Mayorkas off, accusing him of evading the questions. "Senator, you are so profoundly disrespecting my 22 years of government service," Mayorkas said at one point. "Youre not allowing me to answer your questions." "I am allowing you to answer, I am not allowing you to filibuster," Cruz countered. Cruz was not alone in aggressively going after Mayorkas, whom House Republicans are seeking to impeach. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn also accused Mayorkas of refusing to "acknowledge responsibility" as he pressed the secretary to apologize to parents who have lost children to fentanyl overdoses. Mayorkas said his "heart is with the family of every victim of a drug overdose death." "So why don't you do something about it?" Cornyn countered. "We are bringing unprecedented force in the fight against fentanyl," Mayorkas said. "And you're losing," Cornyn responded. WASHINGTON The Biden administration is now directing thousands of migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. to a phone app that advocates say has made the process something akin to buying tickets on Ticketmaster. But instead of Beyonce tickets, people's futures are at stake, as many migrants using these apps are fleeing conditions like economic distress, violence and political oppression and have family or friends in the United States waiting to help them. IN-DEPTH: Biden visits El Paso as White House rolls out new border plan Every day I wake up at 5 in the morning to use the app, said Claudia, in Spanish. She fled Honduras after receiving politically-motivated death threats and requested not to have her full name published. Between tearful sniffles and coughs, she explained her frustration after encountering multiple technical errors while trying to secure an appointment to make her claim for asylum through the CBP One app. The desperation is profound, said Claudia, who is living in Tijuana and hopes to move to Houston. She is one of thousands of migrants who have been relying on the CBP One app the administration uses to process exemptions to Title 42, the COVID-era public health order under which most migrants are immediately turned away at the border. The app will soon be a much larger part of the administrations plan to cut down on historic numbers of illegal border crossings, it announced this week. Officials say the app democratizes the asylum process by cutting out third party groups. But even as some advocates were initially hopeful, they have been dismayed by the technical issues that have plagued the app since its launch last month. Theyre basically beta testing this app with human beings, said Brian Strassburger, a Jesuit priest in Brownsville who has been working with migrants in Reynosa. Migrants using the app for the past several weeks have been waking up every morning, competing with thousands of others for appointments that the administration makes available two weeks in advance. The administration would not say how many appointments are available each day, but advocates estimate that in camps in Reynosa and Matamoros, there are as many as 10,000 migrants at any given time competing for likely fewer than 500 appointments in those cities. Because of the demand, the slots fill up in minutes and there is no way to prioritize health needs or safety risks. Pregnant women just weeks from their due dates have the same shot at an appointment as a single adult male. And to get appointments for families, each member has to successfully get a slot, meaning single adults have had a much easier time getting scheduled than parents trying to snag slots for themselves and their children. Many of them are trying to secure slots on outdated phones with bad WiFi connections. Some have struggled to understand what they are being asked. The administration rolled the app out in English and Spanish, leaving many, including the thousands of Haitians who speak mostly Haitian Creole, out of the loop, though the language was eventually added. The app has also struggled to recognize faces, and it requires photos of everyone, including infants and young children. It really does become this daily lottery system where people are all trying to get on the app at the same time, Strassburger said. Its not like, If I'm persistent it will work. You could try 20 days in a row, as some people have done 30 days in a row and still not get an appointment. A migrant could arrive a day ago and be on their first day trying, and get it. Andry Oviedo, from Venezuela, and his partner were among the first people to use the app and were able to successfully sign up for their appointments. We were lucky that not everyone knew how (the app) was, or even that it existed, he said in Spanish, There were fewer people that were trying to sign in. They tried to help others with their appointments and saw some struggling with the technology, not understanding how to copy a code to open the app or confirm the appointment time. The app seemed like a more organized method, Oviedo said, But its also like a trap. He and his partner were successfully processed by Customs and Border Protection after using the app and are now living in New York. 40-percent drop in crossings The app is a key piece of the administrations latest plan to curb border crossings, which topped 2 million for the first time last year and have been a stubborn political problem for President Joe Biden. Under the plan, which is intended to replace Title 42 this spring, asylum seekers would be required to use the app to schedule an appointment at a port of entry and if they crossed the border without doing so, or without having already sought asylum in another country, they would face harsher penalties. The administration says the new plan will encourage migrants to use lawful, safe, and orderly pathways into the United States and will cut out human smuggling networks that exploit migrants for financial gain. But smuggling expert Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera is skeptical of this plan and believes its merely a political measure that will reap short-term results. These types of policies have not helped in any form to dismantle these (smuggling) networks because migrants are going to try to find a different way to get into the United States, said Correa-Cabrera, who teaches at George Mason University and has studied smuggling routes and migration for nearly a decade. She called the app a limited solution to a problem that has deeper roots. Deep roots like the availability of jobs in the U.S. and the willingness of employers to hire undocumented immigrants, poor country conditions and well-established smuggling routes. Bidens new plan is an expansion of a scheme the administration has in place for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela that led to a 40-percent drop in border crossings in January, including a 95 percent decline in encounters with migrants from those countries crossing the border illegally. Despite these initial decreases in border crossings, Correa-Cabrera said it will take at least a year to understand the impact of these policies, though she expects they will further push cross-border migration into the hands of illegal smuggling networks. This is going to increase the capacities, the incentives for the growth and extension of these smuggling networks, she said. The proposal has also drawn swift pushback from immigration advocates and restrictionists alike. 'Exceptions swallow the rule' Advocates for immigrants say Biden's plan will erect barriers to asylum that the president campaigned on eradicating. The American Immigration Council deemed the plan one of the most restrictive border control measures to date under any president. For example, requirements that migrants must first seek asylum in another country are similar to the so-called transit ban that former President Donald Trump put in place, but was later knocked down by the courts. On the other side, conservatives say the plan comes with too many exceptions and accuse Biden of trying to play a numbers game, reducing illegal crossings by directing those migrants to ports of entry. For example, the rule includes exceptions for those who cant access or use the app because they dont have phones, speak a language that is not included on the app or have literacy problems. It would also exclude unaccompanied children, those with serious medical conditions or whose lives are in danger. The exceptions swallow the rule, said Lora Ries, director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation and a former Trump Department of Homeland Security official. The administration granted 21,661 Title 42 exemptions in January, with 9,902 of those through appointments scheduled on the CBP One app between Jan. 18-31, according to CBP data. A CBP official said 200,000 profiles had been created on the app, though the agency could not say how many of them are active users. Of those, 35,000 had scheduled appointments as of Feb 22. The administration has been working to fix technical issues and make improvements as problems arise. Officials rerouted servers to maintain bandwidth to avoid crashing when available appointments post at 9 a.m. They created a system meant to help families that allows one user to schedule multiple appointments and will only show locations where that number of appointments are available. The administration is also planning to no longer require photos of children under 5 by the end of the month. And officials are preparing to publish tip sheets to help asylum seekers navigate the system. Still, advocates say there appear to be no plans to fix some of its most troubling problems. Where non-governmental organizations were once able to help CBP prioritize those who can get appointments based on need, they say the process so far is a lottery that has disadvantaged some of those that need the most help. Priscilla Orta, a Brownsville-based attorney with Lawyers for Good Governments Project Corazon, said she knows of an elderly couple in Reynosa who have been struggling to access the app since its launch. The man is blind and the woman doesnt know how to read. I love the idea of democratizing this system, she said. But you have to be crystal clear and know your audience and provide alternative paths for people who cant do this. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Click here for a Print Subscription with Online Digital included. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Below you will see test that reads Print Subscribe Access. Click this to then Get Started attaching your account number and zip code to you online user account. Click on the banner above if you would like to become a print subscriber with digital access. If you simply want online access without print click get started below. Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360. If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email. Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: ADVERTISE Hypebot & MusicThinkTank With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward. Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community: Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank. Spinning Gold chronicles wild rise of Casablanca Records [Timothy Bogart Interview] What do Donna Summer, Parliament, Gladys Knight, The Isley Brothers, The Village People, and Bill Withers all have in common with the rock band KISS? They all found success under the watchful ear of one of the music industrys most colorful and brilliant music executives, Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records. Along with a ragtag team of young music lovers, Neil and Casablanca Records would rewrite history and change the music industry. Their mix of creative insanity, a total belief in each other, and the music they were creating shaped the culture and defined a generation. Timothy Bogart joins Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert on the Music Biz Weekly podcast to talk about his legendary father and the film Spinning Gold which he wrote and directed. Spinning Gold opens in theaters nationwide on March 31st. Share on: US threats to ban TikTok violate freedom of speech: Mike Masnick Op-Ed Despite security concerns over TikToks connections to China, Mike Masnick of Techdirt believes that a ban of the social media app violates the First Amendment right of freedom of speech. Op-ed by Mike Masnick of Techdirt You may have heard that the Biden administration has told TikTok that it must be divested from ByteDance or it will be banned in the US. At least thats what TikTok said the administration has said. The end result of this might well be that ByteDance divests of TikTok, but we should be clear: the threat, and any potential block, would be a clear, blatant, dangerous violation of the 1st Amendment. We called it unconstitutional at the time, and the courts agreed We already know this, from back when former President Trump tried the same damn thing and (rather sloppily) tried to ban both TikTok and WeChat in the US. We called it unconstitutional at the time, and the courts agreed. There were a bunch of lawsuits, and none of them went well. WeChat users argued it violated their own 1st Amendment rights, and the judge agreed, noting that banning WeChat would burden substantially more speech than is necessary to serve the governments significant interest in national security. That line seems kinda relevant? TikTok also sued and won, though the court didnt even get to the 1st Amendment claims, tossing it out for violating the Administrative Procedure Act by being arbitrary and capricious. Especially given that the threats of TikTok remain entirely hypothetical to date, and many seem to be whipped up around a moral panic regarding China, rather than based on any fact. Banning the site outright will only raise these very same issues yet again. The WeChat ruling focused on the 1st Amendment issues in cutting off its users entirely from an app they used to communicate. But, theres a separate issue of shutting down the speech of TikTok itself. Shutting down any website has to raise 1st Amendment issues. Weve highlighted this before with regard to domain seizures. And blocking an entire website is the same thing. There many relevant cases on the books, but a big one is Ft. Wayne Books v. Indiana. That ruling found that you cant shut down an entire book store just because some of the books might violate the law, because in the process youd be shutting down lots of protected, permissible speech. Similarly, Near v. Minnesota is a case where the Supreme Court noted that you cant just declare a publication malicious, scandalous and defamatory and bar it from publishing (though anyone defamed could still sue directly for defamation). Blocking TikTok entirely over mostly theoretical issues is the same sort of thing. Shutting down an entire speech operation because of some vague, nebulous claim of bad speech. But its actually even worse than that. Its no secret that China bans lots of American websites. In the past, we may have been able to point to US openness to free speech, showing the moral high ground. But in now threatening to ban TikTok, all were doing is justifying the Chinese approach, and basically saying were happy to do the same. And you can bet that China is already gloating about this, and how it shows that even the Americans are coming around to the Chinese approach of banning foreign websites that were scared about. The end result will simply justify more internet splintering, more geographical blocks, and hasten the end of a global, open internet. The US used to stand for that open internet but admitting that we toss those principles out the window just because China finally built a successful global internet service is incrediblypathetic and will lead to all sorts of backlash. Finally, as weve been saying all along, rather than moral panics and fear mongering, lets focus on the actual problem. Banning TikTok wont solve the issue of any potential privacy violations. As weve noted over and over and over again, the supposed data that TikTok is collecting on its users is available from basically anywhere to basically anyone with a few bucks. Want to fix that? Pass a real privacy law. What about the idea that China might pressure TikTok to tweak its famed (but massively overhyped) algorithm to warp the minds of our children? Beyond being a silly moral panic, have we really done such a shit job of educating the youth that we think that the flow of TikTok videos will turn their brains into mush? I mean, hell, if we noticed that TikTok was doing that, it wouldnt even be that difficult for people and politicians to call out what they were actually doing and push back on it. This whole thing is just yet another moral panic, and one that opens up some huge 1st Amendment issues, because if the White House can magically declare TikTok a national security threat, it can do that for other sites and apps as well. Its not something the government should be able to do. Of course, TikToks current management may have to weigh all of this against the cost of fighting the government, meaning that it wouldnt surprise me if the company does separate from ByteDance in the end. But the government shouldnt be doing this, and we should call out such nonsense when we see it. Share on: Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership Want to Change Name NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership voted to ask state representatives to introduce a bill that would officially change the organization's name to the Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts. The Executive Committee voted Thursday, March 23, to ask state Reps. John Barrett III and Natalie Blais along with state Sens. Paul Mark and Joanne Comerford to file the draft bill. "We can send it off to them and see if someone will step up to the plate," Chairman Henry Art said. In October 2022, the full partnership board voted to change its name . To accomplish this, the board requested the state Legislature, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the USDA Forest Service to take necessary actions to make the new name the official, legal name of the Woodlands Partnership. The group had reached out to state representatives to push the name change forward but things seem to have stagnated. "I don't think that there has been a groundswell of having our legislative delegation embrace this and dash towards making the name change official," Art said. The group wanted to change its own name for two reasons: to remove the name Mohawk as they felt it was offensive, and for accuracy. The Mohawk Trail only runs through five of the 21 communities in the partnership "It is not an appropriate name, and it is a highway," Art said. Art noted that there is a fear among lawmakers that the name change could cause the partnership to "disappear" impacting grant applications. He was specifically referring to how changing the name would impact the partnership's trust. But member Robert O'Connor, referring to the draft bill, felt this was a nonissue. He noted the draft had been reviewed by the EEA attorneys and it contains language that clarifies and protects the trust. He said, literally, the only thing the act would do would be to replace all references to the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership with the Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts. "It was reviewed by their attorneys at EEA, and I am not sure how this would be endangering the program if we change the name," he said. "I think we are stating that we are the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership legally, and we would like to change our name. I don't think that endangers any grants." In other business, the Executive Board was in favor of exploring expanding board membership to include an indigenous peoples' representative, but there was some discussion on the best way to approach the addition. Art suggested that instead of seeking out individuals, the partnership works through an indigenous peoples organization, specifically the Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in Stockbridge. "Before taking this to the full board, I think we have to have an organization on board," he said. "I think we need to do a little more due diligence to make sure they would find this agreeable and are enthusiastic about it." Member Kate Conlin felt the increased representation was important and noted that she has had unofficial discussions with the Ohketeau Center, which is interested. Some board members feared that only working through these organizations would be somewhat limiting. "What if there is a representative from a tribe who is not part of these organizations? Do they still have a voice," board member Alain Peteroy said. "So maybe we want to dig a little deeper. I think this is a good way to do this, but I want to make sure it is the right way to do this." Art agreed and felt inviting representatives from the Ohketeau Center and the Stockbridge-Munsee to their next meeting was a good place to start. Administrative Agent Lisa Hayden provided the board with details on the Congressionally Directed Spending of $540,000 "Action on Forest Climate Resilience" project She said they had requested $1.11 million of which a portion was included in the omnibus bill that had passed in December. She said of the list of proposed uses, Action on Forest Climate Resilience was chosen. She said she has to now "repackage" and submit their plan in order to get a program up and running. She said they have three years to spend the money. There was a sense among a few board members that some funds should be put toward private land conservation. "That doesn't seem to be happening, but that is what we are all about," Keith Ross said Hayden said private land conservation was on their list but was not what the state had selected for funding. The board agreed that private land conservation was an important part of their mission and felt it was important to continue to advocate for it. Before closing, Hayden said Savoy shared an interest in joining the partnership. She said she planned to send along article information they can include on their upcoming town meeting warrant. 'Swatting' Call Evacuates PHS, Drury PITTSFIELD, Mass. Pittsfield High School and Drury High School in North Adams were evacuated late Tuesday morning because of false threats of violence. The incident was identified as "swatting," in which a caller attempts to generate an emergency law enforcement response on a location under false pretenses. Earlier that morning, state law enforcement partners notified the department that several communities in eastern Massachusetts had received similar calls reporting critical incidents at schools. These incidents were from either one person or multiple people using the same name. Pittsfield Police received an anonymous report at about 10:40 a.m. of an active shooting at the high school on East Street. The call was immediately recognized as similar to the false calls received in other communities across the state. For caution, police units responded to the school and worked with school and district staff, and administration to clear the building, and ensure the legitimacy of all occupants. "Once the Pittsfield High School leadership received this information, the school was placed in lockdown, and immediate assistance from the Pittsfield Police Department arrived," Superintendent Joseph Curtis sent in a communication to district families following the incident. "Based on the PPDs knowledge of the swatting calls occurring throughout the state today, as notified by the Massachusetts State Fusion Center, an adjusted response was facilitated with members of the Pittsfield Police Department and PHS and district administration, clearing all areas of the building. Classes are resuming and this has been determined NOT to be a credible threat by the Pittsfield Police Department." The units were cleared from the school at 11:50 a.m. North Adams Superintendent Barbara Malkas said students and staff at Drury were evacuated for about a half hour will police searched the building; classes then resumed without incident. The school includes Grades 7 and 8. "In response to the report today, we implemented our safety procedures effectively and efficiently, ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff. We would like to thank our emergency response colleagues for their immediate and thorough response to the report," Malkas wrote in a message to the school community. Adams Police heightened their presence at Hoosac Valley Elementary and High schools after hearing about the swatting calls. There also were reports circulating about threats at Taconic High School and Reid Middle School on Tuesday but Curtis clarified that there were no threats at these schools. "As always, we are grateful for the immediate assistance of the Pittsfield Police Department," Curtis wrote to families. "Members of the PHS school staff and school adjustment counselors will be seeking students who need support, especially after yesterday's tragic school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee." The Pittsfield Public Schools had this week planned to conduct Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate, or ALICE, drills in all its schools. Eric Lamoureaux, the district's emergency and safety coordinator, had alerted parents and guardians about the drills in the superintendent's update posted on the district website on Friday. Malkas had posted on the North Adams Public School's website following the Nashville shooting that the safety of students was top priority. Adams Selectmen Slapped With Open Meeting Violation ADAMS, Mass. The Board of Selectmen was found to have violated Open Meeting Law by failing to post its Dec. 14, 2022, meeting in its designated place at Town Hall. The complaint was made to the town by Catherine Foster on Jan. 7 about the meeting not being posted corrected and also that it was insufficient because the date and time stamp were illegible. The Dec. 14 meeting was when the board voted to accept Shared Estates' bid to develop the Greylock Glen campground. Governmental meetings must be posted at least 48 hours in advance; this does not include Saturdays and Sundays. The notices also must be "conspicuously visible" to the public at all hours. Or, the municipality may adopt its website as the official method of notice posting. The meeting had been posted at the Police Station, which is open 24 hours, and on the town's website but the Attorney General's office noted that the Town Hall is designated as the official posting site. "The town of Adams has not adopted the municipal website as an alternative notice posting method; there, the official notice posting location for meeting of Adams public bodies is the Adams Town Building located at 8 Park Street," wrote Mary L. Nguyen, assistant attorney general. She ordered to the Board of Selectmen's "immediate and future compliance" with Open Meeting Law and cautioned that board that "a determination by our office of a similar violation in the future may be considered evidence of intent to violate the Open Meeting Law." iciHaiti - International Day for the Victims of Slavery : Message of reflection from the Rector of the UEH As part of the International Day to Commemorate the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Trafficking (March 25), Fritz Deshommes Rector of the State University of Haiti delivered a message of reflection on this commemorative day. Introductory remarks by Rector Deshommes (Excerpts): "[...] At this time when the Haitian Nation is living in its deep flesh an ordeal like no other, at a time when we combine generalized insecurity, economic and social misery, brain drain and arms, the increasingly pronounced erosion of the State and of public and private institutions every day, the lack of benchmarks and perspectives, it is good, it is comforting, it is beneficial to seize these opportunities to remind ourselves who we are, where we come from and the path traveled with its pauses, its accelerations, its jolts. Which allow us more particularly to go back to the sources, to understand, so that we manage to stay the course, to keep in mind that what is happening to us today is not the result of chance or inexorable fatality but the product of a set of facts, circumstances, tangible, measurable actions. And which could inspire us with points of support, benchmarks, levers for the maintenance of hope, for the regeneration and recovery of our dear Fatherland. In this perspective, the theme chosen for this commemoration could not be better chosen 'the consequences of slavery and the debt of the Independence of Haiti'. [...] I cannot prevent myself from linking this theme and the presentations to which it will give rise to this solemn appeal that I had the opportunity to address to the States and to the French-speaking communities of the whole world in favor of our country bruised, during the launch of the Quinzaine de la Francophonie, on March 9th. As it is true that the slavery practiced in the richest colony of the time, Santo Domingo, and the debt - some say the ransom - of Independence are part of these actions carried out or these sacrifices made, voluntarily or involuntarily , who have contributed on the one hand to the misfortunes of our dear Haiti and on the other hand to the construction and influence of other sister nations, which actions and sacrifices deserve recognition, ex-post reciprocity (in quotation marks) or for to use a term much cherished by our CARICOM brethren 'reparation' [...]" IH/ iciHaiti The three safety courses, which included crucial safety principles and guidelines for conflict reporting, were jointly organised by the Media Department of Taiz University and the Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate, with the support of UNESCO, the Norwegian union of journalists and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Throughout the workshop, students received guidance on how to ensure their safety in conflict environments. Student Adab Al-Sharabi said: The course included important topics related to risk assessment, advance preparations and digital security for journalists. The knowledge shared was valuable and appropriate for Yemeni journalists living in a dangerous environment. Al-Sharabi shared her hopes that occupational safety courses would be incorporated into university curricula. The final activity of the week was a workshop involving Taiz University journalism professors and students, which focused on the modalities to incorporate the Model Course on Safety of Journalists into the universitys journalism education plan. The Head of the Media Department, Dr. Mansour Alkadasi, said: Universities and the education system as a whole bear a huge responsibility in ensuring that, from the start, journalism and media students are well prepared and have the tools to understand the risks they will be facing and the tools to mitigate them and ensure their own protection. This responsibility is even greater in the context of Yemen, where young journalists should be prepared to work in a conflict sensitive zone with higher physical and psychological threats. IFJ safety trainer Aboud Alsofi emphasised that the aim of the curriculum developed with UNESCO was to help academic institutions fulfill their responsibilities under the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. He highlighted the role that institutions should play in raising awareness among students and encouraging academic research on the risks faced by journalists in the course of their work. A participant from Bagobo Tagabawa Community listens to the activity instructions from the workshop facilitator that she needs to execute on an ASUS laptop. ASUS put Filipino craftsmanship at the forefront during the recently ended Incredible Transformation: Future-ready Business Management Workshop for Filipino Artisans. After a widely successful ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED launch last year, the ASUS and Zarah Juan collaboration culminated through specialized digital literacy training and laptop donation turnover to seven Filipino artisan communities from different parts of the Philippines. Artisans from Lake Sebu, Davao City, Isabela Province, Paete, Bulacan, and Marikina City gathered in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, on March 9, 2023. Each community received an ASUS laptop to support them in their business transformation and digitize their day-to-day business transactions. The Zarah Juan Zen Tote is the perfect ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED accessory. In September 2022, ASUS partnered with Filipino social entrepreneur and fashion accessory designer Zarah Juan to design and create a limited edition sustainable locally-made bag to launch the world's lightest 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED laptop ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED. The Zarah Juan Zen Tote materializes ASUS' thrust towards human-centric design thinking. Made by artisan communities in the country and of locally available materials, the Zen Tote depicts the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality the perfect accessory with the Zenbook S 13 OLED. The Zarah Juan brand is the designer's solution for single-use bags. Her journey as a designer and an entrepreneur led her to strengthen the livelihood of Filipino artisans. It has now evolved into a brand known for its #ProudLocal pieces made by Filipinos from different parts of the country. Aside from environmental sustainability, Zarah Juan pushes for social sustainability and upholds cultural continuity by showcasing Filipino heritage. ASUS Philippines Product Marketing Lead- Consumer PC Rachelle Lozares, ASUS Philippines Country Manager George Su, Zarah Juan President Christian Juan, Zarah Juan Creative Director Zarah Juan, and ASUS Philippines Marketing Manager Seiko Deura turned over seven laptops to the seven Filipino artisan communities on March 9, 2023. ASUS Philippines Country Manager George Su shared, "Our philosophy has always been innovation that enhances users' way of life. We hope the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED laptops our Filipino artisans received will empower them to work toward incredible success and gear them up for the international export stage. We believe they are vital in preserving and expanding the vibrant Filipino culture." "The ASUS and Zarah Juan partnership is one of a kind because there is an aligned vision to dig deeper into how we can work together in empowering our artisans. We are thankful to ASUS for providing them the right tools they need to be more competitive and ready to face the global market", Zarah Juan Creative Director Zarah Juan also added. Filipino artisans participated in a whole-day workshop to learn how technology can make their livelihood more efficient, faster, and all-in-all. They got to familiarize themselves with creating data sheets and encoding business information such as product costing, materials inventory, and admin forms, to name a few. They were also taught how to take proper care of their laptops to ensure they can maximize their usage and benefits for future generations. A Bulacan Bag Maker member lists the materials needed to create a Zarah Juan bag on the ASUS Vivobook 13 Slate OLED. T'Boli Community participant Jenalyn Ipil expressed her gratitude toward ASUS and Zarah Juan, Matutulungan po yung community namin na ma-improve yung aming ginagawa at yung mga skills namin sa paghawak ng computer (This training will enhance the way we do business and improve our computer skills). Participants from different artisan communities listen to how they can optimize their business operations through technology. ASUS is committed to providing a meaningful and sustainable way of living, not just in the innovative products they make but also through activities that nourish the Filipino society and environment. The ASUS x Zarah Juan collaboration proved to be a holistic campaign that raises product awareness and highlights cultural continuity by providing livelihood to Filipino artisans and equipping them with digital know-how to fulfill the digital demands of their existing and future clients. As ASUS takes one small step toward cultural and social sustainability, it hopes to inspire Filipinos to join the movement and make a change in their respective communities. Victims identified in Nashville school shooting as U.S. gun violence deaths top 9,890 in 2023 Xinhua) 13:10, March 28, 2023 WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Six victims and the shooter have been identified following a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, as total deaths of gun violence in the country reached 9,894 in 2023. The three students who were shot and killed Monday at the Covenant School were all nine years old, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Three adult staff members of the school also died in the mass shooting. They are 61-year-old Cynthia Peak, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce, and 61-year-old Mike Hill. The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Nashville resident and transgender woman Audrey Hale, was also killed in a shootout with police responding to the incident. Police said Hale, believed to be a former student of the school, was armed with at least two assault-style rifles and a handgun and entered the building through a side door. Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake told reporters they found a manifesto and maps associated with the attack at the Covenant School. "There were maps drawn of the school, in detail of surveillance, entry points," Drake said. "We know and believe that entry was gained through shooting through one of the doors." Police first got calls about the shooting at 10:13 a.m. CT (1513 GMT), and responding officers fatally shot the shooter after getting to the second level of the school building. Investigators are reportedly looking at a possible theory for a motive but did not disclose any details. Nashville Mayor John Cooper said in a statement that the city "joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting." "My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you. As facts continue to emerge, I thank our first responders and medical professionals," Cooper added. According to its website, the Covenant School is a private Christian institution that serves about 200 students from preschool through 6th grade. U.S. President Joe Biden called the Nashville school shooting "heartbreaking, a family's worst nightmare" during an event at the White House on Monday afternoon. Biden, a Democrat, urged the U.S. Congress to pass an assault weapons ban, saying that we "need to do more to protect our schools." However, it is unlikely that the divided Congress would approve the legislative proposal as Republicans control the House of Representatives this term and have advocated for the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. There have been 130 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter. Meanwhile, 9,894 people, including hundreds of children and teens, have lost their lives to gun violence in the past three months, the website's data showed. Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement that calls for an end to gun violence in the United States, tweeted, "gun violence is political in America because gun makers pay our politicians for their inaction." "SCHOOL SHOOTINGS ARE NOT ACTS OF NATURE," Watts wrote. "They are senseless, preventable acts of man enabled by weak gun laws and lawmakers." "This doesn't have to be our new normal. Our children don't have to be sacrificed in exchange for gun industry profits," she continued. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) XTREME Appliances, one of the fastest-growing appliance brands in the Philippines, has announced the opening of its first branch in Robinsons malls. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the country. The new XTREME Appliances store, located in Robinsons Place GenTrias in General Trias, Cavite, offers a wide range of high-quality appliances that are designed to meet the needs of Filipino households. Customers can browse through an extensive selection of home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and many more. They can also enjoy exclusive bundle deals giving them up to P28,000 worth of savings. "We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first branch in Robinsons malls. This new store is a testament to our commitment to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs," said Paula Dizon, Brand Marketing Manager of XTREME Appliances. "Our goal is to make our products accessible to more Filipino families, and we believe that Robinsons malls provide the perfect platform for us to achieve this goal. We are excited to bring our range of appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias and look forward to serving our customers in this new location." The new XTREME Appliances store in Robinsons Place GenTrias features a modern, spacious design that allows customers to browse through the products comfortably. The store is trained sales personnel who are always ready to assist customers with their purchases and provide them with expert advice on choosing the right appliances for their homes. "We are delighted to welcome XTREME Appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias," said by Sid Benavidez, Mall Manager of Robinsons Place GenTrias. "We are confident that our customers will appreciate the high-quality and affordable appliances that XTREME Appliances has to offer. We look forward to working with XTREME Appliances as they continue to expand their presence in our malls." XTREME Appliances is committed to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs. Another branch of XTREME Appliances inside Robinsons Malls is set to open in South Luzon and Mindanao this Q2 2023. To know more about XTREME Appliances please like and follow XTREME Appliances Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Josh Brolin was among the first celebrities to react to the news of the fatal shooting at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday (27 March). 28-year-old shooter Audrey Hale was killed at the scene by police officers who were called to the citys Covenant School, officials say. The former student at the school killed three children (all roughly aged nine) and three adults. Brolin took to Instagram to plead for increased gun control laws in the country. ENOUGH!!!!!! Whether youre a Its the people not the guns or a Its the guns, not the people to say that our country is actively doing anything in its power to help avert this absolute random slaughter of our children, categorizes you in either total denial or living some fantasy of ambush that should render you unfit to take care of yourself or others, the No Country for Old Men star wrote. He continued: I thought all bets were off when children became targets. Whether peadophiles or shooters, end it f***ing now no matter what psychological/sociological manipulative spin any corporation puts on it. Make our country great again by having some people [with] balls reinstated into the By the people, For the people system that was intended and has literally been bought out. F*** you, America, for not protecting your children. Hale was armed with two assault-style firearms and a handgun when she broke into the building through a side door, police said. Its hearbtreaking, US president Joe Biden said during an event on Monday. A familys worst nightmare. We have to do more to stop gun violence, he added. Its ripping our communities apart. Its ripping at the very soul of the nation. We have to do more to protect our schools so they arent turned into prisons. The Independents live coverage of the shooting can be found here. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Taiwan has been ordered to vacate its embassy in Honduras after a severing of diplomatic ties. The order was issued by the deputy foreign minister Antonio Garcia on local television as Taiwan recalled its ambassador to the country. Mr Garcia gave Taiwan 30 days to leave. He said that 30 days is more than enough time to pack up and leave and added that the officials are aiming for an orderly, friendly exit. Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu said that 30 days was an international norm and that they would comment further later, according to Reuters. This severing of ties came after Honduras president Xiomara Castro announced that her government will seek to establish diplomatic relations with China. That meant siding with the Chinese policy of not recognising Taiwan as a separate country. In a statement late on Saturday, the Honduran foreign ministry said it recognised the Peoples Republic of China as the only legitimate government that represents all of China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. The foreign ministry also announced that Honduran students with scholarships in Taiwan would be able to transfer their studies to China. Mr Liu stated that the Honduran students scholarships would last until the end of the current term. And said that they would be provided one-way tickets home. Honduras is the ninth diplomatic ally that Taipei has lost to Beijing since pro-independence president Tsai Ing-wen first took office in May 2016. Last week, Taiwan said it was deeply dissatisfied with the breaking of diplomatic relations with Honduras which had lasted more than 80 years and urged Honduras to be careful of the risks of Chinas commitments made on its offer of diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Taiwans former president Ma Ying-jeou departed for a 12-day trip to China as scheduled, despite calls for him to cancel the trip after Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the Taipei Post reported. This is my first trip to China. I was 37 when I began handling cross-strait affairs in the government. Now I am 73 and have waited 36 years for the visit. It is indeed a bit too long, but I am glad I can go, Mr Ma told reporters. Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday paid a visit to the army engineers and reviewed their training ahead of a trip to the US and Central America this week. Ms Tsai will commence her high-profile and sensitive trip to the Americas on Wednesday. She is expected to meet US House speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. Her upcoming travels have been criticised by China, with Beijing condemning Washington for allowing Ms Tsai to visit the country. However, her visit to the US is technically only a transit. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Twitter account of BBC Newss Punjabi language service was blocked in India on Tuesday amid the ongoing nationwide manhunt for controversial preacher and separatist leader Amritpal Singh. A message on BBC News Punjabis account page said: Account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. The development came just days after the official Twitter handles of several journalists in the state, who were reporting on the manhunt for Mr Singh, were also withheld. BBC News Punjabi said in a report that it had written to the Indian authorities asking about the suspension of its Twitter account but was yet to receive a response. The account was finally reactivated late on Tuesday, with a BBC spokesperson confirming that it had been withheld for a number of hours. No further details were provided on the reason for the account being blocked. Mr Singh is the leader of the radical organisation Waris Punjab De (Heirs of Punjab) which backs the decades-old movement for a separate state for Sikhs called Khalistan. A self-styled preacher, he claims to follow in the teachings and dress style of Indian militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who led a major separatist movement in India in the 1980s. On 18 March, police in Punjab launched a statewide crackdown, including a clampdown on internet services, in the northern state of 27 million people. Police planned to arrest him in Jalandhar but he managed to escape with the help of his supporters. On 20 March, as part of an internet shutdown across Punjab, several local journalists including Gagandeep Singh, affiliated with local news outlet ProPunjabTV, and Kamaldeep Singh Brar of the national daily The Indian Express had access to their Twitter accounts withheld due to a legal demand. BBC News Punjabi had its Twitter account blocked in India (Screengrab/Twitter/BBC News Punjabi) Overall, more than 120 accounts have been suspended amid the pursuit of Mr Singh, according to filings released by Twitter, reported The Hindu. The action against the BBC comes months after authorities in India conducted raids on its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai following a documentary on prime minister Narendra Modis role in the 2002 Gujarat riots and his relationship with the minority Muslims in the country. The raids, described as surveys by tax authorities looked into the British broadcasters financial transactions and were a part of a probe into deliberate non-compliance with the transfer pricing rules and its vast diversion of profits. The latest action against the BBC News Punjabis Twitter account has drawn criticism from journalists and observers in India. You have a media picking up plants, running pics of amritpal without any sourcing, making any claim they want, but the journalism that gets pulled down on twitter by bbc punjabi is one that adheres to the requisite professional standards. all this govt wants left is propaganda, wrote The Caravans Hartosh Singh Bal. Commentator Jas Oberoi wrote: The verified account of BBC Punjabi has been banned in India for covering Indian Govts crackdown in Punjab. If everything is right in Punjab then why gag order of withholding Twitter accounts of journalists reporting from Punjab? After journalists, now BBC Punjabi twitter account has been withheld in India. Why cant we access information from Punjab? Who is afraid of critical media? wrote lawyer Kawalpreet Kaur. Journalist Rana Ayyub wrote: Why was BBC Punjabi not publishing the exclusive leaks, handouts, photographs, interviews handed over by the government. Why Was it trying to do independent journalism ? Journalists have also questioned whether this will become the new normal in the state. Around 200 of Mr Singhs supporters and aides have been arrested while the self-styled preacher remains elusive. Meanwhile authorities in Nepal on Monday placed Mr Singh on its surveillance list following a request from the India, reported NDTV. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A prominent 30-year-old Afghan civil rights activist who championed education for girls has allegedly been arrested by the Taliban as the militant groups government continued its crackdown on womens education. Matiullah Wesa was arrested in Afghanistan capital Kabul on Monday, said the UN Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) a day later. Mr Wesa is the founder and president of Pen Path, a non-profit whose members travel across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library. His brother Samiullah Wesa said he was picked up and beaten by some men outside a mosque after prayers in the evening. Matiullah had finished his prayers and came out of the mosque when he was stopped by some men in two vehicles, Mr Samiullah told AFP. When Matiullah asked for their identity cards, they beat him and forcefully took him away. The Taliban have not confirmed Mr Wesas arrest. The Taliban came in two vehicles, a person close to the family told the BBC. Today at 10am, the Taliban went to his house and raided it. They turned it upside down, threatened his family against speaking out, seized phones, documents and computers. Matiullahs brothers were briefly detained and then released with a warning, they said. Mr Wesa has been spearheading demands for girls education in Afghanistan and was awarded the Meer Bacha Khan medal, one of the countrys highest national civilian honours, by president Ashraf Ghani in 2018 for his campaign work. He has remained outspoken in his demands for girls to have the right to go to school and learn despite threats after Talibans take over. Speaking to The Independent in 2021, Mr Mesa had raised fears that he would be killed one day and revealed he and his family had been facing dire threats. One day I know I can be killed for my work. I have already lost my familys wealth and business. That does not stop me from educating every child, even in the remotest corners of rural Afghanistan, he said. His last tweet was on early Monday morning in which he shared a video of women volunteers for Pen Path asking for the Islamic rights to education for their daughters. UNAMA has urged authorities in Kabul to reveal Ms Wesas whereabouts and the reason for his arrest while ensuring his access to legal rights. UNAMA calls on the de facto authorities to clarify his whereabouts, the reasons for his arrest and to ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family, the agency said. Mr Wesas arrest has sparked outrage and fears not only among family members, but rights activists and observers across the world. Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, said he was alarmed by Mr Wesas detention. His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected, Mr Bennett tweeted. Enemies of education, pen and enlightenment arrested @matiullahwesa founder of penpath whos campaigning for the opening of girls schools tirelessly. We demand the immediate release of him! said Zarifa Ghafari, Afghan activist and former mayor of Maidan Shahr city. Pakistani education activist Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Yousafzais father, said the news was shocking and described Mr Wesa as an incredible champion of girls education. His only crime is his decades old peaceful campaign for the right of girls education. Taliban must #ReleaseMatiullahWesa, he tweeted. Mr Wesas arrest seems to be the latest detention of activists in Afghanistan who are raising the issue of womens rights after the Taliban barred teenage girls and women from receiving education. The Taliban had arrested professor Ismail Mashal, an outspoken critic of the governments ban on education of women, in February when he was handing out free books. He was, however, released on 5 March and has avoided speaking out since then. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} This article first appeared in our partner site, Independent Urdu There is something special about the library in Tharparkar, one of the most deprived areas of the southeastern province of Sindh in Pakistan. This mobile library was started almost two years ago in the village of Dhano Dodandal in the district of Tharparkar. It involves loading books onto a camel, which is then taken from village to village. Recently, the project has expanded to the another village, Sokliyo. Mehdi Raza, who supervises this project in the area of Nagarparkar, says that Dr Asghar Naqvi of Karachi put him in touch with the educational NGO Alif Laila who provided the team with books for children. The camel library facilitates learning for children from village to village, without the need for hefty investment. Children not only read the books themselves but also take them to the adults in their homes, which furthers spreads awareness. Children in the small village school look forward to the two days of the week when books are brought to them by the camel library. Teacher Badal tells Independent Urdu he is happy that his students can access books in this novel way and that the library is a helpful resource in their learning. Pana Bhai, who is fond of reading, says she comes with the children of her village as soon as the camel library arrives. Mehdi Raza explains that this service was started with just a single camel, but in the future it is hoped the project will be able expand further using more camels. Translated by Tooba Ali, reviewed by Celine Assaf For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Formula 1 fans have reacted online after the prospect of practice sessions being altered in the future was raised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. A normal race weekend consists of three one-hour practice sessions, two on Friday and one on Saturday prior to qualifying, with the race on Sunday. But Domenicali, with a view to attracting more competition when cars are on track and making the action more exciting and entertaining for fans, says the current format of three practice sessions could be changed in the future. Six of the 23 race meets this season are sprint weekends where the schedule will consist of one hour of practice on Friday, followed by qualifying, with a second practice on Saturday prior to the sprint race a race one-third the distance of the usual number of laps for that circuit and the normal grand prix on Sunday. I am a supporter of the cancellation of free practice sessions which are of great use to the engineers, but that the public doesnt like, Domenicali told Portuguese outlet SportTV at the opening event of the MotoGP season on Sunday. Reaction on social media from F1 fans has been mostly negative, with one noting: Really bad idea. Asking for reliability issues during races while another simply quipped: Devastating. Changes to the format of practice sessions have been positively discussed in the F1 Commission recently. Last year, Domenicali elaborated on discussions taking place surrounding the structure of a Formula 1 race weekend. Stefano Domenicali supports the cancellation of free practice sessions (Getty Images) In a normal weekend, consisting of free practice one and two on Friday, each session should put up for grabs either points, or single qualifying lap qualifying for a different, shorter Saturday race, instead of the third free practice, perhaps with the reverse grid mechanism," the ex-Ferrari chief said. "We are putting a lot of things on the table. A lot of people say no, but we have seen on some occasions the beauty [of mixed grids], more overtaking." Recommended Max Verstappen criticises sprint race format ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint races were first introduced in Formula 1 in 2021. The Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan will host the first sprint weekend this season at the end of April. Meanwhile, the 2023 season rolls into Melbourne this weekend for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Renner has shared how his daughter has healed him amid his recovery from a snowplough accident that left him in critical but stable condition earlier this year. The Hawkeye star celebrated his daughter Avas 10th birthday on 28 March with a sweet tribute shared to his Instagram Story. Renner, 52, posted a father-daughter picture of the pair as he reflected on how shes helped him since being crushed by a large snowplough outside his home in Nevada last January. Happy 10th Birthday to you!!!! he began the birthday tribute. So very proud of you in every way. Your hugs and your love have healed me so incredibly fast. I stand up for you, and I am stronger than before because of you. I am your father, I am your protector, and I am only yours. He signed the message: I love you, Daddy Renner, who shares daughter Ava with ex-wife Sonni Pacheco, has continued to recover ever since he was run over by a snowplough on New Years Day while trying to save his nephew from the 14,000-pound PistenBully snowcat vehicle. The Arrival star had suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in the incident and later revealed he had broken more than 30 bones. Just this week, the Marvel actor showed fans he was on the mend when he shared a video of himself walking on an anti-gravity treadmill as part of his physical therapy. Its like having a cane, he said in the video, adding that the equipment enables him to feel less weight. Now is the time for my body to rest and recover from my will, Renner captioned the video. Jeremy Renner says daughter Ava healed him in birthday tribute (Instagram / Jeremy Renner) Since returning home from the hospital, the action star has shared updates of his recovery on social media, including his workout routines for rehabilitation. In one video posted last February, Renner was seen working out on an exercise bike while using a handheld pole to help push his left leg. Whatever it takes, he wrote in a caption over the video. Renners daughter Ava isnt the only one helping the Avengers star since his snowplough injury. His Marvel co-stars have also shown their support for Renner amid his recovery. Mark Ruffalo, who stars as the Hulk opposite Renners Hawkeye, called the actor an inspiration to all after he shared a video of himself walking on a treadmill just months after the accident. Last January, Renner shared a selfie from his hospital bed just days after he was run over by the 14,000-pound snowplough. He captioned the post: Thank you all for your kind words. Im too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all. The selfie received an outpouring of love and support from Renners Marvel co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt. Speedy recovery buddy. Sending love your way! the Thor star wrote, while the Guardians of the Galaxy actor said: Continued prayers your way brutha. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman has gone viral on TikTok after sharing her extreme pregnancy nose, which has left her completely unrecognisable. Towards the end of her first trimester, Tyreece Wood noticed that the size of her nose began to change but at first didnt think much of it. However, as the weeks went on, the 24-year-old spotted that the texture of her skin, and her hair and eyebrows began transforming too. By the end of her pregnancy, the mum-to-be felt "disgusting" and didnt "recognise" herself when looking in the mirror. In a bid to make light of the situation, she has decided to share her story on TikTok, where it has gained more than 15.4 million views and 1.8 million likes. (Jam Press/@tyreecewood1) "The changes made me feel disgusting," Tyreece, who works as a Direct Support Professional in the US, told NeedToKnow.Online. "Dealing with your body changing during pregnancy is already hard but looking in the mirror and not recognising yourself is disheartening. "Thats why there arent many pictures of me pregnant. "I had never seen anyone talk about most of the symptoms I had throughout my pregnancy. "I thought all the changes would be in my weight and hormones for sure. "But in reality, my skin and hair texture changed, one of my brows became more prominent, I gained 100lbs and my skin got darker as well." (Jam Press/@tyreecewood1) Surprisingly however, Tyreece says her partner and other family members didnt notice the change in her appearance until after she had given birth. She said: "I did ask my husband and family members if they noticed a difference and they always said either no, or maybe a little. "My husband only pointed it out after our son was born and we were looking back at the hospital pictures. "Thats when he realised that my nose was normally a lot smaller." Thankfully, her nose went back to its normal size one month after her baby boy arrived. In the TikTok, Tyreece reveals a collection of images from before her pregnancy and during, which has left users saying these photos are of two different women. Tyreece Wood (Jam Press/@tyreecewood1) One person wrote: "That is two different people, Im not ready for this point in pregnancy." Sharish wrote: "Im getting a surrogate!!" Kay said: "Pregnancy nose is real af yall Im on my third kid, it never gets better." "Pregnancy really does humble us ladies," said Marissa. Tj wrote: "That is two different ppl cause hell nah gang." "I dont believe thats the same person," Jay wrote. Jade commented: "The way I GASPED." Tyreece added: "Posting the TikTok was supposed to be a jab at myself. "I thought it was hilarious so maybe other people would too. "A lot of people are in disbelief, or saying it must be fake or editing. "Some women are telling their stories, and some are thanking me for putting something so real out there." Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Brian Cox has claimed that Meghan Markles marriage into the royal family is a fairytale that went horribly wrong. In a new interview with the Radio Times, the Succession star said that he understood why Meghan was attracted to marrying into the royal family, due to its fairytale image. Reiterating his calls for the monarchy to be abolished, Cox, 76, said: Theyre the product of an institution which is moribund and shouldnt exist any more. But thats a difficult situation where [Meghan] comes from, and its understandable that she sees something and it does look like a fairytale. But it was a fairytale that went horribly wrong, he said (viaThe Times). Cox added that he considered Harry and Meghan to be victims and that the royal family fundamentally, in this day and age, doesnt make any sense. It comes as a contradiction to Coxs comments made last month, when he said that Meghan knew what she was getting into when she married Prince Harry and subsequently joined the royal family. You cant go into a system where somebodys already been trained to behave in a certain kind of way and then just expect them to cut themselves off, he previously told Haute Living New York. Brian Cox has previously called for the monarchy to be abolished (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) I mean, she knew what she was getting into, he added. In my opinion, we shouldnt have a monarchy. Its not viable; it doesnt make any sense... F*** it, move on. The Troy actor has now said that those comments were taken out of context and that the pair were instead victims. In 2020, Cox told ES Magazine that the British royal family should be abolished after the Queens death to rid its feudal hold on our culture. At the time, he praised Queen Elizabeth II as an amazing woman, but said that monarchy should go when shes gone. The Independent has contacted representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Cox for comment. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} King Charles III has been appointed colonel-in-chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers, a title previously held by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Palace announced the news on Tuesday 28 March, with the position hailed as a long-standing tradition in the royal family that began with King Edward VII in 1904. Knowns as the Sappers, the Engineers provide global military engineering and technical support to the British Armed Forces and their allies. Chief Royal Engineer Lieutenant General Sir Tyrone Urch said in a statement: I am absolutely delighted that His Majesty The King has agreed to be our new Colonel-in-Chief. This is a great honour and continues a long-standing tradition started in 1904 by His Majesty King Edward VII. He added: This wonderful news will inspire the entire Sapper family worldwide. During his state visit to Germany, Charles will meet representatives from the Royal Engineers in Brandenburg and view a demonstration of a wide river pontoon bridging by 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron. The appointment comes ahead of his and Queen Consort Camillas coronation on 6 May. Charles and Camilla at the Royal Maundy service in 2022 (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive) The ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey in London, with 2,000 guests expected to attend the slimmed-down event. This would be a stark contrast to the 8,000 guests present at the Queens coronation in 1953. Charles will turn 74 years old in November 2022, making him the oldest person to be crowned in British history. His youngest son, Prince Harry, is currently at the High Court for the second day of a hearing over multiple privacy claims brought against the Daily Mail publishers. Sir Elton John and actor Sadie Frost were among those in court alongside the Duke of Sussex on the first day of their High Court challenge over Associated Newspapers Ltds (ANL) allegedly unlawful activity at its titles. The allegations which are denied include the hiring of private investigators to place listening devices inside cars and the accessing and recording of private phone conversations. Follow the latest updates here. Additional reporting by Press Association Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Members of the royal family are preparing to attend the cornoation of King Charles II and Queen Consort Camilla on 6 May. King Charles siblings, sons and grandchildren will be in attendance. The children of Charles siblings will also be attending the event. As the younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, Princess Eugenie is expected to be in attendance. But who is the Princess and what is her relationship with King Charles? Heres everything you need to know. Who is Princess Eugenie? Princess Eugenie and Queen Elizabeth II in April 2019 (Getty Images) Princess Eugenie is the second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York. She is the niece of King Charles III and the grandaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. At birth, she was 6th in the line of succession to the British throne and is now 11th. Born on 23 March 1990, she is the younger sister of Princess Beatrice. She was the first royal baby to have a public christening and the only one of the Queen's grandchildren not to be baptised in the Lily Font. Her parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, divorced when she was six years old and agreed to have joint custody of their two children. In October 2002, the 12-year-old Eugenie underwent back surgery to correct scoliosis, a procedure that saw two 300-millimetre titanium rods inserted in her back. The operation was a success and she was not required to undergo any further surgeries. Princess Eugenie graduated from Newcastle University in 2012 with a 2:1 degree in English literature and history of art. In 2013, she moved to New York City for one year to work for the online auction firm Paddle8 as a benefit auctions manager. In July 2015, she moved back to London to work for the Hauser & Wirth art gallery as an associate director, and was promoted to director in 2017. Is Princess Eugenie married? Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on their wedding day in 2018 (Getty Images) Princess Eugenie met her future husband, Jack Brooksbank, a brand ambassador, during a ski trip in 2010. Brooksbank proposed to Eugenie during a holiday in Nicaragua in 2018. The wedding took place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 12 October 2018. Princess Eugenies wedding dress was designed by the British fashion designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos of British-based label Peter Pilotto, and was designed to display her surgical scar. Eugenie chose to show her scar to honour those that helped her, and to inspire others with the condition of scoliosis. In 2020, Eugenie became patron of the Scoliosis Association UK and in June 2021 became an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation. Eugenie gave birth to a son, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, named after his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021. From November 2020 to May 2022, the couple's main residence was Frogmore Cottage, which was leased to Eugenie's cousin Prince Harry. In May 2022, it was reported they had moved to Portugal, where Brooksbank works for Michael Meldman, and that they would once again stay at Ivy Cottage while in England. Princess Eugenie undertakes occasional public engagements, usually connected with the charities she supports, such as the Teenage Cancer Trust and Children in Crisis. And in June 2022, Eugenie launched the Ocean Advocate Series, which features conversations with ocean advocates and experts on how to preserve the seas and the environment. In January of this year, Buckingham Palace announced that Eugenie and her husband are expecting their second child in the summer. Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Tuesday (24 January) and said: Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are pleased to announce they are expecting their second child this summer. The family are delighted and August is very much looking forward to being a big brother. The royal also announced the news with a sweet photograph of August hugging her pregnant belly posted on Instagram. She is pictured standing outdoors and beaming as her son, a burgundy winter hat, matching trousers and wellies, embraces her around her thighs and stomach. She wrote in the caption: Were so excited to share that there will be a new addition to our family this summer. Close Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson explains why she won't attend King Charles coronation Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Sarah Ferguson has explained why she will not be attending the coronation on 6 May. Fergie, who still lives with Prince Andrew and is very close to him even though they divorced in 1996, told Good Morning Britain that she will not attend since she and Andrew are divorced and you cant have it both ways. The Duchess of York also said that the spotlight needs to come off Prince Andrew in order for him to rebuild his life. Meanwhile, commentators have claimed that the King has handed Harry and Meghan an olive branch by including them in the official souvenir programme for the coronation. A family portrait from 2018 is featured in the souvenir offering, showing Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, their three children and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Some reports have suggested that the inclusion of the photo is a way for Charles to mend relations with the pair, as their rift with the royal family continues. Buckingham Palace announced last week that Harry will be attending the ceremony on 6 May, after months of speculation over his presence. Meghan will remain in California with their children. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Fighting has intensified near a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that is Europes largest, further increasing the possibility of a war-related nuclear accident, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday. There is an increased level of combat, active combat in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano, Grossi told The Associated Press in an interview. My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant. Speaking a day before he was to cross the front lines for a second time to visit the plant, Grossi said he felt it was his duty to ramp up talks aimed at safeguarding the facility. He met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would probably head to Russia in the coming days. Grossi has long called for a protection zone to be set up around the plant, which is very near the front line of the war. But so far, an agreement has been elusive. It is a zone of extreme volatility. So the negotiations are, of course, affected by the ongoing military operations, Grossi said. I would not characterize the process for the last few months as one that has not led to any progress. The U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog, which is based in Vienna, Austria, has a rotating team permanently based at the plant. The power station's six reactors are in shutdown and the plant has received the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown through one remaining functioning power line. Plant personnel have had to switch to emergency diesel generators several times during the 13-month war to power essential cooling systems. Military analysts expect the fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian forces will further escalate as spring progresses and the ground hardens, allowing heavy military machinery to advance on the battlefield. There is talk about offensives, counter-offensives, Grossi said. The concentration of troops, concentration of military equipment, heavy weaponry has grown exponentially in the area near to the plant, which of course, makes us believe that the possibility of an accident, of a renewed attack ... could grow. While the last direct shelling of the plant occurred in November, the surrounding area was still being hit, the nuclear agency chief said. We have far more military activity, and more is announced, he said. The IAEA head said he has discussed the situation at the highest levels with both sides and was still discussing different scenarios that could lead to the creation of a protection zone around the plant. This proposal is about preventing a nuclear accident. It Is not to create any situation which may have a military advantage or disadvantage or a legitimization of the situation, the nuclear agency head said. So I have to walk this fine line talking to both, trying to make it so that both understand very well that a radiological accident ... here and also on the Russian side would be extremely serious and its something that we really need to avoid. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A prominent civil rights attorney was among a group of people arrested in a Dallas suburb during a demonstration in memory of a Black man who died in a struggle with guards at an area jail. McKinney police arrested lawyer Lee Merritt and two others on charges of obstructing a roadway during the Sunday protest over Marvin Scott III's 2021 death in the Collin County jail. Merritt, 40, was also charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, police said. Merritt, who's forged a national profile representing the families of people killed by law enforcement officers, told The Associated Press that he was unlawfully arrested while he attended the protests as the Scott family's lawyer. The attorney said he had been legally carrying a firearm at the time of his arrest, which led to the weapons charge. Merritt was released from jail Monday. The Collin County district attorney's office did not respond to a phone message about whether prosecutors would pursue the charges. The demonstration came two years after Scott, 26, died during a struggle with jail guards following his arrest on a marijuana possession charge. Scotts family said he was likely in a mental health crisis at the time of his death and a medical examiner found he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Seven detention officers were fired and another resigned over Scotts death, which was ruled a homicide, but did not result in criminal charges. Scott's 30-year-old sister, Lachay Batts, was also among those arrested in the protest. Merritt said being held in the same facility where her brother died was a really traumatic experience for Batts. A McKinney police spokesperson said officers made the arrests after giving approximately 10 minutes of warnings to the demonstrators, who included children, to clear the roadway. Merritt, who and made a failed run for the Democratic nomination for Texas attorney general during the last election, said the third person taken into custody was a photojournalist. He called the arrests really bad form. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two men accused of planning an extremist attack on a Jewish restaurant in central Athens and possibly other targets that would produce mass civilian casualties have been arrested on terrorism charges in Greece, police said Tuesday. The suspects were charged with membership in a terrorist organization and were being held at police headquarters in the Greek capital, authorities said. A third man, who is not in Greece, was wanted for questioning and charged in absentia. Government and police officials told the Associated Press that both suspects were of Pakistani origin. The officials asked not to be identified pending official announcements. The two suspects both entered Greece illegally from neighboring Turkey and have been in the country for at least four months. As part of their investigation, police searched multiple sites in Athens as well as in southern Greece and on the island of Zakynthos. The arrests were made because the attack at the Jewish restaurant was believed to be imminent, the police and government officials said. The two men in custody are believed to be part of an overseas network and are scheduled to be questioned by a public prosecutor Friday, the officials said. Their aim was not only to cause the loss of life of innocent citizens, but also to undermine the sense of security in the country, while hurting public institutions and threatening (Greeces) international relations, a police statement said. Greeces anti-terrorism police division and National Intelligence Service were involved in the arrests, and received assistance from a foreign intelligence service that was not identified, according to the statement. The operation demonstrates that the countrys security authorities maintain a high state of readiness for all Greeks and all visitors to our country, Public Order Minister Takis Theodorikakos said in a tweet. ___ Kantouris reported from Thessaloniki, Greece. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Scientists are naming a rare species of beetle in honor of former California Gov. Jerry Brown after finding one at his ranch. Bembidion brownorum was last seen in 1966, but it hadn't been named or described until one was collected near a creek on Brown's ranch in Colusa County, about an hour's drive northwest of Sacramento, the University of California, Berkeley announced Monday. The beetle is brown and tiny at about 5 millimeters (0.20 inch) long, although that is still larger than other Bembidion beetles. Under magnification it glows with a green and gold metallic shimmer, according to UC Berkeley. Brown, who left office in 2019, lives in California's inner coastal mountain range on land that has been in his family since the 1860s. He has offered his property as a meeting space for the California Native Plant Society, entomologist, and forestry and fire experts. UC Berkeley entomologist Kipling Will has been sampling insects at the 2,500-acre ranch for more than two years. On July 1, 2021, he found an unfamiliar beetle and called up an expert, David Maddison at Oregon State University, to help identify it, UC Berkeley said. They determined that it was a species that hadn't been previously named or described. Will later found 21 specimens in museums throughout California, although they may have been unlabeled or misidentified, UC Berkeley said. The species probably was rarely spotted because it probably has been rapidly declining as its habitat is destroyed by urbanization and agricultural development, Will said. The beetle was named in honor of Brown and his wife, Anne Brown. Im very glad that (my ranch) is advancing science in some interesting and important ways, Brown said in the UC Berkeley statement. There are so many undiscovered species, he said. I think its very important that we catalog and discover what we have and understand their impact on the environment how its functioning and how its changing. Will and Maddison described the beetle in a study published Monday in the journal ZooKeys. John S. Sproul of the University of Nebraska Omaha is a co-author. As of the moment of publication this morning the species was formally named, Will said through UC Berkeley in answer to a question by The Associated Press. "If the question is about a ceremony of some sort, no we dont do that. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} China said Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. Wang Yajun will help in the development of the traditional friendship between the close neighbors sharing mountains and rivers, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing. China is North Koreas main source of economic aid and political support, but interactions have been disrupted by travel restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ambassadors posting comes as North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un urged his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on the country's widening range of weapons. The report Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against North Korea's enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified in recent months, increasing tensions in the region. China's support for both North Korea and Russia is seen as an act of defiance against the U.S.-led liberal world order, along with ensuring security along its borders. While China has agreed to United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear tests, it has repeatedly assured the Kim regime of support to prevent its collapse and the potential humanitarian, military and political consequences that might ensue. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Richard Sharps appointment as BBC chair shouldnt stand, the corporations former general director John Birt has said. The BBC grandee attacked the process that saw the Tory donor given the top job without disclosing to MPs he had facilitated discussions which led to an 800,000 loan guarantee for Boris Johnson. I dont think his appointment should stand, Lord Birt told MPs on the culture committee. He is a person of obvious weight and consequence, but in one vital respect he was an unsuitable candidate and the appointment process itself was fatally flawed. The public appointments commission is investigating whether rules were followed in giving the job to Mr Sharp after he failed to share with MPs details of his involvement in initial talks about the offer of a credit line for Mr Johnson when he was at No 10. The culture committee branded Mr Sharp guilty of significant errors of judgement by failing to declare his role in facilitating talks about the loan at the end of 2020 before he was named BBC chair in February 2021. Lord Birt, director general of the BBC between 1992 and 2000, singled out cabinet secretary Simon Case for criticism over the scandal, telling the committee he had made a grave error in letting the appointment proceed. He said: [Mr Case] should have advised both Richard Sharp and the prime minister that the cosiness of these arrangements disqualified Richard Sharp as a candidate. The ex-BBC boss told MPs that candidates with political connections was not in itself a problem, but claimed the composition of the appointments panel had become insufficiently balanced and independent saying weve moved away from diverse independent panels. However, Lord Birt stopped short of calling for Mr Sharp to resign saying it would be premature now for him to do that and urging patience on the results of the probe ordered by the public appointments commissioner. Lord Patten, former chair of the BBC Trust, was also critical of Mr Sharp as he appeared at the select committee hearing on Tuesday. He said he thought the MPs criticism of Mr Sharps failure to disclose his ties to Mr Johnson was common sense, adding that it was unfortunate the chair couldnt be out batting for the BBC during the recent Gary Lineker saga. The former Tory party chair said it was an unhappy state of affairs in which the chairman of the BBC has to be microphone shy because of what this committee reported about him. Lord Patten said Mr Sharps position was very difficult suggesting he would welcome his resignation. Asked if Mr Sharp should quit, Lord Patten said: Ive tended in life not to go round telling other people to resign, but I dont think were he to do so I would write a letter of condolence. Lord Birt criticised Lineker over his tweet about the governments asylum policy saying even freelance presenters who are inextricably bound up with an important BBC programme should have to abide by impartiality rules. Gary Linekers tweets on Tory government caused huge furore (PA) The 62-year-old star was taken off air for a weekend for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a Rishi Sunaks asylum crackdown bill to that of 1930s Germany. I have no doubt the BBC guidelines as clear, Lord Birt told MPs on presenters remaining impartial on politics. And Im sorry to say he breached them. The former BBC boss said he did not think it was legitimate and right that a BBC presenter of such an important programme should opine. Lord Birt, 78, told the committee he hoped the BBCs review of social media guidelines, which will look at the responsibilities of freelancers such as Lineker, would offer crystal clarity to all its employees. But Lord Patten defended Lineker. I couldnt understand why people got into such a state of the vapours, he told MPs. I dont think Gary Lineker is a terrible threat to democracy. The former Hong Kong governor suggested freelancers should have some leeway on discussing politics on social media. Hes not a member of BBC staff, he said. Lord Patten added: If you try to apply judgements to him, do you always apply the same judgements? Not so long ago I think he said, Bin Corbyn. I dont remember the tabloid press saying how wicked it was. No 10 had declined to give its backing to under-fire Mr Sharp, who is currently subject to an investigation by the public appointments watchdog over the manner in which he got the job. We will await the outcome of that review, said Mr Sunaks spokesperson. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Seventeen dogs have been seized by police in Greater Manchester after a six-year-old girl was seriously injured in a dog attack. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said three people arrested on suspicion of owning a dangerous dog had been bailed following the attack, which happened at a house in Ackers Lane, in the suburb of Carrington on Sunday. The unnamed child was taken to hospital where she remains in a stable condition. Four dogs were seized immediately after the attack and four more adult dogs and nine puppies have since been taken away, the force confirmed. Police said a van was also found in south Manchester as part of the investigation and was being examined. Detective inspector Matthew Dixon called the case a fluid investigation and called on people with information to contact the police. GMP has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the incident. It comes amid an increase in dog attacks in recent years. There were 22,000 cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury in 2022, compared to the around 16,000 cases recorded in 2018, according to the BBC. Despite the 37 per cent rise, the dog population in the UK is estimated to have only increased by 15 per cent. Manchester University Hospital Foundation Trust, which operates 10 hospitals in Greater Manchester, saw 225 admissions for dog attacks in 2017-18. By 2019-20 the figure was 290, a rise of 29 per cent. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A former Labour councillor has been convicted and sentenced by videolink in the US for his part in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, in what lawyers believe to be a legal first. Daniel Barwell, who was elected to Doncaster Council in May 2021, was due to be extradited to Ohio to stand trial after he was arrested at his home in South Yorkshire in February last year on suspicion of conspiring to distribute the drug commonly known as magic mushrooms. But the arrest warrant was rescinded after lawyers claimed the case of US citizen Anne Sacoolas, who was sentenced remotely for causing the death of Harry Dunn by careless driving, undermined any suggestion that the same could not be done the other way round in this case. I am so pleased to see that (Harry) is still helping to restore the power imbalance and having an impact on the relations between the USA and UK in this case Charlotte Charles Barwell, who represented the Wheatley Hills and Intake ward on the council, made his first appearance before Westminster Magistrates Court on February 3 last year when extradition proceedings against him began. A note prepared ahead of his sentencing hearing said the defendant acted as a re-shipper for almost five years for a conspiracy that flourished on the dark web. The document said the conspiracy was carried out with military precision, with liquid and dry forms of the drug being sold to customers throughout the US and Europe. Court documents suggest he was detained in London for nine months pending his extradition to the US, before being released on an extradition bond to live with his mother. After Judge Sarah Morrison allowed remote proceedings to take place in Barwells case, he was sentenced at the courthouse in the Southern District of Ohio earlier in March to the prison time he had already served in the UK. Mr Dunns mother, Charlotte Charles, told the PA news agency: I am so pleased to see that (Harry) is still helping to restore the power imbalance and having an impact on the relations between the USA and UK in this case. It gives us some comfort that his legacy will be that the USA will never behave like this towards a British citizen again and they are now paying the price for treating us so badly. Her words come after law firm Doughty Street Chambers, which represented Barwell in the UK, claimed the US government was initially reluctant to set a precedent for the remote proceedings, until the position was overtaken by the Sacoolas case. Diplomatic immunity was asserted on behalf of Sacoolas by the US government after the crash that killed Mr Dunn in August 2019, allowing her to travel back to her home country. After a three-year campaign for justice, the 45-year-old appeared before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey by videolink to plead guilty and to be handed a suspended jail sentence for causing death by careless driving. Barwell was also able to attend remotely after the Covid-19 pandemic was taken into consideration by the judge, court documents show. His US lawyer, Steven Nolder, said the defendant withdrew from the conspiracy shortly after he was elected to the council, with his arrest leading to his resignation and his contract as a hospital administrator being terminated. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A judge overseeing a High Court fight over money between retired businessman Sir Frederick Barclay and his ex-wife has said he does not know why the dispute has not concluded in some consensual way. Sir Jonathan Cohen said he wants 88-year-old Sir Frederick and Lady Hiroko Barclay, 80, to reach some sort of consensual agreement. He aired his thoughts on Tuesday during the latest in a series of hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London. In May 2021 the judge ordered Sir Frederick to hand Lady Hiroko lump sums totalling 100 million following the breakdown of their 34-year marriage. Sir Jonathan, who has heard that the money has yet to be paid, said then that Sir Frederick had behaved in a reprehensible fashion during the litigation. Lady Hiroko, who petitioned for divorce on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour, has complained that Sir Frederick has not paid her as ordered and alleged that he is in contempt of court. Nothing would be better for everyone than if they didnt have to come back, said Sir Jonathan. I dont know why this matter has not been able to be concluded in some form of consensual way. Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UKs most high-profile businessmen. Sir David died in January 2021, aged 86. Their interests included the Telegraph Media Group and The Ritz hotel in London. The family also has links to the Channel Islands and Monaco. Sir Jonathan has been told that Sir Davids sons, Aidan and Howard Barclay, now have day-to-day responsibility for group business. The brothers could give evidence about Sir Fredericks means at a future hearing in the case. The judge said Sir Frederick has alleged he has been unable to pay Lady Hiroko because his nephews hold the purse strings. He said Sir Frederick has argued that a trust which could provide him with money is being starved of funds from the family business. Lawyers representing Aidan and Howard Barclay on Tuesday asked Sir Jonathan to set aside orders he has issued requiring their attendance at court. They questioned whether Sir Jonathan has the power to make such orders. Sir Jonathan refused to cancel the orders, saying: I think their attendance is going to be essential. I dont think there is any way these proceedings are properly to be determined without their attendance. He added: That is the position Sir Frederick has put them in. It is likely that they will be examined or sought to be examined about matters that stray into their own private and confidential arrangements James Roberts KC, barrister for Aidan and Howard Barclay The judge told lawyers representing the pair: I dont want to see your clients in the witness box. I want to see Sir Frederick and Lady Barclay come to some sort of consensual agreement they can live with. He is due to oversee a further hearing on May 16. Barrister James Roberts KC, who is leading Aidan and Howard Barclays legal team, raised concerns about private information being made public if the two businessmen give evidence in open court. Members of the press have been in attendance throughout and the proceedings between (Sir Frederick) and (Lady Hiroko) have been widely reported, he told Sir Jonathan in a written argument. To compel Howard Barclay and Aidan Barclay to give witness evidence would be to compel them to give evidence in open court. It is likely that they will be examined or sought to be examined about matters that stray into their own private and confidential arrangements. He said the two men are not parties to the proceedings and argued that their human rights should be protected. Mr Roberts added: The court at various stages in the proceedings has recognised and protected with appropriate orders information confidential to the Barclay family. The judge ruled in July that Sir Frederick was in contempt as a result of failing to pay about 245,000 he owed his ex-wife for legal fees and maintenance. A barrister representing Lady Hiroko told the judge, at a follow-up hearing in August, that the 245,000 had been paid. But Stewart Leech KC said Sir Frederick remains massively in default. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A billionaires son accused of murdering a student in London has confessed his involvement in the 23-year-olds death for the first time, according to the BBC. Farouk Abdulhak is the only suspect in the rape and murder of Martine Vik Magnussen, 23, who was found dead in the basement of his flat on Great Portland Street, Marylebone in March 2008. Abdulhak fled to Yemen via Egypt in the hours after her death and despite efforts by Magnussens family and the UK and Norwegian authorities he has not returned to Britain to face the charges. Mr Abdulhak, who is on the Met Polices most wanted list and is the subject of an international arrest warrant, has stayed out of the public eye since the incident. But he has since told the BBC Ms Magnussen died as a result of a sex accident gone wrong. I did something when I was younger, it was a mistake, he told the BBC. Reporter Nawal Al-Maghafi said he spoke to Mr Abdulhak over five months. During the thousands of texts and hundreds of voice notes ... not once did he use Martines name or refer to her death, preferring the terms incident or accident, Ms Al-Maghafi wrote. It was just an accident. Nothing nefarious, he told Ms Al-Maghafi. An inquest ruled Magnussen was unlawfully killed after a post-mortem examination found there were at least 43 cuts and grazes to several areas of her body, including 10 to her face and neck. A coroner said Magnussen died from compression to the neck and this could mean she was strangled, held down with a foot or other object or smothered with an object. Mr Abdulhak is the son of the late billionaire Shaher Abdulhak, who was known as the king of sugar because soft drinks were the source of part of his fortune. He was friends with Ms Magnussen, who was studying at Regents Business School and had just come top of her class when she died. Ms Magnussen vanished when she and a group of students were out celebrating finishing their end-of-term exams at the Maddox nightclub in Mayfair on 14 March 2008. In 2010, Westminster Coroners Court heard Ms Magnussen was last seen leaving the club with Mr Abdulhak at 3.20am before she disappeared and her body was found two days later in the basement area of flats where the billionaires son lived. Ms Magnussens father, Odd Petter Magnussen, has campaigned for justice for more than 10 years and fought to keep the case in the public eye. Detectives investigating the killing last year arrested a woman aged in her 60s on suspicion of assisting an offender before she was later released on bail. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood said at the time: Im appealing to Farouk Abdulhak directly: Come back to the UK. Come back to face justice. In a statement after the BBC report on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said: We are aware of the documentary featuring an interview with Farouk Abdulhak. Following the discovery of Martines body Abdulhak was quickly identified as the only suspect in her rape and murder. Despite the passage of time we continue to do everything in our power to have him returned to the UK to stand trial. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Government has agreed to establish a statutory inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying and discrimination in the Defence Forces, as recommended by an independent report. The independent review groups (IRG) report found a discernible pattern of rape and sexual assault in its analysis of participants contributions. Reacting to the publication of the report, Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin also announced the immediate establishment of a new external oversight body of the Defence Forces to deal with the groups recommendations. He described the report as stark and harrowing, and committed to a programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces. Fundamental change is coming, he said. He said the current culture within the Defence Forces is simply and entirely unacceptable. Today is a very challenging day for our Defence Forces but it can also be a new start Micheal Martin, defence minister Any form of sexual misconduct has no place in any workplace in the country, he said. Today is a very challenging day for our Defence Forces but it can also be a new start, he added. We will pass legislation that will ensure there will be an obligation that any sexual assault that is reported will be dealt with by the gardai in the first instance, he said. Mr Martin thanked the men and women who came forward to share what happened to them. Your fortitude and personal bravery is genuinely appreciated, the minister said. Interviewees told investigators of bullying and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces which caused long-term pain and injury. Of the female respondents surveyed for the review, 88% reported experiencing one or more forms of sexual harassment. Members of the Defence Forces reported being in dangerous situations after they were invited to take part in sexual activity by a person who was often of higher rank, and, in some cases, by a person or persons who were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Apart from the horrendous nature of the alleged rapes and sexual assaults suffered and described in great detail to the IRG, what happened afterwards is of equal concern, the report said. Instead of delivering a proper, modern, streamlined and skilled response to the complainant, the individual was often told to bury the complaint, or they were asked whether they seriously wanted to complain formally, it added. The report said bungled investigations that last for years are the order of the day. The report is highly critical of the internal complaints system and also found that incidents of bullying, rape and other serious physical assaults are covered up. The Defence Forces reported that no sexual harassment cases were officially recorded through the formal complaints process over the period 20192021. The IRG said this would appear to confirm the narrative that there is a lack of reporting of incidents rather than a lack of incidents. These zero incidence figures are not comparable with figures reported in other military organisations of similar size internationally, or in other organisations of similar size in Ireland, it said. There is a higher risk of rape and sexual assault incidents occurring while members are on overseas duties, it found. Interviewees reported sexual assaults taking place in barracks, naval boats, shower facilities and while abroad on tours. They also reported regular drink spiking, grooming of younger recruits, and compromising intimate images of female members being taken by surreptitious means. Men also reported being on the receiving end of unacceptable behaviours, ranging across the full spectrum, up to and including rape. In terms of bullying, respondents outlined behaviours such as tubbing which is when an individual is put in a barrel which may contain items such as chemicals, oil, fuel or animal carcasses as a form of punishment. Respondents also described punishment through arduous exercises known as beasting and mobbing where an individual is harassed and isolated to ultimately make life so difficult that they resign their post. The research, which required hundreds of hours of consultations as well as thousands of pages of transcripts, found that some members of Defence Forces management abuse their positions of power and command in their treatment of subordinates. This includes threatening behaviour and the suggestion the individual is under total control of the superior. It found some members of management crossed the line by undermining individuals human dignity through an absence of respect. The IRG said members of the Defence Forces should be offered access to an independent external complaints service for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place. The group recommended the appointment on a non-statutory basis of an external expert with sufficient powers to investigate medical boarding processes and a study into deaths by suicide of Defence Forces members. It said the Defence Forces should develop new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity as well as ensuring the provision of adequate maternity clothing for female personnel. The IRG said the enforcement of traditional gender norms in the Defence Forces is a situation that cannot continue. It called on leadership to shift perspective to align with modern attitudes on gender, specifically adopting measures to address a culture of misogyny and disrespect for all things female. The group concluded the Defence Forces is unable or unwilling to make the changes that are needed to provide a safe working environment to its members. In its high-level findings, the review also found that intellectual capabilities are rated as much less important than physical skills within the Defence Forces. Flexibility and alternative thinking is suspect, the review found. Difference or divergence from a perceived norm is not tolerated, it added. All of these have implications for culture, workplace climate and behaviours. Mr Martin said the inquiry would be established before the end of the year. I want to get this up and running as quickly as possible, he said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Afghan war hero threatened with deportation to Rwanda has exposed a gaping hole in our asylum system, senior figures warned today, as they called for Britain to fulfil its duty to those who served alongside coalition forces. The Independent revealed this week that the pilot was forced to flee Afghanistan leaving his young family and travel to the UK on a small boat because he could find no safe and legal route out of the country. Chair of the defence select committee Tobias Ellwood said the case shows there is no functioning process that allows Afghans to apply for asylum from abroad, adding: This is clearly not who we are as a nation. Admiral Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, added to the criticism, saying the government has a duty to look after those who fought alongside Britain. Last night, Rishi Sunak promised to review the veterans plight after he was questioned about The Independents story during a grilling by MPs. The pilot, who flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban and was praised by his coalition forces supervisor as a patriot to his nation, claims he has been forgotten by US and British forces. Tory MP Mr Ellwood told The Independent: This case illustrates the gaping hole in the current system there is no functioning process that allows Afghans to apply for asylum from abroad and there is something very wrong if pilots who worked alongside us in Afghanistan could now be sent to Rwanda. He also called for the government to look at the case, saying: This is clearly not who we are as a nation, and is not how our migration system should operate. I hope the government will look at this case specifically and address the wider issue of how an Afghan [who supported UK armed forces] can safely apply for asylum in the UK. The pilot said that American and British forces have forgotten us (The Independent ) Lord West, chief of Naval staff from 2002 to 2006, said: The Afghans who helped us, whether they be interpreters or whether they were fighting alongside us, we have a duty to look after them. Not least because they were helping us. But also because no one is ever going to want to help us if we ever get involved in a situation like that again. He added: I understand all the issues about trying to stop boats coming across the Channel and people drowning. But I think occasionally one has to show some flexibility. And I would have thought this was a classic case where we should. In an email to the pilot, a Home Office official wrote that it had evidence that he had been in Italy, Switzerland and France before reaching the UK, which could have consequences for whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system. [The pilot] may also be removable to Rwanda under the terms of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Rwanda and UK, the email read. In a notice of intent letter from the Home Office, the pilot was told that his personal data could be shared with the Rwandan government to assess whether he could be sent to the east African country. The veteran said that it had been impossible to make his way to Britain via a safe route, adding: What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan? In his appearance before parliaments liaison committee on Tuesday, Mr Sunak was asked about how the government would support Afghans who supported British forces but arrived in the UK on a small boat. He responded by saying these are exactly the sort of people we want to help. But Tory MP Caroline Nokes replied: ... which is why an Afghan pilot was highlighted in The Independent as having been given notification that he was likely to be removed to Rwanda. Mr Sunak said that it was hard to comment on individual cases, but added: If you send it to me Ill happily make sure the Home Office have a look. The government has repeatedly said that there is no reason for people to cross the Channel in small boats because there are safe and legal routes to claim asylum. More than 9,000 Afghans made the Channel crossing last year, according to Home Office figures. Evacuees on a flight from Kabul in August 2021 (MoD/Getty) The Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme (ARAP) is designed to bring those who worked for British forces in Afghanistan to the UK. It has brought more than 11,000 people to safety so far, but another 4,300 eligible people including over 3,000 still in Afghanistan have yet to be relocated. Charities and case workers have raised concerns that ARAP fails to support Afghans who worked with British forces, but were not directly employed by them. The general scheme for at-risk Afghans applying for resettlement, the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme (ACRS), has only brought 22 people to the UK since the 2021 evacuation. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer announced on Tuesday that around 8,000 Afghan refugees will be forced to move out of hotels within the coming months. The refugees will be given a minimum notice of three months and they will be offered a property in which to stay. Charities have raised concerns about the plan, which could see thousands of Afghans presenting as homeless to councils if they reject the property offered to them. Responding to Mr Mercer in the Commons, shadow defence secretary John Healey said the government was serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans. He referenced another investigation by The Independent which revealed that Afghans were told they could come to safety in Britain only after their documents were stamped by the Taliban. Mr Healey added that the governments record should shame us all. Those in fear of their lives left in Afghanistan, housing promises broken, processing staff cut, ballooning backlogs, breaches of personal data and even the MoD, even the MoD, saying to applicants that they should get the Taliban to verify their ARAP application documents, he said. Far from being fair and right, this record and this statement should shame us all. Shadow defence secretary asks about The Independents investigation on Afghan refugees Commenting on the case of the Afghan pilot, Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, told The Independent: The UK government made a solemn promise to the Afghans who helped our armed forces that it would help them and give them sanctuary from the Taliban. The failures of this Conservative government to help those that helped us is a source of national shame. We need a proper plan to ensure that the pilots, translators, and all those who risked their lives to help the British government get the protection they need and deserve. Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrats spokesperson for home affairs, said: This Conservative government plans to ban people like him [the Afghan pilot] from claiming asylum in the United Kingdom and use an immoral, ineffective and hugely expensive scheme to deport them. We want to see these dangerous crossings stop, but the government has scrapped all safe and legal routes for asylum seekers to come here in the first place. Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director of Human Rights Watch, said: This is what weve become, a nation that not only turns our back on those seeking protection, but expels those who helped us in our hour of need. The Home Office said: We remain committed to providing protection for vulnerable and at-risk people fleeing Afghanistan, and so far have brought around 24,500 people impacted by the situation back to the UK. We continue to work with like-minded partners and countries neighbouring Afghanistan on resettlement issues, and to support safe passage for eligible Afghans. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A refugee charity is deeply concerned about reports that thousands of Afghans could be forced out of hotels under government plans set to be announced on Tuesday. Between 8,000 and 9,000 Afghan refugees are staying in hotels in the UK after fleeing the Taliban in 2021. They will be offered permanent homes and given a few months notice to move. The plan does not apply to those who are living in hotels managed by the Home Office, although an announcement is expected on this next week. Those who are not allocated a home or decline an offer of one could be forced to present to local councils as homeless, it is feared. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "We are deeply concerned about many elements of these plans, in particular the risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated. He added: "Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. "To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval." Further details of the plan were set to be announced by Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, in the Commons later on Tuesday, The Times reports. Thousands of Afghan refugees, many of whom risked their lives working for the UK, arrived here following the Taliban takeover of their country. The Taliban claimed victory in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the US-led coalition announced its withdrawal. Kabul, the Afghan capital, quickly descended into chaos as residents and foreign nationals tried to escape rule by the religious fundamentalists. The Taliban has since ordered sweeping rollbacks of womens rights as part of a series of moves aimed at enforcing the groups heterodox conservatism. More than 20,000 Afghans have resettled in the UK since fleeing the country and many are still trying to escape, although they face obstacles in doing so. Afghans wait to be evacuated after Taliban takeover (PA Media) Earlier in March, The Independent revealed that desperate Afghans trying to escape to the UK were told they could come here safely only if their paperwork had been approved by the Taliban. Charities said Afghans were being put in danger, with one MP saying they were effectively being asked to sign their own death warrant. The Ministry of Defence initially denied the practice but later admitted it was wrong and apologised, after our investigation. Earlier this week, The Independent revealed that an Afghan war veteran who served alongside British armed forces was among those to have fled to the UK on a small boat and was being threatened with deportation to Rwanda. Figures provided to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed that 5.6 million a day was being spent on hotels for people who have arrived in the UK and have submitted an asylum claim, with 1.2 million paid to house Afghan refugees who fled the country after the fall of Kabul. According to The Daily Telegraph, the government plans, to be announced on Tuesday, will come with funding of 750m. The first hotel eviction notices will be sent out within weeks and Afghans will be offered accommodation in former military bases and potentially ferries. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Racism is commonplace in the UK journalism industry, which needs more Black people in senior positions and more race correspondents to improve diversity of coverage, a new study has found. Published on Tuesday by the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN), the report lays bare the stark challenges faced by Black journalists in the British news media. Written by Dr Aida Al-Kaisy, a media development advisor at EJN, Structural Racism in UK Newsrooms is based on 27 in-depth interviews with Black journalists and stakeholders who have or are currently working in national mainstream media newsrooms across print, online and broadcast media. Many feel unsupported, have their ideas routinely rejected, are made to feel as though they dont belong and have no one in a senior position to look to for impartial guidance, the report warns. The project, funded by Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, is described as a shocking expose on the lack of progress on diversity in UK media where Black journalists account for just 0.2 per cent of the staff members compared with three per cent of their UK population, according to a recent breakdown. White journalists comprise 94 per cent of the whole journalistic workforce, data from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism in 2015 highlighted. There hasnt been a recent comparison of these numbers. (Getty Images) The report said the proportion of Black journalists had increased in recent years and there had also been a heightened sense of the possibility for change since 2020 with the increased momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. However, Black journalists said that newsroom processes continued to be exclusionary and discrimination is rife. When you walk into a newsroom it is like apartheid. You are instantly categorised by the colour of your skin, one journalist told researchers, echoing a warning in the report that Black journalists are being pigeonholed into covering certain topics. The report also found that traditional approaches to diversity and inclusion, such as schemes, are not working in UK news media because they do little to address the structural issues in the industry or indeed society at large. It also argues that news reporting on racism and structural racism is one way to draw public attention to the problem. However, a culture of fear operates where Black people fear losing their job if they speak up about issues they face. There is a sense that the work of individual Black journalists is being co-opted so that media organisations can appear to be championing diversity, while newsrooms are often seen a hostile environments, the report adds. One Black journalist told researchers: I feel like I am a shadow of myself in the newsroom. I dont show my personality. I am anxious about how I am perceived whether as loud or rowdy. (Getty Images) Marcus Ryder MBE, head of external consultancies at the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for media diversity at Birmingham City University, said: News organisations across the UK cannot report accurately, impartially and objectively on the world until racism in their own newsrooms is addressed. While this in-depth report should concern everyone working in the news industry, the findings have repercussions on how democracy in our society works, which stories are heard, and most importantly who holds power to account. The reports recommendations include calling for senior leadership to change the make-up of newsrooms to reflect improvements in diversity at entry level, as well as in wider UK society. Recent research by Reuters Institute and the University of Oxford shows that, in the UK, none of top ten online news outlets and ten top offline news in its sample of 100 titles had a non-white top editor. As part of its recommendations, the EJN suggests that further work should be undertaken at an organisational level to incentivise media managers to recruit and promote Black journalists to management positions. The report also called for greater transparency in decision-making in all aspects of the news-making process. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Guardian has issued an apology after uncovering links between its founder and the transatlantic enslavement of African people. An investigation found that John Edward Taylor, who founded the Manchester Guardian in 1821, was connected to transatlantic slavery, along with his backers. The findings follow independent academic research, commissioned in late 2020 by the papers owner Scott Trust, which threw up significant new facts about the publications origin story. The trust said it would use the investigation to inform our purpose as it issued an apology to the affected communities identified in the research and surviving descendants of the enslaved. It also announced a ten-year programme of restorative justice, worth 10 million, which include funding new scholarships to bring more young Black journalists into the profession. It will also create more reporting roles in the Caribbean, Africa, South America and in Black communities in the UK and US and set up a restorative justice fund to support programmes in Jamaica and the southeastern United States. The trust has previously said that it had no evidence that Mr Taylor was a slave owner, or involved in the slave trade in any direct way. Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scott Trust, said: The Scott Trust is deeply sorry for the role John Edward Taylor and his backers played in the slavery economy. We recognise that apologising and sharing these facts transparently is only the first step in addressing The Guardians historical links to transatlantic slavery, which was a crime against humanity. In response to the findings, the Scott Trust is committing to fund a restorative justice programme over the next decade, which will be designed and carried out in consultation with descendant communities in the US, Jamaica, the UK and elsewhere, centred on long-term initiatives and meaningful impact. These are significant new facts about The Guardians origin story, and they must therefore inform our purpose as we move forward, pushing us to do more to reflect the society we aspire to, alongside the radical history of Peterloo which originally inspired our values and our mission. The research, by the University of Nottinghams Institute for the Study of Slavery and the University of Hulls Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation , found Taylor had links to slavery through partnerships in cotton manufacturing and merchant firms which imported raw cotton produced by enslaved people in the Americas. Researchers reviewed an invoice book showing that Shuttleworth, Taylor & Co. received cotton from specific plantations from the Sea Islands region of the United States. Nine of the eleven men who loaned Mr Taylor money to found the Manchester Guardian had similar links to the slavery economy through their commercial interests in Manchesters cotton and textiles industry. One of these financial backers, Sir George Philips, enslaved African people in his capacity as co-owner of a sugar plantation in Hanover, Jamaica. In 1835, Mr Philips unsuccessfully attempted to claim compensation from the British government for 108 people enslaved on the plantation. The findings highlight the intertwining of British wealth, privilege and profits from slavery. The Scott Trusts research comes at a time when numerous British institutions have been examining links to slavery, from the Church of England to Cambridge University. Meanwhile, republican sentiment is growing among Caribbean nations that were once colonised by Britain with some signalling intent to remove King Charles as head of state. John Edward Taylor founded the Manchester Guardian in 1821 (Handout) Barrister Matthew Ryder, a board member at The Scott Trust, told The Independent that this historic research has a deeply personal significance for some of the most senior people within the organisation who are of African descent and have been involved in the project. That includes journalists Joseph Harker, senior editor for diversity and development, and Maya Wolfe-Robinson; as well as Scott Trust members David Olusoga and Mr Ryder himself. Hundreds of British organisations, companies and institutions have deep links to the exploitation of enslaved people. But that history is too often hidden or barely recognised, he said. Worse still, there is no acknowledgement of how that history should inform the present and the future work of those organisations and British society as a whole. The Guardians own story of the progressive and liberal purposes for which it was founded must be placed in the context of the injustices against African enslaved people in which all of British society was complicit. The Guardian decided it could not allow that element of its history to go unacknowledged any further. The terror threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised to severe following an uptick in activity by a small number of dissident republicans determined to use politically motivated violence. MI5 increased the threat from substantial to severe, which means it deems an attack to be highly likely. The intelligence service, which makes assessments independent of ministers, urged the public to remain vigilant but "not be alarmed". The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in Northern Ireland, including the attempted murder of detective chief inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. School exams in England could be disrupted by a further wave teachers strikes after union leaders recommended rejecting an insulting pay offer from the government. National Education Union (NEU) co-leader Mary Bousted has said teachers do not want to walk out on exam days but refused to rule it out if members agree to turn down the pay offer. It comes as the NEU leader clashed with BBC host Nick Robinson, accusing him of an outrageous slur after he referred to the unions deputy leader as an extremist. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three gambling businesses owned by William Hill have been hit with a record fine of 19.2 million for widespread and alarming social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures. One customer was allowed to open a new account and spend 23,000 in 20 minutes, while another spent 18,000 in 24 hours both without any checks. Anti-money laundering (AML) failures included allowing customers to deposit large amounts without conducting appropriate checks. One customer was able to spend and lose 70,134 in a month, another to lose 38,000 in five weeks and another lost 36,000 in four days. The penalty for the failures is the largest in the Gambling Commission's history. WHG (International) Limited, which runs williamhill.com, will pay 12.5 million; Mr Green Limited, which runs mrgreen.com, will pay 3.7 million; and William Hill Organisation Limited, which operates 1,344 gambling premises across Britain, will pay 3 million. Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said the failings identified were so alarming that a license suspension was considered. However, because the operator immediately recognised their failings and worked with us to swiftly implement improvements, we instead opted for the largest enforcement payment in our history, Mr Rhodes said. Last October, gambling company 888 bought William Hills high street stores in a deal with around 150 million. In the summer, 888 completed a nearly 2 billion deal for William Hills international assets, which included its 1,400 betting shops across the UK. A spokesman for 888, which owns William Hill, said the record settlement relates to the previous ownership and management. After William Hill was acquired, the company quickly addressed the identified issues with the implementation of a rigorous action plan, the spokesman said. The entire group shares the Gambling Commission's commitment to improve compliance standards across the industry and we will continue to work collaboratively with the regulator and other stakeholders to achieve this. Adam Bradford, a gambling campaigner, who helped pay off his fathers 500,000 gambling debts after he was jailed for fraud, said the failings of the bookmaker were disappointing. Vulnerable customers should be the top priority for betting firms and this case highlights the need for the governments Gambling Act review to be released immediately, Mr Bradfors said. For companies to be able to react better and to protect the hundreds of thousands of addicts, like my dad, this legislation and framework could not come soon enough. William Hill did act quickly in implementing software, bringing in experts to help them monitor customers play and this is exactly what operators now need to be doing across the board. The Gambling Commission said all 19.2 million would be directed towards socially responsible purposes as part of a regulatory settlement. The previous largest case was a 17 million action taken against Entain in August last year. The William Hill settlement comes a week after the commission fined two operators owned by Kindred Group a combined 7.2 million and is the largest enforcement case taken on by the regulator. Mr Rhodes said: In the last 15 months we have taken unprecedented action against gambling operators, but we are now starting to see signs of improvement. There are indications that the industry is doing more to make gambling safer and reducing the possibility of criminal funds entering their businesses. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kate Forbes has said she will support Scotlands new First Minister despite rebuffing the offer to serve in the cabinet. Ms Forbes, who served as Finance Secretary under Nicola Sturgeons administration, is believed to have been offered the role of cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands by new First Minister Humza Yousaf, but turned down the position. It means the 32-year-old, who served as Finance Secretary under Nicola Sturgeons administration, will leave the Scottish Government and return to Holyroods backbenches. If she had moved to rural affairs it would have been seen as a major demotion, one which Forbes backer and former health secretary Alex Neil branded an insult and not a real effort to unite, adding: A poor start. Mr Yousaf was named SNP leader on Monday, when it was revealed that he won 52.1% of the vote once he progressed to the second round. Ms Forbes narrowly missed out on the leadership, claiming 47.9% of the vote in the second round, while Ash Regan was eliminated in the first round with 11% of the vote. She said on Tuesday that she was delighted to have voted for Mr Yousaf to become First Minister when the majority of MSPs backed him for the top job. He has my full support, as he governs well and furthers the case for independence, she tweeted. I have full confidence he will appoint a talented cabinet and ministerial team, able to meet the challenges facing the country. She tweeted that it was to the great credit of the new First Minister that the first official conversation he had after the result was with her. He has been respectful, supportive and warm through. In whatever capacity I serve, Ill support him, she wrote. But during the almost six-week-long SNP leadership campaign, she had launched a series of attacks on Mr Yousaf and criticised his record in government. In one debate, broadcast on STV, she told him: When you were transport minister the trains were never on time, when you were justice minister the police were strained to breaking point, and now as health minister weve got record high waiting times. But she too came under fire from SNP colleagues over her socially conservative views, and the Scottish Greens, who agreed the Bute House powersharing deal with the SNP, had signalled that they would not be likely to work with Ms Forbes if she were elected as the countrys next first minister. Also on Tuesday evening, MSP Ivan McKee, the business minister who was heavily involved in Ms Forbes campaign, was reported by The Times as likely to quit ministerial office after being offered a similar position with fewer responsibilities. The Scottish Conservatives have said Mr Yousaf has poured petrol on the SNP civil war on day one of being First Minister. MSP Craig Hoy, chairman of the Scottish Conservatives, said Ms Forbes furious snub to his offer of a cabinet demotion shows his mission to reunite their feuding party is doomed to failure. The reality is the SNP are divided from top to bottom. And, as they concentrate on knocking lumps out of each other, they are unable to focus on the real priorities of the Scottish people, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Campaigners have expressed their deep concerns that Government plans could see Afghan refugees forced out of hotels and into homelessness. On Tuesday Downing Street confirmed reports of a new package to accelerate the movement of Afghan refugees out of hotel bridging accommodation and into new homes. It comes after a report in The Times newspaper suggesting that between 8,000 and 9,000 Afghan refugees living in UK hotels will be given a few months notice to move out. There are fears some will become homeless, with the Refugee Council saying they were promised a warm welcome by the UK. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated Enver Solomon, Refugee Council The move, due to be announced by veterans minister Johnny Mercer on Tuesday afternoon, will reportedly see refugees offered a property though those who fail to take up the offer before a deadline will be evicted. Asylum seekers housed in hotels by the Home Office are not expected to be affected. The plan was discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday morning. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said Mr Sunak told the meeting that the UK can be proud of the support provided to those forced to flee Afghanistan. Mr Mercer also told colleagues that it was right to take these steps to help Afghans start a secure life, according to No 10. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan. He said there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. More details are expected to be revealed in the Commons, with Mr Mercer likely to promise new support and funding to get refugees into homes. Downing Street denied that Afghan refugees will be kicked out of hotels and said the new package is about finding them settled accommodation. This is about how were accelerating support for Afghans who have been forced to remain in hotel accommodation for sometimes more than a year, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said. Weve made a large commitment to them to support them in the UK to make a new life here and this will be the next stage of that. We do think it is right to help them into settled accommodation. There will be a significant package of support that sits behind them to both help them to find accommodation and to help them fully integrate into their new community. Thousands of Afghan refugees arrived in the UK after the Taliban takeover and fall of Kabul in 2021. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing Enver Solomon, Refugee Council Figures given to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed 5.6 million a day was being spent on hotels for people who had arrived in the UK and submitted an asylum claim, with 1.2 million paid to house Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban. The wider challenge of housing asylum seekers was also discussed at Cabinet, Mr Sunaks spokesman said. He said that Mr Sunak told Cabinet colleagues that the UK is a compassionate country that does want to offer protection and support to those most in need. He said the cost of the current approach and pressure it puts on local areas meant it was not sustainable. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick is set to provide an update on work to deal with illegal immigration this week. The wider British response to refugees fleeing Afghanistan has come under scrutiny in recent months. Figures from February showed just 22 people, including eight children, had been resettled in the UK after fleeing Afghanistan under the strand of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) that promised to help vulnerable refugees. The figure for Afghan nationals arriving in the UK by boat after crossing the Channel rose to 8,633 last year a six-fold increase on 2021. A pledge was made to take up to 20,000 Afghan refugees with as many as 5,000 in the first year who were forced to flee their home or faced threats of persecution from the Taliban under what the Home Office claimed at the time would be one of the most generous resettlement schemes in the UKs history. The ACRS, split into three pathways depending on eligibility, was formally launched in January 2022 although 7,141 Afghans had been resettled by December 2021 as people arrived in the UK under the summer evacuation exercise that year. The first pathway, which focused on eligible people who were notified by the UK Government that they had been called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation but were not able to board flights at the time of the evacuation in 2021, saw just under 500 people resettled last year. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was also launched in April 2021, offering priority relocation to the UK for current or former locally employed staff who have been assessed to be under serious threat to life. Under that scheme, 4,094 were resettled last year and 7,118 in 2021. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Campaigners say Afghans who helped British troops could be forced into homelessness as ministers confirmed plans to end their stays in taxpayer-funded hotels. The UK promised a safe haven for thousands of people who fled Afghanistan as the Taliban swept back into power in 2021 with many living in hotels since arriving. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said the 1 million daily cost of housing around 8,000 Afghan refugees, half of them children, in hotels is unsustainable. Long-term residency in hotels has prevented some Afghans from properly putting down roots, committing to employment, integrating into communities and (is) creating uncertainty as they look to rebuild their lives in the United Kingdom long term, he said. The Government will begin writing to individuals and families housed in the Afghan bridging hotels at the end of April, giving them at least three months notice before they are forced out. This will crystallise a reasonable timeframe in the minds of our Afghan friends with significant support from central and local government at every step as required, together with their existing access to welfare and the right to work to find good, settled places to live in the longer term, Mr Mercer said. He acknowledged there is a debt owed to Afghans who assisted British forces during the war and upheld British values. There are veterans across this country enjoying normal lives today because of the service and sacrifice of this cohort in keeping them safe in Afghanistan, the former army officer said. Mr Mercer promised generous support to help Afghans into settled accommodation, with trained staff based in hotels to provide advice on finding work, new homes and English lessons. Some 35 million of new funding will help councils provide increased support to help people move from hotels into accommodation across England, while the local authority housing fund will be expanded by 250 million, with most of the cash going to house Afghans and the rest easing homelessness pressures. Whilst this Government realises our significant responsibilities to this cohort, there is a responsibility upon this group to take the opportunities that are offered under these schemes and integrate into UK society, Mr Mercer said. Where an offer of accommodation can be made and is turned down, another will now not be forthcoming. At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated Enver Solomon, Refugee Council Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan. He said there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said Mr Mercer is serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans half of whom are children with no guarantee they will be offered a suitable, settled place to live. The Local Government Association said councils will need extra resources to help find and fund accommodation for Afghans moved out of hotels. A spokesman said: To ensure we do not see a further rise in homelessness as a result of a chronic shortage of properties across the UK and increase current significant pressures on homelessness teams, councils will need sufficient resources and flexibilities to assist with finding and funding accommodation, particularly for larger families. The Home Office said the process of moving Afghans out of hotels will be staggered, with people being notified at different times to make sure there is not a disproportionate demand for housing in one area. More than 20 new four-bedroom homes have so far been provided for Afghans as part of a Government project with property developer Barratt Developments and councils. The first two families have moved into homes in Doncaster, with more to follow in the coming weeks in Bedfordshire, Canterbury, North Somerset and Telford, the Home Office added. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Housing Secretary has written to insulation firm Kingspan to invite the company for talks with officials, following a report suggesting it could pay for post-Grenfell remediation work in high-rise buildings where its product had been used. A small amount of Kingspans Kooltherm K15 insulation was used on the residential tower block, with the inquiry into the tragedy turning attention to cladding and insulation used on high-rise buildings across the UK. A total of 72 people died in the June 2017 fire at the Grenfell tower block in north Kensington, west London. In a strongly-worded letter to the Ireland-based firm, Mr Gove said: I have long argued that those who manufactured flammable products and sold them have a moral and financial imperative to recognise their role in the proliferation of unsafe buildings. The testimony at the Grenfell Tower inquiry uncovered shameful practices and an abhorrent culture of disregard for the safety of residents in their homes. I was appalled by the evidence heard by the inquiry about the reckless and deceptive behaviour within your company. The letter references a report in The Observer newspaper last month noting that Kingspan had said it would pay for remediation where its K15 product had been inappropriately used in a high-rise building. The paper said Kingspan was also ready to contribute to a joint government and industry funding mechanism. Mr Gove wrote: If the report was accurate, this acknowledgement is a positive step. I sincerely hope it is a first step only, in what should be a comprehensive package of financial support from Kingspan and other construction product manufacturers. Your record trading profit of 382.8m will, I presume, help to fund this commitment. I invite you to meet my officials to discuss how you propose to scope, identify, and pay for remediation works. This would go some way to restoring confidence in the sector in the way that we have recently seen from developers. In the letter, addressed to chief executive Gene Murtagh, Mr Gove says: My department will continue to be driven solely by our commitment to protect people in their homes: people who bought or rented homes in good faith, whose safety continues to be threatened by your products and who deserve better from the companies that have exploited their basic need for a home. Those companies who do not share our commitment to righting the wrongs of the past must expect to face commercial consequences. I look forward to hearing from you before Easter. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new treatment which could transform the lives of patients with severe asthma is to be approved for NHS use. Tezepelumab, which is known as a biologic medicine, could be offered to up to 60,000 people in England. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended the new treatment, which is delivered via an injector pen every four weeks, in final draft guidance. Nice recommended the use of the treatment also known as Tezspire and made by pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca as an additional maintenance treatment for people over 12 with severe asthma. This treatment has the potential to be a lifeline for a much broader population of people with severe asthma who are currently ineligible from accessing other, vital biologic treatments. Asthma and Lung UK Clinical trial results suggest that the treatment, when added to usual care, reduced asthma attacks and the amount of oral anti-inflammatory medicine patients needed to take. Commenting on the news, Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK, said: On behalf of people with severe asthma, we are delighted that Nice has recommended Tezepelumab for use on the NHS in England. This treatment has the potential to be a lifeline for a much broader population of people with severe asthma who are currently ineligible from accessing other, vital biologic treatments. Severe asthma is a debilitating condition, affects an estimated 200,000 people and doesnt get better with usual asthma medicines. Too often people with severe asthma find themselves stuck in a never-ending cycle of life-threatening asthma attacks, emergency trips to hospital and regular doses of strong steroid tablets, which can be lifesaving but can also have serious side-effects like weight gain and osteoporosis. Tezepelumab has already been approved for use in the United States and only months ago was given the green light by the European Union. So, its good to see England follow suit and approve access to this new biologic treatment, which could transform the lives of people living with severe asthma. The injector pen can either be used at home or in a clinical setting. It works by reducing a certain type of white blood cell to help decrease swelling and irritation of the airways to allow for easier breathing. Nice said the drug may be offered to people whose condition is not controlled by high-dose inhaled anti-inflammatory medicine (corticosteroids) and another maintenance treatment. It is also recommended for the treatment for people who have had three or more asthma attacks in the past year, or those who are having maintenance oral corticosteroids. Nicola Sturgeon leaves office as the longest serving First Minister in Scotlands history and the first woman to hold the post. Her eight years in office spanned some of the most important and divisive periods in UK politics, including Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. As with any political leader, Ms Sturgeons tenure encompasses both successes and triumphs. Here are some of the key events of her time in Bute House: Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson allies will hold a political conference this spring aimed at taking back control of the Conservative Party. The Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO), the group set up after Mr Johnson was kicked out of No 10 by his own party, is to hold its first convention in Bournemouth on 13 May. But Mr Johnson will snub the conference, The Independent understands despite being invited to speak at the event in the wake of the disastrous local election results expected for Rishi Sunak. Johnson supporters Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nadine Dorries and Priti Patel will make speeches or join debates at the first national gathering of the CDO. The group run by key Johnson backer Peter Cruddas, a major donor to the former PM, wants Tory members to have a bigger say in electing candidates and party leaders. Are you ready to take back control? the CDO asks on its website. We look forward to welcoming you to the CDO conference where youll join like-minded patriots who, like you, want to save our party and our country. Mr Rees-Mogg said he was looking forward to addressing the voluntary party, which I have long thought is the backbone of Conservatism. Ms Dorries said the conference was going to be exciting. Referring to Mr Johnsons removal, she added: Recent events have made it clear, its time for members to play their part and take control. The organisation launched on the back of an unsuccessful Bring back Boris campaign in the summer is campaigning for a directly elected Tory chair and wants members to have a bigger say in policy and party constitution. It is also pushing for local associations to be able to select their candidate and deselect their MPs if necessary, despite concerns right-wing activists could push moderates out of the party. David Campbell Bannerman, chair of the CDO, suggested there might be at least 60 MPs who would be getting a little nervous after leading moderate Damian Green was effectively deselected by his local constituency. But its vice-president Stephen Greenhalgh denied Mr Greens deselection was linked to punishment over Mr Johnsons downfall. The CDO leadership plans to meet Tory chair Greg Hands to give him the first draft of a grassroots manifesto, according to The Telegraph. Tory donor Lord Cruddas is a staunch backer of Boris Johnson (PA) Mr Johnsons bad-tempered performance at the Partygate inquiry at which he struggled to explain away advice given against giving assurances that Covid guidance was followed in No 10 is thought to have killed his chances of a comeback. He also failed to inspire much of a Commons revolt against Rishi Sunaks post-Brexit agreement, which passed by a huge majority of 486. One senior Tory MP told The Independent the Partygate hearing and Brexit vote were the death throes of Boris cult. A former Tory minister put Mr Johnsons support among MPs at around 25, predicting that could recover slightly to 40 max. Tory peer and polling guru Lord Hayward said it was striking how few Tory MPs joined with Mr Johnson in the post-Brexit deal. Theres a very big message there, he said. Lord Hayward added: His support is clearly diminished. Is it over? No, its not over, but its striking that in September 100 names signed his nomination form, and the number who are declared Boris backers has been dropping and dropping. Recommended Rishi Sunak to be grilled by MPs on small boats and Brexit Leave.EU co-founder Arron Banks the so-called bad boy of Brexit held talks with Lord Cruddas and discussed the CDO, according to the Sunday Times. Lawyers acting for the Tory peer said the pair had met for lunch and drinks but that the work of the CDO was only discussed in passing. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyn has won the London seat of Islington North for Labour at each of the last 10 general elections, often by a comfortable margin. At the most recent election in 2019, he won 64% of the vote, with the other parties some way behind on 16% (Liberal Democrats), 10% (Conservative) and 8% (Green). Mr Corbyns share of the vote has fallen below 50% only once, at the 1983 general election, when he first became MP for the constituency. On this occasion, the other candidates included the previous Labour MP for the seat, Michael OHalloran, who had recently defected to the newly formed Social Democratic Party (SDP). Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA Archive) Mr OHalloran then failed to be selected as the SDPs candidate for Islington North at the 1983 election and instead chose to stand as an independent. Such a scenario could be paralleled at the next general election, which is likely to take place in 2024. Mr Corbyn has represented Islington North as an independent since 2020, after being suspended by Labour over his response to the Equality and Human Rights Commission finding Labour under his leadership was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as he struggled to tackle antisemitism. The equalities watchdog lifted Labour out of two years of special measures last month, in what current party leader Sir Keir Starmer called an important moment in the history of the Labour Party. Sir Keir then said last month that Mr Corbyn would not be selected as the Labour candidate for Islington North at the next election. This decision was formally approved by Labours ruling National Executive Committee on Tuesday. Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire) But should Mr Corbyn decide to stand in the seat as an independent, it means the former Labour MP would go head-to-head with a new Labour candidate mirroring the 1983 contest. The unusual circumstances of that election saw Mr Corbyn become Labour MP for Islington North with just 40% of the vote below the combined total for the Conservative (25%) and SDP (22%), while Mr OHalloran won 11%. Since 1983, the party in second place in the constituency has been either the Conservatives (1987-1992 and 2015-17) or the Liberal Democrats (1997-2010 and 2019). Mr Corbyn secured his highest-ever share of the vote in the seat at the 2017 general election, winning 73%. Although the Lib Dems came second in 2019, the party was almost 50 percentage points behind Labour, winning 16% of the vote compared with Mr Corbyns 64%. At present Islington North can not be considered a marginal seat, but the addition of an independent candidate at the next election, in the guise of its former MP, could make the contest far more competitive. There is the potential for Labours vote to drop, with some former supporters voting for Mr Corbyn instead of the new Labour candidate, or voting for another party, or even not voting at all. To date, there have been no opinion polls carried out in the constituency to see how people might vote in a contest in which Mr Corbyn stood as an independent. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The founder of the left-wing pressure group Momentum has been condemned for comparing Keir Starmer to Russia leader Vladimir Putin for blocking Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour. Sir Keirs move to block the ex-leader from running was backed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday, where the leaders motion passed by 22 votes to 12. Mr Corbyn strongly suggested he would run against Labour as an independent saying he had no intention of stopping representing Islington North, adding: I will not be intimidated into silence. Momentum founder Jon Lansman said Sir Keir was behaving like a Putin of the Labour Party for stopping the former leader from standing as a Labour candidate in his Islington North constituency. Weve got to recognise that the radical policies that we had under Jeremy Corbyn... were not the problem, he told Times Radio. The party still supports them. I think we should be campaigning still for radical policy. Mr Lansman added: Were a democratic party. This is not an authoritarian party. Keir Starmer unfortunately is behaving as if he was some kind of Putin of the Labour Party. That is not the way we do politics. But Dame Margaret Hodge said his comments were half laughable as she backed Sir Keirs move to block Mr Corbyn at todays five-hour meeting of the partys NEC. Its totally inappropriate and ridiculous to compare a dictator fighting a war to someone who has zero tolerance against racism in the form of antisemitism in the Labour Party, and who is fighting for what is right, said the veteran Labour MP and campaigner. Mr Corbyn remains a Labour member, but is sitting as an independent after he was suspended over his failure to offer an appropriate response to the damning EHRC report on antisemitism in 2020. Allies have suggested Mr Corbyn will stand as an independent in Islington North, the seat he has held since 1983. There will be an announcement by the end of the week, one source told The Times, while another said: The debate is over. He will stand. In a statement, Mr Corbyn said the NECs decision to block his Labour candidacy for Islington North was a shameful attack on party democracy, party members and natural justice and shows contempt for the millions of people who voted for our party in 2017 and 2019. He said: Keir Starmer has instead launched an assault on the rights of his own Labour members, breaking his pledge to build a united and democratic party that advances social, economic and climate justice. Allies say Jeremy Corbyn will stand against Labour as independent (PA Archive) Mr Corbyn added: I will not be intimidated into silence. I have spent my life fighting for a fairer society on behalf of the people of Islington North, and I have no intention of stopping now. Standing against Labour would likely see him suspended or thrown out of the party. It is not clear whether other Labour members could be thrown for backing him in Islington North. Momentum condemned Sir Keirs move venal and duplicitous act, describing Tuesdays decision by the NEC as a dark day for democracy. A spokesperson for the group added: This anti-democratic attack is a slap in the face for the millions inspired by Jeremys leadership, and further damages the Labour Party. Sir Keir Starmer has moved to block Jeremy Corbyn in Islington North (PA Wire) Labour MP Shabana Mahmood, the partys national campaign co-ordinator, said the decision was a clear demonstration of Keir making changes to our party to make sure that we can win the trust of the British people again. She said Mr Corbyn had failed to take responsibility and thats why weve made the decision we have today. Responding to claims the move is anti-democratic, Ms Mahmood said: Constituency members do get a chance to vote, and they always do, but it is always left to the NEC to endorse those candidates, so this is the NEC doing exactly what its there to do. Ed Miliband has insisted there is no mystery about Sir Keirs proposal to block Mr Corbyn from running at the next election after it emerged the motion referred to Labours electoral prospects. However, the motion argues thats Labour electoral prospects would be significantly diminished if Mr Corbyn were allowed to stand as a candidate, rather than his handling of the EHRC report. Im not privy to exactly what goes on in the National Executive, but I dont think there is any mystery about the background to todays discussion at the National Executive Committee, Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Mr Miliband added: Its about one thing, which is about Jeremy Corbyns reaction to the EHRC report on antisemitism and his refusal to apologise for that reaction. That is the background of this. I dont think theres any mystery about that. He was also pressed on concerns by Martin Forde QC the barrister who carried out a review of the partys internal culture that Labour has a hierarchy that sees Islamophobia and anti-black racism not taken as seriously as antisemitism. I certainly dont have that hierarchy. Keir Starmer doesnt, Mr Miliband said. The Labour Party has got to be a safe place for ethnic minorities, for people of all backgrounds, and all forms of racism, all forms of prejudice and all forms of discrimination should be taken as seriously as each other. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tents would be perfectly acceptable to house migrants arriving via small boats while they wait to be removed, according to a senior Conservative MP. Former minister Jonathan Gullis tabled an amendment to the Illegal Migration Bill seeking to restrict the use of hotels for asylum seekers. The government has previously said it spends 6.8 million a day housing migrants in hotels, with extra demand created by thousands of people arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel. Ministers are trying to find alternative accommodation, including disused military barracks. Mr Gullis said he would not push any of his amendments to a vote after reassurances from immigration minister Robert Jenrick that meaningful engagement will take place over the Easter recess to find a way forward. He also told the Commons: Lets not forget that when we talk about these hotels ... its damaging the hospitality sector, it is damaging the tourism sector of our towns, of our cities, (and) undermining confidence in the public of our ability to deliver on this policy. There are disused Army bases that could be used. I personally have no issue with Portakabins or tents being used at all, he added. This is still perfectly acceptable accommodation that can be used in a short-term interim measure, as long as we deliver on the policy that we have said to do, which is to make sure after 28 days, people are to be removed to a safe, third country such as Rwanda a country that is perfectly safe. Mr Gullis, an education minister for around seven weeks last year, was later told to give his head a wobble by Labour MP Stella Creasy as the pair clashed in the Commons over child asylum seekers. Ms Creasy highlighted failures of safeguarding of children in Home Office hotels in the UK. Mr Gullis, Stoke-on-Trent North MP, replied: When the minister came to the despatch box about the 200 missing children, 95 per cent of those were 16 to 17 years old, an age in which smugglers encourage people who think they can get away with looking such an age 88 per cent of those are Albanians. Jonathan Gullis (PA) Why would any parent spend 4,500 to send their child illegally on a small rubber boat when they could go on an airplane for 30? And its important to understand the minister made it clear that with those 200 there was no evidence that anyone had been kidnapped, they had left of their own accord. Ms Creasy, in her reply, said: I would suggest the member from Stoke gives his head a wobble for what he has just said about children who have gone missing 16 and 17-year-olds are children. She said she hopes the children turn up safe and well, adding: If they dont, what this member has just said will come back to haunt him. In January, the government confirmed 200 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children remained missing after initially being accommodated in hotels since July 2021. Rishi Sunak will be grilled by a committee of senior MPs on the juddering economy, his planned crackdown on small boats and post-Brexit deal for Northern Ireland. The prime minister faces a 90-minute cross-examination by the Commons liaison committee on Tuesday afternoon, the only group which gets to question the PM. Caroline Nokes the senior Tory MP who has likened Mr Sunaks horrendous asylum plans to Donald Trumps caging of children will quiz him on small boats. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Children cannot be exempted from plans to detain people who cross the Channel in small boats to prevent the creation of a pull factor, Rishi Sunak has argued. The Prime Minister told MPs on Tuesday that the new policy should include families to prevent an incentive for people to bring minors with them. He also downplayed suggestions that the stalled policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda could begin this summer. Mr Sunaks Government has defused a Conservative rebellion from the right by agreeing to hold talks with those wanting to toughen up the Illegal Migration Bill. But he indicated he would not concede ground to more liberal Tories who want to prevent children being detained indefinitely if they arrive in the UK by unauthorised means. Caroline Nokes, the Tory MP who has likened Mr Sunaks horrendous asylum plans to Donald Trumps caging of children, pressed the PM over the detention of children. Mr Sunak said: The intention of this policy is not to detain children but its important that we dont inadvertently create a policy that incentivises people to bring children who wouldnt otherwise come here. Otherwise you create an incentive for a criminal gang to bring a child with them when they otherwise wouldnt be, and I dont think that is a good thing. We dont want to create a pull factor to make it more likely that children are making this very perilous journey in conditions that are appalling. During the appearance before the Commons Liaison Committee, Mr Sunak insisted children will not be separated from families and housed in appropriate accommodation. The new legislation being debated in Parliament means asylum seekers could be detained indefinitely before being removed to a safe country like Rwanda. It has been denounced by the United Nations refugee agency as effectively an asylum ban and Labour has blasted it for giving the powers to lock up children. The widely-criticised policy of sending asylum seekers who arrive by small boats to Rwanda under a 140 million deal with the East African nation has been stalled by court action. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said while visiting Rwanda earlier this month she was encouraged by constructive discussions with the European Court of Human Rights. A source in her department told reporters that they were working to get flights off the ground by the summer. But Mr Sunak said: No one has promised flights by the summer. What weve said is well start flights as soon as we can after legal proceedings have completed. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ministers will look into the case of an Afghan war veteran who served alongside British armed forces and has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda, Rishi Sunak has pledged. The prime minister intervened after the air force lieutenants plight was highlighted by The Independent. He flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban and was praised by his coalition forces supervisor as a patriot to his nation. But he is among those who have fled to the UK on small boats. He says he was forced into hiding when the Taliban tookover Afghanistan in August 2021 and says it was impossible to make his way to Britain via a safe route. Mr Sunak was pressed on his case by the Conservative MP and chair of the Commons Women and Equalities committee Caroline Nokes when he appeared in front of the Commons Liaison committee. He told her he could not comment on individual cases but if the details were sent to him: Ill happily make sure the Home Office have a look. The veteran said he is one of many Afghan forces personnel who have been forgotten by the US and British forces (The Independent) In the exchange Ms Nokes asked Mr Sunak how the government would support Afghans who worked alongside British forces but who had arrived to the UK on a small boat. He responded saying these are exactly the sort of people we want to help. Mr Nokes pressed him, adding: ...which is why an Afghan pilot was highlighted in The Independent as having been given notification that he was likely to be removed to Rwanda. The pilot, whom we have agreed not to name in order to protect his family who are still in Afghanistan, is now living in a Home Office hotel for asylum seekers. He told The Independent that Afghan military personnel have been forgotten by the American and British forces. He said: What safe and legal way was there after the fall of Afghanistan? You entered Afghanistan on the first day as a friendly and brotherly country, and now this bad day has come upon us. [The UK government should] keep the promise of friendship and cooperation that you made, and fulfil it. The American and British forces have forgotten us. We worked with them and we helped them like they were our brothers. We are not Talib, we are not Isis, so why are they leaving us like this? In an email to the pilot, a Home Office official wrote that while it had not yet made a final decision on his case, it had evidence that he had been in Italy, Switzerland and France before reaching the UK, which could have consequences for whether your claim is admitted to the UK asylum system. Shadow defence secretary references The Independents investigation on Afghan refugees [The pilot] may also be removable to Rwanda under the terms of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between Rwanda and UK, the email read. At the Liaison Committee on Tuesday, Mr Sunak was also grilled about the governments Illegal Migration bill, which would see anyone who comes to the UK in a small boat deported and banned from returning. He insisted that children would not be exempted from the plans to prevent the creation of a pull factor. He told MPs that the new policy should include families to prevent an incentive for people to bring minors with them. The new legislation could see asylum seekers detained indefinitely before being removed to a safe country like Rwanda. The bill has been denounced by the United Nations refugee agency as effectively an asylum ban and Labour has blasted it for giving the powers to lock up children. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak faced questioning by the Liaison Committee on Tuesday, 28 March. Chaired by Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, the panel asked the prime minister about the Budget and economic issues, migrants arriving to the UK on small boats, and the Windsor Framework. All chairs from the House of Commons select committees are included in the Liaison Committee, which questions the prime minister on policy approximately three times a year. Among MPs grilling Mr Sunak on his policies was be Caroline Nokes, a Tory MP who has voiced her opposition to the governments Illegal Migration Bill. The MP for Romsey and Southampton North previously described the bill as horrendous. Questioning Mr Sunak on the legal agreement between the UK and the EU was hardline Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash. Labour Treasury select committee chairwoman Harriet Baldwin asked Mr Sunak questions on the economy, following the Budget. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak insisted that his new deal for Northern Irelands post-Brexit trading arrangements ensures proper sovereignty for the region, as he confirmed there would be no renegotiation. The Prime Minister was grilled on the Windsor pact he signed with the EU despite opposition from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and some senior Conservatives. Veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash said Northern Ireland would be perpetually locked into EU laws and asked how that fitted with Mr Sunaks support for the union. I want to see powersharing up and running Rishi Sunak The Prime Minister told the Commons Liaison Committee: Because of the Stormont brake for new and amended EU law, institutions at Stormont and people in Northern Ireland actually will have the ability to have their say over those laws and, ultimately, will be able to block them if they dont agree with them. He disagreed with Sir Bills assertion that the Windsor Framework does not represent the kind of union the people of Northern Ireland expect. I do think that it ensures proper sovereignty for people of Northern Ireland and corrects the democratic deficit because of the Stormont brake, the Prime Minister said. Last week, MPs voted in favour of regulations to implement the Stormont brake, a key part of the Windsor agreement, despite former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joining the DUP and hardline Brexit-backing Tory MPs in voting against the deal. The deal was formally signed off with the EU later in the week. But with no sign of the DUP being willing to return to powersharing, Mr Sunak was asked what happens if it is not restored. He said: I remain hopeful that we can continue to have dialogue with all the parties in Northern Ireland. I want to see powersharing up and running, he said, adding that thats what the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve. The Windsor Framework ensures challenges posed by the Northern Ireland Protocol have been dealt with and provides a foundation for us to move forward, Mr Sunak added. Mr Sunak also confirmed there would be no further negotiation with Brussels. Simon Hoare, chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, asked him whether there was now a choice between the Windsor Framework or the existing Northern Ireland Protocol in its unamended form because there is no scope for further negotiations with the European Union? The Prime Minister said: In the interests of brevity, that is right. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A third of Britains international aid budget is being spent on supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, reducing support available for overseas disasters, an official watchdog has warned. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) said while so-called in-donor refugee costs have ballooned in recent years, the UKs response to floods in Pakistan and drought in Somalia has been delayed and very limited. The findings will add to the pressure on the Government to tackle the issue of migrant small boats crossing the Channel and bear down on the backlog in asylum claims. Under international aid rules, the first year costs of supporting refugees in a donor country can qualify as official development assistance. This was seen in the limited UK response both to devastating floods in Pakistan and to the worsening drought in the Horn of Africa ICAI The ICAI said while the rule has always been considered controversial, it has become particularly problematic in recent years partially as a result of the large-scale visa schemes for refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan as well as the upsurge in Channel crossings. As a result, it estimates that core expenditure on in-donor refugee costs was around 3.5 billion in 2022, accounting for around a third of the UKs total aid spend that year. With the overseas aid budget limited to 0.5% of GDP, the ICAI said the UKs ability to respond to international humanitarian emergencies has been sharply curtailed as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been forced to pause non-essential spending. This was seen in the limited UK response both to devastating floods in Pakistan in August 2022, and to the worsening drought in the Horn of Africa, which is expected to lead to widespread famine in 2023, it said. The ICAI said the shift in resources away from emergency response to supporting refugees in the UK represented a significant loss in the efficiency of aid spending. There was no incentive for the Home Office to control its spending on in-donor refugee costs as they come from the FCDO budget. Our valuable aid budget is being squandered as a result of Home Office failure to get on top of asylum application backlogs and keep control of the costs of asylum accommodation and support contracts Sarah Champion MP Between October 2022 and March this year, the number of hotels used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers and refugees almost doubled from around 200 to 386. The ICAI said it had heard a lot of anecdotal evidence of safeguarding lapses in asylum hotels, particularly for women and girls, who face significant risks of harassment and gender-based violence. The findings were backed by the chair of the Commons International Development Committee, Sarah Champion, who called on the FCDO to defend the aid budget from profligate Home Office spending. This review confirms that our valuable aid budget is being squandered as a result of Home Office failure to get on top of asylum application backlogs and keep control of the costs of asylum accommodation and support contracts, she said. It is time for the UK Government to get a grip on Home Office spending of the aid budget so that we can return to the real spirit of aid spending spending that should promote and target the economic development and welfare of developing countries. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} British-supplied Challenger 2 main battle tanks have arrived in Ukraine and will soon begin combat missions, the countrys defence minister has said. The UK promised 14 of the vehicles to Ukraine, a move which helped persuade other Western nations to supply their own tanks to aid the fight against the Russian invasion. Oleksii Reznikov said the "fantastic" tanks had "recently" arrived in Ukraine, posting a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s "for a spin". British-supplied Challenger 2 tanks in Ukraine, which are being donated along with ammunition and spares (Ukrainian Defence Ministry) He thanked prime minister Rishi Sunak and defence secretary Ben Wallace, adding: "These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions." Ukrainian tank crews trained in the UK on the machines, which are being donated by the government along with ammunition and spares. Mr Wallace said the crews "return to their homeland better equipped but to no less danger". Russia has condemned the UK's move and predicted the tanks would "burn" on the battlefields of Ukraine. Oleksii Reznikov said the fantastic tanks have recently arrived in Ukraine, posting a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s for a spin in Ukraine (Ukrainian Defence Ministry) Russian president Vladimir Putin has also reacted to the UK's decision to supply depleted uranium armour-piercing rounds for the tanks by announcing plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. Developed by Vickers Defence Systems, now BAE Systems, the 8.3-metre-long Challenger 2 tanks have since been deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, and are designed to destroy other tanks. The British army claims it has never experienced a loss at the hands of the enemy. It is the heaviest of all three Western tanks on offer, and although capable of firing Nato rounds, uses a different kind of ammunition for its main rifled gun high-explosive squash-head ammo and is slightly slower, sporting a 1200-horsepower engine, 300 short of its contemporaries. Ukrainian crews are being trained on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK (Ben Birchall/PA) Its 120mm rifled gun is said to have an effective firing range of at least 3km using armour-piercing rounds. The Challenger also claims the furthest tank-on-tank kill shot in military history, destroying an Iraqi vehicle at a range of 4,700 metres during the Gulf War in 1991. The tank prioritises firepower and protection provided by world-class Dorchester 2 armour over speed, making it slightly slower than its counterparts, but this is offset by its accuracy and lethality, according to the British army. Russia has condemned the UKs move and predicted the tanks would burn on the battlefields of Ukraine (AP) The Independent previously revealed that Boris Johnson wanted to get rid of Britains Challenger 2s in 2021 when he was prime minister, believing they had outlived their usefulness. But Mr Wallace claimed in January to be reviewing whether the lessons of Ukraine suggest that we need a larger tank fleet alongside a planned upgrade to Challenger 3. In January, after months of pleas and international pressure, Germany and the US agreed to supply Ukraine with tanks a decision hailed by a top presidential aide to Volodymyr Zelensky as a real punching fist of democracy against Russias invasion. While unlikely to turn the tide of the war in their current numbers, the roughly three battalions worth marked a gear change in Natos support for Kyiv. The tanks themselves including the Leopard 2, M1 Abrams and Challenger 2 designs are generally viewed as more potent than most of the Soviet and Russian-made vehicles which, to the surprise of those who believed tanks to be practically defunct, have so far played a central role in Europes largest land war in decades. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Danish-owned ship has been stormed by pirates, with all communications lost as the attack plays out more than 150 miles off Africas west coast. All 16 crew members have sought refuge in a safe room onboard the oil and chemicals tanker, shipping firm Monjasa said on Tuesday. The 135-metre long Monjasa Reformer had been sitting idle on Saturday in the Gulf of Guinea roughly 160 miles west of the Republic of Congos Port Pointe-Noire when it was attacked and boarded by the pirates, the company said. The ships operator, a Dubai-based firm called Montec Ship Management, has reported the attack to a maritime cooperation centre run by the British and French navies, which seeks to maintain safety in the Gulf of Guinea. With communications having been lost since the attack on Saturday night, Monjasa said it was working with local authorities to establish communication to understand the situation on board and provide all the support needed by the crew to overcome these dreadful events. Monjasa will keep working closely with Montec Ship Management and the authorities during this difficult situation and in the aftermath. All our thoughts are with the crew and relatives in these hours, the company said in a statement. The Gulf of Guinea has become a global piracy hotspot in recent years although cases have fallen there since 2021 as national authorities stepped up security efforts aided by foreign naval ships, according to the UN Security Council. Denmark, which has big commercial shipping interests, deployed a frigate to the gulf in 2021 to protect shipping, but the frigate was pulled back last year after Russias invasion of Ukraine. View more The Monjasa Reformer was built 20 years ago and had been travelling under the Liberian flag, having set off from Douala in Cameroon 11 days before it was attacked, according to the MarineTraffic tracking website. Given that piracy is a known risk factor in west Africa, Monjasa said it has implemented an anti-piracy policy which includes an extensive description of how the crew and the officers should act in case of piracy attacks. The vessel was carrying marine gas oil, very low sulphur fuel oil and high sulphur fuel oil products at the time of the attack, the company said, adding that there are no reports of damage to the ship or cargo. In a warning issued by the British and French naval cooperation centre, it said that the tanker had reportedly been boarded by five armed individuals, and asked that shipmasters in the vicinity report any sightings of the vessel or any suspicious activity. Additional reporting by Reuters Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Anthony Broadwater spent 16 years in prison and four decades falsely accused of rape before he was exonerated. Hes now set to receive $5.5m in a settlement with the state of New York, his attorneys said on Monday. Mr Broadwater was accused in 1981 of raping writer Alice Sebold when she was a student at Syracuse University, a conviction that was overturned in 2021 40 years later. One of his lawyers, David Hammond, said on Monday that the agreement was signed by Mr Broadwaters attorneys and lawyers for New York Attorney General Letitia James. I appreciate what Attorney General James has done, and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice. We all suffer from destroyed lives, Mr Broadwater said in a statement shared by Mr Hammond. Obviously no amount of money can erase the injustices Mr Broadwater suffered, but the settlement now officially acknowledges them, Ms Sebold said via a spokesperson. Ms Sebold was raped in a park close to campus as an 18-year-old when she was a freshman at Syracuse. She wrote about the rape and the following prosecution in her 1999 memoir Lucky. In 2002, her novel The Lovely Bones was published. It follows the aftermath of a teen girl being raped and murdered. It was subsequently adapted into a film starring Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci. Ms Sebold, a white woman, outlined in Lucky how she saw a Black man in the street months after she had been raped, and that she was sure that it had been the man who attacked her. The man was referred to by the pseudonym Gregory Madison in the book. He was smiling as he approached. He recognized me. It was a stroll in the park to him; he had met an acquaintance on the street, she wrote. Hey, girl, he said. Dont I know you from somewhere? Mr Broadwater was then arrested by police, but when faced with his appearance in a police lineup, Ms Sebold chose a different man as her attacker. But Mr Broadwater was still tried and convicted in 1982. On the witness stand, Ms Sebold said he had raped her and an expert said that microscopic hair analysis linked him to the crime. The Department of Justice has since qualified such analysis to be junk science. Mr Broadwater, who was released from prison in 1999, had to register as a sex offender until November 2021, when his conviction was vacated. Syracuse is included in Onondaga County. Its district attorney, William Fitzpatrick, joined the motion to vacate. He noted that witness identifications are often unreliable, especially between racial lines. The settlement has to be approved by a judge before it can go ahead. Anthony Broadwater was convicted for a crime he never committed, and was incarcerated despite his innocence. While we cannot undo the wrongs from more than four decades ago, this settlement agreement is a critical step to deliver some semblance of justice to Mr Broadwater, Ms James told the AP in a statement. Mr Broadwater has launched a civil rights lawsuit on the federal level against Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse, an assistant district attorney, and a police officer involved in his prosecution. In 2021, Ms Sebold apologized to Mr Broadwater in a statement shared on Medium. As a traumatized 18-year-old rape victim, I chose to put my faith in the American legal system. My goal in 1982 was justice not to perpetuate injustice. And certainly not to forever, and irreparably, alter a young mans life by the very crime that had altered mine, she wrote. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An appellate court in Maryland has reinstated the murder conviction of Adnan Syed just six months after he finally walked free from two decades in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend. In September last year, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn threw out the 41-year-olds conviction and granted him a new trial, ordering his release after spending the last 23 years behind bars. Minutes later, Syed, who was 17 when he was accused of killing Hae Min Lee, was met with loud cheers as he walked out of the courthouse. The move came at the request of prosecutors who filed a motion on Wednesday saying that the state no longer has confidence in the integrity of the conviction because of questions around the reliability of cellphone tower data and the discovery of new information about two alternate unnamed suspects. But on Tuesday, the appellate court ruled that the lower court had violated the right of Young Lee, the brother of Hae Min Lee, by not giving him enough notice to attend that critical September hearing. The Maryland court ordered a do-over of the hearing in which Syeds conviction was overturned and noted that its ruling results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence. The reinstatement marks just the latest twist in a legal battle that has rumbled on for more than two decades and during which he has always maintained his innocence. Adnan Syed flashes peace sign as he walks out of court on Monday (REUTERS) Heres a timeline of the case so far: 13 January 1999 Lee, 18, vanishes without a trace after leaving Woodlawn High School in Baltimore, Maryland. February 1999 Lees body is found around one month on from her disappearance buried in a shallow grave in Leakin Park in Baltimore. She had been strangled. Syed, who was 17 at the time, was arrested and charged with her murder. 2000 Syed is convicted of murder, robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction relied heavily on testimony from his friend Jay Wilds, who claimed that Syed confessed to killing Lee and enlisted his help in digging a hole to bury her body in the park. Wilds said that he went along with it because Syed threatened to tell the police that he was running a drug operation, which he feared would land him with hefty jail time. Cellphone records were also used at the trial to place Syed at the crime scene. 2014 Serial podcast is released, drawing global attention to the case and raising doubts about Syeds conviction. February 2015 A court in Maryland agrees to hear an appeal of Syeds conviction. November 2015 Syed is granted a new hearing, allowing his defence to bring forward new evidence in the case. June 2016 Syed is granted a new trial after his attorneys argued that Syeds original trial lawyer, who later died, was grossly negligent. The defence had also presented new testimony from witness Asia McClane who said that she saw Syed in the public library at the time he is accused of killing Lee. Syeds request to be released on bail is denied and he is ordered to continue to be held behind bars. The state files an appeal against the ruling. 2018 An appeals court sides with Syed once again upholding the decision to grant him a new trial and vacating his conviction. Syed also turns down a plea deal, as it would require him to plead guilty to Lees murder. 2019 Marylands highest court reverses the lower courts ruling, denying Syed a new trial and reinstating his conviction. November 2019 The US Supreme Court declines a request to hear Syeds case. March 2022 Syeds defence team and state prosecutors file a joint request for new DNA testing to be carried out in the case. The motion calls for Lees clothing to be tested for touch DNA. Back at the original trial, this type of DNA testing was not available. 14 September 2022 Baltimore City States Attorney Marilyn Mosby asks a judge to overturn Syeds conviction and release him from prison. Ms Mosby says that the state no longer has confidence in the integrity of the conviction based on doubts about the validity of cellphone records used in his original trial as well as new information about the possible involvement of two unnamed suspects. 19 September 2022 Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn overturns Syeds conviction and orders him to be given a new trial, saying it is in the interest of justice. Syed was released on home detention after more than 23 years behind bars. 28 March 2023 - An appellate court panel reinstated Syeds murder conviction, ruling that a lower court had violated the right of Young Lee, the brother of Hae Min Lee, by not giving him enough notice to attend a critical hearing in the case. The Maryland court ordered a do-over of the hearing in which Syeds conviction was overturned and noted that its ruling results in the reinstatement of the original convictions and sentence. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The murder conviction of Adnan Syed, who spent over 20 years in prison before being exonerated, has been reinstated by a Maryland appeals court. Mr Syed, 41, was arrested in 1999 for the killing of classmate Hae Min Lee, though he has always maintained his innocence. The story of the case was featured in the hit podcast Serial. In 2022, local prosecutors dropped the charges against Syed, citing new DNA evidence. The Appellate Court of Mayland held in its ruling, released Tuesday, that officials didnt give Lees brother Young Lee sufficient notice and explanation of a September 2022 hearing where officials sought to toss the original conviction from 2000. Mr Lee was given two days notice of the motion to vacate, and expressed his disagreement via email over the states intention to drop the case, according to the court. The panels 2-1 ruling said the state needed to hold a new "legally compliant and transparent" hearing to consider Mr Syeds case, WBAL reports. In a dissent, Judge Stuart R Berger dissented argued Mr Lee was able to participate virtually in the eventual hearing. Not only did Mr. Lee attend the proceeding albeit virtually as was his right under both the vacatur and the victims rights statutes, but the trial judge permitted both Mr. Lee and his counsel to address the court during the proceedings, something the Majority and I both agree neither statute requires, Judge Berger wrote. The Independent has contacted Mr Syeds attorney for comment. We stand by the integrity of the evidence that exonerated Adnan and urge the Baltimore Police and States Attorneys office to find the source of the DNA on the victims shoes and find Hae Min Lees actual killer, Rabia Chaudry, a family friend of Syeds and public advocate for his innocence, wrote on Twitter. A spokesperson for the Baltimore City States Attorneys Office said it is still reviewing the decision. We must allow the appeals process to play itself out, Mr Syed and his legal team may file for an appeal to the Maryland Supreme Court, and we must respect their rights to do so until those rights are either heard or that request is denied; we are in a holding pattern, the spokesperson told The Independent in a statment. Any further comment would be premature at this time. The case is likely to be appealed to the state supreme court. It is unclear whether Mr Syed will have to return to prison. Since leaving jail, Mr Syed has been hired by the Georgetown University Prisons and Justice Initiative. The Lee family has said they disagreed with how prosecutors handled the timing of the case. All they are seeking is what the law requires a full evidentiary hearing in which they can meaningfully participate and one that makes public the relevant evidence, Steve Kelly, their attorney, said last year. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The suspected shooter who killed six people, including three children, at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, has been identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. The 28-year-old, who is said to be a former student at Covenant Presbyterian Church School, was shot dead by police on an upper floor of the school. Hale broke into the school by shooting through a side door before opening fire on students and staff with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Hale was not believed to have any previous criminal record. He said a manifesto and a map of the school grounds showing entrances had been found at the killers home. Asked at a press conference whether there was anything found in a police search of Hales home that could have suggested a motive for such a horrific crime, Chief Drake said: We have a manifesto, we have some writings were going over that pertain to this day, the actual incident. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Theres right now a theory that we may be able to talk about later but its not confirmed, and so well put that out as soon as we can. A sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun, and other evidence was also found at Hales home, police said. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Police and FBI agents at a house in Nashville, believed to be where Audrey Hale lived (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In answer to a question as to whether Hales transgender status might have any bearing on a motive, Chief Drake said: There is some theory to that. Were investigating all the leads and once we know exactly, we will let you know. He said that the attack was targeted and that had been considering targeting another location which was not identified but apparently decided not to because of the level of security around it. Right now we believe it was a lone assailant, and we dont anticipate any further damage at this time, said the police chief. He added in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the killer had some resentment for having to go to that school. A LinkedIn account suggests Hale was an illustrator and graphic designer based in Nashville. The account says Hale was working for AH Illustrations and had previously been an illustrator at Nossi College of Art. It also mentions jobs with Grocery Shopper and as a cat sitter. A neighbour, Sandy Durham, told the Daily Beast: I do know Audrey, Ive known her since she was a baby. I had just gotten out of the shower when all of this started happening. I didnt really know anything more than that. Something was going on next door. Its just tragic for everybody. The sweet children that were hurt, killed, the adults. All of it. Audrey Hale was identified as the shooter (linkedin) Asked if there were any warning signs she said: Never. She was very sweet. I dont know what happened. Its very scary. Another neighbour said he was shocked at Mondays attack, describing Hale as a normal quiet person, from a family without any apparent interest in guns. If I had to imagine, Audreys parents are probably just as shocked as everybody in the neighborhood isIt just doesnt seem real, Sean Brashears told the outlet. Theres nothing that would have led me to believe that she was capable of such a thing or that she or anybody in that family would have access to, much less ever used, a gun. They just dont seem like the family that, like, is around guns. Theyre not talking about going to a gun range or theyre not going hunting. The police chief added that while there was no known history of mental illness, it was a lead that was being investigated. However, a friend said that Hale had spoken about feeling suicidal in the past and messaged her on Instagram minutes before the shooting rampage. Hale sent a series of direct messages to friend Averianna Patton via Instagram on Monday morning. In the harrowing messages sent at 9.57am, Hale revealed plans to die by suicide telling Ms Patton this is my last goodbye and that she would soon be reading about it on the news after I die. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote. A manifesto and a map were discovered at Hales address (AP) Ive left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Just 16 minutes later at 10.13am law enforcement received the first 911 call reporting shots fired inside The Covenant School. Ms Patten told NewsChannel 5 that she contacted the Suicide Prevention Help Line at 10.08am to try to get her friend help. Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious, Ms Patton said. She then called the Nashville Davidson County Sheriffs Office where she was directed to Nashvilles non-emergency number. She later learned from the news and from friends what Hale had done. After phone calls from friends and Audreys name was released as the shooter at Covenant Nashville school, I learned that Audrey was the shooter and that she had reached out to me prior to the shooting, Ms Patton said. My heart is with all of the families affected and Im devastated by what has happened. Details about the killer came to light as the six victims were also identified. Police Chief John Drake said it was too early to identify a motive (AP) Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged 9, were fatally shot. Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both age 61, were also among the six victims. Koonce is listed on The Covenant Schools website as head of school. Hill was a school custodian, and Peak was a substitute teacher, according to law enforcement officials speaking to reporters on 27 March. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Disturbing artwork created by Nashville school shooting suspect Audrey Hale has come to light as police revealed that the killer drew a cartoon outlining Mondays attack. Hale, the 28-year-old accused of killing six in a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, ran an art website called AH Illustrations. Hales work showcased on the website ranges from the disturbing to the childlike, including a creepy drawing of Jack Nicholson in horror movie The Shining. Chillingly, the word MURDER is scrawled backwards across the disturbing image, a reference to the movie. Theres also a whole section titled Mad World which is filled with sprawling patterns and perhaps more eerie given the age of Hales victims theres a whole trove of childlike images. Drawings of a smiling multicolour turtle and a teddy bear duck dressed in a scarf wouldnt look out of place in an elementary school, like the one Hale allegedly terrorised before being shot dead by police. Another image on the website appears to show Hales feet with the phrase To be a kid forever and ever across it as Hale is now accused of killing three small children. The website also features a self-portrait of Audrey the Artist alongside a bio which describes the soon-to-be school shooter as on a mission to change the world. Hale writes that I am a freelance Illustrator and Graphic Designer who creates logos for businesses. The mass killers illustrative style is self-described as whimsical and with a light-hearted feel. Audrey Hales artwork included this drawing with murder spelled backwards (AH Illustrations) Aside from art, I enjoy binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports. There is a child-like part about me that loves to go run to the playground. Animals are my second passion, so I also enjoy spending time with my two cats, Hale writes on the website, which had not been taken down as of Tuesday. Hale, who went to art school in Nashville, is said to have used those creative skills to prepare for Mondays mass shooting. Nashville Police Chief John Drake told CBS Mornings on Tuesday that Hale had left behind a cartoon plan of the massacre and detailed maps of the scene as part of a manifesto. We have a manifesto, we have a booklet, that shows the exactly what she had planned to do, he said. We have maps that show the entry point into the school, the weapons that were going to be used, the clothing that she was gonna wear, and she had drawn it up, almost like a cartoon character. It was exactly what she had on during this incident. Based on some maps, the police chief said that Hale was believed to be planning to carry out other attacks on a local mall and targeting family members. Another image on the website appears to show Hales feet with the phrase To be a kid forever and ever across it as Hale is now accused of killing three small children (AH Illustrations) We strongly believe there was going to be some other targets, including maybe family members, and one of the malls here in Nashville, he said. And that just did not happen. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Chief Drake said that investigators are still working to establish a motive for the horror attack but confirmed that as a former student at the christian school Hale had some history there. What detectives have said so far is theres possibly some resentment for having to go to that school, he said. The website also features a self-portrait of Audrey the Artist alongside a bio which describes the soon-to-be school shooter as on a mission to change the world (AH Illustrations) Just after 10am on Monday morning, Hale allegedly drove to the elementary school armed with two assault rifles and a handgun. There, Hale broke into the school building by shooting through the glass side doors and climbing inside. Once inside, the shooter stalked the corridors, killing three small children and three staff members. Students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney all aged nine and three staff members Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61, all died in the attack. Responding officers fatally shot the assailant at 10.27am 14 minutes after the first 911 call reporting an active shooter came in at 10.13am. Bodycam footage, released on Tuesday morning, captured the officers searching for the shooter. The officers move from classroom to classroom, clearing each room while searching for the assailant, as sirens emergency alarms ring out overheard. Drawings of a smiling multicolour turtle and a teddy bear duck dressed in a scarf wouldnt look out of place in an elementary school, like the one Hale allegedly terrorised (AH Illustrations) While clearing the rooms, gunshots are heard being fired elsewhere in the elementary school building. The officers then encounter Hale in front of a window in the atrium on the second floor of the school. The 28-year-old former student is then shot dead by two veteran officers. Minutes before the shooting, Hale had sent some chilling final messages to a friend warning that something bad is about to happen. Averianna Patton said that Hale sent the messages via Instagram at 9.57am on Monday morning, revealing plans to die by suicide and saying that she would soon be reading about the upcoming events on the news after I die. One day this will make more sense, Hale wrote. Ive left behind more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen. Ms Patton said she later learned what her friend had done. Hale does not appear to have had any criminal record prior to Mondays massacre. If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Florida man was found lying dead next to his daughter after a bitter custody battle with the childs mother. Colby Vinson, 24, was fatally shot at the Cayo Grande Apartments in Navarre on 19 March, the Santa Rosita County Sheriffs Office said earlier this month. Deputies responding to the residence also found his four-year-old daughter, who was unharmed. The childs mother, 25-year-old Rachel Moore, has been arrested for allegedly tampering with evidence and being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Ms Moores former stepfather Jason Layne Curtis, 53, has been charged with first-degree murder. I will say this about Mr Curtis though, what a human piece of trash. I mean, to shoot somebody with their four-year-old child right there, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Robert Johnson said during a press conference on Monday. I mean, I get up here ad nauseam and tell you about how Im shocked about how people treat other people, this just goes beyond that. Its horrible. Mr Curtis was arrested by the Cullman County Sheriffs Office in Alabama and is being held without bond. Authorities found a weapon and a detailed list with Vinsons physical description, home address and work address in his car. The mother of Vinsons child, 25-year-old Rachel Moore, and her former stepfather Jason Layne Curtis, 53, have been arrested (SRCSO) Authorities are now searching their phones for evidence of the alleged murder. Mr Johnson said on Monday that the violence unfolded after a custody dispute. The day he was killed was the first time in a year Vinson was allowed to spend time with his daughter after he was granted split custody on 13 March, FOX10 reported. He had texted us to let us know that he won in his court case and that they granted him 50/50, Vinsons coworker Austin Reynolds told Wear News. Immediately were all making plans, barbeques and getting all the kids together and everything like that. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police in Texas are concerned a missing disabled child may have been sold before his mother and siblings fled the US. Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, age 6, of the Fort Worth suburb of Everman, was reported missing on 20 March, with police saying they couldnt confirm he had been seen any time after November of 2022. "This is a rumor that we have heard and we have no evidence to support this rumor...that this child may have been sold," Everman police chief Craig Spencer said on Monday, CBS Texas reports. "We know how this goes with social media, I dont want to sit here and speculate that the child is deceased but it is a distinct possibility that the child has been sold and if thats the case, then your attention to this ... is highly important here. He could be anywhere. Its hard to speculate whether hes dead or alive, to be quite honest with you." Police are currently analysing documents found in the boys home, a converted shed, and a family vehicle to put together a timeline of his whereabouts. "It is swinging more to a criminal investigation," Chief Spencer said on Tuesday. "The circumstantial evidence is certainly building up to a level where it becomes criminal." The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting with the investigation, Fox4 reports. An Amber Alert for the child was issued on Saturday, 25 March, which was then cancelled and changed to an endangered missing person alert. At a news conference on Sunday, Everman police said they changed the alert after they found Noels whole family, including mother Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, stepdad and multiple siblings, left Texas on a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul on 23 March. A visa found in truck belonging to Rodriguez-Singh suggested the family was bound for India, according to police. Police have described Rodriguez-Alvarez as severely disabled. We currently do not have any physical evidence on Noels status as a missing person, police said at the conference. What we do know is that we have a six-year-old disabled boy that is missing and that the mother is not willing to cooperate to ensure the child is safe. Noel has multiple serious disabilities and chronic lung disease that require medical treatment and occasional oxygen treatment, police said. Police said they first received information through an anonymous tip on 20 March that family members have not seen Noel since November 2022. On 23 March, Child Protective Investigations got in touch with police to inform them that Noels family members are still concerned about his whereabouts. Since then, some family members claim they have seen Noel, but Chief Spencer said during a news conference on Tuesday he believes they may not be being truthful. Theres a lot of holes within the answers that weve been getting as part of this investigation that weve just got to continue to fill, he said, the Fort Wort Star-Telegram reports. So Im just not ready to speculate just yet on what I think happened to Noel. I am still very optimistic. Last week, following up on tips from family members, police conducted a welfare check on the child. His mother told the police he was with his father in Mexico, but Child Protective Services determined this was false, CBS Texas reports. The boys father has reportedly been assisting police with their search. Police revealed that Noels stepfather is an immigrant from India and they are trying to determine the final destination of the flight which could also be India. Everman Emergency Services said in a Facebook update on Sunday evening that they found a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado that his mother was seen driving and could be linked to Noels disappearance. Noel is still missing! the update said. Please help us find him! Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A photo of children at The Covenant School just hours before the deadly shooting is going viral on social media. Dr Britney Grayson, a pediatric surgeon and missionary in Kenya, tweeted on Monday afternoon that she had spent her morning at The Covenant School teaching children about life as a missionary in Kenya, hours before tragedy struck the school. In her post, Dr Grayson said she was invited by her dear friends to speak at Chapel and visit the girls classrooms at the school. In her tweet, Dr Grayson posted a photo of herself speaking with a group of what appears to be 26 young students, taken just four hours before the shooting. The kids were great, she said. Dr Grayson left the school 20 minutes before the shooting (@britneygrayson / Twitter) But less than 20 minutes after Dr Grayson left the Christian elementary school, a shooter opened fire on the elementary school killing three children and three adults. The shooter, identified by their birth name Audrey Elizabeth Hale, was 28 years old and reportedly identified as a transgender man, though law enforcement initially described Hale as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Hale broke into The Covenant School armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun. They were shot dead by police nearly 15 minutes after the shooting began. There are no words for this feeling, Dr Grayson tweeted. I think the normal feeling is supposed to be relief relief that we were already gone and our lives are safe. But to do what I do makes me literally one of the most qualified people on the planet to help in that situation. Why had we driven away just minutes before? Could I have helped those children if we were still there? I feel guilty for being safe. Dr Grayson graduated with a PhD from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2012, according to her biography. Since 2020, she and her husband have been serving as missionaries in Kenya where she works to train doctors in spiritual growth and surgical skill at AIC Kijabe Hospital, a faith-based hospital. I have personally operated on a school shooting victim. I have told too many parents and family members that their loved ones are dead as a result of gun violence. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, Dr Grayson wrote. On Twitter, Dr Grayson questioned why children were being massacred in schools and called upon people to VOTE like your life & your childs life depends on it and support organisations that research, advocate, and educate for gun reform. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Law enforcement officials in Nashville, Tennessee have identified the three schoolchildren and three adults killed in a private Christian elementary school after a heavily armed 28-year-old opened fire on Monday morning. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged or nearly 9, were fatally shot. Hallie is reported to be the daughter of the churchs senior pastor, Chad Scruggs. Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both age 61, were also among the six victims. Koonce is listed on The Covenant Schools website as head of school. Dr Kristy Mall, an educator, said on social media she attended graduate school with Koonce, calling the killing senseless. We HAVE to revamp how we handle mental illness in [Tennessee], she wrote on Twitter on 27 March. Hill was a school custodian, and Peak was a substitute teacher, according to law enforcement officials speaking to reporters on 27 March. Families that were victims of other mass school killings offered their condolences to those affected by the Nashville shooting and demanded urgent reform to combat the proliferation of high-powered weapons used in some of the deadliest shootings in the US within the last decade. Chad Scruggs and daughter Hallie in an undated Facebook photo (Facebook/Chad Scruggs) The latest school shooting will leave more victims and broken families. We cannot harden our way out of this, Fred Guttenberg, whose child was killed in the Parkland shooting in Florida, wrote on Twitter on Monday. Tennessee, like Florida, is a state working overtime to weaken gun laws, he added. The facts are that we can either use legislation to make these shootings more predictable as is happening in Tennessee and Fl[orida], or we can use legislation to save lives. DO NOT LET THIS CONTINUE. PUSH THOSE WE ELECT TO SAVE LIVES. The suspected shooter was identified by Chief of Police John Drake as Audrey Hale, a former student at the school. Law enforcement recovered a manifesto and detailed maps of the school, according to Chief Drake. Armed with two assault-style firearms and a handgun, the suspected shooter entered the building through a side door and moved from the first floor to the second floor, firing multiple shots, according to police. When they arrived on the second floor, a group of five officers saw the assailant firing. Two officers then shot and killed the suspect, according to police. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Recommended Everything we know about the Nashville private Christian elementary school shooting A neighbour of the Hale family said they were stunned the 28-year-old committed the shooting. This is a great family and its a tragedy, they told NBC News. Hales mother declined to speak at length about the shooting. Its very difficult now, we ask for privacy, she told ABC News. I really cant talk right now, I think I lost my daughter today. The small private school, connected to a Presbyterian church, enrolls roughly 200 students. Tennessee officials say they are shocked by the violence, the fifth school shooting in the Nashville area since 2011 and the first since 2018, according to The Tennessean. I was literally moved to tears to see this as the kids were being ushered out of the building, Chief Drake told reporters. Devastated and heartbroken about the tragic news at Covenant School. Im grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their heroic actions, Republican US senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty said on Twitter. I am monitoring the situation closely, and my office is in contact with local officials and available to anyone needing assistance. President Joe Biden also addressed the heartbreaking incident as he revived his demand for congressional lawmakers to renew a federal assault weapons ban that has lapsed for nearly 20 years. A familys worst nightmare, he said in remarks on Monday. We have to do more to stop gun violence ... Its ripping our communities apart. Its ripping at the very soul of the nation. We have to do more to protect our schools so they arent turned into prisons. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Nashville school shooter hid seven guns from his parents bought in the last few years at five different stores ahead of the attack at a Christian school in the Tennessee capital. The suspect, identified by police as Audrey Hale, killed three adults and three children at The Covenant School on Monday. Police said on Tuesday that Hale, who was shot and killed by officers, was not specifically targeting anyone at the school. The motive remains unclear. Hale previously attended the school. This school, this church building, was a target of the shooter, but we have no information at present to indicate that the shooter was specifically targeting any one of the six individuals who were murdered, police spokesperson Don Aaron said. We do not have a motive at this time, Nashville police chief John Drake said. Officials said that Hale wasnt on the radar of law enforcement ahead of the shooting, according to the Associated Press. We had absolutely no idea Hale was a danger to the community, the chief said, according to the BBC. One of the weapons used by Audrey Elizabeth Hale (Reuters) Mr Drake said on Tuesday that police had spoken to Hales family, who said that Hale had been treated for an emotional disorder. Law enforcement knew nothing about the treatment, the chief said. Mr Drake said that the parents believed Hale should not own weapons and that the suspect had been hiding several weapons within the house. The parents believed that Hale had sold one firearm and did not own any more, the chief added. Three of the seven legally and locally bought firearms were used in the attack on Monday, according to police. A weapon used at The Covenant School by Audrey Elizabeth Hale (Reuters) Hale used an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol, and a handgun. The parents of the shooter told law enforcement that Hale had a red bag when leaving the home before the attack. They had asked Hale what the bag contained, but in the end dismissed the issue, believing that Hale didnt own any firearms. Mr Drake said police had no reason to seize Hales firearms. Tennessee doesnt have a red flag law allowing the authorities to take guns from people thought to possibly be a danger to others or themselves. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. The police chief said that had law enforcement been aware of the danger posed by Hale, they would have attempted to seize the firearms. A weapon used at The Covenant School byAudrey Elizabeth Hale (Reuters) Theres not a law for that, he said, but he added that if police had been aware of Hales plans then we would have tried to get those weapons. He went on to say that Hales actions during the attack have made police consider the possibility that the suspect had training. The suspect was on an upper level, we believe there has been some training to have been able to shoot from a higher level, Mr Drake told the press. From the video Ive seen [Hale] stood away from the glass so [the suspect] wouldnt be an easy target to be shot. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Chilling surveillance footage has been released showing the suspect carrying out the mass shooting that killed six people, including three children, at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. The footage, shared on Twitter by Metro Nashville Police Department, shows suspected shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, arriving in a Honda Fit car, parking, and then proceeding towards the school. Hale is then seen shooting through the glass double side doors of the school before entering through the broken glass. Once inside, the footage shows Hale walking around the school, along different hallways armed with an assault rifle, coming in and out of different rooms. Hale is dressed in combat trousers, a vest and a red baseball cap turned backwards. Hale drove to Covenant Church/School in her Honda Fit this morning, parked, and shot her way into the building. She was armed with 2 assault-type guns and a 9 millimeter pistol, police said. She was armed with these three guns and significant ammunition. The 28-year-old fired a number of rounds inside the school building, killing six victims. Officials later identified the three school children and three adults killed in the private Christian elementary school as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61. Hale, who is believed to be a former student at Covenant Presbyterian Church School, was shot dead by police officers on an upper floor of the school. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. In answer to a question as to whether Hales transgender status might have any bearing on a motive, Metro Nashville Police chief John Drake said at a press conference: There is some theory to that. Were investigating all the leads and once we know exactly, we will let you know. Chief Drake said that the mass shooting was planned and targeted and that a manifesto had been found during a search of Hales home. We have a manifesto, we have some writings were going over that pertain to this day, the actual incident, said the police chief. Surveillance footage shows shooter walking through the school (Metro Nashville PD) We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Theres right now a theory that we may be able to talk about later but its not confirmed, and so well put that out as soon as we can. He later told NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Hale had also drawn a detailed map of the school ground, including potential entry points, and carried out surveillance of the building prior to massacre, he said. Hale an illustrator and graphic designer who attended Nossi College of Art does not appear to have had any criminal record prior to Mondays massacre. According to The Tennessean, this is the fifth school shooting in the Nashville area since 2011 and the first since 2018. Close Bodycam footage shows Nashville police searching Christian school for gunman Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The funeral of Evelyn Dieckhaus, one of three nine-year-old children killed at the Covenant School shooting, took place on Friday afternoon in Nashville. Evelyn was remembered as a shining light in the funeral, which was closed to the media, at the Woodmont Christian Church in the Green Hills neighbourhood of the city. Before the service, the churchs senior minister, the Rev Clay Stauffer, described the youngster as radiant. Evelyn was killed while leading her classmates to safety in response to a fire alarm seemingly tripped by the attacker, her family believes. Services for substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and Hallie Scruggs, nine, will be held on Saturday. Nine-year-old William Kinney's funeral will take place on Sunday, while services for Mike Hill, 61, the schools custodian, will be held on Tuesday and the funeral for head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, will take place on Wednesday. Meanwhile, police have released the chilling 911 calls they received from inside the Covenant School as the shooter since identified by law enforcement as Audrey Hale, 28, a former student of the private Christian elementary school broke into the building and opened fire. A manifesto written by the suspect is soon expected to released by officers investigating the deadly attack. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three students and three staff members have been killed in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Tennessee. On Monday, 28-year-old suspect Audrey Elizabeth Hale arrived in a Honda Fit car and proceeded towards a Christian elementary school in Nashville, police said. Armed with two assault-style rifles and a handgun, Hale gained entry into The Covenant School building by shooting through a side door. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged nine, died in the shooting. Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill, both 61, were the adult victims. Hale was also killed at the scene by police officers. Responding to the Nashville school shooting the latest to rock America President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday. Heres what we know about the six victims: Katherine Koonce According to The Covenant School website, Katherine Koonce worked as the headmistress at the school for seven years. Koonce is believed to have ran towards the shooter after hearing gunshots ring out in the school. Nashville city councilman Russ Pulley told Fox News that Koonce was on a Zoom call when the shooting began. Mr Pulley said she immediately ended the meeting and did not hesitate to head straight to the shooter. It is my understanding from a witness at the school that Katherine Koonce was on a Zoom call when she heard the first shot. She immediately ended the call, got up and headed straight for the shooter, Mr Pulley said. Koonce was found in a hallway by herself, according to Nashville Police Chief John Drake. There was a confrontation, Im sure you can tell the way she was lying in the hallway, the police chief said, adding that she was assassinated in the hallway. Covenant School Headteacher Katherine Koonce (Covenant School) Koonce had reportedly already taken many efforts in her school to ensure safety from gun violence, including seeking advanced-level active-shooter training. Mr Pulley said she had protected her children. She did what principals and headmasters do, he said. Parents at the school have praised Koonce as a saint, who knew all students by name. She did so much for those kids, the mother of two of the schools children told the BBC. She knew every single student by name, she said. She did everything to help them when families couldnt afford things, it didnt matter. She found ways for them to stay. She added: She did so much for those kids. And now gave her life protecting them. Koonce also authored a book titled Parenting the Way God Parents: Refusing to Recycle Your Parents Mistakes, which was published in 2006. Cynthia Peak Cynthia Peak, 61, was working as a substitute teacher on the day of the attack. In a video address on Tuesday night, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee revealed that he and Tennessee first lady Maria Lee was close friends with Peak, and that they had plans to meet with her for dinner on Monday evening. What happened at Covenant School was a tragedy beyond comprehension, the governor said . Like many of you, Ive experienced tragedy in my own life, and Ive experienced the day after that tragedy. Cynthia Peak (centre) in a photo shared by a family friend (Family friend/KALB) I woke up this morning with a very familiar feeling, and I recognize that today many Tennesseans are feeling the exact same way the emptiness, the lack of understanding, the desperate desire for answers and the desperate need for hope. Mr Lee said that he and his wife were also good friends with Koonce, adding that Koonce, Peak and Maria were all teachers at the same school and have been family friends for decades. Mike Hill Mike Hill was also a staff member at the school. CBS News said Hill worked as a custodian. A woman who said she was Hills daughter said on Facebook that her father absolutely loved working at the school. Hills family said in a statement that he was the father of seven children and had 14 grandchildren. The statement said they are so grateful that Michael was beloved by the faculty and students who filled him with joy for 14 years. We would like to thank the Nashville community for all the continued thoughts and prayers, the statement reads. As we grieve and try to grasp any sense of understanding of why this happened, we continue to ask for support. We pray for the Covenant School and are so grateful that Michael was beloved by the faculty and students who filled him with joy for 14 years. He was a father of seven children (Marquita Oglesby, Brittany Hill, Shakita Dobbins, Ebony Smith, Joshua Smith, Tawana Smith Garner, Jeremy Smith) and 14 grandchildren. He liked to cook and spend time with family. A GoFundMe described Hill as one who should not be overlooked in the wake of this senseless loss. Mike Hill worked as a custodian at the school (GoFundMe) This GoFundMe is started by fellow Nashville parents who live in the community who are dedicated to honoring this hero... Mikes family deserves peace of mind that his loss was not in vain and that some good can come from it. His legacy can live on through goodwill and love. In the end, love should always win. Hallie Scruggs Among the six victims at the Nashville school shooting was nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs, the daughter of a local pastor. Hallie Scruggs with her local pastor father (Family photo) She was the daughter of Chad Scruggs, a senior pastor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, according to CBS News. We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie, Mark Davis, senior pastor at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, said in a statement. Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need. Evelyn Dieckhaus Evelyn was a third-grade student at the Christian elementary school. "Our hearts are completely broken," the Dieckaus family said in a statement. "We cannot believe this has happened. Evelyn was a shining light in this world. We appreciate all the love and support but ask for space as we grieve." A memorial for the victims of the shooting was held at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville on Monday. Evelyn Dieckhaus (Dieckhaus family) I dont want to be an only child, Dieckhauss sister, a fifth grader, said during the service, according to The Tennessean. Our community is heartbroken," a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. William Kinney William was a student at the school. Not much information is available yet about the nine-year-old boy who was killed in the shooting. A GoFundMe launched for his family reads: Will had an unflappable spirit. He was unfailingly kind, gentle when the situation called for it, quick to laugh, and always inclusive of others. He loved his sisters, adored his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and was always excited to host friends of every age. Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts our broken for his family as they try to find their way forward. William Kinney (Handout) When I got a call this afternoon to ask me to do this, I sat down to see if there was anything I could say that might rise to the occasion, said Wade McGregor, part of the leadership team at Covenant Presbyterian Church. I sat there for quite a while with my pad of paper, and after I while I looked down at it. All I had written was Pray for us. A friend of the Kinney family has set up a GoFundMe page. Will had an unflappable spirit, the page reads. He was unfailingly kind, gentle when the situation called for it, quick to laugh, and always inclusive of others. He loved his sisters, adored his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and was always excited to host friends of every age. Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts our broken for his family as they try to find their way forward. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police rescued an 11-year-old girl who had been abducted by using her iPad's geolocation feature to track her, according to a Pennsylvania district attorney's office. Pennsylvania State Police tracked down and arrested Keith Lilliock, 43, and charged him with luring a child into a motor vehicle and interference with the custody of children, the Westmoreland District Attorney's Office said. The child told police she was taking a bike trip to Pittsburgh to visit a friend. She stopped at a gas station to take a break and left her bike at the station, after which she walked to a nearby Dollar General, according to a report by ABC News. While she was in the store, Mr Lilliock reportedly an employee allegedly approached her and offered to drive her where she needed once he closed the store. The District Attorney's Office reviewed video surveillance from the store and said Mr Lilliock spoke with the girl for more than 20 minutes. Police used bloodhounds to track the girl's scent at the gas station, which led them to the store. Police claim that Mr Lilliock drove the girl to his home in South Greensburg, Pennsylvania. "The victim told police Lilliock rubbed her leg and touched her stomach area under her shirt before she asked him to take her to a friend's house in Latrobe," a DA press release said. Police used the iPad to locate the girl's location and arrived at the home, where they recovered her and arrested Mr Lilliock. Keith Lilliock, 43, was arrested on charges relating to the alleged abduction of an 11-year-old girl in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Westmoreland District Attorneys Office) He told officers that he did offer the girl a ride but denied touching her, police said. When police asked him what happened inside the vehicle, Mr Lilliock allegedly responded "I did not touch an 11-year-old," despite not being asked if he had touched the girl. He also allegedly told them that he used to be a "bad guy" but had since converted to Christianity, noting that before his conversion he had been attracted to 16-year-old girls. He allegedly insisted that he no longer was attracted to minors. Mr Lilliock is currently being held without bail in the Westmoreland County Prison. Police have previously used GPS technology, like the services found in cars, to track missing and abducted people. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} In the weeks before six people, including three nine-year-old children, were fatally shot inside a Nashville school, Tennessee lawmakers considered several pieces of legislation to loosen restrictions on firearms. The proposals were introduced two years after Republican Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that makes it easier for people to openly carry handguns in the state without a permit. Tennessee is one of 25 states with a permitless concealed carry law, a measure that has been rapidly adopted by lawmakers across the US as part of what right-wing activists have called a constitutional carry movement in recognition of the Second Amendment. The same year Tennessees legislation was signed into law, lawmakers approved similar measures in Arizona, Iowa, Montana, Texas and Utah. In 2022, lawmakers passed similar bills in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida is expected to sign a similar measure into law this year after its passage in a GOP-controlled legislature. Tennessees law allows most people 21 and older to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit. It also extends those exceptions to US military service members from age 18. When the measure passed the states House in 2021, GOP Majority Leader William Lamberth told lawmakers that it was not the end of the journey for legislative efforts that make it easier for people to carry firearms in the state. Indeed, GOP state lawmakers introduced legislation that would allow all residents from age 18 to carry handguns without permits. Other proposals would allow residents to openly carry any firearm, including shotguns and AR-style rifles, without a permit, and would recognise similar permits issued in other states. Another bill would allow teachers and school staff to carry a firearm on campus, while another would allow any adult who is legally allowed to carry a firearm in the state to do so on park or school properties, including college campuses and elementary schools. Tennessee was among the top 10 deadliest states for gun violence in 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state has the 12th highest rate of gun deaths in the US and some of the weakest gun laws in the country, according to a statement from gun reform advocacy group Moms Demand Action. Despite continued acts of gun violence, lawmakers continue to cave to the gun lobbys guns everywhere agenda, the group said in a statement on 27 March. Roughly 1,385 people in Tennessee are killed by guns each year, a figure that surged by 52 per cent over the last decade while gun deaths spiked by 39 per cent nationally during the same time period, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Gun violence remains the leading cause of death among American children. In America and in Tennessee, guns are the leading killer of kids yet Tennessee lawmakers have done nothing but gut gun safety laws, putting gun industry profits ahead of the safety of our children, Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, said in a statement. We dont have to live this way and our children certainly dont have to die this way. This was initially published on 27 March 2023 Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} When Oklahoma representative Dean Davis was confronted by police officers outside of an Oklahoma City bar in the early hours of Thursday morning, he thought he had the perfect response a section of the state constitution that says lawmakers shall be privileged from arrest during the session of the Legislature. You cant detain me, Mr Davis, a Republican, told a police sergeant in an argument captured by police body camera footage and obtained by The Washington Post. The police sergeant, Timothy Brewer, was not impressed with Mr Davis legal reasoning. I can, and I am right now, Mr Brewer responded as he took the lawmaker into custody. Recommended Supreme Court rejects case of Oklahoma teen killed by police Mr Davis was charged with public drunkenness, a misdemeanour. According to an incident report, his trouble with law enforcement began Thursday morning shortly after 2am when Mr Brewer and his partner were finishing a shift and en route back to a police station and saw a group of people drinking on the patio of an Oklahoma City establishment called Skinny Slims. It is against the law for people to drink on the patio past 2am, so, according to the police report, the officers approached the group and told them to disperse. Mr Davis, who was among the party, apparently resisted at first refusing to put down his beverage and then threatening the officers by stating something to the effect of you dont know how bad you messed up [but] you will find out tomorrow. Mr Davis was then handcuffed and led into a police cruiser, where he directed Mr Brewer to take a card out of his wallet that included the section of the Oklahoma constitution on legislator privileges and told him to read it. The selection from Oklahoma Constitutions Article V, Section 22 says, Senators and Representatives shall, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the Legislature, and in going to and returning from the same, and, for any speech or debate in either House, shall not be questioned in any other place. Mr Davis felt that meant that he was not subject to arrest, given that the legislature is currently in session. But Mr Brewer noted that Mr Davis was not performing his legislative duties at Skinny Slims, and thus was not protected by the state constitution. The men continued to bicker during the car ride, with Mr Davis noting that he was being arrested for drunkenness despite the fact that the officers never performed a blood alcohol test on him and claimed that he had only been drinking Coca-Cola at the bar. Mr Davis was put on probation last year after pleading no contest to a charge of driving while impaired in 2019. He was also charged with obstructing a police officer in that case. Gov Kevin Stitt, a Republican, appeared to back the police officers actions in comments following the arrest. People sometimes make poor choices and ... they need to be held accountable, Mr Stitt told KFOR. So [I] dont know any specifics about that. But, you know, were going to be a law-and-order state in Oklahoma, and we hold ourselves to higher standards, especially as public officials. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Watch as Gwyneth Paltrows ski crash trial enters its sixth day on Tuesday, 28 March. The Oscar-winning actor is facing trial after being sued by a man who has accused her of colliding with him in a hit-and-run ski crash in 2016. Dr Terry Sanderson alleges that he was left with permanent traumatic brain injury, four broken ribs, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress and disfigurement. The retired optometrist claims that Ms Paltrow crashed into him after racing downhill in an out-of-control manner on the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain, at the luxury Deer Valley Resort near Park City, Utah, Ms Paltrow maintains that Mr Sanderson crashed into her. Mr Sanderson is seeking $300,000 in compensation for the injuries he says he sustained. The actor is asking for a symbolic $1 and for her legal expenses to be covered in a countersuit. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 39 people have died and at least 29 others are injured after a lethal blaze inside a government-run immigration facility in Mexico near the countrys border with the United States. The fire broke out inside the National Migration Institute in Ciudad Juarez, across from the US-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas, shortly before 10pm on 27 March, according to Mexicos National Immigration Institute. Mexicos president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said a group of migrants had set fire to highly flammable mattresses in protest after learning they would be deported. They did not imagine that this was going to cause this terrible tragedy, he said in his remarks the following morning. Sixty-eight men were being held inside the building when it was set ablaze, according to authorities. Victims were largely from Central America, though some men were from Venezuela, according to the president. At least 28 people who died in the fire at the Ciudad Juarez facility were from Guatemala, according to the Guatemalan Migration Institute. Authorities reportedly believe many people died from smoke inhalation. The office of Mexicos attorney general has launched an investigation, and the National Human Rights Commission has also been called in to help the migrants impacted by the tragedy. Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the US from Mexico. Local news outlets have reported growing tensions among authorities and migrants held in detention centres as protests break out in other facilities amid stringent border enforcement and dire conditions in migrants home countries. View more In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the US border under pressure from the American government, its National Immigration Institute has struggled with overcrowding. Earlier this month, Ciudad Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar announced that the citys patience is running out with its care for migrants. We have the obligation of taking care of the city, he said during a briefing earlier this month. Human rights groups have denounced what they have called the governments criminalization of migrants, issuing a statement accusing authorities of sending a message of intimidation. Following the fire, local news outlets reported authorities were rounding up migrants. Emergency response personnel assist dozens of people injured in a fire that killed at least 39 people on 27 March. (REUTERS) US authorities have turned away thousands of people fleeing corruption, violence and poverty in recent years after their arrival at the border under a public health order invoked by former president Donald Trumps administration and a so-called Remain in Mexico programme that has forced asylum seekers to remain on the other side of the border as their cases are pending in the US. It is likely that the migrants at the facility seeking asylum in the US were impacted by the Covid-19 public health order, allowing border officials to expel migrants seeking asylum during the pandemic. The US Supreme Court determined that the policy remains in effect until May, when the administration intends to dissolve the public health emergency. The Title 42 order has been invoked tens of thousands of times since 2020, and immigration advocates have urged the White House to lift the order, which has been tied up in courts, while thousands of vulnerable people fleeing violence, kidnapping, threats and political instability and poverty are stuck in limbo. The Biden administration is working with Mexico to implement other border restrictions in an effort to discourage people from making illegal crossings into Mexico and then into the US, though the White House also has rolled out a plan for thousands of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua, as long as they apply online in a programme that has been marred by controversy. Migrants killed or injured in the fire likely were impacted by the Title 42 policy, while others may have been seized by Mexican agents in an operation to remove migrants from road crossings where they clean windows, sell sweets or ask for money, according to La Verdad. At least 39 migrants were killed after a fire inside an immigration detention centre in Ciudad Juarez on 27 March. (AP) Harrowing images captured the aftermath of the blaze showed rows of of bodies under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility while ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue were also on the scene. Mondays fire marks the deadliest incident inside a Mexican immigration facility in recent memory, though protests in the nations detention centres are not uncommon. Police and National Guard troops responded to protests inside an immigration centre in Tijuana in October among mostly Venezuelan migrants. The following month, dozens of people protested inside Mexicos largest detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico's National Migration Institute commissioner Francisco Garduno visited victims in hospital on 28 March. (via REUTERS) In January, the White House introduced an immigration plan to allow 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the US with legal permission to work in the country for two years. A group of more than 100 lawmakers from the US House and Senate, meanwhile, have urged the White House to strike down any proposals that would reintroduce family separation policies, as the administration mulls stringent immigration protocol. The harm of detaining children is clear, House members wrote in their letter to the White House on 28 March. Even short periods of detention can cause psychological trauma and long-term mental health risks for children. We urge you to maintain your commitment to not detaining families and children and not return to a cruel policy of the past. In a statement on 28 March, US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said he joins the pain of the relatives of migrants who lost their lives and those injured in the Ciudad Juarez fire. It is a reminder to the governments of the region of the importance of fixing a broken migration system and the risks of irregular migration, he added. White House national security council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that the the tragic loss of life in Ciudad Juarez is heartbreaking. Our prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and those still fighting for their lives. The United States has been in touch with Mexican officials and stands ready to provide any needed support, she added. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Georgia teenager was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol in a hazing last Tuesday. Nineteen-year-old Trenton Trent Lehrkamp was dropped off at Southeast Georgia Health System by three juveniles on 21 March after consuming copious amounts of alcohol at a home on St. Simons Island in Georgia. The three juveniles left before police officers showed up, according to a Facebook post from the Glynn County Police Department. Officers who responded to the scene around 10:40 pm said Mr Lehrkamp was being treated for high levels of intoxication from a mixture of controlled substances and alcohol. In a police report released by Glynn County PD, Mr Lehrkamp had shallow breathing and his blood alcohol levels were at .464. The 19-year-old was placed on a ventilator. The report also notes that Mr Lehrkamps clothes were soaked with urine and he had spray paint all over his body and hair as well as a small bruise on his left shoulder. For the last week, Mr Lehrkamp remained in the ICU battling fevers and a lung infection, according to a GoFundMe set up by Erika Keller. The GoFundMe was set up to raise money for Mr Lehrkamps medical bills. By Tuesday afternoon it had raised $76,551. On Tuesday, March 28th, the GoFundMe page updated to inform people that Mr Lehrkamp was moved out of the ICU and beginning the next stages of his care and treatment. Mr Lehrkamps father, Mark Lehrkamp, told officers in the report that his son was with people he thinks cares for him because he has no other friends. However, Mark alleged this was not the first time his son returned from the home injured. Several news reports say that videos from previous incidents involving Lehrkamp began circulating on social media, allegedly showing the teenager slumped over in a chair while being sprayed with a water hose. Trent wouldnt know until it was too late that these were not friends, but vile and abusive perpetrators who would go on to torture, humiliate, and assault him inhumane, terrifying ways for hours, the description of the GoFundMe says. Glynn County Police said they are continuing to investigate the incident and both the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) conducted interviews with involved parties. The Glynn County Police are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to come forward. No charges have been filed as of Tuesday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tennessee congressman Andy Ogles has defended his controversial Christmas card showing him and his family posing with guns, after he came under severe criticism in the wake of the school shooting in his district this week. Mr Ogles represents Tennessees 5th congressional district where six victims were gunned down in a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville on Monday. In December 2021, he had posted a photo to his Facebook showing himself, his wife, and three children posing with four guns. At the time, Mr Ogles was serving as mayor of Maury County. Merry Christmas! The Ogles Family, the post read. The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference they deserve a place of honour with all thats good. The post has since been deleted from his social media profiles following a severe backlash. But, when asked if he now regrets the photo this week, the pro-gun congressman has doubled down on the image. Why would I regret a photograph with my family exercising my rights to bear arms? he told Sky News. Mr Ogles refused to explain why the photograph was removed from social media after the Nashville shooting and not in the wake of previous school attacks. Mr Ogless Christmas card resurfaced and went viral on social media this week after three children and three adults were fatally shot at the school shooting in his district. Gun control activist Shannon Watts tweeted the Ogless Christmas photo in the hours after Mondays massacre. THIS is last years Christmas card from Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican who represents the district that Covenant School is in [sic] Nashville, Ms Watts wrote. In response to the shooting, Mr Ogles released a statement saying he and his family are devastated by the tragedy that took place at The Covenant school and send their thoughts and prayers to the victims families. As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence, Mr Ogles said. But gun activists continued to criticise Mr Ogles for posing with firearms while expressing devastation for the victims and their families. Fred Guttenberg, a gun control activist whose 14-year-old daughter was killed during the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida wrote: The tragedy of the latest mass shooting is listening to Tennessee politicians who refuse to call it a shooting but who engaged in behaviour that caused this to be more likely when they glorify guns. Twitter user Treat tweeted, I dont think he is the best example of a role model. The Independent has reached out to Mr Ogless office for comment. The shooting unfolded just after 10am on Monday morning when accused shooter Audrey Hale allegedly drove to the elementary school heavily armed. There, Hale a 28-year-old former student at the christian school broke into the school building by shooting through the glass side doors and climbing inside. Once inside, the shooter stalked the corridors, killing the six victims. Andy Ogles and his family pose for a 2021 Christmas photo with firearms in an image published on his Facebook page (Facebook / Andy Ogles) Responding officers fatally shot the assailant at 10.27am 14 minutes after the first 911 call reporting an active shooter came in at 10.13am. Six victims were killed in the shooting including three staff members Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill. Three students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all aged nine, also died in the attack. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Hale does not have any previous criminal record. Chief Drake said police found a manifesto and map of the school grounds at Hales residence. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} House Republicans plan to deliver a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday for classified cables related to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Rep. Mike McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Associated Press on Monday that he had spoken with Blinken earlier in the day when he was notified the agency would not be turning over a so-called dissent cable written by diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul shortly before the August 2021 withdrawal. We have made multiple good faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information, McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement. Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee. The July 2021 communication warned Blinken about the potential fall of Kabul via a special dissent channel," which allows State Department officials to issue warnings or express contrarian views directly to senior agency officials, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The effort to force the release of the cable is the latest in a series by McCaul and other House Republicans to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they have called a stunning failure of leadership" after Taliban forces seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, far more rapidly than U.S. intelligence had foreseen as American forces pulled out. Kabuls fall turned the Wests withdrawal into a rout, with Kabuls airport the center of a desperate air evacuation guarded by U.S. forces temporarily deployed for the task. A single explosive device that day killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members. McCaul made the Afghanistan-related document requests in January, upon becoming chairman of the committee, but he faced pushback from the department as he pursued his investigation into the withdrawal. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters Monday that while he recognizes the importance and the keen interest in this cable, it would be a rare move for any secretary to turn over those documents to Congress. It is a unique way for anyone in the department to speak truth to power as they see it without fear or favor. And they do it by the regulations we have established for these cables in a privileged and confidential way, Patel said. Its vital to us that we preserve the integrity of that process and of that channel. Since the Dissent Channel was created in 1971, in part to address U.S. diplomats concerns over the Vietnam War, the State Department has held communications closely. Nearly all such cables are classified to protect the integrity of the process and the identities of dissenting Foreign Service officers. They are not generally intended for public consumption, however, some have been leaked to the press, often by their authors. According to the National Security Archives at George Washington University, at least 123 Dissent Channel cables have been sent since 1971. The vast majority of those have remained classified and the State Department has long objected to efforts to force their release. The basic contents of some Dissent Channel cables have become public, including in the Afghanistan withdrawal case. One of its authors was given an award for Constructive Dissent in 2022 by the union that represents U.S. diplomats. ___ AP Diplomatic Writer Matt Lee contributed to this report. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Florida school has removed the Disney movie Ruby Bridges from its library after one parent lodged a complaint, arguing that the film could teach white children to hate Black children. The film, which centres on the issue of desegregation, outlines the story of six-year-old Ruby who integrated New Orleans schools in the 1960s. It has been used during Black History Month lessons in Pinellas County for years, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The film had never been seen as a problem until this year when parents are able to use their new powers over school curriculums after initiatives by the Florida legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis. Republicans are increasingly using education as a battleground in its culture war. A parent at North Shore Elementary didnt allow her child to watch the film when it was shown earlier this month. She later complained that it was inappropriate viewing for second-grade students. The formal challenge was filed on 6 March, in which Emily Conklin wrote that the films use of racial slurs and the scenes depicting Ruby, a Black girl, being threatened by White students might lead to students learning that white people hate Black people. School officials banned the films use pending a review. The president of Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students, Ric Davis, wrote in an open letter to the community asking why one parents complaint affected all students. Many from historically marginalized communities are asking whether this so-called integrated education system in Pinellas County can even serve the diverse community fairly and equitably, he wrote. The outcry comes after a previous dispute earlier this year after The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was banned from high schools after a single complaint from a parent regarding a rape scene unfolding over the course of two pages. Officials noted that the new state law directs them to err on the side of caution. The [Pinellas] districts leadership appears to fear the potential consequences of not acting in the way they have on these two decisions, Mr Davis wrote. This approach to challenging times in education in our state raises serious questions about Superintendent [Kevin] Hendricks leadership. Ruby Bridges was released in 1998. Mr Davis said the film accurately depicts historical events. The film Ruby Bridges has been removed from a Florida school after a single complaint (Disney) At the highest level of decision-making in the district, they have to have more sensitivity to the diversity of the community they serve, and not overreact because one white person objected to something, he said. The Times noted that Mr Davis was quick to add that the district shouldnt overreact to the complaint of a Black person either. At the end of the day, were one total community and we have to figure out how we work together to make decisions that serve everyone, he added. The students in Pinellas district schools are 51 per cent white, 20 per cent Hispanic, 19 per cent Black, and four per cent Asian. At North Shore Elementary, 57 per cent of students are white, 24 per cent are Black, and 12 per cent are Hispanic. The former police chief and deputy mayor in St Petersburg, Florida, Goliath Davis, criticized the film being removed in a column in the Weekly Challenger on 19 March. Regrettably, the political environment surrounding MAGA Republicans, Mothers of Liberty and Governor Ron DeSantis continues to foster a movement of division, historical denial and instability, he wrote. Teachers, for the most part, are confused and fearful. Why shouldnt they be? Even when they do the right thing, louder voices from the MAGA crowd appear to have the power to get their decisions reversed and possibly get them fired. Ms Conklin is the development director at the YMCA of Greater St Petersburg. She was one of two parents who didnt want their children to see the film. Think about it. A six-year-old girl can go to school every day with armed guards, but second graders cant learn about it? Mr Davis said. It doesnt make any sense. Reagan Miller of the Florida Freedom to Read Project told The Times that it is distressing to me that one parent has, again, been able to have a resource removed from our schools when the vast majority of parents consented to their children seeing the film. The Independent has reached out to Ms Conklin for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The top federal judge in Washington, DC has ordered former vice president Mike Pence to testify before a grand jury regarding his interactions with former president Donald Trump in the days leading up to the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In a sealed opinion first reported by CNN, Chief Judge James Boasberg reportedly ordered Mr Pence to give evidence in response to any questions from Special Counsel Jack Smith that could elicit answers about illegal acts committed by the ex-president. Mr Pence had sought an order precluding him from testifying before the grand jury entirely, and in papers filed with the court he had claimed immunity under the US Constitutions speech or debate clause, citing his role as President of the Senate during Congress quadrennial certification of electoral votes. Judge Boasbergs order also reportedly allowed Mr Pence to decline to answer any question that touched on his actions during the certification, but did not preclude him from discussing his interactions with Mr Trump in the lead-up to it. The former vice president can still appeal the ruling, but courts have repeatedly declined to prevent witnesses from testifying to the grand jury probing Mr Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election despite repeated claims of executive privilege and other privileges by Mr Trump and his allies. Last week, a three-judge panel of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a different ruling which forces one of Mr Trumps lawyers, Evan Corcoran, to give evidence about Mr Trumps actions in relation to a separate grand jury investigation into his alleged unlawful retention of classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida residence. The court found that a different federal judge had properly applied an exception to attorney-client privilege which can be invoked when it is found that legal advice was sought to further commission of a crime. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Republican members of Congress and prominent far-right voices have seized on the fatal shooting of three nine-year-old children and three school employees in Nashville to promote legislation targeting transgender people and bans on gender-affirming healthcare. Law enforcement officials have identified the suspected assailant as a trans man, a detail that GOP lawmakers and far-right personalities with large social media platforms have used in their attempts to undermine threats of violence against LGBT+ people and suggest that trans people, not the proliferation of high-powered firearms, should be regulated and criminalised. LGBT+ advocates have argued that media personalities and elected officials have exploited the aftermath of the shooting to shift blame towards trans people and depict trans people as mentally ill, echoing falsehoods and rhetoric that has surrounded a wave of legislation targeting gender-affirming care in recent years. Far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has proposed federal legislation to outlaw gender-affirming care for trans youth, said everyone can stop blaming guns now. There have been at least 129 other mass killings so far this year. Her congressional account also was briefly suspended on 28 March after she baselessly suggested that trans people and antifa were conspiring to commit mass violence. New York Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised Ms Greenes absolutely disgusting remarks, telling The Independent that the Georgia Republican should be looking into a mirror as to why shes defending and posing with the same weapons that are being used to kill children, teachers and educators. Ohio Senator JD Vance said the extreme left needs to do a lot of soul searching after giving into transgender ideas, an apparent reference to widely established medical standards for caring for trans people. Far-right activist and failed congressional candidate Laura Loomer called the shooting in Nashville an LGBTQ inspired terrorist attack. Kingsley Cortes, a former aide on Donald Trumps 2020 presidential campaign, appeared to be the only Republican to float the idea that the availability of guns should be restricted in the wake of the attack but only for trans people. If you identify as transgender and/or are undergoing hormone therapy you should NOT be allowed to legally purchase a firearm, she wrote. Donald Trump Jr falsely stated that there has been an incredible rise of trans/non-binary mass shooters in the last few years, a statement that does not bear out in fact. The vast majority of mass shootings are committed by cisgender white men. Maybe, rather than talking about guns we should be talking about lunatics pushing their gender affirming bull****on our kids? he added. All but four of the 172 shooters identified in mass shootings since 1996 were cisgender men, according to The Violence Project. All extremist-related murders in 2022 were committed by right-wing extremists, according to reporting from the Anti-Defamation League. A suspect facing more than 300 charges for the mass shooting inside a Colorado Springs LGBT+ nightclub that killed five people and injured 17 others last year has been identified by attorneys as nonbinary. The 22 year old defendant ran a neo-Nazi website and used gay and racial slurs online, according to law enforcement. Extremism experts argue that the suspects alleged identity could be dubious trolling. In the immediate aftermath of the Nashville attack, far-right trolls flooded Twitter and other social media platforms to falsely link the shooting to a prominent transgender activist who was the victim of several unrelated harassment campaigns. After the release of police body-worn camera footage showing officers fatally shooting the assailant, anti-trans trolls shared images celebrating the killing of a trans person specifically. A front-page headline from the right-leaning New York Post said transgender killer targets Christian school. When hundreds of white men commit mass shootings, its a societal problem, but when one trans person commits a mass shooting, its a trans problem, wrote Alejandra Caraballo, a trans activist and clinical instructor at Harvard Laws Cyberlaw Clinic. The actual problem is that this country is unable to do anything at all to stop gun violence. The Republican party will blame anything and everything before they do a thing about guns. And so this will just keep happening, said Ari Drennan, LGBTQ+ program director for media watchdog Media Matters. Anti-trans legislation and rhetoric have also consumed right-wing media, this years Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, and, increasingly, congressional committees, where lawmakers in Washington DC are mulling national bills that mirror the proposals dominating state capitols. There are nearly 2 million people living in the US who identify as transgender, representing fewer than 1 per cent of all Americans. Yet states are increasingly engaged in legislation and policies to restrict or eliminate access to gender-affirming medical care and other support systems. Eight states have enacted laws or policies banning gender-affirming care for young trans people, and at least 10 states are considering similar measures. More than half of all trans youth in the US between the ages of 13 and 17 are at risk of losing access to age-appropriate and medically necessary gender-affirming care in their home state, the Human Rights Campaign has reported. I am concerned that this one crime by a bad person will be used to justify stripping more rights away from a vulnerable group, as weve seen in other moments in history, Ms Drennan told The 19th. Trans people are four times more likely than cisgender people to be the victim of a violent crime, including rape and assault, according to a 2021 study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. The killings of trans people have more than doubled from 2017 to 2021, when at least 59 trans people were killed in homicides, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An aide to Republican senator Rand Paul was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington DC over the weekend, his office has said. City police officers responded to a stabbing in the north-eastern suburbs of DC at 5:17pm on Saturday, finding the victim collapsed and bleeding from multiple knife wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A police report seen by The Independent names the victim as Phillip Todd, a staffer on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, of which Mr Paul is the chief Republican member. Officers arrested a 42-year-old man named Glynn Neal in connection with the incident, charging him with assault with intent to kill. Mr Todd was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to Fox 5 DC, Mr Neal had just been released from prison the day before the stabbing, after a 12-year sentence for using threats to force two North Carolina women into prostitution. This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington DC, said Mr Paul on Monday. I ask you to join [my wife] Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr Todds uncle Tim Todd said that he was resting well after suffering damage to his spleen, abdomen, skull, brain, and lung. Abdomen surgery went well this morning, said Tim Todd. Doctors are concerned about possible seizures for the next month resulting from the deep knife wound to the head... The police caught the homeless man that committed this horrible crime. So at least for the time being, this homeless man has a home. Continued prayers for Phillip are greatly appreciated! According to the MPDs report, and a more detailed affidavit seen by Law & Crime, Mr Todd was walking down the street with a friend after leaving a Mexican restaurant early on Saturday evening when the attacker popped out from a corner where he was hiding. The attacker allegedly jumped on top of Mr Todd, grappling with him and stabbing him repeatedly, before being pushed off him by the friend. The pair then fled eastward down the street, while the attacker casually stood up and walked away west. Despite his extensive injuries, Mr Todd was reportedly still conscious in hospital, and was able to tell local detective that he did not know the assailant and did not know why he had been attacked. According to Law & Crime, the affidavit says that Mr Neals mobile phone was found at the scene, allowing detectives to trace him back to his home. Mr Neal allegedly told detectives that a voice was telling him that someone was going to get him for all the things he [had] done, so he decided to wait in ambush for the someone. This story was updated on Tuesday 28 March 2023 to add additional details. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he opposes repeal of the 2002 and 1991 authorizations of force against Iraq, arguing that that authority bears directly on the threats we face today in Iraq and Syria from Iran-backed terrorists. McConnell, who is home recovering from a fall earlier this month, is weighing in for the first time as the Senate is poised, as soon as Wednesday, to repeal the decades-old authority for the Iraq war. While supporters say the repeal would reinforce todays strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, McConnell and other Republican opponents say a withdrawal of those war powers would project U.S. weakness in the Middle East and embolden Iran and other terrorist groups. I am opposed to Congress sunsetting any military force authorizations in the Middle East, McConnell said. Our terrorist enemies arent sunsetting their war against us. And when we deploy our servicemembers in harms way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can. The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing former President Donald Trump's America First message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war. Almost 20 GOP senators have signaled they will vote for the repeals, likely giving Democrats the votes they need to approve the two measures. I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years, said Indiana Sen. Todd Young, the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things dont go well. The October 2002 votes to give President George W. Bush broad authority for the invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress. After the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that Bush administrations allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless. In the end, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops died in the war. Young noted that there is other existing authority for President Joe Biden, along with past and future presidents, to order military action. But lawmakers fear the Iraq war powers could be used for purposes Congress never intended. Trumps administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but it has otherwise been rarely used. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican who voted for the Iraq war authorization in 2002 but is now voting for repeal, said that two decades ago there was more deference to a presidents authority in the case of an imminent threat. But since the Iraq war, she said, theres more hesitation to have open-ended authorizations for the use of force, and the fact that these authorizations have been in effect for so many years diminishes the role of Congress in declaring war. The Senate rejected several Republican amendments to the bill Tuesday that were intended to put the brakes on the repeal, including some aimed to ensure that the U.S. is able to protect troops and personnel against potential Iranian aggression. GOP senators opposing the repeal raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria, including a drone strike last week that killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, followed by a rocket attack that wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks. Iran right now is the threat, said Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican who offered an amendment that would require the Director of National Intelligence to assess that the repeal would not degrade the effectiveness of United States-led deterrence against Iranian aggression. The amendment was rejected, 38-57. Supporters of the repeal, including Biden and his administration, have argued that it would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing on Wednesday that American troops have the ability to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops from attack. Austin noted that a separate 2001 authorization for the use of military force against al-Qaida and other insurgents allows the U.S. to have forces in the region conduct missions against the Islamic State group. That would remain in place under the Senate bill. As we go forward, its always good to look at the authorities and make sure that we evolve them if thats required, and so you have my commitment to work with leadership and with you to continue to do that, Austin said. It is unclear whether the House will take up the legislation. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has signaled possible support, even though he previously voted against it. When the House voted on a similar repeal two years ago, 49 Republicans voted with Democrats to withdraw the measures. Republicans opposed to the repeal have argued that the Biden administration has not been tough enough on Iran, and that vacating the war powers in place now will not help. While the Senates been engaged in this abstract, theoretical debate about rolling back American power, Iran has continued its deadly attacks on us, McConnell said in his statement. Young argued the opposite. Hes ignoring the fact that over recent decades, weve had the 2002 authorities on the books, and that has, in no way deterred attacks from occurring, Young said of McConnells statement. Game, set and match. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Porn actor Stormy Daniels hit back at critics on Twitter amid the ongoing investigation by the Manhattan District Attorneys Office into the hush money payment she received from former President Donald Trumps then-fixer Michael Cohen in 2016. Ms Daniels alleges that she had an affair with Mr Trump in 2006. She was paid off to keep quiet about the supposed extramarital activity. Mr Trump insulted Ms Daniels during his Saturday rally in Waco, Texas, rejecting all allegations of an affair. Sex with Stormy Daniels is traumatic enough. Hasnt President Trump been punished enough? one Twitter user said. I think he needs another spanking, Ms Daniels responded. You realize this is now evidence right? one Twitter user asked. Evidence of what? That hes been spanked? Thats common knowledge, the adult actor shot back. Really? You claimed bankruptcy to avoid PAYING YOUR COURT ORDERED JUDGEMENT, yet you have a ranch? Guess you lied about being bankrupt, one Twitter user claimed. If anyone should be in jail, its you. Ms Daniels said it was her new favorite rumor. I guess Im now bankrupt? Maybe Ill get lucky and someone will buy that margarita machine for me off my Amazon list so I can enjoy a frozen beverage as I float in my pool and giggle at your tweets. Why did you sleep with him even though you knew he had a wife? one Twitter user asked Ms Daniels. Why did he invite me to his room, take off his clothes and corner me when I came out of the bathroom even though he knew he had a wife? she replied. You could have turned him down but you didnt [and] you knew he had a wife, another account holder said. To which Ms Daniels simply replied, so did he. In one tweet she noted that Mr Trump was on his third wife and that he was cheating with me and many others. So you knew he is married yet you proceeded. So you are a cheater, one Twitter user told Ms Daniels. Yep. The sorcery of my magic voodoo vag was too much for that poor little man and it forced him to forget all about his vows, take his clothes off and corner me. Its ALLLL my fault, she said mockingly. The grand jury looking into the evidence of the alleged hush money payments will reportedly not vote this week on if an indictment should be handed down, according to WNBC. The jury will reportedly not meet on Wednesday and hear evidence regarding other investigations on Thursday, meaning a decision on the fate of the former commander-in-chief this week is very unlikely. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Twitter temporarily limited certain tweets from the official account of representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, after the Georgia Republican made unfounded claims about the Nashville school shooting being related to Antifa and trans-terrorism. Yesterday, my official Twitter account was temporarily suspended for warning about Antifas Trans Day of Vengeance in front of the Supreme Court, she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday on her reopened government account. On Tuesday, Ms Greene shared a screenshot from her personal account, showing a notice from Twitter describing how it had temporarily limited her official pages access to the site for violating Twitter rules. In a tweet on Tuesday from her personal account, the Republican accused the site of attempting to whitewash the incitement of politically motivated violence because it took down a previous post. The previous post described the Trans Day of Vengeance, a protest planned for April in Washington and claimed, people need to know about the threat they face from Antifa & trans-terrorism. Audrey Hale, the gunman in the Nashville shooting, was reportedly a transgender man who used he/him pronouns. Police have not described any link between Hale and antifa, or between Hales gender identity and the violence in Nashville. In a reply to Ms Greene, Twitter spokesperson Ella Irwin confirmed that some of the Republicans media had been restricted, according to Mediaite. Ms Irwin, Twitters head of trust and safety, said in a tweet later on Tuesday that Twitter removed Ms Greenes posts featuring the poster for the Day of Vengeance event, over fears it could incite violence. We do not support tweets that incite violence irrespective of who posts them. Vengeance does not imply peaceful protest, the company official said. Tsukuru Fors, a co-founder of the Trans Radical Activist Network, told a socialist website, We are calling for Trans Day of Vengeance, instead of Trans Day of Visibility, because visibility alone is no longer enough. The right-wing fascists have unleashed a misinformation campaign upon our community by creating narratives that we are a danger to society, Fors added. They like to say that we are sexual predators and violent radicals, when, in fact, the only thing thats dangerous about us is the fact that we are a threat to the binary systems that uphold the patriarchal, white-supremacist and capitalist power structure. On Wednesday, Ms Green used her official congressional account to tweet: Since the school closures, weve seen a dramatic increase in trans identifying children, which is something that was not normal nor common many years before this, and I think thats completely devastating. Three of her earlier tweets on the account were not visible, with messages saying they had violated the Twitter Rules. Three tweets on Rep Greenes account were not visible (Screenshot / @RepMTG) On Tuesday night, Ms Greeene posted to her personal account that Christoper Wray and the FBI must investigate the Nashville trans shooter. As The Independent has reported, Republican members of Congress and prominent far-right voices have seized on the fatal shooting of three nine-year-old children and three school employees in Nashville to promote legislation targeting transgender people and bans on gender-affirming healthcare, as well as to launch attacks on trans people more broadly. Ms Greene, who has proposed federal legislation to outlaw gender-affirming care for trans youth, was among them. She said, everyone can stop blaming guns now after the shooting. There have been at least 129 other mass killings so far this year. New York Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised Ms Greenes absolutely disgusting remarks, telling The Independent that the Georgia Republican should be looking into a mirror as to why shes defending and posing with the same weapons that are being used to kill children, teachers and educators. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Australian man has discovered a 4.6kg rock containing gold worth $160,000 (130,000) with the help of a budget metal detector. The man, who did not wish to be named, had found the rock in Victorias Golden Triangle area, also known as Goldfields. He took the rock for evaluation and discovered that it contained a staggering 2.6kg of gold. Prospecting equipment retailer and expert Darren Kamp who also bought the specimen said it was the biggest he saw in his 43-year career. He pulled this rock out of his backpack and as he dropped it in my hand he said, Do you think theres $10,000 worth in it? Mr Kamp was quoted as saying by NCA NewsWire. As soon as it hit my hand I said, Try $100,000. The man told Mr Kamp that his wife would be happy, as he had only brought in half the rock, leaving the other half at home, reported news.com.au. Its one of those life-changing pieces, said Mr Kamp, who owns Lucky Strike Gold Prospecting, that manufactures metal detectors. When he dropped it into my hand my jaw dropped with it. Ive been in the gold industry for 43 years and its the biggest gold specimen Ive seen. You see big specimens found by big companies underground... but to find it with a detector, its the biggest one Ive seen. Mr Kamp bought the rock from the man after valuing it. In 1869, a 72kg gold nugget was found near Moliagul, also in Victoria. Dubbed Welcome Stranger, the nugget was said to be the largest in the world. It, however, had to be broken into pieces as there were no scales big enough at the time to weigh the 60-by-30-centimetres rock. Victorias Golden Triangle area is in north central Victoria and stretches between Ballarat, Bendigo and St Arnaud, encompassing small towns between such as Daylesford, Maryborough and Castlemaine. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Danish government has backtracked on a Brexit-related deportation threat for British nationals living in the country. New laws, due to go through parliament in spring, will be brought in to allow British nationals living in Denmark before Brexit more time to apply for residency status. The laws will apply to between 300 and 2,000 Britons who had not been informed or did not know they had to apply to stay in the country by 31 December 2021. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, second from right, Minister of Justice Mattias Tesfaye, right, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek, left, and Minister of Interior and Housing Christian Rabjerg Madsen, second from left, at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen, Monday, May 2, 2022. Last November, the Danish government identified that 290 British citizens had made late applications, with many claiming they had not received the correct communication from Siri, the Danish immigration authority. However, the number of Britons affected could be closer to 1,800, according to local reports. Philip Russell, who received a removal order last May after he missed the original deadline by four days, said the new laws are long overdue. Many people will have had their applications rejected and [been] intimidated into leaving and going back to the UK. There will be a massive cost to that, they will have left jobs, possibly families, he told The Guardian. Will Hill returned to the UK and applied to re-enter Denmark on a work visa after he received a removal order last year. Mr Hill was entitled to live in Denmark under the withdrawal agreement, but after a deportation threat, a visa seemed the only way he could be with his fiancee, now wife, and return to work. He told the newspaper that the new laws =were a huge relief, and would give him many more working rights. It feels right that they have reversed the decision and accepted that errors were made, said Mr Hill. The Danish immigration minister, Kaare Dybvad Bek, said in a statement: I am really happy that we have found this solution. It has always been the governments intention to make it easy and flexible for the British citizens living here to stay in Denmark. There are some who did not manage to apply, and we would like to give them an extra chance. More than 2,250 British citizens have been ordered to leave European Union countries since the end of the Brexit transition period, Eurostat data revealed in January. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Protesters set fire to bins and threw projectiles at police in Paris who responded with teargas, on the fringes of a march against President Emmanuel Macron and his deeply unpopular pension bill. Clashes also erupted in similar rallies in cities including Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse, with a bank branch and cars set ablaze in Nantes. However, while public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment, the level of violence on Tuesday was nowhere near that seen last week and rallies were otherwise largely peaceful. Earlier in the day, the government rejected a new demand by unions to suspend and rethink the pension bill, which will bring the retirement age from 62 up to 64, infuriating labour leaders who said the government must find a way out of the crisis. The government said it was more than willing to talk to unions, but on other topics, and repeated it would stand firm on the pension front. We have proposed a way out ... and its intolerable that we are being stonewalled again, the head of the CFDT union, Laurent Berger, told reporters at the start of a rally in Paris. Mr Macron, who promised to deliver pension reform in both of his presidential campaigns, says change is needed to keep the countrys finances in balance. Unions and opposition parties say there are other ways to do that. A protest in Marseille (AFP via Getty Images) Millions of people have been demonstrating and joining strike action since mid-January to show their opposition to the bill. But public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment. In particular, the protests have intensified since the government used special powers to push the bill through parliament without a vote. However, in a move bringing some relief for Parisians and tourists alike, city rubbish collectors said they were suspending their weeks-long strike that has left the roads around famous landmarkts strewn with piles of trash. In the last big day of protests on Thursday, Black Bloc anarchists smashed shop windows, demolished bus stops and ransacked a McDonalds restaurant in Paris, with similar violence in other cities. That was some of the worst street violence in years in France, bringing scenes reminiscent of unrest by supporters of the yellow-vest movement during Mr Macrons first term. Travellers in Gare du Nord train station, Paris, as the new round of strikes and demonstrations began (AP) On Tuesday, rallies were largely peaceful, with some clashes on the fringes. In the western city of Nantes, the boarded-up front of a BNP Paribas bank branch was set on fire. A car was set on fire in the margins of the rally, while some shot fireworks at police. Im non-violent but I understand people who go that far, 69-year old retired postman Noel Cassin said in Nantes. If you just go and demonstrate, sing songs and eat sausages, then go home after losing a days work (and not getting any result), its useless. Also in western France, protesters blocked the Rennes ring road and set an abandoned car on fire. In Paris and in Marseille, protesters blocked train tracks for a while. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that authorities were anticipating a very serious risk to public order at demonstrations. Protesters at St Charles station near Marseille on Tuesday (AP) A total of 13,000 police were expected to be deployed during the protests throughout the day. Highways in several French cities were blocked on Tuesday morning, and strikes in the transport, aviation and energy sectors continued to disrupt travel. About 17 per cent of all fuel stations in France were missing at least one product as of Monday night, Frances petroleum association UFIP said, citing energy ministry data. Student union UNEF said the entrances to around 20 universities including Sciences Po and parts of the Sorbonne in Paris as well as institutions in Lyon, Nice and Toulouse, were also blocked. Mr Macron, who promised to deliver pension reform in both of his presidential campaigns, says change is needed to keep the countrys finances in balance. Unions and opposition parties say there are other ways to do that. There were fewer protesters in Marseille and other cities than at previous rallies. Jean-Paul Mattei, a centrist MP whose MoDem party is an ally of Mr Macron, urged him to heed union demands for mediation. Charles de Courson, from the opposition Liot party, said French authorities should learn from the situation in Israel, where the government just hit pause on a controversial justice overhaul Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Protesters marched in Paris, France for the 10th day of nationwide strikes on Tuesday 28 March. Demonstrations continued over Emmanuel Macrons divisive new pension reform bill, which includes a provision to raise the legal age of retirement from 62 to 64. Angry protests have rocked the nation in recent weeks, with some demonstrators blocking airports and railway stations and even setting fire to Bordeauxs city hall. Just yesterday, members of Frances CGT union blocked the entrance of the Louvre museum in Paris as hundreds of demonstrators, many carrying flags, gathered together. The unrest across the country also persuaded officials to postpone King Charles IIIs planned state visit, with Mr Macron describing the decision as common sense. The monarch had been scheduled to arrive on Sunday, making the trip to celebrate France and Britains renewed friendship. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he intends to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the conflict in Ukraine. It follows Putin's warnings that Moscow is ready to use all available means, to fend off attacks on Russian territory, a reference to its nuclear arsenal. A look at Putins statement and its implications: How did Putin explain his move? Putin said President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has long urged Moscow to station its nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and was a staging ground for the invasion of neighboring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia already has helped modernize Belarusian warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons something that Belarus' authoritarian leader has repeatedly mentioned. In remarks broadcast Saturday, Putin said the immediate trigger for the deployment of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was Britains decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium. Putin toned down his language after first falsely claiming that such rounds have nuclear components, but he insisted they pose an additional danger to the civilian population and could contaminate the environment. Putin also said that by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia will be doing what the United States has done for decades by putting its nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. He alleged the Russian move doesnt violate an international treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons, even though Moscow has argued before that the U.S. has breached the pact by deploying them on the territory of its NATO allies. Putins move contrasted with a statement he and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued after their talks in the Kremlin last week, which spoke against nuclear powers deploying atomic weapons outside their territories, in an apparent jab at the United States. What are tactical nuclear weapons? Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities. Unlike the strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, the tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasnt released any numbers in its arsenal or other specifics related to them. The U.S. government believes Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, which include bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. While strategic nuclear weapons are fitted to land- or submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missiles that are constantly ready for launch, tactical nuclear weapons are stored at a few tightly guarded storage facilities in Russia, and it takes time to deliver them to combat units. Some Russian hawks long have urged the Kremlin to send a warning to the West by moving some tactical nuclear weapons closer to the aircraft and missiles intended to deliver them. What exactly will Russia do? Putin said Russia already has helped upgrade 10 Belarusian aircraft to allow them to carry nuclear weapons and their crews will start training to use them from April 3. He noted Russia also has given Belarus the Iskander short-range missile systems that can be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads. He said the construction of storage facilities for nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1. He didnt say how many nuclear weapons will be stationed there or when they will be deployed. Putin emphasized that Russia will retain control over any nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus, just like the U.S. controls its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its NATO allies. If Moscow sends nuclear weapons to Belarus, it will mark their first deployment outside Russian borders since the early 1990s. Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan inherited massive nuclear arsenals after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but agreed to ship them to Russia in the following years. What are the possible consequences behind Putins move? With his latest statement, Putin again is dangling the nuclear threat to signal Moscows readiness to escalate the war in Ukraine. The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly if Moscow decides to use them. It would also extend Russias capability to target several NATO members in Eastern and Central Europe. The move comes as Kyiv is poised for a counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, warned last week that attempts by Ukraine to reclaim control over Crimea was a threat to the very existence of the Russian state, something that warrants a nuclear response under the countrys security doctrine. Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Every day of supplying Western weapons to Ukraine makes the nuclear apocalypse closer, Medvedev said. Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said Putin's goal is to discourage Ukraines Western allies from providing Kyiv with more weapons ahead of any counteroffensive. Putin is "using nuclear blackmail in a bid to influence the situation on the battlefield and force Western partners to reduce supplies of weapons and equipment under the threat of nuclear escalation, Zhdanov said. The Belarusian nuclear balcony will be looming over not only Ukraine, but Europe as well, creating a constant threat, raising tensions and rattling the nerves of Ukrainians and their Western partners. What are Ukraine and the west saying? Ukraine has responded to Putins move by calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. The world must be united against someone who endangers the future of human civilization, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday that U.S. officials havent seen any movement of any tactical nuclear weapons or anything of that kind since Putin's announcement on Belarus. He has said Washington has seen nothing to prompt a change in its strategic deterrent posture. NATO rejects Putins claim that Russia only is doing what the U.S. has done for decades, saying the Western allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russias nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said, adding that the alliance hasnt yet seen any change in Russias nuclear posture. Lithuania, which borders Belarus, described Putins statement as yet another attempt by two unpredictable dictatorial regimes to threaten their neighbors and the entire European continent, calling them desperate moves by Putin and Lukashenko to create another wave of tension and destabilization in Europe. Russias months-long battle to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is being used by the Kremlin to largely destroy the private Wagner Group and put its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in his place, according to experts monitoring the conflict. Analysts have suggested an ulterior motive to the Russian leaderships determination to keep throwing mercenary units into the bloody siege, with disagreements over Ukraine increasingly driving a wedge between Vladimir Putin and his long-time ally. The Wagner Group has trained and deployed thousands of convicted criminals in Ukraine promised their freedom if they can survive six months on the frontline ever since the Russian president launched his full-scale invasion of the former Soviet nation. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Tanks from Germany and the UK have arrived in Ukraine with the countrys president, Volodymyr Zelensky having said such heavy weaponry is crucial to replenish his nation's military hardaware to fight off Russias invasion. Kyiv also wants them to try and recapture territory taken by Moscows forces. Why does Ukraine want Germanys Leopard 2 in particular? The tank is regarded as one of the Wests best. German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has built more than 3,500 Leopard 2 tanks since beginning production in 1978. The tank weighs more than 60 tons, has a 120mm smoothbore gun and can hit targets at a distance of up to five km. It has a laser range finder that can measure distance to an object, meaning that aiming at moving targets while traveling over rough terrain becomes easier. Night vison capability also helps. Some 20 nations operate the Leopard 2, which also makes it easier for Ukraine to manage maintenance and crew training. Beyond the nations mentioned above, countries operating the Leopard include Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Turkey. How many Leopards are available? Germany has sent 14 Leopard 2 tanks to begin with, with potenially dozens more to come. It will also allow other countries that hold them to re-export them to Kyiv. The Leopard 2 is one of the most widely used Western tanks. But in general, three decades after the end of the Cold War, tanks and other heavy weapons are in scarce supply in most of the West. Many countries drastically reduced their armies after the fall of communism. Germany has about 350 Leopard 2 tanks today, compared to some 4,000 battle main tanks at the height of the Cold War, German military expert Carl Schulze says. Ukraine has said that it would like 300 tanks, although it is unlikely to get quite that number. More than 100 across the nations in Europe that hold Leopard 2s would be a more approachable figure, plus tanks from elsewhere. It is all but impossible to buy a large amount of Leopard 2 tanks quickly. Germanys defence industry is banned by law from producing them for stock-keeping. Countries ordering new tanks need to be prepared to wait two to three years for delivery. Although German ministers have said they are looking to significantly speed up procurement. What other tanks have been pledged? The UK has sent a squadron, or 14, of its Challenger 2 battle tanks, which have a 120 mm rifled gun. As well as training for Ukrainian troops. The US has also pledged to send 31 of its M1 Abram tanks, plus recovery vehicles. However, the logistics involved in getting the tanks to the battlefield, as well as the extensive and complex maintenance and required for the high-tech vehicle, mean that it may be some time before they appear on the frontlines. Poland will also send an additional 60 of its PT-91 tanks. The PT-91 is a Polish-made battle tank that came into service in the 1990s. It was developed from the T-72 range. What had been the hold up in sending tanks particularly the Leopard 2 to Ukraine? Germanys chancellor, Olaf Scholz, had come under increasing pressure to allow the re-export of the Leopard tanks, dozens of which are held by armies across Europe but could not be sent to Ukraine with the express permission of Berlin. Germany initially resisted such a move, saying Western tanks should only be supplied to Ukraine if there is agreement among Kyivs main allies, particularly the United States. Berlin has been trying to strike a balance between ensuring Ukraine can defend itself and not supplying arms that could encourage Kyiv to make attacks on Russia or draw Nato into conflict with Moscow. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly said that the tanks are for defending Ukraine, and recovering Ukrainian territory lost to Moscow. Not for attacking Russia directly. While Mr Scholz promised a sea change in Germanys defence and security policy in response to Vladimir Putins invasion of his neighbour, that shift has appeared slow to Kyiv and its most vocal allies in Europe including Poland and the Baltic nations who border either Russia itself or Belarus and Ukraine and fear the threat of Russias war on its doorstep. The German leader has repeatedly voiced concern over his country being perceived as escalating the war and provoking President Putin, who has hinted he could resort to nuclear weapons. Reuters contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Kremlin has accused the UN of whitewashing the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines last year after Russias demands for an investigation were rejected at the platform. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said everyone should be interested in an impartial investigation in order to find the culprits of the explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines in September in the Baltic sea. "Western countries are making every effort to whitewash ... this topic, to paper it over, so that it disappears from the agenda, he told reporters, according to Tass news agency. "We will do everything in our power to continue to insist and to initiate such an international investigation," he said, without specifying what Moscow plans to do next. His comments came after the UN Security Council members voted to reject a Russia-backed resolution to demand a UN-led investigation into the blowing up of North Stream pipelines. The blasts caused severe damage to Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, rendering the underwater routes for energy trade inoperable. It was a major route to send gas from Russia into Europe via Germany through a tunnel under the Baltic sea. The explosions were measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter scale, Swedish and Danish authorities confirmed. Russia, China and Brazil voted in favor of the resolution, while the remaining 12 council members abstained. Moscow has accused the West, including the UK and US, of involvement in the sabotage of the pipelines and called it a terrorist act. The blast occurred in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. It prompted Sweden, Denmark and Germany to launch their own separate investigations. Mr Peskov said that Russia regrets the outcome of its initiative at the UNSC. "We believe that everyone should be interested in an objective investigation involving all interested parties, all those who can shed light on who commissioned and perpetrated this terrorist act," he said. The US has denied responsibility for the attack. The damage to the pipelines came just weeks after Russias state-owned supplier Gazprom announced it was closing the 745-mile Nord Stream 1 line indefinitely, blaming technical problems and supply issues caused by Western sanctions. The second Nord Stream pipeline had only recently been completed and had not yet become operational, but plans to start the flow of Russian gas were shelved by Germany just prior to Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in February. Close Putin visits Russian troops in Ukraines Kherson and Luhansk regions For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands have been evacuated from their homes in the Russian city of Belgorod after an undetonated bomb was found. Over 3,000 people were evacuated on Saturday two days after Russia accidentally dropped a bomb on the same city, which is located about 25 miles from the border with Ukraine. It is not known if the bomb came from the same aircraft. However, the undetonated device was found in the same area as the bomb that was accidentally dropped on Thursday evening. Local governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov said that 17 apartment buildings had to be cordoned off within a radius of 200 metres of the undetonated bomb. At least two people were injured after the bomb was dropped on Thursday evening, which left a crater of about 20 metres wide. Buildings were destroyed and a car was blown on to the roof of a nearby shop. The Russian defence ministry admitted that one of its fighter jets had accidentally discharged aircraft ordnance over the city. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} It was a decision hailed by a top aide to Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky as a real punching fist of democracy against Russias invasion the fact that the UK, US and Germany would provide tanks to Kyiv. The 14 Challenger 2 tanks from Britain and 18 Leopard 2 tanks pledged by Germany have now reached Ukraine. The countrys defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, gave the UK the thumbs up as he took a ride in one of the tanks. Mr Reznikov wrote on Twitter that the tanks had "recently arrived in our country" and posted a video that showed him sitting in one of a long line of tanks in an open field, all of them flying Ukraine's yellow and blue flag. "It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT (main battle tank) for a spin," Mr Reznikov wrote. "These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions." In the video, he gave the thumbs up sign and thanked British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for the tanks. "Marvellous, Ben," he said in English. "It's...very good stuff. Thank you very much from Ukraine to the United Kingdom." As for the tanks from Germany, the countrys defence minister, Boris Pistorius said on Twitter: "I'm sure that they can make a decisive contribution on the front." While unlikely to turn the tide of the war in their current numbers, the roughly three battalions worth mark a gear change in Natos support for Kyiv as underscored by the Kremlins accusations of direct Western involvement and a renewed flurry of nuclear threats from Vladimir Putins inner circle. The tanks themselves including US M1 Abrams are generally viewed as more potent than most of the Soviet and Russian-made vehicles which, to the surprise of those who believed tanks to be practically defunct, have so far played a central role in Europes largest land war in decades. While long-range artillery systems and drones have also proved critical in the conflict, Kyiv will be hoping that further deliveries of tanks will help to give Ukraine the edge on the battlefield. The Independent has taken a look at the various tanks either already, or soon to be, at play in the war, how they compare, and what this could mean for the war effort on each side. Challenger 2 (Figures based on official and reported estimates) The UK has sent 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. Developed by Vickers Defence Systems, now BAE Systems, these 8.3-metre-long tanks have since been deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, and are designed to destroy other tanks. The British army claims it has never experienced a loss at the hands of the enemy. It is the heaviest of all three Western tanks on offer, and although capable of firing Nato rounds, uses a different kind of ammunition for its main rifled gun high-explosive squash-head ammo and is slightly slower, sporting a 1200-horsepower engine, 300 short of its contemporaries, according to Dr Miron. Its 120mm rifled gun is said to have an effective firing range of at least 3km using armour-piercing rounds. The Challenger also claims the furthest tank-on-tank kill shot in military history, destroying an Iraqi vehicle at a range of 4,700 metres during the Gulf War in 1991. This tank prioritises firepower and protection provided by world-class Dorchester 2 armour over speed, making it slightly slower than its counterparts, but this is offset by its accuracy and lethality, according to the British army. As far as protection goes, Challenger 2 is very well protected. It would take a number of hits from a T-72 [Soviet-era tank operated by Russia] and the crew would survive, Mr de Bretton-Gordon previously said. Leopard 2 ( ) More than 2,000 Leopard 2s sit in European and Canadian arsenals, with a reported price tag of around 5m each. Designed during the Cold War, as part of a programme that also birthed the Abrams, to fight the Soviet-era tanks currently being used in Ukraine, Leopards are designed to withstand 125mm penetrator ammunition fired from 1,500 metres and are one of the best armoured tanks, according to Dr Marina Miron, of Kings College Londons war studies department. Fitted with two coaxial light machine guns alongside its main guns, the Leopard is prized for its high manoeuvrability and adaptability, and is viewed as particularly suitable for Ukraine, with relatively lower fuel consumption than its American counterpart. These are the Mercedes BMW supertanks of the world, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former commanding officer in the British armys Royal Tank Regiment, told CBS News, adding: I would want at least 10 or 15 T-72 survivors [used by Russia] up against one of them. M1A2 Abrams (Figures based on official and reported estimates) Designed by Chrysler Defence during the Cold War and since used in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, the Abrams is the main battle tank of the US army, while Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Poland all own export versions. Ukraine is now set to receive 31 of the tanks enough for an entire battalion. The Abrams is reported to be the first tank in which the commander and gunner are both provided with optical and thermal sights including a periscope spanning 360 degrees which allows them to simultaneously track separate targets in what is called a hunter-killer capability. The US army credits the tank reported to cost up to $10m (8.06m) once training and maintenance is factored in with lethal firepower, unparalleled survivability, and audacious manoeuvre, while Dr Miron told The Independent that the 120mm depleted uranium rounds it fires, known as silver bullets, are probably the most lethal to any armour. The main difference between the Abrams and the Leopard lies in the formers gas turbine engine, which requires jet fuel, meaning troops would need a separate supply chain to power the vehicles, according to Dr Miron and American officials have long expressed doubts over its suitability for Ukraine. The maintenance and the high cost that it would take to maintain an Abrams it just doesnt make sense to provide that to the Ukrainians at this moment, the Pentagon said as recently as last week. Yet, following president Joe Bidens volte-face this week, reports suggest that while Washington will send 31 of the more advanced M1A2 tanks as opposed to the older M1A1 models federal policy means that they will be stripped of their classified armour, which includes depleted uranium, probably because of fears that the tanks could be captured by Russia on the battlefield. T-72 (Figures based on official and reported estimates) Both Ukraine and Russia have been relying heavily on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, which despite representing a new level of firepower upon their introduction in 1973 with their large 125mm cannons now find themselves somewhat outgunned by the next generation. Upgraded versions are said to have a limited hunter-killer capability, but lack the panoramic sight enjoyed by the commander in newer tanks. Like other models on this list, most T-72s are also fitted with a laser rangefinder, which adjusts the main gun before it fires in order to account for wind, temperature and the tanks movement. As the Red Armys main tank until the Soviet Unions collapse, tens of thousands of these lightweight and relatively agile models are believed to have been produced, with Wired reporting in 2015 that used models could be bought by civilians for just $50,000. These are the main tanks currently used by Ukraine, which also uses Soviet T-64s and T-80s, and account for most of the 450 tanks Kyiv has been supplied with by its allies since Russias invasion last February, given its existing familiarity with the vehicles. But in terms of its armour, the T-72 is quite light, mainly using welded steel, meaning that the crew protection element is certainly much weaker than other tanks, according to Dr Miron evidenced by the continual flow of images showing these tanks with their turrets blown off. Washington has pledged to upgrade some of Kyivs stock of T-72s with new optics, communications, and armour, which the Pentagon claimed would make them the most technically advanced tanks on the battlefield. T90 (Figures based on official and reported estimates) Designed by Russia as an improvement on its Soviet predecessors, following heavy losses during the Chechen and Gulf wars, some versions of Moscows newest tank are, on paper at least, even better than their Nato counterparts, boasting a superior gun and anti-tank missile system. The T90s large 125mm gun can fire different types of ammo, including HEAT and HE-Frag (high-explosive fragmentation) ammo, as well as the 9M119 Reflex (Refleks) anti-tank guided missiles, which have a maximum range of up to 4,000m, according to Dr Miron. The T-90S model boasts both conventional and explosive reactive armour, and along with its Western counterparts has some modern detection systems such as infrared, thermal vision, and day and night sight, Dr Miron said. But Britains Ministry of Defence said in August that it was highly likely that many Russian crews lacked the training to properly maintain explosive reactive armour as it sought to account for the heavy attrition suffered by Russias main battle tanks in Ukraine. According to the Military Balance database, Russia had around 3,330 operational tanks in total shortly before its invasion of Ukraine, with another 10,000 in storage. For its part, Ukraine is thought to have started the war with just shy of 1,000 Soviet-made T-64s, T-72s and T-80s. T-14 Armata (Figures based on official and reported estimates) Recent reports have claimed that Moscow is preparing to deploy its most advanced T-14 Armata tanks in Ukraine. First revealed during the 2015 Victory Day parade, this tank has been described as marking an ambitious departure from its pragmatic and cost-efficient predecessors. It is claimed to be capable of firing guided anti-tank missiles with a range of 5km, potentially putting low-flying helicopters at risk. The fastest of the tanks listed, its armour has been updated to a combination of steel, ceramic, and composite materials, with the potential for further modules to be added on, and is claimed to be invulnerable even to RPGs and to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, according to Dr Miron. However, the British Ministry of Defence has suggested that its deployment is likely to be a high-risk decision for Russia, with its 11-year development programme dogged with delays, reduction in planned fleet size, and reports of manufacturing problems. Having already been hampered by logistics issues in Ukraines vast territory, Moscow could struggle to adapt its supply chains to incorporate these larger and heavier tanks, according to the ministry. Therefore, any deployment would likely be primarily for propaganda purposes, with production probably only in the low tens, and commanders unlikely to trust the vehicle in combat, British intelligence analysts said. Volodymyr Zelensky will be hoping the new tanks make a significant difference (AP) What does this mean for the Ukraine war? All three Western tanks are more agile than Russias T-models, which cant reverse at speed, said Ralf Raths, director of the Panzer Museum in Munster, Germany. Imagine a boxer who cannot move freely in the ring, but only in one direction, he explained. The other boxer, who can move in all directions, has a big advantage, and that is the case with the Leopards. Were both sides to have similar numbers of tanks not yet a prospect such vehicles could give Ukraine the upper hand, Dr Raths said, adding: The Ukrainians shine through creative, dynamic, and often very clean warfare. So it could well be that if Ukraines operational offensive were to begin, the Russians would have real problems countering it. However, Dr Miron also warned that neither the Challenger nor the Leopard has seen many battles and, despite its seemingly superior armour, the Leopard has seen some problems in Syria and proved to be vulnerable to mortars and mines. But after months of brutal attrition on the front lines, such tanks could allow Ukraine to go on the offensive, according to Yohann Michel of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, who said: In this type of conflict, its just not possible to carry out large-scale offensives without the full variety of armoured combat equipment and armoured vehicles, and tanks are a part of that. Niklas Masuhr, of the Zurich-based Centre for Security Studies, warned that the addition of Leopards alone wouldnt be a game changer or a war-winning technology, anything like that. You cant just deploy a bunch of main battle tanks and assume they will win, he said. Theyre very valuable, but you still need to use them in the correct way and integrate them with all the other military tools that you have at your disposal. Close Israeli protesters light fire and block highway as Netanyahu sacks minister For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three arrests were made after far-right groups attacked Arabs during pro-government protests in Israel, as Benjamin Netanyahu delayed an incendiary power grab which would see politicians given a greater say in the courts. Police said dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group were filmed attacking several Arabs in Jerusalem, in one case savagely beating a taxi driver and causing damage to his car. Monday night saw clashes between opposing groups of protesters, who were out in their thousands on the streets of Israels major cities for a second night despite the prime ministers attempt to diffuse the anger over his proposed judicial reform. Mr Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a monthlong delay for the legislation, saying he wanted to avoid civil war and seek a compromise with political opponents. Opposition parties have started building teams to negotiate an alternative to the ruling right-wing coalitions reforms, which would give Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nations judges, among other measures which critics say will weaken Israels system of checks and balances. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two holidaymakers from Sussex, both aged 79, should have woken up on Monday morning on the first full day of their 10-day spring holiday in Tenerife. Instead, after the travel giant Tui repeatedly misrepresented post-Brexit passport rules, Anne and Brian are at home in Hastings. The couple who wish to be known only by their first names both have passports that are valid for their planned trip. But when they called in at the Hastings branch of Tui on Friday morning to go through the check-in process ahead of their flight on Sunday, they were wrongly told Annes passport was not valid for the trip. Staff at the travel agency said nothing could be done and that they had lost the 1,700 cost of their holiday; another Tui representative later wrongly suggested that travel insurance might provide compensation. In 2021, The Independent informed all the big UK airlines and holiday companies including Tui of the precise passport validity rules for British travellers to the European Union after Brexit: On the day of entry to the EU, no more than 10 years since the issue date. On the day of exit from the EU, at least three months remaining before the expiry date. The evidence supplied by the Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Commission made clear that the two conditions are independent of one another. But the Tui travel agent said, incorrectly, that extra months added to a passport beyond 10 years do not count and that therefore they could not be used after nine years and nine months. With no possibility of obtaining a new passport in the time available, Anne was told she could not fly to the Spanish island. The Independent has seen a copy of Annes passport and has verified that it is valid for travel outbound to anywhere in the European Union up to 25 April 2023 for a stay of up to 90 days, easily covering the duration of the holiday. On Saturday, Annes daughter, Nicola, called Tuis customer service line on the couples behalf to challenge the decision. The girl on the phone told us that due to Brexit, the extra months on any passport were now invalid, Nicola said. She wasnt interested in hearing our evidence and kept on saying it was Brexit and we should Google it. Nicola then contacted The Independent for confirmation that the couple could legally travel. Armed with that evidence, she called the customer service line on Saturday afternoon. After a half-hour wait, an agent told her: Ive spoken to someone from our customer operations team who have also advised that the passport would not be valid. I can only go by what they say, and the retail store also spoke to a different department who advised the same. The agent also added the irrelevant suggestion: It sounds like the lead passenger will need to speak to their insurance for this. In cases when holidaymakers do not have appropriate documentation, travel insurance will not pay out. After this latest exchange, the couple reluctantly decided they did not wish to risk going to Gatwick despite knowing their passports were valid. The flight was with Tui, which appeared to be applying its own mistaken rules across the company. So they concluded they would be turned away at the airport. Late on Saturday evening, after The Independent contacted Tui on their behalf, Anne and Brian were called by customer operations at the company to be told they were clear to travel. But by then they had accepted that they would not be able to take the holiday. A spokesperson for Tui said: Our teams are trained to provide customers with factual and accurate information, on this occasion we did not do that. We are very sorry for the distress and inconvenience this has caused. A full investigation is underway to establish the root cause of the incorrect information given and further training on passport validity will be given to all of our retail and call centre colleagues. Once again we would like to express our sincere apologies for the incorrect information given. Tui has agreed to refund the couple in full, including their pre-booked parking, and has offered a 200 voucher for a future holiday. The couples experience, with different parts of the organisation insisting wrongly that the passport was not valid, suggests there may be many other Tui customers who have also been wrongly denied boarding. The Independent has asked Tui if it will make efforts to check whether it has inadvertently denied boarding to others. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} For a book that was to make history, the slim first edition of Cooks Continental Time Tables looks entirely inconsequential. It can easily be slipped into a jacket pocket. The year is 1873, and the book is the pilot issue of the volume which today is still published as the European Rail Timetable. The 1870s represented a golden age of European travel. International tourism was booming: a growing middle class could, for the first time, afford journeys to see regions that their parents would never have dreamed of visiting. In England, in particular, there was a huge appetite for visiting accessible regions of the near-Continent, notably the Low Countries, the Rhineland and the western Alps. Few of these travellers from England could afford berths on the first Wagons-Lits sleeping cars which, in 1873, made their debut on routes from the Belgian port of Ostend to Germany. Instead the new adventurers, ever conscious of keeping to a budget, travelled by day trains, usually in second class. They stayed in modest hotels, paying with special coupons supplied by Thomas Cook the man who industrialised and democratised international travel. Backpackers Bible: the cover of the first edition of Cooks Continental Time Tables (Thomas Cook) The preacher-turned-entrepreneur provided for the tourists every need. Prepaid hotel coupons were an ingenious invention permitting travellers to know prices in advance and avoided having to fiddle with foreign currency. There was also the security of having a hotel explicitly commended by the omniscient Cook. For some, there was the chance of a tour personally escorted by the man himself, and this gave nervous travellers or first-timers the chance to venture abroad with greater confidence. Cooks tours became especially popular with single women. But there were also great cohorts of travellers who were happy to go-it-alone with the help of Cooks prepaid coupons and, from March 1873, his invaluable timetable. The choices of routes preferred by those early travellers did not greatly vary. They stuck to Cooks recommendations, favouring hotels where they would inevitably meet other English guests. The first issue of Cooks Continental is an insight into another world, one where readers are reassured that several English newspapers are available at the Old Bible Hotel in Amsterdam and that an Anglican chaplain is on hand for Sunday morning services at the Hotel Steinbock in Coire (now better known as the Swiss town of Chur). Who, these days, could imagine a time when, as the debut edition assured us, no passports are required by British subjects travelling via Harwich to Holland, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland? The European Rail Timetable is still more than a litany of the hours recording the anticipated movements of trains. It is a gold-plated invitation to myriad flights of fancy Compiling such a document in the Victorian era was profoundly difficult. Cook implored readers to help by tackling inaccuracies they encountered, asking that all Gentlemen so interested forward any corrections they may wish as early as possible. We discern that while Ladies were certainly encouraged to join a Thomas Cook tour, the business of timetables was definitely lads stuff. Cooks Continental Time Tables became the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. A decade ago the compilers celebrated the 140th anniversary with a special edition but that summer the troubled holiday giant decided to end publication. Fortunately the invaluable book was saved by John Potter and Chris Woodcock, and indeed has outlived the company Thomas Cook founded which collapsed in 2019. The European Rail Timetable team includes a female compiler, and our companion book, Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide, is the work of two women. Print editions appear quarterly, with the other eight issues each year being purely digital products. In this age of online journey planners, the appeal of a printed timetable has not dwindled. A century and a half after Thomas Cooks debut edition (price 1s, now 5p), the European Rail Timetable is still more than a litany of the hours recording the anticipated movements of trains. It is a gold-plated invitation to myriad flights of fancy. One can plot a route through Bosnia on local trains, reflect on what it might be like to take the ship from Cadiz to the Canary Islands, and check the times of the Sunrise Izumo from Izumoshi to Tokyo. Just like Cooks March 1873 pilot issue of the timetable, the March 2023 edition is a book that, although lacking a definite plot, is still rich in possibility. I may need to go to Barnsley, but could I not, were I so minded, go also to Basel or Berlin? There is, we think, certainly a place for tabular renderings of timings for each rail route, allowing the reader to not just see departure and arrival times, but also the pattern of train services with intermediate stops, and revealing how that pattern varies during the day. Cooks Continental has done that perfectly for 150 years. It is a masterpiece of compression, and still we think a volume which warrants a place in the travellers arsenal. Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries are authors of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide and editors of Hidden Europe magazine. The European Rail Timetable for March 2023 is on sale now, price 24.99. At least 39 people had been killed and dozens more seriously injured after a fire spread through an immigration detention centre in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez, close to the US border. Footage from the scene shows ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue around the facility, after the blaze broke out on Monday evening (27 March). Ciudad Juarez is a popular crossing point for migrants entering the US and shelters in the city host people waiting for opportunities to cross the border, or who have requested asylum in the US. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Nashville police say the school shooter behind the attack which claimed the life of six people owned seven firearms. The suspect, Audrey Hale, bought the guns from five different stores and hid them from her parents ahead of the attack. Police also said that Hale, who was eventually fatally shot by officers at the scene, wasn't specifically targeting anyone at the school. Three children aged nine were killed in the attack, along with three adult members of faculty at the Christian elementary school. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Teenagers destroyed a statue of an angel that they pulled over a fence of a church in Queens, New York City, on 23 March. Police released CCTV footage of the suspects, seen smashing the object after lifting it from Holy Family Church on 74th Ave, in a bid to identify them. People are hurt because this is their property and this is their church, Father Sean Suckiel told Fox 5 New York. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Interview: Washington's attempts to impose U.S.-style democracy a "spectacular failure" in targeted countries, says expert Xinhua) 13:12, March 28, 2023 NEW YORK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Washington's attempts to impose a U.S.-style democracy on countries like Iraq and Libya using primarily military means have been a "spectacular" failure. These countries are now left in a state of limbo and destruction, a renowned U.S. expert has said. "The U.S. has been its own worst enemy over these past 20 years in the way it has gone to kind of hammer democracy into shape in these countries using primarily military means or (means of) coercion. It has not worked well. It's hurting itself in the long run," Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, told Xinhua in an interview on Friday. "Democracy, whoever's style, cannot be imposed with a hammer upon any society. Whatever form of political representation arises in the society from the ground level up, one must understand local circumstances and local situations, and on that basis, build a political representative institution," said Gupta. "I'm afraid the U.S. doesn't have the patience... The U.S. is trying to do this top-down without understanding local societies. And it is pretty much understandable that it has failed and failed spectacularly in many countries on which it has tried to," he said. "And I would say beyond the patience, it is doing this for national interest purposes than for really deepening democracy per se," said Gupta. Gupta criticized Washington's intention to hold the so-called Summit for Democracy as an attempt to sow division. "The whole purpose of democracy is inclusiveness. There is nothing inclusive about it here. This is about trying to create coalitions of the willing to participate in a us versus them competition," he said. "That is the real problem behind this because what the Summit for Democracy does is that it does not get down to tackling many of the real issues that we face in the global system today, which requires for a more UN-centered and a more inclusive approach to solutions. And that is not where the summit is leading, and that is unfortunate," said Gupta. The expert said, "little by little, the summit itself is flagging and losing its vitality." Gupta said the Summit for Democracy in 2021 did not produce any "key deliverable. "There was nothing really. It turned into a nice grand show without any meaning," he said. The summit is meant "more to divide than unite" because Washington has invited countries to attend "purely on the basis of the U.S. national interests," he said. "For some of those countries, if it was a pro-America aligned government, it got an invite. If it was a democracy, but did not have a pro-American government, it was disinvited... Frankly, the era of these democracy summits will be known more for the backsliding in terms of democracy than any real material improvement or deliverables coming out of these summits," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) MI5 has increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland secretary, cited a small number of individuals who remain determined to use politically motivated violence. Announcing the change on Tuesday 28 March, he urged the public to remain vigilant but not be alarmed. The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in Northern Ireland, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Prince Harry was returned to the High Court for the second day of a hearing over claims made against the Daily Mail publishers. The prince is among a group of high-profile individuals, including Liz Hurley and Sir Elton John, making the allegations against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). On the first day of the preliminary hearing, the prince told the court that he had lost friends as he became suspicious of his inner circle being the source of articles written about him. The publisher has previously described the groups allegations as preposterous smears. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Joe Biden urged Congress to "do more" to stop gun violence after at least six people, including three children, were killed in a shooting at the Covenant Presbyterian Church School in Nashville on Monday, 27 March. Police have identified Audrey Elizabeth Hale as the suspect. The 28-year-old, who is believed to be a former student, was shot dead by officers at the scene. "I call on Congress again to pass my assault weapons ban. It's about time that we began to make some more progress," the US president said. Click here to sign up for our newsletters. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} This morning I checked on my two children, asleep in their beds. Theyre both under 11, and I was fretting about the fact that one has a sore throat, the other asthma and a bad cough. I wasnt sure if they would be able to go to school, and I was worried about it. In Nashville, there are parents exactly like me, with one crucial difference theyre not waking their kids from sleep. Theyre mourning them. We now know that after an attack at The Covenant School in Tennessee city on Monday, three adults and three children are dead. The youngest victims were just nine years old. CCTV footage released by Metro Nashville Police shows the shooter, identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, driving to the school before opening fire on students and staff with an assault rifle. Hale was killed after being confronted and killed by police. It is tragic, terrible and enraging. But the worst thing? It will happen again. This isnt the first time weve had to write about the death of innocent children at the hands of guns in the supposed land of the free, and it wont be the last. The news from Uvalde elementary school in Texas in May a year ago was similarly unthinkable. Nineteen children between the ages of five and 11 the same age as my kids and two teachers, dead after an active shooter targeted Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. So what, now, is the US going to do about it? I remember reporting on the tragic death of Adam Toledo in 2021. The 13-year-old was shot dead by police in an alleyway after being chased. Camera footage showed him moments before he was killed: arms in the air, oversized black Nike hoody, scruffy cap on backwards. The words on his chest, Just Do It, like a premonition. Just a boy. Moments later, he was dead. Tamir Rice was a boy, too just 12 when he was shot in 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio, by white police officer Timothy Loehmann. Tamir was reportedly carrying a replica toy gun he was killed almost immediately, after police arrived at the scene. Many gun violence victims are young, but there are older, terrible losses, too. Breonna Taylor a medical worker died after a botched raid on her apartment. George Floyd died at the hands of a white former Minneapolis police officer. Some names stick out. Many have rightfully sparked protest. But others will already be forgotten. Why? Well, if these stories sound like numbers to you, if it feels like they blur, could that not be because theyve become so commonplace as to be obscene? As to almost (though certainly never for the families) have become routine? After all, the Nashville school shooting is Americas 129th mass shooting in 2023. The headlines merge into one, and the world sighs: a dozen or so dead. A tragedy at a university campus, a work place, a spa, a nightclub, a grocery store, a dance studio. A gunman with a rifle and body armour opens fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. and nobody is shocked. Horrified, yes. But not surprised. Its just another day in America, another mass shooting. Another terrible waste of life. Sometimes the victims are random. All too often, theyre members of ethnic minority communities. How many fathers, mothers, medical workers and kids have to die before America wakes up? How many times does this have to happen before people like Marjorie Taylor Greene stop calling for more good guys with guns; as if that would solve the problem? US President Joe Biden has pledged to take action on gun violence he announced a range of actions two years ago to aim to stop the sale of so-called ghost guns; and encourage the adoption of red-flag gun laws, denouncing gun violence in America as an epidemic and an international embarrassment. In April last year, he promised he would introduce a comprehensive package of measures to curb the killings. Biden has branded the latest school shooting in Nashville sick and heartbreaking and has renewed his call for a ban on assault weapons. Good. But I cant believe were still having this conversation. Biden was right, there is a scourge blighting America guns. And well keep seeing parents mourning their kids, well keep writing thoughts and prayers on social media, until America finally wakes up and scraps the Second Amendment, once and for all. Until then, more children will die. And we cant do a thing about it. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} I am an anti-war artist and a former Soviet soldier. I reject Harrys comments about killing people as though they are pieces on a chessboard. I am drenching St Pauls Cathedral in Royal Blood the UKs Royal Coat of Arms filled with the blood of Afghan people who have not forgotten the illegal war on their land and who are against Harrys comments about his desensitised killings. As Harry is in London, I have contacted him to set up a meeting, as an ex-militarist myself, to discuss my ideas for the computer game I am producing inspired by his time in Afghanistan. We have much to discuss. He is in court against Associated Newspapers Limited over allegations of criminality against him unlawful information gathering. From what I have seen, he keeps himself in the spotlight, bringing attention to his personal life, while going to extreme lengths to plead for privacy. Boasting about killing, whether for democracy or not, is something I do not accept. During military service in the Soviet Union, I saw a fellow soldier put a gun to his heart and shoot himself. Later, we were eating in the canteen and the guards pulled him through the room. His body and clothes were covered in blood, so he left a line like a signature behind him. A bloodline. Seeing this man dragged across the floor, it was from there I understood blood as a currency a material that demonstrated the physical cost of war. The colour of blood shocks us to understand this reality. My entire artistic practice has been based on deconstructing the toxic idea of imperialism and foregrounding the politicisation of blood, oil and gas as currencies of war. I use medical materials to pump the liquid through a system of pipes and fridges. When people donate their blood to my sculptures, the work is instantly politicised. I never use my blood, my liquid or personality. I use the language of everyone. Words such as democracy, capitalism and human rights are filled with either blood from a specific group of people or oil from a region of conflict Iran, Iraq etc. The material fills and transforms these concepts into something different, something new. I have questions about why people give their blood for an ideology or a sentence thats why I use and move this experience. I propose for them the same idea: if you want to give your blood for an ideology, maybe you will give it to art, or for something else that youre free to choose. Its essential to put people in front of difficult choices, even if theyre shameful ones like nationalism, blood, violence and death. Royal Blood has been filled with 1,250ml of blood from people who want to take a stand against British imperialism (Andrei Molodkin) When dealing with capitalism, people try to smile, hide and pretend death does not exist, even though they admit it exists in other countries. They dont want to accept that the colonial world they grew up in ruined countries and people. Royal Blood has been filled with 1,250ml of blood from people who want to take a stand against British imperialism. Before the coronation of King Charles III, I am bringing attention to the bloodline that flows through to Prince Harry. I am also bringing attention to the double standards of our contemporary reality, a reality people find hard to grasp. While people like Julian Assange face extradition to America, where he could be incarcerated for up to 175 years, for unveiling war crimes, others are profiting. People like Tony Blair, George Bush, now Prince Harry with Spare they all make millions, even as the individuals who reveal the truth are silenced. All governments have blood on their hands. I want this blood to stop war and violence. We can only trust in art to reveal the truth. When war in Ukraine broke out, I used blood donated by Ukrainian fighters to send a message to Vladimir Putin with Putin Filled with Ukrainian Blood. The sculpture began to be projected around the world and a team of people turned it into Augmented Reality (AR). This meant that on the Victory Day parade in Red Square, hundreds of people projected the AR onto Putins tanks, soaking them in the blood of Ukrainian people. The blood came from my friends and co-workers, who then went to the frontline to fight. Their wives and children still live with me today. The physical work might not change the world, but it will fix this period in time so that future generations can understand and remember the barbarities of history. Sinn Fein Party leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged all TDs to back a motion to extend the evictions ban (Brian Lawless/PA) Every TD in the Dail has been urged by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald to back a motion to extend the eviction ban until the end of January 2024. Speaking during leaders questions in the Dail, the Sinn Fein president said the proposed Bill would buy time for the Government to introduce measures to ease the housing crisis. But Taoiseach Leo Varadkar accused Mrs McDonald of trying to exploit peoples fears over homelessness and said the Government would introduce an amendment when the Bill is debated later on Tuesday. The Government has decided the evictions prohibition will run out at the end of the month as scheduled, despite facing calls from homelessness campaigners and opposition parties to extend it. While critics of the move claim it will result in more people becoming homeless, the Government has insisted prolonging the measure will see more landlords leave the rental market, reducing an already low supply of accommodation even further. The Sinn Fein Bill before the Dail tonight will extend the eviction ban, it will buy time for your Government to use emergency powers Mary Lou McDonald Mrs McDonald told TDs that a report had been presented to Cabinet on Tuesday, stating that thousands of homes could be built on state owned land. She said: For years we have said building public homes on public land is the answer to the housing crisis, but you didnt want to know. This report lands on your desk three days before you lift a vital protection for renters, three days before you escalate a housing crisis that is already out of control, three days until you and your Government choose to increase homelessness. The clock is ticking for those whose eviction notices kick in from April 1. You made this decision without putting any adequate planning in place and you still refuse to answer the fundamental question: where are people to go? Mrs McDonald added: It doesnt have to be this way we have one last chance to stop thousands from losing their homes. The Sinn Fein Bill before the Dail tonight will extend the eviction ban, it will buy time for your Government to use emergency powers to ramp up the delivery of social and affordable homes and crucially to expand emergency accommodation. I am asking every TD to back this Bill. Dont vote to evict your own constituents into homelessness. But it shouldnt come to a vote, I ask you to reverse your decision before it is too late. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said 50,000 new tenancies were created in Ireland last year (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said 50,000 new tenancies were created in Ireland last year (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Varadkar told TDs that 50,000 new tenancies were created in Ireland last year. He added: That is the answer to your question where people will go: new tenancies. What you are doing is trying to exploit peoples fears and anxieties and fuel them, when you should be trying to reassure people and help them. He said the Government would put down a reasoned amendment to the Sinn Fein Bill stating what it had done in the last few months and what it intended to do in the future. Referring to the Sinn Fein motion, he said: It might be a response to the crisis but it is not a solution to it. Mrs McDonald said: Our Bill buys your Government time to do what you need to do. The demonstrable, unanswerable evidence of your absolute failure to provide housing, your failure to protect renters, the evidence of that is everywhere to be seen and felt. You have comprehensively failed, amongst all of your bluster, to answer the one question that matters, where do they go? The Taoiseach said the Sinn Fein Bill would help some people, but hurt plenty of others. Sinn Feins housing spokesperson said there had been a significant drop of almost 20% in commencements over the last 12 months. Speaking outside Leinster House, Eoin O Broin made a final appeal to independent TDs to support the partys Bill. Do not vote to allow homelessness to increase from this weekend, do not vote to send people into uncertainty, he said. Two of Enoch Burkes siblings have complained to a Garda watchdog over their treatment when family members were forcibly removed from a courtroom. Several members of the Burke family were ejected by gardai earlier this month after repeatedly interrupting a judgment being read out at the Court of Appeal related to Enoch Burkes legal challenges against his dismissal from a Co Westmeath school. Mr Burkes sister Ammi and brother Simeon have filed complaints with the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) alleging they were physically assaulted by a mob of up to ten gardai who removed them from court. Simeon Burke, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, was arrested after the chaotic scenes broke out at the Four Courts in Dublin and later appeared before a judge charged with threatening and abusive behaviour. He was remanded into custody after refusing to accept bail. The events unfolded on March 7 after judgment was delivered dismissing Enoch Burkes appeal against injunctions barring him from attending Wilsons Hospital School. Ms Burke, a solicitor, insisted gardai had not been instructed by a judge to remove the family from the court. In her GSOC complaint, she alleged she was subjected to shameful and appalling treatment by the gardai and claimed her reputation had been severely damaged by what happened. Simeon Burke, who is studying to be a barrister, alleged he was violently dragged through the Four Courts. He claimed he was treated like an animal and was left bleeding, injured, shocked and with torn clothes due to excessive garda force. In his complaint, he claimed he was being prevented from sitting degree examinations due to his ongoing imprisonment at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin. A RANGE of new measures and improvements to facilities at Dublin Airport are being introduced in time for this summer designed to make the countrys biggest gateway cleaner, more efficient and more comfortable for passengers. Service levels collapsed early last summer as the airport and others across Europe struggled to cope with a resurgence in passenger numbers following the pandemic. Semi-state DAA, which operates Dublin and Cork Airports, confirmed the 15-point plan today as it prepares for the beginning of the busy summer season. Read More It includes family seating areas, faster WiFi, more charging points, cleaner toilets and new food and beverage offerings. The airport expects to handle 31.1 million passengers this year. That compares to the 32.9 million it saw in 2019, before the pandemic struck. At the end of May last year, huge queues snaked out of Dublin Airports terminal buildings towards the main entrance of the airport as security screening was overwhelmed by the number of passengers. That saw thousands of people miss their flights. Eamonn Brennan, the then head of Brussels-based Eurocontrol the agency that manages Europes airspace described the scenes as being like Calcutta. Mr Brennan, who retired from that role last year, has just been named a new non-executive director at Ryanair. The situation improved during the summer, but new DAA boss Kenny Jacobs a former senior Ryanair executive has moved quickly to ensure theres no repeat of the chaos and that passengers enjoy a much better airport experience. Weve listened to our passengers feedback and were focusing on improving the things that matter to them, he said on Tuesday. This summer, our passengers can expect to see more staff, shorter queues, more seats, new family seating zones and less clutter across the airport. There will be more buses and taxis at the airport, and more places to eat and drink. About 800 security officers are being hired at Dublin Airport to tackle the peak summer season, with 650 of those having already been taken on. Mr Jacobs said that average WiFi speeds at the airport will be doubled this year and therell be 20pc more power sockets and USB charging points. The DAA added that therell be 120 cleaning inspections every day during the summer, with the company insisting that the work is already paying off. It said that that customer satisfaction ratings for its more than 500 toilets across the airport are at their highest level in three years. The DAA said that 90pc of passengers will pass through security screening in under 20 minutes, while 400 more seats are being introduced across the two terminals. Earlier this month, Mr Jacobs confirmed that new anti-drone technology has been ordered for Dublin Airport following a number of incidents in recent weeks that forced the suspension of operations and saw a number of flights diverted. The summer season at Dublin Airport is set to be extremely busy, with a number of new routes having opened and others that had been mothballed during the pandemic being restarted. The OMalley family of Achill Island have come a long way in ten years. From humble beginnings, boiling seawater in pots on their kitchen cooker, they now operate a state-of-the-art factory in the middle of the island, employing five people and producing around 120kg of salt every week. The idea behind Achill Island Sea Salt is both very old and very new. Farmers have been producing sea salt on Achill, and in other locations along the western seaboard, for hundreds of years. In 2013, Marjorie and Kieran OMalley decided the time was right to rekindle this ancient tradition but also to introduce modern technology into the process. My mother happened to be watching a documentary on sea-salt production in the UK and she wondered why we werent doing it in Ireland anymore, says their daughter Maebh. By chance, my father happened to be reading a history book at the time about Achill Island and he read that there had been salt flats operating in Achill until around 1800. So we realised that there had been a long tradition of salt production in Achill going back hundreds of years, and not just in Achill, you have places like Salthill and Salty Island where they made their own sea salt. Expand Close Sea salt near the end of the production process / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sea salt near the end of the production process We decided that we would try and revive the tradition of making salt on Achill. We started off by boiling the seawater in pots in our kitchen. We went down to the beach and got buckets of water and just started boiling pots of it. That was at the beginning of 2013, and by the summer we had started selling it in our local farmers market. It took off very quickly from there. The following year, the family built a portacabin outside their house and got to work refining how they processed their sea-salt. The move to the portacabin allowed them to increase production to around 25kg of salt a week. The salt is predominantly sold to small independent retailers and artisan butchers; it is not currently stocked in any of the major supermarkets. The company also sells a lot of salt through its online shop ( www.achillislandseasalt.ie), which also features products from companies who use their salt such as Joes Farm Crisps and Lismore Biscuits . A 75g jar costs 4. Expand Close Kieran, Marjorie, Colm, Maebh and Sean OMalley of Achill Island Sea Salt / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kieran, Marjorie, Colm, Maebh and Sean OMalley of Achill Island Sea Salt The real breakthrough came in 2016, when they moved to an Udaras na Gaeltachta factory in the centre of the island. This allowed them to dramatically increase production, including the introduction of a vacuum evaporation system, but also presented some challenges as they now have to haul seawater from the Valley Pier. At the beginning we were a bit nervous (about the expansion), we werent sure that wed have a market for it, but it has been amazing we are selling everything we make and are looking to upscale further, says Maebh. Expand Close The factory / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The factory We now collect the seawater once a week with a tanker. The first thing we do is put it through a series of filters to remove any sand and other materials. We then evaporate the seawater under pressure, which brings it down to a concentrated salty brine. This brine is then pumped onto pans which are heated gently to allow the remaining water to evaporate and allows the sea salt to form. Once the salt is formed we remove it from the pans, dry it out and then pack it for sale. It is all done by hand and the whole process is done in around a week. The OMalley family have lived on Achill Island for generations. Maebh works full-time for the company. Kieran has retired from teaching to work on the business full-time, while Marjorie splits her time between the business and her work as an accountant. They employ three other staff members and have big plans for the future,. Our dream is to build our own factory right on the coast. That would save us a lot of time and allow us to scale up greatly. We are realistic, a factory like that could be 10 years away or more, says Maebh. We do have scope for scaling up in our current location, with new equipment We also have an on-site visitors centre which is open from June to September. Its quite busy in the summer and if we were to invest in our own factory we would be looking to expand that visitors centre and maybe have it open all year round. Expand Close Maebh OMalley at the companys visitor centre / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maebh OMalley at the companys visitor centre The process of extracting sea-salt from seawater is relatively simple and could be replicated in a number of locations across the country. The two major challenges for anyone looking to enter the sector are the initial start-up costs and the expertise to develop a top-quality salt product which could command a premium price. Its a simple process but, in terms of equipment, there is quite a significant investment, says Maebh. If you were to boil seawater without the vacuum evaporation, you would be looking at a full day before you would get salt, whereas with our system we can do it in a couple of hours. If you are approaching it as a large-scale project, it can be difficult to get it right. It has taken us a few years. All sea salt is different. That difference can come from the production methods that you use and from the water itself. Our evaporation pans are on a low heat so we get a slow evaporation, which allows for a soft, flaky salt crystal. Some producers will do that much quicker, so you will have a hard, crunchy salt flake, while others will have a much finer salt flake. Its not impossible to do it, but if you are going to do it at scale there is a significant investment there. There is no blueprint for doing it, like you might have with other foods we had to figure it out ourselves. Anyone can do it in their kitchen, its just scaling it up and getting a consistent product is the challenge. Over the last 10 years the OMalleys have received support from a number of agencies. We did get a lot of help. We are an Udaras client and we rent the factory from them, says Maebh. They have been very good to us over the years helping us out with grant aid and other investments. We also got help from the Western Development Fund and some support from our Local Enterprise Office and from LEADER. The biggest challenges to growing Achill Island Sea Salt are labour and energy costs. They employ five full-time staff. The sustainability of the business has been challenged in recent month due to sharp rises in the cost of natural gas, which they use to evaporate the sea water. Our location is key to the business but it has its own challenges as well, says Maebh. Transport costs can be quite high and it can be difficult to get people [employees] to come and relocate to Achill. It is a very remote spot. Thats will be a challenge to us in the future as we look to grow both in terms of attracting talent to come and work for us and also to holding onto the people that we have. We want to create sustainable, long-term jobs in Achill. Energy costs are our highest overheads, and they are quite significant at the moment. We are looking into solar panels to see can we make our processes more energy efficient. That is something we are seriously looking at this year. Ireland has very few food products with PDO status. There should be a lot more Later this year, Achill Island Sea Salt could be granted official Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union joining other heritage foods such as champagne, Greek feta cheese and the Waterford Blaa. PDO status means that only products produced in a certain area, and following proscribed production methods, can legally be labelled and sold under that products name. This designation is the reason why only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be sold as champagne. The OMalley family have been working closely with the Department of Agriculture for a number of years, and are hoping to secure official PDO status later in 2023. To achieve this, a product must be shown to have a unique connection to a specific area or an original method of production. That application is with the EU. Its a slow process, we have been working on this for a long, long time but we are in the final stages of it now, says Maebh OMalley. What prompted us to make this application is our connection to the land and the way in which sea salt has been produced by the farmers of Achill for hundreds of years. The mineral make-up of the Atlantic Ocean in this part of the world contributes greatly to our sea salt. Our salt has more than 60 trace minerals in it and that is connected directly to the local seawater. Our process of slow evaporation, which creates salt with this soft flaky texture, is another reason why we have applied for this designation. Its all quite exciting for us. PDO status can be a double-edged sword. While gaining the designation is a mark of distinction for a producer, it also means they must list their exact ingredients and method of production with the EU, which could leave them open to local competition. In practice, it means that anyone could make Achill Island Sea Salt, so long as they followed the processes and specific methods that are set out in the application, says Maebh. You might think that that might lead to lots of people making Achill Island Sea Salt, but because the process is location specific, it would be quite hard to emulate it. It might sound like a strange thing for a company to do, but for us, the status would really highlight the significance of the salt that we make and we dont really expect someone else to start making Achill Island Sea Salt, but it does allow other people to do that. In Ireland we have very few food products which have PDO status. There should be a lot more. Ireland has just six PDOs including the Waterford Blaa, Sneem Black Pudding and Timoleague Brown Pudding. Italy has 45 PDOs, while France has 39 and Spain has 19. Numbers last week were average to strong as the wet weather continues to affect the trade. With field conditions not good following all the rain, and a forecast of another unsettled week, some buyers and sellers remain cagey about when to strike. Supplies of fodder are running low for many farmers, especially in dairy areas and sources in the west report that stocks of round bales have dwindled. What this means, according to two mart managers I spoke to, is that while those buying for grass dont necessarily want to have to feed, some sellers decided to move some lighter stock last week in the hope of stretching their own supplies of silage, or because they needed the space for newly arrived calves. Did this ease back prices among those lighter bullocks? Robert de Vere Hunt in Cashel and Kevin Murphy in Enniscorthy reckoned it did, but only for the plainer animal under 400-450kg. Anything heavier and suitable for further feeding was unaffected and possibly dearer. The ringside returns supplied by the marts to the Farming Independent bear out the assessment of both men on a national scale: the overall average price of bullocks under 400kg last week was 2.55/kg back 9c/kg on the previous week. The lesser-quality animal at this weight averaged 9c/kg less at 1.85/kg, but the better 300-400kg bullock edged up by 2c/kg to 3.22/kg. Brendan Egan in Castlerea reported good numbers, with prices maintained despite the weather. In relation to lighter stock there was a very strong trade for weanling bulls. Again the ringside returns bear this out nationally, with the overall average price for the 100-299kg bull up 23c/kg to 2.77/kg, while those in the top quarter at this weight rose 35c/kg to 3.79/kg. In the 300-399kg section the better bull rose 20c/kg to 3.80/kg, which left the overall average price at this weight 5c/kg better off at 2.99/kg. Meanwhile, bullocks from 400-600kg strengthened by 9-12c/kg overall to 2.71-2.81/kg. The better animal at these weights improved by 11-15c/kg to 3.17-3.21/kg. The implication is that despite the poor field conditions, those going to grass with these steers must have accommodation and adequate feed for a short indoor keep. In the 600kg+ section prices also moved higher but more carefully as buyers assessed the quality on offer alongside the attempt by factories to stabilise their quotes. The better bullock at this weight rose 2c/kg to average 3.20/kg, but his poorer-quality cousin moved up sharply, up 7c/kg to 2.53/kg. The question remains, once the weather clears what type of numbers can those in search of stock for grass realistically expect? Mart managers across the country all agreed that numbers are normal for the time of year following strong turnouts in January and February followed by a fall-off in March. That said several marts reckon their total throughput this year is up from 5-7pc on the same period for 2022. Regardless of the weather, those who need to buy for grass are becoming restless. The next two weeks will tell a lot. In the Know around the marts Ennis Strong calves were in demand but the poorer dairy-bred calf could start and finish at 5. Angus calves ranged from 40-185/hd with Herefords 30-325/hd and continentals topping out at 775/hd. There were 550 weanlings on offer, with bulls yet again strong. Among the top calls were three 345kg Limousins at 1,340/hd, a 395kg Charolais at 1,470 and a 410kg Limousin at 1,490, while the best of the Angus included 315kgs at 1,090/hd. On the heifer side four 342kg Herefords averaged 940/hd with five 291kg Limousins averaging 980/hd. Skibbereen Cull cows ranged from 275-1,325/hd over the /kg. Among the top calls was an 835kg Friesian at 1,760, while on the store side three 523kg Friesians sold to 1,090/hd, with three 473kgs averaging 1,000/hd. Bullocks made 350-1,307/hd over the weight. Numbers in this section were dominated by store types, with few beef cattle on offer. Samples included five 534kg Charolais at 1,650/hd, six 508kg Herefords at 1,470/hd, four 371kg Herefords at 1,030/hd and three 305kg Angus at 910/hd. Weanling bulls sold for 200-755/hd over the /kg, with weanling heifers 270-585/hd over. Cashel With the weather poor and issues at French ports affecting shipping, calf prices were under pressure: Robert de Vere Hunt reporting dairy types as less by up to 50/hd, with Angus back to 50-100/hd. The better calf still made 140-150/hd, however. Cattle numbers were smaller, with only a handful of beef stock on offer. With the weather not encouraging farmers to buy, lesser-quality yearling Angus and dairy stock suffered. Samples included 300kg Angus heifers at 600/hd, 318kg bullocks at 650/hd and five 345kg Herefords at 780/hd. Quality sold well however with a selection of 325-360kg Aubrac X Piedmontese heifers and bullocks averaging 3.00/kg. Castlerea Despite the poor weather Brendan Egan reported a great trade for weanlings, with bulls topping out at 4.32/kg for a 315kg Charolais. Other prices of interest included 290kg Charolais and Belgian Blues at 3.79/kg, with a 335kg Angus making 3.46/kg. Top call among the weanling heifers saw a 215kg Limousin sell to 900 or 4.25/kg, with a 255kg Charolais making 3.96/kg, while 315 and 365kg Angus heifers sold fror 2.86/kg and 3.12/kg respectively. Increased numbers on the calf side saw Angus, Hereford and Limousin crosses sell for 150-380/hd, while dairy crosses made from 2-50/hd. Continental runners made 400-1,210/hd. Ballinakill A good entry saw a prices steady to improved, with weanlings heading for 4/kg, although plainer stores eased on the back of the poor weather. Heavy bullocks made 2.45-3.15/kg with forward stores 2.40-3.25/kg and lighter stores 2.60-3.60/kg. On the heifer side beef made 2.65-3.35/kg with stores 2.70-3.40/kg. Weanling bulls sold for 2.60-3.75/kg with weanling heifers 2.55-3.60/kg and cull cows 1.95-2.85/kg. New Ross There were just shy of 800 on offer here on Saturday with Jim Bushe noting that numbers of strong cattle have tightened while prices across most sections begin to creep up again. Continental beef bullocks sold for 1,380-1,910/hd over the /kg while a strong trade for heavy Friesians saw prices range from 870-1,320/hd with the weight. Beef heifers made 1,270-1,670/hd over the weight. Continental store bullocks sold for 600-1,360/hd over the /kg, with Hereford and Angus 560-1,150/hd over. Light Friesian bullocks made 400-810/hd with the weight. Continental store heifers ranged from 680-1,170/hd with the /kg, while Angus and Herford stores sold for 550-1,090/hd over. Legend has it that the Devils Bit, a mountain outside Templemore in North Tipperary, is so-called because it has a gap in it reportedly from the Devil taking a bite out of it, spitting it out further south in the county, to form the Rock of Cashel. After the ash dieback conference on Saturday in Thurles, I climbed the 480m that is the Devils Bit, and took in the views that stretch across a number of counties. The walk up is less pretty than the views at the top, mainly as its predominately through Sitka spruce forestry, with some of it being cleared. Sitka spruce is one of the most contentious tree varieties in Ireland. Its not a native species, but has been here since the 19th century and it has become the choice of tree for many forestry plantations, as Irish soils and our climate suit it and there is a commercial market for it. Over 300,000ha of it is planted in Ireland. Ash, on the other hand, is a native tree, synonymous with our national sport of hurling, and its dying. Some 70-80pc of the countrys ash trees are in the process of dying from ash dieback, with no solution on the horizon. Whatever about the problem of ash dieback, a bigger issue is the lack of solutions for the 6,000 or so farmers and landowners who have 24,000ha (123m ash trees). Some counties Clare, Cork and Tipperary have more than 2,000ha each planted of ash trees. People planted in good faith, as a long-term pension investment, with the added benefit of being an environmentally beneficial tree, but now their ash plantations are the cause of stress, worry and frustration. Outrageous bureaucracy, according to these farmers, means they have been left with worthless and dangerous plantations. And to remove the dead trees, a licence is needed, which currently cant be obtained as there is no forestry scheme open. Unless you joined the Reconstitution and Underplanting scheme for Ash Dieback, a scheme that is now closed and saw less than 1,000 farmers think it was worthwhile applying for. The situation has left some farmers saying they will be left with no option but to take the law into their own hands and clear the forestry without the necessary licence and cut their losses. Its little wonder but it shouldnt have to come to this. The situation has undermined confidence in the sector and among farmers to grow trees and has the potential to destroy any goodwill towards planting forestry by private individuals. The planting of trees is the commitment of a lifetime from a farmers point of view. How can any farmer have faith in tree planting if this is the way they could be treated? Ireland is looking for further flexibility around how long it has to show improvements to water quality under the Nitrates Derogation, but the Minister for Agriculture has warned there is no guarantee anything changes. Speaking in response to questions raised in the Seanad by Fianna Fail Senator Timmy Dooley, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said he is preparing a case to engage further with the European Commission to see if Ireland can get further flexibility around time to show improvements in water quality. There is no guarantee there will be any change in that, he said. As it stands, the situation is that it could drop to 220kg [of organic nitrogen per hectare] in certain catchments if water trends do not improve. The Minister said by 2025, Ireland may be the only EU Member State that has a derogation. It will become increasingly challenging as a result, he warned. It is certainly not something we can by any means take as a given. It is something we will have to prove the case for and we will have to get the consent of other Member States to be able to maintain that derogation after 2025. He said the current Nitrates Derogation, 2022-2025, came with conditions from the European Commission around water quality improving. Read More The water quality review required by the Commission will take place in the coming months based on Environmental Protection Agency data, he said. Depending on the outcome of that review, it is possible under the derogation we negotiated, and to which we had to agree, that at least some of the country will have to move to the lower maximum stocking limit of 220kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. However, Senator Dooley told the Minister that the interim review will be based on comparing water quality between 2021 and 2022. This is flawed because some of the measures coming into place in 2022 and 2023 will have had no chance to improve water quality, he said. He said farmers he met are worried any reduction in the 250kg of organic nitrates towards 220kg, or below, would have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods. The banding approach, of which the Minister is aware, has already had a serious impact on stocking rates, he said. Thus, any changes to the derogation towards 220kg or below will undoubtedly require farmers to reduce cow numbers further, with a knock-on effect on viability. Reducing the number in a herd of cows in Co Clare from 100 to 90 or 85 throws the farm into being non-viable. If one takes 100 cows out of a 1,000-cow herd, the operation is still viable. You may have to reduce some activities, but farms taking out nine or 10 cows will have a detrimental impact, and it will be the difference between full-time and part-time farming. He also said the reduction in the Nitrate Derogation to 220kg could potentially remove between 225m and 230m from the rural community, while also increasing the demand for land and leading to significant increases in land prices. 'People planted in good faith, planting land that was in their families for generations. The emotional toll is massive and is not being acknowledged.' Farmers with ash dieback say they will be left with no option but to take the law into their own hands and clear plantations affected by the disease due to the bureaucratic nightmare around getting licences to fell the trees. A number of farmers told an ash dieback conference in Thurles at the weekend that they may clear the dead trees without a licence, as they are currently unable to get a licence. "Bureaucracy has brought people to their knees. I know everyone in this room is law-abiding, but it's time we took action. If we end up in Mountjoy so what, no one died? If I have my 17ac back imagine what my neighbouring dairy farmer would give me for it?" Simon White of the Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners association, which organised the conference, said the disease was affecting 6,000 farm families and land owners, leaving them with "dangerous" forests. He called on the Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Pippa Hackett, to provide an "adequate" ash dieback scheme that would cover the cost of taking out the trees, "without bureaucracy and without prejudice to avail of any further support schemes". Land owners, he said, must be offered the full cost of removal to be paid and given the choice of replanting with premiums or be allowed return the land to farm land with no penalties. Olive Leavy of the Irish Forestry Association told the conference that while there is a huge financial strain no one is recognising the emotional cost to people. "People planted in good faith, planting land that was in their families for generations. The emotional toll is massive and is not being acknowledged." Minister Hackett did not attend the meeting. A spokesperson told the Farming Independent that the Minister acknowledges the continued concerns on ash dieback and has committed to reviewing what can be done. Michael Fahy of the Forestry Contractors Association said he has had to sell machinery at below market value to keep going, while drivers are leaving over the uncertainty with forestry. "In a lot of cases of ash dieback it is clearance not recovery as the ash is so brittle. "There is a seriously dangerous situation of trees falling. "I dont understand why we cant walk in and harvest them to clear the woods. A rotten beech tree can be removed with one phone call." Another farmer said he had planted 20 years ago and felt he has been "sold a pup". "We are small farmers, big dairy men wont plant trees, were trying to do the best for the environment. There is no one here from the Green Party. We are wasting our time. "My brother nearly cried when I planted the land. "I am totally for the environment but there is no one here from the Green party." Another farmer said he will never plant timber again, after his ash plantation. "I will never ever plant timber again. To anyone thinking of planting I say run a mile. "My farm is tied up for the last 20 years. It's all in forestry and we are taking the ash out ourselves. I will not replant it." Another farmer told the conference that he has spent over 10,000 trying to get licences to clear his forestry. "My ash is 11-30 years old and every single stick is dying. I dont know what to do with it. I could be arrested and turned into Mountjoy." Another who described the bureaucracy as "ridiculous" said: "The ash is dead. You dont need permission to remove a dead tree. Its ridiculous.... We need to get more militant. "I planted in good faith and because it is good for the environment. Come September I am seriously considering moving into the field and giving the Department the two fingers and see what happens." Another farmer said they are "disgusted and exhausted. "There is no happy story here today. "I never promoted breaking the law, but I dont care anymore. I want my land back the way I presented it to the forestry service 27 years ago." Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill told the conference he had never seen before something happening outside a farmer's control that they did not get compensation for. "The people who planted the ash were not responsible for the disease that their trees got." He said the very minimum that needs to be done is in the new forestry programme people would get access to the premium for 20 years if they plant land affected by ash dieback. "It wont make up what they have lost but it will be an income coming." Confidence in the sector is at an all-time low, he said, and "it would give a serious shot in the arm to the confidence if it recognised the losses suffered." The vast majority of arrangements through the service have been in Cork, with Kilkenny second. The majority of enquiries last year were from older farmers looking to step back (40pc), while 35pc of enquiries were from young farmers or new entrants. Photo Roger Jones. Over 1,000 enquiries were made to the Land Mobility Service last year, which aims to match older farmers looking to step back with younger farmers either looking to expand or gain a foothold in the sector. Last year of 1,080 enquiries came into the service and of those that ended up in an arrangement, the majority went into long-term leases (44pc), with 24pc opting for a share-farming arrangement, according to a new report from the Land Mobility Sector. The majority of enquiries last year were from older farmers looking to step back (40pc), while 35pc of enquiries were from young farmers or new entrants. Access to land is widely seen to be the single most significant obstacle for young people seeking to join the agricultural sector and the service has helped facilitate over 900 arrangements between farmers and involved 75,000 acres since it was set up in 2015. The vast majority of arrangements through the service have been in Cork, with Kilkenny second. According to Austin Finn, it has given people, who otherwise would not have had it, the chance to farm and it has helped make other farms viable. Programme Manager and Facilitator Austin Finn said research shows that in recent years there has been an increase in the number of students entering Agricultural Science programmes who are not from traditional farming backgrounds. Expand Close The vast majority of arrangements through the service have been in Cork, with Kilkenny second. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The vast majority of arrangements through the service have been in Cork, with Kilkenny second. He also said that 26pc of farmers are over the age of 65pc and 48pc of fulltime farmers have no identified farmer successor. With only approximately 0.3pc of of agricultural land is sold annually and a purchase price that can be prohibitive from a farming perspective leasing plays an important role in the agricultural land market. But, he said for landowners stepping back is a major and difficult decision, it is not to be rushed. When the right person and farm plan is found the outcome is good. Successful landowners realise stepping back with a plan is a positive move, the report states. A common mistake is waiting too long with both the farm and person deteriorating in the interim. It also advises farmers not to over-focus on simple things like ESB, water or insurance, as the agreement and facilitator will deal with all this. Every farm is different, it is about finding a plan and person that suits you and your farm. The early stages or the matchmaking stage where the Land Mobility Service focuses on the human element of matching two partners, which requires more of a focus on meditation and matching personalities, motivations, goals and aims. This is followed by the development and application of the collaborative farming arrangement, which would focus on the administrative elements of an arrangement, ensuring that the correct legal and financial criteria are addressed and would require the relevant legal, accounting, and auctioneering skills. The final stage is on the future direction and sustainability of the collaborative arrangements. According to the Land Mobility Service there is the the potential to focus on future business planning and supporting any changing motivations and disagreements within the arrangement. Options such as long-term leasing provide is a simple tax efficient arrangement, provided you identify the right person your farm and income is safeguarded, he says. One concern with leasing is that the owner effectively retires and may cease to be an active farmer. For many landowners it is a trade-off between the tax relief and active farmer status. Share Farming is a definite option, key to share farming is that the owner continues to take a risk and remains an active farmer. The owner receives a share, or percentage, or payment related to output/performance rather than a fixed rent. In reality over time the actual return to the landowner and conversely the cost to the farmer differs little whether the arrangement is a shared one or a lease. The number of long-term leases in Ireland has grown from 3,290 in 2011 to 10,820 in 2018. Local management of subprime personal lender Amigo Loans' Irish arm have completed a buyout of the business after its UK parent put the company into wind down last week. The chief executive of Amigo Loans Ireland, Daniel Hawkins, confirmed that there had been a successful management buyout of Amigo International, the entity that owns Amigo Loans Ireland. It is understood Mr Hawkins acquired a 100pc share in the business and is now in talks with potential backers to source new financing to bring lending back online. Amigo Loans Ireland is currently managing a small residual back book of personal loans written in the last four years. However, the terms of the transaction with its former owner, Amigo Holdings, allow the new owner to get back into the Irish market without restrictions. It is understood the company is having conversations with private equity and venture debt firms to secure a funding line. Amigo Loans Ireland is exploring whether to continue in its current form or move away from high-cost credit for risky borrowers and into a different market segment. A change in target market would require approval from the Central Bank of Ireland. The company has retained its 10 employees here and has capacity to write more than 1m a month in new business at its present size, based on how much it was lending before the pandemic. The Irish operation shrank during the pandemic as its customer base of low-income borrowers struggled to meet repayments, resulting in a high level of arrears. The Irish operation shrank during the pandemic A large proportion of the loan book was written off for accounting purposes, but the company has retained its relationships and is pursuing collection on the loans. Amigo Loans Ireland continues to report to the Central Credit Register. According to the Amigo Holdings annual report for 2022, there is currently just 1.2m in outstanding borrowings in the Irish business. Amigo Holdings, the UK company, was forced to close its business last Thursday when investors failed to provide the 45m of new capital to keep it afloat. The failure of Amigos business model raises questions about the viability of providing credit to borrowers outside the mainstream, especially in an environment of rising rates and challenging economic conditions. Amigo Loans Ireland began operating in February 2019 offering guarantor loans to people who had been turned down by banks or credit unions. The loans charged an APR of 49.9pc, which added more than 75 for every 100 borrowed over a standard three-year term. It never had a chance to take off, though, and accounted for less than 1pc of the groups net loan book by 2022 and just 1m of annual revenue and 500,000 of profit. Mediahuis Ireland is seeking voluntary redundancies among editorial staff at its national and regional newspaper titles. The media group employs around 350 editorial staff on the island of Ireland on titles that include the Irish Independent, Sunday World and Belfast Telegraph as well as regional newspapers across Ireland including The Kerryman and Wexford People. Editor-in-chief at Mediahuis Ireland Cormac Bourke told staff at a meeting today that the company was seeking voluntary redundancies ahead of planned operational changes aimed at cementing the groups shift to digital-first publishing. The company does not have a target for the total number of redundancies, he said. As part of our ongoing digital transformation programme, and in light of challenging macroeconomic influences and changing consumer behaviour, we have been undertaking a full strategic review of our editorial products, newsroom and production processes, Mediahuis Ireland said in a statement. In that context, we have opened a voluntary redundancy programme as we seek a reduction in staffing levels across our editorial function. The group has 70,000 digital subscribers for its Irish products but the pace at which its newspaper readership is declining has accelerated, Mr Bourke told journalists at the staff meeting. At the start of this year, Mediahuis Ireland closed its last print plant on the island of Ireland, in Newry, and all printing is now done under contract. Antwerp-based media group Mediahuis, which bought Independent News and Media in 2019, said that move had enabled it to concentrate on its transition to a digital-focused future. The business in Ireland is headed by CEO Peter Vandermeersch. Financial results released earlier for the Belgian parent company showed profits last year halved as higher costs hit the groups bottom line, including an increase of more than 30m in paper costs. It reported a net profit for the year of 62.3m compared with 117.3m in 2021. Operating profits held up better at 155.7m for the year versus 166.1m in 2021. Orpea is struggling after a scandal over its treatment of nursing-home residents and allegations of financial misconduct. Stock image Shares in nursing homes giant Orpea continued to trade at multiples of what management says they should as lenders prepare to take a stake in the business. France-headquartered Orpea has 24 nursing homes in Ireland, with more than 2,100 beds, making it one of the largest nursing home operators in the country. It acquired Mervyn Smiths Firstcare nursing home business for around 100m in 2021 and Michael Fethersons TLC Nursing Home portfolio for 150m in 2019. Orpea said on Monday it entered an accelerated court-supervised procedure which will result in lenders owning most of its shares. The process had been well flagged and will be executed by converting 3.8bn of unsecured debt into equity and raising 1.36bn of fresh capital. The new money is from a group of investors led by public sector lender Caisse des Depot (CDC). These capital increases would take place at issue prices significantly lower than the current stock market price of the Orpea share, the company had warned on Friday. Shares did fall on Monday, but nowhere near the theoretical value. In February, Orpea said the value of its shares after the restructuring would be below 20 cents. The stock price has averaged 2.54 a share since then. Thats in significant part because some shareholders are hoping to block the debt deal although the French court has power to force it through. Orpea has been in turmoil since a bestselling book sparked a probe into alleged malpractice at its care homes in France, putting massive pressure on its share price and on covenants of large debts that had fuelled its expansion. The latest accounts for the Irish business, for 2021, show the unit here posted a 22.6m loss as it amortised the value of recent acquisitions. The accounts, signed of in December 2022, insist the parent remains committed to its care homes in Ireland. The Irish unit has a 307m loan from its parent which the French group has confirmed wont be repayable before the end of 2024 at the earliest. It also had 86.2m in bank loans at the end of 2021. Additional reporting, Bloomberg Carol Nolan TD during a press breifing by Independent TDs & Senators who are campaigning to reopen churches during the Covid Coronavirus pandemic on the plinth of Leinster House, Dublin.Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins The Exchequer will reap an additional 563m a year after it returns the 9pc Vat rate for the hospitality sector to 13.5pc at the end of the summer. The Revenue Commissioners have estimated that the sector will pay 1.7bn a year in Vat when the rate reverts to 13.5pc. The 13.5pc Vat rate for the sector was cut to 9pc in November 2020 as the Government introduced measures to address the economic impact of the pandemic. However, a range of businesses had enjoyed a 9pc Vat rate for most of the last decade. The 13.5pc rate was cut to 9pc in July 2011 to help the hospitality sector during the economic crash. That reduced rate applied to a range of businesses and services, from hotels and restaurants, to newspaper sales and hairdressers. It didnt return to 13.5pc until January 2019. The hospitality sector has lobbied intensively to retain the most recent cut to the rate, with the Restaurants Association of Ireland insisting the 9pc rate should be made permanent. Dermot Crowley, the chief executive of hotel group Dalata, is among those who have questioned why Ireland does not retain a permanent 9pc rate. Dalata operates hotels under the Maldron and Clayton brands. Independent TD Carol Nolan asked Finance Minister Michael McGrath in a written Dail question what the tax yield will be from the hospitality sector when the 13.5pc Vat rate applies. A tentative estimate of the full-year Vat yield arising from a 13.5pc Vat rate applying in the hospitality sector would be in the region of 1.7bn, or an additional 563m compared to the full-year yield from the application of the 9pc Vat rate, he said. This estimate assumes no change in consumer behaviour as a response to the increase in Vat. Hotels and guesthouses paid an estimated 203m in Vat last year on accommodation services while the 9pc Vat rate was in force. The figure compared with 276m paid in 2019, before the pandemic and when the rate was 13.5pc. The highest amount paid over the past 16 years by hotels and guesthouses was in 2008, when the figure was 456m. That same year saw the beginning of the global financial crash. The lowest figure was in 2021, at 97m, while the cumulative figure in the 16-year period was 3.1bn. The senior management team at Dublin-based financial services company Waystone are understood to have left after a disagreement at board level over the future strategy of the firm. Chief executive Derek Delaney, chief operating officer Paul Cahill and chief financial officer Glen Magee all left the business last Thursday, Waystone confirmed. They remain shareholders in the business. Staff at the asset management services company were told on Thursday and clients were informed on Friday. The move came about after the board assessed the needs of the asset management services company in its next phase of growth after several years of rapid expansion via acquisition. However, not all parties were in agreement about the new direction. A spokesperson for Waystone confirmed the board had begun the process to appoint successors and that chair Nancy Lewis had stepped in to lead the business on a full-time basis in the interim. Given our growth and the current scale of the business it was felt that the right thing for the company was to introduce new management to take the business through the next stage of its journey, the spokesperson said. The three senior executives came into the business as a team seven years ago and built it into a major player with 1,000 employees and contracts to service $2trn in assets under management. Waystone is in talks with Australias Link Administration Holdings to buy its UK fund services unit. An announcement on the deal and future strategy is expected within weeks. Diageo named former tobacco boss Debra Crew to succeed Ivan Menezes as chief executive and become the highest-profile female executive on the UKs benchmark index. Ms Crew (52) will make the leap from her current role as chief operating officer (COO) at the start of July, Diageo said in a statement. Mr Menezes will retire after a decade at the helm of the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner. A former boss of tobacco company Reynolds American, Ms Crew is expected to embrace Mr Menezes legacy and ride the wave of consumers switching to expensive spirits from beer and wine. The challenge will be persuading drinkers to continue the shift amid a cost-of-living crisis. We believe the strategy will be one of evolution not revolution, said Citi analyst Simon Hales. Diageo shares fell less than 1pc in London trading. Ms Crews tenure at Reynolds was cut short by British American Tobaccos takeover, but her experience will be useful in navigating the complex web of alcohol regulations across the globe. Scotland is considering a ban on advertising alcohol, which could shutter Diageos Johnnie Walker experience a visitor centre dedicated to the 200-year-old whiskey. In India, a fast-growing market for Diageo, alcohol regulation is set by state. Ms Crew also worked at PepsiCo, Kraft Foods Group, Nestle and Mars. She has an MBA from the University of Chicago and served as an officer in the US Army. We think investors will consider her to be a safe pair of hands, Investec analyst Alicia Forry wrote in a note to clients. Ms Crew was widely expected to succeed Mr Menezes since she was picked to become COO last July. Ireland has thrown its hat in the ring to host a new EU body to fight financial crime. Finance Minister Michael McGrath said Irelands significant financial services sector, highly skilled labour force and strong relations with its EU partners would make the country an ideal location for the EUs new anti-money laundering authority. After getting cabinet assent for Irelands bid on Tuesday, he also highlighted Irelands unique perspective as the main common law jurisdiction in the EU post-Brexit. Six other EU countries - Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Lithuania and Luxembourg - have also expressed an interest in hosting the agency. This is the third recent bid Ireland has made to bring a new EU agency to the country, after failing to rehome the blocs banking and medicines regulators here post-Brexit. The EU had previously said it wanted the agency up and running by the beginning of 2024, but the package of rules setting it up has yet to be voted into law by MEPs and EU governments. Fine Gaels Frances Fitzgerald, an MEP on the European Parliaments economic affairs committee, which adopted its own position on the law today, said a deal has become even more pressing since the start of the war in Ukraine as it is clear that member states have struggled to fully implement sanctions against Russian oligarchs. The authority is part of a major overhaul of the EUs financial rulebook, first proposed in 2021, which would shed more light on beneficial ownership, see the EU directly supervise the riskiest financial firms, and bring crypto traders, crowdfunding platforms, fintechs and golden visa schemes into the supervisory net. Irelands bid comes just weeks after it closed a controversial golden visa scheme the Immigrant Investor Programme that was dominated by Chinese millionaires. The 250-person anti-money laundering authority far smaller than the banking and medicines regulators Ireland bid for in 2017 would directly oversee a small number of firms in the financial sector, where it would have the power to order on-site inspections or issue fines. For other firms, national supervisors in Irelands case, the Central Bank, the Department of Justices Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit, the Garda Financial Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau would continue to fight financial crime as they do now. Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher has said in the past that Irelands bid to host the agency could be hampered by the fact that it has failed to apply previous EU rules on time. Just last year, the European Commission threatened to take the government to court for failing to bring in a 2019 financial transparency law that required the establishment of a Central Bank database of Irish-based bank accounts. Two years ago, the EU took Ireland to court and fined the Government 2m for delays in bringing in a related anti-money laundering law. EU officials have also called Ireland out in the past for not doing enough to supervise lawyers, accountants and other professions that set up trusts or other legal structures on behalf of their clients. Finance Minister Michael McGrath said Ireland has a good reputation for strong administration and governance. Actor Michael Fassbender on the set of his new film Kneecap on New street, Dundalk. Picture: Arthur Carron Actor Michael Fassbender has been spotted on the set of a new Irish film for the first time in over a decade. The Kerry native was a rising star in Hollywood, but he surprised fans by stepping back from acting and instead pursued a career in motorsport in recent years. Fassbender recently starred in a documentary about his dual life as an actor and race-car driver. Real-time footage in his new YouTube series - Michael Fassbender: Road to Le Mans shows a dramatic crash involving the actor when a brush with another car smashes his front bonnet and bumper. At the beginning of the first episode, it shows him looking every inch the film star in dark sunglasses as he pulls up in his Porsche during filming of new Netflix movie The Killer in Los Angeles. He shot the film at the start of the year during his downtime from his new career as a driver for Porsche. Fassbenders last feature film release was X-Men: Dark Phoenix in 2019, while his last Irish film was Lenny Abrahamsons 2014 dark-comedy Frank. However, the actor was spotted on a film set in New Street, Dundalk today. Expand Close Musical trio Kneecap / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Musical trio Kneecap Belfast hip-hop act Kneecap have been filming at the location in recent weeks and in the their native city. The band put out a call on social media for fans to attend the filming of a concert scene at an undisclosed venue in Dundalk last month. Further concert scenes will be filmed in Belfast towards the end of March. "We are filming a massive gig scene, and who better to be in the crowd than the fans that got us here," they stated The trio, who sing in Irish, have previously said that the film will be the biggest Irish language film every made and will feature some big-name actors. Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, it was one of the winners of the 2021 Mother Tongues Awards, a development initiative for projects at treatment or script stage, in which the story dialogue is in a language other than English. Video of the Day Last year the band, comprising MCs Moglai Bap and Mo Chara, who hail from Belfast, and DJ Provai, from Derry, played BelfastsFeile an Phobail, Sziget in Budapest, and Electric Picnic. They had just started a tour in the United States when the pandemic started. Their upcoming tour of England,Scotland and Wales is almost sold out and they will be appearing at a number of festivals this summer, including Marley Park, Body and Soul. They recently released their debut album. Gwyneth Paltrows ski slope collision left a man living as a self-imposed recluse, a US court has heard. Terry Sanderson said he was living another life following the incident which left him with broken ribs and brain injuries. Retired optometrist Mr Sanderson is suing the Oscar-winning actress over the collision at the Deer Valley resort in Utah in 2016, alleging she fell on top of him, leaving him with several broken ribs and a severe concussion. Ms Paltrow has denied the allegations, claiming Mr Sanderson collided with her, and is counter-suing him. Mr Sanderson said he had been told he should not ski again following the crash, which had caused the breakdown of his mental health and relationships Giving evidence on Monday, he took a moment to collect himself before describing the incident, saying remembering what happened takes my breath away. He said: Everything was great and then I heard nothing Ive heard before at a ski resort it was a blood-curdling scream. It was like someone was out of control and was going to hit a tree and die. Someone is out of control and theyre really seriously out of control. He added: I got hit in my back so hard it felt like a serious, serious smack. Ive never been hit that hard and Im flying. Mr Sanderson said the next thing he remembered after the collision was a very angry male voice, which was later claimed to be Deer Valley ski instructor Eric Christiansen. Everything is still black, like Im unconscious, but its like my subconscious is going into protection mode all I could recognise is that someone was very angry with me it was a man, he said. I couldnt hear what he was saying but he was mad. Im feeling a little afraid, I tried to move and I couldnt move a limb. Mr Sanderson said the male voice was insistent he was the bad guy in the situation and been trying to bully him. Video of the Day He added he had tried to mouth Im sorry to placate this man in the only defensive manner I could and that he had not heard any other voices. There was one voice that my brain was focused on I only heard a male voice, a mad, angry, male voice, he said. Mr Christiansen later told the court it was a ridiculous claim he had been hostile towards Mr Sanderson. Deer Valley takes their guests very seriously, and if an instructor has a confrontation with a guest, we dont last, he said. He said Mr Sanderson had refused help from a ski patrol following the collision. If either skier had said Im hurt, I need assistance, that would have changed everything, that would have made it so we all stayed on the scene, he said. If anyone is hurt, (ski) patrol will have to be called, statements will be made, patrol will assess injuries. Mr Christiansen firmly denied there had been a cover up to protect Ms Paltrow. Mr Sanderson told the court he had become a self-imposed recluse after the incident and was not feeling as fun, not feeling engaged not having that spark I once had. Describing the physical and mental effects of the crash, he said: I cant ski any more, I was told if I did and had another crash I could wind up full time in a nursing home. Im like living another life now. Mr Sanderson became emotional as he described the end of his relationship with former partner Karlene Davidson in the aftermath of the crash. It was a sad time for both of us, I know, and shes in a great relationship now and that was the purpose, and I think better than what I would have brought her, honestly, he said. Its hard to admit that. The court has previously heard testimony from Ms Paltrow, who reiterated multiple times she had been the victim of the crash. She said she felt very sorry for Mr Sandersons declining health following the incident but said she was not at fault. Mr Sanderson is seeking damages of a minimum of 300,000 dollars (244,000), while Ms Paltrows counter-claim is for one dollar. The trial, in Park City, Utah, continues. Sometimes I have no idea whats happening in Succession (Sky Atlantic/Now) until after its happened. Frustrating? Nah. Its all about the chase. Just as Logans head-the-ball children spend most of their days trying to get one over on dad, I spend most of Succession trying to understand what the Roy kids are saying to each other. Kendall (Jeremy Strong), the emotionally stunted prince of the tale, is especially good at bullshit. Our boy says things like let a thousand sunflowers bloom! when he enters a meeting. He describes the siblings clownish new business venture, The Hundred, as a cross between Substack, MasterClass, The Economist and the New Yorker (your guess is as good as mine). He is, by some distance, the most ridiculous Roy in the room. More ridiculous, even, than Shiv (Sarah Snook), who no longer bothers trying to hide when she is lying. Shiv is reliably cagey about her commitment to the new business. But shes not looking for a job elsewhere. Nope. Definitely not. Shes just had some talks about talks. Or something. And then theres Roman (Kieran Culkin), the twitchy, twisted sidekick brother who tells his sister that her face gives him a headache. Never change, Roman. Somehow, a show about deplorable rich people being horrible to one another ended up being the most unmissable screen event of our times. And now, after four seasons, its coming to an end. Is creator Jesse Armstrong right to bring down the curtain on his beloved Emmy magnet? Yes. Might he have squeezed another season out of the Roys? Probably. But wheres the fun in fizzling out? We begin at another New York birthday party for loathsome Logan (Brian Cox), the fire-breathing billionaire patriarch who is about to sell Waystar RoyCo to Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgard), the opportunistic CEO of streaming platform GoJo. The rats (Shiv, Kendall and Roman) are on the other side of the country. At the end of season three, Logan found a way to remove his clumsy, calculating kids from the WayStar table. Kendall and Co lost whatever control they had in daddys business and theyre not one bit happy about him handing over the familys legacy to a bumbling tech bro. The only child left in Logans corner is Connor (the brilliant Alan Ruck) whose embarrassing presidential campaign is in such a bad state that he has now asked his long-suffering fiancee Willa (Justine Lupe) to participate in a performative wedding parade beneath the Statue of Liberty. Apparently, itll improve his popularity. Itll also cost him $100m. Also lurking around the boss is Shivs traitor husband, Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), who jumps when Logan tells him to. Tom has convinced himself that, in the likely event that he and Shiv divorce, hell still be of value to Logan. Whatever happens, hell always have Cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun). Tom and Greg now call themselves the Disgusting Brothers (thatll be on T-shirts everywhere by summer). The older one continues to manipulate the taller one. The taller one continues to out-eejit everyone around him. In one scene, poor Greg believes that he may have inadvertently made a sex tape in Logans house. This cringe-inducing debacle culminates with the poor lad telling Logan about what he got up to with his date in his granduncles spare bedroom. Anyway, the important bit is this: the rats are set to press go on their media start-up when, suddenly, they learn that Logan is once again after Pierce Global Media (remember them from season 2?). Kendall, Shiv and Roman eventually decide that it would be so much more fun to get back at their conniving old man than to launch their own business. A bidding war ensues. Later, Shiv returns to her New York apartment to find a needy Tom wondering if they can save their marriage. It might be too late. The scene ends with the two lying next to one another in bed. Neither is keen to move. They hands hold on for dear life. For the first time since this show began, we are inclined to feel something other than absolute hatred for these nasty, narcissistic nitwits. Well played, Armstrong. A busy hour, then, but Succession makes the most of it. As a pitch-black comedy, it ranks among the funniest ever devised. As a tantalising boardroom drama, youd be hard pressed to find a slicker tale about the oily, wretched mechanics of wealth. The one-liners the best of which are unrepeatable here are as sharp as ever. The performances, too, are impeccable, and the Machiavellian plotting (the reason we tune in) will leave your head in a spin. There are no guarantees of where this thing will end up - but know this: Succession is officially at its peak. I believe we are on course for the mother of all finales. Video of the Day Enoch Burke and family members at the High Court in Dublin. Photo: Mark Condren Enoch Burke excluded from courtroom over contempt of court after repeated clashes with judge The High Court judge hearing the trial of the dispute between Wilsons Hospital School and Enoch Burke has excluded the sacked schoolteacher from the courtroom this afternoon due to repeated interruptions and his refusal to accept a ruling of the court. Getting in car with four lads is not consent to sex, jury in trial of alleged gang rape of teenage girl told The jury in the trial of three men accused of raping a woman in a hotel car park has been told that getting in a car is not consent for sex. Election could be called tomorrow if no confidence motion passes, Taoiseach warns An election could be called tomorrow evening, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned, as he urged TDs not to support a no confidence motion in the Government. Kellie Harrington to remain as Spar brand ambassador despite bruising interview on immigration Spar has said Olympic boxer Kellie Harrington will remain as its brand ambassador despite a bruising media interview in which she refused to discuss a controversial tweet about immigration. James McClean reveals daughters experience led him to autism spectrum disorder diagnosis Ireland international James McClean has revealed that his daughters experience with autism led him to discover that he also has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment. Prince Harry says press intrusion on holiday terrifying for ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy Prince Harry has described how his former girlfriend Chelsy Davy endured the terrifying experience of photographers swarming over their holiday destination after the Mail of Sunday published its location. Gerry Adams claims IRA could have gone on forever without Good Friday Agreement The IRA could have gone on "forever" had the peace process had not taken place, former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has claimed. Firearms, ammunition and 177,000 of drugs seized in Finglas Gardai have seized three suspected firearms, ammunition and around 177,000 of drugs in Finglas in Dublin. The High Court judge hearing the trial of the dispute between Wilsons Hospital School and Enoch Burke has excluded the sacked schoolteacher from the courtroom this afternoon due to repeated interruptions and his refusal to accept a ruling of the court. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said it was his practice to come down heavily on those who show disrespect to the bench and said Mr Burke was in contempt in the face of the court. No other litigant I have ever experienced has behaved as you seek to misbehave, he said. The judges decision meant Mr Burke was denied access to the courtroom when the case, which began this morning, resumed shortly after 2pm following a break for lunch. Mr Burke has been provided with facilities to watch the case remotely and will be supplied with a transcript of the hearing, but the move means he may not be able cross examine witnesses. "Mr Burke will be more than welcome back into this court if he agrees to abide by the rules of the court, Mr Justice Owens said. Members of Mr Burkes family left the courtroom shortly after 2pm when it became clear he would not be readmitted unless he gave the undertaking sought by the judge. The judge ordered Mr Burkes exclusion after two hours of stormy argument in the packed courtroom, where it was standing room only due to interest from members of the public and lawyers. The presentation of the case by lawyers for the school was underway this afternoon in his absence from the courtroom. This morning, Mr Burke raised his voice on several occasions and clashed with the judge while making allegations of fraud and tampering with discovery against members of the schools legal team. His claims were rejected by the judge, who said: I would need more that the flimsy arguments I have been presented with here to reach that conclusion. Mr Justice Owens added: Nothing has been put before me that justifies these type of allegations. But the teacher refused to accept the ruling and repeatedly made the same arguments already rejected by the judge. Mr Justice Owens repeatedly pleaded Mr Burke to sit down and stop talking. He put his head in his hands on several occasions. The judge told the teacher he had wasted a day of the four-day hearing with stupid arguments. You are making a fool of yourself, the judge said at one point. The row has meant the substantive hearing of the action against Mr Burke did not get underway until around 2.20pm. Mr Burke also has a counterclaim against the school. Earlier, amid repeated interruptions from Mr Burke, the judge said: What are we going to do with you? You would test the patience of Job. At one point, Mr Burke told the judge: This is not a circus. To which the judge replied: It has become a circus because you have made it a circus. The teacher, who is an evangelical Christian, was suspended from the Co Westmeath school last August after a number of incidents in which he clashed with management over a request from the then principal Niamh McShane to call a transgender student by a new name and by they/them pronouns. He objected to the request on religious grounds. The trial will centre on the conduct of the disciplinary process and whether injunctions obtained against Mr Burke were justified. Mr Burke has filed a counterclaim against the school, alleging his suspension was procedurally flawed was unlawful. The claims are denied by the school. He was sacked from his post as a teacher of history and German in January and is separately appealing the dismissal to a tribunal. The teacher was accompanied in court by his siblings Ammi and Isaac and mother Martina. At the outset, Mr Burke said he wanted to raise an extremely serious matter relating to discovery made to him by the school. He claimed a 103-page document disclosed to him on March 7 had subsequently been tampered with when it was filed with the court. It included an email from Ms McShane to the chairman of the board of management John Rogers on August 17 last year. Mr Burke raised issues over the redaction of the email and how the discovered document were supplied to the court. He claimed part of the email was surreptitiously erased. You see judge, the email was tampered with, he claimed. The teacher also complained about the manner in which WhatsApp messages had been provided to him. It wont be possible to proceed unless all these issues are dealt with, he said on a number of occasions. Mr Burke said he was disgusted to the pit of his stomach at the egregious fraud and open tampering. The judge said he understood the point Mr Burke was making but asked the teacher to show respect to him. A little bit of respect now please and we will deal with it in an orderly fashion, he said. However, on examining the papers and hearing more, the judge said he didnt see evidence of the fraud or tampering Mr Burke alleged. Ah come on judge, Mr Burke exclaimed. The judge quickly replied: Dont come on with me Mr Burke. You will give me respect. I am not going to be cajoled and hectored by litigants or barristers on behalf of litigants. Alex White SC, for the school, said he rejected in the strongest terms the utterly outrageous an ill- founded accusation made by Mr Burke. The judge said repeatedly he was not minded to halt the trial over the issue and he would leave the issue rest overnight, for the school to clarify any issues with discovery later. Mr Burke repeatedly protested at the judges ruling, saying on a number of occasions the hearing could not continue. Mr Burke, are you listening? Have you some problem with your ears? You are not going to be entertained to make a further submission on something I have already ruled on, the judge said at one point. Mr Justice Owens later said: In the old days I would have had you carted off to jail. He said he may make decisions Mr Burke doesnt like, but the teacher would have to live with them. I dont think it is impossible for you to proceed and I have already ruled on it, he said. Mr Burke responded: You are not a law unto yourself. You cannot ram road through this case. The judge gave Mr Burke several warnings about his behaviour before ruling the teacher would be excluded from the courtroom, telling him: You are the author of your own misfortune. I will not direct he be arrested, the judge said. I will direct he not be permitted to return to the court. "Youve been in contempt of court for an hour and a half, two hours. Im afraid its bye bye to you." Sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke says he has subpoenaed three senior Church of Ireland clerics to testify in the High Court case taken against him by Wilsons Hospital School. Mr Burke has filed an affidavit stating he personally served subpoenas on Patricia Storey, the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, who is the patron of the school, Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, and Canon Alistair Graham, who is based in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The move indicates Mr Burke will seek to raise the Church of Irelands views on transgender issues in the trial of the action, which is due to begin on Tuesday. The teacher, who is an evangelical Christian, was suspended from the Co Westmeath school last August after a number of incidents in which he clashed with management over a request from the then principal Niamh McShane to call a transgender student by a new name and by they/them pronouns. This included the interruption of a chapel service, at which Bishop Storey was present, and the questioning of Ms McShane following a school dinner afterwards. Mr Burke claims he could not comply on religious grounds. In an affidavit of service, Mr Burke said he had served the subpoenas on the religious leaders over the weekend as the case between him and the school concerns a religious issue. In the filing, he said transgenderism was contrary to scripture and Church of Ireland teaching and that up to now, the voices of Church of Ireland leaders have not been heard in the case. Mr Burke also said that in June 2020, the Church of Ireland stated: The Church of Irelands teaching recognises two genders male and female and is unchanged. The case, which will centre on the conduct of the disciplinary process and whether injunctions obtained against Mr Burke were justified, is scheduled to last four days before Mr Justice Alexander Owens. Mr Burke has filed a counterclaim against the school, claiming his suspension was procedurally flawed and was unlawful. The claims are denied by the school. He was sacked from his post as a teacher of history and German in January and is separately appealing the dismissal to a tribunal. The issue of Mr Burkes ongoing contempt of a court order restraining him from going to the school is likely to be an issue raised in the case. The teacher kept turning up at the school premises despite being suspended, leading to the schools board of management securing injunctions restraining him from doing so. One of the injunctions remains in force. He spent 108 days in prison last year for contempt of court after defying orders but resumed turning up at the school following his release and is currently facing fines of 700 for each day he remains in contempt. The High Court directed Mr Burke to pay 23,800 in fines by March 23, but it is unclear if he has done so. If he hasnt, it is open to the school to take steps to enforce the fines. An issue likely to be raised by Mr Burke in the trial is an email from a parent of the transgender student. In the email to the schools principal Frank Milling in January, the parent said they were never told by Wilsons Hospital School that their child was the one referred to in the legal proceedings. The parent said they only learned the child in question is my child after reading a court judgment which outlined what year the unidentified student was in. The school did not inform me and I feel now that theres a safety concern for my family. This whole situation could have been avoided, the parent wrote. The parent also expressed concern personal information may be out there, saying they received a letter from the Co Westmeath school last August stating my family personal data may have been stolen. Further details of the alleged data breach have not been disclosed. The parent was seeking an update on the issue because now my familys information may be out there and with everything going on this could be serious. The contents of the email, which went on to be at variance with aspects of the schools account of the affair, were revealed in an affidavit filed with the High Court by its principal Frank Milling. In an affidavit last August, the schools chairman John Rogers said a meeting took place the previous May between the student, their parents and Ms McShane at which the then principal was advised the student wanted to transition and to be addressed by a new name and pronoun going forward. Mr Rogers based his account on a report compiled by Ms McShane. However, the parent said in the email to Mr Milling they wished to be clear that the purpose of the meeting was to reengage [their child] back to school. The parent also said that while the child had requested to go by a new name, the they/them pronoun came from Wilsons and there was no principal or deputy principal at the meeting. In a responding affidavit, Mr Burke has claimed the email demonstrates that orders secured against him were obtained on the basis of false statements. He said he believed the parent of the student who attended the meeting had no desire to see the school litigate or take disciplinary action against him. The affidavit filed by Mr Milling outlining the parents email was one of four filed by the school to deal with the earlier inaccuracies in court filings. Lawyers for the school have argued the inaccuracies have no bearing on the granting of orders against Mr Burke. Mr Milling, in his affidavit, also stated: The students parents email could be interpreted as a suggestion the change in pronouns was a decision by the school and the school alone. However, I understand from my enquiries of the two members of staff who were at the meeting that is not the case. The student was clear that they did not want to use their previous gender specific pronouns and all, including the parent, agreed that they/them would be used going forward in the school. Mr Milling said he understood a wide range of matters were discussed, not just the students name change and pronouns. He also said he understood from his predecessor that the word parents in her report as opposed to parent was a generalisation on her part. I believe nothing turns on this. However, it is embarrassing and very unfortunate that this error was made, said Mr Milling. The grandfather of three children killed during a violent incident at their home in Tallaght last year has described being asked to identify the bodies of his three grandchildren. Lisa Cash (18) and her twin brother and sister, Christy and Chelsea Cawley (8) died after they were fatally wounded during the incident at their family home in Rossfield Avenue in the Brookfield area of Tallaght on September 4, 2022. Martin McDonagh told a preliminary hearing of an inquest into the deaths of the three victims how he identified their bodies in the resus room at Childrens Health Ireland in Crumlin at 3.35am shortly after the fatal incident. I could see three beds. I looked at each of them and I told [the garda] that theyre my grandkids, he recalled. Mr McDonagh was accompanied by a number of female relatives to a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Tuesday. Garda Kevin Keane gave evidence of formally identifying the bodies of the three siblings to State pathologist, Dr SallyAnne Collis, at the Dublin City mortuary in Whitehall. The coroner, Clare Keane, said post-mortem results had shown that all three victims had died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries. Detective Inspector John Walsh of Tallaght garda station applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25.2 of the Coroners Act on the basis criminal proceedings in the case had been instituted. Det Insp Walsh informed the coroner that a person was before the courts in relation to the three deaths. Dr Keane granted the application and adjourned the hearing until a date to be fixed after criminal proceedings have concluded. The twins, who had made their first Holy Communion a short time before their deaths, were pupils at St Aidans National School in Tallaght, while their older sister was a student at St Aidans Community School in Brookfield. A brother of the three victims, Andy Cash (24), was arrested at the scene following a stand-off with gardai after they used non-lethal weapons to detain him and he was subsequently charged with their murders. The emergency services had been called to the house after their 14-year-old brother managed to flee the property and alert neighbours to what happened. He suffered serious leg injuries from a fall during the escape. The DPP has already directed that the accused, with an address also of Rossfield Avenue in Tallaght, should go on trial over the three deaths at the Central Criminal Court. The accused appeared before a sitting of Cloverhill District Court last week when Judge Cephas Power was informed that the book of evidence in the case is still not ready. Cash was remanded in custody to appear before the same court on April 5. Helplines: If you have been affected by the contents of this article, click here for more information THE younger brother of sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke has pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Dublins Four Courts. Simeon Burke (24) today denied that he caused a breach of the peace at a hearing three weeks ago in his brother's ongoing transgenderism dispute with his former school. The law student was remanded in custody again as he continues to refuse to take up bail. "I'm innocent," he said at Cloverhill District Court today, claiming the case against him was "lies" and insisting that he had been unlawfully arrested. The accused, who has been in prison since his arrest in early March, told Judge Cephas Power: We are not in North Korea where you can be thrown in a cell and not told what you have done." Judge Power told Mr Burke he had consent to bail but had to sign the bond. He adjourned the case to tomorrow, when a trial date will be set. Today was Mr Burke's third court appearance since he was arrested on March 7 during a disturbance after the Court of Appeal rejected Enoch Burkes appeal against injunctions barring him from Wilson's Hospital school in Co Westmeath. Simeon Burke, of Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, had been in court to support his brother and was arrested as gardai ejected members of the family over interruptions to the hearing. The case was back before Cloverhill court today for the accused to decide on a plea. I need to speak about the precis of evidence given to me, it contains 15 sentences and 15 lies, Mr Burke told Judge Power this afternoon. Its a made up story. These guards have fabricated evidence against me. He said it was a lie that he had been insulting, abusive or aggressive in court or that he had held onto the bench, or that he had been told why he was being arrested. He said his arrest had been blatantly unlawful and the dogs in the street know that you had to be told the reason for arrest. We are not in North Korea where you can be thrown in a cell and not told what you have done, he said. "Halt this process and free me from this jail. He alleged it had been the gardai who acted abusively and threateningly, that they flung expletives at him and ripped open his shirt. Not a single curse issued from my lips that day, he said. He alleged that the gardai injured me, wounding both my hands and that he had been bruised all over his body. He said he had needed medication for the pain. Its the guards who have broken the law, not me, he said. He asked the court for an expedited trial date. He said he was supposed to be sitting his drafting exams in the Kings Inns this morning and he was being deprived of my future. Its a disgrace, he said, alleging that it was the guards who have perpetrated this abuse against him. The rights of the citizens of this country are hanging in the balance, Mr Burke continued. Are gardai above the law? He said he had been thrown in a cell for the last three weeks and asked if people could be detained on the basis of unlawful activity by the gardai. Judge Power said he took it Mr Burke was pleading not guilty. Im not guilty of any of these charges, he replied. Mr Burke said he was ready to face the charges and added: Im innocent. At the application of state solicitor Niamh McKernan, the judge made a minor technical amendment to the location of the alleged offence on the charge sheet. Its still lies, Mr Burke said. The judge asked how many state witnesses there would be and Garda Sergeant Sean Keoghan said there would be five. Judge Power asked the accused how long he would need. I will be as long as it takes to oppose these lies, Mr Burke said. The judge adjourned the case to tomorrow, when the accused will appear at Dublin District Court, to be given a hearing date. He said the presiding judge there would give him the earliest hearing date possible. Judge Power told Mr Burke he had continued consent to bail but that he had to sign the bond. Its shameful that I should be remanded in custody on the basis of false allegations and an unlawful arrest. His father Sean Burke sat in the courts public gallery throughout the hearing but did not address the court. At Mr Burkes first district court appearance on March 7, Garda Conor Dwyer said he was called to the Four Courts at 3.23pm where the accused was allegedly shouting and provoking a breach of the peace, and was escorted outside, the garda said. I tried to reason with him and he did not comply, he said. Simeon Burke claimed had been assaulted by a mob of gardai because his family objected to having transgenderism forced down the throats of the people of this country". There was no garda objection to bail subject to conditions and the judge set bail in his own bond of 200, with no cash lodgement required. Under conditions, he is to stay away from the Four Courts and sign on three times weekly at his local garda station. At the earlier Court of Appeal hearing, Enoch Burke lost an appeal aimed at overturning court orders preventing him from attending Wilsons Hospital School. He was suspended, then dismissed in the row over his refusal on religious grounds to address a transgender student by their preferred name and pronouns. The evangelical Christian spent 108 days in jail for contempt of court by continuing to turn up at the school. He was released without purging his contempt but continued to return to his former workplace, incurring fines. The hearing of Enoch Burke's dispute with the school opened in High Court today. A Dublin man is charged with violent disorder at a school in the west of the city where a youth was allegedly chased by a group of men. Teachers and students had to run for safety when Scott Purdue (25) and two co-accused entered the school, it is alleged. The case against him was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence when he appeared in Blanchardstown District Court. Mr Purdue, with an address at Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, is charged with violent disorder at a secondary school on October 13 last year. A garda said the accused was arrested at Ronanstown garda station for the purpose of charge and made no reply after caution. The court heard it was alleged Mr Purdue and two other co-accused entered the school after a minor and an article was produced. It was just after lunch and students and teachers who were in corridors had to run into classrooms for safety. Nobody was injured, the court heard. Judge Gerard Jones granted bail after hearing there were no garda objections. Under conditions, Mr Purdue is to sign on at Ronanstown garda station, stay away from the school and live at his home address. He is to have no contact by any means with any witnesses including the youth mentioned. Other co-accused had also been before the courts and granted bail. Judge Jones remanded Mr Purdue on bail to appear in court again next month. Members of Enoch Burkes family have made complaints to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) over the manner in which gardai ejected them from the Court of Appeal earlier this month. Details of the complaints emerged as the High Court today begins hearing the trial of the dispute between Wilsons Hospital School and Mr Burke. There were unprecedented scenes at the Court of Appeal on March 7 when at least ten gardai intervened to remove Mr Burke, three of his siblings and both of his parents from the court after they twice interrupted the delivery of a ruling. Following the second interruption, the president of the court, Mr Justice George Birmingham, abandoned his efforts to read out the judgment. It was later released electronically instead. The interruptions came after members of the Burke family took exception to comments made by the judge in his ruling, shouting loudly up at the bench. Complaints were filed with GSOC by Ammi Burke and Simeon Burke on March 24, according to documents seen by Independent.ie. Read More Ms Burke, a solicitor, was the first of the family to be removed from the courtroom amid chaotic scenes. Simeon Burke, who is studying to be a barrister, was the second to be removed. He was subsequently charged with engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive words and has been in custody since then. Both claimed to have suffered injuries and shock as a result of their removal. During the incident, which lasted around ten minutes, members of the Burke family refused to comply with requests from garda to leave the courtroom. One by one the family members were removed despite strongly resisting, holding onto benches and each other as gardai sought to get them out. Also removed were Enoch Burke, his brother Isaac and parents Sean and Martina. Ammi Burke named three gardai in her complaint. She claimed the gardai had no warrant or authority to remove members of the public from the courtroom. Ms Burke said her removal was filmed and broadcast on television and online, attracting millions of views. She said she did not know why she had been removed in the manner she was. I am a solicitor and educator. I am well respected in my local community where I teach many young families. My reputation is severely damaged, she said. I have received multiple messages from the public, including visits to my home, by those shocked at the actions of the Gardai in this matter. Ammi Burke claimed her brother Simeon had been treated like an animal. In his complaint, Simeon Burke identified six gardai and one garda reserve. He said he was left injured, bleeding and in shock and claimed he was being prevented from taking his degree examinations at Kings Inns. Simeon Burke has twice refused to accept bail since being arrested and charged and is due to appear in the District Court again today. He claims he was unlawfully arrested. Members of the Burke family have been involved in several courtroom confrontations since Wilsons Hospital School secured injunctions restraining Enoch Burke from attending at its premises in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. The teacher of history and German was suspended last August following a number of incidents in which he clashed with school management over a request that teachers call a transgender student by a new name and by they/them pronouns. Mr Burke, who is from a family of evangelical Christians from Castlebar, Co Mayo, refused to comply with the request on religious grounds. He subsequently defied court orders and spent 108 days in prison for contempt of court. However, he has continued to show up at the school since his release and is currently being fined 700 for each day he remains in contempt. During two separate sittings of the High Court last month, Mr Justice Brian OMoore directed that Enoch Burke be removed by gardai. The judge accused Mr Burke and Ammi Burke of making groundless complaints and abusive comments following one of the incidents, where there was a stand-off when both refused to leave his courtroom. Last October, both Enoch Burke and Martina Burke were escorted by gardai from the Court of Appeal. Mrs Burke was removed after the mother of ten made unsubstantiated claims that Enoch Burke was being incarcerated at the time because of corrupt judges who denied their vow to uphold the constitution. Three-time All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler Pat Ryan has appealed a jail sentence imposed on him today, shortly after he pleaded guilty to committing perjury during judicial proceedings in which he was accused of speeding. Limerick District Court Judge Patricia Harney said Ryan (27) from Doon, Co Limerick, had told a brazen lie when he previously gave evidence before the court on October 21, 2020, that he had not received a fixed charge penalty notice after a Garda had allegedly detected him exceeding the national roads speed limit in 2018. Judge Harney heard that while Ryan told the 2020 hearing that he had not received notification of the alleged speeding offence, gardai later discovered Ryan had sent an image of the speeding notice from his mobile phone to a third party. After hearing gardai outline the facts of the case, Judge Harney told Ryan: This is serous stuff. Youre not getting away with it. Garda Darren John Swan, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, told todays hearing that he arrested Ryan at 9.26am at Mayorstone Garda Station, Limerick. Garda Swan said the All-Ireland winning hurler did not reply when he charged him at 9.44am. Outlining the facts of the case, Gda Swan said Ryan had appeared before the court on October 21, 2020, accused of speeding. Garda Swan said Ryan had given sworn evidence during the 2020 hearing, that he had not received notification of the alleged speeding offence. The garda said it was later discovered that Ryan had forwarded an image of the speeding notice from his mobile phone to a third party who was not identified in court. This contradicted mr Ryans sworn evidence, said Gda Swan. The GNBCI officer said Ryan was arrested on March 10, 2021 on suspicion of committing perjury during the 2020 court hearing. Garda Swan told Judge Harney that the Director of Public prosecutions recommended it be dealt with by summary disposal before the district court. The garda said Ryan had one previous conviction, on June 27, 2022, for holding a mobile phone whilst driving. Judge Harney told Ryans defence solicitor Con Barry: This is pretty serious stuff, hes (Mr Ryan) not getting away with it. Mr Barry said Ryan had put his hands up and had fully cooperated with the GNBCI - Judge Harney replied its the least he (Ryan) could do. Youre not getting away with it, the judge told Mr Ryan. He Ryan) got caught; he expected not to get caught, and now he is in serious trouble, he is facing a jail sentence, the judge said. Mr Barry appealed again for leniency, to which the judge retorted: Talk to me about truth, about veracity...this goes to the core of the entire administration of justice. He (Ryan) told a brazen lie in the face of this court. The whole criminal justice system is based on truth given to the courts - youre client is facing very very serious trouble, the judge told Mr Barry. Gardai told Judge Harney that the maximum sentence she could impose was six months in prison and or a fine of up to 5,000. Appealing to the judge not to jail Ryan, Mr Barry said: This will effect him (Ryan) throughout his life, his ability to travel (abroad), it will have a tremendous effect on him for years. Judge Harney said she was not satisfied that a fine was the way to deal with it. Imposing a two-week jail sentence on Ryan, the Judge said the brazen nature of his evidence in 2020 cuts to the heart of the criminal justice system. Ryan, who sat in the defendants dock, dressed in a blue anorak, black polo shirt, green tracksuit pants and runners, looked visibly shaken after the custodial sentence was imposed upon him. Mr Barry immediately appealed the sentence and Judge Harney fixed recognisances, remanding Ryan on bail, on his own bond of 100, which did not have to be lodged. If another court takes a different view, so be it, but it is far too serious, Judge Harney said. Ryan silently worded oh my god to himself before he left the court. No date was given for his appeal. Convicted rapist Larry Murphy remains a person of interest in the Annie McCarrick murder investigation but he is not on top of the list of a small number of potential suspects, Independent.ie has learned. The development comes after the 30-year garda investigation into the American nationals disturbing disappearance was upgraded to murder last week. Murphy, who has been based in England for years, has been a long-term suspect in the case. He is still a person of interest but he is not the number one suspect any more. It is fair to say that he is not on top of the list, a senior source said. He is one of a number of suspects in this case and at this stage there is no plans for the arrest of anyone as there is still huge work to be done before this happens, the source added. Annies father John has passed away not knowing what happened to his daughter Convicted rapist Larry Murphy has been connected to other missing-persons cases including the 1998 murder of Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard in 1995. It can also be revealed that Spanish serial killer Antonio Angles has all but been ruled out of the case as gardai have no information that he was ever in Ireland when Annie McCarrick was last seen alive in March 1993. Angles is wanted in Spain over the November 1992 murders of three teenage girls near Valencia and it has been investigated whether he escaped to Ireland as a stowaway on a ship. Read More But no trace of him has ever been found in this country. Sources say that the main geographical focus of the garda investigation is now the Sandymount area of south Dublin where the last confirmed sighting of the tragic murder victim happened at the Allied Irish Bank on March 26, 1993. But everything is being looked at, including reported sightings of her in Enniskerry village and Johnny Foxs pub after this, the source said. Maybe there had been too much focus on the apparent sightings at the pub and in Enniskerry before, the source added. Ms McCarrick was reported missing by a friend on the evening of March 28, 1993, at Irishtown garda station. It was here that gardai made a public appeal for information last Friday. Expand Close Larry Murphy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Larry Murphy The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Eddie Carroll said: I want to speak to any person who met, spoke with or had any interaction with Annie McCarrick on the March 26, 1993, or subsequently. There are person or persons, who have information on the disappearance of Annie McCarrick and her murder on or about March 26, 1993, and who havent yet spoken to gardai or who may have already spoken to gardai but were not in a position to tell everything that they know at that time. I want to speak with any person who has any information on the large brown handbag which it is believed that Annie was in possession of when she went missing. Maybe there had been too much focus on the apparent sightings at the pub and in Enniskerry before I am appealing to those persons, 30 years later, to please come forward and speak to the investigation team. The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Annie McCarrick, and her family. Annies father John has passed away not knowing what happened to his daughter. Annies mother Nancy deserves to know the truth. She deserves to know what happened to her daughter on or about March 26, 1993. She is waiting 30 years for those answers. "I, and the investigation team, are determined to gather all available information/evidence to find those answers and bring this matter to a positive conclusion. Read More Inquiry: The grave of Baby John, who was murdered in 1984, in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. Photo: Mark Condren DNA at the centre of the Kerry Baby case was voluntarily handed over by a person who gardai believe to be a sibling of the deceased Baby John. This was a breakthrough which prompted the investigation team to make the high-profile arrests of a couple in Kerry last week. It is understood that the person who the original sample was taken from had not even been born at the time of the murder in 1984. But sources say that the DNA matched samples that were taken from Baby John when his body was exhumed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Cahersiveen in September, 2021. This then led gardai to focus on the couple, who have denied any role in the murder of the five-day-old infant. Gardai believe the couple are the biological parents of Baby John. Gardai are now awaiting results from further DNA samples taken from the couple last week. But it may be weeks before they become available and many months later before the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) makes a decision in the case. The couples solicitor Padraig OConnell says they deny any wrongdoing and want the matter dealt with as quickly as possible. He has questioned the validity of the couples arrest, which happened on Thursday last week, and subsequent detention for more than 24 hours. Read More Mr OConnell earlier told the Irish Independent: Proving they are the parents is one thing. Providing DNA that is a match, so be it, but that doesnt prove anything. Since when did having matching DNA allow someone to be an alleged murderer? It is not known if the woman, who is in her 50s, and man, in his 60s, have yet returned to their home. Mr OConnell said they are in state of shock at what has unfolded in their lives and he said they wil be exonerated in due course. They are in a total state of shock, he said. He added: I believe they will be exonerated and will not be charged. No evidence was put before them to substantiate their arrest nor any charge. He said that this speed is important in this case from both the Gardai and the DPP. I want it to be expedited on both sides. The gardai must get the file to the DPP and a decision on the file to be determined, he said. The initial investigation into the babys death in 1984 was deeply flawed and eventually resulted in a State apology to local woman Joanne Hayes, who had given birth to a stillborn baby at around the same time Baby John was killed. A cold-case review launched in 2018, and the exhumation of Baby Johns remains in 2021 to obtain a new DNA sample brought local and national attention to the case again. With modern scientific breakthroughs it was believed that advances could be made in the investigation. The passage of time since then had led to assumptions that gardai did not have enough new evidence to advance the case. But the announcement of the arrests on Thursday evening took locals by surprise. It is understood that the Kerry couple have never had any dealings with gardai or solicitors until the arrests. Read More The heightening of the terror threat level in Northern Ireland is concerning and regrettable, Justice Minister Simon Harris has said. Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris announced the move on Tuesday after the decision was taken by MI5. It means that the probability of an attack has increased from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Mr Heaton-Harris cited a "small number" of individuals who remain determined to use "politically motivated violence". Announcing the change from Britains intelligence agency on Tuesday, he urged the public to "remain vigilant" but "not be alarmed". The move comes after a series of incidents targeting security forces in Northern Ireland, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. The threat level for the rest of the UK remains at "substantial", meaning an attack is considered "likely". Speaking after the announcement, Mr Harris said paramilitaries of the type that had inflicted near-fatal wounds on PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell were following a morally vacant path. The minister said it remained the assessment that the chances of a terror attack in this jurisdiction was low. Mr Harris said he would stay in touch with Mr Heaton-Harris, while An Garda Siochana was working closely with its counterpart in relation to the all-island challenge. 25 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, continued peace and stability is absolutely vital, Mr Harris said. Northern Ireland's level had been lowered to substantial a year ago - the first time it had been altered since 2010. In a written statement to MPs, Mr Heaton-Harris said MI5 had increased the threat level to the region from Northern Ireland-related terrorism independently of ministers. "The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland," he said. He said that despite the success of the Good Friday Agreement "a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence". "In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland related terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. "These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell." The Labour Party, under leader Ivana Bacik, has written to Independents to ask for their support. Photo: AG News/Alamy Live News The Governments chances of surviving a motion of no confidence are increasing steadily. A motion of confidence will be substituted tomorrow, but the Rural Independent Group is showing little enthusiasm for rowing in behind the Labour Party, which has tabled the challenge. Regional TDs Verona Murphy and Peadar Toibin, leader of Aontu, are so far the only ones to have flagged they will be voting against the Government tomorrow. The Independent Group of six TDs is not making a unified decision but the majority are expected to vote no confidence. Thomas Pringle, Joan Collins, Catherine Connolly and Michael Fitzmaurice are all expected to vote in a way that, if successful, would result in a general election. Marian Harkin is waiting before she makes a decision but pointed out she has voted no confidence in the Government in the past. Mr Fitzmaurice said he could not support a vote of confidence in a Government involving the Greens, who he said are trying to destroy rural Ireland. Read More The Labour Party has written to Independents to ask for their support, against a backdrop where the Coalition has technically lost its overall Dail majority. But Mattie McGrath, leader of the Rural Independent Group, said he and some others could be forced to abstain on the motion of no confidence. The motion from the Labour Party is a waste of time, he said. Ivana Bacik is talking about a million new homes and this is also about trying to make herself relevant. This is part of that. TDs Sean Canney, Peter Fitzpatrick and Matt Shanahan said last night they were still to make their decision. Meanwhile many other Independents were uncontactable or refusing to indicate a position. Mr McGrath said the motion of no confidence was a complete and utter farce, saying he might be forced to abstain, which I hate, because I hate sitting on the fence. But it is pure showboating. He could not speak for other members of his group, he said, as they were all individuals. Nonetheless some are likely to take the signal from their nominal leader. Some Independents criticised what one called the soulless letter from Ms Bacik seeking their support, which begins: As leader of the Labour Party, I am writing to you in advance of the confidence motion in Government to ask for your support for our position, which is to vote no confidence. The letter then quotes the motion, stemming from the Governments refusal to extend the ban on evictions, which is due to expire on Friday, saying it has made a deliberate and conscious decision to expose thousand of people to the risk of immediate homelessness. Submitting a motion is not something which I and my Labour colleagues have done lightly, she says. It is still not too late for the Government to act and to extend the ban on no-fault evictions for a further temporary period, thereby providing breathing space for their most recent proposals to be brought into effect and for more housing supply to be generated. We have one last chance to stop at tsunami of evictions by convincing ministers to change their position and to ask to extend the ban, Ms Bacik says. Your support would help us to achieve that objective. One recipient said: Its all about Labour, not exactly the right tone in asking us for support. The letter ends: If you would be willing to discuss this further, please do get in contact. THE Defence Forces is not a safe working environment for either men or women, according to a landmark report into allegations of bullying and sexual harassment in the military. The report of an independent review group (IRG) published on Tuesday by Tanaiste Micheal Martin states that neither men nor women in the Defence Forces are working in a safe working environment. Mr Martin said the report makes for stark reading and pulls no punches and makes clear that the military working environment is simply and entirely unacceptable. The Cabinet agreed to establish a State inquiry after the report recommended a statutory fact finding process to identify systematic failures in the Defence Forces and to ensure accountability and transparency. The IRGs analysis reveals a workplace where self-worth and value are negated and disrespect is a dominant feature in an organisation resistant to change. The overall findings of the review set up on foot of allegations by the Women of Honour group, whose claims about mistreatment were revealed in an RTE documentary in 2021, are that women occupy a low status within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces struggle with gender, displaying hypermasculinities and pockets of deeply misogynistic attitudes and behaviours, the report states, describing these as strong organising forces in the culture. The report states that these problems will not go away without immediate and significant steps being taken to address them. At best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks, the report states. Its overall findings are that the Defence Forces is not fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care and the prevailing workplace culture is one that is disabling when it comes to supporting dignity and respect. Key findings also include: The report found a third of Defence Forces personnel were harassed while serving and in the majority of cases it was on more than one occasion. Female members (76pc) were far more likely to have experienced harassment than males (27pc) and in four out five cases harassment was perpetrated by officers of a higher rank than the victim. Three quarters of all incidents went unreported because personnel felt there was no point. More than a third (37pc) of those surveyed said they experienced at least one instance of bullying and it was again most commonly committed by members of higher ranks. More than half (55pc) of those who encountered bullying said they considered or took steps to leave the Defence Forces due to their experience. Less than a quarter (23pc) of bullying cases were reported with most of those saying the found the outcome of the process unsatisfactory. 7pc of respondents experienced unwanted physical contact or sexual assault. Only a quarter of victims reported incidents and those who did found the complaints procedure to be overly complex. There are no incidents of these reports to being resolved to the victims satisfaction. A quarter of personnel said they experience sexual harassment in the Defence Forces with the vast majority (88pc) of female personnel saying they were harassed on at least one occasion. The most common forms of harassment were offensive jokes/stories, sexist remarks and comments about physical appearance. The report says that cadets can be vulnerable and inexperienced and that this can result in them being targeted by predatory older members who exploit such traits and it adds that women, the lower ranks and those who challenge are also at risk. The Defence Forces does not have fit for purpose HR standards and the report identifies a lack of trust in the policies and procedures for making a complaint was a key feature of its findings. Respondents told the IRG that making a complaint could be career ending and that retaliation from superiors took the form of charges that had no basis in fact being levelled against them. A statutory fact finding process should investigate whether there have been failings regarding interpersonal issues between personnel not limited to but including sexual misbehaviour, the report states. It should also examine whether disciplinary processes were abused and if access to promotion or courses were used to deter personnel from making complaints. It will also look at whether there were issues in the Air Corps related to the investigation of air accidents and the use of hazardous chemicals. The IRG called for the introduction of a new oversight body for the Defence Forces which would consist of an independent chair, five independent members with knowledge of defence policy, the secretary general of the Department of the Defence and one former member of an overseas military. The report recommends setting up of a restorative justice or practice process aimed at healing the wrongs identified by the review group and making the Defence Forces a safer place to work. Reforms of the complaint making process for serving Defence Force members is also recommended. It is also seeking to replace the current system for lodging grievances and says there should be workplace training on sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and general dignity and equality in work. There should also be a sanctions system for misogynistic attitudes and behaviours that is clear and effective, the report says. The report notes commissioned officers and members of the Army Nursing Service can avail of private consultant appointments and private hospital treatment depending on rank and said it is critical that the same level of care is provided to all army personnel. The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) should carry out regular inspections of care provided by the Defence Forces to ensure it is up to a national standard. The report also said adequate maternity clothing should be provided to female personnel and it calls for more family friendly policies. The recommendations in this report are radical and, if implemented, will be far-reaching, the review group states. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, commended the work of the IRG. "The findings of this report are stark and we need to change. There is no place for any form of abuse, or failure to act on any form of inappropriate behaviour in the Defence Forces, he said. It is contrary to our ethos and values and will not be tolerated. We are working tirelessly to ensure the Defence Forces is a workplace, where the pervading culture is underpinned by the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care." Lt Gen Clancy added: My first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our serving members and we are fully committed to achieving the necessary cultural change in our organisation. I am confident and determined that we can deliver the transformation required to build a better Defence Forces for the future. We must and we will change. A statement from the Defence Forces continued: The General Staff of the Defence Forces accept the findings of this report and will now work with An Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr. Micheal Martin T.D. and the Department of Defence to fulfil all of the approved recommendations. At a press conference, Mr Martin said Cabinet had also agreed to set up an external oversight body to increase transparency and accountability and drive necessary culture change. He said that existing complaint mechanisms would be reformed and that his department would prepare legislation to establish an independent complaints mechanism and an external oversight body. He also pledged to amend the Defence Act to allow all allegations of rape or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State be referred to An Garda Siochana for investigation. We would encourage people to report individual cases to the gardai, Mr Martin said, adding that the Defence Forces chief of staff had been clear on that. However, only the military police will be allowed to investigate allegations of rape or sexual assault that take place on tour abroad. We have to look radically at command and control, we have to look at training at how women are treated everything has to be examined now, he said, adding there had been a consistent resistance to change. The IRG was chaired by retired High Court justice Bronagh O'Hanlon. The Land Development Agency (LDA) has identified State-owned properties and landbanks that could be used to build more than 60,000 new homes. In a report to be considered by the Cabinet, the LDA highlighted sites in 10 areas of the country that could be utilised to develop social and affordable housing. In Dublin, the agency earmarked land on the sites of the Central Banks national mint in Sandyford and on the Leopardstown Racecourse, along with Dublin Buss Conyngham Road depot and Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines. The ESB Networks site on the Sarsfield Road in Cork and Galway Harbour have also been pinpointed as State-owned properties which could be used to build more homes. The sites have been classified into categories based on the level of work required to transfer ownership to the LDA and subsequently redevelop the areas into housing. Some of the sites are seen as having complex constraints due a range of issue, and are viewed as longer-term projects than others. The LDA said Cathal Brugha Barracks is one of the more difficult sites to develop. Five cities Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Galway and Limerick along with five regional centres, namely Sligo, Letterkenny, Dundalk, Drogheda and Athlone, are the areas of the country recommended by the LDA for development through the construction of houses on State-owned sites. The Report on Relevant Public Land will be considered by the Government, and Housing Minister Darragh OBrien will be responsible for accepting or rejecting the recommendations. Read More Relevant public land is described by the LDA as land owned by state bodies in settlements with a population of greater than 10,000 persons, rounded to the nearest 500. There are currently some 48 settlements meeting this criteria but the report focuses on 10 urban and regional centres. There have been long-running battles between state agencies and the LDA over the powerful housing bodys plans to earmark land for development. The agency is statutorily required to report to the Government with details of State-owned landbanks and properties that can be used for the construction of new homes. The LDA has been developing social, affordable and cost-rental housing on state land. There are plans to build properties at the Devoy Barracks in Kildare, St Kevins Hospital in Cork and Castlelands in Dublin. In total, the agency has 5,000 homes at either the design, planning or construction phase. Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney has said the Government has no plans to specifically build houses for hundreds of workers who are being sought for a $1bn biopharmaceutical campus in Co Limerick. Mr Coveney said he assumed the 300 staff being sought by US med-tech giant Ely Lilly are already housed and would not need a home. However, the interim chief executive of the IDA, Mary Buckley said that Ireland cannot take FDI [foreign direct investment] for granted and called on the Government to focus on housing and other issues in order to maintain Irelands attractiveness for FDI. When Mr Coveney was asked by reporters at an event in Limerick where Ely Lilly announced its $1bn investment if the Government had a plan to house hundreds of workers sought by the US firm, he replied: No. One of the reasons why Lilly is locating close to Limerick is there is a big population base here already and many of the people who are going to be employed here are already living [in the area] and have their accommodation needs already catered for, in and around the mid-west region, Mr Coveney said. This isnt like we are going to be bringing in 350 people from other parts of the world, having to build houses for each of them. Most of the people who will be employed here will already be living reasonably close. We need to build more houses anyway, not just for people who are going to be working with Lilly. Ms Buckley said the tech sector in Ireland was facing challenging times due to the job losses that have taken place recently. I think its fair to say it is very disappointing for people who have lost their jobs recently and have been informed that they may be losing their jobs, she said. While job opportunities remain in the sector, Ms Buckley said Ireland cannot take FDI for granted. She concluded: From an Ireland perspective, we have to remain competitive, and it is hugely important that we manage the carrying capacity of the economy for the future, and ensure that housing, planning, water, energy, and talent policies for the future are part and parcel of the focus as we move forward. I never drank like anyone else. I was always one step ahead. And yet, I never thought of myself as an alcoholic until this year. It started with me getting seizures from crazy nights out. The common ground was lack of sleep, heavy alcohol use and drug use. When I went to the doctor they did a test for epilepsy and they told me they could give me medication but Id also need to change my lifestyle habits or it could be very dangerous. I told them I didnt want to go on medication because I knew, deep down, it was due to alcohol abuse. I work in the food business, making American-style cookies, and January is a quiet time. So I got a place in a residential drugs and alcohol rehab clinic and I asked two staff members to manage the business while I was gone. I said, If all else fails, just close and Ill be back in a couple of weeks. And if youre too stressed, just take a step back because this is obviously above everyones pay grade. But they absolutely killed it and the business was booming. Read More It was funny, I got a call into them while I was in rehab and I was saying to my counsellor afterwards, The business is booming while Im in here. Its doing better than ever!. And the counsellor turned to me and said, Well, Saifa, is that a surprise? An alcoholic isnt running the business and its going well. Ive been out of rehab just over a month now and Ive been going to AA meetings every day. The first of the 12 Steps in AA is admitting powerlessness to alcohol and now that Im out, I completely put my hands up and say I am a fully fledged alcoholic. Now and only now will I be able to get the tools to learn to self-regulate, to manage my moods and manage situations. Im trying to get good sleep, stay away from stimulants and eat three meals a day. Im also trying not to over-exercise because Im addicted to exercise, too. Im excited to get back into self-care because addiction took all that away from me. Over the past few weeks Ive started taking baths, doing yoga and healing that inner child who was so hurt and who I hadnt been listening to all these years. Id just been turning my back on her and running away from her and Im really looking forward to just holding her and nurturing her for the next couple of weeks. When you see an alcoholic and look closely you just see a hurt child and thats often the case with any addiction. But Im still trying to find myself and trying to find my close group again because, at the end of the day, most peoples friends are just weekend friends. Im trying to find a close group of friends out of the [AA] fellowship. Because, to be honest, I dont know who I am and I dont really have a sense of self right now. My foremost priority is sobriety so if things become too much for me I have to pull back because I cant drink on stress. I cant drink full stop. We got nominated for a start-up award a few weeks ago. I put my dress on and thought, Okay, this will be fine, but I couldnt do it because usually when Im getting ready Im having a glass of Prosecco. Its actually a really weird time for me because I went through so much therapy in rehab and it was pretty intense. Im also trying to manage Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which I was diagnosed with in late 2018. Because of the name, people often think it means I have a split personality or something, but its really not that deep. I would describe it as extreme highs and lows and heightened sensitivity. People have argued that a better name for it is emotion dysregulation disorder, but that doesnt sound that great either. Expand Close Saifa at work at The Drunken Cookie. Photo: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Saifa at work at The Drunken Cookie. Photo: Mark Condren Getting diagnosed with BPD was heartening in a sense because I realised there was a term for it and other people experienced it, and there was a warmness in that. Even people I know reached out to me to tell me they had it when I shared online that I had it. It was just that sense of community of people who are aware that were all really sensitive. One of the upsides of having BPD is that when things are good I am higher than the sun. I am so happy, but then thats infuriating because when the lows come, I get so low. I have severe abandonment issues, and thats a common ground with people with BPD. If I go through a break-up or someone dies, it is 100 times worse than it might be for someone without BPD. Its unbearable. I could be having a petty argument with someone but trying to process that emotion is way heavier with BPD. People with BPD often have whats known as a favourite person in their life. For me, that usually tends to be my significant other. I put them on this pedestal and I leave myself very vulnerable to getting hurt by that. A lot of people became more aware of BPD during the Amber Heard v Johnny Depp trial. It raised awareness of the diagnosis for sure but just because one person is accused of being abusive doesnt mean everyone is like that. Every person is very individual, and every diagnosis is very individual, too. I started my business, The Drunken Cookie, about a year and a half ago. Prior to that, I was working in marketing. The idea for the business came out of a period of depression and a suicide attempt. I was going through a break-up and drinking a lot and then I lost my job. And this was all in the middle of lockdown. At the time it felt like I had no purpose in life. It was my brother who turned to me and said, You have to have something to live for why dont you open a cafe? I did my undergrad in Food & Business so I can understand why he suggested it. But at the time I thought he was delusional. I was like, With what money? As if Im going to be that one-in-a-million person that starts a business from nothing. But then, when I thought about it, I realised I had nothing to lose. I was at rock bottom. So I went to London for three days, I ate a lot of cookies, got some ideas and came back and said, This is what were going to do. I knew what consistency I wanted so then I started testing out some recipes. I remember I asked people to come over to try the cookies but not everyone I invited showed up. I thought, God, I actually am delusional. People arent even showing up for free cookies. But then I set up an Instagram page, I kept pushing and it just took off. The Drunken Cookie is a loud and outrageous brand and thats very in line with who I am. Im also very honest. If Im having a good day Ill say Im having a good day. But if Im having a bad day Ill tell people and I can see that they appreciate the vulnerability. A lot of people DM me and spill what theyre going through too, and that means so much to me. I was very busy when I came out of rebab but it got to a point where I was feeling quite anxious and I didnt like being around people. So I decided to close the trailer that we bring to markets and put it into storage. It was just for a little while until I was able to manage myself a little better. But then, two days later, I got a call from one of the girls asking, Wheres the trailer gone? along with a photo of the empty parking space. After I called the guards I got myself into an AA meeting. All I wanted to do was take a step back and, inevitably, I was pushed into the deep end. Having the trailer stolen, and all my seriously hard work just gone, was soul destroying. But my heart goes out to the person who stole it because maybe they needed money and they needed that trailer more than I did. And I know Ive got the fight in me because I got to where I am today from nothing, and now I want to fight back even harder. thedrunkencookie.ie As told to Katie Byrne Sarah Hanrahan and Mayor of Listowel, Cllr. Aoife Thornton, at the launch of Kerrys new Greenways Irelands network of greenways continues to grow, with two new routes showcased this week in Co Kerry. The Listowel to Limerick Greenway is a 16km trail that connects Listowel with the Limerick Greenway at Abbeyfeale. The Tralee to Fenit Greenway stretches 13.6km from Tralee to Fenit Harbour, with stunning views of Mount Brandon and Tralee Bay along the way. Both follow the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, and are being marketed as Kingdom of Kerry Greenways and part of a broader network that will in future include the South Kerry Greenway from Glenbeigh to Cahirciveen. Currently under construction, that 27km route will open in phases as sections are completed in 2024 and 2025. The greenways are situated in some of Kerrys most scenic landscapes and offer spectacular and safe off-road facilities for people of all ages to enjoy as the landscape comes into bloom, said mayors of Tralee and Listowel, Cllr Mikey Sheehy and Cllr Aoife Thornton. Read More With the clocks springing forward, Kerry County Council is encouraging people of all ages to start clocking up the Kingdom kilometres on foot or by bike. Kerry County Council is also planning a new greenway between Tralee and Listowel, which will link the Listowel-to-Limerick and Tralee-to-Fenit greenways. Expand Close The Limerick Greenway. Photo: True Media / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Limerick Greenway. Photo: True Media In other greenway news, Limerick City and County Council is set to commence construction of a new greenway hub at Rathkeale this month. The 40km Limerick Greenway reopened after a 10m reboot in 2021, and runs from Rathkeale through Newcastle West to Abbeyfeale. Over one million visits have been recorded on the route. The 1.9m hub at Rathkeale will feature a restored 19th century railway goods shed, and include bike hire, visitor facilities and recreational space, as well as mobility car-parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points. It will be completed by December, the Council says. Limerick Greenway is a precious amenity for local, national and international visitors and we are committed to ongoing works to restore historic gems such as the Railway Goods Shed, and to enhance services at each of the visitor hubs along the route, said Gordon Daly, Director of Services at the Council. The Council also has plans for a new greenway car park in Newcastle West, and greenway hubs using restored historic buildings in Ardagh and Abbeyfeale. A design team has also been appointed to prepare plans for more works on Barnagh Station House. Feasibility studies looking at extending the Limerick Greenway, including from Rathkeale to Adare and Patrickswell are also underway, it said. Greenways have mushroomed across Ireland since the Great Western Greenway blazed a trail on the old Westport to Achill railway line over a decade ago. Ireland has some of the most amazing outdoor spaces, said social media influencer Sarah Hanrahan, who attended the new Kerry greenways showcase this week. She added that connecting with green spaces has become as important to many peoples sense of wellbeing as their health and fitness. For more, see kerrygreenways.ie and limerick.ie/greenway. Farming organisations have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Nature Restoration Law, saying it would breach their property rights, hurt incomes and reduce the value of their land. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) complained there was a rush to finalise the law and said they did not trust politicians or the Government to look after their best interests. A spokesman for another group, Vincent Roddy of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), said the law would amount to a gravy train for ecologists, environmentalists, and administrators. Mr Roddy claimed the law would damage the reputation of Irish food exports because it implied there was something wrong with the land on which it was produced. He also said an online poll that found 97pc of people in favour of the move was comparable with results delivered by Vladimir Putin in his sham elections last autumn. The litany of objections was presented to the Oireachtas Environment and Climate Action Committee at a meeting to discuss the proposed legislation. The Nature Restoration Law, an EU initiative, would require at least 20pc of Europes struggling lands and seas to be restored to healthy habitats for nature by 2030. It also proposes that 25,000km of rivers across the region be returned to their natural free-flowing status, unimpeded by flood barriers, culverts and other artificial structures. The proposal is an attempt to arrest the dramatic decline in nature and ecosystems and simultaneously strengthen landscapes to help tackle climate change by allowing them to act as natural carbon sinks. In Ireland that would mean rewetting drained bogs and leaving aside land for nature, with major implications for Irish farmers who control 67pc of all the land in the country and a further 6pc which they have in forestry. Environmental organisations attending the meeting sympathised with farmers concerns about the potential impact on their livelihoods but took issue with claims that the science behind the proposal was in doubt. Tadhg Buckley of the IFA said the science was still evolving while Mr Roddy said there was too much reliance on international scientific studies and he believed if Irish bogs were rewetted they would not sequester much carbon. We need the science from Irish context on Irish lands we dont have that, he said. Sadhbh ONeill of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition said the science was well proven by both the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Land Use Review recently published by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Climate Action. Fintan Kelly of the Environmental Pillar said the science was indeed still evolving but not in a way that backed the farm groups claims. The science that is emerging is that the impact [of peatland drainage] is worse than we understood, he said. The meeting also heard from Dr Elaine McGoff of An Taisce and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) who cited recent Environmental Protection Agency reports showing half the countrys rivers and lakes and two-thirds of estuaries to be polluted. Agriculture was the lead cause, followed by artificial interference with the water sources, forestry and urban wastewater. Waterways are very much a product of their landscape. Theyre the ultimate truth tellers, she said. Whatever is happening in the surrounding landscape will ultimately show up in the water quality and thats what were seeing in an Irish context. An Irish Goodbye star James Martin has been crowned outstanding newcomer by the Royal Television Society Ireland (RTS Ireland). Martin has been a mainstay at the awards circuit this season, having graced the stage at the Oscars earlier this month while he also appeared on The Late Late Show St Patricks Day special. An Irish Goodbye, follows the story of two estranged brothers, played by Martin and Seamus OHara, who come together after their mothers death to fulfil her bucket list. It won the Academy Award for best short feature, and director Ross White described Martin as the beating heart of our film. Martin became the first star with Downs Syndrome to win at the Academy Awards. The actor turned 31-year-old at the Oscars and enjoyed a unique experience when Hollywoods elite sang happy birthday to him. Expand Close Presenter-Caitlin Ni Aoidh, James Martin ( An Irish Goodbye) Presenter- Cormac O hEadhra. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Presenter-Caitlin Ni Aoidh, James Martin ( An Irish Goodbye) Presenter- Cormac O hEadhra. He received his RTS Ireland outstanding newcomer award at an event in Galway city this evening. The Gradaim RTS/RTS Ireland Television Awards gather professionals in the Industry to celebrate the breadth of talent in the Irish TV sector. Awards were presented in 11 categories. Smiling broadly, it was as if he had never been away let alone written a bombshell autobiography that has torn the British royal family in two. Yet, if Prince Harry expected the red carpet to be rolled out for his somewhat shock appearance at the High Court in London yesterday for the start of his case against Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers over unlawful information gathering he was sadly mistaken. No sooner had the 38-year-old landed in London from Montecito, California, than his nearest and dearest had made their excuses for not seeing him. As has always been the case with Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle timing is everything France had postponed the visit by King Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, owing to pensions protests. So they may have had some free time in their schedule. However, Buckingham Palace apparently made it clear that there would be no time for a meeting between father and son. Although he did let it be known that he would be in the neighbourhood, Prince Harry was told his father was busy. While Prince Harry is fighting the Daily Mail publisher in court, the kings communications secretary is Tobyn Andreae, a former Mail executive. Meanwhile, his brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, would also be out of town as their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, had already broken up for the Easter holidays. Read More Prince Williams family like to escape to Anmer Hall, their Norfolk bolthole, at such times. So it seems unlikely an invitation for Harry to revisit the delights of the leafy Sandringham estate will be forthcoming. Yet, as has always been the case with Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle timing is everything. Their Oprah Winfrey interview raised eyebrows for going to air while Prince Philip was still recuperating in hospital in March 2021, at the age of 99. Their six-part Netflix documentary caused consternation after it emerged they had started filming private videos on the same day as Megxit. And Spare Prince Harrys memoir sparked controversy for hitting bookshelves four months after Queen Elizabeth had been laid to rest. While he had no control over the court date, had the father of two decided to attend in person believing his dearest Papa would be out of the country? After all, French president Emmanuel Macron only pulled the plug on the Paris visit last Friday. The royal couple will travel to Germany for the second leg of the tour tomorrow. Had the tour to France gone ahead, were Harry and Meghan aware that yesterdays High Court appearance would almost certainly have upstaged the kings European charm offensive? Harry had expressed a reluctance to travel to the UK amid an ongoing row over his taxpayer-funded protection The court case also comes amid speculation that Paul Dacre, Associated Newspapers editor in chief, is about to receive a peerage from Boris Johnson, the former prime minister. Harry had expressed a reluctance to travel to the UK amid an ongoing row over his taxpayer-funded protection. The former army officer, who revealed he killed at least 25 Taliban in his memoir, is suing the Home Office over its decision to cut his Metropolitan Police operatives, arguing it compromises his familys safety when they go to Britain. Flanked by his own personal bodyguards, he appeared willing to risk a high-profile appearance, motivated, seemingly, by his undisguised hatred for the tabloid media. Had the Home Office struck a deal with the fifth in line to the throne for this particular trip? As with the couples Oprah outing, these are questions to which we will probably never get any answers. Not for the first time, Irelands fate had implications arising from an encounter at Murrayfield but this time it was in a conference room where political results were announced rather than on the rugby field. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has become a political behemoth, rising to be the biggest party in Scotland and third largest in all of Britain. Scottish links with nationalist, and unionist communities in Northern Ireland, especially, are deep, personal and emotional, and noises about future independence for Scotland have an effect. This bruising three-way party leadership campaign added to the battering the SNP had received over the past year. Now for party devotees the narrow win by continuity candidate, Humza Yousaf, can steady the ship. But for the two unionist parties in Britain Conservatives and Labour change to a little-known leader opens opportunities to rebuild their fortunes in Scotland, with the prospect of independence perhaps receding. Read More Labour leader Keir Starmer has been in Scotland four times during this SNP campaign and sees chances of revival where his party used to totally rule the roost. For Labour and the Tories, there is rich potential to attack Mr Yousafs patchy record in successive Edinburgh governments, where previously Nicola Sturgeon was pure Teflon. But the question being asked in Dublin and Belfast is what this change of leadership means for future Scottish independence, which was defeated 55pc to 45pc in a referendum in September 2014. The London government is withholding its necessary permission for a referendum re-run and SNP legal efforts to reverse that have failed. Despite the 2016 Brexit vote, when two-thirds of Scotland backed Remain, and in spite of the wild unpopularity of Boris Johnson and other Tories, opinion poll support for Scottish independence was rarely much above 50pc more recently. This bitter election and other controversies dragged that to about 47pc. Expand Close Nicola Sturgeon / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nicola Sturgeon None of the leadership contenders were keen on Ms Sturgeons plan to run all elections as de facto independence votes. But a Westminster election likely late next year could give the SNP the balance of power in Britain. The London political establishment are unionist and know little about how Scotland works. Their utter dismissal of prospects for Scottish independence cannot be taken for granted, nor can the UK courts block an essentially political question about a peoples right to vote. Mr Yousaf laid great emphasis on an independent Scotland inside the EU. It is with Scottish devotees of the EU that this issue will ultimately be decided. L anguage can be beautiful and powerful. Sometimes it can also be misunderstood, especially when rooted in other cultures. Recently, Bethany Mandel, a proud member of the anti-woke establishment, went viral when she failed to define the word woke on live television. She and many others might spare themselves the viral blushes if they researched the roots of the words they misappropriate and weaponise. The term cultural appropriation applies when a person from one culture adopts aspects of another culture, such as gestures or hairstyles that are not their own. Some of the most hurtful examples of this occur when the culture being appropriated is one of a historically oppressed group. One aspect we dont discuss very often is the appropriation of language. Across the globe, the dominant class white people has been appropriating language from minority groups. One example of this is African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). While appropriating language may not seem as harmful as physical appropriation, stealing the intellectual property of other cultures and people in order to make a profit can deeply wound or even destroy people who have suffered enduring oppression. It has been a long and constant struggle to convince white societies that not only does cultural appropriation exist, but it is extremely harmful to minority populations. There has been some progress, as more and more people realise that cultural appropriation is wrong and harmful. However, the raising of consciousness to the idea of language appropriation is more problematic and has been met with resistance. While there is a growing willingness to accept the physical boundaries of cultural appropriation, there seems to be a reluctance to accept the intellectual boundaries of it. Words or phrases such as lit, spill the tea, and lets meet for a quick pow-wow have become sensitive. The most controversial one of recent times is the incorrect use of woke. The above words and phrases are often used by white speakers without any understanding of their origins. It is also important to acknowledge that white people are rarely penalised for using this language. Prior to 2014, the call to stay woke was unfamiliar to many non-black people. Staying woke was a reference to staying alert to the deceptions of other people. It was a basic survival tool. In 2014, following the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, stay woke suddenly became the cautionary watchword of Black Lives Matter activists on the streets. It was being used in a specific and chilling context, urging people to keep watch for police brutality and unjust police policies. Woke has evolved into a single-word summation of leftist political ideology. We hear its use in discussions around social justice politics and critical race theory. This framing of woke is used by the left to show political progressiveness, or a projection of that enlightenment. On the other side of the coin, it is used as a vilification of leftist culture by the right. The right often perceives wokeness to be another word for cancel culture. Many on that side of the political spectrum see it as political correctness gone wrong. The term itself is usually used sarcastically. But as use of the word becomes popularised, what people actually mean by woke seems less clear than ever. When terms like woke and wokeness are used outside of the Black Lives Matter movement, they seem to bear little connection to their original context, on either the left or the right. The earliest known examples of wokeness as a concept relate to the idea of black consciousness waking up to a new reality or activist framework. This dates back to the early 20th century. In 1923, philosopher and social activist Marcus Garvey made the following appeal: Wake up, Ethiopia! Wake up, Africa! It was a call to global black citizens to become more socially and politically conscious. In 1938, the phrase stay woke was part of a spoken afterword in the song Scottsboro Boys, a protest song by blues musician Lead Belly. The song described the 1931 case of a group of nine black teenagers in Scottsboro, Arkansas, who were accused of raping two white women. The francophone dimension was set at the 1956 Paris Congress where speakers like Frantz Fanon and Aime Cesaire started the Negritude movement. So, lets be clear on what it means. To be woke is an AAVE way of saying dont fall asleep. Not only that, it encourages a native relationship to black language, culture, and knowledge of social issues that arise out of lived experiences. Wokeness, I feel, is a new form of being enlightened to systemic injustices in todays world. The Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th century was supposed to be an era of new and progressive ideas. During this time, people considered themselves awakened by knowledge. Similarly, people today who identify as woke see themselves as having been awakened to a new set of ideas and value systems. There are differences between the Age of Enlightenment and the modern day. However, the fundamentals hold true. The idea that previously you were blind and now you can see is much the same. It should not be disparaged for political gain. A holy communion day treat long, long ago, of high tea in a posh hotel brought a childhood disappointment second only to learning the truth about a certain Mr S. Claus. To my dismay, I found the bacon element of bacon and eggs was really just an auld rasher which I could have had at home. But it was only the first of many menu letdowns in my life. Back in the days of lingering innocence I ventured to order le steak tartare in a Paris restaurant and waited expectantly to see what the tartare treatment would be. Utter chagrin followed as I was presented with a bowl of raw mince and some accompanying culinary folderols. My instant reaction was that I should have known better than to trust a shower who eat snails and frogs legs. Well, I should interject here that I was soon to learn to love most things French, including its cuisine. But never steak tartare. And I might as well make another point here also: I am not among the Irish who like their steaks cremated. In fact one of my far better menu memories is of having dinner with my late father in a hotel in Killarney and he mocking me for how rare, or barely cooked, my steak was. That beast has a sporting chance of living yet, he joked. So, critics might ask if Im quibbling about meat that was close to raw and meat that was totally raw. And yes, that is what Im doing and I reserve the right to do just that. Anyway, all such memories recurred the other night as I sat in a Brussels restaurant and tried, unsuccessfully, not to watch a large bearded man at an adjoining table doing battle with his steak tartare. As he ate, rather messily I have to say, he discoursed loudly about the best versions of this noxious dish which he had eaten and where. He went into a long oration on the best garnishes: egg yolk, Dijon mustard, diced shallots and capers, gherkins, parsley, tabasco and Worcester sauces. I could go for all of those provided you left out the raw mince. But it did set me to thinking a little about food history and what it can tell us about humanity. The French writer, Jules Verne, figures strongly in the story of le steak tartare, and it seems apt here that he is often dubbed the father of science fiction having given the world Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea among his 60 popular books. No, Verne did not invent this noxious concoction but he did much to popularise it via his theatre triumph in 1880 which was a stage adaptation of his own book Michel Strogoff. It is the swashbuckling story of a captain in the Cossacks charged by Tsar Alexander II to carry a letter from Moscow to Irkutsk, warning his royal brother of the imminent arrival of the Tatar hordes. In act two, our hero is offered some koulbat and enquires what that is. A shredded meat patty with eggs, he is told. The medical side of all this was pursued by a French doctor with the delightful name of Ludovic OFollowell, who in 1910 produced a book on zomotherapie that is treating illness with meat juices to you and me. Dr OFollowell, who also had a lifelong interest in corset design for women, included his recipe for steak tartare. Despite the O prefix in his surname I have not as yet been able to establish an Irish link. Given his strange range of interests, maybe I wont be trying too hard. He also wrote about the impact of bicycles on genitals. In 1938 the dreaded dish hit the big time of inclusion in the French culinary bible Larousse Gastronomique. It was recommended to be salted and peppered, with egg yolk, herbs and spices. But this one can only get worse from here. You see, real steak tartare aficionados insist on raw horsemeat rather than your sissy raw beef. This one goes back a thousand years, with legends of cavaliers putting the raw horsemeat under their saddles to tenderise it. Enter, way back in 1238, a military thug called Batu Khan. Yes, you guessed the link he was the dreaded Genghis Khans grandson. And, as he lay siege to many parts of Russia, he also spread this diced and shredded horsemeat concoction. Others will tell you this saddle story is nothing more than a popular caricature of these Mongol warriors, sometimes erroneously called Tatars or Tartars. One version of history tells us the tale was popularised by the French chronicler, Jean de Joinville, in the 13th century, and that he used the story as a way of showing that these people were uncivilised. Anyway, back with our steak tartare enthusiast who started all these ramblings. One thing he was repeatedly insistent upon was that this dish is best served having been put together by the chef, rather than by the diner at the table. That seems to be a version of dont try this at home. As the United States grows more racially, culturally and politically fractionalised, lets acknowledge the obvious: Such diversity does not automatically make the US stronger, as politicians and activists sometimes proclaim, but is a major contributor to polarisation. The best hope for civil coexistence is rediscovering the lost art of tolerance. Cataloguing all the examples of Americas sweeping multiculturalism is an impossible endeavour. It has enormous diversity of identity: White. Black. Hispanic. Asian. Native American. Straight. Gay. Trans. Non-binary. More significant is our diversity of beliefs. Pro-choice. Pro-life. Conservatives. Liberals. MAGA Republicans. Democratic socialists. Never-Trumpers. Moderates. Libertarians. Gun enthusiasts. Gun-control advocates. Climate activists. Fossil-fuel defenders. Christians. Jews. Muslims. Atheists. And more. Many Americans occupy multiple groups, and other individuals dont easily fit into any specific group. Significant numbers within certain groups will never accept the beliefs or even the right to have a voice of other groups. Too often, all they have in common is an unshakable moral certitude of the righteousness of their respective causes. Clearly, the countrys diversity is a big reason for our national disharmony. Its not popular to say that, but most Americans know it. Just examine the opinions about growing racial and ethnic diversity. In 2020, the Pew Research Centre surveyed attitudes about the US Census Bureaus forecast that in a couple of decades, black, Latino and Asian Americans will, combined, displace whites as the majority population. Most respondents said the development was neither good nor bad. Eleven per cent called it bad. Only 24pc declared such a prospect a good thing up from 14pc in 2016, but far from an endorsement of diversity, as then-candidate Joe Biden once tweeted, our greatest strength. White people are, unsurprisingly, the least enthusiastic about the shifting population shares, Pew found. But interestingly, fewer than half of black, Hispanic or Asian respondents called a more diverse population a good development, despite their projected growth. People of all races and backgrounds know diversity can be hard. The answer is not to get the hell away from each other, a cartoonists rant aside. The better path is to recalibrate the notion of what a functional multicultural society looks like. Straight white religious conservatives the group to which I can most relate face the biggest adjustment, having long been in power. But the expanding societal presence and influence of people of colour and LGBTQ+ Americans should not be stubbornly resisted, but graciously accepted. There will be cultural changes with which many of us disagree, but that will provide us the opportunity to demonstrate the tolerance toward others that we increasingly plead for ourselves. To untangle the destructive conflation of church and state, evangelicals the most partisan religious incarnation of white conservatives must rethink their approach and their objectives. They have every right as citizens to participate in government. But as disheartening as our increasingly godless society can be to many of us, neither Christian doctrine despite its cultural dominance nor any other religious creed was intended to be government policy. Besides, the Bible repeatedly reminds believers not to be so concerned with the things of this world. But progressive Americans must adjust, too, by exhibiting tolerance for conservative social and religious beliefs rather than disparaging such views as bigoted or hateful. They must show more consideration for people who are asked again and again to reject beliefs and practices that their communities have sincerely held for generations. Yes, when the practice of one set of beliefs impedes on the rights of others, courts must sometimes intervene, and all sides need to accept their decisions. But we all must be more accepting of things with which we disagree, even if they offend us. The prospect of our escalating disparity need not be so bleak. If we try, we might discover that tolerance can lead to a respectful, peaceful and even fruitful community of multi-faceted people and ideas over time. Let us pray for that or, for the non-religious, hope for it: politely tolerating each others right as Americans to choose either option. James Chawke is looking at the wrong picture on climate change (Climate change intrinsically linked to overpopulation Letters, March 27). Climate change begins and ends with greed and selfishness on the part of some of the population. This includes the destruction of natural resources worldwide, overfishing, etc. In Melbourne, each council allows two annual collections per household of large waste which is put on the kerbside on a specified date. Furniture, toys, fridges, TVs are all pulped in a waste collection vehicle and put into landfill. Also, large amounts of food are dumped daily internationally. The lifestyle of the population is what needs to be reduced drastically, and failure to do simply means Gaia will protect herself irrespective of mankind. Declan Foley Melbourne, Australia There was a time when we knew how to house citizens Back in 1950, when I was one year old, my family had the good fortune to be granted a lovely local authority house in west Cork. This was at a time when the country was impoverished and unemployment was at its highest. The difference between then and now is that the State concentrated on attempting to provide housing for its citizens, especially the poor. Before the current distraction and the lack of everything, there was the knowledge that housing people was a national priority. That successful strategy of regularity in providing local authority houses is now abandoned to all intent and purposes, with stock of housing down to almost zero. This is because successive governments have opted out of spending and building homes for those who cannot get mortgages and can barely afford to fend for themselves, due to persistent poverty. This is mainly due to paltry wages at many levels, coupled with government policy to heap blame and responsibility for homelessness on the shoulders of private landlords. This sector of property providers as a business is now portrayed, conveniently, as the new enemy of the State. It is an appalling injustice that anyone with left-leaning and quasi-republican credentials can produce rhetoric akin to the run-up to the French Revolution. Many Irish citizens have been, and are, grateful for private landlords who have housed them at crucial times and at decent rates of rent, when needed. Robert Sullivan Co Cork A special thank you to one of the countrys unsung heroes My son Jack has been in hospital for over four months. Its been a long and difficult admission for him, with many trips to theatre and a couple of admissions to intensive care. Jack is 17, he has Down syndrome and a rare auto-inflammatory disease. He has severe/profound intellectual disability and is non-verbal. He is a wheelchair user and has hugely complex medical needs. He requires 24-hour care. Jacks general paediatrician, Dr Susan Finn in CHI at Crumlin Hospital, oversees all thats going on. Jack is under the care of 12 other medical teams, and its a lot to keep track of. Jack needs some home nursing. He goes to a special school but hasnt been able to attend for three years due to Covid. He has a disability team and he attends respite in Laura Lynn. Theres a lot of management and having a great paediatrician really helps with letters, referrals and organisation. When Dr Finn walks into the room she knows how unwell Jack is by how close he is clutching his Peppa Pig toy. She has also been known to tell the nurses in ICU (in my absence) that he prefers to watch his favourite show Schitts Creek rather than the usual kids stuff. So I would like to say a big thank you to Dr Finn who helps us all the time during every admission (of which there are many) and also in between admissions and appointments. Communication has always been easy with her and I know I can confide in her all my concerns and worries. She truly listens. Dr Finn also works in the national rehabilitation hospital and has spent time with Enable Ireland. She is a real asset to our health service and maybe doesnt get the recognition for all that she does. So, thank you, Dr Finn, for all that you have done for Jack. Aisling McNiffe Ardclough, Co Kildare Keeping an eye on the weather tells us what time it really is March is famous for bringing us four seasons in a day. We seem to be experiencing as much on the hour. The clock can spring forward the weather makes its own time. Ed Toal Co Galway THE lack of affordable and accessible housing is harming Corks competitiveness and ability to attract new businesses into the city and county. Thats according to IBEC, the body that represents Irish business, which this week met with business leaders in Cork to discuss the issue of housing under the umbrella of its Better Lives, Better Business campaign. The meeting came following the recent publication of IBECs Better Housing, Better Business report, which contained a raft of measures aimed at speeding up the delivery of viable and affordable homes. A recent IBEC survey that 70% of companies identified the lack of housing for staff as a challenge to their business operations in 2023 with more than a quarter of respondents identifying the impact of housing availability on employees as one of the top external priorities for their business. Another IBEC commissioned survey found that 59% of people in Cork said their general life had dis-improved over the past five years - with 23% saying that affordable housing would make the he biggest difference in improving their lives. Speaking at this weeks meeting IBECs head of regional policy, Helen Leahy, said housing was a key component of competitiveness, it impacts on the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for investment. She said this held particular relevance for Cork, given the National Planning Framework (NPF) prediction that Cork will become the fastest growing city region in Ireland, with a projected 50-60% population increase by the year 2040. Read More A well-functioning housing sector is critical to the overall health of society and the economy and has a direct impact on the cost of living and wage demands, said Ms Leahy. The primary challenge is to deliver a housing supply sufficient to meet demand at a price level that is affordable, accessible and sustainable, she added. Ms Leahy said the there was a clear need to reinvigorate the policy drive around the availability and affordability of housing in Cork within the context of those challenges. She said this would require the implementation of the suite of recommended measures contained within IBECs Better Housing, Better Business report. These include addressing emerging financing deficits, the reform of the planning and procurement system to speed delivery, a ramping up of ambition in affordable and cost-rental housing, and significant investment in skills and modern methods of construction. From an affordability perspective, our proposed fiscal measures would reduce the cost of a typical 400,000 new home by 30,000 and this could be achieved with immediate effect, said Ms Leahy. Developer Michael OFlynn, chair and CEO of the OFlynn Group, said the ongoing housing crisis had become a particular concern for younger workers. They are being financially pressed by ever-higher rents and the receding prospect of home ownership, said Mr OFlynn. This ultimately spills over into issues around well-being and productivity in the workplace. This can be a struggle when trying to fill roles due to a lack of adequate affordable accommodation, he added. Ajnieszka Sledz (Gleneagle Group) and Alila Maslak pictured at the Kerry College Campus in Clash for the Annual Recruitment Fair on Monday morning. Ruth Borgeat and Alanna ODriscoll at the Kerry College Campus in Clash for the Annual Recruitment fair last Monday. Sean Farndon, Donal Broderick (FRS Recruitment), Marisa OSullivan and Cara Huggard at the Kerry College Campus in Clash for the Annual Recruitment fair on Monday morning. Joanna Kelly, a graduate of Kerry College who is now an employee with Bluebird Care. Joanna is pictured with Event Organiser Helen Brick at the Kerry College Annual Recruitment Fair. Kay Lanergan Ryan (Kerry College Liaison Officer), Julie Tallbet(Homestead), Carmel Daly (Homestead), Helen Brick (Kerry College Work Experience Coordinator) at the Kerry College Campus in Clash for the Annual Recruitment fair on Monday Morning. All photos by Mark OSullivan. It was an extremely busy day at the Kerry College Clash Campus here in Tralee this past Monday as both companies and students enjoyed the Kerry Colleges Recruitment Fair. This annual event helps to connect the colleges QQI level five and level six students, who are about to become graduates shortly, with leading national and global employers. The fair is one that gets the learners thinking about what positions are available and what it takes to secure these positions; as well as this, learners used the day to connect up with organisations such as Home Instead, The Gleneagle Hotel, Bluebird Care and FRS Recruitment to name but a few who were present on the day. Other attractive opportunities that were presented to students included to get meet the HOPE Foundation who were eager to recruit volunteers for overseas projects in Kolkata. Mary Murphy from Kerry College said that it was also nice to see how a year can make such a positive difference in the lives of the graduates. This was evidenced by one of last years Kerry College graduates Joanna Kelly who was at the other side of the table this year. Joanna qualified from the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support course last year and instantly secured employment with Bluebird Care. Joanna was at the Bluebird Care Recruitment Stand on Monday morning looking to recruit from the college that trained her. It feels surreal. I never thought I would be at Kerry College a year later helping to recruit staff. I am so happy that I am working with people who value my skills and where I can make a difference to peoples lives every day, she said. For me choosing a course at Kerry College was a fantastic decision and I would urge others to really give it some serious thought. Its on a day like this that you know it has all paid off, she continued. The college would like to thank all employers and organisations who came to the Recruitment Fair. The family of a Listowel pensioner facing eviction from rented accommodation has said she is stressed and anxiety-ridden at the thought of becoming homeless. Mary Allen an 86-year-old born and raised in Listowel has rented her home in the town for the past 14 years. Her landlord served her with notice of termination of tenancy in October 2022. But as the Government freeze on evictions was introduced on November 1, 2022, Mary now fears, since her notice was issued days prior to the eviction moratorium coming into law, she does not qualify and has already outstayed her notice to vacate the property. The lifting of the eviction ban was passed on Wednesday last when secured by a majority of 83 votes to 68 in the Dail. With the law officially set to change on April 1 (this Friday), it has hastened Marys sense of unease as the prospect of finding somewhere to live at her stage in life is proving worrying. Marys family is appealing to Kerry County Council (KCC) to source alternative accommodation for their mother, to help put her mind at ease. Read More Her son, Michael, explained that he contacted the Council who say they are trying their best to find accommodation but to date there has been no luck for Mary. Marys case is symptomatic of the many hundreds of people in the county living in the rented sector and who have contacted KCCs Housing Department outlining their dilemma. No one seems to be able to do anything for her. They cant just put my mother out on the street, she is an 86-year-old woman, Michael said. My mother is worrying about this for nearly a year now. Its too much for her. Shes afraid shes passed the term of eviction notice. Her mental health is clearly suffering as a result, he added. Michael revealed that KCC had offered his mother a place to live in Listowel. However, Michael insists that it is not suitable, and he fears that, because she has turned down her initial offer of a place, she will be deemed less of a priority. I know the Council are doing their best in the situation. But you cant just uproot an elderly woman and make her live in a place that is far from suitable. Im not going to name the place in question, but some of the alternative places are far from ideal, he said. My mother never asked for help in her life until now. Shes only just joined the housing list because she didnt think shed have to go on it. Its a fright that an 86-year-old woman is not getting the peace of mind she needs, he said. Mary was born in 1937 the same year that Fianna Fail leader Eamon de Valera concluded the Irish Constitution. Ironically, it did not enshrine a constitutional or legal right to housing for its citizens. Mary told Michael about how she was born at a time in Listowel when ordinary people found it difficult to find a comfortable place to live. Now, in the latter stages of her life, she said she faces another housing crisis in her town. She is a very independent woman and has lived through a lot of changes in Ireland, hard times and good times, Michael said. She is afraid to stay alone at night, so my nephew stays with her. I know theres a shortage of property; I think there should be a preference for someone her age, he added. A POPULAR restaurant chain has been given permission to convert a vacant Tralee unit into its first outlet in Kerry. The Spitjack Ltd a company based at Clieveragh in Listowel had applied to Kerry County seeking permission to convert the existing two units in the protected former alms house building at Market Place in Tralee into a single restaurant premises. The building is a protected structure and, at its rear, it adjoins a long vacant mill building which is also on the protected structures list. The planned works will involve the complete revamp of the building to convert it into a spacious, modern, two storey restaurant complex with a new, high quality shop frontage. A courtyard to the rear of the premises is also to be renovated and roofed over. Tralees Town Development Plan sets out an ambition to regenerate the square which is currently mainly used as a small council operated car park and regenerate the laneways that surround it. In their initial application and based on Kerry County Councils concept for the development of Market Place and its surrounding area the developers said the convergence of their proposal and the local authoritys future plans, which are entirely unconnected, was timely. Permission for the development was granted following and archaeological assessment and subject to eight conditions. These include a requirement that the restaurant does not offer a take-away service without securing prior permission. Company records show that The Spitjack Ltds directors are Caroline Ruth Hoban and Richard Gavin. Mr Gavin is the co-founder and co-owner of two existing Spitjack restaurants in Cork and Limerick. The Cork Spitjack restaurant opened on Washington Street in 2017 and has gone on to become one of the citys most popular dining venues for brunch, lunch and dinner. A second Spitjack restaurant was opened on Bedford Row in Limerick City Centre in 2020 and has proved just as popular as its counterpart in the Rebel County. Spitjack restaurants are described as rotisserie brasseries and the multi award winning restaurants were the first of their kind in Ireland to adopt the increasingly popular concept. The Tralee branch of the growing franchise will be the first time the chain has opened an outlet outside a city. Louth County Council is set to bring a piece of local history back home, with the purchase of an Albert clock originally manufactured in Drogheda more than 125 years ago. The mahogany cased longcase clock, which features the name of the makers B. Albert & Co Drogheda on the dial is believed to have been largely constructed in Drogheda sometime in the late 1800s. The clock is a weight driven piece, which will run for eight days on a full wind, and strikes each hour with a sonorous gong. It was owned by a family from Terenure, County Dublin where it spent several generations before being acquired by an antiques clock business in Dublin city. Read More The clock is believed to have been the work of a company founded by Reinhardt Albert from Bavaria, who emigrated to Drogheda in 1863 where he opened a jewellers, clock and watching business. His premises was located at 116 West Street, Drogheda. He is thought to have passed away on September 13, 1893, and is said to be the first person to be buried at St Peters cemetery in Drogheda. The clock has a specific local history as Albert & Co. were also, at one time, the official clock maker for the former Drogheda Corporation. Having been brought to the attention of Louth County Council in recent weeks, the local authority is delighted to confirm that arrangements are being made to have the clock installed in the council chamber at Drogheda Borough Council. Louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin welcomed the historic acquisition. This represents an important piece of local history for the town of Drogheda, and we very much look forward to bringing it back to the town to be installed at the council chamber, said Ms Martin. Four out of Louths five TDs voted against ending the ban on evictions in the Dail last week. Deputies Ruairi O Murchu (SF), Imelda Munster (SF), Ged Nash (Lab) and Peter Fitzpatrick (Ind) voted for the Sinn Fein private members motion calling for the eviction ban, which is due to expire at the end of this month on a phased basis, to be extended until January 2024, with only Fergus ODowd (FG) voting against it. The motion was defeated by 83 votes to 68, after a number of TDs from the Regional Independent Group voted with the government. Speaking before the vote, Labour Party TD Ged Nash was ruled out of order when he attempted to ask the Taoiseach how much has it cost the Government to buy the votes of the Regional Independent Group to enable them to evict thousands of people from their homes. He protested that the Dail is entitled to know what this is going to cost the taxpayer, adding There are also several pieces of legislation that will require to be amended to enable this grubby deal to be given effect. Read More Sinn Fein TDs Ruairi O Murchu and Imelda Munster were among the opposition TDS who criticised the government for not extending the ban. We often talk about unintended consequences but the Government is taking action today and beyond that will have definite consequences, said Deputy O Murchu Nobody has been able to answer where people in housing need, who are facing eviction in April, May, June and beyond, will go. I have yet to see any solutions to this. In this State, our biggest problem is accommodation, whether that is the cost of mortgages, rent or buying a house. Meeting the criteria required to do so will probably become more difficult in the next while. He said he had checked Daft.ie, and that there were only six houses available and ten in Dundalk and the surrounds. "People in my constituency office say estate agents are telling them straight out that they are dealing with people facing eviction who are already on their books. They say they will try to do something for them but they cannot. Louth County Council will say the same. And he pointed out the problems with the governments proposed tenant in situ schemes, which aim to allow local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to buy houses where tenants are facing eviction because the landlord is selling. He said: Whatever about the in situ scheme for cost rental - we will see what that looks like - there are a huge number of people who cannot avail of the in situ purchase scheme for those on a HAP tenancy. There will be a room too many or a room too few or they might not be long enough on the housing list. Unless those criteria change, that is not going to cut the mustard. Louth County Council is processing 20 applications at the minute and its target is 30. That is not going to change anything given the need that is there. We need to get real about this. The sensible thing would be not to lift the eviction ban until such time as these proposed measures are in place. His colleague Deputy Imelda Munster outlined the situation in Drogheda "Today there is no emergency accommodation in Louth - no hotel rooms, no bed and breakfast accommodation, nothing. A total of 172 people presented as homeless to Louth County Council last month, even before the eviction ban is lifted. "Today there are five properties listed on www.daft.ieto rent in Drogheda, the largest town in Ireland. At a minimum, 96 families in Louth face eviction in ten days time." The truth is that the Government has no contingency plans and no immediate solutions, she continued. The Government allowed the housing crisis and homelessness to build and build over the past decade and its policies are making the situation worse, not better. This Government's housing policies are inflicting utter misery on families and causing stress for thousands of people. To add insult to injury, the Government has now collectively decided to compound that misery while taking no responsibility for its reckless actions. There is no emergency accommodation, no hotel rooms, no bed and breakfast accommodation and no housing to speak of and yet the Government is bulldozing ahead with lifting the eviction ban. Drogheda & District Chamber is delighted to welcome Pat Cooney of Boann Distillery as their Guest Speaker at their upcoming Networking Business Lunch. Pat has been in the drinks trade most of his life and always had the ambition to own a distillery and name a whiskey. An accountant by profession and an active veteran in the Irish drinks industry, he understands what it takes to create successful, premium brands. Read More In the heart of the Boyne Valley, the Cooney family is reviving the time-honoured traditions of Irelands master distillers. It is here, in Boann Distillery, that they have set about creating the finest whiskeys. Friday, April 21, 1.15pm - 3.15pm Scholars Townhouse Hotel. Member ticket 50 Non-member ticket 60 To avail of the Members discount, contact brenda@droghedachamber.ie Places limited. Sponsored by M1 Skillnet. Dundalk Chamber of Commerce PRO Paddy Malone, the Indian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Akhilesh Mishra and Michael Gaynor, Dundlak Chamber of Commerce The Indian Ambassador to Ireland called to DkIT, Louth County Council and Dundalk Chambe of Commerce during a recent visit to Dundalk. His Excellency Akhilesh Mishra was met by Michael Gaynor and Paddy Malone representing the Chamber. and told them that he would like to create a greater connection with Ireland, outside of Dublin. In particular he wished to engage with businesses and individuals in the creative world. He also believed that there was huge potential for Irish businesses in India, highlighted the common language and similar legal structures. Read More Paddy explained the reason for the strong presence of local engineering and related businesses. He drew attention to Dundalks geographical location and the priority given by the government to the area from Drogheda to Newry along M1 Corridor. The Ambassador inquired about skills and education, and Paddy outlined the role of DkIT (which the Ambassador had visited the previous day) and that of OFiaich college and LMETB. Michael outlined the areas history and culture, highlighting Carlingford Lough and surrounds. The ambassador was familiar with Carlingford and also visited the Heritage Centre while in Louth. The Ambassador stated that he wished to return to meet any industry or creative arts business interested in collaboration with India. A number of motorists feel victim to sudden Spring tides recently, most noticeably on Bettystown beach and on Wellington Quay in Drogheda. Several cars which had been parked at the entrance to the beach on Thursday, March 23, were caught in the rising tide, and almost completely submerged. Local councillor Sharon Tolan issued a warning to other motorists to heed tide times, and not leave your car on the beach, opting instead for parking in other facilities nearby. Without the concrete blocks at least one of these vehicles would have been completely lost to the sea. We will be experiencing more very high spring tides for a number of weeks longer, so please be aware of tide times before you park and leave your vehicle. said Cllr Tolan. Read More "If youre going for lunch locally and cannot find on street parking, I strongly urge you to pay the 4 daily rate at Funtasia and know that your car will be safe from the sea!. Businesses in Drogheda were also forced to protect their premises with sandbags as tides rose over the river wall, causing extensive flooding along North Quay and Wellington Quay the same day, trapping some cars in the rising waters. Meanwhile, Cllr Tolan has welcomed the news that National Parks and Wildlife have awarded the contract for a new Mornington Dune Protection Plan to Aster Environmental Consultants. I am absolutely delighted that we are finally making progress on this very concerning and complicated issue. Our dunes in Mornington are part of a very sensitive and special habitat and continue to suffer by overuse and abuse. It is important that, collectively as a community, we do all we can to protect these dunes for future generations, before its too late, she said. It is also crucial at this stage that Meath County Council provide suitable parking for visitors to the area. This plan will need support from landowners, NPWS, Meath County Council and the public, and I am looking forward to working with everyone in the coming weeks to achieve the best outcome for this beautiful and important site. The house at Old Mill, Grange, which is being renovated by the local community to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees The community in Cooley is well known for their willingness to help those in need, be it neighbours or strangers, and have contributed to many charities and good causes over the years. Now they are about to renovate a house at Grange to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their country due to the on-going war. The project, called We Are His Hands, is led by the Parish Pastoral Council who came up with the idea at a recent meeting. "We discussed in depth on how we as a community and the surrounding areas could help in any way as this war enters its second year, said Eugene Bolten. They came up with the idea of totally renovating a house at the Old Mill, Grange, close to the landmark whitewashed Church of Saint James, as a home for Ukrainian refugees, which can all be used as a community hub at a future date, and are appealing to people to get involved. Read More "Its a bit like the RTE programme DIY SOS with Baz Ashmawy, said Eugene. "We want to give tradespeople and others in the community to get involved. The three-storey house over a basement has been unoccupied for several years and is in need of complete refurbishment. We are proposing that the renovation is carried out by volunteers from the parish and beyond. This venture is an effort to involve members of our community in providing accommodation for people from Ukraine who have had to fled from their homeland, said Eugene. They hope that tradespeople and enthusiastic DIY-ers from the peninsula and further afield will get involved and are also welcoming members of the Ukrainian community living in Dundalk to join in the project. If you can spare some time, no matter what your skills set, we would like to hear from you, said Eugene, They have set up a Facebook page We Are His Hands - that outlines the professionals, tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts that are needed to make the project a reality. The long term plan for the house would be that it would form part of a community hub that serves the needs of our community long term. It is an opportunity for people to unite in an effort to help.. Its hoped that work will get underway in the coming weeks and that the house will be completely refurbished and ready to welcome its first residents by mid-summer. Anyone interested in getting involved, should contact the Parish Office at 04 9397617 or cooleyparish@gmail.com. Those who arent in position to do hands-on work can support the project, can make a donation via the idonate link on the Facebook page. You've been framed. The design called Inspired to Meet was created by British-born stonecarver Michael Disley. Get Tweeting! The birds chatter over the controversial wall at St Peter's Hill, Drogheda. The next phase of the St Peters Hill meeting square has begun, with the recent installation of the artwork selected to adorn the Louth County Council project. The design called Inspired to Meet was created by British-born stonecarver Michael Disley, who has made over 100 public works all across the UK and Ireland in the past 25 years. The tendering process took place last year, as part of the EU Peace IV-funded commission in conjunction with the planned re-design of the space at Peters Hill, which aims to establish a new shared meeting space and to create a new identity for this area within Droghedas Heritage Quarter. Read More Artists were invited to consider ideas relating to light, incorporating light, regenerative fire, regeneration, renewal, coinciding events, church bells, sound waves, growth and regrowth, or other concepts relating to Drogheda communities, collaboration and inclusion, giving tangible form to aspects of meeting spaces. Expand Close You've been framed. The design called Inspired to Meet was created by British-born stonecarver Michael Disley. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp You've been framed. The design called Inspired to Meet was created by British-born stonecarver Michael Disley. Three artworks were submitted and as part of the community engagement and participation, members of the public were invited to give their views on which of the three design proposals would be their preferred choice. As with the first phase of the project, which included concrete seating and a curved wall, public reaction has been strong and divided on what have been called Fingerbob Mice, Daleks or Balloon Animals on Spikes! Expand Close Get Tweeting! The birds chatter over the controversial wall at St Peter's Hill, Drogheda. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Get Tweeting! The birds chatter over the controversial wall at St Peter's Hill, Drogheda. However, many are now reserving judgement on the current phase until planting begins, and whatever the final result, it is bound to get people talking, but above all, using the public space for healthy and positive pursuits. Local LGBTQ+ advocate and activist Peter James Nugent is in the running for a major national community award and is seeking support from the Drogheda area to get him across the line. Peter, who heads up the committee for the annual Gay Pride Parade committee, is a finalist in the GNI Awards under the category "Personal Contribution to the Community". The GNI MAG is a lifestyle magazine based in Northern Ireland for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen community. It's my honour to be a voice for people in my community to provide safe space for LGBTQI in the community, and continues to do so in the future, Peter told the Drogheda Independent. Read More Vote lines are now open & I'd love your support voting for me! Peter, who works as Cabin Crew with Aer Lingus, came to local prominence when he became the first Mr Gay Louth, and has since worked tirelessly to provide support, advice and awareness for the local LGBTQ+ community. Voting is available on http://gnimag.com/awards and the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in the Crowne Plaza hotel, Belfast, on Saturday, April 15. Its hard being of an age in the modern-day dating game. The field, that vast expanse of terrain you once roamed freely, has reduced in size and is now sparsely populated; a few uninterested mares chewing dully on the cud as you summon up the effort to make an approach. Those approaches must be nuanced, considered, the product of hours of planning and preparation, and include diagrams, maps and exit strategies. Even then the likelihood is your approach will be rebuffed before you get into a gallop, dismissed out of hand by a filly whos seen it all before. So, like I said, its hard; the field is small, the stock is depleted and the tactical battle is often lost before its begun. The last thing anyone needs in a situation like this is yet more competition, more options for the bored, world-weary lionesses at the far end of the enclosure. But thats exactly whats happening. At first it appeared to be a fad, a celebrity phenomenon, an option only available to the rich, bored and beautiful. Now middle-Ireland is getting in on it too. Perhaps it was the presence of one of our own in a high-profile celebrity throuple which inspired us, the sight of a lovely girl from Tipperary having her cake and eating it too which exposed the banality of regular, two-person relationships, but the shackles are now off and the farmer has opened a new field, one Im not even allowed enter. A lesbian couple in last weekends Sunday Independent People & Culture section revealed how they had incorporated a recently-divorced woman into their love affair and were now all living in perfect harmony. Not only that, the couple, who are psychotherapists, said in their practise they are dealing with a significant number of clients who are exploring polyamorous relationships. Well, isnt that great? Muggins here working like a dog to find one woman capable of loving him while over the hedge the neighbour is exploring new terrains, searching for a spark, another lover to keep him entertained during the international break. Because lets not kid ourselves here; he wont be inviting me over, offering me a spot in the middle of his marital bed (not that I would accept, honest). Throuples, at least the ones Im aware of, must be female-centric, consist of one man and two women. There are alternatives, as mentioned above, but it will be a brave woman wholl announce she is at the head of the trident, the apex of the triangle with the two lads fighting for supremacy on either side; indeed all parties in that arrangement will be viewed unfavourably, such is the society we live in today. Anyway, Im not interested in that, Im more worried about my own place in this ever-evolving romantic biosphere. Id always presumed you just needed a nice face, good personal hygiene, and a decent level of stamina to woo a woman, perhaps a well-paid job, a car with four wheels, and your own bank account for the posh ones. Now I need a woman to woo a woman. And if I dont succeed in wooing the second woman then the first woman will probably get wooed by someone else, a man with a better woman, one whos better at wooing than my one. Without any woman, as a single man, Im virtually useless, a lone, buckled bull lost in the past, slowly going mad with each passing season. At least I wont be alone; Im not a math guy but Im pretty sure this new arrangement will leave behind a worrying excess of young, single bullocks, half-heartedly mounting one another as they howl their frustrations to the wind. It wont be all bad though, we might even find a few of the bucks in the big field straining over for a look into our happy, little camp; dark circles under their eyes, hair unkempt, pockets empty, as they gaze hopefully at the communal atmosphere weve managed to create. They might even call one of us in for assistance, a hand if you will. Because for all its glamour, its promise of contentment, being in a throuple, as a man, sounds like bloody hard work. Yes, we all love the sound of it, having sprinkles, syrup and a flake on our 99s, but keeping one woman on side is a challenge for the best of us, keeping two happy surely requires a Herculean effort. And when the arguments start who do you think theyll side with? Not you. I think Ill stay in the field Im at, where its safe. Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, pictured with some of the ICA members in attendance at the launch. Some of those in attendance at the launch of the ICA exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle. ENNISCORTHY Castle unveiled its newest exhibition recently and its arrival was timely in respect of International Women's Day as it focused attention on the ICA. A large group of the organisations members gathered in the castle for the launch of the Enterprise & Determination exhibition. A spokesperson for the exhibition organisers said it was a unique display illustrating the origins and development of the Irish Countrywomens Association (ICA) and showcases the variety of crafts, skills and achievements of the ICA women through the years. Speaking at the opening event Breda Cahill, Chair of the Wexford Federation of the ICA said: I am so privileged that Enniscorthy Castle deemed the ICA and their endeavours worthy of an exhibition. Ms. Cahill focused attention on the strength and determination of the women throughout the 1950s and 1960s, when they were instrumental in improving the quality of drinking water and embraced the rural electrification scheme. Mico Hassett, the castle manager also spoke at the launch and said everyone in the castle loves highlighting the endeavours of the local community and she said there was no better way to do that that host an exhibition on the history of the ICA. Our new exhibition is called 'Enterprise and Determination', which is a quote from the Chairman of the ESB in the 1950s, reflecting on the work of the ICA in bringing electrification to rural communities, said Ms Hassett. Members of the local Wexford guilds were also in attendance at the launch and were visibly impressed by the comprehensive display, curated in-house by Ms Hassett and her team. The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, was also among those who attended the event along with Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. The exhibition will remain in place at Enniscorthy Castle until June. A screen grab from surveillance video tweeted by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shows Audrey Hale with an an assault-style weapon inside the Covenant School (Courtesy of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) The attacker who killed three students and three staff members at a US school legally bought seven guns in recent years and hid them from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said on Tuesday. The violence on Monday at the Covenant School is the latest school shooting to shock the United States. Three nine-year-old students were killed, as well as the head of the grade school, a custodian and a substitute teacher. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Police said the shooter did not target specific victims. Authorities said Hale was not on their radar before the attack. Police say Hale was under a doctors care for an undisclosed emotional disorder. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooters car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from officer Rex Engelberts bodycam, shows a woman greeting police outside as they arrive at the Covenant School on Monday. The kids are all locked down, but we have two kids that we dont know where they are, she tells police. OK, yes, maam, Officer Engelbert replies. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Upstairs are a bunch of kids, she says. Three officers, including Officer Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles. Metro Police, officers yell. Lets go, lets go, one officer yells. As alarms are heard going off in the school, one officer says, It sounds like its upstairs. Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Get your hands away from the gun, an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police earlier said Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police have said 14 minutes passed from the initial call about a shooter in the school to when the suspect was killed, but they have not said how long it took them to arrive. Surveillance video of the Covenant School grounds released by police shows a time stamp of just before 10.11am, when the glass doors were shot out by the shooter. Police said they received a call about a shooter at 10.13am but have not said precisely what time they arrived, and the edited bodycam footage didnt include time stamps. A police spokesperson did not immediately respond to an email on Tuesday asking when they arrived or whether any version of the video includes time stamps. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours on Monday, police identified the attacker as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email on Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The victims were: children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age nine. The adults were: Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of the Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Ms Peak was a substitute teacher, and Mr Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove Hale but said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake provided chilling examples of the assailants elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. President Joe Biden said he had spoken to the Nashville chief of police, mayor and senators in Tennessee. He pleaded with Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons. The Congress has to act, Biden said. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. The IRA could have gone on "forever" had the peace process had not taken place, former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has claimed. In an interview with BBC Northern Irelands news correspondent Mark Simpson ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement next month, Mr Adams said the peace process presented a viable alternative for the republican movement. "We realised that the IRA could have continued forever, because it had the base of support that it had, and it had obviously the capacity," Mr Simpson quoted him as saying during an interview at Stormont. Asked if he was serious, Mr Adams replied: Oh yes. For as long as it deemed it necessary, and had there not been the initiatives taken to present the alternative." The historic peace deal reached on April 10, 1998, brought an end to The Troubles that had raged for 30 years. It followed a ceasefire called by the IRA the previous year which allowed Sinn Fein to become involved in the peace talks. Read More Mr Adams claim about the IRA came as Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris told the House of Commons today that the terror threat level in Northern Ireland has increased from "substantial" to "severe" meaning an attack is highly likely. He cited a "small number" of individuals who remain determined to use "politically motivated violence" after the British intelligence agency MI5 raised the threat level. The decision to raise it followed a number of incidents targeting security forces in the North recently, including the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month. Meanwhile, Mr Adams said the Good Friday Agreement was possibly the most important agreement of the past century. "It's certainly the most important agreement of our time, and arguably for the last 100 years or so, he said. "It's a rather complex agreement. Interestingly enough, it's an agreement to a journey without agreement on the destination," he added. He also said revealed that he never realised how 'brave' former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader David Trimble was until his death last year. The agreement split the UUP, which was the largest unionist party at the time. Some members of the UUP negotiating team, including Jeffrey Donaldson, refused to be a party to the agreement and left the peace talks at the last minute. "Because we were so busy managing our own house, it was only when David Trimble died, and I saw some of the footage of him speaking at unionist meetings and other meetings with unionist folk, that I realised how brave he was in arguing as he was arguing," he said. He added that when Sinn Fein entered the talks in 1997 the UUP refused to engage with him or his party directly. "David (Trimble) wasn't talking to us. I met him once in the men's room, and said hello to him and he told me to 'grow up'," he said. But he said the pair came to a mutual understanding following the signing of the agreement. "Subsequently, after the agreement, I used to meet him quite often, and privately, and we got on I think quite well, and we got to know each other at a personal level." He also described death threats he received after backing the agreement as "an occupational hazard". "The issue of my life being at risk over the agreement didn't ever enter into it, and that's not to say I was a hard man or anything else. It was an occupational hazard," he said. Mr Adams, who is now 74, also revealed that he believes he will see a united Ireland if he lives until he is 100-years-old. "It will come in phases. We're actually in a process of change. I don't know if I'll live on until I'm 100 but certainly I'd like to think if I live long enough, that I will grow old in a free, united Ireland." Ukraine shut the eastern town of Avdiivka to non-military personnel yesterday, describing it as a post-apocalyptic wasteland, as Kyiv tried to break the back of Russias flagging winter offensive before a counter-assault of its own. A Ukrainian general said Kyiv was planning its next move after Moscow appeared to shift focus from the small city of Bakhmut, which Russia has failed to capture after several months of the wars bloodiest fighting, to Avdiivka further south. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff said in an evening update last night that Russian forces were still trying to storm Bakhmut and had shelled the city and surrounding towns. Front lines in Ukraine have barely budged for more than four months despite a Russian winter offensive. The Ukrainian military aims to wear down Russian forces before mounting a counter-offensive. Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said last week the counter-attack could come very soon, visited front line troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling Russian attacks on Bakhmut. Defending the small city in the industrialised Donbas region was a military necessity, Gen Syrskyi said, praising Ukrainian resilience in extremely difficult conditions. Read More Last week, the Ukrainian military warned that Avdiivka, a smaller town 90km further south, could become a second Bakhmut as Russia turns its attention there. Both towns have been reduced to rubble in fighting that both sides have called a meat grinder. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. I am sad to say this, but Avdiivka is becoming more and more like a place from post-apocalyptic movies, said Vitaliy Barabash, head of the citys military administration. Only around 2,000 of a pre-war population of 30,000 remain and he urged them to leave. Ukrainian military video showed smoke billowing from ruined apartment blocks and dead soldiers on open ground and in trenches in Bakhmut. Kyiv also said Russian forces again shelled Vuhledar, further south in the Donetsk region, where they have tried to advance for weeks with what the Ukrainian military says are heavy losses. Two people were killed and 32 were wounded yesterday after Russian forces fired two S-300 missiles at the eastern city of Sloviansk, northwest of Bakhmut, according to regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Moscow denies targeting civilians. In Russia, residents of Kireyevsk, 220km south of Moscow, reacted angrily to damage from what the defence ministry said was a Ukrainian drone it downed there on Sunday. The ministry said three people were injured and apartment blocks were hit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visited the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region yesterday, his third trip to the front line in less than a week. He awarded soldiers medals and discussed nuclear safety with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, who also travelled to the area, home to Europes biggest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control for the past year. Without an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and staff from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and adjacent areas, any initiative on restoring nuclear safety and security are doomed to failure, the presidents website quoted him as telling Mr Grossi. Railway workers demonstrate on the tracks at the Gare de Lyon train station (Thomas Padilla/AP) Striking workers waving burning flares have blocked train tracks serving one of Pariss main railway stations on a day of nationwide protests against unpopular pension reforms. Dozens of railway workers with flags and flares marched along tracks outside Gare de Lyon. It comes after a French minister warned that violent demonstrators intend to destroy, to injure and to kill. Fears that violence could mar demonstrations planned across the country prompted what interior minister Gerald Darmanin described as an unprecedented deployment of 13,000 officers, with nearly half of them concentrated in Paris. He said that more than 1,000 radical troublemakers, some from overseas, could latch on to planned peaceful marches in Paris and other cities. They come to destroy, to injure and to kill police officers and gendarmes. Their goals have nothing to do with the pension reform. Their goals are to destabilise our republican institutions and bring blood and fire down on France, the minister said on Monday in detailing the policing measures. Union leaders and political foes of President Emmanuel Macron blame his government for protest violence that has flared in recent weeks, saying his pension reforms are sparking it. Critics also allege that police officers are using excessive force against protesters. A police oversight body is investigating multiple claims of wrongdoing by officers. The striking railway workers at Gare de Lyon marched behind a banner reading: The police mutilates. We dont forgive! Everybody is getting madder, said Clement Saild, a passenger at Gare de Lyon who said he supports the strikes despite their impact on transport and other services. I am 26, and I wonder if I will ever retire, he said. Another passenger, Helene Cogan, 70, said: French people are stubborn and things are getting out of hand. The new wave of strikes and protests was the 10th time since January that unions have called on workers to walk out and for demonstrators to flood the streets in protest against Mr Macrons push to move back Frances legal retirement age from 62 to 64. Unable to get a majority in parliaments lower house for the unpopular reforms, Mr Macron rammed them through using a special constitutional power, further inflaming protesters anger. Mr Macrons opponents have urged him to cool tempers by backing down. Union leader Laurent Berger appealed on Tuesday for a pause in implementing the retirement reform and for mediation. If we want to avoid tensions and I want to avoid them what the trade unions are proposing is a gesture to calm things down, he said. It must be seized. But government spokesman Olivier Veran said mediation was not needed for unions and the government to talk to each other. The latest round of protests prompted Mr Macron to indefinitely postpone a planned state visit this week by the King. Mr Veran insisted, however, that France remains a welcoming place for visitors. Life goes on, he said. Benjamin Netanyahu caved in to pressure last night to freeze his plans for legal reforms after a day of chaos in which tens of thousands of Israeli protesters marched through cities, grounded flights and closed businesses. In a televised address, the embattled prime minister said he was pausing the reforms until the next parliamentary session in several weeks to avoid a civil war. I am taking time out for dialogue, he said, as he vowed to turn over every stone to find a solution. Protest leaders, though, rejected the delay as insufficient and vowed to continue demonstrations until the reform package is scrapped. They say Mr Netanyahus plans will transform Israel into a dictatorship by neutering the supreme court and ramping up the governments influence over the appointment of judges. The prime minister insists the reforms are necessary to strip the Israeli legal system of left-wing bias. Read More Last night, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the extreme-right police minister in Mr Netanyahus coalition, claimed he had only agreed to delaying the reforms after being given permission to set up his own national guard unit in return. Critics said this could mean Mr Ben-Gvir, who has convictions for anti-Arab racism and supporting terrorism, controlling a private militia and reflected how Mr Netanyahu is beholden to extremist coalition members. The demonstrations are the largest mass protests in the history of the Jewish state. In Jerusalem yesterday, between 80,000 and 100,000 people marched, with protests of a similar scale in Tel Aviv and other cities. The Tel Aviv stock exchange, some major retail chains and McDonalds Israel joined the strikes, with their branches closed nationwide. After lunchtime, sources confirmed Israeli embassy staff in London were joining the strike. Similar announcements from other embassies, including Washington, followed, amid reports some Israeli police chiefs were crossing sides to join the protesters. Outside the Knesset, the parliament in Jerusalem, demonstrators waved blue and white national flags and anti-Netanyahu placards. Several said the dramatic events of Sunday night, when Mr Netanyahu sacked Yoav Galant, his defence minister, for publicly criticising the reforms, prompted them to protest. There was no way I could stay at home, last night felt like the crossing of a boundary. It was the time to wake up and protest, said Nathaniel Katzir, a 44-year-old tech industry professional. I am here to join the protest against the legislation started by Netanyahu and his associates. I think hes leading us to an autocratic regime, said Yousef Kaplan (79), an Israeli army veteran and retired professor. After sundown, smaller crowds of pro-Netanyahu protesters arrived in Jerusalem, claiming the Israeli establishment was trying to override democracy via the demonstrations. We keep electing right-wing, but getting left-wing decisions, said one. Israelis have been protesting against the reforms on a weekly basis, but the sacking of Mr Galant led to a massive escalation in their scale. In response to Mr Netanyahus climbdown, Histadrut, the labour union behind the mass strikes, said they had called off a second day of strike action. But Yair Lapid, an opposition leader, said they would only join a dialogue on finding a compromise over the reforms if Mr Netanyahu abandons the current legislation process. The protests in Israel over the proposed overhaul of the judicial system are the largest and most fundamentally important in the countrys history, with repercussions that are going to continue for a long time. The reforms proposed by the hard-right coalition strike at the independence of the judiciary and take away legal checks and balances on political actions. It seems to me they will also personally help Benjamin Netanyahu, shielding him while he faces trial for alleged corruption. The sheer scale and breadth of the opposition to the measures, a widely supported general strike as well as demonstrations, have paralysed the country, with reverberations both national and international. Airports and seaports have ceased to operate, the main roads are blocked, banks, offices and shops are shut, hospitals are only providing emergency care. The diplomats union has called on members to take action the embassy in London went on strike yesterday. Even McDonalds has closed all its branches. But the most significant development for the Jewish state, which has been involved in regular wars since its birth, has been the mood in the security forces. Read More Defence minister Yoav Gallant was sacked by Netanyahu after he called for the law changes to be halted, warning that he had never seen such intensity of anger and disquiet in the Israeli Defence Forces. Growing numbers of reservists the core of the military are refusing to report for duty, causing operational problems, senior officers have warned. Among those addressing rallies has been Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, a former head of the Israeli military, saying: We are one people; whoever doesnt protect his country wont have a country, and you are protecting our country. Netanyahu and Itmar Ben Gvir, the far-right national security minister, criticised the police commissioner, Kobi Shabtai, for supposedly being too soft on the protesters. Shabtai has refused to back down, stressing: I promise that the Israel police will remain apolitical. We will be careful about equal enforcement, about freedom of protest and freedom of expression regardless of religion, race or gender and affiliation of one kind or another... And, to put it politely, no one will frighten us. The police commissioner has also stated that it was his forces duty to protect the right to protest. Demonstrations have taken place under a sea of Israeli flags and very few Palestinian ones. One reason behind this, it has been claimed, was to ensure that the government does not have the pretext for saying that Israels enemies will benefit from the legal overhaul being halted. We want the messages delivered from our protest to be only about the democratic character of Israel, Nadav Lazare, a spokesperson for one of the organisers, Movement for Quality Government, told the publication Jewish Currents. Many Palestinians, however, stated they had been too disenfranchised for the legislation to have any meaning. The protests dont mention anything that has to do with the Palestinian issue, said Sami Abu Shehadeh, a former Knesset member and the leader of the Palestinian nationalist party Balad. The issues that are brought up have nothing to do with the main problem in the region justice and equality for all the people living here. Netanyahu announced a pause on implementing his judicial overhaul. But a pause is just that and does not address the concern of the protesters on what ultimately happens. The fall of the coalition government would lead to the sixth election in four years. Netanyahu got back into power, leading the most right-wing government ever in Israel, a mixture of ultra-orthodox and extreme hardliners, last November, but he may not win next time. This takes us back to Netanyahus personal legal difficulties. This is obviously about his political survival, he will be damned whether he does stop the reform, but he will also be damned if he does not, said Professor Yuval Shany, of the Israel Democracy Institute. Why are these huge protests happening in Israel? The protests are mainly centred on Benjamin Netanyahus plans for a major overhaul of the legal system. Since Mr Netanyahu returned to power in January, Israelis have staged weekly demonstrations across the nation calling for the package to be scrapped. Most of the protesters come from Israels secular middle class, while religious conservatives who backed Mr Netanyahu and his far-Right allies in last Novembers elections generally support the reforms. However, recent opinion polls suggest that the reforms have grown unpopular across Israeli society, with a majority favouring some sort of compromise rather than a radical legal overhaul. Why are the reforms so unpopular? Critics of the reforms say they will transform Israel into a dictatorship by neutering the supreme court and ramping up the governments influence over the appointment of judges. Mr Netanyahus allies have also signalled that they could help to scrap his ongoing trial on corruption and fraud charges, which he denies. Many protests suspect that this, and not the reforms to parts of the Israeli legal system, is the real purpose behind the overhaul. The reforms have also been sharply criticised by Israeli tech and business leaders who warn that they will scare off investment and jeopardise the countrys startup nation label. Why caused Sundays escalation? On Sunday, Israel saw a massive escalation to the protest movement as tens of thousands spontaneously took to the streets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities. This time they called not just for an end to the legal reforms but the resignation of Mr Netanyahu himself. Their ire was sparked by Mr Netanyahu making the shock decision to sack his defence minister, Yoav Galant, after he publicly criticised the reforms. Mr Galant had raised concerns that the package was undermining Israeli security, in part because hundreds of reservists - who play a key role in Israels defence capabilities - were threatening to stop reporting for duty over them. Security is sacrosanct in Israel, and the notion that a leader would sack his own defence minister in an attempt to force through reforms that could hurt national security is virtually horrifying to many Israelis. Will the freeze calm down the situation? A freeze on the reforms only kicks the can down the road, probably until May. But that would allow plenty of time for some type of compromise to be hammered out with a chance of appeasing all sides. While many protesters do now appear to want Mr Netanyahu gone, their huge scale is largely due to opposition to the reforms themselves. But Israel is extremely tense this week and there are concerns of the situation deteriorating into the territory of popular uprisings or even civil warfare. Investigators seeking clues to the latest bout of mass gun violence in the US pored over a "manifesto" and other writings uncovered after three children and three adults were shot dead at a Christian school by a 28-year-old former student. Police killed the perpetrator of Monday's shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, identified by authorities as local resident Audrey Elizabeth Hale, when they stormed the Covenant School within minutes of gunfire erupting in the private church-based academy. Authorities did not immediately offer a motive for the killings. But Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in an NBC News interview that investigators believed Hale harboured "some resentment for having to go to that school" as a child. Drake did not elaborate. Expand Close Audrey Hale / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Audrey Hale Among various pieces of evidence under examination by police and FBI agents conducting an investigation were some writings by the assailant, including a "manifesto" and a detailed, hand-drawn map of the school showing various entry points, Drake said. The chief told NBC the manifesto "indicates there was going to be shootings at multiple locations and that the school was one of them." He said the Covenant School was singled out for attack but that the individual victims were targeted at random. Expand Close Family members pray during a vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for victims of the mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Family members pray during a vigil at Woodmont Christian Church for victims of the mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Reuters Authorities said Hale, armed with two assault-style weapons, one of them a rifle, as well as a 9 millimetre pistol, gained entry to the school by shooting through the window of a side door. Surveillance camera video posted online by police on Monday night shows the suspect, wearing camouflage pants and a black vest over a white T-shirt, with a red baseball cap on backwards, blasting through the glass pane of an outer door after driving up to the building in a car. The footage then shows the assailant stalking through a hallway as alarm lights flash. Expand Close A still image from surveillance video shows what the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department describe as mass shooting suspect Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, entering The Covenant School carrying weapons in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A still image from surveillance video shows what the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department describe as mass shooting suspect Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, entering The Covenant School carrying weapons in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Reuters The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department began receiving calls about a shooter at 10.13am, and arriving officers reported hearing gunfire coming from the building's second floor, police spokesperson Don Aaron told reporters. Two officers from a five-member team shot the assailant in a lobby area, and the suspect was pronounced dead by 10.27am. "The police department response was swift," Aaron said. During an earlier press briefing, the Police Chief Drake said Hale self-identified as being transgender, though Drake offered no further clarity. He and other officials repeatedly referred to the suspect with female pronouns. Hale used male pronouns on a LinkedIn page that listed recent jobs in graphic design and grocery delivery. The three slain school children, all age 9, were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. Also shot dead were staffers Mike Hill, 61, a school custodian, Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher, and Katherine Koonce, 60, listed on the Covenant website as "head of school." Reacting to the latest bloodshed in an epidemic of gun violence turning US schools into killing zones, U.S. President Joe Biden urged the U.S. Congress again to pass tougher gun reform legislation, including an assault weapons ban. "We have to do more to stop gun violence," Biden said at the White House. "It's ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation." The Covenant School, founded in 2001, is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Nashville with about 200 students, according to the school's website. The school serves preschool through sixth graders and held an active-shooter training program in 2022, local television station WTVF-TV reported. Monday's violence in Nashville marked the 90th school shooting - defined as any incident in which a gun is discharged on school property - in the U.S. so far this year, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, a website founded by researcher David Riedman. Last year saw 303 such incidents, the highest of any year in the database, which goes back to 1970. A Russian navy ship launches a missile test in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP) Russia has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The Russian defence ministry said that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 60 miles away. A spokesman said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. The Moskit, whose Nato reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. It said the exercise took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 430 miles from Japans northern Hokkaido Island. Japan does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official, noting that its location is considered Russian coast although it is facing the water between the two countries. On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russias increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, Mr Matsuki said. He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of tests. Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week. In September, Japan protested over multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands some of which are claimed by Japan and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year. This publication is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in the Indian market and includes a gu... Image Credit: Twitter Video Grab Chandigarh/IBNS: Top Sikh body Akal Takht has given an ultimatum to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and Centre over the police's crackdown against separatist leader Amritpal Singh, mdia reports said. The body has questioned why similar actions were not taken against those who demand Hindu Rashtra. Its Jathedar or spokesperson Giani Harpreet Singh has given a 24-hour ultimatum to police to release all Sikh youths who were detained in connection with the crackdown. Giani Harpreet Singh said as quoted by NDTV, "There are lakhs who demand Hindu rashtra. Those who are calling for Hindu Rashtra should also be booked .They should also be booked under NSA." Police claimed they have so far released 197 of 353 people who were taken into preventive custody. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he has asked police to release those who have no involvement with the anti-national activities. However strict action will be taken against those who try to disturb peace, added the Chief Minister. Image Credit: UNI New Delhi/UNI: The Supreme Court in its order on Tuesday declined to entertain a plea by former MP Atiq Ahmad, seeking protection, saying he is in custody and state machinery would take care of him. Ahmad is suspected to be involved in a daylight shootout on February 5 at Prayagraj, he was shifted to Naini jail from Sabarmati recently. A two-judge bench of the Top Court, headed by Justice Ajay Rastogi, asked the gangster-turned-politician to move to the High Court. Ahmad, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and gangster, his petition was filed before the Supreme Court, it alleged that there was threat to his life on his transfer to UP in connection with the Umesh Pal murder case, and thereby this Court should pass appropriate action and directions and orders to the concerned authorities for his safety and security. "The State machinery will take care of you, (Atiq)," the Supreme Court observed, in its order today and rejected the petition filed by Atiq Ahmad, seeking protection. The Apex Court also refused to record in its order that Atiq Ahmad's life is under threat. Atiq, in his plea filed before the Supreme Court, sought protection, during his custody of Uttar Pradesh police. Gangster & 5 times Uttar Pradesh State MLA, Atiq Ahmad had knocked the doors of the Supreme Court, seeking a direction that the UP Police should question him in Ahmedabad, keeping in view his apprehensions that he will be killed in an "encounter", Ahmad said, in his petition filed before the Supreme Court. Atiq Ahmad, further said that the Central and UP government be directed to protect the life and also to ensure that no physical or bodily injury or harm is done to him, in any manner whatsoever during police custody/ remand/ interrogation. Atiq Ahmad, further claimed that the Chief Minister of UP, without any investigation merely on the basis of suspicion, has made a statement on the floor of the State Assembly that he (Ahmad) will be destroyed and eliminated completely. "There is a genuine and perceptible threat to the life of the Petitioner and his family members. He along with his entire family has been roped in as accused persons in the murder of one Umesh Pal," Atiq Ahmad said, in his petition filed before the Supreme Court. Atiq Ahmad, in his petition, claimed that he genuinely apprehends and believes that he may be killed in fake encounters on one pretext or the other by UP police. "It is a deep political conspiracy against him and his family members," Atiq Ahmad said. He was MLA for 5 consecutive times and one time elected MP. Some local leaders who are holding important chairs in UP government couldn't accept the induction of his wife in Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and her name in Mayoral elections as BSP candidate because they know their fate in local bodies election as well in the forthcoming Parliament elections in 2024, Atiq Ahmad said. "So they have conspired the murder plan of the deceased, Umesh Pal who is a complainant in a case against him (Ahmad) in which his evidence got recorded 6 year ago. Image: Diana Mickeviciene Twitter page She said more research should be done on the language. Actually its a recognised, scientific fact that our language, which is my native tongue, Lithuanian is the closest living sister language of Sanskrit. We dont know how it happened, so, our idea is to research it make it more known. Its a pretty known fact in Lithuania, we take pride in this having this close connection," she told ANI. "But, its not so known in India, so our intention was to inform the people. Several years ago, our Embassy published this dictionary very symbolic, dictionary of 108 words which are identical in Sanskrit and in Lithuanian languages," she said. "They are very basic words like Madhu, Deva, Agni, Mickeviciene told ANI. Interestingly, Lithuanian Embassy in association with Vilnius University and Lithuanian Language Institute has published a dictionary of 108 words in Lithuanian and Sanskrit which sound and mean the same. These are very primary, primordial you know when humans start speaking names like fire, heaven or god, which shows that the connection is not superficial. Its not just easy borrowing from one to another, but probably a very deep down relationship which I think needs to be researched and our idea is in fact to continue the research like to find an Indian scholar of Sanskrit who will take interest in Lithuanian language to pair them up with Lithuanian scholars of Sanskrit, so that they could sit together and do something much more. We can easily have 1008 words and even more identical words, she added. Mickeviciene has launched a new initiative that highlights the linguistic similarities between Sanskrit and Lithuanian. Speaking in Hindi highlighting the relationship between India and Lithuania and her love for the Sanskrit language, she said that its difficult for her to delve into serious topics, but would like to say that she studied Sanskrit for two years. I myself studied Sanskrit for two years and I know that its far from just words, its grammar is quite related. So, very big similarities, conjugation of verbs and declinations of nouns, deep down its very structural connect, said the Lithuanian envoy. In our universities, these are the language of scriptures and my study dealt with reading, understanding and translating Sanskrit but not speaking. I can talk in Hindi, I learnt Hindi 2-3 times and forgot it. I came to India this time with serious intention to learn Hindi and within six months I think that I can give a full interview in Hindi, she added. Image Credit: Twitter/ Lalit K Jha Washington/IBNS: The National Press Club, the world's leading professional organization for journalists, Tuesday condemned the attack on Indian journalist Lalit K. Jha of the Press Trust of India, as he was covering a protest by Khalistani forces at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC last week. In a statement, National Press Club President Eileen O'Reilly said: "We are dismayed that Lalit, a senior correspondent for PTI was harassed, abused and eventually struck in the side of the head by a stick swung by Khalistan protestors outside the Indian Embassy." Reacting to the action taken by US Secret Service over the issues, he said: "By all reports the Secret Service did a great job, stepping in and warning the protestors and calling for more officers to secure the perimeter so journalists including Lalit could continue to report safely." In recent days, there have been similar protests at Indian consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, the National Press Club stated. "Bundles of stout sticks are brought in and used to threaten and intimidate journalists and others during the protests. Journalism is a dangerous business and without some quick work by the Secret Service, Lalit might have been more seriously injured," the organisation said condemning the threat of journalism. "We urge those who protest around Embassies and Consulates to follow the U.S. laws related to Press Freedom at all times and we commend the Secret Service and local police for acting quickly to ensure the safety of Lalit and other reporters working there," O'Reilly said. The Indian Embassy in the US earlier condemned the attack on Lalit. In a statement, the Embassy had said: " We have seen disturbing visuals of a senior Indian journalist from the Press Trust of India being abused, threatened & assaulted physically while covering so called Khalistan protest in Washington DC earlier today." "We understand that the journalist was first verbally intimidated, then physically assaulted, and fearing for his personal safety and well being, had to call in law enforcement agencies, who responded promptly," read the statement. The Embassy also thanked law enforcement agencies for their prompt response in the matter. Journalist Lalit Jha also tweeted a video of the incident and thanked the US Sceret Service for helping him. Thank you @SecretService 4 my protection 2day 4 helping do my job, otherwise I would have been writing this from hospital. The gentleman below hit my left ear with these 2 sticks & earlier I had to call 9/11 & rushed 2 police van 4 safety fearing physical assault. pic.twitter.com/IVcCeP5BPG Lalit K Jha (@lalitkjha) March 25, 2023 He wrote: "Thank you @SecretService 4 my protection 2day 4 helping do my job, otherwise I would have been writing this from hospital. The gentleman below hit my left ear with these 2 sticks & earlier I had to call 9/11 & rushed 2 police van 4 safety fearing physical assault." Guwahati: The Election Commission has strongly rejected the Congress partys allegation that the delimitation process in Assam is a "pre-determined move" and is a match-fixing between EC and BJP, media reports said. Reacting to the accusation, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference in Guwahati said that the EC does not take dictation from anybody. As a commission, our process depends on two foundations - disclosure and participation," reported NDTV. Every community across the state will be considered fairly, within the legal framework, and adhering to principles of equity, he added. The ECs response came a day after Congress skipped a meeting with the poll body to discuss delimitation in Assam. Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah said that the Congresss Assam unit has submitted a memorandum to the EC in New Delhi, raising several doubts about the redrawing of district boundaries, according to the report. However, the EC is yet to give a reply on those issues, Borah said, adding that the party is ready to meet and discuss with the EC but first, we need to get a reply to our queries. CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Anup Chandra Pandey & Shri Arun Goel reached #Guwahati on a 3 day visit in relation to #delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in the State of #Assam pic.twitter.com/U0kzEiGr35 Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) March 26, 2023 "Now they are only giving 1015 minutes, and we don't think meeting them will be of any use," Congress MLA and Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia said yesterday, the report said. "We see that EC has a pre-determined motive behind this process. We get a feeling that there is a match-fixing between the EC and BJP, since December 27, the EC made a press note on delimitation in Assam and on December 30, the Assam cabinet passed a resolution to merge four districts, altering district boundaries in the state. And on January 1 this year, the EC issued the notification. What does this mean?" Borah was quoted as saying by NDTV. During their closed-door meetings with the Election Commission (EC), the AIUDF and Trinamool Congress, the other opposition parties, have expressed concerns about various aspects of the process, including the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC), the timing of the delimitation exercise before the 2024 general election, and fears that the boundaries of constituencies with a Muslim majority may be altered. The Chief Election Commissioner is currently in Guwahati for a period of three days, during which they will be holding consultations with various stakeholders, including political parties and civil societies, regarding the delimitation process in Assam. The process of delimitation, which involves the redrawing of territorial boundaries for assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Assam based on the 2001 census, had been stalled for a period of 14 years. The previous delimitation exercise in Assam was conducted in 1976. The commission also met 60 civil society organisations from different parts of Assam and senior officials of district administration from all Assam districts, the Chief Election Commissioner said. The primary recommendations put forth included utilising the recent census data (from 2021, rather than 2001), expanding the number of assembly and parliamentary segments, increasing the representation of SC and ST communities, and ensuring proportionate delimitation even in regions with a smaller population. Some groups also suggested taking into account the uneven population growth in Assam. Rajiv Kumar said there will be no change in the assembly and Lok Sabha seats despite the delimitation process. He said the poll body took up the delimitation process duty after the ministry of law wrote to EC, adding that the delimitation process in Assam was taken up in 2002 but was put on hold. The Election Commission will entertain suggestions till April 15 for anyone and after that the draft will be published. Another one month will be allowed for suggestion on the draft, he added. The CEC also pointed out that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the delimitation process are two separate issues and there is no legal binding to carry out the two processes parallelly. "The delimitation process is not timing driven. There is support from all to complete the delimitation process quickly," Rajiv Kumar was quoted as saying in the report. Image Credit: Twitter/BJP4India New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday attacked the opposition for bonding over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi 's disqualification from the Lok Sabha following a two-year-jail sentence in a defamation case. In one of his strongest speeches outside of election campaigns, while inaugurating BJP central office, PM Modi targeted the entire opposition in the wake of an effort by 14 parties' move to go to the Supreme Court, alleging misuse of central agencies. In a petition, the opposition parties have told the top court that agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have only been targeting the political opponents of the BJP. PM Shri @narendramodi inaugurates newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.) in presence of BJP National President Shri @JPNadda in New Delhi. https://t.co/T3lWugjM5o BJP (@BJP4India) March 28, 2023 The court will hear the case on April 15. Targeting the opposition over this, PM Modi said: "All those faces indulged in corruption are coming together on one stage. The country is watching how the previous governments have misused the powers of probe agencies." "Our constitutional institutions are our foundation, and therefore our very foundation is being targeted and defamed to stop the development of India." "Conspiracies are being hatched to end the credibility of our institutions," the PM said. He said agencies are being attacked when they take action and questions are being raised in courts. "In the last 9 years, the BJP ran a campaign against corruption, which has rattled the corrupt and corruption. Whenever BJP comes to power, it causes a big blow to corruption," PM Modi said. "Some parties have started 'Bhrashtachari Bachao Abhiyan'," he said in a sharp dig at the Congress's 'Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March'. The Prime Minister also supported his party's claims of curbing corruption by providing data for the same. "Under PMLA (law against money laundering) during the Congress rule, a total of 5,000 crores was confiscated. But under the BJP, we have confiscated about 10,00,000 crores. Twenty thousand economic offenders who have fled, have been caught by us," he said. For the "first time in seven decades," such action is being taken against the corrupt, the Prime Minister claimed. "When we will do so much, then some people will be upset and will be angry but the action against corruption won't be stopped because of their (Opposition) false allegations," he added. Image Credit: wikipedia.org In an apparent change of stand on the Doklam issue, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said Beijings involvement carries equal weight in finding a solution to the dispute over the high-altitude plateau. Tshering has stressed there are three of usIndia, Bhutan and Chinawho need to sit down and discuss resolving the problem. ''It is not up to Bhutan alone to solve the problem,'' said Prime Minister Lotay Tshering in an interview with the Belgian daily La Libre, reported NDTV. ''There are three of us. There is no big or small country, there are three equal countries, each counting for a third.'' Tsherings assertion that China, too, has a stake in resolving the dispute is in contrast to Indias stance that Beijing has been illegally occupying the area. The Bhutanese prime ministers statement is a matter of deep concern for New Delhi because of Doklams proximity to the crucial Siliguri corridor, which acts as a narrow buffer separating India's Northeastern states from the rest of the country. In 2019, Tshering told The Hindu that ''no side'' should do anything near the existing trijunction point between the three countries ''unilaterally" Now, Bhutan's Prime Minister says, ''We are ready. As soon as the other two parties are ready too, we can discuss.'' The shift indicates that Thimphu is open to discussing the status of the tri-junction in Doklam between India, China and Bhutan, which lies at the centre of the dispute. The trijunction point, which is shown on global maps for many years, is located at Batang La. China's Chumbi Valley is situated north of Batang La, Bhutan is situated to the south and east, and India's Sikkim state is located to the west. However, China wants to shift the trijunction 7 km south of Batang La to a point called Mt Gipmochi. In that case, the entire Doklam plateau would come under China's legal jurisdiction, which would be unacceptable to New Delhi. In 2017, a tense confrontation between Indian and Chinese soldiers lasted over two months. The Indian soldiers had entered the Doklam plateau to halt China's unlawful construction of a road leading to Mount Gipmochi and the Jhampheri ridge. The Indian Army's stance is unequivocal - the Chinese Army cannot be permitted to occupy Jhampheri, as it would provide them unobstructed access to the Siliguri corridor. Image Credit: facebook.com/bankurauniversity Kolkata/IBNS: A recruitment notice by West Bengals Bankura University, inviting PhD or NET-qualified candidates as guest lecturers at a meager remuneration of Rs 300 per class, has triggered a wave of criticism. This comes after the Bankura Police tried to recruit civic volunteers as supplementary teachers for primary school students under a scheme called Ankur. After the move came under immense flak, the state government said the scheme wasn't approved and directed the district authorities to put it on hold. The University of Bankura issued the notice on March 24 for the recruitment of four temporary lecturers in its physics department. According to the notice, one candidate will be recruited for Electronics, and two candidates will be recruited for Nano Science. However, no specific subject has been fixed for the other vacancy. The appointed lecturers will have to take a total of four classes per week. They will be paid a remuneration of Rs 300 per class. If the number of applicants is low and a few people are appointed, the number of weekly classes may be increased, reads the advertisement. Since posting the advertisement, the university has drawn widespread criticism for seeking highly qualified candidates with PhD or NET, a benchmark for competence for teaching at the university level in India, at the rate of Rs 300 per class, which amounts to a paltry Rs 4,800 per month for four classes a week. Condemning the notice, Union Minister of State for Education Subhas Sarkar termed the matter painful and astonishing. Now, will there be recruitment of civic professors? It seems the state government wants to hire civic professors just like civic police. Is the economic condition of West Bengal so bad? he asked. Slamming the bizarre notice, Bankura District Secretary of CPI (M) Ajit Pati said, This notification is an example of how to destroy the education system. If a lecturer is paid Rs 300 per class, they will have no liability to do a good job. This is nothing but a conspiracy to destroy the states education system. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress is yet to see a fault or even a reason to admonish the university authorities in the entire issue. Trinamool leader and former state minister Shyamal Santra claimed that the opposition is trying to spread confusion. "Education cannot be linked with monetary value. Both BJP and CPI (M) have lost peoples faith and are disconnected from their issues. That's why they want to survive by promoting these things on social media," he said, according to a report in the media. Meanwhile, social media is in a frenzy over the remuneration issue. Several netizens asked how highly educated candidates could be asked to teach for Rs 4,800 per month. Many of them said the pay being offered to guest lecturers is even lesser than what had been set for temporary and contractual sweepers in the university. A notification issued by Bankura University on 19 December last year for the recruitment of sweepers on contractual and temporary basis stated a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000. Meanwhile, a professor at IIT Bombay tweeted Bankura Universitys notification and questioned the standard of education in Indian institutes. He wrote, "MSc in Physics with NET or PhD. Per class salary INR 300!!!! 4 lectures a week, monthly 12 lectures, total 4800!!! My maids per day salary (for working abt 2 hrs) is more than that. After this, we ask why our education quality is bad! " MSc in Physics with NET or PhD. Per class salary INR 300!!!! 4 lectures a week, monthly 12 lectures, total 4800!!! My maids per day salary (for working abt 2 hrs) is more than that. After this we ask why our education quality is bad!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Ex08jiAh08 Abhijit Majumder (@abhijit_MLab) March 27, 2023 Bankura University is a public university established through an Act of the West Bengal legislature. The university provides both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Image: Pixabay New Delhi: Indian airlines major Air India on Tuesday inaugurated non-stop flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, the UKs second-largest airport. Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia flagged off the inaugural flight in a virtual ceremony. Cabinet Minister of Civil Aviation, Gujarat, Balvantsinh Rajput attended the event along with Secretary, Civil Aviation Rajiv Bansal and Air India MD & CEO Campbell Wilson. Dignitaries and senior executives at Ahmedabad Airport were also present on the occasion. The inaugural flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick departed on time at 1150 hrs, scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 1640 hrs (local time) today. At the inauguration of the non-stop flights, Honble Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, said, Today marks an important day for Ahmedabad and Gujarat, as Indias flag bearer airline, Air India, commences its direct flight from Ahmedabad, Manchester of the East, to London Gatwick. The introduction of this route will open more business avenues and further strengthen investment opportunities between the two nations. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the entire Air India team for re-envisioning the dream of the legendary JRD Tata of making Air India a premier airline globally. Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India, said, As part of our five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, we aim to grow our domestic and global network significantly to improve Indias connectivity with the rest of the world. We are delighted to launch servicesfrom Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which will continue to boost trade and tourism between the two nations and help a large number of people from the Indian diaspora stay just a flight away from Gujarat. It is estimated that over 8,00,000 Gujaratis call the UK their home, making the Gujarati diaspora in the UK to be, arguably, the largest in the world. The flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick will be operated three times a week using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 Business Class and 238 Economy Class seats. This week, in addition to flights from Ahmedabad, Air India has also launched non-stop flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi while increasing the frequency to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai. In total, the airline now operates 49 flights per week between India and the UK, including six flights a week to Birmingham from Delhi and Amritsar. Image: Pixabay Kolkata: Log huts built under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Tehri district of Uttarakhand state were awarded as runner-up in the category of Best Log Huts at Chintan Shivir organized at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. The state was honoured by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in lieu of the best practices and good works adopted under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Representatives of different states are participating in this two-day Chintan Shivir. State Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj from Uttarakhand attended the Chintan Shivir. During this, he was honored by G. Kishan Reddy, Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Government of India. On this occasion, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said, The honor bestowed upon Uttarakhand is a reflection of the good work we have done. Recently, the state has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of adventure, responsible, and sustainable tourism. These recognitions motivate us to improve significantly. The Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0 is developing the tourism infrastructure at Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh, Om Parvat, Munsyari, and Chuka in Champawat. While places like Katarmal, Jageshwar, Baijnath Devidhura, etc. are being developed as heritage circuits." He said, Being honoured in the Best Log Huts category is something to be proud of. To make the state the best log hut destination, 20 log huts have been built at Sirai in Tehri under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, at a cost of 11 crores 30 lakh . Log huts would prove to be a milestone for tourism in the modern era. A log hut is not just environment friendly, It also acts as an insulator, providing tourists with a cool environment in summer and a warm environment in winter." Image: pixabay Lisbon: At least two people were stabbed to death at a Muslim centre in Lisbon city of Portugal, media reports said on Tuesday. The attack took place at the Ismaili Centre. The suspect, who was in possession of a large knife, is reportedly of Afghan origin, reports BBC. According to reports, the police detained the attacker later. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said it appeared to be "an isolated act" and discussing a possible motive was "premature", reports BBC. The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Nizari Ismailis in the countries and regions in which they are established, characterised by the Aga Khan IV as 'ambassadorial buildings'. Pixabay Thimpu: More than 400 DeSuups activists participated in a half-day cleaning, maintenance, and garden development along Norzin Lam in Thimphu on Mar 26, media reports said. The activity was a part of the Thimphu Greening and Beautification programme which not only cleans and beautifies the capital but also aims to spread awareness of the need for peoples collective effort and responsibility in keeping the county clean, reports The Bhutan Live. The DeSuups were divided into 28 groups. They carried out their works along Norzin Lam. According to the Chief Planning Officer of the DeSuung office, apart from beautifying the town, the program is implemented to create awareness and encourage residents to join in to maintain green and clean spaces in Thimphu hereafter. This time it is more of an awareness program. Looking at the young volunteer DeSuups work, residents of all Dzongkhags should initiate and take responsibility to do the same. If there is any maintenance work, be it in front of their shops, houses, or street, it will be easier for everyone if one takes up the responsibility. This is the actual national service in fulfilling His Majesty The Kings vision, Tandin Dorji, Chief Planning Officer of the DeSuung office, told The Bhutan Live. According to the DeSuung officials, they also aim to conduct similar programs in other districts. One of the DeSuups shared that the residents should be responsible and mindful of their waste. We cannot be there all the time. Most of the waste generated is household waste. If people could take care of their waste, it would help in greening and beautifying our town, Tshering Dendup, a DeSuup, told the news portal. Pixabay Gilgit: Residents of Skardu area of Pakistan might be facing severe water shortage as the water level in Sadpara dam has fallen to a dead level, media reports said. The dam, southwest of Skardu, is the citys only water source which caters to the residents drinking, irrigation and other needs and also generates electricity, reports Dawn News. Due to the shortage, drinking water is being supplied to Skardu town only during sehri and iftar hours. A local, Shakoor Abdullah, told Dawn that currently, Skardu residents were facing power outages of up to 22 hours while no drinking water was being supplied for 20 hours. The water shortage has become more serious since the start of Ramazan, Ishaq Jalal, who is one of the approximately one million residents of Skardu, told the newspaper. He said locals only get drinking water during sehri and iftar hours. Jalal said the only solution to overcome the shortage was the diversion of water from nearby streams into the dam. Unfortunately, the plan was yet to be materialised even after many decades, he said. Locals have criticised Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) officials for mismanagement and failing to ensure water and power supply to Skardu. A Wapda official told Dawn that currently, the water level in Sadpara dam has fallen to a dead level. Following the decrease in water level, drinking water is being supplied to Skardu at particular hours, he said. Image: Maryam Nawaz Sharif Instagram page Islamabad:Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz has slammed former PM Imran Khan and said his PTI's politics is all about protecting personal agenda by creating chaos and unrest in the country. He said Khan has nothing to do with the problem of the people. Addressing the office bearers of PML-Ns lawyers wing here, she was quoted as saying by Pakistan Today that the decision of PTI to dissolve assemblies in the Punjab and KP was also aimed at creating anarchy and turmoil in the country as this cabal was not concerned about resolving public issues. She said that the PML-N was never afraid of going into elections rather it was ever ready and would win the elections whenever held. However, she said that her party wanted level playing field as nobody was above the law. She said Panama papers case was to target the elected government of Nawaz Sharif as nothing was proved against Nawaz Sharif and then he was disqualified for just having an iqama. Nawaz Sharif gave the narrative of sanctity of the vote in the country, she added. Maryam Nawaz said that PTI chief blatantly violated the law and the constitution but no action was initiated against him. She said the PML-N believed in serving the masses and its performance in the past was the evidence. Whereas, the previous PTI government did nothing for the welfare of the masses and it was responsible for current inflation in the country. She said PTI Chief Imran Khan was hiding himself in Zaman Park and avoiding to appear in the courts to face cases against him. Maryam said the PML-N always showed respect for the courts and its leadership presented themselves for accountability. The PML-N leadership faced fabricated cases during the previous PTI tenure however all of them presented themselves for accountability but nothing was proved against anyone. Image Credit: Tomasz Filipek via Unsplash Tribal elders in Bara tehsil of Khyber district of Pakistan have stopped women from visiting the officially designated points for the distribution of free flour to save them from what they call humiliation. The ban on women was imposed by Shalobar Qaumi Council (SQC), a body of tribal elders, in a meeting held in Bara on Sunday, reports Dawn News. SQC decided to allow only male members of the eligible families to collect free flour, citing tribal customs and traditions as reason for imposition of the ban. The SQC members told Dawn News that some women of Bara were maltreated during the flour distribution so they decided to keep them away from such a hectic exercise. They said that as per the procedure, it was not mandatory for women only to collect their share of free flour as any of the male members of the relevant family could do the job. It is rather insulting our womenfolk than helping them in the name of provision of free flour as the distribution points are overcrowded with men, pushing their way into the crowd to collect their share of flour bags, they told Dawn News. Image: Pixabay Khyber: Scores of enraged tribesmen blocked the Torkham highway on Sunday before Iftar to protest against loadshedding in Landi Kotal, media reports said. The protesters alleged that the local grid station staff had subjected them to almost 20 hours of loadshedding since the start of Ramazan despite assurance by the officials that electricity supply would be ensured for six hours daily, reports Dawn News. They told the newspaper that loadshedding was also conducted at Iftar and Sehr, causing difficulty to the women in preparing meals. It is to mention here that the Tribal Electric Supply Company (Tesco) had in February announced curtailing the power supply to only two hours in the tribal districts due to suspension of the federal governments subsidy, which provided free electricity to the tribesmen, the newspaper reported. The tribesmen, however, resisted the decision by holding protests and besieging local grid stations. Season 4 opener "The Munsters" creates quite a stir in the Roy family. As Shiv (Sarah Snook), Kendall (Jeremy Strong), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) try to buy their father's liberal-leaning news network, Pierce, they fight head-to-head with Logan (Brian Cox), their estranged father. Tom (Matthew MacFadyen) played the role of clumsy Roy middleman, and the kids ultimately won in a nail-biting game of chicken. It appears that the previous season's events have ended Shiv and Tom's marriage for good, even though the recently created trio of Kendall, Roman, and Shiv could be capable of succeeding their dad in business. While Tom and Shiv are "taking a break" at the beginning of Season 4 of Succession, it appears they have officially broken up in one of the premiere's final moments. Does it imply Tom and Shiv can no longer be friends? Why is it logical that their marriage has collapsed under these latest severe complexities? On the HBO show, Tom betrayed Shiv and her brothers in their plot to push their father out of power. They were shocked to hear that Logan had made a deal with their mother, Caroline (Harriet Walter), turning her against Shiv, Kendall, and Roman when they approached to make the kill. Even though Logan Roy was still in charge, his three most promising successors had been crushed, and Shiv had discovered that Tom was behind their failure. A Still From Succession To capture Shiv's horrifying epiphany, filmmaker Mark Mylod kept the cameras rolling in the closing scene of Season 3 of Succession. Although Shiv is jealous of Tom's time with Naomi Pierce (Annabelle Dexter-Jones), and it's evident from the beginning of Season 4 Episode 1 of Succession that the couple is on a break, the marriage doesn't start to fall apart until much later in the episode. Succession spoiler | Sarah Snook on the breakup scene: [Shiv is] wanting Tom to stop her but he doesnt. pic.twitter.com/bdcTkE1ivX best of sarah snook (@bestofsnook) March 27, 2023 Decoding the 'Break up' scene: Shiv heads back to her Manhattan apartment to grab some clothes after successfully wooing Nan Pierce (Cherry Jones) to sell her family's media company. We find out that she has been gone from the home where she lives with Tom for so long that even their dog, Mondale, has forgotten who she is. the way shiv's talking about greg and making it sound like he's the one tom's fucking oh this is sick pic.twitter.com/VCER1loENq #_# (@gaybakshi) March 27, 2023 Tom and Shiv both seem shocked to see each other inside the house. Tom figured she was "hoteling" and had packed up her clothing in advance. This leads to an unpleasant exchange between two people whose relationship has ended. Succession spoiler | Sarah Snook on the breakup scene: [Shiv is] wanting Tom to stop her but he doesnt. pic.twitter.com/bdcTkE1ivX best of sarah snook (@bestofsnook) March 27, 2023 Shiv questions if they should make their split "official" or whether there is still hope for them. Tom is eager for a chat. Shiv does not, and she communicates this by stating, "To hear all that is not healthy for her." Tom makes a final, weak attempt to woo Shiv, but she is clearly over him. thefact that shiv sees being emotional and vulnerable as a weakness to the point where she cant even actually talk to tom but she still took his hand and didnt let go she just has to pic.twitter.com/Aefvuzseop deb (@theymitri) March 27, 2023 Given that Tom's role in the relationship up to this point has been that of Shiv's faithful lapdog, his betrayal has thrown the dynamic of their partnership into disarray. tomshiv edit fancam fc succession shiv roy tom wambsgans sarah snook matthew macfadyen pic.twitter.com/WA7M4SsgVM wyattsbett films (@kimmywexIer) March 27, 2023 What went on behind Tom and Shiv's breakup scene that has broken the hearts of Succession fans? starting my sarah snook and matthew macfadyen awards campaign early (@KATEBlSCHOP) March 27, 2023 Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen just secured those Emmys with this episode #Succession pic.twitter.com/d1reGXdFuT iamtony (@antonyxab) March 27, 2023 one Succession episode and Sarah Snook (Shiv) and Matthew MacFadyen(Tom) already made a case for Emmys. The Cunt of Monte Cristo (@timiretimzzy2) March 27, 2023 SARAH SNOOK AND MATTHEW MACFADYEN BETTER WIN THE TONS OF AWARDS BECAUSE THEY'RE TOO AMAZING THIS SEASON rie | scream 6 spoilers (@7ringstarkey) March 27, 2023 Just from the first episode i can say that, GIVE SARAH SNOOK HER EMMY #Succession pic.twitter.com/AZeCR7ukNP BX (@Dlbix) March 27, 2023 Just give them the Emmy's already! Sarah Snook is bloody brilliant displaying the toxic and insecure Shiv. Mathew Macfayden brings in the much-needed nuance & tenderness to this exploitative power couple dynamic. Shiv & Tom are the portrait of tragic love.#Succession pic.twitter.com/kpSFWmQZ5T Akash Dey (@SkyDey13) March 27, 2023 the way this is some of the most tender affection weve ever seen between tom and shiv and its only because theyve decided to split up and know they wont have to deal with the repercussions of it pic.twitter.com/VEcMTF7itK grace (@amandayoungdyke) March 27, 2023 tomshiv laying on their bed at opposite angles holding hands and saying so this is it huh and we gave it a go oh i feel sick what the fuck #Succession pic.twitter.com/Wh4PPZfcUu succession lockdown (@JOELSMILLRR) March 27, 2023 does shiv love tom? i think she does. i think in her own way, whatever level of messed-up that is, she does.i think, yes, she does love being loved by him. i think she needs him, and i think that scares her that she does. pic.twitter.com/JS6Y9k1qzj (@judesrivers) March 27, 2023 Tom and Shiv holding each others hand and saying well we made a go of it I shed real tears #SuccessionHBO pic.twitter.com/wuQUUIgN9o JB (@truerself) March 27, 2023 "I think in the intervening weeks and months he will have realized she knows", said Jesse Armstrong, the show's creator and executive producer, who elaborated on the idea that Tom and Shiv avoided facing these horrific events by dodging it between Seasons 3 and 4. "I think its too sensitive for her to admit that someone played her," Snook said, detailing Shivs reaction. "Shes always trying to escape any situation that means she has to be vulnerable." Macfadyen feels compelled to bring it up to defend his behaviour toward Siobhan. A Still from Season 3 "I guess there is a feeling from Tom that they need to discuss it at some point, if for no other reason than for him to sort of stick up for himself and explain why he did what he did," he said. And yet, Shiv repeatedly shuts the conversation down. A Still from Season 4 Armstrong explained that for Shiv to have that conversation would be reopening one of her life's most profound betrayals. "People have their versions of her psychology. Still, I guess she cant quite stand to be so powerless when betrayed and doesnt want to go back to it even if it would involve hearing an apology or an explanation," the showrunner said. Snook speculates that Shiv was drawn to Tom's risky move because she is a power player; however, for their marriage to be fruitful, Shiv must remain in the driver's seat. A Still from Season 4 "In some ways, she finds it attractive, standing up for yourself and fighting back, but I think she needs Tom to be subordinate to her because its safer that way." The power dynamics influence Shiv's behaviour toward her siblings at home; she and her brothers and sister fight with their father to win the bid for Pierce. "She has to feel just as powerful with something external from her father, from the family business," Snook said. The whole making-of-the-breakup scene is available in the clip above. The season 4 premiere of "Succession" is streaming on HBO Max. (To read more such stories related to movies and shows released on OTTs, keep reading Indiatimes BINGE) Amritpal Singh has been yet again spotted in CCTV footage from the national capital that has surfaced on social media. BCCL The video time stamp suggests that it was captured on March 21, three days after the police moved in to arrest him in Punjab on March 18. A bid to evade police In the footage, Amritpal Singh is seen without his turban, apparently in an attempt to dodge the police. Apart from that, he is also donning sunglasses and a denim jacket. The radical leader's aide Papalpreet Singh can also be seen in the clip; both wore masks to disguise their identities. Fugitive Amritpal spotted on streets of Delhi without turban & wearing mask on 21-Mar. As per last update, he fled Nepal.pic.twitter.com/HZGc7aDCqv The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) March 28, 2023 As per media reports, Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh came to Delhi via Kurukshetra in Haryana. Close to catching Amritpal: Punjab govt Meanwhile, the Punjab government on Tuesday told Punjab and Haryana High Court that they are close to catching Amritpal Singh. The court of Justice N S Shekhawat was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody. The habeas corpus plea was recently filed by Khara, claiming Amritpal Singh was in "illegal custody" of police. During the resumed hearing in the matter, Punjab Advocate General Vinod Ghai told the court that Amritpal Singh has not been arrested yet. Speaking to reporters outside the court building, the petitioner said the AG informed the court that they were close to catching Amritpal Singh. Nepal puts Amritpal on surveillance list India's Himalayan neighbour Nepal has already put Amritpal Singh on its surveillance list as he could attempt a border crossing using a fake passport. Yesterday, a photo of Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh having an energy drink appeared on social media. Officials said it was taken a day after the police operation to catch him began, according to news agency PTI. Twitter Amritpal Singh leads "Waris Punjab De", a radical community created by actor and activist Deep Sidhu. Amritpal is accused of attempted murder, obstruction of law enforcement, and creating disharmony. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Xi says China ready to contribute more to Middle East peace, development Xinhua) 14:18, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make all-out efforts to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era and contribute more to peace, stability and development in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday. Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the outcomes of his state visit to Saudi Arabia, the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit last year, and continue to firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, Xi said. The Chinese side also stands ready to expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with Saudi Arabia, and push for greater development of China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Artificial intelligence is on everyone's mind, and it has caused quite a stir among the general public. Furthermore, some curious individuals are experimenting with AI-based tools and creating images. Now, an AI-generated image of Pope Francis wearing a fashionable long, white puffer jacket is making the rounds on the internet. On Twitter, a user named Nikita S shared the now-viral image. Pope Francis was photographed wearing a posh puffer jacket and a zucchetto skull cap. Viral 'Picture' Of Pope Wearing A Designer Puffer Jacket Is Generated By AI The boys in Brooklyn could only hope for this level of drip pic.twitter.com/MiqkcLQ8Bd Nikita S (@singareddynm) March 25, 2023 The caption for the AI image, which is definitely fake, read: "The boys in Brooklyn could only hope for this level of drip." The image has garnered a lot of attention with over 20 million views, 22.2K retweets, 229.1K likes and 4,760 bookmarks. Twitter/@singareddynm The post went insanely viral online prompting a slew of amusing and cheeky responses from Twitter users. One of the users said, Wait is this real or is it Midjourney? Either way, that papal drip is just ." Wait is this real or is it Midjourney? Either way, that papal drip is just Robert Sterling (@RobertMSterling) March 25, 2023 Another user said, "The numbers I could put up if I sit down with an AI generator and a list of popes..." The numbers I could put up if I sit down with an AI generator and a list of popes... Timothy HJ Nerozzi (@TimothyNerozzi) March 25, 2023 Another said, "I love it when you call me big Pontiff, fold your hands in prayer if yous a true player." I love it when you call me big Pontiff, fold your hands in prayer if yous a true player Bryan Stanley (@bryan_yelnats) March 25, 2023 One said, "Apparently my husband and the pope shop at the same store. Not sure if I should be concerned." Apparently my husband and the pope shop at the same store. Not sure if I should be concerned. pic.twitter.com/jdIz21u1Ko Matt Hallmann (@MattHallmann) March 25, 2023 Another user compared Pope with Michelin Man and said, Why is the Pope trying to look like the Michelin Man?." Why is the Pope trying to look like the Michelin Man? pic.twitter.com/QPIGg1nUgt Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) March 26, 2023 AI-Generated 'Man' Wins The Hearts Of Over 10K Followers Online Artificial intelligence is on its way to becoming a big part of our society, and it's doing so through social media right now. A new profile of a 'man' that later turned out to be the creation of AI got a lot of attention. Given that humans are now too reliant on social media, the AI-generated man is ended up gaining followers online. Aditya Iyer's profile was made not long ago. He posted his first-ever photo on Instagram at the beginning of February this year. His fans have only grown over time. Soon after a few days of his arrival online, people flocked over to his profile and started fawning over the "artificial" man. Iyer is imagined as an ideal Indian man with a chiselled jawline and a muscular build. He also has fully-grown and well-kept facial hair. He cooks and is sensitive. Wondering who's behind this perfect man? The profile and the man were created by the matchmaking site BharatMatrimony as part of their latest marketing campaign. All the images on the profile have been created with the help of an AI and all the captions. What do you think about it? For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the country. The nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri considered the most auspicious and revered festival in the country began on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, and will culminate with Ram Navami on Thursday, March 30 2023. The culmination of the Chaitra Navratri festival 2023 takes place with the celebration of Durga Ashtami on 29 March 2023 and Ram Navami on 30 March 2023. Durga Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri with the rituals of Kanya or Kumari Puja. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 wishes messages quotes images and more | Photo: Unslash Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most significant days of the nine-day-long festival of Navratri. The auspicious day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India and other parts of the world by the Hindu community. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Durga, who symbolizes divine feminine power and is considered the ultimate source of energy and strength. On this auspicious day, people offer special prayers, perform various rituals and traditions, and seek blessings from the Goddess. The day is also marked by the beautiful and vibrant display of traditional attire, music, and dance. Maha Ashtami is an important Hindu festival that falls on the eighth day of Navratri and in 2023 it will be celebrated on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by people all over the world, especially in India. In this article, we will provide you with the best wishes, images, and messages that you can share with your loved ones on this auspicious occasion. Top Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 wishes As we celebrate Maha Ashtami 2023, we wish you all the happiness and prosperity that this festival brings. May Goddess Durga bless you and your family with health, wealth, and happiness. Here are some best wishes that you can share with your loved ones: 1. May Goddess Durga bless you and your family with health, wealth and happiness on this auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami! 2. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! May Maa Durga bless you with strength, courage and success in all your endeavors. 3. On this special day of Durga Ashtami, may Goddess Durga guide you on the path of righteousness and lead you to success and prosperity. 4. Sending my warm wishes to you and your family on the occasion of Durga Ashtami. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga always be with you! 5. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your loved ones! May this festival bring you joy, peace and prosperity in your life. 6. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with happiness, love and peace. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 7. On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, I pray that Maa Durga shower her blessings on you and your family and protect you from all evils. 8. May Maa Durga bless you with strength and courage to overcome all obstacles in your life. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 9. May this Durga Ashtami bring you joy, happiness and success in all your endeavors. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your family! 10. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you always and guide you on the path of righteousness. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 11. On this special day of Durga Ashtami, may you be blessed with health, wealth and prosperity. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your family! 12. May Maa Durga shower her blessings on you and your family on this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 13. May the nine forms of Maa Durga bring you strength, courage and wisdom. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your loved ones! 14. May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you always and help you overcome all obstacles in your life. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 15. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! May this festival bring you happiness, peace and prosperity. 16. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with love, joy and happiness. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your family! 17. May Maa Durga bless you with success, happiness and prosperity in all your endeavors. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 18. On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, may you be blessed with good health, wealth and happiness. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 to you and your family! 19. May Maa Durga guide you on the path of righteousness and bless you with strength and courage. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 20. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! May this festival bring you joy, happiness and prosperity in your life. 21. Aap sabhi ko Navratri Ashtami ke din ki dher sari shubhkamnaye. Jai Mata Di 22. Wishing you a blessed day of Durga Ashtami. May the celebrations of Navratri take away all the negativities from our lives and bring us many joys. 23. On the occasion of Durga Ashtami, let us come together and offer our prayers to the nine goddesses and seek their blessings for a happy life. Happy Navratri to all. Top Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 messages Sending heartfelt messages to your loved ones on Maha Ashtami is a great way to express your love and affection. Here are some messages that you can send on this auspicious occasion: 1. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you today and always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 2. May the divine power of Maa Durga help you achieve success in all your endeavors. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 3. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023. May this day bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life. 4. May the blessings of Maa Durga bring joy and happiness to your life. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 5. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 6. On the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, I wish you and your family happiness, good health, and prosperity. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 7. May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you and your family always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 8. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with love, peace, and happiness. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 9. On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, I pray to Maa Durga to bless you and your family with health, wealth, and happiness. 10. May Maa Durga bless you with strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome all the challenges in your life. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 11. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023. May Maa Durga shower her blessings on you always. 12. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring peace and happiness to your life. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 13. On the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, may Maa Durga bless you with happiness, good health, and prosperity. 14. May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 15. May the divine power of Maa Durga help you achieve success and happiness in all your endeavors. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 16. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023. May Maa Durga bless you with peace, prosperity, and happiness! 17. May Goddess Durga bless you with health, wealth, and happiness. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 18. Let us celebrate the victory of good over evil on this auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 19. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023! 20. On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, may Goddess Durga bless you and your family with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Top Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 quotes 1. "May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you on this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 2. "Let us worship Maa Durga with pure heart and soul on this holy day of Durga Ashtami. May she bless us with strength and courage." 3. "May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you today and always. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 4. "On this holy day of Durga Ashtami, let us pray for peace, happiness, and prosperity for all." 5. "May Maa Durga bless you with wisdom, strength, and success in all your endeavors. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 6. "May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with happiness and success. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 7. "On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, may Maa Durga bless you with good health, wealth, and prosperity." 8. "Let us offer our prayers to Maa Durga on this holy day of Durga Ashtami and seek her divine blessings." 9. "May the power of Maa Durga guide you towards the path of righteousness and success. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 10. "May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you and your family on this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 11. "On this holy day of Durga Ashtami, let us seek the blessings of Maa Durga and strive to become better human beings." 12. "May Maa Durga shower her divine blessings on you and your loved ones on this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 13. "Let us celebrate the victory of good over evil on this holy day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 14. "May the blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with joy, happiness, and prosperity. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 15. "On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, let us offer our prayers to Maa Durga and seek her divine guidance and blessings." 16. "May Maa Durga bless you with strength, courage, and wisdom on this holy day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 17. "Let us seek the blessings of Maa Durga and strive to become better human beings on this holy day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 18. "May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be with you and your family on this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" 19. "On this holy day of Durga Ashtami, let us offer our prayers to Maa Durga and seek her blessings for a peaceful and prosperous life." 20. "May the blessings of Maa Durga be with you always and guide you towards the path of righteousness and success. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023!" Top Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 in hindi 1. Translation: On the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, I pray to Goddess Durga to always be with you. Happy Durga Ashtami. 2. , Translation: Hail Goddess Durga, heartfelt wishes for you on Durga Ashtami. 3. - Translation: May the blessings of Goddess Durga bring peace and happiness to your home. Happy Durga Ashtami. 4. , Translation: On this day, I pray to Goddess Durga to bring happiness, prosperity, and success in your life. Happy Durga Ashtami. 5. ! Translation: Jai Mata Di! May the blessings of Goddess Durga always be with you. Happy Durga Ashtami. 6. , Translation: I pray to Goddess Durga for happiness, prosperity, and success in your life. Happy Durga Ashtami. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 images send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status Sharing images with your loved ones on special occasions is always a great idea. Here are some beautiful images that you can share on Maha Ashtami 2023: #1. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 images send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status | Photo: Freepik #2. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 images send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status | Photo: Freepik #3. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 images send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status | Photo: Freepik Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 Gifs #1. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 GIFs send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status | Photo: Canva #2. Happy Durga Ashtami 2023 GIFs send to loved ones or use as Whatsapp status | Photo: Canva Ramadan, the ninth month, is one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide follow sawm (fasting - one of the five pillars of Islam) to commemorate the sacred month. Therefore, Ramadan rituals are observed for 29-30 days from the first sighting of the crescent moon to the other. Moon sighting is important to decide the beginning and the end of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan 2023: 6th Roza City-wise Sehri and Iftar Timings | Freepik Muslim community observes fast (Roza) from dawn to dusk. After the day is over, in the evening, they break their fast (Roza) by eating meals, known as Iftar with family or friends. It is believed that by refraining from food and water throughout the day, one understands the pain and suffering of other people and gets closer to the almighty God (Allah). Here's the list of major cities with Sheri and Iftar timing for 7th Roza on March 29, 2023. Take a look: ALSO READ: Ramadan 2023: Dua For Iftar And Sehri And Laylatul Qadr in Holy Month Of Ramazan ALSO READ: Ramadan 2023: 6th Sehri Mubarak Images, Wishes, Messages Quotes & Whatsapp Status For Near & Dear Ones On 6th Day Of Ramazan Ramadan 2023: 7th Roza City-wise Sehri and Iftar Timings 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Mumbai on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 5:21 AM 6:52 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Delhi on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:55 AM 18:40 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Chennai on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:56 AM 6:21 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Hyderabad on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 5:04 AM 6:42 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Lucknow on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:42 AM 6:24 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Kanpur on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 6th March 29, 2023 4:45 AM 6:26 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Bengaluru on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 5:07 AM 6:35 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Kolkata on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:17 AM 5:51 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Jammu & Kashmir on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:59 AM 6:52 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Patna on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:26 AM 6:06 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Noida on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 4:54 AM 6:39 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Ajmer on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 5:08 AM 6:50 PM 7th Roza Sehri and Iftar Timings for Ahmedabad on March 29: Roza Date Sehri Iftar 7th March 29, 2023 5:19 AM 6:55 PM Ramadan 2023: Dua for Sehri and Iftar Dua For Keeping The Fast? (Sehri Ki Dua | Suhoor Dua) "Wa bisawmi ghaddan nawaiytu min shahri ramadan" Dua For Breaking A Fast? (Iftar ki Dua | Iftar Dua) " Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu fathakabl minni" In India, The holy month of Ramadan 2023 is likely to begin on March 23, this depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and will last for four weeks and ends with Eid-ul-Fitr. On April 24, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed. Every nation observes its holy month on a different day. Muslim communities all over the world observe Ramadan. Ramadan 2023: 6th Roza City-wise Sehri and Iftar Timings | Pixabay In Indonesia Ramadan started on March 22, while in Dubai and UAE, Ramadan begins on March 23. On March 23, 2023, Ramadan begins in Turkey, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Ramadan 2023 Schedule When does Ramadan start in India? Thursday, March 23, 2023 How long is Ramadan 2023? 30 days (From March 23 to April 23) When does Ramadan end? Saturday, April 22, 2023 When Is Laylat al-Qadr? On or around Monday, April 18, 2023 When Does Eid al-Fitr Start? Sunday, April 23, 2023, or April 24 Here's how Ramadan Roza is observed During the holy month of Ramadan Roza (fasting) begins after sunrise and culminates with sunset Consumption of food and water is prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Interestingly, the days start with Fajr (prayer during dawn), followed by Zhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and conclude with the Isha (night). Muslims consume a pre-dawn meal called Suhur, and they break their fast by having Iftaar during this month. Ramadan Timings 2023 Calendar, Sehri & Iftar Time DATE SEHRI TIME IFTAR TIME 23 Mar 2023 05:03 AM 6:35 PM 24 Mar 2023 05:01 AM 6:35 PM 25 Mar 2023 05:00 AM 6:36 PM 26 Mar 2023 04:59 AM 6:37 PM 27 Mar 2023 04:58 AM 6:37 PM 28 Mar 2023 04:56 AM 6:38 PM 29 Mar 2023 04:55 AM 6:38 PM 30 Mar 2023 04:54 AM 6:39 PM 31 Mar 2023 04:53 AM 6:39 PM 01 Apr 2023 04:51 AM 6:40 PM 02 Apr 2023 04:50 AM 6:40 PM 03 Apr 2023 04:49 AM 6:41 PM 04 Apr 2023 04:48 AM 6:42 PM 05 Apr 2023 04:46 AM 6:42 PM 06 Apr 2023 04:45 AM 6:43 PM 07 Apr 2023 04:44 AM 6:43 PM 08 Apr 2023 04:42 AM 6:44 PM 09 Apr 2023 04:41 AM 6:44 PM 10 Apr 2023 04:40 AM 6:45 PM 11 Apr 2023 04:39 AM 6:45 PM 12 Apr 2023 04:37 AM 6:46 PM 13 Apr 2023 04:36 AM 6:47 PM 14 Apr 2023 04:35 AM 6:47 PM 15 Apr 2023 04:34 AM 6:48 PM 16 Apr 2023 04:32 AM 6:48 PM 17 Apr 2023 04:31 AM 6:49 PM 18 Apr 2023 04:30 AM 6:49 PM 19 Apr 2023 04:29 AM 6:50 PM 20 Apr 2023 04:28 AM 6:51 PM 21 Apr 2023 04:26 AM 6:51 PM About the Holy month of Ramadan According to Islamic culture, the origins of Ramadan can be traced back to the seventh century, when the Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during the month of Ramadan. According to Islamic tradition, the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad began on the 27th night of Ramadan, a night that is known as Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the holiest night of the year and that praying on this night is more valuable than praying for a thousand months. When is Ramadan 2023? All About the Holiest Month | Unsplash The practice of fasting during Ramadan is based on the Quranic injunction to "fast for a fixed number of days". Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal known as iftar, which typically consists of dates, water, and a light meal. After the meal, Muslims perform the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers in Islam. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and charitable giving. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran during the month, and many mosques offer daily prayers and study groups. In addition, Muslims are expected to give to charity during Ramadan, with many mosques and charitable organizations organising food drives and other initiatives to help those in need. Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available. The network was planning attacks on specific targets The Lagos State Government has reiterated that the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada in 10 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and 15 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, in the metropolis still persists. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, made this known during a monitoring of some restricted areas within the state, where large numbers of okada riders had returned. Reaffirming the State Governments ban on okada in the Local Government Areas which include; Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere and Eti-Osa. READ MORE: Lagos Extends Okada Ban To Four More Local Governments These includes the Local Council Development Areas under them, which are; Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba and Coker Aguda. With others at; Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo, the Transport Special Adviser urged both riders and passengers to keep off. Giwa therefore, urged the general public to comply as both the riders and passengers are both liable to three years in prison if apprehended and prosecuted, with their motorcycles impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 and 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018. While soliciting for support on government policies by residents, the Special Adviser noted that despite the available existing interventions and viable alternatives provided for okada operators which were expected to cushion the effect of the ban on their livelihood, the recalcitrant riders have refused to take advantage of them. Highlighting some of the viable alternatives made available for the operators by the State Government, Giwa stated that the; Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA; (vocational training), Ministry of Wealth Creations and Employment; internship programmes, Office of Civic Engagement, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, (Loan for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs), Lagos Economic Acceleration Programme LEAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture (Agric YES) are all trade support for the riders. He also said the State Governments First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other sustainable modes of transportation were also part of interventions provided to minimize the inconveniences of the motoring public in executing their daily activities. Giwa stressed, The position of the government on okada is very clear, there is no going back in order to consolidate on the achievements made so far in the decrease in an accident and crime rates as well as the return of sanity to the communities within the state. A chief bomb-maker and a high-ranking member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Awana Gaidam, has been killed by his own Improvised Explosive Device (IED). According to counter insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, said the bomb struck his vehicle along Njumia and Arra in the Sambisa forest, on March 27, killing him instantly. Meanwhile, Awana had planted bombs in strategic positions to fortify his camp within the Sambisa Forest, but little did he know that he plotted it against himself, which explodes him and shattered his body into pieces. READ MORE: Boko Haram Kills 300 Fighters Planning To Surrender The 39 year-old chief bomb maker, apart from his high status in the command structure of the Boko Haram terrorists, was one of their capable hands involved in making IEDs. Awana was believed to be responsible for plotting many IEDs attack on troops of Operation Hadin Kai during patrols, along major highways between Maiduguri and Damboa, as well as from Bama to Pulka, Bita, Banki and Darajamals general area. Reports from multiple bank officials show that Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) are set to raise their cash withdrawal limits from the current N20,000-N50,000 range to over N80,000-N100,000, to help bank branches to tackle naira scarcity and lingering queues in some cities across the country. Recall the Central Bank of Nigeria had on Friday last week directed commercial banks to open for operation on Saturday and Sunday, as part of effort to ease the circulation of old and new banknotes. This came after the CBN began the release of billions of old naira notes to DMBs after finally obeying the Supreme Court on the controversial legal status of the old naira notes. According to findings, most DMBs currently pay between N20,000 and N50,000 over-the-counter and Automated Teller Machines (ATM), however, officials disclosed that banks are planning to raise the limits to enhance currency circulation and put a permanent end to queues in banking halls and ATM points. Upon reciept of the latest information, customers had on Monday plunged banking halls and ATMs to get cash despite the banks working throughout the weekend. Visits to several bank branches in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun State and other cities revealed that customers in their numbers converged on bank premises to withdraw cash, Punch reports. At the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, bank customers were able to access cash with less stress. A visit to Zenith Bank, Keystone Bank, Eco Bank and Access Bank located in Area One and Central Area showed that the queues at banking halls and ATM galleries had reduced. The Access Bank branch at Garki dispensed a maximum of N20,000 via its Atm while Ecobank in the same area, paid N250,000 via its busy cashier to its customers. Non-account holders were allowed to withdraw N10,000 at its ATM stand. At Zenith Bank customers were allowed to withdraw as high as N500,000 over the counter, while Keystone Bank claimed not to have cash for disbursement due to low allocation from the apex bank. READ ALSO: Stay Where You Are, Dont Move To State Of Origin For Census NPC Yohanna, a trader, applauded the availability of the naira notes, saying that the development has positively affected her business as customers now bring cash. She said, I am very happy about the availability of cash. My customers are now paying with cash and I dont have to wait for transfers or POS before I can conduct any transaction. At Access Bank and Union Bank branches in the Sabo Yaba area of Lagos State, customers were able to access cash via ATMs while in the Ikeja area of the State, banks were also dispensing cash although old naira notes. Few customers who could gain access to a Fidelity Bank in the same area were able to leave with a mixture of both old and new banknotes. At Mazamaza, Lagos, Union Bank allowed customers into its banking hall in batches but the ATMs were not loaded while First Bank of Nigeria and Access Bank did not grant customers access their ATMs. At Oshodi Express, branches of Access Bank and Fidelity Bank dispensed cash inside their banking halls and via ATMs. Ecobank branch at Ketu bus stop, Lagos, gave customers access to N30,000 withdrawals over-the-counter . Similarly, customers thronged banks in the Isolo and Airport Road area of Lagos on Monday with majority disbursing cash, especially through ATMs. Access Bank branch in the Ire Akari area of Isolo, Lagos, was fully operational despite the crowd of customers who wanted to carry out different banking transactions. Customers were able to withdraw and deposit cash while the ATMs dispensed cash with a limit of N10,000. Ecobank branch located at the Isolo bus stop, Lagos, a limited number of customers were allowed to go into the banking hall with its ATMs paying only N3,000. However, customers who had more than one debit cards were able to withdraw more. A domestic staff, Joseph Ogbu, was sentenced to death by hanging by a Lagos State high court on Monday for the murders of his employer, Adejoke John, 89, and her daughter, Oreoluwa, at their house in the Surulere area of the state. The verdict was delivered by Justice Modupe Nicole-Clay after she found that the defendant had committed three charges of armed robbery and murder. After Ogbu was arrested, the Lagos State Government arraigned him on October 22, 2019. READ ALSO: Married Man Stabbed Over Alleged Extramarital Affair In Rivers He was charged with three counts of armed robbery and murder preferred against him by the state. According to the prosecution, the offence committed contravened Sections 222 and 297 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Ogbu pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. Ogbu, while committing the crime on June 19, 2019, strangulated Adejoke, and stabbed her pregnant daughter to death. The convict also robbed the octogenarian of her Toyota Camry Saloon car with number plate, FST 104 CW, LG plasma TV, motorway handset, one Gionee handset, one Nokia phone, one i-Tel phone, and one power bank. The prosecutor said the incident took place around 9.30pm at No 4, Ogunlana Drive, in the Surulere area of the state. In her judgment, the trial judge, Nicole-Clay, held that Ogbu confessed to the crime. She said, He killed one Adejoke by strangling her, and one Oreoluwa by stabbing her to death. I have considered the evidence of the security guard, an Okada man, one Yahya Ibrahim, the house help, and a policeman. Nicole-Clay held that the convict admitted to living with the deceased mother and daughter, and he was the only witness of the incident. She stated that the defendant did not raise an objection to the admissibility of the confessional statement. Theres no doubt that the defendant confessed to the crimes, Nicole-Clay said. According to the judge, the defendant could not give an explanation of what he was doing with all the stolen items he was found with around 2am on the day he was arrested. The evidence is shown to the satisfaction of this court and the court has established guilt against the defendant. He is hereby guilty as charged, Nicole-Clay said. After convicting him, the judge told Ogbu, I have to hear from you, you have been found guilty. In his response, the convict, who spoke in Pidgin English, said, The mama no die for my presence. I beg for mercy. In his allocutus, the defence counsel, Moses Enema, told the judge, The defendant is a first-time offender, a son to a young widow, largely dependent on this son. In the course of the trial, my lord, the defendant was very remorseful; its an indication that he is willing to turn a new leave. We do pray the court to temper justice with mercy. Nicole-Clay pronounced, This court has found Joseph Ogbu guilty of these heinous crimes, you are hereby sentenced to death by hanging. Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has said his fight with Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his cohorts, has just started. Wike who disclosed this during the inauguration of the re-modeled Community Secondary School in Okoro-nu-Odo in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the State on Monday, said that Ayu, who failed to deliver his political unit, ward, local government, or state to the PDP during the last just-concluded general elections, cannot preside over the Party. According to him, the suspension of Ayu was the beginning of the fight to save the Party, adding that some persons within the party are supporting and encouraging Ayu to resist his suspension. While warning that such persons leading the PDP chairman to his destruction would be doing so to their detriment, he said Ask them, those who want to be chairman of this party; what do you have to give to the party now? Those of you who are fighting that they have suspended him, you have not seen anything yet. The fight has started. Ayu, the fight has just started. If you know him, those of you who are close to him, tell him, Iyorchia Ayu, the fight has just started. READ ALSO: Thank God Ayu Presided Over PDPs Colossal Failure, I Support His Suspension Wike Wike opined it was God who hardened Ayus heart not to vacate office when the G-5 governors and other party leaders demanded his resignation after the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate. He restated Ayu had resigned then, his loyalists who opposed the zoning of elective and appointive offices, would have used that as an excuse for the partys abysmal performance in the recent elections. The Integrity Group governor said other PDP-controlled states cannot sustain the Party financially and tolerate the embattled chairman as their leader. He said: Will you preside over the one (Rivers PDP) I have secured victory for? Do you want to come and preside over this state (Rivers) so that we will begin to donate money to the party? You, bring your state to the party too so that your state (Benue) can contribute money to the national (level). If you dont deliver your state, you cant preside over us. You cannot. Some unidentified gunmen have allegedly killed three personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Imo State. The incident which happened at EkeIsu market in Obiangwu Community in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state has thrown the community into panic. A community source, who spoke to The Punch on condition of anonymity, said that the slain corps were attacked in the early hours of Monday. READ ALSO: Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap INEC Electoral Officer In Zamfara With Election Results He said that the NSCDC personnel were riding in a vehicle when they were ambushed and killed by their attackers, while noting that security operatives had taken over the community. It was gathered that the lifeless bodies of the victims were still at the scene as of the time of filing this report. The source said, Three operatives of the NSCDC were killed last night at EkeIsu market in Obiangwu Community in the Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. They were ambushed while in their vehicle. Their bodies have not been evacuated as we speak. Soldiers have taken over the community. The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the killing of the three NSCDC personnel, saying security operatives had moved into the community and restored normalcy. The Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State of being the brain behind the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of the Party from his ward. Recall that the executive of Ayus Igyorov Ward in the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State suspended the PDP chairman for alleged anti-party activities. Shortly after as reported by Information Nigeria, a High Court sitting in Makurdi presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochin issued an interim order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the PDP chairman. The order of the court was issued on Monday following an ex-parte application brought before the court by a PDP member, Conrad Utaan. However, Charles Aniagwu, the spokesman for the campaign council, made the accusation in a chat with The Punch on Monday while reacting to Ayus suspension and the court order. READ ALSO: I Can Live Anywhere I Want, Just Bothered About Younger Generation Bode George On Proposed Exile After Tinubus Victory Aniagwu alleged that Wike was responsible for the crisis rocking the Benue PDP, saying that history will not be kind to the Rivers governor. The Delta State Commissioner for Information asked Wike and others fuelling the crisis in the PDP to retrace their steps in the interest of democracy. His words: It is unfortunate that persons that were given positions of authority and people thrown by God into national limelight through the PDP are the ones taking steps to destroy the party. Governor Wike is writing his history and over time, that history will not be kind to him. They are trying to destroy the party believing that they are strong men today because they are in power. They want to break and set on fire the ladder they used in climbing up, forgetting that there are many people who would have taken advantage of that ladder not only to climb at the individual level but also for doing something that all of us will be proud of. They think they are fighting one man but that is far from it. We need a country with a strong opposition but if you destroy a very strong political party just because of your selfish interest, you will realize that to a large extent, you have undermined our development as a nation. Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says it is his right to live anywhere he chooses to reside in the world. Recall the PDP chieftain and longtime rival of president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had said he would go on exile if the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the February 25 presidential poll. George, who spoke on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Monday, said he can relocate to Nigerias neighbouring countries in West Africa like Ghana, Cotonou in Benin Republic and Lome in Togo if he isnt satisfied with the incoming administration of the former Lagos State governor. Asked whether he still nurses the thoughts of going on exile, George said, I didnt hide my feelings: I said if this fellow (Tinubu) becomes the President, I will lose my interest politically. READ ALSO: Court Restrains Ayu From Acting As PDP Chair I have the right as a Nigerian to live anywhere I want. And I am saying it publicly that I am ready to retire from partisan politics. This is my own personally conviction that they dont have the capacity, the ability to run this nation. I am not a young man anymore. If I am not satisfied with the way things are going, I have a right to go and stay anywhere I want to live for the rest of my life and play with my children and grandchildren. According to him, he is not concerned about himself but bothered about young people. He however lamented that President Muhammadu Buhari did not fulfil his promise to leave a legacy of free and fair elections, adding that the electoral umpire did not translate the results of the February 25 poll electronically as promised. I havent committed any offence that can debar me. I can go to Lome to live. I can go to go Cotonou. I can go to Ghana. I can even go to Iceland. I can go to anywhere I want. With my green passport and my credibility and worthiness, I can live anywhere. I am just bothered about the younger generation, he said. Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former deputy chairman of the Party, says he has no regret for refusing to support Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the partys governorship candidate, in Lagos State. Speaking on Monday in an interview with Channels Television, George said the endorsement of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), was not on an individual level. In the build-up to the March 18 governorship election in Lagos, the Omo Eko Pataki group led by George endorsed Rhodes-Vivour ahead of Adediran popularly known as Jandor. However, Georges action as one who is regarded as a major stakeholder in Lagos PDP, was seen by many Party members as anti-party. In response to the reason he chose the LP candidate, the PDP chieftain said the endorsement by the Omo Eko Pataki group was different from the affairs of the PDP, noting that Jandor, was operating on another planet during the elections. If you say I supported somebody from another party, it was not me but rather a group called Omo Eko Pataki. And as a bonafide Lagosian, we sat down and analysed all the candidates from Sanwo-Olu to Jandor, he said. We weighed them. We found out that the best candidate just left the party out of anger. That is the problem that went all over the whole place. There was a new movement going around this country and we said who has the capacity, educational and moral background to handle the state. READ ALSO: My Suspension An Exercise In Futility, Only PDP NEC Can Suspend Me Ayu Boasts As a PDP member, the fellow who got the ticket was on another planet behaving in his own way. What I did as Omo Eko Pataki is different from PDP. According to George, he had no regret whatsoeverconcerning the decision. In relation to PDPs crisis, George urged aggrieved members to calm down and engage in a thorough introspection of the Partys problems. As a leader, father, and life board of trustee member of the party, there are leaders who got very angry about the procedure of the party, he said. We defiled the laws of the party and removed some foundations of the party. What else do you expect? I remembered that I said a divided house will be a defeated house. I said that before the election. If we got a bloody nose and we sat back and did not do a thorough introspection or post-Morten analysis and learn from the mistakes, we are bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. Mistakes have been made. If you dont correct them, you are bound to have many more in the future. I want to plead with everybody to calm down. All these fireworks should stop. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, chairman of the Elders forum of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Monday described as fake news a report credited to him saying Yorubas were political rascals. Disclosing this to newsmen in Owerri, he said his statement was manipulated and circulated on social media by blackmailers. Information Nigeria had reported during the weekend that Iwuanyanwu said there is no rift between the Igbos and Yorubas, only political rascals. According to him, My awareness has been drawn to fake news circulating on social media completely misrepresenting the statement I made at Awka Anambra State in connection to the killings, destructions of properties, and harassment of Igbos in Lagos during the recent elections. My statement was covered live by Arise Television, Channels, and many other electronic and print media houses. All Nigerians of goodwill who care should get the true transcript of my statement from any of these media houses. I want to make it abundantly clear that at no time did I make the statement credited to me by blackmail circulating on social media that Yorubas are political rascals as this was fraudulently manipulated. I want to warn all perpetrators of this fake news that it is a criminal offence to circulate fake news against a peace-loving Nigerian. For the avoidance of doubt, I am a senior citizen who has meritoriously served Nigeria. READ ALSO: No War Between Igbo, Yoruba In Lagos; Only Political Rascals Ohanaeze Ndigbo The Seven Igbo Speaking States namely: Rivers, Delta, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States have also honoured me with the Traditional Title of AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO. I am indeed the first Igbo man to be so honoured. As a professional Engineer, I have been honoured with numerous merit Awards including the ng institution of an annual lecture series in my name by my Colleagues in appreciation of my contributions to Engineering, Science Society, and Humanity. I am the Grand Patron of many youth organizations in the Country. Most of my close friends who have influenced my business and professional life are from the m Northern and Western parts of Nigeria. For instance, I am the Balogun Babaguwan of Ibadan land. I have also been honoured with Chieftaincy titles by numerous Yoruba Obas. I am no doubt an honorary citizen of Yoruba land. I have many personal friends and staff of my various companies including directors who are Yorubas. Most of them played major roles in shaping my economic destiny, therefore do not have any reason whatsoever to in the Yoruba tribe whom I regard with great respect. What I did at the ceremony was to admonish Igbos who felt threatened by various attacks in Lagos that they have no cause to worry because there are no problems between Igbos and Yorubas, I, therefore told them to stay in Lagos and go about their normal businesses. I did however mention to them that the attackers are political rascals and their action does not reflect the good relationship between Yorubas and Igbos. Having said this, on a personal note, I must comment as follows: I felt very sad that a Nigerian should be denied his democratic right to vote for any candidate of his choice because of his tribe. What happened to Igbos in Lagos was in the press and Igbos are very grateful to those distinguished well-meaning Yorubas who group to speak against the killings, injuries, eyes, and destruction of properties of Igbos in Lagos only because they voted for the candidates of their choice, he said. An unnamed 16-year-old girl in Kano State has expressed how eager she is to get married. The girl, who just finished her secondary school, claimed that she made the decision to go public and express her thoughts to the world in the hopes that she could be fortunate enough to find a partner. READ ALSO: My Wife Is 21 Years Old, Not 11 Years Old 60-Year-Old Man Accused Of Marrying Underage Girl Says Speaking to Freedom Radio, the girl said although she advertised herself, she preferred to marry an elderly person. She said, I am here looking for a husband; that is all I want now. I am not talking about studies now, but I may consider that after I get married. The kind of husband I want should be an old man or someone that spent years without marriage. When asked whether she would consider sacrificing or discounting some of the expenses associated with marriage, she said, I wont do that, but I will consider reducing, as I will accept whatever he brings no matter how little. All I want is someone that will love me and marry me for the sake of Almighty God. Speaking on whether it is allowed for a woman to advertise herself to men for marriage, a Kano-based cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Sulaiman Abubakr, told City & Crime that it was allowed and legitimate as it happened during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said, So far as she has reached the age of puberty, then there is nothing wrong with that. Even though it is a bit strange to our norms; it is allowed in Islam. The abductors of six Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, who participated in the governorship and state assembly elections in Kogi State, have demanded the sum of N50million for their release. Addressing a press conference on Monday on behalf of the families of the kidnapped victims in Lokoja, an Assistant Presiding Officer II, in the March 18 Kogi House of Assembly election identified as Babalola Peter, said his sister was part of those still held in captivity. Recall that some INEC staff were abducted in Obajana in the early hours of Sunday, March 19, 2023, during the Kogi State House of Assembly election. The victims were said to be returning from Kupa North and South under Lokoja Local Government Area in Kogi State before they were attacked by armed hoodlums. But the Police Public Relation Officer in Kogi State, SP William Aya, had in a statement issued to journalists concerning the incident said ninety-six persons were rescued by the police, three injured while two victims were yet to be accounted for. Peter, who is a brother to one of the victims, faulted the claim from the Nigeria Police Force that all the kidnapped victims had been rescued. He mentioned those still in the hands of the kidnappers as Muhammed Maimunat and Abdulrahaman Raji, who are two serving corps members. INEC ad-hoc staff who are still in captivity according to Peter are, Oyaniran Atinuke Ruth, Florence Shayo Ajayi, Opara Tina and Blessing. Explaining how the ugly incident occurred on that day, Peter said, We were actually coming from Kupa North and South for the Kogi State House of Assembly election. I worked in the North, so we left North some minutes past six and we got to the South at 8:03pm in which we were asked to move to Lokoja by our SPOs. READ ALSO: Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap INEC Electoral Officer In Zamfara With Election Results I told them personally that we are not going, that they should allow us to sleep, and that by 4am the next day we would get up and go, just like the way we did during the presidential election. But the SPO South said he wants to move. As an APO two, I cannot just tell them no. All other corp members told them to let us sleep over but they insisted. So we had no option than to move. When we got to Obajana, the armed robbers attacked us. We had six vehicles, and our vehicles happen to be the second one. The first vehicle was able to move away, while the second vehicle mistakenly hit the culvert and could not move again. But before we could know what was happening, the third vehicle hit us at the back. We had three police officers but only one was armed. When the armed robber attacked us, the armed police officer instructed us to pull off our white and run for our dear life. After everyone was running for their life, I discovered that I didnt see my sister, Oyaniran Atinuke Ruth. The incident happened between 1am and 2am. Those people that were kidnaped were directly from our bus. We told the security agency including INEC that we are still looking for six people including my sister. They said we should not worry that we will find them. Up till now, nothing has been done. I was shocked when I read in some newspapers that the kidnapped victims have been rescued. Nothing of such. They contacted us recently, demanding for N50million. The kidnappers keep calling us with different numbers. You cannot call them, but they can only call you. They even told us to send them recharge card which we did just because we dont want them to hurt my sister and every other victim in their custody. He, however, called on the government and security agencies to work towards the release of the abducted victims. The husband of one of the kidnapped victims, Olawafemi Olakanmi, said he last spoke to his wife, Florence Shayo Ajayi, around 12am before the incident occurred. I have not slept since my wife was kidnapped on 19th March 2023. I only call on God to set my wife free, he stated. A woman identified as Annie Ofili, has allegedly stabbed her friend, Glory Okon, to death at her residence on the Greenville Estate, Badore, in the Ajah area of Lagos State. The Punch gathered that on the day of the incident, Okon paid Ofili a visit at home. While the two of them were discussing at the suspects residence, an argument ensued between them and the argument degenerated into a scuffle. It was learnt that during the scuffle, Ofili reached for a knife in the kitchen and allegedly used it to stab her friend in the neck. READ ALSO: Married Man Stabbed Over Alleged Extramarital Affair In Rivers A source who spoke to The Punch while chronicling the circumstances surrounding the events that led to Okons death, said no one knew what caused the scuffle, adding that when they heard them shouting at each other, efforts to open the door to separate them proved abortive. The source, however, said the landlord alongside other neighbours in the building forced the door open, adding that when they gained entry into Ofilis apartment, they discovered that she had stabbed Okons neck and back. The source said, We heard both of them shouting in the room of one of the tenants and quickly ran there. When we got there, we met the door locked, forced it open and rushed in. When we entered, we met Ofili on top of her friend with a knife, and her friend was in a pool of blood with knife stabs in her neck and at the back In a bid to rescue Okon, the source said she was rushed to the general hospital at CMS, Lagos Island, but on getting there, she was confirmed dead by a doctor on duty. It was learnt that Ofilis landlord reported the case at the Ajah Police Station for investigation. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident saying, Yes, I am aware of the incident. It happened around 5.50pm on Sunday. The Divisional Police Officer, Ajah Division, got a distress call from the landlord living at Greenville Estate, Badore, Ajah, Lagos State. The landlord said around 1.20pm, one of his tenants, Annie Ofili, murdered her girlfriend, Glory Okon, who came to visit her, with a kitchen knife. Upon receiving the information, a team of detectives was sent to the address and the lady was arrested and the kitchen knife was recovered as an exhibit. Hundeyin said the corpse was evacuated and deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation, adding that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for discreet investigation. Former Aviation Minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has alleged that the Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), hails from a family of Sierra Leonian slaves. Fani-Kayode took to his verified Twitter page on Friday to share an epistle he termed as the governorship candidates family history, which according to him, is important for the sake of future generations. FFK went down history lane in his epistle to fault GRVs claims that his grandfather was the third Nigerian to become a magistrate or a judge. The former Minister explained how his paternal grandfather, Victor Adedapo Kayode, became the third magistrate in 1939 after the likes of Olumiywa Jibowu (first Magistrate in 1931) and Adebiyi Desalu (second Magistrate in 1938) had enjoyed the honour. READ ALSO: Be A Man, Withdraw, Concede, Congratulate Tinubu FFK Tells Peter Obi According to FFK, the Lagos State Labour Party governorship candidates grandfather, Akinwunmi Rhodes Vivour, was very junior to the first, second and third magistrates listed in his history book. He further claimed that GRVs grandfather never went to any University before being called to the Bar and that he descended from a family of Sierra Leonian slaves. FFK wrote, History is important and for the sake of future generations, we are constrained to set the record straight. Contrary to what young Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos state, told the world in a television interview a few days ago it is NOT true that his grandfather was the third Nigerian to become a magistrate or a judge. The facts are as follows. Olumuyiwa Jibowu was the first Nigerian to become a magistrate in 1931, and then Adebiyi Desalu followed him in 1938. Adetokunboh Ademola was the third in 1939, and then came Victor Adedapo Kayode (my paternal grandfather), F.E.O. Euba and George Frederick Dove-Edwin in 1940. F.O. Lucas was appointed in 1941. These were the first Nigerians to become magistrates, and virtually all of them went on to the higher bench and did exceedingly well. They all came from highly distinguished stock and well-educated families whose noble ancestry can be traced back for hundreds of years before them and who formed the elite upper class and creme de la creme of high society in their day. To top it all most of them went to the top Universities in the world to study law, namely Oxford and Cambridge, before being called to the British bar. They also all practised law in the Lagos colony and were regarded as being amongst the top indigenous lawyers of their time before being invited to the Bench. Rhodes Vivours grandfather, Akinwunmi Rhodes Vivour, was very junior to these men. He was not appointed as a magistrate until almost twenty years after Jibowu in 1950, he never went to any University before being called to the Bar, he was not appointed as a Judge until 1964, and he descended from a family of Sierra Leonian slaves. As a matter of fact, in the context of the Rhodes-Vivour family, the name Vivour derives from the word Survivor after their ancestors were freed from slavery by the British whilst they were being shipped overseas as slaves. They were then returned to Sierra Leone as free men and women. I have immense respect for this family, but if truth be told, that is their heritage regardless of how much they attempt to hide it or how well they have done since then. We must not allow anyone to distort or revise history in the name of politics. When the likes of Rhodes Vivour attempt to look down on or denigrate the roots of other Yorubas or Lagosians, he must be reminded that, unlike his, the majority of them did not derive from a family of slaves. Unlike the Rhodes Vivours their ancestors were at least all born free. They were never slaves and never needed to be emancipated from slave traders. Amnesty International has lamented the high increase of hunger and human rights violations in Nigeria, and other sub-Saharan African countries. The non-governmental organisation, in its published 2022 annual report on Monday, blamed the deficiencies on the failure of leadership and global organisations, as it also linked food insecurity on the continent to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The report stated that in Africa, journalists, human rights defenders and political opposition faced repression, including in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal and Zimbabwe. READ MORE: Police Brutality Must End Amnesty International Condemns Omobolanle Raheems Murder The report, titled: Amnesty International Report 2022/23: The State of the Worlds Human Rights, said, The deaths of scores of protesters were reported and attributed to excessive use of force by security forces in Nigeria, Chad, DRC, Guinea, Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan, among other countries. The report also highlighted out that double standards and inadequate responses to human rights abuses fuelled impunity and instability. According to the report, the catastrophe of global and regional institutions, including the United Nations Security Council and the African Union, to respond adequately to crimes committed under international law in countries like China, Myanmar and Yemen, as well as in the African continent, including in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and South Sudan. It also revealed that recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic were hampered by conflicts, economic shocks arising from Russias invasion of Ukraine and extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. The report noted that consequently, the rights of millions of people to food, health and an adequate standard of living were seriously undermined across the African continent. The report reads in part: The Russian invasion of Ukraine interrupted wheat supplies that many African countries depend on. Rising fuel costs, another consequence of the war in Europe, caused considerable spikes in food prices which hit the most marginalised groups the hardest. Marijuana plants for the adult recreational market that are ready for harvesting at a farm in Suffolk County, N.Y. in October. Read more The Delaware state Senate voted in favor of two marijuana legalization bills on Tuesday, sending the legislation to the desk of Gov. John Carney, whose veto blocked similar legislation last year. One of the bills legalizes possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older (as well as equivalent amounts in other forms, such as concentrates). Under the bill, underage possession would result in fines, and public marijuana use remains illegal. That bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 16-4, with one abstention. The other bill, known as the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, creates a regulatory framework for a legal recreational marijuana industry in the state. It would allow up to 30 retailers, and a 15% tax on sales in a system that the bills synopsis compares to alcohol sales. It passed the Senate by a vote of 15-5 with one abstention, surpassing the three-fifths majority it needed to advance. The bills head to Carneys desk, and they will need to be signed to become law. Following Tuesdays vote, Carneys office issued a statement saying that the governor remains concerned about marijuana legalization. Advertisement The governor continues to have strong concerns about the unintended consequences of legalizing marijuana for recreational use in our state, especially about the impacts on our young people and highway safety, said Emily Hershman, Carneys director of communications. He knows others have honest disagreements on the issue. But we dont have anything new to share today about how the governor will act. Lawmakers rejected two amendments sponsored by state Sen. Eric Buckson (R., Dover). Those amendments aimed to remove requirements for labor peace agreements for marijuana businesses, alter the structure of the states marijuana commission, and allow people facing license suspensions or revocations to request documents from the commission about the action. Prior to Tuesdays vote, chief Senate sponsor Trey Paradee (D., Dover) said that a majority of Delawareans support marijuana legalization, and believe it to be less harmful than other legal drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco. Marijuana, by any measure, is far less harmful than alcohol, not as addictive as caffeine and nicotine and does not cause anywhere near the harmful side effects and astronomical health-related costs and consequences of tobacco and nicotine products, Paradee said. State Sen. Bryant Richardson (R., Laurel), meanwhile, headed up opposition against the measures in the Senate, saying that legalization would increase traffic accidents and violence, and worsen mental illness. There is harm. There is long term harm, Richardson said. There is going to be a lot of harm to the state of Delaware if this passes. Delaware legalized medical marijuana in 2011, and sales began in 2015. It decriminalized marijuana in 2015, and expanded the law to include people under 21 in 2019. State House lawmakers last year secured 26 votes in the initial push for legalization, but ultimately, failed to overturn Carneys veto. I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people, Carney said following last years veto. Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved. Earlier this month, the House passed both bills with a two-thirds super majority, and the ability to again override Carneys potential veto. Osienski, the bills primary sponsor, said earlier this month that should Carney veto this years legalization effort, he feels optimistic about overturning it. I feel pretty good that I have the support this year to override the veto, Osienski said. I think my colleagues are saying, ok, you know, you had one shot at vetoing this, you did and you were successful, but dont count on us supporting that veto again. Once again, America has gone zero days without a horrific mass shooting. The news that a 28-year-old former student entered a Christian grade school in Nashville with two high-powered AR-style weapons and killed three little kids and three grown-ups inspired a lot of thoughts and prayers from Tennessee lawmakers who recently banned drag shows to protect children but will do nothing on guns. Can things ever change? Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive this newsletter weekly at inquirer.com/bunch, and well keep talking about making America better until someone actually listens. Two new features this week! Heres one in the form of a question. Would Democrats have a better chance of keeping the White House if the Republicans nominate Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me your answer. Pennsylvanias air and water is paying the price for societys addiction to plastics Sometimes random headlines in the news arent as random as you think. Consider these three seemingly unrelated stories, all from Pennsylvania. The first is the news that everyone around these parts is talking about this week: the roughly 8,100-gallon spill of hazardous chemicals at a plant in lower Bucks County that entered the Delaware River, threatens to enter a main water plant for Philadelphia, and has caused a massive run on bottled water across the region. Advertisement Also this weekend, across the state: Officials at Shells brand new $6 billion plastics plant on the Ohio River north of Pittsburgh warned residents that maintenance problems would cause another round of elevated flaring the latest in a string of incidents since the facilitys November opening that have turned the night sky orange while exceeding the expected yearly limit for air pollution in little more than a month. Meanwhile, nearby in East Palestine, Ohio, the fallout from Februarys toxic train wreck of chemical cars on the Norfolk Southern line continued last week as Pennsylvanias Blackhawk School District, roughly 15 miles away, filed a federal lawsuit claiming that its schoolchildren were endangered after toxic fires and deadly plumes dumped a lethal cocktail on its buildings, property soil, and water supplies where deposits of the toxic materials have been found. But there is a connection between those three environmental calamities and a lot of things you do every day from the bag that came home with your items from the drug store to the rubber duckie in your kids bathtub and it can be summed up in one simple word: plastics. Unfortunately, this boomer journalist has used up his lifetime quotient of Benjamin Braddock jokes from 1967s The Graduate, but suffice it to say that what was the substance of the future more than a half-century ago is now looming large over your present and not always in a good way. Look, we can stipulate that a lot of positive and innovative things Ill mention life-saving medical devices, at the risk of sounding like an oil lobbyist are made from plastics, and these polymers shouldnt or wont ever be totally banned. But when so much of a $600 billion global market goes toward excess packaging, store bags or that rubber duck, is it worth the pollution pain? Id suspect theres a growing number of Philadelphia residents terrified that a glass of tap water this week might cause cancer who would answer, No! And heres the thing were not talking about here in Pennsylvania: If you feel like suddenly were hearing a lot more about the witches brew of toxic or hazardous or just plain dirty and smelly chemicals used to make these polymers, theres a reason for that. Worldwide production of plastic has nearly doubled since the start of the 21st century, as oil-and-gas giants look for profitable uses of their fossil fuels while a climate-change-weary world looks increasingly to transition toward wind or solar power or electric cars. In Pennsylvania, where billions invested in fracking natural gas has teetered on the edge of being a boondoggle despite rising well production, industry officials have looked to the process that uses ethane, a component of natural gas thats prevalent in this regions Marcellus Shale rock formations, to make plastics as an economic savior. Thats why Shell located its plant highly sought after by economic development officials in Beaver County, and its why more trains carrying chemicals like the highly toxic vinyl chloride, which derailed in East Palestine on its way to a yard near Pittsburgh, are crisscrossing Pennsylvania. And its why more bad things are happening to the environment. This has been a very bad month for people in Pennsylvania who want to drink clean water and breathe clean air, Judith Enck, a former regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama years who now teaches at Bennington College and heads a group called Beyond Plastics, told me on Monday. The problem is that Big Oil and Gas, with its massive war chest, lobbyists, and campaign contributions, remains committed to pushing cheap plastic in developing parts of the world such as Africa or Asia as part of what Enck has called Plan B for an industry determined to keep drilling even as traditional uses of fossil fuels fade. It doesnt have to go down this way. The Beyond Plastics campaign urges substitutes for polymers, from a drastic reduction in the use of plastics for packaging to replacing polyvinyl chloride pipes for drinking water with alternatives such as stainless steel or recycled copper. Activists such as Enck also hail the growing number of localities banning single-use plastic bags that are clogging landfills (a list which in the Philadelphia area now includes Radnor Township, where a plastic-bag ban took effect on March 15.) Since the disaster in East Palestine, Encks group is also calling for a nationwide ban on vinyl chloride, the known carcinogen that was contained in five of the derailed cars and tends to be manufactured in poorer communities in the Deep South, for widespread use in consumer plastics. Enck noted that the substance was banned by the federal government in aerosols in 1974, during that brief window when environmentalists seemed to have the upper hand. We researched it and we believe the EPA has the authority to ban vinyl chloride, she said. But here in Pennsylvania, a new governor in Josh Shapiro will need to start making some decisions on future facilities proposed by Big Plastics or other oil-and-gas proposals using criteria that clearly werent applied to the massive Shell plant in Beaver County weighing the long-term environmental risks against the sometimes overblown promises of jobs. Or we can risk more panics like this weeks water scare in Philly, compounded by the irony that this was a huge boon to the bottled water industry which globally causes 25 million tons of plastics waste every year. Yo, do this It seems like yesterday but it was 15 months ago that I proclaimed in this spot that the best show in television was back. Well, Succession is back again for its fourth and, sadly, final season and its looking better than ever. Sunday nights debut on HBO Max began the final countdown for the ever-feuding Roy family and its very-Rupert Murdoch-like clan of media moguls with a return to form the reason why The Disgusting Brothers was trending on Twitter but also some surprises, including a surprisingly existential riff from fiery patriarch Logan Roy. Youre just going to need to stay up a little later these next nine Sunday nights. Its a political question that never goes away and is raging right now in the streets of Paris and Tel Aviv: Does protesting actually work? A new documentary from PBS always-excellent American Experience series The Movement and the Madman, which debuts tonight on Phillys WHYY and other stations answers that question with a qualified, if not resounding yes. It looks at 1969s Vietnam Moratorium movement that launched two massive antiwar protests that fall, during Richard Nixons first year in the White House. The conventional wisdom has been that the demonstrations failed despite their size and organization because U.S. troops stayed until 1973. But we now know that unrest at home forced Nixon to back off from plans for dangerous escalation, including a threat to use nuclear weapons. A fascinating slice of history from my lifetime. Ask me anything Question: What is Philadelphias water crisis? There is no evidence that the spilled chemicals have entered the citys drinking water. People are buying bottled water which they cant afford because of this hyperbole. via Andy Farquhar @AndrewCFarqua1 on Twitter Answer: Andy, you make a good point, and I made sure that the subject line for this newsletter called the situation in Philadelphia a water scare, which is probably a more accurate description of the current situation. I will say that city officials are right in characterizing the threat that these highly toxic chemicals pose to Phillys water supply, in aggressively monitoring it, and in sharing what they know with the public. But I think we can all agree City Hall has done an awful job on the messaging in sending confusing mixed signals about the timing of any risk, in failing to grasp that any mention of a health threat from tap water will cause a stampede for bottled water, and in the bizarre non-presence of Mayor Jim Kenney. If anything positive comes from this, its a reminder of what to look for in terms of leadership from the 10 candidates running to replace Kenney an election that cannot happen soon enough. Backstory on saying goodbye to Bella (2008-2023) Ive written a lot of obituaries in my overlong journalism career, starting as a summer intern at Newsday in 1980 when I spelled the dead mans name wrong. But this one is the hardest: On Friday, our family said goodbye to Bella, our beloved little 5-pound maltipoo. She would have been 15 this summer, and like a lot of pet owners, I half-convinced myself she could live forever. And so part of the shock was how fast it happened; as recently as Wednesday, I took her and her dog-step-sister Daisy, the red golden retriever, to our favorite dog park, although she was already showing signs of the kidney disease that claimed her life. Now I look over at the sofa where she sat when I write these newsletters and it is very difficult to process that she is not there. I wanted to write here about Bellas passing for a couple of reasons. She and Daisy were featured in the very first edition of this newsletter, in an essay on how I survived the isolation of the pandemic with their companionship, and theyve appeared several times since though not as often as Donald Trump. And Bella deserved the attention, even if she hadnt demanded it with her frequent yapping. She was always surprising me, like when she was a puppy and we took her to the 4-mile trail at Ridley Creek Park and I expected to carry her, but she walked every inch. Or the way she always understood every word you said to her, like she had a dog ChatGPT brain or something. Bella showed me that creatures will always defy your expectations. But in the end, Bella taught me something that a lot of readers whove had a dog or cat or some other pet also know, which is that our time together is way too short, and that every second is precious with any of our loved ones. Even the more annoying two-legged variety. Its a weird feeling because, to be honest, I wasnt much of a pet person the first half of my life. Now that Bella is gone, I know there will be many good days and a few bad days to come but the days will never be quite the same. What I wrote on this date in 2011 Second new feature: a blast from the voluminous past of this column and its ancestor, my Attytood blog. On this date 12 years ago, I wrote a blog post with a headline thats even more tantalizing in 2023 than it seemed at the time: Ivana Trumps bras, the Iraq war, and why the NYTs Keller still doesnt get it. The piece hammers at two of the major themes of my nearly 20 years as an opinion writer: that old-fashioned notions about journalistic objectivity havent met the growing threats to democracy, and the utter lack of accountability for the Iraq mistake that marked its 20th anniversary this month. Whats up with the recently departed Ivana and her bras? Youll have to read the entire post to get the scoop. Recommended Inquirer reading Ville Valo, who fronted the Finnish rock band HIM, is kicking off his first solo U.S. tour in Phialdelphia Read more Rocker Ville Valo is one of Finlands most iconic musicians, but he also has deep ties to Philadelphia through his longtime friend, skateboarder Bam Margera. Philadelphia holds a special place in my heart, Valo said to The Inquirer. Theres some sort of spiritual connection there. This weekend, Valo kicks off his first ever U.S. solo tour with a doubleheader at the Theater of the Living Arts on Friday and Saturday. Valo, who was the front man and primary songwriter for the chart-topping gothic rock act HIM until 2017, released his new self-produced solo album Neon Noir last January. Bam, a pro skateboarder and the star of MTVs Jackass, was so close with Valo that the musician allowed Margera to use HIMs heartagram logo a combination of a heart and a pentagram on T-shirts and skateboards coveted by teens across the country. The symbol became a common tattoo design after Bam introduced it to reality TV star Kat Von D. Bam found out about HIM on one of his earliest European skate tours and fell in love with their 1999 studio debut Razorblade Romance, his brother Jess Margera said. During the early days of Jackass, he tracked Valo down at a venue in London where the two bonded over heavy metal and skateboarding. Valo went on to spend a lot of time with Bam and his family at their home in West Chester. In 2001, Bam helped HIM line up their first U.S. gig. It was a video debut party for the CKY series a precursor to Jackass at the Trocadero in Chinatown. Jess headlined the show with his alternative metal act, also called CKY, which plans to release a new album this winter. Advertisement I remember the guys from CKY called me Philly Valo for many years, the front man said. HIM was a massive success in Finland in the 2000s; every studio album they recorded made it to either spot No. 1 or 2 on the countrys official charts. Bams relentless support also made sure the band gained traction in the United States, which was rare for European hard rock acts at the time. HIM eventually caught the eye of Jimmy Pop the front man of the Montgomery County comedy rock act the Bloodhound Gang who signed the band to his label Jimmy Franks Recording Co. Shortly thereafter, HIM was scooped up by Republic Records, an imprint of Universal Music Group. With fans clamoring to get copies of Razorblade Romance from the handful of shops that sold them, the record store finally took note and started selling HIMs records. Valo and Bam havent seen each other since HIMs final U.S. tour in 2017, but the musician hopes theyll connect again soon. Id love to give him a big hug, Valo said. I think its incredibly sad for his family, he said in reference to the skateboarders ongoing struggles with addiction and rehabilitation. At the show, Valo is excited to share his new solo material, which is more eclectic. He described it as somewhere between Black Sabbath and Depeche Mode. He will also be peppering in some old HIM tracks. But that wont be the only thing familiar to longtime fans. The musician has updated the heartagram design and commissioned a set piece of the logo which will hang over the stage for the entirety of the tour. Ville Valo performs at Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St, Philadelphia, 8 p.m., Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. Tickets, starting $50, are available online. A bed in the neonatal intensive care unit at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Far more American women deliver their babies prematurely than any other Western country, leading to maternal and infant deaths, billions of dollars of intensive care, and lifelong disabilities for the children who survive. Read more Tamara Etiennes second pregnancy was freighted with risk and worry from its earliest days exacerbated by a first pregnancy that had ended in miscarriage. A third-grade teacher at an overcrowded Miami-Dade County public school, she spent harried days on her feet. Financial worries weighed heavy, even with health insurance and some paid time off through her job. And as a Black woman, she had suffered a lifetime of racism that left her wary of unpredictable reactions in daily life and was drained by derogatory and unequal treatment at work. Its the sort of stress that can release cortisol, which studies have shown heighten the risk for premature labor. Im experiencing it every day, not walking alone, walking with someone I have to protect, she said. So the level of cortisol in my body when Im pregnant? Immeasurable. Advertisement READ MORE: 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, CDC says, highlighting a problem seen in Philly Two months into the pregnancy, the unrelenting nausea suddenly stopped. I started to feel like my pregnancy symptoms were going away, she said. Then strange back pain started. Etienne and her husband rushed to an emergency room, where a doctor confirmed she was at grave risk for a miscarriage. A cascade of medical interventions progesterone injections, fetal monitoring at home, and bed rest while she took months off work saved the child, who was born at 37 weeks. Women in the United States are more likely to deliver their babies prematurely than those in most other developed countries. Its a distinction that coincides with high rates of maternal and infant death, billions of dollars in intensive care costs, and often lifelong disabilities for the children who survive. About 1 in 10 live births in 2021 occurred before 37 weeks of gestation, according to a March of Dimes report released last year. By comparison, research in recent years has cited preterm birth rates of 7.4% in England and Wales, 6% in France, and 5.8% in Sweden. In its 2022 report card, the March of Dimes found the preterm birth rates increased in nearly every U.S. state from 2020 to 2021. Vermont, with a rate of 8%, merited the nations highest grade: an A-. The grimmest outcomes were concentrated in the Southern states, which largely earned F ratings, with preterm birth rates of 11.5% or higher. Mississippi (15%), Louisiana (13.5%), and Alabama (13.1%) were the worst performers. The March of Dimes report found that 10.9% of live births in Florida were delivered preterm in 2021, earning the state a D rating. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many maternal-fetal specialists worry that the incidence of premature birth will soar. Abortion is now banned in at least 13 states and sharply restricted in 12 others states that restrict abortion have fewer maternal care providers than states with abortion access, according to a recent analysis by the Commonwealth Fund. That includes Florida, where Etienne lives, and where Republican lawmakers have enacted a series of anti-abortion laws, including a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of gestation. Florida is one of the least generous states when it comes to public health insurance. About 1 in 6 women of childbearing age in Florida is uninsured, making it more difficult to begin a healthy pregnancy. Women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes in Florida than in California. I lose sleep over this, said Elvire Jacques, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Memorial Hospital in Miramar, Fla. Its hard to say, I expect [better birth outcomes] when Im not investing anything from the beginning. Many preterm births are preventable The causes of preterm births are varied. About 25% are medically induced, Jacques said, when the woman or fetus is in distress because of such conditions as preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. But research suggests that far more early births are thought to be rooted in a mysterious constellation of physiological conditions. Its very hard to identify that a patient will automatically have a preterm birth, Jacques said. But you can definitely identify stressors for their pregnancies. Physicians say that roughly half of all preterm births are preventable, caused by social, economic, and environmental factors, as well as inadequate access to prenatal health care. Risk factors include conditions such as diabetes and obesity, as well as more hidden issues such as stress or even dehydration. At Memorial Hospital in Miramar, part of a large public health care system, Jacques takes on high-risk pregnancies referred from other ob-gyns in South Florida. When meeting a patient for the first time, she asks: Who else is in your household? Where do you sleep? Do you have substance abuse issues? Where do you work? If you dont know that your patient works in a factory [standing] on an assembly line, she said, then how are you going to tell her to wear compression socks because that may help her prevent blood clots? Jacques has urged a store manager to let her pregnant patient sit while working. She persuaded an imam to grant a mother-to-be with diabetes a reprieve from religious fasting. Because diabetes is a major risk factor, she often talks with patients about healthy eating. She asks those who eat fast food to try cooking at home. Instead of, Can you pay for food? she asks, Of the foods were discussing, which one do you think you can afford? Access to affordable care separates Florida from such states as California and Massachusetts which have paid family leave and low rates of uninsured residents and separates the U.S. from other countries, health policy experts say. In countries with socialized health care, women dont have to worry about the financial cost of care, said Delisa Skeete-Henry, chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A lot of places have paid leave, [and pregnant patients] dont have to worry about not being at work. Racial disparities persist Yet, as preterm births rise in the U.S., wealth does not ensure better pregnancy outcomes. Startling new research shows that at every U.S. income level, Black women and their infants experience far worse birth outcomes than their white counterparts. In other words, all the resources that come with wealth do not protect Black women or their babies from preterm complications, according to the study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Jamarah Amani has seen this firsthand as executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network and an advocate for midwifery and doula care in South Florida. As she evaluates new clients, she looks for clues about birth risks in a patients family history, lab work, and ultrasounds. She homes in quickly on stress related to work, relationships, food, family, and racism. I find Black women working in high-stress environments, even if they are not financially struggling, can face preterm birth, she said. She develops wellness plans that include breathing, meditation, stretching, and walking. Recently, when a patient showed signs of preterm labor, Amani discovered that her electricity bill was overdue and the utility was threatening to cut service. Amani found an organization to pay off the debt. Of Tamara Etiennes six pregnancies, two ended in miscarriage and four were threatened by preterm labor. Fed up with the onslaught of medical interventions, she found a local doula and midwife who helped guide her through the birth of her two youngest children. They were able to walk me through healthy, natural ways to mitigate all of those complications, she said. Her own pregnancy experiences left a profound impact on Etienne. She has since become a fertility doula herself. The One Water Street headquarters of American Water on the Delaware River Waterfront in Camden. Read more While attention has centered on Philadelphias drinking water after a chemical spill, theres another city across the way: Camden, which also uses water from the Delaware River. Like Philadelphia, no contaminants have been detected in Camdens water so far from Fridays spill upstream at a chemical plant in Bristol, Bucks County. And there are no restrictions on use of water for drinking, bathing and cooking. But utilities and state officials have been monitoring treatment plants that serve Camden and other parts of South Jersey. New Jersey American Waters Delaware River Regional Water Treatment Plant in Delran, Burlington County, provides water for 50 municipalities in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties where the company owns water systems, according to Laura Norkute, the companys director of water quality and environmental compliance. Advertisement New Jersey American Water, the states largest publicly traded water utility, provides water to an additional 17 communities in the counties. All receive a mix of water from the plant, which draws from the Delaware River, as well as groundwater from wells throughout the area. Camden gets its water from two utilities: New Jersey American Water, which owns the water system serving Cramer Hill and East Camden, or about one-third of the citys residents, and the citys own water utility, which serves about two-thirds of the city but is operated by American Water Contract Services. Though Camden gets most of its water from wells, it gets additional water purchased from New Jersey American Water. Norkute said the company is testing for compounds released during the spill at the intake for its treatment plant, throughout the plants treatment process, and at the entry to the distribution system. No components of the chemical compounds released in the spill butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate have been detected so far. The chemical compound has not been detected in the river or at our treatment plant and thus is not a threat to our water supply, Norkute said in an email late Monday night. The significance of the threat would vary by location and the dilution of the chemical compound in the river. In addition, if the chemical were to somehow infiltrate the plant, we believe the risk would be significantly reduced by the sophisticated treatment processes at the plant. There are no surface water intakes from the Delaware River in Camden City. However, Norkute said the company is continuing to monitor the water and performing tests at various points in the treatment process and at the entry to the distribution system. She noted state and federal agencies, as well as other water companies, are also performing tests and have found no contaminants. At this time, the company has determined that the spill has not impacted the treated drinking water being delivered to customers in the three counties served by the Delaware River Regional Water Treatment Plant, Norkute said. Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said the agency is monitoring the impact of the spill that flowed from a broken pipe at the Trinseo facility into Otter Creek, a small tributary of the Delaware River. Between 8,000 to 12,000 gallons of a latex finishing material flowed into the river. Cleanup and containment is led by the U.S. Coast Guard. Hajna said none of the chemicals involved have been detected at any drinking water intake from the river or entry points into distribution systems. The department has been working with New Jersey American Water and the Burlington City Water Department, which also has a drinking water intake on the Delaware River. Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young said county offices have been following the spill, and has been assured by state, federal and local utilities that have assured us that our residents have not been impacted by the chemical release in Bristol, Pa. A customer at Sprouts grocery at S. Broad and Carpenter in Philadelphia buying water after a shipment arrived on Monday, March 27, 2023. The city is preparing for possible water crisis. Read more Confused about whether you live in an area of Philly potentially impacted by contamination? This map can help. Because Philadelphias water distribution pulls from three intakes on two rivers, many residents are unsure if their neighborhood could be potentially affected by a chemical spill upstream in Bristol. Although the Philadelphia Water Department has not found any contaminants, it has provided a link to show residents where they get their water. The link to the interactive map allows residents and businesses to search by address. Only those whose water draws comes from the Baxter plant on the Delaware River in the Torresdale section are in a potentially affected area. The Philadelphia Water Department provides drinking water for 1.7 million residents of the city as well as Lower Bucks County. It operates three main drinking plants that treat 230 million gallons of water daily. The Baxter treatment plant in Torresdale takes in water from the Delaware River and serves about 58% of the city. The Queen Lane and Belmont plants take in water from the Schuylkill. In general, almost all of the areas of the city North and East of Broad could be impacted if the water does get contaminated from the butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate that spilled Friday from the Trinseo owned plant in Bristol, Bucks County. But areas south of Broad get a mix of water from the Baxter and Queen Lane plants. Most of Northwest and West Philadelphia would be safe because they draw strictly from intakes on the Schuylkill, which was not impacted by the spill. The rest of the world may associate cheesesteaks with Philadelphia, but in Philly, we associate them with memories, milestones, and traditions. Here, cheesesteaks arent just a meal, theyre an entrenched part of our culture. Like the city itself, the cheesesteak is unpretentious, kind of messy, and will come at you the way you come at it. Scarf one down, and a cheesesteak could give you heartburn, savor and appreciate it, and it will offer you a warm comfort you may have never before known. When a food item becomes so ubiquitous in a city its nearly impossible to escape, its only natural for people to form sentimental attachments and core memories around it. In conjunction with The Inquirers Cheesesteak Bracket, we asked for peoples best cheesesteak stories and memories. From birth to death and everything in between here are six juicy and cheesy tales that illustrate the pull and power of cheesesteaks to those who know and love them. Cheesesteak for Scale Old-school dads measured their childrens growth with rulers and notches on door frames, but computer programmer and cool dad Brad Williams is a lot more wit it. He uses a system called Cheesesteak for Scale to measure his sons growth. When Williams, now 42, of Dresher, brought home a cheesesteak in 2015 and noticed it was about the same size as his 2-week-old son, Lucas, he took a picture for scale and shared it with family and friends. The photo was such a hit he decided to make it a tradition. Every month for the first year of Lucas life, he got a cheesesteak and used it to measure his sons growth. Though Dalessandros is Williams favorite, he used a variety of cheesesteaks as measuring tools, which is perhaps the only imperfection in this nearly perfect scientific measuring system. When Lucas turned 1, the tradition moved to an annual basis. But something unexpected happened when he began eating solid foods Lucas family discovered he didnt like cheesesteaks. Advertisement At age 7, Lucas is now more than four cheesesteaks tall. And he still doesnt like them, Williams said. Sandwich Quest Matt Albertson was a senior at Bloomsburg University in 2011 when he and his friends concocted a gastronomical road trip across Pennsylvania called Sandwich Quest, the likes of which may have never before been seen. The goal: to eat a sandwich from Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh and a cheesesteak from Pats King of Steaks in Philly within 24 hours. Albertson and four of his friends left Bloomsburg at 2 a.m. in a Dodge Charger and drove more than 200 miles to Pittsburgh to eat a Primantis sandwich, before driving another 200 miles to Harrisburg, where they stopped to get gas and eat at the Jackson House. From Harrisburg, they logged 100-plus miles to Delaware County, where they went to Nifty Fiftys for milkshakes before grabbing a quick nap. After waking, the Sandwich Quest crew went to DiNics Roast Pork in Reading Terminal Market and then ended their crusade with cheesesteaks at Pats around 10 p.m. Ambitious and stupid, but we achieved our goal, Albertson, 34, of Havertown, said. It was college, so our metabolisms were good. Cheesy Casanova When Chanae Richards, 40, of Germantown, was a senior at Temple University, her sweetheart came to Philly to visit one weekend. Hed recently stopped being vegan and wanted to try a cheesesteak, so Richards took him to her favorite spot, Maxs Steaks. I ordered for us both since we have similar tastes, she said. Basically, I ordered mine and told them to just give me two of the same. When the couple got home, Richards boyfriend unpacked the bag, let out a huge laugh, and said, This cheesesteak is for you, before handing her one of the two. I was confused because they were exactly the same or so I thought, Richards said. The one for me had the following written in marker Call Kyle for a good time: 267.xxx.xxxx. Richards said she and her partner still laugh about it to this day. I always remind him how handsome he is and that Kyles message could have been for either of us, she said. Well never know. All I want for Christmas John Raisch learned how to make cheesesteaks while working the grill at Josephs Pizza in Fox Chase as a high school and college student in the late 80s and early 90s. At that time, Josephs OWNED the market for cheesesteaks, he said. Wed make thousands of cheesesteaks on a Friday or a Saturday night. It was a sight to behold. When Raischs in-laws would visit from Maryland for Christmas, his mother-in-law would always request a steak and cheese. That phrasing drove me nuts, he said. So one year at Christmas I had enough and I decided from then on we would always do cheesesteaks when they were in town for the holidays. Instead of buying cheesesteaks, Raisch made them himself. It quickly became a tradition and for the last 15 years, the Raisch family has dined on homemade cheesesteaks for Christmas dinner. Raisch, 50, of Wyncote, buys his steak at Joes Meat Market in Glenside, makes his cheesesteaks wit or witout, and offers both cooper sharp cheese and Kraft Cheez Whiz. Theres this running joke in my family. When we talk of me retiring someday, I say I will either be slicing lunch meat in the Sea Isle City Acme or Ill be back behind the grill making cheesesteaks where it all started, he said. Philly-style Ratatouille Philly food and travel writer Iris McCarthy, author of the Food Lovers Guide to Philadelphia, had a cheesesteak experience straight out of a Pixar movie. McCarthy, 44, of Manayunk, was eating outside with her then-boyfriend at Shanks Original in 2015 when they offered a passing rat a piece of one of their cheesesteaks. McCarthy said the rat refused it and scurried away. We followed him all the way to Johns [Roast Pork] where the three of us happily ate, she said. It was like Philly-style Ratatouille. Bury me wit Before Richard Lussi died in 2017, he told his family he wanted to be buried with one of his favorite things in the world a cheesesteak from Pats King of Steaks. Lussi, 76, of Plains Township, told his relatives the cheesesteak should be wiz witout no onions because theyll come back to haunt me, his grandson, Dominic Lussi, told The Inquirer in 2017. A day before his grandfathers funeral, Dominic Lussi, his dad, John, and two of Johns friends drove to Philly, ate cheesesteaks at Pats, and brought two home to put in their patriarchs coffin the next day. Why two? Because Richard Lussi who used to challenge his family to take spur-of-the-moment, 100-mile-plus road trips from Luzerne County to Pats had one simple rule: You dont drive down for one cheesesteak, you must get at least two. After Richard Lussis viewing, his son and grandson placed the bag of cheesesteaks in his coffin by his hand, and he was buried with them in Plains Township. Nearly six years later, Dominic Lussi, 30, of Bloomsburg, said his family has no regrets and they still make road trips to Pats in his grandpas honor. Now that Im married and I have a kid, every year when we hang the Christmas tree up we hang a picture of my grandpa up on the tree and we hang a cheesesteak ornament up next to his picture, he said. When asked if they ever think about the state of the cheesesteaks in the coffin now, Lussi quoted his uncle. Both cheesesteaks are either long gone or hes taking his forever nibbles, Lussi said. Love cheesesteaks? Dont forget to fill out our Cheesesteak Bracket to determine which shop makes the best in the area. The Delaware River intake area at the Samuel S. Baxter Water Treatment Plant in Philadelphia, Pa. on Monday, March 27, 2023. An estimated 8,100 gallons of a latex emulsion solution spilled from the Trinseo Altuglas facility in Bristol into Otter Creek and then into the Delaware River late Friday. Read more Philadelphia officials say tap water from the Baxter treatment plant is safe to drink at least through 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as they continue to monitor the impact of a chemical spill from a plant upstream on the Delaware River. So far, no contaminants related to Friday nights inadvertent discharge of 8,100 gallons of tainted water from the Trinseo plant in Bristol, Bucks County, have been detected at the Baxter water treatment facility, which supplies drinking water for more than half of the city. Officials said at a briefing Monday that the threat of contamination should pass by Wednesday night or Thursday. The Philadelphia Water Department said it would continue testing drinking water into next week, though, to ensure the water is safe. Randy Hayman, the departments commissioner and CEO, said tests have been conducted at 12 locations along the Delaware River, including just outside the Baxter plant. Advertisement All the tests so far have been negative, Hayman said. Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, said testing has been going on around the clock and will continue. The latest test was at 4 p.m. Monday. City officials say that residents can safely continue to use the water in their homes. It is safe to drink and use tap water to cook with it, took brush your teeth, to bathe in, Caroll said. The contaminants may not reach the city water supply, but if they do, officials said, they should have the capacity to treat the water, given that the chemicals would be highly diluted and pose a low risk. If the city is unable to fully remediate any chemicals from the system, officials said they will have a plan to distribute water. Anne Nadol, the citys commerce director, said restaurants and businesses should also have no fear of using tap water for now. She said officials hope to give another update Tuesday morning. Officials are recommending that schools, day cares, and restaurants continue to operate. Lets be clear, said Mayor Jim Kenney. The city has been monitoring this since it first occurred on Friday night. PWD has been active since the weekend, working with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is constantly monitoring and testing the work to ensure the health of the public. No traces of the chemicals have been found in any water system along the Pennsylvania or New Jersey sides of the river. The chemical spill Fridays spill occurred at a chemical plant owned by Trinseo, a manufacturing firm that makes plastics and latex binders. The company said that an equipment failure resulted in 8,100 gallons of latex emulsion solution dumped into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River. The solution is about 50% water and 50% latex polymer, according to the company. The solution also contains butyl acrylate, one of the chemicals released in Februarys train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, when rail cars caught fire and left a cloud of toxic smoke over the town, causing an evacuation and health scare. The plant that produces acrylic products such as Altuglas, similar to plexiglass, has a history of mishaps including at least four recent contamination incidents. It is located within a cluster of industrial companies along the Delaware River north of Philadelphia that has hosted chemical giants since the early 20th century. Throughout its history, the site has been subject to frequent monitoring by government regulators. Over the past decade, the U.S. Coast Guard twice before detected releases of acrylates, which can be toxic, from the Bristol facility into the Delaware. The EPA had separately flagged two other acrylate releases. A big concern in Philly Fridays spill highlighted the citys vulnerability when it comes to water: It is at the mercy of river water and cannot draw from underground aquifers, unlike water departments in communities such as Camden, which gets water from wells in addition to the river. The Philadelphia Water Department provides drinking water for 1.7 million residents of the city as well as Lower Bucks County. It operates three main drinking plants that treat hundreds of millions of gallons of water daily. The Baxter treatment plant in Torresdale takes in water from the Delaware River and serves about 58% of the city. The Queen Lane and Belmont plants take in water from the Schuylkill. The plants use an elaborate process that screens out solids, doses it with chlorine, and filters through layers of sand, gravel, and carbon. The water is dosed again with chlorine to preserve it on a journey through miles of pipe to individual homes and businesses. The system complies with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for about 100 contaminants. But the city does not normally look for, or treat, any of the three chemicals released in the spill. Early warning system worked Chris Crockett, chief environmental, safety and sustainability officer for water company Aqua Pennsylvania, said none of the water systems it operates surrounding Philadelphia has detected the chemicals released in the spill. Crockett said water officials throughout the region were notified quickly of the spill through the Delaware Valley Early Warning System, which he helped start when he worked for the Philadelphia Water Department. The system acts as a regional information hub during spills. Aqua, as well as other water utilities in the system, were already testing for butyl acrylate because officials moved to put testing standards in place in the Philadelphia area after the East Palestine derailment. The EPA has not issued guidance for maximum contaminant levels for butyl acrylate. But the Centers for Disease Control has offered guidance of a maximum of 500 parts per billion. He said the systems computer modeling predicted the path of the spill and how long the chemical compound would take to work its way down the river. I know the public is worried about this, Crockett said. But the systems that we have put in place on the Delaware River actually worked exactly like they were supposed to. Philadelphia is using the same detection standards as Aqua, according to Carroll. And the modeling has helped city officials figure out where chemicals from the spill are heading. The smallest amount we can detect is in a single part per billion, Carroll said. Weve detected none of the material in any of the testing that weve done. Staff writers Ryan Briggs and Beatrice Forman contributed to this article. Philadelphia students protest on Tuesday outside Philadelphia City Hall. The young people - about 100 students from Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, were protesting the Philadelphia School District's special-admissions changes, which have had the ripple effect of under-enrollment at a number of city magnets, and subsequent school-based budget cuts planned for next year. Read more Days after Philadelphia students walked out to protest shifts in the districts special-admissions process that left some magnet schools with as many as 100 open seats for the incoming ninth-grade class, more students left class as a form of dissent. More than 100 students walked out of Science Leadership Academy at Beeber at midday Tuesday, making their way to City Hall and marching up North Broad Street to school district headquarters to send a message. This lottery really messed us up. This is ridiculous, said Naomi Green, 18, an SLA Beeber senior. Teachers and families, we must unite! Education is a human right! the crowd chanted. District officials met the protesters at 440 N. Broad. Advertisement Tomas Hanna, assistant superintendent for secondary schools, met the group outside, and said in a statement that officials hear the students concern and appreciate their passion. Hanna said he told the students that the district and a broad-based committee are reviewing the current school enrollment and selection process. It wasnt immediately clear whether students will face discipline for the walkout. READ MORE: As some Philly students walk out over possible budget cuts, the district offers some remedies Changes to the Philadelphia School Districts special-admissions process made in the name of equity have had unintended consequences. Most recently, dozens of seats will be vacant at some of the 39 criteria-based schools after not enough students met the admissions standards. Since the district moved to a lottery system in 2021, principals lost the power they once had to enroll promising students who did not quite meet the established bar. Because of the projected enrollment losses, a number of district schools were initially notified they would lose multiple teaching and other staff positions as many as six or more, some teachers said. In total, there are more than 800 open seats in magnets citywide for next years class. After widespread pushback and a Thursday rally ahead of a school board meeting, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. announced some changes: The district said it would reopen admission to 12 underenrolled magnet schools, but only to the 316 students who had already applied to at least one criteria-based school and had the grades and attendance to qualify. (There were no promises for other schools, including neighborhood or citywide admissions schools without criteria that are projecting big enrollment drops, including Conwell Middle School, in Kensington, or the U School, in North Philadelphia.) But even if every student eligible to enroll in the 12 schools does so and some students have likely already made alternate plans for the fall, securing spots at charter or private schools that would still leave nearly 500 empty seats in the magnets. The 12 schools are: Philadelphia High School for Girls, Franklin Learning Center, Saul, Lankenau, Motivation, Hill-Freedman World Academy, Parkway Northwest, Parkway Center City Middle College, Parkway West, Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, and Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush. Watlington also said the school system would limit to two the maximum number of enrollment-based staff losses at any of the magnets affected by the admissions policy changes. That promise will cost the district $3 million, the superintendent said. But the students who walked out Tuesday said they are wary of any district promises and said it isnt fair that their schools have to brace for any losses because of a policy they had no control over. Malaya Ulan, an SLA Beeber ninth grader, said she helped organize her fellow students because something had to be done. She stood at the foot of the Octavius Catto statue at City Hall and read a poem she had written. Are we young minds to be cared for, or are we statistics to be ignored? said Ulan, 14. City Councilmember Kendra Brooks left a budget meeting to address the students. Brooks, mother of a recent SLA Beeber graduate and a longtime education activist herself, said she supported the students fully. I understand what it means if just one teacher left, Brooks said. We need the voices of the young people that are impacted by this to stand up and fight. State Rep. Amen Brown, whos one in a crowded field running to be Philadelphias next mayor, also addressed the students, saying that as a father of two children in district schools, he backed the SLA Beeber groups sentiments. This system is wrong, said Brown, who then motioned to City Hall behind him. We need to hold each and every person in these buildings accountable. Waving signs that read Fund this Jawn and Fill the Seats, students moved around Center City determined. This is not just an SLA Beeber problem, said Saifeddine Hakim Mestour, 18, an SLA Beeber senior. This is a School District of Philadelphia problem. Ulan, who also started a Change.org petition to garner support for the cause, said schools around the city are worried about losing teachers, electives, and more. Theres so many people that want and deserve to be in these schools, Ulan said. Theres no bigger consequence than having your entire education be put at stake. Shelves at the Acme on the Boulevard were emptied of bottled water by Monday evening, despite the city's assurances earlier that tap water was safe to consume. Read more On Sunday afternoon, the city sent an alert advising residents they could drink tap water after a chemical spill into a Delaware River tributary. But one of the first things Craig Neveu did when he arrived Monday at the Acme on Roosevelt Boulevard to start his security guard shift was to purchase 10 cases of water. He said he had to protect his family, which includes a medically vulnerable son with cystic fibrosis. Its a fatal illness, so I had no choice, Neveu said. He hasnt been out the house in three years [because of COVID] and now this. There has been a run on water at supermarkets since the city announced chemicals had been spilled Friday night. The city rescinded its earlier recommendation that residents use bottled drinking water after testing proved the water safe to drink until at least 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. However, that has not stopped a run on bottled water as city residents err on the side of caution. Advertisement READ MORE: Panic and confusion fuel a run on bottled water in Philadelphia, even in areas unaffected by the chemical spill According to Neveu, Acme had been busy throughout Monday, but by 7 p.m., the crowds had thinned and the water shelves were wiped out. Mustafa Kirby exited the Acme with the stores last packs of water Monday night. Am I worried? Of course, said Kirby, who questioned whether in addition to not drinking the water, people should stop cooking and bathing with it, too. This was moments after Monday evenings alert from the Philadelphia Water Department that the citys tap water from the Baxter plant would be safe to drink and use at least through 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The message did little to decrease Kirbys concerns. If the [water] is not safe, youre not going to be safe, Kirby insisted. His haul of four six-packs of water was nowhere near the three days of water that Mike Carroll, the deputy managing director of Philadelphias Office of Transportation Infrastructure and Sustainability, has been recommending people maintain. Am I worried? Of course. Mustafa Kirby Kirby said his plan was to scout more water Tuesday, even if it required a journey into South Jersey. I may have to cross the bridge, he said. Julie Slavet, executive director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Inc., said that Philadelphia actually has high water quality, but the mistrust of government was making people doubt official announcements and panic-shop. However, she questioned the environmental wisdom of replacing tap water with water in plastic bottles, which is regulated less stringently and could be no purer than municipal water. READ MORE: How to find out if you live in a potentially impacted neighborhood by water contamination Shortly after Kirby left, Norman Brown came into the grocery on Roosevelt Boulevard and stared at the empty shelves. I got the alert a minute ago, he said. But he wasnt quite ready to plunge back into tap water. His temporary solution would be to boil his water, though boiling water will not destroy or inactivate chemicals present in water, experts have said. Ill survive, the Vietnam War veteran said. Neveu, a former drug user, pointed to the Kensington tattoo around his neck. He was concerned about other drug users from his former neighborhood. What are they going to do? he said. They are going to McDonalds, use the tap water with their stuff, and shoot it into their systems. No one knows the long-term effects [of this spill]. The rich have water stocked up in their garages, and the conspiracists have water stocked up in their bunkers. But what about the security guard at Acme or the retail clerk that rings up your clothes? Neveu said. What are we going to do? The Camden City School District held a job fair on March 8. The district is offering a $10,000 signing bonus to fill some critical teacher vacancies. Read more Struggling to fill critical vacancies amid a national teacher shortage, the Camden City School District is upping the ante by offering a $10,000 signing bonus. Superintendent Katrina McCombs said the South Jersey district still has about 50 teacher vacancies for the current school year, about 7% of its teaching staff. It projects roughly the same need for next years hiring, she said. Marking the first time the district has offered such a perk, the signing bonus is available for new hires in high demand math, science, ESL, and bilingual roles, McCombs said. The district did not immediately respond to a question about where the money will come from. This is where we are, said McCombs. Its important for us to be competitive. Like school districts around the country, Camden has experienced a teacher shortage worsened by the pandemic, with positions from bus drivers to substitute teachers difficult to staff. The district has used substitute teachers or asked teachers to cover two classes. The Philadelphia School District launched its hiring campaign for the upcoming school year in December with plans to hire nearly 1,000 teachers, principals and other school workers. It began accepting applications for 25 district schools that have traditionally had difficulty filing positions. Advertisement There, teachers who choose to work at about 50 tough-to-staff schools will get a $5,000 retention bonus over the next two years. The district is also offering to reimburse teachers up to $2,500 for the costs of state permits and certifications. READ MORE: Amid national teacher shortage, Philly wants to be first in line to hire hundreds of educators for 2023-24 New Jersey has not seen a large uptick in districts offering bonuses, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association. In North Jersey, the Paterson school system hired 149 teachers after authorizing a $7,500 bonus last fall, NJ Advance Media reported. And Newark, the states largest public school system, announced in June that new hires in critical areas would be eligible for $4,000 signing bonuses, the report said. The district also has offered an $1,000 bonus to district employees for referring a teacher who gets hired. A state task force organized by Gov. Phil Murphy to address public school staff shortages recommended in its first report in January that the state should develop a state-funded program that provides bonuses or scholarships for hard-to-fill vacancies. READ MORE: Teachers should make at least $60K annually, education official tells Pa. Senate committee Steve Baker, a spokesman for the New Jersey Education Association, said the association has real concerns about using bonuses to address the problem. The average teacher salary in the state is $70,212. While different districts have different situations and different approaches, in general we need to make a career in public education more economically viable over the long term so we can both attract and retain the best people. Bonuses are a Band-Aid when what we need is a cure, Baker said. In Camden, the starting salary for a certified teacher with a bachelors degree is $54,272. The scale varies based upon experience, specialties and advanced degrees. About 178 people showed up for the districts first comprehensive job fair earlier this month, McCombs said. The district was seeking applicants for positions including teachers, support staff, security, custodians, and bus drivers. READ MORE: Camden is so desperate for teachers, its searching internationally to fill critical ESL and bilingual roles McCombs said the job fair yielded about six or seven applications for teaching positions and only about three in the critical-needs areas, which the district is screening. McCombs said it may hold additional job fairs. We were able to make a lot of connections, McCombs said. We were hoping to get more individuals interested in joining our district as teachers. Last year, the district launched a pilot program to search abroad to fill four bilingual and ESL positions, where a certified teacher is required. About 53% of its 5,800 students are Latino and 14% are English-language learners. McCombs said at the time that the district was desperate and wanted to try a different approach. The district said it would assist candidates with their applications and temporary visas to work in the United States and would cover fees and application costs, roughly $2,500 per person. The new hires would be responsible for their transportation and housing costs. District spokeswoman Sheena Yera said the district has posted job openings on two sites in Puerto Rico. The district is also developing a plan to offer hiring incentives for those positions, she said. We believe the teacher shortage is just going to continue, McCombs said. To learn more about the teacher signing bonus program, visit https://camdencityschools.org or call 856-966-2000. A woman carries bottled water. The city's website has translated some updates into Spanish, but speakers of other languages have had to rely on shared information. Read more As everyone waits for updates from the city on Philadelphias water supply, one group of people has so far been left behind: The more than 350,000 people in Philly who speak a language other than English. Some updates and guidance on the citys website have been translated to Spanish and, according to a city spokesperson, several communication materials related to the chemical spill have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Still, many non-English speaking community members have had to rely on information shared among themselves and through group chats, and sometimes the information gets mangled. Theres a lot of people circulating information. Some are circulating the right information, some actually really did not relay the [full] message, said Ping Lee, a program manager with the Chinatown Community Development Corp. Lee said some Chinese speakers, for instance, had heard that the water had been contaminated, but did not understand that the citys water is now considered safe through 3:30 Tuesday afternoon. It did create some panic, she said. Advertisement READ MORE: Philadelphia water: What we know and dont know after Delaware River latex spill Some community groups are taking it upon themselves to translate and share the latest information about the water supply to their community members. And although these groups do the best they can, they wish they didnt have to be intermediaries. There is a lot of confusion. It is clear, given how basic some [peoples] questions are, that the lack of translation is a problem and people are not really understanding what is going on, said Oni Richards, the executive director of the African Family Health Organization (AFAHO), a nonprofit working with African and Caribbean immigrants in the Philadelphia area. The city is committed to language access and recognizes its importance, especially, during health and public safety issues, said the city spokesperson, mentioning that media briefings related to the water supply have included Spanish and ASL interpreters. Richards said that AFAHO has been answering questions across several languages, such as whether it will be safe to shower or wash clothes, or whether water that has been filtered is OK to drink. Like we saw with COVID, the city has dropped the ball in terms of communicating with low-literate and limited-English-proficient communities, she said. READ MORE: Philly water is safe to drink until at least tonight after Delaware River spill, officials say Its disappointing, and hopefully something that can be remedied, said Will Gonzalez, the executive director of Ceiba, a coalition of Latino community organizations. I think [that] the information is rapidly changing, he said, hesitant about putting out formal updates and translations for Spanish speakers from Ceiba. So what is the next thing? Its kind of [an] unreliable [situation] and we could lose credibility ourselves. Philadelphia is not alone in its struggles to quickly get information out in multiple languages during emergency situations. In New York, officials pressed for information updates following Hurricane Ida last year to be provided in languages other than English and Spanish. And the Federal Communications Commission has recently advocated for the use of multilingual emergency alerts. However, some cities are already more prepared to anticipate the needs of non-English speakers in critical situations. Gonzalez pointed to Boston as an example, where the city provided COVID-19 text updates in 11 languages. He believed that although translating for friends and family and other community members is certainly helpful, it means something different to hear information directly from authorities and experts. One thing is to hear it directly and the other [is] to hear it through tertiary sources, he said. It should be official, in this age of misinformation and disinformation. A motorized canoe on the Mullica River near Crowley Landing State Park in the Pine Barrens May 12, 2021. Read more Animal parts, raw sewage, and a noxious brew of dangerous chemicals poured into Philadelphias rivers on a daily basis back in the late 1800s. It was the height of the Industrial Revolution, and city officials were ready to abandon the Schuylkill as a source of drinking water. At one point, you could smell the rivers from City Hall, said Arthur M. Holst, author and retired Philadelphia Water Department employee. It was disgusting. Joseph Wharton, one of the citys wealthiest industrialists, had a plan. Wharton, the founder of the Wharton School, had settled into a quieter life among the cranberry bogs in New Jerseys Pine Barrens, where he owned 150 square miles of that sandy, seemingly worthless land. The Cohansey Aquifer, its 17 trillion gallons of water among the purest in America, sat beneath it. Holst, author of the article Water for Philadelphia: Joseph Wharton and the Pine Barrens, believed the businessman knew his water was valuable. With the city ready to seize part of his estate in Philadelphia to build a reservoir, Wharton proposed building a series of canals and lakes from the Pine Barrens, channeling the water west, into a pipe that would cross beneath the Delaware, into Philadelphia. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, opposed the idea, according to Holst, and in 1884, the New Jersey Legislature made it illegal to convey any state waters beyond the borders of the state. Advertisement Its unclear what motivated the Legislature beyond resource protection, but New Jersey environmental advocates say it might have been the first conscious move to protect the rare and varied ecosystem in the Pine Barrens. It was absolutely critical to saving the Pinelands, said Jaclyn Rhoads, assistant executive director of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. The Pinelands National Preserve, which covers about 1.1 million acres, was created in 1978, curtailing development and protecting the aquifer. Today, the aquifer supplies water to millions of New Jersey residents but it is not limitless, Rhoads said, and is under threat by the encroachment of salt water because of sea levels rising. It would be difficult to imagine what the Pine Barrens might have looked like had Whartons plan gone through. A lot of the areas in the Pinelands that hold water would have dried up a long time ago, Rhoads said. There are limitations. It can go away if its not protected. Wharton, according to Holst, held fast to his water plan. Despite the New Jersey ruling, Wharton presented the idea to Philadelphia City Council, again, in 1895 and 1896. He tried to drum up interest in 1900, too, when the city had finally decided to build a filtration plant. Wharton, according to Holst, held on to the idea until his death in 1909. He made a pitch to Camden, too, in 1895, taking a large group of officials and reporters on a tour of the Pine Barrens. The journey, coincidentally, highlighted some of the best reasons for protecting the region. The odor from the wildflowers, magnolia, and foliage along the drive was pleasant and agreeable and was eagerly drunk in by those who so seldom have an opportunity to get away from business cares to enjoy such refreshing and invigorating air, the Camden Daily Telegram wrote of the trip. Whartons land, and the aquifer beneath it, remain protected in the 122,880-acre state forest in Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden Counties that bear his name. Philadelphia still gets a fraction of its water from the Pine Barrens, as the Rancocas Creek is one of the few rivers that flows west, into the Delaware. A sign advises diners not to use the water-blended fountain soda in a Center City restaurant on Sunday after Philadelphia officials suggested residents switch to bottled water to avoid ingesting chemicals spilled into a tributary of the Delaware River in Bucks County Friday night. Read more Who governs Philadelphia? Who do Philadelphians turn to in times of uncertainty, looking for a steady hand on the wheel? There should be an easy answer to those questions. Instead, Mayor Jim Kenney continues to leave the city adrift when he should be stepping up to lead. When the nations sixth largest city home to more than 1.5 million people tells its residents they may want to switch to bottled water, that advice should not only be much clearer, it should come from its top elected official, not from the deputy managing director for transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability. In place of the mayor, it was Mike Carroll and other city officials at the podium Sunday, explaining the situation to residents. After Bucks County chemical plant Trinseo spilled 8,000 gallons of latex finishing material into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, Water Department officials became concerned that supply from the Baxter Water Treatment Plant, in Northeast Philadelphia, might become tainted. The spill occurred Friday night, but the city did not alert the public until Sunday afternoon. A few hours after their vague warning about bottled water, they reassured residents that the taps were safe for now. Throughout it all, Kenney himself was absent, although his staff told this board that he is in Philadelphia and has been in the city for the crisis. Advertisement Sadly, woodergate is hardly the first time the mayor has been missing in action. Kenneys refusal to lead on public safety moved City Council to do its own research, placing the creation of a public safety director on the ballot against the mayors wishes. Kenney has also taken a back seat on big issues such as the Sixers arena proposal, amplifying disagreement between developers and residents instead of forging solutions. Last summer, after two police officers were shot, he infamously told reporters, Ill be happy when Im not here, when Im not mayor and can instead enjoy wonderful places like Madrid, where he can walk around at 1 oclock worry-free. While Philadelphians may not have been surprised by the mayors conspicuous absence, they were still disappointed. (His office has countered that, at least this time, he managed to tweet about the situation.) Whatever their flaws, Mayors Michael Nutter, John Street, and Ed Rendell would have been talking to residents directly about the potential contamination and what the city was doing about it. It would have been their familiar faces wed have seen at the podium. From Kenney himself, we got only tweets. Why? What was the mayor doing that could possibly have been more important, that kept him from addressing the public on Sunday afternoon and evening? Showing up may seem like a minor part of a job that involves so many major decisions that affect peoples lives and livelihoods, but it is the part of the job that only a mayor can do. Leadership matters. In a city teeming with nervous energy even on our best days, confusing communications are more likely to instill panic than provide usable information and instill panic is what they did. In scenes reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic, grocery store shelves stood empty Sunday as people rushed to buy as much bottled water as they could. Even in areas not expected to be affected by the spill, fears abounded. Despite the citys later reassurances that tap water everywhere remained safe to drink, the damage was already done. Instead of filling up containers with safe tap water to prepare for the possibility of contamination later this week, many residents were left confused and wondering what to do. On Monday evening, more than a full day after Carroll spoke, the mayor finally faced the public. Kenney insisted that he spent the weekend in the city, although he didnt say why he skipped the Sunday news conference. According to officials, no contamination has been found, with Carroll saying it was very likely that the citys supply will never be affected. The chemicals should clear the city before the end of the week. Sadly, were stuck with Kenney for a little while longer. A customer at Sprouts Farmers Market at South Broad and Carpenter Streets in Philadelphia buys water after a shipment arrived on Monday, March 27, 2023. The city is preparing for a possible water crisis. Read more Protecting sources of drinking water, in our case the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, is crucial to the health and safety of our citizens. To do so, the city of Philadelphia must take a combination of preventive measures, including protecting our watershed, preventing pollution, controlling runoff, regular water quality monitoring, and emergency planning. This weekend we witnessed the abject failure of the last but highly crucial part of its responsibility. At 11:25 on Sunday morning, The Inquirer tweeted an article that was published moments earlier, in which officials from the Kenney administration said they could not be sure if after 2 p.m. a little more than two hours later Philadelphias drinking water would be free of contaminants from a Bucks County spill that happened on Friday evening. This was the first time that I and many other residents heard this news. And we heard it from the paper, in an article behind a paywall. (The Inquirers coverage of the story is now accessible to all.) Not from the city itself. With zero direct communication to citizens from the city of Philadelphia, many of us were left angry, scared, and unsure of what to do to protect ourselves and our neighbors. Advertisement READ MORE: Can we drink the water? Can we find the mayor? | Editorial Of course, those who were able flocked to stores, where shelves instantly emptied of bottled water. There was no prioritization of people who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise unable to immediately go to the store when the alert went out. And no assistance to people who cant afford bottled water, or have increased medical needs, such as people who are pregnant or babies who drink formula, which must be mixed with water. The citys failure to execute a proper emergency procedure has compromised our citizens safety and further eroded public trust. The following are some of the key steps of emergency planning for drinking water and all the ways in which they were bungled by the city. The emergency plan should outline the procedures for notifying relevant authorities and the public in the event of an emergency. This includes identifying the person or team responsible for making the notification, the methods of communication, and the content of the message. If Philadelphia had a citywide emergency plan in place, it did not go smoothly. Hearing that the citys water supply might be contaminated was a crisis, and residents had almost zero early communication from the Office of Emergency Management, Mayor Jim Kenney, or City Council. It made us all wonder: Where are our most important political officials on the weekends? Did they even care about us? Did we even matter? Did they even care about us? Did we even matter? The plan should outline procedures for communicating with the public about the emergency and the actions being taken to address it. This may include issuing boil-water advisories or other public health alerts, as well as providing information about the availability of alternative water sources. At one point, a public safety alert like an Amber Alert was sent across radio, phones, and television. The Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, led by Deputy Managing Director Mike Carroll, issued the guidance for restaurants that they would be fine through the afternoon rush, but nothing else, leaving business owners scrambling to make difficult decisions on their own. A true emergency plan would have identified alternative sources of water that can be used if the primary water source is contaminated. This, too, was a failure, as the city simply told residents that they may wish not to drink or cook with tap water, with no other guidance, leaving us with no option besides buying bottled water. In Americas poorest big city, that is simply not OK. We were left to rely on private citizens who went above and beyond to supply vulnerable members of their community. No city should announce the possibility of contaminated water without also providing a clear plan on how it will supply the essential resource to its residents. I drink the citys tap water. I rely on our Water Department to ensure that our water is safe every day. The quickly changing deadlines from 2 p.m. on Sunday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday (to now 11:59 p.m. Wednesday) did not instill confidence in our testing and monitoring system. An event like this erodes years of trust among residents who want and need to use their tap water. Emergency plans for drinking water are designed to ensure that the public has access to safe and clean water, even in the event of an emergency or contamination event. The Kenney administration was not prepared to do so. Philadelphias next mayor must do a better job. Dena Ferrara Driscoll is a public goods advocate and mother of two who lives in South Philadelphia. She drinks 96 ounces of Philly tap water each day. Guests interact with protesters outside the Union League as they arrive Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, for ceremonies for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as he is honored with the groups highest honor a gold medal first awarded to President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Read more The Union League hasnt been a particularly good citizen lately. Nonetheless, on Wednesday, the elite club will host its annual Good Citizen program, which teaches civics and presents awards to high school students. But all five students who would have participated from Phillys chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters wont be there. Marcus Allen, the chief executive of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region, withdrew the young charges from this years Union League event, citing concerns over the leagues honoring of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has banned the teaching of AP African American Studies and shipped unauthorized migrants out of his state to score political points. In bestowing upon DeSantis its highest honor, the league ignored the pleas of many of its own members and disrespected the citys Black population. We just felt like it sent the wrong message to our community to honor a guy who has put forth the sort of policies that Gov. DeSantis has put forth in Florida, Allen told me. We felt like that was just someone spitting in our face. Advertisement This year would have been the first time Big Brothers Big Sisters has taken part in the leagues Good Citizen program, which got its start in 1946. After the students had been nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, Allen struggled with the decision to pull out, because students who attend the program are eligible to apply for a college scholarship from the Union League worth at least $5,000. Allen worried: Would his decision to stand up for what was right end up costing these students some invaluable help for their future? Allen mentioned his concern in passing earlier this year to Ellyn Jo Waller, the first lady at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Soon, Enons senior pastor, the Rev. Alyn E. Waller, called Allen and informed him that he would ask the NAACP, local churches, and community residents to contribute to a fund that would provide each of his five students with a $5,000 college scholarship. The gesture nearly brought Allen to tears. It took me by total surprise, Allen told me. It just melted my heart ... to me it just really underscored this amazing Black community that we have in Philadelphia and that most people dont hear about. READ MORE: The Union League should not honor Ron DeSantis The checks were distributed to the students and their families at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church during services on March 12. It was an important moment, one that I wish I had been there to witness. It demonstrated the importance of understanding that old saying: All money aint good money. Young people need to know the history of African Americans in this country. They need to be taught what really happened not a watered-down version like the one recently suggested by a textbook publisher for Florida schools, which would remove any mention of race when teaching about civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Waller, who had been among those protesting outside the league in January, pointed out that Philadelphia is a city with a population that is 44% African American, and the fact that the Union League chose to disregard the wishes of so many and honor someone with a track record of racist behavior is an affront to us. This moving example of how he and other members of the citys Black community pitched in to help a group of kids whose mentor made the difficult decision to stick to his principles warms my heart. At a time when so much is going wrong in Philly, it feels good to write about something positive. The way the various entities got together and raised the money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters students is how Black churches traditionally have supported historically Black colleges and universities, and taken up special collections to help their members children further their education. It sends a powerful message, too. Our freedom cannot be financed by anyone else, the Rev. Marshall Mitchell, who was one of the donors, told me. African Americans can truly determine their own destiny, can be philanthropic and generous, and be bold and resist at the same time. The scholarship recipients were taught a valuable lesson about self-determination in the Black community. I pray its one that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The candidates running for Philadelphia mayor saw a new opportunity this week to criticize Mayor Jim Kenneys ability to handle tough situations and suggested they could do better. A handful of the 11 Democrats running in the May 16 primary election to succeed Kenney said the communication coming out of City Hall Sunday amid a chemical spill that could have threatened the citys water supply was haphazard, leading to confusion among residents who raced to purchase bottles of water. This weekend displayed the dangerous lack of leadership in our city, former City Councilmember Derek Green said in a statement Monday. What ensued was chaos: a public panic that saw families rush to grocery stores and empty the shelves. This was a direct consequence of a failure in crisis management. Kenney did not speak publicly about the situation until a virtual news conference late Monday afternoon, more than 24 hours after residents were first told their tap water may be unsafe. The mayor said he worked through the weekend, and said he wasnt concerned about the opinions of political candidates. Advertisement Im not going to react to people running for office and what they say, he said. Former City Councilmember Allan Domb who has aired campaign ads contrasting himself with Kenney said the mayor should have been front and center Sunday when alerts went out to residents. Domb recalled seeing former Mayor Michael Nutter at the site of a deadly train crash in 2015 and feeling that he was in control of the situation. I would have been there communicating to every resident and business the plan to solve the problem, Domb said. Thats what leadership is about. Helen Gym, another former City Council member, said in a statement that there is no circumstance under which the city should have announced that tap water might be unsafe two days after learning of the spill and then not communicated a plan to provide safe water. The Mayor in particular sets the tone for the way the City handles emergencies, she said. He must reassure families that the city, no matter what, will guarantee access to something as fundamental as safe drinking water. Delayed, mixed messages dont just risk inciting panic, they risk undermining public trust. READ MORE: Live updates: Philly water is safe to drink until at least Monday night, officials say Rebecca Rhynhart, the former city controller who has been critical of the Kenney administrations response to emergencies, said Monday that the mixed messages on when water would be safe to drink created confusion and distrust of government. She said the city needed to communicate not only that people shouldnt drink tap water but where they should go to find bottled water. This was not handled in a way that is a best practice in any playbook, she said. Jeff Brown, a grocer who has never held elected office, took a slightly different approach. He used social media Sunday and Monday to reassure residents that ShopRite and Fresh Grocer stores (his family owns a dozen) as well as Acme locations would have newly stocked bottled water this week. He said grocery chains werent notified ahead of time that the city would be directing residents to purchase bottled water, despite the spill happening two days prior. Brown said a properly functioning city would have communicated plans to get safe water to people who are homebound, indigent, or financially unable to purchase bottled water. This is not how I would manage this, he said. I dont know who is in charge, and it doesnt appear that proper steps are being taken quick enough. Not all the candidates took a swing at the Kenney administration. Cherelle Parker, a former Council member, said angry statements for political gain dont help us address this issue. We should be laser-focused on ensuring public trust, health, and safety by making sure that we have all the facts before jumping to conclusions, she said. Philadelphians have a right to know that their water is safe to drink, cook, and bathe with, and that should be our only priority right now. Theyre trying to play politics with a public-health crisis. Inquirer staff writer Sean Collins Walsh contributed. The Point Breeze rowhouse features a huge kitchen and a rooftop deck. Read more To Kathryn Wolf and Ben Horn, the Point Breeze house seemed perfect. The rooftop views were exciting, they loved walking in nearby neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square and the Italian Market, and the huge kitchen let them indulge a joint hobby of cooking together, or entertaining friends. Wolf, who runs a consumer analytics program for a major retailer, notes that the lot is larger than most of those nearby. We thought wed stay forever, said Horn. But this is the mobile economy of the 21st century, and a job offer for Horn, a cardiologist, has them headed for Boston. The house, built in 2018, has five years remaining on the tax abatement, dual-zoned AC, and hardwired internet. Advertisement There are wide-planked hardwood floors throughout, and high ceilings with crown molding. The living room is elevated and has windows fitted with interior shutters for privacy. The kitchen has granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, an oversized island wired with electric, and a Frigidaire stainless steel appliance suite with a six-burner gas stove. Sliding glass doors in the rear of the house lead to the fenced-in patio. The second floor has two large bedrooms, both with recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and custom, remote-controlled blinds. There is a full bathroom on the floor, along with laundry facilities. The third-floor landing leads to the roof deck with pilot house and the primary suite. There are two walk-in closets, and the bathroom has a double vanity with granite countertops and a walk-in shower. The pilot house is wired for audio, water, and electric. The basement is fully tiled and has a full bathroom with walk-in shower and ample living or storage space. There is easy access to public transportation. Total square footage is 2,600. The house is listed by Kathy Krebs of Elfant Wissahickon-Chestnut Hill for $585,000. This new partnership is slated to launch in July 2023, and will leverage the banks digital capabilities within bancassurance to give its customers a slate of tailored insurance products seamlessly via its channels. Details on the general insurance products will be announced in the coming months as the new partnership moves closer to taking effect. Via global insurance system: individuals and businesses pay premiums for specified cover when damage and loss occur; Via governments, commonly called upon during disasters to provide emergency response, support payments, reconstruction funding, and other ways to help communities and businesses get back on their feet; and Via private individuals and companies that, in many cases, must simply absorb their losses and attempt to move on. What we are increasingly seeing in the climate change era is the migration of risk and, therefore, losses from the first of these (insurers) to the second and, most worryingly, third groups. In the Northern Rivers floods in NSW, insurers paid claims of around $5b a figure that is highly regulated, fully disclosed, and easy to track and analyse. Its estimated that the losses for government, private citizens, and businesses were three times greater at $15b an amount that is not only much larger but also largely unreported, little understood, and utterly opaque, Summerhayes said. We are seeing, in real time, a transfer of risk back onto businesses and individuals, with governments as a safety net. In which case, the costs are passed back to businesses and individuals anyway via the tax system. There are around 10 million women over the age of 40 in Canada. But three-quarters of working women feel their employer is not supportive or do not know how to support them during this stage, according to data from the Menopause Foundation of Canada. Leading from the front The Insurance Business Global 100, now in its fourth year, celebrates those who have made and continue to make an impact in the industry. IBs team analyzed the best and most deserving insurance professionals across the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia-Pacific and the UK before finalizing the prestigious list. All those selected are innovating and advancing, as well as championing causes and promoting education. One of those on the list, REInsurePro CEO Shawn Woedl, says, Its such an honor to be included on this list that features people Ive looked up to, learned from, and patterned some of my business practices after. Being in the presence of these leaders motivates me to continue to stress-test the market and push the envelope in finding creative solutions to the evolving needs of our partners and their clients. Disrupting to be the best in insurance Being named to the Global 100 caps a 30-year career for Daniel Lukich. The sales and strategic relationship manager at AAMC in Australia wants to leave a legacy of efficiency. He explains, Innovation will come from companies like ours, where were nimble enough to try different things and innovate. Lukich joined AAMC 18 months ago with a remit to draw on his experience and professional network. Part of his role has seen the business: reset their website reset their business proposition set up as thought leaders host webinars obtain speaking guest slots at conferences Now we have flipped from being seen as a behind-the-scenes service provider to use when you have to, whether its a catastrophe or overflow, to actually being a leader in generating customer service and cost-effective repairs, explains Lukich. He has built a career in auto repair after beginning as a motor body repairer in his teens. His specialty has been creating supply chains for large insurance companies to rely on. Lukich describes how the auto claims process hasnt changed significantly in the past 20 years. Because peoples lives are busy and most of the stuff is going OK, they have one claim. Its a little bit slow and clunky. They live with it. Its such an unusual event. And thats probably what prevented some insurance companies from really looking at customer service from a claims perspective, he says. This mindset has enabled Lukich to make his mark throughout his career. He is particularly proud of the impact its having at AAMC, where his reputation and contacts have paid dividends. In my career, Ive managed to create connections with the people that are in the C-suite, who run the insurance companies, he says. I think were qualified now to challenge what the insurers do in a nice way and try and show them a better way, to cut out the touch points and be seen as subject matter experts, not just the supplier of last resort. Being in the presence of these leaders motivates me to continue to stress-test the market and push the envelope in finding creative solutions to the evolving needs of our partners and their clients Shawn Woedl, REInsurePro Donna Scully has also risen to the top of the insurance industry, using her own drive and determination. She left school at 16, qualified as a lawyer at 30, and is now the joint owner and director of Carpenters Group in the UK. The firm employs 1,000 people and works in partnership with insurers, brokers and MGAs to deliver a variety of fully outsourced claims solutions. Scully has prioritized creating a streamline process with a single platform, enabling the company to become such a powerful player. We do all our in-house development and IT; we have about 60 or 70 people, whereas theyve got legacy systems because an insurance company has usually bought three other insurance companies along the way, she explains. Theyre like big tankers; were more agile and innovative. What I say to them is, Youre very good at underwriting, and youre very good at selling, but youre not actually that good at handling claims, and its costing you too much, so I can do it far cheaper than you. We have to deliver because were the custodians of those brands as an outsourcer, and we build trust. Part of Scullys success is based on maintaining those same high standards internally. You own a business, and you want that business to be very professional and ethical. You want to never stand still, but theres a lot of work that we wouldnt do, she adds. There are a lot of people we wouldnt work for. You have to be strong and let it go because its not good for my business or my reputation. Drawing on her own experiences, Scully is proud that Carpenters offer employees a path to senior levels of the business. Social mobility and diversity, inclusion, and equity are massive for me. I want to change things in a positive way. I want to engage and want to hear what other people have to say, but I also want people to challenge me too. I think were qualified now to challenge what the insurers do in a nice way and try and show them a better way Daniel Lukich, AAMC Learning and adapting to be the best in insurance For Carol Laufer, her description of over three decades at the top of the American industry is akin to Hollywood movies. To be a leader is to be able to predict the future, to be able to see whats coming, and to do something about it, which I guess takes a little bit of risk, she explains. When you make a prediction, you hope that it comes true, and as you go on in your career and you start seeing things over and over again, you have a better chance of calling the right shot. By a stroke of fate, Laufer, who is regional head of North American liability for Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, has witnessed several significant events that have impacted her career: 1991 Civil Rights Act 2000 Y2K: People wondered if the lights were going to go off or if the machinery wasnt going to work. We talked to every single insured we had. 2001 World Trade Center collapse: We had to deal as underwriters with workers compensation here in the United States. 2008 subprime mortgage crisis 2012: After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, we, as underwriters, had to think about insuring public school entities. Laufer underlines the effect of those on her and her colleagues. They were things that we never saw before, things that we necessarily never even dreamed of, and they said, How can we cover this, or sometimes not cover it? But we always tried to cover it, and if it didnt fit into liability, then hopefully it would fit into another area of insurance. And she adds, We were able to sit at a table calmly, sometimes during a great deal of crisis and uncertainty, and work together to keep trying to insure our clients, regardless of what was happening. The industry is also far more welcoming than what Laufer experienced when she joined in the 1980s, and this is a change she has helped drive. Since I began, its been a completely different world; we really learned to work together and get diverse thoughts into the conversation, she says. We spend several months here at Allianz and at other places reviewing employees, giving employees feedback, becoming self-aware ourselves, and trying to bring everybody into a place where they can make goals and achieve them. Mike Falvey, the founder, CEO and president of Falvey Insurance Group, was also named to the Global 100 and attributes his success to three key directives: prioritizing culture over strategy staying focused keeping his word Its a huge honor to be considered for a global industry recognition like this, he says. To be a leader is to be able to predict the future, to be able to see whats coming, and to do something about it Carol Laufer, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Its very much a cultural thing, and were trying to drive our corporate culture that becomes part of our DNA, that we say customer centricity needs to be left, right, center for us, he explained. [We] are trying to supplement it also with some very structured processes, so we have customer journey mapping, so whenever we design a new process which is customer facing, there is user experience design at the front of it. Chaves has more than 25 years of industry experience and brings to his new role extensive experience of the Latin American insurance and reinsurance markets. In the role, he will be responsible for leading Everest Insurances expansion into Mexico, including managing strategy and operations, developing new client and business relationships, and identifying growth opportunities throughout the country. Kaylees promotion is based upon her excellent work performance and communication skills, said Henry Powers, co-founder of VIAA. She will play a huge role in the marketing efforts of our rapidly expanding alliance, and we look forward to all she will accomplish. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! WEST READING, Pa. (AP) All seven bodies have been recovered from the site of a powerful explosion at a chocolate factory in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, officials said. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag said in a statement Sunday night that none of the victims will be named until officials are certain that all families have been contacted. Please understand that this is a devastating loss, but we are truly grateful to bring closure to the families involved in the upcoming days, Kaag said. West Reading Borough Chief of Police Wayne Holben said at a press briefing just after 9 p.m. that rescue workers had found the bodies earlier in the evening and that they are believed to be the remaining two individuals who were listed as missing earlier in the day. Their identities will be confirmed by the Berks County Coroners Office, he said. One of the victims was found around 6:50 p.m. and the other around 8:20 p.m., Holben said. The deaths brought the total number killed to seven in the blast that occurred just before 5 p.m. Friday. Earlier, Kaag confirmed to The Associated Press that the fifth body was found Sunday morning by first responders. Holben said the body of a fourth victim was found under debris early Sunday at the R.M. Palmer Co. plant in the borough of West Reading, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia. Rescue crews had been using heat imaging equipment and dogs to search for possible survivors after the blast destroyed one building and damaged a neighboring building. Crews were using heavy equipment to methodically and carefully pull debris from the site, Holben said. Three buildings around the site will be condemned as a precaution, Kaag said. This does not mean they are slated for demolition or uninhabitable, she said. Simply that there will still be work happening around them as we proceed and they will need to be looked at further by structural engineers. Officials said they had no update on the condition of a woman pulled alive from the rubble early Saturday. Kaag said she had apparently been on the second floor and was found in a hopeful circumstance, calling out to rescuers despite her injuries after a dog located her. Officials also reported no updates on the conditions of those taken to hospitals. Reading Hospital said it received 10 patients and transferred two to other facilities, while two others were admitted in good and fair condition respectively and the others had been discharged. R.M. Palmer said in a statement Saturday that everyone at the company was devastated and it was reaching out to employees and their families through first responders and disaster recovery organizations because its communication systems were down. Kaag, a volunteer firefighter herself, said rescue crews had been working 12- to 16-hour shifts and were so dedicated to continuing the search that you have to pull them away at this point to swap out and get some rest. Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the site Saturday and vowed support from the state. Kaag said some residents have reported damage to windows from the blast, and she asked people to take a walk around your house and report any damage. State and local fire investigators are continuing to examine the scene to try to determine the cause of the blast. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Training Development Pennsylvania Manufacturing New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Philadelphia residents are being told that they may want to drink only bottled water following a chemical spill into the Delaware River in neighboring Bucks County. Bucks County health officials said Sunday that a leak late Friday evening at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township spilled between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of a water-based latex finishing solution into the river. Officials said it is non-toxic to humans and no known adverse health effects have been reported in the county. Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for Philadelphias Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, said there had been no sign of contaminants in city water but officials cannot be 100% certain traces wont show up Sunday afternoon. He called health risks from the material very low if present at all but said officials wanted people to be aware so they could consider using bottled water to drink or cook with to further minimize any risk. The city water department said in an update Sunday evening that water will remain safe to drink and use at least through Monday, based on the time it takes water to move through treatment and water mains before reaching customers. Officials said intakes to the citys Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant were closed after the spill but they were opened overnight to maintain minimal water levels to avoid damage to equipment and to supply water for fire safety and other other essential needs. State environmental officials are leading the response. Pennsylvania American Water said its Yardley Water Treatment plant about 15 miles (24 kilometers) upstream of the release remains unaffected. Aqua said it shut off the intake to its Bristol water system to protect customers and had seen no impact from the spill. Trinseo senior vice president of manufacturing and engineering Tim Thomas told WPVI-TV Saturday that the material posed no risk to the public. Its like the material you find in paint, he told the station. Its your typical acrylic paint you have in your house, thats what really this material is, in a water base. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Pollution Chemicals New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Geico General Insurance Co. must face a class action suit alleging that it has been underpaying benefits to its insureds injured in automobile accidents. U.S. District Court Judge Dora L. Irizarry in federal court in Eastern New York has certified the class alleging breach of contract against Geico General for shortchanging claimants who earn more than $2,000 a month. The lead plaintiff in the case, Mary Lanzillotta, who was injured in a car accident, claims she was entitled to $55,000 in insurance coverage but was provided only $51,445 in benefits by Geico General. The plaintiff contends that the insurer utilizes an improper formula for calculating basic economic loss and first party benefits, resulting in unlawful deductions and premature policy exhaustion. The complaint maintains that the insurer has used the same improper formula for all policyholders in the class, who are identified in part as insureds numbering hundreds if not thousands who have filed similar claims since March 2013. The court said the resulting effect establishes an injury in fact and the class definition captures others who suffered this injury. Lanzillotta submitted a claim for first party benefits. Geico General issued a claim payment of $51,445 and advised her that she had exhausted her basic economic loss and med pay coverages of $55,000. Geico General reached this conclusion by accounting for $2,500 in lost earnings per month, and then subtracting from the total $55,000 in basic economic loss and med pay, 20% of such lost earnings ($500) for the seven months that she received first party wage benefits, for a total deduction of $3,500. The complaint asserts that Geico General, instead, should have accounted for only $2,000 in lost earnings per month and not applied the 20% deduction. This allegedly improper calculation of first party benefits deprived her of $3,500 in basic economic loss benefits to which she she says she was entitled. State law defines basic economic loss as the amount of coverage for medical and wage benefits up to $50,000. It further defines wages as loss of earnings from work which the insured would have earned if she had not been injured, capped at $2,000 per month. First party benefits, on the other hand, are the amount of medical and wage benefits a person is entitled to be reimbursed from the basic economic loss coverage limits for wages by more than the $2,000 cap. Lanzillotta earned more than $2,000 per month. The suit alleges that Geico General has improperly reduced the basic economic loss coverage limits for wages by more than $2,000 and as a result insureds earning more than $2,000 a month have been denied full first party benefits because of the premature exhaustion of basic economic loss. The suit seeks damages, restitution, and attorneys fees. GEICO General, in part, argued that the class should not be certified because the plaintiff is atypical. But the court rejected that contention, finding that the the claims not only arise from the same course of events, but rest on similar legal arguments regarding the premature exhaustion of insurance policies through GEICO Generals basic economic loss reduction formula. The final court-approved definition limits the class to those GEICO General policyholders who earned gross monthly wages in excess of $2,000 per month at any point during the period in which they were covered, who have submitted first party benefit claims to and received payment from GEICO General that included claims for lost wages, and which, after paying at least one month of first party wage benefits, GEICO General claimed their coverage was fully exhausted on or after March 13, 2013. While certifying this class, the judge denied extending the class to violations of the New York no-fault statute. In addition, she dismissed the claims as to all the other defendants in the GECO family including Government Employees Insurance Co., GEICO Indemnity Co., GEICO Casualty Co., GEICO Advantage Insurance Co., GEICO Choice Insurance Co., GEICO Secure Insurance Co., GEICO County Mutual Insurance Co., and GEICO Insurance Agency Inc. for lack of standing. Topics Lawsuits Auto Claims AnaCap Financial Partners, a London-based private equity investor, announced the sale of a minority stake in portfolio company MRH Trowe, a German owner-managed commercial lines insurance broker. AnaCap and MRHTs founding managers have signed an agreement to sell a minority stake in the group to TA Associates, the Boston-headquartered private equity firm. The founding managers of MRHT will remain the largest shareholder group post transaction and will be backed by both AnaCap and TA Associates moving forward. Closing of the transaction is subject to EU antitrust approval. Financial details of the deal, which generates a 4.3x money multiple, were not disclosed. MRHT is one of the 10 largest German industrial insurance brokers, with more than 1,100 employees and 650 million ($700.6 million) of premium volume, offering comprehensive expertise across many insurance lines for industrial and commercial clients, financial institutions as well as high-net-worth individuals. The sale comes two and a half years after AnaCaps initial investment, during which time MRHT has completed 21 bolt-on acquisitions, which complemented existing product propositions, client coverage and geographical footprint. During this time, MRHT has also demonstrated a strong double-digit organic growth rate. The new growth partnership with TA Associates will further accelerate MRHTs growth trajectory and cement its position as a leading insurance broker in the DACH region. The group is now on track to deliver more than 150 million ($161.7 million) of revenue in 2023. MRHT expects this revenue to be doubled as part of its new 5-year plan, through organic growth and further acquisitions, by 2028. MRH Trowe had already placed a debt tranche to finance the planned inorganic growth in January. This transaction follows the recent completion of a debt refinancing for MRHT, led by Macquarie Capital Private Credit and existing lending partner Bain Capital Credit. This extended partnership will further optimize MRHTs capital structure and provide the funding necessary to deliver on the next chapter of the companys growth. In AnaCap and TA we have found two investors who fully support our strategy. Together we will continue to consistently pursue our 360-degree approach in order to offer our customers optimal solutions in the areas of insurance, benefits and finance, and also to intensify our activities in the underwriting business, explained Ralph Rockel, co-founder and chief executive officer at MRH Trowe. To date, it has been an absolute privilege to work in partnership with the founders of MRHT, and we are thrilled to continue this exciting journey together going forward. The investment in MRH Trowe is one of our most successful investments and we are now delighted to welcome an experienced investor like TA Associates to this successful partnership, said Tassilo Arnhold, co-managing partner at AnaCap. Our core focus remains to back strong entrepreneurs in the financial services sector and the MRH Trowe founder management team with its vision to pursue an integrated buy-and-build model, holistic client servicing approach and strong value-based leadership culture continues to excite us tremendously, Arnhold said This transaction not only gives AnaCap and its investor base a very impressive return of a 4.3x money multiple but it also allows for significant further growth of the business. We see the DACH brokerage landscape continuing to undergo rapid consolidation and look forward to supporting MRHT together with TA Associates in the next phase of growth for the business, Arnhold continued. We believe MRH Trowe is uniquely positioned to consolidate its large and highly fragmented market. We have followed the company for many years and are truly impressed by the work that the founders and broader team have accomplished, according to Chris Parkin, managing director and co-head of Financial Services at TA Associates. Source: AnaCap Financial Partners and MRH Trowe Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Germany DAYTON, Ohio (AP) An early morning fire damaged a commercial building complex housing a historic factory founded by the Wright Brothers in Ohio on Sunday, authorities said. Dayton fire crews were sent to the site just before 2:30 a.m. and found heavy fire throughout the complex. Fire crews used hoses to spray water on the flames and used aerial ladders to get water into openings in the roof. The Dayton Daily News reports that crews were still on the scene nearly 12 hours after the fire was reported. Black smoke continued to stream from a collection of multiple hangar buildings, including historic Wright Brothers airplane factory hangars, and flames could be seen on the backside of the hangars, the paper reported. Capt. Brad French said in a news release that the structure involved is listed on the National Historic Register as the first aircraft manufacturing facility founded by the Wright Brothers. Mackensie Wittmer, executive director of the National Aviation Heritage Area, said in a Facebook post that the group was deeply saddened by the fire that damaged our historic Wright Company airplane factory, the first-purpose built buildings for the aviation industry. Officials were working to assess the damage, Wittmer said. The Wright Company, formed by the Wright brothers in November 1909, produced about 120 airplanes in 13 different models, according to the National Aviation Heritage Area. The group has worked to preserve and restore the factory as a site of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park completing the story of the Wright brothers invention, development, and commercialization of the airplane in Dayton, officials said. A year ago, city commissioners authorized more than $1.4 million to clean up the Wright Factory site as the city works with the National Park Service to create a museum in the hangar space. Two hangars had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and a damage estimate has not yet been released. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Ohio Manufacturing Claims errors continue to be the most frequent reason that property/casualty insurers are cited by regulators when responding to market conduct complaints or during routine examinations, according to a report by Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions. Kathy Donovan, lead researcher for Wolters Kluwer, said she found state regulators took 270 market-conduct enforcement actions against property/casualty insurers for claims violations in 2019. Those resulted in $4,675,000 in fines. Failure to meet deadlines for acknowledging, investigating, paying or denying claims was the No. 1 criticism by regulators, she said. Failure to pay the correct amount or send complaint denial notices was No. 2, failure to provide correct claims processing notices and disclosures was No. 3 and failure to properly process total-loss claims was No. 4. Failure to acknowledge, pay, investigate or deny claims within specified timeframes. Failure to issue correct payments and/or compliant denial notices. Failure to provide required compliant notices and disclosures in claims processing. Failure to process total loss claims properly. Improper/incomplete documentation of underwriting files. Using unapproved/unfiled rates and rules or misapplying rating factors. Failure to cancel, non-renew, decline policies in accordance with requirements. Failure to adhere to producer appointment, termination, records, reporting and/or licensing requirements. Improper/incomplete documentation of claim files. Failure to provide required compliant notices and disclosures in underwriting process. Donovan gives a detailed presentation on the findings in a webinar: Wolters Kluwers Top 10 Market Conduct Criticisms of P/C InsurersDonovan gives a detailed presentation on the findings in a webinar: Top 10 Property & Casualty Market Conduct Issues of 2019. Donovan said during a telephone interview that it should be no surprise that claims would be the most common reason that insurers get dinged by regulators, given the tight deadlines, numerous notices required and exacting standards established for the amounts that are paid on claims. She said most of the criticisms cited by regulators could have been resolved by more careful attention to proper documentation. A lot of it goes back to documentation that proves what theyve done, when theyve done it and how theyve done it, she said during a telephone interview on Friday. For example, Donovan said many states require claims to be paid or denied within specific timeframes, often 30 or 45 days. Insurers can extend those deadlines but they are required to send notices to the policyholders explaining why they are taking longer to resolve the claim. Sometimes delay notices are sent with no explanation, and sometimes no delay notice is sent at all. Donovan said auto claims are frequently delayed because the collision repair shop uncovers additional damage after beginning work, requiring a supplemental report. In a homeowners claim, the adjuster may hold up on a file because an inventory of damaged personal items has not been received. Those are both valid reasons, but the adjuster needs to notify the claimant on the reason for the delay. The purpose of those requirements is to keep the claimant informed, Donovan explained. Documentation is especially important when insurers determine values in total loss cases. Donovan said many states require insurers to pay the cost of licensing and registration fees, but insurers write a check for the value of the car without documenting any extra money to cover those costs. Similarly, when a policyholder chooses to hold on to a wrecked car, some states require that the owner be reimbursed for the cost of obtaining a salvage title. Donovan said she saw one instance where an insurer was cited for failing to add that $6 cost to its payout. Sometimes insurers do a poor job of explaining how they arrived at a vehicles value. Donovan said California regulators cited one insurer that provided documentation of comparable sales prices for 16 vehicles, but only three of the vehicles were within a 100-mile radius of the policyholders residence in San Diego. Other errors cited by regulators include: In Illinois, an insurer denied a claim and gave proper notice on time, but failed to give notice to the policyholder that he has a right to contact the state Department of Insurance. In California, an insurer improperly applied depreciation to overhead and profit when calculating the value of a property damage claim. In Connecticut, an insurer was cited for setting unreasonable and arbitrary limits on reimbursement for paint and materials for vehicle repairs. In West Virginia, an insurer recommended that a claimant file a claim against his own insurer instead of the insurer for the other vehicle involved in the crash, which is prohibited. The Wolters Kluwer report said claims have consistently been the leading source of regulator citations against insurers during the 16 years that the company has been studying market conduct actions. Certainly, claims with all of their moving parts in all of the lines of business still present compliance challenges, Donovan said. Topics Carriers Auto Claims Property Casualty New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The worlds biggest crypto exchange Binance and its CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao were sued by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Monday for operating what the regulator alleged were an illegal exchange and a sham compliance program. The CFTC sued Binance, Zhao and its former top compliance executive with willful evasion of U.S. law, while engaging in a calculated strategy of regulatory arbitrage to their commercial benefit. The regulators lawsuit comes amid a broader and increasingly high-profile crackdown on crypto companies. For years, U.S. prosecutors and civil investigators have targeted crypto firms for illegal offerings and failures to comply with rules designed to prevent illicit activity. But the pace of such government activity has surged recently. The CFTC said in its complaint on Monday that from at least July 2019 to the present, Binance offered and executed commodity derivatives transactions on behalf of U.S. persons, in violation of U.S. laws. Binances compliance program has been ineffective and the firm, under the direction of Zhao, told employees and customers to circumvent compliance controls, the CFTC said, citing a number of practices first reported by Reuters in a series of investigations into the exchange last year. The CFTC also accused Binances former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim of aiding and abetting Binances violations. Lim did not immediately respond to calls and messages from Reuters. A spokesperson for Binance, which dominates the global digital asset sector, said the firm will continue to collaborate with regulators despite the lawsuit being unexpected and disappointing. Binance has made significant investments to ensure it does not have U.S. users on its platform, the spokesperson said. CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam said in a statement that Binance executives knew for years they were violating CFTC rules, working actively to both keep the money flowing and avoid compliance. The CFTC is responsible for oversight of commodities and derivatives markets, including for Bitcoin. Firms such as brokers that facilitate U.S. customers trading of such products are required to be register with the agency. Reuters reported in December that the U.S. Justice Department had been investigating Binance since 2018 for possible money-laundering and sanctions violations. Binance has processed at least $10 billion in payments for criminals and companies seeking to evade U.S. sanctions, Reuters has found. Binances cryptocurrency BNB, the worlds fourth largest by market size, dropped around 4% on the news. Zhao, a billionaire who was born in China and moved to Canada at the age of 12, has not yet directly addressed the CFTCs allegations. In a tweet on Monday afternoon, he wrote 4 a reference to a previous post listing his Dos and Donts for 2023. The fourth item on the list was Ignore FUD, fake news, attacks, using an acronym for fear, uncertainty and doubt often used in crypto in relation to news perceived as negative. PIRATE SHIP Founded in Shanghai in 2017, Binance sits at the heart of the global crypto industry. Its core Binance.com exchange processed trades worth about $23 trillion last year, according to data provider CryptoCompare. Trading volumes hit $34 trillion in 2021, Zhao said last year. With a holding company based in the Cayman Islands, Binance has never revealed the location of its core exchange. The CFTC charged the holding company and two other Binance units. Binance did not require customers to submit information verifying their identity before trading and failed to implement basic compliance procedures designed to prevent and detect terrorist financing and money laundering, the CFTC said. The CFTCs complaint detailed Binances efforts to retain U.S. customers even after the company, in partnership with a purportedly independent American firm, launched a U.S. exchange in 2019 to serve American customers in compliance with U.S. regulations. Reuters previously reported that this American firm, BAM Trading, was in fact controlled by Zhao and managed by Binance as a de-facto subsidiary. The CFTC said when Zhao hired BAMs first CEO, he described Binance as a pirate ship and explained that he wished for Binance.US to be a navy boat. VIP CUSTOMERS Though Binances global business publicly said it was restricting U.S. customers from trading on its platform, the CFTC said Binance told its commercially valuable U.S.-based VIP customers how to evade its compliance controls. Zhao kept information reflecting Binances U.S. customer base secret from some senior managers, CFTC said. In October 2020, Zhao directed Binance personnel to replace the U.S. value for some data fields in Binances internal database with UNKWN, it said. Binance traded on its own platform through some 300 house accounts, directly or indirectly owned by Zhao, though the exchange had not disclosed this activity in its public terms of use or elsewhere, according to CFTC. The house accounts were exempt from Binances insider trading policy, the CFTC said. A top Binance executive told the Wall Street Journal in February that the company expected to pay penalties to resolve the U.S. investigations. The CFTC said it is seeking monetary penalties, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and permanent trading and registration bans. Topics Lawsuits New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A federal judge on March 28 denied an appeal, largely made by insurers, to strike down the Boy Scouts of Americas reorganization plan approved last year to allow the nonprofit to settle tens of thousands of sexual abuse claims. The more than 150-page document from Judge Richard G. Andrews in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware said the appellants, which included subsidiaries of AIG, Liberty Mutual, Allianz, Sompo International, and Travelers, failed to put forth evidence that would demonstrate clear error in the Bankruptcy Courts careful findings of fact. Related: Judge Approves Boy Scouts Reorg Plan to Settle Sex Abuse Claims The insurers, as well as some abuse claimants, appealed the plan to in part establish a nearly $2.5 billion settlement trust for sexual abuse victims. Insurers in November asked the judge to find that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Chapter 11 reorganization plan did not meet confirmation requirements and was not proposed in good faith. The claims-count has increased, they said, 6,000% to over 82,000 since the bankruptcy filing. A significant portion are likely fraudulent, the insurers claimed. The plan also does not give the insurers due process to control or participate in the defense of the claims, leading to an outcome of claim values that are higher than those that would have been produced in the tort system. Related: Insurers Say Bazooka of Bogus Boy Scouts Claims is Abuse of Bankruptcy System Andrews said he found no evidence the bankruptcy plan was proposed with ulterior motives, that the plans development process suffered from BSAs unclean hands, or that the plan process otherwise indicates a lack of good faith. In addition, the insurers introduced no evidence contradicting the testimony [of expert witnesses] or to otherwise support their argument that future claim values will be inflated, said Andrews, who added that the courts will decide if awards are covered by any particular insurance policy to the extent that there is a dispute in the future about that matter. Other insurers of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), subsidiaries of Chubb, Zurich, and The Hartford, have previously agreed to contributions toward the plan. According to the filing, the settlements bring nearly $1.66 billion to the Settlement Trust. Andrews said the plan was supported by every estate fiduciary and nearly every organized creditor group a commendable result for a such a lengthy, contentious, and emotionally charged proceeding that included thousands of hours of mediation, nearly 60 hearings, a 22-day confirmation trial, and 300 pages of opinion. Topics Carriers Watkins Insurance Group has announced the appointment of Joe Guyton and John Aoueille as two new shareholders. With over a decade of commitment to the agency, Guyton and Aoueille have demonstrated their expertise in risk and insurance solutions. Guyton, vice president, brings a wealth of knowledge about industry trends and regulations. Aoueille, vice president, is an experienced insurance professional who leads the agencys Marble Falls, Texas, office. Watkins Insurance Group is based in Austin, Texas. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has weighed in on a question that could shake up the appraisal process in Florida insurance claims disputes, urging state regulators to require that appraisers be licensed adjusters. In a motion to intervene in a petition filed with the Florida Department of Financial Services, the states largest property insurer said a determination that appraisers do not have to be adjusters would have a perverse and unintended outcome, and could potentially impact premiums and assessments paid by Florida policyholders. The controversy arose in January in the case of an infamous property adjuster and appraiser whom Citizens and other insurers said had repeatedly blocked company adjusters from accessing property and even threatened at least one insurers adjuster with violence. An administrative law judge recommended that Scott David Thomas adjusters license be suspended for two years and that he pay a $5,000 fine. DFS officials can accept the judges decision or may take it a step further and revoke his adjusters license altogether. Thomas can appeal the decision to a Florida appeals court. In its recommendation to the administrative law judge, DFS noted that because the work of an appraiser falls within the statutory definition of public adjuster, an appraiser is subject to the requirements of the Florida Insurance Code and the adjusters code of ethics. That raised concerns for appraiser associations and the Windstorm Insurance Network, which provides education courses for appraisers. The network, known as WIND, along with the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association, and the Property Loss Appraisal Network, filed a petition Feb. 23 with DFS, seeking clarity on the issue. Appraisers are widely used to help settle the value of damages in claims disputes. But requiring them to be licensed adjusters could cause a shortage of appraisers in Florida, WIND, the associations, and some insurance attorneys have said. Many appraisers are considered experts in their fields, such as engineering, but may not want to take the time to become licensed adjusters, the appraiser associations have said. Citizens disagrees and noted in its motion that without the licensing requirement, troublemakers like Thomas could continue to serve as appraisers, perhaps leading to inappropriate valuations and higher costs to insurers. This would be the natural consequence of granting the relief requested by petitioners despite the fact that much of the problematic conduct that led to the administrative complaint against Mr. Thomas involved his actions in appraisal proceedings, including appraisal proceedings involving policyholders of Citizens, the insurers motion reads. State law appears to require that appraisers must be licensed, Citizens senior corporate counsel, Russell Kent, wrote in the motion. Citizens, created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 as an insurer of last resort, has a special interest in the matter. Kents motion noted that a DFS decision that avoids a license requirement would have a significant impact on Citizens, which participated in 4,605 appraisal proceedings in 2022 and has already been party to 3,471 in the first few months of 2023. Citizens circumstances are unique among insurers in Florida, the motion explains. Consequently, Citizens respectfully requests that the Department allow it to intervene in this declaratory statement proceeding. The filing pointed out that licensed attorneys are exempt from adjuster licensing requirements and could serve as appraisers. DFS has until late May to decide on the question. Topics Florida New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Atlanta-based InsureTrust, a cyber insurance specialty broker, has named Florence Levy executive vice president. InsureTrust, part of Starwind Specialty, said that Levy is well-known in the industry and was previously a director of cyber incident management with another global broker. She also served in senior cyber roles at three other brokerages. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Denvers Sturm College of Law. Levy will help expand InsureTrusts focus on major corporations cyber protection needs while developing the brokers cyber security and risk platforms, the company said in a press release. Starwind Specialty is a division of CRC Group, one of the countrys largest wholesale specialty insurance distributors. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The Georgia General Assembly on Monday approved a bill that would require lower minimum amounts of uninsured motorist coverage for ride-sharing and taxi companies. But a measure that would mandate premium discounts for property owners who fortify their homes against wind damage appears to have been sidelined. House Bill 529, sponsored chiefly by Rep. Noel Williams Jr., R-Cordele, was approved with overwhelming support in the House and the Senate and now goes to the governor for his signature. It requires transportation network companies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $300,000 for bodily injury and death of all persons in one accident. The current minimum requirement is $1 million of coverage. House Bill 279, filed by chief sponsor Rep. Matthew Gambill, R-Cartersville, would have required premium discounts for homeowners or commercial property owners who build or retrofit their properties with wind mitigation techniques. The bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives in February with only one dissenting vote. It received two readings on the Senate floor before it was tabled Monday. The legislative session ends Wednesday. If its not pulled off the table it will probably have to wait until next year, said Talmadge James, legislative assistant to Gambill. Were at the mercy of the Senate right now. James noted that a number of House bills had been tabled Monday by Senate leadership, partly for political reasons. To be considered for a premium reduction, an insurable property shall be certified as constructed in accordance with the applicable Fortified Programs standards adopted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, as of January 1, 2023, or any other mitigation program standards approved by the Commissioner, the bill reads. House Bill 63, also by Williams, would have required group health insurers to provide claims experience to groups with as few as 20 members, down from 51 members in current law. The House voted 166-0 in favor of the bill and it received a second reading on the Senate floor before it was tabled. Topics Legislation Georgia A group of prison firefighters said their feet burned and their socks melded to their feet during a gruesome fire clean-up assignment that left several unable to walk, stand or shower without assistance for days, according to a new lawsuit. Still, the firefighters were mocked and ignored when they initially told their supervisors of what would later be determined as second-degree burns and blisters, according to the Thursday filing by the ACLU of Nevada. The 35-page civil complaint alleges negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of state and federal constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment. It seeks at least $700,000 in damages for seven plaintiffs in Nevada, several changes in training and policy, and discipline for state employees whose negligence and/or intentional conduct results in injury to people required to work while incarcerated. The firefighters were trained at Jean Conservation Camp, the only training facility owned by the Nevada Division of Forestry designed for incarcerated women. State corrections employees supervise the camp. The defendants include the Nevada Division of Forestry and Department of Corrections, their respective department heads and several forestry employees who were on-site and allegedly did not act on complaints. Division of Forestry and Department of Corrections officials declined Thursday to comment, citing pending litigation. The lawsuit describes a morning of cleaning out red-hot embers, churning burning soil and ripping out tree stumps during a wildfire clean-up assignment in an area carpeted by hot soil and burning embers in April 2021. The lawsuit alleges that when the sole of one plaintiffs boot melted off from the heat, a Nevada Division of Forestry supervisor duct-taped it back on and told her to continue working. When another plaintiff started crying from pain, the supervisor allegedly said, You can keep crying as long as you keep working. None of the seven plaintiffs received medical treatment that night, the lawsuit alleges, in what the ACLU described as the states dangerously deficient training and equipment for incarcerated firefighters. Two days later, the complaint said, four of the seven plaintiffs were taken to a Las Vegas hospital where they endured a painful procedure, with no medication, involving hospital staff (cutting) away all the dead skin and tissue from burns on the bottoms of plaintiffs feet. The ACLU is requesting a trial by jury. We filed this case to make sure no one is ever treated like this again, ACLU of Nevada legal director Chris Peterson said in a statement. Our clients are not disposable. These are human beings, and they have rights. In Nevada, certain incarcerated people are eligible for wildland firefighting under certain requirements and are paid $24 per day. The ACLU called the current three days of in-class training before incarcerated firefighters are sent to fire scenes inadequate. The lawsuit said that as of 2021, prison firefighters made up about 30% of the state Division of Forestry fire response capacity. The training does not include training in identifying and reporting firefighting-related injuries, the court filing said. The ACLU also said there should be a way to report negligent supervision without fear of retaliation, and that there should be a policy to get newer equipment for firefighters. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A Vancouver, Washington contractor was found to owe $201,223 in wages and interest to 20 employees on construction projects at four area schools. The contractor, 360 Sheetmetal LLC, and owner Beverley Martin, were also found to owe more than $115,000 in penalties for failure to pay prevailing wage and file required reports when working on public projects. In one case, workers were reportedly paid minimum wage, $13.50 per hour at the time, when they should have been paid $62.52 per hour for the specialized fabricated ductwork. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently filed the penalties against the company. The investigation began in 2020, following complaints from Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 16 in Portland, Oregon. The investigation included an analysis of whether the work required prevailing wages, review of pay stubs and an audit of each project. The company reportedly didnt respond to letters sent last fall informing them of the requirements to pay workers appropriately. As a result of the investigation, L&I issued notices of violation on four projects, including: Legacy High School, Transitions, and 49th Street Academy, Evergreen School District (ESD) 114 ES 22 Elementary School, ESD 114 Ellsworth Elementary School, ESD 114 MLK Jr. Elementary School replacement, Vancouver School District 37 Contractors and subcontractors are legally required to file reports when working on a public project to increase accountability and ensure prevailing wages are paid on taxpayer-funded job sites. The reports include confirmation of intent to pay prevailing wage, affidavits of wages paid and certified payrolls. According to L&I, 360 Sheetmetal ignored these requirements, leading to increased penalties in each of the four cases. The company has appealed the citations. The matter is set to go before the Office of Administrative Hearings at a future date. Topics Washington Contractors News Differences Between Early Strength Agent and Water Reducing Agent After Russia pledged to scale back its military operations around Kyiv and in northern Ukraine, the prices of most industrial metals fell, led by aluminum, showing people's concerns for supply shortage eased. At an earlier time, the West imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which aroused concerns about the supply problem because Russia is a major producer of nickel, aluminum, and copper. Russia is also a major gas supplier to Europe, where potential supply disruptions are seen as hitting power-intensive aluminum and zinc pce powder are still very uncertain. Definition Early strength agent refers to the admixture which can improve the early strength of concrete and has no significant effect on the late strength. Water reducing agent is a kind of concrete admixture which can reduce the water consumption under the condition of keeping the slump of concrete basically unchanged. Classification Early strength agents can be divided into strong electrolyte inorganic salts, water-soluble organic compounds, organic and inorganic compound early strength agents according to their chemical composition. Water reducing agent according to the chemical composition is usually divided into lignosulfonate type of water reducing agent, naphthalene series of high-efficiency water reducing agent, melamine series of high-efficiency water reducing agent, amino sulfonate series of high-efficiency water reducing agent, fatty acid series of high-efficiency water reducing agent, polycarboxylate series of water reducing agent. Composition Early strength agent in addition to chlorine salt and sulfate nitrite, chromate and other organic compounds such as triethanolamine, calcium formate, urea and so on. Water-reducing agent category is different, the composition is also very different, mainly a kind of surfactant, is widely used in the third generation of polycarboxylate water-reducing agent. Use Early strength agent does not contain chloride ion, no corrosion of steel bar, applicable to all civil and industrial buildings and prestressed reinforced concrete members, mortar and so on. It is most suitable for construction under low temperatures in early winter and early spring. Water reducing agent is widely used in high-speed railway, high-speed, civil, industrial buildings and prefabricated parts factory, etc., with wide applicability and suitable for four seasons. Note Early strength agent dosage is 3-6% of cement. In order to keep the quality of concrete mixed with this agent uniform, people need to extend the mixing time by 1-2 minutes. Concrete mixed with early strength agent cannot use orthopedic active minerals (such as opal). This agent such as damp agglomerate phenomenon, must be crushed or weathered rear can be used, its performance unchanged. Because there are many kinds of water-reducing agent, it is necessary to choose the appropriate type of water-reducing agent according to the needs of the project. In winter construction, it is recommended to choose the third generation polycarboxylate water reducing agent. Concrete Superplasticizer Supplier TRUNNANO is a reliable concrete additives supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality concrete superplasticizer and early strength agents, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. According to Reuters, U.S. Treasury officials said they would discuss with G7 leaders pricing caps and tariffs on Russian oil as an alternative to the embargo, which would keep the market supplied, limit price spikes, and reduce Russian revenues. The EU foreign ministers' meeting was held in Brussels. The meeting failed to agree on the sixth round of sanctions, including an oil embargo on Russia, because of objections from Hungary. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said at a press conference after the meeting, that the meeting failed to reach an agreement on the final adoption of the sixth round of sanctions, the permanent representatives of member states to the EU will continue to discuss. The foreign ministers faced similar difficulties trying to reach an agreement on an oil ban. He said Hungary's position was based on economic rather than political concerns. Hungary is highly dependent on Russia for energy, getting more than 60 percent of its oil and 85 percent of its natural gas from Russia. A few days ago, the European Commission submitted the sixth round of proposed sanctions against Russia, including a total ban on Russian oil imports by the end of this year. Hungary immediately objected and said it wanted substantial compensation from the EU to offset its loss from giving up Russian oil. The pce powder price is predicted to increase in the next few days, due to geopolitical factors. Inquiry us News Do you know some knowledge about natural graphite? Russian president demanded that exports of Russian gas to "unfriendly" countries be settled in rubles. The demand has raised concerns in Germany about possible supply disruptions and the impact on industry and households if utilities do not pay in robles. Europe gets about 40% of its gas from Russia. Last year, Europe imported about 155 billion cubic meters. Germany, Europe's largest economy, depends heavily on Russian gas. The chief executive of Germany's E.ON said the German economy would face "significant damage, which should be avoided if possible" without Russian supplies. He also said it would take Germany three years to wean itself off Russian gas. In the event of a supply disruption, Germany's gas network regulator would prioritize home heating over industrial use, so energy-hungry manufacturers such as steelmakers would be the first to suffer, he said. The volatile international situations will continue to affect the markets and prices of many commodities like the natural graphite. Natural graphite is naturally occurring graphite. Natural graphite is an important industrial mineral with applications in almost every aspect of manufacturing, including electronics, atomic energy, hot metal working, friction, coatings, aerospace, powder metallurgy and many more. However, not every form of natural graphite is suitable for use is natural graphite. Differences in volume and grain morphology, purity and processing constraints (grinding, screening, etc.) make some species more suitable for certain applications than others. The following sections of this paper describe the three types of natural graphite from a mineralogical and industrial point of view, with the aim of giving users and potential users of these materials a basic understanding of the characteristics that distinguish each type of natural graphite. Natural graphite is generally classified as 'flake' graphite, 'vein' graphite and 'amorphous' graphite. These three types of natural graphite are found in different geological environments. In addition to the comments below, these types and their corresponding petrological associations are discussed in more detail elsewhere on this page. How is natural graphite produced? Natural flake graphite is formed when carbon material is subjected to high pressure and high temperature. The carbon source material can be either organic or inorganic, although most commercially sourced flake graphite comes from organic deposits. Where is natural graphite found? Graphite is most often found as flakes or crystalline layers in metamorphic rocks such as marble, schist's and gneisses. Graphite may also be found in organic-rich shale's and coal beds. What does natural graphite look like? Graphite (/rfat/) is a crystalline form of the element carbon. It consists of stacked layers of graphene. Graphite occurs naturally and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. What is the difference between natural and synthetic graphite? Graphite comes in two forms: natural graphite, which is mined, and synthetic graphite, which is produced from petroleum coke or coal tar. This is the crux of the emissions issue: Graphite is only produced by crushing and then roasting a mined product or as a byproduct of coal mining or oil refining. High-quality Natural graphite supplier Luoyang Moon & Star New Energy Technology Co., LTD, founded on October 17, 2008, is a high-tech enterprise committed to developing, producing, processing, selling, and technical services of lithium-ion battery anode materials. After more than 10 years of development, the company has gradually developed into a diversified product structure with natural graphite, artificial graphite, composite graphite, intermediate phase, and other negative materials (silicon-carbon materials, etc.). The products are widely used in high-end lithium-ion digital power and energy storage batteries. If you are looking for Natural graphite material, click on the needed products and send us an inquirysales@graphite-corp.com Greece will hand over Iranian oil it intercepted from a Russian-flagged tanker to the United States at the request of the U.S. Justice Department, Greek port police said recently, AFP reported. The decision angered Tehran. In April, Greek authorities reportedly seized a Russian oil tanker, the Pegas, which was said to be heading to the Turkish port of Marmara. Reports say the ship was docked in Calistos Bay with a crew of several people said to be Russian. The Greek coast guard said the ship had been renamed the Lana. The report notes that the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia after the conflict broke out in February. Greek authorities seized the tanker in accordance with European Union sanctions. According to information at the time, the tanker was carrying 115,000 tons of Iranian oil. Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization strongly protested Greece's decision, calling it an "international bandit." "The Islamic Republic of Iran will not give up its legitimate rights and expects the Greek government to abide by its international obligations in the area of navigation and shipping," it said in a statement on its website. Iran's Foreign Ministry, through the International Maritime Organization, called on the Greek government to release the tanker and its crew overnight, adding that "the Americans discharged their cargo," the report said. Athens did not immediately respond to the Iranian protest and gave no further details about the oil on board or how it was handed over to the United States, the report said. The natural graphite price is expected to increase in the next few days affected by the change in supply and demand markets. Inquiry us News Status of animal protection and sea logistics companies in international shipments According to reports, a few days ago, a case about the alleged abuse of animals in livestock transportation ended in the captain's conviction, and the shipowner and the beneficiary cargo owner were not criminally punished. In January 2016, the Statesman was scheduled to transit from Stanley, Tasmania, to Welsh Harbour, Victoria. The ship was carrying 207 head of cattle. It is reported that the weather conditions were very bad then, but the "Statesman" continued to sail, and the situation turned out to be worse than predicted. Three large waves rushed across the side of the ship and knocked out cattle on the open deck, killing ten cattle and making it impossible for the crew to reach the deck to help any livestock. A further 59 cattle died of injuries upon arrival at the port. Veterinarians could not assist until six hours after the boat arrived, increasing the cattle mortality rate. In 2018, the vessel's owner, LesDick, the operating company LD Shipping, Graeme Pretty, an employee of slaughterhouse HW Greenham & Sons, and John McGee, the captain of the Statesman, were all sued for animal cruelty (including aggravated animal cruelty and management practices that could lead to unreasonable results). Owner Les Dick pleaded not guilty, and before the trial began, he was diagnosed with a serious illness. This led to delays in the trial, with shipowner Les Dick reaching an agreement with prosecutors in 2020 to leave the livestock transport business. He passed away in February 2021. The operating company, LD Shipping, went into liquidation before being convicted, and its assets were sold to other operators. This put Graeme Pretty, an employee of the slaughterhouse, and John McGee, captain of the Statesman, on trial. Later, the slaughterhouse's defense lawyers dropped the charges and succeeded. John McGee, the "Statesman" captain, became the sole defendant. Last week, Captain John McGee pleaded guilty to one count of improper use of animal management methods that could lead to unreasonable results. His defense attorney told the court that at the time, Captain John McGee was under intense pressure from the ship's owner, Les Dick, to set sail. While the captain did have the final say, pressure from the owner influenced his decision. The lawyer stressed that the weather was worse than predicted and that the animals did not suffer in any way. It is reported that Captain John McGee will face a sentence in January 2023. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison. According to the data, Tasmanian ferry operator TT-Line was similarly charged in 2018 for an incident involving the death of 16 foals. Although the court ruled that TT-Line had 29 minor animal welfare violations, the company was ultimately acquitted. Factors affecting freight forwarder sea logistics companies Freight transportation In international freight transport, one of the most concerning issues is the price of freight transport. The cost is directly related to the cost of transportation. Because many exporters do not understand the price of transportation very much, and often have a lot of extra spending, then today to understand the factors of the price of international freight transportation? Do You Need Freight Forwarders? China DDP for World is a full-service and shipping forwarder dedicated to assisting our clients in focusing and growing their businesses. Send an Email to info@ddpforworld.com and get the latest freight price. The transportation prices are different for different sea logistics companies In the general international trade process, the price of transport according to different modes of transport, price is also different. International freight rates are divided into sea freight, air freight and rail freight. The specific sea logistics companies freight rate can also be subdivided. For example, rail freight can be divided into passenger freight and freight. Shipping rates are also divided into tramp rates and liner rates. Tramp rates are also affected by market supply and demand relations at that time, while liner transport costs are relatively fixed. Airfreight can be divided into general goods, designated goods and special goods, and the specific transportation price is also determined according to the weight of transportation, at the same time, even if the volume is small, the weight is also counted by weight, but if the opposite is large, small weight, also according to the specific volume to calculate. The choice of international logistics, the quality of logistics will affect the seller's store score, but also affect customer satisfaction rate. Logistics advantages of the sea logistics companies in the destination country and region In Eastern Europe, DHL has advantages in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Hungary and other places while EMS has advantages in Greece, Russia, Turkey and other places. Western Europe, Northern Europe, southern Europe can use DHL international express, TNT international express, these two kinds of customs clearance capacity. TNT has a clear advantage in the Netherlands and Belgium. For Canada, the United States and other American countries, FedEx, UPS and DHL are all suitable for their strong customs clearance capacity and fast time. Applicable to Asia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries DHL, FedEx. DHL and FedEx are time-saving, but THE price of DHL is higher. Indonesia also suggests USING DHL because it has a stronger customs clearance capacity. In Oceania, DHL and UPS aging fast, with high prices; TNT and FedEx have lower prices but relatively few outlets. Particular attention should be paid to the "Made in China" label on the packaging of Australian products. Middle East express ARAMEX, EMS for Middle East region. Commercial express in Africa is very expensive. In remote areas, IT is suggested to send EMS international express. EMS countries have the strongest customs clearance capacity. The air express sea logistics companies can reach many countries and regions that commercial express and postal express cannot reach, so the wide range of sea logistics companies transportation is its advantage. Factors affecting the shipping price of sea logistics companies In the process of international transportation, there are many factors affecting the price of transportation, in addition to some fuel and labor costs, there are many important factors. For example, the nature of the sea logistics companies, its own value and packaging form, as well as stowage factor and transporter's requirements for transportation, etc. There will be some fixed costs during the use of the ship, such as the ship's maintenance insurance and fuel consumption. There is also the change of supply and demand in the sea logistics companies market. In the transport off-season, transport prices are relatively low, in the transport of the peak season, transport prices will be relatively high. Contact a professional freight forwarder- DDPFORWORLD - Professional freight forwarder in China Do You Need Freight Forwarders from China ? Please contact DDPFORWORLD ! DDP for World is a full-service and shipping forwarder dedicated to assisting our clients in focusing and growing their businesses. We do DDP shipping since 2015 by handling home decor, Pet products, battery, power banks, DG cargo, general cargo and Amazon FBA shipping forwarding service. We make your shipping easier and faster by Sea, Air, Express, Truck or Railway. If you have any questions or needs about freight forwarder, please feel free to contact us, we will serve you wholeheartedly. Email: info@ddpforworld.com Inquiry us News Whether there will be any impact on the price of 96 well pcr plate due to the sharp rise in electricity prices in Europe Affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this year the European electrolytic aluminum production capacity is declining, as Russia this week stop running indefinitely "Nord stream no. 1" gas pipeline, electricity prices in Europe rose sharply, sources say, Europe's largest aluminum production enterprise next week will increase the intensity of production, the domestic electrolytic aluminum listed company shares rose sharply. Cailianhe reporters from the industry learned that the current reduction of electrolytic aluminum production capacity in Europe has exceeded 1 million tons, and it is expected that there is a possibility of further reduction before winter. However, due to the small overall capacity of electrolytic aluminum in Europe, its production reduction has little impact on the supply and demand of the electrolytic aluminum market and the price. The production reduction and electricity price will have a band positive effect on the aluminum price, but it is not expected to form a long-term trend. There are also relevant listed companies that said to reporters: "At present, the company factory aluminum prices have not changed significantly." Production of electrolytic aluminum enterprises in Europe continued to expand The impact on Europe's electricity supply would be huge, as a large proportion of the region's electricity is generated by natural gas. Wang Yanchen, general manager of the UK branch of Shanghai Nonferrous Metals Network, told Caiassociated that France's Dunkirk Aluminum company had already cut production by 15%, but this time it said it might cut production by 22%, mainly because of the shortage of electricity supply from France and the high price of electricity. In addition, Alcoa will cut production at its Norwegian aluminum smelter by a third, and Norsk Hydro said it plans to close its Slovak aluminum smelter by the end of September. Wang Yanchen told Caiassociated news reporters: "Today's French price spot market at the highest time of the price of 626 euros/megawatt hour, and February 1 at the highest time of 257 euros/megawatt hour compared with the price of nearly three times. More than a million tonnes of Europe-wide aluminum production capacity of around 4.8 million tonnes has already been shut down and further cuts are expected before winter." Wang Yanchen believes that winter before European aluminum companies or further production cuts, on the one hand, is the price of electricity is too high because the vast majority of European aluminum plants is electricity contracts long list is given priority to, can be part of the contract to sell electricity back to the power grid company, due to the current price is higher than the purchase price, aluminum companies rely on profit in selling electric profits may be higher than in the production of electrolytic aluminum, some companies may stop production to sell electricity. At present, Iceland and Norway in Europe are less affected by the power supply, in addition, most of the electrolytic aluminum enterprises in other countries have reduced production. European fertiliser companies, which rely on natural gas to produce key nutrients, are now having to cut back again. At least a quarter of Europe's nitrogen fertilizer production capacity has been lost, according to media reports. The International Fertilizer Council predicts that global nitrogen use will fall the most in the coming quarter since 2008. Buy high quality and effective DNA & RNA nucleic acid extraction reagent, lab consumables, automatic nucleic acid extractions, real-time PCR equipment and consumables or 96 well pcr plate . Welcome to contact GENETURE or Send an email to: info@geneture.com and our professional sales engineer will get back to you within 48 hours. Analysis and forecast of the market size of PCR diagnostic industry Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a nucleic acid synthesis technology that uses the principle of DNA double-strand replication to replicate specific DNA fragments in vitro. With this technology, the detection equipment can amplify the target gene in a large number in a short time, expanding the target gene fragment to the order of millions to billions, thus achieving high sensitivity detection. At present, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, venereal disease, intestinal respiratory disease and tumor single gene detection is an important application field. In 2020, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic technology was identified as the "gold standard" for COVID-19 diagnosis due to its high sensitivity and accuracy. China's PCR diagnostic market is developing rapidly, with the market size growing rapidly from about RMB 2.37 billion in 2015 to about RMB 5.93 billion in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%. China's PCR industry experienced explosive growth due to the huge demand for testing caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, and the market size of China's PCR diagnostic industry exceeded 10 billion yuan in 2020. With the introduction of a large number of PCR diagnostic instruments, the PCR diagnostic industry will enter a new stage of development. It is expected that the PCR diagnostic industry will maintain a double-digit growth rate, and the market size of the PCR diagnostic industry will reach about 23.42 billion yuan in 2030 based on the factory price, and the cagR will reach about 13.3% from 2019 to 2030. Market Demand of the 96 well pcr plate The DNA/RNA Extraction Kit market and other 96 well pcr plate s are projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.26% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the 96 well pcr plate market for a short time due to restrictions on different business and research activities for 96 well pcr plate s. In addition, diagnostic tests for other diseases and medical conditions in hospitals and other clinical diagnostic facilities have been affected as COVID-19 has led to fewer patients taking tests. However, the high rate of COVID-19 infection and research activities are undertaken by major companies in the field of sequencing to expand their understanding of the virus and its origins, as well as molecular diagnostics of the SARS-COV-2 virus, have led to the development and launch of many DNA - and RNA-BASED COVID-19 kits, The kits proved so important that they were in great demand. Market drivers for the 96 well pcr plate The growth of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market is primarily driven by increased investment in R&D activities in different areas, including molecular diagnostics for different chronic and infectious diseases. For example, the US spent $842 billion on R&D activities in 2020, followed by China at $664 billion, according to the ORGANISATION for Economic Co-operation and Development. Technological advances worldwide, new product launches by major market players, and an increase in cancer cases are also likely to complement the growth of the markets under study. Other factors, such as increased demand for automation of DNA/RNA extraction technologies, new user-friendly and easy extraction kits, and DNA/RNA for analysis of new diseases causing microorganisms, are expected to drive DNA/RNA growth. RNA Extraction Kit market during the forecast period. Therefore, low awareness and availability of the kit and low market penetration in less developed and developing regions around the world are the major factors limiting the growth of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market. North America is expected to dominate the global 96 well pcr plate market during the forecast period North America, which holds a major share in the 96 well pcr plate market, is expected to show a similar trend during the forecast period, mainly due to the high level of R&D activity in the region and the presence of major market players in the region constantly developing their products for the markets studied. In the region, the US is expected to take a major share of the DNA/RNA extraction kit market due to heavy investment in R&D by government and private entities, increased demand for 96 well pcr plate s, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. The 96 well pcr plate professional supplier manufacturer -Geneture Geneture is a professional supplier of Nucleic Acid Extraction Reagent,Automatic Nucleic Acid Extraction,Lab consumables, Real-time PCR, Covid-19 Rapid Test Supplier. Buy high quality and effective DNA & RNA nucleic acid extraction reagent, lab consumables, automatic nucleic acid extractions, real-time PCR equipment and consumables. Feel free to get a qutoe send an email to: info@geneture.com and our professional sales engineer will get back to you within 48 hours. Inquiry us Source: Streetwise Reports March 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Grounded Lithium Corp. has expanded its landholdings on the Kindersley Lithium Project. Earlier this month, Grounded Lithium Corp. (GRD:TSX.V; GRDAF:OTCQB) announced it had purchased a large extension to its existing landholdings on the Kindersley Lithium Project, its flagship property. Grounded Lithium estimates that there is a significant amount of mineralization in the new land addition and that the purchase will add value to the company as it increases its potential for production. The company is also expanding the duties of one of its Chief Financial Officer, Greg Phaneuf, to include corporate development. Grounded Lithium is a public company focused on supplying lithium for the production of batteries. It is headquartered in Alberta, Canada. The company is involved in all levels of lithium extraction through subsurface brine production. Grounded Lithium Expands Land Grounded Lithium has recently expanded its holdings in the Kindersley Lithium Project (KLP), located in Saskatchewan. The company acquired 33 sections (8,498 hectares) of acreage to add to their previous landholdings for a total of 333 sections (86,229 ha). It commissioned an updated National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects report with the acquired properties, which now estimates total lithium carbonate equivalent inferred resources at 4.2 million tons. According to the company, it purchased the land for CA$425,000, which it believed to be highly accretive when compared to the value of the estimated lithium in the new land and to the company's current valuation. This was paid in CA$175,000, and 779,557 shares, which were based on the 10-day volume weighted average trading price on the TSX Venture Exchange. In addition, the shares have a contractual escrow which is reduced by one-third intervals every four, eight, and twelve months from the close of the deal. Grounded Lithium is also expanding the role of Greg Phaneuf, their chief financial officer. To accommodate the company's rapid expansion, Phaneuf will oversee corporate development activities. Phaneuf has experience with corporate development in the energy and industrial industries. On March 17, 2023, Koby Kushner of Red Cloud Securities said, "This new acquisition has turned out to be accretive as the company was quickly able to define a resource on the new ground by leveraging its knowledge of the surrounding project area. It is also a testament to management's ability to move fast." Lithium: The Key to Decarbonization Within the past few years, Lithium has seen a meteoric rise as lithium batteries came into widespread demand. Michael Ballanger, in a contributed opinion chronicling his decision to invest in lithium for Streetwise Reports, said, "I discovered a commodity that was on the verge of a massive shortage situation, and despite the 20% correction in lithium prices since last November, demand for lithium-ion batteries used in every electric vehicle currently in production is going parabolic but with new supply still a few years out." As always, investors may have concerns about getting into a market on the rise. According to an interview with investors by Stockhead, lithium may have been somewhat overhyped, but demand is once again on the rise. The Lithium Report by Echelon concludes that "given the growing demand for electrified transportation and grid-scale battery storage owing to lithium's favorable weight and high energy density characteristics versus other energy storage technologies," the outlook for lithium is positive. Demand for lithium is unlikely to fall, given green energy policies that push the public's adoption of electric vehicles. The U.S. Treasury Department recently amended the policy classifying vehicles as SUVs to create tax incentives for consumers who buy electric vehicles. This change raised the maximum tax credit so that consumers could buy the more expensive models of electric vehicles. Grounded Lithium Looks Toward Developing Its Holdings Grounded Lithium reports that in the future, it will continue to look for qualifying opportunities to acquire resources. In order for these deals to qualify, the opportunity must meet economic, geological, and valuation hurdles. Grounded Lithium is also looking to select a method of lithium extraction as it looks toward developing its untapped holdings. In the short term, Grounded Lithium is looking to complete a number of initiatives, including the results of detailed lithium extraction tests that were announced in March with selected third parties The results of these tests are particularly important, as the company will use them to make technological decisions. They are expected in April or May of 2023. The company expects to file a preliminary economic assessment in June of 2023 and begin early-stage permitting and the design of a field demonstration facility in H2 of 2023, subject to financial resources. In a March 16th research note, Stonegate Capital Partners analyst Dave Storms commented, "We expect Grounded to be on the cusp of an inflection point. It is our view that the company will rerate upwards prior to the completion of its preliminary economic assessment (PEA)," noting Grounded's current share price was about CA$0.35 at the time of the report. Ownership and Share Structure Grounded Lithium has CA$3 million in the bank, as per its last financing in the fall of 2022, and says that the company has the financial resources to address its short-term catalysts. They report no set monthly drilling costs. Insiders own 14% of the company with about 9.6 million shares. According to Reuters, President and CEO Gregg Smith is the largest shareholder in management at 3.06%, with 2.13 million shares. SVP Corporate Development and CFO Greg Phaneuf has 1.76%, with 1.23 million. VP Land and Regulatory Lawrence Fisher has1.27%, with 0.88 million, and VP Geophysics and IT Wayne Gaskin has 0.77%, with 0.53 million. Institutions own approximately 17% of the company, though none own more than 10%, so names are not publicized. Grounded Lithium reports no strategic investors, and the rest is in retail. Grounded Lithium has 12,000,000 public warrants at CA$0.50, and 2.3 million finder warrants from previous financings at an effective price of CA$0.19. The company works with a number of IR firms, including CDMG, First Phase Capital, Stonegate Capital, and Winning Media. They do not work with any influencers, but Koby Kushner of Red Cloud Securities, Dave Storms of Stonegate Capital, and Lee Bellinger all provide news coverage and analysis of the company. Grounded Lithium has a market cap of US$17 million. There are 69,656,423 shares, 14,351,862 warrants, and 8,883,100 options. According to Market Watch, Grounded Lithium trades in the 52-week range between CA$0.22 and CA$0.50. Disclosures: 1) Amanda Duvall wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports. He/she or members of his/her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He/she or members of his/her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. His/her company has a financial relationship with the following companies referred to in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Grounded Lithium. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with None. 3) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 4) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Grounded Lithium, a company mentioned in this article. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Source: Streetwise Reports March 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Dolly Varden Silver Corp. and five other companies sign a memorandum of understanding to study the viability of a centralized polymetallic mill in British Columbia. Dolly Varden Silver Corp. (DV:TSX.V; DOLLF:OTCQX) has signed a memorandum of understanding with five other companies to study the viability of a centralized polymetallic mill at New Moly LLC's Kitsault project. The mill would take in mineralized material from the companies' deposits and possible new discoveries in northwestern British Columbia and southeast Alaska. Besides Dolly Varden and New Moly, the other companies are Goliath Resources Ltd. (GOT:TSX.V; GOTRF:OTCQB; B4IF;FSE), BWCG Holding Ltd. (formerly Blackwolf Copper and Gold Inc.), Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd. (BWCG:TSX.V) and Coast Copper Corp. (COCO:TSX.V) The project would serve Dolly Varden's Kitsault Valley project, which hosts an indicated resource of 34.7 million ounces silver (Moz Ag) and 166,000 ounces gold (Au), and inferred resources of 29.3 Moz Ag and 817,000 ounces Au within multiple outcropping deposits. Recently released drilling results from the Kitsault Valley project revealed the highest-grade assay yet received from the Dolly Varden property. Hole DV22-329 in the Wolf Vein northeast returned 1,499 grams per tonne (g/t) Ag, 1.8% lead (Pb), and 0.46% zinc (Zn) over 15.94 meters (8.77 meters estimated true width), including 23,997 g/t Ag, 1.24% Pb, and 0.34% Zn over 0.35 meters (0.19 meters estimated true width). Bob Moriarty of 321 Gold called Dolly Varden's assay results "absolutely staggering" and called the Golden Triangle "one of the most important districts in the world." "Dolly Varden has done an incredible job," Moriarty said. "Anyone interested in investing should go to their website and go through the news because the numbers are absolutely mind-bending." Technical analyst Clive Maund of CliveMaund.com on March 17 noted it was "an excellent point to add to positions in Dolly Varden or make fresh purchases." Research Capital Corp. analyst Stuart McDougall noted the recent results were "generally supportive of each project's exploration upside" and reiterated his Speculative Buy rating for the stock with a CA$1.35 per share target. "This is easily becoming a prime takeover target - and it's not done growing," Jeff Clark of TheGoldAdvisor.com said of Dolly Varden. The Catalyst: Co. Considers Restarting Project The proposed mill site at Kitsault formerly hosted a molybdenum mine. It has received federal and provincial permits and New Moly is now considering restarting a larger-scale project at the site given the uses for molybdenum in the new green economy. Molybdenum is used in many clean, renewable energy generation and storage technologies, including wind, geothermal, solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric. It has a much smaller market than copper, with a production of just 300,000 tonnes in 2018, noted Reuters senior metals columnist Andy Home. The proposed New Moly mill site is located on the BC Hydro electrical grid and has road access to the Nass Valley, and tidewater access. The companies involved in the study have engaged Fuse Advisors Inc. to assess the technical viability of the mill. All the companies will jointly share the costs of the study. Fuse will look at the potential of blending or batching mineralized material, potential process flowsheets, potential throughputs, and a possible size of the mill and timeline for construction. "We look forward to working with this collaboration of companies to study the potential synergies that include reduced respective capital, processing costs, as well as reduced permitting timelines and risks by using a permitted site located on tidewater," said Roger Rosmus, founder and chief executive officer of Goliath Resources. Dolly Varden is 'Pure Silver' Dolly Varden plans to drill another season at Kitsault Valley to acquire more data for a NI 43-101 compliant Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, which will be the basis for a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the whole project. Moriarty said he believed Dolly Varden could be another Eskay Creek. He said most people aren't aware that 70% of the silver produced in the world is a byproduct of copper mining. "Dolly Varden is pure silver," he said. "The number of pure silver mines in the world is small - only 30% total." Silver demand was expected to reach a new high of 1.21 billion ounces in 2022, 16% more than the previous year, The Silver Institute predicted. "Physical investment in 2022 is on track to jump by 18% to 329 Moz, which would also be a new record," the report said. The global silver market also was forecasted to record a second consecutive deficit between supply and demand in 2022, the Institute said. At 194 Moz, it would be a multi-decade high and four times 2021's level. [OWNERSHIP_CHART-5439] Ownership and Share Structure Strategic investors own 43% of the company, including Fury Gold Mines Ltd. (FURY-T) with 23%, Hecla Mining Co. (HL:NYSE) with 10%, and mining financier Eric Sprott with 10%, according to the company. About 50% is institutional and the rest is retail. The company is covered by several analysts, including Michael Gray of Agentis Capital, Geordie Mark of Haywood Securities, and McDougall with Research Capital Corp. Newsletter writers Maurice Jackson, The Critical Investor, Clive Maund, Rick Mills, and Bob Moriarty also follow the company. Click the bottom of the data box above to view more coverage. Dolly Varden has a market cap of CA$244.15 million and 254 million shares outstanding, with 231 million shares free-floating, according to the company. It trades in a 52-week range of CA$1.15 and CA$0.355. Disclosures: 1) Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Dolly Varden Silver Corp. and Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Dolly Varden Silver Corp. and Blackwolf Copper & Gold Ltd., companies mentioned in this article. Disclosures for Stuart McDougall, Research Capital Corp.: Analyst Certification: I, Stuart McDougall, certify the views expressed in this report were formed by my review of relevant company data and industry investigation, and accurately reflect my opinion about the investment merits of the securities mentioned in the report. I also certify that my compensation is not related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. Research Capital Corporation publishes research and investment recommendations for the use of its clients. Information regarding our categories of recommendations, quarterly summaries of the percentage of our recommendations which fall into each category and our policies regarding the release of our research reports is available at www.researchcapital.com or may be requested by contacting the analyst. Each analyst of Research Capital Corporation whose name appears in this report hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in this research report accurately reflect the analyst's personal views and (ii) no part of the research analyst's compensation was or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific conclusions or recommendations expressed in this research report. General Disclosures: The opinions, estimates and projections contained in all Research Reports published by Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") are those of RCC as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. RCC makes every effort to ensure that the contents have been compiled or derived from sources believed to be reliable and that contain information and opinions that are accurate and complete; RCC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, in respect thereof, takes no responsibility for any errors and omissions which may be contained therein and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from any use of or reliance on its Research Reports or its contents. Information may be available to RCC that is not contained therein. Research Reports disseminated by RCC are not a solicitation to buy or sell. All securities not available in all jurisdictions. Rule 3400 and Further Disclosure Information: Relevant disclosures required under IIROC Rule 3400 applicable to companies under coverage discussed in this research report are available on our website www.researchcapital.ca. Company Specific Disclosures: Within the past 12 months, Research Capital has provided investment banking services to the issuer. Distribution Policy: Through www.researchcapital.com, our institutional and corporate clients can access our research as soon as it becomes available, 24-7. New reports are continually uploaded to the site as they become available throughout the day. Clients may also receive our research via Reuters, Bloomberg, FactSet, and Capital IQ. All of our research is made widely available at the same time to all Research Capital client groups entitled to our research. In addition, research reports are sent directly to our clients based on their delivery preference (mail, fax, e-mail). Fair Dissemination of Research Reports and Ratings: To the extent reasonably practicable, Research Reports will be disseminated contemporaneously to all of Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") customers who are entitled to receive the firm's research. Until such time, Research Analysts will not discuss the contents of their reports with Sales and Trading or Investment Banking employees. RCC equity research is posted to our proprietary website to ensure eligible clients receive coverage initiations and changes in rating, targets and opinions in a timely manner. Additional distribution may be done by the sales personnel via email, fax or regular mail. Please contact your investment advisor for more information regarding RCC research. Percentage Distribution of Research Ratings: As required by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, Research Capital provides a summary of the percentage of its recommendations that fall into each category of our ratings. Please click this link Our Research - Research Capital Corporation to see our distribution of ratings. Potential Conflicts of Interest: All Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") Analysts are compensated based in part on the overall revenues of RCC, a portion of which are generated by investment banking activities. RCC may have had, or seek to have, an investment banking relationship with companies mentioned in this report. RCC and/or its officers, directors and employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities mentioned in our Research Reports as principal or agent. RCC makes every effort possible to avoid conflicts of interest, however readers should assume that a conflict might exist, and therefore not rely solely on this report when evaluating whether or not to buy or sell the securities of subject companies. RC USA INC. Information about Research Capital Corporation's Rating System, the distribution of our research to clients and the percentage of recommendations which are in each of our rating categories is available on our website at www.researchcapital.ca. The information contained in this report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed, nor in providing it does Research Capital Corporation assume any responsibility or liability. Research Capital Corporation, its directors, officers and other employees may, from time to time, have positions in the securities mentioned herein. Contents of this report cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of Research Capital Corporation. US Institutional Clients - Research Capital USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Research Capital Corporation, accepts responsibility for the contents of this report subject to the terms and limitations set out above. US firms or institutions receiving this report should effect transactions in securities discussed in the report through Research Capital USA Inc., a Broker - Dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Theres a new range of boutique facials and treatments available in a popular Cork City hotel spa and the glow they give needs to be seen to be believed. Bellevue Spa at The Montenotte Hotel has become the first hotel spa in Ireland to partner with skincare brand, Grown Alchemist. The Australian skincare brand promises optimum skincare health through a combination of scientific formulas and natural ingredients. Bellevue Spa provides Grown Alchemist facial therapies and massage treatments among its suite of treatments for local residents, hotel and day guests to enjoy. Every facial and body treatment uses a combination of signature techniques to create noticeable results. I was invited to the first demonstration of the treatments on a rainy evening and gladly chose to hide from the inclement weather in the plush hotel. The spa itself is a gorgeous oasis of calm upon entry, allowing for optimal relaxation and recharging. Upon arrival spa manager Jennifer McCarthy led us through a short meditation, drawing on her own experience with and love of holistic reiki practices. Jennifer McCarthy, Bellevue Spa manager at the Montenotte Hotel with Ashely Hastings, Brand Manager with Grown Alchemist. Picture: Brian Lougheed Feeling utterly relaxed, I floated into the treatment room with therapist Niamh, who explained the process and techniques the facial would incorporate, including cupping and cryotherapy balls to affect blood flow. The Bellevue spa therapists have been fully trained to offer bespoke Grown Alchemist treatments and help each guest select the right therapy for them and their skin, from a deep detox to a total skin reboot. My face was double-cleansed before Niamh applied a range of serums and lotions to my skin with firm yet gentle strokes, massaging and soothing as the treatment progressed. The small plastic cups whizzed all over my face, drawing my skin up and loosening tension I hadnt realised was there I especially felt their effects in my forehead muscles. The cryotherapy balls were a cooling delight against my skin and although Niamh praised their effect on blood flow, I couldnt help but imagine how nice they would feel under tired, puffy eyes on an early morning. While a mask was sinking into my skin, Niamh massaged my hands and applied some mask to the back of each hand a welcome treat for an oft-neglected area. The official launch of Grown Alchemist to Bellevue Spa, at The Montenotte Hotel. Picture: Brian Lougheed Facial over, I was guided to a relaxation room to unwind and enjoy the calm afterglow of the facial and glow almost feels like an understatement. Looking in the mirror afterward I was amazed at how luminous my skin looked and felt. The combination of cleansing, serums and mask had given me a healthy radiance, no doubt helped along by the relaxing atmosphere and the short meditation with Jennifer too. I saw the benefits of the massage long after that evening, with my skin feeling and feeling just as good over the following days. One of the perks of the spa being in the Montenotte Hotel was the opportunity to dine in the Panorama Bistro and on that evening it truly lived up to its name, offering sweeping vistas over Cork City that threatened to take my attention away from the delicious food and drink on offer. Rates for Bellevue Spas Grown Alchemist facials start from 95 with massages from 100. For more information, see themontenottehotel.com. I am a step-parent to an 11-year-old girl. Her family background is difficult, she lost her mother at a young age and custody is shared between her grandparents and my husband. I have been in her life for nearly 10 years and have been building my relationship with her over that period. The problem is I never feel good enough and I worry about how to manage my feeling of inadequacy. What can I do to believe I am doing my best and I am good enough? You have been an active part of parenting, nurturing, guiding, supporting, and loving this child for a decade, essentially all of her life. You are a reliable and consistent part of her attachment network. That is precisely what children need calm, clear, consistent, predictable caregivers who have their interests at the heart of their choices and decisions. The term step may leave you feeling on the periphery of parenting this child, and it may be part of what is tripping you up and causing you the self-doubt you describe. A step-parent plays a critical role in a childs life as a caregiving adult who loves a child and is invested in their success at all levels. Children benefit from having a network of such caregivers in their lives. Your role would be important even if her mother was still an active part of her life. This child has suffered a rupture in her life - the loss of her mother and you can play a key role in helping her to repair (strengthen and enhance) her relationship with a maternal figure. That is not to say you would seek to replace her mother, you cannot do that, nor do I imagine you wish to do so, but you can offer her the chance to have a maternal connection with you and to grow through that connection. There are some steps I suggest you take, you may well have done this in the early days but it will help to repeat them now as she will soon enter adolescence and your relationship will change, evolve, and develop. Start by reflecting on your expectations. Is the level of involvement in your childs life something you feel comfortable with? How do you wish it was? Next, talk with your husband about how you feel, your role in the childs life and how you would like it to be. Together, discuss what role you could play and how to get there. Include space to name practical ways, such as regularly asking each other what was the highlight of the week and what was the moment youd like to change, setting a date once a month to sit together or go for a walk together to talk about what is/is not working rather than letting frustration build. Get to know the child through her interests. Get interested in what interests her and go on outings, spend time and watch TV together, do practical things such as homework, drive her to meet friends, and pick out clothes. Let her know that you are invested in her. Often as parents or caregivers, we can feel not enough and sometimes fall short. We need to acknowledge this so we can make changes and improve our relationship with our children. But sometimes, we are enough even though we may not live up to our own expectations, and this can lead to anxiety. For more on this topic, check out my podcast exa.mn/15-minutes-good-enough If you have a question for child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie A senior executive at the company responsible for running the National Car Test has written to a number of immigrant employees, telling them if they dont stop making noise in their accommodation then I do not want you here in Ireland. The head of human resources for Ireland at Applus the Spanish company with responsibility for the NCT contract wrote to a number of Filipino mechanics living in Dublin last week to take issue with complaints about the noise being made at their residence. I have had a number of calls regarding noise in our houses and apartments, Hugh OBrien wrote in an email on March 21. Your number one reason to be in Ireland is to work. If you make noise that stops people/roommates from getting sleep and they cannot work, then I do not want you here in Ireland. You can go home, at your own expense. He said if a housemate of the recipients asks them to stop making noise do it, or I will solve the problem. Last chance! Mr OBrien concluded. An Applus spokesperson said it is company policy not to comment on employee relations or internal staffing issues. The Filipino workers in question are valued members of staff and are settling into their new life in Ireland the spokesperson said, adding: We want to ensure that their experience in Ireland... is a pleasant one as we are very aware that they have left loved ones and families at home. It is understood the recipients of the mail are among 44 mechanics hired from the Philippines to bolster the NCT workforce last November amid crippling backlogs which have seen up to 400,000 vehicles overdue a test nationally. Some 22 Spanish staff were also seconded from Appluss Spanish operations at the same time to help with the backlog at Irish centres, although it is believed that only eight of that initial cohort of workers remain in Ireland. The Filipino staff in question pay rent to Applus through their wages, while the Spanish workers do not pay rent due to their working off their original Spanish contract. It is understood the Spanish staff based in Dublin were not in receipt of the email from HR. The various workers based in the capital are being accommodated by Applus on the northside of the city. Average wait times at NCT centres have ballooned over the past 12 months, with waits of six months or more common across the country. Last October, the chief executive of the Road Safety Authority Sam Waide told the Oireachtas transport committee it had become increasingly difficult to recruit qualified mechanics as vehicle inspectors over the previous two years. He said the backlog in NCT appointments was attributable to multiple factors, including the impact of covid, which caused significant staff absences at test centres, together with high levels of customer no-shows and late cancellations. Last month, Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers said there had been some progress in addressing the backlog. He said 110 vehicle inspectors had been recruited last year, including the 44 Filipino mechanics, leading to an overall inspector roster of 608. There is potential to build up to 67,000 homes on State-owned land but less than 10,000 can be delivered within the next decade. A new report from the Land Development Agency (LDA), to be presented to Cabinet on Tuesday, says that up to 66,910 homes could be built across 83 pieces of land owned by State bodies. However, just 9,760 of them are deemed to be on land listed as being of Class 1 potential that is capable of being developed in the near term, or between five and ten years. Such delivery would be contingent on the lands being released quickly for development, says the agency. The remaining 57,000 homes are slated for land which is subject to significant constraints, such as being in use for another purpose. Those 58 areas of public land would be more challenging to deliver, according to the report, and would likely not be developed for more than 10 years. Details of the LDA report have emerged as the Government prepares for a no-confidence motion on the back of its decision to end the eviction ban. The LDA figures would appear to be at odds with what Housing Minister Darragh OBrien told the Dail at the launch of the legislation behind the agency in 2021, which was that lands in State-ownership could provide housing for roughly 114,000 families. The LDA says meaningful progress is possible with some of the more difficult-to-release lands it has considered. It says several clearly deliverable plots have emerged upon investigation. Report examined land around country The new report, which the LDA is mandatorily required to produce, examined lands in Dublin, Cork City, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford, together with five regional centres at Drogheda, Dundalk, Athlone, Letterkenny, and Sligo. The report, which covers 75% of the State land available that is eligible for housing development, is to be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday morning. State bodies in ownership of the various lands include the HSE, the OPW, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Bord Gais and the ESB, Ervia, CIE, and the Department of Education. Of the 63,000 homes earmarked for the five cities, 35,100 of them are in Dublin and 16,100 in Cork. The biggest development in the capital considered to be Class 1 is on land owned by the HRI at Carrickmines Little in Leopardstown, which could yield up to 2,080 homes. A second potential large-scale development is earmarked for Sheriff St with the potential for 800 homes on land owned by CIE in the environs of Connolly Station. Some 14 of the lands considered are in Cork City, though just 1,230 of those homes on three of those properties are considered to be Class 1. The lands classified in that manner in Cork are at Estuary Drive, the Cork County Council Depot on Farranlea Rd, and a parcel of land adjacent to the property of Gas Networks Ireland on Rockboro Rd. The sole such plot noted in Limerick City is on the property of Gas Networks Ireland on the Dock Rd, with the potential for 190 homes. Two developments are suggested for Waterford on the sites of two car parks, at Bolton St and Waterside, with a maximum potential delivery of 170 homes between the two. Motion of confidence Meanwhile, the Dail will debate a Government motion of confidence in itself on Wednesday, a counter to a Labour Party motion of no-confidence. The Coalition is expected to survive the vote but will continue to face pressure over its decision to end the eviction ban, which will lapse in a matter of days. The Coalition still holds the majority in the Dail and it is expected some Independent TDs will vote with the Government. However, on Monday night, some opposition TDs were contemplating how they would vote and were considering Sinn Fein's legislation to extend the eviction ban until January 2024. Health services in the Mid-West are under collapse, a local politician has warned, as hospitals in the region see patient numbers spike higher than pre-pandemic levels. On Monday last week, University Hospital Limerick's emergency department treated 270 patients, with 248 patients seen on Tuesday, and 235 on Wednesday. This comes against a backdrop of an overcrowding crisis in all hospitals, with 709 patients across the country waiting for a bed yesterday. In an update for Mid-West politicians this week, UL Hospital Group chief executive Colette Cowan said: These numbers are far in excess of pre-pandemic daily average attendances (195 in 2019), and come at a time when all hospitals in the group, not just UHL, are caring for high numbers of inpatients, many of whom are very sick with complex conditions. Measures to address overcrowding remain in place, but Ms Cowan said there has been some cancellation of less urgent day cases in Ennis and elsewhere. This tension between scheduled and unscheduled care is exacerbated by the shortage of bed capacity in the region and further highlights the importance of developing a surgical hub as soon as possible, she said. Reacting to the figures, Independent councillor for Nenagh Seamie Morris called for the HSE to support UHL with more beds and staff. Its one ED serving around 400,000 people, he said. Everything is supposed to be based on population, with matching funding based on population trends. We are in an emergency situation here. Separate figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show 90 people were waiting for a bed on Monday in Limerick, six in Nenagh, and eight in Ennis. Among other seriously affected hospitals were Cork University Hospital (CUH), with 72 patients waiting, and the Mercy University Hospital, with 20 patients on trolleys. 'Yet another busy weekend' INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said this reflects yet another busy weekend across all hospital sites. We have seen a pattern of extremely high levels of overcrowding following weekends this cannot continue, she said. The INMO is now requesting that the HSE immediately carry out a full review of weekend activity across all hospital sites and in the community sector. These pressures are not sustainable, she said. Responding to the INMO call, a HSE spokeswoman said: "Alongside a review of capacity being conducted by the Department of Health, the HSE will bring forward, in 2023, a three-year unscheduled care improvement plan." Ballot for industrial action Meanwhile, a ballot of coronary care unit nurses for industrial action continues at CUH. This is linked to significant concerns around staff shortages in this unit, the INMO said. The unit has the equivalent of 17.4 full-time staff, when they should have 24.5, said assistant director of industrial relations Colm Porter. That is the level you would need to provide safe care, he said. It is down quite a bit at the minute. That unit provides care for the more acutely unwell coronary patients, patients with heart failure or significant heart attacks. These nurses have a specialised skillset. The unit is really surviving on the goodwill of the staff at the minute, they are working extra hours and doing overtime, he said. We remain open to discussion about this matter at any stage. CUH was contacted for comment. The EU has given Norway permission to catch four times more blue whiting in Irish waters than Irish fishermen and women are allowed. Under the deal, Norwegian fishers can catch 224,000 metric tonnes of blue whiting in Irish waters this year an increase of 110,000 metric tonnes on how much they were allowed to catch last year. In contrast, Irish fishermen and women are only allowed to catch 52,000 metric tonnes of blue whiting, up from the 28,000 tonnes they could catch last year. In return for allowing Norway greater access to Irish waters, Ireland has also been allowed by the EU to catch just over 258 metric tonnes of arctic cod and 2,640 metric tonnes of Atlanto-Scandia herring in Norwegian waters. Norway, which already had limited access to Irish waters, wanted better access so it could catch more blue whiting The value of blue whiting fish stocks in Irish waters, where they are of better quality and more plentiful, is estimated to be between 160m and 200m. That figure is set to increase this year because stocks of blue whiting have increased substantially, largely due to successful fish conservation measures. While unhappy with the lack of quota parity between the two countries, fishing representatives here say the deal has an upside to it. It stops short of allowing Norway the almost unlimited access to Irish waters it was seeking since protracted negotiations on EU-wide fishing quotas started last year. Irish fishing bodies feared a fear a deal could be struck by the EU despite Irish objections to allow EU member states greater access to Norways cod stocks in return. Irish Fish Producers Organisation chief executive Aodh O'Donnell said: Norway, a non-EU member, secured more out of the deal than Ireland. If you do the sums, you can see they can catch more than four times more blue whiting in Irish waters than we can. This last-minute St Patricks Day deal does nothing to address Irelands unfair share of EU fishing quotas and rights. However, Mr O'Donnell said the industry counted it as "a win" because the EU refused to grant Norways demand for almost unlimited access to Irish waters. This was due to intense joint lobbying efforts with other fishing organisations, he said. Our industry united as never before to make our voice heard and we are proud of what we achieved together. We feel there has been a discernible shift in attitude at both Department of the Marine and EU level towards our fishing industry. Brendan Byrne of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association said Brexit was part of the problem leading to this latest deal. After Brexit, Norway was excluded from UK waters, he said. That displacement brought them into Irish waters to fish their blue whiting quota. Ireland had already donated 40% of the EUs quota allocation to the UK so were already the biggest losers post-Brexit. Norways increased fishing off our coast thus exacerbated an already grave situation. He added: The Irish Government and the EU have taken too much from Ireland for too long in fishing, so that others can benefit. This has led to the total decline of our industry, while countries like Norway see massive growth in their seafood sector. The terror threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised from "serious" to "severe", the British government have confirmed. The latest update means that the government believe an attack is "highly likely" to occur. Britain's Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed the ruling by MI5, the UK's security service, in a statement to his fellow MPs. He said: "MI5 has increased the threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism from 'SUBSTANTIAL' (an attack is likely) to 'SEVERE' (an attack is highly likely). "The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). "Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society. The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society. However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. "In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland Related Terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. "I pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and security partners, and the determination and resilience of the Northern Ireland people, who are making Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work. The political future of Northern Ireland rests with the democratic will of the people and not the violent actions of the few. Together we will ensure there is no return to the violence of the past." PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: This is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5. We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22. We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities. I would also like to thank the community and political leaders of Northern Ireland for their overwhelming support for the Police Service in recent times. Justice Minister Simon Harris has said the increase in the threat level in the North is "concerning and regrettable" a year after the level was raised from moderate to substantial. Speaking at Government Buildings on Tuesday, Minister Harris said despite ongoing and significant work on the peace process "there remains to this day a real threat" to peace in Northern Ireland. Addressing terrorist, paramilitary groups, he said those behind the threats are "morally vacant" and that people "should never lose sight of that". Mr Harris said he has been assured by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that the threat of an attack from such groups in Ireland is generally considered to be low. A 47-year-old man walked into a jewellers in Cork and asked to try on a gold bracelet valued at 9,555, but as soon as he got it on his wrist he fled from the premises. Jerry Foley, of 1B Grenville Court, Cork, was followed and gardai were quickly alerted and he was stopped and arrested and still had the bracelet in his possession when he was caught. Now at Cork District Court, the accused has pleaded guilty to stealing the property. He entered a signed plea of guilty and Judge Olann Kelleher sent the case forward for sentencing in a months time at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The incident occurred at Castle Jewellers on Castle Street in Cork City. Gardai patrolling the area found Foley and he was in possession of the stolen bracelet, which was returned to the store. Damage to apartment As well as pleading guilty to this matter, he also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage at an apartment in Cork City. That was dealt with at Cork District Court, where Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a sentence of eight months on him. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said: At 10pm on July 10, 2022, it was alleged that Mr Foley kicked in the door to the apartment. This incident was captured on CCTV located over the door of the apartment. It showed Mr Foley on the landing with two females. They knocked at the door and when it was not answered he first attempted to push the door open with his shoulder. When this failed, he is seen taking a step back and kicking the door with his foot. It cost 730 to repair. Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the damage at the apartment was not a random incident relating to strangers. He said Jerry Foley knew the people living there. Former An Bord Pleanala deputy chairman Paul Hyde has appeared in court on nine counts of failing to comply with planning laws. The 50-year-old appeared before Skibbereen District Court regarding nine summonses, one for each year from 2014 to 2022, inclusive. Mr Hyde, with an address at 4 Castlefields, Baltimore, Co Cork, was present in court when the matter came before Judge James McNulty. Mr Hyde stood back from his duties with the planning board last May and subsequently resigned last July and has previously denied any wrongdoing. The nine summons relate to alleged breaches of Section 147 of the Planning and Development Act. The first is that on or about April 29, 2014, when purporting to comply with the requirements of Section 147 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, that he gave particulars which were false or which were to his knowledge misleading in a material respect, contrary to Section 147 (11) of the same Act. The other charges relate to similar alleged offences on or about January 26, 2015, January 19, 2016, January 31, 2017, January 19, 2018, January 14, 2019, January 22, 2020, February 5, 2021, and January 31 of last year. The prosecuting garda is Sergeant Shane Curtis of Sundrive Road Garda Station in Dublin. In court, Clodagh Grace for the State Solicitors Office said it was the first day the case had appeared in the list and she was looking for a date for either a plea to be entered or to fix a date for trial. Ms Grace said full disclosure would be made but it would take some time. Paula McCarthy BL, for Mr Hyde and instructed by Colette McCarthy of Wolfe and Co Solicitors, said disclosure had not been received as yet and that with the upcoming Easter break and remaining business she had to attend to in the circuit court, it may mean a wait for a preferred date, such as in late May. Ms Grace said her detective was in difficulty regarding a suggested date in mid-June. Judge McNulty directed that disclosure be made to Ms McCarthy and adjourned the matter until June 27 next, in Skibbereen, at 2pm, for either a plea or to fix a date. I would have liked it to be dealt with earlier, now it will be dealt with later, he said. A brother of sacked school teacher Enoch Burke has pleaded not guilty to a breach in connection with outbursts in the Court of Appeal. Simeon Burke, 24, a barrister-at-law Kings Inn student, told Judge Cephas Power at Cloverhill District Court: "We are not in North Korea, judge, where you can be thrown in a cell and not be told what you have done". He remains in custody and said that he should have been sitting his drafting exams in Kings Inns as he demanded a speedy trial and accused gardai of lies. He will learn his hearing date on Wednesday. The student had been arrested following chaotic scenes where gardai intervened in the Court of Appeal in the Four Courts after a judgement was handed down in teacher Enoch Burke's case on March 7. Simeon Burke and his family had been there to support his brother, awaiting a ruling on his unsuccessful appeal against the High Court orders refraining him from attending Wilson's Hospital School in Co. Westmeath, where he has been in a legal dispute over transgenderism. Gardai arrested Simeon, with an address at Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo, and brought him to the Bridewell Garda station. He was charged with a breach of the peace, under the Public Order Act, for engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive words and behaviour at the Court of Appeal. However, he had refused to take up bail on the evening of his arrest, resulting in gardai bringing him before a late sitting of Dublin District Court. There was no objection to bail set at 200, requiring no lodgement, but with a condition to stay away from the Four Courts. However, the student would not accept that and refused to sign the bond, claiming that the Court of Appeal was trying "to shove transgenderism down the throats of the people", and he called for a halt to his prosecution. As a result, he was remanded in custody with consent to bail and has remained in prison for the past three weeks. The hearing of the transgenderism dispute between the school and Enoch Burke commenced today in the High Court and is expected to last four days. Third hearing Meanwhile, Simeon Burke faced his third hearing on his breach of the peace charge when he appeared before Judge Power at Cloverhill District Court today. Dressed in a navy suit, white shirt, and blue tie, he was supported in court by his father, Sean, who watched from the front row of the public gallery and waved to his son. Mr Burke had been provided with a disclosure of a summary of prosecution evidence two weeks ago, and his case was listed today to enter a plea. Standing and facing the judge, he complained that prosecution disclosure was "15 lines, 15 sentences" and "a made-up story" and claimed that gardai had fabricated evidence against him. He said it was "lies that I was insulting, lies that I was abusive, lies that I was aggressive in court". He maintained his arrest was manifestly unlawful and the power of arrest had not been explained to him. "We are not in North Korea, judge, where you can be thrown in a cell and not be told what you have done," he said, adding that his detention was unlawful and that it was the gardai who were insulting an abusive, and his shirt had been ripped open and expletives were used toward him. Simeon Burke also claimed it was gardai who had "broken the law" and flung him into a cell and left him injured with wounds on his hands and bruising on his body, requiring medication for the pain. He demanded that his hearing date be expedited and added that he had been deprived of his exams. "I should have been in Kings Inn this morning, sitting my drafting exams," he said, but "the rights of the citizens in this country are hanging in the balance". He again complained about his treatment by gardai, asking, "are they above the law?". Not guilty plea When he finished, Judge Power said: "From that, I take it you are pleading not guilty". Mr Burke confirmed his not-guilty plea and said he was innocent and ready to face the case. The prosecution asked to make minor amendments to the charge, which Judge Power allowed, and he told the accused they did not affect the nature of the allegation. "They are still lies," Simeon retorted. The judge heard there would be five prosecution witnesses and asked how long the defence case would last. "As long as it takes to expose the lies," Simeon Burke answered. Judge Power ordered him to appear before Dublin District Court tomorrow/tomorrow (Wed) when he will be given his hearing date. The judge reminded him there was consent to bail, but he must sign the bond. Nevertheless, Simeon Burke maintained his remand in custody was "blatantly unlawful". The 1980s was the decade that finally shamed us into fundamental change. And the Kerry babies case was one of the most significant events of that entire period. I probably never thought I would write about the Kerry babies again. But a lot of memories of that time came flooding back last weekend. The media was full of reports of the arrest and subsequent release of two people in connection with the death of baby John. Baby John is buried in Cahirciveen, and his headstone says simply: I am the Kerry baby. None of us who lived through that period, I believe, can feel anything but shame about it. A young woman in her early 20s, Joanne Hayes, was wrongly charged with the murder of baby John. Months later, the charges were withdrawn when medical evidence established that baby John couldnt have been Joannes baby. (Joanne had had a baby, outside marriage a terrible crime in those days and it had died and been buried on her familys land.) I worked for the government of the day. I was as pleased as everyone else when Michael Noonan, the Minister for Justice, announced that he was establishing a tribunal of inquiry into how such serious charges could have been brought in the first place and whether or not Joanne Hayes and her family had been mistreated by the Gardai investigating the case. There was a very careful Dail debate into the motion setting up the tribunal, where all the speakers expressed confidence that the truth would come out. Cruelty And then something terrible and cruel started to happen. It was meant to be an investigation of the behaviour of certain gardai. It became an investigation of Joanne Hayes and her family. Day after day, it seemed, the judge in charge Kevin Lynch was his name seemed to allow a sort of mad inquisition of a young womans behaviour. All sorts of innuendo and accusations were allowed to sully the facts of the case. And then he Judge Lynch produced perhaps the most shocking report Ive ever read. I still have a copy of it its written as if he thought he thought he was a sort of upmarket Agatha Christie. After a couple of fact-based introductory chapters, he dives straight into what he luridly calls The Affaire. Then theres The Birth and Death; What will we do?, and The cover-up. By the time youve finished reading these first few chapters, with their ludicrous detective novel titles, you immediately realise that the picture being painted is all going one way. Joanne Hayes is painted in these opening pages of the tribunal report as a sort of femme fatale, entirely calculating in her approach to the man of her dreams. For his part, the man in question (Jeremiah Locke) is painted as a sort of harmless eejit, who is glad to accept the sexual favours which he knew were so readily available to him. If you didnt realise early on that Judge Lynch had made up his mind, just read the opening paragraph of the chapter entitled What will we do?, which is about what Joanne Hayes and her family did with her dead baby: This Chapter contains fewer references than most of the other Chapters in this Report, to the Transcripts of the Evidence given at the hearings of the Inquiry. The reason is that most of the facts found in this Chapter are so found by inference from other facts found in this Report, or by inference from evidence not directly supporting such facts, but indirectly doing so to the satisfaction of the tribunal. This was intended to be a tribunal trying to figure out how the gardai had got an investigation so badly wrong that they had falsely accused an innocent woman. It turned into a sickening character assassination of the young woman at the heart of it. Her crime was just pregnancy. Like Eileen Flynn a year or two earlier, or Ann Lovett, who gave birth a couple of months before Joanne. Eileen Flynn was a teacher sacked from her job in New Ross in 1982. Because she had a baby. And wasnt married. The legal system in all its majesty found, when she appealed to them, that she deserved to be fired because by getting pregnant she was giving a bad example. Ann Lovett was a little girl afraid to tell anyone she was pregnant. She lay down under a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary and gave birth alone to a little baby boy. The baby died immediately. Ann lived in terrible pain for a few hours more. That was in January 1984. Pro-life country The awful cruel irony of those tragedies was that this was the precise time that Ireland proudly declared itself pro-life. We declared in our constitution that no womans life was worth more than the life of an unborn child, and we did it by a majority of two to one. We did that after a bitter debate that raged throughout Ireland in the summer of 1983, and the referendum was passed in September that year a couple of months before Ann Lovett died. All these things happened within a couple of years of each other. Ive often wondered if Ann Lovetts terror of revealing her pregnancy might have been influenced by some of the terrible things that were said during that public debate on the pro-life amendment. But in any event, all of that time revealed a terrible misogyny at the heart of Irish life. It became clear to anyone with eyes to see that virtually every aspect of public policy, enslaved as it then was to the harshest aspects of catholic doctrine, was centred on contempt for women Joanne Hayes and Ann Lovett and Eileen Flynn helped those scales fall from our eyes, and Ireland began slowly and painfully to change. But there is now this sense, somewhere in the system, that justice must be served by charging and convicting whoever killed John, the Kerry baby. That this is the only way the book can be closed. No. No. No. Nothing can now be served, almost 40 years after Johns burial, by another prosecution. Another media circus, another year of insatiable discussion and gossip, another woman in the dock. We know enough and have always known enough to know that something terrible happened, probably in the middle of the night, to a little baby. It may have been a calculated crime, or it may have been an act of terror committed by someone under the most intense emotional pressure. DNA wont tell us which it was. So there is a real danger that processes will be followed now to the point where even more damage will be done. I dont believe any interest can be served now by using all the tricks and gadgets of modern policing to try to charge somebody new, after all these years. Ireland, thank goodness, has come to terms with its own shameful past to a considerable extent. The Kerry baby, John, almost certainly suffered and died because of that past and its awful influence. As his headstone says, it is time to let John rest in peace. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material, according to state media. The Korean Central News Agency report followed seven missile launches this month and rising tensions during a series of military exercises between the US and South Korea. Officials say North Korea could move to more provocative displays, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, talks with military officials (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP) The report said Mr Kim stressed the need to ramp up bomb fuel production during a meeting with officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute to expand his nuclear arsenal exponentially. He examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles. The agency also said North Korea detonated mock warheads during tests of nuclear-capable missiles and a purported underwater attack drone a day after neighbouring militaries detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired toward waters off its eastern coast. A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station on Tuesday (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Mondays launches came hours before a nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier and its battle group engaged in joint training with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island. The USS Nimitz and the other warships pulled into the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Tuesday. North Korea is coming off a record year in weapons testing, launching more than 70 missiles in 2022. A former student who killed three children and three adults at a primary school in Nashville had drawn a detailed map of the building and conducted surveillance before carrying out the massacre, US police said. Nashville police chief John Drake did not say what drove the killer who they named as Audrey Hale, 28 to open fire on Monday morning at The Covenant School before being shot dead by police. But he provided chilling examples of the killers elaborate planning for the attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in the US. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the killer had some resentment for having to go to that school. In this screen grab from surveillance video tweeted by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Audrey Elizabeth Hale points an assault-style weapon inside The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, March 27, 2023. Picture: Courtesy of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP The victims included three nine-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. After the killing, parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described everyone as being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the killer. For hours, police identified them as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun. Authorities investigate a home possibly connected to the school shooting in Nashville, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Nashville police identified the victims in the private Christian school shooting Monday as three 9-year-old students and three adults in their 60s, including the head of the school. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawn-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all nine years old, and Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists Ms Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Ms Peak was a substitute teacher and Mr Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighbourhood just south of central Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. A group prays with a child outside the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) The school has about 200 students from pre-school through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10.13am. Officers began clearing the first storey of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Mr Aaron said. Police later said the killer fired at arriving officers from a second-storey window and had come armed with significant ammunition. A woman kisses a child at the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, killing the suspect at 10.27am, Mr Aaron said. Late on Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the killers car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labelled church office, then coming back out. Metro Nashville Police and federal law enforcement agencies search and investigate a house in the 3000 block of Brightwood Ave. following a mass shooting at Covenant School, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. The shooter was killed by police on the scene. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP) In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. Mr Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Burma Myanmar Junta Reinforcement Convoy to Chin State Capital Ambushed A junta convoy in Chin State in 2021. / Chinland News Myanmar junta troops traveling to the Chin State capital, Hakha, suffered heavy casualties after being ambushed, according to the Chin Defense Force (CDF). The Chin National Army (CNA) and other resistance forces attacked a 27-vehicle convoy, including two armored cars, on Monday on the Falam-Hakha road, a CDF commander told The Irrawaddy. The convoy left Kalay in Sagaing Region in early March to reinforce junta troops in Hakha. Resistance groups have repeatedly ambushed the convoy, inflicting casualties. The convoy has around 200 soldiers with food and weapons, it hasnt arrived in Hakha yet, the commander told The Irrawaddy. Salai Htet Ni, a CNA spokesman, said seven soldiers in the convoy were killed by resistance snipers on Monday and around 15 were killed by mines. There were no resistance casualties, he said. They have only traveled for an hour for more than a week because of our attacks, Salai Htet Ni told The Irrawaddy. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. The convoy left Falam on March 21. Hakha is over 70km from Falam. Over 20 junta soldiers were killed and dozens injured in six mine attacks between March 10 and 17, according to the CNA. The resistance forces have warned civilians not to use the Falam-Hakha road as fighting could break out at any time. Junta reinforcements were sent to Chin State in March and April ahead of the rainy season. In April last year, over 70 military trucks were sent from Magwe Region to Chin State and many junta soldiers were killed and injured in ambushes. Burma Myanmar Junta Troops Kill 7 Sagaing Villagers in Arson Attack, Take 40 Hostage Sone Kone village / CJ Junta troops killed seven elderly residents in an arson attack on a village in Sagaing Regions Budalin Township on March 25, before abducting 40 civilians as human shields as they retreated. Around 170 troops from the 11th Light Infantry Division raided Sone Kone village and burned almost all of its 300-plus houses. The seven victims killed in the fires ranged in age from 55 to their 70s and were suffering from health problems including eye complaints, stroke, and paralysis. We left them behind because soldiers were not so merciless in previous raids. When they came into the village, we had to flee and were unable to take the old and sick with us. We never thought that they would torch the entire village, said a relative of one victim. The junta troops then stopped in five villages between Budalin and Saipyin, taking 40 civilians hostage and using them as human shields. The troops entered Saipyin town on Sunday evening, according to residents. They took cover behind civilians as they entered the town, and they also fired shots, a Saipyin resident told The Irrawaddy. The indiscriminate shots killed one resistance fighter and injured a civilian. It is understood that the civilians are still being held in a compound in Saipyin town. There are some seven villages between Budalin and Saipyin. We were forced to abort our mission to attack the troops with remote-controlled mines as they took cover behind civilians, said a resistance fighter. The troops are planning more raids as they move toward Ye-U and Depayin townships, according to local revolutionary forces. Budalin has three wards and 54 village tracts consisting of 188 villages, with a population of about 150,000. Nearly 900 houses in 30 villages in Budalin have been torched by the regime since the coup. The village of Sone Kone is about six miles from Budalin and is located between the Northwestern Command of the Myanmar military and the town. Twenty heads of cattle, other farm animals and crops were also destroyed in the arson attack. Burma Shwebo Rush Hour Blast Kills Two Including Child, Injures 18 Rescuers carry an injured victim of a bombing in Shwebo to the ambulance. / Myanmar Rescue Organization A child was among two civilians killed and 18 injured when a bomb exploded on a bridge near a bus terminal in Shwebo city, Sagaing Region at around 10 am on Tuesday. A four-year-old boy reportedly died of head injuries from the blast in hospital, according to the Myanmar Rescue Organization. Two children were injured in the explosion, with one, a four-year-old, declared dead at Mandalay Hospital. A man in his 60s also died at Shwebo Hospital, a spokesperson for the organization said. Ten men and eight women were injured in the blast, five of them seriously, according to the organization. The explosion happened during rush hour when the bridge was crowded with pedestrians on their daily commute. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Muu Myaung bridge, located at the gateway to Shwebo town, is on the main Mandalay-Shwebo road. A witness described the blast as the most devastating attack he had ever witnessed in Shwebo. The first explosion was followed soon after by a second, at the back of the bus station, according to local sources. Another bomb exploded a few minutes later injuring a truck driver and his assistant, a local resident said. Buses at the Shwebo Station postponed services due to the explosions. Earlier. a sound bomb had detonated near the bus terminal at around 7 am but no casualties were reported. Shwebo Township is located in the resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region where regime troops have been conducting a terror campaign of arson attacks, massacres, arrests and lootings against civilians and resistance groups. War Against the Junta Karen Armed Group Seizes Border Outpost From Myanmar Regime Forces KNU troops are seen along with detained junta soldiers after occupying the Thee Mu Hta military outpost in Hpapun District, Karen State in March 2021. / KNU Analysis Atrocities and Reinforcements: Myanmar Regime Tries to Control Resistance Strongholds Myanmar regime soldiers in Naypyitaw in 2021. / AFP Warning: Graphic Content Myanmars junta is deploying massive reinforcements as it steps up its atrocities during its scorched earth campaign aimed at retaking control of the resistance strongholds of Sagaing Region and Chin and Kayah states. The military regime has lost control of most of the rural areas in Sagaing, Chin and Kayah, while its forces and officials in the towns also face frequent attacks from resistance forces. Special task forces deployed by the junta have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity against both resistance fighters and civilians including massacres, the beheadings of victims and the use of sexual violence, while also employing indiscriminate air and artillery strikes and looting and burning villages. The regime atrocities are aimed at deterring civilians from becoming involved in or supporting the resistance movement. The much greater use of atrocities has been reported recently in Sagaing, as well as Kayah and southern Shan states, and comes after the military regime imposed martial law in February in 40 more townships across four regions and four states including Sagaing and Kayah and Chin states. Since martial law was imposed, an estimated 5,000 junta reinforcements have been sent to Sagaing and Chin and Kayah States, the strongholds of resistance to the military dictatorship, according to local Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) and ethnic armed organizations. Military observers said the regimes deployment of more troops seemed to be a desperate attempt to regain control of the resistance strongholds. Thet Htar Maung, a local military analyst, said he expected more intense fighting in Chin and Kayah states, because the resistance fighters in those regions are better-trained. The fighting will be bloodier and more frequent, he said. Since February 23, intense clashes have been reported in many townships in Kayah State and the neighboring townships of Pinlaung and Pekon in southern Shan State. PDFs and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), the Karenni Army and the Pa-O National Defense Force have been fighting up to 12 Myanmar military columns totaling 2,000 soldiers which have been raiding villages and the forest. Another 1,000 junta reinforcements have been sent from Mandalay to Sagaing Region in recent days, where several military columns are raiding and torching villages daily in a number of townships. Fierce clashes have also taken place in Chin State in western Myanmar over the last week. A combined force of fighters from the Chin National Army (CNA) and Chinland Defense Force (CDF) has been battling junta reinforcements sent from Sagaings Kale Township and traveling in a convoy of 30 vehicles, including two armored cars, along the Tedim-Falam Road, according to Salai Htet Ni, the spokesperson of the Chin National Front, the CNAs political wing. Fighting also broke out on Thursday in Mindat Township, southern Chin State, when CNA and CDF fighters attacked a regime convoy of 80 vehicles sent from Magwe Region and traveling the Mindat-Kyaukhtu Road. Days before the arrival of the convoy, five junta fighter jets conducted airstrikes between Magwe Regions Kyaukhtu and Mindat without any provocation, said Salai Htet Ni. Terrifying escalation of junta atrocities On March 11, Myanmar junta troops massacred 22 civilians including three Buddhist monks during a raid on Nam Name Village in Pinlaung Township, southern Shan State. Having occupied a hill near the village on March 9, the junta soldiers raided Nam Name on March 11 while also shelling the village. The following day, resistance fighters found the bodies of 22 people, including three monks, who had been shot dead at the village monastery. The resistance said that 11 more village residents who had sheltered at the monastery during the raid are also missing. Pro-regime Telegram channel Ko Thet shared photos of some of the victims, describing them as PDF and KNDF fighters killed by regime soldiers in Nam Name. Blood can be seen dripping from the victims in the photos. Regime spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun said via-military owned media that PDF fighters were captured in the raid along with weapons. The Ko Thet Telegram channel has since removed the photos of the victims and accused the KNDF and PDFs of massacring them. In an online press conference held on March 16 by the human rights ministry of Myanmars civilian National Unity Government, Dr. Ye Zaw, a doctor in charge of Kayah States medics, said that he had seen the bodies of the Nam Name victims and that most of the victims had been shot multiple times. Some of the victims had broken limbs and head injuries, indicating that they had been tortured before being killed. Another junta special task force of around 100 soldiers killed and beheaded 20 resistance members and massacred 16 civilian detainees, including three woman who were raped before being killed, during a series of raids from February 23 to March 15 in Ayadaw, Myinmu and Sagaing townships in Sagaing Region. On Monday, a Myanmar military detachment shot dead a resistance detainee and beheaded another during an operation in Sagaings Khin-U Township, according to local sources. Regarding the regimes escalating offensives, the spokesperson for the Karenni military central information committee, Khu Nye Reh, said that the resistance would fight back as best as they can. There has to be defense if theres an offensive and people will have to suffer. But I want to encourage them not to feel bad and to stay with us till the regime is toppled and we get the federal democracy we all dream of, he said. Analysis Myanmar Regime Reinforcements Sent to Resistance Strongholds After China Talks Feature: Myanmar military troops parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw. / AFP Chinas new special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, has already triggered changes in the country since his appointment in December 2022. Last week, Deng Xijun met leaders of seven powerful ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) based in northern and eastern Myanmar along the border with China their third meeting since December. Before the latest talks, the seven EAOs including Myanmars most powerful ethnic army, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), met in UWSA-controlled Wa State. In a joint statement, they thanked China for its work attempting to solve Myanmars current crisis. Deng has also met junta boss Min Aung Hlaing twice. During their second meeting, Deng also met officials from the military regimes peace negotiation team. Following the meeting, the junta moved battalions based near the Myanmar-China border to resistance strongholds in central and southeastern Myanmar, where they have launched massive offensive operations. Reinforcements The Myanmar military has launched large-scale operations in three locations: Kayah State, including Pekon and Pinlaung townships in neighboring southern Shan State, Tanintharyi Region and areas of Magwe Region and Chin State. The new offensives have been made possible because the regime has moved some 3,000 troops formerly stationed near the Myanmar-China border in Shan State inland to the conflict areas. Before the reinforcements arrived, junta troops in Kayah and Pekon and Pinlaung townships were under the Eastern Command and Loikaw Regional Operations Command and consisted of the 66th Light Infantry Division. But strong resistance from Karenni resistance groups the Karenni Army and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) meant that the regime was unable to exert control over Kayah and Pekon and Pinlaung townships. The military has also declared martial law in Tanintharyi Regions Dawei and Palaw townships in southern Myanmar, while also deploying troops from Kayah to Karen State, where resistance is also strong. So the junta needed reinforcements in Tanintharyi. Reinforcements were also needed in Magwes Gangaw District and neighboring Chin State, where PDFs fighting alongside the Chinland Defense Force are making it difficult for the junta to resupply its bases in Chin State. Despite being overstretched by fighting on multiple fronts, 3,000 reinforcements were found and started to arrive around the end of February. Soldiers from the 12th Military Operations Command (MOC) based in northern Shan State were sent to Karen State, while troops from the 20th MOC fighting in Karen State were moved to Tanintharyi Region. Further reinforcements came from 2nd MOC and 17th MOC, who have launched assaults in Yaw Region, an area made up of Gangaw, Htilin, and Saw in Magwe Regions Gangaw District, and Kyaukhtu on the border of Magwe and Chin State. Dengs guarantee Why couldnt the regime move troops from northern Shan State before? Why now? Three of the seven EAOs Chinas special envoy met the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have a strong presence in northern Shan State. They have ties to pro-democracy revolutionary forces that took up arms after the 2021 coup. Thousands of revolutionary fighters have since been trained and armed by the KIA, TNLA and MNDAA. That forced the Myanmar military to keep soldiers from seven MOCs and Northeastern Command in their positions in northern Shan. So what made the regime take a bold decision to move its troops in the face of such threat? The KIA, TNLA and MNDAA have rejected peace talks with the regime, and are unlikely to reach an immediate truce with the junta no matter what Chinas special envoy says to them. The regime was able to move the troops because of a guarantee made possible by an agreement between Deng and the junta. China does not want to see fighting along the Myanmar-China frontier. So the regime might have promised not to conduct attacks along the border, while Deng assured the junta that EAOs would not attack regime forces along the border. For the military regime, the major threat now is in central Myanmar, and it wont think twice about promising China that it will not fight along the border unless it is attacked. And Deng is in a position to pressure EAOs in northern Myanmar not to fight near the frontier with China. EAOs in north and east Myanmar rely heavily on China for supplies of everything from food and medicine to fuel. So they are not in a position to argue when China makes a demand. That enabled the junta to move its troops without fear of attacks taking place along the border. Result of Dengs visits Deng said he intends to help solve Myanmars issue peacefully. So what has been the result of Dengs flurry of activity since December? China has got a guarantee of stability at the border, while the Myanmar military got 3,000 troops to reinforce its battalions fighting in central and southeastern Myanmar. That resulted in regime forces slaughtering civilians and torching villages in Pinlaung Township. The juntas recent operations and its massacres of civilians are the outcome of an agreement between Deng and the regime. The Myanmar military has gained an advantage and has been able to launch large-scale operations in at least three places. But for the Myanmar people that agreement has only induced more misery as they suffer the juntas atrocities. Tuesday, Mar 28th, 2023 (8:46 am) - Score 600 One of the UKs newest alternative broadband network providers, Spring Fibre, has quietly updated their website to name the first 3 locations all in Lincolnshire for their plan to build a new 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) ISP network to cover 1 million premises in England. Just to recap. Spring Fibre, which was initially backed by Kingsley Capital Partners and telecoms specialist Graphite Strategy, is known to have secured an investment of up to 155 million from R&Ms (River and Mercantile) Infrastructure business to support the initial rollout of their new wholesale network for other ISPs to harness (here). NOTE: Spring Fibres CEO is Rosalind Singleton, who is a former MD of UK Broadband Ltd ( Spring Fibres CEO is, who is a former MD of UK Broadband Ltd ( Three UK ) and an active chair of the UK5G Advisory Board. However, last years funding announcement was extremely light on detail, and we havent had another update since then. But Joseph over at TelcoTitans recently spotted that the operators initial build had begun, and their website confirms that the first locations to benefit include the South West side of Lincoln city, as well as the small towns of Mablethorpe and Louth. Both Lincoln and Louth already have extensive gigabit-capable broadband coverage from Virgin Media, while Openreachs rival FTTP network is also a growing presence in both locations. On top of that, the Northern part of Lincoln is well covered by CityFibre and growing. Suffice so say that some competition does exist in these locations, but its not as aggressive as in other areas, while Mablethorpe has been largely overlooked. By the looks of it, Spring Fibres build in Louth will initially focus on the northern half of the town, while their deployment in Mablethorpe is currently focused on the sea front areas. But other than that, we dont know much about their rollout plan and timescale for these locations, although it does look as if they intend to achieve a high level of coverage. Nor are there any details on which ISPs will supply the service or how much it will cost. GUEST OPINION: Technology like 3D printing is providing more and more benefits to manufacturing and design. Click here to read more about how it is changing the world. 3D printing has had a long and fruitful journey since its invention in the 1980s in Japan. From simple 3D models to more complex structures, it has astounded the world with its many practical applications. The technology surrounding 3D printing has advanced enough that manufacturers can offer techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS). SLS is a fast, accurate process used for industrial 3D printing needs. It can produce usable production parts and prototypes with precision within 24 hours. Some 3D printing services like Sculpteo can give you an sls 3d printing quote and other specialized services. Impact of 3D printing Whether machines, computers, vehicles, or aviation, there could be a 3D-printed part in their construction. Furthermore, the industry just keeps growing. Scientists are adding more and more uses for the technology each year. According to Statista, the global market for 3D printing could reach USD$37.2 billion by 2026. These figures reflect how the technology could penetrate other industries or be the solution for a new level of parts creation. For a brief discussion of how 3D printing is changing the world one project at a time, continue reading here: 1. Bringing pictures to life 3D printing could help visually impaired or blind people appreciate photographs or art like paintings. Using the latest technology, artists can craft a 3D model from a photo or other image so the pictures come to life spectacularly. Doing so opens new doors for people to have a tangible experience. Braille, 3D models, tactile graphics and other tactile tools let blind students feel information thats too dangerous or delicate to touch. Data presented as images can also be turned into a tactile experience for the visually impaired. Images are a critical aspect of the learning process. With 3D printing, students can study accurate tactile images representing the needed information. 2. Casting for broken bones Gone are the days of having limited options for splinting broken bones. With 3D printing, doctors can visualize a specialized splint for their patients. Furthermore, the durability of the plastic printing material makes it a good option that will last for the length of the treatment. The ease of removing the plastic cast is another benefit of these 3D-printed solutions. Overall, the advantages extend to both doctors and their patients. 3. Crafting prosthetic limbs Prosthetic design is a complicated process. Patients used to sit through hours of fittings and plaster moulds before receiving their finished prosthetic limb. On the other hand, with 3D rendering from the exact measurements and scans, printing could be much faster. A computer-aided program creates the blueprint after technicians complete their input for the design. After that, the 3D printer perfectly crafts a form-fitting prosthetic. The result may be more comfortable and precise than products from traditional methods. 4. Designing prototypes Creating prototypes cheaply and quickly is a huge advantage for many businesses. Before 3D printing, manufacturers rely on time-consuming and expensive conventional methods to develop new products. But with 3D printing, manufacturers can build prototypes in a much shorter period. Savings in time and money manufacturers help them to roll out new products to market much quicker. Consequently, innovations increase across industries, such as consumer products, medical devices, and industrial tools. 5. Reducing waste 3D printing has significantly reduced waste due to its efficient use of materials. As a result, many industries have reduced their environmental impact. This waste reduction is especially true in the medical field, especially in medical testing. Medical testing may involve plenty of disposable items like nasal swabs. In addition to faster production rates, the 3D-printed swabs provide greater accuracy regarding the results. According to an article by TechCrunch, 63% of testing material stuck to the printed swabs, while regular fibre swabs could only transfer 36%. Because of the increased accuracy with which scientists can perform their testing, it contributes to an eco-friendlier operation. 6. Improving education Educational facilities are reaping the rewards from 3D printing technologies in many ways. Biology classes could have replicas of organs, Math classes abacuses, while Science classes have more cost-effective equipment for experiments. Larger projects like constructing entire school buildings from 3D printed parts could also be a future reality. Scientists are currently working on designs that could revolutionize how rural areas address the lack of classrooms. Moreover, the World Economic Forum states that 3D-printed school buildings, like the one in Madagascar, allow for layered construction with less waste than traditional construction. 7. Making it possible to manufacture small parts accurately 3D printing gives manufacturers the ability to create small, complex pieces. For manufacturers, this opens up new design avenues that werent possible before 3D printing. An article by MIT highlights that one of their professors helped develop the technology that makes 3D printing on a micron scale possible. It means that products barely visible to the naked eye can further technology like microfluidic chips, electronics, medical devices, tiny robots, and many more. Conclusion After coming a long way from primitive 3D methods to printing millimetre-sized items, this industry continues to impact how parts are created across sectors. With applications in science, the medical field, education, and electronics, among others, 3D printing has opened new avenues of design, making it possible to create durable, smaller, and more complex parts. China moves to regulate in-home nursing care Xinhua) 14:19, March 28, 2023 BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China's top health authorities have released a set of trial rules on in-home nursing services, China Daily reported Tuesday. The National Health Commission earlier this month published a trial regulation on home nursery care providers, which is soliciting public opinion until April 14, according to the report. These care providers are agencies that transform residential spaces into nursery care facilities for children aged three and below. Such agencies can look after no more than five children, and each caretaker can look after a maximum of three babies, the news report stated citing the trial regulation. Caretakers should be experienced or have an educational background in nursery care and child health, and receive training in mental health, food safety, first aid and fire safety, according to the news report. It added that people with a history of mental illness or criminal records are barred from the occupation. Home nursery care providers are also required to install video surveillance cameras covering all living and play areas and footage should be stored for at least 90 days, the report stated. The establishment of home nursery care facilities is a positive addition to China's child care system and reflects the country's efforts to meet the diverse demands of different families, Mao Zhuoyan, a professor at Capital University of Economics and Business, was quoted as saying. The new regulation also fills the gap in rules related to such service providers and will serve to supervise them while supporting their development, she added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. NOTE: Philip Gerard was one of North Carolinas most productive and multitalented writers, producing engaging fiction and stimulation non-fiction. At UNC-Wilmington, he was a popular and effective teacher. In writing the Decades series, he often used the present tense to describe past actions. In a few cases, to avoid confusion I have adjusted the tenses in quoted language. D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-Systems vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NCs North Carolina Bookwatch. Despite comprising up to 80% of the population, the youth in Somalia remain largely out of the income-generating studies showing that 67% of the youth in Somalia lack a source of income. This economic exclusion has been cited as one of the contributing factors to some of the youth joining extremist groups in the hope of earning a livelihood. Others risk dangerous journeys to Europe through theseas, with some losing their lives before reaching their destina4tions in the desert and oceans. However, the trend is gradually changing as more youths are now starting up small-scale businesses and slowly building sustainable sources of income. For Ahmed Mohamud, starting a business in the coastal town of Bossaso Puntland state of Somalia was the best alternative to attempting the perilous journey through the desert and sea and hopefully landing on a European nation border. My friends told me they were planning to travel to Europe through Sudan and Libya before taking an overcrowded boat to Italy, Mohamud said. He says he pondered the idea and decided it was not worth the risk. I approached a distant family member running a business in Beletweyne. He loaned me US$200, and I immediately started my fruit juice business. After six months, Mohamud says he needed to expand his business to meet the growing demand but needed someone to turn to. I heard from a friend that MicroDahabMFI (AECF FIG programme partner MFI in Somalia)offer loans for young entrepreneurs. I approached them, and they loaned me US$500, which enabled me to buy more equipment and increase my juice production, thanks to MicroDahab MFI for creating a Dhalin-kaal product which supports youth to access finance and join economic acvities. The story of Mohamud resonates with many youths in Somalia who are keen on starting up their business and earning an income instead of travelling overseas or even falling to extremist groups. Many young people lack collateral and businsess data history to access credit from financial institutions. Still, with the gradual increase in access to finance from MFIs, more youth can now acquire capital to start or expand their businesses. Hannah Hassan, the marketing manager at MicroDahab MFI, a microfinance arm of Dahabshiil Group, says MicroDahabMFI has developed credit facilities to support the youth to start and run businesses. MicroDahab has contributed to support job creation among youth in Somalia by providing them with an avenue to secure funding that they otherwise may not receive anywhere else to start a business or expand an already existing one thanks to AECF FIG programme technical and revolving loan support, Hannah said She says the lack of funding impedes youth employment in Somalia but adds that MicroDahabMFI has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge. The Finance for Inclusive Growth programme in Somalia (FIG-Somalia), funded by the European Union and implemented by AECF, has been instrumental in widening access to finance in Somalia through financial institutions such as MicroDahab MFI. Professor YahyeAhmir, the dean of Mogadishu University and an economics professor, says financial institutions in Somalia are critical in supporting the youth to start businesses and create jobs. Financial institutions can impact job creation by contributing to the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises by offering credit/loans, Professor Ahmir says. He adds, Moreover, MFIs can boost employment through access to finance for youth and, if benefited correctly, canprovide significant employment and spillover impact to the agricultural product value addition. As the population in Somalia grows, thanks to the improving economic situation and relative stability, the demand for sustainable incomes equally rises. Therefore, financial institutions must continue innovating and developing responsive products to widen access to finance among the youth and spur economic growth through job creation. Every year, Somalia grapples with the perennial challenge of food insecurity which sadly leads to loss of lives, displacements and disruption of livelihoods. Erratic weather changes which have been attributed to climate change, underdevelopment of the productive sectors and insecurity among other factors all contribute to low food production forcing the country to overly rely on humanitarian aid. Despite this gloomy situation, various interventions are gradually turning the tide albeit one such intervention is providing financial support to productive sectors through microfinance institutions in the country. A European Union-funded programme dubbed Finance for Inclusion in Somalia (FIG-Programme) supports select financial institutions to widen access to finance targeting productive sectors, including crop, livestock production and fisheries. Omar Guled heads to the deep sea five days a week to ensure he delivers fish for his clients atHamarweyne fish market in Mogadishu. He has been in this business for five years now but has been hiring a boat from a fishers association in the city but always dreamt of owning his boat. In September 2022, he approached IBS bank, one of the AECF FIG-Somalia implementing partners, after he heard from a fellow fisherman that the bank was offering loans to help people in the fishing sector. With a loan of US$1,700 plus his savings, Omar acquired a small boat which has now seen his fish yields rise to 100 kilograms per day from 50kgs. Aisha Mohamed runs a greenhouse with a friend in the Afgooye area, located about 30 kilometres Southwest of Mogadishu. In July 2022, she secured a loan of US$600 from IBS Bank to expand her farm. Her yields of an assortment of vegetables have increased from 800kgs to 1,200kg per season of three months. Abdiweli Mohamud Elmi, the head of credit at IBS Bank, says access to finance to the productive sectors has a direct correlation to increased food production and food security. Our tailored BULAALSHE product, with the support of FIG-Somalia,has helped farmers, pastoralists and those in the fishing sector increase their yields, said Elmi. Elmi says he has seen more and more affordable food reaching the markets and, subsequently, tables in many households. We used to import a lot of food products, especially fresh produce, but now people are setting up greenhouse farms and producing these products and making them more accessible, Elmi adds. According to economics professor and dean of Mogadishu University Professor Yahye Amir, improving access to finance helps farmers to find investment an increased yield which increases household income and food security. Liban Alim, an independent economist based in Mogadishu, also observes that advancing credit to the productive sectors directly impacts food security. Our productive sectors, such as crop farmers, use obsolete technologies, resulting in low yields. This is because they do not have the capital to purchase modern implements, said Elim. But if local banks can advance them loans, they can acquire these tools and significantly boost their production, thus contributing to sustainable food production. On Monday, Chadian President Mohamed Idriss Deby Itno pardoned 259 of the 262 protesters who had been imprisoned final 12 months after protests became bloody clashes between police and demonstrators. A presidential decree acknowledged that Individuals convicted on December 2, 2022 of unauthorized meeting, destruction of property, arson, violence and assault, assault and battery, and public order offenses shall profit from a presidential pardon. The choice got here days after a bunch of 380 rebels handed down life sentences over the loss of life of former governor Idriss Deby Itno, father of the present president, in 2021. The nations Human Rights Fee mentioned final month that 128 individuals had been killed within the violent suppression of opposition protests in Chad final October, denouncing human rights violations. Opposition teams known as the demonstrations, within the capital NDjamena and different cities, final October to mark the date the ruling army initially promised handy over energy a timetable now prolonged for one more two years by Normal Mohamed Idriss Deby Itno. He assumed energy after the loss of life of his father, President Idriss Deby Itno, who dominated for 30 years, throughout an operation in opposition to the rebels in April 2021. Chadian authorities initially estimated the loss of life toll within the capital at about 50, earlier than updating that determine to 73 deaths. (AFP) Deserted by everybody: why a small city in France is on fireplace over Macrons pension reform Frances small and medium-sized cities have been on the forefront of the combat towards President Emmanuel Macrons controversial pension reform, staging in some locations the most important rallies in dwelling reminiscence. Within the former yellow vest stronghold of Montargis, the place demonstrators rallied for the tenth time on Tuesday, a vastly unpopular reform has exacerbated discontent with the federal government. For his tenth protest in lower than three months, the 69-year-old Patrick selected a striped prisoner uniform full with a ball and chain and a hat that learn, Emmanuel Macron, je tamerde (laughter). On the final protest I usually wore a blue maiden, however I felt I wanted to up my recreation, stated the previous municipal employee. In actual fact, all of us have to up our recreation it is the one approach we are able to cease the federal government. Like many others on this sleepy city of lower than 15,000, Patrick stated protests towards the federal governments deliberate sweepstakes pension reform must intensify to have any likelihood of success. Free yourselves out of your shackles, staff of France, he shouted right into a megaphone, main a crowd of about 2,000 demonstrators in a well-humored march by way of Montargisnicknamed the Venice of the Gatenes for its river and canal. 16-64 beer, not a occupation, added Patrick, a pun on Frances most well-known drink, echoing a slogan that has turn into well-liked with opponents of Macrons plan to boost the nations minimal retirement age from 62 to 64 which opinion polls say the overwhelming majority of French are. they oppose. Patrick, 69, pulls his ball and chain by way of the streets of Montargis. Benjamin Dodman, JowharNestled in a rural space about 120 kilometers south of Paris, Montargis has seen its largest rallies in dwelling reminiscence for the reason that begin of a bitter battle over pension reform, with the variety of protesters peaking at round 4,000 about the identical. For nearly a 3rd of the native inhabitants on March seventh. Though turnout fell at subsequent protests, it rose once more final week after Macrons authorities used particular government powers to push reform by way of parliament and not using a vote, angering its opponents. Learn extra: Afternoon canine in French politics as Macron makes use of the nuclear choice to boost the retirement age This transfer introduced many new protesters to the motion, particularly among the many youth, who acknowledged a risk to democracy in the usage of Article 49.3, stated Annabi Diaw, the native president of the Power Ouvriere union, referring to an article in French. The structure that allowed the federal government to bypass parliament. The federal governments transfer mobilized individuals like we hadnt seen earlier than, added Anne Pascod, deputy mayor of the neighboring municipality of Chalet-sur-Loing. She described the rallies towards pension reform as a new phenomenon in a area unaccustomed to road protests. Not nearly pensions The large turnout in smaller cities and cities was a salient characteristic of Frances largest protest motion in a number of many years. Whereas the nationwide and worldwide media tended to deal with the mass rallies that befell in Paris, turnout was usually comparatively talking increased in different elements of the nation. In locations like Morlaix (Brittany), Rodez (Aveyron) or Gueret (Creuse), protests commonly gathered the equal of greater than 1 / 4 of the native inhabitants. In Annunay, the birthplace of Labor Minister Olivier Dusopt, a serious sponsor of reform, some rallies packed as much as half the native inhabitants of 16,000, with demonstrators focusing their anger on the previous socialist who served as the towns mayor for practically a decade. Within the northern village of Boqueholt, with a inhabitants of 750, a big crowd gathered final Thursday in the course of the ninth day of nationwide protests, marching behind a banner that learn Denial democracy = rural combating. Union representatives gathered exterior the Montargis city corridor on the finish of the march. Benjamin Dodman, JowharThe stage of public opposition to reform explains why some Conservative lawmakers from rural constituencies selected to assist the narrowly failed no-confidence movement to topple Prime Minister Elizabeth Bournes authorities on March 20, in defiance of their celebrations management. Analysts have famous that smaller cities are inclined to have the next proportion of civil servants, blue-collar staff, and civil servantsall teams which have been over-represented within the protest motion. Different elements of discontent embrace poverty, job insecurity, and shortage of public providers in rural areas. Individuals right here really feel deserted by the state, which is pulling assets and providers out of rural areas, stated Pascod, deputy mayor. She famous that Montargis is among the many poorest communes in France, with a 3rd of the inhabitants dwelling on lower than 1,000 euros a month nicely under the minimal wage. stated Christine, 60, as she huddled in Montargis with a number of colleagues from a close-by distribution heart run by pharmaceutical large Sanofi. It isnt nearly pensions, Miriam added, carrying a CGT jacket. There may be nothing left the place I stay. Ive to drive greater than 20 kilometers to search out something, be it a job, fuel, groceries or a submit workplace. Christine and her colleagues started working at or quickly after 18, though profession interruptions because of childcare imply many nonetheless have a number of years to go earlier than qualifying for a full pension. Macrons authorities argues that elevating the retirement age and tightening necessities for acquiring a full pension are wanted to steadiness the pension system amid altering demographics. However unions say the proposed measures are unfair and can disproportionately have an effect on low-skilled staff who begin their careers early, in addition to girls. Montargis noticed a few of the largest rallies in dwelling reminiscence as protesters throughout France battled to reform the pension system unpopular with Macron. Benjamin Dodman, JowharTalk of the gender imbalance in pension reform has gained specific traction, not least since certainly one of Macrons ministers admitted in January that he would let girls be punished a little bit in certainly one of many blunders in Public relations marred the federal governments makes an attempt to advertise its more and more unpopular plan. I used to be trying ahead to retiring in two years, and now the federal government desires me to proceed for an additional two years, Christine stated. I can take no extra; Im so exhausted. GHOSTS OF YELLOW JACKETS As the gang made a flip, Christine identified the place locals threw a pie of froth at Macrons former schooling minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, throughout a marketing campaign cease earlier than final 12 monthss parliamentary elections. The incident was emblematic of the widespread disillusionment with the presidents ruling celebration within the Loire district (province) round Montargis, as Blanquer had been swept apart within the first spherical of voting on 12 June. NRC historically the principle beneficiary of voter discontent. Throughout Macrons first time period in workplace, Montargis turned a stronghold of the yellow vest insurrection, which started as a protest motion towards an unpopular gasoline tax and shortly escalated into an rebellion towards financial hardship, inequality and a discredited political institution. Yonat Gillets gathered on the citys round level, a roundabout within the form of a peanut that protesters held day and night time for 2 months beginning in November 2018. The current upsurge in violent clashes stemming from the federal governments use of Article 49.3 has raised fears of a revival of yellow vest-style unrest within the coming weeks a possible 49-year-old cleansing firm that Karen is eyeing. Individuals was once fighters right here, however COVID-19 put everybody to sleep, she stated, noting that the pandemic had put a lid on the most recent yellow vest protests. Carrying a black and white flag, Karen described herself as a non-violent anarchistfor now. She stated she began to occupy the Cacahoet roundabout once more, although solely a handful of protesters joined her. Karen, 49, says the cozy little marches will not pressure the federal government to again down. Benjamin Dodman, France 24. It isnt sufficient. We have to smash all the things. Karen was among the many many protesters who lamented the federal governments refusal to acknowledge the hardship skilled by low-income staff performing bodily draining duties. Macron has stated up to now that hes not a fan of the phrase penibilite, as a result of it suggests work is ache. Holding and caring for younger kids all day is exhausting, each bodily and emotionally, stated Elsa, 21, a nursery employee who acquired her first job at 16. Her classmate Belinda held up a banner that learn, We modify diapers at daycare; who will change our nation at 64? Nursery attendant Belinda, 30, walks exterior Montargis Citadel. Benjamin Dodman, JowharPushing again the retirement age would not make sense when corporations already begin firing staff at 55, added Carlos, a retired employee from the Hutchinson rubber plant the place 16-year-old Deng Xiaoping was the Chinese language chief Futurist labored briefly within the Twenties. I acquired unemployment advantages at 57, after 40 years making tires. I in all probability could not work any extra, he stated. This authorities has no concept what it is love to do this type of work. Echoing the complaints voiced by many protesters, Carlos known as for a change of techniques after ten days of nationwide protests that introduced hundreds of thousands onto the streets however didnt persuade the federal government. I am bored with these outings round city, he added. Macron will solely hear as soon as the economic system is shut down. Dozens have been killed in a hearth on the immigration detention middle on the US-Mexico border The Mexican authorities introduced on Tuesday that a minimum of 39 migrants have died in a hearth that broke out in an immigration detention middle in a Mexican metropolis on the border with the US. The fireplace broke out simply earlier than midnight on the Nationwide Institute of Migration facility in Ciudad Juarez, prompting firefighters to mobilize dozens of ambulances. An AFP journalist noticed forensic staff take away dozens of corpses from the Iraqi Nationwide Motion car parking zone, the place many others had been dumped and lined with blankets. The assertion stated the Nationwide Institute of Migration of the Ministry of Inside regrets the loss of life of 39 international immigrants to date as a consequence of a hearth. One of many rescuers, who requested to not be recognized as a result of hes not approved to talk to the media, stated there are about 70 migrants, most of them Venezuelans, within the middle. Many migrants have been detained within the middle in current days after native authorities arrested avenue distributors, a few of them foreigners, from the realm. A Venezuelan lady who gave her identify as Fiangli stood outdoors the immigration middle, determined for details about her 27-year-old husband who was being held there. He was taken away in an ambulance, she informed AFP, including that her husband had paperwork permitting him to remain in Mexico. They[immigration officials]do not let you know something, Viangeli stated, her voice breaking. A member of the family can die they usually do not let you know they died. A heavy Military and Nationwide Guard presence blanketed the positioning early Tuesday. Mexicos President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, stated Tuesday that the fireplace was began by migrants on the middle protesting their anticipated deportation. They put mats on the door of the shelter and set them on fireplace in protest, and they didnt think about that this is able to trigger this horrible tragedy, he informed reporters. Tightening Border Restrictions Ciudad Juarez, adjoining to El Paso, Texas, is among the border cities the place many unlawful immigrants in search of asylum in the US stay stranded. Fed up with ready, a whole bunch of them tried to storm a global bridge on March 13 however have been prevented by US brokers. US President Joe Bidens administration hopes to stem the file tide of migrants and asylum seekers who typically take perilous journeys organized by folks smugglers to achieve the US. Biden proposed new restrictions on asylum seekers in February, hoping to stifle a rush of migrants to the southern border when Covid-related controls are lifted. The brand new guidelines state that migrants who attain the border and easily cross into the US wont be eligible for asylum. As an alternative, they have to first apply for asylum in one of many nations theyre passing by to get to the US border or apply on-line through a US authorities utility. The brand new measures got here as Biden was going through accusations from Republicans of shedding management of the border. About 200,000 folks try to cross the border from Mexico into the US every month. Most are from Central and South America and cite poverty and violence again house when in search of asylum. A current report by the Worldwide Group for Migration stated that since 2014, some 7,661 migrants have died or disappeared en path to the US, whereas 988 have died in accidents or whereas touring in inhumane circumstances. AFP This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More The Scottish Parliament appoints Hamza Yusuf as a brand new first minister The Scottish Parliament confirmed on Tuesday that Hamza Yusuf will substitute Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, the youngest within the devolved state and the primary Muslim chief in a authorities in Western Europe. Yusuf, 37, narrowly gained the Scottish Nationwide Get together management battle on Monday to clinch the highest job, vowing to revitalize a faltering Scottish independence. >> How continuity candidate Hamza Yusuf secured Scotlands highest workplace He then secured the nominations of a majority of lawmakers early Tuesday afternoon for a vote to turn out to be the primary new minister, and shall be formally sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday. Forward of the affirmation vote, Youssef admitted he had some very huge footwear to fill behind Sturgeon, however pledged to proceed to make sure Scotland is a constructive and progressive voice on the world stage. He then added, Ill battle onerous for independence, vowing within the meantime to make finest use of the powers which can be on this Parliament. On Monday, Yusuf had promised to be the era that delivers Scotlands independence, and mentioned he would instantly ask London once more to permit one other vote. However Scottish authorities minister Alastair Jack, who congratulated Yusuf on his election, mentioned he hoped the brand new SNP chief would put apart his obsession with independence. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed the sentiment, telling a monitoring committee of MPs in London: What individuals in Scotland need is to see governments working collectively to ship for them. Welcome Within the hours earlier than the vote, Sturgeon despatched her formal letter of resignation to King Charles III, and left the primary ministers official residence in Edinburgh for the final time. She later tweeted that she wished her longtime ally Youssef all the most effective and desires each step of the way in which. He shall be sworn in on Wednesday after formal approval from the king who desires to take away him in favor of an elected head of state for Scotland. SNP leaders are proud that Scotland has turn out to be the primary democracy in Western Europe to nominate a Muslim as its chief. I feel what it says about the UK is that were a gaggle of nations that welcome us, and Scotland particularly, Stephen Flynn, the social gatherings chief within the British Parliament, informed AFP. He took challenge with the Conservative authorities of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak which is in search of to ban asylum seekers by way of new laws to cope with the loading of migrant boats crossing the Channel. The seismic shift in Scottish politics follows Sturgeons shock resignation announcement final month after greater than eight years on the helm. This got here after a stormy interval for her authorities, throughout which assist for independence declined. Latest surveys present that round 45 per cent of Scots who return to Scotland go away the UK the identical quantity recorded in a 2014 referendum that London insists has settled for a era. Criticism Youssef, who was well being minister in Sturgeons final authorities, had narrowly topped the SNP contest with 52 per cent of the preferential-ranking members vote. He was criticized for his document in a number of roles in authorities. He now faces an excellent larger problem of profitable over the broader Scottish voters, with a UK basic election anticipated inside the subsequent 18 months. An Ipsos ballot carried out shortly earlier than his announcement as SNP chief discovered that half of Scots really feel the nation goes within the incorrect path, whereas solely 1 / 4 really feel its getting into the suitable path. Regardless of profitable back-to-back elections beneath Sturgeon, the SNP can also be going through bitter divisions within the wake of the three-way management battle. Sturgeons remaining months in energy have been overshadowed by backlash over a brand new Scottish regulation permitting anybody over the age of 16 to vary their intercourse and not using a medical prognosis. Because the controversy raged, the UK authorities used its unprecedented veto to dam the laws. The UK Supreme Court docket additionally dominated final 12 months that Sturgeons authorities couldnt maintain a brand new referendum on Scottish independence with out Londons consent. The dual setbacks led to considerably uncommon criticism of its management and techniques. (AFP) The United Nations is anxious concerning the escalation of violence in japanese DRC On Monday, the United Nations introduced that greater than 700 individuals have been killed by militia fighters since December, in an upsurge in assaults in japanese DRC. Rebel militias have plagued japanese DRC for many years, lots of them a legacy of the regional wars that raged in the course of the Nineties and early 2000s. The safety scenario deteriorated additional within the three japanese provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a pointy escalation of violence, UN Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres mentioned in a quarterly report on the scenario within the former Zaire, which is wealthy in minerals and was affected by the consequences of warfare. He mentioned the violence was primarily perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces, a gaggle allied with Islamists. a infamous militia known as CODECO; The M23 Rebels. Guterres additionally expressed concern about human rights abuses, saying that at the very least 628 individuals have been killed in extrajudicial or abstract killings by armed teams throughout the nation, not simply within the three provinces within the east. It was not instantly clear what number of of these deaths are included within the greater than 700 deaths reported in these counties. Kinshasa and a number of other Western governments say the M23 rebels are backed by Rwanda eyeing pure assets throughout the border, a declare Kigali has denied. Guterres mentioned he was involved concerning the rise in hate speech, which has been exacerbated by the violence of the March 23 Motion and the strain between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Im additionally involved concerning the escalating tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. I encourage the 2 sides to settle their variations by way of dialogue and present battle decision mechanisms, Guterres mentioned. (AFP) Reddit Email 64 Shares Human Rights Watch ) (Beirut) Saudi Arabias first codified law on personal status, issued on International Womens Day in 2022, formally enshrines male guardianship over women, Human Rights Watch said today. The law contains discriminatory provisions against women concerning marriage, divorce, and decisions about their children. Personal Status Law Discriminates Against Women in Marriage, Divorce, Custody The Personal Status Law, issued on March 8, 2022, came into effect on June 18, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Saudi government officials touting the law as comprehensive and progressive. However, the law codifies discriminatory practices and includes provisions that facilitate domestic violence and sexual abuse in marriage. The law also uses vague language that gives judges wide discretion when adjudicating cases, increasing the likelihood of inconsistent interpretations. On International Womens Day last year, the Saudi authorities proclaimed they had passed a progressive Personal Status Law, but instead simply enshrined discrimination against women into the legal code, said Rothna Begum, senior womens rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. The government should amend this and other laws to guarantee womens rights, and ensure that the rights of women are respected in practice. Saudi womens rights activists long campaigned for a codified Personal Status Law that would end discrimination against women. However, the authorities provided them with no opportunity to offer input for this law, as the bill was not made public before it was adopted. In recent years, Saudi womens rights activists have faced arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, and travel bans. The Personal Status Law requires women to obtain a male guardians permission to marry, codifying the countrys longstanding practice. Married women are required to obey their husbands in a reasonable manner. A husbands financial support is specifically contingent on a wifes obedience, and she can lose her right to such support if she refuses without a legitimate excuse to have sex with him, move to or live in the marital home, or travel with him. The law further states that neither spouse may abstain from sexual relations or cohabitation without the other spouses consent, implying a marital right to intercourse. Via Pixabay While a husband can unilaterally divorce his wife, a woman can only petition a court to dissolve their marriage contract on limited grounds, and must establish [the] harm that makes the continuation of marriage impossible within those grounds. The law does not specify what constitutes harm or what evidence can be submitted to support a case, leaving judges wide discretion in interpretation and enforcement to maintain the status quo. Fathers remain the default guardians of their children, limiting a mothers ability to participate fully in decisions related to her childs social and financial well-being. A mother may not act as her childs guardian unless a court appoints her, and she will otherwise have limited authority to make decisions for her childs well-being, even in cases where the parents do not live together and judicial authorities decide that the child should live with the mother. Fathers may appoint alternative guardians for their children, but the law does not give mothers the same ability. Several provisions of the Personal Status Law implicitly deter women, especially mothers, from pursuing divorce or remarriage. A father can seek to terminate a mothers custody of their child by claiming she is incompetent, or if she chooses to remarry anyone who is unknown to the child unless it is in the best interests of the child. The law does not define this term, leaving its interpretation up to the presiding judge. Saudi authorities should ensure the Personal Status Law and other Saudi family law regulations guarantee women their rights to enter marriage and obtain a divorce on an equal basis with men, as well as equal rights during marriage, Human Rights Watch said. Further, following separation or dissolution of marriage, women and men should have equal ability to make decisions relating to their children. Decisions regarding a childs finances, schooling, health care, and place of residence should be made primarily based on the best interests of the child as international standards provide. Saudi Arabia applies its interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law) as its national law and does not have a written penal code, other than some specific laws. The codification of the Personal Status Law is part of a series of recent or forthcoming legal changes, including proposals for the countrys first written penal code for discretionary crimes and a law of evidence, that figure heavily into Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 strategy. Additionally, in January, Saudi authorities amended article 8 of the Saudi Arabian Nationality System, granting the prime minister, who is currently Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the authority to approve citizenship applications. The amendment provides an added barrier to the existing strict conditions that children of Saudi mothers and non-Saudi fathers have to fulfill to apply for citizenship after they turn 18. Children born to Saudi fathers, however, are automatically granted citizenship at birth. Despite other important reforms to the male guardianship system in recent years, women who are incarcerated still require male guardian permission to leave prison, even upon completion of their sentences, and to obtain some forms of sexual and reproductive health care. Women divorced from Saudi men whom Human Rights Watch interviewed said that husbands can withhold consent if a woman seeks higher education abroad. Until Saudi women can champion their rights without fear and the law ensures women equal rights as men, Saudi officials talk of reform will ring hollow, Begum said. The foreign businesses and celebrities who take money from Saudi authorities should stop trying to justify their dealings by pointing to Saudi progress on womens rights. Saudi womens rights activists campaigned for decades for a codified Personal Status Law and reported on the inconsistencies in judgments that discriminated against women. However, they had no opportunity to provide input into the draft Personal Status Law, which was not made public before it was issued on March 8, 2022. Moreover, many womens rights activists were effectively prevented from commenting publicly about womens rights as they remain on trial, in detention, or conditionally released on politically motivated charges. The womens rights advocates Loujain al-Hathloul, Nassimah al-Sadah, and Samar Badawi are banned from travel and under suspended prison sentences, allowing the authorities to return them to prison for any perceived criminal activity including womens rights activism. In 2021, Human Rights Watch reported on credible accounts of torture by Saudi prison authorities of several womens rights activists in 2018, including al-Hathloul, with electric shocks, beatings, whippings, and sexual harassment. Male Guardianship and Obedience in Marriage The Personal Status Law under article 157 provides that guardianship ends when a person reaches the age of majority; age 18 under the law. However, it codifies language that women must have a male guardian to marry. Articles 13 and 15 require a male guardian to contract a woman into marriage, irrespective of her age or former marital status. Men do not need such permission and can marry up to four times with no requirement to even have their current wife or wives consent to remarry. A woman can be married only to one man. Article 17 sets out the order of those who can act as a womans male guardian, starting with her father and moving to various male paternal relatives including her grandfather, brother, uncles, cousins, and finally, a judge if there is no appropriate relative (in practice, all Saudi judges are male). The law requires both spouses to consent to the marriage and prohibits a womans guardian from agreeing to a marriage to which she does not consent. However, even if a womans guardian agrees to the marriage, the law allows a womans other relatives up to the third degree to object to the marriage taking place if they believe the man is not competent based on religion or custom to marry her. When a womans primary guardian prevents a marriage, she can apply to the court and the judge can appoint another guardian or act as the womans guardian to execute the marriage contract. However, Human Rights Watch has documented Saudi judges deferential treatment of a guardians opinion regarding the suitability of a marriage, in which they may agree with her guardian and refuse her application to marry. When a woman is married, guardianship transfers from her father to her husband. Under article 42, wives are required to obey their husbands in a reasonable manner. Article 42 also requires women to breastfeed their children unless there is an impediment. The same article, while providing for mutual rights between spouses including to treat each other with respect and kindness and not harm one another also requires that neither spouse may abstain from sexual relations or cohabitation with the other without the other spouses consent, implying a marital right to intercourse. Under articles 45 and 55, if a woman refuses without a legitimate excuse to have sex with her husband, move into the marital home he provides or stay overnight there, or travel with him, she loses her right to spousal maintenance (nafaqa) from her husband, which includes food, housing, clothing, and other basic needs. A woman who leaves the marital home can lose custody of her child if the childs best interest, which is undefined, necessitates it. The codification of male guardianship over women and womens obedience to their husbands in the Personal Status Law facilitates and excuses domestic violence, including sexual abuse in marriage, Human Rights Watch said. The requirement to obtain consent from the other spouse to abstain from sexual relations is incompatible with the human right to personal autonomy and can lead to women being subjected to sexual assault. Saudi Arabias 2013 Law of Protection from Abuse does not fully protect women. It defines abuse as: Any form of exploitation or physical, psychological, or sexual ill-treatment, or threat thereof, perpetrated by one person against another that exceeds the bounds of the guardianship. It does not clarify what actions would be permissible within the bounds of guardianship and what would exceed it. It does not explicitly state that marital rape is a crime. Activists have also criticized the failure of Saudi authorities to implement the law. Sexual violence violates several core protected international human rights such as the right to life, security of the person, freedom from torture or other ill-treatment, and the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Men can still file cases against their wives, daughters, or female relatives under their guardianship rights for disobedience, which previously resulted in the arrest and forcible return to their male guardians home or imprisonment. Some Saudi law firms say that women can now hire legal counsel and contest these cases in court within 30 days, putting women for whom legal fees are prohibitive at a disadvantage. Child Marriage Saudi Arabia had no minimum age of marriage until January 2019, when the countrys Shura Council, an advisory body, passed a proposal setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 but leaving exceptions for girls ages 15 to 17 to marry with court approval. Instead of removing those exceptions, the Personal Status Law allows even younger children to marry. Article 9 sets the legal age of marriage as 18. However, it allows courts to authorize the marriage of a child under 18 if they have reached puberty which could be younger than 15 and if the marriage provides an established benefit to the child. The law does not define puberty, though in practice this is understood, for girls, to refer to her first menstruation. The early marriage approval process can be initiated online with the Justice Ministry and requires evidence such as medical records to prove the childs competence. The most recent population characteristics survey made available by the Saudi General Statistics Authority with the number of marriages disaggregated by age states that over 15,000 Saudi children aged 15 to 17 married in 2017, the overwhelming majority of them girls. Local media continue to report on the prevalence of child marriage in the country. Child marriage violates a host of human rights and has lasting disproportionate effects on girls beyond adolescence, as women and girls struggle with the health effects of becoming pregnant too young and too often. Marriage also interferes with a childs ability to obtain an education and establish economic independence, and exposes them to domestic violence and marital rape. Divorce The Personal Status Law permits a man to divorce his wife unilaterally by telling her that she is divorced either directly or in writing, with some limits. The law specifies instances in which the utterance of talaq does not count (article 80), including when he becomes so angry that he cannot control his words, and emphasizes that there needs to be intent behind the utterance (article 81). The law requires men to document their divorce to the authorities within 15 days of their declaration. If he does not, though, the woman is only entitled to compensation of no less than the amount of spousal maintenance she is owed from the date of his divorce and her knowledge of it (articles 90 and 91). If a woman wishes to have the same right to unilaterally divorce her husband, her husband would have to agree to it as a provision in the marriage contract, at the time of marriage, as per article 27, which allows couples to stipulate their agreed marriage terms. In practice, however, this is reported to be uncommon as it is seen as shameful to include it or it is not allowed by marriage registrars who view it as being un-Islamic. Otherwise, women have no unilateral right to divorce. A woman can instead request a divorce based on khul, by which her husband consents to the divorce in exchange for compensation. The compensation may be that she returns money or other goods provided by the groom or his family when they married (her mahr), or a piece of property of similar or equal value to the mahr she received. A woman can also apply to the courts for a faskh, widely understood as a fault-based divorce that either spouse can apply for. The requirement to compensate for a khul divorce disproportionately affects women from lower-income backgrounds, for whom returning all or part of the payment can cause severe financial hardship. Similar payout requirements are not imposed on men who initiate a divorce. As men have to consent to this type of divorce, they can abuse this position of power to pressure women into financially compensating them to get out of abusive marriages. If a woman is unable or unwilling to pay to exit the marriage, she can file for a faskh or fault-based divorce on a number of pre-established grounds outlined in the law. They include, for instance, failure by the husband to provide nafaqa, or maintenance (article 107), the husbands abandonment of the marital home for more than four months (article 114), or if the husband does not, or swears he will not, have sex with his wife for four months without a legitimate excuse (article 113). Article 108 allows a woman to initiate a divorce on the grounds that her husband has made continuation of life with him impossible if she can establish harm. However, the law does not define a threshold for what constitutes harm or what can be used to establish it, leaving these terms entirely at the discretion of the presiding judge. Saudi lawyers have noted that audiovisual material, including photos, voice notes, and text messages, which may be the only records of a husbands abuse that women have, may not be accepted by judges, who often favor items such as medical and police records. Two women formerly married to Saudi men told Human Rights Watch that courts would not accept their text message printouts or voice recordings in their divorce cases. Survivors of physical abuse often struggle to report incidents to the authorities or access social services or court action without a male relative, or because they are discouraged from reporting due to social stigma, especially if their spouse is also a cousin. If the harm making life together impossible cannot be established but the couple continues to have discord, the law sets out that they are to appoint arbiters from their families to listen, investigate the causes, and aim to reconcile them (article 109). This leaves women in abusive situations vulnerable to being pressured into reconciling. The law provides that if the arbiters cannot reconcile the couple, then they can recommend divorce, and if the woman is required to compensate the husband it should not exceed the amount she received at the time of marriage, (article 111), ultimately financially sanctioning women again. Moreover, other than during the immediate three-month waiting period following the divorce, during which a woman is prohibited from remarrying (called the idda), the law does not entitle women to any form of financial support following divorce from their former husbands regardless of their contributions during the marriage, even if their childcare duties enabled their husbands to have a career and earn an income. This can make it difficult for women economically dependent on their husbands to leave abusive marriages. Decisions Concerning Children The Personal Status Law provides that following a divorce, children are to be cared for by a custodian, the default being the mother, then the father, then the mothers mother, the fathers mother, or otherwise a custodian whom a court decides is in the childs interest (article 127). The custodian must be competent, able to raise and care for the child, and free of disease (article 125). However, women are effectively discouraged from remarrying if they have children living with them. Article 126 provides that a woman must not marry a man who is a stranger to a child in her custody unless it is in the childs best interest, a term the law does not define. A father can seek to terminate a mothers custody of their children on the grounds that either she is no longer a competent custodian or because she remarried someone unknown to the child. There is no provision allowing the mother to contest custody if the childs father chooses to remarry. If a woman with children living with her wants to remarry, she can only do so if no one else can care for them or if they will face harm by being separated from her, and her new spouse must explicitly consent to her children living in the home. He can revoke this consent at any time if he is harmed, regardless of whether this would harm the children. A man, on the other hand, can bring children from previous marriages, his parents, and other people whom he is in charge of supporting into the marital home without his wifes consent as long as it does not harm her. A person may lose their right to custody if they move with their child to a place not deemed in the childs best interest (article 128), which is undefined. The lack of clear guidelines regarding what constitutes the childs best interest risks judicial interpretations of this provision that are harmful to the mother as well as the child. In addition, regardless of whether the court appoints a woman as custodian of her child, the law provides that the childs father remains the default guardian, which includes supervising the childs interests and managing their finances. Women cannot act as guardians of children unless a court appoints them. Fathers may appoint alternative guardians for their children, but the law does not give mothers the same ability. The Saudi government, in an effort to expand guardianship duties of children more equally with women, adopted amendments to other laws in 2016 and 2019 allowing mothers with primary custody of their children to apply for passports and other important documents for the children, and provide permission for the child to travel, without requiring consent from a male guardian. However, Human Rights Watch has documented that these regulations appear to be inconsistently applied. International Human Rights Obligations Restrictions stemming from the male guardianship system are inconsistent with Saudi Arabias international human rights obligations. The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which Saudi Arabia ratified in 2000, provides that governments should take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations. This includes ensuring that women have rights on an equal basis with men to enter into marriage, during marriage, and to obtain a divorce. The CEDAW Committee, responsible for monitoring state compliance with CEDAW, in its General Recommendation No. 29 on marriage, family relations and their dissolution, calls on governments to recognize the value of indirect, including non-monetary, contributions made by a spouse to property acquired during a marriage. CEDAW also obligates governments to ensure that women and men have the same rights and responsibilities in matters relating to their children, where the childrens interests are paramount. The importance of the right to autonomy to the exercise of womens rights is illustrated by numerous rights established in CEDAW, notably the right of women to legal capacity identical to men in civil matters (article 15), the right to freedom of movement and free choice with respect to womens residences (article 15.4), as well as the same conditions of access and the right to non-discrimination in education and employment (article 10 and 11, respectively). Article 18 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Saudi Arabia ratified in 1996, requires that both parents participate in their childs upbringing and development. The CRC Committee says that decisions regarding a childs finances, schooling, health care, and place of residence should be made primarily based on the best interest of the child, as defined by international human rights law. Article 19 of the CRC obligates governments to protect children from abuse; the legal loophole allowing for child marriage violates this requirement. Saudi Arabia ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1997. The Committee against Torture responsible for monitoring state compliance with the Convention against Torture together with the CEDAW Committee recognizes that violence against women including domestic violence and marital rape constitutes a breach of a persons fundamental rights to life, liberty, and freedom from torture. Via Human Rights Watch Reddit Email 100 Shares By Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Rice University | (The Conversation) The fact that Saudi Arabia entered a rapprochement deal with Iran and chose China to broker it came as a surprise to many international observers. The agreement, officially called the Joint Trilateral Statement, was signed in Beijing on March 11 and begins the process of restoring diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. Those ties were severed in January 2016 after protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in Iran in the aftermath of the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Saudi Shiite cleric who had criticized Saudi treatment of its Shiite minority. Photo of Riyadh by ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash As an analyst of Saudi foreign policy, Ive seen how the kingdoms decision to engage in this way with Iran and China is part of a broader diversification of the kingdoms international relationships that has unfolded over the past decade. To close observers of geopolitical trends in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, the China-brokered deal fits into a pattern. From being firmly a part of the anti-communist camp during the Cold War and closely tied into U.S.-led regional security networks in the Persian Gulf, Saudi foreign policy is now taking a nonaligned stance that has become increasingly consequential for how Saudi Arabia pursues its interests. Saudis question US partnership The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is often said to revolve around an oil-for-security dynamic in which the Saudis provide the former and the U.S. the latter. In reality, ties have spanned a far wider spectrum than that and have been more complicated, with periods of high tension stemming from events such as Saudi participation in the Arab oil embargo in 1973, or the involvement of Saudi citizens in the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks in 2001. But since the Arab Spring protests in the early 2010s, U.S.-Saudi relations have frayed, both in Riyadh and in Washington. The perception among Gulf leaders that the Obama administration abandoned former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during the Egyptian revolution in 2011 left them deeply rattled. They feared that the U.S. could abandon them just as it had done Mubarak, a longtime partner of 30 years. This was compounded by the Gulf states exclusion from U.S. negotiations with Iran, initially in secret bilateral talks in 2013 and subsequently as part of the P5+1 framework of the U.N. Security Council permanent members, plus Germany, which culminated in the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. And then in 2019, a missile and drone attack on Saudi oil infrastructure temporarily knocked out half the kingdoms production. The attacks were linked, but never formally attributed, to Iran. President Donald Trump responded by declaring it had been an attack on Saudi Arabia, not on the U.S., drawing a distinction between their interests. Trumps remarks, and subsequent inaction, caused shockwaves in Riyadh and other Gulf capitals as leaders began to question U.S. credibility as a reliable regional partner. Finally, in 2021, the chaotic nature of the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan, served to reinforce deeply-rooted perceptions about U.S. disengagement from the Middle East, irrespective of the situation in reality. Pivot to booming China It is against this backdrop of pragmatic acknowledgment of its own vulnerabilities to regional and global tensions and entrenched uncertainty about the role of the U.S. as a long-term partner that Saudi Arabia began to broaden its international relationships, with particular attention on China. Photo of Beijing by zibik on Unsplash Officials across the Gulf believe China will replace the U.S. as the dominant economic and energy superpower in the 21st century. For more than a decade, a majority of oil and gas from the six Gulf monarchies has flowed east to Asia in quantities that far exceed the cargoes heading west to Europe and North America. In a further sign of deepening bilateral ties, in December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia to sign investment agreements across 34 sectors, ranging from green energy and information technology to construction and logistics. Moving toward reconciliation with Iran Meanwhile, the Saudi outreach to Iran has been more than three years in the making. It began after the 2019 oil attacks and focused initially on de-escalating regional tensions. Saudi and Iranian officials held five rounds of dialogue in Iraq between 2020 and 2022 to try to bridge the issues that divided them. These meetings formed the backdrop to the China-brokered deal in Beijing. Reports have suggested that Saudi Arabias King Salman has invited Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the kingdom, possibly during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began on March 22. Any such visit would indicate a political will on both sides to move beyond the two decades of rancor and acrimony that followed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and doomed an earlier phase of Saudi-Iranian rapprochement at the turn of the century. A Saudi reconciliation with Iran would undermine attempts by the U.S. and Israel to increase Irans international isolation and is consistent with a Saudi desire to de-escalate regional tensions. This is particularly the case as Vision 2030, a plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil revenue, reaches its halfway stage and begins to implement the infrastructure and tourism giga-projects associated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 has struggled to attract international buy-in, in part due to investor concerns about regional insecurity and its spillover into Saudi Arabia. Balancing act on Ukraine Saudia Arabias unwillingness to take sides in great power competition is also evident in policy responses to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, has resisted pressure to take sides in an era of strategic rivalries. One manifestation of this balancing act has been the Saudi decision to work with Russia within the framework of the oil producers group OPEC+ and at the same time engage with U.S. officials over issues of oil output and prices. The Saudi deal with Iran and choice of China as an intermediary is consistent with a deeper shift in Saudi foreign policy, which has been evident for some time. By adapting to changing circumstances, Mohammed bin Salman is looking to Saudi Arabias future and trying to strike a wider balance of power in what he sees as an eventual post-American Gulf. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Baker Institute Fellow for Kuwait, Rice University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Wisconsin Examiner The Wisconsin Examiner is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news site offering a fresh perspective on politics and policy in our state. As the largest news bureau covering state government in Madison, the Examiner offers investigative reporting and daily coverage dedicated to the public interest. We take our inspiration from the motto emblazoned on a ceiling in our state Capitol: The Will of the People Is the Law of the Land. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Grid Metals Corp (TSXV:GRDM) (OTCQB:MSMGF) (the "Company") today announced assay results for drill core samples obtained from a 2012 exploration program on the Lucy claim, part of the Company's 100% owned Falcon West Lithium Property (the "Property"). The Property is located approximately 120 km east of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and 110 km south of the Company's Donner Lake Lithium property. The 2012 drill core had not been previously assayed, and the new samples were obtained by Grid staff from Mr. William C. Hood, P. Geo., who was the vendor of the property. The new assays outline an outcropping and relatively flat-lying, highly fractionated spodumene-bearing pegmatite system featuring high grade lithium, cesium, and tantalum values. The area is only a few hundred metres from the Trans-Canada Highway. Key takeaways from the 2012 drill results reported here are as follows: High grade lithium values encountered in several holes including 2.1% Li2O over 6.1 m (LU-12-02, from 23.5 m) and 1.8% Li2O over 12.3 m (LU-12-05 from 2.0 m) encountered in several holes including (LU-12-02, from 23.5 m) and (LU-12-05 from 2.0 m) High-grade cesium values were also encountered including 10.3% Cs2O over 3.3 m (LU-12-02, 25.7 - 29.0 m) with a maximum value of 17.2% Cs2O over a core length of 1.1 m were also encountered including (LU-12-02, 25.7 - 29.0 m) with a maximum value of Numerous tantalum-enriched intervals were also identified including 0.09% Ta2O5 over 14.4 m (LU-12-05, 3.9 -18.3 m), 0.53 Ta2O5 over 2.7 m (LU-12-03, 17.14 - 19.83 m), 0.04% Ta2O5 over 3.7 m (LU-12-13, 21.36 - 25.00 m), and 0.04% Ta2O5 over 10.66 m (LU-12-14, 24.03 - 34.69 m) (LU-12-05, 3.9 -18.3 m), (LU-12-03, 17.14 - 19.83 m), (LU-12-13, 21.36 - 25.00 m), and (LU-12-14, 24.03 - 34.69 m) These exceptionally high cesium values and associated high-grade lithium and tantalum values confirm the presence of a highly evolved pegmatite system similar to the world class Tanco pegmatite located ~100 km to the north and associated high-grade lithium and tantalum values confirm the presence of a Lithium values in drill results are in line with other known historical drill results The pegmatite system is open to the north, west and south and at depth. The ArtDon-Lucy Target area has spodumene lithium mineralization noted over a 1.25 km strike length with minimal drilling over much of the target area. The Company plans to drill the 1.25 km trend later this year after completing consultation with affected First Nations in the area The Property is 100% owned with no royalties other than 2% NSR royalties on the purchased claims covering the ArtDon and Lucy pegmatites Above: Significant lithium results obtained from the analysis of 2012 drill holes from the Lucy area at Falcon West. Many of the high-grade lithium intersections reported were associated with visible coarse-grained spodumene. Cesium Values To provide context for the high-grade cesium results being reported, the Company notes that cesium is a rare metal classified as a critical metal by both the U.S. and Canadian governments. Its uses include compounds used in drilling fluids, aviation applications and atomic clocks. Globally, there are three principal deposits from which cesium has been commercially mined: the Tanco pegmatite mine in Manitoba; the Bikita pegmatite mine in Zimbabwe; and the Sinclair mine in Australia. In 2019 the Sinclair Mine sold the Tanco Mine 19,000 tonnes of pollucite (the primary cesium ore mineral) ore with an average grade of 9.1 % Cs2O for the sum of A$17.4 million (Power Metals press release dated Sep. 11, 2019 - publicly available). Above: Lucy Pegmatite 2012 drill hole location map (LU-12 holes from the William Hood 2012 DDH program, EB01 holes from the 2001 Avalon Ventures DDH Program and D#24 is from the 1955 East Braintree Corp DDH Program). Above: ADL Target Trend (ArtDon and Lucy Pegmatites) with selected, historic drill holes and significant lithium intersections over the 1.25km target area. About the Falcon West Property The Falcon West property is located within the West Hawk Lake Greenstone Belt area of southeastern Manitoba. Lithium-bearing pegmatites that have been historically known in the area are hosted in mafic volcanic rock units present at the contact between the Wabigoon and Winnipeg River geological Subprovinces. Grid Metals has staked approximately 90 km of this prospective mafic volcanic and granitic contact. The initial focus for exploration is the near surface mineralization at the aforementioned 1.25 km ADL Target Trend. Above: Grid Metals property location map for Southeastern Manitoba region. The ADL Target Trend comprises the known ArtDon, Lucy South and Lucy North pegmatites. Several phases of drilling have been completed over the decades by numerous companies including Sherritt Gordon (1943, 19 drill holes - no analytical data), East Braintree Lithium Corp (1955, 48 holes for 2,986 metres - limited analytical data), Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada Limited (1983, 4 holes 296 metres - tantalum assays only) and Avalon Ventures (2000 - 10 holes lithium and tantalum assays). The last drill holes were completed in 2012 by Mr. William C. Hood P.Geo and were not assayed at the time of drilling but remained securely stored by Mr. Hood, facilitating their re-examination and initial rare metal assays by Grid that form the basis of this news release. The ADL Target Trend is the first priority for the Company's Falcon West exploration efforts. It is approximately 1250 meters in length and historic work suggests that the aforementioned pegmatites may be connected and/or form part of a larger system. Vice President Lithium Carey Galeschuk noted that "It is rare to see outcropping pegmatites with this high degree of geochemical fractionation - especially so close to major infrastructure. The new Lucy Pegmatite assay results underscore the potential of the ADL trend to develop into a near surface resource and for new discoveries of similar, evolved LCT-type pegmatites along the 90 km of the prospective contact zone that we've captured in the greater Falcon West property." Currently Grid is planning to submit work permits for diamond drilling at the Falcon West Property. Surface mapping and both geochemical and geophysical surveys are also being planned for the upcoming field season. Above: Geology of the Falcon West Lithium Property, Southeastern Manitoba (based on Manitoba government mapping). QAQC The exploration program at Falcon West is being supervised by Carey Galeschuk, P.Geo., who is an experienced lithium geologist with over two decades of exploration experience in pegmatites with Grid Metals, Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada, and other companies. The core from the 2012 Lucy pegmatite drilling program has been securely stored at the vendor's property since the completion of that program. Samples reported on in this release were inspected by Grid Metals geologists prior to shipping by secure carrier to the Actlabs (Thunder Bay) laboratory for sample preparation and analysis for lithium, cesium, tantalum and selected major and trace element abundances using a sodium peroxide fusion total digestion method followed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis. Grid Metals applies best practice quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") protocols for all of it's exploration sampling. The Company is currently using two lithium + rare metal certified reference materials ("CRMs") and an analytical blank for the program to monitor analytical accuracy and check for cross contamination between samples. Mr. Galeschuk has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release with respect to NI 43-101 reporting guidelines. About Grid Metals Corp. Grid Metals is focused on both lithium (Donner Lake Project) and Ni-Cu-PGM (Mayville and Makwa Projects) in the Bird River and Cat Lake areas approximately 150 km and 180 km northeast of Winnipeg Manitoba. Grid has resource drilling ongoing at its Donner Lake Lithium Project and has signed an MOU regarding toll milling of lithium with the nearby producing Tanco Mine. In addition the Company has a PEA stage Ni-Cu-PGM-Co project (Makwa-Mayville) undergoing exploration and development activity. Grid Metals also has lithium and Ni-Cu-PGM projects situated in the province of Ontario. On Behalf of the Board of Grid Metals Corp. For more information about the Company please see the Company website at www.gridmetalscorp.com or contact: Robin Dunbar - President, CEO & Director Telephone: 416-955-4773 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. David Black - Investor Relations Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We seek safe harbour. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements include the Company's closing of the proposed financial transactions, sale of royalty and property interests. the overall economic potential of its properties, the availability of adequate financing and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to potential political risk, uncertainty of production and capital costs estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, physical risks inherent in mining operations, metallurgical risk, currency fluctuations, fluctuations in the price of nickel, cobalt, copper and other metals, completion of economic evaluations, changes in project parametres as plans continue to be refined, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis, and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the most recent financial period and Material Change Reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations 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. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. Appendix: Assay Tables from the Lucy Pegmatite 2012 Drilling - ADL Target Calgary, AB - TheNewswire - March 28, 2023 - Lithium Chile Inc. (Lithium Chile or the Company) (TSXV:LITH) (OTC:LTMCF) is pleased to provide an operational update involving the completion of two additional diamond drillholes and the Companys third production well. DIAMOND DRILL HOLES: The fourth diamond drill hole, ARDDH-04, was completed to a depth of 280-metres. The target brine bearing formation was encountered at a depth of 200-metres - the shallowest depth of any of the holes drilled to date. Below 200-meters, the formation was comprised of broken halite with a significant content of loose, friable sand. Hydrasleeve sampling was carried out over the 80-metre horizon returning grades averaging 297 mg/l lithium, consistent with previous holes. To follow up on these results, ARDDH-04 will be twinned using the larger rotary rig to an expected depth of 600-metres. The fifth diamond drill hole, ARDDH-05 has been drilled to a depth of 413-meters where drilling has been temporarily suspended to allow for sampling. Favorable lithium bearing brine strata was encountered at similar depths as ARDDH-04. Sampling, using Hydrasleeve technology, has begun and will continue to a depth of 400-meters. After sampling has been completed, it is the Companys intention to continue drilling to a projected depth of 600-metres with continuous sampling being performed during drilling. Additional drilling and sampling on hole ARDDH-05 is expected to be completed during the first week of April whereafter the rig will move to the ARDDH-06 location. Sample results will be released when received. PRODUCTION WELL: The third production well, ARGENTO-03, has been completed to a depth of 577-metres and the Company is pleased to report that brine mineralization potential has been established from depths of 350 to 470-metres. These results are consistent with the brine mineralization in the Companys first two production wells. The well is now being widened to allow for the installation of casing and liners. Upon completion of these operations, a pump test will be performed which is anticipated to be completed by the end of April. Pump testing results will be released when received. Salar de Arizaro, Drill Locations Michelle DeCecco, Vice-President & COO comments, the results we are seeing on these last three holes are consistent with the results reported on earlier holes. Consequently, our area of investigation has increased substantially, giving us great confidence in the Salar de Arizaro moving forward. It is reasonable to assume that when this drilling is incorporated into an updated resource report as well as into the planned PEA with AUSENCO, we will have unlocked significant value of the Salar de Arizaro. The Company is also pleased to announce it has acquired its own downhole pump and generator. A technical services team is currently working on site to set up and install this pump at ARGENTO-02, which is expected to take approximately one week. Once completed, a long-term pumping test is scheduled to begin. Data collected from the additional work being completed on the Salar de Arizaro will be reported in an updated 43-101 - expected during May 2023. Lithium Chile announces it has granted 200,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The Options were granted at an exercise price of $0.84, being the closing price of the Company's Common Shares on the TSX-V on March 27, 2023. The options were granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan, are subject to the terms of the applicable grant agreements and subject to regulatory approval. ABOUT LITHIUM CHILE: Lithium Chile is advancing a lithium property portfolio consisting of 111,978 hectares in Chile and 20,800 hectares in Argentina. The Company has a NI 43-101 report with an indicated and inferred resource of 2,587,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) from its Salar de Arizaro, Argentina project. The Phase 2 development program on the Salar de Arizaro is underway with results to be included in an updated NI 43-101 report which will be filed on SEDAR when completed. Lithium Chile also owns 5 properties, totaling 21,329 hectares, that are prospective for gold, silver and copper. Exploration efforts are continuing on Lithium Chiles Carmona gold/silver/copper property which lies in the heart of the Chilean mega porphyry gold/ silver/copper belt. Lithium Chiles common shares are listed on the TSX-V under the symbol LITH and on the OTC-QB under the symbol LTMCF. To find out more about Lithium Chile Inc., please contact Steven Cochrane, President and CEO via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Michelle DeCecco, Vice President and COO, via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 403-390-9095. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release may contain certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expected", "anticipated", "aims to", "plans to" or "intends to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, factors and assumptions with respect to: the general stability of the economic and political environment in which the Company operates and the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals. You are cautioned that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although Lithium Chile believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Lithium Chile can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by such forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits Lithium Chile will derive therefrom. Lithium Chile does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - March 27, 2023 - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE:WG) (OTC:WGLIF) (FSE:IM50) (Westward or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Terry Salman, C.M. as Strategic Advisor to the Company. Mr. Salman has been an industry leader in financing junior exploration and mid-to-large cap mining companies for the past 35 years. He started his career at Nesbitt Thomson in 1973, beginning as a Research Analyst and rising to the role of Executive Vice President and Director. At Nesbitt Thomson, Terry helped create the first dedicated mining team and established that firms first gold conference, which ultimately became Bank of Montreals Global Metals & Mining Conference now held annually in Hollywood, Florida. Terry left Nesbitt Thomson in 1994 to form Salman Partners, where he was President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Director of Research. For 22 years, Salman Partners was a leading resource-based investment dealer known for its high-quality research and integrity. Over that time, Salman Partners helped raise an aggregate of $20 billion for over 400 companies. Currently, Terry is President & CEO of Salman Capital Inc., an investment advisory and merchant banking firm. Mr. Salman is also Chairman of New Pacific Metals Corp., one of the top silver development companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. Alongside his highly successful career, Terry has tirelessly devoted his services to many volunteer organizations, including fundraising for the Britannia Mine Museum, sitting on the Government of Canadas Expert Panel on Securities Regulation, and serving as Chair of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada. Mr. Salman also served as Chairman of the Vancouver Public Library Foundation for sixteen years, and is currently Chairman Emeritus of St. Pauls Hospital Foundation. He was a Director of the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada and a past Director of the Canadian Stem Cell Network. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctor of Technology Honoris Causa by the British Columbia Institute of Technology. In recognition of his outstanding volunteer contributions, Terry Salman was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He was also a recipient of the Murray Pezim award in 2017 from the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C., the Public Service Star from the President of Singapore in 2021, and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2022 for his remarkable contributions to the Canadian mining financial industry and his extensive philanthropic efforts. You can read about Mr. Salmans lifes work in his recently-published book What We Give: From Marine to Philanthropist: A Memoir available at https://www.whatwegivebook.com/. Terry Salman, President & CEO of Salman Capital Inc., commented: Im pleased to be joining as a Strategic Advisor to Westward Gold, which has a district-scale land package in one of the most highly-prospective gold mining areas of the world. Andrew Nelson, CFO of Westward Gold, noted: We are thrilled to have Terry Salman a legend in mining finance join the Westward Gold team. His strategic guidance will be invaluable to our growing company as we continue to unlock value at our district-scale land package in the Toiyabe region of Nevadas Cortez Trend, along with our newly-acquired projects on the Carlin Trend. Mr. Salmans appointment couldnt come at a better time, as we enter a period of renewed interest in gold and gold equities. About Westward Gold Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle Projects located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities. For further information contact: Andrew Nelson Chief Financial Officer Westward Gold Inc. +1 604 828 7027 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.westwardgold.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements and forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate, potential, on track, forecast", "budget", target, outlook, continue, plan or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms. Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Companys expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express managements expectations or estimates of future plans and performance. Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Companys properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Companys material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Companys forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Companys ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Companys latest management discussion and analysis under Risks and Uncertainties, which is available under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Companys forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or managements assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Usha Resources Ltd. ("USHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB:USHAF)(FSE:JO0), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of drill-ready battery and precious metal projects, is pleased to announce that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture (the "Exchange"), the Company has executed an option (the "Option Agreement") with 2758145 Ontario Ltd. ("2758145" or the "Vendor") of Atikokan, Ontario, for the right to purchase an undivided 100% interest in 712 unpatented mining claims located in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario (the "White Willow Property" or the "Property"). To facilitate the acquisition, the Company has also entered into an assignment agreement (the "Assignment Agreement") with Grid Metals Corp. (the "Assignor") of Toronto, Ontario, whereby the Assignor permitted the Company to negotiate the Option Agreement in exchange for certain consideration. The White Willow Lithium-Tantalum Property is the first acquisition of Usha's planned expansion into the hard-rock pegmatite space. The Company believes that the acquisition is highly complementary to its 100% owned flagship Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Project, where it recently tripled its land position (see the Company's news release dated February 28, 2023) and is undertaking its maiden drill program with a goal of defining a 43-101 resource (see the Company's news release dated February 16, 2023), and will be an asset as part of its decision to pursue an listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (see the Company's news release dated March 9, 2023). White Willow Property The acquisition of the White Willow Lithium-Tantalum Property, located in the Thunder Bay Mining Division near Atikokan, Ontario, presents a unique and timely opportunity to capitalize on the rapidly growing lithium metal and green energy markets in Canada. Spanning 15,510 hectares, the property is situated 170 kilometres west of Thunder Bay (Figure 1) in proximity to other lithium projects in the region, such as the Seymour Lake Lithium Project, the Georgia Lake pegmatite field, and the Separation Rapids Lithium deposit, showcasing the region's rich lithium potential. Access is excellent with Highway 11 running adjacent to the Property and logging roads present throughout. A main power transmission line runs through the Property. The Property is under explored with over 75 outcropping white pegmatites identified in limited exploration, almost all of which have not been sampled. Indicator minerals such as red and orange garnets, green apatite and beryl have been noted over 8 kilometres in strike length. The Property is confirmed to host a fertile lithium-cesium-tantalum ("LCT") system with the presence of two highly evolved LCT-pegmatite dikes, one of which has the "Maple Leaf Showing" (Figure 2). These dikes have been the focus of the limited exploration work completed thus far with samples assaying as high as 0.5% Li 2 O and 14.64% Ta 2 O 5 in and around the dikes. O and 14.64% Ta O in and around the dikes. The LCT-pegmatite dike hosting the "Maple Leaf Showing" appears to be at least 50 metres wide and outcrops for approximately 350 metres along strike. In addition to the tantalite showing with 14.64% Ta 2 O 5, very coarse mineralization is present in its vicinity including up to 100 cm feldspar crystals, 11 cm beryl crystals and the coarse-grained tantalite present at MLS (Figure 3). Coarse-grained tantalite is only known to be found at one other locality in Ontario which is the North Aubrey pegmatite at Green Technology Metals (GT1) Seymour Lake Project where GT1 has identified a 9.9 Mt resource at 1.04% Li 2 O. O very coarse mineralization is present in its vicinity including up to 100 cm feldspar crystals, 11 cm beryl crystals and the coarse-grained tantalite present at MLS (Figure 3). Coarse-grained tantalite is only known to be found at one other locality in Ontario which is the North Aubrey pegmatite at Green Technology Metals (GT1) Seymour Lake Project where GT1 has identified a 9.9 Mt resource at 1.04% Li O. In addition to the above, limited surface sampling has identified very anomalous lithium values in numerous samples above 300 ppm with several samples assaying above 0.40% Li 2 O. Similarly, very anomalous tantalum and cesium is present throughout the property with two further showings assaying 3.41% and 3.78% Ta 2 O 5 . The high-grade tantalite along with the very anomalous lithium indicates the potential for higher-grade lithium to be present at the property in adjacent zones within the LCT-system. O. Similarly, very anomalous tantalum and cesium is present throughout the property with two further showings assaying 3.41% and 3.78% Ta O . The high-grade tantalite along with the very anomalous lithium indicates the potential for higher-grade lithium to be present at the property in adjacent zones within the LCT-system. The Property is on trend to the east of GT1's Wisa Lake Lithium Project where GT1 has prepared an exploration target of 8 to 10 Mt at 0.8-1.5% Li 2 O. Grab samples at Wisa Lake have assayed over 1% Li 2 O and as high as 6.38% Li 2 O. O. Grab samples at Wisa Lake have assayed over 1% Li O and as high as 6.38% Li O. The property lies within the Quetico Subprovince 6 kilometres south of the Quetico Fault Zone. This deep-seated regional structure has been recognized to play a role in LCT pegmatite mineralization. In nature, LCT pegmatites are derived from a parental granitic source, whereby the granite melts into metasedimentary or metavolcanic host rock during a continental collision. For this reason, it is common to find LCT pegmatites near subprovince boundaries. LCT pegmatites are the last to crystalize components of granitic melts; a halo of pegmatites surrounds the granite, with these pegmatites exhibiting increased fractionation and complexity the further away from the granitic source. The presence of beryl, tantalum, and cesium indicates that the White Willow pegmatites are highly fractionated and very prospective for the presence of lithium as this zone is the "outer zone" that is most distal from the granitic source. "The rising global demand for lithium, driven by the green energy revolution and the exponential growth of electric vehicles, makes the acquisition of the White Willow Lithium-Tantalum Property an attractive investment. This acquisition promises to position the Company at the forefront of the burgeoning lithium market, offering significant growth opportunities," said Deepak Varshney, CEO of Usha Resources. "The geological characteristics of the property and the historical data on mineral occurrences make it an exceptional opportunity for exploration and potential development. By making these strategic acquisitions, we are positioning Usha at the forefront of the evolving lithium market, thereby securing a foothold in the rapidly expanding green energy sector. Many companies have recently staked properties in Ontario and Quebec based on map geology, but the White Willow property not only has a significant number of mapped pegmatites, it is a confirmed highly evolved LCT-system with high-grade tantalum that shows excellent potential for high-grade lithium bearing pegmatites. We are very pleased to have been able to assemble this highly prospective land package at a low cost." Figure 1 - Regional map overlaying the location of Usha's White Willow project with respect to other significant projects in the area. Figure 2 - Local map showing the location of the White Willow project and adjacent claim owners. The two highly evolved LCT-pegmatite dikes, one of which has the "Maple Leaf Showing" are shown. These dikes have been the focus of the limited exploration work completed thus far with samples assaying as high as 0.5% Li2O and 14.64% Ta2O5 in and around the dikes. The LCT-pegmatite dike hosting the "Maple Leaf Showing" appears to be at least 50 metres wide and outcrops for approximately 350 metres long strike and has coarse-grained tantalite present. The coarse-grained tantalite is only known to be found at one other locality in Ontario which is the North Aubrey pegmatite at Green Technology Metals (GT1) Seymour Lake Project where GT1 has identified a 9.9 Mt resource at 1.04% Li2O. Figure 3 - Very coarse mineralization is present in and in the vicinity of the Maple Leaf Showing including up to 100 cm feldspar crystals, 11 cm beryl crystals (left) and the coarse-grained tantalite (top and bottom right). These minerals indicate fertile granitic melts and fractionation, which are essential processes for lithium-bearing pegmatite deposition. The coarse-grained tantalite is only known to be found at one other locality in Ontario which is the North Aubrey pegmatite at Green Technology Metals (GT1) Seymour Lake Project where GT1 has identified a 9.9 Mt resource at 1.04% Li2O. Figure 4 - Generalized exploration model for LCT pegmatites. Pegmatites exhibit a high degree of zonation, whereby different portions of the pegmatite body may contain different minerals. Mineralization is spatially related to the source; barren pegmatites are more likely to occur at the granitic source, but as one moves more distal, the pegmatites are expected to increase in tantalum, then lithium, and then cesium. The presence of beryl, tantalum, and cesium indicates that the White Willow pegmatites are highly fractionated and very prospective for the presence of lithium as this zone is the "outer zone" that is most distal from the granitic source. Source: USGS (modified from Trueman and Cerny, 1982). The Terms of the Agreements Pursuant to the Option and Assignment Agreements (collectively, the "Agreements"), the Company may acquire a 100% interest in the Property by paying a total of $220,000 and issuing an aggregate of 3,600,000 common shares in the capital of the Company as indicated in the table below: Vendor Assignor Total Payment Cash Shares Cash Shares Cash Shares Signing $50,0001 500,000 $20,0001 350,000 $70,000 850,000 1st Anniversary $50,000 500,0002 - 500,0002 $50,000 1,000,000 2nd Anniversary $50,000 500,0002 - 750,0002 $50,000 1,250,000 3rd Anniversary $50,000 500,0002 - - $50,000 500,000 Total $200,000 2,000,000 $20,000 1,600,000 $220,000 3,600,000 Notes Payable within five (5) days from receipt of approval to the Agreements from the Exchange (the "Approval"). Shares of the Company are to be issued at a deemed value based on the Discounted Market Price at the time of issuance. The Company has granted to each of the Vendor and Assignor a 1.5% net-smelter returns royalty (the "NSR"). The Company may purchase two-thirds of the net-smelter returns royalty (the "NSR") from the Vendor and Assignor at any time for consideration of $1,250,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. The Assignment Agreement, the Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated in each agreement, including the issuance of Shares, remains subject to the approval of the Exchange. Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Andrew Tims, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Usha Resources Ltd. Usha Resources Ltd. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality battery and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Usha's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and consist of Jackpot Lake, a lithium project in Nevada; Nicobat, a nickelcoppercobalt project in Ontario; and Lost Basin, a gold-copper project in Arizona. Usha trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol USHA, the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol USHAF and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol JO0. USHA RESOURCES LTD. "Deepak Varshney" CEO and Director For more information, please call Tyler Muir, Investor Relations, at 1-888-772-2452, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.usharesources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements: This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. No Offer or Solicitation to Purchase Securities in the United States This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"), except pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. SUDBURY, ON, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - SPC Nickel Corp. (TSX-V: SPC) ("SPC Nickel") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Bathurst Metals Corp. ("Bathurst") giving SPC Nickel the right to acquire a 100% interest in the McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties located within the Kitikmeot Region of western Nunavut. Following this transaction, SPC Nickel will control nearly 650 square kilometres ("km2") of the highly prospective Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1), representing one of the last remaining camp scale nickel-copper-platinum group metal ("PGM") opportunities in North America. Highlights A unique camp style opportunity for the potential discovery and development of a new world-class Tier 1 Ni-Cu-PGM district. Highly prospective geological setting with numerous similarities to many of the world's largest nickel mining camps. Strategic consolidation of a 650 km 2 property package containing all of the most prospective zones and the best known mineralized Ni-Cu-PGM occurrences within the Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1). property package containing all of the most prospective zones and the best known mineralized Ni-Cu-PGM occurrences within the Muskox Intrusion (Refer to Figure 1). The McGregor and Speers Lake properties host many of the highest-grade drill intersections and surface sample results reported historically on the Muskox Intrusion. and Speers Lake properties host many of the highest-grade drill intersections and surface sample results reported historically on the Muskox Intrusion. Drill Highlights include: 2.21% Ni, 5.04% Cu over 13.74 metres from 98.12 metres depth in hole EQNX87-05 and 2.11% Ni, 3.91% Cu, 6.71 g/t PGM over 9.30 metres from 99.70 metres depth in hole 00-MU003) (Refer to Figure 2 and Table 1). from 98.12 metres depth in hole and from 99.70 metres depth in hole (Refer to Figure 2 and Table 1). Extensive proprietary geological and geophysical data covering the McGregor and Speers Lake Properties is contained within SPC Nickel's Muskox database. Grant Mourre, CEO and President of SPC Nickel Corp. commented, "This strategic transaction provides SPC Nickel with a path to consolidate the highly prospective Muskox Intrusion. We believe that the Muskox Property represents one of the last true camp-scale Nickel-Copper opportunities in North America. The Muskox Intrusion is comparable in size, composition and interpreted geological environment to many of the world's largest Ni-Cu-PGM deposits such as Norilsk in Siberia and Voisey's Bay, in Newfoundland and Labrador. This fact, coupled with the numerous high-grade sulphide showings indicate the intrusion has excellent potential to host a world class deposit, Our focus and commitment to our Sudbury based assets, specifically our recently consolidated West Graham Property, remains our top priority with our Phase 1 drill campaign progressing well. By using our proprietary database, the technical team will continue to advance our understanding of the Muskox Intrusion while also generating exciting new base and precious metals targets as SPC Nickel develops a strategy to advance this Project towards a significant discovery." Description of the Property The McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties cover approximately 178.4 km2 of the southern exposure of the Proterozoic aged, Muskox Intrusive in western Nunavut. The Muskox Intrusion has the form of an elongated funnel shaped body with an axial keel dyke. Northward tilting of all the stratigraphic units in the area has exposed the intrusion in an oblique cross-section that is approximately 150 km in length and up to 11 km wide. Previous exploration activity has primarily focused on the marginal rocks of the funnel shaped Muskox Intrusion, where high-grade semi-massive to massive sulphides occurs in close association to the contact and commonly extend into the adjacent country rock. The McGregor Lake and Speers Lake properties cover over 45 km (40 km and 5 km respectively) of the highly prospective marginal environment, where previous exploration programs have reported some of the highest-grade surface grab samples as well as drill hole intersections (Refer to Table 1). Note: The reader is cautioned that the drill hole results presenting in Table 1 are selective in nature and may not be representative of mineralization across the entire Muskox Property. Drilling intervals are downhole lengths. True thicknesses cannot be estimated with available information. NR means not reported. Terms of the Agreement To earn a 100% interest in and to the Property, SPC Nickel will be required to issue 7,500,000 common shares and pay $1,350,000 cash over three years with the following payment schedule: Payment Date Cash payments Share Issuances Upon Receipt of TSX-V Approval $300,000 2,500,000 On or before 1st Anniversary $300,000 2,250,000 On or before 2nd Anniversary $350,000 750,000 On or before 3rd Anniversary $400,000 2,000,000 TOTAL $1,350,000 7,500,000 SPC Nickel will have the option to accelerate all or any cash and/or share payments to Bathurst as well as the option to pay cash in lieu of shares. If SPC Nickel vests a 100% interest, Bathurst will retain a 1% Net Smelter Return Royalty (the "NSR") on the property with SPC Nickel retaining the right to buy back 0.5% NSR for $5,000,000 up to the time of commercial production. If SPC Nickel exercises its Option and earns a 100% undivided legal and beneficial interest in the Property (subject to the NSR), SPC Nickel shall pay Bathurst $5,000,000 within twelve months of the commencement of Commercial Production on the Property. For a period of 24 months following the Effective Date of the Agreement, if Bathurst wishes to sell more than ten percent (10%) of any shares issued to them, they must first notify SPC Nickel and SPC Nickel will have 10 business days to purchase or arrange a purchase of the shares at a price no higher than the 10-day VWAP. All securities issued in connection with the Option Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from issuance pursuant to applicable securities laws. The Option Agreement remains subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. Reference 1. Findlay, J and Kovacs, A. 1998, Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Report on the Muskox Project, unpublished Inco drill hole data. Prepared for Muskox Holding Ltd. 2. Page, J.W., Culbert, R.R., and Martin, L.S. 1988. Geochemical, geophysical and diamond drill reports on the Muskox property, NWT. Equinox Resources Ltd., DIAND Assessment Report 082562,56 p., 8 data Appendices. 3. 2001, Muskox Project Summary and Exploration Program Proposal prepared by Muskox Minerals Corp December 2001. 4. Vivian, G. 2007, Muskox Project Nunavut 2007 Drill and Geological Survey Program Annual Report for Prize Mining prepared by Aurora Geoscience Ltd. 5. Press Release, Adriana Intersections 14 metres of Disseminated Nickel-Copper Mineralization in the Muskox Intrusion and Expands MIE Drilling Program, Adriana Resources inc., June 17, 2007. About the Muskox Intrusion The Muskox Intrusion is one of the last undeveloped camp-scale Ni-Cu-PGM prospects in the world. Originally discovered by INCO in the late 1950s during an aerial survey that discovered visible surface indications of mineralization (gossans) extending over tens of kilometres across the tundra. INCO drilled and sampled 117 shallow holes to test the gossans between 1957 and 1959 resulting in intersections of up to 7.6% Cu, 3.2% Ni and 16 g/t PGM2 over 5.48 metres. Over the next 60 years, companies including Equinox Resources Ltd (1980s), Muskox Minerals Corp. (1995), Anglo American Exploration (2003) and Silvermet Inc. (2007) completed limited exploration programs on the Muskox Intrusion. The Muskox Intrusion is one of the largest and least deformed layered mafic to ultramafic bodies in the world. It was emplaced during a large magmatic event (Mackenzie Magmatic Event) in the Proterozoic by mantle plume volcanism related to the widespread Coppermine River Group flood basalts. The intrusion is broadly composed of two distinct, but related, components called the Main Intrusive Body and the Feeder Dyke, which combined are exposed over a length of 125 km, and range in width from 200-600 metres in the Feeder Dyke to 11 km in the Main Body of the intrusion. The Muskox Intrusion is comparable in size, composition, and interpreted tectonic environment to other mafic/ultramafic intrusions which host major Ni-Cu-PGM deposits (e.g. Norilsk, Russia; Voisey's Bay, Labrador; Jinchuan, China). The presence of numerous high grade sulphide showings in the margin zones of the Muskox Intrusion indicate that ore forming processes occurred during crystallization. This fact, coupled with the favourable geological environment, indicates that the complex has excellent potential to host a world class deposit. Recent developments in ore deposit models and geophysical interpretative techniques have led to the realization that the Muskox Intrusion is significantly under-explored. Qualified Person The technical elements of this news release have been approved by Mr. Grant Mourre, P.Geo. (PGO), CEO and President of SPC Nickel Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. The historical information shown in this news release was obtained from historical work reports filed by Inco, Equinox Resources Ltd., Silvermet, Adriana Resources and Muskox Minerals and have not been independently verified by a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43 101. Note that grab samples and drill hole values shown in this news release are selective by nature and values reported may not be representative of mineralized zones. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About SPC Nickel Corp. SPC Nickel Corp. is a Canadian public corporation focused on exploring for Ni-Cu-PGMs within the world class Sudbury Mining Camp. SPC Nickel is currently exploring its key 100% owned exploration project Lockerby East located in the heart of the historic Sudbury Mining Camp that includes the Graham West Resource and the Crean Hill 3 property under option from Vale. The Company also holds three additional projects across Canada including the large camp-scale Muskox Project (located in Nunavut), the past producing Aer-Kidd Project (located in the Sudbury Mining Camp) and the Janes Project (located 50 km northwest of Sudbury). The corporate focus is on Sudbury, and SPC Nickel continues to look for new opportunities to add shareholder value. Additional information regarding SPC Nickel and its projects can be found at www.spcnickel.com. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of SPC Nickel. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, SPC Nickel expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. VANCOUVER, BC, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ - Gold Royalty Corp. ("Gold Royalty" or the "Company") (NYSE: GROY) is pleased to announce the filing of its operating and financial results for the three-month transition period ended December 31, 2022. As previously announced, the Company has changed its fiscal year end to December 31 to better align with the reporting cycle of its peers. All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. David Garofalo, Chairman and CEO of Gold Royalty, commented, "Gold Royalty's portfolio of long-life, high-quality assets saw several significant advancements in the first quarter of 2023. The organic growth within our portfolio is coming to fruition, fueling increased revenue and cash flow as key development stage royalties enter production over the coming years. Odyssey is ramping up production in 2023; Cote is on track to commence production in 2024; and Ren continues to grow as a key high-grade extension of the Goldstrike Mine. With a strong balance sheet and access to capital, we enter 2023 well-positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value through our significant organic growth profile." Highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2022, include: Total Revenue and Option Proceeds of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 , an 11% increase from the three months ended December 31, 2021 . "Total Revenue and Option Proceeds is a non-IFRS Measure. See " Non-IFRS Measures ". for the three months ended , an 11% increase from the three months ended . "Total Revenue and Option Proceeds is a non-IFRS Measure. See " ". With approximately $35 million in available liquidity, inclusive of a $15 million accordion feature in its credit facility (available subject to certain additional conditions), the Company is positioned well for further growth. in available liquidity, inclusive of a accordion feature in its credit facility (available subject to certain additional conditions), the Company is positioned well for further growth. The Company forecasts between $5.5 million and $6.5 million in Total Revenues and Option Proceeds in 2023. and in Total Revenues and Option Proceeds in 2023. Gold Royalty now holds 216 royalties with a focus on the top ranked mining jurisdictions in the Americas (Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2021 Investment Attractiveness Index). Gold Royalty declared its fifth consecutive quarterly dividend in 2022, yielding over 1.8% at current share prices. The following table sets forth selected financial information for the three-month transition period ended December 31, 2022 and the three months ended December 31, 2021, respectively: Three months ended December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) ($) ($) Total revenue 582 533 Net loss (2,204) (6,841) Net loss per share, basic and diluted (0.02) (0.06) Dividends declared per share 0.01 Non-IFRS and Other Measures Total Revenue and Option Proceeds* 1,131 1,018 Adjusted Net Loss* (3,373) (3,540) Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted* (0.02) (0.03) Total Gold Equivalent Ounces 336 297 Cash flow used in operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital* (2,315) (5,894) Adjusted Cash flow used in operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital and transaction related expenses* (2,200) (1,836) * See Non-IFRS Measures below. For further detailed information, please refer to the Company's audited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, for the three months ended December 31, 2022, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. Outlook Gold Royalty expects to receive $5.5 million and $6.5 million in Total Revenues and Option Proceeds in 2023 based on the production guidance published to date by the operators of the properties underlying the Company's existing royalties and a forecasted gold price ranging from $1,700 per ounce to $2,000 per ounce and expected payments on optioned properties. The Company expects to incur $7.0 million to $8.0 million in recurring cash operating expenses in 2023, a midpoint decrease of 30% compared to fiscal 2022. Gold Royalty is poised to generate net free cash flow in 2024 when a number of its growth projects ramp up in production, including the long-life cornerstone mines at Cote and Odyssey. The foregoing projected outlook constitutes forward-looking information and is intended to provide information about management's current expectations for the Company's 2023 fiscal year. Although considered reasonable as of the date hereof, such outlook and the underlying assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from the Company's expectations as set forth herein. See "Forward-Looking Statements". In preparing the above outlook, the Company assumed, among other things, that the operators of the projects underlying royalties will meet expected production milestones and forecasts for the applicable period and that operators of optioned properties will elect to make all expected option payments over the period. This section includes forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Statements". Portfolio Update Odyssey Project (3.0% NSR royalty over the northern portion of the project): On February 16, 2023 , Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") disclosed that the Canadian Malartic mine and the Odyssey mine will now form the Canadian Malartic Complex . Initial production from the underground Odyssey mine commenced in March 2023 , with production ramping up through the remainder of the year. Infill drilling continues to expand and upgrade mineral resources. 102,000 metres of exploration drilling is planned for 2023 at Odyssey with four key objectives: conversion of resources to higher confidence at East Gouldie; testing the extents of East Gouldie; converting extensions of the Odyssey South deposit; and further exploration of additional internal zones at Odyssey. (3.0% NSR royalty over the northern portion of the project): On , Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico Eagle") disclosed that the Canadian Malartic mine and the Odyssey mine will now form the Canadian . Initial production from the underground Odyssey mine commenced in , with production ramping up through the remainder of the year. Infill drilling continues to expand and upgrade mineral resources. 102,000 metres of exploration drilling is planned for 2023 at Odyssey with four key objectives: conversion of resources to higher confidence at East Gouldie; testing the extents of East Gouldie; converting extensions of the Odyssey South deposit; and further exploration of additional internal zones at Odyssey. Cote Gold Project (0.75% NSR royalty over the southern portion of the project): On February 16, 2023 , IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") disclosed that, as of December 31, 2022 , the Cote Gold project was estimated to be approximately 73% complete. It further disclosed that IAMGOLD believes that the aggregate proceeds from the sale of its interest in the Rosebel mine, the anticipated proceeds from the sale of the Bambouk assets and funds to be provided by Sumitomo under the joint venture for the mine will meet the estimated remaining funding requirements for the completion of construction at the Cote Gold Project based on the current schedule and estimate. IAMGOLD further stated that the Cote Gold project is expected to commence production in early 2024 when it is expected to become Canada's third largest gold mine by production. (0.75% NSR royalty over the southern portion of the project): On , IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") disclosed that, as of , the Cote Gold project was estimated to be approximately 73% complete. It further disclosed that IAMGOLD believes that the aggregate proceeds from the sale of its interest in the Rosebel mine, the anticipated proceeds from the sale of the Bambouk assets and funds to be provided by Sumitomo under the joint venture for the mine will meet the estimated remaining funding requirements for the completion of construction at the Cote Gold Project based on the current schedule and estimate. IAMGOLD further stated that the Cote Gold project is expected to commence production in early 2024 when it is expected to become third largest gold mine by production. Ren Project (1.5% NSR royalty and 3.5% NPI): On February 15, 2023 , Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") announced its 2022 results, including updates on the Carlin Complex and updated resource estimates for Ren as at December 31, 2022 . At Ren, indicated mineral resources increased to 62 koz of gold (0.17 Mt at 11.04 g/t) and inferred resources increased to 1,600 koz of gold (7.4 Mt at 6.6 g/t), an increase in inferred ounces of roughly 33% compared to the 2021 maiden mineral resource estimate for the project. Barrick expects further exploration success and resource growth at Ren in 2023. (1.5% NSR royalty and 3.5% NPI): On , Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") announced its 2022 results, including updates on the Carlin Complex and updated resource estimates for Ren as at . At Ren, indicated mineral resources increased to 62 koz of gold (0.17 Mt at 11.04 g/t) and inferred resources increased to 1,600 koz of gold (7.4 Mt at 6.6 g/t), an increase in inferred ounces of roughly 33% compared to the 2021 maiden mineral resource estimate for the project. Barrick expects further exploration success and resource growth at Ren in 2023. Fenelon Gold Project (2.0% NSR royalty over the majority of the project): On January 17, 2023 Wallbridge Mining Company Limited ("Wallbridge") announced an updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of March 3, 2023 for the Fenelon Gold project that outlined indicated resources of 2,370 koz of gold (21.7 Mt at 3.40 g/t) and inferred resources are 1,720 of gold (18.5 Mt at 2.89 g/t). The updated mineral resource estimate is expected to form the foundation for Wallbridge's upcoming preliminary economic assessment of Fenelon, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023. (2.0% NSR royalty over the majority of the project): On Wallbridge Mining Company Limited ("Wallbridge") announced an updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of for the Fenelon Gold project that outlined indicated resources of 2,370 koz of gold (21.7 Mt at 3.40 g/t) and inferred resources are 1,720 of gold (18.5 Mt at 2.89 g/t). The updated mineral resource estimate is expected to form the foundation for Wallbridge's upcoming preliminary economic assessment of Fenelon, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023. Granite Creek Mine Project (10.0% NPI): On March 14, 2023 , i-80 provided an update and recap of progress at the Granite Creek Mine Project during the 2022. Multiple underground levels have been developed, especially on the Ogee Zone, and i-80 continued to extend the decline to depth, with the goal of initiating access to the new South Pacific Zone located immediately below and to the north of the underground mine workings. i-80 targets to complete underground drilling and bring the newly discovered South Pacific Zone into the Granite Creek mine plan in 2023. In the upper parts of the mine, high-grade gold mineralization was being defined in the Otto, Adam Peak and Range Front horizons, while from the lower levels drilling was focused on defining mineralization in the Ogee Zone that is expected to be the primary zone in the near future. (10.0% NPI): On , i-80 provided an update and recap of progress at the Granite Creek Mine Project during the 2022. Multiple underground levels have been developed, especially on the Ogee Zone, and i-80 continued to extend the decline to depth, with the goal of initiating access to the new South Pacific Zone located immediately below and to the north of the underground mine workings. i-80 targets to complete underground drilling and bring the newly discovered South Pacific Zone into the Granite Creek mine plan in 2023. In the upper parts of the mine, high-grade gold mineralization was being defined in the Otto, and Range Front horizons, while from the lower levels drilling was focused on defining mineralization in the Ogee Zone that is expected to be the primary zone in the near future. Jerritt Canyon Mine (0.5% NSR royalty & PTR): On March 20, 2023 First Majestic announced it is taking action to reduce overall costs by reducing investments, temporarily suspending all mining activities and reducing its workforce at Jerritt Canyon effective immediately. During the suspension, First Majestic intends to process approximately 45,000 tonnes of aboveground stockpiles through the plant. Exploration activities are expected to also continue throughout 2023 with several additional plans for optimization of the asset. As a result of the suspension, First Majestic's previous production and cost guidance for Jerritt Canyon can no longer be relied upon. First Majestic's revised consolidated production and cost guidance, including capital investments, are expected to be published in July. Gold Royalty notes that Jerritt Canyon accounts for less than 2% of its portfolio net asset value based on consensus estimates. Investor Webcast An investor webcast will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 starting at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT) to discuss these results. Management will be providing an update to interested stakeholders on the Company's quarterly results including key recent catalysts that have been announced on the assets underlying the Company's royalties. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session where participants will be able to ask any questions they may have of management. To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/GoldRoyalty-Mar-2023-Results-Webcast About Gold Royalty Corp. Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to invest in high-quality, sustainable, and responsible mining operations to build a diversified portfolio of precious metals royalty and streaming interests that generate superior long-term returns for our shareholders. Gold Royalty's diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas. Qualified Persons Alastair Still, P.Geo., Director of Technical Services of the Company, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of Canadian Securities Administrators and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release. Non-IFRS Measures We have included, in this news release, certain performance measures that do not have standardized meanings prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including: (i) Total Revenue and Option Proceeds, which is determined by adding proceeds from option agreements to revenue; (ii) Adjusted Net Loss, which is determined by deducting transaction-related expenses, share of loss and dilution gain in associate, impairment, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities and short-term investments, gain on loan modification, foreign exchange gain/(loss) and other income from net income (loss); (iii) Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, which is determined by dividing Adjusted Net Loss by the weighted average number of common shares for the applicable period; (iv) cash flows from operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital, which is determined by excluding the impact of changes in non-cash working capital items to or from cash used in operating activities; (v) cash flows from operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital and transaction related expenses, which is determined by deducting transaction-related expenses from cash flows from operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital; and (vi) Gold Equivalent Ounces, which are determined by dividing revenue by the average gold price for the applicable period. Each of these are non-IFRS measures. The presentation of such non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company presents such measures as it believes that certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other royalty companies in the precious metals mining industry. Readers are advised that other companies may calculate such measures differently. The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For additional information, including a numerical reconciliation of such non-IFRS measures, readers should refer to the section titled "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended December 31, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein and available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Notice to Investors Disclosure relating to properties in which Gold Royalty holds royalty or other interests is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of such properties. The Company generally has limited or no access to the properties underlying its interests and is largely dependent on the disclosure of the operators of its interests and other publicly available information. The Company generally has limited or no ability to verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Forward-Looking Statements: Certain of the information contained in this news release constitutes 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), including but not limited to statements regarding: estimated future Total Revenues and Option Proceeds; expectations regarding the development of the projects underlying the Company's royalty interests; expectations regarding the Company's growth and statements regarding the Company's plans and strategies. Such statements can be generally identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "plans", "anticipate" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other important factors, including assumptions of management regarding the accuracy of the disclosure of the operators of the projects underlying the Company's projects, their ability to achieve disclosed plans and targets, macroeconomic conditions, commodity prices, and the Company's ability to finance future growth and acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, among others, any inability to any inability of the operators of the properties underlying the Company's royalty interests to execute proposed plans for such properties or to achieved planned development and production estimates and goals, risks related to the operators of the projects in which the Company holds interests, including the successful continuation of operations at such projects by those operators, risks related to exploration, development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any such projects, the influence of macroeconomic developments, the ability of the Company to carry out its growth plans and other factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended September 30, 2022 and its other publicly filed documents under its profiles at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - (March 28, 2023) Bathurst Metal Corp. (TSXV:BMV), (OTC:BMVVF) (Bathurst or the Company) today announced it has entered into an Option Agreement with an arms-length purchaser SPC Nickel Corp. (SPC) granting an option to SPC to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Companys McGregor Lake and Speers Lake mineral properties (collectively the "Property") located in the Nunavut, Canada. Terms of the Option Agreement provide for the payment by SPC of an aggregate of $1,350,000 over three years, including a firm commitment of $300,000 upon signing the Option Agreement. SPC will also issue to the Company an aggregate of 7,500,000 common shares of SPC over three years, including a firm commitment of 2,500,000 common shares issued upon signing the Option Agreement. SPC will have the option to accelerate all or any cash and/or share payments to the Company as well as the option to pay cash in lieu of shares. The Company will retain a one (1.0%) percent net smelter return royalty on commercial production from the Property should SPC complete all of the required cash and share issuances under the Option Agreement. Additionally, SPC may purchase one-half of one percent (0.5%) at any time before commencement of commercial production for $5,000,000. The Option Agreement is subject to regulatory approval and all terms are subject to and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the TSX Venture Exchange. Lorne Warner (P. Geo), President of Bathurst commented The optioning of our McGregor Lake Project further confirms our belief in the Muskox Intrusions potential to host world class size Copper-Nickel-Cobalt- Palladium-Platinum-Gold deposits. Bathurst will continue to maintains a 100% interest in our adjoining claims (Platinum Reef ) of similar size (10,433 ha) to the north that contain the same geological setting and potential. The Claims also host an upper layer of Palladium/ Platinum/Chromitite in an ultramafic layer. The Reef is exposed at surface with historical rock sampling indicating significantly higher Pd/Pt concentrations (up to 6.23 grams/tonne Pd/Pt) near structures hosting younger ultramafic dykes. Harold Forzley CEO of the Company states This transaction will give the company funding without incurring dilution of shareholder value. We will now focus on developing our high-grade gold deposits at Turner Lake in Nunavut as well as the Peerless Property in British Columbia. We have our drill permit for Turner Lake and are currently setting up logistics for a productive field season. The Peerless Property which is located less than 20 kilometres from the historic Bralorne /Pioneer Gold Mines hosts historic drill intercepts of 1.02 ounces/tonne gold and 3.82 ounces/tonne silver over a 3.47-metre core length. We have been working with first Nations and plan to drill test the Peerless later this year. About Bathurst Metals Corp. Bathurst Metals Corp. is an exploration-stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Nunavut and British Columbia, Canada. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Turner Lake, TED, McGregor Lake, Speers Lake, Gela Lake and McAvoy Lake Projects. The company has recently optioned the Peerless Property a gold /silver prospect in the historic Bralorne Camp in British Columbia. About SPC Nickel Corp. SPC Nickel Corp. is a Canadian public corporation focused on exploring for Ni-Cu-PGMs within the world class Sudbury Mining Camp. SPC Nickel is currently exploring its key 100% owned exploration project Lockerby East located in the heart of the historic Sudbury Mining Camp that includes the Graham West Resource and the Crean Hill 3 property under option from Vale. In addition, the company has acquired over 45,000 hectares in the highly prospective Muskox Intrusion located in Nunavut. Grant of Options The Company has also granted a total of 1,000,000 incentive stock options to officers, directors and consultants. The options are for a ten-year term at an exercise price of $0.16 per option share. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harold Forzley CEO Bathurst Metals Corp. For more information contact Harold Forzley, President This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward- looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. TORONTO, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Silver Mountain Resources Inc. ("Silver Mountain" or the "Company") (TSXV: AGMR) (OTCQB: AGMRF) (BVL: AGMR) today announces that Alvaro Espinoza has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective April 1, 2023. Mr. Espinoza is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Cautivo Mining Inc. and has previously served as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of mining companies in Colombia and Peru. Mr. Espinoza has 15+ years of experience in senior management positions in the mining industry in both Latin America and North America, with extensive experience in building, operating, and expanding mines, strategic planning, supply chain, financial analysis and control, project evaluation, project management and negotiation. In connection with the appointment of Mr. Espinoza, effective April 1, 2023, Alfredo Bazo will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to welcome Mr. Espinoza as Chief Executive Officer of the Company" said Jose Vizquerra, Chairman of the Company. "As we transition from a development and exploration company to a producing mine, we believe that Mr. Espinoza's extensive management experience with mature resource companies, in both Latin America and North America, will provide the Company with invaluable stewardship as we embark on this next exciting phase of its growth." Mr. Bazo has also resigned from the Company's board of directors. "The board of directors would also like to thank Alfredo for his continued dedication, which has provided the Company with an exceptional platform from which to grow," continued Mr. Vizquerra. "Under his leadership, Alfredo has led the Company through an initial public offering, a successful exploration program and several critical rounds of financing in challenging markets. Alfredo's efforts have placed the Company in a strong position to capitalize on growth opportunities as it transitions into its next stage of development. We wish him the best in his future endeavours." In connection with his appointment, Mr. Espinoza will be granted an aggregate of 650,000 options to acquire class A common shares of the Company ("Options"). The Options will be exercisable at a price of $0.38 per share for a period of four years. The Company also announces that, in connection with its efforts to advance the Company's Reliquias mine located near the town of Castrovirreyna, Peru, the board of directors of the Company has established an Operations and Development Committee (the "Committee"). The Committee is comprised of Juan Carlos Ortiz (Chair), Julio Jose Arce Ortiz, Alfredo Plenge Thorne and Jose Vizquerra. About Silver Mountain Silver Mountain Resources Inc. is a silver explorer and mine developer planning to restart production at the Reliquias underground mine and undertake exploration activities at its prospective silver camps at the Castrovirreyna Project in Huancavelica, Peru. For additional information in respect of the Castrovirreyna Project, please refer to the Company's technical report, titled National Instrument 43-101 Technical ReportCastrovirreyna Project, Peru, dated October 6, 2021, amended November 18, 2021, effective date August 17, 2021, available at https://sedar.com. For further information about the Company's drill program, including cross sections of the main veins with drill hole locations, please refer to the Company's corporate presentation, available on its website at www.agmr.ca. Silver Mountain's subsidiary Sociedad Minera Reliquias S.A.C. owns 100% of its concessions and holds more than 39,000 hectares in the district of Castrovirreyna, Huancavelica, Peru. Silver Mountain Resources Inc, 82 Richmond Street East Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 647-262-4017 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.agmr.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to Silver Mountain's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Silver Mountain's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth under "Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's final prospectus dated January 26, 2022 available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Silver Mountain undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Silver Mountain to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Honey Badger Silver Inc. (TSXV: TUF) ("Honey Badger" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered hard dollar and flow-though private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,250,000 (the "Offering"). All dollar amounts are in Canadian funds. Hard Dollar Offering The hard dollar component of the Offering involves the sale of up to 6,700,000 units ( "HD Units") at a price of $0.15 per HD unit for gross proceeds of $1,000,000. Each HD Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one half of a common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.18 for a period of 36 months from the date of closing. The proceeds from the hard dollar offering will be used to finance closing obligations and exploration activities on the Company's Cachinal project in Chile and for general working capital purposes. Flow-Through Offering The flow-through component of the Offering involves the sale of 1,570,000 units ( "FT Units") at a price of $0.16 per FT unit for aggregate proceeds of $250,000. Each FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one half of a common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant having the same terms as the warrants sold in the hard dollar offering. The proceeds from the flow-through offering will be used to fund exploration programs on one or more of the Company's exploration properties located in Yukon, Quebec, and Nunavut that will qualify as "Canadian Exploration Expenses" and, once renounced, "flow-through mining expenditures", as those terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada). Chad Williams, Non-Executive Chairman of Honey Badger, has advised the Company that he intends to subscribe for 3,333,334 HD units for total gross proceeds to the Company of $500,000. Additional insiders may also participate in the Offering. Insiders' participation in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the insiders' participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or before April 12, 2023 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to the completion of formal documentation and receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The common shares, warrants and any common shares issued on the exercise of warrants sold in the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period from the closing of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. Finder's fees may be payable to arm's length finders in connection with the Offering. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Honey Badger Silver Inc. Honey Badger Silver is a Canadian Silver company based in Toronto, Ontario, that is focused on the acquisition, development, and integration of accretive transactions of silver ounces. The company is led by a highly experienced leadership team with a track record of value creation backed by a skilled technical team. With significant land holdings in southeast and south-central Yukon, including the Plata property 180 kms to the east of the Keno Hill silver district, as well as Ontario's historic Thunder Bay Silver District, Honey Badger Silver is positioning to be a top-tier silver company. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Chad Williams, Director and Non-Executive Chairman For more information, please visit our website www.honeybadgersilver.com, or contact Ms. Michelle Savella for Investor Relations | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (604) 828-5886 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: the structure and anticipated benefits of completing the acquisition of the Cachinal Project (including historical resource estimate and possible positive effects on cash-flow); and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such assumptions and estimates were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Honey Badger to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Honey Badger's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) (Asante or the Company) is pleased to announce that is has entered into an agreement with a major institutional investor, pursuant to which Asante will sell, on a non-brokered private placement basis, 18,232,000 units of the Company (each, a Unit) at a purchase price of C$1.50 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of C$27,348,000 (the Offering). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a Common Share) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a Warrant). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share for a price of C$1.75 per Common Share until the date that is twelve (12) months following the issuance thereof. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about April 3, 2023, and is subject to a number of closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the date of issue in accordance with applicable securities laws. No commissions or finders fees will be paid by the Company in connection with the Offering. The Company is currently at an advanced stage of securing a senior debt facility, to support capital investments and development of its assets. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development of the Companys mineral properties and for general corporate working capital purposes. Termination of Previously Announced Brokered Private Placement The Company also announces that it has terminated the brokered private placement financing previously announced on January 23, 2023, due to unfavorable market conditions. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Asante Gold Corporation Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines with combined forecast production of approximately 400,000 ounces of gold for 2023. The Company continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project for early production. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghanas Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Companys website at www.asantegold.com. About the Bibiani Gold Mine Bibiani is an operating open pit gold mine situated in the Western North Region of Ghana, with previous gold production of more than 4.5 million ounces. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a newly refurbished 3 million tonne per annum process plant and existing mining infrastructure. Mining commenced in late February 2022 with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. Commercial production was announced November 10, 2022. For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Bibiani Gold Mine, please refer to Asantes press releases dated July 18, 2022 and September 1, 2022 and the technical report filed on its SEDAR profile (www.sedar.com) on September 1, 2022. About the Chirano Gold Mine Chirano is an operating open-pit and underground mine located in the Western Region of Ghana, immediately south of the Companys Bibiani Gold Mine. Chirano was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground mines. Gold Equivalent Production in 2021 was 154,668 oz on a 100% basis (source Kinross Gold Corporation). For further information please contact: Dave Anthony, President & CEO: +1 647 382 4215 (Canada) or +233 55 879 3309 (Ghana), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Anthony, P.Eng, Mining and Mineral Processing, President and CEO of Asante, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the timing of the closing of the Offering, use of proceeds of the Offering, the Company securing a senior debt facility, resources, reserves, exploration results, development programs and increases in mine-life and potential synergies between Chirano and Bibiani. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Companys inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, the Companys inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and the price of gold. The reader is referred to the Companys public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the securities exchanges on which the Company is listed, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. After review, the Board of Directors, in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, has determined that the Non-Binding Expression of Interest is not in the best interests of Asante or its shareholders The Company intends to continue pursuing financing alternatives VANCOUVER,... Read More Lim Ji Yeon became emotional as she looked back on her career journey before receiving a big break. Keep on reading to know what "The Glory" actress said. Lim Ji Yeon Gives Glimpse of Her Acting Journey Lim Ji Yeon made a guest appearance on JTBC's "Newsroom," on March 26. The celebrity gained a massive following for her villain role Park Yeon Jin in Netflix's revenge drama "The Glory." Thanks to her brilliant performance, she received massive praise from the audience. When she was asked about her passion for acting, Lim Ji Yeon shared that she has always been determined to succeed despite the setbacks she experienced along the way. The celebrity mentioned that the inferiority complex caused by being scolded fueled her and motivated her to work harder and improve. Lim Ji Yeon confessed that even though she didn't know what to do and felt like giving up, she became persistent in not giving up. According to her, she didn't want to regret not putting enough effort into acting. Lim Ji Yeon Gets Emotional Remembering Her Supportive Parents In addition, "The Glory" star shared a heartwarming story about her parents' endless support for her career. "Among all the things that I said and happened, my parents remember me saying that I never wanted to quit acting. They always say, 'Ji Yeon never said she wanted to quit, even when she came home crying." As she remembers her parents and their unwavering support, Lim Ji Yeon shed tears during the broadcast. The "Money Heist Korea" star added that whenever she talked about her past journey, she always ended up crying even during her previous interviews. What's Next for Lim Ji Yeon The award-winning actress graduated from the Korea National University of Arts and made her debut in 2014 in the movie "Obsessed," in which she immediately bagged two Best Actress trophies at the 34th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards and 51st Daejong Film Awards. Lim Ji Yeon's career changed after she starred in the hit drama "The Glory." The massive support she's earning today is proof of how fiercely she fought for her dreams to make it big in the industry. Furthermore, Lim Ji Yeon is returning to the small screen with the new drama "National Death Penalty Vote," which is scheduled to release anytime soon this 2023 on SBS. She will work with Park Hae Jin and Park Sung Woong. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Kim So Eun Embroiled in Dating Rumor With THIS Actor After Being Spotted in Tokyo For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KdramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. After years of waiting, Lee Dong Wook is finally back as tvN teases fans with a sneak peek of the much-awaited sequel "Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938." As the hit romance-fantasy series announces its return, fans are looking forward to seeing the beloved duo, Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum, playing the role of Lee Yeon and Lee Rang. 'Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938' Release Date, First Teaser The long wait is over as tvN dropped an update for "Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938." Over the broadcast network's official Instagram, the show re-introduces Lee Dong Wook's character, reprising his role as the gumiho. Dressed in a trench coat, the official poster showcases Lee Yeon in an unfamiliar street in what appears to be at Gyeongseong in 1938. Along with the phrase, "I and the world I belong to have all begun to twist," tvN hints at his meaningful return to a different era. Interestingly, the broadcast network announced the official premiere of the series. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Dong Wook Reveals Remarkable Fan Comment That He Will Never Forget "Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938" is scheduled to air on May 6 at 9:20 PM KST. Moreover, the 12-part episode series will be the newest Saturday and Sunday K-drama that will get viewers hooked. 'Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938' Cast, What to Expect in Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum's Return The romance-fantasy series will unfold the story of the beloved gumiho, Lee Yeon, as he makes an emergency landing in 1938. Working as an agent in the Afterlife Immigration Office, the centuries-old gumiho found himself struggling to get back in the modern era. Joining him for the second season is Kim Bum, who reprises his role as Lee Rang, a half-human and Lee Yeon's half-brother. Although Jo Bo Ah, who played the role of talented television producer Nam Ji Ah in Season 1, is unable to join in the sequel lineup, "Tale of The Nine-Tailed 1938" cast includes award-winning actress Kim So Yeon. She takes on the role of former mountain goddess and restaurant owner named Ryu Hong Joo. According to a media outlet, the 42-year-old actress, whose last K-drama is the hit makjang series "The Penthouse," says she is "very grateful" to be part of the hit fantasy romance. "I'll work hard to successfully portray the attractive character Ryu Hong Joo," she added. Adding to the list of new cast members is "Hellbound" star Ryu Kyung Soo. He will portray the role of a doctor Cheon Moo Young, who can save the dead but harbors a mysterious aura. Apart from the interesting cast lineup, viewers would get to see more of Lee Yeon's relationship with his brother, Lee Rang, and their connection with the new character, Moo Young, who was once close with the gumiho. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills For 44 years, Iranians have been living in captivity. Since the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, Iranians are no longer willing to tolerate life under the Islamic Republic and have spearheaded the largest womens rights movement of our century. With the focus on the people in Iran, few have discussed the challenges faced by the Iranian diaspora in this fight for the liberty of the Iranian people. For months, major news outlets were not covering the protests in Iran (with few exceptions), all while we, the Iranian diaspora, fought the spread of significant misinformation. In the U.S., fake news may not harbor life-threatening consequences. Still, for those of us who understand life under the Islamic Republic, every error means risking innocent lives and potentially the fate of an entire revolution. The last time Iranians led mass demonstrations was in 2019. The regime implemented a near-complete internet blackout in what is known as Bloody November, accompanied by the massacre of 1,500 protestors within a week. We, the Iranian diaspora, only learned of the killings once the protests died out and internet services became more accessible. We drew the following conclusion from this experience that amplifying the Iranian voices can limit the mass murder of protestors and fuel the possibility of a revolution. Knowing this, it became the responsibility of the Iranian diaspora to become activists, journalists, content creators, and news broadcasters overnight with the protests of 2022. We initiated what the Islamic Republic has referred to as a social media war. The people in Iran have been at the frontlines of this revolution, but so have we. Supporting the Iranian people has proven to be extremely challenging. Cultural differences and global propaganda campaigns spearheaded by the regime affiliates within the U.S. are partially responsible for this. In October 2022, for example, the New York Times described an economic crisis as the cause for the uprisings in Iran in an article titled Iran Protests Fueled by Sickly Economy. This drastically undermined our countless efforts to educate the public about the major human rights violations occurring at the hands of the regime the actual cause of the uprisings. On December 5th, the New York Times released its very first breaking news on the situation in Iran: Iran Has Abolished Morality Police After Months of Protests, all while the morality police was in full effect. They later discovered their error and edited the title to include officials suggest. Nevertheless, in the minds of many, this article promoted the idea of reform when the Iranians had made their message abundantly clear: they will continue protesting until this brutal, theocratic regime is replaced with a secular, democratic government. After months of endless efforts, Iran finally gained the attention of major influencers such as Viola Davis. However, within 48 hours of their posts, NBC called the ordered execution of thousands of protestors a hoax. Meta quickly removed many Instagram posts about the executions and restricted accounts that had shared this information, and other news outlets followed suit. As a result, we lost a monumental opportunity to amplify the voices of the protestors. Only after four young men were executed did the person responsible for the false report make a widely unnoticed apology on social media. At the same time, other journalists merely moved on without a second thought. Journalists must realize that they cannot use the Western judiciary system to guide their interpretations of the Islamic Republics actions. When the regimes lawmakers refer to protestors as mohareb (enemies of God), they are stating that the thousands of imprisoned protestors are at risk of death without due process. These differences cannot be overlooked. More than 1,000 schoolgirls have recently been hospitalized due to chemical attacks on schools and university dormitories throughout the country. Footage reveals students fainting and running to courtyards, gasping for air. The regime is using chemical warfare as a scare tactic to quell protests, similar to how it uses sexual battery as a tool to silence the youth. According to messages we have received from those directly involved in the attacks, regime officials are trapping students in classrooms during the attacks; students are refused the right to call their parents and to access their laboratory work and medical records; parents are being physically assaulted for voicing their opposition; and medical personnel are threatened against leaking information about the students medical evaluations. Despite substantial evidence supporting this chemical warfare, Psychology Today and BBC referred to the attacks as mass psychogenic illness. BBC quoted psychiatrist and epidemiologist Professor Simon Wessely, who explained that these were not a chain of poisonings but [are] instead a case of mass sociogenic illness with fewer boys and adults falling ill [being] central to his conclusion. Professor Wessely and Psychology Today fail to consider the Islamic Republics specific targeting of women throughout its history. In addition, schoolgirls and female university students have been the driving force behind the current protests and are, therefore, the largest threat to the Islamic Republic. As such, one would not anticipate similar attacks on schoolboys or adults, undermining the crux of Professor Wesselys theory. Schoolboys and adults are not the ones who are being forced to watch pornography and videos of bestiality in school in attempt to silence the protests. (Yes, this is happening.) Furthermore, the Islamic Republics Deputy Minister made a public statement about the serial poisonings being intentional, and 11-year-old Fatemeh Rezaei has been reportedly killed in these chemical attacks. Thus, to call these crimes against humanity hysteria is an insult to every Iranian and, again, undermines our endless efforts to educate the public on the brutality of this regime. Further, gaining the publics allyship has proven to be extremely difficult. As Jessica Chastain puts it, I think [its] because its a women-led revolution, and I think because Ukraine is mostly white people. To add to these challenges, our politicians have mostly displayed their interests in continuing negotiations with this brutal regime; and as of March 6th, 229 U.S. politicians co-sponsored a resolution, H.Res.100, in support of a theocratic cult as an alternative to the Islamic Republic. In contrast, only 61 politicians have co-sponsored the MAHSA Act (H.R.589) legislation that would hold Irans leaders accountable for the ongoing human rights violations despite the Iranian diasporas endless efforts to gain support for this bill. We, Iranians and the Iranian diaspora have felt mostly isolated in our fight to liberate the people of Iran from the brutal, theocratic, terrorist dictatorship that is the Islamic Republic. Montreh Tavakkoli is a hematology-oncology fellow. Shanghai-based Italian architects strive to meet consumers' evolving demands Xinhua) 15:41, March 28, 2023 SHANGHAI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- For over two decades, an Italian architecture studio has been at the forefront of innovation, designing landmark buildings in China to meet the evolving needs of the Chinese people. Italian architects Andrea Destefanis and Filippo Gabbiani first came to Shanghai in 2002 to take part in the renovation project of the city's century-old historical building Bund 18, which later received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. This project served as the catalyst for their decision to establish Kokai Studio together in the city. "We like the energy of Shanghai," said Destefanis, who recognized early on the China's need for high-quality projects and the importance of preserving historical buildings alongside creating new ones. Over the past 20 years, the studio has participated in 350 construction projects, including several new landmarks across various cities in China. Their major projects include K11, an "art shopping mall" that deviates from traditional shopping centers, and Jianyeli Hotel, one of the first hotels in Longtang, a small alley in Shanghai's old residential district. Destefanis prefers to be involved in meaningful projects to redefine or restore a part of the city, and Shanghai has provided him with opportunities to pursue this passion. "We always say to our clients that we don't design for them, but we design for their clients who are the end users," Destefanis said. In his view, the Chinese people's need in terms of design has changed a lot in the last 20 years. "In the past, Chinese people enjoyed going into a commercial space, a shopping mall that was like a box or a closed environment. What we have done is actually break this box, making the malls a part of the city and opening them to the city," he said. Destefanis believes that this change in design approach would meet the new demand of Chinese people. "They now prefer to establish a connection with the city and spend more time outdoors as the environment is getting better." At the same time, as more and more Chinese people travel around the world, Destefanis finds it increasingly difficult to satisfy their requirements for architectural aesthetics. "It is hard to surprise them and provide them with novel projects. Another very challenging part is that young Chinese designers are getting better at their skills, so the competition in the Chinese market is getting fiercer," he added. The Kokai Studio started with three people and today around 50 designers and architects work there, according to the founders. Destefanis and Gabbiani are very optimistic about the future of the Chinese construction market. Even during the difficult times induced by the COVID-19 epidemic, the studio did not lay off any employees. "We believe that we still have a lot of work to do in China," Destefanis said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Police have arrested seven rioters in downtown Kampala as they demonstrated over the theft of iron sheets meant for Karamoja sub-region. Carrying pieces of iron sheets on their heads, police had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse them. Patrick Onyango the Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson says 7 suspects have been arrested and detained on charges of unlawful assembly Angry youths mobilized themselves today and started a violent protest in the capital city Kampala demonstrating over an issue that the president of the republic of Uganda has already ably handled. The issue of iron sheets to Karamoja, the president has already tasked officials to investigate the same, Onyango said. The Ministry of Energy is set to investigate the scope and numbers of mothers and children left behind by Chinese contractors. NTV panorama has been investigating the plight of such children who were fathered by Chinese construction engineers and laborers who have been constructing the Karuma hydropower power plant which is to be commissioned later this year, four years behind schedule. Civil society organizations have since raised an alarm over the prevalence of sex-related crimes at construction sites. Gulu Women Economic Development and Globalization director, Pamela Angwech says the prosecution exercise of the Chinese contracts has been difficult due to a number of reasons. Once you start the prosecution processes, you cant find a perpetrator anymore at the end of it all because you know that it begins with a lot of investigation, either the Chinese workers are transferred and you cannot trace them anymore and sometimes even the leaders who work in the section where the incidents happen are new people. At the end of it all, theres nobody to support the case, Angwech said. Jurubabel Opio Okori, the Clan leader of Adok of the Langi community has asked government to come to the rescue of these mothers. He says their plight has been worsened by a flawed justice system, especially from local councils and police where particularly sexual abuse cases, rape, and defilement are always swept under the carpet. The Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU) has attributed the poor performance on lack of enough laboratory apparatus in schools across the country. Regardless of initiatives by government to prioritize science subjects including a pay raise for science teachers, the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) reported a drop in the performance in Biology, which they said was below the 2020 improvement. According to the results, only 0.1 percent of learners scored A in Biology. Now UPSTU general secretary, Aron Mugaiga tells KFM that most school laboratories are not facilitated with the required equipment and that some students are asked to buy their own specimens like rats for the laboratory. He has appealed to the government to facilitate these labs Players in the tourism industry have welcomed the resumption of direct flights to Rwandas Capital, Kigali by the national carrier, Uganda Airlines for the first time since its revamp in 2019. The development follows several on-and-off engagements over the matter between officials from the two countries. Making the announcement last week, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo said the move seeks to address transport challenges faced by the business community from both countries, boost trade, enhance connectivity, and contribute to the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges. Speaking to KFM, the president of Uganda Tourism Association, Herbert Byaruhanga said any destination addition of the national carriers network means more traffic at the Airport and clientele on the other hand for tourism companies. 1 of 1 -- : , khaskhabar.com : , 28 2023 3:35 PM Indiscriminate match day parking has left local residents living around Nowlan Park annoyed and frustrated yet again according to local Councillor Andrew McGuinness who says a minority of match attendees are making life difficult for everyone. Speaking to The Kilkenny People, Councillor Andrew McGuinness said, I received numerous calls on Sunday due to indiscriminate parking blocking people into their premises in the Hebron Industrial Estate, cars parked up on the green area in Newpark, green margins being used as parking spaces and cars parked along Penneyfeather Way behind the garda bollards. In one incident, a local business owner could not get out of his premises in the Hebron Industrial Estate and when he approached the person as they returned to their car he said he was verbally abused. That is simply not good enough and it has gone on too long without a permanent solution, he said. The green area at Newpark is cared for by local residents and is used by local children. It was full of cars on Sunday. Those people drove over a footpath and boldly parked on a green area in front of houses. That was a slap in the face to the local community!, he continued. I have seen CCTV footage from local business owners and residents and the lack of consideration shown to them by people blocking their entrances was shocking. I'm also aware that the gardai did issue some tickets and they have done great work at OLoughlin Road, Assumption Place and the immediate housing schemes but people are simply moving up the road a short distance. In recent weeks both myself and Cllr. Joe Malone have met with officials in Nowlan Park where we outlined our concerns about match day parking along with other issues that they are working on. I can see that they are doing a lot of work to encourage people to use the available parking spaces in the area in places like MacDonagh Junction, County Hall car park, the car park at OLoughlins, the HSE car park and so on. Its advertised in the programmes and put out on local radio and in the newspapers, but people still try to get as close as possible to the front door and dont seem to care where they park or who they disrupt, he said. Councillor Joe Malone also received complaints following Sundays game. It's not fair on the GAA and the Gardai who are doing all they can to encourage match goers to use the available parking and its not fair on the residents who have to deal with it. There is plenty of parking between MacDonagh Junction, OLoughlin Gaels, St Canices and so on. The fact that there were hundreds of spaces not used on Sunday, yet cars parked all over the place, speaks volumes about those who insist on parking in a way that upsets local residents. They should be held responsible, said Cllr Joe Malone. According to Andrew McGuinness, the vast majority of match attendees respect the local community and park appropriately. The vast majority of match goers respect the local community and the neighbouring residents and they dont abuse the parking situation. However, a minority seem to have no consideration and dont care where they park once they are as close as possible to Nowlan Park. It has to stop and I believe that parking tickets and enforcement is the best way to do that, he said. I have spoken to management at MacDonagh Junction where they have over 1,000 parking spaces available right next to Nowlan Park. It is only 2.50 to park for 3 hours and if you spend 10 in Dunnes Stores it is only 1.70, yet there were still over 300 empty parking spaces there on Sunday. County Hall has a further 140 parking spaces and its open on a Sunday for a cost of just 2 per day. That car park was not full on Sunday either. Even if people park in Dunnes Stores or Ormonde Car Park, its still only a short walk. Match day parking has been an issue for as long as I can remember but the local parking options have increased greatly and there is an effort from the GAA to encourage people to use that parking, however, it seems that a mindset needs to change where a small minority of attendees are not availing of proper parking and instead try to park as close as possible despite the fact that they are disrupting the local community. If they are not prepared to use the proper parking then they should be fined and made an example of, concluded Cllr. Andrew McGuinness. Almost 90% of female respondents to an independent review of the Irish Defence Forces said they had experienced some form of sexual harassment. The independent review groups (IRG) report found a discernible pattern of rape and sexual assault in its analysis of participants contributions. Of those that said they experienced incidents of unwanted physical contact/sexual assault, 76% of respondents did not report the incident. The main reason for not reporting the assault was the feeling there was no point and none of the respondents had contacted An Garda Siochana. The IRG concluded the current complaints system is not fit for purpose and requires radical change and removal from the Defence Forces. On misogyny in the Defence Forces in general, different sources available to the IRG conclude that, at best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks. The overwhelming number of persons experiencing any form of harassment reported it was carried out by a member of a higher rank to them and in 85% of cases it was perpetrated by a male. One respondent reported having suicidal thoughts due to harassment they faced. Another respondent said a senior officer made their life miserable after they rejected unwanted sexual advances while another recalled a sergeant commenting on the size of my rear. More than a third of respondents said they faced bullying within the Defence Forces. Respondents outlined behaviours such as tubbing, which is when an individual is put in a barrel which may contain items such as chemicals, oil, fuel or animal carcasses as a form of punishment. Others described punishment through arduous exercises known as beasting and mobbing, where an individual is harassed and isolated to ultimately make life so difficult that they resign their post. One respondent said they were followed, mocked and threatened with violence while others said they faced constant slagging off and jeering. The independent review also head about a culture of reprisals and retaliations for complaints. Respondents reported being referred for psychiatric treatment with no basis, having gardai sent to their home over unfounded claims of being absent without leave, physical assault with top cover from command, insults, and the withholding of opportunities. Members also claimed they faced reprisals for having a baby or for speaking up for someone else. Others faced trumped-up charges and felt pressured to plead guilty to lesser charges at a court martial. The IRG outlined a loyalty test where the testimony of an officer is required to support the chain of command or members colluding to silence or punish someone who speaks out or doesnt fit. It was reported that important papers or files go missing or are changed. Those who co-operate and pass the loyalty test are rewarded through support in their careers while those who do not co-operate see their careers as over, it said. The IRG raised concern over the historic rate of suicides within the Defence Forces, with interviewees describing extreme examples of negative impacts on mental illness. They alleged that in the case of some suicides, they were told that if they were not denoted as accidental deaths rather than suicides, there would be adverse consequences, it said. Many interviewees described their experience of training as literal torture and said some members of their class died by suicide. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy commended the bravery of members who came forward and brought their lived experience to light. Lt Gen Clancy accepted the findings of the report and said general staff intend to implement the recommendations as approved by Government. He said his first priority when he was appointed was to tackle allegations of sexual assault, harassment and bullying. There is no place for any form of abuse or failure to act on any form of inappropriate behaviour within the Defence Forces, he said. The Women of Honour Group, which represents female former members of the Defence Forces, said it hoped the inquiry will start the process of healing. Reacting to the publication of the report, it said: In the light of the findings made by the independent review group, nothing less than a full statutory inquiry was ever appropriate. Also, inevitably, the military hierarchy, the Department of Defence itself and the military system in its entirety will now be subject to that investigation in a manner that has been required for some considerable time. It is hoped that this commitment by Government to the establishment of a full statutory inquiry will start the process of healing for those persons who have suffered within the Defence Force system the appalling litany of abuse that is part of the findings of fact of the IRG report. We await the necessary discussions to start the process of agreeing terms of reference for an all-encompassing full statutory public inquiry where that process should start within days, rather than weeks, as justice delayed is justice denied. Six teams rose above 21 other secondary schools across Ireland for their convincing portrayal of the positions taken by EU Ministers for Energy while discussing how to accelerate the EUs Renewable Energy Transition. Loreto Secondary School from Kilkenny was one of them, receiving an honourable mention mention for representing Belgium. Scoil Muire agus Padraig from Mayo won first place for their representation of Poland during the debate. Honourable mentions were also given to Ardscoil Ris in Dublin as Croatia and Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk in Kerry as Czechia. The Model Council has been organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland every year since 2007. The 2023 event was held in City Hall in Dublin. The debate mirrors the format of a real meeting of the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers) so students can explore how the EU decision-making process works. The event opened with an address by Maria Walsh, MEP representing Ireland Midlands-North-West constituency, who emphasised the significance of the 50th anniversary since Ireland joined the EEC. The debate itself discussed ways to increase the share of renewable energy within the EU, a challenge that has been brought into sharp focus since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The energy sector is responsible for over 75% of the EUs greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, increasing the share of renewable energy is a key building block in reaching the EUs energy and climate objectives under the European Green Deal. School children from eight Kilkenny national schools took part in a nationwide campaign this month to plant a million trees to combat climate change. The Kilkenny schools joined over 300 schools from across Ireland to take part in development charity Self Help Africas One Million Trees campaign. The campaign involves students planting trees in their local school grounds while supporting a wider initiative to plant trees in Africa, and highlight the impact that climate change is having on poor and vulnerable communities on the African continent. The local schools tree planting initiative is supported by the Irish National School Teachers Association (INTO), who provided native Irish tree seedlings for distribution to classrooms across the country to support the charity initiative. Trees were planted in Kilkenny at St. Brendan's N.S, Ballyfoyle, Lisdowney NS, Ballyragget, Graignamanagh BNS, Graignamanagh, St John of God Owning National School, Owning, Gowran National School, Gowran, Marymount N.S. The Rower, Thomastown, Johnswell NS, Johnswell, and Presentation NS, Castlecomer, to coincide with National Tree Week. Many of the schools involved also arranged collections and donations to Self Help Africas campaign, which aims to plant one million trees in Africa and 100,000 native trees in Ireland each year, to support communities affected by climate change. Planting trees also helps offset the effects of harmful greenhouse gases, and highlights the importance and value of tree planting as a means of combatting global warming. Sean McMahon, who is coordinating the schools campaign for Self Help Africa, stated that 'children are extremely passionate about the environment'. "Theyre alarmed by the stories that they read and hear about global warming, and want change," he said. More information is available about Self Help Africas schools tree planting initiative is available HERE. The boron industry is ripe for a shakeup and customers are eager to see new suppliers come online, said Tim Daniels, CEO and President of Boron One. Daniels spoke to Kitco reporter Ernest Hoffman in March. He cited a recent report from Credit Suisse that projects demand for Boron growing by as much as 10 times over the next decade. "Boron is one of the single most important minerals in decarbonization," said Daniels. "Wind turbines, you need Boron both in the electric motors and in the turbine blades, solar panels use a tremendous amount of boron, rechargeable batteries, energy efficient buildings, hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear fission, all these rely heavily on boron." Daniels said supporting that demand will be tough, and it's made even more difficult by the structure of the boron sector itself: 73% of known deposits are in Turkey, and two companies, Rio Tinto and Turkish state-owned Eti Maden, control 70% of the market. "You can actually count all the economic deposits of boron on one hand, that's how few of the deposits are in the world," he said. "Normally an oligopoly is a very difficult situation for a new player to enter, but because of the nature of boron itself and the boron market, it's the exact opposite in our case." He said all the boron-hungry industries recognize how limited and fragile their supplies are, and the lessons of the Ukraine war are not lost on them. "They're not happy about that, they're not comfortable about that, and they welcome an alternative supplier," he said. "The gap between supply and demand is widening each year at an ever-increasing pace, so there's this natural and organic space in the market for a new player to enter." Daniels said Boron One is moving full-speed ahead to bring their Serbia-based project into production. "We're in the licensing process right now with the government, by this summer we'll have completed the second step, which is the feasibility study, which grants us the exploitation license," he said. "In the perfect world scenario, we can see production by late in 2026." He said the opportunity for boron-consuming businesses goes beyond just having another supplier on the market; they can actually own a piece of their strategic long-term supply. "The one thing that we're able to bring to the table, under the right terms and conditions with the the right potential strategic partner, is the opportunity for those consumers of borites to own a piece of their supply chain, meaning come in and participate with us on an equity plane in the development of the project," he said. "That's something that the other big players in the boron industry will never offer them." "What they see in us is not only a very attractive-looking alternative supply, but an opportunity to own a piece of their supply chain that they just haven't had the ability to do in the past." Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Silver is again in vogue among the European haute couture fashion houses; the bold look comes as the Silver Institute said that silver has become an important fashion accessory among retailers, which should continue supporting demand and prices through 2023. According to fashion commentators, Paris Fashion Week, which wrapped up at the start of the Month, continued to feature a lot of unique mixed metal, gold and silver jewelry. According to freelance fashion journalist Milena Lazazzera, some of the biggest names in jewelry have created a "cult status" for their two-tone pieces. One of Italy's most exclusive jewelry brands, Bucelllati intertwines gold, silver and white gold in its Ramage collection. "But silver also adds ancient and precious nuances to jewelry creations," Andrea Buccellati, the Milan-based creative director, told Lazazzera in an interview. Meanwhile, Italian jewelry designer Bea Bongiasca said that gold and silver together add some excitement with people becoming bored of wearing matching colors. She also noted some practical elements of using silver. "Firstly, I used silver in my creations because I wanted my jewelry to be light and silver is lighter than gold. Secondly, with a piece that is half gold, half silver, I can keep the price more accessible," she said in the interview. Silver's success at Paris Fashion Week comes as the Silver Institute sees healthy jewelry demand through 2023, even if levels fall from records seen in 2022. The Silver Institute said it sees global jewelry demand falling by 10% as the Indian market "normalizes" in 2023. The Silver Institute said it also sees weaker demand in the U.S. due to growing concerns over the economy. "In the U.S., a modest dip in consumption may occur this year due to economic concerns and normalized spending on travel," the analysts said. Although silver sales could languish in 2023, the Silver Institute said that the precious metal remains an essential pillar within the retail sector. "Retailers said their silver jewelry sales as a percentage of their overall jewelry sales were on average 28% of their unit volume and 19% of their dollar volume," the report said. "51% said silver jewelry is very important or important to their business; 27% said very important." The survey shows that the silver market is also attracting a younger audience. According to the jewelry retailers, 52% of their silver consumers are between 20 and 40 years old. The second largest consumer group representing 17% of total sales are those younger than 20 years old. "Retailers said the best-selling opportunities with silver are female self-purchase (34%), while 26% said gifting, and 31% said millennials (ages 23 to 41). Just 9% said bridal party/bridal gifts or other," the report said. Finally, jewelry retailers are expecting to see solid silver demand through 2023. "88% of the retailers are optimistic that silver jewelry sales growth will continue for the next several years; 46% said they were very optimistic," the report said. In 2022, jewelry demand represented about 29% of the global silver market. WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. banking regulator is investigating potential misconduct on the part of executives and others involved in the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg said in prepared testimony to Congress that the agency had begun investigations into "directors, officers, professional service providers and other institution-affiliated parties of the banks for the losses they caused to the banks and for their misconduct in the management of the banks." Gruenberg did not offer further details into who or what may be the subject of probes, which could be one of several under way by the U.S. government. Federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are also looking into any potential wrongdoing by executives in SVB's sudden implosion earlier this month, two sources have told Reuters, with one noting that individuals were in the process of hiring lawyers to represent them amid the government investigations. It is common for the government to open probes into such events, and such investigations do not necessarily result in charges of misconduct. The bank, which was owned by SVB Financial Group (SIVB.O) prior to its shuttering a week and a half ago, was the victim of a social media-fueled bank run that saw depositors withdraw $42 billion in a single day. But its sudden collapse has also raised questions about what executives knew about the bank's struggles and what they disclosed with investors, the sources said. Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Kodiak Copper announced a big drill program for 2023. CEO Claudia Tornquist spoke to Kitco in February at Mines And Money Miami. Kodiak Coppers most advanced asset is its MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the Quesnel Trough in south-central British Columbia, Canada. MPD is a multi-centered porphyry system. Kodiak Copper also made the Gate Zone discovery, which has high-grade mineralization within a wide mineralized envelope. The company says that MPD hosts several other targets with similar discovery potential. Kodiak Copper (TSX.V:KDK) was founded by Chairman Chris Taylor, the founder and CEO of Great Bear Resources which was acquired by Kinross Gold in 2022 for CADS$1.8 billion. "Kodiak is in many ways a similar story to Great Bear. We took a project that lots of people had already looked at," said Tornquist. "Chris with his creativity and out-of-the-box thinking came up with a different approach, a different model and that led to a big discovery success." The project is near producing mines: Copper Mountain, Highland Valley and New Afton mines. The owner of Highland Valley is interested in Kodiak. "Teck is our largest shareholder at 9.9%. They invested right after our discovery in 2020 and in our most recent financing...they have been a very supportive partner." Kodiak has a big drill program planned for 2023, with up to 25,000 meters of drilling in multiple target areas. Coverage of Mines And Money Miami sponsored by Snowline Gold. Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) said today it turned down an unsolicited bid by lithium giant Albemarle for $3.7 billion. Liontown controls two lithium deposits in Western Australia. Next year the company plans to start production at its Kathleen Valley operation with production set at 3Mtpa. In June of last year Liontown signed an offtake with Ford. Liontown traded up 68% today to $2.57 a share. By Michael McCrae For Kitco News Follow michaelmccrae www.kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Lundin Mining (TSX: LUN) yesterday announced that it has entered into a binding purchase agreement with JX Nippon Mining & Metals to acquire 51% of the issued and outstanding equity of SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile, a wholly owned subsidiary of JX which operates the Caserones copper-molybdenum mine located in Chile. In a statement, the company said that JX will receive upfront cash consideration from Lundin Mining of $800 million, and in addition, $150 million in deferred cash consideration will be payable by Lundin Mining in installments over a six-year period following the closing date. Lundin Mining added it will also have the right to acquire up to an additional 19% interest in Caserones for $350 million over a five-year period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of closing. Caserones is a significant porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit in the Atacama Region (Region III) of the northern Chilean Andean Cordillera, situated between the Maricunga and El Indio belts and is part of the emerging Vicuna copper district. The operation produces copper and molybdenum concentrates from a traditional open pit mine and conventional sulphide flotation plant, as well as copper cathode from a dump leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant. First copper cathode was produced in 2013, followed by copper and molybdenum concentrates in 2014. In 2022, the concentrator plant produced 109.1 kt of copper in concentrate. In addition, 15.1 kt of copper cathodes and 3.1 kt of molybdenum in concentrate were produced. The company said that a "historical estimate" (as defined in National Instrument 43-101) for copper proven and probable mineral reserves is 892.1 Mt at an average grade of 0.33% copper containing approximately 2.9 Mt of copper and historical estimate for copper measured and indicated mineral resources is 1.595 Bt at an average grade of 0.29% copper containing 4.583 Mt of copper. Lundin noted that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Commenting on the transaction, CEO Peter Rockandel said, "Upon closing of the acquisition of Caserones, we add another long-life copper mine of material size and with significant growth potential to our portfolio, in a region in which we have considerable knowledge and experience. The Caserones team has achieved meaningful operational improvements in recent years, and we will work to unlock additional upside through our strong technical resources and existing presence in the region. "The initial controlling interest increases our exposure to what we believe is a growing top-tier copper mining district. We retain the option to further increase our ownership over the next few years at an attractive price. The acquisition further solidifies Lundin Mining's position as a growing global producer of copper as the world shifts to a lower carbon future." Lundin Mining is a diversified Canadian base metals mining company with operations and projects in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Sweden and the United States of America, primarily producing copper, zinc, gold and nickel. PARIS, March 28 (Reuters) - French bank Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) has pulled out of the U.S. energy company NextDecade's (NEXT.O) Rio Grande Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Texas last year, a bank spokesperson said Tuesday. As the project's mandated financial adviser, Societe Generale had been the lead bank in the financing of some $11.5 billion for the LNG plant before exiting this role in the first quarter of 2022. The bank's exit from the project had not been previously made public. Without commenting on the reason for this specific exit, the spokesperson pointed to the bank's energy sector commitments to end all reserve-based lending for U.S. onshore by the end of 2023, and to only participate in financing LNG projects aligned with the bank's engagements on environmental and social governance and human rights. NextDecade did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The recent 31st annual GrassWorks Grazing Conference generated a lot of enthusiasm from winter-weary grass-based agriculturists from Wisconsin and beyond. Perhaps a hint that the conference might stand out from other run-of-the-mill farm conferences was the keynote address from Jason Cavadini, an outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Division of Extension. He touched on a broad range of topics in his address, lacing it with humor. Weather Alert ...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Boone MO, Moniteau MO, Saint Louis City MO, and Saint Louis MO Counties. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. && Admiral Group plc (LON:ADM Get Rating) has been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have given a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is GBX 2,257.75 ($27.74). Several research firms recently issued reports on ADM. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Admiral Group to a hold rating and set a GBX 2,150 ($26.42) price target on the stock. in a research report on Friday, March 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an underweight rating and issued a GBX 1,650 ($20.27) target price on shares of Admiral Group in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Numis Securities restated an add rating and issued a GBX 2,575 ($31.64) target price on shares of Admiral Group in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Finally, Peel Hunt restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 2,160 ($26.54) target price on shares of Admiral Group in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Get Admiral Group alerts: Insider Activity In other news, insider Geraint Jones sold 1,175 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,851 ($22.74), for a total transaction of 21,749.25 ($26,722.26). In related news, insider Geraint Jones sold 1,175 shares of Admiral Group stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,851 ($22.74), for a total transaction of 21,749.25 ($26,722.26). Also, insider Annette Court bought 920 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 1,999 ($24.56) per share, with a total value of 18,390.80 ($22,595.90). Insiders own 17.15% of the companys stock. Admiral Group Stock Performance Admiral Group Cuts Dividend LON ADM opened at GBX 2,027 ($24.90) on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.56. The firm has a market capitalization of 6.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,632.26, a P/E/G ratio of -1.02 and a beta of 0.25. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 2,126.89 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 2,083.84. Admiral Group has a 1 year low of GBX 1,691.50 ($20.78) and a 1 year high of GBX 2,646.60 ($32.52). The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 4th will be paid a dividend of GBX 52 ($0.64) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.49%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 4th. Admiral Groups payout ratio is currently 6,612.90%. About Admiral Group (Get Rating) Admiral Group plc provides financial services in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Canada, India, and the United States. It offers insurance products, including motor, household, travel, and pet insurance, as well as personal lending products through Admiral loans. The company operates through UK Insurance, International Insurance, Admiral Loans, and Other segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Admiral Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Admiral Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT Get Rating) have received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the eighteen ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $37.18. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their price target on Brinker International from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Brinker International from $30.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 18th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Brinker International from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Wedbush boosted their price target on Brinker International from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Brinker International from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $31.00 to $28.00 in a research note on Monday, December 12th. Get Brinker International alerts: Brinker International Stock Performance NYSE EAT opened at $35.26 on Thursday. Brinker International has a twelve month low of $21.47 and a twelve month high of $42.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.55 billion, a PE ratio of 21.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 2.35. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.78. Insiders Place Their Bets Brinker International ( NYSE:EAT Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 1st. The restaurant operator reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.25. Brinker International had a negative return on equity of 35.47% and a net margin of 1.87%. The business had revenue of $1.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $991.74 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.71 EPS. The firms revenue was up 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Brinker International will post 2.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Brinker International news, SVP Wade Allen sold 12,139 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.42, for a total transaction of $490,658.38. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 28,647 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,157,911.74. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 12,986 shares of company stock valued at $525,047. 2.37% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Brinker International A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in EAT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Brinker International by 224.6% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 254,950 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $9,729,000 after buying an additional 176,405 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its position in shares of Brinker International by 74.4% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 58,426 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,230,000 after buying an additional 24,923 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC bought a new position in Brinker International during the 1st quarter worth about $237,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Brinker International by 53.4% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 24,327 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $928,000 after purchasing an additional 8,465 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in Brinker International by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 121,256 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $4,627,000 after purchasing an additional 3,610 shares in the last quarter. About Brinker International (Get Rating) Brinker International, Inc engages in owning, developing, and franchising Chilis Grill and Bar and Maggianos Little Italy restaurant brands. It operates through the following segments: Chilis, and Maggianos. The Chilis segment includes the results of company-owned Chilis restaurants in the U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brinker International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brinker International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CTT Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY Get Rating) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $7.61 and last traded at $7.61, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.61. CTT Correios De Portugal Stock Performance The stocks fifty day moving average is $6.41 and its 200-day moving average is $6.04. CTT Correios De Portugal Company Profile (Get Rating) CTT Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CTT - Correios De Portugal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC (LON:FGT Get Rating) declared a dividend on Tuesday, March 28th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, April 6th will be paid a dividend of GBX 8.50 ($0.10) per share by the investment trust on Friday, May 19th. This represents a yield of 0.97%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Price Performance FGT stock traded down GBX 4.52 ($0.06) during trading on Tuesday, hitting GBX 874.48 ($10.74). The stock had a trading volume of 308,534 shares, compared to its average volume of 464,964. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 876.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 847.33. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust has a 1-year low of GBX 731.80 ($8.99) and a 1-year high of GBX 900 ($11.06). The stock has a market cap of 1.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,658.49 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.01, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.48. Get Finsbury Growth & Income Trust alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Simon Hayes acquired 3,978 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 875 ($10.75) per share, with a total value of 34,807.50 ($42,766.31). Insiders purchased a total of 12,008 shares of company stock valued at $10,445,275 in the last 90 days. 4.53% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched Frostrow Capital LLP. The fund is co-managed by Lindsell Train Limited. It invests in public equity markets of the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Finsbury Growth & Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Rating) had its target price upped by Morgan Stanley from $69.00 to $73.00 in a report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an underweight rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts also recently commented on GIS. Piper Sandler increased their price target on shares of General Mills from $88.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 15th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of General Mills in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of General Mills from $88.00 to $84.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of General Mills from $76.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, March 16th. Finally, Mizuho started coverage on shares of General Mills in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $75.00 price target on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.88. Get General Mills alerts: General Mills Trading Up 0.1 % NYSE:GIS opened at $84.88 on Friday. General Mills has a one year low of $64.94 and a one year high of $88.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.54 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $50.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.28. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $78.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $80.18. General Mills Announces Dividend General Mills ( NYSE:GIS Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $5.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. General Mills had a return on equity of 24.51% and a net margin of 14.04%. General Millss revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.84 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that General Mills will post 4.25 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Investors of record on Monday, April 10th will be given a dividend of $0.54 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 6th. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.54%. General Millss dividend payout ratio is presently 46.65%. Insider Activity at General Mills In other General Mills news, CAO Mark A. Pallot sold 1,955 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.99, for a total value of $168,110.45. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 17,146 shares in the company, valued at $1,474,384.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CAO Mark A. Pallot sold 1,955 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.99, for a total transaction of $168,110.45. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 17,146 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,474,384.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Jonathon Nudi sold 10,894 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.49, for a total transaction of $920,434.06. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 82,784 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,994,420.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 40,006 shares of company stock worth $3,393,359 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Mills Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in GIS. Geneva Partners LLC lifted its holdings in General Mills by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Geneva Partners LLC now owns 6,579 shares of the companys stock worth $504,000 after buying an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. lifted its holdings in General Mills by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. now owns 27,800 shares of the companys stock worth $2,129,000 after buying an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in General Mills by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Physicians Financial Services Inc. now owns 13,353 shares of the companys stock worth $1,007,000 after buying an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. Archford Capital Strategies LLC lifted its holdings in General Mills by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Archford Capital Strategies LLC now owns 8,212 shares of the companys stock worth $629,000 after buying an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Coast Financial LLC lifted its holdings in General Mills by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. West Coast Financial LLC now owns 3,954 shares of the companys stock worth $303,000 after buying an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. 74.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. General Mills Company Profile (Get Rating) General Mills, Inc engages in the manufacture and marketing of branded consumer foods sold through retail stores. The firm operates through the following segments: North America Retail, Europe & Australia, Convenience Stores & Foodservice, Pet, and Asia & Latin America. The North America Retail segment includes grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains and e-commerce grocery providers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mediaset Espana Comunicacion, S.A. (OTCMKTS:GETVY Get Rating) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $4.14 and last traded at $4.14, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $4.14. Mediaset Espana Comunicacion Price Performance The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.10. About Mediaset Espana Comunicacion (Get Rating) Mediaset Espana Comunicacion, SA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the television broadcasting business in Spain. The company operates seven television channels comprising TELECINCO, FactorAa de FicciAn, BOING, Cuatro, Divinity, Energy, and Be Mad. It is also involved in the production and broadcast of audiovisual content; provision of news agency services; exploitation of advertising space on television channels; and advertising promotion activities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mediaset Espana Comunicacion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mediaset Espana Comunicacion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of PagSeguro Digital Ltd. (NYSE:PAGS Get Rating) have earned an average rating of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $16.07. Several equities analysts have issued reports on PAGS shares. New Street Research raised shares of PagSeguro Digital from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their price target for the company from $22.00 to $17.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on shares of PagSeguro Digital from $9.00 to $8.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 20th. Citigroup lowered shares of PagSeguro Digital from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $17.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Monday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley downgraded PagSeguro Digital from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $30.00 to $15.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on PagSeguro Digital from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Get PagSeguro Digital alerts: PagSeguro Digital Price Performance Shares of NYSE:PAGS opened at $8.00 on Tuesday. PagSeguro Digital has a 1 year low of $7.51 and a 1 year high of $21.97. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $8.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.85. The company has a market cap of $2.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.09, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.57. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PagSeguro Digital PagSeguro Digital Company Profile Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Boit C F David purchased a new stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital in the third quarter worth $26,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in PagSeguro Digital in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. Caption Management LLC purchased a new stake in PagSeguro Digital in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. bought a new stake in PagSeguro Digital during the third quarter valued at about $55,000. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new position in shares of PagSeguro Digital in the second quarter valued at about $59,000. Institutional investors own 52.50% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) PagSeguro Digital Ltd. is engaged in the provision of financial technology solutions focused on consumers, individual entrepreneurs, micro-merchants, small companies and medium-sized companies in Brazil. Its business model covers the following pillars: Multiple digital payment solutions; In-person payments via POS devices that sell to merchants; Free digital accounts; Issuer of prepaid cards to clients for spending or withdrawing account balances, and Operating as an acquirer. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PagSeguro Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagSeguro Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Novo Gold Inc. (TSE:RN Get Rating) rose 4% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$0.13 and last traded at C$0.13. Approximately 34,500 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 63% from the average daily volume of 92,675 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.13. Rio Novo Gold Stock Performance The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.13. About Rio Novo Gold (Get Rating) Rio Novo Gold Inc acquires, explores, and develops gold mineral resource properties in Brazil and Colombia. It holds interests in the Almas Gold Project located in the Tocantins State, Brazil; the Matupa Gold Project located in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil; and the Tolda Fria Gold Project located in the Caldas State, Colombia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rio Novo Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Novo Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SinglePoint Inc. (OTCMKTS:SING Get Rating) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 9,400 shares, a decrease of 71.3% from the February 28th total of 32,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 999,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. SinglePoint Price Performance Shares of SinglePoint stock remained flat at $0.03 during trading hours on Monday. The stock had a trading volume of 964,011 shares, compared to its average volume of 406,500. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $0.05 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.07. SinglePoint has a twelve month low of $0.01 and a twelve month high of $0.23. Get SinglePoint alerts: SinglePoint Company Profile (Get Rating) Read More SinglePoint, Inc is a renewable and sustainable solutions company focused on solar power and indoor air purification. It is committed to building the largest vertically integrated network for the marketing and installation of solar panels to the residential and commercial markets. The companys subsidiary, BOX Pure Air, is engaged in the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) sector addressing the need for air purification in schools and offices. Receive News & Ratings for SinglePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SinglePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A participant in the 2022 LEGO camps at Trine University works with a LEGO robotics kit. This years camps are free thanks to a grant from Lily Endowment for Indiana Youth Programs on Campus. Boy group MCND successfully completed "MCND TOKYO LIVE 2023 ~ Hello, Gem!" held at Yamano Hall in Tokyo on the 24th. 'MCND TOKYO LIVE 2023' consists of a special fan meeting in the first part and a live concert in the second part, and despite the first fan meeting and concert in Japan, the audience filled the audience to add to the heat of the concert hall. READ ALSO: Global Idol Band MCND Comeback on July 7: 'We're Targeting MZ Generation' MCND started the fan meeting with a strong stage by performing the '#MOOD' stage with powerful dance and live performance. Amid enthusiastic cheers from fans, MCND hosted various talks and mini games. MCND continued to spend time with fans by showing their wit and proficiency, giving off endless charm. The second part of the concert was a seat performance, but fans woke up at the same time with the start of the first stage, and they were so enthusiastic that they asked everyone to sit down for safety concerns. It performed 20 songs, including 'ICE AGE', 'Crush', 'nanana', and performed a cover song of Back Number's '(Suheisen, Horizon)'. An official who hosted the concert said, "It was unusual for fans to stand up as a group and cheer at the start of the stage as if they had promised," adding, "It was surprising that fans also responded to MCND's intense performance and live." MCND said, "It's an honor to have my first memory in Japan with my fans. Thank you to all the fans who supported and watched the first performance, and we will become MCND who can repay you with better performances in the future." In April, MCND will meet fans at "1st ASIA TOUR in THAILAND" in Thailand, the last area of the [1ST] tour, to solidify its position as a global trend idol. RELATED ARTICLE: MCND to Hold First Fan Meeting, Online and Offline Simultaneously In pics: gala show of 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in east China Xinhua) 16:11, March 28, 2023 An actor performs acrobatics on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform acrobatics on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) An actress performs magic on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform magic on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) An actress performs magic on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform acrobatics on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) An actress performs acrobatics on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform acrobatics on stage during the gala show of the 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, March 27, 2023. The 11th China Acrobatic Exhibition has been held from March 16 to 29 in Shandong. This year's event features a series of acrobatic and magic shows as well as acrobatic dramas. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], March 28 (ANI): The third meeting of the G20 Education Working Group is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from April 27-29, where delegates from member countries would participate. Union Minister of State for Education Dr Subhash Sarkar will inaugurate the session on April 27. Also Read | Argentina vs Curacao, International Friendly 2023 Live Streaming & Match Time in IST: How to Watch Live Telecast of ARG vs CUR on TV & Free Online Stream Details of Football Match in India. There would be official-level deliberations on the four identified priority areas - Foundational Literacy and Numeracy; Tech-enabled learning; Future of Work and Research Collaboration. The delegates will visit Konark on the evening of April 28. Apart from participating in the deliberations, the delegates would get to savour the best of Odisha's art and culture, handloom, handicrafts and cuisines through specially curated performances. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to make 'Jan Bhagidari' a strong element of India's G20 Presidency, month-long events are being rolled out from April 1. Also Read | Lionel Messi Transfer News: All MLS Clubs to Fund Argentina Superstars Transfer to USA, Says Report. The programmes under the Education Working Group, selection of themes and ensuring reach to the youth of the country are being held under guidance of Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, a release said. Precursor events to the third G20 Education Working Group Meetings would be held from April 23-25. These events are being organized in collaboration with various institutions, such as, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIM Sambalpur, Central University, NIT, IMMT Bhubaneswar, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, Deloitte, CII and USIBC are industry connects for the various events. "These week-long deliberations would focus on strengthening international collaboration and support in germinating a Framework for Future of Work. Deliberations would be held on various topics , such as, Deep Tech with a focus on advanced technology in future of work, such as, AI, Automation, machine learning etc; Transforming Logistics with a special thrust on coastal economies and their infrastructure and Skill Architecture and Governance Models," the release said. Students - academia and industry connect would be a core element of all the events. Accordingly, young entrepreneurs and startups would be invited to the state to share their experiences. Besides, month-long parallel brainstorming sessions covering 35 institutions in Odisha would be organizing deliberations on the Future of Work in the fields relevant to all districts of Odisha.All 30 districts of Odisha would also celebrate India's G20 Presidency by organizing 'Jan Bhagidari' events, such as, Quiz contests, Essay competitions, Declamation contests, Mock G 20, Yuva Samvad. Students from schools, ITIs, Polytechnics, colleges including engineering colleges, NSTI and beneficiaries of Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) would be participating in these events. An exhibition on the Future of Work is scheduled to be held from April 23-29,2023 in Bhubaneswar to showcase the need for acquiring new skills and knowledge as a result of the fast-evolving world of work. There would be 75+ exhibitors from G20 countries, industry, government, tech companies, and skill development partners. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, March 28 (ANI) The Central government on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that there are boundary disputes arising out of the demarcation of boundaries and claims and counterclaims over territories between 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the information while responding through a written reply to a query of Dravina Munnetra Kazhagam Member of Parliament TR Paarivendhar. Also Read | China Increasing Bailouts to Belt and Road Partners: Report. "There are boundary disputes arising out of demarcation of boundaries and claims and counter claims over territories between Haryana-Himachal Pradesh, UT of Ladakh-Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra-Karnataka, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Meghalaya, Assam-Mizoram," said Rai when asked, "whether the Union Government is aware of the fact that there have been many disputes including border dispute, arresting of fishermen and capturing their fishing boats and beating of innocent labour who have migrated among many Indian states". "Further, some issues regarding the unauthorised entry of fishing boats and trawlers into the territorial waters of other coastal states and UTs were brought to the notice of Southern Zonal Council and its Standing Committee," he said. Also Read | PAN-Aadhaar Link Last Date: Deadline for Linking PAN with Aadhar Card Extended Till June 30, 2023. Asked whether the Union Government has any data about the number of one state's people who have been arrested, or died in other States for want of other reasons during the last three years, the Minister said "no such data is maintained centrally." Rai, however, said the approach of the Central Government has consistently been that interstate disputes can be resolved only with the cooperation of the state governments concerned and that the Central Government acts only as a facilitator for amicable settlement of the dispute in the spirit of mutual understanding. "However, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues advisories to states and UTs, from time to time, to maintain law and order and ensure that any person who takes the law into his or her own hand is punished promptly as per law," the MoS added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 28 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday said that the 126 assembly seats and 14 parliamentary seats in Assam would remain the same after the completion of the process of redrawing of boundaries of the constituencies in the State. Addressing a press conference here in connection with the ongoing delimitation of constituencies in the State, the CEC said, "We held discussions with nine recognised and State political parties and other organisations in the last two days. We also met around 60 civil groups and organisations. We will try to accommodate all suggestions of the political parties and organisations in the delimitation exercise". Also Read | Assam: Two Inmates Kill Constable, Run From District Jail, Search Operations Underway. The chief election commissioner said that those who participated in the exercise included the TMC, BJP, CPI, CPI(M), NCP, Asom Gana Parishad, AIDUF, Bodoland People's Front, United People's Party Liberal, and three more registered parties, Assam Jatiya Parishad, Lok Raksha Party and Raijor Dal. The election official said that they had decided to hold a discussion with the stakeholders before the publication of the draft of the delimitation exercise. Also Read | Devendra Fadnavis Threat Call: Man Threatens To Blow Up Maharashtra Deputy CMs Nagpur Residence, Arrested. "126 assembly seats and 14 parliamentary seats will remain the same. We have given time by extending the date to April 15 and during that time anybody can give their suggestion to the ECI. We will publish a draft and will give one-month time for taking suggestions on it" the chief election commissioner said. Rajiv Kumar further said that ECI got suggestions and recommendations from the stakeholders, and has noted their suggestions "One suggestion they gave was instead of taking the 2001 Census, we should take the 2021 Census. Another suggestion they gave was to increase the parliamentary constituencies, instead of keeping them constant. A suggestion was that there should be a provision of 30 per cent variation in the areas of lower Assam, where the population growth is low. One point was raised when delimitation was stopped in 2008, why it has been started all of a sudden, and when delimitation is due in 2026, why it is being carried out now?" the CEC said. He further added, "These suggestions were competing and conflicting claims, having people on both sides of the claim". Responding to the Congress Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Kumar Borah's allegations that the delimitation exercise is "match-fixing", Rajiv Kumar said, "We are habituated to hearing this. There is no point of fixation because first disclosure was done and then we took suggestions before the publication of draft". The process of the delimitation exercise was started in December last year. It was in pursuance of the request received from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. Delimitation falls under Section 8A of the Re Representation of the People Act, 1950. Under the provisions of the Delimitation Act of 1972, the last delimitation of constituencies in the State of Assam was done on the basis of census figures in 1971 by the then Delimitation Commission in 1976. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): On Tuesday, Bharatiya Janata Party's OBC MPs held a protest in front of the Gandhi statue at the Parliament premise, demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Modi surname' remark. The BJP has been demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his remark for which the Congress leader was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case last week. Also Read | Amritpal Singh Crackdown: BBC News Punjabi Twitter Account Blocked by Authorities. Earlier today, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a fresh attack on Rahul Gandhi stating that the Congress leader was "pretending not to be a coward" after apologising to the Supreme Court of India for his previous remarks. This comes amid the political controversy after the former Wayanad MP was disqualified from the Lok Sabha following his conviction by a Surat court in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Also Read | Umesh Pal Murder Case: Supreme Court Refuses to Entertain Atiq Ahmed Plea Seeking Protection, Asks to Move High Court. Addressing a press conference here today, Union Minister Smriti Irani said that the court has convicted Rahul Gandhi for "abusing" the OBC community. "He (Rahul Gandhi) abused and accused PM Modi in Parliament but could not verify his own statement by authenticating it with his own signature. He is the man who apologised to the Supreme Court and pretends today not to be a coward. Rahul Gandhi has been convicted by the court, for not abusing an individual but the OBC community is known to every citizen of our country," she said. In 2019 May, Rahul Gandhi tendered an unconditional apology in the Supreme Court for his 'Chowkidar Chor hai' jibe against Prime Minister Modi. In today's press conference, Smriti Irani said, "In an attempt to insult PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi also insulted the entire OBC community. This is not the first time Gandhi's family has tried to insult people from Dalit or backward communities. Rahul Gandhi could not develop the humility to beg the forgiveness of the OBC community in our country is just another manifestation of the political arrogance called the Gandhi family." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): Ahead of the start of the day's proceedings in the Parliament on Tuesday, Congress has called a meeting of its Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs at Congress Parliamentary Party office in Parliament at 10:30 am to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House. According to sources, the opposition parties on Monday decided to continue their 'black' protest on Tuesday against the BJP-led government over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi and "trampling upon democracy in the country" and a final call over the issue will be taken in the morning. They had staged a protest against the Centre over the Adani issue and Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as MP from Lok Sabha in black attire on Monday, and marched from the Parliament complex to Vijay Chowk. Also Read | BJP Leader Om Prakash Alias Prakash Mishra Arrested in Amethi for Selling Land to UP Police for Rs 2 Crore on Forged Documents. The meeting of like-minded opposition parties was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who had invited the leaders for a dinner. Sources said the meeting of like-minded opposition parties decided that the opposition parties' protest will continue and will be held in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament tomorrow with all of the opposition wearing black clothes. Also Read | COVID-19 Active Cases in Uttar Pradesh Rises to 262, Increases Three Times in Past 10 Days. The final call will be taken at the meeting to be held at Kharge's chamber in Parliament, they said. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was among those present at the meeting of opposition leaders. Leaders from DMK, NCP, JD-U, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, CPI-M, CPI, AAP, MDMK, TMC, RSP, RJD, National Conference, IUML, Samajwadi Party and JMM were among those present. Shiv Sena (UBT) was not present amid its concerns over Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning VD Savarkar. In a tweet later, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that leaders of 18 parties were present and decided to continue with their campaign against the Modi government "that is destroying democracy and that has subverted all institutions". Congress general secretary KC Venugopal told ANI that every opposition party is together and will move forward with the same energy. "Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Whatever the government of India is doing with the country's democracy is a bigger issue, that is what he told. Every Opposition party is together, we had a cordial discussion and we will move forward with the same energy," he said. Opposition parties have been pressing for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue and the second part of the budget session has seen regular disruptions. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, March 28: The Delhi Police has denied permission to a group for holding 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' on Ram Navami in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri, which was rocked by violence during a Hanuman Jayanti procession last year, officials said on Tuesday. Ram Navani will be celebrated on Thursday. Permission for praying at a park on Ramzan has also been denied, a senior official said. The official order declining permission for the 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' was signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) of the northwest district and issued on Monday. Ram Navami 2023 Special Bhog Recipes: From Kalakand to Kaju Barfi, List of Sweet Dishes That Can Be Offered As Prasad to Lord Rama. "I am directed to inform you that your request for 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' on the occasion of Ram Navami Mahotsav on Thursday has been considered by the competent authority but could not be acceded to form law and order point of view," according to the order. Ram Navami 2023 Dishes: From Kale Chane to Sabudana Kheer, 5 Easy Recipes To Celebrate the Hindu Festival. The senior official said according to police records, there was no previous permission granted to the group for this particular event. The permission was "not traditional". Only this particular permission for the Jahangirpuri area has been denied. On April 21, 2022, clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession at Jahangirpuri in which eight police personnel and a local resident were injured. Another permission sought by a group for praying at a park in Netaji Subhash Place on Ramzan has also been denied as it was also deemed "not traditional", the police said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune, Mar 28 (PTI) Four people, including two children, were killed and three others injured in the collision between a pickup truck and two motorcycles in Pune district of Maharashtra, police said on Tuesday. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi Disqualification: US Watching Congress Leaders Case in Indian Courts, Says Department of State Spokesperson Vedant Patel. The incident occurred near Alegaon village in Junnar tehsil, around 90 km from Pune city, on Monday night. Also Read | Kolkata Human Sacrifice Case: NCPCR Sends Notice to West Bengal Government, Seeks Report Over Murder of 7-Year-Old Girl in Tiljala. "A pick-up truck coming from the opposite direction hit two motorcycles going in the direction of Ahmednagar near Alegaon. In the collision, four people riding the motorcycles including a man, a woman, and two children aged six and two years, respectively, were killed," a police officer said. Three injured persons are hospitalised, he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): The opposition parties on Monday decided to continue their 'black' protest on Tuesday against the BJP-led government over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi and "trampling upon democracy in the country" and a final call will be taken in the morning, sources said. The meeting of like-minded opposition parties was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who had invited the leaders for a dinner. Also Read | Scientists Discover Water Inside Glass Beads on the Moon. Sources said the meeting of like-minded opposition parties decided that the protest of opposition parties will continue and will be held in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament tomorrow with all of the opposition wearing black clothes. The final call will be taken at the meeting to be held at Kharge's chamber in Parliament, they said. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Three Teachers Booked for Beating Up Class 5 Student at Government School in West Champaran District. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was among those present at the meeting of opposition leaders. Leaders from DMK, NCP, JD-U, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, CPI-M, CPI, AAP, MDMK, TMC, RSP, RJD, National Conference, IUML, Samajwadi Party and JMM were among those present. Shiv Sena (UBT) was not present amid its concerns over Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning VD Savarkar. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a tweet later that leaders of 18 parties were present and decided to continue with their campaign against the Modi governmennt "that is destroying democracy and that has subverted all institutions". Congress general secretary KC Venugopal told ANI that every opposition party is together and they will move forward with the same energy. "Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Whatever the government of India is doing with the country's democracy is a bigger issue, that is what he told. Every Opposition party is together, we had a cordial discussion and we will move forward with the same energy," he said. Opposition members took out a march in the morning wearing black attire or bands in Parliament premises as part of their protest. Days after his disqualification, Rahul Gandhi was sent notice by the Lok Sabha House Committee to vacate his official bungalow. Congress leader Harish Rawat said they were not surprised that notice has been given to vacate the bungalow. "Since Rahul Gandhi questioned the PM regarding the Adani issue, the government is trying to show that they will silence the voice that disagrees with them," he said. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the notice shows "BJP's hatred towards Rahul Gandhi". "For a period of 30 days after the notice is served, one can rightfully continue to stay in the same house. After the 30-day time period, one can continue to stay in the same house by paying rent at market rates. Rahul Gandhi comes under 'Z' plus security category," he said. Kharge earlier hit out at the Centre over the Adani issue and Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as Lok Sabha MP and said that the opposition leaders are wearing black attire or black bands to show that democracy is being trampled in the country. Kharge alleged that the Centre used the probe agencies to bend those who did not bow before the government. Congress and its allies staged protests in some other parts of the country against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as MP from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case by a Surat court. Indian Youth Congress workers were detained in Delhi after they protested over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as an MP. Rahul Gandhi was on Friday disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case filed against him over his 'Modi surname' remark. Opposition parties have been pressing for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue and the second part of the budget session has seen regular disruptions. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, Mar 28 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu Tuesday visited the famed Belur Math, global headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda in the late 19th century. Murmu was received by Swami Suvirandaji Maharaj, general secretary of the Mission. She will be visiting the main temple of the Math as well as Swami Vivekananda's room in the complex. Also Read | BJP Leader Om Prakash Alias Prakash Mishra Arrested in Amethi for Selling Land to UP Police for Rs 2 Crore on Forged Documents. The temple architecture of the `Math' complex is notable for having fused Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Buddhist art and motifs and draws thousands of visitors from all over the country and the world on most days. The `Math' has however been kept closed on Tuesday for all other visitors till 10 am in view of the President's security. Later in the morning, the President will grace the UCO Bank's celebration of completion of 80 years as a bank. Also Read | COVID-19 Active Cases in Uttar Pradesh Rises to 262, Increases Three Times in Past 10 Days. The President is also scheduled to travel to Santiniketan later in the day to grace the annual convocation of the Visva-Bharati university founded by poet laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. Murmu arrived in Kolkata on Monday and visited Netaji Bhavan, where India's freedom movement's icon Subhas Chandra Bose had lived. She also visited Jorasanko, the Tagore family's home. In the evening she was given a civic reception at Netaji Indoor Stadium where Governor C V Ananda Bose and chief minister Mamata Banerjee were present. PTI/SUS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 28 (ANI): Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday said that he is "ready for open discussion" challenging the Congress on the reservation issue in the state. Kateel said that the Bommai government has taken the right decision to scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. The decision has been taken so as not to cause injustice to any community. "Congress is playing politics in this issue. I am ready for an open discussion on this matter. It's an open challenge to Congress", said Kateel. Also Read | Congress Protest in Delhi: MPs To Take Out Save Democracy Torchlight March From Red Fort to Town Hall in Chandni Chowk. "DK (Shivakumar)'s statement told that if their government comes to power then they will scrap 4 per cent reservation for minority communities. Let them remove it if they have the guts. Everyone should get social justice. In that regard, our government has done a good job", Kateel told the media. He also said that Congress is against the ideals of Gandhiji and Ambedkar. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi Disqualification: US Watching Congress Leaders Case in Indian Courts, Says Department of State Spokesperson Vedant Patel. On the incident of stone pelting on BS Yeddyurappa's house, Kateel said that it was politically motivated. Congress on Sunday said that if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly election, it will restore reservation for the Muslim community under the OBC list that has been scrapped by the BJP-led government in Karnataka. Addressing mediapersons here Congress State President D K Shivakumar said, "I am confident that Congress will come to power after the next 45 days. We will scrap all these reservations as there is no base in this there was no report while making this decision." He stated that the communities of Vokkaligas and Lingayats will also reject the newly offered reservation quota given to them by the BJP. "Vokkaligas and Lingayats are people who are called 'annadatas'. They plough the land and give food. They are landowners. We don't want any of their reservation as minorities are our brothers and this is a country for all the communities. Our country is very rich in our culture. BJP has taken their 4 per cent and distributed 2 per cent each to Vokkaligas and Lingayats. The Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva Lingayats are rejecting this offer," the Congress leader said. Shivakumar also termed the current reservation system in the State under the BJP government "a mockery". "Reservation in Karnataka is a mockery. It is unconstitutional. They think reservations in the State can be distributed like their property but it is not a property it is a right. The minorities of this soil have their own rights. We don't want their 4 per cent to be scrapped and be given to major communities," the Congress Karnataka chief said. In a cabinet meeting held on Friday, the Karnataka government scrapped the four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims and distributed it to two dominant communities, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. It also decided to move OBC Muslims to the 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. While addressing a public meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Reservations provided to the minority was not as per Constitution. There is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion." "Congress Government due to its polarisation politics provided reservation to the minority. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) scrapped that reservation and provided reservations to Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities," he added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that since the introduction of African Cheetahs in the Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP), the government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) have decide to reexamine the entire aspect of translocation of Asiatic lions from the Gir National Park. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Vikram Nath was told by the Centre in its application moved by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that a status report in this regard will be filed before the court within six months on the basis of the advice of the experts on the tanslocation of Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno. Also Read | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Lambasts PM Narendra Modi in State Assembly, Raises Adani Issue. The application said that in view of the recent introduction of African cheetahs in the Kuno National Park and steps taken to secure the future Asiatic lions beyond the Gir National Park in Gujarat, the Union ministry and NTCA have decided to re-examine the translocation of Asiatic lions from an expert's perspective. "A status report/appropriate application will be filed before this court within six months on the basis of the advice of the experts on translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno," it said. Also Read | Delhi Police Saves Man Who Live-Streamed Suicide Attempt on Facebook. The government said that introduction of Cheetah in India is being done in accordance with the guidelines of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and moreover. It said that the Cheetahs have been released into larger enclosures and free ranging conditions post-mandatory quarantine period, and they have started hunting on their own in the KNP. "In order to provide the Cheetahs stress-free environment for successful establishment of the founder populations, it is not appropriate to introduce one more carnivore (Lion) species in the area immediately, as it would be detrimental for the survival chances of both the species owing to the inter-species competition," the government said. The application said although, the cheetahs and the lions in African countries are known to co-exist, it is pertinent to mention that competitively subordinate and vulnerable carnivores (Cheetah) should be released prior to dominant species (lion). The Centre said that owing to the timely protection measures taken by the Centre and Gujarat government with the support of the people, the Asiatic lion population in the state grew by almost 29 per cent over the last five years. "The lion population is thriving with 674 individuals, as per June 2020, estimates compared to 411 individuals in 2010. Since the population of lion is showing healthy growth trends and now it is naturally dispersing into a larger landscape and not confined to a smaller habitat which was prone to epidemics and natural disaster. Further, several Meta populations of lions have been established across the landscape", it said. The government said that for securing the future of Asiatic lions in the country the Centre has launched Asiatic Lion Project for long term conservation of the species whose ultimate goal is to ensure "maintaining a viable Asiatic Lion Population". "The Gir Protected Area population and natural dispersal in a new surrounding area including Barda Wildlife Sanctuary have the potential to achieve this goal. The main objective of Project Lion are-- to secure and restore lions' habitats for managing its growing population, to scale up livelihood generation and participation of local communities and to become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease diagnostics and treatment inclusive biodiversity conservation through project lion initiative," the Centre said. On April 15, 2013, the top court while quashing the order of Ministry of Environment and Forests to introduce African Cheetahs into KNP on the ground that no detailed study has been conducted before any foreign species is being introduced in India has said that country's top priority should be to protect Asiatic lions. "We may indicate that our top priority is to protect Asiatic lions, an endangered species and to provide a second home. Various steps have been taken for the last few decades, but nothing transpired so far. Crores of rupees have been spent by the Government of India and the state of Madhya Pradesh for re-introduction of Asiatic lion to Kuno", it had said. "At this stage in our view the decision taken by MoEF for introduction of African Cheetahs first to Kuno and then Asiatic Lions is arbitrary and illegal and clear violation of the statutory requirements provided under the wildlife protection act. The order of MOEF to introduce African Cheetah into Kuno cannot stand in the eye of law and the same is quashed, the top court had said in 2013 order. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): The central government on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that students who returned to India from Ukraine will be offered a single chance to clear the MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations without enrolling in any existing medical colleges. "The students may be offered a single chance to clear the MBBS Final, both Part I and Part II Examinations (Both Theory and Practical) as per existing NMC Syllabus and guidelines without being enrolled in any of the existing Indian Medical Colleges. They can give and clear the examination within a period of one year. Part I, followed by Part II, after one year. Part II will be allowed only after Part I is cleared," the centre informed the court. Also Read | Supreme Court Says Abjuring Hate Speech Fundamental Requisite for Maintenance of Communal Harmony. ASG Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the centre, apprised these facts to the bench of Justices B R Gavai and Vikram Nath. The centre informed SC that students can give and clear the examination within a period of one year. Part I, followed by Part II after one year. Part II will be allowed only after Part I is cleared Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Four-Year-Old Girl Molested by 56-Year-Old Doctor at Clinic in Adarsh Nagar. The government also informed the apex court that theory examination could be conducted centrally and physically, on the pattern of the Indian MBBS examination and practical could be conducted by some designated government medical colleges, assigned the responsibility. Centre apprised the SC that after clearing these two examinations, they would have to complete two years of compulsory rotatory internship, the first year of which will be free and the second year paid as has been decided by NMC for previous cases. It also informed SC that the committee has emphasised that this option be strictly a one-time option and not become a basis for similar decisions in future and shall be applicable for present matters only. The Central Government also apprised the top court about the committee, which deliberated on the issues as directed by the Supreme Court on three occasions January 11, February 2 and March 2. At the meeting held on February 2 and March 2, the representative from the various states and Union Territories along with the NMC also joined the meeting via virtual conference and expressed their views on the issues raised. The States voiced their reservation about the quality of education and training the FMGs might have and hence had reservations about accommodating them in colleges mid-way during the course. The committee, in compliance with the order of the top Court, has recommended with regard to addressing the issue of students pursuing medical education abroad in Ukraine/China and have returned in their penultimate year and studied online classes after return, the centre said. After hearing the submission made by the Centre, the Supreme court disposed of a batch of petitions filed by medical students who returned back to India from Ukraine. The Court had earlier asked the Union Government to constitute a committee of experts to find out solutions for the students' situations. The court remarked that these students can be a national asset when the country is facing a dearth of doctors. The court was also considering a batch of petitions filed by the students, who completed the courses online and secured completion certificates from foreign universities but could not complete clinical training. The court had observed that these students could not undergo their clinical training in their foreign universities due to unforeseen events and they cannot go back to their universities because they have subsequently completed their courses. Earlier the top court had suggested the central government to develop a transparent system and a portal to issue the grievances of the evacuated medical students from Ukraine and seek permission to continue medical studies in India. The Centre had submitted before the Supreme Court that in consultation with the National Medical Commission (NMC), it has taken proactive measures to assist returnee students from Ukraine but added that transferring these students to colleges in India would seriously hamper the standards of medical education in the country. In the affidavit, the Centre had said the Government of India in consultation with the NMC, the apex medical education regulatory body in the Country, has taken proactive measures to assist returnee students from Ukraine while balancing the need to maintain the required standard of medical education in the country. The affidavit was filed by the Centre on a batch of pleas filed by Indian students who have been evacuated from Ukraine and seeking permission to continue medical studies in India. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Roads decked up to welcome G20 delegation outside Pantnagar airport in Uttarakhand (Photo/ANI) Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) [India], March 28 (ANI): A delegation of foreign guests will be arriving at Pantnagar airport here in Uttarakhand this afternoon to participate in the G20 conference proposed to be held in Ramnagar from March 28-30. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said that adequate security arrangements have been made for the upcoming G20 meeting in Ramnagar amid the threat calls received to the public and the government officials in the state to boycott the G20 summit. Also Read | VIDEO | We Are Constantly Monitoring the Situation ; I Am Myself Latest Tweet by PTI News. Roads outside the airport have been decorated to provide a glimpse of the state's culture to foreign guests. The delegates will have lunch at Radiance Blue, Rudrapur, they said. Also Read | Fraud in Mumbai: Conman Dupes Retired Senior Citizen of Rs 5.20 Lakh by Selling Him Fake Gold Coins Weighing 1.5 kg in Dadar, Case Registered. "All necessary preparations for the G20 summit have been done from the administrative and security point of view," CM Dhami told the media on Monday. "Police officials have been directed. Home department, police headquarters and the security agencies are keeping an eye on every activity," he added. Earlier on Sunday a pre-recorded audio surfaced on social media in which Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a secessionist pro-Khalistan organisation called for a boycott of G20 meetings in Ramnagar. SFJ president Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the surfaced audio threatened to replace Indian flags with Khalistani flags in the G20 meeting claiming that Ramnagar is a part of Khalistan and not India. Earlier this month SFJ President Pannu also made similar calls to boycott G20 meetings in Amritsar stating that Amritsar is a part of Khalistan. The G20 meetings in Amritsar concluded on March 17 amid tight security arrangements. The G20 summit is set to be organised in Ramnagar from March 28 to 30. The three-day G20 meeting in Ramnagar will see the participation of 70 foreign guests and 30 Indian officials. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Sol Nascente (Brazil), Mar 28 (AP) The buzzing main avenue of this poor Brazilian neighbourhood is filled with people popping off buses after work or grabbing a bite. Teens attend an open-air rap battle and gymnastics class. Hymns and prayers from tiny church services spill into the night. It's an ordinary Wednesday in Brazil's biggest favela, or low-income neighbourhood. And for the first time since poverty, lack of opportunity and economic inequality caused favelas to mushroom across many of the nation's cities, that superlative doesn't belong to a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Also Read | India: Whats Behind the Spike in COVID Cases?. Sol Nascente (Rising Sun, in English) is just 21 miles (34 kilometers) from capital Brasilia in the Federal District, whose GDP per capita is by far higher than any Brazilian state, underscoring the inequality between affluent public servants' neighbourhoods and the district's outskirts. The number of households in Sol Nascente has swelled 31 per cent since 2010 to more than 32,000, surpassing Rio's hillside Rocinha favela that had been Brazil's most populous, according to preliminary data from the ongoing census. Rocinha has almost 31,000 households, the data show. Also Read | Indian-Origin Man Stabs Canada National to Death Outside Starbucks Cafe in Vancouver, Charged With Second-Degree Murder. Along Sol Nascente's unpaved dirt roads of self-built homes and inside the main strip's busy stores and restaurants, no one The Associated Press spoke welcomed the new ranking, We still need lots of things, like basic sanitation and infrastructure, but people nowadays have better conditions. Some even have a car, said street vendor Francisca Celia, 43. Celia added that, despite its challenges, Sol Nascente isn't nearly as disorganised nor dangerous as the favelas she saw when visiting Rio three years ago. Plus, available plots of land are much bigger. It's a paradise here, she said. The growth of Sol Nascente's population reflects new arrivals searching for cheap or unoccupied land to build homes, whereas elsewhere in the Federal District poor people often pay relatively high rents. It also mirrors the surge of people living in working-class neighbourhoods nationwide, driven by a generalised housing crisis caused by deep recession and higher rent prices, the effects of which were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Marcelo Neri, an economist and social researcher at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university and think tank. The number of people living in areas the national statistics institute classifies as subnormal agglomerates jumped 40 per cent to 16 million people since the 2010 census, according to the institute's preliminary data, reviewed by the AP. Brazil's population as a whole grew less than 9 per cent in that period. Subnormal agglomerates include not just favelas, but also other terms used in Brazil to describe urban areas with irregular occupation and deficient public services. Residents of Sol Nascente acknowledge that it once was a favela, but told the AP that many areas of the community have outgrown that term. The statistics institute ceases to consider communities subnormal agglomerates once most residents gain legal title to their properties or all essential services are available, according to the institute's geography coordinator, Cayo Franco. Favelas grow as settlers move onto unoccupied public and private land, whether on steep hillsides or flatland, like Sol Nascente. Sol Nascente still has poor public transport and unpaved, impassable roads, which flood frequently during the months of summer rains. Only some residents have obtained legal title, and services aren't universally accessible. I pay electricity, water, taxes, but there's no sewage nor asphalt here in front, said Debora Alencar, 39, who moved to Sol Nascente 15 years ago after finding the opportunity to buy land and build a house. This is where I gained dignity, she added. Alencar runs a collective that receives food, clothing and school materials for the needy. It also provides vocational training for manicurists and make-up artists, as well as dance and theatre classes. She has also been a community representative since 2019, negotiating with the Federal District's government for investments. She said she has secured some improvements, but not enough. A common characteristic among favelas is that the stigma lingers even after residents obtain titles and services, according to Theresa Williamson, executive director of non-profit Catalytic Communities, a Rio-based non-profit that studies favelas. That sentiment is familiar to Nayara Miguel, a housewife with two kids in a tidy area of Sol Nascente that now has electricity and water, and where the local government recently paved streets and installed public lighting. The federal government's cities ministry has earmarked funds for a housing project there. For me, this isn't a favela; it's a city, said Miguel, 30. Of course, it's lacking a lot: I couldn't get a spot in daycare for my daughter, so I can't work; we can get to the hospital, but there's no doctor there to attend to us. Neighbouring areas still feature shacks. Bruno Ferreira and his wife have been carving out a life in a destitute area of Sol Nascente for the last seven years. They found a place where, with their own hands, they could build a one-bedroom home to call their own and escape the rent trap. Ferreira, 39, works odd jobs and his wife has a formal, full-time job at a lunch counter. They are raising five children, with a sixth on the way, and saving to put in tile atop their home's earthen floor. Neither desires to leave. It's very good here, he said. It's just lacking infrastructure to be beautiful and legal. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kathmandu [Nepal], March 28 (ANI): After struggling for weeks to expand the Cabinet, the prime minister and top leaders of the major ruling coalition partners are now closing in on a power-sharing deal, The Kathmandu Post reported. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will expand his Cabinet by Wednesday if not Tuesday, said sources at the prime minister's secretariat. Also Read | Kim Jong Un Wants North Korea to Make More Nuclear Material for Bombs. According to sources, Dahal is now for inducting ministers at least in key ministries, even if he fails to give the Cabinet a full shape. Currently, in charge of 16 ministries, Dahal is running the government with the help of five ministers and a minister of state. Of them, five are from his own party and one is from the Janamat Party, The Kathmandu Post reported. Also Read | Amnesty International Reports on Year of War and Protest. To expand the Cabinet, the prime minister has called a meeting of the ruling coalition on Tuesday afternoon, based on an understanding reached with the top leaders of the major coalition partners at a meeting on Monday. Dahal, on Monday, held discussions over power-sharing with Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Unified Socialist) chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, at Baluwatar, The Kathmandu Post reported. According to members of the prime minister's Secretariat, Dahal wanted to expand his Cabinet at the latest by Tuesday, if all the coalition partners agreed to a broader power-sharing deal agreed among the top leaders. But not all coalition partners are convinced with the proposed deal as they are demanding not only more ministries but also the portfolios of their choice. "We discussed the Cabinet expansion today, but things are yet to be settled," Madhav Kumar Nepal, chair of the CPN (Unified Socialist), told the Post after a tripartite meeting on Monday. "I think it will take two or three more days for the prime minister to expand his Cabinet. "But the chief advisor to the prime minister, Haribol Gajurel, claimed that the Cabinet will be expanded by Wednesday, if not Tuesday. "Though the coalition partners have been demanding more ministries, the top leaders are close to an understanding," said Gajurel. "The prime minister is working to expand the Cabinet by finalising which ministries would be headed by which parties." According to Gajurel, the prime minister is planning to call a meeting of the coalition partners to settle the issue. However, some ruling coalition leaders are blaming the Unified Socialist, besides the Congress, for the delay, as the latter is struggling to finalise its nominees for ministers, The Kathmandu Post reported. The Unified Socialist, which has only 10 seats in the House of Representatives, has been demanding three ministries, including one among Home, Finance and Physical Infrastructure and Transportation. Other coalition partners don't want the party to be given so much weight. The Unified Socialist has also failed in becoming a national party by garnering only three per cent of the total valid votes cast under the proportional representation category in the last parliamentary elections, The Kathmandu Post reported. There are also other contenders. The Congress and the Maoist Centre, for instance, have locked horns over the home and finance portfolios. Senior vice-chair of the ruling Maoist Centre, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, organised a press meeting on Monday to make public his activities as the deputy prime minister and the minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, hinting at his possible exit from the ministry to take up another portfolio, The Kathmandu Post reported. Shrestha, however, told reporters that it is untrue that he is set to become the next Home Minister. He said it was the prime minister who takes the decision and he would abide by whatever decision is made. Although the Nagarik Unmukti Party chair Ranjita Shrestha had told the Post recently that her party wouldn't join the government, its general secretary Ratan Thapa claimed that the party was recommending party chair Shrestha to join the government at the prime minister's request. "Yes, our party will join the government as the ruling coalition is committed to fulfilling our party's demand of releasing our patron Resham Chaudhary," Thapa told the Post. The prime minister was preparing to expand his Cabinet after formulating the coalition's Common Minimum Programme (CMP). But he is now prioritising Cabinet expansion as the preparation of the CMP could take some time, The Kathmandu Post reported. On Sunday, the Unified Socialist chair Nepal also said that the Cabinet will be expanded only after the CMP is ready. According to Congress leaders, party president Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to send party vice president Purna Bahadur Khadka to the government as Finance Minister, leading the party in the Cabinet, while Prakash Sharan Mahat could become Foreign Minister. "Though the former home minister Khadka wanted the same ministry this time as well, the Maoist Centre was insistent on the ministry's retention," said a Congress leader, asking not to be named. "With the Home portfolio not up for grabs, Khadka hopes to get Finance, in which case he could get the foreign ministry." However, a Congress leader close to Mahat claimed that Khadka is likely to lead the party as deputy prime minister and defence minister while Mahat will lead the finance ministry. Possible Congress ministers include Dig Bahadur Limbu and Sita Gurung from Koshi Province, Ramesh Rijal or Teju Lal Chaudhary from Madhesh, Mahat and Mohan Basnet from Bagmati, Dhan Raj Gurung or Jivan Pariyar from Gandaki, Kishor Singh Rathaur from Lumbini, Khadka from Karnali and Bir Bahadur Balayar or NP Saud from Sudurpaschim, The Kathmandu Post reported. The prime minister has been insisting on keeping the home ministry and the ministry for communication and information technology for his own party. As matters stand, Shrestha, the current deputy prime minister, is expected to be appointed as the new home minister. The party's leader Rekha Sharma already leads the communication ministry and is also the government's spokesperson. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lisbon, Mar 28 (AP) Portuguese police shot a man suspected of stabbing two people to death at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon, authorities said Tuesday. Police were called to the centre late Tuesday morning where they encountered a suspect armed with a large knife, a police statement said. Also Read | Pakistan: Three Robbers Lynched by Mob After Trader Killed in Firing in Multan. Police ordered him to surrender but he advanced toward them and was neutralised, the statement said. The suspect was taken to a Lisbon hospital where he was in police custody. Several other people were wounded, according to the statement, but it provided no further details. Also Read | Earthquake in Japan: Quake of Magnitude 6.1 Hits Hokkaido Island. Prime Minister Antonio Costa said police shot the suspect. Costa told reporters the attack was a criminal act. Everything points to this being an isolated incident, Costa said, without elaborating. There was no immediate word on the identity of those killed. Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building. Costa said police were investigating the attack and it was too soon to speculate about a motive. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam, according to their website. The Ismaili Muslims are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world, it says. Portugal hasn't recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Rome, Mar 28 (AP) Posters calling on Pope Francis to stop his crackdown on the old Latin Mass were plastered near the Vatican on Tuesday, in the latest display of conservative opposition to the pontiff. The posters featured images of Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II and quoted from their texts speaking positively about the old rite, which Francis has sought to restrict. Also Read | Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf Social Media Activist Arshad Siddiqui Missing Since March 26, Says PTI Spokesperson. For the love of the pope. For peace and unity of the church. For the free practice of the traditional Latin Mass, read the posters, which were put up primarily in the Prati residential neighbourhood near St. Peter's Square. They were referring to Francis' decision in 2021 to overturn one of Benedict's signature liturgical decisions and reimpose restrictions on celebrating the old Mass. Francis said he had to act because the spread of the old rite was dividing parishes. Also Read | Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Calls on Taliban to Release Education Activist Matiullah Wesa. He said Benedict's decision to liberalise its use in 2007 had been exploited by people opposed to the modernising reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that allowed for Mass in the vernacular, not just Latin. The poster initiative, which is due to last 15 days, was organized by a group of pro-Latin Mass activists and bloggers who said they feared Francis' ultimate aim was to forbid the ancient rite entirely. After Francis' initial decree restricting the celebration, the Vatican's liturgy office has issued two subsequent clarifications making it tougher to celebrate it widely. In a statement, the traditionalist groups said they were being unjustly marginalised and rejected by the Catholic hierarchy for merely expressing their steadfast faith. They said they were taking action out of love for the pope, so that he might be paternally opened to understanding those liturgical peripheries that no longer feel welcome in the church". The initiative was a reflection of the growing opposition to Francis from some traditionalist quarters in the Catholic Church who remain nostalgic for the doctrinaire papacy of Benedict. While only a fraction of Catholics go to old Latin Masses, Francis' crackdown has become a rallying cry for other conservatives opposed to his progressive bent. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moscow, Mar 28 (AP) A Russian space capsule safely returned to Earth without a crew Tuesday, months after it suffered a coolant leak in orbit. The Soyuz MS-22 leaked coolant in December while attached to the International Space Station. Russian space officials blamed the leak on a tiny meteoroid that punctured the craft's external radiator. They launched an empty replacement capsule last month to serve as a lifeboat for the crew. Also Read | Pakistan: Three Robbers Lynched by Mob After Trader Killed in Firing in Multan. The damaged capsule safely landed Tuesday under a striped parachute in the steppes of Kazakhstan, touching down as scheduled at 5:45 p.m. (7:45 a.m. EDT) 147 kilometres (91 miles) southeast of Zhezkazgan under clear blue skies. Space officials determined it would be too risky to bring NASA's Frank Rubio and Russia's Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin back in the Soyuz in March as originally planned, as cabin temperatures would spike with no coolant, potentially damaging computers and other equipment, and exposing the suited-up crew to excessive heat. Also Read | Earthquake in Japan: Quake of Magnitude 6.1 Hits Hokkaido Island. The three launched toward the International Space Station in September for what should have been a six-month mission. They now are scheduled to return to Earth in September in a new Soyuz that arrived at the space station last month with no one on board, meaning the trio will spend a year in orbit. Also on the station are NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, the United Arab Emirates' Sultan Alneyadi, and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev. A similar coolant leak was spotted in February on the Russian Progress MS-21 cargo ship docked at the space outpost, raising suspicions of a manufacturing flaw. Russian state space corporation Roscosmos ruled out any defects after a check and concluded that both incidents resulted from hits by meteoroids. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Mar 28 (PTI) Amid mass layoffs in the tech sector, the federal agency for immigration services has said it is wrong to assume that sacked workers holding the much-sought-after H-1B visas have to leave the country within 60 days, asserting they have multiple options to stay in the US. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi Disqualification: US Watching Congress Leaders Case in Indian Courts, Says Department of State Spokesperson Vedant Patel. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. In a letter to the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou said: "When non-immigrant workers are laid off, they may not be aware of their options and may, in some instances, wrongly assume that they have no option but to leave the country within 60 days." Also Read | Nashville Shooting: 28-Year-Old School Shooter Identified as Transgender; Had Manifesto, Maps. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), which has been working for laid-off H-1B visa holders, recently wrote to USCIS about the impacts of recent technology sector layoffs and sought an increase to the up to 60-day grace period. In the letter addressed to FIIDS director for policy and analysis strategy Khanderao Kand, the USCIS said it acknowledges the financial and emotional impact that job loss can have on employment-based non-immigrant workers and their families in the US. "We are aware of the issue of involuntary terminations, especially in the technology sector," Kand said. Thousands of highly skilled foreign-born workers, including Indians, in the US, have lost their jobs due to the series of recent layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon. According to The Washington Post, nearly 200,000 IT workers have been laid off since November last year. Industry insiders say that between 30 to 40 per cent of them are Indian IT professionals, a significant number of whom are on H-1B and L1 visas. When a non-immigrant worker's employment is terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily, they typically may take one of the four actions, if eligible, to remain in a period of authorised stay in the United States, the USCIS said. Prominent among these include filing an application for a change of non-immigrant status and filing an application for adjustment of status. They can also file an application for a "compelling circumstances" employment authorisation document or be the beneficiary of a non-frivolous petition to change employer, the USCIS said. "If one of these actions occurs within the up to 60-day grace period, the nonimmigrant's period of authorised stay in the US can exceed 60 days, even if they lose their previous non-immigrant status. "If the worker takes no action within the grace period, they and their dependents may then need to depart the United States within 60 days, or when their authorised validity period ends, whichever is shorter," the USCIS said in its letter. It said that because the up to 60-day grace period is codified in the Department of Homeland Security regulations, extending it would require a regulatory change in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and could not be extended by USCIS through policy guidance. Fortunately, most individuals facing job loss already have several options to remain in the US, while continuing their job search past 60 days, the USCIS wrote. It said it recognises the contributions made to the United States by talented foreign-born workers, including in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. "We will continue to monitor the technology sector layoffs and explore appropriate measures," Jaddou said. In a statement, Kand said departing the US after layoffs has an immediate impact on the families of the laid-off H1B and their school-going children. "Losing these professionals is also a brain drain impacting the future competitiveness of the US in emerging technologies. Hence, FIIDS has launched a multi-phase campaign from awareness building to jointly written letters to the USCIS with elected officials and other prominent organisations," the statement said. FIIDS launched a media campaign in January to raise awareness about the issue. In February, it launched a petition which received support from various prominent organisations like the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, US-India Business Council, American Jewish Committee, and The Indus Entrepreneurs seeking an extension of the grace period. "We appreciate the USCIS for clearly providing options for the laid-off H-1Bs. These official communications will improve the possibility for the H-1B holders to remain legally in the US. We will still work with the DHS to change the grace period," Kand said. House of Representatives members Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo, in their letter to USCIS, termed the departure of STEM professionals from the US a national security threat. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said that if retained, these laid-off professionals can develop innovative products and potentially start new businesses and create new jobs while advancing research across critical industries. Recently, Senator Chuck Schumer told an Indian American audience that the issue can be addressed with a procedure change. The "White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders" under the Health and Human Services Department also recommended an extension of the H-1B grace period. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Actor Jonathan Majors was arraigned on several assault and harassment charges, according to the Manhattan DA's office. In the complaint, the unnamed female accuser claims the defendant did "strike her about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear". She also claims he "put his hand on her neck, causing bruising and substantial pain," reports 'Variety'. Majors was arrested on Saturday in Manhattan in an alleged "domestic dispute." He was arraigned on Sunday on several assault and harassment charges. Jonathan Majors, After Arrest for Domestic Abuse, Now Accused of Taking Dangerous Steroids on Creed III Sets. The DA's office says a judge released Majors on his own recognisnce and granted a limited order of protection. His attorney has disputed the claims, saying that "Jonathan Majors is completely innocent and is provably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows." His criminal defence lawyer Priya Chaudhry added, "we are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently." Jonathan Majors Be All You Can Be US Army Ad Campaign Pulled Down Following His Arrest. Chaudhry also says there is video footage from the vehicle where the alleged incident took place, witness testimony from the driver and onlookers and two written statements from the woman recanting the allegations. A representative for Majors also denied the allegations. "He has done nothing wrong," his publicist told 'Variety' over the weekend. "We look forward to clearing his name and clearing this up." Majors has recently appeared in Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He also received acclaim for Magazine Dreams, which premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Searchlight Pictures. It's set to release on December 8. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2023 12:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai, March 28: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is likely to announce the matric or Class 10 final exam results soon. Once declared, the Bihar Board 10th Result or Matric exam result will be available on the official website of the Bihar Board at results.biharboardonline.com. Candidates who appeared for the Bihar Board 10th Exam 2023 or Bihar Board Class 10th Examination can check their scores using their roll code and roll number. Students can also visit biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in in order to check their BSEB 10th Result 2023 or Matric examination result. BSEB Promotes Over 2.14 Lakh Class 10th, 12th Students to Avoid Compartment Exams Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Check Bihar Board Exam Scores Online at onlinebseb.in. Steps To Check BSEB Matric Result 2023: Visit the official website of BSEB at biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in or biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in On the homepage, click on the 'BSEB Bihar board 10th result 2023' link A new page will open Next, enter using your BSEB roll code and roll number Click on the "Search" button Your BSEB 10th Result 2023 will be displayed on the screen Take a print for future reference This year, the BSEB Class 10 exam or matric examination was held between February 14 and February 22. The Class 10th exam was conducted in two shifts. While the Bihar board has not announced the date and time for the BSEB 10th Result 2023, the results are expected to be declared anytime soon. Last year, the Class 10th Exam result was announced at 3 pm. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2023 01:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea by Congress leader seeking to declare Section 50 and Section 63 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 as ultra vires the Constitution. Section 50 gives Enforcement Directorate (ED) power to summon an accused and record a statement, which is admissible evidence in court of law. He said politicians should work for non-political causes as well as they have a lot of impact on society. In this context, Modi noted the Gujarat government's work for "beti bachao" (save daughters) when he was the chief minister and said it helped a lot in improving the gender ratio. Captain America: New World Order is set to feature another Hulk character as it looks like Liv Tyler is set to reprise her role in the upcoming Marvel film. Betty Ross was last seen in The Incredible Hulk back in 2008 and this will mark Liv Tyler's first return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since then. Captain America New World Order: Set Photos Give New Look at Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson; Filming for the Marvel Movie Begins (View Pics). Check Out the Reports: Liv Tyler is returning to the MCU, reprising her role of Betty Ross from THE INCREDIBLE HULK for CAPTAIN AMERICA 4. (Source: https://t.co/eryKLAdboy) pic.twitter.com/vnMLZnmeJv Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 27, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Members of the Banjara community on Tuesday blocked the Shikaripura road in Shivamogga, Karnataka while opposing the reservation announced by the State government. The Banjara community members were seen resorting to violence and even burning flags as they continued to protest against the internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) announced by the state Government. Protestors were seen raising slogans against the BJP government, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, and Yediyurappa for recommending internal quota for the Scheduled Castes in four separate categories. Karnataka CM Accuses Cong of Indulging in Politics over Reservation Issue. Banjara Community Members Block Shikaripura Road in Shivamogga #WATCH | Shivamogga, Karnataka | Shikaripura road blocked by Banjara community opposing reservation announced by State government. pic.twitter.com/UG3eOD6koJ ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Washington, March 28: A US Department of State spokesperson has said that Washington is watching Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts in the wake of the latter's disqualification as an MP following a defamation case. During a press briefing on Monday when asked if Rahul Gandhi's disqualification was consistent with democratic values, the Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we're watching Mr. Gandhi's case in Indian courts, and we engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values -- including, of course, freedom of expression. Rahul Gandhi Disqualification: 16 MLAs of Congress Suspended Till End of Gujarat Budget Session After Ruckus. "In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies." In response to another query if the US was still engaging with Rahul as the opposition leader, Patel said that although he did not have "any specific engagements to read out... it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships". On March 24, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as member of the Lok Sabha, a day after his conviction in the 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case. Rahul Gandhi's Savarkar Remark: Sanjay Raut Terms Congress Leader's 'Gandhi Never Apologises' Remark As Wrong Statement, Says 'No Need To Drag Savarkar's Name' (Watch Video). The Gandhi scion, who represented the Wayanad parliamentary constituency of Kerala, was disqualified under provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of Representation of the People's Act. He was on March 23 sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in the case filed on a complaint by BJP MLA Purnesh Modi. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2023 11:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Times Staff Writer In his short life, former ABC television anchorman Max Robinson admitted having many problems: alcohol abuse, racial struggles, career disaster and three failed marriages. But he never publicly acknowledged having the disease that would end his life. Yet in his death at 49, Robinson had his family reveal that he had AIDS so that others in the black community would be alerted to the dangers of the disease and the need for treatment and education. AIDS activists have been grappling with that paradox in the hours since his death Tuesday, while Robinsons close friends defend his right to privacy. Advertisement Some activists expressed disappointment that Robinson, who was the nations first black network news anchorman, did not choose to serve as a spokesman to the black community about how to prevent the disease. Im saddened in the sense that Max Robinson had a real significant value as a symbol for the black community and it would have been more powerful had Max Robinson been enlisted (in the fight against AIDS) while he was alive, talking about himself as a person with AIDS, said Don Edwards, the executive director of the National Minority AIDS Council in Washington. Its very ironic that its being said he wanted to be remembered for the need for black Americans to be educated about AIDS, because he never really acknowledged he was a person with AIDS when he was alive. Many of us were aware of his diagnosis and we would have liked to have had the credibility of his message added to the work we were trying to do. Robinson did not speak out publicly, said his close friend, history professor and ex-journalist Roger Wilkins, because he needed all his strength to fight the disease. You know how you people (press) are, Wilkins added. If Max had said a year ago, I have AIDS, and Im going to be a spokesman for research on AIDS, it would have killed him in six months. Journalists would have been all over him day after day, not only with questions for guidance in life but also with extraordinarily personal questions. The man had a limited time to live. He did what I think is a gallant, absolutely appropriate thing, fight the disease, give strength and comfort to people who loved him and were close to him, nurture young black journalists, and then use his death as a major educational event. Wilkins angrily characterized as squalid queries about how Robinson was infected. Its nobodys business. He was my close friend and I dont know, so why do strangers who pay a quarter for the newspaper have to know? said Wilkins. After becoming the first black person to co-anchor a national news broadcast at ABC in 1978, Robinson spoke out about racial prejudice at his workplace to a Smith College audience in 1981. In 1983 he left the network after being demoted, and lasted only two years at Chicagos WMAQ before leaving to free-lance, essentially disappearing from broad public view. Along the way, there were episodes of drinking, erratic behavior and failure to show up at important times. In an interview with the Washington Post last May, Robinson explained his problems by saying, I think one of my basic flaws has been a lack of self-esteem, not really feeling good about myself, always feeling like I had to do more. I never could do enough or be good enough. And that was the real problem. Wilkins said, America does weird things to people. Max started out in segregated schools in Richmond and ended up in the news room of ABC and thats a long trip. And he started out in days of deep segregation when the whole white culture was telling the little boy he was second-class. And I dont care how strong you are or how strong your parents are, that is a terrible thing to do to a human being. It gets inside him and makes things shrivel where they should be growing. In Robinsons final months, his friends said, he exuded a sense of peace and serenity and was always more interested in talking about what others were doing than in dwelling on his illness. I think the love of friends was one of the things that kept Max alive for such a long time, said Bernard Shaw, a news anchor for Cable News Network and a close friend for 20 years. Max at the time of his death had more arms around him than he had when he was fighting lonely battles fighting racism in the (television) industry, fighting the things all of us deal with in our personal lives. He had no bitterness whatsoever at the end. I called him from Westwood the night before I anchored the presidential debate and he used most of his energy in that conversation wishing me well and telling me how much he was proud of me and how much he loved me. Shaw said he does not know how Robinson got AIDS. I never brought it up with him, said Shaw. We had a secret code that when we wanted to talk about personal things we would initiate the subject and not be asked about it. He knew I loved him and respected his privacy. I never discussed the subject of AIDS with him. I do know one of the deepest veins he felt was the vision of himself as a teacher, and he sought to lead by example. I think his death will be another attention-getter along with those of comparable stature and publicity. I think it reminds us were all members of one family. AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is caused by a virus that destroys the bodys immune system. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse, through the sharing of unsterilized hypodermic needles, by woman to fetus during pregnancy and also through transfusions of contaminated blood or blood products. In the United States, AIDS has primarily afflicted homosexual and bisexual men, although 11% of black people who suffer from AIDS are heterosexual. Minorities as a whole, who make up only 20% of the U.S. population, account for more than 40% of the nearly 81,000 reported cases of AIDS. Blacks accounted for 21,472 cases. Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page, another good friend of Robinsons said that Robinson certainly expressed to me the fact that he was not gay and had never abused hard drugs. He had never used drugs, period. Page, who was helping Robinson write an autobiography, said Robinson was troubled. A lot of us are troubled. Those negative aspects of his life were continuing sources of frustration and disappointment for him. Like all of us there are things hed like to have done differently. Page said that Robinson really wanted to let people know he was most concerned about race relations and what it means to be a black person in America. His proudest memory of his childhood was a time he drank out of a Whites Only water fountain in a store, an act of defiance. AIDS Publicity. AIDS activists, however, applaud Robinsons posthumous wish that his death be used to further AIDS publicity. For a long time this disease was seen as a disease of gays, said John Jacob, an acquaintance of Robinsons and co-chair of the citizens committee on AIDS of New York City and Northern New Jersey. Clearly there was not the kind of attention given to it that we (blacks) need to give it. Clearly, drug use is the major factor causing the disease in black America. I have no idea how Max got AIDS. I think the one thing we do know is that if you get it, your sentence is death. . . . We have to attack this disease whatever the causes are. Dr. Beny J. Primm, a member of the Presidents AIDS commission and a friend of Robinsons for 10 years, dismissed the discussion over how Robinson got AIDS. Whats important, he said, is that Max Robinson died of a disease that certainly could have been prevented had certain precautions been taken. I hope he has not died in vain. From Associated Press A tax war between Seneca Indians and New York state grew more divisive Thursday as Indians dropped burning tires off a highway overpass and clashed with state police. Thirteen protesters were arrested early Thursday and seven people, including four state troopers, were injured. More than 200 extra troopers were sent to the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation about 30 miles south of Buffalo, Sgt. Gregory Lang said. Advertisement The protest focuses on sales taxes. Sales to Indians on reservations are exempt from state taxes, but the state wants businesses on the reservations to collect taxes from non-Indians on gasoline and cigarette sales. The tribes say that will cut their business and interfere with their sovereignty. Later Thursday, about 400 Senecas from the nearby Allegany reservation marched to a four-lane highway, pushed through six troopers at an entrance ramp and used autos, tires and picnic tables to block traffic. State police closed Route 17 for about 30 miles. Seneca Nation President Calvin John said he was setting up a committee of Indian leaders to decide how to fight New Yorks tax efforts. For 200 years, New York state has attempted to infringe upon our sovereignty, John said. Oren Lyons, an Onondaga chief, said leaders of the historic Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy would meet within about a week to develop a unified approach to battling the new sales tax plan. The Senecas are one of the Six Nations. About 200 Indians burned tires and other debris Wednesday evening to protest the tax rules. TIMES STAFF WRITER On the salt flats of the San Joaquin Valley, in the middle of J.G. Boswells cotton empire, one of Americas great phantom lakes has returned from the dead. Once the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi, Tulare Lake went dry in the 1930s when farmers choked off the four rivers that empty into its basin. But every 15 years or so, in the wake of a record winter storm or heavy spring snowmelt, the dams and ditches cannot contain the rivers. When that happens, the great inland sea, at least a hint of it anyway, rouses from its slumber. Advertisement I know people call it a phantom, said Carlo Wilcox, one of Boswells water crew. But we tend not to think of it that way. Last month, not even the elaborate devices of the Boswell company, the biggest farming operation in the world, could tame the rivers surge. Tulare Lake, once extending 60 miles tip-to-tip and home to three Native American tribes and a wealth of wildlife, has now reclaimed a 10-mile-long, 9-mile-wide sweep of cotton land. Its spectacle offers no warning. After driving an hour across a flat expanse of vineyards, orchards and dairy farms, the road before you suddenly ends and the earthy air fills with the faint smell and sound of ocean. Climbing atop a muddy embankment, gazing across the lakes unending midsection, you feel lost for a moment. More than 57,000 acres of fields are flooded--nine feet deep in some spots--and whitecaps move swiftly past telephone poles. It is brown in parts and pure blue in others, and sun glints off flocks of mud hens, pintail and mallard ducks, blue and white herons and pelicans stabbing at catfish and carp. Earlier this month, with a green light from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Boswell crew cut a 100-yard gash in the north bank of the Tule River to relieve pressure from rising flood waters. It was a desperate move calculated to save the rivers banks from more extensive damage while flooding 42 additional square miles of Boswell cotton land. People say this is a controlled flood, but not really, said Wilcox. The rivers are dictating to us, not us to them. Were slaves to nature right now. * Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this basin has a strange, slightly menacing feel, wet or dry. While it qualifies as desert, averaging less than 10 inches of rain a year, it also happens to sit at the foot of one of the nations most generous watersheds, the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Before agriculture subdued the mountain rivers, much of the southern San Joaquin Valley was transformed each spring into marsh teeming with tule elk and antelope, honkers, and gray and Canada geese. No land sat lower than this basin, the terminus of the Tule, Kaweah, Kings and Kern rivers. The shallow lake that sprang from their waters--dubbed La Laguna de los Tulares by Spanish explorers--covered more than 1,200 square miles, bigger than the Great Salt Lake. On rafts and canoes made from the thick tule reeds, Yokut hunters fished for salmon, perch and sturgeon while the women waded far into the waters to dig for clams and mussels. So bountiful was the harvest that white settlers named the area Mussel Slough, and commercial fishermen in the 1870s plied the lake in schooners and steamers and caught terrapin turtles served as delicacies in San Francisco restaurants. Visitors never forgot the roar of the big birds alighting. An immense body of wild geese whose wings and cries as they moved from place to place caused this kind of roaring noise, wrote Charles Nordhoff, a New York journalist who penned one of the first travel books about California in 1873. A noise like the rush of a distant railroad train. In 1880, in the name of reclamation, the state Legislature allowed newcomers to buy marshland for $2.50 an acre, $2 of which would be refunded if they helped construct a levee system. This touched off a decades-long stampede of sandlappers, the derisive name given farmers who cultivated swampland. Tulare Lake may have continued to turn up blue on most maps but it was pretty much a mirage. * After the sandlappers came farmers with bigger vision and guile--such as Col. James G. Boswell, a military and cotton man driven out of Georgia by the boll weevil, and Clarence Salyer, a hard-drinking Virginia hillbilly who carried the cruel moniker Cockeye on account of a fake eye that wandered when he shot ducks. The two men battled head-to-head for nearly half a century, blowing up each others levees in wet years to divert water and in dry years to steal it. They divided the town of Corcoran in half, truck dealers and tractor salesmen aligned with Boswell, their competitors aligned with Salyer, the Santa Fe railroad tracks carving out a thin truce line between the two. Then a few years ago, the two patriarchs long dead, their kin ended one of the most protracted and colorful family feuds in California history. Boswell bought out Salyer, lock, stock and levee. But even with one operator controlling the intricate system of canals, ditches, embankments and pumping machines, the rivers dont always listen. Only in a winter like this one, witnessing the power of Tulare Lakes ghost and seeing how miserably mans devices have failed, can you appreciate the length agriculture has gone to turn back these rivers. As soon as the dams begin releasing flood waters, Boswell crews rush to spots along the Tule and Kaweah rivers and install more than a dozen pumps that remove water otherwise headed for the cotton kings lowlands. This water, about 1,800 acre-feet a day, is stored in a large irrigation canal. At the same time, on the Kings River, 10,000 acre-feet a day is diverted away from the Tulare Lake basin into the San Joaquin River. The federal government mandates these diversions even when farms and towns along the San Joaquin face their own flooding. It is all dictated by an agreement reached between Boswell and the Army Corps of Engineers a half century ago. By helping pay for the construction of Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River, the Boswell empire forever guaranteed flood control protection in all but the worst of winters. Old-timers here recall one such winter in 1969. The waves from the lake carried such force that Boswell had to buttress the levees with pancaked cars from a wrecking yard. During the last big flood, in 1983, the lake grew to nearly twice this size and it took two years for us to drain all the water, Wilcox said. It is almost certain that the land wont be dry for even a late planting of cotton seed, and that will pose economic hardship for Boswell and the town of Corcoran, which despite its troubled prison still bills itself as the Farming Capital of the World. I know the lake is something to see but youre talking about one-fourth of our farm acreage under water for at least a year, if not longer, said Ruben Quintanilla, a city councilman and local auto parts dealer. This will not only affect Boswell but the people who sell them chemicals and cars, tractors and harvesters. Were in for some rough times. TIMES STAFF WRITER The person closest to being an eyewitness in the death of entertainer Bill Cosbys son shocked the court Tuesday with testimony that indicated the killer was someone other than the 19-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who has been charged with his murder. In what appears to be a setback for the prosecution, Stephanie Crane, the companion of Ennis Cosby on the night he was killed, conceded that she failed to pick defendant Mikail Markhasev out of a police lineup last year. Instead, she selected another man as most resembling the person who accosted her and killed Cosby on Jan. 16, 1997. Talking calmly and patiently through 2 1/2 hours of testimony, the prosecution witness said that in looking at a lineup of men, which included Markhasev, she picked a shorter man that looked most like the man who suddenly appeared at her car window while she waited for Cosby to change a tire. Advertisement Crane said the man she saw at the scene was about 5-foot-10, bumbling and unsure of himself and fit the description of a man who started crying in the lineup. In contrast, the man in the lineup who turned out to be Markhasev was tall and macho, she said. The testimony appears to boost the defenses assertion that someone else killed Cosby, the son of entertainer Bill Cosby. In a strong cross-examination of Crane, Deputy Alternate Public Defender Hank Hall elicited additional physical characteristics of the killer from Crane, such as height and weight, that he says fit the description of Eli Zakaria. Zakaria, another key prosecution witness, was with Markhasev the night of the killing. Hall also cast doubt on Cranes description of the killer as pale, which would fit Markhasev, by pointing out that she once told detectives that the flashing lights from Cosbys car may have made the killer appear pale and yellowish. Although it has long been known that Crane was unable to pick Markhasev out of a lineup, the fact that she came close to identifying someone else was a boost for the the 19-year-old defendant, who stands to spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted. Cranes account of the events are highly important in the case--not because of her ability to identify the killer--but because she is the only person other than Cosby and the attacker who saw what happened on that cold, dark night on Skirball Center Drive where he stopped to change a flat tire. Moreover, unlike other witnesses who are expected to testify against Markhasev, Cranes credibility is the least vulnerable. The others have long criminal records and pending charges, which Hall will use to try to discount the validity of their testimony. It was damaging, but not fatal, said Laurie Levenson, a law professor at Loyola Law School, who has been monitoring the case this week. Its one of the strongest things the defense has had in its favor, she said. Despite the damage from Cranes testimony, Deputy Dist. Atty. Anne Ingalls regained some ground Tuesday by directly linking Markhasev to the murder weapon using a hair fiber. The hair, which came from a knit cap that was found covering the murder weapon in a wooded area about five miles away, matched a hair sample taken from Markhasev, said Susan Brockbank, a criminalist with the Los Angeles Police Department. The cap and gun were recovered by police about two months after Cosby was shot. The killing happened while Cosby attempted to changed a flat tire. The prosecution says that while he worked, Markhasev and two companions--Zakaria, 24, and his girlfriend, Sara Ann Peters, 22, both of Orange County--had stopped about 450 feet away at a bank of phones near a lighted park-and-ride lot to call a drug connection. While Zakaria made the call, Markhasev killed Cosby during a failed robbery attempt, the prosecution says. Although Crane was at the scene, she did not actually see the shooting. Nevertheless, her testimony Tuesday provided the most chilling account of what happened. As the red-haired witness walked into court, Markhasev turned around in his seat at the defense table and watched her as she walked down the aisle to the witness chair. Dressed in a dark skirt and jacket, she talked coolly and without emotion, occasionally glancing at Markhasev as she testified. Crane told how she had met Cosby, who was on a break from his doctoral studies at Columbia University Teachers College in New York, about a week earlier at a party of a lawyer friend. Cosby was on the San Diego Freeway, en route from his parents Pacific Palisades home to visit her in Sherman Oaks, when the tire went flat near Skirball Center Drive. Crane drove out to meet him after he called to explain his predicament. While sitting in the car with the motor and heater running and watching Cosby change the tire in the glow of her headlights, a man wearing a light-colored knit hat appeared at the window. Open the door or Ill kill you, he told her, Crane said. * Frightened, she sped away, but only for about 50 feet. She then stopped and turned around, hoping her actions would scare the intruder away, she said. I didnt see Ennis, and I started screaming, Ennis, Ennis! Crane recalled. At that moment she saw a man running toward a parked car not far way. Then I looked down and saw Ennis lying on the ground, she said. She called 911 with a car phone, and police arrived. She described the man to police as very pale, very thin with pointy features, including a very pointed nose. She described his complexion as flawless and said he was wearing a wool hat. Police drew a composite from that description. Later when police showed her a series of six pictures, not including Markhasev, she picked one who she said had features similar to Markhasevs. In mid-March, after police arrested Markhasev and put him in a lineup with five other men--all wearing knit hats--Crane examined the men closely, asking they be made to walk and say get out of the car or Ill kill you. She said she was looking for a man who not only fit the description of the composite, but who also seemed bumbling and unsure of himself because that was how the killer appeared to her during the few seconds of her encounter. In the lineup, Crane identified a man who was the shortest of the six, partly because he seemed frightened, she said. He had similar features and was very shook up and crying, she said. On cross-examination, Hall found additional weaknesses in her descriptions of the man who accosted her on Skirball Center Drive. When Crane told the jury that the suspect was about 18 to 25 years old, which would fit Markhasevs age, Hall produced a transcript of an interview with police showing she told police he was 25 to 32, closer to the age of Zakaria. On 27 March presidential candidates officially launched their campaigns in Guatemala ahead of the 25 June general elections. End of preview - This article contains approximately 602 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 27 March Chiles Interior Ministerannounced an agreement with opposition parties in congress to achieve express approval for around 15 measures to strengthen existing security legislation, following the death on 25 March of a military police officer in a clash with criminals. End of preview - This article contains approximately 337 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 27 March a US delegation arrived in Colombia for the 10th High Level Dialogue between the two countries. Analysis: This is the first such dialogue under Colombias President Gustavo Petro, whose inauguration in August last year was viewed by some as a potential inflection point in US-Colombia relations. However, Colombias Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva yesterday emphasised that the Petro administration is not planning to spring any surprises on the US. Making relatively few references to counter-narcotics and security the focal points for bilateral cooperation under Petros predecessors Leyva instead drew attention to the Colombian governments goals on environmental protection, social welfare, and agrarian reform. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that President Joe Bidens administration would support these objectives, but underlined the continued importance of combatting drug trafficking. Leyva sought to dispel any concerns that the US-Colombia relationship could deteriorate under Petro, a fierce critic of the US-led war on drugs. Leyva said that theres a new head of state with new rhetoric but he wont surprise [you]; there will never be a surprise from our side in the relationship with our eternal ally, the US. Leyva emphasised the Petro administrations eagerness to cooperate on fighting climate change and deforestation, saying that we were the country of coca, now were one of the great [carbon] sponges offering a solution to the possible disappearance of the human race. Blinken said that the US would support Colombias efforts on climate and environmental protection, and said that well expand pathways for farmers, for textile producers, and other small- and medium-sized businesses in rural areas to get their products to global markets, and reap the benefits of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. On counter-narcotics, Blinken said that countering illicit groups and the flow of illegal drugs is a key part of our ongoing discussions on security. He said that the two delegations would discuss how to reduce drug supply, from strengthening interdiction by land and sea, to providing vulnerable communities with alternative ways to make a living. Looking Ahead: Ahead of the two-day dialogue, Colombias foreign ministry issued a statement saying that compared with previous bilateral meetings, Colombia will bring a broader agenda based on the diverse range of issues that are a priority for the new government. Leyva said that these issues will include migration, counter-narcotics, deforestation, agrarian reform, healthcare, human rights, and the transition to green energy. On 27 March, the government of Brazils south-eastern state of Sao Paulo announced that a teacher in the state capital had died from a knife attack by a pupil. End of preview - This article contains approximately 361 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options A massive Ecuador landslide caused by recent rains has claimed the lives of at least seven people. Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat initially reported that around 500 individuals were affected, and 16 people were killed by the mud and debris rolling through Alausi's small community Sunday night. However, the authorities later updated the Ecuador landslide death toll to seven fatalities, 23 injuries, and 46 missing. It did not say why the number was changed, but it did say that 32 individuals were rescued, according to Al Jazeera. "We have had to witness a terrible tragedy," Transport Minister Dario Herrera told the Reuters news agency in Alausi, located in central Ecuador about 317km (197 miles) south of the capital, Quito. "The first thing is to attend to and evacuate people from the houses," Herrera said. The accident, which also caused damage to the Pan-American Highway, was reported to have affected 500 individuals and 163 houses, ABC News reported. Some of the injured were brought to local hospitals, according to Chimborazo governor Ivan Vinueza. After authorities issued an evacuation order due to the threat of additional landslides, they decided to rescind it a few hours later. It is estimated that the landslide is 150 meters (490 feet) wide and 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long. Locals told the media they felt earthquakes on the mountain before it happened. Several structures and trees were hauled away. Half a dozen different cities sent firefighters to the scene to assist. More than a dozen rescue workers gathered at the edge of the landslide and removed debris. READ NEXT: Ecuador Seizes $330 Million Worth of Cocaine in Banana Shipment Residents Flee Their Homes Following Massive Ecuador Landslide People in the nation may be seen leaving their homes with the help of neighbors in footage captured by cameras connected to the emergency service network, said The Telegraph Herald. Many people were also loading their cars with appliances and other household items. The emergency services organization reported that the landslide cut off the water supply to 60% of the region. Meanwhile, several schools had built a shelter, and online learning would be implemented at some institutions, according to President Guillermo Lasso's communications office. A State of Emergency Was Already Declared Earlier this Month Before a Massive Ecuador Landslide Happened In the wake of recent harsh weather, President Guillermo Lasso announced a state of emergency for 14 regions earlier this month. The Andean nation is struggling to cope with the monsoon, which has claimed the lives of twenty-two individuals since the beginning of the year. Lasso stated on Twitter that firefighters were sent to help people, affirming that the government was "totally active" in assisting the impacted areas. Since the beginning of the year, torrential rains have caused over a thousand catastrophic incidents, including flooding and mudslides, which have damaged over 6,900 and destroyed 72 dwellings, as reported by SNGR. A powerful earthquake hit the states of El Oro and Azuay earlier this month, killing at least 13 people and injuring at least 126. At least 24 people perished in floods caused by heavy rains in February 2022 in Quito. La Gasca in the city was flooded at a rate of 75 liters per square meter, according to a statement released at the time. READ MORE: Florida Police in Critical Condition This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Rescue efforts continue in Ecuador landslide - From Associated Press A former Tucker Carlson producer for the media giant Fox News alleged she was "conditioned and coerced" to give false testimony about the billion-dollar Dominion lawsuit against the network. Fox News producer Abby Grossberg claimed that the media network's attorneys had ordered her to testify during her deposition in a way that would "inculpate" her and host Maria Bartiromo while absolving "certain blame-worthy male colleagues," according to ABC News. The complaint also alleges that Grossberg's deposition testimony was manufactured by Fox News, which has placed her and Bartiromo on the frontline of the Dominion lawsuit so they "could be scapegoated as sacrificial female lambs." Grossberg already filed a lawsuit against the network, with accusations of fostering a "toxic atmosphere victimizing women." She also said in her complaint that she will "never testify on behalf of Fox News," and will only give her testimony on "behalf of Dominion." A Fox News representative said that the media's attorneys advised the former network producer that she was free to file whatever legal claims she wanted. However, Grossberg was in "possession of our privileged information" and was unauthorized to release it publicly, according to the representative. READ NEXT: Donald Trump Would Face 'Jail Time One Way or Another,' Legal Experts Say Amid New Civil Lawsuit Filed by New York Attorney General Former Tucker Carlson Producer NPR reported that Grossberg had worked as a senior booking producer for Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo until last year when she became the producer for Carlson. In her complaint, she named Fox News attorneys Stephen Potenza and Lesley West and two lawyers from their lead outside law firm, Winston & Strawn, as defendants. It contains allegations of sexism and antisemitism in the workplace. She also named Carlson as a defendant, as well as the network and its top executives. Fox News filed a restraining order against the Tucker Carlson producer to prevent her from publicly releasing information linked to the Dominion lawsuit. However, it was dropped when she filed her complaint. Dominion Lawsuit Dominion Voting System argued in its lawsuit that Fox recklessly repeated false accusations from supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that its machines and the software used were responsible for Trump's election loss in 2020. Associated Press News noted that the lawsuit has shown that top Fox executives and personalities did not believe the false claims but aired them anyway. Dominion attorney Rodney Smolla said the effort was a deliberate decision by those responsible for the broadcasts. Meanwhile, Fox argued that they were simply reporting on "newsworthy allegations," which were founded on Trump's false claims that the election was stolen from him. Fox lawyer Erin Murphy said they never aired those claims to be true, adding that all they did was "provide viewers the true fact" that the allegations were being made. Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis said that he has not decided yet, saying he needs to be "educated" on the matter. Smolla said that repeating or publishing a "defamatory statement from someone else" means you "adopt it as your own." READ MORE: Donald Trump Admits He Didn't Win Presidential Election 2020 During Interview With Presidential Historians This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Former Fox News producer claims lawyers coached her testimony in Dominion lawsuit - from NBC News The Manhattan grand jury in New York has wrapped up the latest day of deliberations on Donald Trump's hush money payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels as the former president faces the possibility of being indicted. Trump has maintained he committed no crimes in paying Stormy Daniels hush money about their 2006 sexual encounter, at the same time denying he never had an affair with her to begin with despite inadvertently admitting to it in a Truth Social post. According to NBC News, the Manhattan grand jury has already finished their session for the day, but they did not vote for any indictment. It is noted that it is still unclear when it will return for consideration of the hush money case, but so far, they have been meeting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to hear testimony from witnesses. The investigation centers around the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels by then-Trump fixer and lawyer Michael Cohen at the behest of Trump himself. Trump allegedly used campaign contributions for that payment, which is illegal. Former National Enquirer Publisher and Donald Trump Friend David Pecker Testify For the Monday deliberation, the Manhattan grand jury heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, a friend of the former president who had a key role in paying off Stormy Daniels. Pecker testified before the grand jury in January, making this latest appearance his second one. According to the New York Times, he and the tabloid's top editor helped broker the deal between Daniels and Cohen. The focus for this second testimony from Pecker is still unclear, though it is noted that the longtime Trump ally had previously agreed to "keep an eye out for potentially damaging stories about Mr. Trump during the 2016 campaign," per the New York Times. READ NEXT: Stormy Daniels Net Worth: How Rich Is the Controversial Porn Star Who Could Send an Ex-President to Jail? In October 2016, Stormy Daniels wanted to sell her story about her time with Trump. The National Enquirer, which was allied with Trump at that time, would buy that story and never publish it as part of the "Catch and Kill" practice. However, Pecker and the editor, Dylan Howard, did not bite and instead told Daniels to deal directly with then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Cohen was slow to pay Daniels, though Howard pressed the then-Trump attorney to get the deal done. A few days later, Cohen made the payment. Donald Trump Spreads More Misinformation During Waco Rally Donald Trump appeared before a pro-Trump crowd in Waco, Texas for his latest election rally as his campaign kicks off. In front of that crowd, the former president complained about his worsening legal issues. "Every piece of my personal life, financial life, business life, and public life has been turned upside down and dissected like no one in the history of our country," Trump said. ABC-8 Local news reported that Trump mentioned several debunked pieces of information, claiming once again that the election was rigged despite him having no evidence to prove that point. Trump also hit Bragg and Stormy Daniels, repeating his mockery of the former porn star as "Horse-Face" and denied any allegations of an affair. Trump was alleged to have slept with Daniels while Melania had just given birth to their son, Baron. READ NEXT: Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg Investigating Donald Trump Gets Death Threat With Powdery Substance This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: New York grand jury reconvenes in Trump campaign finance probe tied to hush money payments - CBS News A Nashville school shooting has claimed the lives of three children and three adults, local authorities confirm, according to NPR. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, from the Nashville area, was killed by gunfire from two police officers. A police spokesperson later claimed the shooter, who had been assigned female at birth, identified as male and used he/him pronouns. Nashville's The Covenant School, a private Christian institution, was the site of the incident. The victims were pupils and school staff members, said Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron at a news briefing Monday. Authorities identified the victims Monday afternoon: Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9 Hallie Scruggs, 9 William Kinney, 9 Cynthia Peak, 61 Katherine Koonce, 60 Mike Hill, 61 READ NEXT: Brazil School Shooting: Teenage School Shooter Planned Attack Nashville School Shooting Suspect Audrey Hale Was a Former Student The deadly assault on the private Christian school a 28-year-old had attended may have been motivated by "resentment," according to Nashville police. Audrey Hale, a native of Nashville, was reported to have killed three children and three adults at The Covenant School without a prior criminal record. "There's some belief that there was some resentment for having to go to that school," Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake told Lester Holt of NBC News. Using precise maps and surveillance equipment, Hale allegedly meticulously planned the attack, according to the authorities. Drake refrained from saying that Hale was explicitly aiming for anyone, despite speculation that the shooter may have chosen The Covenant School as a target. Koonce, who died in the Nashville school shooting, was the head of the school. "She targeted random students in the school ... whoever she came in contact with, she fired rounds," Drake said, referring to the shooter. Hale opened a locked door by shooting it, said the officials. Meanwhile, local and federal investigators are looking into the former student's purported writings. Several hours after the shooting, Drake informed reporters that they had certain writings they were going over that pertained to the actual incident. "We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place," Drake said. Authorities believe that Audrey Hale identifies as trans, Drake added, but they have not yet determined whether the suspect's gender identity was a factor in the incident. Nashville School Shooting Suspect Audrey Hale Fatally Shot Nashville police officers walked into the school when they heard gunshots and fatally shot Audrey Hale at 10:27 a.m., according to authorities, Fox News reports. A car nearby which Hale used, helped authorities identify the shooter, said Drake. Hale resides roughly three miles from the location of The Covenant School, according to public records. The FBI, ATF, and local police taped off the neighborhood around that house as a crime scene Monday. Hale is a graphic designer who makes logos for companies, according to her LinkedIn profile and a personal website associated with him. It also said he earned a degree in art and graphic design from Nossi College of Art last year. The Covenant School, where the Nashville school shooting happened, opened its doors in 2001 in the Green Hills neighborhood southwest of downtown Nashville, serving students in preschool through sixth grade. Hale's exact enrollment dates were not immediately apparent. READ MORE: Lady Gaga's First Harley Quinn Look for 'Joker 2' Revealed This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Nashville school shooting: Everything we know so far - From ABC News A stabbing attack in a school in Sao Paolo, Brazil has left many in the South American country reeling, as a 13-year-old boy stabbed one of his teachers to death before attacking and injuring five others. Three teachers and two fellow students were taken to a nearby hospital following the fatal knife attack. All five were from the Thomazia Montoro school in Sao Paulo, where the 13-year-old suspect also studied. The teenage attacker has been detained by the Sao Paolo state military police, according to the Associated Press. They are now also investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Sao Paulo State Secretary of Education Renato Feder has announced that the teachers were not at risk and the students' injuries were only minor. He also announced a three-day mourning period in honor of the 71-year-old teacher who died. Sao Paolo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas wrote on social media, saying, "Our efforts are concentrated on helping the wounded and comforting the family members." Attacker Restrained by a P.E. Teacher While Elderly Teacher Died of Cardiac Arrest After Being Stabbed The teacher who died went into cardiac arrest after the student stabbed her. According to Channel News Asia, the Brazilian military police would have usually rescued her via helicopter, but she was already in cardiac arrest. They had to rescue her by land, which was slower, and she later passed away. Witnesses said the student reportedly wore a skull mask to school and stabbed the teacher from behind. Police stated that he had been researching how to purchase firearms online before going on his stabbing rampage. READ NEXT: Brazil School Shooting: Teenage School Shooter Planned Attack, Wore Swastika Sao Paolo State Secretary of Public Safety Guilherme Derrite stated that a physical education teacher at the school restrained the teenage attacker to prevent him from injuring even more people. The secretary praised the teacher and said it was a "heroic act" as the secretary noted more damage could have been done if the said teacher did not restrain the student and taken the knife away from him. Police are still investigating the incident, and no motive has officially been revealed to the public yet. Brazilian Boy in Sao Paolo Stabbing May Have Been Inspired by a 2019 Shooting While there is still no established motive for this deadly attack, Brazilian media is speculating that it may have been inspired by a 2019 Brazil school shooting Brazil. According to Al Jazeera News, the suspect wrote under the username "Taucci" on Twitter. This seems to be a reference to the March 2019 Suzano school shooting, as one of the two school shooters was identified as Guilherme Taucci Monteiro, who was only 17 at the time of the attack. He and 25-year-old Luiz Henrique de Castro opened fire at the Raul Brasil State School and killed seven people, including five students and two employees. The two, who were reportedly inspired by the Columbine Massacre, killed themselves. READ MORE: Brazil: School Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 13 Injured in Espirito Santo This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Brazil Shooting: Children, employees killed in attack on school - TRT World Honduras' diplomatic relations have recently changed, with the country now siding with China over Taiwan. Al Jazeera reported that China claimed there were no conditions attached to Honduras' decision to end its ties with Taiwan. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that the two foreign ministers for China and Honduras signed a joint communique to make its relations official. Mao was asked if Beijing would give the government in Tegucigalpa the aid it had asked from Taiwan, to which he replied by saying, "diplomatic ties are not something for trade." Honduras' Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina issued a letter requesting a loan of $2.5 billion from Taiwan, which was intended to help write off debt while also using it for funding a hospital and dam. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that what Honduras demanded was a "high price" to sustain relations. Honduras denied asking Taiwan for such a price for maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries. READ NEXT: Honduras Declares National Security Emergency Amid Rising Number of Gang Extortions Honduras Severing Taiwan Ties In a statement released on Saturday, China's foreign affairs ministry noted that Honduras "recognizes the existence of one China," adding that the government of the People's Republic of China represents China as a whole. China maintains that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. It mentioned that Honduras has already informed Taipei about the severance of its ties, CNN reported. China refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with any country recognizing Taiwan, having spent much of the past four decades trying to isolate the self-ruled island democracy by tearing down its diplomatic allies with offers of economic support. Before it severed its ties with Taiwan, Honduras was among the 14 countries diplomatically recognizing Taipei over Beijing. Taiwan also confirmed that its diplomatic relations were dissolved with Honduras after the announcement. Honduras' President Xiomara Castro announced the plans to change diplomatic ties on March 14. Honduras Diplomatic Relations Taiwan has accused China of "dollar diplomacy" after Taipei failed to meet the demands of Honduras. Taiwan has recalled staff from its Honduras embassy and consulate and demanded Honduras immediately close its Taipei embassy, according to Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs. The Guardian reported that a Taiwanese organization formed by Taiwan's former President, Ma Ying-Jeou, described President Tsai Ing-Wen's government as "incompetent." Taiwan's allies have received financial assistance or access to its medical system or scholarships at their universities. On the other hand, China has used numerous leverages to maintain its diplomatic ties, including financial aid, investment, and restrictions on Chinese tourists to countries. Beijing still claims Taiwan as a province of China, noting that it plans to annex the country. It also does not allow its diplomatic allies to recognize Taiwan as a country. The United States and other allies such as Australia, Japan, and some European nations have increased their support for Taiwan and its defense despite not recognizing it as a country. READ MORE: Honduras Travel: Safety Advisories and Tourist Attractions You Should See During Your Visit in Honduras This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Taiwan President Denounces China After Honduras Breaks Off Relations With Taiwan - From NBC News U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo today in Accra, Ghana. The vice president affirmed the strength of the two countries bilateral relationship, noting the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the United States and Ghana. Building on discussions during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022, the two leaders consulted on a number of global and regional issues. The vice president thanked Akufo-Addo for Ghana's strong partnership at the United Nations Security Council, including its firm defense of the UN Charter, amid Russia's war on Ukraine. READ NEXT: VP Kamala Harris Announces New $1.9B Worth of Private Sector Investments in Central America to Address Immigration Harris applauded Akufo-Addo for his steadfast leadership to defend and advance democracy in West Africa and to hold anti-democratic governments accountable. She reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support human rights and women's empowerment. The two leaders discussed insecurity in the neighboring Sahel, including the threat extremist groups pose to Coastal West Africa. Harris announced that the United States would provide more than $100 million to support stabilization in Ghana, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo, including at least $86 million over the next three years in support of the 10-year plan for implementing the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, which President Joe Biden released on March 24. The vice president underscored Ghana's role as a security leader in the region and our strong defense relationship, including Ghana's co-hosting of Exercise Flintlock earlier this month with Cote d'Ivoire. Harris also welcomed Ghana's commitment to reforming its economy to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth. She affirmed the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to international coordination on debt relief and to continue to push for all official bilateral creditors to provide a meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it, including Ghana. The two leaders discussed the strength of our people-to-people ties, and the vice president applauded Akufo-Addo's leadership to elevate engagement with the African Diaspora. READ MORE: Kamala Harris Taps Microsoft, Mastercard and Other Private Firms to Promote Economic Opportunity in Central America A Florida plastic surgeon has been accused of murdering a missing lawyer whose law firm represents defendants being sued by the alleged killer. According to the New York Post, Largo police arrested and charged on Sunday Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 44, for the murder of Florida lawyer Steven Cozzi, who had been missing since last Tuesday, when he failed to work at Blanchard Law office on 1501 South Belcher Road in Largo, Florida, Pools of blood were reportedly discovered in the workplace's restroom, but Cozzi's body has yet to be located. In addition to his car in the parking lot, the victim left his wallet, phone, and keys at the legal office. "During the investigation, there was a strong chemical odor in the men's bathroom of the office and small drops of blood," Largo police said in a statement. "A subsequent forensics investigation revealed significant blood in the same bathroom." The Florida lawyer went to the bathroom while at work Tuesday and has yet to be seen since, the firm's managing partner, Jake Blanchard, told WFLA last week. READ NEXT: Florida Doctor Accused of Raping Patients Found Dead Authorities Investigate the Case of the Missing Florida Lawyer After the Florida lawyer was reported missing, authorities began their search for him, according to the Tampa Bay Times. An individual who called the police went looking for Steven Cozzi in the office building's public restroom and discovered blood on the door, stall wall, and bottom of the toilet, the arrest document said. Investigators discovered the main lobby doors were the only unguarded entry points in the building. As stated in the affidavit, a grey Toyota Tundra was seen on surveillance footage entering the facility around 8:32 a.m. Two minutes later, a man with a backpack and gloves carrying a large package walked in. Cozzi showed up to work at 8:37 a.m. When authorities examined the security tape, they saw the suspect wearing a red sweater. CCTV footage at 10:22 a.m. showed a man with a similar build to the man who arrived in the Toyota Tundra leaving the building and carrying the same backpack, but he appeared to have changed clothes. Police said the man was pulling a large cart that contained a large red bag or blanket. The affidavit said that the man seemed to struggle with how heavy the cart was when he pulled it to the Tundra. Cozzi and Tomasz Kosowski were meant to attend a telephone hearing at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, but Cozzi was absent. On the other hand, the Florida plastic surgeon appeared at the court between 10:28 a.m. and 11:04 a.m., the affidavit noted. As soon as Kosowski was cut off from the hearing, footage showed that the man in the law office started moving again. The man was caught on camera moving the cart closer to the vehicle at 11:05 a.m. and was seen having difficulty loading the cart into the back of the truck, according to the police. Cameras did not see Cozzi leaving the building, the affidavit noted. "A substantial quantity of blood" on the bathroom floor was cleaned up by forensics during the official investigation. There are also white fibers found in the restroom and Cozzi's car. Authorities noted that Kosowski's left index fingerprint was also recovered in the building's breaker room, which is not routinely accessed by the public. Authorities said Kosowski drove the Toyota Tundra to his Tarpon Springs home at 11:51 a.m. A camera image also showed a cart with a red bag or blanket containing a body in the pickup truck's bed. Authorities added that the truck arrived at Kosowski's residence at 11:58 a.m. on Tuesday. The complaint noted that Kosowski's red Toyota Corolla was photographed leaving his residence at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday and later appeared on Miami tag readers. Police searched Kosowski's home on Thursday and found the same Toyota Tundra from the office's surveillance video. The Florida plastic surgeon was arrested early Sunday morning when the inquiry concluded, and he was placed in the Pinellas County Jail. Police believed that Cozzi might be attacked inside his law office, then brought to a vehicle using a large cart and driven to the Florida plastic surgeon's home. Gap Between the Florida Plastic Surgeon and Lawyer For the past four years, Blanchard Law has defended Tomasz Kosowski's former employer and coworkers in a lawsuit he filed against them, CBS News reported. Kosowski claimed he started working at the Laufer Institute of Plastic Surgery in 2016 and primarily performed breast reconstruction procedures. He said the woman assigned to handle his insurance billing did not file claims and lied to his patients, costing him thousands of dollars and leading to negative online reviews. According to Kosowski's lawsuit, the woman's actions "have essentially obliterated" the young doctor's promising career. "Through no fault of his own, his career was put directly in jeopardy, and his reputation has been deeply tarnished," it added. READ MORE: Ecuador Landslide This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Florida Plastic Surgeon Arrested for Murder of Missing Attorney - From LiveNOW FOX Semana Santa is considered to be one of the most important holidays in celebration of the Catholic faith. Countries with a predominantly Catholic population, such as El Salvador, Spain, Colombia, and Mexico, usually observe Semana Santa, making this religious holiday an important cultural trademark in these countries. During Holy Week, schools and businesses are usually closed. Easter is celebrated in Mexico over the course of two weeks. Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is the first week or the week before Easter. The second week, or the week after Easter, is called Semana de Pascua. According to Journey Mexico, many Mexican families also go on holiday during Semana Santa and Pascua, which starts on Easter Sunday and ends the following Saturday. READ NEXT: Mexico City Celebrates Traditional Carnivals This March Semana Santa in Mexico Semana Santa is a seven-day reflection for devout Catholics and a reenactment of the moments leading up to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. Tourists visiting Mexico during Semana Santa can expect roadblocks due to the processions. People also attend the mass throughout the week, with reenactments of Jesus' capture and resurrection, according to Bookaway. Churches in Mexico have a generic way of celebrating Holy Week. However, some areas of the country have a unique way of commemorating the religious holidays. In Oaxaca, Mexico, visitors can witness intricately woven palm leaves hung on doors on Palm Sunday to people coming out of the church. Oaxaca City has a practice of visiting seven churches during Maundy Thursday. Visitors can also join locals on Holy Monday by traveling to the small town of Zapotec village. Another unique Semana Santa tradition includes making paper-mache dolls, with complete paint and clothing, practiced in San Miguel de Allende. After creating those, people set the dolls on fire, usually through a firework display. Spanish invaders used to burn Judas dolls, which is believed to be where the tradition came from. San Miguel de Allende's residents sometimes set fireworks to political figures they disagree with. Holy Week Traditions and Easter Sunday Another popular tradition across Mexico is to break colored eggshells filled with confetti with friends and family. The Holy Week also has other practices, such as part of reenactments like physical torture. It also includes public displays of ridicule, whether political or social. Devout Catholics inflict pain on themselves through whipping or carrying large religious objects to show their faith. Other practices leading until Easter Sunday include not eating meat. Easter in Mexico is also part of the celebration of Semana Santa, albeit in a brighter tone. Easter reflects the resurrection, the start of Spring, and new beginnings. During this time, Mexican families usually travel to beach destinations such as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. Some of the usual Easter food in Mexico include empanadas and authentic Easter dinner through the use of nopal, Barcelo reported. Eating red meat during Lent is discouraged, making seafood popular, which is usually served in tacos and salads. READ MORE: What Is Ash Wednesday? Lent Kicks Off for Catholics Around the World This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Asi Celebran Semana Santa en Mexico - From Univision Noticias Not even 100 hours after Superintendent Joseph Roy announced hed be retiring at the end of the school year, Bethlehem Area School District has named his successor. In a Monday news release, the districts Board of School Directors announced its intention to appoint Dr. Jack Silva as the new superintendent, effective in July. Silva has been BASDs Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer since 2010, the same year Roy started as the superintendent. It is an honor to be presented with this opportunity, Silva said in the release. I am looking forward to building upon the excellent work being done by our faculty and staff, as well as extending BASD partnerships with the Bethlehem community. We are blessed to live, learn, and grow in this wonderful school community where each person matters and everyone has a path to a brighter future. The board will vote to approve Silva at its next meeting, scheduled for April 24. I am confident Dr. Silva will continue to keep the BASD moving forward as the premier District in the Lehigh Valley School Board President Michael Faccinetto said in the release. Under his leadership as Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, our students have been given access to new curricular opportunities and have grown academically. The position is a full-circle moment for Silva, whose history with the district runs much deeper than his time in his current position hes an alum of Liberty High School, Broughal Middle School and Fountain Hill Elementary School. His two children also graduated from Liberty. (Silva) is recognized as a state and national leader in improving students reading achievement, establishing school-community partnerships, and creating career pathways in support of graduates post-high school success, the release said. Before joining BASDs administration, Silva had an extensive history of working in school administration in the Souderton Area School District, including turns as an assistant principal, principal and a director of both secondary and K-12 education. Prior to administration, he taught social studies in the Souderton Area and Central Bucks School Districts. Silva obtained a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, and his Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University. A mans threats to shoot up a Bethlehem warehouse last month if he didnt get to speak to an ex-girlfriend led to the warehouse being evacuated and additional armed security to be added, city police said. On Monday, Jamil Anderson, of Philadelphia, was arraigned on three felony charges in a Northampton County district court: two counts of felony making terroristic threats and a single count of felony criminal use of a cellphone. The 29-year-old Anderson is free on $100,000 unsecured bail in the case. Messages left for his defense attorney Tuesday were not immediately returned. Police said Anderson was served with a protection-from-abuse order on Feb. 17, and he called his ex-girlfriend 15 times Feb. 16-18. Anderson is accused of calling the QVC warehouse 47 times between 2:41 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. on Feb. 18. Anderson used a fake name when calling the warehouse off Commerce Center Boulevard, and asked to speak to his ex, according to police. Warehouse security contacted police after the caller threatened to shoot up the warehouse with an AR-15 it he wasnt allowed to speak to the woman, court records say. While police were at the warehouse, more calls from a blocked number were received from the same man, police said. An officer spoke with the caller, who gave the same fake name as the previous threatening calls. The officer said he believed he heard the racking of a firearm multiple times during the call. Police said following the shooting threat the warehouse was evacuated, operations were changed and additional armed security was added. T-Mobile records for Anderson confirmed the calls to his ex and the QVC warehouse, police said, including the ones using the blocked phone number feature. Editors Note: Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley has a 24-hour helpline for domestic violence survivors at 610-437-3369. Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat with their advocates here or text LOVEIS to 22522. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Easton police are looking for two men allegedly involved in an armed robbery Sunday evening at a Northampton Street store. Police said they were called at 5:15 p.m. Sunday for the robbery at DR Market, 698 Northampton St. Two people wearing masks, possibly young men, robbed the store at the corner of Northampton and Seventh streets, officials said. City police said one of the suspects displayed a gun and the pair took an undisclosed amount of cash. The duo fled in a white GMC Terrain with a stolen Pennsylvania license plate KNL-9451. The SUV was last seen fleeing west on Northampton Street, according to police. On Tuesday, police released two photos of the SUV and asked anyone with any information about the robbery or the vehicle to call Easton police detectives at 610-250-6656. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. A Phillipsburg student was attacked while walking home from school and nine juveniles have been charged in the assault, authorities said. The Warren County Prosecutors Office said the incident happened at about 3:30 p.m. March 17 along Hudson Street in Phillipsburg. The incident involved both students walking home from Phillipsburg High School and Phillipsburg Middle School, authorities said. Warren County Prosecutor Jim Pfeiffer told lehighvalleylive.com the attack was on a boy walking home from school and he suffered injuries. Pfeiffer was unable to provide further information on the extent of those injuries due to the victim being a juvenile, but he did say the boy was not hospitalized. He also couldnt say if the juvenile attended the middle or high school. Nine juveniles involved in the attack are each facing third-degree aggravated assault and third-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault charges. The incident is being investigated by the Warren County Prosecutors Office; Phillipsburg Police Department; and Phillipsburg School District. Phillipsburg School District Superintendent Gregory Troxell didnt immediately return a request for comment Monday evening. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Two men were killed after exchanging gunfire over car beak-ins in the early morning of March 24, 2023, in the 100 block of East South Street in Allentown, authorities said. Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com No one wants to be delinquent when it comes to paying property taxes. Gerry Fede, a small landlord who owns three rental properties, says hes careful to make sure his payments get in on time. So in September 2022, when Keansburg notified him that it hadnt received the $3,180.92 property tax payment for a rental property, he investigated. The payment, which was sent through Chases online banking system, was deducted from his account on Aug. 9. The bank typically sends payments electronically, but if the recipient isnt set up to receive payments that way, it cuts and mails a paper check, he said. Thats what happened here. As I looked into the matter, knowing that I had paid these taxes timely, I was informed by (a Keansburg official) that my check was one of a few that were stolen and subsequently cashed by a third party, Fede said. He informed me that Keansburg Police were already on the matter and I should contact them. Fede said he contacted police and filed a report. And he learned a little more. When the check was cashed, it was endorsed by an individual, not by the municipality. NJ Advance Media is not publishing the name because it may be a fake no one with the name comes up in public records searches and the incident remains, according to authorities, under investigation. The check was cashed through Bank of America, documents show. Fede reported it to Chase and filed a fraud claim. I was told it would take three to four months to recover my money even though both banks were at fault, Fede said. He shelled out another $3,800 to make his property tax account current. By December, Fede said he didnt have any word on the money. Chase said it was still waiting for Bank of America to return the funds, he said. Fede said he was told the same in calls made during January and February. By the end of February, Fede said he was totally frustrated, so he contacted Chases executive offices in his quest for relief. (The representative) said she would look into it and get back to me `in a few days, he said, but she never called back. Three weeks later he tried again, but was told that the employee he spoke to no longer worked there, he said. He said he was assigned a new specialist who promised to look into it and call him back. On March 13, he finally got a call. She states the case is still open and Chase is still trying to resolve it, almost seven months later, he said. The loss of these funds creates a hardship for me. I have spent hours on this and am at wits end, he said, and he asked Bamboozled for help. WHERE IS THE MONEY? Checks stolen from the mail and cashed by con artists, or even altered for a different amount before they are cashed, are a big problem. Postal inspectors recover more than $1 billion in counterfeit checks and money orders every year, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service says. That includes altered checks, but fraudulently created imposter checks, too. We asked Chase and Bank of America to review the case, and then we checked in with the town. Keansburg Police Chief Andrew Gogan said he could not comment on ongoing investigations. Borough officials referred questions back to the police department. But one town official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case, said they, too, were the victim of check fraud around the same time period. A second official confirmed there were multiple checks sent to the town that were stolen and cashed. The Postal Inspection Service confirmed it received a complaint from the municipality, which was referred to the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. That office confirmed it has an ongoing investigation but it wouldnt share any details. But after a few days, Fede had received two calls from Chase. He said in the first call, the representative said if the bank credits him back, it would have to issue a 1099 tax form. Sounds ridiculous since its not income to me but rather a reimbursement, Fede said. However, I said okay since a no would probably have screwed things up. Later that day, he received another call, but this one went to voicemail. They said that they were crediting my account, he said. I checked my account and its there. We asked Chase and Bank of America why the decision to return the money took so long. We appreciate Mr. Fedes patience as we worked with the other bank to resolve this situation, a Chase spokesperson said without providing any more detail. Bank of America didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. In any case, were glad he got the money back. How can you avoid the same problems? We always recommend using electronic payments when you can. But if you have to mail a check, take precautions. Dont leave it for pickup in your homes mailbox. Instead, bring it to the post office or use a blue postal box, and if you do that, try to drop the check as close to the last collection of the day as possible. There are also people who swear by gel pens, which they say are harder to erase or otherwise tamper with on a check. But weve seen plenty of obviously-altered checks that were cashed by banks anyway, so gel pens are not an infallible solution. But why, in cases like this, must the consumer wait months and months? It would be good if banks made the consumer whole once a fraud is reported. Then they can take all the time in the world to duke it out to determine which bank is ultimately responsible. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KPMueller. Like many people, I wait with bated breath to see whether the Manhattan district attorney will, finally, indict ex-president Trump. The charges -- stemming from his well-known Fixer, Michael Cohen, surreptitiously paying Stormy Daniels hush money -- are pretty well established. What I do find extremely curious in the clown car responses from Trumps diehard adherents are the giant flags one sees that say Trust The Plan. This phrase, spawned from the imaginations of folks associated with QAnon, is so curious. Trust the plan. Its stated with such certainty by some within the MAGA world that one might be led to believe there is some plan. There isnt. Its painfully clear from Trumps pathetic response to the COVID pandemic, or his dangerous response to his loss to President Joe Biden, that he is quite incapable of planning anything. Well see if, after the Manhattan DA indicts Trump or not, if there was ever anything remotely looking like a plan. Somehow, I doubt very much any kind of plan exists and these giant flags are only expressing crazy MAGA pipe dreams. James V. Gruber Washington A young man who posted a collage of intimate images of his teenage girlfriend on social media to his 1,100 followers after they broke up has been jailed for six months. The 20-year-old Dublin man, who can't be named to protect the identity of his victim, committed the offence in 2021 just months after it became a criminal offence to post intimate images of someone online without their consent, defence counsel told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The man pleaded guilty to one count of distributing intimate images of his ex-girlfriend without her consent within the State on September 21, 2021. He has no previous convictions. Judge Dara Hayes noted in court on Monday, March 27 that this was a new offence, the legislation for which only came into effect seven months before the man committed the offence. It is a modern problem with the ubiquity of smart phones and the internet, the judge said before he noted that because of the mans followers the potential audience for those images was 1,100 people. He also noted that the man could not know how many of those people saved the images or redistributed them. That is something that cannot be controlled by him once it is sent out into the ether, he said. The judge said the need for general deterrence must weigh more heavily in these cases which are usually committed by men against a female partner and that a custodial sentence is required given the level of harm that can be caused. Judge Hayes set a headline sentence of two years. He took into account various mitigating factors including the mans plea of guilty and lack of previous convictions before he imposed a sentence of 18 months. He suspended the final 12 months of that sentence on strict conditions including that the man engage with the probation service for 18 months, undergo any treatments as recommended by them, disclose any intimate partner relationship and not make any direct or indirect contact with the woman. The man was 19 at the time of the offence, while his victim was 18. Some of the images he shared of her were taken when she was 17, Garda Mark Naul told the court. The court heard that on the day in question, the man sent his ex-girlfriend's friend a collage of four intimate images that had been taken of her in the course of their relationship. The couple had dated for about a year before breaking up. The man then posted the same collage of images on Snapchat, where he has 1,100 followers, the court heard. Gardai were alerted and the man was arrested in October 2021. He made full admissions to gardai. The woman in the case did not wish to come to court for the sentence hearing. A victim impact statement was handed in but not read out. James McCullough BL, defending, said his client was immature and naive. He has ADHD and was under the care of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) until he turned 18, the court heard. Once discharged from this service, he stopped taking his prescribed medication. He is someone who acts without thinking of the consequences, the court heard. Defence counsel said that when the man committed this offence, the legislation making it a crime had only come into effect some months previously. A man who was caught with images of child abuse as gardai were investigating him for sexually assaulting a child in a clothing store has been handed a fully suspended prison sentence. Gardai searched the home of Stephen Gregan, aged 42, in June 2017 after receiving a complaint he had sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl while she was out shopping with friends. A total of 64 images and 57 movie files of child sex abuse material were discovered after two hard drives and computer were seized and analysed. The court heard that the images and movies depicted children aged between three and ten years old engaged in sexual activity or children up to 15 years old with their genital and anal area showing. Gregan of Main Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly, previously of Grove Park, Rathmines, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of child pornography at his Dublin home on June 13, 2017. The court heard that in October 2019 Gregan received a nine-month suspended sentence from Judge Martin Nolan after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Penneys, Dundrum Town Centre, on June 10, 2017. Imposing sentence on Monday, March 27, Judge Melanie Greally said if this charge had been dealt with at the same time as the sexual assault count, it would have resulted in a custodial sentence. However Judge Greally said the court had to consider the length of time since the material was seized and if there would be undue harshness in imposing a custodial sentence at this point. She said the steps taken by Gregan to rehabilitate himself, the lack of subsequent negative garda attention and the time lapsed since this offence was detected swing the balance against the immediate imposition of a custodial sentence. Judge Greally handed Gregan an 18-month prison sentence, which she suspended for two years on strict conditions, including that he place himself under the supervision of the Probation Service. Gardai were investigating the allegation of sexual assault when they searched Gregan's Rathmines home and found the child abuse material. At an earlier sentence hearing, Gerardine Small SC, defending, said her client was in a dysfunctional relationship at the time and was suffering from depression. Ms Small said her client had been attending counselling since the incident and had been placed on the sex offenders register. He continues to attend for treatment and is fully engaged in the therapeutic process. Counsel said Gregans brother had written a letter for the court outlined what kind of state his brother was in at the time. He is fully aware that this is not a victimless crime. He has done what he can in terms of rehabilitation, has not come to garda attention since and is a very changed man from the man he was in June 2017, Ms Small said. She asked Judge Greally to accept the evidence that there was no question of distributing or sharing the images and that the images had been deleted. A letter from Gregan was handed into the court on Monday. Ms Small told the court that her client has family support and his wife was present in court. Judge Greally noted that the DPP directed a summary indictment for this charge, but the District Court had quite rightly refused jurisdiction based on the severity of the material. Noting the quantity of the material seized, the judge said the aggravating factors include the nature of the material and that it includes children as young as three in some instances. Judge Greally also noted the stigma and social isolation that follows a conviction of this type and that publicity is almost inevitable for this type of offence. She noted that this offence occurred six years ago and Grehan had had a number of adverse circumstances to confront. Judge Greally said she took into consideration the mitigating factors including the remorse expressed by Grehan, his early guilty plea and the steps taken towards rehabilitation. During the hearing in October 2019 Garda Jennifer Quinn told Philip Rahn BL, prosecuting, that on June 10, 2017 an 11-year-old girl was in the Penneys shop with her friends when Gregan pushed up against her and squeezed her bum. Gda Quinn said the accused tried to make out that it was an accident, but the child noticed that the aisle was wide and he did not have to squeeze past her. She told her friend that the man had touched her, that she did not like it and she started crying. In an interview with gardai, Gregan initially claimed the touching had been accidental, but after breaking down and getting emotional he admitted it had been intentional. He claimed he was not attracted to children and just wanted help. Obviously I am a normal nice guy with a chemical imbalance, Gregan told gardai. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martin Nolan suspended a nine-month sentence and ordered that he pay a sum of 5,000 over to the victim. He said this payment was a punishment and he said that the court would dispose of it if the victim does not want it. Judge Nolan said if he offends again Gregan will go to prison. Laoiss police chief says touristic type burglars have been operating in the county. Chief Superintendent John Scanlan made the comments at the last Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting in Portlaoise. Overall property crime being up six percent but thats 252 to 268, so thats ten crimes in a three month period. Its fairly static. We expected far more larger increases in crime when people came back out after the lockdown versus 2021, 2022, we didnt see that, he told members. He was speaking in relation to Laois crime figures from the last quarter of 2021 were compared to those from the same period in 2022 at the meeting. In relation to burglaries of homes and commercial premises, Chief Supt Scanlan outlined the types of criminals involved. There is three dynamics to burglaries in this part of the world. One is your local person committing burglaries within the demographic that they live in. We do in every society breed our own people who commit crime, said Chief Supt Scanlan. Then there is a travelling cohort of criminals coming out of bigger urban centres. They move across a wider geography than just the area they live in, he said. We also have that dynamic of, I dont want to feed into any phobias about non nationals, but there is a certain touristic type of burglary now happening where groups fly into Ireland to commit burglaries over a period of a couple of weeks and then leave the country again. We have interdicted some of them recently. I cant really talk to it directly but people will be familiar with some operations we have run because they have received some media attention. That is the demographic, said Chief Supt Scanlan. He said the crime figures are exceptionally good relative to where they were in 2019 before the Covid lockdown. While he was pleased with the decrease in property crime, Chief Supt Scanlan acknowledged the fact that the figures would be of no comfort to victims of crimes. One is one too many, but the trends are positive, he said. The Joint Policing Committee meeting was Chief Supt Scanlans last before his retirement. PICTURED ABOVE: The Model Council of the European Union debate for secondary schools which took place in City Hall in Dublin. Photo shows students from Maynooth Post Primary School who represented Sweden. Students on left: Aoibhin Geraghty and Elizabeth Lynch, with in background from left: Maria Walsh MEP, teacher Helen English, Miss Annica Henriette Elfwendahl from the consulate of Sweden and Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Pic: Maxwells By Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Dublin The results are in from the 2023 Model Council of the European Union debating competition. Six teams rose above 21 other secondary schools across Ireland for their convincing portrayal of the positions taken by EU Ministers for Energy while discussing how to accelerate the EUs Renewable Energy Transition. The debate mirrors the format of a real meeting of the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers) so students can explore how the EU decision-making process works. The Model Council has been organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland every year since 2007. The 2023 event was held in City Hall in Dublin. Scoil Muire agus Padraig from Mayo won first place for their representation of Poland during the debate. Second place went to Christ King Secondary School from Cork, and third place to Deansrath Community College from Dublin. Those schools role-played Slovakia and Hungary respectively. Honourable mentions were given to the following schools: Ardscoil Ris in Dublin as Croatia: Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk in Kerry as Czechia and Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny as Belgium. The event opened with an address by Maria Walsh, MEP representing Ireland Midlands-North-West constituency, who emphasised the significance of the 50th anniversary since Ireland joined the EEC. The debate itself discussed ways to increase the share of renewable energy within the EU, a challenge that has been brought into sharp focus since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The energy sector is responsible for over 75% of the EUs greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, increasing the share of renewable energy is a key building block in reaching the EUs energy and climate objectives under the European Green Deal. This aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), and for Europe to become a climate neutral continent by 2050. Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked an energy crisis in Europe. In response, the Commission published the REPowerEU plan that aims to reduce the EUs dependence on Russian fossil fuels well before 2030 by accelerating the clean energy transition. REPowerEU is based on three pillars: saving energy, producing clean energy and diversifying the EU's energy supplies. The Commission proposes to increase the EU renewable energy target to 45% by 2030 all this was discussed in the Model Council Debate. Significant challenges remain but a collective effort is underway, across the EU, to reach ambitious renewable energy targets. Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed to reform the EU's electricity market to accelerate a surge in renewables and phase-out gas, to protect consumers from price spikes related to fossil fuels, and to make the EU's industry clean and more competitive. These proposals will be discussed by the real EU Ministers for Energy in late March. The husband of the late Joyce Quinn has urged anyone with concerns over her murderer returning to Kildare after release from prison to write to the Garda Superintendent in Kildare town. Ray Quinn made the comments during an interview with KFM radio station earlier today. Milltown resident Joyce Quinn was raped and murdered by stalker Kenneth O'Reilly in January 1996 on the Curragh. She was 44 years old at the time of her death at the hands of Mr O' Reilly, who had asked her for a lift, which she kindly agreed to give him. Speaking to host Eoin Beatty, Mr Quinn said that while he felt 'a sense of relief' at the recent decision of the Parole Board of Ireland not to grant parole to Mr O'Reilly. However, he maintained his view that Mr O'Reilly should never be allowed back into County Kildare if he is ever granted parole, and referred to him as 'a psychopath.' Mr Quinn said that he was fearful for the safety of his family, as well as the general safety of those in the community, should he ever be released on parole. He explained: "There is a new parole system in place now, where the gardai are asked for their input, but local people must make their fears and anxieties (in relation to Mr O'Reilly) known. "The gardai cannot read minds, and this is going to come up again in two years time. "If you are anxious about it, you should write to the local Garda Superintendent in Kildare town, and that is the only way that we can get the information to the Parole Board that Kenneth O'Reilly should never be allowed back into this community again. "I am not a medic, but to me, this man has displayed psychopathic traits, and I would not give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to my family again, and I think the same should apply to the local community... why should (the people of) Milltown have to put up with the fear of the rest of their lives with this man hanging around?" Mr Quinn also talked about the effect that Joyce's murder has had on him and his family: "My daughter put it best when she said that 'it wasn't just her life that ended, our lives ended too.' He further said that while he was glad that the death penalty is no longer applicable in Ireland, he stressed that his family 'has been given a life sentence' due to Mr O'Reilly's 'dreadful' crimes. "Victims (of murder), like my wife, will never get out of the cemetery," Mr Quinn added. The Leitrim Design House are proud to launch The Leitrim Design House National Design, Craft & Art Awards 2023, in celebration of twenty-three years sustaining and nurturing creative Irish businesses. These National awards will celebrate excellence in design and artisanship and are born out of the organisations continued sustainability as a business. As a reflection on this longevity, The Leitrim Design House wishes to invite makers, crafters, artists & designers from across the island of Ireland to respond to the theme of reused sustainability. Following an evaluation from our judging panel The Leitrim Design House Award for first prize is 2,500 for the best overall submission. The winner of this award will also be invited for a solo exhibition in 2024. A specially commended prize of 1,000 will be awarded to a runner up. Its a wonderful chance to have your work viewed by highly regarded industry professionals and experts. The Leitrim Design House thanks the Local Enterprise Office, Leitrim for their kind sponsorship of these awards. The awards are open to practicing makers, crafters, artists and designers living and working on the Island of Ireland, at any career stage who can demonstrate artistic merit and expertise in their chosen field. Applications will not be considered from students undertaking full-time study. From 20th March 2023, applicants can register their Expression of Interest on www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie, a 10 registration fee will be applicable. A link to the application form will be emailed to all eligible applicants within 72 hours, for any unforeseen reason if you have not received the application, please email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie. The deadline for the final submission of applications is 6pm on Friday, June 23. Up to ten shortlisted applicants will be notified by Friday, July 14. The finalists will be invited to showcase their work at The Leitrim Design House Design, Craft & Art Awards Exhibition event on Friday, August 11. This exciting event will include National networking opportunities, presentations by shortlisted applicants, refreshments along with the awards presentation. For more information visit www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie or call 071 9650550. The Leitrim Design House is a not for profit organisation which brings together the very best of Irelands unique craft and design tradition. It is dedicated to promoting quality Irish craft and design to global and Irish audiences. It is a social enterprise and membership organisation, supports and promotes small creative businesses in Leitrim and nationally. Opening hours are 10am 6pm Mon Friday and 10am 5pm on Saturdays. Visit us in the beautiful Dock Art Centre, St. Georges terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon or online at www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie For further information follow us on www.facebook.com/TheLeitrimDesignHouse/ The Public Health advice for COVID-19 has been updated and COVID-19 testing is no longer recommended for the vast majority of people. In line with this new advice, community testing centres across Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo and the self-referral portal for ordering PCR tests are no longer required, and both will be closed as of 30th March 2023. Commenting, Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health said, We are making these changes now based on best available evidence in relation to managing COVID-19, recognising the high level of vaccine-induced and naturally acquired population immunity in Ireland as well as the development of new treatments, all of which are mitigating the worst impacts of COVID-19 infection. Testing for COVID-19 will not be necessary for the vast majority of the population. For most people, if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or other viral respiratory tract infections, they should stay at home and limit contact with others until 48 hours after their symptoms have substantially or fully resolved they do not need to do a COVID-19 test. Eileen Whelan, HSE Lead for COVID-19 Test and Trace and Vaccination, added, From this Thursday, the self-referral portal on the HSEs website, which enabled specific groups of the public book their own PCR test, will no longer be required and will close. Also from Thursday, 30th March 2023, Health Care Workers who are household close contacts are no longer required to do antigen tests. Therefore, the current antigen-ordering portal on HSE.ie will also close. Specific guidance will be issued to Health and Care Workers. Eileen Whelan further explained, A reduced contact tracing service will remain and contact tracing will be limited to those who have had a positive test in settings and scenarios (such as hospitals and long term care facilities) where further transmission is likely, and could have serious impact based on Public Health Risk Assessment. Both PCR and antigen testing will continue to be used by doctors in hospitals and General Practice settings for the purpose of diagnosing and deciding on the provision of treatment for COVID-19 to a patient. Public Health teams may also decide that COVID-19 testing is required in the management of an outbreak in a high-risk setting where they believe that further transmission is likely and could have serious impact, based on Public Health Risk Assessment. Statement from Minister Jaczek on the Auditor General's performance audit on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project GATINEAU, QC, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ - The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, issued the following statement today on the tabling of the Auditor General of Canada's performance audit report from January 2017 to July 2022 on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is leading the restoration and modernization of the Centre Block and the broader Parliamentary Precinct through the Long Term Vision and Plan. "I thank the Auditor General for the performance audit on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project. I am encouraged by the positive observations made by the Auditor General on PSPC's management of the historic Centre Block project and accept all of the recommendations. I am pleased with the audit findings and its conclusion that PSPC is effectively managing the cost, scope and schedule of the largest and most complex rehabilitation project ever undertaken in Canada. Efforts to restore the Centre Block continue to advance within the estimated costs and schedule despite the challenges brought on by unforeseen events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the illegal protests in Ottawa last year. The report also acknowledges the department's efforts to work closely with its partners, including Indigenous partners, and external experts to rehabilitate this heritage masterpiece on behalf of Parliament and all Canadians. This work balances the needs of Parliament with heritage, accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability considerations to achieve the twin objectives of supporting the operations of a modern parliamentary democracy and ensuring it is open, accessible and engaging for all Canadians. These efforts will ensure that the Centre Block continues to serve as a reflection of our Canadian values and the centre of democracy in Canada. I acknowledge the recommendations of the report and commit to implementing them this year. PSPC will work closely with Parliament and all stakeholders to continue making progress on restoring and modernizing this national treasure." Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada 27 march 2023 at 13:30 News published onand distributed by: Government of Canada announces funding for four Ontario organizations to address gender-based violence THUNDER BAY, ON, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ - The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created unprecedented challenges for victims seeking help and the frontline organizations that support them. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, was joined by Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay?Rainy River, to announce up to $1.55 million, on behalf of the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. This funding will allow the following organizations to further address gender-based violence in their communities: Aboriginal Peoples Alliance Northern Ontario Anishnabe Kateri Association Nishnawbe Aski Nation Ontario Native Women's Association Increasing the capacity of Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations will enable organizations to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure that Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and their communities, can prosper now, and in the future. In November 2022, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women launched the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This is a strategic framework for addressing gender-based violence. The National Action Plan includes five pillars: Support for victims, survivors and their families; Prevention; Responsive justice system; Implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and Social infrastructure and enabling environment. Quotes "Gender-based violence is a human rights violation still too deeply rooted in our society. The projects announced today will address the root causes of violence, while giving better support to those who survived it ? charting a path toward building safer communities. Based on relevant data and culturally informed practices, these organizations and initiatives will build a better future for everyone living in Canada." The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "The funding announced today will help a number of organizations enhance their capacity to provide gender-based violence prevention programming aimed at addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people." Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay?Rainy River Quick facts This funding is part of the approximately $601.3 million that the Government of Canada committed through Budget 2021 to increase efforts to end gender-based violence. that the Government of committed through Budget 2021 to increase efforts to end gender-based violence. This announcement builds on previous WAGE funding of over $13 million to more than 100 commemoration projects to help honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. to more than 100 commemoration projects to help honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, particularly Pillar 4, supports Indigenous-led approaches. Further, this funding also represents a key initiative of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (Federal Pathway). The Federal Pathway is the Government of Canada's contribution to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. It outlines the Government of Canada's efforts, now and in the future, to end gender-based violence and systemic racism responsible for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. contribution to the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. It outlines the Government of efforts, now and in the future, to end gender-based violence and systemic racism responsible for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Government of Canada has committed approximately $300 million in emergency COVID-19 funding to support individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Since April 2020 , the Government of Canada has invested over $278 million of emergency COVID-19 funding in more than 1,400 women's shelters, sexual assault centers, and other organizations, including 157 organizations that serve Indigenous individuals. Associated links Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada: SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada 27 march 2023 at 20:14 News published onand distributed by: Lefebvre Sarrut brings generative AI to legal information searches in Europe, a first in this industry PARIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lefebvre Sarrut, the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge, has integrated generative artificial intelligence into its legal information search solutions in Spain. By ensuring that its algorithms use verified content only, Lefebvre Sarrut is the first European legal knowledge company to offer reliable and complete AI-generated answers to legal professionals searching for information. Recently, generative AI technology has been brought to the public's attention thanks to solutions like ChatGPT that create content, including texts, images, audio and synthetic data. Although the technology can write impressive texts that mimic human writing, the results can be inaccurate when based on incomplete, outdated or unverified information sources. To overcome these challenges, Lefebvre Sarrut has refined its algorithm's search capabilities to focus exclusively on up-to-date legal content from verified sources. This guarantee that users receive reliable and accurate information is a first for AI-based solutions in the legal sector. Compared to other open models, Lefebvre Sarrut's innovative technology integrates a new advanced search algorithm that meticulously processes editorial content, using reliable sources such as the Group's Memento knowledge, as well as other verified information on legislation, doctrine and case law from its huge database. This content is then harmonized with language models to ensure precise, easy-to-read results, and supported by links to sources. "We're proud to offer our clients this new, more powerful tool to enhance their legal work," said Olivier Campenon, CEO of Lefebvre Sarrut. "The benefits for legal professionals are immediate in terms of efficiency and time savings. This is just the beginning, and the combination of technologies we're developing will allow us to go even further. Our goal is to provide trustworthy solutions to bring real value and benefits to our customers. Our AI solutions are at the forefront of the industry, allowing us to take another step forward in our goal of enabling knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society." About Lefebvre Sarrut Lefebvre Sarrut is the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge. With offices in France (Lefebvre Dalloz), Germany (Juris/Stollfu), Italy (Giuffre Francis Lefebvre), the Netherlands (SDU), Spain (Lefebvre) and Belgium, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom (Larcier-Intersentia), the group provides publishing, training and software solutions to a wide range of organisations in the private and public sectors and to regulated professions (notaries, chartered accountants, lawyers, etc.). Lefebvre Sarrut generated revenues of ?535 million in 2021 and employs 2,500 people. The group's mission is to enable knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society. www.lefebvre-sarrut.eu Media contacts Agustin Born ? [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2039375/3953427/Lefebvre_Sarrut_Logo.jpg 28 march 2023 at 03:00 News published onand distributed by: Singlewire Software Recognized as a Top Workplace in Madison for Third Consecutive Year The company is recognized for high employee satisfaction thanks to its exemplary corporate culture. MADISON, Wis., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Singlewire Software, the leader in solutions that help keep people safe and informed, announces its recognition as a 2023 Top Workplace in Madison by the Wisconsin State Journal. Singlewire was recognized in the mid-size company category. Winners were selected based on employee feedback gathered through a confidential third-party survey, which measured 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection. "As our team and business continue to grow, we are proud to have maintained a positive culture that our employees embrace," said Paul Shain, President and CEO of Singlewire Software. "This recognition is shared by every Singlewire team member who contributes to the amazing environment we have fostered over our 14 years in business." This is the fifth year the Wisconsin State Journal has partnered with Energage, a Pennsylvania-based employee engagement and workplace improvement research firm to determine the Madison area's top workplaces. More than 16,000 employees were surveyed at 71 participating companies for this year's program. "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends." Singlewire Software now employs more than 150 team members and has recently acquired Visitor Aware, a visitor management software, to help expand its suite of safety and communication offerings. The company has also been recognized multiple times for its work culture by Madison Magazine, most recently in 2022. For more information about becoming part of the Singlewire Software team, visit http://www.singlewire.com/careers. About Singlewire Software Singlewire Software, based in Madison, Wis., is the developer of InformaCast and Visitor Aware, two solutions that enable organizations to detect threats, notify everyone, and manage incidents. More than 5,000 organizations in over 80 countries use these tools to enhance safety and communication so they can protect their most important asset: their people. From screening visitors to sending alerts and handling critical events, Singlewire Software offers solutions for every safety challenge. To learn more, visit http://www.singlewire.com. About Energage Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces.?Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, ?Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available.?With access to a unique combination of?patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture.?For more information ?visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com. Media Contact Brad Parkel, Singlewire Software, 608-661-1154, [email protected] SOURCE Singlewire Software 28 march 2023 at 07:45 News published onand distributed by: Main Squeeze Juice Co., a Conscious Capital Growth Portfolio Brand, Acquires I Love Juice Bar to Nearly Double the Brand's Footprint SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Conscious Capital Growth portfolio brand, Main Squeeze Juice Co. announced the acquisition of Tennessee-based I Love Juice Bar as part of the firm's strategy to serve more customers, accelerate growth and increase stakeholder value. Conscious Capital Growth portfolio brand, Main Squeeze Juice Co. acquires Tennessee -based I Love Juice Bar. The two companies will merge under the Main Squeeze Juice Co. brand name with the intent of integrating the best of both brands, including the menu items customers love most. The rebrand will occur over the coming months with minimal inconvenience to customers who rely on their daily dose of healthy juices, bowls, and smoothies. Conscious Capital Growth's team and the Main Squeeze Juice Co. leadership saw I Love Juice Bar as a natural next move to accelerate growth, drive store economics, and increase brand equity for franchisees in both systems. Cortland Finnegan, CEO of I Love Juice Bar, said, "I made this decision because it's what's best for the franchisees. I want them to get top support and experience the benefits of a larger system and brand sooner rather than later." I Love Juice Bar has 23 locations, primarily in Tennessee and Texas. Main Squeeze's 28 locations are in Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi. The acquisition nearly doubles the footprint of Main Squeeze Juice Co. "I Love Juice Bar was an ideal candidate for horizontal acquisition because the franchisees in both systems are passionate about helping people live healthier lives and making healthy choices easier. Their missions were very much the same with little territory crossover," said Heather Elrod, Conscious Capital Growth's managing partner. With the acquisition, I Love Juice Bar franchisees benefit from Main Squeeze Juice Co.'s operations systems, marketing platforms, supply chain, training capabilities, and growing brand presence. "I Love Juice Bar franchisees are now part of the family," said Thomas Nieto, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. "Our goal is to increase value for all constituents, whether that's our franchisees, team members, or guests, who will all collectively benefit from this merger. Simply put, we're creating a stronger system for both Main Squeeze and I Love Juice Bar franchisees so that we can help more people in more communities live healthier and happier lives together." Conscious Capital Growth's Christo Demetriades said, "This acquisition is a net positive for everyone in the current systems and for future franchisees who join the rapidly growing juice, smoothie, and plant-based food brand called Main Squeeze. It's now a bigger brand with a bigger presence that can serve more customers in more locations. We're stronger together." About Conscious Capital Growth Conscious Capital Growth, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is an acquisition and growth accelerator firm focused on the franchise industry. The company's unique platform includes experienced leaders, industry advisors, instant infrastructure, and access to capital, bringing a decades-long track record of success in Wellness, Beauty, Pet, Services, Food & Beverage, Education, Recruiting/Executive Placement, and Consumer Package Goods & Retail. (www.ccGRO.com). About Main Squeeze Juice Co. Main Squeeze Juice Company, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been franchising its 100% plant-based, fast-casual concept since 2017. The original Main Squeeze, built in Lake Charles, Louisiana, achieved early success, prompting the Main Squeeze team to take their passion for healthy eating and meal replacement to the next level. The company has 28 locations open and 61 more in development, and Main Squeeze's mission is to make Healthy Easier nationwide. (www.mainsqueezejuiceco.com) SOURCE Conscious Capital Growth 28 march 2023 at 08:34 News published onand distributed by: Teamsters Canada Pleased to See Federal Budget 2023 Supports Middle-Class Families Teamsters Canada expresses its support for the recently announced Canada Federal Budget 2023, especially the measures to assist middle-class families in navigating economic challenges. LAVAL, QC, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Teamsters Canada welcomes the newly released Federal Budget 2023 as it provides relief to middle-class families. The budget includes a variety of measures designed to protect Canadians' economic security in the context of a rising cost of living. Francois Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, remarks, "The Federal Budget 2023 reflects the government's dedication to help middle-class families. We believe that these steps will assist our members and all Canadians to face the ongoing challenges caused by economic instabilities. We salute the government for these actions and for thinking about the urgent needs of working households." We expect that the budget's provisions will provide much-needed relief for Teamsters members and other Canadian workers. With initiatives like anti-scab measures, dental care plan for uninsured Canadians, grocery tax credits and investment in key industries, we feel the government is committed to assist Canada's working-class during the worst economic climate in years. Teamsters Canada hopes the implementation of the budget measures will be swift and looks forward to their positive impact on the lives of hardworking Canadians. With over 125,000 members, Teamsters Canada is the country's largest transportation and supply chain union. The organization represents workers at CP, CN, UPS, Purolator, countless trucking companies, and more. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents over 1.2 million workers in North America. SOURCE Teamsters Canada 28 march 2023 at 18:22 News published onand distributed by: A man jogs past uncollected garbage bags Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Paris. THOMAS PADILLA / AP Paris trash collectors are this week to suspend a three-week strike that has seen thousands of tonnes of garbage accumulate in the French capital, a union said on Tuesday, March 28. The walkout would be suspended from Wednesday to allow coordination with workers "so we can go on strike again even more strongly" as fewer workers were now striking, the CGT union said. As of Tuesday, the 23rd day of the strike against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, some 7,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish were still clogging Paris streets compared with 10,000 last Friday, according to the city hall. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Trash talk: When garbage becomes political in France Ajouter a vos selections Ajouter a vos selections Pour ajouter larticle a vos selections identifiez-vous Sinscrire gratuitement Se connecter Vous possedez deja un compte ? Le Monde with AFP Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu at the Knesset in Jerusalem on March 27, 2023. MARC ISRAEL SELLEM / AFP Pressured by a protest movement that is without precedent in the history of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has finally given in. The Israeli prime minister, who has been pushing a major reform of the justice system since January, had to admit on Tuesday, March 28, that the country and his own constituents do not understand the emergency he is forcing on them. He agreed to a "pause" in his plan to abolish the political independence of the Supreme Court, the attorney general and legal advisors, the only institutional checks and balances on the executive branch and the parliamentary majority. He postponed the examination of these bills until May, after the parliamentary recess for Passover, which begins on April 4. "When there's an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a pause for dialogue," said Netanyahu, who is not giving up: "We insist on making the necessary changes to the judicial system," he said. But he aims to achieve this goal "through a broad consensus." It is not clear that he will be able to do this. By halting his own momentum, Netanyahu recognizes that he does not have the necessary legitimacy to implement his election promise as it stands. This prime minister, reputed to be the most cautious in Israel's history, has taken unprecedented risks in the past three months. He promised his conservative voters and his religious and far-right allies that he would reshape the state in their image. He has driven a wedge between his supporters notably the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and the rest of the country. On trial for corruption since 2021, he has failed to provide a clear explanation of the reasons for his reform. This headlong rush raises questions about what remains of Netanyahu's "magic" after more than 15 years in power This may allow him to appoint the judges who would eventually rule on his appeal. He has ignored the serious concerns of the business community, as well as those of the great American ally. This headlong rush raises questions about what remains of Netanyahu's "magic" after more than 15 years in power. It also raises questions about his ability to govern beyond this reform. Netanyahu postponed his announcement scheduled for the morning for nearly 10 hours. In the meantime, he had to save his coalition, which was threatened with splintering, and make sure that his allies would accept a postponement of the vote on the reform, which had been rejected many times. He also needed his supporters and his Likud party to organize a "spontaneous" demonstration in his favor in Jerusalem, the first one ever. On Monday evening, Netanyahu pitted this crowd of several thousand people against those formed by his opponents, which were far greater in number. You have 70.62% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. We are speaking up to save the 120,000 Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), including 30,000 children. Under blockade since December 12, 2022, the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh is literally suffocating amid a deafening silence and embarrassing indifference. This letter is a demand for strong action from France and the international community. The Senat and then the Assemblee Nationale voted almost unanimously for resolutions condemning Azerbaijan, demanding sanctions against its leaders and calling for the recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, convinced that this is the key to lasting peace in the South Caucasus. These votes have so far not been followed up with any actions. France because it is morally, historically and culturally partnered with Armenia must act to stop the ongoing ethnic cleansing and strongly sanction Azerbaijan. As a priority, this requires humanitarian action as promised by French President Emmanuel Macron. Nagorno-Karabakh has become an open-air prison The Lachin corridor, the only access route from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, has been closed for 100 days under the pretext that so-called Azeri environmental activists are carrying out an operation in the area. Investigations have proved that Azeri special forces are on the ground. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are being subjected to a low-key war by revisionist states, which, beyond this region, are disputing the very borders of Armenia, now referred to as "West Azerbaijan," which is a historical nonsense and a violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and of international law. Nagorno-Karabakh has become an open-air prison, where, on a daily basis, the inhabitants lack everything: food, supplies and the most basic hygiene products. Azerbaijan randomly cuts off gas, electricity and internet networks, plunging the inhabitants of this mountainous region, where the temperature can drop to -10C, into the isolation of the freezing winter. International community's indifference The children are no longer going to school, as the schools have had to close for lack of heating and operating resources. The children in the Stepanakert hospital have run out of medicine and can no longer be treated. Only a few of them were able to be evacuated to Yerevan as an emergency by the Red Cross. Two hundred babies have been born but what will their future be, in a region devastated by the 2020 war and, perhaps, by a new conflict that is stealthily being prepared? The Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh is dying amid the indifference of the international community. Is the sovereignty, the existence, the very life of Armenians worth less than that of Ukrainians? The solidarity that we show rightly for Ukraine is inconsistent with the inaction and silence that characterize the treatment and reporting of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. You have 53.32% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended up taking a significant step backward on Monday, March 27, by agreeing to a pause in the controversial institutional reform that has been heating up his country. The shockwave caused the day before by what he considered an act of authority, the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Galant, showed how the political instinct that has long been his main asset has been blunted. Alarmed by weeks of protests, Golant had pleaded for a freeze on a reform that a large part of the Hebrew state's population is against. They believe that the project, which openly aims to weaken the judiciary, threatens its democratic foundations. By ruthlessly getting rid of Golant, Netanyahu brought this protest movement to a head and provoked a formal intervention by President Isaac Herzog, precipitating this tactical pause. While he had taken great pains to neutralize the extremist elements of the most right-wing coalition in the country's history, Netanyahu has ended up their hostage. This is true to the extent that the Palestinian question is emerging from the locked drawer in which it was kept. One mandate too many? When a section of the Israeli population began to demonstrate against the divisive reform, they initially refused to make the connection with the daily denial of basic Palestinian rights. Yet safeguarding these rights is of the same moral imperative as preserving the rights of Israelis. The indignities of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a Jewish supremacist who justified a punitive operation by radical settlers in a Palestinian village after a bombing, and then denied the very existence of a Palestinian people, started to open people's eyes. Netanyahu can hardly count on his experience in international affairs to create a diversion. Relations with the United States remain acrimonious. Joe Biden has not forgotten the Likud leader's bad manners when he was Vice President from 2009 to 2017 and saw him playing the Republican Congress against the Democratic White House. The institutional reform project has not helped and Washington remains reluctant to officially invite Netanyahu to the White House, which is a bitter disappointment for Israel, given the importance for them of relations between the two countries. The recent normalization between Iran and Saudi Arabia under the auspices of China has also dealt a severe blow to Netanyahu's ambition to isolate Tehran in the Middle East. While the Abraham Accords in 2020 had allowed Israel to forge historic ties with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, the appeasement between the region's two major Sunni and Shiite powers again marginalized the Jewish state and reduced the Israeli prime minister to the role of a spectator. While he has been at the head of this weakened coalition for less than three months, the question is now being openly asked: Is this one too many terms of office for Netanyahu, who is now burdened by record unpopularity? One after another, the factors of the Likud leader's unprecedented longevity seem to be turning against him. Despite his latest maneuver, there are still doubts about his ability to overcome the crisis that he himself has provoked. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Israel's long crusade against the Supreme Court Ajouter a vos selections Ajouter a vos selections Pour ajouter larticle a vos selections identifiez-vous Sinscrire gratuitement Se connecter Vous possedez deja un compte ? Le Monde Translation of an original article published in French on lemonde.fr; the publisher may only be liable for the French version. A FORMER Limerick solicitor who gave undertakings to a mortgage company to purchase properties, worth more than 1m, that were never bought will begin a two-year prison sentence later this week. Michael Small, aged 56, of Renville, Oranmore, Galway gave undertakings to a lending institution in the course of drawing down loans that the money would be applied to the purchase of the properties stated in clients' mortgage applications. The court heard the money was drawn down into an account but the properties were not purchased. Lawyers for Mr Small said he did not substantially benefit personally from the offences, with the majority of the mortgage money either dispersed to clients, mortgage brokers or elsewhere. The former solicitor previously entered guilty pleas at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges of deception and false accounting on dates between 2008 and 2009. He has no previous convictions. The offences took place over a two-year period while he was in practice as a solicitor in Limerick and came to light when Small self-reported to the Law Society, which then launched an investigation. Judge Martin Nolan said Mr Small had represented to a lending institution that he would do something and did not. He said if he had not given the undertaking, the money would not have been paid out. Judge Nolan said what happened to the money post these offences was complicated and it seemed the money had gone many ways. He said certain parties seemed to have profited unduly that probably should not have. He noted some of the injured parties had been recompensed by the Law Society and others, for particular reasons, had not. He said it was a complicated situation. He also noted that Mr Small had misled his accountant, giving rise to the false accounting charges. Judge Nolan said he accepted the defendant did not benefit to a great degree from these crimes but said he was the principal cause and the offences could not have occurred without his involvement. He took into account his pleas of guilty, co-operation and admissions to gardai. He noted he came from a good family, had excellent testimonials and was unlikely to reoffend. He said he could accept that Mr Small was academically bright but not the shrewdest man and that matters got on top of him. He said he was ill-suited to the business aspects of private practice. Judge Nolan said Mr Small had given a solemn undertaking however and had to comply. He remarked that the whole property transfer system depends on undertakings and the honesty and honour of solicitors entering and discharging oaths honestly. He said by reason of failing to comply with his undertaking, Mr Small deserved a term of imprisonment and he imposed a two year sentence. He granted an application to defer the beginning of the sentence to this Thursday. THE ringleader of a mob who threatened to kill a woman after a vigilante gang of men forced their way into her home in a Limerick village, will spend a further 18 months in prison after a successful appeal by the State. Last week, the three-judge Court of Appeal heard that William Lyons made his way along with two others, as part of a larger gang, into the home of the woman whose small children and partner were in the house with her at Cois Rioga, Caherconlish on February 17, 2021. At a sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, in November 2021, prosecution lawyers said that Lyons, aged 49, of Mount Singland, Garryowen, Limerick was suited and booted alongside a total of ten vigilantes when he arrived at the house at around 6.20pm. The sentencing court was told that Lyons of Mount Singland, Garryowen, Limerick, arrived at the house with others who had their faces covered and were carrying pitchforks and hurleys. In sentencing Lyons to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment, Judge Tom O'Donnell said the incident smacked of vigilantism that was unacceptable in any civilised society. He sentenced Lyons to three-and-a-half years' imprisonment but suspended the final year. Judge ODonnell said what happened was outrageous and premeditated and was clearly designed to instil fear and intimidate those in the house. Lyons had pleaded guilty to burglary, making a threat to kill and violent disorder. However, the State then successfully appealed against what they submitted was the unduly lenient two-and-a-half year jail sentence Lyons received. At the Court of Appeal this Tuesday, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the court had quashed the original sentence and would impose a jail term of four years. Reading the court's judgement, he said the sentencing judge had erred in fixing five years' imprisonment as the pre-mitigation headline sentence as it did not reflect the gravity of the offending. Mr Justice McCarthy said the totality of the offending was not reflected by the two-and-a-half year sentence when the accused was the leader of the gang who solicited others on the day. The judge identified a headline sentence of seven years, remarking that eleven men were involved in total in a premeditated and orchestrated group invasion into a family home. Mr Justice McCarthy said a child had been injured by smashed glass during the incident, which had adverse effects on the victims. He said Lyons did not come to court benefiting from a good character but that he was entitled to mitigation for his guilty plea, his difficult family circumstances and his wifes poor health. Mr Justice McCarthy said the court would increase the original sentence by 18 months to four years' imprisonment with no part of that sentence suspended. At the undue leniency hearing, Monika Leech BL, for the State, said the trial judge erred in identifying five years as a headline sentence as it failed to reflect the seriousness of the offending and the physical and psychological harm done to the victim. She said a forceful mob had turned up at the house and damaged lights and windows with the victim's very small baby suffering small cuts to its forehead from smashed window glass. Ms Leech said the incident was aggravated because it occurred at a private home and that the respondent had led the mob to the house before telling the victim he would return to her home and kill her. She added that the victim could recognise Lyons as he was not wearing any face covering unlike the other members of the group. A CONFERENCE in Limerick will discuss the impact of the pandemic on young people. Organised by Limerick Youth Service (LYS), the conference titled Youth and Covid-19: Response, Recovery and Resilience, will take place at Thomond Park, on Wednesday, March 29 from 9:30 to 4pm. With LYS Be Well Youth Mental Health Advisory Panels, the conference will discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people, their resilience and its effect on their mental health and wellbeing. Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, Emer Smyth, will be the guest speaker alongside young people from the respective Youth Advisory Panels who will share their experience. Throughout the day, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in the following workshops: Covid-19 and Substance Use with the Community Substance Misuse Team, Body Image and Eating Disorders with Fierna Kennedy, and Sexual Violence, Adolescence and Responding to Disclosure with Dr. Michelle Walsh from Rape Crisis Centre. The conference will also feature the featuring workshop: Interactive Consultation: Youth Voices with LYS Youth Advisory Panels. Each year, Limerick Youth Service (LYS) engages with over 4,500 young people, and provides them with a diverse range of youth work, education, training, employability, as well as volunteering opportunities. Limerick Youth Service supports a number of youth work projects across Limerick city and county. Cambodia Airways launches Phnom Penh-Beijing direct flight Xinhua) 16:41, March 28, 2023 PHNOM PENH, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia Airways has launched its first direct flight between Phnom Penh and Beijing, aiming to meet rising travel demand between the two destinations, the airline operator said in a press release on Tuesday. An inaugural flight KR991 landed at Beijing Daxing International Airport on Monday, the press release said, adding that the first flight KR991, operated by an Airbus-A320 aircraft, departed from Phnom Penh International Airport in the morning and landed at Beijing Daxing International Airport in the afternoon. On the same day, the return flight KR992 departed from Beijing in the afternoon and arrived in Phnom Penh in the evening, it added. "Prior to the departure, Cambodia Airways was determined to make the trip memorable for our passengers by preparing some special souvenirs to be distributed at the boarding gate," the press release said. Cambodia Airways is offering a three-times-a-week service, scheduled regularly on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the press release said. "The opening of this new route is expected to strengthen trade, investment, culture and tourism ties between the two cities," Simon Xu, commercial director of Cambodia Airways, told Xinhua. "We hope that this new route will help bring more Chinese tourists, business people and investors to Cambodia," he said. Several airlines have recently resumed direct flights between Cambodian and Chinese cities after the world's second largest economy optimized its anti-COVID-19 strategy and resumed its outbound group tours earlier this year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) New Delhi (India), March 28: Bikanervala, a renowned Indian food chain, has embarked on a digital transformation journey by adopting Google Workspace with the support of Shivaami, Google Clouds partner with specialization in Google Workspace solutions. The move will enable the customer to enhance their productivity, collaboration, and communication. Bikanervala stored information in files across multiple email systems and they realised that this was not the most efficient way of storing and sharing information. Google Workspace was an obvious choice with features like advanced security and management controls, two-factor authentication, and data encryption. The customer saw increased user security even with mobile usage, greater admin control, and device management. The use of Google Workspace improved cost savings significantly with reduced downtime for Bikanervala. Mr Ankit Aggarwal, CIO of Bikanervala, said, "Before adopting Google Workspace - we were using two email solutions from different systems for our brands Bikanervala and Bikano. This created challenges in our ability to sync and connect across both brands, while raising many security challenges. Google Workspace became the one-stop solution that allowed us to work in sync and also nullified the security concern. With the implementation of Google Workspace, our 4200+ employees spread across 150 locations both in India and globally can now collaborate securely and seamlessly". Mr Abhinav Kishore - India Head, SMB at Google Cloud said, "We are excited to help Bikanervala leverage the power of Google Workspace and drive better collaboration and efficiency across their organization without compromising on security. With Google Workspace they have totally reimagined the way they work across multiple locations in this hybrid working era." Shivaami played a critical role in the successful adoption of Google Workspace at Bikanervala. The company's experts provided end-to-end support, from planning to implementation to training and support. They ensured a smooth transition to the new system and helped Bikarnervala's employees adapt to the new tools. Commenting on the successful implementation, Mr Punit Thakkar, CEO of Shivaami, said, "We are thrilled to announce our successful implementation of Google Workspace for our valued client Bikanervala. Shivaami's team worked diligently to provide comprehensive solutions, including assessment, training, and enablement- resulting in a smooth transition for Bikanervala. Our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity has enabled us to deliver world-class solutions that empower our clients to thrive in today's digital age. We are excited to continue to drive transformative change and deliver value to our clients with Google Cloud technologies." Bikarnervala's adoption of Google Workspace with support from Shivaami demonstrates how imperative it is for businesses to focus on digital transformation in today's business environment. The move will help the company to streamline its operations, improve collaboration, and enhance customer service. About Shivaami: With 18+ years of experience in bridging the gap between technology and business for 12,000+ customers across the Globe. Shivaami is an authorized Google Workspace reseller with a mission to bring the latest cloud solutions to all businesses and enhance their cloud transformation journey. For us, the service of our clients has always remained our focal point. Shivaami is a Google Cloud Specialization Partner in Work Transformation and a three-time winner of 2021 Google Cloud Expansion Partner of the Year, 2020 Google Cloud Expansion Partner Of the Year, and 2019 Google Cloud Global Diversity & Inclusion Partner of the Year. About Bikanervala: Their Journey started when two members of the Lalji family moved to Delhi to set up a stall in Paranthe Wali Gali of Chandni Chowk by the name of Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar. The people of Delhi relished Bikanervalas Bikaneri Bhujia and Rasogollas and lovingly started calling them Bikanervala". In 1969, Shyam Sunder Aggarwal joined the family business group when he was just 17 and perfected the delicious burfi made from cashew that is today known as Kaju Katli". In 1988, Bikanervala launched packaged foods products brand Bikano. Since then they have launched five manufacturing plants including our Jevar plant that they recently inaugurated on 13th March 2023. They are available in Dubai, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Europe, UK, Thailand, Philippines, and in many other countries Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Mynavi Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Yoshiaki Tsuchiya, hereinafter Mynavi") has acquired People Matters Media Private Limited (Location: Gurgaon, India; CEO: Ester Martinez), an HR media platform operator in India, recently and made it a subsidiary. This is the first time Mynavi has acquired an Indian company as a subsidiary. Background of the acquisition People Matters provides information on the latest trends, ideas, and knowledge related to HR in its own media products. The company is also known for hosting People Matters TechHR, Asias largest HR Tech conference, in India and Singapore. It has established a dominant position in India by helping all professionals in HR, including executives and HR personnel, to find solutions to their challenges. India, as a country experiencing population and economic growth, a country producing IT talent, and a hub for startups, has attracted investment from around the world and has become a central presence in the Asian and global economies. At the same time, it is a country where there are significant disparities and social issues. With the acquisition, Mynavi aims to leverage the global insights, brand power, and network of People Matters in the HR field and further expand Mynavis business in India and Asia. In addition, Mynavi will contribute to solving Indias social issues through its business. Mynavi Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mynavi-solutions-india-pvt-ltd/ Email: info@mynaviindia.com Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Last week, a report published by Bloomberg Media Studios in partnership with DBS, the largest bank in Southeast Asia, revealed that while 85 per cent of medium-sized and 75 per cent of small companies state that ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) is a high priority, only 37 per cent have a clear roadmap on how to achieve their goals. The report published in the form of an e-book and titled "Catalyst of Sustainability", was a result of a survey conducted in August last year involving 800 SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) across six markets in Asia namely India, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore. Also Read: India Inc is scoring big on ESG; on par with global peers The study engaged over 937 decision-makers in industries covering real estate, mobility, power, agriculture and F&B/Hospitality. In-depth interviews with 11 decision-makers from SMEs were also conducted to further understand the barriers and opportunities around sustainability. SMEs have an important role to play to address climate change. According to the World Bank, SMEs account for 90 per cent of businesses and more than half of employment worldwide, yet many lack access to financing, technology, and expertise to embrace sustainability. The report found that on whole, business leaders have positive attitudes towards sustainability with over eight in ten agreeing amongst other things that their company's operations should gear toward protecting the environment and they should incorporate sustainability values when selecting investment projects. "Being ethical is most important," said a leader at an F&B company in Taiwan in the report. "You basically do what is morally right as a business." Also read: MSCI ESG raters flag governance risks at embattled Adani Group On average, Asian companies that considered ESG a high priority allocated 18 per cent of their budget to ESG projects. They expect allocation to reach 19.8 per cent within the next three years, with the lion's share going towards environmental projects. Decision makers in the study cited that the environment has the greatest impact on their industries with waste management, climate change and carbon footprint being key focus areas. Although complying with regulations, attracting talent, boosting revenue, pleasing stakeholders, and simply doing the right thing were the main motivators for SMEs to embrace ESG, the survey respondents say that unclear reporting standards and financial concerns are the common barriers to ESG adoption. Over a third of SMEs pointed out challenges around return on investment, cost of deployment and meeting growth targets. The lack of clarity on ESG standards presented another challenge. "It's very hard for us to find the right criteria to measure our ESG performance," said a leader at a logistics and supply chain company in India. "Currently, we base our progress on energy savings compared to last year to see how well we've done." The report discovered that most SMEs are serious about ESG and plan to make it an integral part of their business but many are still in the early stage of their journey. Around 83 per cent of small companies and 92 per cent of medium-sized companies have a strategy in place or are creating one, but only 37 per cent have a clear roadmap on how to achieve their goals. Most SMEs prioritised initiatives that might improve their bottom line and those that can be immediately actioned. Currently, they are focusing more on identifying sustainability issues that are affecting their businesses rather than formulating ESG frameworks and long-term strategies that would take years to fulfil. "We have our long-term mission but not strategies," said the leader of a Chinese real estate and construction company. "We just don't have resources to investigate and plan ESG initiatives for the next ten years down the road." While long-term planning may be difficult, Yulanda Chung, Head of Sustainability, Institutional Banking Group, DBS, suggests practical steps: "SMEs can start by identifying material ESG elements to focus on and then evaluate whether these elements could improve their bottom line." "Analysing industry trends and best practices is another important step to take early on." Chung adds. "SMEs can use the learnings to conduct risk analysis and understand the accompanying consequences if they do not align to industry standards and government guidelines. These exercises can also help them identify opportunities and begin to plan a course of action. Over time, they can turn this into a timebound, actionable and quantifiable roadmap." Reporting requirements can hinder the ESG journey for SMEs. SMEs do not have the same resources as large corporations to embark on ESG reporting. The lack of a homogenous framework or standardised guidelines also leads to wide inconsistencies in measuring success and performance. Respondents to the survey also said that companies expect banks to first and foremost provide overall ESG consultancy, followed by financial assistance, then thought leadership. Many companies, SMEs in particular, are unsure if their ESG initiatives qualify for green financing. A company that has benefited from consulting with financial institutions with regards to its ESG plans is Gurgaon-based ReNew Power. ReNew is one of India's largest Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and has almost 1,700 employees with an annual turnover of INR 69.1 billion (USD 912 million). It produces renewable energy through wind, solar and hydroelectric power. To meet the challenge of the intermittency of power generated by renewable sources, it had sought financing to build the largest-ever single Indian renewable energy project. The 1,300 MW Round-the-Clock (RTC) battery-enabled project consists of three wind farms and one solar-plus-battery-storage farm with 100 MWh storage capacity across three states. Together they will provide 400 MW of electricity to SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India). Initially, ReNew found it difficult to raise debt as the business is non-traditional and hence does not offer lenders the high degree of certainty in debt serviceability as some other industries do. However, it eventually managed to secure USD1 billion through a consortium of lenders including DBS. "When it comes to SMEs, we understand the many challenges they face transitioning to more sustainable business models. But given that they are the lifeblood of economies, it is imperative that SMEs successfully make the transition," said Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Chinas stagnant steel demand and rising exports despite the lifting of pandemic curbs could depress prices worldwide, posing trouble for Indian steel exporters. Expectations were high that the Chinese economy would rebound after the easing of covid restrictions, boosting global steel demand and prices. Being the largest consumer of commodities, improved China demand can help support global steel demand and prices at a time concerns of a recession in developed economies remain high. In China, despite financial indicators being better than expected, we await signs of demand pick-up," said analysts at ICICI Securities. Chinas weak domestic demand also comes as its steel production is rising, leading to higher risks on exports and, thereby, pressure on global steel prices. Nomura Research suggested that China steel exports in February surged 70% from a year earlier, the highest since 2017, while for the first two months of 2023, total exports were up 49% from a year earlier and remained higher than the corresponding period of 2018-2022. Chinas steel production rose 5.6% year-on-year in the first two months of 2023. On the other hand, China steel imports during February, at 0.63 mt (million tonnes), were down sharply by 33.7%, whereas for 2MCY23, steel imports came in at 1.23 mt, 40% lower than the 2.2 mt average over 2017-2022, amid weak China domestic demand. During 2MCY23, steel demand in China was down 1.3% versus the corresponding period in 2022 and was also lower than that in the corresponding period of 2020-21. Weak domestic steel demand in China, resulting in higher steel exports, is likely to exert downward pressure on steel prices globally," said analysts at Nomura Research. As Chinas steel demand uptick remains important for better global steel prospects, the onset of peak construction season in the country in April will be closely watched. For now, Indian steel prices are also showing a mixed trend from stable to lower for various product categories. For the week ending 24 March, domestic hot-rolled coil prices in the traders market fell 300 a tonne week-on-week to 59,700 per tonne, as per ICICI Securities data. The same is also is being attributed to local holidays and the festive season, which includes Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Navratri and Ramzan. Meanwhile, declining raw material prices, especially that of coking coal, however, are expected to support the profitability of steel manufacturers. Premium hard coking coal has corrected 10% from the preceding month to around $351 a tonne. Australian coal supply that was disrupted due to climatic conditions and logistics bottlenecks is now easing and will be positive to keep coal prices under check. The pressure on global steel prices is partly due to the ongoing global banking crisis. Analysts at Motilal Oswal Institutional Equities said, The bleak global outlook triggered by the banking crisis, coupled with year-end liquidity issues, and multiple festivals in March...have kept the buying interest at trade levels low. This has drifted the steel sector to Wait and Watch mode." The Indian Banks Association (IBA) has started working with banks to cater to the financing needs of startups following the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) crisis. In its first meeting on Tuesday, the association discussed ways to expand the banking industrys outreach programme for startups, said a top executive. This follows finance minister Nirmala Sitharamans meet with public sector banks for reviewing their performance on various financial parameters amid global uncertainties. In the meeting, Sitharaman also asked public sector banks to be watchful of global developments and take measures to protect themselves against any financial shocks. Banks are setting up branches for startups. The finance minister has asked IBA to work on how to create products and services for startups. We will offer a blended product for equity and debt. One way is that banks will invest in venture capital funds," said chief executive of IBA, Sunil Mehta. In early March, Mint reported that Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank, along with the Indian unit of HSBC, had built crack teams to assist startups affected by the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, and open new dollar accounts in the Gift City in Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The lenders have set up specialized teams to assist startups in moving funds to their branches in the Gift City following the lifting of the transaction freeze at SVB. ICICI Bank too said that it set up a dedicated team to help the startups move their funds from SVB. IBA is considering a common outreach programme for banks to reach out to startups by creating nodal banks, appoint nodal officers and create a platform for banks and customers to meet. Banks are looking at offering activities like transaction banking, advisory on taxation, etc," said a banker seeking anonymity. Majority of startups, which were affected by the SVB crisis include Indias software-as-a-service startups which have a large customer base in the US, and those backed by Y Combinator (a US accelerator). New Delhi: Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL) has picked up a 49% stake in Indonesian metals company, New Yaking Pte. Ltd, for about $157 million ( 1,233 crore), it said in a statement on Tuesday. The joint venture will allow JSL to investment, develop, construct and operate a nickel pig iron (NPI) smelter facility located in an industrial park in Halmahera Islands, Indonesia. The strategic collaboration offers benefits of backward integration as JSL would have a stake in the business of NPI. The unit is likely to be commissioned within two years, with an annual nameplate production capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, with an average 14% Ni Content, JSL added. This is the first-ever strategic partnership by an Indian company for securing a stake in nickel reserves, globally, as India is deficient in nickel ore. This path breaking collaboration will enhance value for stakeholders with JSL acquiring a stake in nickel supply to create raw material security for its stainless steel operation. This acquisition will usher a sharp competitive advantage to JSL in the Indian and international markets," Abhyuday Jindal, managing director, Jindal Stainless, said. Nickel price has been a key factor in stainless steel business across the globe. Furthermore, geopolitical uncertainties, logistical issues, and covid-induced constraints, often affect demand supply dynamics of nickel, thereby increasing the cost for user industries such as stainless steel. Currently, JSL meets a bulk of its nickel requirement via stainless steel scrap, and NPI- ferro nickel. This collaboration will secure an ample supply of NPI for JSL. Founded in 1970, Jindal Stainless (comprising JSL and Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Ltd) posted a turnover of $4.20 billion in FY22. The firms annual melting capacity is set to reach 2.9 million tonnes by the end of FY23. It owns two manufacturing complexes in India, in Haryana and Odisha, as well as an overseas unit in Indonesia. Besides, it has six service centres in India and one in Spain. It also has a world-wide network of 14 offices and 10 sales offices in India. Its products ranges from stainless steel slabs, blooms, coils, precision strips, plates, blade steel, coin blanks and sheets. Kotak groups alternative assets unit Kotak Investment Advisors Limited (KIAL) has announced the first close of Kotak Strategic Situations Fund II IFSC (KSSF II), raising $1.25 billion (approximately 10,200 crore) to provide strategic solution capital across growth and value companies. Domiciled in Gujarats GIFT City, KSSF II is a category II AIF (alternative investment fund) with a target to raise $1.6 billion corpus. The sector-agnostic fund will provide equity, debt capital and hybrid capital, KIAL said in a statement. A fund registered at the GIFT city is granted with special dispensations to AIFs to equip them with higher operational flexibility and help maintain tax efficiency. Last month, VCCircle reported that Kotaks investment arms existing investors Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), along with Singaporean wealth fund GIC and Premji Invest, are understood to have made anchor commitments of around $1.2 billion. The impressive performance of the Kotak Special Situations Fund has seen significant commitments from international investors, including Sovereign Wealth Funds & Pension Funds investing in KSSF follow-on fund (KSSF II), KIALs statement added. The new fund size is a notch higher than its previous $1 billion Kotak Special Situations Fund (KSSF) launched four years ago. In February, KSSF marked its full deployment making a total of 14 investments concluding with its 1,070 crore (about $129 million) fund infusion in Kiran Mazumdar Shaw-led Biocon Ltd. Its other bets include speciality chemicals firm DCW, listed cement player Sanghi Industries Ltd, AGS Transact Technologies, Sify Infinit Spaces Ltd, Gold Plus Glass Industry Ltd, logistics firm TVS Supply Chain Solutions, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd, stressed HKR Roadways owned by a consortium led by Gayatri Group, among others. Riding on the success of the first Special Situations Fund, our investors have reposed faith in us by re-upping their large commitments in the second fund. In line with the changing market, the fund is now positioned to provide strategic solution capital for unique circumstances and to finance the impending capex growth cycle that we expect to play out over the next couple of years," said Eshwar Karra, CEO-Kotak Special Situations Fund, KIAL. Rahul Chhaparwal, Executive Director at Kotak Special Situations Fund, further said that global capital availability and the return parameters that meet a relative value proposition for India has changed in the last six months. Domestic capital availability will also recalibrate basis the latest budget announcements. This fund raise has come at an appropriate time to serve corporate India with a unique positioning." KIAL, a part of Kotak Mahindra Group (Kotak), focuses on alternate assets management and investment advisory businesses. The alternative assets division was the prime driver of the Kotak's overall asset management business over the last one year. The firm's AUM under alternative assets shot up from 19,999 crore as of 31 December, 2021 to 32,137 crore as of December 31, 2022. KIAL was set up in early 2005 and has raised/managed/advised over $ 8.7 billion across different asset classes including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, special situations and listed strategies. "In FY2023, Kotak Alternate Asset Management has successfully closed five large value funds aggregating ~$3.6 billion of dedicated global capital targeting investment across industries and sectors like infra, real estate and data centres. This close of KSSF II will take the aggregate funds raised to over $8.7 billion. Kotak Alternate Asset Management is establishing itself as Indias largest Multi Asset Manager for discerning Investors," said Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director at KIAL. NEW DELHI : The central government has cancelled the licences of 18 drug companies for allegedly manufacturing spurious drugs following extensive inspections by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), an official said on Tuesday. As many as 76 pharma companies were inspected across 20 states and UTs jointly by state and central drug regulators. As part of clean-up drive, the union government has identified around 203 pharma companies. Under phase 1, we have taken action against 76 pharma companies in the last 15 days. Their licences have been cancelled allegedly for manufacturing spurious/sub standard drugs and violating good manufacturing practices," the official said. Around 26 drug makers have been issued show cause notices. According to the official, the majority of the pharma companies under the government scanner are from Himachal Pradesh (70), Uttarakhand (45) and Madhya Pradesh (23). In addition, the union health ministry is drafting regulations for e-pharmacy stores with stronger actions against them. This is being done due to rising data privacy concerns, fraudulent practices and irrational sale of drugs. The fresh regulations are likely to be incorporated in a revised version of New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill, 2023. The crackdown on pharma companies comes at a time when India has suffered a blow to its reputation as a manufacturer and global supplier of quality drugs. In the recent past, toxic cough syrups have caused childrens deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan; and contaminated eye drops in the US have been linked to loss of vision and one death. New Delhi: Coca-Cola India owned Thums Up has launched a new television campaign Toofan Glass Mein Nahin, Glass Se Peete Hain with actors Shahrukh Khan, and Vijay Deverakonda. The campaign, the company said, encourages consumers to have the ultimate experience by consuming the aerated beverage from a returnable glass bottle, which enhances its strong taste with rising fizz. The campaign has an integrated 360-degree marketing across TV, social, digital, and OOH. The television commercial revolves around the enriching experience of drinking the beverage. This commercial builds on the brands recent campaigns on strong taste and how it pairs well with the strong flavours of biryani. Tish Condeno, senior category director, sparkling flavours for the company in India and southwest Asia, said, The campaign featuring Shahrukh Khan and southern superstar Vijay Deverakonda resonates with the brands ideology of experiencing thunder from a returnable glass bottle." The company added that the launch of the campaign reinstates the brands focus on providing consumers with a consumption experience directly through glass bottles. Returnable glass bottles are part of its commitment to accelerate circular solutions for packaging, it added. It said it has a World Without Waste strategy which focuses on the entire packaging lifecyclefrom how bottles and cans are designed and produced to how theyre collected, recycled and repurposed. Ritu Sharda, chief creative officer, Ogilvy India (North), the company that came up with the campaign said This is the strongest drink in the market, and the whole act of Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Deverakonda grabbing a glass bottle from the chiller, and just having it straight up felt raw and strong." According to think tank ICRIER, Indias non-alcoholic beverages market could grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% and hit 1.47 trillion by 2030. In 2019, the size of the overall beverages market including carbonated soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and fruit-based beverages was about 67,100 crore. Vedanta Ltd on Tuesday informed that Ajay Goel has resigned from the position of acting chief financial officer with effect from 9 April, 2023. The company said that Ajay Goel resigned to pursue opportunities outside the group and it will announce the details of the successor in due course, in a regulatory filing. Taken note of the resignation of Mr. Ajay Goel from the post of Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company effective from close of business hours on April 09, 2023, to pursue career outside of the Group," said Vedanta in a regulatory filing. "The Company and Board placed on record its appreciation for the commitment and contribution made by him during his tenure and wish him very best for his future endeavours," the filing added. The resignation comes at a time when Anil Agarwal led Vedanta Group, is struggling to deleverage its balance sheet, with credit rating agencies raising refinancing risks for the companys bonds. Recently, Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd said that talks of any stake sale in the mining major was "untrue and baseless", reported Reuters, after a media report that the tycoon was weighing selling less than 5% stake in the company. Agarwals Vedanta Resources Ltd., which owns about 70% of Vedanta, has been in talks with at least three banks for a loan of as much as $1 billion, Bloomberg News reported earlier this month. The discussions are ongoing and no final decisions have been made on the loan. Vedanta Ltd on Tuesday declared its fifth interim dividend of 20.50 per equity share or 2050 per cent for financial year 2022-23, amounting to 7,621 crore. The company has fixed 7 April, 2023, as the dividend record date. On Tuesday, the company's scrip ended 0.55% up at 274.20 on BSE. New Delhi: Looks Salon India on Tuesday announced the appointment of Samir Srivastav as the chief executive officer of the business. Srivastav comes with 22 years of work experience; his last stint was as the CEO of Jean-Claude Biguine Salon and Spa (JCB Chain of Salons). Srivasta has been roped in as the company expands the presence of the Looks brand in the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. As part of its strategy, Looks Salon plans to roll out Looks Barber Shopa male grooming services salon. Additionally, the chain plans to launch its own range of skin care and body care products. Indias beauty market has thrived over the last few years as consumers trade up to better products and services. Looks Salon was started by Sanjay Dutta 1989 with a small barber shop. Today the chain has a total of 190 outlets across 51 cities. Nearly 50 more outlets are in the pipeline. Looks hopes to open 500 salons by the end of 2026. Srivastav will mentor the companys directors, Samay Dutta, Sabhya Dutta and Shivam Dutta. Looks Salon is ranked as one of the top 10 brands in the beauty and wellness space. Samir is particularly known in the industry for building brands using a champion framework. He has the right blend of experience and knowledge to lead the group business and scale the growth path. With Samir at the helm, we are excited to see the next phase of expansion for the brand," said Samay Dutta, managing director, Looks Salon India. When the bidders for India's multibillion-dollar incentive to make solar components were announced in early March, the absence of corporate behemoth Adani Group was conspicuous. The group which set up a gigantic factory to make solar equipment in 2016, more than tripled its capacity to make solar panels since 2017 and have begun making silicon materials needed to convert the sun rays to electricity was expected to bid in a large way," said Chiranjeev Saluja, the managing director of Premier Energies, an Indian solar components manufacturer. The absence is another indication of the holding pattern the group has been in since U.S. short-selling firm Hindenburg Research alleged in late January that the businesses had engaged in fraud and stock price manipulation. Spooked investors dumped tens of billions of dollars in shares, while the company's purported proximity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated politics in past weeks. The group has a considerable stake in India's clean energy future: Adanis renewable energy ambitions account for 10% of the countrys clean energy goals. But some analysts say the group's woes wont hurt Indias energy transition, especially in the medium and long term. And with a big government-favored player like Adani forced to scale down, companies that were reluctant to bid for clean energy projects in India are likely to step up now, leading to a more competitive market and bigger investments in green energy in India, market watchers say. The Adani Group, led by founder Gautam Adani, influences the lives of millions in India. It builds roads and runs airports, operates some of its biggest ports, makes defense equipment, and sells cooking oil. More recently, the tycoon who made his fortune betting on coal in an energy-starved nation in the 1990s and remains the largest private developer of new fossil fuel projects in India, had set his eyes on becoming its biggest renewable energy player by 2030. The group has a clean energy portfolio of over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy, including 10 gigawatts of solar power, accounting for about 5% of clean energy nationwide. Its renewable energy portfolio is spread across 12 Indian states and includes one of the worlds largest solar power plants in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Last September, Gautam Adani said the group would invest $70 billion in clean energy projects by 2032. What appears to have changed, at least in the short term, is the group's ability to raise funds for its ambitious expansion plans. Adani is still working on existing renewables projects but not those in the pipeline. Frances TotalEnergies paused a $4 billion investment plan to develop green hydrogen with the Adani Group. It's also not bid for any new projects since the Hindenburg report. But India's power minister R. K. Singh dismissed concerns in February that the stock for Adani's green companies along with the rest of his portfolio plummeting could affect the country's green ambitions in any way. Vinay Rustagi, managing director at the renewable energy consultancy Bridge to India, agrees that long-term effects will be minimal, but said there may be short-term hits. And there may be benefits to opening space for other companies, said Tim Buckley, director of Australia-based Climate Energy Finance who has been tracking the Adani Groups growth for decades. Buckley said there are other Indian companies interested in investing in renewable energy and now there could be an acceleration of Indias transition to cleaner energy. India is the largest emitter of planet-warming gases behind China, the U.S. and the EU, and aims to produce 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. That would require that a little more than half of India's total installed capacity be clean by the end of the decade. But Adani Group's continuing interest in new fossil fuel projects put the Indian government under pressure to deliver a fossil fuel agenda and less pressure to deliver on renewables," said Buckley. At the end of the day, its about removing the biggest single private developer of new fossil fuel projects in India, reducing their impact on the political system and democracy in India," he said. The company has consistently aligned itself with Indias national priorities and was an early mover into sectors like hydrogen or storing power that were important for the government. Since the report, Indias opposition parties have demanded a probe into the company and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis proximity to Gautam Adani. Outside of the Adani Group, major Indian clean energy companies like Renew power, Tata power, Greenko energy holdings and the government-funded National Thermal Power Corporation are aggressively increasing their renewable energy capacity. Analysts say Indias renewables market is also attractive for foreign investors given the enormous potential for fast growth. The country needs to build 35 to 40 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year to meet its 2030 targets. With so many players keen to invest in India, Rustagi said any ripple effects of the Adani ordeal on the sector will likely be temporary." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. A legal notice has been served to Netflix asking them to remove the first episode of season two of popular sitcom Big Bang Theory for comparing Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit. The political analyst Mithun Vijay Kumar has noted that in the first episode of the second season, two characters from the series- Raj Koothrapalli, played by Kunal Nayyar, and Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon Cooper compare Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. The legal notice has been sent to Netflix's office in Mumbai. In the scene in question, Sheldon Cooper calls Aishwarya Rai a poor man's Madhuri Dixit. In response to his comment, Raj Koothrapalli replies, "Aishwarya Rai is a goddess, by comparison, Madhuri Dixit is a leprous prostitute". Kumar said the character's comments are both disrespectful and defamatory. He has asked Netflix to remove the episode or face legal action for promoting discrimination against women. The notice has been sent to the Netflix office in Mumbai, as per the news agency. "Recently, I came across an episode of the show Big Bang Theory on Netflix where Kunal Nayyar's character uses an offensive and derogatory term to refer to the legendary Bollywood actress @MadhuriDixit. As a fan of Madhuri Dixit since childhood, I was deeply disturbed by the dialogue. I found it highly derogatory and offensive towards Indian culture and women. So I asked my lawyer to send a legal notice to Netflix, requesting that they remove the episode from their platform. It's important to hold media companies accountable for the content they distribute, and I hope that @NetflixIndia will take this matter seriously." Kumar wrote on Twitter. Recently, I came across an episode of the show Big Bang Theory on Netflix where Kunal Nayyar's character uses an offensive and derogatory term to refer to the legendary Bollywood actress @MadhuriDixit. As a fan of Madhuri Dixit since childhood, I was deeply disturbed by the pic.twitter.com/pvRCKd5Ne4 Mithun Vijay Kumar (@MVJonline) March 22, 2023 Mithun Vijay Kumar has asked the streamer to remove the episode in question or face legal action for promoting discrimination against women. Actor and MP from Samajwadi party Jaya Bachchan also shared her opinion on this scene in an interview with Times of India. The veteran actress asked if Kunal Nayyar is insane". And said that he has a badi gandi zubaan hai (he is foul-mouthed). She also went on to say that the actor needs to be sent to mental asylum," and his family should be asked what they think of his comment. "Big Bang Theory", a CBS sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, premiered in 2007, and concluded in 2019 after a 12 season run. The show revolved around Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon Cooper (Parsons), both physicists at Caltech, who share an apartment; Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a waitress living across the hall; and Leonard and Sheldon's friends and coworkers, aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali (Nayyar). All the 12 seasons of the show are available on Netflix. NEW DELHI : The impact of digital platforms extends beyond the common perception of catering to men, young people, and urban dwellers. Women, small-town residents, and people over 35 also actively explore content via these online channels, a report by Boston Consulting Group and Meta said. For instance, 78% of the surveyed male users of video streaming platforms said they use digital channels to engage after consuming content. It is equally high at 77% for women, the report added. In the Meta-commissioned repoindurt, Seeing the BIG Picture - Harnessing Digital to Drive M&E Growth, BCG surveyed over 2,600 consumers across 15 towns and cities. Over 50% are digitally influenced for consuming any contentdigital or offline, it said, while up to 50% of the content discovery happens off the platform or networkboth for TV and OTT. For linear TV viewers, more women (34%) are digitally influenced than men (26%) in the pre-viewing stage. Furthermore, 80% of consumers said not having good digital content to supplement linear TV programmes is a pain point. Audiences in India have already been initiated on their digital journey. Digital maturity has gone beyond the metros, and it is time for media companies to realise that they need to address and convince wider audiences to consume their content," said Shaveen Garg, managing director and partner BCG. The spectrum to market the content, once created, has now grown, extending to strategies like behind-the-scenes videos, influencers and short memes even after the content is out, Garg added. Shweta Bajpai, director and vertical head, media, finserv, travel, real estate and services, Meta in India, said not many media firms are using social media to target segments like women or older users since the common belief is they do not make up a big enough chunk of the viewer base. There is an opportunity for both organic promotions and in changing the media mix in paid ones." Digital consumption hours per per-day per-viewer has also grown from 2.1-2.2 hours in 2019 to 3-3.3 in 2022, the Meta BCG report said. While pay-TV households continue to grow in India, it is static or declining in the US and China. Besides, at 51%, the user base for OTT subscription video on demand is growing 3-4 times faster than in the US and China. Video verticals are catering to this appetite and are likely to grow at a 12% compound annual growth rate for the next three years, it said. There are 600 million online video viewers in India (50% up over 2019), and original content on OTT is likely to reach 4,000 hours by 2024 (twice that of 2019). Over 50% of all time spent on OTT by 2025 will be on vernacular content, the report added. The report said content consumption, such as linear TV, OTT and movies, has been vertical agnostic for over 40% of respondents, and around 71% of 35-plus consumers are being influenced by digital before watching OTT content, and 54% before watching movies. Around 66% of women are impacted by digital before watching OTT content, and 55% before watching films. Even as far as economic status goes, the percentage of the population influenced by digital before watching OTT remains the same at 76% for both below 10 lakh and above 10 lakh income groups. Around 81% of those surveyed is influenced by digital before watching OTT. That said, digital influence is at similar levels for regional and Hindi viewers but is driven by different channels. Over 60% of consumers seek information on content before deciding to watch anything. In fact, up to 80% of research occurs online across verticalsnearly 83% for watching OTT, and about 68% for content created by movie studios. The world's biggest crypto exchange Binance and its CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao were sued by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Monday for operating what the regulator alleged were an "illegal" exchange and a "sham" compliance programme. The CFTC sued Binance, Zhao and its former top compliance executive with "willful evasion" of U.S. law, "while engaging in a calculated strategy of regulatory arbitrage to their commercial benefit." The regulator's lawsuit comes amid a broader and increasingly high-profile crackdown on crypto companies. For years, U.S. prosecutors and civil investigators have targeted crypto firms for illegal offerings and failures to comply with rules designed to prevent illicit activity. But the pace of such government activity has surged recently. The CFTC said in its complaint on Monday that from at least July 2019 to the present, Binance "offered and executed commodity derivatives transactions on behalf of U.S. persons," in violation of U.S. laws. Binance's compliance programme has been "ineffective" and the firm, under the direction of Zhao, told employees and customers to circumvent compliance controls, the CFTC said, citing a number of practices first reported by Reuters in a series of investigations into the exchange last year. The CFTC also accused Binance's former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim of "aiding and abetting" Binance's violations. Lim did not immediately respond to calls and messages from Reuters. A spokesperson for Binance, which dominates the global digital asset sector, said the firm will continue to "collaborate" with regulators despite the lawsuit being "unexpected and disappointing". Binance has made "significant investments" to ensure it does not have U.S. users on its platform, the spokesperson said. CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam said in a statement that Binance executives knew for years "they were violating CFTC rules, working actively to both keep the money flowing and avoid compliance." The CFTC is responsible for oversight of commodities and derivatives markets, including for Bitcoin. Firms such as brokers that facilitate U.S. customers' trading of such products are required to be register with the agency. Reuters reported in December that the U.S. Justice Department had been investigating Binance since 2018 for possible money-laundering and sanctions violations. Binance has processed at least $10 billion in payments for criminals and companies seeking to evade U.S. sanctions, Reuters has found. Binance's cryptocurrency BNB, the world's fourth largest by market size, dropped around 4% on the news. Zhao, a billionaire who was born in China and moved to Canada at the age of 12, has not yet directly addressed the CFTC's allegations. In a tweet on Monday afternoon, he wrote "4" - a reference to a previous post listing his "Do's and Don'ts" for 2023. The fourth item on the list was "Ignore FUD, fake news, attacks," using an acronym for "fear, uncertainty and doubt" often used in crypto in relation to news perceived as negative. 'PIRATE SHIP' Founded in Shanghai in 2017, Binance sits at the heart of the global crypto industry. Its core Binance.com exchange processed trades worth about $23 trillion last year, according to data provider CryptoCompare. Trading volumes hit $34 trillion in 2021, Zhao said last year. With a holding company based in the Cayman Islands, Binance has never revealed the location of its core exchange. The CFTC charged the holding company and two other Binance units. Binance did not require customers to submit information verifying their identity before trading and "failed to implement basic compliance procedures designed to prevent and detect terrorist financing and money laundering," the CFTC said. The CFTC's complaint detailed Binance's efforts to retain U.S. customers even after the company, in partnership with a purportedly independent American firm, launched a U.S. exchange in 2019 to serve American customers in compliance with U.S. regulations. Reuters previously reported that this American firm, BAM Trading, was in fact controlled by Zhao and managed by Binance as a de-facto subsidiary. The CFTC said when Zhao hired BAMs first CEO, he "described Binance as a pirate ship and explained that he wished for Binance.US to be a navy boat." VIP Customers Though Binance's global business publicly said it was restricting U.S. customers from trading on its platform, the CFTC said Binance told its commercially valuable U.S.-based "VIP customers" how to evade its compliance controls. Zhao kept information reflecting Binance's U.S. customer base secret from some senior managers, CFTC said. In October 2020, Zhao directed Binance personnel to replace the U.S. value for some data fields in Binances internal database with "UNKWN", it said. Binance traded on its own platform through some 300 "house accounts," directly or indirectly owned by Zhao, though the exchange had not disclosed this activity in its public terms of use or elsewhere, according to CFTC. The house accounts were exempt from Binances insider trading" policy, the CFTC said. A top Binance executive told the Wall Street Journal in February that the company expected to pay penalties to resolve the U.S. investigations. The CFTC said it is seeking monetary penalties, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and permanent trading and registration bans. A small-cap company with a market cap of 111.85 Cr, Jost's Engineering Company operates in the capital goods industry. Founded in the year 1907, Jost's Engineering Company Limited is specialized in the production of material handling equipment (MHD) and is the manufacturer of engineering products (EPD) solutions. Pursuant to Regulation 42 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, we wish to inform you that the Company has fixed 28th April, 2023 as the Record date" for determining eligibility of members for the purpose of sub-division of the equity shares of the Company from Face Value of Rs. 5/- each fully paid-up to Face Value of Rs. 2/- each fully paid-up. Upon sub-division of face of value of each share from Rs. 5/- to Rs. 2/-, all fractions resulting from the sub-division of equity shares shall be consolidated into whole equity shares and the same will be disposed of at the market price and the net proceeds (less expenses, if any) will be distributed proportionately, as far as practicable, to the members concerned," said the Board of Jost's Engineering Company in a stock exchange filing. Jost's Engineering Company also said today in a stock exchange filing that The investment by way of purchase of 39,73,800 Equity Shares of MHE Rentals India Private Limited (MHE Rentals"), a Subsidiary Company, from the existing shareholders, in more than one tranche, at a price of Rs. 17.30 per equity share, arrived by the Registered Valuer in their Valuation Report, consequent to the completion of which MHE Rentals will become Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company. The investment in the share capital of M/s. JECL Engineering Limited ("JECL"), a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company and/or grant loans and advances to JECL and/or to give Guarantees on behalf of JECL, in one or more than one tranche with a maximum cap of Rs. 15.00 Crores. The proposed investment is towards setting up a project at Murbad, Maharashtra by M/s JECL Engineering Limited and also for operation of the said Project." The shares of Josts Engineering closed today on the BSE at 599.50 apiece level, up by 0.50% from the previous close of 596.50. In the last 1 year the stock has gained 30.54% and on a YTD basis it has rallied 27.72% so far in 2023. The stock touched a 52-week-high of 664.85 on (06/03/2023) and a 52-week-low of 375.00 on (16/05/2022), indicating that at the current market price, the stock is trading 59.86% above the 1 year low and 9.82% below the 1 year high. During Q3FY23, the company recorded a promoter shareholding of 49.48% and a public stake of 50.52%. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vipul Das Vipul Das is a Digital Business Content Producer at Livemint. He previously worked for Goodreturns.in (OneIndia News) and has over 5 years of expertise in the finance and business sector. Stocks, mutual funds, personal finance, tax, and banking are among his specialties, and he is a professional in industry research and business reporting. He received his bachelor's degree from Dr. CV Raman University and also have completed Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC). Read more from this author Day trading guide for today: After losing for two successive sessions, Indian stock market ended positive on Monday. NSE Nifty added 40 points and closed at 16,986 levels, BSE Sensex went up 126 points and finished at 57,653 mark whereas Nifty Bank index surged 35 points and ended at 39,431 levels. Broad market indices ended in the negative even as the advance decline ratio fell to 0.29:1. Day trading guide for Tuesday On outlook for Nifty today, Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities said, "The short term trend of Nifty continues to be weak with high volatility. The market is showing lack of strength to sustain the highs. There is a possibility of Nifty revisiting the recent swing lows of 16,800 is in the short term. Any attempt of upside bounce towards 17,100-17,150 levels could be a sell on rise opportunity." Unveiling day trading strategy for Tuesday, Ruchit Jain, Lead Research at 5paisa.com said, "Although the Nifty is locked in a range, the broader markets are witnessing sell-off and thus the Midcap and the Small-cap indices have broken their important medium term supports and are underperforming. Thus, trades should be cautious in these space and avoid aggressive trades here until reversal signs are seen." The Nifty Put writers seem to be extremely confident while going into the April series expiry as they are expecting a limited fall. The current OI distribution for Short strangles is at 16,500 on the downside and 18,000 on the upside for the April Expiry. This further implies that traders are keeping more room on the upside and lesser room on the downside, signalling that they are not convinced with the fall currently underway. Even for the current weekly expiry, traders are not yet expecting the fall to be very large below the 17,000 level, as the 17,000 short straddle players have not yet exited their positions or rolled down the strikes to lower straddles. If the Nifty index closes below the 16,750 level, all these sellers will get trapped leading to another 200 points fall in the Index, but until that happens, it is better to maintain a sideways to bearish view on the Index," said Rahul Ghose, Founder & CEO at Hedged. Day trading stocks to buy today On intraday stocks for today, stock market experts Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Anuj Gupta, Vice President Research at IIFL Securities and Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager Technical Research at Anand Rathi recommended 6 stocks to buy today. Sumeet Bagadia's intraday stocks for today 1] Sun Pharma: Buy at 983.45, target 1030, stop loss 960 2] Dabur: Buy at 541.45, target 562, stop loss 532 Anuj Gupta's stocks to buy today 3] State Bank of India or SBI: Buy at CMP, target 540, stop loss 490 4] Infosys: Buy at CMP, target 1430, stop loss 1354 Ganesh Dongre's stock picks for today 5] Tech Mahindra or TechM: Buy at 1103, target 1145, stop loss 1080 6] Lupin: Buy at 658, target 690, stop loss 640. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Stock market today: Despite high expectations of a relief rally on Dalal Street after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) First Citizens BancShares deal, Indian stock market has been trading topsy-turvy today. 50-stock index Nifty is trading in tight 135 points range whereas BSE Sensex is trading range-bound in 525 point range. Similarly, Nifty Bank index is trading sideways in around 250 points intraday range. According to stock market experts, market was expecting a concrete road map from the US government and the US Federal Reserve in regard to bank crisis in US. But, the US central bank and Joe Biden administration is tackling this issue on action reaction basis taking one bank on one time. They said that market mood has gone bearish after the SVB First Citizens BancShares deal because it is solution to one bank not a solution to the fear of wilting banking system in US. SVB First Citizens Bank deal On why stock market today is trading volatile, Ravi Singhal, CEO at GCL Broking said, "Bank crisis in US is an issue that has created concerns on the entire banking system in the US. After the US Fed's FOMC meeting, market was expecting some concrete road map from the US Fed and Joe Biden administration but instead of that, the US central bank and the US administration is indulged in action reaction gimmick. This has soured the mood of Dalal Street and other Asian markets. Market behaving topsy-turvy today is mainly due to this hitting beyond the belt action of US administration and US Federal Reserve." Advising stock market investors to know their levels and remain insulated from this stock market volatility, Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking said, "The market is range-bound today. Sensex today is trading in 57,000 to 58,800 range whereas Nifty 50 index is in 16,800 to 17,200 range. Nifty Bank today is in 38,900 to 40,300 range. Rather looking at the volatility on Dalal Street, one should continue to remain focussed on the range of key benchmark indices." Stocks to buy today Unveiling day trading strategy in stock market today, Ravi Singhal of GCL Broking said, "One should look at pharma and FMCG stocks as they are safe bets in current stock market sentiments. In pharma sector, Aurobindo Pharma shares are attractive whereas in FMCG segment, Marico and Dabur may give stellar return to its investors in near term. One can also look at fertilizer stocks like GNFC and Chambal Fertilizers shares." Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Last week, portfolio manager Morningstar Investment Adviser India made a surprise announcement: It was winding up its portfolio management services (PMS) business in the country. The company, a subsidiary of Chicago-headquartered Morningstar Investment Management, LLC, claimed that it was shutting down in the second quarter of this year as the business was not growing in line with its expectations. It was only in 2019 that the company launched PMS (portfolio management services) offerings with four model portfoliosactive balanced portfolio, active growth portfolio, active aggressive portfolio and active aggressive plus. These four products invest in a combination of active and passive mutual funds with varied exposure to equity, fixed income, international equity and gold asset classes depending on asset allocation mechanism. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Prior to its PMS venture, the firm introduced a web-based platform called Morningstar Adviser Workstation, a B2B service for mutual funds distributors, among others, by providing tools for investment research, portfolio analysis and investment planning. The winding-up decision by Morningstar, which advocated long-term investing, within four years of launching the PMS business took many by surprise. Also, the timing of its decision, when the markets are underperforming, is a matter of concern. Existing investors have to either redeem their holdings or transfer that to another of their demat accounts before the specified time. As per the last available disclosure by Morningstar PMS with market regulator Sebi, the firm has 78 clients with assets under management (AUM) of about 77 crore. At the time of launching the PMS, the firm said it aimed to grow to an asset base of 1,000 crore over the next three years. But that did not happen. The wind-up call was taken by the company as the business was not growing in line with expectations. This is predominantly due to lack of product-market fit in a space dominated by equity-only portfolios. Direct stock or equity PMS strategies comprise over 95% of the PMS industry AUM and Morningstar was effectively trying to create a market for multi-asset strategies. Besides, the pandemic and extended lockdowns, occurring within a year of launch, negatively impacted our ability to effectively market the proposition," said Dhaval Kapadia, portfolio manager responsible for leading Morningstars managed portfolios business in India. Kapadia reiterated that the decision has nothing to do with the performance of the portfolios so far. Chintan Mehta, who was the co-fund manager at Morningstar PMS, left the organization in October 2022. Mint did an analysis of one of the firms product. For lack of long-term track record, benchmark and portfolio data in public domain, we confined our analysis to 3-year performance of Active Aggressive Plus fund that invests 60-100% in domestic equity. The fund doesnt score well on a relative basis at 13.5% CAGR, against 14.3% average return delivered by the flexi-cap mutual fund category during the said period. Similar is the case when weighed up against the flexi and multi-cap category in the PMS industry. Talking about the performance, Kapadia said weve been slightly underweight Indian equities and overweight debt since mid-2021 due to rich valuations, which initially impacted performance in 2021 and early 2022. Since then, Indian equities have seen a correction and the underweight stance has benefited the portfolio performance in terms of lower drawdowns." Vishal Dhawan, a Sebi registered investment adviser said, the cycle of underperformance is short. For advisers to work with Morningstar, they would require a track record for a longer period. But with the decision to exist the business so soon, they may have been an opportunity that was cut short as enough time was not given to the fund." Further, one of the key distributors to Morningstar PMS in the initial years, said the PMS uses valuation-driven asset allocation method. Simply put, this merely suggests that the holdings in the portfolio are value accretive in the long run. However, this distributor based in Bangalore who did not want to be identified, wasnt happy with the higher churning witnessed in the PMS portfolio. I asked a few questions about the portfolio, including the churning, and did not receive proper communication from them. Higher churning would impact not just performance but also taxation of PMS clients" he added. He also said the investors money was deployed in a single shot and not in a staggered manner, which bothered him. But Kapadia disagrees with the above claims. Our approach is driven by long term risk & return expectations (typically 5 to 10-year forecasts) for each asset class. And these forecasts typically change in scenarios where market movements particularly equities, are sharp, say plus or minus 15-20%. Accordingly, the portfolio churn is relatively low (around 9-12%)," argued Kapadia. Other than this, the portfolio manager monthly report on Sebis website does not show any data related to Morningstar since September 2022. Responding to this, the management maintains that the firm has been facing an issue in uploading the disclosures for the last few months and following up with the regulator. What does it mean for you? The PMS investing space is fairly regulated by Sebi in India. Yet, investors are left in the lurch if any portfolio manager takes a decision to exit. Though there have not been many such instances in the past, this risk has to be taken into account by investors, especially when the PMS division is only a small part of the organization. Morningstar primarily researches, evaluates, and monitor stocks, ETFs, and MFs. A significant portion of the parent companys revenue is generated from paid memberships for its analytical data and online advertising sales and not from PMS business(see graphic). Most PMSes in India grew in size only in the last 3-4 years of the last decade. They didnt shut down when their growth was moderate. Multinational companies have this tendency to close the vertical if it doesnt grow as anticipated in 3-5 years time," said Santosh Joseph, founder of Germinate Investor Services LLP. This incident drives home the point that investors need to be aware of the portfolio manager structure and its role in the overall organisation and industry. Then, there is the relevance of PMSes offering model portfolios comprising MFs. R. Pallavarajan, founder of PMS Bazaar said, there are only a handful of PMS funds with mutual funds as its core portfolio. Even if the exposure to mutual fund exists, it is mostly in the liquid funds." Feroze Azeez of Anand Rathi Wealth said this model hasnt grown in India as the scope to charge fee is minimal in this structure wherein investments are done in the direct MF schemes, for which the distributor commission is nil. While a typical PMS focuses on absolute return generation, managed portfolios focus on overall asset allocation based on risk profiling. Note that such asset allocation services can be availed by investors from a trusted registered investment adviser as well as a mutual fund distributor, said Dhawan. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said Opposition unity in the face of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha provides a fertile ground to "build an edifice on", and noted that if this is the beginning of a more sustained cooperation it was "worth paying the price" for. Khurshid also said he was confident that Rahul Gandhi will be back in Parliament "very quickly" through the legal process. In an interview with PTI, the former law minister said changes to the law on disqualification of legislators was "inevitable" as steps undertaken to clean up the political system have some unintended dimensions and Rahul Gandhi's case seems to be one such instance. To what extent should freedom of speech be allowed and be flexible for representatives of the people outside Parliament and outside legislatures is a question now that needs to be considered now, Khurshid said. He also said Gandhi's disqualification has an emotional content which is very similar to the disqualification of former prime minister Indira Gandhi from Lok Sabha over four decades ago that will feed into people's reactions. "But that does not relieve us from this onerous task to fight this battle day in and day out, till we are finally able to demolish the BJP and its government at the Centre," said Khurshid, who is a member of the Congress' steering committee. The former Union minister, however, pointed out that while there were many similarities between Rahul Gandhi's disqualification to that of his grandmother, a lot has changed from then to now and there are ground realities that cannot be overlooked with many parties establishing themselves in various states. Asked about Opposition unity on display following Rahul Gandhi's disqualification with even parties that have maintained a distance from the Congress such as TMC, AAP and BRS coming out in support, Khurshid said, "It seems very promising and we have no issue about expressing our deeply felt gratitude for what they have done in this issue." "But this is an issue for all of us, a cutting edge issue, and therefore, they have joined us. I think it is very good, it augurs well for what we are trying to do to bring about unity in this country but it will have to be broadened, it will have to be not episodic, it will have to be more sustained and deeper. If this is a beginning towards that, may be this is something for which it was worth paying the price," he said. On whether this could be the rallying point, Khurshid said it was a noble thought and he would be very happy to see it taken forward in that direction. "But I don't want to sound that I am taking anyone for granted. Whatever they (Opposition parties) have done we are extremely grateful for that to them. We appreciate it and I hope that we can reciprocate it if it is necessary," he said. It is a fertile ground to build an edifice on in due course by everyone's voluntary participation without anyone feeling that there is an attempt to monopolise any such development, he added. Khurshid's remarks come at a time of renewed push for Opposition unity. Leaders of at least 18 Opposition parties met at the residence of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge here on Monday and alleged that the BJP-led government is destroying democracy. They also decided to continue with their campaign against the Narendra Modi government. The Opposition bonhomie has been visible following Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha. The disqualification came after he was sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his "why all thieves have Modi surname" remark. Asked if Gandhi could make a comeback to Parliament this Lok Sabha term, Khurshid said, "We hope and we are confident that we will see him back in Parliament very quickly through the legal process." "The legal process will take a few daysI can't tell you at what pace we will be able to do it. We have a team working on it. Hopefully in the not too distant future we will overcome the impediments," he said. Rebutting the BJP's charge that the Congress was slow off the blocks in seeking judicial relief after Rahul Gandhi's conviction as compared to the case of Pawan Khera's arrest case recently, the noted lawyer said, Khera's case was not an appeal and if the BJP does not understand the difference between filing of an appeal and preventing an arrest then it needs to get some lessons. Hitting out at the BJP over alleged targeting of Rahul Gandhi, Khurshid said there must be something in the psyche of the BJP and its supporters that troubles them very grievously about the challenge that they see in Rahul Gandhi. "So they are obviously nervous in some way about his ability to strike and therefore, they are doing all this. It is a sad commentary on the level to which they have brought the political discourse down," the Congress leader said. Talking about the path to the 2024 general elections, Khurshid said let the top leaders of the country come together and talk, and discover what they can together offer to the alliance against the present government. "The government has a lot to do with Mr (Narendra) Modi and his world view. But I think we should look at the system that we have to oppose, not just a man. I think there is a system we have to oppose, the system that has been unsettling the system that we are all used to since independence," he said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. New Delhi: As India braces for a scorching summer, electricity tariffs in the country may surge as much as 40% amid expectations of record-high demand. Power distribution utilities plan to raise tariffs ranging from single digits to as high as 40% across states if approved by the state electricity tariff regulators. Discoms in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have already proposed increases in tariffs. For instance, discoms in Madhya Pradesh have recommended a hike of 3.2% due to a projected revenue gap of 1,527 crore in FY24. In turn, state-owned Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd has proposed a tariff hike in the range of 30-40% for residential and commercial consumers. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Most state electricity regulatory commissions are yet to release their tariff orders or post the petitions from the discoms. The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission, for instance, has approved a 24% tariff hike starting 1 April, rather than the 54% increase recommended by the discom. In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh government has opted not to increase tariffs for FY24 and has instead agreed to provide discoms with a subsidy to cover the revenue gap of 10,135 crore. The increase in tariffs will help compensate for higher fuel expenses, the cost of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the requirement to blend costly imported coal to meet peak power demand in April and May. Vikram V., vice-president and sector headcorporate ratings, Icra said: Gencos are still bearing the impact of the high cost of imports made last year and they have not been able to recover that cost. The continued burden along with imports this year are likely to impact the finances of the generation companies." Further the regulatory mandate on discoms to cut their pending dues and reflect higher cost of power in tariffs may also lead to higher tariffs, he said. To meet peak power demandexpected to reach 229 GW this year, against 211 GW recorded last yearthe government has issued several directives recently to ensure sufficient coal supply. In January, the power ministry asked all power generation firms to blend up to 6% of their coal requirements with imports until September, as projections indicate a deficit of 24 million tonnes of coal in the first half of the next fiscal year. Last month, it imposed Section 11 of the Electricity Act, directing all imported coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity and also allowing generators to pass on the higher cost of imported coal to discoms without the requirement to modify PPAs. The section came into effect on 16 March for three months. To reduce dependence on railway rakes, a major cause of coal supply crunch during peak demand periods, the government has started transporting coal from the eastern coast to the west by the sea. This rail-sea-rail route is also expected to increase coal transportation. In a recent interview, Union coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena said the price of domestic coal transported by sea would be around 7,400 per tonne, significantly higher than the 4,700 for the coal to be transported solely by rail. He, however, noted that given plants are already relying on imports, the coal transported by sea would still be cheaper than imported coal, which is priced at around 10,000-12,000 per tonne. Rohit Bajaj, head of business development at India Energy Exchange (IEX), said power demand on the exchange been largely elevated throughout FY23. India recorded the hottest February since 1901. However, with rains cooling temperatures in March, demand on the exchanges eased. The weighted average price on IEX so far in FY23 has been 5.95 per unit, compared with 4.40 last fiscal, he said. Bajaj, however, said the increase in prices at IEX may not be as steep as last years, given that adequate supplies are expected. According to a CareEdge Ratings report, the base energy demand increased by 8.1% in FY22, and it is expected to grow 9.5% in FY23 owing to the rebound of economic activities after covid-19 lockdowns eased, leading to increased consumption. It noted that growth rate may moderate for FY24 and FY25 due to base effect, but the demand during the fiscals would surpass the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) seen in the 10 years to FY22, which was 3.9%. It noted that the steps to boost supply during the peak demand season, including introducing electricity trading from plants with high input costs (including gas-based plants) in the recently introduced High Price Day Ahead Market, would help in providing the required power availability. Police officers who probe cyber-related offences believe that the simple process of upgrading the addresses of individuals in the Aadhaar data has emerged as one of the biggest causes of cyber fraud. An Aadhaar card holder can get his or her address changed with the UIDAI in multiple ways. One of those is to download an address-change certificate from the UIDAI's website and upload it after getting it signed by any of the various public authorities, such as an MP, an MLA, a municipal councillor, a gazetted officer of Group "A" and Group "B" and MBBS doctors, among others. The investigations have found that fraudsters used fake rubber stamps and forged signatures of public authorities to upgrade their personal details in the Aadhaar database. Even public authorities put their stamps and signature carelessly without verifying the credentials in some cases, according to the news agency PTI. Citing an incident of a similar cyber fraud case, an investigator said they have found that an MLA had signed the certificate for a change in the address of the accused, on the basis of which he got his address changed in the Aadhaar database. On further investigation, we found that the MLA had authorised his office boy to put stamps and his signature on such certificates," the investigator said. In March 2022, a probe team from the Cyber Police Station of Central district of the Delhi Police, led by Inspector Khemendra Pal Singh, cracked a case in which six people, including two Nigerian citizens, used to dupe young women by posing as non-resident Indian (NRI) grooms. During the investigation, the team found that the accused had got their addresses changed in the Aadhaar database with the help of a doctor who had signed on their certificates for upgrading the addresses by charging merely 500, PTI reported. Prashant Gautam, Deputy Commissioner, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), Delhi Police said that cybercriminals change their addresses, in some cases multiple times, in their Aadhaar database and get multiple accounts opened with different banks to transfer money from the victims' accounts. Since the police do not have access to the Aadhaar data, the officer said that they need to approach the Delhi High Court in each case to find out the original details of the accused, which causes a delay and makes our job challenging. Investigators stated that there seems to be no way of cross-verifying the changed credentials of individuals uploaded on the UIDAI website. The investigators feel the need to have some mechanism in place where the process of upgrading the address can be made more secure and forged stamps and signatures of public authorities can be avoided. Apart from the address change, Gautam said that another bigger cause of concern is cyber cheats are using other innovating ways to manipulate their personal details. The IFSO has recently arrested a mastermind and two accused who used to obtain loans from banks by exploiting the vulnerability of the Aadhaar system. "During interrogation, the accused claimed that they manipulated the system of updating details in Aadhaar by replacing the fingerprints of the left hand with the fingerprints of the right hand and by putting coloured contact lenses in the eyes to dupe the biometric process of recognising the retina," Gautam said. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Wheat procurement in the 2023-24 rabi marketing season may be higher than the estimated 34.1 million tonnes, but the quality of the grain may suffer because of unseasonal rains in some areas, Food Corp. of India chairman Ashok Meena said in an interview. The open market sales scheme (OMSS), under which the Centre sells foodgrain to keep prices down, the continuing export ban and likely higher production in 2022-23 (July-June) will increase wheat supplies, he said. This year, we will have more supply due to likely 5 mt more production than last year and as there is a ban imposed on wheat export, we will have additional 7 mt wheat available in the supply chain. This not only signals that there is a chance for the government to procure more wheat than estimated but also indicates that prices will come down once the 3.3 mt wheat offloaded under OMSS arrives in the market. " However, the quality of wheat is expected to be affected due to unseasonal downpour in March. This may result in higher procurement of the lower grade under reduced specification (URS) wheat than the normal fair average quality (FAQ) variety. Edited excerpts: Will procurement be delayed by rainfall in wheat-growing states? The procurement started in Madhya Pradesh on March 20, and there will be no delay in procurement in other states. Procurement of wheat by FCI will kick off in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh from 1 April as scheduled. Will recent heavy rainfall and hailstorm in some regions weigh on wheat production? Production involves both quality and quantity. Quality is definitely going to suffer because of unseasonal rains at the harvesting stage causing lustre loss in wheat. This signals two things. If the quality is poor, the private sector will not purchase wheat at a higher rate. I think quantity will not be affected as the erratic weather recently improved, maturing conditions. In fact, in quantity terms, wheat production is expected to be 112 mt this year, 5mt higher year-on-year as estimated by the agriculture ministry. Will FCI be able to procure fair quality wheat? No, procurement of URS variety is seen to be higher. The government will have to provide some relaxations. For relaxation, there is a protocol that we follow. Our crop assessment team will visit the field and check the wheat crop quality. Based on the ground situation and percentage of lustre loss, each state will be given some relaxation. Most areas of Bhopal have received heavy rain. Therefore, the assessment team is currently visiting Madhya Pradesh. We will be sending the team to Punjab once we receive a request from the state. An uptrend in wheat prices has recently been noticed despite the OMSS operations. What could be the factors? Prices should not rise, because the impact of OMSS is not yet over. In the supply line of OMSS, wheat is being lifted every day. The fund they have given to me for wheat under OMSS, they havent lifted that quantity yet. A total of 3.3 mt is sold, and only 3.2 mt has been lifted so far. The private sector is trying their best to lift the remaining 100,000 tonnes to full capacity. Despite that, they cannot lift the remaining quantity at once due to logistic challenges. To lift 100,000 tonnes, they generally require about 33 days. OMSS impact on prices has just started unravelling. Prices have eased since the first e-auction of OMSS on 1 February, and now those are being traded at 22-23 per kg in mandis. According to me, prices will go down because of two reasons. One reason is the impact of OMSS on the supply chain and the other is higher supply of new seasons wheat in the market. With likely higher supplies, where do you see prices in the coming days? As the wheat lifting under OMSS gets over by 31 March, I expect prices to fall further. It could even come below the MSP of 2,125 per quintal. Will the government be able to accommodate such a large quantity amid quality concerns? If the government can meet the higher procurement target, a concern over storage will arise. It will end up in a situation like rice. It currently has about 20 mt rice in its stock. And the challenge would be procurement in less time. The lustre loss in wheat this year may reduce its shelf life to 6 months. This may not encourage private traders to purchase it at higher price as storing poor quality crops involves higher cost. The government, on the other hand, will preserve wheat in steel silos as they do when there is a quality concern amid higher procurement. Steel silos increases shelf life of crops up to three years. Will wheat prices lcome down below the MSP? First flush of wheat, which is superior in quality, is already arriving in Madhya Pradesh in small quantities. We will not get it. Private players who make premium products will take that wheat. When the common variety starts hitting the market, supply will be higher. At that time prices will start falling. Harvesting is delayed by a week, and moisture content in fresh wheat is higher than the permissible limit of 12%. Prices may come down to 21-22 per kg once the entire lifted quantity under OMSS comes to the supply chain around mid-April. Is the government mulling lifting the ban on wheat exports and resume wheat distribution? There is no plan to change the wheat distribution scale at present. This is too early to resume distribution of wheat. The government is also unlikely to consider lifting the ban on wheat exports until domestic food security is ensured. This year, we will have additional 7 mt of wheat, which was exported last year. This indicates, we will have surplus supply of 12 mt domestically against the previous year. NEW DELHI : Reliance Industries Ltd, Tata Power Solar, and ReNew are among companies chosen to receive 14,007 crore worth of government incentives to encourage the local manufacturing of solar modules under its production-linked incentive scheme. Overall, Solar Energy Corp. of India, the state-run company set up to implement the National Solar Mission, has allocated 38,600MW of capacity to 11 companies. India aims to boost its renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with solar power accounting for over half of the goal. To meet this ambitious target, the government is encouraging domestic production of solar modules and trying to reduce its dependence on imports from China, with which it shares an uneasy relationship and a significant trade deficit. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Indosol, First Solar and Reliance New Energy Solar, a unit of Reliance Industries, have been selected to manufacture all components in the solar module value chainpolysilicon, wafers, cells and module. Indosol and Reliance have been allocated 6,000MW each, and First Solar has bagged a capacity of 3,400MW. The companies selected for manufacturing wafers, cells and modules under the incentive scheme are Waaree Energies (6,000MW), Avaada Group (3,000MW), ReNew (4,800 MW), JSW Renewable Technologies (1,000MW) and Grew Energy (2,000MW). Vikram Solar and Tata Power Solar are among the companies selected for manufacturing cells and modules, with allocated capacities of 2,400MW and 4,000MW, respectively. A power ministry statement said that manufacturing capacity totalling 7,400MW is expected to become operational by October 2024, while 16,800MW capacity would be ready by April 2025. The remaining 15,400MW capacity would be operational by April 2026. The tranche-II is expected to bring in an investment of 93,041 crore. It will also generate a total of 101,487 jobs with 35,010 getting direct employment and 66,477 being indirectly employed," it said. Commenting on the development, power minister R.K. Singh said that India is well on its way to climbing up the value chain in the production of the high technology solar PV modules and this capacity addition is a major step towards making India self-sufficient in the solar manufacturing sector. The PLI scheme has proved to be a watershed event in Indias renewable landscape resulting in around 48GW domestic module manufacturing capacity within the next three years. The scheme has boosted governments efforts to reduce not only the impact of global supply chain shocks but also our import dependence adhering to the prime ministers vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat," said Singh, who also holds the portfolio of new and renewable energy ministry. A total integrated capacity of 8,737MW was allocated under tranche-I of the scheme in November-December. Considering the two tranches together, the total domestic solar PV module manufacturing capacity allocated under the PLI Scheme is 48,337MW, with cumulative support of more than 18,500 crore by the government, the statement said. In the first tranche, Reliance New Energy Solar, Adani Group and Sri Shirdi Sai Group had bagged the incentives. In the FY23 budget, the Centre announced the allocation of an additional 19,500 crore under the solar PLI scheme to manufacture high-efficiency modules, with priority to fully integrated manufacturing units from polysilicon to solar PV modules. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) had given 8,800 crore to the State Bank of India (SBI) as part of a recapitalization exercise without the country's biggest lender asking for such funds in FY18, said a CAG report presented in Parliament on Monday. The department under the finance ministry did not conduct an assessment of the capital requirement as per its own standard practice before recapitalization, as per the Compliance Audit Report No. 1 of 2023 of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Union Government (Economic and Service Ministries - Civil) for the year ended March 2021. The report stated that DFS infused 8,800 crore into SBI in 2017-18 for credit growth considering it the largest PSB in the country even though there was no demand and it did not conduct an assessment of the capital requirement as per its own standard practice before recapitalization. It further said that DFS considered cushion over and above the norms prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) while recapitalizing PSBs, according to the news agency PTI. "RBI had already prescribed enhanced capital requirement of an additional 1 percent on banks in India. This resulted in an excess infusion of 7,785.81 crore," the report said. The report added that DFS infused 831 crore into Bank of Maharashtra in 2019-20 against the bank's demand of 798 crore to avoid the surrender of funds amounting to 33 crore, as per PTI reports. The government recapitalizes public sector banks (PSBs) for credit growth, meeting the requirement for regulatory capital, equipping better performing lenders placed under the Reserve Bank of India's Prompt Corrective Action framework to come out of it, and meeting capital requirements on account of amalgamation. (With PTI inputs) The British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Punjabi news account on micro-blogging site Twitter was temporarily withheld in India in response to a legal demand. The Twitter account was unaccessible to the followers and the corporation for at least three hours. The media organisation has said that their Twitter account was targeted by the Indian Government for reporting on the manhunt to arrest Pro-Khalistan radical preacher of Waris Punjab De Amritpal Singh. BBC informed that they have sent a mail to the Indian Government regarding the twitter account ban. However, there has been no response from the Indian Government, BBC said. The BBC Punjabi News Twitter account have since been restored. The Punjab Police and Rapid Action force (RAF)'s joint action to nab the radical preacher began on 18 March. According to several reports, Twitter accounts of several journalists, writers, commentators, social and political activists related to Punjab were blocked in India the very next day. Gagandeep Singh, a journalist in a Chandigarh-based pro-Punjab digital media organization said to BBC, My Twitter account was withheld on March 19. According to the information shared by Twitter, the Government of India has requested Twitter for this." In latest updates, Amritpal Singh is now reported to have been fled to Nepal. The Indian Government has asked authorities in Nepal to put him on a watchlist after intelligence suggested Amritpal Singh may have crossed the border. An image of Amritpal Singh emerged on Monday which showed him sitting on what looked like the top of a truck. The photo which was widely circulated showed he was with his close aide Papalpreet Singh. The authenticity of time the image taken could not independently confirmed by Mint. Papalpreet is believed to be Amritpal Singhs mentor and was allegedly in contact with Pakistan spy agency ISI. In the photo, Amritpal Singh is seen in a jacket, a maroon turban and sunglasses, and holding a can of beer. Nearly 200 of Amritpal Singh's supporters/aides have been arrested since 18 March but Amritpal remains elusive, prompting opposition criticism of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Four provinces in Canada held Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws this week. The region includes Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Provincial Nomination ResultsMarch 17-24 Ontario Ontario PNP issued 746 NOIs to Skilled Trades candidates with CRS scores between 250-489. Draws are targeted for specific professions, as specified within the OINP program updates. Candidates who received an NOI had created profiles in the Express Entry pool anywhere between March 23rd, 2022, to March 23rd, 2023. British Columbia On March 21st, 2023, the British Columbia PNP conducted a draw, inviting at least 254 candidates across six streams. The Skilled Worker International Graduate stream had three targeted draws for early childhood educators and assistants, healthcare professionals, and priority occupation candidates. Manitoba Manitoba PNP issued 566 Letters of Advice to Apply on March 23rd, including 266 NOIs for specific professions with a minimum CRS score of 612, 200 NOIs for all occupations with a minimum CRS of 672, 52 NOIs for International Education stream, and 48 NOIs for Skilled Worker Overseas with a minimum CRS of 708. Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan PNP issued 184 NOIs to Express Entry candidates with a minimum score of 82 and 312 NOIs to Occupations in-demand candidates with a cutoff score of 82. Occupations in-demand candidates must not be on the SINP excluded occupation list to be eligible. The PNP is the primary pathway for economic immigrants to enter Canada, designed to aid provinces in addressing specific labor and demographic challenges. The program helps spread the benefits of immigration across Canada. There are also Express Entry aligned streams, known as enhanced PNP nominations, which accept candidates in the federal Express Entry pool. Eligible candidates can apply to a specific provinces enhanced PNP streams and receive a provincial nomination or Notification of Interest (NOI), granting them an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, almost guaranteeing them an Initiation to Apply (ITA) to the specific enhanced PNP stream. Recently, the fifth and sixth Express Entry draws of 2023 were exclusive to candidates in enhanced PNP streams, issuing a total of 1,366 ITAs, making it an important pathway for those seeking economic immigration to Canada. One of the rare bits of good news in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes latest report last week carries a sting in its tail. Thanks to human activity, weve actually managed to slow the progress of global warming over the past two centuries by as much as 0.8 degrees Celsius. The bad news is whats been causing that cooling: emissions of fine particles of sulfur and nitrogen compounds and carbon, known as aerosols. Like spray aerosols, these are fine particles suspended in the air but hardly any come from aerosol cans. Most are produced by the same processes of burning carbon-rich fuel that cause greenhouse-gas emissions. The particles float in the atmosphere, affect the formation of clouds, and reflect solar radiation back into space. That counterbalances the warming effect of carbon dioxide, methane and other gases. As a result, increased aerosol emissions cool the atmosphere, while reductions warm it. Reducing aerosol emissions should be a key priority for global health, however. There were about 4.23 million excess deaths in 2015 caused by exposure to such chemicals. The worst effects were caused by inhaling smoke from wood and dung fires in poor countries, and transport fuels and road dust in rich ones. Were making progress on that front. Concentrations of sulfur dioxide or SO2 in Europe and the US have been declining since the 1980s, when fears about acid rain caused power stations to install scrubbers to remove sulfur compounds from smokestacks. Similar regulations have been drastically reducing power plant aerosol emissions in China and even India, where a government push to roll out LPG stoves has also been cutting smoke from domestic cooking. That progress on the health front, however, means the cooling effect that aerosols have provided since the dawn of the industrial era is disappearing a setback in climate terms. As a result, even a fall in carbon emissions may be insufficient to halt the heating of the planet. It could be as important as warming from CO2 over the next few decades," says Natalie Mahowald, a professor at Cornell University. Temperatures will increase as aerosols are cleared up for air quality." The effects of this have already been measured in some areas. The Covid-19 lockdowns in early 2020 may have caused temperatures to increase as much as 0.3 degrees Celsius in parts of the northern hemisphere, with warming from attenuated aerosol emissions overwhelming cooling from the reduction in greenhouse gases. Solar radiation at ground level in Wuhan almost doubled at the peak of Chinas lockdowns thanks to reductions in aerosols, a group of Chinese researchers found this month. Falling levels of nitrogen oxide may have changed the balance of chemical reactions in the atmosphere and lifted concentrations of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas, according to a 2022 separate study. Regulations introduced in the same year, which banned high-sulfur fuel oil from shipping fuel, may have further reduced sulfur dioxide, the most important aerosol for cooling the atmosphere. One recent study found that sulfur control rules introduced in China between 2016 and 2019 cut regional SO2 emissions by as much as 40%. Geoengineering (the idea of arresting global warming by spraying SO2 into the atmosphere and dimming the sun) is normally treated as the stuff of science fiction, or at least madcap proposals by out-of-control startups. What these studies show is that, to the contrary, were already doing geoengineering, except in reverse heating the planet instead of cooling it. That will make the coming decades particularly challenging. Aerosols typically disappear from the atmosphere within a matter of weeks, whereas CO2 hangs around for as much as 1,000 years. As a result, when you clean up your smokestack emissions, the bad outcomes last longer than the good ones. Were at the turning point of the aerosol era," researchers at NASAs Goddard Institute concluded last year, with their cooling effect already as weak as its been in a century. As a result of that shift, warming could be as much as twice as rapid between 2010 and 2050 as in the previous four decades, according to a recent study led by Columbia University climate scientist James Hansen. The good news, according to Bill Collins, a professor of climate processes at the UKs University of Reading, is that were already incorporating these changes into our models of future climate change. Reducing aerosols should remain a priority, says Mahowald, because for the next few decades they will still be killing more people than climate change, with particularly damaging impacts on poorer and non-White groups who are more exposed to such emissions. There are a few win-win options, too. Soot from burning fields and forests, from wood and dung fires, and from diesel fuel is a rare aerosol that warms the atmosphere instead of cooling it. Cutting output of that pollutant will help both sides of the climate change equation. Nitrogen oxides from aircraft can warm the atmosphere even as ground-level emissions cool it, says Collins, so cleaning that up should also be a priority. We nonetheless face a hazardous path out of the situation weve brought to the world. For all the prominence of carbon dioxide in the discussion of climate change, its just one of the ways in which human activity has upset the atmospheric equilibrium which weve enjoyed since the dawn of civilization. It will be far harder to restore that balance than it was to disrupt it. David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. In a sign of New Delhis deepening defence engagement with Africa, Pune played host to senior army officers as well as civilian and defence officials for the first India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave. The meeting, which was organised on the sidelines of the AFINDEX joint exercises, was attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh and chief of the army staff general Manoj Pande among others. Rajnath Singh reiterated Indias commitment to provide support to African partner-countries in all defence related matters, including capability enhancement of their Armed Forces, to ensure their economic growth and social development," an official release said. India has been at the forefront of providing training to the Armed Forces of African nations and equipping them with necessary skills to face the security challenges of the 21st century. The training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance. A large number of African Countries Armed Forces personnel continue to visit India for training in different areas," the release added. India and its numerous defence partners on the African continent are brought together by their focus on maritime security and counter-terrorism, according to Singh. The AFINDEX exercise, which is currently in its second iteration, is aimed at strengthening interoperability between Indias defence forces and key partners. The 10-day exercises features participation from 23 African nations including Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles and South Africa among others. The focus of the exercises will be humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations. Given Indias substantial presence in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa, strengthening interoperability between militaries will improve overall effectiveness. MUMBAI : For Victoria, the southeastern state in Australia, India is the second largest international market after China for inbound tourism. As per the latest International Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia, Victoria received 100,300 short-term visitors from India in the year ending September 2022 and it was back to 57% of its pre-covid levels, the highest of any international market to Victoria, said Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements. India is a critical part of where we think the future of tourism is in Victoria. And its partly because Victoria also is home to Australias biggest Indian population. Now that the worlds opening up and things are happening, were very keen to reconnect with India and reconnect those people-to-people links. And weve been incredibly encouraged by what weve seen over first few months," he told Mint during his recent visit. While Indians constitute 3% of Australias population, it is biggest community in Victoria with almost 235,000 Indians living in the state. Melbourne, states capital, has a packed calendar of food and wine, sport, art, lifestyle and multicultural events. While the famous Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is going on till 2 April, Melbourne Comedy Festival will kickstart on 29 March till 23 April. McClements said Indian travellers, pre-pandemic, would come and stay for a long time. The return of Indian travel has been extraordinary. And post-pandemic, we now have several airlines connecting Melbourne with India," he said. While there are no direct flights between Mumbai and Melbourne, he said talks are on with various airlines for the same and hopefully soon there will be direct connections too. Air India and Qantas are flying directseven days a week and four times a week, respectively, between India and Melbourne. There is also an excellent network of flights connecting the two countries via Singapore, Sri Lanka or Malaysia. So for us to come to India and for Indians to come to Australia, its never been easier," he said. Talking about the recovery, he said it will not be before 2024-25 when the full recovery is possible. I think 2023 will be the transition year for us, where we settle back into a rhythm. Airlines are still bringing planes out of storage and getting the pilots trained. So we see this year as a sort of gradual return and 2024-25 is the big opportunity." New Delhi: Representatives from Japanese businesses and multilateral institutions, including the Asian Development Bank, are slated to visit the Northeast in April to explore significant investments as part of a wider manufacturing push, according to people aware of the matter. The delegates will attend a conference to advance discussions around the Bay of Bengal-Northeast Industrial Value Chain" in Agartala. Government officials from India, Bangladesh and Japan will also attend the meeting. The trilateral initiative, unveiled by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his India visit earlier this month, aims to enhance regional connectivity. Mint had earlier reported that this initiative between the three countries aims to construct a new industrial value chain centred around the Northeast and Bangladesh. New Delhi, Dhaka and Tokyo are looking to attract investment by following a two-pronged strategy. First, regional infrastructure development efforts will be coordinated to improve connectivity between Bangladesh and the Northeast. Japan has been a vital infrastructure player in the region, with agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) developing roads and ports in India and Bangladesh, respectively. Second, the three countries will work together to ease policy barriers to boost business activity. Northeast India, which is surrounded by land, still has unexploited economic potential. Viewing Bangladesh and other areas of the South as a single economic zone, we will promote the Bay of Bengal-North East India industrial value chain concept in cooperation with India and Bangladesh to foster growth in the entire region," Kishida said while delivering the 41st Sapru House lecture in New Delhi. According to the persons cited above, a conference is now being held in Agartala in April to further develop this concept. Ministerial participation from the foreign ministries of both India and Bangladesh is expected. Other participants will include representatives from the Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India. Attracting Japanese businesses to invest in the Northeast, despite limited interest from these firms in the past, will be a key challenge for this new initiative. Japanese government organisations like JICA, Japan External Trade Research Organisation and Japan Bank for International Cooperation are also expected. Representatives from the Asian Development Bank will also be present. This emerging grouping also contains a potent strategic logic. By developing Indias Northeast and Bangladesh as manufacturing hubs, the three countries hope to pull regional economies closer. Moreover, given Chinas enormous economic heft in the region, the plan is also aimed in some measure to construct a new economic centre of gravity in the Bay of Bengal region. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials in order to expand the country's nuclear arsenal. He emphasised that the weapons should be fully prepared for use at any time, according to state media KCNA. Kim made the statement while inspecting the country's nuclear weapons programme, during which trigger technology was tested. KCNA also reported that the military simulated a nuclear air explosion strike with two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles during Monday's firing training. Additionally, a defence think tank conducted tests on underwater strategic weapons systems. According to Chinese defence experts, North Korea possesses a ballistic missile so powerful that it could cause destruction on American soil in just 33 minutes. The Hwasong-15 missile was fired by North Korea for the first time in 2017 and is the focus of research published in the Chinese-language journal Modern Defense Technology. Also Read: North Korea launches ballistic missile, stokes concerns of threat against US If the US missile defence network fails to intercept it, the North Korean missile could reach Central America in 1,997 seconds, or roughly 33 minutes. These developments come as military exercises take place between the US and South Korea, and North Korea has also issued threats against America. Earlier on March 27, North Korea test-fired a suspected ballistic missile towards the east of the Korean peninsula, according to reports. South Koreas Joint Chief of Staff confirmed the launch, and Japans Coast Guard detected a suspected ballistic missile launch, but further details are not yet available. Also Read: North Korea can destroy America in 33 seconds, claims Chinese defence scientists Recently, North Korea launched the Hwasong-15, a nuclear-capable missile, close to the Japan border. If the missile were to penetrate the US missile defence network, experts predict it could reach Central America within 33 minutes. On March 19, it was reported that North Korea had launched a suspected missile towards the sea. Japan's Defense Ministry and coast guard confirmed the launch, while South Korea's military reported that North Korea had fired a ballistic missile towards its eastern waters, according to the Yonhap news agency. (With agency inputs) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the city of Hyesan, home to over 200,000 people, under lockdown until authorities can find 653 missing bullets. According to Radio Free Asia, the bullets disappeared during a military withdrawal, prompting the North Korean leader to order officials to conduct a search of the city. Residents of Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, have confirmed that the city will remain in lockdown until all the bullets have been found. The missing ammunition reportedly disappeared on March 7 during a military withdrawal between February 25 and March 10. Sources claim that during the evacuation process, soldiers realised they had lost the bullets and attempted to find them themselves before informing authorities. Once it became apparent that they couldn't locate the bullets, the authorities were notified, leading to the city's lockdown. Also Read: Kim Jong Un calls for increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials Local authorities have issued orders to factories, farms, social groups, and neighbourhood watch units to cooperate with the investigation. However, residents have claimed that the authorities are spreading fear and lying to put pressure on them. This news comes after Kim Jong Un called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to expand the country's nuclear arsenal. He also emphasised that the weapons should be fully prepared for use at any time. Also Read: North Korea launches ballistic missile, stokes concerns of threat against US KCNA, the state media outlet, reported that the military had conducted a nuclear air explosion strike simulation with two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles during Monday's firing training. In addition, a defence think tank tested underwater strategic weapons systems. Some bizarre laws in North Korea The North is widely known as the most isolated country globally, which is unsurprising given the harsh laws imposed on its citizens. The government takes away the basic rights of its people and imposes strange totalitarian rules. Citizens can be arrested for watching foreign movies, listening to foreign music or making international calls. They are only allowed to have haircuts that are approved by the government. However, one rule in North Korea is particularly striking. If you fall asleep during a meeting with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, it is considered an act of disloyalty to the regime, which can result in severe consequences, including the death penalty. In 2015, the North Korean Defence Minister, Hyon Yong-chol, was executed in front of a hundred people by anti-aircraft fire. NASHVILLE (TENNESSEE) : A 28-year-old woman armed with several guns opened fire on Monday at a private Christian school she once attended, killing three children and three adults before police killed her, authorities said. The woman was carrying at least two semi-automatic rifles and a handgun, police said. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department began receiving calls at 10:13 a.m. of a shooter at The Covenant School, which teaches elementary school-age children. Officers arriving on the scene reported hearing gunfire coming from the school's second floor, police spokesperson Don Aaron told reporters. Two officers from a five-member team shot the assailant in a lobby area, and she was pronounced dead by 10:27 a.m.. "The police department response was swift," Aaron said. Police Chief John Drake later described the suspect as a 28-year-old woman from the Nashville area who "at one point was a student at this school." But her identity was not immediately made public. Deadly mass shootings have become commonplace in the United States in recent years, but a female attacker is highly unusual. Only four of 191 mass shootings cataloged since 1966 by The Violence Project, a nonprofit research center, were carried out by a female attacker. Reacting to the shooting in Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Congress again to pass more gun reform legislation. "It's sick," he said, addressing the issue during an event at the White House. "We have to do more to protect our schools so they aren't turned into prisons ... I call on Congress again to pass my assault weapons ban." Three students were pronounced dead after arriving at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt with gunshot wounds, John Howser, a hospital spokesperson, said in a statement. Three adult staff members were killed by the shooter, police said. Besides the deceased, no one else was shot, Aaron said. Students' parents were told to gather at a nearby church. The Covenant School, founded in 2001, is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville with about 200 students, according to the school's website. The school serves preschool through sixth graders and held an active shooter training program in 2022, WTVF-TV reported. Nashville Mayor John Cooper expressed sympathy for the victims and wrote on social media that his city "joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting." There have been 89 school shootings defined as anytime a gun is discharged on school property in the U.S. so far in 2023, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, a website founded by researcher David Riedman. Last year saw 303 such incidents, the highest of any year in the database, which goes back to 1970. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency that safety at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station could not be guaranteed until Russian troops left the facility. The president met Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on Monday at the Dnipro hydroelectric power station - northeast of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Also Read: Ukraine Allies See a Way War Can End but Lack Plan to Achieve It Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest, in March 2022 in the early weeks of the war, and the Kremlin has shown no inclination to relinquish control over it. Russian officials say they want to connect the Zaporizhzhia plant to the Russian grid. "Without an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and staff from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and adjacent areas, any initiatives on restoring nuclear safety and security are doomed to failure," the presidential website quoted Zelenskiy as saying. Russia and Ukraine routinely accuse each other of shelling the facility and running the risk of a major accident. Fighting around the plant and worries its cooling systems could lose power have raised fears of a nuclear disaster. Grossi said he and Zelenskiy had a "rich exchange" on the protection of the plant and its staff. A team of monitors from the U.N. agency has been stationed at the plant since September. The IAEA chief has repeatedly called for a safety zone around Zaporizhzhia and is due to visit it again this week. Grossi has tried to negotiate with both sides but said in January that brokering a deal was getting harder. Zelenskiy told Grossi that staff at the Zaporizhzhia plant were under constant pressure from Russian occupying forces, who he said were failing to uphold safety rules and interfering in technological processes, his office said. Kyiv has accused Moscow of using the plant as a shield for troops and military hardware. Zaporizhzhia is one of four regions that Moscow claimed to annex in September after referendums denounced internationally as shams. Russia views the plant as its territory, which Ukraine denies. Russia has accused Ukraine of putting the safety of the plant at risk. Russia said last month the construction of protective structures for key facilities at the Zaporizhzhia plant were nearing completion. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said his talks with Grossi focused on energy security including that of Ukraine's nuclear power stations, which he said Russia was using "for radiation blackmail of the world." "Holding a nuclear power station hostage for more than a year - this is surely the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of European or worldwide nuclear power," Zelenskiy said. The Ukrainian president also met troops in southeastern Ukraine during a tour of the Zaporizhzhia region, his third trip to the front line in less than a week. Zelenskiy said he had held the first on-the-road meeting of his military command in the central city of Dnipro, after visiting Marhanets and Nikopol, site of frontline positions. A STUBBORN FRONT Early on Monday, Ukraine shut the eastern town of Avdiivka to non-military personnel as Kyiv tried to break the back of Russia's flagging winter offensive before a counter-assault of its own. A Ukrainian general said Kyiv was planning its next move after Moscow appeared to shift focus from the small city of Bakhmut, which Russia has failed to capture after several months of the war's bloodiest fighting, to Avdiivka farther south. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff said in a Monday evening update that Russian forces were still trying to storm Bakhmut and had shelled the city and surrounding towns. Front lines in Ukraine have barely budged for more than four months despite a Russian winter offensive. The Ukrainian military aims to wear down Russian forces before mounting a counteroffensive. Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said last week the counterattack could come "very soon," visited frontline troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling Russian attacks on Bakhmut. Defending the small city in the industrialised Donbas region was a military necessity, Syrskyi said, praising Ukrainian resilience in "extremely difficult conditions". Last week, the Ukrainian military warned that Avdiivka, a smaller town 90 km (55 miles) farther south, could become a "second Bakhmut" as Russia turns its attention there. Both towns have been reduced to rubble. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. NUCLEAR DEPLOYMENT PLAN Since Putin's invasion to "demilitarise" Ukraine got bogged down in the autumn, he and other Russian officials have played up the prospect the war could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. On Saturday he said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. Kyiv and its Western allies reacted angrily to the plan. Ukraine called for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, and Lithuania said it would call for new sanctions against Moscow and Minsk. EU policy chief Josep Borrell urged Belarus not to host the weapons and threatened more sanctions. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. During the covid waves in India, several producers of raw materials required for face masks, vaccines and supply chains were struggling to meet demand as they fell short of working capital. To address this, multiple stakeholders the Indian government, USAID, The Rockefeller Foundation and other development agencies, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, accelerators, and academialaunched a blended financing entity called Sustainable Access to Markets and Resources for Innovative Delivery of Healthcare (Samridh). Since 2020, Samridh has reached over 25 million people and deployed over $16 million in philanthropic funds to over 60 social enterprises. It has mobilized a capital pool of $300 million to offer both grant and debt financing provisions to healthcare enterprises and innovators and helped sustain their operations. According to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, there is currently an annual shortfall of $4 trillion in developing countries, despite the combined sum of private capital flows, personal remittances, official development assistance (ODA) and private grants. A policy brief by the G20s Think 20 Engagement Group highlights that several nations of the Global South are likely to fall short of their 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) on account of a funding gap. We must start working on filling this gap both through new investments and reallocation of existing capital. Indias finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has repeatedly highlighted the role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in using innovative finance techniques to scale catalytic financing for SDGs to be met. Low-income regions, adaptation sectors and marginalized populations find it harder to attract funding, due to small deal sizes, high regulatory complexity and country-specific risks. Moreover, relying solely on philanthropy and government funding cannot address transnational challenges. Current public resources are not enough. Limited access to appropriate capital, fewer incentives for innovative practices and weak market intelligence and networks are among the reasons we must look towards the private ecosystem of blended finance solutions. Blended finance instruments can provide investors with distinct benefits, including the ability to tailor risks to specific needs, apart from capital loss protection and financial and social returns. It incentivizes and mobilizes private capital in emerging and frontier markets where public resources and donor funds are limited. For instance, in India, government support helped many organizations get finance at the incubation stage, though they must raise working capital through other means. To plug finance gaps, instrumental returnable grants and zero-coupon loans can be of substantial help to organizations with high-impact solutions, as these help meet short-term financial requirements (to be repaid later). To mitigate risks, blended finance initiatives offer technical support, capacity-building aid, relevant data and tools for impact measurement, monitoring and evaluation. Successive grants are outcome-based, as set milestones must be achieved for further funding. Global crises like climate change and food insecurity can be fought by leveraging blended finance. Given Indias G20 presidency this year, the Global South is in focus. In view of the G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap, India has emphasized the need to adopt innovative financing methods and can help the Global South develop blended finance instruments to meet SDGs. The Investor Leadership Network and Rockefeller Foundation have suggested creating a rolling pool of funds offering first or second loss guarantees, so the private sector can cover hard-to-insure risks such as regulatory changes, taxation shifts and reputational damage. The network also recommends creating a shared database of projects that MDBs are screening to give the private sector full access to emerging-market risk data. Another tool at the disposal of private foundations is catalytic financing. The leadership of philanthropic organizations in incubating and expanding the field of impact investing has led to inroads made within the private sector. Philanthropies are perfect partners for innovation, as they could complement measures that the public sector can take to improve the risk-return balance, while directly engaging with private-sector partners. With a range of development funders already showing strong political will and allocating funds to innovative mechanisms of finance, there is a growing momentum in support of blended finance as a systemic approach. Indias G20 leadership is thus the Global Souths moment to call for greater support and financial instruments. Developing nations require an environment that lets private investments thrive, which calls for activating policies that allow private players and philanthropies to support their growth. Innovative blending can support project preparation and solve information gaps, enabling investment in multiple projects. It can work at the institutional level by blending public subsidies in the market to encourage private investments. With the Ukraine war, covid pandemic, increasing impact of climatic changes and natural disasters like the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the SDG financing gap is widening. Emerging and frontier economies must step up advocacy of efficient access to fit-for-purpose catalytic capital for develop high-quality projects and expertise. We must unlock transition finance to build a tomorrow where no one is left behind. Deepali Khanna is vice president, Asia regional office, The Rockefeller Foundation. CAPE CANAVERAL : Scientists have discovered a new and renewable source of water on the moon for future explorers in lunar samples from a Chinese mission. Water was embedded in tiny glass beads in the lunar dirt where meteorite impacts occur. These shiny, multicolored glass beads were in samples returned from the moon by China in 2020. The beads range in size from the width of one hair to several hairs; the water content was just a miniscule fraction of that, said Hejiu Hui of Nanjing University, who took part in the study. Since there are billions if not trillions of these impact beads, that could amount to substantial amounts of water, but mining it would be tough, according to the team. Yes, it will require lots and lots of glass beads," Hui said in an email. On the other hand, there are lots and lots of beads on the moon." These beads could continually yield water thanks to the constant bombardment by hydrogen in the solar wind. The findings, published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience, are based on 32 glass beads randomly selected from lunar dirt returned from the Chang'e 5 moon mission. More samples will be studied, Hui said. These impact beads are everywhere, the result of the cooling of melted material ejected by incoming space rocks. Water could be extracted by heating the beads, possibly by future robotic missions. More studies are needed to determine whether this would be feasible and, if so, whether the water would be safe to drink. This shows water can be recharged on the moons surface ... a new water reservoir on the moon," Hui said. Previous studies found water in glass beads formed by lunar volcanic activity, based on samples returned by the Apollo moonwalkers more than a half-century ago. These, too, could provide water not only for use by future crews, but for rocket fuel. NASA aims to put astronauts back on the lunar surface by the end of 2025. They'll aim for the south pole where permanently shadowed craters are believed to be packed with frozen water. Dinesh Shinde and his friends often meet in the evenings at Golibar Colony, a 130-acre slum cluster in suburban Mumbai. Having lived in 150-200 sq ft tenements all their lives, their conversations inevitably touch on their most pressing problem: how much longer do they have to wait to move into homes in proper buildings. Homes with an address that can help them avail a bank loan, get married or find a better job and facilitate admission for their children in good schools. In 2006, the redevelopment of this slum, sprawling across Khar and Santacruz East, was handed over by the Maharashtra government to a joint venture of Shivalik Ventures, Rohan Lifescapes and Unitech Ltd. Sixteen years on, only 5% of the project has been completed. Unitech got mired in the 2G spectrum scam, making it impossible for the venture to raise funds. Another sticky issue is multiple ownership of the land. Once a firing range, Golibar is partly owned by the defence ministry, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority and others. Shinde, for instance, lives in the defence-owned 40-acre part of the slum that has around 9,500 huts. Golibar typifies the long, complex and messy process that has come to define slum redevelopment in Mumbai. Developers are often embroiled in fraudulent cases. Land ownership is complicated; political and legal interventions are frequent; liquidity issues are perennial; there is little clarity on policy or planning. Dharavi, which houses a million people, is another textbook case of the problems inherent in such projects. When global tenders were first issued in 2007 for the redevelopment of this 239-hectare settlement in the heart of Mumbai, 101 responses from developers around the world were received. After multiple cancelled tenders, when bids were re-invited in 2016, no one showed up. Another attempt was made in 2022. Eight companies evinced interest in the pre-bid meeting, but finally it was just Adani Property Pvt Ltd (APPL), DLF Ltd and Mumbai-based Naman Group which submitted bids. Not a single prominent Mumbai developer came forward. Naman was disqualified, and Adanis 5,069-crore bid won over DLFs 2.025-crore offer. At one time, Golibar or Dharavi were seen as real-estate gold mines, but not any longer. Many credible developers just stay away from similar projects. Months after inking a joint venture with Transcon Developers in 2019 to develop the commercial part of a slum project, the BSE-listed property developer, Sunteck Realty, backed out. Sunteck chairman Kamal Khetan says it did so after due diligence. There are no reputed developers in slum redevelopment anymore because its difficult. Today, even if I get an opportunity in the most prime location, I will think many times over before saying yes," he says. Policy is a cropper This doesnt bode well for a city where half the population lives in slums. In fact, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) was established in 1995 with the express goal to offer free housing to slum dwellers and make Mumbai slum-free". The aim was lofty, considering that the city has nearly 2,400 slum clusters, compared to Delhis 675. But today, over 1,000 proposed slum redevelopment projects under the SRA are either stuck or have never taken off. Of the 380 projects in limbo, 230 ran out of money. In 2022, former Maharashtra housing minister Jitendra Awhad said that an estimated 35,000 crore was trapped in these projects because developers had failed to complete them. There was a huge euphoria when the SRA scheme came up but none of the developers have been able to continue and perform well. Many factors played a role, including difficulty in clearing slums, hefty premium payments and cost escalation. So, established developers today will only consider slum projects when they get clear land," says Anuj Puri, chairman, Anarock Property Consultants. Gautam Chatterjee, a former bureaucrat, understands the complications only too well. He was the chief executive officer of the SRA between 1995 and 1997 and of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project between 2008 and 2010. Slum projects are the most difficult to execute among all brownfield projects. There are legal and political interventions, and lack of transparency. Whats needed is clarity in policy and planning by the government and its competent authorities. Thats when bigger developers will come in," he says. So, how does a slum project work? A developer first needs the consent of 51% of the slum dwellers, after which it can approach the SRA for approval. The SRA then issues certificates of eligibility, post which the letter of intent is issued. The developer then starts vacating the site, offering either rent or a transit camp for slum dwellers till the houses are ready. The developer must provide 300 sq ft homes for free to the slum dwellers. To offset the expenses, it can sell a part of the land or apartments in the open market. But then, slum projects cant be done on excel sheets, says Harresh Mehta, chairman and managing director, Rohan Lifescapes, a JV partner in Golibar. They need a hands-on approach, human touch and financial bandwidth," he stresses. In slum redevelopment, the state government earlier levied higher premium charges on developers who expressed interest. For instance, they had to pay 25% of the land value, and the floor space index, or FSI, usage (permissible area of construction) on a plot was capped. The goalposts in terms of policies kept changing, but things are getting better. The incentive structure for developers has improved. But slum projects are difficult, and everybody wants their pound of flesh," Mehta adds. With the market turning around, Mehta is hopeful of reviving the Golibar project, too. But it will be tough given the liquidity challenge. Unitech is still a partner (with 25% stake) in Shivalik, making investors wary. The success of the Dharavi project is central to Mumbais slum redevelopment story. But after allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud that hit the Adani group, the state government is now waiting for the dust to settle. Bad boys? The credibility of developers is also critical for slum projects. Last year, Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL) announced its plan to invest 400 crore in DB Realty for a 10% stake and, separately, another 300 crore for a joint venture for slum rehabilitation and redevelopment projects. Just a day later, GPL called off the deal, after concerns were raised by minority shareholders and other stakeholders, not just about the slum redevelopment business in general, but also about investing in DB Realty, a company whose promoters were allegedly involved in the 2G scam. Separately, the promoters of Omkar Realtors & Developers Pvt Ltd, which specialized in slum projects, were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case in 2021. Ditto with Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL), once Indias third largest developer, after DLF and Unitech, and Mumbais biggest slum developer. Its promoters were arrested in 2019 for their alleged roles in the over 6,000 crore fraud caused to Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank. Slum redevelopment deals with land, money and massive numbers of slum dwellers, who are critical vote banks for political parties. Being a lucrative business, developers have in the past diverted money into other businesses, leading to an unholy nexus between stakeholders. So, it is no surprise that credible developers dont want to be a part of it anymore," says a real estate consultant, who requested not to be named. Slum developers such as DB Realty and Omkar, who have land but are unable to develop and sell on their own, have been forging partnerships with reputed developers. GPL, for instance, is doing a slum project in south Mumbais Worli with a partner, where the latter is responsible for clearing the land and dealing with slum dwellers. GPL will develop the commercial or free sale component. A GPL spokesperson declined to comment. One of Mumbais prominent developers, Niranjan Hiranandani, suddenly finds himself in the shoes of a slum developer. Almost a decade back, Hiranandani had handed over the rights of development of a slum in suburban Vikhroli to Omkar Developers. Given the turn of events in Omkars case, the 16-acre project is back in the lap of Hiranandani Group, as per a court order. We are in the process of seeking approvals. In a city where half the population continues to live in slums, redevelopment of slum land is imperative. But the truth is there is no ease of doing business in such projects," says Niranjan Hiranandani, co-founder and managing director of Hiranandani Group. Hiranandani, who was a co-signatory of the Dinesh Afzalpurkar Committee, a study group set up in the 1990s to provide a framework for slum redevelopment, says litigations, political interference and other factors cause unreasonable delay in such projects. Thats why there are individuals who now help in clearing the land and in getting approvals," he says. Reviving dead projects Over the past year, the Maharashtra government has come up with two policies to hasten SRA projects. The first includes empanelling developers and contractors with financial capability. After tenders are called for stuck projects, SRA will assure fast-tracking of approvals. The second is an amnesty scheme for projects where large financial institutions (FIs) have invested but developers have floundered. Such FIs will be notified as co-developers and can nominate a developer of their choice and complete the projects. The original developer will be removed, and the investor and new developer can realize the money from the sale component of the project. About 100 developers have been empanelled and will be taking up the stuck projects. Under the amnesty scheme, we have got 28 proposals so far. Some prominent lending institutions have expressed interest," says Satish Lokhande, the chief executive officer of SRA. Of the 380 stuck projects, Lokhande says efforts are on to restart 148 projects. Finding a middle path Developers who are still navigating the messy aspects of these projects are looking at risk-free options. Recently, realty firm K Raheja Corp acquired FSI rights of 152,000 sq ft in a slum project in Wadala for 275 crore, according to documents accessed by property analytics firm CRE Matrix. The project already has two other developers. While the existing developers rehabilitated the slum dwellers in one portion of the land, Raheja will develop the commercial component of the project. This allows Raheja to sell around 350 units at market prices, without getting involved in the more complex slum part of the project. Not surprisingly, investors and corporate builders are keener to redevelop housing societies that are smaller in scale, involve fewer people, and are easier to execute. Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd is now planning to redevelop two adjacent housing societies in Santacruz, marking its entry into the space. Mumbai has limited opportunities for greenfield development due to the absence of vacant land parcels. The only viable opportunity is through redevelopmenta market estimated to be worth over 30,000 crore, according to Mahindra Lifespace. The debacle of HDIL, Omkar and others in the past have also made investors wary about lending to slum projects. But they are warming up to the less risky aspect of society redevelopment. Nisus Finance Co Pvt Ltd backed out of a slum project once, even though the rehabilitation part was completed. It instead invested in multiple society redevelopment projects, in prime spots like Prabhadevi and suburban Chembur and Thane. Slum projects are high-risk, need huge amounts of cash, approvals and the scale of rehabilitation is massive. We chose society redevelopment because they are simpler, involving the landlord and tenants," says Amit Goenka, CEO and MD, Nisus Finance. But that leaves the mammoth task of redeveloping Mumbais slums still unfulfilled. SRAs Lokhande expects developers and investors to gradually return to slum projects. Given the chequered past of the business, it wont be easy. For millions of Mumbaikars, their dream home will have to wait. Since the Compassionate-Use Act passed the 84th Legislative Session in 2015, medical marijuana has slowly picked up momentum in Texas. Beginning this week, Central Texans will have easier access to the products. On Tuesday afternoon, March 28, medical marijuana company goodblend opened its inaugural retail store in South Austin. The event, replete with ribbon cutting, swag, and music from DJ Chanel Eleven, marked the first brick-and-mortar medical marijuana dispensary inside city limits. Located at 7105 E. Riverside Drive, the store will be open from Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "This will be the first time where you'll be able to come in to a convenience store with your prescription and actually order product live on the spot that'll be in our inventory and then leave with it that day," goodblend community relations manager Terrence Baugh told KVUE. For now, Baugh said, customers will have to bring prescriptions to the shop. In the future, they are hoping to have doctors onsite for consultations and eventually, telemedicine visits. Baugh told KXAN that 7 million Texans are eligible for medical marijuana, but that fewer than 50,000 are enrolled. Founded in 2015, goodblend is headquartered in Austin. The company says that its cannabis products are "cultivated and produced right here in the Lone Star State." There are just three licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the state: goodblend, Manchaca's Texas Original, and Fluent, serving the Houston area. The company previously toured the state on the "Ride for Your Rights Tour." The CannaBus, as goodblend called it, made stops last October in San Angelo, Abilene, Fort Worth, Plano, Nacogdoches, Houston, San Antonio, and Killeen with free events meant to educate Texans on how they can qualify for medical marijuana. Find it: 7105 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78741 Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It By Daniel Knowles Abrams. 248 pp. $28 - - - Daniel Knowles hates cars, and he wants you to hate them too. Or, to put a finer point on it, Knowles - the Midwest U.S. correspondent for the Economist magazine - hates what cars have done to the world, and especially to our cities. His new book, "Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It," shows how they pollute the air, inefficiently consume enormous amounts of natural resources, take up too much space, and kill and injure too many people. They make cities into worse places: less pleasant, less walkable and bikeable, harder to enjoy, dirtier, and louder. They stress us out and make our lives more sedentary. We need, Knowles argues, to get as many of them off the road as we can, as quickly as possible. In the service of this argument, Knowles marshals examples from around the world, sketching nimble case studies of cities - Houston, Mumbai, Nairobi - where we see cars and car-centric planning at their worst: filthy air, congested roads, sprawl, appalling levels of road death. He contrasts these hellish carscapes with places that are, from his perspective, doing a better job with transit: Tokyo, Amsterdam, Paris. Knowles also goes back in time, giving a potted history of how, after World War II, cars came to dominate so many urban streets worldwide. From all this he extracts lessons in the form of policy interventions that car-clogged cities could deploy in the service of a brighter transit future, one where the movement of people is prioritized over the movement of cars. I should say, in the spirit of full disclosure, that I'm entirely on Knowles's side. Unlike him, I do own a car, but reluctantly and resentfully. I get fired up listening to the "War on Cars" podcast, and I frequent Reddit forums where people complain about car culture and its excesses. My appetite for the arguments "Carmageddon" makes, and the types of information it presents, is high. It's well-written, sliding casually between research findings, the historical literature, journalistic observations from across the globe and personal experience. But for better or worse - and the answer will vary from reader to reader - the book is a perfect example of a genre I've taken to calling the "liberal problems and policies tour." In these books, you are first presented with evidence that the problem exists. (Cars are awful.) In all likelihood, it's even more of a problem than you already know. (Cars are really awful, shaping our streets, cities and lives for the worse.) You learn the problem's history and lots of edifying facts along the way. (Did you know that, for the average American college student, getting to and from school accounts for 20 percent of their overall education costs?) Finally, you're introduced to policies that, if implemented, would make things better. (The massive network of protected bike lanes in Paris, the steep car taxes and parking restrictions of Tokyo, and so on.) Implicit in this approach is a theory of how change works. According to this theory, people take in arguments, weigh their merits, and decide which problems are worth solving and which solutions are worth implementing. When enough people's minds converge on the same solutions . . . voila! Elected officials attuned to public sentiment and motivated by the public good take it from there, as long as they're brave enough to do their jobs. "These are realistic measures that can be taken, often by city governments, with a dose of political courage," Knowles writes. "What is happening in Paris could easily be implemented in Berlin, Chicago, and Toronto, if the politicians in those cities just tried." I don't mean to suggest that this theory of change is entirely false. But, in general, politics is not a process through which the "will of the people" is translated, by politicians, into policy outcomes. Politics, especially in America, is an ongoing battle between shifting coalitions with competing interests, waged on multiple simultaneous fronts, often including institutions (like the Senate and Supreme Court) that are essentially anti-democratic by design. "Carmageddon" will be a great read for someone newly interested in the negative influence of cars. Even readers like me, already curdled against cars, will learn things. But precisely because I share Knowles's sense of urgency about ending car dominance before it becomes even more entrenched, I turned the last page with a sense of dissatisfaction. The policies he highlights - investment in transit, protected bike lanes, lower speed limits, congestion pricing, road closures, fewer gargantuan SUVs and pickups - are all good ones. But these were all identified as effective measures long ago. The challenge now, for transit as for so many other issues, is not to identify the best policies but to figure out how they might be implemented on the rough terrain of politics. That is: Who benefits from widespread car dependence today, and how can these beneficiaries' positions be weakened? What existing coalitions might be willing to fight these battles, what new coalitions will be needed and how might they be formed? Once formed, how might those coalitions actually win? The near-total absence of these considerations from "Carmageddon" - its elision of political problems in favor of technical fixes - makes the book feel, like so many of its genre-mates, disconnected from the very problems to which it draws our attention. I can imagine Knowles convincing some readers that yes, something must be done. But how? We could cross our fingers and hope that American legislators will soon, out of the goodness of their hearts, start acting more like Parisian ones, at least on transit issues. But for more useful, realistic answers, readers will have to look elsewhere. - - - Peter C. Baker is a writer in Evanston, Ill., and the author of the novel "Planes." A little more than an hour into his concert at Capital One Arena on Monday night, Bruce Springsteen stopped to tell a story about joining his first band at the age of 15 in 1965. That was 10 presidents ago in Washington speak, an astonishing run. And given his full-throttle, nearly three-hour performance, he probably has a few more presidents still to go. From the first notes of the first song, "No Surrender," the 73-year-old and his magnificent E Street Band planted a hard-charging declaration of resolve in the face of everything that has tested them over a half-century of music-making and life-living. When they reached the chorus, the fans, full-throated, joined in their pact: "We made a promise we swore we'd always remember. No retreat, baby, no surrender." Damn. It was the perfect opening statement for a night of music that did not back down and that reminded listeners of rock-and-roll's ability to distill complex emotions and feelings into seemingly simple singalong anthems. Few do that better than Springsteen, who has delivered decades of irrepressible songs that also explore deeper themes of struggle and survival, resilience and resurrection, community and commitment. Taut, tan and dressed all in black, the Boss was a commanding figure as he led his band - and that exuberant crowd - through favorites that have spanned his career. "Prove It All Night" sounded as urgent and unrelenting as it did when first released on "Darkness on the Edge of Town," in 1978. And on the raging "The Promised Land," when Springsteen howled, "Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted," it felt like a cathartic call to a world that has been swimming in uncertainty and fear these past few years. The joyful "Out in the Street," a forget-all-your-troubles-and-party banger, was more cause to celebrate. The band, which would eventually swell to 18 members with backup vocalists and a horn section, was held down by Springsteen's longtime sidemates, including drummer Max Weinberg, guitarist/pirate Steven Van Zandt and local boy made good guitarist Nils Lofgren, who grew up in Bethesda. Saxophonist Jake Clemons summoned the spirit and the chops of his late uncle Clarence Clemons, the legendary Big Man of Springsteen's band until his death in 2011. Springsteen reached way back in his catalogue for two playful songs, "Kitty's Back" and "The E Street Shuffle," from 1973's "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle." And on "Johnny 99," he brought his blistering five-piece horn section to the crowd, turning a grim tale from his stark 1982 solo album, "Nebraska," into a full-on rave-up. Never has a life sentence sounded like so much fun. The concert marked Springsteen's second trip to Washington in the past week. Six days earlier, he received a National Medal of Arts at the White House, where President Biden described him as "a poet, troubadour, a chronicler of American life and resilience and hope and dreams." If there was a shadow over the show, it was the still-lingering bad taste from the dynamic pricing Springsteen and his team agreed to, which led to sky-high ticket prices when they went on sale last year. Some fans paid well over $1,000 for seats that cost just a couple hundred a few years ago. Many ordinary Joes and Janes, forever staples of Springsteen's base, couldn't afford to plunk down those big bucks. There isn't a fan who doesn't think Springsteen should be handsomely rewarded for his shows, but that money grab felt a little grubby. For those in the arena for the 26-song tour de force, however, that misstep was probably soon forgotten or forgiven. The generous opening set ended with a roaring version of "Badlands," and the band quickly returned for a seven-song encore, which included "Thunder Road," "Born to Run," "Rosalita," "Glory Days" and "Dancing in the Dark." Not too shabby. There has been no announcement that this will be the last tour that Springsteen will do with the E Street Band, but there are no guarantees, either. (The summer leg of this tour will return to Washington for a concert at Nationals Park on Aug. 28.) For Bruce and those in the band in their 70s, delivering a show with this much energy and verve is a lot more taxing than it was in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The party can't go on forever. Indeed, the theme of mortality and loss was woven into the night's offerings, such as with "Ghosts," from Springsteen's 2020 album, "Letter to You," and with his cover of the Commodores' "Nightshift," from his record "Only the Strong Survive." As if to make sure that point wasn't missed, Springsteen closed the show with the beautiful "I'll See You in My Dreams," a song of holding dear to memories of the people he has lost along the way. People like E Streeters Clemons and Danny Federici, as well as his friend George Theiss, the leader of that first band he joined 10 presidents ago. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 facebook.com Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Danny Zaragoza/Laredo Morning Times Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The Newcomers and Friends of Laredo club is inviting the Laredo community to attend its International Day celebration at the Imaginarium. The day of learning will include a variety of international-themed activities, including food, music, dance and fun activities for Laredoans looking to expand their world view and learn of other cultures and traditions. Courtesy/U.S. Border Patrol A man caught smuggling 11 migrants said he expected $1,800 per migrant smuggled, according to an arrest affidavit. A white tractor towing a flatbed trailer arrived at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 at about 7:10 p.m. March 24. Authorities identified the driver as Marcus Collins. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The head of the Christian elementary school in Nashville who was killed in a shooting there on Monday was described by friends as smart, loving and a rare female leader within a male-led religious culture. If there was any trouble in that school, she would run to it, not from it, Jackie Bailey said of her friend Katherine Koonce, head of The Covenant School. She was trying to protect those kids Thats just what I believe. Koonce was one of six people killed in the shooting in Tennessee, including three 9-year-old children identified by police as Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus and William Kinney. Also killed were Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher, and Mike Hill, 61, a custodian. In a video statement released Tuesday evening, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Peak was supposed to have dinner with his wife, Maria, after filling in as a substitute teacher at Covenant. Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Lee said, adding that Peak, Koonce and his wife had once taught together and have been family friends for decades. A friend of Hill's posted on Facebook that he also believed Hill would have died protecting the children. Pastor Tim Dunavant, of the Hartsville First United Methodist Church, said that he hired Hill to work at Covenant more than a decade ago. I dont know the details yet. But I have a feeling, when it all comes out, Mikes sacrifice saved lives, Dunavant wrote. I have nothing factual to base that upon. I just know what kind of guy he was. And I know hes the kind of guy that would do that. Hill's family issued a statement saying, We pray for the Covenant School and are so grateful that Michael was beloved by the faculty and students who filled him with joy for 14 years. He was a father of seven children ... and 14 grandchildren. He liked to cook and spend time with family. Another pastor, Jim Bachmann, said Hill was one of those people you cannot not like and that he made a point of learning the names of all the students and talking to them. Bachmann was the founding pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, which runs the school, and is the current pastor of Stephens Valley Church, where Hill was a member and sometimes served as a greeter. On those occasions, Hill would dress up like he was going to meet the president of the United States, Bachmann said. He added, Everybody loved Mike, and he loved them back." Friends also described Peak as a loving friend and natural teacher. She was a sweet person from a sweet family, said Chuck Owen, who told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that they grew up together in Leesville, Louisiana, and that Peak was a lifelong friend. When he heard that Peak was killed in the shooting, It took my breath away, Owen said. You dont expect something like this. It just took the wind out of me. Peak was also a devout Christian. She told me that she got saved in college and that Gods love changed her life, Owen said, adding it was appropriate that she was teaching at a Christian school. Nashville songwriter Natalie Hemby posted on Instagram that Peak "taught me how to swim. Keep my head above water which is what were all trying to do right now. ...And next time you jump in a pool on a beautiful summer day, and find yourself floating and looking at the sky, please think of my friend, Cindy Peak. Her family issued a statement saying their hearts are broken, and called Peak a pillar of the community, and a teacher beloved by all her students. She never wavered in her faith and we know she is wrapped in the arms of Jesus, the statement said. In Dallas, the Park Cities Presbyterian Church held a service to mourn the passing of Hallie Scruggs, daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Church lead pastor Chad Scruggs. He had previously worked as an associate pastor at Park Cities, which issued a statement about the shooting. We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie," Park Cities Senior Pastor Mark Davis said in the statement. "Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need. The church held a noon service on Tuesday to pray for the victims as well as for the shooter. I spoke with Chad yesterday afternoon, Davis said. He was very conversant, admitting hes in shock, that this is surreal. But also admitting that the Lord is in control." The Covenant School in Nashville has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members, according to its website. Before Koonce took the top role with Covenant, Anna Caudill, a former art teacher, worked with her for almost a decade at Christ Presbyterian Academy, another Christian school in the area connected to a Presbyterian Church in America congregation. She was an absolute dynamo and one of the smartest women Ill ever know, said Caudill, recalling how Koonce excelled at her day job while parenting her children, pursuing her masters and then her PhD, and writing a book. For Caudill, who grew up in several male-led Christian denominations, Koonce had remarkable leadership skills and was the first woman in such a setting to encourage her to keep learning and pursuing her life goals. When Caudill launched her nonprofit advocating for special education resources and other support, she said Koonce was one of the first to donate financially to it. She said Koonce loved her job at Covenant and she was loved by students and their families. She wasnt Wonder Woman, but I never saw the two in the same place, she said. ___ Adrian Sainz contributed from Memphis, Tenn. Finley reported from Norfolk, Va. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The shooter who killed three students and three staff members at a Christian school in Nashville legally bought seven weapons in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately at victims and spraying gunfire through doors and windows, police said Tuesday. The violence Monday at The Covenant School was the latest school shooting to roil the nation and was planned carefully. The shooter had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. The suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at the school. Hale did not target specific victims among them three 9-year-olds and the head of the school but did target this school, this church building, police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, then we would have tried to get those weapons," Drake said. But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if (Hale) even existed." Tennessee does not currently have a red flag law, which lets police step in and take firearms away from people who threaten to kill. On Tuesday night, Tennessee's governor said one of the victims, 61-year-old substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, was a close friend of his wife, Maria, and that the two had been scheduled to have dinner after Peak taught that day. Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends, Gov. Bill Lee said, adding that his wife once taught with Peak and another victim, Katherine Koonce, and the women and have been family friends for decades. Hale legally bought seven firearms from five local gun stores, Drake said. Three of them were used in Mondays shooting. Police spokesperson Brooke Reese said Hale bought the guns between October 2020 and June 2022. Hale's parents believed their child had sold one gun and did not own any others, Drake said, adding that Hale had been hiding several weapons within the house. Hale's motive is unknown, Drake said. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, Drake said investigators don't know what drove Hale but believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake, at Tuesday's news conference, described several different writings by Hale that mention other locations and The Covenant School. Asked at a Senate hearing whether the Justice Department would open an investigation into whether the shooting was a hate crime targeting Christians, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said federal officials were working with local police to identify a motive. Police have released videos of the shooting, including edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter's car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. Additional video, from Officer Rex Engelbert's bodycam, shows a woman meeting police outside as they arrive and telling them that all the children were locked down, but we have two kids that we don't know where they are. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles and announcing themselves as police. The video shows officers climbing stairs to the second floor and entering a lobby area, followed by a barrage of gunfire and an officer yelling twice: Get your hands away from the gun." Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. The White House said President Joe Biden spoke Tuesday with Drake, Engelbert and Callazo to thank them for their bravery. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the attack in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police said about eight minutes passed from the initial call to when officers arrived at the scene. Surveillance video shows a time stamp of just before 10:11 a.m., when the attacker shot out the doors. Police said they got the call about a shooter at 10:13. Aaron said in an email Tuesday that dispatch records show officers arrived on campus shortly before 10:22. At about 10:24, officers engaged the suspect, the chief said during the news conference. Within two minutes of that, the suspect was down, according to the dispatch records. There were police cars that had been hit by gunfire. As officers were approaching the building, there was gunfire going off, Drake said. We feel, our response right now, from what Ive seen, I dont have a particular problem with it. But we always want to get better. We always want to get there in two or three minutes, he said, adding that traffic was locked down at the time. Traffic was indeed stopped along a nearby two-lane road with a turning lane as police tried to weave their way to the school. Police have given unclear information on Hale's gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. Later in the day, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. Later Tuesday, at the news conference, Drake referred to Hale with female pronouns. Authorities identified the dead children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Koonce was remembered as someone who would run toward danger, not away from it. I guarantee you if there were kids missing (during the shooting), Katherine was looking for them, friend Jackie Bailey said. And thats probably how she got in the way just trying to do something for somebody else. She would give up her own life in order to save somebody elses. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the school is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville. It has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade and roughly 50 staff members. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia, John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, and Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALAUSI, Ecuador (AP) A huge landslide swept over an Andean community in central Ecuador, burying dozens of homes, killing at least seven people and sending rescuers on a frantic search for survivors, authorities said Monday. Earlier in the day, officials had reported 16 deaths, but President Guillermo Lasso put the confirmed toll at seven as he arrived Monday night at the scene of the disaster in Alausi, about 137 miles south of the capital, Quito. Officials also raised the number of people reported missing to 62. Lasso lamented the tragedy and promised people in the town that we will continue working" on the search effort. Ecuadors Risk Management Secretariat said more than 30 people were rescued after the mountainside collapsed around 10 p.m. Sunday. It said 23 people were injured. My mother is buried" under the mud, said Luis Angel Gonzalez, 58, who also lost other family members Sunday. "I am so sad, devastated. There is nothing here, no houses, no anything. We are homeless (and) without family. The risk management agency estimated 500 people and 163 homes were affected by the disaster, which also destroyed a portion of the Pan-American Highway. The governor of Chimborazo, Ivan Vinueza, told The Associated Press that some of the injured were taken to area hospitals. He said officials had urged people to evacuate the area after landslides and cracks began to develop about two months ago. Some followed the advice, and by Saturday, as tremors intensified, others fled. Area residents told local media they heard tremors on the mountain before the landslide, which was estimated to be about 150 meters (490 feet) wide and nearly a half mile (700 meters) long. It swept away trees, homes and other buildings. More than fifty houses were buried under tons of mud of debris. The emergency response agency said 60% of potable water service in the area was affected by the landslide. The communications office of the presidential office said some schools would be switching to online classes. Firefighters from a half dozen cities were dispatched to the area to help. Rescuers focused on the flanks of the landslide where they found traces and debris of houses. Rescuer and paramedic Alberto Escobar said it was unlikely more survivors would be found because of the time that had elapsed. He said the search would continue as long as it did not rain. Video from cameras connected to the countrys emergency service network showed people fleeing their homes with help from neighbors. It also showed people transporting appliances and other belongings in vehicles. Survivors, many housed in temporary shelters, cried over their misfortune. Among them was the Zuna family, who were staying at the Iglesia Matriz de Alausi, where rooms for catechism or parish meetings were adapted with bunk beds days ago after authorities declared an emergency in the area due to the risk of landslides. Sonia Guadalupe Zuna said her mother was reluctant to leave what they had built over the years. We went to the shelter, but my mother didnt want to, Zuna said. Later, my daughter went to convince her. When they walked along the rails, everything collapsed. They arrived covered in dirt and crying. Save for the clothes they had on, Zuna's family lost everything. I dont know where, but were all leaving," she said crying. "My parents taught us that by working hard, you get material things, but being together is priceless. ___ Associated Press writers Gonzalo Solano in Quito and Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. MNPD Officers Rex Engelbert, a 4-year veteran, and Michael Collazo, a 9-year veteran, were part of a team of officers who responded to the Covenant Church/School campus Monday morning and immediately entered the building. Both of those officers fired on the shooter, who was killed. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Use the Arrows < > above to go through the gallery A new public piano has been introduced in Longford Shopping Centre. The brightly coloured Piano for the People was officially unveiled by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern on Monday, just in time for International Piano Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 29. The upright piano, which was sourced, refurbished and funded through Longford County Council Arts Service, is kindly supported and hosted by Longford Shopping Centre. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO CAPTION: Four-year-old Bruno Adzic being helped by his mother during his performance at the launch of the Longford County Council Arts Office Piano for the People in Longford Shopping Centre to coincide with International Piano Day this Wednesday Picture: Michael Croghan Photography Visitors to the shopping centre will spot the brightly coloured piano straight away as it has been rendered with a beautiful, commissioned mural by local artist Phil Atkinson. There are 88 keys on a piano and International Piano Day takes place on the 88th day of the year - Wednesday, March 29. Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern said, Public pianos breathe life into cities all around the world, from Boston to Berlin, Barcelona to Brisbane. And now, why not Longford, Ireland. We look forward to seeing players and listeners gather, to share songs, stories and time together." Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, This wonderful initiative by our Arts Office is a fantastic addition to the work already being done to create warm and vibrant civic spaces around Longford town and we are thrilled that Longford Shopping Centre has provided such a great location. Manager of Longford Shopping Centre Samuel Byrne said, Longford Shopping Centre has played an integral part of community life in Longford for many years, regularly hosting local music groups and choral performances as well as charitable events. We are delighted to be participating in this project and we love to see people gathering to the power of music - it sustains communities, and this piano will create a wonderful focal point, allowing people to share songs and stories from their place. Arts Officer Fergus Kennedy said, Getting a piano into a public place like Longford Town Shopping Centre has been a labour of love. We encourage all ebony and ivory tinklers, bringers of nocturnes, ragtime, jazz, trad and come-all-yes to join in the fun. The piano is located on the ground floor in Longford Shopping Centre, easily accessible to all citizens. It is available to be played by members of the public during Centre opening hours. Lawyers for one of the men accused of taking part in assaults at a repossessed farmhouse in Roscommon has challenged the evidence that two mobile phones were taken from the accused's home. At around 5am on December 16, 2018, a group of approximately 30 armed men, some wearing balaclavas, arrived at the rural property just outside Strokestown and attacked four of the security guards present, the trial has heard. The house and farmlands had been repossessed five days previously. Patrick Sweeney (44) of High Cairn, Ramelton, Co Donegal, Martin O'Toole (58) of Stripe, Irishtown, Claremorris, Co Mayo, Paul Beirne (56) of Croghan, Boyle, Co Roscommon and David Lawlor (43) of Bailis Downs, Navan, Co. Meath have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Each man is separately charged with false imprisonment of and assault causing harm to four security personnel at Falsk on December 16, 2018. Each man is also charged with aggravated burglary, as well as four charges of arson in relation to a car and three vans which were allegedly set alight. The four men are also each charged with criminal damage to a door of a house, violent disorder, robbery of a wristwatch from security guard John Graham and, finally, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal by causing or permitting an animal to be struck on the head. On day 16 of the trial Detective Sergeant Shane Killeen told Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, that on January 10, 2019 he and a number of gardai went to Mr O'Toole's home in Stripe, Claremorris for the execution of a warrant to search the property. He said he was aware that the previous day Garda Sergeant Enda Daly had gone to the District Court and sworn an information for the application of a search warrant. Dt Sgt Killeen said he conducted a search of a living room in the presence of Mr O'Toole and he seized a Samsung mobile phone and a Huawei phone. He said he asked Mr O'Toole were they his phones and he said Mr O'Toole said they were. He said he bagged the phones as exhibits and brought them to Roscommon garda station and handed them to another garda for analysis. Gda Sgt Enda Daly testified that he affected the arrest of Mr O'Toole, pursuant to the Offences against the State Act, for an offence of unlawful possession of a firearm at the incident at Falsk. Sgt Daly agreed with Sean Rafter BL, defending Mr O'Toole, that no firearm was found at the property. He said he was satisfied that there was a firearm at the scene of the incident and it was his belief that Mr O'Toole was present at the scene. Mr Rafter, defending Mr O'Toole, put it to the Dt Sgt Killeen that the information sworn to the District Court judge in applying for the search warrant did not mention mobile phones. Counsel asked Dt Sgt Killeen were you hoping to recover phones?. The witness replied that we were looking for any evidence we could gather. Counsel asked if he thought the absence of any mention to mobile phones on the sworn information grounding the warrant was unfortunate. Dt Sgt Killeen said no and that the warrant allowed gardai to search for information relating to the incident at Falsk. Mr Rafter put it to the witness that the custody record book, detailed the personal items of property taken from Mr O'Toole at Castlerea garda station, included a Samsung mobile phone and a Huawei phone. Dt Sgt Killeen said that he had told the member in charge, the garda charged with documenting the custody record, that he was seizing the two phones and to include them in the property of Mr O'Toole. Mr Rafter put it to the witness that it was quite clear that the mobile phones were on his client's person and that you didn't take them from the house Dt Sgt Killeen said that is not correct. He said he disputed entirely the submission by Mr Rafter that the contemporaneous records don't support your version of events. The trial continues. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: March 28 2023 The Town recently joined with local environmental groups to unveil new floating litter trap technology known as CollecThor at Tappen Marina. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier announce a new opportunity for residents interested in helping protect the environment and keep waterways clean. The Town recently joined with local environmental groups to unveil new floating litter trap technology known as CollecThor at Tappen Marina, and is seeking volunteers to assist in the equipments operation this spring and summer. These CollecThors, which were among the first of their kind to be installed in the United States and the first in New York State, assist in our ongoing commitment to protect our ecosystem and improve water quality by removing debris, said Supervisor Saladino. We thank all of the local environmental organizations who assisted the Town in deploying this environmental technology, which collects up to 220 pounds of floating debris in just one cycle. The CollecThor is a silent, motorized waste collector which attracts and engulfs all solid or liquid waste floating on the water surface. The CollecThor project has been a collaborative effort between the Town and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE) Marine Program, as well as local environmental groups whose shared mission is to protect waterways. This year, when the CollecThor returns to local north shore waterways in April, CCE is seeking assistance from local volunteers looking to get involved in helping their environment. This is a great opportunity for high school and college students as well as adults to give back to our environment and serve as Citizen Scientists in the collection of data, said Councilwoman Maier. There are also potential science projects, internships and analysis opportunities, as well as educational field trip opportunities, related to the CollecThor and how to protect from marine pollution. Specifically, CCE is conducting a study to measure how much debris is gathered by the CollecThor and determine what specific trash is found floating in the marina. All volunteers will receive a certificate acknowledging their efforts in making a difference in their community and protecting the environment. The Town currently has two CollecThor traps which are installed at Harry Tappen Marina in Glenwood Landing throughout the spring and summer. Oyster Bay was selected by CCE to receive the floating debris collector through a grant program awarded by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund through the National Fish and Wildlife Fund, and is monitored and operated in partnership with Friends of the Bay, The Waterfront Center, the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, and Oyster Bay High School. CollecThors, the latest in marine debris collection technology, have been deemed the most efficient trash skimmers available for marine and coastal usage. They are specifically designed to target solid and liquid waste, including plastic bottles, cigarette filters, butts and packaging, microplastics and hydrocarbons. The technology uses a small pump to draw in surrounding water and skims any floating trash into its receptacle. The mechanism adjusts with the tide and is easily affixed to a floating dock or waterfront location. Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities related to the CollecThor should contact CCE Project Manager Amanda Dauman at (631) 727-7850 ext. 322 or email aml357@cornell.edu Local News By Chris Boyle Published: March 28 2023 By 2027, the cost of a four-year education at SUNY university centers, including Stony Brook University, could rise $22,300, as per the Fiscal Policy Institute. The Fiscal Policy Institute today released a new cost analysis report, The True Cost of Tuition Hikes on SUNY & CUNY Students . The report estimates the full costs of SUNY and CUNY tuition based on the Executive Budget tuition proposals, including the budget proposal to increase SUNY university center tuition, including Stony Brook University, by up to 9 percent per year. "The Hochul administration's proposal to raise the bar to entry for SUNY and CUNY blunts New Yorks most effective policy tool for advancing economic opportunity. As a result, tuition increases risk dampening the states economic prosperity and threatening its long-term fiscal stability," said Fiscal Policy Institute Executive Director Nathan Gusdorf. "CUNY and SUNY colleges are national leaders in upward economic mobility, supporting children from low-income families to earn high incomes as adults. These tuition hikes would represent a generational shift in New York States higher education landscape, moving its public universities from among the most accessible in the U.S. to among the most expensive." Key findings include: At Stony Brook University, and New York's three other SUNY university centers which more than 40% of SUNY undergraduates attend the executive budget authorizes 9% annual tuition increases starting in Fall 2023. By 2027, the cost of a four-year undergraduate education at a SUNY university center could rise by 52%, or $22,300. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition for SUNY university centers could become among the most expensive for public flagship universities in the U.S; after five years of increases, in-state tuition would vault from the most affordable quarter of public flagship universities in the U.S. to the most expensive quarter. Tuition increases would hit the CUNY system as it faces a hiring freeze and $175 million in cuts five to six percent of its total budget in fiscal year 2024, potentially decreasing enrollment. The executive budget allows a far higher rate of tuition hikes for SUNYs four university centers: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Stony Brook. Each year, university center tuition would be allowed to rise by 9 percent (an additional 6 percentage points on top of the 3 percent tuition hikes authorized for all SUNY campuses). The proposal limits university center tuition to no more than 30 percent above the SUNY base tuition, which would allow a total increase over five years of 51 percent. The proposal would authorize the SUNY board of trustees to increase undergraduate tuition rates beginning in academic year 2023-24, and continuing indefinitely. The average SUNY tuition is currently $8,600. After five years of tuition increases under the executive budget proposal, the base tuition rate across SUNY campuses could reach $9,900 per year, a 16 percent increase from its current rate. At the university centers, tuition for in-state students could reach $16,200 per year, 51 percent higher than its current level. Out-of-state student tuition could rise as high as $46,200, a 61 percent increase. A four-year education at a SUNY university center currently costs $43,100. Under the proposed hikes, this cost could rise $22,300 for students graduating in 2031, a 52 percent increase. For out-of-state students, the cost of a four-year education could rise $80,200, or 70 percent. An increase of this magnitude would likely depress SUNYs already low share of out-of-state students. At 9 percent, SUNYs share of out-of-state students is the third-lowest in the U.S. The executive budget proposals would allow CUNY tuition to rise at the same rate as SUNY base tuition as high as 3 percent or HEPI. These tuition increases will hit the CUNY system as it faces deep cuts imposed by New York City. Amid broad-based cuts imposed by New York City, the university system is imposing a hiring freeze and targeting $175 million in cuts five to six percent of its total budget in fiscal year 2024. Budget cuts and tuition hikes may continue pushing enrollment down for the system, which has seen enrollment fall in recent years. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: March 28 2023 Alexander Castillo Allegedly Shot Two Males After a Dispute Over Money He Lost at a Pool Hall. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Alexander Castillo, 26, of the Bronx, was indicted for shooting two individuals following a dispute in a Port Jefferson pool hall over losing money in multiple games of pool. This defendant allegedly lost money playing pool and then decided to steal back his losses with an illegal firearm, shooting two people in the process, said District Attorney Tierney. Fortunately, both victims survived their injuries, and no others were hurt. This case is a prime example of why my office is committed to stopping gun violence. According to the investigation, on December 28, 2022, Castillo was playing pool at a pool hall on Main Street in Port Jefferson for several hours. Over the course of the evening, Castillo allegedly became angry as his financial losses mounted after he placed wagers on each game. At approximately 7:05 p.m., Castillo left the pool hall and returned approximately three minutes later wearing a ski mask and hat, and carrying a loaded firearm. Castillo allegedly attempted to forcibly take back his losses from his opponent by displaying the loaded firearm and demanding the money back that he had lost playing pool throughout the night. A struggle ensued where Castillos opponent and another male tried to wrestle the gun away from Castillo. When the struggle spilled out into the street, Castillo allegedly shot one victim in the groin area and shot the second victim in the chest. After shooting the two men, Castillo fled before police arrived. Both victims were taken to local hospitals and received emergency medical treatment for their injuries. Castillo was discovered hiding out in New York City and was arrested on February 10, 2023 by the Suffolk County Police Department. Castillo is charged with the following: One count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; Two counts of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; Two counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony; Two counts of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; One count of Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; Five counts of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, One count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and One count of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. On March 15, 2023, Castillo was arraigned on the indictment by Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, who ordered him held on $1 million cash, $2 million bond or $5 million partially secured bond. Castillo is due back in court on April 13, 2023, and is being represented by the Legal Aid Society. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kristen E. L. Yeamans of the Violent Crimes Enterprises Bureau. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: March 28 2023 Any student, parent, or art teacher with questions about the contest should contact my office. I am excited to see the artistic talent of the First District! said LaLota. Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) recently announced the launch of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. This annual competition is conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives to showcase the talent of high school students from across the United States. I am excited to announce the launch of the 2023 Congressional Art Contest. Every day I walk to the Capitol I get to see art from high schoolers from around the country and their work is truly incredible, said LaLota. Any student, parent, or art teacher with questions about the contest should contact my office. I am excited to see the artistic talent of the First District! Background: This years winner will have their work displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one calendar year and receive two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a Congressional reception honoring the winner from each Congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students (9th 12th grade) who reside or attend school in New Yorks First Congressional District. The submission period for the Spring 2023 Congressional Art Competition is now open through Friday, April 21st, 2023 at 5 pm. Artwork Entry Criteria: Rules for the Congressional Art Competition are available HERE Must be two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, 4 inches in depth Must not weigh more than 15 pounds Art pieces are NOT required to be framed for judging; however, if your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must measure no larger than the maximum dimensions and weight when framed Medium types include painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, and others (i.e., computer-generated art, collages, etc.) Only one entry per student will be accepted Must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws Submission Deadline and Instructions: Two Women Arrested in Long Island Massage Parlor Raid Crime By Long Island Published: March 28 2023 Police arrested two Flushing women for unlawful practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Centereach. Suffolk County Police today arrested two Flushing women for unlawful practice of a profession during a massage parlor raid in Centereach. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers, along with a Town of Brookhaven Building Inspector, Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal and Brookhaven Town Investigator conducted a massage parlor investigation at New Day Spa, located at 14 Dawn Drive, at approximately 4 p.m. Following an investigation, Jessica Garcia, 30, and Wenjuan Deng, 42, were arrested and charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession. They were issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date. (Alliance News) - King Charles III will begin his first state visit when he travels to Germany on Wednesday, having postponed a trip to France due to widespread political protests. Charles will arrive in Berlin and undertake engagements there and in Brandenburg before heading to Hamburg during the three-day tour. The decision to visit close neighbours first is widely seen as an attempt to build post-Brexit bridges, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calling it "an important European gesture". "This visit early on underlines the close and heartfelt friendship between our countries and our citizens," he added. Steinmeier and German first lady Elke Buedenbender will welcome Charles and Queen Consort Camilla with military honours at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the first time the famous landmark has provided a backdrop for receiving a state guest. The couples will then travel to Steinmeier's Bellevue Palace in the city centre, where he will host a state banquet for the royals. The king will on Thursday make a speech in the German federal parliament and meet refugees recently arrived from Ukraine. Steinmeier and the royal couple will then visit a German-British military unit in the surrounding state of Brandenburg. The king will move on to the northern port city of Hamburg on Friday, where he is due to tour a renewable energy project. "It's not a surprise that having become king he hasn't ditched his longstanding interest in environmental issues," said Bob Ward, from the London School of Economics. "This is an issue that transcends politics and it can't possibly be right that as our head of state he shouldn't speak out on such a major issue," added Ward. Charles and Steinmeier will lay wreathes in the ruins of the city's St Nikolai church, which was destroyed during a World War II air raid, and which now stands as a memorial. The UK monarch will also sign the city's 'Golden Book', which he previously signed in 1987 during a visit with then-wife Princess Diana. The German head of state said he had extended the invitation to Charles, who has visited Germany more than 40 times, at the funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September. "The fact that he is now visiting half a year later shows how much the king values the friendship between our peoples," Steinmeier said. "I want to tell him, but of course also all Britons: we in Germany, we in Europe, want close and friendly ties with the UK after Brexit as well," he added. Charles will be keen to kick off his first state visit as king after his trip to France, which was meant to take place earlier this week, was postponed in the wake of violent pension reform protests. The visit was intended to highlight warming Franco-British relations, but instead underlined the severity of demonstrations engulfing Britain's neighbour just 10 months into President Emmanuel Macron's second term. The decision was made "to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions which reflect our friendly relations", Macron's office said. Macron told reporters that discussions over rescheduling the visit could take place in the coming months. "We have proposed that at the beginning of the summer, depending on our respective agendas, we can arrange a new state visit," he said. source: AFP Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Apple Pay Later, a buy now,-pay later interest-free service announced at WWDC in June 2022, finally began rolling out today, but for the time being, will be open only to the lucky few. And we mean lucky in the literal sense, because Apple says the first people allowed to use the service have been selected at random. In a press release, the company says that starting March 28, it will begin inviting select users to access a pre-release version of Apple Pay Later, with plans to offer it to all eligible users in the coming months. Select can mean a lot of things (and implies some form of criteria) but in the small print, it clarifies that invitations will be sent to randomly selected users. In fact, we suspect that both are true to some extent. It would make sense for Apple to randomly pick invitees from a pool of those who pre-qualify according to a variety of criteria, potentially including past financial activities and/or credit rating. One of the qualifying criteria, at any rate, is that you must be 18 or older to use it (19 in Alabama). Another is that you must be a U.S. citizen or resident since Apple is launching the service in its home territory only at first. (Though not in all 50 states: Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and the U.S. territories are all currently excluded.) We dont know when the service will spread to the remaining states or to other countries, if at all, nor indeed when it will graduate from pre-release to full release. Apple only says it plans to offer it to all eligible users in the coming months. Beyond these trivial details, however, theres much about the service to intrigue. Its a simply structured loan service that splits the cost of purchases into four equal payments: the first must be paid immediately, and the remaining three at two-week intervals. Thats the initial structure, anyway. Bloomberg reports that a longer-term Apple Pay Monthly plan is in the works as well. The service is not limited to the purchase of Apple products, but there is a long list of items that are forbidden, including gambling, cryptocurrency, pornography, tobacco, and gift cards. This includes a blanket ban on Any goods or services deemed unacceptable by us. As long as the payments are made on time, there are no interest or fees at the consumer end. If payments are missed, however, Apple will be handling the financing itself under a new Apple Financing LLC rather than working with partners such as Goldman Sachs, which handles the Apple Card. Apple has published a support document explaining how to apply for and use Apple Pay Later, but unless Tim Cook sends you a golden ticket, you wont be able to try the service out for yourself until later this year. Which for reasons of financial prudence might not be a bad thing. Going to Hollywood was a life-changing and unforgettable experience and I am so grateful for the people working in the industry for taking the time to come and speak with us. -Anthony Misfud LIVONIA Over Spring Break 18 Broadcast and Cinema Arts students from Madonna Universitys BCA 3510 class embarked on a week-long field trip to Hollywood, California. They earned credit as part of the On Location Team Experience class, which has been a tradition for nearly two decades. Instructors Dan and Sue Boyd developed the class to help students get a better understanding of the film industry and culture in Hollywood. The trip was packed with activities that provided an inside look into what its like to work in the Hollywood film industry. Highlights included a discussion with Allison Bibicoff, one of only a handful of Intimacy Coordinators in the United States. Bibicoff explained her job, which involves ensuring that actors are comfortable on set and that boundaries are respected. The class also had a private screening of the newly released film Viva Maestro and engaged in a Q&A session with writer/director Ted Braun and producer Nic Paine who explained some of the unique challenges to filming all over the world during war like conditions with limited budgets. The students also had the opportunity to gain insights from producer Thomas Zambeck on the financial side of filmmaking and attend a tips for filmmakers discussion with USC professor and producer John Watson (Robinhood Prince of Thieves, Backdraft.) Another treat was meeting Alex Wood who shared his journey working as an assistant to an A-list producer in New York and moving with a production to Hawaii, then landing in LA. A highlight of the week had to be meeting with Sean Cunningham, the director and creator of the Friday the 13th franchise on his career in film. Friday the 13th remains one of the most popular horror films in history. The group spent all day Friday at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures during Oscar Week, where they were able to participate in a panel discussion with the Short Film Live Action nominees directors/ producers, including Alfonso Cuaron, the director/writer of Roma, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Gravity. In addition to these industry events, the students spent their spare time exploring the sights of Hollywood. They visited famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, Koreatown, The Dolby Theater and the Walk of Fame. Keeping in touch with alumni and industry professionals is also a high priority so after the daily scheduled events Sue and Dan are networking, lining up last minute experts and potential backup guests. It is always great to reconnect with our alumni and see the wonderful work they are doing, said Sue. According to BCA student Filipe Fernandes, The Hollywood trip was the most fun Ive had in my life, the entire time we were there, there wasnt a single moment I wanted to be anywhere else. Dustin Hunsberger echoed this sentiment, saying This trip is absolutely necessary if youre going to be a part of Madonnas BCA program. Not just because of the insight you gain from those in the industry, but to have a blast in the process! Ethan Caaldo added, From the Academy Museum to Koreatown, this trip gave me so much to love and enjoy. Overall, the Madonna BCA students had an incredible experience in Hollywood, gaining valuable industry insights while having fun exploring the city over spring break. (FYI: if you didn't know, those photos aren't actually of Porirua. The hashtag #fiction is under the TikTok, but not everyone noticed that and a whooole lotta people fell for it. Just to be clear - Porirua ain't built like that, this TikTok is having a laugh). Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass. Nerves are rising yet again in East Asia after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, as a US aircraft carrier staged combined naval exercises with South Korea in what is seen as a warning to Pyongyang. The missiles flew about 370 km after being launched from North Hwanghae province at 7:47 a.m. (6:47 a.m. Monday), in an apparent protest against the allies expanding drills, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said, with Seouls military condemning the Norths launches as a grave provocation. Seoul said it would continue building the capability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations. Only hours after two short-range ballistic missiles blasted off, fighter jets roared off the USS Nimitz as the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier and its battle group began exercises with South Korean warships. The seventh missile test this month underscored what military analysts say are heightening tensions in the region as both the Norths weapons tests and the US-South Korea joint military exercises have intensified in a cycle of tit-for-tat. ADVERTISEMENT The launches may have been timed for the arrival of the USS Nimitz and its strike group, including a guided missile cruiser and two destroyers, which engaged in air defense exercises and other drills with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island. Jang Do Young, a South Korean navy spokesperson, said the drills were aimed at sharpening joint operational capabilities and demonstrating the US commitment to defend its ally with the full range of options, including nuclear, in face of the Norths escalating nuclear and missile threats. But the US Indo-Pacific Command said the latest launch did not pose an immediate threat, but highlighted the destabilizing impact of Pyongyangs unlawful nuclear weapons programs. The Japanese government also said it lodged a strong protest with North Korea, with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno saying North Korea was likely to step up provocative activities, including a possible nuclear test. US and South Korean officials have for almost a year warned Pyongyang could carry out what would be its first nuclear test since 2017. The allies have been conducting a series of joint training in recent weeks including air and sea drills involving American B-1B bombers, and their first large-scale amphibious landing exercises in five years. Analysts say North Koreas latest missile launches are a demonstration of the countrys avowed ability to use nuclear force against South Korea and the US mainland. North Korea claims its nuclear forces are capable of destroying its rivals, and often follows its provocative weapons tests with launch details. But many foreign experts call the Norths claims propaganda and suggest the country is not yet capable of hitting the United States or its allies with a nuclear weapon. Analysts say theres no question North Korea has nuclear bombs, and that it has missiles that place the US mainland, South Korea and Japan within striking distance. Whats not yet clear is whether the country has mastered the tricky engineering required to join the bombs and the missiles. In the meanwhile, straining ripples are being swept south and southwest of East Asia, including the Philippines, and defense strategists are keeping a peeled eye on the situation. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Enoc Solves (26-11-1) is one of the veterans of MMA in Spain and a globetrotter of this discipline. Anyone who follows Mixed Martial Arts identifies him as one of those who has helped pave the way in this sport. He has been a member of the American Top Team (in Miami), one of the most prestigious teams in the world, as well as a much loved fighter in the Russian M-1. Although nowadays it may seem that if you have not been in UFC a career is not complete, Enoc's is that of a pioneer who started when this whole world was in its infancy. This Wednesday the Valencian fighter will be the protagonist in AFL 29 (broadcasted on DAZN), an event that will take place in Cheste (Valencia). There he will face Turkey's Bugra Alparslan (9-3) for the light heavyweight title (93 kg). At 38 years of age, Enoc has picked up momentum for what's next for him with the biggest MMA company in Spain. In his last fight, 'El Toreador', as he is known in Russia, contested the title of Eagle FC, Khabib's company. He had just become a father for the second time and took a few months off after that fight, but he is now ready to return. "I'm not thinking about retiring. My goal is none other than to win the AFL title and defend it as many times as I can," he tells MARCA. Solves has covered a lot of miles and can now boast, for example, of having been a member of the American Top Team. Of that experience, he recalls: "It's not only that they have the best fighters, but they are the ones who take the most to UFC and get the most titles. I was in Miami, in Coconut Creek. I also went through the 'London Shootfighters,' where I was invited to train. "It's not that the preparation in these places changes so much compared to what we do here, but there you have 50 guys of your weight and in Valencia to get two is already complicated. In these centers there are not only UFC and Bellator champions, but there is a lot of variety within the same weight. Then it is true that the methods of those who win are imitated," he explains. Today, the fighter even has his own gym, M-1 Selection Spain in Valencia, where he not only trains, but has been training young people for years. Combining butchery and MMA It's been a long time since he worked as a butcher, of which Solves has fond memories: "When I started fighting, I combined it with butchering and had to ask permission to go to fights. Then I started to earn more money in a fight than in half a year in the butcher's shop and I realized that I had to dedicate myself one hundred percent to the fight. "Being a butcher was a very nice time in my life and I would go back if I had to. There I was serving grandmothers, who would later ask me why I had a black eye. I grew up as a person behind a counter in a butcher's shop," he says. In fact, in his early days he started out being known as the 'Butcher of Valencia' and then moved on to 'Toreador' in Russia: "I guess they meant bullfighter, but they didn't translate it well." The 'Toreador' continues to this day to show the way to the younger ones. The Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer and artist Zedd has been announced as the latest, and most high-profile, music act to date slated to perform at The Big E Arena this fall, when New Englands largest fair returns to West Springfield. Tickets will go on sale for Zedds performance on Friday, March 31 at 10 a.m. Eastern, exclusively on The Big Es website, according to a news release. He will perform in concert on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Concert tickets include admission to The Big E when bought online in advance of the show date, the fair said. Other previously announced music acts for the 2023 concert series at The Big E include country artists Parker McCollum and Megan Moroney, according to the fair. Read more: Country artist Parker McCollum to perform at The Big E Arena this fall Zedd made his debut with Clarity after signing with Interscope back in 2012, The Big E said, adding he has been breaking down barriers surrounding music genres ever since. He won a Grammy in 2014 for Best Dance Recording for Clarity with fellow artist Foxes, according to The Big E. Zedd has also worked with other notable artists such as Selena Gomez for I Want You To Know, a platinum-certified track which spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, along with Hayley Williams of Paramore for Stay The Night, which has accumulated more than 950 million music streams and is also a platinum-certified success. Other notable collaborations include the single Stay with Alessia Cara having amassed more than 4.2 billion worldwide streams and spent six consecutive weeks atop the Top 40 radio which earned Zedd his second Grammy nomination. He also worked with country artist Marren Morris and electronic music duo Grey for the monster hit, The Middle, which earned the DJ his second No. 1 atop the Top 40 radio, The Big E said. The Middle also has more than 3.5 billion streams worldwide digitally and garnered Zedd three additional Grammy nominations for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Pop Duo or Group Performance, it added. The Big E is the fourth-largest fair in North America and returns to West Springfield from Sept. 15 through Oct. 1 this year. Matt Damon and Casey Affleck have been spotted multiple times in Boston for their upcoming movie The Instigators. According to IMDB, the film follows two robbers played by Massachusetts natives Damon and Affleck who must go on the run with the help of one of their therapists after a theft doesnt go as planned. Throughout the end of March, the pair have been spotted multiple times in the city. On Saturday, the two were both seen outside the Boston Fire Department station on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill along with Faneuil Hall and Boston City Hall Plaza, The Patriot Ledger reported. Damon and Affleck were also spotted at Bovas Bakery in the North End, which closed last week to accommodate filming for the film. Many residents of the area flocked the business to get a peak of the two movie stars, according to Boston.com. However, those sightings arent the end. On Monday, set dressers could be seen at Malachys Saloon on Quincys Granite Street in preparation for a shoot Wednesday. The bar will be closed for the day, the Ledger said. With celebrity sightings comes people online sharing their experience with the stars. So I got the chance to PA on a Matt Damon film here in Boston and my job was keeping people off set and we were right at Faneuil Hall by all the bars on a Saturday night and shockingly every drunk man in Boston urgently needs to speak with their cousin Matt Damon Gory Cory (@gorycoryhorror) March 27, 2023 So I got the chance to PA on a Matt Damon film here in Boston and my job was keeping people off set and we were right at Faneuil Hall by all the bars on a Saturday night and shockingly every drunk man in Boston urgently needs to speak with their cousin Matt Damon, a Twitter user tweeted. Filming has only begun for the Apple Original Film, so a release date has not yet been announced. A Netflix murder mystery series based on Cape Cod is bringing movie stars to Massachusetts for filming. Filming of the six-episode series The Perfect Couple, will begin April 3 in Chatham and will continue through the second to the last week of June, with the final cleanup of locations beginning July 3, the Cape Cod Chronicle reported. The series is based on the novel by Elin Hildebrand. According to Goodreads, on the morning of Celeste Otiss extravagant Nantucket wedding to wealthy heir Benji Winbury, she wakes to find her maid of honor floating dead in the water. As the investigation heats up and the police look carefully over every member of the wedding party, shocking secrets are slowly revealed. Majority of filming will span over 39 days and take place at a private residence in the Eastward Point neighborhood, the Chronicle said. Filming is also scheduled to take place at vacant commercial space in North Chatham adjacent to Chatham Light Liquors. The show will star Nicole Kidman as well as actors Liev Schrieber, Dakota Fanning and Meghann Fahy, NECN reported. Fahy, a cast member of the HBO hit series The White Lotus, is also a native of Massachusetts herself, growing up in Longmeadow. The show is being worked on by the creator of NBCs Good Girls and produced by the team of Stranger Things, the outlet reported. The stalled effort to come up with alternatives to the Massachusetts state motto and seal, condemned as racist by many for its depiction of the states Indigenous peoples, is regaining momentum. The panel that was established in 2021 by the state Legislature to review and suggest changes missed its deadline at the end of last year and sought an extension. Lawmakers on Thursday gave it until Nov. 15 to finish its work and forward its recommendations to the Legislature, which would have to approve any changes. Massachusetts State Police reports its intelligence center has identified at least 28 swatting calls as of midday Tuesday, March 28, at high schools across the state, prompting district lockdowns and police response, according to state police spokesman Dave Procopio. These so far have, thankfully, all turned out to be hoax calls, said Procopio. The calls began on Monday morning statewide, and the spokesman said multiple locations had received the same automated message. The list of schools that received swatting calls includes, but is not limited to (according to state and local police departments): Procopio stated a high school in North Adams also received a similar call, along with other schools in Taunton and Mansfield. He added the department responded to assist local police in Greenfield and in Great Barrington, which received their respective swatting calls minutes apart. MassLive also received reports of a lockdown in Palmer. The Palmer Police Department confirmed to MassLive there was no active shooter at the schools, but did not confirm whether there were swatting calls. Bellingham Public Schools also announced an increase police presence at all schools in its district in response to the area towns calls, and Wrentham and Sherborn police put out advisories about swatting calls. Swatting is the practice of making prank calls, usually of a shooter, to bring about a large police response. Procopio said the Fusion Center, the departments intelligence center, had a wave of similar calls a few weeks ago, theyre generally automated calls and that this occurs occasionally. The state police spokesman added, Many of these calls are made via sophisticated technology, sometimes including Voice Over Internet networks that make use of multiple routers to try to mask the sources true identity. The Massachusetts calls come a day after a former student shot their way into a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing six people, including three 9-year-old children. Flags in Massachusetts were ordered to fly at half-staff Tuesday in honor of a Massachusetts Navy Seal who died in a parachuting accident in February. Michael T. Ernst, a decorated U.S. Navy Seal, grew up in Cohasset. He was participating in a free-fall training in Arizona on Feb. 19 when he was injured and later pronounced dead. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Navy, according to a statement from the head of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Gov. Maura Healey has ordered both the U.S. flag and the Massachusetts state flag to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, March 28, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Ernst. Ernst will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday. The Navy Seal Foundation has started a fundraiser to raise money for Ernsts family. As you can imagine, Mikes wife, two children (ages 5 and almost 3), and the NSW community are devastated by this loss, The Navy Seal Foundation said on its website. The NSF team has been working with the Command to support everyones needs. The foundation included a photo of Ernst with his wife, two children and the familys dog. Healey also ordered flags at half-staff from March 28 to March 31 as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennesee. A shooting at a Christian school there has left six people dead. Her order coincides with a presidential proclamation also ordering flags to half-staff. The half-staff order applies to the main or administration building of each Massachusetts public institution as well as town and city halls and any other state-owned or controlled buildings and state military installations. Multiple schools, including Franklin High School and Bellingham Public Schools, are in lockdown Tuesday morning following several swatting calls, or threatening prank calls, to the schools, according to town departments on Twitter and Facebook. MassLive has received similar reports in Framingham and Palmer schools. No real threats have been detected. The Franklin Police Department posted a message from the superintendent of Franklin Schools stating it received a swatting call at approximately 9:02 a.m. on March 28, stating there was a hostage situation involving a potential school shooter in the building. Upon learning of this, the school was immediately placed into administrative lockdown. During this time no one was allowed to enter or exit the building, and students and staff were contained in their classrooms, the department stated. Franklin Police immediately responded, the department said, and conducted a search of the high school along with the administration. For Bellingham Public Schools, the police department said, Area towns are receiving bogus active shooter calls so you will see an increased police presence at our schools. Officers were deployed to our schools upon hearing of the first call, the department said. There is no need for alarm. ALL Bellingham Schools are covered. The calls come a day after a former student shot their way into a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, killing six people, including three 9-year-old children. MassLive also received reports of a lockdown in Palmer and a swatting report at Framingham High School. The Palmer Police Department confirmed to MassLive there was no active shooter at the schools, but did not confirm whether there were swatting calls. Foxborough High School also received swatting calls and was placed in lockdown Tuesday morning, the towns police department stated. A sweep has been done at the school, and is being conducted at all the other schools in Foxborough. Everybody is safe, and the call appears to be a hoax call. The lockdown will be lifted shortly, the department said. SPRINGFIELD The man from New Jersey opened the door of a car parked at a Hadley steakhouse. Hed come for a parcel. He found two buckets of gold. Seconds later, a swarm of FBI agents closed in to arrest him. He would later learn it was fake gold, part of an elaborate sting following an equally elaborate scam. Gaurang Contractor made the three-hour trip to Hampshire County in his BMW on Aug. 8, 2022. He was acting as a courier for a shady player he knew only as Shiv, according to a prosecutor speaking Monday during a plea hearing in U.S. District Court. Contractor, 38, pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The scheme nearly cost a single woman in her late 60s her entire life savings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bennett told a judge. It all started with a robocall last summer. A purported employee of Amazon called to say there had been suspicious activity on the Hampshire County womans bank account. She was transferred to a number of phony government employees, including to a man who called himself Oscar White and said he was an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The womans bank accounts had been hijacked by international drug traffickers, the scammer, who was not named in court records, told the woman. The DEA has warned that its name has been used in scams of this sort. They told her criminals were using the victims identity to launder drug money, Bennett told U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni accepted a plea deal Monday in which a man admitted to taking part in a scam to fleece a Hampshire County woman of her life's savings. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) Over several days last August, the woman had several phone conversations with Oscar White. The man sent her a photo of a phony DEA agent badge. As part of the ruse, he told the woman to delete the photo, because he didnt want to blow his cover and compromise his investigation. The man claimed to be conferring with the gang of seven, which included other federal agents. The scammer told the victim she had to rush to protect her bank accounts from the bad guys and she was initially convinced. The so-called DEA agent first instructed her to wire all the money in her checking and savings accounts to a special government account in Hong Kong. She refused, Bennett said. But she withdrew $330,000 from her accounts as the supposed DEA agent remained on the phone line. Since she didnt fall for the wire transfer, the scammer told her to use that money to buy an equivalent amount of gold from a jeweler and ready it for transfer. She ordered the gold from a Hannoush jewelry outlet, but the purchase would stretch over days. The jewelry store would not place the order until the check cleared, according to Bennett. Hannoush offered to deliver the gold to her home in an armored car, but the scammer advised against it. Too conspicuous, he said, according to the woman. Youre a crook, she eventually told him, and hung up. He continued to call her, however, and she called the police. Local police got the FBI involved. The woman recorded two conversations with the man, as legitimate federal agents listened in. They set up the drop, but an undercover agent went in her place. They purchased fake gold and put it in two buckets in the backseat of her car, as the man had instructed. She left her car unlocked in a Texas Roadhouse parking lot on Route 9 in Hadley. And the FBI waited. Contractor showed up, circling the parking lot several times and talking on his cell phone. He then climbed out of his car and retrieved the buckets. He was arrested on the spot and has remained behind bars since then. A man supposedly named Dee Patel called Hadley police, to check on his colleague, Bennett told Mastroianni. He was apparently unaware Contractor had been arrested. Timothy Watkins, a court-appointed attorney for Contractor, told the judge his client was a patsy for the more entrenched scammers. Mr. Contractor was a minor player in this scheme to defraud, Watkins said. During questioning from the judge, Contractor said he was only told he was picking up a parcel in the days leading up to the trip. Until the last few moments I didnt realize what Id be picking up, said Contractor, a native of India who will be subject to deportation after he serves whatever punishment is imposed. Contractors sentencing is scheduled for May 24. A loaded gun was found on a playground in Dorchester on Monday afternoon, according to the Boston Police Department. Around 2:45 p.m. on March 27, Mattapan officers were called to Walker Playground, located at 515 Norfolk Street in Dorchester, for reports of a gun on the playground. When they arrived, the officers found a loaded 9mm Taurus GC3 handgun, along with an additional loaded magazine, the department said. The gun and magazine were handed over to the Boston Police Departments Firearms Analysis Unit to be processed, and the investigation is active and ongoing, the department said. The department applauded the person who called to report the gun, stating they possibly averted an accident or an act of violence within the community. Always remember: if you see something, say something, the department reminded the public in its report. A Salisbury woman accused of poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze was ordered held without bail in court Tuesday. Judy Church, 64, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal poisoning of her boyfriend, Leroy Fowler, 55. Prosecutors said Church laced Fowlers Powerade bottle with ethylene glycol the main chemical in antifreeze in November 2022. Fowlers cellphone records showed he told his relatives he thought Church was poisoning him before she called 911 to get him emergency treatment on Nov. 11. Read more: Worcester man pleads not guilty in connection to Mojitos Country Club shooting in Randolph Fowler died from a fatal dose of ethylene glycol days later at Bostons Beth Israel Hospital on Nov. 13. An investigation led police to arrest and charge Church in connection with her boyfriends death on Dec. 22. During a bail proceeding in Essex County Superior Court Tuesday, prosecutors argued Church was a flight risk due to the seriousness of the crime, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. Churchs attorney, Timothy Connors of Haverhill, requested she be released with GPS monitoring. Connors told the court Church spent 31 years as a fourth-grade teacher in Middleton and lived in Salisbury for 29 years. She has no passport and has both a restaurant job and housing with her sister waiting if she was released on bail, the attorney added. Essex County Superior Court Judge Thomas Drechsler denied Churchs bail and said the seriousness of the crime and the evidence outlined by prosecutors led to his decision. Church is due in court on May 11 for a pre-trial hearing. The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, killing the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. A reeling city mourned during multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. NORTHAMPTON The citys school committee deliberated two hours Monday night before voting 9-1 to offer Portia Bonner the superintendents position, subject to a labor contract agreement with her. Bonner is currently superintendent of the school district in Bozrah, Connecticut. She was among four finalists. The others were Jonathan Bruno, director of learning and teaching at Berkshire Hills Regional School District; Marisa Mendonsa, deputy superintendent at Pittsfield Public Schools; and Tara Tiller, chief operations and finance officer at Cheatham County School District in Ashland City, Tennessee. Two Malden teenagers were arrested in connection to the theft of a rifle stolen out of a Massachusetts State Police troopers cruiser, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryans office announced Monday. The district attorneys office said the 15-year-old and 14-year-old entered the parking garage of an apartment complex on Overlook Ridge Drive and broke into the marked cruiser on March 23, taking a patrol rifle, high-capacity magazine and ammunition. Read more: Gun stolen out of Massachusetts State Police cruiser found by police The rifle and other items were found on March 26 at a Malden home connected to the 15-year-old, Ryans office said. State police said there was no evidence that the rifle was used in a subsequent crime. The 14-year-old, who investigators believe took the rifle, was charged with breaking and entering a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime. The charges for the 15-year-old, whose home the rifle and other stolen items were found at, included breaking and entering a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime. The investigation is ongoing, Ryans office said. Both suspects are expected to be arraigned at Cambridge Juvenile Court on Tuesday. With the exception of youthful offenders, all juvenile cases are closed to the public and no additional information can be released. Israel was on the brink, but stepped away from the cliffs edge at the last moment. Though this development is welcome, the nations spate of problems have only been put on hold and could well resurface. The nation was effectively shuttered when hundreds of thousands of protesters responded to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus firing of his defense minister, who had warned against Netanyahus judicial plans. The path forward was anything but certain. Finally, Netanyahu blinked. The prime minister hit the pause button, providing a bit of time for things to cool down. News accounts said the problems arose because of a disagreement over the prime ministers proposed judicial reforms. This is euphemistic in the extreme. It would be akin to suggesting that someone who took a sledgehammer to a new art installation was engaging in debate about the works merits. Netanyahu isnt looking to reform the Jewish states judiciary; he is trying to gut it, working to see that his governing party supersedes the courts. Hes been behaving more like a despot than the head of a democracy. And he cannot be allowed to go forward with his antidemocratic plan. A bit more than a week before Netanyahu made his most recent moves to consolidate power, he spoke on the phone with U.S. President Joe Biden, who urged him to calm things down. Fat lot of good that did. The Israeli leader would do well to remember who his friends are. Israel is the Mideasts lone democracy. Its also our longstanding ally, though youd not know this from watching Netanyahu in action in recent weeks. Finally, on Monday, he put forward an offer to compromise on his radical plans. Among the reforms in the proposed legislation: new limits to the Supreme Courts jurisdiction, and allowing judicial decisions to be overruled by a simple majority vote of the legislature. Though Netanyahus decision to suspend his judicial plan was welcome, there is no good reason to believe the problems wont resurface. Israels parliament will begin its spring recess at weeks end, but will reconvene at the end of April. What we are seeing could be only a break in the action. When the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled the Springfield City Council had the right to create a civilian Police Commission, residents had reason for hope. Hope that their police force would be supervised fairly, equitably and objectively. Thirteen months later, the situation is a mess. There is plenty of blame to go around. What all sides need is a fresh start with an attitude now sadly lacking: Public safety should supersede the petty politics that have damaged the commissions credibility. The players must get in the same room and fix this. Is that too much for Springfield residents to ask? The 2022 court ruling, written by Justice Scott L. Kafker, came with no dissenting opinions. The decision did not detail how the commissions duties and powers would be carried out, only that the body could be lawfully established. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who opposed the commission and saw it as usurping his authority, responded by filling the new five-member board with four people from the previous, feckless civilian complaint review board. This raised questions as to how much had changed. But even with familiar faces, the new commission deserved a chance to succeed. Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapproods title was changed to superintendent. How these changes affected her authority wasnt clear. The commissions first year has seen internal infighting that caused one member, Robert Cee Jackson, to nearly quit this winter and included a contentious chairmanship change in January. Controversy erupted when the Police Commission reinstated two officers who had been convicted of misdemeanor assault in a 2015 fight at Nathan Bills bar and grill. According to lawyers in the case, that November vote in executive session was 2-1 with two members absent. The commission hasnt endeared itself to the City Council that created it. In December, Public Safety Committee chair Victor Davila was quoted as saying of the commission: They are basically blowing the City Council off. That came three months after commissioners complained of the absence of clear direction or administrative support from City Hall. City Council members saw that as a shot at Sarno, who had opposed the panels creation. It appears to me that you are being undermined, Davila said in December. Council member Justin Hurst said the body was being set up to fail and that members might consider resigning en masse. But Hurst also said the commission needed to better document what assistance it needed, rather than let required reports and other activities go undone. This month, Police Commission Chair Norman Roldan said the body needs clarification about of its role, along with a budget and cell phones. To protect the impartiality of members, they do not take calls from the public. On a 1-to-10 list of priorities, new cell phones supplied by the city would rank about, oh, 49th. It is time to fix whats broken. Doing nothing to right the commission would be a grave dereliction of duty. That duty? To run a credible police oversight body and heal a broken public trust. If any commission members do not have the time to handle this responsibility, they should resign. If they choose not to accept the public attention their actions will inevitably bring, they should go. Mayor Sarno should put aside whatever resentment he might have over the commissions creation and adhere to the court decision, in spirit as well as practice. The same goes for any City Council members who might have seen the court ruling as a political victory over the mayor. The initial promise of the commissions creation has been squandered. Precious time has been lost. For that alone, things are worse than before. In September, Jackson laid bare the plummeting credibility of a commission set up to raise credibility in the police force. If it seems like we dont know whats going on, its because we dont know whats going on, he said. Its everybodys fault, and only a collaborative effort by the mayor, the City Council and the Police Commission can solve it. It can be fixed, but only after a restart that acknowledges how 13 months of opportunity have been frittered away. Residents of Springfield and its police force deserve better. Tiffany Vassell, a labor and delivery nurse, left a Boston hospital two days early after giving birth to her son seven months ago, exhausted by what she described as inadequate care that forced the Black maternal health advocate to relentlessly protect her and her babys wellbeing. As her unborn child went into distress for 10 minutes, Vassell herself watched the heart rate monitor, instructing a nurse to not increase a medication used to induce contractions. And Vassell halted a frenzied recommendation about an emergency C-section, a procedure she later had to undergo to deliver her 10-pound baby, as she lobbied for a very controlled atmosphere to reduce the likelihood of infection. Vassell later had to request stronger painkillers rather than the Motrin she was given and heating pads as she complained of excruciating pain following the abdominal surgery. Throughout her pregnancy, Vassell managed to make decisions for herself, backed by a maternal care team that extended well beyond the hospital to the home birth midwife and doula shed hired out-of-pocket. Those professionals became Vassells girlfriends, with close bonds formed through empowering prenatal visits that are the norm for the midwifery model of care, which advocates say must be expanded and regulated in Massachusetts. Vassell had wanted to give birth to her son, Cash, in her Mattapan home, in a mode that became increasingly popular amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt confident in her birth team and the personalized support she was receiving as she intentionally steered away from the traditional physician-led care route thats fueled maternal health inequities, including higher rates of mortality, among people of color. But Vassells labor at home wouldnt progress, prompting the hospital intervention shed envisioned only in emergency situations. Even though my birthing experience with my son didnt go as planned like with a home birth, I felt good because I tried. I had this whole dream in my head, and I felt good because I attempted it, Vassell said. And thats what makes me feel OK about having the C-section because I tried it my way first. Yet most birthing people in Massachusetts lack the freedom to try it Vassells way, viewing the hospital and compressed clinical visits throughout pregnancy as their only affordable route to having a baby, maternal health advocates say. Tiffany Vassell and her 7-month-old son Cash spend the morning together at their Mattapan home on Friday, March 24, 2023. (Photo | Alyssa Stone)Alyssa Stone Vassell paid $5,000 for her home birth midwife, which she called an absolute hurdle as she cared for her older daughter and paid off student loans. She also spent $2,000 out-of-pocket for a doula, who offered added emotional support and advocacy throughout the birthing process. Vassell supplemented the home midwife whom she learned about by word of mouth at a Black maternal health conference with a certified nurse midwife she saw at a clinic, as she wanted a record of her prenatal care in case of an emergency. Certified professional midwives who are trained to work in settings like home births and birth centers, which represent a more homey or spa-like environment for labor compared to hospitals are allowed to practice in Massachusetts. But theyre not officially licensed here, even if theyve received formal education and national credentialing from the North American Registry of Midwives. A path to licensure in the Legislature Several pieces of legislation filed on Beacon Hill this session could rectify that licensure gap, creating a board of registration in midwifery that would standardize a process for issuing, renewing or revoking licenses. The bills filed by state Reps. Kay Khan and Brandy Fluker Oakley, as well as state Sen. Becca Rausch would also require that certain insurers, including Medicaid and MassHealth, cover midwifery services throughout prenatal care, child birth and postpartum care. When theres midwifery-led care, when its integrated into the health system, we see fewer maternal deaths, fewer infant deaths, fewer unnecessary C-sections, fewer postpartum complications, fewer premature births, said Emily Anesta, co-founder of the Bay State Birth Coalition, which advocates for licensing midwives and ensuring equitable insurance reimbursement rates, among other priorities. Both of my births were home births, and I had the opportunity that it feels so few people are experiencing right now, which is to enter parenthood each time feeling strong, feeling supported, feeling confident in myself, my decision-making, my body, my intuition, Anesta continued. People are ending up feeling pushed into procedures they didnt necessarily want, maybe not given time to make decisions or feel that they were making an informed choice about their care. Midwifery could also yield major cost savings, with Anesta referencing a study that found shifting 1% of births from hospitals to homes nationwide annually would save at least $320 million. In the wake of the Duxbury tragedy, in which 32-year-old Lindsay Clancy is facing charges for strangling her children to death as she suffered postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, theres heightened urgency on Beacon Hill to tackle what lawmakers see as a mounting maternal health crisis. Massachusetts may be a beacon for legal abortions in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, but lawmakers must expand their view of reproductive care by strengthening access to full-spectrum pregnancy care, signaled state Sen. Liz Miranda. Miranda, Senate co-chair of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression, has filed a birthing justice omnibus bill that would create a board of registration in midwifery, implement insurance coverage for midwives, establish a workforce development trust fund for doulas, provide coverage for universal postpartum home visiting services, and overhaul regulations that are impeding birth centers from opening in Massachusetts, among other provisions. The bill, which seeks to collate the slew of more tailored maternal health proposals before the Legislature this session, is a work in progress, as Miranda gathers feedback from fellow commission members and elected officials to build stronger measurement outcomes. As Miranda sees it, Massachusetts is resource rich for medical care but coordination poor. Black women, for example, are about twice as likely to die from pregnancy or postpartum complications than white women and Black babies have the highest infant mortality rate in Massachusetts compared to white and Asian counterparts, the Boston senator said as she cited data from March of Dimes, a nonprofit focused on maternal and infant care, and a report from the states Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health. With our new governor and lieutenant governor, Im hoping to make this a priority. Ive also heard that the Senate presidents office is very interested in this bill, Miranda said. People dont have the access to the care that they need. Were not centering the communities most impacted and solving the issues with birthing justice and maternal health. State Sen. Liz Miranda speaks at the 15th annual youth justice rally on Feb. 23. (STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE) State Sen. Cindy Friedman, who last year spearheaded legislation to strengthen protections for abortion providers and patients, has now filed a bill for health insurers to cover comprehensive pregnancy care, including for abortion, prenatal care, pregnancy loss, childbirth and postpartum care. In a separate bill, Friedman proposed insurance coverage of postpartum depression screenings by pediatricians for up to one year after an individual gives birth. We dont take postpartum depression seriously we havent, and its something that many, many women suffer from and they suffer alone, Friedman said, who signaled the chamber could take up a big maternal health care bill this session. Im getting the sense from the Senate president and other colleagues that maternal health is critically important and high on the list of things we need to look at. Friedman said she supports licensing midwives and advancing other models of maternal care that are culturally competent. The midwifery model of care Through licensure, certified professional midwives in the commonwealth would gain greater access to prescribing medication, including treatments that clients can administer by themselves, said Rebecca Herman, a Massachusetts-based midwife whos licensed in New Hampshire. They would also develop more streamlined plans to transfer their clients to hospitals if necessary alleviating what can currently be hostile birthing experiences when nurses and doctors do not fully recognize midwives within the maternal care landscape, Herman said. Herman estimates there are about 50 certified professional midwives scattered throughout Massachusetts. But without state licensure and transparency for midwives, Herman said pregnant people may be wary of vetting their professional background and using their services plus scrounging up the funds to cover out-of-pocket, out-of-hospital expenses. Herman said she regularly talks with prospective clients about her midwifery credentials, as they try to understand whether shes legitimately trained. The cost barriers are very well documented. We are unlicensed theres just kind of a social risk to that, said Herman, who tries to offer care on a sliding pay scale. You need a certain level of social privilege to take that risk, so even when cost isnt the barrier, Ive definitely had folks, especially if theyre undocumented or worried about authorities probing into their circumstances, they get nervous. Still, the benefits of midwifery are clear, too, advocates say. While prenatal care visits with midwives mostly echo appointments at doctors offices aside from longer, more personalized interactions postpartum care comes with vast differences. When people are discharged from the hospital after giving birth, theyll go to a six-week check-in with their OB-GYN. As Herman said, and thats it. But once Hermans clients give birth, shell make two to three home visits within the first week, usually staying for about two hours to observe mom and baby together, and the whole adjustment. Herman will space out those visits throughout the next five weeks or longer, depending on the new parents and baby to foster family bonding, as well as physical and mental well-being. Shell also look for potential symptoms of postpartum depression and other disorders, relying on clues such as whether household chores like laundry and dishes are going undone and if the new mother is crying more than usual. Theres a lot more continuous engagement through that really critical first month, Herman said. Thats where I find theres no replacement for sufficient observation time of just watching dynamics how does someone react when baby cries, who gets up to comfort and soothe all of these sort of interaction points that allow us to pick up on things. Tiffany Vassell and her 7-month old son Cash spend the morning together at their Mattapan home on Friday, March 24, 2023. Photo by Alyssa StoneAlyssa Stone Vassell, who serves on the board of the Bay State Birth Coalition, recalled that her home birth midwife came to visit her the day after she returned home from the hospital. Vassells doula helped her stay comfortable in bed and move around after the C-section, with both professionals guiding her with breastfeeding. It was another way Vassell found she could control her environment and lessen any potential trauma surrounding giving birth. Vassell said lawmakers have the opportunity this session to save lives by licensing midwives. Black and brown people, when theyre going into the hospital to have their babies, theyre feeling many times that theyre not listened to, their needs arent being met, their pain is being ignored or being reduced, Vassell said. We take their power away, so I think putting power back into the birthing persons hand will help some of these disparities. If I wasnt a labor and delivery nurse, if I didnt have these experiences of being a birth provider and being in a hospital, I dont think I would have been listened to. A lack of birth centers Its a human right, Herman said, for people to decide where to have their babies. That applies to birth centers, which could be staffed by certified professional midwives not nurse midwives or physicians acting as supervisors should they gain licensure and grow a larger workforce in the commonwealth. For now, the Seven Sisters Midwifery and Community Birth Center in Florence is the only birth center operating in Massachusetts, following the closures of the North Shore Birth Center in Beverly and the Cambridge Birth Center. Nashira Baril, who comes from a family of midwives, is leading a project to open the Neighborhood Birth Center in Roxbury, which she said is intentionally created by and for people who are Black, queer, disabled, immigrants or low-income. Were actually explicitly saying lets make sure that we are designing to consider all of the ways that we address inequity at an individual and at a policy level, and from there, well create a birth center that works well for everyone, said Baril, who feels hamstrung about who shes allowed to recruit under current state regulations. If the Boston birth center were to open tomorrow, Baril said she could only hire nurse midwives or labor and delivery nurses with experience over the last 12 months not certified professional midwives who may be the most desirable for the low-intervention setting. Regulating midwifery is not the silver bullet to resolve the dearth of birth centers in Massachusetts, Herman said, but it would help make the facilities more feasible. Licensure in and of itself doesnt guarantee lots more birth centers its more complicated than that, Herman said. But without licensure, we cant staff them. We know thats a first step. Gov. Maura Healey defended her $742 million tax relief pitch Tuesday, which the Democratic leader insists is designed to make Massachusetts more affordable and competitive, as she faced criticism from some lawmakers vexed by the equitable underpinnings of her proposed measures. Healey, whos vowed to instill equity into all facets of her administration, unveiled her tax plan last month, featuring a signature $600 child and family tax credit. She also wants to raise the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000 and double the senior circuit breaker from $1,200 to $2,400. But her push to overhaul the commonwealths estate and short-term capital gain taxes and in effect, removes Massachusetts outlier tax code status drew skepticism at the Joint Revenue Committee hearing Tuesday at the State House. Progressive lawmakers amplified concerns previously raised by other advocacy groups and tax policy analysts that Healeys proposals would disproportionately benefit the states wealthiest residents while culling away limited financial resources for other government programs and tax cuts to aid the most vulnerable Bay Staters. Healey, for her part, remained adamant as she framed her tax cuts as a calculated maneuver to staunch an exodus of Massachusetts residents. Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz said the package is affordable and incorporates many of the elements the Legislature already advanced last session. Im really appreciative of equity being the core center of this project. I do think that for us to truly see equity as the core center, theres some tweaks that Id like to have happen, Sen. Lydia Edwards said at the hearing, as she suggested tax policies are imbued with narratives. One narrative we cannot forget is the racial disparities and wealth gap that exist right now. At a cost of $167 million to the commonwealth, Healey wants to raise the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $3 million, while introducing a nonrefundable credit of up to $182,000. She also wants to slash the short-term capital gains rate from 12% to 5%. But Edwards implored the governor to gradually raise the estate tax threshold over five to 10 years, rather than imposing the full adjustment in fiscal 2024. She also pressed Healey to consider doubling or tripling other tax relief measures, including the rental deduction cap, senior circuit breaker and student loan repayment exemptions. Ive heard the narrative a couple of times about us being an outlier on this. Im OK with being an outlier on so many things because we lead... Edwards said of Healeys estate tax proposal. The outlier narrative is, I know it hits for some people, but for me, I think I need another narrative, a stronger narrative around why $3 million right now. Healey told reporters her administration would consider Edwards comments, particularly those tied to racial disparities. At the hearing, Healey said more interventions are needed than a tax relief package in order to tackle steep rental costs and the lack of homeownership among people of color. She also countered that with a significant outmigration of Massachusetts residents and businesses to places like North Carolina and New Hampshire, revamping the estate tax is critical to bolstering the states competitive edge. State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven suggested Healeys plan cancels out the influx of new tax revenues generated from the so-called Fair Share Amendment or millionaires tax, which imposes a 4% surtax on all income exceeding $1 million. Uyterhoeven fretted over tradeoffs made by Healey, such as cutting funding for rental assistance programs. Uyterhoeven noted the governors tax cuts provide $50 in annual rental relief and about $50 in monthly child and family care relief, though taxpayers with an estate worth $3 million or more would receive the $182,000 credit. That doesnt sound equitable to me when I look at the different groups, and I represent all of them, said Uyterhoeven, whos filed a separate plan to raise the estate tax threshold from $1 million $2 million, while saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue compared to Healeys plan. These tax reliefs I dont think go far enough, and Im not sure thats the right approach. Healey challenged Uyterhoevens logic, pointing out that about two-thirds of her tax relief plan is targeted at vulnerable residents. Healey also stressed her plan to create a separate fund for surtax dollars, providing lawmakers and everyday residents with transparency as they track the use of this new revenue stream. Affordability is really key. If people cant afford to live here, theyre not going to stay here, Healey said. If employers cant find workers here, employees here, theyre going to go elsewhere or theyre not going to come here. That is the reality of the moment that we are in. Sen. Becca Rausch, who has two children under age 10, said Healeys $600 child and family tax credit would only cover about one weeks worth of daycare or afterschool care. Rausch also took issue with the governors proposed cut to the short-term capital gains tax, citing data from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center that the top 1% of households would receive nearly 80% of the benefits, translating to an average of $7,000 per filer. Im particularly intrigued by the fact that some national top tax policy experts say theres no connection between tax rates on capital gains and economic growth, Rausch said. Healey told Rausch she doesnt want to create more reasons for people to leave here. Healey reiterated to lawmakers that her tax cuts are meant to accompany her budget proposal, which includes hefty investments for child care, transportation and health care, among other priorities. The governors competitiveness arguments, already backed by the business community, gained more momentum earlier Tuesday. A new survey from the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants found that 61% of about 5,500 high-income taxpayers are considering leaving the commonwealth due to tax policy, especially the new millionaires tax. But raising the estate tax threshold and decreasing the short-term capital gains tax rate could deter those relocations, according to the survey. Given the high stakes and impact this will have on tax revenue and other key investments like charitable giving, we hope the Legislature sees the need for a comprehensive tax package this year, Zach Donah, vice president of advocacy at MassCPAs, said in a statement. SPRINGFIELD Supervisors of the citys departments filed into Room 205 at City Hall to make their case before a board overseeing the formation of the citys next budget about what initiatives they want funded in the next fiscal year. The 311 call center, for instance, wants an 18.1% increase to its budget that would help hire two more 311 customer service representatives for a total of 11 full-time employees. The center, which has a current budget of $527,000, has fielded about 83,500 calls in the 2023 fiscal year. The Office of Administration and Finance said part of its proposed 14.8% increase to its $1.2 million budget would go towards dues for the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The Department of Capital Asset Construction, meanwhile, only asked for a 2% increase to its approximately $513,000 department budget. Monday marked the first of several meetings city officials will host this week, where supervisors of the municipal departments will provide updates on their divisions and describe their budget requests for the coming fiscal year, shedding some light on the citys and departments priorities. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Timothy J. Plante and Director of Capital Asset Construction Peter Garvey were part of the panel that spoke with department heads Monday afternoon. The budget is going to be approximately $860 million for the fiscal year 2024, Plante said. We wont know that until we get to the end and then we actually look at the revenue side of the house and say, how much revenue to we actually have? We dont know what the House (Committee on) Ways and Means is going to release in a couple of weeks, Plante continued. We dont know what the Senate (Committee on) Ways and Means are going to release in May. Our hope is that the 2% increase that they are giving us in unrestricted general government aid becomes something closer to 6%. As far as the citys finacnes, Plante said this is the best fiscal health weve been in since I started. With $50 million in reserves and not using reserves to balance the budget in the last eight years, were in a pretty good position and hoping to grow those reserves up to potentially $70 million, he said. Tomorrow, the Elections Office, City Clerk, Board of Assessors, Office of the City Comptroller and others will submit their requests. Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services, T.J. OConnor Animal Control, the Department of Elder Affairs and Veterans Services will meet with the committee. In the last meeting, Thursday, the Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire and Emergency Communications, Parks and Recreation, among others, will submit their requests. Plante said the city officials overseeing the fiscal year budget are hoping to file it with the City Council by mid-May. Statutorily, the budget must be filed by mid-June. Plante encouraged residents to attend the remainder of these meetings to help them truly understand where the commitments are in terms of dollars and cents. All meetings will take place in Room 205 at City Hall. On Tuesday, the city will hold a hearing from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a second session from 2:45 to 4 p.m. Meeting times can be found listed on the citys website. A deadly shooting in Springfield last Monday began with an accusation that a parent struck a child. Justin Breitung, 34, was shot and killed on March 20 at a bus stop near 100 Belmont Ave. in Springfields Forest Park neighborhood, according to the Hampden Country District Attorneys Office. By Friday, authorities arrested and brought murder charges against Rafael Calo, 37, and Christina Guzman, 32, two parents who claimed Breitung had struck their child. Court documents show that the two Springfield parents admitted to detectives that Calo used a 9mm pistol to shoot Breitung after briefly exchanging words. According to an arrest report, Guzman told detectives that she learned that her son was allegedly struck by Breitung at the bus stop early on Monday morning and that the couple had gone looking for Breitung at his home. Later that afternoon, the couple confronted Breitung before Calo used a gun to allegedly shoot and kill the man. Ms. Guzman stated it happened so fast but she observed Rafael (Calo) with a gun in hand and that he began to shoot at the male (Breitun), according to the arrest report. Calo also reportedly told detectives that he shot Breitung and he was the sole person responsible. Mr. Calo stated the firearm he was arrested with this am (morning), was the same firearm used to shoot Mr. Breitung, the arrest report states. After police obtained an arrest warrant for the couple, Calo and Guzman were both arrested and then arraigned in Springfield District Court on Friday, March 24. Guzman faces a murder charge and intimidation of a witness charge. They are both being held without bail. Several units within the Springfield Police Department, along with Massachusetts State Police, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force approached Calo with their guns drawn on the corner of Dickinson Street and Leyfred Terrace on Friday morning at about 8:20 a.m. and arrested him. Calo is also charged with carrying a loaded large-capacity firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine/feeding device, and a firearm violation with two prior violent/drug crimes, and endangerment of a child. The arrest report notes that Calo is a prior convicted felon who was not allowed to be licensed to carry a gun. After Calos arrest, police searched the apartment he shared with Guzman and found a 3-year-old child in a bed alone. According to his obituary, Breitung was born in Watertown, married and a father of two. Twos company, threes a crowd and fives a parade, especially when its Earths celestial neighbors making themselves seen in the night sky. Thats exactly what anyone looking up at the night sky in Massachusetts on Wednesday can expect when Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus are expected to line up near the moon, forming a planetary parade, better known as a planetary alignment, according to Star Walk. As long as theres a view of the west and clear skies, anyone earthbound will have a chance to see the planets in the night sky. Venus will be easy to spot as its one of the brighter stars in the sky. However, astronomer and associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Silas Laycock told The Boston Globe that the planets will still be visible on Wednesday night. Cloudy and rainy conditions at the start of this week could make it difficult to see the planets in the sky. Find Venus and then track down toward where the sun has just set, Laycock told the Globe. In that space, look about a hands width over the horizon for a little bright dot, which will be Jupiter. Squint your eyes and very, very close to Jupiter will be Mercury. Uranus will be the dimmest planet to spot, which doesnt help when Venus brightness could blot the gas planet from view. NASA astronomer Bill Cooke told the Associated Press that Uranus will glow green behind Venus. Laycock suggested taking binoculars in order to see Uranus. Something else that makes this union of the spheres noteworthy is it wont happen again until Sept. 8, 2040, according to Star Walk. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, instead of Uranus, will appear within a circle of 9 degrees, with a crescent moon visible between Venus and Saturn. HUNTINGTON According to state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Southwick, and state Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, residents in Western Massachusetts, especially in small, rural towns, must speak up and let their voices be heard by the rest of the state in order to get more equitable funding for schools and roads. Boldyga and Mark spoke on Tuesday to administrators, teachers, students and School Committee members at the Gateway Regional School District. From small towns themselves, they said they understand the issues schools and rural communities face, particularly regarding Chapter 90 funds for roads, Chapter 70 for schools and rural school aid. You might have heard this before, but politics is downstream of culture. The buzzwords from the left are uttered in unison by the politicians they vote for. LGBTQIA is a growing acronym that I am embarrassed to say I know what each letter stands for. No society goes without change, but the extreme push towards progressiveness and the worship of oneself is only doing harm to our decaying society. Each step by the left takes us further away from what we called our greatest generation. If you are in your 30s, like I am, this is referring to the generation of our grandmothers and grandfathers. The generation of people who were proudly patriotic, ambitious, grateful, hardworking, accountable, and lived more through their community than the generations to come. Play pretend for a minute and imagine sitting down with someone born 100 years ago who still has all their faculties and take them through our news cycle. The disgust they would voice would be through common sense of what is right and wrong. On March 19, the attorney general of NYC, Letitia James, hosted a drag queen story hour using taxpayer dollars. Whether she was footing the bill to have grown men dressed as provocative women read books to children, or the citizens of NYC are paying for it, should not matter. She and her office are quite proud of this and are actively promoting it. All parties except the unfortunate children should be arrested and jailed for pushing such perversions onto minors. But jailing criminal offenders is a thing of the past, with no cash bail and many crimes not even being prosecuted. The crimes that are prosecuted often take felonies and drop them to misdemeanor charges. The Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting Donald Trump, downgraded over half of the felony cases brought to his office down to misdemeanors last year. It is not difficult to realize why states like ours, New York and California have more people fleeing them for red states than ever before. Retour dans le parlement pour les deputes des 21 circonscriptions de la Republique et des clashes qui risquent de faire des haussements de voix, voire des echanges acerbes entre les deux parties de la Chambre. Outre la Private Notice Question du Leader de lOpposition, la premiere question de 2023 et premier Prime Ministers Question Time sera autour des propos du Premier Ministre sera posee par Deven Nagalingum: Whether, in regard to the alleged mafia infiltration of our institutions, he will state the actions he proposes to take in relation thereto? Suivra celle de Rajesh Bhagwan sur une actualite liee a un ancien Constituency Clerk dun ex-minsitre:- Whether, in regard to the inquiry initiated into the statement made by Mrs S. K. against Mr Y. S., for the alleged fictitious employment of the Marie Joanne Sabrina Touformer as Constituency Clerk of the latter, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to where matters stand? Autre question de premier depute de Beau Bassin / Petite Riviere sera sur les avancees de lenqueete policiere dans un cas de meurtre qui fait toujours la une de lactulaite. Whether, in regard to the inquiry into the death of late Mr S. K., he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to where matters stand? La premiere question destinee aux ministres sera a lactif de Ranjiv Woochit, , elu travaillis te de la circonscription de Pamplemousses/Triolet au Dr Anwar Husnoo sur les autorisations et permits octroyes pour des construtions sur un terrain qui se trouve a 700 metres de Grand Bassin. Whether, in regard to the constructions on the portion of 721 acres of State land leased to Mr S. K. C. at a distance of approximately 700 meters from Grand Bassin, he will state if any Building and Land Use Permit has been issued to the lessee and, if so, by which local authority and when and, if not, the actions initiated in respect of the said illegal construction/s? La deuxieme question sera de la deputee Marie Joanne Sabrina Tour sur le nombre de cas de cancer du sein et autres, destinee au Dr. Kailesh Jagutpal. Whether, in regard to breast and cervical cancers, he will state the reported numbers thereof in 2022? Il y a 108 questions pour cette premi8re seance de 2023 dont 21 pour le chef du gouvernement. Seance parlementaire du 28 mars 2023 Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires HE Mr Haymandoyal Dillum presented his credentials to H.E Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India on 24 March 2023. The Ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India in New Delhi. During the ensuing bilateral meeting, from the onset, I conveyed to the President of India the warm greetings of the President, H.E. Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun, G.C.S.K, and that of the Prime Minister, Hon. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. Thr discussions focussed on ways to enhance the excellent and long-standing relations between Mauritius and India. The High Commissioner highlighted that the wide-ranging cooperation that has taken place over the past 75 years between our two countries has reached a new dimension, with India contributing to almost all spheres of our socio-economic development. He refered to the participation of Mauritius during the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 which is also a clear illustration of our unique relations and strong people-to-people ties. The President of India expressed her appreciation that Mauritius has appointed a seasoned diplomat as High Commissioner, which is a testimony of the high importance that Mauritius attaches to its relations with India. She emphasised on the strong and special bilateral relations existing between our two countries and the importance India attaches to the relationship, the effective participation of Mauritius in the G20 meetings, Indias Neighbourhood First Policy, Indias partnerships in economic, defence and infrastructural matters, and the maintenance of security in the Indian Ocean were also refered to. The high commissioner reiterated Mauritius commitment towards supporting India on the regional and international levels. He also reaffirmed his utmost dedication to fostering the existing ties between our two countries during his tenure as High Commissioner of Mauritius to India. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Government institutions powering the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), the skills required for a professional public finance function and the state of the accountancy profession are key themes at a major forthcoming pan-Africa virtual conference. Organised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the African virtual public sector conference on 30th March will explore the key issues facing the public sector across the continent. Joseph Owolabi, ACCA President, said: A strong public sector is the foundation of a strong society. When a nation invests in public services, it invests in its own people. The public sector is a critical factor in shaping a prosperous future, at a time when Africa is poised on the brink of a potential economic golden age. With a major line up of speakers including the Controller and Accountant General of Ghana, the conference is an opportunity for all those interested in an effective public sector in Africa to come together, learn from each other, and set out the priorities for the next key steps. ACCA Director for Africa Jamil Ampomah said: The public sector has a key role to play in Africas development. We have a great opportunity to develop the financial professional skills, expertise and ethics which are required. Overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities would be a game changer in the transformation of the public sector in the region. This conference is designed to set out the direction of travel. The conference is focussing on three areas: Government institutions empowering AfCTA and the new dimensions of trade- how to enable effective intra-Africa trade. Building a professional public sector finance function -outlining a journey to professionalisation The state of the accountancy profession in Africa- overcoming challenges and maximising opportunity. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires ?En conferencia el premier Alberto Otarola informo sobre su encuentro con extitulares de la PCM. "Fue una reunion democratica, franca y sincera. Intercambiamos ideas en comun sobre la situacion politica del Peru, las perspectivas del pais y los grandes temas de agenda nacional". pic.twitter.com/GHWQCBZbme Many human beings have a hard enough time finding a place across town without the help of Google Maps. So how do birds manage to find an obscure location, potentially thousands of miles away with their little bird brains? Scientists are still working to definitively answer this question, but they have some theories. First, many, but not all, birds migrate to the same general location year after year. Some even use the same places for pit stops along the way! They are able to do this because they have an internal map and compass of sorts that helps them figure it out. These come in the form of many different cues, Weckstein says, which helps them navigate. "It's like an airplane that has more than one GPS unit on it," he explains. "If one goes bad you have the backup to save you." Advertisement For example, he says that many birds migrate at night, so they use the stars and actual constellations to find their way. When the sun is visible, they also use its position in the sky to orient themselves. Both of these methods are of course common ways that humans have navigated land and sea for most of time. However some birds can also detect the magnetic field generated by Earth's molten core, he says. Somehow, using this information, they are then able to figure out where they are and where they need to go. Some scientists theorize that birds may have pigments in their eyes, which "let them visualize the magnetic field," Weckstein says. There's also some belief that birds' bills might also have structures that help them in the migration process. Then, there's the fact that birds who migrate during the day actually learn landmarks, which help guide them on their path again and again. All in all, it's pretty obvious that the whole "fly south for the winter" concept is much more complicated than most of us ever realized. Now That's Cool Certain bird species don't have to migrate because their food sources are not affected by the cold winter months. For example, some root out insects deep in tree bark, or otherwise find grub. It might not be as easy as picking up a nice, juicy grasshopper, but in many ways it's likely easier than making the notoriously dangerous migration journey. MarkNtel Advisors industry professionals present a comprehensive and professional study of the North America Cannabis Market. The study is a perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative data that highlights the industrys competition as well as gap analysis, key market developments, challenges, new opportunities, and market trends. The North America Cannabis Market is anticipated to experience a CAGR of 27.7% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The research provides a thorough examination of the North America Cannabis Market and highlights significant shifts or trends for industries, suppliers, associations, and organizations. Based on revenue, demand, sales, product manufacturers, and service providers, the research provides unique information on key market rivals and emerging firms with significant market share. The report focuses on general data that can be used to make market-related decisions. Take A Free Sample PDF of this Study Report, To Complete Understanding About This Study Download Sample Report PDF Now Report Coverage Details Study Period Historical Data: 2017-20 Base Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-27 CAGR (2022-2027) 27.7% Countries Covered North America: USA, Canada, Mexico Key Companies Profiled 22nd Century Group Inc, Medical Marijuana Inc, Hemp Inc, Axim Biotechnologies Inc, Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation, Aphria Inc, Aurora Cannabis Inc, Abcann Medicinals Inc Unit Denominations USD Million/Billion Key Objective of this Research Report To provide in-depth information on the critical factors influencing the market growth. To evaluate the market competition, including new product/service launches, market expansions, contracts, and acquisitions. To examine the market in terms of distinct growth trends, market share contributions, and potential future growth. To develop a strategic profile of the major market players and conduct an in-depth analysis of their expansion plans. The value of a product or service will be determined by key segments and geographical areas using historical data and projections through 2027. Recognizing the numerous sub-segments within the North America Cannabis market is required to comprehend its structure. Identify, characterize, and analyze major market players market share, market value, competitive landscape, SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces analysis, and expansion plans over the forecast period. To forecast the dominance and growth of major geographic countries (together with each of their primary countries). Market Dynamic This study provides a thorough review of the North America Cannabis market analysis. The reports market projections are the result of in-depth investigation, interviews, and internal expert evaluations. These market estimations were created by looking into the numerous political, social, and economic aspects that have shaped the markets growth as well as current market trends. Country Wise Market Growth Data North America Cannabis Market is divided into US, Canada, mexico countries. Of all, Canada is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest share during the forecast period. The country has witnessed high levels of cannabis use in the previous years and is set to prevail in the same trend in the coming years. In 2020, more than a quarter of people aged 16 & above reported non-medical use of cannabis. Moreover, the consumption of cannabis in men was found higher than in women; and among the age group of 20-24 for both sexes. Market Growth Factor A rapid surge in the legalization & social acceptance of cannabis The rise in cannabis-based consumables Snowballing medical use of cannabis Major Growth Challenges Side effects of medical cannabis strict norms related to the production, sales, & usage of cannabis For Your Any Question or Further Discussion About This Market Study Report, Schedule A Call with Our Analyst Here Send Your Call Back Request Now Table of Content Introduction Market Segmentation Product Definition Research Process Assumptions Executive Summary Impact of COVID-19 on the North America Cannabis Market North America Cannabis Market Policies, Regulations, Product Standards North America Cannabis Market Trends & Insights North America Cannabis Market Dynamics Growth Drivers Challenges Impact Analysis North America Cannabis Market Hotspot & Opportunities North America Cannabis Market Key Strategic Imperatives for Success & Growth North America Cannabis Market Analysis, 2017-2027F Continue to TOC Market Top Participants Analysis The report gives important information that can be used to better understand the market and design effective corporate expansion strategies. In-depth analysis of both recent market entrants and current competitors in the North America Cannabis industry is provided in this section, which also addresses important issues like market positioning and potential growth strategies. The study examines the competitive environment of the North America Cannabis market and provides detailed profiles of the key players. The companies listed are as follows: 22nd Century Group Inc Medical Marijuana Inc Hemp Inc Axim Biotechnologies Inc Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canopy Growth Corporation Aphria Inc Aurora Cannabis Inc Abcann Medicinals Inc Complete Segmentation Study Precise statistical information, facts, trends, statistics, and industry segmentation insights are all included in the research. It focuses on, examines, and offers a geographical analysis of the key market segments. The following criteria are used to categorise the market under study: By Application Medical Use Chronic Pain Mental Disorder Cancer Others (Nausea, Muscle Spasms, Migraine, Glaucoma) Self-Consumption / Private Use By Product Type Flower Oil By Distribution Channel Regulated Dispensary Recreational Stores Stand-Alone Retailers Online Portals By End-User Patients Research Institute Research Companies Understanding the categories makes it simpler to recognize the importance of numerous factors that influence market growth. More Study Customization Service We Offer In order to help our clients accurately understand the important opportunities, handle growth issues, and make informed decisions to remain competitive in the market, we also provide reports customization services with customized & high-quality insights as per their unique requirements. To Get The Benefit or Our Customization Service, Sent Your Enquiry Here https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-customization/north-america-cannabis-market.html About MarkNtel Advisors We are a leading research, consulting, & data analytics firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, & individuals, among others. Our specialization in niche industries & emerging geographies allows our clients to formulate their strategies in a much more informed way and entail parameters like Go-to-Market (GTM), product development, feasibility analysis, project scoping, market segmentation, competitive benchmarking, market sizing & forecasting, & trend analysis, among others, for 15 diverse industrial verticals. Our Contact Details Phone +1 628 895 8081, +91 120 4278433 Email: sales@marknteladvisors.com Follow Us Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest Read Blogs www.marknteladvisors.com/blogs MarkNtel Advisors industry professionals present a comprehensive and professional study of the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System Market. The study is a perfect blend of quantitative and qualitative data that highlights the industrys competition as well as gap analysis, key market developments, challenges, new opportunities, and market trends. The Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System Market is anticipated to experience a CAGR of 18% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The research provides a thorough examination of the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System Market and highlights significant shifts or trends for industries, suppliers, associations, and organizations. Based on revenue, demand, sales, product manufacturers, and service providers, the research provides unique information on key market rivals and emerging firms with significant market share. The report focuses on general data that can be used to make market-related decisions. Take A Free Sample PDF of this Study Report, To Complete Understanding About This Study Download Sample Report PDF Now Report Coverage Details Study Period Historical Data: 2017-20 Base Year: 2021 Forecast Period: 2022-27 CAGR (2022-2027) 18% Key Companies Profiled Welch Allyn, Bosch, Johnson & Johnson, Intel, Roche, Philips Healthcare, Honeywell, American Telecare, Biotronik, Covidien Plc Unit Denominations USD Million/Billion Key Objective of this Research Report To provide in-depth information on the critical factors influencing the market growth. To evaluate the market competition, including new product/service launches, market expansions, contracts, and acquisitions. To examine the market in terms of distinct growth trends, market share contributions, and potential future growth. To develop a strategic profile of the major market players and conduct an in-depth analysis of their expansion plans. The value of a product or service will be determined by key segments and geographical areas using historical data and projections through 2027. Recognizing the numerous sub-segments within the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System market is required to comprehend its structure. Identify, characterize, and analyze major market players market share, market value, competitive landscape, SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces analysis, and expansion plans over the forecast period. To forecast the dominance and growth of major geographic regions (together with each of their primary countries). Market Dynamic This study provides a thorough review of the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System market analysis. The reports market projections are the result of in-depth investigation, interviews, and internal expert evaluations. These market estimations were created by looking into the numerous political, social, and economic aspects that have shaped the markets growth as well as current market trends. Market Growth Factor Saudi Arabias healthcare industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation. The country has planned to invest around USD2.2 billion in integrating advanced technologies into the healthcare infrastructure. In addition, the country is also planning to spend massively on integrating machine learning & deep learning under its massive revitalization program of healthcare services. A major portion of these investments is expected to be spent by the Saudi government. Moreover, the country is also inviting foreign investments to keep its healthcare services in sync with global standard. Major Challenges for Growth In 2021, data security has been the key issue encountered by the industry stakeholders in the remote patient monitoring system market. The country witnessed more than 7 million cyber-attacks, and a substantial portion of these attacks targeted the healthcare infrastructure to access patients confidential health-related information. Hence, ensuring proper cyber security would remain a key challenge in the Kingdom where the cyber awareness of healthcare workers is significantly low. For Your Any Question or Further Discussion About This Market Study Report, Schedule A Call with Our Analyst Here Send Your Call Back Request Now Table of Content Introduction Product Definition Research Process Assumptions Market Definition Executive Summary Saudi Arabia Healthcare Statistics, 2021 Healthcare Budget Ongoing Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure Medical Tourism Future Investments Roadmap Saudi Arabia Patient Statistics, 2021 Dialysis Patients Home Dialysis Clinical Based Dialysis Diabetes Patients Cardiac Patients Cancer Patients Patients with Neural Disorders Others Impact of COVID-19 on Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Trends & Insights Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Dynamics Drivers Challenges Impact Analysis Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Hotspots & Opportunities Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Value Chain Analysis Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Regulations & Policy Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring Market Outlook, 2017-2027F Continue to TOC Market Top Participants Analysis The report gives important information that can be used to better understand the market and design effective corporate expansion strategies. In-depth analysis of both recent market entrants and current competitors in the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System industry is provided in this section, which also addresses important issues like market positioning and potential growth strategies. The study examines the competitive environment of the Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System market and provides detailed profiles of the key players. The companies listed are as follows: Welch Allyn Bosch Johnson & Johnson Intel Roche Philips Healthcare Honeywell American Telecare Biotronik Covidien Plc Complete Segmentation Study Precise statistical information, facts, trends, statistics, and industry segmentation insights are all included in the research. It focuses on, examines, and offers a geographical analysis of the key market segments. The following criteria are used to categorise the market under study: By Component Devices Electroencephalography (EEG) Magnetoencephalograph (MEG) Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Pulse Oximeter Spirometer Fetal Monitor Temperature Monitoring Mobile Continuous Outpatient Telemetry (MCOT) Electrocardiogram (ECG) Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Blood Glucose Monitoring Blood Pressure Monitor Others Services Software By Condition Cardiovascular Distress Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Blood Pressure Mental Health Cancer Treatment Sleep Disorder Others (Weight Management, Fitness Monitoring, etc) By End Users Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Center Specialty Clinics Home Care Geographical Data Saudi Arabia Remote Patient Monitoring System Market is bifurcated into to city of: Riyadh Jeddah Mecca Medina Al-Hofuf Others Understanding the categories makes it simpler to recognize the importance of numerous factors that influence market growth. More Study Customization Service We Offer In order to help our clients accurately understand the important opportunities, handle growth issues, and make informed decisions to remain competitive in the market, we also provide reports customization services with customized & high-quality insights as per their unique requirements. To Get The Benefit or Our Customization Service, Sent Your Enquiry Here https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-customization/saudi-arabia-remote-patient-monitoring-market.html About MarkNtel Advisors We are a leading research, consulting, & data analytics firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, & individuals, among others. Our specialization in niche industries & emerging geographies allows our clients to formulate their strategies in a much more informed way and entail parameters like Go-to-Market (GTM), product development, feasibility analysis, project scoping, market segmentation, competitive benchmarking, market sizing & forecasting, & trend analysis, among others, for 15 diverse industrial verticals. Our Contact Details Phone +1 628 895 8081, +91 120 4278433 Email: sales@marknteladvisors.com Follow Us Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest Read Blogs www.marknteladvisors.com/blogs Project Administrator, Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) Title: Finance and Administration Officer (PADM) Location: Kisantu, Kongo Central Division: Program & Innovation, Malaria & NTD Supervisor: Senior PADM based in Kinshasa PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the worlds most pressing health challenges. The Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, as a leader in the effort to end malaria- related illness and death, refines and develops tools and approaches, supports national programmes, and gathers evidence and data to enable Minister of Health and national governments program to pursue malaria elimination. . PATH is recruiting a Finance and administration Officer for a pilot implementation of perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC), previously known as intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Kongo Central. This is a GiveWell-funded project. A successful candidate will have a background/interest in global health, be highly motivated and hard working with exceptional organizational skills. S/he will work in close collaboration with Kongo Central Team composed with Logistic Officer and Financial Associate, Data Manager, Provincial Coordinator, HF support Researchers/agents (23), and Kinshasa Team: Study Lead, Project Manager. Responsibilities Budgeting and Budget Monitoring: Develop budget(s) aligned to workplan activities, in collaboration with the Project Manager and Study Lead, using the assigned Project workplan and budgeting tool(s) Monitor the budget using monthly expense and labor reports and PATH financial systems; review unexpected and inappropriate charges; keep project manager informed of spending against the budget and highlight budget variances or any adjustments that may be required to the work plan or budget. Update the budget to reflect adjustments to the work plan or changes in resource requirements. Ensure there is proper planning and accomplishment of project activities and deliverables completion as per their due date on the workplan. Develop quarterly cash expenditure projections with Senior PADM, in accordance with PATH procedures, for use in the PATH DRC quarterly cash request. Financial Documentation and Transaction Workflow: Oversee financial transaction documentation (RATs, TERs, WARs, WERs, etc.) and ensure it is complete, accurate and complies with applicable policies and internal procedures; review documentation prepared by other team members to ensure quality of work quality of work, including accuracy, attention to detail and compliance. Ensure that team transaction requests are submitted following PATH established processes and procedures. Initiate communication in advance with the Senior PADM and finance unit in cases in which established processes and procedures present a barrier to successful implementation of activities; work collaboratively to arrive at solutions which will allow effective implementation while maintaining compliance with policies and procedures. Facilitate processing of transactions by PATH DRC, liaising with Kinshasa Finance Officer and Finance Manager for processing and generating of payments, etc. Policies and Procedures: Maintain an active knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures; seek out guidance from the relevant authority to resolve policy questions; and recommend changes to policies and procedures when appropriate and necessary. Oversee financial and administrative operations for PAMC team, ensuring compliance with PATH policies and procedures. Compliance: Advise and keep Project Manager and team informed of PATH and donor policies and procedures related to their work. Evaluate activity requirements and financial commitments in accordance with the project award, PATH and donor policies and procedures, and PATH cost principles Contracting and Contract Management (Subagreements, subcontracts, consultancies) Assist program or technical staff in the development of Scope of Work documents and/or specifications for consultants, contracting, partnering and procurements. Prepare and compile all required documentation and submit complete package to project manager for review and submission to Study Lead copying the Senior PADM. Monitor progress for contract and agreement SOWs at Kongo Central, budgets, reporting and payment schedules, report progress and any concern to the PMC project in Kongo Central. Review consultant, contractor, partner and vendor invoices and reports; submit deliverables (financial and progress reports) to Senior PADM. Proceed to close-out processes and submit appropriate documentation Senior PADM, Study Lead and PATH DRC Director of Administration and Finance. Procurement and logistic, collaborate with Logistic Officer to: Develop project procurement plan in accordance with Kongo Central office procurement planning process schedule. Initiate and/or facilitate procurement process for project purchases in accordance with PATH procurement policy(ies) Communicate donor requirements for reporting and disposal of inventory to Procurement and/or Facilities, to ensure inventory management requirements are integrated into office inventory management process(es). Track and ensure accuracy of project inventory (if applicable), validating to GL records of project purchases, equipment disposal documentation, and PATHs Fixed Assets, Project Equipment, and Inventory policy. Maintain inventory report on a quarterly basis for all equipment bought for the PMC project. Implementation Support for Project Activities: Participate in quarterly Project/work plan and budget review meetings. Collaborate with Logistic Office on planning and coordination of the full range of logistics for workshops, meetings & field work exercises; Analyze options for performing field payments with more security. Oversee Kongo Central Office PMC project cash replenishment. Maintain regular communication with Senior PADM, project team, procurement and finance unit regarding project administration issues, highlighting issues that need attention, and requesting additional support as needed to implement activities successfully and in compliance with policies and procedures. Required Skills and Experience Bachelors degree in finance and administration with five years of experience or Masters degree in business administration or equivalent, with three years of experience. Demonstrated financial management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office software suite, and ability to learn financial systems/software. Strong organizational skills, high level of attention to detail, and effectiveness under deadlines. Able to multi-task for multiple teams. Ability to work in a team environment with minimum supervision. Demonstrated experience managing awards This position does not attract international terms and conditions. The post holder will be considered as a local staff and will not have international terms and conditions of employment. Applicants considered for this position are to be DRC nationals. This position is based in Kisantu. Candidates outside of Kisantu will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early. PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued. PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. *PATH has become aware of scams involving false job offers. * Please be advised: PATH will never ask for a fee during any stage of the recruitment process. All active jobs are advertised directly on our career's page . Official PATH emails will always arrive from an @path.org or @silkroad.com address. Please report any suspicious communications to careersitehelp@path.org Please click on the link below to submit your application. Finance and Administration Officer (PADM) by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, March 28, 2023 Global media out-of-home agency Talon has acquired its second OOH shop in as many weeks with the purchase of Evolve for an undisclosed sum. Evolve has offices in London, New York and Singapore and its acquisition is the latest step in Talons global expansion plan. Last week London-based Talon grew its footprint in Canada with the acquisition of Novus Media Canada Corp. Evolve will operate under its existing brand and continue to be led by its founder and CEO, Robin Hall, and Danielle Austin, Managing Director. Their remit will be to help strengthen Talons global presence and align with Talon International, a global planning and buying OOH network of partners serving 100 markets across the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 28, 2023 Microsoft is bringing the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity. On Tuesday, Microsoft revealed the details about Security Copilot in a company blog post , and said the AI technology gives cybersecurity defenders "a much-needed tool to quickly detect and respond to threats and better understand the threat landscape overall." While other tools might do this, Microsoft argues that Security Copilot is better with support of generative AI models from OpenAI, such as the recently launched GPT-4. Unique to the tool, the ability to rely on a cyber-trained model, a learning system to create new skills. Security Copilot can help catch what other approaches might miss and augment an analysts work. The idea is to gain detection and a speedier response time. Both can strengthen security, according to Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft corporate vice president of security, compliance, identity, and management. advertisement advertisement "When Security Copilot receives a prompt from a security professional, it uses the full power of the security-specific model to deploy skills and queries that maximize the value of the latest large language model capabilities," Jakkal wrote in a post. Security Copilot will combine Microsoft's threat intelligence with the expertise to augment the work of security professionals through an easy-to-use AI assistant. Jakkal wrote that the model is not trained on customer data. The data "is not used to train the foundation AI models and, in fact, it is protected by the most comprehensive enterprise compliance and security controls," he wrote. The data remains private, but each user interaction can be shared with other team members to accelerate incident response, collaborate more effectively on complex problems and develop collective skills. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 28, 2023 Florida lawmakers on Monday advanced a controversial bill that would require social-media platforms to warn users under 18 that the platforms may harm their mental health. The proposed bill would also require social-media companies to warn underage users that the platforms may have addictive qualities and present unverified information. Also, platforms would be obligated to warn minors that their data may be collected and shared. HB 591 would additionally force platforms to disclose their content-moderation policies, whether they use so-called addictive design features -- such as autoplaying videos -- and whether they consider the best interests of users under 18, among other matters. advertisement advertisement The tech industry organization NetChoice testified against the bill on Monday, arguing that it violates the First Amendment, in part because it requires online companies to make disparaging characterizations of their services. HB 591 violates the First Amendment by compelling speech, NetChoice said in testimony provided to the Florida House of Representatives Choice & Innovation Subcommittee. The group added that the Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment limits the government's ability to force individuals and companies to speak when they would prefer not to speak. NetChoice also said the proposed law is unconstitutionally vague, writing that key terms in the statute -- including addictive and best interests -- aren't defined. It is unclear what feature is popular enough to be considered 'addictive' by future regulators, and unclear what disclosures of 'best interests' mean or require, the group wrote. NetChoice currently is suing Florida over a different social-media law -- a 2021 measure that includes provisions banning social media companies from censoring, deplatforming, and shadow banning journalistic enterprises, based on content. (That law was blocked by a trial judge and appellate court. Florida recently asked the Supreme Court to allow the law to be enforced.) The policy group Chamber of Progress, funded by the tech industry, also testified against the new Florida proposal. That organization noted that requirements to show disclaimers to users under 18 would also require the platforms to collect age-verification data -- which could pose a privacy threat. There is disagreement about the best methods for verifying users ages, but they could include techniques like facial recognition or other biometric scans, Chamber of Progress told lawmakers. Even less-invasive methods, like requiring users to enter their birthdate or ID in order to enter a site, would still require widespread data collection. These techniques would have to be used for every user, not just children, resulting in increased data collection for everyone on the internet. " " Goldendoodles are great family pets with a lot of energy, and can range from small, at 15 to 30 pounds, to very large, up to 100 pounds. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Goldendoodles are the adorable result of a cross-breeding between a golden retriever and a poodle. Hence the name, goldendoodle. While you might be picturing an exact hybrid between a golden retriever and a standard poodle, however, goldendoodles can vary quite a lot in appearance, according to Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. "The size of a goldendoodle depends on the poodle part of their heritage," says Ellis in an email interview. "Poodles come in many different sizes, so goldendoodles do, too. Because of this, you'll meet goldendoodles ranging from small, at 15 to 30 pounds (7 to 14 kilograms), to very large, up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms)." Contrary to common logic, goldendoodles don't always have golden fur, either. "Coloring can vary," says Ellis. "Like poodles, they range from light tan to apricot to chocolate and black. Goldendoodles usually have shaggy, curly coats, but the curl tightness can vary drastically as well." Advertisement According to Steffi Trott, owner of and head trainer at SpiritDog Training in Albuquerque, goldendoodles have been bred in the U.S. as guide dogs as far back as 1969. "In the 1990s, designer dog breeders picked up the cross and started to market them as perfect all-around family dogs," she says via email. "Later on, many other breeds were also crossed with poodles and became cousins of the goldendoodle, such as the labradoodle (labrador and poodle), sheepadoodle (Australian shepherd and poodle), Bernadoodle (Bernese mountain dog and poodle) and others. While goldendoodles were first bred in the U.S., they are popular all over the world today. So, how did they become so popular? "Goldendoodles combine the very clever and silly characteristics that poodles are known for with the loyal, loving and friendly disposition of a golden retriever," says Ellis. They also shed very little, making them a great choice for people with allergies or those who don't like cleaning up much dog hair around the house, and finally, they exhibit an even temperament, trainability and super-cute looks. Here are seven more fun facts about this cuddly canine. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 28, 2023 Google will face sanctions for failing to preserve internal Chat messages that could be relevant to an antitrust lawsuit pending in the Northern District of California, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. The court concludes that Google did not take reasonable steps to preserve electronically stored information that should have been preserved in the anticipation or conduct of litigation, U.S. District Court Judge James Donato said in a 19-page decision. The ruling came in a lawsuit by a coalition of state attorneys general, Epic Games and others that claim Google uses anticompetitive tactics to ensure that developers distribute apps through the Google Play Store. Last year, Epic Games said in court papers that Google violated its obligation to preserve evidence relating to the lawsuit by automatically deleting messages employees sent through the Chat function. Google responded hat it automatically preserves "chat threads within threaded rooms/spaces" in which employees who are obligated to preserve evidence participate, and also told those employees not to use Google Chat to discuss topics relevant to the litigation. advertisement advertisement But Donato found Google's approach to preserving evidence problematic, writing that the testimony showed that Google left employees largely on their own to determine what Chat communications might be relevant to the many critical legal and factual issues in this complex antitrust litigation. The overall propriety of Chat is not in issue here, Donato wrote. What matters is how Google responded after the lawsuits were filed, and whether it honored the evidence preservation duties it was abundantly familiar with from countless prior cases. The record establishes that Google fell strikingly short on that score. Donato plans to issue monetary penalties, and said it would be reasonable for Google to pay fees associated with the motion for sanctions. He also suggested he could issue non-monetary penalties that could affect Google's defense, but said more evidence was needed to determine those penalties. Donato specifically said won't issue terminating sanctions -- meaning he won't decide Google should lose the lawsuit due solely to its failure to preserve messages. This antitrust case will not be decided on the basis of lost Chat communications, he wrote. The determination of an appropriate non-monetary sanction requires further proceedings. A Google spokesperson stated that the company "conscientiously worked" for years to respond to Epic and the attorneys general's requests for information, and "produced over three million documents, including thousands of chats." Yash Chopra is a name that resonates with every movie buff in India. He is known for his epic love stories that set the standard for Bollywood romance. Recently, Netflix released a documentary on the late director, The Romantics, which chronicled his rise as an iconic filmmaker who told the best love stories in Bollywood. While Shah Rukh Khan is considered the king of romance in Hindi cinema, there are many talented actors who have been a part of Yash Chopra's love stories, including Manoj Bajpayee . YRF In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Manoj Bajpayee shared that he got the opportunity to work with Yash Chopra in his epic cross-border romance film Veer Zaara (2004) starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta. He revealed that he acted in a small role as Zaara's fiance, Raza Sharazi, simply because he wanted to work with the legendary director, whom he had grown up watching. Manoj's character in the film was more of a guest appearance, and he only shot for the film for four-five days. However, Yash Chopra ensured he got a royal welcome and was treated with as much respect as the rest of the cast members. YRF The veteran director had watched Manoj's performance in the 2003 film Pinjar and offered him the part after that. Manoj recalled that working on Veer Zaara also gave him a chance to catch up with his old friend Shah Rukh Khan . He said,"Shah Rukh, I have known for many years from my days in Delhi, so it was also a chance to catch up. Because we dont meet up, we belong to two different kinds of films and filmmaking. So, it was a chance to catch up with him and also enjoy being on the sets of Mr Yash Chopra, who had been such a magnificent, successful mainstream director for so many years." BCCL He added, "We grew up watching his films! We used to chat for long, both Yash ji and me. He was very clear in telling me, I dont make films for an actor like you, so I dont think I would have anything else in the future, but this is very good and it will be great if you agree to do it. He was such a humble man." Heres the full interview: Manoj Bajpayee is known for his versatile acting skills and has been appreciated for his performances in films like Satya, Gangs of Wasseypur, and The Family Man. He was last seen in the Disney+ Hotstar film Gulmohar and has the films Despatch and Joram lined up for the year. YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of 14 patients from Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia, bringing the total number of patients transferred amid the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade to 229, the Healthcare Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh reported. Due to the blocking by Azerbaijan of the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia, 14 patients from the Republican Medical Center the Republic of Artsakh with serious diseases of the oncology and pathologies requiring emergency surgical interventions have been transported today, on March 28, to specialized medical institutions of the Republic of Armenia with the mediation and escort of the International Committee of the Red Cross. 11 patients, who had been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment, returned to Artsakh together with an accompanying persons. Scheduled surgeries continue to be suspended in the medical centers of the Republic of Artsakh. 5 children remain in the neonatal and intensive care units of the Arevik medical centre. 5 patients remain in the intensive care unit of the Republican Medical Centre, 1 of them in critical condition. A total of 229 patients have been transported so far from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and support of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the ministry said in a statement on social media. YEREVAN, 28 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 28 March, USD exchange rate down by 0.24 drams to 388.29 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.84 drams to 420.21 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 5.07 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.60 drams to 477.98 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 608.99 drams to 24296.62 drams. Silver price down by 3.68 drams to 285.75 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams. YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. On March 28 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Marcos Gomez Martinez, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Armenia (residence in Moscow), the foreign ministry said in a readout. The interlocutors commended the positive dynamic of the development of relations between Armenia and Spain and exchanged views on the prospects of deepening the political dialogue. The opportunities of expanding the bilateral cooperation in number of spheres, including economy and information technologies, were discussed. Given the fact that Spain will assume the Presidency of the EU Council starting from July different topics of the Armenia-EU partnership were touched upon, including the deployment of the EU Civil Monitoring Mission in Armenia. During the meeting the interlocutors exchanged views on topics related to regional security and stability. Minister Mirzoyan touched upon Azerbaijan's actions, including the recent aggressions againts the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, the rhetoric at the highest level and the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, emphasizing that such actions of Azerbaijan do not contribute to Armenia's efforts to establish lasting peace in the region. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the importance of lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor as well as the importance of sending an international fact-finding mission to the corridor. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Submitted photo/Scott Krohn, HCCG Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Submitted photo/Scott Krohn, HCCG Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Submitted photo/Scott Krohn, HCCG Show More Show Less 5 of 5 On March 21, the Huron County Corn Growers hosted 110 producers at their annual meeting. President Tom Ziel gave an overview of the organization's corn plot. For years, the board has grown a 30-acre plot of corn and utilizes the revenue generated for various community projects. The inputs are donated by local agronomy retailers as well as seed dealers. In a news release, HCCG Secretary Scott Krohn said, "HCCG wishes to thank all of those that donated in support of our efforts towards youth development as well as community aid throughout the year. We would also like to thank Tom for his efforts to plant, care for and harvest the plot. Without all of you, this project would not be possible!" Metro Creative Graphics A Bad Axe man will serve jail time for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain parts from an area auto parts store. John Clark Kester, 34, was sentenced by Judge Gerald M. Prill in Huron County 52nd Circuit Court on Monday morning to 150 days in the county jail and fined $200 after pleading guilty on Jan. 30 to one count of false pretenses with intent to defraud, $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a high-court misdemeanor. Tribune File Photo A Harbor Beach woman has been sentenced to 300 days in the Huron County Jail for assaulting her wife with a vehicle. Lena Joy Heffron, 42, was sentenced by Huron County 52nd Circuit Court Judge Gerald M. Prill on Monday after she pleaded no contest to felonious assault on Jan. 30. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MECOSTA COUNTY The Mecosta County drain commission is prepared to move forward with the restoration of the Ives Drain in Big Rapids, a project several years in the making. The drain commission hosted a webinar on March 22 to update the community on the project, including the timeline for construction and costs of the project. Attorney Stacey Hisong, who led the webinar, said in terms of the project goals, there were three main areas of concern establishing jurisdiction over the drainage district, addressing the erosion issues and prevent further damage to property, and addressing the exposed sanitary sewer lines. Previously, no one had jurisdiction over it (the drainage district), so if there was a problem, there was no governmental entity responsible for taking care of that, Hisong said. So, one of the goals was to have the county drain commission take jurisdiction. It took some time to take it over as an established county drain under the Michigan Drain Code, she said. In 2016 there was a preliminary study performed at the request of the city and an application for laying out and designating the drainage district. In 2019, there was a petition by landowners in the district, and the drain commissioner held a Board of Determination, which property owners were invited to, to determine if a drain was necessary. The board determined the project was necessary. In the intervening months, there was an engineering assessment completed, easement acquisition done and permitting through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Bids were sent out for construction. PROJECT PLANS Brandon Williams, an engineer with Spicer Group who did the engineering and design work for the project, explained the project plans for erosion control and eliminating the exposed sanitary sewer lines. Williams said there has been an erosion of the bank of the channel, and where it used to be 5 feet wide, it is now 12 to 14 feet wide. There is significant erosion caused by water going through at a high velocity, he said. All this erosion and sediment is making its way to the (Muskegon) river and causing a sediment plume at the end of the drain out into the river. One of the main project goals will be reducing this erosion so it is not going to happen and this plume will not continue into the river. Williams said the erosion control will consist of a series of riffles zones and deeper pools, which will be designed to slow the water and dissipate energy, along with bank stabilization measures. The pools are deeper sections where the water will have a chance to slow down, and sediment will be able to fall out and settle on the bottom, he said. The riffles zones are at a steeper grade with smaller stones where water will move faster and agitate the sediment trapped in the water. Within the riffle zones, there will be rocks in the stream bed to help dissipate energy. Additionally, rock headers will help channel the water to the center where it is deeper and away from the banks to prevent erosion. Where the water is deeper, there will be root wads and riprap lining the outside beds where the most velocity is seen. The water will then flow into the riffle sections with the header to dissipate the energy, Williams said. That cycle will continue throughout the drain. Additionally, there will be cross vanes made up of logs and/or riprap to help control the grade and elevation of the drain to help dissipate energy, slow the water down and redirect water to the main flow in the center of the channel and keep it away from the banks, he said. Root wads will be intermixed with riprap, taking the bottom half of a tree with the root mass and putting it into the ground, Williams said. Having the exposed root wad in the channel will help catch debris and help protect the bank, but also provides for a natural habitat for fish. In dealing with the exposed sanitary sewer lines, the project plan is to drop the exposed sewer lead from beneath the drain and protect it in an iron sleeve, he said. The mainline sanitary sewer line that was abandoned by the city and is no longer functional will be covered by reshaping the banks of the drain and moving material around to cover the exposed portions. The construction work will be completed by Jackson Dirt Works, who they have had numerous projects with, Williams said. They have done a lot of this type of stream restoration work. It is one of their specialties, he said. They will host a pre-construction meeting the first week of April, where they will work with the contractor, the city and any utility companies involved to develop a game plan for the restoration. Following that meeting, the contractor will begin construction with the expectation of completion in October 2023. According to the contract, they have until May 1, 2024, to be substantially complete, meaning the bulk of the work being done, with the final completion date of June 1, 2024, with all seeding and the entire project completed, he said. Construction work on site is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Truck traffic will be limited to 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. As part of the project, the drain commission purchased property at 610 Cypress to be used for primary staging and access to the project, stockpiling materials and building temporary roads to get to the site, Williams said. Additionally, secondary access to the site will be off the dead end of Cherry Street. COST OF PROJECT Hisong said the total cost of the project, including construction, engineering, easement acquisition and contingency is estimated at $4.2 million, which will be paid for by a variety of entities within the drainage district, including the city of Big Rapids, Big Rapids Township, Mecosta County, Ferris State University and private property owners. First and foremost, Ferris State University is exempt from drain assessments under statute, Hisong said. However, as a major stakeholder in the project, FSU understood that they are part of the drainage district and decided that, as a good neighbor, it was important for them to pay their fair share. They made a $1.4 million donation to the project. We are very thankful for the partnership and cooperation of Ferris through this entire project. Big Rapids Township received an assessment of $20,400 for benefit to public health; Mecosta County received an assessment of $262,600 for benefit to county roads; Michigan Department of Transportation received an assessment of $443,400 for benefit to state highways within the drainage district; and the city of Big Rapids received an assessment of $1.2 million for benefit to city street and public health. That took a significant portion of project costs through those entities, Hisong said. In addition, property owners are asked to pay 21.53% of the project costs. In a normal situation, that is significantly less than what property owners would be responsible for paying. The drain commissioner did a fantastic job working to ensure all the different partners assisted in payments for the project to keep property owner costs down. Factors that went into determining property owner assessments included a share of costs for mailing, publication and public hearings; acreage owned; land classification and run-off values, Hisong said. Commercial property that has a lot of parking and rooftop will pay more acre per acre than a piece of agricultural property with no asphalt or impervious surface, she said, so, commercial properties will pay more than residential properties in most circumstances. Residential assessment will range from $55/year to $730/year, with the average around $160/year. Commercial parcels will range from $180/year to $3,000/year, with an average of around $682/year. Property owner costs will be assessed over 20 years with the first assessment due on the 2023 winter tax bill. There will be interest added to the assessment for those who do not prepay the assessment. You can prepay to avoid interest, and there will be no assessment on the property taxes, Hisong said. You can allow it to go on the property taxes, and there will be interest assessed over a 20-year period. To avoid interest, you must pay by April 5. Anyone interested in prepaying the assessment can contact the Mecosta County Drain Commission at 231-592-0103. For more information on the Ives Drain project visit mecostacounty.org/government/drain_commissioner. LUDINGTON A dozen people gathered on the second floor of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts for a recent Ludington Writers meeting. On the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, the Ludington Writers group transforms the solitary act of writing into a team effort. Ludington Writers is a nonprofit that aims to support a community of poets and storytellers. It offers scholarships for continuing education and hosts regular workshops and events. At the March 14 meeting, the Judith Minty Writers Room was filled to capacity for the bi-monthly critique. A drip coffee maker sputtered in the corner as attendees greeted one another, taking seats in a hodgepodge collection of armchairs. As group president, Barry Matthews, called the meeting to order, the room fell silent. But it wouldnt stay quiet for long. Matthews has been involved with the Ludington Writers for a number of years and said that what makes this group unique is the welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to joining us, show up. There are no membership fees. Everyone is welcome. We are a friendly group and we tend to have fun, Matthews said. During these two-hour critique sessions, attendees can bring in works in progress, either two poems or a work of prose up to 1,000 words in length. The process is a simple one: the pieces are read aloud and then members take turns voicing suggestions. The group averages around 12 regular participants at the sessions. Some bring pieces to be workshopped, while others are merely there to offer editing help. Matthews stresses that attendees are not required to be Ludington residents. People have traveled from as far as Grand Rapids and the group offers virtual sessions via Zoom. Matthews leads the sessions. He explained that honest and insightful feedback from people with a wide variety of backgrounds is highly valuable to those who participate in the sessions. The problem we have with some people is encouraging them to actually try to get their work published, he said. Chrissy Streeter/News Advocate Publishing Besides hosting regular events, the Ludington Writers group also publishes work. The group is currently accepting submissions for the fall 2023 Making Waves: A West Michigan Review. This will be the third edition of the annual literary publication. It was something the founding member, George Dila, was passionate about, said Nicole Birkett, editor-in-chief of Making Waves. George Dila was the founder of Ludington Writers as well as editor-in-chief of the groups first literary journal, Driftwood. When he died unexpectedly in 2016, the Ludington Writers members tried to pick up the torch, but the group was unable to access Dilas vast network of contacts, emails and websites. In 2020, the group decided to start again from scratch, now under the name of Making Waves. The deadline for submissions is April 30 and people can enter unpublished poetry, stories, essays, as well as visual art. A theme is selected by the editorial board every year and the members chose Doorways for the 2023 issues theme. Birkett urges writers to approach the idea symbolically. Right now, were hoping to see more submissions that are taking the theme less literally. We received about 80 pieces that were literally about doorways, pictures of doors, discussions of keys, doorknobs were hoping for more figurative. Its more of a metaphor for access, transition, a resolution that leads to a new path, Birkett said. She encourages people to read past issues to get a better sense of the types of writing that are selected for publication. Digital issues of Making Waves can be found on the Ludington Writers website and include audio clips read by selected writers. People of all ages are invited to submit work and Birkett notes that the review accepts artists and writers living outside of western Michigan. Its open to anyone worldwide, any age, any person. Weve had international artists and authors in our previous publications, she said. Chrissy Streeter/News Advocate Ego in the way Matthews believes there is a common reason why some writers do not submit work to be published. Its hard to accept a rejection because you think youve done a brilliant job and other people dont see it that way. And it doesnt take a lot to deflate ones ego, Matthews said. Kathlene Barrett is an associate editor for Making Waves and also serves as the editor-in-chief of the groups new internal publication, Beach Combings. As both a visual artist and poet, she understands that accepting feedback from others can be challenging. The ego is the one that helps us create what were writing or what were painting, but it also gets in the way of improving. Its a two-edged sword. Barrett said. For the Ludington Writers, the act of rewriting is just as important as the very first draft. Barrett feels that to be successful, every writer needs an editor, herself included. We get so involved in our own writing that we sometimes miss the things that need to be tweaked and revised. My goal as an editor is to make somebody elses work shine. Its not to tear their work apart or to change it, but to help them make it shine, Barrett said. More information on the Ludington Writers and Making Waves can be found online at ludingtonwriters.org, or Facebook and Twitter. MANISTEE Those cruising around Manistee's First Street Beach loop may notice some significant improvements to the road this summer. Manistee City Council voted 7-0 during its March 21 meeting to approve a bid of $675,897.95 from Elmers Crane and Dozer, Inc. for resurfacing South Lakeshore Drive from the fish cleaning station to First Street. It was the only bid received for the project. "The project consists of grinding the existing asphalt drive lanes and parking from the fish cleaning station along the beach loop back to the roundabout at First Street. The aggregate base will then be supplemented and new paving," said Jeff Mikula, Manistee Department of Public Works director, in a memo to city manager Bill Gambill. "... In addition, new light fixtures will be added along Lakeshore Drive from First Street south to the Lions gazebo. The lower parking lot at the west end of First Street will be improved and repaved." Hotel Ventures Manistee, LLC, developer for the Hampton Inn project, will pay for part of the Lakeshore Drive project, per a memorandum of understanding between the city and Hotel Ventures. Additional funding will come from brownfield captured funds and American Rescue Plan Act proceeds. Per the contract found in the agenda packet for the meeting, the work will be substantially completed on or before May 26, and completed and ready for final payment before June 16. Mikula said in the memo close to 45 new parking spaces will be created as a result of the project. "The hotel is paying for 28 new parking spaces and others will be added by restriping the existing footprint," he said. Lucas Richardson, project manager for Spicer Group, the city's contracted engineering firm, said even though the city only received one bid, Spicer estimated the project cost would be $667,000, meaning Elmer's bid was within 1% off the engineer's estimate. "We actually thought we got a pretty good bid on that," he said. Erin Pontiac, council member, said she would have liked to have seen the bid go out in the fall before contractors had already planned their schedules for 2023. Richardson said the design phase took longer than anticipated due to a number of changes that occurred. "Originally the project was going to be a rehab project a mill and fill project," he said. "Then, once we got the soil borings and reviewed the cores, we made the recommendation that it could no longer be rehabilitated and we had to reconstruct it, which entailed a lot more design which took a little longer to do. In a perfect world we definitely would have liked to bid the project a little earlier." Shawn Middleton, Spicer Group vice president, said the design phase was more complicated than it may seem. "We were authorized in October to start with the work I wish we could have done it faster," he said. "... It seems like a simple thing just to design around the beach there in that area, but it's kind of complicated with what we're trying to do with the existing section. "... We'll do our best to get these things out as fast as we can, but on the other hand we don't want to really sacrifice any quality of our work either, so it's kind of a tradeoff." Artsakh authorities reacted on March 28 to Azerbaijans latest offer to hold a meeting. March 28, 2023, 13:25 Artsakh MFA reacts to Azerbaijani meeting offer STEPANAKERT, MARCH 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: In a statement, the Artsakh Foreign Ministry said the conditions proposed by the Azerbaijani side regarding the place and agenda of the meeting, as well as the context in which the proposal was made, indicate that the goal of the Azerbaijani authorities is not to have genuine discussion on existing problems, but to disrupt a possible dialogue or to impose their own political agenda through coercion, blockade, creating unbearable living conditions and the use of military force. The Artsakh government reaffirmed readiness, in line with the established practice of previous meetings, to meet with the representatives of Azerbaijan with the mediation and at the deployment site of the command of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent in Nagorno Karabakh to discuss issues of ensuring the normal life activity of the people of Artsakh and the proper implementation by the parties of their obligations, in particular, those related to the unimpeded functioning of the Lachin Corridor. Below is the full statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh. In connection with another proposal made by the Azerbaijani President's Office to hold a meeting between representatives of Azerbaijan and Artsakh in Baku in early April, we consider it necessary to reiterate the principled position of the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh regarding possible discussions with Azerbaijan, their modalities and objectives. The Republic of Artsakh has always advocated and continues to advocate for dialogue and a peaceful, negotiated solution to all existing problems. We have never refused contacts with the Azerbaijani side, which is evidenced by the meetings held between the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan with the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in Artsakh. The conditions proposed by the Azerbaijani side regarding the place and agenda of the meeting, as well as the context in which the proposal was made, indicate that the goal of the Azerbaijani authorities is not to have genuine discussion on existing problems, but to disrupt a possible dialogue or to impose their own political agenda through coercion, blockade, creating unbearable living conditions and the use of military force. In this regard, we consider it necessary to recall that three days ago, on 26 March, the Azerbaijani armed forces, in flagrant violation of the trilateral ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020, crossed the line of contact and moved further into the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, in the direction of the unpaved road Stepanakert-Lisagor. Moreover, on 27 March, the Azerbaijani armed forces made another attempt to take control of the mentioned road, which is the only possibility of emergency communication between the communities of Shushi region and other settlements of the republic under the conditions of blockade. We reaffirm our readiness, in line with the established practice of previous meetings, to meet with the representatives of Azerbaijan with the mediation and at the deployment site of the command of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent in Artsakh to discuss issues of ensuring the normal life activity of the people of Artsakh and the proper implementation by the parties of their obligations, in particular, those related to the unimpeded functioning of the Lachin Corridor. In this context, we consider the reopening of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia through the Lachin Corridor and addressing the humanitarian, infrastructural and other urgent issues caused by the blockade to be a priority The authorities of Artsakh are also open to discussing other issues, which would not be aimed at imposing ready-made solutions on the part of Azerbaijan, but the search of mutually acceptable solutions to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation of tension. We emphasize once again that the continued blocking of the Lachin Corridor and aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh are unacceptable and in no way contribute to creating an environment conducive to dialogue. We are convinced that only proper implementation by Azerbaijan of its international obligations, both under the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023, may testify to Azerbaijan's willingness and interest to address issues through dialogue and negotiations without resorting to coercion and the use of force. We reiterate the inadmissibility of politicisation of dialogue on technical and humanitarian issues and emphasise that the political issues of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement must be discussed in an agreed and internationally established negotiation format, based on the equal rights of the parties and the existence of solid international guarantees for the implementation by the parties of their obligations. Police arrested a teenager suspected of leaving threatening notes at Bay City Central High School. Around 1 p.m. Monday, March 27, officers for the Bay City Department of Public Safety located and arrested a 16-year-old boy student of the high school at 1624 Columbus Ave, according to the department in a Monday Facebook post. The teen was lodged in the Bay County Juvenile Home in Hampton Township. The two handwritten notes were left on the entry doors to Central on the mornings of Friday, March 24, and the following Monday. The notes raised "concerns about the safety and security" of the school, said superintendent Stephen Bigelow for the Bay City Public Schools, who was forced to cancel classes Friday and Monday. In the first note, the writer threatened to shoot up the school. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the second note found on Monday as of this writing. The recovery of "digital and physical evidence" from the incidents led to the arrest of the student, according to authorities in the Facebook post. Investigators forwarded the case to the Bay County Prosecutor's Office for further review and possible issuance of charges. Among the two Central threats, police investigated a threat against Handy Middle School at 601 Blend St. Over the weekend, a photo started circulating on Snapchat depicting two apparent handguns and a threat to shoot up the school, according to authorities. Police were alerted to the threat on Saturday, March 25. They determined it was not credible. "Two Handy Middle School students have been identified as suspects and have been removed from school pending the outcome of this investigation," authorities wrote in an additional Monday Facebook post. "The criminal investigation into this incident is ongoing." The two guns in the photo were determined to be BB guns and were recovered from one of the suspects, according to authorities. Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the Bay City Department of Public Safety at 989-892-8571 or the non-emergency number to Bay County Central Dispatch at 989-892-9551. To stay anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL (5245). SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) At least 14 people from the African nation of Cameroon were rescued from waters in the eastern Caribbean early Tuesday after their boat capsized, but three people were dead and 13 others missing, authorities in St. Kitts said. The group had departed Antigua early Tuesday aboard a boat carrying 32 passengers that apparently was en route to the U.S. Virgin Islands when it sank near the island of St. Kitts, Anthony Comrie, head of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, said at a news conference. He said the group had been staying on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, but left there a week ago for Antigua. My government has been making every effort to be helpful to these brothers and sisters from Africa who were marooned on Antigua, including by granting them residence and the opportunity to work, Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne said. He said the Cameroonians apparently arrived in Antigua as tourists but intended to migrate to other countries. Browne said his administration has contacted the U.N. High Commission for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration for counsel on how to treat the survivors as refugees, adding that they are welcome in Antigua. Cameroon has been rocked by conflict since English-speaking separatists in the Central African country launched a rebellion in 2017. More than 3,300 people have died in the conflict, which has displaced more than 750,000 others, according to the United Nations. The boat was stolen in Antigua, and 16 people aboard it were rescued, including two Antiguans, Comrie said. The nationalities of those who died or missing were unknown, officials said. Browne said authorities would investigate what he called an unlawful and dreadful affair, including the involvement of local residents. All of the facts surrounding todays calamity are not yet known, he said. The boat sank about 40 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of Antigua for unknown reasons, Col. Telbert Benjamin, chief of defense for Antigua and Barbudas Defense Force, told the governments media outlet. The vessel went down in relatively deep water, and so recovery ... might be a bit of a challenge, Benjamin said. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the(backslash)t new conference was held in St. Kitts ATHENS, Greece (AP) Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Tuesday said his country's intelligence agency Mossad helped Greece prevent a terrorist attack planned against at least one Jewish site in Athens. Greek authorities said earlier that two men described as being of Pakistani origin, who were not named, had been arrested for allegedly planning an attack on a Jewish restaurant. The attack was considered to be imminent and to be intended to cause extensive loss of life. The suspects were charged Tuesday with terrorism offenses, while a third man believed to be outside Greece has been charged in absentia with similar offenses. A statement from Netanyahu's office maintained that the attackers were linked to Iran. After the start of the investigation of the suspects in Greece, the Mossad rendered intelligence assistance in unraveling the infrastructure, its work methods and the link to Iran, the statement said. The investigation revealed that the infrastructure that operated in Greece is part of an extensive Iranian network run from Iran and spanning many countries. Greek authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence agency that provided assistance in the investigation, but said they were investigating the possibility that the suspects were also planning other attacks in Greece. Their aim was not only to cause the loss of life of innocent citizens, but also to undermine the sense of security in the country, while hurting public institutions and threatening (Greeces) international relations, a police statement said. The two suspects both entered Greece illegally from neighboring Turkey and had been in the country for at least four months, according to two Greek officials who spoke to the Associated Press. As part of their investigation, police searched multiple sites in Athens as well as in southern Greece and on the western island of Zakynthos. The two men in custody are believed to be part of an overseas network and are scheduled to be questioned by a public prosecutor Friday, the officials said. Greeces anti-terrorism police division and National Intelligence Service were involved in the arrests. The operation demonstrates that the countrys security authorities maintain a high state of readiness for all Greeks and all visitors to our country, Public Order Minister Takis Theodorikakos said in a tweet. ___ Kantouris reported from Thessaloniki, Greece, Federman reported from Jerusalem. CT State Police / Contributed HARTFORD Troopers responded to the federal courthouse Monday afternoon to investigate a report of a "suspicious incident," according to state police. Troopers with Troop H, of Hartford, received a phone call around 2:30 p.m. Monday reporting the incident, said Sgt. Christine Jeltema, public information officer for the Connecticut State Police. Troopers remained on the scene at 450 Main St. as of around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jeltema said. J. Scott Applewhite/AP WASHINGTON (AP) A U.S. Senate staffer remained hospitalized Tuesday after police say he was attacked leaving a restaurant in Washington this weekend by a man who had been released from federal prison a day earlier. The suspect, Glynn Neal, 42, was arrested on a charge of assault with intent to kill after Saturday's attack. The federal Bureau of Prisons told The Associated Press Neal had been released from a federal prison in Maryland on Friday. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Two survivors of a 2015 racist massacre that killed nine of their friends at a Charleston church told a group of state senators Tuesday that South Carolina's lack of a hate crimes law is an insult to what they suffered through at their Bible study. The survivors said it sends a message that the state isn't serious about stopping the kind of wickedness that led to the massacre. South Carolina and Wyoming remain the only U.S. states without a law giving stiffer penalties for crimes motivated by someone's race, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Polly Sheppard briefly recounted how every one of the Black worshipers killed in Bible study at Emanuel AME were shot multiple times by a white gunman, who told Sheppard he was only leaving her alive so she could tell people he killed them because he hated the color of their skin. If we had a better law, it wouldnt allow these people to do the things they do, Sheppard said. Supporters of a hate crime law have fought unsuccessfully for years to pass the bill in South Carolina, and the number of other states without the legal enhancement of bias-based crimes steadily dropped. The 2023 bill is in a familiar spot. Once again, it passed the typically more conservative South Carolina House. The Senate subcommittee passed it Tuesday, and the whole Judiciary Committee's 15-8 vote in the afternoon in which several Republicans joined Democrats sent it to the Senate floor. That's where it died last year. Republican leaders refused to allow it up for a debate or vote, giving little explanation for their opposition beyond saying it be used against conservative Christian groups or that a crime is a crime, no matter the motivation of the criminal. Several Republicans asked Tuesday afternoon if the bill should protect certain occupations, like teachers, or someone attacked for their political beliefs or their age, which could be used as a stand-in for an abortion debate on whether a fetus should be considered a person by law. If they wish, senators can suggest those changes on the floor. Senators are considering the House-approved bill which allows a judge to sentence offenders to up to an additional five years in prison if they are indicted and convicted on a state charge that their violent crime was motivated by hate toward the victims race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or physical or mental disability. They also are considering a version filed in the Senate that is similar, but includes a definition of sex and a statement that nothing in the bill should violate freedom of speech. Sheppard was joined Tuesday by Felicia Sanders, who shielded her 5-year-old granddaughter from the shooting and played dead while her son was shot and killed in front of her. This is the charge that God has put on my life, Sanders said. Neither Sheppard nor Sanders had testified in person about the bill this session or before. Before they spoke, the meeting was unfolding as others had recently a police chief, alliances against hatred of Jewish people, gay people and people of color all had asked senators to pass the bill. Those in favor of the bill cited an increase in reported hate crimes, as well as the business community saying corporations might think twice about locating or expanding in a state without hate crimes protections. They also mentioned online forums where hate groups note South Carolina's lack of a law as a place that might be accepting of them. They didn't speak long since their arguments have been made before. Then came the two survivors. "South Carolina is a great state, so we should act like we are a great state," Sheppard said. Please consider the hate crimes bill. Please pass it." The bill is named in honor of Sen. Clementa Pinckney, the pastor at Emanuel AME who was gunned down as he prayed. The shooter was convicted of federal hate crimes and sentenced to death. Sheppard's other appearance in favor of the bill was in a video Democrats showed in the state Senate last year, reminding them of their fallen colleague whose desk was draped in black before they voted to remove the Confederate flag from the capitol's front lawn. Eight members of the South Carolina Senate are giving a safe haven to hate," Sheppard said in 2022 of the Republicans blocking the bill. Every time you look at senator Pinckneys photograph, you should be reminded that hate killed him. Democratic Sen. Brad Hutto thanked the survivors for coming Tuesday. It is so important we not forget. You being here is extremely important, Hutto said. Two Democrats and two Republicans voted the bill out of subcommittee. Republican Sen. Billy Garrett was the sole vote against. He did not comment and did not look up from the papers in front of him as Sheppard and Sanders spoke. Republican Sen. Penry Gustafson, who voted for the bill, spoke to Sheppard after the hearing and asked her for a photo. Sincere condolences from the state, from the Senate, and we will be considering this bill, she said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko may discuss security issues at the meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in April, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday, Tass informs. March 28, 2023, 15:24 Putin, Lukashenko may discuss security issues at Supreme State Council Kremlin STEPANAKERT, MARCH 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: "The agenda of the Supreme State Council is, of course, first of all focused on the topical issues of the development of the Union State. However, if necessary, the sides may discuss other issues, such as security. Especially since the issue is quite topical due to the well-known circumstances, in connection with the unfriendly countries surrounding us," the Kremlin spokesman stressed in reply to a question about possible topics of discussion. A longtime House Appropriations Committee member is urging the Department of the Air Force to ask for funding amid new reports and studies that show alarming cancer rates for service members. Ranking member Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., told Air Force and Space Force leaders during a House Appropriations Defense subcommittee hearing Tuesday that the committee wants to find ways to fund and provide resources to address the health issues identified in those newly unveiled studies. "Let's get our arms around this," McCollum told the officials. "Let's work together. We have a big military health budget. ... I know that members are concerned about this." Read Next: The Air Force Overpaid Service Members in South Korea by $2.3 Million, But Won't Make Them Return the Money McCollum's plea, directed at Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, Chief of Staff Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, comes as the Air Force and Space Force both face reports about cancer concerns tied to military service. Results of a Pentagon study, shared with the House Armed Services Committee last month and first reported on by The Associated Press, detailed that pilots and ground crew members alike face elevated rates of cancer diagnoses. More than 900,000 service members who piloted or maintained military aircraft between 1992 and 2017 were surveyed for the study. The findings revealed that aircrew had an 87% higher rate of melanoma and a 39% higher rate of thyroid cancer. Overall, aircrews had a 24% higher rate of all types of cancer. The study detailed that ground crews had a 19% higher rate of brain and nervous system cancers, a 15% higher rate of thyroid cancer, and a 9% higher rate of kidney, renal and melanoma cancers. The overall rate for cancers of all types was 3% higher. Brown told McCollum the Air Force is collecting data and asking "more and more questions" to figure out the causes. He said this includes pulling in data from the Department of Veterans Affairs to uncover health trends that develop after service members separate. "Pulling in that data will help us better get a sense of what's happening not just to our aviators, but really across the Air Force," Brown said. Additionally, the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine said last month it is conducting a study examining a potential link between certain cancers and missileer service. That follows January reports of a presentation by a Space Force officer that detailed potential exposure risks, cancer diagnoses and details of 36 cases -- including 10 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma -- involving veterans who served at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. More than 400 of the Space Force's current officers are former Air Force missileers, a sizable figure when the Space Force consists of just more than 8,000 military personnel. Saltzman told Military.com in an exclusive interview earlier this month that he is encouraging any Space Force Guardians who are worried about cancers tied to their service to get a health exam. "If you think you need help, go get help and go get screened. Go see a health professional and ask all your questions, and get the help that you need," Saltzman told Military.com. "I think that's the most important thing. We don't need to wait for a study to emphasize that." Kendall told House appropriators that the results of the missileer study will likely take a year, and that researchers are working to gather data and inform those who are concerned. "We're trying to get out to everyone who might have been affected by that," Kendall told McCollum. "We're making sure that we bring in some outside experts to work with us to ensure that the study is thorough, transparent and gets valid results so that we can tackle that problem. It's of great concern to us." -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: 'Go Get Screened': Space Force Chief Urges Missileers to Get Tested as Cancer Study Underway Camp Pendleton leaders on Monday sent a public notice to thousands of service members and civilians who live and work on the bases north end alerting them that recent testing revealed their drinking water contained a higher-than-desired level of PFAS, a potentially carcinogenic chemical that has been found in much of Southern Californias groundwater supply. PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, can be found in cleaning products, water-resistant fabrics, grease-resistant paper and non-stick cookware, as well as in products such as shampoo, dental floss and nail polish. The state only set requirements to test for the chemicals in the last few years and has lowered the threshold for when their detection needs to be reported to the public by water agencies. Water districts throughout Southern California have been struggling to get PFAS levels down. Base officials believe their water supply was likely impacted by groundwater that seeped in from inland and uphill Orange County. For example, of the roughly 200 wells managed by the Orange County Water District in the north and central parts of the county, 61 have had to be closed. A water treatment plant in Fullerton to remove PFAS contaminants went into service in 2021. The letter sent by Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the base commander, alerted about 18,000 people at the San Onofre housing area, where Marines live with their families, as well as the Fifth Marine Regiment and the School of Infantry that results on Feb. 14 from the bases northern water treatment plant tested at 23.5 parts per trillion in the drinking water, which is higher than the reporting threshold the states Department of Drinking Water set in October at 20 parts per trillion. One part per trillion is about the same as four grains of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The base is blending the water in several wells one of the approved options for reducing PFAS levels and are awaiting new testing results. The main point is to let folks know of the current condition and steps were taking to ensure safety, Woodworth said. We remain in compliance with all the guidelines. Base officials on Monday said they have taken steps to ensure that the water at the bases north end is safe for drinking and said they are not recommending the community go to household filtration at this time. It shouldnt be in the water, but its not something that is acutely dangerous, said Navy Cmdr. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer who is in Public Works on the base. If its acutely dangerous, you shut the water system down, but this is not the case. Camp Pendleton operates mainly with two water systems, one serving its south end and one on the north end. There is a smaller system that supplies water to the Las Pulgas area of the base, but thats not affected. The only water system presently impacted is the one on the north end, which produces about 1.2 million gallons a day. Ramsey said back in October, after the states guidelines were issued to monitor for specific PFAS levels, officials checked all their wells. Five of the wells showed high levels, and those were immediately taken offline, he said. Three more wells on the north end continued to be in use and in January, there was a pump failure in one of the three wells used to dilute the water. Thats when our blending was no longer clean enough to stay under the guidelines, Ramsey said. Two of the wells were significantly below the numbers and one was above. At that point, Ramsey said a reverse osmosis system was put in place to work on the well that exceeded the states recent guidelines. The system, which uses high water pressure to force water through microfilters, put it well below the EPAs guidelines, but not below the California guidelines, Ramsey said. Officials are now awaiting testing results from this month and are hopeful the water will come back clean. In the meantime, the base has been working on a $63 million pipeline project that will carry water about 17 miles from Camp Pendletons south end to the north end. That system should be up and running in a couple of weeks, officials said. That will allow us to flow the water from the south thats gone through reverse osmosis and is considerably cleaner, Ramsey said. The base also has two Liquid-Phase Granular Activated Carbon (LGAC) filtration systems in the works that are expected to eliminate the PFAS entirely. The south water filtration system will come online in about two months, and then all the water from those wells will feed both the southern and northern systems. In six months, the LGAC system is expected to come online in the north, and Ramsey said the northern wells can then be used again. One of my greatest responsibilities is the safety, security and well-being of the Marines, military families, and employees that live and work on Camp Pendleton, Woodworth said. Ensuring we provide safe drinking water is critically important to me and to our team at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. 2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit ocregister.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. HELSINKI Finland has moved one step closer to joining NATO after Hungary ratified the Nordic countrys bid on Monday. A similar decision is expected in the coming weeks from Turkey, the only alliance member that hasnt approved Finlands membership. Still, there are specific steps and procedures that are required before Finland becomes the 31st full member of the Western alliance: Acceptance letters Hungary and Turkey - once it has ratified Finland's bid - dispatch acceptance letters to the United States which is the depositary - or safekeeper - of NATO under the alliance's 1949 founding treaty. The letters will be filed in the archives of the U.S. State Department which will immediately notify NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the conditions for inviting Finland to become a NATO member have been met. Invitation NATO subsequently sends Finland an invitation letter signed by Stoltenberg to join the military alliance. Signatures Finland sends its own acceptance document, signed by Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, to the U.S. State Department. Haavisto was authorized to sign the document by President Sauli Niinisto. Either the Finnish Embassy in Washington or a Finnish government official will deliver the document. Full membership Once Finland's membership acceptance document reaches the U.S. State Department in Washington, the Nordic country officially becomes a full NATO member. Finland-Sweden Finland and neighboring Sweden announced their intention to join NATO in May 2022. The countries, which have close cultural, economic and political ties submitted their bids together and planned to enter the alliance simultaneously. Swedens bid, however, has stalled due to opposition from Turkey whose president has said his country wouldnt ratify membership before disputes between Ankara and Stockholm are resolved. The Turkish government has accused Sweden of being too soft on groups that it deems to be terror organizations. Moreover, Hungary's parliament has yet to ratify Sweden's NATO membership bid and it remains unclear when it will do so. In the three years since the first U.S. service member died from COVID-19, the pandemic has taken nearly 100 U.S. troops, from those who were called up to respond to the national emergency to National Guard members securing the border in Texas and sailors out on the high seas. Tuesday marks the three-year anniversary since Capt. Douglas Hickok, a physician assistant with the New Jersey Army National Guard, died after a week-long battle with the coronavirus, the first American service member to succumb to the illness. Since then, at least 450,000 troops have been formally diagnosed with the virus and nearly 100 have died, although data from the Defense Department and the military services conflict on the exact number. Hickok perished roughly two weeks after then-President Donald Trump declared a national emergency for the coronavirus. He had fallen ill after attending a conference. Read Next: Senator's Delay of Officer Promotions over DoD Abortion Policy Is Hurting Military Families, Austin Says According to Pentagon data last updated Dec. 6, 2022, 96 U.S. service members died from COVID-19. Records kept by the services, however, show that at least 99 have died -- including 64 soldiers, 16 airmen and 17 sailors. At least two Marines have died as well, according to a database of fatalities reported by the services that is maintained by Military.com. The Marine Corps did not respond to a request for the exact number of coronavirus deaths among its members. Regardless of the exact number, those who died hailed from at least five different countries -- the Philippines, Somalia, Macedonia and elsewhere -- and at least 25 states, with Southern states that house some of the largest military installations and are home to a significant number of reservists bearing the brunt of the deaths. Two states in particular, Florida and Texas, top the list. The youngest to die was an unnamed Army private with the 795th Military Police Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, according to the service; the oldest was Army Reserve Spc. Curtis Lamar Fort, 61, a pastor from Virginia who died several months into the pandemic on July 30, 2020. The unnamed private was also the most junior member to die, while the highest-ranking included Army Col. Charles Rambo, 51, and Navy Capt. Corby Ropp, 48. Rambo left behind six children, ages 4 to 17. "He cared for those on the team and their families, as much as he cared for the mission," said his colleague, Army civil servant Jay Gallego, during a memorial service, according to an Army article in the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, base paper. Of those who have been publicly identified, three were women: Army Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Maria Soto, who died early in 2021 in Hopewell, Virginia; and Personnel Specialist 1st Class Debrielle Richardson, 29, and Lt. Ivy Quintana-Martinez, 35, both members of the Navy Reserve who also died in 2021. Perhaps because they lived in their communities and were not subject to base restrictions, reserve and National Guard members made up a majority of the DoD's COVID-19 deaths, with the Army National Guard having the most at 24, followed closely by the Army Reserve, with 23. At least two Army National Guard members -- Spc. Michael Razvillas, 44, and Sgt. Kellice Armstrong, 49 died while serving with Task Force South on the U.S.-Mexico border mission, while a third died with Task Force South while conducting COVID-19 response operations. The Navy Reserve and Air National Guard also saw a significant number of deaths, with more than 15 between the two components. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mandated COVID-19 vaccines for all service members on Aug. 24, 2021, resulting in the immunization of 2 million U.S. service members. And for months after the order, DoD officials reported that no fully vaccinated troops had died from COVID-19. By December, however, officials said at least one fully vaccinated service member of the 52 who died in the latter half of the year was killed by the virus. At the time, DoD officials said that, without the vaccine, the Delta variant surge would have been more deadly to troops and families. Nonetheless, more than 57% of the military deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 occurred in the second half of the year, as Delta cases surged. More than 8,000 service members refused the vaccine and were discharged from the military. Efforts are underway among some Republican members of Congress to reinstate those members and award them back pay. While the DoD canceled the vaccine mandate earlier this year as a result of a congressional requirement, officials said the department has no plans to reinstate service members or pay them for time lost. "We are not pursuing, as a matter of policy, back pay for those who refused the vaccine," Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a briefing in January. "At the time that those orders were refused, it was a lawful order." According to the services and the Defense Department, no U.S. service members have died from COVID in 2023. The last recorded death, disclosed by the Pentagon late last year, was an unidentified National Guard member whose death was announced in November 2022. Across the United States, cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations continue to dwindle, although roughly 2,000 Americans continue to die each week. Since the start of the pandemic, 1.2 million people in the U.S. have died of the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while more than 6.8 million have died worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The number of cases recorded in the defense health system since the start of the pandemic was 740,942, with 6,587 hospitalized, including U.S. service members, dependents, civilian employees and contractors. More than 690 have died. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Related: The Military Faces of COVID-19: 5 Stories of Lives the Community Lost to the Virus A newly expanded military spouse scholarship program run by the Defense Department will be capped at the first 1,250 approved applicants, officials announced Tuesday. In the past, the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program offered $4,000 in financial assistance to spouses of service members in paygrades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 seeking to earn professional licenses, certificates or associate's degrees. The program was expanded March 23 to include spouses of E-6 and O-3 troops. But that enrollment includes a firm cap on the number of spouses who can use the program, thanks to funding limits, officials said Tuesday in an email on the expansion. Read Next: The Air Force Overpaid Service Members in South Korea by $2.3 Million, But Won't Make Them Return the Money "The first 1,250 approved applicants in paygrades E-6 and O-3 will receive MyCAA financial assistance based on available funding," the email said. The recently announced expansion and the new enrollment cap follow more than a decade of plummeting use triggered by program changes made after its initial explosive popularity. First launched in 2009, MyCAA allowed spouses in families of all ranks in any service except the Coast Guard to receive up to $6,000 in tuition help with no limits on the degree type on which it could be used. But after 130,000 spouses applied within a year of its initial rollout, the scholarship quickly outpaced its funding, and officials abruptly shuttered it to new applicants in early 2010. MyCAA was then reintroduced in 2011 with paygrade guardrails, the $4,000 cap and rules allowing it to pay only for education or licensing in certain fields. Use then dropped 40% between 2011 and 2017, according to a 2019 Government Accountability Office report. A 2020 change ordered by Congress added Coast Guard users and removed the career field limits. The new expansion to E-6 and O-3 service member spouses was announced in a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as part of a sweeping expansion to military family support. "Data shows that the first cohort of spouses who used this benefit were more likely to be employed and earn more compared to those who did not participate," Austin wrote in the memo. "Further, participants' service member spouses were more likely to remain in the military." -- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. Related: MyCAA Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts A standoff over the Pentagon's abortion policies that is ensnaring normally routine general and flag officer promotions in the Senate is hurting service members and their families, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told senators Tuesday. About 160 nominees for promotion to one-star general and admiral and above are snagged in a hold Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has vowed to maintain on all Defense Department civilian and senior officer nominations until the Pentagon rescinds a recently enacted policy that is intended to ease service members' access to abortion. Over the last week, Democrats have been stepping up their pressure on Tuberville to relent; on Tuesday, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., asked Austin to weigh in when he was testifying before the committee. Read Next: The Air Force Overpaid Service Members in South Korea by $2.3 Million, But Won't Make Them Return the Money "Not approving the recommendations for promotions actually creates a ripple effect through the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be," Austin said. "The effects are cumulative, and it will affect families. It will affect kids going to schools because they won't be able to change their duty station. "It's a powerful effect and will impact on our readiness," he added. While a single senator cannot prevent confirmations, a hold can significantly delay a confirmation since it requires the Senate to find valuable floor time for lengthy roll call votes on uncontroversial nominees who could otherwise be confirmed in a voice vote. It has become more common in recent years for senators to place holds on civilian nominees over political differences, but Democrats say Tuberville's targeting of military nominees is unprecedented. The 158 general and flag officer nominees awaiting a Senate vote include the nominees to take over command of the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Middle East and 7th Fleet in the Pacific, as well as the U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee. Austin defended the new abortion access policies, saying they were crafted after hearing concerns from service members and senior military leaders about the nearly 80,000 female troops stationed in places with limited access to abortion. "I really implore you to reconsider and allow our nominations to move forward," Austin told Tuberville, after Reed gave him the opportunity to respond despite Tuberville's time ending. "It will make a significant difference for our force." Democrats have also highlighted, as did Austin on Tuesday, that if the impasse lasts for months, even more senior officers could be log-jammed, including the expected nomination of a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and new chiefs for each of the military services later this year. "As I look forward, I have never in my almost three decades here seen so many key military positions coming up for replacement," Reed said. "If we cannot resolve the situation, we will be, in many respects, leaderless at a time of great conflict. So, I would hope we would expedite and move quickly on this front." Tuberville first suggested in December he would place a hold on military nominations if the Pentagon proceeded with policies it proposed as a response to the Supreme Court's summer ruling that has allowed states to outlaw abortion. He followed through with his threat last month when the Pentagon formally rolled out the policies. Under the new policies, which were slated to take effect this month, service members stationed in areas where abortion access is limited will be able to have travel expenses paid and receive up to three weeks of leave to go out of state for the procedure. The new benefits are also available to service members who want to receive fertility treatments that are not covered by military health care. By law, the Pentagon can perform or cover abortions only if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest or endangers the life of the mother. But the Pentagon maintains the new travel and leave policies, which can be used for abortions that are done for any reason, don't run afoul of the law, with Austin saying Tuesday the department is on "strong legal ground." Tensions over the policies and Tuberville's holds are flaring ahead of a scheduled two-week recess in the Senate, which often confirms large batches of military nominees in voice votes just before it heads out of town. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who has been trying to use the issue of abortion access to convince the Pentagon to keep Space Command in his home state rather than moving it to Tuberville's state of Alabama, has gone to the Senate floor twice this month to try to confirm the nominees, but Tuberville objected each time. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., also dedicated part of his floor speeches opening the Senate on Monday and Tuesday to slamming Tuberville. "It shouldn't have to be said, but the senator from Alabama's hold of hundreds of routine military promotions is reckless, it damages the readiness of our military and puts American security in jeopardy," Schumer said Monday. At Tuesday's hearing, Tuberville spent his entire allotted questioning time defending his holds. In a six-minute speech where he ticked off several things Republicans argue have harmed the military during the Biden administration -- including efforts to root out extremists, the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and the now-defunct COVID-19 vaccine mandate -- Tuberville took umbrage at Democrats casting his holds as "the real crisis." "These are promotions that the majority leader can bring to the floor at any time," Tuberville said. "I want to be clear on this: My hold has nothing to do with the Supreme Court's decision to [block] the access of abortion. This is about not forcing the taxpayers of this country to fund abortion." Other Republicans on the committee echoed Tuberville. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., said he would also consider placing holds on military nominees "in solidarity" with Tuberville. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, without specifically voicing support for Tuberville's holds, said she was "adamantly opposed" to the Pentagon's abortion policies. -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: Senior Officer Promotions to Be Slowed by GOP Senator over Pentagon's Abortion Policy Jennifer Barnhill is a columnist for Military.com writing about military families. When I first interviewed Amy Zinicola in 2020, she was sick. Her children were sick. All had some combination of coughs, runny noses, migraines and extreme fatigue that wouldn't go away. She didn't have COVID. Her family had been exposed to black mold in not one, but two of the homes offered by their privatized military housing company in Monterey, California. We met just nine days after the Defense Department released its Military Housing Privatization Initiative Tenant Bill of Rights in February 2020. I naively thought that the mold-in-military-housing situation was resolved, or at least on its way to some version of better. By that point, stories like the Zinicolas' had motivated Congress, the DoD and military-focused nonprofits to hold privatized housing companies accountable, to ensure they provided safe housing for military families. The Tenant Bill of Rights (TBR) outlined 18 provisions designed to give military families leverage if they found themselves stuck between a government contract holder and a toxic living environment. These "rights" included requiring the housing company to provide seven years of maintenance history, the creation of a formal dispute resolution process, and the ability to withhold rent payments during dispute resolution. They became available for families in the summer of 2021, but as of March 2022, five installations are still not abiding by the new standard. When this "bill" was published, it was like any other DoD memo. It felt like pie in the sky, clearly intended to help, but something to be digested with a grain of salt. The military family community grabbed our popcorn and sipped our tea, as we watched the TBR fade into the background of the conversation like the Homer Simpson meme slowly backstepping into the bushes. In the military community, it's common for attention to subside swiftly as a solution begins to be put in place -- out of sight, out of mind. Slowly, but surely, I started to hear rumblings about unsafe housing conditions again and was reminded that even the best of policy intentions can fall apart during implementation. The Zinicolas' problems pre-dated the TBR, but other families found that the new rules were written narrowly enough to exclude them from their protections. Others worried that by using the TBR they'd be putting a target on their backs, labeling themselves troublemakers. Some families reported improved work order processes that resulted in improved tenant satisfaction. Others expressed frustration with excessively complex dispute resolution workflows and suspicious privatized housing company policies. Because TBR implementation is dictated by the privatized housing contract holders, families don't know what to expect from one location to another, forcing them to take matters into their own hands. Has Facebook Replaced ICE Complaints? In January 2023, a Luke Air Force Base Facebook group's posts began to go viral across the Arizona installation. Instead of seeing offers for free moving boxes or donations of children's clothing, families started sharing pictures of black mold in their ventilation systems. Comments and posts came in daily, with new families uncovering their vents only to find that they too had black mold. They complained that maintenance workers were dismissive, saying it was dirt, or appeasing the tenants by wiping it off and painting over it. Families shared how work orders placed with their landlords were frequently closed before work was completed, leaving many feeling helpless. At least they weren't getting gaslit on Facebook. Picture that appeared on Facebook of mold covering an air vent at base housing. (Courtesy photo) "They consistently lie to the residents, I mean bold-faced lie," said Luke Air Force Base resident Brittany Tippens, describing a series of interactions with the privatized housing company after reporting brown water flowing from her taps. Despite a stream of calls from residents, Tippens said, "They consistently told people that they were the first person to call, and they hadn't heard about this issue before." Within days of the original Facebook post, Luke AFB leadership held a town hall meeting, convening families, installation leadership and representatives from the privatized housing company, Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC). They discussed the mold issue and the rumors that BBC had been closing work orders before work had been completed. "What I've heard [BBC] communicate was they had a problem economically, making sure that they were fully staffed on the maintenance side," said Col. Anthony Mullinax, 56th Mission Support Group commander at Luke. "And that led to some [work order] process issues." Mullinax indicated that Luke's leadership intends to continue offering town hall meetings, so residents have a way to air their concerns without beginning a formal complaint process, but also to move the problem away from Facebook and toward leaders who can help enforce the TBR, including BBC. "The health and safety of our residents is our number one priority," said a spokesperson from Balfour Beatty Communities in a statement sent via email. "Like many employers, we had difficulty hiring staff in the second half of last year, a direct function of the challenging labor market. It was wholly unrelated to compensation. While we worked to recruit and hire permanent staff, we used third-party contractors and vendors to supplement our team and ensure work orders were being addressed in a timely manner." The representative also shared that Tippens was likely incorrect in thinking she was lied to by BBC workers, saying "multiple residents had immediately called in the issue -- some to the work order call center and some to the community office. Given the circumstances, it is likely that this resident spoke to someone who was hearing about the issue for the first time." However, it's not surprising that families are skeptical of BBC. In December 2021, the company pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government for engaging in behavior similar to what the Luke residents were complaining about on Facebook and at town hall meetings, including falsifying work order processing timelines in order to collect performance bonuses that the DoD dangled in order to encourage housing companies to complete work more quickly. BBC was ultimately required to pay $65 million in fines and restitution. It is still under investigation for "ongoing mistreatment" of military families. Many residents I spoke to were terrified of sharing their names for publication, despite the safety of privatized housing being a top concern for military leaders, with one sharing that they were worried about retribution from the company for having spoken with a journalist. One mentioned they had to sign a nondisclosure agreement as a condition of being offered financial restitution for the damage caused by the mold. Another discussed how awkward the dispute resolution process was, and that they did not feel comfortable airing their dirty laundry in front of installation leadership, something that is required in the Luke dispute resolution process. Others just didn't trust the housing company. Despite having a lot to say on Facebook, those posts did not necessarily translate into informal or formal complaints. "Most people give up when they get to the dispute resolution process because it's so arduous," said Kate Needham, executive director of Armed Forces Housing Advocates, an organization that seeks to protect "current and future military families from MHPI companies that care about profits over people". "It can be frightening for some people," said Needham. "They often will step back and say, 'Forget it. I don't want to deal with it. We're going to be out of this house in six months anyway.'" Rich Linkus, who works in the Military Family Housing Office at Luke, said he has seen only two instances where the formal dispute resolution process was pursued. And informal disputes are also infrequent, according to Linkus. "In the last year that I've been here, we've only had three residents come up to myself or [the] office to actually initiate that process," he said. Are People Able to Use the TBR? It may be that families are not even aware of the TBR when they share photos of their homes on social media. Research conducted by the Military Family Advisory Network in 2021 indicates that nearly 40% of respondents were unaware of the Tenant Bills of Rights and only 10.6% of those individuals had used the TBR in its early days. Some military-connected residents know about the TBR but are not eligible to take advantage of its protections because they are no longer serving on active duty. "We were noticing, like, burning smells and burnt outlets. And then we would lose electricity in the dining room as well as the living room. And we had to keep resetting the circuit breaker, and it just wasn't working," said Lamiya Brown, spouse of a Marine Corps veteran living in privatized military housing in Monterey, California. Their home is managed by The Parks at Monterey Bay -- Michaels Organization, the same company that maintained the Zinicolas' home and the same company that has been sued by military families for alleged failure to provide safe housing. "I think The Parks came out a total of eight to 10 times because of my constant work orders," said Brown. Fast-forward a few weeks, and she had to call the fire department because they smelled something burning. After Cal Fire cleared their house, the power company discovered that the meter needed to be replaced, along with rewiring every internal outlet. "They were trying to fix one single outlet inside the house, and it wasn't the problem. So, they were just trying to fix stuff that was basically cosmetic," Brown said. Because the Browns are no longer an active-duty family, they are not protected by the TBR and must work within the housing company's dispute-resolution system without DoD oversight. And because the housing company has a "partnership" with the United States Army, filing a lawsuit doesn't seem feasible to the Browns. According to Oscar Ordonez, the Army's chief of housing for the Presidio of Monterey, who oversees The Park properties, less than .01% of issues are elevated to his office for resolution, and none has been elevated to an informal or formal dispute resolution process. "Our data pretty much supports the fact that our partners are doing the right thing out there and taking care of people's needs," said Ordonez. And he may be right. According to Ordonez, tenant satisfaction rates have gone up, earning the installation's housing office awards. But that doesn't help the Browns, who are no longer on active duty and therefore ineligible to use the protections in the Tenant Bill of Rights. They must work directly with The Parks to obtain a resolution. The Parks did not respond to a request for comment on these accusations. It also did not respond in 2019 when I first reported the Zinicolas' story. Does TBR Go Far Enough? "I think there are pockets of installations where things are slowly improving. And I think that there is a majority of confusion elsewhere because the process is not standardized," said Needham. "Because there are still organizations that have not been committed, not implementing the entire kind of Bill of Rights until there is a standardization, third-party oversight and an enforcement mechanism that is real, this problem is not going to be solved." Because the DoD has to live up to its existing housing contracts with private companies, it can't unilaterally impose the new Bill of Rights on those firms. That means not every housing company has to follow the Bill of Rights, and those that do are following different processes, depending on their contracts. This requires families to be their own advocates in the face of multimillion-dollar contractors. For instance, the TBR requires that military families be provided with a seven-year maintenance history before moving into housing. But the TBR does not require that this history be detailed in any way. I obtained numerous maintenance histories, and very few of them indicated that mold was found in the home. They simply say "sink repair" or "water damage." This provision requires families to be detectives and squeaky wheels. If the Zinicolas lived in their previous mold-infested home today, less than three years later, they could request more details about the house's history. "Let's say they do see one [an entry on their 7-year maintenance history] with just water intrusion or water damage, they can call and get specifics," said Ordonez. "It would probably be grossly different now than it was back then." After my earlier story was published, the Zinicolas found more mold and had to throw away 90% of their belongings -- beds, baby blankets, clothes and the couch I sat on during our interview. They spent their last days in Monterey sleeping on cots during the height of COVID, praying for travel bans to be lifted. Had they been covered by the TBR, they could have vetted their second house more thoroughly before relocating, possibly saving some of their belongings, but they would have had to know to ask for more information. Needless to say, the Zinicolas vow never to live in military housing again. "They have really nothing invested in the health of the home," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. William Zinicola of privatized housing companies. He believes that the housing companies "do as much or as little really to keep the cash flow coming in until they're satisfied or until the government deems the contract null and void." -- Follow Jennifer Barnhill on Twitter @more_than_mommy. Sure, there's nothing technically "great" about living a life of crime, but if that life became the inspiration for one of the greatest literary villains of all time, it should be considered pretty great. It's also the story of Adam Worth, an enlisted Union veteran of the Civil War who was later dubbed the "Napoleon of the Criminal World" by Scotland Yard. After being "killed" in the Civil War, Worth began learning his criminal trades, moving from fraud to pickpocketing to outright robbery. When the United States got too hot for the enterprising veteran, he began a new life (of crime) in England, where he formed a criminal network that would inspire the creation of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, Dr. James Moriarty. The lies started early for Worth. The son of German immigrants, he ran away from home at age 10, fleeing to Boston and New York. By the time he was 17, the Civil War was in full swing, and Worth lied about his age to enlist in the Union Army. This is where his life starts to go down the wrong path. He fought at the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he initially believed he was one of more than 6,000 wounded Union soldiers. According to the Army, however, Worth was actually one of around 1,100 Union soldiers killed there. His surprise in discovering he was dead as he lay wounded in a Georgetown hospital must have only lasted a short time, because he left the hospital, Georgetown and the Union Army right away. It turns out being declared dead can get you out of any Army duty. The next year, the Union Army began allowing wealthy Americans to avoid being drafted by paying someone else a "bounty" of $300 to serve in their place. Some of those who signed up for a bounty would desert their new unit as soon as possible, then join another unit for another bounty, in an illegal practice called "bounty jumping." Worth began bounty jumping as soon as he could. Worth didn't limit himself to Union bounty jumping, either. He once collected a $30 Confederate bounty, too. As author Ben Macintyre wrote in his book, "The Napoleon of Crime: The Life and Times of Adam Worth, Master Thief" the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency began hunting for him, so he fled to New York City, where he became a pickpocket, then formed a gang of pickpockets before trying to pick the wrong pockets. Worth was sent to Sing Sing Prison but escaped, only to return to New York, where he became a fence for stolen goods, started robbing stores and banks and busting other people out of prison. There was almost no lucrative criminal enterprise he wasn't into, but the Pinkertons started snooping around his operation. So he fled to Europe. In England, he assumed the identity of Henry Judson Raymond and took to robbing pawn shops while pretending to be a wealthy financier. He then went on a brief stint in Paris, where he and criminal associates started an American restaurant, only to be recognized by a visitor, William Pinkerton, president of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Worth abandoned the legitimate world and fled Paris for London, where he joined the English aristocracy while trying his hand at forming a large criminal network in the city. He hired robbers, burglars and forgers through intermediaries so he couldn't be caught actually committing crimes. Scotland Yard suspected this network existed, but no one knew who the mastermind behind it actually was. Mustaches are usually a dead giveaway, but not in Victorian London. Members of his crime syndicate were caught from time to time, but Worth always helped bail them out and help them avoid doing real prison time. Both the Pinkertons and Scotland Yard were onto Worth, but neither could prove anything, even after he stole a half million dollars' worth of diamonds from South Africa and used them to start a discount diamond company. By the 1880s, Worth was married, had two kids and was still using his pseudonym. All was well until 1892, when he personally robbed a shipment of money in Belgium, using two new members of his crew with whom he'd never worked. It was a bad decision. Something went wrong in the course of the robbery and his two compatriots fled. Worth was finally caught in the act. Hence, the first rule in heist movies, never trust the new guy. (Warner Bros.) At his trial, British and American authorities lobbed accusation after accusation at him, but they couldn't make anything stick. Worth was sentenced to seven years in a Belgian prison for the robbery, but only spent four years there. When he left, he found his wife had been committed to an asylum. Worth spent the rest of his life with his children, living on the ransom he was paid from stealing a famous painting, Thomas Gainsborough's Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, which he'd kept for 25 years. Worth detailed his criminal life for the Pinkerton agency before his death in 1902. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on LinkedIn. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. In the initial round of allocations, Cayuga County dedicated $245,000 of opioid settlement funds to expand substance use prevention in schools, recovery peer support services, removal of barriers to treatment, Narcan distribution and countywide substance use response coordination and data surveillance efforts. It is believed that these ready-to-go programs will play a significant role in addressing the ever-evolving challenges of opioid and substance use in the county. As the opioid epidemic continued to soar over the last few years, the New York state attorney general filed a lawsuit against various manufacturers and distributors to hold them accountable for their role in the epidemic and the suffering it caused. Several settlement agreements have been reached, and more are being negotiated. Funds that are received through these settlements will be allocated among state agencies and localities. Cayuga County is expected to receive $1.5 million in a series of one-time and recurring payments over the next 17 years. The county Legislature directed all payments made to the county to be used for approved uses per settlement stipulation and directed the Community Services Board to develop recommendations for opioid and substance use projects to be funded with opioid settlement funds. The CSB, as established by the New York State Mental Hygiene Law, is charged with maintaining and overseeing all mental hygiene services in the county, including services for mental health, developmental disabilities, and alcohol and substance use. Members of the CSB are appointed by the county Legislature for a four-year term. Members of the CSB subcommittee on alcohol and substance use met for a special meeting in October 2022 to hear presentations on substance use prevention and treatment gaps and needs to provide the CSB with relevant data. The CSB then developed a request for proposals that were to address these identified gaps and needs, and approved the RFP at its November meeting. The RFP was published and 13 proposals were received by the December deadline. The proposals were distributed to CSB members for their review and in a special meeting in January, the proposals were discussed and ranked based on the RFP requirements, allowable uses under the settlement agreements, the needs they addressed and the viability of the projects. After careful consideration, members identified the following proposals and recommended them to the county Legislature for immediate funding totaling $245,000 for one year. Confidential Help for Alcohol and Drugs will expand evidence-based substance use prevention and counseling services and programming to all county school districts. Nicks Ride 4 Friends will embed recovery peer services in the Auburn Community Hospital emergency and behavioral health departments, provide linkage to and assistance with emergency housing services upon discharge, and help remove barriers to treatment. The Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center will continue to lead the coordination of the countys substance use response efforts, provide comprehensive community Narcan training and distribution through its Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, and maintain the countywide overdose data surveillance and reporting. The county Legislature, at its February meeting, approved these initial programs to be funded with opioid settlement money. Implementation will begin immediately and agencies will provide regular impact and outcome reports to the CSB. A future meeting will be scheduled to discuss funding for additional proposals. Winter does not want to end in Michigans Upper Peninsula, as more and more snow keeps coming. A light snowfall event is expected tonight and Wednesday, with a larger system possible toward the end of the week into the weekend. Focusing on the next 24 hours though, scattered snow showers will arrive in the western U.P. late this afternoon and evening before advancing eastward across the state overnight. Here is the simulated radar between 8 p.m. this evening and 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. 8pm this evening to 8am Wednesday forecast radar showing scattered snow showers across the U.P. During the Wednesday morning commute, youll notice scattered snow showers are ongoing. As the morning wears on, the snow will tend to wind down across the western end of the state, while scattered lake effect snow showers continue over central and eastern parts of the state. Although a cold front is initially responsible for triggering the snow, cold air filters in behind it, which keeps lake effect off of Lake Superior going into Wednesday afternoon. The nature of this snow will be on and off in the form of snow squalls. Conditions can go from the sun peeking out one minute, to near whiteout conditions the next as these squalls move through. Here is the simulated radar from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, showing these squalls across the eastern Upper Peninsula. 8am to 8pm forecast radar for Wednesday showing scattered snow showers/squalls across the eastern U.P. The following graphic from the National Weather Service forecast office in Marquette shows expected snowfall accumulations between this afternoon and Wednesday evening. In general, 1-3 inches is likely, but some areas will see less than this and other areas could see up to 4 inches. Amounts will also be variable by location as hit-or-miss snow squalls develop tomorrow afternoon. Snow forecast through Wednesday evening from NWS Marquette. You can also see forecast temperatures on the map. We do get above freezing today but tonight will experience lows in the teens, which is colder than this morning. Wednesday features highs mainly in the 20s behind the cold front along with gusty winds, which triggers the lake effect snow. Wind chills will stay in the teens all day tomorrow. As winds diminish and skies clear Wednesday night itll be a cold one with lows dropping into the single digits, which is well below the normal overnight lows in the 20s this time of year. The bottom line is winter is not going anywhere as snow and cold continues right on through the week. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Marijuana enthusiasts can discover new shops and explore Ann Arbor while supporting a nonprofit with a scavenger hunt benefiting expungement efforts in Michigan. The Hash Bash Treasure Hunt will take participants through marijuana dispensaries across Ann Arbor, where they can collect special discounts, pre-rolls, edibles and other products. Participants will receive a map of participating locations redeemable from Wednesday, March 29, through Monday, April 3. Hash Bash, an annual rally now in its 52nd year, will start at noon Saturday, April 1. Related: Hash Bash afterparty gets Ann Arbors OK, but with new conditions The treasure hunt will raise money to benefit the Great Lakes Expungement Network, which works to expunge cannabis convictions in Michigan. The map, which costs $40, also includes a single-day ticket to the Hash Bash Cup, a vendor show occurring the same weekend. The organization sold roughly 240 maps at the events first iteration in 2022, garnering $7,000. This year, the nonprofit hopes to sell 500 maps and bring in $20,000. Growing numbers of those seeking expungement for cannabis convictions have put pressure on the nonprofit to increase fundraising efforts, said Josey Scoggin, the logistics manager for the event. Once (applicants) start seeing results, then theyre bringing their cousins, their best friends, some guy that bags their groceries at Kroger. Theyre loud and proud about this, Scoggin said. They see the changes almost immediately and theyre bringing it to us, so weve had an issue with just creating enough funds. As of June 2022, the nonprofit is seeing five to seven applicants for expungement each day. Each applicant costs around $1,300 to walk through the expungement process. Were the only free, full-service expungement program in the state, meaning we pay the attorneys, we pay the fingerprints, we pay the notary, we have somebody arrive in court to represent you, Scoggin said. Weve never lost a case. Weve done over 800 of these. Maps are available to purchase through Saturday, April 3. Participating dispensaries include Apothecare, House of Evolution and Winewood Organics, among others. Vertex Coffee and Peace, Love, & Little Donuts will also be participating. Those who visit all locations will be entered into a giveaway, with winners announced live at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 during the Jazz Cabbage Cafe show. The grand prize for the giveaway features a hotel stay and a tour of Winewood Organics. For more information or to purchase a map, visit the event online. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: $484K property purchase creates space for STEAM center at Saline school Top 5 places for liquor sales in each Michigan county Gun deaths in Washtenaw County trending upward, new analysis shows ANN ARBOR, MI Peach, the Kappa Delta sorority house dog at the University of Michigan, was staying with a sitter four months ago when she made a run for it. She was staying with a friend over Thanksgiving, because I went to Florida, and she has really bad separation anxiety she doesnt like to be out of my sight, said Cindy Steinhauer, who is mom to both Peach and the sorority as house director. The second day at the sitters house on Ann Arbors west side, Peach escaped. I think it was because she was trying to find me, Steinhauer said. You know, she didnt see me in that house, she wasnt familiar with that house, and so as soon as she got an opportunity, she bolted out the door trying to find me. Peach, the Kappa Delta sorority house dog at the University of Michigan, after being found last week after four months missing.Provided by Cindy Steinhauer For the next four months, Peach was missing and Steinhauer, the sorority and others searched for her around Ann Arbor, distributing fliers, posting on social media and responding to reported sightings. After a long four months, Steinhauer and the sorority were overjoyed to be reunited with Peach last week after someone in northwest Ann Arbor called to say their neighbor found a dog that looked like the missing golden retriever. So, I went to this persons house, Steinhauer said. And when I was in the driveway and I locked my car, you know it makes that little beep sound. Peach was in the house and she heard that and she knew it was my car, and she started barking because she knew it was me, and I knew it was her. By the time Steinhauer got to the door, Peach was already pushing on it, trying to get out to her. And I opened the door, she jumped into my arms, and the people that caught her were crying, Steinhauer said. And it was just tears all around. Peach was a little banged up, had a few cuts and was really skinny, but otherwise she was OK. Peach, the Kappa Delta sorority house dog at the University of Michigan, after being found last week after four months missing.Provided by Cindy Steinhauer The people who had her live near Ann Arbors Bird Hills Nature Area and reported finding her that night. There was a hole she had fallen into, Steinhauer said. The people, their house backs up to these woods, and they heard a bunch of ruckus back there, and the lady sent her husband back there to find out what was making so much noise. They then called a neighbor who remembered seeing a report of a missing golden retriever on Nextdoor, where theres been chatter about Peach missing. Its incredible, Steinhauer said of being reunited with her 5-year-old pooch. Its so inspiring to know that so many people were trying to help me and help her. The house where Peach was staying when she went missing was near Stadium and Pauline boulevards, so she didnt get too far, about three miles, Steinhauer said. Shes now safe at home at the sorority house on Tappan Avenue just off Hill Street near the UM campus. When I got back, all the girls in the house were waiting for me and Peach and we were all crying, Steinhauer said. It was amazing. Steinhauer has no way of knowing for sure just where Peach was all four months, but she suspects she may have temporarily found shelter with someone else during the worst part of winter and then may have escaped again. If she could just talk, we could find out, but she cant, so Ill never know, she said. Im just incredibly grateful to have her back and so are a lot of people 39 girls live here. Steinhauer is thankful for everyone who pitched in to help search for Peach. The sorority set up a GoFundMe page that raised over $1,000 and quickly sprung into action. The women in the house organized, they got a city map and divided it up into grids and assigned grids, and they printed fliers and they raised tons of money, Steinhauer said. The whole campus was looking for her, she added. The frats sent their pledges out overnight to look for my dog. Every sorority and fraternity on campus was looking for my dog. There were posters everywhere, people talking about her all over campus. And then when it got onto Nextdoor ... and all those other pet sites, I felt like the whole city was looking for her. Parents of UM students even called from overseas, asking how they could help, she said. Steinhauer noted she previously lived in South Bend, Indiana, across from the University of Notre Dame for 25 years, so she was programmed to dislike rival Michigan. But since moving here last year, she now loves Ann Arbor and her UM community. As much as I wanted to not like Michigan, I absolutely have never felt so loved, she said. Those who want to stay updated on Peach can follow her on Instagram at @goldenpeachpie. Shell never get out of my sight ever again, Steinhauer said. Ill never leave her ever. Where I go, she goes now. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: $14M approved for new rec fields on University of Michigan campus New drawings show boutique condo building coming to downtown Ann Arbor Last chance for 2023 Young Citizens of the Year nominations Ann Arbors 52nd Hash Bash set for Saturday at University of Michigan A Hash Bash treasure hunt will benefit expungement efforts FLINT, MI A former Catholic priest accused of sexually assaulting underage boys may stand trial just shy of four years after being charged with several counts of criminal sexual conduct. Vincent DeLorenzo, 84, is scheduled to face a jury at a trial before Genesee County Circuit Judge Brian S. Pickell on April 26, online court records show. DeLorenzo, a former Flint-area priest accused of sexually assaulting two boys in the mid-1990s, when the alleged victims were under 13 years old, appeared before Pickell on Monday, March 27, for a final pretrial hearing. It was at that hearing that Sara Coaster, a defense attorney representing DeLorenzo, and the prosecutor on the case, assistant attorney general Danielle Hagaman-Clark, told the judge they were prepared to head to trial. Father DeLorenzo has denied these specific allegations, Michael Manley, an attorney handling the former priests case told MLive-The Journal on Tuesday, March 28. He has a right to a fair trial by a jury of his peers. The jury will decide if the government has met their burden of proof and we will respect whatever decision the jury makes. Although not perfect, we have the best legal system in the world. A request for comment from the state Attorney Generals office was not immediately returned Tuesday. Related: Former Flint-area priest facing multiple sex assault charges A Flint native, DeLorenzo was ordained in 1965 and served as pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Flint Township from 1976 to 1983 and of St. Robert Parish in Flushing until 1988. He also spent time as an associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, St. Joseph and St. Augustine Catholic churches in Kalamazoo and St. Casimir in Lansing, according to Journal records. In June 1988, he moved onto Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton. DeLorenzo abruptly resigned from Holy Redeemer in January 2002. Read more: Flint-area Catholic priest sexually abused boy for 5 years, affidavit says A spokesman for the Diocese of Lansing previously said the organization received a complaint against DeLorenzo of sexual abuse involving a minor in 2002. The complaint led to the priest being permanently removed from the ministry, the spokesman said. Since then, seven additional victims for a total of eight came forward. A letter by DeLorenzo was read to parishioners at Good Friday services in 2002 after his resignation in which he admitted to having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor, according to Journal records. The letter came after a former Flint Township man alleged DeLorenzo molested him over a roughly five-year period, according to Journal records. The man was 32 years old when he came forth with the allegations. The incidents allegedly began when the man was 8 years old and attending school in the late 1970s at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where DeLorenzo was assigned. More: Trial to be scheduled in case of former Flint-area priest accused of sexually assaulting boys DeLorenzo sought medical and psychological treatment in January 2002 and resigned in keeping with Lansing diocesan policy on sexual misconduct, according to Journal records. A 22-year-old man stepped forward in 2004, accusing DeLorenzo of sexual abuse based on a May 1987 incident. DeLorenzo was a priest at St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church in Flushing at the time when the man was 5 years old. The alleged victim had been baptized by DeLorenzo and the priest had asked to see the boy alone at the time of his great-grandmothers funeral in a private residence, according to Journal records. Charges were never filed against DeLorenzo in connection to either allegation until 2019. Read more at The Flint Journal: Former Flint-area priest faces new rape charge for second victim Man testifies he was raped 10 times by Catholic priest as a first-grader Former Flint-area priest bound over on rape charges CLAYTON TWP, MI - As the sun began to set in Genesee County on Saturday, March 25, a slew of dates and bottles of water are laid out for roughly 800 Muslims to break their fast inside of the Flint Islamic Center. This is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, he used to eat one or three dates to break his fast, said Dr. Khaled Elganainy, a chiropractor in Grand Blanc. A look inside the Islamic Center will show not one common nationality. We have a lot of Syrians, Jordanians, Egyptians, Indians and Pakistanis that come to this mosque, said Niman Shukairy, a Syrian public relations coordinator for the mosque. This is what I love about Ramadan. Its also encouraged to invite people over to eat. About 1.9 billion Muslims around the world began celebrating Ramadan last week, which consists of fasting from dawn to sunset each day for a month. Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline and devotion to God. It is the month Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the start of a new lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Fasting includes abstaining from foods, drinks (yes, even water), smoking and sexual intercourse for approximately 14 hours a day. At the Flint Islamic Center off Corunna Road, the largest mosque in the county, Muslims turned out to break their fast, known as iftar. The Islamic Center hosts the iftar each Saturday night during Ramadan. Shukairy, a dentist in Flushing, grabbed a few dates and a bottle of water to break his fast around 7:50 p.m. before entering the room to pray the maghrib (evening) prayer. Besides breaking our fast with dates and some water, there is no specific food we always eat, Shukairy said. Sometimes we might even eat pizza or Italian food. After the maghrib prayer, the Muslims gathered inside of a banquet hall to break their fast. The foods during Ramadan can depend on the cultural differences, but some common foods include soups, rice, chicken, lamb, stuffed grape leaves, hummus and desserts like kunafa and baklava. All the meat must be halal, meaning the animal must be slaughtered by a Muslim who recites the name of Allah before the slaughter, and the animal must be in good health at the time of slaughter. After the animals throat is cut, the blood must be completely drained out. But the meaning of Ramadan isnt about the food. Its about Muslims coming together, developing good habits, treating each other well, donating to charity and coming closer to God. Each night, Muslims gather at the mosque to pray tarawih, a special Ramadan prayer where a long version of the Quran is recited. For Elganainy, he said Islam has its big misconceptions. There is this notion that Muslims are all Arabs, said Elganainy, who is Egyptian. But there are Muslim Arabs, some are from Europe, there are African Americans that are Muslim, white Americans and Hispanics. That point is evident when walking inside of the Noor Unity Center in Flint, a small mosque where Muslims gathered on the first night of Ramadan on March 23 and the majority were Black Muslims. Ramadan brings everyone together, people you havent seen in a year, said Ali Mustafa at the Noor Unity Center off Flushing Road. You see children grow each year and get bigger that you otherwise do not see on a daily basis. The final 10 days of Ramadan is called Laylat al-Qadar, also known as the Night of Power. The Islamic faith believes the Angel Jibril revealed the Qurans initial verses to the Prophet Muhammad. The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, meaning festival breaking the fast. Eid al-Fitr is a time Muslims celebrate with family, prayer at the mosque, exchange gifts, donations to charity and enjoy foods. While many Muslims of all backgrounds will continue to enjoy eating food together each night during Ramadan, the meaning of the month goes far beyond a chicken wing or soup. Islam shows you oneness and togetherness, said Abdalhakim Khirfan, who prays at the Flint Islamic Center and is Jordanian. We all do the same things. We all gather together at the same time, break fast together. It brings you back to recalibrate your life as you change your daily routine and makes you understand whats priority. Read more at The Flint Journal: Flint general surgeon Dr. Jondy makes lasting impact on community Michigans Best Local Eats: Sindbad Foods Market in Flint Township offers tastes from around the world Michigans Best Local Eats: This Middle Eastern family is living the dream at Shawarma and More ALLENDALE, MI Some Allendale school board members have concerns about e-book content that is linked on the school districts website. Trustee Liz Ramey said she is concerned about having the LLC catalog available on the high school website because elementary students could access the e-book collection and look up mature or inappropriate content. SAGINAW, MI Days after a judge dismissed criminal charges against three police officers stemming from their interaction with a Saginaw civilian, prosecutors have reinstated the charges against them. The Michigan Attorney Generals Office on March 24 issued summonses against Michigan State Police Trooper Zachary W. Tebedo and Saginaw Police officers Jordan Engelhart and Dominic Vasquez, charging them with willful neglect of duty. The charge, a one-year misdemeanor, stems from an incident that occurred March 28, 2022, involving MSP Trooper Bram L. Schroeder and 48-year-old Saginaw civilian Vance D. Martin. Just two days earlier, Midland County District Judge Michael D. Carpenter granted defense attorneys motions to quash the charges against Tebedo, Engelhart, and Vasquez. Carpenter dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled. Carpenter acted as a visiting judge in Saginaw County District Court, due to all Saginaw County judges recusing themselves from the cases in January. Contacted by MLive, the AGs Office did not elaborate on what prompted them to refile the charges. We anticipate the matter will proceed to trial, said Danny Wimmer, the AGs press secretary. Attorney Benjamin J. Hall, representing Tebedo, said the move to recharge is uncommon. You dont often see it, he said. This whole case has a lot of people scratching their heads. The AGs Office first charged the trio on Aug. 30. The AGs Office also charged MSP Trooper Bram L. Schroeder with misconduct in office and aggravated assault. The former is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while the latter is a one-year misdemeanor. The AGs Office has alleged Schroeder and Tebedo were on patrol in Saginaw the evening of March 28 when they pulled over a red Pontiac Grand Am driver by Martin as it turned onto eastbound Annesley Street for speeding and failing to use a turn signal. Martin appeared to be inebriated and was uncooperative with the troopers as they tried arresting him on suspicion of drunken driving, the AGs Office said. Engelhart and Vasquez arrived on the scene to assist. While Martin had his wrists cuffed behind his back, Schroeder punched him in his face, knocking him unconscious. Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate Martin. Schroeder again punched Martin as officers tried putting him in the back of an MSP vehicle, the AGs Office alleged. The officers took Martin to the Saginaw Police Department then to a local hospital for an evaluation. MLive previously obtained video footage of Martins assault and arrest recorded by Saginaw Police Department officers body-worn cameras. Hall said any wrongdoing on the parts of Tebedo, Engelhart, or Vasquez is unequivocally denied. I think the Attorney General is just to try to make an example out of other officers for just simply being there, Hall said. In his perspective, the AGs Office is charging the officers under the auspices of violating their departments policies, saying there is no law compelling officers to intervene. That is not how our laws are made in this state or this country, Hall said. A police chief of a police department doesnt have the authority to create a law through policy. Thats what Attorney General is essentially arguing. Because theres this policy and a trooper or officer may violate it, then the Attorney General or county prosecutor can come up in and prosecute for policy violations is just unheard of. He also cautioned such a precedent could have far-reaching complications. If departments start seeing officers charged as the Attorney General has done in this case, those departments are going to rescind duty-to-intervene policies, as its being used in ways no one contemplated. An extreme manifestation of this could involve officers or other civil employees being criminally charged for showing up late to work, for example, Hall said. Its an absurd position to take, but that is apparently the position theyre taking, he said. When news broke of the charges against Schroeder, Tebedo, Engelhart, and Vasquez in August, several community leaders spoke to their bafflement over the latter three being named. Pastor Robert Davis Jr. of the Saginaw Citizens Advisory Committee viewed the footage of officers interaction with Vance Martin prior to charges being issued. What Im seeing with what happened in that situation, (Trooper Schroeder) was not, to me, properly prepared to handle this moment, Davis said. The city police officers, from what Ive seen and Im limited on everything that happened, they appeared to be just giving assistance. Of course, it appears theyre blindsided by what occurred. Terry Pruitt, president of the NAACPs Saginaw branch, told MLive on March 28 hes pleased to see the law enforcement community responding to calls from civil rights leaders and citizens for transparency and accountability, though he remains unsure of why Tebedo, Vasquez, and Engelhart are charged. Im not going to try to second guess the Attorney General shes the lawyer, Im not but based on the video footage I saw, the officer who committed that act was the principal actor in all of that, Pruitt said. When you look at it and examine it very closely, it happened so fast and the local officers had no opportunity to intervene. The good thing, according to Pruitt, is seeing prosecutors, attorneys general, and the legal system heeding the call of many citizens that there must be accountability when officers violate rules. On the other hand, he continued, lets not cast every police officer as one of the bad ones. If theyre involved in a situation like this and are active participants, they need to be held accountable. Saginaw Police Officers Association has also defended Vasquez, Engelhart, and Tebedo. We want to make the record clear our guys are not the ones who committed this assault, Union President Phil Graves told MLive on Sept. 1. None of our officers or board members agree with what (Schroeder) did. Its the actions of one person. We are fully supportive of our guys and we think, in the end, they will be vindicated. The MSP suspended Schroeder on March 29 and Tebedo on Aug. 23, with Schroeders suspension on Aug. 31 made unpaid until further notice. Tebedo is to remain on paid suspension until the completion of an administrative internal affairs investigation, said MSP Lt. Kim Vetter. Engelhart and Vasquez were not placed on leave and have remained on active duty. An internal investigation cleared Engelhart and Vasquez of any wrongdoing or policy violations. The date of Engelhart, Vasquez, and Tebedos rearraignment is pending, with Hall adding there is a question of whether any Saginaw County District Court judges can conduct the hearing as they all previously recused themselves from the initial case. Schroeder, the only one of the quartet facing a felony, is to appear for a preliminary examination at 1:30 p.m. on April 26. Read more: MSP trooper remains charged in assault of Saginaw motorist as 3 other cops cases dismissed Michigan State Police trooper charged with punching cuffed Saginaw man had 2 prior citizen complaints 4 police officers charged in connection with alleged beating of Saginaw man during traffic stop Decision on whether to charge MSP trooper caught on video punching Saginaw man still in limbo Decision on whether to charge trooper who punched Saginaw man in face rests with Attorney General Video footage shows handcuffed Saginaw man repeatedly punched by Michigan State Police trooper Investigation underway after handcuffed Saginaw man repeatedly punched by State Police trooper during arrest Police bodycams show Michigan State Police trooper punching, knocking out handcuffed Saginaw man BAY CITY, MI A brazen daytime robbery of a popular downtown Bay City jewelry culminated in police arresting one suspect. Two accomplices, though, remain at large. Just before 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, police responded to Herman Hiss & Company, 905 Washington Ave., for a reported robbery in progress. A man and woman had been in the store posing as customers, looking at jewelry before trying to run outside with an item they hadnt paid for, police said. Store employees managed to stop the man and held him there until officers arrived. The woman fled the building and entered a tan Ford Taurus just as police arrived. The Taurus, driven by a second woman, fled the scene. Police pursued it for several minutes, eventually ending the chase due to the Taurus reckless driving. Police last saw the Taurus heading south on Broadway Avenue from Kosciuszko Avenue. Police arrested the male suspect, a 21-year-old Detroit resident, and recovered the jewelry he had allegedly tried stealing. MLive is not divulging his name until his arraignment on criminal charges in Bay County District Court. No weapons were used in the incident and no injuries were suffered. Investigators said the fleeing Taurus had a temporary paper license plate. The female suspect who was in the store is 20 to 25 years old and was wearing a medical-style facemask, a brown and black hat, and a blue jean jacket. Police were unable to get a description of the second female suspect the Taurus driver apart from saying she appeared older than the first. Police are asking anyone with information on this incident to call them at 989-892-8571 or the non-emergency number of Bay County Central Dispatch at 989-892-9551. Tipsters can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-5245, downloading the P3 mobile app, or visiting to P3Tips.com. Herman Hiss & Company has been a Bay City staple for more than a century. The business began as John Rose Jewelers at the corner of Water and Center streets in 1867. A few years later, the business moved to its current location, with watchmaker Herman Hiss eventually buying and renaming it. Read more: Police arrest teen in connection with threats made against Bay City Central High School I want justice, says Michigan mother sentenced to life for killing daughter at behest of SpongeBob SquarePants hallucination Saginaw County claims jail inmate caused own death in drug overdose in response to lawsuit BAY CITY, MI Taken down by employees of a cornerstone jewelry business in downtown Bay City as he allegedly tried stealing a diamond ring, a Detroit man has now been charged with two felonies. Antoine R. Rackard-Hester Jr., 21, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 28, appeared before Bay County District Judge Mark E. Janer for arraignment on single counts of larceny from a person and first-degree retail fraud. The charges are 10- and five-year felonies, respectively. Janer referred Rackard-Hesters case to the Office of Assigned Counsel. According to police reports contained in court files, officers at about 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, responded to a call of a robbery in progress at Herman Hiss & Company, 905 Washington Ave. The caller said the would-be robber was being held down on the ground by a male employee. Officers arrived and took custody of Rackard-Hester. Meanwhile, officers pursued a tan 2013 Ford Taurus with a temporary paper license plate witnesses said contained two female accomplices. Police eventually lost track of the Taurus and ended their pursuit. Herman Hiss manager told officers she was suspicious when Rackard-Hester and a woman entered the store, as they were both wearing masks. She directed her employees to go to the front of the business to deter potential theft, she said. After Rackard-Hester and the woman were in the store for about 15 minutes, Rackard-Hester tried stealing a diamond ring, she said. A 35-year-old male employee reacted by tackling Rackard-Hester and holding him until officers arrived, she said. The employee in question, a sales associate, told police Rackard-Hester and the woman were looking for LEO diamonds, which he said are an expensive brand Herman Hiss does not carry. Rackard-Hester told the man he was shopping for an engagement ring, describing the woman accompanying him as his sister, the employee told police. It was very suspicious, but we walked over to the diamond rings, he said. I only pointed to the rings in the case at first because that is our protocol. Antoine began asking for 3- or 4-carat diamond rings, but we do not pull those out of the case. Rackard-Hester then said money was no object and that he was looking to spend $15,000 to $20,000, the employee told police. They made the comment that money aint no thing and basically took offense to me for not pulling rings out of the case, he said. The sales associate eventually pulled out a solitaire diamond ring, which Rackard-Hester showed to the woman. The employee sized the ring on her finger, he said. Rackard-Hester and the woman then conversed for several minutes, with Rackard-Hester asking her, Do you think she would like this one? At that point, the woman ran from the store. Rackard-Hester was still holding the ring and also started to leave. I naturally just reached over and grabbed Antoine by the shoulder with my right hand, the employee told police. Antoine continued to pull away from me and run out of the store with the diamond ring in his right hand. The employee was able to get around the glass counter and put Rackard-Hester in a bear hug, he said. The employee said he twisted his right ankle in the scuffle but did not need medical attention. Another employee said Rackard-Hester had his arm in the doorway as he fled. She repeatedly shut the door on his arm, causing him to drop the ring. Rackard-Hester had $145 in cash on him but no weapons. Read Miranda rights, he declined to speak with police. About 7:48 p.m. the same day, a woman called Bay County Central Dispatch claiming she had seen media reports of the incident and wanted to turn herself in. On speaking with an officer, the woman gave two different names for herself, police reports state. The woman told the officer media reports were inaccurate and she wanted to clear her name. I already know Im gonna get arrested, she said. Yall are gonna have to come get me cause Im not coming back up to Bay City. I just wanted to let yall know. I dont have anything to say to the detectives. Id rather yall come get me, charge me, and well go from there. Judge Janer set Rackard-Hesters bond at $50,000 cash-surety. The date of his preliminary examination is pending. Read more: Detroit man arrested in Bay Citys Herman Hiss & Company jewelry store robbery Saginaw police hoping to identify girl who knocked on houses in middle of night seeking help Civil rights attorney Ben Crump attached to case of Midland man who died in Texas jail SAGINAW, MI In the early hours of a gelid February morning, a camera captured a robe-clad girl trekking through the snow in a Saginaw neighborhood, knocking on doors and seeking help. For more than a month, the wandering girls identity remained unknown. Now, the girl has been identified and found not to be in danger. We had a caller call last night, saying she was sure that was her neighbor, said Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Oscar Lopez on Tuesday, March 28. Officers went to the house in question, where they spoke with the girl and identified her as the one recorded walking through the snow the month prior. The girl, who is 18 and a Saginaw resident, was safe, Lopez said. Child Protective Services were not notified, due to the teen being an adult. About 1 a.m. on Feb. 23, the teen knocked on at least two houses doors in the 600 and 700 blocks of South Bond and South Porter streets. A Ring camera captured the teen, wearing a white robe with blue snowflake-like markings, gray sweatpants, and slippers approach one of the doors. Hey, I dont know who you are, but I need help, the teen said after knocking on one door. Help, help, help. She also began signing hello and S.O.S. The teen walked off the porch, after which a woman from inside the house told her to come back then asked her who she was. Its a neighbor, the teen said. I need some help. I got kicked out of my house. I just want to know if I can use your Wi-Fi because my phone is Wi-Fi-only calling. The woman replied she was babysitting and offered to call someone for her. The teen then pulled out a smartphone and scrolled for a number. A few seconds later, she asked the woman if she knew anyone from around the neighborhood. The woman said she does not. OK, Im sorry to bug you. I hope I didnt wake up the baby, the teen replied. Im sorry. Thank you for your help. Ill look for someone else. Im sorry to bug you. The teen walked out of frame. She went to a second house and asked for help, where a person called 911. Officers responded to the scene and tried tracking the teens footprints, but eventually lost them. Read more: Saginaw police hoping to identify girl who knocked on houses in middle of night seeking help Civil rights attorney Ben Crump attached to case of Midland man who died in Texas jail Reports detail Michigan mans arrest in Texas before his death in San Antonio jail Police in Skaneateles said they have identified juveniles as being responsible for an incident of what a village board member described as "hate filled vandalism." Village Mayor Mary Sennett told the town board last week that anti-Semitic graffiti was spray-painted in the village the night of Friday, March 17, and that residents have since "expressed their shock and concern and their support for our Jewish residents." Village Police Chief Scott Heggelke said in a statement Tuesday that those responsible for the vandalism had been found. "We are confident we have identified all the people involved and they are 18 or younger," Heggelke said. "I have been in contact with the District Attorneys Office and awaiting a decision on who will be charged with what crime(s)." Those involved in the incident had been cooperative, Heggelke said, adding that the school district "has also been a big help." "Last Saturday, village residents discovered that during the previous night, vandals had spray painted messages at several locations in the village," Sennett said at board of trustees meeting March 23. "Sadly, one message was not typical pranking but was a message targeting the Jewish members of our community." "Members of this board have heard from friends and neighbors who have expressed their shock and concern and their support for our Jewish residents. Anti-Semitism has no place in our village, and we condemn the highly offensive comments directed at our Jewish neighbors. Catching the vandals is the highest priority for our Police Department and Im confident the police will be successful. The perpetrators will be held accountable and will hopefully be made to understand the impact of their actions," she said. Reading a statement on behalf of the board at the March 23 meeting, trustee Kathleen Zapata said that members of the board "were shocked and saddened to have woken up this past weekend to such hate filled vandalism littering our streets. Racism and prejudice have no place here, and we emphatically denounce these messages in the strongest possible terms. They are wrong and will not be tolerated by us, or by our residents." Trustee Gregg Eriksen likewise condemned the crime, saying that making anyone feel unsafe in their community because of how they worship is an "act of violence." "The Anti-Semitic graffiti sprayed on our street us a symptom of a larger disease that has attacked our national politics, Eriksen said. "Hate crimes have increased notably over the past decade, and portions of our discourse have allowed political violence more into the mainstream. Federal law enforcement agencies are united in their opinion that white supremacists are the leading terrorist threat our country faces." Eriksen also challenged the community to take a stand. "We can start by speaking up firmly against this particular graffiti," he said. "Making anyone feel unsafe in their community because of how they worship is an act of violence. We can replace speech like this with positive messages of inclusion. We can say publicly that we stand with the targets of hate speech. This takes away the audience for hate speech, and it takes away its power." Without proper identification, its nearly impossible for incarcerated people reentering society to access the housing, employment or public benefits needed to create a solid foundation for themselves. Thats why legislators in the Michigan House are now working on a package of bills to codify a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and secretary of state program that provides state-issued identification for prisoners about to be released on parole. House Bill 4192 would require MDOC assist prisoners in obtaining a Social Security card or state ID card, such as a drivers license. The bill would mandate that, at least 60 days before the prisoner is scheduled to be paroled, MDOC collects the necessary documents for an application on behalf of the prisoner and a photograph of them to send to the Department of State, along with the date the prisoner is to be released. At the time a prisoner is released, MDOC would have to provide the individual with any drivers license or state ID card received from an application. When testifying in front of the House Criminal Justice Committee during a March hearing on the legislation, bill sponsor Rep. Felicia Brabec, D-Pittsfield Township, said of all the barriers parolees have to face upon their release, this shouldnt be one of them. In the vulnerable time after release from prison, the effort to find appropriate documentation to prove who you are can be a daunting task, Brabec said. If formerly incarcerated people are not able to access housing or get a job because they are unable to obtain proper ID, it is unlikely that they will successfully reintegrate into our communities. Offering IDs has the potential to reduce recidivism and keep everyone safe because basic needs are being met. The other bills in the package House Bill 4191, 41934 and 4194 would create the procedures for the secretary of state to process the applications from MDOC, and requires the department deliver the license or card to MDOC before the prisoner is released. The MDOC and Department of State first implemented the current ID program in 2020 under the direction of MDOC Director Heidi Washington and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Conversations around creating such a program have been happening for much longer, according to Erin Schor with the Department of State, who told committee members she remembers working on the issue in 2004 as a legislative staff member. As far as why it took so many years, sometimes it just comes down to resources, said Kyle Kaminski with the MDOC. This is not an inexpensive endeavor, and it also takes quite a bit of staffing resources, Kaminski said. Quite honestly, historically, the Department of Corrections was not provided with those resources. Kaminski said the MDOC has spent about a $1 million on birth certificates alone the last few years. While the funding may not always be available, Washington prioritized giving prisoners access to vital documentation as director, he said. Without any additional appropriation, we just have a leadership now that believes in the importance of that so were doing that, Kaminski said. In the past, while the legislature was open to the concept of vital documents, we didnt see the level of support that we see from our current sponsors. If the legislation is passed, funding for the ID cards would continue to be covered through the MDOC budget. Rep. Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, who is another bill sponsor, stressed the importance of codifying the program into law, as it may not be the focus of future administrations. Since its inception, the MDOC and secretary of state have assisted about 98% of returning citizens in obtaining state-issued identification, Kaminski said. But for Ken Nixon, director of outreach and community engagement with Safe and Just Michigan, that means 2% (are) still slipping through the cracks. While serving 16 years behind bars, Nixon, wrongfully convicted of murder, was a client of the Cooley Law School Innocence Project at Western Michigan University, which reexamines cases and has exonerated several people penalized for crimes they did not commit. Nixon said people all over the country sent him checks once he was released in 2021, but he was unable to cash them because he didnt have a state-issued ID. The problem was I didnt have an ID. Without an ID, I couldnt get a bank account. Without an ID, I couldnt cash a check, Nixon said. I also didnt have a birth certificate or Social Security card. I couldnt get one without the other. He was able to obtain all of his documents six months after his release, but, by that point, he felt he had already been revictimized by the system. Will Lewis, a 54-year-old youth specialist representing the Oakland County Childrens Village, which provides juvenile detention, treatment and shelter, had a similar experience after being released from prison almost a year ago. After serving 21 years for armed robbery and other crimes, he said the learning curve of new technology delayed his ability to set up an appointment to get a Social Security card. After spending so much of my adult life in prison, it was absolutely critical that my first steps be good, so that I can have the fundamental things I needed to build a productive and healthy life for myself, such as a job such as a place to live, and those documents were critical, Lewis said. Even though it was only a delay of maybe four to six weeks to get everything I needed, thats four to six weeks that I was kind of in limbo, that I was anxious and fearful of falling back into criminality. The bills in the package are tie-barred to one another. This means they must all be enacted to take effect. The legislation remains in committee, where it awaits a vote to be sent to the House floor. Read more from MLive: Please, hurry up, 911 calls detail fear, chaos of MSU shooting Deadline nears for Michigan workers to join $20M unemployment fraud settlement Top 5 places for liquor sales in each Michigan county Michigan has a transparency problem. Will the Democratic majority fix it? LANSING, MI Michigan awarded a $120.3 million grant to prepare land for a $3.5 billion, 2,500-job Ford electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall adding to a billion-dollar incentive package already given to the project. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the grant during its Tuesday, March 28, board meeting. Funding will be awarded to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance for land acquisition, site development and wastewater upgrades. These kinds of activities are a critical component of our states overall strategy to develop more invest-ready sites to attract and retain generational projects that will create good paying jobs and provide greater opportunities for local small businesses, schools and communities, said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer. Ford Motor Co. plans to produce lithium-iron phosphate batteries at the plant dubbed Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan. The average salary for plant workers will be $45,000, according to estimates shared with lawmakers. Related: Michigan could spend another $750M on Ford battery plant in Marshall A patchwork of state incentives exceeding $1.7 billion have been awarded to the project. Michigan gave Ford a $210 million grant and a Renaissance Zone tax break valued at $772 million plus a $36 million loan to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance. Additionally, a supplemental budget bill allocated $630 million for site preparation in Marshall. The new $120 million grant comes from the states economic development fund called the Strategic Outreach and Attract Reserve Fund, created in 2021 to attract big business investments. The supplemental bill signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month deposited another $170 million into the SOAR fund. The grant dollars will be used to repay the loan to the Marshall economic development group. Michigan used these incentives to win the Ford plan in a highly competitive process, according to Terri Fitzpatrick, chief real estate and global attraction officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. One of the most important considerations in determining a location is state or condition of site readiness. Michigan was competing against other states and countries with shovel-ready sites and aggressive incentive offerings, she said. The Ford plant will cover 950 acres of a 1,900-acre Marshall mega site earmarked by the state for development. Fitzpatrick said all the land for the Ford project has been acquired from property owners. Related: Fords $3.5B plant bringing jobs and disappointment for Marshall residents A chorus of voices have pushed back on the Marshall plant raising concerns about environmental risks, destruction of historic farmsteads and transparency issues. Twelve people addressed the Michigan Strategic Fund board Tuesday to express their opposition. I understand that you are tasked with helping Ford find incentives to maintain jobs in Michigan. But I maintain having a huge battery plant move into our small town will not accomplish these goals, said Marshall Township resident Linda Smoot. Opponents have proposed preserving the swath of farmland north of the Kalamazoo River by turning it into a state park. Victoria McGuffin, a Michigan State University chemistry professor who has lived in Marshall Township since 1985, urged the state economic development board to withhold financial support of the plant. There are many other properties in Marshall Township and Calhoun County that are more suitable for this kind of venture and do not pose this environmental risk, she said. Related: At what cost? Michigan communities fight mega sites despite promise of jobs Ford has pledged to put 245 acres along the Kalamazoo River into a conservation easement to protect the land from future industrial development. No buildings on site were classified as historical, according to Fitzpatrick. The Michigan Strategic Fund Tuesday OKd funding for two other major auto investments. BorgWarner, a global automotive auto supplier headquartered in Auburn Hills, was awarded a $1.86 million grant to support a $20.6 million expansion in Michigan. The investment into three facilities will support electric vehicle product development and testing at the $11 billion, multi-national company. BorgWarner plans to pour $5 million into its Auburn Hills location, $5 million in Dearborn and $10.6 million in Hazel Park creating 186 jobs in total. The company will be designing and testing automotive solutions, Messer said. And Michigan is an attractive option for the project thanks to the automotive industrys robust and legendary presence in our state. This project also represents the first semiconductor firm to create and expand an integrated circuit design team in the state. Michigan also gave AyDeeKay, a semiconductor company based in California, a $10 million grant to land its $12.5 million investment in Michigan. AyDeeKay plans to develop an engineering design center at its existing location in Auburn Hills creating up to 180 jobs. More on MLive: Ford says Chinese government has no role in $3.5B Michigan plant New Ford plant to pay workers average of $45,000 At $16B, Michigan top state for electric vehicle investments Two decades ago, being 553 miles from Detroit was an asset for Houghton. Now being 35 miles from Eagle Harbor Beach, 65 miles to the Porcupine Mountains and 145 miles to Pictured Rocks are bigger draws for the city situated in the center of Michigans northernmost Keweenaw Peninsula. With remote work becoming the norm and an uptick in outdoor recreation, the whole region of the Upper Peninsula has changed its branding strategy, InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante said. The new emphasis upon quality of life, recreational resources and natural resource assets marry all of that and I think it became much easier to say, why not us? Fittante said. For organizations focused on economic development, a crucial component is a growing workforce. But the U.P. needs a population boost. From 2010 to 2020 every county in the U.P. lost residents, except for Houghton, which grew by 2% or 733 people, according to U.S. Census data. Its a circular challenge, though. A rush of new residents requires more housing and better transportation. It also spurs a bit of an identity crisis. Can the U.P be both an isolated oasis and an economic powerhouse? Related: Space, software innovation along Lake Superior: the U.P. s $105M tech hub David Rowe, CEO of the MTEC SmartZone, would say yes. Rowe and his team connect entrepreneurs with technology, investment and marketing resources. Especially in the tech sector, the U.P. has Silicon Valley-like jobs in space, software and electric vehicles, but with a fraction of the housing costs and the bonus of untouched nature along the Lake Superior shoreline. Among the three U.P. SmartZones, state funded business accelerators focused on tech, there were 294 new full-time jobs created and 1,076 jobs retained from October 2021 to September 2022. When pitching the U.P.s prospects, Rowe runs down the list of everyday scenarios: running into electrical engineers on the cross-country trails, biking alongside software developers or walking the beach with a space electronics expert. Instead of using our location and explaining it away, and apologizing for it, now its an asset, Rowe said. But there are challenges to being desirably distant. New business cant ignore the realities of being remote. Transportation The regional airports servicing the U.P. were already running a limited schedule when the national pilot shortage axed direct routes. Regional airline service SkyWest altered routes last fall at airports in Pellston, Alpena, Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Sault Ste. Marie. The biggest change is creating tagged routes in Alpena, Pellston, Iron Mountain, and Escanaba. These routes have been described like bus routes connecting two cities. Planes stop at an airport hub while en route rather than taking a direct path. For example, flights from Iron Mountain to Detroit include a stop in Escanaba. One of the daily flights from Pellston to Detroit includes a stop in Alpena. While the non-stop portion of the routes have not increased in-flight time, it takes an added 30 to 40 minutes for passengers to board or deplane at the stop, according to SkyWest. SkyWest maintains schedules are timed to make as many connections in Detroit as possible, but business travel time is a concern Fittante hears often. Adding extra stops have turned one-day trips into three days with late night and early morning flights. The way that the schedule falls oftentimes does not allow for convenient passage in and out, Fittante said. The time that it takes really is a struggle for businesses who are trying to transact work at the speed of business. Aging Population Taking a car from one city to the next takes time. The U.P.s population is sparse. Even in the most populated county, Marquette, there are about 36 people per square mile, according to the 2020 Census. The population also is aging. The median age in counties with major cities like Marquette, Delta, and Alger are all at or above Michigans median age of 40. Houghton comes in just below at 32. Fittantes InvestUP is looking for new solutions. The organization was established in 2019 to attract and grow business with the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. It set a goal to increase the overall regional population by 15,000 people or 5% by 2030. This would get them back on the growth track the U.P. saw from 1970 to 1980, Fittante said. Focus is on the 21-39 age range, aiming to increase the younger population by 5,000 people or 7%. The hope is a younger demographic would bring vibrancy to the workforce, fresh perspectives and family growth. InvestUP estimates across the U.P. there are 21,000 higher education students, each representing a young adult who has already embraced the peninsulas lifestyle. At the beginning of the year, the organization launched a pilot internship program to connect U.P. businesses and students. To kick it off, Michigan Tech hosted a 906 Industry Day exclusively with U.P. employers. Housing But where would these new residents live? An InvestUP analysis of new housing units authorized from 1990 to 2020 shows the U.P.s housing stock is in a deep, decades-long hole. At its peak in 2000, the region was authorizing 1,560 new housing units a year. That plummeted during the 2008 housing bubble and has yet to regain momentum. In 2020, only 530 new housing units were authorized, according to InvestUPs analysis. In the lower peninsula, housing costs and days on the market are leveling but in Marquette, Realtor Stephanie Jones is still seeing fierce competition for the areas short supply. Across Marquette County, population of 66,000, only 68 residential listings were available at the end of March. In a city-wide survey, 61% of residents said affordable housing was a challenge and 45% said housing supply was a major issue, according to the Marquette Master Plan community engagement report presented to city commissioners on March 23. Its very hard to recover from a couple of decades of not enough building, Jones said. Its just not going to happen overnight. Jones describes the drop in inventory after 2008 as devastating. She routinely has clients who turn down jobs in the area because they cant find a home to relocate. Building costs remain high, which puts a tighter squeeze on affordable housing. The housing tension unearths economic frustration met with NIMBYism. When you have communities, not just Marquette, but communities across the state who say I dont want more developments in my backyard, then we will never have enough inventory, Jones said. Related: Historic Sault Ste. Marie building to be revitalized into housing Longyear, headquartered in Marquette, has taken on that challenge. The asset management and investment strategy company is expanding its portfolio into residential real estate this year. The 150-year old company owns 3,000 acres in Marquette Township. During the pandemic CEO Steve Hicks saw the opportunity to use the companys legacy in forestry as launchpad for sustainable housing. What farm to table did for the restaurant industry, Longyear wants to see in real estate. Forest to home keeping carbon emissions low and local investment high. Longyear has dedicated 163 acres to the new development. The company will keep half of it forever greenspace. The other half will have single-story family homes and townhomes. Seven home designs are available as Longyear tries to capture a large swath of the market: snowbirds, retirees, young couples and families. Since announcing the project in October, 300 people signed up for updates and indicated they would be interested in purchasing a home in the future Forestville neighborhood. Phase one will start with 20 to 30 homes. In total, Longyear plans to build around 230 homes. The goal is to break ground this year, said Alysa Arwood, senior director of real estate development. The Longyear land will feature trails and public outdoor recreation, Arwood said. Ideally, Forestville would balance urban convenience in a rural setting, she said. How do you insulate, protect and build up rural communities so they can be self-sustaining? We talked about that quite a bit, Arwood said. More on MLive: U.P. logging dates back to 1832. An app brings it into the 21st century. Michigans secret weapon: U.P. business is missing link in semiconductor solution $10K scholarships offered for students who join Michigans electric vehicle sector Michigan is a climate haven in a warming world. Will everyone move here? The Detroit Tigers granted veteran infielder Cesar Hernandez his release on Tuesday, one day after it became clear he wouldnt make the clubs Opening Day roster. Hernandez, who turns 33 in May, has played in parts of 10 big-league seasons and has been an everyday second baseman for the last eight seasons. He came to camp as a non-roster invitee on a minor-league contract to compete for a utility job and was also seen as a potential hedge or even replacement for veteran second baseman Jonathan Schoop. After a fast start, Hernandezs offensive production waned this spring. Even so, it was a mild surprise when the Tigers traded for utility man Zach McKinstry on Monday. McKinstry appears set to take the final spot on the roster. A native of Venezuela, Hernandez spent parts of seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He signed a free-agent deal with the then-Cleveland Indians prior to the COVID-shortened 2020 season and was traded to the Chicago White Sox at the deadline in 2021. He played in 147 games for the Washington Nationals in 2022, batting .248 with a 629 OPS (84 OPS+). He hit just one home run in 617 plate appearances but stole 10 bases. Hernandez had the contractual right to opt-out of his contract at the end of spring. He is now a free agent and can hunt for a better opportunity elsewhere. The overall hemispheric weather pattern could still yield a few snowstorms. Cold air has to be present to get an April snowstorm. While temperatures are overall gradually warming now, there is still a large blob of wintry cold air covering all of Canada. Here is a 10 day forecast of the temperatures at 5,000 feet. The blue color and colder colors are cold enough for snow. Temperature forecast at 5,000 feet from March 28 to April 7, 2023 There is enough cold for a few more snowstorms. The good news for those not wanting anymore snow is it will be tough to get cold enough for the entire storm to produce snow. The typical scenario in our current pattern is rain for the first half of the storm and snow for the second half. The forecast below is the temperature anomaly for 5,000 feet up. It shows how much colder or warmer the air is compared to normal. We see warm-ups before the storms, but big cool-downs during the second half of the storms. Deviation from normal temperature at 5,000 feet up from March 28 to April 7. For the southern half of Lower Michigan I think it will be hard for us to have an entire storm of snow. We will likely get a few hours of snowy spurts for the last parts of the next two storm systems. Northern Lower will get into snow several hours before southern Lower. The U.P. could still have mostly snow. Heres the next storm, and of course it comes on Friday into Saturday, like most of the storms in the past two months. Surface weather forecast from Thursday night to Saturday night. Theres plenty of blue in the forecast animation, meaning anywhere from accumulating snow in northern Michigan to spurts of non-accumulating snow in southern Michigan. In some years the large blob of cold has weakened and shrunk to northern Canada by early April. Its not the case this year, so April snow showers are likely in southern Michigan. Two April snowstorms are still possible in northern Michigan. American Rapper, Ludacris has tagged Ghana as his motherland in a tweet that celebrates the West African country as his home. He has been in Ghana since last week, working on his Afrobeats album. He has been spotted with rapper Sarkodie, Patoranking and others in separate videos. Other videos also showed him enjoying Ghana's Jollof. He has indeed been enjoying some cool hospitality. The rapper and actor who is very popular for his performance in the Fast & Furious movie couldn't hide his admiration for Ghana. In a tweet on March 23, 2023, Ludacris declared Ghana his motherland. He wrote, Live from the Motherland, while he drop freestyle from a studio in Ghana. The immediate past National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare has expressed his disappointment in the Minority in Parliament for approving the new ministerial nominees despite the party's directive. The furious former National Vice Chairman of the party said in a statement that the NDC MPs in Parliament held a position a couple of weeks ago not to approve any new ministers until the President took steps to considerably reduce the size of his government. According to him, while the position was endorsed by a cross-section of Ghanaians and public advocacy groups, a few of NDC MPs, due to their parochialism went on to approve the president's nominees ina secret ballot. H.E Alhaji Said Sinare, while persuading the party to be decorous in its communication on the matter and to take immediate steps to investigate the reason for the utter violation of the party's direction, described the conduct of the Minority Caucus as unconscionable and surprising. READ HIS FULL STATEMENT BELOW For immediate Release 25th, March, 2023. Despite democracy being about choice, the choices made must advance the lots of its citizens and be of great advantage to the masses of Ghanaians. It is of grave concern to express my profound disappointment in a section of the minority group in parliament with regard to the approval of the six Akufo-Addo ministerial appointees. The call to downsize the over-bloated current government is not a call from the National Democratic Congress Party but a national call from the majority of the good people of Ghana. It is rather sad and devastating to note that, despite the express directive given by the NDC party on behalf of the Ghanaian people to its members of parliament, it was met with parochialism, greed, and a complete disregard for the collective party position by a section of its members of parliament. I wish to state categorically that, on average, more than one hundred (100) members of parliament in the minority group have shown good faith and fidelity to the Ghanaian people and the party, respectively, which is an act of overwhelming rejection of President Akufo Addo's ministerial appointees by the good people of Ghana. I want to assure the Ghanaians that the road to victory is full of impediments, hills, and fatigue, but what brings victory is perseverance and persistence, and it is clear that the NDC as a political party still stands by them and remains the only best and most trusted alternative come 2024. I therefore call on them to support the course of the NDC to deliver victory to the nation builder, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, come December 7, 2024, to build a country where going back to the drawing board to correct certain mistakes out of incompetence and insensitivity will be a thing of the past. For those over one hundred (100) members of parliament who have championed the course of the Ghanaian people, I say "Ayekoo"! But for those few who, for certain reasons, betrayed the loyalty of Ghanaians and showed bad faith toward the NDC party, there is more room to make amends, and in the spirit of unity and togetherness, fight the real battle come 2024 and deliver to Ghanaians a governance of truth, humility, and people first. In as much as this act from our admirable members of Parliament is unconscionable and surprising given their blatant disregard for the party's interests and directive not to approve any of the president's ministerial nominees, I will advise that we guide our utterances and put strict measures in place as soon as possible to investigate what contributed to this disinterestedness. We must all agree that, today, we are disappointed but not defeated so we should remain steadfast in our commitment to making sure this horrible administration of Nana Addo downsizes his government without the involvement of the minority group in Parliament if indeed they have the will of Ghanaian people at heart. Thank you, Signed H.E Alhaji Said Sinare, Former National Vice Chairman, NDC. French President Emmanuel Macron summoned government ministers for a crisis meeting on Monday, ahead of Tuesday's planned strikes and protests against pension reforms. Trade unions have called for a day of action on Tuesday, the tenth such mobilisation since protests started in mid-January against the controversial law, which includes raising the retirement age to 64 from 62. President Macron, whose approval rating in opinion polls is less than 30 percent, said last week he accepted the "unpopularity" that came with the reform, which he considers essential. Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, meanwhile said that while there was no plan to drop the legislation, she was ready for discussions with the unions. "We have to find the right path. We need to calm down," she said on Sunday. Borne has scheduled talks over the next three weeks, with members of the parliamentary opposition, political parties, local authorities and unions. Laurent Berger, the head of the moderate CFDT union, who has taken an unexpectedly hard line against the pension reform, said he would accept the offer of talks but only if the reform was first "put to one side". Berger called on the government to come up with a "very big move on pensions". Transport to be badly disrupted on Tuesday According to the Paris public transport operator RATP, metros and suburban trains will be "badly disrupted" on Tuesday. About one third of junior school teachers have announced their intention to strike. Rubbish collectors in the capital are continuing their strike, with close to 8,000 tonnes of garbage piled up in the streets. France's civil aviation authority has told airlines at Orly airport in Paris, as well as the Marseille, Bordeaux and Toulouse airports, to cancel 20 percent of flights on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The French police have meanwhile come under severe criticism for the use of heavy-handed tactics during recent demonstrations. The Council of Europe said on Friday that peaceful protesters and journalists had to be protected from police violence and arbitrary arrest. On Sunday the IGPN, the internal affairs unit of the French police, said it had launched 17 investigations into incidents since the protests began. The branch, ward and constituency Executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ellembelle of the Western Region have pledged to vote 100 percent for former President John Dramani Mahama to become NDC's presidential candidate for election 2024. Ellembelle NDC has over 1,000 delegates who are expected to participate in the NDC's presidential and parliamentary primaries slated for May 13, 2023 across the country. Former President John Mahama who is seeking re-election is being contested by three other candidates. Former President John Mahama visited Ellembelle Constituency on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Kanokwari farming community to meet all the NDC delegates to convas for votes. Speaking to the media at Kanokwari School Park, Comrade Alhaji Gibrilu Alhassan Laminn who contested in 2022 Western Regional Chairmanship race and lost to the incumbent Regional Chairman, commended all the Ellembelle NDC delegates for throwing their support behind former President John Mahama. He revealed to the media that former President John Mahama would poll all the votes in Ellembelle Constituency. "In fact, I'm happy that Ellembelle NDC delegates have endorsed former president John Mahama and I can you the media guys that John Mahama will 100 percent of the votes or 98 percent of the votes on May 13th because John Mahama has done a lot in Ellembelle Constituency and we can't be ungrateful to him", he stated. "Former President John when was the president of Ghana established Ghana Gas plant at Atuabo in Ellembelle, established ENI gas at Sanzule in Ellembelle, he constructed Elubo to Tarkwa Junction road, he constructed Alla-Bokazo to Atuabo road, he constructed so many town roads including my community, Kamgbunli so we will vote massively for him come May 13th", he added. Comrade Alhaji Gibrilu Alhassan Laminn who is also a senior member of Ellembelle NDC took the opportunity to donate an undisclosed amount of money to former President John Mahama to be used to run his campaign activities. He called on the rank and file of the party to remain united to rally behind former President John Mahama to return to power. He was optimistic that former President John Mahama would be sworn-in as President of Ghana on January 7th 2025. On his part, the Ellembelle NDC Constituency Chairman, Alex Kwame Mahama thanked former President John Mahama for visiting them to solicit their votes. He also thanked Mr. Mahama and NDC National Executives for appointing Ellembelle MP, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as the Deputy Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament. He assured former President John Mahama of 100 percent votes come May 13 in Ellembelle Constituency. Former President John Mahama commended Comrade Alhaji Gibrilu Alhassan Laminn for donating an undisclosed amount of money to support his campaign activities. "In fact, God bless you Alhaji for supporting my campaign again, you did it last four years and today too you have done the same thing at Kanokwari here, God bless you to get it in abundance," he showed appreciation. He took the opportunity to appeal to the delegates to remember him on May 13, 2023 by voting massively for him to lead the party for victory come December 7th 2024. He also called on the rank and file of the party in Ellembelle Constituency to rally behind Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. He assured the NDC delegates and sympathizers that he would used their MP, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to play a major role in his government in 2025. SYRACUSE A man who spent 16 years in prison after he was wrongfully convicted of raping writer Alice Sebold when she was a Syracuse University student has settled a lawsuit against New York state for $5.5 million, his lawyers said Monday. The settlement comes after Anthony Broadwater's conviction for raping Sebold in 1981 was overturned in 2021. It was signed last week by lawyers for Broadwater and New York Attorney General Letitia James, David Hammond, one of Broadwater's attorneys, said. Broadwater, 62, said in a statement relayed by Hammond, "I appreciate what Attorney General James has done, and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice. We all suffer from destroyed lives." "Obviously no amount of money can erase the injustices Mr. Broadwater suffered, but the settlement now officially acknowledges them," Sebold said in a statement released through a spokesperson. Sebold was an 18-year-old first-year student at Syracuse when she was raped in a park near campus in May 1981. She described the attack and the ensuing prosecution in a memoir, "Lucky," published in 1999. Sebold went on to win acclaim for her 2002 novel "The Lovely Bones," which recounts the aftermath of a teenage girl's rape and murder and was made into a movie starring Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci. Sebold, who is white, wrote in "Lucky" that she spotted a Black man in the street months after being raped and was sure that he was her attacker. "He was smiling as he approached. He recognized me. It was a stroll in the park to him; he had met an acquaintance on the street," Sebold wrote. " 'Hey, girl,' he said. 'Don't I know you from somewhere?' " Police arrested Broadwater, who was given the pseudonym Gregory Madison in "Lucky." But Sebold failed to identify him in a police lineup, picking a different man as her attacker. Broadwater was nonetheless tried and convicted in 1982 after Sebold identified him as her rapist on the witness stand and an expert said microscopic hair analysis had tied Broadwater to the crime. That type of analysis has since been deemed junk science by the U.S. Department of Justice. Broadwater was released from prison in 1999. But he still had to register as a sex offender until his conviction was vacated in November 2021. William J. Fitzpatrick, the current district attorney for Onondaga County, the central New York county that includes Syracuse, joined the motion to vacate the conviction, noting that witness identifications, particularly across racial lines, are often unreliable. Broadwater's settlement with the state must be approved by a judge before it becomes final. "Anthony Broadwater was convicted for a crime he never committed, and was incarcerated despite his innocence. While we cannot undo the wrongs from more than four decades ago, this settlement agreement is a critical step to deliver some semblance of justice to Mr. Broadwater," James said in an emailed statement. Broadwater has also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse and an assistant district attorney and a police officer who were involved in prosecuting him. That case is pending. Sebold apologized to Broadwater in a 2021 statement released to The Associated Press and later posted on Medium. She wrote that "as a traumatized 18-year-old rape victim, I chose to put my faith in the American legal system. My goal in 1982 was justice not to perpetuate injustice. And certainly not to forever, and irreparably, alter a young man's life by the very crime that had altered mine." 27.03.2023 LISTEN Through the Sustainable Inclusive Business (SIB-Kenya), the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has released a report dubbed Change the Story: Developing a Local Carbon Market in Kenya. The report describes the current situation, reflects on the opportunities for a Kenyan carbon market, and comes just days after the 2023 Earth Hour celebrations. It has been published in partnership with the global Sustainability Consultant Group, TheRockGroup. Climate change and biodiversity are complex, global, and interconnected issues. This report is limited to the role of the Kenyan private sector in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) with a focus on nature-based solutions (NBS) in addressing global warming, biodiversity loss, and deforestation. It is part of the Change the Story project by SIB-Kenya, which focuses on NBS because of the extra benefits they provide to biodiversity conservation, the protection of landscapes, and community development. The global carbon credits market is booming, with an estimated turnover of US$2 billion in 2021, and a prediction of 10-40 US$ billion in 2030 according to Shell and BCG. Closer home, Kenya ranks number 8 on the list of countries selling carbon credits from Nature-Based Solutions, according to the Voluntary Carbon Market Overview 2022 by ClimateFocus. At the Kenya Carbon Market Roundtable held in January 2023, KEPSA noted that Kenya has the potential to sequester, reduce, or avoid ~30 Mt CO2e/yr (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year); mobilize up to $600 million annually from regulatory compliance and voluntary carbon market (VCM) projects by 2030 using an average price of $20 per ton. From 2016 to 2021, Kenya issued ~26 Mt CO2e of carbon offsets, more than any other African country and approximately 20 per cent of total African credits. Were encouraged that the government, the private sector led by KEPSA, and a wide array of the conservancy, agricultural and reforestation organizations are all eager to regreen Kenya and fight imminent threats associated with global warming, like drought, loss of biodiversity, and failing harvests, said Ebenezer A. Amadi, the Program Manager at SIB-Kenya. He added that an effort to streamline the domestic carbon market alongside the ongoing export of carbon credits is a worthwhile and timely course. The report shows massive potential for carbon sequestration, with growing global demand. However, the export-focused policy in Kenya leaves Kenyan companies in the dark about domestic offsetting options. Notwithstanding the ongoing debate about the benefits of the growing market for carbon credits, Kenya does not have a solid legal framework that would restrict credits to be issued or bought, no taxing credits nor introducing a mandatory carbon emissions market. Nonetheless, the Government has set up a technical working committee to support the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to leverage the carbon market to raise resources that will support adaptation and mitigation measures toward addressing climate change. The Government has been noted to be firmly in favour of an active role of the private sector in reforestation and afforestation initiatives. New suppliers are struggling to access the market because they are unsure how to approach buyers and have little experience with auditing their projects. On the demand side, we only found scattered examples of Kenyan companies purchasing carbon credits. That would explain why most Kenyan companies often set targets based on the number of trees planted or square km covered rather than in tons of CO2 sequestered, highlights Jos Reinhoudt, author of the report and a Sustainability Consultant. Quoting the Safaricom Annual report, 2022 (page 133), The remaining 26% of our carbon emissions will be offset through our reforestation programme. We have committed to growing five million trees in degraded public forests in five years and have planted over one million trees in Kieni forest, South Marmarnet, Nandi South, Kakamega, and Port Reitz. This approach has been reinforced by Valentine Cheruiyot, Manager-Climate and Environmental Management at Safaricom, who confirms that the company pledges to plant 1 million trees annually. For 75 KES per tree, it would cost the company 75M KES or US$600,000 to offset their 2021 carbon footprint of 66,032 tCO2. This indicates a price of US$ 9.09 per ton of CO2. The report points to Safaricom as a good practice in Kenya due to its transparency about its carbon footprint and its commitment to Science-Based Targets for the climate. The Government is using the same methodology to stress the importance of carbon capturing with nature-based solutions, evidenced by the tree restoration program at Ngong Hills Forest to combat the effects of climate change in the country. The initiative aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stop and reverse deforestation, and restore 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative. This report is a call to action for the private sector especially, to actively play their part in tackling climate change by among others, incorporating offsetting in their corporate carbon strategy to compensate for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cannot (yet) be avoided. It calls for collective positive action towards making the planet a better place by restoring its glory. Download the Report Here. Professor Elsie Effah-Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Ghana, says the habit of lateness among the citizenry has reached a crisis level requiring immediate attention. She said it was worrying for lateness to be regarded as a norm across all level of the Ghanaian society to the extent that it has gotten to a stage where you attend an activity on time and you are seen to come too early. The Professor, also a quizmistress of the National Science and Mathematics Quiz programme, made the remarks when she featured on the Timekeeping Dialogue Series 007 on the topic, Ghanas Timekeeping Culture Reflection of Prof Elsie Effah-Kaufmann. Sharing an unfortunate experience with some students, who graduated recently at her School, she said a few students showed up late to their ceremony and were unperturbed by the development. The situation, she said, was so frustrating and embarrassing that the procession had to be paused for them to get into the hall for proceedings to continue. That, she said, attested to how lateness had been normalised in the society and also how education of time management had not been impactful in the life of the younger generation. She highlighted the need for a system that rewarded or put a cost to lateness so that people would be motivated to act wisely. If there are consequence for not meeting time, people will fall in line, she said. Prof Kaufmann urged participants to make it a habit to boycott events that started late while event organisers must learn to overlook speakers who attended events late. She said value for rules and structures must also be respected and applied to encourage others to stick to time. She said people receiving preferential treatment at the expense of others, who wanted to access social services made timekeeping culture a mirage. We must resolve to keep time and not victimise persons who uphold the value of timekeeping. It takes time, a lot of practice and support system to inculcate time management skills in younger generation, she said. She also called on social scientists to help the country figure out the value cost of lateness. Mr Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, a former Chair, National Media Commission, also appealed to the government to put up the needed infrastructure such as accessible roads to support time keeping culture. GNA Professor Edward Brenya 27.03.2023 LISTEN Professor Edward Brenya, a beneficiary of Otumfuo Education Fund has declared his intention to contest in the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency parliamentary primaries of the National Democracy Congress (NDC) when the party opens nomination. Nominations for NDC Parliamentary primaries have been put on hold in Sekyere Afram Plains and some 26 constituencies since February 22, 2023. Prof. Brenya who is a royal of Drobonso, the capital of the Sekyere Afram plains District, noted that he had done the necessary consultations and had been encouraged to contest in the primaries and lead the people in Parliament. "I am a royal from Drobonso. The Chief of Drobonso is my brother so I am more than qualified to lead my people in Parliament," he stated. According to Prof. Brenya, he decided to contest as a Member of Parliament for the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency to contirbute to policy decisions and champion the development of his home constituency. Profile Prof. Edward Brenya was awarded a scholarship to pursue Master of Arts in International Affairs at Ohio University, Athens OH, USA while working as the administrative manager of the Otumfuo Education Fund in 2003. While in USA, he pursued additional degrees: Master of Public Administration at Ohio University, Master of Political Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia respectively. Dr. Brenya returned back to Ghana and took appointment as a lecturer in 2013 and has risen through the rank to an Associate Professor of Political Science and the head of the History and Political Studies Department at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). His areas of expertise are public policy analysis, public administration, Petroleum and gas politics and management, and democracy and democratization. About Otumfuo Education Fund In 1999, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, established the Otumfuo Education Fund to support brilliant but needy students to pursue their education. The establishment of the Otumfuo Education Fund was necessitated by the abolishment of the academic user fees at the tertiary institutions by the government of Ghana. Otumfuo the Asantehene indicated at the time of the establishment of the Fund that there was the need for communities to mobilize to support needy children with potentials whose dream maybe squashed due to the inability to obtain the needed support to pursue their educational dreams. His Royal Majesty reiterated that his vision for Asanteman was to fight a different war than what the Kingdom was noted for in the past and this was a war against killing the dreams and potentials of bright but needy students. Otumfuo the Asantehene therefore rekindled the communal spirit of Asantes and Ghanaians through the Otumfuo Education Fund to donate and help support bright but needy students to achieve their potentials with the sole aim of developing the needed skills for the development of communities and Ghana. His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehenes vision has produced great personalities who are helping to promote democracy and development of Ghana in diverse ways. Notable among the many beneficiaries of the Otumfuo Education Fund Ohio University scholarship are Dr. Bossman Asare, Vice Chairperson of Ghana Electoral Commission (EC) and Dr. Kingsley Antwi Boasiako, Director of Public Relations at Ghana Ports and Harbor. Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs is expected to present its report on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill this week. This is according to Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and a proponent of the bill, following a meeting with the Attorney General. Among other things, the Bill proposes jail term for people who engage in same sex. If the Bill becomes law, various forms of support for the LGBTQ+ community will also be criminalized. According to Sam George, the Attorney General approves of the bill in its current form, requiring it to be laid for the second reading. When we finished the deliberations, I asked the Attorney General a question if the bill in its current form infringes on the human rights of any Ghanaian, and he was happy with the bill. He was emphatic and stated that absolutely not. He wants me to tell the media that he supports the bill. The bill is expanding the frontiers of our legal jurisprudence. The Committee has finished deliberations, and its at the behest of the Chairman. So I believe that the final report of the Committee may be laid before the house rises. While data indicates that most Ghanaians are in favour of the Bill, it has faced criticism from renowned artists and academics. It has, however, generated some widespread conversation, with many expressing varied views about some clauses in the document. But following the heated conversations amidst pressure on Parliament to pass the bill, there have been speculations that MPs who support the bill may be denied some privileges from members of the international community. Many persons and institutions have filed memoranda in support of the bill and to help fine-tune it. A number of renowned legal, academic and civil society professionals have also filed documents challenging the legislation. In the memorandum, they contend that the Bill is an impermissible invasion of the inviolability of human dignity. They further argued that pushing through the Bill will be to challenge Ghana's constitution and democracy . -Citi Newsroom President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given an update on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, which is currently before Parliament. Proposed under a Private Members Bill, the anti-gay bill is expected to criminalise some of the activities of homosexuals in Ghana. Answering a question put to him at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 27 when US Vice President Kamala Harris called on him, President Akufo-Addo confirmed that the bill is currently before Parliament, which will decide on it, but most of its provisions are being fine-tuned. It hasnt been passed, so the statement that there is a legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate, he said. Parliament is dealing with it and at the end of the process, I will come in, he added. President Akufo-Addo welcomed US Vice President Harris to the seat of government as part the latters three-day visit to the country. She stressed how strongly she feels about the importance of supporting and fighting for the cause of human rights including rights of LGBTQs. For the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the globe including as well as the LGBTQ community and I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for quality among all people. Watch her and Akufo-Addo below: -Citinewsroom US Vice President Kamala Harris has said the American government is in full support of Ghanas talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout. She also announced during a joint press conference with Ghanaian leader Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Monday, 27 March 2023, as part of her three-day official visit to Accra, that the US government will push for debt relief for deserving countries. We welcome Ghanas commitment to reform its economy for sustainable and inclusive growth, she said, adding: We support Ghanas engagement with the IMF and we will continue to push all bilateral creditors to provide meaningful debt reduction for countries that need it. It is critical to do so to build long-term economic growth and prosperity and to increase US investments. Our partnership is already strong and I believe that today we have strengthened it. The US government also announced that its Department of Treasurys Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) will deploy a full-time resident advisor to assist the Ministry of Finance to develop and execute medium- to long-term reforms to improve debt sustainability and support a competitive, dynamic government debt market. US1.7bn debt relief: Well help you China expresses confidence in Ghanas economic management, viability On the debt issue, the government of China says it will help the government of Ghana to restructure the gold-producing West African countrys US$1.7 billion debt owed the Asian giant. Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun gave the assurance when Ghanas Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, led a delegation to Beijing to ask for debt relief. China believes in promoting debt sustainability and sustainable development, Mr Liu said, adding: We know that these are short-term challenges which we, as responsible creditors, remain committed to resolving. The long-standing and prosperous relationship between Ghana and China imposes on us, a responsibility to help, Mr Liu noted. He indicated: Chinese authorities have confidence in Ghanas economic management and its long-term economic viability. Ghana is seeking debt relief and restructuring as a prerequisite to getting the Board of the International Monetary Fund to approve a US$3-billion extended credit facility for the cocoa producer. The US$1.7 billion owed China is part of the more-than US$5 billion Ghana owes its bilateral partners including the Paris Club. Ghana has already finished restructuring its domestic debt. US$3bn bailout: Give Ghana necessary financing assurances as soon as possible IMF tells China, Paris Club A few days ago, the IMF urged Ghanas creditors to hasten to grant the financing assurances needed promptly so the Board of the Bretton Woods institution can approve the $3-billion facility to restore economic stability to the country. We're calling on bilateral creditors to support Ghana's effort to restore debt sustainability, form an official creditor committee, and deliver the necessary financing assurances as soon as possible, the Funds communications director Julie Kozack told journalists at a news briefing in Washington DC. A questioner has asked: Ghana's president has said he expects the programme request to go to the IMF Board by the end of this month. Is that realistic? Can you give us an update on that? Ms Kozack answered: So, on December 12th, 2022, the IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on a three-year programme supported by an arrangement under the ECF. This programme was worth about $3 billion. Ghana also requested a debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework, she noted. She said: Financing assurances from partners and creditors are necessary for presenting the programme request to the IMF's Executive Board for approval, adding: We continue to engage closely with the Ghanaian authorities while they seek these assurances. The IMF programme, Ms Kazack indicated, aims to support Ghana's efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability while also protecting the vulnerable, preserving financial stability, and laying the foundation for strong and inclusive growth. A few weeks ago, President Nana Akufo-Addo said his government is making progress on the external debt negotiations with its development partners since the government announced an external debt service suspension on 19th December 2022 for certain categories of external debt, to ensure an orderly restructuring. The suspension, the president told parliament in his state of the nation address on Wednesday, 8 March 2023, is an interim emergency measure toward a comprehensive external debt operation which will contribute to the restoration of our debt sustainability in line with our request for a debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework. I want to express our appreciation to the members of the Paris Club and to the Peoples Republic of China for the cooperation they have, so far, exhibited to us in attempting to reach an agreement, and in their attempt to establish an Official Credit Committee. We look forward to their fast-tracking the needed financing assurances for IMF approval. We are confident that, with their cooperation, we will reach our March deadline for going to the Fund, he said. China debt talks very positive, encouraging | Ofori-Atta looking forward to securing external assurances very soon Ahead of the Chinese governments pledge to help, Mr Ofori-Atta had said his meeting with China on Ghanas external debt restructuring programme is has been very good so far. Announcing progress of the talks with China, Mr Ken Ofori-Attas office tweeted: So far had very positive and encouraging meetings in China! Looking forward to securing external assurances very soon, even as we pass our outstanding domestic revenue bills back home. Great progress on all fronts#ResolvingTogether #GhanaFirst. So far had very positive and encouraging meetings in China! Looking forward to securing external assurances very soon, even as we pass our outstanding domestic revenue bills back home. Great progress on all fronts #ResolvingTogether #GhanaFirst Office of the Finance Minister-Ghana (@oofmghana) March 24, 2023 In a related development, the IMF has advised African countries to take into consideration, the effects their debt restructuring programmes could have on the domestic banking sector. At the 2023 Oxford Center for the Study of African Economies Conference at St Catherines College, Oxfordby, Mr Abebe Aemro Selassie Director, African Department of the IMF, said: "For cases where debt is unsustainable, it goes without saying that it needs to be restructured." In such cases, he said "the burden of making repayments should not fall unduly on debtor countries". "But this is easier said than done", he admitted, saying: "Debt restructurings have always been difficult, and even more so now in the context of a more diversified creditor base and more complex structure of public debt. "Take domestic debt, which now accounts for about half of all public debt in sub-Saharan Africa. "In cases where public debt is unsustainable and this exposure needs to be included in the restructuring perimeter, careful consideration needs to be given to the effects on the domestic banking sector, how quickly market access can be regained etc", he advised. "And with respect to external creditors, countries of course have even less sway over the pace at which restructuring can happen, as clearly shown by the ongoing challenges with the Common Framework". This, he noted, "is even more frustrating in unsustainable cases where the official creditors inability to agree on a needed debt treatment prevents the IMF from providing timely support to countries during periods of acute distress". The United States (US) has donated 54 laptops to the Legal Aid Commission to promote access to justice. Mr Douglas Craig Emhoff, US Second Gentleman, donated on Monday in Accra during a three-day state visit by his wife, Kamala Harris, US Vice President. The items were received by Justice Ellen Adjoa Sowa, the Acting Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission. He made the donation at a forum to discuss ways to increase access to justice in Ghana. The forum was attended by some legal practitioners, law lecturers, and law students from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). Mr Emhoff said the donation was a show of commitment of the US in supporting the Commission to address the bottlenecks that confronted its daily operations and hampered access to justice delivery. The US is committed to support access to justice across the world [including Ghana]. The US will continue to uphold justice now, and for many years to come, Mr Emhoff said. On behalf of the Government, Justice Sowa, expressed appreciation to the US government for the kind gesture, noting that legal regulations in Ghana were adequate to tackle challenges in the legal aid system. She was quick to add that such regulations were fine on paper and needed human and financial resources to make them work to increase legal aid to those who needed it and promote access to justice. She noted that Ghana had made strides with its Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977), which had enhanced access to justice delivery to people who needed legal representation in criminal matters in addition to Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR). Justice Nene Amegatcher, a justice of the Supreme Court, called on the Government to support the Commission with an adequate financial and human resources to implement its mandate fully. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Jonathan Osei Owusu, Founder and Executive Director of POS Foundation (a human rights and youth development centred NGO), commended the US for the donation. He, however, noted that considering the magnitude of the work done by the Commission, the Government needed to provide more support for its operations. Ms Harris' visit is to deepen economic relations with the country in areas, including economic empowerment of women and girls, youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and climate change. After her three-days in Ghana, Harris, together with her husband would depart to Tanzania for two days, before ending their trip to Africa in Zambia. GNA 27.03.2023 LISTEN In this article, I argue for the centrality of forgiveness in Christian discipleship by examining its proactive nature, its role in developing a life of action and freedom, and its extreme contrast to worldly norms and ideals. The forgiveness of sins is not simply granted in response to a person's request for forgiveness. Instead, forgiveness is the conscious decision to let go of resentment and hatred against the one who has harmed us, so returning what was previously lost. The biblical precept of forgiving seventy times seven times (Matthew 18:21-22) emphasises the continuous nature of forgiveness. Beginning our road towards forgiveness are simple, deliberate actions of grace. God promised forgiveness to those who repent, but we should seek and grant it without delay. By forgiving others, we release ourselves from the weight of anger and resentment and make room for love and compassion. As we accept forgiveness, we become agents of compassion and mercy in our interactions with others, participating in God's redemptive work in the world. The strong have the ability to forgive; the weak cannot. Due to the fact that it deviates from societal norms and ideals, it is frequently viewed as a radical act. Although the world frequently emphasises vengeance and retaliation, forgiveness ends the cycle of violence and promotes peace and healing. It takes power to forgive since it includes making the deliberate choice to fight the want to take revenge. As followers of Christ, we are obligated to emulate his ability to forgive and love those who have wronged us, no matter how challenging or expensive that may be. Although while forgiving others might be difficult, doing so eventually results in genuine freedom and spiritual development. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." - Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34) The definition of love is to love without limits, which serves as a constant reminder of the greatest example of mercy and loveJesus Christ. As his disciples, we are obligated to follow in his footsteps and forgive our adversaries, even when doing so is difficult or expensive. This unconventional method of forgiving emphasises the transformational power of Christ's love and provides a way to rapprochement and healing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and become his grace's instruments in a fallen world. This idea of forgiving and loving our adversaries displays our dedication to Christ's teachings and is a defining element of Christian discipleship. Through practising mercy and forgiveness, we reflect God's love for others and contribute to the development of a more compassionate and equitable society. The world becomes kinder and more just with a little kindness, demonstrating the healing power of forgiveness. Being forgiving is a permanent mindset, not a one-time deed. It involves making a decision that calls for strength, bravery, and dedication rather than merely being a passive reaction to evil. By making the decision to forgive, we release the weight of resentment and bitterness, allowing our hearts to be more receptive to love and compassion. In addition, forgiving is a radical act that offers a way to peace and healing by challenging societal conventions and ideals. In the end, forgiving others is necessary if you want to live a life of action and freedom in Christ. As disciples, we are obligated to imitate Jesus, who showed the depths of God's compassion for everyone by pardoning even his adversaries. We may affect change in our relationships, communities, and the world at large by practising forgiveness. Remind us of the selflessness and grace needed to follow the road of forgiveness and discipleship by teaching us to offer without considering the cost. Never return insult with insult or injure with injure. Instead, return evil for good since you were called to this so that you would inherit good. Through facilitating personal healing and establishing stronger bonds among families, churches, and society at large, forgiveness plays a critical role in the growth and development of both individuals and communities. The positive impact that forgiveness may have on our lives is seen by how we can respond to evil with benefits. Despite these flaws, forgiveness is necessary to preserve good relationships. We frequently discover that people who have chosen to share our suffering and touch our wounds with a warm and sensitive hand mean the most to us, demonstrating the importance of empathy and understanding in our relationships. We do not just experience joy. We must continually and consciously choose joy. Joy and forgiveness go hand in hand. By choosing to forgive others, we free ourselves from the weight of bitterness, resentment, and wrath, creating room in our lives for pleasure and serenity. It is only through the practise of forgiveness that it is possible to actively choose joy every day. Do not surrender yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and hallelujah is our hymn. This remark is a potent reminder that as Christians, we are expected to celebrate the triumph of life over death by becoming a people of hope and resurrection. By embodying the redemptive power of Christ's love and giving hope and healing to a broken world, we may live out this calling by choosing to forgive. Christian discipleship requires the practise of forgiveness because it promotes a life of action, freedom, and transformation. We identify ourselves with Christ's teachings and take part in his restorative mission in the world by consciously choosing to forgive. As we work to create a more compassionate and just society, it is important to remember that tomorrow is now. We have seen that forgiveness is a transformational force in the lives of Christian disciples by looking at the proactive nature of forgiveness, its role in encouraging a life of action and freedom, and its stark contrast to the standards and values of the world. May we continue to choose compassion, love, and forgiveness, reflecting the grace of Christ and acting as change agents in our relationships, neighbourhoods, and the larger world. In summary, there is no disputing the transformational effect of forgiveness in Christian discipleship. As we imitate Christ, we not only experience our own healing but also help the others around us recover. By making the decision to forgive, we are able to release ourselves from the bonds of resentment, bitterness, and rage and embrace a life of love, compassion, and understanding. As disciples, let us be aware of our responsibility to act as agents of transformation in a society that frequently craves vengeance and retaliation. Instead, let's resolve to follow Christ's example of forgiveness and compassion as we seek to create a more fair and peaceful world. By doing this, we demonstrate God's mercy and love in a tangible way to others, encouraging others to also choose forgiveness, which eventually changes lives and communities. William Gomes is a freelance journalist and human rights activist. Email him at [email protected] and follow @Wnicholasgomes on Twitter for the latest updates and insights on pressing social issues. Rwanda opposition figure Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired a Hollywood movie on the country's genocide, arrived in Qatar on Monday, three days after being released from prison, diplomats said. The 68-year-old, whose 25-year jail term was commuted by President Paul Kagame, was to undergo medical checks and rest before flying to the United States on Wednesday, the diplomats told AFP. "He needs care but will fly on to the US on Wednesday," said one Doha-based diplomat following the case. Rusesabagina was released late Friday after 938 days in prison under an accord, mediated by Qatar, between the US government and Rwanda. Reportedly in fragile health, Rusesabagina stayed at the Qatar ambassador's residence in Kigali before flying to Doha. Qatar authorities did not immediately confirm his arrival in the Gulf state. Rusesabagina was a hotel manager who helped save hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide. His story was turned into "Hotel Rwanda" featuring Don Cheadle. But Rusesabagina became a fierce critic of Rwanda's longstanding leader Kagame and formed his own political party. Rusesabagina left Rwanda in 1996 for Belgium but his family said he was tricked into taking a flight in 2020 that was diverted to Kigali. Rusesabagina was convicted in September 2021 of backing an armed rebel group after a trial that his supporters denounced as a sham. He was tortured whilst in detention, according to his family. Talks on a release started at the end of 2022 and final details were hammered out last week when Kagame met Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in Doha, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said. In an October 2022 letter released by the government on Friday, Rusesabagina pledged to leave "Rwandan politics behind me" and spend the rest of his life in the United States in exchange for clemency. A federal court in Abuja, Nigeria ordered the detention of CrossRiverWatch publisher Agba Jalingo for allegedly publishing false news that caused 'annoyance, ill will and insult,' on March 27, 2023. (Photo Credit: CrossRiverWatch) 28.03.2023 LISTEN A federal court in Abuja, Nigerias capital, on Monday ordered the detention of CrossRiverWatch publisher Agba Jalingo for allegedly publishing false news that caused annoyance, ill will and insult, in violation of Nigerias Cybercrimes Act, according to a report by the outlet and CrossRiverWatch editor Jonathan Ugbal, who spoke to CPJ by phone. The charge relates to a June 2022 CrossRiverWatch article alleging that Elizabeth Alami Frank Ayade, sister-in-law to Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, paid someone to take a law school exam for her. Authorities in Nigeria should swiftly ensure the release of CrossRiverWatch publisher Agba Jalingo, drop the charges against him, and allow him to work freely, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. Frivolous detention and criminalization of journalism in Nigeria have become far too commonplace, and legislators must reform the countrys laws to prevent this. Jalingos next court date is scheduled for March 30, when his bail application will be heard. In August 2022, authorities arrested Jalingo following a complaint from Elizabeth Ayade and charged him under the Cybercrimes Act in December 2022. In 2019 and 2020, Jalingo was arrested and detained for nearly six months over his reporting about Governor Ben Ayade. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese communications chip supplier CMIND-SEMI recently announced the completion of its Pre-A+ financing round, which was led by China Creation Ventures, and also attracted some existing investors like Walden International and Legend Capital, according to a post on CMIND-SEMIs WeChat account. The proceeds raised in this round will mainly be used for the industrialization of the company's 4G-enabled chips and the R&D of its 5G chip products. The latest move marked the third financing rounds the company closed over the past year. Photo credit: CMIND-SEMI CMIND-SEMI was established in 2021 and is headquartered in Hengqin island, Zhuhai city, Guangdong Province. It has set up product R&D centers in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xian, Shenzhen cities, and some regions outside of China. Its team consists of professionals from leading domestic and international communications companies, with most core members having more than 15 years of experience in R&D of cellular communications chips. CMIND-SEMI focuses on providing advanced 4G- and 5G-enabled wireless communications chips and integrated solutions, aiming to becoming a new global leader in intelligent connectivity chip technology, said the company. Its product planning covers the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV: Modem/T-BOX/C-V2X), and smartphone markets. Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central who doubles as the Deputy Minister for Interior, Hon. Naana Eyiah has donated food items to be distributed to Moslems in support of the Holy month of Ramadan. The items include 100 bags of Sugar, 30 bags of rice, 10 boxes of Yellow label Lipton Tea, cartons of milk, packs of bottled and sachet waters among others. Presenting the items at a brief ceremony held at Gomoa Ekwamkrom last Saturday, Hon. Naana Eyiah saluted Moslems across the globe for emmarking on a spiritual exercise that would bring peace, stability and coexistence. "This presentation is an annual ritual of supporting the 26 Moslem communities in the Gomoa Central Constituency to support them in this Holy Month of Ramadan. "I always thank God for the peaceful coexistence between Moslems and other religions bodies that had existed for many years which has facilitated economic growth and infrastructure development in Gomoa Central Constituency. "This is my widow's mite to encourage my Moslem brothers and sisters and to encourage them to pray for His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led NPP Government and me, as their Member of Parliament for Allah to bless our handiwork of providing better policies that would improve standard of living for Ghanaians. "I also want you as Moslems to pray for the well-being of every Ghanaian during this Holy Month and plead for modest celebration at the end of the Ramadan fast. "Let me take this opportunity to say that I want to contest once again as the Parliamentary Candidate on the ticket of the NPP when nominations opens for potential candidates to pick up forms for NPP primaries in Gomoa Central. I therefore need your support and encouragement. "It is an open secret that Naana Eyiah is doing what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do, it was through your prayers that led me to where am I today so I have to share every little resources with you and encourage you to rally behind me and the NPP Government in our quest to win the 2024 General Elections," he stated. The Gomoa Central District Chief Imam, Alhaji Mohammed Idriss Attah who received the items on behalf of the Moslem communities thanked the Member of Parliament for the donation which he said would cushion Moslems financially during their 30-day fasting and prayers. He assured that they would used the period of Ramadan Mubarak to pray for peace and stability in the country and also for President Akufo Addo led NPP Government to formulate pro-poor policies that would reduce economic crisis and other anti-social activities in the country. The Gomoa Central Constituency Nasara Coordinator of the NPP, Alhaji Baba Musa commended Hon. Naana Eyiah for her kind gesture of supporting Moslems in the Holy Month of Ramadan. He expressed his gratitude to the MP for her cordial relationship with the Moslem communities in the Gomoa Central Constituency noting that they would support every step she takes in her endeavour to make life meaningful for people in her constituency. Present were the District Chief Executive for Gomoa Central, Hon. Benjamin kojo Otoo, Presiding Member for Gomoa Central District Assembly, Hon. Kweku Nyarko Koomson, Former Gomoa Central constituency Chairman of the NPP , Alhaji Omar Adam and Former Deputy constituency Organizer, Mr. George Obeng. Trade between the United States and Africa has decreased by roughly half over the last 15 years. China, which has already established itself as the principal partner for the majority of the countries on the continent, is quickly capturing the African market. Additionally, Russia has increased its involvement in Africa by delivering food, ammunition, and fertilizer, as a result, the fortunes of the United States and Western nations, are deteriorating in Africa. The administration of President Joe Biden is, therefore, trying to regain the loss of Africa, hence, US Vice President Kamala Harris left for an African tour and within three days, she intends to visit Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia. Is it still possible, or is it too late? The Chinese have emerged as one of the top nations in a technologically advanced globe when it comes to technological innovation and now colonizing Africa through loans to African nations. The state of California elected Kamala Harris as its attorney general in 2010, but despite after 400 years of the abolition of slavery, African-Americans were still held in servitude. Therefore, she is just concerned with what the US government will benefit from the continent of Africa; her presence on the Black Continent does not indicate that she is concerned about the people. In December, at the African Summit in Washington, the US government promised to allocate $55 billion to the continent, mainly for food security and green energy. 55 billion dollars sound great, however, the turnout will be very little if 54 countries are assisted. For example, China and Africa's trade volume alone hit a record $282 billion last year. Since they don't impose their will or tell them what to do, China and Russia are now preferred by many African nations over the US. The US government believes it is time to primarily build up its military contingent in Africa to stay there, if not with money then at least by force, and they offer Africans to cooperate as if not to the detriment of relations with China and Russia. Congress has threatened the consequences for African nations that do not adhere to the Western sanctions policy, notwithstanding this. Joe Biden thinks sending the African-American Kamala Harris is an attempt to make things very easy for the US government. However, Africans nowadays are too wise to be taken for granted. Considering that African-Americans still experience severe prejudice and discrimination despite decades of the abolition of slavery, I don't think Kamala can convince Africans that the US government approves of them. The developed nations referred to Africa as the "Third World," but this is the same continent that they have been consuming resources from and purposefully causing economic instability to make life difficult for people. Therefore, if you see Kamala Harris in Africa today, it doesn't because she likes Africans; rather, she is there as part of a US government initiative to strengthen ties with African nations and oppose the rising power of China and Russia. China has made significant investments in Africa in recent years, particularly in infrastructure and resource development. Russia's influence has also grown on the continent, particularly as a result of the establishment of the Russian private military corporation Wagner. Soon after landing in Ghana, the first stop of a tour that also includes stops in Tanzania and Zambia, Harris stated, "During this trip, I intend to work to increase investment on the continent and promote economic growth and opportunity." Ghanaians are also aware that she will speak about the legalization of the LGBTQ agenda there, however; this will never happen since Ghana respects its rich cultural legacy and won't ever sell its soul for money to allow the legalization of homosexuality on its soil. French president Emmanuel Macron launched a counter offensive on the eve of a tenth day of mass demonstrations against his government's pension reform, which would increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. Macron convened a phalanx of his most trusted advisors and ministers, as criticism rained down on his administration over allegations of police brutality and the foolhardy fervour of trying to implement his flagship policy. Between 650,000 and 900,000 people are expected to march throughout France against the reform plans on Tuesday. Authorities predict between 70,000 and 100,000 in Paris. One person at the meeting, who asked to remain anonymous, said Macron had called for the lines of communications with the trades unions to remain open. On Monday, Laurent Berger, the leader of the CFDT trade union, urged the government to make a significant gesture on pension reform. "The government is going to have to make a major effort on the retirement question," Berger said on national television. "They are going to have to say: 'The increase of the working life to 64 years is off the table.' "I am worried about the situation," Berger added. "But I'm telling the president and the Prime Minister that there is a way out, and that it requires an effort on their part." Cyril Chabanier, president of the CFTC union, said: "We want to discuss the subject of pensions, and in particular the method of financing, and therefore the postponement of the legal age. "The other subjects are important, and it would have been good to discuss them before making this reform and not afterwards. But we can't move on to other subjects until we have settled the one that is holding us up at the moment." Travel disruptions According to the Paris public transport operator RATP, metros and suburban trains will be badly disrupted on Tuesday. About one third of junior school teachers have announced their intention to strike. Rubbish collectors in the capital are continuing their strike, with nearly 8,000 tonnes of garbage still piled up in the streets. France's civil aviation authority has told airlines at Orly airport in Paris, as well as the Marseille, Bordeaux and Toulouse airports, to cancel 20 percent of flights on both Tuesday and Wednesday. During his meeting at the Elysee Palace, Macron is said to have accused the opposition France Unbowed party of trying to create trouble. Police have come under fire over the way some of the protests have been handled. The Council of Europe said on Friday that peaceful protesters and journalists had to be protected from police violence and arbitrary arrest. On Sunday the IGPN, the internal affairs unit of the French police, said it had launched 17 investigations into incidents since the protests began. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of Nigerias president-elect Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to offer their support to her father give his best to the nation. She made this call at the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigerias (ADSN) 28th annual Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayer for the nation on Saturday in Abuja. The event was hosted at the ADSN Central Mosque in Maitama under the theme "Ramadan: Islam and Good Governance: the Role of Muslims." Folashade said her father would not fail Nigerians but needed their support and prayers to succeed. "I call on Nigerians to pray and support our president-elect to make him succeed in making Nigeria the best for all. He cannot do it alone, and Nigerians must support him, even after the elections," Tinubus daughter said. She urged religious leaders to continue to pray for the peace, security, and development of Nigeria. "Those at the helm of affairs must help the needy, and those also not in leadership positions must help the needy to engender societal and national development," she said. President Nana Akufo-Addo says the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill currently before Parliament will meet the aspirations of all when it's passed into law. The Bill considered by many as an anti-LGBTQ+ law seeks to criminalize homosexuality. Speaking to journalists at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said he has had an extensive briefing on the Bill. President Akufo-Addo is hopeful that Parliament will come out with a responsible response on the bill. The Bill is going through Parliament, the Attorney General is doing its part regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of its provisions and Parliament is dealing with it. At the end of the process, I will come in, but in the meantime, Parliament is dealing with it. And I know that the Parliament of Ghana will show us what its done in its past. First of all, its a sensitive human rights issue, as well as the feelings of our population and will come up with a responsible response to the proposal, President Akufo-Addo stated. The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs is expected to present its report on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill this week. This is according to Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and a proponent of the bill, following a meeting with the Attorney General. Among other things, the Bill proposes jailterm for people who engage in same-sex and persons who promote such activities. citinewsroom The Ga Dangbe Council has vented its spleen on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for arrogating to itself the Ga Community Centre in the Central Business District (CBD) of the Accra. According to the Council, the Assembly instead of handing over the centre to the traditional authorities is using it as a source of revenue. The Ga Community Centre is adjacent to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and opposite the Judicial Service along the beach road. The AMA over the years has been using part of the Ga Community Centre for the motor court and as a parking lot where it charges a fee for usage. The president of the Ga Dangbe Council, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, raised concerns about the state of the Ga Community Centre when he inaugurated some 13 standing committees of the Council over the weekend. He argued that the centre being used as a car park is making the AMA huge sums of money while the people of Ga Mashie do not have a community centre. He said the lack of a community centre has led to the blocking of streets for funerals and other social gatherings in the Ga Mashie area. In my view, the concerns which motivated the founders to establish the Council have not receded or diminished but have reached gargantuan proportions and, like the hurricane or monsoon winds, are sweeping away the gains made, he said. He observed that: Ga Dangbe language was widely spoken and taught in schools; Ga Dangme books were in abundance; church services; singing and preaching were all done in the Ga Dangbe language and interpreted in Akan but all these have gone missing in recent times. ''Our foods were prepared and sold widely, and we all knew Yoo ke Gari or Yoo ke Tatale (to wit Beans and Gari) today we hear the same food being referred to as Gobe, he bemoaned. He revealed that not too long ago, the top echelons of the public and civil service were manned by Ga Dangbes. Today Ga Dangbes are compelled to write or give investigation and caution statements in the Twi language to their successful criminal defence, he added. He recalled the Makola Market was full of successful Ga Dangme traders who controlled the market; although most Ga Dangme traders at Makola were illiterate in the English language and only fluent in Ga yet they funded the education of their children. They built houses rather than their husbands who were mostly civil and public servants earning salaries; I am a proud beneficiary of the largesse of my Makola mum, he noted. As children, we were entertained at night, before the advent of television, by Kpanlogo and other folk songs and dancing; later, there was the redoubtable Mr Mensah and his Adabraka Drama Troupe, La Akai Drama Troup, etc. who entertained in the Ga language on national TV, he recalled. Hitherto, there was respect for the Ga Mantse and we had Kpehe were chiefs visiting Accra had to be met and welcomed. Accra lands were controlled by chiefs, quarters and families but today most of our lands are controlled by non-indigenes. Almost all our MPs were of Ga Dangme extraction and, therefore, had a strong Ga Dangme caucus but today the caucus is referred to as Greater Accra caucus to the extent that when considering regional balance in appointments, a cynical view is taken that Akans and non-indigenes are considered as part of Ga Dangmes, he noted. He disclosed that libation is no longer poured at national functions and Akan cultures are used to welcome foreign dignitaries. Our beautiful Dipo dance which rivals Adowa and also our Obonu, Kome and Kpanlogo dances have all been shunted aside, he charged. Today, we have concerns such as the need to salvage whatever is left of our heritage and culture, our political survival as a people, our chieftaincy institutions, our lands, our language, and our marriages and funerals institutions all in danger with some Ga Dangmes observing one-week celebrations after the demise of a family member. I shudder to think of what will happen to the Ga Dangme tree after its leaves have been shed and the branches withered away, he concluded. Source: Classfmonline.com The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Forum has called for a thorough investigation to fish out those 31 Members of Parliament (MPs) who flouted the partys directive and voted for the presidents nominees during the secret voting last Friday in Parliament. In a statement issued in Accra and signed by the spokesperson of the Youth Forum, Mr Ransford Lartey, the group expressed the urgent need to identify these moles in NDC's parliamentary caucus and deal with them decisively before going into the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. We dont want them to keep stabbing us in our back and the earlier the National Executives deal with them, the better. "These 31 MPs have no conscience and failed to consider the plight of Ghanaians by allowing their greed and parochial interest to lead them. "We now know they are the main saboteurs of our great NDC party," the statement said. "The nation of Ghana remembers the last time they disappointed the party and as well as Ghanaians by passing Hawa Koomson, Ken Ofori-Atta et al and that has as a result put the nation in a mess, going around begging for debt forgiveness," the statement added. The group urged the party hierarchy to make the findings of the investigation public, so delegates can vote them out during parliamentary primaries slated for Saturday, May 13, 2023. We believe if this is done it would ensure one touch victory come December 2024." The statement, among others, further urged the rank and file of the party to unite and give the National Executive Committee the maximum cooperation and support during this house cleansing exercise by providing useful and relevant pieces of information in this regard. "The forerunners of this great party have sacrificed a lot for this party, to the extent that some people even have lost their lives to make the NDC a major reputable political organisation. "Therefore, no individual greed and poisonous motive will be given room to destroy many years of pain and sleepless nights of the NDC partys faithful," it stated. "We maintain that nobody is bigger than our GREAT NDC party. "We shall not fail this nation by endorsing this clueless New Patriotic Party and President Nana Addo's family and friends' government," it stressed. Source: Classfmonline.com Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris will this morning, 28th March 2023 deliver a major speech to an audience of young people at the Black Star Square, Accra. This is the highlight of her trip to Ghana. The event is expected to commence at exactly 10am where she will engage the young people. Ahead of the public address which she will deliver, there has been a tight security undertaken by the American Security Services where the guests attending the event will be screened. The visit by Harris, who is traveling with her husband, Doug Emhoff, focuses on economic development, climate change, and food security. Harris today will also visit the Cape Coast slave castle, which will include a tour and a set of remarks there. She will, at the Cape Coast Castle, speak about the brutality of slavery and the African Diaspora. In Accra, the Vice President will again meet with women entrepreneurs and discuss the economic empowerment of women, at this setting, she will announce a series of continent-wide public and private sector investments to help close the digital gender divide and to empower women economically. DGN online The Awudome traditional area in the Volta region has recognised Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin as a title chief of the area. The Chiefs and people of Awudome Traditional area in the Volta Region formerly presented the Speaker to the Parliamentary Board as a title chief of Awudome with the stool name, Togbe Nutefeworla I at a ceremony on Monday, 27 March 2023. The title is one of the highest honours of the area. Speaking at the ceremony, Paramount Chief of the Awudome Traditional Area, Togbega Addai Kwesi Djanie XIII said the enstoolment of the Speaker was in recognition of his good leadership of the house and integrity. Togbega Djanie XIII, therefore, called on the house to accord the speaker all curtsies deserving of a chief. Having followed the Speakers political career over time and having satisfied ourselves with the Speakers regard for integrity, the Awudome Traditional Council took a decision to build an everlasting relationship with his person, his character and his principles. This decision by the council congregated in installing him as a chief with the title Togbe Nutefeworla (I), the Awudome Paramount chief noted. Expressing his appreciation to the people of Awudome, the Speaker stressed on the importance of the honour done him and pledged his commitment to continue to be impartial in the exercise of his duty. I dont take this title lightly at all. The recognition of me as a King of Integrity is a serious thing and I want to assure the good people of Awudome Area that I will continue the same way of impartiality, the Speaker stated. He continued that: It is the institution of Parliament that can really hold the executive arm of government to account to Ghanaians the money and resources that have been entrusted in their hands. Have they utilised it to the benefit of Ghanaians? So if you dont have such a parliament that can stand the demands of the executive, they run over parliament and they do anything and youll never know. Thats why I support the hang parliament. Speaker Bagbin also expressed a desire for a minority government. According to him such a phenomenon will help put failing governments on its toes. I may even go beyond that to have a minority government where the majority MPs are in opposition but a sterling leader is elected to be president of Ghana. The speaker will formally be introduced to the general public in a special ceremony later. Source: classfmonline.com Global outrage over Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year has only served to expose the West's "double standards" towards human rights abuses throughout the world, Amnesty International said on Tuesday. In its annual world report for 2022, Amnesty pointed to what it described as the West's silence on Saudi Arabia's rights record, repression in Egypt and Israel's treatment of the Palestinians. "The West's formidable response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine underscored double standards, exposing in comparison how inconsequential their reactions have been to so many other violations of the UN Charter," said Amnesty secretary general Agnes Callamard as she presented the group's world report in Paris. Russia's full-scale assault, which began on February 24, 2022, "gave us an all too rare view of what becomes possible when there is political will to act" as the West closed ranks to support Ukraine, she added. Many countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and opened their borders to Ukrainian refugees after the invasion, while the International Criminal Court launched an investigation into war crimes in Ukraine. But Amnesty said the conflict had highlighted shortcomings in responding to abuses in other parts of the globe. 'Deafening silence' It singled out the West's "deafening silence on Saudi Arabia's human rights record, inaction on Egypt and the refusal to confront Israel's system of apartheid against Palestinians". Amnesty, fellow rights watchdog Human Rights Watch and a UN special rapporteur have concluded that Israel's treatment of Palestinians amounts to apartheid, or segregation on grounds of race, a charge the Israeli state denies. Amnesty secretary general Agnes Callamard presented the group's world report for 2022 in Paris. By Fabrice COFFRINI (AFP/File) Last year, "successive Israeli governments rolled out measures forcing more Palestinians from their homes, expanding illegal settlements, and legalising existing settlements and outposts across the occupied West Bank", Amnesty said. But despite this -- and despite Israeli forces killing "at least 153 civilians, including dozens of children" in the occupied West Bank -- Western nations failed to demand an end to that "system of oppression", it said. In Saudi Arabia, human rights activists continued to languish in prison, people were jailed for their opinions after "grossly unfair trials", 81 men were put to death in a single day, and migrants died in custody. In Egypt, the group said, thousands of human rights defenders, journalists, protesters and alleged dissidents lingered behind bars, and "torture remained rampant". Although European countries welcomed Ukrainian refugees, they did not show the same kindness to people fleeing fighting in Syria, Afghanistan and Libya, Amnesty said. The United States also welcomed Ukrainians, "yet under policies and practices rooted in anti-Black racism, it expelled more than 25,000 Haitians between September 2021 and May 2022, and subjected many to torture and other ill-treatment", the group said. 'No blueprint' Amnesty also stressed the failure of global institutions "to respond adequately to conflicts killing thousands of people, including in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Yemen". "The deadliest conflict in 2022 was not in Ukraine but in Ethiopia," said Callamard, "away from world's attention". All in all, the war in Ukraine "diverted resources and attention away from the climate crisis, other long-standing conflicts and human suffering the world over", Amnesty said. Last year was dismal for women's rights too. The US Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion. In Iran, "women died for dancing, for singing, for not wearing a veil" as people rose up in protests against the country's Islamic system, Callamard said. In Afghanistan, under the Taliban, women were turned into "mere objects to be treated in any way a man desires, and with utter impunity". Yet "there was no evidence to be found in 2022, that the international response to the Ukraine crisis would become a blueprint for consistent and coherent responses to conflicts and crises", she said. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- CATL recently signed an agreement with HGP, a USA-based battery energy storage project development company, for a 450MWh battery energy storage supply project, according to a post on CATLs WeChat account. The two parties will also establish a long-term partnership to promote the implementation of up to 5GWh utility-scale and distributed energy storage projects, so as to meet the ever-increasing demands for renewable energy in Texas, USA. Photo credit: CATL The said 450MWh energy storage project will be deployed in Texas and is expected to begin commercial operation in 2024. CATL will provide HGP with the EnerC outdoor containerized liquid-cooling battery system, which features high safety, long service life, and high integration. With IP55 and C5 anti-corrosion protection, EnerC is able to meet the requirements of various harsh climatic conditions, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the whole system for 20 years. Thanks to CATL's integrated liquid cooling system, the project's safe and reliable operation will be further ensured, said the Chinese battery supplier. This collaboration will fully leverage CATL's advanced battery technologies and HGP's expertise in energy infrastructure and energy storage resource development, providing the market with more convenient solutions to meet the ever-growing demands for clean energy in Texas and other regions in North America. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, HGP is a leading developer of energy infrastructure and energy storage resources, with decades of market experience in deploying grid investment-grade energy storage assets. 28.03.2023 LISTEN This the final part of my 3-parts politically progressive article whereby I have being presenting issues reflecting re-introduction of Nkrumah, so-called African Personality of the Century as the first African leader to physically assault a prominent traditional ruler in the person of my grandpa ex-Mansenhene Nana Kwesi Ansu in 1958 and the killing of the then opposition leader, Ghana Founder J. B. Danquah in 1965. As I reiterate in all the other 2 parts of the articles, I am reiterating the call on the ruling NPP government to help Ghana gain its second independence from his followers of today as they are imitating his deeds on me too, grandchild and their chosen scapegoat of Kwesi Ansu. The two primary problems of this country are our 1992 Nkrumahist constitution and Nkrumahists National Security Agency or Intelligence Agency call BNI or NIB. Is high time the Danquah Busia political tradition frame their own constitution for this country and create its own national security agency since they always allow the Nkrumah and Rawlings people to do that and they become just operatives of it. Is like Essau selling his birth rights for morsel of food. This must stop. As the initials letters of NPP denote NEVER PERMIT PROBLEMS, they must never permit this problem to persist in this country. The creation of a new intelligence agency by the Danquah Busia political fraternity is feasible just like former Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev did it with KGB of Putin which Ghanas BNI was modeled after. Note it was Gorbachev that collapsed the Soviet Union in 1990 opting for American ideals or concepts of development and abandoning their own which Nkrumah and his cohorts follows. Ghanas Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996 (Act 526) passed by neo-Nkrumahists, the NDC led by Rawlings mentioned part 3 as the internal and external intelligence agencies portion and its section 10 states CONTINUATION in existence of national security intelligence agencies. The departments existing immediately before the coming into force of this Act and known as the BUREAU OF NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS and the Research Department respectively are hereby continued in existence under this Act as the internal and external intelligence Agencies of the state. Actually, the BNI existed during the PNDC military revolution era and continued into the 1992 democratic regime of Rawlings and his NDC and continued into the 1996 democratic regime and has continued in all regimes till date hence empowering them to sponsor all the atrocities against Ghanaians especially so-called enemy families of Nkrumah. BNI or NIB have the power with their use of sophisticated state secret energy weapons such as iBrain or Brain Hacking (Brain Decoder), Voice to Skull (V2K), EEG Heterodyning Cloning, Remote Neural Monitoring (RNM), Wireless Usage of the Eye as Digital & Video Camera, Electronic Harassment and Voice Mimicking Machine, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) etc to stop any crime but the problem is most a times they dont because of their hatred for Ghanaians both civilian and military for supporting Nkrumahs overthrow. An instance is the recent killing of the military officer at Ashaiman by a mob that is under their control to stop. Other times they even partner with criminals especially armed robbers and mobs and resource them to destroy and kill people like they did by killing the grandson of Ghana founder J. B. Danquah by name J. B. Danquah Adu Jnr and they are doing the same thing to me by partnering with criminals to torture, dehumanize and threaten me 24/7 because I am the grandson of Kwesi Ansu who they have chosen for scapegoatism attacks. Danquah and my grandfather were Nkrmamahs arch enemies especially my grandfather since his issues with Nkrumah were both personal and political (P2) unlike Danquah that was purely political. According to Kweku Baako Jnr the son of Kofi Baako (Nkrumahs minister of national security) on Joy Fms newsfile as I listened to him back in SHS days at Presec-Legon and later heard him repeat on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show hosted by Kwame Sefa Kay that my grandfather was most dreadful to Nkrumah and the only one who never got punished for his wars with Nkrumah. The Nkrumahists usage of the media is central to their operations as it makes them brainwash the people and turn them into whatever form of humans they wish for. Some of the ways Ghanas National Security or Intelligence Agency i.e. BNI or NIB operates are: 1. Create their own society within the Ghanaian society like the way the military is. Or better still, they have created their own general public within the Ghanaian general public. With this as one of their modus operandus, they can create a food joint and start selling a particular kind of food around a target of hate and make their own people patronize it to make it appear is a normal social occurrence of someone selling food and people just patronizing but is intended to lure their target of hate to also come over and buy the food and they will take over from there. They can even start operating a public transport, barbering salon, media, publishing house etc to be the ones to provide such service to their target of hate so to enable them control him or her or do whatever they wish to do. 2. Their methodology of forming the minds of the citizenry includes socialization system i.e political socialization, educational socialization, media socialization, family socialization, economic socialization and religious socialization as well as 24/7 in-dwelling among the public and dictating or setting agenda or leading debates and controlling it towards their interests. They dwell among the people and incite them to do evil. They for instance undermine the current government of NPP by leading and directing public debate calling for a third force when they know Ghana had a third force in NDC which they captured. This a plot to make their party the NDC come back to power but it can NEVER NEVER happen. I gather all these intelligence as I walked through ghettos of Accra such as Odorkor, Cycle, Darkuma, Lapaz, Kwashiman, Sowutuom, Israel, Bubushie etc 3. They determine or define the character of the Ghanaian state. They are on their own as they symbolize sovereignty. They operate their own budget and are not supervise by neither the executive or legislature. They control the system that is used to form the citizenry the way they want it. They provide information to the President, Vice President, government officials, military, parliamentarians, police etc for them to take decisions based on it and the information they provide are misleading as it aims at advancing their parochial interests at all times. Their prime responsibility is to organize and maintain the Ghanaian political society. They determine the composition of the Ghanaian state society so whatever the society is, good or bad is attributable to them. So all these issues about how the Ghanaian is like such as Pull-Him-Down phenomenon, envy of successful and rich people, insubordination to the elderly etc are formed in the Ghanaian by Ghanas national security agency led terrorist Nkrumahists fraternity. I will give more time to their modus operandi in a separate article Composition of the terrorist Nkrumah fraternity are followers of Nkrumah and CPP, followers of Rawlings, former Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) military government and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Party, followers of cousins ex-Dormaa King Osagyefo Nana Agyeman Badu I and current Dormaa King Osagyefo Nana Agyeman Badu II and the Dormaa and Gyaman tribal people, Chiefs and people of the Bono and Ahafo tribal groupings. Their tool of operation is their soldiers in Ghanas National Security Agency or Intelligence Agency, their constituency in the Ghana Police Force and Tiger Eye owned by Kweku Baako Jnr (Nkrumahist patron, Journalist, Politician and son of Nkrumahs former Minister for National Security by name Kofi Baako) and Anas Aremeyaw Anas (globally renowned undercover Journalist and mentee of Kweku Baako). Once again, the Tiger Eye undercover Journalist they recruited to lead a team in Europe to fake a case of gay and HIV/AIDs against me when I was in graduate school in Netherlands in 2011 is called Akwesi Osei-Nti or Akwesi Osei or Akwesi Nti or Akwesi Nti-Osei (all these names variations is just to avoid detection) who they made to become my school mate at Webster University in Leiden, Netherlands in order to do the operation. After the operation, he enrolled in University of Amsterdam and is now an adjunct lecturer at Linnaeus University in Sweden as reward. He was also hired as Ghanas spy in Europe. He is married to a Czech lady and are producing human beings of his caliber. Another person they use in the operation is the niece of Kwaku Baakos wife by name Priscilla Kingsley who Akwesi Nti-Osei and his team arranged to make her become my girlfriend in Netherlands. She actually followed her mothers instruction in the operation and had no direct knowledge of it. By: Kennedy Osei-Tutu (a.k.a. Kofi Ken-Nedy Osei-Tutu; a.k.a. Kofi Osei-Tutu) We are excited that our country is hosting a Vice President of the United States as we recall a similar visit by the then President Barack Obama. The visit to Ghana by Kamala Harris is auspicious coming at a time when both sides of the hemisphere need each other most in the midst of heightened shenanigans of global geopolitics. The world powers are busy seeking friends and deepening the already existing camaraderie as cheque diplomacy is rearing its head as the newfound policy of some powers, the bill fitting China. While we are principled in our foreign policy and stick out with our friends, we would restate our preference for mutual trust and sincerity. Diplomacy is moving at a fast pace and the US cannot be sitting in Washington not caring about recalibrating its relationship with its old friends. Not when China is aggressively and crudely doing so at this time. Mali recently asked France, their colonial masters, to leave as they make friends with Russia, which country's flag the citizens of the Francophone country were waving recently rather ignorantly having been fed with tales of milk and honey from Russia. There are a lot of investment opportunities in Ghana and even as we wait for international actors to come and invest here, we can only ask that when they do they should not be selfish in the pursuance of their goals, ours too being of significance to us. We recall the African Growth Opportunities Act which gave African countries preferential treatment for certain products from the continent in the US. It would be appropriate to determine how much the Act benefited us in Ghana or not. Today we have discovered lithium, a critical component of the electric car battery, in commercial quantities in the country and of course requiring serious investors who would not only invest here but add value to the mined stuff. Blocks of iron ore deposits from our large deposits of the natural resource are available for the consideration of American investors. A paradigm shift from the previous order of exploration should form the basis of all investments in especially the area of natural resource. Value addition of products before they are exported would be in our best interest so employment can be created and technology transfer ensured. Ghana's digitisation project is ongoing with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on the driving seat. This is an area in which the American comparative advantage would inure to our interest. It is our expectation that this segment would be highlighted during the discourse between our President and the first woman of colour to become a Vice President of the US. A proper and sincere management of this project would serve the purpose of the girls/women empowerment which is on the mind of Ms. Kamala Harris. We would also ask for special support for our science and technology education, a project which is in its infantile stage and into which government has pumped in so much already. Let the relationship between Ghana and for that matter Africa and the US be symbiotic, together we all can contribute towards building a world hinged on fair trade and progress. The Vice President of the USA has touched Ghana's ground and emotions are boiling, Ghana's blood in the heat of the moment. The "moral" oppression with a big paycheck in her language is demanding of Ghana to accept LGBTW+ laws and end accepting homophobia in the nation to be uplifted to the community of white values created by democratic elected western leaders regardless of western nations' traditions and values. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron demanded the same change of mind from former Ghana President Professor Atta Mills that refused any such idea as not in line with African tradition and values. Unlike a King or a Dictator Presidents consistently must look for an ever wider spectrum of voters to stay in power and still be meaningful and not seen by history as a failure. Values do not matter to them but political tactics and opportunities do. They play the chessboard game with their nations and let their egos fly like an eagle. Even if cash does not always take their minds above their nations the golden feelings that power brings into their hearts is the blood they live by. This is no matter the political color they have tattooed on their foreheads. In no population in which politicians changed the constitution any citizens were ever asked in a referendum about the value of this new form of marriage not language. This would have given the process and decision more fundamental credibility. Now as things had been decided only behind the scenes the real hearts and minds talk about being scared of forceful opposition and refusal reactions by the quiet masses. Others don't bother too much about the values of politics but go about their daily life as long as their lives are not negatively touched. Therefore it can only be speculated how many people in each western society truly accept same-sex marriages. The right time to ever find it out for the clarification of the issue has been missed but created a bittersweet taste. Only a financially independent nation with great and strong values can withstand outside pressure but make its people happy. Poverty after 66 years of independence and the watery values Ghana has demonstrated on all levels of society during the past two and a half generations demonstrates the power of the country to stand up for itself or not in the end. Tribalism and Polygamy do not help to stand united as a nation against the outside forces that like in the darkest days of African history again show their faces and demands. Wise African nations understand the light of the moment to demonstrate who they are on better grounds of values to make their nations strong, happy, proud, and be a raw model, a beacon of true humanity. Britain's King Charles III is due in Germany on Wednesday, in his first state visit as king after postponing a visit to France amidst political turmoil and protests against the government's pension reform. The decision to visit close neighbours is seen as an attempt to rebuild post-Brexit bridges, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the visit "an important European gesture" that underlines the close and heartfelt friendship between our countries and our citizens". Charles had wanted to make his first state visit as king to France, to highlight warming Franco-British relations, but the visit was postponed in the wake of protests against the French government's pension reforms. French President Emmanuel Macron's office said the decision was made "to welcome His Majesty King Charles III in conditions which reflect our friendly relations". Steinmeier said he had extended an invitation for Charles to visit Germany at the funeral of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September. Steinmeier and German first lady Elke Buedenbender will welcome Charles and Queen Consort Camilla with military honours at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the first time the landmark has provided a backdrop for receiving a state guest. Charles, who has visited Germany more than 40 times, will make a speech in the German federal parliament on Thursday, and he will meet refugees recently arrived from Ukraine. On Friday Charles will visit the northern port city Hamburg to tour a renewable energy project. (with AFP) President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday announced Ghanas acceptance of the invitation of the United States to join the Atlantic Cooperation as a founding member. The Atlantic Cooperation, an initiative of the United States, seeks to bring together all coastal countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean to explore opportunities to advance shared sustainable development and economic, environmental, scientific and maritime governance goals across the Atlantic in accordance with international laws. The initiative aims to foster a prosperous, open, peaceful and cooperative Atlantic region, building on shared capacity, innovative technologies and best practices developed by Atlantic nations to preserve the water body as a healthy, sustainable and resilient resource for future generations. Members of the community include the United States, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cote dIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ireland, Mauritania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Senegal, Spain and the United Kingdom President Akufo-Addo made the announcement at the State banquet in honour of the visiting U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, at the Jubilee House, Accra on Monday night. He said the government believed that such cooperation would provide the platform to develop shared approaches to the Atlantic Ocean issues and build on shared capacities and experiences for the benefit of the Atlantic Ocean region. As a coastal country bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Ghana recognizes that no country alone can solve the cross-boundary challenges in the Atlantic Ocean ranging from maritime security to environmental degradation. Ghana, therefore, welcomes and commits to exploring the numerous opportunities offered by the laudable initiative on Atlantic cooperation, he said. The Atlantic Ocean is home to important trade routes, significant natural resources and essential biodiversity. Challenges such as piracy, transnational organised crime, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, climate change, pollution and environmental degradation threaten the livelihood of the communities bordering the Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean also offers untapped economic potential, from natural resources to new technologies, with the Atlantic economy supporting 49 million jobs in Africa and generating some 21 billion dollars in Latin America. Two-thirds of the world's renewable energy is generated in the Atlantic, and the Gulf stream dictates the earths climate. On the economic front, the President said he was encouraged that more American companies were investing in Ghana. He said his administration would continue to create and maintain a conducive investment atmosphere that would guarantee the safety of investments and good returns. With Ghanas economy now focused on value-addition, President Akufo-Addo was happy that the countrys relations with the United States is now being focused on an increase in trade and investment cooperation. The President emphasized the shared positions of Ghana and the U.S. on the global agenda, especially the mutual attachment to the Paris Climate Accord, the strengthening of the multilateral system of international cooperation, the respect for the sovereignty of all nations great or small, the maintenance of international law and order, and the need to employ peaceful means to resolve disputes. We are however both resolute in the condemnation of our position on terrorism and violent extremism and Ghana within its means is determined to cooperate with the U.S. to fight the menaceto that end, we welcome the strong cooperation on security matters with the United States. President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance that Ghana would continue to collaborate with the United States at the bilateral and multilateral levels in finding solutions to challenges such as widespread poverty, irregular migration, insecurity and human rights violations. He emphasized that Ghanas history had been against great power domination of the affairs world and that was the reason Ghana led the fight for the liberation of the African continent from colonialism and imperialism and became one of the five initiators of the historic Non-Aligned Movement. It is the same principle that led Ghana to vote in the UN General Assembly in the motion condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it is a position we will continue to hold. Great powers of whatever ilk, including friendly ones, trampling on small nations is not something we welcome and within our modest means, we will register our disapproval of it, he stated. The President urged the United States to support Ghanas decision to seek help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to repair in the short term, the countrys public finances and restore its balance of payments. We will count on the support of the United States in reaching a good agreement with the IMF, which would set the stage for the strong recovery of Ghanas economy, he appealed. President Akufo-Addo reiterated Ghana's stand on the reform of the UN Security Council, saying we are committed to Africas common position on UN reform based on the Ezulwini Consensus and are anxious that the matter finds its way back quickly to the centre of the global agenda. He was pleased that great progress was being made on the reform of the UN Security Council, occasioned by the decision of the U.S. President to embrace the process. He was hopeful that the leaders of the other three Permanent members of the security council would also embrace the reform process as France had recently done. The time has come for the global community to undertake this much-needed reform which would bring greater effectiveness to work of the UN and the security council in the maintenance of international peace and security, he emphasized. Kamala Harris on her part said the Biden administration was committed to strengthening the ties that bound the two nations and their people. These ties are a source of strength and pride for both our countries, she said. The U.S. Vice President praised Ghanas leadership and advocacy on the world stage, which she said was not only vital but inspiring to many across the globe. Ghana is a leading voice for democracy and a leading voice in the march for freedom, justice and liberty. While we face challenges, I look around and I am truly more optimistic than ever and I know that by working together, the United States and Ghana, alongside the Diaspora and the people of this beautiful continent, will share and share our future for the better. Ms Harris is on a week-long trip to Africa that would take her to Tanzania and Zambia in a bid to deepen U.S-Africa relations. The Management of Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has issued a press release to rubbish the report suggesting that the hospital is the worst-performing hospital in the Northern Region. In its release, the management of the hospital said it would ordinarily ignore such reportage as unworthy of attention, given that it betrays the reporters lack of understanding of both the context and content of the subject matter. However, in the interest of truth, it has released a statement stressing that there is absolutely no basis for comparison between the TTH and facilities under the Northern Regional Health Directorate given that they operate at different levels. The Hospital says it is of the belief that the reportage is being circulated by some unscrupulous persons just to undermine the efforts of the hospital to become a medical training and research centre of excellence. We shudder to think or believe that this is a once more poorly rehearsed attempt to undermine a collective and enviable effort of the TTH in our quest to attain our vision as a hospital, which is; to become the center of excellence, medical training, and research, part of the release from the management of the hospital said. The release added, We dismiss the reportage as untruth and unhelpful and call on all our clients, partners, and stakeholders to do same. We believe in and cherish the confidence you have reposed in us and assured you that we are not jolted in the least by the poorly fabricated reportage. The management of the Tamale Teaching Hospital further stressed that it is focused on delivering on its mandate as a teaching hospital. We remain proud of our evolution, our strides and are equally excited about our prospects going into the future as we continue to grapple with known challenges. We have no idea why the report was published, and we have no faith in the source of the alleged rating exercise, the release signed by Emmanuel S.K. Donkor, the Director of Administration at the hospital said. Read the full press release below: SUBJECT RE: TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL RANKED WORST PERFORMING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN REGION RELEASE: IMMEDIATE TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES The Management of Tamale Teaching Hospital has taken note of a media reportage, which claimed the TTH has been ranked the worst performing hospital in Northern Region. We ordinarily would ignore such reportage as unworthy of attention, given that it betrays the reporters lack of understanding of both the context and content of the subject matter. For the avoidance of doubts, there is absolutely no basis for comparison between the TTH and facilities under the Northern Regional Health Directorate given that we operate at different levels. Management also takes particular note of the obvious diversion by the reporter from the real subject matter of the day, i.e. the annual performance reviews of the Northern Regional Health Directorate. In doing so, the reporter disingenuously deprives patients/clients, and staffs of the Ghana Health Service in the region the opportunity of uplifting themselves of the challenges, strides made and prospects for the future. The Tamale Teaching Hospital is one of the five teaching hospitals in the country with the tripartite mandate of providing quality tertiary healthcare, conducting research and medical training. The teaching hospitals are each autonomous agencies under the Ministry of Health in match the same way as the Ghana Health Service. The point of convergence between us as a teaching hospital and the Ghana Health Service is as far as to the level of collaboration. It is therefore out of place to have a situation in which the Northern Regional Health Directorate could rank its health facilities and include the TTH. The Northern Regional Health Directorate represents a sub governance structure under the Ghana Health Service, but the teaching hospital is a one-stop governance structure with the governing board at its apex. The coincidence that the TTH is in the Northern Region, where the regional health directorate also exist should not to be confused to mean that the TTH is among the list of facilities under the Northern Regional Health Directorate. We shudder to think or believe that this is a once more poorly rehearsed attempt to undermine a collective and enviable effort of the TTH in our quest to attain our vision as a hospital, which is; to become the center of excellence, medical training and research. We dismiss the reportage as untruth and unhelpful and call on all our clients, partners and stakeholders to do same. We believe in and cherish the confidence you have reposed in us and assured you that we are not jolted in the least by the poorly fabricated reportage. We are focused on delivery on our mandate as a teaching hospital. We remain proud of our evolution, our strides and are equally excited about our prospects going into the future as we continue to grapple with known challenges. We have no idea why the report was published, and we have no faith in the source of the alleged rating exercise. However, given the unexpected public interest in this issue, we believe it is appropriate to educate both the public and the media at the same time. For further information, please contact the Public Affairs Directorate on 0242881674. SIGNED Emmanuel S.K. Donkor (Esq) Director of Administration Tamale Teaching Hospital On Tuesday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, expressed "deep concern at violence which has resulted in loss of life, damage to property and the interruption of certain economic activities" in Kenya. He called for calm. Faki's office released a statement urging all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint in the interest of national unity and reconciliation. Opposition leader Raila Odinga had earlier called for protests every Monday and Thursday, accusing President William Ruto of election theft and failing to control the high cost of living. The protests turned violent, with police firing tear gas in Nairobi and Kisumu, Odinga's stronghold. Looters also went on a rampage, and one man was shot dead in Kisumu. Faki's office expressed deep concern about the violence, loss of life, property damage, and the disruption of economic activities. The statement reiterated solidarity with and support for the Kenyan government and people's efforts towards national unity, peace, and stability. The situation in Kenya is further complicated by the difficulties faced by many Kenyans in buying basic necessities due to high prices, a plunging local currency, and a record drought that has left millions hungry. (With news agencies) Prof. Ransford Gyampo 28.03.2023 LISTEN Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has shared his view on the reported imposition of a financial advisor to Ghana by the US to help with the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Two foreign resident economic advisors are being imposed on Ghana in spite of the fact that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have time and again bragged that they have the men. The first one has been imposed on the Bank of Ghana by the IMF and the second one is being imposed by Kamala Harris, US Vice President, on the Ministry of Finance. Reacting to the latest development, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said he hopes the financial advisor being imposed by the US will be rejected by the Finance Minister. According to him, if the advisor is not rejected, the NPP government must offer an apology to Ghanaians. I hope our Veep and Finance Minister do not accept this imposition. If they do, then they would have to explain and apologise to Ghanaians about why we have the men and still need foreign economic advisors, Prof. Ransford Gyampo shared in a post on Facebook. The Political Science lecture added, If we truly have the men, then at least, the latest attempt at imposing a foreign economic advisor on us, must be rejected. Else, we must be told the truth about the state of the manpower resource base of this government. Read the full post by Prof. Ransford Gyampo below: We vowed never to go back to the IMF after being there 17 times because, we felt we had the men and were a proud nation capable of managing our affairs. But we have not only gone there again, we have the worse IMF situation. Two foreign resident economic advisors are being imposed on us, in spite of the fact that we have the men. The first one has been imposed on the Bank of Ghana by the IMF and the second one is being imposed by Kamala Harris, US Vice President, on the Ministry of Finance. I hope our Veep and Finance Minister do not accept this imposition. If they do, then they would have to explain and apologize to Ghanaians about why we have the men and still need foreign economic advisors. Ghana has fine brains advising governments all over the world. The NPP said it had the men capable of governing and managing our economy well. Where are they? Have they died? Have they left the country? Have they been marginalized? Where are the men? If they are truly in the NPP, why dont we use them? If they are in the NDC and other political parties, why dont we swallow our pride and go for them to help? If they are in academia and civil society, why dont we tap into them? If we truly have the men, then at least, the latest attempt at imposing a foreign economic advisor on us, must be rejected. Else, we must be told the truth about the state of the manpower resource base of this government. Yaw Gyampo A31, Prabiw PAV Ansah Street Saltpond Suro Nipa House Kubease Larteh-Akuapim All reactions: 320320 Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has described comments by the Vice President of the United States on LGBT issues as undemocratic. The US Vice President, Kamala Harris, during her engagement with President Akufo-Addo on Monday, said she had addressed the issue with the President and considers it a matter of human rights. Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the clergy, Alban Bagbin took a swipe at the US Vice President, Kamala Harris. I was so happy when I read that Pope Francis directed that no Reverend Father should celebrate over gay or lesbian marriage. Rome has spoken and its final, Committee members that we refer the Bill to dont be intimidated by any person. Please let the report flow, we will be guided by our constitution, so what are you afraid of? The Speaker added, as the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris did yesterday, these things should not be tolerated, that is undemocratic. What is democracy? That someone should have to dictate to me what is good and what is bad? Unheard of, because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging? Come on, we have more than enough. God has created more than enough for every person, the Bill will be passed. He also slammed President Akufo-Addo, saying he has no authority to intervene in the proposed Anti LGBT bill which is currently before Parliament. This a word to the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo theres no way he can intervene. That answer he gave, wait until we pass it and we will direct you to execute it, that is where you come in. In terms of the law which is part of the policy, we finalise it, then the executive has the authority to implement it. Lets get this clear, he stated. Former National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah has indicated that he believes the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has a big problem to deal with after the approval of President Akufo-Addos new ministerial appointees. For weeks the Minority in parliament and the NDC gave the Ghanaian people the assurance that the new ministerial appointees will be rejected. The argument was that the size of government is big and Ghana does not need new ministerial appointments to add to the burden on the public purse. However, last Friday when secret balloting was held in Parliament, many Minority MPs voted for all six ministerial appointees for them to be approved. Reacting to the outcome of the voting, Bernard Mornah has shared that the Minority has not only disappointed the NDC but the many Ghanaians that trusted them as well. They have a herculean task going forward from the disastrous performance that their MPs showed in Parliament. I think that they did not only betray the NDC but they inflated the hopes of many Ghanaians, he shared in an interview with TV3. Bernard Mornah added, If NDC decided that they were going to support the approval of these Ministers nobody would have raised an eyebrow but you gave the impression that you were united behind the opposition of the Ministers and then when you lifted peoples hopes, and dampen their hopes. It is a problem. Since the approval of the new ministerial appointees, the NDC has branded the unknown Minority MPs that voted for the appointees as traitors. The party also admits that it has disappointed the Ghanaian people. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. NIO puts third-generation power swap stations into use in Haikou city NIOs first third-generation power swap station came online on Mar. 28 in Haikou city, Hainan province. Photo credit: NIO Tesla starts delivery of Model S, Model X on Chinese mainland Tesla announced on Mar. 27 on its Twitter page that it has started deliveries of this years Model S and Model X on the Chinese mainland. Photo credit: Tesla Great Wall Motor announces name of NEV-dedicated sales network for Haval brand Great Wall Motor announced on Mar. 27 via its WeChat account the Haval brands new energy vehicle (NEV)-dedicated sales network is named Haval Dragon. Besides, two Haval-branded modelsthe Haval B07 (code-name) AWD SUV and the Haval A07 (code-name) SUV are dubbed Xiaolong MAX and Xiaolong, respectively. GAC Group discontinues joint development with Huawei on AH8 project On Mar. 27, GAC Group announced that its board of directors has approved the proposal that allows its subsidiary, GAC AION, to independently develop the AH8 project, rather than the joint development with Huawei agreed previously. BYD debuts Ocean Series models in Costa Rica BYD and its Costa Rican distributor Cori Motors recently introduced two models from BYDs Ocean Series, namely, the BYD Dolphin and the BYD Seal, along with four other models at the EXPOMOVIL 2023 in Costa Rica, according to a post on BYDs WeChat account. SAIC Motors Rising Auto puts F7 all-electric sedan onto market Rising Auto, the mid-to-high electric vehicle brand wholly-owned by SAIC motor, officially put its fire new full-sized all-electric sedan model, the Rising F7, onto the market. TuSimple introduces NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-based TuSimple Domain Controller TuSimple, the global autonomous driving technology company, today officially launched its domain controller product, the TuSimple Domain Controller (TDC), based on NVIDIA's DRIVE Orin SoC. Baidu-backed DeepWay bags 770 million yuan in Series A+ financing round Baidu-backed autonomous truck developer DeepWay announced on March 28 it has recently completed a 770-million-yuan ($118 million) Series A+ equity financing. CATL, HGP team up on battery energy storage project CATL recently signed an agreement with HGP, a USA-based battery energy storage project development company, for a 450MWh battery energy storage supply project, according to a post on CATLs WeChat account. Chinese communications chip supplier CMIND-SEMI closes Pre-A+ funding round Chinese communications chip supplier CMIND-SEMI recently announced the completion of its Pre-A+ financing round, which was led by China Creation Ventures, and also attracted some existing investors like Walden International and Legend Capital, according to a post on CMIND-SEMIs WeChat account. President Nana Akufo-Addo could have used the meeting with the US Vice President Kamala Harris to state clearly that Ghana would not entertain any expression of homosexuality but he failed, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has said. He said the President goofed. Speaking on the News 360 with Martin Asiedu Darteh on TV3 Monday, March 27, Sam George who is one of the sponsors of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-Gay Bill said First, I thought President Akufo-Addo would have used this opportunity to send a clear message to the world and the country that his fidelity is to the Ghanaian people. Based on the 1992 Constitution that he swore an oath to uphold, he would have sent a clear message that Ghana is not going to entertain any expressions of homosexuality. Second, it was known that this would be a topic and I expected that he would have shown he was on top of his brief. On the two points, President Akufo-Addo goofed and failed. The President doesnt know what he is talking about, the Bill has not substantially changed, the Bill remains as tough and as rigid as it was. The focus of the Bill has not changed, and the objective has not changed. His comments come at a time President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo dissociated from the Anti-Gay Bill. Proposed under a Private Members' Bill, the anti-gay bill is expected to criminalise some of the activities of homosexuals in Ghana. Answering a question put to him at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 27 when US Vice President Kamala Harris called on him, President Akufo-Addo confirmed that the bill is currently before Parliament, which will decide on it, but most of its provisions are being fine-tuned. It hasn't been passed, so the statement that there is a legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate, he said. Parliament is dealing with it and at the end of the process, I will come in, he added. President Akufo-Addo welcomed US Vice President Harris to the seat of government as part the latter's three-day visit to the country. She stressed how strongly she feels about the importance of supporting and fighting for the cause of human rights including rights of LGBTQs. For the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the globe including as well as the LGBTQ community and I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for quality among all people. 3news.com 28.03.2023 LISTEN A lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UNiMAC), formerly the Ghana Institute of Journalism, (GIJ) Osei Kwadwo Adow, is urging the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take a second look at the issue of the betrayal on the part of some Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Legislature. According to the lecturer, there is no need for the party leadership to be vindictive about what transpired on the floor of Parliament over the approval of some six ministerial nominees. He said what transpired in the house could be a good omen for the NDC going into the 2024 general elections. He argued that this could have been detrimental to the partys unity and fortunes had it happened in an election year. "It is good for the party that the issue of alleged bribery of some MPs on the Minority side happened at this time," he said. The lecturer who is also a lawyer made this assertion while speaking on the mid-day news on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. He called on the NDC to tactfully handle the matter and not spend time profiling the said MPs. He added that this is not the time for the party to focus too much attention on the matter. He noted that the Minority stance on the matter of not approving additional ministers is still relevant stemming from the economic quagmire the country finds itself in. Source: Classfmonline.com Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Hon. Kofi Adams, has spoken out in defense of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after some of the party's Members of Parliament (MPs) approved President Akufo-Addo's ministerial nominees. The clarification follows recent concerns raised by some members of the NDC and the general public that the NDC had approved some of the controversial ministerial nominees of the government. According to Hon. Adams, the NDC has long held the position that the Akufo-Addo government should reduce the size of the government. In light of this, he labeled the decision of some NDC MPs to vote for the ministerial nominees of the government as "unfortunate" and a betrayal of the party's position and interest. It is not the NDC that failed Ghanaians. The NDC appropriately as a political party presented its policy position on the size of government, and others. But, I think, on this occasion, we the MPs or some of us the MPs failed Ghanaians, Hon. Adams said, speaking on Joy News PM Express Show hosted by Evans Mensah on Monday, March 27. He explained that the NDC as a Corporate Body still believes in downsizing government but the particular vehicle that it would have used to communicate that clearly, failed the NDC and by extension, Ghanaians. This is unfortunate. The former National Organizer of the NDC further said the decision of some of the NDC MPs to approve the ministerial nominees came as a surprise to many in the NDC, the governing NPP, and concerned Ghanaians. He said: I didnt see it coming. Not even the majority side [in Parliament] saw it coming. That was why the deputy majority leader was begginghe was trying to argue that it wasnt about an election, and it was about approval. So, we didnt have to actually go through secret balloting, and that we should just stand to be counted. Because even they [the governing NPP] were not sure of their side. Mr. Adams concluded by stressing that the NDC is a party of principles and will continue to stand by its principles and values. To him, the NDC will continue to play its role as an effective opposition party and will hold the government accountable. By: Michael Blessing US Vice President Kamala Harris has arrived at the Emintsimadze palace in Cape Coast in the Central Region to meet with the Oguaa Omanhene Osaberima Kwesi Attah II. She arrived in Ghana on March 26, as part of a nine-day working visit to the continent. She was in the company of her husband, Douglas Emhoff and other top officials in the US government. After spending three days in Ghana, she will go to Tanzania for two days, before stopping over for a night in Zambia, as her country deepens its relationship with Africa. The highlight of her trip to Ghana was a speech she delivered at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 28. Prior to that, she held bilateral talks with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra. After the closed-door talks, they held a joint press conference. 28.03.2023 LISTEN Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has stressed that Ghana will not sit for the US to impose its ideals on the country. This follows comments passed by the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris in relation to legislation on LGBTQ+ in Ghana. Speaking at the Jubilee House on Monday while engaging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the US Vice President said she is a strong advocate of human rights while talking about the LGBTQ community. For the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the globe including as well as the LGBTQ community and I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for quality among all people, Kamala Harris shared. Speaking to TV3 in an interview on Tuesday, Sam George expressed his displeasure. According to him, the US Vice President should channel her energy toward addressing gun violence in schools in her country instead of taking interest in how Ghana wants to legislate on LGBTQ matters. Kamala Harris is not the SI Unit for Human rights. She is actually one of the last people in the world who should be talking about human rights. As Vice President of the United States, she comes from a country where human rights abuses are rife. In fact, barely two hours after she finished making those comments that she was interested in human rights, in her own country a 28-year-old woman walked into a school building and killed three children and teachers, Sam George lamented. The Ningo Prampram MP added, I believe that a Vice President who has been elected and is concerned about human rights should be concerned about the children in school that they should be able to have a decent education without fearing that indiscriminate gun violence will end their lives. Gun violence is a human rights issue. She has not been able to deal with those issues. Sam George is one of the eight members of parliament sponsoring the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Parliament. Speaker of Ghanas Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has said the bill on the Promotion of Proper Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values will be passed. The Speaker gave the assurance at a breakfast meeting with members of the clergy today, Tuesday, 28 March 2023 in Parliament. The speaker was reacting to a conversation between the President of Ghana and the visiting US Vice President, Kamara Harris. Speaker Bagbin said, the bill will be passed. To President Akufo-Addo, he said, this is a word to His Excellency the president: theres no way he can intervene, that answer he gave that it is now before parliament and when it has to get to a stage that he has to come in, he will come, please, this is legislation, this is not execution, wait until we pass it and direct you to execute it, that is when you come in. Speaker Bagbin explained, that is why we are representatives of the people, so, in terms of the law which is part of policy we finalise it, and then the executive now has the authority to implement it. Lets get this clear, once this bill is before here [parliament], hes not in charge, I am in charge, the Speaker added. Responding to a question on Ghanas anti-LGBTQ+ law at a joint press conference with US Vice President Kamala Harris, President Akufo-Addo said the bill, which is currently before parliament has been modified to take into account the protection of human rights and the feelings of the population and at the end of the process, I will come in. The president told journalists: "First of all we don't have any such legislation here in Ghana, a bill has been proposed to the Parliament of Ghana which has all kinds of ramifications which are now being considered by the parliament. "It hasn't been passed, so the statement that there is legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate. No legislation. "The bill is going through the parliament, it's going through the parliament, the Attorney General has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality or otherwise of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it but at the end of the process, I will come in. "I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will sure as it is done in the past, one first of all, its sensitivity to Human Rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we'll come out of the responsible response to the to the proposed legislation. "It's a private member's bill this is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that has been being mooted by a handful of private members, so we will see what the final outcome of it. But my understanding from a recent discussion I had with the chairman of the committee is substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the Attorney General, we will see what the final outcome will be..." Source: Classfmonline.com Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (OTCMKTS:BRK-A Get Rating) major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,789,529 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $59.32 per share, for a total transaction of $106,154,860.28. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 211,707,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,558,466,299.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Berkshire Hathaway Inc also recently made the following trade(s): Get Berkshire Hathaway alerts: On Thursday, March 23rd, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 1,877,185 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $58.65 per share, for a total transaction of $110,096,900.25. On Wednesday, March 15th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 1,518,001 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $56.70 per share, for a total transaction of $86,070,656.70. On Monday, March 13th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 3,145,896 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $59.17 per share, for a total transaction of $186,142,666.32. On Monday, March 6th, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 1,678,017 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $61.56 per share, for a total transaction of $103,298,726.52. On Friday, March 3rd, Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired 2,363,088 shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $60.85 per share, for a total transaction of $143,793,904.80. Berkshire Hathaway Stock Performance Shares of BRK-A traded up $4,753.89 on Monday, hitting $457,820.00. 5,538 shares of the stock traded hands. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $466,210.88 and a 200 day moving average price of $452,750.14. About Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the insurance, freight rail transportation, and utility businesses worldwide. It provides property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance and reinsurance; and operates railroad systems in North America. The company also generates, transmits, stores, and distributes electricity from natural gas, coal, wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, and geothermal sources; operates natural gas distribution and storage facilities, interstate pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and compressor and meter stations; and holds interest in coal mining assets. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Berkshire Hathaway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Berkshire Hathaway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Andrew Peller (TSE:ADW Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, February 9th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a dividend of 0.062 per share on Friday, April 7th. This represents a $0.25 annualized dividend and a yield of . The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 30th. Andrew Peller Price Performance Andrew Peller has a one year low of C$10.40 and a one year high of C$19.04. Get Andrew Peller alerts: Andrew Peller (TSE:ADW Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 8th. The company reported C$0.09 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$104.91 million for the quarter. About Andrew Peller Andrew Peller Ltd is a Canada-based company, which produces and markets wine and wine related products. The Companys brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Conviction, Red Rooster, Peller Estates French Cross, Peller Estates Proprietors Reserve, Copper Moon, Black Cellar, XOXO, skinnygrape, Hochtaler, Domaine DOr, Schloss Laderheim, Royal and Sommet. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Andrew Peller Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Andrew Peller and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com lowered shares of Banco Santander-Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Rating) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning. Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Banco Santander-Chile from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.00. Get Banco Santander-Chile alerts: Banco Santander-Chile Trading Up 1.1 % NYSE BSAC opened at $16.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.23, a quick ratio of 1.92 and a current ratio of 1.92. The company has a market capitalization of $7.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.70. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $16.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.70. Banco Santander-Chile has a one year low of $13.37 and a one year high of $22.84. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Banco Santander-Chile ( NYSE:BSAC Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $527.54 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $593.05 million. Banco Santander-Chile had a net margin of 18.02% and a return on equity of 19.24%. Equities analysts forecast that Banco Santander-Chile will post 1.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BSAC. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in shares of Banco Santander-Chile by 453.7% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,866 shares of the banks stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 1,529 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its position in Banco Santander-Chile by 106.8% during the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 2,663 shares of the banks stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,375 shares during the last quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main purchased a new stake in Banco Santander-Chile during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $40,000. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its position in Banco Santander-Chile by 4,603.2% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 2,963 shares of the banks stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 2,900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG grew its position in Banco Santander-Chile by 41.5% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 8,865 shares of the banks stock worth $124,000 after purchasing an additional 2,601 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 9.76% of the companys stock. Banco Santander-Chile Company Profile (Get Rating) Banco Santander Chile SA engages in the provision of commercial and retail banking services. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Middle-Market, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Other. The Retail banking segment offers consumer loans, credit cards, automobile loans, commercial loans, foreign exchange, mortgage loans, debit cards, checking accounts, savings products, mutual funds, stock brokerage, and insurance brokerage. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander-Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander-Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Georgia Group PLC (OTCMKTS:BDGSF Get Rating) shares hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $33.50 and last traded at $33.50, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $33.50. Bank of Georgia Group Stock Performance The company has a fifty day moving average price of $31.88. Bank of Georgia Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Bank of Georgia Group Plc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and wealth management services. It operates through the following business segments: Retail Banking, Corporate Investment Banking, and BNB. The Retail Banking segment provides consumer loans, mortgage loans, overdrafts, credit cards and other credit facilities, funds transfer, and settlement services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Georgia Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Georgia Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LOS ANGELESVibratex, the company behind the Magic Wand range, has officially announced the brands expansion into Australia and New Zealand. The company anticipates its products will be available to consumers in Spring 2023. Facilitating distribution to adult retail, the brand on Tuesday announced an exclusive relationship with Windsor Wholesale. Based in Melbourne, Windsor Wholesale will distribute the Magic Wand brand to the region, serving both Australian and New Zealand. Customers can expect Magic Wand products to be available from Windsor this Spring. The Magic Wand brands true strength comes from the support of dedicated and talented people, said Vibratex CEO Ken Herskovitz. Moving into a new region requires a network of new folks we can lean on, and Windsor was the clear choice for distribution. Were so grateful to our friends at Windsor Wholesale and all the regional businesses who have supported our efforts through this long process." Find more information about Windsor Wholesale here. Despite earning worldwide notoriety, the authentic Magic Wand brand has only ever officially been sold in North Americabut no longer. Consumers and retailers around the world have expressed desire and demand for Magic Wand products, however Australia and New Zealand have been particularly forthright regarding their wish to resell authentic Magic Wand SKUs. Three Magic Wand modelsthe Magic Wand Plus, Magic Wand Rechargeable, and the Magic Wand Minihave been specifically developed and tested to meet the needs of the regions electrical and certification requirements. This includes EESS-registered, region-specific wall plugs that do not require adaptors. The Australian and New Zealand models will come packaged with market-specific instructions and adapters in packaging marked for the region only. Further, in true Magic Wand fashion, these products will be covered by a full one year warranty. Resellers can soon offer consumers the real thing! Look for Magic Wand products to be available in Australia and New Zealand in Spring 2023. Additional information and details are coming soon. Customers may reach out to Eddie Romero, director of business development, via [email protected] to request resources, as well as for all Vibratex and Magic Wand sales questions and inquiries. To learn more about Magic Wand, visit truemagicwand.com. Join Magic Wand on Instagram at @truemagicwand. Belvoir Group PLC (LON:BLV Get Rating) announced a dividend on Monday, March 27th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 6th will be paid a dividend of GBX 5 ($0.06) per share on Monday, May 22nd. This represents a dividend yield of 2.99%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 6th. This is a positive change from Belvoir Groups previous dividend of $4.00. The official announcement can be accessed at this link. Belvoir Group Price Performance Shares of BLV traded up GBX 11.70 ($0.14) during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching GBX 186.20 ($2.29). 63,780 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 46,956. The company has a market cap of 69.45 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 918.42 and a beta of 1.06. Belvoir Group has a 1 year low of GBX 162.23 ($1.99) and a 1 year high of GBX 280 ($3.44). The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 178.34 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 193.03. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.16. Get Belvoir Group alerts: About Belvoir Group (Get Rating) See Also Belvoir Group PLC operates as a property franchise company in the United Kingdom. It operates thorough two segments, Property Franchise and Financial Services. The company operates property franchises offering residential lettings and sales through 463 offices primarily under the Belvoir, Newton Fallowell, Lovelle, Nicholas Humphreys, Mr and Mrs Clarke, and Northwood brands. Receive News & Ratings for Belvoir Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Belvoir Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bowman & Co S.C. raised its holdings in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Get Rating) by 8.1% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 9,880 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 743 shares during the quarter. Walmart comprises 1.1% of Bowman & Co S.C.s holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Bowman & Co S.C.s holdings in Walmart were worth $1,401,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Walmart by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 130,176,496 shares of the retailers stock valued at $16,883,890,000 after buying an additional 1,832,388 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Walmart by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 96,570,711 shares of the retailers stock valued at $12,525,224,000 after acquiring an additional 2,712,886 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Walmart by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 60,659,193 shares of the retailers stock valued at $7,867,497,000 after acquiring an additional 701,415 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Walmart by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 23,919,371 shares of the retailers stock valued at $2,908,117,000 after acquiring an additional 1,685,320 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in shares of Walmart by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 11,685,848 shares of the retailers stock valued at $1,515,655,000 after acquiring an additional 33,452 shares during the period. 31.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Walmart alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 852,215 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.26, for a total transaction of $122,940,535.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 266,841,420 shares in the company, valued at approximately $38,494,543,249.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 1,141,454 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $142.01, for a total transaction of $162,097,882.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 252,731,113 shares in the company, valued at approximately $35,890,345,357.13. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Jim C. Walton sold 852,215 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.26, for a total transaction of $122,940,535.90. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 266,841,420 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,494,543,249.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 14,534,113 shares of company stock worth $2,041,195,084 in the last three months. 47.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Walmart Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WMT traded up $0.12 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $144.29. The stock had a trading volume of 2,715,161 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,421,615. The companys 50-day moving average price is $141.80 and its 200-day moving average price is $141.46. The company has a market capitalization of $388.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.24 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Walmart Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $117.27 and a fifty-two week high of $160.77. Walmart (NYSE:WMT Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 21st. The retailer reported $1.71 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.51 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $164.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $158.67 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 20.45%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.53 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Walmart Inc. will post 6.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. Walmart Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Walmarts dividend payout ratio is 53.27%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently commented on WMT shares. Royal Bank of Canada set a $163.00 price objective on shares of Walmart in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on shares of Walmart in a research report on Tuesday, December 6th. They issued a market perform rating and a $159.00 price objective for the company. Atlantic Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Walmart from $150.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 1st. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on shares of Walmart from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 6th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on shares of Walmart from $164.00 to $169.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, twenty-three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $162.44. About Walmart (Get Rating) Walmart, Inc engages in retail and wholesale business. The company offers an assortment of merchandise and services at everyday low prices. It operates through the following business segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sams Club. The Walmart U.S. segment operates as a merchandiser of consumer products, operating under the Walmart, Wal-Mart, and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands, as well as walmart.com and other eCommerce brands. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charter Oak Capital Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Get Rating) by 8.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,774 shares of the companys stock after selling 567 shares during the period. Charter Oak Capital Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $416,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cowa LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. JDM Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth $28,000. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. MADDEN SECURITIES Corp purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $31,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF stock traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $70.87. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,333,694 shares. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $71.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $71.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.76. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52-week low of $47.44 and a 52-week high of $55.45. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CRHKY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,600 shares, a decline of 84.5% from the February 28th total of 10,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 6,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. China Resources Beer Trading Up 1.3 % OTCMKTS CRHKY traded up $0.21 during trading on Monday, hitting $16.01. The stock had a trading volume of 3,722 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,318. The companys 50-day moving average price is $15.24 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.93. China Resources Beer has a 12 month low of $9.35 and a 12 month high of $16.24. Get China Resources Beer alerts: About China Resources Beer (Get Rating) Featured Stories China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells beer products. The company offers its products under the Heineken, Li, Lowen Fruit Beer, Snow Xiao Pi Qi, Amstel, and Edelweiss brand names. As of March 24, 2022, it operated 65 breweries in 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in Mainland China. Receive News & Ratings for China Resources Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Resources Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Credit Suisse Group (NYSE:CS Get Rating) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Friday morning. Several other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. Citigroup cut Credit Suisse Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 16th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Credit Suisse Group in a report on Friday, January 27th. They set an equal weight rating for the company. Kepler Capital Markets downgraded Credit Suisse Group from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a report on Monday, February 13th. Royal Bank of Canada initiated coverage on Credit Suisse Group in a report on Monday, December 19th. They issued a sector perform rating for the company. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Credit Suisse Group in a report on Friday, January 13th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $5.14. Get Credit Suisse Group alerts: Credit Suisse Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CS opened at $0.86 on Friday. Credit Suisse Group has a twelve month low of $0.82 and a twelve month high of $8.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.47. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.69 billion, a PE ratio of -0.31 and a beta of 1.38. Credit Suisse Group Increases Dividend Credit Suisse Group ( NYSE:CS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 9th. The financial services provider reported ($0.28) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.22) by ($0.06). Credit Suisse Group had a negative return on equity of 3.99% and a negative net margin of 33.10%. The company had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.30 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Credit Suisse Group will post -0.37 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, April 11th will be given a $0.0547 dividend. This represents a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, April 10th. This is a boost from Credit Suisse Groups previous dividend of $0.05. Credit Suisse Groups payout ratio is -1.43%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Credit Suisse Group Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CS. US Bancorp DE increased its position in Credit Suisse Group by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 50,292 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $395,000 after purchasing an additional 4,130 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Credit Suisse Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $135,000. Citigroup Inc. increased its position in Credit Suisse Group by 162.0% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 539,102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,232,000 after purchasing an additional 333,335 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Credit Suisse Group by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,131,757 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,284,000 after purchasing an additional 192,576 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Credit Suisse Group by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 274,767 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,179,000 after acquiring an additional 4,883 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.20% of the companys stock. About Credit Suisse Group (Get Rating) Credit Suisse Group AG is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following four divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Bank, Swiss Bank and Asset Management and four geographic regions: Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Americas. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CTP (OTCMKTS:CTPVF Get Rating) saw a large decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 19,200 shares, a decline of 77.9% from the February 28th total of 86,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 192.0 days. CTP Price Performance CTPVF remained flat at C$15.00 during trading on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$14.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$13.97. CTP has a fifty-two week low of C$15.00 and a fifty-two week high of C$15.00. Get CTP alerts: CTP Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Stories CTP N.V. engages in the ownership, development, management, and leasing of logistics and industrial real estate properties in Central and Eastern Europe. Its properties are used primarily for production and warehousing, third-party logistics and distribution, offices, and others. The company also operates 3 hotels under the Courtyard by Marriott brand in the Czech Republic under management agreements with third party. Receive News & Ratings for CTP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CTP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund (NYSE:ETJ Get Rating) saw a significant decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 25,700 shares, a decline of 63.9% from the February 28th total of 71,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 231,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of ETJ stock traded down $0.01 on Tuesday, reaching $7.64. 111,704 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 198,765. Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund has a 1 year low of $7.37 and a 1 year high of $9.98. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $7.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.07. Get Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund alerts: Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 22nd will be issued a $0.058 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 21st. This represents a $0.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.11%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund Company Profile Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. increased its stake in Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund by 24.8% during the 3rd quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 37,532 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after buying an additional 7,467 shares during the period. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. increased its stake in Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. now owns 48,328 shares of the companys stock worth $400,000 after buying an additional 1,976 shares during the period. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its stake in Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund by 33.0% during the 3rd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 66,537 shares of the companys stock worth $550,000 after buying an additional 16,500 shares during the period. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. increased its stake in Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund by 15.4% during the 3rd quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 16,659 shares of the companys stock worth $138,000 after buying an additional 2,229 shares during the period. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $157,000 after purchasing an additional 2,600 shares during the last quarter. (Get Rating) Eaton Vance Risk Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund operates as a closed-end investment fund. Its investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The company was founded on July 31, 2007 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AstraZeneca (OTCMKTS:AZNCF Get Rating) and Sanofi (NYSE:SNY Get Rating) are both health technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, profitability and risk. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for AstraZeneca and Sanofi, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get AstraZeneca alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AstraZeneca 0 0 1 0 3.00 Sanofi 0 0 0 0 N/A Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AstraZeneca N/A N/A N/A $0.82 168.31 Sanofi $45.39 billion 3.00 $7.14 billion $2.83 19.09 This table compares AstraZeneca and Sanofis top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Sanofi has higher revenue and earnings than AstraZeneca. Sanofi is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AstraZeneca, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends AstraZeneca pays an annual dividend of $2.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Sanofi pays an annual dividend of $1.37 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. AstraZeneca pays out 343.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Sanofi pays out 48.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Sanofi has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Sanofi is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Institutional and Insider Ownership 40.9% of AstraZeneca shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 10.0% of Sanofi shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Sanofi shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares AstraZeneca and Sanofis net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AstraZeneca N/A N/A N/A Sanofi N/A N/A N/A Summary Sanofi beats AstraZeneca on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About AstraZeneca (Get Rating) AstraZeneca Plc is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The company was founded on June 17, 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. About Sanofi (Get Rating) Sanofi engages in the research, production, and distribution of pharmaceutical products. It operates through the following business segments: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Healthcare, and Vaccines. The Pharmaceuticals segment comprises the commercial operations of the following global franchises: specialty care, diabetes and cardiovascular, established prescription products and generics, and research, development, and production activities. The Consumer Healthcare segment includes the commercial operations for its Consumer Healthcare products. The Vaccines segment consists commercial operations of Sanofi Pasteur. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Receive News & Ratings for AstraZeneca Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AstraZeneca and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of GeoPark (NYSE:GPRK Get Rating) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report published on Friday morning. GeoPark Stock Performance NYSE:GPRK opened at $10.89 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $13.26 and a 200-day moving average price of $13.71. GeoPark has a fifty-two week low of $10.20 and a fifty-two week high of $18.52. The firm has a market cap of $656.01 million, a PE ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.20, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.04. Get GeoPark alerts: GeoPark Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 21st. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.78%. This is a positive change from GeoParks previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. GeoParks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 13.79%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On GeoPark About GeoPark Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its position in GeoPark by 33.2% in the second quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 19,646 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $253,000 after purchasing an additional 4,899 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new position in GeoPark in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $103,029,000. Wealth Alliance Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in GeoPark in the 4th quarter worth approximately $211,000. PFS Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in GeoPark by 21.5% in the 2nd quarter. PFS Investments Inc. now owns 103,860 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,342,000 after purchasing an additional 18,383 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in GeoPark by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 3,578,731 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $46,237,000 after purchasing an additional 88,300 shares in the last quarter. 54.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. (Get Rating) GeoPark Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and production for oil and gas reserves. It operates through the following geographical segments: Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Corporate. The company was founded by Gerald Eugene OShaughnessy and James Franklin Park in 2002 and is headquartered in Bogota, Colombia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for GeoPark Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GeoPark and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Toro Company (NYSE:TTC Get Rating) VP Gregory S. Janey sold 1,630 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.76, for a total transaction of $175,648.80. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,708 shares in the company, valued at $291,814.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Toro Trading Up 0.2 % TTC traded up $0.20 on Tuesday, reaching $109.72. 273,287 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 720,246. The companys 50 day moving average is $110.98 and its 200-day moving average is $106.50. The company has a market cap of $11.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.02 and a beta of 0.73. The Toro Company has a twelve month low of $71.86 and a twelve month high of $117.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 1.78. Get Toro alerts: Toro (NYSE:TTC Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 9th. The company reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.07. Toro had a net margin of 10.16% and a return on equity of 36.04%. The company had revenue of $1.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.16 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.66 earnings per share. Toros revenue for the quarter was up 23.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that The Toro Company will post 4.9 earnings per share for the current year. Toro Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Toro The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 6th will be given a $0.34 dividend. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 5th. Toros dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.82%. Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of TTC. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in Toro by 1.2% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 49,173 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,262,000 after acquiring an additional 563 shares in the last quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. grew its position in Toro by 37.2% in the first quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 15,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,191,000 after acquiring an additional 4,200 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its position in Toro by 7.6% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 60,366 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,309,000 after acquiring an additional 4,269 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Toro by 2.7% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 883,779 shares of the companys stock worth $75,558,000 after buying an additional 23,223 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Toro by 9.2% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 37,193 shares of the companys stock worth $3,180,000 after buying an additional 3,144 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.14% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently issued reports on TTC shares. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Toro from $120.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 22nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Toro from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. Finally, Raymond James raised shares of Toro from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $130.00 target price for the company in a research report on Friday, December 23rd. About Toro (Get Rating) The Toro Co is in the business of designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling professional turf maintenance equipment and services. It operates through the following segments: Professional and Residential. The Professional segment consists of turf and landscape equipment, rental, specialty, and underground construction equipment, snow & ice management equipment, and irrigation and lighting products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Toro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. POMPANO BEACH, Fla.M.D. Science Lab, makers of the Swiss Navy brand, has released their second quarter 2023 Brand Image Assets Lookbook specifically created for their retail partners. This Q2 Lookbook is focused on upcoming holidays and events and contains a variety of images designed to build consumer awareness, increase sales, create customer loyalty, and give retailers a competitive edge in the marketplace. This is our fourth lookbook weve created for our retail partners and the feedback weve received has been overwhelmingly positive, said Briana Watkins, ACS, M.D. Science Labs vice president of sales and marketing. Retailers always have their hands full with so many other tasks. Were hearing that they appreciate our team providing them with pre-made assets to help boost their sales. Swiss Navys Q2 2023 Brand Image Assets Lookbook has images that are available for download and can be created in a variety of sizes depending on retailer needs. Retailers are encouraged to contact their sales representatives with their requests. This latest Lookbook is available online now at B2BSwissNavy.com/Lookbook. To see the latest Swiss Navy product range, visit swissnavy.com. Retailers and their staff are encouraged to sign up for free online certification training to become a Certified Swiss Navy Expert at swissnavycertifiedexpert.com. Holmen AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:HLMNY Get Rating) declared a dividend on Wednesday, March 22nd, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 30th will be given a dividend of 0.4758 per share on Wednesday, April 19th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 29th. This is a boost from Holmen AB (publ)s previous dividend of $0.38. Holmen AB (publ) Price Performance Shares of HLMNY stock remained flat at $22.22 during trading hours on Tuesday. Holmen AB has a 12 month low of $20.14 and a 12 month high of $29.41. The businesss 50-day moving average is $21.78 and its 200-day moving average is $21.06. Get Holmen AB (publ) alerts: Holmen AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Stories Holmen AB (publ) produces and sells paperboards, papers, wood products, and renewable energy in Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, rest of Europe, Asia, and internationally. The company's Forest segment offers logs, pulpwood, and biofuel to sawmills, pulp mills, and paperboard and paper mills; and manages forests, which cover approximately one million hectares. Receive News & Ratings for Holmen AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Holmen AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAY Get Rating) saw a significant decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 93.8% from the February 28th total of 1,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Citigroup raised Iluka Resources from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 24th. Get Iluka Resources alerts: Iluka Resources Price Performance ILKAY stock remained flat at $33.32 during mid-day trading on Tuesday. 34 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 630. The stocks 50 day moving average is $36.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.53. Iluka Resources has a 52-week low of $26.63 and a 52-week high of $45.57. Iluka Resources Cuts Dividend Iluka Resources Company Profile The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.6373 per share. This represents a yield of 6.88%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 3rd. Iluka Resourcess payout ratio is presently -2,588.77%. (Get Rating) Iluka Resources Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, mining, processing, marketing, and rehabilitation of mineral sands products. It operates through the following segments: Jacinth-Ambrosia (JA), Cataby (C), Sierra Rutile (SRL), Mining Area C (MAC), and United States (US). The AUS segment comprises the mining operations at Jacinth-Ambrosia located in South Australia, and associated processing operations at the Narngulu mineral separation plant in mid-west Western Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Iluka Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iluka Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intrua Financial LLC raised its stake in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO Get Rating) by 4.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,427 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,193 shares during the quarter. Intrua Financial LLCs holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF were worth $1,416,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of DGRO. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 4,542.9% in the 3rd quarter. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 2,044,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000,042 shares during the period. Horizon Investments LLC bought a new position in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $51,346,000. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,012,000. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 7,265,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,107,000 after acquiring an additional 386,551 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 10.7% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,984,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,837,000 after acquiring an additional 385,347 shares during the period. Get iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF alerts: iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSEARCA:DGRO opened at $48.62 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $50.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $49.44. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF has a 12-month low of $43.67 and a 12-month high of $54.55. The firm has a market cap of $22.80 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 0.91. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Company Profile The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Dividend Growth index. The fund tracks an index of US stocks that are selected by dividends, dividend growth and payout ratio, then weighted by dividend dollars. DGRO was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DGRO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Keudell Morrison Wealth Management decreased its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Rating) by 2.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 27,817 shares of the companys stock after selling 788 shares during the period. Keudell Morrison Wealth Managements holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,272,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of MO. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its position in Altria Group by 132.7% in the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 8,775,416 shares of the companys stock worth $366,549,000 after purchasing an additional 5,003,900 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 815.1% in the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 3,723,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $150,337,000 after purchasing an additional 3,316,195 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 191.5% in the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 3,535,662 shares of the companys stock worth $142,770,000 after buying an additional 2,322,738 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 6.4% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 36,302,349 shares of the companys stock worth $1,896,798,000 after buying an additional 2,178,596 shares during the period. Finally, United Services Automobile Association boosted its stake in Altria Group by 227.3% in the 3rd quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 3,031,991 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,536,000 after buying an additional 2,105,711 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.68% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Price Performance Shares of MO stock traded up $0.39 on Tuesday, reaching $44.68. 1,873,561 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,446,614. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $40.35 and a one year high of $57.05. The stock has a market cap of $79.78 billion, a PE ratio of 13.88, a P/E/G ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.59. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $46.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $45.32. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.18. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 284.29% and a net margin of 22.97%. The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.15 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.09 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 18.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.94 per share. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.42%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 23rd. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 117.87%. Analysts Set New Price Targets MO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $46.50 to $49.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, February 7th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Altria Group from $43.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Altria Group in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $46.23. Altria Group Profile (Get Rating) Altria Group, Inc operates as a holding company, which engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. It operates through the following segments: Smokeable Products, Oral tobacco products, and Wine. The Smokeable Products segment consists of cigarettes manufactured and sold by PM USA and machine-made large cigars and pipe tobacco manufactured and sold by Middleton. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kirr Marbach & Co. LLC IN increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (NYSE:CP Get Rating) (TSE:CP) by 0.6% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 176,566 shares of the transportation companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,041 shares during the quarter. Canadian Pacific Railway comprises approximately 4.1% of Kirr Marbach & Co. LLC INs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest holding. Kirr Marbach & Co. LLC INs holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway were worth $13,195,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Railway by 3.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 31,907,941 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $2,128,897,000 after acquiring an additional 993,916 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway by 3.6% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 31,506,840 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,102,137,000 after buying an additional 1,102,126 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway by 26.8% in the third quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 23,729,613 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,785,454,000 after buying an additional 5,020,078 shares during the last quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway by 417.5% in the third quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. now owns 15,237,044 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,016,616,000 after buying an additional 12,292,785 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in Canadian Pacific Railway by 13.0% in the second quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 8,348,181 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $583,031,000 after buying an additional 960,720 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.31% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Pacific Railway alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on CP shares. Scotiabank raised Canadian Pacific Railway from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Atb Cap Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Railway in a report on Tuesday, December 20th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Canadian Pacific Railway from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. National Bank Financial upped their target price on Canadian Pacific Railway from C$105.00 to C$106.00 in a report on Friday, December 16th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on Canadian Pacific Railway from $86.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Railway has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $90.00. Canadian Pacific Railway Stock Performance Canadian Pacific Railway Increases Dividend CP opened at $75.80 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $70.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.59 and a quick ratio of 0.50. Canadian Pacific Railway Limited has a 1-year low of $65.17 and a 1-year high of $84.22. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $77.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $75.86. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $0.1424 per share. This represents a $0.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.75%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 30th. This is an increase from Canadian Pacific Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. Canadian Pacific Railways dividend payout ratio is 19.44%. Canadian Pacific Railway Profile (Get Rating) Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. operates as a holding company, which engages in the provision of rail services. It offers a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. The company was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (NYSE:CP Get Rating) (TSE:CP). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF (NYSEARCA:EWC Get Rating) by 4.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 560,430 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 23,564 shares during the period. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC owned 0.51% of iShares MSCI Canada ETF worth $18,343,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 37,823 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,274,000 after buying an additional 423 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 104.1% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 892 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 455 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA lifted its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 11,849 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $399,000 after purchasing an additional 547 shares during the period. Element Wealth LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter. Element Wealth LLC now owns 5,583 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $172,000 after purchasing an additional 598 shares during the period. Finally, Wealthsimple Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Wealthsimple Inc. now owns 41,150 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,266,000 after purchasing an additional 643 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI Canada ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Canada ETF Trading Up 1.1 % iShares MSCI Canada ETF stock opened at $32.99 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI Canada ETF has a 1 year low of $29.55 and a 1 year high of $41.12. The company has a market cap of $3.68 billion, a PE ratio of 14.06 and a beta of 1.00. The companys 50-day moving average is $34.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.61. About iShares MSCI Canada ETF iShares MSCI Canada ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Canada Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Canadian market, as measured by the MSCI Canada Index (the Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Canada ETF (NYSEARCA:EWC Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Global High Income Fund (NYSE:JGH Get Rating) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,500 shares, a decline of 69.0% from the February 28th total of 14,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 57,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Hollencrest Capital Management bought a new stake in Nuveen Global High Income Fund during the 4th quarter worth about $46,000. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Nuveen Global High Income Fund during the 3rd quarter worth about $898,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Nuveen Global High Income Fund by 161.8% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,342 shares of the companys stock worth $94,000 after purchasing an additional 5,156 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in Nuveen Global High Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth about $159,000. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Nuveen Global High Income Fund during the 4th quarter worth about $130,000. Get Nuveen Global High Income Fund alerts: Nuveen Global High Income Fund Stock Performance Shares of Nuveen Global High Income Fund stock traded down $0.03 during trading on Monday, reaching $10.68. The companys stock had a trading volume of 40,779 shares, compared to its average volume of 49,450. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $11.77 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.49. Nuveen Global High Income Fund has a one year low of $10.44 and a one year high of $14.32. Nuveen Global High Income Fund Dividend Announcement Nuveen Global High Income Fund Company Profile The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be issued a $0.104 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 14th. This represents a $1.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.69%. (Get Rating) Nuveen Global High Income Fund is a closed-end investment fund. Its objective is to provide a high level of current income. The company uses a global high-income strategy, which blends high-yield bonds and other income producing securities from around the world, and across the capital structure and credit spectrum. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Global High Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Global High Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MAG Silver (TSE:MAG Get Rating) (NYSEAMERICAN:MAG) had its target price lowered by stock analysts at Raymond James to C$25.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Raymond James price objective suggests a potential upside of 52.81% from the stocks current price. Several other equities analysts also recently issued reports on MAG. CIBC reduced their price target on shares of MAG Silver from C$24.00 to C$21.00 in a report on Tuesday. National Bankshares set a C$26.50 target price on shares of MAG Silver and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 26th. Pi Financial upgraded shares of MAG Silver from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 7th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on MAG Silver from C$28.25 to C$27.75 in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, TD Securities set a C$29.00 target price on MAG Silver and gave the company a speculative buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$23.81. Get MAG Silver alerts: MAG Silver Stock Performance TSE:MAG traded down C$0.13 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching C$16.36. 119,178 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 289,352. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$17.48 and a 200 day moving average price of C$18.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 26.20 and a quick ratio of 25.31. MAG Silver has a twelve month low of C$13.60 and a twelve month high of C$23.29. About MAG Silver MAG Silver Corp. engages in the exploration and development of precious metal mining properties. The company explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc deposits. It primarily holds 44% interest in the Juanicipio project located in the Fresnillo District, Zacatecas State, Mexico. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MAG Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MAG Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schrum Private Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW Get Rating) by 36.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,310 shares of the home improvement retailers stock after selling 740 shares during the period. Schrum Private Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Lowes Companies were worth $261,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in Lowes Companies by 1.6% during the third quarter. Pershing Square Capital Management L.P. now owns 10,374,801 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $1,948,491,000 after acquiring an additional 167,495 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Lowes Companies by 13.0% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 7,916,354 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $1,486,770,000 after acquiring an additional 912,518 shares in the last quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its holdings in Lowes Companies by 4.9% during the third quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 3,463,854 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $650,546,000 after acquiring an additional 160,651 shares in the last quarter. London Co. of Virginia raised its holdings in Lowes Companies by 2.9% during the third quarter. London Co. of Virginia now owns 2,071,408 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $389,031,000 after acquiring an additional 58,983 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its holdings in Lowes Companies by 7,952.8% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,586,400 shares of the home improvement retailers stock worth $320,754,000 after acquiring an additional 1,566,700 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.62% of the companys stock. Get Lowe's Companies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Lowes Companies In other news, EVP Donald Frieson sold 9,411 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $197.00, for a total value of $1,853,967.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,888 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,523,936. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Lowes Companies Stock Performance Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Credit Suisse Group assumed coverage on Lowes Companies in a research note on Monday, December 19th. They issued a neutral rating and a $210.00 price objective on the stock. Oppenheimer dropped their price objective on Lowes Companies from $300.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Wedbush upped their price objective on Lowes Companies from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Lowes Companies from $230.00 to $210.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Lowes Companies from $241.00 to $246.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $225.00. Shares of LOW stock opened at $190.53 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $203.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $200.89. The company has a market cap of $118.26 billion, a PE ratio of 19.03, a P/E/G ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 1.10. Lowes Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $170.12 and a fifty-two week high of $223.31. Lowes Companies (NYSE:LOW Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, March 1st. The home improvement retailer reported $2.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.21 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $22.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.71 billion. Lowes Companies had a negative return on equity of 82.30% and a net margin of 6.63%. The companys revenue was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.78 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Lowes Companies, Inc. will post 13.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lowes Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, April 26th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 25th. Lowes Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 41.96%. About Lowes Companies (Get Rating) Lowes Cos., Inc engages in the retail sale of home improvement products. The firm offers products for maintenance, repair, remodeling, home decorating and property maintenance. It also provides home improvement products in the following categories: appliances, bathroom, building supply, electrical, flooring, hardware, paint, kitchen, plumbing, lighting & fans, outdoor living, windows and doors. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LOW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Lowe's Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lowe's Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Pharma Holdings, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:CPHI Get Rating) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 37,800 shares, an increase of 289.7% from the February 28th total of 9,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 158,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Currently, 1.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. China Pharma Price Performance Shares of NYSEAMERICAN CPHI remained flat at $0.36 during mid-day trading on Monday. The company had a trading volume of 45,453 shares, compared to its average volume of 161,783. The firm has a market cap of $18.67 million, a PE ratio of -4.52 and a beta of 0.62. China Pharma has a twelve month low of $0.33 and a twelve month high of $4.40. Get China Pharma alerts: China Pharma Company Profile (Get Rating) Read More China Pharma Holdings, Inc engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The firms product portfolio includes Central Nervous System (CNS) and Cerebral-Cardiovascular Diseases, Anti-infection and Respiratory Diseases, Digestive Diseases, Comprehensive Healthcare, and Protective Products. Receive News & Ratings for China Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The older brother of former New England Patriots wide receiver, and convicted murderer, Aaron Hernandez, was arrested last week. According to TMZ, Dennis D.J. Hernandez was arrested for allegedly throwing a brick at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. ESPN security described to police that an Uber showed up, and was turned away at the gate. At that time, a passenger got out and threw something, then got back in the car and left. Police said the object was a brick with a handwritten note in a plastic bag. The note read, To all media outlets. Its about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since youre a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez. It was reported that police were asked to perform a welfare check on Hernandez last Thursday, March 23, after he allegedly said he wanted to smash out windows at ESPN and Connecticuts State Capital building. Hernandez admitted to officers he was at ESPN headquarters but didnt wish to speak about the incident, according to police. Hernandez was arrested for misdemeanor breach of peace, but he was released after promising to appear in court and understanding that he could be arrested for trespassing if he returned to ESPN. D.J.s brother, Aaron, was with the Patriots for three seasons before he was arrested in 2013 for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Aaron was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Aaron committed suicide while in prison two years after being convicted. The Hernandez family is from the Bristol, CT area. [TMZ] Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. (OTCMKTS:DBCCF Get Rating) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 10,000 shares, a decline of 70.9% from the February 28th total of 34,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 101,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Decibel Cannabis Price Performance Shares of Decibel Cannabis stock traded down $0.00 on Tuesday, reaching $0.11. The stock had a trading volume of 31,234 shares, compared to its average volume of 47,618. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $0.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.08. Decibel Cannabis has a fifty-two week low of $0.05 and a fifty-two week high of $0.14. Get Decibel Cannabis alerts: About Decibel Cannabis (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Decibel Cannabis Company Inc engages in the cultivation, processing, production, and retail sale of cannabis products in Canada. It offers cannabis flower, cannabis pre-rolls, and cannabis biomass to licensed producers in Canada. The company is also involved in the extraction, processing, and manufacturing of various cannabis derivative products, including vape cartridges, cannabis infused products, and cannabis extracts. Receive News & Ratings for Decibel Cannabis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Decibel Cannabis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SAF-Holland SE (OTCMKTS:SFHLF Get Rating) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,600 shares, a growth of 700.0% from the February 28th total of 200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. SAF-Holland Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS SFHLF remained flat at C$10.50 during midday trading on Monday. SAF-Holland has a 12 month low of C$6.28 and a 12 month high of C$10.86. The companys 50-day moving average is C$10.50 and its 200-day moving average is C$9.72. Get SAF-Holland alerts: SAF-Holland Company Profile (Get Rating) See Also SAF-HOLLAND SE engages in the manufacture and supply of systems and components for commercial, public, and recreational vehicles. It operates through the following segments: EMEA, Americas, and APAC/China. The EMEA segment includes manufacture and sale of axles and suspension systems for trailers and semi-trailers as well as fifth wheels for heavy trucks. Receive News & Ratings for SAF-Holland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SAF-Holland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sterling Investment Counsel LLC lifted its position in Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ Get Rating) by 85.3% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,703 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 784 shares during the quarter. Sterling Investment Counsel LLCs holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $395,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in Constellation Brands by 52.1% during the third quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,582,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $593,276,000 after purchasing an additional 884,513 shares in the last quarter. Bain Capital Public Equity Management II LLC bought a new position in shares of Constellation Brands in the 3rd quarter valued at about $104,286,000. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. grew its position in Constellation Brands by 56.1% in the third quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 1,224,813 shares of the companys stock worth $281,315,000 after acquiring an additional 440,230 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in Constellation Brands by 984.4% during the third quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 378,465 shares of the companys stock worth $86,928,000 after acquiring an additional 343,564 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Constellation Brands by 2.6% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,601,280 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,902,327,000 after purchasing an additional 313,344 shares during the period. 84.87% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on STZ. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $217.00 to $210.00 in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Cowen downgraded shares of Constellation Brands from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their target price for the company from $275.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Friday, January 6th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Constellation Brands from $240.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $298.00 to $277.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 6th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $250.71. Constellation Brands Stock Up 0.7 % NYSE:STZ opened at $219.49 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 1-year low of $208.12 and a 1-year high of $261.52. The company has a 50-day moving average of $222.85 and a 200 day moving average of $232.17. The firm has a market cap of $40.51 billion, a PE ratio of 627.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.01. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 5th. The company reported $2.83 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.88 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $2.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.38 billion. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 19.69% and a net margin of 0.98%. Constellation Brandss revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.12 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 10.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Constellation Brands Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 22nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 8th were given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 7th. Constellation Brandss payout ratio is currently 914.31%. Constellation Brands Profile (Get Rating) Constellation Brands, Inc engages in the production, marketing, and distribution of beer, wine, and spirits. It operates through the following segments: Beer, Wine and Spirits, and Corporate Operations and Other, and Canopy. The Beer segment includes imported and craft beer brands. The Wine and Spirits segment sells wine brands across all categories-table wine, sparkling wine, and dessert wine-and across all price points. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Values First Advisors Inc. lowered its position in Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV Get Rating) by 2.9% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 41,955 shares of the banks stock after selling 1,273 shares during the quarter. Synovus Financial comprises approximately 1.1% of Values First Advisors Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Values First Advisors Inc.s holdings in Synovus Financial were worth $1,575,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Synovus Financial by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 76,064 shares of the banks stock worth $2,856,000 after purchasing an additional 330 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its stake in Synovus Financial by 9.9% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 4,113 shares of the banks stock worth $154,000 after purchasing an additional 370 shares during the period. LVZ Inc. boosted its stake in Synovus Financial by 6.7% in the 4th quarter. LVZ Inc. now owns 6,321 shares of the banks stock worth $237,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its stake in Synovus Financial by 38.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,474 shares of the banks stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares during the period. Finally, Verdence Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Synovus Financial by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 7,990 shares of the banks stock worth $300,000 after purchasing an additional 430 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.89% of the companys stock. Get Synovus Financial alerts: Synovus Financial Stock Up 1.7 % Synovus Financial stock opened at $30.05 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. The company has a market capitalization of $4.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.37. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $38.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $39.18. Synovus Financial Corp. has a 1-year low of $27.08 and a 1-year high of $52.22. Synovus Financial Increases Dividend Synovus Financial ( NYSE:SNV Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 18th. The bank reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.37 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $603.79 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $602.02 million. Synovus Financial had a return on equity of 18.93% and a net margin of 30.50%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Synovus Financial Corp. will post 5.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 16th will be given a dividend of $0.38 per share. This is a positive change from Synovus Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 15th. Synovus Financials payout ratio is 30.71%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Thomas T. Dierdorff sold 1,947 shares of Synovus Financial stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.36, for a total transaction of $84,421.92. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 9,314 shares in the company, valued at approximately $403,855.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.55% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Synovus Financial from $48.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 23rd. Raymond James raised their price objective on shares of Synovus Financial from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 20th. DA Davidson increased their target price on shares of Synovus Financial from $42.50 to $45.50 in a research report on Friday, December 9th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Synovus Financial in a research report on Monday, December 5th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $44.00 target price for the company. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Synovus Financial from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Synovus Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $44.82. About Synovus Financial (Get Rating) Synovus Financial Corp. is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. The company operates through the following segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Financial Management Services (FMS). The Community Banking business segment serves customers using a relationship-based approach through its branch, ATM, commercial, and private wealth network in addition to mobile, Internet, and telephone banking. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Synovus Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Synovus Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY Get Rating) was the target of a large increase in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 25,800 shares, an increase of 2,766.7% from the February 28th total of 900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 123,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Tesco Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS TSCDY traded up $0.14 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $9.37. The companys stock had a trading volume of 58,170 shares, compared to its average volume of 262,338. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $9.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. Tesco has a one year low of $6.54 and a one year high of $11.19. Get Tesco alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TSCDY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Tesco in a report on Friday, December 2nd. They set an equal weight rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Tesco from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Tesco from GBX 240 ($2.95) to GBX 270 ($3.32) in a report on Monday, December 5th. About Tesco Tesco Plc engages in the retailing and retail banking. It operates through the following segments: UK and ROI, Central Europe, Asia, and Tesco Bank. The UK and ROI segment caters to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. The Central Europe segment covers the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TKGSY Get Rating) saw a large decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 5,200 shares, a decline of 88.0% from the February 28th total of 43,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 49,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. Trading Up 0.7 % Shares of OTCMKTS:TKGSY traded up $0.07 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $9.60. The company had a trading volume of 11,871 shares, compared to its average volume of 26,433. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. has a 1-year low of $8.28 and a 1-year high of $11.22. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.27. Get Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. alerts: Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TKGSY Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 31st. The company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $6.66 billion for the quarter. Analysts Set New Price Targets Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. Company Profile TKGSY has been the subject of several research reports. Citigroup cut Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 30th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut shares of Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 13th. (Get Rating) Tokyo Gas Co, Ltd. engages in the provision of city gas and other gas-related products. It operates through the following segments: Gas, Electric Power, Overseas Business, Energy-related, Real Estate, and Others. The Gas segment produces, supplies, and sells city gas and liquid gas. The Electric Power segment handles electric power services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Transcontinental Realty Investors (NYSE:TCI Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday. Transcontinental Realty Investors Stock Down 0.8 % Shares of NYSE TCI opened at $41.91 on Friday. Transcontinental Realty Investors has a 1 year low of $37.01 and a 1 year high of $47.76. The firms 50 day moving average price is $44.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $42.90. The firm has a market cap of $362.10 million, a P/E ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a current ratio of 2.59. Get Transcontinental Realty Investors alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Transcontinental Realty Investors Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Transcontinental Realty Investors by 1,822.9% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 673 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 638 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in shares of Transcontinental Realty Investors by 104.3% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 756 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 386 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC boosted its holdings in shares of Transcontinental Realty Investors by 127.5% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 885 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 496 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in shares of Transcontinental Realty Investors by 126.0% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,127 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $94,000 after buying an additional 1,186 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp acquired a new position in shares of Transcontinental Realty Investors in the 2nd quarter valued at about $384,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.00% of the companys stock. About Transcontinental Realty Investors Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc is a real estate investment company, which engages in the acquisition, development and ownership of residential and commercial real estate properties. The company operates through the following segments: Apartments, Commercial Buildings, Land and Others. It operates these segments through the sub categories: Same Property Portfolio, Acquired Properties, and Developed Properties in the Lease-up Phase. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Transcontinental Realty Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Transcontinental Realty Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Troy Asset Management Ltd lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Get Rating) by 3.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 691,026 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 23,555 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International comprises 2.0% of Troy Asset Management Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Troy Asset Management Ltds holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $69,939,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PM. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 83.2% in the second quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 28,909,466 shares of the companys stock worth $2,854,521,000 after acquiring an additional 13,126,188 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 652.1% during the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 6,894,453 shares of the companys stock valued at $572,309,000 after purchasing an additional 5,977,719 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 132,480,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,997,216,000 after purchasing an additional 1,451,582 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 122.0% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 2,632,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $247,294,000 after purchasing an additional 1,446,567 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 646.7% during the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 1,174,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,509,000 after purchasing an additional 1,017,353 shares in the last quarter. 75.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Philip Morris International news, insider Stacey Kennedy sold 20,308 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.30, for a total transaction of $2,036,892.40. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,418 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,248,525.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Werner Barth sold 8,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.35, for a total value of $786,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 87,321 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,588,020.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Stacey Kennedy sold 20,308 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.30, for a total value of $2,036,892.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,418 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,248,525.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 117,064 shares of company stock worth $11,738,763 in the last ninety days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Philip Morris International Price Performance NYSE:PM opened at $92.90 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $144.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.94, a PEG ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.69. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $82.85 and a 1 year high of $109.81. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $99.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $96.67. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 9th. The company reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.10. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.24% and a net margin of 11.22%. The firm had revenue of $8.15 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.54 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.35 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 23rd will be issued a dividend of $1.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 22nd. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.47%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 87.44%. Analyst Ratings Changes PM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $109.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, December 13th. UBS Group upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Societe Generale assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. They set a sell rating and a $90.00 price objective for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $95.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $109.73. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Get Rating) Philip Morris International, Inc is a holding company engaged in the manufacturing and sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine-containing products. Its products include cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products. The firm operates through the following geographical segments: European Union, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia and Australia, and Americas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elections to the Karnataka Assembly are due in May, but the Congress which hopes to romp home to power, is yet to get its act together. With no sign of cohesiveness among top state leaders, the ordinary worker is totally disillusioned, while sitting MLAs are more concerned about retaining their own seats rather than working for the partys victory. At the crux of the problem is the cold war between Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with both staking claim to the CMs post even before the party has won the elections. A Divided House Siddaramaiah, the tallest leader of the Congress in the state, is a crowd puller, whose grasp over the Constitution, financial issues and politics in general is admired even by his rivals. Shivakumar, an original Congressman unlike Siddaramaiah who migrated from Janata Dal (S) is a warhorse known for his organising skills and crisis management. Even as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have their daggers drawn, Dalit leader G Parameshwara who is the Chairman of the Manifesto Committee is sulking, having been totally sidelined, with the party finalising and announcing electoral promises without his knowledge. Similarly, Lingayat leader MB Patil, who was appointed as the KPCC Campaign Committee Chairman appears to have withdrawn into a shell. Rumours are rife that Shivakumar has already struck a secret deal with JD(S) supremo HD Kumaraswamy who has supposedly agreed to support his candidature for the Chief Ministers post if the Congress falls short of the required majority. In return, Shivakumar is said to have promised a smooth sailing for Kumaraswamys son Nikhil Kumar in Ramanagara constituency, besides a berth in the cabinet.Though this is still in the realm of speculation, nothing can be ruled out in politics. Nikhil who made his electoral debut in 2019 Lok Sabha polls had lost to actress Sumalatha Ambarish in Mandya. Faction Before Party Siddaramaiahs vacillation over choosing a constituency for himself has also done the party no good. In 2018, he left his constituency Varuna in Mysuru district to his son Yathindra and shifted to neighbouring Chamundeshwari, only to face a humiliating defeat. He won with a narrow margin in Badami, the second constituency he had contested from. This time, after evaluating several constituencies, he zeroed in on Kolar, but with internal surveys indicating that his victory cannot be guaranteed here, he has decided to return to Varuna, which his son was only too keen to vacate. Varuna, which Siddaramaiah represented from 2013 to 2018 is considered the safest seat for him. Ironically, a few Congress leaders are working at cross purposes, with one camp plotting against the other and actually drawing plans to defeat some candidates, keeping the post-election scenario in mind. Such manoeuvring is crucial because whoever enjoys the support of the highest number of MLAs if the party comes to power, stands a better chance of becoming the Chief Minister. This has led to a state of flux, with many senior and mid-level leaders confining themselves to their respective constituencies, rather than touring the state to strengthen the party. Surjewala Makes It Worse Since both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are crucial for the Congress victory, the high command is apprehensive about naming either of them as the chief ministerial candidate, as this could jeopardise the partys prospects. Some leaders have suggested that the party should broker a deal where each of them would be chief minister for two-and-a-half years, as leaving the issue unresolved may cause even more damage. The role of party general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala has also come into question with leaders accusing him of doing nothing to project a united front by bringing peace between the warring groups. He is also accused of indulging in favouritism and being inaccessible to ordinary workers and ticket aspirants. While the BJP is way ahead when it comes to PR and social media management, the Congress is running around like a headless chicken, as Surjewala has not been able to get the local leadership to craft an effective communication policy. Though elections are just round the corner, Congress leaders have not realised that the need of the hour is for collective leadership, not one-upmanship. Unless senior leaders bury the hatchet and evolve a well-defined strategy, they may as well write the partys epitaph right now and not wait till the day of the results. Microsoft-owned open source developer platform and code repository GitHub has laid off 142 people from its engineering team as well as some from its Programs and Product team in India, according to people aware of the matter. According to some sources, 180 people have been affected in these layoffs. This comes as pressure mounts on Big Tech firms as layoffs continue to ravage the sector as a result of the slowdown in post-pandemic demand as companies seek to cut costs. Microsoft acquired GitHub for $7.5 billion in stock in 2018, when the platform had 28 million developers. As of January 2023, the company has more than 100 million developers. The layoffs at GitHub were first reported by Gergley Orosz, who runs a newsletter called The Pragmatic Engineer. An affected employee who requested anonymity told Moneycontrol that employees across offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and New Delhi were affected, and only the sales and marketing department was unaffected. Most employees from the engineering, programs and product in India have been asked to resign, they said. The company informed employees early on March 27 that an urgent call was scheduled for 9 a.m. that day. There were separate calls and the global lead of each team informed about the decision. All our team leaders from India were also asked to move on from the company. We were asked to resign by 5 pm yesterday [March 27], said another former employee who did not want to be identified. The company has offered employees two months of salary and separate severance pay based on their experience and length of service with GitHub. GitHub also said laid-off staffs salary and severance payments will be disbursed on the condition that they resign voluntarily by 5 pm on March 27, as per an employee. According to one of the employees quoted above, GitHub is conducting layoffs in an effort to reduce business costs. The lead just said your role has been eliminated, read out a few FAQs (frequently asked queries) and said the HR (human resource) representative will connect with you one on one. They did not take any questions from us, they said. Most of GitHubs main operations are not in India. But there were few teams like NPM packages and GitHub education, which were almost completely based out of India, an employee said. A third employee impacted by the layoffs corroborated the account above. It was really harsh that the company asked us to send in our resignation before we even could digest the news. They should have announced it as a layoff, as it is not our fault, he said. In addition to India, LinkedIn posts suggest that the layoffs have affected teams in the United States. In February, CEO Thomas Dohmke informed employees that the company would be reducing its workforce by 10 percent through the end of FY23. The company also planned to close its offices as their leases expire as part of its "necessary decisions and budgetary realignments." Additionally, the company has had a hiring freeze in place since January 18. On the basis of this announcement, GitHub employees in India anticipated some reductions, but did not anticipate that the entire engineering team would be laid off. A GitHub spokesperson told Moneycontrol that the present workforce reductions are a part of the announcement made by the company in February. As part of the reorganization plan shared in February, workforce reductions were made today as part of difficult but necessary decisions and realignments to both protect the health of our business in the short term and grant us the capacity to invest in our long-term strategy moving forward, the spokesperson said. On January 18, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that the company would be laying off 10,000 employees by the third quarter of FY23, which he said is less than 5 percent of the companys workforce. These decisions are difficult, but necessary, Nadella said. Apart from Microsoft, other tech giants too have been slashing jobs with companies even doing two rounds. In January, Salesforce announced it was reducing 10 percent of its workforce, or nearly 8,000 employees, with the CEO Marc Benioff attributing it to hiring too many people during the pandemic-fuelled demand. According to an interview that COO Brian Millham gave to Bloomberg this week, more job cuts could be in store for Salesforce. Amazon has announced two rounds of layoffs that will affect 27,000 people. The company announced 18,000 layoffs in January, primarily in Amazon Stores and People, Experience, and Technology (PXT), and a further 9,000 layoffs last week, which are expected to affect employees in departments including AWS, PXT, Advertising, and Twitch. Meta announced its second round of layoffs earlier this month, which are expected to affect 10,000 jobs, as well as not hiring for 5,000 open positions. This came on the heels of its first announcement in November 2022, where it had announced for 13 percent of its workforce, or 11,000 jobs. Summit Fire and Medical District will close one eastside firehouse this year, and theyre asking the public to help them decide which one to keep. There are three stations on the east side of the Summit Fire and Medical District: Station 31, on Cosnino Road; Station 32, on Koch Field Road; and Station 33, on Firehouse Lane near the Summit Fire District Maintenance building and Highway 89. While there are three fire stations, right now there are only two Summit Fire engine companies operating on the east side. Due to budgetary constraints, in 2021, the Summit Fire Board dissolved one engine crew worth of personnel. One of the two remaining crews has manned Station 31. Since October, the other crew has rotated between the Koch Field Road station and the firehouse near Highway 89. Now, the fire board is looking to base that crew permanently out of either Station 32 or 33. The remaining building will be decommissioned, but not sold. According to Flagstaff and Summit Fire Chief, Mark Gaillard, both properties will be retained by the district regardless of which one is shut down. To find out which station the public would prefer to see operating moving forward, the board hosted a public input meeting at Cromer Elementary School on Thursday night. The board has a really difficult decision to make. We wanted to create a space for the public to come and weigh in on the choice that the board has, Gaillard said when the meeting opened. According to Mark Wilson, the Administrative Deputy Chief at Summit Fire and the City of Flagstaff, public input is just one factor the board is weighing in order to decide which fire station to abandon. The board, Wilson said, will consider response times from each base of operations. Theyll also look at call density and risks to community safety in each location, and take into account facility design and community input. An outside consultant was hired to analyze data related to costs, response times and other critical factors, offering the board a recommendation. Instead of suggesting that one station or the other remain open, the consultant determined that the metrics were too close to call, according to Wilson. He said the consultant determined that Station 31 is in the most appropriate spot and that the ideal location for a second station would be on Silver Saddle Road. I believe the right answer is to close them both. Close them both now. Get a new station built on Silver Saddle where it belongs. Fix the problem long-term, one community member said when the board sought public comment last week. Continuing to do what were doing, what weve been doing for the last 10 to 15 years here, has not worked. Weve seen that. The fire board, at present, is not considering building a new station on Silver Saddle Road. The impending closure, Wilson said, comes after about a decade of budgetary challenges for the district. In front of dozens of community members gathered at the Doney Park Elementary School, Wilson painted a picture of plunging tax revenues and rising operating costs -- a picture of a fire district whose efforts to keep out of the red ultimately came up short. In 2008, Summit Fire had $4.2 million in tax revenue to cover operating costs. By 2014, the districts tax revenue had dipped to $3.5 million. There were a number of reasons for that, Wilson said. In 2010, after the Schultz Fire swept through the region, property values were re-assessed and dropped to give county residents a tax break and some breathing room financially. In 2012, Proposition 117 capped the annual increase in real property used to calculate property taxes to 5%. Now you cant rebound more than 5% in any given year, said Wilson. It took us 12 yearsto get back to where we were collecting the same revenue that we were collecting in 2008 to cover the cost of running a fire district. In that time, the cost of doing business had gone up for the fire service. We had a deficit of two or three thousand dollars in a 10-year timeline, said Wilson. Hard costs, costs of doing business, not salaries, including public safety retirement pensions went up 20% in that time. Our healthcare went up 40%. Our workers comp went up 116%. Our insurance went up an additional 26%. In an effort to keep the district afloat financially, Summit Fire and Medical District entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Flagstaff. The two departments consolidated administrative roles in 2015. They agreed to share a fire chief and support one another in call response and training. It was a savings of about $50,000 a year to hire a new chief for Summit, compared to what the city could charge, Wilson said. We both knew that we had deficits in our staffing and in our capacity to provide service levels. That IGA has been going on for 8 years. The City of Flagstaff has never raised the rate one dime. I assure you, the cost of those administrators has gone up, but that has been a flat rate agreement between the City and Summit, and it saved Summit a lot of money over those eight years. If Thursday nights meeting felt like deja vu, its because Summit has taken similarly drastic measures to cut costs before. In addition to entering the IGA with Flagstaff Fire in 2015, the board closed one of Summits Highway 180 stations. In later years, Summit would utilize bonds for debt consolidation, catching up on capital costs and growing pension expenses. None of those steps, presenters asserted Friday, helped to achieve fiscal stability. During that time we were treading water, Wilson said. In 2021, we advised the board we could no longer tread water. The gap was starting to separate. We need to do something dramatic. Thats when the district entered what they call the Eastside Restructure Pilot. They launched the process of shutting down a fire station. The board cut seven firefighting positions, which Wilson said were vacated due to attrition rather than layoffs. For 18 months, the remaining firefighters that werent assigned to Station 31 started rotating between 32 and 33, all the while gathering data. The data was analyzed by an outside consultant, but the board didnt act on that right away. Instead, they postponed officially closing a station in hopes that Proposition 310 would pass, bolstering tax revenues. The proposition failed, and the Summit Fire Board was left with data on both stations and a big decision to make. On average, the national emergency response time for rural fire departments is 10 minutes. According to Wilson, when crews responded from Station 32, they arrived at their call in about 6.59 minutes on average. The average response time from Station 33 was 7.45 minutes. Station 33 offers quick access to Highway 89. Its an older facility and the farthest north of the three stations. The majority of speakers at Cromer Elementary School Thurday said they would prefer to see the station on Firehouse Lane station remain open. Many of those speakers own property or live in Timberline or Fernwood -- neighborhoods that have been rattled by three catastrophic wildfires in the last decade, and are now subject to devastating flooding. The most important reason to keep Station 33 open is that Government Tank will continue to flood during monsoon for years to come, closing Highway 89 for periods of time and putting residents, travelers on 89, recreationists, forest restoration and flood mitigation workers north of Government Tank at extreme risk when 89 is closed, said Marilyn Ruggles, who has attended fire board meetings regularly over the last 18 months. Flagstaff Fire and the Summit crew at Station 31 would be able to respond to calls Farther south and east when the highway was closed and communities farther up 89 would still have first responders on deck, Ruggles argued. Daniela Harrison told the fire board Thursday that she believes Station 33 is the best fit too. For one thing, its close to a high-traffic corridor tourists use Highway 89 to access popular sites like Grand Canyon National Park and Wupatki National Monument. Harrison also pointed out there might be more reasons in the future to keep the northmost station. The hospital is going to be located outside of the city. Having EMTs that are able to reach the northern part fastbefore they can get all the way up to the hospital? Its going to make a big difference, she said. Station 32 is centrally located in the fire district, closer to Cromer Elementary School and closer to the highest volume of people and calls for service. The building itself is much newer, and Station 32 features a large bay space for equipment. One of the primary concerns associated with the location on Koch Field, however, is its lack of a workout room. Summit Firefighters are required to work out daily, and when theyre stationed at 32, they have to leave their post and work out at Station 33. No one spoke on behalf of seeing Station 32 remain open last week. According to Wilson, the fire board will decide the fate of one of the two buildings in April. In the meantime, they are still looking for online community feedback. A digital comment card can be filled out at summitfiredepartment.org. The Kirit Parikh recommendations on gas pricing, if implemented from April 1, can bring immediate relief to consumers of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) in the form of a 10-12 percent price cut, experts said. Assuming this (the cut in domestic gas prices) gets passed on fully to CNG and PNG consumers, it would mean a price decline of 10-12 percent from the current levels, said Manish Gupta, senior director for CRISIL Ratings. Another analyst said a reduction of Rs 5 to 10 per kg of gas could be expected if the recommendations go through. The price of CNG, used as an automobile fuel, in New Delhi is Rs 79.56 per kg, while the price of domestic PNG used for cooking is Rs 53.59 per standard cubic meter (SCM). The committee recommended that natural gas produced from old fields should be priced at 10 percent of the monthly average of the Indian crude basket. There should be a floor price of $4 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) and a cap of $6.5 per mmBtu, it said. If the Kirit Parikh panel recommendations are implemented, there will be some reduction in the input gas cost, there will be a reduction of $1.5 per mmBtu, Pawan Kumar, director-commercial at Indraprastha Gas, said in an interview with CNBC-TV18 on March 23. Immediate relief Domestic gas prices are currently at $8.57 per mmBtu. Brent crude traded at $78.12 per barrel on March 27. Given where crude is and considering the ceiling, for all purposes, the panel recommendations should bring immediate relief for all consumers, including sectors like fertilisers, if implemented, said Probal Sen, an analyst with ICICI Securities. Varatharajan Sivasankaran, senior vice president with Antique Stock Broking, said he expects the government will insist that the reduction in gas prices is passed on to customers. In case the recommendations are fully accepted without any changes, one can expect an immediate cut in prices of CNG and PNG. I expect the government will insist that they are immediately passed on, he said. While city gas distributors will pass on most of the price cut, it may also help boost their margins. The panel also said the ceiling price should be increased by 50 cents every year until 2027, when domestic gas prices are expected to be fully deregulated. Though consumers can expect immediate relief, whether deregulation after 2027 will reduce domestic gas prices is uncertain. The timeline to decontrol the gas pricing mechanism was set with an expectation that the current volatility seen in global gas prices amid the ongoing geopolitical situation would ease by then, said Gupta of CRISIL. Ultimately, pricing, if decontrolled, would depend on factors such as gas production, consumption, and the price of competing fuels. Sen of ICICI Securities said geopolitical factors such as Russia and the ongoing wars impact would decide the course of pricing beyond 2027. Where crude oil prices trade at that point, how the government benchmarks the direct linkage to crude oil prices in the pricing mechanism, etc are other factors, he said. The board of Vedanta Ltd. announced payment of the fifth interim dividend for this year on March 28. The board of the Anil Agarwal-led company said it will pay a dividend of Rs 20.50 per equity share, amounting to a total of Rs 7,621 crore. It said in an exchange filing that the Board has approved the fifth interim dividend of Rs 20.50 per equity share, which is 2050 percent on the face value of Rs 1 per share for the financial year 202223 amounting to Rs 7,621 crore. The record date for the purpose of payment of the dividend is Friday, April 07, 2023, it added. Following the announcement, rating agency CRISIL on March 29 revised outlook on the company's term loans and debentures from 'stable' to 'negative'. The change in outlook reflects the possibility of higher-than-expected financial leverage and lower financial flexibility with reducing ratio of cash surplus to one-year maturities for FY23 and FY24, it said. Also read: Vedanta: Higher dividend payout likely to continue in the short term "This is due to increased cash outflow from Vedanta, in the form of dividends, towards large maturing debt obligations at its parent company Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL)." CRISIL stated. CRISIL reaffirmed the rating 'AA' for long term loans and debentures and A1+ rating on the commercial paper and short-term bank facilities. "The board of directors of the company is proposed to be scheduled on March 28 to consider and approve the fifth interim dividend on equity shares, if any, for the Financial Year 2022-23," Vedanta had said in a regulatory filing. At 12:12 pm, the shares of Vedanta were trading at Rs 280.20 apiece, 2.2 percent higher than the previous close, on the NSE. Earlier in March, a report stated that mining mogul Agarwal is contemplating a stake sale in Vedanta and is examining the possibility of selling less than 5 percent of the company. However, soon after the report, Vedanta termed any such talks of stake sale in oil-to-metals conglomerate as 'untrue and baseless'. According to the company's spokesperson, "Any talk of stake sale in Vedanta Ltd is untrue and baseless." The media report had said that a stake sale in Vedanta is a last resort for Agarwal and will only be considered if other fundraising options fail. Vedanta Resources which is a majority shareholder of Vedanta Ltd has been looking to reduce its debt through the sale of its zinc assets for a cash consideration of $2,981 million to Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL). However, the government which holds a 29.54 percent stake in Hindustan Zinc has sternly opposed this move. Vedanta holds 64.92 percent of the equity share capital of HZL. A week ago, Hindustan Zinc Ltd had announced its fourth interim dividend of Rs 10,985.83 crore to its shareholders. With e-mobility witnessing an unprecedented surge in the luxury car market in the country, BMW India anticipates that the proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in its total sales will go beyond 30 percent by 2025 from the current 11 percent, the companys India President and CEO Vikram Pawah told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interaction. Currently, the company sells the i4, ix7 and i7 and Mini Electric in its electric car line-up. The German luxury carmaker is foreseeing an accelerated demand for EVs in the country in the next few years. Last year, we finished with a leadership position in electric cars because we had the widest portfolio and have recently added one more to it. What we can see is that there is a clear shift towards electric cars. So, out of 5,500 units of demand generated this year, 600 is purely electric. Already more than 10 percent or 11 percent of our demand is for electric. I estimate, by the end of the year, it will be more than 15 percent. By 2025, I expect this to be at least 30 percent, if not higher, said Pawah. It may be recalled that luxury car market leader Mercedes-Benz, which currently retails EQC, EQS AMG 53 & EQS 580, and EQB e-cars, had earlier indicated that 25 percent of its total sales will be derived from zero emission vehicles by 2027. Another luxury carmaker, Volvo India, which sells the XC40 Recharge and is planning to introduce the C40 Recharge, sees electric cars contributing 80 percent of its total sales by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030. Ramping up supplies from global EV facilities BMW India said that when it had launched the electric cars, its initial allocation was already pre-sold and it is now working on ramping up supplies from its global EV facilities, from where the products are imported through the Complete Built Unit (CBU) route. Citing Vaahan data, the luxury carmaker claimed that it has registrations of 220 cars, which is ahead of its all competitors put together. As Pawah puts it, We have been able to secure some more supplies in order to reduce the waiting period. For example, we've reduced the waiting period of the iX to three months now. The waiting period for i4 midsize sedan is still a little bit longer as we have not been able to secure too many supplies, but we're working on it. Similarly, supplies of the recently launched i7 will start building up from Quarter 2 (of this calender year) onwards. We should be able to solve that also during the year. Taking a cue from Mercedes-Benz India, BMW India also indicated that it is exploring the feasibility of assembling its EV portfolio at its Chennai facility. However, the products will be initially imported as an SKD (semi knocked down) kit rather than a CKD (completely knocked down) kit. Currently, it has a capacity of 14,000 units per annum at its existing facility, where it produces 11 models out of its total portfolio of ICEVs. Any production decision locally is based on volume and investment. At the moment, 95 percent of what we sold in India was produced locally in India. So, any individual product decision is based on the volume and investment mix. As the volumes grow for me, of course, it's a matter of time when we start doing it in India, said Pawah. 'Neu Klasse' range launch Meanwhile, BMW is also thinking of introducing the 'Neu Klasse' range of next-generation Born Electric luxury cars in the next couple of years. However, it has not decided whether the products based on this range will be locally built or imported as a CBU. Neue Klasse will start happening the world over from 2025 onwards. Also, there's normally a six to eight months gap in between the global launch and the availability in India. So when we get closer to the date, we'll tell you about the launch dates and their positioning and things like that. It is a completely new platform and a global product and if it's suitable for India, we bring it in, Pawah added. During 2022, which incidentally was the 15th year of the companys operations, it sold 11,981 cars of Mini and BMW brands, and 7,282 Motorrad bikes. While it didnt give the projected numbers for 2023, the company exuded confidence in replicating the growth rates it had registered in 2022. If we look at what we have been able to do, between December and January, we launched eight great products in eight weeks, from December 2022 to January 2023. That has given us a really fast start, stated Pawah. When asked about the long-term business outlook, Pawah stated that the size of the luxury car market is very difficult to estimate. We (luxury carmakers) are currently (contributing) around one and a half percent of the total (Passenger Vehicle) market, which is roughly around three and a half million (units per annum). And that's 40,000 (units per annum). Let's say the three and a half million becomes 5 million and the luxury car market becomes 3 percent, which is comparable to some of the nearby ASEAN countries, then you're talking about 100,000 units. That purely depends on the overall market and the penetration and how the economy develops, affirmed Pawah. "But for us, we will continue to grow in a solid phase, because, you know, the way we have a product offensive is very solid. This year itself two-thirds of our product portfolio, in terms of volume, is either refreshed or new. We have the youngest portfolio in the country," concluded Pawah. The first quarter of the next fiscal projects a strong outlook for entry and junior-level employees, in both services and manufacturing sectors, according to a report by TeamLease Services. TeamLease Services is a staffing conglomerate that has released its 'Employment Outlook Report' for the services and manufacturing sectors for April to June 2023. The outlook for mid-level employees in services and in manufacturing is also balanced, the report said. "Industries around the world, including those in India, have been severely affected by the current global unrest, which has resulted in large-scale layoffs, a hiring freeze, and an imminent economic downturn," Kartik Narayan, Chief Executive Officer of Staffing at TeamLease Services, said. "Despite this, hiring prospects in India have continued to improve over the past year, with 64 percent of employers in the service and manufacturing industries expressing a positive outlook on hiring. The main reason for this is the changing global investment dynamics and the precautionary measures that businesses are taking. Also Read | Indian IT firms to slash tech hiring by 40% in FY24 Large organisations in the services and manufacturing sectors have weathered the recession well and have higher levels of hiring intent than in the previous quarter, the report further read. Tier-1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai are thriving mainly across financial services, telecommunications, information technology and manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure, FMCG, healthcare and pharmaceutical, the report further said. Looking at the current 5G rollout, adoption and increasing number of use cases, the telecommunications sector in India is seeing an increase in infrastructure investment to meet the growing needs of both local and global clients. As a result, telecom companies plan to invest Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of large hyper-scale data centres, resulting in steady growth and job creation for blue-collar, gig, and grey-collar workers," Mayur Taday, Chief Business Officer, TeamLease Services said. "Additionally, the information technology industry is also looking to establish data centres. While there is demand for traditional non-white-collar jobs in the sector, workforce rationalisation around the world and in India has impacted hiring intentions. The attrition trend As per the report, the services industry is seeing a low talent retention rate, especially in growth businesses and mature businesses. Although, the manufacturing industry is observing a positive increment across segments like textile, power and energy, manufacturing and engineering and infrastructure. Also Read | What does Goldman Sachs look for in candidates when hiring? It's been a busy month for India's commerce ministry. The first half of March saw US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo visit New Delhi and participate in the 5th India-US bilateral Commercial Dialogue. Then came the meeting between the Indian and Australian trade ministers. Capping it all will be the first meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group, which began today, March 28, in Mumbai. The three-day meeting will see more than a hundred delegates from G20 member nations, invitees, regional blocs, and international organisations scratch their collective heads to figure out how global trade and investments can be accelerated. The G20 meeting begins a day after the World Bank warned that the global economy faced the prospect of a "lost decade". Tellingly, the World Bank pointed out that growth in international trade is barely matching GDP growth and that international economic integration, which helped drive global prosperity for more than 20 years, has faltered. "Restoring it is essential to catalyse trade, accelerate climate action, and mobilise the investments needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," the World Bank said in a report on March 27. If the first two major meetings of India's G20 presidency are anything to go by, restoring international co-operation is going to be a challenging task. The Russian puzzle The meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors, held in Bengaluru in late February, and that of foreign ministers in the Capital, early in March, were dominated by talk of the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia and China's opposition to the language around the war's characterisation and lack of criticism of the sanctions imposed on Russia saw both the meetings end with no joint statement. Considering how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has impacted global trade over the last 13 months, it would be naive to think this week's meetings would not see grumblings on the matter. And it would be a surprise if a joint statement is reached. As with the meetings of G20 finance and foreign ministers, India will look to get work done where it can. And as Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, have said, there has been agreement on as many as 95 percent of the issues among G20 members in their meetings. It is the war-related 5 percent that has come in the way of a joint statement. Issues on agenda On its part, India will push for a rupee settlement of international trade. Speaking to reporters on March 27, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said India is interested in improving trade in rupees. Earlier this month, the finance ministry informed Parliament that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had granted approvals to correspondent banks from 18 countries, including those from major nations such as the UK and Germany, to open Vostro accounts to settle international trade in rupees. Under the RBI's mechanism to settle international trade in rupees, authorised Indian banks must open Special Rupee Vostro accounts of correspondent banks of the partner trading country to settle these transactions. Rupee trade, however, is not the only item on the agenda. Two sessions will be held on March 28 examining the role of financial institutions and export credit agencies in closing the trade finance gap and how acceleration of digitalisation and financial technology solutions can improve access to trade finance. Over the next two days, four closed-door sessions will be held on making trade work for growth and prosperity, building resilient global value chains, integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises in global trade, and building efficient logistics for trade. "Instead of taking a zero-sum-game approach to trade that protectionism advocates, India believes that it is important to ensure that multilateral trade is free and geared towards ensuring global prosperity," an official from the commerce ministry said. While the pall of Russia's war will hang over all the G20 meetings under India's presidency, it can only tackle the issues within its control. The G20 expert group on strengthening multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as the World Bank, has been constituted and given until June 30 to submit its report. The group, co-chaired by former US Secretary of Treasury Larry Summers and India's NK Singh, chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, will have seven other members, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on March 28. The other members of the expert group are: >> Tharman Shanmugarathnam: Senior Minister, Government of Singapore >> Maria Ramos: Former director-general of the National Treasury of South Africa >> Arminio Fraga: Former governor, Central Bank of Brazil >> Nicholas Stern: IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics >> Justin Yifu Lin: Former senior vice president and chief economist of the World Bank >> Rachel Kyte: Former vice president of World Bank >> Vera Songwe: Former executive secretary, Economic Commission for Africa The decision to set up the expert group was taken last month in the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Bengaluru. According to the Indian government statement, the expert group will have to draw up a roadmap for an "updated MDB ecosystem for the 21st century" so that these institutions are better equipped to finance a wide range of sustainable development goals and global challenges such as climate change and health. The expert group will also have to evaluate the funding required by and from multilateral development banks to address their and member countries' increased financing needs. Further, mechanisms for coordination among these institutions will have to be worked upon to address and finance global development and other challenges more effectively, the government said. India, even before it assumed the presidency of the G20 in late 2022, had repeatedly called for reforming multilateral development banks, saying they faced existential questions. "Do they want to unlock the potential they have better? And therefore, multilateral institutions, particularly financing (ones), will be a matter of debate," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had commented in November. Analysts welcomed Dalmia Bharats decision to sell its stake in an associate company, saying it will ease concerns over its presence in non-core businesses and help it focus on cement production. Unit Dalmia Cement will sell its entire 42.36 percent stake in Dalmia Bharat Refractories, an associate company, to Sarvapriya Healthcare Solutions, a promoter group company, for Rs 800 crore. The deal should be completed by April 25, Dalmia Bharat said in a stock exchange filing on March 26. Of the total payment of Rs 800 crore, 20 percent will be paid to Dalmia Cement on the date of the transaction, 40 percent will be paid in the form of non-convertible debentures redeemable on or before December 31, 2023, and the remaining 40 percent in the form of NCDs redeemable on or before December 31, 2024. Divesting non-core assets On a conference call with investors, company executives said it continues to focus on exiting non-core businesses including Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Hippo Stores and the refractory business. During FY22, it had divested a 5.2 percent stake in IEX for Rs 614 crore, while it sold Hippo Stores for Rs 155 crore on a slump sale basis. Apart from the recent divestment of the refractory business, Dalmia Bharat will gradually divest its 15-percent holding in IEX. After-tax profit of Rs 348 crore from the companys latest transaction (of selling its entire remaining stake in Dalmia Bharat Refractories for Rs 800 crore) will be accounted in FY23. Proceeds from the sale of the refractory business, redemption of NCDs in Hippo Stores, and the expected divestment of the balance 15-percent stake in IEX will help finance its growth plans, brokerage Sharekhan said. Read more | Analysts bullish on Godrej Consumer Products but pre-COVID EBITDA margin still some time away Citi said the refractory business sale should help assuage concerns over investment in non-core businesses. Citi sees limited upside in the stock and has a neutral recommendation on it with a target price of Rs 2,050. CLSA was of the view that its stake sale in Dalmia Bharat Refractories is a step in the right direction. CLSA has an outperform call on the companys stock with a target price of Rs 2,170. It pointed out that concerns over the companys capital allocation were a key overhang on the stock. Analysts have said the companys capital allocation and execution will be key monitorables. Pure cement play The companys strategy to divest non-core businesses augurs well as it will help Dalmia Bharat focus purely on the cement business and its expansion. With this transaction, the listed Dalmia Bharat is exiting one more non-core business, leaving only its IEX stake as a non-core investment, said foreign brokerage firm Jefferies, adding that there are no changes to its estimates for now, but the company's evolution to a pure cement play should be good for valuations. The cement maker plans to increase its capacity to 75 million tonnes per annum by FY27 and 110-130 million tonnes per annum by FY31. Its current capacity is 37 million tonnes per annum. In December, the company said it will acquire the Jaypee Groups cement plants with a capacity of 9.4 million tonnes per annum. Read more | STT hike on options trading to pinch small traders more than sellers: 5paisa CEO Dalmia Bharats capital allocation policy focuses on becoming a pan-India pure play cement company, increasing its presence in every market it operates, and maintaining a strong balance sheet with net debt/EBITDA of less than 2 times, the company said on the investor conference call. Jefferies has a buy call on Dalmia Bharat with a target price of Rs 2,310, implying 13 times its December 2024 EV/EBITDA. The enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation ratio is a valuation metric that compares the value of a company, including debt, to the companys cash earnings less non-cash expenses. Growth drivers Axis Securities expects cement demand to grow at 7-8 percent compounded annually over FY22-FY25. The increased government capex on infra and housing remains the key growth driver along with robust real estate demand, it said. With the commissioning of new capacity, higher cement demand and cost optimisation measures, the brokerage firm expects Dalmia Bharats revenue to grow 14 percent, EBITDA 16 percent, and profit after tax 12 percent compounded annually over FY22-FY25. This will be driven by an improvement in volumes and realisation of 11 percent and 2 percent over the same period on a compounded annual growth rate basis, Axis Securities added. Read more | Cement makers struggle to take price hikes in Q4 Axis Securities maintained its buy rating on the stock with a hike in target price to Rs 2,260 from Rs 2,120. Dalmia Bharat shares fell 1.4 percent to Rs 1,844.75 at the close on the BSE on March 28. The companys revenue increased to Rs 11,286 crore in FY22 from Rs 8,580 crore in FY18. According to Emkay Global Financial Services, the companys return on equity jumped to 7.5 percent in FY21, before moderating to 5.4 percent in FY22, from 2.9 percent in FY18. Eris Lifesciences is pouring in huge investments in the domestic market through the acquisition of multiple brands in an effort to diversify its business. However, the mid-cap company's recent acquisitions have failed to garner cheer from investors so far as they have shown reluctance towards the drugmaker with the stock having dropped nearly 31% since its lifetime peak in October 2021. Despite the decline in its stock value, analysts are optimistic about the company's future prospects and believe that it has all the ingredients in place to stage a bounce back. Before we explore the reason behind the optimism within analysts, let us know more about the company. The beginnings Eris Lifesciences is a pharmaceutical company that was established in 2007 with its core focus on domestic branded formulations. The company specializes in chronic and sub-chronic therapies which account for the majority of its revenue, and its product range spans across Indias chronic care market valued at over Rs 55,000 crore . The company's flagship therapy is diabetes care, which clocked in 29 percent of its branded formulations revenue for the fiscal year 2022. The company also holds a spot in the list of top five companies in India in terms of revenue and prescription share for oral diabetes products. In addition to diabetes care, Eris Lifesciences has also forayed into insulin therapy since the beginning of 2022. Cardiac care is another major segment where the company operates and accounts for 24 percent of its total revenue. Lately, the company has also been focusing on diversifying its business by entering into three emerging therapies, namely dermatology, neuropsychiatry and gynaecology, which now make up 20 percent of its branded formulations revenue and is growing at a rate of around 25 percent per annum. Eris Lifesciences has a primary manufacturing facility in Guwahati which accounted for the production of roughly 80 percent of all its products sold in FY22. The company has also earmarked a capital expenditure of Rs 130 crore to set up a new manufacturing facility in Gujarat which is expected to enhance its production capabilities. For distribution, the drugmaker has established a pan-India network that includes more than 2,000 stockists and over 500,000 chemists. Also Read: Know your stock | Is there a glimmer of hope for SeQuent Scientific? While the stock has been an underpreformer for several months, foreign institutional investors too seem to maintain a positive outlook for Eris Lifesciences. This is reflected by the company's shareholding data, which reflects a rise in FII holding over the past three quarters. FII holdings in Eris Lifesciences rose to 15.50 percent at the end of the December quarter from 13.31 as on the end of FY22. The rise in FII holding also aligns with the correction in the stock which FIIs used as an opportunity to lap up more shares. Domestic institutional holding has remained stable at around 10 percent for the past few quarters. Chrys Capital, UTI Mutual Fund , Vanguard , HSBC Mutual Fund, Kuwait Investment Authority Fund, Kotak Mutual Fund, Government Pension Fund Global - Norges Bank and Kuwait Investment Authority Fund are some of the big names who own stake in Eris Lifesciences. Why has the stock corrected? The correction in the stock came on the back of an overall decline within the pharmaceutical sector and weak financial performance in the third quarter of FY23. Over the past one year, the stock has plummeted 20 percent while the S&P BSE Healthcare index corrected around 11 percent. The drugmaker posted a net profit of Rs 99.4 crore in the December quarter, down 4.5 percent from the corresponding quarter in the year ago period. The weak bottomline came on the back of a capital expenditure taken for the acquisition of Oaknet. Revenues in the same quarter grew around 9 percent on year to Rs 326.8 crore alongside a contraction in EBIDTA margin which came down to 38.1 percent from 40.3 percent in the year ago period. The way ahead Eris Lifesciences has been on a spree of acquisitions in a bid to diversify its offerings. The company has recently acquired nine dermatology brands from Dr Reddys Laboratories. The company had entered the dermatology with the acquisition of Oaknet Healthcare and then moved on to acquire nine derma brands from Glenmark Pharma. With the three acquisitions in place, analysts at Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities expects the drugmaker's dermatology segment to contribute 15 percent of total revenue. Most analysts also believe that the company's recent list of acquisitions sits well in-line with its focus on diversifying its portfolio and will fill gaps in its cosmetic dermatology range. The company also plans on leveraging a pipeline of patent expirations which are due over the next three years within the cardiometabolic segment. Adding to that, the company will focus on expanding its injectable anti-diabetes franchise and central nervous system (CNS) and women health offerings. In terms of inorganic growth, the company will continue to look for high-value opportunities, especially in the CNS, women health and dermatology segments. Along with that, the drugmaker has also given a guidance of 25-26 percent rise in revenue on an EBIDTA growth of 14-15 percent for FY23. Why the optimism? Analysts' optimism towards Eris Lifesciences largely stems from expectations of strong growth making its way through the kitty of acquisitions done by the company. Analysts at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers believe the recent deals in the derma segment will place Eris in the third rank with a 7 percent market share in the covered dermatology market. "Factoring in the recent deals, we expect 21%/24%/12% revenue/EBITDA/PAT growth over FY23-FY25," the Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers wrote in a research note. Mitesh Shah, Research Analyst at Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities also shared similar views as he feels the acquisition would strengthen Eris presence in the fast-growing cosmetic dermatology segment, which is growing faster than the entire dermatology market. "After witnessing some moderation in its base business, the company has taken inorganic routes to support growth, with a strong capex of Rs 1,200 crore. While dermatology seems like an interesting segment from a growth perspective, the key monitorable that remains to be seen will be the way the management manages to scale the newly acquired brands," Param Desai, Senior Research Analyst at Prabhudas Lilladher noted. In addition to the acquisitions, the drugmaker's higher reliability on the domestic market, which is expected to drive growth for pharma companies in the upcoming years also works in its favour. "At a time when companies with higher exposure in the US market are facing pressures from price erosion and higher regulatory scrutiny from the US Food and Drug Administration, the fact that Eris is a play on the domestic growth story sparks our optimism," Shah said. Shah also highlighted that the company has recently hired some talent from Cipla, which will further put it on track to become one of the fastest growing companies in the domestic market. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has partly allowed Arshad Warsis appeal against a ban imposed by markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Let's take a look at the case and the options left for the actor and other co-appellants if they aspire to appeal against the order of Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) What is the case about? Upon receipt of credible information regarding stock manipulation and dumping, a whole-time member (WTM) of Sebi passed an ex-parte ad-interim order on March 2 against 31 noticees who were served the notice. The WTM issued a slew of directions, asking them to deposit the unlawful gains in an escrow account in a nationalised bank, and directed the bank to freeze all debits till such time an escrow account is opened and the amount transferred to it. The WTM also directed the depositories to suspend all debits and restrained the noticees from disposing of or alienating any assets or property. The noticees were directed to provide full inventory of all the assets or investments held in their names, jointly and severally, whether movable or immovable, including details of all bank accounts, demat accounts, mutual fund investments, etc. Of the 31 individuals, four filed two appeals questioning the validity and legality of the ex-parte ad-interim order. Arshad H Warsi, Maria Goretti Warsi, and Iqbal Hussain Warsi filed the first appeal, and Aahuti Rasik Mistry filed the second appeal challenging the Sebi order. The ex-parte ad-interim order has been issued under Sections 11(1), 11(4) and 11B of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, upon prima facie evidence of violation of Section 12A of the Act read with Regulations 3 and 4 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003. Also, the appeal filed by the four individuals was disposed of by SAT, Mumbai, on March 27, 2023. The date of hearing was March 17, 2023. Interesting facts about the case The appellant Arshad Hussain Warsi, Maria Goretti Warsi and Iqbal Hussain Warsi invested a sum of Rs 1,17,99,684 for purchase of shares on and around July 13, 2022. The shares were purchased from Jatin Manubhai Shah, Daivik Jatin Shah, Heli Jatin Shah and Angad Ishwarlal Rathod, who are noticees in the impugned order and are depicted as volume creators. The appellants sold most of the shares on August 3, 2022 and August 5, 2022 for a total consideration of Rs 1,94,34,412, and thereby made a profit of Rs 76,34,728. Similarly, Aahuti R Mistry brought 10 lakh shares and sold the same during Patch 1, i.e., initial observation of SEBI, which was from April 27, 2022 to July 14, 2022, according to the investigation report. Sebi was informed about price manipulation and offloading of shares in a scrip known as Sadhna. The regulator was also informed about several YouTube channels that were spreading fake information on stocks and luring innocent investors. The channels named in the order are The Advisor and Moneywise. Sebi officials came to the conclusion that various noticees collectively helped to create trading volumes and interest in the scrip and spread false and misleading YouTube videos, inducing unsuspecting investors to buy the scrip of Sadhna at elevated prices, thereby, prima facie violating the provisions of the PFUTP Regulations. As a result, SEBI banned several individuals involved in the pump-and-dump scheme from participating in the capital markets, and also froze some bank accounts relating to transactions associated with the pump-and-dump activity for more details on the issue Securities Appellate Tribunal order can be referred. SAT, Mumbais decision in the case as discussed in the order While referring to past SC decisions and observations, SAT made the following observations in its order on March 27, 2023. (a) Directions contained in the impugned order against the appellants Arshad Warsi, Maria Warsi and Iqbal Warsi in appeal number 284, are set aside with the following directions: (i) The appellants are restrained from trading in the scrip of Sadhna during the pendency of the investigation This means that till proceedings are on in the case, no appellant can trade in the shares of Sadhna. (ii) The appellants shall deposit 50 percent of the alleged unlawful gains in an escrow account with a scheduled commercial bank within 15 days from the date of the order. For the balance amount, the appellants shall give an undertaking within the same period of 15 days that they will deposit the balance amount within 30 days from the date of the final order, if any, passed by the WTM i.e. Sebi. (iii) This amount shall be kept in an interest-bearing escrow account and a lien created in favour of Sebi. (iv) Directions (i), (ii), and (iii) would continue to operate during the investigation. (v) The appeal is partly allowed. (b) In Appeal No. 285 pertaining to Aahuti Rasik Mistry, the impugned order i.e. the earlier Sebi order, which has been challenged in so far as it relates to the said appellant, is quashed. The appeal is allowed. The Tribunal however, restrained the appellant from dealing in the scrip of Sadhna during the pendency of the investigations. (c) The Tribunal also directed Sebi to complete the investigation within six months and initiate appropriate proceedings, if any, against the appellants. If the investigations remain incomplete and no proceedings are initiated, it will be open to the appellants to apply for modification of the SAT order. (d) Any observation or findings given in this order is only tentative in nature and will not affect the investigation. Further, neither party will rely upon any observation / finding in any proceedings before any authority i.e. in the circumstances of the case, parties shall bear their own costs. What are the remedies available to Arshad Warsi and other co appellants if they desire to appeal against the SAT, Mumbai order? The appellants can move the Supreme Court under Section 15Z of the Sebi Act, if they arent satisfied with the SAT order. Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Securities Appellate Tribunal may file an appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days from the date of communication of the decision or order of the Securities Appellate Tribunal to him on any question of law arising out of such order: Provided that the Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding 60 days, says Section 15Z of the Sebi Act. The market continued to see rangebound action for yet another session and closed the day with moderate gains amid choppy trade on March 28. Traders may be maintaining caution ahead of expiry of March derivative contracts scheduled on March 29, a day before the normal expiry day due to holiday on March 30, Thursday for Ram Navami. The BSE Sensex declined 40 points to 57,614, while the Nifty50 settled the session with 34 points losses at 16,952 after trading largely in a range of about 60 points for major part of session and taking support at 16,900 and getting resistance at 17,100 levels. The index has formed bearish candle or Inside Bar as it traded within the previous day's range, on the daily timeframe. "Currently, the Nifty is repeatedly hitting the support of 16,900-16,850 levels and showing lack of strength to sustain the intraday upside bounces. The doji pattern of Monday has not impacted positively for the market in the next session," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities said. He feels if the Nifty fails to regain strength to move up from the support in the short term, then that action could eventually result in a decisive downside breakout of the support band of 16,900-16,800 levels in the near term. Any upside bounce from here could find strong resistance around 17,100 levels, he said. The selling pressure sustained in the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices which corrected 0.35 percent and 0.9 percent respectively on weak breadth. About three shares declined for every rising share on the NSE. We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks in this article are the aggregates of three-month data and not just the current month. Key support and resistance levels on Nifty The pivot charts indicated that the Nifty may get support at 16,919, followed by 16,884 and 16,828, whereas if the index advances, 17,032 is the initial key resistance levels to watch out, followed by 17,067 and 17,124. Nifty Bank The Bank Nifty has performed better than broader markets due to uptrend in IndusInd Bank, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank. The index climbed 137 points to 39,568, extending northward journey for yet another session, but has formed Doji or Inside Bar kind of pattern on the daily timeframe. Overall, the fight between the bears and the bulls continued in the Bank Nifty index ahead of the monthly expiry. "The index is stuck in a broad range between 39,000-40,000 where a significant amount of Call and Put writing is visible on the monthly expiry. The index once breaks out of this range will witness a directional move," Kunal Shah, Senior Technical & Derivatives Analyst at LKP Securities said. Bank Nifty, as per pivot charts, may take an important support 39,391, followed by 39,316 and 39,194. However, key resistance levels are expected to be 39,635, then 39,710, and 39,832. Call options data We have seen the maximum Call open interest (OI) at 17,000 strike, with 1.43 crore contracts, which is expected to be a crucial level for the Nifty in the coming session. This is followed by a 17,100 strike, comprising 1.18 crore contracts, and a 18,000 strike, where there are more than 1.03 crore contracts. Call writing was seen at 17,000 strike, which added 38.85 lakh contracts, followed by 17,100 strike, which added 30.14 lakh contracts and 17,200 strike, which accumulated 17.96 lakh contracts. We have seen Call unwinding at 18,000 strike, which shed 26.36 lakh contracts, followed by 17,600 strike, which shed 8.42 lakh contracts, and 17,500 strike, which shed 8.29 lakh contracts. Put option data The maximum Put open interest was seen at 17,000 strike, with 98.3 lakh contracts, which remains an important area to watch in the coming session. This is followed by the 16,800 strike, comprising 76.24 lakh contracts, and the 16,900 strike, where we have 66.59 lakh contracts. Put writing was seen at 16,700 strike, which added 17.98 lakh contracts, followed by 16,900 strike, which added 12.78 lakh contracts, and 16,800 strike, which added 10.08 lakh contracts. We have seen Put unwinding at 17,000 strike, which shed 23.23 lakh contracts, followed by 16,000 strike, which shed 10.55 lakh contracts, and 16,400 strike, which shed 10.16 lakh contracts. Stocks with a high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks. The highest delivery was seen in Ipca Laboratories, Eicher Motors, HCL Technologies, Marico, and Hindustan Unilever, among others. 13 stocks see a long build-up An increase in open interest (OI) and in price mostly indicates a build-up of long positions. Based on the OI percentage, we have seen 37 stocks in the list of long build-up including Atul, Deepak Nitrite, Persistent Systems, Ramco Cements, and NTPC. 98 stocks see long unwinding The decline in OI and a decrease in price generally indicates a long unwinding. Based on the OI percentage, 98 stocks, including Firstsource Solutions, Max Financial Services, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Oracle Financial, and Astral, witnessed a long unwinding. 40 stocks see a short build-up An increase in OI accompanied by a decrease in price mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on the OI percentage, we have seen total 40 stocks in the list of short build-up including Sun TV Network, Whirlpool, Samvardhana Motherson International, BHEL, and Vodafone Idea. 42 stocks see short-covering A decrease in OI along with an increase in price is an indication of short-covering. Based on the OI percentage, 42 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included JK Cement, M&M Financial Services, Torrent Power, Page Industries, and Manappuram Finance. Bulk Deals Asian Energy Services: Promoter entity Oilmax Energy has acquired additional 2.14 lakh equity shares or 0.56 percent stake in Asian Energy Services, the services provider to energy & minerals sector, at an average price of Rs 99.4 per share. Kalyan Jewellers India: Mauritius-based Highdell Investment, owned by New York-based private equity investment firm Warburg Pincus, has sold 2.33 crore equity shares or 2.26 percent shareholding in the jewellery maker at an average price of Rs 110.04 per share, which amounted to Rs 256.67 crore. Shalby: Ace investor Porinju Veliyath-owned Equity Intelligence India has bought 6.1 lakh shares in the multispecialty hospitals chain or 0.56 percent stake at an average price of Rs 117 per share. Shilpa Medicare: Foreign portfolio investor India Opportunities Growth Fund Ltd - Pinewood Strategy has sold 5 lakh shares or 0.57 percent stake in the pharmaceutical firm via open market transaction, at an average price of Rs 225.3 per share. C E Info Systems: Foreign firm Zenrin Co Ltd has sold 8 lakh shares or 1.49 percent stake in the MapmyIndia operator via open market transactions at an average price of Rs 1,000.05 per share, which amounted to Rs 80 crore. (For more bulk deals, click here) Investors' meetings on March 29 Metro Brands: Officials of the company will interact with Coupland Cardiff Asset Management. Sundram Fasteners: Company's officials will interact with GIC. SRF: Rahul Jain, President & CFO to meet institutional investors in US. Metro Brands: Officials of the company will interact with Nuvama Institutional Equities. Piramal Enterprises: Company's officials will interact with institutional investors. Elin Electronics: Officials of the company will meet PhillipCapital (India). Sundram Fasteners: Company's officials will interact with Ksema Wealth. Fiem Industries: Officials of the company will participate in Opportunities Unlimited 4.0 Conference hosted by Monarch Networth Capital. Dalmia Bharat: Representatives of the company - Rajiv Bansal, and Aditi Mittal - will attend investor meetings in Hong Kong organised by Kotak Securities. Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals: Company's officials will meet BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and DSP Mutual Fund. Stocks in the news Vedanta: The mining company said the board of directors has approved the fifth interim dividend of Rs 20.50 per equity share on face value of Re 1 per share for FY23, which amounted to Rs 7,621 crore. Meanwhile, Ajay Goel has resigned from the post of acting Chief Financial Officer of the company effective from April 9, to pursue career outside of the Group. Jindal Stainless: The stainless steel manufacturing company has entered into a collaboration agreement with New Yaking Pte Ltd for the investment in development, construction and operation of a nickel pig iron (NPI) smelter facility in Halmahera Islands, Indonesia. JSL will acquire a 49 percent equity interest in nickel pig iron company for $157 million. Zydus Lifesciences: The pharma company has received final approval for Loperamide hydrochloride capsules (USP 2 mg) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Loperamide hydrochloride capsule is indicated for the control and symptomatic relief of acute nonspecific diarrhea and chronic diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel disease. NBCC (India): The company has secured work orders worth Rs 146.39 crore from Ghani Khan Choudhary Institute of Engineering and Technology (GKCIET) Malda in West Bengal, and Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI). GR Infraprojects: The company has secured letter of acceptance (LOA) from East Coast Railway, for construction of tunnel work & allied works of Khurda - Bolangir new rail line project. The project is worth Rs 587.59 crore. RPP Infra Projects: The company has received a letter of acceptance for a project - repair & construction works of old buildings for reopening of old district jail at Bareilly Uttar Pradesh on EPC basis. The project worth Rs 148.08 crore is expected to be completed by October 31, 2024. SML Isuzu: The company has decided to increase prices of trucks & buses by up to 4 percent and 6 percent respectively, with effect from April 1. Fund Flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FII) bought shares worth Rs 1,531.13 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DII) sold shares worth Rs 156.11 crore on March 28, National Stock Exchange's provisional data showed. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The National Stock Exchange has not added any stock to its F&O ban list for March 29, the monthly expiry day for futures & options contracts. Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts have crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. 1. Supreme Court says banks must hear borrowers before classifying any account as fraud The Supreme Court has upheld a December 2020 Telangana high court order that said a borrower must be given a hearing by the lender before an account is classified as fraud. Since the classification of a fraud account entails serious civil consequences for the borrower, the directions must be construed reasonably and follow the principles of natural justice, the apex court also said. Why its important: The Reserve Bank in 2016 had allowed banks to classify accounts of willful defaulters as fraudulent without hearing them. Bankers would be worried that the latest order will lengthen the process of declaring a fraud account and reopen many older cases. 2. Domestic mutual funds resume lump-sum contributions to overseas equity plans Domestic mutual fund houses have resumed accepting lump-sum contributions to their international equity plans after the latest rule change removed tax advantages for debt-oriented saving plans from April 1. At least three asset management companies have opened 16 international equity mutual fund programs for lump-sum investments up to the amounts legally permissible. The new amendments, applicable from 2023-24, will remove indexation benefits for debt-oriented savings plans. Why its important: The new international equity plans may now become the norm in this particular investment option because onshore plans that invest in overseas markets are treated as debt funds locally for taxation purposes. 3. State-run banks may not pay dividend to government to conserve capital Public sector banks may ask the government to allow them to not pay it a dividend as they look to conserve capital before the expected loss-based approach for loan loss provisioning kicks in from April 1, 2025. At present, banks make provisions on incurred loss, that is, once an account is overdue for more than 90 days, they set aside capital, known as provision. In January, the Reserve Bank released a discussion paper on the expected loss-based approach for loan loss provisioning. Why its important: The finance ministry had asked state-owned banks to conduct a study on the impact of such a norm on their capital position. The new model may erode their capital position. 4. Creditors to Reliance Capital to go ahead with second auction on April 4 The lenders of Reliance Capital have decided to go ahead with the second round of auction on April 4 despite the Hinduja group retracting its revised bid. The Hinduja group had submitted a higher bid of Rs 9,000 crore on December 21, a day after the first round of auction in which rival Torrent Group had been declared the highest bidder. Torrent had bid for Rs 8,640 crore, while Hinduja had originally offered Rs 8,110 crore. It has now reverted back to its lower bid. Why its important: The committee of creditors will be disappointed by the surprising reversal that has diminished their chances of maximizing recoveries. It will be interesting to see how this play out. 5. Supreme Court upholds quashing of allegations against three Adani Group firms The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence challenging the orders issued last year by the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal to quash the cases pertaining to over-invoicing allegations levelled by the agency against three Adani Group subsidiaries. Between November 2022 and January 2023, the central agency had moved the Supreme Court against the relief granted to Adani Power Maharashtra, Adani Power Rajasthan and Maharashtra Eastern Grid Power Transmission Company by the tribunal. Why its important: The Hindenburg report that alleged accounting fraud at Adani Group firms had mentioned this investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Adani had denied wrongdoing. 6. Government may sell remaining stake in Bharat Aluminium in next financial year More than two decades since the privatization of Bharat Aluminium Company, the government is preparing to sell its remaining stake in the firm in the next fiscal year. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management has been asked for a road map for the stake sale. The government may sell the stake in an auction or sell it in tranches. It may also decide to retain some equity, the quantum of which will be decided once the roadmap is finalized. The government had sold 51 per cent stake in Balco to Sterlite Industries, a unit of Vedanta, as part of its privatization in 2001. Why its important: The sale of the remaining 41 per cent stake did not took off due to a lack of clarity over the valuation of shares and the rights of the majority shareholder. Those issues could now be resolved. 7. Tata Consultancy starts screening candidates for reorganization of top management Tata Consultancy Services will go for widespread reorganization of its top leadership, including the positions of chief technology officer and chief operating officer, with top two executives set to retire over the next one year. Indias biggest software services exporter will also pick a new head for its banking, financial services and insurance division. Four to five candidates are being evaluated to fill the position vacated by CEO-designate K Krithivasan. Why its important: The companys chief executive Rajesh Gopinathan resigned abruptly last month. That development and near retirement of other senior executives has prompted the firm to accelerate its succession planning. 8. State-run oil marketers to get Rs 800 crore to set up fast-charging stations The central government has sanctioned Rs 800 crore under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles scheme to three public sector oil-marketing companies to set up 7,432 public fast-charging stations across the country. In the first instalment, the heavy industries ministry has released 70 per cent (Rs 560 crore) of the money to Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum for installation and commissioning of upstream infrastructure and charging equipment of electric vehicle public charging stations at respective retail outlets. Why its important: The subsidy to oil marketers will provide another push for green mobility. As sale of electric vehicles pick up, there would be increasing demand for charging stations. 9. Coca-Cola bets heavily on rural demand for chilled drinks as infrastructure improves Coca-Cola Company is investing significantly in India along with its bottling partners as rural electrification and falling poverty open up new markets for its beverages in the countrys hinterland. The infrastructure development thats taking place in a systemic way across India is a key driver. A specific point in the case of India is electrification, and how that has transformed the landscape not only in large cities and towns, but (also) in the rural parts of India, said John Murphy, president and chief financial officer at Coca-Cola. Its extraordinary progress thats underway. Why its important: India is at an inflection point with its rapidly developing infrastructure. Rural electrification helps Coca-Cola sell chilled drinks by installing chillers in stores. 10. Viacom18 may earn more than Disney Star from ad revenues from Indian Premier League Days ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League, Disney Star, which retained the TV rights for the tournament, is locking horns with Viacom18, which won the leagues digital rights, to grab a larger share of the Rs 4,500 crore advertising pie. Disney Star is hoping to garner between Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 2,400 crore in ad revenues. However, Media planners expect Viacom18 to grab nearly a 60 per cent share of the ad pie, which is expected to remain at the same levels as last year. Why its important: If Viacom18 is able to garner higher revenues than Disney Star, it would mean a major shift in advertising earnings from television to digital channels. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on March 24 sent shockwaves throughout the mutual fund industry, taking away a key tax arbitrage 20 percent long-term capital gains tax with indexation that debt funds enjoyed over fixed deposits (FDs). The new rules will be effective April 1, 2023. Also read | How the Finance Bill amendments will affect debt mutual fund investors post April 1 Impact on NPS Tier-II investments Like mutual funds, you can invest in debt (corporate debt and government securities), equity and alternate asset schemes through National Pension System Tier-I (retirement) and Tier-II (investment) accounts. Of these, the latter is a voluntary account that can be opened once Tier-I is activated. NPS Tier-II offers flexible withdrawals, unlike Tier-I. Since there is no formal notification from the government on how NPS Tier-II gains will be taxed on redemption, tax experts are divided on how the gains are taxed. Financial planner Suresh Sadagopan, Founder, Ladder7 Financial Advisories, believes that NPS Tier-II can be compared to a savings bank account, as withdrawals are free of restrictions. The gains made will be taxed at the marginal rate. It will be added to your taxable income and taxed at the slab rate applicable to you, he explains. Also read | Worried about NPS long lock-in? Try NPS Tier-II Question mark on tax on Tier-II capital gains However, lack of government notification on NPS Tier-II taxation leaves scope for ambiguity, say others. Ideally, this must be taxed as capital gains at the time of withdrawal. However, the exact tax treatment is yet to be notified by the government, says Abhishek Soni, Co-founder and CEO, Tax2win. Some tax experts are of the view that the tax treatment for NPS Tier-II gains should be similar to that of mutual funds. Since no specific guidance is available with respect to the tax on withdrawals from Tier-II, taking cues from other similar provisions, the gains made on withdrawal, if any, should be taxed as capital gains. The taxability will be similar to that of debt mutual funds, says Yeeshu Sehgal, Head, Tax Market, AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm. Now, long-term gains made on equities or equity mutual funds held for more than one year attract a 10 percent tax if they exceed Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 15 percent. In case of debt funds, the gains are considered long-term after a holding period of three years and invite a 20 percent tax post indexation. Short-term capital gains get added to the income and are taxed at the applicable slab rate. However, Soni does not share Sehgals opinion on the taxation aspect. Tax treatment for NPS Tier II gains may not necessarily be similar to that of equity and debt mutual funds. While equity and debt mutual funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), NPS is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and has its own set of rules for investment and operations. There are no specific provisions for taxing withdrawals from Tier II accounts under the law, he says. Also read | Tax benefits that come with investing in the NPS NPS in focus during tax-saving season NPS is in focus at present not only in the context of the March 24 amendments that affect debt mutual funds, but also the multiple tax benefits that it offers. It figures among the Section 80C instruments that attract maximum attention during the tax-saving season. While most diligent tax-payers would have already completed the exercise by now, some late-planners are still poring over their existing investments and expenses to figure out the right instrument. NPS multi-layered tax benefits Making investments meant for the long term like NPS should not be done at the last minute. But that is what many end up doing towards the end of March. And NPS becomes the automatic choice due to the benefits that it offers beyond the Section 80C limit of Rs 1.5 lakh. For one, NPS contribution up to Rs 1.5 lakh is eligible for deduction under this section. In addition, you can also claim a tax break of up to Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. If your employer contributes to your NPS account to the extent of 10 percent (14 percent in case of government employees) of your basic pay and dearness allowance, this amount will qualify for deduction under Section 80CCD (2). And theres more. If you are a government employee, you can make investments through NPS Tier-II account the investment account that can be opened voluntarily after activating a Tier-I retirement account that will be entitled to tax deduction under Section 80C. These investments will, however, be subject to a lock-in period of three years, which is not the case with regular Tier-II investments. The capital gains conundrum In case of the Tier-I retirement account, the tax rules on withdrawal are clear. You can make a tax-free lump-sum withdrawal of up to 60 percent of the corpus at vesting (once you turn 60), with the balance 40 percent being converted into equities. You are allowed to make partial withdrawals in the interim to meet important goals, such as house purchase, treatment of critical illness or childrens education. Like Tier-I, Tier-II, too, allows you to choose a pension fund manager and invest through its schemes E (equity), C (corporate debt), G (government securities) and A (alternate assets). Unless you are a government employee who has chosen this account as a tax-saver avenue, you are free to make withdrawals as and when you feel necessary. Taxation of Tier-II withdrawals, however, remains a grey area. Given the prevalent ambiguity, tax-payers need to take a calculated call on investing in Tier-II accounts. It is best to ensure that tax-planning is part of your overall financial planning strategy do not invest solely with the tax-saving objective in mind, but take into account the value that it can add to your long-term goals. Fashinza, the AI-driven B2B marketplace for global fashion supply chains, announced on March 28 that it has secured a $30 million working capital funding from Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group in order to strengthen its supply chain. According to the announcement, the funding will fuel Fashinzas ongoing transition into a global business with significant operations in the USA, Gulf, and Europe. With this, the firm has scooped up over $150 million in risk capital in the past two years. Also Read: AI-powered B2B marketplace Fashinza raises $100 million led by Prosus, Westbridge With fashion choices being influenced on a global scale in real-time by social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, Fashinza's solution of connecting SMEs directly to top fashion brands across the world has revolutionised the way fashion works in today's high-speed digital age. Navas Ebin, Managing Director of APAC for Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group, says, "Fashinza is transforming the global fashion supply chain. Their performance since inception, the strength of their founding team, and their existing global network of manufacturers and customers gave us enough confidence in their ability to scale this business and sustain in the medium- to long-term." "...we are excited to partner with Liquidity Group to support our growth and to bring our innovative manufacturing solutions to a global audience," said Abhishek Sharma, Co-Founder and COO of Fashinza. He further expressed confidence that they could successfully penetrate new markets and provide their manufacturing solutions to key clients worldwide, citing the flexible cross-border financing solutions and extensive knowledge of navigating international markets of Liquidity Group. He also emphasised their commitment to delivering exceptional service to their key customers in the USA and beyond, as they continue to revolutionise the fashion manufacturing industry. Fashinza will use the capital to meet its growing international working capital requirements. Fashinza is a promising pre-unicorn with global aspirations. Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group have been supporting companies like Fashinza to transition into becoming truly global businesses, and the prospects for a long-term partnership with the company are exciting," added Nir Shmueli, Investment Manager at Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. Over the past week, Coinbase and Binance, two of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, have come under the radar of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), respectively. The SEC, in particular, has been on a quest to crack down on digital currencies. According to media reports, the SEC has been investigating claims of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies being able to maintain a fixed price of $1. This is among various other products being investigated by the commission in relation to violation of investor-protection laws. The move put BUSD or Binance USD, the third largest stablecoin by market value, under pressure as the SEC issued another Wells notice to Paxos Trust, which owned and operated BUSD, in February. A Wells notice is sent by the securities regulator to warn of a prospective lawsuit if it thinks investor protection laws have been violated. The current ongoings at the SEC were mainly triggered by the fall of crypto exchange FTX and the ensuing repercussions. Heres a primer on whats happened so far and how the exchanges are approaching the next steps. Why Coinbase? According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), on March 22, Coinbase said it had received a Wells notice from the SEC. A Wells notice is a letter sent to convey that the regulator believes that the companies or individuals possibly violated investor-protection laws. The notice is issued before filing a lawsuit. It does not have the agency commissioners authorisation as is required for any lawsuits or enforcement settlements. This SEC notice raised concerns around several aspects of Coinbases business, including assets listed on its crypto exchange, its staking service Coinbase Earn and its wallet service, Coinbase said. This is a major step by the SEC given that the 11-year-old Coinbase is a publicly traded company that brings tens of millions of customers into digital currency markets. The notice raised concerns on several aspects of Coinbases business, including assets listed on its crypto exchange, its staking service Coinbase Earn and its wallet service, Coinbase said. What went wrong with Binance? Meanwhile, the CFTC filed a lawsuit against Binance on March 27 at a federal court in Chicago, alleging that Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) had broken American derivatives rules by letting US customers trade in crypto derivatives without registering with the agency, according to a report by Bloomberg. Note, there are no direct accusations of Binance stealing money from customers or laundering money and using it for illegal purposes etc. as of now; but the agency alleged that the crypto exchange failed to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. It also said that Binance couldnt establish necessary safeguards to determine the real identity of customers. Along with CZ and several of Binances entities, the CFTC also mentioned that Samuel Lim, Binances former chief compliance officer, had allegedly broken its rules. Binance is by far the largest crypto trading platform in the world. The exchange reported a trading volume of over $55 billion in just the last 24 hours. Whats next for these exchanges? In the case of Coinbase, since its a Wells notice and not a lawsuit yet, the SECs enforcement process will allow the exchange the right to respond to the notice and argue its case. Post that, the SEC will have about six months from the time of delivering the notice to decide on going ahead with a lawsuit. It can also extend this timeline. According to Marc Fagel, a former director of the SECs San Francisco office quoted by WSJ, the scope of an SEC lawsuit may change over the coming months as the exchanges lawyers and regulators spar over the investigation. And companies like Coinbase too will try to settle first after receiving Wells notices if they can limit the damage to their business. For Binance though, the CFTC is just a civil government agency which could impose hefty fines and other penalties, Bloomberg said. But the agency cant bring criminal charges against firms or seek jail time for individuals. What does this mean for the customers? As of now, there is nothing much of concern for customers or retail investors, except fluctuating token prices. For instance, since the lawsuit filing came to light Bitcoin has dropped by around $1,000 while Binance coin plunged by about 3 percent. Coinbase also said recently that based on the current Wells notice, it wont have to make any changes to its products and offerings. According to Wall Street research and brokerage firm Bernsteins research report, as part of the settlement, Binance may be asked to shut its US operations, though Binance.US is less than 5 percent of the exchanges overall business. But that is yet to be seen. Ultimately, whatever the outcomes of these cases are, they will help in bringing more clarity around regulations for these exchanges. This will, in turn, benefit end customers. Kalyan Jewellers shares fell over 8 percent on March 28 after a block of 2.7 percent stake in the company changed hands. While buyers and sellers were not known yet, it was reported earlier that Warburg Pincus' Highdell Investments was looking to sell some of its holding. The development comes exactly a week after the US-based private equity firm sold 2.5 percent stake in multiplex operator PVR. At 9:45am, the stock was quoting at Rs 109 on the NSE, lower by 7 percent from the previous close. Trading volumes at 36 million shares were significantly higher than 20-day average of 29,520 shares. Follow our live blog for all the market action Sources had told CNBC-TV18 that the floor price of the deal was Rs 110, a 7 percent discount to the last closing price, and the deal value was Rs 288 crore. Shareholding of Warburg Pincus would now come down to 23.8 percent from 26.36 percent as of December 2022. Warburg Pincus had acquired the shares at Rs 50 apiece in one tranche and Rs 56 apiece in another, indicating nearly 100 percent return, according to the companys DRHP. Ever since its listing in 2021, the stock has gained over 50 percent and much of the rally has come after June 2022, when it hit an all-time low of Rs 55. The companys quarterly topline and bottomline doubled in the past two years partly on rising gold prices. Operating margins improved from 4 to 8 percent but its return on equity at 16 percent stayed much lower than that of Titan's 26 percent. Titan is the biggest player in the jewellery segment. Growth plans Kalyan Jewellers plans to open 52 showrooms in the non-South markets this year, which means almost one store every week, at an investment of Rs 1,300 crore that will largely be borne by the franchisee. Non-South markets contribute to 35 percent of the companys India business and Kalyan aims to take it to 50 percent by 2025. The company is working with the Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model. When analysts at the Q3 earnings concall pointed out that its margins have not improved and remained constant for the past few quarters, executive director Ramesh Kalyanaraman said that the franchisee revenue had started coming in. "The franchisee revenue, you know, it comes with a lesser gross margin." Analyst recommendations As per Bloomberg, the company has six 'buy' calls, zero 'hold' and zero 'sell' calls. The 12-month consensus target price on the stock is Rs 156.50, which indicates a 47 percent upside. "Kalyan is likely to have a minimum revenue growth of 15 percent in FY24 as it is expanding through franchising route," noted ICICI Securities. It has a target price of Rs 160 on the stock. Analysts at Centrum Broking are positive on the calibrated expansion in the Middle East and introduction of new designs for serving millennials. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. All four country members of EFTA are interested to discuss Free Trade Agreements with India, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal has said. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. As per him, the ministers of all four countries will be visiting India in April to take the discussions forward. There are a host of countries which have been talking to us, wanting to do free trade agreements or expand their earlier agreements. In this month we had a number of foreign visits, including those from developed and developing countries. They have requested us for deepening our relationship. Cuba has come, Switzerland has come in twice, the minister added, speaking at the Assocham annual session in Delhi. The minister termed India a strong force in the world and said the country is in a sweet spot as the world wants India to be its trusted partner. In recent years, India has signed multiple FTAs with trade partners, including with Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which have been hailed to be the fastest in the world. FTA negotiations with the United Kingdom as well as the European Union are on. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age. *I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites. I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional). Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Supreme Court on March 28 rejected gangster turned politician Atiq Ahmeds plea seeking protection after alleging a threat to life in Uttar Pradesh. Ahmed, who was shifted to Prayagraj from Gujarat stated through his lawyer that his life is under threat in Uttar Pradesh and asked the court to grant him protection. He was convicted by an MP/MLA court in Prayagraj on March 28 for the kidnapping and murder of Umesh Pal. Also read: MC Explains | The assassination of Umesh Pal, prime witness in an MLA's murder A bench of the apex court led by Justice Ajay Rastogi refused to entertain the plea and told Ahmeds lawyer that the state machinery will protect him as he is in the custody of the police. In 2005, Umesh Pal, a witness in the 2005 murder case of BSP MLA Raju Pal was abducted. However, the case drew nationwide attention after Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his residence in Prayagraj on February 24 this year. Ahmed was lodged in Sabarmati jail since June 2019 after the Supreme Court had in April that year directed that the former MP from Phulpur in UP be shifted to a high-security jail in Gujarat after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of a real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in jail. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, police said. He was shifted to Prayagraj on March 27 by UP Police. Also read: Atiq Ahmed refuses to leave over threat to life as UP Police reaches Sabarmati jail Ahmed had moved the Supreme Court for protection, claiming that he and his family have been falsely implicated as accused in the Umesh Pal murder case in Prayagraj and he may be killed in a fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. In his plea, Ahmed said the Uttar Pradesh police were in all likelihood seeking his transit remand and police remand to take him from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj and he "genuinely apprehends that he may be eliminated during this transit period". If one may recall, two of the accused in the case have already been eliminated in separate encounters by the U.P. police. The high-decibel angst of investors in Credit Suisses Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds that were fully written off before selling the bank to rival UBS for $3.23 billion resonates with investors in Yes Banks AT1 bonds, who are currently litigating against such a write-off at the hands of the RBI-appointed administrator, before the troubled bank was transferred to State Bank of India. The Swiss banking regulator chose to write off Credit Suisses $17 billion of AT1 bonds in their entirety. The European banking regulator came out with a statement that has muddied the waters further, saying that in Europe, equity would necessarily take the hit before AT1 bonds do. The Bank of England also came out with a statement that some have interpreted to be in consonance with the European regulators position. But this is what the Bank of England said: AT1 instruments rank ahead of CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1) and behind T2 in the hierarchy. Holders of such instruments should expect to be exposed to losses in resolution or insolvency in the order of their positions in this hierarchy. This would suggest that Tier 2 and Additional Tier 1 bonds would be fully written off before equity is touched. An insurance product The trouble comes from conflating Additional Tier 1 bonds with the ordinary kind of bonds issued by a corporate entity. In the case of normal bonds, it is entirely legitimate to expect equity to absorb the loss before debt, and bondholders have seniority over equity holders. But AT1 bonds are not normal bonds. They are insurance. Catastrophe bonds have been around for some time. These bonds are issued to insure against catastrophic events such as hurricanes. They offer relatively high rates of return but carry the risk that they would subside, that is, be written off, in full or in part, in case a hurricane does strike and the bond proceeds have to be dipped into, to pay off the insured amount. Additional Tier 1 bonds are what are called contingent convertible bonds, meaning they can be converted into equity that is bailed in to absorb loss, depending on specified contingencies that are triggered. But to compensate for this risk, they offer superior rates of return. As against a triple-A rated corporate bond yielding 4 percent plus in Europe, AT1 bonds offered yields close to 8 percent, in February, prior to the terminal crisis at Credit Suisse. Now, the yield on AT1 bonds has soared to 13.5 percent, according to Bloomberg. Getting double the yield on normal corporate bonds was to compensate for taking the risk of being written off/converted into equity that is written off to absorb loss. Once AT1 bonds are understood as insurance by a bank that is still a going concern, against a calamitous loss, the expectation that they should be bailed in only after equity is written off would disappear. Perhaps, the nomenclature of these bonds should change to make their difference from normal bonds clear. CoCo bonds, short for contingent convertible bonds, does not quite cut it. Call them catastrophe bonds for the financial sector or FinCat bonds. High-risk asset class Will any investor interest remain, once AT1 bonds are clearly recognised as an insurance instrument hedging against a financial calamity, rather than a regular bond, albeit with a superior rate of return? Some people have, following the writing off of the entirety of Credit Suisses AT1 bonds, predicted the demise of the asset class itself. This view is extreme. The fact remains that there are takers for Catastrophe or Cat bonds. Investors buy into them in the full knowledge they are meant to offer insurance against hurricanes in hurricane-prone territory no one would buy hurricane insurance in a location with no hurricanes. This is because these bonds offer higher-than-normal rates of return. Large funds can, not just afford to, but also benefit from allocating a tiny slice of the corpus to such high-risk, high-reward instruments. How high the rate of return should be would depend on the risk profile of the bank in question. You do expect the insurance premium to vary, depending on whether the customer is in his healthy twenties or in the wheezing seventies. Arguing in the Supreme Court against the Bombay high courts ruling setting aside the writing off of Yes Banks AT1 bonds, the RBI said that this step was crucial to elicit SBIs interest in the troubled Yes Bank. In India, we do not allow banks to go totally belly up. The RBI engineers some bailout. In the case of a bank that is being resolved, there might be scope to debate the hierarchy of the capital instrument up for being written off to absorb the losses of the bank under resolution. But, in the case of a bank that is being sold to another bank forced, by the banking regulator, into the shining armour of a white knight, there is little doubt that having to service a load of AT1 bonds of the troubled banks, while also having to absorb built-up losses, would be a definite disincentive. AT1 bonds were thought up in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2007-09. They represent an extremely useful tool to hedge against risk. That usefulness would be eroded by treating AT1 bonds on par with normal bonds. The solution is to change the nomenclature of these insurance instruments. While the offer document makes it clear, albeit in small print, that they are liable to be bailed in first, before equity is, use of a term that does not conflate these insurance products with normal debt would spare everyone much confusion and agony. Call them bonds, FinCat bonds. TK Arun is a senior journalist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Israel is making headlines once again as the country comes to a halt over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus planned judicial overhaul that has prompted mass protests ranging from workers unions to more stunningly even reservists of the Israeli Defense Forces, forcing the government to put the brakes on the proposed reforms. While the situation had been simmering for weeks, the expulsion of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had called for the reforms to be halted, pushed the situation over the brink. An Unwieldy Coalition The crux of the matter is a planned pushed by Netanyahus coalition colleagues, belonging to the right and far-right ideologies, to overhaul the countrys judiciary. The planned changes would give the government overreaching powers in deciding the composition of judges, which critics say will compromise the judicial system in favor of the government. This also comes at a time when Netanyahu is facing corruption charges. An independent judiciary does not mean an unbridled judiciary, Netanyahu had said in an interview. This crisis in Israel has many fronts to it, and the judiciary only happens to be the issue of the hour. Netanyahus return to power in November 2022 came on the back of an astounding fifth general election within four years in Israel, leaving behind a trail of both, political chaos within the system, and political fatigue within the population. This disarray in a challenging geopolitical geography gave Netanyahu another chance, but this time, he had only one option to get back into power, joining hands with the far-right. Rise Of The Far-Right Enter Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, which has its roots in the outlawed Orthodox Jewish Kach party that operated from the early 1970s up until 1994 before it was banned and deemed as an illegal organization. Joining hands with Ben-Gvir gave Netanyahu the prime ministership of the country for a record sixth time, but also handed a significant chunk of power and mandate to the far-right only months after Arab Israeli factions were being deemed as the countrys political kingmakers, a narrative not acceptable in the conservative power corridors. However, one of Netanyahus primary jobs quickly became pacifying his new coalition partners who took up important positions in the new government. Netanyahu is a political eternal, always lurking in the shadows looking for a chance to return to power, especially when deemed a spent force. In his previous stint, he managed to push through the Abraham Accords, a historic deal normalizing diplomatic relations between a group of Arab states led by the United Arab Emirates. The thirst for power is such, that Netanyahu even put his legacy on the line by giving Ben-Gvir the national security minister portfolio, which by association rattled the Accords as per some reports. Netanyahus Limited Options Today, the scene is different. Netanyahus immediate crisis is not Iran, or the terror threat posed by Hamas, but domestic policy and politics. Foreign policy or national security is not available as an alternate distraction this time. The mobilization against judicial reforms in Israel has been an amalgamation of discontent of not just the question of an independent judiciary, but an ideological push back against giving powers to the ultra-right-wing which has drawn criticism not only from key security partners such as the United States and members of Netanyahus own Likud Party, but even from within Israels own powerful security establishment. Netanyahu in a televised speech said that Israel could not defend itself without an army, and that rejecting military service in itself was a big crime. It was arguably the pushback from the security establishment that forced both Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir, who was threatening to pull support, to delay the reforms. A larger political and security crisis would have left Israel vulnerable to external forces. Political stability in Israel is the anchor behind the stability of its national security, and Netanyahu had to oblige to this via an almost unheard of and shocking situation where parts of the security and police establishment were prepared to disobey orders in apparent acts of insubordination in a state whose military establishment is famous globally for more than often going beyond the call of duty. Whether or not Netanyahu went a step too far for his own good to keep his seat of power together is a question that will play out over the next few days. For now, the Israeli prime minister stands on a weak footing in front of almost all political classes of the country, including the far-right, which carried him back into the political limelight when most had written him off. Kabir Taneja is Fellow, Strategic Studies Programme, Observer Research Foundation. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. The Aam Aadmi Party will be displaying posters against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 11 languages across the country on March 30, party's state convener Gopal Rai said on Tuesday. "The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will display posters in states across the country on March 30. All state units of the party have been asked to paste posters in their respective states. The posters have been printed in 11 languages," Rai, the Delhi AAP chief and environment minister, told PTI. Last week, posters reading "Modi Hatao, Desh Bachao" (remove Modi, save India) appeared on walls and electricity poles across the national capital following which the police arrested six people and registered 49 FIRs. The BJP had retaliated by pasting "Kejriwal Hatao, Delhi Bachao" (remove Kejriwal, save Delhi) posters across the national capital. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age. *I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites. I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional). Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday linked opposition parties coming together against the BJP to his government's campaign against corruption and said "anti-India" forces are attacking constitutional institutions -- the strong foundation of a rising India -- to stall the country's growth. The crackdown on the corrupt and corruption will continue without being hindered by "false allegations", he said after inaugurating an extension of the BJP headquarters here, asserting that people are happy with the action and keep telling him "Don't stop Modi ji". At a time when India's strength is rising to a new high, it is natural that "anti-India" forces within and outside the country will join hands, he said. "Some parties have launched 'bhrashtachari bachao abhiyan' (save corrupt campaign)," he said in a blistering attack on opposition parties protesting against the alleged misuse of probe agencies such as the ED. The foundation of the corrupt and corruption have been shaken, he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case has also become a rallying point for the Opposition. Modi said, "The country will not bend nor will the action against corruption stop due to false allegations." The "anti-India" forces are attacking constitutional institutions as they are the strong "foundation" of a rising India, he said. And, to stop the country's growth, they are resorting to attacking its foundation and are engaged in conspiracies to defame bodies such as the judiciary and probe agencies and destroy their credibility, he said. When agencies act against those involved in corruption, they are targeted and when courts deliver a verdict not to the liking of these forces, they are questioned, the prime minister said. "Some people are bound to get angry when we act so much against corruption," he said. Never before in the history of independent India, such a big campaign against corruption has taken place and it has rattled the corrupt. "All those involved in corruption have come onto one platform," he said, asserting that people realise that when the BJP comes to power, corruption goes away. Citing figures, Modi said that during the Congress-led UPA rule between 2004 and 2014, assets worth Rs 5,000 crore were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, while the figure has zoomed to Rs 1.10 lakh crore in the nine years of the BJP rule. The cases registered under the act more than doubled under his government while the number of the arrests surged 15 times, he said. Under the Congress rule, banks were "looted" and people accused of siphoning off Rs 22,000 crore fled abroad, he said, adding his government has seized their assets worth Rs 20,000 crore. The CBI has registered more than 5,000 cases under corruption charges under his government and hundreds of senior officials facing graft allegations were forcibly retired and are facing lawful action, Modi said. Corruption has harmed the country a great deal and hollowed it out like termites, he said, adding that people realise that the country will progress only when graft is contained. People, Modi asserted, are applauding his government's campaign against corruption and tell him wherever he goes, "Don't stop Modi ji". Taking a swipe at the Opposition for its campaign against the BJP and him, he said senior Congress leaders used to talk about rooting out the Jana Sangh once and now the main opposition party is talking about digging his grave. The BJP is a party which sacrificed itself to save democracy, he said, referring to the merger of the Jana Sangh, its earlier avatar, with other parties after the Emergency. In a reference to the probe into 2002 Gujarat riots when he was the state's chief minister, Modi said many conspiracies were hatched to send him to jail but they all failed miserably while he flourished due to people's blessings. In his speech, the prime minister dwelt on the BJP's growth from having two Lok Sabha seats in 1984 to 303 in 2019. In an apparent reference to the anti-Sikh violence following then prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, he said it was a black chapter that the country will not be able to forget. The Congress won a historic mandate in an emotionally-charged polls while the BJP was almost destroyed but it did not lose hope and blame others. It continued to work among people and strengthened its organisation. The BJP has now emerged as the only pan-India party amidst family-run political parties in the country as it worked on the ground with people braving all odds. "BJP started its journey from just two Lok Sabha seats and reached 303 in 2019. In many of the states, we get more than 50 per cent votes," he said. "From north to south and from east to west, the BJP is the only pan-India party today," he added. The BJP has emerged as not only the world's biggest but also the most futuristic party, he said, adding that its only goal is to make a modern and developed India. The party is expanding in south India, he said, adding that it is the number one party in Karnataka and is the only reliable force in Telangana. It is growing in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he said. "The people of the northeast have shown unprecedented faith in the BJP. It has four chief ministers there and is part of coalition governments in two other states," he said. Modi met workers involved in the construction of the building before its inauguration. PTI KR/PK/BJ SMN SMN TDS TDS Humza Yousaf has been elected as the first minority ethnic leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). He is all set to become Scotlands first ethnic minority first minister. The 37 year old politician is the first candidate of Islamic faith to lead a major party in the United Kingdom. Yousaf narrowly defeated Kate Forbes in a contentious race to succeed former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. Though Sturgeon did not explicitly back any of the candidates in the contest, Yousaf was overwhelmingly backed by most senior SNP members. The 37 year old, Glasgow born politician originally hails from Pakistan, his father emigrated to Scotland with his family in the 1960s. Yousaf's mother was born into a South Asian family in Kenya. Yousaf studied at Hutchesons' Grammar private school in Glasgow. After finishing his studies in politics at Glasgow University, he briefly worked in a call centre before becoming a parliamentary assistant to SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament(MSP), Bashir Ahmad according to a report by the British Broadcasting Channel website. Yousaf has also served as an aide to Alex Salmond,the former First Minister of Scotland. Yousaf was elected as a list MSP for the Glasgow region in 2011 with Salmond. Post which he was promoted to Scotland's minister for Europe and International Development just a year later. He became Transport Minister in 2016 after winning from the Glasgow Pollok constituency from the Labour Party. Yousaf also happens to be the first ethnic minority candidate to win a constituency seat in the Scottish Parliament. Yousaf has also served as Scotland's health secretary. His tenure has been criticised for an incident which happened in May 2021, when Yousaf had to issue an apology for "undue alarm" when he ha wrongly claimed that 10 children had been hospitalised because of Covid. Independent public body Audit Scotland claimed in a report that the Scottish healthcare system was 'facing unprecedented challenges' and the Scottish government needed to be more transparent about what progress is or is not being achieved. The audit report claims that the proportion of patients seen within the four-hour target at Accident and Emergency departments was falling and hundreds of thousands of Scottish citizens were waiting for hospital procedures, outpatients appointments and diagnostic tests. Expressing his views about monarchy, Yousaf has said an independent Scotland should look at ditching the monarchy. He told the National newspaper in an interview, "Let's absolutely, within the first five years, consider whether or not we should move away from having a monarchy into an elected head of state". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday wrote to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, saying "without prejudice to his rights", he will abide by the details of their letter on the vacation of his official bungalow following his disqualification from the Lower House of Parliament. Gandhi was on Monday served a notice to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him by April 22 following his disqualification as a member of the Lok Sabha after his conviction in a defamation case last week, official sources said. Thanking the Secretariat for their letter of March 27, 2023 regarding the cancellation of his accommodation at 12 Tughlak Lane, Gandhi said, "As an elected member of the Lok Sabha over the last four terms, it is the mandate of the people to which I owe the happy memories of my time spent here." "Without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by the details contained in your letter," he said in his letter to MS branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat which had sent him the notice. The Housing Committee of the Lok Sabha took the decision following which the secretariat of the House served the notice on the former Congress president, a Z-plus protectee who has been living in the 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow since 2005. A local court in Gujarat had convicted Gandhi in a criminal defamation case on March 23 and sentenced him to two years in jail. The two-year jail term triggered his disqualification as a Lok Sabha member from the date of the verdict. Gandhi was granted bail to allow him to appeal to a higher court in a month. A senior official said a Member of Parliament (MP) has to vacate the official bungalow within one month of losing his membership. "I don't feel old, that's the truth," declared 106-year-old Shirley Hodes who lives in US's North Carolina. Her sister, 103-year-old Ruth Sweedler, also has impressive recall and is known for making good conversation about what's going on in the world. "My doctor loves to talk to me," Sweedler told CNBC Make it. "He'd say, 'You're amazing.' And I'd say, 'Because I'm old?' And he'd say, 'No! Because you're sophisticated.'" Sweedler, lives in a retirement home in Connecticut, and is proud of the way she has retained her faculties. "I don't talk like an old lady," she told the publication. Together, the sisters opened up about what keeps them mentally sharp at such a ripe age. 1.) Staying active Sweedler said she "loved to work". She was an amateur actress in local theater productions and stayed "very active" in both her synagogue and in various Jewish organizations. "Not that I'm so religious, but I'm aware that I'm Jewish, and I like being involved," she told CNBC Make It. Hodes, on the other hand, loved reading. "I always did a lot of reading. That's the best thing for your mind," she told the publication. When her two children were older, Hodes got a full-time job as a paraprofessional and a teacher's aide and only retired at age 70. "I loved working at the high school," she said. Happy Friday and 105th birthday week to Trinity View resident Shirley Hodes! #happybirthday pic.twitter.com/32Uf8HzE7Y Lutheran Services Carolinas (@ls_carolinas) September 10, 2021 She also said that she would have been thrilled to be a journalist since "I always loved interviewing people." Now, however, she uses her skills in getting to know other residents of her assisted living facility. "Being engrossed in what you do is very important," Hodes said. It's satisfying to "make full use of your talents," and "it makes life so much pleasanter," she added. Read more: Oldest living American dies at 115. She has 42 great-great-grandchildren 2.) Building connections Both the sisters had the same opinion when it came to the importance of family and a good marriage. "There's nothing better. It's so wonderful to love and be loved," Sweedler said. Hodes said that she had been very lucky. "My husband was easy to get along with," she said adding that they had "a wonderful relationship" until his death. "The people you're surrounded with, friends, relatives, family... That's what you'll remember the most," she added. 3.) Appreciating what you have Sweedler used to walk several kilometres every day, but her mobility now is limited. She, however, is grateful for what she has. "Luckily, I still can read," she said, "and I read wonderful stuff." Hodes, on the other hand, shares that "you can't have everything." And "when you have the important things in life, you have to realize it. She told the publication that she's a lucky person. "Although I've had illnesses and problems, I've overcome them," Hodes said. "I'm in decent health, enjoying health, thankful for a wonderful life. That sustains me and keeps me going." Read more: 'World's oldest meal' discovered by scientists. Why it matters A digital marketer based in Bengaluru has alleged that he was forced to leave behind his pet at the Bengaluru airport after he was refused permission to carry the fish on board a flight. Aqib Hussain was travelling from Bengaluru to Srinagar via Delhi on an early morning Air India flight earlier this month when the alleged incident took place. The airline, however, reportedly maintains that the water level in the container with the fish exceeded the permissible limit. Hussain was flying back home on an emergency trip to meet his mother, according to a Times of India report. Sharing the details, he tweeted, I was not allowed to board a flight by flight ground staff and my boarding cards were stanched by one of higher rank official for carrying a live aquarium fish in a transparent container whose weight was 50 grams.@airindia staff forced me to through fish in dustbin (sic). I was not allowed to board a flight by flight ground staff and my boarding cards were stanched by one of higher rank official for carrying a LIVE aquarium fish in a transparent container whose weight was 50 grams. @airindia staff forced me to through fish in dustbin 2/6 Aqib Hussain (@askaqibhussain) March 21, 2023 The man was carrying a two-year-old Siamese fighter and the water in the container exceeded the permissible level of 100 ml, Times of India reported. Calling it the worst experience of his life, Hussain said he was first told that a security personnel will check his pet fish and that later, he was asked to pay Rs 1,350 as carrying charges. I agreed. Finally they said captain is not allowing fish on the plane which was shocking for me, he tweeted. The man tagged Air India and Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons that owns the airline. we all are well aware that sir @RNTata2000 is a pet lover. He can understand the pain of a losing a pet because of @airindiain Bangalore staff, he wrote in the beginning of this thread. "We tried explaining to him that the captain's clearance was final and that the water level in the box would not be cleared for flight. Even if its cleared, he will need to undergo another round of checks in Delhi. But he was not willing to listen to us and remained hysterical, an Air India source told Times of India. The airline officials handed over Hussains pet fish to his relative in Bengaluru and it is safe and healthy, the newspaper reported, quoting Air India sources. The fish will be reunited with him when he is back in the city. Meta's ex-Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg is back to the US after the third week of her long-delayed honeymoon in Japan. The billionaire execs three-part honeymoon with husband Tom Bernthal began a month after their August 2022 wedding with a week in Sydney, and was followed by a week in Morocco in October. For the third part of their honeymoon, Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal recently spent a few days in Japan. Their honeymoon included a special dinner at Ete, the French restaurant in Tokyo where Chef Natsuko Shoji was recently named the best woman chef in Asia and one of the top chefs in the world. Sandberg shared some glimpses from their trip on Facebook and a few pictures with Chef Shoji, whom she praised for carving a niche for herself in a male-dominated field. For our final night, Tom arranged a special honeymoon dinner at Ete, where Chef Natsuko Shoji was recently named the best woman chef in Asia and one of the top chefs in the world. In a field dominated by men, Chef Shoji stands out for her talent and graciousness. Each course was delicious and beautifully presented, she wrote. Sheryl Sandberg married Tom Bernthal, a marketing CEO and former NBC News producer, in Wyoming last year. Sandberg, 52, had lost her husband of 11 years in 2015. They had two children together. Bernthal is divorced and has three children. The former Facebook executive had earlier shared photographs from the first two instalments of her honeymoon in Sydney and Morocco. Sandberg has a net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. She stepped down as COO of Facebook in 2022 but still serves on the board of Meta. The National Company Law Appellate (NCLAT) is expected to deliver its verdict in Google's appeal against the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) ruling that the company had abused its dominant position in the Android ecosystem on March 29. The NCLAT bench, led by Chairperson Justice (retd.) Ashok Bhushan and Dr. Alok Srivastava, reserved judgment after a month-long hearing that began on February 15. During the hearing, Senior Counsels Arun Kathpalia and Maninder Singh represented Google, while Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman and standing counsel Samar Bhansal appeared for the CCI. Application developers such as MapmyIndia, Indus OS, and Epic Games also argued that Google's policies had a negative impact on them and drove them out of the market. The case stems from 2018, when Android users alleged that Google was abusing its dominant position in the mobile operating system market, violating the Competition Act. The CCI ordered an investigation by the director general, and in 2019 expressed a preliminary opinion that the mandatory pre-installation of the Google Mobile Services (GMS) suite amounted to the imposition of unfair conditions on device manufacturers. On October 20, 2022, the CCI concluded that Google was abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem, and ordered the company to cease and desist from its practices and pay a penalty of Rs 1,338 crore. The CCI held that Google could not force OEMs to pre-install its apps or restrict users from uninstalling such apps, nor offer incentives to OEMs to comply with its conditions. Google appealed the decision to the NCLAT in January, but failed to obtain immediate relief. The company then approached the Supreme Court, which refused to intervene in the case but directed the NCLAT to deliver its judgment by March 31, 2023. Living in the US can be expensive if youre a migrant or a student the cost of groceries, transport and other essentials can add up pretty quickly to burn a hole in your pocket. There are, of course, certain ways to save money if youve moved to the US recently. Vatsal Nahata, a US-based Indian, has shared six life hacks that can help you save money if you are living in the United States of America. After graduating from Delhis prestigious Sri Ram College of Commerce, Nahata moved to the US to pursue higher education at the Ivy league Yale University. He found a job at World Bank after graduating before eventually quitting for the International Monetary Fund a job which took him to Washington DC. Over the years he spent in the US, Vatsal Nahata found several ways to save his hard-earned dollars which he has now shared in a LinkedIn post. His first tip be careful about the groceries you buy. 85% of items in American grocery stores are filled with processed chemicals, he warned, saying it contributed to rampant obesity in the country. Nahata advised his readers to spend $2 to $3 dollars extra on buying high-quality milk, breads, cereals and yogurt instead of stuff that is filled with added sugars, high sodium and other harmful ingredients. His second piece of advice get a credit card as soon as possible because having a good credit history is very important in the US. Even if you're only spending $10 per month through the credit card, it is still worth enrolling for one. The best option would be to get a credit-builder card from Chase/Wells Fargo, he said, adding that he would share a separate post on how to hack the points system in the US. His third piece of advice also stemmed from his own personal experience. Get a CVS membership, advised Nahata, referring to the retail pharmacy which has outlets in over 10,000 locations in the US. The membership costs $5 per month and gives the subscribers benefits worth $10. Every month, I get a flat $10 discount on anything I buy from CVS. I use it for things like shampoo, toothpaste, detergents etc, wrote the former SRCC student. Next came two things you should avoid carrying from India if you are moving to the US winter clothing and spices. Both items are widely available in the US. Winter wear can be found at discount outlets like Macy's, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack at a crazy discount, while spices are easily available at Indian grocery stores. Another important tip from Nahata relates to health insurance he asked his readers not to cheap out on this essential. Don't buy that Bajaj health insurance - it most likely won't work and you'll have liabilities worth thousands of dollars if you fall ill or injure yourself, he wrote. Moreover, if you intend to stay for 3-4 years here, it's a great investment to first-hand get acquainted with the insurance system. Lastly, he advised readers to research the immigration system thoroughly before moving to the US. It's totally worth hiring an immigration lawyer for an hour for $100, he said. A parliamentary panel has asked the health ministry to finalise the draft e-pharmacy rules and implement them without further delay, expressing concern over the possible misuse of online pharmacies in the absence of regulation. The health ministry said the government was considering the issue, including the option of banning e-pharmacies, according to a person aware of the matter. The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce said it was appalled that the draft e-pharmacy rules had not been finalised till date. Undue delay in adopting a definitive regulatory framework results in uncertainty which is not conducive for the fast-paced digital markets, the committee headed by Abhishek Manu Singhvi reiterated in the report. The committee, in the 176th report, recommended that the health ministry formulate comprehensive guidelines in consultation with stakeholders. It said the online sale of medicines has not been regulated despite objections and concerns raised by stakeholders. Also read: Prohibition on cards for online pharmacies, health ministry sets the ball rolling for regulation No decisions have been taken on the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers (GoM), the committee noted. The health ministry told the committee that the government was considering the GoMs recommendations. Ban option Three groups of assistant secretaries, one each in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Department of Pharmaceuticals and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were constituted to study the draft rules and submit their reports. Recommendations of assistant secretaries received from the respective departments were considered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and a few recommendations were agreed to, the health ministry said. The GoM headed by Rajnath Singh, in its report, didnt support the idea of e-pharmacy disbursing medicines online, a top official of the health ministry told Moneycontrol, requesting anonymity. Also read: Small retailers, wholesalers are up in arms against pricing, discounts of online pharmacies Government officials indicated the health ministry was deliberating on steps to regulate e-pharmacies, including the option of a permanent ban. This is because some online pharmacies were accused of violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and breaching data privacy rules, a government official said. We are not in favour of e-pharmacies. We believe there are some key concerns emerging from their functioning and they need to be addressed, a top ministry official said. The official said collection of data on patterns of medicine consumption can be harmful and can be misused by online retailers. There is a rampant increase in antibiotic intake, which may enhance antimicrobial resistance due to unregulated consumption. There is also a concern of predatory pricing, which can impact retail pharmacy, the official added. The Drug Controller General of India had served notices to 20 online pharmacies for flouting provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. We have responded to the letter from the Drug Controller General. We believe we are in good compliance (with the law). The order (on running online pharmacies) has been enforced since 2018, and we've been very compliant with the law, Prashant Tondon, cofounder of TATA1mg, told Moneycontrol. Tondon, who is also chairperson of the FICCI e-pharmacy working group, said online pharmacies are open to the idea of new regulatory frameworks and would engage with the government on the matter. Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc is planning to lower bonus pays for some employees, and assess staff performance more frequently, as a part of a larger restructuring, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing an internal memo. The social media giant will be assessing performance of employees, and those who get a rating of "met most expectations" in their 2023 year-end reviews will receive a smaller percentage of bonus and restricted stock award due in March 2024, the report said. The bonus multiplier for that grade has been cut to 65% from 85% earlier, WSJ added. "We understand that while this is a significant change that might disappoint some people, it aligns with our continued focus on maintaining a high-performance culture," the newspaper said, quoting the memo. The company will also restart assessing staff performance twice a year, the report said. Meta did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside business hours. On March 14, the company announced that it would cut 10,000 jobs this year in a second round of layoffs, as part of restructuring that will see it scrap hiring plans for 5,000 openings, kill off lower-priority projects and "flatten" layers of middle management, as the industry braces for a deep economic downturn. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age. *I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites. I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional). Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tibetans have always zealously guarded their religious hierarchy, something China considers to be its private preserve. In a recent interview with Japans Kyodo News, Penpa Tsering, president of the Tibetan government-in-exile, warned China not to interfere in selecting a successor to the Dalai Lama, the current spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. No government should have a role in this spiritual matter and I think it is much wiser for China not to interfere, he cautioned. Tserings words could well have been prophetic. On March 27, the 14th Dalai Lama, the frail 87-year-old, announced the reincarnation of the third-most-senior Lama or spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the head of the Gelugpa school in land-locked Mongolia. The tenth Khalkha, Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche, was anointed by the Tibetan spiritual head in a ceremony attended by some 600 Mongolians, who travelled to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to attend an event that has huge ramifications in this running battle between the Dalai Lama and the Communist Party of China, and for the survival of Tibetan Buddhism. China stumped? While India may have no role to play in this decision, Beijing believes that by giving shelter to the Dalai Lama, New Delhi is interfering in Beijings internal matters. China openly meddles in all matters related to the Dalai Lama and Tibetans, and an already strained bilateral relationship between India and China may get even bumpier. I dont think the Chinese would be surprised by this decision. His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) has said different things about his successor, including a lady successor, at different times, so it is not for anyone to decide who will be taught the scriptures, other than the head of the order, Gautam Bambawale, former Indian ambassador to China, told Moneycontrol. Calling the Dalai Lamas decision on Monday an ace of spades, the ex-Indian envoy to Beijing said that neither the Indian government nor the people of India have any role to play in the choice, which is strictly speaking, not tantamount to announcing a successor. I dont think there is any reason for either China, the US or any other country to object because it is purely an internal decision of the Tibetan Buddhist order, he said. The Dalai Lama believes that he will live up to the biological age of 113 and has no immediate plans to announce his reincarnation as head of the influential Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Communist Party of China has traditionally called him a splittist as President Xi Jinping pursues his policy of Sinicisation of Tibet with Beijing abrogating the power of official reincarnations of high lamas of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Yet, at this advanced age, the cancer survivor managed to stump Beijing with his decision to anoint the tenth Khalkha this week. US-born Lama According to unofficial reports, the eight-year-old boy, who was born in the US in 2015, was anointed as the Tenth Khalka in a ceremony at Mongolias Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the countrys biggest monastery, at the end of February. It was attended by the Abbot of the monastery and the high Lamas of Mongolia. However, experts state that the eight-year-old was accorded legitimacy after he was declared a reincarnation on March 8, at the culmination of the exercise that the Dalai Lama undertook when he visited Ulan Bator in 2016. The tenth Khalkha is one of the twin boys named Aguidau and Achiltai Attanmar. He belongs to one of the richest business and political empires in Ulan Bator. The Dalai Lama institution in Dharamshala declined to comment over the real identity of the new Mongolian Tibetan leader as they feel he would be targeted by the Chinese regime. Sandwiched between allies Russia and China, Mongolia has played a key role in the Dalai Lama Institution often under intense pressure as it was the Mongolian King Altan Khan who offered the title of Dalai Lama (Ocean of wisdom) to the third Gelugpa, Lama Sonam Gyatso, who in return conferred the title of `Brahma, the king of religion, on Khan. Former Indian ambassador to China Vijay Nambiar believes the nomination of the Khalka is a natural decision. Given that China has taken unilateral decisions regarding Tibet, the Dalai Lamas decision is to be expected. It is an essential part of the autonomy of the Tibet religious hierarchy, he told Moneycontrol. Nothing to do with New Delhi Asked if it could lead to worsening of already-strained bilateral relations between India and China, he said that while it would tighten relations between India and China, New Delhi has nothing to do with this decision, which is an independent one. China, Nambiar said, has nominated its own Panchen Lama as the man to succeed the Dalai Lama, but let us also remember that the Dalai Lama has in the past said that he may not have a successor so let us not see this appointment as necessarily his successor. Tibetan exiles have traditionally worried that China might just simply appoint its own successor. In 1995, after the Dalai Lama named a boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the previous Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, China put that boy under house arrest and installed another in his place. Many Tibetans spurn the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama as a fake. That the Dalai Lamas decision could have surprised China is being attributed to the fact that Beijing is yet to offer a reaction a full 24 hours after the anointment. North Korea unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads and vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear material to expand the country's arsenal, state media KCNA said on Tuesday, as a U.S. aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea for military drills. KCNA released photos of the warheads, dubbed Hwasan-31s, as leader Kim Jong Un visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute, where he inspected new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles, as well as nuclear counterattack operation plans. Experts say the images could indicate progress in miniaturising warheads that are powerful yet small enough to mount on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the U.S. "It has something more powerful in a smaller space. That's worrisome," said Kune Y. Suh, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul National University, comparing the new warheads to the 2016 version. Kim Dong-yup, a former South Korean naval officer who teaches at Kyungnam University, said the warheads were most likely designed for use with at least eight different delivery platforms listed in posters on the wall, including missiles and submarines. "Those are not limited to tactical missiles but appear to be a miniaturised, lightweight and standardised warhead that can mount on various vehicles," he said. "Now that the delivery vehicles are nearly ready, they would churn out warheads to secure second strike capabilities - perhaps hundreds, not dozens - while running centrifuges even harder to get weapons-grade nuclear material," he added Kim Jong Un ordered the production of weapons-grade materials in a "far-sighted way" to boost its nuclear arsenal "exponentially" and produce powerful weapons, KCNA said. He said the enemy of the country's nuclear forces is not a specific state or group but "war and nuclear disaster themselves," and the policy of expanding the arsenal is solely aimed at defending the country, and regional peace and stability. Kim was also briefed on an IT-based integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe, which means "nuclear trigger", whose accuracy, reliability and security were verified during recent drills simulating a nuclear counterattack, KCNA said. North Korea has been ramping up tensions, firing short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducting a nuclear counterattack simulation last week against the U.S. and South Korea, which it accused of rehearsing an invasion with their military exercises. North Korea's military simulated a nuclear airburst with two tactical ballistic missiles equipped with mock warheads during Monday's training, while testing a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone again on March 25-27, KCNA said in separate dispatches. The underwater drone, called Haeil-1, reached a target in the waters off the northeast coast after cruising along a "jagged and oval" 600km (373-mile) course for more than 41 hours, it said. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea does not deserve "a single penny" of economic aid while pushing for nuclear development, his spokesman said. A South Korean military spokesman said that additional tests and analysis would be needed to verify whether the North's new warheads are deployable, but that its report on the underwater drone was most likely "exaggerated and fabricated." U.S. AIR CARRIER Also on Tuesday, a U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz docked at the Busan naval base in South Korea after conducting joint maritime drills. It was the carrier's first visit in nearly six years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the two countries' alliance. Rear Admiral Kim Ji-hoon of the South Korean navy said joint exercises were intended to improve U.S. extended deterrence - the military capability, especially nuclear forces, to deter attacks on its allies - given the North's evolving threats. The strike group commander, Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, said his ships were prepared for any contingency. "We don't seek conflicts with the DPRK. We seek peace and security. We're not going to be coerced, we're not going to be bullied and we're not going anywhere," he told reporters. DPRK is an abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Pyongyang has accused the allies of stoking tensions and using exercises to rehearse an invasion. A commentary in the Rodong Sinmun, the North's ruling party media outlet, said the drills, especially those involving the aircraft carrier, amount to "an open declaration of war" and preparations for a "preemptive attack" against North Korea. "The frantic war drills in the puppet region are not just military drills but nuclear war drills for a preemptive strike ... pursuant to the U.S. political and military option to escalate confrontation with the DPRK and finally lead to a war," it said. Russia's navy fired supersonic anti-ship missiles at a mock target in the Sea of Japan, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday. "In the waters of the Sea of Japan, missile ships of the Pacific Fleet fired Moskit cruise missiles at a mock enemy sea target," it said in a statement on its Telegram account. "The target, located at a distance of about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles), was successfully hit by a direct hit from two Moskit cruise missiles." The P-270 Moskit missile, which has the NATO reporting name or SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile of Soviet origin, capable of destroying a ship within a range of up to 120 km (75 miles). The firing of the missiles comes a week after two Russian strategic bomber planes, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, flew over the Sea of Japan for more than seven hours in what Moscow said was a "planned flight". USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age. *I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites. I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional). Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept March 05, 2023 Ukraine Open Thread 2023-55 Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict. The current open thread for other issues is here. Please stick to the topic. Contribute facts. Do not attack other commentators. Posted by b on March 5, 2023 at 14:41 UTC | Permalink Comments next page As Donald Trump seeks to mobilize his base against a potential indictment, a big question is: Just how big is Trump's true-believer base? How many people are willing to stand by Trump no matter what? This matters both when it comes to any backlash against an indictment - around which Trump has increasingly alluded to the prospect of violence - and for Trump's 2024 presidential prospects. The answer: Die-hard support remains substantial. But the number has clearly shrunk. And it's apparently not a majority of the Republican Party. This is a somewhat subjective exercise, but there are a number of measures we can isolate. One of the best ways to look at the question is to focus on how many Republicans view Trump not just favorably but "very" or "strongly" favorably. And by this measure, Trump's support has declined significantly since his 2020 defeat. While Fox News polling in October 2020 showed that 7 in 10 Republicans had a "strongly" favorable opinion of him, by December 2022, that 69 percent had dropped to 43 percent. Unfavorable views of Trump have increased from around 1 in 10 Republicans to around 2 in 10 over that span, but nearly as significant is the movement from "strongly" favorable to merely "somewhat" favorable. And the movement has been steady. While few pollsters have regularly broken down perceptions of Trump in this way, data from those who have done so echoes Fox's data. An AP-NORC poll from January showed just 14 percent of Americans overall viewed Trump "very favorably." That was Trump's lowest number on record - and it was half what it was in 2019. Similarly, the Pew Research Center has employed something it calls a "feeling thermometer" on Trump - basically asking people to assign a number to how they view the former president. The percentage of Republican-leaning voters who gave him a "very warm" number (between 76 and 100) was 41 percent. That was his lowest mark since the 2016 campaign, and it was down from 61 percent in April 2020. Another telling measure is how many Republicans view themselves as Trump-first rather than party-first. NBC News has asked this question frequently, gauging whether GOP-leaning voters view themselves more as supporters of Trump or supporters of the party. NBC's most recent poll, in January, showed 33 percent viewed themselves as Trump-first. That's compared to a majority who often said so while he was in office. Related to the above is the percentage to profess to be 2024 dead-enders - that is, those who would want Trump to run as an independent if he was denied the GOP nomination. This is an instructive measure, because it represents a scenario that would in all likelihood cost the GOP the presidency (whether its advocates realize that or not). It would effectively be a protest vote. In a Monmouth University poll last month, 27 percent of Republican-leaning voters said they would want Trump to run as an independent (vs. 67 percent who wouldn't). In another poll, 28 percent said they would actually vote for Trump in that scenario, even if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was the GOP nominee. Which brings us to the possible indictment. Marist came out with a new poll Monday that also sheds some light. What's perhaps most interesting about it is that it shows a majority of Republicans acknowledging that Trump has done something unethical related to the various investigations of him. The percentage who think he's done "nothing wrong," by contrast: 45 percent. So 45 percent say he's done nothing wrong, 41 to 43 percent have a strongly favorable opinion of him, 33 percent view themselves as Trump-first rather than party-first, and nearly 3 in 10 at least profess a willingness to back him as an independent. These are all different measures suggesting varying degrees of true devotion, but none are approaching a majority right now. And most used to be majority views in the GOP. That doesn't mean there couldn't be a rallying effect among GOP-leaning voters if Trump is indicted; Trump retains substantial goodwill among Republicans, and perhaps enough Republicans will buy into his claims of persecution that it will resolidify his base. In addition, we're still talking about significant numbers - even in their depressed state - that could just about be enough to deliver him the nomination again, or cause major problems if we see the unrest Trump is clearly toying with. But Trump has also been harping on these themes for a long time, and he's continued to see his base erode despite that. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LISBON, Portugal (AP) A man wielding a large knife killed two Portuguese women and wounded several other people at an Ismaili Muslim center in Lisbon on Tuesday, authorities said. Police said they were investigating the stabbings as a possible terror act. Portuguese authorities described the man as a refugee from Afghanistan who was receiving help from the Ismaili Community. Local Afghan community representatives said the suspect was known to have psychological problems after his wife died while their family was at a refugee camp in Greece. While police told The Associated Press they were investigating Tuesday's violence as a possible extremist act, Portuguese Interior Minister Jose Luis Carneiro publicly urged caution, saying any hasty analysis should be avoided. The women who died were Portuguese staff members at the center, Ismaili community leader Narzim Ahmad told Portuguese TV channel SIC. Neither police nor the community identified the women who died. Officers dispatched to the center late Tuesday morning encountered a man armed with a knife, according to a police statement. The officers ordered him to surrender and he was shot when he advanced toward them, the statement said. A suspect was in police custody at a Lisbon hospital. Several other people were wounded, according to the statement, which provided no further details. Millions of Afghans have fled violence and poverty in their country, often risking their lives to get to Europe. Carneiro said that the suspect is a young man who arrived in Portugal through a European Union program that transfers asylum-seekers to member countries to help relieve pressure on Mediterranean nations such as Greece and Italy. The minister said the man's wife died in a refugee camp in Greece, leaving him to care alone for three children, ages 9, 7 and 4. Authorities had no information indicating he had been violent in the past, Carnieiro said. From what we know, he was a calm person who had received help from the Ismaili community in terms of knowledge of languages, food care, care for younger children, the minister said. Omer Taeri, president of the Association of the Afghan Community in Portugal, told CNN Portugal the suspect arrived in the country last year. He said the alleged attacker suffered from psychological trauma after the death of his wife and was worried about his children. Taeri asked for people to not judge an entire community by one incident. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said police shot the suspect and told reporters the attack was a criminal act. Everything points to this being an isolated incident, Costa said, without elaborating. Armed police from a special operations unit could formed a perimeter outside the building following the incident. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The Ismaili Muslims are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world. Portugal hasn't recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of. The Ismaili community is shocked and saddened by this incident and is providing support to the families of the victims, the Ismaili Community said in a statement. ___ Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona. Atkins Kroll donates $2,000 to UOGs Professional Master of Business Administration or PMBA Cohort XVIII to support Capstone Project: HOVERx. The Cohorts proof-of-concept project intends to demonstrate the ability to utilize drones for the delivery of preventative healthcare items to remote areas of the state of Pohnpei. From left, Ernie Galito, AK business development director; Michelle Puno, PMBA capstone project manager; Tom Mazzei, AK sales director; Dr. Roseann Jones, UOG School of Business and Public Administration interim dean; Hazel Estrellado, PMBA capstone project manager; Trina Cruz, AK marketing and communications director; Charlie Hermosa, PMBA capstone advisor; and Camarin Cabral, PMBA candidate. Staff Reporter Richelle obtained a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications from the Far Eastern University in Manila, the Philippines. She was a junior reporter for Marianas Variety from 2009 to 2010, and from 2014 to 2015. In the Maldives, she worked as a news reporter and marketing executive. In her free time, shes a painter, pianist, and mom baker. Israeli protesters stand with their arms up as a water cannon is used to disperse the people attending a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nationalist coalition government's plan for judicial overhaul, in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 27, 2023. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree | Journal-Courier ASHLAND A-C Central's top official will step down at the end of June. The school district's Board of Education accepted Superintendent Candi Shaver's proposal for separation during a special meeting Friday night. She will resign from her position effective June 30. Sacred Heart Convent/Provided An exhibit will open this weekend at the Jacksonville Area Museum, 301 E. State St., that celebrates the history of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. The exhibit, Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois: Celebrating 150 years for the Life of the World," will open Saturday and run through July 31. It will consist of six panels detailing the story of the convent, including its start in Jacksonville, and how it has grown and impacted the region, nation and world. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate America will probably get more killer tornado- and hail-spawning supercells as the world warms, according to a new study that also warns the lethal storms will edge eastward to strike more frequently in the more populous Southern states, like Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The supercell storm that devastated Rolling Fork, Mississippi is a single event that cant be connected to climate change. But it fits that projected and more dangerous pattern, including more nighttime strikes in a southern region with more people, poverty and vulnerable housing than where storms hit last century. And the season will start a month earlier than it used to. The study in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society predicts a nationwide 6.6% increase in supercells and a 25.8% jump in the area and time the strongest supercells twist and tear over land under a scenario of moderate levels of future warming by the end of the century. But in certain areas in the South the increase is much higher. That includes Rolling Fork, where study authors project an increase of one supercell a year by the year 2100. Supercells are natures ultimate storms, so-called Finger of God whoppers that are the dominant producers of significant tornadoes and hail, said lead author Walker Ashley, a professor of meteorology and disaster geography at Northern Illinois University. Tall, anvil-shaped and sky-filling, supercells have a rotating powerful updraft of wind and can last for hours. Supercells spawned the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado that killed 51 people, the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado outbreak that killed 161 people and the 2011 super outbreak that killed more than 320 people in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, the Mid-South. The study used computer simulations to predict what will happen by the end of the century with different levels of global carbon pollution levels. But Ashley said that stormier future seems like it's already here. The data that Ive seen has persuaded me that we are in this experiment and living it right now, Ashley said in an interview three days before the EF-4 tornado killed more than 20 people in Mississippi on Friday. What were seeing in the longer term is actually occurring right now. Ashley and others said although the Mississippi tornado fits the projected pattern, it was a single weather event, which is different than climate projections over many years and a large area. Ashley and study co-author Victor Gensini, another meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University and a longtime tornado expert, said they are watching the potential for another supercell blow-up in the Mid-South on Friday. Past studies have been unable to forecast supercells and tornadoes in future climate simulations because they are small-scale events, especially tornadoes, that global computer models cant see. Ashley and Gensini used smaller regional computer models and compensated for their reduced computing power by spending two years running simulations and crunching data. Three scientists not connected to the study said it makes sense. One of them, Pennsylvania State University tornado scientist Paul Markowski, called it a promising advance because it explicitly simulated storms, compared to past research that only looked at general environments favorable to supercells. While the study finds a general increase in supercell counts, what it mostly finds are large shifts in where and when they hit generally, more east of Interstate 35, which runs through east central Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, and fewer to the west. In moderate warming less warming than the world is headed for based on current emissions parts of eastern Mississippi and eastern Oklahoma are projected to get three more supercells every two years, with eastern Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, western Tennessee and eastern Georgia getting one more supercell every other year. With worst-case warming more than the world is presently on track for the study projects similar changes but with worsening supercells over eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and southern Missouri. Cities that should see more supercells as warming worsens include Dallas-Fort Worth, Little Rock, Memphis, Jackson, Tupelo, Birmingham and Nashville, Ashley said. The moderate warming simulation projects 61% more supercells in March and 46% more in April, while the more severe warming scenario has 119% more in March and 82% more in April. They see double-digit percentage point drops in June and July. In the mid-South, including Rolling Fork, the study projects supercell activity peaking two hours later, from 6 to 9 p.m. instead of 4 to 7 p.m. That means more nighttime supercells. If you want a disaster, create a supercell at night where you cant go outside and visually confirm the threat so people dont take it as seriously, Gensini said. The eastward shift also puts more people at risk because those areas are more densely populated than the traditional tornado alley of Kansas and Oklahoma, Ashley and Gensini said. The population coming under more risk is also poorer and more frequently lives in mobile or manufactured homes, which are more dangerous places in a tornado. Whats likely happening as the climate warms is the Southwest United States is getting hotter and drier, Ashley and Gensini said. Meanwhile, the Gulf of Mexico, which provides the crucial moisture for the storms, is getting hotter and the air coming from there is getting juicier and unstable. The hot dry air from places like New Mexico puts a stronger cap on where storms would normally brew when air masses collide in spring time. That cap means storms can't quite boil over as much in the Great Plains. The pressure builds as the weather front moves east, leading to supercells forming later and farther eastward, Gensini and Ashley said. Because February and March are getting warmer than they used to be this will happen earlier in the year, but by July and August the cap of hot dry air is so strong that supercells have a hard time forming, Ashley and Gensini said. Its like playing with a pair of dice loaded against you, Ashley said. One of those dice is making the odds worse because of more people in the way and the other one is loaded with more supercells increasing the odds of the perils too, tornadoes and hail. ___ Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment ___ Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the East Palestine, Ohio, freight train derailment, but there is plenty of legitimate concern regarding the environmental and human health consequences it caused. Unfortunately, instead of finding ways to help the people of East Palestine and proposing rational, common-sense steps forward, political discourse continues to be brutally murdered by interests that have only raw partisan advantage in mind. Long after a wreck released more than 100,000 gallons of toxic materials, forced an evacuation of residents, and contaminated nearby soil and water, the White House made a bold statement that was an obvious effort to divert attention away from the benign neglect it initially exhibited. Congressional Republicans and former Trump administration officials owe East Palestine an apology for selling them out to rail industry lobbyists when they dismantled Obama-Biden rail safety protections as well as EPA powers to rapidly contain spills, said White House spokesman Andrew Bates. Those same congressional Republicans also laid the groundwork for the Trump administration to tear up requirements for more effective train brakes, Bates continued. Last year, he ranted, most House Republicans wanted to defund our ability to protect drinking water. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, so late arriving at the scene of the Norfolk Southern accident that he might as well not have bothered to go, has also used the victims of the Ohio village of 4,800 as props. While families were trying to restore their lives, Buttigieg didnt let the crisis go to waste. He insisted that federal regulation should require at least two crew members aboard each train cab, and called for the industry to provide paid sick leave for all employees, claiming it would make rail travel safer. According to NPR, Buttigieg also mentioned that Washington should mandate a better braking system on trains that carry volatile fuels, chemicals and other toxic substances. Interestingly, none of these proposals is related to the East Palestine derailment. First, a three-member crew was aboard the train that derailed. Thats one more than the Federal Railroad Administration wants to require and two more than is necessary for safe travel. Single-person crews are typical in Europe and Australia, and they are no less safe than the rail lines in the United States, where multiple-person crews operate. Consulting firm Oliver Wyman has determined that the European countries with the best safety records are all countries where railroads operate with single-person crews. Buttigiegs insistence that rail companies provide paid sick leave to all employees has no connection to the East Palestine derailment. No one has claimed it was caused by workers too ill to do their jobs. Nor is there any evidence that ailing crews were responsible. But, of course, extending paid sick leave to workers is a major labor union objective. Is Buttigieg, a federal official, negotiating publicly, yet stealthily, on behalf of those unions, which were willing to shut down freight-rail service last fall over their demand for paid sick leave? Other items from Buttigiegs list are just as disconnected from the East Palestine disaster as those mentioned above. While most of us see a tragedy that will continue to unfold for years, if not decades, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and one-time presidential primary candidate sees political opportunity. He still wants to be president, and a train wreck that he seemed to care little about initially became a moment in which he could burnish his progressive creds and shore up support from organized labor. Unfortunately for East Palestine, the town is his springboard for a future campaign. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina shake hands after signing a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Honduras signed on Sunday a joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC). Shortly before that, the country announced that it is severing so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan region. With the switch, Taiwan will only be formally recognized by thirteen countries. What does this mean for Honduras, China, and the United States? Which country will be next to make the switch? Harris, in Africa, confronts painful past, envisions future View Photo CAPE COAST, Ghana (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. With her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris was insisting on remembering the painful past even as she stood earlier Tuesday before a monument commemorating Ghanas independence, envisioning a grand future between the U.S. and Africa propelled by innovation on the continent. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered, she said from the fort as the sun set over the water. It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned. The nations first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. The events on her second day in Ghana are part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Cape Coast Castle is one of dozens of fortresses in West Africa that held slaves, many of them in Ghana. The government here has viewed preserving them as part of its historical responsibility. Harris skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish that reeks from this place, and the horrors endured by the people who passed through those walls; mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived were sold into bondage in the Americas. And yet, they survived, she said, her voice cracking with emotion. She said the endurance and determination of the African diaspora in the world should be admired. All of us, regardless of our background, have benefitted from their fight for freedom and justice, she said. During their tour, Harris and husband Doug Emhoff walked past a plaque commemorating a visit by Barack and Michelle Obama, the nations first Black president and first lady. The couple walked along the stone ramparts flanked by cannons, pausing to gaze out over the sea as waves crashed on the rocky shore below. She passed through white archways and down a darkened path leading through the infamous door of no return, through which slaves left the coast and never came back. Harris choked back tears, her hand on her mouth, as she approached. She placed a white bouquet of flowers, given to her during the arrival ceremony, at the entrance to a womens dungeon nearby. Tour guide Kwesi Blankson said he told the vice president about how captives would sometimes gaze up through the holes in the dungeon ceiling and pray to the gods and sing songs. He sang one to her, about wishing for death, because death means freedom. He described the tour as a solemn moment, like a graveyard. Harris has proved to be a potent messenger in Ghana, and thousands waited hours earlier Tuesday at Independence Square for a chance to see her speak at the Black Stone Gate monument. Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first Black vice president of the United States, she said to huge cheers from the crowd. And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child. Tracy Sika Brobbey said its a special moment to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible. Its like a blessing, she added. During her remarks at the monument, Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning a future that is propelled by African innovation. Much of her remarks there focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. Its something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continents innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create ones own future. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africas future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own, she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them dreamers and innovators; Africas population has a median age of 19. It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. ___ Long reported from Washington. By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG Associated Press China ambassador arrives in North Korea in sign of reopening View Photo BEIJING (AP) China said Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. Wang Yajun will help in the development of the traditional friendship between the close neighbors sharing mountains and rivers, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing. China is North Koreas main source of economic aid and political support, but interactions have been disrupted by travel restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ambassadors posting comes as North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un urged his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on the countrys widening range of weapons. The report Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against North Koreas enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified in recent months, increasing tensions in the region. Chinas support for both North Korea and Russia is seen as an act of defiance against the U.S.-led liberal world order, along with ensuring security along its borders. While China has agreed to United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear tests, it has repeatedly assured the Kim regime of support to prevent its collapse and the potential humanitarian, military and political consequences that might ensue. Video shows guards walking away during fire that killed 38 View Photo CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Authorities originally reported 40 dead, but later said some may have been counted twice in the confusion. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. The institute said almost all were from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador. In the video, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards did not appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead ran away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adan Augusto Lopez, Mexicos interior secretary, confirmed the authenticity of the video in an interview with local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney generals office. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said. The deaths forced the government to rent refrigerated trailers to hold the migrants bodies, Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui told reporters. The detention facility is across the street from Juarezs city hall. At a nearby hospital, Viangly Infante Padron, a 31-year-old Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the U.S. with her husband and three children, waited for her husband, who was being treated for smoke inhalation. The previous evening, she was waiting outside the detention center for his release when the fire broke out. There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration, she said. The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived. She saw several dead bodies before finding her husband in an ambulance. I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didnt see him anywhere. Earlier, about 100 migrants gathered Tuesday outside the immigration facilitys doors to demand information about relatives. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman with her two children, ages 2 and 4, was seeking her half-brother, Orlando Maldonado, who had been traveling with her. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she said. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Authorities did not immediately answer that question. Marquez and Maldonado were detained Monday with the children and about 20 others. They had been in Juarez waiting for an appointment from U.S. authorities to request asylum. They were staying in a rented room where 10 people were living, paying for it with the money they begged in the street. I was at a stoplight with a piece of cardboard asking for what I needed for my children, and people were helping me with food, she said. Suddenly agents came and detained everyone. Everyone was taken to the immigration facility but only the men were placed in the cells. Three hours later, the women and children were released. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or for the asylum process to play out. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. After that, Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar started campaigning to inform migrants there was room in shelters and no need to beg in the streets. He urged residents not to give money to them and said authorities would remove them from intersections where it was dangerous to beg and allegedly a nuisance to residents. Migrant advocates who recently denounced more aggressive tactics said Tuesday that the immigration facility was over capacity and that the site of the fire was small and lacked ventilation. You could see it coming, the advocates statement said. Mexicos immigration policy kills. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. Mexicos immigration lockups have seen overcrowding, protests and riots from time to time. In October, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities. At a Mass celebrated in memory of the migrants, Bishop Mons. Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos lamented the sudden grief that had descended upon the migrant community. The shout, the cry of everyone is enough, enough of so much pain, enough of so much death, he said. ___ This story has been correct to show the age of Viangly Infante Padron is 31. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernandez and writers Guadalupe Penuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. By MARIA VERZA and MORGAN LEE Associated Press Calaveras, CA Calaveras County Board of Supervisors will be holding their regular session on the morning of March 28. The meeting will start at 9 am, and members of the public are welcome to attend. The agenda includes an update presentation from staff on the winter storms that hit the county starting December 29, 2022. The supervisors will hear about the impact of the storms and what measures were taken to mitigate the damage. The Board will also adopt a Proclamation declaring the week of April 3, 2023, through April 9, 2023, as Public Health Week. Another Proclamation to be adopted is for the month of April 2023, Child Abuse Prevention BE THE ONE Month in Calaveras County. The proclamations goals are to highlight the need to prevent child abuse and encourage the community to take action. The Board will receive a presentation from the University of California Cooperative Extension staff, which will provide information on various agricultural and natural resource programs available in the county. Supervisors will also approve a comment letter to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The letter will highlight the Boards concerns and recommendations related to the current Fire Hazard Severity Zones. In addition, the Board will adopt a Resolution approving the reappointment of Sarah Edwards to the position of County Counsel for a new period of four (4) years, effective May 11, 2024. The resolution will also include an increase in base salary effective April 8, 2023. Full details about the meeting can be found here. Food for thought: Free meals for all New Mexico students View Photo ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed legislation to provide free school meals to all students regardless of family income, as New Mexico and several other states look to fill the gap left by lapsed federal pandemic-era benefit programs and address the strain to family budgets caused by food prices. The bill cleared the Legislature during the recent 60-day session, with lawmakers setting aside more than $22 million in the state budget to help pay for the program. Additional money will be used to improve school kitchens so healthier meals can be prepared. When we feed our children, were feeding our future these investments today will yield benefits tomorrow through generations of healthier New Mexicans, the Democratic governor said in a statement issued after she celebrated with dozens of elementary school students. California and Maine have made universal meals permanent, legislation to do so is advancing in Vermont, and Nevada pitched in $75 million to extend free school meals for this school year. In Colorado, voters approved a ballot measure last fall giving school districts the opportunity to offer free lunches. Nationally, debts for unpaid school meals have been rising, indicating the need to continue providing free meals to ensure students are able to concentrate in the classroom. A recent report issued by the Food Research & Action Center showed participation in school breakfast and lunch programs was higher during the last school year than that of pre-pandemic levels. About 67% or 309,000 New Mexico students are eligible to receive free and reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program, according to the New Mexico Public Education Department. Signing of the legislation could impact nearly 70,000 students who normally would have had to pay for school meals, with department officials expecting a 5% to 10% increase in participation in districts that operate national school lunch programs. Lujan Grisham included the proposal in her State of the State address, saying that wherever kids are, there ought to be a kitchen working to keep them healthy, strong and ready to learn. Still, some say more money will be needed to bankroll the effort over time. This year, New Mexico was awash in new revenue due in part to a financial windfall from oil production. Legislative analysts have estimated that providing meals at no costs to students at participating schools could total between $27 million and $40 million in recurring funding from the states general fund. Advocacy groups see universal free school meals as the next step in New Mexicos march toward combating historically high food insecurity rates in a state that has long struggled with generational poverty. Other recent efforts include legislation in 2020 that eliminated student co-pays for reduced-price school meals and a 2017 measure that made New Mexico the first state in the U.S. to ensure children cant be humiliated by school meal debts. The new law aims to boost the amount of food that comes from local growers through farm-to-table grants. Currently, about 168 farmers, ranchers and food businesses sell locally produced products to schools in 19 of the states 33 counties. Supporters also hope the new law will lead to less food waste by requiring kindergarten through sixth grade students to have more time to sit down and eat, and by collecting unused food for use by food pantries, students and other charitable organizations. By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press Highland Park survivor heads to scene of Nashville shooting View Photo CHICAGO (AP) The survivor of a mass shooting last July 4th outside Chicago rushed to the scene of the latest such tragedy Monday in Nashville, expressing disbelief that one had occurred again. Are you freaking kidding me right now? Ashbey Beasley told the Chicago Tribune by phone as she drove to the scene of the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, in which three children and three adults were killed before the shooter was killed. Beasley had stopped in Nashville on her way back from her 12th trip to Washington since the July 4th Highland Park tragedy to lobby members of Congress to pass a federal assault weapons ban. The shooter killed at least seven people and injured more than 30 others. Beasley was about to meet Shaundelle Brooks, the mother of a young man killed in a 2018 mass shooting, in which four people were killed at a Nashville Waffle House. Thats when Brooks called to say her surviving sons school in Nashville was on lockdown because of the shooting at The Covenant School. What are our lawmakers doing? Like, what are they doing? asked Beasley. I cannot believe this is happening. Useful Idiots have never been in short supply. History proves that. Bertrand Russell and George Bernard Shaw, for example, were disillusioned with Western democracy in view of the devastating First World War. They turned to autocracy as a viable alternative, however. Russell had more than a kind word about Soviet Russia and militaristic Japan. Shaw even went so far as to praise Nazi Germany for its discipline and efficiency. Both enjoyed being the Bolsheviks' fellow travelers. Western democracy be damned. Russell and Shaw lived to regret their poor choices once the Rape of Nanjing, the Holocaust, and the Soviet Gulags became public knowledge. Who would like to stand on the shoulders of "giants" otherwise known as useful idiots? Author: Ren Qiulan Rare beetle species named after ex-California governor Brown View Photo BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) Scientists are naming a rare species of beetle in honor of former California Gov. Jerry Brown after finding one at his ranch. Bembidion brownorum was last seen in 1966, but it hadnt been named or described until one was collected near a creek on Browns ranch in Colusa County, about an hours drive northwest of Sacramento, the University of California, Berkeley announced Monday. The beetle is brown and tiny at about 5 millimeters (0.20 inch) long, although that is still larger than other Bembidion beetles. Under magnification it glows with a green and gold metallic shimmer, according to UC Berkeley. Brown, who left office in 2019, lives in Californias inner coastal mountain range on land that has been in his family since the 1860s. He has offered his property as a meeting space for the California Native Plant Society, entomologist, and forestry and fire experts. UC Berkeley entomologist Kipling Will has been sampling insects at the 2,500-acre (1,012-hectare) ranch for more than two years. On July 1, 2021, he found an unfamiliar beetle and called up an expert, David Maddison at Oregon State University, to help identify it, UC Berkeley said. They determined that it was a species that hadnt been previously named or described. Will later found 21 specimens in museums throughout California, although they may have been unlabeled or misidentified, UC Berkeley said. The species probably was rarely spotted because it probably has been rapidly declining as its habitat is destroyed by urbanization and agricultural development, Will said. The beetle was named in honor of Brown and his wife, Anne Brown. Im very glad that (my ranch) is advancing science in some interesting and important ways, Brown said in the UC Berkeley statement. There are so many undiscovered species, he said. I think its very important that we catalog and discover what we have and understand their impact on the environment how its functioning and how its changing. Will and Maddison described the beetle in a study published Monday in the journal ZooKeys. John S. Sproul of the University of Nebraska Omaha is a co-author. As of the moment of publication this morning the species was formally named, Will said through UC Berkeley in answer to a question by The Associated Press. If the question is about a ceremony of some sort, no we dont do that. Another powerful Pacific storm hits soggy, snowy California View Photo SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A powerful weather system from the Gulf of Alaska pushed into Northern California on Tuesday, bringing more wind, rain and snow to a state battered by months of storms. Forecasters warned of heavy snow in coastal mountains and the Sierra Nevada, where accumulations up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) were possible, highway chain requirements took effect and a backcountry avalanche warning was issued for the greater Lake Tahoe area. The National Weather Service said the storm was expected to pull a plume of Pacific moisture into California as it tracked south, but the rainfall was not expected to be as intense as the atmospheric rivers that impacted the state in recent weeks. After a dozen previous atmospheric rivers and blizzards fueled by arctic air, the water content of Californias Sierra Nevada snowpack is more than double normal overall, and nearly triple in the southern Sierra. Damage since the onslaught began in late December includes buildings crushed by snow, flooding of communities and farm fields and homes threatened by landslides. Crews on Monday tore down a historic pier in Santa Cruz County that was in danger of collapse. The 500-foot-long (152-meter) wooden pier at Seacliff State Beach was severely damaged by big surf in January. Built in 1930, the pier connected the beach to SS Palo Alto, a grounded Word War I-era steamship known as the cement ship. On the positive side, the storms have brought much-needed water. The states two largest reservoirs, Shasta and Oroville, have risen above their historical averages to date after being significantly depleted. Cities and farmers that rely on the Central Valley Project, the federally managed water system, got a big boost in their allocations Tuesday. More than 250 agencies mostly irrigation districts contract with the federal government for certain amounts of water each year, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announces each February how much of those contracts can be filled, updating as conditions change. The storm boost in supply means that many providers of irrigation water supplied by the CVP will see the amount they can draw jump from as little as 35% of their contracted total to 80%. Providers for city and industrial uses will be allowed 100% of their historic use instead of just 75%, the bureau said. In Southern California, the Metropolitan Water District is bringing water from the north to fill its massive Diamond Valley Lake, a reservoir that had diminished to 60% of capacity after three years of drought. Its expected to be full again by years end. Nature gave us a lifeline, MWD General Manager Adel Hagekhalil said Monday as officials watched water pour into the reservoir. PARIS (AP) One of Flemish painter Pieter Brueghel the Younger's largest known works, whose discovery behind the television room door of a house in northern France amazed the art world, fetched 780,000 euros ($845,000) at auction in Paris Tuesday. The 17th century oil painting which experts call exceptional and was long considered a fake by its owners was discovered by chance in December collecting dust. An expert conducting an estimation request spotted something poking out past a door of the dim family house. I arrived in a small television room which was not very well lit. I started making my estimates in the living room and turning around behind the door, there were two thirds of the painting visible, Malo de Lussac of the auctioneers Daguerre Val de Loire, told The Associated Press. And thats when in fact I discovered the painting. It was a bit of a surprise. The family of the owners, who wished to remain anonymous, acquired the work in 1900, and had always called it affectionally The Brueghel, thinking it was fake. It was an ironic twist in their family lore that a work of such importance had been hiding in plain view. The painting is believed to have been painted between 1615 and 1617 and depicts one of Brueghel the Youngers common themes The Village Lawyer" a bustling legal office in a rural community. The family ancestors bought the painting as an original, but over the years the real story was completely lost orally ... Maybe the family was not necessarily interested in this painting, de Lussac said. Yes, they called it the Brueghel, but they had no idea it actually was! The vibrant painting measures 112cm high and 184cm wide, and is one of Brueghel the Youngers two biggest pieces. The discovery was the biggest moment of my career. But of course I was cautious. It is after all rather rare to find a Brueghel hanging in a television room, de Lussac said. Born in Brussels in 1564, Pieter Brueghel the Younger was the eldest son of the Pieter Bruegel the Elder, among the most important figures of the Flemish Renaissance. Brueghel the Younger was famed for his lively depictions of village life, and sometimes known as Hell Brueghel because of his fantastical depictions of infernal and grotesque scenes. The Village Lawyer was purchased by an unnamed Swiss buyer. The happiest country in the world is looking to spread the joy. Finland will select ten lucky people to fly out and attend a masterclass on happiness in person, the country's tourism board said. The Nordic country has held the number one spot in the World Happiness Report for six years now, and now it wants to "help people find and master that Finnish state of mind." "A question we often get is: 'How are you so happy?'" said Heli Jimenez, senior director of international marketing at Business Finland. "It's not some mystical state, but a skill that can be learned and shared." The happiness masterclass will take place from June 12-15 and consist of four main themes: food and well-being, health and balance, design, and nature and lifestyle. The ten applicants chosen to fly to Finland and attend the masterclass will get free airfare and accommodation at a luxury resort, each in their own villa with panoramic windows, a private sauna and spa. There won't be any TVs in the room to help promote good sleep, but WiFi will be available. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply by filling out an online form and completing a social media challenge, which includes creating a video showing "what things make you believe you may be secretly a Finn" and explaining why they want to take the masterclass. "We are looking for outgoing people who are interested in comprehensive wellbeing and Finnish nature," the tourism board said, adding it's looking for people who speak English, don't represent any brands or companies and are comfortable being filmed. "You don't have to be a self-help enthusiast or have survival skills in Finnish nature. All we want is an open mind." Applications will close on April 2, and winners will be announced a month later. Participants selected to attend will be filmed throughout the trip, and the material will be used in Visit Finland's communications and advertising. The tourism board also announced it will eventually make the masterclass available online for all to view. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A former student shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school Monday and killed three children and three adults after elaborately planning the massacre by drawing out a detailed map and conducting surveillance of the building, police said. The massacre at The Covenant School in Nashville was the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community planned vigils for the victims. I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said during one of several news conferences. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter, who police say was fatally shot by two responding officers at the school. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Drake did not give a specific motive when asked by reporters but gave chilling examples of the shooters prior planning for the targeted attack. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he said. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe Hale had some resentment for having to go to that school. The shooter gained entry by firing into glass doors on the building, shattering them, police later said in a tweet. The shooter was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun, authorities said. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of the shooter's home turned up a a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Students held hands as they walked to school buses, which drove them to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Rachel Dibble, who was at the church as families found their children, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, said Dibble, whose children attend a different private school in Nashville. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Communities around the U.S. has suffered through one mass killing after another in recent years, with school shootings taking an especially painful toll. Recent tragedies nationwide include the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Its ripping at the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of this nation, Biden said. Biden later ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings through March 31. He also spoke to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor John Cooper about the shooting, officials said. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church which is affiliated with the conservative evangelical Presbyterian Church in America The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Monday's tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said during a news briefing. Police later said in a tweet that the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. One officer had a hand wound from cut glass. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. Jozen Reodica heard the police sirens and fire trucks blaring from outside her office building nearby. As her building was placed under lockdown, she took out her phone and recorded the chaos. I thought I would just see this on TV, she said. And right now, its real. Nashville has seen its share of mass violence in recent years, including a Christmas Day 2020 attack where a recreational vehicle was intentionally detonated in the heart of Music Citys historic downtown, killing the bomber, injuring three others and forcing more than 60 businesses to close. A reeling city mourned during multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings, at one point reciting together, we confess we have not done enough to protect the children injured or killed in shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Kristin Hall in Nashville; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles; Beatrice Dupuy and Larry Fenn in New York; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington; as well as AP researchers Randy Herschaft and Rhonda Shafner in New York. Presentations on playa restoration, Spring migration of grassland birds, waterfowl numbers based on surveys, and a field tour of a pair of restored playas will be among learning opportunities highlighting a Playa Field Day at Kress on April 13. The Playa Field Day is presented by Ogallala Commons (www.ogallalacommons.org) and partners the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District and the Dixon Water Foundation. Farmers, ranchers, Master Naturalists, agency personnel, educators, and the interested public are invited to attend. Registration for the event is $20 per person (which includes the cost of lunch, drinks, and snacks). To register, please email or call Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Deputy Director (darryl@ogallalacommons.org or by phone at 806-945-2255). Doors will open at 9 a.m. at Jeffs Restaurant (500 U.S. Highway 87) in Kress with the program starting at 9:30. The opening presentation by Heather Johnson, Migratory Game Bird Specialist: Region I, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Littlefield will discuss playa ecosystems and the Texas Playa Conservation Initiative program Next up will be Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Canyon, TX who will give information on current waterfowl numbers in the Panhandle-South Plains, based on aerial surveys conducted this past winter. Rounding out the morning will be a presentation on Spring Migration of Grassland Birds and Passerines on the Llano Estacado by members from the Texas Master Naturalists Llano Estacado Chapter in Lubbock. At 11:30 a.m. a catered Mexican foods dinner will be served to the group. At 12:10 p.m. closing remarks on the morning presentations will be given by Jim Steiert, ag journalist from Hereford. At 12:30 the group will depart for a field trip to two restored playa properties located near Kress, with the tour led by Heather Johnson. The program will adjourn at 1:30 p.m. Playas are shallow, rain-fed wetlands throughout the Great Plains. When holding surface water, playas provide crucial habitat for many wildlife species that depend on water to survive. When dry, playas also support several other Great Plains wildlife species because they are often the only natural lands in a region dominated by agricultural production. Playas also recharge water to the underlying Ogallala aquifer, filter nutrients and chemicals from the surrounding watershed, and add recreational value to the region. Courtesy of Tarrant Courtesy Sheriff's Office Police said on Sunday, March 26, that the family of a 6-year-old boy from North Texas who has been missing since November 2022 hopped on a flight out of the U.S. just days before an Amber Alert was issued last week. Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer said at a press conference on Sunday that the family of missing child Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez left on a flight to Instanbul, Turkey on Thursday, March 23, one day before an Amber Alert was issued. Spencer said that Noel's mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, left on the Turkish Airways flight with her husband and other children except Noel. When the Amber Alert was issued for the 6-year-old last Friday, March 24, at midnight, it initially said Noel was last seen around midnight Friday in Everman, a town just south of Fort Worth. Between San Antonios love for a good bowl of soup and adventurous spirit in exploring cuisines from across the world, it makes perfect sense that we love ramen, complete with noodles, a hearty broth, and all the fixings. Theres no shortage of local restaurants with ramen on the menu, but foodies in the area have made it known which ramen bowls are a must-try and why. Between traditional flavors and inventive twists, heres where you can score a bowl of delicious ramen. Paul Stephen /San Antonio Express-News Ginza Ramen and Poke With four locations in the San Antonio area, Ginza Ramen and Poke is a dependable spot when youre in need of a bowl of ramen. You can even make it exactly how youd like with your choice of soup base, protein, and toppings. Its a dream come true! Find it: Multiple locations. Photos by Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-News Nama Ramen With wall art to appreciate while you down a bowl or roll, Nama Ramen is a popular spot for both ramen and house sushi rolls. The tonkotsu ramen is most popular, but dont let that stop you from trying the other bowls, including the shoyu, miso, and spicy miso ramen. If youre inexperienced with chopsticks, be sure to practice ahead of time since theres no forks here. Find it: 6526 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78249 Paul Stephen /San Antonio Express-News Ito Ramen Pair your bowl of ramen with all of your favorite Japanese appetizers at Ito Ramen, from edamame and takoyaki to kimchi. There are seven ramen selections to choose from, no matter whether youre looking for something traditional, spicy, a vegetarian option, or something inspired by under the sea. Find it: 14395 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216; 210-843-4230 Mike Sutter /Staff Bakudan Ramen With three restaurants in San Antonio, Bakudan Ramen is a satisfying spot for your fix of ramen. While theres plenty of traditional and inventive ramen options, puro San Antonians will want to try the pozole ramen served on the weekends. Theres also a list of sake options and other libations to make your meal extra special. Find it: Multiple locations Paul Stephen / San Antonio Express-News J Y Ramen With a variety of ramen bowls to choose from, youll have fun adding your favorite toppings, ranging from fish cakes and fried Brussel sprouts to pickled ginger. Theres even an option for kids! Pair your ramen with your choice of Ramune, milk tea, or hot tea for a fully Japanese experience. Find it: 5500 Babcock Road, Suite 116, San Antonio, TX 78240; 210-462-9100 Yelp / Sarah S. Piranha Izakaya Among the many popular eateries in the Quarry Village is Piranha Izakaya, noted for its ramen bowls and sushi rolls. Expect the classic options, plus a veggie ramen, chicken ramen, and a kimchi ramen. Yum! Theres also a notable bar, so be sure to complete your meal with a cocktail. Perhaps the Tokyo Tea? Find it: 260 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, TX 78209; 210-822-1088 Courtesy, Vinh Hoang Suck It Asian Kitchen What first began as a hookah and bubble tea shop of the same name is now a respected ramen joint, which currently serves foodies from its sister venture, Suck It Mixology Bar, located next door. Youll be able to choose your favorite bowl and add toppings like barbacoa, smoked brisket, and more. If youre truly hungry, order the Ramen Super Bowl, packed with pork belly, tempura shrimp, chicken, and pork dumplings. Find it: 1167 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205; 210-564-9062 Courtesy of Time to 8 via Yelp Time to 8 Take some time to appreciate the robust flavors over at Time to 8. Specializing in hibachi, ramen, and sushi, the Huebner Road outpost has a mix of protein options to complete your ramen bowl. If you love seafood, opt for the Seafood Foodie bowl with fresh scallops, jumbo shrimp, and squid. Find it: 9390 Huebner Road, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78240; 726-215-6688 Paul Stephen / Staff Noodle Tree As a convenient spot for all the Roadrunners in the area, Noodle Tree remains a popping spot for all those who love ramen. Expect to find a mix of Asian treats, but know that ramen reigns supreme, especially given the tasty additions of burnt garlic oil and six-minute eggs to many of the bowls. Find it: 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78249; 210-233-6371 Mike Sutter /Staff file photo Kimura The tight-in-seating and trendy Kimura has remained a go-to for many on-the-go folks downtown needing some ramen. Each bowl is topped with a portion of noodles plus nori, fish cake, green onions, sprouts, boiled egg, shiitake mushroom, and a vegetable garnish. Pro tip: stop by during happy hour for extra goodness. Find it: 1017 N. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78212; 210-444-0702 Mike Sutter /Staff The Cherrity Bar While The Cherrity Bar gives back to notable causes through its philanthropic business model, the Eastside hangout also serves up a variety of Japanese eats, including ramen. Youll find these flavors close to Kimura, given that the downtown restaurant is sort of a big sister venture to this ramen outpost. Theres also flavorful starters like yaki gyoza and katsu sliders. Find it: 302 Montana St., San Antonio, TX 78203; 210-598-0496 Jess Elizarraras/MySA Heros Ramen x Sushi Complete with its own miniature convenience store stocked with Asian treats, Heros Ramen x Sushi is a San Antonio gem. Take it as the cherry on top that theres delicious miso and tonkotsu ramens, available spicy or not. Be sure to bring some tasty snacks home with you! Find it: 13444 West Ave., Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78216; 210-481-4950 Yelp / Jaymie-Lyn D. Noodle Hut Located not far from the growing restaurant scene along Texas Highway 151, Noodle Hut offers up a mix of tasty noodles that youre sure to enjoy. Start your meal off with appetizers like edamame or the nuclear fire noodle fries, then enjoy the Kimchi Ramyum, a spicy Korean take on ramen. Find it: 9827 Potranco Road, Suite100, San Antonio, TX 78251; 210-281-5048 Mike Sutter /Staff Photographer Koi Kawa Japanese Restaurant Hidden away along the northern end of the San Antonio River, Koi Kawa is serene and a prime spot for catching up with friends over a bowl of ramen. The family-owned Japanese restaurant serves miso, pork, and shoyu ramens. Come hungry since there are also plenty of appetizers and sushi rolls to choose from. Find it: 4051 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209; 210-805-8111 TOM REEL/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Tuesday, March 28, marks the 50-year anniversary of TJ's Hamburgers opening on San Antonio's Southside. The storied burger joint is celebrating the occasion in style with limited edition giveaways and heavily discounted burger deals. Customers visiting TJ's Hamburgers on Tuesday (that means today) will be able to purchase the restaurant's original quarter pounder hamburger for $1.99 each, according to a Facebook post. The quarter pounder deal will be limited to two burgers per customer, but half a pound of ground beef feels like more than enough, especially when priced around $4 total. The hamburger restaurant went on to describe that it will also be handing out free hamburger coupons. Harlandale ISD just became another San Antonio school district that has authorized the closure of schools as it struggles with low enrollment and funding issues. The HISD board of trustees approved the closure of Columbia Heights, Morrill, Rayburn, and Carroll Bell elementary schools at a meeting on Monday night, March 27. The school board members approved the closures 4-3 with Norma Cavazos, Elizabeth Limon, and Elaine Anaya-Ortiz voting against the motion. The students of those schools will be consolidated into another school and the buildings will be repurposed into facilities that handle different education programs and services. Amanda Freeman, a HISD grad who lives in the area, said Monday that she hasn't heard how the school closures and repurposing would save the district money. "Is the district prepared to possibly lose more children to other districts, charter schools, or home school if you decide to close any of the elementary schools that mean so much to the community?" Freeman asked. "My answer would be 'No.'" More for you Over 3K CPS Energy customers have no power in S.A. due to storms The closure was one among three options presented to the board Monday night after discussions and a town hall meeting discussing the closures. One option included Vestal Elementary instead of Carroll Bell. The third option was not to close or repurpose any campuses. The district has 13 elementary schools, including the four that are set to close. Teachers with various certifications and seniority will have a choice of which school to be placed. Harlandale ISD has been facing challenges with low enrollment, which has led to the district looking at a $12 million deficit due to a drop in average daily attendance funding from the state. The district has seen enrollment fall 25% since 2015 and faces losing over 3,000 students by 2031. The district has also struggled with keeping and hiring teachers, going as far to propose four-day school weeks. The school district said at previous meetings that it is also facing competition from area charter schools like IDEA, which has been actively soliciting parents to attend its schools by going door to door. Christine Garza, a teacher at Vestal Elementary, said during public comment Monday that she sees the decision as an effort to save jobs and protect staff and students. "During this transition there is no doubt, school communities will be displaced. That is a painful thing we will go through," Garza said. "We need to ensure that we are voting. That we call our legislators and tell them to properly fund us. We need to make sure that we are registered to vote." On Monday, March 27, a gunman entered a private Christian school in Nashville and killed three children and three staff members. A 61-year-old substitute teacher and three 9-year-olds were among those slain by the shooter, a former student, at The Covenant School, NBC reported. One of the students killed in the shooting had ties to North Texas, according to a report by FOX 4 DFW on Monday. Nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs is the daughter of Chad Scruggs, who served as a pastor at a church in Dallas before serving as the lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville. "We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter, Hallie," Park Cities Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Mark David said in a statement to FOX 4. The mass school shooting is considered to be one of the most deadly since the tragedy in Uvalde, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. With the one-year anniversary of the tragedy fast approaching, many in the Uvalde community are questioning why nothing has been done to stop the senseless gun violence like what happened in Nashville. Brett Cross lost his son Uziyah "Uzi" Garcia during the Uvalde shooting. Cross took to Twitter on Monday to question the relaxed gun laws, which many have attributed to the growing number of mass shootings in the U.S., pleading with law makers by asking the question, "When is enough, enough?" The following video contains mature language. Some Texas lawmakers like Senator Roland Gutierrez are seeing the gun violence and called out legislatures for doing nothing to stop it. Even San Antonio Congressman Tony Gonzales had something to say about the tragedy. Texas lawmakers are joined by religious leaders praying legislators do something to put an end to the violence. Several San Antonio locals are also sounding off on the events of what happened in Nashville, including one person who brought up that private schools are not safe from gun violence. One San Antonio educator took to Twitter to express her sadness over the loss of school children. On Sunday evening, March 26, Steven Monacelli was hanging out with his family when his cell phone began to buzz. A reporter covering extremism and an extremely online individual, it didn't seem so odd. Until he started reading his texts. "I'm sorry about the news," he remembers seeing. "I said, 'What news?'" That night, the Texas Tribune dropped a report about the impending and immediate shutdown of Monacelli's employer, the Texas Observer, an almost 70-year-old liberal Texas publication for which he had been writing on contract since last July. The next morning, it was made official. The board, with only two holdouts, had voted to shutter the magazine and fire all employees, effective Friday, March 31. To say that the overall widespread reactions to the end of the Texas Observer were merely sorrowful would be an under-sell. Famously once helmed by firebrand political commentator Molly Ivins and still responsible for left-leaning watchdog reporting, the only folks cheerleading for the publication's demise were among the same conservative faction of Texans directly in the path of the Observer's muckraking. But just one day later, a GoFundMe started by the publication's now-former managing director has raised over $180,000 in an effort to stave off the end of the Texas Observer. "I thought we might see, maybe, $50,000," James Canup tells MySA on Tuesday morning, March 28. "And even that felt optimistic." Canup was in attendance on Monday morning, March 27, when the board officially informed staff that what they had read in the Texas Tribune was true. Already set to resign mid-April and having sketched out a framework for the GoFundMe just in case, Canup sped up that process, quitting immediately and starting the fundraiser. He set the goal for $100,000 initially, but had to raise it before the night was through. Asked if he's optimistic that $200,000 could actually save the publication the initial idea was to use the money to soften the blow for fired staffers Canup says that the sharp increase in support is heartening to the cause. "My optimism is probably better than 50% at this point," he says. "I think that the ball is really in the court of the board of directors I would suggest that it would be foolish of them to turn their back on this level of support." It's unclear exactly what staffers knew about the financial health of the Texas Observer. The summer of 2021 was a turning point for the organization, when, a former staffer says, the magazine received a smaller grant than usual from the Ford Foundation, which caused some panic among higher ups. That organization's grants database indicates that it had given the Texas Democracy Foundation, whose board governs the magazine, $200,000 in 2014, $400,000 in 2016, $300,000 in 2020, and $150,000 in 2021. It did not provide large funding to the Texas Observer in 2022. Still, Monacelli says that he was not aware of an existential threat to the Observer, particularly in light of recent large pledges to the Texas Democracy Foundation. One full-time staffer, in conversation with a former member of the magazine's editorial team, told the latter that they had no idea that the magazine was in immediate danger. One possibility for the rate of surprise is the incredible turnover at the magazine since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The shutdown follows years of leadership shakeups at the magazine, including three different top editors in the last three years. Andrea Valdez left the Texas Observer for the 19th News in 2020 and Tristan Ahtone quit the following year following a prejudicial comment toward him by another staffer that went unpunished. Gabriel Arana, who joined in 2021, would be the final Texas Observer editor if the layoffs stick. Additionally, publisher Mike Kanin resigned in October 2021, as did multiple longtime editors and writers, including executive editor Megan Kimble, managing editor Danielle Lopez, and environmental reporter Amal Ahmed, who left in late 2021 amid a fight with Arana. The in-fighting doesn't stop there. On Monday, board president Laura Hernandez Holmes told the Texas Tribune that in the last few months, disagreements with the staff, in particular, Arana, "sucked all the energy and focus away from maintaining the financial health of the org." I did struggle with some serious and false and hurtful attacks on my character by the editor, Hernandez Holmes said, noting that the attacks were retracted but that she never received an apology from Arana. Arana, alongside digital editor Kit O'Connell, senior editor and writer Lise Olsen, and editor-at-large Gayle Reaves, signed a letter to the board on Monday. It outlined some requests, including asking board members who voted for immediate closure to resign, adding a staff member to the board, adding at least one nationally recognized journalists familiar with nonprofits in crisis to the board, and, crucially, for an emergency fund of $200,000, raised through GoFundMe, be used to forestall layoffs for at least a month. The letter gives the board until close of business on Wednesday, March 29, to respond. Until then, all the staff can do is wait, as the gap between the funds raised and the goal narrows. In the time it took me to write this story, people donated $10,000 to the prospect. "The GoFundMe results indicate that there is a widespread and massive nationwide constituency of the Observer who want it to survive and thrive," Canup says. "This sends a message that now is not the time for the Texas Observer to die." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) Prince Harry and Elton John were in a London court Monday as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids asked a judge to toss the lawsuit they brought with several other high-profile people who allege phone hacking and other invasions of privacy. Harrys presence at the High Court in London signals the importance of the case, one of several lawsuits the Duke of Sussex has brought in his battle against the press. The hearing is expected to conclude Thursday. The case alleges Associated Newspapers Ltd., which publishes The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday, commissioned the breaking and entry into private property, and engaging in unlawful acts that included hiring private investigators to bug homes, cars and record private phone conversations. They were the victim of numerous unlawful acts carried out by the defendant, or by those acting on the instructions of its newspapers, attorney David Sherborne said in a court document. Sherborne who also represents Johns husband, David Furnish, and actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, said the intrusions were habitual and widespread and later concealed or covered up. Articles were falsely attributed to friends, a family source, palace sources, royal insider, or similar phrases to throw subjects off the scent of the true origin, Sherborne said. Among the allegations in court papers were that Associated Newspapers unlawfully obtained the birth certificate of John and Furnishs child before they had seen the document and illegally gleaned information on Harrys previous relationship with Chelsy Davy, a jewelry designer from Zimbabwe. The publisher is also alleged to have hired a private investigator to hack Hurleys phone, stuck a mini-microphone on a window outside her home and bugged ex-boyfriend Hugh Grants car to gather financial information, travel plans and medical information during her pregnancy. John and Furnish arrived in court after a lunch break and sat in the gallery for part of the afternoon before bowing out. Harry sat near Frost toward the rear of the court during the whole session and occasionally took notes. The case is a replay to some extent of the British phone hacking scandal that was front page news a decade ago and eventually brought down another tabloid and ended with the conviction of the former spokesperson for then-Prime Minister David Cameron. The allegations date primarily from 1993 to 2011 but also stretch beyond 2018, Sherborne said. The publisher denies the allegations and said the claims are too old to be brought and information about the phone hacking scandal was so widely known the subjects could have sued years ago. It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters, attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing. He also argued that the suit should be thrown out because it relies on information the newspapers turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. Beltrami said it was ironic Harry and others claimed the publisher illegally obtained information about them from evidence that was supposed to have been kept private and, thus, was itself gathered in violation of the law. Sherborne argued that documents used in the 2012 inquiry were presumed to be public unless marked confidential. Britain held a year-long inquiry into press ethics after revelations in 2011 that News of the World tabloid employees eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of celebrities, politicians and a teenage murder victim. Owner Rupert Murdoch shut down the newspaper amid a criminal investigation and public uproar. Several journalists were convicted, and Murdochs company paid $388 million in settlements to dozens of hacking victims, legal fees and other costs associated with investigations. Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson, who had resigned and became communications chief to Conservative Party leader Cameron, was convicted of phone hacking and sentenced to 18 months in prison. In the inquirys 2012 report, Lord Justice Brian Leveson said outrageous behavior by some in the press had wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people whose rights and liberties have been disdained. Justice Matthew Nicklin, who is hearing the current eavesdropping case, is also overseeing a separate libel lawsuit Harry brought against Associated Newspapers over an article about his quest for police protection when he and his family visit the U.K. Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, and his wife, the former actress Meghan Markle, stepped down as working royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., citing what they described as the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. Harry has said he wants to make reforming the British media his lifes work. He fumes at British media throughout his memoir Spare, published in January. He accused them of hounding Meghan and blamed an overly aggressive press for the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, which is mentioned in court papers. The prince's lawyer said the unlawful conduct by Associated Newspapers was "a major betrayal given promises made by the media to improve its conduct following the tragic and untimely death of his mother. The couple has turned to British courts to combat what they see as media mistreatment. In December 2021, Meghan won an invasion-of-privacy case against Associated Newspapers over the Mail on Sundays publication of a letter she wrote to her estranged father. Harry is also suing the publisher of another tabloid, the Mirror, in a separate hacking suit. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A neighborhood that sits just north of Alamo Heights has ranked rather high among other neighborhoods as one of the best places to live in Texas. The Northeast Inner Loop neighborhood that sits south of N.E. Loop 410 ranked No. 8 among 644 areas on Niche's 2023 Best Places to Live in Texas list. Here's everything you need to know about the celebrated neighborhood. Brazilian and Chinese interests align at present in some important areas, the most important being an investment in a multipolar world order. Today (March 28), Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (aka Lula) was supposed to be meeting the President of the Peoples Republic of China Xi Jinping for the first time in over a decade. There was a lot riding on the outcome. After four years of strained relations with the government of Brazils former premier Jair Bolsonaro, currently still laying low in Florida, China is keen to get back on friendly terms with the fellow BRICS member. But the visit had to be indefinitely postponed at the last minute after Lula was admitted to hospital with a bacterial and viral bronchopneumonia. Lula is apparently making a strong recovery and Brasilia has conveyed to Beijing his desire to reschedule the visit but it is unclear when that will happen. In the meantime, 240 Brazilian officials and business figures, many from the countrys burgeoning agricultural industry, are in Beijing trying to hash out new deals in Brazils biggest export market. From Bloomberg: Brazils Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro, who landed on Wednesday alongside the unusually large business delegation, has been laying the groundwork for several potential agreements between the two countries. In an interview on Friday, he said his mission is to re-establish warm ties between the countries, and refrained from giving explicit targets for bilateral commerce. Trade and investment are the key drivers for any deepening of relations between the two countries. Lula wants to boost sales to China, which is already the biggest destination of Brazilian exports, and lure investment to upgrade the countrys infrastructure. The South American nation is already the main supplier of agricultural goods to China, accounting for 60% of its soybean imports and 40% of its beef purchases. Now Brazil wants to push those numbers even higher while also working with Beijing on strategies to keep agricultural expansion from harming the environment. A Win-Win for Both Countries China has been Brazils largest trade partner for the past 14 years. Last year, the two countries bilateral trade was worth $172 billion more than twice the size of Brazils bilateral trade with the US. The Lula government is also looking to expand Brazils exports of both corn and cotton to China two sectors that have been traditionally dominated by the US. It would be a win-win for both BRICS economies: China would get to reduce its dependence on US food exports as US sanctions loom while Brazil would get to expand its already huge agricultural industry ideally not at the expense of the Amazon rain forest. Also no doubt on the agenda when the two presidents finally meet will be the unanimous decision last Friday to appoint Brazils former President (and former vice president under Lula) Dilma Rousseff as president of the New Development Bank (NDB), formerly known as the BRICS bank. Founded on the first day of the 6th BRICS summit in 2014, with $50 billion of seed funds, the banks purpose is to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs). Its founders harboured dreams of finally breaking the grip of the Bretton Woods institutes, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. But so far the NDB has failed to live up to its early promise. But that could change. There is likely to be plenty of demand for emergency financial support in the coming months and years as countries in the Global South struggle to service their debts. Russia last week wrote off $20 billion of debt owed by African nations. China has already spent $240 billion bailing out Belt and Road counties, according to a report by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, AidData and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Membership of the NDB is also growing. In 2021, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Bangladesh took up shares, albeit of much smaller size than the respective $10 billion investments made by the banks founding members. Worldwide interest in joining the BRICS group is also huge, according to South Africas Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. In early March, she claimed to have 12 letters from interested countries on her desk. They apparently include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Argentina, Nigeria and Mexico. It is hard to imagine Mexico, long part of the North American free trade bloc NAFTA, now supplanted by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) agreement, taking such a bold step even as tensions rise between parts of the Biden Administration, particularly the State Department, and Mexicos AMLO government. As Silk Road Briefing notes, such a move would be seen as a direct affront to Mexicos US relations and a sign that global economies, even on Americas border, are having serious doubts about the US ability to trade on fair and equal terms. Other big items likely to be on the agenda of a future meeting between Lula and Xi will include fleshing out recently announced plans to set up yuan clearing arrangements in Brazil, as well as Brazils prospective membership of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Thats right, folks: Brazil, one of the four founding members of the original BRIC grouping (the S for South Africa came later), is one of 50 or so countries yet to join Chinas flagship global infrastructure project. Not that it has made much of a difference: even outside the BRI, Brazil placed fourth among the countries that received the largest amount of inward Chinese investment between 2006 and 2021. The ongoing war in Ukraine is also likely to feature in any future discussions between the two presidents. Based on their public statements, both want to see the war come to an end. Since taking office for an unprecedented third term in January, Lula has proposed creating a small group of countries totally uninvolved in the Ukrainian conflict including, for example, China, India, Brazil, among others to mediate a negotiated settlement. He even discussed the idea with Biden during his visit to Washington in January, but it was unceremoniously shot down. Toward A More Strategic Relationship Most importantly, as a piece in Global Voices notes, if the meeting had gone ahead, which it presumably will do shortly, it would have provided an opportunity for the relationship to develop and take on a more strategic character under the incoming Lula government. If, or rather when, this happens, it could significantly impact the United States and the American continent as a whole. That said, it is important to remember that Lula has generally been a conciliatory, balanced statesman on the international stage, as notes a piece in Responsible Statecraft: He may harbor a lingering distrust of the U.S. government for what he sees as undue influence over Brazilian affairs in the recent past NSA spying on former president Dilma (confirmed) and purported U.S. Justice Department involvement in his 2018 arrest (alleged), to list only two recent episode but that does not mean he sees China as the good guy in the complicated game of international intrigue. Brazilian and Chinese interests do, however, align at present in some important areas, the most important being an investment in a multipolar world order. Brazil has long craved greater influence in international affairs. It has wanted a permanent seat on the UN security council and inclusion in the OECD for years. Both goals remain out of reach. The two countries economies are also increasingly intertwined. At the risk of repeating myself, China is not only Brazils but South Americas largest trading partner: As a trading power, the US holds complete sway over Central America, at least for now. And pound for pound, it is still Latin America and the Caribbeans largest trading partner. But that is predominantly due to its huge trade flows with Mexico, which account for a whopping 71% of all US-LatAm trade. As Reuters reported last June, if you take Mexico out of the equation, China has already overtaken the US as Latin Americas largest trading partner. This has happened for a variety of reasons. As Ive noted before, Chinas rise in the region coincided almost perfectly with the Global War on Terror. As Washington shifted its attention and resources away from its immediate neighbourhood to the Middle East, where it squandered trillions of dollars spreading mayhem and death and breeding a whole new generation of terrorists, China began snapping up Latin American resources, in particular food, petroleum and strategic minerals like lithium. Left to their own devices, governments across the region, from Brazil to Venezuela, to Ecuador and Argentina, took a leftward turn and began working together across multiple fora. The commodity supercycle was born. Since then China has become the most important trading partner for nine countries in the region (Paraguay, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, Uruguay and Panama). In total, 22 of the regions 33 countries have signed up to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, including four in Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador). Unlike the US, China does not tend to meddle in internal politics in the region, or at least hasnt until now. That may change if more and more countries begin to default on Chinese loans, as already happened in Ecuador in 2020. The US, apparently with zero self awareness, has made no bones about accusing China of deploying debt trap diplomacy. But for the moment the Chinese are happy to let the money do the talking and so too are many Latin American governments. Washington is now making up for lost time. In January, the Commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), General Laura Richardson, who has a rare talent for saying the quiet parts out loud, said the US military is seeking to box out China and Russia from strategic resources in the region. In a lot of our (sic) countries in this region she said, the PRC is the number one trade partner, with the United States number two in most cases. Here she is giving testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee last week on the PRCs expand[ing] economic, diplomatic, technological, informational and military influence in Latin America and the Caribbean: Meanwhile, US Ally Taiwan Just Lost Another Key Ally in Latin America The Government of Honduras announced on Saturday that it is severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan, days after Honduran president Xiomara Castro unveiled plans to reestablish ties with China. The Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the countrys Executive recognizes the existence of only one China in the world, and that the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China. In her announcement, Castro said the decision to reestablish ties with Beijing formed part of her determination to push through with her governments plan and expand the borders freely in concert with the nations of the world. Castro is the wife of Honduras former democratically elected President Manuel Zalaya, who in 2009 was dragged out of the presidential palace in his pyjamas by armed troops, forced onto a plane and flown out of the country. The US-backed coup was followed by a succession of deeply corrupt governments that ruled with a ruthless determination to protect the interests of the national oligarchy and foreign finance capital. One inevitable result has been a huge surge in northward migration from the country to the US. The latest announcement by the Honduran government has caused widespread anger in Taiwan, where its president Tsai Ing-wen said her country will not engage in a pointless competition of dollar diplomacy with China. For many years we have maintained the belief that working with all our capabilities and with a pragmatic and forward-looking approach we could maintain the substantive and long-term development of our diplomatic allies, the president said in a video released this Sunday. Since Tsai came to power in 2016, Taiwan has lost nine international allies who have chosen to establish official ties with Beijing. This means that just 12 countries now recognise Taiwan, most of them in Latin America and the Caribbean: Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See (Vatican City), Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines and Tuvalu. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and countries have to choose between maintaining official relations with Beijing or with Taipei. Since 2007, four other Latin America countries have cut ties with Taipei in order to establish relations with China. They include, most recently, El Salvador. In November, its President Nayib Bukele announced plans to sign a free-trade agreement with China after meeting with Beijings ambassador. Before making the announcement, Bukeles government cancelled a preexisting free trade agreement with Taiwan. China also offered to buy up all $21 billion of El Salvadors distressed sovereign debt, as I reported at the time. Since then there have been no further announcements regarding the offer. If the two countries were to actually consummate such a deal, it would represent another watershed moment for the region. As Bloomberg noted at the time, anything close to that by a leading sovereign creditor hasnt happened since the late 1980s, when the US moved to bail out Latin America, along with, as Bloomberg failed to note, some of Wall Streets biggest banks. This humble Chilean tree could help us make better vaccines these researchers have learned its secrets ZME Science At last, a randomized trial on coffee. Heres what happened. Inside Medicine Greenland to stay in daylight saving time The Irish News Elon Musks Neuralink Seeks Surgical Partner for Human Trials, Report Says Gizmodo Climate/Environment Water #COVID-19 Functional Neurological Disorder Emerges After COVID Infection, Vaccines MedPage Today Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea spreads from rural districts to major port The Telegraph Syraqistan Old Blighty La belle France The Koreas North Korea fires ballistic missiles after protesting US drills Al Jazeera China? European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War *** Azerbaijani armed forces advance to close off Armenia-Karabakh road Eurasianet Biden Administration 2024 GOP Clown Car SVB U.S. backstops Silicon Valley Bank sale to First Citizens Reuters< This fake business is itself run by a former minor-league VC player. It doesnt even have a real website, but it does have a Facebook page pic.twitter.com/0YynJ1oT71 Jacob Bacharach (@jakebackpack) March 27, 2023 Rotten Banks Police State Watch\ Chicagos Mayoral Race Pits the Teachers Union Against the Police Union New York Times Obama Legacy Groves of Academe Norfolk Southern Chemical Bomb Train derails, spilling hazardous materials in North Dakota The Hill Class Warfare Tech The Bezzle Feds sue crypto giant Binance and founder Changpeng Zhao The Verge CFTC alleges Binance funded terrorism. Reportedly, employees said: We see the bad, we close 2 eyes. pic.twitter.com/dxR4k6MfT2 unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) March 27, 2023 Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. A week from now, you will no longer have to wear a mask at the state's largest hospitals. Bryan Health, Madonna and several other of Nebraska's largest health systems Monday jointly announced plans to make masks optional starting April 3 for most areas of their hospitals and clinics. The move comes after CHI Health, the largest health system in the state, dropped mask requirements March 20. Hospitals and most medical facilities have required visitors, vendors and others to wear masks since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the state. The hospitals said in a news release that the decision is based largely on changing conditions, including the widespread availability and use of COVID-19 vaccines and medications. But it's also in response to the coming end of the federal pandemic emergency declaration, which is set to expire May 11. "This change in status will impact U.S. health care policies and practices for many COVID-19-related services," the hospitals said in the release. COVID-19 cases have been much lower both locally and statewide over the past few months than they were at similar times either a year ago or two years ago, although fewer people are getting tested. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Pat Lopez said through a spokeswoman that the department continues to have "ongoing communication" with local health providers but it ultimately is up to them to determine their own policies regarding masking now that there are no local ordinances requiring it. In their joint news release, the hospitals noted that each may have some variation in policies regarding masks and that they will still be required in some areas, such as in units where COVID-19 patients are being cared for and in cases when a patient or their family requests masks be worn. The hospitals also noted that conditions could change, requiring the reinstatement of more widespread mask policies. Besides Bryan and Madonna, the other hospitals that are changing their policy are: Boys Town, Childrens Hospital & Medical Center, Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine. Photos: Bryan staff who care for COVID-19 patients Way back in January 2016, Madonna made her Music City debut with a production-packed, delightfully strange stop on her Rebel Heart Tour. There were only two downsides to the show, per our live-review column The Spin. First, the pop phenom herself didnt take the stage until after 10:30 p.m. apparently not an uncommon thing, and the show was ultimately great even if the crowd got restless. Second, the focus on Madge's then-current album Rebel Heart meant that there was less room for her classic catalog in the set. Her forthcoming The Celebration Tour rectifies the latter situation. Per a release, its a parade of her mega-hits from the past four decades thats coming to Enormodomes across North America including Music Citys own, first among a handful of dates just added to the run. Madonna will stop at Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 22, with tickets on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 31; for all the details on various presale offers and VIP packages, see Madonnas website. One other facet to the show: Internationally revered Bob the Drag Queen is also performing. In a note accompanying the release, the star points to the threats posed to the LGBTQ community by the recent spate of laws passed by our state legislature. Its creating an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color, Madonna writes. Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to fuck with a drag queen. Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community. (Natural News) Eight Big Tech companies and one tech industry group all went radio silent when MRC Free Speech America asked whether communist Chinese government-tied TikTok should be banned in the U.S. (Article by Catherine Salgado republished from NewsBusters.org) MRC Free Speech America emailed leftist Big Tech giants Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook, Microsoft, Instagram, Amazon and YouTube to ask for the companies opinions on TikTok and whether or not the app should be banned. Meta- and Google-funded tech industry group NetChoice was also asked for comment. A growing bipartisan consensus is condemning TikTok, which is owned by communist Chinese government-linked ByteDance, as a national security risk for its massive data collection and tracking schemes. Even the previously pro-TikTok Biden administration did a 180-degree turnaround and issued a TikTok ban for government devices just before it was discovered that TikTok trackers were found embedded on state government websites. But that doesnt seem to concern Big Tech, which prefers to stay mum on their popular anti-free speech competitors security dangers. NetChoice, whose association includes TikTok, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Twitter, did not respond either. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) owns a financial stake and board seat in TikToks parent company ByteDance. Fox News China expert Gordon Chang suggested in exclusive comments to MRC Free Speech America that some of the tech companies might simply want to refrain from antagonizing TikTok as they dont control national security policies. They figure that the best thing to do is just keep a low profile, he said. The Biden administration, thats their responsibility. He added, Companies will do what theyre permitted to do to make money. He said it was even more a failure of the national security community than of the business community. Youve got a malicious regime that is using TikTok to destroy American society, Chang insisted. Weve got to protect ourselves. The First Amendment doesnt cover Chinese-owned national security risks, he also analyzed. Chang did note that Apple, with its reliance on Chinese manufacturing (and a secret $275 billion 2016 deal), which the CCP itself touts, might have a double motive in refusing to respond. Apple not only manufactures in China, but it sells to Chinese customers, he said. Im sure that they dont want to antagonize Beijing. Apple not only didnt respond to an email request for comment from MRC, an Apple representative claimed on the phone that the company gives no comments to any journalist that doesnt pay Apple for special press credentials. TikTok needs to be banned altogether or sold to an American owner, Chang concluded. MRC Free Speech America noted to all eight tech companies that the CEO of TikTok is set to testify before Congress this week. In addition, MRC also noted in its inquiries that the Biden administration issued a TikTok ban from government devices. MRC then asked for each companys opinion on TikTok and whether it should be banned as a national security risk. MRC Free Speech America received no response as of the publication of this article. TikTok collects extremely detailed data from American users, including faceprints, location data, device system and model information, file and app names and even a users activity across multiple devices. A BuzzFeed report and whistleblower testimony uncovered that Chinese employees can still access data from U.S. devices. All Chinese companies are required to share their data, including non-public data, with the communist government in Beijing. All Chinese companies are directly answerable to and surveilled by the CCP. China further practices civil-military fusion, which means that everything in the economic and tech spheres is accessible to the CCPs military. Thats serious stuffso why does Big Tech not seem to care? Read more at: NewsBusters.org (Natural News) When your eyes are dry and irritated, its normal to use artificial tears to relieve any discomfort. But for some unfortunate individuals, using eyedrops contaminated with a rare bacteria resulted in three deaths and eight cases of vision loss. The Artificial Tears eye drops were bought at pharmacies all over the United States. As of March 14, 68 individuals from 16 states have been infected with a rare strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also announced that four of the affected individuals had to have their eyeballs removed. Eyedrops recalled in February Global Pharma Healthcare recalled its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, in February. The eye drops are often used by people with dry eyes who need extra lubrication to relieve discomfort. (Related: Clorox recalls Pine-Sol products due to bacterial contamination.) Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops are sold at drug stores such as CVS, Target and Walmart all over the country. The product is also sold by online retailers like Amazon, but they have since been recalled. Health authorities are continuing to track infections as they investigate the outbreak in these 16 states: California Colorado Connecticut Florida Illinois North Carolina New Jersey New Mexico New York Nevada Pennsylvania South Dakota Texas Utah Washington Wisconsin The CDC warned those who have used the eye drops, especially if they have noticed symptoms of an eye infection, to seek medical care as soon as possible. Per the CDC, signs of an eye infection include: Eye pain or discomfort Blurry vision Clear, green, or yellow discharge from the eye Redness of the eye or eyelid A feeling of something in your eye Increased sensitivity to light Most of the cases have been linked to four regional clusters. Data showed that Ezricares eye drops were the only product used by the affected individuals in those specific groups. Most reported using at least 10 different brands of artificial tears, but EzriCare Artificial Tears, which is a preservative-free, over-the-counter (OTC) product packaged in multi-dose bottles, was the brand most commonly reported. The recalled eye drops were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare in India, where P. aeruginosa is often associated with hospital outbreaks. P. aeruginosa can spread through contaminated hands or medical equipment. Experts warned that the outbreak is alarming because the bacteria that causes it is resistant to standard antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and eye health Two case studies published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology contained more details about the infections. In the first case, a 72-year-old woman lost vision in her left eye. She reported that she had been using EzriCare artificial tears for about a week. Dr. Ahmed Omar, an ophthalmologist at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center who treated the patient, said that the patient first noticed some blurry vision in her left eye for several days. The blurry vision was initially painless, but the patient woke up one morning with a yellow discharge on her pillow. It was at this time that she started noticing how the appearance of her eye had changed. After the woman went to the emergency room, the doctors discovered a large ulcer on her left cornea. The patient was hospitalized for three weeks. She was given IV antibiotics and antibiotic eye drops while also undergoing several surgical interventions. Unfortunately, the woman lost vision in her left eye because of serous choroidal detachment or an abnormal accumulation of fluid. In the second case study, researchers wrote about a 72-year-old man who developed significant vision loss from an infection of the cornea. While the mans condition later improved, he still has vision issues. The male patient had not experienced previous eye problems. However, after using EzriCare artificial tears for eye dryness, he experienced severe pain and went to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami. Doctors found that he had multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. Dr. Marissa Shoji, one of the doctors who treated the male patient, reported that they discovered severe corneal infection in his right eye. The man could only see shadows and was not able to see letters due to the extent of the ulcer. His doctors gave the patient strong antibiotics, but his condition worsened. Shoji explained that while the medications usually helped improve the condition of patients, when they saw him two days later, his condition had gotten far worse. After this event, the doctors inquired specifically about the EzriCare tears. They knew the product was linked to resistant infection that may not respond to the strong antibiotics. The doctors also reported that cultures from the mans cornea and EzriCare bottle grew the same strain of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. During the mans two-month follow-up, his vision was 20/400. This meant he can see at 20 feet what healthy people can see from at least 400 feet. Dr. Guillermo Amescua, an ophthalmologist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, said that at one point, the old man was in danger of having permanent vision loss. Despite his recovery, the patient now has corneal blindness. In January, after finding out about the CDCs investigation of Pseudomonas infections, EzriCare released a statement that immediately took action to stop any further distribution or sale of EzriCare Artificial Tears. The company also contacted customers to advise them against the continued use of the product. Tips for preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections Aside from avoiding the contaminated Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, you can follow the tips below to prevent P. aeruginosa infections: Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and running water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If you dont have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remind others to wash their hands properly. If youre in the hospital, ask doctors, nurses and visitors to wash their hands before touching you. Clean all surfaces in your home. This means disinfecting all of the surfaces you touch frequently throughout the day, like tables, door knobs, light switches and your cell phone. Keep your wounds clean. If you have a cut or scrape, clean it thoroughly and cover it with a bandage. Do not share personal items. Dont let other people use personal items like your towel or razor. Swim safely. If you are going into a hot tub or pool, make sure it is properly chlorinated and maintained. Visit Products.news to read about other products that have been recalled because of contamination. Watch the video below to learn how to wash your hands properly. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Abbott Nutritions infant formula was recalled after claims of bacterial contamination, infant deaths. Ophthalmologists now ethically obligated to denounce covid-19 vaccines, as 20,000 new eye disorders are reported. Laser technology used in self-driving cars can damage cameras and human eyes. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Today.com EverydayHealth.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A cryptocurrency exchange suspended trading of two so-called CityCoins on its platform due to limited liquidity of tokens. In a March 9 statement, crypto exchange Okcoin confirmed the suspension of trading for New York Citys NYCCoin and MiamiCoin for the city of Miami. Both the mayors of the Big Apple and the Magic City backed the crypto tokens, and even touted that the digital coins benefited their respective communities. According to Okcoin, its security team noticed unexpectedly low liquidity levels for both tokens in January 2023. The statement added: Our first response was to reach out to professional market makers about improving liquidity. However, it became clear that efforts to add liquidity would take time leaving us with the suspension of trading as a last resort. (Related: Cryptocurrency firm Midas Investments closes platform following losses in wake of FTX collapse.) The concern with low liquidity is that malicious, third party actors can manipulate prices, launder stolen funds and perpetrate other frauds. While none of these risks have occurred, we wanted to get ahead of any possible misconduct. So we moved immediately to address and stop these events from occurring. Okcoins suspension of trading for both tokens took effect on March 16, a week after the announcement was released. The coins were made unavailable for trading, selling or buying on that date. However, Okcoin said NYCCoin and MiamiCoin tokens can still be kept there or withdrawn and traded on another exchange. The crypto exchange nevertheless assured token holders that trading for the CityCoins will be restored as soon as possible and it is working to restore CityCoin trading on [its] platform. Portion of CityCoins allocated to city programs Okcoin did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the office of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez was not available as of writing. Meanwhile, a representative for the office of NYC Mayor Eric Adams said NYCCoin has no affiliation with the city. A March 2022 blog post by Okcoin elaborated on CityCoins. The idea for the city-specific tokens came from localized money, examples of which include the gold florin. Originally from the Italian city of Florence, it was used as a currency in other places for four centuries. In the modern era, Miami and NYC were the first cities to launch their own localized currencies in the form of NYCCoin and MiamiCoin. According to the blog, what makes the two city-specific tokens unique is that 30 percent of the money spent on mining these tokens goes to their respective cities as a donation. The city can then use the money however it sees fit. Since cities benefit from the mining process they benefit even more as their CityCoin becomes more valuable, said Okcoin. This has been one of the more exciting areas for the CityCoin project as cities work with the community to create innovative ways to create value for their coins and for their citizens. In one example, the Magic City announced that the $5 million it earned from MiamiCoin mining proceeds would be used to fund a needs-based rental assistance program. Pushing it even further, Suarez himself has even suggested that proceeds from mining the crypto token could be one way to reduce or even eliminate city taxes over time. But with Okcoin suspending trade for the two city-specific tokens, it remains to be seen how these projects will continue. Listen to Health Ranger Mike Adams explain how the attacks on crypto pave the way for the digital dollar. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Black swan strikes USDC stablecoin following Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Crypto lender Genesis Trading cuts workforce by 30% as FTX fallout spreads. FTX contagion spreads as BlockFi crypto firm files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Stablecoin USDC busts through dollar peg as its cryptocurrency at risk of losing billions in SVB collapse. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Blog.Okcoin.com 1 Blog.Okcoin.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) Marijuana is widely available in New York City, especially after the city legalized adult recreational use of the drug in 2021. The city also opened the first legal dispensary in December. While this is good news for marijuana users, veterinarians have warned that they are noticing a steady increase in the number of cases of dogs accidentally ingesting cannabis. Pet owners have also lamented that their dogs are running into more discarded cannabis on streets and sidewalks. Discarded cannabis is a threat to pet dogs Last February, Lola Stars dog Dazzle accidentally ate a joint she found on the ground in Staten Island. Dazzle is a mini Goldendoodle who is almost two years old. Star said this isnt the first time that this has happened to her poor dog. While Star didnt witness the incident herself, she was aware of a telltale sign of drug exposure. As Star was taking Dazzle out of her car, she noticed her dogs head bobble. Star, who lives in the Prospect Park South neighborhood of Brooklyn, explained that this was how she could tell her dog was stoned. Veterinarians, who used to treat similar cases only once a month, now say that they see several cases in a week. While most dogs recover, the following symptoms can be scary for pet owners: Hallucinations Loss of balance and difficulty walking Nausea Sleepiness Not all owners see right away when their dogs eat discarded bits and pieces of a joint while on a walk. And while experienced dog owners know how to steer nosy pets away from trash lying on the street, food and other dangers, marijuana is a new risk thats suddenly everywhere, warned Star. And if you dont know what to watch out for, your dog can get sick every time they accidentally eat weed. Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care at Bond Vet, which has offices throughout the East Coast, hypothesized that the rise in causes could be linked to the recent legalization of marijuana in New York. While there are no precise figures about the number of dogs finding marijuana on the street, data revealed that they are getting sick from weed more often in places where recreational use is legal. (Related: Popular flea collar linked to thousands of pet deaths, reveals new report.) For the last six years, there has been an alarming 400 percent increase in calls about marijuana poisoning to the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour animal poison control center. Most of the calls are from New York and California. In 2022, the Animal Poison Control hotline of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) received at least 7,000 calls for marijuana toxicity an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year. Remember that medicines meant for humans can kill your pet. Back in 2010, the ASPCA listed human drugs in the top 10 pet toxins. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common drugs that have poisoned pets. Other human drugs like acetaminophen, antidepressants, decongestants and muscle relaxants can also harm your pets. When consumed accidentally, human drugs can cause kidney damage, seizures and cardiac arrest in cats and dogs. If you suspect your pet has consumed your marijuana, other medication, or anything toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. What to do if your pet is exposed to discarded marijuana Be vigilant when taking your furry best friend out on a walk. If you think your dog has been exposed to discarded weed, follow the tips below: Call a veterinarian or poison helpline Veterinarians have reported that they treated pets who have consumed marijuana in different forms, from discarded joints, flowers, edibles and vape cartridges. To protect your dogs from these harmful objects, try to train your dog to ignore these items. If your dog finds marijuana on the street, call a poison helpline or call your veterinarians office. Keep in mind that the helplines charge between $85 and $95 for each consultation. Let the helpline know what happened, especially if the cannabis belongs to you. The details, such as the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strength, could be helpful when diagnosing what to do with your pet. Dr. Sarah Hoggan of VCA California Veterinary Specialists said that while it is normal to feel afraid or even embarrassed during a call, you must spare no details to help save your pet. Learn how to recognize symptoms of exposure Dr. Ryan Fortier, the medical director at All Ears in Downtown Brooklyn, said that there is no clear test made to confirm whether dogs are intoxicated. But he added that there are some clear signs to watch out for. Fadl said the behavior of a dog that has ingested cannabis can be pretty alarming. She explained that most intoxicated pets will seem a bit wobbly and has difficulty balancing and walking. Most pets will also be very sleepy and dribble urine. Hoggan advised pet owners to check their dogs eyes, which could probably be dilated. Your dog might also be scared or startled when touched. Within an hour or two after ingestion, a dogs vital signs, like their body temperature and heart rate, will usually plummet. This can be dangerous, warned Fadl. Veterinarians advised that timing is key if you suspect that your pet has eaten marijuana. The sooner you take your pet to its veterinarian, the greater the chance of successfully removing the toxin it has been exposed to through methods such as inducing vomiting or administering an enema. Stay calm: Most dogs recover The risks depend on how big or small your dog is and the amount of the drug it has found and eaten. Fadl said that treatment for most cases usually includes intravenous fluids, with vets carefully monitoring their vital signs. Fortunately, dogs that ingest marijuana will recover with proper treatment. Some pets even recover without treatment, added Fadl. Keep in mind that with particularly large doses of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, there can be risks of heart arrhythmia or seizures with small dogs that consume food or candy infused with it. Hoggan added that pet owners dealing with dogs that consumed THC should monitor them closely. Keep your dog warm and place them away from other pets, if you have any. According to Hoggan, there is a low probability of lasting neurological damage in exposed pets. Tips for protecting pets against exposure to discarded weed Kimberlee Cruz, a dog trainer who is also a vet assistant at the Veterinary Care Group in Brooklyn, said reinforcing the leave it and drop it commands could prove helpful if you have a pet that tends to scavenge streets or gets into the trash. If your dog likes eating things off the ground, you might want to use a short leash. If you use marijuana at home, you should keep any marijuana products out of the reach of your pets. Be vigilant when walking with your dog and train them to avoid or ignore dangerous objects they may find on the street. Watch the video below to know more about pet cancer. This video is from The Truth About Cancer channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Prepping with pets: 27 Plants that are poisonous to dogs. Contagious emotions: Study suggests dogs mirror owners stress levels. Ranked: The 10 best (and worst) states for your pets health. Sources include: Dnyuz.com AlouetteAnimalHospital.ca Brighteon.com (Natural News) A mysterious object has been found on the seabed near the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which Russia says could be crucial to figuring out the main culprit of the sabotage blasts that put Nord Stream 1 and 2 out of commission. The discovery of this object comes six months after sections of the pipeline were sabotaged following three explosions in late September 2022, preventing Russian natural gas from being transported to Germany and the rest of Europe. The blasts occurred in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, and both nations say the explosions were deliberate. (Related: US blocking Russian efforts to establish an independent, UN-led probe on Nord Stream sabotage.) The object was discovered by the Danish Energy Agency as it was conducting an inspection of the last remaining intact portion of the pipeline in Danish waters in collaboration with Swiss-based operator Nord Stream 2 AG. The agency released a photo of the object on Thursday, March 23, showing a cylindrical object approximately 40 centimeters tall (15.75 inches) and 10 centimeters wide (3.94 inches). Without making any definitive claims, the Danish agency said it is possible that the object is a maritime smoke buoy and that it does not pose an immediate safety risk. With a view to further clarify the nature of the object, Danish authorities have decided to salvage the object with assistance from the Danish Defense, said the agency in a statement. Denmark invites Nord Stream operator to investigate object But before the Danish Energy Agency begins retrieval and salvaging operations, it has invited Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom to participate in an investigation to figure out what the object is. Gazprom holds a majority stake 51 percent in the companies that own the Nord Stream pipelines, with the remaining 49 percent ownership stake divided among German, Dutch and French corporations. In light of Gazproms status as the majority stakeholder in the two pipelines, the Danish agency extended an invitation to cooperate in the investigation. The Danish Energy Agency has in that context, invited the owner of the pipeline, Nord Stream 2 AG, to participate in the operation, said the agency, adding that it was awaiting a response. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, March 24, that it was a positive sign that Denmark invited Nord Stream 2 AG to help salvage the unidentified object. Its certainly positive news when the owner of the pipeline is invited to take part in very important phases of the investigation, said Peskov. It is critically important to determine what kind of object it is, whether it is related to this terrorist act apparently it is and to continue this investigation. And this investigation must be transparent. The discovery of this object comes around one week after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that a ship rented by Gazprom had discovered an antenna-like object about 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) from the explosion sites. Putin suggested this antenna could have been used in the sabotage to remotely trigger the explosive charges planted on the pipelines. Learn more about the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage at Pipelines.news. Watch this episode of the Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines demonstrates Americas willingness to conduct acts of terrorism against the people of Western Europe. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Russian officials: Biden ordered Nord Stream pipeline bombing. Top Russian diplomats expose US sabotage of Nord Stream pipeline as threat to international peace. Russia: British Navy played a major role in sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines. Report: Hundreds of kilos worth of highly effective explosive devices responsible for Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. Sources include: BlacklistedNews.com Independent.co.uk Reuters.com 1 CBSNews.com Reuters.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) For a moment, I would like for you to imagine an unthinkable scenario. Dozens of giant underwater drones armed with nuclear warheads that have been parked just off our coastlines detonate simultaneously, sending massive radioactive tsunamis pouring over our most important coastal cities. New York, Washington, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle are all wiped out in a matter of moments. When the Russians began developing their Poseidon doomsday weapon a number of years ago, our leaders didnt take the threat very seriously. But now the Russians are actually manufacturing Poseidons, and the North Koreans just tested their own version. Once someone decides to actually use such a weapon, our world will never be the same again. Sadly, most Americans have absolutely no idea how vulnerable we are. Most of us just continue to party like the good times will never end, but meanwhile our enemies are literally preparing to fight World War III. (Article by Michael republished from EndOfTheAmericanDream.com) I wish that I could get people to understand that millions of Americans could suddenly die on a single day if a cataclysmic war erupts. Of course we have become well acquainted with tragedy in recent years. On Friday, an absolutely enormous tornado touched down in Mississippi and stayed on the ground for at least 80 miles. At this point, it is being reported that 23 people were killed Mississippi Emergency Management reports at least 23 people have died from Fridays tornado that ripped through the state. MEMA reports dozens are injured and at least four are missing from the storm that left widespread devastation in the communities of Rolling Fork, Silver City and Amory. Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change, MEMA said in a statement. Words simply cannot convey the devastation that we just witnessed. The tornado was more than a half-mile wide, and entire communities were completely wiped out. MORNING LIGHT REVEALS A DEVASTATION IN #MISSISSIPPI 24+ have been killed by a long track #Tornado that was over a half-mile wide! Looking over these images it appears we have a high-end EF4 poss EF5 Tornado (last 5 to hit nearly 10 years ago) pic.twitter.com/lPWdwA7nfs Mike Masco (@MikeMasco) March 25, 2023 When one meteorologist realized what was happening, he literally started praying while he was on the air A meteorologist prayed live on air Friday as tornadoes ripped through Mississippi, leaving at least 23 dead. Dear Jesus, please help them, said WTVA chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan Friday night, as he warned residents of Amory, Mississippi to immediately take shelter. Oh, man, the Emmy winning weather professional said, briefly bowing his head as he offered the prayer. This was definitely a great, great tragedy, but so far the death toll is fairly limited. Now I want you to consider what our society will look like if a surprise attack kills millions of our citizens on a single day. According to Popular Mechanics, the Poseidon doomsday weapon is 65 feet long and it has nearly unlimited range Poseidon is a large, nuclear-powered torpedo designed to attack enemy coastal targets from thousands of miles away. Poseidon is about 65 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, making it the largest torpedo ever deployed. Its so large that its arguably an underwater drone. The use of nuclear power gives it nearly unlimited range. Theoretically, a weapon like Poseidon could be launched from a port or naval base, but deploying it on a submarine makes it more difficult to locate and destroy. Have you seen photos of Hiroshima or Nagasaki after they were nuked in World War II? Well, the warhead that a Poseidon is armed with has over 100 times the explosive power Experts believe Poseidon is armed with a 2-megaton thermonuclear warhead, the largest warhead fielded by any country in decades and the equivalent of 2,000 kilotons of TNT. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki had explosive yields between 15 and 21 kiltons, respectively. A 2-megaton thermonuclear bomb detonated on land will create a fireball 1 mile in diameter and cause third-degree burns at distances of nearly 9 miles. Dropped on New York City, such a bomb would kill 1.7 million people and injure another 2 million. If you live in a coastal city, a Poseidon could be parked offshore and you would never even know it. And Vladimir Putin says that the Poseidons that are now being manufactured will soon go into service They are very low noise, have high maneuverability and are practically indestructible for the enemy. There is no weapon that can counter them in the world today, Putin said. The first set of Poseidons have been manufactured, and the Belgorod submarine will receive them in the near future, Russias state-run Tass news agency claimed on January 16. The Belgorod is a new class of Russian submarine designed to carry the huge 80-foot-long Poseidon torpedoes. That is certainly terrifying enough, but now the North Koreans have just successfully tested their own version of the weapon According to KCNA, the test was personally overseen by dictator Kim Jong-un, who wanted to warn the U.S. and South Korea they are causing a nuclear crisis with their intentional, persistent, and provocative war drills. North Koreas state Rodong Sinmun newspaper published a photo of Kim standing next to a large torpedo, which may or may not have been the undersea drone. The article also included photos that purportedly showed the drone maneuvering underwater and then kicking up a pillar of water, depth-charge style, when its test warhead detonated. We dont know how similar North Koreas version is to Russias version. It appears that North Koreas version is smaller, and it is likely to have less range. But it was definitely designed to be used against the United States. So if you live in Los Angeles or San Francisco, you better hope that Kim Jong-un doesnt get an itchy trigger finger. And the truth is that this is a man that is not known for his patience. In fact, it is being reported that someone on his staff could potentially be executed because of a recent wardrobe malfunction The dictator was photographed last week inspecting the launch of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) thought to be capable of reaching the US. However, propaganda pictures of the occasion captured strange white stains on his coat at the wrist and waist and another on his suit jacket near the buttons. While it appears Jong-Un may have scuffed his clothes on wet paint, it is feared that his staff will be punished for failing to protect him. Michael Madden, an expert on the North Korean elite, said those responsible faced demotions or hard labour, but execution could not be ruled out. Nuclear weapons have not been used since 1945, and we should be very thankful for that. But right now preparations for World War III are being made all over the globe, and it is just a matter of time before someone crosses a line that will never be able to be uncrossed. That is why it is so dangerous to keep escalating matters in Ukraine. On Saturday, Vladimir Putin announced that he would soon be deploying tactical nukes in Belarus Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in neighbour and ally Belarus, bringing the arms to a country at the gates of the European Union. Putin has previously issued thinly veiled warnings that he could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine if Russia were threatened, reviving Cold War-era fears. Instead of taking such threats seriously, our leaders continue to downplay the threat The State Department told CNN it would continue to monitor the implications of Russias plan to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus but would not adjust its nuclear weapons strategy. We have not seen any reason to adjust our own strategic nuclear posture nor any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said in a statement to CNN. U.S. officials continue to believe that they will be able to keep the war in Ukraine from evolving into a nuclear conflict. Hopefully they are right. But what if they arent? For those that follow my newsletter, I will be regularly updating you as global events continue to escalate. We are living in a time of wars and rumors of wars, and most Americans simply do not realize how close we are to the unthinkable becoming reality. Read more at: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com The woman who led police on a chase through Billings and was eventually shot and killed by a SWAT officer following a two-hour standoff has been identified. Vilene Estelle Notafraid, 35, of Billings, was killed by a gunshot to her torso, according to the Yellowstone County Coroner's office. Notafraid was shot by a sheriff's deputy after emerging from her car at the end of the standoff holding what law enforcement officers described as a handgun. She was then taken to a hospital where she later died. The deputy who fired fired the shot is Christopher Etter, a five-year veteran of the sheriff's office. Etter has previous law enforcement experience and has been a member of the county's Tactical Response Team since 2019. The chase began around 4 p.m. on Saturday after officers responded to a disturbance on Western Sky Drive where a woman had allegedly fired off a round from a firearm while stealing a car. Police intercepted the car on King Avenue West and pursued it into the Heights where the vehicle struck two cars at the intersection of Lake Elmo Drive and Main Street. Officers continued to chase the damaged vehicle to Sixth Avenue North where it came to a stop near the 900 block. For the next two hours, police officers and members of the regional SWAT team negotiated with Notafraid to leave the car. Eventually, members of the SWAT team shot gas canisters into the vehicle, forcing out Notafraid. When she emerged, police said she was holding a firearm, pointing it at the gathered law enforcement officers, Lennick said. A member of the SWAT team shot Notafraid, who was then treated by emergency medical technicians and SWAT team members while the ambulance loaded her and took her to the hospital. Saturdays standoff comes just a week after agencies from across the state descended on a trailer home in the Heights for 14 hours. Before the end of the Birch Lane standoff, a BPD detective was wounded by gunfire. The alleged shooter, Mary Anne Whitecrane, surrendered to police and pleaded not guilty on March 21 to charges of attempted deliberate homicide and criminal mischief. (Natural News) Hundreds of tractor-driving protesters descended on a coastal town in Germany to protest the tyrannical green policies of the European Unions leadership. Breitbart reported that 400 tractors headed over to the northern town of Busum on March 22. The demonstrators driving the tractors protested limits imposed by Berlin on the number of animals farmers can own. According to critics of the measure, the mandates will eventually result in farms with fewer animals that produce less food. Jann-Harro Petersen, a representative of the German Free Farmers association, blasted attempts by Brussels and Berlin to kill off the countrys farming and fishing industry during his speech at the start of the rally. He argued that such sectors have been an essential part of life in the countrys north for centuries. Petersen also rejected claims by the EU that the area should be restored to nature. In nature, there is no original state that could be restored. Nothing demonstrates this more impressively than our coastline on the North Sea over the past 500 years, he said. They want to push us out of the area, but we wont give way. (Related: Germans outraged after Green Party official tells them to use washcloths instead of taking showers amid energy crisis.) At least 60 fishermen on their trawlers expressed solidarity with the tractor-driving farmers by means of a demonstration at sea. The fisherman protested against an EU ban on certain types of trawling. While the EU claims the fishing method is harmful to the environment, Germanys shrimp fishing industry is at a higher risk of being negatively impacted. For its part, Berlin defended the measures as being about animal welfare and a good starting point for those wanting to transition to organic farming. German Food and Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir, who proposed the limits on farm animals, said he takes hunger very seriously. But seemingly threatened by the climate fascism from the Green Party that he is part of, Ozdemir remarked: You shouldnt misuse [food supply issues] as an argument to make compromises in terms of biodiversity and climate protection. Netherlands also challenges EUs green tyranny The Netherlands, Germanys northwestern neighbor, also saw similar protests by farmers angered by Brussels green policies. While Berlin wanted to limit the number of animals farmers can own, Amsterdam wanted to close down farms outright in a bid to limit emissions and fight climate change. This did not sit well with Dutch farmers, who took to the streets in protest of the plan. Outrage against the proposal by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also translated to the polls, sending candidates under the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) to victory in the countrys election. The BBB party is relatively young, having only been established in 2019. Given the BBBs victory, at least one party leader in the Dutch House of Representatives emphasized the need for adjustments to the Netherlands green agenda program. There is a new reality, and the government has to relate to that, said Pieter Heerma, leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal party in the lower chamber. However, the Democrats 66 (D66) party disagreed and insisted on proceeding with the plans to close farms. We clearly stated before the elections what we think is necessary to solve the nitrogen crisis and we still think so, said Jan Paternotte, leader of the D66 faction in the lower house. Uprising.news has more stories about protests against green tyranny. Listen to the conversation between Health Ranger Mike Adams and independent journalist Michael Yon about the ongoing farm land grab in the Netherlands which propelled the BBB to electoral victory. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Germans take to the streets to protest rising energy prices. Dutch farmers protest governments plan to ban cattle emissions. Farmers across EU rise up against tyrannical green mandates that threaten food supply. German PM claims that protests over countrys pathetic energy policies is beginning of new fascist movement Dutch farmers block roads with tractors in protest of government plan to seize thousands of farms over climate change. Sources include: Breitbart.com 1 Breitbart.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) The modern Axis of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran is continuing to test the resolve and ability of our mind-addled geriatric president, this time in Syria. To his credit, Biden launched retaliatory strikes on Thursday, March 23, against Iranian proxy forces in Syria after they launched a suicide drone attack on a U.S. base there, killing a contractor and wounding five American troops. But, according to experts who spoke to Fox News Digital, the U.S. can no longer afford to take a reactive stance toward Iran, as the total number of troops killed by Iran-backed groups continues to rise, as detailed in a Pentagon report. Irans regional strategy of working through proxies and carve outs is continuing unabated, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow and Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the network. The open question is, when will the Biden administration ditch tit-for-tat strikes and work to rollback Irans Shiite militia network in the heartland of the Middle East? Following the death of the U.S. contractor and injuries to six other Americans that were caused by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps crashing a UAV into a building, President Biden ordered a series of retaliatory precision airstrikes in Syria on Thursday. As per reports, those airstrikes resulted in the killing of eight Iranians. The Pentagon stated that the UAV responsible was assessed to be of Iranian origin by U.S. intelligence. As a result, Biden authorized the military to take retaliatory action. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. engaged in proportionate and deliberate action aimed at limiting the risk of escalation. But Taleblu said such limited strikes Biden has never been very good at foreign policy despite his years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will only invite more aggression from the Iranians. Washington can expect more, not less, drone and rocket attacks on U.S. positions, he continued. Washington needs a better response ratio to Iran-backed attacks, be they in Syria or Iraq or emanating from one domain but striking the other. Pulling punches in Iraq and doubling down in Syria is unlikely to change Irans regional calculus, he added. According to a 2019 report by the Pentagon, the total number of Americans killed in Iraq by Iran-backed groups was around 608, which represents a 20 percent increase from previously reported figures. House Foreign Affairs Committee member, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), told Fox News host John Roberts on Americas Newsroom Friday, March 24, the administration is showing that weakness invites aggression. When you are engaged in an effort to provide sanctions relief to the Mullahs in Tehran, this invites aggression, Barr told Roberts. The sanctions relief that the Biden administration is proposing to deliver to Tehran would actually embolden these proxy terror groups, and it would help Iran finance the very terrorists who attacked our assets and American soldiers just last night. Taleblu agreed with that perspective, emphasizing that policymakers must ensure that deployed troops have sufficient air defense coverage to prevent and defeat the persistent rocket and drone threat. According to Bill Roggio, the managing editor of the Long War Journal, the situation in Syria is particularly challenging since the days of a more forceful presence in the region are long gone. As critical as we could be with [the occupation of] Iraq, there are at least Iraqi military units and Iraqi political groups that we could work with, Roggio said. In Syria, theres not a lot of good allies. Roggio pointed out that achieving a more conclusive military outcome in Syria would necessitate deploying tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of troops and an extended occupation, which the United States has no appetite for, particularly after the experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sources include: MSN.com Infowars.com (Natural News) A 2018 letter from the lawyer of Michael Cohen could compromise the indictment of former President Donald Trump, which Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg has been pursuing. Turning Point USA Chief Creative Officer Benny Johnson posted the Feb. 8, 2018 letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on his Twitter account. It was written by attorney Stephen Ryan, then serving as Cohens counsel. In a private transaction in 2016, before the U.S. presidential election, Mr. Cohen used his own personal funds to facilitate a payment of $130,000 to Stephanie Clifford. Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign was a party of the transaction with Clifford, and neither reimbursed Cohen for the payment directly or indirectly, the letter said. Clifford pertained to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, the latter being her screen name. Cohen used his own personal funds to pay Daniels. Trump camp [was] not party to transaction [and] did not reimburse Cohen for payment. Its over, noted the host of The Benny Report on Newsmax. Trump himself also posted the letter on his Truth Social account. He remarked: This is totally exculpatory, and must end the Manhattan DAs witch hunt immediately. Cohen admits that he did it himself. The DA should get on with prosecuting violent criminals so people can walk down the sidewalks of New York without being murdered. Braggs pursuit of an indictment centered on payments allegedly made by Trump himself to Daniels as a form of hush money after the adult film actress revealed her affair with the former president. (Related: George Soros exposed as major force behind Trumps prosecution and imminent arrest.) Cohen not a reliable witness to begin with This is the equivalent [of] discovering the murder weapon at the scene of the crime with DNA on it, said Johnson. He pointed out that Cohen a convicted perjurer has been completely discredited and that Bragg will be disbarred and face prison time if he knew this. Prior to Ryans exculpatory letter arguing that Trump was not involved in any way with the hush money paid to Daniels, another testimony also compromised the indictment the Manhattan DA was aiming for. The testimony came from Robert Costello, Cohens former legal advisor. During his two-hour testimony before the grand jury in Manhattan, he called Cohen a serial liar and said Trump did not know about Cohens payment to the adult film actress. There can be no doubt in anyones mind that Cohen has great difficulty telling the truth. He is, after all, a convicted perjurer and our track record with Mr. Cohen convinced us that he was a serial liar, Costello told reporters. As might be expected, Cohens lies were always uttered in a way that was beneficial to himself. When it was in his personal self-interest, he was capable of telling the truth. But those occasions were few and far between. Costello also recounted an interaction he had with Cohen back in April 2018. According to him, Daniels lawyer Michael Avenatti approached Cohen and told him that the adult film actress had negative information she wanted to put in a lawsuit against Trump. So Cohen decided on his own to see if he could take care of this, Costello said. Cohen then sat down with Avenatti, where both lawyers negotiated a nondisclosure agreement to the tune of $130,000. Costello asked Cohen if the money for Daniels was from Trump, to which Cohen replied in the negative. Visit Trump.news for more stories about the former presidents potential indictment. Watch Newsmaxs Chris Salcedo as he talks to legal expert Alan Dershowitz about Trumps indictment below. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Glenn Beck: America to turn into BANANA REPUBLIC if Trump is indicted. RIGGED: George Soros funded Manhattan DA Alvin Braggs campaign with $1 million as he pledged to jail Trump. Huge tipping point: Critics blast potential indictment of former President Trump, but also see how it could help him. Sources include: YourNews.com Twitter.com 1 Twitter.com 2 News.Yahoo.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) InfoWars founder Alex Jones said the fentanyl crisis does not discriminate as both young people and old people fall victim to it. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While fentanyl is often prescribed for serious pain, especially after surgery, it is also made and used illegally. Illegal fentanyl manufactured in laboratories is often cited as the cause of many overdose deaths. It comes in different forms powdered, dropped onto blotter paper, placed in eye droppers and nasal sprays or made into pills that resemble their prescription counterpart. Jones then recounted several recent reports of young people inexplicably dying in Mexico, adding that these deaths were linked to fentanyl. Even the American mainstream media has told Americans to never go there due to the dangers, he said. The InfoWars founder also shared that three people he knew had lost their lives to fentanyl. First was the 24-year-old niece of his acquaintance, a medical student who had gone to a party. A blood test showed that fentanyl caused her demise, with Jones thinking that someone spiked her drink with the opioid. Second was another acquaintance of his, who died at 56 years old while on a visit to the Dominican Republic. The man visited a minibar and drank a glass of whisky laced with fentanyl that caused his demise. Lastly, Jones mentioned his 70-year-old friend who underwent minor heart surgery. The man of advanced age almost died after an anesthesiologist used fentanyl as an anesthesia during the procedure. Fentanyl crisis out of hand, Jones says According to Jones, the fentanyl crisis has gotten out of control with deaths rising every few months. While statistics claim that the opioid is killing 100,000 people a year, he believes the numbers are actually higher. (Related: Wisconsin airs warning over 97% rise in fentanyl deaths from 2019 to 2021 as southern border drug smuggling pipeline remains wide open.) He also recounted that the U.S. government created its own fentanyl back in the 1970s. Other parties such as the Chinese communists, the MS-13 gang and the rest of the criminal groups later figured out how to manufacture this synthetic opioid. But Jones was quick to point out that there are no fentanyl deaths in China. This is because people caught selling opioid drugs there are executed. I [got to] tell you this: I dont trust this criminal government to carry out the death penalty. I know they love to target innocent people, he said. But at the same time, I really think they should expedite the execution of people selling fentanyl. He ultimately warned that any person who isnt a drug addict, whether young or old, can die or almost die by accidentally taking fentanyl. He also admonished young Americans not to experiments with drugs whether pills, ecstasy or any other. Visit Opioids.news for more stories about the fentanyl crisis. Watch Alex Jones share how several people in his circle died of fentanyl below. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: DEA head: Mexican cartels are using FENTANYL to kill Americans in record numbers. DEA: Fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills now contain potentially LETHAL dose of synthetic opioid. Major U.S. cities are becoming fentanyl-infested cesspools as millions plunge into hopelessness and despair. Opioid pharma giant ordered to pay $225 million after being caught bribing doctors to prescribe more deadly fentanyl pills to patients. The most dangerous drug in the world is NOT cocaine, heroin, or crystal meth, but rather a drug commonly prescribed by doctors who get lavish bonuses for slinging it. Sources include: Brighteon.com NIDA.NIH.gov (Natural News) The plan to transport a considerable quantity of hazardous wastewater from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment via rail to a wastewater treatment plant situated east of Baltimore City, and then release it into the nearby water supply, has the potential to trigger public outrage among local residents in the Maryland city. According to a letter obtained by the local media outlet WYPR, contractor Clean Harbors of Baltimore Inc. referred to itself as the optimal wastewater treatment site to treat and discharge the wastewater collected from rainwater, collected water and stream water above and below the cleanup site of the Norfolk Southern Railroad derailment. Upon receiving authorization, the contractor plans to transport over 675,000 gallons of toxic wastewater to the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Baltimore County, which might worry residents of Baltimore, especially considering that the transportation method is by rail. The approval for this operation is anticipated to be granted soon, the local outlet reported. The water would be pre-treated by a contractor then dumped into the city-controlled wastewater system then cleaned with the citys Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dundalk, WYPR said. Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott expressed major concerns about the shipment and the plan to treat the chemically tainted water before release. Both the county executive and I have grave concerns about the waste from this derailment coming into our facilities and being discharged into our system, he told WYPR. Scott stated his desire for further testing to be conducted before the water is discharged from the plant and introduced into the water system. The derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio, which caused a destructive chemical spill early this month, was 100 percent preventable, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy, who made the admission at a news conference on February 23, just a few weeks after the train derailment spilled millions of gallons of toxic chemicals and other substances. I can tell you this much: This was 100 percent preventable. We call things accidents. There is no accident. Every single event we investigate is preventable, Homendy said. However, she quickly added that there was no evidence that the train crew had done anything wrong. The NTSBs initial findings on the incident revealed that, during the final 30 miles of its journey, the temperature of one of the trains wheel bearings reached 215 degrees Fahrenheit. This was confirmed by two sensors installed along the route to detect overheated bearings. Norfolk Southern verified that the heat sensors were in proper working order, but the trains alarm system was configured to sound only when the temperature was even higher than the recorded temperature. By the time the warning system sounded, the bearing had heated up to a temperature 253 degrees higher than its surroundings. Despite the engineers prompt action to slow the train down, the bearing reportedly failed and resulted in a derailment at the 23rd car. The plastic pellets that were being carried inside the railcar caught fire after being exposed to the overheated bearings, rapidly spreading to 11 other cars containing hazardous materials. Out of the five cars that were filled with vinyl chloride, authorities eventually opted to release and incinerate them on the site. Homendy stated that it is currently too soon to say definitively how the catastrophe could have been averted. The official informed reporters that the NTSB would continue to examine whether the heat threshold for high-temperature alarms and other defect detectors, rail car and wheel design, as well as the positioning of sensors along the track, meet industry safety standards and may necessitate modifications. Norfolk Southerns inspection practices will also be investigated. The NTSB will look at whether the rail operator correctly disposed of the vinyl chloride. Sources include: NewsTarget.com RT.com WYPR.com (Natural News) To help Democrats win more elections, Craig Newmark, the billionaire founder of Craigslist, has been funneling cash straight into what has come to be known as the Censorship-Industrial Complex, a public-private partnership between Big Tech and Big Government to stamp out the First Amendment online. It turns out that Newmark is the nations leading financier of the mis- and disinformation industries, as well as the largest private stakeholder in the legacy journalism schools of the United States. We learned all of this in the most recent Twitter Files drop from journalist Matt Taibbi, who has been unpacking the inner workings of the CIC and sharing his discoveries on Twitter and elsewhere. They show Newmark is at the very heart of an incestuous web of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate media institutions operating in concert to censor political opponents on social media, writes Eoin Lenihan, writing for The Federalist, about who Newmark really is. Newmark is financing the largest coordinated assault on American free speech in living memory. (Related: Back in 2015, someone posted an ad to Craigslist outing Prof. Kevin Folta as a shill for Monsanto.) Pre-Musk, Twitter functioned as the go-between for special interests to censor their online targets Prior to being taken over by billionaire electric vehicle (EV) guru Elon Musk, Twitter functioned as a partner to government, the Twitter Files show. Working in concert with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Security Agency (NSA), local police, and even the United States Treasury, pre-Musk Twitter established an elaborate and wide-reaching censorship system, the tentacles of which resulted in thousands of accounts being deleted on demand. Calling this system for reporting and deleting accounts shaky, Taibbi revealed that numerous legitimate journalists and even leftist news outlets like TruthOut got caught in the censorship web, appearing on internal disinformation lists secretly held by Twitter executives and employees. Believe it or not, the vast majority of requests for censorship did not actually come from Twitter itself. The social media platform was merely the go-between, functioning as a snitch-and-delete service for other powerful entities to use in their efforts to silence online free speech. A coalition of machine learning (i.e., artificial intelligence), internal human review, and outside partnerships allowed for the detection of misinformation on the site, which Twitter promptly deleted whenever it was notified about an offensive account or tweet. Taibbi is the one who came up with the term Censorship-Industrial Complex, to describe this censorship monster, which also included a working group comprised of the following disinformation non-governmental organizations (NGOs): First Draft Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) Alliance for Security Democracy (ASD) International Republican Institute (IRI) Atlantic Council / DRFLab Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO) Brookings National Endowment for Democracy (NED) National Democratic Institute (NDI) As you might expect, a lot of money exchanged hands within this massive censorship system. Both the public and the private sector were involved, and figuring out which was which is difficult in that the relationships among them were incestuous and indicative of a revolving door between the government and private industry. Concerning Newmark, his largest donation to the Censorship-Industrial Complex went specifically to the Stanford Internet Observatory, to which he sent $5 million in funding back in 2019. As it turns out, Newmark is not only quietly shaping the future of American journalism and politics, but he is spearheading government-NGO censorship and the misinformation industry with a win-at-all-costs mentality, Lenihan says. The Censorship-Industrial Complex represents the greatest threat to free speech online in living memory, and Craig Newmark is bankrolling it. More related news coverage about the scourge of censorship can be found at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: TheFederalist.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Experts have warned that fentanyl is now the number one cause of overdose deaths in the United States, surpassing heroin by a shocking margin. Data shows that 81,230 drug overdose deaths occurred from May 2019 to May 2020, the largest number of drug overdoses for a 12-month interval ever recorded in the country. Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid that has been used in medical settings since 1968. The drug is commonly used during surgery and for pain management. Two salt-sized grains of fentanyl can kill you. In 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a Public Safety Alert on the prevailing drug trafficking of fentanyl via fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills. Research has found that most offenders in the system have histories of substance abuse, mental illness or emotional disorders. This makes them highly susceptible to fentanyl addiction. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. At least 150 people die each day from overdoses due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. An estimated 55,000 deaths are recorded yearly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths in America increased by 28.5 percent between April 2020 and April 2021. Three out of four overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is available in two main forms: powder and liquid. Powdered fentanyl can be disguised so it looks like other drugs. It is usually pressed into pills that resemble prescription pills, such as Xanax. Drugs made from powdered fentanyl are brightly colored like chalk and candy, which could make them more attractive to children and young people. Experts warn parents to be aware of fentanyl disguised as other drugs and to keep it away from children. Drug users often dont know when their heroin also contains fentanyl. When they inject their usual quantity of heroin, they can unknowingly take a deadly dose of the drug. Parents grieve young children lost to fentanyl addiction According to reports, at least one dozen students from three schools in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFB) in Texas had overdosed on fentanyl from September 2022 to March 2023. Jose Alberto Perez, a 14-year-old who passed away in January, was one of three students who died. The night before Jose overdosed on fentanyl, he begged his mother not to take him to the hospital because he was not a drug addict. Lilia Astudillo, Joses mother, said that her sons lips were ash white and that his pupils were popping out. Despite the boys clear distress, Astudillo listened to Joses wishes. While she planned to get her son medical attention the next day, he was dead by morning. (Related: DEA: Fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills now contain potentially LETHAL dose of synthetic opioid.) According to a December report from the CDC, median monthly overdose deaths involving fentanyl for people ages 10 to 19 went up to 182 percent from July to December 2019 compared to the same period in 2021. Over 2,200 teenagers have fatally overdosed from July 2019 to December 2021. Fentanyl was involved in at least 84 percent of the deaths, revealed the report. Teen fentanyl overdoses have been reported in communities all over the U.S., from Arlington, Virginia, to Portland, Oregon. In the Los Angeles School district, at least seven teenagers have overdosed in one month in 2022 after taking pills that experts suspect are laced with fentanyl. The overdoses reported in the CFB Independent School district were connected to three people, according to a federal complaint. All of them lived a few blocks from the school. The three suspects had been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Fentanyl addiction and overdose in teenagers linked to mental health issues Khloe, Carmin Williams daughter, was introduced and became addicted to fentanyl last spring. Khloe was 12 and attending Bea Salazer in the CFB school district. Williams reported that Khloe, who is now 13, had been transferred to the school that Jose also attended due to behavioral issues. Khloe had issues with anxiety and depression. According to Williams, someone at Khloes school offered her a pill, saying that if youre depressed or if youre going through something, this will pick you up. This is how dealers are getting kids addicted to the drug. Dr. Scott Hadland, an addiction specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said this is a common issue. He added that fentanyl use among the teen population started before and worsened during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The period of social isolation negatively affected mental health in young people, with some looking for ways to self-medicate with drugs that are not prescribed to them. The drugs young people use are often counterfeit. According to the CDCs 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, over 40 percent of children said they felt so sad or hopeless within the past year that they were unable to take part in regular activities like schoolwork or sports. Girls were more likely to report such feelings. Another CDC report revealed that 41 percent of teenagers who died of an overdose showed evidence of mental health conditions or treatment. Some Carrollton parents shared that their anger was made worse by the lackluster response from the school district. Astudillo explained that she tried asking the school for help for her son several times before he and the other students overdosed. However, the school did not take action. Signs of fentanyl addiction and overdose Fentanyl is a very potent and addictive synthetic opiate that can be deadly even if you take a very small dose. The drug has affected adult populations for nearly a decade. Signs of fentanyl addiction include: Constipation, nausea and vomiting Continued use despite negative consequences Dizziness Drowsiness, fatigue, or dozing off randomly Inability to fulfill responsibilities Intense cravings for fentanyl Moodiness Money issues after purchasing expensive street drugs Slurred speech and incoordination Swollen hands and feet Overdosing on a prescription to get the desired effect Withdrawal symptoms Signs of opioid overdose include: Choking or gurgling sounds Falling asleep or losing consciousness Limp body Small, constricted pinpoint pupils Slow, weak, or no breathing Cold or clammy skin Discolored skin, especially on someones lips and nails If you or someone you love has an alcohol, drug or other substance abuse problem, call the helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357). Go to Opioids.news for more information about addictive opioids. Watch the video below as Alex Jones exposes new casualties of the fentanyl crisis in the United States. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Montana AG calls on Biden to classify fentanyl as a WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION. DEA head: Mexican cartels are using FENTANYL to kill Americans in record numbers. 1.6 Million fentanyl pills, 114 pounds of cocaine seized at the border. Sources include: LawEenforcementToday.com WindwardWay.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) In a public declaration of support this week for the transgender mutilation of children, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Rachel Levine told America that the entire Biden regime is fully on board with surgically altering and pharmaceutically drugging the nations children for the purposes of promoting gender transitions. Levine, a mentally ill man who thinks hes a woman, indicated that the Biden regime is offering its highest support for the practice, which involves removing the genitals of young boys, the breasts of young girls, and drugging both boys and girls with various cocktails of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. Levines disturbing endorsement of these horrific procedures and prescriptions occurred during an appearance he made at the Pediatric Grand Rounds session of Connecticut Childrens Medical Center in Hartford. Im a positive and optimistic person, and I choose to be positive, optimistic. And I think that the wheels will turn on this, Levine said about so-called gender-affirming care, which is being heavily promoted right now by the left, in relation to the upcoming 2024 election. I think that its not going to be politically advantageous. It wasnt particularly in 2022. And so, I think that as we look to all the different elections in 2024, I think the next two years are going to be challenging. But I am positive and optimistic and hopeful that the wheel will turn after that and that this issue wont be as politically and socially such a minefield. (Related: In 2022, USA Today declared Levine to be its Woman of the Year.) First it was homosexuality, then transgenderism, and soon they will push to normalize pedophilia To be clear, gender-affirming care is just a nicer-sounding euphemism for the predatorial grooming and conversion of children into the Cult of LGBT. By confusing and indoctrinating them early, the trans cult has found an in to chemically and surgically castrate and destroy the bodies of the innocent all in the name of medicine. This barbaric practice is now defended with a religious fervor from the modern Pedo-Left, noted Shane Trejo, writing for BigLeaguePolitics. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb from the Do No Harm advocacy organization spoke with Fox News this week about Levines statements, explaining that there is no good evidence that children treated with gender-altering hormones or puberty blockers improved mental health assessments. Levines appearance at Connecticut Childrens Hospital praising gender-affirming care for minors and claiming it will be fully embraced is wrong and must be countered, Goldfarb said. Despite assertions to the contrary, a recent study from the University of Washington showed that there was absolutely no change in the psychological well-being of children with gender dysphoria treated with these medications. Goldfarb went on to stress the fact that irrevocable harm is being done to every child who opts for the transgender deception. All the procedures and drugging cause permanent harm that cannot be undone later in life there is no going back, in other words, and many children with transgender regret will end up committing suicide as a result. There can be irrevocable harm being done to children by those pushing for these radical, ideologically driven, treatments, Goldfarb said. Treatment for minors needs to be based on rigorous scientific inquiry, not on dubious, agenda-driven studies or the demands of activists. In Trejos view, the child transgender push will inevitably lead to the left pushing to normalize pedophilia, which is the next phase of the LGBTP agenda. A modern Crusade needs to be fought in order to crush this insanity, Trejo argues. Christian Nationalism is the only answer. The latest news about the Biden regimes obsession with childrens genitals can be found at Evil.news. Sources for this article include: BigLeaguePolitics.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Political analyst and public speaker Jim Price believes the collapse of Credit Suisse and other mega-banks is intentionally done to allow globalists to control the movements of money in the market, including purchases. This is one of the problems were seeing with the credit and banking industry. They are warning that a lot of these banks will fail because they want to put everything under one umbrella and then that way they can control what you can spend your money on, he said during the March 20 episode of The Jim Price Show on Brighteon.TV. This is a purposeful collapse and the central banks want all this to happen so you get scared, and would make your money disappear. He also touched on the $3.2 billion takeover of Credit Suisse by its rival UBS, which was forcefully assisted by the Swiss government. Alongside this takeover, holders of additional tier 1 (AT1) bonds were angered as their investments were written as zero effectively rendering their bonds worthless. They go in there and collapse these banks and money just evaporates out of thin air, Price said. UCC quietly being introduced in red states to usher in CBDC Price also discussed another news story about several state lawmakers secretly introducing amendments to existing laws that would pave the way for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). He noted that state legislatures used to rail against CBDCs, but not anymore because this is the brand they could control. (Related: State legislatures are sneakily introducing amendments to laws that would pave the way for CBDC domination.) According to a report by Glenn Beck, legislators from several states and the District of Columbia are deliberating bills that would introduce CBDC into their areas of jurisdiction. These simultaneous legislature moves are said to be due to the appearance of bills introducing the Universal Commercial Code (UCC). The UCC is designed to make it increasingly easier for companies to transact business across state lines and for states to harmonize laws regulating businesses. The prospect of CBDCs being adopted is sneakily introduced alongside it. Were going to be the guys who make up laws. If passed by states, it would homogenize regulations across state lines. This means they will have full power and they are going to make up UCC and everybodys gonna abide by it, Price pointed out. Reality is, its about ultimate control. He ultimately encouraged his audience to invest in silver, gold and brass in preparation for the engineered worldwide banking system collapse that is soon to come. Create that parallel economy that you dont have to worry about the CBDC, he said. When you have silver and gold, you have the ability to do for yourself and youre self-reliant without the government coming in and telling you how to live your daily life. Visit Bubble.news for more stories about the collapsing banking system. Watch the full March 20 episode of The Jim Price Show below. Catch new episodes of the program every weeknight at 8:30-9 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: If Credit Suisse implodes, it will be far worse than the SVB collapse the European economy will fall off a cliff. UBS $3.2B takeover of Credit Suisse wipes out AT1 bonds, proves bank bonds are more risky than previously believed. Credit Suisse shares surge after record decline thanks to Swiss central banks $54B loan offer. Skynet rising: Why CBDCs must be terminated before they go live. Sources include: Brighteon.com CNBC.com GlennBeck.com (Natural News) Ohio lawyer Tom Renz has blasted Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg over his ongoing witch hunt against former President Donald Trump. Its really important that this crooked DA from New York goes after Trump because theyve already eliminated crime in New York, Renz joked sarcastically about Braggs misappropriation of the criminal justice system. Its safe, you know, its a wonderful place that everybody wants to go to theres no problem with vagrants, no drugs, no murders, no violence. So, you know, they need to start dealing with these misdemeanors and going after Trump makes perfect sense. He made these comments during the March 21 episode of his program, Lawfare with Tom Renz, on Brighteon.TV. Every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm EST, you can hear the latest about what Renz is up to on various fronts. You will hear him speak about everything from the fraudulent 2020 election to the threat of a new Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and so much more. Back in 2021, Renz came forward to denounce the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) scamdemic for being entirely based on fear and manipulation. Renz files lawsuit on behalf of hospital worker who was discriminated against for refusing to administer deadly drugs Later in the episode, Renz discusses a new legal case he filed on behalf of a hospital worker in Alabama who was discriminated against by her employer, which refused a religious exemption she petitioned for to avoid having to murder patients with altered COVID protocols. As occurred at many medical facilities across the country during the plandemic, palliative care protocols were altered in such a way that medical workers were forced to give patients deadly interventions such as remdesivir and ventilators, which killed many throughout the saga. Those policies resulted in drugs and other things being administered that were hastening death, Renz explained. Hastening death means that the drugs they were administering were causing people to die quicker thats murder, folks, in my opinion. In proper palliative care, a medical worker cannot administer drugs that hasten death because doing so is a form of murder, which goes against the religious beliefs of Christian and other medical workers. In this case, the whistleblower was discriminated against by her employer for refusing to administer these deadly drugs. Even after explaining that she could not in good faith comply with the new policies, the hospital refused to exempt her from the new protocols, resulting in retaliation against her. We have endless amount of paper records on this and audio recordings, including an audio recording of a nurse talking about how they were killing people on her floor, Renz said about the case. Folks, in the interview, if you watch the video, youll hear [the client] talking about how one of the nurses she was talking to was angry because the night shift didnt do their job, so he had to do it. And what he meant by doing their job is ODing a patient in order to kill them. You can find the video he is referring to at his main website, Renz-Law.com. Folks, we have hard evidence now of the hospitals taking steps to hasten death. This is one of the largest hospital chains in the country. This is monumental. Cases like this and much more can be heard weekly on Lawfare with Tom Renz, which airs every Tuesday on Brighteon.TV from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm EST so be sure to watch! The following episode of Lawfare with Tom Renz aired on March 21. Watch as Renz discusses Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs witch hunt against former President Donald Trump. More related news about the current trajectory of the world can also be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: Brighteon.com NaturalNews.com Montana State University Billings is hosting a Health & Safety Open House from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 in the Health Sciences Building on the City College campus. The open house will showcase health and safety programs, featuring the latest technology used by students to prepare them for a competitive workforce. Attendees will tour the state-of-the-art facilities in the Health Sciences Building and meet with instructors, staff, and students to learn more about health and safety programs, such as fire science, radiologic technology, ultrasound technology, nursing, medical coding & insurance billing, surgical technology, and paramedic. Our health and safety programs give students a competitive edge in the workforce by providing them with the latest technology and training, said Dean of MSUBs City College Vicki Trier, Ph.D. At this open house, we invite prospective students, families, and the community to see how our programs can help them achieve their career goals. The open house will feature new technologies, some of which were funded by a recent Perkins Grant. The Anatomage table is a high-resolution, digital, touch screen, 3D, real human anatomy table. By utilizing the touch screen and sophisticated anatomy visualization software, students can rotate the virtual body and cut it in any direction, giving them a complete experience of human anatomy. Instructors and students will demonstrate new nursing and paramedic simulators, and showcase the attention to detail and quality of hands-on learning students receive in City Colleges health and safety programs. The paramedic program will highlight the ambulance used for student training. The Radiologic Technology and Ultrasound Technology Programs will showcase their equipment, which simulates a real-life clinical radiology and ultrasound room, where students prepare and practice for careers in radiology and sonography. The Fire Science program will showcase the Attack Digital Fire Training System, which simulates both the physical and emotional realities of a complex scenario: multi-jurisdictional incidents or multi-threat situations in a range of weather conditions and settings. Every scenario is fully programmable and customizable and can be modified as it runs, requiring students to respond to an evolving scenario. This offers all the benefits of hands-on practical training in a safe environment. New fire gear was also purchased for women who enter this program. MSUB is also launching three sprint degrees, or fast-track degree programs, which will start this summer and fall semesters. These programs are paramedic, surgical technology, and human services with an emphasis in licensed addiction counseling and case management. The paramedic program is housed at the City College campus, while the surgical technology program is housed at Great Falls College MSU, but prerequisite courses are available at the City College campus. The human services program is housed on MSUBs university campus. The Paramedic Associate of Applied Science sprint degree is a 12-month, full-time, hybrid program, starting this summer. Students accepted into this program may be eligible for a state sprint degree scholarship, up to $6,000 per student. The Associate of Applied Science sprint degree in Surgical Technology is an 18-month shared program with Great Falls College MSU. Students take their prerequisite courses through City College and then transition to the Surgical Technology program through Great Falls College MSU, but can remain in Billings to complete the program. The sprint Bachelor of Science in Human Services with tracks in licensed addiction counseling and case management, is seven continuous semesters in length, allowing students to graduate with their degree in 2.5 years (including summer semesters). Students participating in all sprint programs are eligible for significant scholarships via state and industry support. Sprint degrees is an initiative from the Montana University System to get students into the workforce in an accelerated timeline with a degree in a high-need, high-wage field in Montana. These three programs were identified as high-need fields accompanied by competitive wages. Representatives from the Montana University System will be at the open house to highlight these sprint degree programs and share more detailed information. Anyone interested in the paramedic or surgical technology sprint degrees should contact City College admissions at 406-247-3000 or email admissions@msubillings.edu. Anyone interested in the sprint bachelors degree in human services should call 406-657-2888 or email admissions@msubillings.edu. (Natural News) Scammers are sending more than 376 million fraudulent text messages to Americans on a daily basis to steal their money or clone their voices. These scam messages claim that the victims accounts on different tech platforms are frozen or that their credit cards are expired. The scammers then urge victims to click on a link that asks for the targets personal information. Another kind of scam, though more obscure than the latter, informs potential targets about a job opportunity. However, they must call a number at a particular time. Those who call this number will find that the other person on the line isnt actually a person, but an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to capture and clone their voice. If the victim calls and speaks over the phone for a few seconds, scammers can then use the victims voice clip to scam others. According to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report, the number of robotext scam complaints between 2015 and 2022 soared from 3,300 to 18,900. It also added that in 2021 alone, Americans lost $10 billion to these scams. Scam artists have found that sending us messages about a package you never ordered or a payment that never went through, along with a link to a shady website, is a quick and easy way to get us to engage on our devices and fall prey to fraud, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel declared in a statement. The Federal Trade Commission warned Americans against these scams. If you get a text message you werent expecting and it asks you to give some personal or financial information, dont click on any links. Legitimate companies wont ask for information about your account by text. If you think the message might be real, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real. Not the information in the text message. Companies also warn against text scams The scammers are also mentioning well-known names such as Netflix and Amazon to trick their victims into giving up their personal information. The streaming platform issued a statement, warning Americans about schemes declaring their their account is on hold and that there is a problem with their latest billing information. It said that the notice urges recipients to act within 48 hours by clicking on a link to fix the issue before their account is permanently suspended. Users who click on the link will be brought to a site resembling that of Netflixs official website. They will then be asked to re-enter their credit card information, which the scammer then steals. Amazon is also being name-dropped for these fraudulent actions the deceive people into giving scammers their personal details. The Big Tech company headed by Jeff Bezos advised people not to share their personal info. (Related: Amazon Echo devices can be exploited by hackers to steal your bank account information.) There are two types of scams involving Amazon. The first one involves users accounts being suspended after a security check, with a link being provided to confirm their credentials. The second one involves a purported purchase of a high-priced product alongside a number for victims to clarify if the purchase was a mistake. Last May, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning after people received text messages from a bank, alerting them to a fraudulent activity or an update to a financial account. The BBB said scammers will use the opportunity to acquire a persons banking information, such as a website asking for an ATM card number and PIN under the guise of reactivating ones ATM card. It added the link may download malicious software that provides scammers access to anything on the phone. Follow Glitch.news for more news about hackers using scam text messages. Watch this video with 10 tips about improving online security and stopping hackers. This video is from the Hackers Beware channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Security alert: Experts warn about major flaws in 4G and 5G networks that let anyone listen in, send fake messages, or track your location. Free AI voice generation software successfully hacked into bank accounts using simulated voices. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com (Natural News) A group of fourteen state financial officers wrote a letter to the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, urging the company to discontinue what appears to be politically motivated de-banking practices against certain industries, individuals, and groups. The letter comes on the heels of institutions like Silicon Valley Bank collapsing in recent weeks after taking up woke left-wing banking and investment strategies that focus on ideology instead of traditional financial objectives like growing stock prices and increasing profits for shareholders. We urge Chase to immediately take steps to identify and address internal drivers of political or anti-religious bias that could undermine its fiduciary obligations and impair the freedom of its customers to access financial services without fear of discrimination, the group wrote, according to Breitbart News. In the letter, the state financial officers acknowledged that the bank remains a member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a coalition of banks that have pledged to significantly decrease their carbon financing and investment activities. However, the officials also noted that the banks CEO, Jamie Dimon, testified before Congress recently and stated that divesting from fossil fuels would lead America down a road to hell. The banks apparent move to discriminate against politically disfavored industries is spilling over into its other activities. Recently, Chase closed the National Committee for Religious Freedoms (NCRF) account without explanation. After repeated requests to reinstate the account, Chase informed NCRF that it would only consider doing so if the non-profit agreed to disclose detailed information about its donors and the criteria used to decide which political candidates it supports, the letter noted, adding: This is not the first time Chase has engaged in questionable incidents of de-banking. In 2021, WePay, a subsidiary of Chase, denied ticket payment processing services for a mainstream republican event hosted by the non-profit, Defense of Liberty. As justification, WePay cited a policy that barred payment processing services in connection with hate . . . racial intolerance . . . or items or activities that encourage, promote, facilitate, or instruct others regarding the same. Such vague and ambiguous terms can easily be used to hide viewpoint-based discrimination. There are other similar cancellation incidents that raise the specter of viewpoint bias. In 2021, Chase cancelled a credit card account connected to former general Michael Flynn for questionable reasons. That same year, Chase terminated the Arkansas Family Councils account because the organization was deemed High Risk, even though they had done business with the bank for over two years. The state financial officers also said they are concerned about the banks recent pattern of apparent politically motivated de-banking, which they say is likely a violation of the banks fiduciary duty due to it sacrificing profitable investment opportunities (e.g., fossil fuels) for political reasons. In addition to sacrificing profitable investment opportunities (e.g., fossil fuels) for political reasons, the appearance of politicized de-banking harms the companys reputation with its customers. The freedom to bank and access financial services without fear of viewpoint-based discrimination is fundamental to maintaining the trust of people and institutions in a diverse and pluralistic society. The public backlash against Chases questionable moves indicates growing public distrust of the company and invites heightened regulatory scrutiny that could substantially impact its financial performance, the letter said. The officials say they want Chase to take immediate steps to identify and stop the internal drivers of political or anti-religious bias that could undermine its fiduciary obligations and impair the freedom of its customers to access financial services without fear of discrimination based on their political or religious views. As noted by Breitbart, the letter was signed by various state financial officers, including Nebraska Treasurer John Murante, Alaska Commissioner of Revenue Adam Crum, Arkansas Auditor Dennis Milligan, Idaho Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, Indiana Treasurer Dan Elliott, Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson, Mississippi Treasurer David McRae, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, Nevada Controller Andy Matthews, North Dakota Treasurer Thomas Beadle, Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ, South Carolina Treasurer Curtis M. Loftis Jr., and Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks. Sources include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Del Rio Sector Border Patrol officials report just over 10,000 known border crossers during a seven-day period ending on March 18. The known border crossers include more than 5,500 migrant apprehensions and 4,400 known got-aways. (Article by Bob Price republished from Breitbart.com) Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens tweeted a video weekly recap featuring Bracketteville Station Watch Commander Fernando Zavala. The weekly update reports the apprehension of 5,571 migrants between March 12 and 18. Del Rio Sector Weekly Recap (03/12/23 03/18/23) 5,571 Apprehensions 4,433 Known Gotaways 6 Criminals (1 Sex Offender, 2 Re-entry of Criminal, 2 Illegal Drug Trafficking, 1 Assault) 1 Large Group 74 Smuggling Cases 1 Firearm Seized pic.twitter.com/jrc5Hure1c Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens (@USBPChiefDRT) March 22, 2023 In addition, officials reported 4.433 migrants to be known got-aways. These are migrants who were observed crossing the border or otherwise counted as having crossed without being apprehended. This represents more than 44 percent of the 10,004 known border crossers. This does not include migrants who crossed without being observed. Included in the migrant apprehensions are six criminal aliens. These include one sex offender, two criminal re-entry of a deported migrant, two with convictions for drug trafficking, and one with an assault conviction. Del Rio Sector agents apprehended a Honduran national who illegally entered the United States. Record checks revealed he was previously convicted for sexual assault of a child. Agents continuously interdict criminals like this from entering our communities! pic.twitter.com/Ty2Sit7Jgf Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens (@USBPChiefDRT) March 22, 2023 While the Del Rio Sector leads the nation in the category of large migrant groups, only one such encounter took place during this reporting period. Additionally, agents interdicted 74 smuggling cases and seized one firearm, Owens reported. Read more at: Breitbart.com (Natural News) There appears to be no end to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine and booster campaigns in the United Kingdom, where the public is still being pushed to take shot after shot after shot despite prolific evidence that the injections are deadly. The campaign is so aggressive and unrelenting that Member of Parliament Andrew Bridgen gave a speech before said parliament blasting the gene-based injections as both unsafe and ineffective a position that quickly got his speech banned from the Google-owned YouTube platform. Having previously delivered a similar speech on December 13 of last year, Bridgen delivered yet another this past week that stunned the world. It was so popular, in fact, that outcry from the public ultimately convinced YouTube to reinstate it you can watch it below: Pleased to see that after such a large public outcry my speech has been reinstated on YouTube. Power does rest with the people, a salutary lesson for our self appointed masters.https://t.co/Ke8mj4jek4 Andrew Bridgen (@ABridgen) March 18, 2023 (Related: The UK has adopted a needles forever protocol in which covid booster shots are to become a routine affair for the rest of peoples lives.) There is nothing safe or effective about covid vaccines In the opening of his latest speech, Bridgen referenced statements he made in his earlier one from back in December about the vicious reaction it provoked from the corporate media and the fourth estate. I highlighted to the minister the scale of harms that the experimental vaccines have caused and continue to cause, Bridgen said. In giving that speech to an almost empty chamber, on this most important of issues quite literally life and death two things happened to me immediately. First, I was cancelled by the mainstream media not one media organization wanted to talk about the issue of serious harms or deaths occurring as a result of the mRNA vaccines. Secondly, in the wake of that speech, something far more important has happened. I was contacted by thousands of people offering their support and received many hundreds and hundreds of emails from all around the globe recounting to me their own stories of the harms caused in the wake of their or their loved ones covid vaccination. Even though the media is pretending as though nothing is wrong and everything is just fine, Bridgen says the general public is wide awake concerning the dangers of the injections, and want to know more about what real science has to say as opposed to the pseudoscience being blasted by the establishment. People want to know, Bridgen explained, why governments both there and abroad are refusing to address the growing number of injuries and deaths being reported in connection to the shots why all the secrecy, they would like to know? Today, I once again ask the Minister why more is not being done, both in the United Kingdom and globally, to investigate and publicize the clear and well-documented adverse effects of covid-19 vaccines vaccines that have made big pharma billions, and also vaccines that have resulted in completely unprecedented levels of yellow card reports, Bridgen said. The governments own data in this respect is damning. Bridgen then cited real-world data from Florida showing that mRNA (messenger RNA) shots are causing disproportionately more harm compared to any other vaccine currently on the market. This, he says, corroborates with the UKs own warning signals from its yellow card system which are producing similarly disproportionate rates of injury and death from the jabs. The latest news about injuries and deaths caused by Chinese Virus shots can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: Expose-News.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) On behalf of both students and staff members who were negatively impacted by last months derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying noxious chemicals through East Palestine, Ohio, the Blackhawk School District in Western Pennsylvania is suing the train operator. Tom King, the attorney who filed the suit, spoke with KRKA-TV recently, revealing that he believes this is the first lawsuit ever filed by a school district against Norfolk Southern. He also believes it is the first lawsuit filed in Pittsburgh, stating that there have been other similar such lawsuits filed in Ohio. The end goal is to get Norfolk Southern to do the right thing here, King stated. And the right thing here is to provide the funds necessary to do the things that the Blackhawk School District needs to do to safeguard its students and its residents and not at the expense of the taxpayers. (Related: It is believed that the East Palestine train derailment and controlled explosion created the largest dioxin plume in world history.) During the controlled explosion of the Norfolk Southern freight train, a massive lethal cocktail of chemicals was blasted at the Blackhawk School District According to the suit, Norfolk Southern is guilty of releasing toxic chemicals into the air and onto the ground with absolutely no concern whatsoever for the impact this would have on the Blackhawk School District, including both its students and staff members. Norfolk Southern dumped a lethal cocktail, the suit states, all over the districts buildings, property, soil, and water supplies. The district also says it has identified deposits of the toxic materials on its properties. Were concerned what effects these toxic clouds have had in the materials in them on our property, on our buildings, on our vents, our air, our water, our quality of life. And we believe there should be monitoring going on to ensure the health and safety are maintained of the kids in the Blackhawk School District, and that theyre protected from future events in which we have no control, no part and werent consulted, King added. The school district sits in Beaver County, which is located on the very western edge of Pennsylvania next to Ohio. King emphasized this to show just how close the Blackhawk School District is located to the site of the crash and controlled chemical explosion and release. When the train accident first occurred, there was an initial plume of deadly chemicals that enveloped Beaver County. Then, during the second controlled blast and burn, another plume lit up the sky and traveled directly into the Blackhawk School District. We believe that they were negligent with respect to the original accident, King explained. And then the intentional blast of the additional material is something that is being debated everywhere, including in the legislature in Pennsylvania. In order for justice to be served, King says the case could result in a jury trial. KDKA-TV reached out to Norfolk Southern for comment on the case but did not receive a response. This is global, one commenter from Natural News wrote on a story specifically about the chemical plume and where it traveled. The residues will be dropped everywhere. This seems to have been a diabolical, premeditated release of dioxin, chemtrails, and 5G a potent breathing-related mix, wrote another. What would a doctor call all of that? Fibromyalgia, of course. Another noted that the city chosen for this deadly disaster just so happens to include the word Palestine in it, which is interesting considering the melee that afterwards broke out in the Middle East. The latest news about the situation in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania concerning the train derailment and toxic chemical plume can be found at Disaster.news. Sources for this article include: CBSNews.com NaturalNews.com Weather forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) showed a renewed Pacific storm arriving in California and severe thunderstorms and flooding threat in the southeastern United States in the coming hours and days. Heavy rain and mountain snow are possible in some parts of the West Coast, especially the Golden State. Meanwhile, flooding rain, isolated tornadoes, and hail in the Southeast. The Pacific storm will not only impact California but also southern Oregon from late Monday to Wednesday, March 27 to March 29, the NWS forecast said. Furthermore, isolated to scattered severe storms are possible across the recent tornado-stricken Georgia into southern South Carolina with giant hail, damaging winds, and excessive rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding. The continuance of the adverse weather comes several days after a tornado struck western Georgia, leaving several people injured, and almost a week after a destructive tornado rampaged through Mississippi, leaving at least 25 dead. Similar weather events are expected in the coming days and weeks following the onset of the US spring season on March 20. NWS Forecast On Monday, March 27, the NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) in College Park, Maryland stated that a powerful storm system will bring another round of rainy and snowy precipitation in California with cold temperatures. In addition, the Southeast will experience heavy rain with the potential to cause floodwaters as the severe weather continues across the region. Moreover, the US weather agency is also monitoring a series of frontal systems with increased precipitation chances for the Northeast US until Tuesday, March 28. Furthermore, the Great Plains and Great Lakes will receive chilly temperatures and potential snow this week. The NWS forecast is valid from Tuesday to Thursday, March 30. During this period, power outages and disruption to travel and public transport are likely, based on previous events this year. Also Read: Georgia Tornado: Potential Twister Left Multiple Injured as Severe Storms Continue in South US California Winter Storm System Although spring has started already, winter is not yet done with California. NWS San Francisco meteorologist, Roger Grass, told CNN that previous storms have saturated soils in California, which will result in falling of trees and potential for further power outages. Given the amount of rain and snow the atmospheric river has brought to California, the approaching storm will only make the state vulnerable to floodwaters and easily bring down weakened trees, as well as add more snow, according to the forecast. Southeast Storms The US region of the Southeast, between the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic Ocean, is not exempted from the weather hazards brought by severe weather. Over the past week, the same weather system was responsible for causing widespread disruption across the South US, as mentioned earlier from the Georgia and Mississippi tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) stated the area across the region with the highest risk of damaging winds will be from South Carolina to southeast Georgia, as cited by USA Today. Related Article: Pacific Storm Systems to Hit Western US with Heavy Rain, Mountain Snow, and Strong Winds This Weekend Montana State University Billings kicks off Autism Awareness Month, which is highlighted throughout the month of April, with a Neurodiversity Resources Fair and a performance by Michael McCreary, a comedian with autism. Autism Awareness Month is observed to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism, and to support those affected. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with autism and their families, and to promote the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. To kick off Autism Awareness month, the Montana Center for Inclusive Education and United Campus Ministries have brought in McCreary, a renowned comedian with autism. He will perform at 7 p.m. tonight, March 29 in Petro Theatre on the MSUB campus for a free public performance. McCreary is a Canadian comedian, actor, author and TEDx speaker who has been performing standup comedy since age 13. In the past eight years, he has performed stand-up shows and keynote addresses in every province in Canada and across the United States. On Saturday, April 1, the Montana Center for Inclusive Education and MSUB Institute for Neurodiversity are hosting a Neurodiversity Resource Fair which will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College of Education Building on MSUBs university campus. The fair is open to individuals and families looking for resources that support neurodiverse individuals. The fair will include a tour of the Institute for Neurodiversity, opportunities for individuals or families to talk with community resource representatives, and interactive activities for children and families such as making sensory bottles, digging for prizes in sand, fishing games, and more. Snacks and drinks will also be provided. We want to celebrate neurodiversity and Autism Awareness Month in the community while sharing the different resources that are available, said Krystin Hussain, director of the Institute for Neurodiversity. There are not enough services supporting neurodiverse individuals in general, but most services are geared toward children. This fair includes many services to neurodiverse individuals of all ages. Community resource groups that will have a presence at the fair are MSUBs Institute for Neurodiversity, United Way, Leaf Pediatric Therapy, Montana Development Assessment Clinic, AWARE, WIPA Work Incentives, Planning & Assistance, and Billings Public Library. The fair is also sponsored by Visit Billings, a leading tourism brand in Montana managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Visit Billings and the Chamber are the regions first Certified Autism Destination. They partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to ensure visitors to Billings with autism or sensory needs are welcome, feel safe, and enjoy their stay. The neurodiversity movement is about accepting your neurodiversity as a difference, not a deficit, says Hussain. We are here to provide the support they need and to celebrate all of our differences. Free parking is available in the MSUB parking garage off Poly Drive and North 27th Street. For more information contact theinstitutefornd@msubillings.edu or call 406-657-2323. Fisheries in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and surrounding mountains will be discussed in a presentation on Tuesday, April 4, hosted by the Magic City Fly Fishers. Ben Bailey, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries biologist, will talk about the agency's mountain lake sampling program and what he is finding in the lakes as a result of the work. In addition, Bailey plans to discuss FWP efforts to stock golden trout and grayling in the wilderness lakes. Brad Olzesewki, a 15-year veteran of sampling lakes throughout the Beartooths, will add his perspective regarding fish and fish quality. Plus, both anglers will tie and discuss the only three flies you really need to succeed while fishing the Montana wilderness lakes. The meeting will be held at the Billings Rod and Gun Club. Social time starts at 6 p.m. Tying starts at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public. A trend to extend the lifespan of servers beyond the typical three- to five-year range has companies such as Microsoft looking to add a few years of use to hardware that would otherwise be retired. The latest company to adopt this strategy is Paris-based Scaleway, a cloud services provider that's sharing details about how it plans to get a decade of use out of its servers through a mix of reuse and repair. Scaleway decided the carbon footprint of new servers is just too large server manufacturing alone accounts for 15% to 30% of each machines carbon impact. Reusing existing machines, rather than buying new ones, could significantly reduce e-waste. So Scaleway decided to retrofit its 14,000 servers rather than dispose of them. Marc Raynaud, hardware support manager at Scaleway, documented the project in a blog post. Software RAID replaced RAID controllers. Scaleway found its old servers had a high RAID failure rate but were otherwise performing well. Batteries in the RAID controllers were the main source of failures. Raynaud wrote that replacing the batteries, wouldn't lead to long-term, reliable performance, since batteries degrade over time. Instead, Scaleway decided to remove the RAID controllers, which led to a large-scale retrofitting project. This realization led us to explore more modern server options that do not rely on hardware cards like the ones originally equipped in our older servers, Raynaud said via email. As one of our key objectives was to eliminate the need for these hardware RAID cards altogether, we have shifted our focus towards procuring servers that align with this goal. So the compan is now using onboard SATA controllers to directly attach disks to its servers. With this setup, any necessary RAID functionality can be achieved through software RAID features, Raynaud said. Each server has to meet performance standards. The companys goal is to achieve a high level of reliability and performance on these servers through a three-step process of qualification, testing, and validation. Scaleway started by setting performance objectives for the finished product and taking a more detailed inventory of underperforming servers, looking at variables such as where they were located, the CPU, the use catalog each server was being sold in, and what catalog they could be sold in after the retrofit was done. With that done, Scaleway needed to test its retrofitted servers to see if they could actually meet the proposed use cases. It put together a checklist for its hardware engineering team to determine the constraints and requirements for each lot of servers. Physical checks were designed to see how the servers performed in a production environment. One tests makes sure the RAID cards could be physically removed or bypassed to allow access to the disks. Read/write tests were done in all SATA modes to ensure the performance was as good as, if not better than, before the retrofit. Scaleway upgrades the RAM and validates performance, carries out a CPU performance check, and a reviews firmware versions for the BIOS, BMC, etc., to see if updates are required. Servers received memory upgrades. The companys previous bare-metal offerings were equipped with memory configurations tailored to meet the needs of their clients at the time. However, as their needs evolved, there was a demand for more memory, so Scaleway added more. It is worth noting that the reliability of memory DIMMs [dual in-line memory module] has significantly improved, and therefore the failure rate was not a decisive factor in our decision-making process, Raynaud said. Scaleway also reused a lot of their existing stock of DDR3 and DDR4 DIMMs as part of the upgrade initiative. Once the checks were completed, Scaleway began to physically move all 14,000 servers to a new data center. For this process, Scaleway hired a team to unrack and move them at a pace of hundreds per week. After the servers arrived at the new data center that the upgrades removing the RAID card, new memory, firmware updates, etc. were performed. The servers have been relocated to multiple locations and data centers so as to optimize the network infrastructure and improve the overall performance and reliability of Scalewlay's systems, Raynaud said. Not all servers qualified for the retrofit process, but those that didn't were saved for spare parts. After all, these servers are relatively old and will need maintenance in the future, Raynaud wrote. Scaleways servers have an age range of seven to 10 years. Raynaud says they have been properly maintained and upgraded over time to ensure that they remain reliable and fully operational. In the long run, these are investments that are good both for business and the environment. Resources needed to build new servers are not unlimited, and were proud to have developed a system to retrofit our old ones with minimal waste, he said. Today, our servers are used for up to 10 years versus the industry average of three to four years and nearly 80% of components are recycled. By: Michael Tennefoss, VP of IoT and Strategic Partnerships, Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. Moving IoT workloads to the cloud, and securely exchanging data between cloud IoT services and both legacy and new IoT devices, can entail months of custom engineering. Most IoT vendors send sensor and actuator data in non-interoperable or proprietary formats that must be reformatted to make them usable by cloud applications. Additionally, legacy IoT devices lack modern cybersecurity mechanisms and cloud-compatible software stacks. Replacing legacy devices with new ones is cost prohibitive, while the engineering work to make IoT data payloads usable can be significant. And these expenses may be recurring, e.g., when new IoT devices from different vendors are added over time, post-acquisition of a new company, or following a site refresh. IoT vendors often supply gateways to address these issues, however, gateways introduce new issues of their own. Gateways are expensive to purchase, deploy, and maintain. They can be challenging to remotely manage and troubleshoot, often requiring dedicated management software that cannot integrate into existing IT management systems. Gateways can also introduce new security vulnerabilities in their operating systems, key and certificate management mechanisms, and by a lack of visibility into attacks on the IoT device side of the gateway. Finally, gateways that incorporate cellular or other wide area links can provide a backdoor into on-premises IoT and IT networks. For these reasons, many Chief Information Security Officers do not permit dedicated IoT gateways on corporate networks. HPE Aruba Networking, Microsoft, and reelyActive set out to solve these issues with a solution that can be deployed in hours instead of months, requires no custom engineering, and uses existing Wi-Fi access points as trusted IoT gateways in lieu of dedicated hardware gateways. The solution is built on three pillars: Access points that incorporate both Wi-Fi IoT radios to simultaneously and securely serve IT mobility needs, connect to IoT devices, and function as embedded IT-to-IoT gateways; HPE Aruba Networking IoT Transport for Azure that encodes IoT device data streamed thru the access points into a format compatible with the Microsoft Azure IoT Hub; and reelyActive Pareto Anywhere for Microsoft Azure (reelyactive.com/pareto/anywhere/integrations/azure), a new free open-source converter that reformats IoT data and units of measurement (like temperature and power) into a universal format compatible with Power BI and other Azure applications. These Azure applications can directly consume data from a heterogeneous mix of BLE, 800 and 900MHz EnOcean, and specialized IoT devices that plug into the USB port on HPE Aruba Networking access points without a dedicated on-premises gateway. Aruba The access points apply modern cybersecurity technology to protect both IT and IoT data, and their activity is visible to IT management tools and third-party security applications. Only authorized IoT devices can exchange data with the access points, and devices interfaced via the access points USB port have no access to the access points operating system or compute resources. IoT data are sent over secure tunnels directly to the Azure IoT Hub and segregated from all other traffic carried by the access point. Secure tunneling protects data from legacy IoT devices that lack encryption, certificate-based authentication, and other modern cybersecurity mechanisms. The Microsoft Azure IoT Hub serves as the terminus for IoT data sent over secure tunnels from Aruba access points. Pareto Anywhere for Azure abstracts the original data format so that the data seen by applications are intelligible, consistent streams of immediately consumable data in recognizable units of measurement. This enables application developers to write an Azure application once and then process IoT data without regard to its source of origin. As a result, Microsofts Azure Streaming Analytics, Power BI, and related applications can directly process the IoT data to create digital twins, if-this-then-that monitoring, data archiving, data analytics, and other high-value business services with minimal effort or expense. Migrating IoT workloads to the cloud can be reduced to less than 60 minutes versus 3-6 months using conventional integration method. On-premises gateways can be eliminated, lowering life-cycle costs, enhancing visibility, and simplifying system management. Customers with existing supported access points can retrofit IoT services without ripping and replacing infrastructure. Related Resources: A bill to expand political appointments for agencies under the Governor's Office lost the administration's support last week, with the lieutenant governor arguing an amendment to include the other elected offices went too far. Senate Bill 424 would increase the number of political appointments in state government not by adding new employees but allowing officials to swap vacant positions with personal staff. Sen. Forrest Mandeville, R-Columbus, is carrying the proposal. Lawmakers in 2021 struck down a similar proposal they thought went too far, a fate that appears possible once again: What started off as this session's scaled-down measure would now theoretically put more than half of the Secretary of States Office under the category of political appointees. Elected statewide officials are already allowed 10 personal staff they can remove and replace at will as a function of effectuating their vision for the office. The bill initially allowed two or three, depending on the size of the agency, political appointments for each agency director, but only under the governor's administration. Those agencies include the Department of Labor and Industry, Public Health and Human Services, as well as Fish, Wildlife and Parks and others. Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras was first up to testify in support of SB 424 when it had its initial hearing in late February before the Senate State Administration Committee. "This would be so helpful to our department heads to be able to bring in people they can work closely with and have full confidence in," Juras said. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen also testified in support of the bill that day but with a catch. What would make it even better is an amendment where you didnt just apply it to the governors office and you applied it to all the executive elected officials, Knudsen told the committee. Its a fact, we often times when theres an administration change and you come in and you take over, you don't always have all the nonexempt staff who are rowing in the same direction as you. Thats a bipartisan problem. The committee did ultimately approve an amendment, granting the same appointed staff expansions to the Secretary of State, State Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General. By the time the bill passed the Senate and reached its first hearing in the House State Administration Committee on Monday, the Governor's Office had retracted its support due largely to the percentages of positions that would become politically appointed positions. The Secretary of State's Office, for example, would have 19 politically appointed positions for a 34-person staff, meaning 56% of that agency could be subject to potentially politically driven turnover. "When we put together the numbers of exempt staff we wanted for the executive agencies it was very small," Juras said in testifying against the bill before the House State Administration Committee. Mandeville, the lawmaker carrying the bill, endorsed the amendment. "Honestly it makes sense in my mind to give these division administrators some support as well," he said Monday. The Governors Office told the Montana State News Bureau SB 424 is not an administration or agency bill. Legislative drafting records trace the bill's genesis not to Mandeville's own engineering, but to Senate Republican spokesperson Kyle Schmauch, former spokesperson for the State Auditor's Office when current Congressman Matt Rosendale held the post. Prior to Rosendales election, the office was held by Democrat Monica Lindeen. In a statement Monday, Schmauch said the bill was developed by officials who had been part of transitioning administrations from one political party to another. "Several of us who've been involved in transitions between administrations over the years recognize the value of elected and appointed officials having a core team that they trust to help them execute their vision for their office," Schmauch said. " The idea behind the bill is to set top-level officials up for success by letting them have a few appointed staff to help them fulfill their responsibilities and objectives, without adding positions or growing government." During the 2021 session lawmakers considered and ultimately killed a similar bill, House Bill 588. Rather than a set number of two or three political appointment employees like Mandeville's bill, HB 588 would have granted officials the latitude to appoint up to 10% of their staff. That could have amounted to hundreds of appointees and, although the bill sponsor whittled that limit down to 50 appointments per agency, 11 Republicans joined Democrats in the Senate in voting against the bill. Schmauch said Monday he had no involvement in the 2021 attempt to expand political appointments, but noted that attempt failed last session and he brought it up to senators going into the current session. In a statement to the Montana State News Bureau, the Governor's Office said it was not working with anyone on an amendment for Mandeville's bill and remained opposed to the "administrative bloat" that would take place if it passed in current form. The Attorney General's Office, however, said it is working on an amendment to cap the appointed staff to 3%. The state's largest agency, DPHHS, has nearly 3,000 employees, meaning there could be 90 appointed staff. It was unclear Monday when the House State Administration Committee will take action on the bill. Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, testified against the bill in the Senate in early March. The state already imposes a "vacancy savings" reduction on agencies, she said, in which the state seeks to reduce personal services costs over time to manage the growth of government. "We impose a 4% vacancy savings on our state employees and yet we're authorizing more management positions in this bill," she said. "That doesn't make sense to me." Unions oppose new appointments The state's employee union and AFL-CIO have both stood as vocal critics against the measure, which would not create new employee positions but rather allow officials to turn vacant positions into political appointments. Quint Nyman, deputy executive director with the Montana Federation of Public Employees, told the Senate State Administration the bill "smacks of political cronyism." "In appointed positions, you can be your highest donors second cousin twice removed, you get the job," Nyman told the House State Administration Committee three weeks later, in Monday's hearing. "Through state hiring, it is the most qualified candidate who serves a probationary period and proves their worth as they go through the process." The AFL-CIO's Amanda Frickle said clearing permanent positions to make room for personal staff would only exacerbate hiring woes that have plagued state agencies. "You're not decreasing the work. What happens is that workload gets shifted to existing employees," she said. "If you have an issue with turnover and burnout and people leaving the agencies, you're only going to further that issue by making the colleagues who have stayed take on that workload." Knudsen pushed back on that notion in response to committee questions Monday. "The idea that were just going to stick in political appointees, someone who was a good donor to my campaign, that doesnt help me run the highway patrol, that doesnt help me run the motor vehicle division," Knudsen said. The attorney general also opened up about some dissent within his own office after he stepped into the Department of Justice following his election in 2020. "When I took over the Department of Justice, you end up inheriting a lot of state employees who are not politically aligned with you and frankly were having personal problems carrying out my directives and moving the Department of Justice in the direction I wanted to move it," he told the committee. Nyman, however, disputed the idea that political appointments would be one-for-one in terms of the positions they were replacing. "If you convert a driver's license examiner position to an (appointed) position, that person won't be out in the field conducting driver's examinations," Nyman said. LIVINGSTON Local investigators are still waiting on toxicology results in the autopsy of 19-year-old Jalen Williams, who was found dead in Livingston on Feb. 10 under mysterious circumstances. Im still waiting on the toxicology report from the state crime lab, Park County Coroner Al Jenkins said Monday. Everybody thinks we get toxicology immediately. It can go anywhere between six to 10 weeks depending on the testing that they do. According to a website created by Williams uncle, Terrance Brooks, the family was told Williams had psychotic episodes that would explain why someone would have walked miles in subfreezing temperatures with no clothes on. Asked whether there was information indicating Williams had psychotic episodes, Jenkins said: Were waiting on all kinds of things, and when we get it (the autopsy) completed, a lot of information will come out. Several neighbors in the area of South M Street in Livingston reported to 911 a male yelling in the early morning on Feb. 10, according to a Feb. 27 press release from the City of Livingston. The witnesses described the males yelling as a psychiatric episode, not yelling as if the male was being harmed, reads the release. Williams body was found the morning of Feb. 10 off U.S. Highway 89 in Livingston, near the local hospital Livingston HealthCare in an icy and barren field. Based on witness statements, Williams may have left the Loch Leven address where he was residing between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m., according to the citys release. The area of Loch Leven Drive is approximately 3 to 4 miles away from the area where his body was found, depending on what route is taken. The temperature in Livingston at 3 a.m. on Feb. 10 was 11 degrees, according to www.wunderground.com, and by 5 a.m., it was 9 degrees. By 6 a.m., it was 6 degrees, according to the site. The citys release can be found at https://bit.ly/3FVfpfW and the familys website is at https://bit.ly/3TLXCNI. "The investigation is still active," wrote Wayne Hard, assistant police chief, in a Monday email. A demonstration in memory of Williams was held on March 10 at Fifth and Park streets, and some of the attendees placed a memorial for him near the site where his body was found. I wanted Jalens family to feel like somebody in Montana cares, said Park County resident Beth ONeill, who attended the rally and helped place the memorial. When she heard Williams body had been found four driveways from her business, it broke her heart, she said. She said information released so far on his death doesnt hold water for me. I had to reach out on social medial platforms and ask the question over and over, What has happened to this young man? ONeill said. Williams family set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for the family for any legal costs and grievances and help them navigate on how to move forward in receiving his justice, according to the site at https://bit.ly/40kdIAR. The site had raised $6,520 as of Monday. Jalen was steadfast, brave, kind, and determined to overcome adversity, wrote GoFundMe donor Amy Cavazos, who contributed $100. He was respected and well-liked by so many, youth and adults. The last time I saw him in person was in 2021, I was in Evanston (Illinois) at a park with my two young children when we spotted each other as he was riding his bike on the street. We both were so happy to see each other he had the warmest smile. Im thankful to remember that day he was smiling and happy. He played with my two kids and talked to me about his goals and career ambitions. I attended Jalens funeral. The church was full, exuding love and grief and a desire for justice and to understand the full scope of what happened to Jalen. Jalen, with all his strength, courage, bravery and kindness didnt deserve to die on the side of the road, alone and naked in 10 degree weather in Livingston, Montana. It just doesnt make any sense if you knew him and his character. I pray he rests in peace knowing he was loved by so many. We are all going to miss you so much Jalen. Whether it was a day or many days that passed, talking to you just felt like picking up where we left off. I pray for your peace, for your family, and hope you know how many of us were so very proud of you and wanted to see your ambitions come to fruition. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said banks should provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing and representation before classifying a borrowers account as fraud. The apex court said the principles of natural justice demand that the borrowers must be given an opportunity to explain the conclusions of the forensic audit report. Upholding a 2020 order of the Telangana high court, a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli said the classification of an account as fraud not only results in reporting the crime to investigating agencies, but also has other penal and civil consequences for the borrowers. Consistent with the principles of natural justice, the lender banks should provide an opportunity to a borrower by furnishing a copy of the audit reports and allow the borrower a reasonable opportunity to submit a representation before classifying the account as fraud. The judgement was delivered on pleas relating to the Reserve Bank of India (Frauds Classification and Reporting by Commercial Banks and Select FIs) Directions 2016 which were challenged before different high courts primarily on the ground that no opportunity of being heard is envisaged to borrowers before classifying their accounts as fraudulent. Elaborating on the consequences when a borrowers account is declared fraud, the apex court said this virtually leads to a credit freeze for the borrower, who is debarred from raising finance from financial markets and capital markets. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said banks should provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing and representation before classifying a borrowers account as fraud. The apex court said the principles of natural justice demand that the borrowers must be given an opportunity to explain the conclusions of the forensic audit report. Upholding a 2020 order of the Telangana high court, a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli said the classification of an account as fraud not only results in reporting the crime to investigating agencies, but also has other penal and civil consequences for the borrowers. Consistent with the principles of natural justice, the lender banks should provide an opportunity to a borrower by furnishing a copy of the audit reports and allow the borrower a reasonable opportunity to submit a representation before classifying the account as fraud. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The judgement was delivered on pleas relating to the Reserve Bank of India (Frauds Classification and Reporting by Commercial Banks and Select FIs) Directions 2016 which were challenged before different high courts primarily on the ground that no opportunity of being heard is envisaged to borrowers before classifying their accounts as fraudulent. Elaborating on the consequences when a borrowers account is declared fraud, the apex court said this virtually leads to a credit freeze for the borrower, who is debarred from raising finance from financial markets and capital markets. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre cancelled licenses of 18 pharma companies on Tuesday for manufacturing spurious and adulterated medicines in India, officials said. The move came after multiple allegations were made by importers of Indian medicines, including Uzbekistan, The Gambia and the US. According to officials, the licenses of 18 pharma companies were cancelled following an inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) of 76 companies in 20 states. The authorities have yet to reveal the names of these pharma companies. Officials said a drive was launched to investigate the manufacturing of Not Of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs or spurious quality drugs after identifying 203 pharmaceutical companies. "Licences of 18 pharma companies have been cancelled for manufacturing spurious and adulterated drugs and violating GMP (good manufacturing practice)... Besides, 26 firms have been given show-cause notices," official sources said. The states where inspections were carried out include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | How officials cracked case of India-made eyedrops that blinded people The majority of the companies are from Himachal Pradesh, followed by those in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, officials said. Officials said this was the first drive, and they will continue inspecting companies not following good manufacturing practices. Questions have been raised over the quality of drugs manufactured by India-based companies since last October. Last year in October, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global alert on cough syrups linked to 66 child deaths in The Gambia manufactured by New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited. After The Gambia, Uzbekistan said 18 children died after consuming syrup from the Indian company Marion Biotech. The health ministry has suspended production at the company. In February, the Tamil Nadu-based Global Pharma Healthcare recalled many eye drops allegedly linked to vision loss in the US. NEW DELHI: The Centre cancelled licenses of 18 pharma companies on Tuesday for manufacturing spurious and adulterated medicines in India, officials said. The move came after multiple allegations were made by importers of Indian medicines, including Uzbekistan, The Gambia and the US. According to officials, the licenses of 18 pharma companies were cancelled following an inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) of 76 companies in 20 states. The authorities have yet to reveal the names of these pharma companies.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Officials said a drive was launched to investigate the manufacturing of Not Of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs or spurious quality drugs after identifying 203 pharmaceutical companies. "Licences of 18 pharma companies have been cancelled for manufacturing spurious and adulterated drugs and violating GMP (good manufacturing practice)... Besides, 26 firms have been given show-cause notices," official sources said. The states where inspections were carried out include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | How officials cracked case of India-made eyedrops that blinded people The majority of the companies are from Himachal Pradesh, followed by those in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, officials said. Officials said this was the first drive, and they will continue inspecting companies not following good manufacturing practices. Questions have been raised over the quality of drugs manufactured by India-based companies since last October. Last year in October, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global alert on cough syrups linked to 66 child deaths in The Gambia manufactured by New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited. After The Gambia, Uzbekistan said 18 children died after consuming syrup from the Indian company Marion Biotech. The health ministry has suspended production at the company. In February, the Tamil Nadu-based Global Pharma Healthcare recalled many eye drops allegedly linked to vision loss in the US. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested two persons, including a con man who allegedly took a loan from a finance company to purchase six SUVs and sold them off by creating fake documents. The accused have been identified as R Pradeep Kumar (38), a resident of Jogupalya in Ulsoor, and Mansoor Mirza (38) of Yasin Nagar in HBR Layout. Police said Kumar had approached a finance firm in Mico Layout in 2018, claiming to be running a transport solutions firm and intended to purchase six SUVs. He had produced all the required documents and the firm sanctioned the loan. However, he did not pay even a single EMI and the firms staff tried to contact him, but it turned out that he had vacated both his office and residence. About two years ago, the firms manager was contacted by the staff of the Electronics City RTO, which alerted him that they had got a request from a Hyderabad RTO for transfer of registration, but the documents related to the loan closure were fishy. Hence, the manager verified the documents to learn that his sign and seal were forged to create fake documents. After an internal probe, a police complaint was lodged, based on which, Kumar was arrested, the police said. It was found that Kumar, with Mansoors help, changed the number plates of the vehicles and took them to Hyderabad, where fake documents were created and the vehicles were sold. The police have recovered seven vehicles worth Rs 80 lakh from the accused. BENGALURU: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested two persons, including a con man who allegedly took a loan from a finance company to purchase six SUVs and sold them off by creating fake documents. The accused have been identified as R Pradeep Kumar (38), a resident of Jogupalya in Ulsoor, and Mansoor Mirza (38) of Yasin Nagar in HBR Layout. Police said Kumar had approached a finance firm in Mico Layout in 2018, claiming to be running a transport solutions firm and intended to purchase six SUVs. He had produced all the required documents and the firm sanctioned the loan. However, he did not pay even a single EMI and the firms staff tried to contact him, but it turned out that he had vacated both his office and residence. About two years ago, the firms manager was contacted by the staff of the Electronics City RTO, which alerted him that they had got a request from a Hyderabad RTO for transfer of registration, but the documents related to the loan closure were fishy. Hence, the manager verified the documents to learn that his sign and seal were forged to create fake documents. After an internal probe, a police complaint was lodged, based on which, Kumar was arrested, the police said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); It was found that Kumar, with Mansoors help, changed the number plates of the vehicles and took them to Hyderabad, where fake documents were created and the vehicles were sold. The police have recovered seven vehicles worth Rs 80 lakh from the accused. Jaison Wilson By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court was told on Monday that over 200 children employed as child labourers in the city were rescued this year and further raids were being carried out in this regard. A division bench presided over by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and comprising Justice Sachin Datta was hearing a petition on the issue of children working in extremely small units of factories stuffed with inflammable materials. The plea, filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan-founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, was moved following a 2019 incident, where a massive fire ripped through a building in Anaj Mandi in Sadar Bazar resulting in the death of 43 persons, including 12 children aged between 12 to 18 years. The NGO had sought direction from the authorities to inquire into the angle of trafficking and child labour. Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing the NGO, said during the hearing that there had been unprecedented success in rescuing child labourers from various units since January 11 when the last order was passed for the constitution of committees in each district. She said the government rescued more than 200 children and of the 183 complaints filed by the NGO, the authorities took action in most of them. The governments counsel told that in pursuance of an earlier order, a status report had been filed in the matter and added that the process of conducting raids was still going on. In its status report, the government said 45 people were killed and 17 injured in the December 8, 2019, fire. It informed that a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each was given to the victims next of kin in all 45 cases. In the case of the 17 injured, Rs 1 lakh each was given to 13 people. Plea filed after 12 kids died in fire The plea was moved following a 2019 incident, where a massive fire ripped through a building in Anaj Mandi in Sadar Bazar resulting in death of 43 persons, including 12 children NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court was told on Monday that over 200 children employed as child labourers in the city were rescued this year and further raids were being carried out in this regard. A division bench presided over by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and comprising Justice Sachin Datta was hearing a petition on the issue of children working in extremely small units of factories stuffed with inflammable materials. The plea, filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan-founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, was moved following a 2019 incident, where a massive fire ripped through a building in Anaj Mandi in Sadar Bazar resulting in the death of 43 persons, including 12 children aged between 12 to 18 years. The NGO had sought direction from the authorities to inquire into the angle of trafficking and child labour.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing the NGO, said during the hearing that there had been unprecedented success in rescuing child labourers from various units since January 11 when the last order was passed for the constitution of committees in each district. She said the government rescued more than 200 children and of the 183 complaints filed by the NGO, the authorities took action in most of them. The governments counsel told that in pursuance of an earlier order, a status report had been filed in the matter and added that the process of conducting raids was still going on. In its status report, the government said 45 people were killed and 17 injured in the December 8, 2019, fire. It informed that a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each was given to the victims next of kin in all 45 cases. In the case of the 17 injured, Rs 1 lakh each was given to 13 people. Plea filed after 12 kids died in fire The plea was moved following a 2019 incident, where a massive fire ripped through a building in Anaj Mandi in Sadar Bazar resulting in death of 43 persons, including 12 children Sajin Shrijith By Express News Service KOCHI: For a brief period during my childhood, whenever I encountered a Thrissur native, I assumed they were all imitating Innocent. At the time, in my mind, no one represented the region better or delivered the dialect better than him. I was enamoured by his signature style of dialogue delivery, with its distinct and instantly pleasing tune and rhythm, complemented by a body language that was, again, unique only to Innocent. It goes without saying that Innocent belongs to that admirable league of actors who have no equal: neither was their style borrowed from their predecessors nor would their style be successfully emulated by their successors. Innocents performance achieved a perfect, harmonious synchronicity between his dialogue delivery, mannerisms, and gestures. Supremely confident, unencumbered by the cameras gaze. Innocent was, undoubtedly, a repeat value actor. Could any of todays young comedians in Malayalam cinema be counted on to recreate, exactly, Innocents brand of comedy? No. Could any of todays actors be counted on to portray him in a biopic? No. Being a 90s kid who grew up on a succession of VHS tapes that introduced me to the varied faces of Innocent, which remain ingrained in my mind even to this day, writing a tribute to this much-revered thespian of Malayalam cinema, who proved himself adept at doing both comic and sentimental roles, is not easy. How does one compress a massive wealth of remarkable performances into a single tribute? Impossible. One is always bound to remember, later, a role that didnt come to mind when writing a tribute. Is there any Malayali out there who has not turned to a funny scene or two of Innocent when feeling the blues? For me, there are many, but if I have to pick, say, five scenes that I immediately reach out to, its his scenes from Sarvakalashala, Kaattukuthira, Kilukkam, Ramji Rao Speaking, and Godfather. These movies are enough for being an introductory starter pack for those unfamiliar with Innocents work to illustrate his extraordinary comic timing. Take Kaattukuthira, for instance. After revisiting it recently, I realised how great a performer he was. I took particular delight in those scenes shared by Innocent and Thilakan. As Shankara Menon, the personal aide of Thilakans Kochuvava who is constantly walking on eggshells around his volatile employer or trying, in vain, to please him, Innocent was eminently convincing. The scenes where he delightedly gulped Kochuvavas toddy unbeknownst to him. The scenes where he listened to Kochuvavas cuss words each time with a grimace. ALSO READ | Innocent made connections, smart manoeuvring count in 2014 Now that Ive brought up grimace, I tried to remember every film of Innocent where he conveyed grimace but made it look different each time. He possessed the ability to add a fresh dimension to the same expression. The grimace in Kattukuthira is not the same as the one in, say, Kilukkam or Godfather. One factor that enhanced his performances is his inimitable use of improvised pieces of additional dialogues: the internal ones audible to us but not the other character. What about his sentimental roles? The most obvious choice during discussions is his character Warrier in Devasuram, the close confidante of Mohanlals Neelakandan, who stood by him without judgement. That we saw iterations of Warrier in similar mass movies but played by different actors speaks to the impact of Innocents performance. But the one that moved me the most was his character in Kabooliwala. As a child, I recall seeing the paal nilavilum song alone and getting quite curious at how these characters Kannas (Innocent) and Kadalas (Jagathy) concealed so much sadness underneath their smiles. Be it individuals belonging to the higher or lower layers of the social strata, Innocent played all of them with commendable elan. He essayed the most approachable priest (the Kasaragod Kaderbhai films), taxi driver (Nadodikattu, Pattanpravesham), bus driver (Varavelpu), drama troupe owner (Ramji Rao Speaking)... And how can one forget the stoic, no-nonsense elder brother of Mohanlal in Mithunam? Sigh. The list doesnt end here. Adieu to the man who danced like no one was watching. KOCHI: For a brief period during my childhood, whenever I encountered a Thrissur native, I assumed they were all imitating Innocent. At the time, in my mind, no one represented the region better or delivered the dialect better than him. I was enamoured by his signature style of dialogue delivery, with its distinct and instantly pleasing tune and rhythm, complemented by a body language that was, again, unique only to Innocent. It goes without saying that Innocent belongs to that admirable league of actors who have no equal: neither was their style borrowed from their predecessors nor would their style be successfully emulated by their successors. Innocents performance achieved a perfect, harmonious synchronicity between his dialogue delivery, mannerisms, and gestures. Supremely confident, unencumbered by the cameras gaze. Innocent was, undoubtedly, a repeat value actor. Could any of todays young comedians in Malayalam cinema be counted on to recreate, exactly, Innocents brand of comedy? No. Could any of todays actors be counted on to portray him in a biopic? No. Being a 90s kid who grew up on a succession of VHS tapes that introduced me to the varied faces of Innocent, which remain ingrained in my mind even to this day, writing a tribute to this much-revered thespian of Malayalam cinema, who proved himself adept at doing both comic and sentimental roles, is not easy. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); How does one compress a massive wealth of remarkable performances into a single tribute? Impossible. One is always bound to remember, later, a role that didnt come to mind when writing a tribute. Is there any Malayali out there who has not turned to a funny scene or two of Innocent when feeling the blues? For me, there are many, but if I have to pick, say, five scenes that I immediately reach out to, its his scenes from Sarvakalashala, Kaattukuthira, Kilukkam, Ramji Rao Speaking, and Godfather. These movies are enough for being an introductory starter pack for those unfamiliar with Innocents work to illustrate his extraordinary comic timing. Take Kaattukuthira, for instance. After revisiting it recently, I realised how great a performer he was. I took particular delight in those scenes shared by Innocent and Thilakan. As Shankara Menon, the personal aide of Thilakans Kochuvava who is constantly walking on eggshells around his volatile employer or trying, in vain, to please him, Innocent was eminently convincing. The scenes where he delightedly gulped Kochuvavas toddy unbeknownst to him. The scenes where he listened to Kochuvavas cuss words each time with a grimace. ALSO READ | Innocent made connections, smart manoeuvring count in 2014 Now that Ive brought up grimace, I tried to remember every film of Innocent where he conveyed grimace but made it look different each time. He possessed the ability to add a fresh dimension to the same expression. The grimace in Kattukuthira is not the same as the one in, say, Kilukkam or Godfather. One factor that enhanced his performances is his inimitable use of improvised pieces of additional dialogues: the internal ones audible to us but not the other character. What about his sentimental roles? The most obvious choice during discussions is his character Warrier in Devasuram, the close confidante of Mohanlals Neelakandan, who stood by him without judgement. That we saw iterations of Warrier in similar mass movies but played by different actors speaks to the impact of Innocents performance. But the one that moved me the most was his character in Kabooliwala. As a child, I recall seeing the paal nilavilum song alone and getting quite curious at how these characters Kannas (Innocent) and Kadalas (Jagathy) concealed so much sadness underneath their smiles. Be it individuals belonging to the higher or lower layers of the social strata, Innocent played all of them with commendable elan. He essayed the most approachable priest (the Kasaragod Kaderbhai films), taxi driver (Nadodikattu, Pattanpravesham), bus driver (Varavelpu), drama troupe owner (Ramji Rao Speaking)... And how can one forget the stoic, no-nonsense elder brother of Mohanlal in Mithunam? Sigh. The list doesnt end here. Adieu to the man who danced like no one was watching. By Express News Service Vijay N, who worked with his good friend and director, Santhosh Ananddram in Mr and Mrs Ramachari, and Raajakumara marked his directorial debut with the romantic drama, Geetha starring Ganesh. The writer-director chose to go with a contrasting action thriller as his sophomore film and that idea gave birth to Gurudev Hoysala. It is not only with actors who like to experiment, even directors like to test the waters with different genres. Moreover, action has been my favourite genre and those films fascinate me a lot The story of Gurudev Hoysala, was penned by me during the lockdown period. The production house, KRG Studios, and actor Dhananjay chose to go ahead with this subject as they felt it was fresh, and everything fell in place soon, says the director, who believes action films are for all seasons. He also stated that Dhananjay is an intense actor and best fits the bill for actioners. A still from the film Considering, Gurudev Hoysala is Dhananjays 25th film, did it add more responsibility to the director? Gurudev Hoysala was not planned to be Dhananjays 25th when were ideating it. I realised it only when it was officially announced on January 14, last year. However, it did not create any kind of pressure on me. We treat every project as our first one, he says. Gurudev Hoysala features Dhananajay as a cop and the director chose to set this film in the backdrop of North Karnataka. Backdrop holds a lot of importance with certain subjects and not many films have explored North Karnataka. Even though the incidents brought out in our film can happen even in Bengaluru, people arent disturbed a lot by their occurrence. But when people read about it in North Karnataka, they understand the severity levels. Hence we choose the locale. So, what does Vijay, intend to tell through Gurudev Hoysala? I am mirroring the events that are happening in the society, presenting the situation, which leads to discussion and debates. Gurudev Hoysala is not just about a hero chasing the villains, there is more to this cop drama. We are talking about their mindsets, their opinions, their thinking, etc. There are more traits to the character, Gurudev Hoysala, and only one is shown in the trailer. How a cop, who undergoes a lot of pressure, reacts to a situation is brought out through Gurudev Hoysalas character. We have also shown the humane side. The film in brief talks about Maharashtra and Karnataka border dispute. This film can be enjoyed if the audience can connect to all these elements, says Vijay who feels that every film should kickstart a conversation. As a director, I dont want to pass any kind of judgment, instead I want to leave it to the audience to decide right and wrong. Vijay shares that he met a few police people to study their lifestyles. However, he has not taken any direct reference to any case but has explored how the cops handle such cases. As a writer, I like to address issues through my films. Geetha, my first directorial, despite being a romantic drama was based on real-life incidents and had a blend of commercial elements. Likewise, Gurudev Hoysala is also based on some incidents that have taken place in society. I will stick to this pattern in my future films too, but I will ensure that they are also commercial entertainers, he explains. Vijay has managed to cast a good set of actors for Gurudev Hoysala. Along with Dhananjay, the film has Naveen Shankar, and Prathap Narayan, as antagonists. The films music is by Ajaneesh Loknath and Karthik S is the cinematographer. Gurudev Hoysala also stars Amrutha Iyengar, Andrew Avinash (KGF), and new faces Mayuri Nataraj and Anirudh Bhat in important characters. I have just finished uploading the film. Every actor has outdone my expectations. This project presented by Vijay Kiragandur wouldnt have been possible without the support of producers Karthik Gowda, Yogi G Raj, and actor Dhananjay. Im now waiting for Gurudev Hoysala to hit the silver screen on March 30, he says. Vijay N, who worked with his good friend and director, Santhosh Ananddram in Mr and Mrs Ramachari, and Raajakumara marked his directorial debut with the romantic drama, Geetha starring Ganesh. The writer-director chose to go with a contrasting action thriller as his sophomore film and that idea gave birth to Gurudev Hoysala. It is not only with actors who like to experiment, even directors like to test the waters with different genres. Moreover, action has been my favourite genre and those films fascinate me a lot The story of Gurudev Hoysala, was penned by me during the lockdown period. The production house, KRG Studios, and actor Dhananjay chose to go ahead with this subject as they felt it was fresh, and everything fell in place soon, says the director, who believes action films are for all seasons. He also stated that Dhananjay is an intense actor and best fits the bill for actioners. A still from the filmConsidering, Gurudev Hoysala is Dhananjays 25th film, did it add more responsibility to the director? Gurudev Hoysala was not planned to be Dhananjays 25th when were ideating it. I realised it only when it was officially announced on January 14, last year. However, it did not create any kind of pressure on me. We treat every project as our first one, he says.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Gurudev Hoysala features Dhananajay as a cop and the director chose to set this film in the backdrop of North Karnataka. Backdrop holds a lot of importance with certain subjects and not many films have explored North Karnataka. Even though the incidents brought out in our film can happen even in Bengaluru, people arent disturbed a lot by their occurrence. But when people read about it in North Karnataka, they understand the severity levels. Hence we choose the locale. So, what does Vijay, intend to tell through Gurudev Hoysala? I am mirroring the events that are happening in the society, presenting the situation, which leads to discussion and debates. Gurudev Hoysala is not just about a hero chasing the villains, there is more to this cop drama. We are talking about their mindsets, their opinions, their thinking, etc. There are more traits to the character, Gurudev Hoysala, and only one is shown in the trailer. How a cop, who undergoes a lot of pressure, reacts to a situation is brought out through Gurudev Hoysalas character. We have also shown the humane side. The film in brief talks about Maharashtra and Karnataka border dispute. This film can be enjoyed if the audience can connect to all these elements, says Vijay who feels that every film should kickstart a conversation. As a director, I dont want to pass any kind of judgment, instead I want to leave it to the audience to decide right and wrong. Vijay shares that he met a few police people to study their lifestyles. However, he has not taken any direct reference to any case but has explored how the cops handle such cases. As a writer, I like to address issues through my films. Geetha, my first directorial, despite being a romantic drama was based on real-life incidents and had a blend of commercial elements. Likewise, Gurudev Hoysala is also based on some incidents that have taken place in society. I will stick to this pattern in my future films too, but I will ensure that they are also commercial entertainers, he explains. Vijay has managed to cast a good set of actors for Gurudev Hoysala. Along with Dhananjay, the film has Naveen Shankar, and Prathap Narayan, as antagonists. The films music is by Ajaneesh Loknath and Karthik S is the cinematographer. Gurudev Hoysala also stars Amrutha Iyengar, Andrew Avinash (KGF), and new faces Mayuri Nataraj and Anirudh Bhat in important characters. I have just finished uploading the film. Every actor has outdone my expectations. This project presented by Vijay Kiragandur wouldnt have been possible without the support of producers Karthik Gowda, Yogi G Raj, and actor Dhananjay. Im now waiting for Gurudev Hoysala to hit the silver screen on March 30, he says. Vignesh Madhu By Express News Service Whenever an artist passes away, it is quite a daunting task to compile his/her best performances. More so, if its someone of the stature of Innocent, who had an impeccable range as an actor. Though his biggest strength was unarguably his comic timing, he had the right set of skills to handle serious character roles as well. Here, we take a look at some of his versatile performances that would always hold a special place in Malayalam cinema. Warrier (Devaasuram) Every time I watch Devaasuram, Im in awe of the remarkable restraint that Innocent displayed while playing Warrier. The man Friday of Mohanlals Mangalassery Neelakandan, Warrier is the epitome of loyalty. Even when all the other acquaintances go into hiding after Mundakkal Shekharans attack on Neelan, Warrier stands by him and takes care of him like a father-figure. Innocent embodies the character beautifully; right from his looks to his demeanour, everything about his performance is pitch-perfect. It is quite a surprise that he couldnt win any major award for this film. Ponjikkara Keshavan (Kalyanaraman) Even if a vast majority isnt familiar with Ponjikkara, a quaint suburb near Bolgatty in Ernakulam, Im sure many would remember Innocents iconic character, Ponjikkara Keshavan. Sporting a twirled moustache and a weird hairdo, Keshavan claims himself to be a champion bodybuilder who can lift people on his thighs. Even though Kalyanaraman has an abundance of comedy numbers from the likes of Dileep and Salim Kumar, its Innocent who walks away as the undisputed winner. Who can forget the music with body muscles scene where he flexes his physique and the iconic scene where he loses his cool when someone asks for extra rice. And how about the scene where he senses the smell of alcohol during sleep and invites himself to the party with a waste glass? Mannar Mathai (Ramji Rao Speaking) Just like Ponjikkara, Mannar is another place that became famous thanks to Innocent. In the 1989 film Ramji Rao Speaking, the actor plays the owner of a run-down drama troupe. It is often said that comedy works best when there is an element of pain in it. This Siddique-Lal directorial follows the poverty-stricken lives of Mannar Mathai, Gopalakrishnan (Mukesh), and Balakrishnan (Sai Kumar). The films comedy is woven around the trios unemployment, hunger, and desperation. Some of Innocents lines like, vivaram ilathavan aanelum sathyame parayu and mundu.. nee mundu are popular even today. Kittunni (Kilukkam) Priyadarshan is a filmmaker who got the best out of Innocent every time they worked together. His Kilukkam had one of the most hilarious portrayals of a master-servant relationship, with Thilakan playing the master, Justice Pillai, and Innocent, his servant, Kittunni. The exchanges between them and how Pillai ill-treats a hapless Kittunni (a clear case of exploitation) make way for several fun moments. Innocents terrific dialogue modulation and expressions as he is tricked into believing that he has won a lottery is easily among the most popular Malayalam movie scenes ever. Unnithan (Manichithrathazhu) Fazils all-time classic psychological thriller opens with Innocents character Unnithan taking us through a tour of the mysterious mansion, Madampallithe centre of all the action thats about to follow. Before the entry of the leads, its Innocents hilarious performance as the terrified Unnithan that gets the audience interested in the spooky bungalow and the mystery surrounding it. His horrified expression once he finds himself alone in the huge house, and the way he yells Raghavoo is one of the most memorable Innocent-moments ever. Swaminathan (Godfather) Godfather is another Siddique-Lal film where Innocent delivered a compelling performance. Swaminathan is the second among the four brothers who take a vow of celibacy. A staunch Hanuman devotee, Swaminathan cant even stand the sight of women. But it is not soon before the mask comes off exposing his other life as a devoted husband and father. Innocents utter shock when he realises that he has been caught is certain to leave one in splits no matter how many times you watch the scene. Swaminathan was a character caught between loyalty to his father and love for his wife and daughter. Shankarankutty Menon (Mazhavilkavadi) Innocent is a regular in Sathyan Anthikads films, and it is the directors 1989 film Mazhavilkavadi that earned the former his lone Kerala State Award for acting. His character Kalarickel Kizhamkamthudiyil Shankarankutty Menon is a scheming, authoritative father who has a compulsive obsession to assault those who dont obey him. Innocents combination of scenes with the late Paravoor Bharathan in this film is still remembered by many. Vasu Menon (Pranchiyettan and the Saint) In Ranjiths Pranchiyettan and the Saint, Mammootty plays a successful businessman who is unhappy with his image among the locals. He is willing to spend a fortune for the sake of a better name and tries all possible means for the same. If theres someone more determined to get rid of Pranchis existing image than Pranchi himself, it is Vasu Menon. The character was safe in Innocents hands, as he shared a great rapport with Mammootty in the film. It is arguably Innocents best role in the last decade. Lazar (Keli) In his four-decade-long career, Innocent often proved that theres so much more to him than just being a comic relief or strong supporting actor. He successfully played negative roles in films like Adhwaytham, Pingami, and Marykkundoru Kunjaadu. But his most ruthless villain role came in Keli, in which he played Lazar, a corrupt businessman, and politician. Whenever an artist passes away, it is quite a daunting task to compile his/her best performances. More so, if its someone of the stature of Innocent, who had an impeccable range as an actor. Though his biggest strength was unarguably his comic timing, he had the right set of skills to handle serious character roles as well. Here, we take a look at some of his versatile performances that would always hold a special place in Malayalam cinema. Warrier (Devaasuram) Every time I watch Devaasuram, Im in awe of the remarkable restraint that Innocent displayed while playing Warrier. The man Friday of Mohanlals Mangalassery Neelakandan, Warrier is the epitome of loyalty. Even when all the other acquaintances go into hiding after Mundakkal Shekharans attack on Neelan, Warrier stands by him and takes care of him like a father-figure. Innocent embodies the character beautifully; right from his looks to his demeanour, everything about his performance is pitch-perfect. It is quite a surprise that he couldnt win any major award for this film. Ponjikkara Keshavan (Kalyanaraman) Even if a vast majority isnt familiar with Ponjikkara, a quaint suburb near Bolgatty in Ernakulam, Im sure many would remember Innocents iconic character, Ponjikkara Keshavan. Sporting a twirled moustache and a weird hairdo, Keshavan claims himself to be a champion bodybuilder who can lift people on his thighs. Even though Kalyanaraman has an abundance of comedy numbers from the likes of Dileep and Salim Kumar, its Innocent who walks away as the undisputed winner. Who can forget the music with body muscles scene where he flexes his physique and the iconic scene where he loses his cool when someone asks for extra rice. And how about the scene where he senses the smell of alcohol during sleep and invites himself to the party with a waste glass?googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Mannar Mathai (Ramji Rao Speaking) Just like Ponjikkara, Mannar is another place that became famous thanks to Innocent. In the 1989 film Ramji Rao Speaking, the actor plays the owner of a run-down drama troupe. It is often said that comedy works best when there is an element of pain in it. This Siddique-Lal directorial follows the poverty-stricken lives of Mannar Mathai, Gopalakrishnan (Mukesh), and Balakrishnan (Sai Kumar). The films comedy is woven around the trios unemployment, hunger, and desperation. Some of Innocents lines like, vivaram ilathavan aanelum sathyame parayu and mundu.. nee mundu are popular even today. Kittunni (Kilukkam) Priyadarshan is a filmmaker who got the best out of Innocent every time they worked together. His Kilukkam had one of the most hilarious portrayals of a master-servant relationship, with Thilakan playing the master, Justice Pillai, and Innocent, his servant, Kittunni. The exchanges between them and how Pillai ill-treats a hapless Kittunni (a clear case of exploitation) make way for several fun moments. Innocents terrific dialogue modulation and expressions as he is tricked into believing that he has won a lottery is easily among the most popular Malayalam movie scenes ever. Unnithan (Manichithrathazhu) Fazils all-time classic psychological thriller opens with Innocents character Unnithan taking us through a tour of the mysterious mansion, Madampallithe centre of all the action thats about to follow. Before the entry of the leads, its Innocents hilarious performance as the terrified Unnithan that gets the audience interested in the spooky bungalow and the mystery surrounding it. His horrified expression once he finds himself alone in the huge house, and the way he yells Raghavoo is one of the most memorable Innocent-moments ever. Swaminathan (Godfather) Godfather is another Siddique-Lal film where Innocent delivered a compelling performance. Swaminathan is the second among the four brothers who take a vow of celibacy. A staunch Hanuman devotee, Swaminathan cant even stand the sight of women. But it is not soon before the mask comes off exposing his other life as a devoted husband and father. Innocents utter shock when he realises that he has been caught is certain to leave one in splits no matter how many times you watch the scene. Swaminathan was a character caught between loyalty to his father and love for his wife and daughter. Shankarankutty Menon (Mazhavilkavadi) Innocent is a regular in Sathyan Anthikads films, and it is the directors 1989 film Mazhavilkavadi that earned the former his lone Kerala State Award for acting. His character Kalarickel Kizhamkamthudiyil Shankarankutty Menon is a scheming, authoritative father who has a compulsive obsession to assault those who dont obey him. Innocents combination of scenes with the late Paravoor Bharathan in this film is still remembered by many. Vasu Menon (Pranchiyettan and the Saint) In Ranjiths Pranchiyettan and the Saint, Mammootty plays a successful businessman who is unhappy with his image among the locals. He is willing to spend a fortune for the sake of a better name and tries all possible means for the same. If theres someone more determined to get rid of Pranchis existing image than Pranchi himself, it is Vasu Menon. The character was safe in Innocents hands, as he shared a great rapport with Mammootty in the film. It is arguably Innocents best role in the last decade. Lazar (Keli) In his four-decade-long career, Innocent often proved that theres so much more to him than just being a comic relief or strong supporting actor. He successfully played negative roles in films like Adhwaytham, Pingami, and Marykkundoru Kunjaadu. But his most ruthless villain role came in Keli, in which he played Lazar, a corrupt businessman, and politician. Avinash Ramachandran By Express News Service The iconic Maya Angelou once said, When you learn, teach. When you get, give. Not wanting to get blinded in the showy limelight of cinema, Natural Star Nani strongly believes in the concept of paying it forward. Somebody gave me the platform to prove myself. Now, when I can do the same for others, it wont be right if I dont do this for other newcomers, says Nani, whose upcoming big-ticket film, Dasara, is directed by a debutant filmmaker Srikanth Odela. When pointed out that he is one of the few outliers in a world where stars want to do bigger films with experienced filmmakers, Nani simply shrugs it all off, and says, I see it as my responsibility, but I dont do it just for the sake of it either. I do it only if I love their work, and I am confident about their vision. It is not like I dont work with experienced directors either. There is a balance. But I have no fear of working with debutants. I dont see these attempts as risks. It is all about what excites me. It is this excitement that has made Nani give it all for Dasara. If it was up to me, I would ask the makers to exhibit the film for free after gaining profits because I want everyone to see the world Srikanth has envisioned in the film, says Nani, who swells with pride when talking about the Dasara filmmaker. He isnt a great narrator but he kept me engaged for four hours while he narrated Dasara. I liked the honesty in his narration, and it was infectious enough for me to get onboard. Although Nani was immediately convinced about doing the project, he did his due diligence before signing Dasara, which had to be mounted on a really big scale. The debut filmmaker was given a shoestring budget to shoot a couple of scenes and prove his mettle. What he did in that budget was mindblowing. I am not sure if many established technicians can pull off what he did in that budget, says the actor, who shares that Dasara was one of the most physically taxing films of his career. The only reason we did it all with a smile was because of Srikanths vision and how he translated it onscreen. Nani feels a sense of triumph knowing that filmmakers like Srikanth Odela are coming to him with scripts like Dasara. It is almost like filmmakers know they can knock on Nanis doors with a unique script, and they will definitely find an audience with him. It is extremely satisfying, and it is exactly the place I was working towards for more than a decade. Good stories can come from anywhere, and I want my address to be their first choice. Be it Dasara or Shyam Singha Roy, there is a sense of happiness when such films are offered, says Nani, with a heightened sense of confidence that drives the conversation towards his work as a producer. My Wallposter Cinema banner only backs unique ideas, and when we introduce new filmmakers and actors, it becomes a satisfying endeavour. Mass entertainers are the backbone of cinema The pursuit of this satisfaction is what drives Nani to each project. Although he prefers being an actor, Nani understands he has to navigate the trappings of stardom too. People and media make you a star, but I want to be known as an actor. That is the ultimate aim. Being a star is the byproduct of being an actor, and a lot of other checkboxes being ticked. says a refreshingly candid Nani, adding, All I care about is developing enough trust for the audience to say Lets go to this Nani film. I want to keep that feeling alive for as long as possible by telling different stories every single time. When pointed out that stars of his stature usually do more Dasaras rather than the Ante Sundaranikis and Shyam Singha Roys, Nani is quick to once again dispel the old notions and requisites of stardom, and says, Now, everyone calls me a star, but my next film is a rom-com. I am playing the father of a six-year-old. I am not worried about my image at all. Throughout Nanis career, we have seen how moving away from the beaten track without caring about the image has kept him in good stead. In fact, the train scene from Jersey has inadvertently become one of the most famous clippings on social media. That scene about second chances and the pursuit of happiness resonated with many, and Nani ascribes it to consistently delivering good work because such moments cannot be created. I didnt know that the Jersey scene will be celebrated. But, I want to do good films that have those organic moments, says Nani, who expresses genuine happiness in how his films are receiving love not just from Telugu audiences but other languages too, especially in Tamil where he has worked in multiple films. Honestly, Tamil was never another cinema for me. When I keep getting love from an industry I respect, I feel so great. Also, apart from Telugu stalwarts like Vishwanath garu and Bapu garu, some of my biggest inspirations were Mani (Ratnam) sir and Kamal Haasan sir. When I am doing commercial films like Nenu Local, I look upto Rajini sir, says Nani. While Nanis filmography might point at his affinity toward non-masala genres, he asserts that mass masala films are the reason why the Indian film industry is so big. If we dont have the mass commercial entertainers, then there is no revenue in the industry. The system will collapse if no one is going to theatres, and if no one is going to theatres, there is no point in making a good offbeat film also. Mass entertainers are the backbone of cinema, says the actor, who also expresses clarity on the P-word which is a raging theme in recent times. Even if a film is indeed tagged as a pan-Indian project, it is important to understand where it generated from. Pathaan is a Hindi film. KGF is a Kannada film. ikram is a Tamil film. RRR is a Telugu film. When these films get love from all over the country, it becomes an Indian film, signs off Nani, but not before reminding us that the Natural Star prefers being an actor first. When people talk about films making so many crores, I understand how the numbers matter, but what really makes me happy is that so many people have watched my work. What greater happiness for an actor than knowing that he has a huge audience. The iconic Maya Angelou once said, When you learn, teach. When you get, give. Not wanting to get blinded in the showy limelight of cinema, Natural Star Nani strongly believes in the concept of paying it forward. Somebody gave me the platform to prove myself. Now, when I can do the same for others, it wont be right if I dont do this for other newcomers, says Nani, whose upcoming big-ticket film, Dasara, is directed by a debutant filmmaker Srikanth Odela. When pointed out that he is one of the few outliers in a world where stars want to do bigger films with experienced filmmakers, Nani simply shrugs it all off, and says, I see it as my responsibility, but I dont do it just for the sake of it either. I do it only if I love their work, and I am confident about their vision. It is not like I dont work with experienced directors either. There is a balance. But I have no fear of working with debutants. I dont see these attempts as risks. It is all about what excites me. It is this excitement that has made Nani give it all for Dasara. If it was up to me, I would ask the makers to exhibit the film for free after gaining profits because I want everyone to see the world Srikanth has envisioned in the film, says Nani, who swells with pride when talking about the Dasara filmmaker. He isnt a great narrator but he kept me engaged for four hours while he narrated Dasara. I liked the honesty in his narration, and it was infectious enough for me to get onboard. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Although Nani was immediately convinced about doing the project, he did his due diligence before signing Dasara, which had to be mounted on a really big scale. The debut filmmaker was given a shoestring budget to shoot a couple of scenes and prove his mettle. What he did in that budget was mindblowing. I am not sure if many established technicians can pull off what he did in that budget, says the actor, who shares that Dasara was one of the most physically taxing films of his career. The only reason we did it all with a smile was because of Srikanths vision and how he translated it onscreen. Nani feels a sense of triumph knowing that filmmakers like Srikanth Odela are coming to him with scripts like Dasara. It is almost like filmmakers know they can knock on Nanis doors with a unique script, and they will definitely find an audience with him. It is extremely satisfying, and it is exactly the place I was working towards for more than a decade. Good stories can come from anywhere, and I want my address to be their first choice. Be it Dasara or Shyam Singha Roy, there is a sense of happiness when such films are offered, says Nani, with a heightened sense of confidence that drives the conversation towards his work as a producer. My Wallposter Cinema banner only backs unique ideas, and when we introduce new filmmakers and actors, it becomes a satisfying endeavour. Mass entertainers are the backbone of cinema The pursuit of this satisfaction is what drives Nani to each project. Although he prefers being an actor, Nani understands he has to navigate the trappings of stardom too. People and media make you a star, but I want to be known as an actor. That is the ultimate aim. Being a star is the byproduct of being an actor, and a lot of other checkboxes being ticked. says a refreshingly candid Nani, adding, All I care about is developing enough trust for the audience to say Lets go to this Nani film. I want to keep that feeling alive for as long as possible by telling different stories every single time. When pointed out that stars of his stature usually do more Dasaras rather than the Ante Sundaranikis and Shyam Singha Roys, Nani is quick to once again dispel the old notions and requisites of stardom, and says, Now, everyone calls me a star, but my next film is a rom-com. I am playing the father of a six-year-old. I am not worried about my image at all. Throughout Nanis career, we have seen how moving away from the beaten track without caring about the image has kept him in good stead. In fact, the train scene from Jersey has inadvertently become one of the most famous clippings on social media. That scene about second chances and the pursuit of happiness resonated with many, and Nani ascribes it to consistently delivering good work because such moments cannot be created. I didnt know that the Jersey scene will be celebrated. But, I want to do good films that have those organic moments, says Nani, who expresses genuine happiness in how his films are receiving love not just from Telugu audiences but other languages too, especially in Tamil where he has worked in multiple films. Honestly, Tamil was never another cinema for me. When I keep getting love from an industry I respect, I feel so great. Also, apart from Telugu stalwarts like Vishwanath garu and Bapu garu, some of my biggest inspirations were Mani (Ratnam) sir and Kamal Haasan sir. When I am doing commercial films like Nenu Local, I look upto Rajini sir, says Nani. While Nanis filmography might point at his affinity toward non-masala genres, he asserts that mass masala films are the reason why the Indian film industry is so big. If we dont have the mass commercial entertainers, then there is no revenue in the industry. The system will collapse if no one is going to theatres, and if no one is going to theatres, there is no point in making a good offbeat film also. Mass entertainers are the backbone of cinema, says the actor, who also expresses clarity on the P-word which is a raging theme in recent times. Even if a film is indeed tagged as a pan-Indian project, it is important to understand where it generated from. Pathaan is a Hindi film. KGF is a Kannada film. ikram is a Tamil film. RRR is a Telugu film. When these films get love from all over the country, it becomes an Indian film, signs off Nani, but not before reminding us that the Natural Star prefers being an actor first. When people talk about films making so many crores, I understand how the numbers matter, but what really makes me happy is that so many people have watched my work. What greater happiness for an actor than knowing that he has a huge audience. BOZEMAN Two Montana State University experts are preparing to contribute to remapping a portion of the Yellowstone River that was dramatically affected by last Junes devastating floods, while practicing techniques they will use to help calibrate a new NASA satellite designed to continuously monitor most of Earths surface water. A team led by Eric Sproles, assistant professor in MSUs Department of Earth Sciences, and Katey Plymesser, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, will float portions of the Yellowstone River between Livingston and Yankee Jim Canyon this spring and early summer to map the depth of the river and measure its velocity in 10 to 15 locations. They will use their data to calculate streamflows, thereby working with state and federal agencies to once again provide accurate, real-time streamflow and discharge information on the approximately 30-mile stretch of waterway. The Yellowstones channel has changed markedly since the floods, Sproles said. This information will verify streamflow estimates for the Yellowstone River and also collect baseline information on the shape of the river channel. Its the sort of data people in the United States take for granted, he added, because the U.S. Geological Survey continually measures streamflows and posts current conditions online. Thats not the case in other parts of the world, Sproles said. But thats about to change, thanks to NASAs new SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography, satellite. SWOT was launched into orbit in December 2022, outfitted with instruments to collect measurements from nearly all of Earths lakes, rivers, reservoirs and oceans at least once every 21 days. According to NASA, the data will help scientists improve ocean circulation models, make better weather and climate predictions, and aid in the management of water around the world. Before that can happen, the instruments aboard the satellite need to be precisely calibrated with the help of five U.S. universities, including MSU. Under a recently awarded $600,000 NASA grant, the MSU team the only one assigned to South America will collect high-fidelity field data on two Chilean rivers as SWOT passes overhead and takes its own measurements. The data sets will be compared, and the information from the ground team will be used to dial in the satellites accuracy. NASA currently is conducting an initial series of checks on the satellites hardware and instruments to be sure everything is operating properly before the calibration effort begins. While that is happening, Sproles, Plymesser and partners from the Universidad Austral de Chile in Valdivia will practice their techniques on the Yellowstone. I think early relationship-building will be important, Plymesser said. We will be relying on our Chilean partners to collect data when we are not present. MSUs work for NASA will begin this June and July, which is the height of winter in the southern hemisphere. The team will float the Rio Petrohue and Rio Valdivia, using a high-accuracy GPS tool to measure the elevation of the waters surface. A Doppler radar on the raft will collect information about the shape of the rivers channels, and as they will have practiced on the Yellowstone team members will measure the velocity of the water at different points, enabling calculation of total streamflow. When the SWOT satellite passes over, we want detailed measurements of water surface elevation and flow rate, Sproles said. Plymesser, who has measured streamflow and river discharge rates on numerous projects in the past, will apply her hydraulics expertise in the field. Sproles, a geographic analyst who focuses on snow and water resources, will oversee the satellite aspects of the project and verify the results. Sproles believes the data from SWOT could help reduce contention in parts of the world where a lack of information or data-sharing leads to disputes over water rights or management. Helping communities around the world access adequate water is one of the goals of the SWOT program, according to NASA. SWOT data will be used to monitor drought conditions and improve flood forecasts, providing essential information to water management agencies, disaster preparedness agencies, universities, civil engineers and others who need to track water in their local areas, a NASA project website states. MSU will use the grant funding for equipment, travel and to support stipends and tuition for two graduate students. The SWOT mission is a collaborative effort by NASA and the space agency of France, with contributions from the space agencies of Canada and the United Kingdom. By PTI NEW DELHI: Jailed former Samajwadi Party MP and gangster Atiq Ahmed on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court for protection, claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" as accused in the Umesh Pal murder case in Prayagraj and he may be killed in a fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. In his plea, Ahmed, who is presently lodged at the central jail Ahmedabad in Gujarat, has referred to the statement made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the floor of the Assembly to "completely ruin and destroy" him and claimed there is a "genuine and perceptible threat" to his and his family members' lives. He said the Uttar Pradesh Police in all likelihood will seek his transit remand and also police remand to take him from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj and he "genuinely apprehends that he may be eliminated during this transit period". In his plea filed in the apex court, 61-year-old Ahmed has sought directions to the Centre, state of Uttar Pradesh and others to protect his life against the "open, direct and immediate threat" to his life from high state functionaries of Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | Police shoot dead accused in witness Umesh Pal's murder "After the murder of Umesh Pal, Opposition put fuel in the fire in the House which provoked the CM to say 'mafia ko mitti me mila doonga' because petitioner was the main subject in argument in House," the plea said. "Petitioner (Ahmed) genuinely apprehends and believes that the petitioner may be killed in a fake encounter on one pretext or the other by UP police particularly in view of the statement made by the Chief Minister of state of UP on the floor of the house," the plea alleged. Umesh Pal, who was the prime witness in then BSP MLA Raju Pal's murder in 2005, and his police security guard Sandeep Nishad were shot dead on Friday last outside his home in Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj. Umesh Pal was a key witness in the 2005 MLA murder case in Prayagraj in which Ahmed and others are prime accused. Arbaaz, an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, was killed in an encounter with the police on Monday. Dhoomanganj police station SHO Rajesh Maurya was also injured in the encounter. The petition was filed on a day the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) demolished the house of a close aide of Ahmed. Prayagraj Development Authority secretary Ajit Singh said the house belonging to Zafar Ahmed has been bulldozed. He said Atiq Ahmed's wife Shaista Parveen used to stay in the same house earlier. "The said house was constructed without getting its map (naksha) passed from the authority and a notice regarding the same was issued in the past. Most of the house was destroyed by the afternoon," the officer said. Meanwhile, in his plea, Ahmed sought a direction to the Centre to ensure his safety and security and that no physical or bodily injury or any other harm is caused to him and his family members. He has sought directions restraining the state of Uttar Pradesh and others from taking him from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj or any part of Uttar Pradesh. He has requested that his interrogation, if any, be carried out at the Central Jail Ahmedabad or at any other suitable place in Ahmedabad itself under the protection of Gujarat Police as well as central or paramilitary forces. He has sought the top court's direction for his transit from Ahmedabad to Uttar Pradesh under the protection of any central police or paramilitary force if at all the transit is necessary. He has sought a direction allowing his advocate to remain present during his interrogation and also to quash the warrants against him, if issued by any court, for taking him to Prayagraj from central jail Ahmedabad. ALSO READ | Will expel Atiq Ahmed's wife from BSP if found involved in Umesh Pal's murder, says Mayawati The plea claimed that the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, without any investigation and merely on the basis of suspicion, had made a statement on the floor of the state Assembly that Ahmed will be "destroyed and eliminated completely". "In such circumstances, the petitioner is constrained to file the present writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India before this court for the protection of his life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India," it said. The plea claimed the petitioner and his family members have no connection in the Umesh Pal murder case and it seems that a conspiracy has been hatched to completely wipe out him and his entire family politically as well physically by falsely roping them in this case. ALSO READ | Now, BJP-SP photo war erupts over main plotter linked to Umesh Pal murder It alleged that two minor sons of Ahmed have already been taken into "illegal custody" by the police since February 24 and they are kept at an undisclosed location. "It is even unknown to the petitioner whether they are dead or alive. The other two sons of the petitioner are also in jail in other false cases," it said, adding that the petitioner fears for the safety of his family members and has apprehensions that they may be killed in a fake encounter. The plea alleged that the petitioner and his family members have been falsely implicated and named in the FIR due to political and various other reasons and the main reason seems to be that his wife has joined the BSP and the party has declared her as a candidate for the post of Mayor in the forthcoming election. "It was very well known to the rivals of the petitioner that if anything were to happen to Umesh Pal, then the petitioner would certainly be the prime suspect in view of the pending case against him by Umesh Pal and he will be made an accused. The same has been done," the plea claimed. NEW DELHI: Jailed former Samajwadi Party MP and gangster Atiq Ahmed on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court for protection, claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" as accused in the Umesh Pal murder case in Prayagraj and he may be killed in a fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. In his plea, Ahmed, who is presently lodged at the central jail Ahmedabad in Gujarat, has referred to the statement made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the floor of the Assembly to "completely ruin and destroy" him and claimed there is a "genuine and perceptible threat" to his and his family members' lives. He said the Uttar Pradesh Police in all likelihood will seek his transit remand and also police remand to take him from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj and he "genuinely apprehends that he may be eliminated during this transit period".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In his plea filed in the apex court, 61-year-old Ahmed has sought directions to the Centre, state of Uttar Pradesh and others to protect his life against the "open, direct and immediate threat" to his life from high state functionaries of Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | Police shoot dead accused in witness Umesh Pal's murder "After the murder of Umesh Pal, Opposition put fuel in the fire in the House which provoked the CM to say 'mafia ko mitti me mila doonga' because petitioner was the main subject in argument in House," the plea said. "Petitioner (Ahmed) genuinely apprehends and believes that the petitioner may be killed in a fake encounter on one pretext or the other by UP police particularly in view of the statement made by the Chief Minister of state of UP on the floor of the house," the plea alleged. Umesh Pal, who was the prime witness in then BSP MLA Raju Pal's murder in 2005, and his police security guard Sandeep Nishad were shot dead on Friday last outside his home in Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj. Umesh Pal was a key witness in the 2005 MLA murder case in Prayagraj in which Ahmed and others are prime accused. Arbaaz, an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, was killed in an encounter with the police on Monday. Dhoomanganj police station SHO Rajesh Maurya was also injured in the encounter. The petition was filed on a day the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) demolished the house of a close aide of Ahmed. Prayagraj Development Authority secretary Ajit Singh said the house belonging to Zafar Ahmed has been bulldozed. He said Atiq Ahmed's wife Shaista Parveen used to stay in the same house earlier. "The said house was constructed without getting its map (naksha) passed from the authority and a notice regarding the same was issued in the past. Most of the house was destroyed by the afternoon," the officer said. Meanwhile, in his plea, Ahmed sought a direction to the Centre to ensure his safety and security and that no physical or bodily injury or any other harm is caused to him and his family members. He has sought directions restraining the state of Uttar Pradesh and others from taking him from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj or any part of Uttar Pradesh. He has requested that his interrogation, if any, be carried out at the Central Jail Ahmedabad or at any other suitable place in Ahmedabad itself under the protection of Gujarat Police as well as central or paramilitary forces. He has sought the top court's direction for his transit from Ahmedabad to Uttar Pradesh under the protection of any central police or paramilitary force if at all the transit is necessary. He has sought a direction allowing his advocate to remain present during his interrogation and also to quash the warrants against him, if issued by any court, for taking him to Prayagraj from central jail Ahmedabad. ALSO READ | Will expel Atiq Ahmed's wife from BSP if found involved in Umesh Pal's murder, says Mayawati The plea claimed that the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, without any investigation and merely on the basis of suspicion, had made a statement on the floor of the state Assembly that Ahmed will be "destroyed and eliminated completely". "In such circumstances, the petitioner is constrained to file the present writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India before this court for the protection of his life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India," it said. The plea claimed the petitioner and his family members have no connection in the Umesh Pal murder case and it seems that a conspiracy has been hatched to completely wipe out him and his entire family politically as well physically by falsely roping them in this case. ALSO READ | Now, BJP-SP photo war erupts over main plotter linked to Umesh Pal murder It alleged that two minor sons of Ahmed have already been taken into "illegal custody" by the police since February 24 and they are kept at an undisclosed location. "It is even unknown to the petitioner whether they are dead or alive. The other two sons of the petitioner are also in jail in other false cases," it said, adding that the petitioner fears for the safety of his family members and has apprehensions that they may be killed in a fake encounter. The plea alleged that the petitioner and his family members have been falsely implicated and named in the FIR due to political and various other reasons and the main reason seems to be that his wife has joined the BSP and the party has declared her as a candidate for the post of Mayor in the forthcoming election. "It was very well known to the rivals of the petitioner that if anything were to happen to Umesh Pal, then the petitioner would certainly be the prime suspect in view of the pending case against him by Umesh Pal and he will be made an accused. The same has been done," the plea claimed. By PTI PRAYAGRAJ: Authorities began bulldozing the house of a criminal allegedly linked to gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed here on Friday amid heavy police deployment, the third such demolition in three days. Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) officials arrived at the house of Mashookuddin, who has dozens of cases registered against him, in Puramufti area on Friday afternoon with bulldozers and other heavy-duty earth movers and began pulling down the structure. PDA officials said the house was built illegally. Police and administration officials were present in large numbers as the demolition progressed. Mashookuddin is said to be closely associated with Atiq Ahmed, who is lodged in a Gujarat prison. This is the third consecutive day of PDA action against "illegal" structures built by people linked to Atiq Ahmed, who has been booked by UP police in connection with the killing of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal and his two security personnel last week. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had vowed in the assembly that his government would destroy the mafia in the state. On Thursday, a two-storey building in Dhoomanganj area owned by Safdar Ali, an alleged arms trader linked to Atiq Ahmed, was demolished. A day before that, the house of Zafar Ahmed, another alleged aide of Atiq Ahmed, was demolished in the city. Arbaaz, an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, was killed in an encounter with police on Monday. On the basis of a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Gulam and nine others. ALSO READ | Jailed Atiq Ahmed moves SC claiming he may be killed in fake encounter by UP police On Wednesday, Atiq Ahmed, 61, moved the Supreme Court for protection claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" the case and he may be killed in a fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. In his plea, he also referred to Adityanath's statement in the assembly and claimed there is a "genuine and perceptible threat" to his and his family members' lives. He has sought directions to the Centre, the state government and others to protect his life against the "open, direct and immediate threat" from high state functionaries of Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Adityanath has often spoken about the actions taken by his government to improve law and order in the state, including frequent reference to bulldozers to raze illegal property of criminals and the mafia. PRAYAGRAJ: Authorities began bulldozing the house of a criminal allegedly linked to gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed here on Friday amid heavy police deployment, the third such demolition in three days. Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) officials arrived at the house of Mashookuddin, who has dozens of cases registered against him, in Puramufti area on Friday afternoon with bulldozers and other heavy-duty earth movers and began pulling down the structure. PDA officials said the house was built illegally.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Police and administration officials were present in large numbers as the demolition progressed. Mashookuddin is said to be closely associated with Atiq Ahmed, who is lodged in a Gujarat prison. This is the third consecutive day of PDA action against "illegal" structures built by people linked to Atiq Ahmed, who has been booked by UP police in connection with the killing of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal and his two security personnel last week. Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had vowed in the assembly that his government would destroy the mafia in the state. On Thursday, a two-storey building in Dhoomanganj area owned by Safdar Ali, an alleged arms trader linked to Atiq Ahmed, was demolished. A day before that, the house of Zafar Ahmed, another alleged aide of Atiq Ahmed, was demolished in the city. Arbaaz, an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case, was killed in an encounter with police on Monday. On the basis of a complaint lodged by Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Gulam and nine others. ALSO READ | Jailed Atiq Ahmed moves SC claiming he may be killed in fake encounter by UP police On Wednesday, Atiq Ahmed, 61, moved the Supreme Court for protection claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" the case and he may be killed in a fake encounter by the Uttar Pradesh Police. In his plea, he also referred to Adityanath's statement in the assembly and claimed there is a "genuine and perceptible threat" to his and his family members' lives. He has sought directions to the Centre, the state government and others to protect his life against the "open, direct and immediate threat" from high state functionaries of Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Adityanath has often spoken about the actions taken by his government to improve law and order in the state, including frequent reference to bulldozers to raze illegal property of criminals and the mafia. By PTI BALLIA: Former BJP MP Harinarayan Rajbhar on Thursday said gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed should be brought out of jail and killed in an encounter, adding that the gates of heaven will open for the policeman who does so. The provocative remark comes days after Ahmed's two alleged aides, accused in the Umesh Pal murder, were killed in separate encounters with UP Police. Police say they fired in retaliation, but the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have expressed disquiet. The police encounters followed the gunning down of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in 2005, and two police personnel in Prayagraj last month. Police said Ahmed, already lodged in a Gujarat jail in connection with another case, was involved in planning the attack. ALSO READ | Umesh Pal murder: UP police will kill one of Atiqs sons, claims MP Ram Gopal Yadav "Atiq Ahmed conspired the murder while in jail. Atiq Ahmed has killed hundreds of people and forcibly occupied the land of the poor," Rajbhar, who was elected to Parliament in 2014 from Ghosi in Mau district, told reporters. "Atiq Ahmed fears being killed in an encounter. There should be an encounter of all the shooters involved in the Umesh Pal murder case. An encounter of Atiq Ahmed should be carried out after bringing him out of jail. The doors of heaven will open in the future for the officer who carries out Atiq's encounter," he said. Ahmed recently moved the Supreme Court, saying he feared for his life. In the petition, he expressed the apprehension that the Uttar Pradesh Police will seek his remand in connection with the Umesh Pal murder and then stage a fake encounter while bringing him from Ahmedabad prison to Prayagraj. Along with Ahmed, police have named his family members in the Umesh Pal case. Rajbhar was also asked about SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav's remark that Ahmed's son will be killed in a fake encounter in the coming days. "Ram Gopal Yadav has given birth to these criminals while in government, taught them crime. He is still speaking in support of these criminals," the BJP leader charged. He said the Mulayam Singh Yadav family "promotes such elements" and accused SP leaders of being "merchants of death." ALSO READ | Another man accused of killing Umesh Pal killed in Police encounter Targeting Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar, the BJP leader called him an "accomplice of criminals" and said he should be in jail. He alleged that the SBSP chief and his sons are extorting money from businessmen and doctors. "They are committing these crimes under police protection. If the government does not pay attention now, there is a possibility that more Prayagraj-like incidents will take place in the near future," he said. The SBSP has quit its alliance with the SP and appears to be inching towards the ruling BJP. BALLIA: Former BJP MP Harinarayan Rajbhar on Thursday said gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed should be brought out of jail and killed in an encounter, adding that the gates of heaven will open for the policeman who does so. The provocative remark comes days after Ahmed's two alleged aides, accused in the Umesh Pal murder, were killed in separate encounters with UP Police. Police say they fired in retaliation, but the opposition Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have expressed disquiet.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The police encounters followed the gunning down of Umesh Pal, a key witness in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal in 2005, and two police personnel in Prayagraj last month. Police said Ahmed, already lodged in a Gujarat jail in connection with another case, was involved in planning the attack. ALSO READ | Umesh Pal murder: UP police will kill one of Atiqs sons, claims MP Ram Gopal Yadav "Atiq Ahmed conspired the murder while in jail. Atiq Ahmed has killed hundreds of people and forcibly occupied the land of the poor," Rajbhar, who was elected to Parliament in 2014 from Ghosi in Mau district, told reporters. "Atiq Ahmed fears being killed in an encounter. There should be an encounter of all the shooters involved in the Umesh Pal murder case. An encounter of Atiq Ahmed should be carried out after bringing him out of jail. The doors of heaven will open in the future for the officer who carries out Atiq's encounter," he said. Ahmed recently moved the Supreme Court, saying he feared for his life. In the petition, he expressed the apprehension that the Uttar Pradesh Police will seek his remand in connection with the Umesh Pal murder and then stage a fake encounter while bringing him from Ahmedabad prison to Prayagraj. Along with Ahmed, police have named his family members in the Umesh Pal case. Rajbhar was also asked about SP general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav's remark that Ahmed's son will be killed in a fake encounter in the coming days. "Ram Gopal Yadav has given birth to these criminals while in government, taught them crime. He is still speaking in support of these criminals," the BJP leader charged. He said the Mulayam Singh Yadav family "promotes such elements" and accused SP leaders of being "merchants of death." ALSO READ | Another man accused of killing Umesh Pal killed in Police encounter Targeting Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar, the BJP leader called him an "accomplice of criminals" and said he should be in jail. He alleged that the SBSP chief and his sons are extorting money from businessmen and doctors. "They are committing these crimes under police protection. If the government does not pay attention now, there is a possibility that more Prayagraj-like incidents will take place in the near future," he said. The SBSP has quit its alliance with the SP and appears to be inching towards the ruling BJP. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service In what appears to be a well-crafted plan, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) is tossing up ex-Congress MP Rahul Gandhis remark on Modi surname as an issue of insult to OBCs across the country in view of upcoming the 2024 general elections in particular and assembly elections in some states in general. Appearing as working with this objectively crafted electoral strategy in the wake of the disqualification of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi after he was convicted in a criminal defamation case, the BJP leaders, especially those who belong to OBCs, have started protesting against Gandhis remarks on Modi surname in a planned way across the country describing it as an insult to OBCs. In what appears also as a part of this strategy, adopted amid the Opposition's persisting protests against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from LS membership, the BJP MPs of OBCs also demonstrated near the Gandhi statue on the premises of Parliament demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remark on Modi's surname. "Hindustan will not tolerate insult to Modi ji. Rahul Gandhi should have a shame, seek apology, the BJP MPs demanded. Some senior sources in BJP here said that Rahul Gandhis remark on The Modi surname will certainly snowball into a big political issue to counter the Congress-led Opposition protest against disqualification and the accusation against the BJP over disqualification. "The Congress-led Opposition are accusing the BJP for what happened to Rahul Gandhi after his conviction. But in reality, the BJP has nothing to do with it. Rahul has insulted us (OBCs) and the BJP should use his remarks to project it as an insult to OBCs", remarked an OBC leader belonging to the BJP. ALSO READ| 'Modi surname' case: Rahul Gandhi sentenced to two years in jail, has 30 days to appeal On Monday, BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi also said that the conviction of Rahul Gandhi over his remark on Modi's surname has been done by the court. It is not the decision of PM Modi or the BJP. Gandhi has insulted OBCs and will have to pay a penalty for it, he remarked. But when the Congress Party along with other like-minded people started creating uproar over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi after his conviction, the BJP shrewdly linked the Congress-led Opposition protest against Rahul Gandhis conviction in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification from LS with the sentiment of OBC people ahead of polls. Many senior leaders including union ministers like Piyush Goyal, Anurag Thakur, Hardeep Singh Puri and others, have also demanded for an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the Modi surname and his remarks about the state of democracy in India while issuing a speech in London. In India, 56 % of the countrys total voting population constitutes of OBCs. Gandhis remark on Modi surname, which belongs to an OBC, has badly hurt the sentiment of OBCs in the country. The BJP will take this insult before the OBC people. PM Modi has given a new social reorganisation to OBCs and now 27 ministers in Modi's cabinet belong to OBCs. ALSO READ| Gehlot says judiciary under pressure, 'Modi surname' remark by Rahul was just 'political' comment The PM Modi is the single OBC caring leader, remarked a senior BJP leader. Upon being contacted, the National President of BJP OBC Morcha Dr K Laxman also said that the BJP MPs, belonging to OBCs, will meet together on Wednesday with the national president of the party JP Nadda, to chalk out further course of agitation against Rahul Gandhis remarks on Modi surname. Gandhis remark on Modi's surname is not a small issue. We are taking it seriously as a big issue that has insulted the collective psyche of OBC people in the country. We will take this across the country in the next one year, Dr Laxman, who is MP in RS, also remarked. He said that the OBC Morcha of BJP is launching a nationwide campaign taking the works done for the OBC people by the Modi government across 1 lakh villages to cover 1 crore houses of OBC people from April 6 to 14. The Congress has been insulting OBC people for a long time. Rahul Gandhis remark on Modi's surname was a part of the anti-OBC mindset on which the court pronounced judgement against Gandhi. We will take this issue of insult of OBC people across the country, he said. He added that all OBC MPs of the BJP will sit together with JP Nadda on Wednesday and discuss this. In what appears to be a well-crafted plan, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) is tossing up ex-Congress MP Rahul Gandhis remark on Modi surname as an issue of insult to OBCs across the country in view of upcoming the 2024 general elections in particular and assembly elections in some states in general. Appearing as working with this objectively crafted electoral strategy in the wake of the disqualification of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi after he was convicted in a criminal defamation case, the BJP leaders, especially those who belong to OBCs, have started protesting against Gandhis remarks on Modi surname in a planned way across the country describing it as an insult to OBCs. In what appears also as a part of this strategy, adopted amid the Opposition's persisting protests against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from LS membership, the BJP MPs of OBCs also demonstrated near the Gandhi statue on the premises of Parliament demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remark on Modi's surname.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Hindustan will not tolerate insult to Modi ji. Rahul Gandhi should have a shame, seek apology, the BJP MPs demanded. Some senior sources in BJP here said that Rahul Gandhis remark on The Modi surname will certainly snowball into a big political issue to counter the Congress-led Opposition protest against disqualification and the accusation against the BJP over disqualification. "The Congress-led Opposition are accusing the BJP for what happened to Rahul Gandhi after his conviction. But in reality, the BJP has nothing to do with it. Rahul has insulted us (OBCs) and the BJP should use his remarks to project it as an insult to OBCs", remarked an OBC leader belonging to the BJP. ALSO READ| 'Modi surname' case: Rahul Gandhi sentenced to two years in jail, has 30 days to appeal On Monday, BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi also said that the conviction of Rahul Gandhi over his remark on Modi's surname has been done by the court. It is not the decision of PM Modi or the BJP. Gandhi has insulted OBCs and will have to pay a penalty for it, he remarked. But when the Congress Party along with other like-minded people started creating uproar over the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi after his conviction, the BJP shrewdly linked the Congress-led Opposition protest against Rahul Gandhis conviction in a defamation case and subsequent disqualification from LS with the sentiment of OBC people ahead of polls. Many senior leaders including union ministers like Piyush Goyal, Anurag Thakur, Hardeep Singh Puri and others, have also demanded for an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the Modi surname and his remarks about the state of democracy in India while issuing a speech in London. In India, 56 % of the countrys total voting population constitutes of OBCs. Gandhis remark on Modi surname, which belongs to an OBC, has badly hurt the sentiment of OBCs in the country. The BJP will take this insult before the OBC people. PM Modi has given a new social reorganisation to OBCs and now 27 ministers in Modi's cabinet belong to OBCs. ALSO READ| Gehlot says judiciary under pressure, 'Modi surname' remark by Rahul was just 'political' comment The PM Modi is the single OBC caring leader, remarked a senior BJP leader. Upon being contacted, the National President of BJP OBC Morcha Dr K Laxman also said that the BJP MPs, belonging to OBCs, will meet together on Wednesday with the national president of the party JP Nadda, to chalk out further course of agitation against Rahul Gandhis remarks on Modi surname. Gandhis remark on Modi's surname is not a small issue. We are taking it seriously as a big issue that has insulted the collective psyche of OBC people in the country. We will take this across the country in the next one year, Dr Laxman, who is MP in RS, also remarked. He said that the OBC Morcha of BJP is launching a nationwide campaign taking the works done for the OBC people by the Modi government across 1 lakh villages to cover 1 crore houses of OBC people from April 6 to 14. The Congress has been insulting OBC people for a long time. Rahul Gandhis remark on Modi's surname was a part of the anti-OBC mindset on which the court pronounced judgement against Gandhi. We will take this issue of insult of OBC people across the country, he said. He added that all OBC MPs of the BJP will sit together with JP Nadda on Wednesday and discuss this. By PTI CHANDIGARH: The Border Security Force (BSF) brought down a drone and shot at two others, apparently being used to smuggle heroin, near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, an official said on Tuesday. About 10 kg of heroin, a pistol, a magazine and eight rounds were recovered in the series of incidents. In one case, BSF soldiers opened fire at miscreants who hurled a heroin packet across the border fence in Fazilka district. A BSF spokesperson said the force also apprehended two persons. In Amritsar's Rajatal village, the movement of a Pakistani drone was detected at around 8:30 pm on Monday and the BSF personnel fired at it, the official. During the search of the area on Tuesday, the force recovered a black coloured drone (a DJI Matrice quadcopter). A packet of heroin weighing 2.6 kg, wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, was found inside a bag attached to the drone, the spokesperson said. In Amritsar's Bachiwind village, the BSF shot down another drone entering the village from the Pakistan side on Monday night. Three kg of heroin, concealed inside three packets, was recovered from a polyester bag during the search, the spokesperson said, adding two people were also apprehended. In Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar, the BSF opened fire at another Pakistani drone and later recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg during a search of the area. In Fazilka district, the BSF personnel opened fire at some miscreants after they heard the thumping sound of something being thrown over the border fence near village Natha Singh Wala early Tuesday morning. The miscreants managed to flee, the spokesperson said, adding that two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg and a China-made pistol along with a magazine and eight rounds were recovered during the search of the area. CHANDIGARH: The Border Security Force (BSF) brought down a drone and shot at two others, apparently being used to smuggle heroin, near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, an official said on Tuesday. About 10 kg of heroin, a pistol, a magazine and eight rounds were recovered in the series of incidents. In one case, BSF soldiers opened fire at miscreants who hurled a heroin packet across the border fence in Fazilka district. A BSF spokesperson said the force also apprehended two persons.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In Amritsar's Rajatal village, the movement of a Pakistani drone was detected at around 8:30 pm on Monday and the BSF personnel fired at it, the official. During the search of the area on Tuesday, the force recovered a black coloured drone (a DJI Matrice quadcopter). A packet of heroin weighing 2.6 kg, wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, was found inside a bag attached to the drone, the spokesperson said. In Amritsar's Bachiwind village, the BSF shot down another drone entering the village from the Pakistan side on Monday night. Three kg of heroin, concealed inside three packets, was recovered from a polyester bag during the search, the spokesperson said, adding two people were also apprehended. In Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar, the BSF opened fire at another Pakistani drone and later recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg during a search of the area. In Fazilka district, the BSF personnel opened fire at some miscreants after they heard the thumping sound of something being thrown over the border fence near village Natha Singh Wala early Tuesday morning. The miscreants managed to flee, the spokesperson said, adding that two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg and a China-made pistol along with a magazine and eight rounds were recovered during the search of the area. Dilip Singh Kshatriya By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: Malini Patel, wife of alleged conman Kiran Patel, was taken into custody by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Tuesday morning in connection with a Rs 15 crore fraud complaint. The charge was filed against the couple by Jagdish Chavda, brother of a former BJP minister Jawahar Chavda on March 22. Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Crime Branch Chaitanya Mandlik stated, " As soon as the complaint was filed, Malini Patel attempted fleeing. A report of encroachment on a bungalow led to Malini Patel's detention in Jambusar, Gujarat. Kiran Patel and Malini Patel travelled together also to Jammu. When the complaint was filed, she initially ran away to Nadiad and then to Jambusar. Another case against Malini Patel was filed in 2017 at the Naroda police station for selling a car to the Swaminarayan temple directly. The interrogation of Malini has begun. Kiran Patel will be brought to Ahmedabad on the basis of a transfer warrant after March 31, he added. ALSO READ | Gujarat CMO official resigns after son's name crops up in 'conman' Kiran Patel case Jagdish Chavda, the complainant, alleges that he had received a notice from Ahmedabad's Mirzapur court in August 2022, which named Kiran Patel and Malini Patel as the owners of the bungalow, following which Chavda filed a fraud complaint against them. Ahmedabad Crime Branch police station received an FIR on March 22 from Jagdish Chavda, accusing Kiran and Malini of defrauding him of approximately Rs 15 crore for the purported purpose of renovating his home in the Shilaj neighbourhood of Ahmedabad in 2022. This is Kiran's fourth Gujarat-related FIR. The FIR states that Kiran gained Chavda's trust by identifying himself as a "Class 1 Officer in the PMO" with ties to a "major Adani project." Kiran claimed to have "experience in refurbishing houses and buildings" and "a high political prestige," the FIR says. The duo Kiran Patel and Malini Patel were charged with violating provisions of the Indian Criminal Code 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 170 (personating a public servant), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing handover of property), and 406 (criminal breach of trust). 'Conman' Kiran Patel is still being held in judicial custody in Jammu and Kashmir, where he is suspected of impersonating a member of the Prime Minister's Office in order to receive benefits including security and housing. Hitesh Pandya, Public relations officer in Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's office, resigned last week After his son was questioned by the J&K police about his connections with Conman Kiran Patel. AHMEDABAD: Malini Patel, wife of alleged conman Kiran Patel, was taken into custody by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Tuesday morning in connection with a Rs 15 crore fraud complaint. The charge was filed against the couple by Jagdish Chavda, brother of a former BJP minister Jawahar Chavda on March 22. Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Crime Branch Chaitanya Mandlik stated, " As soon as the complaint was filed, Malini Patel attempted fleeing. A report of encroachment on a bungalow led to Malini Patel's detention in Jambusar, Gujarat. Kiran Patel and Malini Patel travelled together also to Jammu. When the complaint was filed, she initially ran away to Nadiad and then to Jambusar. Another case against Malini Patel was filed in 2017 at the Naroda police station for selling a car to the Swaminarayan temple directly. The interrogation of Malini has begun. Kiran Patel will be brought to Ahmedabad on the basis of a transfer warrant after March 31, he added. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Gujarat CMO official resigns after son's name crops up in 'conman' Kiran Patel case Jagdish Chavda, the complainant, alleges that he had received a notice from Ahmedabad's Mirzapur court in August 2022, which named Kiran Patel and Malini Patel as the owners of the bungalow, following which Chavda filed a fraud complaint against them. Ahmedabad Crime Branch police station received an FIR on March 22 from Jagdish Chavda, accusing Kiran and Malini of defrauding him of approximately Rs 15 crore for the purported purpose of renovating his home in the Shilaj neighbourhood of Ahmedabad in 2022. This is Kiran's fourth Gujarat-related FIR. The FIR states that Kiran gained Chavda's trust by identifying himself as a "Class 1 Officer in the PMO" with ties to a "major Adani project." Kiran claimed to have "experience in refurbishing houses and buildings" and "a high political prestige," the FIR says. The duo Kiran Patel and Malini Patel were charged with violating provisions of the Indian Criminal Code 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 170 (personating a public servant), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing handover of property), and 406 (criminal breach of trust). 'Conman' Kiran Patel is still being held in judicial custody in Jammu and Kashmir, where he is suspected of impersonating a member of the Prime Minister's Office in order to receive benefits including security and housing. Hitesh Pandya, Public relations officer in Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's office, resigned last week After his son was questioned by the J&K police about his connections with Conman Kiran Patel. By PTI GUWAHATI: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday said that the Election Commission of India has never worked on the diktat of anyone nor will it in the future. The assertion of the CEC came following allegations levelled by the Congress that the poll panel was working at the behest of the ruling BJP for the delimitation of 126 Assembly and 14 Parliamentary seats of Assam. "It's not new for us, we have to hear such words. It is never possible to dictate anything to us. Our record is such that we never take dictation from anyone and never will," Kumar said. The ECI has been able to maintain its impeccable record by remaining firm on its two foundations - discourse and participation of stakeholders, he told a press conference here at the end of his three-day visit to the state ahead of delimitation of constituencies. The two election commissioners, Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, accompanied him. The Congress refused to meet the ECI team and submit their representation over the proposed delimitation, alleging that the panel had failed to address queries raised before it earlier. State Congress president Bhupen Kumar Bora accused the ECI of 'match fixing' while carrying out the process of redrawing constituencies. Whether it is the election process or delimitation exercise, all decisions and reasons thereof are shared with the people and involvement of political parties is ensured at all levels, the CEC asserted. "In case of delimitation also, the draft will be published and discussions held again," he added. Kumar said the Congress had met the ECI in January over the delimitation issue and the concerns raised by it were almost the same as those put forth by other parties and organisations before it here. The opposition Congress on Monday boycotted the hearing on the delimitation exercise in Assam alleging that it did not receive any response from the ECI on its allegation that the state cabinet had a "mala fide intention" in merging four districts with others. The Congress asserted that the creation of new administrative units was banned by the EC from January one, 2023, because of the delimitation process. However, the state cabinet at a meeting in New Delhi decided to merge four districts and redraw boundaries in 14 places just one day earlier, on December 31, 2022. ''Almost all the opposition parties condemned the move and accused the ruling party of attempting to redraw Muslim majority seats in Assam to benefit itself and also to spark religious polarisation," Bora had claimed on Monday. GUWAHATI: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday said that the Election Commission of India has never worked on the diktat of anyone nor will it in the future. The assertion of the CEC came following allegations levelled by the Congress that the poll panel was working at the behest of the ruling BJP for the delimitation of 126 Assembly and 14 Parliamentary seats of Assam. "It's not new for us, we have to hear such words. It is never possible to dictate anything to us. Our record is such that we never take dictation from anyone and never will," Kumar said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ECI has been able to maintain its impeccable record by remaining firm on its two foundations - discourse and participation of stakeholders, he told a press conference here at the end of his three-day visit to the state ahead of delimitation of constituencies. The two election commissioners, Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, accompanied him. The Congress refused to meet the ECI team and submit their representation over the proposed delimitation, alleging that the panel had failed to address queries raised before it earlier. State Congress president Bhupen Kumar Bora accused the ECI of 'match fixing' while carrying out the process of redrawing constituencies. Whether it is the election process or delimitation exercise, all decisions and reasons thereof are shared with the people and involvement of political parties is ensured at all levels, the CEC asserted. "In case of delimitation also, the draft will be published and discussions held again," he added. Kumar said the Congress had met the ECI in January over the delimitation issue and the concerns raised by it were almost the same as those put forth by other parties and organisations before it here. The opposition Congress on Monday boycotted the hearing on the delimitation exercise in Assam alleging that it did not receive any response from the ECI on its allegation that the state cabinet had a "mala fide intention" in merging four districts with others. The Congress asserted that the creation of new administrative units was banned by the EC from January one, 2023, because of the delimitation process. However, the state cabinet at a meeting in New Delhi decided to merge four districts and redraw boundaries in 14 places just one day earlier, on December 31, 2022. ''Almost all the opposition parties condemned the move and accused the ruling party of attempting to redraw Muslim majority seats in Assam to benefit itself and also to spark religious polarisation," Bora had claimed on Monday. By PTI CHANDIGARH: A new video of Amritpal Singh with his key aide Papalpreet Singh surfaced on social media on Tuesday, showing the pro-Khalistan preacher without a turban and wearing a mask. The undated CCTV footage, said to be from a market in Delhi, showed the fugitive walking down a street wearing dark glasses. Behind him, Papalpreet Singh could be seen walking with a bag. There is no official word from Punjab Police on the fresh footage. The video has emerged a day after a picture of Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh widely circulated on social media. That image showed both these men looking relaxed and Amritpal Singh holding a beverage can. Papalpreet Singh is said to be Amritpal Singh's mentor. He was allegedly in contact with Pakistan's spy agency ISI. #WATCH | 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, who's on the run, was spotted without a turban and with a mask on his face in Delhi on March 21. (Visuals confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/3YhMtnRgp5 ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 Several images and videos of the radical preacher have surfaced on social media since the police crackdown on him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De' began on March 18. Amritpal Singh, however, managed to dodge the crackdown in Jalandhar and escaped in different vehicles by changing his appearance multiple times, police said. ALSO READ | India asks Nepal not to allow Amritpal Singh to escape; Nepal puts him on surveillance list They said Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh were allegedly harboured by a woman at her home in Shahabad in Haryana's Kurukshetra district on March 19. On March 25, CCTV footage emerged purportedly showing Amritpal Singh talking on a mobile phone. The police action began about three weeks after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested man. Six police personnel were injured. Punjab Police have arrested or detained a number of his associates under criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack, police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge duty by public servants. They have slapped the stringent National Security Act against some of them. On Sunday, Punjab Police said they have released 197 people out of 353 taken into preventive custody till then on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order. ALSO READ | Amritpal 'brainwashed' youth at rehab centre to build terrorist outfit: Officials CHANDIGARH: A new video of Amritpal Singh with his key aide Papalpreet Singh surfaced on social media on Tuesday, showing the pro-Khalistan preacher without a turban and wearing a mask. The undated CCTV footage, said to be from a market in Delhi, showed the fugitive walking down a street wearing dark glasses. Behind him, Papalpreet Singh could be seen walking with a bag.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There is no official word from Punjab Police on the fresh footage. The video has emerged a day after a picture of Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh widely circulated on social media. That image showed both these men looking relaxed and Amritpal Singh holding a beverage can. Papalpreet Singh is said to be Amritpal Singh's mentor. He was allegedly in contact with Pakistan's spy agency ISI. #WATCH | 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, who's on the run, was spotted without a turban and with a mask on his face in Delhi on March 21. (Visuals confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/3YhMtnRgp5 ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 Several images and videos of the radical preacher have surfaced on social media since the police crackdown on him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De' began on March 18. Amritpal Singh, however, managed to dodge the crackdown in Jalandhar and escaped in different vehicles by changing his appearance multiple times, police said. ALSO READ | India asks Nepal not to allow Amritpal Singh to escape; Nepal puts him on surveillance list They said Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh were allegedly harboured by a woman at her home in Shahabad in Haryana's Kurukshetra district on March 19. On March 25, CCTV footage emerged purportedly showing Amritpal Singh talking on a mobile phone. The police action began about three weeks after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested man. Six police personnel were injured. Punjab Police have arrested or detained a number of his associates under criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack, police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge duty by public servants. They have slapped the stringent National Security Act against some of them. On Sunday, Punjab Police said they have released 197 people out of 353 taken into preventive custody till then on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order. ALSO READ | Amritpal 'brainwashed' youth at rehab centre to build terrorist outfit: Officials By Express News Service BHOPAL: The death of five-year-old female cheetah Sasha reportedly due to renal failure at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP) on Monday, six months after it along with seven other Namibian cheetahs was released there in the presence of PM Narendra Modi on his 72nd birthday, is turning into a political issue in the state. The MP Congresss media wing head KK Mishra questioned why a cheetah, whose renal health was possibly compromised since August 2022, was flown to India and released at the KNP by PM Modi on his 72nd birthday. Tweeting the picture of the dead female cheetah, the Congress leader wrote, This isnt just the carcass of a female Cheetah, but also the carcass of a shameless event of the BJP government. On what basis was a Cheetah, already afflicted with health issues, selected to be flown to India? After humans now scam happening with animals too. Mishra also claimed that the same Cheetah had undergone a surgery before being flown to India. Piyush Babele, the media advisor to the MP Congress and state party president Kamal Nath, also raised the issue over Twitter. This is the sad end of another event story of the Modi era. Full page advertisements were published in newspapers to mark the return of Cheetahs to India after 70 years and for days the success story of Cheetahs reintroduction dominated media headlines. The PM himself released the Cheetahs and now one of those Cheetahs has died. Meanwhile, the senior most MP forest department officer, the principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) JS Chauhan, said on Tuesday that Sashas autopsy has established renal (kidney) failure as the cause of death. "Veterinary specialists in MP, in consultation with Namibian and South African veterinary experts, did their best to save Sashas life, but she couldnt be saved as the kidney was permanently damaged. Even the top South African experts who came to KNP last month to oversee smooth shifting of 12 cheetahs on February 18, 2023, had acknowledged our best possible treatment, Chauhan said. ALSO READ | Kuno welcomes 12 more cheetahs, this time from South Africa Chauhan added that all the other 19 cheetahs (seven more that were brought from Namibia on September 17, 2022 and 12 that were trans-located from South Africa on February 18, 2023) are totally healthy at the KNP. Meanwhile, Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dube said, Senior officials of MP forest department should face the music over the incident. Before the cheetahs were brought to India, a huge sum of public money was spent on funding African trips of the state's forest minister and senior forest department officials, who had gone there to learn cheetah management. Why then was an ailing cheetah brought to India? According to the state forest departments official statement released on Monday, Sasha was diagnosed with a severe kidney infection in January 2023 (four months after it was flown to KNP) and all possible medical treatment was administered to save the female cheetah. However, the medical treatment history shared by Namibias Cheetah Conservation Foundation with its Indian counterparts in January-February 2023, revealed that Sashas creatinine level as per the last blood test in Namibia on August 15, 2022 (a month before being flown to India) was over 400, which established that Sasha had renal problems even before being brought to KNP on September 17, 2022. Timeline of Cheetahs at KNP Cheetah, the fastest moving animal on earth, officially went extinct from the wilds of India 70 years ago. Though the Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India was conceived in 2009, it had to wait till January 2020 for Supreme Courts clearance to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plea to bring African cheetahs. Nine months later KNP was selected as the most ideal site, out of the six shortlisted sites in India. The COVID-19 outbreak, particularly the Omicron variant driven third wave which originated from Africa in December-January 2021, delayed the first inter-continental translocation of cheetahs from Africa to India. It was on September 17, 2022, that the first batch of 8 satellite collared and fully vaccinated cheetahs (five female and three males) were flown to KNP from Namibia and released into the small enclosures by PM Modi on his 72nd birthday. While one of those eight cheetahs, female Sasha, died on Monday, four others have already been released in open jungles of KNP, while three females are awaiting their release in open jungles. On February 18, 2023, the first batch of 12 South African cheetahs were flown into KNP and are presently undergoing their month long quarantine period. BHOPAL: The death of five-year-old female cheetah Sasha reportedly due to renal failure at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP) on Monday, six months after it along with seven other Namibian cheetahs was released there in the presence of PM Narendra Modi on his 72nd birthday, is turning into a political issue in the state. The MP Congresss media wing head KK Mishra questioned why a cheetah, whose renal health was possibly compromised since August 2022, was flown to India and released at the KNP by PM Modi on his 72nd birthday. Tweeting the picture of the dead female cheetah, the Congress leader wrote, This isnt just the carcass of a female Cheetah, but also the carcass of a shameless event of the BJP government. On what basis was a Cheetah, already afflicted with health issues, selected to be flown to India? After humans now scam happening with animals too. Mishra also claimed that the same Cheetah had undergone a surgery before being flown to India. Piyush Babele, the media advisor to the MP Congress and state party president Kamal Nath, also raised the issue over Twitter. This is the sad end of another event story of the Modi era. Full page advertisements were published in newspapers to mark the return of Cheetahs to India after 70 years and for days the success story of Cheetahs reintroduction dominated media headlines. The PM himself released the Cheetahs and now one of those Cheetahs has died.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the senior most MP forest department officer, the principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) JS Chauhan, said on Tuesday that Sashas autopsy has established renal (kidney) failure as the cause of death. "Veterinary specialists in MP, in consultation with Namibian and South African veterinary experts, did their best to save Sashas life, but she couldnt be saved as the kidney was permanently damaged. Even the top South African experts who came to KNP last month to oversee smooth shifting of 12 cheetahs on February 18, 2023, had acknowledged our best possible treatment, Chauhan said. ALSO READ | Kuno welcomes 12 more cheetahs, this time from South Africa Chauhan added that all the other 19 cheetahs (seven more that were brought from Namibia on September 17, 2022 and 12 that were trans-located from South Africa on February 18, 2023) are totally healthy at the KNP. Meanwhile, Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dube said, Senior officials of MP forest department should face the music over the incident. Before the cheetahs were brought to India, a huge sum of public money was spent on funding African trips of the state's forest minister and senior forest department officials, who had gone there to learn cheetah management. Why then was an ailing cheetah brought to India? According to the state forest departments official statement released on Monday, Sasha was diagnosed with a severe kidney infection in January 2023 (four months after it was flown to KNP) and all possible medical treatment was administered to save the female cheetah. However, the medical treatment history shared by Namibias Cheetah Conservation Foundation with its Indian counterparts in January-February 2023, revealed that Sashas creatinine level as per the last blood test in Namibia on August 15, 2022 (a month before being flown to India) was over 400, which established that Sasha had renal problems even before being brought to KNP on September 17, 2022. Timeline of Cheetahs at KNP Cheetah, the fastest moving animal on earth, officially went extinct from the wilds of India 70 years ago. Though the Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India was conceived in 2009, it had to wait till January 2020 for Supreme Courts clearance to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plea to bring African cheetahs. Nine months later KNP was selected as the most ideal site, out of the six shortlisted sites in India. The COVID-19 outbreak, particularly the Omicron variant driven third wave which originated from Africa in December-January 2021, delayed the first inter-continental translocation of cheetahs from Africa to India. It was on September 17, 2022, that the first batch of 8 satellite collared and fully vaccinated cheetahs (five female and three males) were flown to KNP from Namibia and released into the small enclosures by PM Modi on his 72nd birthday. While one of those eight cheetahs, female Sasha, died on Monday, four others have already been released in open jungles of KNP, while three females are awaiting their release in open jungles. On February 18, 2023, the first batch of 12 South African cheetahs were flown into KNP and are presently undergoing their month long quarantine period. Preetha Nair By ENS & Agencies NEW DELHI: As a united Opposition intensified its protests on Monday, Parliament saw another day of chaos and adjournment on the third week of the Budget session. Wearing black clothes, at least 18 Opposition parties including TMC marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk to mark their protest against the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament and reiterate their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the allegations surrounding the Adani Group. In the evening, 18 parties attended a dinner meeting called by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss future strategies to counter the government on the Adani issue and to sustain the momentum of Opposition Unity. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi were also present at the meeting. Among the parties that were represented at the meeting were the DMK, NCP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, AAP, MDMK, KC, TMC, RSP, RJD, NC, IUML, VCK, SP, and JMM. Curiously, while the TMC joined the Opposition meetings and protests, Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped protests and the dinner meeting. Shiv Sena (UBT) faction leaders said that they are skipping the meeting as they are miffed over Rahul Gandhi's remark on Savarkar. On Saturday, the Congress leader said that "My name is not Savarkar to apologise," Taking exception to Rahuls comment, former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had warned Gandhi that the party "will not tolerate" insult of Savarkar. While the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha membership has realigned the Opposition, the biggest takeaway is the TMC, which has stayed away from joint Opposition meetings and protests in Parliament till now. TMC Chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has come out in support of Rahul Gandhi and said that in PM Modis new India, opposition parties have become the prime target. We have witnessed a new low for our constitutional democracy, she said responding to Gandhis conviction and subsequent disqualification. ALSO READ | We are watching's case in Indian courts: US State Department Though the black protest was called by the Congress party, several Opposition leaders including AAP, DMK, CPI (M) were seen wearing black in solidarity. Holding a huge Satyamev Jayate banner and placards with Save democracy, the opposition members staged a sit-in protest along with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who were in black attire. Addressing the media at a joint press conference, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, We want a JPC on the Adani issue. 18 parties have come together today. Why is the government scared of a probe? It means something is amiss. The Congress chief said that Opposition MPs were dressed in black as democracy is in danger and BJP had been destroying institutions, toppling elected governments, besides intimidating the opposition using central agencies. Following the dinner meeting, Kharge wrote on Twitter, "To save one man, Modiji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues. If NO wrong is committed, why is govt shying away from opposition's demand for a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee?" To save one man, Modi ji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues. If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Opposition's demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee ? pic.twitter.com/53Bz3HEtSE Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 27, 2023 ALSO READ | After disqualification, Rahul asked to vacate official bungalow by April 22 Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the leaders resolved to fight against the BJP unitedly. "Tonight floor leaders of 18 Opposition parties met at the residence of @kharge ji and with one voice decided to continue with their campaign against the Modi regime that is destroying democracy and that has subverted all institutions," Ramesh wrote on Twitter. "They expressed their collective resolve to combat Modi's politics of fear and intimidation. This resolve will be reflected in joint actions outside Parliament beginning now," he added. They expressed their collective resolve to combat Modi's politics of fear & intimidation. This resolve will be reflected in joint actions outside Parliament beginning NOW. 2/n Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 27, 2023 READ MORE: Disqualified because Modi is scared over my next speech on Adani: Rahul Congress Satyagraha: Leaders call for 'democratic forces to get together' Martyred PM's son can never insult country: Priyanka Gandhi NEW DELHI: As a united Opposition intensified its protests on Monday, Parliament saw another day of chaos and adjournment on the third week of the Budget session. Wearing black clothes, at least 18 Opposition parties including TMC marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk to mark their protest against the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament and reiterate their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the allegations surrounding the Adani Group. In the evening, 18 parties attended a dinner meeting called by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss future strategies to counter the government on the Adani issue and to sustain the momentum of Opposition Unity. Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi were also present at the meeting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Among the parties that were represented at the meeting were the DMK, NCP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, AAP, MDMK, KC, TMC, RSP, RJD, NC, IUML, VCK, SP, and JMM. Curiously, while the TMC joined the Opposition meetings and protests, Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped protests and the dinner meeting. Shiv Sena (UBT) faction leaders said that they are skipping the meeting as they are miffed over Rahul Gandhi's remark on Savarkar. On Saturday, the Congress leader said that "My name is not Savarkar to apologise," Taking exception to Rahuls comment, former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had warned Gandhi that the party "will not tolerate" insult of Savarkar. While the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha membership has realigned the Opposition, the biggest takeaway is the TMC, which has stayed away from joint Opposition meetings and protests in Parliament till now. TMC Chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has come out in support of Rahul Gandhi and said that in PM Modis new India, opposition parties have become the prime target. We have witnessed a new low for our constitutional democracy, she said responding to Gandhis conviction and subsequent disqualification. ALSO READ | We are watching's case in Indian courts: US State Department Though the black protest was called by the Congress party, several Opposition leaders including AAP, DMK, CPI (M) were seen wearing black in solidarity. Holding a huge Satyamev Jayate banner and placards with Save democracy, the opposition members staged a sit-in protest along with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who were in black attire. Addressing the media at a joint press conference, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, We want a JPC on the Adani issue. 18 parties have come together today. Why is the government scared of a probe? It means something is amiss. The Congress chief said that Opposition MPs were dressed in black as democracy is in danger and BJP had been destroying institutions, toppling elected governments, besides intimidating the opposition using central agencies. Following the dinner meeting, Kharge wrote on Twitter, "To save one man, Modiji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues. If NO wrong is committed, why is govt shying away from opposition's demand for a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee?" To save one man, Modi ji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues. If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Opposition's demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee ? pic.twitter.com/53Bz3HEtSE Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 27, 2023 ALSO READ | After disqualification, Rahul asked to vacate official bungalow by April 22 Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the leaders resolved to fight against the BJP unitedly. "Tonight floor leaders of 18 Opposition parties met at the residence of @kharge ji and with one voice decided to continue with their campaign against the Modi regime that is destroying democracy and that has subverted all institutions," Ramesh wrote on Twitter. "They expressed their collective resolve to combat Modi's politics of fear and intimidation. This resolve will be reflected in joint actions outside Parliament beginning now," he added. They expressed their collective resolve to combat Modi's politics of fear & intimidation. This resolve will be reflected in joint actions outside Parliament beginning NOW. 2/n Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 27, 2023 READ MORE: Disqualified because Modi is scared over my next speech on Adani: Rahul Congress Satyagraha: Leaders call for 'democratic forces to get together' Martyred PM's son can never insult country: Priyanka Gandhi A one-eyed cat named Crash is the first-ever cat to win the Cadbury Bunny contest, making him the brand's official "spokesbunny" for the year. The chocolate company announced Crash's win in a news release Tuesday. The lucky winner is an 8-year-old from Boise, Idaho, according to the release. Crash was injured in a "devastating" car accident, according to the release. The accident left him "severely injured and left with one eye." While healing at a local shelter, Crash's "quirky, outgoing personality" earned him the love of shelter staff, the release said. As the winner of the Cadbury Bunny tryouts, Crash will star in the 2023 Cadbury "Clucking Bunny" commercial. He'll also receive a prize of $5,000 for himself, as well as $5,000 "to the shelter of his choice," according to the release. Crash's owner, Maddie Corey, expressed her pride at her furry friend's accomplishment in the release. "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 Corey. "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." Crash's commercial premiered March 25, according to the release. He follows in the footsteps of Annie Rose, a therapy dog named last year's Cadbury Bunny, and Betty, a tree frog who took home the prize in 2021. It is the fifth year of the Cadbury Bunny tryouts, but the first year the brand has specifically sought out rescue pets. Crash was chosen from thousands of entries, according to a March 6 news release from Cadbury. The adorable group of finalists included a chinchilla named Ande, a sheep named Timmy, and a duck named Ping. 14 fun facts about Peeps the most controversial Easter candy in America 1. Peeps hit the market in 1953 2. Peep's manufacturer Just Born is a family business 3. It takes 6 minutes to make a Peep 4. Peeps lost their wings 5. There are a lot of Peeps produced each year 6. Like a lot of Peeps 7. Yellow is the best selling color 8. Chicks have more calories than bunnies 9. Peeps can also come covered in chocolate 10. Peeps can be frozen 11. Peeps have their own art show 12. Peepsfest is help each December 13. There are two Peeps retail stores 14. Peeps aren't just for Easter anymore By PTI NEW DELHI: Amid strains in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance over Rahul Gandhi's strident criticism of V D Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying the Shiv Sena's concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership. Opposition leaders said Congress has agreed to tone down its criticism of Savarkar, which has led to unease among the NCP and Shiv Sena, its alliance partners in Maharashtra. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday evening and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help the opposition alliance in the state, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI. Former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting along with leaders of opposition parties. Pawar also told Rahul Gandhi that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS and underscored that the real fight of the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. As the BJP stepped up its attack on Rahul Gandhi and sought his apology for "maligning" India on his recent tour to the UK, the former Lok Sabha member from Wayanad had said that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had slammed Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and said his outfit will not tolerate any insult of the freedom fighter. The Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had skipped the meeting convened by Kharge as a mark of protest against Gandhi's remarks targeting Savarkar. READ MORE: Savarkar nurtured freedom fighters, Rahul must learn from him: Uddhav Sena's mouthpiece NEW DELHI: Amid strains in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance over Rahul Gandhi's strident criticism of V D Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying the Shiv Sena's concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership. Opposition leaders said Congress has agreed to tone down its criticism of Savarkar, which has led to unease among the NCP and Shiv Sena, its alliance partners in Maharashtra. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday evening and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help the opposition alliance in the state, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting along with leaders of opposition parties. Pawar also told Rahul Gandhi that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS and underscored that the real fight of the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. As the BJP stepped up its attack on Rahul Gandhi and sought his apology for "maligning" India on his recent tour to the UK, the former Lok Sabha member from Wayanad had said that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had slammed Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and said his outfit will not tolerate any insult of the freedom fighter. The Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had skipped the meeting convened by Kharge as a mark of protest against Gandhi's remarks targeting Savarkar. READ MORE: Savarkar nurtured freedom fighters, Rahul must learn from him: Uddhav Sena's mouthpiece By ANI MUMBAI: A day after former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray cautioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against criticising the VD Savarkar, CM Eknath Shinde on Monday hit out at Wayanad MP saying that the latter should go and stay at the Andamans jail like Savarkar if he can. "The citizens of Maharashtra are upset with what Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi should go and stay at the Andamans jail for one day if he can," Shinde said on Monday while talking to reporters. He further announced to organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state. "We will organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state to inform about the sacrifice of Savarkar," Shinde said. The Maharashtra CM also said that insulting Savarkar means insulting the people of the country. "Veer Savarkar's insult by Rahul Gandhi is condemnable. He (VD Savarkar) dedicated his life to the country and Rahul Gandhi is insulting him along with criticising our country's democracy abroad. Insulting Savarkar means insulting people of the country," he added. READ MORE | Rahul's Savarkar jibe: MVA's split inevitable if issue gets stretched, say experts Taking a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray for diluting the Sena's core principles by joining hands with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shinde said, "Those who used to say earlier they won't tolerate the insult of Savarkar were wearing black bands in support of Rahul Gandhi. It's unfortunate. They (Uddhav Thackeray) said they won't tolerate Rahul Gandhi's remarks. Will they beat them with shoes the way Balasaheb Thackeray did?" Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified from Lok Sabha last week following a court verdict in a defamation case, said that he is not Savarkar. "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone," Rahul said on Saturday in a press conference following his disqualification as an MP after conviction in a defamation case. Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament following the Surat court order convicting him in a criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Thackeray had also warned Rahul Gandhi to not insult Vinayak Savarkar adding that demeaning Savarkar would create "cracks" in the opposition alliance. "Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice. We will not tolerate the insult of Savarkar," Uddhav said. "Veer Savarkar is our God, and any disrespect towards him will not be tolerated. We are prepared to fight, but insulting our Gods is not something we will tolerate," he added. However, Shiv Sena (UBT faction) whose Sena faction is an ally of Congress and the NCP in the state skipped the dinner organised by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for all like-minded Opposition parties at his residence on Monday. MUMBAI: A day after former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray cautioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against criticising the VD Savarkar, CM Eknath Shinde on Monday hit out at Wayanad MP saying that the latter should go and stay at the Andamans jail like Savarkar if he can. "The citizens of Maharashtra are upset with what Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi should go and stay at the Andamans jail for one day if he can," Shinde said on Monday while talking to reporters. He further announced to organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We will organise Savarkar Gaurav yatra throughout the state to inform about the sacrifice of Savarkar," Shinde said. The Maharashtra CM also said that insulting Savarkar means insulting the people of the country. "Veer Savarkar's insult by Rahul Gandhi is condemnable. He (VD Savarkar) dedicated his life to the country and Rahul Gandhi is insulting him along with criticising our country's democracy abroad. Insulting Savarkar means insulting people of the country," he added. READ MORE | Rahul's Savarkar jibe: MVA's split inevitable if issue gets stretched, say experts Taking a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray for diluting the Sena's core principles by joining hands with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shinde said, "Those who used to say earlier they won't tolerate the insult of Savarkar were wearing black bands in support of Rahul Gandhi. It's unfortunate. They (Uddhav Thackeray) said they won't tolerate Rahul Gandhi's remarks. Will they beat them with shoes the way Balasaheb Thackeray did?" Rahul Gandhi, who was disqualified from Lok Sabha last week following a court verdict in a defamation case, said that he is not Savarkar. "My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does not offer an apology to anyone," Rahul said on Saturday in a press conference following his disqualification as an MP after conviction in a defamation case. Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as a Member of Parliament following the Surat court order convicting him in a criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Thackeray had also warned Rahul Gandhi to not insult Vinayak Savarkar adding that demeaning Savarkar would create "cracks" in the opposition alliance. "Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice. We will not tolerate the insult of Savarkar," Uddhav said. "Veer Savarkar is our God, and any disrespect towards him will not be tolerated. We are prepared to fight, but insulting our Gods is not something we will tolerate," he added. However, Shiv Sena (UBT faction) whose Sena faction is an ally of Congress and the NCP in the state skipped the dinner organised by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for all like-minded Opposition parties at his residence on Monday. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: After Uddhav Thackerays warning to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not to insult their idol VD Savarkar, Shiv Sena mouthpiece on Monday asked Rahul Gandhi to learn from the RSS ideologue and fight against the BJP like 'Savarkar fought' against the Britishers. An editorial in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Samaana urged the Congress leader to stop insulting Savarkar, stating that the Hindutva ideologue was an idol for many and that Rahul wouldn't achieve anything by raising questions over his clemency. "Savarkar sacrificed his life for the country. He was not afraid of the Britishers. Rahul Gandhi is also saying the same thing he is not afraid of the BJP and will even go to jail for the nation's larger interest and save the democracy and constitution," the editorial read. Hailing the Congress leader for questioning the relationship between PM Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, the editorial drew a comparison between Savarkar and Rahul, stating, "Like Savarkar nurtured the freedom fighter to fight against colonial rule, the same way Rahul Gandhi should make such fearless and brave workers and leaders who can fearlessly fight against the BJP." ALSO READ| 'My name is not Savarkar': Rahul rules out apology, vows to continue fighting However, the editorial issued a veiled warning that if the Gandhi scion failed to stop his attack on Savarkar, the Congress party will "face trouble" in Maharashtra and people will "distance themselves" from the grand old party due to a deep reverence for the ideologue. Acknowledging the contributions of the Gandhi family, the Sena (UBT)-affiliated mouthpiece further urged Rahul to refrain from distorting Savarkar's image as it "won't help him politically." "It is true that Rahul Gandhis family, Motilal Nehru, and Pandit Nehru fought against the tyranny of the Britisher and worked hard to get freedom for India. Besides, Indira Gandhi and Rajeev Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the country. No one can deny the contributions of the Gandhi family, but at the same time, Rahul Gandhi also cannot deny the contribution of Savarkar and his family to the country." ALSO READ| Rahul-Savarkar jibe: 'If issue gets stretched then split in MVA will be inevitable' Further drawing parallels between the two, the Marathi daily stated, "Savarkar was imprisoned as an accused in the murder of Nashik collector General Rand. His barrister degree was taken away by the Britishers and in the same way, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the parliament after his attack on Modi-Adani. Savarkar faced 50 years of imprisonment without any fear, but never bowed before the Britisher," it added. MUMBAI: After Uddhav Thackerays warning to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not to insult their idol VD Savarkar, Shiv Sena mouthpiece on Monday asked Rahul Gandhi to learn from the RSS ideologue and fight against the BJP like 'Savarkar fought' against the Britishers. An editorial in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Samaana urged the Congress leader to stop insulting Savarkar, stating that the Hindutva ideologue was an idol for many and that Rahul wouldn't achieve anything by raising questions over his clemency. "Savarkar sacrificed his life for the country. He was not afraid of the Britishers. Rahul Gandhi is also saying the same thing he is not afraid of the BJP and will even go to jail for the nation's larger interest and save the democracy and constitution," the editorial read.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Hailing the Congress leader for questioning the relationship between PM Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani, the editorial drew a comparison between Savarkar and Rahul, stating, "Like Savarkar nurtured the freedom fighter to fight against colonial rule, the same way Rahul Gandhi should make such fearless and brave workers and leaders who can fearlessly fight against the BJP." ALSO READ| 'My name is not Savarkar': Rahul rules out apology, vows to continue fighting However, the editorial issued a veiled warning that if the Gandhi scion failed to stop his attack on Savarkar, the Congress party will "face trouble" in Maharashtra and people will "distance themselves" from the grand old party due to a deep reverence for the ideologue. Acknowledging the contributions of the Gandhi family, the Sena (UBT)-affiliated mouthpiece further urged Rahul to refrain from distorting Savarkar's image as it "won't help him politically." "It is true that Rahul Gandhis family, Motilal Nehru, and Pandit Nehru fought against the tyranny of the Britisher and worked hard to get freedom for India. Besides, Indira Gandhi and Rajeev Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the country. No one can deny the contributions of the Gandhi family, but at the same time, Rahul Gandhi also cannot deny the contribution of Savarkar and his family to the country." ALSO READ| Rahul-Savarkar jibe: 'If issue gets stretched then split in MVA will be inevitable' Further drawing parallels between the two, the Marathi daily stated, "Savarkar was imprisoned as an accused in the murder of Nashik collector General Rand. His barrister degree was taken away by the Britishers and in the same way, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the parliament after his attack on Modi-Adani. Savarkar faced 50 years of imprisonment without any fear, but never bowed before the Britisher," it added. By PTI SINGUR: Asserting that the Centre has been depriving West Bengal of its share of the Goods and Service Tax collected from the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that the decision to support the passage of the GST Bill was wrong. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said that she had supported the passing of the GST Bill thinking that it would benefit the states. She was addressing a programme here in Hooghly district to launch the 'Pathashree - Rastashree' scheme for constructing around 12,000 kilometres of roads in rural areas of the state. "It was our mistake to support the passing of the GST (Bill). I had thought that the states would benefit from it. But, the Centre is collecting all the taxes and not giving us our share of it," Banerjee said. The GST was launched across the country on July 1, 2017. The primary motive was the "one country one tax" enabling the Centre to collect tax at once. The TMC had 'in principle' supported the Narendra Modi government when this tax framework was introduced. The BJP-led central government has stopped releasing funds for the 100 days work scheme, scholarships for the OBC students and various other programmes, she said at the event organised by the state panchayat and rural development department. From Wednesday, Banerjee will start a two-day sit-in demonstration in Kolkata protesting against the BJP-led Union government's alleged discriminatory attitude towards West Bengal She would also demand that the Centre release funds for the MGNREGA project and other initiatives of the housing and road departments. Launching the 'Pathashree - Rastashree' scheme ahead of the panchayat election, Banerjee said that the entire expenditure of Rs 3.75 thousand crores for constructing rural roads would be borne by the state and not the central government. Under the scheme, around 12,000 km of roads will be constructed or reconstructed in 29,475 villages of the state, a senior official of the Panchayat and Rural Development department said. Twenty-two districts will benefit from this project as 8,767 roads have been approved under this scheme, he said. "New roads will be built and old ones will be repaired within a specific time," minister of state for panchayat, Becharam Manna, said. SINGUR: Asserting that the Centre has been depriving West Bengal of its share of the Goods and Service Tax collected from the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that the decision to support the passage of the GST Bill was wrong. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said that she had supported the passing of the GST Bill thinking that it would benefit the states. She was addressing a programme here in Hooghly district to launch the 'Pathashree - Rastashree' scheme for constructing around 12,000 kilometres of roads in rural areas of the state.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "It was our mistake to support the passing of the GST (Bill). I had thought that the states would benefit from it. But, the Centre is collecting all the taxes and not giving us our share of it," Banerjee said. The GST was launched across the country on July 1, 2017. The primary motive was the "one country one tax" enabling the Centre to collect tax at once. The TMC had 'in principle' supported the Narendra Modi government when this tax framework was introduced. The BJP-led central government has stopped releasing funds for the 100 days work scheme, scholarships for the OBC students and various other programmes, she said at the event organised by the state panchayat and rural development department. From Wednesday, Banerjee will start a two-day sit-in demonstration in Kolkata protesting against the BJP-led Union government's alleged discriminatory attitude towards West Bengal She would also demand that the Centre release funds for the MGNREGA project and other initiatives of the housing and road departments. Launching the 'Pathashree - Rastashree' scheme ahead of the panchayat election, Banerjee said that the entire expenditure of Rs 3.75 thousand crores for constructing rural roads would be borne by the state and not the central government. Under the scheme, around 12,000 km of roads will be constructed or reconstructed in 29,475 villages of the state, a senior official of the Panchayat and Rural Development department said. Twenty-two districts will benefit from this project as 8,767 roads have been approved under this scheme, he said. "New roads will be built and old ones will be repaired within a specific time," minister of state for panchayat, Becharam Manna, said. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The MP/MLA court of Prayagraj, on Tuesday, sentenced gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others to rigorous life imprisonment in the 2007 abduction case of Umesh Pal, an eye-witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pals murder. Pronouncing them guilty in the case, the court slapped a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on each. Meanwhile, seven other accused, including Atiqs brother Ashraf were acquitted by the court. Atiq Ahmad, Dinesh Pasi and Khan Shaukat Haneef were convicted by the court under sections 364 A/34, 120B, 147, 323/149, 341, 342, 504,506 (2) in the 2007 abduction case. As per sources, Ashraf, Atiqs younger brother, who was among the ten main accused in the case, was exonerated by the court as the prosecution failed to prove his complicity as he was in jail when Umesh Pal was abducted. Upon hearing the ruling by special judge Dr Dinesh Chandra Shukla of MP/MLA court, the gangster fainted saying that the sentence was too much. Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Ahmads plea seeking protection in connection with the case. The apex court directed Ahmads lawyer to approach the High Court with his grievances instead. The court was hearing a petition filed by Ahmad, raising apprehensions about being shifted to a prison in Uttar Pradesh. READ HERE | Another man accused of killing witness Umesh Pal killed in UP Police encounter Appearing on behalf of Ahmad, his counsel alleged that the former Samajwadi Party MPs life is under threat. If this court denies the petitioner protection, it would mean a death warrant for Atiq Ahmad, his counsel said, according to Live Law. To which, the apex court responded by saying, This is not a matter for this court. Go back to high court. Atiq and Ashraf were produced before a court on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Umesh Pal and his two police guards in Prayagraj on February 24. Umesh was an eyewitness in the 2005 Raju Pal murder case in which both Atiq and his brother Ashraf are prime accused along with Atiqs wife Shaista, his son Asad and their other aides. Both Shaista and Asad are on the run since the killing of Umesh Pal. According to Umeshs wife, Jaya, in 2006 the former MP and his associates kidnapped her husband and forced him to give a statement in their favour in court. Reacting to Tuesdays order, Umesh Pals mother Shanti Devi and his widow Jaya Pal welcomed the verdict saying that Ashraf should not be acquitted as he could not be seen separately. He has been a partner of Atiq in all his criminal activities. Umesh Pals family demanded a death sentence for the gangster Atiq and his cohorts in the murder case of the lawyer. ALSO READ | LUCKNOW: The MP/MLA court of Prayagraj, on Tuesday, sentenced gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and two others to rigorous life imprisonment in the 2007 abduction case of Umesh Pal, an eye-witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pals murder. Pronouncing them guilty in the case, the court slapped a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on each. Meanwhile, seven other accused, including Atiqs brother Ashraf were acquitted by the court. Atiq Ahmad, Dinesh Pasi and Khan Shaukat Haneef were convicted by the court under sections 364 A/34, 120B, 147, 323/149, 341, 342, 504,506 (2) in the 2007 abduction case.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per sources, Ashraf, Atiqs younger brother, who was among the ten main accused in the case, was exonerated by the court as the prosecution failed to prove his complicity as he was in jail when Umesh Pal was abducted. Upon hearing the ruling by special judge Dr Dinesh Chandra Shukla of MP/MLA court, the gangster fainted saying that the sentence was too much. Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Ahmads plea seeking protection in connection with the case. The apex court directed Ahmads lawyer to approach the High Court with his grievances instead. The court was hearing a petition filed by Ahmad, raising apprehensions about being shifted to a prison in Uttar Pradesh. READ HERE | Another man accused of killing witness Umesh Pal killed in UP Police encounter Appearing on behalf of Ahmad, his counsel alleged that the former Samajwadi Party MPs life is under threat. If this court denies the petitioner protection, it would mean a death warrant for Atiq Ahmad, his counsel said, according to Live Law. To which, the apex court responded by saying, This is not a matter for this court. Go back to high court. Atiq and Ashraf were produced before a court on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Umesh Pal and his two police guards in Prayagraj on February 24. Umesh was an eyewitness in the 2005 Raju Pal murder case in which both Atiq and his brother Ashraf are prime accused along with Atiqs wife Shaista, his son Asad and their other aides. Both Shaista and Asad are on the run since the killing of Umesh Pal. According to Umeshs wife, Jaya, in 2006 the former MP and his associates kidnapped her husband and forced him to give a statement in their favour in court. Reacting to Tuesdays order, Umesh Pals mother Shanti Devi and his widow Jaya Pal welcomed the verdict saying that Ashraf should not be acquitted as he could not be seen separately. He has been a partner of Atiq in all his criminal activities. Umesh Pals family demanded a death sentence for the gangster Atiq and his cohorts in the murder case of the lawyer. ALSO READ | Umesh Pal murder: Atiq Ahmad should be killed in police encounter, says former BJP MP Jailed Atiq Ahmad moves SC claiming he may be killed in fake encounter by UP police House of third man linked to Umesh Pal murder accused Atiq Ahmad being demolished Atiq Ahmad's wife, three sons to be included as members of his gang in UP police records By PTI MUMBAI: The special investigation team (SIT) of Mumbai police probing the death of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay student Darshan Solanki has recovered a note that mentions the name of his hostel mate, an official said on Monday. The purported suicide note, written on a piece of paper, was recovered from Solanki's hostel room some days ago, he added. Solanki, a resident of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, had allegedly committed suicide on February 12 by jumping off the seventh floor of the hostel building. The official said the note mentions harassment meted out by the engineering student who has been named. This student stays on the same floor of the hostel and had allegedly threatened Solanki after a dispute, the official said quoting the note. The process of registering an abetment of suicide case was underway, he added. Solanki's parents and some student organisations had alleged caste discrimination as the cause of his death. The Maharashtra government had formed an SIT headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam to probe the case. READ MORE | IIT suicides reveal toxic mix of academic pressure, official apathy and discrimination Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) MUMBAI: The special investigation team (SIT) of Mumbai police probing the death of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay student Darshan Solanki has recovered a note that mentions the name of his hostel mate, an official said on Monday. The purported suicide note, written on a piece of paper, was recovered from Solanki's hostel room some days ago, he added. Solanki, a resident of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, had allegedly committed suicide on February 12 by jumping off the seventh floor of the hostel building.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The official said the note mentions harassment meted out by the engineering student who has been named. This student stays on the same floor of the hostel and had allegedly threatened Solanki after a dispute, the official said quoting the note. The process of registering an abetment of suicide case was underway, he added. Solanki's parents and some student organisations had alleged caste discrimination as the cause of his death. The Maharashtra government had formed an SIT headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam to probe the case. READ MORE | IIT suicides reveal toxic mix of academic pressure, official apathy and discrimination Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7) Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: India has strongly condemned the vandalisation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University in Canadas British Columbia province. We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statute of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver said on Tuesday. A few weeks back another instance of vandalism was reported near City Hall in Hamilton town. The High Commission in Ottawa said it is deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It had also said India approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly. We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly, the high commission said. There has been an upsurge in instances of vandalism either of temples, diplomatic missions or statues across not just Canada but even in the UK, the US and Australia. India has raised strong objections to the same with the respective governments. NEW DELHI: India has strongly condemned the vandalisation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University in Canadas British Columbia province. We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statute of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus. The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver said on Tuesday. A few weeks back another instance of vandalism was reported near City Hall in Hamilton town.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The High Commission in Ottawa said it is deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It had also said India approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly. We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly, the high commission said. There has been an upsurge in instances of vandalism either of temples, diplomatic missions or statues across not just Canada but even in the UK, the US and Australia. India has raised strong objections to the same with the respective governments. Alam Srinivas By In theory, it is a simple plan. The mechanics are highly complex. Gautam Adani needs to ringfence his businesses, blunt ongoing investigations, and garner ammunition to fight his arch-enemy, Hindenburg Research, in the US courts. The add-on dynamics include raising or earning billions of dollars to pare down debt, tweaking the shareholdings in group companies, and hoping that the investigators focus on Hindenburgs actions that allegedly destroyed the wealth of the retail investors. This three-pronged strategy is in play and will gather pace over the next two to three months. Many do not realise this blueprint was in place before Hindenburgs massive attack on January 24, 2023, which unleashed a scathing report against Adani Group. But after Adani stocks tumbled, the momentum gained urgency. What was earlier a deliberate, well-thought-out proposal to gain credibility among investors became a matter of life and death. If Adani cannot manage the three issues in the near future, he will go down in corporate history as a shooting star whose stock market blaze lasted for a few years. Consider the issue of debt. Months before the Hindenburg report, Adani Enterprises, the groups flagship and umbrella company, planned to raise 20,000 crore through a follow-on public offering (FPO). A portion of this amount was meant to repay a part of the groups burgeoning debt. Despite being subscribedwith help from friends and loyaliststhe FPO was cancelled, partly because of the bear hammering of Adani shares due to the Hindenburg effect. The valuation meltdown hastened the need to repay the loans to gain investor confidence and assuage the rage of the lenders. Adanis personal holdings in group companies backed some of the loans. As share prices rocketed down, he had to offer more shares as collateral and faced huge margin calls. When there is uncertainty over stock prices, it is prudent to prepay such debt. This convinces investors that the group has serious intentions to reduce debt. Less than six weeks after the Hindenburg episode, the Adani Group paid $2.65 billion to lenders. It stated that it had completed full prepayment of margin-linked, share-backed funding worth $2.15 billion before a (self-imposed) March 31 (2023) deadline. However, the debt burden over Adanis head will not vanish. A few experts feel that the groups loan exposure is still high. For example, a recent Bloomberg report contends that Adani Powers plant in Mundra has more liabilities than assets and has run up $1.8 billion of losses. The Bloomberg article charged that the group has deployed more than $1 billion of creative debt-finance to paper over the deficit. The purpose is to shield Adani Power from extraordinary write-offs, regardless of the (Mundra) units losses. Such future write-offs, if required, can lead to cascading ramifications. Given this precarious debt situation, the group still requires a cash influx. There were rumours that a sovereign wealth fund would invest $3 billion, which the group denied. Then came the shocking surprise. Rajiv Jain, co-founder of GQG Partners, a US-based entity with assets under management of more than $90 billion, walked in as a knight in shining armour. In a single swoop, in a single day, he spent $1.9 billion to pick up 3.4% of Adani Enterprises, 4.1% of Adani Ports, 2.5% of Adani Transmission, and 3.5% of Adani Green Energy. Jain said he did not know Gautam Adani, but his team tracked the group for five years. Earlier, the valuations were unattractive and hovered in no mans territory. There is long-term value, and he expects returns in the mid-to-high teens. He feels assets like the Mumbai airport, the monopoly in power transmission and distribution in Mumbai, and the largest Indian port are irreplaceable and fantastic. In the past, GQG purchased Indian stocks during downturns in 1998 (nuclear sanctions by the US) and 2004 (national elections). What is crucial is that GQG bought the shares from Adanis personal kitty and not from the market. Hence, the purchases enabled Adani to reduce his holdings in the four companies. This is vital, given one of the main charges by Hindenburg. The short-seller alleged that it had traced entities in tax havens, which held huge stakes in listed Adani firms, and were related to Gautam Adanis brother, Vinod. But these facts were not disclosed. In effect, the promoters stakes in several listed firms exceeded the legal limit of 75%. If the ongoing investigations find that these entities are related to Adani, he will be in trouble. In Adani Enterprises, his declared holding was 74.92% in March 2022. With the stake sales to GQG, the Adani parent and other firms can feel safe. They can claim that they made a mistake earlier if it is proved the 75% threshold was crossed but have corrected the situation due to lower holdings now. This may blunt the impact of the investigations. The Adani Group recently admitted that Vinod Adani was one of the promoters. (The FPO would have achieved the same objective, but only for Adani Enterprises.) The Supreme Court instructed SEBI, the stock market regulator, to find out if Adani Group violated the 75% rule and if there was a failure to report a few related-party deals. SEBI told the apex court that it was enquiring into both, the allegations made in the Hindenburg report as well as the market activity immediately preceding and post the publication of the report. The latter is to check fraudulent activities, insider trading, and short selling. Adani will hope that SEBI focuses more on the wrongdoings by the short sellers like Hindenburg. He wishes that the five-member expert committee SC appointed to investigate the Adani affair explores relevant causal factors which have led to volatility in the securities market rather than the alleged contraventions of laws in relation to the Adani Group. In any case, the two ongoing investigations may provide Gautam Adani with legal ammunition to drag Hindenburg to the US courts. Alam Srinivas Independent journalist and author (alamsrinivas@gmail.com) In theory, it is a simple plan. The mechanics are highly complex. Gautam Adani needs to ringfence his businesses, blunt ongoing investigations, and garner ammunition to fight his arch-enemy, Hindenburg Research, in the US courts. The add-on dynamics include raising or earning billions of dollars to pare down debt, tweaking the shareholdings in group companies, and hoping that the investigators focus on Hindenburgs actions that allegedly destroyed the wealth of the retail investors. This three-pronged strategy is in play and will gather pace over the next two to three months. Many do not realise this blueprint was in place before Hindenburgs massive attack on January 24, 2023, which unleashed a scathing report against Adani Group. But after Adani stocks tumbled, the momentum gained urgency. What was earlier a deliberate, well-thought-out proposal to gain credibility among investors became a matter of life and death. If Adani cannot manage the three issues in the near future, he will go down in corporate history as a shooting star whose stock market blaze lasted for a few years.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Consider the issue of debt. Months before the Hindenburg report, Adani Enterprises, the groups flagship and umbrella company, planned to raise 20,000 crore through a follow-on public offering (FPO). A portion of this amount was meant to repay a part of the groups burgeoning debt. Despite being subscribedwith help from friends and loyaliststhe FPO was cancelled, partly because of the bear hammering of Adani shares due to the Hindenburg effect. The valuation meltdown hastened the need to repay the loans to gain investor confidence and assuage the rage of the lenders. Adanis personal holdings in group companies backed some of the loans. As share prices rocketed down, he had to offer more shares as collateral and faced huge margin calls. When there is uncertainty over stock prices, it is prudent to prepay such debt. This convinces investors that the group has serious intentions to reduce debt. Less than six weeks after the Hindenburg episode, the Adani Group paid $2.65 billion to lenders. It stated that it had completed full prepayment of margin-linked, share-backed funding worth $2.15 billion before a (self-imposed) March 31 (2023) deadline. However, the debt burden over Adanis head will not vanish. A few experts feel that the groups loan exposure is still high. For example, a recent Bloomberg report contends that Adani Powers plant in Mundra has more liabilities than assets and has run up $1.8 billion of losses. The Bloomberg article charged that the group has deployed more than $1 billion of creative debt-finance to paper over the deficit. The purpose is to shield Adani Power from extraordinary write-offs, regardless of the (Mundra) units losses. Such future write-offs, if required, can lead to cascading ramifications. Given this precarious debt situation, the group still requires a cash influx. There were rumours that a sovereign wealth fund would invest $3 billion, which the group denied. Then came the shocking surprise. Rajiv Jain, co-founder of GQG Partners, a US-based entity with assets under management of more than $90 billion, walked in as a knight in shining armour. In a single swoop, in a single day, he spent $1.9 billion to pick up 3.4% of Adani Enterprises, 4.1% of Adani Ports, 2.5% of Adani Transmission, and 3.5% of Adani Green Energy. Jain said he did not know Gautam Adani, but his team tracked the group for five years. Earlier, the valuations were unattractive and hovered in no mans territory. There is long-term value, and he expects returns in the mid-to-high teens. He feels assets like the Mumbai airport, the monopoly in power transmission and distribution in Mumbai, and the largest Indian port are irreplaceable and fantastic. In the past, GQG purchased Indian stocks during downturns in 1998 (nuclear sanctions by the US) and 2004 (national elections). What is crucial is that GQG bought the shares from Adanis personal kitty and not from the market. Hence, the purchases enabled Adani to reduce his holdings in the four companies. This is vital, given one of the main charges by Hindenburg. The short-seller alleged that it had traced entities in tax havens, which held huge stakes in listed Adani firms, and were related to Gautam Adanis brother, Vinod. But these facts were not disclosed. In effect, the promoters stakes in several listed firms exceeded the legal limit of 75%. If the ongoing investigations find that these entities are related to Adani, he will be in trouble. In Adani Enterprises, his declared holding was 74.92% in March 2022. With the stake sales to GQG, the Adani parent and other firms can feel safe. They can claim that they made a mistake earlier if it is proved the 75% threshold was crossed but have corrected the situation due to lower holdings now. This may blunt the impact of the investigations. The Adani Group recently admitted that Vinod Adani was one of the promoters. (The FPO would have achieved the same objective, but only for Adani Enterprises.) The Supreme Court instructed SEBI, the stock market regulator, to find out if Adani Group violated the 75% rule and if there was a failure to report a few related-party deals. SEBI told the apex court that it was enquiring into both, the allegations made in the Hindenburg report as well as the market activity immediately preceding and post the publication of the report. The latter is to check fraudulent activities, insider trading, and short selling. Adani will hope that SEBI focuses more on the wrongdoings by the short sellers like Hindenburg. He wishes that the five-member expert committee SC appointed to investigate the Adani affair explores relevant causal factors which have led to volatility in the securities market rather than the alleged contraventions of laws in relation to the Adani Group. In any case, the two ongoing investigations may provide Gautam Adani with legal ammunition to drag Hindenburg to the US courts. Alam Srinivas Independent journalist and author (alamsrinivas@gmail.com) Much has been analysed and written about the March 9 deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, brokered by China. Most analyses focus on how China has swept the carpet from under the American feet and will now be viewed as a serious player in the Middle East where it has been trying to find a toehold. The deal is an attempt to secure its long-term economic interests. It is also being viewed as a step towards wielding greater political influence in the region to rival the role that the United States has traditionally played. On the face of it, nothing could be more positive for the region and the world than an assured step towards curbing sectarianism within Islam. The Shia-Sunni rift gets translated into a geopolitical competition for influence due to the two most powerful Islamic nations in the Middle East, Iran (Shia) and Saudi Arabia (Sunni), being from two different ideological camps. Hence the deal has the potential to be a pathbreaker with the caveat that it is handled with kid gloves. Since it has the potential to go horribly wrong too, a brief explanation is necessary. Another power adverse to US interests entering the Middle East was something coming for long and should not have taken the US by surprise. Ever since 1979, when the Iranian Revolution established the rule of the clergy by overthrowing Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and leading to the detention of 54 US embassy personnel as hostages by a segment of the new ruling elements, the US has been on what could be termed the Royal Sulk. The ignominy of a superpower being held hostage has never left the American psyche. There were opportunities galore where even a slight rapprochement with Iran and a light rap on the Saudi knuckle could have led to the arrest of the runaway growth of Sunni obscurantism as the ideological war within Islam intensified and the extremist elements attempted to establish their hold. American scholar Stephen Schwartz argues that internal dynamics of Saudi Arabia incited suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, and other Islamic terrorists throughout the world. In his famous book, The Two Faces of Islam, Schwartz focused on the role of the Saudi hierarchy and intelligence service in the spread of obscurantist Islamic ideology which effectively made the US and western society the targets of the radicals who set up 9/11. The US could have put a cap on this activity by following a more balanced approach to the Iran-Saudi relationship. The Iranian nuclear program, discovered in 2003, shook off any thought of a softer US approach towards Iran. The US thus virtually cut itself off from rapprochement and pursued containment as its doctrine, with a hidden agenda of ultimate defeat and destruction of the Iranian regime. The beneficiaries were Saudi Arabia and the GCC nations, receiving the US largesse of military equipment and most importantly, strategic focus. Two issues were of importance. First, the coming of the Saudi-Israel partnership set up by the US, for the prime purpose of containing Iran; the Iranian antipathy towards Israel is well known and harps on the completely unacceptable policy of holocaust denial. The second issue earlier promised something more positive through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015 which could have brought Iran out of isolation and partially mainstreamed it. Donald Trumps refusal to follow his predecessors sensible gamble of working cautiously led to the US withdrawal from the agreement and sent Iran back into its secretive isolation. It was already at war with the Saudis in Yemen through proxies. The proxy wars that Iran was sponsoring only intensified thereafter, leading to the targeting of the Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia in 2019. The US missed its opportunities because it refused to seek windows of opportunity to steady the Iranian nerves of uncertainty and perceptions of threats from its more powerful Arab neighbours. In fact, it added weight to Irans fears through more sanctions and stronger backing to the Israeli-Saudi camp. The Chinese initiative may give hopes of a positive outcome for the stability of the Middle East but there are enough detraction issues which could counter a positive movement. The Saudi-Iran agreement does not take into account Israel, whose enmity and antipathy towards Iran also borders on the extreme. Israel will not favour anything that upsets the balance which is clearly in its favour. Sensing a lowering of US sentiment for itself, the Saudi leadership under Prince Mohammad bin Salman took the initiative to test the waters when President Xi Jinping came calling in December 2022. He intended to show his Arab counterparts Chinas value as the worlds largest oil consumer and how it can contribute to the Middle Easts growth, including within fields of energy, security and defence. China could have opted for cooperation in diverse fields with both Iran and Saudi Arabia individually without attempting a rapprochement between them. However, this could have been very temporary. The suspicion is on its larger understanding of the ideological issues of Islam and the potential they hold of acting as spoilers. The US, with its deep-seated academic research of cultures, has been unable to fully appreciate the challenges and the opportunities that lay before it. China has created a mess of the Uyghur issue in Xinjiang and is extremely unpopular among the ideologically oriented extremist groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Will its entry into the complex quagmire of Gulf and Middle East politics be followed up by a steady and nuanced approach of understanding culture? To be an effective player as a big power, its not just the money you bring to the region or the markets you seek but the depth of involvement in issues that matter. It will take a few generations for China to establish the kind of linkages the US has established in the Middle East. For now, we should count our blessings if the Yemen war comes to an end and drones are not flown into each others refineries. It may be highly premature to perceive a full turnaround in Irans security perceptions and thus any effect on its nuclear program. Some things are a little too quasi-permanent in the Middle East (the sectarian divide for example) and will need much more to change than a short visit by Xi Jinping, a couple of discussion sessions, and an Iranian presidential visit to Beijing. Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University (atahasnain@gmail.com) Much has been analysed and written about the March 9 deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, brokered by China. Most analyses focus on how China has swept the carpet from under the American feet and will now be viewed as a serious player in the Middle East where it has been trying to find a toehold. The deal is an attempt to secure its long-term economic interests. It is also being viewed as a step towards wielding greater political influence in the region to rival the role that the United States has traditionally played. On the face of it, nothing could be more positive for the region and the world than an assured step towards curbing sectarianism within Islam. The Shia-Sunni rift gets translated into a geopolitical competition for influence due to the two most powerful Islamic nations in the Middle East, Iran (Shia) and Saudi Arabia (Sunni), being from two different ideological camps. Hence the deal has the potential to be a pathbreaker with the caveat that it is handled with kid gloves. Since it has the potential to go horribly wrong too, a brief explanation is necessary. Another power adverse to US interests entering the Middle East was something coming for long and should not have taken the US by surprise. Ever since 1979, when the Iranian Revolution established the rule of the clergy by overthrowing Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and leading to the detention of 54 US embassy personnel as hostages by a segment of the new ruling elements, the US has been on what could be termed the Royal Sulk.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The ignominy of a superpower being held hostage has never left the American psyche. There were opportunities galore where even a slight rapprochement with Iran and a light rap on the Saudi knuckle could have led to the arrest of the runaway growth of Sunni obscurantism as the ideological war within Islam intensified and the extremist elements attempted to establish their hold. American scholar Stephen Schwartz argues that internal dynamics of Saudi Arabia incited suicide bombers, Osama bin Laden, and other Islamic terrorists throughout the world. In his famous book, The Two Faces of Islam, Schwartz focused on the role of the Saudi hierarchy and intelligence service in the spread of obscurantist Islamic ideology which effectively made the US and western society the targets of the radicals who set up 9/11. The US could have put a cap on this activity by following a more balanced approach to the Iran-Saudi relationship. The Iranian nuclear program, discovered in 2003, shook off any thought of a softer US approach towards Iran. The US thus virtually cut itself off from rapprochement and pursued containment as its doctrine, with a hidden agenda of ultimate defeat and destruction of the Iranian regime. The beneficiaries were Saudi Arabia and the GCC nations, receiving the US largesse of military equipment and most importantly, strategic focus. Two issues were of importance. First, the coming of the Saudi-Israel partnership set up by the US, for the prime purpose of containing Iran; the Iranian antipathy towards Israel is well known and harps on the completely unacceptable policy of holocaust denial. The second issue earlier promised something more positive through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015 which could have brought Iran out of isolation and partially mainstreamed it. Donald Trumps refusal to follow his predecessors sensible gamble of working cautiously led to the US withdrawal from the agreement and sent Iran back into its secretive isolation. It was already at war with the Saudis in Yemen through proxies. The proxy wars that Iran was sponsoring only intensified thereafter, leading to the targeting of the Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia in 2019. The US missed its opportunities because it refused to seek windows of opportunity to steady the Iranian nerves of uncertainty and perceptions of threats from its more powerful Arab neighbours. In fact, it added weight to Irans fears through more sanctions and stronger backing to the Israeli-Saudi camp. The Chinese initiative may give hopes of a positive outcome for the stability of the Middle East but there are enough detraction issues which could counter a positive movement. The Saudi-Iran agreement does not take into account Israel, whose enmity and antipathy towards Iran also borders on the extreme. Israel will not favour anything that upsets the balance which is clearly in its favour. Sensing a lowering of US sentiment for itself, the Saudi leadership under Prince Mohammad bin Salman took the initiative to test the waters when President Xi Jinping came calling in December 2022. He intended to show his Arab counterparts Chinas value as the worlds largest oil consumer and how it can contribute to the Middle Easts growth, including within fields of energy, security and defence. China could have opted for cooperation in diverse fields with both Iran and Saudi Arabia individually without attempting a rapprochement between them. However, this could have been very temporary. The suspicion is on its larger understanding of the ideological issues of Islam and the potential they hold of acting as spoilers. The US, with its deep-seated academic research of cultures, has been unable to fully appreciate the challenges and the opportunities that lay before it. China has created a mess of the Uyghur issue in Xinjiang and is extremely unpopular among the ideologically oriented extremist groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Will its entry into the complex quagmire of Gulf and Middle East politics be followed up by a steady and nuanced approach of understanding culture? To be an effective player as a big power, its not just the money you bring to the region or the markets you seek but the depth of involvement in issues that matter. It will take a few generations for China to establish the kind of linkages the US has established in the Middle East. For now, we should count our blessings if the Yemen war comes to an end and drones are not flown into each others refineries. It may be highly premature to perceive a full turnaround in Irans security perceptions and thus any effect on its nuclear program. Some things are a little too quasi-permanent in the Middle East (the sectarian divide for example) and will need much more to change than a short visit by Xi Jinping, a couple of discussion sessions, and an Iranian presidential visit to Beijing. Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University (atahasnain@gmail.com) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a key promise when entering the South Block: Na Khaunga, Na Khane Doonga. It meant he would neither be corrupt nor allow anybody to be corrupt. The PM, who had stormed into office in 2014 riding the wave of public anger against the alleged 2G and coal scams, promised a clean administration. To his credit, barring some unproven allegations, his government has remained unscathed on this count to date. Given the BJPs wide administrative network at the Centre and in many states, and opposition allegations of the partys public functionaries escaping scrutiny, the latter have managed to largely remain untarnished. But the frequent raids by enforcement agencies on opposition leaders have upped the ante against the Centre. By some accounts, the Enforcement Directorate raids have seen a four-fold increase since 2014 and nearly the same applies to the raids and searches of the CBI and income tax department. Opposition parties, divided on various issues, are united on what they have termed as the misuse of the enforcement agencies. Nine opposition parties wrote a joint letter to the prime minister accusing the government of pursuing vendetta politics through misuse of central agencies. The letter was written immediately after the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in the Delhi liquor scam. Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has also been named in the liquor scam. The fact that the largest opposition party, Congress, did not sign the joint letter to the PM led to a spat between Kavitha and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. The verbal duel between the two leaders notwithstanding, their parties are on the same page on the issue of raids by central agencies on opposition leaders. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had recently lamented that 95 per cent of raids conducted by the central agencies have been on members of opposition parties. The opposition parties are divided over various issues. The AAP, TMC and BRS are bitterly opposed to the Congress, both over alliances in the states and on the question of leading the opposition in the 2024 election. Two clear blocks of opposition parties are emerging before the next general elections. One includes BRS, AAP and TMC, and the other has Congress, DMK and Left parties. Despite differences within the opposition ranks, the actions of central agencies are emerging as a potential glue to bind the entire opposition together and bring them on a single platform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a key promise when entering the South Block: Na Khaunga, Na Khane Doonga. It meant he would neither be corrupt nor allow anybody to be corrupt. The PM, who had stormed into office in 2014 riding the wave of public anger against the alleged 2G and coal scams, promised a clean administration. To his credit, barring some unproven allegations, his government has remained unscathed on this count to date. Given the BJPs wide administrative network at the Centre and in many states, and opposition allegations of the partys public functionaries escaping scrutiny, the latter have managed to largely remain untarnished. But the frequent raids by enforcement agencies on opposition leaders have upped the ante against the Centre. By some accounts, the Enforcement Directorate raids have seen a four-fold increase since 2014 and nearly the same applies to the raids and searches of the CBI and income tax department. Opposition parties, divided on various issues, are united on what they have termed as the misuse of the enforcement agencies. Nine opposition parties wrote a joint letter to the prime minister accusing the government of pursuing vendetta politics through misuse of central agencies. The letter was written immediately after the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in the Delhi liquor scam. Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has also been named in the liquor scam. The fact that the largest opposition party, Congress, did not sign the joint letter to the PM led to a spat between Kavitha and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The verbal duel between the two leaders notwithstanding, their parties are on the same page on the issue of raids by central agencies on opposition leaders. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had recently lamented that 95 per cent of raids conducted by the central agencies have been on members of opposition parties. The opposition parties are divided over various issues. The AAP, TMC and BRS are bitterly opposed to the Congress, both over alliances in the states and on the question of leading the opposition in the 2024 election. Two clear blocks of opposition parties are emerging before the next general elections. One includes BRS, AAP and TMC, and the other has Congress, DMK and Left parties. Despite differences within the opposition ranks, the actions of central agencies are emerging as a potential glue to bind the entire opposition together and bring them on a single platform. Gov. Doug Burgum has directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff until sunset Friday as a mark of respect for the victims of Mondays school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. Burgum encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses. His directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden. The shooting at The Covenant School, a Christian elementary, killed three children and three adults. Authorities identified the shooter as former student Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28. Hale was killed by police. The drier the Mahanadi gets, the hotter the debate is. The onset of summer has fuelled great apprehension about the river systems flow and, eventually, its state of health, with large stretches running dry. What has sent the temperature soaring is the dipping water level of Hirakud, the only dam system on the Odisha side of the river, considered the states lifeline. The latest weekly report of the Central Water Commission shows that Hirakuds live storage at 2.55 billion cubic metres is barely about 48% of the live capacity of the full reservoir level and below last decades average of 52%. That Odisha could be headed for a harsh summer can be gauged from the present storage of all its ten reservoirs being 19% below the decadal average. Mahanadi runs a mighty 494 km through the state, accounting for 42% of the combined catchment areas of 11 river basins. Hirakud has a command area of over 1,53,000 hectares for irrigation and meets the water needs of major industries and urban and rural centres, besides a hydel-generating capacity of 307 megawatts. Anything and everything with Mahanadi is bound to impact Hirakud, with its echoes found across the socio-economic and political echelons of the state. Much of the problem started after Chhattisgarh built a spate of structures in the last decade. Water flow to Odisha during non-monsoon seasons was depleted, surprising the government. This sent the two states on a path of confrontation. The Centre tried to resolve the issue but in vain. The BJD government filed a statutory complaint before the Supreme Court in 2016 and then sought an injunction on construction activities in the upper reaches of Mahanadi in the neighbouring state. Two years later, the Centre constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal which got its second extension after the expiry of its tenure on March 11 last. In the last 25 sessions of the tribunal, the hearing could not begin since the common information format was not set. The tribunal is set to commence its field visits to the two states next month to expedite the proceedings. However, concerns for Odisha, the lower riparian state, will linger. Besides, history shows that inter-state river water tribunals in India have not succeeded in resolving disputes. Resolving the matter through a political route seems the best option, and the two states must explore it. The drier the Mahanadi gets, the hotter the debate is. The onset of summer has fuelled great apprehension about the river systems flow and, eventually, its state of health, with large stretches running dry. What has sent the temperature soaring is the dipping water level of Hirakud, the only dam system on the Odisha side of the river, considered the states lifeline. The latest weekly report of the Central Water Commission shows that Hirakuds live storage at 2.55 billion cubic metres is barely about 48% of the live capacity of the full reservoir level and below last decades average of 52%. That Odisha could be headed for a harsh summer can be gauged from the present storage of all its ten reservoirs being 19% below the decadal average. Mahanadi runs a mighty 494 km through the state, accounting for 42% of the combined catchment areas of 11 river basins. Hirakud has a command area of over 1,53,000 hectares for irrigation and meets the water needs of major industries and urban and rural centres, besides a hydel-generating capacity of 307 megawatts. Anything and everything with Mahanadi is bound to impact Hirakud, with its echoes found across the socio-economic and political echelons of the state. Much of the problem started after Chhattisgarh built a spate of structures in the last decade. Water flow to Odisha during non-monsoon seasons was depleted, surprising the government. This sent the two states on a path of confrontation. The Centre tried to resolve the issue but in vain. The BJD government filed a statutory complaint before the Supreme Court in 2016 and then sought an injunction on construction activities in the upper reaches of Mahanadi in the neighbouring state. Two years later, the Centre constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal which got its second extension after the expiry of its tenure on March 11 last.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the last 25 sessions of the tribunal, the hearing could not begin since the common information format was not set. The tribunal is set to commence its field visits to the two states next month to expedite the proceedings. However, concerns for Odisha, the lower riparian state, will linger. Besides, history shows that inter-state river water tribunals in India have not succeeded in resolving disputes. Resolving the matter through a political route seems the best option, and the two states must explore it. Ashwini M Sripad By Express News Service BENGALURU: The state governments attempt to increase the percentage of reservation for Lingayats and Vokkaligas by scrapping the 4 per cent quota for Muslims under the 2B (religious minorities) category in Other Backward Classes has led to insecurity and confusion among the community members. Now, as per Fridays Cabinet decision, the 2B category is scrapped and Muslims are granted quota under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The Muslims are now questioning whether they will be left with a smaller quota now under the EWS category. While experts point out that the 2B quota for Muslims was specifically for those socially and educationally backwards in the community, the EWS quota specifies it is only for economically weaker sections. CS Dwarakanath, former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, told The New Indian Express that in Karnataka (including the then state of Mysore), many reports by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Havanoor or the Justice Chinnappa Reddy considered Muslims as a religious backward class and not just as a religion for reservation. Muslims should not be worried Dwarakanath said during the hearing in the Indira Sawhney case hearing, the Supreme Court had said that whenever the government wants to remove or add any community, there should be empirical data on that community. But the government does not have such data, and there is no clarity, he added. ALSO READ| 4 per cent Muslim quota was unconstitutional: Shah Law Minister JC Madhu Swamy said all these years, Muslims were given quota under a category (2B), which is not meant for one particular religion. We have rectified it. In Karnataka, 97% of the communities/castes have reservations. EWS quota is meant only for those who are not in any of these reservation brackets. Muslims should not be worried as they are getting a bigger quota as hardly a 3% of the population in Karnataka is eligible to get the 10% EWS quota, he said. Congress leaders said they are getting ready to question the governments quota decision in court, saying if they come back to power, they will reverse this cabinet decision. KPCC working president Saleem Ahmed said Muslims were given the quota privilege since the early 1990s. Muslims now have to fight with other castes under the EWS category. We will not allow this and will definitely go to court, he said. The Cabinet decision has to be sent to the Union government for approval. BENGALURU: The state governments attempt to increase the percentage of reservation for Lingayats and Vokkaligas by scrapping the 4 per cent quota for Muslims under the 2B (religious minorities) category in Other Backward Classes has led to insecurity and confusion among the community members. Now, as per Fridays Cabinet decision, the 2B category is scrapped and Muslims are granted quota under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The Muslims are now questioning whether they will be left with a smaller quota now under the EWS category. While experts point out that the 2B quota for Muslims was specifically for those socially and educationally backwards in the community, the EWS quota specifies it is only for economically weaker sections.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); CS Dwarakanath, former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, told The New Indian Express that in Karnataka (including the then state of Mysore), many reports by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Havanoor or the Justice Chinnappa Reddy considered Muslims as a religious backward class and not just as a religion for reservation. Muslims should not be worried Dwarakanath said during the hearing in the Indira Sawhney case hearing, the Supreme Court had said that whenever the government wants to remove or add any community, there should be empirical data on that community. But the government does not have such data, and there is no clarity, he added. ALSO READ| 4 per cent Muslim quota was unconstitutional: Shah Law Minister JC Madhu Swamy said all these years, Muslims were given quota under a category (2B), which is not meant for one particular religion. We have rectified it. In Karnataka, 97% of the communities/castes have reservations. EWS quota is meant only for those who are not in any of these reservation brackets. Muslims should not be worried as they are getting a bigger quota as hardly a 3% of the population in Karnataka is eligible to get the 10% EWS quota, he said. Congress leaders said they are getting ready to question the governments quota decision in court, saying if they come back to power, they will reverse this cabinet decision. KPCC working president Saleem Ahmed said Muslims were given the quota privilege since the early 1990s. Muslims now have to fight with other castes under the EWS category. We will not allow this and will definitely go to court, he said. The Cabinet decision has to be sent to the Union government for approval. By PTI CHENNAI: The Supreme Court's stamp of approval over the leadership of Edappady K Palaniswami, more popularly known as EPS, comes just days ahead of the February 27 Erode East bypoll, in which the AIADMK interim chief has invested a lot of prestige to upset the ruling DMK and ensure his party reversed the general trend of the ruling dispensation walking away with a by-election win. Anointed interim General Secretary in the July 11, 2022, AIADMK general council that prompted his rival O Panneerselvam to mount a legal battle against the elevation, EPS could well soon become the General Secretary, a powerful post last occupied by the charismatic late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Palaniswami has come a long way in the AIADMK, now the main opposition party and one that has ruled Tamil Nadu for over three decades. Beginning his political career as a branch secretary in 1974 at Siluvampalayam in Salem District, Palaniswami gradually rose through the ranks to become the interim party chief and he has held various party positions including that of district secretary and party headquarters secretary. He belongs to the Gounder community, dominant in western Tamil Nadu. In 1989, when the party split following founder M G Ramachandran's death, he threw his weight behind the late Jayalalithaa and was first elected as a legislator in polls held that year. During that time, Panneerselvam was with the rival camp and pointing to this, Palaniswami had earlier said the ousted leader was neither loyal to Amma (as Jayalalithaa was addressed), nor to the party. Palaniswami was elected again in 1991 to the Assembly and became a Minister in 2011. Again in 2016, he not only found a place in the Jayalalithaa Cabinet but also was among her chosen small group of leaders whom the late matriarch consulted often on party matters. A grass-roots level leader, 68-year-old Palaniswamy's growth in the party in a career spanning close to 50 years has been steady. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998. Palaniswami's first crucial forward leap came after the May 2016 Assembly elections when Jayalalithaa handed him the important Public Works portfolio besides Highways and Minor Ports that he had held even before. After Panneerselvam's revolt in early 2017, Palaniswami seized the opportunity and sided with Sasikala who picked him as her choice to be the chief minister. Once in the saddle, Palaniswami worked to cement his position and proved his mettle as an able administrator both in the party and government and Panneerselvam turned out to be a figurehead. Palaniswami carefully built his image as a leader from a humble background, from a farming family and often appeared in a green turban used by farmers during election campaigns. He has also ensured that none from his immediate family were in party posts and effectively targeted the DMK for 'dynasty politics'. Even during the campaign for the last year's Assembly polls, it was Palaniswami who stole the show. Though the AIADMK lost power, it won hands down in Palaniswami's home turf of the western region which helped him further consolidate his position in the party. Since then, there was no looking back and continuous efforts to expand his support base among functionaries eventually resulted in his elevation as interim party chief. On the other hand, the party's performance in the 2021 Assembly polls in southern districts and the Theni region, home to Panneerselvam, was dismal. The ousted leader was hence prompted to accept a junior role as Deputy Leader in the Assembly while Palaniswami was chosen as the Leader of the Opposition. Panneerselvam and his son, Lok Sabha MP P Ravindhranath lauding DMK on a number of occasions was also a contributory factor that led to his ouster from the party in the July 11 general council, the party's highest decision-making body. Palaniswami's organising skills could be gauged from the fact that a big chunk of Panneerselvam's followers including the heavyweight K P Munusamy and former Minister K Pandiarajan did not hesitate to shift loyalty some time ago. CHENNAI: The Supreme Court's stamp of approval over the leadership of Edappady K Palaniswami, more popularly known as EPS, comes just days ahead of the February 27 Erode East bypoll, in which the AIADMK interim chief has invested a lot of prestige to upset the ruling DMK and ensure his party reversed the general trend of the ruling dispensation walking away with a by-election win. Anointed interim General Secretary in the July 11, 2022, AIADMK general council that prompted his rival O Panneerselvam to mount a legal battle against the elevation, EPS could well soon become the General Secretary, a powerful post last occupied by the charismatic late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Palaniswami has come a long way in the AIADMK, now the main opposition party and one that has ruled Tamil Nadu for over three decades.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Beginning his political career as a branch secretary in 1974 at Siluvampalayam in Salem District, Palaniswami gradually rose through the ranks to become the interim party chief and he has held various party positions including that of district secretary and party headquarters secretary. He belongs to the Gounder community, dominant in western Tamil Nadu. In 1989, when the party split following founder M G Ramachandran's death, he threw his weight behind the late Jayalalithaa and was first elected as a legislator in polls held that year. During that time, Panneerselvam was with the rival camp and pointing to this, Palaniswami had earlier said the ousted leader was neither loyal to Amma (as Jayalalithaa was addressed), nor to the party. Palaniswami was elected again in 1991 to the Assembly and became a Minister in 2011. Again in 2016, he not only found a place in the Jayalalithaa Cabinet but also was among her chosen small group of leaders whom the late matriarch consulted often on party matters. A grass-roots level leader, 68-year-old Palaniswamy's growth in the party in a career spanning close to 50 years has been steady. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998. Palaniswami's first crucial forward leap came after the May 2016 Assembly elections when Jayalalithaa handed him the important Public Works portfolio besides Highways and Minor Ports that he had held even before. After Panneerselvam's revolt in early 2017, Palaniswami seized the opportunity and sided with Sasikala who picked him as her choice to be the chief minister. Once in the saddle, Palaniswami worked to cement his position and proved his mettle as an able administrator both in the party and government and Panneerselvam turned out to be a figurehead. Palaniswami carefully built his image as a leader from a humble background, from a farming family and often appeared in a green turban used by farmers during election campaigns. He has also ensured that none from his immediate family were in party posts and effectively targeted the DMK for 'dynasty politics'. Even during the campaign for the last year's Assembly polls, it was Palaniswami who stole the show. Though the AIADMK lost power, it won hands down in Palaniswami's home turf of the western region which helped him further consolidate his position in the party. Since then, there was no looking back and continuous efforts to expand his support base among functionaries eventually resulted in his elevation as interim party chief. On the other hand, the party's performance in the 2021 Assembly polls in southern districts and the Theni region, home to Panneerselvam, was dismal. The ousted leader was hence prompted to accept a junior role as Deputy Leader in the Assembly while Palaniswami was chosen as the Leader of the Opposition. Panneerselvam and his son, Lok Sabha MP P Ravindhranath lauding DMK on a number of occasions was also a contributory factor that led to his ouster from the party in the July 11 general council, the party's highest decision-making body. Palaniswami's organising skills could be gauged from the fact that a big chunk of Panneerselvam's followers including the heavyweight K P Munusamy and former Minister K Pandiarajan did not hesitate to shift loyalty some time ago. R Sivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday refused to grant a stay on the general secretary polls of AIADMK, clearing the decks for Edappadi K Palaniswami as the general secretary after late leader J Jayalalithaa. Without wasting time after the Madras HC verdict, AIADMK election commissioners Natham R Viswanathan and Pollachi V Jayaraman announced the election of Palaniswami as the general secretary of the party. The party functionaries greeted him by presenting shawls and bouquets. Following the verdict, Palaniswami said he is thanking the party cadre wholeheartedly for electing him as the general secretary, which is the all-powerful post in the party held by party founder MG Ramachandran (MGR) and late party supremo J Jayalalithaa. AIADMK is likely to inform the Election Commission of India about the party's internal election result. Justice K Kumaresh Babu passed the orders on the batch of petitions filed by deposed leader O Panneerselvam and his supporters PH Manoj Pandian, R Vaithilingam and JCD Prabakar who sought a stay on the party polls. WATCH | "The interim applications (seeking stay) are rejected, " the judge said in the order. This is considered yet another fatal blow to OPS in his attempt to claw back into the party by getting some favourable orders from the court. OPS, PH Manoj Pandian, R Vaithilingam, both MLAs and JCD Prabhakar, filed the suit challenging the resolutions of July 11, 2022, general council meeting, in which, amendments were made in the party bylaws and EPS was appointed as the interim general secretary. They also questioned their removal from the party without following due procedures. Even when the matter was sub judice, polls for the general secretary post had been announced on March 17. As per the poll schedule, nominations were filed on March 18 and 19. EPS alone filed the papers and several other party men filed papers on his behalf. It appeared he would be declared elected unanimously. Challenging the conduct of the organisational polls, OPS and the three leaders moved interim applications before the court. Meanwhile, the EPS camp gave an undertaking that the results would not be declared until the final orders were passed. All the petitions were heard together in special sittings on two holidays. The senior counsels, representing the OPS camp, vehemently challenged the legality of the amendments and blamed the flouting of the party rules in removing them from the party. After the final arguments on March 22, the judge had reserved the orders. CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday refused to grant a stay on the general secretary polls of AIADMK, clearing the decks for Edappadi K Palaniswami as the general secretary after late leader J Jayalalithaa. Without wasting time after the Madras HC verdict, AIADMK election commissioners Natham R Viswanathan and Pollachi V Jayaraman announced the election of Palaniswami as the general secretary of the party. The party functionaries greeted him by presenting shawls and bouquets. Following the verdict, Palaniswami said he is thanking the party cadre wholeheartedly for electing him as the general secretary, which is the all-powerful post in the party held by party founder MG Ramachandran (MGR) and late party supremo J Jayalalithaa.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); AIADMK is likely to inform the Election Commission of India about the party's internal election result. Justice K Kumaresh Babu passed the orders on the batch of petitions filed by deposed leader O Panneerselvam and his supporters PH Manoj Pandian, R Vaithilingam and JCD Prabakar who sought a stay on the party polls. WATCH | "The interim applications (seeking stay) are rejected, " the judge said in the order. This is considered yet another fatal blow to OPS in his attempt to claw back into the party by getting some favourable orders from the court. OPS, PH Manoj Pandian, R Vaithilingam, both MLAs and JCD Prabhakar, filed the suit challenging the resolutions of July 11, 2022, general council meeting, in which, amendments were made in the party bylaws and EPS was appointed as the interim general secretary. They also questioned their removal from the party without following due procedures. Even when the matter was sub judice, polls for the general secretary post had been announced on March 17. As per the poll schedule, nominations were filed on March 18 and 19. EPS alone filed the papers and several other party men filed papers on his behalf. It appeared he would be declared elected unanimously. Challenging the conduct of the organisational polls, OPS and the three leaders moved interim applications before the court. Meanwhile, the EPS camp gave an undertaking that the results would not be declared until the final orders were passed. All the petitions were heard together in special sittings on two holidays. The senior counsels, representing the OPS camp, vehemently challenged the legality of the amendments and blamed the flouting of the party rules in removing them from the party. After the final arguments on March 22, the judge had reserved the orders. By AFP SEOUL: Leader Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials", state media said Tuesday, as Pyongyang unveiled what appeared to be a new, smaller tactical nuclear warhead. Kim was shown in state media images surrounded by uniformed generals inspecting a row of compact green warheads identified as the "Hwasan-31", which means volcano in Korean. The North has long sought the technology to "miniaturise" a nuclear warhead allowing it to be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles to threaten the United States. Diagrams on the walls in the photos indicate this could be possible with the Hwasan-31. Kim was briefed by officials from the North Korean nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. He called on them to expand "the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials" for an "exponential" increase in the North's arsenal. Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons" that he said would strike fear into the North's enemies, KCNA said. Experts warned the unveiling of a potential tactical nuclear weapon did indeed show key signs of technical progress, and could indicate an imminent nuclear test. It came as a US Navy carrier strike group arrived in South Korea on Tuesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a hall displaying what appeared to be various types of warheads designed to be mounted on missiles or rocket launchers on March 27, 2023, in an undisclosed location, in North Korea. (Photo | AP) Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Seoul and Washington ramping up joint military drills as North Korea conducts ever more provocative weapons tests while blaming the South for the deteriorating security situation. "The current hard-line approach is likely aimed at justifying their tests for new weapons and a nuclear test in the future," said Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute. "North Korea unveiled a significantly miniaturised tactical nuclear warhead this time," he said. "The possibility that North Korea will carry out a seventh nuclear test with these tactical nuclear warheads as a next step has increased," Cheong told AFP. Too expensive? Pyongyang has got into a pattern of "tit-for-tat" missile launches and tests to counter US and South Korean military exercises, which represents a huge -- and unsustainable -- financial outlay for the impoverished country, one expert said. "North Korea warned of an overwhelming response against each South Korea-US joint training, but looking at the number of missiles fired, they can't continue this forever," Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. "If so, the seventh nuclear test will mark some kind of an end, they will declare themselves a nuclear power, and they will turn to negotiate with the United States," he said. This photo provided on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, by the North Korean government shows a missile launch test on March 27, 2023, in an undisclosed location in North Korea. (Photo | AP) The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report, part of a record-breaking streak of tests over the past year. "North Korea is sending a very coherent message. They are fighting for recognition as a perfect nuclear power," Park said. Underwater drone? North Korea is seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms in addition to increasing its nuclear stockpile. It claimed on Tuesday to have conducted a second successful test of a new underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the Haeil, which means tsunami in Korea, was claimed to have been carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in five years. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un and daughter oversee North Korea's ICBM launch Seoul has cast doubt on the claim, with the South's military saying it was "weighing the possibility" the test had been exaggerated or even "fabricated". There were some indications "North Korea is developing unmanned submarines, but it is evaluated that they are still in the early stages", the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said on Tuesday the Haeil had manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before destroying a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, according to another KCNA report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", KCNA said. Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon, the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo, but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. SEOUL: Leader Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials", state media said Tuesday, as Pyongyang unveiled what appeared to be a new, smaller tactical nuclear warhead. Kim was shown in state media images surrounded by uniformed generals inspecting a row of compact green warheads identified as the "Hwasan-31", which means volcano in Korean. The North has long sought the technology to "miniaturise" a nuclear warhead allowing it to be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles to threaten the United States. Diagrams on the walls in the photos indicate this could be possible with the Hwasan-31.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Kim was briefed by officials from the North Korean nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. He called on them to expand "the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials" for an "exponential" increase in the North's arsenal. Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons" that he said would strike fear into the North's enemies, KCNA said. Experts warned the unveiling of a potential tactical nuclear weapon did indeed show key signs of technical progress, and could indicate an imminent nuclear test. It came as a US Navy carrier strike group arrived in South Korea on Tuesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a hall displaying what appeared to be various types of warheads designed to be mounted on missiles or rocket launchers on March 27, 2023, in an undisclosed location, in North Korea. (Photo | AP) Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Seoul and Washington ramping up joint military drills as North Korea conducts ever more provocative weapons tests while blaming the South for the deteriorating security situation. "The current hard-line approach is likely aimed at justifying their tests for new weapons and a nuclear test in the future," said Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute. "North Korea unveiled a significantly miniaturised tactical nuclear warhead this time," he said. "The possibility that North Korea will carry out a seventh nuclear test with these tactical nuclear warheads as a next step has increased," Cheong told AFP. Too expensive? Pyongyang has got into a pattern of "tit-for-tat" missile launches and tests to counter US and South Korean military exercises, which represents a huge -- and unsustainable -- financial outlay for the impoverished country, one expert said. "North Korea warned of an overwhelming response against each South Korea-US joint training, but looking at the number of missiles fired, they can't continue this forever," Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. "If so, the seventh nuclear test will mark some kind of an end, they will declare themselves a nuclear power, and they will turn to negotiate with the United States," he said. This photo provided on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, by the North Korean government shows a missile launch test on March 27, 2023, in an undisclosed location in North Korea. (Photo | AP) The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report, part of a record-breaking streak of tests over the past year. "North Korea is sending a very coherent message. They are fighting for recognition as a perfect nuclear power," Park said. Underwater drone? North Korea is seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms in addition to increasing its nuclear stockpile. It claimed on Tuesday to have conducted a second successful test of a new underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the Haeil, which means tsunami in Korea, was claimed to have been carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in five years. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un and daughter oversee North Korea's ICBM launch Seoul has cast doubt on the claim, with the South's military saying it was "weighing the possibility" the test had been exaggerated or even "fabricated". There were some indications "North Korea is developing unmanned submarines, but it is evaluated that they are still in the early stages", the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said on Tuesday the Haeil had manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before destroying a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, according to another KCNA report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", KCNA said. Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon, the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo, but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill allowing the State Water Commission to enter into agreements with tribal nations, who would be eligible for the state Department of Water Resources' Cost-Share Program for state funding for projects such as water supplies and flood protection. House Bill 1385 by Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Rugby, passed unanimously. Before the bill, tribal nations were not identified in state law as eligible for such funding assistance, but other entities such as the federal government, cities and counties were. Burgum chairs the State Water Commission. Providing tribal nations with the opportunity to work directly with the SWC on cost-share requests will better meet the needs of both tribal and nontribal residents and ensure that all North Dakota citizens and communities have similar access to state resources that support local investments in critical water infrastructure, Burgum said in a statement. . Sorry, that page not found! Please visit our Home Page for latest updates Get ready to thrive in the fast-paced World of Business with SCMS Nagpurs BBA Programme; Apply now! Nagpur, March 27: Nagpur, a leading business school in India, is now accepting applications for its 4-year BBA programme. Prospective students who aspire to become business professionals and seek international exposure can register now for BBA at SCMS Nagpur via SET 2023, as SET applications are closing on 12th April. Get ready to thrive in the fast-paced World of Business with SCMS Nagpur's BBA Programme; Apply now! Under the leadership of Director - Dr Sameer Pingle, SCMS Nagpur has developed a comprehensive BBA programme that provides industry exposure and experiential learning. It prepares students to solve complex business problems. The programme's blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, including internships and global immersion programs, ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's business world.SCMS Nagpur's BBA programme offers a range of unique benefits, including an amazing campus life with on-campus events and fests, clubs and committees, blended learning, international exposure, and an industry-relevant curriculum. The school has signed MoUs with many companies such as Wipro, Reliance, and HDFC Bank, providing opportunities for students to work on live projects and gain practical experience.The placement record of SCMS Nagpur is impressive, with many students securing placements in top companies. Students were placed in reputed companies like Amazon, ICICI Bank, and Infosys, with the highest salary package, offered to be INR 7.5 LPA. The placement process at SCMS Nagpur is designed to match the aspirations of the students with the requirements of the recruiters. The placement team works closely with the industry to understand the latest trends and requirements. This helps them design the curriculum and provide relevant training to the students. The placement cell also provides pre-placement training, including resume building, group discussions, and mock interviews, to ensure that the students are well-prepared for the placement process.Students can look forward to gaining international exposure through the school's global immersion programmes. The school also organises various guest lectures, industry visits, and workshops to provide students with insights into the latest industry trends and challenges.'SCMS Nagpur's BBA programme has been carefully designed to meet the needs of today's business world, and with its excellent placement record, it is an excellent choice for students seeking a career in business management. Don't miss this opportunity - register now for SET 2023 before applications close on 12th April.For more information, please visit .This story has been provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)ANI27 March 2023 Shared Recently! Election commission arrives in Assam for delimitation of parliamentary, assembly constituencies Guwahati, March 26: The Election Commission of India on Sunday arrived in Guwahati in connection with the ongoing delimitation exercise of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in Assam. Election commission arrives in Assam for delimitation of parliamentary, assembly constituencies The Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel and other ECI officials are in Assam on a three-day visit from today till March 28 for knowing the ground reality and expectations of the stakeholders and the general public regarding the ongoing delimitation exercise.After arrival in Guwahati, the Election Commission of India met the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam Nitin Khade at a city hotel today and discussed the delimitation exercise in depth.During this visit, the Commission will interact with political parties, public representatives, members of civil societies, and social organizations on March 27 and with state administration officials including District Election Officers/Deputy Commissioners of all districts of the state on March 28 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Guwahati.The Commission will interact with media persons on March 28 at the same hotel.It may be mentioned here that the Commission, apart from hearing the stakeholders on March 27, has also decided to extend the facility for the stakeholders/public for sending their suggestions/inputs till April 5, 2023, at the email ID knbhar@eci.gov.in and brajesh@eci.gov.in for those who could not come to meet the Commission.ANI27 March 2023 Shared Recently! Karnataka: Amit Shah chairs BJP core committee meeting in Bengaluru, discusses poll strategy Bengaluru, March 27: Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired a meeting with the state BJP core committee and election management committee in Bengaluru on Monday. Karnataka: Amit Shah chairs BJP core committee meeting in Bengaluru, discusses poll strategy Karnataka is scheduled to go to polls later this year.BJP National Organizing General Secretary BL Santhosh, co-in-charges Man Sukh Mandaviya, Annamalai, CM Basavaraj Bommai, ex-CM BS Yediyurappa, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, State President Naleen Kumar Kateel, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and other core committee and election management committee members were present in the meeting.Earlier on Sunday, Amit Shah lauded Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his immediate predecessor and BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa stating that both have provided "good governance" during their respective tenures.Citing the developmental work done by the BJP government under both chief ministers, Shah urged the people to form the party's government with a full majority in the upcoming Assembly elections slated this year."Earlier under Yediyurappa and now under the leadership of Basavaraj Bommai, the Prime Minister has given an impetus to Karnataka's development with a sense of team India in the last four years. During Yediyurappa's tenure, I congratulate him for the way he managed the COVID preparation. I used to interact with Chief Ministers of various states then via video conference. It was a matter of concern to save Bengaluru from COVID. But the way Yediyurappa managed the situation is commendable. After Bommai came, he carried forward good governance like Yediyurappa," the Union Home Minister said.He said that the BJP government will take the state forward not just in the country but in the world."I want to tell the people of Karnataka that you gave 104 seats in the last elections, we fell short of the majority mark because of which one and a quarter years were wasted. I urge you to form the BJP government with a full majority. I assure you that the double-engine government will take Karnataka ahead not just in India but in the world," he said.Shah further lauded the Karnataka government's decision to scrap the four per cent OBC reservation for Muslims and distribute it to dominant communities, Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas and said that the government's move was according to the Constitution which earlier (reservation based on religion) was against the Constitution.Taking a swipe at Congress, the Shah said that Karnataka does not need a party whose leaders indulge in conflicts over the chief minister's post."Karnataka does not need parties which have a conflict on who will become the chief minister. It needs a team of patriots like the BJP which works under the leadership of PM Modi. Today is a historic day for the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Today, the statues of Lord Basavanna ji and Kempegowda ji, who spread the message of India to the whole world, have been unveiled here. These statues will give the message of democracy, social justice and good governance to the representatives coming to the assembly," he said.ANI27 March 2023 Shared Recently! BJP issues whip to Rajya Sabha MPs for passage of key Bills New Delhi, March 27: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip for its MPs to be present in Rajya Sabha on Monday for the passage of important Bills in the Upper House, sources said. BJP issues whip to Rajya Sabha MPs for passage of key Bills The government has listed two Bills for passage in Rajya Sabha including The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill 2023 and The Appropriation Bill 2023.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2023, to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the services of the financial year 2023-24. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha last week without discussion amid din in the Lower House.Sitharaman will move The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill 2023 to authorise payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the services of the financial year 2022-23.The Finance Minister will also move The Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2023, to authorise payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2022-23. The Bill has also been passed by Lok Sabha without discussion.Meanwhile, Lok Sabha on March 24 passed the Finance Bill 2023 with several official amendments amid din created by sloganeering by the Opposition parliamentarians who continued with their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani-Hindenburg issue.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman tabled 64 official amendments to the Finance Bill which was tabled in Parliament on February 1 along with the Budget proposals.ANI27 March 2023 Shared Recently! He plays with real belief, Gareth Southgate acknowledges Saka after Englands victory against Sweden London [United Kingdom], March 27: Three minutes and two goals were enough to register their second victory in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers on Sunday. Harry Kane once again featured on the scoresheet. Along with him was another familiar face who was able to add to his international goal tally. 'He plays with real belief,' Gareth Southgate acknowledges Saka after England's victory against Sweden Bukayo Saka's dream season continues to live on. Saka served the goal on a plate to Harry Kane who ended up breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute of the game with a simple tap-in. Three minutes later Saka's strike filled with venom found the back of the net from outside the box.Even though Harry Kane has been in the limelight after becoming the leading goalscorer of the England national team. But on this occasion, Saka swept in to steal Kane's limelight and make everybody remember why he is the hottest prospect in Europe right now.After the game, England's manager Gareth Southgate reflected on the true quality of Saka."When he's in front of goal now he plays with real belief," said Southgate."That's evident with his club and it's evident with the games for us. You're expecting him to score now when he goes through. I think that's been a mentality shift as much as it's anything technical. I think he knows to be a really top wide player he needs goals and assists and without doubt, he's delivered that this season," Southgate said."His hunger, his humility is what's got him on a good path. He has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that's how he's wired and I don't see that changing with how he is and with how his family are. I'm not going to get drawn into where he sits in world football because that would then start to put us in danger of doing all the things that we shouldn't be doing with him. But he's progressing brilliantly, he's a joy to work with and we should leave it at that," Southgate continued.The young English wizard will now return back to Arsenal to play the remaining ten games of the Premier League. Arsenal will face Leeds United on 1st April at Emirates Stadium.ANI27 March 2023 Shared Recently! Eminent domain involves taking private property for use even if a landowner opposes such an action, but the landowner is still compensated. Anderson said the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee felt a study wasn't needed "as it would add nothing new to the discussion of eminent domain" due to court cases that have already established rules and guidelines. Supporters said the issue is one worthy of study and important to their constituents. Govt sets up monitoring committee to prevent hoarding of Tur dal stocks New Delhi, March 27: Amid reports of hoarding of tur dal stocks, the government has set up a committee to monitor the stock held by entities such as importers, millers, stockists, traders etc in close coordination with the state governments. Govt sets up monitoring committee to prevent hoarding of Tur dal stocks The panel has been set up under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare, sources said.The announcement of a committee to monitor stock disclosure is aimed at dealing with hoarders and unscrupulous speculators in the market and to keep the prices under control, official sources added.The government is also closely watching the stock position of other pulses in the domestic market to take necessary preemptive measures in the event of unwarranted price rise in the coming months, they said.The government had issued an advisory to states on August 12, 2022 to enforce stock disclosure in respect of tur under the Essential Commodities Act 1955.IANS28 March 2023 Shared Recently! MLA slams Goa govt for not declaring Ram Navami public holiday Panaji, March 27: Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai has slammed the BJP government for rejecting his request to declare 'Ram Navami' a public holiday in the coastal state. MLA slams Goa govt for not declaring 'Ram Navami' public holiday Sardesai had demanded that 'Ram Navami' be declared a public holiday after the five days Assembly session was curtailed to four days.Earlier, the session was to be held for five days, but the schedule was later changed as March 30 is Ram Navami.Sardesai had said that on the pretext of 'Ram Navami' celebration, the five day session had been curtailed to four days. "Wasn't Chief Minister aware that Ram Navami is on March 30, when the dates of the session were decided," he had questioned."Why Ram Navami is restricted holiday and not public holiday in the state," he asked.On Monday, after his request was rejected, Sardesai said "Lord Ram, a name to be used, not revered?""Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has rejected my request to declare Ram Navami a Public Holiday which means lord Ram for them is only a politically convenient name," he said."Using gods and goddesses to achieve selfish, political and personal ends has become a ploy of BJP, that the god fearing people of Goa will expose and reject with contempt," Sardesai said.IANS28 March 2023 Shared Recently! First wearable health sensor developed for monitoring muscle atrophy New York, March 27: US researchers have fabricated the first wearable sensor designed to detect and monitor muscle atrophy, faced particularly by astronauts. First wearable health sensor developed for monitoring muscle atrophy A condition involving the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, muscle atrophy can happen for a variety of reasons, but is typically a side-effect of degenerative disease, ageing or muscle disuse.While physicians currently rely on MRI to assess whether a patient's muscle size and volume have deteriorated, frequent testing can be time-consuming and costly. However, the new study published in the journal 'IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering' suggests that an electromagnetic sensor made out of conductive 'e-threads' could be used as an alternative to frequent monitoring using MRI.The team at The Ohio State University fabricated 3D-printed limb moulds and filled them with ground beef to simulate the calf tissue of an average-sized human subject. Their findings showed that they were able to demonstrate the sensor, resembling a blood pressure cuff, could measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size, and monitor muscle loss of up to 51 per cent.Astronauts on short spaceflights can experience up to a 20 per cent loss in muscle mass and bone density."Our sensor is something that an astronaut on a long mission or a patient at home could use to keep track of their health without the help of a medical professional," said lead author of the study, Allyanna Rice, a graduate fellow in electrical and computer engineering at The Ohio State University."Ideally, our proposed sensor could be used by healthcare providers to more personally implement treatment plans for patients and to create less of a burden on the patient themselves," Rice said.The team designed the device to work by employing two coils, one that transmits and one that receives, as well as a conductor made out of e-threads that run along the fabric in a distinct zig-zag pattern.Though the wearable is still years away from implementation, the study notes that the next major leap would most likely be to connect the device to a mobile app, one that could be used to record and deliver health information directly to healthcare providers.And to improve life for future patients both on Earth and in space, Rice is looking forward to combining the sensor with other kinds of devices for detecting and monitoring health issues, such as a tool for detecting bone loss.IANS28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Havent implemented Sadashiva Commission report: Karnataka CM Bengaluru, March 28: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said that Vaddar (Bhovi), Lambani (Banjara), Koracha and Korama castes will continue to be in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list, adding that the state government has decided not to implement Sadashiva commission in future. Haven't implemented Sadashiva Commission report: Karnataka CM "I appeal to Banjara community leaders; we have not implemented the Sadashiva commission report. We have implemented it through the subcommittee. They were worried that they could be removed from the SC list, but I recommended that Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama community will remain in the SC community and sent it to the Central government," Bommai said on Monday while speaking to the reporters.He further alleged that there is a conspiracy by Congress and provocation by local Congress leaders."We have decided that there won't be any implementation of the Sadashiva commission in future. Yediyurappa started the Banjara Thanda development board, if at all any issues we can discuss them and sort them out. There is a conspiracy by Congress and provocation by local Congress leaders," Karnataka CM said.Bommai also said that the state government has given a 4.5 per cent commission instead of 3 per cent.Members of the Banjara and Bhovi communities, who were agitated about the internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) announced by the state government, on Monday allegedly targeted the house and office of BJP leader BS Yediyurappa at Shikaripura town in Shivamogga district.They resorted to stone-pelting, which resulted in some policemen being injured.The Karnataka cabinet had last week decided to introduce internal reservation amongst the SCs.After hiking reservations for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that 6 per cent reservations would be given to SC left sub-category, 5.5 per cent to SC right, 4.5 per cent to Touchables and one per cent to others.The state government also wrote to the Centre recommending that the proposal be included in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! IAF contingent departs for India after completing Cobra Warrior exercise in UK London, March 27: The Indian Air Force contingent on Monday departed for India after successfully completing a four-week-long Cobra Warrior exercise held at the Waddington Air Force Base of the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. IAF contingent departs for India after completing Cobra Warrior exercise in UK "@IAF_MCC contingent departed for India this morning after a successful four-week long Cobra Warrior exercise held at UK@DefenceHQ@DefenceMinIndia@VDoraiswami@sujitjoyghosh@MEAIndia@IndianDiplomacy@RoyalAirForce," the Indian High Commission said in a tweet here.The exercise was held from March 06-23. It was a multinational exercise. Countries like Singapore, Finland, the USA, South Africa, and Sweden also participated in the exercise.The IAF sent five Mirage 2000 fighters along with IL-78 mid-air refueller aircraft, and two C-17 Globemaster. The aim of the exercise was to participate in diverse fighter aircraft engagements and learn from the best practices of various Air Forces.This exercise involves high-intensity, large-force, and tactical air warfighting operations. The Mirage-2000s were drawn from all three existing squadrons, including those that took part in the Balakot air strike in February 2019.The Cobra Warrior is one of the largest Royal Air Force exercises. During the exercise, the Royal Air Force provides special training to pilots from different countries. The exercise is being conducted for more than a decade. The Cobalt Warrior is considered one of the most challenging exercises in the world.During the exercise, the Royal British Air Force offered Qualified Space Instructors Courses, surveillance, Multi-Engine Tactics, Qualified Weapons Instructors, etc. To qualify for these war strategies the Air Force crew had to seek intense training provided by the British Royal Air Force.Finland, India, and Saudi Arabia joined Exercise Cobra Warrior for the first time. The initial plan was to bring in indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, but they were busy with another exercise, so the Mirage-2000s were deployed. The Saudi Arabian Air Force flew six Eurofighter Typhoons from RAF Coningsby base, while the Indian team, Finnish team, and Belgian Air Force flew six F/A-18 Super Hornets and six F-16s, respectively, from Waddington airbase.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! NITI - School of Public Policy and Leadership by Jain University offers courses for budding policy makers New Delhi, March 27: Jain (Deemed-to-be University) has launched cutting-edge programmes on Public Policy to cater to the demand for professionals specialised in public policy and public management from Global Consulting firms, Political Advisory firms, Infrastructure firms, Analytics firms, Think Tanks, and Media. NITI - School of Public Policy and Leadership by Jain University offers courses for budding policy makers NITI has designed top Public Policy courses like BA Economics and Public Policy, MA Public Policy, and MBA Public Policy and Leadership. Each of these courses are carefully structured to provide student economists with the tools required to shape economic policies.The BA in Economics and Public Policy comes with the essence of liberal arts and provides perspectives on a broad range of subjects like environment, creative writing, business law, and IT applications apart from providing a strong background in economics. It provides extensive exposure to development programmes and public service delivery techniques, as well as entails interactions with policymakers, senior bureaucrats, international and national experts, along with several other field experts.The MA in Public Policy has been designed to inculcate skills in policy analysis and research, policy advisory, and teaching and writing. The students will also delve into quantitative skills and IT applications in Analytics and Big Data.The two-year MBA programme in Public Policy and Leadership is one of the best offered in Bangalore. It builds on the core courses of management, while providing specialisation in policy making, policy consulting, leadership, communication and analytics. Public systems increasingly use developing technology in a significant way and this programme will refine skills in Big Data, analytics, and AI with reference to policy making and programme management.The Government's ambitious plan for Amrit Kaal and the USD 10 T economy will open up immense opportunities to work with the public system, but from the corporate sector. NITI - School of Public Policy and Leadership provides few of the best Public Policy courses in Bangalore by ensuring the students will have significant engagement with corporates through the programmes offered."The courses are offered by faculty who are research scholars from leading national institutes like IIM, IIT etc. in India. The programmes are market-oriented and have been designed to build professionals who can undertake management and consulting roles in programme management and policy consulting with public systems." says Prof. G Ramesh, Program Director, NITI - School of Public Policy and Leadership, Jain University.This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Consider the medical profession as a service: Karnataka CM Bommai Chikkaballapur, March 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday called upon the students of Nandi Medical College to treat their profession as a service. Consider the medical profession as a service: Karnataka CM Bommai Holding an interactive session with the students of Nandi Medical College here on Monday, the CM said, "The country with 130 crore population did not have so much of doctors to match the population. Opportunities are in plenty for medical services in the country and it was more required both in the government and government sector.""Earlier, there was the menace of quacks but as the number of doctors has increased there has been a decline in the number of fake doctors. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme, more and more people are getting better healthcare facilities, and naturally, the number of quacks has declined," he added."Karnataka has the maximum number of medical colleges and research institutes and the students who are studying medicine are really lucky," he remarked.CM Bommai on Sunday extended his support to set up Adi Jagadguru Panchacharya Pathashale and said, the state government will soon release the funds for it."The state government will soon release the funds for Adi Jagadguru Panchacharya Veda, Agama, and Sanskrit Pathashale. Besides, all assistance will be given for the Gowshalas and for the mutt development," CM Bommai said at a function of Sri Adi Jagadguru Panchaccharya Veda, Agama, Sanskrit, Music, and Yoga Pathashale."The mutt by teaching Veda and agama to the children is introducing their culture, tradition, and spirituality to them. The Pancha Peetas established by Adi Guru Renukaccharya is working for the welfare of the state," he said.Sri Kashi Jagadguru is a treasury of knowledge but works for the welfare of mankind without showoff. He has been actively involved in the uplift of the mutt because of which the Jangama Mutt has grown, CM Bommai said.Sri Vachananda Swamiji of Harihar Panchamasali Mutt, Union Minister for Coal Pralhad Joshi, Ministers Shivaram Hebbar, Shankarpatil Munenkoppa, and others was also present.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! The North Dakota Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to criminalize the implanting of reproductive material into unknowing patients. House Bill 1140 by Rep. Bernie Satrom, R-Jamestown, passed unanimously with no discussion. The state House of Representatives last month also passed the bill unanimously. The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum. Doctors would face a felony charge for "sexual reproductive imposition," under the bill. Satrom has said his inspiration for the bill came after watching a film on Netflix. "Our Father" is the story of an Indiana fertility doctor who used his own sperm to impregnate unknowing patients, fathering likely dozens of children in the 1970s and 1980s. He ultimately was given a one-year suspended sentence in 2017 and paid a $500 fine after pleading guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice, according to The Associated Press. Indiana had no law specifically forbidding the doctor's conduct. Xis crackdown on major tech companies continues to hurt Chinas super-rich Beijing, March 28: As Xi Jinping began his unprecedented third term, the political climate in China remains uncertain. A mix of economic slump and complex policies is making the wealthy rethink their stay in the country, reported modern diplomacy. Xi's crackdown on major tech companies continues to hurt China's super-rich The drive to reign in the economic influence of China's private sector has diminished private sector expansion and business confidence.After receiving a unanimous endorsement from the National People's Congress, President Xi Jinping was re-elected as president for a third term on March 10, effectively cementing his status as the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. His drive to reign in the economic influence of China's private sector has diminished private sector expansion and business confidence, reported modern diplomacy.The regulatory policies unleashed in the past two years are unlikely to be relaxed anytime soon. Speaking to delegates on March 6, he reminded business leaders of their responsibilities to adhere to the law and support "common prosperity," clearly indicating that in the campaign to makeover the economy the wealthy might yet be unsparingly targeted.Under President Xi Jinping's stringent wealth crackdown, there are fears of arbitrary detention, expropriation, or at the least trumped-up charges. These anxieties are fueling an emigration trend among the Chinese ultrarich.Of the 445 people who lost their billionaire status last year, the majority, almost 230 were from China, according to the recently released Hurun Global Rich List for 2023.Beijing's crackdown on major tech companies which began in 2021, continues to hurt the country's super-rich. Tencent owner Ma Huateng lost three points and was placed at 31 on the list. Jack Ma Yun, the founder of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, dropped 18 points to 52nd place from 34th a year earlier. ByteDance owner Zhang Yiming is down by 11 points alongwith CATL chairman Robin Zeng Yuqun whose worth dropped by 13 points, reported modern diplomacy.Other leading Chinese entrepreneurs to drop on the superrich list included Netease CEO Ding Lei who was down 9 points and placed at 46th place tying with He Xiangjian co-founder of Midea, one of China's largest appliance makers who fell 11 points.Moreover, frustrations over lingering COVID-Zero policies, censorship, economic stagnation and hardships, led to rare yet legitimate protests in China which ultimately only led to a deepening crackdown on dissenters.Amidst increasingly antagonistic international relations, wherein Chinese companies are facing harsh scrutiny both domestically and by the US had curbed corporate enthusiasm.The China-US has intensified, with President Joe Biden's administration seeking to curb tech exports to undercut the progress of Beijing's technological and military advances. With several Chinese companies and other organisations on the US Entity List, prohibiting them from using strategic American technologies, the crackdown on China's chip industry is beginning to bite, reported modern diplomacy.A subsidiary of ByteDance TikTok which has over 150 million American users, is under greater scrutiny accentuated by the dramatic congressional hearing of its CEO Shou Zi Chew last week.Chinese companies are facing equally harsh scrutiny and consequences in other destinations. Amid concerns over China's involvement in critical UK infrastructure, the UK government has removed China's state nuclear company out of the nuclear power plant project on the Suffolk coast.It is unlikely that with the current economic slowdown, the common prosperity campaign will help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Meanwhile, the brutal crackdown by Xi Jinping will have lasting effects and cause further damage to its economy, reported modern diplomacy.Even some of China's most popular media stars find themselves under the scanner of the "common prosperity" campaign to correct wealth inequality. In an effort to rein in the prevailing consumption culture in China, stars like Zheng Shuang, Zhao Wei, internet celebrity Viya, find themselves facing financial penalties and even arrest as in the case of Liu Xiaoqing, one of the most famous actresses in China, reported modern diplomacy.Such relentless targeting of media stars who draw traffic and drive up consumption is making merchants and brands at Alibaba and across a number of its rivals' platforms nervous.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Delhis Civil Servants to be trained at IIMs as LG approves UTCS proposal New Delhi, March 27,: Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena on Monday approved the proposal made by the Training Department of Union Territory Civil Services (UTCS) for the training of Delhi Civil Servants at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), informed the government through a release. Delhi's Civil Servants to be trained at IIMs as LG approves UTCS proposal In the training program middle and senior level officers (DANICS and IAS) of GNCTD, will go for residential training at IIMs-Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata for training as a part of "Vision@2047" and "Mission2023".The training programs will be in addition to those under the "Karmyogi Bharat" and envisage to train decision-makers in the contemporarily relevant spheres like Public Private Partnership, Change Management, Leadership and Decision Science.Earlier, UTCS had moved this proposal of collaboration with the IIMs after suggestions for comprehensive training were made by the Lt. Governor himself only.As of now under the "Karmyogi Bharat" program, training programs on different topics are available on iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) platform and it offers courses like Dakshta and Karmyogi Prarambh which educate IAS about leave rules, noting and drafting, office procedure, Code of Conduct for Government employees, stress management, effective communication, MS-word, MS-excel etc.It may be noted that the last such program for 24 DANICS officers on "Management Development" at IIM-Ahmedabad was conducted in 2011-12 and thereafter for 30 officers in 2012-13.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! New NCERT textbooks to be developed in 22 languages in Eighth Schedule: Education Minister New Delhi, March 28: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday held a high-level meeting on the new National Curriculum Framework and new textbooks based on NEP 2020, in New Delhi. New NCERT textbooks to be developed in 22 languages in Eighth Schedule: Education Minister The secretary of School Education Sanjay Kumar, senior officials of NCERT and Members of the National Steering Committee on National Curriculum Framework attended the meeting.During the meeting, the Minister asked to develop textbooks in 22 languages included in the VIII schedule of the Constitution. This will be in consonance with the National Education Policy 2020 perspective of imparting multilingual education.The minister also said that the learning-teaching material "Jaadui Pitara" developed by the NCERT will be taken forward to reach out to every school in the form of open education resources."There is a need to make it a mass movement so that innovative and creative youth will join hands to develop a variety of innovative learning-teaching materials," he added.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Kalaignar Memorial Library in Madurai will open in June Tamil Nadu (Madurai), March 28: The construction of the Kalaignar Memorial Library in Madurai is completed and is all set to open for public use from June 3. Kalaignar Memorial Library in Madurai will open in June The library is being constructed at a cost of Rs 114 crores on Madurai Pudhunattam Roads. Of this, Rs 99 crore has been allocated for building, Rs 10 crore for books and Rs 5 crore for technical equipment.Kalaignar Library is a 7-storey building that is being built on a 2.13 lakh sqft area. A statue of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi would also come up in the venue.Last year, on January 11, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the construction work of the library.The library will have books, seating and reading for the disabled, and a 250-seat theatre on the ground floor.On the first floor, there is a children's library where readers can find daily, weekly and monthly magazines and on the 2nd floor, there are books which consist of poems, essays, political, literary, and historical works and books in memory of the Kalaignar Karunanidhi.Sathiya Moorthy chief engineer of Kalaignar Karunanidhi memorial library said that "Kalaignar library has seven floors. And yet the library has been built very rapidly.""The ground floor is reserved for disabled poeple. The first floor is designed for children. Twenty thousand books will be kept for children along with children's theatres," he added.Moorthy further stated, "Currently, 98 per cent of the work has been completed. The building will be handed over to the government after all the books are ready by next month. It is a world-class library.""Kalingar's Library is one of the largest libraries in the Asian continent. 8 thousand to 10 thousand people can use this library at a time" Moorthy added.A few days ago, Minister Udayanidhi Stalin said that the work of the Kalaignar library being built in Madurai will be completed soon and the CM Stalin will inaugurate it on June 3.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Liv Tyler returns to Marvel Studios for Captain America: New World Order Washington, March 28: Hollywood actor Liv Tyler is all set to return to Marvel Studios for the upcoming action film 'Captain America: New World Order' after fifteen years. Liv Tyler returns to Marvel Studios for 'Captain America: New World Order' According to The Hollywood Reporter, a US-based media house, Tyler has joined the cast of Captain America 4, currently titled 'Captain America New World Order'. She will reprise the role of scientist Betty Ross. Ross is the daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who was played by the late William Hurt in several films and will now be portrayed by Harrison Ford in the new instalment.Tyler was first seen in Marvel's The Incredible Hulk' which was released in the year 2008, the second feature, after 'Iron Man' launched the MCU. It starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the lead role, with the actor famously exiting the franchise and being replaced by Mark Ruffalo for 'The Avengers' in 2012.As per The Hollywood Reporter, Tyler's Ross was not seen again, though over the years, actors from that film have appeared in other projects. Hurt's Ross had a role in Captain America Civil War (2016), while Tim Roth, who played the villain Abomination, was a key part of the Disney+ series She-Hulk. Tim Blake Nelson, another Incredible Hulk alum, is also returning for New World Order, as per The Hollywood Reporter.Helmed by Julius Onah, the film is all set to hit the theatres on May 3, 2024.Tyler is known for her seminal work around the turn of the century, appearing in movies such as Armageddon and Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, not to mention such 1990s classics such as Empire Records. She was one of the stars of HBO's acclaimed The Leftovers, and had a run on Fox drama 9-1-1 Lone Star, reported The Hollywood Reporter.ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! Viral Promotions: The company that has created stars out of YouTubers New Delhi, March 28: Today, being a YouTuber is a legitimate profession. In India itself, there are a bunch of YouTubers who made a mark with their distinctive content. However, the journey from unloading videos on YouTube to becoming a YouTube sensation is not easy. Even if you are creating good-quality content, you need some guidance and push to ensure your YouTube channel gets a good amount of visibility. Viral Promotions: The company that has created stars out of YouTubers One company that has played an important role in the success of many popular YouTubers in India is Viral Promotions. The company, founded by Amandeep Singh, has made a name for itself as an entity that helps YouTubers find their audience and stay connected with them. Through its official website , Viral Promotions offers a plethora of services to its clients and ensure their YouTube journey turns into a success story for others to emulate.Talking about how the company has helped YouTubers, CEO and founder Amandeep Singh says, "Before launching Viral Promotions, me and my team did an extensive study and research on various aspects related to YouTube. There is both art and science behind it. From working around the YouTube algorithm that shows the amount of time people spend on your channel to creating customized marketing strategies that are designed for a content creator, we carry out a variety of activities to ensure that a YouTube channel gets the widest reach possible."In the last few years, many engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs and people engaged in other professions have become full-time YouTubers and managed to make a career for themselves by creating content for this video sharing platform. Amandeep believes that this is a trend that will become more and more relevant with time."For the longest time, people who had special skills did not get the right platform to showcase their talent. YouTube has made everything democratic. You can create the content you like, upload it on your channel and if it finds an audience, you will become a star overnight. From travel vloggers to chefs, YouTube has become a robust platform for every individual who wished to express themselves on a public platform. While views are important, one's focus should be on creating a positive impact", says the young entrepreneur.Many popular YouTubers in India credit Amandeep for the success they have achieved in this space. With its unique promotional strategies and effective use of digital marketing tools, Viral Promotions has helped many individuals, across different age groups, to create a niche for themselves in the ever-expanding world of online content creation.This story is provided by GPRC. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/GPRC)ANI28 March 2023 Shared Recently! South Dakota's House failed Monday to override Gov. Kristi Noem's recent veto of a bill that would have created government regulations for the use of cryptocurrency in the state. The bill had passed smoothly throughout the legislature, and Noem's veto of last week was upheld on a 37-30 vote. Proponents had argued the bill would have centralized different cryptocurrency systems through one government oversight commission, boosting transparency. But opponents saw the proposed regulations as a tool for potential government surveillance and overreach, saying they wanted more time to see how such legislation fares in other states. Six other states have passed the Uniform Commercial Code's update, which requires tangible records of cryptocurrency exchanges so that they can be considered money. National commercial standards aim to regulate digital currency exchanges by adding transaction records, but Noem said such a step would take away from South Dakotans market freedoms. It would be imprudent to create regulations governing something that does not yet exist. More importantly, South Dakota should not open the door to a potential future overreach by the federal government, Noem said in a statement last week in vetoing the bill. As similar bills emerge in other state legislatures, Republican counterparts like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota have expressed concerns about possible government surveillance akin to China's heavy-handed oversight of its markets. The suspicions over regulation of a Central Bank Digital Currency come a year after President Joe Biden's executive order to explore a federal bank-owned digital currency. Biden's step triggered a burst of misinformation, including claims it would create a cashless society. Bill proponents argued that those who believe the government would replace cryptocurrency companies with a federal system are mistaken, and that the bill simply would have bridged federal government and digital currencies, which are not currently recognized as money. The bill's sponsor, House Republican Hugh Bartels, said he expects most of the country will pass such code updates amid the rise of various forms of cryptocurrency. The misconception is that this bill is authorizing central bank digital currency, Bartels said. Its just setting up a way to do business with it. The first most popular cryptocurrency, bitcoin, launched more than a decade ago. While fundamentally digital money, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government institution. Indias G20 Presidency reaches milestone, 50 meetings held so far New Delhi, March 28: India's G20 Presidency reached a milestone on Tuesday as it marked a half-century of G20 meets. Three meets commenced today in Mumbai, Vizag and Ramnagar, taking the total to 50. India's G20 Presidency reaches milestone, 50 meetings held so far So far under India's G20 Presidency which assumed on December 1, 2022, two Ministerial, one Sherpa, 23 Working Groups, 20 Engagement Groups, and one Curtain Raiser were held, leaving aside about 30 University Connect and dozens of Janbhagidari events that were held.India assumed the G20 Presidency from Indonesia on December 01 last year and will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit for the first time later this year. India's Presidency will continue till November 30, 2023.India's G20 Presidency is in the true spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or the 'World is One Family'.The Group of Twenty (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries - Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and the US and the European Union.The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues.It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and, in 2009, was designated the "premier forum for international economic cooperation".ANI29 March 2023 Shared Recently! State and local officials are holding a meeting Thursday to gather public comments on the proposed replacement of the Heart River bridge on Morton County Road 137 southeast of Almont, known locally as the Stark Bridge. The meeting is from 5-7 p.m. Central time at 108 Burt Ave. in Almont. It will have an open house format, with formal presentations at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Representatives from Morton County, Sauber Engineering Inc. and the North Dakota Department of Transportation will be present to discuss the project and answer questions. The presentation and other materials are available on the DOT website at www.dot.nd.gov. click Public Meetings under Quick Links. Written comments must be postmarked by April 14 and mailed to John Sauber, Sauber Engineering Inc., P.O. Box 399, Mandan, ND 58554, or emailed to jsauber@sauberengineering.com, with Public Input Meeting-PCN 23734 in the letter heading or e-mail subject. People who need to request accommodations can contact Project Engineer John Sauber at 701-751-5993 or jsauber@sauberengineering.com. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888. Dems' statement to N-G Following is the full text of a statement from the Democratic Party of Illinois in response to an inquiry from The News-Gazette: DPIs innovative municipal program aims to distribute crucial election information by sending over 300,000 mailers and targeting more than 380,000 voters with online ads. Voters can find more information on recommended and opposed candidates at DefendOurSchoolsIL.com. "DPI is opposing candidates backed by known far-right organizations as well as those who have embraced values and policies that contradict those of the party including banning books, blocking full spectrum sex education, teaching revisionist history and ignoring public health. "As national and state organizations known for propping up conservative extremists continue to offer their support in several races across Illinois, DPI is stepping in to ensure that credible community advocates have the resources they need to defend our values." Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Ukraines president has visited the Sumy region in northern Ukraine, continuing his tour over recent days of areas of the country that have felt the brunt of Russias full-scale invasion Ethan Simmons is a reporter at The News-Gazette covering the University of Illinois. His email is esimmons@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@ethancsimmons). The University of Mary student accused of making a bomb threat pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning during a preliminary hearing. Chase Hoechst, 19, of Bismarck, was charged with felony terrorizing in connection with the Feb. 17 incident, court records show. The FBI on Feb. 17 notified the Burleigh County Sheriffs Department that a message stating, "Im going insane. ... I planted pipe bombs in the caf bathrooms" had been sent out on a social media platform, according to an affidavit filed days after the incident. Authorities linked the phone number associated with the post to Hoechst. Hoechst told deputies he had posted the message about 6:30 p.m. the day before, the affidavit states. He allegedly said hed seen a response to a bomb threat two years earlier when he was in high school, and that it resulted in a lockdown and students being sent home for the day, the document says. The U-Mary bomb threat prompted a shelter-in-place order that lasted for about an hour and 40 minutes while deputies searched the campus. No explosive devices were found. Hoechsts trial is set for June 14. He faces a possible five-year prison sentence if convicted. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causal agent of tuberculosis (TB), was first discovered in 1882 by Robert Koch. This disease has not only claimed many lives across the world but has also imposed a financial burden on many families and the healthcare system. At present, scientists have successfully tackled the problem of this disease by developing effective treatment and preventive measures. Editorial: Ending tuberculosis in Europe - resetting the course in the post-COVID-19 era. Image Credit: Tatiana Shepeleva / Shutterstock Background In 2015, European countries formulated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which aimed to end TB by 2030. However, in September 2018, global leaders at the first United Nations (UN) General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Fight Against TB agreed on an ambitious target of eradicating TB by 2022. They strategized that increased access to TB treatment and preventive measures would help achieve their goal quickly. Another measure adopted to progress the TB eradication goal was increasing the funds related to TB research and services. An uneven progress regarding TB eradication by 2030 was observed in some European regions by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the majority of Western European countries were on track for TB elimination, Eastern European and Central Asian countries reported a high number of incidences of drug-resistant (DR) TB. In the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), TB prevalence is low. Based on the TB surveillance conducted in Europe, out of 30 countries, 24 reported less than 10 TB cases per 100,000 population in 2021. These countries have been encouraged to maintain this low rate and attain the pre-elimination phase of less than 10 TB cases per million population per year. A recent Eurosurveillance journal editorial discussed the progress in the EU/EEA, between 2018 and 2021, towards achieving the 2030 targets for TB elimination. Study Outcomes A reduction in TB incidence in the EU/EEA was observed in the study period. Also, the authors highlighted some of the challenges that low-incidence countries face, such as low TB treatment efficacy among people with DR-TB. Around 22% of TB cases worldwide have been linked to multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB). In addition, many patients with DR-TB reside in the European Region. It was observed that one in three pulmonary TB patients in Europe was resistant to rifampicin, and some showed resistance to fluoroquinolones. The effectiveness of MDR/RR-TB treatment was 57%, which is much lower than the regional target of 85%. In addition, around 13% of new TB cases were found to be coinfected with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) in 2021, compared to 9.7% in 2015. This finding suggests a rise in TB-HIV co-infection in recent years. The authors have highlighted several reasons why the targets regarding TB elimination set in 2015 were achieved but failed in 2018. One of the key reasons was the incidence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This pandemic jeopardized the positive results achieved until then, which included the control of MDR/RR-TB and TB-HIV co-infection. Besides the pandemic, fragmented strategies and working singly instead of developing collaborative approaches aided in slowing TB eradication in Europe and globally. Although in 2020, many European countries were able to exceed the End TB strategy milestone of a 20% cumulative reduction in TB incidence compared with the 2015 baseline, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the progress. After the incidence of this pandemic, an increase in deaths due to TB infection, a greater transmission rate, and an elevated number of TB cases were reported. The ongoing war in Ukraine is another contributing factor that imposed an additional setback to the TB elimination goal. An increased risk of HIV and MDR/RR-TB infection has been predicted in Ukraine and in Europe due to limited access to diagnosis, treatment, and population movement. To minimize the incidence of TB, WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommended that Ukrainian refugees at risk of TB, such as those with HIV or who were in contact with TB patients, must be screened periodically. The economic burden of this war has affected governments' ability to fund TB services. Advancements and Limitations in TB Treatments Many new tools are being used to prevent and control TB and DR-TB in Europe. Notably, the duration of TB treatment has been significantly reduced, i.e., more than 18 months of MDR/RR-TB treatment is now reduced to 6 months. In addition, injection-free treatment regimens have also enhanced the treatment coverage. Furthermore, digital health solutions, rapid molecular diagnostics, and innovative service-delivery approaches are on the path of reshaping the TB response. TB-preventive treatment (TPT) is the key approach to ending TB. However, providing TPT to 450,000 people in the European Region between 2023 and 2030 will require a massive effort and investment. The shortage in TB medicines, limited TPT regimens, and lack of novel treatment options for MDR/RR-TB have further jeopardized the progress in ending TB in Europe. Future Outlook The plan to end TB in Europe was renewed in September 2022, when many countries endorsed the 20232030 TB Action Plan. This regional plan aims at "ending the spread of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB by achieving universal access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in all Member States of the Region." A rapid communication in the journal Euro Surveillance assessed the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets for tuberculosis (TB) elimination. One of the main targets outlined in the SDG was to eliminate TB as a global public health threat by 2030. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy, some of the sub-targets were to achieve an 80% reduction in TB incidence and a 90% decrease in deaths due to TB by 2030. Rapid communication: Monitoring the progress achieved towards ending tuberculosis in the European Union/European Economic Area, 2018 to 2021 Background The first United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting (UNHLM) on TB was held in September 2018, following the ambitious political declaration of fast-tracking the target of ending TB by 2030. Between 2018 and 2022, about 40 million people were treated for TB, which comprised 3.5 million children and 1.5 million people with drug-resistant TB. Monitoring of UNHLM treatment assumed that all recorded TB cases were receiving effective treatments. About the Study The study estimated key global and regional targets associated with TB for the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). The authors used STATA/SE 17 and Microsoft Excel for their analysis. This study obtained relevant notification data for TB cases from the European Surveillance System (TESSy), which was used as a proxy for TB incidence. Population data to calculate the incidence rate was extracted from Eurostat on April 2022. Scientists predicted whether the 2030 End TB targets could be reached based on the average annual change in notification rate between 2015 and 2021. They also considered the average annual change in the number of deaths in the same period. Study Findings To reach an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030, considering the 2015 baseline results, the EU/EEA has to reach 2.4 TB cases per 100,000 population. It was observed that the average annual decline between 2015 and 2021 was 6.8%, compared to 3.8% between 2015 and 2019. Based on a 6.8% annual decline rate, it has been projected that the EU/EEA will reach 3.9 TB infections per 100,000 population in 2030. Therefore, an annual decline of 11.7% is required from 2022 onwards to each 2.4 TB cases per 100,000 population by 2030. TB deaths continuously declined between 2015 and 2020, with an average annual decline of 6.5% compared with 3.6% from 2015 to 2019. To reach the 2030 target, an annual average decline of 17.5% per year is needed. In the EU/EEA countries, an overall reduction was observed, irrespective of age group, to reach the UNHLM targets on TB treatment initiation. The number of individuals initiating multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB treatment declined from 68.1% in 2018 to 43.7% in 2021. 124,844 TB cases of all ages were noticed between 2018 and 2020, and treatment was initiated. A 12-monthly follow-up was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. The authors estimated the treatment success range between 54.1% and 51.5% for all ages. Among the notified MDR TB cases, the treatment was effective among 49.4% of individuals diagnosed in 2018 and 46.3% of those diagnosed in 2019. In the overall study period (2018 to 2021), the EU/EEA countries achieved around 80% of the UNHLM targets, particularly on TB diagnosis and treatment initiation in all age groups of TB patients. However, a decline in rates was observed in 2019. This was mostly due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which impacted the implementation of TB prevention, control, and surveillance measures. The current study did not conduct modeling projections to assess how COVID-19 affected TB incidence. Conclusions The current study has some limitations, including using proxies for TB incidence and treatment initiation. There is a possibility of under-reporting and misclassification of deaths due to TB. Nevertheless, this methodology has been supported by previous studies. This study did not analyze data on a country level but included the available relevant information collected from different sources. Even though earlier assessments revealed a continual decrease in TB incidence and deaths, the current report has shown an increase in TB incidence. The rate of decline in TB incidence changed from an earlier report of 6.8% to 6.5% in the new assessment report. These numbers project that if the same numbers are maintained, the goal of ending TB by 2030 will not be achieved. To achieve these goals, new strategies must be implemented to increase methods to identify TB cases and develop new TB preventive treatments. In addition, more people-centered support must be formulated to help individuals with MDR TB. There is a need for improved shorter and all-oral TB treatment regimens. University of Queensland researchers have led a national study on the four main bacteria that cause sepsis, providing new targets for developing antibiotics. Professor Mark Walker and Professor Mark Schembri from UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience, along with Dr Andre Mu from the University of Melbourne and teams from 23 research organizations around Australia, set up experiments to mimic what happens to bacteria when they enter the bloodstream during infection. Sepsis causes 20 per cent of deaths worldwide, killing more people than heart attacks, stroke, or cancers of the prostate, breast or colon. It is characterized by infection-associated organ failure, leaving survivors with physical, cognitive and psychological side effects that can persist for the rest of their lives. Professor Walker said the research team set out to find responses common to all four types of bacteria that cause sepsis and discover more about how bacteria survive in the body. Currently when someone goes to hospital with sepsis they are immediately treated with antibiotics, which may have to be adjusted once the type of bacteria has been identified. This study allowed us to identify potential new targets for antibiotics that target all sepsis-causing bacteria." Professor Mark Walker, UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience Professor Walker said most sepsis studies focus on just one bacterial species. "Our team studied multiple bacterial species and used several advanced technologies," he said. "We have been able to characterize bacterial genes, RNA, proteins and metabolites from E. coli, Group A Streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus and integrated the data to get a complete picture of how different species respond when grown in human blood serum." The study brought together the Australian bacterial-pathogen research and biological sciences communities and generated a wealth of data. "This data is now publicly available," Professor Schembri said. "Researchers around the world will be able to mine this dataset to drive antibiotic discovery and development, which is critical given the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance seen globally." The Antibiotic Resistant Sepsis Pathogens Framework Initiative consortium is supported by funding from Bioplatforms Australia, enabled by the Australian Government National Collaborative research infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). A new study found that people who are currently suffering or face a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder show particular patterns in four biomarkers measurable with a simple blood test. The findings suggest these biomarkers could be used to predict a person's likelihood of developing PTSD, diagnose the disorder or monitor the response to treatment. PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is currently diagnosed based on symptoms such as flashbacks, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, negative thoughts, memory problems and avoidance of triggering situations. Since other disorders can have some of these same symptoms, it can be challenging to diagnose PTSD and assess changes in response to treatment. This research, which involved over 1,000 service members, represents the largest prospective study to date to assess the biological markers of PTSD over time. This study provides valuable insights into the natural history of PTSD and the effectiveness of interventions, which can inform the development of treatment guidelines and improve the care for individuals suffering from PTSD. Better methods of predicting or screening for PTSD could help to overcome the disorder by identifying individuals at high risk of developing PTSD and providing them with early intervention or prevention strategies. This could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent the disorder from developing altogether." Stacy-Ann Miller, Researcher at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland Miller will present the new research at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, March 2528 in Seattle. Biomarkers, which reflect biological processes, can provide an objective measure of physiological changes associated with diseases such as PTSD. For the study, researchers analyzed four biomarkers in blood samples from active-duty service members taken before a 10-month deployment, three days after their return and three to six months after their return. The biomarkers have previously been linked to stress, depression, anxiety and mental health disorders. They included: the glycolytic ratio, a measure of how the body breaks down sugar to produce energy; arginine, an amino acid that plays a role in the immune and cardiovascular systems; serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood, sleep and other functions; and glutamate, a chemical messenger that plays a role in learning and memory. The researchers divided service members into groups based on measures of PTSD and mental resilience and compared the four biomarkers among the different groups. Participants were classified as having PTSD, sub-threshold PTSD or no PTSD depending on their clinical diagnosis and PTSD symptoms. Researchers classified participants' resilience based on a combination of factors including PTSD, anxiety, sleep quality, alcohol use disorders, combat exposures, traumatic brain injury, and general physical and mental health. Previous studies have shown that people considered to have low resilience based on these measures are much more likely to develop PTSD after deployment than those with high resilience. Comparing these biomarkers in people with different PTSD status and levels of resilience, the results showed that those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD had significantly higher glycolytic ratio and lower arginine than those with high resilience. People with PTSD also had significantly lower serotonin and higher glutamate than those with high resilience. These associations were independent of factors such as gender, age, body mass index, smoking and caffeine consumption. The researchers said the biomarkers could help to predict which individuals face a high risk of PTSD, improve the accuracy of PTSD diagnosis and improve overall understanding of the drivers and effects of PTSD. "Improved methods of screening and predicting PTSD could inform better treatment approaches by providing a deeper understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of the disorder," said Miller. "This could lead to the development of more targeted and effective treatments for PTSD or to identify specific subtypes of PTSD, which may respond differently to different treatments." Researchers cautioned that more research and validation would be needed to confirm the biomarkers' utility in real-world settings. The research was conducted in collaboration with the PTSD Systems Biology Consortium, a network of government and academic laboratories. Collaborators include Aarti Gautam, Ruoting Yang, Seid Muhie, Marti Jett and Rasha Hammamieh of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Inyoul Lee, Kai Wang and Leroy Hood of the Institute for Systems Biology; Charles Marmar of New York University Langone Medical Center; Rachel Yehuda and Janine Florey of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Synthia H. Mellon and Owen M. Wolkowitz of the University of California, San Francisco; Kerry Ressler and Francis J. Doyle III of Harvard University; and Bernie Daigle of the University of Memphis. Mr Chan (third right) meets representatives of Hong Leong Financial Group of Malaysia. Mr Chan (left) pays a courtesy call on Charge dAffaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Malaysia Tang Rui. Mr Chan (second right) meets representatives of the Fintech Association of Malaysia. Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) gives a keynote address at a luncheon co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Jakarta and the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia. Financial Secretary Paul Chan met those representing the business, fintech and financial sectors in Malaysia to promote Hong Kongs advantages and opportunities as he began his visit there on March 27. In the morning, Mr Chan met representatives of the Fintech Association of Malaysia to introduce them to the measures announced in the Budget to speed up the growth of the digital economy and Web3. In addition to explaining that such measures would provide clear directions for international fintech firms to develop in Hong Kong, he welcomed the fintech industry to explore opportunities in the city. Both sides also exchanged views on the latest development of fintech in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Addressing individuals gathered at a luncheon co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO), Jakarta and the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia, the finance chief welcomed Malaysian enterprises to use Hong Kong as a platform to explore business opportunities of the Mainlands huge market, particularly those of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Malaysia will continue to scale new heights and it offers tremendous opportunities for business and our people to partner with you to explore the wonderful opportunities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as on the Mainland of China. Apart from stressing that now is the best time to invest in Hong Kong and grasp the opportunity of the recovery momentum, Mr Chan emphasised that the city has unique advantages under one country, two systems and is the best gateway for entering the Mainland market. In the afternoon, he provided updates about Hong Kongs latest situation while paying a courtesy call on Charge dAffaires ad Interim of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Malaysia Tang Rui. The Financial Secretary also met representatives of healthcare and financial enterprises in Malaysia to discuss different ideas and opinions on the relevant sectors latest developments. He highlighted the investment environment in Hong Kong and encouraged them to look into the vast business options the city has to offer. In the evening, Mr Chan attended a dinner co-organised by the HKETO, Jakarta and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia. During his keynote speech, Mr Chan welcomed chamber members to make further use of Hong Kongs financial, trade and professional services and actively tap the bay areas market. Air India on Monday launched a direct flight from Amritsar to Gatwick in the UK, with Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia saying the new international connectivity will work as a catalyst for the development of the region. Equipped with 18 business class seats featuring fully-flat beds and 238 economy class seats, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be operating three flights a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Amritsar," the airline said in a release. Air India will operate 9 other weekly flights scheduled from Ahmedabad, Goa, and Kochi making it a total of 12 weekly flights to Gatwick. Also Read: Air India Express Starts Goa-Dubai Direct Flight - Check Schedule, Timings and Fare In total, the airline now operates 49 flights in the UK per week 43 flights to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and six flights to Birmingham. Air India also operates 31 weekly flights to Heathrow, London, from Delhi and Mumbai," the release said. Gatwick airport is the second largest airport in the UK. The Air India flight from Amritsar to Gatwick was inaugurated by Scindia. He said the new international connectivity will work as a catalyst for the development of the region and added that lakhs of people from Punjab live in the UK and the new service will connect families living in two different countries, according to an official release. Read all the Latest Auto News here In a bid to strengthen its presence in the Indian luxury car market, Hyundai is reportedly considering local manufacturing for its luxury brand Genesis. According to sources, the South Korean automaker is mulling over the idea of setting up a production unit in India to cater to the rising demand for premium vehicles. Sources reveal that Hyundai has been keeping a close eye on the Indian market and is impressed by the growing appetite for luxury cars. The company believes that manufacturing Genesis locally could give it a competitive edge and help it tap into the potential of the Indian market. Genesis is a relatively new luxury brand and offers a different type of luxury. We will develop that concept in India with design and electrification," Unsoo Kim, Hyundai Indias Managing Director and CEO told TOI. Also Read: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Breaks Cover, Gets Striking Design Changes & High-Tech Features The move could also help Hyundai reduce production costs and offer more affordable pricing for the Genesis brand. Moreover, it could allow the company to cater to the Indian markets unique demands and preferences, including larger and more spacious vehicles. With the Indian market experiencing a surge in luxury product sales, including cars, Hyundai is now seriously considering its Genesis-related plans. The luxury car market in India is expected to reach its highest-ever sales in 2023, surpassing the previous high of 42,000 units. Although Mercedes-Benz dominates sales, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Lexus, and Jaguar Land Rover are also expanding their presence in India. With its sights set on the lucrative Indian market, Hyundai is pulling out all the stops to ensure that it remains at the forefront of the countrys rapidly evolving automotive landscape. And with the prospect of local manufacturing for Genesis on the horizon, the company could be on the cusp of a major breakthrough in the Indian luxury car market. Read all the Latest Auto News here Theres good news for all train commuters out there. Now, it will not take you much time to reach Rajasthans educational hub Kota from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The reason is a new railway track, which is being built to reduce the travel time between these two cities. This railway line is being laid fast, and now the distance between the two metropolitan cities of the country will reportedly be covered in a few hours. According to railway officials, the Ramganjmandi railway line, which will reach Rajasthans Kota and Jhalawar districts via Sehore and Rajgarh, is underway. It is being said that this new railway line will be ready by next year. With the construction of the new railway track, the distance between Bhopal and Kota will be reduced by about 50 km. Bhopal Railway Division has started the work of laying lines and civil construction between Lalghati to Bhopal stations. With the preparation of this line, an additional route for the train will be ready. At present, the distance of the Bhopal-Kota route is 350 km, which will be reduced to about 300 km. Due to the improper laying of railway tracks on the route between Bhopal to Ramganjmandi, trains reach the stations of Rajasthan via a long route. The project was started in the year 2001 by the NDA government. Then the project got stuck for years. The train will run on a single electric track from Ramganjmandi to Jhalawar. Trains from Kota via the new railway line will come to MPs Bhojpur, Khilchipur, Rajgarh, Biaora, Narsinghgarh, Bairagarh and Bhopal via Jhalawar, Jhalrapatan, Asnawar, Junakheda, Aklera, and Ghatoli. Ramganjmandi-Bhopal line, an important project of West Central Railway, is being constructed for Rs 800 crore. About 262 kilometres from Ramganjmandi to Bhopal, at present the train is about to start within the border of Rajasthan. Trains run till Junakheda village there. In a few days, it will start running till Aklera also. There has been a lot of delay regarding this project on the border of Madhya Pradesh. Getting the budget has brought a lot of relief for the project. Read all the Latest Auto News here Aadhaar-PAN Linking: The Income Tax department has made it mandatory for taxpayers to link Aadhaar with PAN by March 31. It is to be noted that there was no fee for Aadhaar-PAN linking till March 31st March 2022 while Rs 500 was levied as fees for linking between April-30th June 2022. From 1st July 2022 to 31st march 2023, there is a fee of Rs 1000. The fee for linking Aadhaar Card and PAN Card on the e-filing website is Rs 1000. According to the circular issued by CBDT in March 2022, all taxpayers link their permanent account number (PAN) with their Aadhaar by March 31, 2023. Any non-compliance will mean that the PAN will become inoperative from April 1, 2023. Post this, people will not be able to initiate any financial transactions or PAN-related activities. As per IT Act,1961, it is mandatory for all PAN holders, who do not fall under the exempt category, to link their PAN with their Aadhaar before 31.3.23. From 1.4.23, the unlinked PAN shall become inoperative. Please link today!", tweets Income Tax Department. How to link Aadhaar with PAN card - Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal at incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/. - Click on Link Aadhaar" under Quick Links." - Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number. - Click Continue to Pay Through e-Pay Tax." - Enter your PAN, confirm it, and provide your mobile number to receive an OTP. - After verifying the OTP, you will be redirected to the e-Pay Tax page. - Click Proceed" on the Income Tax tile. - Select Assessment Year 2023-24 and choose Other Receipts" as the payment type. - After completing the payment, again open the e-Filing Portal. - Log in to the portal by entering your User ID, password, and date of birth. - If a pop-up window appears, click on Link Aadhaar to link your Aadhaar with PAN. If not, go to the Profile Settings on the Menu bar and click on Link Aadhaar. - Your name, date of birth, and gender will be auto-populated from your PAN details. - Verify your PAN details with the ones mentioned on your Aadhaar. In case of a mismatch, get it corrected in either of the documents. - If the details match, enter your Aadhaar number and click on the link now" button. - A pop-up message will confirm that your Aadhaar has been successfully linked with your PAN. - Alternatively, you can also visit the UTIITSL or e-gov NSDL websites to link your PAN with Aadhaar. How to pay Aadhaar-PAN Link Fees 2023 As per information on the Income Tax website, PAN cardholders can pay the fees of Rs 1000 through the e-Pay Tax functionality available on the e-filing website to proceed with the submission of the Aadhaar-PAN linking request. The Income Tax website suggests separate steps for customers of different banks. 1. Steps for customers of Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, City Union Bank, Federal Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IndusInd Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Karur Vyasa, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, UCO Bank, Union Bank of India: -Go to e-Pay Tax functionality on e-filing website (https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/e-pay-tax-prelogin/user-details) -Provide PAN, Confirm PAN and Mobile number for OTP -Verify OTP after which you will be redirected to a page showing different payment tiles -Click Proceed on the Income Tax tile. -Select AY 2023-24 and Type of Payment as other Receipts (500) and continue -Enter the amount as Rs 1000 under Others field in tax break-up and proceed with further steps. 2. Steps in case of customers of other banks not listed for payment through e-Pay Tax: -Go to e-Pay Tax functionality on e-filing website (https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/e-pay-tax-prelogin/user-details) -Click on the hyperlink Click here to go to NSDL (Protean) tax payment page for other banks given below on e-Pay tax page to redirect to Protean (NSDL) portal -Click Proceed under Challan No./ITNS 280 -Select (0021) Income Tax (Other than Companies) under Tax Applicable (Major Head) -Select (500) Other Receipts) under Type of Payment (Minor Head) -Select AY as 2023-24, provide other mandatory details and Proceed PAN Cards not linked with Aadhaar Cards by March 31 will become inoperative if there is no further extension in the deadline. The Income Tax Department is unlikely to extend the PAN-Aadhaar link due date. Read all the Latest Business News here Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles (R), who represents Nashville where today's deadly school shooting took place helped out immensely by offering his empty "thoughts and prayers" to the shooting victims and their families after the tragedy occurred. This is the same Congressman who sent out Christmas cards less than two years ago featuring a photo of his gun-toting family gathered near a Christmas tree, holding semi-automatic weapons behind a small child. (See below, posted by NoLieWithBTC.) And the holy card's message? "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." I highly doubt the families of those shot and killed today would agree. The Nifty futures contract traded on the Singapore Exchange indicates a positive start to domestic equities. The contract was trading at 17,146, up 55 points or 0.32 per cent from the previous close. Coffee Day Enterprises: Capital markets regulator Sebi imposed Rs 10 crore penalty on the company for aiding and abetting in the diversion of funds to the tune of Rs 3,535 crore. As per the order, the company was directed to pay the fine within 45 days. L&T: The companys power transmission and distribution business bagged new orders in the domestic and overseas markets. While the company has bagged orders in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, it has bagged international orders in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Reliance Capital: The debt-laden company decided to go for a second auction on April 4 in their bid to maximise recovery as part of the resolution process. According to reports, IIHL of Hinduja Group told the CoC that they would retain Rs 9,000 crore bid upfront cash. Aditya Birla Capital: The company decided to sell its entire stake in Aditya Birla Insurance Brokers to Edme Services for an undisclosed amount. The proposed deal included sale of 25 lakh equity shares of Rs 10 each held by the company. Tata Motors: The company inked pact with clear energy solutions provider Gentari to deliver 5,000 units of e-commercial vehicles. Through its affiliate entity, the MoU was signed for a period of three years. IDFC First Bank: The private sector lender signed agreement with Swedish company Crunchfish to pilot a project to demonstrate offline retail payments. Tata Communications: The company brought JAMVEE, a cloud-based application with an integrated and simplified voice calling solution, to enhance employee experience, and productivity. KEC International: Ratings agency ICRA reaffirmed credit ratings to Rs 21,850 crore line of credit and $20 million ECB facility of the company. PNC Infratech: The company was declared lowest (L-1) bidder in a Ministry of Road Transport & Highways project, which involves construction of 4-lane highway, with paved shoulders, in Uttar Pradesh on HAM for Rs 819 crore. Gati: Allcargo Logistics signed share purchase agreement with KWE-Kintetsu World Express and KWE Kintetsu Express (India) to acquire 30 per cent stake of KWE held in Gati-Kintetsu Express, a material subsidiary of Gati. Dilip Buildcon: The company was declared L-1 bidder for new HAM project Bengaluru-Vijayawada under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-1 in Andhra Pradesh worth Rs 780.12 crore. Vedanta: The Board meeting of the company is scheduled today to consider and approve the fifth interim dividend on equity shares. The company has fixed April 7 as the record date for the same. HDFC: Mortgage lender HDFC Ltd said that its board has approved a proposal to raise Rs 57,000 crore via non-convertible debentures (NCDs) on a private placement basis. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read all the Latest Business News here With the nationwide protests going on in France over the pension age, it is not a surprise that the city of love is seeing some harsh days too. But it seems that this particular couple do not care much about it. While Paris street burns in the background, the unnamed couple is casually seen sitting outside a restaurant or cafe and enjoying a nice chat together. Captioned, In Paris, a new Everything Is Fine GIF is born, the clip is reminding people that this might just be the most Parisian thing they have ever seen. Amidst all the chaos unfolding near them, this couple decided that they dont mind enjoying their little outing together and the internet is all for it. In Paris, a new Everything Is Fine gif is born pic.twitter.com/LbYYHW72hV Ben Coates (@bencoates1) March 25, 2023 Social media users were loving how effortlessly chic the duo looked in the video. Many remarked that Parisians have a thing for remaining calm even in the most toilsome circumstances. Others were loving how neither of them so much as flinched when the explosion near them went off. The fellow sat there is exactly the image I imagine when I hear French man, wrote a user. The fellow sat there is exactly the image I imagine when I hear French man (@pjrydo) March 26, 2023 Another tweet read, How does the woman not even look up as theres a mini explosion 15 feet away?! Too busy discussing Sartre. Love this video. How does the woman not even look up as there's a mini explosion 15 feet away?! Too busy discussing Sartre. Love this video. Oliver Smith (@ollysmithtravel) March 25, 2023 I feel every race has one superpower, for the French, it is to do the bare minimum to enjoy life to its maximum, another user tweeted. I feel every race has one superpower, for the French it is to do the bare minimal to enjoy life to its maximum Sas (@sas_o07) March 26, 2023 For the unversed, on Thursday, numerous French workers gathered in a fresh demonstration of discontent with President Emmanuel Macrons proposed pension reform. The protests turned violent in Paris and other cities, indicating that the conflict was not subsiding. Macrons decision to enforce the reform without a parliamentary vote has triggered widespread outrage, resulting in the most significant domestic crisis of his second presidential term. The situation is now jeopardizing the upcoming visit of King Charles III to France, his first foreign visit as monarch. The demonstrations in Paris and other cities seemed to be more extensive than in previous protest days this year, as Macrons refusal to back down on the reform during a TV interview on Wednesday reinvigorated the protests. Read all the Latest Buzz News here A bizarre incident from Nepal has surfaced on social media where an unnamed 43-year-old inserted a 12 cm long glass inside his body via his private part. This glass was then found in his abdomen. Doctors had to spend 3 days removing the object from his body. More about this incident has been revealed by the National Medical Association. As revealed by the association, the man first claimed to medical authorities to have put the glass in his private part by accident. He was supposedly drunk at that time. Later, he confessed that it was not a mere accident. He had inserted the glass for sexual gratification. The man also revealed to authorities that this blockage had even prevented him from going to the toilet for two days. Initially, the man tried to take out the glass by himself but couldnt succeed and then went to doctors, who failed as well. Even after performing X-Ray on his body, they were not able to understand how this glass was stuck in his abdomen. They tried the procedure of milking the man, which means squeezing the lower intestine. As revealed by the doctors, the process of milking was extremely difficult because the glass was tightly fixed in the anus. With no other alternative, the doctors had to perform surgery and finally, on the fifth day of the operation, the man was able to pass stools. He was finally discharged on the seventh day of the operation. Two months have passed since the operation and the man is doing well. This is not the first time the incident of people inserting foreign objects in their private parts has surfaced on social media. A similar incident was reported last year where a 79-year-old Japanese man inserted a 90-inch jump rope in his penis. This incident was reported in The Daily Mail portal. This act had horrific consequences for the man and he found it difficult to urinate. Doctors had to conduct surgery to remove the object which they described to the portal as a foreign coiled body. Read all the Latest Buzz News here E-scooter-sharing companies are deploying new technologies to avoid multiple riders using a single device something thats prohibited in many jurisdictions and dangerous. Solutions were demonstrated at the recent Autonomy Mobility World Expo in Paris. In France, where the Autonomy Mobility World Expo takes place, e-scooter riders must also be at least 12 years old, ride on a bike path where available, not exceed 25 km/h and not carry another passenger. Carrying a passenger with you on an e-scooter is currently punishable there by a fine of 35. While e-scooters are fitted with speed limiters, it has not previously been possible to prevent the presence of two people on the same scooter. However, operators are now presenting new technical solutions designed to block the operation of their devices as soon as the presence of two passengers is detected. This is the case of the American operator Lime, which has just unveiled in Paris a detection system designed to clamp down on the possibility of two users riding on one of its electric scooters. This innovation takes the form of on-board sensors. The new technology combines different data, such as acceleration and vehicle angle, to detect a sudden weight change at any time. If this is the case, a notification is immediately sent to the user and the speed of the device is automatically reduced until the vehicle comes to a complete halt. This technology should be progressively deployed to its fleet of electric scooters in the coming months, all over the world. A major player in the shared soft mobility sector, Lime is now present in over 250 cities, including Paris, Marseille and Le Havre. Although less well known, the French company Pony also offers an intelligent system that prevents two people riding on scooters. This is a connected footboard, a one-of-a-kind creation. Equipped with eight sensors, it detects the number of feet on the scooter and therefore the number of passengers. As soon as at least three feet are detected, a notification is sent to the user. An audible alarm sounds and the accelerator is instantly disabled. Note that the operator has an alternative proposal for those interested in traveling in pairs via its Double Pony two-seater e-bikes, available as part of its bike-share offer. Operator Bolt tested a tandem riding prevention system in Malta last summer. These technological advances are one of the solutions provided by operators to address the increasing number of accidents caused by e-scooter users in urban zones. On April 2, Paris city hall will ask the French capitals residents to vote on whether free-floating shared e-scooters should remain in the city. In 2022, 34 people in France lost their lives while riding motorized personal mobility devices (PMDs), mainly electric scooters, according to the latest figures published by the French Road Safety Observatory (ONISR). Read all the Latest Buzz News here Gwyneth Paltrow is currently the defendant in a civil trial over a ski crash that happened in 2016. Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, is seeking $300,000 in damages from the actor, as per a Glamour report. Sanderson claimed that Paltrow rammed into him from behind, giving him a concussion, a brain injury, four broken ribs and an inability to enjoy wine tastings. On the other hand, the actor is suing him for one dollar plus attorney fees, alleging that he is exploiting her wealth. The trial has been jokingly termed the whitest ever" on Twitter and spurred countless memes. Now, a video from The Washington Post has gone viral where Sandersons attorney, Kristin VanOrman, while questioning Paltrow, is deemed by Twitter users to have fangirled" over the actor a little bit. For instance, at one point, VanOrman asks Paltrow how tall she is. When Paltrow says shes just under 510, VanOrman says, Im so jealous. I have to wear four-inch heels just to make it to 55." She points at said heels, to which Paltrow replies, Theyre very nice." Imagine you are suing someone and the lawyer you hired is lowkey FANGIRLING over who youre suing. OMG Id be sick," one Twitter user wrote. Is this a trial, an interview or a flirty first date where the interest is imbalanced?" Another joked. frankly i dont want this trial to ever end pic.twitter.com/V9kioJ0ABh matt (@mattxiv) March 26, 2023 Find someone who loves you as much as this lawyer loves Gwyneth Paltrow. https://t.co/Ex3lFlC3Yy AJ Kay (@AJKayWriter) March 28, 2023 and historians will call them- attorney and client- besties - colleagues anything but lovers; history hates lovers! https://t.co/pjUtBEidNd Gabriel (@morenoagabe) March 28, 2023 This cannot be real https://t.co/QChPQoV2hM Insert (@Insert66438804) March 27, 2023 Me: Gwyneth's attorney is just trying to make her look goodMe: OH MY GOD THIS IS NOT GWYNETH'S ATTORNEY https://t.co/yu1yVbgLkL Elizabeth May/Katrina Kendrick (is away working) (@_ElizabethMay) March 27, 2023 Imagine you are suing someone and the lawyer you hired is lowkey FANGIRLING over who you're suing. OMG id be sick. https://t.co/Smtmdd8H67 pic.twitter.com/nSzfqr0zcY Shithead (@DanDanPostsShit) March 27, 2023 This is what shooting your shot looks like https://t.co/lnLG9Zi823 Kad (@Ani_Kad) March 27, 2023 Is this a trial, an interview or a flirty first date where the interest is imbalanced? https://t.co/gYtQh6xGGk Mithvn (@ciocc0latino) March 27, 2023 To make things more camp", Paltrow was also grilled about Taylor Swift at one point. Read all the Latest Buzz News here Glass beads spawned in violent impacts from space rocks on the lunar surface have been found to have water trapped inside, offering what scientists describe as a potential reservoir of this precious resource for future human activities on the moon. Scientists said on Monday an analysis of lunar soil samples retrieved in 2020 during Chinas robotic Change-5 mission showed that these spheres of glass - rock melted and cooled - created in the impacts bore within them water molecules formed through the action of the solar wind on the moons surface. The moon is constantly bombarded with impactors - for example micrometeoroids and large meteoroids - which produce impact glass beads during high-energy flash-heating events," said planetary scientist Sen Hu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Geology and Geophysics, a co-author of the study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles, primarily protons and electrons, emanating outward from the corona, the outermost part of the suns atmosphere, and permeating the solar system. Solar wind-derived water is produced by the reaction of solar hydrogen with oxygen present at the surface of the lunar glass beads," Hu said, with these spheres then acting sort of like a sponge for the water. For future moon exploration, including potential long-term lunar bases staffed with astronauts, water is of vital importance not only as a drinking supply but as a fuel ingredient. The moon lacks the bodies of liquid water that are a hallmark of Earth. But its surface is thought to harbor a fairly substantial amount of water, for example in ice patches residing in permanently shadowed locales and trapped in minerals. Water is the most sought-after commodity for enabling sustainable exploration of planetary surfaces. Knowing how water is produced, stored and replenished near the lunar surface would be very useful for future explorers to extract and utilize it for exploration purposes," Hu said. The researchers see promise in obtaining water from the glass beads, perhaps through a heating process to release vapor that would then turn into liquid through condensation. We can simply heat these glass beads to free the water stored in them," said planetary scientist and study co-author Hejiu Hui of Nanjing University in China. The capsule returning the soil samples to Earth landed in the northern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia. About 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg) of soil were collected in the Change-5 mission, with 32 glass beads - tens to hundreds of micrometers wide - examined in the study from the small amount of soil made available for this research, Hu said. The glass beads were found to hold a water content of up to about 2,000 parts per million by weight. Hu said he believes that such impact glass beads are a common part of lunar soils, found globally and spread evenly. The Change-5 mission, named after the ancient Chinese moon goddess, was the first from any country to retrieve lunar surface samples since the Soviet Union brought back about 6 ounces (170 grams) in 1976. The United States brought back 842 pounds (382 kg) of surface samples during the Apollo program from 1969 to 1972. The interaction of the solar wind with lunar surface materials could sustain a water cycle on the moon, with the glass beads absorbing the water and acting as a repository for it, the researchers said. This solar wind process could similarly yield water on other airless bodies in the solar system such as the innermost planet Mercury and the large asteroid-belt object Vesta, Hui said. Read all the Latest Buzz News here This magnificent creature is taking road safety quite seriously. A video of a black leopard carefully crossing a road has taken the Internet by storm. The video was captured on the Mul-Chandrapur road in Maharashtra and has left viewers in awe of the magnificent creatures grace and beauty. In the video, the black leopard can be seen slowly walking across the road, carefully assessing its surroundings before taking each step. The leopards movements are so fluid and deliberate that it almost seems like it is making sure there are no safety risks from oncoming traffic. The fact that the leopard was so careful and deliberate in its movements only adds to the magic of the moment. Check out the clip here: Black leopard on Mul-Chandrapur road pic.twitter.com/r8WAOWAUt5 ProshunTOI (@ProshuncTOI) March 26, 2023 Some users expressed their excitement at witnessing a rare sight of a big cat in its natural habitat and called for conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals. Others took a more critical approach, emphasizing the need for wildlife preservation by creating free zones for animals and implementing measures such as elevated roads to prevent collisions with vehicles. Wow, a rare scene. These big cats should be conserved, wrote a user. Wow, a rare scene. These big cats should be conserved. Jayant Patil (@JayantShilpa) March 28, 2023 Sad for the black beauty the master of stealth could so easily become a roadkill, read another tweet. Sad for the black beauty the master of stealth could so easily become a roadkill ninadsheth (@ninadsheth) March 27, 2023 A user tweeted, We should really make forests in Maharashtra free from speeding vehicle roads and try to make these roads elevated. Every wildlife is important to us in Maharashtra. They are the pride of Maharashtra. We should really make forest in Maharashtra free from speeding vehicle roads and try to make this roads elevated. Every wildlife is important to us in Maharashtra. They are pride of Maharashtra. @mieknathshinde@Dev_Fadnavis https://t.co/9F7nY1uG0c MahaMaharashtra (@MahaMaharashtra) March 27, 2023 In another show of a leopards power and grace, it was seen getting attacked by a tiger but managed to escape by using its competence. The Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared a video of the encounter on Twitter, which shows the tiger running after the leopard at full speed. The leopard climbs up a tree to evade the tiger, but the tiger struggles to climb due to its weight. The IFS officer explains that the leopards survival in a tiger-dominated environment requires skill and the ability to climb trees while cautioning that tigers, despite being skilled climbers, may struggle as they grow older and gain weight. That is how leopard survives in a tiger dominated landscapeTigers can easily climb trees,with their sharp and retractable claws providing a powerful grip to hold the tree trunk and climb up. But as they grow old their body weight prevents them to do so.Stay slim to survive pic.twitter.com/uePgSwIJcj Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) February 14, 2023 The video accumulated more than 400,000 views and continues to gain traction. It has also sparked a discussion among animal enthusiasts on the web. Read all the Latest Buzz News here For ages, people from Howrah and surrounding areas have been flocking to a pond known as Mota (Fat) Pukur (Pond) in West Bengal, believed to work wonders on the body. According to the locals, diving into the pond transforms a skinny frame into a fat one, and bathing in it is said to cure various ailments. Its miraculous benefits have earned it a reputation all over Bengal. It was once a large lake filled with lotus trees and shoals of fish, and now people come from all over Howrah and its surrounding districts to bathe in its waters, which are believed to cure various diseases and even make skinny bodies fat. Before taking a dip, it is customary to apply turmeric and vermilion oil to the pond tree and touch it before entering the water. The temple of Goddess Chandi is located on the banks of the pond, and devotees offer prayers to her after bathing to seek her blessings and rid themselves of illnesses. Groups of people still visit this pond to benefit from its healing properties and perform puja when their desires are fulfilled. On Sundays and during Shukla Paksha, a gathering of devotees can be observed near the Pond where puja materials are available. People come to pay their respects to the deity, and after taking a dip in the pond, they collect some water in a bottle. As per tradition, it is mandatory to bathe with the water from the pond at home for two consecutive days after taking a dip in the pond. This practice is followed by the devotees with utmost reverence. Tapan Sarkar, an associate of the Batul Temple, explains that the Mota Pukur has been known to have medicinal properties, particularly beneficial for women and children suffering from ailments like rickets. Many people visit the pond with the hope of fulfilling their dreams, and upon success, they offer their gratitude by participating in a rally, he said to News18. Similarly, a local resident, Manik Lal Dey, emphasised the importance of faith in Goddess Chandi and stated, Taking a dip in the pond while remembering Ma Chandi can help transform a skinny body into a healthy and plump one, which is why the pond is called Mota Pukur. Large numbers of devotees flock to the pond to offer puja to Goddess Chandi after their wishes are fulfilled and problems are resolved. The puja is conducted with the accompaniment of different musical instruments, and the main ingredients used are pumpkin, sweet pumpkin, and a sack of salt. Nibha Sarkar, one of the devotees, shared, I came to the pond after hearing about it from the locals and I hope that all my desires get fulfilled. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the claims made by the locals about the healing properties of the pond, the unwavering faith and devotion of the people towards the pond and the goddess remain strong. Devotees from different parts of the state visit the pond to take a dip and offer their prayers. To facilitate the pilgrimage for the devotees, several initiatives have been implemented. The ghat is located in front of the Goddess Chandi temple, and there is a statue of Savitri and Satyavan preceding it. The pond is situated at 16 National Highway Bagnan Library Junction, and it is just a 10-minute walk from Bantul Kaltala on the Bagnan-Shampur state highway. Read all the Latest Buzz News here A Chicken Manchurian recipe that appeared in the New York Times has sent Indian Twitter into a collective meltdown this fine day on Twitter. Because Indians on Twitter were unable to find enough globally popular things with kind-of uncertain origins to claim today, they have latched onto the NYT Chicken Manchurian article which called the dish a stalwart of Pakistani Chinese cooking". As per a South China Morning Post article, Chicken Manchurian is believed to have been created in Mumbai by a third-generation Chinese chef called Nelson Wang. Now, the NYT article did not claim that the dish was invented in Pakistan, but that it was popular across restaurants in South Asia. The writer said that the particular recipe comes from attempts at recreating the Chicken Manchurian served at Hsin Kuang in Lahore in the late 90s. That, however, did not dissuade the world war" that started in the replies to the NYT article on Twitter. The tears in the comments People pulling out passages from Ashokas time to prove they invented something that obviously existed on both sides of the border Zuhair (@ZuhairAndThere) March 27, 2023 south asians will fight over literally anything. no way ppl are this passionate over chicken manchurian? https://t.co/EcH5OLYatb mmmmm (@rahnoom) March 27, 2023 Pakistanis and Indians fighting in the replies meanwhile Chinese watching them like: https://t.co/7dW4JpKa3B pic.twitter.com/1EVzt2UTB9 K. (@RotiKholDeyo) March 27, 2023 other Indian dishes watching Indians throw tantrums over a dish that is hybrid of two Asian cuisines https://t.co/yKWE32b4SN pic.twitter.com/3gz7flClGE whorecore (@mirzamalist) March 27, 2023 Y'all have serious comprehension problems cuz nowhere did the writer say chicken Manchurian was invented in pak, just that a lahori restaurant started it in pak and now it's the 'stalwart' of pakistani chinese cooking which BTW is kinda diff from indo-chinese https://t.co/ZsiLxx83GQ nawal (@garlicheesenaan) March 27, 2023 New York times ne pic.twitter.com/9B9w2QlK83 Sadiaester (@sadiaester) March 27, 2023 At this point, the only acceptable answer seems to be the following: everyone in the replies is wrong. this was invented by my mom . https://t.co/P63jPyzsux (@mautcab) March 27, 2023 Another day, another instance of India-Pakistan rivalry on Twitter. Read all the Latest Buzz News here When a newborn comes into your life, all your attention goes towards them. You make sure they are properly fed, and they dont go through any discomfort. A Russian couple did the exact opposite with their newborn and have been detained for starving their baby to death. The parents of the newborn, who died of prolonged starvation, have been detained. The duo claimed that they believed in feeding sunlight. The woman named Oxana Mironova, 33, and the man Maxim Lyutyi, 43, are both believers in this idea. The mother is under investigation for causing death by negligence and was put under house arrest for two months by a judge. Maxim is known as a radical raw foodist and he was separately detained for resisting police, as reported by Zvezda News. The news outlet said in a statement, The preliminary version of the infants death is severe exhaustionthat the blogger tried to instil his nutrition system in the baby. The baby boy died when he was around one-month old and he is suspected of suffering from pneumonia and emaciation after starvation. This was analysed as a result of the baby being taken to a hospital in Sochi. The Russian Investigative Committee is examining the circumstances of the tragic death near the Black Sea resort city of Sochi and a criminal case against the parents has been launched. The child was reportedly born at home and completely tended by just the parents. Lyutvi is a lifestyle influencer and an author of methods of cleansing the body. The couple is known for founding a club called The Living Man, which focuses on improving health and dealing with personal problems. Lyutyi often took to Instagram to advocate for the bizarre prana-eating, which means feeding off the energy of the sun and avoiding food or water for a prolonged period. Local media outlet Caution News cited law enforcement sources that revealed that the couple tried transferring the baby to the prana-eating lifestyle, which allegedly led to the babys death by starvation. Read all the Latest Buzz News here Barbie Bassett, a television news anchor for NBC affiliate WLBT, based in Jackson, Mississippi, was recently removed from her position after quoting Snoop Dogg live on air earlier this month. She hasn't been back at her job since the March 8 incident. AL.com explains: Barbie Bassett has not returned to NBC affiliate WLBT since the March 8 broadcast and is no longer listed as a member of the news team on the station's website, the Clarion Ledger reports. "As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters," Ted Fortenberry, the station's regional vice president and general manager, said in a social media post. LockharTVMedia tweeted a clip of the incident, with the text: Longtime Mississippi news anchor appears to no longer be employed with the news team after saying, "Fo shizzle, my nizzle" on air. Long-time WLBT journalist and meteorologist Barbie Bassett is no longer listed as a member of its news team as social media reports suggest she has been removed from her morning anchor position for racially insensitive comments. Bassett's bio has been removed from the WLBT Website where all of the on-air bios are located. Charlamagne The God recently defended the news anchor, speculating that she probably didn't even know what the Snoop Dogg lyrics meant. Daily Mail explains: Discussing the incident with DJ Envy he said: 'She can't say, 'Fo s*****e, my n****e?' 'Oh, I guess cause n****e is a derivative of the N-word. I'm saying that in context. I didn't mean to say I'm not using that word.' The word is sometimes used as slang for the n-word, and is considered offensive. But DJ Envy said that he didn't think the use of it was 'fireable', with Charlamagne interjecting: 'She might not even know what 'N***e' means, yo. YouTubers/pranksters Niko Omilana and JiDion have been engaged in a menace-off" wherein they try to pull off elaborate, impossible (except for them) pranks. Niko recently challenged JiDion to sneak a painting of himself (JiDion) into the French Louvre, right next to the Mona Lisa. Before JiDion, Niko had managed to pull it off himself as well. Well, JiDion did not lose to him, either. It took heist-level detailed planning to accomplish it, but JiDion, with the help of his accomplices, managed to not only sneak in a painting of himself- the Clapped Lisa" right next to the Mona Lisa- but also created a whole spectacle around it. Unsuspecting crowds gathered around the painting to take photos with it. A tour guide also rattled off some made-up history about the Clapped Lisa to JiDion himself. When things went a little too far, security had to intervene. JiDion did not leave it at that. To take the prank a notch higher, he also decided to take the painting along with him. He ripped it straight off the wall and walked away with it. The French police- on roller blades- intervened and arrested him. JiDion was detained for a day. Even though Niko made a Free Jid, French police are mid" sign and protested, it wasnt really necessary. JiDion was freed the next morning. Props to Jid for making the cameramen leave so that he was the only one in trouble. Says a lot about him," one YouTube commenter wrote. The tour guide confidently casually make up the fake story makes me actually believe in her [sic]," another said. This guy could easily be the best gang or mafia leader ever. His plans are flawless all the time," reads another comment. Big up to the tour guide to come up with a whole backstory of the painting and delivering the story with such confidence," yet another said. In a somewhat similar prank, YouTuber Zac Alsop also recently managed to fake a granddads way to the top" of fashion week and obviously, there were no arrests involved. Ray Bull, the iconic grandpa in question, was featured on London Fashion Weeks official Instagram page and also in a Vogue article. Read all the Latest Buzz News here Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) will host its 48th Convocation on March 31, 2023. The ceremony will be held on the premises at 5 pm. The awards will include gold medals for best all-round performance, first rank, and second rank. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., will be the Chief Guest on the occasion and deliver the convocation address. Degrees will be awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes. Students who have completed their degrees in the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGP-BA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) will receive their degrees. During the ceremony, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMB, will share his message. Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIMB, will highlight some of the achievements and accomplishments of the institute. The event will also be streamed live on YouTube Meanwhile, all students of 2022-24 batch at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore in two-year full-time MBA programmes, namely the post-graduate programme in management (PGP) and the post-graduate programme in Business Analytics (PGP-BA), appearing for summer placements this year have received internship offers. The class of 2022-24, received a total 539 offers, leading to all 529 students who appeared for placements being placed over two interview days. Out of the 539 offers, consulting companies alone made 233 offers. The offers by consulting companies were led by Accenture with 41 offers, followed by McKinsey & Company (22) and Bain & Company (20). Tata Consultancy Services, Boston Consulting Group, and Kearney were among the top recruiters. Other recruitments happened in the fields of Information Technology, e-Commerce and Operations, Finance, General Management, Sales and Marketing, and Analytics. 73 offers were made by companies in the finance domain. As many as 67 offers for their leadership tracks in General Management positions. 58 offers were made in the field of Sales and Marketing. Read all the Latest Education News here A teacher in a prestigious girls school in Lucknow, recently, rubbed her eyes in disbelief and then wiped her spectacles. She was examining the papers of Class 7 examinations and could not understand what the students had written. Even Wren and Martin would not have understood. One student wrote Akbar d grt was known 4 his gnrost. He was a GOAT." As the teacher went on to examine more copies, she was aghast to find that nearly a dozen students in the examinations were using SMS lingo. She said, I was shocked to see the language that students had written. A large part of it was beyond my comprehension." As the teacher informed her colleagues and the principal, it was found that students in other classes were also using the SMS lingo. The principal, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told IANS that at least five schools three girls and two boys have reported a similar trend. At the parents-teacher meeting, when report cards were given out, we spoke to parents but shockingly, a majority of them seemed unaffected. They said that as long as their children had written the right facts, marks should not be deducted for the language," the principal said. Akansha Chaudhary (name changed), one of the students found to be using SMS lino in the exams, said, There is a shortage of time and we have to race through the paper. Writing in text language is like writing in shorthand. I am sure even our teachers are familiar with the lingo because they use the phone." The mother of another student said that daughter had stopped writing proper sentences during the online classes in the pandemic. I noticed that she had started taking notes in SMS lingo and there was nothing I could do about it," she said. The mother said that because of her daughter, she was even forced to learn a new language. My daughter called out to me one day and said, Your dil wants to talk to you." I could not understand and then she explained that dil meant daughter-in-law and mil was mother-in-law," she said. A teacher in a boys school said that the trend was more pronounced in schools where students came from upper class and were exposed to social media. The generation that uses SMS language is unable to understand and apply grammar in their writing. The punctuation is deplorable and in the next five years if this trend continues you will have a generation that is unable to write proper English," he said. Arvind Gupta, a student of Class 11, said, I have taken the liberty of using words like bcuz, ASAP and btwn in my class notes as it is easy for me to comprehend the subject in a better and faster manner. However, I do not want to risk offending any examiner so I try to avoid this in the examinations." The heads of these schools admitted that there is strong resistance from parents if they deduct marks for this language. We have decided to convene a meeting of school heads next month to discuss the issue which is becoming increasingly worrisome. We will have to draw a line and convince parents too because we do not want the leaders of tomorrow to communicate in SMS lingo," said a principal. Read all the Latest Education News here Congress legislature party leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said he wants to contest from two seats in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, as the party fielded him from his home turf of Varuna in Mysuru district. He said he wants to contest from Kolar too along with Varuna, if the party agrees. The Congress earlier in the day announced its first list of 124 candidates for the polls, due by May, which included the announcement of Siddaramiahs candidacy from Varuna. This marks the return of the 75-year-old leader to his home constituency, which is currently represented by his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah, after a gap of five years. Siddaramaiah had earlier won twice from Varuna in 2008 and 2013, and even went on to become the Chief Minister after winning from there in 2013. The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka had zeroed in on Varuna, after weighing on various options. I had said, it is left for the high command to decide (regarding the constituency). High Command has asked me to contest from Varuna. I have said, I will contest from two constituencies, from Kolar and here, again it is left to the high command," Siddaramaih said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, his son Yathidra will not be contesting from any constituency. The Congress has not yet announced any candidate for the Kolar seat, and also Badami, which Siddaramaiah currently represents. According to some party functionaries, Siddaramaiah, in the event of winning from both the seats, plans to vacate Varuna seat, and field Yathindra from there in the subsequent bypolls. Siddaramaiah, who is nursing Chief Ministerial ambitions in the event party coming to power, and was looking for a safe seat", had announced in January that he will be contesting the polls from the Kolar, reportedly after conducting surveys, subject to the approval of the partys Central leadership. However, there were reports last week that Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the partys Central Election Committee meeting, had advised Siddaramaiah not to contest from Kolar, which is said to be risky for him. Following this, Siddaramaiah on Tuesday told a large group of supporters from Kolar, who had gathered near his residence here, that the Congress high command had asked him not to take even 1 per cent risk while choosing a constituency to contest the elections. Siddaramaiah, who currently represents Badami segment of Bagalkote district in northern parts of the State, has repeatedly indicated that he may not contest from there, citing his inability to give more time for people and party workers of the constituency as the reason. Siddaramaiah, who has announced that 2023 Assembly polls will be his last, has made it clear that he would not contest from his former Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru. As the then sitting Chief Minister, he lost the 2018 polls in Chamundeshwari to JD(S) G T Deve Gowda by 36,042 votes. He, however, won Badami, the other constituency from where he had contested the 2018 polls, and defeated B Sriramulu (BJP) by 1,696 votes. Making his debut in the Assembly in 1983, Siddaramaiah had got elected from Chamundeshwari on a Lok Dal Party ticket. He has won five times from this constituency and tasted defeat thrice. After neighbouring Varuna became a constituency in 2008 following delimitation, Siddaramaiah represented it till he vacated the seat for his son Yatindra (MLA) in the 2018 Assembly polls and went back to his old constituency of Camundeshwari. Read all the Latest Politics News here Hitting out at Congress leaders announcement that the party would undo the BJP governments reservation decisions in the event of it coming to power, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday accused it of inciting and trying to create disturbance between the communities. The BJP government in the state last week decided to move Muslims out of the OBC list and put them under the 10 per cent EWS quota. The 4 per cent reservation that Muslims had (under OBC list) will be distributed among Vokkaligas and Lingayats equally. Read about the political significance of this ahead of assembly polls Home Minister Amit Shah had defended the decision, asserting that there was no provision in the Constitution for affirmative action on the basis of religion. The reservation for minorities is not Constitutionally valid. There is no provision in the Constitution to give reservation based on religion. The Congress government did it for its appeasement politics and gave reservation to the minorities," he added. Amid the developments, lets take a look at the status of reservation for Muslims in India: Reservation Before 1947 Although India had various forms of reservation systems prior to the British Raj, they were widely dispersed in many of the princely kingdoms, and the types of reservations offered differed substantially across the nation, as per a report by Siasat Daily. More general and formal reservation systems were put in place as early as 1909, with the British Raj adopting reservation features in the Government of India Act of 1909. The 1909 reservations were inherently political (reservations in political seats) rather than economic (reservations in employment for state services). Economic reservations came a long time before political reservations. Its interesting learning what the word backward caste" meant during the British Raj. Everyone except Brahmins and other forward castes" were classed as backward castes." There was no distinction between the lower classes, nor was there any religious separation, the report explains. The next major amendment to the reservation system came from the Round Table Conference in June 1932, when British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald presented the Communal Award, which provided for distinct electorate representation for Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans. The lower classes, essentially equivalent to the STs and SCs, were given a number of seats to be filled by election from constituencies in which only they could vote. They were not exclusive constituencies, as SCs and STs may vote in other seats and elections. The entire reservation system was upended after India got independence. Some members of the Constituent Assembly flatly denied religious reservations, citing arguments similar to Gandhijis on the Communal Award, while others backed them, citing defences similar to Ambedkars. As the discussions progressed, it was decided that the SCs (then known as Depressed Classes) and STs (then known as Aboriginal Tribes) deserved reservations. The Constituent Assembly, however, rejected the British policy of granting special reservations to Muslims, the report says. Furthermore, the loosely defined British concept of backward castes was replaced by tightly defined conceptions of depressed class and aboriginal tribes, which comprised a list of tribes that the Central Government would designate. The report argues that it would be erroneous to say that the concept of a British backward class" was completely eradicated. Rather, it was drastically diluted and turned over to the state governments to manage as they saw fit. State governments were solely responsible for identifying, defining, and implementing suitable reservations. However, other Backward Classes (OBCs) among Muslims have been identified since the implementation of the Mandal Commission Report for Central Government jobs, and the benefit of OBC reservation has been extended to them, along with backward groups from other religions, says an Outlook report. According to a reply filed by then Minister of State, Ministry of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in the Lok Sabha in 2015, At present, there is no reservation in Civil Posts and Services under the Government of India and admission to Central Educational Institutions for Minority Communities declared by the Central Government under Section 2(c) of National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. However, Central Government carved out a sub quota of 4.5% for minorities, as defined under Section 2(c) of National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 [viz. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist and Zoroastrians (Parsis)], from within the 27% reservation for OBCs in Civil Posts and Services under the Government of India and admission to Central Educational Institutions." Article 340 gives the State the authority to form a commission to investigate the state of socially and educationally backward classes." Thus far, two such commissions have been appointed at the national level: the Kaka Kalelkar Commission and the B.P Mandal Commission, says the Outlook report. In 1955, the First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission) issued its report. The Commission stressed lower caste status as a determining factor for backwardness, along with other factors such as educational attainment, income levels, and representation in public employment. The Commissions Report was the first time that specific castes/communities among Muslims (and other religious minorities) were labelled backward and subject to affirmative action. The Second Backward Classes Commission (B.P Mandal Commission, 1980) used the caste criterion as well, but the tangible indicators used to determine a caste or any social group as backward" included lower position in the caste hierarchy, lower age at marriage within the group, higher female work participation, higher school drop out rate, inaccessibility to drinking water, lower average value of family assets, higher occurrence of Kutcha houses, and so on. Different yardsticks were used in the case of non-Hindu populations. What About Reservation for Muslims Now in Govt Jobs, Edu Institutions? Religion-based reservation is not provided for in Indias Constitution. Some kinds of Muslims, however, are entitled to reservation in government posts in several states and on the federal list, says a report by India Today. Nonetheless, as a member of the Backward Class or the Other Backward Class, the beneficiary is entitled to this reservation. In Bihar, for example, certain Muslim groups such as Ansari, Mansoori, Idrisi, and Dhobi are eligible for reservation under Backward Class, which is part of the Other Backward Classes quota programme (OBCs). As per a 2010 Economic Times report, Kerala in 1936, which was then Travancore-Cochin state, became the first to implement religion-based reservation. This was superseded in 1952 by communal reservation, with 45% reservation. 35% of this was allocated to OBCs, which included Muslims. Following the reorganisation of Kerala in 1956, the proportion of reservation was increased to 50, including 40% for OBCs. The government implemented a sub-quota inside the OBCs with a Muslim share of 10%. All Muslims in Kerala are classified as OBC, regardless of their social or economic standing, the report says. In Karnataka, former Chief Minister Devraj Urs introduced reservation for 16 backward groups, including Muslims, in jobs and education in February 1977. This was contested in court, and the decision of the government was upheld. However, when Ramakrishna Hegde was the Chief Minister in October 1986, an exclusive quota of 4% in government posts and education went into effect. With an ordinance in 2007, the Tamil Nadu government established quotas for Muslims and Christians, and later allocated 3.5% each for Muslims and Christians. Christians gave up their quota portion, which was allocated to Hindu backwards. The West Bengal government had in 2010 announced a 10% quota for Muslims classified as backward in terms of education, occupation, and livelihood, based on the recommendations of the Ranganath Misra committee. Educational institutes for religious minorities (Muslim or Christian) have a 50% reservation for Muslims or Christians. A number of Muslim groups have been designated as backward Muslims by the central government, making them eligible for reservation. As per a 2017 PBI report, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had distributed to all Central Educational Institutions the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 and Amendment Act, 2012, directing them to implement reservation provisions for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including admission of OBC students to these Institutions. Under Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution, the UGC has issued instructions to all grant-in-aid institutions sponsored by the Central Government, barring minority institutions, to adopt 27% reservation for OBCs. According to Ministry data, 22 of the 40 Central Universities met the required percentage of students from the OBC community in 2015-16. Read all the Latest Explainers here A court in Prayagraj found gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed guilty in the 2006 kidnapping of Umesh Pal, a witness in the murder of BSP Lawmaker Raju Pal. Umesh Pal was also slain last month in an alleged attack planned by the gangster cum politician, and his brother Ashraf. The court has yet to announce the cases quantum. Read latest updates here Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP, has been lodged in the Sabarmati central jail since June 2019. He was shifted there following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault on real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in UP. Ahmed is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the recent Umesh Pal murder case, police had said. Amid the developments, lets take a look at who Atiq Ahmed is: His Political Journey Atiqs criminal story began in 1979 when he was named as an accused in a murder case. Ten years later, he stepped into politics and won the Allahabad West assembly seat as an Independent in elections in 1989, 1991 and 1993. He contested the 1996 elections from the seat on the Samajwadi Party ticket and emerged victorious. In 1999, he joined the Apna Dal (AD) and lost the Pratapgarh seat. He again won the Allahabad West seat in the 2002 Assembly elections on the Apna Dal ticket. In 2003, Atique returned to the SP fold and in 2004, he won from the Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency the seat once held by Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He was named as an accused in Raju Pals killing in 2005. In the 2012 Assembly elections, Ateeq again tried his luck with Apna Dal from the same seat but lost to BSPs Puja Pal by a margin of 8,885 votes. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 from Shravasti on an SP ticket but lost. In the sustained drive against gangsters under the Yogi Adityanath government, property worth over Rs 150 crore belonging to Atiq and his family members under the Gangster Act, has been attached, IANS reported. The politicians first major setback occurred when he was named in Raju Pals murder case, as per an Indian Express report. The report cited sources as saying that the the incident occurred after Raju defeated Ahmeds brother, Ashraf, in an Assembly by-election for the Allahabad West seat in 2005. Rajus wife then filed a FIR against Atiq, Ashraf, and seven unidentified others on allegations of rioting, attempted murder, murder, and criminal conspiracy. Raju was shot dead outside his house on January 25, 2005, while coming from a hospital with his associates Sandeep Yadav and Devi Lal. Atiq Ahmed finally surrendered in 2008 under political and police pressure, only to be released in 2012. He later ran for Lok Sabha in 2014 on an SP ticket, but lost. During this time, his relationship with the SP deteriorated, and Akhilesh Yadav distanced himself from Ahmed due to his criminal past, the report says. He was arrested by authorities in February 2017 for reportedly attacking staff members at the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences in Prayagraj. In 2019, while he was still in jail, Ateeq filed a nomination from the Varanasi constituency against Prime Minister Narendra Modi but managed to get only 855 votes. WHO IS UMESH PAL? Umesh Pal is a key witness in the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal who was gunned down outside his residence in Prayagraj in broad daylight on February 24. On the basis of a complaint lodged by Umesh Pals wife Jaya Pal, a case was registered at Dhoomanganj police station (in Prayagraj) against Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Gulam and nine. The conspiracy to murder Umesh Pal was planned at Bareilly jail in Uttar Pradesh at the behest of infamous gangster Atiq Ahmed, reports have alleged. Atiq Ahmeds brother Ashraf, who is an accused in Raju Pals murder, is lodged at Bareilly jail. With inputs from PTI This story was originally published on March 27, 2023. Read all the Latest Explainers here Bending to a wave of mass protests, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed his contentious judicial overhaul plan Monday and said he wanted to avoid civil war by making time to seek a compromise with political opponents. Read the latest updates on this The announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fueled three tumultuous months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized the nation, and the anti-government protest movement vowed to intensify its efforts. In his prime-time address, Netanyahu, who had previously rejected calls to delay the legislation, took a more conciliatory tone than in recent speeches. He acknowledged the deep divisions in the country and said he was hitting the pause button to prevent a rift in the nation. Amid the developments, lets take a look at why the judicial reforms are contentious and what might happen next: The Contentious Judicial Reforms that Lit the Country on Fire Netanyahu and his religious and ultranationalist allies presented the overhaul in January just days after forming their government, the most right-wing in Israels history. The proposal has plunged Israel into its worst domestic crisis in decades. Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs have all come out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward an autocracy. Fighter pilots and military reservists have threatened not to report for duty, and the countrys currency, the shekel, has tumbled in value. The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nations judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the courts ability to review laws. According to a CNN report, the revisions would be the most substantial in Israels judiciary since its establishment in 1948. However, the reforms proposed did not appear out of nowhere, as many political figures have previously urged for changes to Israels courts. Because Israel lacks a formal constitution and instead relies on a system of quasi-constitutional basic laws, the Supreme Court is significantly more powerful. But, aside from the Supreme Court, Israel has no other check on the Knessets power, the report explains. The judicial makeover is a collection of bills that must all be approved by three votes in the Knesset before becoming law. The measure that modifies the makeup of the nine-member committee that selects judges, giving the government a majority of the seats on the committee, is one of the most significant parts for the Netanyahu government. According to Netanyahu and his allies, the Supreme Court has become an insular, elite body that no longer represents the Israeli people. They contend that the Supreme Court has overstepped its bounds by ruling on subjects that it should not have. In defending his proposals, the prime minister cited countries such as the United States, where politics determine who is appointed and approved as federal judges, the CNN report states. What is the Case Against Netanyahu? Although various measures could have an impact on Netanyahu, the one regarding designating a prime minister unfit for office" has the most implications for the Israeli prime minister, says the report. According to critics, Netanyahu is rushing the reform because of his own ongoing corruption prosecution, in which he faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. He claims he has done nothing wrong. ALSO READ | Compromise As Soon As Possible: US Welcomes Delay in Israels Judicial Overhaul The investigations into Netanyahus conduct began in 2016, when authorities explored charges that the leader had a habit of performing official favours for affluent businesses in exchange for presents both material and intangible, as per a New York Times report. Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, was accused of grabbing up cigars and Champagne, and bracelets, bags and luxury clothes for his wife; disrupting investigative and judicial proceedings; and even demanding fawning coverage by two leading Israeli news outlets. In February 2018, police formally recommended that he be prosecuted. In November 2019, he was indicted, and the trial began in May 2020. The Jerusalem District Court made its way through a list of more than 300 witnesses. But the trial, originally expected to last a year or more, has been delayed several times for various reasons, including once when a central witness cited personal reasons in 2021, another time because of coronavirus restrictions, and again in February 2022, when the judge in the case tested positive for Covid-19. Who all are Protesting? Tens of thousands of people, largely secular, middle-class Israelis, have regularly joined mass protests against the plan. Those demonstrations ramped up Sunday night after Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had urged the prime minister to put his plan on hold, citing concerns about damage to the Israeli military. The firing sparked a spontaneous outburst of anger, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in just one hour. Chanting the country is on fire, they lit bonfires on Tel Avivs main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. Demonstrators continued Monday outside the Knesset, or parliament, turning the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. This is the last chance to stop this move into a dictatorship, said Matityahu Sperber, 68, who joined a stream of people headed to the protest outside the Knesset. Im here for the fight to the end. Israels main trade union, the histadrut, declared a general strike in what it said was the first time it has carried out such an action over a political issue. ALSO READ | Israeli Embassies Around the World Go on Strike Against Netanyahus Judicial Overhaul The chaos shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy. Departing flights from the main international airport were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of travelers. Large mall chains and universities closed their doors, and the union called for its 800,000 members to stop work in health care, transit, banking and other fields. Diplomats walked off the job at foreign missions, and local governments were expected to close preschools and cut other services. The main doctors union announced that its members would also strike. In a sign of easing tensions, the union said late Monday that it was halting the strike in response to Netanyahus delay. The announcement appeared to buy the embattled Netanyahu several weeks of quiet. But it was far from clear whether the disputes could be resolved. With inputs from the Associated Press Read all the Latest Explainers here Fresh CCTV footage, which surfaced on Tuesday, showed radical pro-Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh on a Delhi street, wearing a mask and without a turban. The footage is from March 21, three days after the Punjab governments crackdown on the Waris Punjab de leader and his aides. Singh managed to slip away and is still absconding. Singh was seen wearing his hair down along with a mask and sunglasses as he walked through a street in the national capital. Another cctv footage of #Amritpal and pupplpreet . According to source its dated March 21 and taken in Delhi pic.twitter.com/C3O8EJHGnR Varun SR Goyal (@varunmaddy) March 28, 2023 Meanwhile, the Punjab government told the high court here on Tuesday that they were close to catching Singh and were coordinating with several agencies for the same. The radical preacher, declared a fugitive by the government, has been on the run since a police crackdown on him and his outfit Waris Punjab De began on March 18. Images and videos that emerged on social media have showed him changing his vehicles and appearance multiple times in a bid to dodge police. On Tuesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, which claimed that Amritpal Singh was in the illegal custody" of police. Punjab Advocate General Vinod Ghai told the court that Amritpal Singh has not been arrested yet and they were coordinating with agencies to nab the radical preacher. Nepal on Monday put the fugitive radical preacher on its surveillance list as he is believed to be hiding in the country. India requested it not to allow him to flee to a third country and arrest him if he attempts to escape using an Indian passport or any other fake passport. (With PTI inputs) Read all the Latest India News here Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh, who has been on the run since March 18, wanted guerrilla training, similar to the one given to the United States (US) Army, for his cadre, according to Punjab Police sources. According to sources, a photo has been recovered from the mobile phone of Singhs associates. In this picture, Singh is seen with two books on his lap US Army Guerilla Warfare Handbook and The Complete US Army Survival Guide. ALSO READ | Amritpal Singh Wanted to Create LeT-Like Local Militia, Reveal Arrested Aides | Exclusive The US Army Guerilla Warfare Handbook details guerilla strategies and weapons employed by US Army in their world- wide operations. The Complete US Army Survival Guide elaborates on foraging skills, tactics and techniques. His associates were earlier seen looking for retired Sikh military trainers to train his personnel, said the source. Meanwhile, with Singh believed to be in Nepal, top Nepal government sources said they have received a request from Indian authorities about an absconding fugitive. We have some queries and we have asked our counterparts about that. We will do the needful, including issuing alerts on all borders and airports," the sources told CNN-News18. LASHKAR-TYPE CADRE CNN-News18 had earlier reported how the arrested aides of Waris Punjab De leader told investigators that he wanted to create a local militia along the lines of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Interrogation details accessed by CNN-News18 further revealed that Singh had created the Anandpur Khalsa Force (AKF) for the purpose. The logo of AKF depicts two AK rifles, similar to the flags used by banned terrorist outfits like BKI, KLF and KCF. Each member of this militia group reportedly had a squad number. Arrested associate Harpreet Singh carried the squad number AKF06, sources said. Sources added that a roll call was also conducted regularly in which the members answered using their AKF squad number. The idea was to create a terrorist cadre in the name of religion and use force for extortion, land grabbing and solving disputes, said sources. His associates reportedly revealed that this was an easy way of making money and that they used religion as a shield. They were also in touch with Pakistans spy agency ISI for weapon support. Agencies are also investigating if they also received any drone weapons from the ISI in the recent past. These associates also told Singh wanted to make money to settle in some European country. CNN-News18 had also reported how Singh had applied for UK visa in February. CNN-News18 had also accessed pictures and videos from the phones of his associates giving weapon training to kids for recruitment in the AKF. HIS NEW VIDEO A new video of Singh with his key aide Papalpreet Singh surfaced on social media on Tuesday, showing the pro-Khalistan preacher without a turban and wearing a mask. The undated CCTV footage, said to be from a market in Delhi, showed the fugitive walking down a street wearing dark glasses. Behind him, Papalpreet Singh could be seen walking with a bag. There is no official word from Punjab Police on the fresh footage. A senior Delhi Police official said they are probing whether the persons seen in the video are Singh and his aide. So far we dont have any such information, nor the location where the video was shot has been confirmed to be of Delhi. However, we are verifying it," the official said. ALSO READ | Amritpal, Surrender & Cooperate: Akal Takht Jathedars Message for Khalistan Sympathiser | Exclusive The video has emerged a day after a picture of Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh was widely circulated on social media. That image showed both these men looking relaxed and Singh holding a beverage can. Papalpreet Singh is said to be Amritpal Singhs mentor. He was allegedly in contact with the ISI. With PTI inputs Read all the Latest India News here The Twitter account of BBC Punjab news has been withheld amid the crackdown on pro-Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De Amritpal Singh who has been absconding since the March 18 police operation that was launched to arrest him. A message displayed on the Twitter handle said the account has been taken down in response to a legal demand". Several pro-Khalistan Twitter accounts were withheld in India, after the crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his aides began. Accounts of Canadas New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur, the voluntary organisation United Sikhs, and Canada-based activist Gurdeep Singh Sahota were among those blocked. 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 Amritsar and clashed with police for the release of one of his aides. In a follow-up action, Punjab Police on March 18 launched a crackdown against them and Amritpal Singh has been on the run since. Punjab Police said efforts were on to nab the fugitive. With the manhunt still on, a new CCTV footage emerged on Saturday purportedly showing Amritpal Singh wearing a jacket and trousers and speaking on a mobile phone. In the footage, the Waris Punjab De outfit chief could be seen holding a bag with his face covered with a white cloth. His key associate Papalpreet Singh could also be seen in the footage. Read all the Latest India News here Look up truffle pig on the interweb, and you will not yet immediately the novel, Tears of the Trufflepig, by Fernando A. Flores. Let's change that. When possible, I read more than one book at once, rotating between paper and audio. But some books intervene in the rotation, refracting an immediate necessity of engagement, a revival to read through with anticipation and a stealth coveting. Tears of the Trufflepig, with agreement from all other patient stories cuing, moved to the forefront immediately upon discovery. Before the plot, what is a trufflepig, if not a hog that sniffs out yummy tree fungus, once a staple of survival in the commons? According to the narrator explaining the first encounter between two of the main human characters and a trufflepig: "Between them wiggled a hooved animal that perplexed Bellacosa and Paco herbert. In the dim lighting it looked like a pig with tiny ears, but it acted very doglike, with its front legs erect. A slurping, salivating tongue hung out of its mouth, which was actually a beak, like a chicken's or rooster's. it had the dark green skin of a crocodile, with rivulets shining like a fine pair of books, and somebody had tied a handkerchief with the border-disarmament symbol around its neck." A piglike reptile, or reptile-like pig, with a beak that loves carrots, is making a political statement against border militarization. Once extinct, the truffle pigs' resurrection by scientific means coincides with the return of the indigenous Aranana tribe. This not-so-subtle coincidence, along with shrunken heads, incongruous facts, misleading narratives, stolen construction equipment, and an unlikely relationship between "two men, winding their way through a labyrinthine conspiracy," provides a deep scaffold for this head-shakingly brilliant book. According to FSG Originals, "A parallel universe. South Texas. A third border wall might be erected between the United States and Mexico, narcotics are legal and there's a new contraband on the market: filtered animalsspecies of animals brought back from extinction to amuse the very wealthy. Esteban Bellacosa has lived in the border town of MacArthur long enough to know to keep quiet and avoid the dangerous syndicates who make their money through trafficking. But his simple life gets complicated after a swashbuckling journalist invites him to an underground dinner at which filtered animals are served. Bellacosa soon finds himself in the middle of an increasingly perilous and surreal journey, in the course of which he encounters legends of the long-disappeared Aranana Indian tribe and their object of worship: the mysterious Trufflepig, said to possess strange powers." Tears of a Trufflepig is a shiveringly imaginative reminder that Mexico was surrealism's palimpsest and colonial imaginary, layered with wheat-pasted sediment. The braids woven and unraveled are a formula for the multiplication of past presents that amplify outward, backward, and forward. The narrative lines, hypertexts of onomatopoe(t)ic endorphins, evoke visions of an intergalactic indigenous tale of border brujeria and the invention of necessity. An unanticipated solidarity convened by the curiosity of a writer, his characters, and us the readers or listeners wondering where the next trufflepig will emerge. As J. David Gonzalez wrote in the Los Angeles Review of Books, "The plot lines in Trufflepig are funhouse mirrors, reflecting the horrors of both our history and our headlines. The narco plot with cartels generating living, breathing, biological miracles for the sole purpose of exploitation, echoes colonialism's shadow. The shrunken heads plot, where the heads of the Aranana are highly sought-after tokens of taste and sophistication, echoes imperialism's blood. But it's the narrative that delights. When so much fiction feels like elegant dioramas, like masterfully crafted ships in bottles, Trufflepig feels organic and amorphous, like some biological organism, shape-shifting its way through the literary landscape, leaving a thin ribbon of goo in its wake. The plot is beside the point. There is a world to be discovered here. In Trufflepig, Flores takes the well-worn, time-honored tradition of the psychedelic-sci-fi-punk-western-horror-noir and turns it on its ear. The psychological, the spiritual, and the political all intertwine in a cicatrix pattern, one stitch pinning the other into place. Trufflepig is a narcocorrido for the Island of Dr. Moreau. It's Roberto Bolano and Gloria Anzaldua dropping acid and staring into the desert sun. It's a metaphysical detective story about genocide, corruption, and families. References are layered over top of one another, like concert flyers on a light post." All borders are categories, and all categories are borders, so why not invent and invent and invent as an ant-categorical category? What inspires invention's antonym? What is the relationship between design and border if innovation always claims to anticipate change? If species can be brought back from the dead, then living organized violences like authoritarianism certainly will propagate like foxes. Suppose the myth of the frontier is the psychological crack of American exceptionalism's coerced hegemonic hold on the political imaginary of fascists. Fernando T. Flores is a situationist anti-fascist inoculation against the mythological end of the proverbial myth. Get your shots. Check out this interview with Flores at Gulf Coast Magazine. Here is a video of Flores in conversation with Sandra Cisneros. After a 24-hour journey, gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed was brought to the Naini Central Jail in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj on Monday evening for his court hearing, which has now found him guilty. An MP-MLA court on Tuesday held him and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case. The nigh before, security was beefed up, with police personnel and prison authorities of the Naini jail on high alert. The cavalcade bringing him to the prison reached around 5:30 pm and a large troop of police officers were posted at the main enters awaiting him. Several reporters and journalists, among other people encircled the area, as he arrived. Along with Ahmed, his brother Khalid Azim was also brought from a Bareily jail along with another accused Farhan. They were all logged in separate cells. Atiq Ahmeds first night in Naini Jail They were all taken for their medical check-ups and then logged in separate cells, Senior Jail Superintendent Shashikant Singh said. In Ahmeds cell, a CCTV camera has also been intstalled which is being carefully monitored at all times, according to India Today. The three accused were served meals served usually, and were given pulses(dal), vegetables, rice and rotis for dinner. CCTVs cameras were also installed in the police van that was used to bring Ahmed and his brother Ashraf to the MP-MLA court in Prayagraj. Where has Atiq Ahmed travelled from? Ahmed completed a 24 hour long journey, that spanned over 1,200 km to Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj from Gujarat on Monday evening. He was brought in a five vehicle convoy of UP Police comprising of 20 security personnel. What is Atiq Ahmed accused of? Ahmed is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the recent Umesh Pal murder case, police said. Special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandr Shukla held Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty in the case, government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari said. Seven others including Ahmeds brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf have been acquitted in the case, he said. After the killing of the then BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, then a zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh Pal had alleged that when he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Ahmed, he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006. Read all the Latest India News here Covid cases in India are on a rise, with the latest government data showing a 3.5-fold rise in tally in two weeks, in states that were already recording high caseload. Four districts in Delhi, two each in Kerala and Maharashtra and one in Gujarat recorded the highest weekly test positivity rate (TPR). The Centres data showed the number of districts with a weekly TPR of 10% or more has increased to 32 across 14 states and Union Territories. According to a report in Times of India, there were 63 districts spread across 19 states/UTs where the TPR was 5-10% in the March 19-25 week, up from 15 (across eight states) two weeks ago. The break-up of areas recording the highest weekly TPR showed South Delhi with 13.8% test positivity rate, East Delhi with 13.1%, North-East Delhi with 12.3% and Central Delhi with 10.4%. Others included Wayanad (14.8%) and Kottayam (10.5%) in Kerala, Ahmedabad (10.7%) in Gujarat, and Sangli (14.6%) and Pune (11.1%) in Maharashtra, the TOI report stated. ALSO READ | MM Keeravani Reveals Hes Down With Covid Hours Before Attending Ram Charans Birthday Bash Maharashtras TPR has gone up to 4.58% on March 24 from 0.54% in the week ending March 3, even as Mumbais positivity rate on Monday was almost 10% due to fewer tests the previous day. We have asked all hospitals to intensify their surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and also increase the number of Covid-19 tests," BMC executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare was quoted. The report further stated that TPR is the percentage of total samples testing positive for Covid. Two weeks ago, nine districts across five states had recorded a TPR of at least 10%, which is a marker of a high caseload. No Need to Panic The report quoted Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the national Covid task force of the Indian Medical Association, as saying that despite a surge in Covid cases, hospitals across the country were not getting a rush of Covid patients as yet. But we need to follow this data more closely, he added. Doctors said that coronavirus patients were showing similar set of symptoms as during the third wave of the pandemic in India between January and March last year. ALSO READ | Rise In Covid-19 Cases: Doctors Suggest How To Take Precautions The doctors said wearing masks is advisable. Some added that it is a social responsibility to wear masks if people are infected or have a cough and cold. Also, citizens must take precautions themselves and use sanitizer, even if not mandated by the government. Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is crucial as it can help our bodies fight the virus. Those vaccinated are also less likely to develop severe complications due to the virus. It is advised that people still not vaccinated with a booster dose, should get one immediately. Centres Preparation Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, who chaired the high-level meeting on Monday, stressed on ramping up testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR, and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Urging people to follow Covid-19-appropriate behaviour at all times, he stressed the need to increase administration of precaution dose, especially in the vulnerable population group. Bhushan advised states to undertake mock drills across all health facilities on April 10 and 11 to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources. He informed about the status of the last mock drill which was conducted on December 27, according to a statement issued by the Union Health Ministry. The health secretary said that irrespective of the new Covid variants, the approach of test-track-treat-vaccinate and adherence to COVID-19-appropriate behaviour" continues to remain the tested strategy for the pandemic management. This would facilitate undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said. States were also urged to ensure availability of sufficient designated beds and health workers across the states, enhance community awareness regarding disease and vaccination and regularly update Covid-19 data in the Covid India portal. Indias Daily Covid Tally India logged 1,805 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases have surpassed the 10,000-mark after 134 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Monday. The active cases have increased to 10,300, the data updated at 8 am on Monday stated. On Sunday, the health ministry had put the count of active cases at 9,433. The death toll has increased to 5,30,837 with six deaths, one each reported by Chandigarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in a span of 24 hours, and two reconciled by Kerala. The total tally of Covid cases is 4.47 crore (4,47,05,952), the data stated. Read all the Latest India News here Not much is known about Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses brief incarceration at Fort William, the present headquarters of the Indian Armys Eastern Command in Kolkata, but the cell has captured popular imagination as visitors teem to the historic site after it was opened to civilians as part of a heritage walk. The Army has gone to great lengths to preserve the cell on the ground floor of the historic four-storey Dalhousie Barracks, next to the quarter guards office, where Netaji is said to have been confined in 1940. The only changes that have been made are displays of photographs and documents related to the revolutionary leader. While no official documents are available on his imprisonment at Fort William, some reports say Netaji spent some time there after his arrest in 1940. Some accounts claim that Netaji was kept in Fort William as the British authorities couldnt risk placing the popular leader in a civilian jail where he could lead a rebellion. Netajis Incarceration Netaji was arrested by the British in July 1940 for organising protests against the Hollwell Monument in Calcutta. The Hollwell Memorial was built in the memory of those killed in the purported Black Hole of Calcutta and the British soldiers who died trying to defend the original fort William in the city against Siraj-ud-Daulahs forces. Siraj-ud-Daulah, the then Nawab of Bengal, had ransacked the fort in 1756. The British, including John Zephaniah Hollwell, claimed that 123 soldiers and civilians died of suffocation inside a cell within the dungeon of the fort. This was called the Black Hole. Netaji, however, demanded the removal of the Hollwell Monument. He maintained that this was an attempt to show Siraj-ud-Daulah in poor light. He also demanded that all mention of the incident be removed from school textbooks. This reportedly infuriated the British who arrested him in 1940. Years later, historians confirmed that less than 20 people had died inside the Black Hole cell. Netajis Escape There are not many accounts available on how Netaji landed up at the new Fort William after his arrest in 1940. Some believe that he was taken there as the British felt that his presence at Presidency Jail would stir unrest among freedom fighters already housed there. Others feel Netaji was taken to Fort William as a makeshift arrangement while the British decided what to do next. The leader was ultimately moved to Presidency Jail where he resorted to a fast before being released on medical grounds in December 1940. It is said that his jailers tried to force-feed his unsuccessfully several times. In 1941, Netaji escaped to Europe via Kabul, and landed in Germany. Tour of His Cell Since then, the cell at Fort William has been kept intact. The words Netajis Cell inform visitors of the ground-floor Dalhousie Barracks historical import. A pair of wooden slippers are placed next to a makeshift bed on the floor and the walls are decorated with Netajis photos and his words. We dont know whether we will live or die fighting for our country but we know that we will win Give me blood and I will give you freedom, the iconic words from Netaji adorn the wall. The cell may be small, but its significance is not lost on visitors. Bose is our emotion. He was our hero," said Haradhan Raha, a visitor to the memorial. Read all the Latest India News here A four-year-old girl was allegedly molested by a 55-year-old doctor at a clinic in northwest Delhis Adarsh Nagar, police said on Tuesday. The accused doctor has been arrested, they said. According to the police, the alleged incident occurred on Sunday. In her complaint filed a day after the incident, the victims mother said she took her daughter for a check-up at a clinic in her locality after the minor complained of stomach pain. After entering the clinic, the woman remembered that she had forgotten her purse and went outside to get it. When she returned, she saw the doctor putting his hand inside her daughters dress and touching her inappropriately, the woman alleged. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Jitender Kumar Meena said, Based on the complaint of the victims mother, a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Section 354 (A) (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code. The accused doctor has been arrested and the matter is being investigated, he added. Read all the Latest India News here Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, one of the most dreaded criminals and Bahubali" in the country, was sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment by an MP-MLA court in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj on Tuesday for the 2006 kidnapping of Umesh Pal. Pal was a witness in the murder of BSP Lawmaker Raju Pal. Special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandra Shukla held Atiq Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder). The court has awarded the three rigorous life imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine to each," Government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari said. Ahmeds brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf and six others were acquitted in the case. The sentencing was done after elaborate arrangements were made for bringing Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf to the Naini jail in Prayagraj on Monday via long road journeys from two separate prisons. The accused were transferred with tight security in place amid allegations by the former Samajwadi Party legislator that he would be murdered" in an encounter on the way. In another blow, the Supreme Court also dismissed the jailed former MPs plea seeking protection during his custody with Uttar Pradesh police. Who is Atiq Ahmed, the Notorious Bahubali of UP? Atiq Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, has his first criminal case back in 1979 in which he was named as an accused in a murder case. Ten years later, he stepped into politics and won the Allahabad West assembly seat as an Independent in elections in 1989, 1991 and 1993. He contested the 1996 elections from the seat on the Samajwadi Party ticket and won. He joined the Apna Dal (AD) and lost the Pratapgarh seat in 1999. He again won the Allahabad West seat in the 2002 Assembly elections on the Apna Dal ticket. In 2003, Ahmed returned to the SP and won from the Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency in 2004, the seat famously held by Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He was named the key accused in the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pals murder in 2005. The incident occurred after Raju defeated Ahmeds brother, Ashraf, in an Assembly by-election for the Allahabad West seat in 2005, according to reports. Atiq Ahmed finally surrendered in 2008 under political and police pressure, only to be released in 2012. Ahmed ran for Lok Sabha elections in 2014 on an SP ticket but lost. His relationship with the SP deteriorated and it is believed Akhilesh Yadav distanced himself from Ahmed due to his criminal past. Ahmed was previously lodged in the Sabarmati central jail in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case. Earlier this month, the Allahabad High Court rejected the bail application of Atiq Ahmeds son Ali Ahmed in a 2021 extortion case and called Atiq one of the most dreaded criminals, Bahubali" and Mafia Don in the country. Accused-applicant is the son of one of the most dreaded criminals, Bahubali and Mafia Don, Atique Ahmad, who has to his credit more than a hundred criminal cases of murder, abduction, extortion, ransom, property grabbing and other heinous offences. The accused applicant himself to his credit has other cases registered against him," the court said. Umesh Pal Abduction and Murder Case Umesh Pal, a former Zila Panchayat member, had told police he was the prime witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pals murder on January 25, 2005, in which the gangster-turned-politician was the main accused. He later alleged that he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006, as he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Ahmad. An FIR in the case was registered on July 5, 2007, against Ahmed, his brother and others. The police had submitted a chargesheet in the matter against 11 people. One of them later died. Umesh Pal and two policemen assigned to protect him were killed in a shooting in Prayagraj on February 23, 2023. After Pals murder in February, a case was lodged at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others based on a complaint from Umesh Pals wife Jaya. She alleged that Ahmed and his aides allegedly abducted Pal in 2006 and forced him to give a statement in court in their favour. The FIR also alleged that a conspiracy was hatched by Ahmed, Ashraf and Parveen to kill Umesh Pal and his security guard Sandeep Nishad and the attack on them was carried out by the former MPs sons and aides. Two men allegedly linked to Umesh Pals killing, Arbaaz and Vijay Chowdhary alias Usman, were killed in police encounters on February 27 and March 6 respectively. On March 13, the Uttar Pradesh Police had increased the reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of five accused, including former MP Atiq Ahmeds son Asad, in the Umesh Pal murder case from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Atiq Ahmed Held guilty in 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case On Tuesday, Ahmed, Ashraf and others were brought to the court from Naini jail in separate police vans and produced before the judge amid tight security. The court held Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder) and awarded the three rigorous life imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine to each. According to the courts analysis, Umesh Pal was kidnapped by Atiq Ahmed, Hanif and Ansar in 2006. Pal was threatened to be killed and was also given electric shocks. Accused Khan Shaulat Hanif forced Umesh Pal to sign the pre-written statement, which the latter did due to the threat to his life. The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Atiq and others abducted Pal and made him give a false statement in their favour, the court observed on Tuesday. Such practice of influencing the witness to testify in their favour hurts the integrity of the entire judicial system," the court said, adding, the practice shakes the conscious of the public in the entire judicial process." Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed Ahmeds plea seeking protection during his custody with Uttar Pradesh police and granted Ahmed liberty to approach the Allahabad High Court for protection. Ahmeds counsel Dayashankar Mishra said they have the right to appeal and they will approach the High court against the conviction. He said Ahmed will be kept in Sabarmati Jail (Ahmedabad) in accordance with the Supreme Courts decision. (With inputs from PTI) Read all the Latest India News here More than 500 mobile applications used to defraud people have been blocked on Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centres (I4C) recommendations, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underlining how those being defrauded by cybercriminals must register their complaint on cyber helpline 1930 as soon as possible so that a freeze can be imposed on the movement of the defrauded funds. 99.99% police stations of the country have been connected with CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems). Database of over 1 crore finger prints of offenders have been collected on the NAFIS (National Automatic Fingerprint Identification System) app, which is being extensively used by law enforcement agencies. We now have the forensic resources to study the modus operandi of cyber criminals," the home minister said, underlining the need to make people aware about the Golden Hour of filing complaints. THE GOLDEN HOUR Officials said that if a complaint is made 24 hours after the fraud, chances are very high that the fraudsters would use multiple banking and wallet platforms to secure the fraudulently obtained money. Calling the helpline 1930 within the first hour or two could help the interconnected financial and law enforcement platforms freeze the movement of funds, until an investigation into the source is completed. WHAT HAPPENS ONCE YOU COMPLAIN? More than 250 banks and financial intermediaries are onboard I4C. This makes it easier to flag off frauds at the level of banks and wallets. So far, over Rs 235 crore embezzled by cybercriminals from over 1.33 lakh people have been recovered, as per the MHA data. ANALYTICAL REPORT ON MODUS OPERANDI OF TOP 50 CYBER ATTACKS 50 top cyber attacks in the country, including the attack on AIIMS, have been studied by I4C to find common links , planning and execution of crimes. While source of some cyber attacks have been found to be outside the country, many have been flagged off as having originated in smaller centers of India. The CBI has been appointed as the nodal agency to coordinate with Interpol for cyber crimes abroad. The hotspots A study done by the I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified seven new cybercrime hotspots. While Mewat leads the list, Jamtara, which shot into infamy after a web series on its cybercriminals from the area, still figures prominently on the list. Shah said that the small township in Jharkhand has seen reduction in crime after modus operandi of criminals was identified and crackdown was undertaken. Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakapatnam and Guwahati are the other cities where cybercriminals have managed to create safe havens, as per the MHA. Seven joint cybercrime coordination teams (JCCT) have been created for crime detection and crackdown in these cities. Mewat has seen a considerable rise as point of origin of these cyber frauds, an I4C official told News18. They learn languages like Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam off the internet and on Youtube and defraud people over the phone too," he added. CORE STAKEHOLDERS Through the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation), more than 5,000 forensic services have been provided to the states so far. Identification of modus operandi helps identify the likely criminal gang, which could have defrauded you. 30,000 police personnel, judicial officers, and prosecutors are training for cybercrime awareness, investigation, forensics, etc. This would lead to quicker detection, investigation and prosecution of a complaint. More than 31,000 police officers have been registered and more than 8,000 certificates have been issued under the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform, CyTrain. This is meant to make police officials well-versed with cybercrimes and SOPs for detection and probe. More than 20 lakh cybercrime complaints and 40,000 FIRs have been registered on the cybercrime portal so far. On CCTNS, more than 12.82 crore service requests have been received from citizens, of which 12.35 crore requests have been disposed of by the state police. On NAFIS (Finger-Print System) 1,05,80,266 records are being integrated, helping police across the country access records of known offenders. CYBER JAGRUKTA DIWAS I4C, in coordination with state and central government offices, will organize Cyber Jagarukta Diwas on 1st Wednesday of every month. Central teams are also being sent to states to encourage cyber hygiene and cyber awareness amongst state government units. To tackle the emergence of cybercrimes, Shah chaired a high-level meeting of top officials of MHA, NCRB and cybercrime unit. The MHA is making comprehensive, integrated and all out efforts to create awareness among masses about various aspects of cyber security and cybercrime," MHA spokesperson said. Read all the Latest India News here The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have staged a protest at Belur town in Karnatakas Hassan district against the tradition of reciting verses from the Quran during the historical Channakeshava Rathotsav and demanded the decades-old custom be discontinued. The Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and 5 in Belur during which a tradition is followed wherein the Hindu festival begins with a recitation of the Quran. Lakhs of devotees throng to the temple to witness the festival. For many years, before the Rathotsava, there was a bad practice of reciting the Quran. This practice of hurting Hindu sentiments has been taking place. This must stop this year. Not Quran but Narayan Stotra must be recited in front of the temple. Hence, in order to put an end to this practice, the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged protests. Rathotsav will take place on April 4 and the ritual must stop this year on April 3 itself," said Basavaraj, a VHP worker. Our Sanatana Dharma dates back to 5,000 years. They could not take us down using a sword but their ideological attack is taking place. The same ideological attack is taking place at Channakeshava premises as well. This temple was built in 1117AD and in 1932 this practice of reciting the Quran started. Back then, they used to do it in some corner now they have started in front of the chariot," said Santosh Kenchamba, the founder of Rashtra Dharma Sangatan. Amidst the protest by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, a Muslim youth shouted Quran Zindabad" and was caught and heckled by the protestors. Later, he was detained by police. The VHP and Bajrang Dal have also demanded the Basavaraj Bommai-led Karnataka government to pass an order to put an end to this decades-old practice of starting the festival with recitation of Quran before April 3. As per local reports, ritual of reciting the Quran during Rathotsav symbolises Hindu-Muslim unity and harmony. Read all the Latest India News here A day after witnessing massive violent protests over the alleged murder of a minor girl, the situation remained peaceful in the Tiljala area of West Bengals capital city Kolkata on Tuesday morning. Police have detained several people after conducting raids throughout the night in the area in search of those who were involved in vandalism. Situation is peaceful now. Raids were conducted in search of those who, we believe, were involved in the vandalism on Monday afternoon. We will examine the video footage and verify their involvement in the violence. Heavy deployment of police is in place," a senior officer told news agency PTI. The seven-year-old girl was allegedly killed by one of her neighbours on the advice of a tantric" in the Tiljala area, prompting local people to blockade roads and railway tracks and vandalise police vehicles on March 27. The accused, a native of Bihars Samastipur and working in a factory, confessed to the killing and was brought before a city court and remanded to police custody till April 9. The victim, a resident of Kustias Shri Dhar Roy Road, was missing since Sunday morning. Her body was later found in one of the flats in an apartment block in the locality by policemen. The flat owner was arrested and the body was sent for post-mortem examination, the officer added. Accusing the police of delaying" the search of the missing girl and claiming that she was possibly sexually abused", locals protested outside the Tiljala Police Station and vandalised property in the area, damaging several vehicles on Sunday night. They demanded strict action against those found guilty. (with inputs from PTI) Read all the Latest India News here Read more is really sad to see how Savarkars name is being defamed by Rahul Gandhi for politics. It seems they are polarizing Muslims also. In Maharashtra also, politics is being done in Savarkars name. Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray may have respect for Savarkar, but until and unless they show their support for Savarkar, it does not make sense. Even after giving an ultimatum, Congress did not stop, and they (Uddhav Thackeray faction) have not separated Congress yet, Ranjit Savarkar said. Ranjit threatened to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi if the Congress leader does not apologise for his statement. The Congress and other opposition parties have accused the BJP-ruled Centre being in a hurry to target to target them. On Monday, opposition MPs, dressed in black, created a ruckus in both Houses of Parliament and forced their adjournment. They later staged a protest in the Parliament Complex and took out a march to the Vijay Chowk, raising slogans against the government over Gandhis disqualification and on the Adani issue. The BJP condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to low-level politics in its bid to justify Gandhis remarks against the OBC community. Later in the evening, leaders of 18 opposition parties attended a strategy meeting at Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharges residence and discussed the way forward. Former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were also present in the meeting. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Bharat Rashtra Samithi attended the meeting, which was followed by a dinner. The Trinamool Congress, which has so far stayed away from the Oppositions protests, joined the sit-in at Vijay Chowk in the morning. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was seen wearing a black scarf while other members of her party wore black shirts. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was wearing a black kurta. In the morning, MPs of various opposition parties met at the Parliament Complex to discuss a strategy. Leaders from DMK, Samajwadi Party, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, NCP, IUML, MDMK, Kerala Congress, TMC, RSP, AAP, NC and Shiv Sena (UBT), among others, met at Kharges chamber. Spoiler from Shiv Sena Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said they did not attend the meeting in protest against Rahul Gandhis unacceptable remarks against V D Savarkar. Speaking in Maharashtras Malegaon on Sunday, Thackeray said that criticism of Savarkar will not be tolerated. The Shiv Sena has been with Gandhi in his fight to save democracy. Sanjay Raut (MP) walked with Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. But insults to Savarkar will not be tolerated. Savarkars sacrifice can be read about. I publicly say that Savarkar is a God-like personality for us, Thackeray said. In response, chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis dared him to quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi, of which the Congress is part. News reports say that Thackeray has given a hollow caution to Gandhi. But, in fact, when the budget session was being conducted, his (Thackerays) legislators kept silent when Gandhi insulted Savarkar. His legislators wore black badges to protest Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha, which happened in tune with the law of the land. It turned out to be the height of surrender by them (Thackerays party). If he is courageous, he should exit the MVA, said Shinde. The chief minister also announced that his party, the Shiv Sena, and BJP, will together organise Savarkar Gaurav Yatra in the state to condemn Gandhi and celebrate Savarkars contribution to the countrys freedom struggle. The Congress, however, has said that the MVA is intact despite the differences. State Congress chief Nana Patole said, I am aware of Uddhav Thackerays reaction on comments made by Rahul Gandhi on Savarkar. I am sure Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray will discuss the Savarkar issue. MVA is intact; Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP will unitedly fight to save democracy and the Constitution, said Patole. He added, Congress walks along with people from all castes. Read all the Latest India News here The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday used artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT, to get an answer on jurisprudence on bail when the assailants assault with cruelty in a murder case. Justice Anoop Chitkara used ChatGPT to assess the worldwide view on bail when the assault is laced with cruelty. He asked the AI tool to answer the following question: What is the jurisprudence on bail when the assailants assaulted with cruelty?" To this, ChatGPT presented a three-paragraphed answer deriving a broader picture of bail jurisprudence in such matters. The answer of the AI tool discussed the circumstances under which the assailants who have assaulted with cruelty may be granted bail. even in cases where the assailants have assaulted with cruelty, they may still be granted bail if the judge determines that they do not pose a risk to the community or a flight risk," the answer of ChatGPT read. While taking the response of ChatGPT into consideration, Justice Chitkara, however, clarified that any reference to ChatGPT and any observation made was not an expression of opinion on the merits of the case. The court also asked the trial Court to not advert to the comments pertaining to ChatGPTs response. This reference is only intended to present a broader picture on bail jurisprudence, where cruelty is a factor," Justice Chitkara stressed. Regarding the present bail plea, Justice Chitkara highlighted that the applicant had a criminal history of two attempt to murder cases and he was specifically named in the FIR concerned in the present case. The complainant attributed some blows received by him to the petitioner. He also stated in the FIR that the petitioner and his accomplices attacked the deceased and inflicted serious injury on his head. Cumulatively, these facts succinctly point to petitioners involvement in achieving the common object of killing the deceased for which he has been arraigned as an accused in the FIR," the judge pointed out. Therefore, while opining that the material on record prima facie pointed towards the bail applicants involvement in the present matter, the court refused to grant bail and dismissed the plea. The high court was dealing with a bail application filed by one Jaswinder Singh @ Jassi accused in an attempt-to-murder case wherein he along with some accomplices had brutally assaulted an individual which later led to his death. Read all the Latest India News here Sen. Rand Paul confirmed in a statement that one of his aides was "brutally attacked" in "broad daylight" over the weekend and was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police arrested 42-year-old Glynn Neal, a D.C. resident, as the suspect, charging him "with assault with intent to kill," according to NBC News. From The Guardian: The victim, who has not been named, was treated on the scene for "stab wounds" and was seen by a witness "bleeding from the head", and was later hospitalized for "treatment of life-threatening injuries", the report states. On Monday, DC police said that 42-year-old local resident Glynn Neal was arrested in connection with the attack on counts of assault with intent to kill and wielding a knife. Neal reportedly told police officers a voice had threatened to get him before the attack occurred. According to one of two witnesses cited in the police report, the suspect had "popped out of the corner" and stabbed the Paul staffer multiple times. The victim "was able to grab [the suspect's] arms" and the witness with him tackled the suspect, "leading to a struggle between the parties". The victim and the witness ran as the suspect fled, the report added. And from NBC: The aide was stabbed a little after 5 p.m. on Saturday on H Street in Northeast D.C. and was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries, the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement on Monday. Paul's office did not publicly identify the staffer. An uncle identified the victim as 26-year-old Phillip Todd, NBC Washington reported. Bureau of Prison records show Neal was released from federal prison just one day before the attack. Neal was sentenced in March 2011 to 12 years in prison for forcing two women into prostitution, D.C. Superior Court records show. "This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C.," the Kentucky senator said in a statement. "I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery." The Akal Takht has given a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government, asking them to release all Sikh youths who were held during the crackdown against Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh and his aides. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh on Monday issued the ultimatum, and also accused some TV channels of promoting hate propaganda. He further said the NSA should also then be invoked against those who speak about Hindu Rashtra. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he has asked the director general of police to release those who were taken into preventive custody and their involvement to any anti-national activity was not found. On the sidelines of an event in Jalandhar, Mann, however, said strict action will be taken against whosoever tries to disturb peace in the state. Following a police crackdown against Amritpal and his associates, Punjab Police Sunday said it has released 197 persons out of total 353 taken into preventive custody on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order. The Jathedar also condemned the state government for invoking the National Security Act against a few persons during the police crackdown. The Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, had convened a special gathering of Sikh organizations, including intellectuals, Sikh lawyers, journalists, religious and social leaders here to discuss the current situation in Punjab following the March 18 action against elements of Waris Punjab De headed by Amritpal Singh. Addressing the gathering, the Jathedar gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the Punjab government for releasing all Sikh youths in Punjab, saying otherwise the anger of Sikh community would remain simmering. He also attacked certain TV channels, accusing them of promoting hate propaganda against Sikhs by describing the youths who have been held as separatists. The Jathedar asked the state government to revoke the detention of some persons under the NSA and demanded that those who have been sent to Dibrugarh jail in Assam should be brought back to Punjab so that law can take its own course. He said it would be wrong to say that there was a threat to national security due to the Sikhs who have been detained. Without naming anyone, Singh said the NSA should also then be invoked against those who speak about Hindu Rashtra. The Jathedar said it would extend all help to the innocent Sikhs" who have been held in this matter. The Jatehdar claimed that around 400 Sikh youths had been arrested" and 198 had been released. But the Sikh community wanted release of all arrested Sikhs, he said. He also asked the police to release the impounded vehicles of the Sikhs. The Punjab Police had last week launched a crackdown against elements of Waris Punjab De, headed by Amritpal. The elusive preacher himself, however, gave the police a slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district. (With PTI inputs) Read all the Latest India News here Even as the special investigation team (SIT) constituted by police to probe the death of Darshan Solanki, a student of the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai, has found a suicide note on the last page of a question paper recovered from the youngsters hostel room, an FIR is yet to be registered in the case. Top sources from Mumbai police told CNN-News18 that Solanki wrote Armaan has killed me" in the note. In fact, it was a blank page, and on the rear side was the handwritten note in running font, they said. It was recovered during the SITs panchnama of room 802 in the IIT hostel, from where Solanki allegedly took his own life. The note was found in the first week of March, when the team searched his room and his family was given a call by the police team on March 11 to brief them about the facts. His family visited Mumbai with old notes and books of Solanki, which were handed over to the police. The note has been sent for handwriting analysis. His mother has confirmed that it is Darshans handwriting. We are awaiting the reports from the expert to conduct further investigation into this case. The family has sought some time to register a fresh FIR in this case, so we are waiting, said an officer from the SIT. The team has also informed authorities at IIT regarding the mention of Arman Khatris name in the note. The SIT has found that there was a dispute between Arman and Darshan over the week before the death. As part of the investigation, Solankis room was searched for almost 10 hours, which is when the note was found, said the sources. This development has raised several questions on the investigation conducted earlier by the team of Mumbai police from Powai police station when the note was not found. Questions are also being raised on the report submitted by a team of IIT professors to the central government, which stated that there was no reason for Solanki to have ended his own life. Disclaimer: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) Read all the Latest India News here Complaints of brutal behaviors against Ambasamudrams Assistant Superintendent of Police Balveer Singh has sparked a controversy in Tamil Nadu. Various organizations belonging to the victims in the case of teeth pulling met the media on March 28. As disturbing videos of victims expressing agony over losing their teeth surfaced online, the district collector Karthikeyan launched a probe into the matter. Sub-Collector Mohammed Sabir is heading the investigation. According to preliminary information, ASP Balveer Singh allegedly used cutting pliers to pull the teeth of the accused on an extramarital affair case. According to Advocate Maharajan of Ambasamudra, over 40 people have lost their teeth in Ambasamudram jurisdiction. All the victims reported minor complaints. As various complaints have been reported to the state government, ASP Balveer Singh has been ordered to be changed to the waiting list which is a welcome move, but thats not enough. The ASP who brutally assaulted the public should be arrested immediately, Maharajan said. Many are afraid to testify before the judicial authorities as police are threatening the witnesses, the advocate claimed. He also said that a judicial investigation should be conducted with the district collector or a retired judge with a committee at the earliest. Further, Maharajan demanded that the team formed under the leadership of the Sub-Collector should be immediately replaced by the District Collector as there are claims that Balveer Singh and Mohammed Sabir are trained at the same camp, and the CCTV cameras of the police stations where the incident is said to have taken place should be seized as soon as possible. Eventually, he went on to say that the police are indirectly threatening the victims. If the victims inform us that they want to appear for investigation, we present them to the investigation team in a safe manner. In Addition, we are going to hold a demonstration in Ambasamudram to condemn all the officers involved in the incident on Saturday, Maharajan added. In another development, the State Human Rights Commission has registered a case on its own while this matter has caused a shock at all levels in the state. The State Human Rights Commission has directed the Commissions IG to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within six weeks on the issue of teeth pulling of the inmates. Read all the Latest India News here It was Yasin Bhatkal almost 10 years ago and now it is Amritpal Singh and Asad Ahmad. Indias most wanted have managed to land up in Nepal, taking advantage of the porous and open India-Nepal border, even as the countrys leading police forces were hot on their trial. Intelligence agencies suspect a common hand behind these most wanted getting a safe sanctuary in Nepal Pakistans ISI, which has a strong network in Nepal. The Indian embassy in Kathmandu informed the Nepal government last Saturday that Amritpal Singh was hiding in Nepal, eight days after he escaped from a police raid in Punjab on March 18 and was last spotted on March 20 in Haryana. Despite a high alert and vigil on the India-Nepal border, Singh has managed to make his escape from the country and the agencies believe the ISI has orchestrated it, in an effort to give their asset in Singh a safe haven. The other most wanted man, Atiq Ahmads son, Asad, has also escaped to Nepal despite a massive manhunt launched by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) after he carried out the shootout of Umesh Pal in Prayagraj over a month ago. Ten days ago, the Uttar Pradesh STF arrested a man named Qayyum Ansari from Nepals Kapilavastu district for helping Asad escape to Nepal and providing him a car and shelter there. This escape was apparently through the Siddhartnagar district of UP. India has the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) posted on the 1,751-km long Indo-Nepal border but Indias most wanted managed to still escape. Rewind a Decade In August 2013, an Indian team had tracked down Indias most wanted terrorist of the Indian Mujahideen, Yasin Bhatkal, to Nepals Pokhara and had brought him to India in a top-secret operation, along with his key associate and IMs child bomb maker, Asadullah Akhtar. Yasin was responsible along with Akhtar for most terror strikes in India between 2009 and 2013 and had escaped to Nepal after conducting bomb attacks in Hyderabad and six other cities. He was being sheltered by the ISI in Nepal and an IB and Bihar Police joint operation led to his arrest. LeT bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda was also caught from Nepal in 2013 and brought to India. Both countries have a close security co-operation and Nepal does help in such operations if wanted criminals have taken shelter in their country. It is, however, a matter of concern that such wanted criminals escape our borders into Nepal despite heightened intelligence mechanisms now on the Indo-Nepal border, a senior government official told News18. India has asked Nepal to ensure Amritpal Singh does not leave Nepal using his Indian passport. Read all the Latest India News here It was 2017 and Atiq Ahmed had arrived in Lucknow with a posse of cars and armed men to get his ticket confirmed from the Samajwadi Party (SP) from the Kanpur Cantonment seat in the state elections. Mulayam Singh Yadav had announced the ticket, but his son and then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was uncomfortable confirming the ticket and asked Ahmed to step back. They are citing 100 criminal cases against mewhat they forget is I am a free man and I bring in Muslim votesa wrong message is going to them. The SP will lose this election in Uttar Pradesh Ahmed told this correspondent then, rather prophetically, saying he was withdrawing. ALSO READ | From Undertrial to Convict: Finally Status Change for Atiq Ahmed After 4 Decades of Criminal Career Cut to March 28, 2023, almost six years later, Ahmed has finally been convicted for the first time by a court, nearly 43 years after the first criminal case was lodged against him. Nearly 60 of the said 100 cases against Ahmed on charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping for ransom are under trial, but many have seen key witnesses turning hostile or not appearing in court. SETS AN EXAMPLE The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh will project this conviction as the Yogi Adityanath government doing what could not be done in 43 years in Uttar Pradesh and the Chief Minister razing the impregnable fort of Atiq Ahmeds mafia. A senior party official in the state said the punishment sets an example as during the SP rule in the state before 2017, Ahmed roamed freely in the state cocking a snook at the law and ran his mafia gang without fear from Allahabad. This gave an impression to common man that the road of law ended even before the entry gate to Atiqs dwelling. The area where he ruled was forbidden for police and the law. But for the first time, the fear of government and law was visible on Atiqs face, a BJP leader in the state said. REIGN OF TERROR ENDS The conviction also shows that the police and the prosecution had worked together effectively to take the matter to its logical conclusion in the court in the past six years, although the crime of Umesh Pals kidnapping dated back to 2007, over 15 years ago. BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh are citing how cases against mafia were withdrawn under the SP government and SP leaders shared the stage with Atiq on public forums, giving legitimacy to his terror in the state. Atiq had also contested elections on the SP symbol making it a classic case of politico-mafia nexus in Uttar Pradesh, BJP leaders say. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said there was a time in the past when at least a dozen judges had disassociated themselves from hearing cases against Ahmed. Under the Yogi government, the terror of Atiq has come to an end. The strong stand put forth by the prosecution in the case shows the solid support from the state government," Tripathi said. ALSO READ | Atiq Ahmed Convicted: The Story of the Gangster-turned-Neta, Umesh Pal Case EXPLAINED It was under the Yogi government that Atiq was arrested and sent back to jail after several years. He was shifted from the Naini jail in Allahabad to the Deoria jail and later shifted to a jail outside the state after his business of extortion continued from behind bars. Even from the Gujarat jail, Atiq was able to orchestrate the murder of Umesh Pal last month. However, Atiqs conviction with a life sentence not only ends his political career, but also his reign of fear in Uttar Pradesh. Read all the Latest India News here Telugu superstar Nani is travelling to different cities to promote his upcoming movie Dasara. Recently, the actor mentioned that he would love to share the screen space with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and will also explore an opportunity to work with Aamir Khan. I would love to work with Deepika Padukone as she is a marvellous actress and definitely if I get an opportunity and a right story, I would just love to be cast opposite her," Nani told IANS. Nani is known for his work in Telugu films like Ashta Chamma, Ride, Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu, Ala Modalaindi, Pilla Zamindar, Eega, Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, Yevade Subramanya, and many more. He also hosted the second season of Bigg Boss Telugu, and got a lot of appreciation in the movie Jersey. Besides working with Deepika and Aamir, Nani also expressed his desire to work with Rajkumar Hirani. The one Bollywood director I really want to work with will be Rajkumar Hirani. I am just fond of the kind of movies he makes," the actor added. Asked about his favourite Bollywood star with whom he would like to work, he said: I just wish to work with Aamir (Khan)sir. I enjoy watching his movies," adding that he will also watch Ajay Devgns Bholaa. Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri and Srikanth Chundi Dasara stars Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani and Sai Kumar in key roles. The trailer of the film was released earlier this month. The world of cinema is now getting more inclusive and expanding like never before. There is no longer a concept of a north film or a south film. Its an Indian film for an Indian audience. I am grateful to the audience for all the love and support they are giving, Nani said during the trailer launch in Lucknow. Dasara will hit theatres on March 30, 2022. Read all the Latest Movies News here Kangana Ranaut has made a shocking allegation against Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar. The actress has alleged that Karan Johar banned" Priyanka Chopra from Bollywood because of her friendship" with Shah Rukh Khan. Kangana, in a series of tweets, alleged that Karan harassed" Priyanka Chopra to a point where she had to leave India". Kangana on Tuesday morning tweeted an article which read: Priyanka Chopra says she moved to the US because had beef with people in Bollywood: Was being pushed into a corner, was tired of the politics". Sharing the article, Kangana wrote, This is what @priyankachopra has to say about bollywood, people ganged up on her, bullied her and chased her out of film industry a self made woman was made to leave India. Everyone knows Karan Johar had banned her." ALSO READ | Kangana Ranaut Says Bolly Kids Kill Those As AR Rahmans Old Remarks Against Bollywood Go Viral In another tweet, she wrote, Media wrote extensively about her fall out with Karan Johar because of her friendship with SRK and movie mafia Cruella who is always looking for vulnerable outsiders saw a perfect punching bag in PC and went all out in harassing her to a point where she had to leave India." She continued, This obnoxious, jealous, mean and toxic person should be held accountable for ruining the culture and environment of film industry which was never hostile to outsiders in the days of AB or SRK.His gang and mafia PR should be raided and held accountable for harassing outsiders." This is what @priyankachopra has to say about bollywood, people ganged up on her, bullied her and chased her out of film industry a self made woman was made to leave India. Everyone knows Karan Johar had banned her (1/2) https://t.co/PwrIm0nni5 Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 28, 2023 Media wrote extensively about her fall out with Karan Johar because of her friendship with SRK and movie mafia Cruella who is always looking for vulnerable outsiders saw a perfect punching bag in PC and went all out in harassing her to a point where she had to leave India. Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 28, 2023 Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra in a recent interview revealed that she decided to take a break from Bollywood after she was being pushed into a corner" and got tired of politics". Priyanka Chopra made her way into Hollywood after she starred in the 2015 television series Quantico. She also featured in a few music videos including In My City and Exotic. Read all the Latest Movies News here In an acting career spanning nearly two decades, Lakshmi Manchu is sharing screen space with her father, Mohan Babu, for the first time on a Telugu film titled Agni Nakshatram. Touted to be an actioner, it revolves around the adventures of a tough female cop and a male vigilante, which will be played by Manchu and Babu, respectively. In an exclusive interaction with News18, she reveals that unlike the popular perception, working together as actors was no cakewalk. Im working with my dad, so its very difficult. If it was any actor acting like my dad, I would say, Excuse me? But here, we all just shut up because its him. For everything, he keeps saying that we arent paying him enough. I tell him, If I did, I wouldnt put up with your tantrums. (laughs). Theres never a satisfying moment on set, she tells us. Manchu, however, feels that being able to act with her father - who has belted out a slew of successful films like Sivaranjani (1978), Peddarayudu (1995) and Soorarai Pottru (2020) and was honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema in 2007 is nothing short of a feat. I think theres so much more we both can do. Just being able to experience this and to see both of us on the same screen, its beyond a dream come true for me. I wasnt even allowed to dream this, she remarks. But have they been approached for films together prior to Agni Nakshatram? No. They only write these stories on Twitter and Instagram. But nobody has ever been able to crack a story for us, Manchu states. Despite being born to one of the most renowned names in the south film industry, the Pitta Kathalu (2021) actor hasnt had it easy. In fact, her desire to be an actor was frowned upon. Talking about it, she recalls, It has been difficult, especially since Im a woman belonging to a south Indian actors family. If I was born to an actress, that wouldve been different. It was not precedented for me to be an actor, it was condemned. And according to Manchu, the situation today hasnt really changed much either. Were in 2023 and even now, how many actors daughters do you see in the industry? Theres one Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. Her parents are very progressive. Apart from her, theres one Shruti Haasan and one Lakshmi Manchu, where Lakshmi Manchu is the only actors daughter, she rues. Known for her outspoken nature and candour, Manchu has attracted a host of detractors on social media. But Manchu remains unfazed. She believes that being public figure, its imperative for her to represent the voiceless through her work. And so, last year, she played a lesbian in the Malayalam action thriller Monster (2022) to not only push the envelope for herself but to also lend her support to the queer community. Art is nothing but imitating life. We, as artists, are supposed to do the same. Art is never supposed to make you comfortable. Today, people get so offended but hello, were supposed to offend you, make you think and push boundaries for you! Thats what artists are for and thats what they do, have been doing and will do in the future. You may look at a piece of art and it may emotionally move you or even make you angry but I truly believe that its our innate duty as artists to speak whats unspoken, states Manchu. Read all the Latest Movies News here Rashmika Mandanna, who will turn a year older on April 5, had an early birthday celebration with fans on Tuesday. The actress received a sweet surprise from some of her fans as she was spotted arriving in Mumbai with actor Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas. Videos of Rashmika Mandannas interaction with her fans have been making rounds on the internet, leaving viewers amazed. The clip shows the actress heading towards her car to leave the airport when a group of her fans appeared with a birthday cake, surprising her. Rashmika was thrilled by this sweet gesture from her fans and couldnt stop expressing her gratitude. She even exclaimed, How sweet!" and proceeded to cut the cake and share it with some of her fans. Rashmika Mandanna opted for a simple and relaxed appearance in a blue dress, which she paired with white sneakers and a stylish bag. She kept her makeup to a minimum and left her hair open. Upon seeing this video, social media users flocked to the comment section to praise the actress for her kind behaviour. One of the users wrote, She is damn sweet. How nicely she speaks with the media. Very down-to-earth celebrity. Another user wrote, She is so sweet. One more user commented, She seems like one of the most genuine celebs in the industry. God bless her and happy birthday in advance. A few days back, Mandanna was photographed at the Mumbai airport wearing a vibrant red traditional outfit. She looked radiant and cheerful as she smiled at the cameras. The outfit she wore was a red sharara suit with mirror work that made her look stunning. Additionally, she wore golden jhumkas and bangles to complete her attire and tied her hair in a neat ponytail. Meanwhile, on the work front, Rashmika is now preparing for her upcoming film, Animal, alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol. It is being directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film is presently in the production stage and is slated for release on August 11 this year. The actress is also set to play the character of Srivalli once again in Pushpa: The Rule, which stars Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil in the lead roles. The movie is directed by Sukumar and the filming for Pushpa 2 has already started. The sequel is expected to be larger than the first part. Read all the Latest Movies News here For the last quarter of a century, plus another year, the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), out of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, has organized an Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan prisons. This year the exhibit runs from March 24 April 4, 2023. I have seen this exhibition in a previous incarnation before COVID-19. It is as mind-blowing and universe-expanding as prisons are devastating, violent, and parasitic. The PCAP project and the annual exhibition are a testament to the incarcerated artist's determination and creativity and the collaboration between the University of Michigan community and imprisoned people in Michigan prisons. "Three hundred sixty unique artists inside 25 Michigan prisons are collaborating with the University of Michigan's Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), to showcase 645 pieces of art including paintings, three-dimensional creations and drawings.This exposition is the world's largest display of its kind, where underground art meets academic exhibition." Janie Paul and Buzz Alexander founded PCAP in 1990, with the Art Exhibit debuting in 1996. The mission of PCAP is to bring "those impacted by the justice system together with the University of Michigan community for artistic collaboration, mutual learning, and growth. We are a program of the LSA Residential College. Founded in 1990 with a single theatre workshop, PCAP has grown to include courses, exhibits, publications, arts programming, and events that reach thousands of people each year." Six core principles guide PCAP. "1. We believe everyone has the capacity to create art. 2. We place human connection at the center of our process. 3. We join with community partners in the movement toward social justice through the arts. 4. We welcome all people who wish to join PCAP's work into our community at the University of Michigan. 5. We recognize the power of diversity and intersection between different parts of society to create learning opportunities. 6. We celebrate artists, writers, and performers at all skill levels and provide support for artistic growth." As explained in Buzz Alexander's obituary in 2019, "Each year [the exhibition] features a diversity of both artists and artistic genres. Artists range in age from those in their late teens to senior citizens. They are men and women from across the state with diverse racial, ethnic, socio-economic backgrounds and identities. There is also a broad array of artistic media and subject matter, including landscapes, portraits, prison scenes, and political statements." You might not be able to make it to Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, during the exhibition, so the good people at PCAP have created an online portal to access the digital exhibit. Check out the book Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance by Janie Paul, where she tells the story of PCAP in a gorgeous book with 235 full-color images. Check out this presentation by Ashley Lucas about theater and art inside prisons. Dr. Lucas is "the current director of Latina/o Studies [at the University of Michigan], former director of the Prison Creative Arts Project, a founding member of the Carceral State Project, and a co-primary investigator on an archival project called Documenting Criminalization and Confinement." Samantha Ruth Prabhu assured that despite her divorce from Naga Chaitanya, she has not become cynical and bitter. The actress, who was married to Naga Chaitanya for almost five years, has not dated anyone since she and Chay announced their separation in October 2021. While she has refrained from speaking about the cause of their separation, Samantha said that she is optimistic about love. Speaking with IndiaToday.in, Samantha said, Its not necessarily a love between a man and a woman, the love that keeps me going is the love of my friends, who stood by me in the last eight months. I have so much love to give. Im still extremely loving. One failed relationship does not mean that I become cynical and bitter. Also read: Samantha Confesses Divorce with Naga Chaitanya Changed Her, These Last Two Years Have The actress recently also opened up about dating again. Answering a few tweets by fans, Samantha replied to a fan urging to her date someone now. I know its not my place to say but plz Date someone." The actress replied to the tweet and wrote, Who will love me like you do," with a heart emoji. Meanwhile, Samantha is currently focused on her work and health. The actress will be seen in Shaakuntalam. The film is based on a famous Indian play Shakuntala by Kalidasa and will see actor Dev Mohan as Dushyanta, the king of the Puru Dynasty. Shaakuntalam also has Aditi Balan and Mohan Babu in supporting roles. Allu Arjuns daughter Arha will mark her debut with this film in Telugu. The film also stars Mohan Babu, Sachin Khedekar, Gautami, Aditi Balan, Ananya Nagalla, and Varshini Sounderajan in prominent roles. Music is composed by Mani Sharma. The movie is jointly bankrolled by the banners of Gunaa Teamworks and Sri Venkateswara Creations. The actress also has Kushi, opposite Vijay Deverakonda, and Citadel India with Varun Dhawan in the pipeline. Read all the Latest Movies News here Actor-comedian Sunil Grover opened up about the heart attack he suffered last year. Grover underwent surgery in Mumbai and also tested positive for Covid-19 around the same time. Talking about the difficult time he faced back then, Grover said that it was mentally tough for him but he finally feels that everything is fine. I was already down with Covid and then this (heart attack) happened. You have to face it and move on in life. Your mind gets clouded with so many different thoughts. Those 1-2 months were mentally tough for me but now I finally feel that everything is fine," Sunil told Siddharth Kannan. He continued, That time you question yourself, Is it ever going to be alright? Will I ever be able to bounce back again or not? But fortunately, everything went well. Sometimes you tend to think about what would have happened if this would have happened some time later. Maybe, everything happens for a reason. Now I am perfectly fine and enjoying my work." Doctors had informed back then that Sunil had blockages in all three of his major coronary arteries with 100% block in two arteries. Meanwhile, during a recent interview with ETimes, Sunil opened up about being replaced from a show within 3 days. He said that the makers did not even tell him and he got to know about it through someone else. He also added that he cannot go back and work with the same people. Meanwhile, Sunil Grover would be seen playing an important role in Atlees Jawan. The much-awaited film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi and Sanya Malhotra in the lead roles. It will also feature Sanjay Dutt in an adrenaline-pumping cameo. Read all the Latest Movies News here The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri has reacted to Priyanka Chopras statement about being pushed into a corner" in Bollywood. Priyanka Chopra, in a recent interview, revealed that she decided to take a break from the Hindi film industry after she was being pushed into a corner" and got tired of politics". The actress revealed that she had people not casting me". Vivek shared a part of Priyankas interview on his official Twitter account and wrote, When big bullies bully, some kneel down, some surrender, some give up and leave, some take drugs, few have lost life too. Against this impossible to defeat gang of bullies, very very few quit and make their own universe of success. Those are the real life stars." When big bullies bully, some kneel down, some surrender, some give up and leave, some take drugs, few have lost life too. Against this impossible to defeat gang of bullies, very very few quit and make their own universe of success. Those are the real life stars. https://t.co/TArOEtzwPY Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) March 28, 2023 Viveks post comes hours after Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, in a series of tweets, alleged that Karan Johar banned" Priyanka Chopra from Bollywood because of her friendship" with Shah Rukh Khan. Kangana claimed that Karan harassed" Priyanka Chopra to a point where she had to leave India". Kangana on Tuesday morning tweeted an article which read: Priyanka Chopra says she moved to the US because had beef with people in Bollywood: Was being pushed into a corner, was tired of the politics". Sharing the article, Kangana wrote, This is what @priyankachopra has to say about bollywood, people ganged up on her, bullied her and chased her out of film industry a self made woman was made to leave India. Everyone knows Karan Johar had banned her." Read all the Latest Movies News here Given Pakistans over-obsession with Kashmir, its vociferous objection to India hosting a G20 event in the Union Territory (UT) should not come as a surprise as it has been raising this issue at every forum, irrespective of its relevance to the agenda under discussion. Even though its rhetoric goes unheard and at times even ends in embarrassment, Islamabad still refuses to accept the fact that its Kashmir narrative virtually has no takers. Now that it has raised objections to New Delhi holding a G20 event in Kashmir, the obvious question that arises is whether Pakistan is in a position to prevent India from holding G20-related events and the summit later this year? Even an amateur will tell you that the current situation and developments taking place across the border suggests a definite no and the reason is simple. One, despite Islamabads claim of J&K being a disputed territory, the United Nations (UN) and international community rightly accepts J&K as an integral part of India. Two, Islamabad lacks diplomatic leverage to muster any worthwhile support for its Kashmir stance, or dissuade G20 member nations from attending meetings in J&K. It failed to get the international community to force New Delhi to restore Article 370 and while Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) may issue some statements vaguely supporting Pakistan, all its members (except Pakistan) have maintained extremely cordial relations with India. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has even signed MoUs with the Jammu and Kashmir government for several infrastructural development projects running into millions of dollars. Third, a bankrupt Pakistan cannot use the financial grant or aid carrot to beguile poor nations into toeing its line on this issue and creating a pressure group capable of forcing New Delhi to shift the venue of the G20 events from Kashmir. Pakistans financial condition is so fragile that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has himself admitted that Today, when we go to any friendly country or make a phone call, they think that we have come [to them] to beg for money. Lastly, the international community would be well aware of the miserable conditions in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as videos of its desperate residents scrambling for rations and protesting against non-availability of essential commodities have gone viral on social media. In contrast, the absence of public protests and stone pelting by unruly mobs in Kashmir Valley is a clear indicator that the locals are happy and content with measures taken by the authorities to ensure their well-being. Pakistan had been prognosing a doomsday scenario in J&K after Article 370 abrogation. While former Prime Minister Imran Khan predicted a blood bath, by saying that Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps, Pakistans Foreign Office hinted at the possibility of Islamabad considering military action. This veiled threat was reinforced by the then Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa who announced that the Pakistan Army would go to any extent to support separatist activities in Kashmir. Hence, holding G20-related events in J&K is a great opportunity for New Delhi to unambiguously reiterate that J&K is, and will always remain, an integral part of the Indian Union. It will facilitate showing the delegates that Kashmir Valleys Muslim majority population takes immense pride in being Indians. This will expose Islamabads brazen lies that Kashmiris are being religiously persecuted and marginalised in the UT of J&K. Holding G20 events in Kashmir Valley will effectively debunk Pakistans false propaganda that its Muslim majority is impoverished because of institutionalised neglect and under siege due to a host of curbs and restrictions. By interacting with locals, G20 delegates are able to get a first-hand account of the prevailing situation here for themselves, and perhaps this is why Islamabad is so nervous about G20 events being hosted by J&K. Under New Delhis chairmanship, 56 meetings of G20 will be held across the entire length and breadth of the country from Kashmir in the North to Kanyakumari in the South and will cover all 28 states of India. Being the worlds main platform for economic cooperation, G20 has an extremely great responsibility in shaping and improving global governance and architecture on all major international economic challenges. Hence, despite Islamabads frantic efforts, G20 members will neither have the time nor the inclination to humour Pakistan by digressing from its hectic agenda of the Kashmir issue. In any case, since the UN has categorically decreed that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, which requires to be mutually resolved between the two without any external interference, Islamabads latest attempt to internationalise the Kashmir issue in the most puerile manner is bound to end in yet another humongous embarrassment! The author is editor of Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed are personal. Read all the Latest Opinions here With reports in the media suggesting that a US-born Mongolian boy has been recognised as the incarnation of the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, Chinas worst nightmare seems to be turning into a reality. The eight-year-old boy has reportedly been regarded as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche by none other than the 14th Dalai Lama during the ceremony in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where the 87-year-old Tibetan leader has been living in exile since his escape from Lhasa in 1959. The Chinese government has been on an overdrive for quite some time to make sure that the Tibetan leadership is selected through communist party regulations. It is especially obsessed with the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama, saying he would need to have the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) blessings. In fact, The Global Times, a CCP mouthpiece, in a 22 February 2023 article, Recognition of new Dalai Lama must be conducted in China (https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1285980.shtml), while asserting that the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama (whose selection has already been compromised by communist manipulation) hold equal positions in Tibetan Buddhism, said that the process of their selection has been supervised by the Chinese Central Government and conducted within Chinese territory since the late 13th century. The reincarnation convention of Living Buddhas in Xizang was established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), developed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and improved during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) under the administration of the central government, the article said, as it emphasised how in 1653, when the 5th Dalai Lama came to Beijing, the Emperor Shunzhi officially conferred the title of Dalai Lama on him. This marked the first time that the title of Dalai Lama was granted by the central government. Truth and fair play have never been the strongest points of the communist regime in China. Anyone even partly acquainted with Tibetan Buddhism would know that the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama never held equal position. Equally ludicrous is the claim that Tibet was always a Chinese territory. It was only after Maos troops invaded the Roof of the World in 1950 that Tibetans came under Chinese control. Traditional China was just a third of the area it is today. It became what it is through the combination of communist planning, deception and force in Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia. In an article in 1965, noted historian RC Majumdar explained an innate imperialist tendency among the Chinese from the third century BC to the present day: It is characteristic of China that if a region once acknowledged her nominal suzerainty even for a short period, she would regard it as a part of her empire forever and would automatically revive her claim over it even after a thousand years whenever there was a chance of enforcing it. Interestingly, the Chinese, especially of the communist hue, dont always scream to forward their undue claims; they at times keep quiet to indulge in a subterfuge. Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran narrated a story during a public lecture in 2012. Referring to a conversation between former Secretary-General, Ministry of External Affairs, RK Nehru, and Chinese Premier Chou En-lai in 1962, just before the big war, Saran said, RK Nehru drew attention to reports that China was leaning towards the Pakistani position that Jammu & Kashmir was a disputed territory. He recalled to Chou an earlier conversation, where when asked whether China accepted Indian sovereignty over J&K, he had said rhetorically has China ever said that it does not accept Indian sovereignty over J&K, or words to that effect. At this latest encounter, Chou turned the same formulation on its head, to ask: Has China ever said that India has sovereignty over J&K? Be it through Maos strong-arm tactics or Dengs quiet diplomacy, the fact is the communists in Beijing have always wanted to tamper with the selection of the top Tibetan spiritual leadership, especially that of the Dalai Lama. And the recent Dharamshala incident would make them realise that their dubious succession plan wont be a cake walk. If the Tibetan leadership has managed to find the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche, who is the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, outside Tibet, much against the Chinese diktat that warranted the search for the top Tibetan leadership to be conducted within Chinese territory, whats the guarantee that the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama wont be found outside, especially India? More so when the current Dalai Lama himself is living in an exile in India. The Chinese government could tamper with the selection of the Panchen Lama just because he was found in Tibet. Things wont be easy beyond its frontiers. But for that the current Tibetan leadership has to make certain amends. The 14th Dalai Lama writes in his memoirs, My Land and My People, how with the passing of the 13th Dalai Lama, the search began for his reincarnation, for each Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of his predecessor. First, a Regent had to be appointed by the National Assembly to govern the country until the new reincarnation could be found and grow to maturity. Then, in accordance with the time-honoured customs and traditions, the state oracles and learned lamas were consulted as a first step towards finding out where the reincarnation had appeared. Curious cloud formations were seen in the northeast from Lhasa. It was recalled that after the Dalai Lama died, his body was placed seated on a throne in the Norbulingka, his summer residence in Lhasa, facing towards the south; but after a few days it was seen that the face had turned towards the east. And on a wooden pillar on the northeastern side of the shrine where the body sat, a great star-shaped fungus suddenly appeared. All this and other evidence indicated the direction where the new Dalai Lama should be sought, he writes. These spiritual signs and visions helped find Lhamo Thondup, who would become the 14th Dalai Lama in 1940, six years after his birth in a farming family at Taktser. But can the Tibetans blindly follow these traditions, given the fact that the Chinese authorities are waiting with bated breath to distort the selection process, as they did in 1995 when the Chinese government detained the Dalai Lamas choice for the successor of the 10th Panchen Lama, named Gendun Choeki Nyima, when he was six years old. Since then Beijing has refused to give details of his whereabouts. When the Tibetan people revolted, the Chinese government responded by appointing its own Panchen Lama. Today, as there are two Panchen Lamas, thanks to the Chinese subterfuge, whats the guarantee that there couldnt be two Dalai Lamas in future? The very fact that the institution of the Dalai Lama is most revered in the Tibetan tradition makes it more prone to Chinese attack and distortion. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari writes in his just released book, The Dalai Lamas Special Envoy: Memoirs of a Lifetime in Pursuit of a Reunited Tibet, The role of the Lama, or the teacher, is the cornerstone of our religious practice, so much so that when we recite the Refuge prayer, Homage to the Guru precedes Homage to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. This is not to diminish the central importance of the Three Jewels, but rather to recognise the Lama as the embodiment of all three. Within all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, the very first salutation is as follows: Homage to the Guru; Homage to the Buddha; Homage to the Dharma; Homage to the Sangha. The utmost significance of the institution of the Dalai Lama makes it susceptible to Chinese assaults. It is this fear that has made the 14th Dalai Lama say so many things about the institution of the Dalai Lama from it outliving its utility, to asking people to decide if they want to continue the Dalai Lama lineage. The institution of the Dalai Lama is an important Tibetan bulwark against the hegemonistic Chinese forces. Its the moral duty of the current Dalai Lama to ensure that this is well guarded and secured even after he is gone. One option for him can be to tweak the Tibetan tradition to ensure that his successor is not just announced well before his death; he can also extend the domain of reincarnation process beyond the Tibetan frontiers. Maybe since the current Dalai Lama is in exile in India, its logical to think that his successor would be born on Indian soil as well. This would not just outwit the Chinese waiting to manipulate the succession process, but also give the wise Dalai Lama enough time to transfer his spiritual wisdom to the successor. The recognition of the eight-year-old Mongolian boy as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche has stumped the Xi Jinping dispensation. One wont be surprised to see China orchestrating a media blitz on how the next Dalai Lama has to have Beijings blessings, besides greater pressure being put on countries like India and Mongolia to not entertain such Tibetan fancies. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyaris The Dalai Lamas Special Envoy rightly says, As Beijing passes laws asserting control over selection of the next Dalai Lama and pressures Mongolia and India to deny that right to Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders beyond Chinas borders, it is becoming obvious that the many millions of devout followers of His Holiness across Asia will refuse to accept a pretender. Now thats real worry for Xi Jinping: He knows it well that he cant push the Modi dispensation beyond a point, a trailer for which has been shown by the Indian troops on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for almost three years now. And in this scenario, if the 15th Dalai Lama reincarnates in India, and that too before the death of the current one, it would be game up for the Chinese Tibetan stratagem. At least for the time being. The author is Opinion Editor, Firstpost and News18. He tweets from @Utpal_Kumar1. Views expressed are personal. Read all the Latest Opinions here The BJP alleged on Tuesday that the ruling AAP tabled a resolution in the Delhi Assembly just as the Pakistan government had presented a resolution against the Government of India in its parliament. The Arvind Kejriwal government is working in a dictatorial and unconstitutional manner" in the Assembly and AAP MLAs spoke in the language of Pakistan", it charged. Brushing aside all rules and traditions, topics that do not pertain to Delhi are being discussed, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri alleged in a press conference. The Delhi Assembly held a short-duration discussion on financial loss to Union Government exchequer and public due to a private company and no enquiry being conducted by Union government in this regard." At the end of the discussion, the Assembly, dominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), passed a resolution tabled by party MLA Sanjiv Jha demanding that a message be sent from the Assembly to Parliament for considering a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the Adani issue. During the discussion, several AAP MLAs, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, mounted no-holds-barred attacks on the prime minister levelling allegations against him in connection with the Adani issue. Bidhuri said an attempt was made for holding the discussion in the beginning of the session, but Speaker Ram Niwas Goel dropped it following opposition from BJP legislators. According to rule no. 61.9 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, only those topics can be discussed in the Legislative Assembly on priority basis which are concerned with the Delhi government, he said. However, today again a similar topic was discussed in a deliberate violation of the rules. The resolution was presented in the Assembly by the AAP like the Pakistan government had presented a resolution against India and AAP MLAs also spoke in the language of Pakistan," Bidhuri alleged. Pakistans national assembly had passed a resolution against India in February 2020 over revoking of special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Bidhuri said the BJP MLAs will take up this unconstitutional and anti-national act" of the Delhi assembly with the President of India. As the BJP legislators protested over a reference made by AAP MLA to an Al Jazeera report, the speaker tried to pacify them by saying that the media house had nothing to do with Pakistan. Bidhuri alleged that the AAP MLAs used indecent and derogatory" language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and levelled objectionable and baseless allegations" against the central government like promoting drugs and global terrorism". The BJP MLAs also pointed out to the speaker that they had given notices to discuss the problems of Delhi, but he did not listen to them, Bidhuri said. Read all the Latest Politics News here Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party has been making changes. The local unit presidents in many states were changed last week, and one of them was Bihar, where the command was given to the leader of opposition in the legislative council, Samrat Choudhary, who took over from Sanjay Jaiswal, with the party eyeing the states 40 Lok Sabha seats. Samrat Choudhary is already gearing up for next years parliamentary polls and the 2025 assembly elections. He met Bihar BJP incharge Vinod Tawde in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the renewed strategy for the state. The meeting at Tawdes residence lasted about 45 minutes. Sources told News18 that the two leaders had a detailed discussion on the current political situation in Bihar, how to connect small parties with the NDA before the Lok Sabha elections in the state, and how to counter the RJD-JD(U) combine in Bihar for the next one year. Tawde has been frequently visiting Bihar in recent times. Sources also said that denting chief minister Nitish Kumars OBC vote bank and Congress leader Rahul Gandhis statement against the community" were part of the discussion. Samrat belongs to the same OBC group as CM Nitish and the BJP wants him to snatch this voting bloc away from the JD(U) leader. The sources added that there was also discussion on how the Bharatiya Janata Party should move ahead on the issue of alliance with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Samta Party in the coming days. There will be a meeting soon with LJP Ram Vilas national president Chirag Paswan before a formal alliance can be announced, they said. After meeting Vinod Tawde, Samrat also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament House and briefed him about the prevailing political environment in Bihar. Following the coming together of RJD and JD(U), the BJP is working on a new strategy for the 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. The Centre has also accorded Y-plus security cover to Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal chief Upendra Kushwaha, upgraded the cover of Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahni and provided Z-category security to Jamui MP Chirag Paswan, giving ample signs of evolving equations in Bihar. Read all the Latest Politics News here Several Congress leaders and party workers were detained on Tuesday evening from near the Red Fort when they tried to march to Town Hall to protest against Rahul Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha, officials said. A senior police officer said they detained several protesters. The Congress on Tuesday announced a protest march from Red Fort to Town Hall against Gandhis disqualification. Sources said earlier in the day that Congress MPs would take part in the Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March from the Red Fort at 7 pm. They added that the MPs would carry torches during the march. The Congress has said that it would take to the streets against Gandhis disqualification and reach out to the public on the issue. Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha member on March 24, a day after he was sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case. Read all the Latest Politics News here It will be a day of dharnas and rallies in Kolkata. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will begin a 48-hour sit-in dharna near Dr BR Ambedkars statue at Red Road (Indira Gandhi Sarani) on Wednesday, demanding central funds. I will do this (dharna) as the chief minister of Bengal to protest against this dictatorial attempt to malign the state government and deprive our state of its rightful dues, said the Trinamool Congress chairperson at Kolkata airport last week, while leaving for Bhubaneswar to meet Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik. As chief minister, this is the third time that Mamata will be sitting on a dharna. On the other hand, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar will also lead a dharna to protest against the corruption in Bengal under TMC rule. Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee too will be holding a major rally for youths and students. For the past 65 days, state government employees have been sitting about 110 metres away from the site of Abhisheks public meeting, demanding Dearness Allowance (DA) on par with central workers. The protesters moved court, challenging Abhisheks meeting on March 29. The court gave permission for the TMC leaders event but said no instigation should happen from the rally. So, in and around central Kolkata on Wednesday, there will be Mamatas dharna, Abhisheks rally, the state employees protest, and the BJPs demonstration. Sources in Kolkata police say that the department has made arrangements to manage all these events while ensuring there is no instigation as ordered by the court. Mamata has been known for her dharna politics. From noon tomorrow, I will start a sit-in demonstration with the demand for money for 100 days work, for Awas Yojana (rural housing), for rural roads, and the Aikyashree scheme. The Centre will have to answer why funds for OBCs have been stopped and why democracy is being killed, she said while inaugurating the Pathashree scheme from Singur on Tuesday. Read all the Latest Politics News here To condemn the insult of Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Veer Damodar Savarkar by Congres leader Rahul Gandhi, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his Shiv Sena will take out the Savarkar Gaurav Yatra in all districts of Maharashtra. The CM also changed his Twitter profile picture to Veer Savakar late Monday evening to show his support to the freedom fighter. Shinde slammed Rahul Gandhi in a press conference and said, Due to heroes like Savarkar, we have got freedom. I condemn Rahul Gandhis statement on Savarkar. In respect of Savarkar, we will be holding Savarkar Gaurav Yatra in every district of the state. Through the Gaurav Yatra, Shindes Shiv Sena will spread awareness about the works of Savarkar among people and mark their protest against those who are speaking against the freedom fighter. After losing his Lok Sabha membership, Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Delhi, and said my name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi and Gandhi does offer an apology to anyone, which sparked a controversy. This statement has also not gone down well with Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), which is in alliance with the Congress in Maharashtra. Thackeray criticised Rahul Gandhi at a rally in Malegaon Sunday evening, and warned Rahul Gandhi not to insult Savarkar as they worshipped him. Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is the form of scarifies and we will not tolerate any insult of Savarkar, said Thackeray. He further said Savarkar is God for us. We are prepared to fight, but insulting our Gods is not something which we will tolerate. In protest against Rahul Gandhis statement on Savarkar, Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena did not attend the meeting of Opposition parties called by the Congress at party president Mallikarjun Kharges residence in New Delhi on March 27. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut called Shindes Savarkar Gaurav Yatra a drama. Savarkar is our God. What does the BJP know about Savarkar? Those sitting in power with the BJP dont even know about his contributions. Its nothing but the drama, which they want to create. They are just using the name of Savarkar for politics, Raut said. Read all the Latest Politics News here West Texas A&M president Walter Wendler made a big song and dance over banning a drag show at the publicly-funded college he runs, boasting that he didn't care if this broke the "law of the land". Now comes the "finding out" stage of that process, courtesy of the free-speech warriors at FIRE: [We] sued West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler for violating college students' First Amendment right to hold an on-campus charity drag show to raise money for suicide prevention in the LGBTQ community. The lawsuit seeks to stop Wendler's unlawful attempt to censor students and obtain damages for violating our clients' clearly established First Amendment rights. As the head of public university, Wendler is barred by the First Amendment from censoring an event simply because he disagrees with its content. But Wendler wrote a letter to the student body announcing that he was canceling the drag show based on his belief that it was "demeaning" and "divisive." Remarkably, Wendler himself acknowledged that "the law of the land appears to require" that the university allow the drag show to move forward. We agree; the law of the land DOES require it. Now FIRE is taking him to court to make sure that happens. Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant has made a sensational claim about how he executed the plan to topple Uddhav Thackerays government when he was denied a cabinet berth. Sawant, who was addressing people in Paranada town of Dharashiv district during a local wrestling competition, said, I had done a good job when the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena government was in power, but I was still denied a cabinet berth. At that moment, I decided not to come back to Matoshree or Uddhav Thackeray again. Elaborating on the strategy, Sawant said, With the help of Devendra Fadnavis, we won the Zilla Parishad (ZP) elections by allying with the BJP at local level. That was my first open revolt against Thackeray. Post that, I started meeting Shiv Sena MLAs and leaders and tried to convince them. I took approximately more than 150 meetings across the state to change the minds of Shiv Sena MLAs. Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis helped me a lot and we managed to topple the government of Uddhav Thackeray. According to Sawant, Thackeray had rejected the mandate given by people in the 2019 elections. People had voted for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, but he allied with Sharad Pawar and the Congress to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi. When I was not given cabinet rank, I met Thackeray and told him that I will not climb the stairs of your house again. On December 30, cabinet expansion happened again, in which Sawant was not given a berth. At that moment, I decided to take the first step of rebellion. On January 3, on the orders of Fadnavis, we formed the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Dharashiv Zilla Parishad and acquired power. Post this ZP election, I was in touch with Fadnavis and Shinde. I also met Shiv Sena MLAs from Vidarbha, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra, he said. This is the first time any Shinde camp leader has revealed the name of Fadnavis as the mastermind behind toppling the Thackeray-led MVA in the state. So far, Fadnavis has maintained that the BJP or he was not involved in toppling the government. Sawants claim is set to put Fadnavis in an uncomfortable position. Read all the Latest Politics News here Why no eminent lawyer of the Congress came to the aid of Rahul Gandhi when he was convicted in a defamation case leading to his disqualification from Parliament, Union Minister Anurag Thakur asked on Tuesday and wondered if it was deliberate and part of a conspiracy within the party. Thakur, addressing the Times Network India Digital Fest, also described Gandhi as a loose cannon" and a serial offender" who has seven cases of defamation in various courts even after being cautioned by the apex court. The Information and Broadcasting Minister made it clear that neither the government nor the Lok Sabha secretariat had any role to play in the former Congress presidents disqualification from the Lok Sabha. Thakur said that according to the Representation of the People Act, Rahul Gandhi stood disqualified the moment he was sentenced to a two-year jail term in a criminal defamation case. The senior BJP leader wondered why none of the eminent lawyers sent by the Congress to the Rajya Sabha could be of any help in the defamation case against Gandhi. Was it deliberate? Is there a conspiracy within the Congress? It is surprising that an entire battery of lawyers came to the rescue of Pawan Khera within an hour. Why did the Congress leader not move court in support of Rahul Gandhi? This is a big question," Thakur said. Who are these persons who hatched the conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi," the Union minister asked. Thakur said that even after issuing a written apology to the Supreme Court, Gandhi continued to make defamatory remarks against communities, people and organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He also slammed Gandhi for speaking harshly to a journalist during a press conference on Saturday. Some people do not know that the person who was spoken harshly to had covered the Congress party for 15 years. He lashed out at the journalist and still he talks of freedom of the press," the Union minister said. Thakur dismissed suggestions that the BJP was over-obsessed with Gandhi and said it was the Congress that has been unable to come out of the influence of the Gandhi family. He also accused the Congress of derailing the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament after it realised that the BJP would insist on an apology from Gandhi for his remarks maligning India" on foreign soil. The minister also rejected the opposition charge that the BJP government was on the defensive on the Adani issue and said that SBI, LIC, RBI, SEBI had come out with statements on the matter. He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too had made a statement on the issue and an investigation by a Supreme Court-appointed committee was underway. There is nothing to hide. Our institutions are strong. We have to trust them. Had this not been the case, everything would be haywire," he said. Thakur slammed the Congress party and claimed that it was obsessed with Gandhi family and prioritised them over the nation. Since 2013, 12 lawmakers have lost their Parliament membership due to their involvement in a criminal offence. But, Congress prioritises only a family over the countrys judiciary and people and Parliament proceedings," the senior BJP leader said. Read all the Latest Politics News here With an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a political slugfest broke out between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over slogans in Odisha. After BJDs previous campaign Sankha Mo Garba" (Conch is my pride), the party recently launched another called Jay Jagannath" (Victory to Lord Jagannath). While the BJP has claimed both Lord Jagannath and Lord Ram belong to them, Congress has said BJP and BJDs political posturing and infighting is leading to a loss of public confidence. Jay Jagannath Vs Jay Shree Ram After the Sankha Mo Garba (Conch my pride) campaign, the ruling BJD launched Jai Jagannath (Victory to Lord Jagannath) slogan on social media. BJD Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das kickstarted the Jay Jagannath" campaign by sharing a video on his social media page. The campaign has gained momentum, with several BJD leaders, including Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior leaders, sharing videos with the slogan. BJP MLA Subas Panigrahi slammed the slogan and said, The Bharatiya Janata Party says Jay Jagannath and Jay Shree Ram. The sankha" (conch) is their garba" (pride). Odisha and Jagannath are our pride. Shree Ram is our pride." Senior BJD Leader Rajendra Dholkia said Lord Jagannath is not just a deity of Odisha but the lord of the world. There is no harm in using the slogan Jay Jagannath. We seek blessings from Lord Jagannath." As the election season approaches in Odisha, all major political parties have started gearing up for the polls. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has begun reorganising its district committees and observers and has planned to make extensive changes at the organizational level. The party is focusing on strengthening its grassroots presence and bringing various public welfare schemes for the people. Similarly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also preparing its blueprint for the 2024 elections under the leadership of newly appointed state party president Manmohan Samal. The party is planning to reorganise its team and district organizations and Samal is scheduled to visit and conduct meetings with leaders and workers in all districts. The BJPs core committee will also hold a meeting soon to discuss its strategy and plans for the upcoming elections. Congress Leader Bijay Pattnaik said, Religion should not be politicized. They have lost their confidence and are doing this for political gain. Congress is a secular party." All state political parties are preparing for the 2024 elections. The BJD is starting preparations to form the government for the sixth time, breaking its previous record. The BJP is creating a blueprint with their Mission 120," while the Congress is strategising with their 9 to 90 mission" to achieve their respective political goals." (With inputs from Ajesh Mallick, Mahesh Nanda & Satyajit Senapati in Bhubaneswar) Read all the Latest Politics News here A controversy has erupted in Kerala after BJP state president K Surendran allegedly made derogatory remarks against CPM women leaders. Addressing an event based on women empowerment, he said the women leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have looted cash and become fat like poothana (demoness)". The women leaders of CPI(M) have become fat. They have looted cash and become fat like poothana (demoness) and they are mocking the women of Kerala," Surendran said during a speech at the event organised by BJPs womens wing in Thrissur on Sunday. Reacting to Surendrans remarks, Kerala minister Mohammed Riyas said people show their own culture and standards through their statements. This comment has come at a time when body shaming is being discussed across the country," he said. Meanwhile, Opposition leader VD Satheeshan condemned it and demanded Surendrans apology. It was such an unparliamentary remark made by Surendran against women leaders of CPI(M). No political leader in Kerala has insulted the womens community like that. We, the UDF, are condemning it. Surendran should withdraw the statements and apologise. No women, not just women from political party, should be insulted like that. It involves body shaming, it is politically incorrect remark," he said, adding that either Surendran should apologise or a case should be filed against him. Read all the Latest Politics News here Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.) in Delhi. Speaking at the inaugural event, he called the Bharatiya Janata Party the most futuristic party of India" and recalled the tireless and continuous journey" of going from 2 to 303 Lok Sabha seats. He also launched an attack on Congress by raking up the issues of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Emergency, and corruption. The country can never forget that black chapter of 1984. Congress got a historic mandate in those elections, it was an emotionally charged atmosphere. We were completely destroyed in that wave, but we were not demoralized and didnt blame others," PM Modi said while addressing the event attended by BJP national president JP Nadda and other dignitaries. On the new office building, PM Modi said it is an expansion of the aspirations of BJP workers who are the soul of the party and its office." He added, The BJP is not the party that came from the TV screen or newspapers. Neither did it come from Twitter handles and YouTube channels. This BJP progressed on the basis of the hard work of its workers." #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Ext.) in Delhi pic.twitter.com/A40y9HDhgB ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 Recalling the journey of BJP so far, he said, Journey began with two Lok Sabha seats is now at 303 seats. The BJP is the only pan-India party from East to West and from North to South. The BJP gives opportunity to the youth to progress A few days from today, our party will celebrate its 44th foundation day. This journey is a tireless and continuous journey. This journey is the journey of the culmination of hard work. We fought against the Emergency. The BJP is the most futuristic party of India." Stepping up attack on Congress, the Prime Minister further said the BJP never blamed others for poll losses. In an attack on Opposition for questioning the credibility of central agencies and courts, the PM said, Credibility of our institutions are being questioned. People who are indulging in corruptions, when they are being investigated by agencies then agencies are being targeted. When court gives a decision then courts are being questioned. Judiciary is being questioned. You all are witnessing this. Under PMLA, during Congress government Rs 5,000 crore worth property were seized. In nine years under BJP Rs 1,10,000 crore worth property has been seized." We've strong foundation of constitutional institutions. That's why to stop India, constitutional institutions are being attacked. Agencies are being attacked when they take action, questions are raised on Courts. Some parties have started 'Bhrashtachari Bachao Abhiyan': PM Modi pic.twitter.com/KjHqt3w9Tk ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 He added, During Congress rule, our banks were looted and fled the country. All those deep in corruption are coming together on one stage. Some parties have started Bhrashtachari Bachao Abhiyan. We will not bow down by the false allegations by the Opposition. Many attempts were made to uproot BJP but all failed. They tired a lot to put me behind bars but failed every time." On poll-bound Karnataka, PM Modi said, The BJP is being compared with those historical parties of the world who changed the fortunes of their country during their rule. We are number 1 party in Karnataka." Notably, the Supreme Court has agreed to list for hearing on April 5 a plea by 14 Opposition parties, led by the Congress, alleging arbitrary use of central probe agencies against political opponents. A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for the opposition parties such as the DMK, RJD, Bharat Rashtra Samiti, Trinamool Congress, NCP, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, JD(U), CPI(M), Communist Party of India, Samajwadi Party and J&K National Conference, and said the plea would be taken up for hearing on April 5. Read all the Latest Politics News here In a big setback for O Panneerselvam, Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed his plea, paving the way for interim chief Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswamis (EPS) elevation as the AIADMK general secretary, its top, powerful post. Madras HC refused to stay election to the post of general secretary of AIADMK. HC also dismisseD pleas moved by OPS faction challenging the resolutions passed in the July 11, 2022 general council of the party. EPS remains 'sole boss' of AIADMK. Madras HC rejects OPS camp's plea"We have been longing for this day for years. The traitors and backstabbers have been shown the door": AIADMK's Kovai Sathyan (@KovaiSathyan)@toyasingh @nimumurali | #TamilNadu #TamilNaduPolitics pic.twitter.com/H27pmlqWtD News18 (@CNNnews18) March 28, 2023 AIADMK advocate IS Inbadurai said the court rejected all petitions, including that against the conduct of the partys General Secretary election. Panneerselvam (and others) filed a plea against the July 11, 2022 resolutions. It has been rejected. This means the general council is valid, its resolutions are valid," he told reporters. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswamis supporters were seen celebrating at the party headquarters in Chennai after Madras High Court order. #WATCH | Celebrations at AIADMK headquarters in Chennai after Madras High Court Justice K Kumaresh Babu rejected interim applications by O Paneerselvam & his supporters seeking stay on AIADMK general secretary polls.Edappadi Palaniswami now becomes the party's General pic.twitter.com/pFG6pbOPsA ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023 AIADMK interim chief EPS earlier this month filed nomination for election to the partys powerful General Secretary post, setting the ball rolling for his ultimate elevation, as rival leader O Panneerselvan slammed the pickpocket-like" approach of the EPS camp in holding the polls, alleging due party process was not followed. EPS, as Palaniswami is addressed, filed his nomination at the party headquarters, nearly a month after the Supreme Court greenflagged his continuance as the AIADMK interim chief, dealing a blow to Pannerselvam (OPS) in his running feud with his rival over the leadership issue. After the Madras High Court verdict on Tuesday, Palaniswami visited the party headquarters and paid tributes to the statues of late AIADMK stalwarts M G Ramachanndran and J Jayalalithaa. (With PTI inputs) Read all the Latest Politics News here Launching a fresh attack at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, Union Minister Smriti Irani said that his hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed into an insult to the nation. The ministers remarks came after the row over Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha after he was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case over his Modi surname remark last week. Due to political frustration, Rahul Gandhis hatred towards PM Modi has now transformed into insult to the entire nation. While insulting the PM, he thought it wise to insult the entire OBC community, Irani said at a press conference. On 4th May 2019, Rahul Gandhi in a magazine interview said Modi Jis strength is his image and he said he will destroy that image. This was the first threat by Gandhi Family but they couldnt do anything because of the love that people have for Modi ji," she said. Accusing Gandhi of insulting minority communities, she said, You all saw what he did in his London tour. And it seems he felt fit to insult the OBC community. Not just OBC community, but he insulted the tribal community also, by attacking President Droupadi Murmu." I want to be clear, when Rahul Gandhi was asked to authenticate what he said in parliament he couldnt do it. Why is Robert Vadra seen hanging around with Adani? Why no answers on that?," asked Irani. Furthermore, addressing the issue of Gandhi being asked to vacate his premises, she said, The house is not of Rahul Gandhi but of public. It is taxpayers house. They think the way they have looted the money of people in Amethi they will do similar here as well." The confrontation between the opposition and government is expected to intensify further over Rahul Gandhis disqualification in Lok Sabha and the notice to vacate his official Delhi residence. The Congress and other opposition parties have accused the BJP-ruled Centre being in a hurry to target to target them. On Monday, opposition MPs, dressed in black, created a ruckus in both Houses of Parliament and forced their adjournment. Read all the Latest Politics News here Following Congress leader Rahul Gandhis comments on V D Savarkar which drew the ire of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, the two parties have reportedly put aside their differences. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dialed up Rahul Gandhi to talk about the issue and said that they had settled differences, NDTV reported on Tuesday. We have talked to Rahul Gandhi. Our fight is not with Savarkar but with Modi ji," Raut told reporters. The things that have been said in the meeting the things that have been said, are good things. Let our unity remain intact. I think it is going well," he added, referring to the dinner meet at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges home on Monday evening. The meeting had been skipped by Uddhav Thackerays camp after Gandhis Savarkar comments irked him. The 17 parties attending the meeting decided that no opposition leader would make comments on sensitive issues like Savarkar, sources said, as per the report. The Congress had indicated that it would take into account feelings of like-minded parties, it said. At a rally on Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray said he considers Savarkar as his idol", and asked Gandhi to refrain from insulting" him. Savarkar is our idol and his insult will not be tolerated if we have to fight together to protect our democracy. Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice," he said. "I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that we have come together to save our countrys democracy and its Constitution. But you are deliberately being provoked. If we allow this time to get wasted, then democracy will cease to exist. 2024 will be the last election," he added. He further said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance between the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP was formed to protect democracy and it was necessary to work unitedly for it. Following Uddhavs remarks, speculation was rife about cracks in the MVA. NCP chief Sharad Pawar also stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying the Shiv Senas concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership, PTI reported on Tuesday. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday evening and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help the opposition alliance in the state, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI. Read all the Latest Politics News here The Delhi High court on Tuesday issued summons to Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut in a defamation case filed by Eknath Shinde-faction leader Rahul Shewale. The matter has been listed for hearing on April 17. Shewale has filed the suit against statements made by the leaders alleging that Eknath Shinde faction bought the Shiv Sena symbol for Rs 2,000 crore, as per LiveLaw. The court also sought the response of the defendants, including Google and Twitter, in Shewales application seeking interim injunction and listed the matter for hearing on April 17. Shewale in his petition demanded that the court restrain the Thackeray camp leaders from making such remarks in the future. The court, however, said it wouldnt pass an order without hearing the other party as its a political issue, as per NDTV. The court also observed that the Election Commission is capable of responding to allegations. It remarked orally, These are political fights going on as far as the institutions are concerned, they have to stand for themselves. Election commissions shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this. Like the courts, people say all kinds of things about the courts. Sanjay Raut in February claimed that a deal of Rs 2000 crore" had taken place so far to purchase" the Shiv Sena party name and its bow and arrow symbol. Read all the Latest Politics News here Institutions and collectives that can incentivise behaviour change through scalable innovations are the driving force behind every mass transformation. The sustainability transition, necessitated by the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, rests largely on the pioneering efforts of various organisations working on different sustainability challenges. In the second season of Sustainability100+, a thought leadership platform created by AB InBev India and Network18, the impact of sustainable initiatives aimed at the grassroots has been appraised. The second season of Sustainability100+ culminates with awarding the first-ever Sustainability100+ Awards at the Grand Finale in New Delhi on March 31st, thereby establishing sustainability as a new field of excellence. When Do-Gooders Compete The Sustainability100+ Awards will be presented to Corporates, Startups and NGOs that have distinguished themselves through their efforts in Climate Action, Smart Agriculture, Water Stewardship and Circular Packaging. They have been selected from thousands of entries, each showcasing a unique approach to solving a sustainability challenge. Some of the most prominent names in the business world have been nominated for their efforts in sustainability. Infosys Technologies is one of several companies that have made a commitment to go carbon neutral.. JSW Steel and Ultratech Cements have been nominated for their innovative products that are better for the environment. The startup category is a hotbed of innovation, with Ento Proteins nominated for turning wet waste into animal proteins and MapMyCrop, which provides intelligence to farmers and corporations by tapping into satellite data. Braced For Impact The NGO nominees range from Pragati Koraput, Model Gaon and Sankalp Taru Foundation, which use smart farming techniques to engender change. Others include djED Foundation, United Way of Bengaluru, and Swacchata Pukare, which are fostering water stewardship in different geographies. An esteemed jury of renowned sustainability leaders will choose the winners. Their assessment of the nominees will blend in quantifiable measurements of innovativeness, practical impact, and scalability. Every nominee in attendance at the Grand Finale will hope they win and bag the highest accolade available to sustainability-focused organisations in India. The presence of some of the countrys tallest political and business leaders will add to the prestige of the Sustainability100+ Awards. A large audience of casual viewers and sustainability enthusiasts is also expected to tune in to streaming channels nationwide to witness the Grand Finale LIVE. They will rise to felicitate a new generation of Sustainability Champions, who will become role models of sustainable change that begins with a singular initiative. And the legacy of innovation they nurture will equip us to take better care of the world we live in. Tune into the first-ever Sustainability100+ Awards on March 31st, 2023, to see India crown its Sustainability Champions. For more information, click here: https://www.sustainability100plus.com/sustainability100plus-awards2022#event_reg_sec This is a partnered post. Read all the Latest News here Washington developer Douglas Jemal won final approval for his revised Elmwood-Bidwell project Monday evening, after he and his team conducted a full-court press in the past two months to meet with neighbors, explain the proposed project, make adjustments to appease concerns and ultimately try to overcome some of the opposition. The unanimous vote by the Buffalo Planning Board with a couple of conditions came after a 90-minute discussion, and clears the way for the 48-unit project at 976 Elmwood Ave. to proceed once Jemal obtains the necessary building permits from the city. He already obtained five variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals last month. But it didn't come without challenges and significant outreach efforts for Jemal's Douglas Development Corp., which the Planning Board insisted must continue during the construction process. The biggest source of community criticism for the $15 million project had revolved around the lack of any onsite parking, which neighbors had denounced as short-sighted and inadequate, but which the developer said was purposeful. Jemal's team led by executive vice president Paul Millstein, along with architects and engineers argued that they were targeting a population of tenants who would not need or want cars but could walk, use bicycles or use public transportation to get around. The project includes 22 bicycle racks, two additional ReddyBike ride-share racks, additional indoor bicycle storage and a bicycle repair station. Opposition calms slightly as Douglas Development's Elmwood Bidwell project begins to accelerate About 30 residents and business owners in the Elmwood Village gathered Saturday morning to receive a progress update and share parking fears about the controversial Elmwood Bidwell project. They provided a transportation demand management study to back up their plans although the data was questioned by some neighbors and demonstrated how they would work to reduce the number of vehicle trips by nearly 30% three times more than typically required. "We think this is an innovative project. With innovation comes a little bit of fear," Millstein said. "We want to push the envelope." What really proved to be a major factor in Jemal's favor was the explanation by the development team and realization by the board that the redevelopment would not result in significantly more residential or commercial use than the site previously had. The previous configuration had six commercial storefronts and 22 apartments, but with 52 bedrooms. The redevelopment would still have six storefronts, but just 50 bedrooms, because the units are smaller. "The commercial is largely the same and bed count is similar to what was there before," said Phillips Lytle attorney Lindsey Haubenreich, representing Jemal. "The parking concerns arent drastically different than previously." Some neighbors complained about a lack of public outreach or public notice of meetings. But Haubenreich said that, since its first appearance before the ZBA in December, the development team has held two public meetings one on Saturday as well as two meetings with community representatives and some residents, several one-on-one meetings with neighbors and "lots of phone calls." "The developer has made a lot of concerted effort to meet with a lot of people here," Haubenreich said. "Douglas and his team, theyre not just out-of-state developers. They live here. This isnt the last time. Theyre trying to do their best." Jemal is proposing to transform a series of eight vacant one- and two-story structures at the intersection of Elmwood, Bidwell Parkway and Potomac Avenue into a single mixed-use complex that would retain the historic storefront facades along Elmwood and two residential houses, while constructing a new building of up to five stories in the rear that would unify them. "We are going to great lengths to build a very high-quality project," Millstein said. "There will be some bumps and bruises, but thats the nature of it. Were very proud of it." The project has gone through several iterations since it was originally proposed and approved in August 2021, when plans by Carmina Wood Design called for a 38,852-square-foot complex with 34 apartments and six ground-floor storefronts. Jemal secured approval at four stories, despite the Green Code limit of three floors in the Elmwood Village, after winning over neighbors with his plan. But the venture became much more complicated and costly after contractors began their work inside, when they discovered just how much the older buildings had deteriorated. "Through early stages of construction, it was determined there was significant degradation to the site, more than previously thought - something that couldn't have been known until they got in and started looking around," Haubenreich said. So Jemal's team redesigned the plan to add another 16 apartments and a fifth floor, to generate more income and offset the costs. And when that was met with criticism from Elmwood Village residents, they trimmed it back to 48 units, while lowering the roof height by eliminating a parapet and using different building materials. Now the planned 61-foot-tall building would be only three feet higher at its peak than what was approved two years ago, at 58 feet. Portions of the rear building that had previously been five or even four stories have been reduced to cut back the impact on the street. And most of the apartments would be studios and one-bedroom units, with only a handful of two-bedroom apartments. Other changes included the loss of a garage structure that was too damaged to be restored, a return of a four-story addition that now has a green wall on one side instead of windows where it faces neighbors, and some changes to a two-story carriage house design and height in order to avoid additional variances. The carriage house also now has indoor parking in place of a ground-floor residential unit. Residents have previously criticized Jemal for wanting to reduce his costs. But Millstein flatly rejected that contention. "Theres nothing about this project that were saving money," he said. "Were going to build it with or without the relief." Telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said the countrys first quantum computing-based telecom network link is now operational in the national capital. While speaking at the first international quantum enclave, Vaishnaw said that the quantum communication link is now operational between Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Centre office located in CGO Complex in the national capital. The first quantum secure communication link between Sanchar Bhawan and NIC, CGO complex is now operational, Vaishnaw said and announced a Rs 10 lakh prize money for ethical hackers who can break the encryption of the system. We are also launching a hackathon, a challenge round, for anybody who breaks this system and system developed by C-DoT, we will be giving Rs 10 lakh per break, Vaishnaw said. The minister inaugurated a small exhibition of quantum computing firms and invited them to run pilot projects for communications networks and Indian Railways. PTI PRS DRR . . Read all the Latest Tech News here American lawmakers said they will proceed with plans to implement a national ban on Bytedance-owned TikTok, Democrat congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opened an account on TikTok to protest against the move. Bytedance is a Chinese tech company. Lawmakers from both sides in the US are preparing to take action against TikTok, after company chief Shou Zi Chew appeared before a US House committee last week and was grilled for five hours. The lawmakers grilled him regarding the national security concerns and privacy issues surrounding the app. Ocasio-Cortez in her first ever TikTok said the nature of the action is unprecedented as thousands of videos by TikTok users in the US were uploaded making fun of the Congressional hearing, criticising the US lawmakers for being out of touch with technology. Some lawmakers did ask questions like Does TikTok use wi-fi which generated hilarious responses but one section of social media users also pointed out that these questions were honest mistakes. TikTok has more than 150 million users in the US and many of them are protesting the move. This could be the first time the US bans a social media giant on national security issues. Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that despite the Cambridge Analytica findings, the US government did not initiate such proceedings against bigwigs like Meta and said there is enough evidence that other major companies also use personal data in ways that cannot be approved. The US government as well as the opposition Republicans are accusing China of storing data of American users in their servers and allowing the Communist Party of China (CPC) to access that data. US House Speaker and Republican leader Kevin McCarthy on Sunday doubled down and said the Chinese government has access to the apps user data. There is no bipartisan legislation yet to allow the US President Joe Biden and his administration to get legal authority to seek a ban but the federal and several state governments have implemented bans which do not allow installing or retaining the app on government devices. The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist party, McCarthy said. Lawmakers grilled Chew and demanded answers if the app was used for spying, to which the latter replied in the negative. The US government suspects the app is being used as a surveillance tool. Read all the Latest News here The German defence ministry said that the first shipment of German-made Leopard 2 tanks were sent to Ukraine. The German defence ministry, according to a report by the BBC, said eighteen cutting-edge main battle tanks were delivered to Ukrainian forces. Also Read| Ukraine Calls Leopard 2 Tanks Crucial to Win War: Whats Unique About Them, Explained in 5 Points Ukrainian troops were earlier trained to use them. German defence minister Boris Pistorius was assured that the tank would contribute and prove decisive for Ukraine on the frontlines of the war. Ukraine also received Challenger 2 tanks from the UK and those have also reached the troops. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and the political leadership urged Germany, UK and other allies to send more modern vehicles and weapon systems for months to fend off Russian forces. The Ukraine government is yet to comment on the arrival of the German-made tanks but confirmed the arrival of UK-made Challenger 2 tanks. Many European countries are using these German-made tanks and at least 2,000 Leopard 2s are currently being used. The tanks are regarded as being among the best main battle tanks in the world. Germany was reluctant to supply the tanks to Ukraine in January fearing it would escalate the war and disturb Berlin-Moscow ties and prevented other countries to whom it previously sold Leopard 2 tanks from sending those as well. The German law states countries which purchased Leopard 2 from Berlin should get prior approval from the German government before re-exporting them. (The tanks) have made it into the hands of our Ukrainian friends as promised and on time, Pistorius was quoted as saying by the BBC. The Ukrainian tank crews were trained over the past several weeks to use the advanced A6 variant of the Leopard 2, according to the BBC. These tanks were specifically designed to compete with the Russian T-90 main battle tank. They are considered to be easier to maintain and fuel-efficient than tanks developed by other western countries. The BBC report said Germany sent Ukraine two specialist tank-recovery vehicles and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Ukraine defence minister Oleksii Reznikov posted a picture of a UK-made Challenger 2 tank along with other Western-made military vehicles on his Facebook page and said it was a work of military art. Ukrainian soldiers who were trained to use the Challenger-2 tanks also returned home after completing their training with the tanks. Read all the Latest News here Greek police told AFP Tuesday they had arrested two young Pakistanis of Iranian origin over planned anti-Semitic attacks in central Athens, as Israel accused Tehran of being behind the plot. The Jewish state said it was a fresh attempt by arch-foe Iran to promote terror against Israeli and Jewish targets abroad". After the investigation of the suspects in Greece, the Mossad helped untangle the intelligence of the network, its operational methods and ties to Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said referring to Israels national intelligence agency. As part of the investigation, it emerged that the infrastructure in Greece was part of a broad Iranian network, operated from Iran toward many countries," a statement said. Greek police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou told AFP the mastermind" of the cell is a Pakistani who lives outside Europe". A police source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the person lived in Iran. After coordinated actions by the Greek police and the National Intelligence Service, a terrorist network was dismantled which, from abroad, was planning strikes against carefully selected targets on Greek territory," a police statement said. Police said the network had already chosen the target of the attack" and were planning how to execute it. Greeces Jewish community numbers around 5,000. The government has good relations with Israel, including a number of security and military agreements. The Greek police source told AFP the two Pakistanis of Iranian origin were aged 27 and 29 and were planning attacks on areas frequented by Israelis in central Athens. The source said the men were targeting a building which houses a synagogue and a Jewish restaurant. The mobile phones of the two arrested men had allowed investigators to capture conversations, videos and sketches of the places targeted, according to the same source. The country has not been the target of any terrorist attacks in recent years. Greek police said the suspects were trying to undermine state security and its international relations". Earlier on Tuesday, Greeces under-fire prime minister announced elections would be held on May 21, as popular anger seethes over government failures blamed in last months train tragedy that killed 57 people. PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose four-year term is to end in July, is seeking re-election on pledges of safety improvements after the nations worst rail disaster and strengthening the economy. His government has also pledged to tighten security and prevent illegal migration by sealing its frontier with help from the EUs border agency Frontex. Read all the Latest News here Islamic State claimed on its Telegram account its responsibility for suicide attack that killed at least six civilians in Afghanistans capital Kabul on Monday, Reuters news agency reported. Police had said that the attack occurred near a security checkpoint leading to the foreign ministry, the report added. The UN mission in Afghanistan condemned the continuous targeting of ordinary Afghans. Reports of numerous casualties in todays attack in #Kabul - at least one child among them. It is unacceptable that ordinary Afghans continue to be targeted as they go about their daily lives," United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a tweet. This latest blast was the second attack near the foreign ministry in less than three months, and the first since the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on Thursday in Afghanistan. Earlier in January, an IS attack near the ministry killed at least five people. The Islamic State group has also claimed other recent attacks in Kabul, including a bombing near a checkpoint at the citys military airport that killed several people. The terrorist group also claimed responsibility for an assault on a Kabul hotel in December. Read all the Latest News here Audrey Hale on Monday joined several other shooters who attacked staff and students of their former school. A student of Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, Hale was a graphic designer who used to design logos for businesses. The 28-year-old entered the premises of the private school, firing open the lock of the side entrance, armed with three guns and gunned down six people, including three children. Audrey, who identifies as a man and uses pronouns he/him, was born a biological female. People speaking to news outlet Daily Beast said that she was a quiet student, autistic but highly functional. Audrey, however, is not the only former student to go on a killing spree, targeting their alma mater. In 2022, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, entered his former school, Robb Elementary School, and killed nineteen children and two adults in Uvalde County on May 24. Ramos, like Audrey, was shot down by security officials who were part of a Border Patrol tactical team. The Sandy Hook School shooting, which is the fourth deadliest mass shooting in the world, was also perpetrated by a former student, Adam Lanza. Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 and killed 26 people, of which 20 were children aged below seven years. However, whether Lanza was a former student at Sandy Hook or not remains subject of debate, with only one former classmate, Janet Robinson, telling USA Today that Lanza attended Sandy Hook till 2002. The 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Floridas Parkland was also perpetrated by a former student, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz. He killed 17 and injured 17 others and was later arrested by the police. Of 17 dead, 14 were students and three were school staff. The 2015 Red Lake Shootings is another incident where a former student went to their alma mater and killed school students and children. A 16-year-old Jeff Weise killed nine people and injured seven others in Red Lake Senior High School. One among those dead was Wieses grandfather. The 1992 Lindhurst High School shooting is another case where 20-year-old Eric Houston shot and killed four people, of which three were students and one was his former teacher. US-based Everytown for Gun Safety who works to spread awareness, understanding of the causes of gun violence and the means to reduce it in a report from 2022 said 60% of school-age shooters were current or former students, including all shooters involved in mass shootings and nearly all in self-harm incidents. They pointed out law enforcement officials do not immediately discharge such information in the aftermath of such incidents. Another analysis conducted by the group based on the New York City Police Departments review of active shooter incidents in K-12 schools between 1966 and 2016 revealed that in 75% of these incidents, the perpetrator or perpetrators were current or former students of the school, who were of school-age. A separate analysis funded by the National Institute of Justice found that in the 20-year period from 1999 to 2019, which included six mass school shootings and 39 attempted mass school shootings, over 90% of the shooters were current or former students of the school. (with inputs from USA Today, Texas Tribune and Everytown) Read all the Latest News here Nashville School Shooting: Audrey Hale, the shooter accused of killing six including three children in Nashvilles Covenant School was described as a quiet student who recently graduated with a degree in illustration and graphic design from Nossi College of Art. He used to design logos for businesses. Also Read | Nashville School Shooting: Attacker Who Killed 6 People had Map of School, Left Behind a Manifesto A report by the Daily Beast, citing people close to Hale, described Hale to be an autistic student but highly functioning. Also Read| Nashville School Shooting: Audrey Hale Joins List of Ex-Students who Targeted their Alma Mater The Nashville police chief John Drake called Hale a transgender woman but Hales LinkedIn profile shows that Hale used the pronouns he/him. I have been telling you for a long time that left wing trans extremists are violent, dangerous people who have made been to feel absolutely entitled to say and do whatever they want. The deranged claims of genocide are an open invitation to violence. It will get worse from here Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 28, 2023 Armed with an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol, and a handgun, Hale entered the school by shooting the locks of the closed side entrance and killed Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged 9, as well as head of school Katherine Koonce, 60, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and school custodian Mike Hill, 61, the Daily Beast said in its report. WATCH | Surveillance Video Shows Shooter Break Glass Door, Go on Rampage at US School in Nashville Hale used a Honda Fit to drive to Covenant School, a Presbyterian private school, and obtained the guns locally, according to the police chief Drake. A separate report by the Daily Mail said that the manifesto police found after carrying out a search in Hales home said that she felt angered that she was sent to a Christian school. Audrey Hale has sparked a debate between left-leaning and right-leaning activists on Twitter. Matt Walsh, right-wing intellectual and writer, accused radical trans activists of being violent and threatening those who do not subscribe to their ideology, describing the recent discourse surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues as a mental health crisis. Meet Andy Ogles. While America is calling for "Gun Reform Now," Andy is the US Congressman for Tennessee's 5th district, which makes up part of Nashville, where a shooter just took the lives of 7 Americans, including 3 children. Andy thinks that taking Christmas photos with pic.twitter.com/qnKTD6z1Al Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) March 27, 2023 While left-leaning individuals like Aaron Rupar and Brian Krassenstein have pointed out that not having a ban on assault rifles and certain GOP lawmakers like Andy Ogles who batted for lesser regulations on owning guns. Also Read | US: 3 Children Among 6 Dead in School Shooting in Nashville, Cops Kill Assailant Observers pointed out that the Nashville school shooting was the 129th mass shooting of 2023. A separate report by the New York Post also pointed out that Audrey Hales mother Norma Hale was a gun control activist and shared several social media posts and even carried out a mini-campaign in 2018 and 2019 to sign a petition calling to keep firearms out of schools. The guns Audrey used had stickers and writing on them, including Hellfire and Aiden a name used by Hale online, the New York Post said in its report. It also said that police are investigating if her gender identity had something to do with the attack. Read all the Latest News here Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night paused a judicial overhaul which triggered a general strike, political division and mass protests in the countrys most severe domestic crisis in years. After nearly three months of increasing tensions, Netanyahu said in a broadcast: Out of a sense of national responsibility, out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill" to allow time for dialogue. The proposed reforms would curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges. The legislation will now be considered further in the next session of parliament, which begins in the second half of April, the prime minister said. His comments came a day after he sacked his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, who had called for a halt to the legislative process citing national security concerns. Earlier Monday, President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, made a similar demand, and tens of thousands of protesters had rallied near parliament in Jerusalem after the strike declaration. Flights had been disrupted, hospitals stopped non-emergency services, and even diplomats walked off the job. But immediately after Netanyahu announced the pause, Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut trade union confederation, called off the strike. About 80,000 demonstrators joined the Jerusalem rally against the reform package, the latest such protest to draw tens of thousands, Israeli media estimated. A nearby counter-demonstration attracted thousands of right-wing backers of the overhaul, an AFP journalist said, after Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged their attendance. Demonstrators have for months decried the reform plans as a threat to Israels democracy. Tangible threat The proposals have sparked concern from Israels allies, including the United States, and Washington welcomed Netanyahus pause as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise", Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said he is ready to engage in dialogue over the proposed changes if the legislation truly and totally stops," and the government is not bluffing. One of the protest groups, the Umbrella Movement Against Dictatorship in Israel, feared a trick to weaken their movement. In a statement, they also sought a complete halt to the legislative process and said they would continue demonstrating if it isnt stopped. Former defence minister Benny Gantz, a leading opposition figure, said he was immediately ready for talks mediated by Herzog. Better late than never," Gantz said of Netanyahus pause. Herzog, who had previously raised the spectre of civil conflict, said: Stopping the legislation is the right thing. This is the time to begin a sincere, serious, and responsible dialogue that will urgently calm the waters and lower the flames." Netanyahu, in his address, said that we cant allow a civil war." Yoav Gallant, the outgoing defence minister who had been a staunch ally of Netanyahu, on Saturday cited a tangible threat to Israels security". Referring to threats by reserve military personnel not to report for duty, he said: The growing social rift has made its way into the (army) and security agencies." Moments after Netanyahu fired Gallant on Sunday, demonstrators converged on a central highway in Tel Aviv, blocking traffic and burning tyres. Some threw metal barricades at mounted officers while police deployed water cannon. Mad reform At the Jerusalem protest on Monday, Keren Mimran, a 57-year-old tech worker, told AFP, We are calling on the government to stop this mad reform." Figures from Israels economically important hi-tech sector have played a key role in the protests and some analysts said uncertainties related to the reforms had already triggered economic decline. Israeli media reported the extreme-right minister Ben-Gvir was threatening to quit if the overhaul was put on hold. The government, a coalition between Netanyahus Likud party and extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues the changes are needed to rebalance powers between lawmakers and the judiciary. According to Lapid, the government has undergone a hostile takeover by a messianic, nationalist and anti-democratic group". Lawmakers were scheduled to vote this week on a central part of the proposals, which would change the way judges are appointed. That has now been put off. A parliamentary committee has already amended the draft law to make it more acceptable to opponents, but the opposition ruled out backing any part of the reform package until a pause in all legislative steps. Netanyahu last week vowed to responsibly advance" the reforms and end the rift" they have caused. In response, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Friday accused him of illegal" public intervention on the process, citing potential conflict of interests due to his ongoing trial. The premier is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies. Read all the Latest News here At least 39 migrants from Central and South America died after a fire broke out late on Monday at a migrant holding center in the Mexican northern border city of Ciudad Juarez, apparently caused by a protest over deportations, officials said on Tuesday. Twenty-eight of the dead at the center were Guatemalans, Guatemalas national migration institute said. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said authorities believed the blaze in the city opposite El Paso, Texas broke out after some migrants set fire to mattresses in protest after discovering they would be deported. They didnt think that would cause this terrible tragedy," Lopez Obrador told a news conference, noting that most migrants at the facility were from Central America and Venezuela. A spokesperson for Guatemalas foreign ministry said Mexican officials had informed them that some Venezuelans at the center had set mattresses alight. All told, there were 68 adult men from Central and South America staying at the facility in the city opposite El Paso, Texas, Mexicos National Migration Institute (INM) said. Twenty-nine of them were injured in the blaze and taken to four hospitals in the area, the INM said in a statement. Those who died included migrants from Guatemala and Honduras, a Mexican official told Reuters. A Honduras foreign ministry official said there had been 13 Hondurans at the center but did not yet know if any of them were among the dead. The fire, one of the most lethal to hit the country in years, occurred as the U.S. and Mexico are battling to cope with record levels of border crossings at their shared frontier. A Reuters witness at the scene overnight saw bodies laid out on the ground in body bags behind a yellow security cordon, surrounded by emergency vehicles. The fire had been extinguished. I was here since one in the afternoon waiting for the father of my children, and when 10 p.m. rolled around, smoke started coming out from everywhere," said 31-year-old Viangly Infante, a Venezuelan national. Her husband, 27-year-old Eduard Caraballo, was in a holding cell inside the facility when the fire started and survived by dousing himself in water and pressing against a door, said Infante, who added she saw many dead bodies lying on the ground. White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Twitter expressed her sorrow over the heartbreaking" loss of life, and said the U.S. government stood ready to provide Mexico with any necessary support. MIGRANT DEATHS Recent weeks have seen a buildup of migrants in Mexican border cities as authorities attempt to process asylum requests using a new U.S. government app known as CBP One. Many migrants feel the process is taking too long and earlier this month hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants got into a scuffle with U.S. officials at the border after their frustration welled up about securing asylum appointments. In January, the Biden administration said it would expand Trump-era restrictions to rapidly expel Cuban, Nicaraguan and Haitian migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to contain the border flows. At the same time, the United States said it would allow up to 30,000 people from those three countries plus Venezuela to enter the country by air each month. The blaze in Ciudad Juarez is one of the deadliest incidents to afflict migrants in Mexico in the past few decades. In December 2021, at least 55 people, mostly Guatemalans, were killed and dozens were injured when a truck packed with migrants flipped over in the southern border state of Chiapas. Seventy-two migrants were massacred by drug cartel gunmen in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas in 2010. Forty-nine children died following a blaze in a daycare center in the northern city of Hermosillo in 2009. Read all the Latest News here Tibet and Tibetans are headed for a slow death if China is not made to reverse its current policy, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration, told American lawmakers on Tuesday. As part of the 50-year Chinas Western Development Programme started at the beginning of this millennium, unscrupulous use of natural resources and reckless construction of dams, railway and road network, airports and other infrastructure in Tibet threatens irreversible damage to Tibets fragile environment, Tsering said. Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Preserving Tibet: Combating Cultural Erasure, Forced Assimilation, and Transnational Repression, Tsering said that Tibet is known as Asias Water Tower and the Third Pole because of the number of glaciers and permafrost that feeds all the major rivers of Asia. Therefore, it concerns not only Tibet and the Tibetan people but has serious implications on the food, economic, and water security of a population of about 2 billion people living in the downstream countries that depend on rivers originating from the Tibetan plateau, he told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China during the hearing. If PRC (Peoples Republic of China) is not made to reverse or change its current policies, Tibet and Tibetans will definitely die a slow death, Tsering said in his testimony. Tsering told the US lawmakers that as the democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people, he is fully committed to following the Middle Way Policy: the way forward shown by the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. This policy is aimed at finding a non-violent, mutually beneficial, negotiated and lasting solution to the Sino-Tibet conflict that can set an example to this violence-ridden world. Resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict can have profound geo-political implications for a more peaceful and secure region and the world, he said. The absence of traction on dialogue since 2010 sounds ominous, but we remain positive about finding a peaceful solution that avoids extreme polarities, he said. Richard Gere, Chair of the International Campaign for Tibet, said that for decades the Chinese Communist Partys ethnic policies have been largely predicated on containment, denial, destruction, and assimilation. Repression has been most severe in Tibet and in East Turkestan it should be noted as well where Communist Party policies have included the separation of families, the prohibition of language, the destruction of religious sites and institutions, the collection of DNA and a pervasive surveillance system through which the denial of information or movement is implemented, Gere alleged. Gere urged the lawmakers that the Congress should pass and President Joe Biden sign the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act which clarifies that America will back the Tibetan people until negotiations are settled, whether it is with the 14th Dalai Lama or a future Tibetan leader. This is essential to providing the Tibetan people with the long-term support needed in their quest for dignity and self-determination. The legislation also empowers the Special Coordinator for Tibet to directly counter Chinas relentless propaganda machine aimed at Tibet, he said. Urging the US to fully and forcefully implement the Tibetan Policy and Support Act and the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, Gere recommended the US to undertake and present publicly a comprehensive report on the Chinese Communist Partys efforts to manipulate global perceptions of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. During the hearing, the Commission examined growing restrictions on linguistic and cultural rights in Tibet and transnational repression faced by Tibetans abroad. The goal is to explore the diplomatic and policy options for the United States and other like-minded countries to help preserve Tibetan cultural heritage and to defend against threats and intimidation targeting Tibetans in the United States and around the world. The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a Chinese crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet. India granted him political asylum and the Tibetan government-in-exile has been based in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh since then. Beijing has in the past accused the 87-year-old Dalai Lama of indulging in separatist activities and trying to split Tibet and considers him a divisive figure. However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has insisted that he is not seeking independence but genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet under the Middle-Way approach. Read all the Latest News here Though you would be forgiven for thinking weve been living in some simulated version of reality for the past several years, if you want to truly experience the virtual world, Reinventing Reality, at the Buffalo Museum of Science through June 18, will answer your lingering questions and pose many new ones. Created by Silicon Valley nonprofit the Virtual Science Center, which strives to interest children and inquisitive adults in STEM science, technology, engineering and math through immersive, interactive experiences, Reinventing Reality takes us through the looking glass and reveals to us the tenuous nature of what we experience as real. The short versions theme is that our brains count on sensory stimulations interpreted as cues to help us navigate what we encounter from minute to minute. Expand this narrative outward, however, and the implications for the nature of what we understand to be real are myriad. The exhibit, on the museum's second floor, is presented as a series of stations, most of which involve the use of virtual reality headsets, with attendant audio and visual cues. Visitors should allow themselves an hour to immerse themselves in the self-guided tour, which takes us through the primary categories of virtuality: Visual illusions. How visual cues and memories commingle and craft responses in the brain. Cross-modal illusions. When what you hear doesnt match what you see, your perception of reality is in trouble, reads the relevant panel. 3D illusions. The manipulation of depth perception to deceive the eye. Stereo vision. How your eyes and brain work together to create depth of field. Body illusions. How the brain can convince you that a virtual body is your own. Eye tracking. How VR technology saves energy by concentrating only on what were looking at. Children and young adults will likely respond to the sense of play at the heart of the Reinventing Reality presentation and for play, read gaming. VR technology is not an altogether new experience for young gamers, who have had the opportunity to be exposed to systems such as the Oculus Quest and successful games made for that system, such as The Walking Dead series. Reinventing Reality takes advantage of this familiarity, with several stations that employ VR headsets and interactive screens, ably blending education and aspects of play that are instantly recognizable to a generation unable to recall a time when cell phones and gaming systems werent part of day to day and even hour to hour existence. Adults might revel in the philosophical implications of a display that celebrates the no mans land between perception and reality and reveals how easily both can be manipulated by technology. You might not be aware that Reinventing Reality is casually upending 17th century philosopher Rene Descartes concept of mind-body dualism the belief that the immaterial mind and the physical body are two entirely separate entities but it surely is. Australian philosopher David Chalmers has written that virtual reality is a sort of genuine reality, virtual objects are real objects, and what goes on in virtual reality is truly real, a concept that many have argued could greatly benefit both medicine and mental health therapy. You dont need to dwell on any of this to find Reinventing Reality enjoyable, or to earmark it as a worthwhile activity for your kids. But if youre interested in digging into the implications, this installation at the Museum of Science will likely prove fascinating. "Reinventing Reality" Exhibit is at the Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, through June 18. Hours: Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed April 9 and May 29. Cost: $26 adults; $23 ages 7-17, seniors 62 and older, students and military with ID; $15 ages 2-6; $6 museum members; free for museum members younger than 7 years of age. Tip: Tickets have designated entry times, but once inside the exhibit, patrons can stay as long as they like. School groups generally visit between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Because demand during school breaks and on weekends is high, advance purchase of tickets through sciencebuff.org is encouraged. The United States on Monday strongly denounced the violence perpetrated by Khalistan separatists outside Indian diplomatic facilities in the US. Violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the United States is a grave concern and will not be tolerated, the spokesperson said. The US State Department expressed grave concern over the use of violence and the threat of violence and outlined that even though the nations respects rights bestowed to citizens under First Amendment but pointed out that the manner of protest was not acceptable. The United States government condemns recent violent incidents that have taken place during protests at Indian diplomatic facilities in the United States, the spokesperson said. The Department supports the First Amendment rights of protestors in the United States to engage in free speech. However, violence, or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest, the spokesperson further added. The US responded strongly after the separatists threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a Sikh himself, during their protest on Saturday. Hooligans from the Khalistan separatist movement attacked the Indian consulate in San Francisco and videos shared on social media showed protesters chanting slogans in support of controversial preacher and Khalistan backer Amritpal Singh. They heckled the consulate staff and also chanted anti-India slogans Violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the United States is a grave concern and will not be tolerated, the US State Department spokesperson said. A protester also directly threatened Sandhu saying he will face a similar fate to what former president Giani Zail Singh faced back in 1994. The spokesperson also commented on the attack carried out by the separatists on Press Trust of Indias Lalit K Jha. Earlier, the Union ministry of external affairs urged Washington to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that took place earlier this month. The US State Department said the local law enforcement agencies are looking into the matter. Two protests were staged by the Khalistan separatists this month one in Washington, the other in San Francisco. The US State Department spokesperson also pointed out that attacks against journalists are never acceptable and condemned the violence against a member of the media for doing their job. The Khalistan separatists convened outside the Washington embassy last week. The separatists were from District of Columbia (DC), Maryland and Virginia and from parts of Philadelphia. The protesters foul mouthed members of the media, consulate staff, the Indian government and the Punjab police and the vandalized the premises by breaking doors and windows of the consulate building. Consistent with our Vienna Convention obligations, the Department is committed to taking all appropriate steps, including coordination with federal and state law enforcement authorities, to protect the safety and security of these facilities and the diplomats who work within them, the US state department spokesperson said. Read all the Latest News here US President Joe Biden cracking an ice cream joke ahead of his statement on US school shooting that claimed the lives of three adults and three children at an elementary school in Nashville has left the internet fuming. In a video, that has now been trending on social media, has Biden saying: My name is Joe Biden. Im Dr. Jill Bidens husband. I eat Jenis ice cream chocolate chip. I came down because I heard there was chocolate chip ice cream. By the way, I have a whole refrigerator full upstairs. You think Im kidding? Im not." President Joe Biden jokes about ice cream before addressing deadly Nashville shooting.READ: https://t.co/NDczRGgExi pic.twitter.com/2qXP6ixvMu Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 27, 2023 Later, Biden said that the attack was sick" and heartbreaking". We have to do more to stop gun violence. It is ripping our communities apart, ripping at the very soul of the nation. We have to do more to protect our schools so they arent turned into prisons." He also said he would call on Congress against to pass his assault weapon ban. Its about time that we begin to make some more progress, said Biden. Heres How The Internet Reacted: I don't know what's worse? That POS Joe Biden making jokes about ice cream when he's supposed to be making remarks about a school shooting or the White House press pool laughing at his tasteless jokes Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) March 27, 2023 It's upsetting to see Joe Biden joke about ice cream rather than discuss a shooting in which children died like it's no big deal. Chadwick Eisman (@ChadwickEisman) March 28, 2023 3 children were just murdered and Biden comes out and immediately begins talking about ice cream.wow. pic.twitter.com/set6EMPdJw Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) March 27, 2023 What Happened A heavily armed 28-year-old fatally shot three children and three adult staffers on Monday at a private Christian school the suspect once attended in Tennessees capital city before police killed the assailant, authorities said. The motive was not immediately known but the suspect had drawn detailed maps of the school, including entry points for the building, and left behind a manifesto" and other writings that investigators were examining, Police Chief John Drake told reporters. The latest in an epidemic of deadly mass gun violence that has come to routinely terrorize even the most cherished of U.S. institutions unfolded on a warm spring morning at The Covenant School, whose students consist mostly of elementary school-age children. Read all the Latest News here For over 15 years, Farhad Raiszadeh and Shohre Zahedi have been buying East Side properties, and then renting them out to a primarily low-income and minority tenants, including families with young children. But what Raiszadeh and Zahedi haven't done is maintain those properties, particularly by mitigating the dangers of lead-based paint in their buildings even after receiving dozens of citations from city and county inspectors, according to city, county and state officials. The state Attorney General's Office said Tuesday it has filed a lawsuit against the couple, accusing them of lead paint violations at 47 of the 75 properties they currently own. "At least 16 children have been diagnosed with lead poisoning while living in these properties," the AG's office said. Attorney General Letitia James wants the Raiszadeh Group to pay penalties and restitution to the families affected and to get back rent payments of "potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars." James also wants the landlords to inspect each rental unit for lead hazards on a regular basis, clean up any such hazards and provide tenants with information on lead disclosures. State officials say the couple allegedly allowed lead paint to deteriorate, chip and peel, and then either failed to properly address the problem or violated city, county or state safety regulations when they made repairs. They also didn't properly communicate the lead-paint dangers to potential new tenants as required by federal law. 'Reckless negligence': Judge orders former landlord to pay nearly $5.1 million for lead paint violations A former landlord who was considered one of the worst in Buffalo has been ordered to a pay nearly $5.1 million in penalties, restitution and forfeited rent for lead paint violations, State Attorney General Letitia James announced. In Buffalo and throughout New York, Black and brown children and their families disproportionately suffer the lifelong impacts of lead paint exposure, James said in a statement. We cannot allow landlords neglect to steal our childrens futures. Raiszadeh did not return a call seeking comment. This landlord was well aware of the danger he was placing his tenants in and had been advised to remediate his properties numerous times by the Department of Health, said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. There is no excuse for his failure to do so and it is reprehensible that he willfully allowed these dangerous conditions to continue. James' action is the latest effort by the state's top law enforcement official to target lead paint violators across New York, where aging housing stock poses a greater risk of containing lead-based paint that was used before it was outlawed. In the past 18 months, she has sued or settled cases in New York City, and shut down a landlord in Syracuse whose violations allegedly resulted in 18 children getting lead poisoning. In Buffalo, she filed suit in September 2020 against Buffalo landlord Angel Elliot Dalfin and his companies for illegally allowing lead-paint hazards to exist in their rental properties. That resulted in $5.1 million in restitution and penalties this past November, which will be used to fund ongoing childhood lead-poisoning prevention programs run by the city and county. The Raiszadeh Group properties have been on the city's radar for years, said Cathy Amdur, Buffalo's commissioner of permits and inspections. "This landlord was a known owner of properties which were in disrepair," she said. "He put renters in there without making the necessary repairs to make them safe homes, and then he had bad, unlicensed property managers. He was just hiring people off the streets." She said the city has a dual-pronged initiative in which Buffalo conducts proactive rental inspections in areas with high rates of lead-poisoning, and also encourages any renter or landlord to ask for an inspection. But while her department can inspect individual buildings, it lacks the broader scope to address a company or landlord like Raiszadeh with so many properties. "He's among the worst of them," Amdur said. "Whenever we have someone who owns so many properties and isn't doing the right thing by the residents, that's someone we are highly concerned with." Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin, who has two younger siblings with lead poisoning, praised James for "using the full powers of her office to hold those who would poison our children accountable." "Lead poisoning is irreversible brain damage that has disproportionately impacted transient, low-income households in Erie County," Baskin said. "It impacts childrens academic success and behavioral development and condemns them to adulthood where they must rely on the countys social services or worse, our criminal justice system." Lead-based paint is one of the most common and hazardous threats to young children, who can be exposed to the lead if they chew on surfaces like window sills or door edges that are coated with the paint, or if they eat flaking paint chips or breathe in paint dust, both of which are generated when the paint peels or cracks. Other places put rental homes with lead paint hazards in a searchable database. Why Erie County resists doing so Lead disclosure law requires the property owner to disclose the presence of lead not the local health department, said the Erie County Health Department's public information officer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to lead a heavy metal can affect a child's health and development by damaging the brain and nervous system, slowing growth, and causing hearing, speech, learning or behavior problems. In turn, that can impact their intelligence, ability to pay attention and academic achievement. Even low levels in blood can have an effect. "There is no level of lead in the human body that is safe for children," the state lawsuit says. "Lead exposure is a serious public health concern and is toxic to every organ system in the body." New York banned the use of lead paint in homes in 1970, and the federal government followed suit in 1978. But it was commonly used in homes for decades until then, and about 29 million housing units nationwide have lead paint hazards, according to the CDC. Of those, the federal agency says, 2.6 million have children living in them. Because it has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country 91% was built before 1980 and 62% before 1940 Buffalo has tens of thousands of rental homes that were constructed prior to 1978, and that still contain the hazard, according to the state. As a result, the AG's office says, Buffalo "suffers some of the nation's highest rates of childhood lead exposure," with "particularly acute" health impacts in East Buffalo. The state also noted that children in communities of color are 12 times more likely than children in mostly white neighborhoods to be diagnosed with elevated lead levels in their blood. It's also more common in low-income neighborhoods in Buffalo than in wealthier areas. As a result, the AG's office called the threat of lead poisoning in the city's old rental housing an "ongoing public health crisis" and "one of environmental justice." Still, lead poisoning can be prevented when such properties are properly maintained which means the paint is intact or the problem is remediated. But that's not what happened with the Raiszadeh Group properties, the lawsuit says. According to documents filed in State Supreme Court in Buffalo, the couple has owned and managed at least 78 single- and two-family homes and one apartment building, and currently owns 75 - mostly in the 14211 and 14215 ZIP codes, which also have the two highest rates of lead-poisoning reports, according to the Erie County Health Department. All the properties were built between 1850 and 1944. Of those, the state says, at least 49 of the properties the couple has owned since 2008 have been cited for 345 interior and 517 exterior lead-paint violations. The 16 children who were poisoned lived in 13 properties, and at least two "lead-poisoned children" lived in at least three of them. The lawsuit refers to the Raiszadeh Group and also names their companies - Prime Heritage Homes, Premier Heritage Homes, Premium Heritage Homes, Maxinnova Inc. and Maxinnova Defined Benefits Plan. Prime owns 20 properties, Premium 22, Premier 24 and Maxinnova owns nine. The lawsuit lists the City of Buffalo and Erie County as co-plaintiffs in the action, alongside the state. James is seeking penalties of up to $5,000 for every "false or misleading lead disclsoure" that Raiszadeh Group provided to tenants. She is also asking the court to order the Raiszadeh Group to give up "all ill-gotten profits," including rent, that could total hundreds of thousands of dollars. And she wants a court order to stop the defendants' "harmful housing practices" and to require them to "inspect every unit for lead hazards" every six months, to "swiftly" and safely remediate all lead hazards, and to provide "legal and accurate disclosures" to tenants. She also wants an independent monitor to supervise the work and report on compliance. News staff reporter Maki Becker contributed to this story. A former West Seneca police officer who admitted to stealing more than $31,000 from various local retailers over a four-year period was sentenced Monday in Erie County Court to a three-year conditional discharge, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said 34-year-old Ryan J. Miller of West Seneca also paid restitution totaling $31,534. Between Jan. 10, 2018, and April 26, 2022, Miller stole items from home improvement stores and other big box retailers throughout Western New York, according to the District Attorney's Office. Once in his possession, Miller would steal the items by either canceling an online order while inside the store, or by leaving the store without paying for the items. He also committed committed the scheme to defraud by re-packing stolen items and returning the merchandise to the stores. Miller, who worked as a patrol officer with the West Seneca Police Department, was subsequently fired from his position. On Oct. 7, 2022, Miller pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud, both felonies. His co-defendant in the case, 27-year-old Dylan Biddeman of West Seneca, also pleaded guilty fourth-degree grand larceny on Oct. 5, 2022, in Erie County Court for his role in the thefts. Between Oct. 1, 2021, and April 26, 2022, Biddeman, while working in concert with Miller, stole merchandise from a home improvement store in West Seneca and other retailers throughout Western New York. Biddeman was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge. Prior to his sentencing, Biddeman paid full restitution of $28,840. District Attorney John J. Flynn Jr. commended his offices Confidential Criminal Investigators for their work in the investigation. Both cases were prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel and Assistant District Attorney Ryan A. Emmerling of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau. UPDATE Mar 27, 2023 6:05 PM CDT The State of New York has agreed to pay $5.5 million to the man wrongly convicted of raping Alice Sebold more than 40 years ago. Anthony Broadwater spent 16 years in prison after Sebold misidentified him as the man who raped her when she was a college student in Syracuse. The agreement, which a judge needs to sign off on, would settle a lawsuit the 62-year-old Broadwater filed after the rape conviction and convictions on related charges were overturned in 2021, the New York Times reports. After the convictions were overturned, Sebold apologized for the role she "unwittingly played within a system that sent an innocent man to jail." "No amount of money can erase the injustices Mr. Broadwater suffered," she said Monday. "But the settlement now officially acknowledges them." Nov 24, 2021 3:07 PM CST Before a district attorney and a man wrongly convicted of rape in 1982 appeared in a New York court Monday, they met alone in another room. "When he spoke to me about the wrong that was done to me, I couldn't help but cry," Anthony Broadwater said. "The relief that a district attorney of that magnitude would side with me in this case, it's so profound, I don't know what to say." A judge then exonerated Broadwater, Syracuse.com reports, vacating his conviction. He'd been sent to prison after being misidentified by future author Alice Sebold as the man who raped her when she was a college student. Sebold told of the attack in her 1999 memoir, Lucky. During the trial, which took less than two days, Sebold identified Broadwater as the man who raped her in a park near Syracuse University in 1981. But in Lucky, she wrote that she had picked the wrong person out of a lineup, which a prosecutor conceded in the original trial. He said there was still physical evidence tying Broadwater to the crimemicroscopic hair analysis, per the AP. The federal Justice Department now calls that sort of analysis junk science. Sebold, who is white, testified that Broadwater and the other man, who are Black, could have been twins. "I'm not going to sully these proceedings by saying, 'I'm sorry,'" the district attorney, William Fitzpatrick, said Monday in court. "That doesnt cut it. This should never have happened." The conviction unraveled only recently, after an executive producer on a film version of Lucky spotted discrepancies. Timothy Mucciante quit the project, per the New York Times, and hired a private investigator, who turned his findings over to a lawyer. Sebold became a celebrated author with the publication of The Lovely Bones, a novel that sold millions of copies and became a successful film. Broadwater spent 16 years in prison and has been limited to jobs such as trash hauler and handyman since. He told his wife he didn't want children because of the stigma they'd bear. His name now will be taken off the sex offender registry, and he'll resume trying to rebuild his life. Since his release in 1998, he said: "I can count the people that allowed me to grace their homes and dinners, and I don't get past 10. Thats very traumatic to me." (Read more wrongful conviction stories.) There are many strategies that won't beat Donald Trump, in a political race or elsewhere. Pointing out his flaws has little effect, Jack Shafer writes in Politico column. But there are people who have the right idea, and Ron DeSantis could learn from them. Karl Rove, a longtime Republican strategist, has instead diminished the qualities the opponent portrays as strengths. He did that with Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, casting a Vietnam War veteran as a weakling. Trump's primary rivals in 2016 pointed out Trump's "racism, misogyny, sociopathy," Shafer writes. It didn't work. "Trumps vulnerabilities reside in his positives, and thats where DeSantis should probe for cracks and fissures," he says. The master is Stormy Daniels, Shafer writes in quoting scholar Jennifer Mercieca. Daniels' public exchanges with Trump haven't been tempered by threats from him or his lawyers. She's used humor, with one tweet mocking his manhood ending with, "Game on, Tiny." Trump foes have plenty to work with, Shafer says: They could skewer his "great, great wall" that Mexico was going to pay for, his North Korea policy that resulted in not much more than sweet-smelling letters, and his inflated populist credentials. "Sometimes people's strengths turn out to be really big weaknesses," Rove once told Fox News. We tend toyou know, people tend to sometimes in campaigns accentuate things that they think are big and important, and they exaggerate them." Shafer's full piece can be found here. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day is accusing a Transportation Security Administration agent of sexually assaulting him during a search at a California airport on Friday. "I really just got sexually assaulted by TSA," the player tweeted, tagging John Wayne Airport in Orange County. "After I asked the gentleman to please stop BC Im uncomfortable and I feel that this part of the check is unnecessary (After he felt what was needed)," Joseph-Day wrote. "Then they told me I was the problem after 3 TSA agents swarmed me." He didn't disclose more details on the alleged assault, NBC reports. "I'm all for people doing their job well. But it was extremely unnecessary and dehumanizing," the player wrote, adding that he was having to "jump through hoops" to file a complaint. "I'm not sharing this on Twitter for sympathy. Im sharing this so this group of gentleman and staff aren't allowed to do this ever again to another human being," Joseph-Day wrote. The TSA says it is aware of the allegations. "We are looking into the matter to determine if our procedures were followed and whether any corrective action needs to be taken," the agency said in a statement to Fox News. "TSA remains committed to treating every traveler with dignity and respect while carrying out its security screening responsibilities." (Read more TSA stories.) We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy Nikese Toussaint was at church, so she didnt see the text message from her sister. All she knew at that point was that their brother and his wife, who live in Florida, had landed safely in Haiti to visit ailing relatives and prepare for Rara, a colorful and boisterous festival born out of the dark days of slavery. It wasnt until Toussaint got home and her sister followed up the unread text with a phone call that she learned her warnings had materialized: their brother, an accountant; his wife, a social worker; and another person were snatched off a public bus amid a surge in gang-related kidnappings, the AP reports. Toussaint took a deep breath. Not again, she thought. Seventeen years earlier, gangs had kidnapped two of her cousins in the capital of Port-au-Prince. They were eventually released but remain traumatized. This time, the gang that kidnapped her brother, his wife, and another person is demanding $200,000each. How are we ever going to come up with that money? Toussaint asked the AP in a phone interview Monday from the US. The kidnapping occurred March 18, and since then, her brother, Jean-Dickens Toussaint, has been allowed to make only two brief calls. All his family knows is that he and his wife, Abigail Michael Toussaint, are tied up. The phone calls are too brief to find out if they are being given food or water or treated generally well, Nikese Toussaint said. Gangs stopped the public bus they were on as it tried to cross Martissant, considered ground zero for ongoing violence that has worsened since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The gangs apparently noticed the suitcases in the bus and zeroed in on the couple, who have a nearly 2-year-old son, and the person accompanying them on the trip, Nikese Toussaint said. The family paid someone they trusted $6,000 to give to the gang, but the money vanished. It's not unusual for gangs in Haiti to refuse to release kidnapping victims even after they've been paid, but Toussaint believes it was a scam. Toussaint said her family is in touch with the FBI, which is helping with the case. (Read more Haiti stories.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on his increasing range of weapons, the AP reports. The report in state media Tuesday followed a series of missile launchesseven launch events in this month aloneand rising threats to use the weapons against his enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and US-South Korea military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle, underscoring heightened tensions in the region. Officials say North Korea could further up the ante in coming weeks or months with more provocative displays of its military nuclear program, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim during a meeting on Monday with officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute stressed the need to ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal exponentially, and issued unspecified important tasks for his nuclear industry. Kim also examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles, the agency said. (More, including details on the warhead unveiled in North Korean photos of the meeting, here.) Residents of Greenland moved their clocks forward this past weekend and switched to daylight saving time for the very last time. Unlike most of Europe, Greenlanders will leave their clocks untouched come autumn when daylight saving time ends. While Europe and the US debate whether to stick to the twice-yearly practice, Greenlanda vast Danish semi-independent territory in the Arctichas resolved to perennially remain only three hours behind Copenhagen and most other European countries instead of four, per the AP. Greenland's Parliament, the Inatsisartut, voted to stick to daylight saving time year-round on Nov. 24 last year. Officials say it will give Greenlanders another hour of daylight in the afternoons and more time to do business with Europe and farther afield. "The shift of time zone marks an exciting new beginning, an equal connection to North America and Europe, and an opportunity to slow down in a fast-paced world," Visit Greenland, the local government's tourism office, said in a statement. Geographically, sparsely populated Greenland belongs to the North American continent, but geopolitically, it's in Europe. Greenland is part of the Danish Realm, and its southernmost tip is nearly 2,000 miles west of Copenhagen. Its 56,000 people are mainly Inuit, Indigenous people who chiefly live on the west coast in small towns and hamlets or remote coastal settlements. (Read more Greenland stories.) The last time Florida attorney Steven Cozzi was seen was last Tuesday, at his office in Largo. Now, a local plastic surgeon is facing first-degree murder charges in Cozzi's death, though the lawyer's body still hasn't been located, reports FOX 13. Police say that after executing a search warrant on the Tarpon Springs home of 44-year-old Dr. Tomasz Roman Kosowski and finding the evidence they needed to make an arrest, they detained him on Saturday during a traffic stop. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Times notes that Cozzi's disappearance on March 21 "could not have been more mysterious." Cozzi's wallet, keys, and cellphone were found at his office at Blanchard Law, his phone still playing music and an email left unfinished. The firm's managing partner tells WFLA that Cozzi went to the bathroom that morning and never came back. Per an arrest affidavit, the person who reported Cozzi missing went to the public bathroom to search for him and found blood on the bathroom's door, as well as on a stall wall and the bottom of a toilet. A forensics team later determined "a large quantity of blood" had been cleaned up from the floor. Police say there was also a strong chemical smell. Per the affidavit, surveillance footage shows a Toyota Tundra drive up earlier that morning, followed by a man entering through the building's only unsecured entrance just a couple of minutes later, sporting a backpack and gloves and carrying a box. Cozzi was seen on the footage arriving at work a few minutes after that. Nearly two hours later, surveillance video shows the man who apparently arrived in the Tundra exiting the building in different clothes, pulling a large cart with what looked like a red blanket or bag that he struggled to get into the Tundra, per police. Cozzi was never spotted on surveillance video leaving the building, per the affidavit. Police discovered the Tundra had been sold to Kosowski, who was pulled over Tuesday in Tarpon Springs driving a red Toyota Corolla. Cops say they found a ballistic vest with "a substantial amount of blood" on it, per the affidavit, as well as a stun gun, masks, duct tape, brass knuckles, a paralyzing agent, and "intravenous sedatives" with syringes. One apparent connection between the two men: Cozzi was an attorney for the defendants in a suit Kosowski had brought against his former employer, per court records cited by FOX 13. Kosowski was set to have had a bail hearing on Monday, but it was postponed. His attorney, Bjorn Brunvand, told reporters outside the courthouse that everyone should "keep an open mind" about the case, and remember "that he is a doctor and that he is presumed innocent." (Read more murder charges stories.) Last May, South African prison authorities announced a man serving a life sentence for rape and murder had died in a fire in his cell. Dubbed the "Facebook rapist" for his habit of luring victims on the site, Thabo Bester had apparently set himself alight inside the maximum-security Manguaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein, leaving his body burnt beyond recognition. Apparently is the key word here. Authorities now admit Bester didn't die in the May 3 blaze but instead escaped prison and has been at large ever since. In a weekend statement, South Africa's department of correctional services said a post-mortem and DNA test showed the body belonged not to Bester but to an adult male who suffered blunt-force trauma to the head before the fire was set, per CBS News. "No stone will be left unturned in getting to the bottom of Thabo Bester's escape, and there will be serious consequences for any party involved," the department said in a release. It followed reporting from GroundUp, which suggested a coverup at the second-largest private prison in the world. The outlet noted two people were seen "hastily exiting the prison" less than a minute before the first signs of the fire were detected. It also cited a source as saying Bester had been moved into a corner cell that "is difficult for the CCTV cameras to see." According to GroundUp, Bester had been running the scam business "21st Century Media" from the prison and appeared via video-link at its "glitzy launch" in Johannesburg in 2018, claiming to be New York-based chairman "Tom Motsepe." The outlet also claimed he's "been running a new business with celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana." Magudumana initially claimed the body as Bester's wife, though "she had been in a civil marriage with another man since 2013." Photos have since surfaced appearing to show Bester grocery shopping in Johannesburg and "some women have come forward alleging the convict made contact with them on social media," per CBS. "At this point our priority is to find this fugitive of justice and establish exactly how he faked his death," says a police rep. In its statement, the corrections department said it would not renew G4S's contract to run the prison, which expires in 2026. G4S previously said it would not pursue a new contract, Deutsche Welle reports. (Read more prison escape stories.) A hacker has been ordered to repay Wegmans supermarket customers for the groceries he ordered after he broke into their online accounts, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced. Maurice Sheftall, 24, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay $41,441 in restitution after entering his guilty plea to fraud and related activity with computers before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Prosecutors said Sheftall got information about more than 50 people with accounts at wegmans.com, changed their passwords and used their credit card data to place 25 orders for about $9,297 in items for himself and others between Jan. 22, 2021, and July 25, 2021. Actual losses came to $41,441, prosecutors said, and included reimbursement to customers, credit monitoring for them and the purchase of dark web monitoring to determine how Sheftall got access to their accounts. A New Jersey man extradited to Florida to face a charge of threatening a local sheriff was greeted Monday by that very man. As Richard Golden descended an escalator at Orlando Sanford International Airport in the company of officers, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stood at the bottom. "Hope you enjoy your stay," he told Golden, 38, per WKMG. "Welcome to Florida." Chitwood had promised to welcome the man who allegedly threatened to kill the sheriff for his condemnation of neo-Nazis. Chitwood had spoken out about the spread of antisemitic messaging amid last month's Daytona 500, per WESH. Golden was arrested earlier this month at the Monmouth Junction home he shares with his mother after investigators traced comments made on 4chan, per the Daily Beast. "Just shoot Chitwood in the head and he stops being a problem," Golden allegedly wrote. "Just shoot Chitwood in the headmurder him." "I wanted him to look in my eye and say, 'You're the guy I wanna put a bullet in your head,'" Chitwood said Monday. But "he didn't say a word." Video footage suggests Golden mumbled something as he passed the sheriff, but it's not clear what. Chitwood previously described Golden as "anti-government" and "anti-law enforcement." He's "a marginalized member of society, who spends hours and hours and hours in these extremist chat rooms," the sheriff said. Authorities continue to investigate other threats against the sheriff. He's described a swatting attempt on his parents and a threatening phone call to his daughter, per WKMG. But "I stand with my Jewish friends, and I'm honored to be on your hit list," he said last month, per WESH. "It's an honor to be sought after by a bunch of punk thugs like you." He's promised to welcome any extradited suspects in a similar way, per WOFL. (Read more Florida stories.) UPDATE Mar 28, 2023 6:27 PM CDT Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire that killed 40 people and injured 29 others at a detention center near the US border Monday night was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. "They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said Tuesday. Surveillance video shows that after men placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room, the AP reports. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the Ciudad Juarez facility, authorities say. Mar 28, 2023 6:46 AM CDT A fire broke out late Monday at an immigration detention center in northern Mexico near the US border, leaving more than three dozen migrants dead, a Mexican official said Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out, rows of bodies were laid out under sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas. Ambulances, firefighters, and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Thirty-nine people died and 29 were injured, according to an official with the National Immigration Institute. Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the United States. Its shelters are full of migrants waiting for opportunities to cross or who have requested asylum in the United States and are waiting out the process. Mexicos attorney generals office has launched an inquiry and has investigators at the scene, according to media reports. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, per NBC News. The facility where the fire broke out is near the Santa Fe International Bridge. (Read more US-Mexico border stories.) If indictments were worth money, Sam Bankman-Fried might be accumulating enough of them to fix the failure of FTX. Feds on Tuesday announced that they've indicted the erstwhile 31-year-old billionaire on charges of conspiring to bribe Chinese government officials to unlock some $1 billion in cryptocurrency held by his Alameda Research hedge fund. That bribe was apparently a hefty one, per Reuters: $40 million in crypto. As CNBC reports, the bribe was "intended for the benefit of one or more Chinese government officials in order to influence and induce them." Prosecutors say that SBF paid the money out in November 2021 and used the unlocked proceeds to continue funding his house of cards until it collapsed in November 2022. Bankman-Fried is being charged with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which outlawed US citizens from bribing foreign officials in the name of business. He's due back in court on Thursday for the latest arraignment; at that point, the judge may modify his $250 million bail deal. Bankman-Fried is currently under house arrest at mom and dad's house in Palo Alto, California. (Read more Sam Bankman-Fried stories.) UPDATE Apr 5, 2023 6:10 PM CDT Former Vice President Mike Pence will testify before a grand jury investigating any efforts by his old boss to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Pence has decided against appealing the decision by a judge that mostly rejected his arguments, and former President Donald Trump's, to limit the former vice president's testimony, an adviser said Wednesday. Pence "will comply with the subpoena as required by law," Devin O'Malley said in a statement, per NBC News. The date of Pence's appearance wasn't released; Trump could still appeal the judge's decision. Mar 28, 2023 2:18 PM CDT Former Vice President Mike Pence has been told that he can't avoid testifying to a grand jury about his conversations with former President Trump in the lead-up to the Capitol attack, though he will be allowed to skip testifying about his actions on the day of the riot, sources tell CNN. After special counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed Pence earlier this year, Trump argued that executive privilege barred Pence from testifying, while Pence argued that constitutional protections for lawmakers prevented him from testifying about Jan. 6, 2021, when he was serving as president of the Senate, reports the Washington Post. Last month, he described the subpoena as "unconstitutional and unprecedented." US District Court Judge James Boasberg rejected Trump's executive privilege claim, though he ruled the the "speech or debate" clause in the Constitution does shield Pence from having to testify about his official actions on Jan. 6, sources tell the Post. CNN describes the move as a "big win" for the special counsel, who has been investigating Trump's attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Numerous Trump aides have already appeared before this grand jury, but the ruling from Boasberg "sets up the unprecedented scenario of a former vice president being compelled to give potentially damaging testimony against the president he once served," the AP reports. (Read more Mike Pence stories.) The perpetrator of the mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville Monday legally bought seven firearms, though Audrey Hale's parents were not aware the weapons were still in their home, police said at a briefing Tuesday. Metro Nashville Police Department chief John Drake said Hale was "under doctor care for an emotional disorder" and their parents believed they should not have owned weapons, the Tennessean reports. Drake said Hale bought the weapons at five local gun shops and stashed them around the house. Three of them were used in Monday's shooting, the chief said. Three children, all of them nine years old, and three staff members were killed in the shooting at the Covenant School. Drake said the shooter's parents saw them leave the house with a red bag Monday morning, NBC reports. "They asked her what was in the red bag and I think she just dismissed it because it was a motherly thing," the chief said of the shooter's mother. "And didn't look in the bag because at the time she didn't know that her daughter had any weapons and didn't think any differently." Police say Hale told a friend that morning that "something bad" was going to happen. Drake said at Tuesday's briefing that police would have tried to "get those weapons" if they had known Hale was homicidal or suicidal, "but as it stands, we had absolutely no idea, actually who this person was, if she even existed." Drake said the 28-year-old Hale was a former Covenant School student and had "some resentment for having to go to that school." Drake referred to Hale with female pronouns, the AP reports. A police spokesperson said earlier Tuesday that the shooter "was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile." The chief praised officers seen in disturbing police bodycam footage released Tuesday, the Guardian reports. The footage shows officers moving through the school and searching rooms before finding and confronting Hale, who was shot by Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo. The officers "heard gunfire, immediately ran to that, and took care of this horrible situation," Drake said. (Read more Nashville school shooting stories.) Adnan Syed's high-profile legal saga is not over yet. An appellate court in Maryland on Tuesday reinstated the murder conviction of the man made famous by the Serial podcast over the 1999 murder of classmate Hae Min Lee, reports the Washington Post. A new hearing in the case will be scheduled, and it's unclear if Syed will have to return to prison in the interim, reports the Baltimore Sun. Syed went free in September after more than 20 years behind bars when a circuit court judge vacated his murder conviction, ruling that prosecutors failed to properly turn over evidence during his trial. But the state appellate court on Tuesday reversed that ruling and said Lee's family wasn't given enough notice of last year's hearing. The appellate court also said the "mandate" of Tuesday's decision would not go into effect for 60 days to give both sides time to assess how to proceed," per the Post. The court said Lee's brother, Young Lee, must be given the opportunity to attend the new hearing, though it's unclear if he would be able to present evidence against Syed, per the Sun. (Read more Adnan Syed stories.) GUANGZHOU, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of imported exhibits for the 133rd China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, which will kick off both offline and online on April 15, arrived in south China's Guangzhou of Guangdong Province, from Thailand on Sunday. The exhibits are mainly made in Thailand, and they include pruning machines, air coolers, spray machines and other products suitable for outdoor agricultural production. The time-honored Canton Fair will resume all on-site activities in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, after being held largely online since 2020 due to COVID-19 prevention measures. More than 500 enterprises from nearly 40 countries and regions are expected to participate in the import exhibitions at this fair. The exhibition area will be expanded from 1.18 million square meters to 1.5 million square meters this year. It is estimated that more than 30,000 Chinese and overseas enterprises will take part in the trade fair, and participating Chinese enterprises include more than 5,000 leading manufacturing and high-tech enterprises. The event has been held twice a year since 1957. Two Jamestown residents have been handed prison terms in separate cases involving violent felonies, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced. Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley sentenced Meaghan A. McBride, 32, to four years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision for her role in a strong-arm robbery in Jamestown in February 2022 in which the victim was assaulted and injured. She pleaded guilty Jan. 5 to second-degree robbery. Judge Foley sentenced Simeon Leeper, 20, to two years in prison and three years of post-release supervision for his guilty plea to a charge of second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors said he was caught in June 2021 trying to hid a loaded gun. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow this evening will give way to mostly cloudy conditions late. Low 7F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%.. Tonight Snow this evening will give way to mostly cloudy conditions late. Low 7F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Classified documents keep showing up where they shouldn't be. The FBI search on Friday for additional classified documents at former Vice President Mike Pence's home in Indiana after others were found by his lawyers recently followed the revelation of classified materials at President Joe Biden's Delaware home and former office and the seizure last year of hundreds of documents marked classified from Mar-a-Lago, the Florida residence of former President Donald Trump. A look at similarities and differences among the cases: HOW MANY CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? PENCE: "A small number of documents bearing classified markings" were discovered last week at Pence's home north of Indianapolis, Pence's lawyer, Greg Jacob, wrote in a Jan. 18 letter to the National Archives and Records Administration, shared with The Associated Press. In all, four boxes containing copies of administration papers two in which "a small number" of papers bearing classified markings were found, and two containing "courtesy copies of vice presidential papers" were discovered, according to Jacob. On Friday, an FBI search of Pence's home in Carmel, Indiana, uncovered an additional document that contained one page with classified markings, according to Pence spokesperson Devin O'Malley. BIDEN: It's unclear precisely how many classified papers have been recovered from Biden's home and former office. Richard Sauber, special counsel to the president, said this month that "a small number of documents with classified markings" were discovered on Nov. 2, 2022, in a locked closet at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, a think tank in Washington, as Biden's personal attorneys were clearing out the offices. Sauber said Jan. 12 that a second batch of documents with classified markings a "small number," he said had been found in a storage space in Biden's garage near Wilmington, Delaware, along with one document located in Biden's personal library in his home. Days later, Sauber clarified that six pages, not a single one, had been found in the library. During a nearly 13-hour search on Jan. 20, FBI agents searching Biden's Delaware home located six additional items that contained documents with classified markings and also took possession of some of his handwritten notes, said Bob Bauer, a lawyer for the president. TRUMP: Roughly 300 documents with classification markings including some at the top secret level have been recovered from Trump since he left office in January 2021. In January 2022, the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes of documents, telling Justice Department officials they contained "a lot" of classified material. In August, FBI agents took more than 33 boxes and containers totaling 11,000 documents from Mar-a-Lago, including roughly 100 with classification markings found in a storage room and an office. HOW QUICKLY WERE THE CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS TURNED OVER? PENCE: Jacob said the records were discovered by Pence lawyers on Jan. 16, secured in a locked safe and retrieved by FBI agents on Jan. 19. The four boxes of papers were delivered to the Archives on Jan. 23. BIDEN: After the materials were discovered at the think tank on Nov. 2, Biden's personal attorneys immediately alerted the White House counsel's office, which notified the National Archives, Sauber said. The Archives took custody of the documents the next day. Biden's personal lawyers then began examining other locations where records might have been shipped after Biden left the vice presidency in 2017. They found documents on Dec. 20 in his Wilmington garage and on Jan. 11 and 12 in his home library. Sauber said that the Justice Department was "immediately notified" and took custody of the records. On Jan. 20, Biden voluntarily allowed the FBI to search his Wilmington home, where additional documents were located. TRUMP: A Trump representative told the National Archives December 2021 that presidential records had been found at Mar-a-Lago, nearly a year after Trump left office. Fifteen boxes of records containing some classified material were transferred to the Archives in January. A few months later, investigators from the Justice Department and FBI visited Mar-a-Lago to get more information about classified materials taken to Florida. Federal officials served a subpoena for some documents believed to be at the estate. In August 2022, FBI agents conducting a search retrieved 33 boxes from Mar-a-Lago while executing a warrant that showed they were investigating possible crimes including the willful retention of national defense information and efforts to obstruct the federal probe. The search came after lawyers for Trump provided a sworn certification that all government records had been returned. WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE CHARGES? PENCE AND BIDEN: There is no indication either was aware of the existence of the records before they were found and turned over. It appears both turned over the records quickly, without intent to conceal. That's important because the Justice Department historically looks for willfulness, or an intent to mishandle government secrets, in deciding whether to bring criminal charges. In Biden's case, even if the Justice Department were to find the case prosecutable on the evidence, its Office of Legal Counsel has concluded that a president is immune from prosecution during his time in office. Former special counsel Robert Mueller cited that guidance in deciding not to reach a conclusion on whether Trump should face charges as part of the investigation into coordination between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. On Jan. 12, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to investigate the discovery of documents in Biden's possession. Robert Hur, the Trump-appointed former U.S. attorney in Maryland, will lead the investigation. TRUMP: The former president possibly faces exposure for obstruction over the protracted battle to retrieve the documents. And, since he's no longer in office, he wouldn't be afforded protections from possible prosecution. In November, Garland appointed Jack Smith, a veteran war crimes prosecutor with a background in public corruption probes, to lead investigations into Trump's retention of classified documents, as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election. WHAT HAVE THE THREE MEN HAD TO SAY? PENCE: In August, Pence told The Associated Press that he did not take any classified information with him when he left office, answering, "No, not to my knowledge" when asked directly if he had retained any such information. As vice president, Pence would have had the power to declassify some documents, though he hasn't said that he did. On Friday, spokesperson O'Malley said the former vice president and his legal team "fully cooperated with the appropriate authorities and agreed to a consensual search of his residence." BIDEN: Biden said earlier this month he was "surprised to learn" that documents had been found at his think tank. He said he didn't know what was in the material but takes classified documents "very seriously." His team "did what they should have done," Biden said. "They immediately called the Archives." Biden told reporters at the White House Jan. 12 that he was "cooperating fully and completely" with a Justice Department investigation into how classified information and government records were stored. TRUMP: Trump, who had the ability when he was president to declassify documents, has contended at times that he did so regarding the documents that he took with him though he has provided no evidence of that. He said in a Fox News interview in September that a president can declassify material "even by thinking about it." The former president has called the Mar-a-Lago search an "unannounced raid" that was "not necessary or appropriate" and represented "dark times for our nation." WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS? PENCE: As he lays the groundwork for a possible 2024 White House bid, the document discovery thrusts Pence into the debate over the handling of secret materials by officials who have served in the highest ranks of government. He had previously insisted that he followed stringent protocols regarding classified documents. BIDEN: His document disclosure could intensify criticism by Republicans and others who say that if Trump is guilty of anything, so is he. There are also possible ramifications in a new, GOP-controlled Congress where Republicans are promising to launch widespread investigations of Biden's administration. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, has said, "I think Congress has to investigate this." The top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, Ohio Rep. Mike Turner, has requested that intelligence agencies conduct a "damage assessment" of potentially classified documents. TRUMP: The documents probe is one of many that complicate the former president's bid for the White House in 2024, particularly after it became clear that the DOJ had launched a criminal investigation into the retention of top secret government information. Trump and his supporters have described the Mar-a-Lago search as a partisan attack from Democrats. During his 2024 campaign launch in November, at the same club agents had searched months earlier, Trump cast himself as a victim of wayward prosecutors and "festering, rot and corruption of Washington." ___ 24 possible GOP presidential candidates in 2024 Donald Trump Mike Pence Ron DeSantis Josh Hawley Ted Cruz Nikki Haley Kristi Noem Mike Pompeo Tucker Carlson Donald Trump Jr. Ivanka Trump Florida: Rick Scott Tim Scott Greg Abbott Dan Crenshaw Elise Stefanik Tom Cotton Doug Ducey Larry Hogan Mike Lee Marco Rubio Ben Sasse Joni Ernst Candace Owens TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (BKIC) has announced that shareholders have approved a cash dividend of 25% equivalent to 25 fils per share amounting to BD 3,734,461 during its Annual General Meeting. Murad Ali Murad, the Chairman of the Board, reported on the challenges faced by the insurance business and other businesses due to the general global uncertainties in the markets. Despite this, BKIC achieved a net profit attributable to the shareholders of BD 4,75 million, being the highest profit recorded in the history of the company compared to BD 4.15 million in 2021, recording an increase of 14%. The major contributing factor for this performance was a 70% increase in investment income driven by the companys strategy to reposition its investment portfolio to earn optimum returns. Murad indicated that the new 3-year strategy encompassing 2023-2025 which was adopted in a more prudent and comprehensive manner than in previous years, entailed a potent emphasis on: Organic & Inorganic growth, optimizing return on investments (ROI), improving loss and expense ratios, establishing large and long-standing partnerships, digitalization, and Insuretech, ESG and staff; including both training and culture. BKIC also reported an increase in shareholders equity, which increased by 1% to BD 42.03 million compared to BD 41.46 million as at the end of the previous year. The company achieved the highest Gross Written Premium since its inception of BD 104.3 million, compared to BD 92.7 million in the previous year, recording a growth of 12%. Dr. Abdulla Sultan, the CEO of BKIC, said that despite the challenges faced by the company in 2022, BKIC continued affirming its lead position in the local market and maintained its strong presence in Kuwait by achieving the historical records on growth, profitability and returns to shareholders. Underwriting profits decreased by 15% to BD 3.81 million (BD 4.47 million in 2021), due to an increase in Loss Ratio from 68% to 74% in 2022. The technical reserves increased by 18% from BD 41.46 million in 2021 to BD 48.94 million in 2022. Dr. Sultan added that during the year, the Companys corporate branding and logo has changed from gig to GIG, along with the parent, as a testimony to the growth and relevance the organization has become in all its domiciles. Within the scope of the core system, the CEO mentioned that its successful implementation would aid a sound strategy of driving up agility, responsiveness and efficiency while enhancing the customer experience. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Boaz Atzili, American University School of International Service (THE CONVERSATION) Democracy is not just about holding elections. It is a set of institutions, ideas and practices that allow citizens a continuous, decisive voice in shaping their government and its policies. The new Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu and sworn in on Dec. 29, 2022, is a coalition of the most extreme right-wing and religious parties in the history of the state. This government presents a major threat to Israeli democracy, and it does so on multiple fronts. That threat has not passed unnoticed. Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv during the first weeks of January 2023 against the governments proposed reform policies. Smaller demonstrations took place in other cities, and organizers promise to keep the heat on. Perhaps the most important front in the battle is the Israeli Supreme Court. On Jan. 12, court President Esther Hayut gave a highly uncharacteristic public speech in which she warned that the Netanyahu governments proposed reforms are meant to be a mortal wound to the independence of the judiciary, and to turn it into a silent institution. The clash came to a head when, on Jan. 18, the justices ruled 10-1 against the appointment of Aryeh Deri as a senior minister in Netanyahus Cabinet because of what the court said was his backlog of criminal convictions. Deri, the leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, served time in jail, and the judges ruling said that he should not be in the government. The ruling means that Netanyahu will either face a coalition crisis or else find a way to circumvent the courts ruling, which will place the government above the law. The conflict between the Supreme Court and Netanyahus government illustrates one of the four ways that Israels democratic institutions, customs and practices are endangered by the new government. Here are those threats, based on policies and legislation that have been proposed or are already in process. 1. Hostility to freedom of speech and dissent Prime Minister Netanyahu has been working for years to consolidate his grip on Israeli media. The new government plans to accelerate the privatization of media in the hands of friendly interests and brand as anti-Israeli and treasonous media outlets its leaders deem hostile. The signs of this delegitimization are already here. Even before the newly appointed minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, took office, the police briefly arrested and interrogated journalist Israel Frey after he posted a controversial tweet hinting that the Israeli military may be a legitimate target of Palestinian attacks. The police claimed the tweet incited terrorism, and the arrest showed journalists who favor an open and free press that they might face retaliation. Ben-Gvir, the head of the Jewish Power party and now overseer of the police, was convicted in the past for supporting Jewish terrorism and for racist incitement against Israels Arab minority. In his inauguration speech on Jan. 1, the new minister branded Jewish anarchists a code he often uses for leftists and human rights organizations as threats that needed to be dealt with. 2. Diminishing equal rights The Netanyahu government appears poised to allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community and women, thus undermining equality before the law, an important democratic principle. Incoming National Missions Minister Orit Strock said in an interview in late December, If a doctor is asked to give any type of treatment to someone that violates his religious faith, if there is another doctor who can do it, then you cant force them to provide treatment. Netanyahu condemned Strock and other coalition members who stated that gay people could be denied service by businesses if serving them contradicts the business owners religious beliefs. Yet, journalists report that Likud and other coalition partners agreed in writing to amend the law against discrimination to allow exactly such a policy. During early coalition negotiations, ultra-Orthodox parties demanded new legislation that would allow gender-based segregation in public spaces and events. Netanyahu has reportedly agreed, which means these laws are expected to pass the Knesset. Segregation in educational spheres, public transportation and public events is often translated into exclusion of women and weakening of womens voices, and hence contradicts basic democratic principles such as freedom and equality. 3. West Bank annexation and apartheid The new governments intention to de facto annex the West Bank will turn hollow Israels claims of being the only democracy in the Middle East. In a Dec. 28 tweet, Netanyahu announced that his governments guidelines will include the principle that the Jewish people have an exclusive and unquestionable right to all areas of the Land of Israel, including the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967 and populated by a Palestinian majority. These guidelines, combined with new nominations of far right politician Bezalel Smotrich as the minister responsible for Jewish settlements and Ben-Gvir as the minister in charge of the border police, could provide justification for annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories. Based on much of the rhetoric of right-wing leaders such as Smotrich, Palestinian residents of these lands will have neither equal rights nor voting rights. This means apartheid, not democracy. 4. Erasing the separation of powers In the Israeli system, the executive and legislative branches are always controlled by the same coalition. The courts are the only institution that can check the power of the ruling parties and uphold the countrys Basic Laws, which provide rights in the absence of a formal constitution. But the new government wants to erase this separation of power and explicitly aims at weakening the courts. On Jan. 4, after less than a week in his role, new Minister of Justice Yariv Levin announced the governments plan for a radical judicial reform, which will include the override clause. That clause will allow a simple majority in the Knesset to re-enact any law struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. This would, in effect, remove all barriers placed upon the power of the majority. The coalition could legislate policies that are not only unconstitutional, but which clearly contradict ideas of human rights and equality that are enshrined in Israels Declaration of Independence. The governments plan also includes reforms that would allow the coalition to control nomination of judges. In a small country that does not have a strong constitution and in which there is no separation of power between the executive and legislature, this move, again, would weaken the authority of the court and make judges beholden to politicians. These so-called reforms threaten to destroy the entire constitutional structure of the State of Israel, said Yair Lapid, head of the opposition and former prime minister. The danger of Netanyahus woes All of these threats to Israeli democracy are more likely to materialize because of Netanyahus current personal problems. Netanyahu is an experienced politician who in the past managed to quell the most extreme elements of his coalition partners, and his own Likud party, by paying them lip service while being more cautious on actual policies. Many analysts do not believe this time will be the same. The prime minister is facing corruption and fraud trials in three separate cases and is focused on protecting himself through whatever legislative and executive power he can muster. Netanyahu is beholden to his coalition for this task, which makes him vulnerable to their ultra-Orthodox agenda and demands for laws to perpetuate Jewish supremacy. Any one of these changes present a serious democratic erosion. Together, they pose a clear danger to the existence of Israeli democracy. Israel will continue to have elections in the future, but its an open question whether these will still be free and fair. With no judicial oversight, with constant disregard of human rights, with annexation of Palestinian lands and the disenfranchising of their people, and with a media that normalizes all of these processes, the answer is probably no. As in Turkey, Hungary or even Russia, Israel could become a democracy in form only, devoid of all the ideas and institutions that underpin a government that is actually of the people and by the people. This story has been updated to reflect the Israeli Supreme Courts recent actions regarding the Netanyahu government. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/israels-netanyahu-facing-off-against-the-supreme-court-and-proposing-to-limit-judicial-independence-and-3-other-threats-to-israeli-democracy-197096. New Jersey's attorney general said Monday that his office has taken control of the police department in the state's third-largest city, Paterson, less than a month after officers there fatally shot a well-known crisis intervention worker during a tense standoff. Attorney General Matt Platkin said at a news conference that his office had assumed control of all police functions without delay, including the division that investigates internal police matters. His announcement didn't mention the shooting of 31-year-old Najee Seabrooks directly, but it reflected activists' concerns about how the department was being run. There is a crisis of confidence in law enforcement in this city, he said to brief cheers and calls of Thank you from the audience. Something has to change, and it will change starting now. Earlier this morning, I exercised my authority as attorney general and superseded the Paterson Police Department. Platkin said the takeover amounted to a pledge to residents and officers that the state is committed to safety in the city. During a phone interview later Monday, Platkin said it wasn't a single case that led to his office's takeover of the Paterson Police Department. This is not a step I take lightly. Its something Ive been considering for a while. Its been a series of misconduct ... a complete breakdown of trust, he said. Isa Abbassi, a 25-year veteran of the New York Police Department currently serving as the chief of strategic initiatives there, will take charge of Paterson's police department in May, Platkin said. He said his office quietly conducted a nationwide search and settled on Abbassi. In the meantime, a New Jersey State Police officer will serve as the department's interim head. Pat Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Association, which is the union that represents Paterson's police officers, said in a statement that the vast majority of those officers are doing an extraordinary job under very difficult, trying circumstances. Besides the takeover, Platkin said hes implementing some other changes. They include a program that pairs a police officer with a mental health screener in an unmarked vehicle to respond to 911 calls about mental or behavioral health issues. He also said the state will revamp its protocols statewide for dealing with people who have barricaded themselves in a room or building as Seabrooks had done for more than five hours before he was killed. Platkin also formed a working group to study and make recommendations on interactions between police officers and violence intervention officers. The standoff started about 8 a.m. on March 3 when police were called to Seabrooks brothers apartment where he had been holed up in the bathroom. Seabrooks, who was a crisis intervention worker and mentor with the nonprofit Paterson Healing Collective, had called 911 at least seven times and told dispatchers that people were threatening him and he needed immediate help. Police arrived soon after and talked to him through the door, offering to get him water and calling him love in one instance. But the tension increased when he told police he was armed with a pocket rocket gun and a knife. Police shot Seabrooks when he emerged from the bathroom with a knife, according to the attorney generals office. His death shook his co-workers, who were at the scene and texting with him, said Liza Chowdhury, Seabrooks boss at the Paterson Healing Collective. She said Seabrooks had been texting with colleagues, asking to see them, but that police blocked the co-workers from entering the apartment. Chowdhury said Monday that she appreciated Platkins decision, but she also called on him to fire the officers involved in the shooting. In the weeks since his death, anti-violence advocates organized a vigil calling for a number of reforms, including the creation of a civilian review board. The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice has called on the Justice Department to investigate the citys police department, and the ACLU of New Jersey said the shooting shows the need to invest in non-law enforcement responses to mental health calls. It isn't clear how long the takeover will last. Platkin said he's in for the long haul. Platkin didnt specify what behavior led to the takeover, but his office has been involved in a handful of investigations in the city of more than 150,000 that's roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of New York. In February, Platkin announced an aggravated assault charge against a Paterson officer who he said shot a fleeing unarmed man. In December, a grand jury declined to indict Paterson police officers involved in the death of a man they restrained two months earlier. The U.S. Department of Justice has the power to sue police departments where there has been an established pattern of illegal behavior, corruption or unconstitutional policing practices, and issue legally binding consent decrees to require changes in those practices. It recently issued a report that will lead to a consent decree in Louisville, Kentucky, and it put the police department in New Jersey's biggest city, Newark, under federal supervision. State actions against local departments are less common because of local control is often stipulated in state constitutions. Paterson's police department is the largest to be taken over by the state in recent years, but it isn't the only one. Among the others are the 11-officer department in Lavallette, as well as three others in Union County. ___ Associated Press writer Claudia Lauer contributed to this article. March 29, 1973: I remember being glued to my TV set and watching the evening news showing the final departure of U.S. troops from Vietnam. This event was preceded by then-president Richard Nixon agreeing to a conclusion to one of the most turbulent periods of American history. Included was the orderly release of American POWs from North Vietnam. Ultimately, only the U.S. embassy and support staff remained until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. It has been documented that Master Sgt. Max Bielke was the last soldier to leave Vietnam that decisive day. He eventually became Deputy Chief of Military Retirement Services. In a cruel twist of fate, while attending a meeting at the Department of Defense on Sept. 11, 2001, Max Bielke was killed when terrorists hijacked American Flight 77 and crashed it into the Pentagon. My one year tour of duty in Vietnam with the Army's 101st Airborne Division had been completed in April 1969 and I was grateful to have returned in one piece. I will always remember exiting the plane on American soil only to be greeted by war protestors. Instead of a grateful reception, we in uniform were scorned and chastised for answering our countrys call to serve. Some of us had voluntarily enlisted and others like myself were drafted. We came from all ethnicities and backgrounds. Most of us were no more than 20 or 21. The recorded accounts will show that 2,709,918 served in Vietnam, of which 58,318 made the ultimate sacrifice and have their names carved in stone on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Western New York was not spared. There are 543 names from this area included on the wall. Over 150,000 of those who survived were either wounded or suffered disabling injuries. The VA hospitals across this land are treating veterans for PTSD, exposure to the deadly herbicide Agent Orange and mental scars. Yes, it was a lengthy and costly war that began with the use of in-country advisers and escalated to full-scale hostilities. To those who were against the war but still supported the warriors, I thank you. In 2017, former President Donald Trump officially signed a declaration recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. That leads us to the current year, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. There is a lesson to be learned from our entanglement in Vietnam. As the war between Ukraine and Russia progresses into a second year, I hope our leaders resist to the maximum extent possible the deployment of American troops. Diplomacy should always be exhausted as our primary option. No one hates a war more than a soldier. Finally, to my fellow Vietnam veterans I would like to say "Welcome Home. Joe Pasek is a member of the Board of Directors, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 77. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERUSALEM (AP) As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put his contentious judicial overhaul plan on hold this week, he vowed to pass the package through parliament one way or another. But he may have a hard time keeping that promise. This weeks about-face has left him weakened and coming up against a wall of opposition he has never before faced in a three-decade political career. For nearly three months, hundreds of thousands of people have repeatedly taken to the streets week after week to demonstrate against the plan, crippling major highways and city streets as they accused him of pushing the country toward dictatorship. Influential business leaders and security men came out against him. The countrys main trade union declared a general strike. Perhaps most worrying for Israel, key military reservists, first and foremost Israeli fighter pilots, threatened to stop reporting for duty. Key international allies voiced concerns and objections. While Netanyahu has the support in parliament to push through the plan, the prospect of continued unrest along with economic, diplomatic and security damage proved too much for him to handle. He understood that hes in a dead end, said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. Plesner said that Netanyahus pause this week did not mark a domestic peace accord between Israelis. Rather its a cease-fire, perhaps for regrouping, reorganizing, reorienting and then potentially charging ahead. As Netanyahu tries to regroup, those obstacles show no sign of disappearing. If anything, his opponents appear to have been emboldened by the success of their protests. The protesters who take to the streets are not stupid, the grassroots protest movement said Tuesday. The government will not be able to pass the judicial coup because the millions of citizens who have protested until now, will not give up. While other protest groups said they would suspend their activities, they also said they were ready to spring back into action if necessary. Much of Netanyahus predicament is rooted in his own legal woes. Since he was indicted on corruption charges in 2019, a string of former partners and allies have abandoned him, plunging the country into five rounds of elections in under four years. When Netanyahu finally was able to secure a parliamentary majority after the most recent vote last November, he required the support of ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist parties to form the countrys most right-wing government in history. These partners have antagonized the United States and other Western allies, as well as Israels new Arab allies in the Gulf, by aggressively pushing for West Bank settlement construction and making controversial statements about the Palestinians. The nonstop crises have distracted Netanyahu from his traditional focus on security and diplomatic issues. Domestically, these partners have alienated large swaths of the Israeli public, primarily secular, middle-class taxpayers, with demands widely seen as religious coercion or infringing on the rights of LGBTQ people, Palestinian citizens and other minorities. Ultra-Orthodox partners, for instance, want to strengthen a system that grants them exemptions from compulsory military service in order to study religious texts. On Tuesday, Netanyahu's coalition pushed through a law allowing hospitals to bar the entry of bread into their facilities during the Passover holiday, when religious Jews do not eat leavened foods. But the governments most controversial move so far has been the introduction of its judicial overhaul. Among its key components are proposals that would allow the ruling coalition to control the appointment of judges and give it the authority to strike down Supreme Court rulings it dislikes. Netanyahus conservative allies say the bill is needed to rein in a system of judges who are unelected and overly interventionist in political issues. But his opponents say the overhaul is a power grab that would weaken a system of checks and balances and concentrate authority in the hands of the prime minister and his extremist allies. They also say that Netanyahu has a conflict of interest in trying to reshape the nations legal system at a time when he is on trial. The protests have brought Israels largest cities to a standstill, disrupted Netanyahus overseas travel and even forced his wife to flee a Tel Aviv hair salon under heavy police protection. The public anger boiled over on Sunday after Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who had urged the prime minister to put the overhaul on hold, citing concerns about the damage to the military. Within an hour, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across the country, blocking a major Tel Aviv highway and scuffling with police outside Netanyahus Jerusalem home. The unrest continued Monday when tens of thousands of people protested outside the parliament in Jerusalem, while the Histadrut labor union announced a general strike. It was the first time the union has taken such action over a political issue, causing flights to be canceled and closing offices across the nation. Then, Monday night, Netanyahu officially put his plan on hold until the summer session of parliament, which begins at the end of April. In the meantime, he said he would seek a broad agreement. One way or another, we will enact a reform that will restore the balance between the authorities that has been lost, he said. The general strike was quickly halted. Gallant remained on the job, and negotiations began Tuesday night between Netanyahus government and the political opposition. President Isaac Herzog's office, which is mediating the talks, said there was a positive spirit and meetings would continue Wednesday. But a deal remains elusive and Netanyahu remains weak. New opinion polls released late Monday showed a sharp drop in support for the embattled prime minister even with his Likud party. A poll conducted for Channel 12 TV found that 58% of Likud voters opposed his firing of Gallant, compared to just 22% who favored it. Sixty percent of Likud voters supported the freeze of the overhaul plan, while 55% said Netanyahus performance as prime minister is bad. The poll surveyed 502 people and had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points. Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist with the Haaretz daily, said that Netanyahu will struggle to revive the plan. He said the coalition is now divided over the merits of continuing, while the grassroots opposition remains motivated by its successes. The struggle for the future of Israeli democracy is far from over. There will be further rounds," he wrote. "But the opposition has not just won this round by forcing Netanyahu to pause the legislation. They emerge stronger and more united than the coalition and fully prepared for that next round, whenever it arrives. After its initial success with a themed area set up in 2019, which immersed visitors in the wooded atmosphere of a Quebec chalet, the Palais is doubling down on the idea by creating three new spaces to simulate the distinctive tourism experiences that are key to the province's appeal . Event participants are looking for informal spaces to relax, chat and network. To keep up with this industry trend, the Palais has developed these modern and inviting spaces, where guests can mix business with pleasure and explore everything Quebec has to offer. A complete, immersive experience that showcases the Quebec region Recently, conference-goers have had the chance to enjoy the ski resort experience while kicking back next to a fire or relaxing on a gondola or chair lift. Next April will see the installation of a new space emulating the Saint Lawrence River (along with another big surprise!), while next fall will feature a wilderness theme against the backdrop of the great outdoors. Designed and developed by the Palais des congres team, with the assistance of Vannoote Design and the marketing agency Cossette, these spaces combine experiential facilities, evocative design elements and unique sensory experiences to create a friendly atmosphere with the Bonjour Quebec stamp. Clients at the Palais will not only get to relax in these settings, but will also have the chance to hold networking events, with a specially developed Capital Traiteur menu that offers a taste of the province's culinary delicaciesa great way to soak in an ultramodern, immersive experience! Quotes "I welcome this initiative by the Palais des congres de Montreal and the Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Quebec to develop these spaces, which offer a unique way to promote our destination. If we want to encourage visitors to explore all the experiences we have to offer, and thereby increase the economic benefits of tourism for our communities, we need to find innovative ways to promote our province and make it an appealing place to visit. This amazing project will certainly help us reach this goal." Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudiere Region "Our events not only bring people together: they also create meaningful experiences and allow participants to engage in fruitful discussions. By offering informal meeting spaces that encapsulate the Quebec experience, the Palais is offering conference-goers a look outside its walls. Within the usual airport-hotel-conference center routine, visitors will now have the chance to discover all the treasures our wonderful province has to offer." Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO of the Palais des congres de Montreal "The Alliance is thrilled to be joining this project, which offers an innovative marketing solution that reflects our vibrant and creative industry. We hope that these spaces will enchant the hearts and minds of conference-goers and encourage them to come back with their friends or family. If we manage to win over and convert these business travelers into leisure travelers, we will be helping to promote our flagship experiences, which is good for the whole province." Martin Soucy, President and CEO of the Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Quebec About the Palais des congres de Montreal A recipient of the highest quality certification in the industry, the Palais des congres de Montreal attracts and hosts conventions, exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, and other events. Backed by a creative team with one of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the world, it generates significant economic and intellectual benefits for Quebec and Montreal, while contributing to its international reputation as the top host city in the Americas for international events. To learn more, visit congresmtl.com. About the Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Quebec The Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Quebec (Alliance), which represents more than 10,000 businesses and 50 regional and sector-based tourism associations, is the largest provincial business federation in Canada specializing in tourism. It works with private businesses and associations to highlight tourism's crucial contribution to regional vitality, while acting as a spokesperson for its members. The Alliance also carries out mandates from the Ministry of Tourism, including its mandate to promote the province under the Bonjour Quebec brand, as part of a unique partnership with the industry. The Alliance's ultimate goal is to help turn Quebec into a thriving, sustainable and responsible world-class tourism destination. For more information, visit alliancetouristique.com. SOURCE Palais des congres de Montreal For further information: Sebastien Zickgraf, Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Department, Palais des congres de Montreal, Tel: 438 868-4265, Email: [email protected]; Martin Lanouette, Communications and Public Relations Advisor, Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Quebec, Tel: 514 448-6295, Email: [email protected] TD Insurance survey reveals that most Canadians planning to travel don't intend to purchase travel insurance, even though over half of Canadians can't afford an out-of-pocket expense exceeding $5K TORONTO, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Whether it's exploring a new destination, sightseeing with friends, or taking a family vacation, the majority of Canadians (65 per cent) plan on taking a trip in the near future. However, only 36 per cent of those planning to travel, intend to purchase both medical and cancellation travel insurance. Among Canadians overall, 54 per cent say they have the financial means to cover some out-of-pocket expenses, but most would only be able to cover less than $5,000. And three-in-ten Canadians responded that they wouldn't be able to cover any out-of-pocket expenses above $300 should something unexpected happen. That's according to a new TD Insurance survey, conducted by Leger, that found most Canadians may not be prioritizing insurance in their travel plans. Among those likely to travel in the next year, younger Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34, appear least likely to purchase travel insurance with only 27 per cent saying they intend to buy cancellation and travel medical coverage, compared to 39 per cent of those over the age of 35. "From unexpected medical emergencies to cancelled flights, even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. Travel medical or trip cancellation coverage can help protect you and your family from unforeseen, and often costly, expenses when you're away," said Kamana Tripathi, Associate Vice President of Travel Insurance Despite the protection travel insurance could provide, many Canadians are underestimating the potential costs of being unprotected when they could be travelling with confidence. According to the survey: If something were to happen while travelling, over half of Canadians (54 per cent) have the financial means to cover some out-of-pocket expenses, however of those who can cover expenses, four in ten (41 per cent)) are only able to cover less than $5,000 . have the financial means to cover some out-of-pocket expenses, however of those who can cover expenses, four in ten (41 per cent)) are only able to cover less than . Three-in-ten Canadians (31 per cent) wouldn't be able to cover any out-of-pocket expenses above $300 . wouldn't be able to cover any out-of-pocket expenses above . Three-in-ten (29 per cent) Canadians aged 18-34 believe that travelling with insurance isn't necessary. Canadians aged 18-34 believe that travelling with insurance isn't necessary. Why aren't Canadians purchasing insurance? A third of Canadians who will not be purchasing insurance for their upcoming trip believe that travel insurance is too expensive (cited by 33 per cent of those who won't purchase medical travel insurance and 35 per cent of those who won't purchase cancellation travel insurance). "The cost of medical bills or expenses incurred as a result of travel interruptions or cancellations can outweigh the cost of travel insurance," said Kamana. "Customers have options when it comes to travel coverage and can select a plan that best fits their personal needs. With so many Canadians eager to travel again, it's important they do their research to understand what they are covered for if the unexpected happens, either before or while they are away. You can check what insurance coverage options you might need to consider via online travel insurance needs assessment tool." About TD Bank Group The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the fifth largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 27 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in The Charles Schwab Corporation; Wealth Management and Insurance, including TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 15 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.9 trillion in assets on January 31, 2023. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. SOURCE TD Bank Group For further information: For media inquiries: Lisa Bodnar, [email protected] Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN State police say four people have been arrested in connection with a courthouse brawl that sent a marshal to the hospital and injured another person on Monday. New Haven residents Oreanna Justice Davis, 28, Ideshia Sharon Graham, 47, and Triniya Barbara Graham, 20, were each charged with assault of a public safety officer, second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault, state police said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. The agency said the three women "physically assaulted" another person, who suffered minor injuries. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MILFORD A former Shelton man was sentenced to serve nine years in prison Tuesday for repeatedly sexually assaulting a girl he knew, beginning when she was 10 years old. The victim, now 17, stood in court Tuesday and recounted being put through hell and back by the man, 40-year-old Pawel Dabrowski, for three years, until a relative found out about the sexual assaults and he was arrested in 2019. Unfortunately, the victim said, she had gotten used to the repeated sex assaults, even though I should have been feeling safe and happy at that age. Rarely did I feel like I was my own person because I had to tiptoe through shards of glass, she said in a statement during Dabrowskis sentencing on three counts each of first-degree sexual assault and illegal sexual contact with a minor before Judge Peter Brown. Despite Dabrowskis acts, she said that after learning how to fight for myself, I am thankful for how strong I have become. I am thankful that throughout this whole period, Ive been more courageous and brave. I became a person that I didnt think I could become. I am not the same little girl that you had power over and did anything you wanted to, the victim said. She is long gone and she is never coming back. Im just glad that you never changed my heart. I am still a good person. She said that she would pray for Dabrowski, who has been behind bars since his arrest in the case, and pleaded guilty in January. I dont expect an apology from you, because I dont need it, nor necessarily do I want it, the victim said. I forgive you. I forgive you not because you apologized or because you feel bad, I forgive you because I have peace and so I can move on with my life. States Attorney Margaret Kelley, who has been a prosecutor for more than 30 years, said the facts of the case stood out. This case will stay with me forever, Kelley said, adding that she can clearly remember the devastation and fear the victims mother felt during a meeting more than three years ago. This victim went through a living hell. The defendant stole her childhood from her and destroyed her family. The prosecutor said the victim is a very strong and courageous young lady with a bright future, despite having endured what she did. In a statement read in court, the victims mother said she was a little disappointed with the judges offer to resolve the case a 25-year prison sentence to be suspended after nine years, followed by 15 years of probation but relieved that this chapter in our life is finally coming to an end. I know that no amount of time that you spend in jail for what you did to my daughter could ever be enough, she said. Through an interpreter, Dabrowski, who grew up in Poland, said he was sorry. I would like to apologize to everybody. I dont know how to express it, for this whole commotion, and the family, he said. His lawyer, Darnell Crosland, said that while Dabrowski could never negate what he had done, he had accepted responsibility by pleading guilty. Theres nothing I could say to even come close to addressing the amount of pain this family has expressed today, he said. The judge echoed the sentiment before imposing the agreed-upon sentence, which included a lifetime sex offender registration and a protective order prohibiting Dabrowski from contacting the victim until 2083. I dont have anything to add to what (the victim) said, Brown said. I believe she said it all. Gov. Kathy Hochuls budget has more than a few hard-sells for the general public, ranging from an ambitious climate plan to settling on a final revision to the states bail laws, but one area that will hit the pocketbooks of college students, their parents and guardians is also controversial but nonetheless worthy of implementation with caveats. Its called differential tuition read tuition hike, although for only a few years and it makes a difference to students already saddled with college loans who might view it as another piece of luggage piled onto an already heavy load. The University at Buffalo and the SUNY systems three other university centers must make sure that isnt the case, and that students not already receiving loan assistance, or only a meager amount, arent priced out of their educations. The advantage is that the additional revenues will bolster the ability of those four centers to attract top faculty, including the kind of researchers that will raise the profiles of UB and Stony Brook, which Hochul has designated as flagships. That goal educationally and economically valuable doesnt come for free. The governors budget seeks an annual tuition increase of up to 3% a year for five years for the states SUNY schools and up to an additional 6% for the four large university centers in Buffalo, Stony Brook, Albany and Binghamton. Neither the State Senate nor Assembly included the item in their one-house bills. Its an unfortunate omission. It is difficult to imagine UB achieving flagship and Top 25 public research university status without the predictable source of funding the differential tuition plan would allow, let alone support the top-tier, diverse researchers who would help weave this dynamic intellectual fabric as a national research hub. This effort deserves support as long as it is coupled with the promise from university officials and UB officials say they already have systems in place to ensure students do not fall off the financial aid cliff. It may require out-of-the-box thinking that includes community groups directing students to where they can find financial support. Those who have worked their way through college and/or taken out loans know that even a small increase can make a huge difference. Tuition today for state residents is $7,070 per year and would apply to the 47% of UB students who do not qualify for financial aid. We trust the higher education institutions would work even harder to keep students on track. Where the investment benefit would be directed? The answer, according to UB President Satish Tripathi, is more research, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Efforts would be made to encourage graduates to pursue careers in New York State. Flagships and university centers around the Northeast typically have different tuition caps than other state schools, so this is a recognized practice, Tripathi said. Beyond that, about 90 of the nations 144 research institutions benefit from differential tuition, according to SUNY. Hochul first proposed the tuition differential in 2022, when she named UB and Stony Brook as SUNYs flagships. She challenged both to increase the federal research grants they bring in to $1 billion each by 2030. That goal does not happen without the commitment by the governor which already includes $100 million in state aid to help both universities construct new engineering buildings. UB has also launched an effort to recruit 200 tenure-track faculty in the next two years to advance its research and diversity goals. SUNY Chancellor John King has urged legislators to incorporate the differential tuition plan as a critical element for the future success of the four universities. He is correct. As King noted, SUNYs university centers bring $1.5 billion in research activity to the state each year and we have opportunities to attain even more in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, engineering and health care. All are key areas of UB research. Carefully implemented, differential tuition can work well for all, including students and taxpayers. Legislators need to keep that in mind as the April 1 budget deadline looms. This article has been updated to reflect that the four SUNY university centers would be allowed to increase their tuition by up to 9% a year under the governors differential tuition plan. The original article stated that cap as 6% based on inaccurate information presented by the University at Buffalo. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 KINGSPORT, Tenn. (AP) The driver of a tractor-trailer that hit a van alongside an interstate in east Tennessee killing four people who were changing a tire and critically injuring another was impaired, police said. Saul A. Carrera, 60, of New York, was driving a Peterbilt tractor-trailer south on Interstate 81 Sunday when the vehicle veered to the right onto the shoulder and sideswiped the white Chevrolet Express van, hitting five males who were trying to repair the tire, Kingsport Police said in a statement. Afterward, the tractor-trailer continued south for a short distance before jack-knifing and overturning, police said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ISLAMABAD (AP) An Afghan rights activist who has campaigned for girls' education has been arrested in Kabul, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan said Matiullah Wesa, founder and president of Pen Path a local nongovernmental group that travels across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library was arrested in the Afghan capital on Monday. Local reports said Taliban security forces detained Wesa after his return from a trip to Europe. The U.N. urged authorities in Kabul to clarify Wesa's whereabouts, reasons for his arrest and ensure his access to legal representation and contact with family. There was no immediate word from the Taliban on the arrest. Since their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on womens and minority rights. Girls are barred from school beyond the sixth grade and last year, the Taliban banned women from going to university. Wesas brother, Attaullah Wesa, said the Taliban forces surrounded their familys house on Tuesday. They beat up the Wesas other two brothers, insulted their mother and confiscated the arrested activists mobile phone. Social media activists later created a hashtag to campaign for Wesas release. Many posts condemned his detention and demanded immediate freedom for the activist. Wesa has been outspoken in his demands for girls to have the right to go to school and learn, and has repeatedly called on the Taliban-led government to reverse its bans. His most recent tweets about female education coincided with the start of the new academic year in Afghanistan, with girls remaining shut out of classrooms and campuses. Wesa and others from the Pen Path launched a door-to-door campaign to promote girls education. We have been volunteering for 14 years to reach people and convey the message for girls education, Wesa had said in recent posts. During the past 18 months we campaigned house to house in order to eliminate illiteracy and to end all our miseries, he added. The U.N. special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said he was alarmed by Wesa's detention. His safety is paramount & all his legal rights must be respected, Bennett tweeted. Also Tuesday, Amnesty International raised the alarm about the deterioration of human rights in South Asian countries. In a new report released Tuesday the London-based watchdog also criticized the Taliban for imposing restrictions on women and minority rights since their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Peaceful protesters have faced arbitrary arrests, torture and enforced disappearance while journalists faced arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as torture and other ill-treatment for reporting that was critical of the Taliban, said Amnesty. Women have been at the forefront of protests in the region, often challenging patriarchal control over their bodies, lives, choices and sexuality on behalf of the state, society and family, said Yamini Mishra, the group's regional director. The failure of South Asian countries to uphold gender justice leaves a terrible legacy of suppression, violence and stunted potential, she added. Meanwhile, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near the foreign ministry in Kabul the previous day, when six people were killed and about a dozen wounded. It was the second time this year that IS staged an attack near the ministry. In mid-January, the militant group killed five people there and wounded several others. The regional IS affiliate known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province is a key rival of the Taliban and has frequently targeted Taliban officials and patrols, as well as members of Afghanistans Shiite minority. IS has increased its attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. DNIPRO, Ukraine (AP) A deal to protect Europe's largest nuclear power plant from a catastrophic accident due to fighting in Ukraine could be close, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday, but warned that intensified combat in the area has increased risks to the facility. In an interview with The Associated Press a day before he was to cross the front lines for a second time to visit the plant, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he felt it was his duty to ramp up talks aimed at safeguarding the facility. He met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would most probably head to Russia in the coming days. There is an increased level of combat, active combat in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Grossi said. My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant. Grossi has long called for a protection zone to be set up around the plant, which is very near the front line of the war. But so far, an agreement has been elusive. It is a zone of extreme volatility. So the negotiations are, of course, affected by the ongoing military operations, Grossi said. I would not characterize the process for the last few months as one that has not led to any progress. The nuclear agency head said he has maintained a professional dialogue with both Russian and Ukrainian officials as he seeks a deal to ensure ... that there is no radiological accident, major catastrophic accident, in Europe. I think it's close, he said of the possibility of a deal. Obviously, obviously, I need a political commitment, political decision. And in this case, what I want to stress is that what they would be agreeing is on the protection of the plant. They are not agreeing with each other. They are agreeing with the IAEA. They are agreeing with nuclear safety and security. This is a very important element which I believe should be taken into consideration. The negotiations are specific to preventing a nuclear disaster at the plant and not aimed at securing a broader cease-fire, Grossi stressed. What we are doing, the way we are presenting things is as a series of principles or commitments that the IAEA presents and everybody would be able to support, he said. So in my opinion this should make an agreement possible, not impossible, not utopian, not something for which we should be waiting for months and months on end. The head of the nuclear agency said he sees an increased level of danger due to the fighting. I think the principle here is to avoid an accident, and the possibility of having it is increasing. This is a matter of fact. The U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog, which is based in Vienna, Austria, has a rotating team permanently based at the plant. The power station's six reactors are in shutdown and the plant has received the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown through one remaining functioning power line. Plant personnel have had to switch to emergency diesel generators six times during the 13-month war to power essential cooling systems. When backup power supplies might be needed again is absolutely unpredictable, Grossi said. Its because of the shelling, its because of the drone, it's because of an attack, it's because of an offensive operation or a defensive operation. So its not something that you can really plan for," he noted. "It is occurring, has been occurring. And if we base ourselves on what we have been seeing, its going to happen again. Military analysts expect the fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian forces to further escalate as spring progresses and the now muddy ground hardens, allowing heavy military machinery to advance on the battlefield. There is talk about offensives, counter-offensives, Grossi said. The concentration of troops, concentration of military equipment, heavy weaponry has grown exponentially in the area near to the plant, which of course, makes us believe that the possibility of an accident, of a renewed attack ... could grow. While the last direct shelling of the plant occurred in November, the surrounding area was still being hit, the nuclear agency chief said, noting that we have far more military activity, and more is announced. The IAEA head said he has discussed the situation at the highest levels with both sides and was still discussing different scenarios that could lead to the creation of a protection zone around the plant. This proposal is about preventing a nuclear accident. It Is not to create any situation which may have a military advantage or disadvantage or a legitimization of the situation, he said. So I have to walk this fine line talking to both, trying to make it so that both understand very well that a radiological accident ... here and also on the Russian side, would be extremely serious, and its something that we really need to avoid. Grossi's return to Zaporizhzhia to visit the power plant also aims to consolidate the presence of the IAEA, which is indispensable, to provide technical assistance of nuclear safety and security, to give an objective, impartial impression of what is really happening here, he said. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine News / Local by Staff reporter The verdict on the charges against CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere over charges of publishing falsehoods after she posted on her twitter handle incorrect information that a police officer had beaten a baby to death with a baton in Harare has been postponed to next month.Harare regional magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere postponed the judgment to April 5, as he was still to look into Mahere's closing submissions in her defence filed on Thursday by her lawyer Mr David Drury.Mahere is charged with publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the State.She then applied for temporary release of her passport, saying she wanted to travel to Zambia to attend a summit on democracy next week.The State led by Miss Sheilla Mupindu indicated it will respond to the application on Monday, as it wanted to make some verifications first.After the prosecution established that a case against Mahere did exist, the court placed Mahere on her defence so that she could explain her intentions when she posted the baton and baby story without verifying what had happened.Her defence argues that she acted reasonably in the circumstances.Mahere called national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi as a defence witness, largely to give evidence on when the police themselves were aware of the potential incident.Asst Comm Nyathi told the court that the police found an officer had used a baton to smash a kombi's window, resulting in some bits of glass hitting the mother and child.He testified that the police took the child and her mother to West End Clinic, but without reporting the incident first to their superiors as they were supposed to.Asst Comm Nyathi told the court that Mahere communicated falsehoods since the child at the centre of the story was alive.He invited the mother and child to his office to ascertain the condition of the child."From conclusive investigations it was clear that a baton was used on the kombi screen and fragments went on to hit the mother and baby," said Asst Comm Nyathi."When we conducted investigations, we got to know that after the incident the police responsible negotiated among themselves and agreed to take the child to West End Clinic where the child was attended to."Asst Comm Nyathi told the court that he only came to know of the incident after concerns were raised over the social media posts. Hop to it this Easter at Village of Hope. The Jordan agency is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 8 starting at noon. Itll feature 15,000 eggs, inflatables, a barbecue and prizes. The egg hunt starts at 1 p.m. and family fun will continue until 2. Entry will be with a donation at the gate. The event comes at the same time Village of Hope has launched a Spring of Concern fundraising campaign, where its aiming to raise $25,000 by April 10. Its also running a 50/50 draw until May 14. You can buy three tickets for $10 at rafflebox.ca/raffle/vhn. The organization is also putting the finishing touches on the Easter hamper campaign, with hampers going out to clients on April 6. Executive director Cheryl Keddy Scott is now Village of Hope CEO, too. Village of Hope recently underwent some changes, including bringing the thrift store and food bank back under one roof. The former location at the old Jordan Public School is closed, and everything is located at the location at 2540 South Service Rd. Donations to Village of Hope can be made online at villageofhopeniagara.org, mailed to PO Box 162, Vineland, or by stopping into the Jordan location. SHARE: The long drive from Port Colborne to St. Catharines to attend therapy at Niagara Childrens Centre (NCC) was always taxing on Amanda Minor and her family. She believed in the benefits of attending regular sessions, but navigating to appointments with her nephew for occupational therapy and her son for speech therapy added to an already stressful experience. The NCC has been serving all of Niagara for nearly 50 years. Theyve enabled thousands of children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays or disabilities to achieve their optimal potential within their home, school and community environments. While this location is centrally within the Niagara region, and on a transit route, it still represents a great distance for many families, said Oksana Fisher, chief executive officer at NCC. For those reliant on public transit, travelling can be even more challenging, particularly with a child who requires additional supports. With a strategic focus on ease of access to their services for all families in Niagara, the search began for a location that was accessible, well-known in the community and family-friendly. YMCA of Niagara became a clear choice, said Fisher. The organization is known for being community and mission-based, and their locations offer surrounding families a more convenient way to ensure their child finds the support they need. After months of development, the NCC announced the opening of two new satellite locations in the region, located inside the YMCAs of Niagara Centre and Niagara West. There are a number of synergies between our agencies, which could present opportunities for future collaboration, said Fisher. From our early years programs to our recreation activities, there are countless ways that Niagara families could benefit. The YMCA of Niagara echoed Fishers sentiments, noting that their collective vision, mission and values align perfectly in supporting children and youth to reach their full potential. YMCAs are centres of community, said Christian Wulff, interim CEO of YMCA of Niagara. The partnership between Niagara Childrens Centre and the YMCA provides an opportunity for families to engage multiple services that enable them to thrive. I am proud to be in partnership with another not-for-profit striving to make our communities healthier and more accessible for all families. At the west end of the region, Emilia Farrace Amaro and her family, who moved to the region last year from Toronto, were pleased to discover that they now only need to drive from their home in Beamsville to Grimsby for appointments. The time we save allows us more opportunities to explore the Greenbelt, share in fun adventures as a family and make new friends in the area, said Farrace Amaro. Her daughter, Anneliese, has shown great strides since she started attending the Childrens Centre in November 2022 for speech and language therapy. Annelieses ability to communicate and share her wants and needs since starting with Niagara Children's Centre has improved dramatically, she said. Anneliese is progressing so well and absorbing the tools we're receiving during sessions. RELATED STORIES Niagara families are celebrating all abilities for World Down Syndrome Day For Farrace Amaro, having a space to go to for questions and clarifications about how to best support Anneliese has been so important to her family. If I need help clarifying anything, or expressing something, we're able to connect with our therapist and receive prompt, easy-to-understand and helpful techniques to make things better, said Farrace Amaro. I'm really excited and hopeful for her as she continues to grow and flourish. The organization is hopeful that the new locations provide easier access to their services and reduce a key barrier for families trying to ensure their child receives the support they need. Families interested in learning more about the Childrens Centre are encouraged to visit their website or contact them by phone at (905) 688-1890, ext. 110. SHARE: Lucy Proteau putting coins into a parking meter along Queen Street in Old Town. Niagara-on-the-Lake is currently the number two travel destination in Canada according to TripAdvisor's 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Popular Destination in Canada award. The award is judged by customers and the ratings they left for restaurants, hotels, things to do and other activities in the area. Tourism NOTL and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce President Minerva Ward said they are pushing to be number one, but noted there could be a potential fly in the ointment. The 57 parking meters in historic Old Town other than four meters at 176 Wellingston St. still accepting credit cards are currently unable to accept another besides coins and the Honk Mobile app. Ward said the lack of electronic payments will irritate tourists and start things off on the wrong foot. It is placing an aggravation, she said. Who carries coins anymore? she asked. She noted some tourists coming may have turned the data off on their phones to avoid roaming charges. They might not have Canadian coins either. She suggested visitors download the app before making the journey. Ward said businesses are being asked to make change for the meters. They need a solution. Marah Minor, community engagement and communications co-ordinator for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, said this change was implemented because, regrettably, the technology within these parking machines became outdated, resulting in credit cards no longer working as a form of payment. Due to a combination of aging infrastructure and newer payment protocols, the majority of parking machines can no longer accept credit card payments, said Minor. The Towns current machines are equipped with magnetic stripe readers only, while newer payment protocols require chip readers and pin pads in order to authorize transactions. The change came into effect on Jan. 19. Minor said staff and council are considering different long-term options to restore the credit card option at the machines. Staff are currently investigating and will return with solutions throughout 2023, she noted. At this time, there is no specific timeline for when the existing machines will start accepting credit card payments again, said Minor In 2022, parking brought in $2.3 million in metered parking revenue. In 2019, pre-COVID-19, $1.53 million was received in metered parking revenue. There was a very substantial dip in 2020 and 2021 due to impacts of the pandemic, but revenues have rebounded well beyond expectations for 2022, she said. . Oliva Berez works at BeauChapeau Hat Shop on Queen Street in Old Town. She said so far, they have had a few people stop in and ask for change for the meters. Berez acknowledged that currently it is part of the slow season for tourists and said tourists would be back this summer. Berez said it was fairly important to have easy access for parking. She noted the number of spots available near Queen Street. She said she thinks most of the people choosing to shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake are unlikely to be deterred by having to use change or the app to pay for parking. Lucy Proteau attempted to pay for packing along Queen Street using a credit card to discover it didnt work. She initially tried to pay with credit card but instead, Proteau had to use coins. She mentioned she doesnt like to give her information away using apps like the Honk Mobile app the Town uses. She mentioned many of her friends also do not like to use phone apps to pay for parking. Proteau said not everyone has a phone that has data or can figure out the apps, like some older residents and visitors of town. She expressed a concern that fewer people will opt to use the app if they need to park. Proteau said she would like the Town to bring back the option to pay by credit card, noting it is possible in many other locations. Why not Niagara-on-the-Lake? she asked. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With news spreading of a change in how the parking meters in Niagara-on-the-Lakes heritage district are paid, reporter Nick Fearns learned more about the changes and the impact they are having. SHARE: Niagara Region council is inviting Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff to discuss the governments controversial housing legislation though some councillors worry the question-and-answer session could turn into a partisan circus. Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, passed late last year, is part of the Premier Doug Ford governments plans to spur the construction of 1.5 million homes by 2032 by eliminating red tape in Ontarios land use planning system. St. Catharines Coun. Haley Bateman put forth a motion saying the public wants better co-ordination from the different levels of government and the invitation is being made in good faith. Oosterhoff is Niagaras only member of the governing Progressive Conservative Party. Region chief administrative officer Ron Tripp told council Region staff are still lacking information on the details of the legislation. Said Bateman, Weve been patiently waiting as a council for more information to come. I find it extremely frustrating and slightly impossible to vote on some of the items coming before us without information on how things will change. Critics have said Bill 23 will increase urban sprawl and remove environmental protections. The most contentious part of the legislation is the removal of 2,995 hectares of land from the protected Greenbelt for housing, though the legislation adds 3,805 hectares elsewhere. Batemans motion, which passed last Thursday, directs Region Chair Jim Bradley to invite Oosterhoff to speak to councillors about the legislative changes in Bill 23 and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Oosterhoffs office has yet to receive the Regions invite. In an emailed response to The Standard, Oosterhoff was noncommittal on whether he would attend, adding he has been meeting with constituents, local councillors and mayors on this important issue. I am always open to sitting down at my constituency office to discuss our governments mission to get more homes built faster and the need for bold action to address the lack of housing that is affordable in Niagara, Oosterhoff said. In January, he declined a request from Grimsby council to attend a meeting in person to discuss Bill 23, sending a letter instead. Bill 23 will also impact municipal financing across the province. The legislation reduces or freezes development charges, the fees municipalities collect from developers and rely on for growth-related services such as roads and infrastructure. If the provincial government doesnt offer some form of compensation, Bradley has said the Region would annually have to raise property taxes 11 per cent to cover an estimated $122 million in lost revenue. Welland Coun. Pat Chiocchio voted in favour of the motion. This is an easy yes for me, he said. Its just an invite to ask (Oosterhoff) questions on Bill 23 and get more clarity. Its nothing more than that. We are not here to criticize him. We are not here to berate him. We want to ask some questions. Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said there are many unanswered questions with Bill 23, but she didnt know what Oosterhoff could offer. Im not really looking for Sam Oosterhoffs opinion, Easton said. He is not a cabinet member, so I dont even know how close he was to the decision-making. I certainly wouldnt want this to turn into a big demonstration for absolutely no purpose. Our intentions are to be better informed. Niagara Falls Coun. Bob Gale complimented Bateman for her leadership on climate change but said the invitation could be interpreted as partisan politics. Gale said Bill 23 adds 810 hectares to the Greenbelt and new protection to 13 urban river valleys across Ontario. The only impact to Niagara is a sliver of land in Grimsby, which is designated for new homes to be built south of the GO train rail line, which supports public transportation, another tool to reduce climate change, Gale said. In Grimsby, 94.6 per cent of residents go to work by car, but only 0.7 of one per cent travelled to work by public transit. Building homes near the GO station is precisely what helps the climate change crisis. SHARE: OTTAWA - Japan is lifting the last of its restrictions against Canadian beef, 20 years after BSE, often called mad cow disease, devastated this countrys cattle industry. The federal government says Japan is reopening its doors to processed beef and beef patties from Canada. The move puts an end to the market access barriers Japan put in place in 2003, after a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, was discovered in Alberta. While Japan initially shut its border to all Canadian beef, it has been lifting restrictions in stages over the years, most recently with its 2019 decision to begin accepting Canadian beef from cattle older than 30 months of age. The federal government says Japan is now Canadas second-largest market for beef, with exports worth $518 million in 2022. Around 40 countries closed their borders to Canadian beef during the height of the 2003 BSE crisis, resulting in billions of dollars in losses for the industry. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Giancarlo Trimarchi is used to his bigger competitors paying less for fruits and vegetables. The owner of Vinces Market, however, is frustrated that theyre also paying a lower rate for credit card transaction fees. If Im buying apples, and Ive only got to get two cases from you and the big guys going to order two trailer loads, I get it. Hes going to get a better price, said Trimarchi, whose four-store family-run mini chain began as an open-air produce stand in Sharon, Ont. That principle shouldnt, says Trimarchi, apply to interchange fees the cut of every credit card transaction which goes to the bank who issued the card. And thats something that small business associations are hoping Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will put a stop to in her federal budget Tuesday. Its a digital service with absolutely no economies of scale whatsoever, said Trimarchi, who estimates that small grocery stores like his pay rates more than 50 per cent higher than large chains. Most independents are averaging anywhere between 1.2 and 1.4 per cent. Through what weve seen on some leaks, the big chains are paying somewhere around 0.85 per cent, Trimarchi said. Its just another cost that goes on Main Street businesses as opposed to big Bay Street guys. Its another thing that they negotiate that we cant, because we dont have the size. Gary Sands, vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, says the discrepancy puts even more pressure on small grocery stores when it comes to competing with the likes of Loblaws, Sobeys and Metro. Its not just frustrating, said Sands. Its putting them at a competitive disadvantage. Banks and credit card companies have argued that the fees are needed to run their networks, and help pay for the rewards on premium cards. (Merchants are typically charged a higher rate for transactions using the premium cards). In 2014, Visa and Mastercard agreed voluntarily to reduce their interchange fees to an average of 1.4 per cent by 2020, down from an average of 1.5 per cent. In its fall economic statement this past November, the federal government vowed to cut credit card fees for small businesses further, and in an implicit threat produced draft legislation which would regulate the fees. In February, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business launched a petition calling on the federal government to cap interchange fees at 0.7 per cent. In an interview this week, CFIB president Dan Kelly said that rate would put all businesses on a level playing field something he argued smaller companies need desperately in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses have been put through the wringer, said Kelly, pointing out that in several provinces, small independent retailers were locked down repeatedly during the pandemic, while big box stores such as Walmart and Costco stayed open. The CFIB also asked the government during prebudget consultations to extend the repayment deadline of Canada Emergency Business Account COVID loans to the end of 2024, and to create an appeals process for businesses who were deemed ineligible for CEBA. A spokesperson for Visa Canada wouldnt reveal details of any conversations the company has had with the federal government, and insisted Visa supports small businesses. Visa Canada is committed to small business success and continues to offer high-value services to merchants through payments by enabling them to securely access a broader customer base, protect consumer benefits and help small businesses grow, said Crystal Hyde. Freeland spokesperson Adrienne Vaupshas wouldnt reveal any details of what might be contained in the budget, but said the government wants to bring fees down. The federal government is very committed to lowering the cost of credit card fees in a way that benefits small businesses and protects existing reward points for consumers, said Vaupshas. For independent grocery stores, even a smaller reduction in the rate they pay could make a big difference, said Sands. Most of them have a razor-thin profit margin of around two per cent, he estimated, well below what bigger companies typically make. With roughly half the margin of a retail grocery chain, and paying significantly more in interchange fees, something clearly needs to be done, said Sands, adding hes very hopeful there will be some movement in the budget. SHARE: CALGARYNeighbours rushed to help after a quiet street in Calgary was rocked by an explosion that obliterated a small bungalow and seriously injured at least 10 people Monday morning. It was mostly adult men who seemed to live in the house, many of whom suffered severe burns to their faces and arms in the resulting fire, neighbours said. Six people were in life-threatening condition and four others had received serious injuries, said Adam Loria, a spokesman for Calgary Emergency Medical Services. Loria said there were no children involved. The explosion in the neighbourhood of Marlborough in the citys northeast flung shingles, wood and pink chunks of insulation into trees and onto roofs in all directions. It left a gap in the row of tidy bungalows hours later, as firefighters combed the still smoking remains. The homes on either side of the explosion were left with burn marks and broken windows. The blast happened just before 9 a.m., on a morning when spring temperatures had dipped back down below zero and the city was dusted in fresh snow. Several neighbours spoke of a blast so loud they thought a car had hit a house or that a bomb had gone off. Many rushed into the street, where black smoke billowed into the sky. Lorna Lammers was sitting at her kitchen table three blocks away she heard a kaboom, she says. I thought something like a vehicle or something had run into my house. Another neighbour, Lee McIntyre, was alerted to the blast when several pictures fell off the wall of his home. He said he ran across the street in a bathrobe with his roommate, who tried to pull one man out of the debris while McIntyre tried to break through the door of the house next door which was also on fire to get a woman out. A lot of the neighbours were out here trying to help out as much as they can, bringing blankets, bringing water and everything else just trying to help everyone else. One neighbour, who declined to give her name, said she tried to help a man who wasnt able to walk further than the middle of the street. He was burned ... his head, his arms, his hands, feet and legs, everything, she said. One man had gotten outside in just his boxers. Many werent able to speak, she said. One of them asked if we got everyone out, and I was like, I dont know. Ryan Richardson, who also lives nearby, says his parents live across the alleyway from the house that exploded. When he heard the news he tried to call his mom, who didnt pick up. I actually got a little worried because my mom didnt answer right away, he said. When he finally reached her, he said, she told him that several of the people whod escaped out the back of the house had taken shelter in their garage before being taken to hospital. He said his parents had tried to help as much as they could, but were worried about putting anything on the men because of the extent of their burns. Firefighters and police officers were on scene trying to determine the cause of the blast. The Calgary Fire Department said that the force of the explosion created a large debris field and several fires. Many of the injured were believed to have been inside the home when it blew up and were sent to various hospitals in the city, the department said. Battalion Chief Paul Frederick said Monday afternoon that crews were still on scene putting out hot spots but hadnt yet been able to search the basement. We believe everyone is accounted for, he said. Power to the area was shut down and workers were trying to clamp the natural gas line. Fire and police were also on scene trying to determine the cause of the blast. Bobbie Puttick, who lives eight houses down from the explosion, said it happened after he left for work, but his children were home at the time. They felt the house rock and they came out and took a video right away, he said. From talking to the rest of my neighbors, every house on the block got rocked. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: SHARE: EDMONTON Roman Shewchuk was too scared to sleep at home because, he said, ghosts were taunting him, said a woman who knew the 16-year-old who killed two Edmonton police officers earlier this month. Shewchuk, who was nearly 17, shot the officers who were responding to a domestic dispute call in the citys Inglewood neighbourhood just after midnight on March 16. He then shot his mother leaving her in serious but stable condition in hospital as of last Thursday before shooting himself, according to authorities. The incident stunned the city, and the country, and on Monday, hundreds lined downtown streets marked with blue ribbons as the funeral procession for constables Travis Jordan, 35 and Brett Ryan, 30, made its way from the Alberta Legislature to a packed Rogers Place stadium. There are few details yet as to why Shewchuk shot the officers, but some who knew him have described him as a quiet kid who seemed troubled. Its not yet clear what sort of mental health struggles the teen was facing nor can it be said that they were the reason for the violence but a picture of the youths life is beginning to emerge. Courtney Oake, whose sons were friends with Shewchuk, told the Star she has sympathy for the officers and their families. She said the tragedys wake also calls for a conversation about childrens mental health supports. On Sunday, Oake went to the apartment complex where Shewchuk lived and put up signs she and her kids made to raise awareness about childrens mental health. Based on her own experience with Shewchuk and on the fact that police said he was detained under the Mental Health Act and brought to a hospital last November Oake said that, to her, he was a troubled kid that was crying for help. But he had (gone) for help and the way our mental health system works for kids, theyre not taking it seriously enough, said Oake. Out of my five children, you know, my children are that age, that could have been one of my children that were inside crying for help but couldnt get it. What about this poor 16-year-old that lost his life? Oake, whose sons had met Shewchuk about seven years ago, described Shewchuk as a quiet kid who her children would ride bikes with. The last time she saw Shewchuk was about three months ago, she said. Hed regularly been coming to her place to hang out with her sons and to sleep, she said. Hed lay down on my loveseat and go to sleep and hed sleep for like a straight 7 hours, said Oake. We couldnt figure out what was really going on. In her garage one day, Oakes boyfriend asked Shewchuk if anything was bothering him and about why he was coming over so often. He told my boyfriend that he couldnt sleep at home because there was ghosts that were taunting him and messing with him, so he was scared to sleep there, she said. But he was always a very quiet kid, like, very, very quiet. He barely talked at all, around us adults anyway, but he was very respectful. Others who knew the family also noted that Shewchuk seemed to be struggling in the months leading up to the incident. Evan Oddleifson, a friend of Shewchuks mother, Katya Nod, said that Shewchuk was very, very troubled. He and his mother appeared to be not present in the same reality, Oddleifson said, and he described Shewchuks struggles as severe. He said the teenagers interactions with the health-care system were constant. (Shewchuks mom) tried very hard to be a great mother to all three of her children, but it was certainly strained with her youngest, he added. Shewchuk was known to police but past interactions were non-criminal in nature, authorities have said. On March 12, an individual walked into a Pizza Hut and shot a 55-year-old employee, who as of last week. was still in hospital in critical but stable condition. Police say they believe this individual was the same one who shot the two police officers who the Star identified last Wednesday as being Shewchuk. Police wont confirm or release the name. At 12:36 a.m. on March 16, constables Jordan and Ryan arrived at the apartment complex where Shewchuk lived with his mother and father. Police say they were met outside by a 55-year-old woman before going to the unit. As soon as they arrived, they were shot multiple times by her son and were immediately incapacitated, police say. It happened so quickly neither officer was able to draw his weapon. Mother and son then fought for control of the weapon before the teen shot her multiple times then finally turned the gun on himself. Read more about: SHARE: MONTREALThe man responsible for killing a Quebec police officer had a long history of violence and mental health problems that made him, just last year, a public safety risk in the eyes of psychiatric experts. The Monday night stabbing of Surete du Quebec Sgt. Maureen Breau by Isaac Brouillard Lessard, 35, is likely to further fuel debate in the province about mental health and public safety. Breaus death comes after two highly publicized incidents, one involving a city bus driver in Laval who drove into a daycare, killing two children, another in which a man drove his truck along the sidewalk in the town of Amqui, killing two and injuring nine. After the incident in Amqui, Quebec Public Safety Minister Francois Bonnardel suggested the province could consider measures to keep individuals with certain mental health problems off the roads by revoking their drivers licences. But while there appear to have been few indications in the previous two cases that would have allowed authorities to anticipate the violent acts, there is a long paper trail through Quebec courthouses and psychiatric facilities to the second-floor apartment that Brouillard Lessard occupied in Louiseville, a town thats home to 7,500 people. According to Quebecs Office of Independent Investigations, the police were called to the apartment at about 8:30 p.m. after receiving complaints about an individual making threats. During the arrest, as the rights were being read, the individual took a knife that was nearby and then directed it toward the police officers, stabbing one of them, the statement said. Breau, an officer with more than 20 years of experience, was killed while her partner suffered minor injuries in the confrontation. A second pair of SQ officers backing up Breau and her partner shot and killed Brouillard Lessard. Its with immense sadness that I learned of the death of Sgt. Breau, Johanne Beausoleil, head of the SQ, said in an internal statement to members of the force. Such an incident reminds us of the dangers of the job when faced with extreme situations such as that faced by Sgt. Breau, her fellow officers and the emergency dispatchers that supported this call. Breau leaves behind a husband, who is a police investigator in nearby Trois-Rivieres, and two children. The police killing in Louiseville comes after two Edmonton police officers were shot and killed while responding to a family dispute on March 16. Constables Brett Ryan, 30, and Travis Jordan, 35, were killed by a 16-year-old Roman Zoltan Shewchuk, a student with a history of mental health problems. The death brings the number of officers killed in the line of duty across the country to eight since September, an increase many have called troubling. According to the Canadian Police Associations online memorial, there was one death in 2019, three in 2020 and two in 2021. That number increased to five last year. There have been three in 2023. Louiseville Mayor Yvon Deshaies said Brouillard Lessard moved into the apartment on Avenue St-Laurent, on the towns main strip, about four months ago. Three or four days after he moved in he started disturbing everyone else on his floor. He wanted to hit them. He was aggressive. The police were called to intervene. The owner of the building went to see him often but there was nothing he could do, Deshaies said in an interview, adding that police had been called to the address several times in the past. For a while now, the owner has wanted to evict him. He wanted to get rid of him, but he didnt know how. Brouillard Lessard has been criminally charged five times since 2013 for assault, uttering threats and harassment but was found not criminally responsible each time, according to Quebec court records. The Montreal Gazette obtained records from Quebecs Review Board for Mental Disorder, which is an expert tribunal that decides if individuals facing criminal charges are mentally fit to stand trial and if those found not criminally responsible for a crime pose a safety threat to the public and can safely be released from custody in a psychiatric facility. In a ruling from last year in connection with charges Brouillard Lessard faced in 2018, the review board found that the accused still poses, due to his mental state, a significant risk to public safety. It said, however, that the safety risk could be controlled with monitoring and appropriate supervision. RELATED STORIES A look at police officers recently killed on the job across Canada Other documents obtained by the Gazette stated that Brouillard Lessard was first diagnosed with mental health problems in 2012 when he attacked police with a dumbbell and claimed he was being persecuted by the Calabrian Mafia. He had received diagnoses of a delusional order of persecution, of a schizophrenia-like disorder and was treated for problems with alcohol and marijuana, the newspaper reported. On Brouillard Lessards LinkedIn account, he wrote: Im pretty sure I have big time PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). He also wrote that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder but disputed that diagnosis. In another comment in response to a COVID-related post by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Brouillard Lessard wrote: Im very sorry to have to say that in public but I am in great need, I had a psychotic episode induced by alcohol about 10 years ago and since then my whole life has been destroyed. Mayor Deshaies opined that Brouillard Lessard should have been in court-ordered custody for his own good and the good of the public. And he lamented the loss of someone who had dedicated her life to keeping the peace. Police today give a lot. We ask them to be philosophers. We ask them to be psychologists and social workers, too. Allan Woods is a Montreal-based staff reporter for the Star. He covers global and national affairs. Follow him on Twitter: @WoodsAllan Read more about: SHARE: There is a roiling conversation about clandestine foreign influence happening right now. Amid the recriminations and rhetoric, intelligence experts say words are getting thrown around with a lack of understanding of nuance and the patchy legal gaps in Canada. Last week, Toronto-area MP Han Dong quit the Liberal caucus to focus on defending himself against media reports that he said attacked his reputation and questioned his loyalty to Canada. Dong made the announcement after Global News reported allegations that the MP secretly advised a Chinese diplomat in 2021 that Beijing should delay the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, jailed in China. The report touched off a fresh wave of outrage amid ongoing debates over the extent to which Canadian elected officials are complicit in Chinas efforts to influence Canadian politics and society. Foreign influence issues have ignited a political firestorm for the Liberal government, with opposition demands for a public inquiry. The Star has been unable to verify Globals report, and Dong did not respond to questions from the Star. He has denied the report. But even if true, would Dongs conversation with Chinas consul general in Toronto amount to foreign influence? Not according to former senior CSIS intelligence analysts. The CSIS Act defines foreign influenced activities as within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and are clandestine or deceptive or involve a threat to any person. These actions could be carried out by state or non-state actors. So if an MP tells a foreign government what policies to pursue, thats not interference in Canadian politics. Its almost the opposite, said Jessica Davis, president of Insight Threat Intelligence and former senior intelligence analyst with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Politicians speak to other politicians and diplomats all the time, she said. The problem arises when a foreign government is trying to hide its influence on a Canadian official. Terms such as agent and foreign influence are misapplied by the Canadian public in a wide variety of instances, former intelligence analysts tell the Star. Canadians view our own national security through the prism of the United States, said Stephanie Carvin, associate professor at Carleton Universitys Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a former senior strategic analyst with CSIS. Theres a generally low level of understanding about national security issues even in senior levels of government, because CSIS is not the CIA. They are not briefing the prime minister every day or rushing into his office with new intelligence. There is a relatively weak culture of communicating intelligence up the chain and theres no regular system of briefing politicians on the subnational level premiers, mayors, etc. A CSIS spokesperson told the Star that the service routinely engages with a variety of stakeholders, including elected officials at all levels of government, but did not provide more details on the frequency and protocols of such briefings. Meanwhile in the private sector such as think tanks, in contrast to Washington, D.C., Ottawa does not have a robust foreign policy and national security community where talent and expertise can easily move between the public, private and non-governmental, according to Darren Touch, a fellow at the Wilson Centre studying U.S., Canada and China relations. For those who are willing to risk it, there are several bureaucratic hurdles that must be endured if they want to apply their government experience to public outreach and education. Canada also either has different definitions or lacks legal definitions of common terms used in America, said Akshay Singh, research associate with the University of Ottawas Centre for International Policy Studie. Since 1938, the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act has required certain people engaged in certain activities related to foreign states to publicly disclose their engagements. If they dont, they are referred to as illegal agents. Public observers in Canada are trying to find terms to describe those engaging in behaviours they find problematic. However, this requires caution and care. One issue is that we dont really have a system by which to designate someone as an agent of a foreign government in Canada, said Singh, who has a decade of practical experience in national security. This doesnt mean that foreign interference threat actors cant or dont operate here, rather, it means it can be difficult to classify what kinds of behaviours are appropriate and inappropriate from a legal enforcement perspective, he said. Canada not only lacks a foreign agent registry, it also doesnt have any concrete laws on foreign influence. This is a gap that some experts have identified in our laws, Davis said. Instead, we have a patchwork of different laws relating to elections, security of information, lobbying, etc., Davis said. So how should Canadians think of words like influence, agent or proxy and what would a foreign agent registry look like in Canada? Heres what former intelligence analysts and other Canadian experts on foreign influence want you to know and consider about these key words. Agent There is no legal definition of an agent in Canada, in relation to matters of foreign influence. In public documents, CSIS uses the term threat actor as people who work with foreign states to elicit, cultivate and coerce or threaten targets in Canada. According to CSIS, effective threat actors seek to build long-lasting, deep, and even romantic relationships with targeted persons. These relationships enable the manipulation of targets when required, for example, through requests for inappropriate and special favours. The most aggressive actors attempting to influence Canadian lawmakers and voters are China, Russia and Iran, which try to coerce or pressure people within expat communities, or leverage sympathizers in Canada, to exert influence on elections, nomination contests or public debate, CSIS director David Vigneault told a parliamentary committee earlier this month. It is important to avoid describing those who simply hold views that are in support of foreign states as foreign agents, said Alice Tan, an independent researcher who contributed to a 2021 Alliance Canada Hong Kong report on foreign influence in Canada. Theres nothing incriminating about holding those views. But if they are acting on behalf of a foreign government to promote a governments interests, thats what could be cause for investigation. I see people tweeting about how they saw a person at a gathering with a Chinese official. Yes, that may be the case, but it does not prove that theyre acting as an actor of the Chinese government. It just proves they were in the same room. CSIS CSIS is Canadas national security intelligence service, employing about 3,350 employees. Its role is to investigate activities suspected of constituting threats to the security of Canada and to report these to the government. While CSIS officers can take measures to reduce threats, they cannot make arrests. The service is governed by the CSIS Act, which mostly restricts agents to collecting intelligence on foreign states activities within Canada. Canada has no intelligence service equivalent in mandate to the Secret Intelligence Service in Britain, also known as MI6, or the Central Intelligence Agency in the U.S., both of which specialize in international operations. That said, CSIS does operate abroad in a limited capacity, having acknowledged foreign stations in Washington, London and Paris. Two former CSIS analysts with direct knowledge of the matter told the Star that within Canada, clandestine foreign influence from China has become a major focus of the service in recent years, compared to more than a decade ago, when domestic and foreign terrorism were primary concerns. The sources requested anonymity to avoid legal repercussions. Foreign Agent Registry Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on March 10 that the Liberal government is beginning public consultations on creating a foreign influence transparency registry to help prevent other countries from meddling in Canadas affairs. There is ongoing debate about the scope of such an initiative, and who or what entities would be required to register, and the legal repercussions of failing to do so. The Public Safety Ministrys public consultation document contains a working definition of a foreign principal to mean an entity that is owned or directed, in law or in practice, by a foreign government. This could inter alia include a foreign power, foreign economic entity, foreign political organization, or an individual or group with links to a foreign government. International Trade Minister Mary Ng, who is of Chinese descent, said it is important to create the registry in such a way that does not stoke anti-Asian racism. Foreign Influence The definition of foreign influence in the CSIS Act contains multiple requirements, said Carvin, which makes the definition different from colloquial usages. Theres a specific requirement laid out in the CSIS Act that foreign influence constitutes a national security threat. It also has to come from overseas and happen within or relating to Canada. It also has to be detrimental to the interests of Canada, and the fourth is that it has to be clandestine or deceptive or involve a threat to any person. Issues that may anger Canadians may not meet the threshold of foreign influence, such as when Americans publicly funded the freedom convoy in Ottawa. From a national security perspective, that wasnt foreign influence because it was overt, said Carvin, author of Stand on Guard: Reassessing Threats to Canadas National Security. Meanwhile, the RCMP operates with a slightly different definition of foreign influence, emphasizing that the activity has to break a law in Canada. Foreign actor interference is illegal activity which targets Canadian interests, or interferes in Canadian society and threatens Canadas national security. It includes attempts to threaten, harass, influence, intimidate, corrupt or discredit individuals, organizations and governments to further the interests of a foreign country, the national police service said in a briefing. Proxy or Nonstate Actor These are also terms with no legal definitions in Canada, but which appear in intelligence documents, along with terms such as intermediary. In the Chinese political context, Beijing uses nonstate actors to serve as extensions of the state to penetrate into and mobilize societies, said Lynette Ong, professor of political science at the University of Toronto and author of Outsourcing Repression: Everyday State Power in Contemporary China. Essentially they become state proxies in pursuing activities, such as mobilizing people, that serve the states objectives. The nonstate actors in my research are either hired and paid by (the Chinese government) to do its bidding or mobilized by the socialist ideology. Ong said more research is needed on whether Chinas same strategies could apply overseas in places like Canada. Propaganda As a tool of foreign influence, CSIS told the Star in a statement that it has observed social media being leveraged to spread disinformation or run foreign influenced campaigns designed to confuse or divide public opinion, or interfere in healthy public debate. Some foreign states attempt to manipulate social media to amplify societal differences, sow discord, and undermine confidence in fundamental government institutions or electoral processes, the spokesperson said. They may use a co-ordinated approach to amplify a single narrative while also promoting inflammatory content. Foreign states may also use cyber-enabled tracking or surveillance of dissidents, those who challenge their rhetoric, or do not support their interests in Canada. Such behaviour can lead to threats or blackmail if the individual fails to co-operate. Foreign actors influence in online discourse can also be passive, such as by using coercion to silence speech in Canada. For example, a Chinese student in Quebec told the Star that he only had two followers on Twitter, but he still didnt escape Beijings tactics, which he alleged included tracking his IP address and threatening his father living in China. The intimidation effectively coerced the student into deleting posts that were critical of the Chinese government. TikTok Earlier this month, Canada announced a TikTok ban on all government devices, with a government spokesperson saying the decision was taken as a precaution for cybersecurity concerns. While content on the app itself, which displays short videos, isnt a primary platform for misinformation about Canada-China relations, Brett Caraway, an associate professor at the University of Torontos Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology, told the Star a TikTok ban was almost inevitable given the apps egregious stance on data harvesting, even compared to the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Although TikToks parent company ByteDance, headquartered in Beijing, has denied its connection to the Chinese government in the past, a recent report by cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0 found evidence that Chinese authorities could access users device data whenever they wanted. United Front Work Department The Chinese Communist Partys shadowy United Front Work Department sounds like the stuff of spy novels, but it has been an official department of the Chinese Communist Party since 1979, when Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping tasked it to collect information from sources around the world and advance global support for the party. An earlier iteration of the United Front Work Department was first founded by the CCP in 1948, but had gone dormant. Modern-day United Front activities have roots in imperial China, when emperors started to see the overseas Chinese diaspora as potential assets, and also made moves to co-opt influential foreigners, according to a book by New Zealand academic Anne Marie-Brady. The CCP says that United Front work is democratic, to seek consultation from people and organizations around the world, but its own documents show that the United Front agency works closely with the propaganda department as well as the ministry of state security, which is Chinas intelligence agency. United Front officials are responsible for managing relationships with key individuals and non-Communist entities both inside and outside mainland China. The UFWD collaborates closely with propaganda officials and the Ministry of State Security police intelligence agency, according to United Front researchers. A report for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission by policy analyst Alexander Bowe in 2018 raises concerns about Chinese agents approaching students to infiltrate Chinese dissident groups on university campuses in the U.S. and Australia. The paper points to one organization directly under the United Front, called the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification, as having 33 chapters in the U.S. and at least 200 chapters in 90 countries. Canada has chapters of the organization in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. The United Front has also reportedly courted Canadian politicians. In 2017, the Globe and Mail reported on a number of Canadian senators and MPs who accepted sponsored travel to China and said two of them, Sen. Victor Oh and then-MP Geng Tan, met with arms of the UFWD while there. WeChat Kenny Chiu, a Conservative who lost his seat of Steveston-Richmond East in the 2021 federal election, said he was targeted by pre-election misinformation on Chinese-language social media, primarily WeChat, and that there had been a lack of action from Ottawa on foreign interests operating in Canadian politics. While he said he felt vindicated by recent reports of Chinas influence efforts, Chiu said his overwhelming emotion is one of being gravely concerned about Canadas national security situation and the ability of predatorial regimes such as China, Russia and Iran to influence votes here. The posts on WeChat in 2021 erroneously stated that Chius private bill C-282 advocating for a foreign influence registry would require all individuals and groups with ties to China be treated as spokespersons for the Chinese government. WeChat has been of particular concern because of the ubiquity of the Chinese app among immigrants from China in Canada, and the fact that it highly censors its content according to Chinas strict rules governing social media companies, no matter where in the world a user accesses the app. Launched in 2011 by Chinese company Tencent Holdings, WeChat has over a billion monthly active users worldwide and is an essential platform for a plethora of media outlets, communities and businesses. Canada does not currently have laws requiring social media companies to remove online abuse or disinformation, but the government is engaging with experts on a new regulatory framework for online safety. In the past month, according to a review by the Star, Chinese-language media sites and social media in Canada have been largely silent on foreign influence issues. There hasnt been the kind of uniform message of negativity about a foreign influence registry that had previously targeted Chiu as well as former Conservative leader Erin O Toole and appeared in Chinese-language news articles and in large private chat groups on WeChat and WhatsApp, which is owned by U.S. tech conglomerate Meta. If (previous) misinformation campaigns had any ties to Chinese consulates, the fact were seeing little of it now could reflect a strategy to lie low rather than attract scrutiny when mainstream media is paying close attention, said Kurt, pseudonym for the Canadian independent researcher and publisher of the newsletter, Found in Translation. Kurt requested anonymity out of safety concerns for their work translating political content in Chinese-Canadian media into English. Witting Affiliate or Unwitting Target A previous Global News report in February named Dong as an alleged witting affiliate of a Chinese government effort to help him secure the Liberal nomination in Don Valley North, so he could run for the party in the 2019 federal election. The report is among a series of stories from Global News and the Globe and Mail, which cite intelligence and national security reports that allege China attempted to influence multiple candidates during the last two federal elections. But Dong told reporters that he has no information that Beijing has helped or has been involved with any of his campaigns since he entered politics nine years ago. To my knowledge, I was not offered, I was not told, I was not informed, nor would I accept any help from a foreign country, Dong said. He also said CSIS has never contacted him about alleged foreign interference, and hes never been told of any investigation by that service, the RCMP or Elections Canada. The issue highlights the nuances of whether a target of influence knows about it or not, said Tan. Foreign states target people in the political space, in the social space and in academia. But if youre a target, it doesnt mean you know about it or that youre susceptible. It means you are vulnerable. A person may change their behaviours and think they did so out of their own volition, without being aware that they were manipulated. There are many layers, and a muddiness of water to these conversations. With files from Alex Ballingall, Kevin Jiang and The Canadian Press Joanna Chiu is a B.C.-based staff reporter for the Star. She covers global and national affairs. Follow her on Twitter: @joannachiu Read more about: SHARE: News / Local by Staff reporter In 2015, PRESIDENT Mnangagwa said he knows the tribulations faced by those on death row as he survived the hangman's noose when the Ian Smith regime sought capital punishment to stop him from fighting for the country's independence.He told this to Justice Ministers from across the world who were attending a conference on the abolition of the death penalty in Rome, Italy at that time when he was still the country's VP overseeing the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.The President said in Zimbabwe, the death penalty was a remnant of colonial laws that ought to be scrapped."Historically under the Munhumutapa Empire we did not have the death penalty. It came with the British. They introduced nine crimes that attracted the death penalty. For 100 years they did not hang a single British criminal but the African people," said President Mnangagwa then.The death penalty remains in the Constitution after Zimbabweans voted for its retention during consultations that led to the drafting of the new home grown Constitution in 2013.Capital punishment does not however apply to women and all persons aged below 21 and above 71.While the country's Constitution upholds the death penalty, no criminal has been executed since 2002 despite the fact that courts are still sentencing criminals to hang.As part of the push to abolish the death penalty, Government is conducting public hearings on whether the country should scrap the death penalty.The hearings will run from 27 March to 7 April.The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has set a schedule for the consultation process.The public consultations are expected to guide the country on the policy position that needs to be adopted with regards to the death penalty.One team has been deployed to conduct the public consultations in the northern part of the country and the other one has been deployed to the southern part.In Bulawayo, the consultations will be held on 31 March at the Small City Hall from 10 AM to 12 PM before the team moves to Nkulumane Hall where the meeting will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM.Another public hearing will be held in St Peters Village on the outskirts of Bulawayo on April 1.In Matabeleland North consultations will be held in Lupane at Lupane Community Hall on 5 April from 2 PM to 4 PM and on the same day another public hearing will be held at Ntabazinduna Hall in Umguza from 9 AM to 11 pm.On 7 April a consultations meeting will be held in Victoria Falls at Chinotimba Hall from 10AM to 12PM.In Matabeleland South, public hearings will be held in Beitbridge at Vhembe High School on 3 April between 9AM and 11AM and on the same day another meeting will be at Gwanda Town at Gwanda District Club from 2PM to 4PM.Another consultation meeting will be held in Matobo District on 4 April at Natisa Presbyterian Church from 10 AM to 12PM.The consultations for Gweru have been set for tomorrow at Gweru Theatre from 9 AM to 11 AM.Lawyers who spoke to Chronicle yesterday agreed with President Mnangagwa that the death penalty must be scrapped.Human rights lawyer and chairperson of Amnesty International Zimbabwe Mr Godfrey Nyoni said the death penalty is barbaric, inhuman and should be abolished."As a human rights defender l believe the death penalty cannot be supported, it's barbaric and inhuman.The right to life is absolute, God-given and protected under the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, and the Optional Protocols on the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights," he said.Mr Nyoni said death penalty has no more place in our society."It's traumatic even to the hangmen themselves and those who will be watching. It turns them into cold-blooded brutes as they eliminate lives under the authority of the law and cannot do anything to any pleas for mercy," he said.Mr Nyoni commended the Ministry of Justice for embarking on a nation-wide consultative process in order to gather people's views on the issue."This also explains why there is a history of hangmen resigning on short notice. The other downside to this sentence is that if someone commits a serious crime in Zimbabwe and flees to a country that has abolished the death penalty, that host' country has the discretionary right to refuse to extradite that fugitive to Zimbabwe," he said.Bulawayo lawyer, Mrs Nikiwe Ncube-Tshabalala said the death penalty should be abolished. She argued that it violates the fundamental right to life."My view on the death penalty is that it must be abolished. I don't think as a country we have the right mechanism to execute it. Since we are now prisons and correctional services, we should rehabilitate those convicted of murder instead of subjecting them to capital punishment," she said.Mrs Ncube-Tshabala said in other jurisdictions or countries such convicts are rehabilitated through building bridges, roads and other public works."Why not use such manpower for the rightful reasons? They remain in prison for the rest of their lives but also contribute to the development of the country's infrastructure," she said.Mrs Ncube-Tshabalala said it is only God who has authority over life and death.A legal practitioner from Gweru, Mr Wellington Davira of Gundu, Dube and Pamacheche law firm said while the majority of nations have abolished capital punishment, over 60 percent of the world's population live in countries where the death penalty is retained such as China, India, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Japan and Taiwan."We are now moving into time when this must be outlawed but it's only possible if there is a public input which the Government is trying to solicit through the public consultations. This is actually commendable so that we get the people's views on the issue," he said. CAPE COAST, Ghana (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stepped through the black doors of a colonial-era seaside fort and down into the dungeons, touring a site where millions of enslaved Africans were held captive before they were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. With her visit to Cape Coast Castle, Harris was insisting on remembering the painful past even as she stood earlier Tuesday before a monument commemorating Ghanas independence, envisioning a grand future between the U.S. and Africa propelled by innovation on the continent. The horror of what happened here must always be remembered, she said from the fort as the sun set over the water. It cannot be denied. It must be taught. History must be learned. The nations first Black and South Asian vice president is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. The events on her second day in Ghana are part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Cape Coast Castle is one of dozens of fortresses in West Africa that held slaves, many of them in Ghana. The government here has viewed preserving them as part of its historical responsibility. Harris skipped her prepared remarks to talk bluntly about the anguish that reeks from this place, and the horrors endured by the people who passed through those walls; mass kidnapping, sickness, rape and death. Those who lived were sold into bondage in the Americas. And yet, they survived, she said, her voice cracking with emotion. She said the endurance and determination of the African diaspora in the world should be admired. All of us, regardless of our background, have benefitted from their fight for freedom and justice, she said. During their tour, Harris and husband Doug Emhoff walked past a plaque commemorating a visit by Barack and Michelle Obama, the nations first Black president and first lady. The couple walked along the stone ramparts flanked by cannons, pausing to gaze out over the sea as waves crashed on the rocky shore below. She passed through white archways and down a darkened path leading through the infamous door of no return, through which slaves left the coast and never came back. Harris choked back tears, her hand on her mouth, as she approached. She placed a white bouquet of flowers, given to her during the arrival ceremony, at the entrance to a womens dungeon nearby. Tour guide Kwesi Blankson said he told the vice president about how captives would sometimes gaze up through the holes in the dungeon ceiling and pray to the gods and sing songs. He sang one to her, about wishing for death, because death means freedom. He described the tour as a solemn moment, like a graveyard. Harris has proved to be a potent messenger in Ghana, and thousands waited hours earlier Tuesday at Independence Square for a chance to see her speak at the Black Stone Gate monument. Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first Black vice president of the United States, she said to huge cheers from the crowd. And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child. Tracy Sika Brobbey said its a special moment to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible. Its like a blessing, she added. During her remarks at the monument, Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning a future that is propelled by African innovation. Much of her remarks there focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. Its something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continents innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create ones own future. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africas future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own, she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them dreamers and innovators; Africas population has a median age of 19. It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. ___ Long reported from Washington. SHARE: MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexicos president on Monday defended the apparent insertion of what teachers have long considered grammatical errors into school textbooks. Copies of the new textbooks posted on social media show them using words like dijistes, long considered an incorrect or uneducated way of saying dijiste, meaning you said. The same goes for hicistes, in which the final s is also considered not correct. The forms are almost never used in writing, but pop up in speech. It is important to make students conscious of the fact that there are different ways of speaking, in order to avoid judgements based on ways of speaking, according to an insert instruction to teachers in what appears to be an early grade-school textbook. Despite decades of censure by teachers and grammarians, the verb forms persist in Mexico, generally in poorer and less-educated neighborhoods. The verb forms are not tied to any particular region or ethnic group. One textbook seen in images posted on social media also features terms long considered pleonasms like subate para arriba phrases that repeat themselves, somewhat like come up, up here. The Public Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Some parents groups expressed concern about the changes, despite the fact the new textbooks are not widely available yet. The fact that the formal education system recognizes, legitimizes, promotes things that are learned informally on the street or at home is worrisome, said Jose Antonio Cabello, of the activist group Suma Por la Educacion. It is not that what people learn on the street or at home is bad, but rather that school is there to perfect and polish it, said Cabello. Spelling, syntax, writing, are learned in school, and that is the type of vales the Education Department should be promoting. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who frequently accuses his critics of being racist or classist, confirmed that the changes have caused an uproar. Now there are even polemics over the new school textbooks, because they do not want to include the way the people speak, they want us all to talk like physicists, with technicalities, Lopez Obrador said at his daily press briefing. Mexico is a cultural mosaic and language has to do with the roots of ancient cultures. Read more about: SHARE: SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on his increasing range of weapons. North Korean photos of the meeting also showed what appeared to be a small new tactical warhead that was possibly designed to fit on a variety of delivery systems developed in recent years to overwhelm South Korean defenses. The report in state media Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven launch events in this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against his enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle, underscoring heightened tensions in the region. Officials say North Korea could further up the ante in coming weeks or months with more provocative displays of its military nuclear program, possibly including its first test detonation of a nuclear device since September 2017. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim, during a meeting on Monday with officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute, stressed the need to ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal exponentially, and issued unspecified important tasks for his nuclear industry. Kim also examined the countrys established plans for nuclear counterattacks as scientists briefed him on the Norths latest nuclear-capable weapons systems and progress in technologies for mounting nuclear warheads on missiles, the agency said. The agencys photos showed Kim talking with officials inside a hall that displayed what appeared to be various types of warheads, including around 10 khaki-green capsules with red tips. Other weapons included devices that looked like a black-and-white cone with fins or a large torpedo. A wall poster near one of the green devices described a warhead called Hwasan-31, based on the Korean word for volcano. The posters graphics implied that the weapon could fit on some of North Koreas short-range ballistic systems, cruise missiles and a purported nuclear-capable underwater drone the country first unveiled last week. State media didnt identify any of the devices in the photos. The size and shape of the Hwasan-31, which some experts estimated was around 50 centimeters (19 inches) wide and 90 centimeters (35 inches) long, suggested progress in North Korean efforts to create a miniaturized warhead that could fit on its delivery systems, said Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute, said the reports suggest North Korea is moving closer to its next nuclear test. Hours before North Koreas sixth test in 2017, state media showed Kim Jong Un observing a silver, peanut-shaped device, which apparently was a purported thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles the North claimed to have detonated during that test. Cheong said the North will likely use its next test to claim it acquired a miniaturized nuclear warhead to mount on a growing range of weapons it describes as tactical. The Norths use of the term communicates a threat to proactively use them during conflicts to blunt the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the United States. North Korea likely has dozens of nuclear warheads that can probably be fitted on some of its older systems, like Scuds or Rodong missiles. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Souths military was analyzing the warhead unveiled in the North Korean photos but didnt provide specific assessments. Kims calls for boosting bomb fuel production came days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, in what was seen as a warning to the West as it increases military support for Ukraine. While aligning with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has stressed three-way cooperation with Moscow and Beijing to confront a new Cold War waged by U.S. imperialists, who it accuses of bringing the conflict to Asia by stepping up military activities with Seoul and Tokyo. A biennial South Korean defense document released in February said North Korea is estimated to have 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of weapons-grade plutonium, which some observers say is enough for about nine to 18 bombs. The document estimated that North Korea has a considerable amount of highly enriched uranium as well. North Koreas main nuclear complex in Yongbyon has facilities to produce both plutonium and highly enriched uranium, the two main bomb fuels used to build nuclear weapons. North Korea is believed to be operating at least one additional covert uranium enrichment facility, in addition to the one at Yongbyon.. In separate reports, KCNA said the North again detonated mock warheads during tests of nuclear-capable missiles and a purported underwater attack drone this week. The reports came a day after neighboring militaries detected the North firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast. Mondays launches came hours before a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier and its battle group engaged in joint training with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island, in the allies latest show of strength. The USS Nimitz and the other warships pulled into the South Korean mainland port of Busan on Tuesday. The Norths official Rodong Sinmun newspaper on Tuesday published a commentary condemning the allies exercises and the U.S. deployment of the Nimitz strike group in the Korean Peninsula, insisting that the move amounts to an open declaration of war. KCNA said the missiles tested Monday were tipped with mock nuclear warheads that detonated as intended 500 meters (1,640 feet) above their sea targets. A front-line unit fired the missiles as part of an exercise familiarizing the troops with executing nuclear attack orders, the agency said. KCNA also said North Korea this week conducted another test of an underwater nuclear attack drone capable of setting off a radioactive tsunami to destroy enemy vessels and ports. Analysts, however, are skeptical whether such a device was a new threat, and South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday it believes the North Korean claims regarding the weapon are likely exaggerated or fabricated. Still, the drone underlines Kims commitment to spur the expansion of his nuclear arsenal as he seeks to force the United States to accept the North as a legitimate nuclear power and negotiate economic concessions from a position of strength. North Korea already is coming off a record year in weapons testing, launching more than 70 missiles in 2022. It had set into law an escalatory nuclear doctrine that authorizes pre-emptive nuclear strikes in a broad range of scenarios where it may perceive its leadership as under threat. ___ Find more of APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific SHARE: BEIJING (AP) China said Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. Wang Yajun will help in the development of the traditional friendship between the close neighbors sharing mountains and rivers, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing. China is North Koreas main source of economic aid and political support, but interactions have been disrupted by travel restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ambassadors posting comes as North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un urged his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on the countrys widening range of weapons. The report Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against North Koreas enemies. North Koreas weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises have intensified in recent months, increasing tensions in the region. Chinas support for both North Korea and Russia is seen as an act of defiance against the U.S.-led liberal world order, along with ensuring security along its borders. While China has agreed to United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear tests, it has repeatedly assured the Kim regime of support to prevent its collapse and the potential humanitarian, military and political consequences that might ensue. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWA - Canada is extending a scaled-down version of its military mission in Iraq and the Middle East for another two years. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the extension Monday afternoon, before the mandate for the mission known as Operation Impact was set to expire on Friday. The latest extension comes more than eight years after Canada first deployed troops to the region in October 2014 as the Islamic State militant group threatened to take over Iraq and Syria. The mission has evolved numerous times over the years, previously including fighter jets, transport and surveillance aircraft, helicopters and military trainers and special forces troops. But it has also shrunk in size and prominence as concerns about ISIL have receded while other crises and threats such as Russia, China and the COVID-19 pandemic have emerged. Defence officials say the number of Canadian troops is being scaled back further, with the military planning to have around 150 troops in the region, which is half the current number. Anand says Canada will continue deploying military trainers to Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon as part of the extension, while providing transport and logistical support to allies out of Kuwait. The anti-ISIL mission has largely slipped from public view, but it has seen its share of controversies over the years. Those include questions about whether Canadian troops were in combat, and concerns about the screening of Iraq troops trained by Canada. The Liberals were also criticized for withdrawing Canadian fighter jets after taking power in 2015, while Canadas partnership with Iraqs Kurdish minority put this country into an awkward position when faced with Kurdish calls for independence from Iraq. One Canadian soldier was killed while serving on Operation Impact. Sgt. Andrew Doiron died after Kurdish forces mistakenly shot the Canadian special forces member. Three other Canadians were injured in the friendly fire incident. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Tuesdays federal budget landed with a promise to spend responsibly while devoting much-needed government money to health care, the green economy and helping people deal with the rising cost of living. Heres what the government announced to fulfil those pledges: Shallow recession Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands budget predicts the Canadian economy will shrink over the coming months, but only by a relatively little bit: 0.4 per cent of GDP, with annual growth rising again to just 0.9 per cent of GDP in 2023. Notably, the budget does not deliver on the governments promise to reform the employment insurance system. $497 billion Thats how much government spending is earmarked for the next fiscal year. Most of that is for government operating expenses and direct program expenses ($124 billion), elderly benefits ($76 billion), and health transfers to the provinces and territories ($49 billion). $40.1 billion Thats the expected federal budget deficit for 2023-24. Last fall, the government projected the years deficit would be $10 billion smaller, at $30.6 billion. No balance in sight Gone is the projection from last fall that government books would be balanced by 2027-28. Instead of a modest surplus of $4.5 billion that year, the budget now projects the federal government will post a $14-billion deficit. But government officials say thats fine, because the debt-to-GDP ratio the Liberals preferred metric for fiscal prudence is expected to track down from 43.5 per cent in 2023-24 to 39.9 per cent in 2027-28. $29.3 billion Thats how much new spending Budget 2023 pledges over the next five years on improving health-care systems ($22.2 billion) and expanding the nascent dental care program that was a key part of the governments parliamentary deal with the NDP (just over $7 billion). $20.9 billion Thats the new spending going to an array of programs meant to spur Canadas transition to a low-carbon economy. More than $10.5 billion of that is earmarked to subsidize business spending on clean technology manufacturing and hydrogen energy projects. $3 billion Thats how much the government expects to rake in by increasing the minimum amount of tax the very rich must pay. $7 billion The amount of money the government says it can save over the next four years by forcing federal departments to reduce spending by three per cent, without touching benefit payments, transfers to provinces and spending on the Canadian Armed Forces and Indigenous communities. $2.5 billion Thats how much Ottawa is earmarking to extend the doubling of the GST credit for an additional six months. The government is calling the measure a grocery rebate, which could see eligible couples with two children receive up to $467, single Canadians without kids up to $234, and seniors up to an extra $225. Stuff you might have missed $151.9 million over three years to protect endangered whales and their habitats, the North Atlantic Right Whale, the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga, and the B.C.s Southern Resident Killer Whale. $15.3 million over three years to create an online portal for Canadians to access information on their exposure to flooding. A new leave for federally-regulated workers to help parents experiencing pregnancy loss, including parents planning to adopt or have a child through surrogacy. A new requirement for federally-regulated pension funds to disclose their exposure to cryptocurrencies. A pledge to work with international stakeholders and other partners to think about implementing a standard charging port in Canada, with a goal of slashing the costs and electronic waste associated with buying different chargers for different devices. $53.8 million to help the government recover overpayments of COVID-19 emergency benefits. Moon car: The budget pledges $1.2 billion over 13 years for the Canadian Space Agency to develop and provide a lunar utility vehicle for astronauts on future missions to the moon. SHARE: Its easy to be a democracy doomsayer these days. The hard part is deciding what the biggest peril is. Otherwise, the hand-wringing becomes pointless finger-wagging. Consider these three pillars as we ponder how to shore up the foundations of Canadian democracy. Information: In the battle between disinformation and information, are social media platforms destabilizing us with conspiracy theories? What about the mass media that demoralize us daily with sometimes wild tales of foreign interference? Trust: In the contest between trust and distrust, can we reassure citizens that democratic elections are worthy, however imperfect? Or will we amplify the most dispiriting memes, domestic and foreign, that our elections are rigged and our politicians corrupted? Inequality: In the fight for fairness, will the clamour for affordability trump inequality? At the recent DemocracyXChange Summit, I moderated a panel of three big thinkers who set the table for a broader debate by activists and academics at the event: What is to be done? Democracy is about choosing making an informed decision not just about rival ideologies, but competing ecosystems that threaten our own system. Mia Gaviola explained how disinformation took root in her native Philippines and is now infecting all democracies. A longtime collaborator with the Manila-based journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, she argued that misinformation has multiplied because social media technology moves at warp speed. The problem is the new breed of information gatekeepers, which are algorithms, she told the audience. Algorithms and policies implemented by social media platforms play a critical role in shaping where we place our attention, the values by which we define ourselves. While mainstream media are still the main sources of news for Canadians, the pandemic opened up new vectors not only for viruses, but viral news that upended reality, she added. Conspiracies are us even in Canada. I reminded the audience of an Abacus Data poll last year that found one in three Canadians believe Microsoft founder Bill Gates is monitoring people with microchips implanted in COVID-19 vaccines, or they think its possible, or theyre just not sure but cant rule it out. Faulty information rapidly erodes faith in our institutions and trust is core to democracy, said longtime public servant Matthew Mendelsohn. Trust is what allows people to move beyond family ties to clans, tribes, and finally nation states that work together and govern themselves across regions that span thousands of kilometres and millions of people. It is foundational. But fragile. Authoritarians are targeting our belief in the integrity of our democratic institutions, and our trust in one another this is clearly part of the authoritarian strategy. Mendelsohn pointed out that trust doesnt mean uncritical belief. You can trust someone as a good-faith politician or journalist who gets it wrong, as opposed to a person of bad faith who wilfully deceives and corrupts. He used me as an example. I dont know Martin that well, but I trust Martin, he argued. (Full disclosure: weve both been visiting professors at Toronto Metropolitan University and, it turns out, attended the same Montreal high school, but didnt cross paths until a few years ago.) Sometimes I disagree with Martin, but I dont think he is writing as an agent of a hidden interest, or a foreign power. He is like the other panellists, and like the other people in this room, and I hope me: A good-faith actor who sometimes makes mistakes and with whom we can disagree, with whom we can dialogue. Thats a point worth bearing in mind amid our ideological politics and polarizing battles. We can hold opposing views while sharing similar democratic beliefs. Beyond misinformation and mistrust, however, the enduring fault line in Canada is inequality, according to economist Armine Yalnizyan (who also writes a fortnightly column in the Stars business section). The search for economic and social justice, and reducing inequality, is at the core of our democratic project, she said. The inequities are increasingly entrenched because workers and activists lack clout and focus: The workforce is extremely atomized, we dont have strong unions, we dont have a strong collective voice. We are much more into identity politics than we are into class politics. Yalnizyan argued that Canadians are competing in the Olympics of victimization Im worse off than you are; youre worse off; well look at me, Im even worse off; and that process of not finding common ground and common things to fight for makes it very difficult to gain advantage. Like the other panellists, Yalnizyan stressed the need for reliable rules and institutions but argued they need shaking up. With overseas supply chains fraying, the old globalization is dead, to be replaced by a fragile new globalization based on co-operation on climate change and other shared threats. All that said, I wonder if voter preoccupations with both identity and affordability have upended the collective fight for fairness: Affordability is the new inequality, which means politicians spend more time talking up tax cuts, and less time guarding against cuts to social programs. Todays pocketbook politics, starting in America but increasingly in Canada, is less transformational and more transactional than ever. Just ask Premier Doug Ford. That, too, is democracy. If you dont like it, you need to make it better. SHARE: The post-election conflict in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has taken renewed steam as the partys aggrieved governors, G5 Governors, and the camp of the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, fight for the soul of the opposition party. Barely 24 hours after the suspension of the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, at the ward level in Benue State, a high court order surfaced asking Ayu to stop parading himself as PDPs chairman. However, a statement on Monday by Ayus Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Simon Imobo-Tswam, described the suspension and court order as a mere exercise in futility. Ayu insisted he remains the national chairman of the party. The renewed hostility came after the National Working Committee of PDP suspended former governors Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu) and a former Senate President, Anyim Pius, and others for alleged anti-party activities. At the same time, the PDPs leadership recommended Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, a member of the G5 governors for the disciplinary committee. The action by the national leadership did not go down well with the G5 governors made of Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Ortom. Speaking on Ayus suspension saga on Monday, Wike said Ayu is why PDP failed woefully at the just concluded general elections. Meanwhile, Atikus camp has not hidden its support for Ayu, according to the spokesman of PDPs Presidential Campaign Committee, Charles Aniagwu; he said Wike should be blamed for the crisis rocking PDP in Benue. Governor Wike is writing his history, and that history will not be kind to him over time. They are trying to destroy the party believing that they are strong men today because they are in power, Aniagwu said. Awana Gaidam, a Boko Haram bomb maker, has reportedly died after stepping on a self-made improvised explosive device planted for Nigerian troops in Borno state. According to Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Awana planted the IEDs in strategic positions of his camp within the Sambisa forest for fortification against attacks from the troops. An intelligence source told the publication that Awana was blown to pieces after his vehicle stepped on the IED along Njumia and Arra in Sambisa forest on Monday. Awana was said to be responsible for many IED attacks along major highways in Borno state. Since 2022, Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province have carried out more than 90 indiscriminate attacks in the north east using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), the publication said. The insurgents resorted to the use of IEDs as a result of the increased and sustained pressure by the joint efforts of the Nigerian Army, Air Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai with support of the combined troops of the Multination Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Niger, Cameroon and Chad in the LakeChad sub-region. Therefore, the killing of Awana represents a serious blow to the operational capability of the Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah wal-Jihad, terrorists group. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national working committee (NWC) has named Iliya Umar Damagum as the acting national chairman. Until his appointment, Damagum was the PDP national deputy chairman (north). Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, made the announcement on Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja. The appointment follows a high court order restraining Ayu from parading himself as the partys national chairman. He said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC, adding that the appointment is with immediate effect. After a careful consideration of the court order and in line with section 45 (2) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the deputy national chairman (north), his excellency, Ambassador Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the national chairmanship of our party in acting capacity, he said. The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great party to remain calm and united at this critical time. Advertisement The calls for Ayus sack have been a recurring decimal since the presidential primary election of the PDP last year. TheCable reported in August 2022 that the G5 governors made the demand when Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP, met with them in an attempt to resolve the rift between him and Nyesom Wike, the Rivers governor. The opposition partys leadership crisis remained unresolved before and while the 2023 elections lasted. On Sunday, the PDP in Benue state suspended Ayu over alleged anti-party activities. The suspension letter was dated March 24 and was signed by 12 executive members of Igyorov ward, Gboko LGA of Benue. The executive members claimed that Ayu worked against the success of the party in the ward during the elections. A day later, a high court in Benue granted an interim order restraining him from functioning as the partys leader. News / Local by Staff reporter INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services secretary Ndavaningi Nick' Mangwana has attracted brickbats after indirectly defending alleged gold smuggling exposed in Al Jeezera's documentary Gold Mafia: The Laundry Service.In response to the documentary in a Twitter post yesterday, Mangwana said: "Countries under sanctions have to find ways of circumventing the sanctions. This may mean having to procure supplies through third parties or sell in grey market. They pay a premium for this. This is exactly what the UN Rapporteur Alena Douhan was talking about."The first of a four-part documentary was aired last week in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ambassador-at-large, Uebert Mudzanire, alias prophet Uebert Angel and the President's niece Henrietta Rushwaya were implicated in the alleged gold smuggling activities.The second instalment of the documentary will air this Thursday.Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director Pedzisai Ruhanya accused Mangwana of condoning corruption in the country."A government spokesperson can't surely defend gold smuggling, corruption and Stone Age accumulation. This lie won't stick. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has spoken out that it's not sanctioned. This area is not Nick's zone of competence or expertise. We have RBZ digital footprints to falsify the lie by Nick," Ruhanya tweeted."Nick Mangwana should read the propaganda model (Herman and Chomsky, 1988) and so clearly understand political communication in the digital age to avoid these childish rants."Before the first episode of the documentary was screened, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, John Mangudya dismissed the expose saying Zimbabwean exports and imports were not under sanctions, including trade in gold to warrant the country to "circumvent international sanctions" through illicit trade in gold, leading many to throw brickbats at Mangwana for preaching a contradicting narrative to the central bank boss.Journalist Hopewell Chin'ono joined in the Twitter diatribes saying: "Mr Nick Mangwana is testing the waters; it is a futile attempt to defend gold smuggling using a lie. The RBZ Governor John Mangudya issued a statement saying the bank is not sanctioned. Everything else is crude propaganda and lies."The next episodes of the documentary will look into the role of First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa and one of her sons in the gold smuggling ring.While presenting the 2022 performance evaluation results for top officials and ministers early this month, Mnangagwa launched an extraordinary attack on his government's communications department accusing it of "gross shortcomings" and hinted at hiring people with "contemporary skills". The Oodua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), an organisation of 25 pan-Yoruba groups, says the call for the sack of Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is self-serving and not in the best interest of Nigerians. In a statement on Monday, the coalition said removing Bawa from office at this time will weaken the anti-graft organisation and fuel political interference in the affairs of the agency. The coalition added that the grounds for the call for Bawas sack based on contempt is an illogical proposition. On February 17, some anti-corruption civil society organisations (CSOs) staged a protest calling for the sack of Bawa over contempt of court. The CSOs said Bawa must be sacked, claiming that he is a serial violator of court order and not fit to be the head of an agency that is supposed to sanitise the society. But the Yoruba coalition group said those behind the call for Bawas sack are politically exposed persons (PEPs) who have a case to answer with the EFCC. We are in the best position to resist this attempt to remove the EFCC Chairman for political reasons. The removal of the head of such a strategic organisation cannot be in the interest of Nigerians at this moment. We on the other hand call on politically exposed persons to stop the attacks on the EFCC, the group said. Bawa should be allowed to complete the on-going investigations against some important political figures, including those in the ruling party, APC, who are desperate to ensure the removal of the EFCC chairman, hiding under the illogical proposition that he has failed to obey court orders. In law, if the EFCC chairman fails to obey court order, the aggrieved should file contempt proceedings. Jumping to the rash conclusion that he should be removed is unreasonable, selfserving and unproductive. Tampering with the leadership of the EFCC will send very wrong signal to local and international communities. We also call on the newly elected president, state governors and lawmakers to allow the EFCC to do its work without political interference. A federal capital territory (FCT) high court has issued a garnishee order nisi against the Oyo government over N3.3 billion debt owed to former local government chairpersons and councillors sacked in the state in 2019. A Garnishee order nisi is a court order served on financial institutions, banks or any person believed to be in possession of funds of a judgment debtor. Its purpose is to compel persons or the institutions served to disclose to the court whether or not they are in possession of funds of the judgment debtor and the specifics of such funds. Service of this order on any financial institution also operates to freeze the account of the judgment debtor in the event that such debtor maintains an account with the bank. A. O. Ebong, the presiding judge, issued the order while ruling on a motion ex-parte marked FCT/HC/BW/M/238/2023 filed by the ex-chairpersons and councillors led by Bashorun Majeed, Bosun Ajuwon, and Idris Okusesi. The ruling was delivered on March 2. The affected banks are First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Wema Bank, and Zenith Bank. The judge ordered the banks to show cause why the order should not be made absolute. The funds are to settle the outstanding balance of N3,374,889,425.60 from the judgment debt owed to the former LGA chairpersons and councillors sacked by Seyi Makinde, Oyo governor, on May 29, 2019, before the end of their tenure. BACKGROUND Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, had in May 2019, sacked all the local government chairpersons in the state and appointed caretaker chairmen. The action of the governor was widely criticised, particularly by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). The Oyo state high court and the court of appeal had ruled against the aggrieved chairmen, who further appealed to the Supreme Court. In the judgment delivered on May 7, 2021, the Supreme Court declared the dissolution of local government councils in Oyo state as illegal. The court, which awarded a cost of N20 million against Makinde, ordered that the ex-chairpersons and councillors (who the governor unlawfully sacked) be paid their salaries and allowances from May 29, 2019, to May 11, 2021, when their tenure ought to have expired. The garnishee proceeding, initiated for the chairpersons and councillors by their lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, is in the execution of a judgment they got against the governor and six others from the Supreme Court. A teenager has narrated how she was allegedly r@p33d and deflowered by one Pope Paul, a youth pastor in the Deeper Life Bible Church in Lagos state. The 19-year-old survivor appeared before the s__xual offences and domestic violence court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday. According to NAN, the survivor, who was living with the cleric, was 15 years old when the alleged sexual abuse happened. Narrating her experience, the survivor told the court that she knew the cleric when she started residing with his wife identified as sister Lydia. Immediately after Sister Lydia got married, I came to Lagos for a holiday in 2016, the survivor told the court. After the holiday was over, I was to go back home (Ibadan) but she told me I should start living with her and that she had spoken with my mother. I was enrolled in a private school as I resumed in SS1. I only go back to my parents during the holiday. The survivor said the cleric started the alleged sexual abuse by touching her bre@sts when nobody was around. On February 17, 2018, I noticed this lustful look on Pope Paul and he came to me; he started with a rough play and then bumped on me, she said. He started touching me because there was nobody around. He moved on to touch my bre__sts and used his hand to cover my mouth while he inserted his fingers into my private p@rt. As he fingered my priv@te part, blood was flowing out. The survivor told the court that the cleric played a Christian message and increased the volume so that no one could hear her voice during the alleged r@p# incident. She said the cleric warned her that she would die if she told anyone. The survivor also narrated how the cleric came to her room one night, dragged her to the kitchen and had s3xu@l intercourse with her. She told the court that her mother observed her when she got home and subjected her to pregnancy test, which turned out positive. My mum called pastor and he said that he was sorry and had asked God for forgiveness and knew that God had forgiven him, she said. My mum told him to inform his wife about the pregnancy but he refused and later denied that he impregnated me which prompted my mother to report the case to the police and he was arrested. Ramon Oshodi, the trial judge, adjourned the case to May 23 for continuation of trial. Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has finally accepted the outcome of the Benue North West Senatorial election which took place on February 25. Recall that Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who is expected to complete his second term in office on May 29, contested for the senatorial position but lost to the All Progressives Congress, APC. While Ortom polled 106,882 votes, Titus Zam of the APC scored 143,151 votes, while Mark Gbillah, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, garnered 51,950 votes. The governor had since rejected the results, alleging irregularities by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying the poll was clinically rigged. Ortom and the PDP had petitioned the election tribunal seeking to overturn the victory of Zam. However, addressing journalists in Makurdi on Tuesday, the governor declared that he has decided to withdraw the case in a bid to maintain the existing peace in the state. He said, Though there was glaring evidence of malpractices including non-transmission of results electronically during the conduct of the Benue North West Senatorial election, I have taken the decision to withdraw my case from the tribunal. As the Bible says in John 3:27 A man can receive nothing, except it is given to him from heaven. Let me add that the decision to withdraw my case from the court is in the interest of peace and without prejudice to the suits filed by other candidates of our party, PDP. Three children are among six people shot dead after a 28-year-old woman opened fire at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. Police say multiple injuries have also been recorded in the shooting incident. Don Aaron, Nashville police spokesperson, said the shooter entered through a side entrance of the school on Monday morning and went to the second floor, firing multiple shots. Aaron said three members of staff were among the shooters victims before police fatally shot her. Police received call of an active shooter at 10:13 a.m, Aaron said. Officers responded swiftly, entered the first floor, and began clearing the area. They immediately went to the gunfire. Two of the five officers on the floor opened fire on the shooter and killed her by 10:27 a.m. She was in a lobby-type area. The police spokesperson said the shooter was armed with two assault-type rifles and a handgun. Bill Lee, Tennessee governor, expressed his condolences and said he was closely monitoring the situation. I am closely monitoring the tragic situation at Covenant, & the @TNDeptofSafety & @TNHighwayPatrol are assisting local law enforcement & first responders at the scene. As we continue to respond, please join us in praying for the school, congregation & Nashville community. Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) March 27, 2023 Karine Jean-Pierre, White House spokesperson, said President Joe Biden had been briefed on the heartbreaking news of the shooting and is calling on Congress to do something to address deadly mass shootings in the US. We know that too often our schools and our communities are being devastated by gun violence, Jean-Pierre said. Schools should be safe spaces for our kids to learn and grow, and for our educators to teach. The US has gotten no reprieve from its epidemic of mass shootings since the year started. While some happen in public places, others happen behind the closed doors of a home. In January, a family of eight, including, five children, was found shot dead in their home in Enoch City, Utah. According to the police, the discovery followed a call to perform a welfare check in the home. In February, a gunman killed three people and wounded five others at Michigan State University (MSU). The gunman shot himself dead after leading authorities on a chase. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, chairman of elders forum of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, says he never called Yoruba people political rascals. Speaking at an event marking the one year anniversary of Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, Iwuanyanwu said political rascals were behind the ethnic profiling during the elections in Lagos. Reacting to the development, Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, called on the Ohanaeze to warn Iwuanyanwu not to insult the Yoruba race. In a statement issued on Monday, Iwuanyanwu said the comments attributed to him were fake. I want to make it abundantly clear that at no time did I make the statement credited to me by blackmail circulating on the social media that Yorubas are political rascals as this was fraudulently manipulated, he said. I want to warn all perpetrators of this fake news that it is a criminal offence to circulate fake news against a peace-loving Nigerian. For the avoidance of doubt, I am a senior citizen who has meritoriously served Nigeria. What I did at the ceremony was to admonish Igbos who felt threatened by various attacks in Lagos that they have no cause to worry because there are no problems between Igbos and Yorubas. I therefore told them to stay in Lagos and go about their normal businesses. I did however mention to them that the attackers are political rascals and their action does not reflect the good relationship between Yorubas and Igbos. I dont have any doubt in my mind that the peddlers of this fake news are part of the syndicates that brought misery and sadness to the Igbos resident in Lagos. I am appealing to the Yorubas to fish them out and know that they are portraying Yorubas in a bad light. Iwuanyanwu added that one of his daughters is married to a Yoruba man from Oyo state and they have been together for 20 years. Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he has no regret for refusing to support Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the partys governorship candidate, in Lagos. Speaking on Monday in an interview with Channels Television, George said the endorsement of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), was not on an individual level. In the build-up to the March 18 governorship election in Lagos, the Omo Eko Pataki group led by George endorsed Rhodes-Vivour ahead of Adediran popularly known as Jandor. The action of George, who is regarded as a major stakeholder in Lagos PDP, was seen by many party members as anti-party. Reacting to why he chose the LP candidate, the PDP chieftain said the endorsement by the Omo Eko Pataki group was different from the affairs of the PDP, noting that Jandor, was operating on another planet during the elections. If you say I supported somebody from another party, it was not me but rather a group called Omo Eko Pataki. And as a bonafide Lagosian, we sat down and analysed all the candidates from Sanwo-Olu to Jandor, he said. We weighed them. We found out that the best candidate just left the party out of anger. That is the problem that went all over the whole place. There was a new movement going around this country and we said who has the capacity, educational and moral background to handle the state. As a PDP member, the fellow who got the ticket was on another planet behaving in his own way. What I did as Omo Eko Pataki is different from PDP. Asked if he regretted his decision, George responded that: No regret whatsoever. PDP CRISIS Speaking on the crisis in the PDP, George urged aggrieved members to calm down and engage in a thorough introspection of the partys problems. As a leader, father, and life board of trustee member of the party, there are leaders who got very angry about the procedure of the party, he said. We defiled the laws of the party and removed some foundations of the party. What else do you expect? I remembered that I said a divided house will be a defeated house. I said that before the election. If we got a bloody nose and we sat back and did not do a thorough introspection or post-Morten analysis and learn from the mistakes, we are bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. Mistakes have been made. If you dont correct them, you are bound to have many more in the future. I want to plead with everybody to calm down. All these fireworks should stop. The Lagos State House of Assembly has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after victories at the presidential and governorship elections. The members also felicitated with their running mates Senator Kashim Shettima and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, as well as the Lagos Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who they described as a record breaker after he was re-elected on March 18 for the sixth time to represent Agege Constituency 1. In his remarks at plenary on Monday, Obasa told his colleagues that the election produced some lessons and urged political scientists to x-ray the situation. Some sitting governors lost to the opposition. The election has come and gone but there is a need to look again to see what we left undone and what we need to sustain, Obasa stated, noting that the outcome of elections in the United States, considered a leading democracy, are still being challenged by some candidates. He advised those beating drums of war and anger to accept the outcome of the 2023 electoral process and channel their grievances through the courts. Obasa further urged Nigerians to observe restraint, be more patriotic and avoid actions that may adversely affect the nation. The Muslim-Muslim ticket was a bold one. There are those who favoured it and those who were against it. The election has happened; it was good, it was successful, he said. The Leader of the House, Sanai Agunbiade, in a motion under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, said although the general polls are over, national healing is necessary. Other lawmakers Yinka Ogundimu, Bisi Yusuff, Setonji David, Adedamola Kasunmu and Victor Akande hailed Obasa, saying his leadership produced a Senator-elect and House of Representatives member-elect. Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has ridiculed the embattled former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyiorchia Ayu, following his suspension from the party by the Benue State branch of the PDP. Wike, who spoke on Tuesday (today), during the commissioning of the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari road in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, said Ayu cannot preside over them in the party, especially as he failed to win election in his unit, ward and state. Ayu said nobody can suspend him, but today he has packed out from the office. We have an active chairman now. I told him, you will go, whether he likes it or not. Those lawyers telling you that the Ward has no power to suspend you, that it is only NEC, then you dont understand. When you came, it was the Ward that suspended Secondus. And you went and took office, it is now that you know that it is only NEC that can suspend. Let me tell you since theyve not told you, the court has struck out that section of our constitution to say that NEC only can suspend the National Chairman. So you dont know what you are talking about. PDP did not even appeal the judgment. So, forget, your own is gone. You must be wasting your time. The Rivers Governor said he will continue to fight for Ayus removal till the end of his administration, adding that, We are ready for the battle. Im not from Benue but I have interest, that interest is that Ayu must go. And Im going to carry it till May 29 when I leave the office. A High Court in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, had restrained Ayu from parading himself as the National Chairman of the PDP. Ayu, on Tuesday, stepped aside in compliance with the court order. Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, says Musiliu Akinsanya, chairman of the Lagos parks and garages, should be made to pay if he broke the law during the elections. On the eve of the Lagos gubernatorial election, Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, was spotted in a viral video saying that Igbo people who would not vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) should stay at home. However, MC Oluomo recanted his comment, saying it was a playful remark addressed to his friend, Iya Chukwudi, adding that he was not referring to Igbo people residing in Lagos. In spite of his clarification, the remark elicited criticism on and off social media, with many Nigerians asking security operatives to arrest him. Reacting to the situation, Hamzat said the case can be re-examined and justice should be served if there was a violation. The Lagos deputy governor spoke in a chat with Channels TV on Tuesday. In the case of MC Oluomo, he has come out to say that he was referring to one Mama Chinedu or something. And there is a video of the woman saying he was talking to her and MC has been her customer for years, he said. So I do not know the facts. But people should re-examine the facts and if he had truly broken the law, then of course, he must pay for it. VIOLENCE RECORDED IN ONE PERCENT OF POLLING UNITS APC won the Lagos governorship election with 762,134 votes while the Labour Party (LP) came second with 312,329 votes, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in third place with 62,449 votes. However, there were reports of violence and voter suppression in some parts of the state, which prompted LP to reject the results. Addressing the situation, Hamzat described the opposition as bad losers for not accepting the outcome of the poll. He added that violence only happened in one percent of polling units in Lagos and you do not need 100 percent in order to get A. It sounds very nice that the people of Lagos have decided to renew our mandate, and I have listened to all sorts of commentaries about this election and I think it is very unkind. Very unkind to Nigerians. Lagos has 13,325 polling units, the deputy governor said. Alimosho, for example, has 1,545. But violence was recorded in only three out of them. In the whole of Lagos, only 349 polling units had issues with violence out of 13,325. So if you figure that out, thats like one percent. You do not need 100 percent in order to get A. But unfortunately, people tend to be bad losers, instead of re-examining what happened and how to get better. News / Local by Staff reporter THREE Mberengwa men have been sentenced to a combined 21 years in jail for robbing a man at gunpoint.Alford Namusimundo, Macdonald Moyo and Nkosilathi Jabangwe pleaded guilty to the offence when they appeared before Gweru magistrate Christopher Matuture last week.They were sentenced to seven years each, after one year of their sentences was suspended on condition of good behaviour, while another year was suspended on condition that they pay back what they stole from the complainant, Mduduzi Dungeni.The court heard that on June 2 last year, the three hatched a plan to rob Dungeni. They used a pistol and stole 10 tonnes of gold ore and two phones from him.Meanwhile, police have urged the public to report corruption cases happening in their communities.Gweru Urban District Victim Friendly Unit spokesperson Assistant Inspector Phillip Mudzve recently told NewsDay that if not satisfied with the manner in which corruption cases are handled the public can still approach higher offices."Corruption is a great issue, not just to one department, but the whole nation. If members of the public suspect that someone is involved in corruption, they should report to the police," Mudzve said. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has said the party is currently uncovering the electoral frauds allegedly perpetrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the State. The PDP said it has got the permission of the election petition tribunal in the State to inspect all electoral materials used during the March 18 polls. In a statement by the PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun, Akinloye Bankole, the party accused the ruling APC of plots to cover its track after its failed attempt to subvert the popular wish of the electorates in connivance with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The opposition party said members of the APC have since March 18 been junketing from one corner of the country to another, searching desperately for means of covering all the electoral frauds they perpetrated. Bankole told newsmen that the permission granted the PDP by the election tribunal to inspect electoral materials is already making the APC jittery. Many of their electoral frauds in the March 18 election are about to be uncovered, he stressed. Akinloye spoke further that, In another few days, details of all electoral frauds of the APC will be collated and the same shall be made available to necessary authorities, including the public domain for review. The party enjoined Ogun people to remain calm, saying no form of tyranny would stand in front of a determined people. Meanwhile, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Ogun, Tunde Oladunjoye, has asked the INEC to provide enough security for all the election materials used in the governorship election so as to protect them from the governorship candidate of the PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu and his party. Having lost the election and failed to get to office via purchase, the PDP and its candidate lacked the moral rectitude to make allegations of electoral impropriety against anybody or INEC, the APC spokesman said. Popular retail chain Walmart is cutting jobs in New Jersey. A WARN notice filed with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development indicates Walmart is terminating 201 employees at its distribution center in Pedricktown, effective as of June 2. The company also will terminate hundreds more jobs in Texas, California, Florida and Pennsylvania, according to a Reuters report. Walmart is eliminating jobs in evening and weekend shifts, the report said. We recently adjusted staffing levels to better prepare for the future needs of customers, a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. The job cuts are coming after Walmart recently opened high-tech e-commerce distribution centers. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING: Cracker Barrel becomes 2nd big chain to close all stores near major U.S. city New Popeyes planned for N.J. shopping center Budding salad chain continues expansion in N.J. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurch856. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tip NASHVILLE, Tenn. The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove the shooter to open fire Monday morning at The Covenant School before being killed by police. But he provided chilling examples of the shooters elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community held vigils for the victims. A group prays with a child outside the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)AP Rachel Dibble, who was at a nearby church where children were taken to be reunited with their parents, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, she said. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Elizabeth Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hales home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a deadly shooting at their school on Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)AP Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, killing the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. A reeling city mourned during multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Kristin Hall in Nashville; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles; Beatrice Dupuy and Larry Fenn in New York; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington; as well as AP researchers Randy Herschaft and Rhonda Shafner in New York. A dazzling sky show is on tap for Tuesday night, March 28, with a rare parade of five planets expected to be visible in the sky after the sun goes down, according to astronomy experts. The five planets Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars will each be lined up close together in the western sky after sunset, starting about 7:15 p.m. in the New York City region, 7:17 p.m. in Atlantic City and 7:20 p.m. in the Philadelphia area. If you go outside, right at sunset, right after the sun goes down and look west, youll see these planets strung out in a line extending about 50 degrees or so, NASA astronomer Bill Cooke told CBS News. For the best view of this planetary alignment, Cooke and other experts said sky watchers should try to find a dark location with a clear view of the western horizon, with no tall trees or buildings blocking your field of vision. Your best option is looking out over a westward-facing shoreline that is perfectly flat and wide open with nothing to block your view, said Joe Rao, an astronomy expert who writes for Space.com. Viewing from the Earth, the celestial objects will appear in a diagonal line, from top to bottom in this order, the Farmers Almanac notes: Mars, the moon, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury. The planets Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars will align in a row in the evening sky, peaking after sunset on Tuesday, March 28, experts say.Photo illustration | Pixabay Cooke told CBS that Jupiter, Venus and Mars will be easy to see with the naked eye, because they will be bright, but stargazers may need binoculars to see Mercury and Uranus because they will be dimmer. Jupiter and Mercury will be located closer to the horizon, while Mars will be next to the moon, CBS noted. Venus will be nearby and Uranus will appear as a greenish star right above the moon. The March moon will be in its waxing crescent phase, about 45% illuminated. Weather outlook in N.J. region Sky watchers in the New Jersey region will likely have to contend with some clouds when trying to catch a glimpse of the planetary alignment Tuesday night. The National Weather Service is calling for partly cloudy skies in the Newark area and New York City area, and mostly cloudy skies around Atlantic City, Trenton and Philadelphia Tuesday night. Air temperatures will be in the upper 40s when the sun goes down. Other planetary alignments in 2023 If the clouds mess up your view Tuesday night, most of the five planets should still be visible after sunset on Wednesday, March 29, and Thursday, March 30, although the view is expected to be better Tuesday night. There also will be a few more opportunities to see planetary alignments this year, according to NBC 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth. The TV station recommends a look in the sky on these six dates: April 11: Alignment of 4 planets (Mars, Venus, Uranus and Mercury) April 24: Alignment of 4 planets (Mars, Venus, Uranus and Mercury) May 29: Alignment of 4 planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury and Uranus) June 17 - Alignment of 5 planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Mercury and Uranus) July 26 - Alignment of 3 planets (Mars, Venus and Mercury) Aug. 24 - Alignment of 4 planets (Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus) Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Donald Trump has an unparalleled ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. He proved that again last week as he took positions that worked against him both personally and politically As he mulls whether to launch a second White House bid, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie strongly and repeatedly took aim at former President Donald Trump during a return visit Monday to the key early-voting state of New Hampshire. Christie reportedly mentioned Trumps name more than 20 times during a two-hour town hall at the vaunted New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anslem College, a must-stop for any presidential campaign. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 50F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 36F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. News / Local by Staff reporter VILLAGERS in the Mbembesi area of Matabeleland North province have accused the police of protecting criminals after some arrested cattle rustling suspects were reportedly released from police custody under unclear circumstances.The villagers said they now suspect that some police officers are conniving with cattle rustlers terrorising the area.A villager, Elvis Kono, said people in the village no longer trust the police after the suspected rustlers were released before appearing in court."There is rampant stocktheft, especially of cattle. At times, we apprehend the thieves, but they are later released by the police before they appear in court. We later found out that the suspects work with the police who protect them. The community is now planning to lodge a complaint against the police," Kono said.He said recently, a cattle rustler was apprehended and members of the community meted instant justice on him."Some community members are now being hunted down by the police for assaulting the suspects," he said."There are also cases of murder and armed robberies taking place in the Mbembesi area."National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he had not yet received complaints from Mbembesi villagers on the issue."I suggest that if the villagers have concerns, they must approach the officer commanding the province and he will assist them," Nyathi said. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival released the daily "cubes" for its 2023 festival, returning to the Fair Grounds on April 28-May 7. The schedule grids include performance times and stages for Dead & Company, Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Jon Batiste, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and the hundreds of other bands. Of the roughly 580 performing bands at the festival, more than 500 are locally based, said Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis. (Click the PDF below to look through the cubes) The cubes show set times on all of the festival's stages as well as information on parades on the grounds and performances in the Louisiana Folklife Village. The Cultural Exchange Pavilion this year will focus on Puerto Rico with the theme "Palante Puerto Rico!" The pavilion also will feature local bands and touring musicians from a range of cultures and nations. The festival's Allison Miner Heritage Stage returns this year and features interview sessions with musicians performing at the festival. A major change this year, Jazz Fest will be going cashless. Tickets, food and drinks, crafts and other vendors will not accept cash. All major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay can be used around the festival. Jazz Fest also said it will have a no-fee cash exchange location at the Fair Grounds where people without cards or digital payment options can load money onto a prepaid card. There is a max $500 allowed on a single card, and prepaid cards can be used outside the festival. Jazz Fest traditionally releases the cubes one month before opening day, and on Tuesday, the festival released details about craft and food vendors. Craft vendors are listed here. Info about food vendors and their dishes are posted here. Among this year's food lineup are familiar vendors, like Vaucresson's Sausage Co., Walker's BBQ / Love at First Bite and Ms. Linda, the Ya-Ka-Mein Lady. There also will be new vendors and items, including barbecue oysters, grilled shrimp, Caribbean-style fish, guava hand pies, strawberry cheesecake and more. But missing this year will be Panorama Foods and its beloved crawfish bread. Panorama owner John Ed Laborde announced earlier this month that he wouldn't be a vendor at this year's festival, ending a 35-year run as one of the festival's most consistent features. The Kids' Tent was smaller last year, and this year the kids area returns to more normal proportions, which include the kids village with food vendors. General admission tickets are now on sale. Single-day tickets are $85 through April 27 and $95 at the gate. Locals Thursday tickets on May 4 are $50 at the gate for Louisiana residents. There also are 3- and 4-day weekend passes and VIP packages for sale. Find more information at nojazzfest.com. Jefferson Parish Schools Superintendent James Gray said he supports a proposal before the School Board that would close several schools and send thousands of students to new locations, though his administration is still sifting through the details to make sure there are no hidden issues. News / National by Staff reporter Zambia Airways landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on its maiden flight which has an approximate flight time of 55 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.In February, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) said it had granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOP) to Zambia Airways to operate passenger and cargo services in and outbound from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.The coming in of the airways is a further endorsement to the country's 'Open Skies Policy', as more airlines are flying into Zimbabwe.Wrote CAAZ on its official Twitter handle "A big day for Zim aviation as we welcome @zambia_airways to the Zimbabwean skies."The airline was received with a traditional water cannon salute. When the Baton Rouge Police helicopter crashed early Sunday morning, killing two officers, the air traffic control tower was probably unmanned, according to FAA information about the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The tower is normally unstaffed between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., according to a Federal Aviation Administration report on the Baton Rouge airport earlier this year; the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Police have given few details about the crash or the pursuit beforehand. The officers have not been publicly identified; BRPD has said it is trying to notify family members. A preliminary FAA report found that the helicopter's tail rotor hit a tree, causing it to crash upside down. The lack of an air traffic controller could help explain why it apparently took several hours for first responders to arrive at the scene of the crash, a sugar cane field off North Winterville Road, near U.S. 190 at Erwinville. The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office said it was informed of the crash around 10:48 a.m. and found FAA officials already at the scene. The coroner's office removed the pilots' bodies around 3:30 p.m. Guest column: Workers need to be at the table during this transition to cleaner energy BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- An online education platform, named Smart Education of China, has provided abundant and diversified training programs for Chinese teachers and helped improve their teaching level, according to a report published in People's Daily on Monday. The platform was launched amid efforts to digitalize teacher training, stated the report, citing statistics from the Ministry of Education (MOE) which showed that more than 13.7 million teachers had participated in a training program designed for the winter vacation of 2023, accounting for 74.4 percent of all the full-time teachers in the country. Most participants were satisfied with the online training program, while 90.5 percent of them said they believe the training can be directly applied in practical teaching, according to the news report. A headmaster named Jiang Wei from east China's Anhui Province who participated in the relevant training program was quoted as saying that the smart education platform has helped rural teachers break the shackles of time and space in getting access to education resources, expanded their horizons and raised their teaching level. According to an official with the MOE's teacher education department, the nationwide online training program has effectively transformed the learning style of teachers and improved their teaching practices, and more efforts will be made in this field to further meet the diverse and dynamic demands of teachers for learning and training, the report stated. Palestinians carry the body of a man who was killed during an Israeli military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin in March 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) For the past two months, hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens have been demonstrating against proposed judicial reforms by the countrys new far right-wing government that could seriously threaten their human rights. The mass protests and general strikes have prompted the reforms to be delayed. Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem on March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) The situation in Israel has led some esteemed Canadian jurists, including former Supreme Court justices Beverley McLachlin and Rosalie Abella, to publicly express their concerns in a letter that the proposed Israeli changes will weaken democratic governance, undermine the rule of law, jeopardize the independence of the judiciary (and) impair the protection of human rights. Their letter raises concerns about serious threats to the human rights of Israelis. It also inevitably raises questions about another grave Israeli human rights problem almost entirely ignored by that countrys legal institutions: the human rights of Palestinians. Israeli apartheid Over the past two years, several recognized international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have released reports documenting massive and widespread Israeli violations of the human rights of Palestinians, both inside Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They have made headlines around the world because they have charged Israel with committing the crime of apartheid. The term apartheid has been used before in relation to Israel by many thoughtful and respected international figures, including former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Israeli attorney general Michael Ben-Yair and former Israeli Shin Bet director Ami Ayalon. The Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch reports do not compare Israel to South Africa. Instead, they are judging Israeli practices in the light of the long accepted international definition of apartheid, enshrined in a UN treaty on apartheid dating back to 1973, as well as the 1998 Rome Statue establishing the International Criminal Court. Story continues According to the Rome Statute, apartheid is: An institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over another racial group or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime. Amnesty and Human Rights Watchs conclusions align with the findings of several other respected human rights organizations, including BTselem and Al-Haq, as well as the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and one of the co-authors of this article. Discrimination, repression The reports are detailed, with hundreds of pages of evidence based on years of investigation, field reports and legal analysis. They document an embedded two-tier legal and political structure that gives one group Israeli Jews privileges in housing, employment and lifestyle while depriving Palestinians under occupation of the same access. Accordingly, this constitutes apartheid which international and Canadian law recognize to be a crime against humanity. Resistance to this unequal system is answered by embedded repression, which includes incarceration without trial, torture, imprisonment of children and home demolitions. It also includes banning Palestinian human rights organizations on the grounds of fighting terrorism. Palestinians resist Israeli apartheid at their own peril. At a recent news conference, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard noted that since the Amnesty report was released a year ago, another 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces. According to these human rights reports, apartheid is no mere derogatory epithet about some possible future state, but an evidenced-based accusation of current, grave breaches of international human rights law. Predictably, the response of the Israeli government has been to accuse Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the other organizations of antisemitism while ignoring the specific accusations of human rights abuses in their detailed reports. The response of the Canadian government has been to look away. It repeatedly rejects the accusation of apartheid without providing any reasons for that conclusion. A person waves the Palestinian flag during a protest against an Israeli military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus in February 2022. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) Difficult to refute Perhaps its because the evidence and legal analysis are difficult to refute, uncomfortably so when it deals with a country Canada considers to be a close friend and ally. But the case made by experienced and impartial organizations that Israel is responsible for the international crime of apartheid, cannot be ignored simply by saying we disagree. Canada has been a reliably strong champion and supporter of the evidentiary research, legal analysis and conclusions of a range of UN human rights experts and bodies, and respected international human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Yet, on this occasion, Canada categorically disagrees with their comprehensive findings, and does so without any analysis or explanation of its own to back up and explain that rejection. Read more: Canada missing in action on Israel's proposed annexation of the West Bank These are substantive conclusions from highly respected human rights organizations that deserve to be treated seriously. Their findings have already been referred to the International Criminal Court. Ignoring them denies the reality before our eyes. Canadians need to hear more, and in convincing detail. Why does Canada disagree that the Israeli government is responsible for the crime of apartheid? This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Michael Lynk, Western University and Alex Neve, LUniversite dOttawa/University of Ottawa. Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. 1937: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor meeting with German leader Adolf Hitler in Munich (PA) The Duke of Windsor may have aided the Nazis drive to obliterate Buckingham Palace with bombs during the Blitz, a leading royal historian has claimed. Edward VIII reigned as king from January 1936 until December of the same year, when he abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson amid accusations of being a Nazi sympathiser. Speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival on Sunday, royal expert Alexander Larman spoke of his research in the Royal Familys archives for a book about the family during the Second World War. He claimed a Royal archivist told him: We are not in the business of protecting the Duke of Windsors reputation. According to MailOnline, he told the crowd: The Nazis knew what they were doing and thats because they had inside information [from the duke]. I dont think he wanted to see him [his brother King George VI] dead but he was in a position where he knew exactly where everyone was in Buckingham Palace. (PA) During the war the Palace was a deliberate target for the Luftwaffe as their High Command felt that the destruction of such an iconic building would demoralise the nation, whereas it had the opposite effect. The Queen was famously to utter "I'm glad we have been bombed. Now I can look the East End in the face." Throughout Hitlers bombing campaign the Palace suffered nine direct bomb hits and one death - PC Steve Robertson in 1941. The revelation came after Edward was said to have taught the Nazi salute to his then six-year-old niece the Queen, which surfaced in a home video clip. The Sun defended publishing the footage of the Queen, saying it was of great public importance and historical significance because of the involvement of Edward. In an editorial column the newspaper said: Here he is, in our pictures, apparently teaching his royal nieces the same Nazi greeting he would give Hitler personally at his mountain retreat four years later. It defended the Queen Mother and the Queen, highlighting their own patriotism and courage during the Second World War, adding: These images have lain hidden for 82 years. We publish them today, knowing they do not reflect badly on our Queen, her late sister or mother in any way. Story continues They do, however, provide a fascinating insight in the warped prejudices of Edward VIII and his friends in that bleak, paranoid, tumultuous decade. Edward also visited Hitler in 1936 and is claimed to have said the dictators takeover of Germany was the only thing to do. Meanwhile, Hitler reportedly believed that permanent friendly relations could have been achieved if Edward had remained on the throne, and in 1940 Churchill tried to suppress a Nazi plot to restore the monarch to his former position. Brandon Bell - Getty Images You hate to see "Waco" and "death and destruction" too close together. Donald Trump began last week with some all-caps TRUTHing about what he said was his impending arrest in relation to the Stormy Daniels hush money investigation. The former president called for "PROTEST," imploring his followers to "TAKE OUR NATION BACK!" But that turned out to be merely a prelude to a far more direct illustration of the stakes, as Trump Truthed a simple question on Friday: What kind of person can charge another person, in this case a former President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in history, and leading candidate (by far!) for the Republican Party nomination, with a Crime, when it is known by all that NO Crime has been committed, & also known that potential death & destruction in such a false charge could be catastrophic for our Country? He added another query to cap things off, for which he helpfully provided an answer: Why & who would do such a thing? Only a degenerate psychopath that truely hates the USA! Why and who indeed. As usual, the big guy has conflated his own interests with the country's, an underrated part of the dynamic of the period between the election he lost and January 6. The "stolen election" nonsense was window dressing: Trump told his fans that THEY are STEALING YOUR COUNTRY AWAY, and his followers would have to fight to get it back. The evidence of rigged voting machines and the machinations of Hugo Chavez was not actually all that important, so it wasn't important for it to make any kind of sense. It was about vibes: fear and loathing regarding the notion that Those People were set to take power, and that this constituted such a cataclysmic event that proto-revolutionary violence might be justified to prevent it. (The Jan. 6 types speak in 1776-ish quite often.) Trump has since embraced defendants who've been jailed on allegations they committed crimes on January 6, closing the loop of intra-MAGA legitimacy for those superfans who attacked the national legislature to keep him in power. Story continues Of course, it would be a major problem for American democracy if a former president were indicted as a form of political retribution, or as a means to remove him from political life. (There were major questions of this variety down in Brazil a few years back, though it was Trump's amigo Jair Bolsonaro who stood to benefit that time.) However, it's hard to say this is a political prosecution without having seen the actual indictmentif there is oneor the actual evidence supporting it, which hasn't stopped pretty much every Republican around from saying so already. And besides, Trump spent this weekend making it abundantly clear that the war will not be fought in the realm of realityand that "war footing" is an appropriate descriptor. After all, he kicked off his campaign in earnest with a rally in Waco, Texas. "2024 is the final battle. That's gonna be the big one ... I told your great lieutenant governor, I said Dan, let's not do one of those 50/50 areas, or an area where we're a little behind. Let's go right into the heart of it" -- Trump on why he decided to hold a rally in Waco pic.twitter.com/S4miO45fbX Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 26, 2023 I'm not sure many Americans, regardless of their political persuasion, are looking for the 2024 election to be the "final battle" no matter what that means. Most of us expect to hold further elections thereafter, in which we continue to choose our own political leaders for limited terms in power. But the Waco of it all ought to tell the story. Ronald Reagan kicked off his first presidential campaign in Neshoba County, Mississippiwhere three civil-rights campaigners were murdered in nearby Philadelphia during the Freedom Summer of 1964to send a particular message. (The theme was "states' rights.") Not for the first time, Trump has gone for something Reaganite minus all subtlety. Waco was the site of a showdown between federal agents and the Branch Davidians, an apocalyptic sect of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which ended in mass casualties: four ATF agents, two residents of nearby Mt. Carmel, four sect members killed by federal agents, and 67 members of the group killed by a fire that engulfed the compound. That last group included children, and Waco went on to become a kind of genesis event for the modern white power and militia movements. Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, cited the federal action at Waco among his justifications for the worst domestic terror attack on U.S. soil. Brandon Bell - Getty Images The equation here is not complicated. Just as Waco became justification for far-right political violence that followed, Trump is trying to position his supposed persecution by prosecutors as justification for whatever "death and destruction" follows down the line. Granted, he says the "death and destruction" is in response to his false indictment, which we can't speak to without seeing said indictment, and anyway, when did it become acceptable for a politician to suggest his supporters will respond with violence to a development within our legal system? Again, Trump has already closed the MAGA loop on January 6. He's rewarded those individuals willing to use violence to advance his goals with praise, allegiance, and the promise of a pardon if he's re-elected. He's drawn up a path for people willing to "fight" a possible indictment for him, an unnervingly sprawling version of his promise to pay the legal fees of rallygoers who attacked protesters critical of him in 2016. The remaining question is whether or how many of his superfans have the appetite for this stuff now. It will likely depend on Trump binding them even more closely to him personally, if that's even possibleturning the SAVE AMERICA! stuff into window-dressing for SAVE MY ASS! in just the same way VOTER FRAUD! was once window-dressing for TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! This is "I Alone Can Fix It (David Koresh Essential Mix)", and we can only hope it never hits the Hot 100. If you think this is all reading too much into things, consider that at the Waco rally, the most recent former president once again delivered his apocalyptic visions of a Trumpless America over music that is similar to "the QAnon song." it was pretty much the same old same old Trump speech but here's the moment when the QAnon music hit in Waco. At least Kool-Aid wasn't passed around as far as I can tell. pic.twitter.com/01puiocwlL Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 26, 2023 QAnon, of course, is a cult which believes in part that Trump is fighting a heroic battle against a cabal of pedophiles (and sometimes, child's-blood drinkers) in the Democratic Party and the larger Washington establishment, a story that once again begins to sound like a pre-justification for political violence. He has been doing this on and off since September of last year, when a crowd at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio responded to the tune with a collective salute that seems to be some sort of QAnon pledge of allegiance. He's started to more openly embrace the Q dross. Make no mistake: just as some of us warned in the post-election period that Trump would never agree to a peaceful transfer of power, he will stop at nothing to fight his way out of legal peril in a number of different jurisdictions. For now, becoming president again is probably his best bet, but it's not the only one he'll be willing to make. You Might Also Like You are clearly a super-user of NUVO.net. Thats a good thing. It means you depend on independent and local news sources to keep you informed. You are a smart person. Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else. Guitarist Bobby Broom and his quartet played to a sold-out house at The Jazz Kitchen on March 25, 2023. His fans and I agree - it has been too long since his last appearance in Indy in 2018. Always one of the top guitarists in DownBeats annual poll, Broom has also played with so many of the jazz greats over the years that, living in Chicago, it seems we really should be able to see him more often. The quartet this night featured Brooms latest recording, Keyed Up, released in late 2022, with Justin Dillard (piano), Kobie Watkins (drums), Dennis Carroll (bass), and Broom (guitar). The album pays homage to some of the great pianists and composers in jazz - and in featuring these great pianists of the past, the arrangements of this music were spectacular. Carroll and Watkins are long-time members of Broom's band, while Dillard is a recent addition. Most of the setlist was dedicated to this new album, including Hallucinations by Bud Powell, a Mulgrew Miller tune, Second Thoughts, Blues on the Corner by McCoy Tyner, the familiar Misty by Erroll Garner, Quicksilver by Horace Silver and Soulful Bill by James Williams. An addition to Brooms band, Justin Dillard, on piano, and Hammond, brings a new dimension and depth to the group. Playing on a few tunes with a portable Hammond on his lap, Dillard and the band also paid tribute to Cedar Walton with Fantasy in D (Ugestu) to the crowd's delight. If you missed this fabulous group, Broom will be back in Indy soon with two more engagements in town yet this year. Its been much too long - and a welcome return to Naptown for one of the finest bands around at one of the best venues in town. All photographs 2023 Mark Sheldon For more on Bobby, go here > http://www.bobbybroom.com For more on what's happening at the Jazz Kitchen > https://thejazzkitchen.com Bobby Broom Bobby Broom Long time bassist Dennis Carroll Bobby Broom Kobie Watkins, a Sonny Rolling Alumni Justin Dillard Bobby Broom Dennis Carroll Justin Dillard Bobby Broom Kobie Watkins Bobby Broom Steady Growth in Next-gen Fan-Out Packaging Published: 28 March 2023 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes LYON, FRANCE Fan-Out packaging revenue was US$1.86 billion in 2022. Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group, expects it to have a CAGR of 12.5% through 2028, reaching US$3.8 billion. UHD FO will experience the fastest growth across all market classes, with a CAGR of 30%, growing from US$338 million in 2022 to US$1,630 million in 2028. According to Gabriela Pereira, Technology and Market Analyst at Yole Intelligence: HD FO is the dominating market class in 2022 with US$1,194 million in revenue, and it will have a 6.7% CAGR, reaching US$1,757 million in 2028. Core FO will have a 2.8% CAGR, increasing from US$329 million in 2022 to US$389 million in 2028. FO WLP volume will still dominate the market, with wafer production of 2,376K in 2028, versus 238K 300 mm wafer equivalent production for FO PLP . Total FO package volume will grow from 2,348 million units in 2022 to 2,960 in 2028. TSMC is the biggest FO packaging player, with 76.7% of the market. Indeed, as Yole Intelligences analysts affirm, the top three OSAT companies, ASE, Amkor, and JCET, together with TSMC, had more than 90% of the fan-out market in 2022. In this context, Yole Intelligence releases its semiconductor packaging report, Fan-Out Packaging 2023. In this report, the company part of Yole Group identifies and describes which technologies can be classified as FO packaging and defines market classes. It also analyzes key market drivers, benefits, and challenges of FO packages for the different applications, the different existing technologies, their trends, and roadmaps and analyzes the supply chain and fan-out packaging market landscape. In addition, this report provides a market forecast for the coming years and estimates future trends. FO packaging has evolved from a low-end packaging technology into a high-performance integration platform, with growing adoption in the HPC , networking, automotive, and high-end mobile markets. One of the major market trends driving fan-out packaging technology is large die partitioning into chiplets and heterogeneous integration. Fan-out is a cost-effective platform that enables high-bandwidth and high-density die-to-die interconnections through RDL -based processes. UHD FO will take market share from Si Interposers in the future through innovative FO-on-substrate and FO-embedded bridge solutions. TSMC is the market leader in high-performance FO solutions for high-end computing, networking, and HPC applications. ASE, SPIL, Samsung, JCET, Amkor, PTI, TFME, and Nepes are developing similar solutions with huge potential to compete. Though core FO is the primary OSAT market, the main developments are in HD and UHD FO technologies. FOPLP has been hyped as the solution for the widespread adoption of FO, especially for large package sizes. However, it still presents technical challenges, and there is a lack of demand to achieve the desired cost benefit. Yole Intelligences semiconductor packaging team invites you to follow the technologies, related devices, applications, and markets on www.yolegroup.com. Coroners across Indiana are poised to begin testing the corpses of apparent opioid overdose victims for the drug xylazine. Xylazine, also known as "Tranq," is a sedative and pain reliever primarily used in veterinary medicine that's increasingly being cut into supplies of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin, putting users of those substances at a higher risk of suffering fatal drug poisoning. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, xylazine and fentanyl mixtures have been identified in 48 of the 50 states, including Indiana, and xylazine was found in 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized last year by the DEA. Xylazine is not safe for human use and may result in serious and life-threatening side effects similar to those commonly associated with opioid use, making it difficult to distinguish opioid overdoses from xylazine exposure, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA recommends health care providers continue to administer naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses but to also consider xylazine exposure as a potential cause if patients do not respond to naloxone. Spurred by state Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, the Indiana General Assembly decided to go one step further by mandating in House Enrolled Act 1286 that coroners in all 92 counties test apparent opioid overdose victims for xylazine. "Xylazine is being laced into fentanyl and heroin. We know this is happening in Pennsylvania. We believe it is happening in Michigan," Meltzer said. "In the last seven months, it's become clear that this issue is now here in Indiana as well." Meltzer said some coroners already are testing for xylazine while others are not. She said getting every coroner to do it will help Indiana figure out how widespread xylazine is throughout the state and how many Hoosiers are dying from the drug. "Hopefully next year, once we have the data, we can come up with solutions to help those individuals who are addicted and to hopefully save lives," Meltzer said. Abbi Raben, representing the Indiana Coroners Association, recently told the Senate Committee on Local Government that coroners already are testing for xylazine about 90% of the time it appears warranted and that there shouldn't be much of an extra cost or administrative burden to do it every time. "The coroners fully support this legislation," Raben said. The xylazine testing mandate was approved 49-0 in the Senate on Monday and previously endorsed 96-0 by the House. It now goes to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law. Meet the 2023 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores Firefighters across Indiana soon will know if their protective equipment contains substances that may cause cancer. On Monday, the Senate voted 49-0 to send House Enrolled Act 1341 to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law. It previously passed the House, 96-0. The legislation mandates all firefighting gear purchased in Indiana beginning July 1, 2024, include a permanently affixed label indicating whether it contains PFAS. PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are used in firefighting equipment because they're heat- and moisture-resistant. But the chemicals also can be absorbed through the skin, causing cancer and other health issues, studies show. Under the plan, PFAS could continue to be used in Indiana firefighting gear. The state-mandated label simply would let firefighters know if PFAS are in their equipment and perhaps encourage fire agencies to seek out non-PFAS options. "Hoosier firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day and it's great to see Indiana doing more to support them," said state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, the sponsor of the proposal. It was cosponsored by state Sens. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell; and Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago. Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park Cleveland-Cliffs was named a GM Supplier of the Year for the sixth straight year. Detroit-based GM, one of the Big Three automakers in the United States, recognized its leading suppliers at its recent 31st annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. Cleveland-Cliffs dedication to serving the automotive industry is at our deepest core, and we remain committed to our position as the leading automotive steel supplier in North America," Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said. "Our acceptance of this award for the sixth straight year is great recognition for everything we do company-wide to have this leadership position from product quality, to customer service, to innovation." The award honors top suppliers who exceed its requirements, including in quality and technology. They are recognized based on criteria like quality, launch, supply chain, total enterprise cost innovation, engineering, communication, transparency and safety. "We are grateful for our partnership with General Motors, and look forward to continuing our track record of consistent performance delivering the best quality products exactly when needed, without ever having supply chain disruptions," Goncalves said. A mining company and a vertically integrated steelmaker, Cleveland-Cliffs employs 27,000 people in North America, including 7,500 workers in Northwest Indiana. It consolidated much of the remaining integrated steel production in the United States in order to focus the American automotive sector, historically one of the biggest customers of Northwest Indiana's steel mills. NEW BUFFALO Whether to allow the sale of marijuana in New Buffalo is now up to the City Council to decide. The New Buffalo Planning Commission voted 3 to 1 recently to recommend approval of a zoning ordinance specifying where marijuana shops can locate in the city. City Manager Darwin Watson said the council will begin the process next month of deciding whether to grant final approval to the proposed zoning ordinance, which would legalize the sale of marijuana in the city. Unless amended, the zoning ordinance would allow marijuana shops to locate in select locations primarily on the far east and far south sides of the city. Communities were given the option to allow for the sale of marijuana after voters statewide in 2018 chose to make the drug legal for retail distribution in Michigan. New Buffalo decided not to allow for the sale of marijuana but started considering it after taking a survey that disclosed registered voters in the city, by about a 2 to 1 margin, favored legalizing marijuana. Planning Commission Chairman Paul Billingslea said he believes the proposed zoning ordinance accomplishes what he and his colleagues set out to do. That was to follow the wishes of citizens while not allowing marijuana to be sold in locations highly visible to the general public, such as downtown. We tried to develop a zoning plan that keeps this on the edge of town in areas that are not highly occupied right now. We think this strikes the best balance, he said. Specifically, the proposed ordinance prohibits marijuana dispensaries from being within 1,000 feet of a school or church or adjacent to residentially zoned areas. The sale of marijuana would also be prohibited within the citys central business district. It probably captures what we discussed previously, said Planning Commission member Roxanne Rau. Its exactly what we discussed, said Debbie Schmidt, another member of the commission. Voting against the favorable recommendation was Mark Joseph, who believes allowing for the sale of marijuana would be a mistake. Joseph said marijuana is not viewed as seriously as it once was, but it still poses a risk to the physical and mental health of users. He also pointed to studies that show higher motor vehicle accident rates in communities where its legal. He said that legalizing marijuana sets a bad example for youth. Im from the generation that saw marijuana make the leap from the underbelly of society to being accepted. Ive seen too many people who have used it as a gateway drug and helped bury a couple of them, Joseph said. Mayor John Humphrey said the City Council could make some minor changes, like requiring marijuana shops be a certain distance from each other, before voting on the proposed zoning ordinance. Humphrey said the council will also review the regulations governing the operation of marijuana shops in Michigan before deciding whether to allow it to be sold here. Theres still a lot of discussion to be had. Thats where were at, he said. Watson said the earliest the council can begin the final decision-making process is during its next regularly scheduled meeting April 17. He said the matter could be decided in July or August if there are no delays in the process, which require public hearings on the proposed ordinance prior to a vote. The retail sale of marijuana is already legal in nearby communities such as Three Oaks, Buchanan and Niles. Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week Boys Class 4A Semi-State basketball semi-finals Boys Class 4A Semi-State basketball semi-finals 031923-spt-bbk-jeffsemi_12 031923-spt-bbk-jeffsemi_2 Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Crown Point's St. Patrick's Day parade Lake Central students go bald for charity Lake Central students go bald for charity Going bald for a cause Bald for a Cause in Crown Point Bald for a Cause in Crown Point Appeals on Wheels comes to Andrean High School Appeals on Wheels comes to Andrean High School Appeals on Wheels comes to Andrean High School Tolleston Opportunity Hub Tolleston Opportunity Hub Radio-controlled flyers take to the sky at the Sparta Dome Radio-controlled flyers take to the sky at the Sparta Dome Radio-controlled flyers take to the sky at the Sparta Dome Radio-controlled flyers take to the sky at the Sparta Dome Radio-controlled flyers take to the sky at the Sparta Dome LOFS fire force looks for, trains recruits LOFS fire force looks for, trains recruits LOFS fire force looks for, trains recruits Gallery HTML code United Auto Workers presidential challenger Shawn Fain has declared victory in what his backers are hailing as a "historic breakthrough for the labor movement." Fain, who first joined the UAW at a plant in Kokomo in downstate Indiana, leads incumbent Ray Curry by 483 votes or more than the outstanding number of challenged ballots, which would make his victory a mathematical certainty even in the improbable event if all the remaining ballots favored Curry. The court-appointed court monitor has yet to officially certify the results of the election. The race between the two was so narrow it lead to a runoff election. The vote count dragged on as many ballots were challenged often on the basis of eligibility, such as if members paid their dues and were in good standing. I want to thank each and every member who cast a vote in this historic first direct election of our top leadership. This election was not just a race between two candidates, it was a referendum on the direction of the UAW," Fain said. For too long, the UAW has been controlled by leadership with a top-down, company union philosophy who have been unwilling to confront management, and as a result, weve seen nothing but concessions, corruption and plant closures." It's the historic first direct election of UAW international executive board members after a corruption scandal that resulted in several union leaders being convicted of accepting bribes and stealing union funds. Auto workers, including those at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant of the far South Side and the Chicago Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, voted in a referendum to allow for a direct election. The reform slate UAW Members United ousted the administration caucus that has long held power. Its candidates ran on a platform of not being in bed with automakers, not accepting concessions and not taking bribes. They've pledged to eliminate the two-tier system of paying junior workers less for the same work, which automakers have pushed as a way of controlling labor costs. "While the election was close, it is clear that our membership has long wanted to see a more aggressive approach with our employers," Fain said. "We now have a historic opportunity to get back to setting the standard across all sectors, and to transform the UAW into a member-led, fighting union once again, and we are going to take it. The future of the working class is at stake. Auto workers also elected UAW Members United candidates Margaret Mock as Secretary-Treasurer, Rich Boyer and Mike Booth as Vice Presidents, LaShawn English as Region 1 Director and Brandon Mancilla as Region 9A Director. Independent reform candidate Dave Green also was elected as Region 2B Director. It is now time for all UAW members to focus on the important work ahead of us. Both the leadership and the membership is ready to reverse concessions in bargaining and to grow our union," Mock said. UAW Members United now holds a majority on the union's international executive board. UAWD salutes everyone who participated in this unprecedented vote. We especially applaud those who made a clean break with business unionism as usual. The number of members who backed reform in this run-off election is even larger than in the first round of voting," said Scott Houldieson, the chair of the Steering Committee for Unite All Workers For Democracy. We knew from numerous conversations at plants and other workplaces that there is mass dissatisfaction with the outgoing leadership of our union. Our theme 'No concessions, no corruption, no tiers' resonated with the rank and file. As the Big Three contracts expire, UAW members want to see a return to militant, fighting unionism in the tradition of the sit-downs of the 1930s. LAPORTE County police are seeking the public's help in locating a 50-year-old man wanted in two states for allegedly keeping himself busy by stealing from others. "You see, (Jeffrey S.) Glancy Sr. is 'self-employed'," LaPorte County police said. "Not the customary type of self-employment by operating a reputable business as a law-abiding entrepreneur, but he rather commandeers property belonging to others. In other words, hes a thief! "Glancy has been 'working' hard recently and as a result, hes a wanted man." He is wanted by county police on three felony and one misdemeanor theft counts, the department said. Berrien County, Michigan, also has an arrest warrant for Glancy, and the Indiana Department of Correction has issued a nationwide extraditable warrant. Glancy is described as white, 5-feet-7 and 175 pounds. He "typically conducts his 'business' operations in northern LaPorte County and southwest Michigan." Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Glancy is encouraged to provide an anonymous tip to the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team, 219-363-9623, or to Michiana Crime Stoppers, 800-342-7867. VALPARAISO The Porter County Election Board continues to deal with late campaign finance reports. Now it wants to send a message that even if the board is lenient, there will be a minimum fine. State law provides for a penalty of $50 per day, up to $1,000 plus investigative costs, for late reports unless the county Election Board unanimously waives or reduces the fine. The penalty is less for reports that need to be corrected. Porter County has an online portal for reports to be filed. Candidates or their treasurers can even update reports daily or weekly to make it easier to finish the reports near the deadline. Reports can be done on paper, too. One of the late reports the Election Board addressed at its most recent meeting was from unopposed Duneland School Board candidate Brandon Kroft. County Councilman Ronald Red Stone represented Kroft, who was out of town. Stone said Kroft bought a $1,000 ad. Kroft was prepared to pay the $1,000 fine, but Stone talked him out of it. I think it would be a bad look if nonpartisan candidates like those running for school board seats were fined, Stone said. If this was an R or a D, God love them, then fine them. Regardless of whether its his own money or not, a candidate is required to open a committee with that expense reported within 10 days, said Becky Rauch, assistant director of the countys Elections & Registration Office. He did not file it, and obviously theres no doubt about that, Stone said. We dont want to discourage anyone from running for public office, including school board, Election Board member Ethan Lowe said. He suggested reducing the fine to perhaps $100. At that point, its mostly just a cost recovery, he said. Some of what were doing is messaging here, board President Paul Rausch said. Kroft was assessed a $100 fine. Frankie Harris, who ran for Hebron School Board, was also called on the carpet for not filing the proper paperwork. Harris said she attended the workshop for candidates offered by the county but missed the part about campaign finance reporting requirements. Kenard Taylor, who created the PowerPoint presentation used for the class, said every attendee gets a printout of the slides. Harris isnt the only candidate who runs for office, loses, and incorrectly thinks thats the end. They still need to fill out the necessary reports, Rauch said. We go above and beyond to inform people and educate and train people, Lowe said. The board fined Harris $100 and asked board attorney Monica Conrad and the election staff to determine who much notifying the candidates of delinquent reports actually costs the taxpayers. Rauch said the full slate of poll workers needed for the May 2 primary is already in place. The office is lining up alternates. Early voting begins April 17. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 22 and April 29; and 8:30 a.m. to noon on May 1. Locations include Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway; North County Government Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road in Portage. Valparaiso Fire Training Center, 355 Evans Ave. in Valparaiso, and Porter County Administration Building, 55 Indiana Ave., Suite 102A, in Valparaiso. PHOTOS: Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in Porter County officials sworn in In January, Dr. David Vogel from the Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) Visiting Physicians Clinic performed a procedure that, he said, would ordinarily require travel to accomplish. Working between many cities, Vogel said in a press release issued by CCH on March 15 that with the facilities at CCH, there's no need to leave town for most procedures, and this vascular procedure was one example. Misty Liss, director of the visiting physicians clinic said that, while the procedure itself is relatively commonplace in other communities, the hospital is excited because they are capable of doing the procedure locally and keeping their patients. "To have a patient be able to stay in town, close to home, their family members able to be there with them during those surgeries and be able to take them home afterward, Dr. Vogel brings that to Columbus for our patients," Liss said. The patient, Maria Casanova, of David City, underwent an angiogram atherectomy, a procedure to remove plaque from one's arteries, and an angioplasty, using a small balloon to smooth out the artery after. The artery was 95% clogged and Dr. Sabu George recommended she see Vogel for this procedure at the visiting physicians clinic. The Columbus Telegram spoke to Vogel about this procedure and its significance to the Columbus area. Question: Why are you excited about this procedure? Answer: I think the big deal is that we as providers can now do procedures at these more rural-based hospitals because they have the resources to support modern day surgery. For me thats a huge deal because I'm a small-town person myself and if we can keep the procedure in the communities, not only does it add to their ability for their hospitals to continue to grow and be financially more stable, it keeps the patient from having to drive an hour and a half or two hours somewhere to get a procedure thats completely outpatient, to drive home later that evening after sitting in the hospital all day. It's really nice to be able to start doing more and more procedures in the smaller hospitals that I work in. Q: What's new or different about this particular procedure? A: This is something I've been doing for 12-plus years at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, I did most of my stuff out there for seven years, I've been independent this year and then I've been doing stuff like this in my own surgery center for four-and-a-half or five years. This is stuff that doesn't need to be done at some major hospital, that's the first thing people have to realize. It's not novel that these things are done, it's just novel that we can start doing these procedures at hospitals that didn't necessarily in the past have all the support mechanisms and latest greatest technology. When Columbus put in a new cath (cardiac catheterization) lab, a fully functional operating room, I'm able to use that facility to do angiographic-based procedures here. Q: What drew you toward this part of the medical field? A: During my training in general surgery I kind of fell in love with the vascular side of surgery and that's kind of where my passion has become. Over the 12 years of my practice evolving, I spend a lot of time getting wounds to heal on people's legs, keeping people's legs on them that 15 years ago would have been amputated. In an average week I'm doing between six and 12 arterial interventions and at least half of those have to do with people that have wounds on their feet or gangrenous toes. Most are diabetic and a lot have seen other providers and been told there's nothing they can do. Dr. Vogel is at the clinic after 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. CROWN POINT Trial proceedings began Monday with jury selection for a Chicago man accused of armed robbery who was previously found guilty of murder but had his conviction overturned. Gerald Reed, 59, was sentenced to life in prison in connection with two murders in 1994. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker commuted his sentence and released him from custody in 2021, and the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction later that year. Reeds conviction was overturned due to allegations that he was beaten by Chicago detectives during questioning, according to reporting from The Chicago Tribune. The Tribune reported that Cook County prosecutors said Reed went on a crime spree that spanned Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois after he was released from prison. Reed is on trial for allegedly robbing one woman and attempting to rob another at the 1100 Fifth Ave., Hammond, Walmart on Sept. 29, according to charging documents. Reed was charged with attempted armed robbery, armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and resisting law enforcement, according to court records. Reed approached a woman with a gun in his hand and demanded her car keys, and when she told him no, he said, Do you want me to shoot you here? according to a probable cause affidavit. The woman called for help and Reed ran away, records stated, but he then approached another woman and demanded her car keys and wallet. Charging documents show that Reed then fled the Walmart but officers found him at a Lukes gas station off Roby Drive. Police later found a black Taurus 9 mm pistol underneath a red SUV at the gas station, according to court records. The serial number of the handgun matched a gun that was reported stolen to Chicago police by Reeds roommate in his halfway house, the records said. Reed was also charged in connection with a Wisconsin robbery at Kenosha Water Utility and an Illinois robbery in Chicago suburb Hoffman Estates, according to the Chicago Tribune and Kenosha News. LAKE COUNTY Three people were injured, including a young girl, after a car stopped on Interstate 65 after running out of gas just south of Crown Point, state police said. Another driver rear-ended the vehicle after not having enough time to react or get out of the way, Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said. The two-vehicle crash took place in the northbound lanes of I-65 at the 243-mile marker between Lowell and Crown Point at about 4:30 p.m. Monday. A driver headed northbound on I-65 abruptly stopped in the middle of the highway after allegedly running out of gas, Fifield said. The car directly behind her was able to swerve out of the way at the last minute, but the pickup truck behind that one did not have time to move and hit the vehicle directly in the back bumper, he said. Both drivers and a little girl who was a passenger in the pickup truck were injured in the crash, Fifield said. All three were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital in Crown Point, he said. "The little girl was hurt pretty badly," he said. Indiana State Police troopers have previously encountered the driver who stopped in the middle of the highway earlier Monday, Fifield said. The quality of their lives is directly impacted by our elected officials attitude about compliance with federal laws which protect their civil rights," Torres said in the news release. Too often, equal access is little more than an afterthought, and as a result many people are unable to fully participate in their community. Our elected officials can set the tone and send a message that would allow valuable citizens the same opportunities as everyone else. Renae Jackson, a counselor-advocate for Everybody Counts, said the discussion will be an opportunity for residents to ask candidates what their plans are for making public transit, housing and education more accessible throughout the city. Seniors and people with disabilities were particularly impacted by the recent pandemic, and in fact still are, said Lorrell Kilpatrick, program manager with Everybody Counts. We need to be better prepared to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are not left out of the planning process. The event will be livestreamed on the Every Body Counts Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EverybodyCountsCIL. For more information, contact Kilpatrick at lkilpatrick@everybodycounts.org or call 219-769-5055. The Hilltop Organized Citizens group hosted a debate among the Gary Common Council at-large candidates last Saturday. Hilltop will host a debate among the mayoral candidates April 29 at 3 p.m. in Indiana University Northwest's Bergland Auditorium, 3400 Broadway. Season 2, Episode 4: Chapter Twelve Life, like a murder case, has its ups and downs. First, the down: Perry, Paul and Della have learned that the brothers Mateo and Rafael Gallardo have been lying and did indeed murder Brooks McCutcheon. Now, the up: Perry, Paul and Della all hooked up. Call it a glass-half-full situation. First, lets focus on the amorous success of our three heroes. Della scores with her screenwriter inamorata, Anita, at Anitas retreat in Palm Springs. Paul and his wife, Clara, carve out a little alone time during a rare 40-minute stretch when theyre alone in their crowded house. (Her sultry dance to Louis Armstrong proves persuasive.) And Perry seems downright stunned to discover the fetching schoolteacher Miss Aimes at his door during the small hours. Miss Aimess visit caps off the miserable days during which Perry learned of the Gallardos guilt, which stretch into a long night during which he briefly takes Lydell McCutcheons prize racehorse out for a joyride as retaliation for the negative headlines McCutcheons pals have been planting about him in the press. (No one does pointlessly petty like Perry.) It all culminates when Perry shows up at school to pick up his son and winds up socking another parent for calling him Maggot Mason, per the nickname generated by the radio firebrand Fighting Frank Finnerty (John DiMaggio). Is it reasonable to assume that decking that dude is part of what attracts Miss Aimes to Perry? Ive never known an educator to respond to an outburst of violence on school grounds by thinking, Ooh, that guys a catch! Perhaps its Perrys willingness to stick up for himself, and by extension his clients guilty or not, theyre the victims of vituperative racism among the citys chattering class that revs her engine. Either way, we officially have ourselves another new love interest for one of our legal eagles. The attacker who fatally shot three children and three staff members at a Nashville school on Monday was identified as a former student at the school who the police said appeared to have written a manifesto about the attack and drawn maps of the campus. The shooter, identified as Audrey E. Hale, was killed by police officers who responded to the shooting at the Covenant School, a small, private Christian school that is attached to a church and serves children from pre-school through sixth grade. The Nashville police chief, John Drake, said the police had found maps of the school that were drawn in detail and which noted the location of school surveillance cameras, entry points and other features. He said the police were in touch with the shooters father, and that it was not immediately clear when the assailant had attended the school. The attacker entered the school by shooting through one of the doors, the authorities said, and was armed with three guns, including an AR-style rifle, an AR-style pistol and a handgun. At least two were purchased legally in the Nashville area, the police said. The assailant was prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement and prepared to do more harm before being killed, Mr. Drake said. There was confusion about the gender identity of the assailant in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Officials used she and her to refer to the shooter, and Chief Drake said that the assailant identified as transgender. Kristin Mumford, a police spokeswoman, said that the shooter had been born female but listed male pronouns on a LinkedIn profile, which suggested that the suspect was a transgender man. That profile had been active in recent months, with the user reacting to two posts about other peoples career updates. In response to a reporters question about whether the attackers gender identity was connected to the shooting, Chief Drake said, Were investigating all the leads. The attacker was an illustrator and graphic designer who had studied at the Nossi College of Art and Design, according to a former teacher and an online portfolio. She just always was a kind of quiet girl but was very serious about her work, said Steve LaSuer, an instructor at the school who had taught the attacker in a design and composition in 2015 or 2016. Mr. LaSuer said he had been stunned by Mondays developments. Its blown me away, he said. The online portfolio included illustrations related to businesses around Nashville, including logos and splashy advertisements for a restaurant, a toy store and a video company. Beginning last May, the shooter worked as a shopper for a grocery delivery company, according to a LinkedIn profile. Kitty Bennett and Kirsten Noyes contributed research. As a spokesman for the Nashville Police wrapped up a news conference on the mass shooting at an elementary school, an exasperated mother stepped up to the cluster of microphones and cried out: Arent you guys tired of covering this? Ashbey Beasley said she and her young son were at the scene of another mass shooting just nine months earlier, at a Fourth of July parade in their town of Highland Park, Ill. Demonstrating how frequent such shootings have become, her family happened to be on a vacation in Tennessee visiting her sister-in-law on Monday when yet another shooting took place in their vicinity, this one claiming the lives of three children and three adults. How is this still happening? How are our children still dying, and why are we failing them? she said to the reporters gathered. We have to do something, she added, urging people to call their representatives. This is going to keep happening. Its going to be your kid and your kid and your kid and your kid next because its just a matter of time. Ms. Beasley said that since surviving the shooting in July, which left seven dead and more than 30 injured, she had been lobbying for gun safety legislation in Washington, meeting with more than 130 lawmakers. In an interview with ABCs Nightline that month, she described how her son, who was then 6, seemed to freeze with fear when the shots rang out and the panicked crowd began running to safety. The mother and son werent hurt. He wouldnt run, she said. He cowered and screamed he didnt want to get shot, he didnt want to die. The look on his face was indescribable, she recounted. It was such a sheer primal sense of terror. WASHINGTON In the 48 hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reluctantly delayed his effort to overhaul the Israeli judiciary, his government was bombarded by warnings from the Biden administration that he was imperiling Israels reputation as the true democracy at the heart of the Middle East. In a statement on Sunday night, soon after Mr. Netanyahu fired his defense minister because he had broken with the government on the judicial overhaul, the White House noted that President Biden had told Mr. Netanyahu by phone a week ago that democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Major changes to the system, Mr. Biden said, must only be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support. The statement was striking because in normal times, the standard line for a White House whether Democratic or Republican is that Washington does not interfere in the internal politics of its allies. That has never truly been the case; it interferes all the time, usually behind the scenes. But in this case, Mr. Biden and his advisers dropped all pretenses, putting themselves publicly at odds with Mr. Netanyahu, even though he cast himself in conversations with administration officials as a man desperately looking for compromise. It has been nearly 11 years since the Supreme Court ruled that states did not have to expand Medicaid the government health insurance program for low-income people under the Affordable Care Act. Nearly half the states opted out. More recently, progressives have helped to expand Medicaid in seven states all of them with either Republican-controlled or divided governments by putting the question directly to voters; in November, South Dakota adopted Medicaid expansion via the ballot box. But getting Republican elected officials to abandon their opposition to expanding the program has not been easy. The last state where a Republican-controlled legislature voted to expand Medicaid was Virginia, in 2018. The governor at the time was a Democrat, Ralph Northam. The battle over Medicaid has been particularly intense in North Carolina. Supporters of expansion conducted hundreds of Moral Mondays protests at the State Capitol. In 2014, the Republican mayor of a town that lost its hospital walked all the way to Washington to build support for expansion. Mondays bill signing leaves just 10 states all with divided or Republican leadership, and most of them in the South that have yet to expand Medicaid. Advocates say they now have their sights set on Alabama, where Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, can expand her states program with her own authority. In North Carolina, there are various reasons for Republicans recent change of heart. Much of the opposition in the state and elsewhere has been both ideological and partisan a reflection of Republicans deep distaste for Mr. Obama. But it is now clear that the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is here to stay. Republicans in Washington have been unable to repeal the law and appear to have largely given up fighting it, helping to pave the way for expansion in North Carolina. LONDON When the World Bank released its latest damage assessment of war-torn Ukraine last week, it announced that the price of recovery and rebuilding had grown to $411 billion. What it didnt say, though, was who would pay for it. To Ukraine, the answer seems obvious: Confiscate the roughly $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets that Western banks have frozen since the invasion last year. As the war grinds on, the idea has gained supporters. The European Union has already declared its desire to use the Kremlins bankroll to pay for reconstruction in Ukraine. At the urging of a handful of Eastern European and Baltic nations, the bloc convened a working group last month to assess the possibility of grabbing that money as well as frozen assets owned by private individuals who have run afoul of European sanctions. In principle, it is clear-cut: Russia must pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine, said Swedens prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, who holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ukraine has begun receiving the bulk of the advanced battle tanks it has been promised by its Western allies. Germany has delivered Leopard 2 battle tanks it agreed to provide Kyiv, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany said on Monday. And Ukraines defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, said his armed forces had also welcomed a new addition to our armored units Challenger tanks from Britain. It is a highly anticipated delivery of advanced equipment as Ukraine prepares for an expected spring offensive. The German-made Leopard 2 is more advanced than the Soviet-era tanks that Ukraine has relied on in battle so far. Leopard tanks have been used by the German Army for decades and by the militaries of more than a dozen other European nations. That includes Poland, which had already delivered Leopard tanks to Kyiv after prodding its allies to provide more advanced equipment to Ukraines military. Little more than a year ago, it seemed that the political career of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving leader, was all but over. Out of power, he was struggling to maintain relevance. State prosecutors had offered his lawyers a plea deal that would have let him avoid jail in his ongoing corruption trial, in exchange for leaving politics for seven years. The negotiations fell through, the trial continues, and Mr. Netanyahu, who denies the corruption charges, instead ended last year as prime minister for the third time. It cemented his reputation as a magician who can escape any political straitjacket. On Monday night, Mr. Netanyahu tried to pull off a similarly dexterous maneuver. After charging ahead for weeks with a deeply contentious judicial overhaul that has unpicked the seams of Israeli society, Mr. Netanyahu sought to find another escape hatch. This loose arrangement seemed to work until Celia launched her foundation. Shed been away from the sculptures for so long that she asked to shadow Val for two weeks, to get reacquainted with their dynamics and his own work. He agreed, then demanded $10,000; he admitted this was to scare her off. When Celia mentioned a few sculptures shed requested years earlier, Val said they were gone. Hed split the proceeds only with Lesta, the sister who lived nearby. Celia hired a lawyer, battling Val over what belonged where until they settled in 2016. Celia and Lesta received 73 of the remaining 92 Sonambients. Val kept the barn, their childhood home, the workshop, and the other 19 sounding sculptures. Val described the day he spent crating his fathers sculptures as emotionally swirling, like a hurricane. For Celia, it was a knife in the belly. Lesta watched from the sidelines, telling them they were again behaving like children. A DECADE AGO, Bertoias musical legacy found an unexpected champion. John Brien is the owner of Important Records, a Massachusetts-based label that had documented the experimental recesses of international musical scenes for a dozen years, like harsh noise from Japan and New Zealand and graceful drones from England and Australia. He knew of Bertoias chairs and even kept a photo of the designer above his desk. He was embarrassed when he stumbled on a link to Bertoias music in 2012; how had he missed it? There was nothing I could compare it to, Brien said. I wanted to know as much as I could. Brien pitched the idea of a box set to the Bertoias, who consented despite the lawsuit. He began visiting the barn, where Harrys Sony microphones still hung, to collect photos, slides and sketches. Released in 2016, the 11-disc Sonambient was the first compilation of Harrys albums. When the luminous soprano Lise Davidsen released her first solo album several years ago, she faced criticism over her repertoire. Chiefly, that while she was just in her early 30s she had chosen to record Strausss autumnal Four Last Songs. In an interview then, her characteristic geniality gave way to exasperation. It pisses me off a little bit that you have to be a certain age to feel certain feelings, she said. Teenagers have all those feelings, and more, in a day. With more measured calm, she added: But I do believe that Im entitled to take on those feelings, to take on the difficulties in life. Thats our job in opera. She challenged doubters again on Monday when Strausss Der Rosenkavalier returned to the Metropolitan Opera with Davidsen, 36, making her role debut as the Marschallin a character more typically portrayed by seasoned grandes dames. So much so that this production, by Robert Carsen, opened in 2017 as a vehicle for Renee Flemings farewell to the role. Bill Zehme, whose biographies and magazine profiles humanized the celebrities he described as intimate strangers the shy, succinct Johnny Carson; the blank Warren Beatty; Frank Sinatra, whose battle cry was fun with everything, and I mean fun! died on Sunday in Chicago. He was 64. His partner, Jennifer Engstrom, said the cause was colorectal cancer. Mr. Zehmes biography of Mr. Sinatra, The Way You Wear Your Hat: Frank Sinatra and the Lost Art of Livin (1997), was a best seller. He also shared the author credit on best-selling memoirs by Regis Philbin (Im Only One Man! in 1995 and Who Wants to Be Me? in 2000) and Jay Leno (Leading With My Chin in 1996). His other books included Intimate Strangers: Comic Profiles and Indiscretions of the Very Famous (2002), Lost in the Funhouse: The Life and Mind of Andy Kaufman (1999) and Hefs Little Black Book (2004), a stream-of-consciousness collaboration with Hugh M. Hefner, the founder and publisher of Playboy magazine. Chinas Alibaba Group said on Tuesday that it would become a holding company with six different business groups, in a major reshuffle that signaled the potential breakup of the countrys biggest e-commerce firm. Alibaba described the restructuring as the most significant organizational overhaul in its 24-year history. It said each unit would have its own chief executive and board of directors to allow for quicker decision-making. The units will be allowed to seek outside capital with an eye toward eventual initial public offerings. Only its China e-commerce unit, Taobao Tmall Commerce Group, will remain a wholly owned Alibaba entity. Alibabas U.S.-listed shares rose more than 14 percent on Tuesday. The experience of Alibaba, an internet conglomerate with a variety of businesses that include online shopping and cloud computing, has become a cautionary tale for the cost of challenging Chinas ruling Communist Party and the extent of Beijings campaign to curb the power of its technology giants. In 2015, when Shangqiu, a municipality in central China, laid out a plan for the next two decades, it positioned itself as a transportation hub with a sprawling network of railways, highways and river shipping routes. By the end of 2020, Shangqiu had built 114 miles of high-speed rail, and today several national railways make stops in the city. By 2025, Shangqiu expects the coverage of its highway network to have increased by 87 percent. The city is building its first two airports, three new highways and enough parking space for 20,000 additional slots. The infrastructure splurge is far from over. On Feb. 23, the Shangqiu Communist Party secretary reiterated the citys vision as a logistics power when celebrating a new partnership with a state-owned investment firm, which could help Shangqiu borrow money for even more projects. That morning, the citys bus operator announced that it would have to suspend services because of financial difficulties. The pandemic had hit it hard, the company said, and the Shangqiu government hadnt provided subsidies that it had promised. As a result, the company had not paid its employees for months it couldnt even afford to charge its electric buses. A few hours after posting its announcement, the company deleted it, after it had made national headlines and the Shangqiu government had intervened. In some cases, federal inspectors have gone into a store to demand that a hazard be fixed, only to find in a follow-up visit that the problem was still there, according to two federal officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the violations. The fines represent a tiny fraction of the billions of dollars in sales that Dollar General generates every year. And until recently, the officials said, the company was not willing to engage with OSHA about resolving these issues broadly, and it has contested many of the penalties. What we have found time and time again at Dollar General stores is that there are obvious, preventable hazards that are putting workers at risk, Douglas L. Parker, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, said in an interview. The company said that we regularly review and refine our safety programs, and reinforce them through training, ongoing communication, recognition and accountability. When we learn of situations where we have failed to live up to this commitment, it added, we work to timely address the issue and ensure that the companys expectations regarding safety are clearly communicated, understood and implemented. Federal regulators faced more than two hours of intense questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday about what caused the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the red flags that went unheeded and the steps that must be taken to avoid future collapses that could rattle the United States financial system. There was bipartisan concern about the state of the nations banks that in many cases blurred the usual party lines, where Democrats want more strict oversight and Republicans call for looser regulations. But there was also a substantial amount of buck-passing and finger pointing as the officials from the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Treasury Department sought to make sense of the second largest bank failure in American history. The hearing featuring Michael S. Barr, the Federal Reserves vice chair for supervision, Martin Gruenberg, chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Nellie Liang, the Treasurys under secretary for domestic finance marked the beginning of what will be an extended inquiry by Congress and the regulators themselves into what went wrong. Regulators blamed the banks. From the outset, the regulators made clear what they believed to be the primary reason that Silicon Valley Bank failed: It was poorly managed and allowed risks to build up to the point that the bank collapsed. French financial prosecutors on Tuesday raided several of Frances biggest banks, including Societe Generale and BNP Paribas, as part of a multicountry investigation into what authorities say is one of Europes biggest tax thefts. More than 150 financial investigators and 16 local magistrates swarmed the Paris-area headquarters of the French banks, as well as the offices of HSBC Holdings, Natixis and BNPs Exane unit, in an early-morning action intended to gather evidence for an investigation of a tax avoidance scheme in which the banks allegedly bilked the French treasury out of vast sums. The raids were part of what European authorities previously described as a developing investigation that spans four continents, dozens of banks and as many as 1,500 suspects. The banks under investigation in France were allegedly involved in a scheme known as cum-cum trading, from the Latin for with-with, in which individuals pocketed hundreds of millions of euros by avoiding the payment of French dividend taxes. The French prosecutors office said in a statement that the banks raided on Tuesday had been using a strategy in which shareholders transferred stock for a short time to investors abroad to avoid paying the tax on the dividends and, in some cases, were able to get a tax refund. Investors then sold the shares back to the original owner, and the parties divvied up the savings. The government is looking to reclaim at least one billion euros, the prosecutors office said. Federal prosecutors added a foreign bribery charge to the list of crimes already pending against the FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, according to a new indictment filed in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. Federal prosecutors said that in 2021, Mr. Bankman-Fried instructed those working for him to pay a bribe of $40 million to one or more Chinese officials to help unfreeze trading accounts maintained by Alameda Research, FTXs sister company, that held about $1 billion in cryptocurrency. The bribe was paid to the unnamed Chinese officials in cryptocurrency and succeeded in getting the trading accounts unfrozen, the document said. The bribery charge was brought under the Foreign Corrupt Business Practices Act, a federal law used by the authorities to go after big corporations for paying bribes to operate in other countries. A brush fire straddling the York and Cumberland county line drew firefighters from throughout the area on Monday. The blaze, which was near the White Rock Acres neighborhood, was brought under control by midafternoon, Monroe Fire Company reported via tweet. ABC27 News reported that the fire damaged approximately 10 acres. According to York County Public Information Officer Ted Czech, the first call came in around 11:30 a.m., ABC27 reported. An initial investigation found a homeowner near the first block of Cold Springs Road was burning a pile of brush that got out of control and spread in the wooded area. In addition to Monroe, firefighters from Citizens, New Kingstown, Upper Allen and Lower Allen were among those responding. Water was also dropped on the fire from the air. Monroe Fire Company sent a Tweet at 12:40 p.m. to use caution in the area of Kuhn Road as units respond to the fire. York County dispatchers said the call for the fire came in at 11:33 a.m. at the intersection of Chain Saw Road and Green House Road in Franklin Township. No evacuations were ordered in the wooded neighborhood on the South Mountain, although smoke drifted through the development. Firefighters were on scene taking equipment up a utility break off of Kuhn Road near Oak Hill Drive in White Rock Acres. The fire reportedly was on the Dillsburg side of the mountain and firefighters were attempting to approach it from that area and from Kuhn Road and Maxelle Lane. Posted earlier on Cumberlink.com At 2:15 p.m., Monroe Fire Company sent a Tweet saying the spread of the brush fire in the area of White Rock Acres is under control. The fire company said no evacuations are indicated and people should continue to use caution as units continue to work in the area of Kuhn Road. UPDATE: The spread of the fire in the area of White Rock Acres (Kuhn Road) is under control. No evacuations are indicated. Please continue to use caution as units continue to work in the area. @ccpa_dps911 @PSPTroopHPIO @cvpublicsafety Monroe Fire Company (@MonroeFireCo25) March 27, 2023 Posted earlier on Cumberlink: Firefighters from Monroe, Citizens, New Kingstown, Upper Allen and Lower Allen fire companies are responding to a mountain brush fire on South Mountain near White Rock Acres in Monroe Township Monday afternoon. Monroe Fire Company sent a Tweet at 12:40 p.m. to use caution in the area of Kuhn Road as units respond to the fire. York County dispatchers said the call for the fire came in at 11:33 a.m. at the intersection of Chain Saw Road and Green House Road in Franklin Township. Firefighters were on scene taking equipment up a utility break off of Kuhn Road near Oak Hill Drive in White Rock Acres. The fire reportedly was on the Dillsburg side of the mountain and firefighters were attempting to approach it from both sides. When Howard Schultz of Starbucks testifies before a Senate committee on Wednesday about the companys labor policies, he will no longer be its chief executive. But his presence will underscore his continuing sway over a company he has run on and off since the 1980s. The Capitol Hill appearance, which Mr. Schultz had resisted until faced with the possibility of a subpoena, comes the week after he handed the top job to an outside recruit, Laxman Narasimhan. How much control will actually be yielded by Mr. Schultz who is still a board member and a major shareholder is unclear. He bowed out as chief executive twice before, only to reclaim the position when he felt the company had lost its way. In his most recent stint, lasting almost a year, he was outspoken in trying to blunt the progress of Workers United, which has won union elections at nearly 300 of roughly 9,300 corporate-owned Starbucks locations nationwide since fall 2021. Organizers assert that the companys reluctance to bargain and its retaliation against labor supporters have slowed the unions momentum. Mr. Schultz faces tough questioning on that point from Democrats on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, along with its chairman, Senator Bernie Sanders, who has accused Starbucks of acting illegally to suppress the union campaign. As in Japan, tapping geothermal energy has, at times, been contentious in Kenya. Indigenous rights groups have accused geothermal developers of land grabs and other abuses. Nature conservation groups worry about the damage that drilling geothermal wells thousands of feet into the ground could bring to the lions, leopards, buffalo and other wildlife in the park, in a biologically rich part of the Great Rift Valley. Still, with one in two people still lacking access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is an example of how a country can leapfrog polluting coal, oil and gas plants by building up its renewable energy capacity instead. Not every country has geothermal potential you need to be in a geological hot spot. About a 10th of the earths land surface is categorized that way. But, emerging technology to drill deeper into the earths surface could soon make more places suitable. The International Energy Agency counts geothermal energy as an important part of a global push to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, which scientists say is necessary to slow the worst consequences of climate change, from intensifying storms to deadly drought. Adequate funding for exploration and drilling will be critical to offset upfront costs, the I.E.A. says. All energy sources have their negatives, Jacques Hymans, a global energy expert at the University of Southern California, told me. But when you compare the negatives of geothermal to other energies, it seems like a good bet. Mr. Moore said he was excited about the spray becoming available over the counter because he thought it could eventually help to ease the stigma toward people who struggle with addiction people like his son Jeffrey, who died in 2015 from an overdose. Mr. Moore hadnt known about naloxone when Jeffrey was alive. Ever since, he has worked tirelessly to educate families, students and law enforcement about its lifesaving properties. Television stations run his Narcan public service announcements. Addiction and overdose fatalities are often still hushed up in Hattiesburg, Mr. Moore said. So when he learns about someone local who has just died from an overdose, he lowers the American flag over his shop and flies a purple flag at half-mast for five days. He hosts annual candlelight services for friends and families of loved ones who struggle with addiction. He takes people enrolled in inpatient rehabilitation programs out for group bike rides, and donates refurbished bicycles to those needing transportation to and from drug court. But Mr. Moore, who receives Narcan from state mental health services, also worries about the out-of-pocket price for Narcan if it is approved for open shelf sales. As much as I love Narcans existence, he said, it pains me to know what it costs an individual without insurance every time they go to buy it. So Im anxious to see it go up on Walmarts shelves, and for the competitors to come along. I want somebody to be able to buy Narcan for the price of a hamburger. Though the rise in suicidal behavior among American youths is well-established, the study underlines the gaping inadequacies in our health system, said Dr. Gabrielle A. Carlson, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Stony Brook University medical school, who was not involved in the new study. You have got a whole system failure here that is registering itself in suicidal kids, Dr. Carlson said. Parents seeking care for children, she said, encounter a series of frustrations: Clinicians who dont take insurance or arent taking new patients; crisis interventions staffed by low-paid, poorly trained workers; insurers that dont reimburse well. The hospital ends up being the place you go when all else fails, Dr. Carlson said. Could you have nipped it in the bud earlier? That is a systems-of-care problem. She added, This is playing itself out in an attention-grabbing way. The study analyzed the Kids Inpatient Database, the largest nationally representative database of pediatric acute care discharges, which includes patients under the age of 21. Mental health hospitalizations rose significantly in children between the ages of 11 and 14, but they declined in younger and older age groups during the same 11-year period. Girls became a larger portion of mental health hospitalizations, rising to 61.1 percent in 2019 from 51.8 percent in 2009. Hospitalizations for suicidal behavior rose to 129,699 in 2019 from 49,285 in 2009. I collapsed on a bed, exhausted after 23 hours of travel. When I awoke, at 12:30 a.m., I looked around. I had three beds to myself. Cable TV. A heated toilet. Luxuries far beyond what my wife and I enjoy in our two-room apartment 75 minutes away. Most of all, an unexpected kind of freedom: Nobody could reach me; there was nowhere else I could be. I could spend all day in my pajamas, if I so wished, binge-watching the N.F.L. playoffs for 138 straight hours. As I positioned myself perfectly on the windowsill, I saw a giant Ferris wheel lit up in rainbow colors, radiant in the dark. We all know that a holiday means liberation from your habits as much as from your home; even in a place not far from where you live, you have the chance to be someone different from the self you know too well. And to see the world you thought you knew afresh. No tickets to buy, no itineraries to fret over. No visas, no injections, no fancy clothes, no people to impress. Id been living near Osaka for 34 years, but now, for the first time ever, I was getting to see a small part of it from within. So why not make the most of even an enforced staycation? As Hannah Arendt noted, we cannot be free unless we recall were subject to necessity. When the sun came up the next morning, I noticed I was looking out on a restaurant called Joyfull, and a great expanse of blue water and blue sky. An ocean view! Outside my room, a burly security officer patrolled the corridor. A chair barred my exit. On the chair, however, three times a day appeared a bag of carefully packed goodies. Sweet tangerines and tubs of yogurt, small boxes of pasta and green-tea mochi. I learned to stockpile my salads for when I awoke, at 12:30 a.m., to save my bottles of un-English tea for post-Covid-test celebrations. In some ways, I was getting to fly across the Pacific again and again, but in a first-class suite, and without turbulence or cabin-attendant announcements. In the days that followed, I marveled at the globe-trotting energy (and annotated every chapter) of an 896-page biography of Tom Stoppard that I would never have completed otherwise. I finally saw that four-hour documentary about the Grateful Dead. Accountable to no one, I could watch every match at the Australian Open, even though my wife might otherwise have been lobbying, hard, for The Crown. When a friend sent me his 448-page memoir, he was probably surprised to receive a detailed, 21-paragraph response to every word of it the following morning. Youd expect the guy who made his debut with Hereditary, the 2018 supernatural thriller loaded with domestic possessions, shadowy shapes in corners and a fair amount of household witchery, to know about the horrors of home. And the writer-director Ari Asters version of that hell was a box in the East Village. It was like Travis Bickles apartment, but with no windows, moaned Aster, 36, going off on a recent video call about his total hovel of a pandemic lockdown. I was punishing myself. I dont know why I lived there for so long. I guess I was trying to save money, but it was a really terrible situation. Aster followed Hereditary with 2019s most ill-advised date movie, the nerve-shredding Midsommar (gaslighting boyfriends and weird Swedes). Just as the filmmaker was becoming a big deal, the world had other plans. But his time in the East Village rekindled something. His forthcoming third feature, the rippling pitch-black comedy Beau Is Afraid (in theaters April 21), begins in one of those nightmarish apartments, permeated by ravenous brown spiders, shrieks from violent neighbors and the clammy air of dead prospects. Inside lives Beau (a paunchy, failure-to-launch Joaquin Phoenix), exquisitely neurotic and justified in those anxieties. Ive heard these conspiracy theories, Dr. Fauci replied. And like all conspiracy theories, Newt, theyre just conspiracy theories. He added that while he could not say that scenario was impossible, the things youre hearing are still in the realm of conspiracy theories without any scientific basis. Dr. Daszak agreed that all the evidence says the virus crossed from animal to human either in a Wuhan market or in rural China, probably after originating in wild bats. The two men could have told Mr. Gingrich a lot more. They could have said that laboratories in Wuhan had indeed been studying bat viruses, including coronaviruses. Live bats were kept in the laboratories, and scientists occasionally carried out controversial forms of research in which viral strains are manipulated in ways that can make them more dangerous to humans. Both men worked for organizations that had a hand in moving U.S. taxpayer funds to the scientists in Wuhan Dr. Daszak had been involved with Wuhan bat research for years; Dr. Faucis emails show his staff had recently reminded him of N.I.H. funding for the coronavirus work Dr. Daszaks organization supported. They could have acknowledged that while they believed the virus had reached humans as a zoonotic spillover from animals, accidental leaks are a known lab hazard and couldnt yet be ruled out (even if the notion of using coronaviruses as a biological weapon was laughably improbable). Instead they dissembled. The near-certainty with which Dr. Fauci spoke publicly of zoonotic crossover is somewhat incongruous with his private communications from that time. He knew there was real debate he was in the thick of it. In public, he leaned hard into animal crossover; behind the scenes, he wrote that I do not know how this evolved but warned that he was concerned about distortions on social media of Covids origins. Do not misunderstand: I believe in the power of prayer. But the Christian response cant be limited to it. That assumes that all activity on behalf of the innocent lies in the hands of the almighty when the Christian Scriptures themselves suggest that God will judge us according to how we treat the most vulnerable. We should not be accountable for only the fervency of our intercession but also for the relentlessness of our actions. Taylor Schumann is a shooting survivor, wife, mom, Christian and advocate for gun reform. The author of the book When Thoughts and Prayers Arent Enough: A Shooting Survivors Journey Into the Realities of Gun Violence, she says that some people who resist gun reform do so out of fear, but they are looking at it the wrong way. The desire for gun control does not come from a place of wanting to take away something, but rather to save something else: fellow human beings, she told me. Weve tried so many things to reduce gun violence, everything except widespread gun reform. If there were another way to do it, I believe we wouldve found it by now. Ms. Schumann is right. We have not found another answer and so we are left with a question, which is: Whom do we love more, our guns or our children? My wife and I had occasion to visit Edinburgh, Scotland, last summer. Strolling along its cobbled roads, we wandered into one of the many old churches. Carved into the cool stone walls were names of those long dead. All that we could know about them was the year of their birth and the day of their passing. The life that took place in the middle was lost to history. We noticed that a few lived very brief lives, dying as children. My wife and I wondered what had befallen them illness, accident or some other tragedy? The disquiet around the death of the young echoes through the centuries. Years from now, when those of us alive today have gone the way of all flesh, others will wander through our graveyards. They will see the waves of tombstones commemorating children with not enough years between the first number and the last. But unlike those children in Scotland, the cause of those tragedies will not be a mystery. The undeniable testimony of our actions will be that our children kept dying because some of us did not love them enough. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Even Israels vehement critics might pause and marvel at what ordinary Israelis achieved this week. After weeks of mounting demonstrations against the governments judicial-reform bills, hundreds of thousands took to the streets on Sunday night proportionally, as if millions of Americans were on the march when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would fire his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for backing away from the legislation. The demonstrators were joined by labor unions, which went on a nationwide strike that shut down the countrys main airport; by diplomats, who shut down Israeli consulates and embassies; and by at least some reservists, who threatened to refuse call-up orders. This was as close to a revolution as the modern state of Israel has ever seen. On Monday, Netanyahu blinked, saying he would postpone the legislation to take a timeout for dialogue. In a better world or a younger Israel he would have resigned. As a matter of politics, he turned what should have been an electoral mandate for stability, security and economic growth into a fiasco for his own partisans. As a matter of statesmanship, he brought Israel to the brink of disaster for the apparent sake of his personal legal expediency and the ideological fixations of some of his criminal, extremist, lowlife coalition partners. Still, he blinked. That deserves a measure of respect. Yes, it isnt clear whether he means to have a genuine dialogue with the opposition or merely maneuver for tactical political advantage, and Israelis should be wary of every word he utters and every step he takes. Thank goodness that Israels civil society has forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause, for now, his attempt to impose his control over Israels independent judiciary and gain a free hand to rule as he wishes. But this whole affair has exposed a new and troubling reality for the United States: For the first time, the leader of Israel is an irrational actor, a danger not only to Israelis but also to important American interests and values. This demands an immediate reassessment by both President Biden and the pro-Israel Jewish lobby in America. Netanyahu essentially told them all: Trust the process, Israel is a healthy democracy and, in a whisper, Dont worry about the religious zealots and Jewish supremacists I brought into power to help block my trial for corruption. I will keep Israel within its traditional political and foreign policy boundaries. Its me, your old pal, Bibi. They wanted to trust him, and it all turned out to be a lie. From Day 1, it has been obvious to many of us that this Israeli government would go to extremes that none before it ever dared. With no real guardrails, it would take the United States and world Jewry across redlines they never imagined crossing, while possibly destabilizing Jordan and the Abraham Accords, eliminating hope of a two-state solution and bringing Israel in its 75th anniversary year to the edge of civil war. That is because the key to implementing the governments radical agenda was always, first, getting control over Israels Supreme Court the only legitimate independent brake on the ambitions of Netanyahu and his extremist coalition partners through a process disguised as judicial reform. State investigators have ruled out the involvement of natural gas from a utility in the explosion that leveled a house northwest of Philadelphia last year, killing five people four of them children and injuring two others. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said Tuesday that there is no evidence that public utility natural gas service contributed to the May 26 explosion in Pottstown. Investigators said PECO wasnt supplying gas to the home and the nearest gas main was near the sidewalk up from the house. The focus of any further investigation remains on the interior of the residence, but this is outside the scope of the PUCs jurisdiction, the report said. Individual propane service, which is outside the jurisdiction of the PUC, was observed in the rear of the building, the commission said. AmeriGas had said that one of its propane tanks was at the home in question. The explosion killed Francine White, 67, Alan Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, and Tristan White, 8, authorities said. Earlier this month, fire destroyed two homes that had been damaged by the blast. The cause of that March 21 blaze hasnt been announced, but fire officials have said the two events are unrelated. To the Editor: Re Heavily Armed Assailant Kills 6 at School in Nashville (front page, March 28): Mondays murder of three children and three adults in Nashville will no more likely produce effective gun regulation than any other school mass murder in America. Instead whats needed is immediate, direct citizens action. Every single teacher and college professor should be called upon to go on a one-day, nationwide strike protesting government inaction in passing and enforcing common sense gun regulation. Then at the next mass school murder, go on a two-day nationwide strike. Then at the next shooting a three-day nationwide strike. And so on. Such strikes should keep escalating until the government is compelled to pass meaningful legislation, and enforce it. Will the strikes cause much inconvenience to tens of millions of parents? Sadly, of course they will. But I believe that ultimately the vast majority of parents will side with teachers against the real villains in this national crisis: pathetically cowed, corrupt (beholden to gun special interests) government officials lacking the backbone to genuinely protect our childrens and teachers safety. Michael Northmore Staten Island To the Editor: My neck hurts a lot this morning. It started hurting as I read the morning paper and saw the story about those children and adults killed in Nashville. It is hurting because I am trying to get my head buried so deep in the sand that I can smile when my children come home from school. So that I wont make them afraid to go out in the world. I cannot keep them in a box, much as I would like to. I am afraid that I cannot keep them safe. By signing this legislation, which is the first in the nation to end corporate wokeness and critical race theory in our schools, we are prioritizing education, not indoctrination, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez said in a statement. We will always fight to protect our children and parents from this Marxist-inspired curriculum. It should be said that this movement for parents rights in Florida has empowered certain parents to remove books, films, even whole classes that threaten to expose their children to material that might make them uncomfortable. In Pinellas County, for example, a single complaint about the Disney film Ruby Bridges about the 6-year-old girl who integrated an all-white New Orleans school in 1960 led to its removal from an elementary school. In his successful 2021 campaign for the Virginia governors mansion, Glenn Youngkin made parents matter his slogan, and he has asserted parents rights in his effort to regulate the treatment of transgender children and end divisive concepts such as critical race theory in schools. His early moves included new history standards that removed discussions of racism and downplayed the role of slavery in causing the Civil War. And at this moment, Texas Republicans are debating a bill backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that, according to The Texas Tribune, would severely restrict classroom lessons, school activities and teacher guidance about sexual orientation and gender identity in all public and charter schools up to 12th grade. Texas parents, The Tribune notes, already have the right to remove their child temporarily from a class or activity that conflicts with their beliefs or review all instructional materials. This bill would further empower parents to object to books, lessons and entire curriculums. Parents rights, you will have noticed, never seems to involve parents who want schools to be more open and accommodating toward gender-nonconforming students. Its never invoked for parents who want their students to learn more about race, identity and the darker parts of American history. And we never hear about the rights of parents who want schools to offer a wide library of books and materials to their children. The outcry follows rising concerns from lawmakers and the Biden administration over whether TikTok provides sensitive data about American users to Chinese authorities. On Thursday, Mr. Chew appeared before Congress and was grilled for roughly five hours, with lawmakers questioning whether TikTok was spying on Americans on behalf of the Chinese government, endangering young people with toxic content and invading peoples privacy. Mr. Chew said TikTok had a plan to protect American user data and denied that the Chinese government controlled ByteDance. But his answers were largely met with derision by lawmakers, fueling calls for TikTok to be banned entirely from Apples and Googles app stores in the United States. The Biden administration has also pushed for TikTok to be separated from ByteDance through a sale, a move that China has opposed, or for it to try to strike an agreement with the U.S. government over data security concerns. But on TikTok itself, lawmakers concerns landed with a thud. There needs to be an age limit on congressional positions bc this was so embarrassing, one user wrote in the caption of a video posted on Friday. Many were solidly against a TikTok ban in the United States. Doctors, self-defense experts, parenting influencers and others shared videos saying they were already researching ways to maintain access to the app even if it became banned and blamed Facebook and Google for the criticism. The hashtag #TikTokBan had 1.7 billion views on Monday, up from 983 million on March 18. Many TikTok users also rallied behind Mr. Chew, who is Singaporean. They highlighted lawmakers asking the executive yes or no questions and then interrupting him. They also portrayed Mr. Chews responses as wins against uninformed lawmakers, who sometimes posed basic questions about the internet. When a parade of elephants marched by, I knew Sammy had found, well, her giraffes. She adored them from trunk to tail, couldnt get enough of their baggy skin, their majestic selves. The ones in the zoo always look so sad, she said, eyeing a steady line of impossibly graceful creatures en route to a swampy pond. But here She inhaled Pilis fact treasury: They stand thigh-deep in water to cool off. Throwing dirt is cosmetic; the dust is their moisturizer and prevents sunburn and dryness. Its also their bug spray. Sammy was especially taken with the dainty footsteps of these four-ton living tanks. Theyre silent because theres fat between their toes, she mused, entranced. Watching someone you love experience her own emotional highs is irresistible. Sharing special moments, sublime. We spent a jaw-dropping hour with a family of cheetahs mom plus four cubs frolicking in the scrub, then all climbing a dead tree so she could spot breakfast. Their sinuous, spotted bodies glowed tawny in the perfect morning light. I loved showing Sammy my Africa: the exotic medley of stripes, spots and brilliant plumage; the soft crunch of elephant trunks pulling up grass; the peach fuzz of a giraffe nose. Better yet was seeing it anew through her eyes, where babies were the stars, and where the matriarchal society of her beloved elephants embraced her growing focus on womens issues. This child whod always volunteered for my adventures had become a partner, extending her own hand. Unasked, she regularly had my back, shining her flashlight on rocky terrain so I wouldnt stumble in the dark, toting my heavy backpack along with her own. Who led whom? The decades between us melted. We proceeded to Sirikoi Lodge, a serene haven at the foothills of Mount Kenya, where we explored the lush, green Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy with Tom Hartley, whose company, Big Wild Safaris, organized our trip. Tom steered us to a group wait: a crash of rhinoceroses, with their ramrod horns and rheumy eyes, some of the 250-plus (black and white) now thriving under local programs. All over the world wildlife is endangered, and populations have reportedly dropped almost 70 percent in Africa and elsewhere since my first visit. But human encroachment and wanton poaching are being countered by smart management, as evidenced by the numerous young rhinos we saw. At Lewas main office, conservation and control are interdependent. Joy Ndinda, one of the staff members, described how they monitor, count and care for the animals with collars, ear tags and a network of rangers making rounds on foot. We are custodians of the wildlife, she said. The behind-the-scenes briefing widened our perspective, revealing critical community engagement. Sammy asked about local health care and envisioned volunteering someday at one of the clinics. Its important to understand the amount that family members can and want to pay for a group vacation, said Arleta Cosby, the chief executive of Cosby Travel Consultants, a travel agency in Virginia. If you just present a plan, some will opt out due to cost, she said, and might even be too embarrassed to disclose their discomfort, so theres little chance of addressing it for the next trip. The most important thing, her clients tell her, is to be inclusive, she said, so she suggests booking less-fancy places that everyone can afford. There can be some behind-the-scenes machinations. Ms. Fine said her in-laws began the travel tradition by inviting the extended family on an all-expenses-paid vacation. Over the years, Ms. Fines generation began paying the airfare for themselves, their children and now their childrens partners. And these days, theres more discussion about where everyone wants to go, rather than relying on an invitation from the older generation, she said. Thinking about getting the whole extended family together to make up for lost time? Here are nine tips: Start planning at least six months in advance Coordinating school and work vacations for multiple branches of a family and creating an inclusive itinerary should start about half a year before the trip, said Ms. Wirth of Insight Guides. A professional travel agent can make suggestions, track details and manage communications, she said. You dont have to book, or fly, together Groups of 10 or more may find discounted airfares, but those often come with significant change restrictions, said Ellen Regenstreif, a travel adviser who plans multigenerational trips for ProTravel International, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Its usually easier for each family branch to make its own reservations, she said. As for the sticky question of who sits where, Ms. Regenstreif counsels grandparents who want to fly business class that its OK if the whole clan isnt with them at the front of the plane. Schedule activities all can join Riding in a van with a guide and a driver for sightseeing may be easier than taking a walking tour on cobblestone streets. Elders may enjoy family time poolside or watching kids take surfing lessons if they cant join in. If grandma sleeps late, plan energetic activities in the morning and then come back and collect her, Ms. Regenstreif said. Dont try to see too much Scheduling one day of leisure for every three days of activity can give elders a chance to recharge and give young kids some downtime just to play in the hotel room, Ms. Wirth said. She also suggests spending more time at fewer places rather than aiming to see every city and site because six-hour car rides usually arent fun for anyone. Free time matters You dont all need to be doing the same things at all times, said Ms. Fine, who has gone on more than 20 vacations with her extended family. She has found that a mix lets people spend time together but also do whats important to them. Young children may get cranky in the afternoon and need a nap. So may some adults. Teens may want to shop rather than tour another museum. Some families segment the day with a group activity in the morning, free time in the afternoon and then a group dinner. The main impact is going to be very heavy snow over the Sierra Nevada mountains, said Craig Shoemaker, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Sacramento, adding that snowfall rates would most likely be in the two- to four-inch-an-hour range for much of Tuesday. As far as the valley goes, were expecting through Thursday morning anywhere from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half of rain, he said. Strong winds associated with this weather system brought gusts of up to 68 miles per hour in parts of Northern California, the National Weather Service in Sacramento said. Gusty conditions were also forecast for southern Oregon and western Nevada. Roads throughout California were also closed because of the hazardous conditions, including the Interstate 80, which was shut between the Nevada state line and Colfax, northeast of Sacramento, after multiple spinouts, the California Highway Patrol in Truckee said on Twitter. It was unclear when the highway would reopen. In Benicia, more than 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, a car flew off an overpass onto the street below, the Benicia Police Department said on Twitter, adding that no one was injured. Please slow down, the police said. In the spring of 2018, after years of bidding wars, shifting proposals and changing plans, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art broke ground in South Los Angeles. And despite many subsequent delays, pandemic-related and otherwise, the enormous scope of the project by the Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas is finally coming into focus, and the museum is slated to open sometime in 2025, my colleague Adam Nagourney recently reported in The New York Times. That may come as a surprise. My sense from the response to this story is that many people here were unaware of how far along the museum has come, and how big it is, Adam, who is based in Los Angeles, told me. As a refresher, Lucas considered building his billion-dollar museum in Chicago or San Francisco, but settled on Los Angeles, where officials were more aggressive in courting the project, which was expected to bring with it prestige and thousands of construction and museum jobs. The futuristic building, reminiscent of a low-flying spaceship, is being built on what were once parking lots in Exposition Park, across the street from the University of Southern California, Lucass alma mater. The release of police body camera video on Tuesday from the deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville the day before showed a deliberate and rapid response, one that resulted in officers shooting and killing the assailant within minutes of arriving. It also prompted immediate comparisons to the police response to the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, last year in which more than an hour passed between the arrival of officers and when they ultimately killed the gunman. But the situations that officers confronted upon arriving at each school were not the same. In each instance, officers rushed to the scene and immediately entered the school building minutes after the shooting began. In both cases, the officers who were first on the scene rushed toward the location of the gunfire, based on video released from both shooting scenes. But from that point, key differences are apparent from the available video. In the Nashville shooting, officers found the assailant firing on the second floor in an open area, appeared to have a clear shot and fired. The assailant was killed about 14 minutes after the shooting was first reported, according to a police spokesman. In Uvalde, officers located the classroom, where they believed the gunman had been firing, just three minutes after he entered the building, but the door was closed. They approached the door and tried to get a view of the gunman but could not. As they did so, he began firing through the closed door in their direction with an AR-15-style rifle, striking two officers with shrapnel and preventing them from seeing his position in a pair of classrooms full of students. The officers in Uvalde fell back at that point and, as the gunfire paused, shifted tactics to begin treating the gunman as barricaded and no longer an active shooter. From there, hundreds of officers gathered at the school. The gunman was eventually killed by a small team that entered the classroom with ballistic shields. Your refusal to do your job is revolting, Mr. Cruz snapped back. As the House G.O.P.s top target for potential impeachment charges, Mr. Mayorkas is no stranger to Republican attacks, which are expected to continue on Wednesday when he is scheduled to appear before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. House Republicans have spent the early months of their new majority making successive trips to the U.S.-Mexico border to document evidence of what they call a spiraling crisis of illegal immigration and cross-border drug trade. They have pinned the blame on the homeland security secretary, whom they accuse of being either too clueless to do anything about it or malicious in his willingness to allow it to happen. Republicans angry tirades against Mr. Mayorkas, which come as he makes the rounds on Capitol Hill this week for annual budget hearings in which he is requesting additional resources for his department, quickly overwhelmed any substantive debate on immigration. A discussion about the fentanyl epidemic that started as a bipartisan endeavor veered into partisan bickering after Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, blamed Mr. Mayorkas for American overdose deaths since he came into office. You should be fired, but you havent been fired because you were carrying out the policies of the Biden administration, and weve seen nothing but death and destruction as a result, Mr. Cornyn said. He demanded that Mr. Mayorkas apologize to these parents who lost their children because of fentanyl poisoning, because of the policies of your department and the Biden administration. Mr. Mayorkas, during the rare moments when he could get a word in, scrambled to counter the criticism with statistics. He said that customs officials had been seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry, where approximately 90 percent of such shipments enter the United States. He noted that the department was surging resources to those ports of entry to increase those interdictions. WASHINGTON A political crisis in Israel and setbacks to democracy in several other major countries closely allied with the United States are testing the Biden administrations defense of democracy against a global trend toward the authoritarianism of nations like Russia and China. President Biden will deliver remarks on Wednesday at the second White House-led Summit for Democracy, which Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken kicked off on Tuesday morning. The three-day, in-person and virtual event comes as Mr. Biden has boasted, more than once, that since he became president democracies have become stronger, not weaker. Autocracies have grown weaker, not stronger. Casting a cloud over the long-planned gathering is a move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government to weaken the power of Israels judiciary, a plan that his opponents call an existential threat to the countrys 75-year democratic tradition. TEGUCIGALPA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- People from all walks of life in Honduras applauded the establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties after the two countries signed a joint communique on Sunday. Rodolfo Pastor de Maria, secretary of the presidency, told Xinhua that it was a great honor to witness the establishment of bilateral ties, which would open an important door of opportunity for Honduras and help the country diversify its international relations. The establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic relations is an independent and courageous historic decision, and no country can ignore China's status and role as a major country in terms of economy, finance and trade, Attorney General of Honduras Manuel Antonio Diaz said. China's economy has achieved solid growth, and products made in China have been shipped to the world, said Daniel Sponda, secretary of education of Honduras, adding that the establishment of diplomatic ties with China is conducive to Honduras' development of digital skills in education. Fausto Calix, executive director of the Honduran customs administration, said that Honduras has made the decision as a sovereign country and it must be respected by the international community and China, as a major country in the world, will bring great opportunities to the development of Honduras. Armando Vidal, who has been in the tourism industry for over 20 years, is ready to welcome Chinese tourists to visit the local scenic splendours and hospitable Hondurans. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will help attract Chinese tourists to Honduras while increasing local revenues, Vidal said. Armando Enamorado, former president of the Metropolitan University of Honduras, voiced hope that the establishment of diplomatic ties will bring more Chinese technological achievements to Honduras so that Honduras can better leverage China's digital technology and other experiences to enhance the competitiveness of local students. Lawmakers in Colorado and at least six other states are proposing bills to roll back legal protections for gun manufacturers and dealers. Even with majorities in both houses of Congress during Mr. Bidens first two years in office, Democrats were unable to pass an assault weapons ban, and any effort now is almost certain to fail in the Republican-controlled House. Mr. Biden rejected questions about whether he could, or should, do more through executive actions, such as trying to keep guns out of the hands of criminals or addressing mental health issues that are often viewed as the cause of mass shootings. The Congress has to act, Mr. Biden told reporters as he headed for an economic event at a North Carolina semiconductor plant. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre; its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. And so, I think the Congress should be passing the assault weapons ban. To be clear, he said, I cant do anything except plead with the Congress to act reasonably. Speaking later at the event in North Carolina, Mr. Biden did just that, urging Congress to ban assault weapons and saying that they should try to keep weapons of war out of the hands of people who could use them to kill children and others. People say, Why do I keep saying this if its not happening? the president said. Because I want you to know who isnt doing it. Who isnt helping. To put pressure on them. Asked by an audience member for his favorite New Hampshire memory from 2016, Mr. Christie recalled a debate when he attacked Senator Marco Rubio of Florida for robotic responses; at the time, many observers said he had dealt a perilous blow to Mr. Rubio. Mr. Christie invited the audience to imagine him in the same role now against Mr. Trump in a hypothetical debate. You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco, he said. Yet for all that Mr. Christie sounded ready to enter the fray, there are unanswered questions. Unlike some other potential candidates, he has no campaign team in waiting. He has spoken to heavyweight donors at Republican retreats in Texas and Georgia, but he is not raising money because there is no campaign to give to. Most crucial is the question of whether there is a lane in the Republican primary contest for such an outspoken critic of Mr. Trump who has the avid support of about one in three primary voters. No other potential Trump rival in his party has wielded such a sharp knife as Mr. Christie. He blamed Mr. Trumps extreme divisiveness and vindictive style, along with his embrace of election falsehoods, for Republican losses in three straight cycles: the House majority in 2018, the White House in 2020 and key Senate and governors races in 2022. Particularly suburban women abandoned Mr. Trump because they had enough, Mr. Christie said. It is naive, he added, to think theyre coming back for more in 2024. Ray Washburne, who was Mr. Christies 2016 finance chairman, said the former governor wants for sure to run again. The challenge, he added, is clear: What lane does he take? Being total anti-Trump loses a base of 35 percent. MADISON, Wis. It is a judicial election like no other in American history. Thirty million dollars and counting has poured into the campaign for a swing seat on Wisconsins Supreme Court, with TV ads swamping the airwaves. The candidates leave no illusions that they would be neutral on the court. And the race will decide not only the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin, but the battleground states political direction. Yet in other ways, the contest resembles an obscure local election: There are no bus tours or big rallies. Out-of-state political stars are nowhere to be found. Retail politicking is limited to small gatherings at bars that are not advertised to the public in advance. The result is a campaign officially nonpartisan but positively awash in partisanship that swirls together the old and new ways of judicial politics in America, and that offers a preview of what might be to come. It is the latest evidence, after the contentious recent confirmation battles and pitched decisions on the U.S. Supreme Court, that judges increasingly viewed as political are starting to openly act political as well. Officials in both parties believe the Wisconsin race could lead to a sea change in how State Supreme Court races are contested in the 21 other states where high court justices are elected, injecting never-before-seen amounts of money, politicization and voter interest. A member of United States Senator Rand Pauls staff was stabbed Saturday, after leaving a Washington restaurant, by a man who had been released from federal prison 24 hours earlier, records show. The suspect, Glynn Neal, 42, of Southeast D.C., was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill, a felony. He is being held without bond, according to court records. In 2011, Mr. Neal was convicted of pandering and making threats to kidnap among other charges, and he had been released from federal prison on Friday. An attorney listed in court records for Mr. Neal could not be immediately reached. The staff member, a man who was not identified in charging documents or by Mr. Pauls office, told officers that he did not know the assailant. This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C., Mr. Paul, Republican of Kentucky, said in a statement. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy so everyone can focus on healing and recovery. In exchange, the defendants would plead guilty and offer a detailed explanation of their roles in the hijackings by 19 men who seized four commercial airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. The judge wrote on March 8 that he was disinclined to continue canceling commission hearings solely because of a lack of a decision as to these policy principles. He ordered prosecutors to notify him by April 7 of when they expected to present him with all of the proposed substitutions and redactions of evidence that the government is generating. The U.S. intelligence community considers this information too sensitive for defense lawyers and an eventual jury of military officers to see. The case has been thwarted in reaching a military trial since arraignment in 2012, as defense lawyers seek witnesses and other information from the C.I.A. about what was done to the prisoners in the so-called black sites between 2002 and their transfer to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. Rather, the focus of the pretrial proceedings has been on what, if any, evidence is untainted by torture and would be admissible in court. Terms of the proposed deal are secret, and some talks have continued since last March. Government employees with knowledge of the discussions but who are not authorized to discuss them say Biden administration lawyers are examining granular issues. For example, some of the prisoners and their lawyers want the Defense Department to agree to medical care for trauma resulting from their torture in the C.I.A. prisons, including mental and physical health care. The Navy doctor now responsible for overseeing their care testified in February that all the former C.I.A. prisoners have medical issues. WASHINGTON The Biden administration is calling for the creation of a joint tribunal in which Ukraine and international allies would try Russian leaders for crimes of aggression, but some human rights lawyers worry the plan has a fatal flaw: It might shield President Vladimir V. Putin from prosecution. Beth Van Schaack, the State Departments ambassador at large for global criminal justice, said on Monday that the administration supported the formation of an internationalized national court in which the United States and other allies would assist Ukrainian prosecutors in bringing cases against Russian leaders for the crime of aggression, or illegally invading another country. We are committed to working with Ukraine, and peace-loving countries around the world, to stand up, staff and resource such a tribunal in a way that will achieve comprehensive accountability for the international crimes being committed in Ukraine, she said during a war crimes conference at Catholic University in Washington. Even as her remarks represented one of the most emphatic statements to date indicating U.S. support for prosecuting the crime of aggression, it also underscored the challenge of seeking to hold world leaders liable for their actions while they remain in power. By also establishing clear limits on how far the administration is willing to go, Ms. Van Schaack acknowledged its reluctance to create a precedent that could pave the way for a similar court to prosecute American leaders. Critics of Russias invasion of Ukraine have debated rival proposals for holding Russian leaders accountable over the war, including establishing a hybrid court rooted in the Ukrainian system, with international elements, or creating a purely international chamber with jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. After walking down a path where enslaved people once marched in chains to waiting ships, Vice President Kamala Harris entered a dungeon in Cape Coast, Ghana, where captive women had sung songs praying for death. If nothing else, her tour guide said on Tuesday, they believed death would bring freedom. Ms. Harris, wiping her face and visibly emotional, walked outside this former slave port and connected the past to the present. The descendants of the people that walked through that door were strong people, proud people, people of deep faith who loved their families, their traditions, their culture, Ms. Harris said during her visit to the port, called Cape Coast Castle, used for the slave trade in the 17th century. Those people, she added, went on to fight for civil rights, fight for justice in the United States of America and around the world. Ms. Harris, who is on a tour of three countries in Africa Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia has been focused on promoting investments in the continent and collaboration with the United States. She has sought to showcase young artists by posting a Spotify playlist of her favorite African music and appearing with musicians at a studio in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Belarus would be willing to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory to strengthen its defense capabilities in response to what it sees as security threats from Western nations amid the war in Ukraine, the countrys Foreign Ministry said in a statement reported by the state news media on Tuesday. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia had said in an interview broadcast on national television on Sunday that he would be able to position tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a close ally, by the summer. Although analysts said the claim was likely bluster, it underscored the Kremlins willingness to use nuclear saber-rattling in an attempt to put pressure on Ukraines allies to back down from their support of Kyiv. Belta, Belaruss state news agency, reported that the countrys Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday in support of Mr. Putins move. It said that in recent years Belarus had been subjected to unprecedented political, economic and information pressure by the United States, Britain, their NATO allies and countries of the European Union. Taking into account these circumstances and the legitimate national security concerns and risks arising from them, Belarus is forced to respond in order to strengthen its own security and defense capability, the statement said, according to Belta. Military cooperation between Belarus and Russia is in strict compliance with international law, it added. LONDON King Charles III of Britain will travel to Germany on Wednesday for his first trip abroad as monarch, after strikes and protests in France led to the cancellation of his planned state visit there. During a three-day visit to Berlin and Hamburg, the king and his wife, Camilla, the queen consort, will attend a state banquet, hosted by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, at Bellevue Palace, Germanys presidential residence, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. On Thursday, Charles will address Germanys parliament, the Bundestag, and will then meet with refugees who have recently arrived from Ukraine. On Friday, Charles and Camilla will take the train to Hamburg, where they will visit a monument commemorating Kindertransport, the effort from 1938 and 1940 that brought about 10,000 Jewish children to safety in Britain from Nazi Germany. The cancellation of the France leg of the trip represented an uncomfortable moment for the countrys president, Emmanuel Macron, who had been scheduled to receive the king and queen consort in Paris on Sunday. MOSCOW The father of a 13-year-old girl was convicted by a local court in Russia on Tuesday for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces and sentenced to two years in prison, a decision whose consequence would be the loss of custody of his daughter if not overturned. But the single father, Aleksei Moskalyov, did not wait to hear the sentence: He fled his house arrest, a spokeswoman for the court in the town of Yefremov, 150 miles south of Moscow, told the local news media. The case of Mr. Moskalyov, 54, whose daughter, Maria, has been in a state-run orphanage since he was arrested this month, has garnered widespread attention because of the chilling prospect of long-term separation for father and child. Rights advocates say it also represents a new level of repression in a country where protesting is in effect banned, censorship is powerful and repression seems to escalate by the week. Mr. Moskalyovs daughter, nicknamed Masha, was placed into state care in early March, after he was detained in the town of Yefremov, 150 miles south of Moscow, for making antiwar statements on social media. She has not been able to speak to him since, according to his lawyer. As Charlottesville struggles with a spike in gun violence, the prosecutors office overseeing federal cases in the Western District of Virginia has announced over $320,000 in grant funding for projects to reduce violent crime. The grants are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a two-decade-old program recently reinvigorated by the Department of Justice. Its an excellent program that is freeing up funds for data analytics and community partnerships that were working on that cost money, Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis told the Daily Progress. Kochis said that his department would likely apply for a grant under the program, which is open not only to law enforcement agencies such as his but also to educational institutions, nonprofit groups and governmental entities. One of the first moves of the new police chief, who began his term in January, was to assign a detective to work full-time with an FBI task force. Were already utilizing federal resources, said Kochis. Were in communication with them regularly. Nationally, there has been an upsurge in gun violence. When U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke in May at a summit for Project Safe Neighborhoods, he noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported that, in 2020, Americas firearm homicide rate was the highest it had been in over 25 years. One hundred twenty-four people died from a firearm injury every day, said Garland, noting that Black males children, teenagers and adults were disproportionately victims. The Justice Department has committed to disrupting this disturbing increase in gun violence. Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County have not been immune. Gun violence has taken the lives of 14 people and injured 22 others since September of last year, according to an ongoing Daily Progress tally. In December, Markel Corevis Morton, who allegedly led four men on a Charlottesville-Albemarle crime spree that included stealing a safe filled with $50,000, got a 12-year federal sentence for armed robbery. Earlier this month, Traevon Gray, 21, and Damon Williams, 23, were each sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for an armed Albemarle home invasion. The recent grant announcement notes, however, that prosecution is merely one part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods and that the grants may fund a range of programs to reduce gun and gang violence. The announcement mentions deterrence and evidence-based programs. Kochis said the ability to work with federal officials adds a valuable tool for local law enforcement. It allows us to use investigative grand juries and other federal resources, Kochis explained. Sometimes when were tracking people involved in crimes, there are people in other jurisdictions, other states, stuff like that. The federal prosecutor who will oversee the grant program will be U.S. Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, whose announcement asserts that he will appoint a committee to distribute the money. These funding opportunities will be used by local organizations who are doing important work at the grassroots level to reduce violence in our neighborhoods, Kavanaugh said in a statement. The relationship Ive had with Mr. Kavanaugh has been excellent, said Kochis. Ive never worked with a federal prosecutor so willing and able to partner. The grant money will be distributed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. MOSCOW Aleksei Moskalyov did not wait to hear his sentence for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces on Tuesday. Years behind bars for posts on social media seemed like a foregone conclusion in contemporary Russia. So Mr. Moskalyov slipped off his geotracking ankle bracelet and fled from house arrest. In escaping, Mr. Moskalyov, a single parent, left behind not just his home but his 13-year-old daughter, Maria though even before the verdict had been read, she appeared lost to him. For the past month, the child, known as Masha, has been in a state-run orphanage, forbidden to communicate with her father. Hours after leaving, Mr. Moskalyov, whose location was not known on Tuesday, was convicted by a local court and sentenced to two years in prison over the posts, which he wrote in the wake of Russian atrocities in Bucha and elsewhere in occupied parts of Ukraine. The case has garnered national attention because of Masha. For rights advocates, the prospect of long-term separation for father and child represents a chilling new level of repression in a country where President Vladimir V. Putin in effect banned protesting, and where repression seems to escalate by the week. There is no apparent hierarchy of importance in the deck. The German-made Gepard antiaircraft gun at least three dozen of which Berlin has sent to Ukraine is the seven of spades. The six of clubs is the potent M142 HIMARS system, an American mobile launching pad for guided missiles that helped Ukraine claw back territory from Russia last summer. Frances Caesar howitzer is the two of hearts. Most, but not all, of the face cards feature American systems: the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (the queen of hearts); the M1 Abrams tank (the king of clubs); and M113 armored personnel carrier (the ace of spades). One of the jokers is the Stinger shoulder-fired missile that is manufactured by the United States, Germany and Turkey. But some of the cards may unintentionally tip the hand of states that have tried to be opaque about the materiel they are sending. The jack of hearts, for example, is an American-made UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, one of which was recently revealed to be in the possession of Ukraines military intelligence services. But the Biden administration has not disclosed that it is sending Black Hawks to the war, nor have other countries that have bought them which, according to the cards, include Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and, before the Taliban seized the government in 2021, Afghanistan. Similarly, France reportedly remains undecided on whether to send Leclercs, its main battle tanks, to Ukraine. The Leclerc is the eight of hearts in the new deck. Many of the employees who remained viewed it as their duty keep the plant running safely, while others have been more actively collaborating with the Russians, Ukrainian officials said. Mr. Kotin said a special panel has been set up to examine each case individually. Ukrainian authorities now have limited visibility into what is happening at the plant aside from the daily technical updates provided by monitors from the I.A.E.A., who have been stationed there since Sept. 1. Mr. Grossi has not commented publicly on specific reports of abuse but has repeatedly expressed concern for the physical and mental health of the workers. Mr. Murashov said he initially hoped the U.N. monitors would improve the situation. But he described the morning they arrived on Sept. 1 as one of the worst days he experienced during the occupation. Mr. Murashov got an urgent call from the nuclear power plant at 4 a.m. The Russians, who for a month had been shelling key energy lines feeding the plant, were shelling again, he was told. Another call came at 5 a.m. The alarm in Reactor No. 5 was blaring. As he raced to the station, he said, Russians started shelling the town of Enerhodar, where the plant is. He could see Russian attack helicopters flying low as he drove. We had to assess quickly what happened around and in the station, he said. They also had to prepare for the mission from the I.A.E.A. Mr. Grossi and his team arrived around 1 p.m., and Ukrainian engineers were able to give a short briefing outside the presence of the Russians. But as they started going around the station, he said, Russians took over and told the inspectors the shelling had come from Ukrainian positions. A day after widespread civil unrest forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to delay a plan to weaken the judiciary, his government and the opposition in Parliament on Tuesday began the first direct negotiations between them to reach a compromise since the plan was introduced nearly three months ago. Following a tumultuous week that saw growing dissent in the military, the firing of the defense minister, mass protests and work stoppages, emotions subsided on Tuesday. The countrys leading union called off a national strike, hospitals resumed full services after reducing them in protest, and the main airport allowed outbound flights again after putting them on hold a day earlier. Four government negotiators and eight opposition counterparts held a meeting hosted by Israels figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, at his residence in Jerusalem. Participants said the meeting was mainly procedural a preliminary effort to set ground rules for future discussions but it was the first face-to-face negotiation between lawmakers from the two sides on a dispute that has divided Israeli society more bitterly than any in recent memory. Mr. Netanyahus government wants to give itself more power over the selection of Supreme Court judges, to limit the courts ability to block government action, and to allow Parliament to overrule the courts decisions. Mr. Netanyahu and his allies say the measures would bolster democracy by freeing elected lawmakers from the meddling of unelected judges. In proposing his judicial overhaul, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has said he was restoring the balance of power between elected lawmakers and unelected judges. It is not the end of democracy, it is the strengthening of democracy, Mr. Netanyahu said last week, before a huge wave of protest and civil unrest forced him to put his proposals on hold. But Mr. Netanyahus argument obscured what was at stake, and the outpouring on the streets has in part reflected the success of his opponents in persuading Israelis that his plan actually threatened to severely undercut their countrys democracy, not strengthen it. Key to making that case has been the example of other countries in which diminishing the judiciary has become a tool for fatally wounding democracy. We have studied this dimension of so-called judicial reform in Hungary and Poland and Turkey, and we were aware of what was coming, said Yaniv Roznai, a law professor at Reichman University in the city of Herzliya who has been a staunch opponent of the plan. Kleine Johanna a 4,800-pound behemoth built almost entirely out of scrap metal, was recently acknowledged as the heaviest rideable bicycle in the world by the Record Institute for Germany, a national version of the Guinness Book of Records. Youve probably seen chunky bikes before, but surely nothing quite like Kleine Johanna. This unique contraption measures over 5 meters in length, is almost 2 meters tall, and weighs about 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg). Thats more than most sedans, so how on earth is anyone supposed to get it in motion with pedal power alone? Well, according to its creator, Sebastian Beutler, who lives in Kothen, a town in Germanys Saxony-Anhalt state, its all thanks to the truck gearbox adapted to enhance the classic bicycle gear system. Kleine Johanna has 35 forward gears and 7 reverse gears and can not only be pedaled into motion by a single person, but it can also tow up to 15 tonnes, without any problems. Photo: Record Institute for Germany Sebastian Beutler has been creating scrap metal vehicles for a very long time. When he was just a kid, he tried building himself a bicycle out of scrap, but the hobby became more of a passion over the last decade or so. Beutler became seriously ill in 2011, and he has been trying to compensate for the fact that he can no longer have a normal working life by building all sorts of outrageous metal machines. Kleine Johanna has been in the works at Sebastian Beutlers workshop for three years, and he estimates that he put around 2500 hours into the project. His family and friends tried to get him to stop working on it, but he wouldnt listen, and today he is the proud owner of the heaviest bicycle in the world. Interestingly, Kleine Johanna even has a built-in engine, but only for powering the alternator that charges the users cellphone. In terms of speed, its not going to impress anyone, and although the German tinkerer didnt reveal the bikes top speed, he did say he plans to ride to the Baltic Sea for a vacation in the summer, a 389-kilometer ride that he estimates will take him about a month to complete. The Record Institute for Germany acknowledged Kleine Johanna German for Little Joana as the heaviest bicycle in the world, and a Guinness World Records acknowledgment is probably just a matter of time. What an exciting week we had with valuable finals the order of the day. Big money events were decided in Newbridge, Mullingar, Shelbourne, Kilkenny and Galway. In all over 70k was dished out in some super racing around the tracks. The quarterfinals of the Easter Cup were the highlight in Headquarters and when you add in the reopening of Lifford dog track that has been closed for some time now, it has turned out to be a most positive week for racing. Early Week Racing Monday, in Enniscorthy, in the second round of the Future Champion and Michael Fortune Memorial Open unraced stake, eight heats with some blistering runs delivered by some well bred pups. Glengar Martha set the standard for Pat Buckley in 28.72 (20 slow) by three lengths. Toffee Man was next fastest on the clock for Peter Cronin in 28.85 (20 slow) by four lengths. Friday Racing First Offaly winner of the week was in Dundalk, in an A7 525, Carrick Aldana made it two wins from two starts for Edenderry owner Thomas Glynn in 29.18 by eight lengths with David Murray training. First final of note was in the Showgrounds with the running of the Galway Greyhound Stadium A3 stake, won last year by Headford Honey for Seamus Leahy. The 4K first prize stayed in Galway as Crafty Orlando (Skywalker Canny - Dower Bud) won in 28.79 (10 slow) for Shane Divilly by three lengths at 4/5 fav. As one stake finished in Galway another got underway with the first round of the Ann Cheevers Memorial A5 stake, won last year by Lissatouk Peggy for James McMahon. Six heats with Banker Blitz going fastest for Peadar ODwyer in 29.24 (10 slow) by five lengths at 6/4. Kilkenny hosted the final of one of their main events of the year, the Frightful Flash McCalmont Cup A1 stake, won last year by Zoom for Murt Leahy. Lynchy Boy (Confident Rankin - Boozed Bubble) proved to be king of the A1 stakes as this was his fourth to win, having already won the Paula Bergin Memorial in Waterford, an A1 550 in Clonmel and the Greyhound and Petworld A1 in Cork, he skated home in this one to win by two lengths in 29.46 (40 slow) at 3/1. The 5k first prize here has brought his career earnings to over 21k. This is a super training feat by his handler Paraic Campion who always seems to have this dog in top order on finals night. In the final of the Atom Browne Memorial A3 stake, also in the Marble City, Knockdrinna Celt (Droopys Jet - White Star) was first home and received a cheque for 1.5k for his trainer Thomas Leahy in 29.48 (40 slow) by one length at 5/1. In the final race on the card in Shelbourne Park, Tullamore owner Niall Deegan had Blue Rumble on the winners pedestal for the eleventh time in an A1 race in 28.85 by three lengths at 2/1. In Newbridge, they also had one of their main events of the year, the Brownstown Tango and NTSC Open unraced bitch stake, another fine crowd as always in the well supported Kildare track. The 6.5k first prize went to Chelms Ramona (Ballyhimikin Jet - Slaneyside Polly) in 28.49 by four lengths at 7/4 for joint owners Billy Dunne and Lee Martin Harris. A very popular winners name on the trophy taking over from Tullymurry Faith and Damien McGinn last year. Boylesports Coco was second for Dolores Ruth and received a purse of 3k. Saturday Racing Thurles, final of the Borna Kennels A4 stake, Kilvil Robert (Ballymac Best - In A Heartbeat) won the 2k first prize for the Kilvil Syndicate in 29.63 (20 slow) by one Length. One Offaly winner on the supporting card, in the first race, an ON2 unraced, Ollys Ten was an impressive winner for Banagher owner Mary Moran when first over the line by a wide margin of twenty lengths in 29.20 (20 slow). Shelbourne, the quarter-finals of the Bresbet Easter Cup Classic dominated a decent card in front of another huge crowd at Headquarters. Graham Holland took two of the four heats with Galloping Sydney winning by a neck in 29.88 at even money fav and Romeo Magico being fastest of the four in 29.52 by seven lengths at 8/11 fav. Liam Dowling took heat two with Ballymac Finn crossing the line in 29.68 by three lengths at 5/4. The final heat went to Storys Cashout for Murt Leahy in 29.98 by one length at 8/1. The best race of the weekend down south was the final of the Apex Global Resources LTD Cork Oaks in Curraheen Park. Another prolific winner here as Maries Wedding (Droopys Sydney - Ballymac Petsy) won the 5k first prize pot, in 28.31, by five lengths at 5/4, taking Tamara Butlers bitch career earnings to over 25k. Twelve cracking heats in the first round of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial AAO stake in Limerick. This is the second most valuable stake in the country only behind the Irish Derby with a first placed prize of 80k to the winner, again sponsored by Noreen and J.P. McManus. Seventy two dogs went to traps all trying to get the name on the trophy won last year by Swords Rex for Holland. It was a Holland dog who set the standard as Clona Duke was the standout hound when finishing six lengths clear of a strong field in a super 28.07 at even money fav. A treble in the stake for Pat Buckley with all the other top trainers having one each. Long way to go yet in this contest and finding the winner at this time an impossible task. Three Offaly winners in Mullingar, in the first race on the card, an ON2 unraced contest. Affable Aoife was an impressive seven length winner on debut for Cappincur owner Gemma and Justin Colgan in 29.80 (50 slow) at a well backed 1/2 fav. Looks a prospect this one. In an A3 race, Lingrawn Grace win for Moneygall owner Kevin Jones in 29.65 (50 slow) by five lengths at 4/1. The final race in the card was also the best, an AO grade, Mullingar specialist Horseleap Nelly stole an early lead and was never threatened when winning by five lengths in 29.02 (50 slow) at 5/4 fav for Sean McGuinness. Sunday Racing One of the top events in Mullingar happened at the matinee meeting with the running of the final of the RPGTV Irish Cesarewitch Open 600. A super field with a super 6k to the winner who happened to be one of the fastest females in training Bobsleigh Dream (Droopys Sydney-Bobsleigh Jet). The Pat Buckley trained bitch rocketed from traps and was never in danger coming home with seven lengths in hand in 32.79 (60 slow) at 9/4. Having already won the Tipperary Cup and the Irish St. Leger Bobsleigh has now gone over the 50k mark for winning prize money. Jacktavern Bella was second for Holland and received a cheque of 1.5k. One Offaly winner on the supporting card, in an A4 race, Lingrawn Focus won for Liam Jones in 30.11 (50 slow) by one length at 7/4. The reopening of Lifford track on Sunday evening was a great boost to the North-Western part of the country which has always been steeped in Greyhound racing. A fine, modern stadium with excellent catering facilities and comfortable surroundings. It has been a shame to see its door closed for so long but with proper marketing there no reason why it cant keep going. On Sunday, eight races went to traps with the highlight being the semifinals of the Len McKinnley Transport A1 stake, Deadly Thunder won the first for Stephen Radcliffe in 28.90 by ten lengths at even money fav with Cloneden Flash the second for Paddy Kehoe and Enda Corrie in 28.93 by one length at 6/4 fav. Upcoming Events Friday, quarter-finals of the Ann Cheevers A5 stake in Galway. Saturday, semifinals of the much anticipated Bresbet Easter Cup in Shelbourne and second round of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial in Limerick. Sunday, final of the Len McKinnley Transport A1 in Lifford. Tribune Offaly dog of the week Blue Rumble once again gets the nod for winning an A1 race in Shelbourne on Friday night for Tullamore owner Niall Deegan in 28.85 by three lengths at 2/1. Offaly Winners In what was a super week of racing, there were seven Offaly winners. Well done also to all connections. What is it? Every car manufacturer needs that flagship car. A model that leads the way when it comes to technology and development, with the hope its features and influence trickle down the range as the years go on. These often come in the form of a luxury car; the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class immediately spring to mind. And for the relatively-new South Korean brand Genesis, that car is the G90. First arriving in 2015, a second-generation launched last year, bringing major developments in-line with Genesis remarkable progression. But up against the gravitas of German premium brands, is the G90 good enough? Whats new? While some of Genesis technology is shared with its parent company Hyundai, the G90 is a ground-up project, built around a new platform. Its packed with features, from rear seats that can virtually give you a full-body massage to electric-closing doors. It boasts Genesis latest design language too, and its clearly doing something right. G90s line the wealthy streets of Seoul and the firm managed to sell 25,000 examples in 2022. Thats more impressive considering its only sold in a handful of countries currently. Whats under the bonnet? While many luxury cars sold in the UK are now powered by plug-in hybrid setups, many of the G90s key markets (South Korea and the USA) arent quite as developed when it comes to electrification. Thats why under the vast bonnet youll find a 3.5-litre V6 engine. In the standard car, it puts out 375bhp, but here on the Long Wheelbase (LWB) car were trying, it features a clever electric supercharger, taking the power up to 409bhp. The G90 also uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while LWB models are also supplied as standard with four-wheel-drive. Genesis wont give performance figures for it, but 0-60mph comes along in approximately six seconds. Efficiency figures arent quite so impressive that big petrol V6 will only return around 25mpg, while CO2 emissions are high at 274g/km. Whats it like to drive? Many of those buying and enjoying G90s will be doing so from the comfort of the rear seats, and its an impressively smooth way to go about. Put in the Comfort setting and the G90 wafts along, almost flattening any bumps in the road with its multi-chamber air suspension setup. Theres a camera-based road-scanning system that automatically adjusts the suspension for the road conditions, and it works impeccably well. The long wheelbase model, measuring a giant 5.5m in length (15cm longer than a new Mercedes S-Class LWB) never feels its size to drive, too, aided by a brilliant four-wheel-steering system that gives it a turning circle no worse than a typical hatchback. The G90 isnt likely to be driven enthusiastically, but should you flick it into Sport, its remarkable how flat it is even in hard cornering, though its certainly not as involving as a BMW 7 Series. The engine also sounds quite coarse on full chat, however, and is not quite as eager as its supercharged billing suggests. How does it look? Driving the 5.5m-long Genesis G90 LWB today. Just look at that rear legroom! pic.twitter.com/QwzpJJePib Ted Welford (@TedWelford) March 23, 2023 A luxury car has to make a statement, and the G90 most certainly does that. Its the boldest execution of Genesis styling yet, with some stunning details. Theres the brands trademark two-line signature, applying from the grille, side indicators on the wrong wing and a full LED light bar at the rear. This is something Genesis global head of design Sangyup Lee is particularly proud of, he tells us. Wed maybe not go as far as to say that the G90 looks elegant (its hard to make anything 5.5m in length look attractive), but this is a distinctive-looking product and one that works especially well as a halo product. Whats it like inside? Given the G90 will offer the most appeal to the chauffeur market, well start with whats it like in the back. And boy is it posh back there. In the LWB model, theres enough legroom so that even adults struggle to reach the front seats when fully stretching. There are fully electric, heated, massaging and ventilated seats for those in the back, too. You name it, it has it. Another highlight is the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which even has its own Boston Symphony Hall feature to relay the echo and feeling of watching a live concert. Its exceptional. Up front, the G90s cabin isnt all that much different to Genesis other models, with plenty of digital displays and high-quality materials used. The front of the cabin doesnt feel quite as special as an Audi A8 or the latest BMW 7 Series, though. Whats the spec like? The equipment of the Genesis G90 is certainly impressive, with all models getting features like double-glazed glass, 19-inch alloy wheels, an array of driver assistance kit and a digital key feature that lets you unlock the car using a smartphone. Its the Long Wheelbase that really takes things up a level, though. There are exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels that look sensational, along with electric ghost closing rear doors and the aforementioned 23-speaker sound system. The standard car gets a still-impressive 15 speakers. As weve mentioned, Genesis wont yet confirm the G90 for the UK, but given how few cars in this class are sold here, we suspect it will never officially make it here. As for pricing, it costs 91 million South Korean won (KRW) for the standard car and 167 million KRW for the long wheelbase in its home market, converting to 57,000 and 105,000 for the LWB model. Verdict As a signal of intent as to what Genesis is capable of already, and where this brand is heading, the G90 is a mightily impressive model. It truly feels like it takes this South Korean from premium to luxury. By European standards, the G90s powertrain choice might feel a little behind the times, but in nearly every other respect, this feels like a luxury saloon more than capable of taking on the big German trio. If they werent already, the G90 shows its time for Audi, BMW and Mercedes to take notice of Genesis. The Albemarle County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a work session on Tuesday. A planned regular meeting of the commissioners to be held after the work session has been canceled. At Tuesdays afternoon work session, the commission is expected to review and discuss its Zoning Ordinance Modernization project, according to an agenda. Two items in particular, Article I and Article II of the project, are to be discussed. Article I is related to general information. Article II is related to administration. The Planning Commission is asked to review for clarity, ease of use, and compliance with the Code of Virginia and the [County] of Albemarle procedures, the agenda says. A tentative work session to discuss Article III and Article X is scheduled for May 23. A final review is slated for Aug. 22, according to county documents. Tuesdays work session will begin at 4 p.m. in Room 241 of the Albemarle County Office Building at 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. Participants who wish to join online can do so using webinar ID 814 5965 0960. Those who wish to join by phone can dial (312) 626-6799 or (866) 853-5247 and using the same webinar ID. Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance for public comment on specific items. Those interested in signing up for comment should email the commissions clerk, Carolyn Shaffer, at cshaffer2@albemarle.org with their name and the item they would like to discuss. Pink Siifu & Ahwlee on Owning the Neo Soul Lane w/ New B. Cool-Aid Album Thomas Hobbs Thomas Hobbs is a freelance culture and music journalist from Pink Siifu and Ahwlee are B. Cool-Aid, and this ambitious hip-hop duo are committed to resurrecting the spirit of DAngelos Voodoo sessions. The two spoke with Okayplayer about their new album Leather Blvd. It was like, bruh this lane is wide open. It isnt too many n***as still making neo-soul music! explained Pink Siifu on what inspired the smooth-like-butter sound of Leather Blvd., the new album from B. Cool-Aid his ongoing collaborative project with producer Ahwlee. It felt like that whole lane was ours for the taking. Leather Blvd. more than lives up to the Birmingham, Alabama-born artists lofty ambitions. Sitting somewhere between Sun Ras Sleeping Beauty, DAngelos Voodoo, and Commons Electric Circus, its an immersive neo-soul, psychedelic rap album that introduces us to the conceptual world of Leather Boulevard. This is an escapist utopia where the Black dollar circulates, while a cocktail bar (the Honey Dew) and hair salon (So Soft) are rapped about by Siifu in an evocative style that makes you feel like you can actually smell the incense and purple roses inside. A revolving cast of collaborators (including Liv.e, Butcher Brown, Kamilah, Big Rube, Quelle Chris, Jimetta Rose, Ladybug Mecca, and Foushee) help bring Leather Blvd to life, with hope tending to be the idea that prevails. Everything gon turn around someday spits an optimistic Maurice II (FKA JON Bap), featured on the Leather Blvd. highlight Cant Go Back. Yet theres also a noticeable lust in the air, with erotic politician Siifus raspy croaks on If You Can See Me (4U), and his loose, flower power-era ideals of I dont want to think / I wanna do, so clearly designed to inspire lovers to lose their inhibitions. Speaking in a permanently stoned, laidback Cali drawl, a laughing Ahwlee agreed the ultimate goal was to create baby-making music. This new music is so funky it might create a baby boom. We need some more B. Cool-Aid babies. Theres probably some already out there! B. Cool-Aid have been working on Leather Blvd. since finishing up 2017s BRWN. Theyre taking their time with its follow-up, having only put out the 2019 EP Syrup and a few scattered singles since. This technology makes you think everything has to be instant, but true mastery of the craft takes time, the Long Beach-born producer added. To create magic, sometimes youve got to sit with the music. Patience is a virtue. The laid-back nature of B. Cool-Aid is at odds with a lot of Pink Siifus solo material, which might use a fidgety backdrop of heavily distorted punk guitars to muffle raw screams about white boys trying to rob us (see SMD). On albums like NEGRO and GUMBO, Siifu cant decide whether he wants to start a bloody insurrection or play in peace with his two daughters, with the pursuit of chaos tending to win out. However, Siifu admitted working with Ahwlee, a producer with a distinctively mellow sound, has put him in a place of serenity and made him just as confident singing as rapping. When I get into my solo shit, its more about family and whats fucked up in America. But when we are doing B. Cool-Aid, I am thinking about a whole lot of happy shit; from beautiful women to Black people owning their land, he said. Ahwlee just makes me feel happy, period. Before every session, we catch up and talk, just on some friend shit. Since we started making music together, Ive spoken to him about every single one of my relationships; dude became my therapist. B. Cool-Aid doesnt shy away from real shit, but we dont put our problems in our music too much either. It is about escaping from them. Butting in, Ahwlee offers a tempting call to action: Leather Blvd. is the place where you can get it, even when you cant afford it. It is what America is supposed to be. To celebrate the release of Leather Blvd. (which drops on Friday, March 31st), we caught up with B. Cool-Aid to talk about why God is a woman, the childhood joys of hitting up arcades, 2Pacs secret jazz rap side, and fighting to avoid temptations. The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity. I guess leather has this toughness associated with it. Was that part of the thing that inspired the title? Pink Siifu: Making this album, we definitely learned a lot about leather. Its so Black and durable. It has this fucking toughness and looks so beautiful; its a perfect comparison to what B. Cool-Aid is! With this project, we wanted to show our love for Quincy Jones. Were not running away from loops or samples completely, but this record was about creating more arrangements from scratch [just like he did]. Its about going to the next level. Ahwlee, I love how your beats are always driven by such nostalgia. Your solo song Coin-Op has the energy of a hot summers day, where you should be at the park but youre inside an arcade getting lost amid all the intergalactic synths. Ahwlee: Absolutely, bro. That Coin-Op beat was tapping into some of the happiest moments I ever had: getting out of school, heading straight to a laundromat, going to the arcade to play Marvel vs. Capcom with my boys? Beautiful. I try to draw back from that zone; thats where my creativity comes from. What made Siifu the right MC to pair with your sound? Why do you guys work so well together? Ahwlee: Just seeing the different ranges he goes in. He has this fearless approach to making music! Theres not many cats left who are willing to push the envelope, or to sweat. A lot of the music right now is focused on one thing, or it is just rappers sharing pain, pain, pain. Its a pain economy the pain Olympics and shit. We can still make songs that touch on the dark things, sure, but rappers should bring you back from the brink too. We need more songs that are fun! Siifu understands that balance better than anyone. I fuck with his adventurous spirit as an artist, period. Siifu, I love how you rap on Cant Go Back it reminds me of 2Pac in that Gridlockd movie, where hes rapping about life being like a traffic jam at the jazz club. On this song you refer to God as a She, is that something you believe in? Pink Siifu: First off, thats my favorite 2Pac movie. One thing about Pac is he had a whole jazz side that never got put out. When I saw Gridlockd as a kid, its what made me want to get into poetry. Pac does open mic shit? Wow. It inspired me. So you are right, my energy on Cant Go Back, and We Good at Leather Tht Leather This too, was tapping directly into that life is a traffic jam energy. I feel like everything on earth is kind of feminine. Ive had that energy ever since middle school. When I took DMT and tripped with my ni**a Ahwlee? I seent some shit! I saw some beautiful Black ass Amazonian women who were the size of skyscrapers. I thought: oh yeah, this is God! It was confirmation. On CRAXY, Siifu talks about being a sex addict since the age of 12. Can the music industry make it harder to resist those temptations? Pink Siifu: I want to slow down! I got babies now. Not even babies, I got two daughters. That song and Diamonds is me figuring all that shit out. N***as got to separate the sex from the women sometimes, you know? I am not a monk! N***as aint perfect. This music is my place to try to figure all these things out. Cnt Fuck Around has this bar about watching out, because America is hunting down Black men. Is that how it feels right now? Pink Siifu: It never stopped, ever since the formation of this country! My big homie, every time we get off the phone, he says: You be careful out there! Dont let the cops stop you from moving, but keep your eyes open. Maybe people associate the phrase drink the Kool-Aid with murderous white Christian cults. Are you trying to flip that? And whats your biggest hope with this album? Ahwlee: Were making the kind of Kool-Aid you should be drinking. Its brown Kool-Aid, not that other shit. With this album, I want something immortalized in wax. You put it on the shelf and it sits among your other favorite shit. Its there with [DAngelos Voodoo] and can be something for the kids to learn from. Pink Siifu: This new shit is for every generation, literally. Jazz fans will love it as much as rap fans. If you like good music and instrumentation, you will love this! We feeling a nice groove with this one. On Leather Blvd., we want to put n***as in a new world, type shit. Come visit! The Charlottesville Police Department is investigating a reported Sunday night shooting in the citys Fifeville neighborhood. Witnesses in the area reported hearing a half-dozen or so shots shortly before 8:30 p.m. The shots were reportedly fired in a residential part of Fifeville near the intersection of Dice and Sixth streets. There have been no reports of any injuries. Police spokesman Kyle Ervin told The Daily Progress on Monday that he could not immediately provide an update but that more information would be forthcoming. There has been a spike in gun violence in recent months in the Charlottesville area. Gunfire has taken the lives of 14 people and injured 22 others in Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County since September of last year, according to an ongoing Daily Progress tally. Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis has said the city receives a shots-fired call once a day now. In the county, authorities have said they have received similar calls an average of every other day since the start of the year. Police are asking anyone with any information related to any of the shootings to contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at (434) 977-4000. Fact Check: Is this the image of Asad who was killed in UP encounter? Fact Check: Did this Hindu group protest against PM Modi in Karnataka? Fact Check oi-Vicky Nanjappa Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made several visits to Karnataka ahead of the assembly election scheduled to be held in May. During his visits, he has inaugurated several projects. A video has now gone viral which shows a large group of men sporting saffron scarves and carrying flags. It also shows some of the men standing on a bull. While reverse-searching the keyframes of the viral video, we found a report in the Marathi daily Sakal dated February 5 2021. As per this report, the protest was staged by the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. The image in the report matches the one in the viral video and hence we could conclude that the protest video is from Maharashtra and not Karnataka. The Shiv Sena had held a bullock cart march in February 2021 in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra to protest against the hike in fuel prices. The rally was led by Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar. A video of the protest was also uploaded on YouTube on February 5 2021. The video clearly explains that the protest was against the fuel price hike and not against PM Modi in Karnataka. The fuel prices had reached a high across the country in February 2021. This led to protests and demonstrations across the country. Several other media outlets too had reported the news item about the Shiv Sena staged a protest against the hike in fuel prices. At the time of the protest, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Agadi government was in power in Maharashtra. Hence it is clear that the protest video which is being shared widely with the claim that it is from Karnataka is false. The video is from February 2021 and the protest was staged by the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra against the rise in fuel prices. Fact Check Claim Hindu groups protest against PM Modi in Karnataka Conclusion he video is that of a Shiv Sena protest and is from Maharashtra Rating False Raise your request for FACT CHECKING. Mail us at [email protected] A Jharkhand man gets Rs 2 lakh in account through banking mistake, arrested India oi-Prakash KL A man was arrested in West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand on March 24 for withdrawing money from a woman's bank account that was linked to his Aadhaar account by a banking mistake. When the world was hit by Covid-19, 42-year-old beedi worker Jeetrai Samant realised that his Aadhaar Card was linked to a bank account of a woman through a Common Service Centre, physical facilities for delivery of the government's public services, welfare schemes, etc to rural and remote locations, Indian Express reported. However, a complaint was filed by Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank from an account holder named Shrimati Laguri who claimed that her money was disappearing from her account. Then the manager, upon writing to the concerned departments, found out about the banking mistake. "Samant was arrested on March 24. There was a mistake and his Aadhaar got linked to someone else's account, but he did not return the amount. He allegedly paid a bribe at the CSC point so no one else would get to know. (When police issued a notice about the issue) he wrote a letter to us saying he believed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent him money," the daily quoted Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar as saying. As he did not return the money, an FIR was lodged against him in October under IPC section 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) in the district's Muffasil police station. Bank manager Manish Kumar told The Indian Express, "Earlier, Bank of India used to sponsor the Gramin Bank, and now SBI does it. So the entire data was merged with SBI in April 2019, and it was during this process that Samant's Aadhaar number got accidentally linked with someone else's bank account. The woman did not complain earlier, else we could have stopped it." He told the cops that he might have received the money from the government during Covid. He said, "During the first lockdown, everyone in the village was checking the amount in their Aadhaar-linked account numbers as it was announced that people would receive something. I put my thumb on the reading machine and it showed a balance as Rs 1,12,000. I rushed to the Gramin Bank, but could not find any money having been credited there. When I asked them about it, they told me the government would have sent the amount." Bhutan PM Lotay Tsherings Chinas say in Doklam remarks raises concerns in India India oi-Deepika S Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering kicked up a major controversy over his latest remarks of China having an equal say over the matter of the disputed territory in Doklam. "Doklam is a junction point between India, China and Bhutan. It is not up to Bhutan alone to solve the problem," said Bhutan's PM Lotay Tshering in an interview with La Libre. "We are three. There is no big or small country, there are three equal countries, each counting for a third," she he added. This is in contrast with Tshering's 2019 statement where he said that ''no side'' should do anything near the existing trijunction point between the three countries ''unilaterally". China in recent years stepped efforts to establish diplomatic contacts with Bhutan and to expedite negotiations to reach a settlement for the vexed border dispute which was exasperated by Beijing's attempts to claim Doklam despite Thimphu's assertions that the area belonged to it. China's attempt to build a road in the Doklam plateau in 2017 resulted in a major India-China standoff, triggering tensions between the two neighbours. India had strongly opposed the construction of the road by the Chinese military at the Doklam tri-junction as it would have impacted its overall security interests since it runs close to the narrow Siliguri Corridor also known as the Chicken Neck connecting India with its north-east. The standoff ended after Beijing dropped its plan to build the road. Also in 2020, China made a surprising claim on Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council by opposing funding for the project. Bhutan had lodged a demarche to the Chinese Embassy in India over China's claim over the sanctuary made at the GEF meeting. China has also ramped up efforts to develop the villages located along borders with India and Bhutan and Nepal with infrastructure development and preferential policies. with PTI inputs For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 22:18 [IST] Why did fugitive preacher Amritpal Singh decide to surrender? Those who break law....: Punjab CM vows strict action against Khalistan Why has Amritpal been booked under the stringent NSA Additional CCTV cameras to monitor Amritpal at isolation ward in Assam Close to catching Amritpal Singh: Punjab police to High Court India oi-PTI Punjab government on Tuesday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that they are close to catching radical preacher Amritpal Singh. Amritpal Singh has remained untraceable since a police crackdown against him and members of his 'Waris Punjab De' began in Punjab on March 18. The court of Justice N S Shekhawat was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody. The habeas corpus plea was recently filed by Mr Khara, claiming Amritpal Singh was in "illegal custody" of police. During the resumed hearing in the matter, Punjab Advocate General Vinod Ghai told the court that Amritpal Singh has not been arrested yet. Speaking to reporters outside the court building, the petitioner said the AG informed the court that they were close to catching Amritpal Singh. They were coordinating with agencies to nab the radical preacher, the AG told the court. The judge asked the AG to file an affidavit in this regard, said the petitioner. The court also asked the petitioner to file an affidavit to produce evidence that Amritpal Singh was in alleged police custody. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 19:53 [IST] Corrupt are coming together on one stage: PM Modi jabs Opposition India oi-Deepika S Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress saying that the parliamentary elections after the 1984 riots saw a huge majority for the grand old party. Speaking at the inaugural of the newly constructed BJP Central Office (Extension) in Delhi, PM Modi said "Across the length and breadth of India, the BJP is the only pan-India political party. Among the family-run political parties, BJP is a political party which gives opportunities to the youth. We have the blessings of the women of India." He called the Bharatiya Janata Party the "most futuristic party of India" and recalled the "tireless and continuous journey" of going from 2 to 303 Lok Sabha seats. PM Modi also launched a scathing attack on Congress by raking up the issues of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Emergency. "Elections after the 1984 riots saw a huge majority for the Congress party. It was an emotionally charged atmosphere and in that storm, we were almost wiped out. However, we never lost hope. We worked on the ground and strengthened our organization," PM Modi said. "Our constitutional institutions are our foundation, and therefore our very foundation is being targeted and defamed to stop the development of India. Conspiracies are being hatched to end their credibility of our institutions," the prime minister said. "In the last 9 years, the BJP ran a campaign against corruption, which has rattled the corrupt Opposition. Whenever BJP comes to power, it causes a big blow to corruption," PM Modi said. "All those deep in corruption are coming together on one stage. Some parties have started 'Bhrashtachari Bachao Abhiyan'. We will not bow down by the false allegations by the Opposition. Many attempts were made to uproot BJP but all failed. They tired a lot to put me behind bars but failed every time," PM Modi added. Stepping up attack on Opposition for questioning the credibility of central agencies and courts, the PM said, "Credibility of our institutions are being questioned. People who are indulging in corruptions, when they are being investigated by agencies then agencies are being targeted. When court gives a decision then courts are being questioned. Judiciary is being questioned. You all are witnessing this. Under PMLA, during Congress government Rs 5,000 crore worth property were seized. In nine years under BJP Rs 1,10,000 crore worth property has been seized." Setback for Sharjeel Imam as court allows framing of charges in Jamia violence case India oi-Madhuri Adnal The Delhi High Court on Tuesday partially overturned a trial court order discharging all 11 accused in the 2019 Jamia violence case. The court framed charges against nine of the 11 accused including Imam, Tanha and Zargar under various sections related to rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants. Revising the trial court order, the high court order stated that prima facie, the respondents were visible in the video. The right to peaceful assembly is subject to restriction. Damage to property and peace is not protected, the court added. "While there is no denial of the right to freedom of expression, this court remains aware of its duty and has tried to decide the issue in that way. Right to peaceful assembly is subject to restriction. Damage to property and peace is not protected," Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said while pronouncing the verdict. The case concerns the violence that erupted after a clash between the Delhi Police and those protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the Jamia Nagar area here in December 2019. The trial court had in its February 4 order discharged all 11 people from the case while holding that they were made "scapegoats" by police and that dissent has to be encouraged, not stifled. Delhi court discharges Sharjeel Imam, Asif Tanha in 2019 Jamia violence case The 11 people who were discharged by the trial court in the case are Imam, Tanha, Zargar, Mohammad Qasim, Mahmood Anwar, Shahzar Raza Khan, Mohammad Abuzar, Mohammad Shoaib, Umair Ahmad, Bilal Nadeem and Chanda Yadav. Police had registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, in connection with the communal violence that erupted after a clash between police and people protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Imam had allegedly made speeches where he spoke about Assam and the rest of the Northeast being cut off from India. The student of history at Jawaharlal Nehru University called upon CAA protestors for a road blockade on the highway to Assam. Explained: The Banjara protests in Karnataka India oi-Deepika S The latest set of reservations announced by the BJP government in Karnataka has left many fuming. While the quota of Muslims was scrapped to woo the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the saffron party has also ended up inadvertently annoying the Banjara community with its reservation for the sub-castes in the Scheduled Castes (SCs) category. After pelting stones at BJP veteran Yediyurappa's residence on Monday, the Banjara community members have been staging protests in Shikaripura now. Other BJP leaders are also facing protests in many other places across the State over the issue. The Banjara community is demanding withdrawal of the decision of revamping the reservation system as they feel that their share in the pie has gone down in the new system. The community, along with other communities such as Govi, Korma and Korchas, falls under the SC Touchables category. The SCs were so far getting 15% reservations in Karnataka. The government raised it to 17% and divided it internally among the sub-categories. The new internal quota gives 6% to SC Left, 5.5% to SC Right and 4.5% to SC Touchables, leaving 1% for other SC communities. Earlier, the Banjara community got a larger share, up to 10%. However, with the internal division, it has been fixed at 4.5%. Now, this has become the bone of contention with the Banjara leaders arguing that their community's share in the reservation system has been reduced in the process. Describing it as "much less and unscientific", the community members are accusing the BJP government of implementing the Sadashiva Committee report without even discussing it in any public forum. They feel that they have been unfairly treated by the government. However, Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai clarified that the government implemented the Cabinet Sub-Committee recommendations and not that of the Sadashiva Committee. He has assured the aggrieved Banjaras to look into the matter soon. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 19:26 [IST] The Orange County Board of Supervisors plans to meet on Tuesday. The meetings agenda includes a presentation from the county administrator on the 2024 fiscal year budget and a discussion of planned renovations to the countys Gordon and Sedwick buildings. The Gordon Building, at 112 W. Main St. in Orange houses offices for the county administration, treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, 911 emergency communications, finance director and human resources. The Sedwick Building at 146 N. Madison Road in Orange houses offices for the Orange County Recreation Department, voter registration, social services, public library and Office on Youth as well as the offices of the Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. Tuesdays meeting is expected to begin at 5 p.m. at the Orange County Public Safety Building at 11282 Government Center Drive in Orange. Atiq Ahmed about to reveal some secrets, that's why opposition got him killed: UP minister UP gangster Atiq Ahmad gets life term in 2006 kidnapping case India oi-Madhuri Adnal Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was on Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2006 kidnapping case of lawyer Umesh Pal. Ahmad and two others including Dinesh Pasi and Khan Saulat Haneef were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation to Umesh Pal's family and Rs 3000 as fine on each imposed. Special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandr Shukla held Ahmed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty in the case, government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari said. Seven others including Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf have been acquitted in the case, he said. After the killing of the then BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, then a zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh Pal had alleged that when he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Ahmed, he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006. The FIR was registered on July 5, 2007, against Ahmed, his brother and others. The police had submitted a chargesheet in the matter against 11 people. One of them later died. Ahmed and Ashraf are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal. Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24. Earlier, the Supreme Court rejected Atiq Ahmed's request for protection during his UP police custody.The Supreme Court bench, however, allowed Atiq Ahmed to approach the Allahabad High court for protection after claiming a threat to his life in UP Police's custody. On Monday, the two brothers were brought to the Naini jail, after long road journeys from two separate prisons amid allegations that the former Samjwadi Party legislator would be killed in an encounter on the way. Security has been tightened in the court premises as well as the jail complex where the accused are lodged. The police cavalcade which brought Atiq Ahmed from the Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad around 5.30 pm was followed by cars carrying TV crews, his sister Ayesha Noori and lawyers. For Ahmed, the 1,200 km from the Gujarat jail took about 24 hours. Ashraf was brought from the Bareilly Central Jail, and his convoy reached an hour-and-a-half after Ahmed entered the jail. The brothers are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal, a witness in the Raju Pal murder in 2005. Police vehicle carrying Atiq Ahmed almost turns turtle, hits cow Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal said she won't be going to the court but will ''pray'' that Ahmed gets capital punishment. ''I am not going to the court. I will be in my house and pray for capital punishment for Ahmed. If they get life imprisonment, they will continue to do the same things that they did with my husband,'' Jaya Pal told reporters. On February 23, the witness and two policemen assigned to protect Umesh Pal were gunned down in Prayagraj. The Prayagraj police cavalcade, escorting Ahmed, started off from the Gujarat prison at about 6 pm Sunday in the road journey through parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and finally Uttar Pradesh. Huge police force was deployed at the main entrance of the Naini central jail, and entry of outsiders was stopped. A senior official of the Naini central jail said that Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf will be kept separately in high-security barracks. They have been brought to Prayagraj in compliance with the court's orders, Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma said. Cases registered After the killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, then a zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh alleged that when he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Atiq Ahmed, he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006. The FIR was registered on July 5, 2007 against Atiq, his brother Ashraf and four unidentified persons. The chargesheet mentioned 11 accused persons. Atiq Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case, police said. Ashraf, lodged in the Bareilly District Jail since July 2020, was brought to the Naini Central Jail on Monday evening amid tight security arrangements, officials said. A police team accompanying him left Bareilly for Prayagraj on Monday morning. Ahmed was allegedly involved in the killing of Raju Pal, who was shot dead in 2005. Umesh Pal, a key witness in the former BSP MLA's murder case, was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24. On a complaint from Umesh Pal's wife Jaya, a case was lodged at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Jaya Pal alleged that her husband was the prime witness in the Raju Pal murder case. Ahmed and his aides allegedly abducted him in 2006 and forced him to give a statement in court in their favour. Umesh Pal had got a police complaint registered in this regard and the case was going on. The FIR also alleged that a conspiracy was hatched by Ahmed, Ashraf and Parveen to kill Umesh Pal and his security guard Sandeep Nishad and the attack on them was carried out by the former MP's sons and aides. Two men allegedly linked to Umesh Pal's killing - Arbaaz and Vijay Chowdhary alias Usman - were killed in police encounters on February 27 and March 6 respectively. On March 13, the Uttar Pradesh Police had increased the reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of five accused, including former MP Atiq Ahmed's son Asad, in the Umesh Pal murder case from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Who should use hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19: Govt issues new advisory Medicine from the Sky: How drones could change the future of the healthcare system Borneo skeleton thought to be oldest example of amputation Govt cancels licenses of 18 pharma companies for manufacturing spurious medicines India oi-Deepika S In a huge crackdown, the government on Tuesday cancelled the licenses of 18 pharma companies for manufacturing of spurious medicines across 20 States. The decision was taken following a surprise inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India conducted inspection on 76 pharmaceutical companies in 20 states. As part of the special drive, the regulators have identified 203 firms. A majority of the companies are from Himachal Pradesh (70), followed by Uttarakhand (45) and Madhya Pradesh (23). More such inspections will follow in the coming days, according to the officials. The raids comes after questions were raised over the quality of drugs manufactured by India-based companies. Last year, Uzbekistan claimed that an Indian cough syrup was responsible for the death of 18 children as they consumed the product manufactured by an Indian pharmaceutical company. The company in question is Marion Biotech Private Limited, which was registered in 2012 in Uzbekistan. According to the health ministry, the children who died had consumed the Dok-1 Max Syrup produced by Noida-based Marion Biotech. So far, 18 out of 21 children with acute respiratory disease have died as a result of taking Dok-1 Max syrup, the ministry said. In Noida, near Delhi, three employees of a pharmaceutical firm were arrested after their cough syrup allegedly led to the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan last year. They were accused of manufacturing and selling adulterated drugs. In October, the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised an alert about another India-based drug manufacturer, Maiden Pharmaceuticals, after its cough syrups may be tied to 66 deaths in Gambia, mostly children. In February, the Tamil Nadu-based Global Pharma Healthcare recalled its entire lot of eye drop allegedly linked to vision loss in the US. 'Happy memories spent here...': Rahul's reply to eviction notice India oi-Madhuri Adnal Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday wrote to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, saying ''without prejudice to his rights'', he will abide by the details of their letter on the vacation of his official bungalow following his disqualification from the Lower House of Parliament. Gandhi was on Monday served a notice to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him by April 22 following his disqualification as a member of the Lok Sabha after his conviction in a defamation case last week, official sources said. Thanking the Secretariat for their letter of March 27, 2023 regarding the cancellation of his accommodation at 12 Tughlak Lane, Gandhi said, ''As an elected member of the Lok Sabha over the last four terms, it is the mandate of the people to which I owe the happy memories of my time spent here.'' ''Without prejudice to my rights, I will, of course, abide by the details contained in your letter,'' he said in his letter to MS branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat which had sent him the notice. Disqualified as MP, Rahul Gandhi gets notice to vacate govt bungalow in a month The Housing Committee of the Lok Sabha took the decision following which the secretariat of the House served the notice on the former Congress president, a Z-plus protectee who has been living in the 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow since 2005. A local court in Gujarat had convicted Gandhi in a criminal defamation case on March 23 and sentenced him to two years in jail. The two-year jail term triggered his disqualification as a Lok Sabha member from the date of the verdict. Gandhi was granted bail to allow him to appeal to a higher court in a month. A senior official said a Member of Parliament (MP) has to vacate the official bungalow within one month of losing his membership. Amritpal's bid to escape India, Nepal declares him most-wanted India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Radical Sikh leader, Amritpal Singh may have reached Nepal and the immigration department out there has put him on the surveillance list. Amritpal Singh has been on the run since the Punjab Police launched a massive offensive on him last week. He managed to slip out of Punjab, reach Haryana and then sneak into Delhi. OneIndia had reported last week that Amritpal Singh would look to get into Nepal and then make his way into Pakistan from where would run his propaganda to radicalise Sikhs in India. After his plan was busted by the Intelligence Bureau, India had sent a note to Nepal asking the immigration department to put Amritpal on Surveillance. Although there is no official confirmation about the letter sent from the India mission, a report in the Kathmandu Post said that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu had requested the government to arrest Amritpal if he tries to flee the country. The report also confirmed that Singh is currently hiding in Nepal. While citing a copy of the letter that the newspaper had accessed, the report said, "the esteemed ministry is requested to inform the department of immigration not to permit Amritpal Singh to travel through Nepal for any third country and arrest him if he attempts to escape from Nepal using Indian passport or any other fake passport under intimation to this mission." Maroon turban, sunglasses and a can: Fresh Amritpal Singh photo surfaces To be sure, Amritpal has several passports in his name. A state of high-alert had been declared along the India-Nepal border since Amritpal Singh was chased down by the Punjab Police. In the conversations that the agencies have been able access, Amritpal is heard saying that he should do his best not to get caught. "If I am caught, it will be a major embarrassment to the him and the Khalistan movement," he was heard saying. Amritpal Singh a mystery character before his descent into India is funded by the ISI in Pakistan. He took over the radical outfit Waris De Punjab, following the death of actor, Deep Sidhu. The Intelligence Bureau has said that Amritpal would reach Nepal with the sole intention of being transported into Pakistan. This is however not the first time that a wanted criminal has tried using this route to get into Pakistan. Yasin Bhatkal of the Indian Mujahideen had tried using the same route, but ended up getting caught. The Indian agencies have upped the vigil on the India-Nepal border since this issue broke out. There are 22 high-tech CCTVs in place of which a few use facial recognition software. Moreover the police in plain clothes have stepped up vigilance in the border areas as Amritpal was looking to enter Kapilavatsu in Western Nepal. An official said that they are in close contact with the agencies in Nepal. The intention is not to allow Amritpal to enter Pakistan. He would end up becoming a bigger nuisance when abroad as he would propagate his ideology using online channels. Karnataka elections: Some netas dole out cookers, others leave it to Gods India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The scale of freebies in the Karnataka elections is unprecedented. This one is probably one of the hardest fought election in Karnataka in recent times. All political parties with the exception of none have been doling out freebies, be it pressure cookers or insurance policies, just to name a few. This time around political parties are also offering religious trips. This is not limited to the state or country alone, but trips to Mecca for Umrah and Hajj are also out on offer. Political parties have been booking private buses for an entire month to send voters in batches. The political parties find this an effective way to connect with the voters. Earlier, some political parties had offered trips to Tirupathi. BJP leader, S R Vishwanath, who is a member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sends around 70 people from his constituency daily to Tirupati. The leader however says that this has nothing to do with the elections. "I am a member of the board and I ensure that my constituents have easy access to the Temple, Vishwanath also said. I have been doing this since the past two years, he added. There are other leaders who have been sending people from their constituency to Nanjangud, Chamudi Hills, Raganatha Swamy temple, Shivansamudra, Dharmasthala and Om Shakti in Tamil Nadu. KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi to back JDS in Karnataka Assembly elections Chamarajpet MLA, Sameer Ahmed is organising tours to Mecca. He says that he had promised to send them on a pilgrimage for the good work rendered during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I truly believe that this is good for the people," Sameer Ahmed who has sent 17 people to Saudi Arabia so far said. An expert tells OneIndia that the political parties will overdo this freebie bit as no code of conduct is in place as yet. Most of them take advantage of the fact that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced the poll schedule as yet. With the model code of conduct not being in place as yet, the ECI would find it hard to act on these politicians, the expert cited above also said. In addition to the religious trips, politicians have also been doling out cookers, digital clocks and other gifts in a bid to induce the voters. A report by news agency PTI had said that in Bengaluru dinner sets had been distributed. Citing a lady who sought to remain anonymous the report said that the she had received a call to collect a dinner set. At first she thought that it was a prank, but when she had gone to check, there were people who were distributing dinner sets. While the EC has found it hard to crack down on these practices, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Meena said that there are ways to curb this before the poll process begins. "We deliberated on what we can do in the light of the recent media reports which allege that the political parties and its elected representatives are indulging in such activities to garner votes." Meena said. A meeting of all enforcement agencies had been called for and they have been directed to act in this regard, the poll official also said. No RSS route march in Tamil Nadu on Sunday; next hearing in SC on 17th of this month Madras HC wants guidelines on how to arrest a woman after sunset India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Madras High Court recently directed the Tamil Nadu government to come up with guidelines to ensure that the police comply with the mandate when it comes to arresting a woman after sunset. A Single-Judge Bench of Anita Sumanth directed the state government to frame such guidelines within eight weeks of the order. Section 46(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) prohibits the arrest of a woman after sunset, except in special circumstances. Even in such a circumstance, a woman can be arrested after sunset only in the presence of a woman police officer and after filing a written report and obtaining prior permission of a judicial magistrate first class within whose local jurisdiction the offence is commented or the arrest is to be made. Stating that the CrPC does not provide an elbowroom for any any deviation from either of the mandate, the Court said that both requirements are mandatory. "I believe that it would be, in the fitness of things, for the authorities to apply their mind to this question and frame appropriate guidelines to ensure compliance with the mandates under Section 46(4) even in exceptional, urgent and emergent situations. Let suitable guidelines be issued in this regard. Guidelines, as directed above, be framed and placed before the Court within a period of eight weeks from date of receipt of a copy of this order," Justice Sumanth said in the order. The court was hearing a petition filed by a woman journalist seeking compensation of Rs 25 lakh for her arrest in 2012. She had been arrested following a complaint by an AIADMK member who had said that the lady was distributing pamphlets that were anti-Jayalalithaa, who the chief minister at the time. She contended that while a woman police officer was present at the time of her arrest at 10 pm, the police had not obtained the prior permission from the Magistrate. The police on their part argued that the woman had been distributing provocative pamphlets to a politically charged crowd. She was arrested to avoid law and order issues the police said. Given the exceptional circumstance, the need for prior permission can be dispensed with, the police said. It was further said that the police had filed a written report after the arrest. The High Court however said that while there was no perversity in the arrest itself, the impact on the lack of procedure needed to be examined. "The conditions are two-fold: (i) necessitating the presence of a woman police officer and (ii) obtaining prior permission from a Judicial Magistrate by submission of written report. There is no elbow room provided in this regard and on a plain and simple reading of Section 46(4), it was incumbent upon the authorities to have submitted a written report to the Judicial Magistrate concerned and obtained prior permission for the arrest of the petitioner," Justice Sumanth said. While refusing to grant compensation to the petitioner-lady, the High Court said that the leak question regarding the impact of the procedural irregularity in an arrest of a woman was open t be determined in a more appropriate manner. While directing the Tamil Nadu government to frame guidelines to ensure compliance, the High Court said, " after all in today's times of advanced technology, permission/sanction can well be obtained electronically/digitally in an instantaneous manner, ensuring that proper electronic trail and record of such sanction, is obtained and preserved." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 13:43 [IST] No data on rumours regarding incident of attacks on migrant workers: Govt tells Parliament Up to the Parliament, not the courtCentre on Uniform Civil Code Opposition likely to move no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla India oi-Deepika S In a major development, Opposition parties are likely to bring a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday. According to reports, the no-confidence motion against Birla is likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday for being biased in the House. The proposal was made in a meeting of Congress MPs and the grand-old party has also reached out to other Opposition parties in this regard. The development comes days after the Lok Sabha Secretariat disqualified Rahul Gandhi as MP after the Congress leader was convicted and sent to jail in a 2019 defamation case by a Surat court. He has also been asked to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him. The disqualification from Lok Sabha will bar Gandhi (52), a four-time MP, from contesting polls for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction. The party feels that Rahul Gandhi's conviction and disqualification, which it has alleged was done in reaction to his consistently questioning the relationship between PM Narendra Modi and businessman Gautam Adani, poses a serious threat to the world's largest democracy. The Congress has said that Rahul Gandhi is not alone and millions of congressmen and people irrespective of their political affiliations will join him in this fight for truth and justice. Ready to pay any price for speaking the truth: Rahul says as he vacates his bungalow Delhi Police stop Congress protest at Red Fort, several leaders detained India oi-Deepika S Several Congress leaders were detained on Tuesday from near the Red Fort when they tried to march to Town Hall to protest against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha. "You should see the plight of democracy in the country. We are doing a peaceful torchlight march. We had discussed about the march with police and commissioners and they agreed. All of a sudden, today, they stopped our workers everywhere," said Congress General Secretary, KC Venugopal at 'Mashal March' by Congress workers. The Congress on Tuesday announced a protest march from Red Fort to Town Hall against Gandhi's disqualification. Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said "All MPs and leaders of the Congress party will take part in the 'Loktantra Bachao Mashaal Shanti March' from Red Fort to Town Hall at 7pm today." "In the next 30 days, 'Jai Bharat Satyagrah' will be organised at the block, state and national levels across the country with the participation of party's leaders and workers," he added. Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on Friday, a day after a court in Gujarat's Surat convicted him in a 2019 defamation case. The disqualification will prevent Gandhi (52), a four-time MP, from contesting elections for eight years unless a higher court stays the conviction. A notification issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said Rahul "stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction i.e. 23 March, 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 102(1)(e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951". Owing to the RP Act and his conviction of two years, Rahul Gandhi cannot contest an election for eight years unless his conviction is stayed or set aside by a higher court. Rahul Gandhi is yet to file an appeal in the defamation case, in which he was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail. Congress workers in many states and union territories like Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat have been protesting against Rahul's disqualification. 'US is going to hell': Trump in first speech after arraignment Respect for law, we are watching says US on Rahul Gandhi case India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The United States has said that respect for rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. The US was referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was convicted and subsequently disqualified as a member of the Parliament in a defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. Vedant Patel, US Department of State's principal deputy spokesperson was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, " we are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values including of course, freedom of expression. In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights and freedom of expression as key to strengthening both our democracies." Disqualified as MP, Rahul Gandhi gets notice to vacate govt bungalow in a month Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as Member of Parliament from Kerala's Wayanad, following his conviction in a defamation case. There has been a massive political showdown between the Opposition and the Narendra Modi government since the conviction. Patel, when asked if the US is engaging with India or Rahul Gandhi said, "I don't have any specific engagements to read out, but as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships but I don't have any specific engagement to read out." Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference on Saturday that he had asked only one question on Adani. "I will continue to ask questions and fight for democracy in India," he also said. The delay in Rahul Gandhi filing an appeal is procedural "I will keep doing my work even if I am disqualified permanently. It does not matter if I am inside Parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he also said. Gandhi was asked to vacate his official residence by April 2 by the Lok Sabha secretariat in the event of his disqualification. Lebanon firefighters were just minutes from going home Tuesday morning, March 28, when they were summoned to yet another burning structure, this time near the citys downtown. They found smoke and flame pouring from a house and garage as they rolled up to the residence at 390 W. Maple St., an about 670-square-foot building from 1941 and a yard behind a picket fence filled with residents possessions. It was 6:38 a.m., 22 minutes from shift change, the second burn of the night and the fourth fire battled by Lebanon Fire District in 48 hours. Were seeing more fires, said Ken Savage, a battalion chief at the district. Fire officials couldnt immediately explain why the departments calls for service appear to be above the number for the same time in 2022. But Lebanon crews have responded to 36 fires since Jan. 1, double the number of calls in 2022. Generally, calls for service have increased as the citys population swells toward 20,000 people. Savage said some of the fires can be attributed to recreational vehicles and residences where people appear to stay on a not-permanent basis. Theyre not fire-safe, Savage said. Savage wasnt able to say how the number of fires apparently caused by people staying in ad-hoc shelter compares to businesses or homes where residents rent or own the property. I cant really put my finger on it. Some are truly accidental. Some are electrical, Savage said. Fire crews on Sunday had to get across a property scattered with cars and recreational vehicles to fight a burn in a pole barn. The district had responded to a fire at the same address in early March and, he said, Savage believes firefighters in Lebanon have been to the location at least two other times. That same day, firefighters knocked down flames where fire had fully engulfed a recreational vehicle in a remote part of the fire district. Lebanon Fire District covers emergency fire calls over a 134-mile swath of central western Linn County. Savage said he couldnt attribute the fires to recent cold weather. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald. And, he said, calls for fire service in previous winters dont usually overlap like the four fires covered in two shifts between Sunday and Tuesday. Not typically, Savage said. The crews responding to the Tuesday morning fire had spent the night fighting a fire in Sweet Home, called up by that agency as part of a mutual aid agreement. Departments typically make such arrangements to boost their ability to respond to fires that outpace the number of firefighters or firetrucks available to extinguish flames. Lebanon volunteer firefighters, who make up about 60% of the districts more than 100 staffing complement, covered Lebanon while the district responded to Sweet Home. And Albany Fire Department sent a firetruck and ambulance to help augment the district. Theyre just in the same boat as everybody else. We all have limited resources, Savage said. Twitter blocks BBC's Punjabi handle amid manhunt for Amritpal Singh India oi-Madhuri Adnal Amid a crackdown on 'Waris Punjab De' chief and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, the Twitter account of BBC News' Punjabi language was withheld in India by authorities. The message of Twitter profile of BBC News Punjabi' read: @bbcnewspunjabi's account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. Meanwhile, BBC, or the British Broadcasting Corporation, has not yet commented on it. According to media reports indicate that over 100 Twitter handles and multiple YouTube channels have been blocked as the Punjab government and the centre hunt down Amritpal Singh. Assam Assembly passes resolution against BBC; oppn wants screening of docu inside House Amritpal, who continues to elude the cops, was last spotted by CCTV cameras in Patiala even as Punjab Police's hunt for the Khalistani leader entered tenth day on Monday without a breakthrough. He has been on the run since March 18. Amritpal was said to be hiding at a relative's house there. Earlier on Sunday, the Punjab Police had arrested a man for sheltering Amritpal's gunman. The arrested man was identified as one Balwant Singh of Khanna. Although it was learnt that Balwant sheltered Amritpal's close aid Tajinder Singh Gill alias Gorkha Baba (42), the police have not found any links connecting him directly with the Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 13:41 [IST] Why has Nepal become a safe haven for terrorists and criminals India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Nepal is back in the news once again with reports suggesting that radical Sikh leader, Amritpal Singh reaching the country after a chase by the Indian police. Ten years back, Indian Mujahideen chief, Yasin Bhatkal too had tried taking the same route, but was caught by the Indian agencies. To begin with these are just two cases which are in the news as they are high-profile ones. Nepal on the diaries of the Intelligence Bureau has always been a preferred destination for terrorists and criminals to make an escape before they reach Pakistan. Another case that needs a mention is the escape made by Atiq Ahmed's son, Asad. He managed to dodge the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) who were hunting him after he carried the shootout of Umesh Pal in Prayagraj a month back. The STF however managed to arrest one Qayyum Ansari from Nepal's Kapilavastu district for helping Asad escape to Nepal. He was accused of providing Asad a car and shelter in Nepal. In Nepal, there is a select network of touts that operate and help ferry criminals and terrorists. While in some cases it has been found that these persons have found a safe haven in Nepal, in others it was reliably learnt that they had flown into Pakistan. Following the arrest of Abdus Subhan, the second-in-command to Yasin Bhatkal in 2018, the agencies had found that there was a well-oiled mechanism in Nepal which was giving protection to terrorists who were on the run. Former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing, C D Sahay tells OneIndia that Nepal becomes a preferred destination for these elements, because it is a free border. There are no visas required and all you need to do on landing there is prove your Indian identity. It is not just with terrorists, but even the criminals in Bihar use this route. Once you get into Nepal you can fly out from there anywhere, Sahay explains. An Intelligence Bureau dossier says that the route from India is used to get into Nepal and then these criminals use it as a transit point to get into Pakistan. During the course of the investigation, it was also found that one Islami Sangh was in charge of providing the logistic support for terrorists on the run. Some of the entry routes that are popular are Banke, Kapilvastu, Parsa, Bara and Rautahat in Nepal. Sahay goes on to add that the route is not just used to exit India, but come into the country as well. "All these terrorists who come to Kashmir, especially the high-value ones make sure that they do not try and enter India through the Line of Control (LoC). There is a chance of them getting killed in cross gun fire if they try and enter through the LoC. They would instead fly into Kathmandu from Pakistan and then enter India. Scores of terrorists have been doing that. Those acting as their touts are the Kashmiris who have set up shawls in Nepal. While they cater to the foreigners visiting the country, on the side many act as touts," Sahay pointed out. In the past couple of years, the security agencies have flagged another concern where Nepal is concerned. It is no longer a stopover for terrorists and criminals. It has over the years become a control centre. What ails the war on terror is the open border with Nepal. The control is weak and the lack of checks has only added to the problem. A recent report by the US State Department had raised concerns about the weak border security and how it had become a transit point for international terrorists. Designs to weaken our democracy will be met with might of India: Irani slams George Soros Smriti Irani's daughter marriage: Look who all attended the wedding reception of Shanelle in Mumbai 'Why was Robert Vadra seen with Adani?' Smriti Irani questions Congress India oi-Prakash KL Even as Congress continues with its high-decibel campaign over the Adani issue, the ruling BJP has mounted a counter-attack over a photo of Gautam Adani with Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "If he (Gandhi) has a problem with Adani, why is Robert Vadra seen with Adani holding hands?" India Today quoted Union Minister Smriti Irani as asking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday. Irani was referring to a 2009 picture in which Adani and Vadra are seen together. Congress and other opposition parties have been targeting BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Adani issue after a US-based short-seller made allegations against the Adani Group of fraudulent transactions and share price manipulation. Gandhi has particularly been critical of PM Modi, repeatedly asking how Adani's fortunes rose after BJP came to power in 2014. He says that "there should be a case study on Adani by business schools such as Harvard on how the relationship between business and politics works." To prove his point, Gandhi came up with pictures of PM Modi with Adani as he questioned the government on its links with the business magnet. He even created a massive ruckus in the Lok Sabha by displaying the pictures in the House last week. Gandhi has been brazenly vociferous over the issue though the allegation does not seem to be based on facts as the real rise of Adani began during the successive Congress governments before Modi took over. If photographs were evidence of crony capitalism .. pic.twitter.com/AzPZpSqv09 Mahesh Jethmalani (@JethmalaniM) February 7, 2023 BJP has now paid Gandhi back in the same coin by releasing pictures of his brother-in-law and Congress leader Robert Vadra with Adani. Vadra is also allegedly involved in a slew of corruption and land-grabbing cases. It is to be seen how Congress responds to this counter-attack. Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. As of 2014, Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, which makes it the third-largest city in the Levant region. The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coast. Beirut has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, and was one of Phoenicia's most prominent city states, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The first historical mention of Beirut is found in the Amarna letters from the New Kingdom of Egypt, which date to the 14th century BC. Amnesty International is denouncing Canada's record on Indigenous rights, which the group's secretary general in Canada says remains "a major concern and a grave concern for us." Russia's Defense Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a A pedestrian is recovering in hospital and a car has been destroyed by fire, after a crash at Surry Hills, in Sydney. The pandemic and Russias war in Ukraine could lead to a lost decade that would mean more poverty and fewer resources to combat climate change, the World Bank says. Greeces center-right Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called a general election on May 21 in the aftermath of a train disaster that has reduced his partys long-standing majority in opinion polls. The Feb. 28 train crash in northern Greece left 57 people dead. The disaster stirred public anger to cut a lead by the conservative New Democracy party by about half to 4 points over its left-wing main rival Syriza. Mitsotakis said during a televised Cabinet meeting on Monday that the country needs clear skies our work continues more boldly and with fewer compromises. The election is unlikely to produce a new government. As King Charles III makes his first state visit to Germany, a look at the British royals' German roots. There are more ties than you might think. The Lebanon Police Department has arrested a man accused of sexually abusing two minors in Linn County over 10 years ago. Officers arrested Hector Miguel Lopez-Nunez, 38, on suspicion of multiple sex crimes. According to court documents, Lopez-Nunez sexually abused two minor victims under the ages of 12. The alleged crimes are said to have occurred during multiple incidents between 2008 and 2010. Lopez-Nunez is scheduled to be arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court on Monday afternoon, March 27 on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration. The Kenyan leader on a two-day visit to Germany called on China to encourage Putin to end hostilities with Kyiv. He also downplayed the anti-government protests rocking the East African nation as an opposition ploy. Unions representing more than three million workers are urging the federal government to drop its challenge of a proposed class action lawsuit brought by Black federal public servants alleging racial discrimination in the federal public service. Rumble 28 Mar 2023 The suspect in a Nashville school shooting on Monday had prepared a thorough map of the campus, including potential entrance ways,.. 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. More than 20 foreign firms which fled Russia after its invasion of Ukraine relocated to Kazakhstan, authorities in Astana claim. DW reached out to some of those firms to find out just how credible those assertions are. 3 children and 3 school staff members were killed at the Covenant School in Nashville. Police said the suspect was a 28-year-old former student. People were trapped inside the centre on the US-Mexico border as the fire spread through the building. Russia has lost tanks in the town of Avdiivka due to "tactically flawed" assaults, according to British intelligence. Meanwhile, the first Challenger 2 tank has arrived in Ukraine. DW has the latest. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has lent his famous voice to Air Alert a downloadable app linked to Ukraine's air defence system that warns Ukrainians that Russian strikes may be imminent. Wales maintain their good start to Euro 2024 qualifying as Kieffer Moore's header gives them a 1-0 win over Latvia and puts them top of group D. The Linn County Sheriffs Office has arrested a New Mexico man accused of using a car and a knife to assault two victims at an Albany business. Deputies arrested Robert Guy France, 55, on suspicion of first-degree assault, according to an agency news release. At around 4:22 p.m. Monday, March 27, deputies responded to an Albany business located in the 38000 block of Mason Road for reports of a disturbance, the news release said. While on their way to the scene, deputies learned someone had been hit by a car. After arriving on scene, law enforcement found multiple employees of the business holding France down in the parking lot. Investigators learned France allegedly drove his green 1997 GMC Yukon through a man door of the building and ran over a 35-year-old employee. France then allegedly got out of the car and threatened a 53-year-old employee with a knife inside the business, according to LCSO. Employees of the business were able to restrain France until deputies arrived. Paramedics from the Jefferson Fire Department and Albany Fire Department responded. Medics transported the 35-year-old victim to the Salem Hospital, but he was later transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland due to the seriousness of his injuries, the news release said. Medics transported the 53-year-old victim to Albany General Hospital where he was treated for a knife wound and later released. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the alleged assault is asked to contact Detective Dakotah Hinrichs at 541-967-3950 France is scheduled to be arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 28 on charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault and first-degree burglary. US President Joe Biden condemned an epidemic of gun violence against children. He also said that he is planning to visit Nashville and to meet families of the school shooting victims. President Biden said Tuesday that he cannot issue any more executive actions on gun control, after the deadly shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The Awami League government in Bangladesh has over the last 14 years and more specifically over the last 10 years has exceeded.. Eurasia Review 07 Mar 2023 The assailant was described as a former student at the school who was heavily armed and prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement. The Nashville community is mourning the loss of three children and three adults who were fatally shot Monday at The Covenant School. G.O.P. senators savaged Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, in a Judiciary Committee hearing, saying he was responsible for violence against Americans and migrants. The staff member, who works for the Republican senator from Kentucky, told the authorities that he did not know the man who attacked him. He sustained multiple injuries that required surgery. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a delay to his judicial reform plan, citing the need for more time to negotiate a settlement with his political opponents. violated federal law by refusing to fairly negotiate with workers at dozens of newly-unionized cafes across the country, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing prosecutors from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The general counsel of the NLRB determined that the coffee chain violated #starbuckscorp #nlrb #starbucks #tylerkeeling #howardschultz #ussenatehealth #education #keeling #baranjotkaur #bengaluru Jessica Israel of Sherwood has taken her story to the Oregon Legislature, which she hopes will further tighten the states cap on annual rent increases the latest battleground between tenants and landlords during this session. The Senate Committee on Housing and Development already received hundreds of statements for and against Senate Bill 611 in advance of a public hearing Monday and a scheduled work session Wednesday. (During a work session, which is a public proceeding, lawmakers may amend and act on legislation but they cannot accept new testimony.) The bill proposes to change the annual cap that lawmakers approved in 2019. The current cap is the change in the Consumer Price Index plus 7%, as calculated by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, which came up with a permitted annual maximum increase of 14.6% for 2023. The bill proposes a new maximum of 8%, or the Consumer Price Index plus 3%, whichever is less. The current cap does not apply to buildings less than 15 years old, but the bill proposes to lower it to just three years. Israel discussed her familys plight at a pre-hearing briefing sponsored by the Community Alliance of Tenants, part of the Stable Homes for Oregon Families coalition of more than 30 organizations. The passage of this bill may happen too late to help my family, Israel said. But we are calling on lawmakers to support this bill to stabilize all rents in Oregon. It may not fix every issue, but it will keep more people in their homes. Her residence is in Cannery Row Apartments in Old Town Sherwood, which records show was purchased last fall by SR Watt Co., based in California, and property management assumed by Cushman and Wakefield. Israel said her family got a notice three months later, as set by state law, that monthly rent would be increased by 32%, or $560 per month, and could go up by as much as 50% per month in lieu of a lease. She has a child, she has non-Hodgkins lymphoma a type of cancer that affects the bodys ability to fight disease and her husband was injured during the coronavirus pandemic. How can that 32% be allowed as a rent increase? We were horrified, she said. We are now being priced out of the area, and pretty much out of the state as a whole. We do not know what we are going to do, she added. It is unconscionable to think that people can afford to pay that much extra per month. They are not pretending that this is due to increased costs or planned upgrades. They simply say it is the market rate. The companies did not respond to inquiries. Two-bill effort Senate Bill 611 was one of two put forth by Stable Homes for Oregon Families, which also advocated legislation (Senate Bill 799) that would have reinstated a pandemic-era requirement for a 60-day eviction notice from landlords, based on nonpayment of rent, if tenants have filed official applications for rental assistance. It also proposed to extend the actual period for evictions from three to 10 days. Landlords also opposed that bill, which the committee considered back on Jan. 30. The Senate committee ended up increasing the permitted eviction period from three to 10 days and it was inserted into broader housing policy legislation (House Bill 2001) that now has cleared both chambers of the Legislature and awaits the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek. The Stable Homes coalition supported it, and Multifamily NW, which represents owners and managers to 275,000 rental units statewide, ended up taking no position. As with the earlier legislation, Senate Bill 611 already has drawn a host of statements in opposition from individual landlords and Multifamily NW, which submitted a letter containing statistics to bolster its argument that any form of rent control does not achieve what its advocates seek. The letter was submitted by its deputy executive director, Gary Fisher, who concluded: In summary, the facts show that rent control is at best a thin Band-Aid that will not ultimately benefit Oregonians. It is imperative that we refocus on the root causes of housing instability... Multifamily NW is eager to move beyond this well-intended but highly impractical proposal and continue to work with this committee to improve rental housing outcomes across the state. In a statement it issued after the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis announced the 2023 maximum cap, Multifamily NW downplayed its potential effects, saying that most rental owners seek to keep their units occupied, not empty them. A spokesman suggested then that lawmakers should revisit the 2019 law although one of the chief sponsors of Senate Bill 608 back then was Kotek, then the House speaker. But Kim McCarty, executive director of the Community Alliance of Tenants, said thats not the case for every housing provider. The annual increase sent shock waves through Oregon, even as many hoped that landlords would not be so cruel as to invoke it, she said. That hope has been dashed as reports of extreme predatory rent increases have been coming from across the state. We know that tenants across this state are in crisis and that many are one rent increase away from losing their homes. Veuer 03 Apr 2023 The recent mass shooting at an elementary school in Nashville Tennessee is nothing short of a national tragedy. So how do we stop.. Japan Today 28 Mar 2023 Russia's Defense Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The ministry said Tuesday that two.. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday. The charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the #ftx #sambankmanfried #bahamas #paloalto #alamedaresearch #alameda #lewisakaplan A deal to secure the safety of Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine could be "close," although final details have yet to be agreed upon by Russian and Ukrainian officials, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told reporters he met Monday with... Rumble 07 Apr 2023 In this video, I discuss the tragic and senseless violence that happened in a Nashville elementary school and if there was a.. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) congratulated Sri Lanka on its achievements in developing robust national evaluation capacities, at the policy, institutional, and professional levels. This was stated when Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with a delegation of UNFPA officials, including Mr Marco Segone, Director of the Evaluation Office of the United Nations Population Fund, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (March 27). The UNFPA delegation commended President Wickremesinghes leadership in promoting evaluation, particularly in the public sector, which they said will play a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by Sri Lanka. UNFPA representatives acknowledged Sri Lankas significant progress in developing strong national evaluation capabilities compared to other nations. As a result, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that a bill related to this matter would be presented to parliament for approval. UNFPA representatives praised President Wickremesinghes leadership in approving the national policy on gender equality and womens empowerment, recognizing it as a crucial step towards ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights in Sri Lanka. The visiting UNFPA delegation expressed their commitment to supporting the development of national evaluation capacity in the country, recognizing its importance in promoting accountability and good governance to achieve the sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of gender equality and womens empowerment. Member of Parliament Mr. Kabir Hashim, National Evaluation Capacity Development Expert Mr. Asela Kalugampitiya and a group of officials from the Evaluation Office of the United Nations Population Fund were among those who participated in this event. If you want to see examples of extreme selflessness, ask to tour one of the LAUSD's Special Education Centers. The children who attend these schools are among the district's most vulnerable students, with some requiring intensive care from their One on One aides. These employees will repeatedly wipe the constant stream of drool from a wheelchair-confined child's face with patience while taking care to preserve the student's dignity. These employees are among the members of SEIU Local 99 who went on strike this week. While the union is in ongoing negotiations for salary increases for their members, they walked off the job specifically to protest what they allege are acts of illegal harassment by the District. In the view of the Los Angeles Daily News opinion editor Sal Rodriguez, these employees should be "fired or subject to other sanctions" for daring to stand up for their rights. He also makes the ridiculous accusation that because they are exercising their legal right to strike, these employees, who lovingly care for society's most fragile members, "don't care about kids." (Image by Kelly Gonez) Details DMCA If Rodriguez had bothered to research the facts about the union that led the strike, SEIU Local 99, he would have known that their workers include the "lowest-paid employees" in the district. Many are parents, struggling to feed their own children as they "feed, transport, and care for our students." During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were considered essential employees who showed up to help run the District's Grab and Go food program, ensuring that children, and their families, did not go hungry, avoiding food crises that plagued other cities. Admitting that it was not UTLA who went on strike would have detracted from Rodriguez's thesis that teachers are failing the LAUSD's students. Like a "Karen" blaming a McDonald's cook who cannot make a five-star meal with the cheap ingredients that he is provided, the author blames teachers for not getting the results that he expects. Never mind that the district primarily serves underprivileged students who pass through the schoolhouse doors with the odds stacked against them. Ignore the fact that PROP-13 has caused our schools to be chronically underfunded for decades. Certainly, do not mention the fact that until this year, the school board has been controlled by a charter school industry that drains resources available for public school students while not improving education outcomes. The author seems to take particular offense at the concept of tenure, repeating the false premise that it is "nearly impossible to fire" poorly performing teachers "once they get tenure protections." First, achieving tenure is not a gift, it is something that is earned. If administrators are not doing enough to weed out teachers who are not cut out for the profession before they gain protection, then they should be blamed, not the system. Also, tenure is not absolute and there are ways to fire teachers as long as due process is respected. Without these protections, teachers lose academic freedoms and are subject to firing because they refuse to curry favor with administrators or run afoul of politicians seeking to enforce their political doctrine on schools. The article ends with the bald-faced lie that "LAUSD's enrollment numbers continue to decline and should continue to decline" because the District is failing to educate children. The decline in enrollment is due to long-predicted demographic shifts that have affected public schools and charter schools alike. It is a result of declining birth rates, lower immigration, and families not being able to afford to live in the city. To pretend otherwise is intellectually dishonest. The Daily News loses integrity by allowing an "editor" to put this statement on its pages and should issue a correction. Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs. He was elected to the Northridge East Neighborhood Council and is the Education Chair. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Yes, as TomDispatch regular Rajan Menon points out today, the world was surprised first by Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and then by his army's failure to capture Kyiv and obliterate the government of Volodymyr Zelensky. In truth, though, we Americans probably shouldn't have been. After all, it shouldn't have been all that hard to recall a similar American-style scenario "" say, the U.S. military's disastrous attempt to defeat a rebel movement (and North Vietnamese forces) in South Vietnam in the last century or to do something similar in Afghanistan in this one. Either of those might, in retrospect, have been considered American Ukraines. In fact, it almost seems like an unnoticed truth of our moment that the more money a country puts into its military, the less striking the results from its use in the world. Yes, until Ukraine, the Russian military, funded and upgraded by President Vladimir Putin, was thought to be a winner of a force. Today, pressed to the edge of who knows what and having thrown a private mercenary outfit (the Wagner Group) and tens of thousands of barely trained prison convicts into the front lines of death in Ukraine, it looks unimpressive as hell. Strangely enough, however, despite losses of every sort over the last three-quarters of a century, the world's best-funded military (by a country mile) is still considered impressive as hell (and I don't use that word lightly). Explain that as you will. And by the way, the Russians never took the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, but in the American version of their war "" the invasion of Iraq in 2003 "" the U.S. military did indeed take Baghdad and little good it did them. Perhaps what we need on this increasingly odd planet of ours is a new assessment of the significance of traditional military power. If only. In that context, let Menon (who has seen the war in Ukraine firsthand) take you through the true strangeness of Vladimir Putin's attempt to invade and conquer his neighbor. Tom The War of Surprises in Ukraine Could There Be One Surprise Too Many? By Rajan Menon Some wars acquire names that stick. The Lancaster and York clans fought the War of the Roses from 1455-1485 to claim the British throne. The Hundred Years' War pitted England against France from 1337-1453. In the Thirty Years' War, 1618-1648, many European countries clashed, while Britain and France waged the Seven Years' War, 1756-63, across significant parts of the globe. World War I (1914-1918) gained the lofty moniker, "The Great War," even though World II (1939-1945) would prove far greater in death, destruction, and its grim global reach. Of the catchier conflict names, my own favorite "" though the Pig War of 1859 between the U.S. and Great Britain in Canada runs a close second "" is the War of Jenkins' Ear (1739-1748). It was named for Captain Robert Jenkins of the East India Company who, in 1738, told the British House of Commons that his ear, which he displayed for the onlooking parliamentarians, had been severed several years earlier by a Spanish coast guard sloop's commander. He had boarded the ship off the Cuban coast and committed the outrage using Jenkins's own cutlass. If ever there was cause for war, that was it! An ear for an ear, so to speak. If I could give Russian President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine a name for posterity, I think I'd call it the War of Surprises, because from the get-go it so thoroughly confounded the military mavens and experts on Russia and Ukraine. For now, though, let me confine myself to exploring just two surprising aspects of that ongoing conflict, both of which can be posed as questions: Why did it occur when it did? Why has it evolved in such unexpected ways? It's NATO's Fault Though a slim majority of experts opined that Putin might use force against Ukraine many months after his military buildup on Ukraine's border began in early 2021, few foresaw an all-out invasion. When he started massing troops, the reigning assumption was that he was muscle-flexing, probably to extract a promise that NATO would cease expanding toward Russia. Some context helps here. NATO had just 16 members at its Cold War peak. More than three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it has 30 "" 32 when Finland and Sweden, which sought membership after Putin's invasion, are allowed to join. Long before Putin became president in 2000, Russian officials were already condemning the eastward march of the American-led former Cold War alliance. His predecessor Boris Yeltsin made his opposition clear to President Bill Clinton. In October 1993, as Secretary of State Warren Christopher prepared to travel to Russia, James Collins, charge' d'affaires at the American embassy in Moscow, sent him a cable warning that "NATO expansion is neuralgic to Russians." If continued "without holding the door open to Russia," he added, it would be "universally interpreted in Moscow as directed against Russia and Russia alone "" or 'Neo-Containment,' as Foreign Minister [Andrei] Kozyrev recently suggested." In February 2008, eight years into Putin's presidency and about a month before a NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, William Burns, then the American ambassador to Moscow and now the director of the CIA, sent a cable to Washington focusing on Ukraine. "NATO enlargement, particularly to Ukraine," he warned, "remains an 'emotional and neuralgic' issue for Russia." That same month, in a memo to President George W. Bush's National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Burns wrote that Ukraine's entry into NATO would cross "the brightest of all red lines" for Russia's leaders. "I have," he continued, "yet to find anyone who views Ukraine in NATO as anything other than a direct challenge to Russian interests." Such diplomatic missives had little effect as NATO expansion became the centerpiece of Washington's new security order in Europe. In April 2008, at Bush's urging, NATO finally took a fateful step at that Bucharest summit, declaring that Ukraine and Georgia would, one day, join its ranks. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). I hope this release finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to invite you to check out our latest blog post, "Choosing the Best Logo for Your Business: A Guide to the 7 Types of Logos." URL: https://bit.ly/7TypesofLogos In this post, you'll learn about the different types of logos and get tips for choosing the best one for your brand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to rebrand, First came the Twitter critics, then the late-night comedians and now the satirists: Prince Harrys bestselling memoir Spare is getting the parody treatment, to arrive on the heels of April Fools Day. Yes, the joke book is real, according to U.K. publisher Little, Brown, which is part of Hachette U.K. Spare Us! A Harrody will be available to buy in the U.K. on April 5, a spokesperson for Little, Brown said in a Thursday email to the L.A. Times. Its still unclear if the book will be sold in the U.S. The satire mocks the famed 38-year-old princes merciless tell-all, that he published earlier this year, that skewered the modern British royal family. The original Penguin Random House book contained unwelcome revelations about the spare heir who is sixth in the British royal line of succession including barbs about his sister-in-law Kate Middleton and anecdotes in which he smeared Elizabeth Arden cream on his frostbitten todger and lost his virginity in a field. All I had ever wanted was privacy. In order to get it, it seemed that an exceptionally detailed 500,000-word book was in order, reads a pointed Spare Us! excerpt released on the U.K. publishers website. The book cover also features another portrait of Harry, this time with tape placed across his mouth. Spare Us! was written by Bruno Vincent, whose other titles include Fairy Tales for Millennials and a dozen sendups of Enid Blytons Famous Five series, including Five Go Gluten Free and best-seller Five on Brexit Island. Vincent takes aim at the duke of Sussexs memoir amid his and his wife Meghans apparently contradictory pursuit of privacy in Southern California. He was born into an ancient, powerful dynasty and, through no fault of his own, became one of the most recognisable men on the planet. His life was a constant barrage of press intrusion and manipulation. Until, finally, he demanded that it stop, the synopsis says. In order to get the privacy he so craved, he has written a frostbite-and-all book that goes deep inside the castle walls and exposes every shouting match, fist fight, betrayal, teddy bear, awkward hug and tear-stained wedding rehearsal for the world to feast their eyes on. All for privacy! This is his story. The book is the latest snarky take-down of the royal couple, who stepped back as working royals in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, amid a media firestorm in the U.K. (Harry and Meghan have repeatedly taken shots at the royal family in their recent Netflix docuseries, Meghans Archetypes podcast and bombshell 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview.) The duke and duchess of Sussex were lampooned by Comedy Centrals South Park in a February episode titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour. Meghan, a former TV actor who starred in the legal drama Suits, was reportedly upset and overwhelmed by the episode. Representatives for the couple did not immediately respond Thursday to the L.A. Times requests for comment about Spare Us! 2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Severe weather in northern California has pushed Oregon and Californias departments of transportation to close the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 north of the border to all travel as of Tuesday morning. Southbound traffic is being held at exit 14 in Ashland. Northbound traffic is being stopped in Redding. Caltrans says the closure may be for an extended period of time as heavy snow is likely to continue through Tuesday. Travelers should use extreme caution when determining other routes. Oregon highways 66 and 273 are closed to all except local traffic in those areas. ODOT warns driver to not attempt detours using lesser maintained routes such as Dead Indian Memorial or Colestin roads. Commercial trucks are asked to keep Ashland Street clear as they wait out the closure. #pdxtraffic Also of note, if you're driving to CA this a.m., I-5 SB is CLOSED at the OR/CA border for blizzard conditions. Delay that drive. pic.twitter.com/I0ZbAws8ri PDX Traffic Alerts (@TrafficPortland) March 28, 2023 This post may be updated. Follow us on Twitter for the latest in commuting news: @trafficportland A Washougal man was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison last week for child sex-abuse crimes in a case prosecutors and investigators say is the worst theyve ever seen. The unusually lengthy sentence came after a jury in February convicted Stephen Rian Price, 30, of 17 counts of sex abuse for raping two infants, one of whom was his then-10-month-old daughter, and posting recordings of the abuse to the internet. This was the most hideous case Ive ever seen, said Laurel Smith, a Clark County senior deputy prosecuting attorney. It was heartbreaking on every level. Smith, who supervises the prosecuting attorneys offices sex-crimes unit, said shes only seen such long prison sentences in statutorily mandated life-sentences for aggravated-murder. This case was so heinous, Smith said, that she felt physically ill while presenting evidence to jurors. In Oct. 2019, police arrested Price after they received cyber tips about child-pornography videos and messages posted on the social-media app and website Discord that were connected to his IP address. Price later admitted to police that he had sexually assaulted his daughter multiple times and recorded it. Price was living with the girls mother, Tori Lynn Carter, at a Vancouver motel at the time. Between 2012 and 2016, Price and Carters parental rights were terminated for four other children, each of whom was removed from their care before reaching two months old. Court documents dont reveal exactly why the children were taken away but indicate issues with Carters mental health. Price had not been previously prosecuted for sex abuse. Prices sixth and most recent child, with whom Carter was pregnant when police arrested Price, was born with fetal-alcohol syndrome, court documents reveal. In 2018, Price and Carter kept the birth of their infant daughter one of the victims in the case for which Price was just sentenced a secret so Child Protective Services wouldnt take her away, Price said in a police interview. All of Price and Carters children now have been adopted by people not related to the birth parents, live out of state and their names have been changed. Julie Ballou, a Vancouver Police sergeant who heads the departments Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, said no one on the internet-crimes team has ever witnessed the repeated type of abuse Price inflicted on his victims. She said shes never had another case that produced a 100-year sentence. The second victim identified in the case was the infant child of a friend, who Price was alone with for less than 15 minutes while the childs mother was outside smoking a cigarette, court documents show. In 2020, while awaiting trial and held on $1 million bail, Price wrote to the court requesting to be released so he could admit himself to a psychiatric hospital for a few years. In another letter to the judge, he claimed to have multiple mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Price wrote that one of his alter personalities an eight-year-old boy named Sebastian actually committed the crimes while he, Price, was blacked out. Sebastian was the one who confessed to police, Price wrote. Price also wrote a letter to the judge from the perspective of Sebastian. He wrote, I do not feel like I should be punished for something I didnt actually do. He also claimed that as a child hed been sexually abused by stepbrothers and a babysitter. Price was evaluated by a state-provided psychiatrist, which determined he was competent enough for trial. A judge reviewed the report and decided Price understood the charges and was able to assist in his defense, which was led by Vancouver attorney Katie Kauffman. In interviews conducted for the investigation, Price said his mother was addicted to methamphetamine and they lived in homeless shelters at times. He said he was expelled from a Vancouver middle school for punching a teachers aide, dropped out of high school in 9th grade and later got his GED. As an adult, he was frequently unemployed and homeless. Price is also facing federal charges which would carry a likely sentence of 15 to 20 more years in prison for producing and distributing the child pornography via Discord and Skype, court documents show. The sentence Judge Jennifer K. Snider handed down was calculated by the maximum punishment allowed by law, multiplied by each count and victim, resulting in 1,306 months in prison, or 108 years. Price would be eligible for parole consideration only after serving the full term meaning he will die in prison. The only way we can ensure protection of innocent children from Price is to take him out of society, Smith wrote. The 17 convictions include five counts of first-degree rape of a child, one count of first-degree child molestation, three counts of first-degree dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. In this case, the defendant was beyond rehabilitation, Smith said. Prices crimes have proved far-reaching. In a recent child pornography case, a Boston pharmacist was convicted in a Massachusetts court after an investigation revealed he was in contact with Price and arranged to fly to Washington state to sexually abuse the infant. And offshoots of the crime will continue to grow even with Price in prison. People in other jurisdictions already have been found in possession of the videos Price posted, Smith said. Once something is on the internet, theres no way to fully delete it, so it spreads, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The hardest part of it was that these kids were so young. In a perfect world, wed want to hope that they could not know this ever happened, and they could forget about it. But victims must be notified of future cases, and they have a right to restitution, Smith said. So children all over the world who are victims of internet crimes will get letters for the rest of their lives every time someone is found with that content. Savannah Eadens; seadens@oregonian.com; 503-221-6651; @savannaheadens Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The image of gunmen in a row firing in unison at a condemned prisoner may conjure up a bygone, less enlightened era. But the idea of using firing squads is making a comeback. Idaho lawmakers passed a bill last week to add the state to the list of those authorizing firing squads, which currently includes Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina. The governor signed it Friday. Fresh interest comes as states scramble for alternatives to lethal injections after pharmaceutical companies barred the use of their drugs. (In Oregon last year, then-Gov. Kate Brown commuted all death sentences.) Some, including a few Supreme Court justices, view firing squads as less cruel than lethal injections, despite the violence involved in riddling bodies with bullets. Others say its not so cut-and-dry, or that there are other factors to consider. A look at the status of firing squads in the United States: WERE FIRING SQUADS EVER IN WIDE USE? Firing squads have never been a predominant method of carrying out civilian death sentences and are more closely associated with the military, including the execution of Civil War deserters. From colonial days through 2002, more than 15,000 people were put to death, according to data compiled by death penalty researchers M. Watt Espy and John Ortiz Smykla. Just 143 died by firing squad, compared with 9,322 by hanging and 4,426 by electrocution. WHEN WAS THE LAST EXECUTION BY FIRING SQUAD? Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed at Utah State Prison on June 18, 2010, for killing an attorney during a courthouse escape attempt. Gardner sat in a chair, sandbags around him and a target pinned over his heart. Five prison staffers drawn from a pool of volunteers fired from 25 feet away with .30-caliber rifles. Gardner was pronounced dead two minutes later. (Former Oregonian Gary Gilmore was executed by firing squad in Utah in 1977.) A blank cartridge was loaded into one rifle without anyone knowing which. Thats partly done to enable those bothered later by their participation to believe they may not have fired a fatal bullet. Utah is the only state to have used firing squads in the past 50 years, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Death Penalty Information Center. ARE THEY MORE HUMANE? Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is among those who say firing squads are a more humane method of execution. That idea is based on expectations that bullets will strike the heart, rupturing it and causing immediate unconsciousness as the inmate quickly bleeds to death. In addition to being near instant, death by shooting may also be comparatively painless, Sotomayor wrote in a 2017 dissent. Her comments came in the case of an Alabama inmate who asked to be executed by firing squad. A Supreme Court majority refused to hear his appeal. In her dissent, Sotomayor said lethal drugs can mask intense pain by paralyzing inmates while they are still sentient. What cruel irony that the method that appears most humane may turn out to be our most cruel experiment yet, she wrote. BUT IS DEATH BY FIRING SQUAD REALLY PAINLESS? In a 2019 federal case, prosecutors submitted statements from anesthesiologist Joseph Antognini, who said painless deaths by firing squads are not guaranteed. Inmates could remain conscious for up to 10 seconds after being shot depending on where bullets strike, Antognini said, and those seconds could be severely painful, especially related to shattering of bone and damage to the spinal cord. Others note that killings by firing squad are visibly violent and bloody compared with lethal injections, potentially traumatizing victims relatives and other witnesses as well as executioners and staffers who clean up afterward. ARE FIRING SQUADS MORE RELIABLE? If reliability means the condemned are more likely to die as intended, then one could make that argument. An Amherst College political science and law professor, Austin Sarat, studied 8,776 executions in the U.S. between 1890 and 2010 and found that 276 of them were botched, or 3.15%. The executions that went wrong included 7.12% of all lethal injections in one notorious 2014 case in Oklahoma, Clayton Locket writhed and clenched his teeth after midazolam was administered as well as 3.12% of hangings and 1.92% of electrocutions. By contrast, not a single one of the 34 firing squad executions was found to have been botched, according to Sarat, who has called for an end to capital punishment. The Death Penalty Information Center, however, has identified at least one firing squad execution that reportedly went awry: In 1879, in Utah territory, riflemen missed Wallace Wilkersons heart and it took 27 minutes for him to die. WHAT HAS CAUSED THE LETHAL DRUG SCARCITY? Under Idahos bill, firing squads would be used only if executioners cant obtain the drugs required for lethal injections. As lethal injection became the primary execution method in the 2000s, drug companies began barring use of their drugs, saying they were meant to save lives, not take them. States have found it difficult to obtain the cocktail of drugs they long relied on, such as sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride. Some have switched to more accessible drugs such as pentobarbital or midazolam, both of which, critics say, can cause excruciating pain. Other states have reauthorized the use of electric chairs and gas chambers or are at least considering doing so. Thats where firing squads come in. HAS THE SUPREME COURT WEIGHED IN? High court rulings have required inmates who oppose an existing execution method to offer an alternative. They must prove both that the alternative is significantly less painful and that the infrastructure exists to implement the alternative method. That has led to the spectacle of inmate attorneys bringing multiple cases in which they argue the merits of firing squads. In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled in Bucklew v. Precythe that some pain does not automatically mean a method of execution constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. The Constitution does not guarantee a prisoner a painless death something that, of course, isnt guaranteed to many people, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the 5-4 majority. Key factors in deciding whether a method is cruel and unusual include whether it adds extra pain beyond whats needed to effectuate a death sentence, Gorsuch said. Portlands behavioral health hospital knew a patient had repeatedly vocalized violent fantasies about smashing in a womans head but discharged him anyway onto the street outside where the man immediately did just that, a lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges. Sonya Gonzales was waiting for her son to pick her up from work Aug. 9 when a man wearing green hospital scrubs slammed a 34-pound boulder into the back of her skull, sending her reeling into a concrete wall, according to the suit and court records. Stan Federman, a retired reporter for The Oregonian who survived the D-Day invasion, died Wednesday at age 98, according to an obituary published on OregonLive. He was a U.S. Army radioman on detached service with a naval shore fire control party supporting the 29th Infantry Division on the morning of D-Day. His first-person account of the Normandy invasion originally was published June 6, 1974, with the headline: D-Day -- June 6, 1944 was full of thunder, blood, and fear. It is reprinted below. Federman was a longtime newspaper reporter, retiring in 1993 from The Oregonian after 30 years. He was born Nov. 11, 1924, in Utica, New York, and lived in Milwaukie for more than 60 years. He was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18, his obituary said. He landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day amphibious assault. Here is his recollection of D-Day: When one recalls D-Day of 1944 and what it was like on Omaha Beach, the chances are first memories will be of the rough English Channel and how seasick everyone was in those early morning hours. Our LCI dumped us into about four feet of water, some yards short of the beach itself. But I didnt notice the sudden surge of cold water over me. My only thought as my feet hit the bottom was relief to be out of that transport. It wasnt dry, but it was land. I remember wading clumsily toward the beach, trying to keep my balance as I held my rifle high in the air. I was firmly convinced that the half of a heavy radio strapped to my back was surely going to pull me under. My instant reaction to the Easy Red Beach area of Omaha directly in front of me was that it seemed to be covered with fog. But in reality it was merely the remnants of white smoke fired in earlier by naval guns to mask the movements of demolition engineers and the initial assault troops. There was more noise than I had ever heard before. Most of it came from the heavy naval guns behind me. But there was a great deal of German fire, too. Its success was stark and frightening to see. Burning landing craft. Burning tanks. And lifeless bodies bobbing crazily in the water or half buried in the sand. But what I remember most in those first few moments in the water was the lead-like feeling inside me. The pounding heart, the dry mouth. I was scared. I was so scared. So was everyone else wading in that water. For we were all members of the 29th Infantry Division. And this was our first combat action. It was a little before 10 oclock, about H plus three hours. And all of us knew this battalion had not been scheduled to land until late that day. If they were bringing us in now, it meant things were going badly in the initial assault. We had trained for many months for this day on the southern coast of England. But nobody told us it would be like this. They had trained us very well. They had talked about what might happen and what it all meant and how it would be a part of history. But no one told us about the ear-shattering noise, the terrible sounds of battle -- and the complete, utter confusion on the beach. And they didnt tell us about the dead or the dying. No one told us how scared wed be, either. I recall finally stumbling onto the jagged, rock lined shingle part of the beach at the waters edge -- and falling flat on my face as German shells exploded behind me, kicking up a huge spray of water all over me. Raising my head slightly, I immediately caught sight of a burning tank, just a few yards to my right. I watched almost curiously as it burned brightly, the black smoke billowing up from its turret. And the dead GI hanging over its side. He was burning, too. And I remember closing my eyes tightly and praying: Oh, God, its going to be a long war. Please dont let me get hit. Please. Please dont let me get hurt. Please. On June 6, 1974, Stan Federman wrote about his D-Day for The Oregonian. I guess I must have said hundreds of please prayers during the next 11 months of combat in Europe. But that first one set a pattern. For me and for all the other guys who lived to get off that awful beach. I heard someone shouting for us to get to the base of some bluffs up ahead on the beach. But the bluffs were some 75 yards away through open, sandy beach area. Several ugly German beach obstacles and barbed wire lay in broken formations just in front of us. I turned to my left and looked into the frightened eyes of a rifleman from the 2nd Battalion of the I 15th infantry Regiment. Neither of us spoke. We didnt have to. It was obvious neither of us wanted to move anywhere. I realized then that there was a cluster of us, perhaps 10 or 12 men, all lying in one small area of the shingle. I didnt recognize any of my fire control party. They must have scattered. The others lying there were all part of an infantry squad. Then dimly, above the constant noise of explosions, I heard my name called. Someone was shouting for the radio. And I couldnt put off moving any longer. I think I actually counted one-two-three as another shell exploded behind me. Then I was up and running towards the sound of that voice yelling for the radio. Now there was confused shouting in all directions. I heard other men moving near me on the left as I ran through a large opening in the barbed wire. Then I heard my sergeants voice screaming loudly up ahead: The white lines! Follow the white lines! There were several long strips of white cloth leading past the beach obstacles up through the sand towards the bluffs. I automatically obeyed the sergeants command, and veered over onto the white cloth path. Then suddenly there was an explosion, and the force of it knocked me down, the radio banging sharply against my helmet and pushing it in front of my face in the sand. I heard someone screaming just behind me to my left. And I knew. I knew. Someone had failed to follow-the safety line of cloth laid out earlier bv the demolition men -- and stepped on an antipersonnel mine. Oh, God - my legs. My legs ... my legs. Help me. Dimly I heard shouts for a medic I looked back just once. The GI who had stepped on the mine was covered with blood where his legs were. I couldnt see any legs, just the blood. It was the rifleman who had been beside me on the shingle just moments ago. I thought I was going to be sick. But the sergeant was still yelling for the radio. And then, somehow, I found myself running again towards the base of the bluffs. Was it only 50 yards now? It seemed like a mile. Then I was there, jumping into a large hole in the sand, the sergeant pulling me down into it and unstrapping the radio all in one motion. Half of my fire control party was there and the other radio man was helping me assemble the set. Our officer started to give grid coordinates off his map and I automatically began repeating them into the radio. Get a reading first, you -, snarled the sergeant whose voice just moments before had saved my life. I cursed him back. Then I began shouting into the speaker: Hello, Sugar George. This is Easy Red 2. Hello Sugar George. This is Easy Red 2. We were trying to reach a British cruiser, one of three Allied ships we were to direct fire for in support of the 115ths 2nd Battalion. But communications on the beach were terrible. I was practically hoarse by the time we finally got through, almost a half hour later. And then through the noise of the beach and static there came the excited sound of a Cockney voice on the radio, repeating our code name and saying: I hear you bloody fine. It was strictly an unmilitary line and I remember how we laughed about this later. But at the time we merely looked at each other in stunned silence for a second or two in that ragged beach shell hole. Then we realized we had contact and proceeded to fire our first mission of the invasion -- at some distant target one mile inland. We had no idea whether we hit anything or not. The rest of the morning remains vague after 30 years. We fired at targets we couldnt see but had been given map assignments for. We tried to dig in at various times, unsuccessfully. We climbed slowly up the bluffs at varied intervals as ordered. And the noise, confusion and fear were always our companions as the Germans continued to shell the open beach areas with heavy mortars and 88mm guns. Finally it was 1 p.m. And we were on top of the bluffs. It had been three hours since I first waded onto Omaha and it seemed like three minutes. I was slowly drying out, slightly hungry -- and still scared. The division had not yet taken its initial objectives.But the assault units of the 116th Infantry Regiment were slowly expanding one penetration and the 115th was moving up over the bluffs towards St. Laurent, about 1,500 yards eastward. Later we learned Omaha had been touch and go all that day and the next as the Germans concentrated their heaviest resistance there. But now, at the top of the bluffs, all I could do was turn around and gaze in silent wonder out at the seemingly endless seascape of invasion ships. It was a scene Ill always remember. There were ships of every description, as far to the horizon as eyes could see. Tanks and other heavy equipment were being unloaded at the waterline under intermittent enemy fire. Barrage balloons were already aloft to prevent any German aircraft from strafing the ships. Low-flying American and British fighter planes swept over the beach providing us with air cover. We could see the aid stations, too. They were busy and crowded. The divisions 116th Regiment lost more than 800 guys that morning; the 115th lost another 400. In all, between the 29th and 1st Infantry Divisions, the United States suffered some 3,000 dead and wounded just breaching heavily defended Omaha Beach that first invasion day. I remember sitting down briefly and realizing how tired I was all of a sudden. Someone offered me a cigar. I had never smoked one in all my 19 years. But I did that early afternoon of June 6th on top of Omaha Beach. I never finished it though. The order to move out came about five minutes after I first lit up. And I threw away the cigar as I fell into line -- much to the disgust of the soldier who gave it to me. The Portland Childrens Museum, with its kid-size theater, clay studio, pretend grocery store and make-believe veterinary clinic, attracted a quarter-million visitors annually until its abrupt closure in 2021 amid the pandemic. Now, two years later, parents, grandparents and childrens advocates in and around Portland have been thinking about how to replace what they lost and how to serve an increasingly diverse community of kids across a broad region. Early efforts in Vancouver, Beaverton and Tigard could mean that Portlands loss is suburban kids gain. A childrens museum really signifies hope for the community. It signifies the investment a community makes for the youngest population in a society, said Melissa Hong, board member for a newly established Beaverton nonprofit called the FLIP Museum that aims to create a new space for the areas young kids. It will take several years to design and build a brand-new museum and efforts to raise the money and choose sites are only just beginning, Hong said. So backers are taking incremental steps with mobile museums or temporary sites while nurturing ambitions to open new, permanent museums around the metro area. A similar effort is underway in Vancouver. Columbia Play Project, which runs a mobile museum that brings exhibits and toys to locations around Clark County, eventually wants to open a brick-and-mortar museum, possibly as soon as 2026. But its also starting small. Now were adjusting to different ways to bring the activities to folks, said Jeanne Bennett, chair of the Columbia Play Project. The FLIP Museum (it stands for Fun-Learning-Inspiration-Play) will begin running mobile exhibits around the Portland area this spring. It plans to start with a play kitchen designed to look like a food truck. Both projects describe their mobile museums as interim steps, a pathway toward establishing new, permanent locations. Thats going to take a lot of money and time and planning to do. So, lets get some mobile exhibits going, said Jack Graham, chair of the FLIP Museums board. Graham, whose background is in medical staffing and Portland startups, has two daughters, one of whom went by the nickname Flip when she was younger. Its a great way for us to begin serving the community now, go to events, go to different places where kids are, families are, he said. Advocates say childrens museums help kids learn how to play together outside of a structured school setting and expose them to crafts, games and activities they dont always find in the classroom or at home. When I found out that the childrens museum had closed this was an area I was very passionate about, so this was something I wanted to get involved with, said Hong, a former school district administrator and mother of a 3-year-old. The Not-So-Scary Halloween event at the Portland Children's Museum, October 31, 2015. Kristyna Wentz-Graff/Staff LC- Kristyna Wentz-GraffLC- Kristyna Wentz-Graff The Portland Childrens Museum was celebrating its 75th anniversary when it shut down in 2021 a casualty of the pandemic, its leaders said. Closed for months by COVID-19, museum organizers said the prospect of reopening with new safety protocols and an all-new staff wasnt realistic. Word of its pending closure sparked a surge of efforts from parents and supporters aiming to save the museum. Now that its closed, though, there doesnt appear to be any prospect of a new childrens center on the same site. The building is still being evaluated, but it is in poor condition and not currently available for use. Therefore we have not yet crafted a recommendation for the site and have not solicited any proposals for it, said Mark Ross, spokesperson for Portland Parks & Recreation. Those backing a new museum say the old site wasnt in an ideal location, anyway. While the Portland museum was on the MAX light-rail line, it was far afield from the suburbs where many families live. Parents might be willing to drive a half hour or more if they were planning a day at the Oregon Zoo, but it was less appealing for families looking to play for a short while before lunch and naptime. While Portland is the regions largest city, by far, less than a third of the metro areas population lives in the city limits. As we were thinking about how this might work out, we felt there was definitely an opportunity to create something in Clark County that served the community close to home, Bennett said. With more than 500,000 residents, and growing rapidly, Clark County is plenty large to support its own childrens museum, she said. Other Northwest communities with childrens museums include Olympia, Salem and Eugene. Planning for Vancouvers Columbia Play Project predated COVID-19 but Bennett said the pandemic scrambled their goals for a brand-new play space. They responded by establishing a play kit that caregivers could order online, then expanded to add the mobile play truck. It visits parks and civic festivals and can be hired for birthdays and special events. There is so much need in the community right now for something like this that we dont feel like we have the time to build the full-scale museum, which could take five to 10 years, depending on how quickly we can raise the money, Bennett said. Columbia Play Project has raised $350,000 for its current effort and has its eye on former Vancouver library property east of downtown to serve as a temporary museum, according to Bennett. The organization would like to move in during 2026, she said, provided it can raise the funds. Ten million (dollars) could get us into that basic space. I think the local philanthropy community is capable of doing that in Clark County, Bennett said. A custom-built museum would be larger and better suited for children, she said, but might cost four times as much. So for now, thats a long-term goal. I think the money is out there, Bennett said. The challenge is having the time to do everything, to ask for money and write proposals and provide programming. The FLIP Museum would like to have spaces in both Washington County and somewhere in east Portland or east Multnomah County. With the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portlands Central Eastside, and a prospective museum in Vancouver, Graham said hed like to have a constellation of conveniently located facilities across the region. We want this to be a multicultural childrens museum, where everyone in the community feels welcome, said Graham. Elisabeth Utas was among the most vocal in efforts to save the Portland Childrens Museum in 2021 and the sting of its closure is still fresh in her mind. Honestly, I still feel kind of defeated over that whole thing. It was such a loss, Utas said. She now owns LEKA Playland in Tigard, which Utas describes as a calming environment for kids from birth to kindergarten. And shes planning Dig PDX, an indoor sandbox in Beaverton designed for kids up to age 7. While I cant open my own childrens museum, I do feel like we have covered some of that with her smaller spaces, Utas said. And she said shes heartened by the prospects of new museums opening in time, with new outlets for young kids. We need more of these kinds of spaces for children, she said. -- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | 503-294-7699 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention center in northern Mexico, starting a fire that left 39 dead, the president said Tuesday following one of the the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Thirty-nine people died and 29 were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire, the agency said. A Guatemalan official said many may have been from that Central American country. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants inside the facility in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said, adding that the director of countrys immigration agency was on the scene. A migrant cries leaning on an ambulance as a person she knows is attended by medics after a fire broke out at the Mexican Immigration Detention center in Juarez on Monday, March, 27, 2023. A fire in a dormitory at a Mexican immigration detention center near the U.S. border left more than three dozen migrants dead. It was one of the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. (Omar Ornelas /The El Paso Times via AP)AP Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abuse and using excessive force in rounding up migrants, complaining that municipal police were questioning people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the U.S. border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. And the countrys immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany, but is still largely a transit country for those on the way to the U.S. It holds tens of thousands of migrants in an expansive network of detention centers and attempts to closely monitor movements across the country in cooperation with American authorities. Karla Samayoa, spokeswoman for Guatemalas Foreign Ministry, said that Mexican authorities had informed them that more than two dozen of the migrants who died appeared to be from the country. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities with the U.S., including Ciudad Juarez. The Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin has estimated there are more than 2,200 people in Ciudad Juarezs shelters and more migrants outside shelters from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, and El Salvador. ___ Associated Press writers Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. Visitors flocked to see Michelangelos David sculpture in Florence on Tuesday, following an uproar over a Florida schools decision to force the resignation of the principal over complaints about a lesson featuring the Renaissance masterpiece. Tourists, many of them Americans on spring break or studying abroad, posed for selfies in front of the giant marble statue, which features the Biblical David, naked with a sling over his shoulder and a rock in his hand, ready for battle with Goliath. Florences Galleria dellAccademia, which houses the sculpture, reopened Tuesday after its weekly Monday closure, and both tourists and locals alike couldnt get over the controversy. Its part of history, said Isabele Joles from Ohio, who is studying French and Italian art with her school group. I dont understand how you can say its porn. Tourists take photos in front of Michelangelo's "David statue" in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The Florence museum and the city's mayor are inviting parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelo's sculpture of David. The invitation comes after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)AP She and other visitors were reacting to the decision by Tallahassee Classical School board to pressure Principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign last week after an image of the David was shown to a sixth-grade art class. Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained because they werent notified in advance that a nude image would be shown, while a third called the iconic statue, which is considered the height of Renaissance sculpture, pornographic. The school has a policy requiring parents to be notified in advance about controversial topics being taught. Over the weekend, both Florences mayor and the museum director voiced incredulity over the ruckus and issued invitations for the ousted principal and the school community to come and see the sculpture for themselves. Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Accademia Gallery poses in front of Michelangelo's "David statue" in Florence, Italy, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The Florence museum and the city's mayor are inviting parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelo's sculpture of David. The invitation comes after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)AP We are talking about the roots of Western culture, and David is the height, the height of beauty, museum director Cecilie Hollberg said in an interview Tuesday, as tourists brushed past her snapping selfies with the statue. The controversy wasnt only a topic of conversation in Florence. On Monday night in Tallahassee, a large crowd showed up for a school board meeting with public comment on the issue of the David statue controversy lasting over an hour, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. Some parents and teachers criticized the board and even asked chairman Barney Bishop to step aside. Given the dissatisfaction of all these parents with your leadership, would you be willing to lead us by integrity by resigning? asked teacher Ben Steigner. Bishop refused, saying he intends to remain as chairman through the end of his term in May and then another year on the board, the newspaper reported. The five trustees are elected by themselves, not the parents, and serve three-year terms. New Principal Cara Wynn told the school board that nine students had left the school since the David controversy began, but that three had enrolled. Tallahassee Classical is a charter school. While it is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, it operates almost entirely independently of the local school district and is sought out by parents seeking an alternative to the public school curriculum. About 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the three-year-old institution, which is now on its third principal. It follows a curriculum designed by Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan frequently consulted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on educational issues. The Florida Department of Education, however, has distanced itself from the controversy and the schools decision. The Statue of David has artistic and historical value. Florida encourages instruction on the classics and classical art, and would not prohibit its use in instruction, the department said in a statement. The matter at the Tallahassee Classical School is between the school and an employee, and is not the effect of state rule or law. At the museum on Tuesday, tourist Brian Stapley from Seattle said he was sad for the schools children. Its one of the most incredible parts of our history, he said as he waited on line to get into the museum. I feel incredibly sorry for the children that dont get to see it. MTN announced it will migrate BSS and OSS applications to Microsofts Azure cloud computing platform, a move to tap into machine learning and AI to deliver operational efficiency across the operators footprint, starting with Nigeria and South Africa. Migration of the business applications to Azure is currently underway through the establishment of the MTN Group Cloud Centre of Excellence and Project Nephos. A cornerstone of the move will be the migration of MTN's core big data platform EVA, to Azure. The operator said will not only optimise infrastructure but also enable MTN to enhance its common data model, and bridge divisions across network, IT and commercial domains to tap into technology such as machine learning and AI. MTN stated hundreds of employees in Nigeria and South Africa have been trained in Azure technologies and software, with more to be trained across its other units. Professional services company Accenture will support the move by providing technology implementation, integration and support services. The African operator group previously announced it launched a proof of concept for a standalone 5G core using Azure, a move to deploy SA 5G more rapidly. Our strategic partnership with Microsoft will enable us to transform the way we deliver products and services to our customers. We will bring the power of cloud computing to life driving development and innovation with speed, flexibility and predictable investments and operations. "We remain focused on nurturing the digital skills within MTN and in the societies, we operate in and building digital platforms to drive digital transformation across Africa and the Middle East, said MTN Group chief information officer Nikos Angelopoulos. MIAMI Two Cuban migrants took a novel approach to making a 90 mile journey to Key West. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the two men illegally landed a powered hang glider at the Key West International Airport around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The men were not injured and were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol officials by the Keys deputies. There were no interruptions in service and operations continue as normal, said Richard Strickland, the director of airports, in a statement released by Key West Airport. The sheriffs department has not released details on the flight. The wolverine spotted last Monday along the Columbia River near Portland made an appearance on Wednesday in Damascus and another over the weekend in Beavercreek. Teri Lysak, wolverine tracking project coordinator with Cascadia Wild, said the sightings have surprised wildlife experts with the Portland-based nonprofit in part because the wolverine population is so small. Only about 300 to 1,000 wolverines still roam the United States. Last Mondays confirmed sighting in Oregon was the groups first of a wolverine since the tracking project began in 2003. Lysak said the wolverine is likely a young adult that recently left home, looking to settle in an area less populated than Portland, in a process called dispersing. Wolverine wildlife trackers believe the same animal was spotted near Beavercreek, about 13 miles south of Damascus, over the weekend. Oregon is not typically home to wolverines, as they prefer wide open spaces and colder climates up north. Wolverines protect their dens with deep snowpack, and since theyre scavengers, the snow acts as a sort of ice chest for prey, Lysak said. It allows their food source to remain cool. This wolverines southbound trek is definitely out of the ordinary, she said. Its very unusual that its at such a low elevation, out of its usually considered habitat, Lysak said. The wolverine tracking project expanded to track other rare carnivores and animals such as birds in the Mount Hood National Forest when wolverine sightings in Oregon proved elusive. Many of the initial reports about wolverines turned out to be unfounded. The team kept the word wolverine in the name because recovering populations in Washington and Idaho would likely trickle down into Oregon over time. We always say, maybe this will be the year we find a wolverine, Lysak said. So, its very exciting. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials advise people to keep their distance from wolverines in the wild. Anyone who spots one of these rare creatures can report the sighting to the department via the website iNaturalist. -- Lisa Moreno; lmoreno@oregonian.com Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The cherry trees at the Japanese American Historical Plaza in downtown Portland are nearing full bloom. Expect peak bloom later this week. If youre planning a visit, the forecast will be moderately cooperative, with mild temperatures throughout the week and some sunshine expected Wednesday. If youve never visited the trees at peak bloom, its a bucket list experience, locally speaking. If thats not enough to get you there, travel website Trips to Discover recently ranked Portland among the 14 best places to view cherry blossoms around the world. Beth Nakamura Twitter: @bethnakamura Instagram: @bethnakamura The court ruling that allows for camping in the streets, Martin v. Boise, does not say we cannot impose limits on when and where the homeless camp. Why not ban unsanctioned street camping in Portland between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.? Allowing people to set up semi-permanent camps only allows trash and biohazard waste to accumulate, not to mention blocking access to all other pedestrians who are forced to walk into the streets, including children and handicapped people. How is this equitable? The obvious answer is its not. Banning camping during these daytime hours means nothing without enforcement- well need something like the National Guard to help us enforce such a ban, likely for at least a few months. We need to get the people experiencing homelessness used to the idea of pack it up and move it out first thing in the morning. Im not saying the homeless cant sleep on the street if they are totally out of options. Im saying they shouldnt be able to take over a section of the sidewalk and try to stay there all day for weeks or months on end. Enough is enough. All the citizens of Portland deserve to be able to walk down the sidewalks without being forced to walk out into the street. Its only fair. Kris Whitley, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The Portland Timbers second team will likely add a new face in the coming days. T2 is nearing a deal with 22-year-old Argentine forward Florian Monzon, a team source confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Monzon would join T2 on a one-year loan from the Buenos Aires-based club Velez Sarsfield in Argentinas top tier. The news was first reported by Argentine media outlet Sabado Velez. Monzon is currently on loan with Club Almirante Brown in Argentinas second division. He has two goals in 17 appearances since joining Almirante Brown in 2022. T2 (0-1-0) has its home opener against Earthquakes II at 5 p.m. Sunday at Providence Park. Tickets to all T2 home matches are free this season. -- Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke Youve probably been to the north Oregon coast. Its a safe bet that you have gazed upon Haystack Rock, had ice cream at the Tillamook Creamery and have seen the Peter Iredale shipwreck up close. Cape Kiwanda is old news, isnt it? Those who have make a habit of traveling to the north coast can fall into a kind of rhythm, visiting the same places and doing the same things over and over again. Not that theres anything wrong with that, but before you pack up the car for another day at Cannon Beach, consider what it would look like to break away from the main attractions. HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok Just in time for Oregon schools spring break, March 27 to 31, weve compiled a list of 10 of the most overlooked attractions on the north Oregon coast. Some are found just off the beach, but others are buried deep within the Coast Range forest, requiring a little more effort to see. Exploring off the beaten path usually requires a little more leg work, but the reward is a fresh experience that might break you out of your routine and lead to a more memorable vacation. The beautiful waterfalls, big trees and beaches dont hurt either. For the curious explorer inside us all, here are 10 spots you might have missed: Roosevelt elk gather in Jewell Meadows, a protected wildlife preserve in the Coast Range east of Seaside, where visitors can spy on the elk from a roadside viewpoint.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 1. JEWELL MEADOWS One of several elk viewing areas in Oregon, the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is found in the Coast Range off Oregon 202, about 45 minutes east of Cannon Beach. Seeing elk requires good timing and a bit of luck. Your best bet is to show up between November and April, in the early morning or just before dusk. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which runs the wildlife preserve, offers elk feeding tours from December to February. Bring your binoculars and pack your patience. Open 24 hours daily; 79878 Oregon 202, Seaside; 503-755-2264; ODFW parking permit required. A massive western red cedar tree stands tall at the end of a hike in the Rockaway Beach Old Growth Cedar Preserve, found just off U.S. 101 on the north Oregon coast.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 2. ROCKAWAY BIG TREE A short, accessible boardwalk hike leads to one of the biggest trees in Oregon, a western red cedar that measures 154 feet tall and 49 feet around. That giant, colloquially known as the Rockaway Big Tree, is found inside the Rockaway Beach Old Growth Cedar Preserve, a swampy patch of land conveniently located beside U.S. 101. Open dawn to dusk, daily; off U.S. 101, south of milepost 51. Klootchy Creek County Park, found between Seaside and Cannon Beach on the north Oregon coast, is home to a dead Sitka spruce that was once the largest tree in Oregon. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 3. BIG STUMP AT KLOOTCHY CREEK While perhaps not as compelling as a live tree, the Sitka spruce stump at Klootchy Creek County Park was once the biggest tree in Oregon, measuring 200 feet tall with a 17-foot diameter and a circumference of 56 feet. Though a windstorm felled the tree in 2007, the stump is now an overlooked attraction off U.S. 26 just east of Cannon Beach. A quick walk from the parking lot leads to the might stump. Open 24 hours, daily; located off U.S. 26 at milepost 2; 503-325-9306. A boy fishes from a bridge over a pond along the Fort to Sea Trail, which runs 6.5 miles from Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to Sunset Beach on the north Oregon coast. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 4. FORT TO SEA TRAIL Hiking through the trees to the beach is one of the joys of the Oregon coast, and nowhere is that adventure bigger than at the Fort to Sea Trail. Running 6.5 miles each way from the historic Fort Clatsop site to the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Beach, the lengthy trail leads through a quiet forest, past farmland, under U.S. 101, over a lake and finally hits the sand. The trail is meant to mimic the journey undertaken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, though the landscape naturally looks a lot different than it did 200 years ago. Open dawn to dusk, daily; endpoints at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Sunset Beach State Recreation Site; 503-861-2471; parking at the historical site is $10 or free with valid public lands pass, parking at Sunset Beach is free. Canoes are stored on display at the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center in the winter, and taken out on the water the rest of the year. The museum is designed to teach about the culture of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and to serve as an active center for the community.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 5. CHACHALU MUSEUM The Chachalu Museum wasnt designed for tourists, but the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, which built the museum for its tribal community, opens the doors to all who stop by. Located off Oregon 18 just east of Neskowin, the museum and cultural center eschews informational placards for immersive displays that take you into the local environment, as well as living exhibits like the working cedar canoes that are stored in the museum over winter. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 8720 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde; 503-879-2226. A walkway passes through the open meadows of Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area in Grand Ronde. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 6. FORT YAMHILL Located in the Grand Ronde Community, the Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area is the historical site of a fort built in 1856 to manage interactions between white settlers and the Indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed to a newly created reservation. Visitors wont find many historical buildings (almost all are long gone), but an easy walk leads to sites where they once stood, with placards telling the history of the place. Open dawn to dusk, daily; found off Oregon 22, just north of Oregon 18 in Grande Ronde. Towering trees, massive ferns and rough-skinned newts populate the Ecola Creek Forest Reserve, a 1,040-acre community forest that protects part of the watershed in Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 7. ECOLA CREEK FOREST RESERVE A small, 1,040-acre park tucked away in Cannon Beach, the Ecola Creek Forest Reserve offers a quieter excursion into nature, with a patch of old growth forest beside the charming Ecola Creek. In the rainy season, rough-skinned newts crawl across the muddy trails. Come summer, visitors can cool off in the shallows of the creek. Parking is extremely limited, so consider making the one mile walk from downtown Cannon Beach. Open dawn to dusk, daily; found on Elk Creek Road, .4 miles east of U.S. 101. Munson Creek Falls is a 319-foot waterfall found at a state park site in Oregon's Coast Range.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 8. NORTH COAST RANGE WATERFALLS Those who explore the depths of the north Coast Range will find all sorts of treasures to behold, including a series of spectacular waterfalls. Find Niagara Falls (no not that Niagara Falls) in the Siuslaw National Forest east of Pacific City. See towering Munson Creek Falls just off U.S. 101 south of Tillamook. The smaller Umbrella Falls, Fishhawk Falls and Youngs River Falls are all found between Astoria and Manzanita. A misty winter morning at Lost Lake in the Clatsop State Forest, found in the north Oregon Coast Range. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 9. LITTLE LAKES OF CLATSOP STATE FOREST Those in search of quieter natural landscapes can escape to a group of little lakes in the Clatsop State Forest. While some may be amenable to kayaking, others are so shallow theyre practically marshes, best seen on a peaceful hike through the forest. There are four small lakes in all, found off U.S. 26 east of Cannon Beach: Bloom Lake, Lost Lake, Soapstone Lake and Spruce Run Lake. A calm ocean laps against the beach at Sitka Sedge State Natural Area on the Oregon coast, with Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City's Haystack Rock in the distance.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian 10. SITKA SEDGE One of the newest and most fascinating state parks in Oregon, Sitka Sedge State Natural Area north of Pacific City offers visitors a beautiful variety of natural attractions: an expansive wetland filled with birds, a dense coastal forest, and a sprawling beach on the north side of Cape Kiwanda. It tends to be less crowded than the more popular beaches nearby, making it a good plan B for your beach day. Open dawn to dusk, daily; found on Sandlake Road, 4.5 miles north of Pacific City; 800-551-6949. Jamie Hale 503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB Tuesday 28 March 2023 1:55pm Dr Andrew Bagshaw. The late Dr Andrew Bagshaw has had his final scientific research paper published posthumously, a matter of weeks after his tragic death while volunteering as an aid worker in war-torn Ukraine. The new study, led by geneticist Dr Bagshaw during his time as a researcher within the University of Otagos Department of Anatomy, breaks new ground in humanitys understanding of how DNA sequences bend and change. Published in the prestigious journal Nucleic Acids Research, the study has shown that DNA sequences bend and twist in ways which were previously unknown. Dr Bagshaws paper was supervised by the Department of Anatomys Professor Neil Gemmell, the current Acting University of Otago deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences. Professor Gemmell says Dr Bagshaws last finding was an important technical discovery, spanning the fields of genetics, biochemistry and biophysics, with the potential to benefit human health in future years. Andrew's remarkable work could lead to a better understanding of how genetic diseases arise and how they can be treated. It also opens up new avenues for research into the mechanics of DNA and could ultimately lead to the development of new technologies for manipulating DNA . This paper reflects the work of someone who was exceptionally talented, able to synthesise a great deal of information from subdisciplines and disciplines that dont always connect as directly as you might imagine, to address how DNA bends and changes, in a new and innovative way, says Professor Gemmell. Andrew possessed extremely strong analytical skills and was easily one of the most extraordinary students I have trained. This, his final body of work, is a lasting legacy to a scientist of immense promise and ability. Professor Gemmell says Dr Bagshaws work reveals that DNA is bending in a way nobody knew about before. This new insight is important because DNA secondary structures can affect how genes are turned on and off, and the way a DNA sequence is bent influences its propensity to change or mutate. The paper reveals that DNA sequences bend more in regions that are rich in the nucleotides cytosine and guanine, and that bending is particularly pronounced at the start of a sequence, the so-called 5 end. Dr Bagshaw also observed that where sequences are predicted to bend the most is where changes or mutations in the DNA are more likely to happen. These findings help establish how DNA functions, how it changes over time, how it folds, and how it is packaged into cells. Dr Bagshaw, whose death was confirmed in late January, had been working as a volunteer in Ukraine since April last year. The 47-year-old, along with British colleague Chris Parry, were killed whilst attempting to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar an area of intense military action in Eastern Ukraine. Dr Bagshaw completed a PhD in Genetics at the University of Canterbury before joining the University of Otago, Christchurchs, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science in 2008. Publication details Tuesday 28 March 2023 4:32pm The tourism industry is poised to pull New Zealand through the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic but it needs more people, an entrepreneur says. Speaking at the Otago Tourism Policy School recently, Jucy Co-Founder and LyLo Managing Director Tim Alpe says he is excited about where the industry is at and believes tourism will play a major role in the countrys COVID recovery. Tim Alpe. I know there is discussion around revisiting and rethinking tourism with a focus on the higher spend market, however right now our focus must be on encouraging anyone who is keen to come to New Zealand, Mr Alpe says. The people who come and stay with us are also the people who are serving you in the cafes, retail shops and bars. Jucy is a campervan and car rental brand and LyLo is an accommodation provider. While Mr Alpe believes the Aotearoa tourism industry is in a good place, he expects there will be significant challenges with aging products, as a result of no capital investment during the pandemic and staff shortages. Many staff left the tourism industry during the pandemic and have not returned, which means customers may not get the experiences they were expecting. While New Zealand was a forgivable brand and people would understand the country has been through hell with border closures, it can only be forgivable for so long, Mr Alpe says. Weve got to deliver on what we say and that will only happen by having passionate customer focused people delivering an incredible experience. We really need to encourage people back into tourism and then that will set us up really well for success. He urged business owners and tourism operators not to get caught up in overpricing to recoup losses from COVID. While we could easily be charging guests three times our pre-COVID prices for PODS at LyLo, we made a decision not to as it was more important to us that guests felt like they had value for money. Everyone needs to recover, but its important that we take a long-term view. The last thing we need is visitors going home and telling others that they loved New Zealand but man, it was overpriced. Mr Alpe also talked about the successes and tough times he faced after stepping away from Jucy a few years ago, after 20 years at the helm. He founded the company with his brother, Dan, in 2002 with 25 cars they bought from the Auckland Hospital board. Seventeen years later, the company had experienced huge growth but things came crashing down during the pandemic. After leaving, Mr Alpe struggled with his mental health which led him to seek professional help, which he credits with him getting his mojo back. While the last few years had been a journey he believes he is a better person and businessman as a result. During the presentation he shared some of the many lessons he has learned: culture is everything, especially during the tough times; growth is exciting, challenging and rewarding but bigger isnt always better; and finally, don't dwell on the past as you cant change it. The fifth annual University of Otago Tourism Policy School is a two-day event bringing together industry leaders, policy makers and prominent researchers to discuss key challenges in the New Zealand tourism industry. This years theme is Tourism Policy: Are we fit for purpose?. For more information, contact: Tim Alpe Jucy and Lylo Email tim_alpe@lylo.com Jessica Wilson Adviser Media Engagement University of Otago Mob +64 21 279 5016 Email jessica.wilson@otago.ac.nz GREEN CHARTER TOWNSHIP In the interest of public safety, the Green Charter Township panel discussion regarding the potential Gotion, Inc., battery component manufacturing facility project will be done virtually. Multiple out-of-the-area groups are recruiting to use ANTIFA tactics to shut down Green Townships panel discussion on April 5, Green Charter Township supervisor Jim Chapman said, referring to groups that use extreme tactics to protest a project. "They will endanger our residents. The only choice is to cancel in person attendance and take this opportunity online. Originally scheduled to take place at the Green Charter Township Hall in Paris, expectations of a much larger crowd than could be accommodated led the board to look for a larger venue. Chapman reached out to Ferris State University President Bill Pink. The panel discussion was moved to the G. Mennen Williams Auditorium on the FSU campus. However, with the recent developments, Chapman decided that for the good of the public the meeting would take place virtually only. In an email to Pink, Chapman said in addition to seeing negative posts on social media, he also learned of a plan for other opposition organizations to attend the meeting. This is more than I can ask from my friends in Ferris PD or the BRPD, Chapman said in the email. The goal is to get information to the public. I deeply regret being a bother to you and the Ferris family. Being an alumnus and having taught CJ, (criminal justice), they are my family too. This appears to be the safest option and the best way to reach the public. Questions from the public regarding the Gotion project are still being accepted and can be submitted on the township website at greentownship.org, by phone or in person at the township hall. The panel discussion will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. To submit questions and attend the virtual meeting, visit: https://bit.ly/3nutudR. Updated 3 p.m. March 31 adding context to Jim Chapman's quote regarding his ANTIFA reference. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) "Welcome to the USA," says a note attached to a hand-crocheted blanket of purple, white and gray stripes. Hollie Shaner-McRae, of Burlington, who made the blanket as a gift for a refugee, wrote of her great-grandparents coming to the United States from Ukraine, Russia and Poland. One great-grandfather was a tailor and the other was a barrel maker, she wrote. Both were so brave and came to America as teenagers," she wrote in the note. I hope you make friends and feel safe here, Shaner-McRae wrote to whomever would receive the blanket. Vermont is blessed to have new families arrive and enrich our world. The quilt was one of at least 86 artistic blankets that crafters sewed, crocheted and knitted as gifts for refugees and immigrants to make them feel welcomed in their new community in Vermont. The handmade creations were on display at the Heritage Mill Museum in Winooski, Vermont, before they were given away to refugees last week. The effort is part of the national Welcome Blanket project, which describes itself as a crowd-sourced artistic action supporting refugees settling in the U.S. Los Angeles activist Jayna Zweiman started Welcome Blanket in 2017 in opposition to Donald Trumps candidacy speeches about building a wall between the United State and Mexico. As a grandchild of refugees, she grew up with family stories of her grandfather seeing the Statue of Liberty. That monument decades later still made him feel welcomed, she said. Just as the Statue of Liberty was seen as an inviting symbol for immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zweiman thought at the time: What can we do in the 21st century as people are coming through these different ports to welcome them?" To date, thousands of blankets and notes have been created around the country for exhibits including in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Winooski, Vermont. The blankets, accompanied with the personal notes from their creators, were then gifted to refugees at events, in welcome boxes, at their new housing or through charity groups. The project is geared toward refugees people forced to leave their home or country to escape war, persecution or natural disaster including Ukrainians who escaped the Russian invasion of their home country. But the blankets have also gone to immigrants. In Vermont, Aisha Bitini, who is originally from Congo, said that she loves the blanket she chose a soft, crocheted piece made up of large squares of gold, maroon, off-white and gray. Im so blessed to have one of them, she said, draping it over her shoulder. She picked it out at the blanket giveaway held last week at the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, or AALV. The note that came with the blanket feels so special, Bitini said, adding that she thanks the person who made this beautiful blanket and that she will "cherish it forever." Kalyan Adhikari, who's originally from Nepal, said the Vermont project was such a kind and warm initiative. He said it makes refugees feel welcome and little bit more like they're home. This makes my heart warm. I can't thank them enough, he said of the blanket-makers. The immigrant-refugee story resonated with Sonia Savoulian, of Los Angeles, when in 2017 then-President Donald Trump imposed a ban on travelers from certain majority-Muslim countries. Her ancestry is Armenian, and her family includes refugees and immigrants. She herself is an immigrant and she also happens to make things with yarn. The Welcome Blanket project combines a creative outlet with a product that would help newcomers to the U.S. feel an embrace, a welcome and an aspiration, she said. Since making her first Welcome Blankets for an exhibit in Atlanta in 2018, she has made a total of about 50 such blankets. Zweiman said she hopes the blanket-making for refugees will become an American tradition. I want this happening 50 years from now, she said. And I want a kid who took part in this, ... when the next wave of xenophobia comes, to remember that he had actually physically made something for someone who was coming. The Huron County board meeting on March 28 saw three of its members absent, which caused a resolution that was approved by a 3-1 vote to fail per the county board's rules. Currently, a resolution being voted on by the county board must pass with a majority vote of active board members. With this in mind, a resolution may only pass if it receives four votes or more in favor, regardless of how many are present for the vote at the time of the meeting. The resolution in question would have had the county oppose the expansion of the National Guard base Camp Grayling by acquiring land from the Michigan DNR. The resolution was put together by the county's legislative committee and cited concerns for contamination of the Great Lakes (with one river that could be affected being the AuSable River, which flows into Lake Huron) and the loss of land that would be made available to those who live and recreate in the area. "It is not anti-military, we want to make that very clear from our presentation last month," said Joe Murphy, commissioner and chair of the legislative committee. "I think with what research we did, currently, Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard base in the United States. This would over double the size of it, and many people in Huron County have second homes and recreate up there, which would eliminate some of those possibilities. On the committee, we also looked at it as supporting another county." After the vote happened (with the voting being 3-1 in favor of the resolution with Commissioner and Chairman Sami Khoury voting against it) the commissioners were informed by the county's Cooperation Council Matt Nordfjord that the way the county boards rules are written, the resolution had failed to pass. As it stands, the failed resolution can not be brought back up unless the rules are amended stating that any member could re-introduce the resolution. Khoury noted that his reasoning for voting no was in part because sending the resolution could be viewed as anti-military. In other business, the board interviewed four candidates for the Huron County Planning Commission. There were three appointments available, and they would each run for a three-year term. After the interview process, Richard Swartzendruber and Dean Smith were re-appointed to the board. The planning commission will be joined by Jim Leonard, who is a Bad Axe native and has served on the city planning commission board, as a county commissioner, and served as a mayor. Photo provided/Jason Davis/Getty Images Just announced for this July in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the first-ever Northern Lights Music Fest. Be among an estimated 15,000 festival-goers at the inaugural music festival taking over the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, according to event organizers. That's more attendees than people who live in the city. Escanaba has a population of 12,000, according to 2020 census numbers. Shelterhouse has announced that Dr. Lydia Watson, President and CEO of MyMichigan Health, will serve as honorary chairperson for its spring fundraiser, Shelterhouse Midland Restaurant Week, taking place throughout Midland County April 22April 29. Shelterhouse Midland Restaurant Week debuted in 2022 as a re-imagined nod to Midlands original culinary celebration, Chefs for Shelterhouse. Chefs and restaurants from 38 restaurants throughout the county have partnered with Shelterhouse to bring our community together to support survivors and have intentional conversations about healthy relationships over shared meals and coffees. The eight-day program is a community-wide event aimed at empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence by collectively raising $100,000 for Shelterhouses emergency shelter, counseling program, SANE program, and other services provided to survivors in their time of need, and cultivating healthy relationships over shared meals at participating establishments, Executive Director Denise Berry explains. We are beyond grateful that Dr. Watson has signed on as our honoree chair this year, and the timing feels perfect. Dr. Watson used to serve on Shelterhouses Board of Directors and helped Shelterhouse launch its Sexual Assault Nurse Examination Program. Dr. Watson will be present at a ribbon cutting for the new SANE room at Shelterhouse on April 20. For many women, Shelterhouse provides the means necessary to take the first steps towards creating a new chapter in a healthy, self-sufficient life, Dr. Watson said. To be part of that story and serve as honorary chair for a unique event such as this that builds the agencys awareness and what it provides is a great privilege. Community members and tourists are encouraged to meet up with friends for coffee, dine out, or order take-out during the restaurant week. As a physician for many years prior to my roles in health care administration, I saw first-hand the benefits that Shelterhouse offered my own patients in need. We are fortunate to have this level of support available in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The funds raised from this event will only strengthen what Shelterhouse can already do and that is tremendous opportunity to which we all can play a part. While serving with MyMichigan Health, Dr. Watsons career has included roles as chief quality and patient safety officer for MyMichigan Health, as well as chief of staff, vice president of medical affairs, and board member of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. She is on the MHA Physicians in Healthcare Leadership Council serving as chair in 2021-2022. Prior to joining the administrative staff for MyMichigan in 2013, Dr. Watson cared for thousands of women as a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist at the Medical Center in Midland. Before this, she was an active staff member at Saginaw General Hospital from 1988 to 1996. Dr. Watson is active in her community and currently serves on the Strosacker Family Foundation Board of Trustees. She is a member of the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance/THRIVE Safety Taskforce, Midland 100 Womens Club, as well as serves as medical director for the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program for the hospital. She has also volunteered her leadership to the American Heart Associations Go Red for Women event and the Midland Public Schools Sex Advisory Council. In addition, she is an author of several textbook chapters and co-author of a book. She has also received numerous accolades, including the Midland Business Alliance Athena Award, and, most recently, the 2020 YWCA Woman of the Year in Healthcare Award. Dr. Watson is married with two grown children. Dr. Watson has been at the forefront at providing critical services to survivors of sexual assault in their most vulnerable moments," Berry said. "Her commitment to the health of our community is clear in both her words and her actions. We could not be more honored to have her serving as our chair. For more information about Shelterhouse Midland Restaurant Week visit midlandrestaurantweek.com or @MidlandRestaurantWeek on Facebook and Instagram. For anyone who has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, help can be found by calling 877-216-6383 or texting 989-200-5122. A Jerome Township man called 911 early Sunday morning when his knife-wielding neighbor tried to force her way into his apartment. April Collum, 40, is lodged in the Midland County Jail on a $10,000 cash/surety bond. She was arraigned on first-degree home invasion by Midland County District Court Magistrate Gerald Ladwig. She is set for a probable cause hearing in Midland County District Court at 1 p.m. April 11. First-degree home invasion in Michigan is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine according to Michigan Legislature 750.110a. Midland County Sheriff Myron Greene said a 33-year-old man called 911 about 3:19 a.m. saying there was a home invasion in progress. Collum returned to her apartment before deputies arrived. The victim told authorities Collum had a large, black-handled kitchen knife. The victim reportedly heard rumbling at his door and when he opened the door, he saw the knife and he immediately tried shutting the door. She reportedly jammed the knife between the door and the threshold, keeping it from closing. The victim was soon able to get the door closed and call authorities. Collum told deputies she was trying to enter the apartment because she thought a family member was inside being sexually assaulted, said Greene. Collum has had five encounters with authorities since November, including calling 911 last month reporting a Chupacabra in the area. Green said the suspect has known mental health issues. More Information Jerome Township woman charged with first-degree home invasion while wielding a knife early Sunday morning See More Collapse The victim is concerned due to the incident, Greene said. This could have been a very serious incident. It is not a regular occurrence, thats for sure." Greene advises residents to look out a window or through a peep hole before opening the door. MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Monday that Republicans need a candidate who can take out Donald Trump in a single, brutal swipe like the one Christie delivered to a different rival in 2016. Speaking in New Hampshire, Christie recalled a favorite moment from his failed presidential campaign: embarrassing Marco Rubio on a debate stage three days before the first-in-the-nation primary. After Christie challenged Rubios lack of experience, the senator from Florida repeated himself twice in a cringe-worthy moment capped off by Christie saying: There it is. The memorized 25-second speech. There it is, everybody. Trump will never step aside quietly, said Christie, who is mulling another run himself. You better have somebody on that stage who can do to him what I did to Marco, because that's the only thing that's gonna defeat Donald Trump, he said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. And that means you have to be fearless, because he will come back, and right at you. Voters need to think about who has the skills and guts to do that, Christie warned. Because its not going to end nicely, no matter what, his end will not be a calm and quiet conclusion, he said. While that debate moment was a high point for Christie, he dropped out less than a week later after finishing a dismal sixth in the New Hampshire Republican primary that year. He quickly endorsed Trump and was a close on-and-off adviser to Trump during his time in the White House, but broke with the former president after Trump refused to accept his loss of the 2020 election. Christie has since emerged as one of the few prominent Trump critics in his party and has used his position as an ABC political analyst to argue that Trump is a far weaker today than he was in the past. On Monday, he accused Trump of leading Republicans down a sinkhole of anger and retribution. Donald Trump said a couple of weeks ago, I am your retribution. Guess what everybody? No thanks. No dice, Christie said Monday. He doesn't want to be my retribution. That's baloney. The only person he cares about is him. Saul Shriber, 67, of Chester, said he voted for Christie in 2016 even though he wasn't happy with the answer he got when he asked Christie, When are you going to take down Trump? I have my timetable, Christie said at the time. I thought, if there's anybody on the stage who could go after Trump, it would be him, the smash-mouth New Jersey guy, Shriber said. Reminded of their encounter Monday, Christie said he and the other candidates made a strategic error" in thinking they'd get a chance to take on Trump one-on-one. Instead, their campaigns folded quickly. Shriber found that answer satisfactory and said he would support Christie again. If he chose to talk to me truthfully, Im all in favor, he said. Im willing to forgive. New Hampshire was the linchpin of Christies 2016 campaign. The then-governor camped out in the state for months, holding dozens of town halls a format he became famous for in New Jersey, as his colorful commentary and spirited clashes with critics frequently went viral. Christie said earlier this month that he expects to make a decision in the next 45 to 60 days. ____ Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report. Having a child is the most emphatic statement of hope a person can make. I have three young kids, and yet I have trouble remaining optimistic about the world they and their children will inhabit in 2100 and beyond. The world 77 years from now is likely to be far hotter and more unstable, warmed in a way that depopulates entire metropolises and renders farmland nonarable. It's a world the latest report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns will become reality unless we make dramatic, immediate reductions in our fossil fuel use. We're not on track to make those changes in time to prevent a world in which animal and plant species will die off at an alarming rate. And yet, kids deserve to have hope. But not false hope. That was emphasized to me by Peter Kalmus, one of the climate scientists I called a few months ago to discuss the dissonance of raising children in a world we know to be headed for breakdown. In fact, "Earth breakdown" was the term he used to describe the ecological collapses and natural disasters that would be brought about by the global warming we face. Kalmus told me his children, both of whom are teenagers, don't talk to him much about climate change. "I think false hope is a dangerous thing in general because it contributes to a lack of urgency, when we should all be feeling extreme urgency instead," Kalmus told me. He said he doesn't try to fill his children with pessimism, but "what I emphatically would not do is lie to my kids in any way." So he gives his children hope by actually trying to prevent Earth breakdown. And Kalmus is trying, arguably as hard as anyone. He and three scientists were arrested last year for chaining themselves to a Chase Bank in downtown Los Angeles to protest JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s industry-leading fossil fuel investments. More recently, he chained himself to the door of a private-jet terminal in Charlotte, North Carolina, saying the climate emergency requires ramping down aviation. His civil disobedience is getting the attention of young people. He is the only climate scientist whom any of my children have mentioned to me by name. Kalmus' "be the change" ethos dovetails somewhat with what Melissa Burt told me. She's an atmospheric science professor at Colorado State University who also helped found Science Moms, a climate advocacy campaign aimed at parents. "Climate change literally affects everything, and that's why people need to know," Burt said. "What is one thing you love to do? Well, we can have a conversation about how that will be different." Parents taking concrete action can indicate to their children that they actually care about the problem, she said. Above all, it's important for parents not to avoid discussing climate change. Children have a much stronger sense of impending calamity than adults give them credit for, and we owe them the benefit of honest guidance. Burt mentioned the December 2021 wildfire near her in Boulder, Colo. She said her daughter has asked her, "Mommy, why am I smelling smoke?" Kalmus, who until recently lived in Altadena, cited the 2020 Bobcat fire as a traumatic event for his family. My children notice the forest that once shaded a favorite hike has been reduced to blackened, dead tree trunks by wildfire. And they ask why. My older children have learned the basics about climate change in their classrooms; I try to relate some of that to what they see when we're out in nature. They've asked about fires and water restrictions, and even why I'm so reluctant to turn on the heater. Each conversation is an opportunity to discuss not only climate change, but what we're doing at our house to not contribute to the problem. Action and example give hope. So does knowing that scientists, such as Kalmus and Burt, are working on the problem for us and their own children. Paul Thornton is the Los Angeles Times letters editor. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, has reiterated his call on Parliament and the High State Council to fulfil their obligations to the people to hold elections within a specified timeframe Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdelhamid al-Dbaiba, Tuesday visited the Ministry of Economy and Trade to follow up on the general price levels on the first days of the holy month of Ramadan Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Najla Al-Mangouch, during a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ahmed Atef, reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The Burundian office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced in a statement on Tuesday that it had handed over 106 shelters made of durable materials to victims of the 2021 floods in the south of the country Photo: (Photo : WPA Pool / Getty Images) Britain's King Charles III paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, on the first Mother's Day in the U.K. since her passing. In a tweet from the Royal Family's official account, the King sent a message to all mothers, particularly those missing their moms on this special day. According to a report from the Daily Mail, the Royal Family's tweet was accompanied by two pictures. The first photo captured Queen Elizabeth holding her son, Charles, on her lap, while the other displayed Camilla, the Queen Consort, standing beside her late mother, who passed away in 1994. A message was shared on the official Twitter account of the Royal Family, extending their warmest greetings to all mothers and those who may be grieving the loss of their mothers on this special day. The tweet expressed their thoughts and well wishes for everyone celebrating Mother's Day. To all mothers everywhere, and to those who may be missing their mums today, we are thinking of you and wishing you a special #MothersDay. pic.twitter.com/v3ugcnH8pJ The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 19, 2023 King Charles pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth In September 2022, the longest-serving monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth, passed away at 96, resulting in a prolonged period of national mourning. Subsequently, King Charles III succeeded his mother and became the new monarch of the United Kingdom. On September 10, he was officially proclaimed the country's new ruler. Since then, he has been busy carrying out his royal duties and working to build on his mother's legacy. Mother's Day is a special occasion for families all around the world. It is a time to celebrate the love, care, and support that mothers provide to their children. According to CNN, this year is particularly poignant for the royal family as it marks the first Mother's Day without Queen Elizabeth. On this first Mother's Day without the Queen, the King chose to remember her and honor her legacy. King Charles and Queen Camilla are not the only couple in the royal family giving a public nod of love to their mothers. The Prince and Princess of Wales commemorated Mother's Day by posting two family photographs on Instagram. The images, taken by photographer Matt Porteous on the family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, showed the Princess of Wales and her three children sitting on a tree. Another photo in the post is of the Princess of Wales carrying her youngest son, Prince Louis. The family looked happy and relaxed, and the images were accompanied by a heartfelt message wishing all mothers a happy Mother's Day. Read Also: Our Top Picks: Favorite Educational Shows for Kids to Watch Guilt-free Celebrations in the royal palace As well as celebrating Mother's Day, the royal family prepares for King Charles III's upcoming coronation in May. Per Page Six, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been particularly busy, recently stepping out to celebrate her first St. Patrick's Day as Colonel of the Irish Guards. She and Prince William attended an annual parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, England, where she was dressed appropriately in a bright turquoise coat and matching hat. The family is expected to be on public display during the coronation ceremony, with the three young royals joining their parents in a horse-drawn carriage at the end of the ceremony. The preparations for the coronation are well underway, and the family is sure to feel excitement and sadness as they prepare for this historical event without Queen Elizabeth by their side. Overall, while this year's Mother's Day was undoubtedly a bittersweet occasion for the royal family, they marked the day with love and affection for all mothers, including the late Queen Elizabeth. Related Article: Prince Harry, Meghan Reveal Both Children Will Use Royal Titles at Intimate Christening Ceremony Photo: (Photo : Brandon Bell /Getty Images) Kylie Beaton, a 32-year-old mother from Texas, is facing a devastating situation as she is being forced to carry her nonviable pregnancy to term due to Texas' highly restrictive abortion ban. Beaton's baby has a rare and severe condition that affects the development of its brain, and according to her doctor, the baby has a slim chance of survival if carried to term. Beaton is not alone, as many other women in Texas face similar situations due to the recent legislation. Impact of Texas' highly restrictive abortion ban on women ABC reported that Texas' new law, which went into effect on September 1, 2021, prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy before many women even know they are pregnant. This law is considered one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the United States, and it negatively impacts women's health and well-being. The law has forced many women, like Beaton, to carry nonviable pregnancies to term, putting their lives at risk and causing them emotional and psychological distress. Beaton's case highlights the need for more comprehensive reproductive healthcare in Texas and across the United States. During her pregnancy, Beaton's doctor discovered that the fetus had a severe and rare abnormality called alobar holoprosencephaly. This condition causes the brain to remain fused in the middle and prevents its normal development into two hemispheres. Dr. Katie McHugh, an OB-GYN and abortion provider, explained that this is a critical stage of development that can affect the development of vital organs like the throat, mouth, and nose. McHugh also noted that alobar holoprosencephaly could cause immense pain and suffering for the fetus, making pregnancy termination the recommended course of action in most cases. However, as per the Daily Mail, due to the highly restrictive abortion ban they have in Texas, it most likely will not happen as they can be charged with a felony. According to Kylie Beaton, her doctors informed her that if the pregnancy resulted in a live birth, the baby could survive outside the womb for a few weeks at most. This happens in roughly 1 in 250 fetuses but only in 1 in 16,000 live births. Dr. Carrie Rouse, an OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Indiana University Health, stated that in her seven years of experience, she had encountered only five cases. Read Also: Abigail Zwerner Opens up About Grueling Recovery After Being Shot by 6-Year-old Student Abortion ban in the United States Abortion in the United States is contentious, and laws vary by state. According to the Guttmacher Institute, as of September 2021, 44 states prohibit some abortions after a certain point in pregnancy, and 13 states ban abortion altogether. Of these states, two ban abortion because there are no abortion providers available. One state bans abortion at six weeks past the last menstrual period (LMP). Additionally, one state has a prohibition in place beginning at the 25-week LMP mark in the third trimester. One state bans abortion at 20 weeks LM, two states ban abortion at 15 weeks LMP, and nine states ban abortion at 22 weeks LMP on the unscientific grounds that a fetus can feel pain. Four states ban abortion at 24 weeks LMP, and 13 states impose a ban at viability. Since the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, abortion has threatened the lives of multiple pregnant women due to medical complications. Beaton's heartbreaking situation sheds light on the negative impact of Texas' highly restrictive abortion ban and the need for comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Women have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, and the government or restrictive laws should not limit these decisions. It is essential to protect and uphold women's reproductive rights and ensure they have access to safe and legal abortion care. Related Article: King Charles Pays Tribute to Late Queen Elizabeth on First Mother's Day Since Her Death Photo: (Photo : Mario Tama/ Getty Images) In a move that has drawn national attention, House Republicans in Indiana voted to approve a bill prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors in the state. This gender-affirming care includes all medicinal and surgical gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. The bill has been sent to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb for final approval, and its passage is seen as part of a growing trend of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across the United States. Advocates of the measure assert that it is imperative to safeguard minors from potentially dangerous procedures. However, opponents contend that withholding gender-affirming care may have severe repercussions on the health and welfare of transgender juveniles. Indiana's gender-affirming medical care WFYI reports that Indiana Senate Bill 480 seeks to prohibit all medicinal gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors in the state. The proposed legislation would prevent individuals under 18 from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and surgeries within Indiana. State Representative Joanna King, who sponsored the bill, argued that protecting minors from unproven and harmful procedures that could have irreversible, harmful, and life-altering consequences is imperative. Despite vocal opposition, the House voted 65-30 in favor of the ban after contentious hearings. The bill is part of a broader trend across the United States of enacting anti-LGBTQ legislation. According to ABC, several other states, including South Dakota, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Iowa, Utah, and others, have already passed laws restricting or prohibiting some forms of gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Additionally, West Virginia is currently considering a similar ban. Supporters of the Indiana bill expressed concerns about the effects of gender-affirming treatments. For example, Xandra Roberts, who testified at a public health committee hearing, claimed that she detransitioned after a decade of living as a man and continues to feel the lingering effects of testosterone, such as facial hair growth. She argued that too many young people are undergoing irreversible procedures that cause significant harm to their bodies and minds. Read Also: Transgender TikTok Star Brutally Murdered in Targeted Attack by Two Minors What is gender-affirming healthcare, how is it harmful and beneficial for minors? Gender-affirming healthcare refers to medical treatments, procedures, and therapies designed to help individuals who experience gender dysphoria align their physical bodies with their gender identity. For minors, gender-affirming healthcare can be life-changing, alleviating depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues related to gender dysphoria. According to AAMC, for many transgender minors, gender-affirming healthcare may involve puberty blockers, which can temporarily halt puberty and prevent the development of gender characteristics that are distressing to them. Hormone therapy can also be an option for those who have reached a certain age and stage of development. Surgical procedures, such as chest or genital reconstruction, may also be necessary for some individuals. However, opponents of gender-affirming healthcare for minors argue that these treatments are untested, harmful, and may cause irreversible damage. Indiana's move to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors has drawn criticism from medical experts, transgender rights advocates, and LGBTQ+ organizations. They argue that denying access to these essential treatments can have dire consequences for the mental and physical well-being of transgender minors. Related Article: Child Transgender Cases: Whistleblower Reveals Alarming Increase in Cases at St Louis Hospital Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/Franco Origlia) The masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture is now wrapped with controversy in America as Florida parents brand Michelangelo's David as pornographic. Three parents of 11 and 12-year-old students of the Tallahassee Classical School came forward and complained that their children and other students were being taught and exposed to pornography following a lesson on Renaissance art, The Herald reported. Materials presented during the lesson were Michaelangelo's most famous artworks - David's sculpture, Creation of Adam painting, and Botticelli's Birth of Venus. "Parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture... We're not going to show the full statue of David to kindergartners. We're not going to show him to second graders. Showing the entire statue of David is appropriate at some age. We're going to figure out when that is," stated the Chair of the school's board Barney Bishop III to US news outlets in response to the parents' complaints. School principal resigned Hope Carrasquilla, the then Principal of Tallahassee Classical School, resigned last week due to the incident leaving her with no choice. The school board gave her only two options - resign or be fired. According to Carrasquilla, "a series of miscommunications" resulted in a group of sixth-graders being shown the image of David without parental consent. She told HuffPost that the correct process has always been sending parents advisory letters before the school could present the artwork to the students. However, for this school year, letters were not sent, The Guardian stated. Bishop further told reporters that the dismissal of Carrasquilla was not only about the photos of the artworks but about other factors as well, to which he refused to elaborate. This incident happened after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed last week the expansion of a law that prohibits public schools from teaching gender identity and sexual education, with the consequences of suspension or losing teaching licenses if teachers violate the law. Read More: Parents Are Taking Their Kids' Sex Education Into Their Own Hands No understanding of the Bible, culture, and art Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell'Accademia, where the David sculpture currently resides, expressed her surprise after hearing about the controversy. She invited the school board, parents, and student body over the weekend to come to the gallery so that they could explain and present the "purity" of the statue, according to the Associated Press. Hollberg emphasized that viewing the David statue as pornographic meant a lack of understanding of the contents of the Bible, western culture, and Renaissance art. Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, also invited the school principal to Florence as he wanted to "recognize her on behalf of the city." He then took to Twitter and stated, "mistaking art for pornography is just ridiculous." The statue of David remains one of the most iconic artworks in Western art history, with Italian Renaissance master Giorgio Vasari describing it as no equal to any other artwork in terms of "proportion, beauty, and excellence. Related article: Florida Considers Restricting Human Sexuality Education to Grades 6-12 Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/ Mark Makela) Authorities found a six-year-old naked child locked inside a dog cage in their home in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Police Department officers responded to a residence on 4200 block Glenview Street at 12:52 P.M. following a report from a neighbor, Hector Perez, who called 911 about two little girls screaming for their mom and dad and standing in the rain in the backyard only wearing diapers. When they arrived, they found the two children, ages four and five, crying and wandering around the back of the house. However, that was not the worse, as authorities discovered a third child inside the home - a naked boy locked in a dog cage secured with a zip tie, NBC Philadelphia reported. All children were evaluated at a nearby hospital, yet their conditions were not discussed in the open. Police officers, though, assured the public that none of the kids were physically harmed. The child allegedly has autism Aside from the children, investigators also found a 40-year-old man upstairs with intellectual disabilities and an elderly woman in a wheelchair, believed to be the kids' grandmother or great-grandmother, who was also taken to the hospital for evaluation. "We don't know entirely everything that's going on here. But obviously, we don't live in a world where under any situation whatsoever we should have a child inside of a cage or young children outside standing in the rain," declared Philadelphia Police Public Information Officer Eric Gripp, who also stated that a lengthy investigation would be happening. According to the neighbors who talked with the news outlet, the boy found inside the cage has autism. Authorities have yet to confirm this information. In connection to the case, Gripp announced that 30-year-old Michelle Campbell and 31-year-old Paul Weber are facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering a person. The Daily Mail reported that the authorities searched for the kids' father. A woman, who introduced herself as the mother of one of the children, was also on the scene and was taken to the Special Victims Unit for interrogation. As of writing, no charges have been placed against her. Read More: New York Girl, Missing Since 2019, Found Alive in Secret Staircase; Who is Paislee Shultis? An 'ongoing' incident According to Perez, he was coming home from work when he was horrified to see two little girls in his neighbor's backyard, crying and screaming for their mother and father in the pouring rain without any shirts, pants, or shoes. The kids were only wearing diapers. He further revealed that this kind of situation has been "ongoing" and that the kids have "mental issues." All the neighbors know about it, and police have been in the place back and forth, yet "nothing has ever been done." A neighbor also stated that the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) had visited the home before. However, according to NBC News, the department declined to comment on whether the suspects already had a history of complaints against them. A spokesperson from DHS stated that they could not comment on the issue based on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confidentiality laws. Related article: Las Vegas Mom in Jail for Child Abuse After Trying to Suffocate 'Evil Baby' Hours After Birth In a major development, TSMC, Nvidia, Synopsys and ASML have agreed to cooperate for the development of 2nm chip technology and beyond. In the last week, Apple's chip supplier TSMC announced that it is speeding up the development of its 2nm or more advanced technology for a state-of-the-art foundry process in tandem with Nvidia, Synopsys, and ASML. These companies decided to strengthen cooperation in the field of lithography, which is the process of engraving circuit patterns on silicon wafers. U.S.-based Synopsis will support the project by providing software programs as an electronic design automation (EDA) company. Netherlands-based ASML will be in charge of manufacturing and supplying extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment priced between 300 and 500 billion won (US$230 to 385 million). In particular, technology to be provided by Nvidia is drawing much attention. It is evaluated that Nvidias accelerated computing technology is vital to TSMCs 2nm technology development. On March 21, Nvidia announced on its homepage the news of supporting 2nm technology development while working with TSMC, ASML, and Synopsys. A library technology called cuLitho can implement related work with up to 40 times better performance than those of conventional lithography technology, Nvidia explained. Semiconductor lithography technology has physically reached its limits, said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. This partnership will enable semiconductor manufacturing plants (fabs) to increase production while reducing carbon emissions. At the same time, it will lay the groundwork for developing 2 nm or smaller advanced technology. The cooperation of these top-tier companies in the semiconductor industry will contribute to the development of TSMCs 2nm or less process. "This development will make an important contribution to the steady miniaturization of semiconductors," said Wei Zhe-jia, president of TSMC. TSMC is accelerating not only the development of 2nm technology, but direct production of 2nm chips. Japans Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) recently reported that TSMC had begun the construction of a new plant to produce 2 nm chips in Hsinchu called Taiwans Silicon Valley. TSMC has decided to build four new factories. This means at least US$60 billion will be invested. This will do down in TSMCs history as its largest single project. The plants will mass-produce chips beginning in 2025 at the earliest. TSMC began mass production of 3nm products last December and have mapped out a plan to break ground for a 1nm plant in the Longtan Science Park in Taoyuan in the north region of Taiwan in 2026 at the earliest, pilot production in 2027, and mass-production in 2028. The key statement from TSMC is that "This development will make an important contribution to the steady miniaturization of semiconductors." This suggests that the newly advanced lithography technology will not only apply to HPC markets, where NVIDIA will apply it, but rather generally to all 2nm and 1nm chips from TSMC that Apple will be able to tap into. (Zen) Buddhism and the Coming Revolution Gary Snyder I first shared this essay four or five years ago. For some of us I think it a timely re-read. For others maybe it can be a useful first read. It was originally published as Buddhist Anarchism, in the first of the four issue run of the Journal for the Protection of All Beings. As that first version of the essay was published in 1961 it becomes one of the very first broadsides from what would come to be called Engaged Buddhism. This is the year John Kennedy would be inaugurated as president. It is probable the essay was written before that monumental election. This was the dawning of a period, brief, so brief, of enormous optimism among the American people for human possibility. I dont really think it is possible for anyone reading this in 2018 to fully capture how powerful that moment was. The term Engaged Buddhism would be coined by the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh some years later. Although the idea of social consequences to Buddhist teachings had been bubbling for some time. According to Wikipedia the Sri Lankan monk Walpola Rahula was outlining some of what this might look like as early as 1946. At about the same time on the Indian subcontinent B. R. Ambedkar was developing a socially engaged reformed Buddhism. And, even earlier, in China a Humanistic Buddhist reform movement founded by the monk Taixu was calling for social engagement. In North America the formation of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in 1978 by the American Zen master Robert Aitken, Ann Aitken, and other members of the Diamond Sangha Zen community. It soon grew beyond that number including the Shin theologian Alfred Bloom, Joanna Macy and Jack Kornfield. Oh, and Gary Snyder. The movement of an Engaged Buddhism continues to grow and flower. Now, I dont think Buddhist Anarchism nor its revised Buddhism & the Coming Revolution is merely a historical document. Although it is that. It contains one of the first citations, actually maybe the first citation of the Avatamsaka Sutra as a foundation for a world ethic, as the North Star for any forming Engaged Buddhism. So, while I cant endorse every word, and I hope no one would, not at this distance, even Gary Snyder himself it is an amazing call to human hearts. Something that we can understand today. Perhaps right down to our bones and marrow. Buddhism & the Coming Revolution outlines some critical points, most especially that noticing of our radical interdependence on this planet and how that fact in itself is a profound call to a reframing of our ethical understanding of how we should live here on this small, fragile, ball spinning through the great night. Worth a read. JIF Buddhism holds that the universe and all creatures in it are intrinsically in a state of complete wisdom, love and compassion; acting in natural response and mutual interdependence. The personal realization of this from-the-beginning state cannot be had for and by one-self because it is not fully realized unless one has given the self up; and away. In the Buddhist view, that which obstructs the effortless manifestation of this is Ignorance, which projects into fear and needless craving. Historically, Buddhist philosophers have failed to analyze out the degree to which ignorance and suffering are caused or encouraged by social factors, considering fear-and-desire to be given facts of the human condition. Consequently the major concern of Buddhist philosophy is epistemology and psychology with no attention paid to historical or sociological problems. Although Mahayana Buddhism has a grand vision of universal salvation, the actual achievement of Buddhism has been the development of practical systems of meditation toward the end of liberating a few dedicated individuals from psychological hangups and cultural conditionings. Institutional Buddhism has been conspicuously ready to accept or ignore the inequalities and tyrannies of whatever political system it found itself under. This can be death to Buddhism, because it is death to any meaningful function of compassion. Wisdom without compassion feels no pain. No one today can afford to be innocent, or indulge himself in ignorance of the nature of contemporary governments, politics and social orders. The national polities of the modern world maintain their existence by deliberately fostered craving and fear: monstrous protection rackets. The free world has become economically dependent on a fantastic system of stimulation of greed which cannot be fulfilled, sexual desire which cannot be satiated and hatred which has no outlet except against oneself, the persons one is supposed to love, or the revolutionary aspirations of pitiful, poverty-stricken marginal societies like Cuba or Vietnam. The conditions of the Cold War have turned all modern societies Communist included into vicious distorters of mans true potential. They create populations of preta hungry ghosts, with giant appetites and throats no bigger than needles. The soil, the forests and all animal life are being consumed by these cancerous collectivities; the air and water of the planet is being fouled by them. There is nothing in human nature or the requirements of human social organization which intrinsically requires that a culture be contradictory, repressive and productive of violent and frustrated personalities. Recent findings in anthropology and psychology make this more and more evident. One can prove it for himself by taking a good look at his own nature through meditation. Once a person has this much faith and insight, he must be led to a deep concern with the need for radical social change through a variety of hopefully non-violent means. The joyous and voluntary poverty of Buddhism becomes a positive force. The traditional harmlessness and refusal to take life in any form has nation-shaking implications. The practice of meditation, for which one needs only the ground beneath ones feet, wipes out mountains of junk being pumped into the mind by the mass media and supermarket universities. The belief in a serene and generous fulfillment of natural loving desires destroys ideologies which blind, maim and repress and points the way to a kind of community which would amaze moralists and transform armies of men who are fighters because they cannot be lovers. Avatamsaka (Kegon) Buddhist philosophy sees the world as a vast interrelated network in which all objects and creatures are necessary and illuminated. From one standpoint, governments, wars, or all that we consider evil are uncompromisingly contained in this totalistic realm. The hawk, the swoop and the hare are one. From the human standpoint we cannot live in those terms unless all beings see with the same enlightened eye. The Bodhisattva lives by the sufferers standard, and he must be effective in aiding those who suffer. The mercy of the West has been social revolution; the mercy of the East has been individual insight into the basic self/void. We need both. They are both contained in the traditional three aspects of the Dharma path: wisdom (prajna), meditation (dhyana), and morality (sila). Wisdom is intuitive knowledge of the mind of love and clarity that lies beneath ones ego-driven anxieties and aggressions. Meditation is going into the mind to see this for yourself over and over again, until it becomes the mind you live in. Morality is bringing it back out in the way you live, through personal example and responsible action, ultimately toward the true community (sangha) of all beings. This last aspect means, for me, supporting any cultural and economic revolution that moves clearly toward a free, international, classless world. It means using such means as civil disobedience, outspoken criticism, protest, pacifism, voluntary poverty and even gentle violence if it comes to a matter of restraining some impetuous redneck. It means affirming the widest possible spectrum of non-harmful individual behavior defending the right of individuals to smoke hemp, eat peyote, be polygynous, polyandrous or homosexual. Worlds of behavior and custom long banned by the Judaeo-Capitalist-Christian-Marxist West. It means respecting intelligence and learning, but not as greed or means to personal power. Working on ones own responsibility, but willing to work with a group. Forming the new society within the shell of the old the IWW slogan of fifty years ago. The traditional cultures are in any case doomed, and rather than cling to their good aspects hopelessly it should be remembered that whatever is or ever was in any other culture can be reconstructed from the unconscious, through meditation. In fact, it is my own view that the coming revolution will close the circle and link us in many ways with the most creative aspects of our archaic past. If we are lucky we may eventually arrive at a totally integrated world culture with matrilineal descent, free-form marriage, natural-credit communist economy, less industry, far less population and lots more national parks. Rice is the most popular grain in the world, even more than wheat. It is consumed by most of Asia as the main staple and is used as a side dish in Europe, Africa and America. Thus it is a commodity with tremendous potential in world trade. And Patna Rice can be a huge geographic indicator with tremendous business potential. For the purposes of all the readers, let me explain the term Geographic Indicator or GI for short. GI is used for produce of a particular geographic area. For example Champagne for the sparkling wine from the eponymous district in France or Scotch for the whisky distilled in Scotland. Near home, we have Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice. Over a period of time, the term gets associated with high quality and sells for a much higher price than a similar produce from another area. For example, world renowned sommeliers admit on record that sparkling wine from other areas is equally good, but Champaign continues to demand a premium pricing. These geographic indicators are guarded very zealously and produce of other place cannot use the name. Readers would recall the controversy over Basmati rice that erupted a few years back and the Government of India and Pakistan got together to thwart the attempts of Texan farmers to use the name. Thus now only the rice grown in the foothills of Himalaya can be sold by the name of Basmati rice. While it is commendable that the Govt of India took this step for Basmati, it is really sad Patna rice as a GI continues to languish. Like so many other good things from Bihar, I myself was unaware of it till quite late in my life. Though having been born and brought at Patna, I heard about it for the first time in Germany. For me it was a wonderful experience to be associated with an exotic merchandise rather than the patronising attitude that one faces within India when one utters the word Patna. To tell a little bit about rice, there are some 40,000 varieties of rice under the same botanical species: oryza sativa. The most common classification is by the length of the grain: Long Grain, Medium Grain and Short Grain. Long-grain rice, as the name suggests, is long and slender. The grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking. This is the best suited for rice served as a side dish, or as a bed for sauces. Medium-grain rice is plumper and the grain is shorter. It is considered good for paella and risotto. Short-grain rice is almost round, with moist grains that stick together giving it a gooey appearance when cooked. The terms "Indica" and "Japonica" could be taken to mean "long grain and non-sticky" and "short grain and sticky" respectively and represent the two ends of the spectrum. The westerners, either in America or in Europe including UK, find long grain rice suitable for their style of cooking. Within these broad categories there are innumerable varieties and I would deal with some of them in this article. The western cook books usually mean American long-grain rice when they refer to long-grain rice. Carolina Rice is considered the best among the American Long Grain. Intriguingly, rice is no longer grown in Carolina. The name indicates to a past when the British gentry wanted to savour rice but found it rare and expensive. Some British merchants dealing in Patna Rice took the grain from India to Carolina which was then a British colony and grew it there. They made a rather decent job of it. To this day, the best American rice is called Carolina rice though its cultivation was ceased there at the end of the American Civil War. Most of American long grain in now grown in Arkansas, California, Texas or Argentina and Brazil in South America. When I recently did a search on Google for Patna Rice, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very large number of hits at fairly credible sources. A similar search on Basmati rice had fewer results and there were almost none for Dehradun Rice or Doon Rice. In Bihar, we use terms like Parimal or Rani Kajal and Badshah Bhog for good quality rice. However, a wonderful opportunity awaits us by way of the name Patna Rice which has instant recognition the world over. In popular global perception, Patna rice has a robust, long and narrow, opaque grain that keeps its shape well for curries. It has a mild fragrance and has been grown for millennia. Basmati rice is found referred to as a close relative of Patna Rice, having a nutty taste and a stronger aroma. Botanical.com describes Carolina and Patna rice as the most esteemed in England and the United States. The grain of the first is round and flat, and boils soft for puddings; the latter has a long and narrow grain that keeps its shape well for curries Website : http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/rice--15.html Authentic Patna is considered the king of rice. It is described as The most expensive long-grained Indian rice, aged for two years to enhance its fragrance and texture. Worth the extra money. Source: http://gourmetclub.signonsandiego.com/20030129-9999-rice.html Westerners erroneously do not differentiate between Carolina Rice and Patna Rice and use the term interchangeably. American long-grain (which includes Carolina rice) has a somewhat bland flavour. The popularity could be due to the price and availability since long grain from India is rather rare and expensive. The situation should be considered analogous to Wine. While Wine from say Napa Valley is quite good, it is not quite the same as the wine from France. Patna rice is considered the best for use with curries. (http://funkymunky.co.za/currytips.html craving for genuine long grained rice with decent flavour that a westerner feels can be gauged from the question put up by an expatriate British in Thailand: The http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44562 Observe the surprise of a gourmet when he finds the rice he is served is authentic Patna It's really Patna!" http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/bistroavenue.html There are so many legends that exist around Patna rice that a nice story can be woven around it. The earliest written reference to the rice grown near Patna is in the Buddhist literature at the time of Gautam Buddha himself. Rice gruel is referred to as offerings to Lord Buddha when he went around asking for daily alms. Reference can also be found about varieties of rice being superior and inferior quality. There is reference to the rice from the region in the travelogue of Hiuen Tsang, the seventh century Chinese traveller to India. He spent considerable time at Nalanda. He was served a strain of Patna rice called Mahasali rice. He describes it as grain was as large as a bean, and when cooked, was aromatic, and shining like no other rice Yet another reference to the rice of Patna is in Ain I-Akbari written by Abul Fazal, the court historian of Mughal king Akbar. He collected various strains of rice grown around Patna and reported that even if one grain of each strain was taken, it would fill a large vase. Europeans took to the rice of the region in a big way in the seventeenth century. Fortunes of several merchants were built by dealing in Patna rice. The most celebrated is the case of William Fullarton of Skeldon UK. Having made his fortune by dealing in Patna Rice, he returned to the UK. He started a coal mining business in Scotland. He felt so obligated to Patna that he named the hamlet he built for his miners as Patna. To this day, this town in East Ayrshire, Scotland is called Patna. There was a town in US also which was called Patna but the name has now been changed. I have not been able to authenticate whether that also has a rice connection, but I suspect it would be so. Since at one time, most of the rice sold in Europe came from this region, Patna Rice is also sometimes loosely used to mean any long grain aromatic rice. Let me end with a poser: What can we as a community can do to unlock the value of this goldmine of a Geographic Indicator? Can we attempt to come up with an action plan? T. V. Sinha, Guest Contributor, PatnaDaily.Com In the holy month of Ramadan, president Joe Biden of the United States offered the Taliban Pashtun Muslims of Afghanistan something they were long fighting for -- an unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces from their land. To add insult to the injury of thousands of Americans who laid down their lives following the twin tower attacks of 2001 and subsequently for fighting the forces of Osama bin Ladens Al-Qaeda, the Biden administration set the painful Sept-11 as the day of completion. Later, it was revised. The withdrawal proposal was brewing for quite some time in the US foreign policy circles. In fact, the news of having a negotiated settlement with the Talibans had leaked out during the first term of the Obama administration when Mrs. Hillary Clinton was the Secretary of State. Then the Trump administration took it forward, also to win over the White votes. Overcoming the hesitation that it might appear as a surrender to the Taliban, Trump announced the troop withdrawal before the Christmas of 2020. Now, president Biden, the political opponent of Donald Trump, put a stamp of approval on his rivals policies and decided to execute it. In the global geo-strategic planning of the United States, it might make sense for them to exit Afghanistan where they see threat from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) diminished, although their rivals like Iran, Russia, Turkey and China would be on the lookout to dig their heels deeper. Pakistan will continue to play a double-faced deceitful role. The US didnt want to stay bogged down in the mountainous terrain fighting the Talibans forever. Joe Bidens national security adviser said Americans would like to prepare for the fight of 2021 rather than of 2001. Whatever Biden and his security team might say, it was an unconditional retreat already decided before the Afghan government and its security forces collapsed. The Talibans strategy to wait it out succeeded because they knew the watch could be on the US side but the time was on theirs. In addition to affecting the geo-politics of the region, the US withdrawal will give the Talibans a green light to come back with a vengeance. Their animosity against the minorities like the Taziks, Hajaras, Uzbekis and the Shia Muslims would keep the civil war in Afghanistan going. The Talibans, with upper hand in man and fire power, will not cooperate in establishing a democratic form of government sharing reasonable power with all other ethnic groups or sects. The Talibans have also never concealed their intentions. As one senior Taliban commander told The Washington Post in the Spring of 2021, This fight is not to share power. This war is for religious purposes in order to bring an Islamic government and implement Islamic law. Ms Farahnaz Forotan, a former Afghani TV journalist who escaped to the United States for fear of reprisal in her own country wrote in the New York Times around the same time, "The Talibans notions of religion, politics and governance are based on a combination of a very orthodox interpretation of Islam, Shariah law and tribal values. The Emirate they established in Afghanistan in the 1990s, which they are now seeking to establish again, barred women and girls from most jobs and forbade us to continue our education at schools and colleges, turning us into prisoners in our homes." The Talibans considered it was the sacred duty of their Islamic government to safeguard Muslim society from corruption and moral decadence that was caused by the presence of women in public space. They want to reduce us to bearing children," said Farahnaz. It didnt need an international relations expert to prophesy that the return of the Talibans in Afghanistan would adversely influence the Hindu-Muslim relations in India, unless both the Hindu and the Muslim communities worked hard to distance themselves from the Taliban and their ideology. They will have to assert and proclaim their Hindustani identity and thwart attempts on the part of the extremist Islamists to hold any influence on them.. Theres a pattern of religious persecution in Afghanistan-Pakistan region. In early 2001, the Taliban almost eliminated the Bamiyans Buddhist population, bombed the gigantic pre-Islamic statues and destroyed their artefacts. A year ago, in the month of March, Islamist suicide bombers armed with guns attacked a Sikh Gurdwara (Har Rai Sahib) in Kabul and killed 25 attendees. Next day, the cremation procession of the Sikhs was also attacked. The Hindus who once constituted a sizable population of Afghanistan had already migrated out of the country en masse. After the Talibans re-occupation, all the Counsel offices and Embassy are closed. As Afghanistan comes once again under the Taliban control, it should be incumbent on the Islamic and Muslim majority countries to put pressure and keep the Taliban in check. Muslims, non-Muslims and women are all their victims. India and the Hindus will have genuine reasons to be extra alert as the Talibans and their allied terrorist organizations export terrorists across the border too. Dr. Binoy Shanker Prasad hails from Darbhanga and currently resides with his family in Dundas, Ontario (Canada). A former UGC teacher fellow (at JNU) in India and Fulbright scholar in the USA, he has taught politics and authored conference papers, articles and chapters on Bihar in previously published books in the United States, India, and Canada. Dr. Prasad administers a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OverseasBihari and has sponsored Aware Citizenship Campaign at a micro-level in his home-town. Dismantling Global Hindutva (DGH), a three-day online conference (Sept 10-12) was organized by a bunch of academics and Left-leaning activists based in the USA and India. It attracted a lot of attention and triggered intense response world-wide. The topic stirred many people like me who didn't hesitate to identify themselves as the Hindus. It compelled serious introspection. For a long time, there has been a lot of debate around the use of the terms, 'Hinduism' and 'Hindutva' and everyone seemed to have his or her own take on them since the word 'Hindu' was common to both. I believe the term 'Hinduism' came to us through the Western English language that contrasted it with other religions like Christianity or Islam and sought to put it in the category where other "isms" like Socialism, Fascism or Communism were listed. In a word, it had a political or ideological connotation. Whereas 'Hindutva' -- by virtue of having the suffix, 'tva' from the Sanskrit term 'tatva' (element) -- has a cultural or geographic connotation. It's all known to us that the people, culture or civilization spanning from the Indus Valley/Hindu Kush to Indonesia were all identified as the Hindus having certain elements (tatva) in common. It's in this sense, the term Hindutva came into vogue. It must be understood and interpreted in the same way. In that sense, we should all be proud of being Hindus, we may have different faiths. However, the modern-day Leftist writers or the media, in general, have associated the term, Hindutva, with the Right-leaning nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, to imply as if Hindutva is the same as Fundamentalism is in relation to the Islamists or the Christians. These writers or media persons derived their use of the term, Hindutva, among other sources, from a book with similar title written in 1923 by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter and an icon of the Hindu nationalists. But, for the record, nowhere in his book, Hindutva, has Savarkar written anything that could come close to the Fundamentalist proselytizing principles and practices of the Islamists or the Christians. In the end, it appears the term Hindutva has mistakenly been added to the general political lexicon to convey the philosophy of the Right-wing extremist fringe of the ruling BJP. It was apparent the organizers of this event brought their ideological and political war on a foreign US turf where they accused "the vast Hindu diaspora" had "contributed materially and ideologically to the strengthening of Hindutva in India." Several individuals and Hindu diaspora organizations challenged the title and the concept of the conference, its sponsors felt the push back. As the news came out later that several Universities had asked the organizers of the conference to remove their logos from their ads, a few sponsors distanced themselves from the conference. However, the conference had supporters as well as opponents. Al Jazeera, a Qatari government-funded media conglomerate, featured an article accusing that the DGH organisers and speakers were facing harassment and intimidation by Hindu right-wing groups in the US and India. On the other hand, an Indian online news outlet, Firstpost found the conference unauthentic as its organizers were anonymous in the US. It characterized the three day seminar as a partisan and politically-motivated event designed to malign an ancient religion and its adherents. The spokespersons of the Hindu diaspora alleged that the conference was deliberately timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 11 September attacks by the Islamist terrorists against the USA. The motive was to portray Hinduism as the same kind of violent religious ideology as the one practised by the Taliban. I did watch and listen to the inaugural panel that had featured Anand Patwardhan, a documentary filmmaker and came away with the following impression: Anand Patwardhan was associated with the anti-corruption movement launched under the leadership of JP in Bihar (1974) that culminated in the imposition of national Emergency (1975-77) by the PM, Indira Gandhi. The RSS and its political arm, the Jan Sangh (now the BJP) was then a part of that broad anti-'Indira-Congress' political front. Through its sweat and toil since then, the BJP is now where it is today. Despite all the problems the Modi-led India might have at this time, majority of the Hindu diaspora in the West looked upon him as the only dependable leader. Absence of a credible leader of equal stature on the opposition side is a great contributory factor. Moreover, Anand Patwardhan and his friends on the Left haven't been able to objectively set the context in which the RSS-BJP became successful: Lack of national will to surge ahead, social lethargy, economy in morass, corruption in highest places and above all a hostile regional geo-political environment. The median 27- year young Indian generation is entrepreneurial and aspirational. They understand politics better than the generation preceding them. They not only share the grief that India was wronged by the partition, since there was no population transfer as B. R. Ambedkar proposed, but India is now the target of 'demographic invasion' by its neighboring countries. Coupled with Chinese expansionism, it will put the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India at risk. The Leftist intellectuals on the campuses of North America and Europe don't talk about these issues. The duplicitous role of the Islamist politicians make the situation worse. Dr. Binoy Shanker Prasad hails from Darbhanga and currently resides with his family in Dundas, Ontario (Canada). A former UGC teacher fellow (at JNU) in India and Fulbright scholar in the USA, he has taught politics and authored conference papers, articles and chapters on Bihar in previously published books in the United States, India, and Canada. Dr. Prasad administers a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OverseasBihari and has sponsored Aware Citizenship Campaign at a micro-level in his home-town. Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in cyberspace. It has been a unique platform where readers -- especially of Bihar background -- from all over the world searched for an update and an objective perspective on what was transpiring in Bihar. This October, I completed seven years of my association with the PatnaDaily as a contributor. For a long time before that, I had always regarded this journal as a mirror reflecting the image of Bihar in all its dimensions. I was impressed to notice consumers of news surfing the PatnaDaily to get information and views on Bihar, just as they would go to a local or provincial newspaper if they had to know about respective districts or provinces. Thus, as the Amrit Bazar Patrika and the Philadelphia Enquirer were to West Bengal or Philadelphia, for example, so would the PatnaDaily be to Bihar -- its readers and contributors were from Saudi Arabia to Scotland. Lately, this journal appears to be going through challenges, some of them are beyond the control of its management team. Waves of the Covid pandemic (2020-21) are definitely one among them. However, as the journal has expressed its frustration in the past, its a bit tired of the hackneyed nature of news coming from different parts of Bihar, the sluggish socio-economic and political life of the province. Its jarring to notice every news and view centered around crime, caste and religion. The journal wanted to take us beyond and above the petty or unending analysis of the politics of caste and religion and open up a new vista of glorious future for Bihar and India. In my humble opinion, we cant afford to cease talking about the issues that affect us the most. The socio-political system all around the world -- not only in Bihar or India -- is defined more and more by the identity of the people; selfishness, sectarianism or religious fervor seem to be the major driving force behind world affairs. In the current scenario, therefore, however reprihensible it might appear, there has to be more focused and detailed study of these subjects. However, in pursuing this method of inquiry and seeking solutions, adequate care must be taken that all sides of the argument are allowed to be presented as long as they are brief, civil and informative. Therefore, in the reinvigorated format of the PatnaDaily that would include lots of audio-visual too, there must be more -- rather than less -- reports and analysis on caste and religion, their influence on politics and other social behavior including crime. On the front top right of the news portal, I suggest, there should be two columns of news-in-brief: one on Bihar and the other on India with the web-links. Readers would explore more if they wanted. As a global citizen, we have to know as much about the prison riots in Ecuador as the killings of in-laws in a Bihar village land dispute. We have to pay attention to why the political parties in India are pressing for caste-based census as seriously as we have to gather what the Taliban were doing in Afghanistan. Some sort of dynamic based on identity is hidden in politics everywhere -- from the presidential election in the US to the Gram Panchayat election in Bihar. The news of achievements and distinctions earned by the citizens of Bihar must also be there. This should be followed by opinions and articles by the writers. Write ups on Bihar art, literature, environment and cuisine should accompany other features. Most importantly, in order to sustain the newspaper, mobilization of extra resources including fundraising must not be ruled out. Im not suggesting the PD should go after the government advertisements, but it should also not hesitate in building up a strong financial foundation that would back up its needs. Asking for endowments, crowdfunding and sponsorship (without strings attached) are the most acceptable ways today. We should start canvassing with our friends right away. Furthermore, except for field reporting, since most of the journalistic work these days can be done remotely, I would encourage PD to solicit voluntary journalists/writers (interested in Bihar) from all over the world. This will be a good place to do a short-term internship for young students of journalism. In the end, I would strongly urge all the members of the Bihar civil society, past and present teachers, professors, civil servants, professionals, activists or opinion leaders to spare some time, money and effort to make the PatnaDaily a signature publication from Bihar. Dr. Binoy Shanker Prasad hails from Darbhanga and currently resides with his family in Dundas, Ontario (Canada). A former UGC teacher fellow (at JNU) in India and Fulbright scholar in the USA, he has taught politics and authored conference papers, articles and chapters on Bihar in previously published books in the United States, India, and Canada. Dr. Prasad administers a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OverseasBihari and has sponsored Aware Citizenship Campaign at a micro-level in his home-town. We all remember the delight with which we listened to the Loha Singh Shows on the radio growing up. Prof. Rameshwar Singh Kashyap entertained and delighted a whole generation of Bhojpuriyas in his portrayal of Loha Singh, a veteran of the British Indian army reminiscing his exploits on the frontiers of Kabul (Kabul ka morcha) in his village. Almost every Bihari with gray hair remembers the cast of characters - Khaderan ko mother and Phatak Baba. As memories of this excellent impressionist and observer of life fade away, we find that after many many years of a comic hiatus, we have the emergence of a new breed of YouTubers who aim to claim that niche. I have watched a few but the one that outshines the rest by his sheer talent of acting and his dialog delivery is Anand Mohan. Presented extempore, his videos display his mastery over Bhojpuri language that is hard to find these days. His diction and delivery are remarkably slick and he tranports you deep into the Bhojpuri heartland. He has a knack to make something that may evoke a smile into a performance that make the audiences roll in peals of laughter. If you watch his videos, he is someone you feel you know all to well is it that gossipy Chacha who you meet when you go visit your village home? Or is he the guy who runs the paan shop at the nukkad? You wont be able to place him anywhere, because you would have seen flashes of his character in many people you come across every day. Anand Mohan has caught my notice as having the potential to become a legend, but I must say he needs a slick production house to take this polished jewel and insert it in a glorious setting. His productions are rough at the edges as they are done with a very low budget. There are sounds of traffic and horns honking in the background rather than the sounds of the koel and titahri. Hope those will get addressed in time and hope Anand Mohan is a versatile actor. I have no clue of him as a person or his greatness or his failings. He does not even have a Wikipedia page yet. All I have seen of him is in his YouTube videos. His videos are a blast! Many friends I know watch his shows. If he keeps on his trajectory, Anand Mohan will be remembered by the next generation with the same fondness as we remember Rameshwar Singh Kahyap and his character, Loha Singh. Ever since Indian government scrapped Section 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, political leaders in Pakistan lost their mindfulness by making senseless public statements in media. Imran Khan has come under fire from his own people and Pakistani media for his immature statements and giving frequent threats to India. Almost every day, Imran Khan and his faceless ministers have been threatening India with nuclear war. Does Imran Khan understand that if nuclear war takes place, there will not be any Pakistan in the world map and it will be converted into a desert where no human civilization and plantation will take place for next 1,000 years? It looks that Imran Khan has gone into depression, losing mental balance and he is suffering from a serious incurable disease. What was his previous image, a 'Playboy'? And now by his actions and irresponsible statements, he lost his all goodwill and image. Does any one accept him as the Prime Minister of Pakistan? Imran Khan went from China to USA to gain support for Kashmir but he returned Pakistan with empty hands after being insulted from all corners. He goes to various countries and international financial institutions for financial support like a beggar but no one is interested to give Pakistan any dollar amount because they know that Pakistan has gone bankrupt and where will they use that money. A country which harvests terrorism in every part of that country, has been internationally exposed on several occasions. They lost their countrys image and now is earning the label of the poorest country of the world. Mr. Imran Khan, there is a sincere advice for you and your people. Leave or stop dreaming about Kashmir because it was, it is, and it will remain an integral part of an integrated India. Better pay attention how to save the rest parts of your country from disintegration because the way people have been reacting in POK, Baluchistan and Sind, very soon Pakistan will likely split into another 2-3 countries. Look at the state of your economy which is in bad shape. Almost all financial indicators have seen a downward trend. The growth rate fell by almost 50 percent from 6.2 percent to 3.3 percent. Prices of commodities are touching sky; your people are dying of hunger and Imran Khan every day makes stupid statements about Kashmir. Pakistan media has been making mockery of Imran Khan. This man does not feel the shame for what he has been doing for Pakistan. To conclude, today, social, economic and political situation in Pakistan is worst ever since Pakistan was created. Pakistans international reputation is at the lowest ebb, it is labelled a terrorist country and one of the poorest countries of the world. Ever since, Imran Khan became Prime Minister of Pakistan, he gave only insult and 'badnaami' to Pakistan. The man should resign immediately because he is becoming a risk factor for achieving stability in South East Asia. Lekin Besharmon ko kya farak padta hai. His arguments may be that Pakistan Badnaam hua to kyaa hua, Duniya mein naam to hua. Imran Khan is to be blamed for Pakistans current agony and the bankrupt economy. Although, Uttarakhand has given India a number of personalities whose contributions are well noted, yet among them, four highly notable, daring personalities and jewels from contemporary Uttarakhand State have been playing key roles in shaping the new India under Modi's leadership. General Rawat, CM Yogi, NSA Doval and former RAW Chief Dhasmana are those personalities. In fact, they are really international personalities. General Bipin Rawat, the highest ranked military professional Commander of India (Chief of Defence Staff of India and former Army Chief), is known for devising intelligent strategies to protect Indian borders from enemy aggressions and to modernize arms forces. He has experiences in high altitude warfare, and counter-insurgency operations. It is also noted that General Rawat had played a key and significant role in reshaping army. He has been instrumental in restructuring the army by cutting or eliminating administrative unproductive expenditures and increase its combat potential (Economic Times). He also holds a Doctorate degree in Military Media Strategic Studies. Ajit Doval who currently holds the key position of National Security Advisor (NSA) of India, is known for devising crafty and long-term strategies for handling internal and national security issues, external threats and opportunities to India. He has been widely hailed for his significant contributions in the national security domain during his last five-year tenure. His tactful handling of the grave situation in J&K, after removing section 370, has been highly appreciated. His intelligent brain helped the government in bringing peace and normalcy in the state. While, CM Yogi Adityanath, a Monk, is known for demonstrating high level of political and administrative leadership in transforming India's largest state Uttar Pradesh. It is claimed that so far, the state has received Rs. 2 trillion investment during his tenure. He has been very successful in restoring law and order situation the state. Additionally, it is claimed that his government has taken measures to make basic facilities available to the common people while working towards infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh. He is taking Uttar Pradesh in the right direction, in order to change the shape of Uttar Pradesh to a modern state. Another daring personality and jewel of Uttarakhand is Anil Dhasmana, an inspiring police officer for many young Indians, who was till recently Head of RAW and now is retired. An IPS officer of 1981 batch, there are so many stories online available about his bravery and courageous actions while working as a senior police officer at various levels at home and abroad. He is known for dealing with Pakistan, Baluchistan and Afghanistan affairs in security matters. These four personalities share certain common characteristics such as sharpness of mind, strategic thinkers, humbleness, honesty, highly committed professionals, planners and leaders, risk taker, bold and sound decision makers with quick results etc. Not only people from Uttarakhand but also all Indians are very proud of them. Uttarakhand State is situated in the foothills of Himalayas, known as Devbhoomi (land of God), is one of the fastest growing states in India. Once the state was a backward and life was very tough for people. Due to massive increase in capital investments, infrastructure development and centre for school and higher education, the state has been rapidly progressing towards greater heights. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic as it has spread in more than 170 countries and it is affecting every sector and individuals. People are afraid, as the market getting panicky and experts expecting that in the absence of any vaccine available so far to cure this disease, it will continue to create havoc for months to come. Global stock markets are becoming very volatile indicating an impending crash with a threat of a deep global recession. Almost all Asian stock markets are down. Indian stock market has fallen by more than 3,000 points in last one week. Panic is spreading among short term investors in India. Most of the investors are trying to sell their shares but no buyer for them. It is becoming a bearish market. Additionally, oil prices are down. Therefore, it is clearly a trend moving towards economic recession. It will add further panic among people because this epidemic is not just destroying demand from the economy but also it is affecting supply. So, supply-chain disruptions are increasing very fast. It is claimed that the epidemic has already created severe shortages of consumer good, drugs and medicines and medical equipment etc. There is a high possibility of a liquidity crunch in the world market in which case cash-strapped consumers will not buy properties, other automobile and electronic products. Airlines are expected to experience a drop in their revenues of $113 billion in 2020. The recession may cause a severe drop in asset prices around the world as earnings projections are going to fall. Additionally, because of the severe disruptions caused by coronavirus, various business stalwarts, economists and others fear that there may be 25 million jobs loss in next 12 months on a global level. The worst affected industries would be airlines, hotels, restaurants, bars, retail, consumer, automobile, construction, sports, offshore and mobile payments industries. It is claimed that due to this unprecedented health crisis, businesses are disrupted in the tourism industry very badly, employment will freeze which means hiring is likely to come to a halt. Most of the economies of the world may experience only 3-4 percent growth in GDP. World poverty level will further increase. Coronavirus health crisis may even unsettle governments in few countries. These will be the main negative economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese government claims that the virus is now under control as the number of death cases are reduced and new cases identified are slow down. Workers have started going to work, and closed factories and other enterprises are now back to business. However, confronting this rising threat will not be easy for weak economies and even for India. World leaders including from India should meet urgently to find practical and immediate solutions to overcome the current rising crises. World health, research and development organizations should accelerate research and innovation for the new coronavirus and develop vaccine for its cure. China is a unique country of the world where freedom of speech of its people is taken away. Someone has rightly stated freedom of expression in China is a privilege, not a right. According to Qianfan Zhang (The constitution of China: a analysis-2012), Chinese constitution states that its citizens have freedom of speech and also freedom of press. Strangely, the same is not institutionally protected. It is also argued that even language used is vague. This gives government to use arbitrary and unilateral judgments. Citizens giving public speeches of wider impact on forbidden subjects are liable to severe punishments and warning. Furthermore, Benjamin Carlson (Global Post -2013) posited that Chinese people cannot talk 7 things in China. These are: judicial independence, crony capitalism, the historical errors of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), civil rights, civil society, freedom of speech, and universal values. Experts on Chinese affairs argued that Chinese government has made technology central to its repression. In fact, China uses a combination of growing economical means technical capacity for mass surveillance on its people. When Chinese people step out from their houses, their actions and moves are recorded into the central control room. Through powerful videos which are placed in streets and all over the cities, government officials collect tremendous amount of data. If any citizen commits any type of crime, it uses recognition algorithms and match video footage of criminals with photo in a national identification database system. Additionally, Chinese government is also known for scrutinizing individual citizens as evidence of disloyalty to the government. Now it started developing a powerful and comprehensive database on its citizens. It is also reported in media that China's government has been evolving algorithmic surveillance system on citizens. They are developing Artificial Intelligence to monitor control the activities of it citizens. This has been severely criticized by several scholars. The situation has been worst ever since Coronavirus started in Wuhan. During February 2020 (Zhong, R., NYT, 6 Feb, 2020) when the case of Coronavirus infections continued to surge, the Chinese government clamped down on news and controlled the Internet. It is also widely reported that China suppressed coverage of Coronavirus cases and thousands of deaths. Additionally, Chinese authorities have strictly censored what its people read and say online about the virus. It was also reported that local officials were cracked down for online rumours about Coronavirus. Chinese government has been accused for human abuses when Coronavirus situation deepened. Therefore, it looks that in their public life, Chinese people are forced to remain by and large in silence mode. Patna: A 57-year-old man suffering from Coronavirus allegedly died by suicide after he jumped from the window of a bathroom on the 5th floor of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna on Wednesday afternoon. According to the police report, Ramchandra Shah, a resident of Begusarai, was brought to the Patna hospital on May 18 when he was admitted in the COVID-19 ward. Employed at a rice mill in Bangalore, Shah returned to Bihar during the first nationwide lockdown last year. Since then, he had been at his house in Begusarai. He, however, became sick on May 12 with symptoms akin to coronavirus. When his condition continued to worsen despite initial home-made treatments, his family brought him to Patna where he managed to find a bed at the AIIMS. Frustrated by his worsening condition, Shah went to the toilet on the 5th floor and jumped from there ending his life, family members said. Talking to the reporters, Shahs son said that his father was not happy with his condition at the hospital and wanted him to take him back to his home where he thought he could recover quickly. This is the fifth suicide directly related to COVID-19 at the AIIMS, hospital officials said. Bringing adult education classes into the community became reality here Monday as Johns Chapel AME Church partnered with the Enterprise State Community College Adult Education team to host GED classes on-site at the church beginning April 4. Wow. Thats my greeting in one word, said John Chapel AME Church Pastor Willie White Jr. as he surveyed the crowd of church members, and city, county and college officials gathered at the church Monday morning for what White called a historic event. This kickoff and dedication of a new ministry at our church will help adults in the surrounding area who want to achieve their dream of receiving a high school diploma. Its amazing how God puts things together, said ESCC Adult Education Program Director Jonathan Smith. We have a passion for adult learners and when I met Pastor White, I realized he had that same passion, and I knew we could make this happen. Many of our adult education students have transportation problems and have trouble getting out to the junior college to attend GED classes, Smith said. By this partnership, we are better able to serve our adult education students. Classes begin April 4 from 9 a.m. until noon at Johns Chapel AME Church at 605 Geneva Hwy. in Enterprise. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays in the computer lab at the church. For more information contact GED Instructor Odessa Herlong Jones at (334) 618-4069. Seeds for the programs inception were planted by Enterprise City Council during a goal setting session in 2021. Enterprise District 1 City Councilwoman Sonya Rich said that one of the council goals was to partner with the junior college to improve workforce development in the city. After collaborating with ESCC President Danny Long, plans developed into the reality of the GED program held off the college campus, Rich said. Were going to meet the needs in the community. Children and whole families will be blessed by this because we know that where there is a lack of education, families suffer. Mothers and fathers will have the opportunity to get their GED and the community will be better as a whole, Rich said. God has already ordained this and we are just following what he has charged us to do. We are grateful to Danny Long and his team at Enterprise State Community Collee for establishing this exceptional program at Johns Chapelwhich affords us another valuable opportunity to serve our community, White said. This historic ceremony is an additional catalyst to get this initiative off to a great start. Our high school equivalency program will provide opportunities for people to transition to post-secondary education, job training opportunities and life long careers, said Jones, Johns Chapel AME GED Instructor Jones. As the instructor for the GED program I am honored and excited to be working with individuals who have made the ultimate decision to take the leap of faith and go forward with earning their GED. Jones thanked White for the vision and Long for making the vision a reality. She also thanked the Johns Chapel church family and the amazing and dynamic Johns Chapel AME Church Adult Education Committee members Patricia White, Roland Allen, Ricky Britt, Debra Jones, Evadna Moment, Marge Simmons, Franklin Simmons, Dr. Stafford Thompson, and White. This partnership is a great addition to what we already have here, which is the best education system in the state, said Enterprise Mayor William Cooper. I dont think that anybody can have too much education. The church is here to serve people and that whats Johns Chapel AME does, said Coffee County Commissioner Jimmy Jones. Johns Chapel is hosting this program to improve the quality of life for all people, to help the total person. Theres a long list of tools that AI has been applied to: AI art, AI chatbots, even AI assistants to control your home. Now, Microsoft is adding AI security to the list, too, with its new Security Copilot feature. If youve ever managed (or, likelier, probably havent) your own security on your PC, youre probably aware of little more than making sure your antivirus is up to date. If your PC is hacked, though, its an entirely different story. Suddenly, youre thrust into an unfamiliar world which requires several stressful, immediate decisions that you have to make correctly. In such a situation, it would be extremely helpful to have someone or something to walk you through what happened, what to do, and how to prevent it from happening again to you or someone else. Security Copilot is the tool that Microsoft is making available for the job, using OpenAIs new GPT-4 chat interface to help enterprise IT workers navigate through the maze of potential responses. Yes, enterprise IT workers. For now, Microsoft is only making its Security Copilot available to its enterprise customers. But we can certainly hope that Microsoft may release something similar for consumers, too. Heres how it works. First, this isnt the same large language model (LLM) that drives consumer applications like Bing Chat. Microsoft developed Security Copilot with a security-specific model, tuned with the knowledge and terminology that security professionals use. Microsoft also has already connected it to its own security products and eventually, Microsoft says, Security Copilot will be able to integrate with third-party security solutions as well. Finally, its up to date while most consumer implementations of GPT-4 (Bing Chat and ChatGPT, among a few others) only know facts up to 2021, Microsoft says Security Copilot is constantly being fed with the 65 trillion threat signals that Microsoft sees every day. Microsoft said in a blog post that it has a growing list of unique skills and prompts that security teams can take advantage of. Microsoft Security Copilot shows how the tool could be used to help react to a potential attack. Microsoft Microsoft says that the advantage of using Security Copilot is that its language model can be used to detect otherwise imperceptible signals that an attack is taking place, and is constantly learning to improve those skills. The company showed off how Security Copilot could be used as an assistant to identify problems and mitigate them. Anyone whos familiar with ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Googles Bard, or other AI chatbots understands, however, that AI sometimes hallucinates facts that may not be true not a critical issue when a user correctly understands that Abraham Lincoln was not voted out of office in 2000, say. But its much more of a concern when a security professional isnt quite sure that a department or user or email may have suspicious activity attached to their email or shared files. Microsofts response isnt entirely convincing. Security Copilot doesnt always get everything right, Microsoft said. AI-generated content can contain mistakes. But Security Copilot is a closed-loop learning system, which means its continually learning from users and giving them the opportunity to give explicit feedback with the feedback feature that is built directly into the tool. As we continue to learn from these interactions, we are adjusting its responses to create more coherent, relevant and useful answers. Microsoft Microsoft Of course, Microsoft doesnt address what could happen in a world of AI versus AI, where AI-assisted attackers tailor AI-designed phishing emails and other attacks on both consumers and businesses alike. That smart war would hopefully take place behind the scenes. What this implies, however, is that enterprises may potentially test Security Copilot on a small segment of its users. Thats not necessarily bad news, for them or for you. If AI really becomes the tool Microsoft wants it to be, consumers and businesses alike are going to have to trust it knows what its talking about, and can do the job of a human. If the worlds top businesses eventually trust Security Copilot, that may assure you that AI can help secure your PC, too. The US Government has pledged a US$100 million to help countries in the Sahel Region to prevent threats of violent extremist activities. The Vice President of the US Kamala Harris, who announced the offer Monday afternoon in Accra, March 27, 2023, said the money will help countries such as Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Togo. The second couple of the United States of America, who arrived in Accra yesterday, March 26, 2023, are visiting Ghana from March 26 to 29, then Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from March 29 to 31. Their final stop will be Lusaka, Zambia on March 31 and April 1, according to an official communication. The visit is not only the first to Africa by the US Vice-President but also the first time a Black US Vice-President is visiting Africa, as well as the highest profile trip yet by the current US administration, as she is the most senior Biden administration official to visit the continent. Speaking at the Jubilee House in Accra, where the US Vice President and Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo are giving formal speeches, said the US Government was pleased with the role Ghana had been playing to ensure the stability of the Sahel region. "We also recognize Ghana's significant contribution to the Sahel and I thank you for your leadership there," Vice President Kamala said. She said "to help address the threat of violent extremism and instability, today, I'm pleased to announce one hundred million Dollars in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo." She said last week, President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, stressing that "Today, the funding and announcement I have just made will help to implement them." She expressed the hope that the support that the US Government has announced for the West African region will help to address security governance and development issues in the region. Source: Graphiconline 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 In order to make Medical Education accessible to all, Family Health University College has officially launched Family Health Medical School Endowment Fund; the Fund would cater for the needy but brilliant Ghanaian students, who have the passion for becoming medical doctors in future, but cannot afford the cost. The theme for the launch is "Empowering the Needy for 21st Century Medical Education". Medical education is expensive, such that, it can only be afforded by the few rich in the society, whilst a great number of persons with the passion for the profession, are unable to access it due to financial constraints. The main objective of the Fund is to provide financial support to needy, but brilliant students who have the desire to be trained as Medical Doctors. In a welcome address, the Founder and President of Family Health University College, Prof. Yao Kwawukume commended past students of the institution who are doing well in serving in cities and rural areas across the country. He said, reports received so far point to the fact that, people in the cities and rural areas where Family Health Medical School Doctors are working, appreciate their contributions a lot. Prof. Kwawukume further expressed his appreciation to the Governing Council and Board of Trustees, for the effort made in establishing the Endowment Fund to ensure that the less privileged in society are not left behind, as far as medical education are concerned. He however, appealed to the general public to contribute towards the Fund in order to give hope to the needy but brilliant students. In an interview, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Naa (Dr.) Alhassan Andani, disclosed that, for a unique institution like Family Health University College, of which vision is to be a prime center for the education and training of health professionals, for the advancement of human health, it is important that an Endowment Fund is established to provide scholarship to the needy but brilliant students, towards the realization of their dreams of becoming medical doctors. He added that, besides the provision of scholarship to needy but brilliant students, part of the Fund would be used to organize research, and lecture series, and also to acquire teaching and learning aids to ensure that institution provides the best of medical education within the sub-Saharan region and beyond. The benefits to be derived from the Endowment Fund, according to Naa Andani, are huge, and that is what the society pays for good medical education. He therefore, entreated both individuals and corporate bodies to contribute generously towards Family Health Medical School Endowment Fund. A past student of the institution, who went through her medical training by the benevolent support of a philanthropist, encouraged the general public to contribute towards Family Health Medical School Endowment Fund to benefit other less privileged in society, as far as medical education is concerned. The Board of Trustees members for the Endowment Fund include; Naa (Dr.) Alhassan Andani Chairman (Former Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank); Dr. Peter Kwame Yeboah Member (Executive Director, CHAG); Rear Admiral Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro (Rtd) Member (Former Chief of Naval Staff); Mrs. Merene Botsio Benyah Member (Ghanas Ambassador to Italy/Legal Practitioner/Consultant); Mr. Barton Kwaku Glymin Member (Former Head of MIS, Operations; and Investment & Development (SSNIT); and Rev. (Dr.) Joyce Aryee Member (Executive Director: Salt & Light Ministries). Ms. Adjoa Adubea Koram (Assistant Registrar, FHMS) is the Secretary to the Board. Family Health University College started in a garage at 51 Guggisberg Street, Korle Bu in 1997 as a Diagnostic Centre, and was later moved into a rented premise at Zoti Road as Family Health Hospital. In 2007, it was relocated to its permanent site at Teshie, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and directly opposite the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. The Family Health Medical School is affiliated to the University of Ghana, and accredited by both the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana (MDC), and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The Medical School offers a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) programme for SSCE and A Level candidates, and a four and a half-year Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) for first degree holders in science-related disciplines. Family Health Medical School has recently been approved by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate (ECFMG), making its students and graduates eligible to apply for ECFMG Certification and United States Medical Licensing Examination(USMLE). Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Executive Secretary of the Narcotic Control Commission, Yaw Akrasi Sarpong has urged the law enforcement agencies in the country not to center so much on arrests and prosecutions of persons using drugs such as weed, for personal use. According to him, the new Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, Act 1019, passed on March 20, 2020 and assented by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo on May 11, 2020, treats drug use and dependence as a public health issue rather than focusing on enforcement, incarceration, punishment and repression. Mr Sarpong made the comment while addressing police prosecutors and detectives at a training workshop on ensuring the effective implementation of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, Act 1019 in Kumasi, organized by the Perfecter of Sentiment(POS) Foundation, a human rights civil society organization which focuses its activities in the areas of access to justice, human rights, policy reforms, youth development and social accountability. He explained that people who use drugs rather need help as it is a public health issue just like someone suffering from malaria or ulcer. Mr Sarpong stressed the importance of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to be abreast of the law and know their roles in its application. He does not understand why the State should imprison someone for possession of some weed for personal use and also spend huge money to take care of the person in jail. I am not encouraging people to use drugs/weed, it can be addictive, but let us differentiate between private life and public safety, he indicated. Mr Akrasi Sarpong mentioned that the new law allows someone to possess a certain quantity of weed for daily use. The Police are usually the first point of contact, their role in safety and security of citizens is very important, hence the need to ensure proper implementation of the new law within the spirit that is intended, he stressed. He suggested to policy makers to make cultivation of weed legal for exports that could rake in foreign currency as many countries in the world have legalized the substance. Executive Director of POS, Jonathan Osei-Wusu, on his part, also noted that drug use was a public health and human rights issues and described it as a substance use disorder. He said it has been tested and proven all over the world that substance use disorder is not an issue of criminality where people are to be sentenced but rather need help. Source: kasapafmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The High Court in Accra is demanding the medical certificate confirming the death of Dr Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, who was standing trial for an alleged overthrow of the government. Dr. Mac-Palm, a medical practitioner was the first of 10 persons standing trial but was said to have passed on to glory on Saturday, March 25. He was expected in court today, Monday, March 27, where he was to face further questioning from Bright Allan Debrah, the third accused person. The Chief Executive Officer of the Citadel Hospital was charged together with seven others for conspiracy to commit high treason and high treason. But ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo and Col. Kojo Gameli have both denied a charge each for abetment. In court on Monday, March 27, when the case was called before a three-member High Court panel presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Lawyer Maud Opoku who held brief for Lawyer Ephraim A. Vordoagu, said the first accused person has passed on. With respect, My Lords, the family of Dr. Mac-Palm has told us that, on Saturday, March 25, he passed on to glory, Lawyer Maud Opoku told the court. Asked by Justice Asare-Botwe if they have any evidence of that information, the Prosecution Winifred Sarpong, a Principal State Attorney, said upon hearing the information, they asked National Intelligence Bureau to verify from the hospital She said the facility has since confirmed the news. But the panel which also includes Justice Hafisata Amaleboba and Justice Stephen Oppong, all Justices of the Court of Appeal said the court would need a medical certificate confirming his demise. We are going into whether the man is alive or dead and not the cause of death, the president of the panel noted. EIB Networks Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, who was in court reports that some of the nine other accused persons were in black outfits while the case has been adjourned to March 29. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A woman in Columbus, Mississippi, is accused of shooting and killing her husband on Facebook Live. The shooting happened at about 7:30 Saturday morning, March 25, at Greentree Apartments. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said Kadejah Brown and her husband, Jeremy Brown, had been arguing most of the night. He added that Jeremy Brown was allegedly trying to leave the apartment and defuse the situation before being shot. He died in the home. The whole incident was being played out live on Facebook. There were kids present at the apartment during the time of the shooting and they were reportedly crying by saying please, daddy, please during the livestream. Deputies were on the scene in a matter of minutes and were able to recover a handgun, along with a shell casing. Now, 28-year-old Kadejah Brown is charged with Murder. She remains in the Lowndes County jail. Browns bond has not been set. "There was a history of domestic violence between Brown and the victim. This was a tragic and senseless murder, and our and prayers go out to the family of the victim. Fortunately, Brown is in custody, and we look forward to the criminal justice system holding her accountable," said Sheriff Eddie Hawkins. Watch the video below - 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 Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson has expressed his disappointment with NDC MPs who were involved in what some have described as a "treacherous" act which led to the approval of all six NPP ministers. The Minority side in Parliament was taken aback after Friday's vote because of an earlier stand to reject all of them. Adansi Asokwa MP, Hon Kobina Tahir Hammond was confirmed as Minister for Trade and Industry with 154 yes votes as against 116 NO votes, while Dr Stephen Amoah was approved as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry after polling 146 votes against 123 NO votes. Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was approved as the Minister of Food and Agriculture with 167 YES votes. The Member of Parliament for Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, was okayed as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry with 152 YES votes. Stephen Asamoah Boateng is the new Minister for Religious and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah heads to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as Minister of State, having garnered 149 YES votes. Ato Forson in a Facebook post said, even though he is disappointed in the outcome, he is grateful to the "over 100 NDC MPs who worked tirelessly to represent the will of the majority of the Ghanaian people". "These MPs have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society. Their tireless efforts to push for a reduction in the number of ministers are a testament to their dedication to our shared cause. While the outcome may not have been what we had hoped for, I believe we can still work together to achieve our goals. I remain hopeful that, by continuing to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, we can find a way forward that benefits all Ghanaians. Once again, I want to express my disappointment, but I am also grateful for the efforts of those who worked to represent our collective vision for a better Ghana. Let us continue to strive towards a brighter future" he added. 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 United States Vice-President, Kamala Harris says she has come to Ghana to address some of the issues that relate to the partnership between America and the other African countries, and also to strengthen the economic relations between the US and Ghana. According to her, I am here to address some of the issues that relate to the partnership between this continent, its people, and the people of the United States and to reinforce the work that we will continue to do together be that on addressing the climate crisis, to supply chain, to our work together on international rules and nuance. She said this when she was welcomed at the Kotoka International Airport by Ghanas Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, Sunday afternoon to begin her three-nation African tour. Addressing the media at the Airport, she explained that I am very excited about the future of Africa. I am very excited about the impact of the future of Africa on the rest of the world including the United States of America. When I look at what is happening on this continent and the fact that the median age is 19 years old, and what that tells us about the growth of opportunities, of innovations, of possibilities, I see in all of that great opportunities and not only for the people of this continent but the people of the world. She explained that We are looking forward to this trip as a further statement of the long and enduring and very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on the continent of Africa. In particular on this trip, I intend to do work that will focus on increasing investment here on the continent, and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and to support the work that must be done to increase food security, including adaptation to the effect of economic crisis Vice-President of the United States Kamala Harris stated. Vice President Bawumia led the government delegation including Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Also at the airport to welcome Vice President Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff were the US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer and a host of school children carrying miniature flags of Ghana. While in Ghana, Harris is expected to meet entrepreneurs, students, women, and farmers. She will also visit the Cape Coast Castle, where slaves were kept in the Central Region, during the slave trade era. Harris is scheduled to leave Ghana on March 29 to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania before ending the tour in Lusaka, Zambia on 2 April. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Peacefmonline.com can authoritatively confirm that the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah is dead. The NPP MP passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, March 28, reliable sources told Peacefmonline. He was 53. The deceased MP was one of the three absentee MPs last Friday during a critical vote to confirm ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo. Hon Basoah was said to have fallen into a coma and rushed to hospital. He unfortunately gave up the ghost while plans were underway to fly him out of the country for further medical assistance. More soon. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The first Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu who is popularly known as Joe Wise has stated that politicians typically speak more than they act, thus the public shouldn't be alarmed by their pronouncements. In politics, the talking is usually more than our actions so you shouldnt be intimidated by what we say, he said. Joe Wise explained that, the more talk and less action analogy is true because the minority caucus threatened to reject the six nominees at a press conference before some of their members defied the position of the caucus to vote with the Majority. Speaking in an interview with Onua FM on March 28, 2023, the Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti region added that citizens should ascertain the legality of politicians' statements before giving them credence. He noted that despite missing two of the majority lawmakers, the Majority still they went ahead to win the approval of the ministers. Many of us use our mouths to clear thorns, so we are not hurt by them meaning they speak without actions and subsequently dont feel the heat embedded in the actual work. Prior to the vetting of ministerial nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the NDC had issued a directive to its MPs to reject the nominees in demand for a reduction in the size of the current government. However, when the House conducted a secret ballot on the nominees, all six got overwhelming votes despite the equal numbers on both sides of the House. The outcome of the voting process has led to accusations of treachery being made against the minority MPs. Some members of the caucus have since taken to social media to express their disappointment with the result while others have sought to claim their innocence. How the said ministers were voted KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry with 154 YES votes, 116 NO votes, one rejected ballot and one abstention. So, should all the 136 NPP MPs present have voted for him, it means that at least 18 NDC MPs voted to approve him. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture: Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) was approved as the Minister of Food and Agriculture with 167 YES votes, 98 NO votes, one rejected vote and 2 abstentions. So, should all the 136 NPP MPs present should have voted for him, it means that at least 31 NDC MPs voted for him. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: Also, Stephen Asamoah Boateng was approved to become the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with 147 YES votes, 122 NO votes and three abstentions. This means that at least 11 NDC parliamentarians voted to approve Asamoah Boatengs appointment. Mohammed Amin, Minister of State (at the Finance Ministry): One hundred and fifty-two (152) MPs voted to approve Mohammed Amin as the Minister of State (at the Finance Ministry), with 123 voting to reject his approval and 3 others abstaining. This implies that at least 16 NDC MPs voted to approve Mohammed Amin. Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry: Also, 146 MPs voted to approve Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, to become the deputy minister for Trade and Industry which means that at least 10 NDC MPs voted with the majority caucus. One hundred and twenty-three (146) rejected his nomination and 3 abstained from voting. And finally, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of Local Government. 149 MPs voted to approve OB Amoah as Minister of the Local Government. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video OZARK-Three people were named to the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging Board by the Dale County Commission at the meeting Tuesday after tabling the issue at two consecutive meetings. Bruce Grantham, Sabra Parker Branch, and Ozark City Councilman Winton Jackson were appointed by majority vote to the SARCOA board after being nominated by Dale County Commissioner Chris Carroll, who said that he chose those people because they represented a cross-section of the county. Dale County Commissioner Donald Grantham, who seconded the nomination of the slate, voted in favor of the trio. Dale County Commission Commissioner Adam Enfinger cast the single vote against Grantham, Branch, and Jackson, saying that if Carrolls nomination was defeated, he would instead re-nominate former Midland City Mayor JoAnn Grimsley for SARCOA board on which she had served from 2001 until 2021. Dale County Commissioner Frankie Wilson was not present at Tuesdays meeting. The written agenda for the Feb. 28 commission meeting named as SARCOA Board appointees as Midland City Mayor Cynthia Gary, Bruce Grantham, and Jereme Creamer. During the work session immediately preceding the voting meeting, Dale County Commission Chairman Steve McKinnon told the commissioners that they had been advised by SARCOA that Gary, as mayor of Midland City, and Creamer, an employee of Midland City, could not serve concurrently on the SARCOA board. At that point, former Midland City Mayor Joanne Grimsley was named to replace Creamer as the third Dale County appointee to the SARCOA board. Mr. Chairman, may I interrupt? Gary asked as McKinnon when he called for a motion on the revised SARCOA Board appointments at the Feb. 28 meeting. I withdraw my name, she said. I will not be on a board with her, referring to Grimsley. McKinnon then called for the agenda item to be tabled. At the March 14 commission meeting, the appointment of three Dale County representatives to the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging was tabled for a second time when McKinnon could not get the names he presented to the commission to move forward for a vote. McKinnons request for a motion appointing Gary, Grantham, and Branch to the SARCOA board was met with silence for several seconds before the commission voted to approve Wilsons alternate motion that the appointments be tabled until the next meeting. At the March 14 commission meeting, Grimsley addressed the commission. I have been an active member of the SARCOA Board of Directors since September 2000. I have carried out our mission and supported the elderly in so many ways I cant count, she said. Turning to Gary, who was among the meeting attendee, Grimsley asked, Mayor Gary, I would like to know what the real deal is? Why wont you serve along side of me? I just do not want to be on the board with you, Gary replied. That is all. I was told by Mr. (Mark) Culver (SARCOA board chairman) that he wanted me on the board. Could it be that I supported a county commissioner in the race against your husband and my candidate won? Grimsley asked Gary. Your personal reasons do not diminish or erase my 17 years on the SARCOA board of directors or the work I do, have done and am still doing in the community and in the Wiregrass area for the elderly. Questioning why her name had been removed from the nominees, Grimsley gave the commissioners a list of her public service that included serving as mayor of Midland City from 2016 until 2020, employment with the town for 27 years as assistant city clerk, serving as a Grade 11 Certified Water Operator for 24 years, and a certified County Clerk Magistrate. In addition to serving as a SARCOA board member, Grimsley said she also served as a SARCOA executive board member, an OCAP board member, a member of the Senior RX Advisory Council for District 7, is a supporter of the Wiregrass Food Bank and a member of the Flowers Hospital Senior Circle. At the March 14 meeting, Enfinger also questioned why Grimsleys name had been removed from consideration. Mr. Chairman, on Feb. 23, I sent you an email requesting that (Grimsleys) name be added to the agenda to be put forward to a vote for her reappointment to the SARCOA board, Enfinger said. On Feb. 28 I was told that Ms. Joanne Grimsleys name was being placed back up for a vote to the SARCOA board. At the commission meeting, the mayor of Midland City asked that her name be removed from consideration to the SARCOA board and that she would not serve with Ms. Grimsley. Today weve got the mayors name back on the agenda with two other names that are not Ms. Grimsleys. Im asking for clarification on why those two other names got put on there, Enfinger said. First of all, one of the people, I dont even know who they are so I think to vote on them would be an injustice to the board. When McKinnon called for a motion to nominate Gary, Grantham, and Branch at the March 14 meeting, no commissioner verbally responded but Grantham shook his head no. Wilson then suggested tabling the appointments and the other commissioners agreed. The Dale County Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the government building in Ozark. A work session begins at 10 and is followed immediately by a voting meeting. Both meetings are open to the public. A-List Ghanaian actress, Jackie Appiah, showed up at an event today looking good! You can trust Jackie when it comes to dressing and looking your best for shows. The actress did just that for an event that was held today. Jackie Appiah met the second gentleman of the United States Douglass Emhoff, at the YOLO Youth Town Hall which happened at the Labone Senior High School in Accra. In a video that has popped up on social media, Jackie Appiah is seen with some sort of bloated nyash. Her a$$ miraculously appeared huge and even altered the way she walked. Reacting to the video, social media users have accused Jackie Appiab of stuffing her bum to meet the second gentleman of the United States. The video has generated massive reactions as this seems to be the first time Jackie took interest in wearing a hip pad. Watch the video below; View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nkonkonsa.com (@nkonkonsa) Source: nkonkonsa/ghanacelebrities.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A manufacturer of trading desks, control room consoles, and office technology, has opened an operations center in Lancaster County. Technology Desking has relocated its operations center in Jersey City, New Jersey to a facility at 8 Wynfield Drive in Warwick Township near Lititz. The facility is mainly for holding stock, current orders and assembly. The 1.9-acre site is more than double the size of Technology Deskings previous base, the company said in a news release. It will ensure Technology Desking has the capacity to meet growing customer demand. Technology Desking was founded in 1992 and is based in London, England, and also has a showroom in New York and a sales office in Hong Kong. The company said all of its desks are all bespoke to meet customers exact specifications. Our new operations center will help Technology Desking serve its existing client base, Phil Clay, principal at Technology Desking, said in the news release. It will also create new business opportunities in and around Lancaster and Philadelphia. The new center allows us to hold more stock of our standard products, thus providing shorter lead times. We can also store client product. The new facility opened in January. --Business Buzz Sign up for Eat, Shop, Go, a weekly report from PennLive on food, restaurants, business, retail centers, things to do and places to go all around central Pa. Sign up for free by clicking here. The Pittsburgh-area driver of a school van is accused of sexually assaulting a student at the school where he works for a two-year period, according to reports from WPXI and WTAE. Raymond West, 42, is being charged with institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, sexual contact with a student, corruption of minors and child endangerment, according to a criminal complaint. According to the complaint, the victim, currently 18 years old, is developmentally disabled and has the mindset of a third-grader. Officials said that West touched the victim on the school van multiple times and, during one encounter, showed her a condom and asked if she was ready. Police said that at least one incident took place at the victims grandmothers house in the Sheraden neighborhood of Pittsburgh. When questioned by police, West denied having any sexual contact with the victim and said, Im not going to say she is promiscuous, but the little girl is fast, according to WPXI. READ MORE: Pa. man shot, killed while riding bike: reports Restaurants at two Pennsylvania theme parks are in the running for a USA Today 10Best Award. The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio at Hersheypark in Derry Township and Alamo Restaurant at Knoebels Amusement Resort near Elysburg are among 20 nominees in the USA Today for Best Theme Park Restaurant. USA Today is narrowing the field to the 10 best. Other nominees include establishments at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot and Dollywood. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and readers can vote once per day through April 24. USA Today described the Alamo as budget friendly to families with hot dogs priced under $5. The menu at this eatery located on the parks main boulevard also includes a few fun treats, like a pickle on a stick and apple dumpling served with ice cream, it said. As for the Chocolatier, USA Today said its about more than chocolate and is a full-service restaurant with views of the park from a second-story patio and bar. Chocolate lovers will delight in this restaurant that incorporates cocoa into many dishes from salads to burgers, said Jamie Davis Smith, one of USA Todays panel experts. READ MORE: New rides, longer hours: What to know about Hersheypark, Knoebels, other Pa. amusement parks in 2023 GET MORE: Starting soon, Eat, Shop, Go is your free weekly report on food, restaurants, retail, and things to do around central Pa. Sign up at www.pennlive.com/newsletters. Were you aware that it was National Cheesesteak Day over the weekend? Were you also aware that theres an annual cheeseteak eating contest in the Philadelphia area to observe this holiday? CBS Local Philadelphia reports that the Cheesesteak Bowl took place this past National Cheesesteak Day (a.k.a., Friday, March 24th) at the Marple Public House in Broomall, Delaware County. According to event presenter, Delco Steaks, the Cheesesteak Bowl is a feat of gastrointestinal strength that requires all those with hungry stomachs, both amateur and professional, to see how many one-foot cheesesteaks they can take down in a span of 10 minutes. The Delco Daily Times states how that means for this years champion in the professional category, Dan Kennedy, eating almost nine cheesesteaks in a little over 11 minutes in order to break a tie at the 10-minute mark (the events first-ever eat off, actually, according to the Delco Steaks Twitter). For the amateur winner, Dan Nawrocki, that would be two and three-quarters cheesesteaks. But the Cheesesteak Bowl isnt merely a rousing event meant to inspire and awe those watching on the sidelines: Delco Steaks donates a portion of the proceeds to the HEADStrong Foundation, a nonprofit that offers financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer. Now all this new Cheesesteak Man needs to do is join up with the Philly Chicken Man in order to form some Avengers-type group of crimefighting meat-lovers or something. By JOHN LEICESTER, The Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Attention. Air raid alert, the voice says with a Jedi knights gravitas. Proceed to the nearest shelter. Its a surreal moment in an already surreal war: the grave but calming baritone of actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of Star Wars, urging people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine. The intrusion of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy into the grim daily realities of war in Ukraine is a consequence of Hamills decision to lend his famous voice to Air Alert a downloadable app linked to Ukraines air defense system. When air raid sirens start howling, the app also warns Ukrainians that Russian missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming. Dont be careless, Hamills voice advises. Your overconfidence is your weakness. The actor says hes admired from afar, in California how Ukraine has shown such resilience ... under such terrible circumstances. Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the Star Wars saga, he says of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. Voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his Star Wars touch was his way of helping out. A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with whats going on in Ukraine, Hamill said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically. ... Its impossible not to be inspired by how theyve weathered this storm. When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that the air alert is over. He then signs off with an uplifting: May the Force be with you. Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed Star Wars-themed posters that are being raffled off. Today I'll be meeting with members of the Ukrainian Army of drone operators via zoom to thank them for their service, offer my encouragement & get the latest update on their progress. I also want to thank YOU for your much needed donations! https://t.co/dfBz9iFeVX Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) March 24, 2023 Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent. On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms. But many others are real and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamills voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. Hes a Star Wars fan, too. Besides, he said, we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us. DuBois City Manager John Herm Suplizio, also known as executive director of the DuBois Area United Way, has been suspended after he was recently accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of funds, Clearfield County Commissioners confirmed, according to reports. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office also announced Suplizio, 62, is facing theft and fraud charges. The charges come after an investigation, which lasted months, WJAC reported. Following an investigation, its being reported Suplizio actually stole over $600,000 from an array of city bank accounts. According to the affidavit, the city manager provided false information on his personal income taxes for several years, claiming that he incurred unreimbursed expenses in connection with his work for the DuBois Area United Way and the City of DuBois. Those are some pretty serious allegations, Commissioner John Sobel told WJAC. Although, he and his colleagues emphasized, We do believe that you are innocent until proven guilty. According to news outlets like ABC27, he made fraudulent transactions from the citys various bank accounts that paid for credit card bills, gambling, and even make political donations. Commissioner Dave Glass said he was shocked and saddened. Well let the justice system play out, but, uh, I-- Im concerned. Read more via WJAC. READ MORE: By MARIA VERZA, The Associated Press MEXICO CITY (AP) Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention center in northern Mexico, starting a fire that left 39 dead, the president said Tuesday following one of the the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Thirty-nine people died and 29 were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire, the agency said. A Guatemalan official said many may have been from that Central American country. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants inside the facility in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said, adding that the director of countrys immigration agency was on the scene. Image taken from a video showing bodies lying under shimmery silver sheets outside an immigration center in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (AP Photo)AP Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abuse and using excessive force in rounding up migrants, complaining that municipal police were questioning people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow migration to the U.S. border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. And the countrys immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro hosted several pre-k students, teachers, and advocates at for an annual Easter egg hunt Tuesday. The Easter Egg Hunt was co-sponsored by Pre-K for PA. The event served two purposes: continuing the tradition of an Easter Egg hunt at the governors residence, and promoting Shapiros plan to invest more money in early childhood education in Pennsylvania. Safe and strong communities are built on the foundation of an adequate and equitable education, from pre-K through college and we must invest in early education so that every child in Pennsylvania can get the best possible start in life, Shapiro said. Shapiros budget proposes investing more than $30 million in Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help employ more preschool teachers and serve more students. Watch the video for scenes from the Easter egg hunt event. -- Follow Jimmie Brown on Twitter @JimmieRBrownJr While most people were still asleep just before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 1979, a malfunctioning valve set off what would become the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant operating history. The incident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power station in Londonderry Township, Dauphin County, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, happened when a combination of equipment malfunctions, design-related problems and worker errors led to TMI-2s partial meltdown and very small off-site releases of radioactivity. TMI was de-activated in 2019 after 45 years. The accident began about 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979. The Patriot-News printed this chronology a few weeks later: WEDNESDAY, March 28 3:53 a.m. A malfunctioning valve causes the shutdown of two pumps in the secondary feedwater system, a separate unit that cools the water circulating through the reactor core, and triggers a chain reaction of mechanical and human errors. 3:53:09 The reactor scrams, or stops the nuclear fission process by automatically dropping 67 control rods to mesh with the tubes of enriched uranium that form the reactor core. 3:53:12 A relief valve on the reactor coolant pressurizer fails to close, eventually causing about 250,000 gallons of radioactive water to spill onto the floor of the reactor containment building. 3:53:30 Three auxiliary pumps kick in but fail to provide cooling water to supplement the shut-down feedwater system because the valves that should have been open were closed. 3:55 The Emergency Core Coolant System dumps tons of water into the reactor core to reduce the intense heat that should have been diminished with the assistance of the auxiliary feedwater system. 3:57:30 A control room technician shuts down the first pump on the ECCS after either misreading or getting false readings from his instruments. A second pump was tripped about six minutes later, completely halting the last line of defense against overheating. 4:00:03 A sump pump in the containment building activates and transfers water into a nearby auxiliary building. Radioactive steam from the water eventually finds its way into the atmosphere through a venting system. 4:01 Technicians realize the auxiliary cooling system is not functioning and open the closed valves in an attempt to bring down the temperatures in the reactor. 5:22 The plant operators shut down two other pumps controlling the flow of water around the reactor core, further contributing to the fuel damage and the rise of the hydrogen bubble at the top of the reactor vessel that was to deter cold shutdown steps into the next week. 6:50 Plant officials first begin to realize the seriousness of the situation and that radiation may have escaped into the atmosphere. A site emergency is declared. 7:00 Clarence Deller of the state Emergency Management Agency office is notified of the emergency and begins to launch an alert for evacuation plan for Dauphin, York and Lancaster counties. 7:37 Donald Butch Ryan, a fire-police dispatcher in Middletown, receives word of an emergency at the plant and is told to stand by. 8:10 The Emergency Management Agency cancels its alert. 8:30 Cumberland County emergency preparedness officials are notified of the accident. 8:55 A Patriot-News reporter learns from county and state officials that an emergency has been declared at TMI. Initial reports indicated there was a radiation leak due to a failure to fuel. The first reporter is dispatched to the scene. FILE - In this April 1, 1979, file photo President Jimmy Carter talks in the control room of Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Middletown, Pa., with from left, Harold Denton, Director of the U.S. Nuclear Agency, Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh, and an unidentified control room employee. (AP Photo, File) 10:20 Bill Gross, a Metropolitan Edison Co. public relations representative, reads a statement from Gary Miller, the station manager, reporting on the problem in technical terms and saying that radioactive monitoring teams have found nothing on or off-site. 11:00 Between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., MetEd engineers vent radioactive steam from the plant. During the same period, Lt. Gov. William Scranton III is holding the first of three news conferences, saying everything is under control and there appears to be no danger to public health or safety. 1:15 p.m. John G. Herbein, MetEd vice president of generation, greets the news media for the first time at the TMI Observation Center, noting the plants in safe condition. He denies any delay in notifying authorities and contends radiation releases are very small. He indicates there may have been 0.1 or 0.5 percent damage to the 36,000 fuel rods. 4:30 Scranton says the utility has ended venting contaminated steam into the air but accused MetEd of earlier giving the state conflicting information. 5 The plant again vents radioactive steam. Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, left, announces the closing of schools in the area around the Three Mile Island, on March 30, 1979, in Harrisburg, Pa. Standing at right is Lt. Gov. William Scranton. (AP Photo, file)ASSOCIATED PRESS THURSDAY, March 29 10 a.m. MetEd holds a press conference at the Hershey Convention Center where company president Walter M. Creitz says the cooldown is occurring at a more rapid rate. The radiation leaked from the plant has been in the low 5- to 7-millirems per hour level, according to company monitoring teams. The incident is nothing out of the ordinary realm. 12:15 p.m. A news conference is held at the Friends Meeting House in Harrisburg by Dr. George Wald, a 1967 Nobel prize winner, and Dr. Ernest J. Sternglass, director of radiological physics for the University of Pittsburgh. Sternglass calls for the plant to be shut down and Wald says any radiation can cause harm. 3 p.m. MetEd and Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials hold briefings for four senators and five congressmen. Sen. Gary Hart, D-Colo., labels the mishap the most serious accident in the history of nuclear power and calls for congressional hearings. Sen. George W. Gekas, R-Harrisburg, says he will introduce legislation to require immediate notification of officials in the event of any incident at the plant. 11 An NRC official in Washington says the damage to the fuel rods is more serious than originally thought and indicates it will be a long time before the clean-up is finished. Three Mile Island nuclear power plant seen from Londonderry Township at sunset in 2001. (DAN GLEITER, PennLive.com/file)Harrisburg Patriot-News FRIDAY, March 30 7:15 a.m. Between 7:15 and 8:15 a.m. an uncontrolled burst of radioactive gas is vented from the containment building into the auxiliary building and a plane carrying detection equipment measures radiation levels of between 300 and 1,200 millirems per hour. 9 York County Civil Defense director Leslie Jackson puts phase 1 of the nuclear disaster plan for the county into operation, primarily to stop the panic, caused by unconfimed reports of evacuation. 9:30 E.C. McCabe, an NRC official, confirms the release of radioactivity to reporters outside the NRC trailer at the TMI Observation Center. 9:45 Herbein tells a Patriot-News reporter that some venting was done in the evening and possibly radiation levels did climb momentarily. Asked if an area alert was in progress, he replied he was not sure. 10 County Civil Defense organizations and the Pennsylvania National Guard are placed on standby for possible evacuation. The Associated Press moves an urgent story staying the governor is considering the evacuation of four counties. 10:35 Gov. Dick Thornburghs press secretary Paul Critchlow indicates there is no need to evacuate but says the governor has warned people within a 10-mile radius of the plan to stay indoors and close their windows. 11 A second release of radioactive gases occurs. 11:15 President Jimmy Carter telephones Thornburgh and offers his assistance. A siren goes off in downtown Harrisburg causing some panic. 11:45 Herbein holds a news conference in Middletown where he tells reporters he did not see the need to warn Civil Defense officials of the latest release and, for the first time, considerable discussion centers on a bubble building in the reactor vessel. 12:30 p.m. Thornburgh issues his advisory for pregnant women and preschool age children to evacuate from a five-mile radius of the plant. He also orders 23 schools in the area to close. 1 Three West Shore School District schools begin evacuation. 4 The Harrisburg East Mall closes early. 7 Evacuees from the Middletown area line up for their first meal at Hersheypark Arena. 10 Thornburgh holds a news conference in the Capitol News Center and introduces Harold Denton, the NRC official personally sent by Carter to supervise the operation. Thornburgh says that the indoor restriction will be lifted at midnight for residents within the 10-mile radius of the plant. The evacuation center at Hershey Arena after the accident at Three Mile Island in 1989. (Photo by John Jones, file) SATURDAY, March 31 4 a.m. Evacuation of the residents of Frey Village nursing home in Middletown takes place as an independent decision of the home operators. Officials at the Odd Fellows Home of Pennsylvania, another nursing home, make a similar decision somewhat later. 11 MetEd holds its final news conference in Middletown and the responsibility for the emergency operations at the plant shifts to the NRC. MetEd and the NRC disagree over the size of the bubble. Herbein says he believes the crisis is over. 8:27 An AP story marked urgent quotes an NRC source in Washington as saying the hydrogen bubble is so volatile there is a chance of an explosion. 10:10 Denton and Thornburgh are conferring in the governors office when they are interrupted by a call from presidential press secretary Jody Powell informing them that President Carter would be visiting Three Mile Island. 11:50 Denton at a news conference says he sees no possibility of an explosion in the reactor vessel or containment building. The Thornburgh advisory remains in effect. Mass evacuation is again discounted. SUNDAY, April 1 10 a.m. - Middletown Borough officials receive word that Carter is coming. Workers tear down a temporary press center set up for visiting reporters to permit Carter to hold his news conference in the borough hall. 2 p.m. Carter dons yellow plastic booties and tours the control room at TMI-2. 3 A grave Carter reads a brief statement to the press while Rosalynn greets the crowd gathered outside the borough hall. 3:15 Denton briefs reporters on the bubble and warns that the next few days are critical in reducing the danger. He raises the possibility of mass evacuation if the bubble is to be removed by increasing coolant pressure or blasting it out with high-pressure steam. Three Mile Island nuclear power station closed September 20, 2019. (Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com, file) MONDAY, April 2 10:00 MetEd engineers obtain a reading of about 175 cubic feet for the bubble. Estimates had placed the size of the sphere at about 850 cubic feet a few days prior. 11:30 A dramatic decrease in the size of the bubble has been realized. Denton tells reporters during a news conference in the Middletown Borough building. An almost audible sigh of relief seems to emanate from the community as the crisis passes. Note: The times represented in this chronology in some cases are approximate. Thick smoke filled the air across the Ross Clark Circle on Tuesday afternoon as a Dothan hotel went up in flames. At around 11:30 a.m., the Dothan Fire Department received a call about a structure fire at the Howard Johnson located at 2244 Ross Clark Circle, near the Rodeo Mexican Restaurant. Multiple agencies including Dothan Fire, Police, and Pilchers Ambulance responded to the scene. First units arrived on the scene and quickly found smoke and fire coming from the side of the structure, Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams said. They made an initial attack and got inside fairly quickly. It took us a few minutes to knock it down, but we do have it now under control. Officials said the fire started on the second floor of the building. Fire officials are unsure of what caused the fire as they were working to ventilate smoke out of the structure in order to begin an investigation. We dont have a cause at the moment, we are not even close to figuring it out, to be honest, Williams said. No firefighters were injured putting out the blaze. According to Williams, there were civilians inside of the hotel when the fire started but they were able to make it out of the structure safely. Williams credits his department for the job theyve been doing over the last couple of days. Its been a rough four or five days for the Dothan Fire Department, weve had a lot going on, Williams said. All of our members do a remarkable job and Im proud of them. The Bachelor Zach Shallcross did leave season 27 engaged to one of his final two women. But, afterward, during the After the Final Rose segment, he caught a lot of heat for his fantasy suites actions. Shallcross had to decide between two women - Gabi Elnicki and Kaity Biggar. Last nights finale followed the explosive fantasy suites episode last week when Shallcross said he would not be intimate with any of the three remaining women at that time but then did. Not only did he break his own rule but Shallcross also confessed his transgression with Elnicki to Biggar and on air for viewers. After breaking up with Elnicki last night, Shallcross did propose to Biggar. The love I feel for you is something I could never have imagined. I love you so much. I love you with all my heart, and youre the face I want to wake up to every morning. I want to go through life with you and only you. Kaity, I want to be with you forever. Biggar said - yes. Biggar, 27, is an ER nurse. Shallcross, 26, is a tech executive from Anaheim Hills, California. He now lives in Texas. Last year, he dated Rachel Recchia on season 19 of The Bachelorette. Shallcross made it as far as the fantasy suites episode after which he self-eliminated. Shallcross and Biggar appeared live during the After the Final Rose segment. They are still together and said they are thinking about getting married in a few years. They said they are moving back to Austin, Texas, where they both lived before the show. As for Elnicki, she blasted Shallcross and said she did not know that he had told everyone about their intimacy until last week. Shallcross apologized for hurting her and said he handle the situation completely wrong. Theres nothing I can do to right that wrong, but I want you to know that the last thing I wanted to do was to hurt you like that. It was me purely trying to be honest, but that doesnt matter, because it hurt you more. From the bottom of my heart, Im sorry. Next up for Bachelor Nation will be The Bachelorette starring Charity Lawson who appeared in Shallcross season of The Bachelor. Lawson was among the final four women. The show starts June 26 on ABC. LIVE STREAM: ABC on ABC on fuboTV (free trial What is fuboTV? FuboTV is a streaming service that offers more than 100 live and on-demand channels and includes cloud DVR. FuboTV has a seven-day free trial. Channels include AMC, E!, HGTV, ESPN, NBC Sports, NFL Network, FS1, MSNBC, Food Network, Great American Living, Magnolia Network, Animal Planet, Bravo, FX, CMT, Comedy Central and Hallmark. The Pro plan is $69.99 a month, Elite is $79.99 a month and Ultimate is $99.99. An inmate who escaped the Houston County Jail over the weekend is now back in police custody after being captured in Enterprise on Sunday. Chase Christian Miller, 25, was originally in jail for receiving stolen property. Now, he is charged with escape and is being held with no bond. On March 25, Miller, who was working as a trustee in the prison kitchen, left the kitchen at about 11:12 a.m. and went into the courtyard where he escaped through one of the jail's main gates. Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said they had video of Miller in the kitchen but lost sight of him when he went into the courtyard. "We had a malfunction with the cameras that were placed outside, which didn't allow us to initially watch him," Valenza said. On top of not being able to see Miller, the gate he walked out of had a problem closing. "We noticed that the gate had a malfunction in it," Valenza said. "When the gate normally closes, it slides into the lock. But at one point, the gate must've pushed to the left of the lock and there was a 10-to-12-inch gap in the gate." About an hour after he left, a cook in the kitchen noticed Miller missing and reported it. Tracking dogs were immediately brought in, and Miller's coveralls were found just outside of the gate. Later that night, Miller stole a vehicle from Emfinger Steel in Dothan and started driving toward Daleville. The Dale County Sheriff's Office was notified, and the vehicle was spotted on US-84. A Dale County Deputy then used a pit maneuver to stop the vehicle, but Miller fled into the woods on foot. Officers searched the area until 3 a.m. Sunday but were unable to find Miller. On Sunday afternoon, Enterprise Police called the Houston County Sheriff's Office about a possible Miller sighting on Rucker Boulevard. Multiple units responded and at around 12:51 p.m., Miller was taken into custody and transported back to Houston County. Multiple agencies including Dothan Police, Daleville Police, Level Plains Police, Midland City, Webb Police, Enterprise Police, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Dale County Sheriff's Office all worked together to capture Miller. The jail trusty program gives non-violent inmates an opportunity to work and learn new skills while they are incarcerated. Valenza isn't sure why Miller had trusty status but assured the program will be reevaluated. "I'm not happy about him being on trusty status," Valenza said. "I don't like the charge and yes you're innocent until proven guilty. But I think there should have been a better selection for that status and there will be in the future." According to Valenza, this was the first time an inmate escaped from the Houston County Jail. "We've never had one escape that facility," Valenza said. A chef prepares a dish as part of a French-organized food festival, Le Fooding food festival, in Brooklyn, New York, on September 22, 2012. Photo by AFP The largest French gastronomic festival in Vietnam, "Balade en France", will take place in Hanoi from April 14-16, the French Embassy in Vietnam announced Tuesday. The festival, succeeding its previous two editions in 2018 and 2020, will take place at the Ly Thai To Square and the pedestrian zone around the Hoan Kiem Lake, according to a press release from the Embassy. The event, part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations, will include the participation of restaurant owners, importers and other industry players. Hanoians will be invited to stroll through a French market where more than 40 stalls will invite them to discover the French agricultural and food heritage. Tasting activities will allow everyone to share a moment of conviviality around excellent products: dairy products, chocolates, bakery products, cheese, delicatessen products, fruits, wines and spirits. Refined, friendly, accessible and creative, French cuisine will be shown at its best, through recipe demonstration workshops led by chefs. Some products will also be available for sale. French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery said: "As a result of history and a common taste for "eating well", the presence of French gastronomy and products is rich in Hanoi and throughout Vietnam, an essential element of our "shared cultures". A cultural program would accompany the event, with performances by artists, the screening of French films, painting and hip-hop workshops. The festival will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 15 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 16. 500,000 Guaranteed WPT500 UK Heads to Dusk Till Dawn From May 26 March 28, 2023 Matthew Pitt Editor Dusk Till Dawn poker club in Nottingham, United Kingdom, is set to host the latest edition of the exciting WPT 500 event. May 26-29 are the dates you need to keep free in your diaries if you plan on becoming a WPT500 UK champion and reeling in the largest slice of a prize pool guaranteed to weigh in at 500,000. The 560 buy-in 500,000 guaranteed WPT500 UK features five Day 1s running from May 26-28, including a turbo-structured Day 1E. Day 2 commences on May 28, with the worthy champion crowned on May 29. Dusk Till Dawn is hosting five live satellites, each costing 65, with a total of 60x 560 seats guaranteed. They take place before the festival on May 20, 21, 24, and 25, and between Day 1B and 1C on May 26. Dusk Till Dawn Excited to Host WPT500 UK Live Poker Director at Dusk Till Dawn, Simon Trumper, is delighted to see the Nottingham venue, regarded as the home of British poker, host the WPT500 UK again after a seven-year hiatus. We're very excited to be hosting the WPT500 UK at the club. It is an event we expect to highly resonate with our customers, and we hope the timing of the event over a UK bank holiday gives players an even better opportunity to take part." Previous WPT500 Results Dusk Till Dawn hosted the inaugural WPT500 UK in November 2014, and saw 2,133 players take to the tables. Eleanor Gudger emerged triumphantly from that event, turning her 500 investment into 140,000. Gudger went on to become a sponsored pro of the now-defunct online poker site PKR. WPT500 UK returned the following year and saw Welshman Richard Harris walk away with the title, the trophy, and 150,000 in prize money after outlasting 1,615 opponents. The last time Dusk Till Dawn played host to the WPT500 UK was in October 2016, when Benjamin Winsor helped himself to the 182,700 top prize, leaving 1,834 opponents in his wake. The 2023 WPT500 UK is the first such tournament in a live setting since December 2019 thanks, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last three editions have all taken place online at PartyPoker, making Pedro Cavalieri of Brazil, champion in August 2021, the reigning champion. There was a WPT500 held online in June 2021 that David Afework won, but he was subsequently disqualified for a breach of the PartyPoker terms and conditions. Date Location Buy-in Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize July 2014 Aria, Las Vegas $565 3,599 $1,561,000 Sean Yu $260,000 November 2014 Dusk Till Dawn, UK 500 2,133 1,066,500 Eleanor Gudger 140,000 July 2015 Aria, Las Vegas $565 5,113 $2,556,500 Craig Varnell $185,800 October 2015 Dusk Till Dawn, UK 550 1,616 1,000,000 Richard Harris 150,000 July 2016 Aria, Las Vegas $565 3,956 $1,978,000 Andreas Olympios $260,000 October 2016 Dusk Till Dawn, UK 550 1,835 1,000,000 Benjamin Winsor 182,700 May 2017 Gardens Casino, Los Angeles $565 3,266 $1,633,000 Dong Lee $224,500 July 2017 Aria, Las Vegas $565 3,541 $1,770,500 Jonathan Borenstein $230,000 March 2018 Aspers, London 420 1,810 626,550 Gary Miller 114,000 July 2018 Aria, Las Vegas $565 2,983 $1,259,200 Kyriakos Papdopoulos $184,900 August 2018 Gardens Casino, Los Angeles $570 2,509 $1,254,500 Michael Copeland $170,125 November 2018 Playground Poker Club, Canada C$550 2,536 C$1,229,960 Miguel Goncalo C$173,030 March 2019 Casino Barcelona, Spain 550 2,763 1,340,055 Lukasz Fraczek 215,000 June 2019 Aria, Las Vegas $565 1,932 $966,000 Ben Farrell $155,000 December 2019 Gardens Casino, Los Angeles $570 2,310 $1,155,000 Griffin Paul $174,850 May 2020 PartyPoker, Online $530 4,828 $2,414,000 Fabio Sperling $281,126 March 2021 PartyPoker, Online $530 2,420 $1,211,000 Dylan Rowe $181,544 August 2021 PartyPoker, Online $530 2,295 $1,147,500 Pedro Cavalieri $153,504 Did You Know the World Poker Tour is Online? The launch of WPT Global means that poker players around the world now have the chance to win their way to WPT events, win prizes and enjoy exciting games such as Poker Flips. As one of the world's largest cash game poker networks, WPT Global is available in over 50 countries and territories around the world. WPT Global offers a large deposit match bonus: 100% on deposits up to $1,200 (using any payment method). New players depositing a minimum of $20 automatically receive this match bonus which is unlocked in $5 increments (credited straight to the cashier) for every $20 of rake contribution. Both tournaments and cash games count towards bonus unlocking; new players have 90 days from the date of first deposit to unlock and claim their full bonus amount. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Senate Republicans offered tepid disagreement with Trumps decision to glorify insurrectionists at his Waco, TX rally. NBC News reported: People who violated the law should be prosecuted. And they have been, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who previously held the No. 2 spot in Senate Republican leadership, told NBC News. I just frankly dont understand this, you know, retrospective look, he said. When it comes to running for president or any other office, people dont want you to relitigate all your grievances in the past. They want to know what your vision for the future is. And so I dont think its a formula for success. . January 6 was one of the worst days in American history. Everybodys entitled to due process, he (Sen. Lindsey Graham) said, adding that if youre trying to suggest that those who were involved in January the 6th are some kind of hero? No. There will be no effort on my part to whitewash January 6, he added. Subscribe To Our Newsletter: Trump firmly aligned himself with the insurrectionists by playing his song recorded with the J6 Choir. Trump also used his speech to defend the insurrection and the insurrectionists. Most of the Senate Republicans that NBC News talked to were more worried about Trump relitigating issues from the past instead of looking toward the future. The Senate Republicans seemed more concerned about Trumps behavior could impact their chances of taking back the Senate in 2024 instead of what it means for the country to have a former president who appears to be voicing his support for an attempt to overthrow the government. The reason why Trump remains the favorite to prevail in the 2024 Republican presidential primary is that most elected Republicans are still reluctant to directly and personally speak out against the former president. Until Republicans can directly confront Trump by name, he will remain in charge of the Republican Party. A Wagener man who was reported missing Monday was located by the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. Clarence Harsey, 85, of Wagener was last seen by family members around 8:40 a.m. Monday in the 600 block of Cullum Pond Road, according to a media release from the Aiken County Sheriffs Office. An update just before 8 p.m. from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said Harsey had been found and arrangements were being made to reunite him with his family. Harsey has dementia and diabetes. Nick Hardy and Davis Riley birdied four of their final six holes to give both players their first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic. The pair began the final round three shots back and closed with a 7-under 65 in alternate-shot play to finish with a tournament record total of 30-under 258 at TPC Louisiana. Riley made a 33-foot birdie putt from the fringe on the par-3 17th hole. Hardy and Riley were two shots better than Canadians Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor, who closed with a 63, tying the course record in alternate shot. Read moreRiley, Hardy capture first PGA Tour wins at Zurich Classic Dining at Wild Wing Cafe on Aikens Southside no longer will be an option for hungry local residents and visitors. The following message was posted Monday on the restaurants Facebook page: Wingers old and new, we have made the decision to close our doors permanently. This was not a decision that was made easily. We have enjoyed our time in Aiken and the people we have come to know and love. Thank you, Aiken! Information about the Wild Wing location in Aiken has been removed from the restaurant chains website: wildwingcafe.com. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and media event celebrating the opening of Aikens Wild Wing was held in October 2020 at 470 Fabian Drive. Those in attendance included the Wild Wing chains CEO Steve Weigel, Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon and Aiken Chamber of Commerce President and CEO J. David Jameson. Wild Wings home office is in Charlotte, North Carolina. The chain was founded on Hilton Head Island in 1990. Wild Wing restaurants serve chicken wings and a variety of sauces, hamburgers, wraps, chicken tenders, chicken nuggets and other types of food. The remaining Wild Wing locations in South Carolina are in Anderson, Bluffton, Columbia, Greenville, North Charleston and North Myrtle Beach, according to wildwingcafe.com. Also according to the website, a Wild Wing Cafe at 1050 Alexander Drive in Augusta will be opening soon. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, star of the world-renowned TV series Game of Thrones, was seen riding an electric motorbike through Ho Chi Minh City last weekend. A photo of Coster-Waldau in HCMC that went viral on social networks in Vietnam shows the Danish actor was wearing a green T-shirt, shorts and helmet while driving an electric motorbike in the southern metropolis. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau rides a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Facebook/Ngo Chi Dung "Game of Thrones" fans were taken off guard by Coster-Waldaus surprise visit to Vietnam. The purpose of his trip to HCMC has not been revealed. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, 52, is an actor and producer. He has appeared in many Danish films before making his Hollywood debut in the war movie Black Hawk Down in 2001. A decade later, he won a main role in Game of Thrones as Jaime Lannister. The fantasy drama TV series attracted a record viewership on HBO and garnered a broad international fan base. It received 59 Emmy Awards, the most for a television drama. Coster-Waldau also received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. A real estate developer who spoke to the Aiken City Council on March 27 and asked for an ordinance approving a concept plan for a Parker's Kitchen to be located at the intersection of Whiskey Road and Stratford Drive to return on the council's agenda for the April 24 meeting will get his wish. Read moreWhiskey Road Parker's Kitchen to return to Aiken City Council agenda Monday Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is dedicated to advancing small, diverse businesses, committing nearly $1.3 billion to them at the local, regional and national level over the past five years. Read moreSavannah River Nuclear Solutions small business procurements help build jobs locally and beyond COLUMBIA Legislators could choose between a former GOP House lawmaker and the Senate's longtime chief budget adviser as South Carolina's next and potentially last elected comptroller. The Legislature's joint assembly to fill Richard Eckstrom's post is likely weeks away. But the phone calls to line up his replacement began shortly after the comptroller general turned in his resignation last week amid mounting pressure over his office's $3.5 billion accounting error. As it stands, the decision comes down to former state Rep. Kirkman Finlay, a Columbia Republican who narrowly lost his reelection bid in November, and Mike Shealy, the state Senate's budget director for nearly 22 years. The unofficial vote-counting has already started. "We'll know by end of the week whether we have a race," said Rep. Phil Lowe, R-Florence, who's supporting Finlay. Ordinarily in legislative elections the House's candidate has the edge since they have the numbers: 124 House members versus 46 senators. And the House has previously chosen one of its own to fill a vacancy in a statewide office. It's not clear how legislators' alliances will split this time. House Speaker Murrell Smith said he's backing Finlay. "Mr. Finlay has spent many years as a public servant in numerous capacities, and it will be to the benefit of our state that he commits himself to public service once again," the Sumter Republican said. "I believe Mr. Finlay will be an ideal candidate and have no doubt he is uniquely qualified to the office of comptroller general." Without naming names, Gov. Henry McMaster has indicated to his fellow Republicans he prefers someone else. "In order to maintain the public's confidence, the General Assembly should look to someone non-political, with a professional background in finance or accounting who can provide a 'fresh set of eyes' to the position of comptroller general," McMaster said in a statement before Finlay publicly announced his candidacy. Beyond the accounting duties of signing state employees' checks, closing the books on each fiscal year and reporting the balances the job that got Eckstrom in trouble the comptroller general sits on a powerful five-member board that oversees state finances and borrowing. The other members include the governor, treasurer, and the Legislature's two budget-writing chairmen. Lowe said the business skills of Finlay, whose ventures include owning a farm and several restaurants, would be useful on that board for helping to arrange economic development deals. In an email announcing his candidacy, Finlay promised to restore trust to the office. "I will work to ensure our state government functions in an efficient and effective manner," said Finlay, who was a member of the House budget-writing committee and previously served on Columbia City Council. He lost his bid for a sixth term to the state House by less than 2 percentage points. Legislators of both parties in both chambers told The Post and Courier the role should be filled by someone who doesn't want any political office. "We need somebody in the job focused on doing the job and not involved in politics," said Sen. Larry Grooms, who oversaw the panel that investigated the decadelong paperwork errors that Eckstrom only recently disclosed. Grooms, a Berkeley County Republican, plans to nominate Shealy for the post. Shealy has agreed to do the job if he wins but won't publicly campaign for it, Grooms said. "Thats the type person we want in there a professional with a high-skill level," Grooms said. Shealy, who started his state government career in 1982 as a revenue forecaster, left the Senate Finance Committee last fall to train agency leaders for the Department of Administration. "He would quietly ensure accuracy in our states finances and thats what we want," Grooms continued. "We need a band director, not a noise maker." He also believes Shealy is better suited to lead a transition doing away with the office and dispersing its duties. Legislation in both chambers would ask voters in 2024 whether the governor should be tasked with appointing future comptrollers, taking the position off popular election ballots. Grooms supports going a step further in eliminating the job altogether, noting most states don't have a comptroller general. When the state constitution was written in 1895, it made sense to have a chief accountant and treasurer who were seen as a check-and-balance system for the state's hand-written paper trail of finances. But the separate offices make little sense when everything's done electronically, Grooms said. State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, who has long supported removing the comptroller general from the ballot, said the job should be filled on an interim basis with a state employee with institutional knowledge, which could be Shealy or someone else. The House's longest-serving member worries what else might be uncovered by Eckstrom's replacement. "Im not interested in a consolation prize for someone who lost a race," said the Orangeburg Democrat, who sponsored legislation two weeks ago to let voters decide the office's fate. "We can't afford on-the-job training given the unknown." The Legislature must pass a resolution setting the date for the joint assembly to elect Eckstrom's replacement, which likely won't be until late April. Eckstrom's last official day is April 30. His exit comes after taking fire from lawmakers for a $3.5 billion overstatement of the state's finances connected to an accounting problem that went on for years. Legislators use revenue projections by a separate fiscal office, not the comptroller general's report, so his office's errors did not cause a deficit. But the end-of-year reports did overstate the state's cash picture to Wall Street analysts. COLUMBIA Columbia-based software startup TerraStride landed on the Inc. 5,000 list of fast-growing companies nationwide for 2020, 2021 and 2022. The mobile mapping application used by some 2 million wild game hunters across the country likely would have made the list a fourth time in 2023 had it not first caught the eye of investment bankers and been acquired by outdoor industry giant GSM Outdoors. After 11 years, founder Lanford Holloway sold the company on Nov. 13, 2022, for an undisclosed sum, making his one of a growing number of Columbia technology startups to be acquired by a national firm as South Carolina's capital city strives to build up its tech sector. Holloway recently discussed the sale publicly for the first time. TerraStride joins the ranks of other Columbia-based firms that include insurance service provider TCube Solutions, acquired by Capgemini in 2017, and SoftDocs educational-focused document management software company, acquired in early 2021 by Ridgemont Equity Partners in Charlotte. These successful acquisitions mark a climax for some of the earliest-formed startups in the Columbia market, some of which started as spinoffs out of larger companies and others built from scratch. Having more fast-growing companies and founders that are earning the attention of equity holders increases outside interest for investing in South Carolina companies, in turn adding more access to capital beyond the handful of funding sources currently available to startups in the state, said Joe Queenan, a volunteer and leader within the Columbia entrepreneurship group GrowCo. "Now we have a network as opposed to a closed loop, and that is a massive accelerator," he said. It was Softdocs founder Robert Satcher who introduced Holloway to San Francisco-headquartered investment bankers Vista Point Advisors, which had helped with Softdocs' own acquisition. Softdocs got its start in 1998 as AIG Technology, Satcher said. Its first product, DocuServ, helped large employers, mostly school districts, with what was a burgeoning technology at the time laser printing payroll documents. Later it would add digital document archiving and electronic form software to its suite of services. Then, around 2016, it broke into virtual, cloud-hosting technology and grew a base of subscribers that provided recurring revenue. "When we did that, it transformed the business," Satcher said, catching the eye of Vista Point, which courted Satcher and his partner Mike Murphy for several years until they were ready to sell. As the Softdocs acquisition was closing, the investment bankers asked Satcher if he knew of any other Columbia entrepreneurs with fast-growing companies. Satcher had met Holloway at a hunting club where they were both members. Satcher knew about the popularity of TerraStride's products. "I was actually using the app before I even knew it was Lanford who had created it," he said. At the time of its acquisition, TerraStride and its hunting application HuntStand employed 22 people across 13 states and had made a name for itself in the hunting software space, especially in the eastern half of the country. With the help of the investment bankers, Holloway was united with GSM, known for big-name hunting and fishing brands, including Stealth Cam trail cameras, Halo optics range finders and Yamamoto fishing baits. Though it's something of a niche market, the hunting arena is a lucrative one, with many hunters spending roughly $2,500 on products annually, Holloway said. HuntStand has proven useful to hunters by giving them easy-to-use mobile access to property ownership information and customizable maps. It curated its offerings with satellite imagery that was updated monthly, a database of crop history showing users what was planted on plots of farmland across the country and algorithms built in-house that predicted the movement of game animals. Since the acquisition, Holloway said he's been approached by other Columbia-based entrepreneurs who say it encourages them to see a fellow founder achieve success locally. Both he and Satcher also say they hope to take on more of a mentor role within the community to aid the next round of up-and-coming technology companies. "I'm excited to see what's going on in Columbia and I think you're going to see more and more," Satcher said. COLUMBIA The S.C. Department of Education officially placed Richland County School District Two on fiscal watch March 27 after the northeast district submitted its annual audit report almost four months past the legally mandated deadline. The designation, the least severe option available to the state after the 28,500-student district missed both the Dec. 1 deadline and the ensuing grace period, gives the district 60 days to put together a recovery plan outlining how it will fix the issues that led to the late submission, which the Education Department must approve. Following the announcement, Richland Two spokesman Greg Turchetta said the district would have meetings and conversations with the state to put together its response. The accounting firm that conducted the audit also provided an update during the school board's March 28 meeting. Even though the district already missed the 60-day window by the end of January, the Education Department had delayed officially putting Richland Two on fiscal watch status until state officials could review the audit report, in case its contents warranted a more severe response, such as a fiscal caution or fiscal emergency. That didn't end up being the case. A letter from state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver notifying the district's leaders of the designation said the move was because of the audit's lateness, not any issues with its contents. The letter noted that if issues continue it "could lead to the SCDE continuing or escalating the District's designation in the future." Education Department spokeswoman Laura Bayne previously said the agency would conduct routine check-ins with the district to ensure that the 2023 audit is on time. Richland Two's 2023 auditing process will also begin earlier in the year to avoid another late submission, said Matthew Hodges, the vice president of Burkett Burkett & Burkett, the accounting firm which conducted the districts audit, during the March 28 board meeting Following the meeting, Board Chairwoman Lindsay Agostini said the board has not discussed appealing the watch designation, which it's able to do for 10 days after the department's declaration. "My understanding is that we are working with (the Education Department) to address their concerns and get things done in an appropriate and timely manner," she said. While the watch designation didnt hinge on the audits contents, the report submitted to the department still included some issues with the districts financial practices. The audit found a material weakness in the districts internal payroll controls, Hodges told the board, when the district found out in the 2022 fiscal year that it had underpaid 56 teachers around $294,000, which prompted retroactive payments throughout the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. That mistake led to the district overstating its expenditures and fund balances and understating salaries. The audit also found problems with the districts purchasing processes, particularly in its purchase cards, such as card transactions which could have been made through state or district contracts and travel and meal purchases without proper approval. Those issues were also found by the state Inspector Generals Nov. 3 report on the district, which detailed board discord and other financial oversight issues, as well as a failure to focus board attention on academic matters. That first-of-its-kind probe was also the reason for Richland Twos late audit submission, the districts senior chief officer for finance and operations, Harry Miley, told the districts board as early as Jan. 31 and reiterated more recently. The district business staffs time was taken up by the work needed to respond to the states investigation, leading to a roughly two-month delay before the departments accounting firm was sent financial records necessary for conducting the audit. That business staff has also seen turnover, which Miley previously said put (the district) behind in the audit process, such as the Jan. 27 resignation of Chief Financial Officer Shelly Allen, whose resignation letter described "chaos and dysfunction" in the administration's working environment. However, the districts audit submission was already late before Allen left the district. Richland Two, whose board of trustees was largely replaced in the November election, has publicly known of the fiscal watch possibility since at least January. The district was also the subject of the scathing state inspector general's report on Nov. 3, for a wide range of issues including financial accountability. An earlier letter from then-State Superintendent Molly Spearman sent to district leaders on Jan. 10 said the late audit could negatively impact the district beyond the increased oversight form the Education Department, including possible effects to the districts accreditation and federal funding. During a Jan. 31 board meeting, Miley told the board that the district missed its deadline because its business staff's time during much of 2022 was taken up with the inspector general's probe into the district, an explanation he reiterated recently. The inspector general's investigation was the first of its kind into a South Carolina school district. The report, released just before November's election, detailed board discord and financial oversight issues, as well as a failure to focus board attention on academic matters. The district's business staff has also seen recent turnover, such as Allen's departure, which came on the heels of the high-profile and sudden resignation of Superintendent Baron Davis, who stepped down after an hourslong, closed-door school board meeting Jan. 17, and received a $615,000 payout from the board. Two out of Richland County's three school districts are now under fiscal watch from the state. Spearman gave Richland One the unflattering designation in December, after a state inspection found significant problems with the downtown Columbia district's employee purchase-card program. The third district, Lexington-Richland Five, has also seen its share of questions about financial ethics, including the State Ethics Commission's March 24 ruling to fine former Vice Chairman Ken Loveless for failing to recuse himself from discussions about a contractor with whom his business had a relationship. ANDERSON A new rooftop bar is opening this week in downtown Anderson, and it's one particularly familiar to regulars of downtown Greenville. Up on the Roof, which will open at McDuffie and East Market Streets atop the new Market Street parking garage in downtown Anderson, will open its doors March 28. The Anderson location will be the third for Sizzling Steak Concepts, the company that in 2016 created the first Up on the Roof concept atop the Embassy Suites in RiverPlace along the Reedy River. The group opened its second location in 2021 in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta. Sizzling Steak Concepts is the largest Ruths Chris Steak House franchise group worldwide, according to the companys website, but the company created Up on the Roof as its own unique, independent brand. The company owns 11 Ruths Chris Steak Houses across Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina, but for now, it's more focused on growing the Up on the Roof brand. I think that combination of a relaxed vibe but at the same time with a high-end upscale craft cocktail concept and really good food but nothing super fussy I think that is becoming the direction that more diners are looking to go, said Stephanie Tobben, Up on the Roof's marketing and communications director. The rooftop is central to setting the establishment apart. We always make sure weve got great views, Tobben said. So, it sort of creates its own sort of fun environment. The company chose Anderson after hearing from customers in Greenville that they were traveling from Clemson, Lake Hartwell and Anderson to enjoy the unique rooftop experience. But, Tobben said, company leaders were impressed with how the city is growing and how city leaders are planning for that growth. Up on the Roof Anderson will be the only location that sits not atop a hotel or an office building, but atop a parking deck. The restaurant and bar will be the only retail space, situated on the seventh floor of the new parking garage on Market Street, behind the Home 2 Suites by Hilton. The 5,000-square-foot space includes both an indoor and outdoor bar. The majority of the restaurant provides what Tobben describes as all-weather outdoor space with a covering, heaters and firepits making for comfortable year-round availability. I think that people who live in Anderson are very proud of Anderson, Tobben said. And while they are part of the greater Upstate I think they are excited to have things that are unique to Anderson. Menu-wise, guests can expect a similar food and beverage experience to that of Greenville and Alpharetta, Tobben said. But the thing that sets each location apart is the atmosphere created by the views. Guests will be able to munch on lettuce wraps (with either chicken or ahi tuna), fried brussels sprouts with chili lime vinaigrette, lamb sliders and mussels in a coconut green curry broth and sip on an Eternal Spring cocktail (Hendricks gin, Lillet rose, butterfly pea flower tea, saffron syrup, apricot, lemon, rose water) while looking out over downtown Anderson. Executive chef Eric McCollum will direct the culinary team in Anderson, while general manager Macy Taylor will guide the restaurants front-of-house operations. Taylor, an Anderson native, jumped at the chance to help bring the fun concept to life in her hometown. Its like a little slice of heaven getting to do this right here in the town where I grew up, Taylor said. In addition to creative food, Up on the Roof is known for its creative cocktails. The bar program includes seasonal cocktails, beer and wine, as well as signature bottled cocktails. A highlight of the space is the Barrel Bar, which was built using repurposed Jack Daniels barrel staves. Once open, Up on the Roof Anderson will serve dinner daily, along with weekend brunch and lunch on Thursday and Friday. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant is also available to host social and corporate events. Reservations can be made here: https://resy.com/cities/grn/up-on-the-roof-anderson For more information about UP on the Roof, visit www.eatUPdrinkUP.net Henry Allan Harry Ironside was a Canadian-American Bible teacher, preacher, theologian, pastor, and author who pastored Moody Church in Chicago from 1929 to 1948. It is said that Harry Ironside was one of the most prolific Christian writers of the 20th Century and published more than 100 b Read moreWill the return of Christ interfere with your plans? EO Charleston, the Lowcountrys local chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), a global organization representing 17,500 entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries, and EO Charlotte have partnered together to bring the world-renowned EO Accelerator program to Charleston-area entrepreneurs Read moreEO Charleston, EO Charlotte launch program to accelerate local entrepreneurial growth WALHALLA The list of South Carolinians charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has grown to 21 after a Walhalla man was arrested on felony charges that include assaulting a law enforcement officer during the breach. Thomas Andrew Casselman, 29, was arrested March 28, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. He is charged in a criminal complaint filed March 24 in Washington, D.C. In addition to a charge of assault on an officer, he is accused of resisting officers, civil disorder, entering restricted areas with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm on the Capitol grounds. Casselman made his initial appearance in federal court in Greenville before Magistrate Judge Kevin McDonald on March 28. He was granted a $25,000 unsecured bond, according to court records. Conditions of bond include not applying for a passport. According to the criminal complaint, Casselman was seen in images from Jan. 6, 2021, wearing a dark grey cap with a design on the front, a black face mask, American flag gaiter or scarf around his neck, a black jacket and a backpack while in the crowd on the west side of the Capitol Building. Body camera footage from D.C. Metropolitan Police officers, as well as open-source video footage, show a man agents now believe is Casselman spraying law enforcement officers with an orange-colored spray, presumed to be a chemical irritant commonly referred to as bear spray, according to the charging documents. According to the FBI's statement of facts, witnesses identified Casselman as possibly being the masked man after other suspects were eliminated. Some witnesses reported Casselman told them he had been in Washington, D.C., and they shared screenshots from Casselman's Facebook page with agents. According to the FBI statement, Casselman deactivated his Facebook and cut his hair after the Jan. 6 attack. During an interview with the FBI, Casselman reportedly admitted to being in Washington, D.C., that day. He chose to remain silent after being shown a photograph of the masked suspect agents believe is him, according to the FBI statement. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section. Casselman is the 16th person from South Carolina charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. EDITOR'S NOTE A previous version of the story stated Travis Andrew Casselman is the 16th person charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was the 21th South Carolina resident charged. Chinese tourists visit the Temple of Literature in Hanoi after China resumed outbound tours to Vietnam, March 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Tu Nguyen Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has called on Vietnam and China to both bolster and balance trade cooperation. In a dialogue on Tuesday with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, who assumed the position in December 2022, Son said Vietnam values its friendly relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with China, according to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Son called on both countries to employ practical measures to bolster trade cooperation in a balanced and sustainable manner. He also asked that issues and challenges in certain projects be solved to promote the recovery of an effective, sustainable tourism market between the two nations. Gang said China considers its relationship with Vietnam to be an important priority in its diplomatic policies. He expressed his wish for both countries to continue expanding economic cooperation as well as collaboration in cultural exchange, education and tourism. Regarding maritime issues, both countries have agreed to continue abiding by agreements while maintaining a peaceful, stable environment in the region. Son asked both countries to uphold international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China has been Vietnam's largest commercial partner for many years, while Vietnam is China's largest partner in ASEAN. The two countries' bilateral trade turnover in 2022 reached $175.6 billion, in which Vietnamese exports accounted for $57.7 billion, according to the Vietnam Customs. This year, the two countries celebrate the 15-year anniversary of establishing their comprehensive strategic partnership. After a monthlong public review, Charleston County's first comprehensive plan addressing its affordable housing crisis has taken its final form, recommending council members immediately set up a dedicated housing fund complete with a recurring income source. The "Housing Our Future" plan, created by an outside consulting group with input from a county-appointed committee, seems to have drummed up enthusiastic community support since a final draft was published Jan. 30. Residents are urging Charleston's nine County Council members to adopt it in full. But at least two councilmen have already pinpointed potential hurdles, such as financing the costly plan and identifying space in the rapidly growing region to build the much-needed homes. "I realize its daunting Theres some big issues in addition to location. Finding funding is going to be a big issue," Councilman Rob Wehrman said. A March 21 special finance committee meeting marked the first time County Council was publicly presented with the 133-page plan. The meeting was purely informative; the council did not take any actions. The plan came together over the last 14 months, beginning when the county hired Missouri-based consulting group Development Strategies to work with county staff and a volunteer Housing Steering Committee. County Council paid for the project using some of the nearly $30 million it set aside last year in one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money meant to fund affordable housing efforts. The county has already spent about $21 million on initiatives including "gap financing," staffing a Department of Community Revitalization and Affordable Housing, creating a home-repair program for the elderly, buying 18 vacant homes from the county housing authority, and building a women and children's shelter. Armed with the remaining $9 million in federal funding, County Council members must now decide which of the "Housing Our Future" recommendations, if any, they want to pay for, and which they'll prioritize. Collecting feedback Justin Carney, a principal at Development Strategies, walked County Council through the group's final product. Carney said he and his colleagues reached around 15,000 people during the public comment period, which lasted all of February. This included 11 in-person feedback sessions which garnered about 150 attendees. Several themes emerged, he said. Community members emphasized the need for more affordable housing units to serve those who fall below Charleston's average median income (AMI), which currently sits at $67,000. They also wanted county support for "workforce housing," or middle-market housing. People were also particularly excited about several of the identified strategies, Carney said, like a county-dedicated housing fund and income source as well as changing zoning ordinances to allow or limit certain types of development. Several constituents who showed up at the March 21 meeting agreed. Rev. Charles Heyward, a member of Charleston Area Justice Ministry, presented County Council with a box of around 1,100 letters written by residents. The letters are "all in support of the 'Housing Our Future' plan," he said. It's exciting to see County Council "on the verge of doing the right thing, right now," Heyward said. Carney's group, along with county staff and volunteers, also held two meetings with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. Leaders of large, private companies mostly recognize the effect housing has on their ability to attract and recruit talent, Carney said. An important next step will be identifying and expanding the role local employers and nonprofits can play in affordable housing, he said. Constituents also understand housing is a complex issue, Carney told County Council. They know infrastructure and utilities are necessary to accommodate growth; more housing means more traffic and transportation needs, for instance. 'A life-sustainability thing' There were no major changes to the plan's final draft following the public comment period, which Wehrman said is evidence its authors "got it right." Carney outlined several components of the plan, including an affordability analysis. Charleston County is expected to see its population grow between 5 and 15 percent by 2030. To match the spike, between 29,000 and 36,000 new housing units are needed a figure he called "daunting." "Its probably not sustainable or attainable to do that quickly or without any thought," he said. Making matters even more challenging is the fact that a bulk of the units, both rented and purchased, will require some type of investment to be considered affordable. The analysis also shows a high demand for homes from the wealthiest AMI group. In 10 years, the area is expected to need more than 7,000 units priced above $570,000, underscoring a lack of affordable inventory on both ends of the spectrum. James Island resident Deborah Agbor-Tabi wants County Council to remember "there's a person on the end of that problem." Everyone needs housing, she said, but "the impact is different" for someone who can't find a home suitable to their income versus someone with the means who can't find a home they like. "One is a life-sustainability thing," Agbor-Tabi said. "And the other one is a livable issue." Carney presented County Council with several short-term goals to accomplish in the next two years: Establish an affordable-housing trust fund complete with a dedicated funding source; pilot a training program for nonprofits and small developers; form a regionwide housing coalition; and initiate an action plan based on the Housing Committee's recommendations. Josh Dix, the committee's chairman, told County Council his group fully supports the "Housing Our Future" plan. The "majority of Charleston is hurting by the cost of housing," he said: Nearly 57 percent of county households are "house-cost burdened," meaning their annual income falls between $35,000 and $75,000, according to recent statistics from the Statehouse. Dix outlined the committee's recommendations, reiterating each of the short-term goals Carney had identified. A dedicated funding stream is important, he said. The county should lead an effort consolidating the three public housing authorities in the area into a singular, regional department. And County Council should create a revolving loan fund, Dix said. Council members have already showed interest in this gap-financing strategy. They recently agreed to spend $11.5 million of the ARPA money to get local developments finished. The county has awarded more than $10 million so far in grants to several nonprofits. The initiative is expected to yield 308 apartments and 32 new homes, all sold at below-market prices. What's next? The March 21 meeting generated little discussion among County Council. Chairman Herb Sass praised Carney, Dix and county staff for their "great collaborative effort." "Y'all have laid the groundwork for us to do some work," he said. Councilman Brantley Moody, whose district includes portions of West Ashley, agreed Charleston County has an "affordability problem." But he agreed with Wehrman that it will be a challenge to find space to build thousands of new units, he said. Mount Pleasant's Town Council unanimously voted March 14 to extend its moratorium on new apartment and condominium developments for a seventh year. This puts pressure everywhere else, Moody said. The city of Charleston has "lined" Church Creek and Bees Ferry Road with apartments, he said. "My constituents are sick of it just sick of it," Moody added. County Council has previously turned away development requests that would've added density because "all neighborhoods rich, small, White, Black everybody comes out against these things," he said. Agbor-Tabi, who attended the March 21 meeting, called Moody's comments "disheartening." The councilman must explain to his constituents what happens when affordable housing doesn't get built, she said. "You suffer," Agbor-Tabi said. "A well-rounded community has all of these individuals. Not some of them." The ARPA money County Council previously set aside for affordable housing must be spent by 2026, placing a timer on the county to create long-term solutions with one-time funds. And with only $9 million remaining, their budget appears tight. The plan doesn't make any mention of a projected cost, but it stresses the county should "build on its initial commitment of ARPA funds" by establishing dedicated revenue sources and partnerships with philanthropies and businesses. The county needs an ongoing funding source for gap-financing programs in place by the end of 2024 if it wants to be effective, the plan warns. None of the members knew when the plan would come before County Council, but Wehrman said he hopes discussion happens soon. The finance committee's next scheduled meeting is March 30, though the plan isn't on the agenda. NORTH CHARLESTON U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace became the highest ranking official to publicly support a federal investigation of possible civil rights violations at the Charleston County jail, where seven people have died in the past year. Mace toured the state's largest jail one week after Charleston County's coroner ruled the December death of a 28-year-old Black man with mental illness a homicide due to "gross medical neglect." The congresswoman used her visit to advocate for greater funding to allocate resources to people with mental illness who make up a disproportionate percentage of people who die in county jails across the country. Seven people died in custody at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in the last 12 months, according to data provided by the S.C. Department of Mental Health. The trend is significant, according to Mace, who said only five people died in the jails custody in the decade before 2021. Mace, who represents the coastal 1st Congressional District, said her March 27 visit was part of a fact-gathering expedition to understand the root causes of the increase in deaths. A Department of Justice investigation would also help dig up answers, the Republican said. I dont want to jump to conclusions, Mace said. I also think it will be healthy and important to have a third-party take a look at whats going on so we can make sure that they have the resources that they need." An investigation could recommend changes to process, policy or vendors. Mace's visit took place amid a chorus of calls for the federal government to investigate a potential pattern of civil rights violations at the Lowcountry jail. Also on the tour were County Council Chair Herbert Sass and Council member Teddie Pryor, who has spearheaded an effort in the council to bring federal attention to conditions at the jail. State Rep. Marvin Pendarvis has also asked for a federal investigation to determine whether the sheriff's office or its medical provider at the jail has "engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of civil rights by failing to provide reasonable and adequate medical services to the inmate population." The North Charleston Democrat is representing the family of Julian Lamont Jenkins, a 50-year-old man with numerous health issues who died earlier this month in the jail's medical unit days after he was arrested in connection to an old shoplifting charge. Mace said she too will write to the Justice Department. She also pledged to draft proposals to help the detention center obtain grant funding to improve its ability to provide mental health resources. Absent from Mace's visit was County Sheriff Kristin Graziano, who oversees the detention center. Sheriffs Office spokesman Andrew Knapp said Graziano is attending an out-of-state conference sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections, which includes training on diversion programs for people with mental illness. In a provided statement, Knapp thanked Mace and County Council members for touring the jail. Deaths in jail in past 12 months Julian Jenkins, March 14, cause under investigation D'Angelo Brown, Dec. 29, 2022, homicide Craig Keeling, Aug. 1, 2022, natural causes Shawn Meldrum, June 16, 2022, accident Patricia Sizemore, May 20, 2022, suicide Stanley Greene, May 10, 2022, natural causes Lori Black, March 29, 2022, natural causes I want to be sure that the sheriff Sheriff Graziano is going to address these issues because at the end of the day the buck stops with her, Mace said. Graziano maintains she has been raising concerns about the provision of health care at the facility for at least a year. Charleston County contracts with Wellpath, a for-profit health care company, to provide medical and mental health care at the jail. Communications between county officials and Wellpath show that shortages in deputies and medical staff are causing delays in care. The documents were obtained through a public records request. In October, Wellpath did not have the required number of nurses on site as mandated by its contract with the county, according to a letter written by Barrett J. Tolbert, the countys Director of Contracts and Procurement. The same month, at least half a dozen people detained at the facility did not receive their daily prescribed psychiatric medications, the letter contends. As a result, one inmate was placed in an isolation cell in the jail on suicide precaution. Wellpath President Kip Hallman wrote in a Jan. 27 letter that a dearth of deputies at the facility hinders medical staffs ability to safely provide care. The letter alleged that detention center deputies are no longer screening inmates for medical and mental health conditions upon intake. Deputies have also failed to notify medical staff about conditions relevant to inmates health, including their refusal to eat meals and residents whose water was shut off in their cells. Knapp refuted the contents of the letter and said that deputies continue to screen inmates for health conditions and make medical referrals. The sheriff, who has acknowledged her agency is understaffed, boosted deputies' starting pay from $39,832 to $49,400 this winter to attract more employees. The staffing shortages come as people across the country are contending with mental health issues exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The number of defendants in South Carolina declared by a circuit judge incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness skyrocketed 41 percent last year from the previous year, according to data provided by the S.C. Department of Mental Health. The states psychiatric facility in Columbia, which staffs 213 beds for forensic admission, is struggling to keep up with demand. DAngelo Dontrel Brown, whose death in the custody of the detention center was ruled a homicide, was one of more than 300 defendants in the state under a judges order for inpatient psychiatric treatment last year. Five days after he was declared not competent to stand trial and put on a waitlist for an available bed, Brown was found unconscious Dec. 21 in his cell. He never regained consciousness. Maces tour included the Behavioral Management Unit, where Brown was housed in an isolation cell shortly after he was detained at the facility on Aug. 10 on charges including assault and battery, burglary and weapons offenses. Brown, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, was observed non-communicative, growling, refusing to eat or shower and eating his own feces, The Post and Courier previously reported. His mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county and its sheriff's office. There are some people in this facility that cannot physically take care of themselves, Mace said. They shouldnt be in the jail. They should be where theyre getting better care for the mental health issues theyre facing. This was not the first time the congresswoman has spoken publicly about a death at the Charleston County jail. After the death in 2021 of Jamal Sutherland, a Black man with mental illness who was tased and pepper sprayed by detention center deputies trying to take him to his bond hearing, Mace criticized Graziano, who ran as a Democrat, for waiting four months to release body camera footage of the fatal encounter. As I discussed in a Dec. 14 column, South Carolina is well on its way to becoming a leader in all things automotive, and increasingly that means electric vehicles. Unfortunately, even as EVs roll off our assembly lines, the opportunities for small businesses to sell electricity to power thes Read moreGrooms: South Carolinas EV predicament and its golden opportunity COLUMBIA Prosecutors and sheriffs from across South Carolina are calling on legislators to relinquish some of their power over the judicial branch to restore public trust in the system. While the group did not advocate any particular bill at their March 27 press conference, Democrats and Republicans joined forces to collectively seek judicial reform, starting with the makeup of the Legislature's judicial screening committee. The first step in changing how the Legislature picks judges must be ending lawyer-legislators' control over who sits on the bench, advocated 1st Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, a Democrat who oversees prosecutions in Calhoun, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties. "If anyone needed proof that public confidence is waning and that we need legislative action now, when did anyone think David Pascoe, Alan Wilson and 30 solicitors and sheriffs would get together and call for anything together?" said Pascoe, who has frequently been at odds with Wilson, the state's Republican attorney general. "We can end the practice of giving a few legislative insiders the power of picking legislative candidates, which I firmly believe is the biggest problem we currently have in selecting judges," Pascoe said. "There are too many insider deals." South Carolina is among just two states where the Legislature selects most judges. The entire General Assembly votes on judges that are screened by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Six of the panel's 10 members, including the chairman and vice-chairman, are legislators who make a living as lawyers. The panel advances no more than three qualified candidates to the floor for a vote. Most judicial races are settled long before the rest of the Legislature actually gets a chance to cast a ballot, as occurred during this year's highly scrutinized race to fill a state Supreme Court seat being vacated by an age-required retirement. The two female candidates backed out the same day the election officially started, leaving South Carolina as the only state in the nation with an all-male high court. Standing beside Wilson, Pascoe called for two changes: Requiring the commission to advance the names of all qualified candidates, not just three, and letting the governor pick every commission member, with perhaps input from the South Carolina Bar and other groups. None should be a legislator, he said. He noted those are changes that can be handled by a simple majority of both chambers. They don't require amending the state constitution, as bigger overhauls would require, because the Legislature would still ultimately pick the judges through a floor vote. Many in the group, including Wilson, said they do not support popular election of judges and the potential conflicts of interest that creates. But no matter where individual members of the group fell on the spectrum of popular elections versus giving the governor full appointment powers, Wilson said, all agreed legislators should give the governor a much bigger role. "It is the executive branch that's charged with upholding the rule of law," Wilson said, adding that solicitors and sheriffs are part of that branch of government. As it is, "were completely cut out of the process." Wilson and Pascoe recognized the changes are unlikely this year, with just over a month left in the regular session. But they urged legislators to start the process to enable passage next year. "We're in it for the long game," Wilson said. Must-do next steps include changing how magistrates are elected, prosecutors told reporters after the news conference. Technically, the governor appoints magistrates, but he actually has little to no say over their selection. Instead, those are chosen by the senators representing each county, and if the governor opts against reappointing their choice, the senators' pick can simply stay indefinitely without a new appointment. Gov. Henry McMaster has also called on legislators to change how they pick judges, including in his State of the State address. "Gov. McMaster is pleased at the growing momentum for reforming how judges, including magistrate judges, are selected," said his spokesman Brandon Charochak. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 13:01:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 546 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GOLETA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Aeluma, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQB:ALMU), a semiconductor company specializing in scalable, cost-effective sensor technologies for LiDAR (light detection and ranging), communication, and sensing, announced today that its CEO, Jonathan Klamkin, Ph.D., will participate in a fireside chat hosted by Benchmark Company semiconductor analyst David Williams on March 30 at NOON EDT.To register for the free live broadcast of the virtual event, please send an email to events@ benchmarkcompany.com Aeluma recently announced it commenced sampling of its large-diameter wafer compatible photodetectors with a delivery to a Tier-1 Automotive Supplier for evaluation and performance validation. The engineering samples were produced with Aeluma's large-diameter wafer manufacturing platform, which is compatible with large-scale foundry manufacturing.With its proprietary technology that combines compound semiconductor nanomaterials with mass market silicon manufacturing, Aeluma is developing products that could offer high-performance, low-cost solutions for emerging markets such as automotive LiDAR, communication, mobile, AR/VR, quantum computing and AI. Key to Aeluma's disruptive technology is the ability to manufacture its semiconductor chips on large-diameter substrates, which can scale and be mass produced, thereby potentially reducing the cost of sensor chips dramatically.About Aeluma, Inc.Aeluma ( www.aeluma.com) develops novel optoelectronic devices for sensing and communications applications. Aeluma has pioneered a technique to manufacture devices using high performance compound semiconductor materials on large-diameter silicon wafers that are commonly used for mass market microelectronics. The technology has the potential to enhance performance and provide a path to cost-effective, large-scale manufacturing, both of which are critical for future LiDAR and other sensor applications. Aeluma is developing a streamlined business model from its headquarters in Goleta, CA that has a state-of-the-art manufacturing cleanroom.Forward-Looking StatementsAll statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, statements relating to the Company's expectations regarding its market position and market opportunity, expectations and plans as to its product development, manufacturing and sales, and relations with its partners and investors. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "anticipate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "estimate," and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company's control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.Company Contact:Aeluma, Inc.(805) 351-2707info@ aeluma.com Investor Contact:The Del Mar Consulting Group, Inc.Robert Prag, President(858) 794-9500bprag@ delmarconsulting.com SOURCE: Aeluma, Inc. The menu at the Manila wedding of the heir of Vietnams top luxury retailer IPPG, Phillip Nguyen, and model Linh Rin featured 10 stunning haute cuisine dishes. The reception was held on March 23 at the Philippines' luxurious Shangri-La The Port Hotel with about 500 guests from all over the world. The wedding hall was gorgeously decorated with bamboo and fresh flowers in designs that combined Vietnamese and Filipino culture. Instead of choosing signature Filipino plates, Linh and Phillip selected a sophisticated and delicate European menu with dishes usually only found in fine dining establishments. Phillip Nguyen and Linh Rin at the wedding reception in Manila, Philippines on March 23, 2023. Photo courtesy of the couple The first appetizer was an assortment of entirely handmade artisanal breads prepared traditionally and served with butter. The second appetizer was braised duck leg with apricots and pistachios made into a terrine, which is similar to but more complicated than a pate. The third appetizer was apple pie and mustard greens served with sourdough bread. The main course consisted of pan-seared seabass fillet and Italian risotto with carrots, ginger, and dried cherry tomatoes. The rice was topped with salsa verde, a Mexican green sauce made from tomatillo tomatoes. Both dishes featured a mild sour taste without being too rich. The menu of the wedding reception of Linh Rin and Phillip Nguyen. Photo by Tra My Tram The next main course was Angus beef tenderloin topped with herbs. Angus is a breed of cattle from the Northern Highlands of Scotland that yields nutritious, fragrant, soft and sweet meat that melts in the mouth. The dessert panel included three dishes. The first was Portuguese: potato cake with Manchego cheese, mixed vegetables and sweet Port dessert wine. Linh fell in love with Port when enjoying it in Europe last year. The other two desserts were blueberry hazelnut cake and white chocolate ice cream served with raspberry sauce. The guests enjoy the 10-dish feast at the wedding. Photo by Tra My Tram Before the party, Phillip and Linh tied the knot in a ceremony at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish, a Catholic church with a long history in Manila. Linh, 30, a model and actress, has appeared in many fashion shows and has also starred in several TV series. Phillip, 38, is the third son of Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, the chairman of IPPG - the top luxury retailer in Vietnam. The group is the exclusive distributor of over 100 luxury fashion brands in Vietnam, including Rolex, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Ermenegildo Zegna and others. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 08:00:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 690 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Environmental Authorisation Granted to Proyecto Masa ValverdeDeposit has potential to deliver higher grade material to the Riotinto plantNICOSIA, CYPRUS / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Atalaya Mining Plc (AIM:ATYM) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned Proyecto Masa Valverde ("PMV") has been granted the Unified Environmental Authorisation (or in Spanish, Autorizacion Ambiental Unificada ("AAU") by the Junta de Andalucia ("JdA"). The application process was initiated by the Company in December 2021.The AAU is an integrated process that combines the Environmental Impact Assessment and other authorisations and specifies requirements to avoid, prevent and minimise a project's impacts on the environment and the cultural heritage of the area. The Company will now file for the exploitation permit which, once granted, will allow for the development of the project to begin.BackgroundPMV consists of several volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") type deposits and targets and is strategically located approximately 28 kilometres south of Riotinto's 15 Mtpa processing plant. Atalaya acquired a 100% interest in PMV in October 2020 and in April 2022, announced a new independent Mineral Resource Estimate for the Masa Valverde and Majadales deposits.Development of PMV contemplates underground mining of the Masa Valverde and Majadales deposits, which would be accessed by constructing a ramp. Mined material would then be transported by public road to the existing Riotinto plant for processing. This development scenario is consistent with Atalaya's strategy of developing Riotinto into a central processing hub for its assets in the Riotinto District.Next StepsThe Company plans to complete further metallurgical testing and infill drilling in order to upgrade the existing Mineral Resource to higher confidence levels. In addition, the three core rigs currently active at PMV will focus on step-out drilling at the Masa Valverde deposit, resource definition drilling at the Campanario Trend and step out drilling around the new discovery made at the Mojarra Trend. First drill testing of recently defined coincident electro-magnetic and gravity anomalies is also planned.Alberto Lavandeira, CEO, commented:"This is a very pleasing outcome and the 15-month turnaround from the submission of our proposal highlights that Andalucia is a world-class mining jurisdiction. It is also testament to our focus on developing sustainable operations which show respect to the natural environment and contribute to the development of the regions where we operate.With this key milestone now achieved, we plan to complete additional work and continue our exploration campaign to upgrade the existing Mineral Resource, which has yielded positive results to date. We look forward to updating shareholders as this work progresses.This positive decision has strengthened our confidence that PMV could become an important satellite deposit in the Riotinto District by delivering higher grade material to our existing processing plant." Contacts:SEC Newgate UKElisabeth Cowell / Axaule Shukanayeva / Matthew Elliott+ 44 20 3757 68824C CommunicationsCarina Corbett+44 20 3170 7973Canaccord Genuity(NOMAD and Joint Broker)Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / James Asensio / Thomas Diehl+44 20 7523 8000BMO Capital Markets(Joint Broker)Tom Rider / Andrew Cameron+44 20 7236 1010Peel Hunt LLP(Joint Broker)Ross Allister / David McKeown+44 20 7418 8900About Atalaya Mining PlcAtalaya is an AIM listed mining and development group which produces copper concentrates and silver by-product at its wholly owned Proyecto Riotinto site in southwest Spain. Atalaya's current operations include the Cerro Colorado open pit mine and a modern 15 Mtpa processing plant, which has the potential to become a centralised processing hub for ore sourced from its wholly owned regional projects around Riotinto that include Proyecto Masa Valverde and Proyecto Riotinto East. In addition, the Group has a phased earn-in agreement for up to 80% ownership of Proyecto Touro, a brownfield copper project in the northwest of Spain, as well as a 99.9% interest in Proyecto Ossa Morena. For further information, visit www.atalayamining.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com Atalaya Mining Plc1 Lampousas Street1095 Nicosia, CyprusTel: +357 22442705Fax: +357 22442708SOURCE: Atalaya Mining PLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 06:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 854 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The company is developing precision medicine solutions using in silico simulation to solve the complex relationship bacteria, viruses and fungi play in health, disease and drug responseEdward Kliphuis, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, and Hussein Kanji, Partner, Hoxton Ventures, join the BioCorteX Board of DirectorsLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / BioCorteX, a digital medicine company that employs the Carbon Mirror platform, a first-principle computer simulation to understand drug-bacteria interactions and improve a person's response to treatments, has announced a $5 million seed funding round led by Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm specializing in healthcare and sustainability, and Hoxton Ventures, an early backer of companies ranging from Deliveroo to Darktrace. To date, drug development largely ignores drug-bacteria interactions resulting in trials needlessly failing and a seemingly random response in people living with diseases. The funds will be used to further develop the company's Carbon Mirror platform, which combines physics, chemistry and cutting-edge computational techniques, a melding of computer engineering, clinical insights and biology often referred to as " techbio." "The interaction between the microbiome and its host is complex and remains a challenging question that requires an entirely new approach," said Dr. Nik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteX. "As a clinician, our technology aims to develop treatments that will change a person who does not respond into someone who does, so that people living with diseases have confidence in the outcome. Having Sofinnova Partners and Hoxton Ventures on board as investors is fantastic as they have a unique understanding of our technology and the industry's intricacies, which makes them the ideal partners." "BioCorteX's key differentiation lies in its unique team, which combines leading clinicians, engineers and microbiome scientists to develop entirely novel in-silico simulations, akin to those used in designing next generation nuclear reactors and jet engines," said Dr. Mo Alomari, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteX. "Our Carbon Mirror technology is a near-universally applicable simulation of the complex human-microbiome interaction from physics and chemistry-based principles, which can improve clinical trial design, aiding people living with diseases in decision-making and developing novel therapeutics." "BioCorteX's technology is the perfect example of how the power of data and novel computational techniques can be used to transform healthcare," said Edward Kliphuis, Partner, Sofinnova Partners. "Never before have we been able to comprehend the vast complexity of the microbiome. Carbon Mirror gives us the power to elucidate cause and effect in the microbiome-host relationship and thus develop solutions that could drastically alter patient outcomes." "BioCorteX is looking at the microbiome in a unique way, using math to improve very challenging health issues," said Hussein Kanji, Partner, Hoxton Ventures. "The technology has the potential to impact everything from the development of new and improved drugs to an individual's health outcome. We are excited to partner with them on their journey." ###About BioCorteXBioCorteX is a digital medicine company that has developed a "techbio" platform to model the complex interactions between the microbiome, host, and treatment, ultimately helping clinicians personalize treatment. The company's flagship product, Carbon Mirror, uses technology incorporating principles of physics and chemistry to create in-silico simulations with high fidelity, to assess and predict an individual's response to treatment based on their microbiome profile. This will ultimately enable a new paradigm of personalized care, bringing benefits to people living with diseases in treatment decisions, pharma companies in clinical trial designs, and ultimately to payers by ensuring a patient receives the most relevant and effective therapy available.About Sofinnova PartnersSofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com About HoxtonHoxton Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm based in London and investing in European technology startups that can scale into large, global winners. It focuses on startups that either disrupt existing industries or invent entirely new market categories. It was the first institutional investor in Babylon Health, Darktrace and Deliveroo, and its portfolio companies have grown to an aggregate value of over $25 billion. Hoxton typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million into pre-seed and seed stage companies, and follows its capital through the life of the company. For more information, please visit www.hoxtonventures.com Company contactDr. Nik SharmaChief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteXinfo@ biocortex.com Media inquiriesHollie Vile, Optimum Strategic Communicationssofinnova@ optimumcomms.com +44 (0) 20 3922 0900SOURCE: BioCorteX PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 05:26:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 724 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 10, 2023, it has closed the first tranche of its private placement (the "Offering"). The Company issued 4,050,000 units (the "Units") at $0.50 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $2,025,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant, each whole warrant exercisable into one additional common share at a price of $0.80 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issue.The Company paid $159,600 and issued 319,200 share purchase warrants in finder's fees with respect to the placement. Each finder's warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.75 per share for a period of 24 months from date of issue.All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a regulatory hold period expiring four months from date of issue.The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for research, development, and commercialization programs and for general working capital purposes.The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.BioNxt Solutions Inc.Hugh Rogers, CEO and DirectorEmail: info@ bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could," or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include completion of the Early Warrant Exercise Program on the terms contemplated or at all, and any future payment of commission to Canaccord. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 18:31:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 335 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Do you, or did you, hold Block stock? If so, please visit Block, Inc. Shareholder Investigation or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, is investigating whether Block, Inc. ("Block" or the "Company") (NYSE:SQ) violated federal securities laws.If you own Block stock and would like to discuss your legal rights and options, please visit Block, Inc. Shareholder Investigation or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com On March 23, 2023, Hindenburg Research alleged that Block misrepresented to investors the number of people using Cash App and the costs of acquiring them. Hindenburg also alleged that users made transactions through Cash App for illegal activity and helped facilitate fraud linked to coronavirus pandemic aid.According to the report, "[f]ormer employees described how Cash App suppressed internal concerns and ignored user pleas for help as criminal activity and fraud ran rampant on its platform." On this news, shares of Block common stock dropped $10.77 per share, or over 14%, to close at $61.88 per share on March 23, 2023.Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 19:30:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 727 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / OneMain Financial: Homeowners use several forms of financing to make renovations or updates to their homes, including personal loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans, or a home equity line of credit. Each lender will have their own credit score requirements, and some may be more stringent than others.Review this list of the most common types of home improvement loans for more details.1. Home equity loanWhile lenders often look for a credit score of at least 680 or higher to approve a standard home improvement loan, the qualifications for a home equity loan differ. This type of loan is secured by the equity the homeowner has in their home, which means some of the risks that the lender takes in issuing the loan is mitigated. The applicant's credit score is still important, but the minimum required score may be lower.Keep in mind that equity is the value of the home that has already been paid for through the principal portion of the mortgage payments but does not include any interest payments or unpaid balance due. The value of the homeowner's equity may rise or fall based on the appraised value of a home. The lender may require an appraisal before approving the loan.2. Home equity line of credit (HELOC)Similar to a home equity loan, a credit score of 680 is typically required for a HELOC loan. With a HELOC, the borrower is approved to tap into a set amount, i.e., the line of credit, and then can withdraw from it in increments to fund the home improvement project.HELOCs are a great option for home improvement because homeowners can limit their borrowing to only what they need. If the improvement increases the home's value, the HELOC will likely pay for itself. The homeowner is given a period of time when they can withdraw funds from the line of credit, i.e., the draw period. A HELOC also has a period that starts 10-15 years after the first withdrawal is taken during which the loan must be paid back. It's good to keep in mind that payments are generally subject to a variable annual percentage rate.3. Cash-out refinanceThis borrowing option allows the homeowner to take a second mortgage on their home for a larger amount than what is currently due on the first mortgage. The first mortgage is paid off and the excess proceeds would be used to fund the home improvement project. The minimum credit score requirement for this is usually 620, but some lenders may approve an applicant whose score is 580 or above.The primary factor determining whether to approve an application for a cash-out refinance is the homeowner's debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The DTI compares the applicant's monthly debt payments to their gross monthly income. If the DTI is low, the chances of approval are higher, and the credit score requirement is not as strict. A good DTI is 36% or lower. The maximum DTI for most lenders is 43%.4. FHA 203(K) rehab loanThough not necessarily the right choice for everyone, the FHA 203(K) rehab loan is ideal for new homeowners who buy "fixer-upper" homes. It's essentially a mortgage and home improvement loan combined. The minimum credit score requirement is around 620, the FHA requires a 3.5% down payment, and the renovation cost must be at least $5,000.Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.Sources:About OneMain FinancialView WebsiteOneMain Financial is the leader in offering nonprime customers responsible access to credit and is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of hardworking Americans.Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.Contact InformationKeyonda GoosbyPublic Relations Specialist(201) 633-2125SOURCE: OneMain Financial PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 04:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 948 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that securities class action complaints have been filed against Credit Suisse Group AG ("Credit Suisse") (NYSE:CS). The complaints charge Credit Suisse with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Credit Suisse's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Credit Suisse's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CREDIT SUISSE LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/credit-suisse-group-ag?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=cs&mktm=r CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERELEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: MAY 8, 2023CLASS PERIOD: MARCH 10, 2022 THROUGH MARCH 20, 2023CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.CREDIT SUISSE'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCTOn March 10, 2022, Credit Suisse filed with the SEC its 2021 annual report on a Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021. The 2021 annual report failed to identify any material weaknesses with Credit Suisse's internal controls.On December 1, 2022, Credit Suisse's Chairman, Axel P. Lehmann ("Lehmann") stated in an interview with Financial Times that customer outflows had not only "completely flattened out," but had, in fact, "partially reversed." The following day, in an interview with Bloomberg Television, Lehmann reiterated his previous statements, reassuring investors that as of November 11, 2022, customer outflows had "basically stopped." Following Lehmann's statements, Credit Suisse's American Depository Share ("ADS") price rose $0.29 per ADS, or 9.36%, to close at $3.38 per ADS on December 2, 2022.Then on February 9, 2023, Credit Suisse issued a press release announcing its 2022 financial results. The press release revealed that, contrary to Lehmann's prior statements, large customer outflows had continued through year-end 2022. Specifically, the press release reported customer outflows of 110.5 billion Swiss francs in the final three months of 2022, a figure which far exceeded market expectations. Following this news, Credit Suisse's ADS price fell $0.56 per ADS, or 15.64%, to close at $3.02 per ADS on February 9, 2023.On February 21, 2023, Reuters reported that the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority was reviewing Lehmann's previous comments regarding customer outflows. Following this news, Credit Suisse's ADS price fell another $0.10 per ADS, or 3.31%, to close at $2.92 per ADS on February 21, 2023.Then on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Credit Suisse issued its annual 2022 report and revealed that it had identified "certain material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting" for the years 2021 and 2022. Additionally, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the chairman of Credit Suisse's largest shareholder, Saudi National Bank, which holds 9.88% of Credit Suisse, announced that it won't provide further financial support to Credit Suisse and that it would not buy more shares on regulatory grounds.Following this news, the price of Credit Suisse ADSs fell 13.94% to close at $2.16 per ADS on March 15, 2023.Finally, on March 20, 2023, Credit Suisse issued an announcement on Form 6-K of its merger agreement with Union Bank of Switzerland and that Union Bank of Switzerland would be the surviving entity upon closing of the merger transaction.Following this news, the price of Credit Suisse ADSs fell 52.99% to close at $0.9450 per ADS on March 20, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?Credit Suisse investors may, no later than May 8, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Credit Suisse investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The first class action complaint against Credit Suisse, Calhoun v. Credit Suisse Group AG, et al. Case No. 23-cv-01297, is filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey before the Honorable Karen McGlashan Williams.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaints were not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087(484) 270-1453info@ ktmc.com SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 04:51:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 445 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 8, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE:CS), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 10, 2022 and March 15, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Credit Suisse and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-cs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in the class action, you must petition the Court by May 8, 2023.About the LawsuitsCredit Suisse and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On February 9, 2023, the Company announced its 2022 financial results, disclosing that, contrary to its prior statements, it had continued to experience large customer outflows through year end 2022, specifically, outflows of 110.5 billion Swiss francs in the final three months of 2022, a figure which far exceeded market expectations. On this news, shares of Credit Suisse fell $0.56 per ADS, or 15.64%, to close at $3.02 per ADS on February 9, 2023. Then, on March 15, 2023, news media sources revealed that the Company's "biggest backer," Saudi National Bank, would not buy any more of the Company's shares on regulatory grounds. On this news, shares of Credit Suisse fell 13.94% to close at $2.16 per ADS.The case is Calhoun v. Credit Suisse Group AG, et al., No. 23-cv-01297.A subsequently-filed case, Turner v. Credit Suisse Group AG, et al., No. 23-cv-01476, expanded the class period.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 08:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1042 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Sir Ivan Menezes to retire from Diageo;Debra Crew to be appointed Chief Executive OfficerLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Today, Diageo announces that Sir Ivan Menezes has decided to retire as Chief Executive Officer and depart from the Diageo Board on 30 June 2023, following ten successful years leading the Company. Debra Crew, currently Chief Operating Officer, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and join the Diageo Board, effective 1 July 2023.Ivan joined Diageo through the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc in 1997 and has held a number of senior positions in the business including Chief Operating Officer; President, Diageo North America; Chairman, Diageo Asia Pacific; and Chairman, Diageo Latin America and Caribbean. Ivan has been an Executive Director of Diageo since July 2012 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since July 2013, overseeing an outstanding period of change, growth and high performance.During Ivan's tenure, Diageo has made great strides towards its ambition to become one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Diageo has grown significantly during this period, now selling over 200 brands in more than 180 markets and is today, the number one company by net sales value in Scotch whisky, vodka, gin, rum, Canadian whisky, liqueurs, and also tequila1, a category in which only eight years ago the company had no substantive position. And in December 2022, Guinness became the number one beer in the on-trade in Great Britain for the first time2.Led by Ivan, Diageo has developed a leadership position in sustainability, becoming one of the top 1% of companies globally to achieve a "Double A" rating for Water Security and Climate Change from CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), as well as a particularly strong stance on inclusion and diversity, with the company ranked number one in the UK, and number two globally, in Equileap's 2023 Gender Equality Report. And with Debra's appointment as Chief Executive Officer, women will make up more than 50% of Diageo's Executive Committee from 1 July 2023. During the past decade, Diageo's total shareholder returns have strongly outperformed the FTSE100, and the Company has continued its progressive policy to increase dividends every year. In January 2023, Ivan was awarded a Knighthood for services to Business and to Equality in His Majesty The King's 2023 New Year Honours List.Prior to being appointed Chief Operating Officer in October 2022, Debra was President, Diageo North America and Global Supply, leading Diageo's largest market to 14% organic net sales growth in fiscal 2022, following on from 20% organic net sales growth in the prior year. Debra originally joined the Diageo Board as a Non-Executive Director in April 2019, before stepping down from the Board when appointed President, Diageo North America in July 2020.Debra is the former President and CEO of Reynolds American, Inc., where she delivered strong performance growth before the company's acquisition, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer, and President and Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to that, Debra spent five years at PepsiCo, where she served as President, North America Nutrition; President, PepsiCo Americas Beverages; and President, Western Europe Region. Prior to PepsiCo, Debra held positions with Kraft Foods, Nestle S.A. and Mars, Inc.Debra is a graduate of the University of Denver, earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and previously served as an officer in the United States Army. She currently serves on the board of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., having previously served on the boards of Newell Brands and Mondelez International.Javier Ferran, Chairman, Diageo, said: "The Board is enormously grateful for Ivan's contribution over the past decade. Under his stewardship, Diageo has consistently delivered a truly impressive performance to become one of the most respected businesses in the world. Ivan has transformed Diageo's global footprint, brand portfolio and strategic focus, positioning our business as a clear leader in premium drinks. At the same time as delivering consistent shareholder returns, Ivan has nurtured a diverse and talented global workforce and made significant progress on the most material sustainability issues facing our business. Ivan leaves Diageo extremely well positioned for future growth, and we thank him again for everything he has helped us to achieve.The Board has diligently planned for Ivan's successor, and we are delighted to have appointed a leader of Debra's calibre to the role. Debra has been a highly valued member of Diageo's leadership team in recent years with an impressive track record of delivery both at Diageo and across other global consumer goods companies. She has deep consumer industry expertise as well as proven strategic capabilities, strong operational performance and a clear ability to build and lead teams. I have no doubt that Diageo is in the right hands for the next phase of its growth." Sir Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive Officer, Diageo, said: "It has been an enormous honour leading Diageo over the past decade. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved during that time, and I would like to thank my 28,000 talented colleagues around the world for all of their hard work, creativity and passion. I would also like to thank the Board for their encouragement, challenge and support over the years.I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Debra. In the time that we have worked together, I have been consistently impressed with her passion for growth and for building high performing teams. I am confident that under Debra's leadership, and with our extraordinary portfolio of brands and culture, Diageo will go on to deliver our long-term performance ambition." Debra Crew, Chief Operating Officer, Diageo, said: "I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Diageo. Ivan leaves Diageo in a very strong position for future growth and I look forward to working with our teams around the world to capture the opportunities ahead.I am focused on continuing Diageo's extraordinary track record of building world-leading brands and enhancing our reputation as one of the most responsible businesses in what I believe to be the most exciting consumer products category. It is an incredible privilege to be leading Diageo through the next phase of its development." In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.15, Diageo confirms that there are no further details to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 04:51:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 410 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 1, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dutch Bros Inc. ("Dutch" or the "Company") (NYSE:BROS), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 1, 2022 and May 11, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Dutch and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bros/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by May 1, 2023.About the LawsuitDutch Bros and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On May 11, 2022, the Company disclosed dismal 1Q2022 financial results including a net loss of $16.3 million, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2021 and an adjusted net loss of $2.5 million (a loss of $0.02 per share), which fell below analysts' expectations, due to its failure to "perceive the speed and magnitude of cost escalation within the quarter," among other things.On this news, shares of Dutch fell $9.26, or 26.9%, to close at $25.11 per share on May 12, 2022.The case is Peacock v. Dutch Bros Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-01797.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 04:51:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 467 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 5, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS), if they purchased the Company's shares between February 9, 2021 and February 10, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of Fidelity National and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-fis/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by May 5, 2023.About the LawsuitFidelity National and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 31, 2019, the Company announced it had completed the acquisition of payments company Worldpay, Inc. for $43 billion, which became part of the Fidelity National Merchant Solutions business. The Company subsequently, assured investors that the integration of Worldpay was "ahead of schedule," achieved "success in revenue synergies," and ultimately was "successfully completed" throughout the Class Period. Then, on February 13, 2023, the Company disclosed that it would be spinning off Worldpay and recording a goodwill impairment charge of $17.6 billion related to its Merchants Solutions business, a write-down of more than 40% of the purchase price for Worldpay just a few years earlier.On this news, shares of Fidelity National fell more than 12%, from a closing price of $75.43 per share on the prior trading day of February 10, 2023 to a closing price of $66.00 per share on February 13, 2023.The case is Palm Bay Police and Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., No. 23-cv-252.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Niger has faced many challenges, including violent extremism and climate crisis. In each case, noted Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Niger has prioritized inclusion, community engagement, pragmatic solutions. The United States is committed to the close partnership weve forged together and to make it even closer, he added during his recent visit. Secretary Blinken announced nearly $150 million in new humanitarian assistance to help meet needs in West and Central Africa and the Sahel created by regional instability: That assistance will support the provision of shelter, essential healthcare, emergency food, safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene services, and will also support vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers evacuated to Niger. The United States is also supporting investments in the long-term security of Niger, including helping make Nigers law enforcement more effective in combating terrorism, strengthening border security, enhancing counternarcotics capacity, stemming trafficking, and violent extremism. Secretary Blinken also discussed how to deal with the global food crisis: Weve been supporting immediate interventions to help those facing acute food insecurity. Just since the aggression by Russia against Ukraine a year ago, weve contributed an additional $13.5 billion to address food insecurity around the world, but most of that has gone to Africa. Were by far the largest donor to the World Food Program as well, and other international mechanisms that are helping to deal with food insecurity. The U.S. is also supporting the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which has brought Ukrainian grain to countries across Africa, said Secretary Blinken: Over 4 million metric tons of wheat have gone directly to developing countries as a result of this initiative. Thats the equivalent of 8 billion loaves of bread. And so, millions of people around the world and especially here in Africa rely on this initiative to help deal with food insecurity. Its imperative that it continue and its imperative that Russia allow it to continue. Beyond emergency aid, the U.S. is making long-term investments in African food production capacity and resilience, because ultimately the goal is for African countries to be able to produce their own food. There are many other ways in which we are working together to deepen this partnership, said Secretary Blinken. Niger is really an extraordinary model at a time of great challenge a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 15:01:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 522 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Former co-founder of Ebikemotion and Desiknio to join the board of Montreal e-bike smart systems startup.MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / FTEX, a pioneer in smart drive systems for light electric vehicles, announced today the appointment of Alfredo Perez Pellicer as a member of the board of directors. Effective immediately, Perez Pellicer will take a leading role on the board bringing his extensive experience in the e-bike industry and contributing his passion for the company's technology and vision.Perez Pellicer is one of the co-founders of Ebikemotion, which became MAHLE SmartBike Systems following the acquisition by MAHLE, a leading company in the automotive industry. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in bringing e-bike systems to market. He played a crucial role in growing MAHLE SmartBike Systems into a successful business, and his experience and insights will be invaluable to FTEX as it continues to grow and innovate. "To assist the amazing FTEX team in consolidating their growth plans, I will contribute my experience in the e-bike, industrial, and automotive markets in business development, product development, and management," he said. "I look forward to what the future holds for FTEX as we expand its international impact." In addition to his work with MAHLE SmartBike Systems, Perez Pellicer is also one of the co-founders of Desiknio Cycles, a high-end e-bike manufacturer that was acquired by Stromer, another major player in the e-bike industry. This acquisition further solidifies his reputation as a leader in creating successful and innovative e-bike companies.What sets Alfredo apart is his passion and grasp of FTEX's technology and vision. His understanding of GaN-based inverter technology and IoT-driven smart systems, and his alignment with the team's mission and values, make him the perfect fit for this role. "We believe that his passion and insight will help us to continue driving growth and success for our company," said Ramee Mossa, CEO of FTEX. "With his strong leadership and a wide network of contacts in Europe, Alfredo will also be a major asset to our company's European expansion. His deep understanding of the European e-bike market and his relationships with key players in the industry will help us navigate this important market as we capitalize on new opportunities." About FTEX Inc.FTEX offers a complete suite of smart drive systems for light electric vehicles establishing a new standard for performance, connectivity, and control for e-bikes, e-kick scooters, mopeds, and more. FTEX's IoT-capable controllers combined with the Evionics App provide riders with a more natural experience communicating directly with the motor controller of the e-bike and allowing for more control over the e-bike's feel and performance. To learn more about FTEX, please visit www.ftex.ca FTEX Team, from left to right:Francois Leger-Belanger, Co-Founder and CPTO; Andres Bayona, Co-Founder and COO; Gervais Rioux,Head of Business Development; Ramee Mossa, Co-Founder and CEO; Alfredo Perez Pellicer, Advisor andBoard Member; Silvana Huaman, Co-Founder and CRO; Theodore d'Herbecourt, Engineer.Company ContactSilvana Huaman - FTEX514-466-3839 / silvana.huaman@ftex.ca SOURCE: FTEX INC PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 15:02:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 444 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / The City of Tampa is taking a proactive approach to address the growing problem of blue-green algae blooms in the Hillsborough River. Two state-of-the-art LG Sonic MPC-Buoys have been deployed to combat these harmful blooms using ultrasonic sound waves. This technology blocks algae's access to sunlight and nutrients, causing them to sink and die without releasing toxins.Algae blooms pose a serious threat to drinking water quality, as they can cause water utilities to shut down due to the presence of harmful algae toxins. When excessive algae growth occurs, it not only impacts aquatic life and ecosystem balance but also has the potential to contaminate water sources used for human consumption. A notable example of this occurred in Toledo, Ohio, in 2014, when an algal bloom left 500,000 people without clean water for days. LG Sonic's innovative solution helps address this critical issue by effectively controlling algae growth, safeguarding water quality, and preventing potential disruptions to water utilities.Already proven successful in large water surfaces, LG Sonic's ultrasound technology is utilized by major organizations across the United States, including American Water, NIPSCO, and the Vallecitos Water District. The effectiveness of this technology in moving water bodies, such as the Hillsborough River, is currently being assessed.The LG Sonic buoys cover a 2600-feet radius, projecting sound waves to the riverbanks and preventing algae from growing and proliferating. John Ring, the City of Tampa Water Production Manager, stated that this technology offers an alternative to using algaecides for algae control. The ultrasonic buoys can also be adjusted to different frequencies to target specific algae species, enabling continuous monitoring and control.The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is funding this two-year pilot program to evaluate the LG Sonic buoys' impact on the Hillsborough River. During this time, data and samples will be collected to compare the ultrasonic method's effectiveness to traditional copper sulfate treatments.The deployment of LG Sonic technology aims to maintain high water quality in the city, ensuring good taste and odor in the water. The LG Sonic team eagerly anticipates the pilot program's results and remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions for algae control and water quality management.About LG SonicLG Sonic is a leading global provider of algae control and water quality management solutions. With a strong focus on research and development, LG Sonic creates cutting-edge technologies to tackle algae-related challenges in various water environments. The company's success in the United States includes partnerships with American Water, NIPSCO, and the Vallecitos Water District, further demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding water resources and ecosystems.Contact: Tristen GuntherPhone: +31 70 2210526Email: t.gunther@ lgsonic.com Learn more: www.lgsonic.com SOURCE: LG Sonic PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 00:31:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 406 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Optimize the Moment is a Unique Business Approach that Allows Company Leaders to Make Better Decisions and Lead More EffectivelyOTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Martin Rust Strategic Advisory Services Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of its Optimize the Moment approach.To learn more about Optimize the Moment (OTM) and how it can help business and governmental leaders with crisis management and creating strategic plans in their organization, please visit https://martinrust.ca/optimize-the-moment/ As Martin Rust noted, unanticipated events in geopolitics, markets and the environment can impact organizations in unforeseen ways. To weather these unexpected changes, leaders should recognize the value of making strategic business decisions that will still allow the organization to meet its goals and succeed.Rather than rely on outdated crisis management or other strategic plans when facing unplanned situations, company leaders can utilize the Optimize the Moment approach, and adapt their strategies to the current situation."Optimize the Moment is completely different because it is a short-term, mission focused approach that relies on data, objective analysis, and pulling a team together to achieve specific objectives," Rust said, adding that OTM permits leaders to make better decisions and lead more effectively, in the moment."This approach is critical in the context of a conflict driven world, fraught with seismic shifts in the marketplace, geopolitics, the physical environment, and our families, all of which impact our decisions and the frame through which we view our goals and expectations." In addition, the OTM approach will help leaders to communicate better with their team in a way that is clear and easy for everyone to understand. This improvement in communication can then help inspire the entire organization to work better together.As Rust notes, employees typically do not see themselves as part of their organization's strategic plan, and cannot identify how they benefit personally from the plan.With the help of the OTM approach, employees will be placed in empowering and engaging decision-making positions to help improve effectiveness and achieve strategic plan business goals.About Martin RustMartin Rust is a strategic consultant with a proven approach to inform decision making. He works with organizations, both in Canada and around the world, often at the intersection of geopolitics and corporate goals. For more information, please visit https://martinrust.ca Media ContactMartin Rustmrust@ mdrstrategic.com 613-404-8870Ottawa, ONK0A 1B0SOURCE: Martin Rust Strategic Advisory Services Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 13:24:09 Press Information Report Consultant Play house plaza 640 East Colorada Boulverad,Pasadena,CA,91101 Rebecca Parker CEO 9702002429 email http://www.https://www.reportconsultant.com/ # 583 Words Play house plaza 640 East Colorada Boulverad,Pasadena,CA,91101CEO9702002429 The Medical Instrument Kits market is analyzed for the best combination of irreplaceable primary knowledge and secondary sources and internal methodologies. Real-time market valuation is an important part of market size and forecasting methods. A panel of industry experts and key participants helped summarize relevant aspects using realistic parameter estimates for a comprehensive study.Download Free Sample Pages of this research study at https://www.reportconsultant.com/request_sample.php?id=131047 The key players studied in the report include:Aesculap,Arthrex,Biomet,Depuy Synthes,Orthofix,OsteoMed,Teknimed,Stryker,KLS Martin Group,DR MEDICAL,Micromed Medizintechnik,Kirwan Surgical Products,IMEDICOM,ZimmerCompetitive scenario:The study assesses factors such as segmentation, description, and applications of Medical Instrument Kits industries. It derives accurate insights to give a holistic view of the dynamic features of the business, including shares, profit generation, thereby directing focus on the critical aspects of the business.Market Segmentation:By Type:DentistryOrthopedicsNeurologyBy Application:HospitalClinicMedical Instrument Kits Industry report provides study at global and regional level to provide comprehensive value market analysis for the years (2015-2019 Historic Years, 2020 Base Year and 2022-2030 Forecast Period). The Medical Instrument Kits Market research report is a wide-ranging study of current trends, market growth drivers, and restraints. Each market segment is broadly analyzed at a powdered level by region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America) to provide thorough information on the global and regional level.This research provides detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the Medical Instrument Kits Market in Global and Regional Level (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges), forecast of the market size, in terms of value, market share by region and segment; regional market positions; segment and country opportunities for growth; New product developments, strengths and weaknesses, brand portfolio; Marketing and distribution strategies; challenges and threats from current competition and prospects; Key company profiles, SWOT, portfolio and growth strategies.Request for discount on this Premium Report: https://www.reportconsultant.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=131047 Foremost probes related Global Medical Instrument Kits Market with covid-19 effect resolves in the report:How market players are performing in this covid-19 event?How the pricing of essential raw material and related market affects Medical Instrument Kits Market?Is covid-19 pandemic already affected on projected region or what will be the maximum impact of covid-19 in region?What will be the CAGR growth of the Medical Instrument Kits Market during the forecast period?In 2030 what will be the estimated value of Medical Instrument Kits Market?Note: Access insightful study with over 200+ pages, list of tables & figures, profiling 10+ companies.Get More Insight Before Buying this Report: https://www.reportconsultant.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=131047 About us:Report Consultant A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies. Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact Us:Company: Report ConsultantContact name : Rebecca ParkerEmail Id: sales@ reportconsultant.com Phone: +1 970-200-2429Address: Play house plaza 640 East Colorada Boulverad,Pasadena,CA,91101Website: www.reportconsultant.com PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 16:01:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 467 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / To study the multi-objective personalization of the length and skippability of video advertisements, recently a research was conducted by Omid Rafieian, Assistant Professor at Cornell University - Cornell Tech NYC, Anuj Kapoor, professor at IIM Ahmedabad along with Amitt Sharma, Founder, and CEO at VDO.AI under the endorsement of Z1 Media. According to the research, video consumption decreased when users were presented with long, skippable ads. At the same time, ad consumption increased, posing a challenge for platforms seeking to optimize both outcomes. To address this issue, VDO.AI developed multi-objective personalization algorithms that utilize individual-level substitution patterns to optimize both ad and video consumption.The results of the study show that multi-objective personalized policies can significantly improve both ad and video consumption outcomes over single-objective policies. The algorithm was able to increase ad consumption by 61% at the expense of only a 4% decrease in video consumption. Similarly, compared to the single-objective policy optimized for ad consumption, there is a multi-objective policy that increases video consumption by 47% while decreasing ad consumption by just 13%."We are excited to have partnered with VDO.AI on this study and to have contributed to the development of multi-objective personalization algorithms that can significantly improve both ad and video consumption outcomes over single-objective policies," said Omid Rafieian, Assistant Professor at Cornell University - Cornell Tech NYC.Anuj Kapoor, Professor at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, added, "The study's findings have important practical implications for platform decision-making in real-time, and we are excited to have contributed to this important research." Founder & CEO at VDO.AI , Amitt Sharma said, "We are thrilled to have collaborated with Cornell University and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad on this groundbreaking study. Our multi-objective personalization algorithms will revolutionize the way digital video advertising is approached, and we are excited to see how they will be implemented in real-time." The study was conducted using field experiments and utilized machine learning and causal inference techniques to analyze the data. The study's findings have significant practical implications for platform decision-making in real time.About VDO.AI VDO.AI is under the endorsement of Z1 Media, a premium video ecosystem providing brands with best-in-class high-impact solutions that drive the right outcomes. With the aim to build innovative products that are ahead of their time, VDO.AI turned into a growth engine for both the publishers and the advertisers.Driven by a zeal to continue pushing the limits and a unified mission to bring global innovation in AdTech, VDO.AI leads the market in creating innovative consumer experiences for brands across all screens and all streams.For more information, contact:Contact - Mehak ChawlaEmail - mehak@ vdo.ai Phone - 1 (512) 214-9257Website - https://vdo.ai SOURCE: Voygr Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 01:09:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1007 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been against Norfolk Southern Corporation ("Norfolk Southern") (NYSE:NSC). The action charges Norfolk Southern with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Norfolk Southern's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Norfolk Southern's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NORFOLK SOUTHERN LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/norfolk-southern-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=nsc&mktm=r CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERELEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE:MAY 15, 2023CLASS PERIOD: OCTOBER 28, 2020 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2023CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCTFor several years leading up to the beginning of the Class Period, Norfolk Southern took a number of measures which put profits and executive compensation over safety. For example, in October 2018, Norfolk Southern adopted "Precision Scheduled Railroading" or "PSR" which was purportedly aimed at producing better service at a lower cost. In actuality, the company sought to increase revenues by cutting operating costs including reducing staff, running fewer, heavier, faster trains and optimizing the company's networks in order to increase efficiency. Norfolk Southern also began tying executive compensation to achieving PSR goals. For example, in 2021, multiple Norfolk Southern executives received millions of dollars in cash bonuses for reducing costs by achieving "record performance for train length and weight." Industry critics have warned that this type of compensation system incentivizes executives to cut costs at the expense of safety and also leads to longer and more dangerous trains which "have greater damage done, greater, larger pileups, fires and so on." At the same time, Norfolk Southern and its lobbyists played a key role in defeating an Obama-era safety rule that was used following a number of oil train accidents, including the "ECP Brake Rule" which was ultimately repealed in 2018.On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern Railway Company general merchandise freight train derailed 38 railcars in East Palestine, Ohio, leaving behind what the Associated Press called "a mangled and charred mass of boxcars and flames." The derailed equipment included 11 tank cars carrying hazardous materials that subsequently ignited, fueling fires that damaged an additional 12 non-derailed railcars.On February 6, 2023, responders engaged in a controlled detonation and burn of the vinyl chloride, spewing massive volumes of chemicals into the vicinity. The chemicals released from the derailment entered the air and water of the surrounding residential areas, the closest of which were only 1,000 feet from the site of the accident. Following this news, the price of Norfolk Southern stock fell on February 6, 2023 - down $5.66 per share from its closing price on Friday, February 3, 2023.Then, on February 8, 2023, after lifting a previously issued evacuation order, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that Norfolk Southern was "the one[] who created the problem. It's their liability. They're the ones who ought to pay for it." Following their return, numerous residents reported hazardous air quality and other health and environmental concerns. Following this news, the price of Norfolk Southern stock fell on February 9, 2023, closing at $238.98 per share - down $7.64 per share from its closing price of $246.62 per share on February 8, 2023.Thereafter, Norfolk Southern's stock price continued to drop in response to several other reports and public officials who spoke out about Norfolk Southern's liability for all of the harm and damage it had caused.On March 4, 2023, another Norfolk Southern freight train derailed near Springfield, Ohio. Two days later, on March 6, 2023, Norfolk Southern announced a 6-part plan to improve operational safety. Following this news, the price of Norfolk Southern stock fell again on March 6 and March 7, 2023, closing at $215.18 per share - down $13.21 per share from its closing price of $228.39 on Friday, March 3, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?Norfolk Southern investors may, no later than May 15, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPencourages Norfolk Southern investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Norfolk Southern, captioned Bucks County Employees Retirement System v. Norfolk Southern Corporation, et al. and docketed under 23-cv-0982, is filed in the United States District Court for Southern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) before the Honorable Michael H. Watson.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 21:45:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 405 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ROCKY MOUNT, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / PB Financial Corporation (OTCQX:PBNC), (the "Company") President and CEO Ted E. Whitehurst is pleased to announce that Providence Bank, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, has been ranked in S&P Global Market Intelligence's 2022 "Top 100 Community Banks with Less than $3 Billion in Assets," out of 3,782 eligible banks in the analysis. S&P Global Market Intelligence, a division of S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) launched the rankings in 2011 to assess the performance of community banks and credit unions. The organization ranks institutions based on returns, growth, and efficiency, and places a premium on the strength and risk profile of balance sheets.Whitehurst commented on the ranking, "We are excited to be recognized by S&P Global Market Intelligence for our performance. To be ranked in the Top 100 of similar-sized U.S. community banks is an honor and speaks to the hard work and dedication of our employees and directors. In 2022, we had record earnings enabling us to enhance shareholder value which is part of our long-term strategic plan." S&P Global Market Intelligence is a provider of information services and solutions to the global markets.PB Financial Corporation is headquartered at 450 N. Winstead Avenue in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with branches in Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Nashville, Wilson, and Raleigh. As of December 31, 2022, PB Financial Corporation had total assets of $849.2 million, loans of $687.7 million and deposits of $674.0 million.This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding PB Financial Corporation. Those statements may include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as "believes," "considers," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," "projects," "would be," and similar expressions. These statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations of management of PB Financial Corporation and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual or future results or events may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. PB Financial Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements in this press release. The information as of and for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, as presented is unaudited.For more information, contact:Ted E. Whitehurst, President and CEO252-467-2990; twhitehurst@ pbknc.com SOURCE: PB Financial Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 18:01:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Pulse continues to accelerate digital transformation of industrial systems with AI-enabled steam trap failure detection diagnostics.WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Pulse Industrial is pleased to announce a new round of financing led by Momenta, the leading digital industry venture capital + growth firm. Their investments focus on accelerating digital innovators to transform critical industries. Momenta was joined by co-investors Celtic House Asia Partners and SOSV, who supported Pulse in its initial stages, and Phoenix VP as a new investor to the company.Pulse IoT SolutionPulse Steam Trap Monitor solution"Pulse Industrial is a perfect example of our digital industry investment thesis: using digital solutions to transform industrial heating creating significant outcomes in efficiency, safety and sustainability. We are proud to expand our investment in Pulse Industrial and to support the team in creating the future of industrial heating," said Ken Forster, Executive Director of Momenta.Pulse Industrial is an AI industrial tech company that has developed the most accurate industrial equipment monitoring solution on the market. They won the prestigious Velocity award for innovation at the University of Waterloo a mere five years ago and since that time, has expanded the company to over 30 employees and installed thousands of monitors in some of the largest food and beverage, chemical, and pulp and paper manufacturers plus hospitals, universities and more, throughout North America.This investment will help them continue to advance research and development to ensure the offering remains the leading solution on the market and has the resilience and flexibility to be utilized in all environments. Additionally, this investment will be used to integrate valuable partnerships to expand coverage to all areas in North America and beyond. Steam is an essential clean energy source for many progressive organizations focused on their ESG initiatives. The Pulse steam trap failure detection solution ensures steam systems are functioning at peak performance while reducing CO2 emissions significantly.This is the flagship product offering from Pulse Industrial, "We aim to be a driving force as part of a diverse set of technology leaders focused on making sustainable choices the preferred option for organizations around the world," added Pulse founder and CEO Thomas Uhlenbruck.About Pulse Industrial:Pulse Industrial has developed a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence platform for their IoT products that provides advanced accuracy in both diagnostics and reporting for industrial equipment failure monitoring. Utilizing easy-to-install, wireless, smart monitors over LoRaWAN networks, Pulse cloud solutions deliver failure alerts through email and dashboard in real time to improve plant and building efficiency, decrease downtime, and optimize equipment functionality.Pulse is challenging industry sector paradigms with digital transformation providing unparalleled environmental and safety benefits. Pulse's innovative technology yields enormous cost savings for a wide variety of industries, such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, hospitals, universities, and food & beverage. Pulse is committed to environmental sustainability, diversity and equity in the workplace, and building trusted relationships with their customers. Further information can be found at www.pulseindustrial.com Contact Informationisabell berrymarketing managerisabell@ pulseindustrial.com 519-362-7095SOURCE: Pulse Industrial PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 13:02:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1028 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / RUSH RARE METALS CORP. ("Rush" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that BRS Engineering has completed a Technical Report (the "Report") for its Copper Mountain uranium project near Riverton, Wyoming, USA (the "Copper Mountain Uranium Project"). The Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com The Copper Mountain Uranium Project is comprised of 110 claims and encompasses several historical uranium occurrences, including the Arrowhead Uranium Mine which produced as much as 500,000 pounds of eU3O8 in the 1960's and 1970's (prior to a virtual shutdown of uranium mining activities in the USA at the end of the 1970's). The Copper Mountain Uranium Project is held by Rush through its wholly owned subsidiary, Rush Uranium Wyoming, LLC.A map showing the Copper Mountain Uranium Project, as well as some historical drillholes and uranium occurrences, is reproduced below:Some highlights, quoted directly from the Report, include:"Uranium deposition is found in both Eocene sedimentary rocks as well as Precambrian granitic rocks. Two primary areas of known uranium deposition occur within the Project area, the Arrowhead Mine area, and the North Canning uranium deposit. Additional prospect areas exist within the project area." "Past production in the district totalled approximately 500,000 lbs of eU3O8, primarily from the Arrowhead Mine (Yellich and others, 1978).""Historic drill pad locations can be observed in the North Canning, Arrowhead, Last Hope, and Allard/Mint areas The historic drill areas may be useful along with geologic unit mapping to plan an exploration drilling program""Historic data may be available for the drilling completed... It is recommended that efforts be made to obtain the historic data, which may be available from public sources." The Report recommends work in two phases. The first phase is comprised almost entirely of desktop research, specifically to track down and analyze historical drill logs from the area, if they can be found. The estimated cost for the first phase is $50,000 USD, and Rush has already started the process of locating some of the historical drill data. Success with this phase will, in turn, inform the second phase which will involve drilling to confirm previous results.The Company CEO, Peter Smith, commented that "it is certainly noteworthy that over 2,000 boreholes were reportedly drilled in the area and that there was historically some 500,000 pounds of uranium production within the claim area. We are seeking data on the project including the historical drill logs and should we be successful in this effort, it will be a tremendous head-start in assessing the Copper Mountain Uranium Project. While we recognize that the historical drill data would have to be verified, this would represent a fraction of the cost and time necessary to re-drill the project. I'll add that we were very pleased with the work done by BRS Engineering preparing this report, which was delivered on time and on budget." The Company also announces the appointment of Nelson Lamb as CFO, replacing Jason Baybutt. Nelson is a CPA, CA, experienced in corporate finance, financial reporting, and strategic planning. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and obtained his CPA, CA designation while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. From December 2015 to May 2021, Nelson worked as the Manager of Accounting Services at Pubco Reporting Solutions Inc., a boutique accounting and consulting firm. Nelson has extensive public company experience, acting as an independent director or CFO for companies on the CSE and TSX-V across a variety of sectors and has extensive M&A and financing experience. Peter Smith, Rush CEO, commented that, "we are very pleased to welcome Nelson to the Company as CFO. I've worked with Nelson before on Myriad Uranium Corp., and other projects, and he certainly has the skills and experience to help propel the Company forward." Qualified PersonThe scientific or technical information in this news release respecting the Copper Mountain Uranium Project is derived from the Report and has been approved by Harold J. Hutson, PE, PG, and Registered Member of the Society of Mining Engineers (SME). Mr. Hutson is the Director of Wyoming operations at BRS Engineering with over 28 years professional experience.About BRS EngineeringBRS is a Professional Engineering Corporation located in Riverton, Wyoming. BRS was founded in 1986 by Doug Beahm, PE, PG after working more than twelve years as an engineer and geologist with major US mining companies. BRS specializes in natural resource projects including mineral exploration, mine design and planning, feasibility studies, financial evaluations, mine operations, environmental permitting and reclamation design. BRS' uranium experience includes exploration, conventional open pit and underground mine operations, conventional milling and tailings management, heap leach design and operations, ISR design and permitting, and Mine land Reclamation.About the CompanyThe Company is a mineral exploration company focused on its Boxi Property located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. The Company also owns the Copper Mountain Uranium Project located in Wyoming, USA. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com) or contact the Company by email at ifgsmith@ yahoo.ca or by telephone at 778.999.7030.On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsPeter SmithChief Executive Officer778.999.7030Forward-Looking InformationCertain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of th PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 01:06:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1001 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Sebastiani Ventures Corp. ("Sebastiani" or the "Company") (TSXV: SBS.H) , further to its press releases issued September 23, 2022 and December 22, 2022, is pleased to provide an update on its proposed reverse takeover to acquire EvokAI Creative Labs Inc. ("EvokAI") (the "Acquisition").The Company's filing statement, dated as of March 27, 2023 (the "Filing Statement"), has been cleared by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for filing and may be viewed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The Filing Statement describes the Company's proposed Acquisition, as announced on September 22, 2022.In connection with the Acquisition, Sebastiani will complete a consolidation of its common shares on a 2.6628503 old for 1 new basis (the "Consolidation") such that it will have 8,414,286 common shares issued immediately prior to closing of the Acquisition. Pursuant to an amendment dated March 23, 2023 to the definitive business combination agreement (the "Merger Agreement"), holders of all EvokAI shares will be issued an aggregate of 51,500,000 post Consolidation common shares of Sebastiani at a deemed price of $0.75 per share (the "Consideration Shares"), as consideration in exchange for 100% of the EvokAI shares outstanding immediately prior to closing of the Acquisition.Pursuant to an amendment dated March 23, 2023 to the non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") that closed on December 22, 2022, the subscription receipts were amended such that EvokAI has issued 6,666,667 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.75 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,000,000. Immediately prior to the Acquisition, on satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), each Subscription Receipt will be automatically exercised, for no further consideration and with no further action on the part of the holder thereof, to acquire units of EvokAI (each whole unit, an "EvokAI Unit").In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, the EvokAI Units will be exchanged for units (a "Resulting Issuer Unit") of the issuer resulting from the Acquisition (the "Resulting Issuer"), resulting in the issuance of 6,666,667 Resulting Issuer Units. Each Resulting Issuer Unit will be comprised one post Share Consolidation (as defined below) common share (a "Resulting Issuer Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Resulting Issuer Warrant") of the Resulting Issuer. Each Resulting Issuer Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $1.25 per share for a period of two years from closing of the Acquisition.The gross proceeds of the Financing are currently held in escrow with Endeavor Trust Corporation as escrow agent, pending satisfaction of certain conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions"), including, amongst others, the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions precedent to the Acquisition.If the Escrow Release Conditions are not met on or before April 15, 2023, the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled, and holders of Subscription Receipts will be returned a cash amount equal to the issue price of the Subscription Receipts.Union Group Ventures Limited ("Union"), a private company indirectly controlled by Juan Sartori, participated in the Financing, acquiring 1,333,333 Subscription Receipts. Upon closing of the Acquisition, Union will own 34,541,775 (51.9%) Resulting Issuer Shares, and 666,666 Resulting Issuer Warrants. Arvesa Corp., a private company also indirectly controlled by Juan Sartori, will own 5,996,780 (9.0%) Resulting Issuer Shares.Board of Directors and Management ChangesOn completion of the Acquisition, the Company's Board of Directors and management team will be reconstituted to include four directors and management comprised of individuals from EvokAI and Sebastiani, including the individuals listed below.Alejandro Antalich - Director and Chief Executive OfficerMr. Antalich is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Company ICC Labs Inc. (TSXV), the first publicly traded company in the world to sell cannabis to a federal government. Mr. Antalich led ICC Labs to its successful sale to Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX) in November 2018, a $300 million transaction. Mr. Antalich is an entrepreneur and investor with a commercial instinct and vision towards business growth, with expertise in the medtech and foodtech sectors, as well in the pharmaceutical industry, operations, manufacturing and product development. Mr. Antalich is also the CEO and a director of Biomind Labs Inc., a Canadian publicly traded life sciences company specializing in fast acting psychedelics and tailored drug delivery systems targeting specific therapeutic indications.Scott Ackerman - Director and Chief Financial OfficerMr. Ackerman is the President and CEO of Emprise Capital Corp. ("Emprise") a company providing management, restructuring, accounting and financial services to public companies. Mr. Ackerman has been active in the public markets for 30 years, having held senior executive roles in various capacities from Investor Relations to Executive Management, including Chair of the Audit Committee. In addition, to this role with Emprise, Mr. Ackerman serves as director and/or officer of a number of publicly traded and private "start-up" venture companies. Mr. Ackerman graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology with a diploma in Marketing in 1987.Peter Dickie - DirectorMr. Dickie has spent over 40 years in the public and private corporate environment, having served in a variety of management and executive roles in both private and public companies during that time. Mr. Dickie is the former President, CEO, and a director of NioCorp Developments, a company developing the largest super-alloy mineral deposit in North American. During Mr. Dickie's six years with NioCorp, NioCorp's market capitalization grew from under $5 million to over $200 million. Mr. Dickie is a former Registered Investment Advisor with a Canadian securities firm, and a graduate of both the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia.Rick Cox - DirectorMr. Cox is the President of a privately held water sciences company, Ocion Water Sciences Inc. Mr. Cox has also served as a senior officer of a private geothermal manufacturing company which was sold to a publicly held multinational corporation. Mr. Cox is a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today (March 27) announced that the board of directors has unanimously agreed to appoint Brian X. Tierney president and chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2023. He succeeds interim President and Chief Executive Officer John W. Somerhalder II. Mr. Somerhalder also serves as chair of FirstEnergy's board, a position he will continue to hold. After FirstEnergy's May 2023 annual meeting, Mr. Tierney is expected to be appointed by the board to serve as a director effective June 1. Mr. Tierney, 55, joins FirstEnergy from Blackstone, where he serves as the global head of Portfolio Operations and Asset Management for the Infrastructure group. He previously spent 23 years at Ohio-based American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP,) one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, where he held a number of leadership positions, including most recently serving as executive vice president of Strategy following more than 11 years as its chief financial officer. With a career spanning 28 years in the industry, Mr. Tierney has developed extensive leadership, operational and commercial experience. Moreover, he brings to FirstEnergy strong financial acumen - across capital allocation, accounting, investor relations, planning and strategy, and risk management - and a demonstrated ability to advance business strategies and drive value creation. "Brian Tierney is a proven leader with deep experience in the energy industry, a unique blend of operational, financial and strategic skills, and a sterling record of driving growth and transformation within our sector," said Mr. Somerhalder. "Over the last several years, we have taken decisive actions to reposition FirstEnergy for the future. The board's search committee set out to identify a leader who could continue the important work underway to drive the company forward while bringing critical outside expertise and perspectives. We could not have selected a better suited candidate than Brian. We look forward to working closely with him to build on FirstEnergy's momentum and enhance value for our shareholders and other stakeholders." Mr. Tierney said, "I have dedicated my career to the energy industry, and leading FirstEnergy is a privilege that I am humbled by and a responsibility that I take seriously. I believe strongly in the steps the company's board and management have taken to position the business for long-term stability and success, and I look forward to working with them to execute this strategy and build on FirstEnergy's strong operational momentum. I appreciate the board's confidence in me and will do everything I can to serve our customers and communities, keep our employees safe and move FirstEnergy into the future." Speaking for the FirstEnergy board, Lisa Winston Hicks, lead independent director, said, "We thank John for his tremendous leadership over the last six months. He helped keep the company on course and oversaw the continued execution of our strategy to become a more resilient and forward-looking company. Under his leadership, FirstEnergy is on stronger footing and well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead." Brian Tierney Biography Prior to Blackstone, Mr. Tierney spent more than two decades at AEP, where he most recently served as executive vice president of Strategy. He served more than 11 years as its chief financial officer, where he led corporate accounting, finance, investor relations, financial planning, strategy, risk management, procurement, supply chain and fleet services for the organization. Brian was a key architect of AEP's positioning as a premier electric utility and consistently delivered superior financial results during his tenure as CFO. Previously, he served as executive vice president of AEP Utilities East, responsible for the distribution, customer service and financial performance of AEP's utility operating companies and subsidiaries across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. He was also senior vice president of Commercial Operations, where he led AEP's energy trading and marketing activities, market operations and dispatch of the company's 38,000 MW generation fleet. Brian served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of the Philippines and earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Chicago. 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 online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," "believe," "project," "estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following: the potential liabilities, increased costs and unanticipated developments resulting from government investigations and agreements, including those associated with compliance with or failure to comply with the Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered into July 21, 2021 with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio; the risks and uncertainties associated with government investigations and audits regarding Ohio House Bill 6, as passed by Ohio's 133rd General Assembly ("HB 6") and related matters, including potential adverse impacts on federal or state regulatory matters, including, but not limited to, matters relating to rates; the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation, and similar proceedings, particularly regarding HB 6 related matters, including risks associated with obtaining dismissal of the derivative shareholder lawsuits; changes in national and regional economic conditions, including recession, inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, higher energy costs, and workforce impacts, affecting us and/or our customers and those vendors with which we do business; weather conditions, such as temperature variations and severe weather conditions, or other natural disasters affecting future operating results and associated regulatory actions or outcomes in response to such conditions; legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, compliance and enforcement activity, cybersecurity, and climate change; the risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our, or our vendors', information technology system, which may compromise our operations, and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information; the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits, particularly operations and maintenance expense savings, from our FE Forward initiative and our other strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, overcoming current uncertainties and challenges associated with the ongoing government investigations, executing our transmission and distribution investment plans, greenhouse gas reduction goals, controlling costs, improving our credit metrics, growing earnings in line with our annual growth rate target, strengthening our balance sheet, and satisfying the conditions necessary to close the sale of additional membership interests of FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC; changing market conditions affecting the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our pension trusts may negatively impact our forecasted growth rate, results of operations, and may also cause us to make contributions to our pension sooner or in amounts that are larger than currently anticipated; mitigating exposure for remedial activities associated with retired and formerly owned electric generation assets; changes to environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, those related to climate change; changes in customers' demand for power, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, the impact of climate change, or energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates; the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us, including the increasing number of financial institutions evaluating the impact of climate change on their investment decisions; actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect either our access to or terms of financing or our financial condition and liquidity; changes in assumptions regarding factors such as economic conditions within our territories, the reliability of our transmission and distribution system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission and distribution investment opportunities; the potential of non-compliance with debt covenants in our credit facilities; the ability to comply with applicable reliability standards and energy efficiency or peak demand reduction mandates; human capital management challenges, including among other things, attracting and retaining appropriately trained and qualified employees and labor disruptions by our unionized workforce; changes to significant accounting policies; any changes in tax laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or adverse tax audit results or rulings; and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. Dividends declared from time to time on FirstEnergy Corp.'s common stock during any period may in the aggregate vary from prior periods due to circumstances considered by FirstEnergy Corp.'s Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in FirstEnergy Corp.'s filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy Corp.'s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy Corp. expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein or in the information incorporated by reference as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 16:46:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 581 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Silver Range Resources Ltd. (TSXV:SNG) ("Silver Range" or the "Company") announces that it has signed a Generative Alliance agreement (the "Alliance") with Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius") incorporating the terms of the Letter of Intent described in the Company's February 21, 2023 news release. Under the terms of the Alliance, Altius subscribed for 3,333,333 shares of the Company for total proceeds of $500,000 and will acquire a one percent (1%) net smelter return royalty interest on three Silver Range projects staked within a specified area of interest in the southwest United States.Silver Range also announces the closing of the unit private placement originally announced on January 17, 2023. The placement consisted of the sale of 768,333 units at a price of $0.15 per unit, for total proceeds of $115,250 with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half (1/2) of a non-transferable share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of two years from closing. All these shares are subject to a hold period until July 28, 2023. The proceeds from this private placement will be used primarily for exploration work in the southwest United States.Silver Range paid cash finders' fees totalling $315 and 2,100 finder's warrants to Canaccord Genuity Corp. in connection with this private placement, with each finder's warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of two years from closing. An insider purchased 66,667 units of the private placement.About Silver Range Resources Ltd.Silver Range is a precious metals prospect generator working in Nevada and Northern Canada. It has assembled a portfolio of 45 properties, 13 of which are currently optioned to others. Four other projects have been converted to royalty interests. Silver Range is actively seeking other joint venture partners to explore the high-grade precious metals targets in its portfolio.The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.ON BEHALF OF SILVER RANGE RESOURCES LTD."Mike Power"President and CEOFor further information concerning the private placement, Silver Range or its exploration projects please contact:Investor InquiriesRichard DrechslerVice-President, CommunicationsTel: (604) 687-2522NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522rdrechsler@ silverrangeresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results.SOURCE: Silver Range Resources Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 15:01:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 502 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, WA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Today, in honor of National Choking Awareness Day, Sinceri Senior Living announced its partnership with LifeVac, a company that provides lifesaving choking devices.LifeVac "At Sinceri Senior Living, we partner with companies that create value for our residents, families, and shareholders," stated Kayla Wersal, Vice President of Programming for Sinceri Senior Living. "This is why we chose to partner with LifeVac, a non-invasive choking assistance device. As a leader in senior care and Alzheimer's, we realize how important it is to put the correct tools in the hands of our staff that will help keep our residents safe." The LifeVac device offers a safe and effective way to save people from choking when other methods fail or cannot be performed. Wersal stated that Sinceri rolled out the partnership in February and encouraged each community to order the lifesaving device. LifeVac worked with Sinceri training its staff and making sure the orders were shipped to each of its locations."Since our partnership started, I am excited to announce that we have already saved two lives using LifeVac during choking incidents. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and continue saving lives." Founded in 2010, LifeVac is the only portable, non-invasive airway clearance device registered and fully regulated by the FDA as a Class II suction device. LifeVac uses a one-way valve system, which means that when applied, air vents outside of the unit and not into the person who is choking. The rescue device uses a short burst of suction, with minimal air volume, to mimic a forceful cough. When the handle of the plunger is pushed down, air escapes through the vents; when the plunger handle is pulled back, negative pressure is generated, and it suctions out the lodged material. LifeVac's Airway Clearance Device is essential for seniors in wheelchairs, as standard choking protocols cannot be performed."It's so important for LifeVac to be available to take care of those that have taken care of us. The elderly are at a higher risk of choking and may not have an option in a choking emergency," stated Arthur Lih, the inventor of LifeVac. The two companies are looking forward to serving the seniors at Sinceri Senior Living and continuing to give them the excellent care they deserve.About Sinceri Senior Living:Sinceri Senior Living is a premier senior living management company that provides service to seniors in 21 states, serving approximately 3,800 seniors across the U.S. Sinceri Senior Living manages all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities. From the legacy of its first dedicated memory care community more than 35 years ago, Sinceri Senior Living has built a reputation for expertly managing senior living properties, including owned and managed facilities, with highly sought personalized care and exceptional, unique programming for residents and their families.Learn more about Sinceri Senior Living at www.sinceriseniorliving.com Contact InformationMadison AllenMarketing Specialistmadison@ sociallyposting.com 5404710742SOURCE: Sinceri Senior Living PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 01:15:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 592 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 When Competing With Defense Industry Leaders, Smaller and Medium Defense Companies Are Often Locked Out of the Conversation. Lobbying Can Put These Companies Back on the MapTAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / As the Ukraine-Russian war slogs towards its 14th month, tensions are rippling into other countries. Last November, NATO rushed to action and bolstered its arms supply after a rogue missile hit Poland. Meanwhile, some worry we may soon face a US war with Russia after the US announced it would dispatch $2.98 billion dollars of weapons and military equipment to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. And with China now in talks with Russia, others caution the world could soon see a China US war.Some experts warn that now more than ever, the United States must arm itself with powerful defense companies to prepare for the next global crisis. But despite the current uptick in global tensions and a hearty fiscal 2024 budget, small and medium defense companies often have difficulty striking deals with the federal government.It's not from a lack of options; though the exact number is unknown, there are hundreds of thousands of small defense companies vying for contracts and deals within the defense industry.However, typically most contracts are awarded to larger defense companies. In 2022, three companies alone received $92.3 billion in prime contracts.All too often, smaller companies become lost in the noise. Gene Moran, the founder of Capitol Integration, has a possible theory on why. "The system is geared to drive these lesser-known companies toward the small business offices or executive branch entry points," he points out. As a result, companies vanish in the federal labyrinth and acquisition maze. Meanwhile, he continues, "mid-tier companies that are successful know how to engage the US government to fast-track better outcomes and earn contracts." By leveraging underutilized tools like lobbying, Moran says that smaller defense companies can achieve large-scale federal sales 12-24 months faster than they otherwise would.Studies prove just how effective lobbying can be when securing entrepreneurial opportunities. Top military contractors continually outspend competitors on lobbying. In the first nine months of 2022 alone, the top five defense companies spent a mammoth $44.5 million on federal lobbying. As a result, these companies earned more money from the federal government than any other government contractor.Clearly, there is a strong connection between lobbying and winning contracts. Though lobbying is such a persuasive tool, "fewer than one percent of defense companies use formal lobbying in their sales strategy," Moran notes. "Most companies lack awareness of the process and don't know how to effectively participate across the federal budget and acquisition process." The more that smaller defense companies use sophisticated sales tactics and better understand the federal contract landscape, the more they can compete at a level playing field and gain access to Washington. As the Ukraine war news worsens and global tensions continue to rise, experts forecast that there's no better time for them to act than now.About Capitol IntegrationCapitol Integration is a firm that helps small to medium-sized defense companies gain access to federal contracts. Founder Gene Moran is an award-winning independent lobbyist and advisor, and he uses his experience to help smaller contractors obtain lucrative federal defense contracts. Over his years in Washington, Gene has developed methods and strategies to help outsiders become insiders and level the playing field in the national defense contracting world. For more information, visit capitolintegration.com . For additional information, visit Capital Integration on LinkedIn, or Twitter.CONTACTGene Moran703.895.2761Gene@ capitolintegration.com SOURCE: Capital Integration PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-27 23:30:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 575 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SOUTHLAKE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / Stella Jets is an all female owned private jet company located in Southlake Texas offering values that are exceeding expectations with the launch of their newest expansion and updates. The company has announced many new add ons including the launch of a new loyalty program for frequent flyers. This program will provide free upgrades such as black car service, premium catering, and first options for empty leg deals.Every client flying with Stella Jets is provided a complimentary concierge who will act on their behalf to secure their flights, car service, catering, and other speciality services as needed. This additional service is at no added charge to the client and is aiming to save them on time, while ensuring their travel is as carefree as possible."Time is the most valuable currency we have," insists Stella Jets CEO Tia Minzoni, "There are many premium services available in our industry, and though Stella's are some of the most robust, our main objective is to save our clients valuable time and energy." The growth in services offered by Stella Jets includes instant flight quotes directly on the company's website, an update that allows clients and customers to find and book their planes in real time. Stella Jets also offers Empty Leg Subscriptions which are free for everyone who signs up before May 1st 2023. Empty Legs are flights that are typically discounted up to 70% off regular rates. With these new systems and services, Stella Jets is making a splash as the fresh and innovative private jet service.Stella Jets hopes that this expansion will lead them into more collaborative partnerships, as they already offer access to 7,000 aircraft operators, which include aircrafts of all sizes, as well as helicopters. This exclusivity & robust offering means their business has been able to book flights at nearly any time or location, without the restrictions that are placed on most private jet companies."In the future," explains Jasmine Johnson, Executive VP of Stella Jets, "we will begin rolling out fractional ownership opportunities." This will allow for a collaborative effort between company and clients, bringing an opportunity to be a bigger part of this fast growing company that is taking the industry by storm. As they continue their expansion, Stella Jets hopes to offer Semi-Private and shared flights, as well as In Flight Celebrity Private Chef Services and Air Chauffeur Services for pets starting in 2024.The women leading Stella Jets have an inspirational story they share with young women in business and schools, as well as throughout multiple communities. They are also soon announcing a specialty scholarship program in 2025, which is yet to have details disclosed."We are not here to replace the giants in our industry," Tia Minzoni, CEO and majority owner of Stella Jets LLC, starts, "but rather to accommodate a clientele that has needs and desires that are not matched with the other companies." With a diverse, all-female team at its helm, Stella Jets is poised to bring private aviation into the next generation.About Stella JetsStella Jets is an on-demand luxury travel enterprise that caters to clients who want to fly safely, in customized luxury, and with the utmost privacy. The company is an all-female owned business, working to bring luxury to a diverse audience. For more information about Stella Jets LLC, visit their website.Tia Minzoniquotes@ stellajets.com SOURCE: Stella Jets PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 17:00:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 552 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Growing Las Vegas from the Ground Down, Pioneers in Underground UtilitiesLAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Terra Contracting, a leading Las Vegas underground utility contractor, is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary of providing high-quality services to public utilities and communities of Southern Nevada. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 96% of construction and contracting businesses do not make it to 10 years in business. From humble beginnings, Ed McSwain and his wife Laura started Terra Contracting out of the garage with a single backhoe and have literally been building Las Vegas from the ground down for three decades."Grit, determination, and Ed's sixth sense when it comes to recognizing and growing talent in our employees, has enabled Terra to grow and set the standard for innovation in the development of infrastructure, including underground utilities, structural repairs, and exploratory drilling," says Laura McSwain, Co-Founder.Terra Contracting has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of the Nevada utility sector, delivering groundbreaking work on many high-profile projects. They introduced game-changing services such as the repair of underground utility vaults which saves public and private entities millions of dollars in replacement construction costs by strengthening their structural integrity from within. And if you have ever strolled down the iconic Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, you have witnessed another of Terra Contracting's innovative solutions. They created a unique system used to repair and beautify the over 163,000 sq. ft. pedestrian walkway while restoring and extending its life bringing it back to its glittering glory.Creative problem-solving is Terra Contracting's differentiator. There is little they haven't encountered resulting in job-site problems, and the team's ability to solve these unique, complex problems is a huge asset that enables them to overcome unexpected elements that may appear on a job site at any given time. This is a priceless asset to their customers and the community.Founder, Ed McSwain expresses that, "Our family-owned service-oriented approach begins with employee growth and development and ends with customer satisfaction." "Dedication to growing our employees through continuing education and mentorship and empowering them to become leaders personally and professionally has been the principle that has perpetuated the company," says Laura McSwain, Co-Founder."We are honored to reach this milestone and to have played such an important role in the evolution of Southern Nevada over the past 30 years," says Laura McSwain. "For the next 30 years, we have multiple directions that can be expanding at the same time, so we can stay profitable and continue impacting more lives as we grow our employee base and our communities while maintaining success through the entire process," adds Justin Anderson, President/CEO.Watch some of Terra Contracting's innovative processes:Underground Vault Repair:Resurfacing The Fremont Street Experience: terracontracting.com/services/structural-resurfacing View the video "Celebrating 30 years in Business" terracontracting.com/terra-contracting-is-celebrating-30-years-of-service-and-innovation-in-southern-nevada About Terra ContractingTerra Contracting, established in 1993, licensed in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and California, is a full-service land development General Contractor performing underground utilities, geotechnical drilling, hydro excavation, fiber installation, underground vault repair, self-performing grading, paving, site concrete, and structural resurfacing. For more information, visit terracontracting.com Contact InformationApril KempIntegrated Communications & Social Media Managerakemp@ cimmp.com (702) 944-2464 x106Related Video https://vimeo.com/794704996/723d698710 SOURCE: Terra Contracting PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 00:48:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 819 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Oak Brook offers holistic pain relief techniques to help patients heal from the inside out.OAK BROOK, IL / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / The team at Oak Brook Medical Group, a leading pain management clinic in Illinois, recently discussed their approach to individualized care. The group's strategy aims to provide patients with personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. This approach is based on the idea that every patient is unique and that healthcare should be customized to address individual needs."Our goal is not only to treat your pain, but also to bring about complete recovery. By using natural methods for pain relief, there are no harmful side effects, making it safe and effective for any age group," explains the team at Oak Brook. "All of our staff members are experts in their field. For example, our pain relief physician, Dr. Wilson, is double board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Academy of Pain Medicine. With 30 years of experience in treating pain, he brings expertise in multiple modalities to our natural pain management practice." With the increasing demand for personalized healthcare and holistic options for wellness, Oak Brook Medical Group's approach is becoming more and more relevant to today's patients.Individualized Care for PatientsIndividualized care is essential because it recognizes that each patient has their own set of needs, preferences, and circumstances. Healthcare providers should tailor treatment plans to each patient to ensure they receive the best possible care."We know that every person experiences pain differently so we use an individualized approach to address your specific condition and symptoms." Individualized care has been shown to improve patient outcomes significantly. Healthcare providers can address specific health issues more effectively by tailoring treatment plans to each patient. This approach reduces the risk of adverse events and improves the patient's overall quality of life.Patients receiving personalized care are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment. They know that their care team is focused on their needs and that they aren't just another name on the list. This knowledge can lead to patients being more comfortable during treatment, thus more willing and able to communicate with their providers openly. Open communication benefits providers and patients, as it allows providers to tailor their care further based on what the patient is experiencing.Oak Brook's Holistic Approach to Pain ManagementOak Brook Medical Group offers a holistic approach to treating pain. Their center for pain management addresses both physical and emotional aspects of pain by evaluating the problem, identifying its root causes, and working with patients to implement traditional and alternative solutions."The body has its own wisdom. We help bring its natural response to pain out through holistic techniques so you can experience true relief," says the team. "We aim to heal what's wrong with your body and mind while helping you get back on track to a healthier life. Oak Brook Medical Group provides a complete continuum of care for patients experiencing pain. It's our mission to assist each patient in achieving optimal wellness through integrative medicine practices. We offer various pain solutions to help you achieve this balance." By taking this holistic standpoint to healing, Oak Brook Medical Group helps patients develop better coping mechanisms and learn how to manage their chronic pain effectively. Their therapeutic methods combine physical therapy services, chiropractic services, and therapeutic massage services with expanded knowledge of nutrition, personal fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits, so patients can take control of their health and live more actively.When the source of the pain is removed or addressed, patients will see long-lasting results to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.About Oak Brook Medical GroupOak Brook Medical Group serves the residents of Oak Brook, Illinois, and the surrounding community by providing comprehensive natural pain management care in various disciplines. Their dedicated professionals and amazing staff work diligently to ensure all patients receive the individualized care they need. With on-staff medical doctors, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, their team can comprehensively help patients find relief for various pain conditions. In addition, their staff combined is able to speak English, Spanish, and Polish, so they can truly engage with all of their patients.Oak Brook Medical Group treats patients of all ages and stages of life, including children and infants, expectant mothers, and the elderly. Their physicians and specialists commonly treat individuals who have been injured in an accident, suffer from an overuse injury, are recovering from surgery, or have another condition where severe pain is a symptom.Contact InformationPatients interested in learning more about holistic pain management can contact Oak Brook Medical Group by calling 630-317-7478 or by sending a message through their online form.Business Name: Oak Brook Medical Group, Ltd.Website: https://www.oakbrookmedicalgroup.com/ Phone Number: 630-317-7478SOURCE: Oak Brook Medical Group, Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 20:31:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 939 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Trillion Energy, Fuse Battery Metals and ARway discussing their latest news.The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives.Trillion Energy's (CSE:TCF) West Akcakoca well enters productionTrillion (TCF) has released flow test results for the West Akcakoca-1 well at the SASB gas field offshore Turkey. The company perforated the well for a total of 7 m of natural gas pay on March 24, 2023, with flow tests coming in at a rate of 5.9 MMcf/day. The Guluc-2 well is expected to enter production in the coming days. Colin Robson, VP Corporate Development, spoke with Simon Druker about the news.For the full interview with Colin Robson and to learn about Trillion, click here.Fuse Battery Metals (TSXV:FUSE) adds Nevada lithium exploration projectFuse Battery Metals (FUSE) has expanded its exploration land holdings. The new addition is a sediment-hosted lithium clay target in Nevada known as the Monitor Valley North Project. Initial surface samples returned average lithium values of 664 ppm. The company intends to complete an NI 43-101 Technical Report on the property in the near future. President and CEO Tim Fernback spoke with Simon Druker about the news.For the full interview with Tim Fernback and to learn about Fuse Battery Metals , click here.ARway (CSE:ARWY) unveils 3D digital twin floor plan technologyARway (ARWY) can now automate the creation of 3D spatial maps from 2D floor plans. This process creates a digital twin, which can be populated with an array of augmented reality experiences. Management believes the addition will serve to increase its market share of the estimated $42 billion global indoor positioning and indoor navigation market. CEO Evan Gappelberg spoke with Simon Druker about the news.For the full interview with Evan Gappelberg and to learn about ARway, click here.Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit The Power Play by The Market Herald.About The Market HeraldThe Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets.DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. Report Card is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority in any province or territory of Canada, will not be performing any registerable activity as defined by the applicable regulatory bodies and do not provide nor claim to provide investment advice or recommendations to any visitor of this site or readers of any content on or originating from themarketherald.ca . Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities and/or commodities and/or commodity futures contracts in certain underlying companies mentioned in this site and which may also be clients of Market Herald's affiliates. In such instances, Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees will use all reasonable efforts to avoid engaging in activities that would lead to conflicts of interest and Market Herald and/or its affiliates will use all reasonable efforts to comply with conflicts of interest disclosures and regulations to minimize any conflict. All the information on this document and/or the website - themarketherald.ca - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Report Card does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this document and/or website ( themarketherald.ca) is strictly at your own risk. Report Card will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information.CONTACT:The Market Heraldmarketing@ themarketherald.ca SOURCE: The Market Herald PR-Inside.com: 2023-03-28 16:01:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 372 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 National Survey Data Provide Insights for Improving the Industry to Better Meet Patients' Diverse NeedsDENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Veriheal today revealed findings from its annual Medical Cannabis Preference Report, a yearly analysis that explores the health goals and preferences of U.S. medical cannabis patients using segmented survey data. The 2022 report analyzed the relationship between generations and cannabis consumption methods to better understand varying health objectives across age groups.Veriheal collaborated with members of NORML, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and the University of California, Los Angeles to compile the report, which gathered information from 200,000 anonymized adult patients who signed up for an appointment with a medical cannabis doctor using Veriheal's platform in 2022. Upon registering with Veriheal, patients answered assorted questions regarding their medical needs and cannabis use.Findings show that baby boomers and Generation X mostly prefer edibles (63%), followed closely by cannabis flower (61%). Contrarily, millennials and Generation Z demonstrated a strong preference for flower (79%) as well as more interest in concentrates than the older generations. Older patients primarily reported using cannabis for chronic pain (58%), while the most common condition reported by younger patients was trouble sleeping (64%)."Veriheal is committed to helping the medical cannabis industry better serve all patients with the aid of data-driven intelligence," said Anthony Dutcher, Veriheal CMO.The study also assessed whether state cannabis legalization status plays a role in patient product preferences. While no major differences were spotted between states with differing cannabis laws, additional research points to product availability and advertising practices as factors in patient preferences.For a deep dive into the findings, view the full report here.About VerihealVeriheal is a healthcare technology company that is the largest facilitator of medical marijuana cards in the nation. Its mission is to educate and advocate on behalf of patients and secure their safe access to regulated medical cannabis products. The company has a culture of open communication and transparency with its clients and operates as a concierge service to ensure HIPAA-compliant connections between patients and physicians via its proprietary platform. Visit veriheal.com for more information.Media Contact Information:Anthony Dutcher833-663-7284 Ext. 4hello@ veriheal.com https://www.veriheal.com/contact-us/ and select the Press/Media optionSOURCE: Veriheal Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Many of the 28 governorship elections that were held on 18 March were decided on the basis of local power rotation or zoning arrangements in the state. But in Katsina State, the declaration of Dikko Radda and Lawal Jobe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Katsina States governor-elect and deputy governor-elect respectively, means that the northern senatorial zone of the state has again failed in its long quest to take either of the top two positions. Instead, the senatorial district, otherwise known as Daura zone and where President Muhammadu Buhari was born, will again contend itself with the office of Speaker of the state House of Assembly, which the zone has consistently occupied since 1991. Most of the times, the position of Head of Civil Service has also gone to the zone. The two slots have eluded us for years and we deserve to get a shot at any of the two, Aminu Doguru, 35, a political analyst from the zone, told PREMIUM TIMES. While the positions of State House of Assembly Speaker and Head of Civil Service are also considered influential, the governors office remains the most sought after. Though there is no written or verbal agreement, many residents believe power should rotate among the three senatorial zones of the state. But in many other northern Nigerian states, power rotates among emirates and not senatorial zones. This may be one of the reasins for the situation of the Katsina North Senatorial district. The 12 local government areas in the district are split between the Daura and Katsina emirates. Its something that we thought only concerned the elites and politicians. But with every passing day, we now see it (rotation) as important because. In most cases, it is only when someone from your zone or local government area is the governor that you get to enjoy the dividend of democracy, Lawal Zangon-Daura, a retired civil servant, who began his service in the old Kaduna State before being moved to Katsina State service after the creation of the state in 1987, said. Political analysts also blame lack of unity among the 12 local government areas of the zone and lack of seriousness in putting forward the right candidate among other factors as reasons why the zone is yet to produce a governor. Daura zone With its headquarters in the ancient city of Daura, the northern senatorial district has 12 local government areas namely Daura, Sandamu, MaiAdua, Zango, Baure, Dutsi, Mashi, Mani, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kusada and Kankiya. However, the zone has produced several political leaders in the state and the country. It has produced top political, military and civil servants. Muhammadu Bashar, who later became the Emir of Daura, was a minister of economic planning in the defunct Northern Region under Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna Sokoto) as premier in the 1960s. The zone has also produced two military state administrators. Sani Ahmed, a police officer, was governor of Yobe State in 1991 and Habu Daura, also a police officer, was administrator of Bayelsa State in 1997. A certain Muhammadu Buhari, a retired military general, was head of state and is the incumbent president of Nigeria. He is one of the most prominent politicians from the state. Hadi Sirika, current minister of Aviation, Sani Zangon-Daura, former agriculture minister, Zakari Ibrahim former director general of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency and Lawal Daura, former director general of the State Security Service are all from the zone. Despite the status of President Buhari, his zone keeps failing in its quest to produce a governor for Katsina State. While Mr Buhari was seeking to be Nigerias president from 2003 to 2015, it would be safe to say he forgot about the clamour by some residents for his zone to produce governor. While some political pundits said Mr Buhari is aloof to local politics, others noted that the president is not resident in Daura as he had lived most of his life in Kaduna. It is on record that the president only started frequenting his home town of Daura after he became president. I believe he is always looking at the national stage. His concentration has been the country and not Katsina or even a single zone, a political analyst, Jamilu Abdussalam, a senior lecturer at the Ummaru Musa Yaradua University, told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Abdussalam said it is obvious the president has not shown much interest in the struggle because some of his top associates from the zone tested the water but withdrew when it became obvious the president might not give them the required support. People like Hadi Sirika, he has been with the president and nursed the ambition to be governor but withdrew because he and the others close to Buhari know and understand that he doesnt attach emphasis to the zonal quest. Background From 1992 to date, the Katsina central district (Katsina Zone) has produced three civilian governors, while the southern district (Funtua zone) has produced one. The two zones have 11 local government areas each while Daura has 12, making the states total 34 LGAs. In 1992, Saidu Barda from the central zone was governor while Abdullahi Garba Aminci from the southern zone was his deputy. Ummaru Yaradua also from the central zone served as governor from 1999 to 2007. His deputy from 1999 to 2003 was Tukur Jikamshi from the southern zone while Abdullahi Garba-Aminci served in the office from 2003 to 2007. READ ALSO: Ibrahim Shema, also from the central zone, was the governor also for two terms from 2007 to 2015. Surajo Damarri (2007-2011) from the southern zone served as Mr Shemas deputy in his first term while Abdullahi Faskari, also from the southern zone, served in the position in the second term from 2011-2015. After series of agitations for power to shift from the central district, Aminu Masari from the southern zone clinched the seat in 2015. His deputy from 2015 to date has been Mannir Yakubu from the central zone. While the central and southern zones were enjoying the top two positions, the Daura zone was producing the Speaker, starting with Usman Bala (from Zango) in 1992. From 1999 to 2003, Sani Fago (from Sandamu) headed the Assembly while Kabir Kofa (Kusada) was the Speaker from 2003 2007. Yau Umar (from MaiAdua) headed the House for two terms 2007 2015, followed by Aliyu Muduru (from Mani) who was the Speaker from 2015 to 2017 after which Abubakar Yahaya (from Kusada) served from 2017 to 2018. The current Speaker from Zango, Tasiu Maigari, was elected in 2018. The quest goes on In every election circle, politicians from the zone declare interest in the governorship seat or to serve as running mate but it has been the same story. In the build up to the 2023 general elections, Abdukarim Dauda-Daura, a retired police commissioner, ran for the APC ticket but failed. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the election, Ibrahim Zakari from Mashi, is also from the zone but his performance at the poll was dismal. Daura zone needs to help itself because the other zones will not give them the two slots just like that. Are they (Daura zone) really agitating for this power shift, because when you look at the gubernatorial candidates from the zone, you will have no option than to believe they are not serious in the fight for power shift, Saifullahi Kuraye, a political analyst, who said he does not believe in power rotation, said. The notion that the zone has never produced a strong candidate is not held by only Mr Kuraye. Several pundits, including residents of the district, believe that with the right candidates, the Daura zone will produce a governor. It is not as if we dont have influential politicians in the zone but they are just not serious when it comes to fighting for the governors seat, Mr Zangon-Daura, the retired civil servant said. We can match Katsina zone when it comes to influential and strong persons. We are better than Funtua zone in that regard but it seems they are more organised than us. In 2011 when the incumbent governor, Mr Masari, contested for the seat under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), his deputy, Ahmed El Marzuq, the current APC national legal adviser, is from Daura zone. The ticket was soundly defeated by the PDPs Mr Shema with 1,029,912 to the CPCs 555,769 votes. Despite the defeat, several political watchers said that was the first and only time Daura zone tried getting into the top positions. However, Ahmad Ganga, a member of the APC who is also from the zone, argued that lack of unity among the 12 local government areas of the zone makes it difficult for the zone to produce a governor or deputy. Five of the current local government areas in the zone. Daura, MaiAdua, Sandamu, Zango and Baure are in Daura Emirate and constitued Daura local government area in old Kaduna State. But the other seven local government areas are under Katsina Emirate traditionally despite being in Daura (northern) senatorial zone. The areas are Mani, Bindawa, Mashi, Dutsi, Kankia, Kusada and Ingawa. First of all, the 12 local government areas are not united. Those five LGAs from Daura Emirate think they have the edge to decide what happens in Daura Zone, whereas the seven LGAs from Kastina emirate feel more inclined towards Katsina Zone. Secondly, the powerful politicians from Daura Zone, as you rightly put it, are not good at negotiating for power. That is why they always come second or third at the primaries. The third factor is incumbency. They (the sitting governors) always want to install their puppet, who they will control after they leave office, Mr Ganga said. Mr Doguru, the political scientist, corroborated Mr Gangas take on lack of unity among the people of the zone. When you look at it, in every election circle, you will hear and see us (Daura zone) agitating for power shift but when someone from the area decides to contest, we will refuse to vote for him. In this 2023 election, somebody (Abdulkareem Dauda Daura) contested for the APC ticket but he got only seven votes. It meant even the delegates from his immediate local government area (Daura) did not vote for him. We are not united and without that unity, we will not make it to the two top positions in the state, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Today's announcement is consistent with the Board of Directors' (the "Board") governance plan as announced in November 2022, when Mr. Keppler stepped down from his role as Chairman and CEO of Enviva to address a heart condition. With Mr. Keppler's recovery and rehabilitation following heart surgery well underway, he is returning to the Company to support his co-founding partner and CEO, Thomas Meth. As Executive Chairman, in cooperation with Mr. Meth, Mr. Keppler is expected to help drive strategic corporate initiatives, growth, and interaction with key capital markets and financial stakeholders. "I am very happy to welcome John back to Enviva. With his two decades of executive and Board leadership, he will help take our incredible enterprise to the next level and deliver on its potential. He is deeply respected by the Board, our management team and associates, and our key financial partners, and we are thrilled to see him rejoin the Company in good health," said Thomas Meth, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As our CEO for nearly 18 years, John led the Company's growth from our humble beginnings as a small start-up to a highly valued publicly traded, global enterprise. I look forward to working closely with him in his new capacity as Executive Chairman," Meth continued. "As I shared in November, Thomas, the Board, and the leadership team are executing a proven model and business strategy to create significant value for all of our stakeholders. I look forward to rejoining my colleagues in this new leadership capacity to help Enviva unlock the tremendous opportunities inherent in our business," said Keppler. "Most immediately, I look forward to seeing many of our equity and debt investors at our upcoming investor day in April, and to reengaging consistently and frequently with our financial stakeholders thereafter." Ralph Alexander, who has been a member of the Board since 2013 and led the original private equity investment in Enviva in 2010, will transition to Lead Independent Director effective April 1, 2023, and will focus on supporting the business' operational excellence and continue to serve as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. "We are incredibly thankful for Ralph's support and leadership over the last few months as we transitioned and navigated through a pivotal time, not just for Enviva, but also for our industry and the global energy landscape," added Meth. "I am delighted that we'll continue to benefit from his expertise and leadership as Lead Independent Director," concluded Meth. Mr. Meth, Mr. Keppler, and Mr. Alexander each participated in the Company's recently announced - and now closed - PIPE transaction which yielded aggregate net proceeds of approximately $246 million to the Company. The PIPE was led by affiliates of Enviva's two largest stockholders, Riverstone Holdings LLC and Inclusive Capital Partners, and included BTG Pactual as well as members of the Board and of Enviva's management. For more information about this transaction, refer to the Company's March 1st announcement here. About Enviva Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA) is the world's largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source produced by aggregating a natural resource, wood fiber, and processing it into a transportable form, wood pellets. Enviva owns and operates ten plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 6.2 million metric tons per year in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, and is constructing its 11th plant in Epes, Alabama. Additionally, Enviva is planning to commence construction of its 12th plant, near Bond, Mississippi. Enviva sells most of its wood pellets through long-term, take-or-pay off-take contracts with primarily creditworthy customers in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan, helping to accelerate the energy transition and to defossilize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, lime, chemicals, and aviation. Enviva exports its wood pellets to global markets through its deep-water marine terminals at the Port of Chesapeake, Virginia, the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and from third-party deep-water marine terminals in Savannah, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, and Panama City, Florida. To learn more about Enviva, please visit our website at www.envivabiomass.com. Follow Enviva on social media @Enviva. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Enviva disclaims any duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Enviva cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Enviva. Actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact Enviva's expectations and projections can be found in Enviva's periodic filings with the SEC. Enviva's SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. A civil society organisation, OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative (OAI), has said 63 per cent of voters that participated in the recent state assembly elections voted for candidates based on party affiliation and previous choices of presidential and governorship candidates. It also said 61.35 per cent of voters cast their ballot in the National Assembly elections based on party affiliation and choice of presidential candidates. This was contained in a report, titled Consolidated Report on the 2023 State Assembly Elections, released by the organisation on Sunday. The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) conducted the assembly and the governorship elections on 18 March. While the assembly elections were held in the 36 states of the federation, the governorship was conducted in 28 states. An aggregated 63% of the respondents our trained observers spoke with, made their voting choice based on factors such as party affiliation (34.28%), previous choice of a presidential candidate (5.38%), governorship candidate (3.97%), the report signed by the Executive Director of OAI, Oke Epia, said. The organisation also said while 81.59 per cent of sampled voters that participated in the election across the country had prior knowledge of the candidates, only 37.39 per cent of them voted for these candidates based on individual merits. On the National Assembly elections held earlier on 25 February, OAI said 61.35 per cent of voters cast their ballot based on party affiliation and choice of presidential candidates. 61.35% of voters made their voting choices at the Senate and House of Representatives elections based on party affiliation and choice of presidential candidates, the report stated. Voter suppression, low turnout The report also detailed cases of voter suppression and punctuality by electoral officials and vote buying. OAI said in terms of punctuality, there was an improvement during the governorship and houses of assembly elections. In the area of punctuality on the part of polling officials and opening of polling units, there was a marked improvement from the National Assembly polls, where only 61.34% of the polling units opened on time. 84.29% of the polling units sampled opened on time in line with INECs guidelines for polls to open at 8:30 am. The average time of arrival and opening of polling units generally stood at 9:00 am in many parts of the country. READ ALSO: There were, however, large reports of low voter turnout resulting from voter intimidation by thugs, political party agents and voter apathy linked to the perceived mismatch of voting and results announced in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The issue of voter suppression was flagged, especially as thugs disrupted voting and deployed violent intimidation to prevent voters from coming to cast their vote in some areas in Lagos, Oyo, Nassarawa, and Imo, among others. Similarly, there were reported cases of vote trading by political party agents in states like Cross River, Adamawa, Ogun, Ondo and Imo. Particularly in Imo, there were some cases of systematic vote-buying. It is our hope that this finding on the bandwagon effect will raise the much-needed awareness and sensitisation among stakeholders in the democratic project and attract more attention to the legislature before, during and after post-elections to facilitate improved service delivery by this most critical arm of government at the state level, the report said. Methodology On the methodology used to gather its data, the organisation said it deployed observers in over 300 of the 993 state constituencies across the country during the state elections on 18 March. It said the observers collected the data by speaking with voters. OAI stated that it carefully recruited, empowered and deployed hundreds of active citizens from its citizen legislative accountability programme. In addition, OAI said it set up a Situation Room for the State Assembly elections with the objective of observing a possible bandwagon trend in the legislative elections, as well as ascertaining compliance of the election management body- the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders with the electoral law and INEC guidelines. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. A Magistrate Court in Owerri, Imo State, has granted bail to four sisters who were hurriedly arraigned and remanded in prison in the state under controversial circumstances. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the sisters were arrested earlier this month, alongside their brother, Solomon Ohadoma, and a yet-to-be-identified resident over a civil case. They were hurriedly arraigned and sent to prison within hours while being denied access to a lawyer. Their parents were not aware of the arraignment. Arrest and hurried arraignment Some police officers went to a compound where the family is living, ostensibly to arrest Mr Ohadoma who allegedly seized a mobile phone from a yet-to-identified man in the area who was indebted to him. The officers arrested Mr Ohadoma, and his four sisters as well as a resident who was filming the officers while they were beating one of the sisters. The five siblings and the resident were hurriedly arraigned in the Magistrate Court, Owerri and remanded in Owerri Correctional Centre on 10 March. PREMIUM TIMES observed that the arrest of the suspects, their arraignment and their movement to the prison happened in less than 24 hours. Bail of the four sisters and the resident The court hearing on the matter was fixed for 5 April but was rescheduled to 22 March following appeals by the suspects family. The case was, however, stalled afterwards because of the magistrates absence on the rescheduled date, this newspaper learnt. Another date 29 April was fixed for the case. Benjamin Ohadoma, a brother to the suspects, told PREMIUM TIMES that their mother broke down in tears at the courtroom, complaining that the adjourned date was too long. As a result, the court clerk quickly phoned the magistrate and later announced that the matter would be heard the next day, which was 23 March. At the resumed hearing, the magistrate granted bail to the four sisters but refused their brothers bail application. The resident was granted bail. Mr Ohadoma, whose bail application was rejected by the magistrate, was charged with alleged robbery, assault against police officers, conspiracy and disturbance of public of peace, while his sisters were charged with alleged assault against police officers, their family said. The hearing has been adjourned till 29 April, and Mr Ohadoma is likely to remain in the prison facility till then. I spoke with him yesterday. He was complaining of poor nutrition in prison and many other issues, Mr Ohadomas brother, Benjamin, told PREMIUM TIMES. Background One of the embattled sisters, Ms Ohadoma, 9 March, raised an alarm that her 29-year-old brother, Mr Ohadoma, was being molested by some police officers. Please, I need help, this police officer is shooting at my brother in broad daylight, she said in the Twitter post, which was accompanied by a video clip of the incident. In the 15-second clip, some gun-wielding police officers were seen beating up Mr Ohadoma. While sympathisers attempted to shield the victim from the beating, one of the officers appeared to be threatening them the sympathisers and cocking his rifle. You are releasing bullet on my own brother, Ms Ohadoma was heard yelling at one of the officers in a mixture of Igbo and English languages. Ms Ohadoma, in a separate Twitter post, narrated how the incident started. She said her brother, a building engineer, was contracted to handle a project which he completed. But the yet-to-be-identified man who contracted her brother reportedly refused to pay him after he had completed the project. She said a few days after he promised to transfer the money to her brothers bank account, the man directed him to another person whom he said would pay him the money. But the person also failed to pay the money, according to Ms Ohadoma. Frustrated, Mr Ohadoma went back to the man the debtor and grabbed his phone, insisting he would only return it when his money had been paid to him. Ms Ohadoma said some of the mans friends warned her and her brother to return the phone because the man has connections with the police in the state and was likely going to use the police against them. The debtor, subsequently, invited the officers to arrest Mr Ohadoma, accusing him of stealing his phone. But when the officers allegedly began to beat Mr Ohadoma, his siblings the four sisters and the sympathisers attempted to shield him from the beating. The officers, consequently, arrested Mr Ohadoma and his four sisters and the resident for assault and hastily charged them to the Magistrate Court Owerri which remanded them in the prison. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. President Muhammadu Buhari met behind closed doors with Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Mr Kalu revealed that he officially informed the president of his intention to run for the position of Senate President. According to him, if the position is zoned to the South-east by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) it will stimulate peace in the country. Mr Kalu, one-time governor of Abia, argued that though the zone might not have voted for Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, at the recently concluded presidential election, making him the Senate President would bring peace and honour to the country. Mr Kalu equally disclosed that he discussed the stability of the ruling party with the president. According to him, he suggested to the president to take over the position of the chairman of the APC Board of Trustees (BoT) immediately after handing over to the President-elect on 29 May. The party should bring back our Board of Trustees or something that looks like it so that Mr President will be Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party so that every four or five months, he will come and see how the party is doing. We cannot just leave the party empty, it was done in the young days of the APC so that the president will still be part of the conscience of the party. We will have somebody to run to when we have problems in the party because it was just God that saved our party, that is the truth. God saved our party because the quarrel inside the party was so much, the rancour is so much. Its just God that saved this party. So, we need a man like President Buhari to be aside, every three, four months, well go and drag him from Daura and he will settle party matters, well put him back, he goes back there and continues looking after his cattle and rice, and all the rest of them. Im not yet ready to look after my palm kernel, I have more time to go before I start going to look after my palm kernel, he said. The senator noted that the ruling party was faced with serious crises before the just concluded general elections, adding that Mr Buharis interventions saved the APC from going under. He, therefore, urged the president not to totally retire from politics but take over the leadership of the ruling party at the highest level to give direction. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Arthur Egwim, a member of the Imo State House of Assembly, is dead. Mr Egwin, who represents Ideato North Constituency in the state assembly, died after an unsuccessful surgery in Lagos State, south-west Nigeria. The lawmaker was first elected into the assembly in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, before defecting to the Action Alliance, another political party, where he was reelected in 2019. He was the House of Representatives candidate for Ideato North & South Federal Constituency in Imo State under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance in the just concluded 2023 general elections. But he lost in the exercise. Mr Egwin, a lawyer, fell ill recently and was booked for a surgery in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State, where he later died. READ ALSO: NLC suspends strike in Imo The Speaker of ouImo State Hse of Assembly, Emeka Nduka, confirmed the lawmakers death in a statement on Tuesday. Mr Nduka described the deceased as one of the finest brains among the 27 lawmakers. The Speaker said the lawmaker died on Monday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed its Deputy National Chairman, Umar Damagum (North), as its acting national chairman. Mr Damagun takes over from Iyorchia Ayu, who was barred by a Benue Court on Monday from parading himself as the partys national chairman. This was contained in a statement by the PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, acknowledged the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the chairmanship position of our great party. After a careful consideration of the Court Order and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagun assumes the National Chairmanship of our great Party in acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and united at this critical time. W.I. Kpochi, a judge of the Benue High Court, Makurdi, had on Monday issued an interim injunction restraining Mr Ayu from parading himself as the partys chairman. He issued the order following an ex parte application brought by a member of the party in the state, Terhide Utaan. The order came a day after Mr Ayu was suspended by his ward, Igyorov Ward, in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State. The Ward Secretary, Vangeryina Dooyum, who announced Mr Ayus suspension, said the national chairman worked against the success of the PDP in the ward. He also blamed Mr Ayu for the partys abysmal outing in the 18 March governorship and state assembly election in Benue State. Mr Dooyum stated that close allies of the embattled national chairman worked against the PDP thus making the APC to secure victory in the elections. Reacting to his suspension, the national chairman, in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Simon Imobo-Tswan, described the action as an exercise in futility. He stated that only the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) could order his suspension. The purported suspension is, therefore, an exercise in futility as it derives its strength majorly from gross illiteracy, ignorance, gambling and desperation. It has only mischief, drama and propaganda value, the statement said. The ward suspended Mr Ayu barely three days after the PDP NWC referred Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, to a partys disciplinary committee for alleged anti-party activities. Apart from Mr Ortom, the party, on the same day, Friday 24 March, suspended other prominent members, including a former Senate President, Pius Anyim; former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, and former Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shema. The party had recently expelled a former governor of Enugu State and serving senator, Chimaroke Nnamani, for alleged anti-party activities. It also suspended and expelled other members in Imo and Ekiti, including Mr Fayoses son, Oluwajomiloju. The battle with G-5 Governors Mr Ortom is a member of the G-5 Governors who have been demanding the resignation of Mr Ayu from office. Other governors in the group led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, are Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). They asked Mr Ayu to resign to pave way for a southerner to lead the PDP since its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, hails from the north as the national chairman. Mr Ayu, however, repeatedly rebuked the governors and vowed not to quit having been elected for a four-year term. The main opposition went into the recent general elections in that state of division. It did not only lose the presidential election to the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu, but also lost the governorship and two senatorial seats in Benue, the home state of the national chairman. READ ALSO: Ayus an evil that befell PDP Nnamani Mr Ortom who was the PDP candidate for Benue North West Senatorial District, was one of those who lost the election. The governor, it was learnt, blamed his loss on the national chairman, who also hails from the senatorial district. A few days before the election, he had declared support for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he was the best person to lead the country at this point. There are indications that other members of the G-5 Governors did not work for Atiku during the electioneering. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Marketers and other groups in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum industry have said that fuel prices in Nigerias may hit N750 per litre as the Nigerian government plans to remove petroleum subsidy. The marketers made the disclosure at an online workshop titled; Deregulation of the Nigerian Downstream Sector: The Day After. The workshop was organised by groups within the petroleum sector, in collaboration with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA). The downstream actors, in conjunction with economic policy analysts and relevant government agencies, also outlined strategies and measures that should be deployed to ensure the sustainable removal of petrol subsidy. In January, Nigerias Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, said that it will be more appropriate for the government to begin the implementation of its fuel subsidy policy in the second quarter of the year. The minister noted that the country needs to exit the fuel subsidy regime because it is a very significant contributory factor to revenue loss. Deliberation Speaking at the workshop, Chinedu Okoronkwo, the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketer Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), represented by the associations National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi, revealed that the marketers were in support of the governments plan to embark on full deregulation of the downstream sector. Mr Okoronkwo warned Nigerians to prepare to pay up to N750 for every litre of petrol after the full implementation of the subsidy removal. He noted that the projected pump price was likely to drop to around N500 if the government encouraged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide foreign exchange for marketers at the official rate. He urged the government to channel expected savings from subsidy removal to the provision of palliatives for the masses. He, however, advised the government to be alert and sensitive to resentment from Nigerians. Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lawal Othman, said that the full deregulation of the downstream sector and complete removal of petrol subsidy would introduce a mix of opportunities and challenges into the operating environment. In his goodwill message, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said the authority would allow a free market-pricing regime to prevail in the petroleum marketing business in the country once the sector was fully deregulated. Taiwo Oyedele, the fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader at PwC, urged the government and the regulators to identify potential pitfalls that could trigger resentment from citizens before, during, and after the removal of the petrol subsidy. Mr Oyedele said deliberate public sensitisation, industry engagement, and collaboration with civil society organisations were needed to aid public buy-in during the implementation of full deregulation by the government. He added that in the course of implementation of the policies, the governments interpretation of its strategy must be issue-based and not confrontational. Participants at the workshop included representatives of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Others were NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and CITAC Africa, among others. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. A year after terrorists attacked an Abuja Kaduna bound train leading to the death of nine passengers and abduction of several others, the Kaduna State government said it still had in its custody 16 bags and other items belonging to the passengers. The items, according to the state Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, have not been claimed. As of the time of this update, 16 bags remain unclaimed, along with an assortment of loose belongings including prayer mats, books and clothing items, Mr Aruwan said. He, however, said other passengers have collected their luggage from both the state government and the Nigerian Army. In a statement titled, Kaduna state government accounts for items belonging to victims of AK9 train attack, the commissioner said on the 30 of March 2022, the state government handed over 100 items of luggage and several loose items by the troops engaged in the rescue of the passengers Also supplied was a detailed inventory of records confirmed that nine victims had already collected their belongings directly from the 1 Division Headquarters. Consequently, the Kaduna State Government can now report that between 3rd April and 17th November 2022, 62 persons (victims of the attack or their relatives) came forward to claim 94 items of luggage containing a range of personal items. Other loose belongings identified and retrieved from the Kaduna State Government by their owners include certificates, documents, passports, car and house keys, cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and their accessories, books, perfumes, as well as clothing and jewellery items, he said. While reiterating the state governments commitment to keeping the remaining luggage safe, Mr Aruwan asked passengers or their families to reach out to the ministry for the items. The Kaduna State Government will continue to maintain detailed records of all items collected, including the contact details of victims or their representatives. The window is still open for the collection of the remaining items at the Ministry, he said. A group of terrorists with alleged ties to the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) had on the 28th of March 2022 derailed an Abuja Kaduna train around Kasarami area of Kaduna State. The terrorists used an explosive device to derail the train after which they started shooting at the passengers. Nine people were killed while over 60 were abducted with several others wounded. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The House of Representatives has asked the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to allow final-year students from war-torn Ukraine to write the councils assessment examination. The House also asked the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commissions (NUC) to accommodate Nigerian students from Ukraine. These resolutions were taken by the House following the consideration of the report of the House Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, Health Institutions, and Foreign Affairs. The committees were given the mandate to intervene in June 2023 following the adoption of a motion moved by Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP, Kogi). The committees were given the mandate eight months ago. Background The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which started on 24 February, 2022 led to the disruption of lives and activities in Ukraine including education. Millions of people have been displaced in Ukraine. Nigerian government evacuated its citizens from the country. Over 1,000 evacuees arrived from Ukraine in March 2022most of them were students. Many of the students have been undergoing online classes in their Ukrainian universities while others have had their education stalled. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the MDCN in 2022 announced that it will not accept Ukrainian certificates issued during the war because it does not recognise online studies for medical students. The council advised the affected medical students to continue their education in Nigerian universities. House recommendations Presenting the synopsis of the report, the Chairman House Committee on Tertiary Education, Aminu Suleiman (APC, Kano), said the concerned agencies must reconsider their position on the Nigerian students. He noted that taking action that will not cause harm to the students must be considered in the spirit of nation-building. Mr Suleiman warned that measures to be taken should be done with a human face and should not be injurious to the students. The House resolved that the MDCN should in the spirit of nation-building, reconsider its position and allow the Ukrainian Medical Graduates of 2022 in the 6th and final year to write the MDCN assessment examination just like Ghana and India did for their graduates; The committee also resolved that MDCN should organise remedial course(s) for 3 to 4 months or for a short period for students that have deficits. Furthermore, the House asked students in students in levels one to five should approach universities of their choice and apply to be absorbed. The Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, who chaired the Committee of the Whole, urged Mr Suleiman and other relevant committees to use their influence to ensure compliance with the recommendations. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, says the transition process to hand over to the new elected government is on course. Mr Mustapha, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a news conference to brief journalists on the updates of the transitional process since the committee was inaugurated. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government on 14 February inaugurated a 22-man Presidential Transition Council ahead of the 2023 handover to the incoming government. The transition process is on course and all efforts are being made to ensure that it is smooth and on 29 May, there would be peaceful formal transfer of power to the new president-elect. According to him, the process of interface is necessary so as to keep Nigerians abreast of developments, build inclusiveness and lay a solid foundation for peaceful transition of power in the country. The Presidential Transition Council which was inaugurated on February 14 is made up of 24 members which includes two persons from the President-Elects team. After the declaration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the President-Elect, the PTC requested him to nominate his representatives on the council as provided in the Executive Order. The President-elect nominated His Excellency, Atiku Bagudu, the Governor of Kebbi State and Chief Olawale Edun both of whom have since joined the process actively. Answering questions on any interference owing to the ongoing court proceedings on election, Mr Mustapha said that litigation would not stop the transition process It is a constitutional matter and whether all the litigations concerning the election petitions are resolved or not, it will not in anyway stop the formal transfer of power on May 29. President Muhammadu Buhari is not spending a day extra after the 29th of May to handover power to whoever has been declared by the INEC. The court processes will continue and we are doing everything to ensure that the transition process is not truncated, Federal Government has issued a statement to that effect, the SGF said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja not to lift the interim forfeiture order it placed on assets linked to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. The legal team of the governor, however, argued that the interim forfeiture order violates the constitutional immunity that shields him from criminal cases. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the judge, Nicholas Oweibo, on 22 February, ordered the interim forfeiture of the assets including N400 million and 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates. The commission had said the money is reasonably suspected to have been derived from the unlawful activity and intended to be used for the acquisition of Plot No. 1224 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island Lagos.. At the resumed hearing on the case on Tuesday, EFCCs lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, informed the judge that it had published the preservation order in the Punch Newspaper as ordered. The commission said in a statement that the governors lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, appeared in court on Tuesday to challenge the interim forfeiture order, following the newspaper publication. He argued that most of the properties sought to be forfeited were acquired by Mr Bello before he became the governor of the state. He added that the commission lacked the power to proceed against the governor as he enjoys immunity under the constitution. But EFCCs lawyer, Mr Oyedepo, said the commission established in its counter-affidavit how the properties were acquired and nothing is challenging how the properties were acquired. What was deposed is that most of the properties were obtained before he became Governor of Kogi State and the properties were not acquired through illegal means. Without establishing the interest of the applicant, the application is bound to fail, he added. The judge fixed 20 April for ruling on whether or not to lift the forfeiture order on the assets. Read EFCCs statement in full EFCC Press Release EFCC Asks Court to Dismiss Gov Yahaya Bellos Application to Vacate Forfeiture Order on 14 Properties, N400m The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, urged Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos to dismiss the application by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking to vacate the forfeiture order in respect of 14 properties and the sum of N400m. The court had, on February 22, 2023, granted a preservation order of the properties linked to the Kogi State government and reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activities, pursuant to Sections 9 and 10 of the Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022. The properties including Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa lying, being and situate at, Plot 160 Municipality NO 345-7562, Sky View Building No 1, Property No 401, Floor 4, Dubai U.A.E., were reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activity. At the resumed sitting today, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN informed the court that the preservation order had been published in the Punch Newspaper, in line with the courts directive to advertise the same in one of the national dailies. Oyedepo said: We were directed to make a publication of the said Order and we have complied with the order of the court. There is an affidavit to the Order dated 22nd February, 2023, which was complied with on the 24th February, 2023. Sequel to that, we have received a notice of intention to oppose the making of the preservation order and we have equally responded. Responding, the Kogi State Governor, through his counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, sought to vacate the order of the court, saying, We have an application subject to your lordships convenience. We are ready to move the application. It was filed on March 9, 2023. The application is seeking your indulgence to vacate the order of the court made on the 22nd of February, 2023. He argued that most of the properties sought to be forfeited were acquired by Bello before he became the Governor of the state and that the Commission lacked the power to proceed against the governor as he enjoys immunity under the constitution. By virtue of the position of the applicant (Kogi State Governor), you cannot proceed against him under any law, according to Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution. If you want to prosecute or forfeit his properties, you have to wait till he no longer enjoys those benefits of a Governor, he argued. He, therefore, urged the court to grant his clients prayers and vacate the order In opposing the application, EFCC counsel Oyedepo relied on depositions in the 12-paragraph counter-affidavit and a written address dated 28 March, 2023, stating that the applicant failed to reply to the counter-affidavit made by the prosecution. In Usman against Garke, it was reported in 2003, LPLR 3431, Supreme Court, and our submission is that failure to reply to the counter-affidavit has a single legal consequence that the respondents are agreeing to the application. We urge your lordship to hold that the failure to respond is deemed admitted. We have cited authorities to this effect, one of which is Patience Jonathan and the FGN, in paragraph 1.08 of our submission. The Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 prescribes the mode of challenging the preservation order of the court and the steps to be taken by the party challenging the making of the preservation order. Oyedepo submitted that one of the requirements that the application must contain is that the applicant must show his interest in the property concerned. Apart from Paragraph 4H and I of the affidavit in support of the notice of intention, there is nothing before this Honourable court showing, by way of credible evidence, how the properties were acquired. In our counter-affidavit, we have established how the properties were acquired and there is nothing challenging how the properties were acquired. What was deposed is that, most of the properties were obtained before he became Governor of Kogi State and the properties were not acquired through illegal means. Without establishing the interest of the applicant, the application is bound to fail. On the immunity clause as contained in Section 308 of the 1999 constitution, Oyedepo said: the Provision of S308 will not and cannot be construed to a ridiculous extent of preventing the state from investigating the beneficiary of the section. As far back as 2002, in the case of Fawehinmi and IGP, the court mentioned that a person protected under S308 can be investigated; and the fact that someone is under immunity does not prevent the state from investigating. Where a state governor is reasonably suspected to have committed a financial crime, the state can investigate for evidence that will be used in prosecution when he no longer enjoys the immunity. Oyedepo also argued that the steps the prosecution was taking is a step for preservation and it cannot be stopped. He further told the court that, out of the entire assets that the EFCC seeks to preserve, only one asset was declared in the applicants Declaration of Assets Form and that nothing had been said in the affidavit to challenge the reasonability of our suspicion. He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the prayers of the applicant and order him to tell the court how the properties were acquired. Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter till April 20, 2023 for ruling. Wilson Uwujaren Head, Media & Publicity 28/ 03/2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Construction begins this week on the newest wind energy resource that will support SRP's power grid and customers in the Valley. The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, a 161-megawatt (MW) wind project, is now under construction on Babbitt Ranches property in Coconino County, north of Flagstaff. This facility is scheduled to begin delivering clean energy to SRP customers by early 2024. "SRP is proud of the diversity of our resource mix, especially among our growing portfolio of zero-carbon, clean energy resources," said Grant Smedley, Director of Resource Planning at SRP. "Utility-scale wind power at Babbitt Ranch Energy Center will complement solar resources by providing energy during evening and nighttime hours when solar energy is not available." The project will produce enough energy to power nearly 40,000 average-size homes. The project proposed by NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage, proved to be viable and operational in the timeframe needed to help meet SRP's growing customer demand by 2024. "This wind energy project will generate low-cost, homegrown energy and provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Coconino County over the life of the project," said JD Rulien, director of development at NextEra Energy Resources. "We are pleased to work with SRP, Babbitt Ranches and the Arizona State Land Department to break ground on Arizona's newest wind energy center." Construction will provide a significant economic boost to Coconino County and the state, creating up to 250 construction jobs, and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services from local vendors. The project will feature 50 wind turbines, converting energy from the wind into electricity. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources will build, own and operate the project. Over the life of the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center, it is expected to generate approximately $9.5 million in additional tax revenue to the Coconino County area. Babbitt Ranches is one of the West's longest running land companies, and has been exploring renewable energy viability in Northern Arizona since 2005, measuring wind speeds and conducting solar power evaluations. "In our efforts to support the delivery of renewable energy, we acknowledge the terrific and wonderful participation of so many businesses and government entities involved in the process to make this happen," said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. "We appreciate the valuable input from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona State Land Department, Coconino County and everyone involved in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations." SRP was the first utility in Arizona to add wind power to its energy resource mix, and still receives all energy output from the 127-MW Dry Lake Wind Power Project, which was the first large-scale wind power facility built in the state. In addition to receiving clean energy from wind, SRP will install 2,025 MW of solar by 2025, which is enough to power more than 450,000 average-size homes. SRP also has among the largest utility-scale battery investments in the Western U.S. with over 1,100 MW of battery storage projects that will be online by 2024. SRP will continue to develop and deploy evolving renewable and storage technologies safely and cost-effectively as part of the utility's commitment to reducing carbon intensity (from 2005 levels) by more than 65 percent by 2035 and 90 percent by 2050. Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has withdrawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship election primary in the state. Mr Ihedioha disclosed his decision in a letter titled notification of my withdrawal from the Imo state PDP gubernatorial primaries addressed to the party national chairman, cited by The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday. NAN reports that only Mr Ihedioha and the party National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, were screened for the party primary for the PDP ticket. Mr Ihedioha in the letter said he turned 58 on 24 March and had the cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of PDP. The former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives said that having been a member since the formation of the PDP in 1998, he aligned himself with the request made by the PDP Imo chapter to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primary. In the interest of harmony and unity of the Party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate. This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt. And I am sure many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilising for me in Imo State will be disappointed. I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorates who have over the years aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations, Mr Ihedioha said. Mr Ihedioha, who was sacked as governor in 2020 by the Supreme Court, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to him to have served in various constituencies both as a legislator and governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I made, particularly in the seven months I served as the Governor of Imo State, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Labour Party on Tuesday reduced its nomination fees for the off-circle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states from N25 million to N15 million. Julius Abure, national chairman of LP, made this known while addressing journalists after a meeting with its elected Senators and House of Representatives members in Abuja. Mr Abure said the decision was reached after consulting with the partys national leader and the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi. We have reviewed all the complaints about the high costs of nomination fees by the party in terms of nomination forms for the governorship election in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states. I am pleased to announce to you that the nomination fees have been reduced from N25 to N15 million. We have always been a listening party, we believe that this party is propelled and owned by the people. Therefore, for us, the leaders of this party, we shall always ensure that we listen to the yearnings and aspirations of our people and provide leadership by example. Mr Abure said the nomination fee paid by its aspirant in Imo State by the late Humphrey Anumudu would be refunded to his family to show leadership of compassion and empathy that the party stood for. He said LP had eight senators and 34 House of Representatives members in the just concluded elections and congratulated them on their victory. He said the party just concluded a meeting between its national leadership and the Senate and House of Representatives members elect to continue to build synergy and working relationships amongst themselves. We must put on record here that all those who were elected on the platform of the party either to the House of Representatives or as Senators are well responsible and dedicated to the party. For us to continue to provide quality leadership, we will continue to consult and we believe that they are men of integrity, they are women of high repute. I am sure they are also aware of the basis of which they were elected, they rode on the back of the people to the position where they are today, he said. Mr Abure said the party would build on the successes already recorded by the party to sustain the momentum and ensure that more Nigerians believed in the party. He said the partys legislators would provide quality leadership to the people and canvass alternative government policy as well as always identify with the cause of the people. ALSO READ: Labour Party rejects Enugu governorship election results He added that the partys desire to take back the country and redeem the country from the shackles of poverty, hunger, and unemployment among others remain undaunted. We shall continue to pursue these causes on behalf of Nigeria and we believe very strongly that the new Nigeria is still possible. We use this opportunity to make it very clear that we will go after all those who stole the mandate that was freely given to us by Nigerians on February 25th and take them over lawfully. These includes which was stolen alongside other mandates either at the level of states governorship or the level of state houses of assembly or the National Assembly. Mr Abure appreciated all Nigerians for the support the party enjoyed during the presidential, governorship and House of Assembly elections especially those who lost their lives and wished the injured quick recovery. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. It is time to reclaim Nigerias legacy of womens involvement in political leadership, to ensure that the nations governance reflects, recognises, and serves the full scope of its citizenry (regardless of gender). It is time to be bold and ambitious in raising aspirations beyond the limited horizon of a 35% representation, to rectify the gross imbalance and tap into the abundance of leadership skills and potential in Africas most populous nation. Nigerias gubernatorial elections on 18th March were the closest that the country has come to electing its first female governor. Some observers were so eager ab outthe prospect of finally achieving this milestone that they prematurely declared Aisha Dahiru Binani the new governor of Adamawa State. Conversely, last months presidential election offered little hope of delivering any victories for women in leadership. Conspicuously missing from the list of front runners was a female candidate or running mate. Indeed, Chichi Ojei was the only woman among the 18 presidential candidates. This lack of female representation pervades Nigerias political landscape. On a global scale, Nigeria ranks 141 out of 146 for Political Empowerment in the World Economic Forums 2022 Gender Gap Index (the lowest-ranked African country). Contrary to what this current situation would suggest, the premise of womens engagement in political leadership in Nigeria is not foreign but is instead firmly rooted in the historical traditions of societies throughout the nation. How did Nigeria get to this present state and what does it imply for the future? Status quo All of Nigerias 15 presidents, prime ministers, and military rulers over the past six decades since independence have been men. The only two serving female governors across the 36 states have emerged incidentally Virginia Etiaba for a few months in Anambra, following incumbent Governor Peter Obis temporary impeachment in November 2006; and Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe as acting governor of Kaduna, while incumbent Governor Nasir El-Rufai took a brief leave from office after testing positive for COVID-19 in March 2020. Less than 5% of the incoming National Assembly (NASS) members elected so far this year have been women, marking a decline to 17 from 21, out of 469 members in the preceding Ninth Assembly. The trend towards greater gender imbalance shows no signs of shifting. This time last year, the NASS rejected a set of five gender equality bills, which would have transformed womens legal rights in multiple ways, including ensuring at least 35% representation at the state and federal levels, in line with the 2006 National Gender Policy, which stipulates at least 35% representation in all governance processes, but has never been implemented. Womens representation in political appointments is equally as dismal as their presence in elected positions. Only seven women were appointed to President Buharis second cabinet of 43 ministers in 2019, a decline from the 15 women in his first cabinet. Although there has been a precedent of women in high-profile ministerial positions, these appointments have been fleeting and idiosyncratic, with no consistent commitment to enshrining gender diversity in ministerial leadership. Looking back Given the current situation and Nigerias recent political history, it is easy to presume that this extent of male dominance in political leadership has always been the case. However, the prevalence of womens leadership in the pre-colonial era has been well-established by scholars including Nwando Achebe and Oyeronke Oyewumi from female Obas, Oonis, and Alaafins in Yorubaland like Orompoto of Oyo, to Queen Bakwa Turunku, founder of Zaria city and her daughter, Queen Amina, who succeeded her in expanding the Zazzau empire. With womens political leadership came increased gender inclusion in the economy and society, more broadly. Womens rise to positions of political leadership was enabled by an acknowledgement of their entitlement to power in economic, social, cultural, and religious spheres. The British colonial administration systematically excluded women from the civil service and political hierarchies. Nonetheless, Ahebi Ugbabe emerged as a female king and warrant chief of Enugu-Ezike in that period. Her palace provided refuge for women escaping abusive spouses. Beyond Ahebi Ugbabes reign, womens activism during colonisation was a catalyst for change (most famously demonstrated by the Aba Womens War of 1929, which led to the inclusion of women in native courts and expanded womens opportunities in society). Female-led advocacy continues to drive socio-political and economic progress. For example, the #BringBackOurGirls campaign to liberate girls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants was co-founded by former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili and activist, Aisha Yesufu. Women leaders similarly played a key role in the #EndSARS movement to decry human rights abuses by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad and to call for improved governance and public accountability. Looking forward As Africas largest economy and democracy, what happens in Nigeria has substantial regional and global implications. Harnessing the power of womens political leadership will be critical for the incoming government, faced with the opportunity to set the country on a new path in addressing pressing issues such as poverty reduction, economic growth, climate change, conflict, natural resources management, pandemic preparedness, and youth disillusionment. These issues have emerged in the context of gender inequities that constrain the countrys future. UNESCO estimates that 42% of girls at the upper secondary level are out of school, compared to 37% of boys. Nigerias 2018 Demographic and Health Survey indicates that 16% of women aged 20-24 years were married before age 15, and 43% were married by age 18 (compared to 0 and 3% of men respectively). Additionally, 19% of female 1519-year-olds had begun childbearing. Nigeria scored 0 out of 100 on the parenthood indicator in the World Banks Women, Business, and the Law 2023 report, denoting that there are no laws prohibiting the dismissal of pregnant workers and there is no paid parental leave in Lagos (the main business city). Furthermore, there are no laws mandating equal pay for equal work or prohibiting gender discrimination in employment or access to credit. Only 35% of women, compared to 55.5% of men, in Nigeria have a financial account, based on the 2021 Global Financial Index data. And although over 50% of working-age women are economically active, they earn 22% to 66% less than men do, implying over US$9.3 billion in foregone earnings (according to the Nigeria Gender Innovation Lab). It is time to reclaim Nigerias legacy of womens involvement in political leadership, to ensure that the nations governance reflects, recognises, and serves the full scope of its citizenry (regardless of gender). It is time to be bold and ambitious in raising aspirations beyond the limited horizon of a 35% representation, to rectify the gross imbalance and tap into the abundance of leadership skills and potential in Africas most populous nation. Kehinde Ajayi is a Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Gender Equality and Inclusion Program at the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Poetry matters because it never fails to remind us of the common colour of the blood in our veins, the violence of hunger, the ugliness of evil, the frailty of our forests, the vulnerability of our rivers, and the sigh of our Planet. Poetry never forgets, and never ceases to remind the Future of its debt to the Past. Wherever Justice is hidden, you can trust poetry to seek and find it. For in its lyrical habitation lives our Lamp of Life. Every day of the year is World Poetry Day Let me begin by thanking the Baoa International Poetry Forum for selecting me as co-winner of the 5th Baoa International Poetry Outstanding Achievement Award. From my own little corner of our world here in Nigeria, I send a resounding Congratulation! to my fellow winner, Xu Jingya, whose poetry and other works I look forward to reading and sharing. In thus recognising us, the Baoa International Poetry Festival is not only honouring Poetry, Humanitys most exalted literary genre; it is also boosting its international outreach and capacity for building bridges and crossing boundaries. For poetry is the soulmate of music, the sister of the song. It is Humanitys long, immeasurable ballad with a stanza in every language. Its sounds may vary from language to language, but its sounding possesses the magic of memory that finds basic affinities in all tongues. That magic is also the master of motion and movement, of measured swing and seamless sway. Poetry beats the drum of language and in many cases, it is the very drum itself. Its primal communication with the human body is orchestrated by command without coercion. The ear responds to its rhyme, the body to its rhythm. In poetrys power is the charm which unwinds the wind, the sound which unsettles the conspiracy of silence. Sound and sounding. Sounding and signifying. Making statements of meaning in ways that beautify the medium and transcend the prison of quotidian existence. Words and images which travel the miles, open up frontiers, and throw Bridges of Light over gulfs of hate and darkness. Words which run errands in time and space too distant for their senders. Words that are already on the other side of night even when their authors are still battling the haze of a preceding twilight. Words which connect intimately and inter-spatially. Words which borrow their wisdom from the poem, their love from its lyric, their memory from its epic, their laughter from its sadness. Poems which follow as we lead; poems which lead wherever we follow. Chinese poetry and I found each other at the right time. My discovery of the poems of Ai Qing occurred in the early 1980s in a period when a new wave of radicalisation was sweeping through the Nigerian academia, and Nigerian literature began to respond to a liberating leftist impetus emerging from our contact with the works and practices of the likes of Marx, Lenin, and Mao Tsetung. Chairman Maos charm was particularly magical: it was both astonishing and inspiring to discover that that great leader of people was also a significant author of poems. His acute apprehension of the peoples mindscape was indivisible from his profound understanding of the landscape, and the culture from which both emerged. He was a poet of nature in the most ennobling sense of the phrase. Maos poetry prepared me for the relevance and immediacy of Aig Qings verse, his well-travelled perspective, his multidisciplinary cosmopolitanism, his borderless Humanism. And so when Ai Qing declares in that clear, deliberative tone: I shall bring light for the world I shall bring warmth for mankind he reminds me so admirably of Kuo Mo-jos confidence in the lines: The one that is all sings for joy the all that is one sings for joy (Selected Poems from The Goddess, p. 16). This love for and of Humanity, this eagerness to project beyond ones immediate place of origin and invest in the commonality of positive Humanity across the world; this image of the poet as bridge-builder and purveyor of humane values these are some of the virtues I have discovered in the poetry of Cao Shui, a member of a younger generation of contemporary poets whose verse beams ample rays on a world in need of light. The petals of Flowers of Empire are watered by the urgent rains of a thinker whose poetry invites us to see the universe anew, even as we commence an urgent reconsideration of the Blight of Babel. Poetry matters. Poetry matters immeasurably. That is why we are gathered here from different parts of the world today, in celebration of its infinite possibilities and the humanising magic of its music. It is poetrys abiding duty to make sure that the mouth of our Universe is not far from its ears, that its mind is not far from its music. Before I end this short speech, let me make a risky confession: I am one of those idealists who still believe that poetry can save the world. Maybe because many times, my own life has been saved by that belief itself. Poetry matters because it never fails to remind us of the common colour of the blood in our veins, the violence of hunger, the ugliness of evil, the frailty of our forests, the vulnerability of our rivers, and the sigh of our Planet. Poetry never forgets, and never ceases to remind the Future of its debt to the Past. Wherever Justice is hidden, you can trust poetry to seek and find it. For in its lyrical habitation lives our Lamp of Life. Poetry matters because it is Lifes pristine verse and its Ultimate Song. Niyi Osundare, one of Africas foremost poets and academics, is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of English, University of New Orleans. Acceptance Speech for the 5th Baoa International Poetry Outstanding Achievement Award, Shanghai, China; slightly modified here for the commemoration of the 2023 World Poetry Day. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. It is important for us to go back to the drawing board and put regional integration at the heart of the reconstruction of Yoruba land. To his credit, President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently advocated the resuscitation of the commodity boards for over a decade, using modern commodity exchanges. This must be a priority from day one of his presidency. In addition, I recommend that all states in the South-West waive all fees associated with laying fiber optic cables in our cities and towns. This will lead to the creation of many tech hubs and innovation centres. When the revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was compelled to write the seminal treatise What is to be done?, it was not an academic exercise, it was an existential issue. He had to flee Russia after the failed coup of 1905. Lenin was a marked man and tens of thousands of his comrades had their lives on the line. A review of strategy and tactics was not just imperative, it had become a matter of life and death. The current discussion about the ownership of Lagos and assorted issues about the direction of the Yoruba nation must be placed in the context of What is to be done? Blame trading and the hurling of brick bats and paranoia about other ethnic groups is unhelpful, as it only obscures what is now an existential issue. There are real demographic problems to contend with and this will increase exponentially in this decade, and the decades ahead. The margin of error and the space for manoeuvre is tight, as such a strategic imperative is urgently required. In an ideal world, a Durbar of the type that was held after the release of Chief Obafemi Awolowo from incarceration in 1967 will have been ideal. Such a conference will have been a review and outlook to work out a scenario projection, encompassing the immediate, short, medium, and, of course, long terms. It is however debatable whether a leadership ready to do such a review is in place. Leadership is the crucial issue, and much of the perceived problems of today originated from the lack of focus, projection, and planning. Sadly, we are not in 1967. The basis of any review must accept that for the Yoruba, the fault lies not in our stars, but in ourselves. Intellectual honesty dictates this as the starting point. Raising other ethnic groups as bogeymen completely misses the point. It is also hideous and as objectionable as the United States pro-segregation of yore, painting lurid images of African Americans as the be-all of all the problems of the world. It inferred that putting the negroes in their place would ignite President Theodore Roosevelts hope of a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. No such economic advance happens from ethnic cleansing. We have a big structural problem. It will take a structured 15-20 year plan to get out of it, and for us to avoid social cataclysm. We must admit that the Yoruba are at their weakest economic base since the signing of the treaty that ended the Yoruba civil wars. The treaty of Kiriji ushered in a reconstruction and triggered a renaissance in every aspect of our life. The economic impact is seminally preserved for all times in The Red Book of West Africa, which was published in 1925, and is now unacceptably out of print. The Red Book documents, with pictures and case studies, a Yoruba entrepreneurial dominance right across West Africa. The question that must be answered is; why was that dominance and zeal not sustained? Answering that question would begin the unravelling of the puzzle and construct the foundation for tackling the root causes of our predicament today. That renaissance triggered a massive investment by communities and families in education. This had been ongoing for decades earlier, then the trickle turned into a flood. It gave the Yoruba a huge lead in relation to other groups in West Africa. One beneficial aspect was the formation of the West African Student Union (WASU) in London in the1920s by Ladi Solanke and thirty Yoruba Law students. It was a game changing trajectory. The concept of long-term capital providers and public, private partnerships were put aside. The end result is that the Yoruba lost their competitive edge. All this went hand-in -love with the under-investment in education and access to health. The fault is not in any ethnic group but in the Yoruba leadership, which had undermined its own core values and failed to deepen its cultural values. WASU was a multidimensional powerhouse, part students union, part cooperative society, part high powered research institute, as well as elite training ground. Unfortunately, since it formally dissolved in 1960, nothing has replaced it, with predictably disastrous effects. Ladi Solanke has not been given his deserved accolades by succeeding Yoruba leadership, which tells a lot about our absence of focus and sense of history. As part of our institutional memory, the life and times of Ladi Solanke must be acknowledged in the pantheon of the greats. This must start with financial, moral, and archival support for the ongoing documentary project. Many of those who contributed to development in Yoruba land cut their teeth in WASU. WASU turned out to be a leadership development cadre, as well as moulding and mentorship system. From the system came big hitters such as H.O. Davies, QC (Queens Counsel, like our Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN); Rotimi Williams, QC; Bode Thomas; Fani-Kayode, QC; Obafemi Awolowo; S. L Akintola, etc. The organisation was pan-West Africa, as the name implied; there were students and activists from across the sub-region, such as Kwame Nkrumah, Archie Casely-Hayford, Joe Appiah from Ghana as well as Milton Margai from Sierra Leone. The organisation was programme driven, and it found inspiration in the organisational structure of the British Labour Party. The input of WASU was important, as it incorporated the main thrust of the Labour Party, such as access to health, education and welfare, out of which the Action Groups Life more abundant policy thrust was spawn. It can be said that the research of WASU aligned with the social democratic thrust of the UK Labour party. Across the nationalist movements in West Africa, WASU shifted the territory of the discourse in the direction of progressive philosophy and social democracy. The work of WASU provided the road map for the tremendous advances made by the Action Group in the Western Region. The AG government realised the debilitating effect of the short-term focused Anglo-Saxon banking model. They set up the Cooperative Bank to modernise agriculture, as well as the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC), the Western Nigeria Finance Corporation, as well as the pioneering thrust of the Investment Promotion Council. Admirably, the Western Region virtually induced the concept of public-private partnerships. Crucially, after a long battle, the public accepted the need for progressive taxation. The advance was immense. By 1961, people demonstrated against the proposed tax cuts, having accepted the efficacy of taxation, and its benefits to the society as a whole. The schism of 1962 within the AG was disruptive but nevertheless there was the endorsement that the purpose of government is to cater for the overwhelming majority of the population, and not just for a few. The policies of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) governments in the Second Republic, particularly that of Lateef Jakande, reflected this. At the time, those in government had the understanding that social and economic capital are interwoven. The low-cost housing provided by Jakande in a monthly rent-to-own basis reflected this. This was a continuation of the sixties thrust of the Lagos Economic Development Board (LEDB) and of Adeniran Ogunsanya as federal minister of Housing and Surveys. We must now face the real issue of where it all went wrong. Where It All Went Wrong The schism within the Action Group in 1962 disrupted orderly evolution and the development of a succession pattern, as well as the development of leadership. The overall development plan was also truncated. Long term plans for the transition from primary to processed value-added products were truncated, and the development of an iron and steel plant in Ijebu-Ode was and remains stalled. For example, the plan for a ban of the export of raw cocoa beans and its replacement with internal processing plants was forgotten. In contrast, Brazil took that route later, and created 400,000 jobs directly and indirectly from the processing of raw cocoa into chocolate. Made in Brazil chocolates are now available in supermarkets in Osogbo, Chicago, Paris and Liverpool. Western Nigeria would have stolen a match on Brazil. The biggest casualty was the neglect of the need to construct social capital as the route to sustainable development and the creation of an ever-increasing middle class. The monthly rent-to-own schemes pioneered by the Lagos Economic Development Board (LEDB) and extended noticeably by Lateef Jakande was disrupted. The concept of long-term capital providers and public, private partnerships were put aside. The end result is that the Yoruba lost their competitive edge. All this went hand-in -love with the under-investment in education and access to health. The fault is not in any ethnic group but in the Yoruba leadership, which had undermined its own core values and failed to deepen its cultural values. The Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) must be reintroduced. There are eminent Yoruba development experts that can chair it. We must promote the leasing of land and getting title to all family lands. Lack of land ownership will deepen the emerging structural poverty among the Yoruba. It is obvious that we are going to be demographically outgunned and without the empowerment of capital as an armour, we will lose it all. It is time for a South-West twenty-year development plan, which will be all encompassing. For example, German economic anthropologists who studied the Esusu capital mobilisation process in Ijesa land and elsewhere in Yoruba land used it as plank in the evolution of Germanys very effective and widely admired Lander (community banking) system. The norms of the past played a role in the formation of the Cooperative Bank, the marketing boards, and the structure of markets, with the rationale of inducing long-term capital providers. Did any ethnic group stop the Yoruba leadership from using the tools of economic anthropology for the purpose of capital formation and development? We can use the analytical tools of economic anthropology to investigate the structure of markets and how to modernise and infuse capital to reinvigorate markets, create shared prosperity, and make the Yoruba a dominant force again. It is not rocket science. The fault lies in ourselves. Whoever is dragging Lagos with the Yoruba is doing it from a position of advantage. Capital has not been built up and without capital no group will ever be competitive, let alone be at an advantage. It is important for us to go back to the drawing board and put regional integration at the heart of the reconstruction of Yoruba land. To his credit, President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently advocated the resuscitation of the commodity boards for over a decade, using modern commodity exchanges. This must be a priority from day one of his presidency. In addition, I recommend that all states in the South-West waive all fees associated with laying fiber optic cables in our cities and towns. This will lead to the creation of many tech hubs and innovation centres. We are all witnesses to the transformation of Yaba due to this. The benefits of taking electricity and the railroads out of the Exclusive Legislative List can only be done through regional integration instruments. The Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) must be reintroduced. There are eminent Yoruba development experts that can chair it. We must promote the leasing of land and getting title to all family lands. Lack of land ownership will deepen the emerging structural poverty among the Yoruba. It is obvious that we are going to be demographically outgunned and without the empowerment of capital as an armour, we will lose it all. It is time for a South-West twenty-year development plan, which will be all encompassing. In addition, we must encourage the creation of Credit Unions to enable our people access cheaper credit. This is the way out, not the hurling of insults. Those who luxuriated on a low skill, low income economic format for Yoruba land must accept responsibility for this debacle. Time is now, for a structured plan. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, an advocate, strategist and political analyst, is Commissioner for Information in Ondo State. Twitter: @BamideleUpfront; Facebook: facebook.com/Bamidele. BAO Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Building a City-Basin Dialogue is thus the surest way to move toward sustainable water management in Africa. Governors, mayors, and city leaders, who are closer to citizens and place-based needs, could play a more significant role in addressing the mismatch between hydrological and administrative boundaries, by contributing to water resource management within integrated basin systems. Introduction I thank the organisers for the invitation to participate in this side event at the UN 2023 Water Conference, which has been described as the most important water event in a generation. The 2023 UN Water Conference, organised after a 50-year hiatus since the first UN Water Conference was held in Argentina in 1977, is indeed an opportunity for us to raise ambition to support the attainment of SDG 6 targets in Africa by 2030 and present game-changing solutions for the multifaceted crises of too much water, such as storms and floods; too little water, such as droughts and water scarcity; and too dirty water, such as polluted water. In adequate quantity and quality, water is essential for all aspects of life and sustainable development. The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), not surprisingly, is a cornerstone goal. The achievement of clean water and sanitation is key to achieving many of the other SDGs. It is critical to sustainably managing natural resources and it is embedded in all aspects of development poverty reduction, food security, and health and in sustaining economic growth in agriculture, industry, and energy generation. Water is also recognised as a central plank of the green economy. Despite the proven benefits of investing in water for development, water security which is not only about the availability of sufficient water, but in simple terms addresses the too little, too much, and too dirty issues of water management is far from being realised in many countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered critical gaps in water and sanitation services, with serious consequences for public health. This challenge is particularly acute in Africa, which has little chance of meeting SDG-6 targets by 2030. Access to water and sanitation services is very low: 30% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa used a safely managed drinking water service by 2020, only 20% used a safely managed sanitation service, and 26% had access to hand-washing facilities. On water stress, only 6% of the renewable water resources in Sub- Saharan Africa is being withdrawn, according to SDG 6 snapshots provided by UN Waters. From drought in the Horn of Africa to floods in Sierra Leone, to water shortages in Cape Town and Bouake, so many people in Africa live every day with the damage done by too much or too little water. Growing demands driven by demographic changes and urbanisation; reduced water availability and quality, exacerbated by climate change; the potential for conflict over water resources all these issues mean Africa is on the frontlines of the water crisis. Ominously, current levels of investments are outstripped by increases in population, and the number of unserved people is rising. Poor water quality is the root cause of 70% to 80% of diseases. Every hour, an estimated 115 people die from diseases related to improper hygiene, poor sanitation, or contaminated water. Lack of access to safe water has a clear gender impact as the burden of securing water falls disproportionately on women and girls, with consequences for their income and educational opportunities. Lack of sanitation also creates specific risks for women and girls safety. While water security is key to our collective future, Africa is still deeply water-insecure. Data from the UNs first-ever assessment of water security in Africa, published by the Canada-based Institute for Water, Environment and Health in 2022, presents very sobering and worrisome results. The assessment used 10 indicators to quantify water security in Africas 54 countries and introduced five stages of water security: Emerging (a score of 0 45), slight (45 60), modest (60 75), effective (75 90), and model (90 100). While data deficiencies loomed large, not a single country is at the highest model stage of water security. Except for Egypt, all countries scored below 70. Only 13 of 54 countries were found to have a modest level of water security, while over a third of the 54 countries had an emerging level water security, representing a large gap to be closed to reach an acceptable level. Water insecurity also has links with conflicts. At the state level, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan have been engaged in a continuing fratricidal dispute over fresh water in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Water-related conflicts are also expected to increase under climate change, as droughts, which drive water scarcity, become more frequent due to erratic rainfall patterns. Communities along Lake Chad have erupted in violence as citizens battle for limited water resources. Boko Haram has waged a violent insurgent campaign since 2010; partly as a result of the drying up of Lake Chad. In the Darfur region in Sudan, access to water was part of the regional conflict and a trigger of the humanitarian emergency there. In Nigerias Middle Belt, changing rainfall patterns are limiting the grazing area of herders, who then encroach on the land of farmers. Water-related violence has been responsible for more casualties than the violent insurgency waged by Boko Haram. This conflict caused the deaths of 1,078 people between the months of January and March 2018. A major challenge has been weak governance, which exacerbates these water challenges. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) succinctly defines water governance as the range of political, social, economic, and administrative systems that are in place to develop and manage water resources, and to deliver water services at different levels of society. Many river/lake basin organisations have been put in place in Africa and Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) adopted as a new paradigm for sustainable water management at national and regional levels, but challenges abound in several countries, particularly in moving from the realm of policy to actual change on the ground. Any Role for Cities and Municipalities? While in a majority of African countries, water policy is driven at the national level by a line ministry often in charge of most regulatory functions, including tariff setting, quality standards definitions and monitoring, and consumer protection and engagement, the last decade has seen an increasing leadership of city and sub-national governments in water policy, as a recent OECD survey indicates. Though the political, regulatory and fiscal powers of local governments vary across the continent, we believe that cities are uniquely situated to drive change at the local level in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on Clean water and sanitation for all in Africa. Mayors and city leaders hold the key to water security. They are closer to citizens and oversee critical investments and decisions related to land use, solid waste, infrastructure, and environmental amenities. They can drive water security and promote low-cost, green, and nature-based solutions. Even where water policies remain highly centralised, mayors are taking bold actions to fix water pipes and institutions. With mounting pressures on water resources from climate, urbanisation, and demographic trends in Africa, more partnerships between national and local leaders are needed. Governors and mayors, in particular, now need to turn the key to unlock the development of better water policies for better lives. As many decisions affecting urban water management are taken outside the water arena and vice-versa (spatial planning, agriculture, energy, etc.), coordination is essential to ensuring a whole-of-government approach through which water can become a factor for sustainable growth and contribute to the broader economic, social and environmental agenda. The OECD and UCLG Africa joined forces to launch a new Roundtable of African Mayors for Water Security. The Roundtable which brought together more than 50 mayors from cities of different sizes across the five sub-regions of Africa, will facilitate the design and implementation of more robust local water policies. At the 9th World Water Forum that took place in Senegal in March 2022, mayors from across the globe united to applaud this initiative and adopt an Action Plan to leverage the 12 OECD Principles on Water Governance to ensure the right to water and sanitation, foster rural-urban linkages, catalyse innovative finance, promote inclusive governance and advance cooperation for future-proof and resilient water systems. The platform aims to facilitate the design and implementation of robust local water policies by producing granular data and evidence; sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices; and enhancing collaboration among mayors. The Case for City Basin Management The results of the 2021 OECD Survey on Water Governance in 36 African cities, however, indicate that only 42% of cities surveyed are part of a river basin organisation. In the absence of integrated basin governance systems, the mismatch between hydrological and administrative boundaries can lead to competition between water uses and hinder the effectiveness of service delivery. River basin organisations are no doubt important tools for coordinating water policy at the territorial level, across sectors, stakeholders, and between levels of government. Indeed, they can be useful to manage water on the appropriate scale through integrated basin governance, to reflect local conditions, foster multi-level cooperation for the management of water resources; encourage sound hydrological cycle management; and promote adaptive and mitigation strategies. Building a City-Basin Dialogue is thus the surest way to move toward sustainable water management in Africa. Governors, mayors, and city leaders, who are closer to citizens and place-based needs, could play a more significant role in addressing the mismatch between hydrological and administrative boundaries, by contributing to water resource management within integrated basin systems. Effective multi-level governance is needed to manage water at the appropriate functional and territorial scale(s), within integrated basin governance systems, to enhance rural-urban linkages, and develop place-based solutions that reflect local conditions, as set out in the Action Plan of Mayors, Local and Regional Governments for Water Security signed by 80+ local authority representatives gathered within the OECD/ UCLG-Africa Roundtable of African Mayors for Water Security. This is the way ahead and my organisation, the Forum of Regions of Africa, is pledging to ensure that this collaboration succeeds. The Case of Nigeria Let me briefly turn to the case of Nigeria, my country, before I proffer a few recommendations on the way forward. Nigeria, in recent years, has made modest progress in expanding access to water, sanitation, and hygiene to its rapidly growing population of 209 million people the largest on the African continent. By 2018, a combination of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of required human capital, poor investment, and a deficient enabling regulatory environment, amongst other challenges, meant that approximately 60 million Nigerians were living without access to basic drinking water, 80 million people had no access to improved sanitation facilities, while 167 million could not access basic hand-washing facilities. In rural areas, 39% of households lack access to, at least, basic water supply, while only half have access to improved sanitation, and almost a third (29%) practice open defecation. The Government of Nigeria strengthened its commitment to improving access to WASH services, with President Muhammadu Buhari declaring a State of Emergency in 2018 and launching the National Action Plan (NAP); a 13-year strategy for the Revitalisation of Nigerias Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector aimed at ensuring universal access to sustainable and safely managed WASH services by 2030, commensurate with the Sustainable Development Goals. With the support of the World Bank and other development partners, the Federal Government of Nigeria has developed initiatives designed to fill identified gaps that have limited citizens ability to have access to safe and potable water. One of these initiatives was the National Urban Water Sector Reform Program (NUWSRP). The NUWSRP outlined several objectives, including sector reform, water utility sustainability and commercial viability, infrastructure improvement, service reliability, and performance enhancement, and increased access to quality piped water networks in urban areas nationwide. The World Bank listed the achievements recorded through the NUWSRP to include the construction of over 2,300 additional Water Points, and 6,546 sanitation compartments and hygiene facilities across the country; the creation of 12,435 direct and 24,870 indirect jobs since 2015; and the certification of a total of 33 Local Government Areas within nine States as Open Defecation Free (ODF). Several challenges however remain! Nigeria currently has no comprehensive water law. Efforts by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to introduce the Water Bill since 2021, have been mired in controversy, especially by states that contend that the bill seeks to entrench and vest the ownership, control, and management of water resources in the Federal Government. Nigeria is currently divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In the absence of a comprehensive law, each state operates with different institutional structures, power dynamics, and little or no regulatory oversight. In most states, a State Water Board (SWB) is responsible for providing water and sanitation services. On the whole, however, SWBs are hobbled by nonexistent or weak incentives for better performance, aging infrastructure, inadequate or ineffective operations and maintenance, weak institutional capacity, and little accountability to consumers. UNICEF also recently raised concerns that an estimated 70% of water at the point of consumption is contaminated and, as a result, Nigeria has the worlds highest number of deaths from waterborne diseases among children under five years old, estimated at 117,000 children every year. The Way Forward To conclude, getting water security right is now a matter of urgency across Africa, where the number of water-insecure urban residents is rising. Progress on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 must accelerate with a sense of great urgency, given the pressing need for improved water and sanitation access in communities and municipalities across the continent. Missing and patchy information stemming from incomplete, outdated, and/or fragmented data, remains a prominent obstacle to effective water policy implementation, evaluation, and monitoring. Action needs to be undertaken immediately by national governments to radically improve data collection for Africa, with support from international agents. Better quality data and monitoring and reporting of water resources will lead to an increase in knowledge, which will support the ability to make informed decisions for enhancing water security through better water resource management. Perhaps, water data availability itself should be used as an indicator in future water security assessments. The funding gap is huge and considerable investment efforts are still required to achieve SDG 6.1.1 and 6.2.1 targets by 2030. It has been estimated that Africa will need investments of up to $20 billion a year, but countries today are allocating no more than 0.5% of their GDP to the water sector. A first step could be to reform water tariffs, to recover the costs of investment, operation, and maintenance of water infrastructure as much as possible. A certain proportion of the investment gap could also be covered through increased efficiency with technical losses representing from 20% to 50%, and a collection ratio ranging from 80% to 95% throughout Africa. Subsidies and tariff structures must also be appropriately designed, targeted, and implemented with the objectives of achieving sustainability, equity, affordability, and the appropriate level of service for all. The lack of capacity related to water human, financial, institutional, technological, and service provisioning is a major hurdle to achieving water security. As water security has social, humanitarian, economic, legal, and environmental dimensions, it requires an equally wide range of capacities and expertise that go beyond the immediate management of available water resources. Policy-makers need to identify existing capacities, as well as gaps, in order to properly address the water security challenge. Such assessments need to be undertaken at both the institutional and relevant geographical (national, river basin, etc.) levels. Finally, an expansive and inclusive framing of water security must also emphasise the ability to manage tensions and conflicts at different levels through appropriate governance, negotiation, and the rule of law. Water security must, of necessity, reduce the potential for conflicts and tensions, contributing to significant social, development, economic, and environmental benefits. Kayode Fayemi is President of the Forum of Regions of Africa and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF). This presentation was made on the sideline of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York, United States. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has partnered the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) towards promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula in secondary schools across the country, with special focus on the girl child. The partnership with the association was launched recently at St. Judes Girls Secondary School Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, under the STEM-it-out-4girls campaign with the theme: Interest and Proficiency in STEM. In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, represented by the Deputy Manager, Capacity Building Division, Engr. Mofe Megbele expressed the Boards readiness to collaborate with the association in accomplishing programmes and policies geared to promote capacity development for the female gender. He quoted Section 70 (n) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which provides for the Board to conduct workshops and trainings aimed at advancing the development of Nigerian Content. He emphasized that there is no local content without Human Capacity Development and there has been significant growth achieved through the implementation of the 10-year strategic roadmaps for the oil and gas industry to accelerate the attainment of 70 percent Nigerian Content by 2027. He also stated that the importance of educating girls in the society cannot be overemphasized, noting that the country can only advance based on the quality of well-educated young girls. He added that an educated girl child can confront the issues facing humanities in the 21st century such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, food production, environmental issues. While commending the Association, the Executive Secretary assured that the Board will continue to support, monitor, and evaluate the growth and performances of the female students benefitting from the STEM programme and competition. I expect the students to fully apply the knowledge gained from this training to improve their performances in future examinations and competitions. One short way to underpin sustainable development is to entrench quality STEM education in our girls, armed with a quality education, these girls can aspire to be whatever they want to be in the near future, he added. Also speaking, the President, APWEN, Engr. Elizabeth Jumoke Eterigho disclosed that the training is targeted at increasing awareness on engineering as a suitable career for girls, to improve the numerical strength of female engineers in Nigeria, adding that it also provides the girl child with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the rapidly changing world. She admitted that there are difficulties in accessing quality learning opportunities in STEM subjects, which is why the engineering and science sectors seem to be dominated by the male gender. Our educational system has allowed gender divides to be perpetuated and to disproportionally affect the most marginalized girls, she regretted. She commended the NCDMB for the partnership and presented the Diversity Champion Award to the Executive Secretary for his untiring efforts to promote and empower the girl child. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. The Plateau State Government has purchased a large number of eggs from the state chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in an offtake agreement. Governor Simon Lalong said this on Monday in Jos during the distribution of the mopped-up eggs. Mr Lalong said that the measure was designed to alleviate the plight of farmers caused by the recent egg glut in the state. He said that the mop-up was the states first intervention in addressing the challenges facing poultry farmers in the state. The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Danladi Autu, said that the state government would sustain the intervention by making them suppliers of eggs for the school feeding programme. He said that poultry farmers had contributed to the internally generated revenue of the state, in addition to creating employment for the youths. READ ALSO: According to him, the government will do anything possible to secure the poultry business in the state. Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hosea Finangwai, said that the states schools, hospitals, correctional centres and orphanages would be the first beneficiaries of the mop-up. PAN Chairman in the state, Johnson Bagudu, commended the government for the gesture. Mr Bagudu said that the measure would also help to bring back many farmers who had left the business. He appealed to the incoming government to sustain the gesture. One of the beneficiaries and Chairperson of the Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria in Plateau, Kyenpiya Nyabam, commended the government for the gesture. Ms Nyabam also said that 2,000 orphans in the state would benefit from the eggs. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that PAN distributed eggs to some schools in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Reader survey As a reader of PREMIUM TIMES, your opinion matters. Please take our survey to help us better understand the values and preferences of our readers. Your feedback will give us valuable insights into how we can tailor the different types of content we offer to meet your needs. The survey should only take about 6-8 minutes to complete. Click here to take it. Nigerias main opposition party, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has appointed a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki as chairman of the partys ward congress electoral committee in Bayelsa State. The committee is to conduct ward congress to elect three ad-hoc delegates that would later elect the governorship candidate of the party in the state. In a statement on Tuesday by the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, the PDP named Gabriel Onyewife as a secretary while Sunday Katung, Danjuma Danladi and Mammy Balami are to serve as members of the committee. The Congresses are scheduled for 28 and 29 March in each of the 105 Wards in Bayelsa State, Mr Bature said. PREMIUM TIMES last week reported that the party had cleared the incumbent governor, Duoye Diri for the forthcoming party governorship primary. Mr Diri is the only aspirant for the party ticket. Oil-rich Bayelsa is one of the states in the country where the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled 11 November for the conduct of its governorship election. The state is one of the PDPs strongholds in the South-south region of the country. However, the party lost the state to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) during the November 2019 governorship election. David Lyon, the APC candidate was declared the winner of the election. But a Federal High Court in Abuja on the eve Mr Lyons inauguration as governor disqualified the APC deputy governorship candidate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, from participating in the governorship election for providing conflicting information in his documents to INEC. Following the disqualification, the PDP which came second in the election regained power in the state. In the just concluded general elections, the PDP won all three senatorial seats in the state. It also won four out of five House of Representatives seats and 20 out of the 24 seats in the State Assembly. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ELKO Elko resident and lung cancer survivor Debbie Anderson will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress during the American Lung Associations Lung Force Advocacy Day on March 29. As a part of the nationwide event, Anderson will join more than 40 other people across the country who have been impacted by lung cancer to ask lawmakers to support $51 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health, $11.6 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and to support and protect Medicaid. Anderson works as the director of case management and behavioral health for Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital. She volunteered to receive a low dose CT scan so radiologists could practice using the new technology the hospital had just received, according to the American Lung Association. To everyones surprise, the scan was abnormal and Debbie was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma a non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer seen in people who dont smoke. It is more common in women, and luckily was found before it spread. She was able to remain at her workplace for her infusion sessions, and after a year she switched to oral medications. Her goal now is to advocate for affordable treatments, increased access to care, and ultimately to find a cure. The Lung Association said there are other patients just like her, and testing is available for every type of cancer thanks to the ongoing research. And we can take some comfort knowing that there are people who have dedicated their lives to finding a cure for cancer. During Advocacy Day, Anderson will speak with Nevadas congressional delegation to share her personal experience with lung cancer and explain why investments in public health, research funding and quality and affordable healthcare are important to her. The American Lung Association launched Lung Force Advocacy Day in 2016. Lung Force Heroes have succeeded in helping increase NIH lung cancer research funding by more than 115%. Since 2016, more than 50 new therapies have been approved by the FDA to treat lung cancer giving more hope to those impacted by this disease. In 2022, Heroes successfully urged Congress to extend funding for tax credits so more than three million Americans were able to keep affordable healthcare coverage through the federal and state marketplaces. Anderson encourages others in Nevada to advocate for lung cancer research and healthcare protections by contacting their members of Congress, which they can do at Lung.org/AdvocacyDay. Learn more about Debbies story and the initiative at LUNGFORCE.org. PARIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lefebvre Sarrut, the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge, has integrated generative artificial intelligence into its legal information search solutions in Spain. By ensuring that its algorithms use verified content only, Lefebvre Sarrut is the first European legal knowledge company to offer reliable and complete AI-generated answers to legal professionals searching for information. Recently, generative AI technology has been brought to the public's attention thanks to solutions like ChatGPT that create content, including texts, images, audio and synthetic data. Although the technology can write impressive texts that mimic human writing, the results can be inaccurate when based on incomplete, outdated or unverified information sources. To overcome these challenges, Lefebvre Sarrut has refined its algorithm's search capabilities to focus exclusively on up-to-date legal content from verified sources. This guarantee that users receive reliable and accurate information is a first for AI-based solutions in the legal sector. Compared to other open models, Lefebvre Sarrut's innovative technology integrates a new advanced search algorithm that meticulously processes editorial content, using reliable sources such as the Group's Memento knowledge, as well as other verified information on legislation, doctrine and case law from its huge database. This content is then harmonized with language models to ensure precise, easy-to-read results, and supported by links to sources. "We're proud to offer our clients this new, more powerful tool to enhance their legal work," said Olivier Campenon, CEO of Lefebvre Sarrut. "The benefits for legal professionals are immediate in terms of efficiency and time savings. This is just the beginning, and the combination of technologies we're developing will allow us to go even further. Our goal is to provide trustworthy solutions to bring real value and benefits to our customers. Our AI solutions are at the forefront of the industry, allowing us to take another step forward in our goal of enabling knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society." About Lefebvre Sarrut Lefebvre Sarrut is the European leader in legal, tax and regulatory knowledge. With offices in France (Lefebvre Dalloz), Germany (Juris/Stollfu), Italy (Giuffre Francis Lefebvre), the Netherlands (SDU), Spain (Lefebvre) and Belgium, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom (Larcier-Intersentia), the group provides publishing, training and software solutions to a wide range of organisations in the private and public sectors and to regulated professions (notaries, chartered accountants, lawyers, etc.). Lefebvre Sarrut generated revenues of 535 million in 2021 and employs 2,500 people. The group's mission is to enable knowledge for a fairer, more efficient and sustainable society. www.lefebvre-sarrut.eu Media contacts Agustin Born a.born@lefebvre.es Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2039375/3953427/Lefebvre_Sarrut_Logo.jpg SOURCE Lefebvre Sarrut New IFA report shows franchises to add 254,000 jobs, 15,000 new independent businesses this year, despite economic headwinds WASHINGTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook report, showing that franchise unit and job growth continues to outpace pre-pandemic levels, delivering jobs and business ownership opportunities across the United States, despite economic uncertainty across all industries and in daily life. The report highlights the impacts of today's unique economic challenges, which have affected system growth and led to an increase in wages, among other factors. "Even with today's economic headwinds, franchised businesses continue to grow, providing more good-paying jobs for their employees, and serving their local communities," said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. "After an historic year of growth during the post-pandemic recovery, the size of the franchise economy in 2023 will exceed pre-pandemic levels demonstrating the power of the business model for prospective business owners when franchisors and franchisees work together." The full report is available here. Key highlights from the report include: The overall number of franchise establishments will increase by almost 15,000 units in 2023, or 1.9%, to 805,000 units in the U.S. by almost 15,000 units in 2023, or 1.9%, to 805,000 units in the U.S. Franchising will add approximately 254,000 jobs in 2023 . Growing at 3.0%, total franchise employment is forecasted to reach 8.7 million. . Growing at 3.0%, total franchise employment is forecasted to reach The total output of franchised businesses the measure of total economic activity in nominal dollars will increase by 4.2% to $860.1 billion in 2023, up from $825.4 billion in 2022. the measure of total economic activity in nominal dollars up from in 2022. Franchises' GDP share of the overall economy will remain stable at 3%. Compared with 2022, franchises' GDP the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within U.S. borders will grow at a slightly slower pace of 4.2% to $521.3 billion . Compared with 2022, franchises' GDP the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within U.S. borders will grow at a slightly slower pace of 4.2% to . Service-based industries and quick-service restaurants will witness higher growth than other industries. On the state and regional level, the report shows that states have experienced different rates of franchise business growth due to disparities in business climates, migration trends, the labor market, and major industry investments. On the state level, it is predicted that: States in the Southeast and Southwest will experience the fastest franchise business growth in 2023. The top 10 states for franchise growth in 2023 are projected to be: Texas , Illinois , Florida , Georgia , Tennessee , North Carolina , South Carolina , Arizona , Colorado , and Indiana . , , , , , , , , , and . The Southeast region, which has the largest franchise concentration in the U.S., will have an estimated 234,079 total establishments by 2023, employing 2.5 million workers and contributing $250 billion in output to the U.S. economy. For a state-by-state analysis or to download your state's data, go here. "In spite of all the challenges, the cooperative nature of franchise businesses helped better insulate franchise owners from macro-economic uncertainty," said Darrell Johnson, CEO of FRANdata. "Our team produced insight-driven forecasts leveraging our understanding of the franchise market and industry forces." Conducted by FRANdata, the 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook is IFA's annual study detailing the franchise sector's performance for the past year and projected economic outlook for the year ahead, as well as an in-depth state outlook for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. According to Oxford Economics, franchises pay nearly 3 percent higher wages than similar independent companies and offer greater benefits and more generous leave. Franchising creates unparalleled entrepreneurial opportunities for underrepresented communities, and nearly one-third of franchise business owners say they wouldn't own a business without franchising. About the International Franchise Association: Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development. CONTACT: Katherine Knight Patterson [email protected] (202) 662-0783 SOURCE International Franchise Association Israeli President Isaac Herzog will open the 30th edition of GoforIsrael in Tel Aviv, which will host 1,000 participants, including investors, entrepreneurs and corporate heads from Europe, the US, Mexico, Asia, and Israel taking place on May 3, 2023 at Hilton, Tel Aviv. TEL AVIV, Israel, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Investment Conference GoforIsrael will celebrate its 30th edition and will host hundreds of investors from Europe, USA, Mexico and Asia. Organized by Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Catalyst Funds, GoforIsrael is considered as one of the most influential and prestigious business conferences in Israel, thanks to its international recognition of its impact on the future of foreign investments in Israel and on Israeli and global investments worldwide. Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Managing Partner of Catalyst Investments. This year the event marks not only its 30th conference; Cukierman & Co. Investment House celebrates its 30th anniversary, and Catalyst will celebrate the closing of Catalyst IV Fund and launching of Catalyst Investors' Club (CIC). The event will be held at the Hilton Tel Aviv on May 3rd, 2023. The conference's primary purpose is to create new business development opportunities, international partnerships, and strategic alliances. GoforIsrael will welcome 1000 participants including 500 investors from abroad and will facilitate more than 800 one-on-one meetings. Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Managing Partner of Catalyst Investments announces: "The 30th GoforIsrael will demonstrate that Israel's ultimate economic strength is its tech companies, which have always weathered crisis times successfully. We have high-energy density batteries, AI generated real-time maps, high-resolution radars, electronically steered antennas. Israel's tech will continue to thrive." After being held virtually for the past 3 years due to COVID19, this year's live conference will focus on breakthrough Israeli innovation in leading industries including: Life Sciences (Biotech, Medtech), High Tech (Cybersecurity, Deep Tech, Mobility) and Climatech (Foodtech, Renewable Energy). The event will be opened by Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel together with Edouard Cukierman, Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds and Chairman of Cukierman Investment House. Participants include senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs, including executives from the venture capital industry as well as other investors. Speakers include Yair Shamir, Former Israeli Agriculture Minister and Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds; Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties; Luc Muller, Vice-Chairman of Cukierman & Co. & Former CEO of Otto Group; Amnon Shaashua, CEO of Mobileye; Maurizio Molinari, Editor in Chief at La Repubblica Italy; Keren Dahan, CEO of Sarel; Gokhan Eyigun, President of Sabanci Group; Yoav Etzyon, Managing Partner at APM; Alexander Stern, Head of Private Markets Hauck Aufhauser Lampe; Edward Talmor-Gera, CEO Newvest,; Maria Ameli, Head of Corporate at Banca Generali; Ofer Carmel, CEO of Catalyst Investors' Club, Roger Cukierman, former CEO of Rothschild Bank; Steve Elbaz, CEO of Watergen, Amir Zaidman, CBO of The Kitchen Hub by Strauss; Guy Spigelman, EMEA Life Sciences Startups, Amazon Web Services and more. The conference will focus on the hot issues of Mergers & Acquisitions, fundraising in challenging times, the impact of the economic & political changes on the Israeli High-Tech industry, and the image of Israel abroad. "Despite markets uncertainty, I believe Israel's diverse and impressive supply of breakthrough technology startups will continue to prevail and remain a stable and safe investment," says Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of the Cukierman & Co. Investment House, and Managing Partner of the Catalyst Funds. "The GoforIsrael conference accelerates investors' relationship with the Israeli ecosystem by creating focused and direct meetings between Israeli entrepreneurs in a variety of areas and senior investors from Europe, the U.S., Turkey, China and Latin America. Israeli entrepreneurs will enjoy the opportunity to showcase their technologies on stage as well as pre-arrange meetings with quality investors, which is especially important in light of the current situation." The event will give the opportunity to dozens of startups, at various stage, to pitch their innovative technologies to over 500 foreign investors. Among participants, Unicorns, publicly traded companies such as Taboola, Arbe, Freightos, Satixfy, Storedot, Trax, and Soonicorns such as: Addionics, Civan Lasers, CuraLife, Nexar. Other newcomers at the event: SIS, Novaremed, Omnysense, Virility, Cell-Lipo, Hairstetics, LaserTeam, MedCu, Raziel, Smart Cooling, Level Hydrofoils, Solitek, Robotican, Entropotech, Eatsane, Plantish, Armenta, Brevel, and MushFoods. For registration and agenda 2023, please visit our website: https://goforisrael.com/ For further information about the conference: Nadine Lati Managing Partner GoforIsrael [email protected] For media coverage: Omer Hochbaum Positive Communications Press agency [email protected] SOURCE GoforIsrael Multi-billion opportunity in the multiparameter patient monitoring market, in-home care settings is gaining high prominence. CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest research report, the multiparameter patient monitoring market will grow at a CAGR of 8.06% during 2022-2028. To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3751 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market BROWSE IN-DEPTH TOC ON THE MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING MARKET 154 - Tables 128 - Charts 322 Pages The global healthcare landscape has evolved drastically. Healthcare settings initially focused on avoiding re-admissions; however, this has shifted toward avoiding admissions and treating patients remotely. This model is helping healthcare settings to function efficiently and effectively, adding more value to patient treatment. This further prompts healthcare settings to invest in remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and advanced patient monitoring technologies. Vendors in the multiparameter patient monitoring market & digital health have a significant opportunity to handle the shift in the healthcare landscape. Most patients are treated more for chronic diseases than other conditions, and a major portion of the healthcare expenditure in the US goes toward treating and monitoring chronic diseases. Therefore, multi-parameter patient monitors and remote patient monitoring devices will have a major impact on the future of the global healthcare market. Post-COVID-19, healthcare settings have invested in virtual care, online consultations, and home healthcare. MULTIPARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING MARKET REPORT SCOPE REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS Market Size (2028) USD 15.20 Billion Market Size (2022) USD 9.55 Billion CAGR (2022-2028) 8.06 % Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segments Devices, Acuity Level, Patient Group, and Geography Geographic Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Countries Covered The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa Market Dynamics Growing Demand for Real-time Patient Monitors in Critical Care Increasing Target Patient Population with Various Diseases Enhancements in Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Fastest Market APAC Looking for More Information? Download the Free Sample Report Now: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3751 INCREASING DEMAND FOR MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING IN-HOME CARE SETTINGS It is predicted that 83.4 million patients will be monitored through wireless patient monitoring systems by 2023. About 88% of health systems and hospitals have invested or plan to invest in remote patient monitoring solutions. Home patient monitoring is gaining widespread popularity as patients receive quality care directly at home. Home healthcare has always been recognized as a life-saving option for patients requiring long-term care to treat chronic diseases. As a result, over the past few years, home patient monitoring has become a standard of care among adult patients who require a long-term alternative to hospital-based care. Moreover, the worldwide increase in the geriatric and chronic disease population has led to a growing demand for home patient monitoring. APAC to Witness the Fastest Growth Rate in the Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market The APAC multi-parameter patient monitoring is expected to reach $3.83 billion by 2028. China and India together have a large pool of diabetic people. The market for multi-parameter patient monitoring devices in both countries is likely to grow faster than in other countries in the region. Nowadays, smart homes and smart beds with built-in multi-parameter monitoring devices are used to detect abnormalities that can be fatal and provide early treatment to patients. These advanced technologies increase the demand for multi-parameter patient monitoring devices in the APAC region. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Most multi-parameter patient monitors manufacturing companies are densely concentrated in North America and Europe, offering products catering to the requirements of end-users in these regions. However, it is also observed that there is a rise in the number of hospital beds in various healthcare settings of developing regions, which is boosting the growth opportunities for vendors in these regions. Local manufacturers, particularly Chinese and Japanese manufacturers such as Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics and Nihon Kohden, are giving intense competition to international players such as GE Healthcare and Philips. VENDOR ACTIVITIES: M&AS AND PRODUCT LAUNCHES In 2022, Medtronic partnered with BioIntelliSense for exclusive US distribution of the BioButton multi-parameter wearable for continuous remote patient monitoring from in-hospital settings to homes. In January 2022 , ICU Medical acquired Smiths Medical. The addition of vital care products expanded the business range of ICU Medical with a robust reach. , ICU Medical acquired Smiths Medical. The addition of vital care products expanded the business range of ICU Medical with a robust reach. In December 2021 , Baxter acquired Hillrom, a medical technology leader. Prior to that, in January 2021 , Hillrom acquired Bardy Diagnostics, an innovator in digital health and a leading provider of ambulatory cardiac monitoring technologies. , Baxter acquired Hillrom, a medical technology leader. Prior to that, in , Hillrom acquired Bardy Diagnostics, an innovator in digital health and a leading provider of ambulatory cardiac monitoring technologies. In February 2021 , Philips completed the acquisition of BioTelemetry. The acquisition of BioTelemetry is a strong fit with Philips' cardiac care portfolio. The combination results in the business expansion of patient care management solutions for hospitals and homes , Philips completed the acquisition of BioTelemetry. The acquisition of BioTelemetry is a strong fit with Philips' cardiac care portfolio. The combination results in the business expansion of patient care management solutions for hospitals and homes In 2021, Masimo acquired LiDCO, an advanced hemodynamic monitoring technology provider. KEY COMPANY PROFILES Baxter CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS GE Healthcare Koninklijke Philips Masimo Medtronic NIHON KOHDEN OSI Systems Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Advanced Instrumentations American Diagnostic Dragerwerk AG & Co. EDAN Instruments EPSIMED FUKUDA DENSHI Halma ICU Medical Infinium Medical Lutech MEDIANA MEDION Mennen Medical Nonin OMRON Opto Circuits ( India ) ) SCHILLER Skanray Technologies Viatom Technology VYAIRE MEDICAL MARKET SEGMENTATION Devices Portable/Compact Devices Fixed Devices Acuity Level High Acuity Level Mid Acuity Level Low Acuity Level Patient Group Geriatric Patient Group Adult Patient Group Pediatric Patient Group End-User Hospitals ASCs Homecare Settings Others Geography North America The US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Italy Spain APAC Japan China India South Korea Australia Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa Turkey Saudi Arabia South Africa CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TOP-SELLING RESEARCH REPORTS: Telehealth Kiosk Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027: The global telehealth kiosk market is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 19%. Remote Patient Monitoring Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027: The global remote patient monitoring market is expected to reach USD 62 billion, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. Portable Patient Isolation Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026: The global portable patient isolation market will reach USD 65 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period. Vital Signs Monitoring Devices Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025: The vital global signs monitoring devices market size is to cross USD 15 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. TABLE OF CONTENT 1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 3 RESEARCH PROCESS 4 SCOPE & COVERAGE 4.1 MARKET DEFINITION 4.1.1 INCLUSIONS 4.1.2 EXCLUSIONS 4.1.3 MARKET ESTIMATION CAVEATS 4.2 BASE YEAR 4.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 4.3.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY DEVICE 4.3.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY ACUITY LEVEL 4.3.3 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY PATIENT GROUP 4.3.4 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY END-USER 4.3.5 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY GEOGRAPHY 5 REPORT ASSUMPTIONS & CAVEATS 5.1 KEY CAVEATS 5.2 CURRENCY CONVERSION 5.3 MARKET DERIVATION 6 MARKET AT A GLANCE 7 PREMIUM INSIGHTS 7.1 OVERVIEW 8 INTRODUCTION 8.1 OVERVIEW 8.1.1 MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS 8.1.2 COVID-19 IMPACT 9 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & TRENDS 9.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING IN HOME CARE SETTINGS 9.2 GROWING DEMAND FOR PORTABLE/COMPACT MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS 9.3 INTEGRATION OF MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS WITH WIRELESS AND REMOTE MONITORING PLATFORMS 9.4 ADVANCES IN REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING TECHNOLOGY 10 MARKET GROWTH ENABLERS 10.1 GROWING DEMAND FOR REAL-TIME PATIENT MONITORS IN CRITICAL CARE 10.2 INCREASING TARGET PATIENT POPULATION WITH VARIOUS DISEASES 10.3 ENHANCEMENTS IN MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING 11 MARKET RESTRAINTS 11.1 FALSE ALARMS & ALARM FATIGUE 11.2 INCREASING REGULATORY COMPLEXITIES 11.3 HIGH COST OF MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING DEVICES 12 MARKET LANDSCAPE 12.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 12.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 12.2.1 GEOGRAPHY SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.2 DEVICES SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.3 ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.4 PATIENT GROUP SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.5 END-USER SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.3 FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 12.3.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS 12.3.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS 12.3.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS 12.3.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES 12.3.5 COMPETITIVE RIVALRY 13 DEVICE 13.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 13.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.3 PORTABLE/COMPACT DEVICES 13.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 13.3.3 PORTABLE/COMPACT DEVICES SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 13.4 FIXED DEVICES 13.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 13.4.3 FIXED DEVICES SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14 ACUITY LEVEL 14.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 14.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.3 HIGH ACUITY LEVEL 14.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.3.3 HIGH ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14.4 LOW ACUITY LEVEL 14.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.4.3 LOW ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14.5 MID ACUITY LEVEL 14.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.5.3 MID ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15 PATIENT GROUP 15.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 15.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.3 GERIATRIC PATIENT GROUP 15.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.3.3 GERIATRIC PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15.4 ADULT PATIENT GROUP 15.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.4.3 ADULT PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15.5 PEDIATRIC PATIENT GROUP 15.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.5.3 PEDIATRIC PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16 END-USER 16.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 16.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.3 HOSPITALS 16.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.3.3 HOSPITALS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.4 AMBULATORY CARE SETTINGS (ACS) 16.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.4.3 ACSS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.5 HOME CARE SETTINGS 16.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.5.3 HOME CARE SETTINGS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.6 OTHERS 16.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.6.3 OTHERS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 17 GEOGRAPHY 17.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 17.2 GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW 18 NORTH AMERICA 18.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 18.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 18.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 18.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 18.3 KEY COUNTRIES 18.3.1 US: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.3.2 CANADA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19 EUROPE 19.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 19.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 19.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 19.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 19.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 19.3 KEY COUNTRIES 19.3.1 GERMANY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.2 FRANCE: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.3 UK: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.4 ITALY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.5 SPAIN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20 APAC 20.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 20.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 20.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 20.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 20.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 20.3 KEY COUNTRIES 20.3.1 JAPAN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.2 CHINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.3 INDIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.4 SOUTH KOREA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.5 AUSTRALIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21 LATIN AMERICA 21.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 21.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 21.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 21.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 21.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 21.3 KEY COUNTRIES 21.3.1 BRAZIL: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.2 MEXICO: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.3 ARGENTINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA 22.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 22.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 22.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 22.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 22.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 22.3 KEY COUNTRIES 22.3.1 TURKEY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.3.2 SAUDI ARABIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.3.3 SOUTH AFRICA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 23.1 COMPETITION OVERVIEW 23.1.1 VENDOR ACTIVITIES: M&AS AND PRODUCT LAUNCHES 23.2 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS 23.2.1 BAXTER 23.2.2 CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS 23.2.3 GE HEALTHCARE 23.2.4 PHILIPS 23.2.5 MASIMO 23.2.6 MEDTRONIC 23.2.7 NIHON KOHDEN 23.2.8 OSI SYSTEMS 23.2.9 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS 24 KEY COMPANY PROFILES 24.1 BAXTER 24.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 24.1.2 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 24.1.3 KEY STRATEGIES 24.1.4 KEY STRENGTHS 24.1.5 KEY OPPORTUNITIES 24.2 CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS 24.3 GE HEALTHCARE 24.4 PHILIPS 24.5 MASIMO 24.6 MEDTRONIC 24.7 NIHON KOHDEN 24.8 OSI SYSTEMS 24.9 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS 25 OTHER PROMINENT VENDORS 25.1 ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATIONS 25.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 25.1.2 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 25.2 AMERICAN DIAGNOSTIC 25.3 DRAGERWERK 25.4 EDAN INSTRUMENTS 25.5 EPSIMED 25.6 FUKUDA DENSHI 25.7 HALMA 25.8 ICU MEDICAL 25.9 INFINIUM MEDICAL 25.10 LUTECH 25.11 MEDIANA 25.12 MEDION 25.13 MENNEN MEDICAL 25.14 NONIN 25.15 OMRON 25.16 OPTO CIRCUITS (INDIA) 25.17 SCHILLER 25.18 SKANRAY TECHNOLOGIES 25.19 VIATOM TECHNOLOGY 25.2 VYAIRE MEDICAL 26 REPORT SUMMARY 26.1 KEY TAKEAWAYS 26.2 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS 27 QUANTITATIVE SUMMARY 27.1 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 27.2 MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.2 EUROPE MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.3 APAC MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.3 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.2 EUROPE MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.3 APAC MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.4 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.2 EUROPE MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.3 APAC MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.5 MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.2 EUROPE MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.3 APAC MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY END-USER 28 APPENDIX 28.1 ABBREVIATIONS ABOUT US: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. 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/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041996/MULTIPARAMETER_PATIENT_MONITORING_MARKET.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence ALAMEDA, Calif. and TAIPEI, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acepodia, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class cell therapies with its unique antibody-cell conjugation (ACC) technology to address gaps in cancer care, today announced the upcoming poster presentation of new preclinical data for ACE2016, a gamma delta-2 T cell therapy designed to target EGFR expressing solid tumors. The company will present this data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, April 14-19, 2023. The poster presentation will showcase data demonstrating the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ACE2016 against EGFR-expressing cancer cells which warrant investigation of potential clinical application in EGFR-expressing tumors. Details on the presentation and session are provided below: Presentation details Presentation Title: ACE2016: an off-the-shelf EGFR-targeting 2 T cell therapy against EGFR-expressing solid tumors Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Immunology 1 Session Date and Time: Monday Apr 17, 2023 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Location: Poster Section 35 Poster Board Number: 5 Abstract Presentation Number: LB089 "The poster presentation at this year's AACR is an exciting opportunity for Acepodia to showcase preclinical data for ACE2016 as a potential off-the-shelf cell therapy which exploits the ability of gamma delta T cells to recognize and engage solid tumors expressing EGFR by ACC technology unlocking multiple receptor signaling," said Sonny Hsiao, Ph.D., chief executive officer and co-founder of Acepodia. "We look forward to presenting the preclinical data in more details in the poster session at AACR, and to further evaluating this exciting modality for solid tumor patients." About Gamma-Delta T Cells Acepodia's gamma delta T cell program harnesses the unique properties of gamma delta T cells to develop a new class of off-the-shelf cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Gamma delta T cells have characteristics of both the innate and adaptive immune systems that make them an ideal chassis for the development of cell therapies. This cell type can recognize and attack cancerous cells as well as coordinate a broad antitumor immune response by recruiting other immune factors and cells to the site of disease. Gamma delta T cells have also been shown to preferentially traffic to distinct tissues and could be ideally suited for more targeted treatment of certain types of cancers. About Acepodia Acepodia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class cell therapies with its unique Antibody-Cell Conjugation (ACC) platform technology to address gaps in cancer care. Leveraging its ACC technology, the company links tumor-targeting antibodies to its proprietary immune cells, such as natural killer and gamma delta T cells to create novel ACE therapies, which have increased binding strength against tumors that express low levels of tumor antigens. Acepodia is made up of seasoned leaders and scientific experts dedicated to advancing its robust pipeline of ACE therapies with the potential to bring innovative, effective, and affordable cell therapies to a broad population of patients across a variety of solid tumors and hematologic cancers. For more information, visit https://www.acepodia.com and follow Acepodia on Twitter and LinkedIn SOURCE Acepodia, Inc. ELKO Nevada Health Centers is continuing to address staffing needs ahead of the planned closure of the Elko Family Medicine Residency Program on June 30. CEO Walter B. Davis provided a community update this week, announcing that family medicine physician Dr. Steven C. Lore will officially join Nevada Health Centers as an employed physician on July 10. Lore has served as an instructor and mentor in the residency program since it began in 2017. From now through July he will continue to see patients and train existing residents in Elko, and thereafter will serve the community as an NVHC-employed provider, Davis said. We have a longstanding relationship with Dr. Lore and are excited to officially welcome him onboard our care team. Kalissa Bittner will join the Elko practice in April as a physician assistant certified to provide family medicine and primary care. Bittner earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science degree from the University of Evansville in Indiana and most recently served at Cullen Medical Professionals. With support from the behavioral health program expansion grant NVHC received from the City of Elko, we welcomed licensed clinical social worker Amy Matelic, LCSW, to our provider team on Monday, March 20, Davis said. Matelic started her orientation and training in NVHCs Carson City offices and will move to Elko to begin seeing behavioral health patients in April. Amy will join Social Services Coordinator Vianney Huston and outreach specialist Erin Bernius, also funded under the grant, to bring much-needed behavioral health support and treatment options to the Elko area, Davis said. Dr. Lore, Kalissa Bittner, and Amy Matelic will complement existing Elko-based NVHC provider Spencer Davis, PA-C, to round out our panel of healthcare professionals engaged and ready to care for our patients. We also continue our efforts to find and recruit an additional physician and mid-level provider to join our team at Elko Family Medical and Dental Center. Davis also reminds the community that telemedicine capabilities are available at the Elko care facility and offer a direct-to-consumer option via Internet-connected mobile devices, whereby patients can see NVHC healthcare providers throughout Nevada for evaluation and treatment of common health concerns. For additional information or to make an appointment, call at 775-738-5850 or visit www.nvhealthcenters.org. BANGALORE, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACL Digital today announced it has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with SAP. ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler, a cloud-based app, was built on SAP Business Technology Platform to deliver efficiency and workforce optimization benefits to customers. A constraint-based planning engine, ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler delivers an optimized employee experience. The user-friendly reporting tool helps planners achieve a balance between customer needs and employee preferences while considering constraints such as skills required and the number of people. The people's roster is applicable to IT services and the healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and aviation sectors. "Our strategic partnership with SAP is long-term," said Ramandeep Singh, CEO of ACL Digital. "Our customers will benefit from our deep expertise of IT services with that of SAP technology." Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, Business head of ACL Digital, said, "The Workforce Scheduler uses complex AI algorithms to deliver a balanced roster." The product is scalable and future-ready. About ACL Digital ACL Digital, an ALTEN Group Company, is a digital product innovation and engineering leader. We help our clients design and build innovative products (AI, Cloud, and Mobile ready), content and commerce-driven platforms, and connected, converged digital experiences for the modern world through a design-led Digital Transformation framework. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, ACL Digital is a leader in design-led digital experience, innovation, enterprise modernization, and product engineering services converging to Technology, Media & Telecom. The company has a workforce of 54,100+ spread across more than 30+ countries. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1245971/ACL_Digital_Logo.jpg SOURCE ACL Digital To specialize in advanced technologies for Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (C.A.S.E) TOKYO and THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, has been chosen by Alps Alpine, the leading Japanese manufacturer of electrical components and in-vehicle information systems, to establish a Global Engineering Center (GEC) at its campus in Thiruvananthapuram. The GEC will focus on software-led innovation and engineering to support Alps Alpine's vision for future mobility. Mr Hideo Izumi, Alps Alpine's Chief Technology Officer and Mr Manoj Raghavan, MD and CEO, Tata Elxsi Mr. Hideo Izumi, Alps Alpine's Chief Technology Officer, stated, "We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Tata Elxsi as the key design and technology partner. "With our shared values of Quality and Excellence, we will develop Smart, Sustainable, and Safe Secure mobility solutions that consumers trust. "The Global Engineering Center with Tata Elxsi is key to Alps Alpine's growth strategy. Tata Elxsi, with its integrated design and technology services, is our partner of choice for developing the Right, Unique, and Green solutions and accelerating the growing vehicle software development sectors." Tata Elxsi's MD and CEO, Manoj Raghavan, stated, "Today, mobility is all about experiences. As the world adopts connected, autonomous and electric mobility, automotive companies are looking for innovation in technology and software to provide exceptional consumer experiences and drive future mobility initiatives. We are delighted that Alps Alpine has chosen Tata Elxsi as a strategic technology and engineering partner in its journey to transforming its products and services for future mobility." The design and engineering teams in the GEC will focus on developing next-gen digital technologies for Connected Infotainment, Body electronics, Sensing and Communication technologies, AUTOSAR, Platform Development, and Cybersecurity, and support Alps Alpine in its strategic goals of global market expansion. About Tata Elxsi www.tataelxsi.com Tata Elxsi is a fully integrated global design and technology consultancy creating innovative products, services, and experiences to build brands and help businesses grow. It is powered by a multi-disciplinary team of over 12,000 technologists, digital, software and system engineers, along with design specialists for user experience and HMI. Tata Elxsi helps clients worldwide bring new ideas and award-winning products and services to market. For over 30 years, Tata Elxsi has been helping brands differentiate and win in the marketplace. About Alps Alpine https://www.alpsalpine.com/e/ Our aim is to transform into a sustainable value-creating corporate group that carries on contributing to people's lives through electronics and communication, with a focus on three business segments Components, Sensors and Communication and Modules and Systems. In addition to providing products and services that meet customer needs in many markets, including automotive, home appliances, mobile devices, and games, we will expand our possibilities by taking on the challenge of new areas such as industrial machinery and IoT. Media Contact: Tata Elxsi Hari Balan Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 80 2297 9123 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2040957/TATA_Elxsi.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742257/Tata_Elxsi_Logo.jpg SOURCE TATA Elxsi Altitude Marketing, an integrated marketing agency serving B2B companies for over 19 years, recently announced a partnership with global logistics provider, Worldnet International, to expand the luxury shipper's international branding and marketing efforts. EMMAUS, Pa., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldnet helps the world's leading fashion, retail, and technology brands transport their most mission-critical shipments, from runway collections and retail displays to celebrity couture and commercially-sensitive technology prototypes. To achieve this, they rely on a team of expert logisticians, sophisticated real-time tracking systems, regulatory partnerships, and years of experience solving extremely urgent and complex cross-border logistics challenges. Their global operation includes offices in New York City, London, Paris, and Milan, allowing them to serve their clients with confidence. Their partnership with Altitude signals the kick-off of an exciting new chapter in the Worldnet story. We are excited that Worldnet chose to partner with Altitude to expand its global customer portfolio. Tweet this Wolrldnet International & Altitude Marketing Partnership "Worldnet has been fortunate to be able to grow to five global business centers and over 200 employees almost exclusively through word of mouth," said Richard Bhullar, Worldnet CEO. "However we are at a stage in our company's history where, to continue to meet Worldnet's goals, we must begin to treat marketing as its own budgeted department and discipline. We undertook an exhaustive review of potential partners who could bring both broad and deep marketing expertise to the Worldnet project over the coming years and we felt Altitude stood apart in their approach. They clearly demonstrated an individual attention to our company, accompanied by an ability to test, measure and scale; and less than six months into our partnership we have already experienced some refreshing originality in how they want to shape our next look and feel. This has made us very confident that we chose the right partner." "As a premium provider of B2B marketing services, Altitude looks to partner with the best," said Altitude Marketing CEO, Andrew Stanten. "Worldnet is head and shoulders above the rest in the exclusive premium logistics space. We are incredibly excited that after an extensive agency search, Worldnet chose to partner with Altitude to expand their global customer portfolio of well-known brands." About Altitude Marketing Altitude Marketing is a modern, data driven, full-service B2B marketing agency that serves national and global technology-oriented companies in enterprise software, life sciences, biotechnology and established manufacturing. For more than 19 years, Altitude has thrived working with technology-oriented clients who have complex offerings and operate in regulated spaces. Ideally located between New York and Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Altitude works with clients from all over the United States and Europe, providing a full suite of integrated marketing services: strategy, branding, messaging, web development, digital marketing, content marketing, lead generation, SEO, public relations, trade shows, social media, sales enablement, advertising, marketing automation, data analytics, channel support and more. Learn more at altitudemarketing.com or follow us on Linkedin , Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . Media Contact: Ziera Soda [email protected] SOURCE ALTITUDE MARKETING Amway leverages its extensive R&D capabilities and innovation agility to drive its customer-driven product development strategy. SAN ANTONIO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently analyzed the home water treatment (HWT) industry and, based on its assessment results, recognizes Amway with the 2022 Asia-Pacific (APAC) Competitive Strategy Leadership Award. Amway is a global entrepreneur-led health and wellness company committed to "helping people live better, healthier lives." The company capitalizes on innovative competitive strategies to drive product differentiation while addressing changing customer needs in the APAC HWT space. Moreover, the product-based company continually explores new business models, such as leasing and service contracts, to maintain its edge in the market's changing competitive landscape. Amway leverages its comprehensive product suite to address customers' health and wellness needs uniquely and holistically. Through its growth strategies, Amway enhances its distribution channels, offers premium aftersales services, and promotes a distinctive product and brand identity with continued innovation and sustained leadership. Through its growth strategies, Amway enhances its distribution channels, offers premium aftersales services, and promotes a distinctive product and brand identity with continued innovation and sustained leadership. The company's flagship eSpring water purifier solution positions it at the cutting edge of clean water technology by strategically focusing on ongoing innovation and customer-led product development. As the leading HWT system brand in APAC, the company successfully differentiates its HWT solution against competing solutions offered by the fragmented market's new and emerging participants. Amway's extensive scientific testing and third-party certification ensure its eSpring product satisfies the highest safety, performance, and structural integrity standards. Sama Suwal, a Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Research Analyst, stated that "Amway's eSpring solution is an on-demand, point-of-use water purification product that leverages the company's innovative mix of state-of-the-art technologies to deliver clean, safe, and better-tasting water in a cost-effective, consistent, and eco-friendly manner." Amway continually adds unique capabilities in response to evolving customer needs to strengthen its advanced HWT solution's competitive differentiation and to stay ahead of the technology and demand curve. As a result, Amway responds rapidly and proactively to new customer demands and its existing eSpring unit's technical challenges in the field, thereby marinating old systems while developing new product iterations. Moreover, Amway's extensive industry relationships with its partners and vendors protect it against supply chain volatility, evident by its success in securing its production and delivery operations against pandemic-related disruptions and pricing pressures. "Overall, Amway develops and implements its strategies with its customers in mind, securing its position as a trusted partner and market leader. With its customer-centric corporate philosophy, Amway delivers optimal customer experiences and operates on the central tenet that its success depends on customer satisfaction," explained Janice Wung, Program Manager, Energy & Environment at Frost & Sullivan. The company's foundational approach establishes long-lasting relationships with customers throughout the product lifecycle. With its strong overall performance, Amway earns Frost & Sullivan's 2022 APAC Competitive Strategy Leadership Award in the HWT industry. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to execute a strategy successfully that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning, and customer satisfaction. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Tammy Chan E: [email protected] About Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad ("AMWAY Malaysia") has been listed on the Bursa Malaysia Main Market since 1996. AMWAY Malaysia is a leading Health & Wellness company in Malaysia with a core force of more than 400,000 AMWAY Business Owners (ABOs). Over its 47 years in Malaysia, the company has offered an attractive business opportunity and supplemental income to Malaysians from all walks of life, selling differentiated, high-quality and value-for-money products. To buy our products, sign-up to be an ABO or an AMWAY Privileged Customer (APC), or simply to learn more about our broad range of products, please visit our website www.amway.my or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amwaymalaysia Principal business address & contact details: AMWAY (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (22062-P) AJL93010 28 Jalan 223, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +6037946 2288 | Fax: +603 7946 2399 About AMWAY Global Amway is a family-owned, consumer goods manufacturer and direct selling company based in Ada, Michigan, USA that is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry skincare and color cosmetics, eSpring water treatment systems and XS energy drinks all sold exclusively by independent Amway Business Owners. The company's annual sales figure includes revenue from direct selling operations and other business holdings. For company news, visit www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom SOURCE Frost & Sullivan The Importance of Regular Screenings for Adults over 45 and How to "Count on You" When It Comes to Preventative Health For Minorities Specifically BURLINGTON, N.C., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women develop colon cancer in their lifetime, making it the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. It is vital that all adults get regular screenings for the disease. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community due to differences in risk factors and healthcare access related to socioeconomic status. In fact, African Americans are disproportionately burdened by cancer in general. They often experience greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival, including systemic racial disparities that are complex and go beyond the obvious connection to cancer. These obstacles can include lower-paying jobs and lack of (or less comprehensive) health insurance, lack of access to healthy and affordable foods, low-quality education and housing, and unsafe environments. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9149151-labcorp-colorectal-cancer-screenings-count-on-you-campaign/ Unfortunately, the CDC estimates that only about 70% of U.S. adults aged 50 to 75 are up to date on their screening, and much of the population may not be aware of all the screening options available to them. Screenings are now recommended for everyone 45 and older even if you don't have symptoms or risk factors. Early detection increases survival, and screening makes it possible to catch early cancerous or precancerous changes in the colon while they are treatable. DID YOU KNOW? Colorectal cancer rates for the Black community are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S, with African Americans about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than other groups. and from it than other groups. Fewer than half of survey respondents in the recommended age have been screened for colon cancer, in line with the population. At-home test collection kits are the preferred screening option, but fewer than 1/3 of respondents know of their wide availability. At-home screening test collection is now available that can be completed in the comfort of your own home. Patients can order the test kit online with no doctor's visit required. A negative screening test result provides a reliable indicator that no cancerous or precancerous changes are taking place in the colon. People with a negative screening test result should repeat the test in 1 year in consultation with their doctor. It is important to note that the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) colon test is a screening tool and does not diagnose colorectal cancer. FIT screening is not appropriate for individuals who are already considered high risk for colon cancer. If you are high risk, talk to your healthcare professional about the need for a colonoscopy. Dr. Brian Caveney, Chief Medical Officer and President of Labcorp, discusses how the "Count on You" campaign aims to empower patients and continue the fight for health equity, why early detection of colorectal cancer is vital, especially for Black Americans. He shares the latest data on who should be screened as well as what screening options are available including at-home test collection. For more information, please visit: labcorp.com/countonyou MORE ABOUT DR. BRIAN CAVENEY: Brian is a nationally recognized health policy expert, and in his current role as Chief Medical Officer, he oversees medical and scientific strategy. Before joining Labcorp in 2017, he was Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. In addition to various roles in the healthcare division of the core health plan, Brian also served as Chief Clinical Officer of Mosaic Health Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Cross NC for strategic investments in diversified health solutions businesses. Prior to that role, he was a practicing physician and assistant professor at Duke University Medical Center and also provided consulting services for several companies in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina region. Brian holds an M.D. from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, a J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law, and an M.P.H. in health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his residency at Duke University Medical Center and is board-certified in preventive medicine, with a specialty in occupational and environmental medicine. Produced for: Labcorp Contact: Brandi Martin, [email protected] SOURCE Labcorp ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- May 12 to May 13, 2023, in partnership with Truist Foundation and powered by Watson Institute, Georgia Reconnecting Youth INC., AND Pittsburgh Community Market will host the Atlanta Economic Mobility Forum in the Pittsburgh Atlanta community. The forum will empower participants with skills and information to gain middle skills as entrepreneurs, youth/young adults, or professionals. Atlanta Economic Mobility Forum will mark a key moment in 2023 toward implementing systemic and scalable change to Increase the employability of underrepresented, underresourced, and disconnected individuals in Georgia. Atlanta Economic Mobility Forum | MAY 2023 Daniel Rosebud - Executive Director of Georgia Reconnecting Youth INC. "My background spans nonprofit leadership, policy, and community engagement. In my most recent role as an appointed board member for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Balance of State Continuum of Care, I saw firsthand the disconnection of resources to families and individuals in Georgia. There is a need to build a connection. I am proud to host one of the most important convenings of 2023 - the Atlanta Economic Mobility Forum. This event is possible through in-kind donations from the Atlanta community, Truist Foundation, Watson Basecamp, OSYII LABs L3C, and the Special Needs Network. About Watson Institute Watson Institute is a reimagined model of education that accelerates the careers of next-generation innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs through skills development workshops, committed mentorship, Impact Series Workshops, and a global network. Watson Institute's 349 Scholars and Alumni from 68 countries have raised over $175 million, created over 1,500 part or full-time jobs, and impacted over 5 million people worldwide through the initiatives they help lead. Learn more here: https://watson.is/truist-foundation-fellowship/ This event production is under the provisions of Georgia Reconnecting Youth INC. a 501 c 3 corporation with primary offices located at 352 University Ave Sw Atlanta, Georgia. All participants agree to release Georgia Reconnecting Youth INC. from any injuries or claims that may occur. SOURCE Georgia Reconnecting Youth INC. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Filippatos PLLC, a leading employment law firm, has amended complaints in lawsuits against Fox News and program host Tucker Carlson. The complaints further detail claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation against prominent female employees, including the retaliatory firing of network producer Abby Grossberg on March 24. Attorney Gerry Filippatos Grossberg, a key witness in the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit against Fox, alleges she experienced discrimination and coercion from the company's counsel ahead of her deposition in the $1.6 billion defamation case. Ms. Grossberg's filing follows a court ruling by the Southern District of New York denying Fox's request to redact parts of Grossberg's complaint on the grounds it contained privileged information. "The frivolous litigation tactics by Fox News punctuate its blatant disregard for the law, which is further underscored by the Company's recent retaliatory firing of Ms. Grossberg," said lead counsel Parisis G. "Gerry" Filippatos. "Fox News is accused of failing to protect Ms. Grossberg's rights to enjoy a workplace free of unlawful conduct, including bullying or coercion when providing sworn testimony. We stand ready to ensure that the law steps in where Fox has failed," added Mr. Filippatos's partner, Tanvir H. Rahman. In an earlier statement, Filippatos and Rahman shared support for Ms. Grossberg's story. "We are proud to represent Ms. Grossberg[who] has refused to be silenced and bullied by Fox, after having to endure for years what she alleges was a workplace rampant with sexism and misogyny.Our firm is committed to vindicating Fox's egregious violation of Ms. Grossberg's rights." About Filippatos PLLC: Gerry Filippatos is the Founding Partner of Filippatos PLLC. He protects the rights of victims of employment discrimination with a focus on the litigation of gender discrimination, sexual assault and harassment, and retaliation. Attorney Tanvir H. Rahman is a Partner at the firm with over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs in employment disputes, civil rights law, and unlawful retaliation cases. For more information about Filippatos PLLC's representation of Ms. Grossberg in the discrimination case against Fox News, contact attorneys Filippatos or Rahman or call 914-685-9710. Contact: Filippatos PLLC 914-685-9710 SOURCE Filippatos PLLC House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography Extends Its Services to Include Male Boudoir AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography, Austin's premier fine arts boudoir studio, extends its offerings to include male boudoir sessions. During your session, we set you free to explore, experiment, and come to love and be proud of who you are. At House of Secrets Boudoir, you can be everything and anything that you are, or what you want to be, - without judgement. Fueled by the rise of body positivity and a desire to reclaim one's sexuality, and celebrate it, boudoir photography has experienced a surge in popularity. Traditionally, boudoir sessions have been enjoyed by women, but times have changed, and owner and lead photographer Tanya Eivin is ready to break the traditional mold. "Boudoir photography is a time-honored way to capture beauty, seduction, and sensuality. For too long, boudoir has been solely a female-oriented genre," Eivin said. "And while we love our female clientele, we believe boudoir shouldn't be exclusive, which is why we are thrilled to offer male sessions." "Many men feel that traditional boudoir photography isn't for themthat they don't fit the sultry model vibe and they believe a boudoir photo shoot may be awkward or uncomfortable," Tanya continued. "Well, our job is to prove them wrong, and we are extremely successful in doing that! While an idea of a boudoir session may seem intimidating, our boudoir clients feel sexy, comfortable in their own skin, and leave with a heightened sense of confidence after the experience. The photographs capture those feelings in timeless pieces of art they get to cherish forever. House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography wants men to enjoy those same benefits." Male Boudoir offers a unique opportunity for male clients to be celebrated for their myriad of roles in life. Boudoir gives men a chance to express themselves without judgment or expectation. At House of Secrets, they can explore the facets of beauty that aren't typically associated with traditional masculinity sensuality, vulnerability, playfulness, allowing them a creative outlet through intimate portraiture. "Men have unique needs and stories that deserve to be told," Eivin explained. "They also want to be seen and admired. House of Secrets Boudoir is passionate about helping men evoke their sensuality and explore a newly discoveredor undiscoveredversion of himself. We embolden our clients with emotionally charged images that reject traditional concepts of masculinity, push the boundaries, and help them unlock the confidence within themselves. Our judgment-free studio promises to make you feel comfortable, and amaze you with edgy, sultry portraits that reflect your passionate sideones that you can treasure for life." For more information on scheduling a session, visit the House of Secrets website. Discover Who You Are and What You Are Capable of Through Boudoir A boudoir session isn't about perfectionit's about finding beauty in the little imperfections that make us human. At House of Secrets, clients are invited to open themselves up to the extraordinary, unleash their power, and explore their most intimate selves. This is a place where you will rediscover yourself through the lens of their cameras. At House of Secrets, confidence and courage are celebrated. Through their sessions, they guide you in leaping into the unknown and together, embrace all that makes you unique and powerful. About House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography is a premier boudoir photography studio located in Austin, Texas. More than a photography studio, House of Secrets is your partner in becoming someone who is at peace with your body and mind, and discovering and embracing your uniqueness where society sees flaws. House of Secrets empowers through timeless photography in an inclusive, safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for clients of all genders. Contact: Tanya Metaxa, House of Secrets Boudoir by Tanya Eivin Photography 15409 RR 620 N, Austin, Texas www.houseofsecretsboudoirphotography.com/ Facebook Instagram Email: [email protected] Phone: (512) 866-6565 SOURCE House of Secrets Boudoir INNSBRUCK, Austria, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As cybercrime becomes ever more common and ever more sophisticated, the importance of effective security programs increases accordingly. AV-Comparatives' Awards Ceremony for its 2022 tests recognised those vendors whose products provide genuinely effective protection against IT threats. The results of the year are available on the website for free: AV-Comparatives awarded the best IT Security Products 2022/23 AV-Comparatives Coin in Gold for the best IT Security Products 2022/23 Enterprise: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2022-august-november/ Consumer: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/summary-report-2022/ The event was held in Hall, Tyrol, and over 40 IT security specialists from 10 countries attended: the security conference and Award Ceremony featured speakers on cybersecurity-related topics. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must the testing of security solutions. AV-Comparatives' Anti-Tampering & Egress C2 Test, which will run for the first time as focus-certification tests in 2023, were introduced during a workshop. On the first day of the event, participants visited the historical silver mine in Schwaz, followed by a knights' evening at the middle age restaurant Ritterkuchl with a show program. The award ceremony concluded with a tour of the mint in Hall, where the participants minted their own AV-Comparatives coin. Traditional Austrian cuisine of the highest class was served at the 700-year-old manor house "Restaurant Goldener Engl." Security conference After the Round Table in the morning, Prof. Dr. Pascal Schottle from the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) presented his research on the future of IoT, which looked at uses cases and testing of these devices. Eddy Willems of G Data and Righard Zwienenberg from ESET held their musical presentation, "You ain't seen nothing yet," about the awareness of cyber criminality. of G Data and Righard Zwienenberg from ESET held their musical presentation, "You ain't seen nothing yet," about the awareness of cyber criminality. Jiri Sejtko, Threat Labs Operations Director of Gen Digital, explained the importance of testing against phishing. The conference closed with a panel discussion about takeovers in the AV industry. In addition to these talks and discussions, the vendors were presented with awards for their consumer and business products. Message from the CEO AV-Comparatives' founder and CEO, Andreas Clementi, commented, "We would like to thank everyone who came to this event in Innsbruck for making it such a success. As cybercrime continues to rise, effective security products are more important than ever. We congratulate the security vendors whose products stood up to rigorous independent testing that mimics real-world scenarios." Awards At the Awards Ceremony, various awards were handed over for top-performing security products tested during 2022. There were AV-Comparatives Approved Product Awards for qualifying consumer and business products. In addition, there were various awards for the Consumer Main Test Series both for individual tests and overall results across the test series. Awarded vendors include: Acronis, Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, CISCO, CrowdStrike, Cybereason, Elastic, ESET, Fortinet, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Microsoft, Norton, Palo Alto Networks, Panda, Securion, Sophos, Total Defense, TotalAV, Trellix, Trend Micro, VIPRE, VMware und WatchGuard. Detailed results: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/summary-report-2022/ Product of the Year Award Bitdefender received the Product of the Year Award 2022 (1st place overall), reaching top scores in every test throughout the year. The award is given for the highest overall results across all the tests in the series. Top-Rated Product Awards Avast, AVG and Kaspersky achieved excellent results across the different test categories, and all received the Top-Rated Product Award. Security awards for protection, performance, malware removal and low false alarms Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were given for each of the following AV-Comparatives' Tests: Real-World Protection, Malware Protection, Low False-Positives, Low System-Impact and Advanced Threat Protection. For details, please see "Overview of levels reached during 2022" in our 2022 Summary Report. Consumer / Home User Security Products For each individual test type (Real-World Protection, Malware Protection, Advanced Threat Protection, Low False Positives, and Low System-Impact), Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were given. The following vendors won awards in those categories: Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, Panda and TotalAV. The Approved Security Product Award was given to all products demonstrating competent performance across all the test types. These 17 vendors were, in alphabetical order: Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Microsoft, Norton, Panda, Total Defense, TotalAV, Trend Micro and VIPRE. For further details, please see AV-Comparatives' 2022 Consumer Summary Report. Business and Enterprise Security Products For enterprise products, AV-Comparatives' Approved Business Security Award was given to vendors whose products demonstrated good levels of protection and performance across the Business Main-Test Series. These were, in alphabetical order: Acronis, Avast, Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, Cybereason, Elastic, ESET, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, Microsoft, Sophos, Trellix, VIPRE, VMware and WatchGuard. For further details, please see the report of AV-Comparatives' Business Security Test August to November 2022: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2022-august-november/. About AV-Comparatives AV-Comparatives is an independent organisation offering systematic testing to examine the efficacy of security software products and mobile security solutions. Using one of the largest sample collection systems worldwide, it has created a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. AV-Comparatives offers freely accessible av-test results to individuals, news organisations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides a globally recognised official seal of approval for software performance. The results can be used by editors / media / bloggers, etc., for free. Please give as source pictures copyright by Christian Forcher / AV-Comparatives: https://www.av-comparatives.org. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042067/AV_Comparatives_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042066/AV_Comparatives_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1093032/AV_Comparatives_Logo.jpg Press requests to: Peter Stelzhammer, Co-founder, AV-Comparatives [email protected] +43 720115542 SOURCE AV-Comparatives Zoila Mena Harpin, Andrea Liburdi, and Rachel Tenin bring extensive corporate and commercial experience to the Arizona-based modern law firm PHOENIX, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Axiom Advice & Counsel (AA&C), a modern full-service Arizona law firm, announced that it has named three additional partners to its growing roster of seasoned commercial legal leaders. Zoila 'Zoe' Mena Harpin, Andrea Liburdi, and Rachel Tenin bring decades of commercial legal experience to AA&C, an independent Axiom subsidiary operating under an alternative business structure license. "At AA&C, we provide our clients with more value for every dollar spent on outside counsel," said Matthew Levine, Managing Partner. "Experienced lawyers who understand our clients' business and can provide uniquely practical legal advice are at the heart of our law firm. Zoe, Andrea, and Rachel are exactly the kind of partners that will make AA&C effective. Their legal expertise is matched only by their deep understanding of their client's industry and commercial goals." Zoila Mena Harpin Mena Harpin is former Director of Legal for GoDaddy's U.S. Independents (USI) business unit, where she supported strategic initiatives and all commercial legal matters for the senior executive team. While at GoDaddy, she also served as Assistant General Counsel for the Marketing organization, providing broad commercial and marketing legal guidance and risk mitigation solutions to the company's global marketing teams. Mena Harpin began her time with the company by providing regulatory compliance guidance for GoDaddy's global platform expansion into new markets. Prior to her tenure with GoDaddy, Mena Harpin worked in the Law and Contracts and Integrated Supply Chain departments at Honeywell's Aerospace Division where she supported several business and product teams. Mena Harpin brings to AA&C 11+ years of valuable experience navigating complex legal issues in the technology and manufacturing industries. She holds a JD from Arizona State University. Andrea Liburdi Liburdi is former General Counsel of BASIS Independent Schools and BASIS Educational Ventures, and former Associate General Counsel of Spring Education Group. She brings 12+ years of experience in corporate law, having advised clients on a range of complex commercial legal matters. Prior to joining AA&C, she spent nearly 10 years in-house leading legal departments at high-growth companies. Her experience includes advising companies on corporate governance, entity management, and M&A activities. Liburdi has had operational responsibility for a variety of legal matters including overseeing contracts, licensing and compliance, litigation, intellectual property portfolios, real estate, and employment matters, as well as working with business partners across the enterprise. She holds a JD from the University of Virginia. Rachel Tenin Tenin joins AA&C from the law firm Polsinelli where she was a Senior Associate in the Capital Markets and Commercial Lending practice group. Tenin's broad and varied experience gives her a deep understanding of the corporate world and the complexities of business transactions, allowing her to provide clients with the type of strategic counsel that aligns with their objectives. She has an extensive track record advising enterprises on commercial, finance, and other complex corporate matters, including asset-based lending, real estate financing, acquisition financing and restructurings nationwide. Prior to her time at Polsinelli, Tenin was an associate at Chapman and Cutler for five years, where she advised and represented lenders and borrowers in connection with structuring, negotiating, and documenting secured and unsecured credit facilities involving equity and asset acquisitions, asset-based lending, bridge financing, and other capital lines of credit. Tenin holds a JD from the University of Illinois College of Law. The new partners will advise a diverse set of clients ranging from growing businesses represented solely by AA&C, to multinationals with large in-house teams. Mena Harpin and Liburdi will lead AA&C's general corporate and outside GC offerings, while Tenin will be developing the firm's corporate finance and broad transactional practice. "AA&C approaches the practice of law with unmatched modernity embracing a client-centric and innovative mindset," shared Catherine Kemnitz, Axiom's Chief Strategy and Development Officer and Designated Principal for Axiom Advice & Counsel. "Zoe, Andrea, and Rachel bring a unique set of skills to provide our expanding portfolio of clients with high-quality and cost-efficient counsel. We are delighted to welcome them to our growing team and to continue to demonstrate the caliber of partners AA&C attracts." About Axiom Advice & Counsel Based in Arizona, Axiom Advice & Counsel (AA&C) is setting a new standard for the modern-day law firm. From prioritizing clients and the lawyer experience, to leveraging the right legal talent for the right legal matter, to using data and technology to improve overall efficacy and efficiency, AA&C's approach to the law firm model provides clients with better value for every dollar spent on outside counsel. AA&C represents a diverse set of clients, ranging from growing businesses represented solely by the firm, to global multinationals with large in-house teams. The firm focuses on corporate law including complex real estate, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, data privacy, intellectual property, litigation, and regulatory matters. Media Contact Hazel Ramirez Plat4orm PR [email protected] SOURCE Axiom SINGAPORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Azentio Software is pleased to announce that it has been named Gold Winner of the 'Best Industry Cloud ERP for Manufacturing' category at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, held on Saturday 18 March at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The prestigious award recognizes organisations' purpose-led innovation and excellence throughout 18 nations in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is a testament to Azentio's commitment to providing innovative and reliable cloud ERP solutions that meet the needs of world-class manufacturing enterprises in the MENA region. Azentio ONEERP Manufacturing Cloud is IR 4.0 compliant and supports digitization for manufacturing businesses in various domains, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and rubber and plastics. It is one of the first ERP platforms in the manufacturing industry to offer a ground-breaking blockchain-enabled Halal industry cloud solution. The platform provides a fully integrated and collaborative system that merges digital manufacturing and SCM components to address dynamic conditions in the industry value chain and meet changing customer demands. It optimizes business processes for manufacturing, distribution, and financial management through advanced technology, robust software security, and best-in-class scalability. Suryanarayan Kasichainula, President and Global Head - ERP at Azentio Software, commented, "We are thrilled to be recognized as the 'Best Industry Cloud ERP for Manufacturing' at the Stevie Awards. At Azentio, we strive to revolutionize how manufacturing enterprises operate in the modern era of cloud technology. Our cutting-edge ERP solutions empower our clients to undergo digital transformation and succeed in today's challenging business landscape." Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, stated, "We were impressed by the capabilities of Azentio ONEERP Manufacturing Cloud, which powers many of the world's mid-market enterprises. This state-of-the-art cloud platform brings together the capabilities of financials, procurement, project management, HR and FP&A onto a unified cloud platform that shares real-time, and is designed with a powerful, people-centric approach. It supports rapid and continuous change while delivering individualized fit for clients at scale, delivering the right tools to unify processes across the organization." About Azentio Software Azentio provides mission-critical software products across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and India to banks, Islamic financial institutions and insurance companies. It also provides ERP solutions to mid-market enterprises. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1978771/Azentio_Logo.jpg SOURCE Azentio Software Private Limited CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Barcodes Group announced its acquisition of Identbase GmbH, a leading distributor and reseller of people ID and access control products. Based in Meppen, Germany, Identbase has more than thirty years of expertise in physical security and ID management solutions. "We will immediately start working together with UK-based Digital ID on growth opportunities across Europe," says Marcus Brand, Managing Director and founder of Identbase. "We now have three key distribution hubs located throughout the region to meet our customers' demand in much quicker timescales. We will be able to offer customers a faster, simpler and easier ordering experience. And our trade partners will have instant access to a much wider and innovative product range." Stephen Dodd, European Commercial Director of the Digital ID Group, adds: "Identbase has an excellent reputation in the industry, an impressive team of staff, and a loyal client base. This acquisition takes our global staff numbers to 350+ across 13 cities, including locations in the UK, Germany, Austria, and Sweden." "Identbase will join with Digital ID to create the leading ID and Access Control solutions provider in the UK and EU," says Daniel Nettesheim, President & CEO of Barcodes Group. "The powerful combination of businesses, when paired with our equally scaled business in the Americas, makes up the undisputed global market leader in the industry. As part of our long-term growth plan, Barcodes will continue to invest in the growth of Identbase through expanded stock availability, sustainable products, and industry-leading technology." ABOUT BARCODES GROUP Barcodes Group provides end-to-end technology solutions that improve mobility, visibility, and automation for organizations across the globe. With 25+ years of experience and partnerships with leading technology manufacturers, Barcodes Group delivers exceptional products, software, and services to help businesses navigate a world in motion. Barcodes Group brought together the leading identification solutions retailers in North American and Europe, including ID Wholesaler, AlphaCard, and Digital ID. For more information, please visit www.digitalid.co.uk. Todd Muscato, Chief Digital Officer Barcodes Group 1-312-765-6869, [email protected] SOURCE Barcodes Group Bardess CEO Barbara Pound to Accept Award at the 2023 Corporate Growth Conference and Awards RANDOLPH, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bardess Group Ltd., a privately-owned, award-winning innovative data analytics and data science solution consulting firm, has been named one of three 2023 Corporate Growth Award Honorees by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) New Jersey. Bardess was selected for their innovative strategies, nurturing a culture that encourages continuous excellence and demonstrating sustained growth as a result of their efforts. Bardess CEO Barbara S. Pound M.J. Jolda, ACG New Jersey President and Principal and Chief Marketing Officer at CMO and Company, said, "These three winning companies distinguished themselves by their rigorous commitment to innovation, excellence, and corporate growth." Christian Amato, Event Chair of ACG NJ's Corporate Growth Conference and Awards and President of CMA stated that, "It was great to see the numerous submissions from NJ based corporations. The decision-making process was difficult. The continued growth of NJ corporations through innovation and community support has been phenomenal." "We are humbled and honored to be an ACG Corporate Growth Award Honoree," said Bardess CEO Barbara Pound. "Bardess focuses on people helping people first and foremost." For over 25 years, Bardess has focused on solving clients' complex analytic problems by empowering the principles of their Zero2Hero Results Framework and LEAPTM methodology with one goal in mind to empower its clients' to access, view and analyze data in a more usable humancentric form to make smarter, more accurate, more efficient and faster business decisions. Bardess continues to drive innovative implementation of data-driven technologies across verticals and business units. "By employing these strategies, it has enhanced Bardess' value to its customers, creating a trusted long-term business relationship. We are trusted by Fortune 500 companies and businesses of all sizes to solve their most difficult and critical data needs," Pound said. Barbara Pound will share Bardess' leading innovation insights and experiences for sustained excellence and corporate growth at the 2023 ACG NJ Corporate Growth Conference and Awards event being held at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset on May 3rd, from 4-8 p.m. CEOs from the two other honorees will share their insights and real-life experiences as well. For more information, click here. About Bardess: Bardess Group Ltd., is an acclaimed NJ-based data analytics and data science consulting firm, built on integrity, reliability, respect and quality, servicing Fortune 500 companies and organizations of all sizes. These companies have trusted Bardess with their most difficult and critical data needs. Some clients include: Cisco, Verizon, UCB, Conde Nast, Fidelity, Bimbo Bakeries, New York Life, Ralph Lauren, among many more. For more than 25 years, Bardess has focused on solving clients' complex analytic problems by applying the principles of their Zero2Hero strategic results framework and using their unique LEAPTM implementation methodology across advanced data analytics, data science, data engineering/architecture and management consulting practices. Media contact: Kevin Balentine Director, Marketing 201-364-2798 SOURCE Bardess Group, Ltd. CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading benefits administration technology company, bswift, is expanding their benefits communication and engagement services for employers delivered through the bswift Communication Agency. The group is investing to optimize the comprehensive suite of communication solutions they offer to help employers enhance their benefits communication strategies and help employees make the right benefits decisions. "The bswift Communication Agency handles the heavy lifting, crafts the strategies, and creates clear communications." Tweet this Leading benefits administration technology company, bswift, is expanding their benefits communication and engagement services for employers delivered through the bswift Communication Agency. 71% of companies agree their employees underutilize employee benefits, according to a commissioned study conducted on behalf of bswift by Forrester Consulting. Communicating the value of benefits packages to drive engagement is essential. Effective communication can not only boost satisfaction and engagement, but also help in realizing increased retention rates and productivity. However, many employers struggle to communicate benefits information effectively. "Employers know benefits are critical to the overall employee value proposition, but clearly communicating that value is the trick," said Ted Bloomberg, bswift CEO. "HR wears many hats, but communications expert doesn't have to be one of them. With the bswift Communication Agency, we handle heavy lifting, craft the strategies, and create those clear communications." The group offers comprehensive multimedia solutions to help companies develop communication strategies that meet their goals. They manage the communication development process end-to-end, freeing companies to focus on the human side of HR. "Our strength as an agency comes from the years of experience our team has had creating and delivering communication strategies that work for bswift clients," said Tanya Mulqueen, bswift Communication Agency Director. "We have an incredible team of strategists, creative writers and designers who transform ideas into engaging solutions that drive action." The bswift Communication Agency offers custom omnichannel enrollment and transition communications, microsites, internal marketing campaigns, and video. They also provide solutions to enhance perceived benefits value, improve understanding, and simplify benefits decision-making. To learn more about the bswift Communication Agency's services and schedule a consultation, visit: https://communicationagency.bswift.com. About bswift bswift delivers innovative benefits administration solutions and services for employers. Our offerings simplify benefits administration for HR and makes it easier for employees to choose and use their benefits to maximize their overall well-being. With the latest technology, a focus on service excellence, and a deep understanding of each customers' benefits strategies and ecosystems, bswift helps employers and employees get the most out of their benefits today and in the future. Learn more at www.bswift.com. Media Contact: Maria Keller [email protected] SOURCE bswift Seamless integration between revenue management leaders helps enterprise customers automate and accelerate quote-to-cash processes for faster time-to-market DENVER, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BillingPlatform, the enterprise monetization platform for today's innovative business models, and Conga, the global leader in revenue lifecycle management, today announced an integrated, bi-directional connector between the companies' platforms providing enterprise customers with a complete quote-to-cash solution for complex revenue management. As enterprises try to keep up with evolving customer demands and dynamic market conditions, their legacy approach to revenue management is inhibiting their growth potential due to disparate solutions, manual processes, multiple sets of data and revenue leakage throughout the quote-to-cash process. In addition, deals are becoming increasingly complex with new pricing strategies including discounting, bundles and more, leading sales and finance teams to look for a complete and automated solution that generates detailed quotes and invoices so they can close the books faster and accurately recognize revenue. "Businesses are increasingly moving to mixed revenue models to drive both new revenue growth as well as maximize retention and expansion of existing customer engagements through subscriptions, usage-based pricing and other paths to new revenue," said Stephen Hurrell, VP and Research Director of the Office of Revenue for Ventana Research. "The Conga and BillingPlatform partnership is an example of technology empowering revenue and finance teams with a complete revenue management solution to support cross-team efforts and knock down the legacy data silos impeding revenue growth." The BillingPlatform and Conga connector brings together best-of-breed solutions connecting critical points in the revenue lifecycle the transition from a quote to billing and revenue management. The partnership enables that connection for a seamless flow of data allowing sales teams to use Conga's CPQ solution to create quotes and automatically transfer that detail into BillingPlatform for finance to invoice and then recognize the revenue. "The BillingPlatform integration is a showcase for what's possible using the Conga Revenue Lifecycle Cloud," said Grant Peterson, Chief Product Officer of Conga. "This direct integration enables our joint customers to create a unified process that seamlessly moves from quote and contract to order and through to cash collection unifying revenue processes and reducing complexity to maximize cashflow." "Revenue leakage in the quote-to-cash process is a real issue for enterprises, so this partnership with Conga is focused on ensuring what a customer quotes is what they bill and expedites their ability to recognize revenue," said Leo Solomon, co-founder and CTO of BillingPlatform. "This is also another example of adding value to our platform through pre-built connectors to key enterprise systems like Conga to synchronize data and create a seamless, efficient revenue management ecosystem for our customers." BillingPlatform has earned many accolades this past year, including being recognized as the Leader in Forrester Research's "The Forrester Wave: SaaS Recurring Billing Solutions, Q1 2023," named to Constellation Research's Smart Services Digital Monetization ShortList for 2022, positioned as an Automated Revenue Management Market Leader by MGI Research and named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise-Focused Subscription and Usage Management Applications 2022 Vendor Assessment. The company was also recognized for a third year in a row as a fast-growing company on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, honored by Best in Biz Awards for its third consecutive year and listed on the 2022 Inc. 5000. BillingPlatform will also be sponsoring the Conga Connect event in Orlando from April 10th 12th. For more information and to register for the event, visit https://conga.com/connect. 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. We're 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 BillingPlatform, Corp. BillingPlatform's agile revenue management platform gives innovative enterprises the freedom to effectively monetize and deliver products and services that result in growth and competitive differentiation. Our industry-leading, cloud-based platform adapts to every unique business model and pricing structure. With global customers across multiple industries, including communications, transportation, manufacturing, banking, technology, energy, media and software, BillingPlatform processes billions of transactions and dollars every year, enabling enterprises to grow revenue, reduce costs and improve overall customer experience. To learn more, visit billingplatform.com. Press Contact: Abigail Souza BillingPlatform [email protected] SOURCE BillingPlatform Nearly six decades in business, the iconic steakhouse will start the offering coinciding with its birthday by celebrating with off-menu dishes, drinks, and live music LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Black Angus Steakhouse's 59th birthday, the iconic American steakhouse concept will begin offering Dr Pepper on its fountain during a two-day celebratory birthday weekend beginning March 31 . All 32 Black Angus locations will start carrying the beloved beverage brand, which is the oldest major soft drink in the United States, and the culinary team has created specials made with Dr Pepper, including an off-menu entree and other savory and sweet specials. Black Angus Steakhouse's Dr Pepper Glazed Beef Dish Black Angus Steakhouse's Party Prime Trio "We are very proud to celebrate 59 years of hard work for the Black Angus Steakhouse brand and wanted to recognize it by honoring our most important asset, our customers," said Deborah Shapiro, Vice President of Growth. "Our customers have been requesting Dr Pepper for years, so we are happy to add it to our fountain as our birthday present to them." The new innovative Dr Pepper dishes will be offered for a limited time and include Dr Pepper-Glazed Beef Kabobs, a six-ounce sirloin coated with a Dr Pepper infused glaze and served with braised red potatoes, cheddar creamed spinach, and crispy onions. The selling price of the dish is named after the year Black Angus was founded, $19.64. There will also be special Dr Pepper cocktails like the Dr Pepper Colorado Bulldog, a classic Colorado Bulldog drink with Dr Pepper kick; and ice cream lovers will be able to order a Dr Pepper Float. Adding to this annual, birthday weekend celebration, the steakhouse will have other special limited time dishes like the Party Prime Trio Shrimp & Crab. Black Angus Steakhouse's version of an elevated surf and turf entree will include a 12-ounce prime rib, snow crab legs, and crispy shrimp. There will also be all-day drink specials like $3 Margaritas, $5 Square Cow Cooler, and $7 Cowboy Up - a Coors Light served with a shot of Jack Daniels. To ensure the birthday weekend will be a true celebration, each steakhouse will also have live music starting at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night and kids face painting on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, kids will eat for free during those designated hours with the purchase of an adult entree. About Black Angus Steakhouse Black Angus Steakhouse has been mastering its craft since it first launched in Washington state in 1964. Now headquartered in Los Angeles, Black Angus has 32 locations across California, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii. The restaurant pays homage to Western cattle ranching roots by offering the finest Certified Angus Beef and USDA Choice steaks and burgers, in addition to seafood, salads, sides, and desserts for the entire family. The bar serves a robust menu of craft beer, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT WAGSTAFF Claudia Lew [email protected] 424.309.0845 SOURCE Black Angus Steakhouse Blue Line Aviation announces a signed purchase agreement with Piper Aviation for fifty-five (55) aircraft with an option for sixty (60) more, and a new flight school location in Winter Haven, Florida. SMITHFIELD, N.C., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Line Aviation, a fast growing flight school in North Carolina announces a signed purchase agreement with Piper Aircraft for fifty-five (55) aircraft and an option for sixty (60) more. This is the largest single order of aircraft ever placed by Blue Line Aviation. The long-term agreement includes a full diversification of Blue Line's existing single- and multi-engine fleet with both Archer TXs and Seminoles. Blue Line Aviation Announces Large Aircraft Order and Expansion to Florida "Blue Line has a track record of delivering results and relies on our partners to help us do so," said Trey Walters, founder of Blue Line Aviation. "Expanding our fleet partnership to Piper is a step towards reliably expanding our fleet rapidly to serve more students. We are further excited to be purchasing American made airplanes built in the great state of Florida, which we will soon be calling home." Beginning in June 2023, Blue Line Aviation students will have the opportunity to train at a new location in Winter Haven, Florida at Winter Haven Regional Airport near Orlando. This expansion will provide a temporary campus for our operations while we seek a permanent development solution. This new location will allow Blue Line to grow more rapidly to help meet the unprecedented demand for pilots as well as allow Blue Line to overcome space and operational limitations at its North Carolina location. Further development announcements are expected in the coming months. This announcement comes only weeks after Blue Line announced plans to immediately cease all investment in their previously announced expansion in Johnston County. "Florida represents an exciting opportunity to partner with a local government, airport, and state who share in our vision of excellence, growth, accountability and love for aviation," says Adam Walters, President of Blue Line Aviation. "We will take the lessons learned from our past 10 years in business and use this to propel us into the future as the continued leader in flight training." Deliveries of Blue Line Aviation's new Archer TX aircraft will begin in the second half of 2023 and Seminoles in 2024. The expansion of Blue Line's existing fleet to add Pipers will take place over the next four years. "This order signifies our continued investment into providing the very best for our students," said Adam Walters, President of Blue Line Aviation. "Piper is a staple in the flight training industry and brings with them an unparalleled history and commitment to supporting large fleet operators. By having a diverse fleet of modern aircraft we will be better prepared to support our flight operations and ensure that our fleet will remain the gold standard for quality and reliability." Blue Line is no stranger to large aircraft orders. In 2021, Blue Line inked a deal with Diamond Aircraft for up to 100 aircraft, quickly becoming one of Diamond's largest aircraft buyers. The deal with Piper helps add fleet diversity and improve reliability. Blue Line Aviation is best known for its Career Pilot Program, a career-driven program that takes students from zero experience to Career Pilot in as little as six months. For more information about Blue Line Aviation, please visit www.bluelineaviation.com About Blue Line Aviation Blue Line Aviation, established in 2012, is one of only a few flight schools in the world to provide quality flight training programs at an accelerated pace. In as few as five and a half months, students can go from no experience to fully confident and certified pilots, fully prepared for a career in aviation. Schedule a tour of our new state-of-the-art facility (located at 3149B Swift Creek Road, Smithfield, North Carolina) and let your new career take flight. For more inquiries and additional information, please visit our website, find us on social media, or contact Ashley Tucker, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (919) 578-3713 ext. 305. SOURCE Blue Line Aviation HELSINKI and SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluefors, a leading Finnish manufacturer of cryogenic measurement systems, has today announced the completion of its acquisition of Cryomech, a pioneering cryocooler technology and manufacturing company, based in Syracuse, New York, USA. "Joining forces with our new team in Syracuse is a major milestone for Bluefors," says Rob Blaauwgeers, CEO and founder of Bluefors. "Adding 60 years of history and expertise in cryogenics to our 15-year journey and now having a comprehensive portfolio of cryogenic products that get us from room temperature to the coldest temperatures on the planet, will strengthen our position to continue to meet and exceed our customers' expectations in the future as well." "We're glad to be part of the Bluefors team," says Rich Dausman, who continues to lead the team and operation based in Syracuse, which continues to be the home for the existing Cryomech products and services portfolio. "This is a great home for our team and together we will continue to take care of all our co-workers and customers around the world while growing together in the rapidly developing ultra-low temperature cryogenics market." Following the closing of the acquisition, Bluefors now has close to 600 employees and cryogenics experts in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA. Through the acquisition, Bluefors significantly increases its direct presence in the USA with approximately one-third of its employees based in the state of New York. Consequently, Bluefors becomes an important part of the US-based supply chain for cryogenic products used in quantum technology, fundamental physics research and other select industries, while also strengthening the presence for the Cryomech portfolio in Europe. The transaction has been approved by the shareholders of Cryomech's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Contact information Contact information Rob Blaauwgeers Rich Dausman CEO, Founder of Bluefors President, Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies Inc. Phone: +358 9 5617 4800 Phone: +1 315 455 2555 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] About Bluefors Bluefors is the world leader in manufacturing cryogenic measurement systems, cryocoolers and other cryogenic product lines for quantum technology, fundamental physics research and other select industries, such as life sciences and clean energy. Now, following the acquisition, with a revenue of over EUR 160 million and around 600 employees, we are dedicated to delivering the most reliable, versatile, and easy-to-operate systems on the market under Bluefors and Cryomech brands. The quality of our products in combination with our scalable production capabilities, has made us the preferred choice for ultra-low temperature requirements at universities, research institutes, and corporations globally. bluefors.com / cryomech.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/20396/3741854/1946197.pdf Press release (PDF) SOURCE Bluefors Oy He joins recent appointee Charles Clark, Former SVP at eMoney Advisor BOSTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blueleaf , an all-in-one wealth management platform with best-in-class advisor and client experiences in reporting, billing, and rebalancing, has named another WealthTech leader to its Advisory Board. John DeVincent has decades of experience driving marketing for fintech organizations targeting broker-dealers and RIAs. DeVincent has led teams for several top platforms in financial technology, including Workplace by OS33 (now Venn) and Docupace. As Executive Vice President of Marketing at eMoney Advisor, he was instrumental in developing innovative advisor marketing programs that still drive growth today. "Blueleaf engages advisors and their clients better than any platform in the business," said John DeVincent. Tweet this "Blueleaf engages advisors and their clients better than any platform in the business," said DeVincent. "I've been impressed with Blueleaf for years, and I'm happy to advise the Blueleaf team any way I can as they accelerate growth." He joins fellow eMoney Advisor alum Charles Clark with his years of experience transforming sales organizations into highly competitive teams. As SVP, Sales & Account Development at eMoney Advisor, Clark transformed the sales team to capture leading market share. Currently, Clark, Sales Pistons' founder, counsels fintech CEOs on sales strategies, capital raising, technology, and staffing. "John DeVincent and Charles Clark are WealthTech leaders who have driven successful marketing and sales for both large enterprises and fintech startups," said Blueleaf CEO John Prendergast. "I'm honored that they will lend their expertise and experience to the Blueleaf team as we implement the next stage of growth." The two recent appointees join long-time advisor, Jason Henrichs, CEO of Alloy Labs and host of Breaking Banks, the world's largest financial services podcast. The three collectively deliver expertise across the RIA, Broker/Dealer and Banking segments of wealth management. About Blueleaf Blueleaf is a leading all-in-one platform for wealth managers, RIAs, and broker-dealers, delivering exceptional advisor and client experiences while simplifying time-consuming operations. Blueleaf's comprehensive platform reduces the complexity of running a wealth management practice, freeing practitioners to efficiently serve more clients. Blueleaf combines reporting, multi-channel advisor & client experience (Web, Mobile & eMail), rebalancing & trading, billing & invoicing, and automation technologies in a user-friendly interface that delights advisors and their clients. See Blueleaf product features . Blueleaf sponsors The Augmented Advisor podcast , a 'must-listen' for advisors, RIAs, wealth managers, and B/Ds to gain real-world tools and strategies to succeed in a digital world. Contact: Mark Rose, Finsquared 360-301-2600 [email protected] SOURCE Blueleaf NEW YORK, March 28, 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=37688&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=37688&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 Cooperation:Nation's success inspires world With border conflicts, climate change and rising prices threatening the food security of millions of people displaced from their homes in Burkina Faso, emergency humanitarian assistance funded by China poured into the country earlier this month. The aid, from China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, delivered lifesaving food and other nutritional assistance to 170,000 refugees in the West African nation, marking another effort by Beijing to bolster Burkina Faso's food security. "This is the demonstration of China's role as a major country and its support for the developing nations; a vivid practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind," said Lu Shan, Chinese ambassador to Burkina Faso, at a handover ceremony of the aid this month. A team of Chinese agricultural experts and another of medical workers have continued to operate in the African nation. Behind the moves are Beijing's greater commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind by supporting global South-South cooperation, aiding developing nations in attaining a higher level of independent development and presenting a vision for countries, cultures and civilizations to better connect, said analysts and observers. While setting out the vision for the Chinese path to modernization at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underlined the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, which he first put forward in 2013, as an essential part of the modernization process. Xi, who is also Chinese president, underscored in his report to the Congress that China will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress and stay dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the nation follows its own path to modernization. Over the past decade, Beijing has emerged as one of the top providers of global public goods, proposing the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and initiating the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund. As of 2021, Beijing had sent over 2,000 agricultural experts to more than 70 countries and regions, sharing technologies and methods that directly benefited over 1.5 million rural households, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Chinese medical teams, now working at 115 locations in 56 countries, are at the forefront of China's broader push to help developing countries improve their level of healthcare. The nation responded quickly in February when the deadly earthquakes struck Turkiye and Syria, sending key supplies including makeshift homes, clothing, tents and medical equipment. As China strides forward on its own path to modernization, the nation will remain steadfast in supporting other developing countries, to expedite their growth and work toward a better world, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang wrote in an article on Friday. While addressing the High-level Dialogue on Global Development in June, President Xi announced China's decision to upgrade the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund to a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and add $1 billion to it on top of the $3 billion already committed to boost global development cooperation. Koh King Kee, president of the ASEAN Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, said the building of a community with a shared future for mankind is a manifestation of China's foreign policy goal of peace, equality, development and win-win cooperation. He noted that the vision is rooted in Chinese civilization, and represents China's answer to the world being beset by myriad challenges and risks including COVID-19, slow economic growth, climatic change, protectionism and anti-globalization. The Malaysian scholar said Beijing's commitment to following its own path to modernization will inspire other developing countries to explore development paradigms tailored to their own conditions. "Beijing's phenomenal rise to the world's second-largest economy has shown developing countries that modernization does not necessarily mean Westernization," he said. "China's success stories are inspirations and encouragements to leaders of the developing world who see in China an alternative development model, and an important trade partner and a source of foreign investment," he said. In the past decade, China has ratcheted up efforts to help developing countries, including those from Africa and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to boost their growth amid global headwinds. Xi announced in 2021 that Beijing would undertake 10 poverty reduction and agricultural projects in Africa and send 500 agricultural experts to the continent. China's imports from African nations will total $300 billion between 2022 and 2024. Guo Jia, an associate researcher at the China-Africa Institute, said Beijing's unwavering commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind and its success in following its own path to modernization will be of particular significance to developing countries, especially Africa. "For Africa, one favorable factor in its modernization process is that China will remain a good friend, partner and brother and make sure bilateral cooperation is on an equal footing, is win-win and fruitful, which is a key requirement for building a community with a shared future for mankind," she added. China has also offered more scholarships to students from developing nations over the past decade in an effort to help build up these countries' talent base. Since 2015, Beijing has offered 10,000 government scholarships to countries participating in the BRI. Muhammad Fahad Baqa, a Pakistani postgraduate student at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said he appreciates the opportunity to study in China because of the top research environment and the chance to better understand the nation's development and culture. "Historically, we have seen that it is difficult for less-developed nations to modernize under a global political and economic structure that was created by and is dominated by Western wealthy nations," he explained. "Some aspects of China's development provide an example for other nations pursuing sustainable development, such as motivating the populace to build infrastructure, legal frameworks, industrial policies and education," he said. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee, said Xi's vision for building a community with a shared future for mankind "is based on inclusivity, people-centric development and win-win cooperation". He said the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by Xi on March 15 seeks to present an alternative to the "military-oriented, security-centric, Cold War mindset" being promoted by some hawkish elements in the West, who still have a zero-sum mentality that sees the world in black-and-white terms. "This mindset divides and builds barriers, while President Xi's vision unites and builds bridges, as China did recently by promoting Iran-Saudi Arabia peace and rapprochement," he said. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - BTS are a seven member group from South Korea that have become global pop icons. With constant success since their debut in 2013, BTS have been breaking records worldwide, including six No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and multiple sold-out stadium shows worldwide. The BTS POP-UP: Space of BTS in New York will be at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards on Level 3. The BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS arrives perfectly with BTS member SUGA's World tour in New York on April 27th, 2023. BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS located in Toronto, Canada (CNW Group/Sukoshi Mart) The long-awaited BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS in NEW YORK will be the first comprehensive and official BTS store in the United States. The New York pop-up will have the longest opening duration of three months. This spectacular store will carry several new merchandise lines like 2022 DALMAJUNG, BTS in BUSAN. In addition, previously extensive and newly added collections will be available, such as SOWOOZOO, IN THE SOOP BTS ver. Season2, TinyTAN, BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE, BUTTER and many more . With numerous interactive photo opportunities, customers can expect a fantastic experience at the new BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS in NEW YORK. Shoppers can expect an opening day gift with purchase and a limited edition BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS in NEW YORK slap wristband. Along with a wide variety of BTS merchandise from stationery, apparel, homeware, and fashion items. Due to the high demand for merchandise, these products will be sold until supplies last and have limited restock once sold out. BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS will bring exceptional products inspired by BTS albums to New York for an immersive in-store experience equipped with new interactive elements. Hudson Yards is New York's newest neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side. The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards feature over 100 diverse shops and a collection of leading, high-profile brands perfect for tourists and local shoppers alike. Following the anticipation of the BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS in TORONTO, store hours for the New York pop-up have been extended two hours before and one hour after traditional mall hours on opening day. Excitement is buzzing with the BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS coming to New York! The store is set to open in late April 2023. About BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS Ran by HYBE, previous BTS POP-UP : SPACE OF BTS stores have been a global success with multiple store locations in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju. Resulting in long-line ups and high levels of returning customers excited for exclusive BTS merchandise. About BTS BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or "Beyond the Scene," are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN 'Speak Yourself' speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), collected six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME's Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. SOURCE Sukoshi Mart Mortgage Lender Unveils New Brand Identity TUSTIN, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New American Funding has been a leader in the mortgage industry for two decades. As the company moves into its third decade in business, New American Funding continues to grow by helping even more families achieve the dream of homeownership. With that evolution, New American Funding is proud to unveil a fresh look and modern brand identity. Over the next several months, New American Funding and its family of companies will roll out a full rebrand that unifies the companies under a single brand NAF. Customers will see the new look on everything NAF does. In addition to a new logo and brand colors, there are more exciting changes on the horizon for the NAF Family of Companies. New American Funding is proud to unveil a fresh look and modern brand identity. Tweet this The new unified identity mirrors the innovation, growth, and professionalism that NAF, its family of companies, and each of its thousands of team members exemplify every day. Aligning the companies' brand identities represents the unification of the quality, service, and reputation that each of the NAF Family of Companies provides. "One of our main goals when we founded this company 20 years ago was to provide top-notch service to our customers at every turn," NAF Co-Founder and CEO Rick Arvielo said. "We have built our business on consistently delivering on that promise. That has helped us grow into one of the nation's largest lenders. "Now, as we evolve our business and become the mortgage company of the future, this is the perfect time to unveil a fresh brand identity," Arvielo continued. "We feel this evolution will help people across the country discover what makes the NAF Family of Companies so unique and the numerous ways we can help people achieve their dreams." NAF has become a leader in the mortgage industry by combining a streamlined loan process with cutting-edge technology and competitive pricing to create an exceptional loan experience for its customers. The company's foundation is built on its core values: Lead With Integrity, We Are Stronger United, Innovation Fuels Evolution, Pursue The Impossible, Execution Drives Success, and People Come First. Each of these values represents the tenets on which the company and each of its employees operates. These values have allowed NAF to become a leader in all areas of the mortgage process. The company focuses on helping clients of all backgrounds accomplish the American dream of homeownership. That includes those looking to buy a home or refinance their existing loan. The company also specializes in numerous loan types, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Adjustable-Rate, Jumbo, Reverse, Home Equity, USDA, Non-QM, Interest-Only, and more. NAF also offers unique programs like a Buydown loan that offers a lower payment rate in the early years of the mortgage, and the Pathway to Homeownership, which provides first-time buyers in select areas up to $8,000 in assistance. As NAF and its Family of Companies evolve, the companies are focused on helping people succeed in this market and any market in the future. Beginning today, New American Funding customers will see the new branding across NewAmericanFunding.com, in each of NAF's more than 165 nationwide locations, and with all customer communications. New American Funding is still the same great company it has always been. Customers can take confidence in knowing they'll continue to receive the same exceptional care and attention that NAF is known for, but under a new modernized look. For more about what makes New American Funding unique, visit our newly revamped website today. About New American Funding New American Funding is an independent mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of 244,700+ loans for approximately $64.5 billion and more than 165 nationwide locations. In 2022, New American Funding was ranked #1 by J.D. Power in Customer Satisfaction among Mortgage Servicers. The company was also named #18 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2022. The company offers state-of-the-art career training and provides its branch Loan Officers with innovative technologies to streamline the mortgage process. SOURCE New American Funding, LLC NEW YORK, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global carbon accounting software market size is estimated to increase by USD 9.61 billion from 2021 to 2026. The market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 28.66%. A few prominent vendors that offer carbon accounting software are Benchmark Digital Partners LLC, Carbon Analytics Ltd., CarbonetiX, Energy Solution Providers Ltd, ENGIE SA, Epicor Software Corp, Greenstep Oy, Intelex Technologies, Lisam Systems SA, Locus Technologies, NativeEnergy, ProcessMAP Corp., SAP SE, SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd., Simble Solutions Ltd., Sphera Solutions Inc., and Wolters Kluwer NV. Discover some insights about the market before buying the full report - Request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Carbon Accounting Software Market Carbon accounting software market Vendor analysis Vendor Landscape The global carbon accounting software market is fragmented, with the presence of several international and regional vendors. There are several growth opportunities for vendors, especially due to the growing demand for environmental sustainability and lowering emission levels globally. Vendors are adopting strategies such as collaborations and M&A to increase their market share and gain a competitive advantage. They differentiate themselves based on factors such as service quality and innovation. Why buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyze competitors' offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio Buy the report! Vendor offerings - CarbonetiX - The company offers automated business carbon footprint assessment. It also offers products such as end-use energy analysis & reporting, voltage optimization and power factor correction, carbon accounting software, lighting solutions, carbon offsets, refrigerant de-fouling, solar solutions, energy-efficient fans, and automatic utility bill processing. The company offers automated business carbon footprint assessment. It also offers products such as end-use energy analysis & reporting, voltage optimization and power factor correction, carbon accounting software, lighting solutions, carbon offsets, refrigerant de-fouling, solar solutions, energy-efficient fans, and automatic utility bill processing. Epicor Software Corp. - The company offers automated business carbon footprint assessment, which manages all emissions factors and provides automated integrations with common suppliers to reduce the time taken to load emissions data. The company offers automated business carbon footprint assessment, which manages all emissions factors and provides automated integrations with common suppliers to reduce the time taken to load emissions data. Greenstep Oy - The company offers carbon accounting software under the Sustainability brand. The company offers carbon accounting software under the Sustainability brand. For details about vendors and their offerings Request a sample report Carbon accounting software market - Segmentation assessment Segment overview Technavio has segmented the market based on end-user (telecommunication, oil and gas, technology, power and utilities, and others). The telecommunication segment will account for a significant share of the market growth during the forecast period. Telecom companies deploy carbon accounting software to monitor their carbon emissions and reduce their operational costs. Components that are responsible for carbon emissions in the telecom sector include antennas, feeders, cables, and other transmission equipment. In addition, passive components, such as telecom towers, sites, and others are responsible for carbon emissions. Geography Overview Based on geography, the global carbon accounting software market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global carbon accounting software market. North America will account for 37% of the market's growth during the forecast period. The US is a key contributor to the carbon accounting software market in the region. Market growth in this region will be faster than in Europe and South America . Concerns about increasing CO 2 emissions will drive the carbon accounting software market growth in North America during the forecast period. For insights about global, regional, and country-level parameters - Download a sample report Carbon accounting software market Market dynamics Leading drivers - The need to reduce the overall costs incurred by enterprises is driving market growth. Carbon accounting software provides visibility of energy usage, which enables enterprises to identify appropriate cost-saving opportunities. The use of such software can help enterprises identify energy-intensive business activities, which can help reduce the use of energy. Enterprises can address inefficiencies and find ways to lower direct energy costs with the help of such software, which reduces the overall cost incurred by enterprises. Carbon accounting software also provides end-user enterprises with details about overall energy consumption patterns during a certain period. Such factors are expected to fuel the growth of the global carbon accounting software market during the forecast period. Key trends - The increasing government initiatives and regulations to reduce carbon emissions is a key trend in the market. Governments of various countries are taking initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. This can be achieved by formulating energy-related rules and regulations. Organizations should adhere to GHG emission regulations by measuring and monitoring the levels of emissions. Non-compliance with such regulations can have a negative financial impact. The increasing demand for energy-efficient products is also compelling companies to use carbon accounting software. These factors are expected to support the growth of the global carbon accounting software market during the forecast period. Major challenges - The difficulty in capturing energy usage data will challenge market growth during the forecast period. Collecting data about energy usage is critical for environmental sustainability. Most organizations rarely track their energy usage. Moreover, the calculation of carbon emissions involves tracking utility invoices for multiple buildings. It is challenging and time-consuming to estimate the use of energy by equipment such as chillers, trucks, fleet, remote offices, and generators. These factors will impede the growth of the global carbon accounting software market. Drivers, trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! What are the key data covered in this carbon accounting software market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information about factors that will drive the growth of the carbon accounting software market between 2022 and 2026 Precise estimation of the size of the carbon accounting software market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the carbon accounting software market across North America , Europe , APAC, Middle East and Africa , and South America , , 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 carbon accounting software market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The advanced carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sensors market size is estimated to increase by USD 261.73 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.59%. This report extensively covers the advanced carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sensors market segmentation by product (NDIR and chemical), fitting (wall mount and retrofit), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, the Middle East and Africa, and South America). The carbon monoxide gas sensors market size is estimated to increase by USD 100.13 million from 2021 to 2026. This report extensively covers carbon monoxide gas sensors market segmentation by application (medical, petrochemical, industrial, and others) and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Carbon Accounting Software Market Scope Report Coverage Details Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 28.66% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 9.61 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2021-2022 (%) 26.97 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 37% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled Benchmark Digital Partners LLC, Carbon Analytics Ltd., CarbonetiX, Energy Solution Providers Ltd, ENGIE SA, Epicor Software Corp, Greenstep Oy, Intelex Technologies, Lisam Systems SA, Locus Technologies, NativeEnergy, ProcessMAP Corp., SAP SE, SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd., Simble Solutions Ltd., Sphera Solutions Inc., and Wolters Kluwer NV 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 information technology 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 Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by End-user 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by End-user Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by End-user Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by End-user 5.3 Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Telecommunication - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Telecommunication - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Oil and gas - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Oil and gas - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Oil and gas - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 36: Chart on Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Technology - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Chart on Technology - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Technology - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 40: Chart on Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Power and utilities - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 42: Chart on Power and utilities - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Power and utilities - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 44: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 46: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.8 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 48: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 49: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 50: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 52: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 53: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 84: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 85: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 86: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 88: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 89: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 90: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 92: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 94: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 95: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 96: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 97: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 98: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 99: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 100: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Carbon Analytics Ltd. Exhibit 101: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 102: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 103: Carbon Analytics Ltd. - Key offerings 10.4 CarbonetiX Exhibit 104: CarbonetiX - Overview Exhibit 105: CarbonetiX - Product / Service Exhibit 106: CarbonetiX - Key offerings 10.5 ENGIE SA Exhibit 107: ENGIE SA - Overview - Overview Exhibit 108: ENGIE SA - Business segments - Business segments Exhibit 109: ENGIE SA - Key news - Key news Exhibit 110: ENGIE SA - Key offerings - Key offerings Exhibit 111: ENGIE SA - Segment focus 10.6 Greenstep Oy Exhibit 112: Greenstep Oy - Overview Exhibit 113: Greenstep Oy - Product / Service Exhibit 114: Greenstep Oy - Key offerings 10.7 Intelex Technologies Inc. Exhibit 115: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Overview Exhibit 116: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 117: Intelex Technologies Inc. - Key offerings 10.8 Lisam Systems SA Exhibit 118: Lisam Systems SA - Overview Exhibit 119: Lisam Systems SA - Product / Service Exhibit 120: Lisam Systems SA - Key offerings 10.9 SAP SE Exhibit 121: SAP SE - Overview Exhibit 122: SAP SE - Business segments Exhibit 123: SAP SE - Key news Exhibit 124: SAP SE - Key offerings Exhibit 125: SAP SE - Segment focus 10.10 SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. Exhibit 126: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 127: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 128: SIERRA ODC Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 10.11 Simble Solutions Ltd. Exhibit 129: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 130: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 131: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 132: Simble Solutions Ltd. - Segment focus 10.12 Wolters Kluwer NV Exhibit 133: Wolters Kluwer NV - Overview Exhibit 134: Wolters Kluwer NV - Business segments Exhibit 135: Wolters Kluwer NV - Key offerings Exhibit 136: Wolters Kluwer NV - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 137: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 138: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 139: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 140: Research methodology Exhibit 141: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 142: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 143: 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 Led by Emend Vision Fund and Blue Vision Capital, the company will aim to expand its market-defining product globally TORONTO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Toronto-based climate tech startup Carbon Neutral Club , a business that is on a mission to bring climate action into the modern employee experience, has closed a $1.4M CAD round led by Emend Vision Fund , Blue Vision Capital , and Good News Ventures . CARBON NEUTRAL CLUB RAISES $1.4M TO EMBED CLIMATE ACTION INTO MODERN WORKFORCE CULTURE Tweet this Co-Founders Roee Eidan, Jack Bruner, and Jeff Packer (left to right) (CNW Group/Carbon Neutral Club Inc.) In the wake of last week's IPCC report , which delivered a final warning on the climate crisis, Carbon Neutral Club has discovered an untapped resource that can be harnessed to build a global climate movement - the workforce. Having witnessed a growing number of companies set climate targets only to fall short of their goals, the founders of Carbon Neutral Club have identified what they perceive to be the root cause. "Over one third of companies that fail to meet their climate targets attribute these failures to a lack of organizational culture necessary to effectively implement their climate plans," shared Jack Bruner, co-founder of Carbon Neutral Club. "We want to shepherd in a new era of climate plan implementation, one that embeds climate action directly into the values of a company. For Net Zero plans to be successful, organizations need an engaged workforce that is compelled to execute on the long-term plan. Afterall, if employees aren't empowered to drive sustainable changes in the workplace, how can we expect organizations to meet their emissions reduction targets?" Historically, corporations have given little consideration to employee engagement in overarching climate plans. Yet employee derived 'Scope 3' emissions for activities like flights and commutes are often responsible for the largest portion of corporate emissions. Carbon Neutral Club is dedicated to improving the likelihood that corporate climate targets are met by empowering the people who are responsible for delivering them - the workforce. "Carbon Neutral Club gives employees the tools, education, and incentives to play an active role in achieving their organization's climate targets," explains Jeff Packer, co-founder of Carbon Neutral Club. "Employees start by calculating their carbon footprints at home and at work. Our Sustainable Behaviors Platform then integrates climate objectives and tactical behavior change opportunities seamlessly into the workday to reward employees for making changes that drive toward corporate carbon reduction targets." Blue Vision Capital invested in Carbon Neutral Club because it believes organizations that engage their workforces in climate action are more likely to achieve Net Zero goals. "Two timeless truths for organizations are 'what gets measured gets managed', and 'lasting change begins from the ground up,'" explains Siddartha Krishnan, Partner at Blue Vision Capital. "Carbon Neutral Club allows workforces to measure and mitigate their carbon footprints, while providing a unique channel for employees and organizations to coalesce around shared climate commitments." Over the past year, Carbon Neutral Club has rapidly expanded its client base to include hundreds of progressive companies across North America. These companies span publicly traded financial institutions, sustainable brands like Prima and Saie , and fast-growing startups like Manifest Climate , Patch , and Redbrick . Carbon Neutral Club will use the capital infusion to expand globally and grow the impact of its climate movement ten-fold over the next two years. "Carbon Neutral Club has helped Manifest Climate employees understand their emissions and has supported better choices," says Laura Zizzo, CEO of Manifest Climate. "It's a meaningful part of our team-building package, supporting more knowledge and sustainability across the organization." More than 70% of employees consider a company's climate track record before accepting a job. Having recognized this trend, Carbon Neutral Club has identified a new market it calls "climate culture". With this movement likely to grow in the future, the company plans to expand its product offering with the mission of building a climate movement at every organization. "While the climate culture space is in its infancy, it will be the bedrock of all successful corporate climate strategies going forward," says Richard Egli, General Partner of Emend Vision Fund. "We believe in Carbon Neutral Club's ability and vision to harness the power of the workforce to make a significant impact in our collective fight against climate change." About Carbon Neutral Club Carbon Neutral Club helps organizations of all sizes meet climate targets by harnessing the power of the workforce. Employees are given the tools, education, and incentives to play an active role in achieving their organization's climate plans. Our Sustainable Behaviors Platform integrates climate objectives and tactical behavior change opportunities seamlessly into the workday to reward employees for making changes that drive toward corporate carbon reduction targets. More Information About Carbon Neutral Club: Website: www.carbonneutralclub.com Reserve A Demo: https://www.carbonneutralclub.com/reserve-demo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon-neutral-club/ Media Inquiries: Katie Green, August Strategy [email protected] SOURCE Carbon Neutral Club Inc. The healthcare provider's theme of celebrating women in medicine recognizes the strength, tenacity and resilience of women globally and within ChenMed MIAMI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ChenMed, one of the nation's leading primary care providers for older adults, continued transforming health in the neediest populations and celebrating the company's award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, with extensive Women's History Month programming. As part of that programming, ChenMed's Employee Resource Group (ERG) - the Women Inspire Network (WIN) has provided a toolkit to engage team members, highlight team members' contributions and open conversations about women's accomplishments, both within ChenMed and throughout the medical field. "I am honored to work for a company that hires and promotes outstanding female clinicians." Alexandria Beranger, MD Tweet this ChenMed has hundreds of female clinicians, executives and administrators in vital roles of leadership and culture in its privately owned medical, technology and management company. They include (pictured, left to right): Alexandria Beranger, MD, ChenMeds first-ever National Director of Quality and Patient Experience; Siolys Gonzalez, Executive Center Director for Chen Senior Medical Center, Pembroke Pines, FL.; Stephanie Chen, Chief Legal and Culture Officer at ChenMed. ChenMed is proud that more than 60 percent of its clinician partners are women. The physician-owned and physician-led practice also registers a substantially higher percentage of female physician partners at Chen, Dedicated and JenCare Senior Medical Centers nationwide than the percentages of female doctors reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges. AAMC's most recent data shows that in all specialties, women account for only 37.1 percent of physicians, while just 42.3 percent of active family medicine/general practice physicians are women. "I am honored to work for a company that hires and promotes outstanding female clinicians, and then allows us to deliver highly personalized, VIP care that underserved, older adults deserve and need," said Alexandria Beranger, MD, ChenMed's first-ever National Director of Quality and Patient Experience. "We have the ability to build trust with our patients and get to know them because our smaller patient load means we can see them more frequently and spend more time listening to their concerns. This allows us to live out the company's values of love, accountability and passion." ChenMed doctors give their cell phone numbers to their patients and respond to directly to patient calls and texts. Patients can get a same-day telehealth or in-person appointment with their doctors, when needed. Plus, ChenMed centers offer services that help reduce barriers to healthy living, from transportation assistance to on-site medications to helping with social services. ChenMed also celebrates the diversity of its team members and patients. Investing in workforce equity, creating an inclusive patient experience and making a difference in the communities it serves are cornerstones of its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy statement. The company's employee culture includes four Employee Resource Groups (ERG): All Working to Achieve Racial Equity and Equality(AWARE), Women Inspire Network (WIN), Veterans Engagement Team (VET) and ChenMed Healthcare Allied Respecting Individuality and Sexuality for Members and Associates (CHARISMA). The WIN group oversaw the alignment of all ChenMed employees in celebrating and honoring the contributions of women in medicine. During March, ChenMed celebrated its many female leaders, including Siolys Gonzalez, Executive Center Director for Chen Senior Medical Center, located in Pembroke Pines, FL. The Broward County Commission for Women's History Month recognized 12 female leaders in South Florida, including Gonzalez, who contribute to social, economic and political history of our community, in a program titled, "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." ChenMed also honored Gonzalez with its "People's Award," recognizing her for nurturing a highly engaged team that works to ensure continuity of care for patients. "I get to serve the Pembroke Pines community by impacting the lives of thousands of seniors, their families and my team," said Gonzalez. "I am humbled to have other women in the community and at ChenMed recognize my hard work and leadership. It's an absolute honor to have a platform where I can continue to advocate for and lead other women, and I plan to keep working together to pave the way for the next generation of women." "ChenMed salutes and thanks our female clinicians, executives and administrators for their vital roles in the leadership and culture of our organization," says Stephanie Chen, Chief Legal and Culture Officer at ChenMed. "We thank our Women Inspire Network (WIN) employee resource group for their collaboration in designing programming that has educated and engaged team members to have meaningful conversations during Women's History Month, helping to further foster a culture of inclusion and excellence here at ChenMed." Partnering with the Culture team at ChenMed, the WIN Employee Resource Group enriched the workplace by incorporating the following: Women's History Month toolkit provided to all leaders to engage teams, patients and communities. Women's History Month Weekly Newsletters with resources to encourage open dialogue between team members on ways to foster a culture of inclusion. Educational articles, historical facts on iconic female figures, books, podcasts, companywide online events, movies, and RightNow Media video series to engage and educate employees. Team Member Spotlights, where ChenMed recognized Four Wonder Women and nominees. International Women's Day observance, where all team members wore purple to celebrate this day. Special events, which were held at our ChenMed Centers nationwide, throughout the month. ChenMed has earned many national and regional awards for being a great place to work, while embracing and nurturing a culture of diversity and opportunity for women and minorities. The company encourages employees to get involved with Employee Resource Groups aligned with their interests, as a way to foster and strengthen its inclusive culture. About ChenMed ChenMed is a privately owned medical, technology and management company that delivers the high-touch and personalized primary care Medicare-eligible seniors need to enjoy better health. The company operates more than 125 senior medical centers in 15 states. Named one of Fortune's 2020 "Change the World" companies, twice named a "Most Loved Workplace" by Newsweek, and a certified Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute, ChenMed brings concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center,Dedicated Senior Medical Center, JenCare Senior Medical Center and IntuneHealth. Its leading healthcare technology organization, Curity, was recently named a "Best Place to Work in IT" by ComputerWorld. See ChenMed's 2022 Impact Report. SOURCE ChenMed LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Cleanroom Consumables Market was worth USD 6034.54 million in 2018 and is slated to reach a valuation of USD 9133.80 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 6.10% over the assessment timeline of 2022-2029. Cleanroom consumables are typically used in cleanroom environments to keep contamination at bay and maintain a sterile and controlled environment. It is worth noting that cleanrooms are used in a variety of industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and healthcare where contamination control is critical. Gloves, masks, coveralls, booties, wipes, swabs, mops, cleaning solutions, and adhesive mats, among others are some of the most common cleanroom consumables. These consumables are predominantly manufactured with adherence to cleanliness and performance standards, such as ISO Class 5 or 6, to ensure they do not introduce additional contaminants into the cleanroom. Get Sample of [email protected] https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/1002 Global Cleanroom Consumables Market Outlook (2022-2029) The escalating demand for cleanroom across various sectors, increasing health and hygiene cognizance, along with the booming healthcare sector are primarily augmenting the outlook of this business vertical. Furthermore, growing prevalence of infectious diseases, technological advancements in the field, and increasing popularity of disposable cleanroom consumables are creating lucrative opportunities for this market sphere to prosper. Alongside, rising R&D activities in the field is another crucial growth stimulant for this industry sphere. On the flipside, rigid regulatory standards coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of disposable cleanroom consumables are hindering the remuneration scope of this market. Competitive Hierarchy The prominent players characterizing the competitive terrain of the Global Cleanroom Consumables Market are Berkshire Corporation, Valutek, Texwipe, Nitritex Ltd., Contec Inc., Cantel Medical Corporation, Micronova Manufacturing Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, DuPont de Nemours Inc., and Climet instrument. Segmental Outlook By Product Type: Cleanroom mops Buckets Wringers Squeegees Validation swabs Cleaning chemicals Wipers Gloves Adhesive mats Others By Apparels: Coveralls Frocks Boot and shoe covers Sleeves Face masks Hoods By Cleanroom Stationery: Papers Adhesive pads Binders Clipboards Labels By Applications: Food & beverages Aerospace and defense Academics and automotive Healthcare and Medical device companies Pharmaceutical & biotechnology Others Get Methodology @ https://brandessenceresearch.com/requestMethodology/PostId/1002 Region-Wise Outlook Which is the leading region in the Global Cleanroom Consumables Market? Asia Pacific is presently leading the market in terms of volume share. This is attributable to the growing adoption of cleanroom across sectors like food & beverages, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, among others. How is North America faring in this industry? North America is reckoned to capture a substantial revenue share over the stipulated timeframe of 2022-2029. This is due to the presence of notable players, growing health and hygiene cognizance, along with widespread technological advancements in the field. Category-Wise Insights Which is the top performing product type segment in this business sphere? The cleaning chemicals segment is slated to amass notable gains over the estimated timeline owing to the growing need to maintain a germ and contamination free environment across numerous sectors including healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Which is the fastest growing apparels segment in this marketplace? The face masks segment has emerged as one of the fastest growing apparels segment in this marketplace. This is attributable to the rising prevalence of communicable and infectious diseases across the globe. Which applications segment is expected to witness significant growth over 2022-2029? The healthcare and medical device segment is anticipated to register substantial returns over the assessment timeframe. This is ascribed to the growing emphasis on infection control and prevention measures. The cleanroom environment helps to maintain sterility and prevent contamination of medical devices and equipment, which is essential for patient safety. Comparing the historical outlook and ongoing trends of this market The Global Cleanroom Consumables Market is anticipated to generate significant returns over the estimated timeframe due to the positive influence of numerous expansion stimulants. Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic escalated the demand for cleanroom products across the globe. This was powered by the increasing focus on contamination control across sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, among others. Being a transmissible disease, the primary ways to keep the spreading of the Coronavirus at bay was to maintain proper social distancing along with hygiene. This resulted in a surge in demand for cleanroom consumables such as gloves, masks, wipes, and disinfectant, just to name a few. These factors together stimulating the overall dynamics of this industry during the pandemic era. There have been widespread technological advancements in this sector. Cleanrooms are being equipped with advanced air filtration, temperature regulation, and humidity control technologies. Apart from that, many cleanroom activities are being automated to reduce the burden of the operators. As these technologies become more widely adopted, the demand for cleanroom consumables to maintain their effectiveness and cleanliness will also increase. This in turn is positively swaying the outlook of this business sphere. The healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors are the primary users of cleanroom consumables. These sectors directly deal with patients, medications, and other medical entities and therefore require to maintain a sterile and hygienic environment. With the growing demand for healthcare and pharmaceutical products, the demand for cleanroom consumables has increased. This includes not only gloves, masks, and gowns, but also sterile wipes, swabs, and packaging materials. As these industries continue to grow, the demand for cleanroom consumables is expected to increase as well. On Special Requirement Cleanroom Consumables Market for Cancer Treatment Market Report is also available for below region: North America U.S, Canada Europe Germany , France , U.K., Italy , Spain , Sweden , Netherland, Turkey , Switzerland , Belgium , Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific South Korea , Japan , China , India , Australia , Philippines , Singapore , Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia , Rest Of APAC Latin America Mexico , Colombia , Brazil , Argentina , Peru , Rest of Latin America Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia , UAE, Egypt , South Africa , Rest Of MEA Purchase Copy of Report @ https://brandessenceresearch.com/Checkout?report_id=1002 Major Developments Berkshire Corporation announced the acquisition of Tekni-Plex's cleanroom consumables division in 2020, which included cleanroom wipers, sterile wipes, and other cleanroom consumables. Related Reports: i-Factor: Live Market intelligence platform I-Factor is our guaranteed seal to keep our clients ahead of the competition, always. This knowledge platform delivers real-time updates on key economic indicators, competitive landscape, changing demand, trends, customized regional insights, and more. The platform visualizes key data points to help make decision making agile, trustworthy, and holistic. Register for free trial here at https://brandessenceresearch.com/i-factor/login/userRegister Brandessence Market Research & Consulting Pvt ltd. Brandessence Market Research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in Pune, India and our sales office is in London. Follow Us: Linkedin M & A Advisory: Merger & Acquisition, and Capabilities Blog:What is Market Research? What is Market Sizing? How to Measure Your TAM, SAM, and SOM How to Identify the Right M&A Target for Your Business Post-Merger Integration Due Diligence in M&A Market Extension Merger Automotive Engineering Services Companies Contact: Mr. Vishal Sawant Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Corporate Sales: +44-2038074155 Asia Office: +917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/BEMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Brandessence Market Research And Consulting Private Limited LOVELAND, Ohio, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cold Jet, with the acquisition of Triventek, has added a new line of low-volume dry ice pelletizers. The Cold Jet PE Series offers dry ice production capacities ranging from 50-80 kg/h (110-176 lbs/h), in contrast to their large-volume pelletizer line with capacities ranging from 120-750 kg/h (265-1,653lbs/h). These are the most efficient low-volume pelletizers on the market capable of producing the highest quality dry ice. Cost-Effective PE 50 & PE 80 Pelletizers The PE Series pelletizers are cost-effective for businesses looking to produce low volumes of dry ice on a regular basis. The PE 50 produces up to 50 kg/h of dry ice pellets and the PE 80 produces up to 80 kg/h. The pelletizers offer a compact, easy-to-use dry ice production solution for those looking to begin, or expand, their own dry ice production without requiring major investments to upgrade existing infrastructure. It's dry ice production on a budget! Cold Jet also has payment plans, trade-in programs, and leasing options available (in select markets). Efficient Solution The PE 50 and PE 80 are perfect for companies that are looking to take better control of their dry ice supply by producing in-house and on demand. This includes companies using dry ice as an environmentally sustainable cleaning and surface preparation method or those looking for a more reliable and sustainable transport cooling solution. "At Cold Jet, we understand the importance of having freshly made dry ice, and the difference it makes in the quality of work done. With the addition of our new PE series of pelletizers, we are able to provide companies with the ability to take control of their dry ice supply and ensure that they have access to freshly made dry ice whenever they need it," said Diego Loaiza, Director Global Dry Ice Manufacturing Systems Applications. The new PE series of pelletizers are designed to meet the needs of manufacturing companies and contract cleaners that own dry ice blasters, auto detailing businesses, companies within the life sciences ecosystem, food processors, and food home delivery companies that only require a low volume. By adding these low-volume pelletizers to the Cold Jet portfolio, they can now help companies that previously found the existing high-volume pelletizers to be overkill in capacity and cost. Businesses can control their supply of fresh dry ice without having to worry about delays or inconsistencies in production. Versatile CO 2 Storage Options The PE Series is designed to work with a wide range of liquid CO 2 storage options. They are compatible with regular fixed LCO 2 tanks, dewar tanks, MicroBulk tanks, and other options offering users greater ease to start producing dry ice. This versatility allows for multiple use cases, providing easier integration for different industries and production lines. User-Friendly & Easy Mobility The PE Series pelletizers are user-friendly and easy to maintain. An intuitive HMI display and simple controls make it a breeze to adjust settings and produce high-quality dry ice pellets in minutes. Their lightweight design on heavy-duty caster wheels allows for easy transport from one location to another within any facility. Additionally, these pelletizers offer the option to be recessed and fixed to a wall, which means they can easily be installed in a permanent location without taking up too much floor space. To learn more about the PE Series, and how it can benefit your business, please visit the Cold Jet website or contact us directly. About Cold Jet Cold Jet provides environmental cleaning, surface preparation, and parts finishing systems to global manufacturing industries that utilize particles of dry ice as a blasting medium. We also produce systems for the production, metering, and packaging of dry ice for food transportation, cold chain management, and dry ice cleaning. Cold Jet is headquartered in Loveland, Ohio, with international operations in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Mexico. For more information, visit www.coldjet.com or call 1-800-337-9423 or +1-513-831-3211 (International). For media inquiries, please contact Rachael Barnes, Marketing and Communications Generalist Global Marketing, Cold Jet at [email protected]. SOURCE Cold Jet WASHINGTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CommuniPets is excited to announce the launch of CommuniPets.com, a social community platform designed for pet owners to connect with one another, share photos and videos of their beloved pets, and enjoy exclusive discounts on pet products and services. CommuniPets main points: CommuniPets 100% CommuniPets was gifted/donated to its members/user's. 100% total Financial Transparency and Accountability. 100% Members have access to their user based. 100% Protecting members personal privacy and abusive behavior. 64% Two-thirds of earned & donated income goes back to the Community. Monthly online reports showing where The Money Goes. Community will always be a 51% Majority Stakeholder. After careful consideration, the company has decided to pivot away from the original concept as a mobile social media app platform due to the liabilities and dependencies involved in managing user-generated content and working within the constraints of the Apple and Android app stores and regulators. Faced with the constant threat of app removal and the burden of a 30% fee/tax on all transactions, this led to reevaluating the company's approach. Going forward, CommuniPets 2.0 will be redesigned as a Web-based platform accessible to all PCs, tablets, smart TVs, and mobile phones. This new direction will allow CommuniPets to better serve their members and provide a more stable foundation for the business. CommuniPets was created and funded by Alexander Acuna with the goal of creating a media platform that prioritizes the inherent right to personal privacy and full transparency for its members. CommuniPets operates with a unique approach, prioritizing the needs and privacy of its members over an advertiser-driven corporate agenda. As a true community supported by its members, CommuniPets offers full disclosure and allows members to build 100% of their own authentic peer-to-peer groups and audience of fans without interference from the platform. In an effort to maintain a safe and positive community, they have removed direct messaging and allow users to communicate publicly through posts and comments. The goal is to eliminate private interactions to minimize abusive behavior from troublemakers, bullies, trolls, fraudster and scammers. In addition to providing a welcoming and supportive community for pet lovers, CommuniPets operates using the Revolutionary New concept 'Imagine Business Model' or IB Model. This business model prioritizes giving back to the community, with two-thirds (64%) of all income earned and donations being returned to the CommuniPets community to help financially support local pet communities like: Rescue & Pet Adoption Centers, Animal Shelters, Pet Organizations, and Pet Business Owners. CommuniPets members can see where their money goes each month by clicking on the "Follow the Money" tab for total Transparency and Accountability. Mr. Acuna also states that he has gifted/donated CommuniPets to the members and the community will always be 51% majority stakeholder, making sure that the members of the community will never be taken away from greedy interest. Mr. Acuna is having a weekly live conference call, talking to the members the state of the community and the shared goals of the community. He states, "Our goal is to have CommuniPets leverage the userbase to negotiate better cost saving benefits and services for the pet owners. We will also contribute to helping our pet businesses grow by providing access to our user base by showcasing their products and services on my weekly Podcast show and on the CommuniPets platform." *With 70% (or almost 91 million) of American households owning at least one pet, it is about time that pet lovers have a Community to call their own! *2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) Visit https://CommuniPets.com/ to learn more. Media Contact: Alexander Acuna, Creator & CEO CommuniPets (973) 951-4772 SOURCE CommuniPets Novel, Natural-origin Disease Control Product Available for Commercial Sale in Canada, South Korea and Australia INDIANAPOLIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Corteva Agriscience announced today the commercial launch of Adavelt active, with recent product registrations in three countries Australia, Canada and South Korea. Adavelt active is a novel fungicide with a new mode of action that protects against a wide range of diseases that can impact crop yields. Zetigo PRM fungicide with Adavelt active, now approved for sale in Canada, will be available for the 2023 growing season for use in lentil crops. Commercial sales of products containing Adavelt active will also begin this year in Australia and in South Korea. Corteva plans to offer Adavelt active in additional countries and pending appropriate crop registrations in the following years, subject to regulatory approvals. "Farmers have a critical need for innovative fungicides to address the challenges they face today. Adavelt active delivers exactly that a new, flexible option to protect crops and preserve yield potential," said Robert King, Executive Vice President, Crop Protection Business Unit, Corteva Agriscience. "Corteva is investing in R&D to bring farmers differentiated, sustainable solutions like Adavelt active. The commercialization of Adavelt active is a testament to our strong pipeline." Adavelt active is built on the discovery of Inatreq active, a natural origin fungicide developed by Corteva with proven effectiveness for many crops. Adavelt active (florylpicoxamid/FRAC Group 21) is the first broad-spectrum picolinamide fungicide for use against ascomycota pathogens in major crops grown worldwide. Adavelt active features a novel target site of action in many crops with no cross-resistance to other modes of action, and it has a strong fit in existing integrated pest management programs as a resistance management tool. Adavelt active offers preventative properties against a wide range of diseases severely impacting yield, along with curative properties when used in the early stages of infection. By adding Adavelt active to disease management programs, farmers can simplify fungal control efforts and reduce resistance risks, while protecting the yield potential and quality of crops, both now and in future seasons. More information is available at corteva.com. About Corteva Agriscience Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry- leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world's most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com. Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Registration of products with Adavelt active are currently being sought in several countries. This is not an offer for sale. 2023 Corteva Follow Corteva on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Statements This release contains certain estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by their use of words like "plans," "expects," "will," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," or other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about Corteva's regulatory approvals, product development, product offerings and expected performance are forward-looking statements. Corteva disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law. A detailed discussion of some of the significant risks and uncertainties which may cause results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or other estimates is included in the "Risk Factors" section of Corteva's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as modified by subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. SOURCE Corteva, Inc. ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive's Dealer.com has achieved 2023 Premier Partner status in the Google Partners program. Dealer.com's team of experts provides industry leading digital marketing solutions for dealerships across the United States and Canada. Explore the full range of offerings on its website. "Premier Partnership status with Google in 2023, places Dealer.com within the top 3% of participating agencies, said Scott Blodgett, Senior Manager of Product Management at Cox Automotive. "This accomplishment continues to drive growth and success for our clients, with the support of our Google Partners, their innovative product offerings and our ongoing effort to remain progressive and competitive in the automotive industry." This month, Google recognized the achievements of top-performing digital marketing partners across the globe by awarding Premier Partner status as part of the Google Partners program. The Google Partners program underwent significant changes in 2022, including redefining what it means to be a Premier Partner, through advanced program requirements and offering Premier Partner benefits to promote growth and success with Google Ads. In 2023, the program continues to support its Premier Partners and their clients. "Congratulations to our Premier Partners for 2023. These companies are among the top 3% of Google Partners in their respective countries including the U.S.," said Marcin Karnowski, Senior Director of Ads Marketing at Google. "It's a true accomplishment, one that signals their leading expertise in Google Ads, in forging new client relationships, and in helping clients grow. We look forward to supporting them as they help their customers build smart online strategies and drive long-term success." Cox Automotive's Dealer.com is part of a select group of Premier Partners in the Google Partners program. The program is designed for advertising agencies and third parties that manage Google Ads accounts on behalf of other brands or businesses. Its mission is to empower companies by providing them with innovative tools, resources, and support to help their clients succeed and grow online. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, automakers, dealers, retailers, lenders and fleet owners. The company has 25,000+ employees on five continents and a family of trusted brands that includes Autotrader, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital and vAuto. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on Twitter, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. SOURCE Cox Automotive White House considered possibility of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines in 2021 The United States had a longstanding plan to bring an end to the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, said Seymour Hersh, an investigative journalist who first revealed that the US is the mastermind behind the explosions. In an interview with China Daily, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter said the sabotage of the pipelines has thrown Europe into an energy crisis, with gas prices skyrocketing and some countries being forced to ration their supplies. Hersh said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was in contact with potential executors of the operation when US authorities were considering the possibility of pipeline blasts in late 2021 before Christmas. On Sept 26, Nord Stream 1 and 2 were hit by unexplained blasts in what Moscow called an act of international terrorism. Hersh noted that US President Joe Biden said on Feb 7 last year in a news conference that the US would "bring an end" to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline if there were "tanks or troops crossing the border of Ukraine". When pressed for details on how he would keep that promise given that the pipeline is not under US control, Biden told reporters: "I promise you, we will be able to do it." Hersh added that Biden's phrase of ending Nord Steam before the Russia-Ukraine conflict was all on television, stating that "it was no secret" that Biden was opposed to the pipelines, while "those people in the Western press seemed to have forgotten that phrase". As the conflict was not going well by late fall, there was a possibility that it would end up being a stalemate. "The president was afraid that (German) Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz was not wanting to put more guns and more arms. That's all. I don't know whether it was an anger or punishment," Hersh said. "But the net effect is that, it cut off a major power source through Western Europe." Hersh said Europe is in a crisis now, with people in France paying five times as much for electricity and the French government going to reopen two nuclear power plants that were shut down due to safety concerns. "So down the road this summer and fall, it's going to be very difficult for Biden. He's going to get a lot of criticism for what he did, that's for sure," Hersh said. In his article published on Feb 8, he cited an anonymous source with direct knowledge of the operation, claiming that US Navy divers planted explosives that destroyed three of the four Nord Stream pipelines. Hersh said the US has always been disturbed by Russian gas and oil sales to Western Europe since the Cold War, and believed that Moscow was weaponizing energy. "So it wouldn't have surprised me one bit when I first heard it," said Hersh, adding that he was not surprised at the stupidity of what the US administration did when he first heard that the Nord Stream pipelines were bombed at Biden's order. Hersh gained recognition in 1969 for exposing the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, for which he received the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting in 1970. During the 1970s, Hersh covered the Watergate scandal for The New York Times, and also reported on the secret US bombing of Cambodia and the CIA's domestic spying program. In 2004, he detailed the US military's torture and abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq for The New Yorker. Possible compensation? Moscow may seek compensation over damage from last year's explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, news agency RIA Novosti reported on Monday, citing a Russian diplomat. "We do not rule out the later raising of the issue of compensation for damage as a result of the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipelines," Dmitry Birichevsky, the head of Russia's Foreign Ministry department for economic cooperation, said in an interview. Birichevsky also said the future of the pipelines was not clear. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Craig Newmark Philanthropies today announced a $3 million grant to the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), once again demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the military/veteran community through BWF's national network of veteran service providers. With the nation's largest non-governmental cohort of organizations serving veterans, BWF has been instrumental in addressing the most pressing issues facing veterans and military families across the country. With this funding, BWF will continue supporting those in need. Our message to veterans, military families, and veteran serving organizations is: We've Got Your 6. Dave Woodruff, Anne Marie Dougherty, and Bob Woodruff of The Bob Woodruff Foundation with Craig Newmark at the 2022 Got Your 6 Summit in New York City The unique service-related lifestyle and experiences of military families and veterans can present significant challenges. Frequent relocations and high costs of living, combined with limited job opportunities for military spouses, and the stress of deployment and military life compound. It is crucial to recognize that military families require specialized support and resources to help them navigate these difficulties. Global conflict in Europe and increasing tension in Asia only heighten the need for assistance to our military families. This support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies will enable BWF to find, fund, and shape programs that address the urgent and long-term concerns of veterans and military families, including food insecurity, employment, mental health, and housing/homelessness. The grant will also facilitate a 2024 Got Your 6 Summit, building on the success of previous Summits in New York City (2022) and San Antonio (2023). These Summits bring together public, private, and nonprofit sector representatives to network and collaborate on finding effective ways to support veterans and military families. "Every veteran and military family deserves the support they have earned wherever they live or work," said Craig Newmark. "The Bob Woodruff Foundation's network of veterans serving organizations provides this support in every community across the country. To all vets and military families, we have Got Your 6," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation Board of Directors. "Craig Newmark shares the Bob Woodruff Foundation's vision that all veterans should be able to quickly and easily access the resources they have earned in their communities. This $3 million grant will support programming and funding to our national network of veteran partners. With this funding, we can continue to find and fund innovative programs that make a real difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country," said Anne Marie Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. For more information on the Bob Woodruff Foundation and its work across the country, please visit www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org. About the Bob Woodruff Foundation: About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has led an enduring call to action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term needs of today's veterans, including suicide prevention, mental health, caregiver support, and food insecurity. To date, BWF has invested over $124 million to find, fund, and shape programs that have empowered impacted veterans, service members, and their family members across the nation. Visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org for more information. About Craig Newmark Philanthropies Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer, philanthropist, and leading advocate. Most commonly known for founding the online classified ads service craigslist, Newmark works to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. In 2016, he founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies to advance people and grassroots organizations that are "getting stuff done" in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, women in technology, and veterans & military families. At its core, all of Newmark's philanthropic work helps to strengthen American democracy by supporting the values that the country aspires to fairness, opportunity, and respect. For more information, please visit CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org. Craig can be found sharing his personal perspective on the issues of the day at @craignewmark. For more information contact: Marie Maguire: 917-886-4718, [email protected] SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors ("Committee"), the fiduciary for all survivors of sexual abuse ("Survivors") in the chapter 11 case of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre ("DRC"), took the extraordinary step of moving to dismiss the DRC's bankruptcy case. After two and half years of bankruptcy, the DRC has no likelihood of successfully confirming a consensual reorganization plan. The Committee's motion states that DRC cannot confirm the plan it has proposed and will not propose a plan it can confirm. The Committee is represented by Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP ("PSZJ"). In January, the DRC filed its own plan without the support of the Committee. The DRC plan has a minimal financial contribution of $11.1 million from the parishes and affiliates (totaling more than 300 different entities), which receive a complete release of liability for over six hundred abuse sexual abuse claims, and largely relies on the assignment of potential insurance policy recoveries that the carriers who sold the policies are actively disputing in four separate lawsuits. The DRC's plan is "business as usual" regarding child protection measures although some of the over six hundred abuse claims arose after the reforms proposed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Moving forward with the DRC plan will likely cost tens of millions of dollars and will get the DRC no closer to exiting bankruptcy because the plan cannot be confirmed without sexual abuse survivor support. The DRC appears to have an irreconcilable conflict between affiliate and creditor interests, and the Diocese has "resolved" that conflict by elevating affiliates over those of its creditors, in derogation of its fiduciary duties. Both before and during the bankruptcy, the DRC has aggressively shifted assets to affiliates and sought to protect those affiliates from Survivor claims, rather than recovering those assets and maximizing creditor recoveries. "The Committee moved to dismiss the bankruptcy because we believe the Diocese has abdicated its responsibility as a fiduciary to all creditors and seems more interested in protecting its enterprise than fairly compensating its victims," said Richard Tollner, Committee Chair. The DRC also has started objecting to Survivors' claims. This strategy is rarely employed in Catholic Church bankruptcies. Typically, claims disputes are handled by a procedure in a consensual plan that saves everyone substantial legal costs/fees and minimizes the possibility of re-traumatizing Survivors. However, the DRC is taking a scorched earth approach with the Survivors sexually abused as children. The DRC is continuing its decades-long pattern of employing "aggressive legal strategies...to defeat and discourage lawsuits even though Diocesan officials kn[o]w they were meritorious," as observed by the Suffolk County Grand Jury in 2003. "The Diocese has adopted a litigation path that ultimately will fail and will have wasted millions of dollars. The Committee always has stood for fair compensation and transparency. The Committee filed its motion to dismiss to attempt to stop DRC's litigation tactics and to instead finally give Survivors their day in New York Courts," said James Stang of PSZJ, bankruptcy counsel to the Committee. SOURCE Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones TAMPA, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK) will release its earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, April 24, 2023. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are (630) 395-0194 or toll-free (888) 324-8108 and the access password is "packaging". A replay of the conference call will be available for a one-week period ending at midnight on May 2, 2023. The telephone numbers for the replay are (203) 369-0185 or toll free (866) 361-4937. A live webcast of the call will be made available to the public on the internet at the Company's website, www.crowncork.com. Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, contact Corporate Communications at (215) 602-2653. SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: March 10, 2022 to March 15, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 8, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in CS: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/credit-suisse-lawsuit-submission-form?id=37692&from=4 Credit Suisse Group AG NEWS - CS NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Credit Suisse Group AG made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) contrary to representations made in December 2022 by Credit Suisse's Chairman, Axel P. Lehmann, the sharp increase in customer outflows Credit Suisse began experiencing in October 2022 remained ongoing; (ii) accordingly, Credit Suisse had downplayed the impact of the Company's recent series of quarterly losses and risk and compliance failures on liquidity and its ability to retain client funds; (iii) as a result, Credit Suisse had overstated the Company's financial position and/or prospects; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Credit Suisse you have until May 8, 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 Credit Suisse 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 CS lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/credit-suisse-lawsuit-submission-form?id=37692&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 TORONTO, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Cybeats Technologies Corp. ("Cybeats'' or the "Company") (CSE: CYBT) is pleased to announce that the Company received approval from OTC Markets Group Inc. for its Common Shares to begin trading in the USA on the OTC Market ("OTC") under the symbol "CYBCF". Cybeats Technologies is a newly listed cybersecurity and software supply chain intelligence company whoes SBOM Studio platform is pioneering the future of autonomous SBOM Management. Since its commercial launch in May of last year, Cybeats has already signed several large Fortune 500 enterprise clients across a diverse set of industry verticals, for its SBOM Studio solution. The prestigious IT advisors Gartner and Forrester have both recognized SBOM Studio in recent SBOM reports, an important testament to the industry-leading capabilities of SBOM Studio. "This U.S. listing is an important milestone for Cybeats and our next phase of growth, as it increases our exposure and accessibility to investors across the U.S. market," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Cybeats. "The U.S. is home to our largest customer base as SBOM adoption is rapidly accelerating, driven in-part by a recent SBOM-related White House Executive Order and FDA mandates for medical device companies." OTC Markets Group Inc., located in New York, N.Y., operates the world's largest electronic inter-dealer quotation system for broker dealers to trade over 10,000 securities. The OTCQB is a transparent trading platform that offers a cost-effective method for United States investors to access Cybeats' securities. Cybeats' quotation and trading on the OTC provides investors the opportunity to benefit from streamlined market standards which enhance the availability of information to the general public, enabling greater transparency. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for Cybeats at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CYBCF/overview along with current company news. The Company's common shares will continue to trade and be listed on the CSE in Canada under the ticker symbol "CYBT". The Company would like to thank Nauth LPC who advised Cybeats in relation to the OTC application process. About Cybeats Cybeats is a cybersecurity company providing SBOM management and software supply chain intelligence technology, helping organizations to manage risk, meet compliance requirements, and secure their software from procurement to development and operation. Our platform gives customers comprehensive visibility and transparency into their software supply chain, enabling them to improve operational efficiency and increase revenue. Cybeats. Software Made Certain. Website: https://cybeats.com SUBSCRIBE: For more information, or to subscribe to the Company's mail list, visit: https://www.cybeats.com/investors 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 products 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. Company filings are available at sedar.com. SOURCE Cybeats Technologies Corp. History repeats itself as Cydcor earns top client honors. AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cydcor , the leader in customer acquisition solutions, has been named DIRECTV's Dealer of the Year six years in a row for its outstanding sales performance. The company has also been honored as a top performer in other competitive categories for sales and quality. In late 2022, the DIRECTV Dealer of the Year award was presented to Cydcor's CEO and President Vera Quinn and Chief Revenue Officer Rich Mangafas, during the DIRECTV virtual Revolution Conference. For the 6th time, Cydcor won the Dealer of the Year Revolution Award, beating out thousands of dealers nationwide. Tweet this Cydcor, the leader in customer acquisition solutions, has been named DIRECTVs Dealer of the Year for six years in a row for its outstanding sales performance. Known for its consistent performance in helping its clients grow market share through high-quality and satisfied customers, Cydcor won this notable award, beating out thousands of dealers nationwide. The Dealer of the Year Revolution Award recognition is one Cydcor's internal team and network of sales offices work tirelessly to maintain year after year. "Being honored by our longtime client for the sixth consecutive year is a testament to Cydcor's ability to consistently perform," said Quinn. "Winning this time is particularly meaningful because of the way the sales team was able to produce impressive results amid the extraordinary challenges presented by the pandemic." "I value the collaboration and professionalism that Cydcor brings to our relationship, and look forward to more years together," said Jeff Jerista, AVP National Distribution, DIRECTV." Cydcor and its network of independent sales offices are known for delivering a great experience for the customers of the brands they represent. "This recognition demonstrates our ability to deliver consistent results for our clients, and how our team is not only intensely focused on growth, but places equal weight on providing top quality," added Quinn. Learn more about Cydcor on Facebook , Twitter, or LinkedIn . About Cydcor Cydcor provides customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Through a unique combination of in-person sales, call center, and digital marketing services, Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while leveraging the advantages of technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information about Cydcor, visit www.cydcor.com . For more information contact: Gail Michalak [email protected] 805-277-5525 SOURCE Cydcor TEL AVIV, Israel - March 28, 2023 - CYE, the leading cybersecurity optimization platform, announced today the release of its inaugural Cybersecurity Maturity Report, a comprehensive industry data analysis, based on two years worth of data, collected from hundreds of organizations, in 15 countries, spanning 11 industries and a range of company sizes. It highlights areas where improvements have been made, as well as areas where more attention may be needed. Additionally, the report sheds light on the most common cyber vulnerabilities present in today's threat landscape, and provides a detailed picture of the maturity scores of organizations across different industries worldwide, indicating that despite record spending on cybersecurity, maturity levels remain relatively low. The report also presents a solid case that many organizations are getting their security strategy completely wrong. Building an effective security program requires understanding an organization's unique situation, attaching the findings to business assets, and understanding the implications of specific actions. It is critical to take a business-centric approach to cybersecurity and ensure that security investments align with business objectives to achieve the desired outcomes. In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, organizations are investing heavily in security tools to safeguard their assets. However, despite this increased investment, we continue to see low efficiency and an increase in risk, said Reuven Aronashvili, founder and CEO at CYE. This is largely due to a wrong approach towards security. The security market needs to change its approach and move away from maturity program-based approaches and towards a business impact-driven strategy. By measuring the effectiveness of security solutions and their overall contribution to organizational risk, businesses can ensure they are making informed decisions about their security posture. It's time for the security industry to shift its focus towards business impact, and prioritize risk reduction and efficiency above all else. CYEs cybersecurity maturity report should serve as a wake up call, said Ira Winkler, Field CISO at CYE. The main takeaway from this research is that organizations can achieve great impact on the risk posture even without a huge cybersecurity budget, if they plan and spend it right. Some report highlights include: On a country level, Norway scored highest on overall cyber maturity level, followed by Japan . This can largely be attributed to early cybersecurity adoption in these countries and unified planning by governments and organizations, as well as advanced regulatory systems, despite not having the larger cyber budgets of countries such as the US, UK and Germany which scored significantly lower. scored highest on overall cyber maturity level, followed by . This can largely be attributed to early cybersecurity adoption in these countries and unified planning by governments and organizations, as well as advanced regulatory systems, despite not having the larger cyber budgets of countries such as the which scored significantly lower. Among sectors, energy and finance industries scored high on cybersecurity maturity, while healthcare, retail, and government scored low. Despite high scores, the financial sector remains at risk due to cyberattacks, prompting companies to implement measures to avoid financial loss and comply with regulations. Retail scored low due to focus on "second line of defense" monitoring and response, rather than "first line of defense" detection and protection. industries scored high on cybersecurity maturity, while scored low. Despite high scores, the financial sector remains at risk due to cyberattacks, prompting companies to implement measures to avoid financial loss and comply with regulations. Retail scored low due to focus on "second line of defense" monitoring and response, rather than "first line of defense" detection and protection. Surprisingly, the tech industry scored average in overall cyber maturity. This could be explained by the large attack surface of tech companies, and the higher risk appetite that tech companies have compared to other sectors. Also, tech companies tend to be early adopters of new technologies that are still maturing and are therefore especially vulnerable to attacks and exploits. Tech companies tend to grow much faster than in other sectors, and maintaining high cyber hygiene while making that transition is challenging. We are excited to release our findings that put into clear focus the very real need for organizations to shift their approach to cybersecurity which is critical in this era of increasingly prevalent and sophisticated cyberattacks, said Nimrod Partush, VP Data Science at CYE. CYEs industry-leading data scientists and security researchers have worked hard to collect and analyze this data and glean meaningful insights that will hopefully enable organizations to learn from our recommendations and best practices on how to achieve a better cyber posture. The report includes insights obtained from hundreds of organizations over two years. Assessments were conducted across seven security domains, including Application Security; Policies, Procedures, & Governance; Identity Management; Network Security; Monitoring & IR; Sensitive Data Management and Endpoint Security and To download the full report, please click here. About CYE CYEs cybersecurity optimization platform enables businesses to visualize, quantify, and mitigate cyber risk so they can make better security decisions and invest in effective remediation. CYE combines technology with red team activity to deliver the most comprehensive organizational security assessments and contextual risk analysis and insights. Media Contact Rachel Glaser GK for CYE [email protected] SOURCE CYE DKP Gov sets the standard for government container management, enabling agencies to more quickly and easily deploy and scale secure Kubernetes environments SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- D2iQ, the leading Kubernetes management platform provider, today announced the launch of DKP Gov, a new container-management solution optimized for deployment within the government sector. Strong demand for D2iQ solutions within the government sector led D2iQ to create a dedicated Kubernetes management platform focused on public sector use cases, along with support services devoted to serving the specific needs of government military and civilian agencies. Overcoming Government Modernization Challenges Government military and civilian agencies are under continual pressure to innovate and adopt new technologies to keep pace with technology advances and gain strategic and tactical advantages. These agencies also must meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian government agencies to adopt cloud, open source, edge, and AI technologies, and to meet zero-trust security requirements. "With DKP Gov, government and military agencies can continue to modernize and innovate to keep pace with technological advances and gain strategic and tactical superiority, now on a dedicated platform," said D2iQ CEO and cofounder Tobi Knaup. "As a pioneer in cloud-native applications, D2iQ is unique in our ability to meet the needs of these agencies as they modernize, undergo digital transformation, and adopt cloud-native Kubernetes platforms." Based on the state-of-the-art D2iQ Kubernetes Platform (DKP), DKP Gov provides the most advanced and fully automated cloud-native container-management platform for government modernization initiatives, including the following key features and benefits: Single-cluster and multi-cluster management, hybrid multi-cloud management, multi-tenancy, vSphere, GovCloud, and bare metal support Hybrid-cloud lifecycle cost management Full support for physically and logically air-gapped clusters Tactical edge weapons system support (DDIL) IL 2-6+ (JWICS), FENCES, C2S, SC2S, C1D, SIPR/NIPR ATO on government platforms, cATO FIPS 140-2 certified Confirmed Stateside Support (24/7/365 support, ITAR and Data Integrity Compliant) Production-ready (Day 2) platform applications Enabling microservice architecture for hybrid environments at scale Supply-chain security DevSecOps simplification Unified Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform support DKP Gov customers enjoy the benefits inherent in the DKP architecture, including pure upstream CNCF-conformant Kubernetes, real-time cost management, high availability, and military-grade security. DKP Gov is designed around Cluster API and includes integrated FluxCD, which enables simplified infrastructure management using GitOps. With top-to-bottom declarative workflow, DKP Gov provides centralized multi-cluster fleet management across any environment, including cloud, hybrid cloud, on-premise, air-gapped environments, and at the edge. Setting the Standard for Government Kubernetes Management With more than a decade of experience providing secure and scalable container management solutions for the public sector, DKP Gov has become the leading Kubernetes platform for government deployments. Beginning with highly secure and reliable container management systems for U.S. Intelligence agencies, D2iQ has had successive deployments within the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Missile Defense, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Major government system integratorsincluding Northrop Grumman, GDIT, Lockheed Martin and SAICcontinue to choose DKP and make it the foundation on which they are building container-management solutions for their government clients. DKP Gov is available in single-cluster and multi-cluster versions named DKP Government Essential and DKP Government Advanced, respectively, and is generally available now. To learn more, visit www.D2iQ.com. About D2iQ D2iQ is the leading provider of state-of-the-art cloud platforms that enable organizations to embrace open-source and cloud-native innovations while achieving production-ready Day 2 operations with greater ease. With unmatched experience informing some of the world's largest cloud deployments, D2iQ empowers organizations to better navigate and accelerate cloud-native journeys with enterprise-grade technologies, training, professional services and support. Whether you are deploying your first Kubernetes workload, centralizing multi-cloud fleet management, optimizing your analytics with Spark or Jupyter, deploying at the edge, or looking to upskill your developers to master cloud-native container management, D2iQ has the expertise, services, and technology to enable you to succeed. D2iQ is headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in London and Hamburg, Germany. D2iQ investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Khosla Ventures, Koch Disruptive Technologies, Microsoft, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Find us at D2iQ.com. SOURCE D2iQ LONDON and SEATTLE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DataOps.live, the Data Products company, has announced a new joint integration with VaultSpeed, the leading provider for Data Vault automation. DataOps.live and VaultSpeed have partnered to create new, multi-layered automation capabilities that will benefit customers of Snowflake , the Data Cloud company. VaultSpeed's data warehouse automation combined with DataOps.live's orchestration and observability will allow customers to save valuable time and reduce risks in setting up and managing their data on the Snowflake Data Cloud, improving the developer experience and creating more business value. "Data Vault and Data Ops both deliver speed to manage large and complex data sets through automation and collaboration as core benefits of their philosophies. Together VaultSpeed and DataOps.live deliver a complete and comprehensive solution across the Snowflake Data Cloud, as well as all through all of the integrated data tools that require orchestration within the data product itself." says John Marchese, EVP Strategic Business, Alliances & Channels, DataOps.live. "Companies increasingly realize that our combined solution means that they have a mutually disciplined viewpoint in data architecture and operations to match the speed of business utilizing an agile project & development approach." This solution aims to change and improve how people build and manage data products and data vaults on Snowflake's single, integrated platform. It will be officially launched at a joint webinar on Data Products and Data Vault Automation for the Snowflake Data Cloud Thursday, 6 April at 11.00 ET more details here. "We are excited to see this type of collaboration between our partners focused on delivering better-together solutions for our customers," said Tarik Dwiek, Head of Technology Alliances, Snowflake. "DataOps.live and VaultSpeed are clearly committed to offering speed, scale, and efficiency to our joint customers." "The integrated VaultSpeed & DataOps.live solution enables Snowflake's enterprise customers with complex data environments to automatically consolidate data from many sources," says Andreas Schurch, VP Global Partnerships, VaultSpeed. "The joint solution reduces manual data engineering work, speeds up delivery and agility, while minimizing technical debt." Data Vault provides a methodology, architecture, and model to implement a business-focused data warehouse more efficiently. It does this with a well-defined structure including naming standards, identifying Business keys, Hubs, Links, Satellites, PIT tables and more. Unique to each implementation, however, are security requirements, environment requirements for managing change requests, requirements for testing and validating data, and how to move data. The DataOps.live platform supports high levels of environment management and automation, with constant security auditing, automated regression testing, and orchestration of a range of tools to move data easily. In this way, DataOps.live complements and enriches the value of Data Vaults by taking care of the product ecosystem around a Data Vault implementation. "DataOps.live brings automation in the deployment of DDL, ELT, orchestration, testing and more to the data ecosystem around the Data Vault architecture," says Keith Belanger, Technical Partner with EON Collective. "This approach ensures that user organizations can adopt the right #TrueDataOps methodology, process and platform to deliver business value and trust. DataOps.live has a strong and well-aligned alliance ecosystem, including VaultSpeed, who can work together seamlessly for integrated solutions." With the announcement DataOps.live is delivering a purpose-built low-code Orchestrator for VaultSpeed, available in the new Spring Release. This enables the user to populate VaultSpeed with the metadata necessary to design their Data Vault environment and have DataOps.live automatically deploy the data vault structures that VaultSpeed generates. "The value this delivers is that you can rapidly see the structures and code to adjust as necessary in hours rather than days," adds John Marchese. Visit http://www.DataOps.live for more information, check out the recent blog: How DataOps.live Enriches a Data Vault Implementation and register for the #TrueDataOps Podcast About VaultSpeed VaultSpeed provides a best-in-class data automation solution, building on the Data Vault 2.0 methodology. Enterprise customers worldwide rely on VaultSpeed to automate multi-source data integration as well as industry-specific metrics stores, on top of the integrated datasets. VaultSpeed is the default SaaS solution for companies looking to simplify the creation and maintenance of their data cloud. VaultSpeed is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with offices in Seattle, USA and Vilnius, Lithuania. For more information, visit www.vaultspeed.com . About DataOps.live DataOps.live - the Data Product company, delivers productivity breakthroughs for data teams by enabling agile DevOps automation ( #TrueDataOps ) and a powerful Developer Experience (DX) to modern data platforms. The DataOps.live SaaS platform brings automation, orchestration, continuous testing and unified observability to deliver the Data Products you want at the speed the business needs. DataOps.live is a global company funded by Anthos Capital and Snowflake Ventures, with enterprise clients including Roche Diagnostics and OneWeb. For more information, visit www.dataops.live or connect with the team on LinkedIn or Twitter . Media Contact: Patrick Connolly +1 608-738-8029 [email protected] SOURCE DataOps.live Led by Fortune Global 500 company Weiqiao Pioneering and SB China Venture Capital, along with follow-on investments from Qiming Venture Partners BEIJING, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DeepWay company, a smart commercial vehicle developer and manufacturer, recently announced that it had raised a770 million Series A+ financing led by Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group ("Weiqiao Pioneering"), who ranked 199th on Fortune Global 500 in 2022 , and SB China Venture Capital ("SBCVC"), with participation from several existing investors, including Qiming Venture Partners. DeepWay will tap into new round financing for the manufacture of smart electric heavy-duty truck and the R&D of intelligent driving systems to ensure mass production and high-quality delivery of DeepWay truck, which further consolidates the company's leadership position in the smart electric heavy truck market. Weiqiao Pioneering, the world's largest aluminium producer, will also become one of the first customers of DeepWay's premium smart electric heavy-duty trucks. In addition to adopting the smart electric trucks in the closed-loop delivery check that is conducted by the industrial users, the two companies expect that, through the accumulated data on the operation of the large-scale management of vehicles, they will facilitate collaborations with more involved business scenarios and, by doing so, demonstrate how intelligent logistics and transportation solutions are properly implemented and applied. "DeepWay, the first smart electric logistics vehicle developer and manufacturer in China to take a distinctly forward-looking approach to vehicle design and development, offers strong competence in resource integration by combining truck logistics, the manufacturing of heavy-duty trucks and autonomous driving technologies. The two companies both have multiple advantages in the R&D capacity of intelligent electric heavy-duty trucks, as well as in premium lightweight aluminum material and components," stated Zhang Bo, chairman of Weiqiao Pioneering. "We are optimistic about the future development of DeepWay and look forward to the potential opportunities to collaborate with them on light weight design for heavy-duty truck, digital platform for smart logistics and more. We also plan to build a long-term, far-reaching relationship with DeepWay with the mindset of jointly embracing the era of smart logistics." "The Chinese government's carbon peak and carbon neutral policies have opened up expansive opportunities to the industry chain for the renewable energy sector," indicated Zhang Yupeng, Partner at SBCVC. "DeepWay's unique competitiveness consists of full-stack capabilities to independently develop and manufacture next-generation heavy-duty electric trucks based on gathering together some of the best talent in the sector and deploying industry-leading self-driving technologies, on top of over 10 years of experience in serving customers in truck logistics scenarios. DeepWay is well-positioned to generate synergies by leveraging Weiqiao Pioneering and SBCVC's strong presence across the upstream and downstream industry chains alongside their respective resources. We also look forward to working together to create next-generation solutions for the new era of smart logistics." "DeepWay is committed to becoming a vital player and promoter of smart electric logistics vehicles in Chinese market, contributing to the create a low-carbon, eco-friendly, and safe environment for all mankind," said Wan Jun, founder and CEO of DeepWay. "The commitment is the company's corporate responsibility and our mission in this day and age. We want to thank all of the new and existing shareholders for supporting DeepWay and helping achieve our scope of building safer, smarter and more eco-friendly cargo terminals with optimized efficiency and comfortability." For more information, please visit DeepWay. SOURCE DeepWay The virtual meeting on community healthcare development (Source: hanoimoi.com.vn) According to VNA, Ailuj Casanova Baroto, head of the primary health care board, said that Cubas public healthcare system is recognised as one of the most effective systems in the world. The system is operated by the Ministry of Health to guarantee that all Cuban residents can easily access it. It focuses on disease prevention and enhancing education of public healthcare. Community health centres are an important part of the countrys public healthcare system, which have been established in urban and rural areas nationwide. It estimated that there is one community health centre for 1,000 households. The community health centres provide healthcare services, such as vaccinations, regular health checks, and care for pregnant women and newborns. Medical staff at community health centres are trained to diagnose and treat basic illnesses and provide disease preventive measures. Groups of specialised doctors of hospitals periodically cooperate with community health centres to give medical examinations and treatment to local residents. Cubas public healthcare system also pays attention to studying and developing new healthcare technologies and methods, ensuring the system always provides the best approaches in healthcare to people. Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the citys Department of Health, said the Cuban Ministry of Health is willing to support the city in implementing a project of community healthcare development. Cuba will send two specialised doctors to the city to carry out surveys and come to an agreement with the citys Department of Health on content that needs to be developed in the coming time. The ministry expects to welcome the citys healthcare professionals to visit Cuba to learn about its public healthcare models. CEO of Astyra Corporation celebrated by Virginia Business Magazine with their Inaugural Black Business Leader Award RICHMOND, Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Making his mark in history, Ken Ampy, CEO of Astyra Corporation, was featured in Virginia Business Magazine as one of the prominent Black Business Leaders in the state. 17 executives were chosen out of 108 dynamic leaders, based on factors such as leadership, professional achievements, community impact, and mentoring. The honorees of the Black Business Leader award are the first recipients to be nominated and acknowledged for their many achievements by readers. Ken Ampy CEO of Astyra Corporation celebrated by Virginia Business Magazine with their Inaugural Black Business Leader Award. (Source: Astyra Corporation). Growing up in Dinwiddie County, Ken's commitment to community began in his childhood. As a child in a rural environment, he learned that success is built on the back of your community. Ken studied computer science at Old Dominion University and launched his career as a Programmer Analyst & Developer in the early '90's. In 1997, he co-founded Astyra Corporation with his ODU roommate and friend Sam Young. 25 years later, Astyra continues to be recognized as leaders in staffing. "I am honored to have been included on the roster with some outstanding Virginian business leaders. To have been selected for the inaugural list makes this honor even more special" says Ampy. "While I am the named individual, I consider this honor possible because of the many people who have mentored, advised, and offered their wisdom to me. I am humbled by this inclusion and share it with those along my path who have contributed to making it possible." Ken is known for his contribution and commitment to his community. He is a seven-time gubernatorial appointee to various state boards. Currently, Ken serves as the chair of the board for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). He also serves as the chair of the board for Virginia Credit Union, a $5 billion-dollar financial institution. Ken's commitment to community extends to his executive level employees at Astyra, who are required to serve on a community board. To date, Astyra has invested more than 10,000 volunteer hours, helped more than 3 dozen organizations, and impacted many lives. To learn more about Virginia Business Magazine's 2023 Black Business Leader award, visit https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/making-strides. SOURCE Astyra Corporation NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reverend Jesse Jackson once said, "Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things." Courage and initiative were on full display at the 26th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project Economic Summit at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on March 20th. Founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1997, the project's goal is to promote inclusion, opportunity & economic growth for diverse businesses on Wall Street and throughout the financial services industry. "There was no greater experience than marching side-by-side with Rev. Jesse Jackson." - John Martinko, Drexel Hamilton Tweet this Drexel Hamilton President, John Martinko, with Reverend Jesse Jackson at the 26th Annual Rainbow Push Wall Street Economic Summit at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on March 20th. President of 100% Veteran-owned Drexel Hamilton, John Martinko, said, "Counting my seven combat tours to Iraq & Afghanistan as a Special Operations Airborne Ranger, there was no greater experience than marching side-by-side with Rev. Jesse Jackson. It was a spiritual experience." Martinko, a three time Bronze Star recipient, would lead a panel of leaders on the frontlines of diversity and inclusion in banking: Patrice Altongy of HSBC, Brian Dunlap of J.P. Morgan, Karen Dunn of Bank of America, Randall Lacayo of Wells Fargo, James Roundtree III of BNY Mellon and Jia Shan of Goldman Sachs. The financial professionals on stage gave sharp insights on how to grow opportunities for diverse businesses, but most of all, are the living embodiment of courage and initiative, while time might not change things, these leaders will. About Drexel Hamilton: We are proud to be the only 100% Veteran owned and operated securities broker-dealer. We are a certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise with over 60% of our employees being Military Veterans. Our exceptional track record underwriting and executing securities transactions for corporations, municipalities and financial institutions is matched only by our commitment to the Veteran community. SOURCE Drexel Hamilton, LLC Ohio Laborers' District Council of Ohio, affiliated with LIUNA, held Inaugural Solar Summit at its statewide training facility to promote the solar industry and workforce development. COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Laborers' District Council of Ohio (OLDC) hosted its inaugural Solar Summit in Howard, Ohio. Nearly 100 stakeholders in Ohio's emerging solar industry attended. Those in attendance included elected officials, solar developers, contractors, and trade associations - all recognizing the solar industry's importance to the future of Ohio's economy and how to develop the workforce for the new green economy. "There is a great opportunity with the adoption of the three-trade solar agreement. It is profitable for developers and contractors while benefiting labor and the community with sustainable, well-paying jobs. " Said Ralph Cole, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio Laborers' District Council of Ohio. Ohio currently has several large solar projects under construction or in the planning stages. However, as the industry grows, it is imperative for the solar industry and organized labor to work in tandem to ensure that there is a skilled workforce in place to meet the employment demands of developers as well as make sure Ohioans are properly equipped to reap the rewards of these newly created jobs. "I'm from the northeast corner of Franklin County," said Ohio State Representative Mary Lightbody. "We have several major corporations like Meta, Google, and others, promise to use 100% green energy." The Ohio Laborers' Training and Apprenticeship Fund is ready to handle the influx of training needed to equip Ohioans with the skills necessary to construct solar facilities. The Solar Summit debuted the Ohio Laborers' newly created week-long 'Solar Technician' course. This site-specific training is the first of its kind in Ohio for solar panel installers and is derived from industry best practices as well as the LIUNA Training and Education Fund. "Today in the hands-on training solar lab, we'll teach laborer apprentices the basics of harnessing the sun's energy." Said Harvey Jordan, Solar Training Instructor. "A bit later, we will also cover site preparation and layout, and then we'll get into various post systems and their capabilities." The event was capped off with a comprehensive tour of the Ohio Laborer's Training Center. Guests had an opportunity to view the over the 100-acre facility - fully equipped with on-site lodging, a recreation center, a staffed kitchen, and a dining hall. Members can receive training on over 80 courses related to the laborers' craft. The OLDC stands ready to be a strong advocate for the solar industry so far as the industry commits to creating jobs with family-supporting wages and benefits. It is imperative that the solar industry and labor work together to promote an industry where jobs result in family-supporting wages and benefits for all workers. Through this paradigm, labor and industry can stand together and promote an industry where everyone benefits. SOURCE Ohio Laborers' Union KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Far UV Technologies, Inc., (www.faruv.com), the global leader in whole-room disinfection solutions, is acquiring AeroMed Technologies, LLC, Utica, New York, (www.aeromed.com), the standard in upper-room germicidal ultraviolet light and HEPA filter healthcare solutions for over 30 years. As Governments, commercial and non-profit entities and individuals recognize the significant health and bottom-line improving opportunities afforded with superior indoor air quality, they are increasingly seeking proven domestically sourced solutions for simple, trusted and low-cost immediate relief. Dr. Ashish Jha, the White Houses COVID Response Coordinator, protected by Far UV Technologies Krypton lighting and AeroMeds Upper Room germicidal ultraviolet lighting at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health National Strategy Meeting for Improving Indoor Air Quality "Adding AeroMed's CDC and ASHRAE recommended solutions allows us to blend the most effective proven disinfection solutions of the past 80 years with our market leading Far UV innovations", according to PJ Piper, CEO and Founder of Far UV Technologies. "The timing couldn't be better with new enforceable standards/building codes for Indoor Air Quality in process, facility owners and operators being far more aware of the significant money they can start saving today by reducing absenteeism with healthier buildings and the tremendous growth inevitable when significant problems can be solved with simple shovel-ready solutions." With over 10,000 installations between the two market leaders, including high profile defense applications up through the Pentagon, education, healthcare, houses of worship, correctional facilities, transportation, commercial real estate, non-profits, events and more, the combination provides unparalleled pedigree, understanding of real-world end-user preferences and needs and customer support. Far UV Technologies began developing next generation disinfection solutions long before COVID under contract with NASA and the Department of Defense, has not had any safety concerns or transmission reported in the facilities they are protecting and has the broadest IP portfolio in the industry via a technology and licensing agreement with Boeing. AeroMed's unparalleled commissioning experience and service offerings provide customers with continuing peace of mind for themselves and those under their care. Bill Palmer, Founder of AeroMed, added "This is not our first pandemic, nor will it be our last. We are excited to team with Far UV to enhance and extend our product and market reach and join their mission to make the world a better safer place." SOURCE Far UV Technologies, Inc. SILVER SPRING, Md., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency: Today, the FDA released an Immediate National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market. The strategy follows a months-long infant formula shortage sparked by unsanitary conditions at one of the nation's largest infant formula facilities, which led to a significant voluntary recall and multiple-month production shutdown. As directed by Congress in the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022, the national strategy describes immediate actions the FDA took to address the infant formula shortage and details the agency's plans for improving the resiliency of the infant formula supply, while noting multiple issues beyond the purview of the FDA. It also traces the events that led up to and followed the voluntary recall of infant formula by Abbott Nutrition in February 2022 , the temporary pause in production at the facility in Sturgis, Michigan , and pantry loading that peaked in May 2022 , likely driven in part by an overemphasis on other shortages being reported in the media, as well as numerous other factors that contributed to and exacerbated the shortages. , the temporary pause in production at the facility in , and pantry loading that peaked in , likely driven in part by an overemphasis on other shortages being reported in the media, as well as numerous other factors that contributed to and exacerbated the shortages. On Monday, the FDA launched a new webpage about the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) and a related constituent update announcing that the FDA has stopped accepting and processing submissions to the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). MoCRA is the most significant expansion of the FDA's authority to regulate cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act was passed in 1938. This new law gives the FDA new authorities that will help ensure the safety of cosmetic products many consumers use daily. The webpage will house information about MoCRA and its implementation. MoCRA requires certain companies to register their facilities and list their products with FDA. Because of this, FDA is creating a new system to handle the large number of submissions that will result. FDA therefore will no longer use the voluntary registration system and is no longer accepting and processing submissions to the VCRP. We request that cosmetics companies wait to register with FDA until we announce the availability of the new system. Information in the VCRP will not be transferred to the program being developed for facility registrations and product listings mandated by MoCRA. On Monday, the FDA published the FDA Voices: "Improving Health through Nutrition Requires Continued Progress," by Susan Mayne , Ph.D., Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition . The FDA is embracing White House's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health through the agency's nutrition programs. Our work on sodium reduction is a prime example of how the FDA is contributing to the strategy of the White House conference. Even after 50 years, National Nutrition Month is more important than ever and FDA's work to facilitate the reduction of sodium in the food supply, and to improve menu and nutrition labeling, is empowering consumers and increasing the availability of healthier foods for all. The FDA is embracing White House's National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health through the agency's nutrition programs. Our work on sodium reduction is a prime example of how the FDA is contributing to the strategy of the White House conference. Even after 50 years, National Nutrition Month is more important than ever and FDA's work to facilitate the reduction of sodium in the food supply, and to improve menu and nutrition labeling, is empowering consumers and increasing the availability of healthier foods for all. COVID-19 testing updates: As of today, 445 tests and sample collection devices are authorized by the FDA under emergency use authorizations (EUAs). These include 300 molecular tests and sample collection devices, 84 antibody and other immune response tests, 60 antigen tests, and one diagnostic breath test. There are 78 molecular authorizations and one antibody authorization that can be used with home-collected samples. There is one EUA for a molecular prescription at-home test, two EUAs for antigen prescription at-home tests, 28 EUAs for antigen over-the-counter (OTC) at-home tests, and five for molecular OTC at-home tests. The FDA has authorized 45 antigen tests and eight molecular tests for serial screening programs. The FDA has also authorized 1324 revisions to EUA authorizations. Additional Resources: Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration The FPA community continues its work to provide life-changing financial advice and education. DENVER, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is pleased to announce that the number of consumers attending financial literacy workshops held by FPA chapters and members in 2022 increased by an impressive 212% from the previous year. This is a significant achievement for the Association's chapters and members that are dedicated to promoting financial literacy and education in communities across the country. The financial literacy workshops held by FPA chapters and members offer consumers the opportunity to learn about financial planning, budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and other important financial topics. The workshops are designed to provide practical and actionable advice to attendees, helping them to improve their financial well-being. "We are thrilled to see such a significant increase in consumer attendance at these important financial literacy workshops," says 2023 FPA President James Lee, CFP, CRPC, AIF. "We believe that financial education is key to empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions about their finances and to achieve their financial goals. FPA chapters and members are committed to positively impacting the lives of those who may not have regular access to such important, life-changing advice." Among the FPA chapters reporting financial literacy and pro bono financial planning programming in 2022, 230 workshops were held, attracting 17,302 consumersup from 5,546 attendees the previous year. FPA chapters and members also reported providing 4,424 consumers with 11,506 hours of pro bono financial planning services by 962 individual FPA members throughout the year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many FPA chapters and members had to innovate to continue to provide these critical programs to their local communities. That innovation is directly attributable to the increase in consumers reached, including programs held by FPA of Dallas/Ft. Worth, FPA of Orange County, and FPA of the National Capital Area. FPA of Dallas/Ft. Worth : A winner of the 2022 Power of Financial Planning Award by FPA and the Foundation for Financial Planning, FPA of Dallas/Ft. Worth partnered with community organizations to provide live and on-demand financial workshops to underserved community members and reached hundreds of consumers in the process. A winner of the 2022 Power of Financial Planning Award by FPA and the Foundation for Financial Planning, FPA of partnered with community organizations to provide live and on-demand financial workshops to underserved community members and reached hundreds of consumers in the process. FPA of Orange County : A past winner of the Power of Financial Planning Award, FPA of Orange County embraced the use of technology to expand its engagement in the community. The chapter customized and utilized a scheduling tool to arrange one-on-one engagements and developed bi-lingual community outreach materials to promote pro bono financial planning activities and webinars to the Spanish-speaking community. : A past winner of the Power of Financial Planning Award, FPA of embraced the use of technology to expand its engagement in the community. The chapter customized and utilized a scheduling tool to arrange one-on-one engagements and developed bi-lingual community outreach materials to promote pro bono financial planning activities and webinars to the Spanish-speaking community. FPA of the National Capital Area: To reach people throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, FPA of the National Capital Area partnered with the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) to hold a Financial Wellness Day to assist people in the community. Held online, UMGC built an entire virtual campus for participants to engage with volunteer financial planners and participate in learning sessions. "Sound financial advice and education directly benefit individual consumers and all of society. Those FPA chapters and members that reported providing these needed services in 2022 did so because they wanted to improve society and the financial well-being of those in their respective communities. We look forward to seeing their continued efforts to promote financial education and to empower consumers to take control of their financial futures in the years ahead," added Patrick D. Mahoney, FPA chief executive officer. FPA is focused on financial literacy as part of its primary advocacy priorities. The Association has embraced the following Financial Literacy Policy Statement to guide its work in advocating for such programs and initiatives across the Nation: "FPA recognizes that financial literacy is a vital component of helping Americans live healthy financial lives and that financial literacy education in the United States is a particularly important goal. FPA encourages schools to teach the basic components of personal financial management to help with vital financial functions such as understanding credit, savings, loans, home and rent responsibilities, and how to manage debt responsibly. Doing so will help with the overall goal of preparing students for independence and financial wellness. FPA understands there are many avenues to achieving financial literacy and stands ready to assist in support of that task." About the Financial Planning Association The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP professional's partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/fpassociation. SOURCE Financial Planning Association Firestorm Labs was selected as part of the industry team on the $46bn EWAAC contract to deliver next generation munitions technologies in support of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin AFB. EWAAC contract to deliver next generation munitions technologies in support of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin AFB. Firestorm modular, open architecture UAS technologies will be leveraged to provide low-cost affordable solutions to USAF munitions systems. SAN DIEGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FIRESTORM LABS, INC, the defense tech startup, announced today their participation in the $46bn Eglin Wide Agile Acquisition (EWAAC) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract which empowers selected industry partners to provide the Air Force weapons acquisitions hub at Eglin AFB with innovative munitions technologies. Firestorm Labs' is "future proofing" unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by creating completely modular, open architecture vehicles, which can be manufactured from base materials and deployed within 24 hours delivering capability when and where it is needed. In joining the EWAAC industry team, Firestorm will apply their modular UAS technology solutions to meeting the critical Department of Defense requirement of low-cost affordable mass in theater, while also enabling newfound capability and putting design in control of warfighter with the ability choose and deploy the UAS and payload they need for mission success ISR, EW, kinetic, or otherwise. In a statement, Firestorm Co-Founder and Head of Business Development Chad McCoy stated, "It is our pleasure to join the EWAAC team, and to support the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in meeting the urgent demands of the warfighter. Leveraging our modular approach, we are working to provide capability and supply when and where it is need most." About Firestorm Labs, Inc We are building the future of modular open-source architecture supporting the Department of Defense requirements to create "Low-Cost Affordable Mass". Firestorm will redefine military expectations for onsite modularity to support the widest array of mission areas. SOURCE Firestorm Labs, Inc NEW YORK, March 28, 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=37690&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=37690&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 Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center leads way in research of ultra-high dose rate radiation therapy CINCINNATI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Treatment of the first participant in a clinical trial of FLASH proton therapy for cancers in the bones of the chest has been completed at the Cincinnati Children's/University of Cincinnati Medical Center Proton Therapy Center. "This trial of ultra-high dose rate proton therapy is just one of our efforts to develop innovative cancer treatments." Tweet this John Perentesis, MD, who is research director of the Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center, explains FLASH proton therapy. Radiation therapist situating a model (not an actual trial participant) at the Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center . FLASH is an investigational mode of radiation therapy delivery that can be administered to a patient in less than 1 second. Research in the laboratory suggests that FLASH may result in fewer side effects than standard forms of radiation delivery, and the clinical trial is testing the feasibility of FLASH to treat people with cancer. The new study, called FAST-02, marks a significant achievement for the Proton Therapy Center in Cincinnati, which continues to lead the way in global research in the field of FLASH proton therapy. FAST-02 follows a breakthrough last year in the world's first clinical trial of FLASH proton therapy in people, the FAST-01 study (FeAsibility Study of FLASH Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Bone Metastases). That study focused on people with bone metastases in the extremities. Now, Cincinnati Children's researchers are collaborating with University of Cincinnati researchers to establish the efficacy of ultra-high dose rate proton therapy in treating painful bone metastases in the chest. The FAST-02 study is sponsored by Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. Ten adults whose metastatic cancer has spread to their chest bones will participate in the research clinical trial of FLASH proton therapy. In pre-clinical testing, FLASH proton therapy has been shown to potentially reduce side effects of radiation treatment compared to conventional radiation. However, until recently, the technology to deliver FLASH radiation for cancer patients was not available. "Our dedicated team of researchers, clinicians, and staff are committed to advancing the field of cancer treatment and finding new ways to improve patient outcomes," said John Breneman, MD, medical director of the Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center, who is principal site investigator for the FAST-02 clinical trial. The Proton Therapy Center in Cincinnati is a state-of-the-art facility that features cutting-edge technology and equipment, allowing researchers to develop and test new treatments for a wide range of malignancies. "This trial of an ultra-high dose rate of proton therapy is just one of our efforts to develop new and innovative cancer treatments," said John Perentesis, MD, who is research director of the Proton Therapy Center and director of oncology and cancer programs at Cincinnati Children's. "Our goal is to establish a foundation for future potential trials in brain tumors, sarcomas, lymphomas, lung cancer, and other malignancies, and we are excited about the impact this research might have on cancer care." Anthony Mascia, PhD, who is chief physicist at the Proton Therapy Center in Cincinnati, said: "The promise of FLASH is to be able to deliver treatment at ultra-high dose rates with potentially fewer side effects. We currently are doing research studies into its efficacy, which, if confirmed, could transform radiation oncology." The $126 million Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center incorporates a $24 million, one-of-a-kind research facility, which includes integrated laboratories and a fully operational proton treatment room dedicated exclusively for research. In addition, children and adults from around the world receive treatment for more than 30 types of cancer in the two clinical proton therapy rooms. The Proton Therapy Center on the Liberty Campus of Cincinnati Children's is one of only a few facilities in the world that can deliver FLASH proton therapy in a clinical setting. With this latest clinical trial, the medical center continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and to offer hope to patients and families affected by this devastating disease. Cincinnati Children's, the University of Cincinnati, and UC Health are separate entities that have collaborated to form the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Link to Sound and B-Roll of a model (not a clinical trial participant) in a treatment room at Cincinnati Children's/University of Cincinnati Medical Center Proton Therapy Center, plus aerial view of the center and close-up of equipment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjGwMhR2HrQ SOURCE Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center - The beta version of NAODA will be released on April 7, marking FLASK's first move towards expanding the Web 3.0 experience. - The platform's white paper will be released and special digital badges known as POPs will be issued, featuring unique artwork. - FLASK CEO plans to focus on fostering a community-driven platform with high user engagement. SEOUL, South Korea, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FLASK has announced that the international beta of its Web 3.0 GameFi platform, NAODA (www.naoda.xyz), will be released on April 7, 2023. FLASK has developed NAODA a blockchain platform that will play an integral role in the company's blockchain game business with the aim of providing high-quality, community-driven gaming experiences. NAODA aims to contribute to the Web 3.0 ecosystem and grow its community through its distinctive features and strategic partnerships. FLASK to Unveil the Beta Version of Its Web 3.0 GameFi Platform NAODA for Global Access. "We are excited to take this step forward in expanding the Web 3.0 experience for users through NAODA's beta version, ahead of the platform's official release," said Lee Byoung-jae, CEO at FLASK. "We will continue to add new features to NAODA, including a marketplace, and form partnerships to foster a user-friendly community. We will maximize the utility of our POP collection, along with onboarding high-end games later this year." The unique blockchain gaming platform features high-end RTS and FPS games developed by RedPill Studios and MetaEdition, two blockchain game studios that are part of the FLASK network. Using Soulbound Tokens (SBTs), NAODA will issue Proof-of-Participation (POP) digital badges to users who take part. These badges serve as records of individual players' achievements spanning community, gaming, and platform features. NAODA's exclusive POP badges feature designer artworks, creating unique opportunities for both ownership and self-expression in Web 3.0. These POP badges also provide different levels of rewards, which can be redeemed as tokens to be used in NAODA's NFT Marketplace. As the platform evolves, earning POPs can provide opportunities to participate in future governance for NAODA's ecosystem. In addition to the beta release, FLASK has released a white paper about the platform and its operations. FLASK will release the official version of NAODA in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, FLASK will be attending the world's largest blockchain event '2023 Consensus' in Austin, Texas, USA, from April 26-28 as an official sponsor. FLASK will issue special POP badges at the event for attendees who visit the company's booth. About FLASK FLASK, a KOSDAQ-listed company, is a technology company that was relaunched in 2022 with ambitions to lead in the expansion of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies. The development of its blockchain-based game platform and game titles is driven by top talents with experience from leading companies including Kakao Games, NCSoft, and Neowiz. FLASK CEO Lee Byoung-jae was formerly General Manager at EA Studios Spearhead and at EA Seoul Studio for EA Korea, leading several projects for FIFA Online. Additional team members responsible for running the business include global talents from companies such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). FLASK plans to provide expanded GameFi services through an upcoming blockchain game platform NAODA and high-end games, which are scheduled for release in the first half of this year. Learn more at: https://flask.global/ SOURCE FLASK HCM City delegation in Mexico (Photo: VNA) Meeting Politburo member of the Mexican Labour Party (PT) and Chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies Committee on Foreign Affairs Alfredo Femat Banuelos during his ongoing working trip to the Latin American country from March 22-27, Hai said the Party organisation of HCM City wishes to contribute to maintaining and bolstering fine relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the PT. He believed that following the visit, both sides will continue holding programmes and events to promote cultural and tourism exchange between Ho Chi Minh City and Mexico. Banuelos, for his part, said Mexico desires to step up cooperation programmes between the two Parties in general and with Ho Chi Minh City in particular, especially in acupuncture and personnel training. He said such programmes not only popularise Vietnam's images in Mexico and Latin America but also enhance the PTs reputation domestically and regionally. The host vowed to continue expanding the scope of cooperation to other important areas such as economy and investment in the near future. During a working session with Secretary of Economic Development of Mexico City Fadlala Akabani Hneide, Hai proposed that the two cities offer all possible support to their firms in accessing each other's markets and tapping incentives from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to which both countries are members. Wishing to intensify ties with Ho Chi Minh City, Hneide suggested both sides discuss support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises and learn from each others experience in issues like workforce training. In another working session with Director of the Foreign Affairs Division under the Mexican Department of Culture Ariana Aymerich Ordonez, Hai informed that HCM City has partnered with the Mexican Embassy in Vietnam to hold cultural exchange events, notably the "Exploring Mexico" exhibition by famous Mexican painter Diego Rodarte in early March and the display of Olmec colossal heads in the city's Museum of Fine Arts. He asked the Mexican Department of Culture to create conditions for Ho Chi Minh City to launch cultural exchange activities in Mexico. Ordonez also suggested both sides continue working closely together to enhance bilateral cultural exchanges. Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation paid a working trip to Guadalajara city, the capital of Jalisto state, during which they held working sessions with local leaders and businesses./. Our third annual survey shows hourly workers prefer flex work to traditional jobs; working mothers in particular benefit SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, WorkWhile conducted a comprehensive survey asking workers on the app to tell us more about their experience with flex work. In our third annual survey , we received responses from over 1300 workers, in both English and Spanish, to get to know them on a deeper level the findings showed some surprising trends. Women with children report a notable satisfaction with flex work. The majority find that flexible work pays equal to or better than traditional jobs. Less than 6% prefer traditional work to flexible work. Respondents report their top 4 reasons for choosing a shift: Hourly Wage Rate, Distance, Schedule Flexibility, and Type of Work. Compared to all workers, women with children put a higher premium on schedule flexibility by nearly 13% We might think of flexible workers as the fiercely independent typemaybe young or single with few responsibilities. We think of them as those who might say that they love flex work because, "You are your own boss. Work the hours you want to work." And many flex workers think that way! However, flexibility can also be the foundation of stability for populations who need it mostlike women with children. In our research, we have found that flex work attracts large swaths of people who want the ability to fit work into their livesnot the other way around. Meet the flexible workers who are here to stay. Experienced Workers Win Of those who responded to the survey, workers report that on average 51% of their income comes from flex work. That number jumps up to 57% for those with at least 3 years of experience with flex work. In total, 63% of experienced workers make at least half of their income from flex work. Flexible workers are not immune to the worries of the challenging economy over recent yearsbut those with more experience report more confidence than their counterparts. 49% of all workers report that they are "Always" worried about their finances, while less than 3% say they are "Never" worried. However, the number of those that "Never" worry about their finances triples as a worker has more experience with flexible work. Of those who have been doing flexible work for over 8 years, 10% report that they are never worried about their finances. Counterintuitive as it may seem, the longer someone has done flexible work, the more stable and confident they feel in their financial life. Why Workers Choose Flexible Work Despite its reputation, flex work is not a side hustle where workers lack reliability or tenure. Our survey found that 63% of respondents have had more than 1 year of experience in flexible work, while a whopping 29% have 3 years or more experience. There are very few other hourly jobs that can boast retention rates that high. When asked to rank their preference between flexible jobs and a traditional 9-5, only 8% said they prefer traditional work over flexible, and the reasons are not all that surprising. When asked what factors are most important in choosing a shift, respondents report their top 4 factors as: Hourly Wage Rate, Distance, Schedule Flexibility, and Type of Work. Compared to all workers, women with children put a higher premium on schedule flexibility by nearly 13%ranking their top priorities as Schedule Flexibility, Hourly Wage Rate, and Distance to Shift. Like with any job, flexible workers care about making good wages, having a schedule that fits their lives, and convenience. Notably, flexible workers tend to be satisfied with their wages too. 73% of respondents said that flexible work pays at least as much or more than traditional jobs. If two jobs pay the same, while one offers complete schedule control, it makes a lot of sense why hourly wage workers are turning to flex work to pay their bills. Women with Children Make Flexible Work Work for Them As we dove into the data, we immediately noticed that women with children started to pull away in many categories including satisfaction with flexible work. Right off the bat, only 5.6% of women with children said they preferred traditional work over flexible work, while 8.5% of the remainder of those surveyed said the same. Turns out that moms doing a lot of flexible work often get more time with their families. Women with children who make more than 75% of their income doing flexible work spend on average 6 more hours per week with their families than women with children making between 25-50% of their income from flexible work. In the open-ended responses, one mom, who chose to stay anonymous, said the reason she prefers flexible work is that "as a single parent, choosing my own schedule is great. As things come up, I don't always have the help I need to care for my child." The hours work for them, and it seems that the pay works for them too. 74% of women with children say that flexible work pays equal to or better than traditional jobs Flexible Work is Already Here What does all this say about the future of flexible work and the people who do it? It signals a very clear difference between what we think of flexible workers versus who they really are. We see patterns of stability, confidence, and reliability in a workforce so often characterized in very narrow terms. Notably, flexible work disproportionately supports mothers and is increasingly becoming a reliable source of income for all workers. More and more everyday people are leveraging the power of flexible work to cover their bills, make time for their families, and control their own lives. It's not just the future of work, it's the present. "[Flex Work] gives me the freedom to be there for my son and also pursue things I'm passionate about." WorkWhile Worker, 2023 About WorkWhile WorkWhile is an hourly labor marketplace that optimizes flexibility and control for our business partners and stability for our workers. We use behavioral analysis, peer feedback, and powerful machine learning models to help identify the most reliable hourly workers and support them with perks not often available at traditional hourly wage jobs. Businesses get access to a quality workforce, while workers earn stable incomes and unmatched perks & benefits. WorkWhile is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Read about our survey findings , and learn more about WorkWhile . Contact: Mina Zivkovic 9499297729 [email protected] SOURCE WorkWhile A new report by RE/MAX explores the cultural context and influential trends set to shape the real estate industry in the U.S. as homebuyers and sellers of all generations become increasingly pragmatic in their real estate search DENVER, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With 2022 having seen a notable increase in mortgage rates compared to historical lows in 2020-21, and with many economic factors to watch based on the first quarter of 2023, many U.S. homebuyers and sellers are rethinking their approach to achieving their real estate goals, according to a study commissioned by RE/MAX, the #1 name in real estate*. The global real estate franchisor released a comprehensive, current analysis of consumer tendencies and professional strategies around buying, selling, or owning a home. The U.S. Future of Real Estate 2023 Report was developed in partnership with the advertising agency Camp + King and conducted by leading consumer insights agency Canvas8. The research, which included a survey of more than 2,900 American homebuyers or sellers, along with expert interviews with real estate researchers and economists, identified six key themes exploring how people's attitudes and values toward buying, owning, and selling homes are shifting. As a real estate franchisor dedicated to helping real estate professionals deliver a better customer experience, RE/MAX commissioned the report to uncover valuable insights for agents. The six key themes identified in the report as main trends and mindsets impacting homebuying and selling in 2023 are: Information Overload People want help making better sense of the homebuying and selling process. Real Talk People want real estate agents to offer more human-centered support. Modern Adaptability People are making compromises in search of stability. Future-Proofed Properties People are looking for self-sustaining, resilient homes. New Hubs People are looking for areas that offer them the opportunity to connect with a community. Curated Control People want spaces they can optimize for work and play. "The events of the past few years have made homebuyers more deliberate about what a home should offer them," said Nick Bailey, RE/MAX President and CEO. "A home purchase is one of the largest transactions a person will make in their lifetime, so it's important for them to have a clear understanding about what they're seeking in a home. Research like this can help a real estate professional guide them in their search." Highlights from each of the six themes identified in the report include the following**: 46% of sellers cite more support in understanding the process as one of the two most important areas of need, compared to just 27% of buyers. 40% of Americans say that terminology/language is a key barrier to homeownership that's up from 17% in 2020. 54% of Americans think trust and familiarity have become more important factors when choosing a real estate agent in the past 12 months. Just 25% of first-time buyers reported satisfaction with their recent experience, compared to 74% of experienced buyers. Economic concerns prompted 56% of Americans to buy sooner than they expected in 2020, 29% of Americans said they bought sooner than expected, citing reasons related to the pandemic. 52% of Americans say real estate agents' "years of experience" have become more important in the past 12 months. More than two-thirds of U.S. homeowners (65%) who experienced a problem with their property in 2022 recognize that it could have been prevented with routine maintenance and/or inspections. Gen Z buyers are more interested in smart features (78%), new builds (77%), and sustainable materials (81%) than older cohorts. Vibrant local communities are an important factor for younger generations, with 77% of Gen Z saying they consider this when looking to purchase a home. 64% of U.S. buyers say renovation potential is an important factor when looking for a home to buy, compared to 45% in 2020. Download the full report with detailed stats in each of the six themes HERE. "Times change, and in a fast-paced industry like this one, it's important to stay a step ahead. The research shows consumers are increasingly turning to experienced, full-time professionals and those are the type of agents who make up the RE/MAX network," added Bailey. The U.S. Future of Real Estate 2023 Report is one of two market reports exploring the future of real estate across North America. The Canada Future of Real Estate 2023 Report can be found HERE. RE/MAX and its agency partners examined the homeownership landscape across the United States and Canada to unpack and explore the trends shaping the future of real estate in these two separate markets as a way to see what's really going on in the business right now and to build a clearer, more informed sense of what's ahead. The methodology included a mix of expert interviews with real estate researchers and economists, interviews with real estate agents across a variety of brands, including RE/MAX, 12 qualitative interviews with buyers and sellers across North America and two surveys of American (2,939) and Canadian (2,030) homebuyers or sellers who have been involved in the housing market over the past 12 months or plan to be in the next 24 months. *Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness ** For more information on this data, visit https://remaxnews.cdn.prismic.io/remaxnews/5cb84632-0c16-4ccb-982a-e7cb9c1b33f3_USA_camp_and_king_report_2023_v7_Final.pdf. About the RE/MAX Network As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in over 9,000 offices and a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about RE/MAX, please visit news.remax.com. SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC GivexPOS will leverage Chatter to print QR codes on receipts for customers to scan and provide real-time feedback TORONTO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Givex Corp. (TSX: GIVX) (OTCQX: GIVXF) announced today the completion of its integration with Chatter by Stingray, a leading provider of customer feedback solutions for the restaurant and retail industries. Chatter's conversational platform engages with customers in real time, providing Givex merchants with a powerful tool to measure customer satisfaction. "We are excited to partner with Chatter, whose innovative technology aligns with our mission to help businesses engage with their customers," said Mo Chaar, Chief Commercial Officer of Givex. "Through this integration, our merchants will have access to valuable, actionable insights to quickly and effectively improve their operations and customer service." Chatter also offers merchants the ability to gather employee feedback, an important tool in a challenging labor market. By integrating with Chatter, Givex merchants can stay ahead of the competition by gaining a deeper understanding of their customers' needs "At Chatter, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the tools they need to optimize their customer experience," said William Folsom, Director Customer Success Operations at Chatter by Stingray. "Our partnership with Givex will allow us to reach a wider audience and provide actionable insights to help businesses thrive." With twelve regional offices and a global footprint of more than 118,000 active merchant locations, Givex offers gift cards, point-of-sale system GivexPOS, loyalty programs, GivexPay and more. For more information, please visit www.givex.com. About Givex Givex Corp. (TSX: GIVX; OTCQX: GIVXF) provides merchants with customer engagement, point of sale and payment solutions, all in a single platform. We are integrated with 1000+ technology partners, creating a fully end-to-end solution that delivers powerful customer insights. Our platform is used by some of the world's largest brands across the globe, comprising approximately 122,000+ active locations across more than 100 countries. Learn more at www.givex.com. SOURCE Givex Deepen international exchanges and cooperation and build a bridge for collaborative innovation NANJING, China, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reported by Science and Technology Daily Global 6G Conference 2023 Opens in Nanjing, China From March 22 to 24, under the theme of "Better Together, Better Future," the Global 6G Conference 2023, hosted by FuTURE FORUM and Purple Mountain Laboratories, was held in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province. With the goal of deepening international exchanges and cooperation and building a bridge for collaborative innovation, the conference takes the form of on-site discussion + remote interaction in many places around the world, brings together experts and scholars in the 6G field from more than ten countries at home and abroad to discuss the latest development and application prospects of 6G technology, and exchange cutting-edge ideas and research results in the field of information and communication. Seizo Onoe, Director of Telecommunications Standards Bureau of ITU, and Wu Hequan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, President of FuTURE FORUM, delivered a keynote speech. At present, the development of 6G is in the window period of vision demand formation and key technology selection. It is necessary to effectively gather the consensus of 6G research and development, technology, scene, standardization and other aspects, cultivate the global consistent 6G concept, and expand the space of international cooperation. For the first time, Global 6G Conference 2023 invited important international 6G academic organizations such as Finnish 6G Flagship, Japan's 5G Forum, and Singapore's Future Communications Research & Development Program to co-organize relevant forums.At the opening ceremony, FuTURE FORUM released the Global Initiative for 6G International Cooperation and Collaboration Development. In the form of technical reports, international forums in terms of Europe, America, Asia, and the Round Table Forum, the convention focused on four topics: 6G Use Cases & Standardization, 6G Network Architecture & Native Security, 6G Wireless Transmission & Spectrum Sharing, and Integrated Space-Air-Ground Network and On-demand Services. The forum further discussed 6G network reform and technological innovation, enhanced international 6G cooperation, promoted the formation of global unified 6G standards and ecology, and injected new vitality and impetus to 6G technology and future industry development. Seizo Onoe said that in the development of mobile communication in 6G and beyond, it is still necessary to continuously carry out standardization work so that the technology can evolve in an orderly and controlled manner. Wu Hequan looked forward to the demand for 6G in the future development of mobile terminals in his keynote speech. He believes that from the perspective of the development of mobile communication, we have found a stage that is not only driven by technology, but also by demand. Gerhard P. Fettweis, Chair Professor of Dresden University of Technology and Academician of German National Academy of Science and Engineering, highlighted the issue of "Energy Wall". Sustainability of energy issues is particularly worthy of consideration in the 6G era. Takehiro Nakamura, Chief Technical Architect of NTT DOCOMO's R&D Innovation Department and President of the White Paper Subcommittee of Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium, said that he believed that China and Japan would have in-depth cooperation in many aspects, including more efficient sensing technology and the implementation of 6G through millimeter Wave (mmWave) Technology Promotion. Rui L. Aguiar, President of the Steering Committee of ETP Networld Europe, said that he was intensively conducting some relevant experimental research to achieve good coupling and common development with vertical industries. Sungho Choi, Project Manager of Future Communications and Radio of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, introduced the K-Network 2030 Plan, which aims to build a next-generation network system, build the best technology and software-based network innovation initiatives, and strengthen the supply chain in the future era of digital precision.Edward G. Tiedemann, Senior Vice President of Qualcomm and appointed officer of IEEE ComSoc, believes that 6G is a universal access service, which ensures reliable and low-latency communication service quality, truly realizes more real-time control, reduces energy consumption and latency, and improves energy utilization. So it needs to address these issues from a system-wide perspective. At the same time, the conference released 12 6G white papers, The Overall 6G White Paper proposes that in the trend of evolution to 6G, information and communication technology will be further integrated with big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and system control technology to present the characteristics of data, operation, information and communication integration. It is a converged mobile information network with strong connection, computing power, intelligence and security. This white paper classifies and integrates 6G potential technologies and solutions from the perspective of system, and gives technical system suggestions. Experts actively participated in the conference. Wu Jiangxing, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Liu Yunjie, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as Director and Chief Scientist of Purple Mountain Laboratories, Lu Jianhua, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yin Hao, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mao Junfa, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lu Jun, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, and other Academicians attended the conference and delivered speeches. Nearly 30 international experts from the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and other countries attended the Conference. As Fu Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of FuTURE FORUM, said, in this important development window period of global 6G, we need to adhere to the pursuit of a unified global 6G innovation system. The Global 6G Conference is a platform jointly built by top scientists and research institutions from all over the world. It is hoped that on this platform, we will focus on topics of common concern, reach technical consensus, and share the results of cooperation. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily DUBLIN, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Market for Stem Cells" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report discusses the implications of stem cell research and commercial trends in the context of the current size and growth of the pharmaceutical market, both in global terms and analyzed by the most important national markets. The important technologies supporting stem cells are reviewed, and the nature and structure of the stem cell industry is discussed, with profiles of the leading companies, including recent merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. Five-year sales forecasts are provided for the national markets and the major therapeutic categories of the products involved. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells. Researchers are interested in the potential for using stem cells to treat conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders, by replacing defective cells and tissues; ideally, stem cells function as the raw material from which new populations of normal differentiated cells and tissues develop. Stem cells can also be used in pharmaceutical research to improve drug target validation and toxicology screening. This is of intense interest to pharmaceutical companies, as it offers a safer alternative to the use of living organisms, including humans, for some aspects of drug testing. Stem cells are also being studied for their ability to improve both the understanding and treatment of birth disorders. Research and Commercialization A sizeable stem cell research product market has emerged to facilitate the research resulting from interest in stem cell applications. Large companies selling stem cell research products include Invitrogen, BD Biosciences, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Millipore. Products offered by these companies include antibodies to stem cell antigens, bead-based stem cell separation systems, stem cell protein purification and analysis tools, tools for DNA- and RNA-based Characterization of stem cells, stem cell culture and media reagents, stem-cell-specific growth factors and cytokines, tools for stem cell gene regulation, a range of stem cell services, tools for in vivo and in vitro stem cell tracking, and stem cell lines. The major market for stem cells will be their use in the treatment of disease, and there are already numerous companies specializing in developing stem cells directed toward specific disease targets. This market opportunity is still largely at an early, experimental stage. The main exception is the use of stem cells taken from the patient's own bone marrow to treat conditions such as leukemia, which is a failure of normal hematopoiesis (i.e., formation of blood cells). This use of stem cells is well established. A third market opportunity has arisen in the stem cell field based on the collection and preservation of stem cells from the umbilical cord blood after a baby is born. The cells are kept frozen in "cord blood banks" so they may be used by the donor later in life to treat appropriate diseases. This use of stem cells is not generally endorsed by the medical profession, but it has given rise to a kind of medical tourism. The report includes: An up-to-date overview and analysis of the global markets for (biological) stem cells and related products Analyses of the global market trends, with historic revenue data for 2021, estimates for 2022 and 2023, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2027 Estimation of the actual market size and revenue forecast for global stem cells market in USD million terms, and corresponding market share analysis by product, application, end user, and region Highlights of emerging technology trends, market opportunities and deterrents estimating current and future demand of stem cells related products and their derivatives for drug discovery Discussion of market dynamics that impact the growth of the market for biological stem cells, clinical applications, market regulations, industry structure, and penetration of technologies within the biotech industry Review of the patents and patent applications on stem cell research, and corresponding research/scientific publications during the analysis period Competitive landscape of the key manufacturers and suppliers of the stem cell-related drug market, their product portfolios, financial updates, and major growth strategies within the marketplace Company profiles of major players within the industry, including 3-D Matrix Medical Technology, International Stem Cell Corp., ReNeuron Group, and U.S. Stem Cell Inc. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights 2.1 Definitions 2.2 Applications 2.3 Research and Commercialization 2.4 Funding 2.5 Market Chapter 3 Overview 3.1 Cells 3.2 Stem Cells 3.2.1 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Chapter 4 Stem Cell Research 4.1 History 4.2 Embryonic Stem Cells 4.2.1 Growth and Identification of Embryonic Stem Cells 4.2.2 Stimulating Embryonic Stem Cells to Differentiate 4.3 Adult Stem Cells 4.3.1 Mesenchymal Stem Cells 4.3.2 Hematopoietic Stem Cells 4.3.3 Neural Stem Cell 4.3.4 Endothelial Progenitor Cell 4.3.5 Epithelial Stem Cell 4.3.6 Very Small Embryonic-Like Cell 4.4 Cord Blood Stem Cells 4.5 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 4.5.1 Nuclear Reprogramming 4.6 Cell-Based Therapeutics 4.6.1 Embryonic-Derived Stem Cells 4.6.2 Adult and Progenitor-Derived Stem Cells 4.6.3 Engineered Stem Cells for Transplantation 4.7 Therapeutic Stem Cell Banking 4.8 Stem Cell-Based Biomedical Research 4.9 Stem Cell Research Centers 4.10 Regulation of Stem Cell Research 4.10.1 National Regulatory Measures 4.11 Practicalities of Stem Cell Research and Production 4.11.1 Stem Cell Production 4.11.2 Stem Cell Acquisition 4.11.3 Stem Cell Production Economics 4.11.4 Customized Therapy 4.11.5 Banks 4.11.6 Novel Stem Cell Production Developments 4.11.7 Isolation and Engineering 4.11.8 Adult Stem Cells 4.11.9 Embryonic Stem Cells 4.11.10 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 4.11.11 Bioprinting 4.12 Stem Cell Banking 4.13 Impact of COVID-19 on Stem Cell Therapy 4.13.1 Impact of COVID-19 on iPSCs Chapter 5 Stem Cell Applications 5.1 Regenerative Medicine 5.2 Current Stem Cell Therapy Applications 5.2.1 Cancer Chapter 6 Stem Cell Patents 6.1 General Background on Patents 6.1.1 Stem Cell Patents 6.2 Policies by Country 6.3 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells 6.4 Recent Patent Activity 6.5 Clinical Trials Chapter 7 Stem Cell Markets 7.1 Markets for Stem Cells 7.2 Market Dynamics 7.2.1 Market Drivers 7.2.2 Market Opportunities by Therapeutic Class 7.3 Global Market Estimates and Forecasts 7.3.1 North America 7.3.2 Europe 7.3.3 Asia-Pacific 7.3.4 Rest of the World Chapter 8 Emerging Technologies in the Market 8.1 Stem Cell Market in 2022 and Beyond 8.1.1 Oncology Applications 8.1.2 Dermatology Applications 8.1.3 Genetically Modified Stem Cells 8.1.4 Disease Modeling 8.1.5 Sustainable Meat Sources 8.1.6 Bioprinting 8.1.7 Surgery 8.1.8 COVID-19 8.2 Emerging Technologies in Stem Cell Research Chapter 9 Company Profiles Chapter 10 Appendix: Glossary Companies Mentioned 3-D Matrix Medical Technology Arteriocyte Medical Systems Inc. (ISTO Biologics) Athersys Inc. Beike Biotechnology Co. Ltd. Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. Celyad Cytori Therapeutics Inc. Epistem Ltd. Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics Inc. (FCDI) Gamida Cell Ltd. Hybrid Organ GmbH International Stem Cell Corp. Lisata Therapeutics. Mesoblast Ltd. Reneuron Group Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc. Stemina Biomarker Discovery Inc. Stempeutics U.S. Stem Cell Inc. Verastem Inc. Vericel Corp. Viacyte Inc. Vitro Biopharma Wicell Research Institute For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gtshly 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 The global maternity & personal care market is expected to witness prominent growth by 2031, owing to the growing awareness of people about their health & hygiene. Regionally, the North America region is expected to dominate the market NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Maternity & Personal Care Market Forecast Analysis: As per the report published by Research Dive, the global maternity & personal care market is anticipated to generate a revenue of $106,499.9 million, rising exponentially with a CAGR of 6.5% over the estimated timeframe from 2022 to 2031. Segments of the Maternity & Personal Care Market The report has divided the maternity & personal care market into the following segments: Product Category: skin care, hair care, oral care, cosmetics, and others End-User: male, female, and children and infants Maternal Apparel: daywear, nightwear, and inner wears Personal Care: stretch marks minimizer, body restructuring gels, itching prevention creams, skin toning creams, and others Distribution Channel: supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online, and others Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA To get access to the All-Inclusive PDF Sample of the Maternity & Personal Care Market Click Here! Segment Sub-Segment Product Category Skin Care Biggest market share in 2021 The rising demand for self-care and health-promoting products among consumers and the growing ability of social media to quickly empower consumers are expected to propel the growth of this market sub-segment further. End-User Female Highest market share in 2021 The growing demand for the highest quality maternity products such as maternity apparel and personal care products including stretch mark removal creams and moisturizers among females is expected to fuel the sub-segment forward. Maternal Apparel Daywear Maximum market share in 2021 The increasing number of working women and the rising demand for trendy yet comfortable maternity apparel are anticipated to push the market sub-segment forward. Personal Care Stretch Marks Minimizer Highest market share in 2021 The increasing consciousness among women about their looks and health during their pregnancy and the availability of products to control the occurrence of stretch marks are the major factors expected to bolster the market sub-segment. Distribution Channel Online Largest market share in 2021 The growing trend of online shopping among people and the availability of various products on online sites at a lower price and with exciting discounts and better review analysis is predicted to augment the market sub-segment forward. Region North America To have the dominant market share by 2031 The increasing demand for maternity & personal care products among individuals in this region is predicted to drive the growth of the regional market over the forecast period. Schedule a call with an Analyst to get Post COVID-19 Impact on Maternity & Personal Care Market Dynamics of the Global Maternity & Personal Care Market The increasing awareness of people and pregnant women about the importance of maintaining good health and hygiene is predicted to boost the growth of the maternity & personal care market over the estimated timeframe. Moreover, the increasing number of working women and their rising affordability for expensive yet healthy products are further expected to foster market growth during the analysis period. However, the harmful effects of chemical & synthetic products on the skin may impede the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. The growing preference for organic maternity & personal care products among women across the globe is expected to create massive growth opportunities for the market over the analysis period. Additionally, the increasing awareness among people about the harmful effects of using chemical-based personal care products and the rising living standards and spending on organic personal care products by individuals in both developed and developing countries are expected to upsurge the growth of the market during the forecast period. Covid-19 Impact on the Global Maternity & Personal Care Market The rise of the novel coronavirus has badly impacted the maternity & personal care market, likewise various other industries. This is mainly due to the closure of several industries including consumer goods such as cosmetics, due to the rapid spread of the deadly virus. Moreover, the stringent restrictions imposed by the governments on travel, social gathering, and transportation have disrupted the supply chain over the pandemic. In addition, the panic purchasing behavior of people has affected the supply of goods and services over the crisis. Key Players of the Global Maternity & Personal Care Market The major players of the market include Estee Lauder Johnson & Johnson Amoralia P&G Seraphine Unilever Isabella Oliver Kaya Mama Mio Inc Jubilant Ingrevia Destination Maternity Corporation Edgewell personal care These players are broadly working on developing strategies such as product development, merger and acquisition, partnerships, and collaborations to procure a leading position in the global industry. Request Customization of Maternity & Personal Care Market Report & Avail of Amazing Discount For instance, in November 2021, Edgewell Personal Care Company, an American multinational consumer products company announced its acquisition of Billie Inc., a renowned U.S.-based consumer brand company. With this acquisition, Billie aimed to enhance its consumer-centric, digital capabilities to elevate its presence in the important mid-tier value segment of women's shaving in the U.S. What the Report Covers Apart from the information summarized in this press release, the final report covers crucial aspects of the market including SWOT analysis, market overview, Porter's five forces analysis, market dynamics, segmentation (key market trends, forecast analysis, and regional analysis), and company profiles (company overview, operating business segments, product portfolio, financial performance, and latest strategic moves and developments.) More about Maternity & Personal Care Market: Some Trending Article Links: The Global Skincare Market Size is predicted to be valued at $273.3 billion by 2031 at a noteworthy CAGR of 6.7% The Global Cosmetics Market Size is predicted to be valued at $ 371.9 billion by 2031 at a noteworthy CAGR of 6.3% The Global Surgical Hat Market Size is predicted to be valued at $719,113.0 million by 2030, surging from $533,504.0 million in 2021, at a noteworthy CAGR of 3.3% About Research Dive Research Dive is a market research firm based in Pune, India. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the services, the firm provides the services that are solely based on its exclusive data model, compelled by the 360-degree research methodology, which guarantees comprehensive and accurate analysis. With an unprecedented access to several paid data resources, team of expert researchers, and strict work ethic, the firm offers insights that are extremely precise and reliable. Scrutinizing relevant news releases, government publications, decades of trade data, and technical & white papers, Research dive deliver the required services to its clients well within the required timeframe. Its expertise is focused on examining niche markets, targeting its major driving factors, and spotting threatening hindrances. Complementarily, it also has a seamless collaboration with the major industry aficionado that further offers its research an edge. Contact: Mr. Abhishek Paliwal Research Dive 30 Wall St. 8th Floor, New York NY 10005 (P) +91-(788)-802-9103 (India) +1-(917)-444-1262 (US) Toll Free: 1-888-961-4454 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.researchdive.com Blog: https://www.researchdive.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-dive/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ResearchDive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Research-Dive-1385542314927521 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/997523/Research_Dive_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research Dive Former public servants and consultants Adam Hughes and Robert Shea join to form GovNavigators, which will help organizations strengthen their brands and achieve their goals. ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To help organizations understand and shape the public policy landscape, strengthen their brands, and achieve their growth goals, former government executives and consultants Adam Hughes and Robert Shea are combining forces to establish GovNavigators. Former GSA and Senate Budget Committee Executive Adam Hughes and former House, Senate and OMB Executive Robert Shea have worked together for almost 20 years. They collaborated to improve government program performance and enact and implement federal financial transparency initiatives. Together, they transformed Grant Thornton Public Sector's brand into one of the best known and respected in government consulting. The Government Business Council named it one of the fastest-moving brands in government. They conceived, produced, and hosted FedHeads, a leading, award-winning podcast focused on government management. They share four Fed100 Awards between them, but won't say who has the most. "I trusted Adam and Robert to craft the right message, get it in front of the right people, and help us achieve our ambitious growth goals," said former Grant Thornton Public Sector Managing Partner Carlos Otal. "Their creativity and competence, combined with their notable networks, will offer enormous value to their clients." Adam and Robert are forming GovNavigators to offer other organizations the same magic they performed at Grant Thornton. They are also firing up the microphones again with a companion podcast the GovNavigators Podcast hoping that someone will listen. From developing and implementing marketing and branding strategies to monitoring, analyzing, and shaping public policy, GovNavigators can guide clients through the intricacies of the government to help them grow. Contact: Robert Shea (540) 454-6879 [email protected] Adam Hughes (202) 320-3254 [email protected] SOURCE GovNavigators LLC Acquisition bolsters Hasa's portfolio of specialty water treatment products SAUGUS, Calif., March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hasa, Inc. ("Hasa"), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners ("Wind Point"), today announced the acquisition of Orenda Technologies ("Orenda" or the "Company"), a manufacturer and supplier of professional-grade, eco-friendly specialty pool chemicals. Orenda's innovative solutions expand Hasa's product portfolio and geographic reach for recreational water treatment customers across the entire continental U.S. In conjunction with the transaction, Hasa will expand its commercial and residential pool channel support with Orenda as a strategic brand. Well-known for its high-quality line of specialty pool products, Orenda also serves as an industry leader with its deep library of educational resources for pool industry professionals and homeowners. Chris Brink, CEO of Hasa, stated, "We are thrilled to announce Hasa's expansion into these professional-grade specialty products, which the industry increasingly recognizes as critical to maintain safe, clean and clear water in swimming pools and spas. With Hasa's capabilities and resources plus Orenda's top-notch team and market-facing partners, we will together provide significant value to pool professionals, residential and commercial pool customers and our channel partners." Harold Evans, Chairman & CEO of Orenda, added, "Hasa is one of the premier brands in the industry. We could not have found a better partner for our customers, whom we value deeply. We are excited to have this partnership with Hasa, which will significantly enhance the value that our customers receive through additional services and products offered. I also look forward to joining the Hasa team in an executive advisory role." Jarred Morgan, President of Orenda, will continue to lead the Orenda business under Hasa ownership. Mr. Morgan noted, "We are very proud of the brand we have built based upon great products, great people and high industry credibility. We look forward to continuing to deliver industry-leading service to our customers and supporting the next phase of growth for the combined organization." Peter Leemputte, Principal at Wind Point, commented, "Orenda represents an excellent addition to the Hasa platform. Acquisitions are a focal point of our value creation plan for Hasa, and we are excited to inaugurate our M&A program with the acquisition of such a high-quality business like Orenda." About Hasa Hasa, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment products used to sanitize and maintain water systems, including swimming pools, water tanks and containment vessels for recreational, industrial and municipal end markets. Founded in 1964, the company operates out of facilities in California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Texas. Over its more than 55-year history, Hasa has established a strong reputation for supplying superior products through excellent logistics and distribution capabilities. Additional information about Hasa is available at www.hasa.com. About Wind Point Partners Wind Point Partners is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm with approximately $5 billion in assets under management. Wind Point focuses on partnering with top caliber management teams to acquire well-positioned middle market businesses where it can establish a clear path to value creation. The firm targets investments in the consumer products, industrial products and business services sectors. Wind Point is currently investing out of Wind Point Partners X, a fund that was initiated in 2022. Additional information about Wind Point is available at www.windpointpartners.com. About Orenda Technologies Orenda Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier of professional-grade specialty pool chemicals servicing the continental U.S. Since 2010, Orenda has been committed to servicing the pool service professional community through its Orenda Academy, the Orenda Calculator app and its deep library of other continued educational resources. Additional information about Orenda Technologies is available at www.orendatech.com. SOURCE HASA Inc. NEW YORK, March 28, 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=37681&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=37681&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 The new state of the art facility plans to open late 2023 and will create more than 50 local jobs FAIRFIELD, Texas, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- March 2023, The City of Fairfield, Fairfield Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Hoover Treated Wood Products (HTWP) broke ground on a new $9M, state of the art wood treating facility coming to the community late 2023. The plant owned and operated by HTWP will treat fire-retardant wood products to be used in new construction buildings throughout the region. The product, which is used to construct framing, sheathing for roofs and walls, will primarily be used in new multifamily and commercial construction. The Hoover Treated Wood Products (HTWP) leadership team broke ground on a new fire-retardant wood treatment facility in Fairfield, Texas. "We are thrilled to expand our operations into Texas to service the booming commercial and residential construction industries," said Dave Gillrie, CEO, HTWP. "Fairfield is the ideal choice for our new facility which will feature state-of-the-art technology and bring terrific career opportunities. We truly appreciate the warm receptance we've received from the city and look forward to deepening our connection to this vibrant community." As the largest manufacturer of fire-retardant wood products in the United States, HTWP plans to employ at least 50 employees in the first five years of operation. These full-time careers significantly increase quality employment opportunities for Fairfield. "Projects like these are exactly what our community needs to thrive," said Fairfield Mayor, Kenneth Hughes. "The opportunity to showcase state of the art facilities while also providing living-wage careers, are exactly the type of investments we look to make. I am excited to see this project come to life and the long-term benefits it will bring." Fairfield EDC was paramount in securing the company's expansion into Texas and aided with a land grant at the Fairfield Industrial Park South. "Fairfield EDC is focused on helping businesses create products and services that grow beyond our local economy," said David Fowler, president, Fairfield Economic Development Corporation. "These types of new businesses are what generate revenue to build our local economy, and I can't think of a better fit for this than Hoover. With a broad network, this plant will put products made by the Fairfield community into hands throughout the region." The Fairfield plant is Hoover's first expansion into Texas and is located at 355 Cottonwood Creek Drive Fairfield, TX 75840. ABOUT HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc, in business since 1955, supplies a comprehensive portfolio of pressure-impregnated kiln-dried lumber and plywood products for fire retardant and preservative applications. Hoover has multiple company-owned treating facilities, conveniently located to service 100 plus member stocking distributor network which thoroughly covers the United States. Hoover has been serving its mission to protect people where they live and work with their Pyro-Guard and Exterior Fire-X products which are treated an exclusive proprietary formula and they are recognized for applications where noncombustible materials are required in buildings. These market leading products are confirmed to meet International Building Code requirements by Underwriter's Laboratories and meet or exceed other relevant building code requirements. Hoover is the leader in preservative-treated wood market with Dura-Guard, CCA, Cop-Guard, Micro-Guard and Clear-Guard products. ABOUT FAIRFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. Fairfield Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit, Type A, economic development corporation whose mission is to promote, assist, and enhance economic development opportunities in Fairfield, Texas. The FEDC is funded by a of 1 percent sales and use tax collected in the City of Fairfield. To learn more visit www.fairfieldtx.com SOURCE Hoover Treated Wood Products Right from the beginning of the year, the branch has taken many solutions to improve the quality of credit such as assigning bad debt targets to transaction offices of VBSP in districts and towns; coordinating with social and political organizations, and local authorities at all levels to consolidate and improve the quality of entrustment activities, operation of transaction points in communes, wards and townships and of the Savings and Loans Group; and actively urging the collection of overdue debt. As of March 31, total bad debt and frozen debt outstanding is 3.408 trillion VND, accounting for 0.026% of total credit balance, an increase of 379 million VND compared to the beginning of the year and an increase of 294 million VND over the same period last year. Policy credit capital has been invested in 100% of the citys communes, wards and townships; creating conditions for the poor and policy beneficiaries to have access to credit capital policy in a favorable and timely manner. The VBSPs branch in Hanoi has disbursed more than 1.000 trillion VND of credit for policies to support the poor. (Photo: qdnd.vn) In the first quarter, nearly 23,800 customers had access to loans at the VBSP, including 20 poor households, near-poor households, and households newly escaping from poverty; 17,400 customers borrowing loans to create jobs; 46 students receiving financial support to cover study expenses; 6,300 households receiving financial support to build and renovate 12,600 rural clean water and sanitation works. Policy credit has contributed to limiting usury in rural areas, helping the poor and policy beneficiaries be familiar with bank credit, fundamentally changing perceptions in production and business, using capital effectively, and creaing jobs and stable incomes. By March 31, 2023, total operating capital at the branch is estimated to reach 13.090 trillion VND, an increase of 317 billion VND compared to the beginning of the year and an increase of 1.092 trillion VND compared to the same period in 2022./. BETHESDA, Md., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hull Street Energy announced today that it has sold Foundation Solar Partners, LLC ("Foundation Solar") to Birch Creek Energy, LLC. Foundation Solar is an independent renewable development company that specializes in high quality utility-scale solar opportunities in select markets through the United States. Foundation Solar was established in 2019 by a team of accomplished industry veterans who have developed, acquired and managed over 6 GW of renewable resources over the last two decades. Hull Street Energy Sells Foundation Solar Partners Through its investment in Foundation Solar, Hull Street Energy continued to grow the clean, critical power infrastructure that will be required to decarbonize the North American energy economy. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Hull Street Energy. Foley & Lardner LLP acted as legal counsel to Hull Street Energy. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP acted as legal counsel to Birch Creek Energy, LLC. About Hull Street Energy, LLC Hull Street Energy is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about Hull Street Energy please see www.hullstreetenergy.com. About Birch Creek Energy, LLC Birch Creek, formed as a utility scale solar development platform in 2019, focuses on the development, financing and ownership of utility scale solar and storage projects in the United States. Since 2019, Birch Creek has developed 872 megawatts (MW) of solar projects and has a pipeline of over 8 gigawatts (GW) of utility scale solar and storage pipeline in various stages of development across MISO, PJM, Texas and the Southeast. Birch Creek has 23 employees and is based in St. Louis, Missouri. More information can be found at www.birchcreekenergy.com. Media Contact: [email protected] Related Links https://www.hullstreetenergy.com SOURCE Hull Street Energy DUBLIN, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Flex Engine Market - India Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, FY2018-FY2028 Segmented By Vehicle Type (Two-Wheeler, Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle), By Blend Type, By Fuel Type, By Region" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The India flex engine market is expected to witness a growth of robust CAGR in the forecast period, FY2024-FY2028 Growing concerns about greenhouse emissions, supportive government policies, and an increase in the adoption of green vehicle technology are the primary factors driving the growth of the India flex engine market for the next five years. Flex engines or flexible-fuel vehicles, or flex-flue vehicles, are the vehicles that run on alternate fuel, and the internal combustion engine in these vehicles can run on more than one fuel. Vehicles running on flex engine usually runs on gasoline blended with ethanol or methanol fuel or both, and both the fuels are stored in a single container. The blend is burnt in a combustion chamber to generate the necessary power for the vehicle. Favorable Government Policies Drives the Market Growth The union minister of road transport and highways has announced to expect order shortly, mandating the automobile manufacturers to manufacture vehicles capable of running on more than one fuel. With the expected announcement, the demand for flex engine vehicles is expected to witness massive demand from all over the country. The government supports the use of alternate fuels and biofuels to tackle the deteriorating environmental condition. The government is taking steps to lower the financial burden on customers as biofuels and alternate energy fuels are affordable. An increase in concerns about the depleting conventional energy sources and the fluctuation in prices is bolstering alternate fuel sources. The government is promoting the development of supportive infrastructure and is making sure alternate fuels are available in the existing refueling stations to ensure increased comfort and convenience of consumers. The launch of initiatives focusing on constructing an electric highway between Delhi and Jaipur is further accelerating the market growth. Bioethanol is made up of rice, corn, sugar, and maize crops. The surplus production can be utilized in making biofuels. The government is offering a high minimum support price (MSP) to farmers higher than the international or commercial prices. Rise in Awareness about Green Vehicle Technology Supports the Market Demand With the growing concerns about the adverse effect of harmful emissions to the environment and rapid climate change, automobile manufacturers are increasing their investments in research and development activities. The increase in pressure from the country's leading authorities on automobile manufacturers to adopt sustainable technologies and manufacturing process is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the India flex engine market. Total vehicle production was 3.39 million in India in 2020. Leading authorities are planning to develop a network of gas-filling stations to promote the adoption of fuel-filled vehicles among consumers. The market players are adopting sustainable vehicle technologies and developing eco-friendly flex-fuel engines are accelerating the adoption of lower emission vehicles among consumers. Automobile manufacturers are continuously investing in improving the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, which is expected to lower the emissions in the vehicles. The surge in the initiatives taken by the government and market players to develop and implement clean vehicle technology in automobiles, along with the launch of high-performance green vehicles, are expected to bolster the India flex engine market demand for the next five years. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in India flex engine market. Maruti Suzuki India Limited Tata Motors Limited Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Hyundai Motor Company Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Bajaj Auto Limited TVS Motor Company Hinduja Group ( Ashoke Leyland ) ) Toyota Motor Corporation Ford Motor Company Report Scope: India Flex Engine Market, By Vehicle Type: Two-Wheeler Passenger Cars Light Commercial Vehicle Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle India Flex Engine Market, By Blend Type: E10 to E25 E25 to E85 Above E85 Others India Flex Engine Market, By Fuel Type: Gasoline Diesel India Flex Engine Market, By Region: East West North South For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5yzjpe 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 InMotion Hosting expands its footprint with a new data center in the Netherlands. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InMotion Hosting, the industry leader in premium web hosting, announced today the opening of its first international data center in Europe. This significant milestone marks the company's expansion of its Shared Hosting plans to new European customers and those looking for a European presence. All of InMotion Hosting's product lines will be available in the new European data center in the coming months. This expansion into the European market presents a unique opportunity for clients who require fast and reliable web hosting services. InMotion Hosting expands its footprint with a new data center in the Netherlands The purpose-built, three-story data center is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is renowned for its connectivity, reliability, and multi-tier security measures. As home to three of the world's largest Internet Exchanges, the new data center offers InMotion Hosting customers faster website speeds and better performance. "Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible hosting experience. This expansion will allow us to do that," said John Joseph, Director of Customer Success. InMotion Hosting takes pride in its fast and reliable hosting services, and its expansion into the European Union (EU) offers a new market of clients access to the same. The company is fully compliant with GDPR regulations, ensuring optimal data protection and security for its clients. InMotion Hosting's European data center offers customers access to: NVMe Hardware 99.99% Network Uptime and Security Monitoring Refined UltraStack Server Configurations for Performance Free SSL Certificates; Premium Malware and Hack Protection Industry-Leading Money-Back Guarantee Award-Winning Service and Support Teams "We are proud to be one of the only hosting providers to offer NVMe drives in our data centers. Cutting-edge backup solutions and complete control over data privacy are also standards in our web hosting plans. We're committed to giving our clients the most reliable and innovative hosting services. Our state-of-the-art EU data center is one example of how we are fulfilling that commitment," added John Joseph. InMotion Hosting's expansion into Europe demonstrates the company's commitment to providing innovative, reliable and secure hosting services globally. To learn more about Shared Hosting with InMotion Hosting, visit www.inmotionhosting.com/shared-hosting. About InMotion Hosting InMotion Hosting is a privately held technology company providing web hosting, cloud-based solutions and managed services to businesses and entrepreneurs across the globe. With over 170,000 customers, InMotion Hosting's mission is to bring tools, platforms and outstanding customer service within anyone's reach to transform their online presence. Since 2001, we have built our foundation around 24/7/365 U.S.-based customer support and open source technology. Learn more about InMotion Hosting at inmotionhosting.com and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media Contact: Carrie Smaha [email protected] (757) 693-5451 SOURCE InMotion Hosting, Inc. CINCINNATI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a timely follow up to the concepts and strategies revealed in his first book, Tech Debt 2.0, Michael Fillios, Founder of IT Ally and the IT Ally Institute, delivers his next installment of expert, tech-savvy business guidance, with Tech Equity, How to Future Ready Your Small Business and Outperform Your Competition. IT Ally Institute releases its second book, Tech Equity. Tweet this Book Cover Michael Fillios is the founder and CEO of IT Ally, a business and technology advisory firm for family owned and private equity backed small and medium size businesses (SMBs). Writing from the perspective of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and with the devastating effects of the global pandemic in mind, Fillios explains why now, more than ever, it is critical to shift from the defensive maintenance of technical debt, go on offense, and lead the charge toward building Tech Equity. Conceptually viewed as an asset, Tech Equity comprises key components of a company's technology portfolio. SMBs that invest in building Tech Equity are better positioned to navigate crises, take advantage of opportunities, and outperform the competition. This not only translates to higher returns and a more appealing balance sheet, but yields greater talent retention, a heightened focus on the customer experience, and a better understanding of the company itself. Fillios draws on more than 25 years of experience in business, finance, and IT leadership and includes multiple real-world case studies demonstrating Tech Equity in action, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, as companies compete for survival and search for new opportunities. Complete with strategies and tools for building, diagnosing, and measuring Tech Equity, business leaders will find Michael Fillios' latest publication an invaluable resource for understanding the importance of Tech Equity and its crucial role as they future ready their business. About the IT Ally Institute The IT Ally Institute provides small and mid-size businesses access to knowledge, research and tools which help improve the capabilities for managing IT, to future proof their business and improve their tech bottom line. Please visit itallyinstitute.org to learn more. About IT Ally Founded in 2017, IT Ally is a market leader in business and technology advisory services and solutions for small and mid-size businesses or SMBs. As an Inc. 5000 award-winner for one of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, IT Ally helps SMBs grow faster, be more secure, and maximize the value of their technology investments. Please visit itallyllc.com to learn more. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE IT Ally Institute Annual Day of Giving is Busiest of the Year MANASQUAN, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 29, Jersey Mike's Subs is giving a full day's sales expected to be over $20 million to charity. It's the sub company's 13th Annual Day of Giving when nearly 2,500 Jersey Mike's Subs restaurants nationwide will donate 100 percent of salesnot just the profitto more than 200 local charities. (View/download b-roll) Jersey Mike's Subs donates 100% of sales nationwide to local charities on Day of Giving, March 29. Tweet this Actor, comedian and New Jersey native, Danny DeVito, joins Jersey Mike's Founder and CEO Peter Cancro in the sub chains recent commercial inviting everyone to buy lunch or dinner at Jersey Mikes on Day of Giving when all proceeds go to important local causes. Day of Giving is the culmination of Jersey Mike's March Month of Giving fundraising campaign. All month, Jersey Mike's has collected donations from customers for partner charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more. For a list of restaurant locations and charity partners, please visit www.jerseymikes.com/mog/charities. "Please join us and make a difference this Wednesday, March 29, when 100 percent of sales from all Jersey Mike's Subs locations will be donated to help raise up our local communities," said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike's founder and CEO. Actor, comedian and New Jersey native, Danny DeVito, joins Cancro in the sub chain's recent commercial inviting everyone to buy lunch or dinner at Jersey Mike's on Day of Giving when all proceeds go to important local causes. (Watch commercial) Day of Giving is Jersey Mike's busiest day of the year. Each location prepares by staffing up and ordering extra food, ensuring there is plenty of meat, cheese, bread, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon to meet the high demand. The more you order, the more Jersey Mike's gives. Whether in-store, through Jersey Mike's app or through third-party delivery partners, proceeds from every single sale this Wednesday including subs, chips, drinks, and catering orders -- will go to local charities. Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike's has raised more than $67 million for local charities. For more information, visit: www.jerseymikes.com/mog About Jersey Mike's Jersey Mike's Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike's local communities is reflected in its mission statement "Givingmaking a difference in someone's life." Visit jerseymikes.com. Contact: Kyle Potvin, [email protected], 917-838-4500 SOURCE Jersey Mikes Subs Leader in vape technology celebrates tenth anniversary as they launch in The Empire State with signature High THC line OAKLAND, Calif. and NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jetty Extracts , a California-based producer of high-quality cannabis extracts and pioneer of clean vape technology, today announced its launch into the New York market. The popular brand is expanding to its first market outside of California, returning to its New York roots and diving into authentic partnerships with local producers and retailers. Jetty Extracts launches in New York with signature High THC product line. Since the company's inception in 2013, Jetty has been one of the original leaders in cannabis extraction, creating the most clean, potent and flavorful vape products on the market. One of the first brands to release a vape free of fillers and cutting agents, Jetty has built its reputation as a leader through innovation and quality. The brand is enthusiastically bringing its award-winning product portfolio to New York's emerging market, expanding its legacy to the state that Jetty founders call home. Jetty's New York launch will feature several of the brand's most popular strains from its High THC vape cartridge line. For those seeking an intense high that fits in their pocket and many classic strains to choose from, Jetty's HIGH THC line offers an euphoric experience and something more fine-tuned to consumers' needs. Jetty's vapes are portable and discreet, but with all-natural terpenes added consumers can expect the same delicious flavor and elevated experience they would get smoking flower. As in California, Jetty's process in New York begins with premium sun-grown cannabis, fresh from the Hudson Valley. Jetty partners with small, family-owned farms that focus on regenerative, biodynamic farming practices. Such farms include Hepworth Farms, a female-owned organic farm established in 1818. Together with the Hepworth team, Jetty ensures that its products maintain their consistently flavorful standards coast to coast, using only the finest cannabis with terpene blends that are true to the strain. "As states along the East Coast open up for adult use, it is thrilling to introduce a legacy California brand like Jetty to consumers on the other side of the country," said Ron Gershoni, co-founder and chief executive officer of Jetty Extracts. "The New York market has the potential to rival even California in size, revenue and product selection as the first adult-use dispensaries begin to open their doors. I am confident that New Yorkers will love our High THC line and look forward to introducing a broader range of products to the state in the coming months." "When a large operator supports a multi-generational, family-owned farm aligned with the social and economic equity principles at the heart of the MRTA, everyone is able to benefit, said Amy Hepworth, owner of Hepworth Farms. We are thrilled at Hepworth Ag, to provide Jetty with organically-grown, high-quality flower and distillate to create their iconic products in New York. We hope that even more brands follow Jettys lead and source their cannabis from local New York farms as the state emerges as a bustling legal market. "We are looking forward to debuting Jetty at Union Square Travel Agency (USQTA): A Cannabis Store and welcome back two native New Yorkers who are bringing their expertise to grow superior products for our customers to enjoy," said David E. Vautrin, operating partner, USQTA. Jetty Extract's HIGH THC product line are now available for purchase at New York dispensaries including Union Square Travel Agency, Housing Works Cannabis Co. and Smacked Village, and will become available at additional retailers in the coming months. For wholesale inquiries, please contact Jetty Extracts at [email protected] . About Jetty Extracts Founded in San Diego, CA, Jetty is one of the original players in cannabis extraction. Since its founding in 2013 Jetty has been obsessed with creating the safest, cleanest, and most flavorful products. In 2014, it launched one of the first vapes free from fillers and cutting agents. Today Jetty continues that legacy bringing its clean, minimally process cannabis extracts to new audiences. Media Contact: Mark Sinclair MATTIO Communications [email protected] SOURCE Jetty Extracts DENVER, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Granicus, the leading provider of government experience cloud technologies and services, today announced Juan Manuel Rodriguez Castro has joined the company as the vice president of technical support. Rodriguez Castro is a prominent customer service and tech support leader, with extensive experience implementing customer experience (CX) strategies for global companies. Rodriguez Castro brings over 12 years of leadership experience in the CX and support industries, including serving as a senior manager of customer service, tech support and advertising operations at Amazon. "Joining Granicus who serves such a critical role as an enabler of digital experiences between government and the public is an exciting opportunity," Rodriguez Castro said. "I look forward to contributing to the growth of our customer experience initiatives as well as sharing my passion and expertise in supporting government service delivery and public engagement." Granicus partners with more than 6,000 government organizations, providing software services and solutions that empower digital engagement with the public. Rodriguez Castro's addition further builds out Granicus' CX team led by Gabriele "G" Masili who joined the company in June 2022 as the Chief Customer Officer. "Enabling the public sector to provide the public with accessible, intuitive digital experiences underpins everything we do at Granicus," Masili said. "Bringing Juan Manuel on board solidifies our commitment to providing best-in-class technical support to our customers to help ensure they meet and exceed the wants and needs of constituents." About Granicus Granicus is the global leader in customer engagement and experience technology and services for the public sector. Now powering almost 30 billion digital interactions globally each year and connecting over 500,000 government professionals with 300 million opt-in subscribers, Granicus is proud to serve as a critical strategic partner to governments as they work to deliver equitable and secure government experiences. With comprehensive cloud-based solutions for communications, government website design, meeting and agenda management software, records management, and digital services, Granicus empowers stronger relationships between government and constituents across the U.S., U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. By simplifying interactions and communicating critical information, Granicus brings governments closer to the people they servedriving meaningful change for communities around the globe. SOURCE Granicus Announcement Reflects Growth and Expansion of Data, Analytics, and Technology Company ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaizen Analytix LLC, a leading provider of data, analytics, and technology solutions, today announced the promotions of Matt Bolton, Bobby Falconer, Sujit Singh, and Jay Velayutham to Associate Partner roles to support the company's continued growth and client success. Matt Bolton joined Kaizen in 2021 as Director of Technology Services and will now serve in an Associate Partnership role as Kaizen's Head of Technology. Bolton has over twelve years of experience as a full-stack engineer with extensive experience in software architecture and design, programming, cloud development, and security and systems administration. He brings a unique perspective on critical problem-solving utilizing technology as he has worked on both the hardware and software sides of the industry. Bolton's leadership has helped transform Kaizen's Technology Services organization into one of the top thought leaders in the space while delivering enterprise-class solutions for Fortune 500 companies across multiple industry verticals. Bobby Falconer is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in data and analytics, strategic planning, and operational assessments across multiple industries. He has a proven track record of working with clients on their most complex problems, helping to define new strategies that increase profits and reduce costs. Falconer is leading Kaizen's Customer Insights and Analytics practice, where his expertise and leadership is instrumental in driving innovation and growth for the company and its clients. Prior to joining Kaizen, Falconer worked with Deloitte, Gartner, and Revenue Analytics. Falconer has a B.S. degree from Vanderbilt University. Sujit Singh is a proven technology leader and advisor and has served as Senior Director of Technology Services at Kaizen since 2020. Singh has more than twenty-four years of in-depth experience in software development, designing and delivering scalable, highly available solutions for Fortune 500 companies. He specializes in helping clients define product roadmaps and strategies by selecting the right tools and technologies that enable customers on their technology journey. Singh's vision has helped transform Kaizen's cloud vendor partnerships and put cloud and emerging technology in focus, positioning the company as one of the top specialized cloud partners in the data analytics and software engineering space. Jay Velayutham has served as a Senior Director in Kaizen's Business Consulting practice, having joined the company in 2019. He has over ten years of experience in data and analytics, digital strategy, and business operations, focusing on the automotive and manufacturing industries. His background combines extensive hands-on functional and strategic knowledge in a variety of disciplines, including designing and implementing data and analytics solutions, data governance, compliance and regulatory data programs, data lake strategy, and technology and business assessments. Prior to joining Kaizen, Velayutham worked at Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing, and Navistar. "All these individuals have significantly contributed to our success over the years and we congratulate them on these well-deserved promotions," said Krishna Arangode, CEO at Kaizen Analytix. "Each brings a unique set of talents and skills to our team and we are excited to be able to recognize them for their many efforts and successes." About Kaizen Analytix, LLC Kaizen is a leading provider of data, analytics, and technology services and solutions. We combine our subject matter expertise with our cloud platform to rapidly uncover actionable insights and generate incremental profit across the value chain. For more information, visit www.kaizenanalytix.com . Follow Kaizen on LinkedIn , Facebook, and Twitter @KaizenAnalytix . Media Contact: Paulette Brown Carabiner Communications [email protected] 770.577.3881 SOURCE Kaizen Analytix Workers Vote Unanimously to Join Teamsters Local 795 MANHATTAN, Kan., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers at the American Red Cross in Manhattan, Kansas voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 795. With these new members, there are now 80 Red Cross workers represented by the local union. "We are thrilled to welcome more Red Cross workers to Local 795," said Jesse Castillo, President of Local 795 in Wichita. "Red Cross workers are critical in keeping our communities healthy and safe and they deserve compensation and job security that reflects their essential work. I look forward to continuing to fight alongside Red Cross workers for improved wages, a voice on the job, and high-quality health care." "Joining the Teamsters is one of the best things that Red Cross workers can do to ensure they have fair treatment and strong workplace protections. The new Local 795 members are joining a network of more than 1,700 other Red Cross workers across the United States who are represented by the Teamsters," said Jason Lopes, Teamsters Health Care Director. Teamsters Local 795 represents 1,600 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Kansas. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 795 SUZHOU, China, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited ("Kintor Pharma", HKEX: 9939), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative small molecules and biological therapeutics, announced that the company has completed the enrollment of 740 subjects recently for the Phase III clinical trial of its in-house developed first-in-class drug candidate KX-826 (pyrilutamide) in China for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) adults. The Phase III clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-regional study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5mg (0.5% concentration) twice daily (BID) KX-826 for treating male AGA adults in China. Professor Zhang Jianzhong from Peking University People's Hospital and Professor Yang Qinping from Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University are the leading principal investigators (leading PIs) of this trial. The primary endpoint for the clinical trial is the change from baseline in non-vellus target area hair counts (TAHC) after 24 weeks of treatment in comparison to placebo. The safety endpoints mainly include the type, incidence and severity of adverse events. On 8 September 2021, the company announced that the primary endpoint of Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for male AGA adults in China was met. After 24 weeks of treatment, the TAHC in the 5mg (0.5% concentration) BID KX-826 group increased by 15.34/cm2 compared with the placebo group from baseline, with a statistical difference (P=0.024). On 1 December 2022, the company announced that the primary endpoint of Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for female AGA adults in China was met. After 24 weeks of treatment, the TAHC in the 5 mg (0.5% concentration) once daily (QD) KX-826 group increased by 11.39/cm2 compared with the placebo group from baseline, with a statistical difference (P=0.0087). KX-826 has showed a good safety profile in both trials. In addition, the Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for the treatment of male AGA adults in the US has completed the enrollment of all subjects in August 2022, and the company expects to release the top-line data in the second quarter of 2023. Dr. Youzhi Tong, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kintor Pharma, commented, "We would like to thank all the PIs from 26 centers and the company's medical and clinical operations staff for their joint efforts to finish the subjects enrollment under the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. This is another important milestone we have achieved following that the Phase II trials of KX-826 for male and female AGA in China have reached the primary endpoints, respectively. The company will continue to move forward the execution of 24-week study plus 4-week safety follow-up assessment with high quality, and expect to release the top-line data in Q4 2023. If the data is positive, we would proceed with the NDA application with the China NMPA. Meanwhile, the company is planning for KX-826's MRCT studies and actively pursuing licensing-out opportunities. We believe that KX-826 would benefit hair loss people around the globe." About Androgenetic alopecia Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), caused by excessive secretion of androgens, is the most common type of hair loss, accounting for about 90% of overall hair loss. It is estimated that one in four male adults and one in twenty female adults suffer from hair loss. The existing treatment drugs are limited, and the majority of people with hair loss urgently need more safe and effective innovative drugs to address the hair loss trouble. About KX-826 KX-826 is an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist and a potential first-in-class topical drug for the treatment of AGA and acne vulgaris. For the AGA indication, on 8 September 2021, Kintor Pharma announced that the primary endpoint of the Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 on male adults was met, with results demonstrating a positive efficacy and safety profile. On 1 December 2022, Kintor Pharma announced that the primary endpoint of Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 for female AGA adults in China was met. Kintor Pharma has completed the enrollment of all subjects in its Phase III clinical trial of KX-826 in China and Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 in the US for male AGA adults. For the acne vulgaris indication, Kintor Pharma has completed the enrollment of subjects in its Phase II clinical trial of KX-826 in China. About Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited Kintor Pharmaceutical Limited is developing and commercializing a robust pipeline of innovative small molecule and biological therapeutics for androgen-receptor-related disease areas with unmet medical needs, including COVID-19, prostate, breast and liver cancers, alopecia and acne. For more information, visit www.kintor.com.cn. SOURCE Kintor Pharma Delegates in the seminar in Binh Dinh. (Photo: baobinhdinh.vn) According to Vietnam News Agency, the event was co-organized by the Belgian Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) and the Belgium Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Becamex IDC Joint Stock Company. The event is among activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Vietnam, as well as an opportunity for Belgian businesses to learn about the environment and investment policies in Binh Dinh and connect with potential partners in Vietnam. At the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao shared that over the past 50 years, the two countries relations have made important achievements in many fields, in which economy-trade is a bright spot. Belgium is an important trade partner of Vietnam in Europe, especially in areas where it has strengths and Vietnam has needs, such as agriculture, new energy sources, logistics, port infrastructure, chemical, and pharmaceutical. After the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) went into effect, despite the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical fluctuations, two-way trade turnover between the two countries is still growing rapidly, reaching 3.9 billion EUR in 2021. For his part, President of the Belgian-Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) Andries Gryffroy emphasized that Binh Dinh is one of the golden gates to Southeast Asia. This event will help connect people and businesses, and discover the untapped potential of the province. Mr. Gryffroy said that in September a trade delegation including businesses from Flanders will come to Vietnam./. Koch wins highest EPA recognition for third consecutive year, fourth overall; maintains status in Sustained Excellence category WICHITA, Kan., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Koch Industries, Inc. ("Koch") has earned the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for 2023. This is the third consecutive year Koch has earned this award and the fourth overall, maintaining its status in ENERGY STAR's Sustained Excellence category. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services and strategies; it is the highest honor bestowed by the EPA. Employees across Koch companies work to use fewer resources as they create the life-sustaining essentials and everyday products that help people improve their lives. Koch has maintained a high performance level since joining the ENERGY STAR program in 2015, earning the agency's ENERGY STAR certification at four facilities in the pulp and paper, refining and fertilizer industries in 2022, a designation reserved for manufacturing facilities in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. "Being recognized again by the EPA for superior energy performance is an important milestone for Koch," said Sheryl Corrigan, director of environmental, health and safety at Koch Industries. "Our employees drive, design and implement energy improvement initiatives and projects at our sites, together with our customers, suppliers and community partners. We all win by using fewer resources. Receiving this award is a testament to our employees' innovations that drive process enhancements, as well as our ongoing investments in new technology." Each day at Koch, employees apply Koch's Stewardship Framework to help them continually improve their performance as they responsibly make the products and provide the services that people value over their alternatives. Koch is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers and ENERGY STAR partners, and its facilities have successfully reduced energy consumption and associated emissions, compared to both domestic peers and facilities that less efficiently manufacture imported products. From 2014 to 2021, production-related waste at Koch's U.S. facilities is down by 250 million pounds (approximately 40%), across its numerous industries, according to the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory report. Of the waste produced and reported to the EPA at Koch facilities in 2021, 90% was recycled, recovered for energy or treateda total of 369 million pounds. Koch has invested more than $1.8 billion in energy efficiency projects across its more than 300 U.S.-based facilities throughout the last decade. This work includes DEPCOM Power, a Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) company, partnering with fellow Koch company Flint Hills Resources to construct a 45-megawatt supplemental solar power plant with more than 100,000 panels for Flint Hills' Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount, Minnesota. The under-construction facility is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the United States, increasing the refinery's efficiency by generating enough energy to power 6,500 homes annually. Together with the facility's recently completed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, 70% of the facility's power needs will come from highly efficient on-site energy generation. Integrating stewardship innovation into daily operations across hundreds of manufacturing facilities, employees at Koch company Georgia-Pacific's (GP) Collaboration and Support Center (CSC) are combining data, artificial intelligence, process control and cloud technology in managing the company's manufacturing assets and process health. The CSC partners with GP facilities across the country to optimize operations and improve energy management. Its partnership with GP's cellulose plant in Brunswick, Georgia, uses AI with sensors to monitor energy and operations data to help predict and prevent potential issues before they happen. To learn more about Koch's stewardship approach, visit: KOCHind.com/Stewardship. To see more ways Koch employees are practicing environmental stewardship, visit news.KOCHind.com/Collections/Environmental-Stewardship. About Koch Industries, Inc. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with annual revenues that exceed $125 billion. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in manufacturing, agriculture, pulp and paper, packaging, consumer products, building materials, glass, automotive components, refining, renewable energy, chemicals and polymers, electronics, enterprise software, data analytics, medical products, engineered technology, project services, recycling, supply chain and logistics, global commodities trading, and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested more than $150 billion in growth and improvements. With a presence in about 60 countries, Koch companies employ more than 120,000 people worldwide, with about half of those in the United States. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com. SOURCE Koch Industries Sterenberg's decades of digital technology experience will be pivotal as the company expands its market presence SEATTLE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kopius, a leading provider of dual-shore digital transformation services, has appointed David Sterenberg as its Chief Revenue Officer. A veteran sales leader, Sterenberg has expertise in digital transformation technology and scaling organizations to drive innovation and growth. He will use his expertise in platform and partnership development to advance a high performing sales organization. David Sterenberg, CRO of Kopius, Inc. Commenting on the appointment, Kopius' CEO, Jim Darrin said, "We are delighted to have secured a CRO of David's caliber. His experience will be invaluable to Kopius clients and partners as we continue to position our business to capitalize on its significant potential as a provider of dual-shore digital technology services." Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Sterenberg has spent decades working in the digital technology space, including successful stints achieving high levels of growth with innovative companies including Ascentium, Avanade, Tahzoo, and Atos. "This is an exciting time to join Kopius, as the company is launching an inspired period of innovation. Over the past two years, Kopius has undergone an incredible transformation with the combination of its digital transformation consulting and nearshore engineering capabilities. As Chief Revenue Officer, I will be laser focused on bringing that value and model to our clients and partners to maximize their digital technology investments," said Sterenberg. About Kopius Kopius is a dual-shore digital solutions company. We are resourceful and practical leaders of digital transformation. Kopius operates across all stages of the digital transformation journey with integrated consulting, design, and engineering services delivered by dual shore consulting and delivery teams. Applying creativity, curiosity, and resourcefulness to everything we do, we guide clients on their technology journey, helping them adapt to change and exploit new digital advances, driving continuous value from their technology investments. For more information, visit www.kopiustech.com. SOURCE Kopius, Inc. - KT&G aims to leap forward as a 'global top-tier' company through long-term growth investments and overseas market expansion SEOUL, South Korea, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G Corporation("KT&G" or the "Company") (KRX:033780) held its 36th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders("AGM") for the fiscal year 2022 on March 28, 2023 at the KT&G Human Resources Development Center in Daejeon, South Korea. All of the proposals made by the KT&G Board of Directors("the Board") were approved as originally proposed. The agenda items discussed at this year's AGM are as follows: 1) Approval of Financial Statements for the 36th fiscal year 2) Approval of Provision of Dividends and Statement of Appropriation of Retained Earnings 3) Partial amendment to the Articles of Incorporation("AOI") 4) Cancellation of treasury shares 5) Acquisition of treasury shares 6) Decision on whether to increase the number of outside directors 7~9) Appointment of outside directors and members of the Audit Committee 10) Approval of cap on remuneration for directors At the meeting, the shareholders of the Company approved the Board's proposal for a cash dividend of KRW 5,000 per share. Meanwhile, cash dividends of KRW 7,867 per share and KRW 10,000 per share proposed by certain shareholders were rejected. The AGM also rejected certain shareholders' proposal for partial amendments to the AOI, which include an amendment to and establishment of provisions on the Evaluation and Compensation Committee, and the addition of the right to decide cancellation of treasury shares. On the other hand, the proposal for enacting new provisions for quarterly dividends, which the Board supported, was approved. Following the AGM's disapproval of the proposal to partially amend the AOI concerning the cancellation of treasury shares, the proposal for the treasury shares cancellation was automatically removed from the agenda. Likewise, the proposal for the treasury shares acquisition was also disapproved. Regarding the number of the Company's outside directors, the AGM decided to maintain the current number of six outside directors. Respectively, certain shareholders' proposal to increase the number of the outside directors to eight from six was rejected. The agendas for the appointment of outside directors were resolved by a cumulative voting method under the Company's AOI. As a result, the Board's nominees, Kim Myung-chul, a former CFO of Shinhan Financial Group and Koh Yun-sung, a business administration professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, were re-appointed as the Company's outside directors. In addition, Kim Myung-chul and Koh Yun-sung were also elected as the Audit Committee members. After the AGM, the Company announced that it will strive to enhance the corporate value and maximize the value of various stakeholders, including shareholders whom the Company shares its performance with, employees who represent the Company's foundation and competitiveness, customers who purchase the Company's products, and business partners that stand with the Company throughout its journey of growth. Baek Bok-in, CEO of KT&G said, "We respect the decisions made by the shareholders who have shown trust and support in our long-term shareholder value creation strategies based on investments in future growth engines. Our management and the Board will continue to communicate more closely with various stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and partners, and put our best efforts to enhance the shareholder and corporate values." The CEO added, "The Company will leap forward as a 'global top-tier' company through long-term growth driven investments, technology innovation, and aggressive overseas market expansion plans." SOURCE KTG Corporation NEWARK, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Network Assured shared the results of a recent data study that looked at which U.S. states saw the most reports of identity theft per capita in the last 5 years. The study looked at ID theft reports and losses incurred as well as data breaches, to rank the states where an individual resident is most likely to be the victim of identity theft. It also scored each state government's preventative measures against ID theft on a scale of 1 to 10. Study Methodology Identity Theft Statistics from Rhode Island The Worst U.S. States for Identity Theft Network Assured used data from the FTC on annual identity theft reports and financial losses, comparing them to state level data breach statistics from State Attorneys Generals and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Civil Rights' (OCR). It also compared losses from identity theft to each state's median income, to establish which state's residents lost the highest share of their income to identity theft. Identity Theft is High Where Data Breaches are High The study found that per capita identity theft is high in states where per capita data breaches are high. Data breaches are the most common source for the unlawful acquisition of personal data. There can be a lag of years between when personal data is stolen in a data breach, and when it is used to successfully impersonate someone's identity. Other study results indicated that: Rhode Island was the worst state in the U.S. for identity theft, seeing an average of 897 ID theft reports per 100,000 residents for the last 5 years. was the worst state in the U.S. for identity theft, seeing an average of 897 ID theft reports per 100,000 residents for the last 5 years. Residents of Florida lost the highest share of median income to identity theft, at 2.74%. lost the highest share of median income to identity theft, at 2.74%. COVID caused a spike in identity theft cases in all U.S. states, as criminals used stolen personal data to fraudulently apply for unemployment insurance. Government preventative measures can be effective in reducing the damage of ID theft. Maryland , that has seen a high number of data breaches per capita, has seen far less than the expected number of ID theft cases, thanks to strong data breach reporting and data privacy laws in the state. , that has seen a high number of data breaches per capita, has seen far less than the expected number of ID theft cases, thanks to strong data breach reporting and data privacy laws in the state. 5 of the 10 worst states for identity theft have no legislative measures in place to protect their citizens against data breaches. State Governments Can Act to Reduce Identity Theft, But Many Have Not State governments can reduce the risk of identity theft by mandating the reporting of data breaches so that residents can find out, and take action when their personal data has been compromised. Most of the worst states for identity theft have not implemented this basic requirement. Governments can also impose harsher penalties for identity theft, and put programs in place to assist victims with recovery. The study found these measures are also rare, existing only in a small number of states. Reducing Identity Theft Requires Public/Private Partnership Corporate data breaches are where personal data is most often stolen, and government departments (such as those responsible for unemployent insurance) are often where stolen data becomes the theft of an identity. The study underscores the need for governments and corporations to cooperate in the fight against cybercrime and identity theft. With greater transparency in data breach reporting and stronger laws to criminalize identity theft, the study hints that reducing the losses from identity theft is possible. To see the complete findings, including the full list of the worst states for Identity theft, along with full color charts, please visit the study here . About Network Assured Network Assured is a free, independent advisory that helps businesses price cybersecurity services, perform due diligence, and find better vendors. Learn more at www.NetworkAssured.com . Media Contact Andrew Hansen, Founder 7867885865 [email protected] SOURCE Network Assured NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 5, 2023, a Cook County judge approved a $38,950,000 personal injury settlement for a 52-year-old man who sustained a life-altering traumatic brain injury when his defective touring motorcycle crashed. Attorneys Mark T. Schneid and Mark W. Mathys, partners at the Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid in Naperville, Illinois, obtained this settlement against multiple Defendants and litigated the entirety of the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Naperville law firm recovers $38,950,000 injury settlement for a 52-year-old man who sustained a traumatic brain injury. Tweet this On June 1, 2019, the injured motorcyclist, the Plaintiff in the case, was on a group ride from Bolingbrook, IL, to Galena, IL, on his used 2001 touring motorcycle that he had recently purchased from a local motorcycle sales business. Upon reaching highway speeds, his rear tire unexpectedly went flat, and his motorcycle began to weave. He carefully slowed down and began moving toward a safe place off the side of the road. At this time, the rear tire separated from the rim and was wedged into the motorcycle's frame. This flung him onto the roadway and caused him to sustain a complex subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Three businesses were named Defendants in the case based on theories of negligent maintenance and negligent sale of a dangerous product. These include the local seller that sold Plaintiff the motorcycle, the national company that sold the motorcycle to the local seller, and the national maintenance company that placed new tires on the motorcycle just prior to sale. It was revealed during discovery that the maintenance company installed a rear tire that was not the recommended type for the motorcycle and that the rear air valve stem was improperly long. The local facility and national seller did not notice these defects and sold the motorcycle to Plaintiff in this dangerous condition. Upon Court approval of the settlement agreement, Attorney Mark T. Schneid noted that "Changing a motorcycle tire and air valve stem is an easy job to do for a certified motorcycle mechanic, but if a mechanic carelessly disregards basic safety warnings from the motorcycle and tire manufacturers and just installs the cheapest available aftermarket parts, somebody will get killed or traumatically injured." During the case, Plaintiff demonstrated that the improper air valve stem and tire combined to cause the accident and his injuries. Plaintiff's team of leading experts, including various engineers, motorcycle experts, and accident reconstructionists, aided this demonstration. Attorney Mark W. Mathys stated, following the settlement, that "Our client's life has been changed forever, and he will require medical and nursing care plus adaptive housing and rehabilitation equipment for the rest of his life. This settlement will ensure that our client gets the best medical care available anywhere in the United States so that he can make the best recovery possible." Contact: Mark T. Schneid Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid 1730 Park Suite 209, Naperville, IL 60563 (630) 428-4040 [email protected] Website: www.napervilleinjury.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mathyslaw/about Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawOfficesMathysAndSchneid/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MathysSchneid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-offices-of-mathys-&-schneid/about/ SOURCE Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid CLAREMONT, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Claremont McKenna College (CMC) will celebrate its 75th Commencement ceremony and the Class of 2023 on May 13, with leading humanist and renowned political scientist, Robert Putnam, offering the keynote address. Putnam has been called the "poet laureate of civil society" Tweet this Robert Putnam, Claremont McKenna College's 2023 Commencement Speaker (PRNewsfoto/Claremont McKenna College) Putnam, who has been called the "poet laureate of civil society," is the author of the influential and groundbreaking book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Published in 2000, Bowling Alone documents Americans growing apart and is frequently cited in studies and articles about the rise in American loneliness and decline in social health. Putnam, who is the Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus at Harvard University and former dean of the Kennedy School of Government, is one of the most influential academics of the past quarter century. He has undergone a decades-long quest to understand what happened to America and to figure out what it will take to weave us back together. At Harvard, Putnam taught international relations, comparative politics, and American politics, including a seminar discussing "Community in America." Amari Huang '23, CMC's Senior Class President, said Putnam's seminal works, in particular, Bowling Alone, greatly influenced her academic career, along with many of her peers. In the College's invitation to Putnam, Huang explained: "Claremont McKenna College's campus has been our unique home where we have been able to encapsulate Putnam's vision of an America where people come together to transcend their differences to create a community for everyone. CMC is special because of the immense social capital each member of the campus seeks to build hereand will continue to build after we graduate." "Amari said it best. Putnam's working hypothesis finds a powerful laboratory outcome in CMC's approach to liberal arts learning and leadership development," said CMC President Hiram E. Chodosh. "At CMC, we believe in social exchange over big questions and ideas, multiple lenses brought into focus through constructive dialogue, and the value of finding purpose through community and play. Putnam inspires us to sustain our commitment to bowl together." In 2006, Putnam won the Skytte Prize, the world's most prestigious accolade for a political scientist. President Barack Obama awarded him a 2012 National Humanities Medal, the nation's highest honor for contributions to the humanities, for "deepening our understanding of community in America," and in 2018, the International Political Science Association awarded him the Karl Deutsch Award for cross-disciplinary research. His counsel has been sought by national, international, and grassroots leaders on both sides of the aisle, including Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron. Putnam is the recipient of 16 honorary degrees from eight countries, including from the University of Oxford in 2018. Before joining Harvard in 1979, Putnam taught at the University of Michigan, served on the staff of the U.S. National Security Council, and was an associate dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard and director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. He co-founded the Saguaro Seminar, bringing together leading thinkers and practitioners to develop actionable ideas for civic renewal. Putnam has written 15 books, translated into 20 languages, including Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Italy and Bowling Alone, both among the most cited (and bestselling) social science works in the last half-century. His most recent bestseller, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, chronicled the growing class gap among American youth. In 2020, Putnam completed a study of 20th-century American economic, social, political, and cultural trends for his book, The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again. Putnam is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of the British Academy, and past president of the American Political Science Association. 2023 CMC Commencement ceremony schedule and details. CONTACT: Gilien Silsby, [email protected], 213-500-8673 SOURCE Claremont McKenna College DALLAS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tegan Digital added to their award-winning resume recently, earning two gold designations in its inaugural debut in the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards. The Dallas-based agency competed alongside world-class brands including Adidas, Corona, and TikTok to secure victories in both Website and Integrated Marketing categories. Tegan struck gold in MUSE's Website division with their comprehensive site redesign for Dallas' esteemed Temple Emanu-El. Following a StoryBrand messaging framework, the agency conceived an entirely reimagined digital platform that would cater to both congregants and prospects, and introduced captivating design elements to reflect the Temple's all-inclusive mission and welcoming spirit. Tegan brought home a second gold award in the Integrated Marketing category for their work on the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum's first full-fledged branding campaign. The "Humanity Lives Here" campaign was designed to center the Museum as a place where both education and remembrance can serve as powerful conduits of change. The agency spearheaded strategy, design, copywriting, and visual storytelling, crafting a compelling narrative to draw local visitors to the space. The campaign ran as a multi-year effort, spanning a wide range of media, including connected TV, OOH, print, digital displays, paid search, and paid social. The wins at MUSE mark the Museum's 17th award since its partnership with Tegan began in 2019 and Temple Emanu-El's first. In 2022, Tegan brought home 14 awards and have their sights set on securing more this upcoming season. "We're humbled and honored to be recognized by the MUSE Creative Awards for doing the work we love every day for our clients," said John Herrington, VP Client Services at Tegan Digital. "The folks we partner with at Temple Emanu-El and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum are passionate about doing good in the world, and we're thrilled to play a small part in that." The MUSE Creative Awards is one of 22 global competitions sponsored by the International Awards Associate. These creative competitions attract over 75,000 submissions from creative professionals representing 108 countries. About Tegan Digital Tegan Digital is a digital-first, full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Dallas, Texas. For the last 12 years, Tegan has partnered with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies to build digital experiences that matter. Some of these partners include Lennox, Safe Harbor Marinas, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, and The Birthday Party Project. For more information, visit tegan.io . Media Contact: John Herrington VP Client Services 214-938-1611 [email protected] SOURCE Tegan Digital American Lung Association volunteers ask members of Congress to take action to end lung cancer WASHINGTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomorrow, more than 40 LUNG FORCE Heroes people living with lung cancer, their loved ones and advocates from across the country will head to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress during the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day. As a part of the event, LUNG FORCE Heroes will ask lawmakers to support $51 billion in research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), $11.6 billion in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to support and protect Medicaid. "Advocating for lung cancer is critical, as action by Congress can truly save lives. The disease remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., however, the survival rate has increased by nearly 40% over the past ten years thanks in part to new treatments, increased access to better healthcare and more early detection," said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "This year, we are excited to return to Capitol Hill in person with more than one hundred LUNG FORCE Heroes and Lung Association staff to rally support for measures that will make an impact on people affected by lung cancer." Portia Booker, one of the LUNG FORCE Heroes traveling to Washington, D.C. for Advocacy Day, was the caregiver for her mother during her lung cancer treatment. "My mother's journey began with her lung cancer diagnosis in 2018. She had a CT scan a few weeks prior that showed a spot on her right lung. The doctor recommended a biopsy to confirm if the spot was cancerous or benign. We scheduled the appointment right away despite my mother wanting to ignore it. I'm grateful for the access to our local hospitals because scheduling and availability can add unwanted stress. I'm also grateful for Medicaid. Without that coverage, there is no way we could have afforded my mother's medications," said Booker. "Being a caregiver of my beloved mother for the last four years taught me the importance of gratitude and need for continued advocacy. My mother's journey (now she can rest peacefully) opened a door for me to share her story and encourage others through their cancer journey as patients or caregivers. My hope for years to come is the access to lung screenings, healthcare and additional resources will result in more successful outcomes." The American Lung Association launched LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day in 2016 to ask members of Congress to support robust, sustainable and predictable federal funding increases for lung cancer research, prevention, and quality and affordable healthcare. As a part of Advocacy Day, LUNG FORCE Heroes have succeeded in helping increase NIH lung cancer research funding by over 115%. Since 2016, more than 50 new therapies have been approved by the FDA to treat lung cancergiving more hope to those impacted by this disease. In 2022, Heroes successfully urged Congress to extend funding for tax credits so more than three million Americans were able to keep affordable healthcare coverage through the federal and state marketplaces. During the American Lung Association's 2023 LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day on March 29, support LUNG FORCE Heroes by visiting LUNGFORCE.org/AdvocacyDay and contacting members of Congress to ask them to support $51 billion in research funding for the NIH $11.6 billion in funding for the CDC and to support and protect Medicaid. 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, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. About LUNG FORCE The American Lung Association's LUNG FORCE initiative unites women, men and caregivers across the country to stand together against lung cancer, the leading cancer killer. Increased awareness about lung cancer, more education on lifesaving screening and more research funding are critical to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Through education, advocacy and research, LUNG FORCE works to provide hope to all those impacted by the disease and save more lives. Find out more at LUNGFORCE.org. American Lung Association 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 Chicago, IL 60601 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North Washington, D.C. 20004 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association P: 312-940-7001 E: [email protected] SOURCE American Lung Association Advertising technology security leader publishes 2023 annual Malvertising & Ad Quality (MAQ) industry benchmark report One in every 140 programmatic impressions had serious security or quality violations, a 104% increase in quality violations and nearly doubling security violations over both 2020 and 2021. Canada had the highest rate of security issues, 27.8% higher than France . security rates moderated in other European markets. Microsoft's Edge browser users were the most impacted by security issues, with a rate three times worse than Google Chrome users. Mozilla's Firefox users followed closely behind Edge with the second highest security violation rate. Miscategorized cryptocurrency ads declined precipitously, from 7% to 4%, in the second half, after ranking as the 3rd most blocked category by publishers in the first half of the year. The top four SSPs had high rates of ads with Misleading Claims. For the worst-performer of the group, 1 in every 330 impressions was a misleading claim, which was far more than the others. Fake Update ads predominated in Q1 and, especially, Q4, becoming the top security issue for that quarter. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Confiant, the Cybersecurity industry leader for ad tech, released its 2023 Malvertising & Ad Quality index (MAQ) industry benchmark report based on 2022 annualized data. The MAQ is Confiant's study of the current state of creative ad quality and ad security in the marketplace. Confiant releases 2023 Malvertising & Ad Quality index (MAQ) industry benchmark report based on 2022 annualized data Tweet this 2023 Malvertising and Ad Quality Index MAQ To compile the research contained in this report, Confiant analyzed a normalized sample of more than 850 billion advertising impressions monitored from January 1 to December 31, 2022, across tens of thousands of premium websites and apps from top publishers like Paramount, Gannett, Nexstar, and CafeMedia. The MAQ leverages Confiant's position as the vendor of choice for ad security, quality, and privacy monitoring, in order to provide a comprehensive view into the creative issues facing the industry. The report identifies that one in every 140 programmatic ads in 2022 had serious security or quality violations, which is a significant increase over both 2020 and 2021. The quality violation rate alone, increased 104% since 2020 worldwide. Heavy Ads and Misleading Claims drove the quality violation rate highest in Japan, Canada, and Great Britain. The MAQ reports that overall ad security violations nearly doubled in 2022, being the highest since 2019, and represented a three year high point in malvertising attacks. Viewed geographically, Canada had the highest rate of security issues, followed by France, while security rates moderated in other European markets. "During 2022 we measured the highest rate of malicious attacks via digital ads in the last three years. Even as the industry has continued to improve its protections, our MAQ Benchmarks show the ad security issues from threat actors and the ad quality issues from the lack of transparent and accurate buy-side meta data is making life worse for publishers and their users," said Louis-David Mangin, CEO and Co-Founder of Confiant, Inc. "These threat actors are organized criminals and the financial incentives far outweigh the risks. I wish advertisers would recognize how crucial it is for every member of the ecosystem to put the user first. We appreciate our clients who have made the investment in using our technology and also in their internal processes to create control within their piece of the ad tech infrastructure," concluded Mangin. When grouped by browser family across all available operating systems, Microsoft's Edge users were the most impacted by security issues, with a rate three times worse than Google Chrome users. Mozilla's Firefox users followed closely behind Edge with the second highest security violation rate. Confiant allows publishers to classify creatives across 100+ different industry categories, including common business verticals and sensitive topics such as Gambling, Pharmaceutical Drugs, and Alcoholic Beverages, which respectively held the top three most blocked ad categories by publishers throughout 2022, collectively representing well over 50% of all blocks. Blocks for Cryptocurrency ads declined precipitously in the second half, after ranking as the 3rd most blocked category by publishers in the first half of the year. Confiant tracked impressions from over 100 SSPs and demand sources. However, the majority of global impressions originated from 14 providers. Those top fourteen SSPs are monitored for SSP rankings, including: Google, Magnite, OpenX, Xandr, Yahoo, Index Exchange, Pubmatic, GumGum, Sonobi, TripleLift, Sharethrough, Media.net, 33Across, and Sovrn. The top four SSPs had high rates of ads with Misleading Claims. For the worst-performer of the group, 1 in every 330 impressions was a misleading claim, which was far more than the others. The MAQ provides comparison charts of security violation rates by SSP, their maximum daily percentage of security violations, and their incident response times. The MAQ also includes similar charts on SSP quality ratings. The nature of security threats shift constantly as attack techniques fall in and out of favor. Fake Update ads predominated in Q1 and, especially, Q4, becoming the top security issue for that quarter. The MAQ charts major threat activities by type throughout 2022, and includes descriptions of the leading threat actors and their tactics. Confiant released the industry's first benchmark report in 2018. This report, the H2 2022 MAQ is the 17th in the series, covering all of 2022 cumulatively. Confiant's MAQ Index is available by visiting https://www.confiant.com/maq-index About Confiant Confiant is the cybersecurity leader in detecting and stopping Malvertising attacks. Having built hundreds of integrations directly into the web's ad tech infrastructure, Confiant has unparalleled visibility to the malware, scams, and fraud serving through ads today. Leveraging our security expertise, we deliver complete control over ads to publishers and ad platforms, also remediating quality issues, privacy violations, and mis-categorized ads. In publishing the industry's leading ad quality benchmark report and mapping the threat actors that use ads-as-an-attack-vector at Matrix.Confiant.com , Confiant is leading the charge in protecting users from criminals hijacking the ad tech supply chain. Trusted by customers like Microsoft, Paramount, and Magnite, we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. Follow us on Social @Weareconfiant or visit www.confiant.com for more information. Contact Information: Media Relations (646) 397-4198 [email protected] SOURCE Confiant HOUSTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- McDermott has been awarded a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract from Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited for the Manatee gas development project as part of a competitive FEED process. Under the contract scope, McDermott will provide comprehensive FEED services for a wellhead platform, export pipeline system, shore approach, midstream pipeline and onshore control room. This award follows the successful completion of an early contract engagement with Shell and leverages McDermott's key engineering, procurement, construction and installation capabilities. "The award of this next phase of the Manatee project builds on the portfolio of projects that McDermott's Subsea and Floating Facilities business line is executing for Shell," said Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott's Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities. "McDermott's comprehensive engineering design expertise and unique fabrication capabilities equip us to perform the required FEED work in-house, reduce costs, ensure quality and maximize time efficiencies." The Manatee field is located offshore Trinidad and Tobago in water depths of approximately 91 meters (299 feet). The field represents one of the country's largest natural gas reserves discovered to date and will help bolster the country's gas supply. Engineering and execution planning efforts will be led by McDermott's team in Houston with support from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Chennai, India and Altamira, Mexico. About McDermott McDermott is a premier, fully-integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Our customers trust our technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott's innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructureempowering a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott's locally-focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com. Forward-Looking Statements McDermott cautions that statements in this communication which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the expected scope and execution of the project discussed in this press release. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or credit or capital markets; our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog; changes in project design or schedules; the availability of qualified personnel; changes in the terms, scope or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders and other modifications and actions by our customers and other business counterparties; changes in industry norms; actions by lenders, other creditors, customers and other business counterparties of McDermott and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This communication reflects the views of McDermott's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Contacts: Global Media Relations Reba Reid Senior Director, Global Communications and Marketing +1 281 588 5636 [email protected] Local Media Relations Barbara Knight Senior Director, Business Line Communications and Marketing +971 56 403 2903 [email protected] SOURCE McDermott International, Ltd This aerial photo shows a high-speed train passing through the redbud flower fields in Xiaozhao Township of Jian'an District, Xuchang City, central China's Henan Province, March 27, 2023. Recently, about 200 mu (around 13.33 hectares) of redbud trees in Xiaozhao Township entered full bloom, attracting many tourists to enjoy the flowers. (Xinhua/Niu Shupei) Tourists visit the redbud flower fields in Xiaozhao Township of Jian'an District, Xuchang City, central China's Henan Province, March 27, 2023. Recently, about 200 mu (around 13.33 hectares) of redbud trees in Xiaozhao Township entered full bloom, attracting many tourists to enjoy the flowers. (Xinhua/Niu Shupei) This aerial photo shows the redbud flower fields in Xiaozhao Township of Jian'an District, Xuchang City, central China's Henan Province, March 27, 2023. Recently, about 200 mu (around 13.33 hectares) of redbud trees in Xiaozhao Township entered full bloom, attracting many tourists to enjoy the flowers. (Xinhua/Niu Shupei) This aerial photo shows the redbud flower fields in Xiaozhao Township of Jian'an District, Xuchang City, central China's Henan Province, March 27, 2023. Recently, about 200 mu (around 13.33 hectares) of redbud trees in Xiaozhao Township entered full bloom, attracting many tourists to enjoy the flowers. (Xinhua/Niu Shupei) Editor: JYZ The new program, which opens this week, will provide vital addiction recovery support to justice system-impacted individuals. PORTLAND, Ore., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: The grand opening of the Pathfinder Network's Resilience & Recovery Project offering vital support to justice system-impacted community members. Services include: The new location of The Pathfinder Network's Resilience & Recovery Project - Multnomah County, located at 7901 NE Glisan St. Holistic, wraparound and drop-in peer support; Immediate needs assistance; Incentives; Peer support groups and classes; Events and activities; Mobile peer support and outreach; and Service referrals and resources. Pathfinder Network will offer tours of the space to members of the media and the public, and be on-site to speak about the Resilience & Recovery Project and how it will help more people in Multnomah County access the care they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Speakers with lived experience of substance use and systems-involvement will also be available to answer questions and share their experience, strength and hope. WHO: Members of the press, advocates, allies and community members are invited to join us in celebrating the opening of its new center in Multnomah County. WHEN: Wednesday, March 29, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm WHERE: Pathfinder's NEW Resilience & Recovery Project location at 7901 NE Glisan Street in Portland, OR. ABOUT THE SPACE AND PROGRAM: The Multnomah County Resilience & Recovery Project features a welcoming drop-in space and classroom/community room. Participants are greeted by Peer Support Specialists who utilize their lived experience and training to provide trauma, gender and culturally-responsive peer support in a safe space. Anchored by their unique lived experience and expertise, program staff work with participants to help them navigate complex systems, access resources and program referrals, and other activities to support successful engagement with community supervision and meeting legal obligations while making treatment and recovery support more accessible. The Resilience & Recovery Project began in Jackson County in 2021, and has since expanded to Marion County in 2022. This location in Multnomah County will be the fifth location of the Resilience & Recovery Project. The new program is made possible thanks to funding from Measure 110, which is investing more than $300 million into evidence-based addiction recovery services across the state. The Pathfinder Network is proud to be part of three county-wide Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Networks to improve access to services. Prior to Measure 110 Oregon ranked 50th in the nation in access to addiction treatment, and has the second highest untreated addiction rate in the country. As a Measure 110-funded provider, Pathfinder's Resilience & Recovery Project will provide peer support services that are evidence-based, trauma-informed, culture and gender responsive, person-centered, inclusive, and centered on principles of harm reduction. The Pathfinder Network is a 501 (c) (3) social service agency founded in 1993 with a mission to provide justice system-impacted individuals and families the tools and support they need to be safe and thrive in their communities. Media contact: Kiley Yuthas [email protected] 19714135000 SOURCE The Pathfinder Network SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global medical device coating market size is expected to reach USD 23.85 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030, as per the new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth is majorly driven by the rising demand for cardiovascular devices, stents, ventilators, sutures, guide wires, syringes, catheters, mandrels, and other protective equipment used in the healthcare sector. In addition, factors, such as the growing demand for early detection and non-invasive treatments, as well as high-quality healthcare, are anticipated to drive the growth of medical devices, which is projected to fuel the demand in the coming years. Medical Device Coatings (MDCs) are materials that improve a device's performance and mobility. Key Industry Insights & Findings from the report: The antimicrobial coatings segment is projected to grow at the highest growth rate over the forecast period owing to their low price and high compatibility with different materials, such as carbon fiber, composite materials, metal, plastic, and stainless steel. The prevalence of infections, such as pneumonia associated with ventilators and catheter-associated urinary tract infections, is forcing medical equipment manufacturers to coat their products with anti-microbial agents. The cardiovascular application segment dominated the industry in 2022 due to the increasing cases of heart diseases and the rising adoption of implants and cardiac pacemakers among heart patients. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth rate over the forecast period due to the growing number of healthcare facilities in the region. Read 122 page market research report, "Medical Device Coating Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Drug-eluting, Hydrophilic, Antimicrobial), By Application (Neurology, Cardiovascular, Dentistry), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030", published by Grand View Research. Medical Device Coating Market Growth & Trends MDCs are used in protecting the surfaces of several equipment, including those used in neurology, dentistry, and other fields. Moreover, these coatings are applied to a variety of instruments used in healthcare, including those used in general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, dentistry, implants, neurology, gynecology, and other fields. North America dominated the industry in 2022. As per the statistics of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the national health expenditure in the U.S. grew by 2.7% to USD 4.3 trillion in 2021. Also, private health insurance spending grew by 9.2% to USD 734.0 billion in 2021. The increasing spending on Medicare, private health insurance, and prescription drugs in the U.S. is predicted to boost product demand in the region over the forecast period. Medical Device Coating Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global medical device coating market on the basis of product, application, and region: Medical Device Coating Market - Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Hydrophilic Coatings Antimicrobial Coatings Drug-eluting Coatings Anti-thrombogenic Coatings Others Medical Device Coating Market - Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Neurology Orthopedics General Surgery Cardiovascular Dentistry Gynecology Others Medical Device Coating Market - Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea ASEAN Central & South America Brazil Argentina Chile Middle East & Africa & UAE South Africa List of Key Players of Medical Device Coating Market SurModics, Inc. Sono-Tek Corp. DSM Hydromer, Inc. Covalon Technologies Ltd. Infinita Biotech Pvt. Ltd. Materion Corp. Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Coating Equipment Market - The global coating equipment market size is expected to reach USD 25.99 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The industry is expected to witness significant growth on account of the high application scope coupled with growing consumption from the automotive application. - The global coating equipment market size is expected to reach by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The industry is expected to witness significant growth on account of the high application scope coupled with growing consumption from the automotive application. Hydrophilic Coatings Market - The global hydrophilic coatings market size is expected to reach USD 14.74 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing demand for hydrophilic coatings in medical and automotive application is expected to complement market growth over the forecast period. - The global hydrophilic coatings market size is expected to reach by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing demand for hydrophilic coatings in medical and automotive application is expected to complement market growth over the forecast period. Breathable Antimicrobial Coatings Market - The global breathable antimicrobial coatings market size is expected to reach USD 676.7 million by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing population and high focus towards better healthcare services are expected to fuel the demand over the forecast period. In addition, supportive government regulations and increasing medical device & pharmaceutical manufacturing in developing economies are expected to augment utilization of the product over the forecast period. Browse through Grand View Research's Paints, Coatings & Printing Inks Industry Research Reports. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Grand View Compass | Astra ESG Solutions Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661327/Grand_View_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. DALLAS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Melville Family Foundation (MFF), a nonprofit based in Dallas dedicated to helping families achieve food security, academic excellence and economic stability, is welcoming five new members to its board of directors. MFF is dedicated to helping families thrive in a world in which income inequality has made achieving the American Dreamor even merely survivingseem like an unattainable goal. The safety nets designed to help people in need have been eliminated or are in grave danger. (L-R Top) Adrienne A. Mosley Aracely Moreno-Mosier Mark Rogers (L-R Bottom) Nate H. Jenkins Vincent Bush The five new board members are: Adrienne A. Mosley is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of PepsiCo Food North America. She provides legal counsel and leads teams to enable growth initiatives across sales, marketing, innovation, strategy and global insights. In 2022, she was named to Diversity First's Top 100 Women in Business list. In 2021, Mosley was given the National Diversity & Leaderships' Top 50 General Counsel honor, and in 2019, she was named to Savoy Magazine's Most Influential Women in Corporate America. She serves on the boards of The Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics as well as The Storehouse of Collin County . is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of PepsiCo Food North America. She provides legal counsel and leads teams to enable growth initiatives across sales, marketing, innovation, strategy and global insights. In 2022, she was named to Diversity First's Top 100 Women in Business list. In 2021, Mosley was given the National Diversity & Leaderships' Top 50 General Counsel honor, and in 2019, she was named to Savoy Magazine's Most Influential Women in Corporate America. She serves on the boards of The Judge Center for Education, Justice and Ethics as well as The Storehouse of . Aracely Moreno-Mosier is the Senior Director of Commercial Marketing for PepsiCo Demand Accelerator, where she leads customer marketing for national and regional accounts. She serves as the Frito-Lay executive sponsor for Adelante, a Hispanic/Latinx resource group within PepsiCo, where she has also led the Hispanic Month events for PepsiCo National. Moreno-Mosier has participated in executive panels both outside and internally at PepsiCo, and she speaks on the importance of DE&I within the corporate functions. Recently, she was accepted into DFW Hispanic 100, a network focused on increased participation of Hispanic women in executive roles, diversity procurement and social issues. is the Senior Director of Commercial Marketing for PepsiCo Demand Accelerator, where she leads customer marketing for national and regional accounts. She serves as the Frito-Lay executive sponsor for Adelante, a Hispanic/Latinx resource group within PepsiCo, where she has also led the Hispanic Month events for PepsiCo National. Moreno-Mosier has participated in executive panels both outside and internally at PepsiCo, and she speaks on the importance of DE&I within the corporate functions. Recently, she was accepted into DFW Hispanic 100, a network focused on increased participation of Hispanic women in executive roles, diversity procurement and social issues. Mark Rogers is co-founder of Lux Ice, LLC, a brand of crystal-clear, tasteless ice spheres that elevate the aesthetics and taste of any drink. He is an experienced finance and operations executive in both large corporate environments as well as mid-level growth and startup companies. His finance experience includes roles as Division Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Frito-Lay's Foodservice division. Rogers was also Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of UR Holdings, a construction company acquired by Katerina, Inc. is co-founder of Lux Ice, LLC, a brand of crystal-clear, tasteless ice spheres that elevate the aesthetics and taste of any drink. He is an experienced finance and operations executive in both large corporate environments as well as mid-level growth and startup companies. His finance experience includes roles as Division Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Frito-Lay's Foodservice division. Rogers was also Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of UR Holdings, a construction company acquired by Katerina, Inc. Nate H. Jenkins is a retired ExxonMobil corporate executive with nearly 40 years of leadership and finance experience. Before retiring in 2021, he developed and led the inaugural Global Finance Leadership Culture Organization for the corporation, responsible for training and onboarding 5,000-plus employees. Jenkins has held several leadership positions in Audit, Accounting, Reporting, Financial/Business Advisory and Corporate Governance Organization, leading teams ranging from 50 to 800-plus employees with annual budgets as high as $50 million . is a retired ExxonMobil corporate executive with nearly 40 years of leadership and finance experience. Before retiring in 2021, he developed and led the inaugural Global Finance Leadership Culture Organization for the corporation, responsible for training and onboarding 5,000-plus employees. Jenkins has held several leadership positions in Audit, Accounting, Reporting, Financial/Business Advisory and Corporate Governance Organization, leading teams ranging from 50 to 800-plus employees with annual budgets as high as . Vincent Bush is a retired Senior Director of Engineering for Frito-Lay after more than 30 years with the company. In his last role, he was chiefly responsible for factory automation and production flexibility for all snack-food manufacturing plants supporting PepsiCo North American supply-chain operations. He serves on the board for Mary Crowley Cancer Research and has participated in disaster-relief efforts and as a crew chief with Habitat for Humanity of Collin County . For the last two years, Bush has been a volunteer with the Melville Family Foundation, serving as an Uplift Saturday mentor, Operating Committee member and point contact for the Toyota partnership. In 2022, the foundation served 487 families and more than 1,600 individual family members. Since it began operating in 2018, it has poured $165,581 in investment grants into the communities in the southern sector of Dallas. In a partnership with the Uplift Education school system, Melville has adopted seven campuses including Pinnacle Preparatory School (Oak Cliff), White Rock Hills Preparatory School (Dallas), and Luna Middle and Upper School (Deep Ellum). At these schools, the foundation provides services such as mentoring programs, an Elevate Literacy Program in which volunteers provide reading services, a robotics program, STEM trips, and Career Day. In addition, the foundation has organized a group of 10 mystery readers, each working with 20 to 25 students in kindergarten or first-grade classes. Each quarter, the foundation partners with the North Texas Food Bank to offer a health and wellness event where free fresh produce is given to each family. And since proper nutrition plays such an important role in health and disease prevention, representatives from the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are present at the event to assist families interested in signing up to receive assistance in the form of food stamps. About The Melville Family Foundation Randolph (Randy) and Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville are the founders of the Melville Family Foundation. They hold Bachelor of Arts degrees from Princeton University. Rev. Dr. Melville acquired her doctorate from Rutgers University and a master's and doctorate from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Their sons are Sterling, a graduate of Colgate University who serves as president of the foundation; Tyler, a graduate of Dartmouth College who is Vice President of Marketing and Communication, and Myles, a graduate of Northeastern University who is the Director of Operations. For more information, please visit melvillefamilyfoundation.com. Media Contact: Steve Sapka 305-479-5208 [email protected] SOURCE Melville Family Foundation SYOSSET, N.Y., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Micro Merchant Systems, provider of the industry-leading PrimeRx pharmacy technology system, has announced the appointment of Mr. Darrell Hyde to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this capacity Mr. Hyde will oversee the company's strategic vision and direct future growth with a specific focus on cloud and SaaS transformation. He will serve on the company's senior management team. "Darrell brings an impressive background working in the technology industry, with experience in cloud technology, security, and infrastructure," said Micro Merchant Systems CEO Ketan Mehta. "He is a true visionary with regard to the limitless possibilities of technology and will be an integral part of our ongoing work to develop innovative solutions for the pharmacy industry." Prior to joining Micro Merchant Systems, Mr. Hyde was employed by Wayfair, where he led product development initiatives. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Product at ClearDATA, a healthcare cloud computing company where he focused on building cloud-based products to automate security and compliance controls. Mr. Hyde will report directly to CEO Mehta, and split his time between the company's New York headquarters and a regional office near Philadelphia, PA. About Micro Merchant Systems Micro Merchant Systems pharmacy technology company has been committed to addressing the needs of independent pharmacies for more than 30 years. Over 4,000 pharmacies throughout the United States and Puerto Rico trust Micro Merchant Systems to add efficiency and automation to core workflows and processes. All pharmacy types single store, multi-store, compounding, long-term care, clinic, 340B, specialty, enterprise rely on Micro Merchant Systems for innovative solutions that keep pace with rapidly-changing needs. The Windows-based PrimeRx operating system serves as the solution's "command central." Pharmacies can add functionality, based on their unique needs, by choosing from an extensive portfolio of solution modules. PrimeRx pharmacies also benefit from direct integration with more than 100 leading third-party solutions. Michele Daniels Micro Merchant Systems, Inc. (516) 408-3992 [email protected] SOURCE Micro Merchant Systems New system's goal: Reduce overall deaths and increase access for patients waiting for lung transplants CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has rolled out a new organ allocation system designed to be more equitable and effective for patients in need of lung transplants. "This means that the transplant system can be more fair, efficient and flexible for the entire patient population." Tweet this All donated lungs across the US are allocated based on a new policy, developed with the assistance of researchers from MIT Sloan School of Management. The policy change is predicted to reduce overall deaths and increase access for many patients waiting for a lung transplant. As of March 9, 2023, all donated lungs across the US are allocated based on a new policy, developed with the assistance of researchers from MIT Sloan School of Management. The policy considers a range of factors to determine which patients in need of donor lungs will be prioritized to get them. The policy change is predicted to reduce overall deaths and increase access for many patients waiting for a lung transplant. Despite the record numbers of transplants performed in recent years, there are not enough organs of all types for patients who need them. More than 100,000 patients are currently on the national waiting list, while each year, approximately 65,000 new candidates are registered. In 2022, more than 42,000 received transplants, of which around 2,600 were lung transplants. Working with UNOS, MIT Sloan's Dimitris Bertsimas, Boeing Leaders for Global Operations Professor of Management and professor of operations research, and Nikolaos Trichakis, associate professor of operations research, modeled a points-based framework called continuous distribution (CD) based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The new system will be more equitable and patient-focused, said Marie Budev, D.O., M.P.H., who serves as chair of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Lung Transplantation Committee. UNOS operates the OPTN under contract with the US Department of Health and Human Services. "We are excited about the ability of the new system to yield gains across all fronts," Trichakis said. "The new system is projected to be more equitable across different blood groups, height ranges, sexes, races, age groups, and geographic areas." "The work underscores the power of data, artificial intelligence and optimization to achieve equitable and efficient allocations of donated lungs,'' Bertsimas said. "We are hopeful that our work will extend to all other organ allocation systems." Their underlying work captured in their study, Applying Analytics to Design Lung Transplant Allocation Policy, which they co-wrote with MIT Sloan doctoral student Theodore Papalexopoulos and research and policy analysts from UNOS, will be published in the September-October 2023 edition of the INFORMS Journal on Advanced Analytics. Under the previous system, candidates were placed in priority tiers. Patients whose criteria placed them at the boundary between tiersjust inside or outside a geographic tier, for instancecould have vastly different chances of getting a transplant. The MIT Sloan researchers focused on the interplay of fairness and efficiency in resource allocation. In 2011, Trichakis, who holds a PhD from MIT in operations research, earned his thesis centered around issues of fairness, with the optimal design of organ allocation policies being one of the applications considered. In 2019, soon after Trichakis presented his and Bertsimas' findings to UNOS, the nonprofit organization that oversees the nation's transplant system, an MIT team, including Papalexopoulos, Bertsimas and Trichakis, started collaborating with UNOS on a new system. "Our previous research was directly applicable to the problem that UNOS was trying to solvethe design of new, efficient and fair organ allocation policies," Trichakis said. Studies have documented geographic and gender disparities for liver and kidney allocation, among others. The mathematical model developed by Bertsimas and Trichakis showed that a CD points system based on medical urgency, proximity to the donor hospital, age, and several other factors would result in fewer disparities related to age, gender and blood type, fewer deaths of patients awaiting transplants, and fewer post-transplant deaths. "Our model utilized artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze tradeoffs among patient outcomes and to come up with an optimal system design," Bertsimas said. Data for candidates seeking a deceased-donor transplant are maintained by UNOS in its role as the OPTN, the nation's organ transplant system. When a new organ donor's information is entered into the database, the system produces a computerized ranking of candidates. Under continuous distribution, lung waiting list candidates receive points, up to a maximum of 100. The first 50 points are related to two equally weighted criteria: how quickly a patient needs a transplant and the candidate's likelihood of surviving up to five years with the transplanted lung. A potential recipient would get 20 points for being under 18 when they register for an organ transplant, and five points if they had previously donated an organ. Geographic points would be determined by the proximity of the candidate's hospital to the hospital where the organ is available. Data is gathered on potential recipients' physical staturelungs need to fit in the rib cage. Candidates with harder-to-match blood types will now receive a boost in points over those with more common blood types. Another factor considered is an immunological profile that can limit the number of donors who could be a match. Previously, those with certain antibody profiles and those who were taller or shorter than average tended to get fewer transplants. "The CD-based system prioritizes patients by considering multiple patient factors at the same time," Trichakis said. "This means that the transplant system can be more fair, more efficient and more flexible for the entire patient population." Following the success of the initial MIT-UNOS collaboration, the MIT Sloan researchers have extended their work: more students across MIT Sloan are working with larger teams within UNOS to develop new systems for kidneys and pancreases. "A new protocol that we helped develop for kidneys will soon be presented to OPTN policymakers for consideration," Bertsimas said. For further information, contact: Casey Bayer Patricia Favreau Director of Media Relations Associate Director of Media Relations c: 914.584.9095 c: 617-895-6025 o: 617-253-0576 o: 617-253-3492 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management Deployed at 3 of the top 5 global life science leaders, Modak automates data engineering for organizations to utilize the full potential of data CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Modak, a leading provider of data engineering solutions, today announced a new release of Modak Nabu, an integrated modern data orchestration platform that enables enterprises to deliver Data Fabric at scale. Modak Nabu helps some of the world's leading Life Science R&D companies to manage terabytes of data, accelerate new drug discoveries, and transition to next generation precision digital healthcare. The highlight of this latest release is the new Dataflow Studio feature that provides a graphical, drag-and-drop interface. This allows users to create complex flows of data involving a variety of tasks such as crawling, ingestion, curation, and integration with other data tools. "Data orchestration use cases often involve elaborate flows with multiple data sources, complex transformations, and integrations with diverse tools," said Milind Chitgupakar, Chief Analytics Officer, and co-founder at Modak. "Modak Nabu's new Dataflow Studio capability empowers data teams to simplify creation, scheduling, and monitoring of these flows through an intuitive UI, which significantly improves the productivity of data engineers in an enterprise." Leveraging the latest version of Modak Nabu, enterprises can jumpstart their data transformation journeys and gain competitive differentiation from enhanced features that include: Dataflow Studio : Graphical user interface for creating end-to-end dataflows for analytics use cases. : Graphical user interface for creating end-to-end dataflows for analytics use cases. Automated data pipelines across cloud providers: Simplifies the process of onboarding data from a variety of sources to different cloud environments. Simplifies the process of onboarding data from a variety of sources to different cloud environments. Workspaces: Increases productivity of data teams by providing a collaborative environment for planning, executing, and monitoring data products. Increases productivity of data teams by providing a collaborative environment for planning, executing, and monitoring data products. Multi-tenancy : Meets enterprise data governance requirements by providing fine-grained access control. : Meets enterprise data governance requirements by providing fine-grained access control. Data observability and quality: Proactive approach monitors the health of data pipelines metrics. For more information, please download https://modak.com/modak-nabu-solution or listen to a recent podcast with Modak and data expert, and former Gartner analyst, Sanjeev Mohan here. About Modak Modak is a solutions company that enables enterprises to manage and utilize their data landscape effectively. We provide technology, and cloud-agnostic software and services to accelerate data migration initiatives. We use Machine Learning (ML) techniques to transform how structured and unstructured data is prepared, consumed, and shared. Modak's portfolio of Data Engineering Studio provides best-in-class delivery services, managed data operations, data mesh, data fabric, augmented data preparation, data quality, and governed data lake solutions. To learn more visit or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contacts Chris McCoin McCoin & Smith Communications Inc. 508-429-5988 [email protected] Richard Smith McCoin & Smith Communications Inc. 978-618-4492 [email protected] SOURCE Modak ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentifi announced today they are partnering with Freddie Mac to offer a free continuing education (CE) course designed to help real estate agents and brokers better serve historically underserved communities. The 3-hour course will help give agents and brokers the tools and resources they need to help people in these communities participate in the benefits of homeownership. "We're very excited to partner with Freddie Mac in offering this incredibly valuable course," says Gibran Nicholas, CEO of Momentifi. "Freddie Mac has created a great way for agents and brokers to earn CE credits, develop a unique niche in their market, and help people from historically underserved communities navigate the challenges of today's market." Momentifi Launches Free CE Course with Freddie Mac to Enable Agents and Brokers to Expand Homeownership Opportunities Tweet this "Potential homebuyers from historically underserved communities often aren't aware of the affordable lending programs available to them," said Mike Dawson, Vice President of Affordable Lending Strategy and Initiatives, Single-Family Client and Community Engagement with Freddie Mac. "We're excited to be offering a free 3-hour continuing education course that helps arm real estate agents and brokers with the information to better serve the needs of diverse and low- to- moderate-income homebuyers." The Freddie Mac Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist (NRES) course prepares real estate brokers and agents to expand homeownership opportunities for diverse homebuyers from historically underserved communities. Agents and brokers will learn about the latest affordable lending programs, and how to use them to help clients overcome the barriers of homeownership. The virtual CE courses are being offered this year across the following markets: AL, CO, FL, GA, IL, MI, MN, MO, NV, NY, OH, OR, TX, and WA. You'll receive CE credit even if you attend an event that's not specific to your state. Agents and brokers can visit Momentifi.com for more details, or to sign up for a free CE course in their state. About Momentifi: Momentifi is a financial information and content marketing platform focused on helping you tell your story and grow your business. Since 2005, we've helped over 10,000 trusted advisors in the housing and financial industry differentiate themselves and articulate their unique value to clients and referral sources. Visit Momentifi.com for more details or to sign up for a free CE course in your state. Media Contact: Gibran Nicholas [email protected] SOURCE Momentifi BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Moore's Marinades & Sauces, a leading Southeast-based condiment brand, is excited to announce a new partnership with Dollar General to bring their Buffalo Wing Sauce and Hickory Marinade to Dollar General stores across the nation. Moore's Marinades & Sauces launching in Dollar General nationwide Tweet this Moore's Marinades & Sauces launching in Dollar General nationwide. Starting in March, Dollar General will begin carrying Moore's Buffalo Wing Sauce and Hickory Marinade in new, smaller bottles offered at a more affordable price point. "We are very excited to partner with Dollar General in expanding their condiment selection and bringing accessibility to Wing and Marinade products," says Melissa Baker, CEO of Moore's Marinades & Sauces. "Moore's products offer a unique combination of superior flavor and value, and this expansion allows us to reach even more households across the country." Once the rollout is complete, Moore's Original Buffalo Wing Sauce will be available in all Dollar General stores nationwide, while Moore's Original Marinade will be available in stores across the Southeast. About Moore's Marinades and Sauces Moore's Marinades & Sauces began over 35 years ago at a family-owned steakhouse in the small Alabama town of Jasper, and quickly became a staple throughout the South for its delightful, hickory taste. Since then, Moore's has expanded its product line to include a number of mouthwatering favorites like the award-winning Moore's Buffalo Wing Sauce. The full line of marinades and sauces can be found in retailers throughout the nation. For more information, visit www.mooresmarinade.com. SOURCE Moore's Marinades & Sauces NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Movable Ink, the personalized content platform provider for digital marketing leaders, today announced the launch of their new Mobile Suite . Movable Ink now offers their global clientele the ability to personalize Rich Push Notifications, In-App Messages, Mobile App Inbox, as well as SMS messages by automatically transforming data into unique composite images for each customer at the moment of impression. Brands have typically had to rely on text-only messages, or sending costly MMS messages that can only display static, one-size-fits-all images chosen at send-time. Now, brands will be able to use Movable Ink to create more meaningful interactions by injecting one-to-one personalized creative into every SMS they send. With Movable Ink for SMS, marketers can maximize revenue, decrease costs, and create long-lasting loyalty with every customer. "Today's customers crave more direct and personal communication with their favorite brands on their favorite mobile channels. But given the options at their disposal, brands continue to struggle to realize SMS' full potential," said Vivek Sharma, CEO of Movable Ink. "With the new Mobile Suite from Movable Ink, marketers can finally personalize at scale and give customers the experience they deserve across all mobile touchpoints." Movable Ink's SMS Beta Program proved the value of personalized mobile content. With participating retail and telecom brands across the U.S. and United Kingdom, beta clients saw, on average, a 7.5% increase in click-through rate, a 16.9% lift in conversions, and a 14.1% increase in average order value, while also seeing a significant reduction in opt-outs. Movable Ink also announced its new Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK). Using Movable Ink's Mobile SDK, brands are now able to: Enhance 1:1 content personalization: Natively capture behavioral events on mobile apps including searches, items/categories viewed, added to cart, abandoned, and/or purchased then use this data to create sophisticated targeting logic and 1:1 behavior-based content for use across email and/or mobile channels. Natively capture behavioral events on mobile apps including searches, items/categories viewed, added to cart, abandoned, and/or purchased then use this data to create sophisticated targeting logic and 1:1 behavior-based content for use across email and/or mobile channels. Seamlessly connect the customer journey : Full support is now provided for dynamic deep linking via native, universal, and/or partner links enabling clients to seamlessly deep link from content in any email or mobile message to specified locations within their mobile app. : Full support is now provided for dynamic deep linking via native, universal, and/or partner links enabling clients to seamlessly deep link from content in any email or mobile message to specified locations within their mobile app. Gain actionable insights: Unlock new levels of reporting, including conversion attribution, which allows marketers to analyze which campaigns lead to which conversions for which customers on the mobile app - along with the associated revenue. "Since introducing Movable Ink for Mobile with an initial focus on apps in 2020, we've routinely seen clients increase the revenue generated from their mobile campaigns, with a *35% increase in year one alone," said Bryan Wade, Chief Product Officer of Movable Ink. "Our suite of new enhancements to Movable Ink for Mobile makes it even easier for brands to increase engagement, improve customer satisfaction, and decrease their time-to-market." This announcement also strengthens Movable Ink's partnerships, which include leading mobile platforms such as Attentive, Klaviyo, Sinch, Branch, Braze, as well as Iterable, Airship, and Upland Localytics. About Movable Ink Movable Ink scales content personalization for marketers through data-activated content generation and AI decisioning. The world's most innovative brands rely on Movable Ink to maximize revenue, simplify workflow and boost marketing agility. Headquartered in New York City with close to 600 employees, Movable Ink serves its global client base with operations throughout North America, Central America, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Learn more at movableink.com . *Movable Ink commissioned Forrester to conduct a 2023 Total Economic Impact (TEI) study, examining the potential return on investment (ROI) enterprises may realize by deploying its technology. Forrester interviewed four representatives with experience using Movable Ink, aggregating the interviewees' experiences and combining the results into a single composite organization. They found that the revenue generated from clients' use of Movable Ink for mobile campaigns amounted to a 35% increase in year one alone. SOURCE Movable Ink CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-Color Corporation (the " Company "), today announced the commencement of an offering of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2028 (the " Notes ") in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act "). The Notes will be guaranteed, on a secured senior basis, by LABL Acquisition Corporation and each of the Company's existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect wholly-owned U.S. restricted subsidiaries, with certain exceptions (the " Guarantors "). There can be no assurance that the proposed offering of Notes will be completed. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering (i) to fund a potential acquisition, (ii) to repay the borrowings outstanding under its senior secured asset-based loan facility and (iii) for general corporate purposes, which may include repaying, redeeming or repurchasing outstanding debt. The Notes and the guarantees will be offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in compliance with Regulation S, each under the Securities Act. The Notes and the guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or purchase nor the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the Company's financing plans, including statements related to the Company's offering of the Notes and the intended use of net proceeds of the offering. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, risks related to whether the Company will consummate the offering of the Notes on the expected terms, or at all, market and other general economic conditions and whether the Company and the Guarantors will be able to satisfy the conditions required to close any sale of the Notes. The Company's forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. About Multi-Color Corporation Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), established in 1916, is the global leader in prime label solutions, with approximately $3 billion in annual revenue supporting a number of the world's most prominent brands across end-categories including food and beverages, home and personal care, wine and spirits, and other specialties. Based in Chicago, MCC serves national and international brand owners across its global footprint with a comprehensive range of the latest label technologies in pressure sensitive, cut and stack, roll-fed, in-mold, shrink sleeve and heat transfer applications. MCC employs approximately 12,275 associates across more than 100 plants in over 25 countries. Contact for Multi-Color Corporation: Sam Berlien Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis and Investor Relations [email protected] SOURCE Multi-Color Corporation The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a second grant of $2.5 billion from the United States through a project of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association (IDA), Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. "Today, the government will issue an order to receive the second grant this year from the United States. It is about $2.5 billion. These funds will come through a project of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as the International Development Association. Other partners will provide another $150 million. It will allow attracting the second tranche of $2,660 million this year," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. According to the prime minister, the funds will be used to pay salaries of rescuers, teachers, and doctors, to help pensioners, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Available online and in stores across America, "A Foray Into Hollywood" is a story about big dreams and the amazing, once-in-a-lifetime journey it took one man to get there. Robert Patrick Baker is no novice to Hollywood. From J-Lo to Britney Spears, Usher to Justin Timberlake to Michael Jackson, these are only a few of the clients he served as the CEO of Millennium Dance Complex in California. For 30 years, he provided studio space, offered dance assistance, and even protected secrets for many of your favorite movie stars and music legends today. New Exciting Book Available for Purchase: CEO of World-Renowned Dance Studio and Production Company Releases Tell-All Memoir About His Rise to Fame and the Incredible People He Met Along the Way Robert Patrick Baker Dance, however, was only part of his story. As an African American Producer, he was responsible for bringing legendary actors Ed Asner and Mary Tyler Moore back together for the first time in 20 years for his ABC movie, "Payback," as well as rubbing shoulders and learning from some of the greatest in show business. And through it all, he helped deliver some of the strongest messages for America's racial climate and need for change. "Foray Into Hollywood" provides a never-before-seen look at Robert's journey from a small town in South Carolina to the bright lights of New York and the sunny streets of Los Angeles. You'll be invited to hear how he made it big and what it takes to have a dream and make it come true. Along with the grit and glamour, you'll also hear many of the fun stories and incredible people Robert met along the way! For more information, contact the author: Robert Baker 818-645-5321 [email protected] SOURCE Robert Baker MONTREUX, Switzerland, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glion Institute of Higher Education has today announced the launch of a new Luxury Management Bachelor degree, based at its Switzerland campuses, which will open doors to a career in the multi-faceted luxury industry. From working in a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant to studying courses devoted to luxury Attitudes and Etiquette and Luxury fashion design, students on the BBA will acquire the knowledge and skills that they need to forge a successful career in the luxury segment of their choosing. New Glion Institute of Higher Education Bachelors in Luxury Business to provide a pathway to high-level leadership careers (PRNewsfoto/Glion Institute of Higher Education) Career pathways open to students graduating from this three-and-a-half-year program include personal luxury goods; luxury retail; luxury brand marketing; yachts, private jets, automobiles; private banking; luxury hospitality; bespoke events; high-end health and wellness clinics, real estate investment; and fine dining, food and wine. The seven-semester program, which is now recruiting for a September 2023 start, will incorporate two professional internships. For the first, in semester two, students will venture into the world of luxury hospitality, where the customer experience delivered is now the model for the wider luxury industry. The second will allow students to reflect on managerial competencies in the workplace, providing a foundation for their final two semesters of study. With business-focused academic learning during underpinning the BBA, a key feature of this program is the breadth of direct industry exposure it offers, including a field trip; visits to luxury stores and manufacturing facilities; industry roundtables; and an entrepreneurial challenge. Additionally, during their Bachelor Thesis or Applied Business Project, students will have the opportunity to review real-life business challenges and/or trends. In the Applied Business Project, they collaborate with a 'client' company from the luxury industry, under the guidance of a Glion Institute of Higher Education faculty supervisor. This program delivers the combination of hard and soft skills required to lead in the modern workplace. Business elements cover areas such as corporate finance, digital marketing, data analysis, and strategic brand management; while soft skills will help develop communication, talent management, and change management. It begins with an immersion into the world of luxury, with introductory taught modules combined with real-world experience of luxury service an on-campus restaurant Maison Decotterd plus a two-week Luxury Gastronomy and Hospitality Masterclass. "Our Bachelor's degree is the perfect preparation for a high-level leadership career in the international luxury industry," said Frederic Picard, Managing Director of Glion Institute of Higher Education. "This uniquely specialised degree combined with professional experience of the internships will open doors to the most selective luxury employers; for whom rigor, expertise and experience are prized assets. "From the Michelin-starred majesty of our Maison Decotterd to the exceptional range of luxury brands we are proud to partner, there is simply no other institution which combines academic excellence and luxury status in the way that we do. "As specialists in luxury and hospitality business education, this is an exciting development that we expect will attract interest from students all over the world. It will open doors to dream roles that would simply not be available to holders of more generalist business degrees." The full BBA Luxury Business modules are: SEMESTER 1 Foundation: Luxury x Hospitality (Introduction to the World of Luxury, Business Fundamentals, Luxury Hospitality, Luxury Fine Dining Experience, Business Applications). Glion SEMESTER 2 Professional Immersion (24-week internship in the hospitality industry, Reflection on Practice). SEMESTER 3 Luxury Management I (Economics and Sociology of Luxury, Ultra-Luxury Products and Experiences, Luxury Fashion Design, Luxury Marketing Essentials, Talent and HR Management, Analyzing Financial Statements, IT Business Tools, General Education Elective). Bulle SEMESTER 4 Luxury Management II (Business Trends in Luxury, Products and Services, Data Analysis for Decision Makers, Design Thinking for Luxury, Integrated Digital Marketing, Legal Environment of Luxury Industries, Corporate Finance, General Education Elective). Bulle SEMESTER 5 Management Practice (24-week internship in the luxury industry, Business Report). SEMESTER 6 Strategic Luxury Leadership (Strategic Management of Luxury Brands, Retail and Other Physical Distribution Channels, Building Brand Equity in Luxury, Managing Change in Luxury Organizations, Business and Academic Research Methods, International Markets and Finance, Supply Chain Management). Bulle SEMESTER 7 Luxury in the Digital Age (Harnessing Luxury's Omnichannel Opportunity, Designing a More Sustainable Luxury, New Technologies in the Luxury Business). Bulle Visit the website of Glion Institute of Higher Education for more information on the Bachelor's in Luxury Business About Glion Institute of Higher Education Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is a Swiss institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London, UK. Glion is ranked among the world's top five higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management since its entry in the ranking in 2018. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Glion is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). For more information, visit glion.edu CONTACT: Anouck Weiss, CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER, [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042045/Glion.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981416/Glion_Logo.jpg SOURCE Glion Institute of Higher Education The San Francisco-based brokerage builds out strong cyber practice group SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Newfront, the tech-driven insurance brokerage firm based in San Francisco, welcomes Jennifer Wilson as its new Head of Cyber. Recently named by Insurance Business America as one of the top 100 insurance specialists in the country, Wilson will lead cyber coverage negotiation and claims advocacy at Newfront. She will report to Deirdre Finn, Head of Executive Risk. Wilson is joined by Michele Lepper, Jennifer Kelly, Ellie Hughes, and Arturo Perez-Reyes, Cyber Lead Strategist, who joined Newfront in 2022. The San Francisco-based brokerage builds out strong cyber practice group with Wilson at the helm. Tweet this Newfront, the tech-driven insurance brokerage firm based in San Francisco, welcomes Jennifer Wilson as its new Head of Cyber. Wilson is joined by Michele Lepper, Jennifer Kelly, Ellie Hughes, and Arturo Perez-Reyes, Cyber Lead Strategist, who joined Newfront in 2022. "In our evolving economy, every business has cyber exposure and vulnerabilities," said Newfront Chief Commercial Officer John Newell. "Our new colleagues will help our clients stay on the cutting-edge of identifying, understanding, and mitigating cyber risk." Wilson was named to the prestigious Insurance Business Magazine's Elite Women in Insurance list for 2022. She also recently graduated from the prestigious Chubb and Carnegie Mellon's Cyber COPE Insurance Certification (CCIC) Program and is a regular contributor to the Women in Insurance Global Network. Wilson brings more than 25 years of experience in the industry, primarily in specialty coverage, claims, and risk management. Most recently, she was the National Cyber Claims Leader for HUB and the Cyber Leader for New England. Jennifer Kelly, Senior Cyber Broker, brings 15 years of experience as an attorney in the insurance industry across cyber, property, and casualty. Michele Lepper, Cyber Claims Advocate and Contract Specialist, has almost 25 years of experience with insurance regulations throughout the country. Ellie Hughes, Cyber Broker, is a rising star in the cyber landscape as she also recently graduated from the CCIC program. At Newfront, the cyber team will deliver a comprehensive service offering in cyber risk, working with clients to identify and scope cybersecurity threats, guiding them to strengthen cyber defenses, and ensuring policy compliance and eliminating coverage gaps. The team will advocate for clients through its extensive carrier relationships and will lead them in data-driven benchmarking, vendor selection, and negotiating policy terms and conditions. "There has been tremendous change in the tech and cyber space following the pandemic which brought a great deal of chaos to the industry," said Wilson, who is located in Boston. "The onslaught of ransomware claims has created heightened scrutiny from the underwriters who have implemented stringent IT security protocols on their insureds. I am excited to lead our Cyber Practice, and partner with the cyber ecosystem and our trading partners to best combat, protect, and mitigate our clients' ever-evolving risk." Wilson's hire is the latest in several high-profile additions for the top 40 brokerage by revenue and bolsters an unmatched female risk practice leadership roster that already includes Wendy Cook, Head of Insurance Placement, Finn, Head of Executive Risk, Frannie Epps, Head of Casualty, and Lauren Pratscher, Head of Casualty Placement. With female-led executive risk, casualty, and cyber practices, Newfront is among the most progressive brokerages in the industry. Contact Information Traci Johnson Newfront [email protected] SOURCE Newfront This new partnership will leverage Provus' proprietary AI technology to elevate NewRocket's quote process SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewRocket, an Elite ServiceNow partner, announced today that it has partnered with Provus, Inc., an automated services quoting solutions provider, to use its services quoting platform. Provus' end-to-end solution will enable NewRocket to offer an enhanced customer experience via automated estimation, pricing, and quoting. NewRocket Enhances End-to-End Quoting Experience with Provus Services Quoting Cloud Tweet this NewRocket and Provus Partnership NewRocket advises and supports clients in designing, implementing, and managing digital workflows to improve employee and customer experiences. With 520+ consultants servicing over 4,000 projects for over 1,000 customers worldwide, NewRocket will leverage Provus' centralized solution to automate the services quote process and deliver a better experience to NewRocket customers and internal sales teams. "At NewRocket, we're committed to helping enterprise leaders modernize and streamline operations. With Provus, we'll be able to bring this ethos into our sales process and offer a smooth, personalized customer experience from the very start of the relationship," said Ken McPherson, Chief Revenue Officer at NewRocket. "The Provus platform will also help us speed up sales cycles and reach more customers with proposals that meet their unique needs." The solution is built on the Salesforce platform and offers collaborative scoping, estimation, pricing and quoting capabilities that are fueled by artificial intelligence to empower service provider organizations to close more deals. "We are excited about our partnership with NewRocket," said Mahesh Baxi, CEO and Co-Founder of Provus. "As they continue to grow in the ServiceNow ecosystem, we'll be able to empower their teams with the tools they need to enhance their entire services quoting process." To learn more about Provus, schedule a demo today. About Provus Inc. Provus provides SaaS solutions to automate Services CPQ processes. Its unique AI-powered technology helps enterprise customers to accelerate turnaround time, grow deal sizes, and increase win probability faster all while improving gross margins and mitigating compliance risk. Provus is an approved Salesforce AppExchange Partner. Based in Saratoga, California, Provus has raised $12M in fundings led by Norwest Venture Partners. For more information, visit www.provusinc.com. About NewRocket NewRocket, a ServiceNow Elite Partner, advises and supports companies to design, implement, and manage digital workflows to improve employee and customer experiences. As an Elite Partner with all four ServiceNow workflow badges, NewRocket provides an end-to-end experience, supporting clients across all their workflow needs on the Now Platform with none of the technical debt. We bring innovative and creative solutions to over 1,000 customers around the globe in Financial Services, Healthcare, Government, Insurance, and Technology companies. NewRocket has delivered more than 4,000 successful projects through world-class implementations and integrated solutions across the entire ServiceNow platform. For more information, please visit www.newrocket.com . Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Provus Inc. DALLAS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc., ("NXRT" or the "Company") (NYSE: NXRT) announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 am CT), to discuss first quarter 2023 financial results. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-660-4430 or, for international callers, +1 646-960-0537 and using passcode Conference ID: 5001576. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, http://nxrt.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days. A replay of the conference call will also be available through Tuesday, May 9, 2023, by dialing 800- 770- 2030 or, for international callers, +1 647- 362- 9199 and entering passcode 5001576. The Company plans to issue a press release with first quarter 2023 financial results before market open on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. About NXRT NexPoint Residential Trust is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NXRT," primarily focused on acquiring, owning and operating well-located middle-income multifamily properties with "value-add" potential in large cities and suburban submarkets of large cities, primarily in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States. NXRT is externally advised by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an SEC-registered investment advisor, which has extensive real estate experience. More information about the Company is available at http://nxrt.nexpoint.com. CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Thomas [email protected] Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. Leading water storage tank manufacturer's Ultonium tank lining is now infused with Microban antimicrobial technology, setting a new industry standard for protection NILES, Mich., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Niles Steel Tank, a leading manufacturer of custom water storage tanks and a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, announces that its proprietary Ultonium tank lining will now incorporate Microban antimicrobial technology to provide additional protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the interior tank lining. Niles Steel Tank, a leading manufacturer of custom water storage tanks and a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, announces that its proprietary Ultonium(r) tank lining will now incorporate Microban(r) antimicrobial technology to provide additional protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the interior tank lining. "Microban enhances our Ultonium technology and offers our customers an additional layer of protection*," said Jeremy Waller, vice president and general manager of Niles Steel Tank. "We're delivering an unprecedented solution that no other water storage tank manufacturer can offer." Niles Steel Tank water storage tanks are the only water storage products that offer customers this additional level of tank protection at no additional charge. This innovation is a direct outcome of Niles Steel Tank's ongoing research and development efforts in response to a wide range of market, technology, regulatory and environmental trends. Ultonium tank lining with Microban antimicrobial product protection is now a standard feature on tank-type water heaters from Niles Steel Tank as well. Ultonium prolongs the life of the water storage tanks by keeping corrosive elements from reaching the steel of the tank and other components. The addition of Microban antimicrobial technology protects the Ultonium tank lining against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface of the lining. The Microban antimicrobial technology is integrated into the Ultonium formula and then applied to the inside of the tank, coils and/or flue tubes during the manufacturing process. After application, the Ultonium lining is baked on at approximately 1,600 degrees for a hardened, long-lasting finish. Through this exclusive manufacturing process, the Microban antimicrobial technology becomes a permanent part of the coating that continues its protection for the lifetime of the water heater. Antimicrobials have been safely used for many years. The Microban antimicrobial technology used in Niles Steel Tank products is silver-based, which has been used for decades in a range of applications, and carries both the EPA and European Union approval for direct food contact. Microban has been a trusted brand and leader in antimicrobial technologies since 1984. Their technologies can be found in thousands of consumer and industrial products around the world, including a variety of plumbing fixtures and household appliances. For more information about Microban, visit https://www.microban.com. To learn more about Niles Steel Tank, please visit https://nilesst.com or call (269) 683-1910. For more information about Bradford White Corporation, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com. About Niles Steel Tank Niles Steel Tank, a subsidiary of Bradford White Corporation, has been building America's best tanks and pressure vessels to meet and exceed the needs of demanding industries since 1898. Niles Steel Tank manufactures custom pressure vessels, process tanks and glass-lined water storage tanks for customers in the automotive, compressor and press industries, air conditioning, water filtration, chemical and pharmaceutical companies and a host of other industries. Niles Steel Tank's experienced workforce proudly manufactures our products in Niles, MI. For more information, please visit https://www.nilesst.com/. About Bradford White Corporation Bradford White Corp. is a full-line manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage products. The company maintains headquarters in Ambler, Pennsylvania, and has manufacturing facilities in Middleville, Michigan; Niles, Michigan; and Rochester, New Hampshire; and distribution and training centers in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com. About Microban International Part of Barr Brands International (BBI), Microban International is home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control, and sanitization/disinfection markets Microban and Ultra-Fresh. As the global leader, our proactive systems keep products cleaner and control odors better by preventing problems before they start. The company is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.microban.com. *Microban antimicrobial technology protects the product and does not protect users or others. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR (865) 977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE Bradford White Corporation People of all abilities to come together in an accessible community hike to break through personal barriers and celebrate belonging and inclusion FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- No Barriers today announced that FNBO has committed to a two-year presenting sponsorship of the nonprofit organization's annual fundraiser. "What's Your Everest?" The accessible community hike will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Copper Mountain, CO. Proceeds from the fundraiser event support programming for youth, adults, and Veterans living with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as caregivers and others from under-served or under-represented communities. No Barriers announces FNBO as two-year presenting sponsor of "What's Your Everest?" Tweet this No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO is a community hike welcoming individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. In addition to experiencing team building and the power of breaking barriers, participants fundraise to support the No Barriers mission, impacting the lives of sidelined communities. Registration is now open! No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO empowers people to overcome their personal "Everests," as teams "Rope Up" to hike a mountain and rally around wheelchair users, those with limb differences, blind and visually impaired hikers, and others with persistent barriers to help them reach their summit. The event is inspired by world-renowned adventurer and No Barriers cofounder Erik Weihenmayer's summit of Mount Everest in 2001, where he became the first blind person to reach the highest peak in the world. Rope teams highlight an important message as people, regardless of background or ability, collaborate and connect to help others across the rugged mountain terrain. "For more than 165 years, FNBO has maintained our strong spirit of teamwork and a commitment to helping build strong communities through creating more economic and social opportunities for historically underrepresented populations," said Spencer Danner, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at FNBO. "Our mission to break down barriers for those communities directly aligns with No Barriers' important mission of diversity, inclusion, and community, and the act of supporting each other to accomplish more than we ever could alone." The generous contribution from FNBO helps No Barriers extend programming and resources that directly impact the lives of Veterans and others with disabilities, youth and caregivers facing challenges, so that every person has the opportunity and ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact, and believe, "What's Within You Is Stronger Than What's In Your Way." To learn more about 2023 No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO , visit the event page or support the No Barriers mission by making a donation . About FNBO: First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI). FNNI and its affiliates have nearly $30 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Founded in 1857, FNBO has maintained its commitment to helping build strong communities for more than 165 years. Learn more at FNBO.com and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . About No Barriers: No Barriers is a non-profit organization based in Colorado that provides transformative programs and experiences that shift mindsets, create belonging, and foster self-discovery to elevate individuals and their communities. Through a three-phase curriculum, No Barriers leads individuals through a framework so that individuals embrace the belief that "What's Within You Is Stronger Than What's In Your Way." Learn more about the roadmap to overcoming adversity and building community at nobarriersusa.org . SOURCE No Barriers USA SEATTLE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A lawsuit is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The lawsuit is known as In Re: Packaged Seafood Products Antitrust Litigation, No. 15-MD-2670 DMS (MDD). The lawsuit claims that from June 1, 2011 to July 1, 2015, Defendants Tri-Union Seafoods LLC d/b/a Chicken of the Sea International and Thai Union Group PCL (collectively "COSI"), StarKist Co. and its parent company, Dongwon Industries Co. Ltd (collectively "StarKist"), and Bumble Bee Foods, LLC ("Bumble Bee"), Lion Capital LLP ("Lion Capital"), Lion Capital (Americas), Inc. ("Lion America"), and Big Catch Cayman LP ("Big Catch") participated in an unlawful conspiracy to raise, fix, maintain, or stabilize the price of Packaged Tuna products at an artificially high level in violation of antitrust and unfair competition laws. Who is affected ? On July 30, 2019, the District Court certified a class of all persons and entities who reside in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (referred to as the "End Payer Plaintiffs" or "EPPs") who indirectly purchased Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, or Bumble Bee tuna in cans or pouches smaller than 40 ounces ("Packaged Tuna") from June 1, 2011 through July 1, 2015 for their own consumption (the "Class"). On April 8, 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court's order certifying the Class. On November 14, 2022, the United States Supreme Court denied StarKist's petition to appeal the Ninth Circuit's order. The certified Class may now proceed to trial. What happens next ? The Court has not decided whether Defendants did anything wrong. Defendants deny the EPPs' allegations and have asserted defenses to the EPPs' claims. COSI settled with the EPPs to avoid litigation risks, costs, and inconvenience. Notice about the COSI Settlement was already issued, and the claims deadline for the COSI Settlement has passed. Bumble Bee filed for bankruptcy protection. The litigation is continuing with StarKist, Lion Capital, Lion America, and Big Catch (the "Non-Settling Defendants"). The Court has indicated that it intends to set dates for the trial in the near future. Payments for the COSI Settlement will be distributed after the trial with Non-Settling Defendants. The Court appointed the law firm of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP as Class Counsel on behalf of the EPP Plaintiffs and Class Members. At trial, Class Counsel will present the case for the EPPs, and lawyers for the Non-Settling Defendants will present on the Non-Settling Defendants' behalf. However, you or your own lawyer are welcome to come at your own expense. What are my options ? You can do nothing or ask to exclude yourself ("opt out") of the Class. If you do nothing , you will stay in the Class and await the outcome. You will give up your right to sue or continue to sue the Defendants for the claims in this case. If you filed a valid and timely claim in the COSI Settlement, your payment will be distributed AFTER the litigation with the Non-Settling Defendants is resolved. Please be patient. If you ask to be excluded , you will remove yourself from the Class. You will keep your right to sue or continue to sue the Non-Settling Defendants for the claims in this case. You will receive no payment in the COSI Settlement or from any recovery that the Class may receive from the Non-Settling Defendants in the future. If you already filed a claim in the COSI Settlement and you would now like to opt out of the Class, you must contact the Claims Administrator to withdraw your COSI Settlement claim. If you already opted out of the COSI Settlement, you do not need to file another opt-out. The deadline to exclude yourself from the Class is July 17, 2023. Go to www.TunaEndPurchaserSettlement for information on how to exclude yourself from the Class. Questions ? Visit www.TunaEndPurchaserSettlement.com , write Tuna End Purchaser Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91442 , Seattle, WA 98111, email [email protected], or call toll-free 1-866-615-0977. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT. SOURCE JND Legal Administration LYON, France, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OPESS, a global energy storage product and service provider, attended the BePOSITIVE 2023, a French exhibition of the energy transition in buildings and regions, at Booth 1H05, Eurexpo Lyon from March 21st to 23rd. It plans to introduce its household energy storage system Obox and its hybrid inverters and battery packs to bring safe, adaptive high-tech energy storage solutions for customers in France and other regions in Europe. BePOSITIVE is the largest new energy exhibition and the most influential and innovative green energy exhibition in France. Major energy companies were gathered on site to release their latest energy technologies, new products, and new trends. The event attracts dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and other industry players from the energy and building industries from all over the world. BePOSITIVE has become an important platform for Chinese energy companies to enter France's broad renewable energy market and to build and expand their brand influence across Europe. Today, energy prices in Europe are much higher than usual due to the volatile international situation. The 2022 results announced by RTE, France's transmission system operator, show that French nuclear and hydropower production has hit a record low since 1992. As household energy storage, which is easy-to-install and cost-effective, is rapidly rising, Europe has become a key target market for OPESS's overseas presence. With the advantages of OPESS's OP-Energy Storage series, the Obox household energy storage system uses the BEMS (BMS+EMS) dual-control technology to achieve millisecond response for both power generation and consumption, enabling it to deal with various household electricity emergencies. Besides, the modular design of Obox simplifies the product assembly process and realizes auto-plug-and-play and free combination of capacity, significantly increasing the application scenarios and providing a more comprehensive electricity safety environment for users. OPESS insists on promoting the progress and development of China's energy storage industry with independent R&D and aligning with global energy strategies to build a high-value, high-safety energy storage industry chain. From technology to service, OPESS strives to make every detail perfect based on a deep understanding of energy storage batteries, power systems, and software and hardware control systems. As the world is moving toward carbon neutrality, the new energy industry of China will inject vitality into global zero-carbon energy initiatives. OPESS will continue to deliver Chinese energy storage solutions to the world to help drive the energy transition. ABOUT OPESS OPESS is a leading provider of energy storage products and services for multiple scenarios. Based on its self-developed Intelligent OP-Energy Cloud, OPESS provides users with reliable and efficient energy products and services, leveraging a highly adaptive and safe energy storage system and advanced energy management technology. SOURCE OPESS HONG KONG, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited ("PAAMC HK"), the offshore asset management platform of Ping An Group, has won 2 awards at the Offshore China Fund Awards 2022, co-sponsored by Bloomberg and the Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong (HKCAMA), in recognition of the outstanding performance of its products. The Ping An of China SIF - RMB Bond Fund (the "Fund") was named the 1st Runner-up in the Best Total Return - Greater China Fixed Income (5 Year) category. This is the 5th consecutive year for the Fund to be honored in the Best Total Return - Greater China Fixed Income category for its industry-leading performance. Launched in 2011, the Fund aims to provide total returns comprised of interest income and capital growth. The Fund invests primarily in RMB denominated instruments including fixed income instruments, asset backed securities, convertible bonds, commercial papers and short term bills and notes. The Fund is actively managed with a variety of strategies. Its holdings are well diversified in terms of industries and regions, with the majority in the investment grade space. The Ping An of China CSI 5-10Y CGB ETF (3080.HK) is awarded the 2nd runner-up in the category of ETF Best Tracking Error (1 Year). Albert Wang, Head of Capital Markets and CIO of PAAMC HK, said, "We're very proud to be consistently recognized for our funds' exceptional performance over these years. The awards are an endorsement of our team's effort and our commitment to achieve superior and sustainable returns for investors. We are also very grateful for the trust of our partners and investors, who enable us to do our best work and continuously deliver market-leading solutions and services." About Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited ("PAAMC HK") was established in 2006. It is a direct subsidiary of China Ping An Insurance Overseas (Holdings) Limited and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (2318.HK and 601318.SH). It is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong ("SFC") to conduct Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) regulated activities. With strong capabilities in investment research and asset management, PAAMC HK is a leading provider of global investment management solutions in equities, fixed income, ETFs, structured products and alternative assets. For more information, please visit PAAMC HK' website (asset.pingan.com.hk). (This website has not been reviewed by the SFC). SOURCE Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Company Limited The expediency of opening electricity exports to Europe in connection with its current and forecasted surplus for the coming months is obvious, but the issue is quite politicized, Director General of PJSC Ukrhydroenergo Ihor Syrota has said. "There has been a round-the-clock surplus in the power system of Ukraine for three weeks already... And when there is a surplus, you need to sell it and earn money on it. Why don't we conditionally earn those several tens of million hryvnias that can be given away, for example, for PSO? Do not ask, do not seek, but earn?" he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "If you notice, we are now illuminating the streets as much as possible and shining where it is necessary and is not necessary because there is a surplus, there is an imbalance," the head of the generating company said, adding that with warming and an increase in daylight hours, consumption will continue to fall. At the same time, he said that "the chances of unblocking exports are now more real." At the same time, the head of Ukrhydroenergo considers the issue politicized, in particular, due to the fact that a number of Ukrainian consumers are not provided with electricity. At the same time, he explained that these consumers do not have electricity precisely because of the limitations in the networks damaged by Russian strikes and not because of a shortage of capacities. "Electricity simply cannot physically be delivered there in the required volumes yet. But there are a lot of manipulations on the topic of exports. If we could get rid of them, if bloggers and media sincerely and truthfully explained to people the real state of things, it would be very good. I must tell people: There is now a surplus of electricity, it can be sold, earn on it and restore the power system," Syrota said. He said that in the event of a shortage, if electricity is not enough for domestic needs, Ukraine would simply limit the cross section for exports. "We would talk on such terms with those countries where we export. We export as long as there is a surplus, and suddenly something happens we stop. It is regulation, and no one will allow themselves to speculate on this during the war. We are not saying that we have opened exports and sell under long-term contracts," the head of the generating company said, explaining the position. Syrota told Interfax-Ukraine that Ukhydroenergo and National Nuclear Generating Company Energoatom, the main executors of public service obligations to support tariffs for households (PSO), cannot simultaneously bear the load within this PSO and restore their facilities after destruction. According to him, even without bearing in mind the UAH 16.7 billion in losses caused by the invaders at the captured Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, Ukhydroenergo's losses from Russian military aggression in the territory controlled by Ukraine exceed UAH 22 billion. Syrota explained that these are the funds the company needs today to restore its damaged or destroyed facilities. At the same time, the company can pay this amount of funds for a year on PSO. At the same time, the head of Ukrhydroenergo said that it is very important to find funds for restoring electric power facilities since the stability of the power system in the next autumn-winter period will depend on this. "The energy industry survived this time because it had a solid foundation, but this year it has been quite disturbed. We are working but these are temporary solutions, you can't enter the winter hearing period with them because it is a weak position," he warned. The Ministry of Energy stopped electricity exports to Europe on October 11 after the first heavy attacks by Russian aggressors on Ukraine's power system. Early Backers of the Personal Protection Device will Receive an Introductory Price of $70 TOLEDO, Ohio, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PAKSHIELD LLC is thrilled to announce that its crowdfunding campaign is now live on Iandiegogo for the revolutionary PAKSHIELD personal protection device, which provides peace of mind and could be life-saving during an active shooter occurrence. Early backers will receive an introductory price of $70. "Launching our crowdfunding campaign is so exciting," said PAKSHIELD president James Trotter. "The reality is, we live in a time where we have to think about active shooter scenarios being a possibility in our schools, workplaces and communities. We created PAKSHIELD to give people of all ages some peace of mind with this proactive layer of protection." PAKSHIELD has been engineered with high-strength material and tested to provide ballistic stopping power, which meets NIJ IIIA ballistic standards, to be used in the event of an active shooter occurrence. PAKSHIELD is a flexible, colorful device that fits easily into backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases. PAKSHIELD was created to be affordable and accessible to all, and the success of the Indiegogo campaign is crucial to making this goal a reality. As announced earlier this month, PAKSHIELD is offering a reward program geared toward K-12 schools and parents. Individuals are encouraged to nominate a K-12 classroom of their choice at pakshield.com . Once the PAKSHIELD Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign goal is reached, a public vote will be held to pick one out of the 10 most-nominated classrooms to be awarded 30 PAKSHIELD inserts. If the goal is exceeded, more classrooms will be selected. We invite you to join us in our mission to make the PAKSHIELD available to everyone. Follow us on social media to learn more and to help us make the PAKSHIELD widely accessible. For more information, watch this video , visit our website pakshield.com and join our campaign through Indiegogo . ABOUT PAKSHIELD LLC PAKSHIELD LLC is a manufacturer of a high-quality personal protective device with ballistic stopping power designed to be used in the event of an active shooter occurrence. It can be easily and discreetly inserted into a backpack or other bag. At PAKSHIELD LLC, we believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and secure, and we are proud to offer a device that can help provide that peace of mind. The PAKSHIELD personal protection device is just one example of our commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. To learn more about the PAKSHIELD device, please visit pakshield.com or contact us directly. We look forward to helping you protect what matters most. Contact: Jessica Hover [email protected] 419-308-4174 SOURCE PAKSHIELD 1.00 mm Passive Coaxial Components Support DC to 110 GHz Applications IRVINE, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pasternack, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products, has just introduced an innovative series of 1.00 mm passive coaxial components. They address a wide variety of applications, including test and measurement, research and development, satellite communications, data transmission and more. Pasternack's 1.00 mm passive coaxial components support DC to 110 GHz applications. Pasternack offers one of the largest portfolios of in-stock, 1.00 mm passive coaxial components available anywhere. The robust mechanical designs of these devices ensure minimal signal interaction while providing low insertion loss and excellent return loss characteristics. The new line consists of 1.0 mm fixed RF attenuators with 3, 6, and 10dB attenuation levels, RF power dividers with either male or female 1.0 mm input connectors, 1.0 mm directional RF couplers rated to 1 watt, and DC blocks with 1.0 mm connectors. "Our new 1.00 mm passive coaxial components are ideal for a variety of high-frequency applications where low insertion loss and return loss are required. We are one of the only suppliers who stock these components to support our customers' urgent needs," said Steven Pong, Product Line Manager. Pasternack's new 1.00 mm passive coaxial components are in-stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, contact Pasternack at +1-949-261-1920. About Pasternack: A leader in RF products since 1972, Pasternack is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier offering the industry's largest selection of active and passive RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products available for same-day shipping. Pasternack is an Infinite Electronics brand. About Infinite Electronics: Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics offers a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions. It serves the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Its brands are Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite serves a global customer base with deep technical expertise and support. Its broad inventory is available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. Infinite is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company. SOURCE Pasternack DUBLIN, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO), a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rescheduled a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) and the Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ORUDAC) for May 9 & 10, 2023, to review the Company's application for Opill daily oral contraceptive for over-the-counter (OTC) use. Perrigo announced in July 2022 that its HRA Pharma affiliate filed an application with the FDA for the Rx-to-OTC switch of Opill, a progestin-only daily birth control pill (also referred to as a mini pill or non-estrogen pill). If approved, Opill would be the first ever daily birth control pill available OTC, without a prescription, in the U.S. Over-the-counter birth control has support from major medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Women's Health is one of Perrigo's strategic growth pillars. Having recognized its importance to society and its growth potential, the Company has recently created a dedicated global Women's Health strategic organization, with specific focus on the sexual health needs of women. From expanded contraceptive options, to products that help people understand and manage their fertility, to helping women adjust to perimenopause, the Women's Health strategic organization will partner with women and people as experts in their own bodies and sexual health to help provide them with support and solutions at every step. The Company believes access to affordable birth control is an important next step and will work diligently with the FDA to gain its approval. "Women's needs are nuanced, and it's about time their health options reflect that," said Frederique Welgryn, Global Vice President for Women's Health. "At Perrigo, we're not only committed to prioritizing women's health we're committed to being active champions for it. We're reimagining a new world where people are empowered to determine their own sexual health journey and access the solutions they want." Perrigo Women's Health Strategic Organization's Purpose & Mission are available at here. About Perrigo Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO) is a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products and over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed. Visit Perrigo online at www.perrigo.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release relate to future events and may therefore be considered "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of the Company or its industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Often such factors may be beyond our control, including risks and uncertainties regarding the occurrence and timing of regulatory activities, such as the FDA advisory committee meeting described above. While the Company believes that the FDA advisory committee meeting has been scheduled, there can be no assurances that such meeting will occur, or that it will not be postponed or otherwise rescheduled. Nor can the outcome of that meeting be predicted. In particular, there can be no assurance that the FDA will approve the sale of daily oral contraceptives without a prescription in the United States. The foregoing and other important factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the Company's subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, 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. SOURCE Perrigo Company plc TAMPA, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Phonism, the market-leading intelligent Device Lifecycle Management (iDLM) Productivity Platform, is excited to welcome two seasoned telecom experts to its rapidly growing team: William Holderby and Ryan Hicks! William Holderby joins the Phonism Growth Team as a Senior Account Executive, bringing over 20 years of experience in VoIP and telecom solutions. William has an impressive track record of implementing advanced voice and UC services for the largest carriers in the US, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Hicks and Holderby bring a combined 50+ years of industry experience to Phonism. Curious about Phonism? Here's a simple way to understand who they are and what they do. William spent the last 17 years with Cisco/BroadSoft, where he was successful in designing telecommunication solutions and bringing them to market. William has already become an invaluable asset at Phonism. Not only because of his infinite knowledge of BroadSoft - but also his ability to entertain. (He's appeared briefly on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon as well as on Broadway with Bryan Cranston.) He will play a key role in expanding strategic accounts in the Americas, with a focus on helping voice service providers with Cisco/BroadSoft. Ryan Hicks is also joining the Phonism Growth Team as a Senior Account Executive with a remarkable 25 years in the technology industry. Ryan played a significant role in successfully launching the fastest growing voice platform in history - Zoom Phone in the healthcare sector. He was recently awarded President's Circle for Zoom in FY2023. Ryan's extensive resume includes Co-Founder and CTO at Flagler Technologies, VP Architecture and Consulting at RoundTower Technologies, and Sr. Manager Global Technology Office at Dell. He presented internationally for Gartner on "Remote and Collaborative Workspaces" and graciously serves as a committee member for Connect NC, an initiative for telecommunication needs in rural North Carolina. "To have Ryan and Bill on our Growth Team is spectacular! Both have tremendous depth of knowledge and years of telecom experience. Pairing their areas of expertise with Phonism's global reach will help our customers achieve entirely new levels of success," says James L. Lee, COO. He adds, "Phonism is projected for exceptional growth this year, so we're adding these industry legends at the perfect time." Phonism helps service providers, manufacturers, distributors, and app developers eliminate the complexities of provisioning, deploying, and managing VoIP devices throughout their entire lifecycle. Their vendor-agnostic approach allows customers to expand their markets by taking advantage of revenue producing, profit-generating Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) opportunities. Phonism customers win more customers, deploy faster and maintain devices effortlessly and efficiently with innovative and enhanced self-service experiences. Phonism was founded in 2012 in Tampa, Florida. In the past year, Phonism more than doubled headcount and expanded offices on 3 continents. The Phonism Productivity Platform makes it easy for anyone in the VoIP ecosystem to sell and support more than 260 devices and over 1400 firmware versions. We speak phone, so you don't have to. To see Phonism in action or to learn more, visit Phonism , call 813-200-7922 or email [email protected]. Media Contact: Tom Cain 8132007922 [email protected] SOURCE Phonism Annual feature profiles 100 graduating business students who made an impact at their schools and beyond PETALUMA, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Poets&Quants For Undergrads, the leading news source for undergraduate business education, has released its eighth annual "Best & Brightest Business Majors" feature. The story honors 100 of the most accomplished seniors who majored in fields like analytics, finance, marketing, and operations. "The Best & Brightest are the role models of their classes," says Jeff Schmitt, Poets&Quants' senior writer who launched the series in 2016. "It's not just their academics or extracurriculars that set them apart. They have an x-factor, an openness and energy that brings out the best in their classmates. In this feature, we are exposing readers to what excellence looks like: what drives these seniors, how they've achieved success, and what they plan to do next. Plus, these graduates share some of the lessons they've learned and advice they'd give to make the path easier for future business majors. It is a really inspiring read." This year's 100 Best & Brightest feature includes JaJa and Jo Tong, twin sisters from South Carolina who are earning their degrees at USC's Marshall School and New York University's Stern School respectively. JaJa started a Songwriter's Forum that enabled classmates to record and perform their compositions, while Jo has led her school's entrepreneurship club and pro bono consulting firm. The sisters have even formed a band together and cut nearly a dozen tracks. At Notre Dame's Mendoza College, Maxim Manyak launched a non-profit, the Pediatric Pep Talk Foundation. Through an app, pediatric patients are paired with student-athletes, who provide support and inspiration "smiles" during their time of need. By the same token, Wharton's Derek Nhieu has been elected as president of Penn's student government four consecutive years a reflection, he says, of the American dream. To compile this year's Best & Brightest students, Poets&Quants reached out to the 50 highest-ranked schools in its 2023 Undergraduate Business School Ranking. Each school was asked to nominate two students, with suggested criteria including academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, and innate potential. All 50 schools participated, with representatives including the Wharton School, Notre Dame, University of Virginia, and New York University. Overall, this year's Best & Brightest included 63 women and 37 men. As part of this feature, each student is given an in-depth profile, which covers areas like their extracurricular activities and awards, proudest achievement, and favorite classmate. It also includes a testimonial from an administrator or faculty member. To read the Best & Brightest Business Majors of 2023, CLICK HERE. Poets&Quants for Undergrads is a leading news website dedicated to the coverage of undergraduate business education. Highlighting the content is the annual exclusive ranking of the best undergraduate business schools across the United States. Founded by John A. Byrne, former editor-in-chief of Fast Company magazine and Businessweek.com, Poets&Quants for Undergrads is the sister website to Poet&Quants, which concentrates on MBA programs. For more information, visit poetsandquantsforundergrads.com. Follow us on social #PQURankings, @PoetsAndQuantsU, Facebook.com/poetsandquantsforundergrads, and linkedin.com/company/poets-quants-for-undergrads. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Poets&Quants for Undergrads ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Primrose Schools will host its second annual robotics challenge this summer where children will engage in fun, hands-on robotics and design thinking challenges. Embedded in the Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club, a summer program where children become engineers, artists and explorers, the "Ready, Set, Robotics!" curriculum furthers STEM-based learning and is modeled after the design thinking process of major engineering universities. Throughout the robotics unit, children engage with an interactive robot named Dash through coding, mazes and special missions. By integrating STEM concepts with the Balanced Learning approach, Primrose aims to inspire curiosity and nurture problem solving skills from a young age. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9145453-primrose-schools-summer-adventure-club-robotics-challenge/ This year, Dash returns to Summer Adventure Club for his next adventure. He goes back into the past with Primrose Friends, puppets embedded in the Balanced Learning curriculum, to save the dinosaurs from extinction. Children will be able to do fossil digging, dinosaur research and create sculptures that protect the dinosaurs from the heat of a meteor. During the "Ready, Set, Robotics!" Summer Adventure Club unit, children engage in many design challenges, such as creating a meteor blocker to shield the dinosaurs from the heat and designing dinosaur "fashions" to protect the dinosaurs from a wide range of environmental conditions. Entries will be judged using a rubric that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The winning teams' schools will receive funds to donate to a local charity of their choice: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. Winners will be announced in late July. "The innovative curriculum teaches children lifelong skills that they may use to tackle complex problems throughout their entire lives," said Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education at Primrose Schools. "These fun learning experiences engage children in STEM while allowing Primrose school teachers to nurture each student's creativity, curiosity and collaboration skills." Summer Adventure Club at Primrose Schools provides a fun, full-day experience for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Each week, children try a variety of hands-on activities including sports, robotics and arts that help build skills around literacy, creative problem solving, STEM and more. Learn more about the Summer Adventure Club curriculum, this year's themes and find Primrose Schools locations here. About Primrose Schools Primrose Schools is the leader in providing premier early education and care to children and families in the United States. Founded in 1982, there are more than 480 Primrose schools in 33 states today. Each school is independently owned and operated by Franchise Owners who partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life. Primrose believes who children become is as important as what they know. The Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning approach is created from the best early education wisdom and balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. For more information, visit www.PrimroseSchools.com, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, explore our blog, sign up for our emails and find a Primrose school near you. SOURCE Primrose Schools DUBLIN, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Protein Assays Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition, Opportunity and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Type, By Product, By Technology, By Application, By End User, By Region and Competition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global protein assays market will undergo vigorous growth in the forecast period, 2024-2028. The principal factor behind this market growth is the rigorous research and development taking place in proteomics. For example, a brand-new category of synthetic peptides, better known as mini proteins, was developed by some scientists working at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore in June 2022. According to a few researchers, these mini proteins have the potential to neutralize SARS-CoV-2-like viruses. Moreover, based on work from the journal Nature Chemical Biology, it has come into the picture that these mini proteins can inhibit the virus from entering the host cell. Also, they can clutch the virus particles together to deteriorate their ability to cause infection. This progress in research can positively impact the growth of the global protein assay market. During the forecast period, the market expansion is going to be supported by increased expenditures made by leading players in the development of cutting-edge & efficient medications & diagnostic instruments. For instance, Bruker Corp. introduced the two new timsTOF instruments in June 2021. It makes new techniques and uses possible, such as the unbiased, deep multi-omic biomarker discovery process and epi proteomics/PTM characterization. Additionally, they further develop & facilitate these cutting-edge applications & techniques in cancer liquid biopsy research. Protein Assays for Cancer Diagnosis Opportunities for disease diagnosis, classification, and monitoring are provided by protein analysis. An assay must fulfill specific requirements to be therapeutically relevant. To begin with, it must be capable of detecting the desired protein or proteins. An assay also needs to be specific to the protein it is meant to detect in addition to being sensitive. These tests must also work with readily accessible patient samples to be effective. Additionally, laboratory staff must be properly trained to carry out these processes, and the assay's equipment must be easily obtainable in clinical settings. Moreover, assays must be efficient in terms of labor and cost, as well as robust enough to produce data that can be compared across laboratories and staff. Numerous protein assays based on flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are employed for the detection, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. These methods can detect over 100 distinctive proteins (not all cancer related). Immunohistochemistry has found its best application in detecting Her2 marker and estrogen receptors in patients with breast cancer. ELISA is another remarkable method to identify cancer biomarkers in blood. This method can detect several markers at the same time with high specificity and sensitivity. For instance, 99.4% specificity and 95.3% sensitivity were reported from a six-marker ELISA developed for ovarian cancer. Therefore, the increasing number of cancer cases across the globe and their detection can escalate the global protein assay market considerably. Government Funding for Research in Proteomics Governments of quite a few countries are offering funding to assist new research and development in the field of proteomics. For example, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India provided funding to the Institute of Bioinformatics (IOB) as well as ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE region, Dibrugarh for a project named "Proteomics and biochemical analysis for identification of novel biomarkers for predicting pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH): In a health and demographic cohort from Dibrugarh." The IOB will be conducting protein analysis of urine samples of pregnant women in distinctive trimesters. The chief aim of this project is to develop a protein marker for the timely detection of PIH. Furthermore, the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) served as an inspiration for funding that was announced by the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center in August 2020. The announcement calls for the development of high-throughput single-cell proteome discovery technologies. This opportunity aims to improve our understanding of how cancer begins and spreads while also facilitating the discovery of powerful cancer biomarkers and their clinical utilization on a micro-scale. In addition, Genome Canada and Genome BC offered a funding amount of over 18 million for protein research in the year 2018. This funding resulted in the development of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches for different diseases. These findings can offer lucrative opportunities for the global protein assay market. Recent Developments A medical life science company, PerkinElmer, Inc. launched two assay kits named homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) and AlphalLISA in April 2022 . These kits are meant for the timely detection and quantification of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cell protein (HCP) impurities. . These kits are meant for the timely detection and quantification of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cell protein (HCP) impurities. A proteomic platform, providing biological understanding for research and development to the pharmaceutical as well as diagnostic firms was launched by a leading proteomics company, Biognosys in March 2022 . . Eli Lilly and Company acquired Protomer Technologies in July 2021 . . GeoMx DSP Protein Assays was launched by NanoString Technologies, Inc., a biotech company in November 2020 . Report Scope: Protein Assays Market, By Type: Dye Binding Assays Test Strip-Based Assays Copper-Ion-Based Assays Others Protein Assays Market, By Product: Reagents Kits Instruments and Accessories Protein Assays Market, By Technology: Colorimetric Protein Assays Fluorescence-Based Protein Assays Absorbance-Based Protein Assays Protein Assays Market, By Application: Drug Discovery and Development Disease Diagnosis Others Protein Assays Market, By End User: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Clinical Laboratories Hospitals Academic Research Institutes Others Protein Assays Market, By Region: Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Europe France Germany United Kingdom Italy Spain North America United States Mexico Canada South America Brazil Argentina Colombia Middle East & Africa & South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Voice of Customer 5. Clinical Trial Analysis 6. Patents Analysis 7. Global Protein Assays Market Outlook 8. Asia-Pacific Protein Assays Market Outlook 9. Europe Protein Assays Market Outlook 10. North America Protein Assays Market Outlook 11. South America Protein Assays Market Outlook 12. Middle East and Africa Protein Assays Market Outlook 13. Market Dynamics 13.1. Drivers 13.1.1. Increasing Research in Proteomics 13.1.2. Increasing Government Fundings 13.1.3. Cancer Detection with Protein Assays 13.2. Challenges 13.2.1. Stringent Regulatory Framework 13.2.2. Dearth of Skilled Professionals 13.2.3. Issue Regarding the Development of Protein Assays 14. Market Trends & Developments 15. Competitive Landscape 16. Strategic Recommendations A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Becton Dickinson and Co and Co Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc Merck KGaA Abcam PLC PerkinElmer Inc. QIAGEN NV Lonza Group AG Bio-Techne Corp Illumina Inc For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eshntn 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 JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence Homes, Jacksonville's leader in energy-efficient construction, is proud to announce that it has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy for the seventh time. "We are so proud of our ongoing commitment and continued growth as a 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builder," said Sean Junker, President and COO of Providence Homes. "Today, we are designing and building the highest quality and most energy-efficient homes we have ever built at Providence Homes." "As we accelerate historic efforts to address climate change, public-private partnerships will be essential to realizing the scale of our ambition," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "I applaud this year's ENERGY STAR award winners for working with EPA to deliver a clean energy future that saves American consumers and businesses money and creates jobs." The highest honor among ENERGY STAR Awards is the ENERGY STAR Partner of the YearSustained Excellence Award. EPA presents the Sustained Excellence Award to partners that have already received ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year recognition for a minimum of two consecutive years and have gone above and beyond the criteria needed to qualify for recognition. Winners hail from a network of thousands of small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 organizations representing energy-efficient products, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, industrial, and public sectors. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners . About Providence Homes Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Providence Homes is committed to providing the highest standards of residential construction in northeast Florida. As one of Jacksonville's only 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builders, Providence Homes pledges to make a difference in the industry by building every home with the same detail and commitment to excellence they would with their own. Since 2009, Providence Homes has built more than 2,000 ENERGY STAR homes helping Jacksonville families save over $8,500,000 in energy bills. About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizationsincluding more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts SOURCE Providence Homes, Inc. 98% of PSG Global Solutions, Inc. employees say it is a great place to work. MARINA DEL REY, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading provider of Recruiting Process Outsourcing solutions, PSG has extensive experience providing recruitment services and support within the healthcare industry. Recognized by HRO's Bakers Dozen and the Everest PEAK Matrix report, PSG has an extensive track record of exceeding expectations when delivering exceptional value to clients. They also provide exceptional value to their team in the Philippines. Ninety-eight percent of PSG team members feel they are: Given the resources and equipment to do their job Proud to tell others they are a PSG team member Managed by a competent team who treat them as a full member With PSG being a global solutions provider of RPO services, it is impressive so many team members say it is a great place to work compared to 53% of employees at a typical global company. "A company's success is not measured by its profit alone, but by the happiness and well-being of its employees," explains Vivek Padmanabhan, co-founder of PSG Global Solutions. "At PSG, we invest in creating a culture that values, supports, and empowers team members to be exceptional for their clients." PSG understands creating an exceptional workplace requires continuous effort - not a one-time achievement. The company listens to team members of all positions, adapts to the needs of the market and invests in growth and development to remain one of the best places to work in the Philippines. About PSG Global Solutions, Inc. PSG is the world's largest and fastest-growing provider of outsourced recruiting support to global enterprises, with more than 20% of the top 100 staffing companies harnessing our service today. PSG combines the cost advantages of an offshore delivery model with the high-performance approach of a top-tier staffing company to deliver value to its clients. The Philippines team are screening, sourcing, recruitment support, and contact center RPO experts. They are the largest offshore recruiting team in the world. PSG combines a dedicated global workforce with a cutting-edge tech stack and next-gen processes to deliver the best talent possible. SOURCE PSG Global Solutions DENVER and WOLLERAU, Switzerland, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PureWest Energy, LLC ("PureWest"), an independent natural gas producer in Wyoming's Green River Basin, and Proman, a global leader in methanol production, today announced their closure on a blockchain-verified digital token-only transaction that significantly reduces Proman's Scope 3 methanol footprint. Made possible through their partnership with Project Canary and EarnDLT ("Earn"), PureWest's low-methane emissions data is minted into transactable Certified Environmental Tokens (CETs) to help Proman deliver certified low-carbon methanol to their global customers. "Innovative solutions are critical to meeting climate targets in the coming years," said PureWest Chief Executive Officer Chris Valdez. "PureWest is developing environmental products that help our customers meet their emissions reductions goals. Our CETs allow end-users to benefit from our certified, industry-leading approach to natural gas production. As we continue to innovate, we remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible operations and focused on providing the market's cleanest natural gas." CETs are created through Earn's system and collect and aggregate environmental attribute data from PureWest's wells to create purchasable credits stored on the blockchain for third-party users to achieve their emission reduction goals. In most cases, these tokens specify a reduction in Scope 3 emissions, which include those that occur outside the company's direct operational capacity and as a result of produced products' value chain activities. PureWest and Proman's digital token transaction, enabled through the Earn platform, is a unique solution to reducing carbon and methane emissions in Proman's methanol operations. "Proman remains dedicated to providing the most efficient and sustainable products to our consumers across the entire value chain and continually innovating to develop methanol's low-carbon pathway," said Jarrod Hodson, President of Proman in the USA. "The road to decarbonization requires innovative, collaborative solutions, and this partnership with PureWest drives forward the potential of certified low-carbon methanol in powering the energy transition." PureWest and Proman chose to decouple the environmental attributes from the physical molecules of natural gas and transacted on the Earn, enterprise grade, blockchain-based emissions accounting system. To enable this delineation, third-party climate attribute data from Project Canary provided granular accuracy of site-level emissions performance on a well-by-well basis, which was then tied to gas production volumes and tokenized. About PureWest PureWest Energy, LLC is a private energy company focused on developing its long-life gas reserves in Wyoming's Green River Basin where the Company controls more than 111,000 net acres in and around the prolific Pinedale and Jonah Fields. PureWest is focused on achieving ever-higher ESG performance as part of its commitment to stakeholders and has an industry leading methane intensity rate of 0.05%, more than two years with zero motor vehicle incidents, and PureWest's employee led community investment program. Additional information is available at PureWest.com. About Proman Proman is an integrated energy company and the world's second largest methanol producer. Headquartered in Switzerland, with assets in the United States, Trinidad and Oman, and ongoing expansion into the UAE, Mexico and Canada, Proman is a global leader in methanol, fertilizer and other products such as melamine. We have extensive experience in project management, petrochemical plant construction and operations, marketing and logistics, and shipping. Proman's U.S. operations are headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Houston-based team is responsible for the management and operations of Proman-owned facilities in the United States, including a methanol production facility in Pampa, Texas, and the company's investment in Natgasoline, a joint venture world-scale methanol facility in Beaumont, Texas. Alongside methanol production, Proman's USA team also manages Proman's North American natural gas operations, including a full natural gas mid-stream supply and marketing operation to serve all current and future North American plant facilities, and upstream reserves in the Piceance Basin, located near Parachute, Colorado. Proman is committed to developing lower-carbon and sustainable methanol and ammonia as cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, offering a pathway to drastically cutting emissions in a range of sectors including transport and heavy industry. For more information: Proman.org. Media Contact Kelly Bott, SVP ESG, Land & Regulatory [email protected], 303.645.9809 SOURCE PureWest 'Preparing for important events' - Zelenskyy discusses with Duda urgent defense needs of Ukraine President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda the current defense needs of Ukraine and joint diplomatic efforts in the near future. "At the end of this busy day, I spoke with President of Poland Andrzej Duda. I told him about the course of hostilities, the situation in certain areas of the front," Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook. The parties discussed the urgent defense needs of Ukraine and joint diplomatic efforts in the near future. "Preparing for important events," the president stressed. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: April 26, 2018 to March 13, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 19, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in RAD: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/rite-aid-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=37697&from=4 Rite Aid Corporation NEWS - RAD NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Rite Aid Corporation made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose 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 was at risk of prosecution by federal authorities such as the United States Department of Justice; 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. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Rite Aid you have until May 19, 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 Rite Aid 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 RAD lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/rite-aid-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=37697&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 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global radiant heating and cooling systems market size is estimated to increase by USD 2.21 billion from 2021 to 2026. The market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.32%. The use of PEX tubing is driving market growth. PEX tubes are preferred by manufacturers due to the long lifespan of cross-linked polyethylene pipes. Their durability avoids the need for wall- or floor-embedded radiant tubing. Moreover, PEX tubes can be easily installed. These factors will increase the use of PEX pipes in radiant heating during the forecast period. The growing demand for smart homes and the development of smart cities are key trends in the market. The governments of various countries are developing urban infrastructures, with the integration of multiple information technology solutions. These smart cities will have a high quality of life and provide efficient services to residents. This, in turn, will increase the adoption of radiant heating and cooling technology during the forecast period. Discover some insights about the market before buying the full report - Request a sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Market 2022-2026 Radiant heating and cooling systems market - Segmentation assessment Segment overview Technavio has segmented the market based on technology (hydronic and electric). The hydronic segment will account for a significant share of the market growth during the forecast period. In hydronic systems, there are two types of installations, including wet installation and dry installation. For wet installation, pipes are placed under the floor during construction and are embedded into the concrete floor slab. For dry installation, pipes run through pre-built panels below the tiles. The cost of installation of hydronic floor heating is lower than electric floor heating. This, in turn, will drive the growth of the hydronic segment of the radiant heating and cooling system market during the forecast period. Geography overview Based on geography, the global radiant heating and cooling systems market is segmented into Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global radiant heating and cooling systems market. North America will account for 45% of the market's growth during the forecast period. The US and Canada are the key contributing countries for the radiant heating and cooling systems market in the region. Market growth in this region will be faster than in other regions. The increase in spending on construction and infrastructure projects will drive the radiant heating and cooling systems market growth in North America during the forecast period. For insights on global, regional, and country-level parameters - Download a sample report Radiant heating and cooling systems market Vendor analysis The global radiant heating and cooling systems market is fragmented, with the presence of several vendors. A few prominent vendors that offer radiant heating and cooling systems are BDR Thermea Group BV, Celsun Ecoenergy And Infratech Holdings Private, Danfoss AS, DL Radiators SRL, Emerson Electric Co., Groupe Atlantic, INFLOOR, Integro Engineers Pvt Ltd., J. R. Industrial Heaters, MrPEX Systems, Radiantec, REHAU Group, Robert Bosch GmbH, Roth Werke GmbH, Sigma Combustion Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Technobel India, Ultra Fin, Uponor Corp., Watts Water Technologies Inc., and Zehnder Group AG. For details on vendors and their offerings Request a sample report International vendors have established distribution channels and service centers, which makes it easy for them to provide after-sales services. Hence, regional vendors are providing customized systems at lower prices to improve their market presence. Many new players are also entering the market. However, it is difficult for them to compete with international vendors when it comes to functionalities, features, quality, and services. In addition, stringent regulations pertaining to the design and installation of radiant heating and cooling systems have made it difficult for regional and small vendors to compete with their international counterparts. Continuous innovations and technological advances are expected to intensify the competitive environment further during the forecast period. Many vendors are using strategies such as M&A to expand their consumer base while offering improved solutions. Why buy? Add credibility to strategy Analyze competitor's offerings Get a holistic view of the market Grow your profit margin with Technavio Buy the report! Radiant heating and cooling systems market Major challenges High installation costs are hindering the radiant heating and cooling systems market growth. The initial upfront costs of procuring and installing radiant heating systems are high. This is because of the expensive concrete required to shield rooms from cold. The repair costs for radiant heating systems are also high. Moreover, hydronic radiant flooring costs more than a forced air system. In addition, the cost of retrofitting a radiant heating system is higher than a new installation, as the entire system and the covering have to be changed. These factors will limit the radiant heating and cooling systems market growth during the forecast period. Market challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! What are the key data covered in this radiant heating and cooling systems market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information about factors that will drive the growth of the radiant heating and cooling systems market between 2022 and 2026 Precise estimation of the size of the radiant heating and cooling systems market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the radiant heating and cooling systems market across Europe , North America , 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 radiant heating and cooling systems market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The heat interface units market size is estimated to increase by USD 279.8 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.56%. This report extensively covers heat interface units market segmentation by product (indirect HIU and direct HIU) and geography (Europe, APAC, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The commercial water heaters market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.25% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 3,068.01 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (electric water heater, gas water heater, and solar water heater), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems Market Scope Report Coverage Details Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.32% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 2.21 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2021-2022 (%) 7.16 Regional analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 45% Key countries US, Canada, Germany, UK, and France Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled BDR Thermea Group BV, Celsun Ecoenergy And Infratech Holdings Private, Danfoss AS, DL Radiators SRL, Emerson Electric Co., Groupe Atlantic, INFLOOR, Integro Engineers Pvt Ltd., J. R. Industrial Heaters, MrPEX Systems, Radiantec, REHAU Group, Robert Bosch GmbH, Roth Werke GmbH, Sigma Combustion Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Technobel India, Ultra Fin, Uponor Corp., Watts Water Technologies Inc., and Zehnder Group AG 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 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 Technology Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Technology 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Technology - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Technology - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Technology Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Technology Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Technology 5.3 Hydronic - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Hydronic - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Hydronic - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Hydronic - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Hydronic - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Electric - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Electric - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Electric - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Electric - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Electric - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Technology Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Technology ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 82: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 83: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 84: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 85: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 86: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 87: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 88: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 BDR Thermea Group BV Exhibit 89: BDR Thermea Group BV - Overview Exhibit 90: BDR Thermea Group BV - Key offerings 10.4 Danfoss AS Exhibit 91: Danfoss AS - Overview Exhibit 92: Danfoss AS - Business segments Exhibit 93: Danfoss AS - Key news Exhibit 94: Danfoss AS - Key offerings Exhibit 95: Danfoss AS - Segment focus 10.5 DL Radiators SRL Exhibit 96: DL Radiators SRL - Overview Exhibit 97: DL Radiators SRL - Product / Service Exhibit 98: DL Radiators SRL - Key offerings 10.6 Emerson Electric Co. Exhibit 99: Emerson Electric Co. - Overview Exhibit 100: Emerson Electric Co. - Business segments Exhibit 101: Emerson Electric Co. - Key news Exhibit 102: Emerson Electric Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 103: Emerson Electric Co. - Segment focus 10.7 Groupe Atlantic Exhibit 104: Groupe Atlantic - Overview Exhibit 105: Groupe Atlantic - Product / Service Exhibit 106: Groupe Atlantic - Key offerings 10.8 MrPEX Systems Exhibit 107: MrPEX Systems - Overview Exhibit 108: MrPEX Systems - Product / Service Exhibit 109: MrPEX Systems - Key offerings 10.9 REHAU Group Exhibit 110: REHAU Group - Overview Exhibit 111: REHAU Group - Product / Service Exhibit 112: REHAU Group - Key offerings 10.10 Robert Bosch GmbH Exhibit 113: Robert Bosch GmbH - Overview Exhibit 114: Robert Bosch GmbH - Business segments Exhibit 115: Robert Bosch GmbH - Key news Exhibit 116: Robert Bosch GmbH - Key offerings Exhibit 117: Robert Bosch GmbH - Segment focus 10.11 Uponor Corp. Exhibit 118: Uponor Corp. - Overview Exhibit 119: Uponor Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 120: Uponor Corp. - Key news Exhibit 121: Uponor Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 122: Uponor Corp. - Segment focus 10.12 Zehnder Group AG Exhibit 123: Zehnder Group AG - Overview Exhibit 124: Zehnder Group AG - Business segments Exhibit 125: Zehnder Group AG - Key offerings Exhibit 126: Zehnder Group AG - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 127: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 128: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 129: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 130: Research methodology Exhibit 131: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 132: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 133: 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 Franchising Expert Invests in America's Largest Bathroom Remodeler to Expand in New York Territories NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Re-Bath, the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise, has announced a two-territory signed agreement in the New York market servicing Suffolk County, Long Island and Westchester County, New York. With large retailer partnerships contributing to the brand's growth and market share gains driving nearly a 31% YOY increase in systemwide sales, prospective franchisees are flocking to the franchise opportunity. Leadership sees vast opportunity for growth in the East Coast, with more than eight available territories across New York. Behind the signed agreement is veteran franchise owner Jim Berardi, now a multi-brand and multi-unit franchise owner with the addition of two Re-Bath Franchise territories. Notably, he's previously been a top owner with N-Hance Wood Refinishing. In 2022, Berardi won the N-Hance Service Excellence Award out of 140 franchisees for the best service experience, and has been nominated for the Rising Star award in 2021 and 2022. Being in the home service industry for over 14 years, Berardi currently owns multiple home service businesses and is looking for additional opportunity to expand his franchising success insert Re-Bath. In addition to providing homeowners with expert, affordable, and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions, Berardi is especially interested in, and dedicated to, providing the elderly with accessibility bathroom solutions for those who are seeking to stay in their homes and gracefully age in place. "By investing in Re-Bath, I want to provide a professional bathroom remodeling experience to those aging in place with an easy bathroom remodel from design to completion in half the time than our competitors," said Berardi. "With Re-Bath's national notoriety and established culture, I am truly excited to invest in a franchise that has an immense amount of support for their franchisees." As the largest bathroom remodeling company in the United States, Re-Bath has established a proven business model, unparalleled franchise office support, and an infrastructure for growth as it continues to seek strategic franchise partners to expand its footprint nationwide. "Jim Berardi has proven to be the perfect addition to our brand with his past success in the home service industry," said Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath. "We are excited to have him join our franchise system and continue to expand the New York area. There is great opportunity for continued growth across the region with a large population we currently aren't reaching." With this signed agreement, development is set to launch in May in Suffolk County, Long Island and in Westchester County, NY (which includes Westchester County, Rockland, and Putnam Counties). Re-Bath is additionally looking for franchise partners to expand into the five boroughs of New York City (The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island) with possible development in a total of five territories, one territory per borough. Leadership also sees opportunity available for potential franchisees to invest in upstate New York in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester. Helping fuel these development efforts is newly appointed Vice President of Franchise Development, Adam Petersen, who joins the team with over 15 years of sales experience and over 10 years of experience in the franchise industry. The impressive growth achieved by the brand has not gone unnoticed as Re-Bath recently earned the No. 283 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Re-Bath also ranked No. 2 on Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 Nationals List and was recognized as No. 1 in the "Best Bathroom Renovations" category on Bob Vila's 2022 Best Home Improvement Contractors of 2022 Ranking. The franchise is building off this momentum for repeated success throughout 2023, with a goal of awarding 25 franchise agreements while strengthening performance and same-store-sales. For more information on Re-Bath and franchise opportunities, visit www.rebathfranchise.com/ or call 888-454-8842. About Re-Bath Re-Bath is the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise that has grown to more than 100 locations across the country. The parent company's first entry in the bathroom remodeling industry occurred in 1978 and focused on the hospitality sector. In 1991, Re-Bath launched its first franchise location to focus on the residential market. The company offers complete bathroom remodels, tub and shower updates, plus aging and accessibility solutions. From simple bathtub replacements to complete bathroom redesigns, Re-Bath makes bathroom remodeling effortless, convenient and affordable, all with professional, friendly and factory-trained installers. Re-Bath is a one-stop service that covers the entire process from design to done in three easy steps: consultation, removal, and installation. Re-Bath assembles its own exclusive line of products at its headquarters located in Phoenix, Ariz., and offers best-in-class products from national brands for its customers. For more information, please visit www.rebath.com or www.rebathfranchise.com for more details on the franchise opportunity. Media Contact: Kelly Hammond, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected] SOURCE Re-Bath Rheem Recognized for Energy-Efficient Offerings and Robust Sustainability Initiatives ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rheem, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products, has received the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award. This marks the third successive year that ENERGY STAR has recognized Rheem as a Partner of the Year. Rheem earns third consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year honor. The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award honors companies that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment. Award winners lead their industries with energy-efficient products and services to provide substantial savings in homes, buildings and facilities. Rheem offers an extensive line of high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR certified heating, cooling and water heating products that help homeowners and businesses reduce their energy usage and greenhouse gas footprint. Rheem's A Greater Degree of Good initiative ensures that sustainability is embedded in every facet of the organizationfrom Rheem's products to its people and manufacturing processes. "As we accelerate historic efforts to address climate change, public-private partnerships will be essential to realizing the scale of our ambition," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "I applaud this year's ENERGY STAR award winners for working with EPA to deliver a clean energy future that saves American consumers and businesses money and creates jobs." "Receiving this honor for the third consecutive year is a testament to Rheem's genuine commitment to sustainability," said Mike Branson, president, Rheem Global Air. "Innovating energy efficiency into our products' DNA is a top priority for improving our global environmental impact. Today and every day, we are proud to be an ENERGY STAR partner." "We take the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award seriously at Rheem, because it affirms our belief that sustained excellence, indeed, will make a major difference for our contractors, consumers and most importantly, the next generations to inhabit our planet," said Rich Bendure, president, Rheem Global Water. "Not only are we designing ENERGY STAR certified products, we are also refining our manufacturing processesend to endto ensure we are leading the decarbonization revolution from the workplace to the marketplace. We are thrilled to have trained over a quarter of a million plumbers and contractors over the past four years on sustainability and high-efficiency products and applications." Innovating with intent and engineering environmentally friendly solutions has set the course for Rheem to bring groundbreaking products to market. Rheem has been recognized for designing for decarbonization by developing heating, cooling and water heating products that use alternatives to fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions. In addition, Rheem showcases the benefits of ENERGY STAR certified products to plumbers, contractors, consumers and end-users across the nation through its training, marketing and product guides. Award recipients are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about the ENERGY STAR awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners. About Rheem Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is the global leader in the manufacture of high-quality, sustainable, and innovative water heaters, tankless water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, pool heaters, and HVAC systems for residential and commercial applications. Paloma Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988. Today, the company's portfolio of premium brands includes Rheem, Intergas, Friedrich, Raypak, Ruud, Eemax and Richmond, as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell, Witt, ColdZone and Kramer, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) division. About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts. SOURCE Rheem NEW YORK, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) between October 28, 2020 and March 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 15, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Norfolk Southern securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Norfolk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12322 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 15, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: During the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's Precision Scheduled Railroading ("PSR"), including its use of longer, heavier trains staffed by fewer personnel, had led to the Company suffering increased train derailments and a materially increased risk of future derailments; (2) the Company's PSR, including its use of longer, heavier trains staffed by fewer personnel, was part of a culture of increased risk-taking at the expense of reasonable safety precautions due to the Company's near-term focus solely on profits; (3) the Company's PSR, including its use of longer, heavier trains staffed by fewer personnel, rendered the Company more vulnerable to train derailments and train derailments with potentially more severe human, financial, legal, and environmental consequences; (4) the Company's capital spending and replacement programs were designed to prioritize profits over the Company's ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable rail transportation services; (5) the Company's lobbying efforts had undermined the Company's ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable rail transportation services; (6) the Company's commitment to reducing operating expenses as part of its PSR goals undermined worker safety and the Company's purported "commitment to an injury free workplace" because the Company's PSR plan prioritized reducing expenses through fewer personnel, longer trains, and less spending on safety training, technology, and equipment such as hot bearing wayside detectors (a/k/a "hotboxes") and acoustic sensors; (7) the Company's rail services were, as a result of its adoption of PSR principles, more susceptible to accidents that could cause serious economic and bodily harm to the Company, the Company's workers, the Company's customers, third parties, and the environment; (8) the Company had failed to put in place responsive practices and procedures to minimize the threat to communities in the event that these communities suffered the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous and toxic materials; and (9) as a result, defendants' Class Period statements detailed above regarding the safety of Norfolk Southern's operations were materially false and/or misleading. To join the Norfolk Southern class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12322 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Made with just seven fresh ingredients, Saucy Gourmet contains no added sugars and is offered in four unique flavors with varying heat profiles: Chipotle Salsa, Classic Salsa, Habanero Salsa, and the newly released Salsa Verde, which will hit shelves across the country in the new year. It can be enjoyed as a dip, marinade or cooking sauce. "I want people to be able to create and enjoy memorable meals to share with their friends and family." "I set out to create the freshest tasting salsas and sauces in the market. I want people to be able to create and enjoy memorable meals to share with their friends and family," says founder Chef David Blonsky. Following the success of the original products, Saucy Gourmet's new Salsa Verde flavor, a mild 6-ingredient addition to the product line, will soon be available both online and in stores. "After creating Saucy's original recipes, I realized that the most underrated salsa, Salsa Verde, needed a place in the market. All ingredients are slow roasted and blended together to make the most amazing and versatile Salsa Verde available," says Chef Blonsky. Saucy Gourmet products are purchasable all across the Southern Region in 1200 top grocery stores including Publix, Ingles Market, PSK Supermarkets, and, of course, Whole Foods. Soon, Saucy Gourmet will be available in Texas and throughout the Northeast as the brand expands into multiple regions in 2023. For those major hot sauce enthusiasts, Saucy Gourmet offers a monthly Salsa Subscription Box packaged for the holidays. For more information, visit saucygourmet.com. ABOUT SAUCY Chef David Blonsky is a South Florida based chef and founder of Saucy Gourmet. After dedicating much time to the world of catering and the restaurant business, Blonsky founded Saucy Gourmet in 2019. His amazing Gourmet Foods are available all across the Southern Region in over 1200 top grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Publix Supermarket, Ingles Market, PSK Supermarkets, along with establishing a strong push into the Food Service industry. Media Contact: Paulina Lalanne [email protected] SOURCE Saucy Gourmet PARIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scharf Investments, a Partner of iM Global Partner, has been awarded a significant investment mandate (US$400+ million) from a well-known Nordic pension fund for one of its core equity strategies, the Scharf Global Opportunity Strategy. The strategy is a concentrated global portfolio of around 30 stocks and seeks to deliver outstanding long-term risk-adjusted returns using a quality value, fundamental and bottom-up approach. The strategy was first launched in the US in 2014 as the Scharf Global Opportunity Fund (WRLDX) and was rated 5 stars by Morningstar as of 31 December 2022. Since inception, the fund has consistently been ranked highly and was in the top 4% of the 40-act Global Large-Stock Value category as of 31 December 2022. In addition, iMGP's internal analysis shows that this fund offered better risk-adjusted returns than its ten largest peers in the US, since its launch in October 2014, with the best Sharpe ratio and less drawdown. This strategy has also recently been made available to investors in a UCITS format, via the iMGP Global Concentrated Equity Fund. Jamie Hammond, iM Global Partner, Deputy CEO, Head of International Distribution, commented: "We're delighted that this strategy has been recognized by one of the largest pension funds in the Nordic Region. Their due diligence process was robust and thorough, and Scharf's appointment is a testament to their process and results. We are seeing a lot of interest in this strategy from clients in Europe. We believe that, given the uncertain outlook for investment markets in 2023, Scharf's time-tested quality approach is reassuring for investors since they have proven themselves in difficult markets." Brian Krawez, President of Scharf Investments and Lead Portfolio Manager said: "We are immensely grateful for the trust and confidence this premier institutional client has placed in us, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to serve them. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated team members at Scharf Investments, whose hard work and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in delivering exceptional results for clients. We would also like to thank iM Global Partner for their role in this significant achievement. We are committed to delivering outstanding results for clients and we look forward to continuing to work together towards this goal." Philippe Couvrecelle, CEO and founder of iM Global Partner said: "This mandate is strong recognition of the differentiated approach that Scharf Investments offers. This business success story illustrates the strength of the partnership between iM Global Partner and Scharf Investments." Link to the full press release: https://www.imgp.com/uploads/mediacenter/641c2800eddd3_Scharf%20Global%20Equity%20strategy%20attracts%20Nordic%20investor_V6_final.pdf Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1957526/iM_Global_Partner_Logo.jpg SOURCE iM Global Partner SEATTLE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CHEQ today announced a new partnership with the Seattle Mariners to deliver premium mobile experiences at T-Mobile Park. CHEQ Selected By Seattle Mariners To Launch Premium Mobile Experiences At T-Mobile Park Tweet this SEATTLE MARINERS SELECT HOMETOWN PARTNER CHEQ TO LAUNCH PREMIUM MOBILE EXPERIENCES AT T-MOBILE PARK As part of the partnership, CHEQ will power mobile ordering and premium in-seat delivery services inside the Diamond Club and Press Club for the upcoming 2023 MLB season. The Mariners are rolling out a brand new Comforts Menu inside the club areas, which will feature items to enhance the fan experience such as blankets, phone chargers, sunscreen, gloves, and more. In the future, CHEQ and the Mariners will work together to provide a broad mobile order service where fans will be able to select a pickup option for general concessions at the ballpark. "Providing a first-class fan experience is a top priority for our organization," said Malcolm Rogel, Seattle Mariners Vice President, Fan Experience. "CHEQ shares in our commitment to innovation, and we're excited to provide our fans with a seamless mobile platform to enhance their gameday experience at T-Mobile Park." CHEQ Chief Revenue Officer & Co-Founder, Jake Stone stated, "We are thrilled to team up with the Mariners and provide valuable enhancements to the ordering process. Growing up in Seattle, I have fond memories of spending many afternoons at the ballpark, and we're excited to enrich that experience for Mariners fans and integrate our technology into this wonderful community." CHEQ recently announced a partnership with the Minnesota Twins earlier this month and has been a Miami Marlins partner since 2021. The Seattle Mariners will host the 2023 MLB All Star Game presented by Mastercard at T-Mobile Park this season. ABOUT CHEQ CHEQ is the world's first social payments platform, connecting consumers and businesses to create frictionless, amazing in-person experiences. CHEQ's universal ordering and payment app can be used by restaurants, stadiums, hotels, and more to make transactions fun, easy, and worry- free. Users can even send food and drinks directly to their friends from anywhere in the world. CHEQ lets venues retain their unique branding within the app and keep their direct relationships with their guests. For more information on CHEQ, please visit www.cheqplease.com. CHEQ Media Contact Carma Connected; [email protected] SOURCE Cheq Inc. Core business grew steadily and profitability continued to improve Results Highlights Revenue amounted to approximately RMB10,265.2 million , representing a significant increase of 25.6%, among which revenue from external customers* grew 28.3%; , representing a significant increase of 25.6%, among which revenue from external customers* grew 28.3%; Achieved rapid increases in gross profit and gross profit margin, which amounted to approximately RMB413.4 million and 4.0%, respectively; and 4.0%, respectively; Net loss decreased 68.1% to approximately RMB286.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 ; Net loss margin narrowed from 11.0% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2022, which continuously improved over the years; for the year ended ; Net loss margin narrowed from 11.0% in 2021 to 2.8% in 2022, which continuously improved over the years; Revenue from the intra-city delivery service increased by 28.7% to approximately RMB6,548.4 million ; ; In 2022, the number of annual active merchants on the platform reached 330,000, representing a YoY growth of 27.7%, with over 3,600 branded customers served cumulatively. The revenue from same-city delivery services for consumers was approximately RMB 1,898.7 million , an increase of 57.3% YoY. The annual active consumer base continued to expand, reaching over 15.6 million, an increase of 47.5% YoY; , an increase of 57.3% YoY. The annual active consumer base continued to expand, reaching over 15.6 million, an increase of 47.5% YoY; Revenue from the last-mile delivery service increased by 19.9% to approximately RMB3,680.4 million in 2022; in 2022; Despite the uncertainties of economic environment and the pandemic, the Group adhered to its goal of pursuing long-term sustainable and high-quality growth and demonstrated robust business resilience by steadily expanding its business while continuing to improve its financial performance significantly. *Revenue from external customers refers to revenue attributable to independent third parties of the Company, which excludes revenue attributable to the SF Holding Group and its associates HONG KONG, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou SF Intra-city Industrial Co., Ltd. ("SF Intra-city" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 9699.HK), the largest third-party on-demand delivery service provider in China, announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2022 (the "Reporting Period"). During the Reporting Period, the Group adhered to its goal of pursuing long-term sustainable and high-quality growth. The Group demonstrated robust business resilience by steadily expanding its business while continuing to improve its financial performance significantly. During the Reporting Period, SF Intra-city's revenue increased significantly by 25.6% to approximately RMB10,265.2 million; gross profit recorded a threefold increase from approximately RMB94.8 million in 2021 to approximately RMB413.4 million; gross profit margin substantially increased from 1.2% in 2021 to 4.0%. The Company's net loss was approximately RMB286.9 million, down by 68.1% YoY, and the net loss margin narrowed by 8.2 percentage points over the same period. The management of SF Intra-city said, "Despite the uncertainties of economic environment and the pandemic in 2022, the Group has broadened its sources of revenue growth and strengthened risk resilience, which was attributable to the diversification of revenue structure under the multi-scenario business model. With further enhancement of economies of scale, the Group has consistently refined the operations to increase efficiency and reduce costs, resulting in a significant improvement in profitability. The Group showed impressive improvement in financial performance for four consecutive years." The intra-city delivery services for both merchants and consumers greatly improved, adhering to business independence and openness to promote the new consumption ecology During the Reporting Period, the Group's intra-city on-demand delivery services included: (1) intra-city delivery services for merchants and consumers, and (2) last-mile delivery services. Revenue from the intra-city delivery service increased significantly by 28.7% to approximately RMB6,548.4 million compared to 2021. During the Reporting Period, the Group's full-scenario and differentiated network capabilities were well-positioned to meet the diversified on-demand service needs of merchants in the food and beverage and the non-food industries. By helping consumers from various industries explore differentiated fulfillment standards and service experiences, accumulating industry insights, the Group has solidified its advantage in experience and delivery capabilities on customer brands and the Group's business base, forming an industry solution with differentiated competitive barriers. Therefore, among the intra-city delivery services, (i) the consumer habit of "what you see is what you get" is accelerating, non-food delivery scenario had strong performance, and revenue achieved a YoY growth of 29.2% to approximately RMB 2,417.4 million; (ii) continues to provide consumers with the Group's industry-leading and professional on demand delivery services and personal errand services resulting in a 57.3% YoY growth in revenue to approximately RMB 1,898.7 million; and (iii) further extension of the Group's reach to markets in lower-tier cities, counties, and towns, resulting in a YoY revenue growth of 36.5% to approximately RMB 2,285.1 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Group's network covered approximately 2,000 cities and counties nationwide, and the number of cities and counties with 24-hour operation increased by over 80% YoY to over 1,300 cities. The scale of intra-city delivery services for merchants maintained healthy growth, achieving a revenue of approximately RMB 4,649.7 million for the reporting period, increased 19.8% YoY. This was mainly due to the extensive cooperation with merchants as well as the Group's open and inclusive on demand delivery network, and the professional, efficient, and multi-scenario solutions. In 2022, the Group has approximately 330,000 annual active merchants on the platform, representing a YoY growth of 27.7%, with over 3,600 branded customers served cumulatively. The Group also developed new cooperation with branded customers such as Mixue Bingcheng (), Chayan Yuese (), vivo and Chando () during the year. During the Reporting Period, the Group also formally entered the first partnership with Douyin Life Services () to become one of the major on-demand delivery service providers to access Douyin's "group purchase and delivery" () to meet the diverse and omni-channel delivery needs of merchants on the platform, to improve the delivery efficiency and to provide the users with the "see-now-buy-now-get-now" experience. SF Intra-city continued to strengthen its cooperation with WeChat and its connection to the WeChat eco-system through various channels such as the real-time logistics assistant (), the accounts ledger services (), and the takeaways delivery locator (), thereby providing the merchants with a closed-loop cycle of "business traffic + on-demand delivery" +. In 2022, high-value-added scenario revenues such as local e-commerce and local services maintained a high growth rate, with a YoY growth rate of over 50%; representative categories such as tea and beverages, convenience stores, tobacco and alcohol, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, 3C electronics and pets supplies all saw revenue growth of over 100% YoY. The Group also strategically cooperated with participants of SF Holding Group ecosystem to devise integrated supply chain solutions for merchants, namely "front-end warehousing + mid-end trunk + intra-city on-demand delivery". In 2022, the Group's service to Credit Customers with S F Holding Group led to a contribution of approximately RMB190.2 million in the external revenue, representing a YoY growth of 94.5%. Revenue from intra-city delivery to consumers was approximately RMB 1,898.7 million for the reporting period, increased by 57.3% YoY. The number of annual active consumers continued to expand to more than 15.6 million during the year, representing an increase of 47.5% YoY. The increase in revenue was mainly due to the strongly cultivating consumption habits of "what you see is what you get" and broader consumer base; and the confidence and trust gained from customers through the provision of quality service. The Group's "Deliver for Me, Fetch for Me, Purchase for Me, Solve for Me" services covered personal work and life scenarios such as daily errands, medical and healthcare, and business agency services. These services helped to shape the consumers' mindset that "SF Intra-city is the best delivery choice for urgent and valuable items". During the Reporting Period, the Group strengthened the brand marketing to consumers by working with the partner merchants during festivals and popular activities to broaden users' reach. The Group also extended the channels to attract new consumers and optimized the marketing tactics to improve customer acquisition efficiency and conversion rate of new users. In 2022, as an increasing number of consumers recognized SF Intra-city's "fast and reliable"() service, the revenue from the running errands business that covered "fetching, delivering, purchasing and solving plus" (+) services had doubled. Moreover, we continued to extend the personal service scenarios, such as partnering with local governments in the elderly care sector to provide quality community services. Last-mile delivery service quickly rebounded under the receding impact of pandemic During the reporting period, last-mile delivery service started to see a rapid recovery after the pandemic impact receded and recorded a revenue increase of 19.9% to approximately RMB 3,680.4 million. The Group's last-mile delivery service enabled us to further expand our network and achieve network effect and improve economies of scale, it has also enhanced riders' income, strengthened riders' long-term loyalty, and reduced our fulfilment cost. This service also acts as a flexible supplement to all aspects of logistics service providers to address the mismatch between order volume and delivery capacity, to improve the operational efficiency and reduce delivery cost. Furthermore, the Group deepened the cooperation scenarios with key customers and product innovation, so that they were able to better cope with the peak order periods such as Double 11 and Double 12 Shopping Festivals, as well as the tight courier capacity at the end of the year. Successful deployment of real-time logistics system to establish smart delivery network The Group's City Logistics System ("CLS") has three core functions, namely business forecasting and planning, integrated order recommendation and dispatching and real-time operation monitoring, which enable us to optimize riders' scheduling in different industries and scenarios across complex delivery networks. During the Reporting Period, the number of active riders on the platform continued to grow to over 780,000 with an increase of 29.4% YoY. The Company's highly efficient real-time order dispatching system supports the complex delivery network, which has different layers of geographical coverage, including store level, business district level and city level. With the threefold delivery network above, the Group is able to dynamically and flexibly adjust the dispatch of orders, shorten delivery time and lower delivery costs. Based on the accumulation of the technology capabilities, we launched the "SF lntra-city Delivery Cloud" () SaaS real-time logistics system to provide one-stop intra-city logistics solutions for delivery service providers and brands with self-delivery business. In order to further improve the delivery capability and deployment of smart delivery network, the Group successfully launched the on-demand drone delivery service, providing a new service experience for the customers and the merchants. Looking forward to 2023, the management of SF lntra-city said, "As part of the intra-city delivery infrastructure, we will strive to seize the opportunities arising from multi-channel traffic, local retail development and third party on demand delivery service. We will fully leverage on our own advantages and continue to focus on high-quality growth, improved profitability, and steady development. The services go beyond the delivery. Based on the trend of "bring all you need to your side"(), the demands and scenarios of intra-city on-demand delivery services are increasingly diversified. We have also been striving to expand the service boundaries, and to become an open platform for local lifestyle service that connects all parties to create a new business model consisting of local service together, with a view to achieving the mission of "bring enjoyable lifestyle to your fingertips" and create value for our customers and society." SOURCE SF Intra-city Record round is backed by a group of renowned international investors, including 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche SE, UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures USD 165m ( EUR 155m ) Series C marks the largest SpaceTech financing round in 2023 globally ( ) Series C marks the largest SpaceTech financing round in 2023 globally Funding round underscores investor confidence in Isar Aerospace's vision and proprietary technology and supports the company in its mission to become market leader in space industry Series C enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle MUNICH, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace today announced the closing of its USD 165m (EUR 155m) Series C round. To date in 2023, this is the largest SpaceTech financing round globally and one of the largest European DeepTech fundraises. The round is backed by 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital via its Scale Up Fund Bavaria, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures. Investors Porsche SE and HV Capital will join Isar Aerospace's Advisory Board together with 7-Industries Holding joining in an observer capacity. Part of the funds provided by the private investors is backed by the European Union and regional programs managed by the European Investment Fund, such as InvestEU and the German Future Fund. Isar Aerospaces launch vehicle Spectrum lifting off The funding enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up the cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle. It will also enable the scaling of its proven production capabilities to serve the company's strong order book for launches of small and medium-sized satellites as global demand rises. At the same time, the Series C will allow the company to keep investing in developments for new initiatives and products, and to continue building on its vertical integration, especially its automated production capabilities that significantly lower the cost of building rockets. Daniel Metzler, Co-Founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace explains: "The strong interest and commitment from our international investors signals their confidence in our vision and technological capabilities. Today, and even more so tomorrow, space technologies are key to enabling innovation, technology and security. Isar Aerospace offers the access to space that is urgently needed for commercial, institutional and government customers. This financing round marks another important step on our journey to orbit." David Kownator, Chief Financial Officer of Isar Aerospace, adds: "We are thrilled to have concluded this round of financing in a difficult global market environment, building on strong investor demand and the company's steady progress, at an increased valuation compared to our Series B in July 2021." The record round underlines Isar Aerospace's leading position in the commercial space industry. At the same time, it highlights the company's role in strengthening Europe's capabilities for consistent, flexible, and cost-efficient access to space for commercial and institutional customers worldwide. With a total financing amount raised of more than USD 330m (EUR 310m), Isar Aerospace is the most capitalized independent New Space company in the European Union. Bulent Altan, Chairman of the Advisory Board and seed investor in Isar Aerospace, says: "The undeniably most common building block of any space application is reliable and affordable access to orbit. Isar Aerospace is a catalyst for the tremendous growth of the sector. With a crisp and fast execution, focus on quality, and establishing capabilities for future volume production, Isar Aerospace is emerging as a strong leader in the space economy. I am extremely pleased to have been a part of the journey from day one and look forward to the upcoming first launches." Full vertical integration, solid customer pipeline Since its creation in 2018, Isar Aerospace has established itself as a technological leader, having developed proprietary know-how through full vertical integration, owning design, production, and testing operations entirely in-house. Its manufacturing facility, established in Munich, provides maximum reliability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. The high degree of automation allows for future scalability to serve increasing market demand. Isar Aerospace has signed firm contracts with customers globally, including major commercial players, New Space companies, and government institutions. The company's flight manifest is already fully booked for its first years of operations, demonstrating its strong positioning as a provider of cost-efficient access to specific orbits for the deployment of constellations and targeted use cases. Targeting the inaugural flight in the second half of 2023 Isar Aerospace started the production of the maiden flight vehicle while entering the qualification stages for its vehicle systems. The entirely in-house developed and manufactured Aquila engine is undergoing engine testing and qualification. At the same time, the company is finalizing the build-up of its launch infrastructure at the launch site in Andya, Norway, from where the inaugural flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum, which is planned for the second half of 2023, will take place. Strengthening Europe's capabilities to access orbit Access to space is key to unlocking the innovation potential for technologies urgently needed to address climate change, ensure secure and efficient connectivity, and improve critical infrastructure globally. With 2022 serving as a wake-up call for Europe's geopolitical role, decision-makers have prioritized the advancement of European sovereign access to space, as the continent aims to ensure its global competitiveness. Isar Aerospace will significantly contribute to materializing independent capabilities for accessing space. By developing and building launch vehicles that will transport small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Earth's orbit, companies, institutions, and governments globally will be empowered to improve their capabilities and services in Earth observation, telecommunications, agriculture, disaster management, transportation, environmental monitoring and protection, scientific research, and defense applications. About Isar Aerospace Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn/Munich, develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth's orbit. The company was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of Technical University Munich. Since then, it has grown to more than 300 employees from more than 40 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how and experience within other high-tech industries. More information via: www.isaraerospace.com About the Investors of Isar Aerospace's Series C Funding Round 7-Industries Holding 7-Industries Holding B.V, the family office of Ruthi Wertheimer, specializes in long term minority investments in entrepreneur or family led advanced and industrial technology companies. More information: www.7-industries.nl Bayern Kapital Bayern Kapital GmbH, based in Landshut (Germany), is the venture/growth capital company of the Free State of Bavaria. It supports innovative high-tech companies in Bavaria through their various growth phases, from seed to later stage, with equity capital. More information: www.bayernkapital.de Earlybird Venture Capital Earlybird Venture Capital focuses on European technology companies. Founded in 1997, Earlybird identifies and backs exceptional early-stage companies on a pan-European basis and supports them through their growth and development phases providing financial resources, strategic support, plus access to an international network and capital markets. More information: www.earlybird.com HV Capital HV Capital is one of the leading early-stage and growth investors in Europe, looking for the next generation of disruptors from every industry, including FinTech, SaaS, climate tech, and consumer goods. HV Capital supports startups with ticket sizes ranging from 500,000 to 50 million and is one of the few venture capital firms in Europe that can finance startups through all growth phases, aiming at partnering with them for long term and sustained growth. More information: https://www.hvcapital.com/ Lakestar Lakestar's mission is to find, fund and grow disruptive businesses that are enabled by technology and founded by exceptional entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Founded by Klaus Hommels, the team's early investments include Skype, Spotify, Facebook and Airbnb. Since raising its first fund in 2012, Lakestar manages an aggregated volume of over 2.8bn across three early stage funds and a growth fund. More information: https://lakestar.com/ Lombard Odier Investment Managers At Lombard Odier Investment Managers, we are rethinkers with one goal in mind. To be an active manager creating sustainable value for clients through innovative investment solutions. More information: www.lombardodier.com Porsche Automobil Holding SE Porsche SE is a holding company with investments in the areas of mobility and industrial technology. In particular, it holds the majority of the ordinary shares in Volkswagen AG and 25 percent plus one share of the ordinary shares in Porsche AG. More information: www.porsche-se.com UVC Partners UVC Partners is a leading Munich- and Berlin-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in European B2B tech start-ups from pre-seed to series A. The portfolio includes category leaders in deep tech, climate tech, hard- and software, and mobility with various technologies and business models. More information: www.uvcpartners.com Vsquared Ventures Vsquared backs entrepreneurs who engineer seemingly impossible solutions to the world's most challenging problems. With our deep-tech funds, we partner with global leaders such as Group14 Technologies, Isar Aerospace, Zama AI, and IQM Quantum Computers. We firmly believe that the next-gen champions are emerging out of Europe's unique market and tech potential. More information: https://vsquared.vc/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041940/isar_aerospace_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041941/Isar_Aerospace_launch.jpg SOURCE Isar Aerospace President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the head of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi, for supporting Ukraine. On Monday they met in Zaporizhia. "The topic is clear: the security of our energy industry, our nuclear plants. First of all, the Zaporizhia NPP, which Russia still uses for radiation blackmail of the world," Zelenskyy said in a video message on Monday. "No other terrorist has reached such depths in his cynicism, in which Russia constantly seeks and finds a new bottom. Holding a nuclear power plant hostage for more than a year is the worst thing that could happen in the history of the European and in general global nuclear energy sector," he said. "The longer the Russian occupation of the ZNPP continues, the greater will be the threat to the security of Ukraine, the whole of Europe and the world. I am grateful to our partners, grateful to Grossi for understanding this and for supporting Ukraine in the relevant issues," the president said. SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. During 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and the sixth leading cause of death for ages 35-54 in Illinois. On March 28, 2023, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will meet with lawmakers to urge them to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health initiatives for Illinois residents, including: Implementing 9-8-8 and CESSA SB 1403/HB 1364 (Fine/Guzzardi) 988 Task Force HB 3230 (LaPointe) Behavioral Health Crisis Care In 2022 the U.S. transitioned from its existing ten-digit crisis help line to the three-digit 9-8-8 crisis line. At the same time, Illinois began implementing the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA), 50 ILCS 754, which creates a mobile behavioral health crisis response system in our state that enables mental health professionals to respond to those in a behavioral health crisis rather than police. Considerable work still needs to be done to integrate these two programs into the 9-1-1- system and ensure stable funding for call centers and the mobile crisis response system. These bills create processes to study the current operation of these systems as well as other states' best practices and develop recommendations for funding to support a sustainable and comprehensive continuum of services for a behavioral health crisis. Access to care HB 2847 (LaPointe) Mental Health Equity Access & Prevention Act Treatment for behavioral health conditions should be subject to insurance coverage similar to coverage for physical health conditions. This bill addresses several parity issues, including improving coverage for out-of-network services and mental health and wellness prevention visits, and the establishment of a Department of Public Health education campaign on coverage changes and mental health awareness. Funding for DPH suicide prevention. AFSP supports the proposed FY2024 Budget of the Governor that appropriates $750,000 to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the Suicide Prevention, Education and Treatment Programs. This advocacy is more important than ever, according to the 2021 data from the CDC, 48,183 people died by suicide, up 4.79% from 45,979 in 2020. "AFSP's advocates each have compelling personal stories to share with their legislators. They have lost someone they love to suicide, are supporting someone struggling against suicide or are themselves experiencing suicidality," said Steve Moore, AFSP Illinois chapter Board Member and Public Policy Chair. "Their personal experience gives them a unique perspective on the need for an effective behavioral health crisis system and affordable access to behavioral health care." The AFSP Illinois State Capitol Day is a meaningful day for those advocating for change who have a connection with, or a personal story on, the topic of suicide. Advocates meet with their public officials to make the case for policy changes backed by research. The goal of these conversations is to help lawmakers understand that investments in mental health and suicide prevention can and do save lives. AFSP Illinois advocates are part of a larger national movement of thousands of AFSP volunteer advocates who will visit state capitals across the United States in spring 2023. In 2020, 73.1% of the United States did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents, according to federal guidelines. Among adults with a diagnosed mental health condition, 43.8% did not receive mental health services in 2021. In 2022, AFSP conducted a Harris Poll in which more than half of respondents said that not knowing HOW to get help keeps people from seeking help and only 1-in-3 people say they can identify the warning signs. AFSP advocates will raise awareness of the state actions, resources, and investments needed to support the thousands of Illinois residents affected by suicide and mental health conditions each year. To learn more about AFSP's advocacy efforts, visit afsp.org/advocacy. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. This year, AFSP recognizes 35 years of service to the cause. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ST. EDWARD, Neb., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent partnership between BigIron Auctions and Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company, drove one of the largest consignment auctions in the company's history with 1,600 lots. After two of the largest online ag equipment auction companies combined forces in July 2022, BigIron Auctions and Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company, solidified their position as one of the largest unreserved online auction businesses serving rural America. With locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska and more than 500 thousand registered bidders the combined organization drives price performance for their sellers, while providing bidders access to equipment across the United States. Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company, Drives One Of The Largest Consignment Auctions In Company's History Tweet this During the week of March 20, 2023 the combined organization sold over 40 million in Agricultural and construction equipment, Farmland, Livestock, Trucks and classic cars. The legendary Sullivan consignment auction in Hamilton, IL brought sellers from hundreds of miles away. This two day event featured equipment from estates, implement dealers and other national partners. "Listings continue to come in at a record pace, and it's our responsibility to ensure we provide bidders, buyers and sellers the best possible auction experience, while securing top dollar for their land and equipment," Dan Sullivan, of Sullivan Auctioneers, said. Seller Garrett Shank, with Penn Mechanical Group, talked about why he trusts Sullivan Auctioneers with his equipment, "We've been doing business for the last seven years with Sullivan Auctioneers on their quarterly consignment sale. Their exposure is some of the best in the business which is why I never hesitate to buy or sell with their no-reserve policy. From the days of standing in the cold, to sitting in my warm office for their online only platform, I will continue to place my trust in Sullivan Auctioneers, a BigIron company." "Together we are better," said Mark Stock, BigIron CEO. "We're focused on discovering where our combined knowledge, tools and passion can be leveraged for a better customer experience." "Our business is a people business," commented Maverick Woodside of Sullivan Auctioneers. "There is no greater example of this than our quarterly consignment sale. We have the privilege to work with sellers, buyers, and bidders from all walks of life and from coast to coast. Our staff at Sullivan Auctioneers takes that privilege with great responsibility and we work hard to ensure consignors' equipment is described, photographed, and positioned with accuracy and transparency. This effort, combined with our large bidder base, is what continues to make these auctions a huge success." For information on selling equipment, land or livestock with BigIron Auctions, call 800-937-3558. About BigIron Auctions BigIron Auctions has served as an industry leader for over 38 years, reinventing the way used farm, construction, and transportation equipment is sold by featuring weekly online auctions every Wednesday. BigIron's acquisition of Sullivan Auctioneers will grow it to one of the largest unreserved online auction businesses serving rural America, selling tens of thousands of items weekly to registered bidders representing a global marketplace. About Sullivan Auctioneers Headquartered in Hamilton, Illinois, Sullivan Auctioneers, LLC is one of the largest real estate and farm machinery auctioneers in the nation. For more than 40 years, they have been conducting professional, full-service auctions connecting sellers with thousands of interested buyers around the world. Family values, hardworking employees, and a focus on customer satisfaction have ensured that every auction is a success. SOURCE BigIron The Florida business leader brings deep experience in enterprise growth and strong community relationships to the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors. TAMPA, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of the leading academic medical centers in the country, today announced the addition of Oscar J. Horton to its Board of Directors. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of the leading academic medical centers in the country, today announced the addition of Oscar J. Horton to its Board of Directors. "The Tampa General Board of Directors is excited to welcome Oscar. His extensive knowledge and experience, paired with his strong ties within our community, will position us well to work with the executive leadership team on strategic planning and designing what's next for Tampa General and how that will shape the future of health care and medical research in Tampa Bay and beyond," said Phil Dingle, chairman of the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors. Upon approval of his appointment last month, Horton joined 14 other members on the Tampa General Board of Directors, adding to the Board's collective breadth and depth of expertise across various industries, including real estate, finance, health care, private equity and more. Horton is the chairman and CEO of Horton Holdings LLC, which owns and oversees the operations of Sun State International and Sun State Real Estate. Horton spent 25 years at International Truck & Engine's financial corporation, ultimately serving as the vice president and general manager of the company's Foundry Business, where he was responsible for overall profitability and multiple critical segments of the business. He currently serves as president and CEO of Sun State International, where he increased revenue, profitability, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, Sun State International has grown to one of the largest minority-owned businesses in Tampa Bay. "We look forward to working closely with Oscar in his new role as a board member," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "We're confident Oscar will bring an important and unique perspective as we strive to expand access to world-class care, further develop our cutting-edge Research and Medical District, and leverage our shared community relationships to improve the health and wellbeing of people throughout the Tampa Bay region." Active in the Tampa Bay community, Horton serves on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Tampa, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and the University of South Florida's Board of Trustees. Previously, he served as chairman of the Board of the Academy Prep Center of Tampa, and as a board member for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Jacksonville Branch. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Beth Hardy, APR Senior Communications Specialist (813) 844-7322 (direct) (813) 510-6363 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital Madison, Wis. -based deep-tech startup Type One Energy is injecting new life into the development of fusion technologies through their innovations in magnetic confinement -based deep-tech startup Type One Energy is injecting new life into the development of fusion technologies through their innovations in magnetic confinement Using frontier additive manufacturing and advanced engineering design, Type One Energy is pushing continuous-operation stellarator technology to the next generation TDK Ventures invests in Type One Energy to accelerate a shared vision for a better energy future with fusion leading the way to complete decarbonization, boundless energy reserves, and greater energy affordability Other co-leads include Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Doral Energy-Tech Ventures SAN JOSE, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that subsidiary TDK Ventures is co-leading the latest round of financing in fusion-company Type One Energy. Joining them as co-leads are Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Doral Energy-Tech Ventures. This latest round will be used to scale the development and maturation of the startup's fusion power-plant concept leveraging continuous operation magnetic confinement. Led by a seasoned executive and complemented by world-renowned scientists coming from the University of Wisconsin, Oak Ridge National Lab, and Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Type One Energy is tackling the technical challenges that have kept fusion from becoming a practical reality with the latest advances in additive manufacturing and high-temperature superconductor magnets. Fusion energy, the power of the stars, is inherently safe, because, on Earth, only a fraction of a gram of fuel can be burnt before the process self-terminates, and any off-normal event will lower the temperature of the fuel and extinguish the burn. The same foundation that makes fusion so safe is what also makes the process difficult. To be successful, the right conditions must be met, forcing enough particles together for a long enough period and at a hot enough temperature to enable fusion. The vast majority of fusion concepts involve pulsed operation, which requires a significant development to be used as a steady-state continuous baseload power plant an ability, when unlocked, would tap into the projected $40-trillion fusion market and change the world. To resolve these limitations, Type One Energy's fusion solution leverages stellarator technology, which is based on magnetic-confinement fusion, using carefully 3D-shaped magnetic fields to keep particles at high enough temperatures for nuclei to fuse. This is the most advanced "continuous" fusion reactor concept yet with its largest demonstration project, the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) reactor showing improving results and charting a path toward the energy breakeven. However, to achieve such an effective magnetic field, it has historically been difficult to engineer and manufacture complex geometry non-planar magnets with high precision. Taking a novel approach to the problem, Type One Energy leverages additive manufacturing and world-renowned expertise to design a system that can overcome the technical engineering challenges of the past. With the founding team consisting of world-renowned scientists, who built some of the world's most optimized stellarators in the past and spurred on by funding from the US Department of Energy, Type One Energy is already accelerating its technology to create a first ever continuous-operation fusion plant. "We are honored to be chosen by TDK Ventures for its sustainable, mission-driven portfolio of companies. Type One Energy will benefit not only from TDK Ventures' investment but the support offered by TDK Goodness. We look forward to collaboratively scaling the immensely positive impact which fusion energy promises to have on the future of society and our environment," said Christofer Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy. "Fusion represents the possibility of complete energy transformation and decarbonization, which can provide humanity the bright and green future we are all endeavoring to find," states Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures. "We are proud to co-lead this latest round of financing in Type One Energy and help bring our mutual vision of a more sustainable world to fruition through fusion. The TDK Ventures team is excited to be able to add our TDK Goodness to our capital investment and accelerate their progress." "Fusion is the ultimate energy source, and its successful commercialization will be a huge leap towards achieving clean and abundant energy for everyone," said Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. "Advances in stellarator science, including Type One Energy's ability to execute a stellarator development project, provide the basis for a very exciting and promising path to practical fusion on the grid in the coming decades." "Type One Energy has shown the promise of stellarator technology, effectively integrating advances in high-temperature superconductors to deliver a viable path to fusion power at scale," said Roee Furman, Managing Director at Doral Energy-Tech Ventures. "We at Doral are proud to partner with TDK Ventures as an enabling force with funding and support for Type One Energy's applied research and continued validation of this exciting technology's ability to help move us forward on the path to a clean energy future." Along with financial backing, TDK Ventures is also providing network and industry exposure, expertise in the energy sector, and rapid commercialization to expedite and accelerate Type One Energy's goals to market. The implications of fusion as a pathway for safe nuclear energy, given past historical events, cannot be overstated. To date, all industrial nuclear power plants have relied on fission a chain reaction driven process that while excellent for power generation, if left unchecked can result in catastrophic safety concerns such as meltdown. The reason fusion is inherently safe is that it is the opposite process. Atoms are forced together until bonding occurs releasing energy. If any failure occurs, there is no safety issue, only the cessation of power generation. Nuclear power, with no meltdown risk. To learn more about TDK Ventures, interested startups or investment partners should visit www.tdk-ventures.com or reach out at [email protected] . About TDK Corporation TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately "Attracting Tomorrow." It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2022, TDK posted total sales of USD 15.6 billion and employed about 117,000 people worldwide. About TDK Ventures TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company's vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as health and wellness, next-generation transportation, robotics and industrial, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com or [email protected] . About Type One Energy Type One Energy utilizes stellarator physics and engineering to bring a remarkable fusion power system to commercialization through innovations in high-temperature superconducting magnets and additive manufacturing. Our mission is to bring about a post-scarcity energy era powered by stellarator power plants fueled only by deuterium from water. For more information visit https://www.typeoneenergy.com/ . About Breakthrough Energy Ventures Founded by Bill Gates and backed by many of the world's top business leaders, BEV has raised more than $2 billion in committed capital to support cutting-edge companies that are leading the world to net-zero emissions. BEV is a purpose-built investment firm that is seeking to invest, launch and scale global companies that will eliminate GHG emissions throughout the economy as soon as possible. BEV seeks true breakthroughs and is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market and policy expertise. BEV is a part of Breakthrough Energy, a network of investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy and other activities committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Visit www.breakthroughenergy.org to learn more. About Doral Energy Tech Ventures Doral Energy-Tech Ventures is the innovation and investment arm of the Doral Group, a global renewable energy and environmental infrastructure developer. Doral-Tech partners with inspiring entrepreneurs to build breakthrough companies taking on major global sustainability challenges. Doral-Tech invests in promising energy innovators, providing the expertise, capital and strategic support to bring to market groundbreaking technologies in a range of renewable energy and clean-tech related fields. For more information, visit www.doral-tech.com. You can download this text and associated images from http://www.tdk-ventures.com/tdk-ventures-co-leads-next-round-of-financing-in-fusion-innovator-type-one-energy Contacts for regional media Brand Contact Phone Mail TDK Ms. S MACKENZIE Publitek Portland, OR, USA +1 503 720 3743 [email protected] TDK Ventures Mr. R. FINELLI TDK Ventures San Jose, CA, USA +1 408 667 5970 [email protected] Type One Energy Ms. C. CARVAJAL Type One Energy Middleton, WI, USA +1 608 888 2798 [email protected] Media contact: Raphel Finelli, Marketing Principal, [email protected] SOURCE TDK Latest Collective Bargaining Agreement Blueprint for Unionism in Deep South RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 878 members have voted by a nine-to-one margin to ratify their latest collective bargaining agreement with Conagra Brands, Inc. The agreement covers approximately 900 workers at the company's Russellville location. "Undoubtedly, this is the best agreement in the history of this facility, and it will make these workers some of the most highly compensated in the industry," said Tim Nichols, President of Local 878. "I'd especially like to thank Local 878 Business Agent Heath Robertson, who did a fantastic job overseeing bargaining." The new contract provides for wage increases of 15 percent over three years for all members, with maintenance workers gaining a 13 percent pay increase in the first year alone. It also includes improvements in health care and retirement benefits, as well as stronger job protections. "This is a perfect example of the incredible things workers can do when they come together and demand their worth, even when they work for one of the largest food processing conglomerates in the world," said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Food Processing Division Director. "It doesn't matter if you're in the deep south or New York City, working for an employer with 500 workers or 500,000 when people come together and stand strong, they can accomplish incredible things." Teamsters Local 878 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Arkansas. For more information, contact Tim Nichols at [email protected]. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 878 BOZEMAN, Mont., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dallas Foundation, the first community foundation in Texas, has implemented CommunitySuite, Grant Lifecycle Manager and Scholarship Lifecycle Manager from Foundant Technologies (Foundant), a leader in making philanthropy easier and more impactful through innovative software solutions and exceptional client experiences. The Dallas Foundation replaced its previous "big name" CRM, financial management and grant management systems with Foundant's integrated solutions, which has significantly increased the Foundation's impact on and contributions to its community. "We can punch above our weight because our technology infrastructure is comprehensive, reliable and easy to use," said Matthew Randazzo, president and CEO of The Dallas Foundation. "CommunitySuite has freed up our staff substantially so they can focus more on high-value, strategic activities and engage more deeply in servicing the community. This is only possible because we are spending less time managing and questioning our data and more time leveraging that data within one integrated ecosystem." Prior to implementing Foundant's solutions, The Dallas Foundation was manually managing disparate software solutions that didn't play well with each other. This approach meant the staff was spending significant time on low-value, transactional tasks that were not contributing to the Foundation's mission or positively impacting the community. CommunitySuite allows the Foundation to leverage one comprehensive solution to manage every aspect of its operations in a cohesive and unified way. "Not only can we do more in less time, but our time is more impactful now. Our team is more engaged and energized because they are doing high-leverage, satisfying work, which is what drew them to work with the foundation in the first place. It feeds their purpose and allows them to do their best work in a way that rote admin tasks cannot," added Randazzo. The Dallas Foundation manages over 700 funds and has awarded more than $1 billion over the course of its long history. Since the Foundation's inception, the mission has consistently improved lives and made progress throughout North Texas. Grant investments currently focus on programs that benefit children ages birth to three as well as those that advance equity and inclusion, ensure community and economic resilience, and enhance the community's nonprofit ecosystem. "Foundant has revolutionized how our finance team spends their time," added Randazzo. "It used to take multiple members of the team one-third of the working month to produce monthly fund statements. Now, with CommunitySuite, one team member completes all that work in less than one day." In addition to streamlining the Foundation's operations, Foundant's CommunitySuite solution enables a more robust, easy-to-use donor portal, allowing donors to: Recommend grants Access fund balances, statements, shared documents and tax receipts See a real-time view of account activities "CommunitySuite is the only market-based solution that understands the complexity of community foundations, and they truly are a trusted partner," added Randazzo. "From selection to go-live, Foundant has walked alongside us, and they remain committed to our success." About Foundant Technologies Foundant Technologies has specialized in making philanthropy easier and more impactful through innovative software solutions and exceptional client experiences since 2007. Passionate about philanthropy, Foundants' team is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of grantmakers, scholarship providers, community foundations and nonprofits to enable change-makers to make the world a better place for all. More than 3,000 funders and nonprofits use Foundant's software to transform their organizations and maximize their impact in the communities they serve. Media Contact: Carolann Samuels [email protected] 303.775.9282 SOURCE Foundant Technologies ABU DHABI, UAE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In line with its constant efforts to consolidate Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for healthcare, and to enhance the competitiveness and effectiveness of the healthcare sector for all patients in the Emirate, while providing the highest levels of quality for all patients, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, the regulator of healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, announced Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) a subsidiary of PureHealth, the UAE's largest integrated healthcare platform, as a centre of excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi Recognises Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) as a Centre of Excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (PRNewsfoto/The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi) The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi Recognises Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) as a Centre of Excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (PRNewsfoto/The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi) The announcement is a testament to the centre's state-of-the-art infrastructure and its high-quality services in bone marrow transplantation. Operating according to the best and latest international, evidence-based practices, and led by a team of internationally recognised experts, the centre is guaranteed to achieve the best patient outcomes possible in the Emirate and beyond. Centres of Excellence are healthcare facilities which provide specialised and distinguished programmes with exceptionally high level of expertise and multidisciplinary resources, allowing them to conduct advanced medical procedures in specific clinical areas and conducting complex researches to provide the highest levels of care, based on the best global practices. The announcement was made at a ceremony organised by the Department at its headquarters in the presence of H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Farhan Malik, Managing director and CEO Of PureHealth Group, Dr. Yendry Ventura, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), and Dr. Fatima Alkaabi, Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC). The Department of Health Abu Dhabi outlines six key indicators that are taken into consideration when evaluating whether the healthcare facility can be recognised as a Centre of Excellence. Among them are clinical outcomes, patient experience, patient safety and quality of medical services, levels of employee competency and the facilities' medical education and research strategies. DoH also assesses the accreditations to determine the healthcare facility's eligibility. As a centre of excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, ADSCC will provide an integrated and specialised range of surgical and non-surgical clinical services with world-class healthcare quality for patients who require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of blood diseases that includes autologous stem-cell transplantation, and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation and CAR-T cell therapy. As the Centre of Excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, ADSCC will establish an integrated laboratory for the diagnosis of Leukemia, headed by an expert team of doctors specialising in bone marrow transplantation. Members of the experts' team all hold an accredited American or Canadian Board or an equivalent certification. Given its distinguished and extensive experience, ADSCC will contribute to advancing medical research, promoting continuing medical education, and providing training opportunities for medical personnel from various health facilities. Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, said: "The support and guidance of our wise leadership is what inspires us to continue propelling the healthcare sector in the Emirate forward on a path of excellence. As we recognise the first centre of excellence specialising in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, we are enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi and moving steadily towards cementing the Emirate's position as a leading destination for healthcare worldwide. What we're witnessing today is only the beginning of a better and more sustainable future for the healthcare sector in the Emirate. By encouraging quality healthcare services and integrating technology, science, and the best operational practices, we fulfil our vision of Abu Dhabi as a place where everyone can be at their healthiest, physically and mentally." Her Excellency added: "The Department of Health Abu Dhabi has put forth a set of standards and guidelines to ensure operational efficiency and guarantee that centres of excellence in the emirate provide community members with a patient-centred healthcare experience. Patients in Abu Dhabi will have access to specialised healthcare facilities, which provide services of exceptional quality, safety, and high efficiency, led by experienced and competent healthcare professionals." To ensure that patients have easy access to high-quality bone marrow transplantation services, the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Council was established, led by the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, where a group of Hematology experts in the emirate come together to facilitate the provision of bone marrow transplantation services in the Emirate with close coordination with all parties. Dr. Fatima Alkaabi, Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at ADSCC commented "Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme provides a comprehensive and integrated ecosystem designed to implement innovative solutions, advanced research, and cell therapy, while leveraging educational platforms for healthcare professionals and scientists." She emphasised the ground-breaking aspect of the programme as the first of its kind to conduct a bone marrow transplant successfully in the UAE in July 2020, and the first centre in the Middle East to offer marrow transplantation for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in November 2022. Following the announcement, Shaista Asif Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth said: "The selection of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center as a center of excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is a prestigious honor. This classification is a testament to our group's unwavering commitment, under the directives of the UAE's visionary leadership, to transform the nation's healthcare ecosystem and provide the highest quality care to our patients, and the center's dedication to innovative research and collaboration. At PureHealth, we are committed to advancing the science of Longevity, with a continued focus on excellence and innovation. We will continue to lead the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center in setting new standards of care for patients across the region and increasing lifespans for all." The Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme provides treatment to all patients through the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center as well as Yas Clinic Hospital Khalifa City. Through comprehensive clinical care, starting from the initial consultation to assess the patient's eligibility for treatment, conducting pre-transplant examinations, to assessing and searching for donors by offering access to international records of bone marrow banks and all cell collections by a specialised team. Stem cells are processed, characterised, and stored for clinical application under the supervision of adept scientists and laboratory technicians. The Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme provides treatment (through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) for a range of benign and malignant blood disorders and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) with a comprehensive approach to autologous or non-autologous stem cell transplantation or advanced cellular therapies for both adults and children. ADSCC, a PureHealth asset is a highly specialised healthcare centre focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine techniques. It was founded in March 2019 to meet growing domestic and regional demand for highly specialised medical services and treatments. The Centre primarily focuses on processing, characterizing, and storing cell products for clinical applications such as regenerative medicine, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy, and continues to provide advanced treatments such as extracorporeal photopheresis. To date, 13 cancer patients and one MS female patient have been treated by ADSCC under the AD-BMT programme. Media Contact: Rania El Kebbe; +971 (0) 55 103 8650; [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042136/CoE_Group_Photo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2042140/CoE_Award.jpg SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi ATLANTA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals, there is always a chance that an accident or mistake could occur. These adverse healthcare incidents can be dangerous and can lead to patient injury or even death. CANDOR Law in Healthcare: Effective Communication and Resolution Improving Patient Safety with the CANDOR Law Historically, whenever a patient suffers an adverse outcome, healthcare professionals have tended to assume a defensive stance on the matter and have been told to avoid telling the patient what happened. This is referred to as "deny, delay, and defend." For many years it had been a barrier to frank and truthful communication between healthcare professionals and patients. At its root, this problem stems from the fact that most healthcare institutions do not have a comprehensive and systematic approach for resolving unanticipated outcomes. This is where the "Communication and Optimal Resolution" (CANDOR) program comes into play. The CANDOR program is a way for healthcare organizations and physicians to communicate and be accountable when something goes wrong with a patient's care. The program follows a set of steps, starting with the healthcare professional explaining to the patient and their family what happened, ideally as soon as possible, and how this will affect their care. Healthcare professionals then offer counseling or support services to the patient and their family as needed to help them cope with the effects of the incident. The facility also offers counseling to healthcare professionals whose patients experience a bad outcome. Meanwhile, the healthcare institution identifies and addresses the root causes of the incident and retraces all events leading to it. They keep the patient and their family updated on efforts to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. The presence of additional people with the patient is also permitted during the CANDOR process. In addition to accelerating the resolution process, it helps patients and healthcare providers to reach agreement on compensation when a patient experiences an unexpected bad outcome. "I was very, very surprised that the doctor wanted to meet with me. The doctor was very kind and made me feel at ease, and that I did have a reason to be upset," says Patricia, a patient at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Because of all these reasons, the CANDOR program helps healthcare organizations improve the quality and safety of their care. It would do away with the culture of 'deny and defend' and replace it with a culture of transparency, candid communication, and accountability for errors. In turn, this would lead to better intervention design and ultimately help in the prevention of similar incidents. In a 2013 TED Talk at TEDxUniversityofNevada, Leilani Schweitzer, who lost her son as a result of a medical error, highlighted how transparency and open communication help, "Unlike (the local hospital that practiced) Deny, (Delay), and Defend, they (the children's hospital) investigated, they explained, took responsibility, apologized, then asked what they could do It made all the difference." The Georgia CANDOR Act aims to provide secure avenues for patients and healthcare professionals to voluntarily interact and openly communicate. The meetings are confidential, creating an environment for open discussion. The patient is nonetheless encouraged to have legal counsel. They do not waive their right to withdraw from the Candor process and file a legal claim. Similar CANDOR bills are quickly gaining traction across several US states. With any luck, the CANDOR program will become a standard option for patients and their families in the face of adverse medical incidents, as well as become a useful tool for healthcare institutions and physicians to improve the care of their patients. Media contact: Florence LeCraw [email protected] +1 404-234-4312 SOURCE CANDOR Coalition LONDON and COPENHAGEN, Denmark , March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unibio International PLC, the leading sustainable protein company, is pleased to announce that the Saudi Industrial Investment Group ("SIIG"), one of the first privately owned petrochemical companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement to invest approximately US$70 million (GBP 59 million) in Unibio. The proceeds will be deployed to enable Unibio's vision of feeding the world's growing population in a sustainable way. Unibio will use the funds to roll-out new global production capacity, grow operating capabilities, and accelerate innovation and commercialization. Improve the world's food security Through industrial protein production based on Unibio's unique fermentation technology the U-Loop technology - it is possible to improve food security and feed the world's growing population in a sustainable way without any use of arable land and with low water usage. The fermentation technology mimics a process that occurs in nature every day and uses methane (e.g. natural gas or biogas) as feedstock. The production of Uniprotein is efficient, stable, and independent of weather deviations that impact the production of traditional protein sources. Uniprotein is approved for feed in the European Union and global registrations are in progress. The protein provides nutrition on par with or better than other high-quality proteins, such as fishmeal, and has been tested successfully in various aqua and animal species. Uniprotein is free from pesticides, fully traceable, and non-GMO. It has been launched commercially and Uniprotein is attracting significant global interest from feed compound companies and animal and fish farmers. The production of Unibio's protein for direct human consumption is under development. David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio commented: "We are delighted to welcome SIIG as a significant investor in Unibio. Their investment will enable us to play a pivotal role in meeting our customers' need for sustainable protein. Unibio's technology will improve food security and speed up the process of feeding the world in a sustainable way. We are pleased that SIIG shares our ambition of providing food security for the world's growing population and helping stop hunger (#SDG2) and we look forward to working together to make it happen." Mr. Abdulrahman S. Alismail, CEO of the Saudi Industrial Investment Group, added: "We are extremely pleased to invest in Unibio and see it as strongly aligned with SIIG's new strategy to diversify its investments, enter new sectors focused on sustainability and new technologies, and develop partnerships with international companies. Unibio's focus aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to increasing domestic protein production and supporting food security through innovation and technology. We are investing in Unibio for the long-term and believe that by doing so we will contribute to a more diverse and sustainable economy." The investment in Unibio will be paid in two tranches: the first tranche of approximately US$25 million (GBP 21 million) is paid now with the second subject to applicable Foreign Direct Investment approvals. BofA Securities acted as placement agent to Unibio in connection with the transaction. See contact information and notes for editors below: For more information please visit: www.unibiogroup.com or contact: Unibio A/S Trine Leth, Head of Communications/Kommunikationsdirektr [email protected] St Brides Partners Limited Ana Ribeiro / Isabel de Salis [email protected] SOURCE Unibio LONDON and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unibio International PLC, the leading sustainable protein company, is pleased to announce that the Saudi Industrial Investment Group ("SIIG"), one of the first privately owned petrochemical companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement to invest approximately US$70 million (GBP 59 million) in Unibio. The proceeds will be deployed to enable Unibio's vision of feeding the world's growing population in a sustainable way. Unibio will use the funds to roll-out new global production capacity, grow operating capabilities, and accelerate innovation and commercialization. Improve the world's food security Through industrial protein production based on Unibio's unique fermentation technology the U-Loop technology - it is possible to improve food security and feed the world's growing population in a sustainable way without any use of arable land and with low water usage. The fermentation technology mimics a process that occurs in nature every day and uses methane (e.g. natural gas or biogas) as feedstock. The production of Uniprotein is efficient, stable, and independent of weather deviations that impact the production of traditional protein sources. Uniprotein is approved for feed in the European Union and global registrations are in progress. The protein provides nutrition on par with or better than other high-quality proteins, such as fishmeal, and has been tested successfully in various aqua and animal species. Uniprotein is free from pesticides, fully traceable, and non-GMO. It has been launched commercially and Uniprotein is attracting significant global interest from feed compound companies and animal and fish farmers. The production of Unibio's protein for direct human consumption is under development. David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio commented: "We are delighted to welcome SIIG as a significant investor in Unibio. Their investment will enable us to play a pivotal role in meeting our customers' need for sustainable protein. Unibio's technology will improve food security and speed up the process of feeding the world in a sustainable way. We are pleased that SIIG shares our ambition of providing food security for the world's growing population and helping stop hunger (#SDG2) and we look forward to working together to make it happen." Mr. Abdulrahman S. Alismail, CEO of the Saudi Industrial Investment Group, added: "We are extremely pleased to invest in Unibio and see it as strongly aligned with SIIG's new strategy to diversify its investments, enter new sectors focused on sustainability and new technologies, and develop partnerships with international companies. Unibio's focus aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to increasing domestic protein production and supporting food security through innovation and technology. We are investing in Unibio for the long-term and believe that by doing so we will contribute to a more diverse and sustainable economy." The investment in Unibio will be paid in two tranches: the first tranche of approximately US$25 million (GBP 21 million) is paid now with the second subject to applicable Foreign Direct Investment approvals. BofA Securities acted as placement agent to Unibio in connection with the transaction. See contact information and notes for editors below: For more information please visit: www.unibiogroup.com or contact: Unibio A/S Trine Leth, Head of Communications/Kommunikationsdirektr [email protected] St Brides Partners Limited Ana Ribeiro / Isabel de Salis [email protected] SOURCE Unibio President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk region, which is constantly under fire from Russian invaders, the website of the head of state reported on Monday. "The Head of State observed the situation in Nikopol district, the consequences of the enemy's terrorist attacks on Nikopol, Marhanets and other settlements in the region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was informed about the course of restoration of damaged civil infrastructure objects and strengthening of their protection against possible new attacks," the message says. The President was informed that almost 5,000 buildings in Nikopol district were destroyed, including medical and educational institutions. Affected citizens are provided with the necessary assistance. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasts by Product (Inhalers (Metered Dose Inhalers, Dry Powder Inhalers, Soft Mist Inhalers), Ventilators (Adult Ventilators, Neonatal Ventilators), Humidifiers (Heated Humidifiers, Passover Humidifiers, Integrated Humidifiers, Built-in Humidifiers, Stand-alone Humidifiers), Positive Airway Pressure Devices (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Devices), Oxygen Concentrators (Fixed Oxygen Concentrators, Portable Oxygen Concentrators), Nebulisers (Compressor-based Nebulisers, Piston-based Hand-held Nebulisers, Ultrasonic Nebulisers)), by Application (Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Acute Respiratory Failure, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Others), by End-users (Homecare Settings, Hospitals, Others), by Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacies, Hospitals Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Pattern Analysis Source: ReportLinker Research Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06436259/?utm_source=PRN The Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market Report 2023-2033: This report will prove invaluable to leading firms striving for new revenue pockets if they wish to better understand the industry and its underlying dynamics. It will be useful for companies that would like to expand into different industries or to expand their existing operations in a new region. Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases Driving Market Growth The number of respiratory disorders is growing globally due to a variety of causes such as pollution, lifestyle choices, and smoking. According to WHO, an estimated 65 million individuals have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with around 3 million dying each year, making it the world's third greatest cause of death and the number is growing. About 334 million people worldwide are suffering from asthma, childhood's most frequent chronic condition, impacting 14% of children. The frequency of asthma in children is rising. The primary factors driving the growth of the therapeutic respiratory devices market are an increase in the frequency and incidence of respiratory disorders, technical innovation, and increasing government and non-governmental organisation support for respiratory disease healthcare awareness. Increasing awareness of respiratory disorders among the general population and governments is predicted to improve the market for respiratory medicine delivery products. Limited Reimbursements Likely to Hamper Market Growth Patients' reimbursements are frequently used to pay for medical services. There is now a reimbursement gap in the diagnostic sector as a whole, and in respiratory therapy diagnostics in particular. The reimbursement schemes for PAP equipment and oral appliances differ across Europe and are only applicable in a few countries (devices not covered by insurance represent a small share of the market in the region). Moreover, respiratory care equipment is not fully covered by insurance in the majority of Asian and RoW nations. Over the projected period, high cost of therapeutic respiratory devices is likely to further constrain the market. What Questions Should You Ask before Buying a Market Research Report? How is the therapeutic respiratory devices market evolving? What is driving and restraining the therapeutic respiratory devices market? How will each therapeutic respiratory devices submarket segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2033? How will the market shares for each therapeutic respiratory devices submarket develop from 2023 to 2033? What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2023 to 2033? Will leading therapeutic respiratory devices markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others? How will the market shares of the national markets change by 2033 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2033? Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? What are the therapeutic respiratory devices projects for these leading companies? How will the industry evolve during the period between 2023 and 2033? What are the implications of therapeutic respiratory devices projects taking place now and over the next 10 years? Is there a greater need for product commercialisation to further scale the therapeutic respiratory devices market? Where is the therapeutic respiratory devices market heading and how can you ensure you are at the forefront of the market? What are the best investment options for new product and service lines? What are the key prospects for moving companies into a new growth path and C-suite? You need to discover how this will impact the therapeutic respiratory devices market today, and over the next 10 years: Our 450-page report provides 183 tables and 300 charts/graphs exclusively to you. The report highlights key lucrative areas in the industry so you can target them NOW. It contains in-depth analysis of global, regional and national sales and growth. It highlights for you the key successful trends, changes and revenue projections made by your competitors. This report tells you TODAY how the therapeutic respiratory devices market will develop in the next 10 years, and in line with the variations in COVID-19 economic recession and bounce. This market is more critical now than at any point over the last 10 years. Forecasts to 2033 and other analyses reveal commercial prospects In addition to revenue forecasting to 2033, our new study provides you with recent results, growth rates, and market shares. You will find original analyses, with business outlooks and developments. Discover qualitative analyses (including market dynamics, drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges), cost structure, impact of rising therapeutic respiratory devices prices and recent developments. This report includes data analysis and invaluable insight into how COVID-19 will affect the industry and your company. Four COVID-19 recovery patterns and their impact, namely, "V", "L", "W" and "U" are discussed in this report. Segments Covered in the Report Product Inhalers - Metered Dose Inhalers - Dry Powder Inhalers - Soft Mist Inhalers Ventilators - Adult Ventilators - Neonatal Ventilators Humidifiers - Heated Humidifiers - Passover Humidifiers - Integrated Humidifiers - Built-in Humidifiers - Stand-alone Humidifiers Positive Airway Pressure Devices - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices - Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure Devices - Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Devices Oxygen concentrators - Fixed Oxygen Concentrators - Portable Oxygen Concentrators Nebulizers - Compressor-based Nebulizers - Piston-based Hand-held Nebulizers - Ultrasonic Nebulizers Application Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cystic Fibrosis Acute Respiratory Failure Obstructive Sleep Apnea Respiratory Distress Syndrome Others End-users Homecare Settings Hospitals Others Distribution Channel Retail Pharmacies Hospitals Pharmacies Online Pharmacies In addition to the revenue predictions for the overall world market and segments, you will also find revenue forecasts for five regional and 18 leading national markets: North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Spain Italy Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America MEA GCC South Africa Rest of MEA The report also includes profiles and for some of the leading companies in the Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033, with a focus on this segment of these companies' operations. Leading companies and the potential for market growth 3M Health Care Airsep Corporation (Chart Industries) AptarGroup, Inc. AstraZeneca Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Cipla Inc. Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Limited GE Healthcare GF Health Products, Inc. GSK plc Hamilton Medical Invacare Koninklijke Philips N.V. Medisana GmbH Medtronic Merck and Co., Inc. Novartis AG OMRON Corporation Recipharm AB ResMed Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. Smiths Medical, Inc. Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Overall world revenue for Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033 in terms of value the market will surpass US$63 billion in 2023, our work calculates. We predict strong revenue growth through to 2033. Our work identifies which organizations hold the greatest potential. Discover their capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead. How will the Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033 report help you? In summary, our 450+ page report provides you with the following knowledge: Revenue forecasts to 2033 for Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033 Market, with forecasts for product, application, end-users, and distribution channel, each forecast at a global and regional level discover the industry's prospects, finding the most lucrative places for investments and revenues. Revenue forecasts to 2033 for five regional and 18 key national markets See forecasts for the Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033 market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and MEA. Also forecasted is the market in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, India, Japan, and Australia among other prominent economies. Prospects for established firms and those seeking to enter the market including company profiles for 25 of the major companies involved in the Therapeutic Respiratory Devices Market, 2023 to 2033. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06436259/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker HANGZHOU, China, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. ("Tigermed" or the "company") (Stock code: 300347.SZ / 3347.HK), a leading provider of clinical research solutions across full lifecycle of global biopharmaceutical and medical device products, announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "Reporting Period"). This press release is for information and summary only and is not intended to provide any representation, in whole or in part, of the relevant matters. For further information, please refer to the 2022 annual results and relevant announcements published on the websites of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (www.szse.cn) and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (www.hkexnews.hk). All financials disclosed in this press release are prepared based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) except for those specifically noted otherwise. The 2022 Annual Results of the Company has been audited. Financial Highlights: Total revenue achieved 35.9% year-over-year ("YoY") growth to RMB 7,085.5 million during the Reporting Period. year-over-year ("YoY") growth to RMB million during the Reporting Period. Net profit attributable to the owners of the Company before non-recurring gains and losses increased by 25.0% to RMB 1,539.5 million during the Reporting Period. to RMB million during the Reporting Period. Adjusted Non-IFRS net profit attributable to the owners of the Company increased by 5.1% YoY to RMB 1,665.8 million during the Reporting Period. YoY to RMB million during the Reporting Period. Segment revenue generated from Clinical Trial Solutions reached RMB 4,125.2 million and that from Clinical-related and Lab Services reached RMB 2,960.3 million, representing a YoY growth of 37.8% and 33.4% , respectively. million and that from Clinical-related and Lab Services reached RMB million, representing a YoY growth of and , respectively. Geographically, China's revenue increased by 30.7% YoY to RMB 3,601.6 million. The company's overseas revenue increased by 41.8% YoY to RMB 3,483.9 million in 2022. revenue increased by YoY to RMB million. The company's overseas revenue increased by YoY to RMB million in 2022. As of December 31, 2022 , backlog as of year-end reached RMB 13,785.9 million, representing a 20.9% YoY growth. Business Highlights The resilience of our business is demonstrated by our reinforced position as the leader of the clinical service industry in China. We provided services to 65% of all Class 1 (innovative drugs that have not been marketed in China or overseas) innovative drug approvals in China from 2004 to 2022 and handled 13.6% of total HGRAC (Human Genetic Resource Administration of China) clinical research filling projects as Contract Research Organization (CRO) in 2022. Notably, our team enabled four Covid-19 vaccine Emergency Use Authorizations in China and overseas in 2022. As of December 31, 2022, Tigermed has 680 ongoing drug clinical trials and 432 ongoing medical Device and IVD Projects. In 2022, The number of new China IND projects increased by 35% YoY and the number of new U.S. FDA-related regulatory affair projects increased by 98% YoY. During the reporting period, the company's pharmacovigilance business added 203 new ongoing projects with service teams in Europe and China. Besides, medical translation added 81 new customers, and its services covered over 80 languages across the world. As of December 31, 2022, Data Management and Statistical Analysis had 259 global customers and 776 ongoing projects. In addition, Tigermed had 1,621 ongoing site management projects, covering 140+ cities in China. Further, Clinical Trail Sites of Excellence ("E-Site") program had 189 sites under collaborative alliance and 100 core strategic sites. In 2022, Tigermed laboratory services had more than 1,400 global experts and further expanded lab facilities in Wuhan, Shanghai, and Suzhou. Moreover, preclinical animal research facility in Suzhou successfully obtained AAALAC certification. In 2022, Tigermed made great strides in expanding its global reach. As of December 31, 2022, Tigermed total number of employees reached 9,233, including 1,426 overseas employees from 50 countries and regions. To enhance the company's local expertise in Europe, Tigermed acquired Croatia-based clinical CRO Marti Farm to expand safety monitoring, regulatory, and clinical operation capabilities at a global level. Furthermore, Tigermed established one-stop clinical operation service and expertise in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Further, Tigermed established new offices in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Argentina, and formed collaborations with over 100 clinical sites in the US as of December 31, 2022. During the reporting period, Tigermed had 250 ongoing overseas clinical trials, including 62 Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCTs). As of December 31, 2022, Tigermed has 110+ accumulative MRCT project experiences in 49 countries and regions in North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. The overseas vaccine MRCTs cover 10+ countries globally with a total of 140,000 enrollment. In 2022, Tigermed has accelerated new innovative and digital technologies in clinical development and achieved remarkable success. Tigermed successfully launched the Risk Based Quality Management (RBQM) platform Phase II and put it into operation to advocate better quality and improve clinical trial efficiency. Besides, the company's in-house developed e-Clinical trial Patient Management (eCPM) system was launched and used in multiple real-world study projects, meaningfully improving patient coverage and the efficiency of patient recruitment. Moreover, Tigermed Decentralized Clinical Trial ("DCT") solution was rolled out and is already in use for multiple clinical trials in China and around the world. DCT solutions are expected to improve the overall efficiency and drive further growth of the business from 2023. The commencement of construction on Tigermed global headquarters in 2022 marked a significant milestone for the company. In addition, Tigermed further enhance ESG governance in 2022 with recognition from respected institutions. Tigermed was rated AAA the highest ranking of the CNI ESG Ratings launched by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in July 2022 and was rated A in 2022 ESG Rating by MSCI in November 2022. Management Comments Dr. Xiaoping Ye, Co-Founder and Chairman of Tigermed, said, "Despite the complex and ever-changing landscape in 2022, Tigermed remains steadfast in our commitment to healthy development and sustainable business growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to all investors, customers, and partners for their unwavering support and trust, as well as Tigermed colleagues for their commitment and dedication that has enabled us to be in a strong position to achieve long-term growth and stability. Going forward, we will continue striving towards clinical research opportunities to better serve our partners, shareholders, and our community with exceptional performance." Ms. Xiaochun Cao, Co-Founder, Executive Director and President of Tigermed, said, "We take pride in our leadership role in advancing Chinese clinical CRO companies' globalization initiatives, and remarkably with an expanding presence in 50 countries across five continents now. In 2022, we have developed full-service capabilities in the U.S. and Europe through strategic expansion and M&A integrations, helping us move forward on our roadmap to the global market. Leveraging our extensive project experience and professional management team, combined with our global presence, equipped us to meet diversified customer needs, with an aim to go global with our customers and serve as the gateway to China as well." Mr. Hao Wu, Executive Director and Co-President of Tigermed, said, "Tigermed has proudly demonstrated our industry-leading integrated R&D service platform over the past year. Our commitment to quality and efficiency in delivery, as well as our ability to develop accurate market insight, have earned us the trust of our global customers. As we move forward, Tigermed will strive to further deepen our global service offerings and build solid platform from preclinical to clinical research to post-market in partnership with our global customers." Forward-Looking Statements The information communicated herein may contain certain "forward-looking statements", which are not historical facts but instead include predictions about future events based on our beliefs and information currently made available to us. Although we believe that these predictions are reasonable on the date hereof, future events are inherently uncertain and these forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty by nature because they relate to events and will depend on circumstances that will occur in the future relating to, inter alia, our ability to compete effectively, our ability to develop and market new service offerings, our ability to expand into new markets, the risks associated with listed subsidiaries of the Company, unforeseeable international tensions, regulatory or governmental scrutiny in certain countries, the impact of emergencies and other force majeure events. We undertake no obligations to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments except as required by applicable laws or listing rules. Any investment in any securities issued by the Company or its subsidiaries will also involve certain risks. There may be additional material risks that are currently not considered to be material or of which the Company and its advisors or representatives are unaware. Against the background of these uncertainties, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements. Non-IFRS Measure To supplement our financial information which are presented in accordance with IFRS, we use adjusted net profit attributable to owners of the Company as an additional financial measure, which is not required by, or presented in accordance with IFRS. We define adjusted net profit attributable to owners of the Company as profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company before certain expenses and amortization. We define adjusted net profit attributable to owners of the Company as profit attributable to owners of the Company adjusted for (1) share-based compensation expense, (2) net foreign exchange loss/(gain), (3) amortization of intangible assets arising from acquisitions, (4) listing expenses incurred by our Group, and (5) increase in fair value of financial assets at FVTPL. Adjusted net profit attributable to owners of the Company is not an alternative to (i) profit before tax, profit for the year or profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company (as determined in accordance with IFRS) as a measure of our operating performance, (ii) cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as a measure of our ability to meet our cash needs, or (iii) any other measures of performance or liquidity. We believe that this non-IFRS measure is useful for understanding and assessing underlying business performance and operating trends and that the owners of the company and we may benefit from referring to this non-IFRS measure in assessing our financial performance by eliminating the impact of certain unusual, non-recurring, non-cash and/or non-operating items that we do not consider indicative of the performance of our business. However, the presentation of this non-IFRS measure is not intended to, and should not, be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with the IFRS. You should not view the non-IFRS measure on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under the IFRS, or as being comparable to results or a similarly titled financial measure reported or forecasted by other companies. About Tigermed Tigermed (Stock code: 300347.SZ/3347.HK) is a leading global provider of integrated research and development solutions for biopharmaceutical and medical device industry. With a broad portfolio of services and a promise of quality, from preclinical development to clinical trial to commercialization, we are committed to moving our customers through their development journey efficiently and cost-effectively. Tigermed currently represents a worldwide network of more than 100 subsidiaries and 180 service locations, with over 9,200 employees across 50 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, North & South America and Africa. We are devoted to building an integrated platform that enables the boundless possibilities for the healthcare industry, embracing challenges to fulfill our commitment to serving unmet patients' needs, and ultimately saving lives. SOURCE Tigermed Premier life sciences consulting firm promotes two Senior Principals to Partners DURHAM, N.C., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Triangle Insights Group, a premier strategy consulting firm that delivers high-impact solutions across the life sciences value chain, today announced two promotions that further strengthen the firm's senior leadership team. Triangle, acquired by life sciences commercialization company TrialCard in April 2022, has named both Megan Thomas and Ryan Coe as Partners. Thomas, who joined Triangle in August 2014, has demonstrated client delivery excellence in product and portfolio commercial strategy, commercial launch planning, and pricing and market access. She currently leads the New Product Planning and Pricing and Market Access areas of focus at Triangle. Prior to joining the firm, Megan conducted academic research at the Center for Developmental Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina, where she was a Morehead-Cain Scholar. Coe, with more than eight years of leadership experience at Triangle, leads the Commercial Assessment and Due Diligence areas of focus. He also specializes in portfolio analysis, product identification and evaluation, and partnering support with private equity firms and life sciences companies. Ryan completed a fellowship in Bioengineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Washington, where he was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. He also received a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia. "Megan and Ryan have made invaluable contributions to our success throughout their years at the firm," said Barrett Rankin, one of Triangle's founders. "They have both demonstrated consistent excellence in client delivery across a breadth of consulting engagements and are highly respected as key thought leaders in life sciences consulting. We look forward to their continued impact as we continue to grow." To learn more about Triangle Insights Group, please visit https://triangleinsightsgroup.com/. About Triangle Insights Group Triangle Insights Group is a premier strategy consulting firm providing guidance on critical business issues to life science industry leaders. The firm's approach combines deep industry knowledge with strong analytical rigor to drive strategic decision-making across client domains. Triangle's expertise encompasses key therapeutic areas (oncology, CNS, cell, and gene therapy) and relevant industry disciplines (pricing and market access, new product planning, and commercial strategy). For more information, visit www.triangleinsightsgroup.com. About TrialCard TrialCard Incorporated is an integrated life sciences commercialization company that provides comprehensive solutions that span the entire biopharmaceutical value chain. In addition to a foundation of fully integrated, digitally enabled patient support services, its broader offerings include everything from late-stage clinical trial supply management to post-marketing HCP engagement services and proprietary data-as-a-service payer intelligence and insights. Founded in 2000, TrialCard provides commercialization support for more than 400 life sciences customers and has connected over 36 million patients with more than $23 billion in branded drug savings to date. The company is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina. For more information about TrialCard, please visit www.trialcard.com. Contact: Landy Townsend VP, Marketing & Communications TrialCard Incorporated [email protected] SOURCE TrialCard Incorporated DALLAS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton Companies, the world's largest privately held independent insurance brokerage firm, announced today that Tyler Bolander has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations. Bolander brings over 15 years of industry experience to the role and will be based in Lockton's Dallas, Texas office. Tyler Bolander Bolander is a seasoned employee benefits and insurance professional with a deep understanding of the complex needs of clients across a range of industries. In his new role, he will be part of Lockton's global operations team focused on the company's continued growth. "We are thrilled to welcome Tyler to our team," said Said Taiym, U.S. Chief Operating Officer. "His wealth of experience and client-centric approach make him a valuable addition to Lockton. We look forward to seeing the impact he will have on our continued success." Prior to joining Lockton, Bolander held leadership positions at several leading insurance companies, including most recently, Managing Partner and Office Leader for Mercer's Dallas operations. He holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University. "I am excited to join Lockton and work with a team that is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to clients," said Bolander. "Lockton's reputation for client service and its commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to helping our clients navigate their complex challenges and achieve their business goals." About Lockton What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton's private ownership empowers its 9,500+ Associates doing business in over 135 countries to focus solely on clients' risk, insurance and people needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results. For 14 consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." Lockton was named among the 2021 Best Managed Companies by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal, a program that recognizes excellence and honors private companies for their strategy, execution, culture, and financials. For more information, visit www.lockton.com . SOURCE Lockton Companies Owensboro, Kentucky Distribution Center achieves more than 1M hours worked without a lost time incident WILMINGTON, Mass., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, announced that its centralized distribution center in Owensboro, Kentucky achieved a safety milestone working 1,164,849 man hours without a lost time incident from June 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. Lynn Whitehouse, director of Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet's KYSafe program, presents the Governors Safety and Health Award to UniFirst Safety Team Leader Robert Carlile. Photo courtesy of The Owensboro Times. This marks the third time the Owensboro team earned the award, which is presented by the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. To celebrate the honor, state officials were on-site at the 360,000-square-foot Daviess County distribution and fulfillment center to recognize the team. UniFirst is one of the area's largest employers with over 400 employee Team Partners working at the Owensboro facility. "UniFirst Corporation has proven time and again that they value the importance of workplace safety, and I am proud to recognize the company and every hard-working employee at the Owensboro distribution center today for reaching this important milestone," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. "I hope that other companies throughout the commonwealth see this achievement and strive for similar results." UniFirstOwensboro has been at the forefront of safety initiatives, including the creation of an on-site wellness center; mandatory safety training for Team Partners; monthly safety audits; comprehensive safety reviews of each job function; Emergency Response Team trained in emergency response procedures; daily safety topics at shift kickoffs that includes stretching; and participation in OSHA's Voluntary Partnership Program (VPP), which resulted in UniFirstOwensboro being 1 of only 20 sites in the state of Kentucky that has earned VPP certification. "We are honored to receive the Governor's Health and Safety Award," said UniFirst Manager of Safety Operations Dan Getter. "The health and safety of our employee Team Partners is, and always will be, a top priority for our company. This award represents a true team effort and each one of our employee Team Partners should be very proud of what we have achieved together." The Governor's award comes on the heels of the Owensboro team earning OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) highest workplace safety honor, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification. VPP status is given to businesses who meet rigorous safety requirements. "I'd like to congratulate the entire UniFirst Owensboro team for valuing the importance of workplace safety," said UniFirst President and CEO Steven Sintros. "Our people are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all of our 14,000-plus Team Partners." For more information on UniFirst's companywide safety initiatives, visit https://csr.unifirst.com/safety/ About UniFirst Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. UniFirst both partners with leading brands and manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products; and with 260 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 14,000-plus employee Team Partners, the company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. SOURCE UniFirst Corporation Diesel students at six UTI campuses eligible to apply PHOENIX, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) and a leading workforce solutions provider of skilled trades education programs, is announcing another Early Employment Program partner, RDO Equipment Co. (RDO), a diesel equipment dealer with more than 75 stores across the U.S. RDO also offers parts, service, and full support, which is where UTI diesel students are needed. Students enrolled in the diesel program at six UTI campuses, including Avondale, Ariz., Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Sacramento, Calif., and Austin and Dallas, Texas, are eligible to apply for the program. RDO has committed to offering the Early Employment Program students they hire up to $32,000, which includes tuition reimbursement over four years, a company-paid tool program, and a $5,000 bonus when hired upon graduation. As the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise, a growing number of employers across the country are joining UTI's Early Employment Program. Participating employers offer paid work experience, and consideration for full-time employment and reimbursement for education-related expenses after graduation. [1] "We're proud of the success of our Early Employment Program and are excited to see it growing, giving students more opportunities to gain real-world experience while helping them pay for their education," said Vice President of Student Success, Melanie Scheet. "This initiative helps UTI continue to offer students technical training in the transportation industry, while some of the biggest names in the industry are finding qualified employees who can hit the ground running on day one." RDO's goals for its Early Employment Program students include hiring students in a variety of positions to give them the opportunity to learn the organization's culture and provide them with advancement opportunities, mentor them while they progress through the program, and hire successful students for full-time positions once they graduate. "The demand for highly-skilled diesel technicians has never been greater for us, and Universal Technical Institute has designed a curriculum to help students acquire the skills they need to succeed," said Jeff Spake, RDO recruiting program manager. "By working with employers and industry leaders like RDO Equipment Co., UTI offers programs that strengthen technical and professional skills in preparation for long-term, rewarding careers." For more information on UTI's Early Employment Program, visit uti.edu/support-services/employment-assistance/early-employment. About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs, whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly-skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on Twitter @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer. About RDO Equipment Co. Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 75 locations across the United States, and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, RDO Equipment Co. is a total solutions provider. https://www.rdoequipment.com/ Media Contact Alanna Vitucci [email protected] 480.710.6843 1 Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. BALTIMORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Urological Association (AUA) and the Urology Care Foundationthe official foundation of the AUAannounced today Ryan K. Flannigan, MD, as the latest recipient of the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award. Dr. Flannigan is an assistant professor in the Department of Urological Sciences at the University of British Columbia. The Urology Care Foundation announces Ryan K. Flannigan, MD, as the recipient of the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award. Urology Care Foundation Over the last 15+ years, the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award program has encouraged urologists to contribute to their field as both surgical specialists and scientists investigating causes, prevention, treatment, and cures that will improve patients' lives. The award program offers up to five years of supplemental salary support to urologists who have successfully competed for career development awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other major funding organizations. "Each year the research presented for the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award is more and more extraordinary and groundbreaking; this year is no different," said Steven Kaplan, MD, chair of the AUA Research Council. "Dr. Flannigan's research can change the lives of so many and we are eager to see how it will evolve." Dr. Flannigan aims to establish a regenerative therapy platform to grow sperm from a patient's stem cells in a laboratory setting by leveraging computational modelling and 3D bioprinting in pursuit of a regenerative therapeutic approach for male infertility. His project proposes to utilize state-of-the-art single cell sequencing and associated computational technologies to reveal molecules that are key regulators of developing sperm from stem cells. Since the production of sperm from a stem cell involves several stages of changes to the cell, his lab has uniquely segmented this process into well described stages, so that each stage can be studied independently and precisely. Stage-specific findings will then be screened with small molecules and growth factors to identify the most critical molecules that promote stem cells to mature into sperm. Lab-grown patient testis cells will be 3D bio printed into tubular structures like those found within the human testis that naturally coordinate sperm production. Results from this study will contribute to developing the understanding and technology to regenerate sperm for males lacking any ability to father biological children. This technology is particularly salient considering the pervasiveness of infertility in prepubertal men surviving cancer treatment and among 15% of couples globally, with male factors contributing to 50% of infertility cases. "Dr Flannigan's innovative research brings together different advanced technologies to address previously unsolvable issues. Efforts like his represent an exciting frontier paramount in the efforts of many to helping change the lives of others," said Dr. Nagler, Urology Care Foundation Board President. "Each year I stand in awe of the work of our rising stars." Dr. Flannigan earned his MD at University of Calgary, completed his urology residency at University of British Columbia, and completed a male reproduction and sexual medicine fellowship at the Weill Cornell School of Medicine. He is mentored by Martin Gleave, MD, PhEd; Peter Schlegel, MD; Dolores Lamb, PhD and Amina Soubeidi, PhD. For more information on the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award, visit: https://www.auanet.org/research-and-data/research-awards/aua-funding/rising-stars-in-urology-research-awards About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology and has more than 23,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy. About the Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is the world's leading nonprofit urological health foundation, and the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Partnering with physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, families and the public, the Foundation supports and improves urologic clinical care by funding research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic support. To learn more about the Urology Care Foundation and its programs visit: www.urologyhealth.org. Contact: Corey Shegda, Corporate Communications & Media Relations Manager 443-909-4033, [email protected] SOURCE American Urological Association and Urology Care Foundation Driven by product excellence and key strategic partnerships, Viakoo continues to outpace competitors in IoT security MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Viakoo , the leader in IoT (internet of things) vulnerability remediation, today announced significant momentum in 2023 amid continued market growth. Viakoo has closed notable new customer-driven partnerships, including a recent partnership with Presidio , and product innovation to drive the industry forward. Since launching the Viakoo Action Platform , Viakoo has consistently met and anticipated the growing demand for enterprise IoT applications and device management and vulnerability remediation at scale. The company has also achieved corporate growth, expanding its executive leadership team to continue driving product innovations that meet customer needs. Powerful Partnerships Cyberattacks on IoT devices are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, with over 2.5 billion global events since 2019, according to the IoT Security Global Market Report 2022 . Viakoo is the leading IoT/OT (operational technology) remediation solution that can analyze and remediate vulnerabilities at scale. Viakoo's commitment to driving innovation further is highlighted by its partnerships, which ensure customers have an optimal end-to-end IoT/OT automated security solution that works seamlessly in their environment. Viakoo most recently announced a partnership with Presidio, a leading global digital services and solutions provider, to deliver comprehensive physical security, IoT and OT cybersecurity solutions to joint customers around the world. For the last two years, Viakoo has created integrations and partnerships with leading cybersecurity and managed services security providers to support the most diversified customer use cases. These partnerships enable Viakoo customers to benefit from the industry's first end-to-end, agentless IoT/OT enterprise security management solution that remediates vulnerabilities rapidly and at scale. Viakoo's partnerships are bi-directional, enriching the value of both solutions and assisting in creating a comprehensive IoT security environment, complete with certificates, firmware patching and password management. Product Excellence According to Statista , by 2025 there will be over 75 billion IoT connected devices in use. This is nearly a threefold increase from the IoT devices installed in 2019. The IoT/OT attack surface is the largest exposed attack vector for enterprises today. Unlike traditional IT devices, IoT/OT devices typically lack the same level of visibility and vulnerability management, leaving a massive attack surface that presents an open door for cyber criminals. Viakoo ensures that every connected enterprise can maintain 100% visibility and security for their network devices without disrupting operations, something no other solution can achieve. Viakoo achieves this through innovation, having been awarded multiple patents to deliver essential updates and patches to devices that were previously inaccessible except by manual methods, a time consuming and resource-intensive process that is incapable of meeting modern security needs at scale. Viakoo is the first solution in the industry to effectively address this dynamic through automation. Viakoo recently extended these capabilities with its Device Certificate Manager (DCM) as a part of the Viakoo Action Platform. Viakoo DCM enables organizations to extend zero trust to IoT networks, a major priority for enterprises. According to Gartner , zero trust will be the fastest growing network security segment in 2023. Industry Recognition Viakoo's consistent recognition across the industry highlights the effectiveness of the company's approach to IoT/OT security. Viakoo was named a winner in the annual SINET16 Innovator competition. Honored by a judging committee of 117 private and government security professionals, the committee selects 16 winners out of hundreds of applicants to highlight those most innovative and compelling cybersecurity organizations in their field. in the annual SINET16 Innovator competition. Honored by a judging committee of 117 private and government security professionals, the committee selects 16 winners out of hundreds of applicants to highlight those most innovative and compelling cybersecurity organizations in their field. Viakoo was honored as a winner at the 2022 Red Herring Global Awards, a competition that celebrates the innovations and technologies of the leading private companies from North America , Europe , and Asia . at the 2022 Red Herring Global Awards, a competition that celebrates the innovations and technologies of the leading private companies from , , and . Viakoo was also named the IoT Security Platform of the Year by the IoT Breakthrough Awards, earning distinction among more than 4,000 nominations from around the world. by the IoT Breakthrough Awards, earning distinction among more than 4,000 nominations from around the world. Viakoo earned further recognition as a winner in the IoT Evolution Excellence Awards, as well as in The Cloud Awards for Best Use of Cloud in IoT, and in the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards for Best IoT Security Platform. "We're extremely proud of our achievements over the past year, and even more, our consistent excellence since launching the security business five years ago," said Bud Broomhead, CEO of Viakoo. "The market is growing rapidly as many organizations are aware of the massive attack surface their IoT/OT devices represent. Viakoo is well positioned to deliver the outcomes customers need. We're excited to continue delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers while driving our industry forward through innovation and partnerships." For more information on the Viakoo Action Platform, click here . About Viakoo Viakoo enables customers to defend their IoT attack surface. Viakoo's vision is for every connected enterprise device to be 100% visible, operational, and secured. The agentless Viakoo Action Platform keeps distributed unmanaged and IoT environments secure and continuously operational at the lowest risk and cost. Automated device cyber hygiene is reliably updated at scale with firmware, passwords, and certificates to elevate security posture and system performance to enterprise IT expectations. Viakoo Inc. is a leader in cyber hygiene for connected devices, located in Mountain View, California, USA. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Viakoo Media Contact John Kreuzer Lumina Communications for Viakoo [email protected] SOURCE Viakoo Barros Advising CEO on Data, Marketing & Finance Strategies PHILADELPHIA, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VSBLTY Groupe Technologies Corp. (OTCQB: VSBGF) (CSE: VSBY) (Frankfurt 5VS) ("VSBLTY"), a leading software provider of AI-driven security and retail analytics technology, today announced that Luiz Barros has joined the company as Executive Chairman. Already a member of the Board, Barros has a successful track record as an entrepreneur, and as an intrapreneur leading industry-recognized business and digital transformation for Fortune 100 companies and global advertising agencies. VSBLTY Co-Founder & CEO Jay Hutton said, "We are indeed fortunate to have attracted Luiz to our leadership team. He is widely recognized as a global expert in marketing, data, analytics, media, marketing and technologyall the key areas that drive VSBLTY's business. Luiz represents the next generation of VSBLTY leadership and will help us expand our data narrative, drive our strategic collaborations and accelerate our growth trajectory." Besides acting as a board member and advisor for private and public listed companies, Barros has a successful career as an entrepreneur with two successful exits. He was recently the Global Senior Vice President of Data, Analytics, Media & Digital Products for Anheuser-Busch InBev. Under his leadership, the company went through a successful transformation that put the company on the forefront of data-driven marketing, tripled the marketing ROI and was recognized by the industry with awards such as the "Most Innovative Company in North America" by Fast Company in 2021 and "Creative Marketer of the Year" in Cannes both in 2022 and 2023the first time a company ever won this recognition two years in a row. Barros himself has been recognized by the industry with accolades such as from Ad Age as one of the "40 Under 40" global talents shaping the marketing and media industries in 2020, and "Data & Analytics Leader of the Year" by the Leadership Excellence Awards in 2021, among others. Barros first interaction with VSBLTY occurred as a client. "When I first met VSBLTY as a client I was impressed with how their proprietary computer vision technology revolutionized the industry, helping me to understand our consumers and influence their purchase behavior at 'the moment of truth' at point of purchase," Barros said. About his new role at VSBLTY, he stated that, "Retail Media is now considered the third wave of digital advertising, but we need to remember that more than 80% of total sales happen in physical stores. Leveraging data, analytics, audience targeting and measurement, in physical retail, is the holy grail for brands and no company is as ready as VSBLTY to deliver it. I'm honored with the trust that the Company's management and Board is placing on me and am excited to lead this industry transformation." VSBLTY technology provides enhanced customer engagement and audience measurement using machine learning and computer vision. Its industry leading VisionCaptor and DataCaptor software combine motion graphics and interactive brand messaging with cutting-edge computer vision measurement and insights. VSBLTY's AI driven software Vector provides enhanced facial recognition that is crucial to strengthening today's security requirements when recognizing weapons or suspicious persons in a crowd. Investor Relations CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO, +1-416-868-1079, x251 [email protected] Harbor Access Jonathan Paterson, 475-477-9401 [email protected] Graham Farrell, +1-416-842-9003 [email protected] CONTACT: Linda Rosanio, 609-472-0877 [email protected] About VSBLTY (http://vsblty.net/) Headquartered in Philadelphia, VSBLTY (OTCQB: VSBGF) (CSE: VSBY) (Frankfurt: 5VS) (OTC: VSBGF) ("VSBLTY") is the world leader in Proactive Digital Display, which transforms retail and public spaces as well as place-based media networks with SaaS-based audience measurement and security software that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its proprietary technology effectively integrates with other digital retail solutions, including QR codes and mobile applications. The firm is also recognized for its leadership role in the growing Store as a Medium movement that enables brands to reach customers when and where buying decisions are being made while producing a new revenue stream for retailers. SOURCE VSBLTY VERO BEACH, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the second annual Lady Lake Mac N Cheese Festival, Watercrest Spanish Springs swept the competition taking home two top awards for their winning dish. Watercrest Spanish Springs Executive Chef Matt Levinson served his spectacular macaroni and cheese recipe to hundreds of tasting participants at the festival and earned not only the People's Choice Award, but the prestigious Mayor's Award as well. The team at Watercrest Spanish Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care celebrates the success of Executive Chef Matt Levinson taking home the top two awards for his winning recipe at the Lady Lake Mac n Cheese Festival. The Mac N Cheese festival, organized by the Lake Lake Chamber of Commerce, attracted nearly 900 attendees to Log Cabin Park on March 11th, with dozens of mac n cheese recipes vying for recognition. Watercrest Spanish Springs Community Relations Director, Jenn Hutt, an active member of the Lady Lake Chamber encouraged Chef Levinson to enter as a first time participant, as Tony Truax, Environmental Services Director at Watercrest Spanish Springs joined the team for event day prep. Watercrest Spanish Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care is an upscale senior living community located in The Villages of Central Florida. Residents enjoy culinary offerings on a daily basis that are not only diverse and delicious, but also benefit seniors mind health and the aging process. Watercrest Chefs, like Matt Levinson are focused on creating culinary experiences that celebrate life for seniors. "We are so proud of Executive Chef Levinson for showcasing his culinary talents and for our fantastic Watercrest team for their outstanding support and involvement in our local community," says Kathy Wiederhold, Executive Director of Watercrest Spanish Springs. Watercrest Senior Living Group took operational management of the Spanish Springs community in the summer of 2021, implementing Watercrest's signature programming and exceptional quality care and training programs. In just 18 months and in the midst of a global pandemic, the Watercrest Spanish Springs community achieved a complete turnaround in reaching 100% resident occupancy. Watercrest Spanish Springs is located in The Villages at 930 Alverez Avenue in Lady Lake, Fla. For information, contact the community 352-604-5140. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A five-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest Senior Living Group specializes in the development and operations management of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group On Monday evening, the German Ministry of Defense confirmed the transfer of 18 German-made Leopard 2A6 battle tanks to Ukraine. "We promised - we did: 18 Leopard 2A6 battle tanks, as well as ammunition and spare parts for them, arrived in Ukraine today," the ministry said on Twitter. Earlier, the German publication Der Spiegel reported that the first batch of Leopard 2 tanks transferred by Germany arrived in Ukraine on Monday. In March, Germany planned to supply 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine. Nation's Largest & Only Restaurant Business Broker Franchise doubled in size in 2022 in both franchise units and system sales, Aims to Reach 90 Franchisees and 107 Territories by 2030 PALM COAST, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We Sell Restaurants, the nation's leading and only business broker franchise focused on restaurants, plans to add 10 franchisees in 2023 by targeting former and current owners of restaurant and hospitality businesses. Already off to a strong start, We Sell Restaurants has five territories sold and opening by April. We Sell Restaurants was founded by Robin and Eric Gagnon, who have decades of combined experience selling restaurants. With deep financial, branding and marketing experience in restaurants, and small and big business, We Sell Restaurants leadership took the fragmented brokerage market and built a specialized practice for selling only restaurants with a systemic approach never before seen in the industry. "For those who enjoy the restaurant and hospitality industry but are ready for a new approach beyond food franchises, We Sell Restaurants offers a unique franchise opportunity," said Robin Gagnon, CEO & Co-Founder of We Sell Restaurants. "We are attracting franchise partners to our brand who are excited by the idea of experiencing the restaurant business with banker's hours, and who want to help others realize the American Dream of restaurant ownership, love people, want to support their communities and create a great lifestyle for themselves and their families." We Sell Restaurants was founded by Robin and Eric Gagnon, who have decades of combined experience selling restaurants. With deep financial, branding and marketing experience in restaurants, and small and big business, We Sell Restaurants leadership took the fragmented brokerage market and built a specialized practice for selling only restaurants with a systemic approach never before seen in the industry. Today, We Sell Restaurants is a vibrant and innovative company that operates in 45 states nationwide and delivers on the founder's vision to Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else. PERIOD. 2022 was a year of milestones for We Sell Restaurants, including: Doubling the unit count of its franchise base and doubling revenue on transactions turning in a performance that outperformed the marketplace ( as reported by BizBuySell ) by 25 percentage points in unit count of restaurants sold over the prior year. In addition, We Sell Restaurants was named to the INC5000 list of fastest-growing private brands in America for this performance. ( ) by 25 percentage points in unit count of restaurants sold over the prior year. In addition, We Sell Restaurants was named to the INC5000 list of fastest-growing private brands in America for this performance. Awarding a dozen new franchises in 15 territories in 2021. Exceeding the combined sales for the franchise system over 2021 by 101.8 percent. A record 100 percent of its franchisees stated they would make the decision again , landing We Sell Restaurants in the top 25 overall in franchise satisfaction in the Franchise Business Review annual survey. , landing We Sell Restaurants in the top 25 overall in franchise satisfaction in the annual survey. Making significant capital investments in the brand ahead of its growth. An entire code rewrite of its BOSS (Broker's Operations and Sales System) was funded last year to support the brand's continuing operations. The BOSS is the proprietary software of We Sell Restaurants allowing the franchisor to manage functions, such as listing inventory, reports, and royalties so franchisees can manage their entire business online, receive leads and track data in a single platform. An entire code rewrite of its BOSS (Broker's Operations and Sales System) was funded last year to support the brand's continuing operations. The BOSS is the proprietary software of We Sell Restaurants allowing the franchisor to manage functions, such as listing inventory, reports, and royalties so franchisees can manage their entire business online, receive leads and track data in a single platform. Expanded its leadership team in 2022 and early 2023 with the addition of Rob Morrison as Franchise Implementation Office and Brent Greenwood as Director of Franchise Sales. Both joined the leadership team with many years of franchise brand and restaurant transfer experience. with the addition of as Franchise Implementation Office and as Director of Franchise Sales. Both joined the leadership team with many years of franchise brand and restaurant transfer experience. Approaching $250 million in listing inventory with the largest count of restaurants for sale anywhere online. New franchise partners work directly with We Sell Restaurants leadership over a 30-day onboarding and training process, including a practicum and webinar series on its developed, proprietary software tool and the nation's most advanced web platform for business brokerage. Additional support includes access to propriety technology, traditional and digital marketing initiatives, and ongoing training with Mastermind sessions for brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support to sharpen business and personal skills and help achieve success. Franchise partner training also includes the Certified Restaurant Broker program. After completing this program, franchise partners become Certified Restaurant Brokers, a respected credential in the industry for expert understanding in the practice of business brokerage for restaurants. We Sell Restaurants is currently seeking single and multi-unit operator franchise partners to join the brand and its planned expansion to reach 90 franchise partners and 107 territories by 2030. Franchisees are not required to have prior restaurant experience, but sales experience and an entrepreneurial spirit are preferred. The initial investment requirement ranges from $70,625 - $105,400. "It was a standout year on many fronts in 2022 and the momentum is continuing. With low overhead, no employees and no supply chain, We Sell Restaurants franchise partners can open their business within 60 days after signing the franchise agreement," said Eric Gagnon, President and Co-Founder of We Sell Restaurants. "With oversight, support, training and unmatched, industry leading and proprietary technology, a We Sell Restaurants franchise business is lucrative, easily scalable and can be run without being full-time behind a desk using the brand's propriety software programs for lead generation and deal closures it's a business with freedom." For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.wesellrestaurants.com/franchise . About We Sell Restaurants We Sell Restaurants is the nation's largest business broker franchise focused exclusively on the sale of restaurants, with 20 years of experience in helping buy, sell and lease hospitality locations. We Sell Restaurants and its franchisees have sold thousands of restaurants across the country and maintain a listing inventory of more than $200 million online at their powerhouse restaurant for sale marketplace , including independent and restaurant franchises for sale. We Sell Restaurants is offering franchise opportunities for their brand in select market areas. For more information, visit www.wesellrestaurants.com . Media Contact: Greg Avdoian, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300, [email protected] SOURCE We Sell Restaurants Breeze Airways to connect CRW to at least 5 new destinations CHARLESTON, W.Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice today announced a partnership between the state, Kanawha County, the city of Charleston and the successful new low cost carrier Breeze Airways to connect West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) with at least five cities over the next two years. New nonstop flights to Orlando, Florida (MCO) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) will begin May 31, 2023. The new routes are now on sale at introductory fares of $59 and $49, respectively, one way. At least three more destinations, including New York City, are slated to be added over the next 24 months. Charleston Capital Breeze E190 Plane This innovative partnership comes after years of decline in available destinations from smaller airports around the country, including West Virginia International Yeager Airport. The flights announced today will more than double air connectivity to West Virginia's capital. "I've said over and over that our airports in West Virginia are our lifeblood," Gov. Justice said. "They fuel our economy, bring in tourism, and their ripple effects are off-the-charts. CRW is absolutely knocking it out of the park, and it's a testament to West Virginia's resurgence as a top destination for tourism, and as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I'm so proud to welcome Breeze Airways to Almost Heaven, because I know that they will find success here, but above all, they will find a new home among our hills." Breeze was launched in 2021 by JetBlue founder and former CEO David Neeleman with a mission to fill a key gap in America's air-travel offerings: efficient, affordable, direct flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. It was recently named one of the best domestic airlines in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure . Breeze offers travelers the option of three price levels, "Nice," "Nicer," and "Nicest," the latter of which includes a first-class seat on the airline's Airbus A220 aircraft. "As we look to fill the gaps left by larger carriers in midsized markets, Charleston/Yeager is a great fit for Breeze's business model," said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways' Founder and CEO. "With our new 'Charleston to Charleston' service, we'll connect the West Virginia and South Carolina cities for the very first time, and our new nonstop to Orlando is also adding another currently unserved destination from CRW. We know the Almost Heaven community will enjoy Breeze's affordability, flexibility, and our family friendly policies including free family seating." Breeze has grown rapidly since its founding, now with 145 nonstop routes between 36 cities in 22 states nationally. The airline has ordered 80 brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with options for 40 more. This summer, Breeze aircraft will be seen touching down in the Mountain State. The partnership includes adding three additional routes in the first two years, including potential service to New York City and the west coast. The announcement follows several years of record-breaking tourism growth in West Virginia and a year in which the state was labeled a must-see tourism destination by publications such as Travel + Leisure , Conde Nast , Lonely Planet , Frommer's , TIME , CNN , and USA Today . An expansion of this magnitude at West Virginia International Yeager Airport is unprecedented. Airport officials are excited about the long-term possibilities created by this new partnership. Those wanting to book a flight to Charleston from Orlando or Charleston, South Carolina, can do so now at www.flybreeze.com or via the Breeze app. ABOUT BREEZE AIRWAYS Breeze Airways began service in May 2021. One year later, it was ranked as the No. 2 U.S. best domestic airline of 2021 by Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Breeze now offers a mix of 145 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 36 cities in 22 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features including complimentary family seating - delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Flights are on sale at flybreeze.com and via the Breeze app. ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA TOURISM The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire. Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America's newest national park and 45 state parks and forests. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes. More information at wvtourism.com . PHOTOS AND B-ROLL https://wvtourism.imagerelay.com/sb/07d04254-d816-43d8-ae59-f080120d8707/breeze-airways-announcement ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL YEAGER AIRPORT With competitive airfares to destinations worldwide and nonstop flights to major airports, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) strives to make the travel experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Convenient parking within walking distance of the terminal and security lines with short waiting times make CRW one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the nation. A short drive from downtown Charleston and just a few minutes from the intersection of three major interstates, CRW is a breeze to get to. CRW is located in Charleston but services Huntington and southern West Virginia. More information at yeagerairport.com . MEDIA CONTACTS Gareth Edmondson-Jones Breeze Airways 917 399-9355 [email protected] Lauren Hough West Virginia Department of Tourism 304-352-0513 [email protected] SOURCE West Virginia Department of Tourism LiveSubs Leverages Zixi for Real Time Translation Applications WALTHAM, Mass., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zixi , the industry leader for enabling cost-efficient and highly scalable live broadcast-quality video over any IP network or protocol and provider of the award-winning SDVP, today announced a partnership with XL8 that has integrated Zixi into their innovative LiveSubs translation engine to create real-time subtitles powered by its proprietary state-of-the-art AI technology. LiveSubs allows customers to take their Zixi stream and generate live subtitled languages on the fly, from the source language into over 70 global language pairs. John Wastcoat SVP Alliances and Marketing, Zixi XL8 Media companies are under increasing pressure to meet the worldwide demand for hyper-localized translated media in the live distribution space and XL8 takes AI-powered machine translation, specially optimized for media content, to the next level. Its advanced technology allows significantly more efficient workflows by providing in-line editing, automated media transcription with time coding, automated subtitling, synthesized voice dubbing, real-time meeting interpretation including a soon-to-be-released Zoom app, and live subtitling. XL8's uniquely specialized translation engines have been built from the ground up utilizing professionally trained, human-perfected subtitles curated from the media industry's top content producers. LiveSubs creates subtitles for Broadcasters and Live streams in real-time powered by proprietary state-of-the-art AI technology. The LiveSubs Zixi integration means that no additional conversion point is required, and streams can be ingested in real-time in order to take advantage of XL8's AI-trained engine. This is essential to the subtitle application as low latency is one of the key requirements. Leveraging the bandwidth efficiency and reliable delivery included with the integration, users can offer subtitling services to a wider global audience. Customers using XL8's LiveSubs can accept as well as broadcast streams from Zixi enabled live sources and to Zixi Broadcaster target destinations allowing users to deliver streams at ultra-low latencies with greater bandwidth efficiencies, safely and securely over the internet with dynamic FEC and ARQ combining to ensure smooth delivery over lossy networks. Users can receive an existing Zixi stream and feed it to XL8's LiveSubs engine to generate live subtitle streams for new and existing markets, monetizing content in markets where the source language is not commonly spoken and facilitating an extended reach in markets where having subtitles can increase the scope of an event and generate interest from sponsors. With integrated Zixi protocol support, XL8 customers have access to the industry-leading performance, efficiency, security and reliability that the Zixi SDVP enables. XL8's media processing engine connects to Zixi Broadcasters, leveraging the market-leading Zixi protocol, unlocking valuable features that operations have native access to, including market-leading network efficiency. The Zixi protocol delivers error-free video, compresses null packets, typical in broadcast streams, and is also video aware removing repetitive packets resulting in 30% to 50% lower bandwidth requirements on the network pipe, including a similar reduction in egress costs. Zixi Protocol supports stream bitrates up to 5Gbps, including jumbo frame support and is 3x more efficient than any other market offering so compute costs and energy consumption are greatly reduced, and support for ARM Processors realize an additional 50% of the cost and energy consumption of other compute processors. Zixi supports ~0ms latency with proprietary and tuned congestion-aware FEC that can be used to achieve latencies as low as transit time with no additional latency for the protocol. The Zixi protocol provides the ability to adjust latency in real time without impact on production streams and is automatically lowered when all network conditions and QoS health signals are amenable. Zixi has a connection handshake which multiplexes all streams onto one user-definable input port, and one definable output port that simplifies firewall setup and reduces complexity by 10x. The Zixi ZEN Master control plane is integrated to enable users to manage large-scale configurations and orchestrate, analyze, monitor, and report on live video streams including XL8 deployments, and the Zixi Enabled Network of customers, integrated hardware and software applications, platforms and service providers standardized on Zixi. Complex workflows mandate advanced visibility, and Zixi provides insight into packet recovery on the sending side while including per-PID delivery on the receive side. Live content quality analysis, including ePSNR/eVMAF scores, impairments detection like frozen video and silent audio, TR101-290 measurement and the widest range of live and trending KPIs help operations teams understand the health, quality and performance of their live events and linear channels. "Zixi is the market leader for the delivery of live IP video," said Janice Pearson, SVP Sales & Strategy, XL8. "With this integration, our joint customers are able to further monetize their content with highly accurate subtitles and translations for global audiences." "Zixi's reliability, reach and global footprint helps our customers and partners provide a better quality of service to subscribers and reach a global audience," said John Wastcoat, SVP Alliances and Marketing, Zixi. "This partnership with XL8 is a great example of how the Zixi Enabled Network connects the world of media." For more details and to book a meeting please visit Zixi at NAB 2023 https://zixi.com/zixi-at-nab-2023/ About Zixi Zixi provides the cloud based and on-premises Software-Defined Video Platform (SDVP) that enables reliable broadcast-quality video delivery over any IP network, any protocol, any cloud provider and any edge device. The company offers technologies for broadcasters, enterprises, over-the-top video providers, and mobile service providers around the world. Zixi simplifies building and managing congestion-aware live video routes on any network, with support for 17-protocols across any operating environment, with products that are purpose built to provide market leading performance, universal interoperability and an operational control plane that simplifies management and orchestration at scale. With 15+ years of innovation and expertise, the Zixi Enabled Network has grown to over 1000+ media customers and 400+ OEM and service providers that deliver 20,000+ channels daily, with 110,000 deployed instances in over 120 countries, gathering over 9 billion data points a day while delivering over 100,000 live sporting events a year. This powerful ecosystem of the largest media organizations in the world exchanging live video allows for the creation and acceleration of new content acquisition, business models, and opportunities to reduce cost and generate revenue. www.zixi.com For more information, contact: Denise Williams, Bubble Agency, +1 503 806 0755, [email protected] About XL8 XL8 was founded in 2019 by technical executives from Google and Apple, both with an advanced degree in Computer Science from Columbia University. A Silicon Valley tech company at its core, XL8 takes AI-powered machine translation (MT), specially optimized for media content, to the next level. Its advanced technology allows significantly more efficient workflows by providing: in-line editing, automated media transcription with time coding, automated subtitling, synthesized voice dubbing, real-time meeting interpretation, and live subtitling. XL8's uniquely specialized translation engines have been built from the ground up utilizing professionally trained, human-perfected subtitles curated from the media industry's top content producers. XL8's "secret sauce" offers media focused translation accuracy that is up to 40% higher than other generally available MT services. Since its inception, XL8 has surpassed translating 800,000 hours of content and more than 1.6 billion words, and currently supports more than 77 tier 1 language pairs. For more information, contact: Season Skuro, +1 818 903 8205 / [email protected] (USA) Shawn Belluigi, +44 (0) 7754 553 798 / [email protected] (UK) SOURCE Zixi In recent days, the Russian occupiers have given priority to an operation to encircle the city of Avdiyivka in Donetsk region, but they have made only insignificant progress at the cost of heavy losses in armored vehicles, according to a defense intelligence report tweeted by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Monday. "Russia's 10th Tank Regiment has likely lost a large proportion of its tanks while attempting to surround Avdiivka from the south... 10th Tank Regiment's losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armoured attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar," the report notes. According to intelligence, the regiment is part of 3rd Army Corps, the first major new formation Russia stood up to support the invasion of Ukraine since August 2022. Numerous open-source accounts suggested that 3rd Army Corps has been "particularly dogged by problems with ill-discipline and poor morale." "Despite a likely period of training in Belarus, the formation still appears to display limited combat effectiveness," the report notes. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has established that Viacheslav Bohuslayev, President of the Motor Sich Corporation (Zaporizhia), blocked the delivery of a combat helicopter for the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense in April 2022, he was also notified of suspicion on this fact, the SBU reports. "Counterintelligence and investigators of the Security Service have exposed new facts of the criminal activities of the president of JSC Motor Sich, suspected of working for the aggressor. In the course of investigative actions, the involvement of the high-ranking official in obstructing the legitimate activities of the Defense Forces in favor of the aggressor country was established," the SBU reported on the Telegram channel on Tuesday. According to it, in April last year, Bohuslayev received an order from representatives of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense on the transfer of a Mi-2 helicopter to carry out combat missions at the front. However, as emphasized, "the head of the industrial giant deliberately blocked the implementation of the relevant state order." "To do this, he instructed his subordinates to disassemble the aircraft into parts and hide its operational documentation. Fulfilling the order of the high-ranking official, the plant workers removed the blades and disabled the helicopter's mechanisms responsible for the operation of the main rotor," the special service clarifies. On this fact, the president of Motor Sich was additionally notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 28, and Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstruction to the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period, committed by a group of persons by prior agreement). The pretrial investigation continues to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. In October 2022, SBU officers detained the president of the Motor Sich Corporation, Viacheslav Bohuslayev, and the head of the Foreign Economic Activity Department of JSC Motor Sich. The suspects were declared suspected under Article 111-1 (collaboration activity) and Article 111-2 (complicity with the aggressor state) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Pilibhit, March 28 : Thirteen policemen, including a station house officer, a sub-inspector, and 10 constables have been booked in two separate matters in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district on the orders of court of Chief Judicial Magistrate and Special Judge, SC/ST Act. The cops are accused of allegedly demanding extortion money from a lawyer in the first matter and for keeping a Dalit man under illegal detention and hurling casteist abuses at him in the second matter. In both cases, the police have yet not complied with the judicial orders. The first order is against sub-inspector, Dharmendra Singh, and constables of Madhotanda police station. As per the victim, Shiv Sharma, 56, who is a lawyer and former president of the district central bar association, the police did not lodge his complaint within seven days from the date of the receipt of the court's order. The concerned order had been received by the police on March 15. Sharma has now decided to file a contempt application in the court against the defiance of the court order by police. Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police, Atul Sharma, said that the police would file an appeal in the higher court as the lawyer's allegations were false. It is one of the first instances in the district when police have decided to opt for an appeal challenging the lower court's order over lodging of an FIR. Prior to this, the lawyer in his complaint filed in the court alleged that he was abused, and the sub-inspector demanded extortion money in September last year. He filed a complaint with the SP but no action was taken. Sharma, said that the police were defying the court orders as they were reluctant in lodging the FIR against their own staff members. In the second matter, a 37-year-old Dalit marginal farmer Bhoop Ram Jatav has alleged that he and his wife were assaulted with firearms on November 11, last year by three criminals from his native village. The duo was the witness against the assailants in a criminal case, he said. Jatav belongs to Bhura Sarainda village under the jurisdiction of Gajraula police station. The police, following a court order dated December 22, 2023, lodged an FIR but did not apply the right IPC sections. When he approached the then SHO, Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, with a request to add the appropriate sections to the FIR, he was held up in police lock-up and abused badly. The court of the special judge, SC/ST had ordered the police on March 23 to lodge an FIR and investigate the matter. Istanbul, March 28 : Six people died when a semi-trailer truck crashed into two automobiles in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, Istanbul governor's office announced in a statement. The accident occurred at 3:30 p.m. local time on Monday on the Trans-European Motorways in the Silivri district on the European side of the city, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement. Three more people were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. Gendarmerie units, firefighters, emergency medical units, as well as emergency and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the area. Meanwhile, the accident disrupted the traffic on the highway, said the governor's office, adding that the traffic has been reduced to a single lane in each direction. Kiev, March 28 : Ukraine received the first batch of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, media outlets reported. The German-made tanks were handed over to Ukraine two months after Berlin's decision to supply them, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Monday, citing German news outlet Der Spiegel. It did not specify the number of tanks that were transferred to Ukraine. In January, Germany decided to supply its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and green-lighted requests by other countries to do so, Xinhua news agency reported. Media outlets reported that Germany intended to send 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks to Ukraine. Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov announced the arrival in Ukraine of the Challenger 2 tanks handed over by the British side. "It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country," Reznikov tweeted on Tuesday morning. "These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions," the minister said. As reported, in early February, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that about 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers went to the UK for military training, in particular, several dozen people to learn how to drive Challenger 2 tanks, 14 of which were planned to be delivered to Ukraine. In addition to 14 Challenger 2 tanks, Britain is sending Ukraine 20 Bulldog armored personnel carriers and 30 AS-90 self-propelled artillery mounts. New Delhi, March 28 : As an Indian growing up in America, Darshana Patel who recently announced her bid to run for the California State Assembly District 76, was called a "pagan, greasy Indian", and was asked to "go back home". The 48-year-old research scientist, who is the board president of California's Poway Unified School District, said that microaggressions were common, and the term ABCD -- American-Born Confused Desi -- haunted her as a child. "The term ABCD haunted me as a child... As a young girl in second grade, I was called a pagan, greasy Indian (because my mother put oil in my hair), asked what tribe I was from, and often teased when I wore more traditional attire to school," Patel, who hails from Vadodara, said in an interview to IANS. In an America, where one in five incidents involve language scapegoating of Asians, according to a recent AAPI study, Patel said post 9/11, a group of men in a pick up truck followed her, shouting "go back home and n-word" and "you are not welcome here". "While conditions have improved in some ways for Indian immigrants (there are grocery stores, temples, and community organisations now), they have got worse in other ways as Indian-American are integrating more into the American fabric," Patel, who is part of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, said. Running for the state Assembly in 2024, Patel told IANS that she wants to dispel ignorant and harmful stereotypes of Indian-Americans, and promote more cross-cultural and inter-sectional experiences and education, like ethnic studies in public schools. California's Assembly District 76, which includes the cities of Escondido and San Marcos, portions of San Diego, and numerous unincorporated communities in San Diego County, has an active and diverse Indian community that makes up about two per cent of the voters and many more green card and visa holders. "As the daughter of Indian immigrants who struggled to realise the American Dream, I understand that representation matters... Our main challenge is using our collective voice to affect policy that will help our community tackle pressing issues such as affordability, education and youth mental health, immigration reform, public safety, and high-quality comprehensive healthcare," she said. The San Diego resident's campaign has earned early endorsements from Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna. The election will be an open-seat contest, as incumbent Assembly member Brian Maienschein will be terming out. Along with Patel, lawyer Joseph Rocha, also a Democrat, has announced his candidacy for the same seat. With fellow Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramakrishnan throwing their hats in the ring for the 2024 presidential elections, Patel told IANS that she feels proud that they are taking the risk to represent the diverse Indian-American community via the primary electoral process. "Their candidacy will bring a wealth of diverse opinions to the political arena and challenge stereotypes. I feel proud that Indian-Amerians are stepping up to all levels of public office and further inspiring political engagement and civic responsibility." Indian-Americans account for over one per cent of the country's population and have one of the highest per capita incomes among ethnic groups. While the community is concentrated in major areas like New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas, their votes might turn out to be decisive in case of close races in the states of Florida, Atlanta, and Pennsylvania. So, is the US ready for an Indian-American as its next president? "I wish I could answer Yes with lots of confidence since we have successfully elected Indian-American local officials, judges, Governors, and several Indian-American Congressional representatives, and our current Vice President Kamala Harris is an Indian-American," Patel said, adding that the US is yet to elect a female President. "Though, and I think that there are persisting, misguided fears of divided loyalty from Indian and even all Asian Americans, perhaps this election cycle will break these barriers," she said. (Meenakshi Iyer can be reached at meenakshi.i@ians.in) Lucknow, March 28 : Active Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh have increased three times in the past 10 days. Almost all the patients, however, are recuperating in home isolation with no major symptoms. On Monday, the number of active Covid cases went up to 262, but none of them were critical, according to the officials. On Sunday, a total 78 new Covid cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh including 38 from Lakhimpur Kheri where the students and staff of a government residential school were found infected. This figure was the highest in a single day this year. "In the state, there is one Covid positive patient for every 10-lakh population," said a state government spokesman. On December 30, 2022, there were 47 active Covid cases and on March 15 this year, the number of active cases in the state was 71 while on Monday it went up to 262. Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, Association of International Doctors, said: "Following Covid protocol including social distancing, use of mask at public places and avoiding crowded places can bring down Covid cases. "Till now, Uttar Pradesh has reported 21,28,582 Covid cases since the pandemic began." An alert has been issued to health care officials of several districts where the highest number of active cases were reported, mainly Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Meerut, Bulandshahr, and Lakhimpur Kheri to increase contact tracing and testing. One death due to Covid was also reported from Muzaffarnagar recently. Vikasendu Agrawal, state surveillance officer said: "The patient was admitted for some other ailment and died during treatment. The positive report has come now and hence it has been added to the list of Covid deaths." The total Covid deaths reported till now in state is 23,650. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the Covid situation with Team-9 and directed officials to increase testing. He said Covid dedicated hospitals should be identified in all 75 districts immediately and all oxygen plants established last year should be made functional. He directed officials to ensure that all medical facilities are up to date to handle Covid-19 patients. "There are various kinds of flu also doing the rounds and people have become complacent with regards to Covid-19. It is clear that not everyone with symptoms is getting tested. However, the situation is very much under control as we do not have any serious cases in hospitals till now," said an official. The Chief Minister said that while all positive cases have been quarantined, their condition and that of people in their proximity would need to be monitored. With Ashtami and Ram Navami coming up, he said that the number of people visiting temples would increase and therefore, there was a risk of infection spreading. "Elderly and people with serious illnesses should make every effort to limit their movement in crowded areas. In case they go out, they should wear a mask. People should be made aware in this regard. People should be made aware through the public address system," the Chief Minister said. He added ventilators in hospitals and medical colleges should be active and paramedical staff and anaesthetists must be deployed as per need. San Francisco, March 28 : Ride-hailing company Lyft's co-founders, CEO Logan Green and president John Zimmer will transition from their full-time roles into non-executive roles, and former Amazon and Microsoft executive David Risher will become the new CEO, the company has announced. Lyft's current chairman Sean Aggarwal will step down from his post but will remain on the board. He will serve as lead independent director. Risher, a seasoned technology executive, will become Lyft CEO on April 17. "Building Lyft with John over the last 16 years has been the adventure of a lifetime," said Green. "When Risher left Amazon, Jeff Bezos publicly thanked him, vowing to 'build on the foundation you helped pour'. He is the absolute right person to build on our foundation," Green said in a statement late on Monday. Lyft was founded in 2012 and is one of the largest transportation networks in the US and Canada. "I am honoured to step into the CEO role at such an important moment in the company's history, and am prepared to take this business to new levels of success," Risher commented. Risher also co-founded Worldreader, a non-profit organisation that has so far helped 21 million people read. Aggarwal said that today, one in three people across the country has taken a Lyft and Lyft drivers have earned tens of billions of dollars. "I look forward to serving alongside them as members of the Lyft board," he added. There is no change to Lyft's previously announced revenue and the company expects to report its Q1 2023 results in early May. -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, March 28 : The Delhi High Court is likely to pronounce Tuesday its order on the police's revision plea against a trial court's order discharging 11 accused, including Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar and Asif Iqbal Tanha in the 2019 Jamia violence case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had on March 23 reserved the judgement on the plea. Violence erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia in December 2019 after a clash between the police and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters. During the last hearing, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain appeared for Delhi Police while different advocates represented the respondents, namely Imam, Tanha, Zargar, Abuzar, Umair Ahmed, Mohd Shoaib, Mahmood Anwar, Mohd Qasim, Mohd Bilal Nadeem, Shahzar Raza Khan and Chanda Yadav. All 11 accused persons were discharged by the trial court on February 4, but it had, however, framed charges of unlawful assembly and rioting against Mohd Ilyas. Before the bench of Justice Sharma on March 23, Jain had contended that the trial court (Saket court), "overstepped its jurisdiction" in passing "disparaging and gravely prejudicial observations" against the probe and the investigative agency, and said that the same ought to be expunged from the record. ASJ Verma had pulled up police while discharging the accused persons, saying that police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators behind the commission of the offence, but surely managed to rope in these 11 accused as "scapegoats". The bench had said: "The trial court judge has basically said you couldn't bring anything on record for the court to believe that these persons were part of a crowd who committed an offence. They also raised the question that when there were so many people, why did you only pick up a few?" Appearing for respondents Anwar, Raza Khan, Qasim and Umair Ahmed, advocate M.R. Shamshad submitted that the accused were merely bystanders and that the trial court had passed the right order of discharging them. On behalf of student activist and JNU alum Imam, advocate Talib Mustafa submitted that there is no video clip or any single statement of witness against Imam in any of the charge sheets. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Zargar, questioned the manner of her identification by police. She submitted that the person who was identified as Zargar from a video clip had a "face cover", adding that no reason was given by the prosecution for concluding that it was her. San Francisco, March 28 : Leading crypto platform Binance's CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) on Tuesday said the civil complaint filed by the US Commodity Futures and Trading Commission (CFTC) against them is "unexpected and disappointing". The US regulators on Monday sued the leading blockchain and cryptocurrency for allegedly breaking trading and derivatives rules. In a statement, CZ said that they have been working cooperatively with the CFTC for over two years. "Upon an initial review, the complaint appears to contain an incomplete recitation of facts, and we do not agree with the characterisation of many of the issues alleged in the complaint," the Binance CEO said. His response came after the CFTC alleged that the crypto exchange has never registered with it and has "disregarded federal laws" that govern US financial markets, including laws designed to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorism financing. Zhao said that Binance.com has developed best-in-class technology to ensure compliance. "We are aware of no other company using systems more comprehensive or more effective than Binance. We are committed to transparency and cooperation with regulators and law enforcement, in the US and globally," the CEO informed. Binance said it currently has more than 750 people in its compliance teams, many with prior law enforcement and regulatory agency backgrounds. "I never participated in Binance Launchpad, Earn, Margin, or Futures. I know the best use of my time is to build a solid platform that services our users," said Zhao, adding that the company will only be able to give full responses to the CFTC civil complaint in due time. The CFTC alleged that the company's monthly revenue earned $1.14 billion from derivatives transactions in May 2021, up from $63 million in August 2020, and of that amount, around 16 per cent of Binance's accounts were held by US customers. The filing also stated that Zhao and other involved parties in Binance's senior management have "failed to properly supervise Binance's activities and activities and, indeed, have actively facilitated violations of US law". Binance is the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, with around $9 billion in trading activity in the last 24 hours and over 90 million customers worldwide. Tokyo, March 28 : A Japanese university student dressed up like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his graduation ceremony to "show solidarity" with the war-torn nation, the media reported. The student, identified as Amiki, is from the Kyoto City University of Arts, which allows students to wear whatever they want during the institute's unique graduation ceremony, the BBC reported. He donned the Ukrainian President's iconic khaki green long-sleeved top and matching trousers, and told Japanese network Yomiuri that it took him three months to grow his beard. "Since December, when I was growing out my beard, I was told I look like President Zelensky," the BBC quoted Amiki as saying to the network. The student also carried signs bearing messages of support and quotes from Zelensky's speech to US Congress in December 2022. This was the university's first in-person graduation ceremony in three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, students dressed as a rabbit and an otter also made their way on to the stage to collect their diplomas, as well as a drummer. In previous years, students have dressed up like Where's Wally, Pokemon and Jesus Christ. Seoul, March 28 : A nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea's port city of Busan on Tuesday amid growing North Korean threats. The USS Nimitz carrier docked at ROK Fleet Command in the city, 325 km southeast of Seoul, after its strike group trained with the South Korean Navy in the international waters south of the southern island of Jeju the previous day, reports Yonhap NewsAgency. Its presence here is expected to send a warning to Pyongyang, which has been ratcheting up tensions through missile launches and repeated threats to use nuclear weapons in a contingency, observers said. The flat-top is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, which includes USS Bunker Hill, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser; and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Decatur. It has brought some 70 combat aircraft, including F/A-18 fighters and E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft. On the eve of its port call in Busan, the North fired what it claimed to be "tactical" ballistic missiles loaded with simulated "nuclear warheads". The launch followed a series of earlier weapons tests, including that of an "underwater nuclear attack drone". Addressing reporters aboard the USS Nimitz on Monday, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, the commander of the carrier strike group, highlighted the allies' readiness to deal with North Korean threats, according to a pool report. "I'm not threatened or worried about North Korea," he said, noting that the US has "deployable strategic assets at the ready on every day". New Delhi, March 28 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed an appeal by slum dwellers against the single-judge order requiring those living on the Yamuna floodplains to vacate the place within three days or face a fine of Rs 50,000 to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). On March 15, a single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh issued an order requiring slum dwellers of Bela Estate to leave their jhuggis. During the hearing, the court said the petitioner Bela Estate Mazdoor Basti Samiti has neither proved that these jhuggi-jhopdi (JJ) clusters were notified by the DUSIB nor that the jhuggis were constructed before January 1, 2015. Hence, the slum dwellers are not entitled for the relief of rehabilitation as per DUSIB's Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, the court said. Justice Gaurang Kanth said, "This court is of the considered view that the petitioners are not entitled for rehabilitation as per DUSIB Policy, 2015. Consequently, in view of the detailed discussions, the present writ petition is dismissed." During the last hearing on March 21, before a division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had informed the benchA that it has cleared the Yamuna floodplains of encroachment and razed the jhuggis that the court had ordered to be removed. The bench had asked the DDA to file an affidavit in relation to the exercise. "Has the demolition taken place?" it had asked. To this, advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, appearing for the DDA, had said: "Yes, it has been completed. It is over." The lawyer had added that the notice was given before the demolition in compliance with the requirements and the occupants were informed about the nearest DUSIB shelter. "Counsel appearing for DDA has stated before this court that encroachment has already been removed. Let an affidavit be filed," the bench had said. The inhabitants have been farming on the land for many years, according to their lawyer Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, who also brought up the subject of their rehabilitation. Earlier, Justice Singh had passed the order after the DDA told the court that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had taken note of the pollution level of the Yamuna and on January 9, constituted a high-level committee. While constituting the committee, the NGT had requested the Delhi Lt Governor, who is the Chairman of the DDA and Administrator of Delhi under Article 239 of the Constitution, to head the Committee. On January 27, the high-level committee passed directions to take immediate steps to control pollution of the river and remove encroachments on Yamuna floodplains. While dismissing the plea by the residents, the court had permitted strict action to be taken by police. "The Deputy Commissioner of Police concerned of the area will render all support during the said action," the court directed. DDA's counsel Kaur had submitted that the encroachment had been removed twice but the residents again came back to the same place. "Do you know how much damage is being caused to Yamuna, you are occupying it," the bench had asked counsel representing the residents of Moolchand basti located on the Yamuna floodplains at Bela Estate, Rajghat. The residents had filed a plea stating that in August 2022, the Delhi Police and DDA officials threatened them to vacate their jhuggis which will otherwise be demolished. While stating that the DUSIB in its affidavit stated that as the 'basti' did not figure in its notified list, the residents were not entitled to rehabilitation, the court directed the DDA to proceed with the demolition after three days. New Delhi, March 28 : With the stalemate continuing in Parliament, the session is likely to be wound up early. The Budget session is scheduled to end on April 6, but with continued logjam over various issues, sources are saying that it may be sine die soon. The opposition has decided to remain steadfast on its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Adani Group matter. The opposition MPs moved adjournment notices in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday also on the JPC demand and also against Rahul Gandhi's disqualification. Leaders of the opposition parties on Monday attended a meeting at Congress President and leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and decided to continue their protest over the JPC. Disqualified Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was present in the meeting. The other parties which attended the meeting are -- DMK, NCP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, AAP, MDMK, KC, TMC, RSP, RJD, J&K NC, IUML, VCK, SP and JMM. The opposition parties have collectively decided to press for the JPC demand and stage protests in Parliament. Mallikarjun Kharge after the meeting said in his tweet, "To save one man, Modi ji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues.If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Opposition's demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee?" The Congress is organising a major show with 35 press conferences in two days to highlight the Adani issue. Seoul, March 28 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday that North Korea's human rights abuses should be fully laid bare around the world, as the government prepares to publish a report on Pyongyang's human rights situation for the first time. "The reality of the appalling human rights violations against the North Korean people must be fully revealed to the international community," he said during a Cabinet meeting. Under the North Korean Human Rights Act passed in 2016, the Unification Minister is required to submit an annual report to the National Assembly on the reclusive nation's human rights situation, reports Yonhap News Agency. The law also calls for the establishment of a North Korean human rights foundation, but its launch has been delayed for years as the main opposition Democratic Party has refused to recommend its share of members for the foundation's board. "Seven years have passed since the North Korean Human Rights Act was enacted, but the North Korean human rights foundation has still not been launched, and the North Korean human rights report is only now being published," Yoon said. "The North Korean Human Rights Act must be implemented in practice even now." The President said he hopes to see the North's human rights conditions widely publicized during the Summit for Democracy starting on Wednesday and during the ongoing regular session of the UN Human Rights Council. He also called on each government ministry, including the unification and education ministries, to use the publication of the North Korean human rights report to inform people at home and abroad of the North's human rights situation. France will double the number of 155-mm projectiles delivered to Ukraine and "very soon" will deliver the promised SAMP/T air defense system, Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in an interview with Le Figaro. "Paris will supply the ground equipment necessary for the Ukrainian counteroffensive: for example, we are doubling the supply of 155-mm shells in order to bring them to 2,000 per month from the end of March," he said. 155-mm shells are used, in particular, in the French Caesar howitzers or the German Pzh 2000 and have a range of up to 40 kilometers. According to Lecornu, Paris will also "very soon" deliver the SAMP/T air defense system promised to Ukraine, "worth several hundred million euros." He also noted that the issue of "replenishing the fund for supporting Ukraine, which the presidential majority in the National Assembly wants" is being worked out. According to the publication, Nexter, which produces 155-mm shells in France, plans to produce 150,000 shells per year in 2025, which is three times more than before the start of the war. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to gather defense manufacturers for the first time at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday to discuss the transition to a "war economy." New Delhi, March 28 : Muslim intellectuals, who held a meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supremo Mohan Bhagwat, are upset over no affirmative action on hate speeches by the Hindu organisation. "There is virtually no let up in Consistent Barrage of hate speeches, calls for genocide and acts of violence against Muslims," said the Muslim intellectuals in a letter after the March 7 meet. The letter also draws attention towards the "anti-Muslim" marches by Hindu bodies in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra against the minority community which were "full of hatred" and included call for boycott of Muslim businesses. The Muslim leaders urged the RSS chief to speak on the issue and ask the state government to take strictest action against hate-mongers. The letter is written by SY Qureshi, Zu Shah, Najeeb Jung, Saeed Sherwani and Shahid Siddiqui. According to sources, the response comes after eminent Muslim citizens and religious organisations met RSS leaders in March at the residence of former Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung and discussed the issue of harmony within the communities. The Muslim side openly wanted an appeal from the RSS and its affliates against the lynchings besides an end to the hate propaganda on television channels daily. Indresh Kumar, Krishna Gopal and Ram Lal represented the RSS side. During the meeting, the RSS had raised the issue of cow slaughter and use of the word 'kafir' for the majority in India. To this, the Muslim side suggested declaring the cow as a national animal for a uniform law on the issue and added that they will ask their community not to use the word 'kafir' publicly. Budapest, March 28 : The Hungarian Parliament has approved legislation allowing Finland to join the NATO. A total of 182 MPs voted in favour and six against, while 11 lawmakers were absent, reports Xinhua news agency. Besides the far-right party Mi Hazank (Our Homeland), all parties voted in favour of Finland's accession. Elod Novak, vice president of Mi Hazank, had said last week that his party would veto Finland's accession because "expanding the military alliance on Russia's border would be a provocation, while the neutral zone is an international interest". The Hungarian Parliament originally tabled to vote on the ratification of the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO in late 2022, but had since decided to hold two separate votes. Before Monday's vote, it had sent a delegation on a "courtesy visit" to Finland and Sweden, to inquire as to why Helsinki and Stockholm had criticised Hungary's democratic institutions. "We were forced to hold consultations with the speaker, foreign minister, and parliament members of the two countries about whether they see Hungary as an ally, because the political statements in recent years were unduly hostile and did not reflect the reality in Hungary,"Parliament speaker Laszlo Kover had said after the visit. The governments of Finland and Sweden had criticised the Hungarian government on issues related to corruption, media freedom and the judicial system. Balazs Orban, the Prime Minister's political director, told public radio on Sunday: "Hungary has managed to get reassurance from the Finns that these problems will not persist in the future." Finland and Sweden dropped their decades-long policies of military non-alignment and applied to join NATO last May. Before Monday's vote, Hungary and Turkey were the last two of NATO's 30 members holding out on ratifying the accession of Sweden and Finland. Turkey has not yet ratified either of the Nordic nations' accession to NATO. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Warsaw, March 28 : Poland will become the European Union's (EU) biggest recipient of funding to compensate countries that have sent military equipment to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced. "We'll soon receive compensation of about 300 million euros ($323 million) and Poland will be the biggest recipient of the EU's weapons fund," Xinhua news agency quoted the Prime Minister as saying on Monday. Poland has given Ukraine a significant number of its Soviet-era T-72 tanks as well as Krab self-propelled howitzers and ammunition. Recently, Warsaw made a decision to hand four of its MiG-29 fighters to Kiev, becoming the first country to offer fighter jets to the war-torn nation. New York, March 28 : Actor Jonathan Majors was arraigned on several assault and harassment charges, according to the Manhattan DA's office. In the complaint, the unnamed female accuser claims the defendant did "strike her about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear". She also claims he "put his hand on her neck, causing bruising and substantial pain," reports 'Variety'. Majors was arrested on Saturday in Manhattan in an alleged "domestic dispute." He was arraigned on Sunday on several assault and harassment charges. The DA's office says a judge released Majors on his own recognisnce and granted a limited order of protection. His attorney has disputed the claims, saying that "Jonathan Majors is completely innocent and is provably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows." His criminal defence lawyer Priya Chaudhry added, "we are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently." Chaudhry also says there is video footage from the vehicle where the alleged incident took place, witness testimony from the driver and onlookers and two written statements from the woman recanting the allegations. A representative for Majors also denied the allegations. "He has done nothing wrong," his publicist told 'Variety' over the weekend. "We look forward to clearing his name and clearing this up." Majors has recently appeared in 'Creed III' and 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'. He also received acclaim for 'Magazine Dreams', which premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Searchlight Pictures. It's set to release on December 8. -- Syndicated from IANS Dharamsala, March 28 : International Campaign for Tibet Chairman and Hollywood star Richard Gere will take part in two events with members of the US Congress at the Capitol to build support for Tibet. The events on Tuesday are a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China featuring the democratically elected leader of Tibetans in exile. Four members of Congress introduced the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act. Gere's visit there is part of the events around Tibet Lobby Day, coordinated by ICT, which will bring over 150 Tibetan Americans and Tibet supporters to Washington to encourage support for the legislation. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China will hold a hearing on "Preserving Tibet: Cultural Erasure, Forced Assimilation, and Coercion of Tibetans in the US". Gere will testify at the event alongside Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration, which provides democratic governance for Tibetans in exile, who will participate virtually. Other witnesses are Lhadon Tethong and Tenzin Dorjee of Tibet Action Institute. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, House Committee on Rules Ranking Member Jim McGovern, D-Mass., Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Senator Todd Young, R-Ind., will host a bipartisan press conference with Gere to highlight the important plight of the Tibetans. The lawmakers will discuss their bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act, to achieve its long-standing goal of getting Tibetan and Chinese Communist Party leaders to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue. Kochi, March 28 : Kerala on Tuesday bade a tearful adieu to one of its most versatile actors who never let adversities, including the dreaded cancer, dull the sparkle of his signature smile. This morning, his mortal remains were placed at the St Thomas Cathedral - his home parish in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur as thousands of teary-eyed mourners looked on. After battling for life at a hospital near here for nearly two weeks, the 75-year-old passed away on Sunday night, leaving his fans recalling numerous characters he brought to life in the over 700 roles he performed in a glorious career spanning five decades, that began in 1972. The whole of Monday and Tuesday morning saw people from all walks of life fille pass the body of Innocent lying in state, in his traditional Kerala attire - a 'jubba' and the 'mundu' - his trademark attire which he never ditched even as an MP in the Lok Sabha from 2014 to 19. Image Source: IANS News As a mark of respect, all the shops and establishments at his home town in Irinjalakuda downed their shutters till 11 a.m, when his body was lowered into the family graveyard, when he took his 'place' beside his parents. Before moving the body from the house, he was given a state funeral by the Kerala Police. Though a glorious career that extended to five decades has ended, the charismatic actor and his characters will remain etched in the memories of people for decades to come, such was his connect with the fans. -- Syndicated from IANS Mumbai, March 28 : Hours after the Mumbai Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing IIT-B student Darshan Solanki's death case recovered a purported 'suicide note', his kin have claimed they have no knowledge of the same, here on Tuesday. A family member said that they had no information about it and Darshan's father has gone to meet the SIT for details, and declined to speak more. Among other things, the suicide note has reportedly named a room-mate of Darshan for alleged harassment, threats and casteist discrimination that compelled him to take the extreme step on February 12. The SIT led by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam has found the 'suicide note' from Darshan's room over a month after his death which sparked off a huge furore in higher education campuses all over India. As per reports, the brief 'suicide note' names the co-student, whose identity has been established by the SIT and who had allegedly threatened and harassed Darshan. The note, in a small chit, was recovered by the SIT nearly three weeks ago, when they investigated the room and carried out a panchnama, which was not found during the previous probe by the Powai Police Station. Now, the SIT has lodged a case invoking relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and Atrocities Act pertaining to abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination, against the co-student. Earlier, an IIT-B internal inquiry panel had ruled out any "caste-based discrimination" leading to Darshan's death, but his father Ramesh Solanki last week outright rejected the contentions. Darshan, 18, a First Year Chemical Engineering student died on February 12, a day after writing his semester exams, and following a massive controversy, the state government appointed a Mumbai Police SIT. At least three students associations - the Ambedkar Phule Periyar Study Circle-IITB, the Ambedkarite Students Collective-IITB and Concerned Alumni-IITB - had earlier written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to request the Mumbai Police to register Ramesh Solanki's complaint. Mumbai, March 28 : Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas has revealed the reason she left Bollywood and moved to working in the US. She said that she had "beef with people" and was pushed into a corner. She also revealed that she was not the happiest with the work she was getting from the Hindi film industry. Priyanka was speaking to Dax Shepherd on his podcast Armchair Expert and said that for the first time as she was feeling "safe" during their conversation. Talking about her music career, Priyanka said Anjula Acharia of Desi Hits spotted her in a music video and called her up when she was shooting for 'Saat Khoon Maaf'. She asked if she would be interested in a music career in US. "I was being pushed into a corner in the industry (Bollywood). I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, I am not good at playing that game so I kind of was tired of the politics and I said I needed a break," she said. "This music thing gave me an opportunity to go into another part of the world, not crave for the movies I didn't want to get but I would require to schmooze certain clubs and cliques of people. It would require grovelling and I had worked a long time by then that I didn't feel like I wanted to do it," she added. "So when this music thing came I was like 'fu** it I'am going to America'," she said. She talked about all the stars she worked with from Pitbull, Will.I.Am to Pharell Williams and even met JayZ. However, when the music career did not work out, she quickly realised she was 'much better at my day job'. She then shared that someone suggested that she try out for acting roles in the US as well. Which she did and eventually landed herself the lead role in 'Quantico' in 2015. After that, Priyanka was been seen in big budget Hollywood releases such as 'Baywatch', 'Matrix: Revolutions', 'The White Tiger' and will be seen in 'Citadel' and 'Love Again'. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, March 28 : The Congress MPs and other leaders will hold a 'Save Democracy torchlight march' from the Red Fort to Town Hall in Delhi's Chandni Chowk on Tuesday. The protest will be held against the alleged "authoritarian and autocratic" rule of the Modi government at the Centre. The protest comes in light of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification following his conviction in Surat Court. The leaders of the opposition parties have decided to continue their protest over the JPC probe in the Adani issue. The decision was taken in a meeting held at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Monday evening, which was attended by the disqualified MP, Rahul Gandhi. The other parties which attended the meeting were -- DMK, NCP, JD(U), BRS, CPI(M), CPI, AAP, MDMK, KC, TMC, RSP, RJD, J&K NC, IUML, VCK, SP and JMM. The opposition parties have collectively decided to press for the JPC demand and stage protests in Parliament. Mallikarjun Kharge after the meeting said in his tweet, "To save one man, Modi ji is trampling the interests of 140 Cr people. To protect PM's 'Param Mitr', BJP stalls Parliament that discusses people's issues.If NO wrong is committed, why is Govt shying away from Opposition's demand of a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee?" The Congress is organising a major show with 35 press conferences in two days to highlight the Adani issue. Rayagada : , March 28 (IANS/ 101Reporters) In a post-budget statement by the Peoples' Action for Employment Guarantee (PAEG) and NREGA Sangharsh Morcha (NSM), activists and academics hit out against the low allocation for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) this year. "Instead of adequately funding the programme, the Union government has repeatedly resorted to needless technical tinkering. The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) application for capturing workers' attendance, mandated in the current FY, is one such anti-worker intervention," they said. The latest digitisation efforts, ostensibly to weed out corruption and ensure fiscal transparency, have deviated from the primary objective of the scheme - to provide guaranteed 100 days of employment to adult members of rural households in every financial year. The procedure to get work under the MGNREGA itself is a bit complex. Those who want work should raise their demand with the gram panchayat, after which an acknowledgement form (C2) with details of the number of workers for a given work (from a pre-approved list of works) and the muster roll is generated. The MGNREGA mate has to take this muster roll to the worksite and record attendance on the NMMS application. Once the work is done, a Bare Foot Technician (BFT) or junior engineer will measure the progress of the work. Subsequently, the bill for the muster roll is approved and sent for payment. Work-snatcher NMMS app After a brief pilot phase, and even before any independent evaluation of its efficacy had been carried out, the Ministry of Rural Development made the use of NMMS compulsory for capturing workers' attendance under the MGNREGA from January 1. During its pilot phase since May last year, individual works (in private lands of registered beneficiaries) like land development were excluded from digital attendance. Manual attendance was also allowed when the number of labourers was less than 20. All that has changed with the NMMS, in which two time-stamped and geotagged photographs of the workers should be uploaded on a given day. The first shows the worker during the 6 to 11 a.m. schedule and the second during the 2 to 6 p.m. schedule. "Due to technical issues, the attendance taken in the morning does not get registered in the app. We are eligible for payment only if the attendance is captured in the app twice daily," Majhi Sabar, a jobseeker from Akhusingi gram panchayat in Padmapur block in Odisha's Rayagada district, told 101Reporters. "When real-time attendance is missed once, we turn out to be absentees after applying for that work. Consequently, a day of work is cut from the 100 man-days allotted in that financial year." "At the end of the day, the labourers seem to have wasted a day without work or pay. You know, they cannot instantly go looking for some other work when they are already at the MGNREGA site," said Kailash Majhi, a job seeker from Titiribandha village. If the work is carried out under the individual beneficiary scheme, the beneficiary himself should take workers' attendance. However, there is no clarity on how this is possible as the NMMS app is only meant for mates. Even mates have issues when it comes to accessing NMMS. Some of them do not have the money to purchase mobile phones. So they end up using the devices of relatives/acquaintances to get the work done. This also is a violation of the guidelines. ABPS and non-linking The ministry has also made Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) mandatory. In simple terms, it means linking both bank accounts and job cards with Aadhaar numbers, which is done at the block level. However, the problem arises when the MGNREGA website uses an automated process to identify and reject job seekers based on the Aadhaar linkage. Sometimes, it rejects those whose bank accounts are already seeded with Aadhaar! To make matters worse, the MGNREGA guidelines stipulate that any muster roll with even a single non-ABPS request is not eligible for payment. In fact, the system will not generate the wage list in such a circumstance. In the Management Information System (MIS) of the MGNREGA website, there is no special provision to identify those without Aadhaar-linked accounts. So, if such a labourer is allotted work in a muster roll for a few days, that person is set to lapse all those man-days from his/her 100-day quota. Also, once it becomes clear that this person's bank account is not suitable for ABPS, no work will henceforth be provided to him/her. According to official sources, Aadhaar seeding was done a couple of years ago by organising mega Aadhaar camps. "The problem here is quite unique. The MGNREGA website itself identifies those with Aadhaar-linked accounts through an automated process. At times, it rejects even genuine cases." Social worker and former chairperson of Padmapur block Kailash Kraska told 101Reporters that guidelines and technical errors were depriving people of their right to seek work and get wages. "Sometimes, during wage list generation, an error shows up which results in zero muster roll attendance," he informed. Workers have no recourse in such cases and can't even approach the district's MGNREGA ombudsperson who only looks at human-induced irregularities. Setting limits on work Existing guidelines do not allow more than 20 ongoing projects in a gram panchayat at any given time, whether they are community or individual beneficiary-related works. This has a direct effect on asset creation in gram panchayats in light of the technical glitches. "If payment under any head is pending in connection with a work, it cannot be listed as complete in the MIS. When it stays in the system as a pending project, the prospect of adding new work gets affected due to the guideline related to the number of projects. It is a procedural pain to get a nod for more than 20 projects. The MGNREGA is no longer a people-oriented scheme, it is a technically suicidal programme. However, what people really need is work and on-time payment," Akhusingi's naib sarpanch Devasis Mohapatra told 101Reporters. For preparing detailed project reports of MGNREGA works, a secure web-based application is used. "It takes over a month to get a project approved. Around 70 per cent of the projects submitted are rejected due to a mismatch in wage-material ratio and other technical procedures. As a result, the works approved by gram sabhas taking into account the demands raised by people are put on the back burner," said Chita Ranjan Sabar, a former samiti member of Gudia Bandha gram panchayat in Padmapur block. "The MGNREGA has narrowed down into a set of guidelines and procedures, where the wages and right to work are sacrificed," he noted. Delayed payments Instead of learning from and building on the potential that MGNREGA demonstrated during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the government is determined to slowly kill the programme, says Rajendran Narayanan, Assistant Professor at the Azim Premji University. "NMMS is an unnecessary and irrelevant intervention that is being used to discourage worker participation. It doesn't address the root causes of corruption in the scheme like the use of machines to co-opt work, lack of adequate junior engineers to verify work done in the field and the defunding of social audit infrastructure at the local level," he observes. A situation that is bound to become worse with the reduced funding for the scheme. The budgeted allocation for MGNREGA has been reduced from Rs 73,000 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 60,000 crore in 2023-24 fiscal. In 2021-22 fiscal, the allocation was Rs 98,000 crore. Bidika Anusuya from Akhusingi Gram Panchayat worked under the MGNREGA for 14 days from December to February for a daily wage of Rs 221, but is yet to be paid due to lack of funds. Gudaria Sabar, a migrant labour from Soura Ambakhola village in Padmapur block, said he also did not get wages for the last four months due to non-availability of Central funds. "Life is difficult. I do not even have the money to pay off my debts to the shopkeeper," said Gudaria, who along with a few other labourers have decided to migrate to other states in search of work. "There are guidelines regarding attendance and other things, but there are no provisions to penalise the Central government when lack of funds puts rural livelihoods in jeopardy," said Akhusingi-based Congress leader Parsuram Panigrahy. All this ultimately is leading to lower demand and work days under MGNREGA. The MIS data for Padmapur block show the total expenditure during 2021-22 fiscal was Rs 9.56 crore, while the number of man-days was 4.44 lakh. In comparison, the expenditure for the current fiscal up to February 2023 was only Rs 4.67 crore against 2.10 lakh man-days, which is only around half of the previous year. (Suresh Kumar Mohapatra is a Odisha-based journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.) President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the city of Okhtyrka, Sumy region, where he took part in events on the occasion of the anniversary of the heroic defense of the city, the President's Telegram channel reported on Tuesday. "In our Okhtyrka, we honor the true Cossack courage and inflexibility of our people - our heroes. Those who fought here for their city, for their land and thus for our entire state ... The border of Ukraine is very close here. A border that no tyrant can erase. Ukrainians will live on their land, in their cities and villages," Zelenskyy said during his speech. As reported, on March 25, 2022, Zelenskyy awarded Okhtyrka the title of Hero City. Patna, March 28 : A 70-year-old man was shot dead over an alleged property dispute in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, police said on Tuesday. According to a police officer, Wakil Yadav was returning home at Kaluchak village under Gopalpur police station late of Monday night when the attackers intercepted him midway and shot at him thrice. Yadav suffered three gunshot injuries on his chest, head and stomach and died on the spot. Upon killing him, the accused left the body at the victim's door. Neeraj Kumar, the SHO of Gopalpur police station said: "As per the statement of the deceased's family, they suspect Jay Gopal Yadav could be responsible for the murder." "There was a property dispute between Wakil Yadav and Jay Gopal Yadav in the village. The accused and his family members are absconding." "We have constituted a team to nab Jay Gopal Yadav and his family. They are absconding soon after the murder. Hence, they could be responsible for the murder. Though, no eyewitness who saw the murder or placing of the body on the door of the deceased's house has come forward," said an officer of Gopalpur police station. The family members are under immense fear following this brutal incident as the body was left on the door of the house. Mumbai, March 28 : 'Bhagya Lakshmi' actress Aishwarya Khare talked about the upcoming sequence in the show for which she, along with the male lead, Rohit Suchanti, will be seen dressing up as Radha and Krishna. While talking about the same, she said: "I am super excited about this upcoming sequence where Rishi and I will be seen in a Radha Krishna look." She further said that viewers are loving her chemistry with her co-star, Rohit and as an actor she is loving the overall experience and trying a different look for the show. "RishMi (Rishi and Laxmi) have been getting a lot of love from the audience over the years, and we keep trying out new things specially for them. As an actor, it really makes me happy that we get to experiment with different kinds of looks and styles," she added. Rohit also said that while donning the Lord Krishna, he remembered how his mother used to dress him up in the same way. "I remember as a child my mom used to dress me up as lord Krishna on every Janmashtami, and after all these years, I got an opportunity to get dressed as Krishna for the show. Holding a flute in my hand, wearing a peacock feather over my turban, and looking exactly like Krishna, made me feel really happy. I am really looking forward to the audience's reaction to the upcoming sequence," Rohit concluded. 'Bhagya Lakshmi' airs on Zee TV. New Delhi, March 28 : New Delhi, Pakistan military's major defense equipment is increasingly sourced from China, especially the higher-end combat strike and power projection capabilities; and Pakistan continues to retire older US- and European-origin platforms. Beijing's and Islamabad's militaries, particularly their air forces and navies, are growing more comfortable operating together, potentially in preparation for future missions. And some variant of PLA Navy basing on Pakistan's western coast in peacetime may be only a matter of time and could pave the way for basing or co-location of forces, the report said. In some ways, advances in the China-Pakistan military relationship may be outpacing what the US aspires to in many of its non-allied partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including those with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India and even some of its treaty allies such as Thailand and the Philippines, the report says. What evidence might suggest crossing the threshold to become an alliance, the report asks. One indicator would be Beijing granting Pakistan more military aid and access to sensitive systems such as the J-20 stealth fighter or nuclear-powered attack submarines. The militaries adopting a joint peacetime mission, for instance, a standing counter-piracy mission or a joint intelligence mission monitoring the North Arabian Sea or the Afghanistan-Pakistan-China border, could be another. A third indicator would be mutual support-whether in the form of intelligence, munitions, sustainment, or military movement-to back each other in the event of a China-India or Pakistan-India border crisis, the report says. A final signal might be PLA Navy deployment of maritime reconnaissance assets in Gwadar or a growing personnel footprint sufficient not only to sustain Pakistan's Chinese-origin submarines and ships but also to regularly supply and sustain PLA Navy ships so that they could remain "on station" in the Indian Ocean for longer periods of time. Because these capabilities are built incrementally, there may be no obvious indicators until the reality of the alliance is revealed in a crisis, the report said. Both civilian and military leaders have explicitly denied that Pakistan is drifting into Beijing's camp and have eschewed pressures forcing them to choose between relations with China and the West, but they may not appreciate how China's growing leverage will circumscribe their strategic autonomy. Increasing influence on Pakistan's military and enabling technology may change incentive structures and constrain choices over time. After the CPEC launch, Pakistan similarly declared it was not privileging economic relations with China over others; but the government failed to appreciate that the CPEC terms were locking out Western investors, the report said. Pune, March 28 : At least five persons, including two minors, were killed and three others critically injured when a speeding pickup van rammed into two motorcycles near Lavanwadi village on the Kalyan-Ahmednagar highway, around midnight of Monday-Tuesday, officials said here. The victims are all farm labourers belonging to the same family, and were returning to their homes along with their minor children after completing the day's work. Suddenly, an oncoming loaded pick-up van collided headlong with the motorcycles which were thrown beside the road on the dark highway, around 11.30 p.m. All the victims crashed onto the highway, badly injured and wailing for help, even as some passing vehicles summoned the Alephata Police Station nearby. A police team rushed to the grisly accident spot and found at least one man had succumbed on the spot and quickly arranged for the other seven victims to be shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Four others succumbed to their injuries during treatment early this morning, police said. They had finished the day's work at a field in Narayangaon and were proceeding to their homes in Parner in adjoining Ahmednagar. Some of the deceased victims have been identified as: Nitin S. Madhe, 22, Sunanda R. Madhe, 18, two minors - Rohini R. Madhe, 01, Gaurav R. Madhe - and further investigations are underway. Locals informed that owing to the impact of the collision, many of the victims were flung high in the air before they fell with force, while the minor girl Rohini's body was found in a roadside ditch several metres away in a pool of blood. New Delhi, March 28 : Without a question, social media influencers have revolutionised how we travel! It's never been simpler to find out insider information on the top places to stay and things to do, from hotel reviews to restaurant recommendations to amazing destination ideas. Influencers are playing a significant role in assisting people in discovering new and exciting locations, particularly in India where the tourism sector is flourishing and expanding at an amazing rate. India has something to offer everyone, from bustling cities to ancient historical sites and small villages with regional specialties. "Social media influencers have become a major driving force for the hospitality and travel sector in India, and partnering with them can offer immense benefits. Working with influencers can create a wider reach and effectively target niche markets that may be difficult to access otherwise. It is also a great way to promote special offers, generate brand awareness and trust, and encourage potential customers to take the plunge." says Pushppal Singh Bhatia and Ravneet Kaur, 'That Couple Though'. Challenges of Working With Influencers in India Finding the correct influencers for your brand can be challenging because many of them don't have a strong background in this field or have a thorough understanding of it. Choosing the best influencer for your business can also be challenging due to the overwhelming number of options available. The decision of how much to compensate an influencer presents another difficulty. If you don't already have a relationship with an influencer, their fees can be quite unpredictable and vary based on the size and scope of their audience. It's crucial to make sure you get your money's worth and that the influencers you deal with are doing everything possible to spread the word about your company. Measuring the Impact of Influencer Campaigns on the Travel and Hospitality Sector You might not be aware of it, but influencer campaigns can have a significant effect on India's tourism and hospitality industry. After all, social media has now ingrained itself into many people's lives, and they look to influencers to learn what fashion styles they should adopt when they go on vacation and book a hotel. Indian social media influencers are exploring new methods to employ technology, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), in order to produce interesting content that will effectively entice viewers to book a desired vacation. This technology will add yet another layer of confidence for those contemplating a journey to India by enabling prospective customers to experience what a specific location looks and feels like before they even book their ticket. They have been crucial in raising brand recognition and boosting income for businesses in the hospitality and travel sector, in addition to helping to increase traffic to the industry. Due to the rise of social media influencers and their capacity to reach the rapidly expanding digital populace of the country, it is evident that the travel industry in India is improving. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Manila, March 28 : Authorities in the Philippines have arrested suspected members of a banned Sikh separatist group, a government agency announced, as a massive manhunt continued in India to arrest pro-Khalistani elements. A joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Military Intelligence Group-led to the arrest of three Indian nationals in an apartment in Iloilo City earlier in March, the Philippines News Agency reported. "The well-coordinated lightning strike by operatives caught members of the militant group flatfooted and (they) did not attempt to resist the heavily armed troops," CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos said in a statement on Monday. "The President will not tolerate any foreign terrorist to set foot in the country," Ramos said. They are currently in the custody of the Philippine military, and belong to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), according to an Arab News report. Led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the KTF has been listed as a terrorist organisation in India, which aims to revive militancy in Punjab. The suspects, identified as Manpreet Singh, 23; Amritpal Singh, 24; and Arshdeep Singh, 26 -- all Indian nationals, are also being probed for their alleged ties to the Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), which is banned in India and draws its members from LeT and JeM. According to the news agency, the three entered the country using fake passports, and are also on the Interpol Red Notice watchlist. The development comes even as 'Waris Punjab De' chief and fugitive pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh continues to evade arrest, changing his location and looks multiple times. Khalistani sympathisers maintain an active presence in countries like, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Philippines and Malaysia. According to police and intelligence officials in Punjab, nine organisations operating out of six different countries are to blame for the spurt in violence and terror. New Delhi, March 28 : If the world's tallest flying bird Sarus crane spends a considerable amount of time with a human, it will be difficult for the bird to bond with other cranes, says a global Sarus ecology and conservation expert who has watched stork nests for two-and-a-half decades. Once such imprinting happens, it is not a good idea to shift the crane to captivity after a failed attempt to release it in the wild since that bird will seek that human companionship frequently. Thirty-five-year-old farmer Mohammad Arif brought home an injured Sarus crane that he found in his village in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district. Last week, the farmer was booked for violating wildlife laws and authorities initially sent the bird to a nearby sanctuary and later shifted to the zoo in Kanpur. Explaining the behavior of the Sarus crane, K.S. Gopi Sundar, the global Co-chair of the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group, in a virtual interview told IANS on Tuesday that cranes belong to a group of birds called 'precocial', which hatch with downy feathers, and are able to start walking behind parent in a few hours after hatching. "Such birds show a high preponderance to imprint on humans when they are kept in close proximity as young birds, or before they have found mates of their own. "Once such imprinting happens, and especially if the crane and human have stayed together for a prolonged period of time, it is very difficult for the crane to bond with other cranes. Once such imprinting happens, it is not a good idea to release it into the wild since that bird will seek human companionship frequently." Without mincing words, Gopi added, "Also the captivity is never a good thing for a wild born animal." Explaining further, Gopi told IANS an imprinted crane will seek humans rather than other cranes if released into the wild. "This puts the bird in harm. Since other humans may not have the same willingness to include the crane into their lives. Additionally, cranes coming into human settlements in places like Uttar Pradesh will face more dangerous threats like dogs, whose populations are increasing very rapidly with detrimental impacts on humans and wildlife alike, electricity wires, and so on." In Uttar Pradesh, farmers are very protective of Sarus cranes and poaching is less of an issue here. However, in other places like south-east Asia, crane poaching is extensive and widespread, he said. Due to the hunting pressure, Sarus cranes are entirely restricted within protected sanctuaries in several countries in this region. "In such areas, imprinted cranes have no hope of survival if they are released into the wild," Gopi said. Explaining why the Sarus finds saviour in Uttar Pradesh despite growing human population, change of land use and urbanisation, he said, "It's not without reason why Uttar Pradesh has the world's highest population of Sarus cranes. "That the highest population of the world's tallest bird occurs in an area with the most extensive farming and among the highest human population density is a genuine marvel. This situation could not have emerged or stayed without farmers ensuring the safety of the Sarus cranes. "While most farmers may not do anything specifically to favour cranes, the vast majority will not harm the birds deliberately. In fact, they will protect the birds if anyone attempts to hunt the cranes. This relationship appears to be a few thousands of years old, and it seems plausible that Sarus crane benefitted greatly from the spread of irrigated agriculture across the Gangetic floodplains. "This situation is being repeated in north-eastern Australia where cattle ranchers are making new small wetlands for the cattle, but are inadvertently benefitting breeding the Sarus crane." The Sarus is a bird species that does best when people do not deliberately hunt it and when farming and other activities increase water availability at large landscape scales. "The critical pieces of the equation are farming. Not all crops are conducive for the Sarus -- rice is good but sugarcane and soybean are not. Also the farmer friendly relationship is essential," he said. The Editor-in-Chief of Waterbirds: the International Journal of Waterbird Biology, Gopi has been monitoring over 1,000 Sarus crane pairs since 1998 when he began his studies of the bird in Uttar Pradesh. In places like Uttar Pradesh where irrigation canals and the monsoon help provide water throughout the year, the breeding Sarus cranes maintain territories throughout the year. In other areas like Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, where water dries up during the severely hot summers, territorial pairs are forced to join other cranes in the few existing water bodies on the landscape. Is it advisable to reintroduce the Sarus crane in the wild? At this, he said, "It's highly unlikely that a Sarus crane imprinted on a human will rejoin other cranes." The Sarus cranes are capable of travelling for several hundred kilometres in search of partners and territories, so the moving of the bird from one area to another is not a major issue. "However, in Uttar Pradesh, all possible areas habitable by Sarus cranes are taken over. A crane taken to a new area will not find the resident territorial crane pairs to be welcoming." So what is an ideal situation? It would be to let the crane be with a human 'partner'. But the state will require consulting legal experts as to the repercussions of allowing this possibility. The situation is sadly very complex and seems likely that not everyone will be left happy as the story takes its conclusion in captivity, which is never a good thing for a wild born species, he added. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Baku, March 28 : Foreign citizens travelling to Azerbaijan by air will be exempt from having a 'Covid-19 passport' -- a document confirming full vaccination against or immunity to the virus, the country's authorities announced. The decision, endorsed by the task force under the Cabinet of Ministers on Covid-19 prevention and control, will take effect on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency. The authorities also lifted the requirement to present a Covid-19 passport on intercity public transport and in indoor settings including large stores, health, tourism and social care facilities across the country. However, land border crossings still remain closed in Azerbaijan under the special quarantine regime, which is in effect until May 1. Nagpur, March 28 : Enraged by a power failure in his home, a Nagpur man allegedly threatened to blow up the Nagpur home of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sending the police into a tizzy, officials said here on Tuesday. Nagpur Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told mediapersons this morning that the culprit who made the fake bomb threat has been traced and detained for investigations. According to officials, around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, the Nagpur Police Control Room received a call warning that a bomb had reportedly been planted outside Fadnavis' home before the caller abruptly disconnected. Not taking chances, a police team and a bomb disposal squad were rushed to the site and a thorough check was carried out inside and outside the VIP home, but nothing was found. Fadnavis and his family are currently in Mumbai. The police also traced the caller to his home in the Kanhan area of the city where he was staying in darkness due to a power failure, and in a fit of anger had allegedly made the bomb threat call to mislead the police. The caller has been picked up and detained for questioning in the fake call matter, said Kumar. Washington, March 28 : Former US President Donald Trump might turn to "wild extremism" and whip up a frenzy on a possible second visit to Waco, Texas, ahead of an expected indictment from lower Manhattan courts on multiple probes of tax fraud and evasion, but the salacious stand out being the alleged "hush money" he paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump is virtually igniting his White House bid for 2024 in what the American media says is an unprecedented peril in the criminal investigations against -- a confluence that could send the US into a new political and legal collision. On his first visit to Waco on March 25, Trump turned to wild rhetoric at his first 2024 campaign which the media described as a preview of a divisive national moment ahead, should he be indicted in any of the multiple criminal probes, ranging from New York attorney Alan Bragg's Hush Money case to New York Attorney General Letitia James civil suit on tax evasion plus the criminal probe on the same matter from the same office. The former President has whipped up a demagogic fervour in Waco in a Republican state, where Senator Ted Cruz rules the roost, in a daring bid to secure a new presidency in what Trump would call it "retribution" for his extremism, media reports say. Law enforcement agencies have gone on high alert as they fear violence that may be triggered by the demagogy of Trump as the nation stands on the edge. Political observers say Trump will go to the extreme of taking the country into a dark corner in order to survive the multiple probes against him to keep his campaign for the presidential bid going and save himself from possible ignominy, reports say. CNN in a special report claimed that Trump's chilling warnings that President Joe Biden's administration's "thugs and criminals" have created a "Stalinist Russia horror show" by "weaponising" justice against him is posing an electoral danger for the Republican, deeply injured by his authoritarianism in the 2022 November midterm elections, where most of his candidates lost. The loss forced his fiercest supporters, such as media baron Rupert Murdoch, to dump him in favour of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The unusual protracted attack on a rising star and a fellow rider in the party, DeSantis, Trump's biggest potential rival of 2024, shows the former President's extreme mental fragile state. The Florida Governor Ron DeSantis might have to encounter a political firestorm if he jumps into the White House campaign for 2024 against Trump, still popular with extremist rightists in the Republican Party. Even with the former President's reputation for hyperbole and inflammatory rhetoric, such demagoguery has never previously been heard in the first official rally of any modern American election campaign, CNN said. Republican-held House committee chairs are likely to appeal to the Trump base of using the power of the Republican majority in the house to thwart Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's inquiry into Trump -- even before it releases any possible indictment or evidence. Trump had probably indirectly referred to this development on board his Trump Force one plane to reporters when he said the courts might just drop the Briggs case against him. House Oversight Chair James Comer was quoted by the agency that the party moves were justified because the investigation into Trump's alleged role in a hush money scheme to pay an adult film actress was based purely on politics. "This is the, for better or worse, leading contender for the Republican nomination of the presidential election next year, as well as a former president of the US," the Kentucky Republican told CNN. Trump has always been antagonistic to CNN reports of him often dubbing the agency as Clinton News Network. Leading legal experts across the country wonder whether the Bragg probe will actually produce any strong case against Trump, who faces several other probes over his actions around the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents. Trump has maintained he's done nothing wrong. Thus far the former President has not been charged in any of the criminal probes against him. The multiple probes against Trump especially in New York on tax evasion and the former president's alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021 riots on Capitol Hill and his inability to control the "mob" that posed a danger to the Vice President Mike Pence and other senators is having a huge national impact, media reports say. So, any possible attempt to use a business accounting violation in this year's long hush money case to suggest a possible violation of campaign finance law could be especially controversial. Comer's comments imply a former President or White House candidate could be protected from any investigation, even if they had committed a criminal offence, that Trump is above the law. Comer and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan have written to the Bragg with intensifying demands for his testimony, boosting Trump's campaign rally at Waco in Texas. Political strategists say that this is an indication that the new house of Republicans is aiding the Trump campaign. Bragg's response to the house chairs that it was not appropriate for Congress to interfere with local investigations and he will be guided by the rule of law has won support and a strong back up from nearly 200 former federal prosecutors, who have written a letter denouncing congressional efforts to intimidate Bragg. Trump's legal problems seem to be worsening as confrontation over Bragg's inquiry on hush money case seemed to be escalating as other investigations around Trump appeared to be nearing their own conclusions. In yet another probe relating to the interference in Georgia in the 2020 election, a district attorney there said that decisions were "imminent" in the investigation into Trump's attempts to overturn President Biden's victory in the key swing state. CNN claimed that prosecutors are considering bringing racketeering and conspiracy charges. Such charges would test the moral fibre and the raw nerve of the strength of the country's political and judicial institutions, because a former president and current presidential candidate is involved. And the fact that Trump is showing such willingness to inflame the country's politics in his own defense and self interest makes this a deeply serious moment for the nation, reports said. Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Iryna Vereschuk, who is also the Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, has said that 4,390 Ukrainian children from special establishments still remain in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia. "I mean students of specialized children's establishments orphans and children deprived of parental care," the ministry's press service quoted Vereschuk as saying. Due to the fact that Russia conceals any information about these children, all possible Ukrainian agencies are involved in the search for them, the minister said. "We send all available materials to the International Criminal Court, which also investigates these crimes. Enough evidence has been collected there. We hope that our efforts and pressure of the international community will allow to speed up the process of returning our children," she said. Islamabad, March 28 : One of the biggest opponents of China may be the biggest wall between a full-fledged Pakistan-China alliance, says a report by the Washington-based US Institute of Peace (USIP). The report titled, "The Future of the China-Pakistan Military Relationship", digs into the current status of relationship between Pakistan and China, terming it at a "threshold alliance", arguing that Washington may prevent Pakistan from extending its bilateral cooperation and relationship with Beijing, being one of the biggest opponent. "Pakistan-China alliance may not lead to a fully-fledged future alliance, potentially due to China's own missteps, or due to opponents' active measures to arrest the relationship," it said. One pivotal finding of the report highlights that during the year 2015, a decline in China-Pakistan relationship was observed. However, the same year, the visit of President Xi Jinping to Islamabad, introduction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project and announcement of sale of eight submarines to Pakistan, negated the previous observations. "Now, in less than a decade, the China-Pakistan military relationship has advanced from an episodic partnership to a threshold alliance," the USIP report maintained. Currently, Pakistan's major defence equipment is increasingly sourced from China, especially the power projection and higher-end combat strike capabilities. And in the process, Pakistan continues to let go of older US and European origin platforms. While the report expresses its observations on US's concerns over the threshold alliance between Pakistan and China, it highlights that much more is needed for a fully-fledged alliance, which would include Beijing granting Islamabad more military aid and access to sensitive systems such as J-20 stealth fighter or nuclear-powered attack submarines. "A final signal might be the Chinese Navy deploying maritime reconnaissance assets in Gwadar," the report stated. While the coziness between Pakistan and China seems pretty open in the public eye; both sides have categorically denied that Pakistan may be drifting into Beijing's camp. "Both sides have explicitly denied that Pakistan is drifting into Beijing's camp and have eschewed pressures forcing them to choose between relations with China and the West," the report maintained. But there are many factors that may play a role in reverse trajectory to the Pakistan-China military relationship and may cause friction on the bilateral political front as well. This includes China's treatment of the Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim minority in Xinjiang province, a topic which has been debated globally and also a point on which, Pakistan's political leadership has struggled every time it has been asked to give its point of view. Another big factor is the fact that Beijing may not continue rescuing Pakistan from its shortcomings on the economic front by injecting money into its economy or pursuing economic and military investment in Iran at Pakistan's expense. This will also play a role in weariness of China and may force it to think twice before injecting any more investments, financial bailout support or military investments into Pakistan. New Delhi, March 28 : Another statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised at a university campus in Burnaby, Canada, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver announced on Tuesday, just days after another statue was targeted in Ontario. In the latest incident, the statue had been placed at Peace Square at Simon Fraser Univerity's Burnaby campus. "We strongly condemn heinous crime of vandalising the statute of harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, @SFU Burnaby campus," the Consulate General tweeted. "The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly," it added. More details are awaited. The incident comes just after anti-India elements defaced and spray-painted a statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the City Hall in the town of Hamilton in Ontario on March 23. While Hamilton Police said they are investigating the case, attacks by Khalistani backers on Indian installations and temples are on the rise in the North American nation. Starting 2023, a string of attacks has been unleashed upon Hindu temples across Canada with close to half-a-dozen incidents of vandalism, spiteful graffiti, break-ins and burglaries. In July last year, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located at the Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill in the Greater Toronto Area was vandalised and defaced with graphic words. Amaravati, March 28 : The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday served notices to media baron and chairman of Margadarsi Chit Funds Private Limited (MCFPL) Cherukuri Ramoji Rao and his daughter-in-law and managing director of MCFPL Cherukuri Sailaja for investigation into the Margadarsi Chit Fund case. The CID issued notices under section 160 Criminal Procedure Code to examine them at their residence/office and provided four different dates. It has asked them to be present at home or appear before it either on March 29 or March 31 or April 3 or April 6. The probe agency has also summoned branch managers of various branches of the chit fund company. The notices have been served for alleged cheating, diversion of deposits into mutual funds, which are contingent on capital markets' risks and violation of Chit Fund Business Act and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines Acting on complaints by the Assistant Registrars of Chits, CID recently registered multiple FIRs across Andhra Pradesh into alleged chit fund fraud. The complaints came after the Stamp and Registration department raids on the offices of Margadarsi at several places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during October and November last year. It was allegedly found during rains that the chit fund collections from the branches were being transferred to the corporate office and the huge amounts were being invested in mutual funds. A case was registered against Margadarsi under Sections 120(B), 409, 420, 477(A) read with 34 of IPC, section 5 of Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors and section 76, 79 of Chit Funds Act 1982. Multiple CID teams had conducted searches on Margadarsi branches in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopeta and Anantapur. Non-payment of monthly subscriptions, illegal diversion of funds to the corporate office, non-disclosure of revenue and expenditure accounts and other irregularities were named by the CID. Ahmedabad: Prayagraj Police with jailed-mafia Atiq Ahmed outside the Sabarmati Central Jail as he is being shifted to Prayagraj, in Ahmedabad, on Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Photo:IANS/Twitter) Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, March 28 : The family of mafia-turned-politician, Atiq Ahmed, is undoubtedly the most wanted and 'decorated' one in Uttar Pradesh. Among themselves, the family members have 165 criminal cases registered against them in various police stations in Prayagraj. Atiq Ahmad has 100 cases registered in his name - a record that is matched by SP leader Mohd Azam Khan. Of these, 50 cases are under trial, in 12 others, he has got acquittal, while the then Samajwadi Party government had withdrawn two cases in 2004. A senior police officer said that in other cases, cross-examination of witnesses is awaited. Atiq's brother Ashraf has 53 cases in his name. He has been acquitted in one while others are under trial. Atiq's sons have eight cases against them -- seven of them are under trial while one is still being probed by the police. Atiq's wife Shaista has four cases against her. Additional DG (prosecution) Ashutosh Pandey said that in 12 cases against Atiq Ahmed, charges are to be framed. For this, the joint director of prosecution has been asked to expedite such cases. The two cases were withdrawn by the then SP government in June 2004. A senior prosecution officer said that both the cases were registered in Prayagraj - one of dacoity, robbery in Civil Lines police station under the Gangsters Act while the other case was registered in Shahganj police station under the charges of rioting and the Gangsters Act. Atiq's brother Ashraf was acquitted in one case of 1992 rioting on January 4, 2000, while other 52 cases are under trial. Three cases are under trial in which Atiq's wife Shaista is yet to make an appearance while in one case, investigation by the police is pending. Charges have been framed in two cases of Atiq's son Ali Ahmed, who has five cases in all - one is under investigation, while two others are under trial. Similarly, a case against Atiq's other son Umar Ahmed is pending in a CBI court, and one is under investigation by the police. Atiq's other son Asad has one case which is pending investigation by the police. Lucknow, March 28 : After serving a legal notice to Mohd Arif for 'violating the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 (amended)' by keeping a sarus with him for a year, senior forest officials in Uttar Pradesh seem to be having second thoughts on the issue. Authorities have summoned Arif, who looked after the bird for a year, to explain his side at the office of the assistant conservator of forest in Gauriganj (Amethi) on April 2. A senior forest official said, "The gesture of rescuing the bird will be considered while evaluating the merits of the case. "Arif saved the life of the sarus. This gesture matters a lot even when he has been serviced notice that seeks explanation from him." According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 (amended), one cannot keep any wild animals with them. "Arif rescued the sarus and treated it too. His only mistake is that he did not inform the forest staff. Whether one finds an injured human or a wild animal, you must report to the authorities," said the official. He further explained, "Birds contract diseases if they live with humans. In 15 days, an observation will be made to check if the bird is sick or ready to fly free. If all goes well, the bird will be set free in a sanctuary so that it could mate and live in its natural habitat." Meanwhile, D.N. Singh, divisional forest officer Amethi, said, "We have not broken the friendship between Arif and the bird. Sarus live in pairs but this one was alone and therefore, it is our responsibility to place the bird in its natural habitat so that it could lead a normal life." Arif told reporters that he never confined the bird. "I found the bird injured and hence, gave it treatment and food. After the treatment, it kept coming back to me but I never kept it as a pet. It roamed freely for the entire day in the fields. Is it my mistake if the bird came to me for its food?" said Arif. Arif found the injured bird in February 2022. He helped the sarus recover and soon, they developed a rare camaraderie. Last month, the videos of the bird and Arif went viral on social media platforms. Ankara, March 28 : Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned the French ambassador to condemn the Senate in Paris for hosting members of two Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara considers as "terrorists". The Ministry officials told Ambassador Herve Magro that Ankara "strongly condemns" the French Senate's hosting of the members of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), and its awarding them with "medals of honor", Xinhua news agency quoted sources as saying. Ankara expects French authorities "not to give credit to efforts that provide international legitimacy" to these groups, said the sources. Turkey asked French authorities for "support for the security of its borders and the Turkish people, as well as the protection of Syria's unity and territorial integrity, and show solidarity in line with the spirit of alliance", the sources said. Ankara considers the YPG to be the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the European Union, has rebelled against the Ankara government for more than three decades. France's support for the Kurdish militants in Syria flares tensions between Ankara and Paris for the past several years. France is an outspoken critic of the Turkish incursions into Syria. Dhaka, March 28 : Bangladesh will ban single-use plastic items in the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests. Sundarbans' environment and biodiversity are being severely affected due to the haphazard use of plastics, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said at a meeting here, reports Xinhua news agency. "We'll no more allow tourists to use single-use plastic items in the Sundarbans," the Minister added. The Sundarbans mangrove forest lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. The site is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. It is known for a wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Royal Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python, according to the Unesco. The Minister said Bangladesh has also imposed bans on single-use plastic items in its coastal districts and at all government offices, which are required to hold regular meetings with the stakeholders to increase awareness against plastics-triggered pollution. Bangladesh has a population of more than 165 million with a very high population density. Experts said the country's rapid economic growth and urbanization have come at a high environmental cost. Pollution is not only impacting people's health but also eroding the country's economic competitiveness. Hassan : , March 28 (IANS) Karnataka police on Tuesday lathi-charged Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists when their protest against recital of Quran at a historical Hindu religious fair turned violent in Beluru town of the district. The Hindu organisations had given a bandh call in this regard in Beluru town. The situation turned volatile when a Muslim youth raised the "Quran Zindabad" slogan amid the protest. The Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists questioned the youth and surrounded him. The situation turned serious when the youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased by protesters. Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road. Taking no chance, the police resorted to lathi charge and quelled the mob. It also took the youth into custody and are interrogating him. The Hindu activists had submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar office demanding that the verses of Quran should not be recited at the Hindu religious fair. They also urged the authorities to release the order in this regard by April 3. Hindu activists have opposed the ritual of reciting the Quran during historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava in Beluru town. The Hindu organisations maintain that the ritual should not be observed as it is against Hindu religion. The historical religious fair is scheduled to be held on April 4 and district administration is concerned about the developments taking a communal turn at the time of elections. Beluru Chennakeshava is a 12th century Hindu temple. Its architecture is considered as a marvel. It was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish. The temple is expected to get a heritage tag from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Last year, amid the opposition by Hindu activists, the Quran recitation was carried out during the religious fair. However, Hindu activists are claiming that the ritual of Quran recitation before Hindu God was forcefully added in 1932. Dr Ramesh, a doctor and author, has released a book in this regard and explained how it is unnecessary to carry out a Quran recitation before the Hindu God Sri Channakeshava. The Hindu activists are questioning is it possible to recite Hindu prayers at mosques and dargahs. They claimed that the ritual was forced upon Hindus as a part of appeasement politics. The 'Rathotsav' ceremony at Belur Chennakeshava temple is performed only for two days. Channakeshava's idol will be embellished with gold guard and diamond jewels gifted by the erstwhile Kings of Mysuru kingdom. Lakhs of devotees gather during the temple fair. Hindu organisations had objected to the age-old tradition of reciting the Quran before moving the chariot last year following a series of developments in the state. The administrator of the temple then had written to the Muzrai department seeking clarification over the continuation of the ritual which has been carried over for years symbolising Hindu-Muslim unity. Rohini Sindhuri, who was the Commissioner of Muzrai Department had given green signal for the continuation of the ritual. She had stated that according to Section 58 of the Hindu Religious Act 2002, there should not be any interference in the rituals and traditions of the temple. After the direction, the temple committee decided to carry out the ritual recitation of verses from the Quran last year. Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : A bus with 62 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur returning from the famed Sabarimala temple overturned on Tuesday after it lost control, authorities said here, adding that all the passengers were rescued. The accident took place in Nilakal located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district. Pathanamthitta district collector Divya S.Iyer said the police, fire department and the locals managed to rescue the pilgrims and the injured have been moved to a local hospital, while some were taken to the Medical College Hospital at Kottayam. Local legislator K.U. Jenish Kumar said he would visit the accident site soon. However there were reports that the condition of the driver is serious. Islamabad, March 28 : The ruling coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is now faced with a daunting task to tackle former Prime Minister Imran Khans increasing political resistance. Currently, the incumbent government seems to be having great trouble asserting itself while remaining within the limits of the law and seems to be inching towards going to any length -- legal or illegal, democratic or undemocratic, principled or unprincipled -- to counter Khan and his political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A recent statement by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah who said that the government would go to any limits to counter PTI, just re-affirms the fact that Khan and his party has become the worst fear for the government, which is failing to tackle within the limits of the law. Rana Sanaullah had said that "there are no laws and no rules binding the government any longer", which essentially means that the ruling government was ready to abuse state power if needed to neutralise Khan and PTI. "It is us or them." Analysts have expressed fears over the current political crisis in the country, stating that Pakistan is slowly but gradually sliding towards totalitarianism. They that the position of the government, reflecting not only its fears but also its plan to handle a political resistance, is dangerous and hardly bodies well for national security. While Rana Sanullah's statement has been debated as a serious threat towards the country's national security and criticized as it hints towards the government, the Minister maintained that his remark was not a threat and should be seen as a political testimony. But one thing that has emerged out of such statements is that the ruling government under PML-N leadership has clearly struggled to counter PTI politically. The mounting legal cases against Khan, seeking his disqualification from election race, arrests of PTI workers and government statements terming the former premier as corrupt, only seem to increase the support for him. The recent massive public gathering of PTI at Lahore's qbal Park should be taken as a clear message that using state-sanctioned violence to cut the party down to size does not appear to be working for the current government. In Sumy, under the chairmanship of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a coordination meeting was held with the heads of armed forces and law enforcement agencies on reinforcement and protection of the state border and the security situation in Sumy region, the presidential press service has said. Commander of the Sumy operational and tactical group Vasyl Osypchuk and Commander of the Chernihiv operational group of troops Dmytro Krasylnykov informed the head of state about the current situation in Sumy region in the operational areas of the respective groups. According to Osypchuk, the operational situation in the area of responsibility of Sumy operational and tactical group is stable and controlled. Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhiy Deyneko reported on measures to enhance the protection of the Ukrainian-Russian section of the state border. The president also heard information from Acting Head of Sumy Regional Military Administration Taras Savchenko on the construction of fortifications and defense structures on the state border and other defense lines of Sumy region. Particular attention was paid to the issue of ensuring the protection of the civilian population in the border areas of Sumy region. New Delhi, March 28 : If the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) believes Indian antagonisms are past the point of no return and that New Delhis alignment with the West is a foregone conclusion, militarising Pakistan's Gwadar would be a logical response, a report by the US Institute of Peace has said. The fundamental reason why China might be unlikely to pursue basing in Gwadar is that by doing so, China would essentially be entering into an alliance, alienating India and abandoning 30 years of a carefully constructed South Asia strategy, which could catalyse Indian hard balancing. However, recent circumstances could compel China to consider unprecedented shifts in strategy. In 2020, a border standoff between Indian and Chinese troops led to the first shots fired on the Line of Actual Control since 1967 and the first combat fatalities since 1975. Another flare-up along the disputed border occurred in December 2022. It is thus plausible that a precipitous deterioration in China-India relations is already under way, that Indian hard balancing is inevitable, and that China would therefore have nothing to lose in overt militarization of Gwadar, the report said. The other half of the political equation is Pakistan's willingness to host China's military forces, and here the barriers are even lower. In 2011, Pakistan actively courted China to build a naval base at Gwadar, and reports suggest Pakistani officials would have been open to China conducting regular ship repair and maintenance on the base, the report said. Some of Pakistan's strategic elite have asserted that Pakistan's history with foreign military basing by the US has soured the Pakistan military and general public opinion on the idea, but other unnamed serving officials have suggested China's presence would be welcome in a balancing role. Pakistan's public might also support Chinese basing if they believe it offered a form of extended deterrence. Within the limited survey research that has been conducted on the Pakistani public's foreign policy attitudes, a high level of support for China-and curiously high expectations of China's material and military support in particular-remains constant. Public opinion has consistently held that China is Pakistan's most important friend for more than two decades. This translates into high expectations of military support from China. The prospects for China projecting military power over the Indian Ocean from Pakistan's Western coast are growing, the report by the US Institute of Peace has said. Chinese basing has meaningful support within Pakistan's strategic circles. The material and political obstacles to upgrading naval access into wartime contingency basing appear to be surmountable and diminishing over time. China might deploy PLA Navy marine corps units to provide security to overseas ports like Gwadar. Open-source satellite imagery analysis has detected Chinese complexes in Gwadar with "unusually high security", the report said. While security could easily have been increased in response to the unsafe environs of Balochistan, which has seen a resurgence of insurgency and terrorist attacks, a hardening of the Chinese facilities could alternatively be an indicator of a covert militarized use of the port, akin to China's apparent plans to secretly militarise its port facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even in the absence of a definite strategy on China's part, Pakistani strategists have been more forward leaning, suggesting that "the potential for Gwadar to be used in support of future Chinese naval operations is also very real". In several strategic journals published by the Pakistan military, Pakistan military analysts and officers have offered four potential military-strategic rationales for China to transform Gwadar into a PLA Navy military base, the report added. The most commonly cited motive has to do with energy security, that is, as insurance against a blockade of the Strait of Malacca, a crucial shipping route for importing petroleum and liquefied natural gas. Even though overland transit is still highly vulnerable to disruption and is cost-prohibitive, transporting oil overland from Gwadar through China's in the Xinjiang region would secure an alternative route against such contingencies. A second motive for developing a PLA Navy base at Gwadar might be to bottle up and constrain the Indian and US navies, the report said. As a Pakistani colonel pointed out, "Naval facilities or foothold on the Arabian Sea Coast could provide the Chinese a forward base to monitor U.S. naval activity in the Persian Gulf region and Indian naval activity in the Arabian Sea." A Pakistani brigadier asserted that a militarized Gwadar would "deny maneuver(ing) space to Indian Navy in Indian Ocean" and "provide the Chinese with a listening post to observe the naval activities of the US". Confining the Indian Navy to the Western Indian Ocean would limit its ability to threaten China's sea lines of communication or to join a US-led military coalitional effort in the Pacific. Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : The ordeal of a young Russian woman ended as she boarded a flight to her home country via Dubai on Tuesday from the Kozhikode international airport. The woman had come to India with her 29-old-male friend Aghil, who met her first on social media. Aghil, an engineer by profession, was working in Doha. After the two met on a social media site, she flew down to Doha. From there the two travelled to Nepal and finally to Aghil's home town in India. The purpose of their visit to home was to get married, but things went awry after Aghil often turned violent towards her. Unable to bear his behaviour, she tried to flee from his house last week by jumping from the first floor and got injured. Soon the police arrested Aghil, and is presently in judicial custody. The woman while convalescing at the state-run Kozhikode Medical College hospital gave a statement before the local magistrate narrating her sufferings. The Russian Consulate also got into the act and got in touch with her parents in Russia. They sent a ticket to their daughter to return and on Tuesday morning the police put her on a flight to Dubai and from there she would return to her home country. The woman has narrated her ordeal in her Facebook post wherein she said that she came with a lot of expectations and to get married, but everything failed, and she suffered a lot when being with Aghil. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by BJP National President J.P. Nadda as Union Ministers and BJP MPs look on during the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP National President J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP National President J.P. Nadda as Union Ministers and BJP MPs during the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, March 28 : At the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked the MPs to organise a month-long special campaign in their areas to make people aware about the public welfare schemes run by the Central government. The BJP meeting took place in the Parliament complex here. The meeting began with the party national president J.P. Nadda felicitating Prime Minister Modi for the victories in the recently concluded Assembly elections in the northeastern states. All the MPs of the party also congratulated PM Modi for leading them to score three big wins in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said: Prime Minister Modi in the meeting asked the MPs to organise special campaigns from May 15 to June 15 i.e. for one month in their respective areas to make people aware about the accomplishments of the Union government in the past nine years. "By giving the example of Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi also asked MPs to join non-political programs like 'Save Earth', 'Mother Earth is calling'," he said. Meghwal said that April 6 is the foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party and April 14 is the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. The party will observe the week from April 6 to 14 as Social Justice Week. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that PM Modi asked all the MPs to stay updated and connected with new technology. Joshi said that the 100th episode of Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat will be telecast in April, and PM Modi has called for organising special programs regarding this. Lucknow, March 28 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that there should be special parks for swamp deer and sarus cranes in the dense forests. Yogi Adityanath said that government agencies/departments that cause 'damage' to the environment must engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the conservation of flora and fauna. He said that special parks should be developed for swamp deer and sarus cranes in the dense forests of the state. Swamp deer, also known as Barasingha, is the state animal of UP and sarus crane is the state bird. According to a government spokesman, the Chief Minister said: "Those who harm the environment at any level, CSR funds from them must be utilised for the protection of the environment and wildlife." "Such departments that cause the maximum damage to the environment and natural resources must be identified," he said. The Chief Minister stated that more than 100 crore trees have been planted in the state in the last 6 years, due to which the forest coverage of the state has increased. Hyderabad, March 28 : Tension prevailed at YSR Telangana Party (YSRTP) leader Y.S. Sharmila's residence in Hyderabad on Tuesday when police prevented her from leaving for Osmania Hospital for a visit to know the problems faced by patients. Scuffle broke out between Sharmila's supporters and the police and in the melee she fell down. Police had shut the gates of Sharmila's Lotus Pond residence to stop her from leaving for the hospital. YSRTP said its leader wanted to conduct 'Janata Raid' at Osmania Hospital to know the plight of patients and pathetic facilities. She questioned the police action in stopping her and YSRTP workers. Later, Sharmila sat on a dharna outside her house. Talking to the media persons she appealed to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to take cognizance of what she called tyranny of KCR government in Telangana. She said that democracy had been given a silent burial in the state, and the voices of dissent and protest were brutally crushed and silenced by KCR. She requested them to intervene immediately. "It is once again proved that the state is severely reeling under the dictatorship and tyranny of KCR who is in turn afraid of the growing response to YSRTP. He has failed the state in every aspect and his promises today have no value as they are all fake," she said. Sharmila, sister of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stated that Osmania Hospital is the most important healthcare facility in the state, but is crumbling under its own weight, government's apathy, and failing standards and values. "We tried to carry out the Janata Raid where we wanted to interact with patients and understand their problems. It is shocking and highly deplorable that we had to be stopped, breaching our fundamental rights and freedom. What crime have we committed? Why am I repeatedly targeted?," she asked. The YSRTP leader wanted to know where the promised towers and new facilities in Osmania Hospital were. "Where was the promised Rs 200-crore proposal on the improvisation and expansion of the hospital? Don't we have the right to question the BRS government on behalf of the people? If we do, we are arrested and house arrested. The opposition and other protesting voices are consistently targeted and muzzled while they don't bother about the fact that patients don't receive proper treatment at these hospitals." Hyderabad, March 28 : A court in Rangareddy district on Tuesday refused bail to YouTuber Chintapandu Naveen Kumar, alias Teenmaar Mallanna, who was arrested along with four others for allegedly abducting and assaulting two policemen. The accused, who were arrested by Rachakonda police late on March 21, are currently lodged in Cherlapally Jail on the outskirts of Hyderabad. They were booked for kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault and attempt to murder. According to police, two police constables who were on duty in Peerzadiguda area were kidnapped and taken to the office of Q News, run by Mallanna, where he along with others assaulted them. Police said the police constables were carrying out vehicle checking to prevent chain snatchings when three unknown persons, armed with lathis, forcibly took them to the nearby Q News office. Though policemen tried to show their identity cards, the attackers snatched the same, took them to Q New office and produced them before Mallanna stating that police are loitering near their office. "Mallanna then ordered his associates to bring them into his room, where the police officers were thrashed severely by snatching their cell phones. Teenmaar Mallanna started assaulting them with a stick provoking his associates by wrongfully confining them in their office," the police said. Later, the police parties deployed in the area rushed to the spot but the accused obstructed their efforts to rescue them. Police arrested Q News newsreader Teenmaar Mallanna, editor Bandaru Ravinder, driver Uppala Nikhil, office boy Sirra Sudhakar and software engineer Chintha Sandeep Kumar. A case under section 363 (kidnapping), 342 (wrongful confinement), 395 (dacoity), 332 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 307 R/W 34 IPC and section 7 (1) of Criminal Amendment Act - 1932, was registered against them. Earlier, several police complaints were lodged against Mallanna at various police stations for his alleged derogatory comments against Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao, his son and IT Minister K.T.Rama Rao and daughter MLC K.Kavitha on his YouTube channel. On March 19, unidentified persons attacked the office of Q News. They barged into the office and ransacked furniture and computers. Teenmaar Mallanna was not present in the office at the time of attack. He alleged that goondas of ruling party BRS were behind the attack. Chennai, March 28 : Two Sri Lankan families, who left the island nation for asylum in India, reached Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi on Tuesday. They were found at a sand dune by fishermen who alerted the Tamil Nadu coastal Police. The coastal police in turn informed the Indian Coast Guard officials, who rescued the two families in a hovercraft from the sand dune. Eight people -- five women, two children and an adult male -- had reached the sand dune near Dhanushkodi from Sri Lanka. There are 225 people from Sri Lanka who have reached the shores of Tamil Nadu ever since the island nation was gripped with an economic crisis. The two families, on questioning by the marine police, said that they had paid Rs 1.45 lakh to an illegal ferry operator to reach Dhanushkodi. The two families, according to the marine police, are from Dharmapuram near Killinochi in Sri Lanka. Kolkata, March 28 : The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the attack on the convoy of Union minister of State for Home Affairs Nisith Pramanik allegedly by Trinamool Congress activists on February 25. A division bench of Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj passed the order on a petition filed by Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari demanding a central agency probe in the matter. The bench has directed the CBI to find out the sequence of events that day. On February 25, the vehicle of Paramanik was attacked allegedly by Trinamool Congress activists at Burihat under Dinhata Assembly constituency in Cooch Behar while it was passing through the area. The situation got tense as Trinamool and BJP supporters clashed with each other, throwing brickbats and stones, smashing the glass window of Pramanik's car in the process. The minister, however, did not sustain any injury as his security personnel safely escorted him out of the area, which by then had turned into a virtual battlefield. Pramanik alleged that besides stones and bricks, the ruling party workers also hurled crude bombs targeting his convoy, his security personnel and local BJP supporters. On March 16, the state government submitted a report to a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on this count, where the associates accompanying the Union minister's convoy were held responsible for instigating the violence. The Union government soon filed a counter affidavit stating its points of arguments in the matter. Finally, on Tuesday the division bench directed the CBI probe into the matter. Mexico City, March 28 : At least 37 people were killed and about 100 others injured as a deadly fire ripped through a migrant centre in Mexico's city of Ciudad Juarez near the US border, media reports said on Tuesday. Citing a statement from the Chihuahua state, CNN said that the fire occurred at the office of National Migration Institute (INM) located near the Stanton-Lerdo Bridge, which links Mexico and the US. The incident took place shortly after about 71 migrants were brought to the centre late Monday. The cause of the fire or the victims' nationalities are yet to be ascertained. Ciudad Juarez, the Mexican city located just across the Rio Grande river from El Paso, Texas, has seen an influx of people in recent weeks, reports the BBC. Mumbai, March 28 : The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a writ petition demanding a probe into the role of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh in the Antilia bomb scare and the related Mansukh Hiran murder case. A division bench comprising Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Kamal Khata has held that the petition is based on 'hearsay' and does not 'disclose commission of any cognizable offence' or reasonable probability of commission of such an offence by Singh. The petitioner, Parshuram Sharma had sought the court's directions to the state to probe Singh's role and claimed to have gathered information indicating the possible involvement of the former police commissioner in the cases. Sharma had relied on certain previous observations of another bench to support his contentions, but the National Investigation Agency had questioned his locus standi claiming his plea was based on 'hearsay' evidence from the media reports. The judges observed that the petitioner would need to show more circumstances that would convert his suspicion into a reasonable probability of Singh's involvement in the crime. Until and unless such material is available on record and within the knowledge of the person seeking action in the matter, it cannot warrant further probe by the police, and dismissed Sharma's plea. A video, where an unknown person in a Ukrainian uniform allegedly shoots at a civilian car of a woman with a child is a primitive ruscist fake, the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said. The intelligence service stressed that a number of factors indicate the staging of the video. In particular: the location in the occupied territory between Donetsk and Makiyivka: a turn from the DPR shooting range ring road; one of the sources of stuffing is the nickname Yuriy Alekseich Z V; the Ukrainian military put solid crosses on their cars. And these are crosses of the Wehrmacht; registrars in Ukraine are prohibited even in the deep rear and in the west of Ukraine. The Intelligence Agency also noted that the body of the car that the Ukrainian military is allegedly driving was made in Russia and has never been delivered to Ukraine. In addition, poor-quality installation is visible. At 1:35, a military man in the immediate vicinity of the car shoots from a machine gun. But there are no loud sounds of gunshots. The car window is open. There was a conversation through the window. There is no window closing sound. When the car goes back, you can hear again that the window is open. There was a shot, because the video shows the scattering of shell casings. At this moment there should be at least some sound, the intelligence service explained. The Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense emphasizes that this video was even criticized by a number of Russian propagandists, telegram channels and opinion leaders for its primitive execution and demonstrative fakeness, and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which first distributed this video accusing Ukrainians of "Nazism, instantly removed it." The fabricated video, as stated in the intelligence report, turned out to be another unsuccessful attempt by an enemy information and psychological special operation, the purpose of which is to discredit the AFU. The Russians are trying to further denigrate the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to show them cruel and inadequate, as well as to create a conflict with representatives of the Muslim community. This time with the Crimean Tatars. From the dialogue between the military and the woman who was driving, it can be understood that she allegedly belongs to the Crimean Tatar people, the Agency said. New Delhi, March 28 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued summons to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, MP Sanjay Raut and MLA Aditya Thackeray in a defamation case filed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's aide Rahul Ramesh Shewale. Shewale had filed the defamation suit against the three for certain statements alleging that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction bought the party symbol for Rs 2,000 crore. While appearing for Shewale, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar prayed the court to pass an injunction order to restrain them from making any further defamatory claims, Justice Prateek Jalan said that an order will be passed only after having the response of parties. "Mr Nayar, I am not for a moment commenting if the allegations are right or wrong... I am only saying that that question I'll determine after having an affidavit on recorda I don't want to pass a gag order on day one," the court said. It has also sought response of the defendants, including Google and Twitter. Justice Jalan listed the case for next hearing on April 17. During the hearing on Tuesday, the court orally remarked: "These are political fights going on... As far as the institutions are concerned, they have to stand for themselves. The Election Commission's shoulders are broad enough to deal with all this. Like the courts, people say all kinds of things about the courts." On Nayar asking the judge if the defendants' conduct shocks his conscience, Justice Jalan said: "The question is, is a person entitled to shock my conscience? The question is not whether it shocks my conscience or not. The question is that in the free marketplace of ideas, are people entitled to say things which might shock my conscience? Ultimately he will have to stand on his own legs." The court added that it wants to give an opportunity to the defendants and go through their responses before giving a prima facie finding at this stage of issuance of summons. Panaji, March 28 : Cornered by the opposition on the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Mhadei issue, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the Assembly session on Tuesday said that he has not given consent to divert Mhadei and will never give it. In January, during a rally in Belagavi Shah had said, "Today, I am here to tell you that the BJP at the Centre has resolved the long dispute between Goa and Karnataka over Mhadei and allowed the diversion of Mhadei to Karnataka to satisfy the thirst of farmers of many districts." AAP MLA Cruz Silva, Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai and Congress MLAs attacked Pramod Sawant over Shah's statement questioning him whether whatever Union Minister said was correct or wrong, to which Sawant replied, "We have not given consent of Mhadei diversion and will never give it." Reacting to it Sardesai said, "This means the Chief Minister admits that the Union Home Minister has lied (to the public). This is what he said now." However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hastened to clarify that he didn't say like that. "I have not said as such," Sawant said. Defending the state government's decision over the Mhadei issue, Water Resource Minister Subhash Shirodkar said that they are fighting this case tooth and nail at every stage. "Whether it is at administration or judiciary level, we are taking all measures. A Mhadei related case is in the Supreme Court. Next hearing is in July," Shirodkar said. Shirodkar informed the House that Karnataka state council has made a clear cut commitment in the Supreme Court that no construction will be carried out (for water diversion). "This matter is sub-judice. Secondly, they have to take permission from various authorities, among one major is Wildlife Warden of Goa," Shirodkar said. To this, Sardesai said that the Detailed Project Report (of Karnataka) has stated that the Ministry of environment and forest and climate Change has issued exemption of environment clearance. According to WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar for drinking purposes environment clearances are not required. However, further attacking the government Sardesai said that the Home Minister had spoken about (providing water to) farmers and not about drinking water. When AAP MLA Cruz Silva questioned Shah's statement, Shirodkar said during election time leaders may speak anything. "We don't work by taking cognizance of such statements. We are working to protect Mhadei and oppose diversion," Shirodkar said. Cruz said that Karnataka has done violations and the activities are on the Karnataka side to lift water using pumps. "The Goa government wakes up only when the media brings violations to notice," he said. "We are so vigilant about this. After DPR was approved, we have written letters to around seven agencies to withdraw it and not to grant other permissions. Our chief wildlife warden has issued notice to MD of the Karnataka project agency. In the DPR it is mentioned that the installation of water pumps will create damage to the environment, flora and fauna," Shirodkar said. Goa and Karnataka are currently battling out a dispute over the Kalasa-Banduri dam project across the water of Mhadei river at a central tribunal. Kolkata, March 28 : The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday refused to prohibit the Trinamool Congress from holding a mega rally on Wednesday. However, the single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha imposed certain conditions for the same. On Tuesday morning, the joint forum of state government employees in West Bengal, spearheading the movement against the non-payment of dearness allowance arrears by the Mamata government, approached the single-judge bench demanding a stay on the rally. The joint forum contended that since the ruling party had chosen the same venue for their rally, where the DA agitators had been holding sit-in demonstrations for the last two months after getting a permission from the court on this count, there were possibilities of law & order problems. The matter was heard in the post-lunch session and then Justice Mantha gave conditional approval to Trinamool Congress to conduct the rally. As per the court order, all the important points of the rally venue, including the entry and exit points, will have to be kept under CCTV surveillance. The court ordered police to set up a three-tier barricade at the rally venue as well to deploy enough security forces. Justice Mantha specially observed that no provocative statements can be uttered by any speaker addressing the rally or those attending that. Directing both parties to maintain peaceful coexistence, he also directed that the barricades should be removed and rally venues should be cleaned up. The main speaker at the rally will be the Trinamool Congress's national general secretary and party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee. Mumbai, March 28 : It wouldn't be wrong to call him number one as all his songs from 'Genda Phool', 'Paani', 'Jugnu' to his latest 'Sanak' among many others have been chartbuster hits. Rapper Badshah says he loves to shock people and wants to bring madness into their life with his hip-swaying numbers. You've already made it big by being the number one musical artist, moving ahead where does Badshah see himself? Talking to IANS, Badshah, who has even collaborated with "Prince of Reggaeton" J. Balvin with the song 'Voodoo', said: "Adding Madness to people's life. I always love shocking people." "Right when you think, this is it and you just raise the bar. That's what I love and that's what I'm always looking towards." Too much swag is synonymous to Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. Does it ever get tiring to put up an act? "I have to be really convinced before putting a song out. That is why, even if it is tiring, I put all my energy and creativity into it. And before every show, I always Hug my team before going on stage," added the rapper, who is considered one of the highest-paid artists in the country. Badshah, who is a big fan of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and coined his stage name from the actor's 1999 film 'Badshah', started his career in 2006. Since then he has belted out hits such as 'DJ Waley Babu', 'Kar Gayi Chull', 'Genda Phool' and 'Players' to name a few. Asked if the creative satisfaction ever gets lost in the numbers game, Badshah said: "Sometimes, yes. It's actually a benchmark of where you are right now. But they should not define your music making process. "They should not affect your thinking process as an artist. But of course, it helps you to know where you stand, not the numbers, but there are other stats as well," added the rapper, who was seen performing in Bhubaneswar for Seagram's Royal Stag presents Royal Stag Boombox, a first-of-its-kind musical experience. "Like I love Bhubaneswar because I get a lot of love from this place. This is a fact that I came to know because of these stats. You use them to your advantage probably," said Badshah, who has appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as one of the highest-paid celebrities in India and as the only rapper in the list. -- Syndicated from IANS Mumbai, March 28 : Star Chiranjeevi honoured filmmaker SS Rajamouli and music composer MM Keeravani at actor-son Ram Charan's birthday. He said that the win Telugus achieved for Indian Cinema shall remain etched in history. Chiranjeevi took to his Instagram page to share pictures. The image shows Chiranjeevi handing over a big bouquet of flowers and shawl to honour Rajamouli and his wife. Image Source: IANS News In the second picture, MM Keeravani and his wife are being honoured with a shawl and a bouquet. Image Source: IANS News Chiranjeevi wrote: "Honouring our Oscar winners in the presence of near and dear on @alwaysramcharan's birthday was a true celebration! This feat Telugus achieved for the Indian Cinema shall remain etched in history." 'Naatu Naatu' picturised on Ram Charan and NTR Jr from the film 'RRR' made India proud as it won the Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. Honouring our Oscar winners in the presence of near and dear on @AlwaysRamCharan s birthday was a true celebration! This feat Telugus achieved for the Indian Cinema shall remain etched in history!! @TheAcademy #OscarsForIndianCinema #Oscars95 #TeluguCinema pic.twitter.com/menKXI5jKh Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) March 28, 2023 Image Source: IANS News Leaving behind names such as Lady Gaga, Diane Warren and Rihanna, 'Naatu Naatu' made history after contending against songs such as 'Applause' from 'Tell It Like a Woman', 'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and 'This Is a Life' from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'. 'Naatu Naatu' has already won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award this year. 'RRR' stars NTR Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt and Shriya Saran and tells the fictional story of two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem and their fight against the British Raj. Set in the 1920s, the plot explores the undocumented period in their lives when both the revolutionaries chose to go into obscurity before they began the fight for their country. Image Source: IANS News -- Syndicated from IANS Islamabad, March 28 : Pakistans plans to import crude oil from Russia has hit a critical roadblock due to slow processing by Islamabad, which has irked and disappointed Moscow. As per sources, Moscow has expressed serious concerns over Pakistan's initiative to import crude oil from Russia and has communicated to Islamabad to import at least one crude oil cargo and establish its seriousness and intent. Russia has also expressed its disappointment over Pakistan after it was revealed that Islamabad did not even initiate the process to start the first shipment of crude oil. As per sources, Pakistan had committed that it would set up a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company responsible for import of Russian crude oil to the refineries in Pakistan. It was also committed by Islamabad that the SPV would be responsible for handling all matters related to the import and its relevant payments for oil. However, Islamabad has not yet started work on its committed plan, as it is yet to register the SPV. Further details revealed that because of the delay in the establishment of the SPV, the first cargo of crude oil from Russia, which was expected to be imported next month, is not expected to arrive in May this year. One of the major reason why Pakistan has delayed the whole process of importing crude oil from Russia is the G7 oil pricing cap mechanism. The United States had recently reminded Pakistan on the same, asking it to follow the mechanism and negotiate the best possible price. This complication has put many issues on finalisation of crude oil pricing with Russia. The other point of concern is the incentives offered by Russia on crude oil trade as the Russian oil produces more furnace oil and less diesel, in comparison to the Arabian crude oil, which produces more diesel and less furnace oil. Pakistan requires crude oil that produces higher diesel oil, in reference to which, importing crude oil from Russia will increase costs and erode incentives. "Arabian oil produces 45 per cent high-speed diesel (HSD) and 25 per cent furnace oil. Russian crude oil will produce 32 per cent HSD and 50 per cent furnace oil. If we take such a ratio, Pakistan will require higher discounts from Russia," said a source with knowledge about the development. It is also important to note that Pakistani companies are already facing major challenges in consuming furnace oil, especially after the country's power plants shifted towards LNG fuel. One other issue that hinders the process is the fact that the government has not taken the oil industry on board to discuss the matter. "And if Pakistan goes ahead with the Russian crude oil import, it could be a challenge for the country to pay given the current dollar crunch," the source said. If both Pakistan and Russia sign the deal, Moscow will become Islamabad's second-largest crude oil supplier after Saudi Arabia, exporting around 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day. New Delhi, March 28 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday queried disqualified Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal P.P., who moved the court challenging the delay by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in restoring his membership, as to what is the fundamental right which has been violated. As counsel, representing Faizal, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice K.M. Joseph, the bench, also comprising justice B V Nagarathna, asked, "What is the fundamental right that is violated?" Counsel replied that his client's right to represent the constituency is being taken away and stressed that the action was completely arbitrary. The bench asked the counsel to move the high court. The counsel replied that the top court is already seized of the matter. After hearing brief submissions, the top court agreed to take up the matter on Wednesday. On Monday, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, appearing on Faizal's behalf, mentioned the matter before a bench presided over by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. Singhvi submitted that letters have been written but no action has been taken so far to restore his membership. Faizal's conviction and sentence of 10 years jail was stayed by the Kerala High Court on January 25. Faizal's plea contended that the Lok Sabha Secretariat did not withdraw the notification issued on January 13, 2023, disqualifying him as MP. In a petition filed through advocate K.R. Sasiprabhu, the NCP leader said: "It is respectfully submitted that the respondent's inaction is in the teeth of the settled law that disqualification incurred by a Member of Parliament under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 ceases to operate if the conviction is stayed by the appellate court under Section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure." The plea added that this position has been reiterated by a three-judge bench of the apex court in Lok Prahari v. Election Commission of India in 2018. The plea submitted that Faizal's conviction, which formed the basis of the notification, has since been stayed by the high court on January 25, 2023 and even the apex court refused to stay the high court's order. "It is pertinent to note that the Election Commission, by taking note of the correct legal position, recalled the by-election press note dated January 18, 2023. However, the respondent is not revoking the disqualification notification dated January 13, 2023 despite various representations, and thereby the petitioner was denied participation in the budget session of the Parliament and the session which is going on now," said the plea. Srinagar, March 28 : The Kaman Post on the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district will be thrown open to tourists as a destination soon, defence sources said. The decision to allow tourists to visit Kaman Post on the LoC has been taken by the army. Defence sources said that the Kaman Post would acquaint the tourists with the sacrifices made by the soldiers to protect the territorial integrity of the country. The Kaman Post overlooks the 'Aman Setu Bridge' spanning the LoC. Half of the bridge is under Indian control while the other half is controlled by Pakistan. Seoul, March 28 : Samsung Electronics is likely to report poor results in its chip business next month, analysts said, as the ongoing global economic challenges that have resulted in reduced consumer demand negatively affect the company's performance. Samsung's Device Solution (DS) division, which oversees its chip business, is forecast to make its first financial loss in 14 years, according to analysts' estimates, as surplus chip inventory has been growing significantly amid tapering global demand. The last time Samsung saw its backbone unit trade at a deficit was the first quarter of 2009, when the world was emerging from the 2008 financial crisis. Samsung's operating profit for the January-March period was estimated at 1.23 trillion won ($944 million), a sharp drop from 14.1 trillion won from a year ago, according to data compiled by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency. If that figure stands, it would be the lowest quarterly profit since January 2009, when the tally was 593 billion won. Most analysts blamed Samsung's weak semiconductor business for the significant fall in profit. "The DS division's falling profits are primarily responsible" for the company's disappointing first-quarter performance, said Kim Kwang-jin, an analyst at Hanwha Investment & Securities. He estimated the chip division's Q1 loss at 3.3 trillion won. "As Samsung's major memory customers depleted their inventories more aggressively than expected, Samsung's DRAM and NAND flash shipments are forecast to decline 13 percent and 12 percent, respectively, compared with the previous quarter," he said. Analyst Seo Seung-yeon from Shinyoung Securities estimated Samsung DS division's Q1 operating loss was even bigger, at 4.1 trillion won, due to a historically low season, along with sluggish demand and falling profitability amid an inventory correction. Samsung repeatedly said there will be no "artificial" production reduction, while other global memory chip makers, including its smaller hometown rival SK hynix, have moved to scale back output and spending to cope with falling prices and oversupply. The South Korean tech giant, however, has hinted that there could be a natural cut in production through a migration to more advanced process nodes, among other things. "We will be flexible in executing infrastructure investment given volatile market conditions," Lee Jung-bae, President of Samsung's DS division, said at an annual shareholders meeting in Suwon, 34 kilometers south of Seoul. Samsung forecast the global chip market will shrink 6 per cent on-year to reach $563 billion this year, due to a sharp drop in demand and warned of difficult conditions continuing throughout the year. "We will intensify our efforts to have a more efficient product portfolio and more compatible manufacturing lines," he said. The company will release its earnings guidance for the first quarter early next month. Chennai, March 28 : The Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) on Tuesday said that it has taken up a suo moto case against IPS officer Balveer Singh accused of torturing those in custody. There were allegations that the IPS officer who was working as Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ambasamudram, in Thirunelveli district, had tortured those taken into custody for various cases including gang wars and other crimes, and plucked out their teeth with a pair of pliers. TNSHRC Chairman K. Bhaskaran directed the IG, SHRC to investigate the matter and submit a report within six weeks. He said that he had taken up the complaint suo moto based on media reports. Advocate Maharajan of political outfit Netaji Subhash Sena told IANS that he had personally met those who were tortured by the police officer while in custody. He alleged that the officer used other cops to restrain the victims and personally plucked out their tooth. There were also allegations that he had crushed the testicle of a youth when the co-accused told the officer that he was newly-married. The 2020 batch IPS officer, a product of IIT-Bombay, was removed as ASP, Ambasamudram by the state Director General of Police on Monday. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba called on the world community to join the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula and reiterated that Ukraine would accept peace only if it guaranteed the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the country's territory. Speaking online at the Summit for Democracy 2023 on Tuesday, Kuleba apologized on behalf of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was unable to join the summit due to visiting the country's frontline areas. "While Russia seeks to destroy Ukraine, its aggression is not limited to Ukraine. The Russian Federation also seeks to destroy the world order based on international law and the UN Charter. For more than nine years, our best sons and daughters have not only fought for the future, but also defended our common democratic values at the cost of their lives. In this struggle, we are defending the entire democratic world," Kuleba said during the panel session entitled "A Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine". The head of the Foreign Ministry stressed that no other nation wants peace more than Ukraine, but "peace at any cost is an illusion." The minister also noted that only comprehensive justice can guarantee long-term peace. "I would like to emphasize that the Ukrainian people will accept peace only if they guarantee the complete ending of Russian aggression, the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, and the restoration of the territorial integrity of our state within internationally recognized borders. The Ukrainian peace formula contains all these just conditions for ending the war," Kuleba said. He also stressed that Russia must pay for all the damage caused, in particular, all those involved in the killings of Ukrainians, not only the top military leadership of Russia, must be held accountable. According to the minister, the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine should "restore the face of justice." "I want to make it clear that Russia must withdraw from every square meter of Ukrainian territory. There should be no misinterpretation of what is meant by 'withdrawal of troops'," the minister said. Bengaluru, March 28 : A special court here on Tuesday sent Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa, arrested in connection with a bribe for tender scam, to Lokayukta police custody for five days, till April 1, for further investigation. Special Court for People's Representatives judge B. Jayanth Kumar gave the order. Virupakshappa will now be grilled by the Lokayukta sleuths over the corruption case in which he is the prime accused. Counsel for Lokayukta sought 10 days custody for investigation, but the MLA's lawyer requested bail as he had attended probe many times and he is facing health issues. Virupakshappa was arrested on Monday evening, following the Karnataka High Court rejecting his bail plea. The Lokayukta sleuths had chased him and arrested him after tracking him near Tumakuru city as he disappeared after the bail rejection. The development is perceived as a major setback to the ruling BJP government ahead of Assembly elections. Virupakshappa was absconding for five days and Congress alleged that the BJP government was protecting him. His son Prashath Madal was caught red-handed while receiving Rs 40 lakh bribe towards allotment of procurement of raw materials to the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL), a public sector unit, whose Chairman the MLA was. His son was allegedly receiving bribes on behalf of his father. The authorities had seized Rs 8.12 crore and 1.6 kg gold from the residences of Virupakshappa and his son. Meanwhile, the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru, had objected to the immediate posting of the interim anticipatory bail application of Virupakshappa and expressed serious concern in its letter to the CJI D.Y. Chandrachud. Jaipur, March 28 : According to sources in the state BJP, the central leadership has taken the reins in its hands in Rajasthan for the ensuing assembly polls by appointing Chittorgarh MP CP Joshi as the state BJP president. This fact emerges by looking at the huge show of strength at the party office during Joshi's anointment as state party chief. The crowds coming from different parts of the state along with central leaders with their followers and bouncers being deployed was something which surprised the party workers. MP Rajyawardhan Rathore drove Joshi to the party office in Jaipur from Delhi, which again indicated a change of equations in state politics. Addressing the workers, Joshi was clear that hoardings and banners with his photo will not be put up anywhere in Rajasthan, rather the public welfare schemes run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be highlighted through these hoardings. It was clear that before the assembly polls, the central government schemes will be promoted and elections will be held on PM Narendra Modi's face, said party sources. Also, Joshi spoke about the Udaipur terror incident in which BJP supporter Kanhaiyalal was killed and said, "Kanhaiyalal of Udaipur was massacred due to the appeasement policies of the Congress. I say that his neck was cut by the Rajasthan Congress government." The other point which became clear from his speech was that the policy of 'appeasement' and the Hindutva issue will figure prominently in the assembly polls, confirmed party officials. Earlier, the BJP's former state president Satish Poonia had been vocal against the state government's policies. However, sources said that chief minister Ashok Gehlot's welfare schemes were difficult to criticise and hence the central leadership is pushing for the promotion of welfare schemes being launched by the central government, leading to the change in banner and hoarding subjects. The second important issue will be the policy of appeasement and the Hindutva issue, they added. Joshi assumed charge of the state BJP on Monday. He said, "We will reach out to the worker sitting at the end of the line to promote the schemes of the central government. For the first time in the country, the central government is doing such work, that the countrymen feel proud in calling themselves Indian citizens." Joshi added that now "I am sure that in the 2023 assembly elections, the workers of Rajasthan will work to overthrow the indolent, corrupt and autocratic Congress government. I appeal to the workers that for the coming 6 months we have to fight shoulder to shoulder and ensure that the Congress government is thrown out of Rajasthan forever, under whose rule the farmers have to shed tears." Patna, March 28 : Unidentified men demanded extortion of Rs 2 crore from a prominent doctor of Bihar's Motihari town, an official said on Tuesday. The extortionists wrote a letter and then did the xerox copy, put it into an envelope and placed it on the table of a doctor named Sanjay Kumar. The victim is running Kavi Diagnostic Centre in Chatauni locality of the city. The cases of extortion have increased in Bihar in the last few days. Keeping in view of sensitivity, district SP Kantesh Kumar Mishra constituted a team headed by Sadar DSP Ranjan Kumar to investigate the incident. Dr Sanjay Kumar said in the statement: "I found an envelope on the table of my cabin. It was kept under a towel used as a laptop cover. After completing the work for the day on Monday, when I shut the laptop and picked the towel to cover it, I found an envelope. When I opened the envelope, a letter was inside." As per the content of the letter, the extortionists have demanded Rs 2 crore from Dr Sanjay Kumar. The extortionists also threatened of dire consequences if he reveals the letter to the police. "We are investigating the incident and scanning CCTV cameras in and outside of the diagnostic centre to identify the accused," said Ranjan Kumar, DSP of Motihari Sadar range. Mumbai, March 28 : Adopting a humane touch, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday frowned at hatred and cruelty to stray dogs terming it as unacceptable from persons of civil society and cautioned that "such cruelty would be against the Constitutional ethos and statutory provisions". A division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and R.N. Laddha was hearing a petition filed by a dog-lover of a Mumbai cooperative housing society alleging cruelty to 18 stray dogs as its managing committee was not ready to provide a designated feeding spot to feed them and threatened to hire bouncers to restrain her. The bench cited the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control Rules, and said it would be an obligation of all the society members to follow them and to avoid causing any harassment or cruelty to the animals or those wanting to care for them. It also directed the society management to inform them of the designated (feeding) spot as well as other welfare measures for the dogs, by April 6, when the matter would be heard again. The directions came in a petition, filed through advocate Nishad Nevgi, by animal lover, Paromita Purthan, living in RNA Royale Park CHS, Kandivali west, where she was feeding 18 stray canines. Purthan informed the court of a Managing Committee resolution of November 13, 2022 allowing feeding the dogs at a specified place but the society had not allotted the feeding spot in the huge society complex. Sounding a caution to the society and all its members, the bench said: "To hate stray dogs and/or treat them with cruelty can never be an acceptable approach, from persons of civil society, as an act of cruelty to such animals would be against the Constitutional ethos and the statutory provisions." It also asked the society's lawyer Vibha Mishra to inform the court of the designated (feeding) place, and welfare measures to help and pursue the cause of these animals so that they are cared for and their rights protected in the spirit of the laws. The petitioner had pointed out how she was not allowed to feed the dogs, provide them water, not being given a designated feeding spot within the Society complex spread over a huge area, and she was being forced to feed the dogs at the society gates where they faced risk of accidents and possible death. Noting that these dogs have territorial affinity to the Society, Justice Kulkarni and Justice Laddha also cited examples of lawyers or judges who cared for many stray dogs and cats in the high court complex, and how an ex-judge would carry biscuits with him for the strays. The judges said that the "animals are also living beings and a part of our society and we have to take care of them", while frowning at how everything "non-cooperative happens in a cooperative society". The court directed the society and the petitioner to amicably resolve their issues and will hear the matter further on April 6, till when Purthan can continue feeding the stray dogs in the society's parking area. New Delhi, March 28 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on a plea by Congress leader seeking to declare Section 50 and Section 63 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 as ultra vires the Constitution. Section 50 gives Enforcement Directorate (ED) power to summon an accused and record a statement, which is admissible evidence in court of law. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioner Govind Singh, a Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh, submitted that plea challenges Sections 50 and 63 of the PMLA, and the matter is regarding an ECIR in which the person would not even know in what capacity he is being called. The plea also challenged the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons issued to Singh. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Aravind Kumar issued notice to the Union of India and the ED on the plea and scheduled it for further hearing after six weeks. The plea, filed through advocate Sumeer Sodhi, said: "Primarily the challenge is based upon the premise that the provisions of the PMLA allowing an officer of the Directorate of Enforcement to summon any person to record his statement under Section 50 of the act and requiring that person to speak truth in such statements is violative of Article 20(3) and 21 of the Constitution." The plea contended that the petitioner is conscious of the recent judgment of the apex court whereby a challenge to vires of Section 50 of the PMLA has been turned down in the case of Vijay Madanlal Choudhary & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. "However, the petitioner being an informed citizen of this country has certain grounds to urge as to why the said judgment in Vijay Madanlal (supra) deserves to be held as per incuriam and the issues raised in the present petition deserve to be settled by a larger constitutional bench in terms of Article 145(3) of the Constitution," the plea added. The plea argued that Section 50 is in direct contravention to the fundamental right against self-incrimination enshrined under Article 20(3) of the Constitution. The plea said: "Petitioner has not been supplied with a copy of the ECIR, nor have any details of the same been provided to the petitioner, therefore, the petitioner herein is completely unaware of the scope of investigation, or the allegations being investigated in relation to which the Petitioner is being called upon by the Respondent No.2 (ED)." The plea said the non-disclosure of the ECIR or the remit of the ED's investigation would enable a roving and fishing inquiry, which is impermissible in law. "Not informing the person being summoned as to in which capacity he is being summoned is violative of the fundamental rights and scheme of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Every criminal statute must satisfy the test of fair play. There is no procedure in criminal jurisprudence that allows for summoning a person without informing him as to the capacity in which he/she is being summoned," added the plea. The petitioner also sought quashing of summons issued against him under Section of PMLA. On August 25 last year, the Supreme Court had agreed to review its July 27, 2022, PMLA judgment, which upheld the Enforcement Directorate's powers in connection with attachment of property involved in money laundering, arrest, search and seizure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. A bench headed by then Chief Justice N.V. Ramana said there are two main concerns -- non-providing of ECIR to accused at the time of arrest and negation of presumption of innocence. The top court issued notice to the central government on the review petition filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. New Delhi, March 28 : Delhi Police has arrested a 56-year-old doctor for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl at a clinic in northwest Delhi's Adarsh Nagar area, an official said on Tuesday. According to police, the incident took place on Sunday when the girl's mother took her daughter to the clinic in the locality after she complained of stomach pain. A complaint was filed by the victim's mother on Monday in which she stated that when she entered the clinic with her daughter, she remembered that she forgot her purse outside. "But when she returned inside the check-up room, she saw the doctor touching her daughter inappropriately," the complaint stated. "Based on the complaint given by the victim's mother, a First Information Report was registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and the accused doctor has been arrested," said a senior police official. "Police are investigating the matter," he added. Mumbai, March 28 : Actor Babil Khan, who garnered a lot of appreciation with his debut in Anvita Dutt's 'Qala', has created a character 'Bablu' on Instagram. The actor keeps sharing mini-episodes of the character's day-to-day life struggles. Babil has posted eight episodes till date. In the first episode, Babil explains how he came up with the idea of the character and shared his reaction when a girl called him a "fearless ball of life." In the subsequent episodes, Bablu is seen struggling with maths, spelling, winters, prom, and even being a genie while giving advice. Talking about the character that he has created for the social media episodic content, Babil said, "Bablu is the child inside of everyone, the child inside of you that is free of worries, ego, burdens of social morality and responsibilities, your inner child that lives with a true sense of freedom." Babil, who is the son of the late actor Irrfan, further mentioned, "As we age in this world, we lose touch with our inner child, Bablu is the representation of the idea that the child inside of you, the purity of you, is still alive, all you need to do is learn to access it." On the work front, the actor will be soon seen in the upcoming webseries 'The Railway Men'. Chennai, March 28 : Environmentalists and social activists will hold protests in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu against the Central public sector undertaking (PSU) Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Ltd (NLCIL) acquiring more land for its expansion plans. According to environmental activists, the NLC is in the process of acquiring around 90,000 acres of land for its coal and lignite plants. R. Sankardas, activist and director of the Socio Economic Development Foundation, a think tank based out of Madurai, told IANS: "The NLC is to acquire huge land for its further expansion plans and this will create unnecessary burden on the environment. The environmental and social activists are planning to conduct protest marches towards the NLC head office against this." He said that Cuddalore has already been earmarked as a mining polluted district and further mining of coal will create major difficulties for the people of the area. C. Rajeev, director of the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, a think tank based out of Chennai, said that there was no need of polluting industries in the state. He said that his organisation would be conducting protest programmes in Cuddalore and will organise seminars in Chennai against this and create awareness among the people against the side effects of pollution. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has been at the forefront of the agitations against Neyveli Lignite Corporation's (NLC) expansion programmes. PMK state president and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss has also protested against the acquisition. Ramadoss said: "Tamil Nadu was producing around 32000 MW of power per month and of which the requirement is only 18000 MW. The NLC is producing power between 800 to 1000 MW per month." He said that in this context there was no need for further expansion of Neyveli Lignite to mine coal. Mumbai, March 28 : Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who recently was feted with at the Annual Los Angeles Festival of Film, Fashion, and Art for her international film, 'Tell It Like a Woman', has wrapped up the first schedule of her next film 'Fateh'. Jacqueline was shooting for her part in Amritsar and seemed to have a great time with the film's team in the city. As she was shooting in Amritsar, the actress brought some glimpses of her amazing time in the city for her fans. She took to her Instagram to share her memories from the north Indian city as she shared many things from receiving a sketch of herself from a fan, enjoying the lassi to eating delicious Punjabi food. She wrote in the caption, "Thank you Amritsar #fateh @sonu_sood @zeestudiosofficial @vaibhavmisra23 @fateh4bharat @ilcondor @shaanmu @marcepedrozo @sam_debroy @gopikagulwadi" Jacqueline had the best of her time while shooting for 'Fateh' which also stars Sonu Sood. The actress also visited the Golden Temple with Sonu. Apart from 'Fateh' alongside Sonu Sood, Jacqueline also has 'Crack' alongside Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal in the pipeline. Imphal, March 28 : The Manipur government is considering setting up a temporary shelter home in the border town of Moreh to accommodate around 5,000 immigrants who fled from conflict-torn Myanmar, officials said on Tuesday. A ministerial team comprising three state ministers -- Letpao Haokip, Awangbow Newmai and Th Basanta Singh -- had on Monday visited Moreh along the Myanmar border to study the area where the shelter home is expected to be set up. They also interacted with the Myanmarese immigrants. An official said that the Myanmar nationals would be given temporary shelter in the shelter home and would be deported to their country soon after the situation in Myanmar normalises. The border town of Moreh is 110 km from state capital Imphal. Among the refugees, Myanmar MP Thangsel Haokip, who is also taking shelter in Manipur, reportedly informed the ministerial team that they would like to take shelter in the Indian territory as the violent clashes between the Myanmar military and the People's Defence Force (PDF) rebels continue in the Saingang region of Myanmar that borders with the Indian states of Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram. Amid the clashes between the Myanmar army and the resistance group PDF, the Manipur government has deployed additional security forces and asked the Assam Rifles to maintain strict vigil along the international border. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had earlier said that the security along the India-Myanmar border with Manipur has been tightened to avoid untoward incidents. According to security officials and the district administration, round-the-clock foot patrolling has been intensified along the international border. Besides, additional forces comprising Manipur State Rifles, police and other security personnel have also been deployed. Manipur shares around 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar, which is the main source of smuggling of drugs, golds, exotic animals, poppy seeds and other contrabands. The Supreme Court of Ukraine upheld the acquittal of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) against former Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelian in the case of reducing the port dues and causing damage to the governemnt in the amount of UAH 30.4 million, the Supreme Court said. "The Supreme Court upheld the HACC verdict and the HACC Appellate Chamber's ruling," the Supreme Court told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday. The court said the full text of the ruling would be made public on April 3, 2023. As reported, NABU and SAPO suspected Omelian of committing illegal actions, as a result of which the national budget received less than UAH 30.5 million. The actions of the former official were qualified under Part 2 of Article 211 (issuance by an official of a normative legal act that reduces budget revenues contrary to the law, if the subject of such actions were budget funds in especially large amounts) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to the investigation, in December 2017, the former minister issued an order to reduce all port dues (except lighthouse) by 20%. At the same time, one of these fees, administrative, is a revenue part of the national budget. Therefore, only the Verkhovna Rada, and not the minister, could change its size. As a result, the decision of the former official to reduce the port (administrative) fee led to the non-receipt of UAH 30.4 million to the national budget in 2018. New Delhi: Congress leaders K.C. Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh address a press conference at the party office in New Delhi on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Photo: Anupam Gautam/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Congress leader K.C. Venugopal addresses a press conference at the party office in New Delhi on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Photo: Anupam Gautam/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, March 28 : As a mark of protest against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha, and to press its demand for a probe into the allegations of fraud levelled against the Adani Group, the Congress will launch a 'Jai Bharat Satyagrah' across the country against the Centre from Wednesday onwards. The party will set up a war room to monitor the 'Satyagrah', which will culminate in Delhi with a big rally. Addressing a press conference here, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, "The 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' is a protest against the erroneous conviction and disqualification of Rahul Gandhi, and to express the party's strong resolve to keep raising the voice of the people against the blatant loot of people's money and nation's wealth." As part of the protest programme, all block/mandal units of the Congress will hold 'nukkad sabhas' and address the public on relevant issues. Social media campaigns focusing on Rahul Gandhi's message to the poeple will also be carried out to appeal for public support for the 'Satyagraha'. On Wednesday, protests will be staged by the SC/ST/OBC/minority groups of the party at all district headquarters. On March 31, press conferences will be held by state-level leaders at all district headquarters. On April, district-level leaders will address the media at all blocks. Beginning April 3, a campaign of sending postcards to the Prime Minister on the pressing issues will be launched by the Youth Congress and NSUI. From April 15, simultaneous 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' meetings will be held at the district headquarters. The party's senior leadership will attend and address these district-level events. From April 20, state Congress units will organise 'Satyagraha' events at the state level, with senior leaders holding a day-long fast. All the like-minded parties and civil society groups will be invited to join these events. Patna, March 28 : An under-trial prisoner was shot dead in the district court Bihar's Saharsa by a band of unidentified assailants, an official said. Prabhakar Kumar, a murder accused, was brought to district court for the hearing when four bike-borne assailants opened fire on him, killing him on the spot. Following the incident, the assailants managed to flee from the court campus while waving their firearms in the air. Soon a large number of court employees and visitors assembled at the place. District SP Lipi Singh also visited the spot. SDPO Sadar, who is heading the investigation, told IANS that four assailants came to the court campus and opened fire on an under trial prisoner. "We are scanning the CCTV footage of the court campus to identify them," the official added. New Delhi, March 28 : The Crime Branch of Ahmedabad Police on Tuesday said it has arrested conman Kiran Patel's wife Malini Patel for allegedly trying to illegally take over the bungalow of a senior citizen Jagdish Chavda (63). In the FIR both Kiran Patel and Malini have been named as accused. Kiran Patel is accused of impersonating as a PMO official in Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested and is in judicial custody. A case of cheating was filed against Malini based on the allegations of the victim. In this case both Kiran Patel and his wife Malini have been named as accused. The bungalow which they tried to occupy is located in a posh area of Ahmedabad. Kiran Patel had threatened the bungalow owner that he had links with the PMO. Chavda lodged a complaint with the local police and finally a FIR was registered. He said in his complaint that Kiran Patel contacted him in the first week of February and told him that he was a property dealer. Kiran Patel tried to convince the victim that if the bungalow is renovated they might get a good price. Chavda fell into their trap and agreed to their suggestion. Later, Malini and some interior designers met him. The accused took Rs 35 lakh initially from Chavda. Due to the renovation work, Chavda had to shift. Later Chavda came to know that Kiran Patel and Malini had changed the name plate and had been living in the house claiming to be the owners. They didn't even renovate the house. Now the police has made the first arrest in the matter. New Delhi, March 28 : Six men, allegedly involved in robbing Fortuner cars in NCR and selling them to dealers in Jammu and Kashmir for Rs 3 lakh each, have been arrested, a Delhi Police official said on Tuesday. Apart from the gang's involvement in a series of car-jacking incidents reported in the National Capital Region, they used to also supply arms and ammunition, the official added. The accused were identified as Vikram, 40, Arjun, 26, Rohit, 29, and Vicky, 30, who robbed the cars from Delhi-NCR while Ashraf, 68, and Ramesh, 36, supplied arms and ammunitions to the gang to commit car-jacking. The official said that Ashraf and Ramesh used to also receive the stolen four-wheelers from the other gang members to sell in the market. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dwarka, M Harsha Vardhan said that the matter came to light when on March 17, an incident of car-jacking of a Fortuner car was reported at Dwarka South police station. "During investigation, after analysis of CCTV footage, call detail records links and manual surveillance, it came to notice that the accused are using a Hyundai I-20 car. Thereafter, secret informers were mobilised and specific information was received regarding the presence of the target car in the area near GGSIP University, Dwarka, Delhi," he said. Subsequently, a trap was laid near GGSIP University and Vikram, Vicky, Arjun, and Rohit were apprehended by the team. "During frisking, four pistols along with eight bullets and an I-20 car being used in the commission of the crime were recovered from their possession. Further, police custody remand of accused Vikram was taken," said the DCP. On interrogation, it was revealed that Vikram's cousin Arun who is in Bhondsi Jail lured Vikram to do car-jacking and got him in contact with Vicky, Arjun, and Rohit. "Vikram was in touch with Ashraf and Ramesh to whom Vikram used to deliver the robbed cars. The gang was operated by Vikram along with Vicky, Arjun, and Rohit who used to rob cars from Delhi-NCR. The gang also used illegal arms and ammunition to commit the crime," said th e DCP. While fleeing, the gang used to take away the mobile from the driver and throw it out in the drain and also throw out the driver at some secluded place. Then Vikram used to drive the car all through the way to Jammu on the same night to hand it over to Ashraf and Ramesh who further used to sell the cars to Illiyas in Ahmedabad. "Ashraf and Ramesh also used to supply the illegal firearms and ammunitions to Vikram which were used by the gang in committing the crimes," said the official "The team also went to Jammu and Kashmir in order to arrest the source of illegal weapons and receivers of stolen vehicles. The team used a Fortuner car to lure the receivers. Finally, the team was able to nab the suppliers of illegal firearms and ammunition and receiver of stolen cars namely Ashraf and Ramesh from Jammu," the DCP said. "From their possession, two pistols along with four bullets and a robbed Fortuner car were recovered," said the DCP, adding that further investigation is going on. Mumbai, March 28 : In a shocking incident, a Dalit woman lawyer - who had complained of rape, black magic practices and domestic violence by her in-laws and others - was allegedly made to walk around 2 km by a lady constable for her medical examination at a government hospital, her lawyer said here on Tuesday. The victim had lodged complaint of rape against her NRI husband, a tantrik, her brothers-in-law and other relatives for allegedly subjecting her to repeated rape, torture and other forms of abuse since her marriage, said Advocate Nitin Satpute. Even her complaint was registered by the Bhoiwada Police a few days ago, but only after making a lot of efforts, and she was scheduled for a medical examination at the KEM Hospital in Parel on Tuesday, he said. "A lady constable asked her for the taxi fare, which the victim woman, a lawyer practising at the Bombay High Court, did not have. So the lady constable made her walk for 2 km from there to the BMC's KEM Hospital for her medical," Satpute said. He wanted to know "where are the Nirbhaya vehicles for such rape victims", and how could the accused be made to walk for the medical test while the accused are being taken around in police vehicles. Satpute has brought the matter to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV), Pravin Mundhe, and is awaiting the police response. Imphal, March 28 : Manipur capital Imphal turned into a virtual battlefield on Tuesday following clashes between protesters and police after thousands of women, students and youth organised protests rallies and demonstrations against the state governments alleged "delaying tactics" in implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, and in setting up the Manipur State Population Commission. As many as six influential students' organisations, supported by hundreds of women vendors from the 'Ima market' (all women market) and members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) took out a rally towards the Chief Minister's official bungalow. Huge contingent of police prevented the protesters from moving towards the CM's bungalow, leading to clashes in which many from both sides suffered injuries. After hours of clashes, arguments and chaos, Manipur police said that the situation has been brought under control. The students of the six organisations led by Manipur Students' Federation assembled first in front of the Ima market before starting the rally with the support of many women traders. The protesters held placards in their hands which read "protect indigenous rights and future", "save forests, save environment". Students' organisation COCOMI, and the 'Imas' (women or mothers) of the all-woman market announced to continue their protests demanding steps be taken by the Manipur government to tackle illegal migration, implementation of the NRC and population commission. Spokesman of six students' bodies, Salam Upen, said that their efforts for protection and preservation of the indigenous people would continue until and unless their demands are met. An elderly Ima - Thoibi Devi - said that if the Manipur government fails to implement the NRC to protect the indigenous people, all 60 legislators of Manipur should resign from the Assembly. According to the agitators, the influx of outsiders from both inside and outside the country, including people from Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh, has significantly affected the identity, culture, economy, administration and environment of Manipur. The students' organisations also demanded detecting and deporting illegal immigrants from Manipur. "We are not against any community or religion, but we want to protect our land, environment, and indigenous communities from the adverse effects of illegal settlements," said a spokesperson for the students' bodies. After the Manipur Assembly had last year adopted a private member resolution to establish a population commission in Manipur, the state Cabinet approved the establishment of the Manipur State Population Commission. However, the required official process is yet to start for the functioning of the commission. The Central government had on December 11, 2019 introduced the (Inner Line Permit) system to strictly monitor the movement of outsiders in the state and to protect the interest of the indigenous people. The ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is an official travel document that allows an Indian citizen to visit the states where ILP is enforced for a limited period of time and with a specific purpose. Patna, March 28 : Gangster Makhan Dada has served an extortion demand of Rs 50 lakh on the Superintendent of the railway station in Bihar's Nawada and threatened to eliminate him and the railway gate operator if it was not paid, officials said on Tuesday. In a letter in Hindi to the official, the gangster said: "Savinay nivedan hai ki Rs 50 lakh rangdari diya jaye, nahi to Bade Babu and gateman ko goli maar di jayegi (You are kindly requested to pay Rs 50 lakh as extortion or the senior official (station manager) and the gateman will be shot dead)." He asked the Superintendent to come with the money to Tilaiya bridge. Following that letter, the railway official filed an application with the GRP, the RPF and district police to take action against Makhan Dada. The district police said that they are investigating how the letter reached the Superintendent's office. Meanwhile, both railway men are under fear after the threat. Moscow, March 28 : An unmanned Russian spacecraft, which suffered a major coolant leak in December last year, has successfully landed on Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), Roscosmos, the Russian space agency said on Tuesday. "Its de-orbiting and descent to Earth went smoothly!" Roscosmos wrote on Telegram. The leaky Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft cast off from its docking port on the Russian-built Rassvet module of the ISS without any astronauts aboard at 5:57 a.m. EDT (3:27 p.m. IST). The agency also noted that the Soyuz delivered "218 kg of cargo from the ISS, including the results of scientific experiments and station equipment for analysis or reuse". The Soyuz MS-22 manned spacecraft had blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 21, 2022, taking Sergei Prokopyev, Dmitry Petelin and a NASA astronaut to the ISS for a six-month stay in orbit. In December last year, the crew aboard the ISS found damage to the outer skin of the instrument-assembly compartment of Soyuz MS-22. They reported that the warning device of the spaceship's diagnostic system went off, indicating a pressure drop in the cooling system, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by Roscosmos. Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina, using a camera on a manipulator mounted on the Nauka multifunctional laboratory module, photographed and filmed the outer surface of the Soyuz MS-22 and transmitted the data back to Earth for study. The spacecraft will now be studied to better understand how its coolant leak occurred, as well as what a landing without coolant is likely to aid in future missions, Roscosmos officials said. Kolkata, March 28 : President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday that the National Education Policy (NEP) of the Union government reflects the academic thoughts of Rabindranath Tagore. "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's academic thoughts showed the way of introducing modern thoughts in the higher education system of the country. The reflections of the academic thoughts of that great son of the soil are there in the National Education Policy 2022," Murmu said while addressing the annual convocation ceremony of Visva Bharati University, which was founded by Tagore, at Santiniketan in Birbhum district. The President also expressed her satisfaction over the balanced proportion of male and female students at Visva Bharati University. "I am really happy over this balanced ratio of male and female students. Almost 50 per cent of the population in India are women. There is an urgent requirement for women's empowerment through improvement in education standards for women in order to achieve the goal of self-reliant India. Hence, additional emphasis should be given to women's education throughout the country," the President said. To mark the occasion, the university authority handed over to a portrait of Tagore to Murmu. After reaching Santiniketan on Tuesday afternoon, the President first paid a visit to the museum at Rabindra Bhavan located within the university campus, where she paid floral tributes to the statue of Tagore. Thereafter, she paid a visit to the Kala Bhavan within the campus and appreciated the sculptures displayed there. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who is the rector of the university by virtue of his chair, was also present on the occasion. New Delhi, March 28 : Procurement of wheat for Rabi marketing season 2023-24 has been to the tune of 10,727 metric tonnes till March 27 as compared to nil procurement last year. Food Corporation of India (FCI) chairman Ashok Meena told media persons on Tuesday that wheat has been procured from Madhya Pradesh in Ujjain, Dewas, Indore, Shajapur and Sehore among others. It is also worthwhile to note that the total procurement last year during the month of March itself was around 10,000 metric tonnes only, whereas this year this figure has already been crossed on March 27, 2023, he informed further. A quantity of 341.50 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been estimated for procurement during Rabi marketing season 2023-24 as against 187.92 lakh metric tonnes of wheat actually procured during last Rabi season of 2022-23, Meena said. As per the second advance estimates published by the agriculture ministry, the estimated production of wheat is around 1,121 lakh metric tonnes this season. As per the latest reports from field offices of FCI, the recent rains have not impacted adversely on the production of wheat, Meena informed mediapersons. "As against about 18 lakh farmers actually participating in public procurement operation last year for selling their produce to government agencies, more than 31 lakh farmers have already registered themselves this year for participation in public procurement operations of wheat. These are good signs for healthy procurement of wheat this year," Meena said. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. at a meeting "UNICEF: Youth for Ukraine. Recovery Plan," stated that the Russian aggression brought a severe traumatic experience to Ukrainian teenagers, but they find the strength to study and build a future, the presidential press service reported. "The generation of your great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers was called children of war, because they were little during another terrible war, the Second World War. Well, I'll be honest: I really don't want you to feel like children of war. I don't want you to feel like victims. It shouldn't be like that. You are children of victory. And you are the winners. Just like that," the press service of the President quoted Zelenska as saying when speaking during the meeting "UNICEF: Youth for Ukraine. Recovery plan" It is noted that together with officials, representatives of embassies, Ukrainian business and non-governmental organizations, young people discussed the vision of the restoration of Ukraine. "Educated people who know how to think, who know how to acquire and apply knowledge - this is what is needed for victory. Thank you for studying - for yourself and for the country. My special thanks to our friends from UNICEF for the fact that they held many activities for teenagers all year long, helping them to develop and study. And this event of ours is just such an example. Support is very important. It helps not to give up," said Zelenska. The participants discussed three critical areas of recovery: mental health and psychological care, education and skills development, and youth-friendly infrastructure. UNICEF has committed to expanding support in these areas in 2023. New Delhi, March 28 : Incidents of fire accidents have been reported in electric two-wheelers manufactured by Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors, Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, said in a written reply submitted in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. "As per information received from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), incidents of fire accidents have been reported in electric two-wheelers manufactured by Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors. The prototypes or components of electric vehicles are tested by the testing agencies notified under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, for compliance to standards notified by the MoRTH," said the reply. The MoRTH had constituted an investigating team of independent experts from DRDO, Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bengaluru, and Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to investigate the root cause of fire in EVs and recommend remedial measures. As per the reply, the MoRTH had also constituted a committee of experts to suggest formulation of safety standards for the battery and its components, BMS and related systems in electric vehicles. Based on the recommendation of the committee, the ministry has brought amendments to the automotive industry standards (AIS). The said amendments are applicable from December 1, 2022 and some clauses of these AIS will be effective from March 31, 2023, said the reply. The MoRTH had issued the draft notification, dated August 25, 2022, for the requirements of conformity of production (COP) in respect of all categories of electric vehicles, including quadricycles, e-rickshaws, two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Bhopal, March 28 : The continuous abstention of advocates from all three benches of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to oppose its order for disposing 25 pending cases in three months has hit legal proceedings across the state and promoted Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud to intervene in the matter. The CJI has taken cognisance of the matter and has called representatives of State Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh for a meeting on March 29. State Bar Council Chairman Prem Singh Bhadoria, before leaving for New Delhi to meet the CJI, issued a notice appealing to advocates to resume work from Wednesday onward. "The CJI has taken cognisance of the matter and has called for a discussion on March 29. With the hope of fruitful discussion, the ongoing protest is called off. State Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh appeals to all practicing lawyers to start appearing in the courts from Wednesday onward," the notice read. Senior advocate and Bhopal District Bar Association President P.C. Kothari told IANS that a delegation from the State Bar Council has left for New Delhi and representatives of the High Court will also be there in the meeting. Madhya Pradesh's Chief Justice R.V. Malimath had issued an order in December last year asking judges to dispose of at least 25 cases pending for years in three months. Demanding withdrawal of the order, lawyers practicing in all district and High Court benches had started abstaining from appearing in the courtrooms. Agartala, March 28 : The Tripura government would set up a 120 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), top officials said here on Tuesday. Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) Managing Director Debasish Sarkar said that a gas based thermal power project in Rokhia under Sepahijala district would be upgraded from 63 MW to 120 MW under "Capacity Augmentation" system. "Initial cost of the power project was Rs 770 crore, now it has increased to Rs 840 crore. The ADB would provide funding in an 80:20 ratio. Central and state governments would also contribute to the project," Sarkar told IANS. He said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the power project for which a global e-tender has already been invited. Sarkar said that this power project would not only be more techno-economically viable but also it would generate eco-friendly power. Most importantly, it would reduce the generation cost and thus, it would help in reducing the power tariff of the consumers. Earlier the ADB had agreed to provide Rs 1,925 crore under the "Tripura Power Generation Upgradation and Distribution Reliability Improvement Project". Sarkar said that presently, the TSECL has the total outstanding amount of Rs 566.82 crore. With a view to collect this outstanding amount, TSECL has enhanced spot collection facility to a great extent, door to door persuasion to the consumers going on, and some more digital facilities initiated like UPI, Bidyutbandhu App and web portal are also introduced. Moreover, to increase the billing percentage with accuracy and quality through capturing of photographs of energy meter readings, the TSECL has engaged new energy billing agencies across Tripura. Hassan : , March 28 (IANS) 'Quran Zindabad slogan was raised during a procession by Hindu activists by a rowdy-sheeter to create mischief at Belur town in Hassan district on Tuesday, according to the Karnataka police. The police also denied resorting to lathi charge on Hindu activists during the protest opposing the recital of verses from Quran during a Hindu religious fare in Belur. The Hindu organisations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, had taken out a procession in Belur, but the situation turned serious when a Muslim youth raised 'Quran Zindabad' slogan. Hariram Shankar, Superintendent of Police, Hassan district, told IANS that around 80 to 100 people were taking out a procession towards the Belur temple. The VHP and Bajrang Dal activists were also part of the procession. However, an old rowdy-sheeter standing at a bus stand shouted 'Quran Zindabad' to create mischief. "Hearing this, the crowd became aggressive. I had already deployed 150 men there along with two Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons. We had more policemen than the protesters, because we were anticipating something untoward to happen. Our teams immediately picked up the rowdy-sheeter and put him in a police vehicle. "However, the crowd gathered around the vehicle and kept shouting at him. We pushed away the people and moved the vehicle. The accused was taken to the police station. We are filing a case against him based on the complaints received by the police. He will be produced before a magistrate for creating mischief to foment communal tension in the area," Shankar said, adding that the police did not resort to lathi charge. When asked about the April 4 Rathotsav ceremony at the Belur temple, Shankar said that last year the same thing had happened. At the time of recital of the Quran, Hindu organisations had raised slogans but there was no obstruction. "Similar protests are expected this time also. Since elections are around the corner, we will definitely beef up the security as much as possible to ensure no untoward incident takes place," he said. Meanwhile, Sharat Yalagunda, divisional convenor of Bajrang Dal, told IANS that they are not planning any protest during Rathotsav. "We can't take chances when 25,000 people gather at one place... We can't risk their lives," he said. However, a memorandum has been submitted to the administrator of the Belur temple and tehsildar not to allow Quran recital. "They recite that there is no god other than Allah and nothing could be believed other than the path of Allah. We will agree if they say that all gods are equal," Yalagunda said. "We will put pressure on the government to take legal action regarding the ritual," Sharat stated. Meanwhile, eye witnesses said that police did resort to mild lathi charge after 'Quran Zindabad' slogan was raised. They said that Hindu activists had questioned the youth after surrounding him. The situation turned serious when the Muslim youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased down by the protesters. Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road. Hindu activists have opposed the ritual of reciting the Quran during the historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava in Belur. The Hindu outfits maintain that the ritual should not be observed as it is against Hindu religion. The religious fair is scheduled to be held on April 4 and the district administration is concerned with the developments taking communal turn at the time of elections. The Chennakeshava temple is a 12th century Hindu shrine. It was built over three generations and took 103 years for the construction work to complete. The temple is expected to get a heritage tag from UNESCO. Last year, despite opposition from Hindu activists, the Quran recital tradition was carried out during the fair. Hindu activists claim that the ritual was forcefully added in 1932. The Rathotsav ceremony is performed over a period of two days. On the occasion, the idol of Channakeshava is embellished with gold and diamond jewellery gifted by the erstwhile kings of Mysuru kingdom. Lakhs of devotees gather for the temple fair. Last year, the administrator of the temple had written to the Muzrai department seeking clarification over the continuation of the ritual, which has been followed for years as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity. Rohini Sindhuri, then commissioner of Muzrai department, had given green signal for the continuation of the ritual. She had stated that according to Section 58 of the Hindu Religious Act 2002, there should not be any interference in the rituals and traditions of the temple. After the direction, the temple committee had decided to carry out the ritual recital of verses from the Quran. New Delhi, March 28 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday sentenced a man to 30 years imprisonment for raping and murdering an IT company employee, while driving her home in Bengaluru. It emphasised that while considering the possibility of reformation of the accused, the court must note that showing undue leniency in such a brutal case will adversely affect the public confidence in the efficacy of the legal system, while ordering that the accused should not be released from jail until he served 30 years' incarceration. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Rajesh Bindal said: "When a constitutional court finds that though a case is not falling in the category of 'rarest of the rare' case, considering the gravity and nature of the offence and all other relevant factors, it can always impose a fixed term sentence so that the benefit of statutory remission, etc. is not available to the accused." The bench noted that the life of the victim, a married woman and happily working in a prominent company, was cut short in this brutal manner. It held that there is no doubt that even in a case where capital punishment is not imposed or is not proposed, the constitutional courts can always exercise the power of imposing a modified or fixed term sentence by directing that a life sentence, as contemplated by "secondly" in Section 53 of the IPC, shall be of a fixed period of more than 14 years, for example, of 20 years, 30 years and so on. "The court, while considering the possibility of reformation of the accused, must note that showing undue leniency in such a brutal case will adversely affect the public confidence in the efficacy of the legal system. The Court must consider the rights of the victim as well." The bench added that after considering circumstances, "we are of the opinion that this is a case where a fixed term sentence for a period of 30 years must be imposed". The apex court passed the judgment in relation to the question of sentence only as petitioner Shiva Kumar alias Shiva alias Shivamurthy submitted the trial court ordered him to serve a life sentence till the remainder of his life. The high court had dismissed his appeal. The petitioner's counsel cited apex court judgments in 'Union of India vs V Sriharan alias Murugan & Ors' (2016) and 'Swamy Shraddananda (2) alias Murali Manohar Mishra vs State of Karnataka' (2008), and submitted that a fixed term sentence or modified sentence can be imposed by constitutional courts only in death penalty cases. In context of the Sriharan case, the bench noted that the constitution bench held that there is a power which can be derived from the IPC to impose a fixed term sentence or modified punishment which can only be exercised by the high court or in the event of any further appeal, by the Supreme Court and not by any other court in this country. The bench did not accept the petitioner's contention that power to impose modified sentence cannot be exercised by the constitutional courts unless the question is of commuting the death sentence. The top court said: "We have no manner of doubt that even in a case where capital punishment is not imposed or is not proposed, the constitutional courts can always exercise the power of imposing a modified or fixed term sentence by directing that a life sentence, as contemplated by 'secondly' in Section 53 of the IPC, shall be of a fixed period of more than 14 years, for example, of 20 years, 30 years and so on. The fixed punishment cannot be for a period less than 14 years in view of the mandate of Section 433A of CrPC." The court modified the trial court's judgement for the convict to remain in jail till the remainder of his life. Patna, March 28 : Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD) national President Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday said that he has no conflict with the BJP's newly-appointed Bihar President Samrat Chaudhary. "I want to make a promise to Samrat Ashok that I have no issues with Samrat Chaudhary. We are the leaders of the 21st century and not the 19th century. We will work together to avoid Jungle Raj coming to Bihar again. Nitish Kumar is sitting in the lap of the RJD and thinking of bringing Jungle Raj back in Bihar," he claimed in his address at an event here. Chaudhary belongs to Kushwaha community and BJP made him state President to strengthen its hold on the community and this could be dicey as Kushwaha is also a prominent leader of the community and the presence of Chaudhary could diminish his value. Kushwaha had separated from the JD-U only with one aim to strengthen his bargaining power with the BJP if any situation would emerge in future during Lok Sabha election 2024 and Assembly election 2025. The BJP, after the appointment of Samrat Chaudhary, has aimed two targets with one arrow. The first is to hurt the Lav (Kurmi)-Kush (Kushwaha) equation of Nitish Kumar and the other is to become independent on community support. It does not want to compromise on any other political force in Bihar. "People have spread rumours that I have an issue with Samrat Chaudhary. The way BJP has appointed him as a state President of the party, nothing has left in JD-U. It has become an empty box after I left the party," Kushwaha said. He also said that he had made a mistake in the past by going with Nitish Kumar and also promised that he will not make the same mistake in future. He had earlier targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that his JD-U was becoming hollow. "Nitish Ji was always vocal on corruption but now he is silent. Why is he silent on corruption?" he said. Asked whether Nitish Kumar would become the PM face of opposition in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Kushwaha said: "Tejashwi Yadav had already said that neither he had an ambition to become Chief Minister of Bihar nor Nitish Kumar had a wish to become the Prime Minister. Tejashwi might have got the feedback of people and hence he had said it. When leaders who are around Nitish Kumar are saying that he will not become the Prime Minister, what would I say." Jaipur, March 28 : OPD services will remain closed in Rajasthan on Wednesday due to the doctors' ongoing protest against the Right to Health Bill that was passed in the Assembly last week. The Bill gives every resident of the state the right to emergency treatment and care 'without prepayment of requisite fee or charges' by any public health institution, healthcare establishment (including private ones) and designated healthcare centres. Private doctors are demanding withdrawal of the Bill as they fear it will increase bureaucratic interference in their work. Supporting the private hospital doctors, now the doctors of all ranks in government hospitals have also decided to boycott work on Wednesday, even as the state government has made preparations to take action against the protesting resident doctors. Due to the protests, OPD service will remain closed at the PHC, CHC, sub-district hospital, district hospital and hospitals attached to the medical college in the state. More than 15,000 doctors and faculty members at medical colleges are participating in the protest. The All Rajasthan In-Service Doctors Association (Arisda), the union of medical officers and doctors of PHC-CHC, has already announced boycott of work on Wednesday. Now the teachers of government medical colleges have also come in their support. The President of Rajasthan Medical College Teachers Association, Dhanjay Agarwal, said, "Only OPD will be boycotted during the strike. Patients coming to the emergency and patients admitted to ICUs will be given complete treatment. For this purpose, we have deployed doctors round-the-clock while making the arrangements." This strike call was announced by the doctors who gathered outside the superintendent's office at the SMS Hospital in Jaipur on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the government has now decided to take action against the resident doctors who are agitating at government hospitals. The medical education department has issued an order asking the principals of all medical colleges in the state to cancel the registration of resident doctors studying in their colleges, who misbehave with patients' relatives during the agitation. The department has also asked medical professionals at all the medical colleges and attached hospitals to send their attendance by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, adding that leaves will be approved only under special circumstances. New Delhi, March 28 : A Delhi court on Tuesday asked the police to conclude its investigation and file a charge sheet on April 1 in connection with the horrific death of 20-year-old Anjali, who died after being dragged for several kilometers by a car that hit her scooty early on January 1. On the expiry of judicial custody of the five accused -- Deepak Khanna, 26, Amit Khanna, 25, Krishan, 27, Mithun, 26, and Manoj Mittal, Metropolitan Magistrate Sanya Dalal extended it till April 1, also the next date of hearing. On March 14, the court had extended, by 14 days, the judicial custody of the five accused. Initially, the case was registered under Sections 279 and 304 of the IPC but later on police had added section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code in the matter. On January 21, the Rohini court had dismissed Deepak Khanna's bail plea and rapped Delhi Police saying that Investigation Officer (IO) is not opposing the bail application and the agency's approach seems "non-serious". Earlier, two other accused, Ankush and Ashutosh, were granted bail. Anjali died an agonising death in the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in the Kanjhawala area after her scooty was hit by the car and her clothes had gotten entangled in one of its wheels, which led to her being dragged for a considerable distance. After the incident, Ashutosh, the car owner and Ankush, brother of Amit Khanna, had discussed the matter the five accused and as Amit Khanna did not have a driving licence, Deepak Khanna was told to tell police that he was in the driving seat at the time of incident, Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Sagar Preet Hooda had said. Patna, March 28 : A woman assistant teacher in Bihar's Khagaria district was found taking salary for the past 5 months while staying in Gujarat, an Education Department official said on Tuesday. The incident came to light when Block Education Officer Ram Uday Mahto went to the government primary school located at ward number 4 and found the teacher, named Seema Kumari, absent for a few months. She was deployed at this school on deputation. "When we enquired with the department, it appeared that the department is releasing the monthly salary on the basis of attendance being shown by the headmaster of her original middle school located at Bhadas village," Mahto said. "The primary school was sending the absentee report to her original school located at Bhadas village. Headmaster Vikas Kumar of the school converted her absentee attendance into attendance. On this basis of her attendance, the department was issuing her salary from September 2022. "We have sent the report to the District Education Officer with the recommendation of stopping the salaries of Seema Kumari and Vikas Kumar. The department has done it," he added. Sources have said that more than 400 teachers are on the radar of the Education Department for using the deputation ploy to take salaries without going to work at school for a a single day. New Delhi, March 29 : The BJP has decided that the party, during its new outreach programme at village chaupals across the country, will seek an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for "insulting OBCs". BJP OBC morcha chief K. Laxman said on Tuesday that the party will seek an apology in every village chaupal "for the insult" inflicted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi through his comments. This will be done during the "Gaon Gaon Chalo Ghar Ghar Chalo" campaign of the party. He said: "Party will reach one crore OBC households in one lakh villages during the campaign, which will start on April 6 and end on April 14, the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. We will also focus on popularising the Modi government's OBC-friendly schemes and policies during the campaign." "Our workers in every village will compare and explain how Prime Minister Modi worked for the development of the OBC community in nine years, while the Congress only cheated OBCs during 60 years of its rule," Laxman asserted. During the day, the enemy inflicted 11 air and two missile strikes, carried out more than 10 attacks from multiple rocket launchers, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the situation as of 18.00 of Tuesday. "The probability of missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high, because the enemy ... continues to use terror tactics against civilians. Today, as a result of a missile strike on the infrastructure of the town of Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv region, civilians were injured, private houses were damaged," the General Staff said in a Facebook message. Moscow, March 29 : The Kremlin "regretted" the decision made by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reject Russia's request for an independent investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. "We believe that everyone should be interested in an objective investigation involving all interested parties, all those, who can shed some light on the commissioners and perpetrators of this terrorist act. We consider this extremely important," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by local media as saying. Moscow "strongly regrets that its initiative was not adopted", Peskov said, adding Russia "will do anything in its power to ... initiate such an international investigation." The UNSC on Monday rejected Russia's draft resolution that requested an international independent investigation into last year's Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, Xinhua news agency reported. In September 2022, a series of alleged bombings and subsequent underwater gas leaks occurred on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The international community has since attempted to find the perpetrators and initiators of the attack. Page Content Clif Porter, senior vice president of government affairs for the American Health Care Association (AHCA), and Julie Simpkins, National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) board member, joined 60 long term and post-acute care leaders at the Indiana Statehouse in March 2023 for the annual Long-Term Care Professionals Day. Hosted by the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA/INCAL), the event offered an excellent platform for long term care (LTC) leaders to advocate for needed health care reforms that will strengthen the state's workforce and increase access to care for more aged and disabled Hoosiers. The pandemic has been very hard on our profession. It is critical that policymakers hear how our ongoing struggles have a direct impact on access to care for our seniors," said Porter. I'm delighted to see Indiana's LTC leaders come together as a solid force, leverage the momentum and this incredible platform to advocate for better polices on behalf of our residents and staff, and seek stronger support and viable solutions from policymakers," he added. From left to right: Clif Porter, AHCA/NCAL senior vice president of government affairs; Mike Gerig, administrator at Century Villa Health Care; Daryl Jones, COO of the Integral Group; and Rick Banas, vice president of development and positioning for Gardant Management Solutions During the event, the IHCA/INCAL hosted numerous legislative events, notably a legislator luncheon that was attended by Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and many representatives and senators to discuss these pieces of legislation. Gardant Management Solution, an IHCA/INCAL member with assisted living communities in Indiana and Illinois, catered the lunch for the event. It was a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the high-quality meals that our seniors enjoy in Indiana's LTC communities on a daily basis. IHCA/INCAL President Paul Peaper offered remarks during the day's events, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges that the sector faces as it continues to recover from the pandemic, including the ongoing workforce crisis. He also appreciated the relentless dedication of our LTC leaders to improve quality outcomes for Hoosier seniors. Our association is always unwavering in how we approach our advocacy," said Peaper. We're more successful when our voices are united. This event offered a valuable opportunity for LTC providers from across the state to share their unique stories of triumphs and challenges of our sector, have face-to-face discussions with legislators, build meaningful connections, and most importantly seek their support for legislation that will strategically enhance the delivery of care our providers offer to thousands of Hoosiers. This is one of the most important actions we can take to advocate for a brighter future of our profession." Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch along with several LTC leaders from Indiana. IHCA/INCAL activities focused on supporting House Bill 1461, which is the focal point of the sector's advocacy efforts in Indiana. The bill would correct overburdensome occupational licensure regulations, provide more transparency on Medicaid expenditures, increase access to care for aged and disabled Hoosiers, and enhance the safety and well-being of residents in assisted living communities. The state's biennial budget also includes language that the IHCA/INCAL advocated for, requiring the state's Medicaid program to regularly update Medicaid reimbursement rates for home and community-based providers, such as assisted living, and other health care providers. These providers have not had any type of rate schedule with some provider groups going decades between reimbursement updates. HB 1461, which is authored by former emergency room surgeon State Representative Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) and is now being sponsored in the Senate by Senators Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) and Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso), passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives and has been assigned to the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee for additional deliberation. All bills must pass out of the House and Senate before the General Assembly adjourns for the year on April 27. Visit IHCA.org/advocacy to learn more about IHCA/INCAL's legislative priorities. Deeksha Kapoor is director of communications for the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) and the Indiana Center for Assisted Living (INCAL). Nick Goodwin is director of government affairs for IHCA/INCAL. For Over 40 years, the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra has been bringing Great Music Close to Home. Under the direction of founding musical director and conductor James Domine, the orchestra has presented the finest performances of symphonic music to communities in the San Fernando Valley. Led by Maestro Domine, it has become a showcase for some of the finest musicians and composers in Southern California. The orchestra opened its 2022-2023 season last November in its new home, the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. On Saturday evening, April 1, 2023, the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra returns to the historic El Portal where everyone can once again experience the joy of live music. The concert will feature Egmont Overture by Beethoven, Symphony #4 in D Minor by Schumann, and violinist Wenlan Jackson performing Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto in D major. In addition, the Maestro is proud to present the inaugural performance of his original composition, On the Walls of the Wonderful White Waltz. According to Maestro Domine, it is Southern Californias answer to Johann Strauss Jrs On the Banks of the Beautiful Blue Danube, which he dedicates to El Rio de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula. This is the third in a series of concerts as the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra continues its mission to bring Great Music Close to Home. For tickets and information, please visit our website sfvsymphony.com PRESS CONTACT: Mihran Kalaydjian, President of the SFVSO Board of Directors Email: mihran@sfvsymphony.com Unibio Unibios technology will improve food security and speed up the process of feeding the world in a sustainable way. Unibio International PLC, the leading sustainable protein company, is pleased to announce that the Saudi Industrial Investment Group (SIIG) has signed an agreement to invest approximately US$70 million (GBP 59 million) in Unibio. The proceeds will be deployed to enable Unibios vision of feeding the worlds growing population in a sustainable way. Unibio will use the funds to roll-out new global production capacity, grow operating capabilities, and accelerate innovation and commercialization. Improve the worlds food security. Through industrial protein production based on Unibios unique fermentation technology the U-Loop technology - it is possible to improve food security and feed the worlds growing population in a sustainable way without any use of arable land and with low water usage. The fermentation technology mimics a process that occurs in nature every day and uses methane (e.g. natural gas or biogas) as feedstock. The production of Uniprotein is efficient, stable, and independent of weather deviations that impact the production of traditional protein sources. Uniprotein is approved for feed in the European Union and global registrations are in progress. The protein provides nutrition on par with or better than other high-quality proteins, such as fishmeal, and has been tested successfully in various aqua and animal species. Uniprotein is free from pesticides, fully traceable, and non-GMO. It has been launched commercially and Uniprotein is attracting significant global interest from feed compound companies and animal and fish farmers. The production of Unibios protein for direct human consumption is under development. David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio commented: We are delighted to welcome SIIG as a significant investor in Unibio. Their investment will enable us to play a pivotal role in meeting our customers need for sustainable protein. Unibios technology will improve food security and speed up the process of feeding the world in a sustainable way. We are pleased that SIIG shares our ambition of providing food security for the worlds growing population and helping stop hunger (#SDG2) and we look forward to working together to make it happen. Mr. Abdulrahman S. Alismail, CEO of the Saudi Industrial Investment Group, added: We are extremely pleased to invest in Unibio and see it as strongly aligned with SIIGs new strategy to diversify its investments, enter new sectors focused on sustainability and new technologies, and develop partnerships with international companies. Unibios focus aligns with Saudi Arabias commitment to increasing domestic protein production and supporting food security through innovation and technology. We are investing in Unibio for the long-term and believe that by doing so we will contribute to a more diverse and sustainable economy. The investment in Unibio will be paid in two tranches: the first tranche of approximately US$25 million (GBP 21 million) is paid now with the second subject to applicable Foreign Direct Investment approvals. BofA Securities acted as placement agent to Unibio in connection with the transaction. Notes to Editors The Saudi Industrial Investment Group (SIIG) The Saudi Industrial Investment Group was established over 27 years ago, as one of the first privately owned petrochemical companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its main goal is to invest in industrial projects within the Kingdom and abroad. This is achieved by utilizing its strategic partnerships from around the world, and the efficient use of the Kingdoms natural resources. Even though SIIGs main projects in the past have been focused on the petrochemical business, it is also looking into expanding its portfolio into other Industries. About Unibio Unibio is a leading sustainable protein company, that has developed a fermentation technology the U-Loop to produce Uniprotein, a high-quality protein. The technology which has been scaled up to an industrial scale and is being rolled out globally, uses methane, such as natural gas and biogas as feedstock. It is Unibios mission to become the food of the future through the provision of secure and sustainable protein for farming and fishing feed. Unibios technology is highly resource efficient and sustainable. The process replicates the same process that happens every day in nature. Unibio is headquartered in Roskilde near Copenhagen in Denmark, where it also has its Research & Development centre. Unibios Innovation centre with a pilot and demo plant is located in Kalundborg west of Copenhagen. About U-Loop technology Unibios patented U-Loop technology uses a continuous-flow fermentation process to mimic a process that occurs in nature every day and uses gases, including methane to produce Uniprotein. Through its proprietary process, microbes grow with methane as feedstock, and they are turned into single-cell protein - Uniprotein that is subsequently treated and purified to a nutritious, high-quality feed grade. Unibio owns the intellectual property rights to the U-Loop technology. About Uniprotein Uniprotein is a high-quality and sustainable protein on par with other high-quality proteins such as fishmeal and soy protein. The amino acid profile for Uniprotein is very close to fishmeal. Uniprotein has been approved for feed for terrestrial and aquatic animals in the EU and registrations globally are in progress. Uniprotein has a high uniform quality, is free from pesticides, is fully traceable, and is non-GMO. The product has been introduced commercially drawing significant interest from customers from all over the world. The product is in development for direct human consumption.Uniprotein - a superior protein product known for: single cell protein approved for animal and fish feed in the EU a high protein content above 70% in dry matter sustainable (alternative) protein usable as a direct supplement in animal feed compounds a highly digestible feed in industrial-scale production amino acid composition similar to fishmeal or soybean meal non-GMO deforestation-free and land conversion-free source of protein free from contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and antibiotics easily traceable uniform product quality a long shelf life comes as powder or pellets Uniprotein will be sold through a network of distributors, as well as directly to large key accounts around the world. Our company has taken off in three short years, making it possible for us to now offer our recruiting model as a franchise for entrepreneurs interested in starting their own trades-based placement firms. The Blue Collar Recruiter, a permanent placement firm specializing in filling skilled labor positions, today announced the launch of its franchise business model targeted to meeting the hiring needs of Americas skilled trade employers. Recognizing how underserved employers and candidates are in the blue-collar hiring space, company CEO and founder Troy Latuff set out to design a recruiting system that incorporated candidate discovery, training and effective placement. Our company has taken off in three short years, making it possible for us to now offer our recruiting model as a franchise for entrepreneurs interested in starting their own trades-based placement firms, said Latuff. With The Blue Collar Recruiter, franchisees can tap into a recession-resistant market and a proven business system offering: Fully remote, virtual business Affordable and quick to open High-gross margins Protected territories Shared national accounts Founder-led with the original company still in operation As baby boomers continue to retire, skilled labor and trade jobs are projected to remain one of the most high-demand job sectors in the country, with employers struggling to fill open positions now and into the future. Company owners in the essential services industries need help and are ready to hire. The Blue Collar Recruiter is uniquely situated and experienced in filling these trades and skilled labor positions. For entrepreneurs familiar with or already working in these industries, this franchise opportunity allows them to start their own recruiting business while also making a difference in the lives of those who make the trades run. For more information, visit thebluecollarrecruiter.com or call 512-354-1109. About The Blue Collar Recruiter Headquartered in Austin, Texas, The Blue Collar Recruiter was founded in 2020 with the goal of helping residential and commercial employers grow by locating highly qualified, in-demand tradespeople. The permanent placement recruiting firm employs a team of recruiters who work virtually across the U.S. We are excited to welcome Cassandra to our growing team of business attorneys in Austin, Texas. With her experience and dedication to client service, we are confident that she will make significant contributions to our firm and the businesses we represent. Structure Law Group, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of experienced Austin business attorney Cassandra Santos to its growing corporate team. Cassandra D. Santos is a business attorney who counsels businesses and individuals in a wide range of transactional matters, including business formations, reviewing and drafting business and commercial agreements, purchase and sale agreements, non-disclosures, service contracts, and employment and independent contractor related agreements. She strives to deeply understand what motivates and concerns her clients so she can achieve the best possible outcome in each unique case. Prior to joining Structure Law Group, Ms. Santos spent several years at a business law firm in Texas, specializing in a wide range of domestic and international transactional matters. During this time, she focused on all aspects of business formation, business operating agreements, membership transfer agreements, and corporate governance, particularly with clients from Mexico interested in starting businesses in the United States. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Structure Law Groups exceptional team of talented and well-rounded professionals! I look forward to growing with the team, serving its clientele, and helping the firm expand into the Texas market, said Ms. Santos. Ms. Santos obtained her J.D. from St. Marys University School of Law. Prior to law school, Ms. Santos received her B.A. in International Relations with a specialization in International Communication Media, cum laude, from Texas A&M University and is a proud member of the Fightin Texas Aggie Class of 2017. During her time at A&M, Ms. Santos studied abroad and lived with a host family for half a year in Sevilla, Spain, a city that will forever hold a special place in her heart. "We are excited to welcome Cassandra to our growing team of business attorneys in Austin, Texas. With her experience and dedication to client service, we are confident that she will make significant contributions to our firm and the businesses we represent. As Texas continues to experience tremendous growth, we are committed to providing the highest quality legal services to support the needs of our clients and help them thrive in this dynamic and exciting state, said attorney, Austin Jackson. Ms. Santos can be reached at: csantos@structurelaw.com or (512) 881-7500 About Structure Law Group, LLP Structure Law Group, LLP is an experienced business law firm that serves clients all over the world. Our team of legal professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible legal services and client experience. With offices in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas, we are well-positioned to provide legal services to companies of all sizes and types. We strive to exceed expectations and provide a superior client experience through innovative strategies and cost-effective solutions. Our services include start-up and financing, business litigation, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, intellectual property, debtor and creditor rights, and commercial real estate. We are committed to helping our clients achieve success by providing them with quality legal services and advice. Structure Law Group, LLP is a trusted team of legal professionals with extensive experience in the areas of: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Business Transactions Business Litigation Construction Contracting & Payment Claims Corporations Debtor & Creditor Rights E-Commerce Employment Immigration EB-5 Fraud Litigation Limited Liability Companies Mergers & Acquisitions Partnerships Real Estate Start-ups & Financing Technology Licensing & Protection of Intellectual Property OUR LOCATIONS: Austin, Texas Office: 7600 Burnet Road Suite 515 Austin, TX 78757 Phone: (512) 881-7500 Los Angeles Office: 1801 Century Park E #475 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: (310) 818-7500 Silicon Valley Office: 1754 Technology Drive Suite 135 San Jose, CA 95110 Phone: (408) 441-7500 For more information about the legal services offered at Structure Law Group, LLP, please call (512) 881-7500 or visit http://www.structurelaw.com For more information about business law careers at Structure Law Group, LLP, please visit https://www.structurelaw.com/careers Dr. Dorian Selz, CEO, Squirro There is clearly an enormous appetite for GenAI within enterprises, but there are concerns about hallucinations and GenAIs propensity to make things up based on what is most likely to come next. Squirro, the Augmented Intelligence solutions provider, has launched a new enterprise-ready Generative AI (GenAI) solution, which brings all the benefits of GenAI to enterprises while eliminating many of the issues associated with enterprise GenAI. Squirros solution combines Large Language Models (LLMs) with its own Composite AI (fusing different AI technologies, like Machine Learning and Knowledge Graph, to generate insight) and Insight Engine technologies. This means enterprises can generate accurate and fully contextualized results based on their own data, by adding the source of information to the LLM response as evidence and providing transparency and explainability. To support the launch of its new enterprise GenAI solution, Squirro conducted an extensive survey into decision-makers readiness for GenAI. Almost 70% were already using GenAI (14.3%), currently implementing GenAI (14.3%), or considering GenAI vendors (40%). There is clearly an enormous appetite for GenAI within enterprises, but there are concerns about hallucinations and GenAIs propensity to make things up based on what is most likely to come next, said Dr. Dorian Selz, CEO, Squirro. ChatGPT admits its training data cut off in 2021, meaning results lack up-to-date context and knowledge, it cannot access information sources outside its own model, and it cannot verify facts or provide references. This is not sustainable for enterprises, and our new solution combines LLM with our Composite AI and Insight Engine tech to create a ground-breaking enterprise-ready GenAI solution. It delivers powerful and highly impactful results based on an organizations own data, fully referenceable and transparent. 89% of respondents in Squirros study said that GenAI was best used across a range of relevant systems. The business processes cited as most important for GenAI were knowledge management (87%), sales and CRM (62%), and customer service (60%).GenAI can only be truly effective when integrated with existing systems and workbenches, which requires all relevant data connectors to be in place securely. Squirros GenAI solution is fully integrated across enterprise systems, including applications such as Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce. Furthermore, Squirros Information Retrieval pipeline is enterprise-ready and deployable in an organizations private cloud, including the LLM, which ensures data privacy. The new solution can capture and develop learnings, ideas, and insights using Squirro's Composite AI technology. Insights are then developed as a combination of extracted information from NLP text classification, which is enriched further by combining the extracted insights with GenAI. Enterprise GenAI is not about the complete automation of content, its about augmenting the professionals in those enterprises to work better and faster, continued Dr. Dorian Selz. "That's what we have achieved with our GenAI solution. It eliminates potential risks within GenAI and unlocks greater value by connecting with personal data, financial information, and confidential business information while maintaining full security measures. Its a game-changing solution that is suited to any number of use cases. To learn more about Squirros Generative AI solution, please click here.-ends-Note to editor - research was conducted in February / March 2023 with 77 senior business executives in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. About Squirro Squirro is a leading provider of Augmented Intelligence solutions for search, analysis, and interpretation of unstructured information. Squirro is an ISO 27001 certified company. It is recognized as a Visionary in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Insight Engines 2021 and 2022. Thanks to its unique technology, marrying AI, Machine Learning, Knowledge Graph, and Generative AI, Squirro's solutions deliver measurable results for its customers in the form of revenue and efficiency gains, reduced risks and cost, as well as faster time to market. Founded in 2012, Squirro is a fast-growing company with dedicated teams in Switzerland, Germany, the United States, UK, and Singapore. Some of its customers are European Central Bank, Bank of England, Standard Chartered, OCBC, Henkel, Armacell, and Indicia Worldwide. Further information can be found at https://squirro.com or contact@squirro.com MORE INFO: Dr. Irina Bechmann, Chief Market Officer T. +41 44 562 43 43 - email: irina.bechmann@squirro.com http://www.squirro.com Propark Mobility announced today that Peter Thorson has been promoted to the companys Executive Vice President. Since joining Propark, Pete Thorson has made dramatic impacts in various core areas of our business operations, said David Schmid, Propark Mobilitys Chief Investment Officer. He has helped drive significant portfolio growth and asset value appreciation for clients within his own region, while simultaneously integrating himself in a variety of other aspects of Propark and its unique processes, driving further success across the country and creating new opportunities for himself and the company. Peter joined Propark in 2015 as the companys Vice President of Operations, responsible for overseeing, developing, and growing Proparks Southwestern United States region. His most recent position with the company as Senior Vice President included responsibility for the management of Proparks client relationships, organizational development, growth, acquisitions, technology development and implementation, customer retention, and internal controls across all verticals. Petes industry experience is not only extensive, in some areas its really unsurpassed, said Richard DiPietro, Proparks President. Whether its understanding an individual clients complex parking insurance requirements, identifying ways to enhance Cloudpark Technologys efficiencies, or supporting our software development processes, Pete Thorson is an expert in almost every regard, which makes him a unique talent for Propark and will bring value to our stakeholders. In his new role, Peter will transition to overseeing the Risk Management, Transportation, Cloudpark Technology, and Software Engineering departments, as well as providing underwriting assistance to David Schmid for his inorganic growth focus on mergers and acquisitions. About Propark Mobility Propark Mobility is a national, innovation-driven parking management company that provides full-service parking and mobility services for over 700 hospitality, healthcare, commercial, and off-airport locations in over 100 cities across the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.propark.com. eProcessingNetwork - Anywhere Merchants Do Business ePNs Payment Form Generator Service is truly unique within the payment space. The integration of the form with ePNs Secure Payment Gateway means that the merchant doesnt have to create a form and then shop around for a third-party payment gateway with which to connect. eProcessingNetwork, LLC (ePN), is thrilled to announce our new online payment system ePNPFG (Payment Form Generator.) No website? NO problem! ePN's new payment system allows merchants to create secure payment form(s) that are hosted on the ePNSecure Servers. Each payment form is assigned its own unique ePN URL, so if a merchant wants to have a specific form to pay an outstanding invoice or order, they have the flexibility. These URLs can be shared through texts, emails, Facebook Business Pages, and printed invoices. If a merchant prefers to host the form on their site, they can easily download the form or copy/paste the HTML code to their site's editor. This new service is full of features; ePNPFG allows the merchant to specify the payment type for ACH or Card Only forms. ePN collects the credit card and ACH information on our servers so merchants can feel confident knowing their transactions are safe, secure, and PCI-compliant. Custom, reusable templates within ePNPFGs page builder allow merchants to customize their payment forms, for a consistent look and feel for the end-user. Combined with the support of multiple payment methods credit, debit, text-2-pay, and ACH consumers can expect a secure and seamless experience, helping reduce the likelihood of cart abandonment. ePNs Payment Form Generator Service is truly unique within the payment space. The integration of the form with ePNs Secure Payment Gateway means that the merchant doesnt have to create a form and then shop around for a third-party payment gateway with which to connect, said Steve Sotis, President of eProcessingNetwork. Unlike many third-party online form services, ePN offers both the customizable payment page templates AND the secure payment system to make it a truly all-in-one solution. About eProcessing Network, LLC eProcessing Network (ePN) is a software development company specializing in secure, real-time transaction processing services, solutions, and support for all small to mid-sized merchants. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ePN is certified to process a comprehensive suite of electronic payment transactions through all major credit & debit card, check/ACH and gift card/loyalty processors, and sells its services and products exclusively through Resellers and ISO sales channels. eProcessing Network is a registered Visa USA and Mastercard Third-Party Service Provider and is compliant with PCI and PA-DSS Data Security Standards. For more information, visit http://www.eProcessingNetwork.com. For press-related inquiries regarding ePN, please contact: Melanie R. Cabello eProcessing Network, LLC (800) 296-4810 x152 mcabello@eprocessingnetwork.com The Museums centerpiece is Muriel the worlds last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E aircraft identical to the plane Amelia piloted on her fateful round-the-world flight. Were thrilled to celebrate our grand opening and welcome visitors of all ages to journey through Amelia Earharts trailblazing life as a world-renowned aviator, innovator, educator and activist, said Karen Seaberg, founder and president of the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation today announced plans for the grand-opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum at Noon CST on Friday, April 14; Museum doors open following the ceremony. The outdoor ceremony is open to the public and will feature remarks from elected officials, Museum leaders, and special guests including members of the Earhart family. The Museum is located at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport (K59; 16701 286th Road) in Atchison, Kan. proud hometown of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Were thrilled to celebrate our grand opening and welcome visitors of all ages to journey through Amelia Earharts trailblazing life as a world-renowned aviator, innovator, educator and activist, said Karen Seaberg, founder and president of the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. It is an honor to bring Amelias courageous and persevering legacy to life in her Atchison, Kansas, hometown where the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is dedicated to inspiring all generations in the pursuit of flight and like Amelia, encouraging others to boldly pursue their dreams. The new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum will celebrate a woman who showed us what it means to 'reach for the stars,'" said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. "Im so glad there will be a place dedicated to showcasing how a fearless Kansan blazed her own trail to become one of the most admired women in the world inspiring all, especially young girls, for generations to come." GRAND-OPENING WEEKEND FESTIVITIES The public is also invited to enjoy grand-opening weekend festivities on the Museum grounds (all times are Central Standard Time zone): FRIDAY, April 14 Noon Grand-opening ceremony and ribbon cutting (Museum front lawn) 12:30 5 p.m. Doors open to the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum (last entry at 4 p.m.) SATURDAY, April 15 8:30 a.m. Boy Scouts host pancake breakfast on Museum grounds (suggested $5 donation) 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Flight Team invite public to tour its new Cirrus SR20 and Cessna 172 aircraft; free family-friendly activities include face painting, balloon artists on the Museum grounds SUNDAY, April 16 Noon Museum open (last entry at 4 p.m.) Noon-5 p.m. RC Fly Jam features radio-controlled planes on the Museum grounds STATE-OF-THE-ART EXHIBITS SURROUND MURIEL The centerpiece of the state-of-the-art museum is Muriel the worlds last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E aircraft. Named after Earhart's younger sister, Grace Muriel Earhart Morrissey, Muriel is identical to the plane Earhart flew on her final, fateful flight around the world. Surrounding Muriel are 14 interactive STEM and history storytelling exhibit areas that take visitors on an engaging and educational journey through Earharts life from her growing up in Atchison, Kan., to the height of her worldwide fame. Among the many interactive Museum experiences, visitors will have the opportunity to: Enter a full-scale replica of Muriels cockpit to experience Amelias perspective from her cozy cubbyhole; compare Amelias instrument panel to Garmins G1000 avionic suite Hear the roar of Amelias Lockheed Electra 10-E aircrafts Pratt & Whitney R-1340 WASP engine; see a modern Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan come to life Challenge their riveting skills to discover the precision required to forge the nearly 85,000 metal rivets that hold Muriel together Flip through Amelias digitized scrapbook to see stories of bold women who motivated her; meet uplifting influencers who helped Amelia reach for the stars Create an avatar to try on Amelias career paths as a nurse, mechanic, pilot and fashion designer Go above the clouds to explore how Amelia and her navigator, Fred Noonan, relied on radio waves, a sextant and quick calculations Turn on Amelias guiding lights to see how constellations helped Amelia navigate the night sky Trace 3D aircraft holograms through the history of flight from unmanned gliders and biplanes to jet engines and space travel Discover more feminine feats of trailblazing women in aviation past and present Pilot a virtual reality recreation of Amelias historic 1932 transatlantic flight to try navigating obstacles she overcame to make history (ticketed experience) Explore theories and cast votes on what happened to Amelia and Fred Noonan in July 1937 when their plane disappeared over the South Pacific Amelia Earhart was a true Kansas pioneer who exemplified our state motto: Ad Astra Per Aspera: To The Stars through Difficulty, said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.). The new Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum will be a place for visitors of all ages to learn and be inspired by Amelias tenacious spirit of exploration that continues to be exemplified all across Kansas. To exemplify Earharts adventurous spirit, the Museum partnered with Dimensional Innovations (DI) an award winning, Kansas-based experiential design, build and technology firm. Each exhibit is carefully outfitted to meet National Curriculum Standards, Kansas Curriculum Content Standards, and Missouri Standards of Learning. Professionally developed Teacher Guides geared toward elementary and middle school are available for field trips. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is pursuing the honor of becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate. MUSEUM TICKETS AND HOURS OF OPERATION Tickets are available for purchase upon arrival at the Museum: Adults $15 (plus tax) per person Seniors (60+) and Military $12 (plus tax) per person Children Ages (ages 4-12) $8 per person (plus tax) per person Children (3 and under) Free Virtual Reality Flight $5 per person (plus tax) per person The gift shop at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is open to the public (no ticket required). Following grand-opening weekend, the Museums operating hours will be Wednesday Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST (last Museum entry at 4 p.m.); Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. CST (last Museum entry at 4 p.m.). Pilots flying in to visit the Museum can tie down planes free of charge on concrete or in the grass. To coordinate arrivals, contact the FBO at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport (K59) at (913) 426.4545 or email k59airport@gmail.com. SPONSORS HELP BRING AMELIAS STORY TO LIFE Support for the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum from the aviation and aerospace industry include Boeing, Bombardier, FedEx, Garmin, Lockheed Martin and NASA. The Museum is also supported by many local and national philanthropic organizations including the Donn Lux Family, the Guy Bromley Trust, the Patterson Family Foundation, the Regnier Family Foundation, the Fly With Amelia Foundation, the Stauffer Jambrosic Foundation, the Sunderland Foundation, and the William T. Kemper Foundation, among others. Support from the Atchison, Kan., community includes local employers Amberwell Health, Benedictine College, MGP Ingredients and others. ABOUT THE ATCHISON AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation was formed in 2016 to honor the aviation legacy of Amelia Earhart whose dreams of flying began in her Atchison, Kan., hometown. The Foundation is dedicated to inspiring future aviation and aerospace leaders through the story of Amelia Earharts tenacity and determination to overcome obstacles on her journey to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to leading the $17 million capital campaign to build the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, the Foundation led the effort to bring the bronze statue of Earhart to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. in 2022 to represent the State of Kansas in National Statuary Hall; the Foundation was the sole funder. A twin bronze statue stands at the entrance of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3). Learn more about the Museum at http://www.AmeliaEarhartHangarMuseum.org or follow @AEHangarMuseum on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter. Norwegian Ambassador to Georgia Helene Sand Andresen was invited to the Georgian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday in connection with the award given to former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili by the Norwegian Conservative Party for promoting human rights, the ministry said in a statement. Georgia's negative attitude to this action has been conveyed to the ambassador, it said. The ministry believes that the award bestowed on Saakashvili was incompatible with his status as an incarcerated individual, convicted of abuse of office and the violation of human rights. "This decision of the Conservative Party of Norway does not help to depolarize Georgian society, and is insulting to citizens and their families that fell victim to the criminal actions committed during Saakashvili's presidency," the ministry said. According to the ministry's statement, the ambassador informed the ministry that the award given to Saakashvili did not represent the official stance of the Norwegian government. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told reporters on Monday that giving Saakashvili an award was comparable to bestowing one on Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik. Georgian television showed footage of Saakashvili's award being presented to his mother and son at a congress of the Conservative Party of Norway. Employers who offer earned wage access have a powerful advantage in workforce recruitment and retention. TimeForge, the award-winning AI-powered labor management software for restaurants and grocery stores, announced its new integration partnership with Rain, the on-demand pay solution that allows businesses to easily offer earned wage access to their employees at no extra cost. By partnering with Rain, TimeForge provides employers with yet another critical differentiator in today's labor market: financial freedom for employees. Employers who offer earned wage access have a powerful advantage in workforce recruitment and retention. With Rain, employees are able to access their pay as soon as their shift ends, enabling them to tackle unexpected financial challenges and enjoy greater peace of mind. The partnership between TimeForge and Rain marks both companies' commitment to putting people first by supporting the financial wellness of employees, while helping employers overcome current labor market challenges. "We chose Rain to partner with because they prioritize employee wellness and financial freedom," said Audrey Hogan, Chief Operating Officer of TimeForge. "Rain empowers employees with instant access to wages they've earned, which is very different from a payday loan model. We also like how easy it is for employers to implement Rain - it doesnt cost them anything. In today's labor market, the ability to offer on-demand pay is a huge advantage for employers, which is why we're so excited about this partnership." Employers offering Rain regularly see an increase in retention, employee motivation, and job applicants, said Jordan Sanders, US Sales Director at Rain. Our integration with TimeForge makes it easy for hundreds of employers and their staff to access Rain, our suite of financial wellness tools, and the benefits that come with it. For businesses already utilizing the TimeForge platform, setting up Rain is easy. TimeForge customers simply upload their existing worker information into the Rain system, set payout options such as direct deposit or paper check, and adjust settings before deploying the app in their stores. Once integrated, employers can offer payday every day through Rain's secure payments platform. Additionally, businesses taking advantage of this integration are able to improve accuracy and visibility with automated real-time labor tracking built into the TimeForge system. Both platforms are easy to use and feature convenient self-service. Overall, this collaboration between TimeForge and Rain provides a powerful solution for companies looking to differentiate themselves and provide employees with an important financial benefit. ### ABOUT TIMEFORGE TimeForge is a labor management software suite designed to meet the challenging demands of the retail and restaurant industries. The feature-rich yet user-friendly suite offers scheduling, communication, a time clock, human resources, automated compliance, and sales forecasting capabilities. TimeForge is affordable, easy-to-use, and serves both independent and chain operations in grocery, retail, restaurant, hospitality, and other industries. For more information, visit https://timeforge.com or follow @timeforge on Twitter. 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. Rains mission is to eliminate payday loans and other predatory financial products by giving people control over their income and financial lives. Voxy has acquired Fluentify, a major player in the long-distance language learning sector Voxy and Fluentify share a commitment to driving tangible business impact through effective language training, said Jan Viviani, CEO, Voxy. Voxy, an innovative training solution used successfully by hundreds of institutional clients around the world, today announced its acquisition of Fluentify, a major player in the long-distance language learning sector. This acquisition will combine Voxys innovative English language training offering with Fluentifys multi-language curriculum to support companies globally, as a way to upskill their employees with a personalized and comprehensive language training solution. Voxy and Fluentify share a commitment to driving tangible business impact through effective language training, said Jan Viviani, CEO, Voxy. By joining forces, Voxy will immediately deliver more value to its clients with a portfolio of languages beyond English, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. This partnership will significantly strengthen our presence in Europe and pave the way for us to keep expanding our presence globally. We are excited to welcome Fluentifys talented team, and to the ways in which it will help our clients optimize their training programs. With headquarters in the US, Voxy currently provides training content to more than four million learners at hundreds of organizations in over 150 countries, with 80 industry-focused courses designed to improve outcomes by breaking down language barriers. Voxys comprehensive content library covers technical and soft skill courses and 26,000+ English lessons derived from renowned resources such as the AP, Bloomberg, the Telegraph, and more. The Voxy platform is used by many notable brands including AirFrance, Campari Group, Colgate/Palmolive, DirecTV and Kellogg's.Based in Italy, Fluentify is dedicated to providing a best-in-class live instruction experience, offering highly personalized, high-impact language training programs to corporations. By joining the Voxy team, Fluentify will enhance its student experience and better serve the business objectives of its clients by offering a comprehensive, AI-driven elearning platform, which includes more than 26K lessons and over 100 industry-specific courses, along with 24/7 live group classes. Following the acquisition, Fluentify will be known publicly as Voxy Italy. We are thrilled to join forces with Voxy, because our companies are a perfect match in so many ways, said Giacomo Moiso, CEO, Fluentify. Both teams care deeply about delivering tangible results through language fluency, and place a high value on personalized learning and high-quality live instruction, taking a people-first approach. Together, our offering will be comprehensive, and enable our continued growth in Europe and beyond. About Voxy Voxy is an innovative corporate training solution that has been used successfully by hundreds of corporate clients around the world to upskill their teams. Our AI-driven platform, accessed both on desktop and any mobile device, allows each learner to follow a fully personalized and highly engaging learning experience. Voxys comprehensive content library covers more than 80 technical and soft skill courses and 26,000+ English lessons taken from renowned resources such as the AP, the Financial Times, Bloomberg, and more. Voxy courses are accompanied by certified teachers who offer round-the-clock, remote live instruction, empowering people to improve communication, foster collaboration, and grow global businesses. Our scalable solution, facilitated by our comprehensive admin reporting dashboard, results in an effortlessly inclusive program, designed to drive results for modern learners.Backed by leading investors in education and technology, Voxy was founded in New York City and has teams across the US, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Ireland, Italy, UK, Malaysia and Thailand. For more info, please visit https://voxy.com/ About Fluentify Fluentify is a leader in language training for businesses in Italy. Founded in 2013 by Giacomo Moiso, Claudio Bosco, and Matteo Avalle, it has offices in London, Turin, Milan, and Rome, as well as a commercial presence in Switzerland. The Company operates in the long-distance learning sector through its innovative online tutoring platform for English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Italian. With a growing team and over 350 native-speaking tutors operating from around the world, Fluentify offers its services to more than 450 companies in Italy and abroad that have chosen the innovative approach offered by the company to improve their employees' language learning. Fluentify was also recognized in 2022 as the best company in Italy in the 10>49 employees category with the Best Workplaces award from Great Place to Work Italy and is among the Italian companies awarded Best Workplaces Europe 2022. To learn more: fluentify.com Peter T. Gaynor "Our technology and vision going forward will have a meaningful impact in critical incident situations when seconds count. Our goal is to make the world a safer place," Mr. Gaynor concluded. On March 28, 2023, Skypath Security, Inc. announced a new addition to the leadership team: Pete Gaynor, who has served as both FEMA Administrator and Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Skypath is the leader in mobile intelligent and interactive threat assessment, threat awareness, and personal safety, and Skypaths technology offers a real-time link to first responders. The addition of Pete Gaynor to the Skypath team will solidify its position as the top interactive mobile communication and protection technology available today. Pete brings a vast amount of experience to Skypath. With fourteen years of leadership in emergency management and twenty-six years in the United States Marine Corps, he is an accomplished executive who has worked at every level of government. He served as an Infantry Officer in the USMC and has led emergency management agencies ranging from the City of Providence to the State of Rhode Island, all the way up to FEMA. During his time at FEMA, Pete led the agencys response to more than three hundred presidentially declared emergencies and major disasters. In the historic year of 2020, he oversaw FEMAs first-ever operational response to a nationwide pandemic while simultaneously responding to a record number of disasters. As a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Pete directed FEMAs operational coordination for the whole-of-government response to COVID-19. As the Acting DHS Secretary, he was responsible for ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful transition of power during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. "I am excited to join the Skypath Security Team as we work together to improve and streamline situational awareness, which will help save lives," said Pete Gaynor. "Our technology and vision going forward will have a meaningful impact in critical incident situations when seconds count. Our goal is to make the world a safer place," Mr. Gaynor concluded. Skypath is leading the way in safety with the Skypath Mobile Defense Platform. This technology allows school administrators, business owners, managers, and landlords to easily upload blueprints or schematics directly to Skypaths Threat Assessment Team. This team consists of highly trained former law enforcement, military, and homeland security professionals. In both routine and emergency situations, Skypaths systems enable businesses and organizations to manage their resources more efficiently while improving performance. These systems are designed to manage and control risks and threats, as well as assist with everyday tasks and events. Skypath Security also provides customized solutions in the retail market for at-risk populations, including those with disabilities and those dealing with diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia. These populations, among others, are at a higher risk of disappearing, and Skypaths customized solutions support their personal safety, as well as making it possible for them to live more independent lives. Skypath Security is dedicated to community safety and is working to equip cities, states, and countries with free access to the tools local authorities and first responders need to communicate with the public and protect front-line workers as they respond to every possible hazard. "Pete has the experience and displays leadership skills at the highest levels of crisis management. He will be an asset to our leadership team, said Omar Shands, President of Skypath Security. "Pete has a long-term and valuable history with our technology and embraces our core values of ethics, intelligence, and respect. He is an excellent addition to an already impressive management team," Shands concluded. About Skypath Security, Inc. Skypath Security is the leader in mobile intelligent and interactive threat assessment, threat awareness, and threat safety. Skypath specializes in certifying schools, retail stores, restaurants, and all public buildings and spaces against threats. Skypaths interactive mobile defense platform is directly linked to first responders and offers real-time information and live monitoring of people and valuable assets, providing crucial information in a crisis. Learn more about Skypath Security, Inc. by visiting http://www.skypath.com. Contact Skypath at 401-351-7900 or info@skypath.com. Skypath Security Inc. is located at 42 Ladd St. East Greenwich, RI 02818 Angela Y. Davis, Amy Sherald, Clara Wu Tsai This annual event is a celebration of Gordon Parkss legacy, of the artists and leaders continuing on the path he paved and a reminder of just how crucial this work continues to be, said Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr., Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation. The Gordon Parks Foundation will host its annual Awards Dinner and Auction celebrating Gordon Parkss legacy and those continuing his commitment to advancing social justice on Tuesday, May 23rd at Cipriani 42nd St. This years gala will honor scholar and activist Angela Y. Davis, artist Amy Sherald, businesswoman and philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai, author and producer Crystal R. McCrary and businessman and community leader Raymond McGuire. Additionally, the Foundation will welcome Kate Clark Harris, daughter of Dr. Kenneth Clark and Dr. Mamie Clark, groundbreaking psychologists who developed the doll test experiments, which were photographed by Parks for Ebony in 1947. The honorees will be introduced by Pulitzer-prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil, artist Rashid Johnson, and the Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, Thelma Golden. The evening will also fete the recently announced 2023 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellows artists Jammie Holmes and Jose Parla and art historian and Howard University professor, Melanee C. Harvey, who received the Genevieve Young Fellowship in Writing. Famed DJ and producer D-Nice will close the night with a special set for all those gathered. The gala, which brings together changemakers across film, music, the visual arts, business and philanthropy, will include a live auction of Gordon Parkss photographs. The evening is co-chaired by Alicia Keys and Kasseem Dean; Kathryn and Kenneth Chenault; Tonya and Spike Lee; Judy and Leonard Lauder; and Carol Sutton Lewis and William M. Lewis, Jr. The Gordon Parks Foundation is proud to recognize this group of visionary leaders whose dedication to advancing social justice embodies the legacy of Gordon Parks, said Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr., Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation. This annual event is a celebration of Parkss legacy, of the artists and leaders continuing on the path he paved and a reminder of just how crucial this work continues to be. All proceeds from the evening will support year-round educational programming as well as the fellowships, prizes, and scholarships provided by The Gordon Parks Foundation to the next generation of artists, writers, and students whose work follows in Parkss footsteps. Tickets are available starting at $1,500. They can be purchased on the Gordon Parks Foundation website, or by contacting Buckley Hall Events at gpfgala@buckleyhallevents.com or 914-579-1000. Among those being honored on May 23rd is special guest Kate Clark Harris, the daughter of Dr. Kenneth Clark and Dr. Mamie Clark, the first African American man and the first African American woman, respectively, to earn a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University in the early 1940s. Over the course of 14 years, they developed and conducted what became known as the doll testsgroundbreaking experiments that revealed the psychological effects of segregation on African American children. The tests were conducted using several dolls, all identical except for skin color. The Black children, ages 37, were asked to identify which doll they preferred. The majority preferred the white doll, leading Drs. Clark to conclude that prejudice, discrimination and segregation damaged their self-esteem and caused Black children to develop a sense of inferiority. In 1947, Gordon Parks photographed the Clarks conducting their doll tests for Ebony magazine for an article titled Problem Kids: New Harlem clinic rescues ghetto youth from emotional short circuit. The doll test research was later used as key evidence in school desegregation lawsuits including, notably, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). After earning her masters degree from Smith College School of Social Work, Clark Harris carried on her parents legacy throughout her career as a psychiatric social worker and advocate for the urban poor. She served as executive director of New York Citys Northside Center for Child Development, an organization her mother founded in 1946. She is currently retired in Sarasota, Florida and does volunteer work with Take Stock in Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a local literacy organization that teaches adults to read. DOWNLOAD PHOTOS OF THE 2023 GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION HONOREES HERE DOWNLOAD PHOTOS OF THE 2023 GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION FELLOWS HERE # # # ABOUT THE GORDON PARKS FOUNDATION The Gordon Parks Foundation supports and produces artistic and educational initiatives that advance the legacy and vision of Gordon Parksrecognized as the most significant American photographer of the 20th century, as well as a writer, musician, and filmmaker, who used the arts to further the common search for a better life and a better world. Through exhibitions, publications, and public programs organized in collaboration with national and international institutions at its exhibition space in Pleasantville, New York, the Foundation provides access to, and supports understanding of, the work and contributions of Gordon Parks for artists, scholars, students, and the public. Through its year-round educational programming and annual grant-making initiatives, the Foundation champions current and future generations of artists and humanitarians whose work carries on Parkss legacy. https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org ABOUT GORDON PARKS In a career that spanned more than 50 years, photographer, filmmaker, musician, and author Gordon Parks created a groundbreaking body of work that made him one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Beginning in the 1940s, he documented American life and culture with a focus on social justice, race relations, the civil rights movement, and the Black American experience. Born into poverty and segregation in Fort Scott, Kansas, Parks was drawn to photography as a young man. Despite his lack of professional training, he won a Julius Rosenwald Fellowship in 1942; this led to a position with the photography section of the Farm Security Administration (FSA) in Washington, D.C., and later, the Office of War Information (OWI). By the mid-1940s, he was working as a freelance photographer for publications such as Vogue, Glamour, and Ebony. Parks was hired in 1948 as a staff photographer for Life magazine, where he spent more than two decades creating some of his most notable work. In 1969, he became the first Black American to write and direct a major feature film, The Learning Tree, based on his semi-autobiographical novel. His next directorial endeavor, Shaft (1971), helped define a genre known as Blaxploitation films. Parks continued photographing, publishing, and composing until his death in 2006. Bauer College is well known for its world-class executive education programs, giving executives and working professionals enhanced knowledge and competencies to help them grow their skills and advance in their careers. The Office of Executive Development at the C. T. Bauer College of Business is partnering with Focus EduSolutions to offer a variety of continuing and executive education non-degree programs aimed at advancing professional development and lifelong learning. This collaboration will enable Bauer College to expand its portfolio of continuing and executive education courses and provide lifelong learners with practical skills and industry knowledge in a wide variety of fields. Bauer College Executive Development offers a broad range of courses including Women in Leadership, Mini MBA in Finance, Presentation Skills, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace, Employee Retention in Turbulent Times, Human Resource & Strategic Management for Energy Sector Leaders, Mini MBA Healthcare, Mini MBA Supply Chain, Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers, and Mini MBA Data Analytics, among others. Focus EduSolutions has developed a suite of courses that are tailored to the needs of modern-day professionals, with a focus on Industry 4.0 skills and other in-demand areas. The courses offered include Building Professional Expertise in Industry 4.0, Food Truck Entrepreneurship, Trucking Operations, Insurance Sales, Data Analytics Bootcamp, and Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Bauer College is well known for its world-class executive education programs, giving executives and working professionals enhanced knowledge and competencies to help them grow their skills and advance in their careers, Dean Paul A. Pavlou said. By engaging with Focus EduSolutions, we are broadening the scope and reach of our portfolio of non-degree offerings so that we can bring the prestigious Bauer experience to a wider audience. These continuing and executive education programs are designed for busy professionals and executives, with flexible options that allow diverse learners to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. About the Bauer College of Business: The Bauer College of Business is Houstons most comprehensive business school, offering a range of degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The colleges mission is to provide an innovative learning environment that fosters growth, entrepreneurship, and diversity, and prepares students for the global business environment. The colleges faculty is made up of leading scholars and experts in their fields, and the college has strong ties to the business community in Houston and beyond. The colleges focus on practical, real-world learning has earned it a reputation as one of the top business schools in the country. About Focus EduSolutions: Focus EduSolutions is a Boston-based company that works with colleges, universities, and industries to create micro-credentials to meet the needs of industries throughout the country. These micro-credentials are developed by Focus EduSolutions in partnership with subject matter experts directly from the industry and industry associations. Their mission is to create an education system that truly addresses the needs of the industry, provides alternative methods of education for future generations that are cost and time effective, and creates stronger relationships between higher education institutions and industry, for permanent culture change and workforce development solutions. Their certificates address the skills gaps that currently exist in the workforce, assist industries in their transformational changes, and provide educational opportunities for future generations of the industry. Homey by Athom, privacy-first, affordable smart home solutions Athom, makers of privacy-first smart home solutions, today announced the public launch and began shipping Homey Bridge, an easy-to-use, affordable smart home hub to the U.S., U.K., Canada, and other countries. Previously available only in beta and Europe, Homey Bridge supports more than 50K smart home devices from more than 1,000 different brands, and works in tandem with the Homey App (iOS, Android and web browser), enabling users to customize and automate their smart home based on their unique habits and preferences. Homey Bridge retails for $69 USD, 69 GBP or $99 CAD, and can be purchased on the Homey website, or at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. The elegant and functional design of Homey Bridge forms a perfect centerpiece of a users smart home and makes it easy for users to connect all of their smart home devices due to its compatibility with six wireless technologies Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared and 433MHz (UK only). Homey Bridge pairs with the Homey App and enables users to easily connect up to five smart home devices. Upgrading to Homey Premium ($2.99 USD, 2.99 GBP or $3.99 CAD per month) allows users to connect an unlimited amount of smart home devices, and also provides access to additional advanced automation features and Homey Insights. Additionally, the Homey app can be used to control smart home devices as an app-only solution without the need of Homey hardware, with the same subscription pricing structure. American, British and Canadian households continue to connect a wide array of smart home devices from TVs, speakers, electrical plugs, lights, thermostats, sensors, home appliances, EV chargers, and more. The volume of connections and devices presents a challenge, however: up to a quarter of respondents in a 2022 Deloitte survey said they feel overwhelmed by devices and more than half are worried about the security and privacy of their smartphones and devices in their home. Built privacy-first, Homey Bridge is unique in that it doesnt listen in or sell any customer data, or use any of its customers personal information to create user profiles or targeted advertisements. The result is a streamlined and safeguarded smart home where people can take advantage of technology instead of worrying about who has their personal information or being bombarded with ads. Homey Bridge is packed with features including Homey Flow, Insights and Energy developed over the past eight years for the Homey Pro smart home hub in the European market. Homey Flow enables users to create a series of automated rules that tie their devices together, independent of brand and technology and help to run their smart homes most efficiently and conveniently, e.g. Always dim lights in the bedroom when the drapes close or Automatically lower the thermostat, turn off the lights and enable the alarm when I lock the front door. Flows can also be started using voice assistants, such as Google, Alexa and Siri Shortcuts, and via widgets for mobile and Apple Watch. Homey Insights allows users to analyze their smart home usage via visual, easy-to-read graphs and charts. For example, users can track trends such as the temperature levels of their homes and thermostat over time, or how much energy their refrigerator uses in summer compared to winter. Homey Insights requires an active Homey Premium subscription $2.99 USD, 2.99 GBP or $3.99 CAD per month. Homey Energy allows users to see their homes energy usage in real-time, so they can make changes to increase their homes sustainability. For example, users can see how much energy their washing machine uses on hot versus warm wash cycles, how much energy their solar panels generate right now, and which rooms and devices use the most electricity. HOMEY BRIDGE SPECIFICATIONS: Wireless Communication Technology Compatibility: Homey Bridge contains six wireless technologies: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 (BLE), Zigbee, Z-Wave (Plus, S2), Infrared and 433MHz RF (UK only), to connect local devices to the Homey app. Homey Bridge automatically switches its Z-Wave frequency with a unique multi-antenna design, based on Homey Bridges geographical or country location. Additionally, transmitting 433 MHz is automatically enabled in eligible regions, such as Europe and Asia. Whats in the Box: Homey Bridge, USB power adapter, USB power cable and a Quick Start Guide Device Dimensions: 5.04 inches in diameter x 1.4 inches in height Weight: 1.2 lbs (including packaging) Supported Devices: 50,000+ smart devices from more than 1,000 brands Control Options: controlled via the Homey App: iOS (v11 or higher), Android 5.0 or higher or a web-based browser Price: $69 Where to Buy: Online at Amazon.com, Amazon.uk, Amazon.ca,, Best Buy and the Homey website Manufacturer Warranty: Two years Certifications: FCC and CE HOMEY APP SPECIFICATIONS: Homey App Availability: iOS (v11 or higher), Android (5.0 or higher) or a web-based browser Device Agnostic: Homey App connects devices across a wide range of brands and technologies. The app is available in two versions: Free: Users can connect, control and automate up to five smart devices. Devices can be either cloud-connected or be connected via Homey Bridge, or Premium: A $2.99 monthly subscription per household includes an unlimited number of devices, and also provides access to Homey Insights and more advanced automation features like Homey Logic. Devices can be connected via Homey Bridge or the cloud. Voice Assistant Compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri Shortcuts Control Options: Smartphone or Tablet: iOS and Android / PC, Mac, Linux: Universal web app / Other: Apple Watch, iOS and Android widgets, voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Siri Shortcuts) Media who are interested in a Homey Bridge device for product review, please contact homey@wearemgp.com. About Homey Founded in 2014, Homey was developed by Athom B.V., a privately held, Dutch technology company with a mission to make the smart home easy and fun for everyone. Built privacy-first, Homey creates the ultimate smart home experience by unifying all home devices in a single app, regardless of brand or technology. Homey is compatible with 50K+ devices from over 1,000 brands and allows users to customize their entire home experience based on their personal habits. Homeys technology has won multiple awards and placed first in the EIT Digital Idea Challenge. For more information, please visit Homey.app. All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Globee Business Awards The annual Globee Business Awards is a recognition program that honors and acknowledges the achievements of organizations, individuals, and teams within the business community. The Globee Awards organizer of the worlds premier business awards programs and business ranking lists is now accepting nominations for the 13th Annual Globee Business Awards. All individuals and organizations worldwide, from public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small, may submit nominations. Globee Business Awards is a recognition program that honors and acknowledges the achievements of organizations, individuals, and teams within the business community. The business awards recognize excellence and outstanding performance in various areas, such as innovation, leadership, customer service, and marketing and more. Winning a Globee business award can be an essential recognition for organizations and individuals, as it can validate their hard work and contributions to their industry. It can also help increase visibility and credibility and provide opportunities for networking and further professional development. Learn more about the 2023 Globee Business Awards and how to nominate here: https://globeeawards.com/business-awards/. Individuals and organizations from anywhere worldwide may submit nominations for local, regional, or country-based achievements for recognition. About the Globee Awards Globee Awards are conferred in nine programs and competitions: the American Best in Business Awards, Business Awards, Cybersecurity World Awards, Disruptor Company Awards, Golden Bridge Awards, Information Technology World Awards, Leadership Awards, Sales, Marketing, & Customer Success Awards, and the Women In Business Awards. Learn more about the Globee Awards at https://globeeawards.com Subscribe to the Globee weekly Newsletter Subscribe to Globee Awards YouTube channel Follow Globee Awards on twitter Follow Globee Awards on LinkedIn All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Drew Sava We are thrilled to welcome Drew back to the Eiseman team, said Eiseman Construction owner Melissa Eiseman. He is a wonderful project manager, because he knows how to ensure a construction project is successful from start to finish." Eiseman Construction is pleased to announce that Drew Sava has joined the company as Repair Division Manager. Sava will direct the overall management of repair projects and oversee the process from development to completion. He returns to Eiseman after serving as a sales representative, project manager and estimator with the company from 2013 to 2015. We are thrilled to welcome Drew back to the Eiseman team, said Eiseman Construction owner Melissa Eiseman. He is a wonderful project manager, because he knows how to ensure a construction project is successful from start to finish. We look forward to working with him to address our customers repair needs with high-quality service and craftsmanship. Prior to joining Eiseman Construction, Sava served as security division assistant operations manager at CM3 Building Solutions, which provides building products and services to commercial, industrial, institutional, and government facilities. He oversaw repairs as sales manager and repair mechanic at Diamond Automotive. He also managed corporate interior construction projects at Heritage Building Group. I am happy to return to Eiseman Construction in this exciting new role, said Sava. This company approaches all of its projects with professionalism and care, and I look forward to ensuring our customers properties are repaired according to the highest standards of the industry. Eiseman Construction undertakes a variety of repairs that include roofing, siding, and carpentry for all exterior needs. The company is experienced with insurance claims and guides customers through the process. Eiseman is affiliated with a wide range of roofing, siding, window, and door manufacturers, including GAF roofing products, CertainTeed roofing and siding, Drexel Metals, James Hardie siding and trim, and Everlast Siding. Some of the companys certifications include GAF Master Elite Contractor, CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator, James Hardie Master Craftsman Installer, and CertainTeed Authorized Window Installer. About Eiseman Construction: A full-service contractor specializing in roofing and exterior remodeling, Eiseman Construction has served residential and commercial clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 50 years. From its headquarters in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Eiseman provides services for a variety of projects, from residential housing, multi-family townhouses, and condominium projects to historic and commercial repairs and renovations. Eiseman has got you covered, always. A bar of soap is a small thing, says Laird, Its something we often take for granted. But little things can add up to big expenses, especially for a charity that operates on a global scale. Emler Swim School (https://emlerswimschool.com), the nations fastest-growing kids swim school, has announced the completion of its latest donation drive. From February 10 February 24, all 30 Emler Swim Schools and 13 affiliated locations in nine states across the U.S. asked their students and parents to donate soap in support of their regional Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House provides accommodations to families with hospitalized children who are being treated at nearby medical facilities. Each night, the charity provides over 7,200 bedrooms to families with an estimated value of $700 million in lieu of hotel costs. This helps families reduce travel costs and allows them to focus on the medical care their children need. Being able to contribute to such an amazing charity as the Ronald McDonald House was an easy ask for all of our families. says Greg Laird, Emlers CEO, Helping children and families is central to both organizations core values. The Emler donation drive asked parents and students to donate soap on behalf of the charity, including hand soaps and dish soap. The drive collected a total of 838 soaps, helping to defray potentially thousands of dollars of expenses on these items. A bar of soap is a small thing, says Laird, Its something we often take for granted. But little things can add up to big expenses, especially for a charity that operates on a global scale. There are 368 Ronald McDonald Houses in 64 countries, as well as 50 Ronald McDonald Mobiles in nine countries. The Emler donation drive focused on supporting regional Ronald McDonald Houses in states where Emler operates one or more of its swimming schools. These included Texas, California, Oregon, Nevada, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Virginia and Massachusetts. All Emler Swim School brands took part, including Kings Swim Academy, SwimWest, SwimKids, Little Flippers, All Star Swim Academy, Stony Creek Swim Center and Planet Gymnastics. Laird says the donation drive also matched Emlers philosophy of keeping kids clean, safe and healthy. About Emler Swim School In 1975, Emler Swim School was founded on two principles, that every child should experience a fun lesson that causes them to fall in love with the water, and that every parent should receive a guarantee that their child will learn to swim. Emler utilizes a proven, ever-evolving curriculum, a quality staff that undergoes thorough training and above all a passion to nurture children in a healthy, safe and fun environment. With more than 20 different classes and levels, the award-winning swim school is proud to meet the needs of every swimmer with the same Emler Sure, 100 percent guarantee. For more information on each location, visit emlerswimschool.com. Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Kiddos and parents will cherish the experience of making fun pancakes together with the patented line of squeezable pancake mixes from Happy Grub. After three years in R&D and plenty of delicious tasting sessions, we have a product quickly becoming a household name. Happy Grub, a mom-founded brand of squeezable instant pancake mix, has expanded its distribution this month. The company's easy and fun pancake mix is now available in World Market stores nationwide and 535 Walmart locations with the bulk of the stores in Texas and California. Other states include Nevada, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana. The first-of-its-kind brand is currently carried by 1,000+ retailers and is also available on Amazon and Walmart.com. The founder of Happy Grub, Ashley Davies, emphasized the brand's focus on healthy, all-natural ingredients and the convenience of the squeezable bottle format for easy, mess-free cooking. Parents can breathe a little sigh of relief knowing they will have a mess free kitchen after breakfast, said founder Ashley Davies. Theyll easily create yummy, fluffy, all-natural pancakes and waffles with healthy ingredients that turn cooking into a fun-filled experience. Kids get involved with little help from mom or dad and have a great time. I encourage everyone to try all of our flavors without worrying about the cleanup or prep! Happy Grub's product line is an innovative and easy-to-use method and eliminates the need for prep work to make mealtime more enjoyable for families. The bottles can be easily filled with water, shaken and then the contents squeezed onto a hot surface to create pancakes in various shapes and designs. The product is available in Buttermilk, Yummy Banana, Apple Cinnamon and Whole Wheat. Each bottle contains 8.5 ounces of mix and makes around 20 (3-inch) pancakes. All flavors are all natural and organic. In addition to pancakes, the mix can also be used to make waffles, cupcakes, muffins and other baked goods. Davies' desire to be her own boss and leave the retail world behind was never far from her mind. Happy Grub originated in her kitchen with her kids as the test subjects. Her "little monsters" even influenced the fun brand characters. Ive poured my heart and soul into Happy Grub to make it a product that brings smiles and joy to families, added Davies. After three years in R&D and plenty of delicious tasting sessions, we have a product quickly becoming a household name. For more information, visit http://www.eathappygrub.com. For all available locations and retailers, visit https://eathappygrub.com/pages/store-locator. ### About Happy Grub: Happy Grub offers a delicious line of natural and organic pancake mixes designed to bring kids and parents together in the kitchen, making memories, not messes. Just shake and squeeze! Theyre here to make mealtime more nutritious, convenient and fun. As a result of an accident involving a passenger bus on the M-30 highway near Volochysk, Khmelnytsky region, three minors were injured, three more people were hospitalized in intensive care, the press service of Khmelnytsky region police reports. "There were 25 passengers in the cabin, including five minors. Passengers received injuries of varying severity. Three of them were hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Volochysk hospital. Others were placed in the trauma and surgical departments. As for the minors, all five were taken to the hospital, two of them were released after examination. Three were hospitalized. One of the hospitalized, a 17-year-old from Odesa, was diagnosed with a leg fracture. The other two have preliminary bruises," the Facebook post says. Currently, the condition of passengers is being diagnosed. Some are hospitalized, others are released after examination. The total number of injured will be known later. It was previously established that the 36-year-old bus driver with the Warsaw - Odesa route lost control and drove into a ditch, after which the bus overturned. According to this fact, the investigators of the Department of investigation of crimes in the field of transport of Khmelnytsky region police opened criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 286 (violation of traffic safety rules or operation of transport by persons driving vehicles) and establish all the circumstances of the incident. Our mission is simple, improve healthcare financial outcomes by providing the most accurate, unbiased, and timely pricing information to providers, payers, and patients RefMed, the first provider of market-referenced pricing for the Healthcare Industry, is launching three products delivering pricing transparency to physicians, insurance companies, bill review companies, government agencies, and patients. Physician Price Intel delivers accurate, unbiased, and timely market-based pricing for physicians regardless of their specialty. Using proprietary algorithms and trillions of records, RefMed cross-references pricing for all procedures with other providers in the same geo-code. TrueUCR is the first usual and customary fee schedule based on actual contract amounts from public and private payers. RefMed has accumulated trillions of records and produced a range of acceptable prices for every procedure code in every part of the country. TrueFee is an innovative market-based approach to creating medical fee schedules for government agencies. Our mission is simple, improve healthcare financial outcomes by providing the most accurate, unbiased, and timely pricing information to providers, payers, and patients, said Todd McDaniel, RefMed President & CEO. We believe a market works best when accurate pricing is transparent to everyone. By compiling, aggregating, and analyzing actual contracted market rate data across all procedures by zip code, RefMed will be the healthcare industrys most accurate and meaningful database for Payors, Providers and Consumers of medical services in the United States. A lack of transparency is a primary contributor to increases in healthcare pricing across the board, said McDaniel. Using our proprietary data, we can provide a truly Market Referenced pricing solution that will address the issues facing the healthcare industry today around accuracy, consistency and overall fairness of actual costs associated with medical spend; specifically addressing costs by treatment code, by geo-code, and by provider, all based on the actual contract rate data. Think of it as the Kelley Blue Book for healthcare. RefMed Benefits to Customers: Allows physicians and hospitals to negotiate contract rates with insurance companies. Allows third party administrators to negotiate contracts and fees for specific out of network services. Allows insurance companies and bill review companies to determine an appropriate reimbursement amount when no contract is in place. Allows federal and state agencies to set fee schedules for government paid services. Allows patients to shop for future services or negotiate prices for uncovered or out of network services. Allows economists and research institutions to track the cost of healthcare over time by region, type of service, and payment types. For more information about RefMed and its industry changing products and services visit https://refmed.com/ About RefMed: RefMed is an independent company with no affiliation to any insurance company or physician association. We are a team of healthcare consultants, data scientists, and developers with many years of experience in both public and private payer insurance business. We have experienced the frustration of usual and customary pricing that is neither usual or customary and we wanted to find a better way. Media Contact: Colin Trethewey, PRmediaNow Communications: Colin@PRmediaNow.com Andrea Chapdelaine, Ph.D., president of Hood College says, His contributions to our community as Mayor, coupled with his commitment to education in Frederick County during his time as a state senator, have had a significant positive impact on Frederick and Hood College. Hood College is proud to announce that former Maryland State Senator and Frederick City Mayor Ronald N. Young has been selected as the speaker for the Class of 2023. The ceremony, to be held on Saturday, May 20, is Hoods 127th in its history. My family and I have been involved with and supportive of Hood College in a variety of ways for decades, said Young. Hood is and has always been a very important part of the Frederick community. It is an honor to be asked to speak at commencement. You cannot think of the City of Frederick without thinking of Ron Young, said Andrea Chapdelaine, Ph.D., president of Hood College. His contributions to our community as Mayor, coupled with his commitment to education in Frederick County during his time as a state senator, have had a significant positive impact on Frederick and Hood College. Initially a public school teacher in Frederick County, Young began his political career in 1969, when he was elected to the Frederick City Board of Aldermen. In 1973, Young was elected the Mayor of Frederick at just 34 years old. He went on to win three consecutive re-elections in 1977, 1981 and 1985, serving as mayor for 16 years. Young was instrumental in Fredericks growth. Youngs most defining moment as mayor came in 1976. Following a destructive flood that caused millions in damage to downtown Frederick, Young led the construction of the iconic Carroll Creek linear park and flood control system, shaping the Downtown Frederick area as we know it today. Young also spearheaded the Market Street underground wiring project and construction of downtown parking garages, as well as the establishment of the Weinberg Center for the Arts and Harry Grove Stadium. Young returned to politics in 2010, winning a seat in the Maryland State Senate for District 3, in which Hood is located. During his time in Annapolis, Young supported Frederick by backing bills that funded education, economic development, health and more within Frederick County. Young also supported Hood students by allowing them to work alongside him, offering internships within his office. Young served in the Senate for 12 years before retiring in 2022, concluding a political career that spanned more than half a century. About Hood College Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering more than 30 bachelors degrees, four pre-professional programs, 19 masters degree programs, two doctorates and 10 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities. John J.D. Allen IV Headshot (Courtesy of NJCC) This is a pivotal time for the organization, and his extensive financial experience will help NJCC reach even greater heights in the years ahead, said Bernel Hall, President and CEO of NJCC. New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the states largest community development financial institution (CDFI), is pleased to announce the appointment of John J.D. Allen IV as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 27. Allen brings over 20 years of financial management experience to his role as CFO at NJCC. Most recently, he served as Treasurer of Lakeland Bank. Previously, he held managerial positions at Deloitte & Touche, Citi and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Allen is a certified public accountant and an ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking graduate. He has a bachelors degree in accounting, and a masters in accounting and professional consultancy from Villanova University. We are excited to welcome J.D. to the NJCC team, said Bernel Hall, President and CEO of NJCC. This is a pivotal time for the organization, and his extensive financial experience will help NJCC reach even greater heights in the years ahead. Allen will manage all financial operations, including the audit process, budgeting, capital management, cash management and liquidity, internal and external financial reporting, and regulatory reporting. He will report directly to Hall, working closely to establish and implement strategies to raise investments and operating capital so that NJCC can serve more communities. I am honored to join NJCC, such a purpose driven institution, said J.D. Allen, CFO of NJCC. I am excited to work with the leadership team as we continue to execute strategic and financial priorities focused on taking NJCC into its next chapter. NJCC provides me with many hands-on opportunities to positively impact the community through financial assistance, education and neighborhood development. 2022 was a record year for NJCC. The organization closed over $47 million in loans in FY2022 the most in a single year in its history. Currently, 55% of NJCCs loan balance is to minority-owned businesses and minority-led nonprofits. Its strategic consulting team helped secure $3.6 million in competitive tax credit funding to support four low-income neighborhoods. Through Community Asset Preservation Corporation (CAPC), 46 homes were completed in the past quarter alone. NJCC recently announced that it was expanding nationally and executed its first loan to a minority development company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About New Jersey Community Capital New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides an innovative toolkit of financial products, programs and services to advance equity and opportunity in underserved communities. NJCC supports the preservation and development of affordable housing and sustainable community development ventures that increase jobs, improve education and strengthen neighborhoods to ensure communities can thrive. To learn more, visit newjerseycommunitycapital.org, Twitter: @NJCommCapital, and LinkedIn: @new-jersey-community-capital. Philips 45B1U6900CH EPI, the leading display specialist and North America brand license partner for Philips monitors, introduces the new Philips 45B1U6900CH. It will be available to the public with an aim to facilitate workflow. The Philips 45B1U6900CH is equipped with a large, 44.5-inch (113 cm diagonal) screen with 5120 x 1440 resolution and several other features that are designed to aid professionals' multitasking, such as: a 5MP webcam, USB-C docking with RJ45, a 32:9 SuperWide screen, and a curved display with viewing angles of 178/178 degrees. Increasing Workflow Productivity Instead of needing two separate monitors, the Philips 45B1U6900CHs 44.5-inch screen and 32:9 SuperWide ratio allows professionals to easily open multiple windows and have an extra-wide perspective for viewing video content. In addition, the monitors curved VA display produces wide, 178/178-degree viewing angles and 1500R curvature for crisp, high-contrast imagery and an overall more immersive experience. We are very happy to announce the release of the Philips 45B1U6900CH, Xeni Bariaktari, Global Marketing Lead of Philips Monitors and IT Accessories, said. The screen's size and ratio together with the additional features, like docking and the noise-canceling webcam, make it an ideal choice for those that have very high expectations of their monitor. A 5MP Webcam for a Better Video Conferencing Experience On top of its large screen, another key asset for optimal productivity is the Philips 45B1U6900CHs pop-up 5MP webcam. Optimized for a better video experience, the monitor is equipped with a noise-canceling microphone and a built-in 5MP webcam for high-quality meeting calls. In addition to a better experience, the pop-up 5MP webcam also aids individual productivity with Windows Hello; the advanced sensors for facial recognition log each user into all of their Windows accounts within seconds. Additional Features for Philips 45B1U6900CH Another important feature to note for making your workspace better is the USB-C docking with RJ45. With this docking system, professionals can connect to the network with RJ45, set up power delivery to their connected device, experience high-resolution video output, and connect an external device for high-speed data transfer. The Philips 45B1U6900CH has many other features that can help professionals complete their daily tasks. These include but are not limited to: Display HDR 400 for VESA certified, high-quality coloring on screen, a headphone hook for easy storage, and MultiClient Integrated KVM for controlling two PC setups to input from two sources simultaneously. Not to mention, the monitors TUV Rheinland Eyesafe RPF 50 certification ensures protection against blue light which all monitors emit. Philips 45B1U6900CH Availability For professionals aiming to boost workflow productivity, the Philips 45B1U6900CH monitor is ideal for meeting those needs. The monitor will be available for purchase on Amazon this summer and at a price of $1,099.99 USD. For additional information visit https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-so/monitors or contact Jamy Reyes at jamy.reyes@epius.com. About EPI Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI) is a California corporation, headquartered in Milpitas, California. It is an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV), which is one of the worlds leading monitor and LCD TV manufacturers. EPI exclusively markets and sells Philips-branded monitors, computer peripherals, and digital signage in North America under trademark license by Koninklijke Philips N.V. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPVs manufacturing expertise in displays, EPI uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market. "Cognitive abilities, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in any field, especially in the tech industry. - Nick Damoulakis, CEO, Orases Orases, a leading custom software development company based in Frederick, MD, is proud to announce its support of local musicians at the Let There Be Rock School of Frederick, via the schools youth sponsorship program. The sponsorship is part of Orases' ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and local businesses. Orases is proud to partner with the Let There Be Rock School to help cultivate a love of music in young people and provide them with the resources they need to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. "Cognitive abilities, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in any field, especially in the tech industry, said Nick Damoulakis, CEO of Orases. Studies show that students who study music perform significantly better in math and science, making investing in music scholarships for children a valuable investment in their future careers." At the Let There Be Rock School of Frederick, youth sponsorship recipients receive funding for their tuition and other expenses associated with their music lessons. All of the school's talented musicians have the opportunity to work with some of the best instructors in the area and receive valuable performance experience through concerts and other events. About Orases: Orases is a full-service, digital technology agency based in Maryland. Founded in 2000, Orases has become a trusted provider of custom software, website and application development services and solutions that drive efficiency and provide measurable cost savings and revenue gains to their client partners. Learn more at Orases.com. About Frederick Rock School: Frederick Rock School is a music school located in Frederick, MD, that offers private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities to students of all ages and skill levels. The school's mission is to provide high-quality music education to young people in the community and help them to develop a lifelong love of music. For more information about Orases or Frederick Rock School, please visit http://www.orases.com or http://www.frederickrockschool.com. Additionally, nearly 4 in 10 companies require employees to be on camera all day. Of this group, 93 percent say their live video feeds are monitored. These company monitoring practices have affected attrition. ResumeBuilder.com, the premier resource for professional resume templates and career advice, has published a recent survey report that investigates the prevalence of employee monitoring among remote or hybrid companies. The report also shares insight into how monitoring has impacted productivity and attrition. Researchers analyzed responses from 1,000 business leaders in the United States. Based on the results of the survey, 96 percent of respondents say their company utilizes employee monitoring software. While only 10 percent of remote companies say they started monitoring employees prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 37 percent say they started during the first year of the pandemic, 34 percent say the second year of the pandemic, and 20 percent say this past year. Ninety-seven percent of respondents somewhat or strongly believe that implementing monitoring software has increased employee productivity. Respondents indicate that their companies use monitoring software in several ways. Sixty-two percent say their company monitors web browsing and app use, and 49 percent say their company blocks content and apps. Additionally, nearly 4 in 10 companies require employees to be on camera all day. Of this group, 93 percent say their live video feeds are monitored. These company monitoring practices have affected attrition, with 7 in 10 respondents saying that employees have quit because they did not want to be monitored. Furthermore, 3 in 4 companies say they have fired employees based on data collected from their monitoring software. Like remote or hybrid employees, those who work in-person are typically subject to monitoring, as 85 percent of companies say in-person employees are also monitored. According to data gathered from monitoring software, 1 in 3 companies say employees spend an average of two hours each day on non-work activities, such as visiting websites or social media for personal use. Furthermore, 1 in 3 companies say their employees spend an average of three or more hours on non-work activities. This survey was commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the survey platform Pollfish from March 15-16, 2023. In total, 1,000 participants in the United States completed the full survey. All participants passed through demographic filters to ensure they were currently employed for wages, worked at a company with at least two employees, had an annual household income of at least $50,000, and were at least 25 years old. Additionally, respondents identified their company role as either a C-level executive, HR manager, President/CEO/Chairperson, owner, or partner. Respondents also went through a primary screening to include only companies with at least 50 percent of their workforce working remotely the majority of the time, and a secondary screening to ask if they use monitoring software for remote workers. To view the complete report, please visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/1-in-3-remote-employers-are-watching-you-work-from-home-on-camera/. ABOUT RESUMEBUILDER.COM ResumeBuilder.com provides free templates to help create professional resumes. The website also offers up-to-date information and machine learning tools for job seekers. With a team of certified resume writers, recruiting experts, and hiring managers, users gain a competitive advantage and confidence to get hired faster. To learn more, visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/. We are grateful for the role that they played in the development of our brand and corporate identity, and look forward to an exciting year in 2023 due to our continued partnership. Today, Alloy, an integrated marketing agency for global tech brands, announced that RetireeFirst has selected the firm as its agency of record. The selection comes on the heels of RetireeFirsts recent rebrand launch, which Alloy led and architected the past six months. The firms creative vision, strategic thinking, and attention to detail ensured that RetireeFirst could differentiate itself and establish a unique brand identity that resonated with its customers and end users. As agency-of-record, Alloy is now a key partner in RetireeFirsts new go-to-market strategy, also executing the company's first-ever inbound marketing program. The goal? To accelerate the demand for RetireeFirsts services and solutions, which protect and enhance retiree benefits while reducing costs and administrative burden for plan sponsors. RetireeFirst selected Alloy due to its reputation as a leading healthIT marketing firm with deep subject matter expertise that spans healthcare benefits, patient engagement software, diagnostic solutions, and more. "We were drawn to Alloy because of their track record for constructing integrated marketing campaigns that are both scientific and humanizing. Less than a year since our initial engagement began, I can say that our rebranding launch would not have been possible without the Alloy team's expertise, hard work, and guidance," said Stephanie Doherty, RetireeFirst SVP of Marketing. "We are grateful for the role that they played in the development of our brand and corporate identity, and look forward to an exciting year in 2023 due to our continued partnership." Alloy is one of the few agencies with deep expertise in the healthcare benefits sector and its wide range of stakeholders, from brokers to members, said Melissa Baratta, the agencys senior vice president. Our health IT team's ability to communicate nuanced messages and engage multiple personas enables us to be true partners to our clients. As Medicare enrollment grows and the industry evolves, we're excited to welcome RetireeFirst and elevate its new brand as the leading retiree benefits manager." See why Alloy is a two-time grand prize finalist for Ragans Health Agency of the Year by clicking here. About Alloy Alloy (previously known as ARPR) is an integrated marketing agency full of problem solvers and idea makers whose work reverberates throughout the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. The firms deep expertise in earned media, content marketing, social platforms, and digital advertising enables us to launch multi-channel campaigns that help global technology brands engage with their buyers, shape public opinion, build lasting influence and grow their market share. Since 2012, Alloy has been named a 10-time Best Place to Work, Technology Agency of the Year, Fastest Growing PR Agency, and noted for Best Use of Measurement and Data. To see how Alloy stands out from the crowd, visit AlloyCrew.com and follow @Alloy_Crew on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. About RetireeFirst RetireeFirst is the premier retiree benefit management solutions and advocacy service provider, proven to enhance the experience and outcomes for group plan sponsors and their retirees. Founded in 2005, the company partners with all major national health carriers and hundreds of labor unions, public sector entities, and private corporations nationwide. RetireeFirst designs solutions that preserve and enhance benefit quality while driving material cost savings. Its unparalleled advocacy service creates a seamless benefits experience and connects members to programs that improve their health and wellness. RetireeFirst is HITRUST certified and has been awarded a full URAC Core Accreditation for its commitment to upholding federal regulatory requirements and improving business processes. Headquartered in Mount Laurel, NJ, RetireeFirsts award-winning team, solutions, and services have received industry praise, world-class NPS scores, and a Philadelphia Biz Journal Best Places to Work award. For more information on RetireeFirsts people-centric approach, our services, and our broker, consultant, or carrier programs, visit retireefirst.com and follow RetireeFirst on LinkedIn and Twitter. "The founders of SightMD along with their entire organization, align with our clinical mission statement that patients come first. Together we are looking forward to continuing our mission and expertise in the greater Long Island area." said Dr. Basilice SightMD, a leading multi-specialty ophthalmology platform, today announced a strategic partnership with The Ophthalmic Center (TOC Eye), an eastern Long Island based ophthalmology practice. Through this strategic partnership the practices in East Setauket, 8 Technology Drive East Setauket, NY 11733 and in Wading River, 6144 Route 25A Wading River, NY 11792 will expand SightMDs presence by adding two location and four providers, growing SightMDs current footprint to 40+ locations and 85+ providers across New York. For over 40 years, TOC Eye has been a preferred ophthalmology practice for individuals seeking vision correction and comprehensive eye care throughout eastern Long Island, NY. The talented eye surgeons and optometrists at TOC Eye strive to dramatically improve the quality of life for their patients in East Setauket and Wading River. Thousands of people have trusted their award-winning team with their families eye care and vision correction treatment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have them join the expert team at SightMD. The doctors at TOC Eye joining the SightMD team are Vincent P. Basilice, MD, Michael Conners, MD, Alexander Llinas, MD, and Alex Schaffer, OD. Jeffrey Martin, MD, Co-founder and President of SightMD, said, I am honored to be partnering with the eye doctors of The Ophthalmic Center. Dr. Basilice is an excellent doctor who has enjoyed an amazing reputation over many years. I look forward to working together to provide the best in care to our patients. Jonathan Lujan, CEO of Sight Growth Partners added Sight Growth Partners is privileged to have the opportunity to be the administrator for TOC Eye where all of the doctors and staff provide the highest quality of eye care to their patients. Dr. Basilice, the founder and medical director of TOC Eye, is a board-certified ophthalmologist that has been regarded as one of the best eye surgeons on Long Island for over 40 years. Dr. Basilice is regularly sought out as a community, organizational, and education speaker, addressing a diverse array of ophthalmic topics including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care, and the latest advances in cataract IOL treatment and laser vision correction. Dr. Basilice has been invited to participate in a number of clinical trials including investigation for the multifocal intraocular lens as well as numerous other pharmaceutical test protocols. In addition, Dr. Basilice is recognized as one of the Islands foremost authorities on LASIK laser vision correction, being among the first on Long Island to regularly include the advanced technologies of WaveScan pre-surgical testing and the capabilities of the VISX Star S4 excimer laser. Dr. Basilice is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He received the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award and was recognized as The Humanitarian Of The Year in 2015. Dr. Basilice is a Brooklyn native and now resides with his wife Dahna in Suffolk County. Dr. Basilice has stated his excitement to start this new chapter of his medical career with SightMD. When asked about how he feels about joining SightMD Dr. Basilice said "The founders of SightMD along with their entire organization, align with our clinical mission statement that patients come first. Together we are looking forward to continuing our mission and expertise in the greater Long Island area." Dr. Conners is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist, who brings expertise in the fields of Cornea and External Diseases as well as Refractive Surgery. Dr. Conners is a graduate of Hofstra University and completed his medical and graduate training at New York Medical College resulting in a dual M.D., Ph.D. degree. Dr. Conners completed fellowship training in Cornea, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery both at Washington University and the nationally recognized Minnesota Eye Consultants in Minneapolis. Dr. Conners has extensive experience in routine and complex cataract surgery including the newer multifocal and accommodative lens technology. Dr. Conners is a Long Island native, having grown up in East Meadow and now residing in Miller Place with his wife and has 3 grown children. Dr. Llinas specializes in the treatment of glaucoma both medically and surgically. His education has been quite extensive, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University. He attended St. Andrews University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, where he received a Ph.D. in molecular biology. Dr. Llinas also received his Medical Doctorate from New York University School of Medicine in Manhattan. Although Dr. Llinas spends most of his time caring for his glaucoma patients, he still finds time to do research in the field. He has given many lectures to very diverse groups and continues to author papers on the subject of glaucoma. Dr. Llinas was born in Chicago, Illinois, but spent most of his life in Manhattan. He has since moved to Long Island, where he resides with his wife and his young children. Dr. Schaffer earned his doctorate degree in optometry from SUNY Optometry in Manhattan. While obtaining his degree, Dr. Schaffer interned at TOC Eye, The Veterans Hospital in Northport, and at Family Vision Care in San Carlos, California. This training allowed him to work closely with both optometrists and ophthalmologists in treating diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, in addition to fitting contact lenses and providing vision therapy and rehabilitative services to patients. Dr. Schaffer is a member of the American Optometric Association. He is a long time resident of Setauket and a graduate of Ward Melville High School. He is proud to call the Three Villages his home and hopes to provide continuing quality eye-care within the community. Dr. Schaffer resides in South Setauket with his wife, 2 young children and another on the way. The team of doctors at TOC Eye will continue to care for their patients at the same Wading River and East Setauket offices. With this partnership their patients and the community will have access to seamless care at all of SightMDs office locations throughout Long Island, Westchester and New York City. About SightMD SightMD is a rapidly-growing integrated ophthalmic provider group, offering patients access to over 80 eye care providers through the convenience of 40 locations across New York. SightMD's track record of providing clinically-excellent care spans over 50 years, and its services include general eye exams, laser cataract surgery and lens implantation, glaucoma management, retinal disorder treatment, corneal services, neuro-ophthalmology, LASIK laser vision correction, oculoplastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, and audiology. Sight Growth Partners is the administrative services provider for SightMD as well as SightMD Connecticut, SightMD New Jersey, and SightMD Pennsylvania. For more information about SightMD, please visit https://www.sightmd.com/sightmd-ny/ About Sight Growth Partners Sight Growth Partners is the leading administrative services provider for the ophthalmology sector including SightMD in New York, SightMD Connecticut, SightMD New Jersey, and SightMD Pennsylvania. It has over 140 employees who provide administrative solutions to physicians, ophthalmology clinics and ambulatory surgery centers. Sight Growth Partners provides its clients with world-class administrative services, including a 24/7 call center, billing, credentialing, marketing, human resources, and other services, enabling them to continue delivering best-in-class care to patients in their communities. Sight Growth Partners is backed by Chicago Pacific Founders, a leading middle market private equity firm which focuses exclusively on partnerships with growing companies in the healthcare services sector. For more information about Sight Growth Partners, please visit http://www.sightgrowthpartners.com. Elizabeth Skomp, PhD, has served as Stetson's Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2019. "Dr. Skomp is a champion of a broad liberal arts education and is also highly skilled in addressing the myriad of challenges and opportunities contained within the higher education landscape." Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD, has announced that Elizabeth Skomp, PhD, will serve as the university's next provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. Since joining Stetson in 2019, Skomp has served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor of World Languages and Cultures (Russian). Prior to that, she was the associate dean for Faculty Development and Inclusion, and professor of Russian at the University of the South (Sewanee). "Stetson is so fortunate to have secured Dr. Elizabeth Skomp for this vital leadership role," Roellke said. "Dr. Skomp is a champion of a broad liberal arts education and is also highly skilled in addressing the myriad of challenges and opportunities contained within the higher education landscape." Skomp was selected following a thorough and comprehensive internal search that began last year after Noel Painter, PhD, announced he would step down as provost and executive vice president on June 30. Painter will take a much-deserved sabbatical after his seven years of exceptional service as provost and then return to the faculty in the School of Music, where he has served as an award-winning teacher and scholar. Skomp will begin her new role as the universitys chief academic officer on July 1. An interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will be appointed shortly, and a national search for Skomp's successor will launch in Fall 2023. "During my four years at Stetson, the evident commitment to creating transformative learning experiences for our students has impressed me time and again, and Stetsons mission to provide a 'creative community where learning and values meet' has resonated deeply with me since I first began to engage with the university," Skomp said. "As we prepare to enter the institutions next chapter, I am eager to lead the universitys academic endeavors in partnership with deans, faculty, staff and other invested members of our community," she added. President Roellke expressed his sincere thanks to the search committee, including the tri-chairs, Melinda Hall, PhD, Faculty Senate Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy; Peter Lake, Professor of Law and the Charles A. Dana Chair and Director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy; and Harry Price, PhD, Director of the Brown Center for Faculty Innovation and Excellence, and Associate Professor of Chemistry. During her time as dean, Skomp has played a key leadership role in a number of important university initiatives, including: Advancing the university's Health and Science Initiative. She co-chaired the planning process for the Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation and the renovation of Sage Hall Science Center; expanded the Office of Pre-Health Advising; and secured funding for a full-time health professions advisor. Collaborating on senior university diversity, equity and inclusion leadership teams; and implementing inclusive hiring practices in the College of Arts and Sciences. Launching the LaValle Scholar-Artist program and LaValle Experiential Learning Fund for students in the Creative Arts, following the receipt of the Antoinette LaValle bequest. Skomp holds a BA from Indiana University and a PhD from the University of London, which she attended as a British Marshall Scholar. She previously taught at Williams College, DePauw University and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She is the past president of the Southern Conference on Slavic Studies. Her 2015 book, "Ludmila Ulitskaya and the Art of Tolerance," stands out among numerous research grants, published articles and reviews, and conference presentations. "A devoted teacher-scholar, Dr. Skomp is widely respected and admired, not only here at Stetson, but throughout our field," President Roellke added. "I am so eager to work with Elizabeth as we collectively seek to secure Stetson's future and to promote the very best forms of education for our students." About Stetson University Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 4 on U.S. News & World Reports 2023 list of Best Regional Universities (South) and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Reviews Best 388 Colleges for 2023. The units for the Tracking Layer satellites will be based on Tridents proven line of UDRT On-Board Processors (OBPs) providing real-time compression, combined with an innovative, high-performance storage solution. Northrop Grumman has selected Trident Systems, Inc. to provide processing and storage electronics for 14 of the Space Development Agencys Tranche 1 Tracking Layer satellites. Under this subcontract, Trident will deliver developmental and flight units in support of the payload, which is designed to track missiles and other hypersonic objects from Low Earth Orbit. Our products are well suited for this type of payload and are available on SDAs rapid timelines said Dan Hibbard, VP of Tridents Space Electronics Systems business unit, adding, This competitive selection highlights our continued growth, especially in the area of higher rate manufacturing of our products. The program selection comes at a time when Trident is expanding to a new production facility, scheduled to open in mid-2023 in the Northern Virginia area. The units for the Tracking Layer satellites will be based on Tridents proven line of UDRT On-Board Processors (OBPs) providing real-time compression, combined with an innovative, high-performance storage solution. Packaged in a SWaP-optimized 3U VPX chassis, the unit-level solution is a radiation effects mitigated design, reprogrammable on-orbit, and employs features to specifically address cybersecurity. Northrop Grumman has been a great customer to work with, and were excited to support them on this program, said Hibbard. We look forward to supporting this Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture program and others in the future. ABOUT TRIDENT: Tridents Space Electronic Systems (SES) is Tridents business area dedicated to the research, development, design, and manufacture of Software Defined Radios (SDRs), On-Board Processors (OBPs), and storage solutions for space. Using a rapid response, radiation effects mitigated design approach, SES has become a leader in low-cost, high-performance, open architecture solutions for multi-function RF and processing systems. Half of Ukrainians who left after start of Russian invasion decide not to return to Ukraine for security reasons - poll The security issue has become the reason for not returning to Ukraine for 50% of citizens who left the country after February 24, 2022. This is evidenced by the results of an online survey assessing the migration processes and moods of Ukrainians, which were presented by executive director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future Vadym Denysenko at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine. According to the survey, 37% of respondents have close relatives (spouses, children or parents) who were forced to leave Ukraine after the start of a full-scale Russian invasion, and 80% have friends and acquaintances with whom they communicate personally. The main reason for leaving was the lack of a sense of security, 58% said the need to take care of children and their future, and 57% believe that the reason is the increased level of danger. Answering a question about the attitude towards the need to return, 46% of respondents, who left after February 24, 2022, noted that "everyone decides for themselves," 21% chose the option "yes, immediately after the end of the war (before the process of rebuilding the country)," and 16.5% - "yes, if there is no threat of occupation of their territories." Regarding the assessment of the intentions of the closest relatives who left to return to Ukraine, 36% of respondents answered "definitely yes - they firmly decided it," 32% consider it possible, "if there is work and it is safe," 14% believe that it is unlikely whether it will happen, "because they are starting to settle in a new place," 5% said no, and 3% of the respondents are going to move to relatives if possible. At the same time, 44% of respondents believe that their friends and acquaintances will be able to return if it is safe in Ukraine and the issue of employment can be resolved, 29% are convinced that it will definitely be so, because "they constantly talk about it," 15% - chose the option "unlikely" and 2% - "no." Among the reasons that influence the decision of people to return to Ukraine are family ties (60%), habitual lifestyle and environment (46%), security (42%), job availability (36%), patriotism (32%), failures in settling abroad (27%), and caring for children, since they have to live and study in Ukraine (16%). At the same time, 55% of respondents named life prospects as reasons not to return to Ukraine, 50% - safety, 48% - availability of work, 33% - caring for children (they should receive a normal education and start a new life), 28% - comfort, and 27% - lack of fight against corruption and lustration of pro-Russian forces in Ukraine. Also, 21% of respondents said that among their acquaintances, friends and colleagues there are men who left Ukraine after February 24, 2022, although they had no legal reasons or grounds for this (59% answered "no," 19% - "I don't know" and another 1% refused to answer this question). In addition, 47% of respondents to the question of whether Ukrainian refugees should help Ukraine answered that everyone decides for themselves, 28% believe that for this purpose (for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine) part of their salary should be transferred. The average monthly donations of Ukrainians who left, according to the survey, are UAH 51-100 (this was reported by 16.4% of respondents, while 18.2% answered that they had not helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine or volunteers with money over the past three months). The online survey Assessment of Migration Processes and Moods was conducted by the Ukrainian Institute for the Future together with New Image Group on March 20-23. Respondents gave answers to questions about their motivation to return to Ukraine or stay abroad, and assessed the likelihood of their friends and relatives returning. The survey involved 1,200 respondents, including the adult population of Ukraine, Internet users aged 18 years and older. The statistical error with a probability of 0.95 does not exceed 2.89%. The survey was conducted throughout the territory of Ukraine, except for settlements in the temporarily uncontrolled territories of Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Luhansk and Kherson regions, as well as the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea. TruBlue can identify the issues or necessary improvements that we dont have the expertise to see. TruBlue can be our eyes for making sure the home is ready and in the best shape possible, said Bongiovanni. TruBlue Total House Care, the 80-plus-unit handyman and home services franchise, has announced a strategic partnership with Majestic Residences, the residential assisted living facility franchise. Majestic Residences is an innovative, and up & coming franchise system that converts homes into small, assisted living facilities, said Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue. They focus on caring for seniors in a shared home setting. They recognized the need for a partner, also professionally trained to support seniors, that can help make sure those individual homes are well-maintained and optimized for their residents. TruBlue is the perfect partner because we are the only franchise system focused on ongoing home maintenance and handyman services for seniors and busy adults. The TruBlue Home Service Ally on-demand and subscription based programs provide help around the house, both inside and out. Majestic Residences was founded in 2020 to provide unparalleled homes for seniors when compared to the traditional large assisted living and memory care facilities. Limited to six to 16 residents per home depending on their location, Majestic Residences offers the type of services that is best served in a smaller, home-like facility 24-hour care, homemade meals, housekeeping, bathing, grooming, medication administration, activities and events, fall prevention, in-home physicians visits and much, much more. Our franchise owners are residential assisted living home experts in senior care who leverage our operations, marketing and technology to create a home-away-from-home for seniors who have to relocate because they can no longer care for themselves, said Majestic Residences CEO Chuck Bongiovanni. That is why it is so important that our facilities stay well-maintained. By forming a strategic partnership with TruBlue, Majestic Residences franchise owners can now access various services, such as handyman tasks and senior-centered modifications, to transform a house into a Majestic Residences facility. They can also request continued maintenance support by taking advantage of TruBlues on-going maintenance and VIP subscription services. TruBlue can identify the issues or necessary improvements that we dont have the expertise to see, said Bongiovanni. Something as small as improper lighting in a hallway can convince a family not to move into a home. TruBlue can be our eyes for making sure the home is ready and in the best shape possible. This strategic alliance is the latest in an exciting wave of nationwide partnerships TruBlue has announced recently, including collaborations with other senior care providers like Comfort Keepers, The Helper Bees, Right at Home and more. "The senior care industry relies on collaboration, not just one company or solution," said Fitzgerald. "As seniors increasingly opt to age in place, care providers recognize that maintaining the home is as crucial as any other aspect of care. Many seniors and their adult children are unaware of these services, which is why these strategic partnerships are vital. They help us reach more clients, inform the public and collectively provide seniors with the resources needed to age in place successfully." For more information about TruBlue Total House Care, visit https://trubluehousecare.com/. ABOUT TRUBLUE TOTAL HOUSE CARE TruBlue Total House Care provides help around your home both inside and out. TruBlues services include handyman services, preventative maintenance, to-do list chores, emergency repairs, and seasonal work, all handled by a personal Home Ally Technician. TruBlue strives to provide affordable, worry-free living for seniors and hassle-free living for busy adults by providing full-service, trustworthy home maintenance services. TruBlue franchise owners are required to complete the Senior Home Safety Certification program through Age Safe America. As specialists, TruBlue franchisees are able to perform Senior Home Safety Assessments and can make those recommended safety modifications if needed. Completely preserved business growth despite destroying the office in Mykolaiv and forced internal migration in 2022. We continue to talk about the Ukrainian technology business successes in the most painful period for the country. Ukrainian software development company Alpha Serve shares its experience of overcoming obstacles and facing the challenges of war. From Outsourcing to Owning Products Alpha Serve, a software development company, has been specializing in outsourced and outstaffed software development since 2003. In 2018, the company developed two products for Jira and Confluence after receiving a client request for a secure authentication application. These products allowed Alpha Serve to enter the Atlassian Marketplace and become an official partner. "Our specialty is business intelligence connectors, which integrate B2B software like Jira, and ServiceNow with BI tools such as Power BI and Tableau. Our customers include well-known companies and institutions worldwide, from industries such as banking, telecommunications, automotive, insurance, government, and education," explains Anton Storozhuk, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Serve. Alpha Serve joined Shopify in 2020 and launched six new applications on the Atlassian Marketplace in 2021. The company became a Gold and then a Platinum Atlassian Marketplace Partner in 2022. In the fall of 2021, Alpha Serve closed all outsourcing contracts to focus on developing its own products, with 35% of the team working in the Mykolaiv office and the others distributed in Ukraine and abroad. "24.02" or What to Expect The first week of the war became, for Alpha Serve, as well as for most Ukrainians, a period of uncertainty, movements around Ukraine, attempts to settle down, and decisions on further actions. Most tellingly, all colleagues were in touch due to established internal processes, communication, and support from the overseas part of the team. Male employees deliberately stayed in Ukraine without looking for a dubious way of leaving the country. Thus in March, three employees joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "In this difficult and trying time, our sense of unity as a team was crucial. We supported and assisted one another, which not only helped keep the company going but also reinforced our shared corporate values of honesty and integrity." says Anna Odrynska. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Alpha Serve managed to keep its entire team by doubling the efforts of all members. Motivated by their commitment to customers and the competitive global market, the company continued to progress according to plan. Any halt or withdrawal from operations risked undoing the progress made in previous years. Alpha Serve opened a new office in Kyiv in July 2022, and despite a rocket destroying their Mykolaiv office, the team remained united and moved forward confidently. In 2022, Alpha Serve successfully released all planned new products, launched three new marketplaces, and expanded their team with 13 technical hires, including Ukrainians, despite the business risks. The company now has a strong product portfolio, subsidiary in the US and successfully operates on various marketplaces including Atlassian, ServiceNow, Zendesk, monday.com, Shopify, and QuickBooks. World Stays with Ukraine Despite expectations that the war would have a negative impact on sales and customer cooperation, Alpha Serve continued to invest in their business. The company's global market orientation and reliable products enabled them to attract new customers and achieve sales that doubled compared to the previous year. Alpha Serve's example shows that a crisis can be an opportunity for growth, and the company advises transparency with clients and independent risk assessment. Their experience during the war demonstrates their commitment to Ukraine and their determination to continue working in the face of adversity. With more than 150 childrens books to her credit since the early 1990s, Katherine Applegate has earned her reputation as a prolific author, and her impressive creative output continues apace. This year, the author will add four books to her oeuvrethree new titles and a paperback reprint of her 2017 middle grade novel Wishtree, out today. Also pubbing today from Feiwel and Friends is Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy, illustrated by Charlie Alder, the conclusion to a beginning reader trilogy about this canine duo. On May 2, HarperCollins will publish The One and Only Ruby, starring the baby elephant from Applegates Newbery-winning and bestselling The One and Only Ivan and its sequel, The One and Only Bob. And topping off the authors 2023 lineup is Dogtown, an illustrated novel from Feiwel and Friends, set in a shelter for stray dogs and discarded robot dogs. Applegate and Gennifer Choldenco coauthored this caper, featuring illustrations by Wallace West. PW spoke with Applegate about her upcoming publications and attendant book tours, as well as her ongoing advocacy for social change and civility. What a banner year for you! And unsurprisingly, animals feature quite prominently in your new books character rosters. In what way is it different to create a distinct personality or voice for an animal than for a human? I have been busyand animals do have a way of appearing in my novelsone way or another. In fact, the very first story I ever wrotewhen I was in fourth gradewas about a dog called Alice. When kids ask me today when I knew I wanted to be a writer I tell them that thats when I became a writerwriting that story about Alice was the moment. And that feeling has never left meexcept maybe temporarily when I was sure I wanted to be a veterinarian and I worked for a vet in high school. I think when you create an animal character, it helps to know from the outset what your comfort level is in terms of anthropomorphism. Do you want to stay as close as possible to a voice that reflects our current, albeit limited, understanding of a species? Or are your animals human stand-ins, there to help us comprehend our own behavior with a fresh eye? Cookies, from Frog and Toad Together, being a classic example. For me, anyway. Its a delicate balance, and I often struggle with this question in my books. But once youve decided on an approach, creating distinct animal personalities is, in my experience, exactly the same as developing human characters. To be relatable, a character, no matter how furry, must be complicated and flawedmust be like us, in other words. Do you regularly research the animal species that appear in your fiction? Research is one of my favorite parts of the writing process. I often joke that its a great way to procrastinateand it is. But thorough research is vital, if you want to understand how your animal characters perceive the world. How is our protagonist processing sensory input? What does it feel like to be an otter in frigid waters, or a puppy on its first walk through the woods? If Im going to write about a dog taking in its environment through a nose thats thousands of times more sensitive than mine, its going to hugely change the words I choose and the emotions I want to convey. And if research means, say, spending a glorious day on Monterey Bay, hanging out with southern sea otters well, we all have to make sacrifices for our art. Two of your four 2023 books involved collaborating with othersGennifer Choldenko in Dogtown and Charlie Alder in Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy. How did those collaborations work? Gennifer is brilliant and funny andthank goodnessso much better at plotting than I am! Working with her was a dream. Weve both written a lot of books, so it was great fun to compare our approaches and meld them. Charlie lives in the U.K. and weve never had the chance to meet, which made the collaborative process more challenging, but also especially rewarding. She has the remarkable ability to take one simple declarative sentence from me and turn it into several hilarious illustrations. I dont know how she does it. Collaboration is magicalunless its with your husband. Then its more like mortal combat. You have addressed important timely issues in your novels, including animal cruelty in The One and Only Ivan, childhood hunger in Crenshaw, caring for the environment in Willodeen, and acceptance and civility in Wishtree. What inspires you to delve deep thematically in your fiction? I am inspired by what makes me mad. What motivated me in Ivan was that I never imagined that an animal could be mistreated like that for so many years. Humans are capable of such horrific behavior and yet can have so much compassion. And in Wishtree, a Muslim family that moves into a neighborhood is not welcomed by all, and I wanted readers to ask why that was happening, and why people treat others that way. I knew I am not alone in feeling angry, and I wanted to ventilate. Writing a book is exactly how authors ventilate. Youre embarking on two in-person tours this spring, one along the West Coast at the end of this month to promote Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy; and the other a cross-country trip in early May for The One and Only Ruby. Are you looking forward to meeting fans face-to-face after the virtual-visits-only dictate during the pandemic? I am! I attended the Tucson Book Festival earlier this month, and it was so wonderful to be out in the real world again and feel reinforced and invigorated. I am so inspired by teachers and librarians and love to learn how they use my books with children. On in-person tours, there is something special about talking one-on-one with kids and signing their books with them right there. You cant replace that. But of course with virtual tours you can reach so many more people, including children in schools that are not close to a bookstore and Title 1 schools that dont always have an opportunity to have an author visit. Your national virtual tour for Wishtree in April will include components of social good, school-wide reading challenges, a reading guide, and community projects inspired by the themes of your middle-grade novels. What was your reaction to this initiative giving real-world applications to your fiction? Its such an honor for an author to see her books used in classrooms to promote real social change. After all, its easy enough for me to write the stories: I just sit at my desk, swig coffee, and type. Its quite another thing for teachers and librarians to take those novels and help kids connect with the content. Im so grateful to them, and to Macmillan, for giving kids a way to take what theyve learned from a novel and translate it into real-world action. And after your busy spring on tour, whats waiting on your writing desk? I am writing oneand only onemore One and Only Book. I had a cool idea for a story, and I knew it would be nice to revisit these characters one last time. The title and protagonist are still under wraps. For the record, its not Stella, who might seem like a logical choice. The One and Only Ruby is very much a tribute to Stellas influence on Ivan, Bob, and especially Ruby. Ruby and Stella had similar backstories. They were both born in the wild, captured, and trapped in run-down circuses. In a way, I think The One and Only Ruby is as much Stellas story as Rubys. After more than a decade and four One and Only novels, will you miss being and writing in Ivans world? Ive written many series, but never have I found such comfort in the company of a group of characters. I love them dearly and will miss them profoundly. Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy by Katherine Applegate, illus. by Charlie Alder. Feiwel and Friends, $9.99 Mar. 28 ISBN 978-1-250-62102-3. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Square Fish, $8.99 paper Mar. 28 ISBN 978-1-250-23389-9. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate. HarperCollins, $19.99 May 2 ISBN 978-0-063-08008-9. Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, illus. by Wallace West. Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 Sept. 19 ISBN 978-1-250-81160-8. Award-winning author Julie Anne Peters, best known for her groundbreaking YA novels featuring complex LGBTQ+ characters navigating relationships and exploring issues of identity, died on March 21 following a long illness. She was 71. Peters was born on January 16, 1952 in Jamestown, N.Y., and grew up in suburban Denver, Colo. In 1974 she received her B.A. from Colorado Womens College, and following graduation, she spent a year working as a fifth-grade teacher and as an educational assistant to students with special needs. By late 1975, Peters had changed her career course and began work as a computer programmer and systems analyst, which included earning a B.S. from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1985 and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado-Denver in 1989. During this period, she told Something About the Author, After discovering a surprising aptitude for technical writing, I began work on a young adult novel. It never saw the light of publication, but it did illuminate hopes for a career in writing. This new game plan spurred Peters to devote two years developing skills, learning the craft, and educating myself in the field of childrens literature, she told SATA. She sold several short stories, nonfiction articles, and educational activities that appeared in childrens magazines before signing up her first middle-grade book, The Stinky Sneakers Contest, published by Little, Brown in 1992. Peters wrote several more humorous middle-grade novels in the 1990s before publishing her first YA title, Define Normal (Little, Brown, 2000), which Peters had said was inspired by the family difficulties often experienced by the kids she had worked with as a teacher. Peterss next YA project also was inspired by her lived experience. In a 2020 interview with Write or Die magazine, Peters recalled how it came to be. One day I was talking to my editor, Megan Tingley at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, about another book we were collaborating on, and out of nowhere she asked, Why dont you write a lesbian love story?, Peters said. I may have fainted, she added. Long, long pause while I hyperventilated. At that time, Peters, who was openly gay, was out only to family and friends, but not OUT out, she explained in Write or Die. In 2014, Peters married her partner Sherri Leggett, after being together for 40 years. Peterss agent was equally encouraging about her pursuing this new storytelling tack. The result was Keeping You a Secret (Little, Brown, 2003), centering the romantic relationship between two teenage girls. As the book was a rarity in its day, Peters braced herself for a negative reaction. But, as she told Write or Die, she was proven wrong. What filled my inbox were letters from young readers. Love letters. Coming out stories. Horrible stories. Wonderful stories. Thank you letters, Peters said, They kept coming and coming. I printed every one. I answered every one. Yes, there were a few emails from mothers who accused me of turning their daughters into lesbians. Hell, if I knew it was that easy, Id have written the book years before. In addition to getting a warm reception from readers, the book was named a Stonewall Honor Book by the American Library Association and was a Lambda Literary Award finalist. It took time to absorb the significance and power of that book, she told Write or Die. Today I cherish the impact, and the fact that the success of Keeping You a Secret gave permission to other authors to write their stories. And for publishers to buy them. It gave me the confidence to write more young adult literature with lesbian characters and themes. Among Peterss other acclaimed YA novels are Between Mom and Jo (Little, Brown, 2006) and Luna (Little, Brown, 2004) one of the first books for young people focused on a transgender teen struggling with issues of identity and acceptance. Luna received many industry accolades including being selected as a National Book Award finalist. In all, Peterss books have sold more than one million copies and have been published in numerous countries around the world. Megan Tingley, president and publisher of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Peterss longtime editor, shared a personal remembrance. Julie and I began working together in 1991, she said. I discovered The Stinky Sneakers Contest in the slush pile. It was my first fiction acquisition and her first publication. So, we grew up in publishing together. At the beginning of her career, she was focused on writing humorous stories with heart for middle readers, but it was when she sent me her first YA novel, Define Normal, that I thought she had found her true voice. LGBTQ+ readers needed their own Judy Blume and, to me, Julie was it. She explored issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, divorce, and depression with both humanity and humor. While Julie retired from writing in 2014, we remained friends and I last saw her in September, when she and Sherri came out to visit. After struggling with some health issues for a few years, she seemed to be doing much better and we laughed a lot. Im grateful for that memory and to know that her books will continue providing a much-needed lifeline to young readers. Wendy Schmalz, Peterss agent of long standing, offered this tribute: Julie wasnt just a talented writer. She was a courageous one. I hope that people understand just how gutsy it was to write an LGBQT+ novel in the early 2000s. What gave Julie the most satisfaction were the letters she received over the years from LGBTQ+ kids thanking her for making them feel less alone and helping them realize there was nothing wrong with them. Julie was smart, funny, sarcastic, and a joy to have as a client and a friend. And Stephanie Lurie, executive editor of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney-Hyperion, recalled, I was fortunate enough to be able to do some finishing-up work on Julies YA novel By the Time You Read This, Ill Be Dead (Disney-Hyperion, 2008), about one girls struggle with suicidal thoughts, and I was floored by Julies frank and courageous writing. I immediately knew her book would speak to and help many readers. Then I had the opportunity to experience Julie in person at a dinner party at her home, where I thoroughly enjoyed her big heart and sharp wit. Im glad our paths crossed briefly, if only so I could tell her how much I admired and appreciated her work. May it live on for years to come. Gloria's Promise, the newest picture book from sisters Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, is a particularly meaningful one for the longtime collaborators. Based on Glassers childhood experience of falling during her audition for the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, and filled with her signature exuberant art, the story, written by Glasser with Weitzman, follows a passionate young New York City ballet dancer vying for a spot in the companys summer program. Glasser, an alumna of the ABT School scholarship program, danced professionally with the Pennsylvania Ballet (now the Philadelphia Ballet) before becoming a childrens book illustrator. The two introduced the book, the most recent title from the partnership between Random House Childrens Books and the American Ballet Theatre, to students at the dance companys Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School on March 20. Lee Wade, v-p and publisher at Random House Studio, had approached Glasserwith whom she had worked two decades earlier on Lynne Cheneys America and succeeding titlesabout a ballet picture book as soon as the RHCB/ABT partnership was formed in 2019. I jumped at the idea of doing a picture book with ABT because I was hoping I could convince Robin to make a picture book with me, Wade recalled. I had always thought she should write and illustrate a book for children that would draw on her experiences as a professional dancer. I knew she could write truthfully about the hunger to dance, and what it truly takes to become a ballet dancer. Glasser loved the idea, but had her hands full at the time. She was finishing up work on the popular Fancy Nancy series by Jane OConnor, and illustrating Escape Goat, the second of three picture books by novelist Ann Patchett. Still, she began searching for models online and sketching ideas. I was looking for my muse, she explained, a young dancer with talent, drive and personality. She found her via Instagram: Yeva Hrytsak, a ballet student in Dnipro, Ukraine, whose photos showed her dancing in the street, on a bridge, against a tree in a parkbasically, this kid just needed to dance wherever she went! Glasser and Weitzman are the oldest and youngest, respectively, of four sisters brought up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., whose mothers love of dance and literature informed their childhood. We grew up in a house with books on the shelves and images of dancers on the walls, Weitzman said. Our mother began taking Robin to ballet classes before I was even born. All four of us took lessons, but we all knew Robin was the one with the talent. Their mothers passion for the arts evolved into a career in arts management, which included being the manager of former New York City Ballet dancer Edward Villella when he founded the Miami City Ballet in 1985. Movingly, the books publication date coincides nearly to the day with the one-year anniversary of their mothers death, creating a particular poignancy to the books debut. Our mother would have loved to have been at this event, noted Glasser during the afternoon. The sisters, who previously worked together on You Cant Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum (Dial, 1998) and follow-up books, said Glorias Promise was a true collaboration, with words and pictures coming simultaneously. We start by brainstorming together about the story we want to tell, and how our character evolves, Weitzman explained. And we need to know how our story ends before we begin. Once we do, I begin the words and art notes and Robin begins drawing. Were both seeing a movie in our minds. Robin is my hand for the pictures Im seeing. As Robin draws, we take words out. The finished book is a little of me, a little of her. Launching the Bookand Meeting the Muse The March 20 kick-off for the books tour included Glasser and Weitzman meeting with teenage students in ABTs pre-professional division, followed by a read-aloud and crafts activity with seven- and eight-year-old students in the childrens division. Glasser playfully challenged the teens to replicate the poses in Glorias Promise while holding a copy of the booka challenge they happily took up. She asked for their stories about embarrassing auditions, agreeing that laughing at your mistakes, then persisting through them is the best attitude, and with one students statement: My teacher told me shes looking for passion, not perfection. The afternoon was also the scene of a moving encounter for Glasser: one of the pre-professional students was none other than her muse, Hrytsak. Because she lived in Ukraine when I was sketching her, Glasser said, I accepted that I would never meet her. Then the war started, and I couldnt stop worrying about her. Hrytsak, though, had been temporarily studying at a dance academy in Zurich when Russia invaded Ukraine. Her family told her not to return home; stranded, Hrytsak was evacuated to the U.S. along with other Ukrainian dance students, by Russian-born Larissa Saveliev, founder of the Youth America Grand Prix, a student ballet scholarship competition. When she turned up in New York, safely ensconced in the highest level of the ABT JKO School, Glasser said, I was gobsmacked by the serendipitous fortune of actually getting to meet her in person. And she was even lovelier than Id drawn her! After talking with the older dancers, Glasser and Weitzman met with a dozen younger students who had just finished class. Still wearing their practice clothes, they huddled on couches and armchairs in the schools dancers lounge with their own copies of Glorias Promise, following along as Glasser and Weitzman read aloud, then lining up to have their books signed and finally decorating black-and-white images from the book with crayons, glitter, and feathers. The next day the sisters headed to Montclair, N.J., for an event at Watchung Booksellers, and visited the Brookdale Elementary School in neighboring Bloomfield. From there, they traveled to Ann Patchetts Parnassus Books in Nashville, the start of a national book tour that includes Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, and a few stops in Nebraska. For all their potential readers, aspiring dancers or not, Weitzman and Glasser have the same message: This book is for anybody who has a passionsomething they want to do all the time, Weitzman said. Even if you dont pursue it professionally, following that passion will enrich your life and inform it in ways you cant even imagine yet. Glorias Promise by Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman. Random House Studio, $18.99 Mar. ISBN 978-0-593-18100-3 Details added: first version posted on 09:32 BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The Western Azerbaijan Community's return concept has been circulated as an official document of the UN, Spokesperson for the Community Ulviya Zulfigar told reporters, Trend reports. According to Zulfigar, the concept covers the issues of ensuring the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from the territory of present-day Armenia, to a peaceful, safe and dignified return, restoration and protection of their individual and collective rights, including property rights, cultural and historical heritage. The concept was circulated in all official UN languages ( English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish), in accordance with the agenda items of these major bodies on the prevention of armed conflict, peacebuilding, the protection of the rights of refugees, the eradication of racial discrimination, the promotion of human rights, the prevention of genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Zulfigar said that the concepts circulation among documents of the main UN bodies is a great success on the path of the peaceful return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands and further reduces the ability of the Armenian government to distort the issue of Western Azerbaijan. Besides, the document calls on Armenia to start negotiations with the Community and encourages the start of an international process on this issue. Will be updated Requiring low-performing students to repeat a grade has been a long-standing and highly debated intervention in the United States. Calls to end social promotion in schools in the 1990s, along with the increasing popularity of educational accountability and standardized testing, led to test-based retention policies in many states and school districts. As of 2020, for example, about half of all states and the District of Columbia require or encourage school districts to retain third-grade students who lag behind based on their third-grade reading scores. So it's little surprise that grade retention is a common proposal to get kids back on track in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents argue that an entire year of instruction in the same grade offers struggling students a realistic chance to catch up academically. This could be particularly relevant in the current environment where less-intensive interventions may be insufficient to address the scale of unfinished learning from the pandemic. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that grade retention imposes significant emotional burden: Students can be stigmatized as failing and also have to adjust to a new peer group. These burdens risk student disengagement from schooling. In the context of COVID-19, students and families might view retention as being punished for the lost opportunity to learn. Opponents also point to the monetary expense: Districts incur the cost of an additional year of schooling, and retained students forgo a potential year of lifetime wages. But what does the research say? While existing literature does not address grade retention as a remedy for missed opportunity due to school disruptions, these studies may still provide useful guidance in the wake of the pandemic since acquiring the necessary skills before moving to the next grade is an essential component of these retention policies. In the 20th century, the education literature that used correlational methods generally concluded that retained students performed significantly worse than their promoted peers in the years that follow. But more recent studies, which better isolate the causal effect of retention from confounding factors, paint a more nuanced picture. Retention is more likely to succeed in earlier grades and when implemented with instructional support mechanisms tailored towards the educational needs of retained students. Share on Twitter Student promotion policies vary by grade, subjects, and threshold for retention. So unsurprisingly, effects do not fully replicate across these different contexts. That said, a common theme emerges: Retention is more likely to succeed in earlier grades and when implemented with instructional support mechanisms tailored towards the educational needs of retained students. Naturally, the biggest point of contention is whether there are academic benefitsthat is, whether holding back students unready for more challenging course content translates into better educational outcomes for those students later on. Evidence suggests that grade retention in middle or high school typically leads to worse educational outcomes, with little or no effect on academic achievement and higher levels of student disengagement. Several studies in different contexts find that students retained in middle or high school are less likely to graduate from high school or enroll in college. One study that examined later effects found that they were more likely to be involved in criminal activities. In contrast, findings on the effects of grade retention in elementary school are more positive (at least in the short run). Studies from Florida, Indiana ( PDF ), Mississippi ( PDF ), Chicago, and New York City provide evidence that early grade retention may increase test scores in elementary and middle school; reduce the need for future remediation; and increase the likelihood that students take advanced courses in middle and high school. Early grade retention may lead to increased rates of disciplinary incidents in the short term, but these adverse effects dissipate over time. Further, recent studies find that the per-pupil cost of early grade retention endured by districts in the long run is only a fraction of the cost of an additional year of schooling. This is primarily driven by the findings that retained students are significantly less likely to be retained or identified for remediation in later grades compared to their peers who barely avoided retention. In addition, at-risk promoted students often take longer than four years to graduate high school. As such, in some instances, this is a pay-now-or-pay later scenario for school districts. All this might suggest that early grade retention could be a cost-effective way to deal with unfinished learning during the pandemic. But several words of caution are in order for policymakers and practitioners. Early grade retention could be a cost-effective way to deal with unfinished learning during the pandemic. But several words of caution are in order. Share on Twitter First, almost all early grade retention policies that yield positive results contain instructional support for retained students. Consider Florida's long-standing third-grade retention policythe blueprint for many other states ( PDF ). Students flagged for retention based on their third-grade reading scores are eligible to participate in a summer reading program ( PDF ) to improve their reading skills. Further, schools are required to develop academic improvement plans that specifically address their needs, to assign these students to high-performing teachers (based on student performance and performance appraisals), and to provide 90 minutes of daily reading instruction in the following school year. Similarly, in New York City, Indiana, and Mississippi, both retained and at-risk promoted elementary students received instructional support. It is hard to say that retention alone would produce similar benefits. Second, it is important to objectively identify students most likely to benefit from retention. Several early grade retention policies include exemptions to standardized test thresholds, such as for students who have disabilities, who are recent English learners, or whose proficiency can be demonstrated with a teacher's portfolio. Such exemptions can lead to differential enforcement of the policy because parents from more advantaged backgrounds are more likely to advocate for avoiding retention. These discrepancies could lead to feelings of being excluded or singled out for retained students, especially among traditionally marginalized groups. Similarly, setting the right criteria for promotion is important because retention may not be as effective for higher-performing students and retaining too many students might hinder schools' ability to provide the necessary instructional support for retained students. This may be particularly relevant in the context of COVID-19 learning recovery in some districts where many students are behind grade-level standards. Finally, relatively little is known about the long-term effects. A few recent studies suggest that the early benefits of grade retention policies in elementary school may fade over the years. For instance, there's no evidence that early grade retention results in higher rates of graduation or college enrollment. We need more research about their effects on postsecondary and labor market outcomes, which are typically better proxies for the long-term well-being of these students. In the wake of the pandemic, early grade retention is getting more attention as a potential way to make up for missed learning. But school and district leaders should absorb the complete lessons of the past two decades: Retaining kids without providing the necessary supports, or failing to identify the right kids using objective criteria will likely yield ineffective results and could even lead to adverse effects. Umut Ozek is a senior economist and Louis T. Mariano is a senior statistician at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. This commentary originally appeared on Brookings Institution's Brown Center Chalkboard on March 27, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them. [Close] It might be easy to embrace recent warnings against a bellicose bipartisan consensus in Washington regarding China. But the real peril is that the true China consensus which includes Democrats and Republicans, the administration and Congress is to do nothing but talk, especially if action comes at a price. Last month gave us a perfect example. February was full of anti-China speeches: Republican-run congressional hearings, Democratic-run hearings, and Biden administration revelations. In the end though, nothing of substance happened, nor is it likely to happen. There is no standing up to the Peoples Republic of China without costs. It has the worlds second largest economy as well as its second most powerful military. It is led by a dictator-for-life who intentionally hearkens back to a man who caused mass starvation. Winning even a peaceful contest would require sacrifices. Deterring Xi Jinping by preparing for conflict requires more. As sacrifice is not appealing to most American politicians, they instead spout rhetoric while hoping for a contest of convenience. The administrations actions include the Department of Commerce calling for tens of billions of dollars to vastly boost domestic semiconductor production, prioritizing it as a vital national interest. Given the PRCs intent to globally dominate low-end chips, Commerce appears correct. But challenging as this goal is, Commerce is diluting its plan by also asking for better day care as part of the package. This, of course, is a counter-incentive for companies willing to build in the U.S. It creates an opposite effect to what was originally intended. The administration has treated supply chains similarly, stirring in political priorities such as promoting green energy output without specific plans to secure green energy supply chains. While it is no surprise that political actors would use China as cover for executing domestic policies, it means far less gets done. Export controls on semiconductors were announced to great fanfare last October, with promises of more to come. Yet five months later, we dont even have the final regulations. Concerning licensing permissions, Commerce has gone from terrible to mediocre under the Biden administration. Last year, it accepted 70% of applications to export controlled items to the PRC. Not exactly tight restrictions, but still a substantial improvement over the Trump Commerce Departments performance, during a supposed trade war, where the number may have been over 90%. Part of the blame is with Congress. Being placed on Commerces Entity List, which imposes license requirements on foreign individuals, entities, or governments, requires just a license application. Yet many members of Congress have pretended for years that this is a blacklist preventing designated foreign firms from receiving American technology. In fact, tens of billions of dollars-worth in licenses have been granted to these firms, most of whom were also eligible for American investment. The Entity List has always been fraudulent, and Congress willingly plays along. Will the new House Select Committee on China mean more effective legislation? Doubtful. Members within the Select Committee are genuinely concerned with the economic and military risks China poses, and they have allies elsewhere in Congress. But the Select Committee has no official jurisdiction it can only talk, not act. This is an ideal outcome for those who want to appear politically strong while having no obligation at all to back up their words. The Financial Services Committee, possibly the most important House committee, held a China hearing in early February. According to its Republican chairman and Republican-called witnesses, the top China threat is the U.S. responding in any serious way to China. Their conclusion: The U.S. should face up to the PRCs military buildup, its domestic and international repression, and its economic predation by continuing to invest freely in the PRC. With this pressure from some Republicans, the Biden administration does not feel compelled to truly compete. An executive order to address the more than $1 trillion the U.S. has invested in the PRC is many months overdue. Even if issued, it may prove an almost entirely empty action. Other consequences to inaction are looming. China continues to steal intellectual property (IP), subsidize production that uses the IP, and drive advanced American companies out of business. It will also spread repression and more intensely target Taiwan. Politicians who take this seriously must propose policies that involve some pain, because that is whats required for the U.S. to win. Politicians who dont take the PRC seriously are easy to spot. Theyll be pushing some domestic agenda unrelated to China, tilting at windmills, and, above all, talking. Derek Scissors is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He is also the chief economist of the China Beige Book. The views expressed are the author's own. Property details: This property is owner financed with the following terms:Down Payment: $99.00 60 Monthly Payments: $39.00 with 0% Interest Total Sale Price: $2,340.00Parcel: 800-00024-000Address: 1307 RASPBERRY LN Horseshoe Bend ARThere are no "doc fees" or hidden costs associated with this property.This is a unique opportunity to purchase a stunning property located in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. The .24 acre lot (10,540 square feet) offers breathtaking views and easy access to the main road (power available jus... Price: $ 99 Seller State of Residence: Florida Zoning: Mixed State/Province: Arkansas Location: 334**, Boynton Beach, Florida You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Arkansas Property details: Up for sale are 11 residential vacant lots. I acquired them in various tax sales with the expectation that the houses in the photographs were included. They were not. Definitely a learning lesson for me! I overpaid for these, which sucks, however the value of vacant city parcels is still in the $4k-10k range in Terre Haute. I've had a few people approach me to purchase the whole lot for $25k-30k, however they then disappeared. That said, vacant lots are not my business and I'm just looking to ge... Price: $ 1,730 Seller State of Residence: Colorado For Sale by: Owner Setting: Suburban State/Province: Indiana Location: 802**, Denver, Colorado You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Indiana ABC/Craig Sjodin By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/28/2023 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Zach Shallcross has revealed the exact moment he realized he was going to pick Kaity Biggar over his runner-up bachelorette Gabi Elnicki -- and it's not what he told Gabi when he dumped her.Zach rejected Gabi, leaving her devastated and "humiliated," and ultimately got engaged to his winner, Kaity, during the Final Rose Ceremony of Season 27 that filmed in Thailand.Zach and Kaity confirmed live Monday night on : After the Final Rose that they're still together and happy . In fact, they'll be moving in together in Austin, TX, this summer.On After the Final Rose, host Jesse Palmer asked Zach when he knew it was Kaity whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life with."When I knew, without a doubt in my mind, [it's when] I saw her on the last-chance date," Zach revealed, referring to his final one-on-one date with Kaity in Thailand."I saw her and I thought to myself, 'It's you. It's always been you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with this woman.' Obviously with the show, I had to wait it out a little bit and couldn't say anything, but I just knew she was my wife."Zach reiterated having that epiphany with Kaity during his Tuesday morning appearance on Good Morning America."In the very beginning, there was always something very special [with Kaity] and she was just always on the top of my mind," Zach recalled."But the exact moment when I looked at her and I was like, 'That's my wife,' it was at the last-chance date, before the engagement."He added, "I was like, 'What am I doing? Of course it's you! And it always has [been].' It was pretty special."Zach said after that last-chance date with Kaity, he just let everything go and stopped trying to rationalize his actions and decisions leading up to that point in his journey."I just let myself feel," Zach noted on GMA.Zach, however, had told Gabi a different story about when he had made his final decision, as shown on 's Season 27 finale.When Zach dumped Gabi at the Final Rose Ceremony, she cried, "I knew it was coming. I've known it was coming. What I don't know is why you wouldn't tell me when you knew."Gabi was clearly upset Zach had chosen to wait until the Final Rose Ceremony to essentially make a grand spectacle of their breakup for when he could've broken up with her in a more relaxed, low-key setting."Gabi, I only could make this decision fully last night in bed," Zach insisted.But Gabi argued, "You've known. You've known. You've known. You've known.""No, I didn't," Zach assured her.Gabi, however, said she was going to be okay and that she wanted Zach to be happy."Kaity is a really special person and she's really lucky. So good luck. Goodbye," Gabi said."I'm sorry," Zach noted.Gabi told the Bachelor that while her ouster was "heartbreaking," she didn't want him to feel guilty. She also said she didn't need or want an apology from him.However, Gabi broke down in her final words, "I just want to go f-cking home. That was f-cking humiliating . I've been strung along this entire f-cking time -- and for what?""What really pisses me off is that I f-cking knew!... When your gut speaks, you should listen to it," she continued."I stuck around thinking, 'Maybe it's just all the things you fear and all the things you hate about yourself. Maybe it's not your gut.' No, your gut is always right. I put myself out there again and I'm not good enough. If I were, I wouldn't be here."Gabi vented about how she's "unlovable for whatever f-cking reason," and lamented, "There's something wrong with me. Why am I so hard to love? Why am I always so misunderstood? I don't know when someone is going to choose me. I just want to go home."Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Details added: first version posted on 09:32 BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The UN Secretariat has circulated the Return Concept of the Western Azerbaijan Community as an official document of the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council of the UN, Spokesperson for the Community Ulviya Zulfigar told reporters, Trend reports. According to Zulfigar, the concept covers the issues of ensuring the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from the territory of present-day Armenia, to a peaceful, safe and dignified return, restoration and protection of their individual and collective rights, including property rights, cultural and historical heritage. The concept was circulated in all official UN languages ( English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish), in accordance with the agenda items of these major bodies on the prevention of armed conflict, peacebuilding, the protection of the rights of refugees, the eradication of racial discrimination, the promotion of human rights, the prevention of genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Zulfigar said that the concepts circulation among documents of the main UN bodies is a great success on the path of the peaceful return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands and further reduces the ability of the Armenian government to distort the issue of Western Azerbaijan. Besides, the document calls on Armenia to start negotiations with the Community and encourages the start of an international process on this issue. "Linking the Concept with the mentioned agenda items of the most authoritative UN bodies is an international confirmation that the return of Azerbaijanis to their homes is necessary to protect fundamental human rights and establish international peace, security, and cooperation. This success further inspires us to continue our work for a peaceful, safe, and dignified return to our homes," she added. This is the second document of the Community of Western Azerbaijan circulated as a UN document. Previously, in January this year, the Community's appeal to the international community was circulated. The concept of return, adopted by the Community of Western Azerbaijan on January 26, 2023, defines the general framework for the goals, principles, and executive measures that the Community will implement to return Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from present-day Armenia. Moreover, the concept is based on international law, relevant domestic law, and historical facts, and serves to establish justice and peace. The Fielteau family is the winner of the best in festival award at the Ripple Effect film festival at the Morton Theatre in Athens, GA on March 26, 2023. Their film "24/7" was selected among other young filmmakers' films and was screened at the Theatre. (Photo/Elizabeth Rymarev, @lizardshots) As the weather gets warmer and flowers start to bloom, the change of seasons is the perfect opportunity for spring cleaning. There are many local businesses to help you enter the warmer months with a clean slate and a refreshed space. University of Georgia senior Liza Burke was hospitalized during a spring break trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by a rare blood vessel condition. Burke was placed on life support and underwent emergency surgery in Mexico but is now off of life support and recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Economic stagnation is the advance payment for polarisation, which extracts a terrible price. One of the most heartening and fraternal features of intergovernmental fiscal relations in India to date has been the progressivity of the horizontal devolution of tax revenues between states. Finance Commissions, appointed every five years, recommend both the vertical devolution -- the share of taxes going to the Centre and to the states -- and the horizontal devolution -- the share that each state gets. The latter is decided by a formula. The largest weight in this formula is given to what is called the "income distance" parameter, which is essentially the inverse of the per capita income of a state. Thus, the lower the per capita income, the more the state gets. This parameter has had between 48 and 60 per cent weight in all Finance Commission recommendations since 1991. The horizontal devolution is, therefore, massively redistributive and, quite remarkably, to date no state has objected to it. India's poorest states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, therefore, have the highest share in tax devolution to states, much higher than they would get if population was the only parameter (in which case, for example, Maharashtra would get more than Bihar.) But there has been a recent change in discourse in the relationship between rich and poor states. The most eloquent and empathetic summary of this change is captured in this statement by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. "What happens to all the money that goes to poorer states? Why is it not leading to development? It is not the money we begrudge, it's the lack of progress." Thirty years ago it was possible to argue that, except for some indirect taxes, one could not apportion most taxes on income and consumption to the places where they were collected. A film made in Mumbai could be taxed in Karnataka. Fuel taxes on a Mumbai-Delhi flight would be imposed wherever the airline chose to fuel the aircraft, but all passengers irrespective of origin would effectively pay the tax in their airfares. A multinational declaring profits in Bombay would be earning its income from sales all across India. These arguments still carry weight today but, regrettably, much less than they did 30 years ago. Today Uttar Pradesh is poorer than Nepal, and Tamil Nadu almost as rich as Indonesia in terms of per capita income. This means that the consumption and income tax bases are much larger in the latter than in the former. The greater the increase in inequality between regions, the more difficult it is to convince people that the tax base should be viewed as a singular entity. The inequalities between rich and poor states are manifest in almost every economic dimension. Incomes, assets and discretionary purchasing power are higher in the richer states. They are the locus of formal employment and of high value jobs, which is why the hunger for government jobs is so much more intense in the poorer regions of India. The overwhelming majority of foreign investment comes to the richer states. They have better healthcare, higher levels of literacy and better public services than the poorer states. So Mr Thiaga Rajan's question is a valid one. It would not have arisen if inequalities between rich and poor states had fallen, not risen, over the past 30 years. But notwithstanding all the bragging and big talk, economic inequality has only worsened over time. There is also a political faultline. The northern states have for long seen a politics of polarisation that has, unlike in the southern geographies, dominated political discourse. Most political expression takes the form of caste and majoritarian religious mobilisation. This has been the central discourse used to contest and win elections. Economic welfare, prosperity and a joint striving to a better world are not things that the electorate are offered, and there is no particular pressure, given the success of polarisation, to make such an offer. Trashing the reputation of revered national leaders and freedom fighters, Muslim baiting, calling fellow citizens anti-national, using coercive power to jail, punish and suppress dissenting voices, all work to showcase and justify polarisation. The better it works, the more attractive it becomes to use it. But no one has a monopoly on polarisation and divisive politics. When these things are accentuated, and acquire politically competitive overtones, then the entire political settlement is called into question. The questioning of Article 1 of the Constitution (that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union Of States), the perception of imposition of the dry, soulless, official "rashtriya" Hindi on southern states, hanging the sword of Damocles of delimitation to ram through a majoritarian agenda, the insistence on a singular national discourse and monoculture, will all foster conflict and further polarisation in different dimensions. When, in addition, it is palpably clear to any intelligent observer that there is simply no political plan -- from any quarter of the political spectrum -- to rapidly and demonstrably increase overall prosperity by generating inclusive 'jobful" growth in India's heartland, fraternity is bound to be called into question. Polarisation extracts a terrible price. Economic stagnation is only the advance payment. Worse will follow if the economic situation is not rectified as a matter of urgency. Dialling down on polarisation and coming together on an inclusive economic agenda that fosters prosperity in Indias poorer regions is of the essence. Else, elections may well be won, but the fraternity that is at the core of India's successful existence will be further, perhaps mortally, imperilled. The writer is managing director, ODI, London. r.roy@odi.org. The views are personal. "What would be your advice for investors?" 'Keep it simple. Don't panic.' "Fundamentals of any of their (Adani Group) companies have not weakened because of the fall in their market price. If the fundamentals of (Adani Group companies) remain as strong as they were one week before, then I don't think there should be any cause for panic," Deven Choksey of K R Choksey, a well known stockbroker and investment house, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. How is our market poised given that the Nifty fell by more than 500 points in the week before the Budget? According to me, Budgets have now become predictable events. It is more about allocation of resources by the government. Markets already know that this government has allocated huge resources for building capital infrastructure and boosting demand in the rural economy. I don't think people now look at the Budget as an event that would bring fear or surprise the markets. Unfortunately, because of reasons other than fundamentals, the markets took a beating last week. The fundamentals of Indian markets were as strong last week as they were before and even before that. I don't think one can call into question the fundamentals of the Indian economy and equity markets into question at this point in time. The technicals have definitely weakened and that is the nature of every market. And that leads to correction. That is what is happening currently. You are looking at the market fall from a high of 18,900 in the third week of November 2022 as a technical correction? The fall which we saw in March 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) was a serious fall and then the markets bounced back. There is no reason to believe that this time too we will not bounce back. Are you expecting more correction in the days after the Budget? The panic part of this market fall was over on Friday (January 27, 2023, when the Nifty 50 index fell 287 points or 1.6 per cent and the BSE Sensex fell 870 points or 1.45 per cent and when the Adani Group shares fell between five to 20 per cent). Will FIIs continue to sell? Panic selling is over, but one of the key factors for the markets to hold up would be that the FII selling should stop. They have been selling aggressively whenever they got an opportunity. They sold Rs 18,000 crore (Rs 180 billion) which is almost close to $2.5 billion -- of equities on the gross basis and on the net basis they sold some Rs 6,000 odd-crore (Rs 60 billion) of Indian equities (on Monday, January 30). I have always maintained that FIIs need to be distinguished as those who are investors and those who are traders. Currently, what is being sold is done by the FIIs who are traders and not those who are investors. Unfortunately, our (market) regulator (the Securities and Exchange Board of India) and the media are not making this distinction (when they report the value of equities sold by the FIIs). The general public gets a feeling that foreigners (the FIIs) are leaving the country (selling Indian equities). IHC yesterday (January 30) invested $400 million in the country (in the Adani Enterprises' FPO). So, are they leaving the country or are they investing in the country? The point I am making is only the (FIIs, who are) traders in the market are selling; not the (FIIs, who are) investors. Why should we say foreign institutional investors? Those (who are selling) need to be categorised as foreign institutional traders because they are in in for trading gains. Do you see more panic selling in the days ahead? As I see it, most of the panic is over. The market is now comparatively lighter than what it used to be. Not many major positions are carried over as we go into Budget day. Is the fall in the shares of Adani Group companies a cause for worry for retail investors? Fundamentals of any of their (Adani Group) companies have not weakened because of the fall in their market price. If the fundamentals of (Adani Group companies) remain as strong as they were one week before, then I don't think there should be any cause for panic. Is the market reacting to the Hindenburg report? That's true. Auto (up 1 per cent on Friday) and FMCG (up 0.46 per cent on Friday) saw quite some buying even as the broader markets saw selling. Is this sector rotation happening? Fortunately, markets have started recognising the fundamental strength of the auto sector. And that is what I think is a healthy sign. The auto sector was neglected (for some quarters) but now its fundamentals are being taken into consideration. The FMCG sector gets its strength from India as a consumption story and there is more strength left in India's consumption story. Your take on mid-caps and small-caps... They have always been the poor children. They are the first to get punished every time the markets fall. Unfortunately, mid-caps and small-caps are used more for trading purpose. So they are in weak hands and whenever there is panic in the markets the weak hands will exit first. What would be your advice for investors? Keep it simple. Don't panic. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this interview to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. UBS stepping in to save Credit Suisse with a $3.2-billion acquisition has provided the beleaguered Swiss banks India employees a glimmer of hope. Photograph: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters The surprise deal engineered by the Swiss government has triggered optimism of fewer job losses at Credit Suisses India unit and better synergies at key verticals, such as wealth management and investment banking. UBS is a much stronger hand. Coming within its fold will give Credit Suisses wealth management and investment banking divisions a good home. "We dont expect further job cuts after the UBS deal, said a Credit Suisse staffer. An email sent to Credit Suisse about its India plans didnt elicit any response until the time of going to press. Mickey Doshi, managing director and country head at Credit Suisse, said, It is too early to comment on anything. The key divisions at Credit Suisse India are the mainstay of wealth management, along with equities and investment banking. UBS no longer has an India wealth management business, but has a strong equities franchise. While addressing analysts, the UBS management underscored how the Credit Suisse deal would strengthen its presence in Asia. On the wealth management side, we will have nearly CHF3.5 trillion ($3.8 trillion) of invested assets on a pro forma basis. "On the asset manager side, it is CHF1.5 trillion ($1.6 trillion) on a pro forma basis. "We are strengthening our geographic diversification. "We will create leadership positions in Switzerland, Europe, West Asia, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, Ralph Hamers, group chief executive officer, UBS Group AG, told analysts. Credit Suisse is among Indias top three foreign bank-backed private wealth managers. In 2020, it ranked third behind Standard Chartered and Barclays with assets of over $5 billion, according to Asian Private Banker, an Asia-based intelligence, data, and connections company. The latest figures were not available. Industry watchers say the deal could ring in better cooperation between the two Swiss banking giants. On the investment banking side, both players are outside the top 10. In calendar 2022, Credit Suisse ranked 14th on the Bloomberg Equity Capital Markets League table, while UBS ranked 29th, handling just one deal. The four deals Credit Suisse worked on include the initial public offerings of Adani Wilmar, Global Health (Medanta), and Keystone Realtors (Rustomjee). Credit Suisse has seen a raft of exits in recent months, including that of equity strategists Neelkanth Mishra and Ashish Gupta both got scooped up by Axis Bank Group. Industry players said strategists at UBS could fill this gap. Sources in the head-hunting community said lately more resumes from Credit Suisse India had entered the market, particularly after the Swiss bank announced a major restructuring plan in the aftermath of huge losses. The further expansion and upgrade of the Chinese military does not augur well for India, which continues to confront an increasingly belligerent China on its borders, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran. IMAGE: China's Communist party General Secretary, President and Chairman, Central Military Commission Xi Jinping sings the national anthem at the National People's Congress in Beijing. Photograph: Noel Celis/Pool/Reuters At the recently concluded National People's Congress, China unveiled a new government and announced important shifts in its economic strategy in response to a more uncertain international economic environment and a slowdown in domestic drivers of growth. For an export- and investment-led economy, the persistent slowdown in global economic growth, the retreat from open markets, and the denial of access to high technology such as semi-conductors are significant retardants. There are structural factors at work, such as a declining and ageing population, the prospect of slower growth as the economy matures, and the persistent imbalance between investment and consumption and the rising income and wealth inequalities. Under Xi Jinping, who has been confirmed, as expected, for a third five-year term as president, there had earlier been significant policy shifts to address some of these challenges. For example, through his policy of 'dual circulation', the effort has been to prioritise domestic over external drivers of growth. Through the 'common prosperity' objective, there has been a shift of emphasis from private sector-led growth to promoting state-owned enterprises. The regulatory regime has been strengthened to curb what is described as excessive growth in capital and this has resulted in severe constraints on the country's highly successful tech companies and a virtual meltdown in the property sector, which has accounted for nearly 30 per cent of growth over several years. All these problems have been magnified, thanks to the zero-Covid policy, which necessitated highly disruptive industrial lockdowns and the breakdown of supply chains. Though the policy has now been abandoned and recovery has set in, it will take time for normalcy to return. The Chinese economy registered its lowest growth in years at 3 per cent in 2022. The National People's Congress has set a modest target of 5 per cent for the current year but even this may be ambitious in the current circumstances. The geopolitical situation has not been favourable to China, either. The confrontation with the US is sharpening and the issue of Taiwan is becoming a major and even dangerous fault line in China-US relations. Xi Jinping mentioned the US by name for the first time when he accused it of leading a campaign of 'containment and suppression of China', which had 'brought unprecedented, severe challenges'. Its strategic partner, Russia, is bogged down in its war in Ukraine and relations with Europe have worsened. China's signature Belt and Road Initiative has stalled in various partner countries and there are mounting concerns over its pursuit of 'debt-trap' diplomacy. But China has shown unexpected diplomatic agility in brokering peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran, long-time adversaries, and this may redraw the geopolitical map in the strategic region of the Gulf and West Asia. This is the backdrop against which some key decisions have been unveiled by the new government, which is taking office. IMAGE: Xi has a word with China's new Premier Li Qiang. Photograph: Mark R Cristino/Pool via Reuters One, the direct authority and supervision of the Chinese Communist Party over governance have been extended further. It will be recalled that several ministries and agencies under the State Council have been put directly under mixed party-State commissions, headed by Xi Jinping himself. This process of centralisation and the exercise of direct party authority have now been taken further. A new science and technology commission is being set up with larger funds allocated for R&D to promote technological self-reliance. Xi Jinping has repeatedly said that technology will be the battleground of the future and China must aspire to a leading position. This will be supported by a new data administration, housed in the national resource and development commission. The data administration will collate, regulate, and provide access to the vast pools of data being generated through the digital economy. This would promote innovation. Given the growing importance of the financial and banking sectors, an overarching state financial regulatory commission is being set up. This will not only subsume the existing banking and insurance regulator but will also take over some of the supervisory functions of the central bank, the People's Bank of China. A national health commission will look after all health-related policies and their implementation. Two, a visible effort has been made to assure the private sector of an even playing field vis-'-vis the ideologically favoured public sector. Xi Jinping himself conveyed this assurance. This has been reinforced by comments made by the new Premier, Li Qiang, in his press conference at the end of the NPC session. Li Qiang said that concern over the treatment of the private sector was 'inappropriate'. He described his own record of supporting the private sector during his service in the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu and later in Shanghai, and said this policy had not changed and would not be changed. However, there has been no reference to the crisis-ridden property sector, which continues to weigh down on the economy. Li Qiang also conveyed the government's commitment to strengthening the role of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, though integrated more closely with the national economy; and three, the military budget has been increased by 7.6 per cent this year, a 0.5 percentage points increase over 2022. This reflects the enhanced threat perception vis-'-vis the US. In his press conference during the National People's Congress , new Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned that if the US did not change course, 'conflict and confrontation' between the two countries would become inevitable and the consequences would be 'catastrophic'. Taiwan is obviously a key issue of concern and Qin Gang repeated what Xi Jinping has said earlier ' that Taiwan is 'the first red line that must not be crossed'. The further expansion and upgrade of the Chinese military does not augur well for India, which continues to confront an increasingly belligerent China on its borders. A worsening of China's relations with the US heightens Chinese concern about India's deepening military relations with the US and its participation in the 'Quad'. China has often characterised the 'Quad' as an Asian North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the making, but directed against China. IMAGE: A new team of bureaucrats, technocrats and Communist apparatchiks are at the helm, but the Great Helmsman 2.0 remains Xi Jinping. Photograph: Noel Celis/Pool/Reuters Xi Jinping has consolidated his power as China's undisputed leader and put in place his loyal supporters in the party, state, and military hierarchies. The party and State organs have been restructured to enable more centralised control with the party exercising a dominant role. In foreign policy, China will double down on its close partnership with Russia, even as it attempts to repair its relations with Europe and enhance its engagement with the global South. The brokering of the Iran-Saudi Arabia peace points to a more active diplomatic posture, which, too, may detract from India's G20 aspirations. Shyam Saran is currently a honorary fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. The wife of alleged conman Kiran Patel, who was held in Jammu and Kashmir for posing as a top official in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), was arrested on Tuesday for trying to usurp a senior citizen's bungalow in Ahmedabad, officials said. IMAGE: An Ahmedabad City crime branch official with Malini Patel, wife of alleged conman Kiran Patel, who has also been detained in a Rs 15 crore fraud case, March 28, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo Malini Patel was on the run ever since a first information report (FIR) in this regard was registered against the couple on March 22, weeks after her husband was held in J&K. She was arrested from a relative's house in Jambusar town of Bharuch district and brought to the city, said a release by the Ahmedabad city crime branch. While Malini was arrested in 2017 in a case of cheating and criminal conspiracy registered against her at Naroda police station of the city, Kiran also faces at least four such cases in Gujarat and was also arrested in the past, said the release. Earlier this month, Kiran, a resident of the Ghodasar area of the city, was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police from a five-star hotel in Srinagar after the authorities grew suspicious about his activities. Later, on March 22, the Ahmedabad city crime branch registered a case under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 120-b (criminal conspiracy) and 170 (personating a public servant) against the couple. Since Kiran is in judicial custody in J&K, the crime branch had said he would be brought here soon through a transfer warrant. In the latest FIR, it was alleged that Kiran tried to grab a bungalow in a posh locality in Ahmedabad by winning the trust of its owner through false claims of being a Class 1 officer in the PMO and having close relations with politicians. The complainant, Jagdish Chavda (63), owns a bungalow in the Shilaj area but wanted to sell it because of personal reasons. Kiran approached Chavda in February 2022, claiming to be a real estate agent, and told the owner his property would fetch a good price if it was renovated. To win Chavda's trust, Kiran then identified himself as a Class-1 officer in the PMO as well as a partner in a cafe chain. When Chavda agreed for the bungalow's renovation, Kiran, Malini and an interior designer started the work and took Rs 35 lakh in instalments from him, the FIR said. As the renovation was underway, Chavda shifted to his friend's residence in the Shela area. After some time, Chavda learnt that Kiran and his wife had put their own nameplate outside the bungalow and also did a house-warming ritual as if they were the owners. When confronted, the Patel couple left the bungalow without finishing the renovation, following which Chavda and his family moved back into the house, according to the police. In August 2022, Chavda learnt through a court notice that Kiran had filed a civil suit claiming the ownership of the property using photographs of his nameplate and invitation card for the house-warming ceremony, said the FIR. An MP-MLA court in Prayagraj on Tuesday held gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and two others guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case, and sentenced them to life imprisonment. IMAGE: Mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed being taken to Uttar Pradesh from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati jail, March 27, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf and six others have been acquitted in the case. This is Ahmad's first conviction in over 100 cases registered against him over the years. Government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari said special MP-MLA court judge Dinesh Chandra Shukla held Ahmad, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder). "The court has awarded the three rigorous life imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine to each," Agrahari said, adding that the amount will be given to the family of Umesh Pal, who was gunned down last month. The two brothers are also accused in the murder case. After undergoing court formalities, Atiq Ahmad and others were taken back to Naini jail in separate police vans. In a reply to queries by mediapersons, Ahmad said from inside the police van, "I have respect for the court...this is wrong punishment (saja galat hui hai)... I will move the high court against it." Earlier, when Ahmad and Ashraf were produced in the court, a number of lawyers raised slogans of phansi do (give them capital punishment). Ahmad's counsel Dayashankar Mishra said they have the right to appeal and they will approach the High court against the conviction. He said Ahmad will be kept in Sabarmati Jail (Ahmedabad) in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision. In her reaction to the judgement, Umesh Pal's mother Shanti Devi said she has full faith in the country's judiciary, but expressed apprehension Ahmad "could do anything from inside the jail". "I request the court to award him capital punishment for getting my son killed," she said, but added she won't challenge the Tuesday's court order. "My son fought like a lion. He was awaiting judgement in this case. He was sure that Ahmad would get punished in the case. But he (Ahmad) got him (Umesh Pal) killed. We will not challenge today's court order. I want to request the CM to take care of us as we have on one with us," she said. Reacting on the court's judgement, deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the state government was running a campaign against crime and criminals and taking up their cases in courts for conviction. "Our government is committed to check crime and curb criminals. We are taking up cases in courts to ensure conviction. No one will be allowed to play with law and order, which is our top priority," he said. Additional director general, law and order, Prashant Kumar said the state government has zero tolerance towards mafia and they are being identified irrespective of their area of operation, caste and religion. "The anti-mafia task force of the state police is directly monitored by the DGP. In the past few years, illegal properties worth Rs 2,827 crore of such mafias were either seized of demolished. This is for the first time Atiq Ahmed was convicted by any court due to evidence, witnesses and prosecution officers of the state government," he said. "All police personnel of the state are committed to demolishing the economic empire of the mafia. In the days to come, we will ensure punishment to all such mafias by taking up their cases in courts effectively," Kumar said. The kidnapping case against Ahmad, Ashraf and nine others emanates from the murder of then Bahujan Samaj Party MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005. Umesh Pal, who was then a zila panchayat member, had told the police that he was a witness to the murder. Pal later alleged that he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006 as he refused to retract under pressure from Ahmad. An FIR was registered against Ahmad, his brother and nine others on July 5, 2007. The police had submitted a chargesheet in the matter against the 11 people. One of them later died. Ahmad and Ashraf are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal. Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24 last. In the murder case, Umesh Pal's wife Jaya filed a case at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmad, his brother, his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Earlier in the day, Ahmad, Ashraf and others were brought to the court from Naini jail in separate police vans and produced before the judge amid tight security. The two brothers were on Monday brought to the Naini Central Jail here after long road journeys from two separate prisons. Pal's wife Jaya earlier said she won't be going to the court but will "pray" that Ahmad gets capital punishment. "I will be in my house and pray for capital punishment for Ahmad. If they get life imprisonment, they will continue to do the same things that they did with my husband," she told reporters. Ahmad, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case, police said.. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijan Day was organized and iftar was given on the initiative of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva in Moscow, Trend reports. The events were held in the "Tent of Ramadan", which opened at the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill with the organization of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Moscow and the support of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia. This year the events were dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and were attended by more than 1,500 people - public figures, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora, and Muslims of various nationalities. On behalf of the Mufti of Moscow, Chief Imam of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque Ildar Alyautdinov, a letter of thanks was presented to Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for her high appreciation of religious and spiritual values. Deputy Mufti of Moscow Marat Khazrat Arslanov expressed his gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and noted that these cultural evenings are very eventful. According to him, during the parties, people get acquainted with the culture of Azerbaijan and show interest in visiting the country. On behalf of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, Arslanov presented the "Al-Fakhr" Order of Honor to the Chairman of the Moscow-based "Ahli-Beit" religious organization Nizami Baloglanov. Director of the Muslim school under the "Risalat" religious community in Moscow Anas Hazrat Mammadov congratulated everyone on the holy month and thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for hosting the event. At the events, videos were shown telling about the history and traditions of Azerbaijan, mugham was performed by the Buta trio, and students of the Muslim school presented theatrical scenes about the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Before the iftar, verses from the Holy Quran and the evening prayer were read. Then the Muslims tasted Azerbaijani national dishes and sweets. "Tent of Ramadan" is an annual social and charitable project that takes place in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which has been implemented since 2006. The Russian office of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, on the initiative of Vice President Leyla Aliyeva, takes part in this charitable project every year. The Bombay Lawyers Association on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court against a high court decision dismissing its PIL against Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar over their remarks on judiciary and the collegium system for appointment of judges. IMAGE: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju. Photograph: ANI on Twitter The lawyers' body has challenged the Bombay high court's February 9 order of dismissing its plea on the ground that it was not a fit case to invoke the writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution. The Bombay Lawyers Association (BLA) had claimed that Rijiju and Dhankhar showed lack of faith in the Constitution with their remarks and conduct. It had sought orders to restrain Dhankhar from discharging duty as the vice president, and Rijiju from discharging his duty as the cabinet minister for the central government. Lawyer Ahmed Abdi told PTI that the petition has been filed with the apex court registry on Tuesday. In an appeal, the lawyers body said that the "frontal attack not just on the judiciary but the Constitution'' by the two executive officials has lowered the prestige of the Supreme Court in public. Rijiju had said the collegium system of appointing judges was "opaque and not transparent". Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had questioned the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharati judgment that gave the basic structure doctrine. Dhankhar had said the verdict set a bad precedent and if any authority questions Parliament's power to amend the Constitution, it would be difficult to say "we are a democratic nation". It is submitted that the petitioner herein filed the PIL before the high court of judicature at Bombay praying therein to declare the respondent no 1 and 2 as disqualified candidates to hold any constitutional posts of vice president and minister of the Union cabinet, respectively, based on their behaviour, conduct and utterances made in public, the petition said. The two constitutional functionaries, by showing lack of faith in the Constitution by their conduct and utterances made in public and by attacking its institutions, including the Supreme Court, and showing scant regard for the law laid down by the Supreme Court. The conduct of respondent Nos 1 and 2 appeared to have shaken public faith in the Supreme Court and the Constitution. The plea said the vice president and the Union minister have affirmed oaths that they will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution. However, their conduct has shown lack of faith in the Constitution of India, it said assailing the high court's order dismissing its PIL. They have launched a frontal attack on the institution of judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in most derogatory language without any recourse which is available under the constitutional scheme to change the status quo as per the law laid down by the Supreme Court, it said. The BLA quoted the statements of the dignitaries made in certain functions. The high court, on February 9, had dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL). "We are not inclined to grant any relief. The petition is dismissed. Reasons would be recorded later," the high court had said. The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking review of its verdict acquitting three death row convicts in the gangrape and murder case of a 19-year-old girl in Chhawla area here in 2012. IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi said there is no factual or legal error, apparent on the face of record requiring review of the judgment passed by this court. Besides the Delhi government, father of the victim, activist Yogita Bhayana, Uttarakhand Bachao Movement and Uttarakhand Lok Manch had sought the review of the judgement. "After having considered the judgement and other documents on record, we do not find any error either factual or legal, apparent on the face of record requiring review of the aforestated judgement passed by this court. "Even if an event, which has no nexus to the instant case had taken place subsequent to the pronouncement of the judgment that would not be a ground to entertain the review petitions," the bench said in its March 2 order which was uploaded on Tuesday. On the plea filed by Bhayana, Uttrakhand Bachao Movement and Uttarakhand Lok Manch, the apex court said application at the instance of a person who was not a party to the criminal proceedings is not maintainable. The top court, on February 8, had agreed to constitute a three-judge bench to consider pleas for a review of its verdict acquitting the three death row convicts in the case. In 2012, the three accused had allegedly gangraped the girl, murdered her and mutilated her body with a screwdriver and other weapons. The trial court had awarded them a death sentence and the high court upheld it in August 2014. The apex court set aside the high court order and acquitted them of the offences in November last year, sparking a debate on the verdict. Except the plea seeking review of a judgement awarding death penalty to a convict, such petitions are considered and decided in chambers. The Congress on Tuesday announced over a month-long agitational programmes from block to national level, including a 'Jai Bharat Maha Satyagraha' in New Delhi in the second week of April, to protest Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha and to press their demand for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Adani issue. IMAGE: Police detain Congress leaders and workers after they gathered at Red Fort for 'Loktantra Bachao Mashaal Shanti March' till Town Hall, in New Delhi, March 28, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The agitational programmes include the 'Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March' starting from Red Fort on Tuesday and a series of press conferences in 35 major cities across the country on March 28 and 29. Addressing a press conference along general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh, All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge organisation KC Venugopal said in solidarity with Rahul Gandhi and in support of his uncompromising fight against the "loot of public and national wealth by the Modi-Adani nexus", the party organised a one-day 'sankalp satyagraha' at Raj Ghat in New Delhi and in front of Gandhi statues, in all state and district headquarters on March 26. He said Members of Parliament and MLAs/MLCs have protested in their respective Houses and legislatures, wearing black attire and registered a strong protest against the "dictatorial regime". The party, at its meeting of the Steering Committee with PCC Presidents, CLP Leaders, National Heads of Frontal Organisations, Departments and Cells, presided by the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on March 24 2023, has decided that a series of agitational programmes will be held over the course of one month, Venugopal said. A 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' to protest the "erroneous" conviction and disqualification of Gandhi, and to express the Congress' resolve to keep raising the voice of the people against the "blatant loot of people's money" will be held from the block and madal levels to the national level, he said. All block/mandal Congress units will hold 'Nukkad Sabhas' under the 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' banner and address the public on relevant issues, Venugopal said. Social media and media campaign focussing on Gandhi's message and appealing public support for the 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' will also be organised, he added. While on March 31, press conferences by state level leaders will be held in all district headquarters, on April 1 press conferences by district level leaders in all blocks/mandals, will be held, he said. Venugopal said a protest by SC/ST/OBC/Minority departments in front of B R Ambedkar or Mahatma Gandhi's statues in all state capitals will be held beginning April 3, 2023. He said beginning April 3, a postcard campaign by Indian Youth Congress and the party's student's wing National Students Union of India, as well as other frontals, departments and cells will be held under which postcards will be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning him on relevant issues. A massive protest by All India Mahila Congress will also be held in New Delhi. From April 15 to 20, 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' will be held at the district level as part of which the district collectorate will be gheraoed, Venugopal said, adding that senior leadership will attend and address these district-level events. The DCCs will invite all friendly parties and civil society to join these events, he said. All PCCs will organise a massive 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' event at the state level, with senior leaders holding a one-day fast, he said. Senior national level leaders will attend these state-level events, Venugopal said. He said the 'Jai Bharat Maha Satyagraha' will be held in the national capital around the second week of April and the date and venue for it would be communicated later, he said. Ramesh said the party has asked 100 questions of the prime minister and only a joint parliamentary committee probe can provide answers to them. Venugopal alleged that the budget session has been washed out due to the BJP's protest and the ruling BJP government's unwillingness to hear any criticism of Adani. Why is the government evading a JPC investigation if it is not at fault, he asked. Police were deployed at a group housing society near Noida on Tuesday after a controversy erupted between Hindus and Muslims over some outsiders reciting Namaz there, officials said. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Elke Scholiers/Getty Images The row erupted on Monday evening around 8.30 pm at the Supertech Ecovillage 2 society, under Bisrakh police station limits, after around 30-40 Muslim residents of the society were offering prayers in a vacant room on the third floor above the commercial market of the society, they said. On being informed about some controversy in the society, officials of the local Bisrakh police station went to the spot and the Hindu community said we have no objection to all the people of our society offering Namaz but we have an objection to the fact that 6-7 people from other societies are coming to offer Namaz, the police said in a statement. On this objection, the Muslim community itself decided that Namaz will not be offered at that place. Both sides agree on this. Peace and order is maintained on the spot, the police added. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Noida) Rajeev Dixit said additional force was deployed at the site as a precautionary measure in view of the episode. There is no law and order situation. The matter has been resolved. The deployment of police is part of precautionary measures, Dixit told PTI. The Delhi police has denied permission to a group for holding 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' on Ram Navami in northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri, which was rocked by violence during a Hanuman Jayanti procession last year, officials said on Tuesday. IMAGE: A replica of the Ayodhya Ram temple taken out during the Ram Navami Shobha Yatra at Ramleela maidan, New Delhi, April 12, 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo Ram Navani will be celebrated on Thursday. Permission for praying at a park on Ramzan has also been denied, a senior official said. The official order declining permission for the 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' was signed by the assistant commissioner of police (headquarters) of the northwest district and issued on Monday. "I am directed to inform you that your request for 'Shree Ram Bhagwan Pratima Yatra' on the occasion of Ram Navami Mahotsav on Thursday has been considered by the competent authority but could not be acceded to form law and order point of view," according to the order. The senior official said according to police records, there was no previous permission granted to the group for this particular event. The permission was "not traditional". Only this particular permission for the Jahangirpuri area has been denied. On April 21, 2022, clashes broke out between two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession at Jahangirpuri in which eight police personnel and a local resident were injured. Another permission sought by a group for praying at a park in Netaji Subhash Place during Ramzan has also been denied as it was also deemed "not traditional", the police said. In a watershed event for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Dravida Kazhagam, the party on Tuesday elevated Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) as its supreme leader, the general secretary, moments after deposed leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) lost one more legal battle against his expulsion from the party. IMAGE: Edappadi K Palaniswami sports headwear and dark glasses imitating AIADMK founder MGR, soon after the Madras HC verdict cemented his position in the party, Chennai, March 28, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo While the Madras high court rejected the pleas of Panneerselvam and his aides against their expulsion from AIADMK, 68-year old Palaniswami for the first time became the general secretary after the post's revival last year. Before his elevation, EPS was the interim general secretary. Party founder-leader M G Ramachandran (MGR), former party supremo J Jayalalithaa, Navalar VR Nedunchezhiyan, P U Shanmugam and S Raghavanandam were the only other leaders who had held that top post in the AIADMK, which was founded in 1972. On being elevated, cadres gave Palaniswami a rousing welcome and made him wear a dark glass and bright white cap just like MGR and he happily waved at cadres, seen as a gesture of bringing the party under his full control, very much like his iconic predecssors, MGR and Jayalalithaa. He swung into action immediately and announced a new membership drive. Though Palaniswami assuming the top position has brought the curtain down on the leadership issue, the battle is set to continue in courts as the OPS camp is determined to take forward its legal struggle. Political commentator and observer of AIADMK since the 1970s, Durai Karuna told PTI that this development does not mean that OPS could be "written off" from the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Like in the past (1989), if the AIADMK faces electoral setbacks it may lead to a situation warranting factions eased out of the party to join hands once again, he said. "In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. It is the electoral outcomes and several other factors that prove to be decisive," he said. He pointed to aspects like the resentment among several Most Backward communities against the EPS regime's internal quota of 10.5 percent to the Vanniyar community. Parallelly, he pointed to OPS continuing to strengthen his faction organically across the state by appointing office-bearers right from the grassroots level. "OPS has vowed to take the battle to the people's court. Especially in southern districts, it could have a bearing on electoral politics," he said. OPS belongs to the Mukkulathor community, also known as Thevars, who wield a decisive electoral clout in southern Tamil Nadu. "OPS was handpicked by Jayalalithaa and he has the credential of being trusted by her and factors such as these will come in handy for the OPS camp," Karuna said. Panneerselvam and his aides went to the Madras HC against the AIADMK's July 11, 2022, general council resolutions, one of which expelled him and his supporters including Paul Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam. Justice K Kumaresh Babu said that the AIADMK's general council resolutions relating to the expulsion of Panneerselvam and appointing his rival K Palaniswami as the then interim chief were prima facie valid. The HC said: "It has been brought to the notice of this court that the general council consists of 2,665 members; 2,190 members have made a requisition to convene the general council, 2,460 members have attended the meeting of the general council on July 11, 2022 and they voted in favour of the resolutions." There is a prima facie case in favour of amendment of bye-laws -- to revive the post of general secretary and other changes -- and if the election to the post of general secretary is injucted, it would affect the functioning of the political party. "Hence I do not find any prima facie case, balance of convenience or irreparable injury in favour of the applicants (OPS and his supporters), but on the other hand, I find that the injunction as prayed for is granted, irreparable injury would be caused to the first respondent (EPS and party), as it would affect the functioning of the political party (AIADMK) which has over 1.55 crores primary members in the state of Tamil Nadu," the judge noted. Following Jayalalithaa's demise in 2016, the warring OPS and EPS factions came together ousting VK Sasikala -- confidante of Jayalalithaa -- and her relatives and amended the party bye-laws designating Jayalalithaa as the eternal general secretary. It came up with a new dual leadership structure giving equal powers to EPS and OPS and made them joint-coordinator and coordinator respectively. The dual leadership was scrapped last year and Panneerselvam and his supporters were expelled, leading to legal battles in the Madras high court and the Supreme Court and the matter also reached the Election Commission. OPS and his team had lost in several such battles. Family of Umesh Pal, the lawyer who was abducted and killed, on Tuesday said that they want the mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, a prime accused in the case to be given the death sentence stating that they want his "empire of terror to end". IMAGE: Jailed-mafia Atiq Ahmed being shifted to Prayagraj from Ahmedabad. Photograph: ANI Photo "We don't have the strength to fight a case in the time to come. He (Atiq ahmed) should be sentenced to death by hanging. If he is sentenced to life imprisonment, he can do anything from jail. He got my son killed from the jail. He won't let us live if he remains there," Umesh Pal's mother Shanti Devi told ANI ahead of a hearing of the case in Prayagraj court Umesh Pal's widow Jaya Pal also echoed her mother-in-law's views. "I hope court sentences him to death by hanging. If he lives, perhaps we won't be able be alive. Maybe it would be us next. If he is gone only then will terror be gone," Jaya said. "I want Atiq Ahmed's empire to end, I don't want him to be alive. I urge the court to give him a death sentence," she added. Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf will be produced in a court in Prayagraj in connection with the 2006 kidnapping of Umesh Pal, a witness in the Bahujan Samaj Party MLA Raju Pal murder case, who was killed last month in an attack allegedly orchestrated by the two. The brothers were brought to the Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj on Monday, after long road journeys from two separate prisons. Security has been tightened in the court premises as well as the jail complex where the accused are lodged. Ahmed and Ashraf are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal. After the killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, then a zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh Pal alleged that when he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Ahmed, he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006. The FIR was registered on July 5, 2007, against Ahmed, his brother, and four unidentified people. Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24. On a complaint from Umesh Pal's wife, a case was lodged at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmed, his brother, his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case, police said. With inputs from PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday linked the opposition's attack on his government to the Bharatiya Janata Party's emphatic electoral performances and asserted that the more wins the ruling party achieves, the more it will be targeted, sources said. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Giriraj Singh leaves after the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, in New Delhi on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo Modi took the swipe at opposition parties, who are up in arms against the government over a host of issues, at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting in which he asked MPs to dedicate the period between the party's foundation day on April 6 and B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14 to the cause of social justice. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told reporters that Modi also asked the party MPs to promote and publicise various government schemes for a month from May 15 in their respective constituencies to mark its ninth anniversary. In his address, the prime minister also called upon party leaders to work for the cause of "Mother Earth". "Mother Earth" is crying for freeing her from chemicals poisoning her, he said, adding that she has nurtured humanity through trees, grains, and other produce. He said politicians should work for non-political causes as well as they have a lot of impact on society. In this context, Modi noted the Gujarat government's work for "beti bachao" (save daughters) when he was the chief minister and said it helped a lot in improving the gender ratio. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters that Modi also asked the MPs to use the services of experts to learn new technologies, saying not knowing something should not be a reason for not using it. In an apparent reference to the persistent opposition protests, Modi noted he had said during the Gujarat polls that such agitations will become more intense as the BJP wins more and more elections. The party will face more intense and low-level attacks, he noted. This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the recent assembly polls in three northeast states where the party was able to retain power in Tripura. Its alliance also won the polls in Nagaland while the party again joined hands with the NPP to be part of the government in Meghalaya. Modi was lauded in the meeting for the party's feat. Parliament's budget session, in its second leg, has been a washout since March 13 amid the opposition's protests demanding a JPC probe into the Adani issue. Their protests have intensified following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha after he was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case. BJP MPs too have protested in both Houses of Parliament demanding Gandhi's apology for allegedly insulting Indian democracy from foreign soil during his recent visit to Britain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday linked opposition parties coming together against the Bharatiya Janata Party to his government's campaign against corruption, and asserted that the clampdown on graft will continue without being hindered by "false allegations". IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda on his arrival at the newly constructed BJP central office, New Delhi, March 28, 2023. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo After inaugurating an extension of the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi said that at a time when India's strength is rising to a new high, it is natural that "anti-India" forces within and outside the country will join hands. "Some parties have launched bhrashtachari bachao abhiyan (save the corrupt campaign)," he said in a blistering attack on opposition parties protesting against the alleged misuse of probe agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a criminal defamation case has also become a rallying point for the Opposition. Modi said, "The country will not bend nor will the action against corruption stop due to false allegations." The "anti-India" forces are attacking constitutional institutions as they are the strong "foundation" of a rising India, he said. And, to stop the country's growth, they are resorting to attacking its foundation and are engaged in conspiracies to defame bodies such as the judiciary and probe agencies and destroy their credibility, he said. When agencies act against those involved in corruption, they are targeted and when courts deliver a verdict not to the liking of these forces, they are questioned, the prime minister said. "Some people are bound to get angry when we act so much against corruption," he said. Never before in the history of independent India, such a big campaign against corruption has taken place and it has rattled the corrupt. "All those involved in corruption have come onto one platform," he said, asserting that people realise that when the BJP comes to power, corruption goes away. Citing figures, Modi said that during the Congress-led UPA rule between 2004 and 2014, assets worth Rs 5,000 crore were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, while the figure has zoomed to Rs 1.10 lakh crore in the nine years of BJP rule. The cases registered under the act more than doubled under his government while the number of the arrests surged 15 times, he said. Under the Congress rule, banks were "looted" and people accused of siphoning off Rs 22,000 crore fled abroad, he said, adding that his government has seized their assets worth Rs 20,000 crore. The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered more than 5,000 cases under corruption charges under his government and hundreds of senior officials facing graft allegations were forcibly retired and are facing lawful action, Modi said. Corruption has harmed the country a great deal and hollowed it out like termites, he said, adding that people realise that the country will progress only when graft is contained. People, Modi asserted, are applauding his government's campaign against corruption and tell him wherever he goes, "Don't stop Modi ji". Taking a swipe at the Opposition for its campaign against the BJP and him, he said senior Congress leaders used to talk about rooting out the Jana Sangh once and now the main opposition party is talking about digging his grave. The BJP is a party which sacrificed itself to save democracy, he said, referring to the merger of the Jana Sangh, its earlier avatar, with other parties after the Emergency. In a reference to the probe into 2002 Gujarat riots when he was the state's chief minister, Modi said many conspiracies were hatched to send him to jail but they all failed miserably while he flourished due to people's blessings. In his speech, the prime minister dwelt on the BJP's growth from having two Lok Sabha seats in 1984 to 303 in 2019. In an apparent reference to the anti-Sikh violence following then prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, he said it was a black chapter that the country will not be able to forget. The Congress won a historic mandate in an emotionally-charged polls while the BJP was almost destroyed but it did not lose hope and blame others. It continued to work among people and strengthened its organisation. The BJP has now emerged as the only pan-India party amidst family-run political parties in the country as it worked on the ground with people braving all odds. "BJP started its journey from just two Lok Sabha seats and reached 303 in 2019. In many of the states, we get more than 50 per cent votes," he said. "From north to south and from east to west, the BJP is the only pan-India party today," he added. The BJP has emerged as not only the world's biggest but also the most futuristic party, he said, adding that its only goal is to make a modern and developed India. The party is expanding in south India, he said, adding that it is the number one party in Karnataka and is the only reliable force in Telangana. It is growing in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he said. "The people of the northeast have shown unprecedented faith in the BJP. It has four chief ministers there and is part of coalition governments in two other states," he said. Modi met workers involved in the construction of the building before its inauguration. The United States is watching the court case of Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, an official has said while observing that Washington continues to engage with India on the shared commitment towards democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrives at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI Photo Gandhi was on March 23 sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his "why all thieves have Modi surname" remark. A day later, he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction in the case. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including, freedom of expression," the State Department's Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a news conference on Monday. "In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies," he said. Responding to a question, Patel said it is normal and standard for the United States to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where it has bilateral relationships. Opposition parties in India stepped up their offensive against the Narendra Modi government and observed a "black day for democracy" on Monday, three days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to "low-level politics" in its bid to justify Gandhi's remarks against the OBC community. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. According to the training plan for 2023, various exercises on combat training were fulfilled with the Azerbaijan Army's tank units on combined-arms range, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. The tank crews have successfully accomplished the assigned tasks on overcoming natural and artificial obstacles in the area, driving combat vehicles, and destroying imaginary enemy targets in motion and motionless states. Exercises to increase the knowledge and skills of military personnel, as well as to improve their combat skills are underway. The Delhi police has registered a case based on a complaint by a senior Territorial Army officer that a fake website of the organisation has been created by "scamsters" who are carrying out a fake recruitment drive using the online platform, officials said on Tuesday. IMAGE: A file image of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's visit to the border. Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, Photograph: MS Dhoni/Instagram Territorial army is described as "a citizens army which assess regular armed force in times of need." In the complaint, the official has alleged that the website with the URL https://recttterritorialarmy.co.in/ is flashing a fake news about the recruitment drive of the Territorial Army on their domain and also maligning the image of Territorial Army, leading to financial losses to the young aspirants. The fake website has also uploaded fake forms and QR codes for payment to dupe job aspirants, he alleged. The complaint, addressed to Delhi police commissioner as well as to the Delhi police's special cell unit, also mentioned the official website of Territorial Army, which is www.jointerritorialarmy.gov.in. "It is very important to take necessary action against the domain concerned as this has various repercussion which includes maligning the image of Territorial Army and Indian Army. Leading to financial losses to the young aspirants of the nation, prevent/avoid inconvenience to the aspirants and increasing workload of Territorial Army as this led to answering various queries being raised on different platform," the officer was quoted as alleging in the complaint. Based on the complaint, a case was registered on Friday under sections 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code and 66D (cheating by personation by using computer resource)of the Information Technology Act, according to the police. The case is being investigated by an inspector-level officer of the cyber cell which falls under the special cell unit of the force, a senior police official said. "Based on the complaint received, a case was registered and as part of investigation, we are approaching Google and other search engines to block the alleged fake website to prevent people from getting lured by it and making payments on pretext of fake assurances of getting jobs in Territorial Army," the officer said, adding that further investigation is underway. A new video of Amritpal Singh with his key aide Papalpreet Singh surfaced on social media on Tuesday, showing the pro-Khalistan preacher without a turban and wearing a mask. IMAGE: Fresh CCTV footage of Amritpal Singh with his key aide Papalpreet Singh surfaces on social media showing the pro-Khalistan preacher without a turban and wearing a mask, March 28, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The undated CCTV footage, said to be from a market in Delhi, showed the fugitive walking down a street wearing dark glasses. Behind him, Papalpreet Singh could be seen walking with a bag. There is no official word from the Punjab police on the fresh footage. A senior Delhi police official said they are probing whether the persons seen in the video are Amritpal Singh and his aide. "So far we don't have any such information, nor the location where the video was shot has been confirmed to be of Delhi. However, we are verifying it," the official said. The video has emerged a day after a picture of Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh widely circulated on social media. That image showed both these men looking relaxed and Amritpal Singh holding a beverage can. Papalpreet Singh is said to be Amritpal Singh's mentor. He was allegedly in contact with Pakistan's spy agency ISI. Several images and videos of the radical preacher have surfaced on social media since the police crackdown on him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De' began on March 18. Amritpal Singh, however, managed to dodge the crackdown in Jalandhar and escaped in different vehicles by changing his appearance multiple times, police said. They said Amritpal Singh and Papalpreet Singh were allegedly harboured by a woman at her home in Shahabad in Haryana's Kurukshetra district on March 19. On March 25, CCTV footage emerged purportedly showing Amritpal Singh talking on a mobile phone. The police action began about three weeks after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested man. Six police personnel were injured. The Punjab police have arrested or detained a number of his associates under criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack, police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge duty by public servants. They have slapped the stringent National Security Act against some of them. On Sunday, Punjab police said they have released 197 people out of 353 taken into preventive custody till then on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain showers in the morning becoming more intermittent in the afternoon. High 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low near 35F. Winds light and variable. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Rep. Kathleen James represents Bennington-4 (Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and part of Sunderland) in the Vermont House of Representatives. The opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Masim Mammadov due to his appointment as Special Representative of the President in Lachin district, which is included in East Zangezur economic region, Trend reports. The head of state made a speech at the meeting. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - You are being appointed as special representative of the President in Lachin district. Great trust is being placed in you. I am sure you will live up to this trust. Lachin district is one of the largest districts of our country. The district has tremendous potential. Of course, former IDPs who will return to Lachin district should live comfortably in Lachin, and the state of Azerbaijan will make sure this is the case. Lachin district was under occupation for 28 years, and during this period, almost the entire infrastructure of the district was destroyed by Armenia. Great damage was caused to the environment. In general, as a result of illegal exploitation of our forest fund, 60,000 hectares of our forests were destroyed, cut, looted and sold by the Armenians. A large part of that is made up of the forests of Lachin district. During the occupation, Armenians conducted a policy of illegal settlement in Lachin. Armenians were brought to the city of Lachin and several villages from foreign countries and settled there. This is considered a war crime according to all international conventions. Unfortunately, the Armenian state has not yet been brought to justice for this war crime. Lachin district was occupied a few days after the occupation of Shusha. It was a great tragedy for our country, it was a great tragedy for the people of Lachin, and it was yet another act of betrayal on the part of the PFPA-Musavat treacherous duo. The PFPA-Musavat duo aspired to power, tried to seize it by all means, and the transfer and sale of land to Armenia was actually an opportunity for them to achieve this ugly goal of theirs. This is how they evaluated it they believed that if the people of Azerbaijan were exposed to major suffering, this would provide them with additional opportunities. Unfortunately, this is what happened. The occupation of Shusha and then Lachin caused a very serious political crisis in Azerbaijan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the PFPA-Musavat treacherous duo seized power illegally one month after the occupation of Lachin, and this opened the way for even greater tragedies. Less than a year later, in April 1993, Kalbajar was occupied, and thus a geographical connection was established between the territory of the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and the territory of Armenia. This, of course, was the key contributor to the defeat in the first Karabakh war. We regained Lachin both on the battlefield and by political means. During the Second Karabakh War, the liberation of Lachin district from occupation was one of the priority tasks. We actually liberated the southern part of Lachin district by fighting, on the battlefield. Gulabird and a number of other villages were liberated on the battlefield, and we accessed the Lachin-Khankendi road. This operation, as well as the liberation of the city of Shusha from the Armenian invaders, actually led to the capitulation of the Armenian state. The Armenian leadership, which once said Karabakh is Armenia, was forced to accept its defeat and sign an act of capitulation on November 10, 2020. The other part of Lachin district, the bigger part, was liberated by political means. This is our great and historic victory. I have to emphasize that during the many years of negotiations, the mediators always showed a special approach to Lachin district. On the whole, Armenia considered the return of Lachin district to Azerbaijan to be unacceptable. They did not intend to vacate other districts either. Now, two and a half years after the war, it has become obvious to everyone. International mediators, the former Minsk Group of the OSCE, actually tried to solidify this occupation by conducting negotiations. Everything has become clear now France's unfair and prejudiced attitude towards Azerbaijan is not accidental. They simply tried to cover it up to some extent during the occupation. They simply wanted to misguide us. But notice the ugly acts that have been committed against us in the two and a half years since the war, since the Second Karabakh War. Notice the baseless accusations that have been made against us. In other words, all this is obvious, including a series of resolutions adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan, which are still the products of the pro-Armenian, corrupt anti-Azerbaijani group, and French deputies are playing the leading part here. Of course, we felt this during the occupation too, but not to such an obvious extent. We could not even imagine that countries can be so hypocritical and deceitful. They can look into your eyes and say one thing, but do the exact opposite behind your back. So the whole world could see everything again over the past two and a half years. At the same time, the anti-Azerbaijani forces could see our unbending resolve. No-one can influence our resolve. No-one can speak to us in the language of ultimatums. We proved this to Armenia in the Second Karabakh War, and we also proved it to Armenia's patrons during the two and a half years after the war. We defeated them and showed the whole world again that we can and we will achieve what we want. Therefore, the history of Lachin district should certainly serve as a lesson in many cases. From now on, ensuring the security of Lachin district and returning the displaced people there as soon as possible are priority tasks for us. All engineering and fortification work in Lachin district along the border with Armenia has almost been completed. Roads that never existed there have been built. 100 kilometers of local roads in Lachin and Kalbajar districts, as well as the roads leading to military positions, have been built. So we have acquired very favorable positions in the direction of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, we are reinforcing ourselves in these positions, and we will remain in these positions. Of course, other steps and measures are being taken for the security of Lachin district. These measures will allow our returning compatriots the opportunity to live there comfortably and safely. Although the district came under our control when the Second Karabakh War ended, the city of Lachin was not in our hands. There were objective reasons for that. Because the road from Armenia to Karabakh passed through the center of the city of Lachin. As a result of many hours of phone conversations with the President of Russia on November 9, 2020, we managed to incorporate the return of the city of Lachin to Azerbaijan as a precondition. For this purpose, the construction of an alternative road was included in the final statement at my insistence and a deadline was indicated. However, it was indicated in somewhat vague terms that discussions on this issue would be held within three years. But as soon as the Second Karabakh War ended, I immediately ordered that the route and all technical parameters of the new road be determined. We quickly started this work and finished it in a year and a half. So a new road bypassing the city of Lachin was built and the road was ready for operation at the beginning of August last year, or rather on August 2. We sent a message to the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces that they should move their posts from the current route to a new one, and by August 5, we should be able to enter the city of Lachin, the villages of Zabukh and Sus. Representatives of Karabakh Armenians who were in contact with our representatives at the time asked us to give them some time, said that they would resolve those issues themselves by August 25, that they would evict the illegally settled Armenians from the city of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus, and thus the issue would be resolved comfortably. I didn't mind that. After all, 20 days doesn't make that much of a difference. So all Armenians illegally settled in the city of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus were removed from there by August 25. On August 26, we returned to the villages of Zabukh, Sus and the city of Lachin. After that, I visited the city of Lachin, raised the Azerbaijani flag in the center of the city and declared that we would live in our native land forever. Immediately after that, the instruction was issued to start the process of rebuilding the city of Lachin without wasting any time. It has been more than two years since the restoration of Lachin district started. A lot of work has been done. As you know, an international airport is being built in Lachin district. There has never been an airport in that region before and we faced tremendous difficulties in finding a location for the airport. Because it was not possible to find a flat place for the construction of a runway there. We are building an international airport in mountainous areas, in places surrounded by mountains. We cut through mountains and carry out extensive ground disturbance work. The airport will probably be put into operation at the end of next year or at the beginning of 2025. The process of rebuilding the Kalbajar-Lachin road has started. I personally drove from Kalbajar to Lachin, and although the distance is not very large, the road is extremely difficult and dangerous. It is almost impossible to use the current road. People who lived in those regions during the Soviet era might remember quite well that the road was very difficult. In many cases, it was a winding road, and it was very dangerous. This is why we are rebuilding this road. Many tunnels will be built. In general, most of our tunnels are located in Kalbajar and Lachin districts, and the length of the tunnel passing under Mount Murov will be about 12 kilometers. So we are opening a road from Goygol district to Eastern Zangezur. At the same time, the construction of the Gubadli-Lachin road is in full swing. So as soon as the war ended, work on the reconstruction of Lachin district started. But the reconstruction of the city of Lachin has been underway since August 26 of last year. I want to inform you and the people of Azerbaijan that about 500 private houses are being built in the city of Lachin or the houses destroyed by the Armenians are being rebuilt as part of the first phase. Eight high-rise residential buildings are being rebuilt or overhauled. More than 30 public buildings are under construction. On my instruction, we should finish all this work by the end of this year. This will only be the first phase. The number of these houses shows that thousands of people will live in the city of Lachin by the end of this year. The people of Lachin will return to their homeland this year. At the same time, a mosque will be built in the city of Lachin by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I personally laid the foundation of the mosque while I was in Lachin, and our religious temple will be built in a beautiful location in the near future. In parallel with this, we have started the process of completely rebuilding the villages of Zabukh and Sus. More than 1,000 people will be settled in the village of Zabukh and more than 300 in the village of Sus. The Armenians living abroad built a village and houses in the village of Zabukh. This did that together with the Armenian state, which committed that crime. Our military personnel are now based in those houses. However, a completely new village is being built for the residents of Zabukh village. Along with this, I must state that I have approved the master plan of Gulabird and Gorchu villages. At the first stage, 2,400 people will be settled in the village of Gulabird and 1,300 in Gorchu village. So taking into account all these figures, everyone can see that we will settle about 10,000 people, perhaps even more former displaced people in Lachin district in the near future this year and in 2024. I should also note that the entire infrastructure of the city of Lachin is being rebuilt water lines, sewage lines, electricity lines, roads, all internal roads of the city of Lachin are being rebuilt. The length of internal roads is more than 50 kilometers. The architectural style of the city of Lachin is also pleasing to the eye. So it will become one of the most beautiful cities not only in Azerbaijan but also in the world. Considering that Lachin has a very charming nature, forests, mountains and rivers, it will be a paradise. So we are doing this work, and this is just a part of the major work being done. We are now carrying out large-scale construction work on all the liberated lands. We are doing it and will continue to do this work at our own expense. As my special representative, should start work immediately. You should take charge of all these activities. Infrastructure projects are, of course, being implemented by central executive bodies. At the same time, you should make additional proposals regarding the future development of Lachin district, the creation of jobs and comfortable living standards for local residents. Because we are trying to work in parallel in all our liberated regions. Therefore, for example, three to four villages are to be built in each district in the first stage. At the same time, of course, cities also need to be built. However, if we are talking about Lachin district, the names of all the villages to be established in Lachin district at the first stage have been confirmed. We will concentrate the residents of several villages in some places in the first stage. Because this would be more convenient for the people and, at the same time, from the point of view of logistics. As a whole, villages were located far from each other in mountainous regions not only of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, but also other districts, and this was often inconvenient for people. This is how traditional placement of villages was done in the past. Of course, every village on our liberated lands will be restored now and in the future, but the state of Azerbaijan sees its responsibility in gathering the residents of nearby villages to one place and creating good conditions for them. We will build urban-type villages, and I have approved master plans of all the villages to be built. At the same time, the external appearance of the villages has been confirmed. Let me say again that they will be beautiful both from comfort and architecture perspectives. Of course, environmental protection should be top priority in Lachin district from now on. We will return the former displaced people, we will create infrastructure and there will be jobs. Great opportunities will be created. However, you as my representative and every former IDP who will return to our lands should know that we must protect the environment. Because in some parts of our country, great damage is being caused to the environment. Illegal work is carried out, lands are occupied, trees are cut down, houses are built instead, facilities unrelated to agriculture are built. So you as my representative and all our citizens should know that there are rules and regulations. No-one can do anything on their own. Whatever the rules say, whatever the laws require, everyone must follow. There should be no encroachment of land, destruction of forests and other unpleasant situations. There should be zero tolerance to such situations. I am sure that all the former IDPs who will return to their ancestral lands will live in accordance with that. State bodies should help them and exercise control so that everything is settled and regulated according to the law. We will create a large energy capacity using the water resources of Lachin and Kalbajar districts. Now the construction of hydropower plants is going fast in Lachin, Kalbajar, Zangilan and several other districts. We are receiving more than 50 megawatts of energy. The first station was built in the village of Gulabird. This project has been implemented. On the whole, the goal has been set that the hydropower plants in the liberated areas should provide a capacity of 200 megawatts by the end of this year. It should reach 500 megawatts in the future. Lachin and Kalbajar districts have immense wind energy potential. So all this work will be done. Let me say again that the state is doing its job. It is possible to say that after this appointment, my special representatives will be working in most of the liberated districts. One hasnt been appointed for Kalbajar district yet, but this will also be done. At the same time, a new governance method should and is already being applied to these territories. In the future, this new governance model should be applied to all other parts of our country. So this is both major construction work and a new governance method. I am sure that this will greatly contribute to the comprehensive development not only of the liberated areas, but also of our country as a whole. So these are my instructions and you should justify my trust. x x x Special Representative of the President in Lachin district Masim Mammadov said: Honorable Mr. President, let me express my gratitude for the high confidence being placed in me. I would like to note that, going to the liberated territories and seeing the great devastation caused by Armenian barbarians, one cannot help but be deeply shaken as an Azerbaijani. Nevertheless, I witnessed the extensive construction work under way in that region. I also saw that there was great determination. Under your leadership, the people of Azerbaijan are determined to quickly restore these territories, move there and develop them again. I want to assure you that I will spare no effort and strength to carry out all the tasks set before me with determination and on time. The main thing is that it is a great honor for me to serve the state of Azerbaijan and you, Mr. President, honestly and conscientiously. Thank you. Photographer / Multimedia Editor Has been working as a photojournalist since 2007, before moving into newspapers, he worked with an NGO called Project HOPE. He then went to work for the Press and Sun-Bulletin in New York, and then in New England working for the Brattleboro Reformer. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., is joined by USDA Undersecretary Jennifer Moffitt for a press conference at Corse Farm Dairy, a sixth-generation organic dairy farm in Whitingham, on Jan. 27, to talk about strengthening the regulations and relief for organic farmers. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. The Rev. Beth Ann Maier is active in Vermont Interfaith Actions statewide Affordable Housing and Homelessness Organizing Committee. She lives in Waterbury. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. We should finish all the work in Lachin by the end of this year, President Ilham Aliyev said, while receiving Masim Mammadov, the newly appointed Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, part of the East Zangezur Economic Region, Trend reports. "The reconstruction of the city of Lachin has been underway since August 26 of last year. I want to inform you and the people of Azerbaijan that about 500 private houses are being built in the city of Lachin or the houses destroyed by the Armenians are being rebuilt as part of the first phase. Eight high-rise residential buildings are being rebuilt or overhauled. More than 30 public buildings are under construction. On my instruction, we should finish all this work by the end of this year. This will only be the first phase. The number of these houses shows that thousands of people will live in the city of Lachin by the end of this year. The people of Lachin will return to their homeland this year," President Ilham Aliyev said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SHERMAN From a young age, Miriam Mimi Nelson, said she was interested in art but it wasnt until she was 55 that she discovered she had a talent for sculpting. A friend gave me a piece of stone and told me all I needed was a hammer and a wedge, said Nelson, now 99, about first sculpture, a mans head created from agate. That first night, I finished 90 percent of it. I could hardly wait to get home from work the next day to finish it. Nelsons very first sculpture, Adam, will be featured along several of her small sculptures and paintings in a special art exhibit at the Sherman Library. The show Free Spirit will be on display at the library, 1 Sherman Ctr, and on the librarys website from March 31 through May 10. Nelson will be at the library for a special gathering on April 2. I thought it would be a group of artists but then I heard it was just me," said Nelson, a retired psychotherapist who will celebrate her 100th birthday in October. "Its sort of exciting thinking somebody thought it was worthwhile. Growing up in a musical family, Nelson said she wanted to take art classes but was instead forced to take piano lessons for seven years. She later found a way to pursue her interest in art through small projects, such as a mosaic she created out of tiles at the house she built with her first husband, Irv Weinstock, in Croton, N.Y., in 1956. My mother was always doing something with art, said Judith Weinstock, Nelsons daughter. Nelson has two children, Judith and a late son Richard, as well as two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Nelson said she wanted to learn about sculpting shortly after completing Adam. She signed up for a class in stone sculptures offered by the Museum School at the Museum of Art in Coral Gables, Fla., in January 1982. Nelson said the one thing the class taught her was how to create abstract art, but she felt she learned better from doing her own artwork. I am largely self taught in everything I do, Nelson said. Nelson produced a variety of small and large sculptures crafted from stone, bronze, steel and aluminum over the years some of which were exhibited in galleries in and around Miami, Fla. She also produced sculptures that were sold to homes on the Hudson River and at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, N.Y. Nelson said her favorite sculpture, titled The Wave, was sold in different places to different people. Nelson said she considers herself a sculptor, though she no longer sculpts. Weinstock said the upstairs studio of her mothers house in Sherman was set up for Nelson to paint and make jewelry with beads. In addition to painting landscapes, Nelson said she painted people who appeal to me in the way of the face. Im interested in different things about peoples faces, Nelson said. Different faces appeal for different reasons. A collection of Nelsons paintings hang throughout the walls of Nelsons home in Sherman, while a variety of her sculptures sit around the home and in her backyard. Adam, the only non-abstract work to be featured in the librarys art show, sits on one of the bookshelves in Nelsons room. Along with her interest in art, Nelson said shes always been interested in people and their motives, which led her to a career in psychotherapy. She practiced alongside her second husband, George Nelson, who specialized in hypnotherapy, in Miami, Fla., for about 20 years. She moved to Sherman in 1989 where she continued practicing psychotherapy for a short while. I enjoyed meeting people and knowing I can help them, Nelson said of her work as a psychotherapist, adding, I had a couple people I knew Id never be able to help and that was probably the most frustrating part. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW MILFORD A local woman has been charged with evading responsibility after police say she fled the scene of a fatal collision involving a pedestrian last fall. Maria-Angela Bosch, 41, was arrested on a warrant Monday at the New Milford Police Department, the agency said in a news release Tuesday morning. She was released on $5,000 bond and is due to appear in state Superior Court in Torrington on April 5. New Milford police said John W. Capodanno was crossing Route 7 from Taco Bell to the Stop & Shop when he was hit by a vehicle in the left northbound lane around 9:25 p.m. on Oct. 6. The 63-year-old Bethel resident was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The driver who struck Capodanno fled the scene, but police said investigators were able to follow "a trail of vehicle fluids" from the site of the collision to a condo complex, where they located Bosch's 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The SUV had sustained "heavy front end damage," New Milford police said. Police said in October that Bosch was not injured in the crash and was cooperating with the investigation. Capodanno's obituary said he lived most of his life in Connecticut and shared "his opinions and perceptions about life with everyone he met." "Everyone who knew him has a 'Johnny' story," the obituary stated. "He lived the credo that it is not what one accumulates in life, but what one gives away that makes the person." Capodanno was born Nov. 22, 1958 in New York City. He was survived by eight siblings and was predeceased by his parents and a sister, the obituary stated. Funeral services for Capodanno were held privately. "Remember him with a twinkle in the eye and a hearty laugh," the obituary said. "We were blessed to know and love him." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BALTIMORE (AP) Decades after losing her older brother to gun violence, Michelle Hines tried everything to keep her teenage son safe: checking in regularly with his teachers, coordinating extracurricular activities, and most importantly, trying to prevent him from growing up too fast. Despite those efforts, Izaiah Carter was fatally shot earlier this month in a park adjacent to his Baltimore high school. He had recently turned 16. His death added to an alarming trend: more children and teens getting shot, even as gun violence overall trends downward in Baltimore. After several recent shootings of Baltimore high schoolers, including three teens killed within blocks of their schools, local leaders are ramping up efforts to reduce youth violence and increase student safety. Last week, officials announced an arrest in Izaiahs case. Police provided few details about how they solved the killing, saying a motive hasnt been identified. Hines said the arrest brings her some relief, but she wants to know more about how the shooting unfolded. This has been one of my biggest fears. Thats why I put so many parameters in place to protect him, she said in a phone interview Wednesday, the day after her sons funeral. Its so messed up because I never thought I would be one of these stories on the news. Hines said she was in close touch with many of Izaiahs teachers at Patterson High School in east Baltimore. On March 6, the day he was killed, a teacher texted her saying he missed last period. A short time later, Hines received a call from the principal who told her about the shooting. We talk about the prevalence of guns in our community and the ease of access. We talk about the willingness to use those guns and now, yet again, were talking about young people using guns against other young people, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said at the scene. It has to stop. The suspected shooter, Roger Alexander Alvarado-Mendoza, 23, was arrested in Texas while trying to flee the country, according to police. Officials said he was not a student at Patterson. During Izaiahs funeral service, several friends and loved ones including fellow cadets in his Junior ROTC class spoke about their loss. They described his quirky smile, goofy personality and caring demeanor. At the downtown restaurant where he recently started working, Izaiah was known for drinking Shirley Temples and keeping his coworkers laughing. Hines takes comfort in hearing how her son had a positive influence on other peoples lives. But as Im going through these stages of grief and my feelings are fluctuating, I keep getting stuck in the anger, she said. Shes angry about the lack of gun control in a country where shootings frequently claim the lives of young Black men. Shes angry at local elected officials for allowing massive systemic inequities to persist for generations in Baltimore, a deeply segregated city where violence remains heavily concentrated in majority-Black neighborhoods. And shes angry that her family is suffering because of forces beyond her control. There has to be real change, she said. She also wonders whether Baltimore schools officials could have done more to protect Izaiah and other students. Hines said shes considering moving to the suburbs, hoping to remove Izaiahs younger brother and sister from the dangers of growing up in Baltimore. A school district spokesperson didnt respond to a recent request for comment, but Baltimore schools CEO Sonja Santelises previously said Patterson High has effective security protocols in place. This shooting did not occur inside of the school building, she told reporters at the homicide scene. When young people want to find a way out, we cannot have our eyes everywhere at the same time. City leaders say change is happening, but not overnight. During a news conference Monday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said the city is working hard to address youth violence. He often touts Baltimores dual approach to public safety, which combines law enforcement action with social programs and other resources aimed at steering people toward alternatives to crime. We did not wait until now to do that deep work, Scott said, describing ongoing efforts to bolster violence intervention resources within Baltimore public schools. He said officials have also discussed creating safe passages for students going to and from school. Other cities have seen similar increases in youth violence since the pandemic began as shootings and homicides soared nationwide. Scott said its disturbing to see more young people solving conflicts with gunfire even as Baltimore shootings and homicides have each decreased about 25% overall compared to this time last year, according to police. Since the start of 2023, five children under 18 have been fatally shot and another 21 injured in gunfire, according to Baltimore police. Three were killed within blocks of their public high schools. The year began with a Jan. 4 shooting that unfolded around lunchtime outside a Popeyes restaurant across the street from Edmondson-Westside High School in west Baltimore. One student died and four others were wounded. A childs backpack was visible at the scene, surrounded by shell casings and evidence markers, with schoolwork peeking out from its unzipped pocket. Police made an arrest last month in that case a teen whose name hasnt been released because hes underage. Hines said Izaiah was killed during a pivotal time in his life: caught between childhood and adulthood, his future still an open book. After getting pregnant in high school, Hines pushed herself to graduate, finish college and launch a career in mental health accomplishments she was proud to share with Izaiah and his two younger siblings. She hoped Izaiah would pursue military service after high school. I kept telling him, You are not going to become a statistic. You are not just another Black boy in Baltimore city, she said. But the gun violence, its so pervasive. WASHINGTON (AP) Two Texas companies have resolved Clean Air Act violations with the Environmental Protection Agency by agreeing to reduce emissions of planet-warming methane and other harmful pollutants wafting from the nation's largest oil and gas producing region. EPA announced Monday that Matador Production Company has agreed to pay $6.2 million in fines and mitigation measures related to 239 oil and gas well pads in New Mexico. Permian Resources Operating agreed earlier this month to pay $610,000 and make improvements to its equipment to settle environmental violations. The enforcement actions came after EPA flew a helicopter equipped with a special infrared camera that can detect emissions of hydrocarbon vapors that are invisible to the naked eye. EPA announced a new round of overflights in August, four days after publication of an investigation by The Associated Press that showed 533 oil and gas facilities in the region are emitting excessive amounts of methane and named the companies most responsible. Colorless and odorless, methane makes up about 95 percent of natural gas and a potent greenhouse pollutant that traps 83 times more heat in the atmosphere over a 20 year period than an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. The AP used 2021 data from the group Carbon Mapper to document massive amounts of methane venting into the atmosphere from super emitters across the Permian Basin, a 250-mile-wide bone-dry expanse along the Texas-New Mexico border. A partnership of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and academic researchers, Carbon Mapper used an airplane carrying an infrared spectrometer to detect and quantify the unique chemical fingerprint of methane in the atmosphere. Hundreds of sites were shown persistently spewing the gas across multiple overflights. EPA has said the timing of its 2022 overflights was not related to APs story and that similar aerial surveillance had been conducted in years past. The federal complaint filed against Matador said unlawful emissions were observed in 2019, while Permian Resources was cited for evidence collected during overflights in 2020. EPA spokesman Timothy Carroll said federal regulators have initiated additional enforcement actions based on the agency's 2022 flyover. He declined to provide the number of additional companies currently facing potential sanctions, citing the ongoing investigations. Methane emissions in themselves are not illegal under current federal law, but the Clean Air Act does regulate other pollutants also contained in the gasses emitted during fossil fuel production, such as volatile organic compounds that contribute to health problems including asthma, lung infections, bronchitis and cancer. Air quality in the Permian Basin is at risk of not meeting national standards, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We will continue to work with the State of New Mexico to ensure that oil and gas production operations are operating within the law to improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities. EPA said its settlement with Matador will result in a reduction of more than 16,000 tons of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. There will be additional reduction in emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases equal to about 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide equal to taking more than 6,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for one year. Emails and a voicemail seeking comment from Matador Resources Company, the Dallas-based corporate parent of Matador Production Company, received no response. Emails to Permian Resources, based in Midland, Texas, also received no response. The voicemail for a phone number at the company listed for media inquires was not accepting new messages on Tuesday. ___ Follow AP Global Investigative Reporter Michael Biesecker at twitter.com/mbieseck This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS (AP) Bolstered French police forces clashed with demonstrators in numerous cities Tuesday as hundred of thousands of marchers protested President Emmanuel Macron's unpopular retirement reform. Security was ramped up for the 10th round of protest marches since January after the government warned that some demonstrators intended to destroy, to injure and to kill." The Interior Ministry put the number of demonstrators nationwide at 740,000, down from more than 1 million five days ago when protesters voiced their rage at Macron's order to ram the bill raising Frances legal retirement age from 62 to 64 through parliament without a vote. The Paris police counted 93,000 in Paris compared with 119,000 last Thursday, when violence reached a peak. In a bid to keep up pressure on the government to simply withdraw its retirement measure, unions organizing the protests called for new strikes and marches on April 6. In a sign that protests may be losing a little steam, sanitation workers in Paris announced that they are suspending their more than three-week-long strike that has left piles of stinking garbage uncollected on the capitals streets. Growing piles of rotting garbage in the French capital became a symbol of the larger protests. The CGT union, which organized the strikes, said in a statement that workers will return to their jobs Wednesday. It was unclear whether private companies responsible for keeping some Paris districts clean will return to work. Concerns that violence could mar the demonstrations prompted what Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin described as an unprecedented deployment of 13,000 officers, nearly half of them concentrated in the French capital. A group of security forces in Paris at one point withdrew behind the wooden doors of a residential building during hours-long standoffs against ultra-leftist militants attacking with various projectiles and fireworks. A fire raged outside the door. After months of upheaval, an exit from the firestorm of protest triggered by Macron 's changes to France's retirement system looked as far away as ever. Despite fresh union pleas that the government pause its hotly contested push to raise France's legal retirement age, Macron seemingly remained wedded to it. His order to use a special constitutional power to ram the reform past legislators without allowing them a vote galvanized the protest movement. The Eiffel Tower's website announced that strikers had closed down the world-famous tourist attraction. The Louvre Museum was similarly strike-bound Monday. I'm protesting because this reform is deeply unfair to workers, women, and young people," said Camille Sabatier, 19, a political science student at the Sorbonne. Its no longer acceptable that a powerful man could force such a bill without a vote by parliament, she said. Everybody is getting madder, said Clement Saild, a train passenger at Paris' Gare de Lyon railway station, where tracks were temporarily invaded and blocked Tuesday by protesting workers. He said he supports the strikes despite their impact on transportation and other services. I am 26, and I wonder if I will ever retire, he said. Macron's argues that France's pension system will dive into deficit without reform, because of the lower birth rates and longer life expectancy in many richer nations. Macron's opponents say additional funding for pensions could come from other sources, without having to make workers retire later. Demonstrations got underway peacefully Tuesday morning, with large crowds in multiple cities. But tensions rose as marches concluded in Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux and elsewhere. Police were hit with objects and responded with tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the western city of Nantes. In the center of Lyon, in the southeast, there were numerous confrontations between demonstrators and police as the protest wound down. The interior minister had said more than 1,000 radical" troublemakers, some from overseas, could latch on to marches in Paris and other cities. They come to destroy, to injure and to kill police officers and gendarmes. Their goals have nothing to do with the pension reform. Their goals are to destabilize our republican institutions and bring blood and fire down on France," the minister said Monday. Some protesters, human rights campaigners and Macron's political opponents allege that police officers have used excessive force against demonstrators. A police oversight body is investigating multiple claims of wrongdoing by officers. The striking railway workers outside Gare de Lyon marched behind a banner that alleged: "The police mutilates. We don't forgive! Lucie Henry, a 36-year-old protester, said that by skirting parliament to impose his reform, Macron has set everyone on fire. What adds fuel to the fire is the behavior of the government, the police violence in particular, she said. Macron's opponents are urging him to cool tempers by backing down. Union leader Laurent Berger appealed Tuesday for a pause in implementing the retirement reform and for mediation. If we want to avoid tensions and I want to avoid them - what the trade unions are proposing is a gesture to calm things down, he said. "It must be seized. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne reportedly offered to receive the eight unions organizing the protests. Berger, head of the moderate CFDT, said he agreed, French media reported. It was not clear whether other unions backed that stance. The latest round of protests prompted Macron to indefinitely postpone a planned state visit this week by King Charles III. Government spokesman Olivier Veran insisted, however, that France remains a welcoming place for all non-royal visitors. Life goes on, he said. ___ Elaine Ganley, Jade le Deley, Jeffrey Schaeffer, Helena Alves and Masha Macpherson contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the appointment of Masim Mammadov as Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, which is part of the Eastern Zangazur economic region, Trend reports. Prior to this appointment, Mammadov was an adviser to the Azerbaijani minister of economy. Previously, he also held a number of high positions. Mammadov was also the head of the monitoring group, consisting of specialists from the State Service on Property Issues and AzerGold Closed Joint-Stock Company, investigating the illegal exploitation of natural resources. 'We can not stop anyone': Harish Rawat after US extends support to Rahul Gandhi In an exclusive conversation with Republic TV, former Chief Minister Uttarakhand Harish Rawat did not condemn the US's intervention into India's "internal matter," and stated, "We can't stop anyone." He further went on to criticse the BJP-led central government adding, "All the democratic power has come together in support of our leader Rahul Gandhi and fight against the Centre will continue." "This is a serious issue, and whole world is watching us. We can't stop anyone and we believe this is our fight and we will continue to fight against the government for killing the democracy of India," Rawat told Republic. Meanwhile, Harish Rawat along with other Congress leaders and workers was detained by police as they gathered at Red Fort for 'Loktantra Bachao Mashaal Shanti March' till Town Hall. In a massive crackdown against the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing spurious medicines, the Government of India cancelled the licenses of 18 such companies after an inspection by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in companies across 20 states, reported ANI. According to the report, the crackdown was on pharma companies across the country related to the manufacturing of spurious medicines. According to the official sources, "Action on 70 companies in Himachal Pradesh and 45 in Uttarakhand and 23 in Madhya Pradesh during govt crackdown on companies manufacturing spurious medicines." Uttar Pradesh suspends Marion Biotech's manufacturing license The move by the Centre comes after the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority cancelled Marion Biotech's manufacturing license after 18 kids died in Uzbekistan last year due to the consumption of its cough syrup. The incident which took place last year led the government and the officials of state narcotics to probe and look into the situation. Three employees of Marion Biotech were booked by Noida police in Sector 67, and a notice was also issued to two directors of the company after an FIR was lodged against all of them. Marion Biotech's drugs found 'adulterated' and 'not of standard quality' The FIR was reported after samples of Marion Biotech's drugs were found "adulterated" and "not of standard quality". The samples were also examined in the government's regional drug testing laboratory in Chandigarh and 22 of them were considered to be 'not of standard quality', as per an FIR. The production license of the firm was deferred in January after inspections at its location by the central and state drug authorities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also issued a 'medical product warning' on January 12 that was related to two substandard (contaminated) items, found in Uzbekistan and brought to light on December 22, 2022. (With inputs from ANI) Weeks after China brokered a landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said he expects both countries to improve their ties as arch-rivals in the Middle East faced an array of challenges to implementing it. Xi in his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, official media here reported. China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks, Xi said, referring to the China-negotiated peace deal between the arch-rivals to end their hostilities. The agreement signed on March 11 in Beijing was regarded as a major diplomatic coup for China's efforts to emerge as a major power rivalling the US to enlarge its strategic influence especially in the Middle East. "The Iran-Saudi rapprochement has been touted as a momentous development in the region. But how it ultimately impacts the Middle East remains a very open question, as the long adversarial powers are fighting a proxy war in Yemen and continue to support opposing sides across the region," said a report by the US Institute of Peace. "Amid perceived US retrenchment from the Middle East, the deal is a diplomatic win for China as it increasingly seeks to present an alternative vision to the US-led global order," it said. Following the Iran-Saudi deal, Xi during his March 20 visit to Russia made a strong pitch for Russia-Ukraine peace talks to end their current war. In his phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, Xi said with the joint efforts of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran successfully held and achieved significant results, helping the two countries to improve their relations. It is a significant demonstration effect on enhancing the unity and cooperation of regional countries and easing regional tensions, and thus having been widely praised by the international community, he said. It is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, Xi said, adding that China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks. As Xi and Crown Prince Mohammed held talks for the successful implementation of the deal, both countries appear to be building a "more meaningful" relationship with a landmark USD 10 billion deal to construct a state-of-the-art refining complex in north-eastern Liaoning province. Under the deal announced on Sunday, Riyadh will invest in the integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex to consolidate energy ties amid uncertainty over Russian supplies, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. For now, analysts expect China to continue buying heavily discounted Russian crude, but there are fears that US-led sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine could greatly disrupt the global oil supply chain, leading to big price fluctuations, Joey Zhou, a Shanghai-based petrochemicals analyst, told the Post. "We expect Middle Eastern companies would be willing to participate in [more] joint ventures with Chinese firms to ensure they have a secure outlet for their oil, he said. "To obtain a more competitive position for feedstock costs, Chinese producers are also likely to welcome Saudi or Emirati funds by involving them in existing or new plans for integrated refinery and petrochemical complexes, Zhou said. Nearly 200 migrants aboard a wooden boat were rescued by a ship in Italian waters on the night of Friday. Among the 190 migrants were Pakistanis, who were found off the coast of Libya about 20 hours after they left the city of Zawiya. According to Geo News, the group was rescued by Doctors Without Borders. The migrants included people from several nations such as Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh, and Palestine. The people rescued were then brought to the Italian port of Bari on the evening of Sunday in the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) vessel Geo Barents. The MSF is a global and independent humanitarian organisation that provides relief efforts to communities affected by disasters, lack of healthcare, conflict, and pandemics. Sharing an update on Twitter, MSF wrote: "Yesterday evening, the 190 survivors have all disembarked in #Bari, #Italy. After this difficult experience, all they need now is to receive the appropriate care and protection. We wish them all the best for the rest of their journey." UPDATE Yesterday evening, the 190 survivors have all disembarked in #Bari, #Italy. After this difficult experience, all they need now is to receive the appropriate care and protection. We wish them all the best for the rest of their journey. pic.twitter.com/CssbMY5Dj1 MSF Sea (@MSF_Sea) March 27, 2023 Toseef 25 years old, sang a romantic song that he dedicated to his wife who is still in #Pakistan with their 5-month-old son. During the 4 months spent in #Libya, he was severely beaten. pic.twitter.com/r0lBSLzHHq MSF Sea (@MSF_Sea) March 26, 2023 Migrants share their ordeal As the vessel reached Italy, a 25-year-old Pakistani named Toseef sang a song for his wife, who lives in his homeland with their infant. "Toseef 25 years old, sang a romantic song that he dedicated to his wife who is still in #Pakistan with their 5-month-old son. During the 4 months spent in #Libya, he was severely beaten," MSF tweeted. 36-year-old Yaser, another Pakistani migrant who was rescued, told the organisation that he had moved to Libya to search for a job and that he never expected to visit Europe one day. They gave us food once a day. If we asked for water, they told us to drink the water from the toilet. They beat us. They took my phone and called my family to ask for money. My family paid and I was able to escape," he said. Pakistan's government on Tuesday night introduced a bill in the parliament to curtail the discretionary powers of the chief justice, hours after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that "history would not forgive us" if parliament did not enact laws to curtail the powers of the country's top judge. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented 'The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023', which was approved by the Cabinet earlier in the evening. The development comes a day after two Supreme Court judges questioned the suo motu powers of the country's top judge. Tarar said that the bill prepared by the ministry of law and justice was deliberated by the cabinet and after its approval, he was presenting the bill before the parliament. Giving the details, he said that the bill ensures that "every cause, appeal or matter before the Supreme Court shall be heard and disposed of by a bench constituted by the Committee comprising the Chief Justice of Pakistan and two senior-most judges, in order of seniority" and the decisions of such a committee shall be by majority. Regarding suo motu powers, the draft states that any matter invoking exercise of original jurisdiction under Article 184 (3) shall be first placed before the committee of three senior-most judges. "..If the Committee is of the view that a question of public importance with reference to enforcement of any of the fundamental rights conferred by Chapter I of Part II of the Constitution is involved, it shall constitute a bench comprising not less than three judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan which may also include the members of the Committee, for adjudication of the matter, it adds. The legislation also allows appeals within 30 days of a verdict being issued on a suo motu case and enforces that a bench be constituted to hear such an appeal within 14 days. "An appeal shall lie within thirty days from a final order of a bench of the Supreme Court who exercised jurisdiction under clause (3) of Article 184 of the Constitution to a larger bench of the Supreme Court and such appeal shall, for hearing, be fixed within a period not exceeding fourteen days, according to the proposed bill. After the bill was presented various members demanded that the bill should be sent to a committee to discuss it and report back before voting. As the law minister did not oppose the demand, the speaker announced to send the bill to a committee with hope that it would present its report soon. Later, the Speaker prorogued the proceedings till Wednesday. The bill as presented aimed to reduce the discretionary powers of the chief justice to take suo motu action and also set up benches for hearing of cases. Addressing the joint session of parliament earlier, Sharif talked at length about the dissenting judgement by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the apex court, who lashed out at the unlimited authority of the chief justice to take a suo motu (on its own) action on any issue and constitute benches of choice to hear different cases. Their judgment was about the case of suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on February 22 about elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Speaking passionately about the need for new laws to limit the chief justice's power, Sharif said if the legislation were not passed, "history would not forgive us". The suo motu power is based on the original jurisdiction of the court under Article 184 of the Constitution. However, its usage over the years has created an impression of partiality on the Chief Justices' part. It was openly challenged for the first time by the two judges who were part of a bench that, in its 3-2 majority decision of March 1, directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to consult with President Arif Alvi for polls in Punjab and Governor Ghulam Ali for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The five-member bench was reconstituted by Bandial, who took a suo motu action against the delay in elections and initially formed a nine-member bench to deal with the issue. However, two of the nine judges differed with the decision to take suo motu notice, while two other judges recused themselves, prompting the Chief Justice to form a new bench. Justice Shah and Justice Mandokhail, in their detailed 28-page dissenting note, also rejected the 3-2 judgment in the suo motu case by saying that it was a 4-3 judgment to reject the maintainability of the case and lambasted the Chief Justice's power to form a bench for important cases. The coalition government led by Prime Minister Sharif, which is supporting the ECP's decision to delay the election in the two provinces until October 8, is trying to use the parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice. The premier also said that the courts were treating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan favourably and were not ready to hold Khan accountable. Sharif said that enough is enough and the law would take its course while the government would not allow the favourite to play with Pakistan. He added that the Constitution clearly defined the division of powers between the legislature, judiciary and administration and set a red line that no one should cross. The powers of the legislature defined by the Constitution and the powers of the judiciary were being flouted, the prime minister said. The joint session of parliament was summoned last week to discuss the key issues confronting Pakistan and provide guidelines to deal with those issues. The development comes as the top court is hearing a case about the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone the provincial election till October 8, well beyond the 90 days deadline by the constitution to hold elections after the dissolution of an assembly. Two YouTubers from Pakistan recently completed their tour of India's Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and were faced with the reality about the transformation the Union Territory has undergone in the last few years. In an interview with Pakistani journalist Sana Amjad, the YouTubers revealed how much better the lifestyle of Indians are beyond the Line of Control (from their perspective) and how challenging it is for residents of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistanis witness lifestyle of Indians in J&K firsthand "There you can see crops on the Indian side. On our side there are no crops, it was complete barren land," said one of the interviewees named Anum Sheikh. "I talked to people here (PoK) and they said they have to spend money even for water but it is nothing like that on the other side. People said 'we don't get subsidy from the government, what can we do'." Muzamil Sheikh, the other interviewee, shared an anecdote when he spoke to a PoK resident whose relatives live in India. "That person said that his relatives are living a much better life in India," he revealed. Sheikh also talked about the development that is underway after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and hundreds of crores of investment that is pouring into J&K, proving that even Pakistanis are aware of the changing landscape. The interviewee also said that residents of Gilgit-Baltistan are struggling for basic food sources like flour and some even shed tears on camera when talking about their condition. Further comparing the stark differences, they said that incidents of border firing have reduced since Modi government came to power (although it is the Pakistani soldiers who always violate ceasefire). They shared another instance when one of their friends ended up crying after seeing mobile towers, schools, universities and kids playing in the peaceful Indian side. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. National and religious solidarity, tolerance and multicultural values in Azerbaijan played a special role in Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Second Karabakh War, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations Sayavush Heydarov told reporters, Trend reports. The main task facing us at the present time is to preserve, strengthen and pass on these values, our national heritage to the new generation, Heydarov said. According to him, against the background of the processes taking place in the world and the deepening of the spiritual crisis, it can be clearly seen that Azerbaijan has created a platform, a strategy, and a model for promoting global peace. All religious denominations and communities which exist in our country have shown particular activity in its creation and played a special role, the official noted. Heydarov also noted that representatives of non-Islamic religious communities and foreign guests who arrived in Azerbaijan at their invitation visited the Guba district on the eve of the 105th anniversary of the March Days when about 12,000 Azerbaijani civilians were killed by Armenian Dashnaks and Bolsheviks. During this visit, representatives of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities once again called on the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to peaceful coexistence in the Azerbaijani state, where tolerance, traditions of multiculturalism, and coexistence are an integral part of life. Previously, as a follow-up to the meeting held in Azerbaijan's Khojaly on March 1 and the invitation presented on March 13, the Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan proposed once again to hold a meeting in Baku in the first week of April for the purpose of reintegration of the representatives of the Armenian public of Karabakh as well as to discuss the implementation of infrastructure projects in Karabakh. In Brief Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeous trip to mainland China has generated plenty of interest as it is the first time a sitting or former leader from the democratic island has visited communist China. Taiwanese political commentator Tung Li-Wen blasted the trip, declaring on his YouTube channel that Mas chief of staff had said the visit was about unification talks between the two sides. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) found Tungs statement to be inflated and taken out of context. A recording of the comments reveal that Mas office director Hsiao Hsu-tsen was asked by a reporter how Ma would respond if mainland youth raised the issue of reunification during the trip. Hsiao replied, Reunification shouldnt be taboo, which is what apparently sparked Tungs reaction. In Depth Mas office issued a press release on March 19 saying the former president would soon visit China to pay homage to his ancestors. In addition, several students in Mas education initiative, Da Jiu Academy, will accompany him and engage in cultural exchanges with mainland students, it said. The March 27-April 7 visit elicited criticism from think tank advisor Tung, who criticized Ma in his March 24 episode of Taiwan Go, an political talkshow with over 190,000 Youtube followers. Taiwanese political commentator Tung Li-Wen criticized Ma's the trip, saying on his YouTube channel that Mas chief of staff had said the visit was about unification talks between the two sides. Tung claimed Hsiao had stated in an interview with Hong Kong media that this trip is about unification talks and that Ma's trip would be the "crucial first step" toward reunification. Tung and other commentators then proceeded, in turn, to criticize Ma's office for not hiding their intent to bring students to the mainland in order to talk about reunification. This particular episode of Taiwan Go was watched by over 30,000 viewers. Is Mas trip centered around reunification talks? AFCL found that quotes cited by Tung were taken from a background briefing Hsiao gave to foreign media in Taiwan on March 22, not from interviews with individual media outlets. The briefing was detailed in reports by online media outlets such as Hong Kongs HK01 and Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao. Hsiao told AFCL that the comments referred to by Tung were in response to a reporter who asked whether Ma and the students accompanying him to China would avoid responding to questions about unification if mainland students raised the issue during the trip. Hsiao replied that no topics were off limits during the trip, noting that Taiwan upholds freedom of speech and that the very preamble of the constitution of the Republic of China the precursor to Taiwan explicitly uses the word unification. He said that if mainland Chinese students wanted to ask about unification, Taiwanese students would of course be willing to respond. Hsiao emphasized that Tung and other political commentators twisted his response to what was originally a hypothetical question asked by the media and distorted it to seem as if Ma and his entourage were taking the initiative to bring up the topic of reunification with mainland officials. Is Hsiao himself the only source who can verify his claims? AFCL separately checked with two independent sources who attended Hsiaos briefing. Both confirmed Hsiao's quotes about unification were in response to a question raised by the media. AFCL also obtained a recording from the briefing itself, in which a female voice is heard saying that Ma and his entourage ought to respond if the issue of reunification is mentioned, given the pluralistic rhetoric in modern China and the fact that cross-strait hostility and hatred has risen in the past few years due to ultra-nationalist Chinese netizens loudly calling for unification by force. Hsiao can be heard in the recording replying that unification is in fact written into the preamble of the Republic of Chinas constitution. So I think this is an issue that must be debated or discussed. If the mainland says we want to unify today, then we can also get students to discuss, well, if you want to unify, how can both sides agree? What conditions and situations [would bring about unification]? I dont think its taboo. Hsiao stressed that the most important thing is for both parties to reach out and talk about these issues. Remaining in Taiwan and clamoring for more resistance to China wont solve the problem. Conclusion This appears to be a clear case of distorting a comment and taking it out of context. Former President Mas chief of staff did not say the reason for Mas trip was to discuss unification; he said was willing to discuss the issue if it came up. Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Yim Sinorn, one of the two Cambodian opposition activists recently arrested after online comments about Cambodias king, holds his prison release notice on March 28, 2023. An opposition activist who was jailed after posting comments on Facebook about the government and Cambodias constitutional monarch was released on Tuesday after he apologized to Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court released Yim Sinorn after he posted a video and a statement from prison apologizing for last weeks messages about the king. The messages drew a lot of attention from online commentators, which prompted the court to charge Yim Sinorn with incitement and with insulting the king. He posted a comment on Facebook on Tuesday that he didnt intend to insult the king. I take this occasion to ask for forgiveness from the king and apologize to Samdech Hun Sen publicly with honesty, Yim Sinorn said. In his message last week that led to his address, Yim Sinorm wrote: According to the people at the coffee shop, today we clearly know who is truly the king. Yim Sinorm seemed to be highlighting Sihamonis political powerlessness, which is mandated by a requirement in Cambodias 1993 Constitution that he reign as a national figurehead while leaving governing to the National Assembly and the prime ministers Council of Ministers. A second activist, Hun Kosal, is still being held by authorities. Hun Kosal later wrote that it has been sad to see they have hurt the kings heart and degraded the kings power in all aspects, a reference to how Hun Sens government has interacted with Sihamoni, who took the throne in 2004. Cambodias King Norodom Sihamoni [left] talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen during the countrys 68th Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh on Nov. 9, 2021. Credit: Associated Press Appeals to the king Sihamoni, a European-educated former dance instructor, has preferred to remain in the shadows as king. But some in the opposition have called on him over the years to challenge Hun Sens repression of their ranks. Recently, Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been working to silence and intimidate opposition figures ahead of the July general elections. As a politician of the new generation, I am determined to use all my ability to join forces with Kem Sokha to protect the power and the throne of the king, Hun Kosal wrote in another one of his messages last week. Earlier this month, opposition leader Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in prison for treason. He continues to deny the charges that led to his arrest in 2017, which was made several months after the Cambodia National Rescue Party which he led had made large gains in local commune elections. Yim Sinorn has previously worked as an activist for the now-banned CNRP. Last week, the prime minister exchanged comments with his own supporters on Yim Sinorns Facebook page, suggesting that Yim Sinorn and Hun Kosal were already guilty. It would be weird if they are not guilty because [what they said] is not an expression of opinion, but it is a distortion of the truth with an intent, he wrote. Whatever it is, leave it for the court to decide. After Yim Sinorn released his apology statement on Tuesday, Judge Yi Sok Vouch issued an order to the Prey Sar Prison Department to release him on bail. The order did not give an explanation behind the release. Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Two men evade questions about their identities after following a court reporter to work The Hong Kong Free Press posted photos on Twitter of a man it said followed a court reporter from her home to her workplace on March 22, 2023. Journalists in Hong Kong say they are being followed by unidentified law enforcement personnel, prompting calls for a police investigation from their union amid deteriorating press freedom in the city. The Hong Kong Journalists' Association said it had received reports from several news organizations and journalists in the past week that reporters were being "followed or monitored" by unidentified men. The Hong Kong Free Press online newspaper said its court reporter "was followed from her home to her workplace for over an hour by two men with earpieces" on March 22, adding that the pair had refused to answer questions or reveal their identities when confronted by a staff member at a subway station. The journalists' union said it had received similar reporters from a number of different media covering the trial of the now-shuttered independent outlet Stand News, and that court reporters appeared to be the main target for the surveillance. "Journalists reported the incident to the Journalists Association, saying that based on the clothing and behavior of the men in the incident, they suspected that they were plainclothes law enforcement officers," the union said in a statement on its website dated March 27. "The Association is very concerned about journalists being followed," it said. "Threats to the personal safety of journalists, especially court reporters, will make the general public ... worry that some people are trying to use coercion to damage reporters' exercise of their reporting rights." "The Association ... will not tolerate any intimidation or harassment of journalists and the media," it said, adding that women journalists are more likely to be targeted for this sort of intimidation. "No journalist should be harassed because of their gender," the statement said, and called on the Hong Kong police to investigate the matter, and confirm whether they had carried out any operations targeting journalists in recent days. "The Journalists' Association urges the police to take the matter seriously, follow up and investigate, and bring the suspects to justice as soon as possible," it said. Plunging rank Cedric Alviani, East Asia bureau director for the Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders, said journalists in Hong Kong should be able to work freely and without fear of harassment. "We are concerned by the fact a Hong Kong Free Press reporter was ostentatiously followed in broad daylight by an unidentified individual," Alviani was quoted by the Hong Kong Free Press as saying. Alviani pointed out that Hong Kong, once considered a bastion of press freedom, has plummeted from 80th place in 2021 to 148th place in the 2022 RSF World Press Freedom Index, the indexs sharpest drop of the year. According to the group's website, at least 28 journalists and press freedom defenders have been prosecuted in Hong Kong over the past three years under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party from July 1, 2020. Thirteen of those are currently behind bars, while at least seven independent media outlets have shut down "because of the repressive climate," including Jimmy Lai's Apple Daily and Stand News, it said. The group also pointed to new rules from the Hong Kong government forcing five local broadcasters to air 30 minutes' worth of "national security education" propaganda programming per week. Stand News acting chief editor Patrick Lam [wearing glasses], one of the six people arrested "for conspiracy to publish seditious publication" according to Hong Kong's Police National Security Department, is escorted by police as they leave after the police searched his office in Hong Kong, Dec. 29, 2021. Credit: Reuters Under the rules, TVB, ViuTV and HOY TV, Commercial Radio and Metro Broadcast, must now air no less than 30 minutes of propaganda per week, including content relating to national education, national identity and National Security Law, if they want their licenses to be reviewed in a few years' time, it said. "In Hong Kong like anywhere else, the purpose of the media is to impart independent information for the benefit of the public, and forcing them to broadcast state propaganda in the name of national security is just unacceptable," Alviani said. "We call on the Hong Kong government to withdraw this measure, and more generally to restore full press freedom as enshrined in the Basic Law." The Hong Kong police later wrote to the Journalists' Association, criticizing it for "rumor-mongering" and for publishing "unverified and inaccurate reports and comments" that misled the public. Harassed and shoved Independent journalist Lam Yin-bong said a reporter with the Chinese-language Ming Pao newspaper had been shoved and verbally abused by police as he filmed the prosecutor in the Stand News case at the Wanchai District Court, and said the incident could be connected to the recent monitoring of court reporters. "The incident involving the reporter being followed and monitored happened about four days after that scuffle between the [Ming Pao] reporter and police," Lam said. "All of the reporters who said they were followed and surveilled had all been reporting on the Stand News case at Wanchai District Court." He said he didn't believe the Hong Kong Journalists' Association was dealing in rumors, but rather raising reasonable concerns with the police. "Those people had earpieces on, and didn't respond when asked who they were," Lam said. "Some journalists also saw them presenting their documents to the court, which made people suspect that they were some kind of police or law enforcement." "If the police have discovered that these people aren't police officers, they should come out and say so," he said. Lam said there are now few freedoms left for Hong Kong journalists, who had focused on national security trials and protest-related cases as a relatively safe way to cover the ongoing crackdown on public dissent and political opposition. "There is huge psychological pressure on journalists right now, with many suspecting that they're being followed," he said. "The hardest thing to deal with is that you never know who these people are." Hong Kong Free Press founder and editor-in-chief Tom Grundy vowed to pursue those following its journalists through every legal channel open to it. "If you try this nonsense, HKFP will use every bureaucratic & legal avenue possible to follow-up, relentlessly," he said via his Twitter account. "We'll film it, make police complaints, publish stories, enlist NGOs & our lawyers, & reserve the right not to blur faces. Every single time," Grundy wrote. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Mas comments echo Beijing's 'unification' claim that people in Taiwan, China come from the same family Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou pays his respects at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, in Chinas eastern Jiangsu province on March 28, 2023. Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, visiting mainland China amid ongoing regional military tensions, echoed Beijing's official line on the democratic island on Tuesday, claiming that people in democratic Taiwan and in communist China are "all ethnically Chinese." "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and are all descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors," Ma said on the first day of his trip, which he has billed as a peace-making mission. But critics say he has undermined the Taiwanese government, which needs U.S. support to fend off Beijing. His trip comes as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen prepares to visit the United States starting Wednesday. Recent opinion polls indicate that there is broad political support for self-rule in Taiwan, where the majority of voters identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese, and which has never formed part of the 73-year-old People's Republic of China. But Beijing regards the island as part of China, and has threatened to invade if Taiwan refuses its plans for "peaceful unification," a notion Beijing backs up with the claim that people in Taiwan and China are all "from the same family." For example, Chinas State Councils Taiwan Affairs Office said in a September 2022 statement: No individual, nor any force, can change the fact that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same origins, the same language and the same ethnicity. Peace is unavoidable responsibility Ma visited a mausoleum in Nanjing dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, who founded Ma's own party, the Kuomintang, and who served as the first president of the 1911 Republic of China after a revolution that toppled the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Taiwan remains a sovereign state under the same Republic of China name after Kuomintang leaders fled there in 1949 when they lost a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists. Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou visits the hall housing Sun Yat-sen's sarcophagus, at the Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Credit: cnsphoto via Reuters Ma also said peace was "the unavoidable responsibility of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait." "We sincerely hope that the two sides will work together to pursue peace, avoid war, and strive to revitalize China," Ma said, echoing Chinese President Xi Jinping's slogan, "the rejuvenation of the great Chinese nation," a key phrase in Xi's political lexicon. While Ma has no scheduled meetings with Chinese leaders, he is being given a red carpet welcome and was met at the airport by the vice chairman of Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office. He was ushered into a waiting high-speed train to Nanjing in a coordinated security operation that saw the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum temporarily closed to visitors, according to the World Journal, a U.S.-based pro-KMT newspaper, and Singapore's pro-Beijing Lianhe Zaobao newspaper. Ma met with Xi Jinping in Singapore in 2015 while he was serving his second term as president of Taiwan. China's state news agency Xinhua described Ma as a "former Taiwan leader," rather than former president, adding that he and his delegation had "paid their respects" to Sun and presented a "floral basket" offering in the mausoleum. "Ma wrote an inscription meaning 'Peace, endeavor, revitalizing China' in commemoration," the brief report said. Blocked journalists However, a number of journalists from Taiwan and Hong Kong were unable to cover the trip, according to Hong Kong's Chinese-language Ming Pao newspaper. The paper said it had been told that there were no arrangements in place for journalists from Hong Kong or Macau wanting to cover Ma's trip, and accreditations were only being offered to media organizations from Taiwan. Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou writes calligraphy at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, in China's eastern Jiangsu province, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Credit: AFP/Ma Ying-jeou's office But the World Journal said the Taiwanese press corps had gotten left behind when Ma boarded the high speed train for Nanjing, prompting a personal apology from Zhong Xiaomin, who heads Shanghai's municipal branch of the Taiwan Affairs Office. Taiwan's Central News Agency said the specific arrangements for the trip weren't shared with reporters until the last minute, while some parts of the visit had no opportunity to ask Ma or his entourage questions. The Communist Party-backed English-language Global Times newspaper carried Ma's comments about shared origins on the front page of its website, and repeated that message in quotes from foreign policy experts. "During Ma's eight years as Taiwan's regional leader (2008-2016), the two sides held 11 high-level talks and signed 23 agreements in fields ranging from economy and tourism to flights," the paper said. Trading blame It blamed Taiwanese President Tsai for current cross-straits tensions, saying she had "actively colluded with anti-China forces in the U.S. and pushed Taiwan to the brink of military conflict." Taiwan's Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan said China had instigated the conflict with its military sabre-rattling, and had been interfering in Taiwan's ability to forge international partnerships and excluding it from international organizations. Residents wave as former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou leaves the John Rabe House during his visit in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Credit: Associated Press "China has been waging a continuous diplomatic siege as well as military threats against Taiwan, and has carried out a number of cognitive operations in recent years," Cheng said. "Former President Ma ... should have a deep understanding of the situation in Taiwan, as it's a very important issue affecting the survival of our country." New People Party Chairwoman and lawmaker Wang Wen-yu called on Ma to cancel the trip, which comes as Honduras switched its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. "China is very malicious and has been systematically suppressing Taiwan's international space," Wang told a news conference in Taipei. "I think such actions must be strongly condemned." "As we have seen, former president Ma has chosen this time for this visit, and clearly hasn't made any effort to support Taiwan," she said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Tsai arrives in New York and has a packed itinerary for her diplomatically fraught transit. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen gestures while standing in front of soldiers during a visit to a military base in Chiayi, Taiwan March 25, 2023. Most travelers do their best to avoid extended layovers. Not Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who arrives in New York on Wednesday for two nights of what is being billed as transit en route to the democratic islands few remaining allies in Central America. Tsai wont be using the down time to visit the Statue of Liberty or to brave a chilly walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. She wont even catch the Yankees spring training game against the San Francisco Giants. Instead, the Taiwanese president, who has weathered a year of predictions about her island being invaded by China amid worsening relations between Washington and Beijing, has some work planned. On Thursday, her only full day in New York, Tsai is set to receive a leadership award from the Hudson Institute, a conservative foreign-policy think tank, where she will also deliver a speech. After leaving on Friday for Guatemala and Belize two of the few remaining countries to maintain diplomatic ties with her self-governing island instead of Beijing Tsai then flies back to Los Angeles on Tuesday, where she will spend two more nights in transit. There, Tsai will deliver another speech this time at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, in the nearby city of Simi Valley and meet new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has vowed to lead a congressional delegation back to Taiwan later this year. If that all sounds a lot like an official visit to the United States by the leader of a close ally (to which President Joe Biden has repeatedly vowed full military support) dont be confused. Its just transit. Whats in a name? On March 8, Matt Lee, the diplomatic writer for the Associated Press, asked the State Departments then-spokesman, Ned Price, why Tsais visit was still being billed just as transit, questioning the official U.S. line that it was being allowed for her comfort and convenience. It may be comfortable and it may be convenient, kind of like spending two weeks in Palm Springs on the U.S. governments dime preparing for APEC, Lee said, referring to an annual conference. But he added, if I was flying from the U.S. to China and decided to stop in L.A. for three days, I dont think the airline would say thats transit. Price did not budge, refusing to describe Tsais visit as anything other than transit and saying it was part of the status quo on Taiwan, which buys billions of dollars of U.S. arms but which Beijing considers a renegade province and has vowed to reunite with the mainland. In this Wednesday, March 27, 2019, photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen [right] is greeted by supporters upon arriving in Hawaii. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP) Transits of the United States by high-level Taiwan officials are consistent with longstanding U.S. policy and with our unofficial and strong relations with Taiwan, Price said. President Tsai herself has transited the United States six times in the last seven years. There has been absolutely no change to the U.S. One China policy. The transit of high-level Taiwan officials is consistent with the One China policy, Price explained. Its been done before. It is a practice. He added that he was not aware of any plans for State Department officials to meet Tsai during her six days on American soil. Semi official Dennis Wilder, a research fellow with the U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University, told Radio Free Asia that the sensitivities around Tsais trip came down to Washingtons balancing act on Taiwan since it normalized relations with Beijing in the 1970s. That switch in diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing brokered by President Richard Nixon from the late 1960s but formalized by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 has required the U.S. to deny Taiwan is independent of Beijing, even as it serves as the islands patron. Wilder, who served as CIA deputy assistant director for East Asia and the Pacific and before that as the White House National Security Council's director for East Asia under President George W. Bush, said the use of transit for trips like Tsais was meant to placate Beijing. The history of the U.S. relationship with Taiwan ever since the normalization of relations with the People's Republic of China has been one where, if you will, we put an unofficial nature to actually what is pretty official relationships with Taiwan, Wilder said. He noted Americas diplomatic mission in Taiwan was not called an embassy but the American Institute in Taiwan, that Taiwans mission in Washington was similarly misnamed, and that U.S. officials did not meet Taiwanese counterparts in official government buildings. Referring to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens visit as a transit is something of a fig leaf for the United States, says Dennis Wilder, a research fellow with the U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University. (Associated Press) There are a lot of little gestures we make that are to, if you will, make Beijing less uncomfortable with the relationship, Wilder said. And so for a transit like the one that President Tsai will be making, we've always called it for the comfort and the safety of the Taiwan leader, rather than calling any kind of official visit to the United States. Its something of a fig leaf, he added. Her predecessor visits Beijing Tsais trip to the United States comes at a particularly fraught time in U.S.-China relations, with a visit by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island last year leading to a nadir in relations with Beijing. Ties between the worlds two superpowers were on the mend until an alleged Chinese spy balloon was found floating over the United States in February, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone his trip to Beijing at the last minute. Tsais visit also comes as her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang, is in Beijing. Ma had sought to improve Taiwans ties to Beijing while in office and is the first former Taiwanese president to visit the mainland since the two sides split amid war in 1949. He arrived on Monday and will be there until April 7, the day before Tsai returns from Los Angeles. But the history of the unofficial ties between Washington and Taipei causing diplomatic froth goes back a lot further than Pelosi and Ma. The practice of furtive overseas tours was pioneered in 1995 by Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui, according to William Overholt, a senior research fellow at John F. Kennedy School of Government's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui receives the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences during a breakfast banquet at the university at Ithaca, N.Y., in 1995. (Associated Press) Lee started visiting countries under the guise of a vacation, and then immediately claiming that their allowing his visit showed that those countries actually recognized Taiwan, Overholt told RFA. He then used it on us, with the excuse of visiting his alma mater Cornell, Overholt said. That caused the 1995-96 Taiwan Strait Crisis. Our legislators took the excuse at face value. China reacted to Lees larger strategy. It was the greatest Sino-American crisis since 1958. This visit follows that pattern, he added. A visit that includes two-day stopovers in both directions and senior government meetings obviously is just a cover for an official visit. This is just a repeat of the Lee strategy, except that were more welcoming of that strategy this time. Dont mention the war There has already been a harsh reaction from Beijing, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accusing the United States obscuring and hollowing out the One China principle by allowing Tsais visit, and Tsai of trying to propagate Taiwan independence. We strongly oppose any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, strongly oppose any U.S. visit by the leader of the Taiwan authorities regardless of the rationale or pretext, and strongly oppose all forms of U.S. contact with the Taiwan authorities, which violates the One China principle, Wang said in a press briefing last Tuesday. Wilder said Beijings reaction to Tsais transit would depend on how much the question of potential Taiwanese independence features and how the American media and lawmakers talk about her trip. This is really the red line, and one that Beijing will watch very closely, he said. The danger is we can love Taiwan too much. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Residents say that starvation is causing more people to resort to robbery and theft. Two young women were killed during a botched robbery in the city of Hyesan, shown in this file photo, North Korea. Residents in a northern province of North Korea are reporting an increase in violent crime, seemingly driven by a worsening economy, hunger and a lack of affordable food, sources told Radio Free Asia. The recent killing of two young women during a botched robbery in Hyesan, a city on the Chinese border, has put people in Ryanggang province on edge, they said. On the 20th, at around 5:00 pm, there was a shocking incident in which two men rushed into a house in the Hyesong neighborhood and they murdered two of the three women living there while trying to rob them, a resident of the city told RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity to speak freely. The women living in the house were aged 22, 23 and 27, and the two victims were stabbed to death, according to the source. The one who escaped was the homeowner. The robbers held a knife at her and told her to give him money. She was able to get away by saying it was in the attic, and pretending to go up to retrieve it, but running away instead, the source said. Military police officers who were on patrol in the area arrived and arrested the suspects, the source said. The trial for the robbery was held the next day in public, said the source. Although the arrested men are members of society, they were tried by military law for committing a robbery at a time when the domestic situation was militarily tense. The source said that after the trial the men were led away, so nobody knows for sure what will happen to them, but many expect they will be executed by firing squad. Crime statistics from North Korea are not available, so it is impossible to verify whether there has been an uptick. But the source said the increase in March has been notable and food and money problems are often the motive. After a nights sleep, you wake up to learn there was a murder somewhere, and then the next day, youll hear about a series of robberies somewhere else, he said. Another Ryanggang resident said the crime wave extends beyond Hysean, and that a friend in nearby Samsu county said over the phone that many robberies, thefts and murders are happening there as well. Murders, break-ins, and thefts are particularly prevalent this year, which has something to do with the worsening food shortage, the second source said. Residents are blaming the authorities for failing to take proper measures to stabilize society [by addressing] the food shortages. Chronic hunger North Korea has been chronically short on food for decades, but has been able to cover gaps between supply and demand through imports or international aid. This became impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Sino-Korean border was closed and suspended all trade with China, the countrys chief economic partner. Though cross-border trade has resumed in limited capacity, it has not been enough for the country to rebound completely. People in Hyesan are starving to the point that they are eating the soybean residue from the tofu making process, normally thought to be a waste product, the second source said. You cant even use [the residue] to make any kind of porridge or broth, he said. As starvation becomes more rampant due to the food shortage, you hear about more terrible robberies happening all the time. Hyesan has had a 7:00 p.m. curfew in place for some time, and opportunistic criminals strike when theres nobody out on the streets, the second source said, recalling an incident where three robbers broke into a home that doubled as a place of business for the owner, a street food vendor. The second source said that the three men came to the house just before the curfew, claiming they were there to buy food. When the vendor opened the door to them, they rushed in and robbed her. They took all of the food that was for sale, including noodles, rice, candy and sweets, he said. Authorities are investigating the case, and because the robbery occurred before the vendors husband arrived home, they suspect that the three robbers are people that would know his schedule, according to the second source. The three men were wearing masks so its not known if they are soldiers or civilians, he said. Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. Protesters display a banner featuring National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against the military coup in front of the partys office in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 15, 2021. Myanmars military junta on Tuesday announced the dissolution of the National League for Democracy the party led by Aung San Suu Kyi that won the 2020 elections in a landslide ahead of elections the regime plans to hold later this year. The NLD did not re-register with the military juntas Election Commission, which said a total of 40 political parties were dissolved because they did not re-register as political parties within 60 days, according to the new laws and regulations enacted by the military council. Opponents and analysts say new stricter eligibility requirements, approved in January by the military that took control of the government in a February 2021 coup, favor military-aligned parties and seek to legitimize the junta through a sham election. Some opponents of the military have urged a boycott of the election, the date of which has yet to be announced. Opponents warn that smaller parties that take part will likely lose and only lend credibility to the junta. There are 63 political parties that have registered with the commission as of Tuesday. Only the Union Solidarity and Development Party, which ran the country as a quasi-civilian government under then-President Thein Sein after an opposition boycott of the 2010 election held by the previous junta, is seen as a legitimate contender in 2023. The party, which serves as the juntas electoral proxy, challenged the NLDs election win in 2010 based on allegations of fraud and assumed Myanmars presidency following the 2021 coup. But other groups, including the Shan and Ethnic Nationalities Party, believe that an election is the only way to reestablish civilian rule in Myanmar. A cordoned-off gate with the insignia for the National League for Democracy (NLD) party is seen near the home of deposed NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, Myanmar, June 23, 2022. Credit: AFP Never turning back to democracy The military junta has learned clearly by taking the 2010 general election into account that they would lose the election if the opposition party NLD competes, political and legal analyst Kyee Myint said. Thats why the junta has detained Suu Kyi, just as they have in the past, he said. The military has proven again this time that they are never turning back to democracy, Kyee Myint said. In fact, we already know it as a fact. We just continue to see more and more proof that backs this fact. The election commission is organized under an illegal military junta that has operated as a terrorist organization, said Nay Phone Latt, a spokesman for the shadow National Unity Government. There is no reason that these political parties should be dissolved just by an announcement of this so-called election commission, he said. RFA sought comment from the U.S. State Department on the election commissions action but didnt immediately receive a response on Tuesday. The announcement that the 40 parties have been dissolved carries no legitimacy because the junta itself doesnt represent the people and is by no means legal, said Kyaw Htway, a Central Working Committee member for the NLD. Over and over, the junta has searched party offices, sealed off homes and seized the property of party members, Kyaw Htway said. Our party has a lot of experience resisting the repression of a series of military dictators over the 30 years since it was established, he said. In this modern technological age, we can still do even more for the people despite the juntas announcement. Thats why I want to say that our party that emerged from the people, with the trust and support of them, will continue to exist so long as the people exist. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Sources say the camp was key to supplying junta troops in Kayin state. Karen National Liberation Army forces attacked the Myanmar armys Mel Kha Hta camp, one of the largest remaining along the Thanlwin River. Ethnic Karen rebels have attacked and seized a long-held military camp in Kayin state along Myanmars border with Thailand, officials with the Karen National Union said Tuesday, calling it the last of the large camps held by the junta along the key Thanlwin River. The loss of the camp is the latest blow to the military, which launched a far-reaching offensive after taking power in a February 2021 coup detat, but has encountered staunch resistance from anti-junta Peoples Defense Force paramilitary groups and ethnic armies in recent months, despite outclassing them in training, equipment and manpower. The KNUs military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, attacked the camp in Hpapun districts Mel Kha Hta at around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday because of its strategic importance to the military, KNU Foreign Affairs Officer Padoh Saw Taw Nee told RFA Burmese, noting that it had a key role in supplying troops with food and other necessities. It can be said that the camp is the largest among those located along the Thanlwin River thats why its important, he said. This is the last large camp left, as most of the junta camps like this one have been shut down. Padoh Saw Taw Nee said that there were more than 60 junta soldiers stationed at the camp, which the military defended vigorously over the course of nearly two hours using small and heavy weapons. Details of the battle had yet to be confirmed, he added. A member of the KNLA in an area controlled by Brigade No. 5 said his group had killed at least 10 junta soldiers and seized military equipment in the clash. Two KNLA soldiers were injured in the fighting. The KNLA set fire to all of the buildings in the military camp, he added, and the two sides are continuing to monitor one another. Large camp housed dozens of soldiers A Myanmar refugee sheltering in Thailand across the Thanlwin River from the Mel Kha Hta camp told RFA that he saw smoke billowing above the area for about an hour after the battle. I think the camp was set on fire around 7:00 in the morning, he said. As the smoke continued to rise, I saw that their camp had been captured, but I couldn't see any junta soldiers running away. The refugee confirmed that the camp is a big one and said junta soldiers who had fled when the KNLA recently captured the nearby Thaw Le Hta military camp were sheltering there. Smoke and fire are seen at the Myanmar armys Mel Kha Hta camp, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Credit: Mekong News A source who lives in the vicinity of the camp said he saw two Mi-35 military helicopters circling the area at around noon on Tuesday. He said that by the afternoon, no one remained at the camp. Other residents of the area told RFA that before the camp was seized, the KNLA had warned the junta soldiers stationed there to join the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement that has seen tens of thousands of government employees leave their jobs in protest of military rule. The military had yet to make any announcements regarding the capture of the camp as of the time of publishing. Saw Khin Maung Myint, the economic minister and junta spokesman for Kayin state, told RFA that he had heard the camp was seized, but was unable to provide any details. Nearly 1,000 villagers from areas near the Mel Kha Hta camp fled to safety on Tuesday out of fear that the junta might use airstrikes to retaliate against the rebels, residents told RFA. According to the KNU News and Information Department, more than 8,000 clashes have taken place in the areas controlled by the KNU during the two years of military rule. Thousands flee Magway offensive Reports of the border clash came as RFA learned that thousands of residents of Magway regions Pakokku township have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of a military offensive in the area on Feb. 11. Residents said that around 300 junta soldiers have been stationed in the Myit Chay-Kyun areas historic Tant Kyi Taung Pagoda, a power plant, a pharmaceutical factory and Let Pan Chaung village since the start of the offensive. They said that over the last six weeks, the soldiers have been raiding and firing heavy artillery at 15 nearby villages located at the foot of Tantkyitaung Mountain and across the Ayeyarwaddy River from the ancient city of Bagan. A resident of Aing Gyi, one of the villages that came under attack, said that not only have civilians had to flee the military offensives, but also have nowhere to shelter due to junta travel restrictions. Some of us could not bring our national registration cards when we had to run and now cant go to other cities, as we need the card to do so, said the resident who, like other sources RFA spoke with, declined to be named citing security concerns. Thats why we have nowhere to stay but here in this open area and are forced to run in the opposite direction any time the junta troops come. The resident said that junta troops have also cut off their access to food, water, and electricity. Residents fleeing across Ayeyarwaddy River amid ongoing raids by Myanmar junta forces in the Myit Chay-Kyun Chaung area of Pakokku township, Magway region, Feb. 4, 2023. Credit: RFA Aing Gyis entire population of around 3,000 people have been constantly on the run for the 10 days since the raid on their village, he said. Other residents who fled the 15 villages told RFA they are only able to eat one meal a day and that children and the elderly are in desperate need of medicine. Raids increased in March A resident of Let Pan Chaung village said the displaced are concerned about the approaching rainy season as they have no stable place to shelter. The resident said that the military arrested five people from his village in March. While two have been released, junta troops are torturing a 17-year-old and two men in their 50s for information about the areas armed resistance. Some 2,000 people nearly the entire population of Let Pan Chaung are on the run while the military remains stationed at the village, he added. Other residents said that the raids had become even more regular since March 5, when the anti-junta Peoples Defense Force paramilitary group used landmines to attack junta troops entering Myo Soe village another of the 15 tracts that have come under attack since Feb. 11. The number of homes in each of the 15 villages varies from 200 to 600, and while sources told RFA that many residents had been arrested during the raids, the exact number remains unclear. Attempts by RFA to contact junta Deputy Information Minister Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun about the raids in Pakokku township went unanswered Tuesday, as did inquiries to the military press team. Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has said that Myanmars military does not destroy civilian villages, but RFA reporting suggests otherwise. Sources regularly relate stories of soldiers engaging in looting, arson, torture and killing during the raids as part of a scorched earth offensive by the military. According to the latest situation reports published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on March 4 and March 21, the number of war refugees in Myanmar increased by more than 100,000 throughout the country in the two weeks from Feb. 27 to March 13 alone. The latest additions most of whom live in Kachin, Kayah, and Shan states, as well as eastern Bago region bring the number of those displaced by conflict in the country to more than 1.7 million people, UNOCHA said. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Gonpo Kyi had come to prison to appeal for release of brother serving life sentence. Gonpo Kyi (L) was detained by police and tortured, according to two Tibetans, after she went to the prison in Tibets capital of Lhasa on Monday, March 20, 2023, to appeal for the release of her brother, former businessman Dorjee Tashi. In a video obtained by RFA, Kyi shows bruises she received (R) and describes the beatings. As she had done several times before, Gonpo Kyi went to the prison in Tibets capital of Lhasa on Monday to appeal for the release of her brother, former businessman Dorjee Tashi, who is serving a life sentence. When police told Kyi to stop, she refused. So they grabbed her and detained her overnight, during which she was beaten and tortured, two Tibetans with knowledge of the situation said. Kyi was released on Tuesday, and her other brother, Dorjee Tseten who has also repeatedly campaigned on his brothers behalf took her to the hospital for treatment of injuries she suffered, one of the sources said. While Gonpo Kyi was pleading with the Chinese authorities to allow relatives to visit her jailed brother, she was tortured and then arrested by the police, said a Tibetan inside Tibet, who declined to be identified for safety reasons. She was detained for a night and released the day after. Radio Free Asia obtained a video in which Kyi, also known as Gontey, describes the beatings and shows bruises on her shoulders and upper arms. In the video, she displays a legal document about a Chinese business couple who were imprisoned for 15 years on fraud charges around the same time Tashi was arrested. But the Chinese couple has been released after 10 years, Kyi says. And it is not fair that my brother, Dorjee Tashi, has still not released though he has already paid off all the money that he was allegedly charged with [stealing] through loan fraud. This is illegal and discrimination against the Tibetans, she said, though she did not explain how she obtained the document about the Chinese couple. Former hotel chain tycoon Before his arrest, Dorjee Tashi, 48, was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and a successful businessman who owned a luxury hotel chain and real estate companies in Tibet, according to International Campaign for Tibet, a rights group. He was praised for his philanthropic activities that contributed to poverty alleviation and economic development in the region. Tashi was arrested in July 2008 following mass Tibetan protests against Chinese rule that spring and branded a secessionist for alleged covert support to the Tibetan protesters and for political connections with the Tibetan community in exile, which he later denied. Though the political allegations against him were dropped, Tashi was indicted for loan fraud and sentenced to life in in Drapchi Prison in Tibets capital Lhasa on what rights groups and supporters say were politically motivated charges. Sibling support Both Kyi and her brother, Tseten, have protested Tashis imprisonment. Tseten has posted videos of himself pleading with prison authorities to let him and other family members visit his brother, although all his requests have been denied. In December 2022, Kyi staged a peaceful protest calling for her brothers release outside a courthouse in Lhasa until security guards took her into custody. She also staged sit-ins outside another courthouse in the capital in June 2022. Though the police told her to stop the protest, she continued with her appeal to meet and to get her brother, who has been serving a life sentence in Drapchi Prison since 2010, released, said a Tibetan who lives outside Chinas Tibet Autonomous Region. Drapchi Prison, or Lhasa Prison No. 1, is the largest detention facility in Tibet, housing Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns detained for their political beliefs. It has a reputation for its poor conditions, brutality and use of torture on inmates, according to the human rights group Free Tibet. Tibet was formerly an independent nation until it was invaded and incorporated into China more than seven decades ago. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the region, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. Details added (first published: 15:52) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Turkish citizens living in Azerbaijan can vote on May 5, 6, and 7 at Turkish Consulates (in Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan), Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci told reporters in connection with the upcoming presidential election in Turkiye, Trend reports. According to him, Turkish citizens living in Azerbaijan who wish to extend their voter registration should apply to consulates in Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan from March 20 to April 2. "On April 1 and 2, that is, this Saturday and Sunday, our consulates will be open. Our citizens should check their names on the voter lists at the e-government website or the YSK (Supreme Election Council) call center. If they find that their current addresses are incorrect, we ask them to come to our consulates to update their addresses," the ambassador said. The ambassador noted that Turkish citizens residing in Shamkir, Sheki, Barda, Aghjabadi, Zagatala, Yevlakh, Aghdash, Tovuz, Mingachevir, Gadabay, Balakan, Gazakh, Goygol, Oguz, Dashkasan, Naftalan, and the Karabakh region can apply to the consulate in Ganja. According to him, Turkish citizens living in Shamakhi, Guba, Ismayilli, Sabirabad, Hajigabul, Lankaran, Astara, Sumgayit, Masalli, Bilasuvar, Neftchala, and Kurdamir can apply to the consulate in Baku until April 2. "Also, we discovered that some citizens working in our companies want to go to Turkiye to see their families and vote in the election. If their registration address is in Turkiye, they can go there and vote without having to register. If our citizens living in Azerbaijan travel to Turkiye before the start of the voting process, they should keep in mind that they will be able to vote at airports only from the beginning of the voting period, that is, from April 27th," said the ambassador. "We also remind our companies that if the addresses of the people they send on vacation to Turkiye are listed here (in Azerbaijan), they must enter Turkiye from 27 April. If they enter before April 27, they will not be able to vote," the ambassador added. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on holding a presidential election on May 14. Vietnamese land rights activist Truong Van Dung, shown in this file photo holding demonstrating in Hanoi for prisoners of conscience, was sentenced to six years in prison for conducting anti-state propaganda. A land rights activist accused of giving interviews to foreign media and storing illegally printed books was sentenced to six years in prison for conducting anti-state propaganda. Only Truong Van Dungs wife was allowed to attend the half-day trial as a witness. Many activists in Hanoi told Radio Free Asia that they had been forced to stay at home or were prevented from getting near the court. According to his indictment, Dung gave interviews to U.S.-based Saigon Dallas Radio between 2015 and 2022 that distorted and smeared Vietnams government, propagated fabricated information and caused confusion among the people. The interviews and video clips were posted on social media. The Hanoi Peoples Procuracy also accused Dung of storing copies of two books: Popular Politics by human rights activist Pham Doan Trang and Life of People Behind Bars by former prisoner of conscience Pham Thanh Nghien. The books were allegedly printed and distributed illegally. Dung, 65, was convicted under Article 88 of Vietnams 1999 penal code, a controversial law used to target dissidents that rights groups say is one of several wielded to stifle voices of dissent in the one-party communist state. Latest in a long line His wife, Nghiem Thi Hop, told RFA that defense lawyers argued that he did not conduct the interviews as alleged in the indictment. But prosecutors said the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications concluded that it was Dung who spoke to the program. She said police used physical violence against Dung during interrogations. Dung has participated in protests in Hanoi, including demonstrations against Chinas occupation of the Paracel Islands an island group in the South China Sea also claimed by Vietnam and protests against the Taiwan-owned Formosa Company for polluting the coastline of four central Vietnamese provinces of Vietnam in 2016. Public protests even over perceived harm to Vietnams interests are considered threats to its political stability and are routinely suppressed by the police. Before the trial, Human Rights Watch called on Vietnam to drop all charges against Dung. The organizations deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, said in a statement on Monday that Dung was the latest in a long line of human rights defenders silenced by the Vietnamese government for protesting against human rights violations and advocating for reforms. At least 11 activists have been detained for investigation on Article 88 charges while they await a scheduled date for their trial. Sentence in case tied to U.S.-based organization In a separate case, an appeals court in Ho Chi Minh City upheld sentences for two people accused of being members of the Provisional Government of Vietnam a U.S.-based opposition group described by Vietnamese authorities as a terrorist organization. Nguyen Van Nghia, 48, and Duong Thi Be, 41, were sentenced to seven years and five years in prison, respectively, according to the online edition of the Peoples Newspaper. Both were charged with carrying out activities to overthrow the peoples government under Article 109 of Vietnams 2015 Penal Code. They were first sentenced in October by Kien Giang provinces court. Based in Orange County, California, the Provisional Government of Vietnam was founded in 1991 by former soldiers and refugees loyal to the U.S.-backed government of South Vietnam that was overthrown and absorbed by North Vietnam in 1975. The group now refers to itself as the Third Republic of Vietnam, according to its website. According to the indictment, Nghia visited the homepage of the Provisional Government of Vietnam in 2014. He also participated in a referendum in 2018 to elect Vietnamese-American citizen Dao Minh Quan, who leads the organization, as president of the Third Republic of Vietnam. More than 60 arrests since 2017 Nghia was also said to have recruited many people to join the organization, and at the end of October 2021, he registered Be, his girlfriend, to be a member of the organization. He also allegedly called on government and military officers in Vietnam to join the organization. Later in 2021, he was assigned to be the official spokesman for the organization in Vietnam. According to RFA statistics, at least 60 people in Vietnam have been convicted for being members of Dao Minh Quans organization since 2017. They were all charged with carrying out activities against the state, and many were accused of committing violent and terrorist acts, including making petrol bombs and burning airport garages. However, some people, including Tran Van Luong, who was sentenced to five years in 2017 and released last year, have told RFA that they were not a member of the organization. According to Luong, police arrested him only because he had been dissatisfied with the Vietnamese government and had voiced his criticism on Facebook. Then they forced him to make statements that he had contacted Dao Minh Quans organization. A leader from the organization told RFA that it would take action to help the arrestees in Vietnam. The official did not disclose what would be done. Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Polls have closed following a paltry turnout in extraordinary local elections in four municipalities in northern Kosovo with ethnic Serb majorities where local mayors resigned in November 2022 to protest a cross-border dispute over vehicle registrations. The Central Election Commission late on April 23 said that preliminary results indicated that the Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti,had won the mayoral races in North Mitrovica and Leposavic, while the opposition Democratic Party had taken races in Zvecan and Zubin Potok. Turnout, as expected, was low as the dominant Kosovar Serb party, Srpska Lista (Serbian List), which enjoys the support of neighboring Serbia's government, announced it was boycotting the votes. There are around 45,000 voters eligible to elect new mayors in North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zvecan, and Zubin Potok, along with municipal assemblies in Zvecan and Leposavic. After polls closed, election officials said just 1,567 people had voted -- representing a turnout of 3.5 percent of eligible citizens. RFE/RL correspondents reported that the only ballots that were being cast were submitted in places with ethnic Albanian residents. Milan Radoicic, vice president of Serbian List, said following the vote that "those who think that with 1 or 2 percent of the vote, they can lead the municipalities in the north, I have to say that the Serbian people will never allow them to do that." A former chairwoman of Kosovo's Central Election Commission, Valdete Daka, told RFE/RL that so long as proper procedures were being followed, the tiny number of votes would likely result in mayoral seats being filled but not necessarily an end to the local problems. Daka said the "nonappearance in the elections" was essentially "conveying a message to the government of Kosovo that they won't accept the leaders who emerge from these elections." "With this nonappearance in the elections, the Serbs are conveying a message to the government of Kosovo that they will not accept the leaders who emerge from these elections," Daka said. All of the areas voting maintain close ties with Belgrade. Fifteen years after the mostly ethnic Albanian former province declared independence from Serbia, Belgrade continues to oppose recognition of Kosovo's independence. Many ethnic Serbs in Kosovo continue to lean heavily on support from Serbia and nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic. The Serbian List party has demanded the formation of an Association of Serbian Municipalities, as Kosovo's government pledged to the international community a decade ago, and the withdrawal of special units of the Kosovo Police from north of country. A total of 10 candidates were competing for the mayorships, only one of whom -- independent candidate Sladjana Pantovic in Zvecan -- is an ethnic Serb. Pantovic was the rare exception among Serbs, turning out to vote at around 8 a.m. Pantovic received just five votes, or 2.6 percent. Another ethnic Serb candidate, Aleksandar Jablanovic from the Party of Kosovo Serbs, withdrew from the race in Leposavic three days ago, saying there were not "adequate conditions" for voting. All of the remaining candidates were ethnic Albanians from the Mitrovica Civic Initiative, the Democratic Party of Kosovo, and Kurti's Self-Determination movement. Kosovo's Central Election Commission had to organize alternative polling stations for the April 23 voting because the schools that normally host the voting in northern Kosovo operate within the so-called parallel system run by Serbia's leadership. Ethnic Serbs compose some 1-2 percent of Kosovo's population of around 2 million people. Kurti this week accused Belgrade of intimidating Serbs from the north to discourage them from participating in the elections. Vucic alleged on April 22 that Kosovar authorities were effectively staging "an occupation" of the north after the elections. The four northern municipalities have been without mayors since November, when Serbs largely loyal to Belgrade resigned from their jobs over the Kosovar government's threatened imposition of a requirement for all vehicles to be registered locally. The voting took place at 19 polling stations, 12 of which were organized by Kosovar authorities in the final days before the vote. Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani and the partly recognized country's Central Election Commission urged citizens in the north to exercise their right to vote. The international community has also expressed regret at the Serbs' boycott and urged all sides to exercise restraint. Following the election, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina said, "We recognize Kosovan election officials' efforts to make polling places available to citizens wishing to exercise their right to vote, while minimizing potential points of tension." "We likewise express our appreciation for the professionalism of the Kosovo Police, EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), and KFOR in ensuring a secure environment for the elections." Kosovo remains blocked from many multinational organizations due to Serbian and Russian opposition to recognition, although there were recently signs of a possible breakthrough under EU-mediated talks. The European Parliament on April 18 approved a decision on visa liberalization that will allow citizens of Kosovo to travel to most European countries without a visa by January 2024 at the latest. It is the last Western Balkan country to achieve such status. U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier told RFE/RL's Balkan Service on April 21 that citizens in the north of Kosovo and all political parties "have a responsibility to respect the democratic process, recognizing that they all had the opportunity to register and participate." Belarus claims it was "forced" to agree to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory in response to what it called "unprecedented political, economic, and information pressure" from the West. A statement placed on the website of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry on March 28 accused the United States, Britain, and the European Union of "direct and blatant interference into the internal affairs of an independent state aiming to derail the geopolitical course and change the internal political order of Belarus." 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. The statement comes three days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had reached agreement with Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders NATO and EU member states Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well Russia and Ukraine. Lukashenka has become an international pariah since claiming victory in an August 2020 presidential election that the opposition and West says was rigged. His subsequent brutal crackdown on dissent spurred the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and many other Western nations to impose crippling sanctions on Minsk and most of Lukashenka's regime. Amid the growing international isolation, Lukashenka has turned to traditional ally Russia for support. In return, he has also allowed Moscow to use Belarus as a staging area for launching the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry statement said that in the face of such actions by the West, "Belarus has to undertake responsive actions to strengthen its own security and defense capabilities." When announcing the move, Putin said Russia was building a storage facility in Belarus and that Moscow would not be transferring control of the weapons to Minsk authorities. The Belarus Foreign Ministry said the move fits "tightly in accordance with international law" and doesn't contradict the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), though Western leaders have condemned it. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, on March 26 called the move "an irresponsible escalation and threat to European security" and warned that Minsk faces possible further sanctions if it hosts the weapons. "The announcement of the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus will certainly lead to the announcement of additional sanctions. The level of sanctions will be much more severe for the Lukashenka regime," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said during a news conference in Bucharest on March 28. NATO, meanwhile, said it is "closely monitoring the situation" and accused Moscow of "consistently" breaking arms-control commitments, including its recent suspension of the New START treaty." The White House has also said it is monitoring the situation, though it saw no immediate reason to adjust its nuclear stance nor any indications Russia is preparing to use such weapons. Military experts told RFE/RL that Putin's announcement was just as much a political card being played as it was a military move. "The placement of the nuclear weapons in Belarus, in the ongoing situation, is blackmail targeting not only NATO but Ukraine as well. The signal is sent to make Europeans worry, to scale down their assistance to Ukraine. And it is a warning to Ukraine -- if you want to shoot down our jets based in Belarus, remember, there is a nuclear option," Russian military expert Pavel Luzin said. According to Luzin, Lukashenka may not have taken into account that any placement of nuclear arms in his country will prolong the presence of Russian troops in Belarus. "Since late 2021, Russian troops have been in Belarus temporarily. After [nuclear arms] depots appear in Belarus, Russian troops will stay in the country on a permanent basis," Luzin said. Meanwhile, Pavel Podvig, a senior research fellow at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, told RFE/RL that "it is unlikely that Russian nuclear weapons will appear in Belarus" as there are no proper facilities to keep such weapons there. "As far as I understand, [the statement's] goal was mostly political -- to demonstrate the strengthening of the alliance between Belarus and Russia. There was no military expediency in it," Podvig said. The NPT is a landmark pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Signed by more than 190 countries, it entered into force in 1970. Military spending worldwide rose 3.7 percent in 2022 to a record $2.24 trillion, with Central and Western Europe experiencing the largest year-on-year increase since the Cold War and Ukraine boosting its outlays to unprecedented levels as it battled to repel Russian forces that invaded its territory early in the year. The United States, Russia, and China remained the largest individual spenders, accounting for 56 percent of the global total of military spending, according to inflation-adjusted data published on April 24 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report said military aid to Ukraine and concerns about a heightened threat from Russia strongly influenced spending by many other states, as did tensions in East Asia. "The continuous rise in global military expenditure in recent years is a sign that we are living in an increasingly insecure world," said Nan Tian, senior researcher with SIPRIs Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program. "States are bolstering military strength in response to a deteriorating security environment, which they do not foresee improving in the near future," he added. Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year in what Moscow calls a "special military operation." The invasion has since caused tens of thousands of deaths on both sides with Ukraine, backed heavily -- both financially and militarily -- by allies in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, putting up a far stiffer resistance than Moscow appears to have expected. SIPRI estimated that Russian military spending increased 9.2 percent in 2022, to around $86.4 billion, equivalent to 4.1 percent of Russia's gross domestic product (GDP). That's up from 3.7 percent of GDP in 2021. "The difference between Russia's budgetary plans and its actual military spending in 2022 suggests the invasion of Ukraine has cost Russia far more than it anticipated," said Lucie Beraud-Sudreau, director of SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program. Ukraine's military spending reached $44 billion in 2022 -- a whopping increase of 640 percent, with the report calling it the "highest single-year increase in a country's military expenditure ever recorded in SIPRI data." "As a result of the increase and the war-related damage to Ukraine's economy...military spending as a share of GDP shot up to 34 percent of GDP in 2022, from 3.2 percent in 2021." By contrast, the United States, by far the world's largest military spender, spent $877 billion in 2022, up 0.7 percent adjusted for inflation -- representing 39 percent of total global military spending and triple that of China, the second-largest spender. Expenditures by Central and Western European states reached $345 billion in 2022 -- surpassing in real terms the 1989 level, just as the Cold War was ending. "The invasion of Ukraine had an immediate impact on military spending decisions in Central and Western Europe," said Diego Lopes da Silva, a SIPRI senior researcher. "This included multiyear plans to boost spending from several governments." He said that "we can reasonably expect" military expenditures in the region to keep rising in upcoming years. Finland, which recently became the 31st member of NATO, led the rise with a 36 percent increase in military spending, followed by Lithuania (up 27 percent); Sweden, which is seeking NATO membership (up 12 percent); and Poland (up 11 percent). "While the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 certainly affected military spending decisions in 2022, concerns about Russian aggression have been building for much longer," said Lorenzo Scarazzato, a SIPRI researcher. "Many former Eastern bloc states have more than doubled their military spending since 2014, the year when Russia annexed Crimea." SIPRI said all percentage changes are expressed in real terms at constant 2021 prices. In a television interview released on March 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow could deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of ally Belarus by July. He said all the necessary infrastructure for such a deployment would be in place by July 1. Ten Belarusian Air Force planes have been retrofitted to deliver the weapons and nuclear-capable, short-range Iskander missile systems are already based in the country, which borders Ukraine, Russia, and NATO members Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Next month, Putin said, Russia would begin training Belarusian military personnel on the use of tactical nuclear weapons. In addition, he said a storage facility for the weapons would be completed by July 1. Putin asserted that the move mirrors the long-standing U.S. practice of basing tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of NATO allies, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Turkey. RFE/RL asked several military and political analysts about the decision, what motivated it, and what it might mean for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and NATO. 'Trying To Drive A Wedge' Pavel Luzin, a foreign- and defense-policy expert who is a visiting scholar at the Fletcher School at Tufts University in the United States, told Yury Drakakhrust of RFE/RL's Belarus Service: 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. "The deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus is blackmail targeting not only NATO, but Ukraine. They want the Europeans to be afraid so they will reduce aid to Ukraine. And it is a warning to Ukraine -- if you try to destroy our planes in Belarus, remember that we have a nuclear option. "Russia is now trying to imitate the American policy of nuclear sharing to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States. "[Belarusian leader Alyaksandr] Lukashenka wants Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus...because he thinks that if Russia deploys them, Moscow will depend on him just has he now depends on Moscow.... He does not understand that if a nuclear-weapons storage facility is opened in Belarus, troops will also be located there. Since late 2021, Russian troops have been in Belarus on a temporary basis. When a storage facility appears, they will be there permanently. The Americans delegate responsibilities to their allies in Europe, but Russian political and military culture does not provide for such a degree of trust in one's allies. The consequence of a nuclear-weapons storage facility could be the creation of several permanent Russian military bases." 'Primarily Political' Pavel Podvig, a longtime expert on Russia's nuclear arsenal and a senior researcher with the UN's Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva, told Vital Tsygankou of RFE/RL's Belarus Service: "As far as completing the storage facility by July 1, I have great doubts about this. No one has seen this construction yet. A facility for the storage of nuclear weapons is a rather serious engineering task. You have to build a fortified bunker, build a security perimeter, set up guards. The installation of surveillance and alarm systems alone takes months, up to six months. All this would be visible, but no one has seen it. If construction were already started, it would have been noticed. "In my opinion, the whole idea is primarily political -- to demonstrate the strengthening political union between Belarus and Russia. This is purely a political step. There is no military expediency in this action. By the way, the same practice exists in NATO. It is primarily a political action, designed to demonstrate unity. "Although this is a purely political action, the West is in a difficult position. They cannot say it is illegal because they themselves have deployed their nuclear weapons in other countries for many years. "I strongly doubt that nuclear weapons will really be deployed in Belarus. The value of this 'event' is exclusively political, not military. And for political purposes, it isn't even necessary to build the storage facility. The very possibility of such a deployment is enough to create a political effect." 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' Arkady Moshes, a historian and program director with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs who specializes in the foreign policies of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, told Drakakhrust: "It makes no sense to push nuclear weapons closer to NATO's borders because Russia has the Kaliningrad region and these weapons can be deployed there without bringing another nation into play. I do not see any particular military significance in this decision. But the fact that it was made shows the Kremlin is nervous, if not panicking. The Kremlin is beginning to realize that its previous threats to use nuclear weapons are starting to sound a bit like the boy who cried wolf.... This is an attempt to destabilize the situation, to frighten those people in the West who have a tendency to be frightened." 'Russia Can Still Raise The Stakes' Belarusian political analyst Artsyom Shraybman told RFE/RL's Russian Service: "Lukashenka knows very well how to capitalize on the various services he performs for Russia. He is demonstrating his loyalty and turning it into cash. I don't see any other benefits in this for Lukashenka. It is an unpopular step in the eyes of the Belarusian public. In the summer of 2022, according to polls, 80 percent of Belarusians opposed the basing of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. So in terms of domestic politics, this is a problem for Lukashenka. Up until now, he has been able to position himself for many Belarusians as the guarantor of peace and security. Now that will be harder. "This decision looks like a continuation of Putin's blackmail, trying to force Western and NATO countries to make compromises on Ukraine. They are trying to demonstrate that Russia can still raise the stakes in ways that would be dangerous for the West. It is an ultimatum to the West, and Belarus is barely even a player. "As far as the integration process [between Russia and Belarus] is concerned, this will impact military cooperation, since at least two new Russian divisions will appear in Belarus to guard the new facilities. And there could be more economic integration in the wake of this military cooperation, since Belarus will most likely be given additional discounts, benefits, and loans." 'Already There'? Russian political analyst Ivan Preobrazhensky told Aleksei Aleksandrov of Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA: "I think this is a reaction to the recent talks with China and, at the same time, to the arrest warrant for Putin by the International Criminal Court and the preparations for intensified fighting in Ukraine this spring -- all rolled together. But the ultimate goal is to try to minimize the supply of weapons to Ukraine by NATO countries. It is the continuation of the previous strategy of nuclear intimidation. "As for the basing of nuclear weapons in Belarus, it is impossible to say for certain that they aren't already there, especially since Iskander systems were delivered to Belarus even before the massive invasion of Ukraine [in February 2022].... Probably they were deployed already with the Iskanders and we are getting a post-factum announcement. Remember the historical precedent of the Cuban Missile Crisis -- announcement comes after deployment is under way." Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, RFE/RL's Belarus Service, and Current Time Shortly after wrapping up a high-profile meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping turned his sights toward Central Asia and announced plans to host a summit in May as the ripple effects from Russias invasion of Ukraine continue to shake up the region. The announcement came on the heels of a visit to Russia where Xi and Putin heralded a new era in their ties despite fallout from Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, a development that has wide-ranging ramifications for Central Asia. The Kremlin traditionally viewed the area as its strategic backyard, but has been displaced by China as the premier economic force for the regions five countries. Moscows war in Ukraine has released geopolitical and economic shock waves and seen Chinas role in the region grow through diplomatic summits and new initiatives that have disrupted the tightrope that Central Asian governments have walked for balancing their ties between China, Russia, and the West. As Xi and Putin strengthen their partnership and work closer together, Central Asia is now left walking an even wobblier tightrope than before, analysts argue. I dont think Central Asia is caught by surprise by this growing Russia and China cooperation, Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told RFE/RL. But the big question is how they will adapt their foreign policies to these big changes. Finding A New Line To Walk Beijing once positioned itself cautiously in Central Asia to ensure it didnt upset Russia as the Kremlin guarded its influence in the region. But that dynamic has shifted in recent years. Beijing has expanded the scope and scale of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and moved to grow its leadership role in the region with stepped up diplomatic engagement and a heightened security presence. In September, Xi made his first trip abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic to Kazakhstan and then to Uzbekistan for the annual SCO summit. Beijing has stepped up its bilateral diplomatic ties with Central Asia and sought to create more formats with regional governments that dont include Moscow. Chinese officials have also been hosting virtual summits with Central Asias top brass -- the upcoming meeting in May will be the first in-person summit between the regions leaders and Xi. But while the slated summit highlights how Chinas influence is rising and Russias has diminished since the war started, Umarov says Beijing and Moscow are not competing in the region. I dont see this as an attempt to [snub] Moscow. China doesnt want to push out or even replace Russia in the region, he said. Actually, [China] is working to better coordinate things with Russia and this [fits] with Beijings foreign policy priorities. In a statement issued on March 21 following the Moscow talks, Xi and Putin spoke about their shared interests in Central Asia, saying that they would work together to support the countries of Central Asia in ensuring their sovereignty and national development and safeguard them against so-called color revolutions and external interference in the affairs of the region. Warnings of a color revolution have been a standard talking point from Beijing and Moscow when discussing Western involvement in Eurasia. Xi also used the term to describe unrest in Kazakhstan in January 2022 when violent clashes sparked by simmering popular grievances and a behind-the-scenes power struggle culminated in a Russian-led military intervention under the guise of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In a potential blueprint for navigating future crises in Central Asia, Beijing deferred to Russia to act as the key political and security actor. But Haiyun Ma, a professor at Frostburg State University who studies Beijing's relations with Russia and Central and South Asian countries, told RFE/RL that Moscows influence has declined since then and regional governments have looked to gain some political distance from Moscow. It seems clear that Central Asian states would prefer Chinas economic and peaceful development as a model to Russias political and military coercion, he said. A Complicated Reality This shift has created new opportunities for Beijing as it looks to shore up its influence along its western border at a time of intensifying competition with the United States. Xi will chair the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation later this year -- a gathering of global leaders centered around the Chinese investment initiative -- where Central and South Asia could feature prominently. Beijing and Moscow continue to find ways to harmonize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and China has also agreed to tentatively fund the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Central Asian countries are closely watching Chinese-Russian ties with complex feelings, Ma said. On the one hand, a closer China-Russia partnership in noneconomic areas is not good news. On the other, China's economic blueprint for Central Asia [and including Russia], is attractive. Despite Russias weakened state and unease in the region over Moscows unprovoked attack on a neighbor, Central Asian states have managed to capitalize on the fallout from its sanctions-riddled economy. Russia remains a top destination for work for millions of Central Asians, with remittances sent home by migrants holding steady to preinvasion levels or in some cases rising, according to the World Bank. Trade turnover between Russia and Central Asia -- particularly with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan -- has also grown since February 2022 as Moscow has needed to replace European imports and sell its own products. China and Russia are high on Central Asias list of priorities and they wont risk their relationships with Eurasias two big powers, Umarov said. The disadvantage from this is that the Wests presence will inevitably decrease in the region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has gone on an official visit to Israel and Palestine, the ministry told Trend. During the visit, which will last from March 29 through March 30, Bayramov is expected to meet with high-ranking representatives of both countries. Besides, his participation in the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel is planned. On November 26, 2022, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to establish the Azerbaijani Embassy in the State of Israel. On January 11, President Ilham Aliyev appointed Mukhtar Mammadov as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Israel. Details added: first version posted on 17:18 BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has gone on an official visit to Israel and Palestine, the ministry told Trend. During the visit, which will last from March 29 through March 30, Bayramov is expected to meet with high-ranking representatives of both countries. Besides, his participation in the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel is planned. On November 26, 2022, President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to establish the Azerbaijani Embassy in the State of Israel. On January 11, President Ilham Aliyev appointed Mukhtar Mammadov as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Israel. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and other leadership of the Ministry watched the "Cybersecurity Exercises - 2023", the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan told Trend. Chief of the Main Department, Major General Mammad Eminov reported to the Minister of Defense about the exercises at the Cybersecurity hub. It was noted that the main purpose of the exercises is to improve the skills on ensuring the safe exchange of information with all types of headquarters, as well as command posts within the Electronic Information System of the Azerbaijan Army, as well as to educate users about the existing threats in the system and other information resources, and to develop cyber defense against possible attacks. Military personnel will further improve their knowledge and skills by accomplishing various cybersecurity tasks during the exercises held at the hub equipped with the most modern technological equipment. The Minister of Defense positively assessed the progress of the exercises and set appropriate instructions for the command on the further development of cybersecurity activities in the Azerbaijan Army. A PAEDOPHILE who had a total of 3,900 indecent images of children on his phone has been jailed. Neil Copnell (52) had used a TOR browser to mask his online activity but was caught when police visited him to check he was complying with a previous court order, Sheffield Crown Court heard last Friday. Mr Anthony Moore, prosecuting, said Copnell, of Westpit Hill, Brampton Bierlow, had a history of taking indecent images of children. When he was in court last May, he received a non-custodial sentence but he was given a sexual harm prevention order. Mr Moore said: When a PC visited Copnell in relation to his SHPO, the defendants phone was examined and images were found, and the phone was seized. His laptop was also searched but there was no record of illicit content. Mr Moore added police had found 267 Category A the most extreme still images of children, 269 Category B still images and 3,342 Category C images on Copnells phone, some of which had been inaccessible. Copnell also had had 22 prohibited images as well, said Mr Moore, who added that the images had been found in various locations on the phone. Mr Moore added Copnell had also had the TOR browser uploaded on his phone to mask his identity and actions. However, Mr Moore said, there was no evidence of distributing these images. Copnell had been arrested in November last year, Mr Moore added, and had made no comment when interviewed. Ms Claire Moran, mitigating, said: He accepts that his offending was sexually motivated. He does have a long-standing addiction to these types of materials. Judge Rachael Harrison acknowledged that Copnell had pleaded guilty to the charges on the first occasion, She noted Copnell had been in court for similar offences last year, when he was spared immediate custody but given an SHPO, as an alternative. The judge said had Copnell been dealt on that occasion, he would have received seven months in prison for each count. She told him: You were still downloading images. You hid what you were doing from your partner and the police. Copnell was jailed for a total of 27 months for breaching the SHPO, including seven months for the original offences he admitted last year. He also received concurrent sentences of ten months for making Class A indecent photographs of a child, four months for making Class B indecent photographs of a child and a month for making Class C indecent photographs of a child. (idexonline.com) - Britain has finally said sorry to India for taking the Koh-i-Nor diamond. Not quite sorry enough to give it back. But sorry enough to acknowledge that in its imperial zeal it may have somewhat overstepped the mark in forcing a 10-year-old boy to hand over the gem. And the entire Punjab state while he was at it. More has been written about this 105.6-carat oval-cut Golconda gem than any other diamond. It is without question the most famous and most disputed diamond on the planet. So when its owner/guardian appears to soften its position for the first time in 174 years, I think it's worth making at least a small fuss. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The Member of Azerbaijani Parliament Fazil Mustafa was shot by an unknown person near his own house, Trend reports. The MP was taken to the hospital with injuries. According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an operational-investigative group is currently at the scene. The search for the suspected attacker continues. Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi honored with Padma Shri She did endeavours to provide education to the woman & children of Siddi community Padma Awards were announced on the eve of Republic Day 2023. President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma awards to people from different fields such as art, public affairs, science, etc. The list comprises six Padma Vibhushan, nine Padma Bhushan and 91 Padma Shri Awards. The list also includes 2 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and seven posthumous awardees. The Names of 19 women was included in the list of 106 Padma awardees. It includes many well-known names, such as writer Suman Murthy, Sudha Kalyanam and actress Raveena Tandon. Other Padma awardees are women who are symbols of women empowerment and contribute in over all development of women in the society. Social worker Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi from Gujarat was honored with Padma Shree for her work for the welfare of the state's Siddi community and women's empowerment. Striving towards the empowerment of women, lack of education or other shortcomings could not become an obstacle for her. Advertisement 70-year-old Padma awardee, Hirbai Lobi received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for the upliftment and development of the Siddi tribal community. After receiving the award, Lobi also interacted a little with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About Hirbai Lobi.... Padma Shri awardee Hirbai Lobi is a resident of Jambur village located in Talala tehsil of Gir Somnath district of Gujarat State. Hirbai Lobi had lost her parents in her childhood and was brought up by his grandmother. She is the president of Adivasi Mahila Sangh, also known as Siddi Women's Federation. She did endeavours to provide education to the children of the Siddi community especially girls. Advertisement Awareness Among People.... Significantly, Hirbai Lobi did not got any basic education due to the lack of means. From early age, she was passionate about learning. Radio contributed a lot to her knowledge. Hirbai used to listen to the government schemes and development programs on the radio. She started making people aware the schemes and as how to avail benefits from them. Hirabai was determined to make a difference in the lives of women. She had the aim to educate and empower the women of Siddi community. To fulfill this goal, she did her best efforts and brought change in the lives of more than 700 women and children. She started some movements related to girl education, family planning, community schools etc which are giving many benefits to the people. Advertisement The Padma Awards are known as the highest civilian awards in India which is distinguished into three categories, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are being given in various fields of activities like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medical, literature and education, sports, and others. Amritpal Singh & Wife Kirandeep Kaur I left my job and family for Amritpal: Kirandeep Kaur CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police is continuing its hunt for Amritpal Singh, head of 'Waris Punjab De'. A high alert has also been issued in Nepal over Amritpal. WPD Chief's wife on Tuesday (March 28) broke silence over Amritpal Singh. She made major revelations in the case. Interacting with the media, Kirandeep Kaur said that she does not know where Amritpal is now as she has not had any contact with Amritpal for a long time. Advertisement She said, "I left my job and family for Amritpal. I will not leave him in this condition. Amritpal always prioritizes the work of the organization and 'Dharma Prachar'. His first choice is Sikh propaganda and I am his second choice. He used to post many videos on social media to raise his voice for the religion and people of Punjab. I had seen and heard many of his videos. I came in contact with Amritpal only through social media." Amritpal's wife Kirandeep said, "All the allegations against me are false. I have been living here for two months. I did not do anything illegal. Now, this is my home. After six months, I will go to UK. If Amritpal will go with me then fine, otherwise I will return to India." CM Bhagwant Mann CM Mann is likely to take many Major Decisions in the meeting CHANDIGARH: A Punjab Cabinet Meeting under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will hold a meeting in civil secretariat at 11 am today. The CM has directed the ministers to reach civil secretariat in Chandigarh today. Currently, no information has been given about the issues that will be discussed in this cabinet meeting. According to the sources, CM Bhagwant Mann is likely to take many major decisions related to the welfare of people and the state in the meeting. Landslides About 50 People Missing: Report ALOSI: At least 7 people have died and several houses have been destroyed in a landslide at central Ecuador. Authorities had previously recorded the death toll at 16, but President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the death toll at seven. Authorities visited the crash site in Alousi, about 137 miles south of the capital, Quito, on Monday night, stated reports. Officials have reported about 50 people missing. Advertisement Ecuador's risk management secretariat said more than 30 people were rescued after a landslide hit the side of the mountain around 10:00 pm on Sunday. He said that 23 people have been injured. The secretariat said that about 500 people and 163 houses have been affected due to this disaster. Notably, Relief and rescue operations are ongoing. Rescue workers searched for people trapped in the rubble with the help of dogs. According to media reports, in some areas, most of the houses have been completely buried under the earth. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The Member of Azerbaijani Parliament Fazil Mustafa was taken to the Clinical Medical Center by an ambulance, the center told Trend. The MP, who was wounded in the shoulder and leg, is now being examined by doctors. An armed attack was committed on Fazil Mustafa near his house. A task force has been called to the scene of the incident. Operational-search measures have been launched to identify the person or persons who committed the attempt. The Canadian market ended on a firm note on Monday, led by gains in energy, consumer staples and utilities sectors. The mood remained positive right through the day's session amid easing concerns about global banking crisis following the latest developments in the sector. U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said First Citizens BancShares has entered into a loss-share transaction for all deposits and loans of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Remarks by U.S. Fed officials that there is no indication that financial stress is worsening also contributed to the positive sentiment in the market. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index ended with a gain of 123.25 points or 0.63% at 19,624.74. The Energy Capped Index surged 2.16%. Athabasca Oil Corp (ATH.TO) and Baytex Energy Corp (BTE.TO) climbed 7.2% and 6.3%, respectively. Cenovus Energy (CVE.TO) advanced 4.2% and MEG Energy Corp (MEG.TO) gained nearly 4%. Vermilion Energy (VET.TO), Crescent Point Energy (CPG.TO), Whitecap Resources (WCP.TO), Suncor Energy (SU.TO) and Imperial Oil (IMO.TO) also rallied sharply. Consumer staples shares Maple Leaf Foods (MFI.TO), The North West Company Inc (NWC.TO), Weston George (WN.TO) and Loblaw (L.TO) gained 2 to 3.1%. In the Utilities section, Hydro One (H.TO) gained 2.3% and Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP.UN.TO) surged nearly 2%, while Altagas (ALA.TO), Canadian Utilties (CU.TO) and Superior Plus Corp (SPB.TO) climbed 1.5 to 1.6%. Among financials shares, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD.TO) gained nearly 2%, Laurentian Bank (LB.TO) surged 1.65%, National Bank of Canada (NA.TO) advanced 1.33%, and Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO) gained 1.1% and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) moved up nearly 1%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com A.G. BARR plc (BAG.L), a producer of drinks brands, including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Funkin, Tuesday reported that its fiscal 2022 profit before tax grew 5.2 percent to 44.4 million pounds from last year's 42.2 million pounds. Earnings per share were 30.47 pence, up 21.4 percent from 25.09 pence in the prior year. Adjusted profit before tax was 43.5 million pounds, compared to last year's 38.4 million pounds. Revenue for the year grew to 317.6 million pounds from prior year's 268.6 million pounds. Revenue increased 18.2 percent on a reported basis and 15.9 percent on a like-for-like basis. Further, the company said its Board recommends a final dividend of 10.6p per share to give a proposed total dividend for the full year of 13.1p per share, up from 12.0p per share last year. The final dividend is payable on June 9 to shareholders on the Register of Members at the close of on May 12. Looking ahead, the company noted that at this early stage, it remains confident of delivering further revenue and profit growth in the year ahead in line with management expectations. Separately, A.G. BARR announced that Robin Barr has informed the Board of his decision not to seek Board re-election at the Annual General Meeting in May, after 62 years with the business. Julie Barr will relinquish her company Secretarial duties and subject to shareholder approval will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director. Julie, who has been with the Company for 19 years and is a qualified corporate lawyer, will stand for election at the AGM in May. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Canadian energy company Crescent Point Energy Corp. (CPG,CPG.TO) announced Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Spartan Delta Corp.'s oil and liquids-rich Montney assets in Alberta for C$1.7 billion in cash. The transaction is anticipated to close during second quarter 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The C$1.7 billion purchase price for the acquisition will be paid in cash, which is expected to be funded through the Company's existing credit facilities. For additional liquidity, Crescent Point has also implemented a new two-year revolving credit facility for C$400 million. At closing, the company's unutilized credit capacity is expected to total approximately C$850 million. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive on all per share metrics. In the 12-month period following the closing of the deal, adjusted funds flow and excess cash flow per share are expected to increase by around 20 percent. The company added that the acquisition is also immediately accretive to its total return of capital offering. In addition to its base dividend, Crescent Point will continue to return 50 percent of its discretionary excess cash flow to its shareholders, or around 60 percent of its excess cash flow. Crescent Point said the acquisition adds 600 Montney locations in Alberta, or over 20 years of premium drilling inventory. The deal includes around 235,000 net acres of contiguous land with Montney rights in Alberta within the Gold Creek and Karr area. Upon closing, the company's pro-forma decline rate is expected to remain below 30 percent. Crescent Point said it plans to manage the acquired Montney assets in a disciplined manner, maintaining a conservative production profile and targeting a low decline rate. In the deal, RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to Crescent Point. BMO Capital Markets and Scotiabank are acting as strategic advisors. Further, Crescent Point has revised its fiscal 2023 annual guidance, incorporating the impact of the acquisition following the closing date. The company projects annual average production of 160,000 to 166,000 boe/d and development capital expenditures of C$1.15 to C$1.25 billion. Crescent Point in December had said its 2023 annual average production guidance was 138,000 to 142,000 boe/d, with development capital expenditures at C$1.0 to C$1.1 billion. Further, the company's production forecast in its five-year plan is now expected to grow to 195,000 boe/d by 2027. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Professor Janet Cherry At its graduation ceremony on 30 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on the Professor of Development Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Janet Cherry. Prof Cherry has successfully combined an academic life with activism for over 40 years, with most of her work focused on the Eastern Cape. Prof Cherry completed a BA at the University of Cape Town in 1982, majoring in economic history and industrial sociology, and served as General Secretary of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) in 1983. The following year, she moved to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in 1984, where she established the East Cape Adult Education Project and the PE Crisis Information Centre. During the mid-1980s, she was active in the United Democratic Front, enduring a long period of detention without trial. After four years of activism, working in human rights and adult education NGOs, she completed an Honours degree in Economic History at the University of Cape Town (UCT). While working as a research consultant for the Black Sash, the Institute for a Democratic Alternative for South Africa (IDASA) and the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), she completed a Masters degree by research in Economic History at UCT, which was awarded with distinction. Prof Cherry lectured in Political Studies and International Relations at Rhodes University in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) from 1992 to 1994 before returning to Qqeberha and setting up a development and research consultancy, ABC Consultants. ABC engaged in research and training for, among others, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). From 1996 to 1998, Prof Cherry worked as a member of the research team of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and from 1998 to 2003 as a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the then University of Port Elizabeth (UPE). In 2001 she was awarded a PhD from Rhodes University for her thesis, "Kwazakhele: The Politics of Transition in South Africa". From 2003 to 2005, she was employed as a Senior Research Specialist in the Democracy and Governance programme of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and from 2005 to 2009 was a Senior Lecturer and Research Associate in the newly formed Department of Development Studies at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Prof Cherry has also served as a research consultant to the South African Democracy Education Trust (SADET), the Red Location Museum, the Foundation for Human Rights, the International Council on Human Rights Policy, and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict and has been a trainer for the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies, and the Pan African Peace and Nonviolence Network. She has been involved in a number of international and national research projects. She has published widely in the fields of democratisation, democratic participation, South African liberation history, sustainable development, gender and human rights, labour, transitional justice and civil resistance. She has published three books, Umkhonto we Sizwe (The Making of an African Working Class: Port Elizabeth 1925-1963, and Blot on the Landscape and Centre of Resistance: A social and economic history of Korsten. She has supervised eight Doctoral students in the fields of sustainable development in the context of climate change, conservation agriculture, citizen science, cooperatives development, post-war development, land policy and livelihoods diversification. Her current research interest is in conducting participatory action research on the just energy transition and regional policies for sustainable development in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Over the decades she has been an activist in many organisations and campaigns including the United Democratic Front, the End Conscription Campaign, the African National Congress, the Nelson Mandela Bay Transition Network and the Palestine Solidarity Alliance. Prof Cherry received the Distinguished Old Rhodian Award in 2013 for her intellectual and political leadership. Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University Professor Sizwe Mabizela stated, "Professor Cherry's many years of campaigning tirelessly for human rights and social justice have earned her this well-deserved honour." In acceptance of her doctorate conferral, Prof Cherry said, "I am happy to receive this honorary doctorate as it acknowledges what kind of research needs to be done with great urgency in our society." Source: Communications The smaller of Bajaj Triumph motorcycle engine will displace around 250cc with up to 30 bhp and a larger 350cc will produce over 40 bhp British brand Triumph has partnered with Bajaj to launch affordable entry level motorcycles in the 250cc to 500cc segment. Multiple motorcycles will be launched, one of them has now been spied testing near Bajaj Auto plant on the outskirts of Pune. Aims to eat into Royal Enfields 350cc market share Launch of the first Bajaj Triumph 350cc motorcycle is expected later this year. Price is expected to be in the Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, ex-sh range. In this segment, Royal Enfield dominates with over 90% market share. Their range of 350cc machines include Classic, Bullet, Meteor and Hunter. Together, they register sales in the region of 60k units per month in the 350cc segment. Bajaj has been trying to eat into the market share of Royal Enfield for quite some time. They launched the Dominar brand to do that, but that did not deliver expected results. With the Triumph partnership, Bajaj is making yet another attempt. For starters, there will be two engine options on offer under the entry-segment Bajaj-Triumph motorcycles. Both of them are constructed with a single-cylinder architecture. One displaces 250cc and the other displaces 350cc. Features on offer will include liquid cooling, slipper clutch, quick shifter, ABS, ride-by-wire and more. It is likely that Triumph might only launch 250cc models in India, while 350cc motorcycles could be reserved for export markets. Engine specs are not out. But the 250cc version is expected to deliver about 30 bhp while the bigger 350cc unit could deliver about 40 bhp of max power. Body style options with Bajaj Triumph Motorcycles Speaking of body styles, there are going to be 4 options. A Roadster and a Scrambler are already known as they have been spotted testing before. The other two are a Cafe Racer and a Flat Tracker. Given Triumphs naming scheme, we can expect that roadster model to be named Street 250, Street 350. Scrambler 250 and Scrambler 350. These will don USD front forks, retro vibes, round headlights, blackened engine bay and a clean tail. Scrambler gets a small windscreen, a front beak, knuckle guards, dual-barrel exhaust and block pattern tyres. Design language can be traced back to Triumphs bigger motorcycles in their respective genre. Triumph makes Thruxton cafe racer as well. The cafe racer from Bajaj Triumph motorcycle is likely to take the same design language as Thruxton. As of now, Triumph doesnt manufacture flat trackers. If this Bajaj Triumph platform will spawn a flat tracker, it will be the first-ever, from Triumph. Launch is expected later this year. Source After launching new top of the line variant with Activa 6G, Honda has now launched the same with Activa 125 Where scooters are concerned, Honda is the reigning champ in terms of sales figures. Activa is Hondas golden goose 1.74 lakh units clocked in February 2023 alone. Even though that number is impressive, it could have been better. Rivals like TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, new electric scooters, etc are gradually catching up Honda is strengthening its scooter portfolio by taking a holistic approach and making its Activa range more feature rich. Activa 6G already has the H-Smart variant and will soon get Bluetooth connectivity and full digital instrument cluster. Similar approach has been implemented with the Activa 125. Honda Activa 125 H-Smart Launched Honda has launched the Activa 125 Smart variant today. It is priced from Rs 88,093, ex-sh Delhi. It is about Rs 10k more expensive than the entry level Activa 125, which is priced at Rs 78,920. H-Smart is Hondas proprietary tech which enables keyless functionality. It is considered a lot safer than a conventional key as it gets an immobilizer chip inside it as well. This ensures that a generic key wont be able to trigger ignition unless constantly changing codes generated by on-board chip, matches that of the codes generated by its new H-Smart key. If you think an immobilizer chip isnt important, ask any of the 83 lakh Hyundai and Kia customers affected in USA as their cars are being stolen with nothing more than a USB-A cable. Sticking with Honda Activa 125 H-Smart, the company is providing an additional safety net that is currently not offered by rivaling brands like TVS, Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp. As part of this package, Honda will provide a smart key with features like Smart Find, Smart Unlock, Smart Safe and Smart Start. Smart Find allows users to turn on indicators remotely if within 10 meters, making it easier to spot in a parking lot. Smart Unlock allows users to unlock boot space and fuel lid if present within 2 meters from the vehicle. Also present is Smart Safe where the scooter locks itself automatically if the key goes out of range (2 meters). This feature could be disabled from within the key as well. Lastly, we have Smart Start where a rider can start his Honda Activa 125 by pressing the start button if a key is present within 2 meters. Other Changes Apart from the H-Smart key, Honda Activa 125 has been updated to upcoming mandatory BS6 phase II norms meeting RDE emission norms. Real time fuel consumption, average mileage and distance to empty are other features. Apart from this, there arent any other changes. The 124 cc single-cylinder 2V head petrol engine will be retained as is, coupled to a CVT. This swingarm-mounted engine will make 8 bhp of power and 10.3 Nm of torque. Honda is next getting ready to launch electric Activa. Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Operating Officer, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, The launch of the 2023 Activa125 with H-Smart marks a significant step forward for our customers, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and meeting their evolving needs. With advanced technology, we aim to deliver a superior product that sets us apart from the competition and drives growth for our business. First among these will be an electric Activa with a fixed battery and a moped with swappable battery tech for B2C customers For a long time, the Indian 2W EV revolution was in the hands of startups like Ola and Ather. Now, mainstream manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj have stepped in to carve a segment for themselves. Honda doesnt want to be left behind as it is the second-largest 2W manufacturer and the largest scooter manufacturer in India. The companys holistic approach will be revealed tomorrow on March 29th and reportedly, there will be 10 EVs in the bag for India. Two of these are going to set the grounds for future EVs to follow. One of these first two will be an electric Activa with a fixed battery and the other will be a moped (likely Benly-e) with a removable battery. Honda Plans 10 2W EVs The company is reportedly developing 10 different EVs to cater to all sorts of customer base. Expect different speeds, ranges, body types, styles, features and even prices with these upcoming EVs. In the roadmap revealed by the company last year, we can see multiple scooters with varied design and body, we have maxi scooters, motorcycles, and even mini-bikes. This is a holistic approach to establishing a portfolio to cater to most customer bases. Given that Indias largest automaker Hero MotoCorp has set its foot in the 2W EV space with the Vida brand, Honda needs to hurry up. First Japanese Brand To Enter EV Space Launch timeframe for these vehicles is said to be by the end of this decade. Starting with Electric Activa in 2024 and Benly-e (likely) soon after that with a swappable battery. These are codenamed GJNA and K4BA (not respectively). By doing so, Honda will essentially be the first Japanese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer to venture in EV space in India. Currently, In India, Ola has carved a niche for itself by offering a plethora of features and is the highest seller in its segment. Honda might bank heavily on its Activa brand instead of features to push volumes. Battery Swapping Stations For Honda, battery swapping tech is likely to be the key to establishing supremacy over rivals. A new vertical named Honda Power Pack Energy India has been established in Bengaluru. Starting from Bengaluru, Honda has partnered up with HPCL and Bengaluru Metro to establish swapping stations. When started, these swapping stations will be equipped to provide 1.35 kWh battery packs for swaps for electric two and three-wheeled vehicles. Soon after this, major cities will see a chain of swapping stations popping up. More elaborate plan will be revealed on March 29, 2023. Honda Electric 2W Production Capacity People in the know have revealed that the first two offerings set to launch in 2024 are expected to push 5 lakh units in sales. While the following vehicles launched by 2027 are expected to take that number to 10 lakh units. For the very first year, Honda is planning for upto 1.5 lakh units and shooting for a double-digit YoY growth as well. Honda Manesar factory will see an upgrade. Honda intends to convert it into a global hub for the production of motorcycles and scooters. It has also changed the name of the Manesar facility to Global Resource Factory which in effect, is to be a global hub for motorcycle exports. This upgrade of the manufacturing plant will allow Honda to build and export world-class products from the Indian facility. Honda currently exports motorcycles to 40 different countries and the upgrade will help them reach new scales. Honda Roadmap also facilitates a 360-degree state-of-the-art turnaround of the factory. In effect, all corporate functions happen under one roof to improve efficiency of the operations and efficiency across teams and verticals. Commuter flex-fuel motorcycle The Japanese manufacturer is also looking to explore the possibilities of flex-fuel technologies in India. This technology is already in effect in its Brazilian counterparts. Flex-fuel motorcycles run on petrol and Ethanol. The user can switch back and forth to any fuel he may choose to ride with. Ethanol is very economical to run and efficient too. Source Equipped with a range of off-roading accessories, the showstopper Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept highlights the potential of the upcoming production model Hyundais new mid-size SUV for Chinese market, named Mufasa, was unveiled earlier this month. The production version is scheduled to debut in April at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. It is expected to go on sale in China around June. Ahead of its debut, Hyundai has showcased an off-road concept version of the SUV called Mufasa Adventure. It gets a range of off-roading accessories and rugged design elements. As compared to the original, this concept version is better equipped to get everyones attention. Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept SUV details Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept looks familiar to battle hardened vehicles typically seen in zombie apocalypse movies. The only things missing are some spikes and probably a roof-mounted heavy-duty machine gun. Mufasa Adventure concept has a dominating street presence with features such as large front grille in black finish, prominent front bumper in metallic shade, aggressive lighting and bonnet handles. Side profile has armour-style panelling, thick wheel arches, blacked-out pillars, functional roof rack with integrated LED lights and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres. Rear windows get a grille-type add-on, which enhances the SUVs sporty profile. At rear, the SUV gets full-width LED tail lights and a chunky bumper. Overall, the styling of Mufasa is essentially a mix of design elements taken from multiple Hyundai and Kia cars. For example, the X-shaped profile of the front fascia reminds one of Kia Sportage. In comparison, the rear section and tail lights are reminiscent of Kia EV6. Design elements like sharp body panelling and wide wheel arches are similar to that of Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai Mufasa is 4,475 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,686 mm tall. In size, it is bigger than Creta (4300mm) but smaller than Tucson (4630mm). In essence, Mufasa is dimensionally closer to the short wheelbase version of Sportage sold in European markets. The Mufasa Adventure off-road concept can be slightly longer with its extra thick bumpers at front and rear. But there wont be any difference in the space available inside the SUV. Hyundai is yet to provide a preview of the interiors. However, its easy to guess that Mufasa will be getting a comprehensive range of premium and hi-tech features. Some key highlights include large touchscreen infotainment system, premium sound system, leatherette seats, head-up display, ADAS and connectivity platform. Mufasa is expected to be launched as a 5-seater SUV. Hyundai Mufasa performance Powering the production version of Hyundai Mufasa will be a 2.0-litre petrol motor that generates 158 hp of max power. The SUV will be offered in front-wheel drive format. A hybrid variant could be introduced at a later date, but there is no official confirmation as of now. More details will be revealed when the SUV is showcased at Shanghai Auto Show in April. It is unlikely that Hyundai Mufasa will be launched in India anytime soon. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. A criminal case has been initiated on the fact of the assassination attempt on Azerbaijani MP Fazil Mustafa in front of his house in Bakus Sabunchu district as a result of a shot from a firearm, Trend reports citing the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office. At present, First Deputy Prosecutor General, State Counselor for Justice of the Third Degree Elchin Mammadov, Baku City Prosecutor Elshan Abbasov and an investigative team are at the scene. Media representatives are asked not to disclose information about the incident without the consent of officials. If youre looking a sign that complete strangers can still come together in a time of widespread division, look no further than the suspenseful, hilarious and ultimately successful story of San Diegans working together online to rescue a pair of ducks this week. I laughed, I cried, I ate crispy buffalo chicken tenderloins somewhere in the middle of it all, Reddit user ph49 said of watching the story unfold on the internet. A woman who found two large, white, out of place-looking ducks wandering through Balboa Park on Sunday took to Facebook and the neighborhood social media site Nextdoor for advice on what to do about them and was inundated with comments and offers of help. The conversation quickly spread to Reddit and beyond, and soon enough people all over San Diego County were invested in this wild quest. I really seriously felt like I was a command center, Bankers Hill resident and rescue organizer Marcie Colleen said in an interview. She said that her heart broke when a Facebook friend suggested the ducks may have been abandoned in the park. The internet couldnt get enough of the duck tale. Duckwatch 2018! one Reddit user enthused on a photo someone had posted of the ducks. Save the ducks! another posted. Tell the ducks I said, hello, one told a person who had announced a plan to visit them. Were happy to report that Duckwatch 2018 has a happy ending. The ducks are now safe in a home in La Mesa where Ron Bueno, the man who ultimately rescued them from Balboa Park, feeds and takes care of them while waiting to find them a forever home. Its just funny, Bueno said of the ducks who mostly hang out quietly in a bin and even watch television with him. I giggle to myself that I have two ducks. Rescued Pekin ducks from Balboa Park. This is the day after I got them, they're relaxed, very friendly and eating well. There's chopped greens and some floating food in the wat ... There was no certainty at the outset that this story would end well. People across the county watched in suspense for updates amid fears of fox or coyote attacks or worse attacks by the children of tourists. Colleen and others sought help through social media and made pleas to caretakers at the San Diego Zoo and other local animal facilities over the next few days as random people began to make trips to the park to check on the ducks and post photos to ensure everyone invested in their well-being knew they were alive. It was weird because of all the political stuff in the world and no one ends up doing anything, and the two ducks brought out everyone and their cousin, Bankers Hill resident Cory Brin said in an interview. Brin is the person who first shared the ducks story on Reddit. North Park resident Mark Bell also kept eyes on the ducks. In an interview, he said he eventually decided to go visit them on Tuesday and was checking online maybe every 15 to 20 minutes just to make sure there werent any posts that said they were gone. He took a photo to show San Diego Reddit users the ducks were still just chilling. The ducks seen near the lily pond in Balboa Park on Tuesday. (Mark Bell) On Reddit, people living in rural areas or on large properties offered to take the ducks to more open spaces with other birds, but everyone struggled with how best to safely remove them. When local rescue groups took no action, two Reddit users announced separately they were headed there on Tuesday with crates to get them. They were Bueno and Christian Villanueva, now heroes on the internet. Villanueva, whose mother has a ranch in Boulevard, got there first and tried to decide how to get them into a dog crate. Then Bueno, who has experience with chickens, showed up and corralled them into a crate. Photo of one of the ducks after it was put in a crate for rescue. (Marcie Colleen) Bueno, who has a chicken coop in his backyard, took them to his home and is now looking for someone to adopt them. (Hes on Reddit as user SD_TMI if youre interested.) I cant keep them, he said. I just dont have duck facilities, but its a lot better than Balboa Park. He guesses they were domesticated and dropped off at the park when their owner didnt want them because theyre incredibly tame. He called them lap birds. These ducks are so used to being held, I would have no doubt they would sit on someones lap and watch TV on the sofa. Bueno posted an update on Reddit that you can see here, but you have to join Reddit to talk to him if you want to adopt the ducks. Colleen, Brin and Bell praised their neighbors and fellow San Diegans for coming together to take care of the ducks. Theres even talk among those involved of getting together for a celebratory drink to toast to the ducks. Its completely opposite of what our political climate is right now and its a breath of fresh salty air to have San Diegans come together to do something cool, Bell said. Well let Reddit have the last word. Of Duckwatch 2018, one user said, Never forget. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin This undated image provided by Catherine Share shows former Manson Family member, Catherine Share at Spahn Ranch, Calif. Share muses how she might have been a lawyer or journalist had she never met Manson. (AP Photo/Catherine Share) Forty years ago, they were kids. Vulnerable, alienated, running away from a world wracked by war and rebellion. They turned to a cult leader for love and wound up tied to a web of unimaginable evil. They were part of Charles Mansons Family and now, on the brink of old age, they are the haunted. I never have a day go by that I dont think about it, especially about the victims, says Barbara Hoyt who was 17 the summer of the Sharon Tate-LaBianca murders. Ive long ago accepted the fact it will never go away. Advertisement The ones who arent in prison are scattered across the country. Some live under assumed names to hide their past from friends and business associates. Some have undergone surgery to remove the X that Manson ordered them to carve on their foreheads, showing they were Xed out of society. Some live with endless regret. Those who escaped taking part in the spasm of terror that snuffed out at least nine lives would seem to be lucky. But their lives have been linked forever to one of the craziest mass murders in history. Manson made a lot of victims besides the ones he killed, said Catherine Share, who once lived with the Manson Family under the nickname Gypsy. He destroyed lives. There are people sitting in prison who wouldnt be there except for him. He took all of our lives. It was 1969, the summer of the first moon landing. War was raging in Vietnam. Hippies were in the streets of San Francisco, the last bastion of the waning counterculture movement. For many, that summer is remembered for one thing the most shocking celebrity murders to ever hit Los Angeles. Mention of the Sharon Tate murders or the name Manson four decades later is enough to make people shudder. On the morning of Aug. 9, a housekeeper ran screaming from a home in lush Benedict Canyon. She had discovered a scene of unspeakable carnage. Five bodies were scattered around the estate. The most famous, actress Sharon Tate, 26, the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski, had been stabbed multiple times. But there were four others that day and two more the next. Abigail Folger, 25, heiress to a coffee fortune; Jay Sebring, 35, celebrity hair stylist; Voyteck Frykowski, 32, a Polish film director and Steven Parent, 18, friend of the caretaker, were found stabbed or shot in a bloody scene. On the front door the victims blood was used to scrawl the words, Death to Pigs. The city was thrown into a state of fear. If that was not enough, a similar murder scene was discovered the next night. Wealthy grocer Leno La Bianca, 44, and his wife Rosemary, 38, were found stabbed to death in their home across town. A killer had carved the word WAR on Leno La Biancas body. The words Helter Skelter were written in blood on the refrigerator. These murders were probably the most bizarre in the recorded annals of American crime, said Vincent Bugliosi, the former deputy district attorney who prosecuted the killers and wrote the book, Helter Skelter. It would be more than three months before the name Charles Manson was linked to the crimes. And then the story became even weirder. The discovery of Mansons clan living in a high desert commune opened up the astounding story of an ex-convict who had gathered young people into a cult and ordered them to kill. His reasons still remain a subject of debate. Some say he wanted to foment a race war; others say it was senseless. It was a real-life horror story, recalled Stephen Kay, who also prosecuted the Manson Family. Manson is the real-life Freddie Kruger. The former prosecutors worry that Manson, 74, is becoming a folk hero to a new generation. He is the subject of several Web sites, and Manson souvenirs are sold online. Evil has its lure and Manson has become a metaphor for evil, said Bugliosi. Those cult members lucky enough not to have killed for Manson on Aug. 9-10, 1969 have spent decades trying to bury their past and free themselves from his grasp. Some never succeeded. Sandra Good and Lynette Squeaky Fromme committed crimes later that they said were for Manson and went to federal prison. When Good, 65, was paroled she moved near the maximum security prison that holds Manson, reportedly so she could feel his vibes. Fromme, 60, is due for parole this summer after serving 33 years for the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford. In 1969, there were perhaps 30 of them, a ragtag band of runaways and dropouts living on a movie ranch in the San Fernando Valley, all loyal to a shaggy-haired con man who preached a gospel of violence. Five of the Family members and Manson are in prison for the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders. Three are in prison for others crimes and two have been released. Those who are free are still trying to sort out how they fell under his spell and how they came so close to one of the worst crimes of the 20th century. This is the anniversary of their nightmare. They were very young when they found Manson or he found them. Some were just 14. Others were in their late teens and early 20s. Share muses how she might have been a lawyer or journalist had she never met Manson. We were just a bunch of kids looking for love and attention and a different way to live, recalls Share, 66. He was everything to us. He was a con, a manipulator of the worst kind. Hoyt was a 17-year-old who had left home after an argument with her father. She was sitting under a tree eating her lunch when a group of Manson followers came along in a van and asked her to go with them. They went to a house in the San Fernando Valley. I met Charlie the next morning, she said. He took me for a motorcycle ride and we went for doughnuts. He was very nice. I thought he was pretty neat. She said she was told by others of Mansons prediction of a race war that would destroy all but his followers who would go to the desert to live in a bottomless pit until it was safe for them to emerge and take over the world. She said she didnt believe much of it, but they were fixing up dune buggies for their escape and it was fun. Hoyt and Share eluded being tapped for the Tate-LaBianca murders for different reasons. I was very young and I hadnt been there very long, said Hoyt. Others had joined the family long before she had and had been subject to Mansons deprogramming, which included group sex and LSD trips. I wasnt as dead in the head as others. He asked me one time if I could kill and I said if someone asked me I would talk my way out of it. There were other people willing to do it. Share said she was never asked, partly because she was older. But there was another reason: an extra 20 pounds that would have made it difficult for her to climb through windows. Let me tell you, she said, I was just short of murdering for him. If he had told me to get some black clothes and get in a car, I would have. The two women, who are not in touch with each other, have struggled back to normalcy. Share became pregnant while living at Spahn Ranch and has a grown son who served in the Marines. She declines to identify the father but said it was not Manson or any other notorious cult figure. She went to prison for five years for involvement in a Manson Family robbery and later did more time for credit card fraud. She said the time in prison helped her recover and she became a Christian. Some of those in prison also have embraced Christianity. Share went into retail sales and has just finished a book on her experiences with the Manson Family. Hoyt went to college and became a nurse and is proud of her accomplishments. I raised my daughter; I have my own home and Ive had some vacations, she said. But memories haunt her and she doesnt reveal where shes living. People freak out when they find out about my past, she said. She keeps track of the Manson Family members in prison and writes letters urging that they never be released. Share is more sympathetic to those who were convicted. Susan Atkins, 61, who is dying of brain cancer and had a leg amputated, has been turned down for compassionate release and has a parole hearing coming up in September. Leslie Van Houten, 59, and Patricia Krenwinkel, 61, convicted with her, remain in prison for life as does Charles Tex Watson, 63, another of the killers. Everyone wants to make them monsters, said Share. They werent monsters. They did a monstrous thing and now theyre older people and theyre not monsters anymore. None of those people ever would have been violent if it werent for Manson. Linda Deutsch covered the Sharon Tate-LaBianca murders and the Manson trial for The Associated Press. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 29. The attack on Fazil Mustafa is a vile act of terror, Azerbaijani MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev told journalists, Trend reports. "I am sure that the perpetrators of this crime will soon be punished," he added. An armed attack was committed on Fazil Mustafa near his house. A task force has been called to the scene of the incident. Operational-search measures have been launched to identify the person or persons who committed the attempt. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 29. The perpetrators of the assassination attempt on MP Fazil Mustafa will soon be found, Azerbaijani MP Vugar Bayramov told Trend. "Fazil Mustafa has always expressed his independent position. He is known as a statesman who expresses his objective opinion. Today, in addition to deputies, representatives of the public, voters of Fazil Mustafa, gathered at the Clinical Medical Center. Those who share his views are here today. The perpetrators will soon be found, and the case will be brought to court. This issue is at the center of attention," he said. An armed attack was committed on Fazil Mustafa near his house. A task force has been called to the scene of the incident. Operational-search measures have been launched to identify the person or persons who committed the attempt. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. An assassination attempt was made on MP Fazil Mustafa near his house, Trend reports citing Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan. F. Mustafa was wounded in the shoulder and leg. Currently, the state of the deputy is satisfactory, nothing threatens his life. A task force has been called to the scene of the incident. Operational-search measures have been launched to identify the person and persons who committed the attempt. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. MP Fazil Mustafa's condition is assessed as stable, nothing threatens his life, the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units of Azerbaijan (TABIB) told Trend. As reported, at about 21:55, a call was received to the Baku city emergency following an armed attack on Fazil Mustafa. An ambulance was sent immediately. He is currently receiving the necessary medical help. An armed attack was committed on Fazil Mustafa near his house. A task force has been called to the scene of the incident. Operational-search measures have been launched to identify the person or persons who committed the attempt. Astronomers have provided vital information in the global effort to understand GRB 221009A, one of the nearest and possibly the most-energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed. GRB 221009A, a gamma-ray burst detected on October 9, 2022, is one of the nearest and possibly the most-energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed. Dubbed as BOAT (brightest of all time), it occurred approximately 2.4 billion light-years away in the direction of the constellation Sagitta and was likely triggered by a supernova explosion giving birth to a black hole. The exceptional brightness of this gamma-ray burst meant astronomers were able to study it in unprecedented detail in real-time as the light arrived from that distant galaxy, said James Leung, a Ph.D. student at the University of Sydney. This gave us a golden opportunity to test intricate physical models that describe what happens before, during and after the death of a star. While thats a bit of an exaggeration, GRB 221009A was likely the brightest burst at X-ray and gamma-ray energies to occur since human civilization began, said Dr. Eric Burns, an astronomer at Louisiana State University. GRB 221009A was so bright it blinded most gamma-ray instruments in space, which meant they could not measure the real intensity of the emission. And while the energy from this gamma ray burst was not unusually large, the jets of energy were exceptionally narrow with one pointed directly at Earth, making it appear exceptionally bright. In a new paper, the astronomers present radio follow-up observations of GRB 221009A with the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager Large Array (AMI-LA) and Allen Telescope Array (ATA). One of the fascinating things about gamma ray bursts is, although they are over quite quickly in just a matter of seconds they leave afterglow emissions across the light spectrum in surrounding matter that echo for months and years afterwards, said Professor Tara Murphy, an astronomer at the University of Sydney. This afterglow is produced by a forward shock from the material ejected by the gamma-ray burst and a reverse shock reflected backwards into the ejected material, Leung said. This gives us further opportunities to observe these fascinating, powerful events. The new observations showed a rapid, early brightening from the source of the event caused by the reverse shock of the gamma ray burst. This revealed evidence in radio waves that is difficult to explain within current theoretical explanations of gamma ray bursts. Our observations provide unmatched insights into the reverse shock model for gamma-ray burst emission, showing it is very difficult for existing models to replicate the slow evolution of the energy peaks that we observed, Leung said. This means we have to refine and develop new theoretical models to understand these most extreme explosions in the Universe. This detective work will help astronomers quickly pinpoint future gamma ray bursts, perhaps assisting in the discovery of predicted supernovae associated with the events. The most interesting part of a cosmic explosion is the very beginning as the explosion expels material that is moving at nearly the speed of light, said Dr. Gemma Anderson, an astronomer at ICRAR and Curtin University. We therefore want the radio telescopes to be on target and observing GRBs as quickly as possible so that we can detect the very earliest radio light they emit. The paper will be published in the journal Nature Astronomy. _____ Joe S. Bright et al. 2023. Precise Measurements of Self-absorbed Rising Reverse Shock Emission from Gamma-ray Burst 221009A. Nature Astronomy, in press; arXiv: 2303.13583 The dayside of TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet in the seven-planet system TRAPPIST-1, has a temperature of about 227 degrees Celsius (441 degrees Fahrenheit), according to an analysis of data from the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) onboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. TRAPPIST-1 is an ultracool M-dwarf star located 38.8 light-years away in the constellation of Aquarius. Also known as K2-112 or TIC 278892590, the star is barely larger than Jupiter and has just 8% of our Suns mass. In February 2017, astronomers announced that the star hosts at least seven planets: TRAPPIST-1b, c, d, e, f, g and h. All these planets are similar in size to Earth and Venus, or slightly smaller, and have very short orbital periods: 1.51, 2.42, 4.04, 6.06, 9.21, 12.35 and 20 days, respectively. Three of these planets lay in the stars habitable zone, meaning they may harbor suitable conditions for life. TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet, has an orbital distance about one hundredth that of Earths and receives about four times the amount of energy that Earth gets from the Sun. Although it is not within the habitable zone, observations of the planet can provide important information about its sibling planets, as well as those of other red-dwarf systems. There are 10 times as many of these stars in the Milky Way as there are stars like the Sun, and they are twice as likely to have rocky planets as stars like the Sun, said Dr. Thomas Greene, an astrophysicist at NASAs Ames Research Center. But they are also very active they are very bright when theyre young, and they give off flares and X-rays that can wipe out an atmosphere. Its easier to characterize terrestrial planets around smaller, cooler stars, said Dr. Elsa Ducrot, a researcher at the Universite Paris-Saclay. If we want to understand habitability around M-dwarf stars, the TRAPPIST-1 system is a great laboratory. These are the best targets we have for looking at the atmospheres of rocky planets. Previous observations of TRAPPIST-1b with the NASA/ESA Hubble and NASAs Spitzer space telescopes found no evidence for a puffy atmosphere, but were not able to rule out a dense one. One way to reduce the uncertainty is to measure the planets temperature. This planet is tidally locked, with one side facing the star at all times and the other in permanent darkness, said Dr. Pierre-Olivier Lagage, an astronomer at the Universite Paris-Saclay. If it has an atmosphere to circulate and redistribute the heat, the dayside will be cooler than if there is no atmosphere. Using a technique called secondary eclipse photometry, the astronomers measured the change in brightness from the TRAPPIST-1 system as TRAPPIST-1b moved behind the star. Although TRAPPIST-1b is not hot enough to give off its own visible light, it does have an infrared glow. By subtracting the brightness of the star on its own (during the secondary eclipse) from the brightness of the star and planet combined, they were able to successfully calculate how much infrared light is being given off by the planet. There was one target that I dreamed of having, Dr. Lagage said. And it was this one. This is the first time we can detect the emission from a rocky, temperate planet. Its a really important step in the story of discovering exoplanets. The study appears this week in the journal Nature. _____ T.P. Greene et al. Thermal Emission from the Earth-sized Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b using JWST. Nature, published online March 27, 2023; doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05951-7 Engineers are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless technology to unobtrusively monitor elderly people in their living spaces and provide early detection of emerging health problems. The new system, built by researchers at the University of Waterloo, follows an individual's activities accurately and continuously as it gathers vital information without the need for a wearable device and alerts medical experts to the need to step in and provide help. "After more than five years of working on this technology, we've demonstrated that very low-power, millimetre-wave radio systems enabled by machine learning and artificial intelligence can be reliably used in homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities," said Dr. George Shaker, an adjunct associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. "An added bonus is that the system can alert healthcare workers to sudden falls, without the need for privacy-intrusive devices such as cameras." The work by Shaker and his colleagues comes as overburdened public healthcare systems struggle to meet the urgent needs of rapidly growing elderly populations. While a senior's physical or mental condition can change rapidly, it's almost impossible to track their movements and discover problems 24/7 -- even if they live in long-term care. In addition, other existing systems for monitoring gait -- how a person walks -- are expensive, difficult to operate, impractical for clinics and unsuitable for homes. The new system represents a major step forward and works this way: first, a wireless transmitter sends low-power waveforms across an interior space, such as a long-term care room, apartment or home. As the waveforms bounce off different objects and the people being monitored, they're captured and processed by a receiver. That information goes into an AI engine which deciphers the processed waves for detection and monitoring applications. The system, which employs extremely low-power radar technology, can be mounted simply on a ceiling or by a wall and doesn't suffer the drawbacks of wearable monitoring devices, which can be uncomfortable and require frequent battery charging. "Using our wireless technology in homes and long-term care homes can effectively monitor various activities such as sleeping, watching TV, eating and the frequency of bathroom use," Shaker said. "Currently, the system can alert care workers to a general decline in mobility, increased likelihood of falls, possibility of a urinary tract infection, and the onset of several other medical conditions." Waterloo researchers have partnered with a Canadian company, Gold Sentintel, to commercialize the technology, which has already been installed in several long-term care homes. A paper on the work, AI-Powered Non-Contact In-Home Gait Monitoring and Activity Recognition System Based on mm-Wave FMCW Radar and Cloud Computing, appears in the IEEE Internet of Things Journal. Doctoral student Hajar Abedi was the lead author, with contributions from Ahmad Ansariyan, Dr. Plinio Morita, Dr. Jen Boger and Dr. Alexander Wong. At least 80% of the world's most important sites for biodiversity on land currently contain human developments, study finds. At least 80% of sites identified as being internationally important for biodiversity on land currently contain infrastructure -- of which more than 75% contain roads. In the future, more sites that are important for biodiversity could contain powerplants, mines and oil and gas infrastructure A study has found that infrastructure worldwide is widespread in sites that have been identified as internationally important for biodiversity, and its prevalence is likely to increase. This is the first ever assessment of the presence of infrastructure in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs): a global network of thousands of sites recognised internationally as being the world's most critical areas for wildlife. Infrastructure is one of the greatest drivers of threats to biodiversity according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It can cause natural habitat destruction and fragmentation, pollution, increased disturbance or hunting by humans, the spread of invasive species, direct mortality, and can have wider impacts beyond the development site. Now, researchers from BirdLife International, WWF and the RSPB, in association with the University of Cambridge, have conducted an assessment of infrastructure in KBAs, finding that it is widespread and likely to increase. The results are published today in Biological Conservation. "It's concerning that human developments exist in the vast majority of sites that have been identified as being critical for nature," said Ash Simkins, a Zoology PhD student at the University of Cambridge who led the study. KBAs are sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity. For example, they may contain species that are under a high risk of extinction or are home to species or ecosystems that are found in only a small area worldwide. Researchers assessed 15,150 KBAs on land and found that 80% contained infrastructure. Multiple combinations of infrastructure types occurred in KBAs with the most common being roads (75%), power lines (37%) and urban areas (37%). They found that potential future planned infrastructure developments could lead to an additional 2,201 KBAs containing mines (from 754 to 2,955; 292% increase), an additional 1,508 KBAs containing oil and gas infrastructure (from 2,081 to 3,589; 72% increase) and an additional 1,372 KBAs containing power plants (from 233 to 1,605; 589% increase). Maps of KBAs were intersected with spatial datasets of different types of infrastructure that researchers categorised as transport, dams and reservoirs, extractives (relating to natural resources), energy (power lines and power plants) and urban areas. Energy and extractives were the only categories for which some global data on potential future planned developments was available. "We recognise that infrastructure is essential to human development but it's about building smartly. This means ideally avoiding or otherwise minimising infrastructure in the most important locations for biodiversity. If the infrastructure must be there, then it should be designed to cause as little damage as possible, and the impacts more than compensated for elsewhere," said Simkins. Researchers found that countries in South America, (for example 82% of KBAs in Brazil), Sub-Saharan, Central and Southern Africa, and parts of South-east Asia are amongst the areas with the highest proportion of extractive claims, concessions or planned development in their KBA networks. All of the KBAs identified to date in Bangladesh, Kuwait, the Republic of the Congo and Serbia have potential extractive claims, concessions or planned development. "It's also concerning to see that in the future, extensive mining and oil and gas related infrastructure is planned to be built in many of the world's most important sites for biodiversity," said Simkins. Some of the technology to tackle the climate crisis, like solar panels and wind turbines, is also dependent on mining for precious metals. "We need smart solutions to the climate crisis whilst avoiding or minimising negative impacts on biodiversity," said Simkins. "At the UN biodiversity COP15 meetings in Montreal last year, governments committed to halting human-induced extinctions," said co-author Dr Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at BirdLife International and Honorary Research Fellow at Cambridge's Department of Zoology. "Widespread destruction or degradation of the natural habitats within KBAs could lead to wholesale extinctions, so existing infrastructure in KBAs must be managed to minimise impacts, and further development in these sites has to be avoided as far as possible." "Infrastructure underpins our societies, delivering the water we drink, the roads we travel on, and the electricity that powers livelihoods," said Wendy Elliott, Deputy Leader for Wildlife at WWF. "This study illustrates the crucial importance of ensuring smart infrastructure development that provides social and economic value for all, whilst ensuring positive outcomes for nature. Making this happen will be the challenge of our time, but with the right planning, design and commitment it is well within the realms of possibility." Researchers say that infrastructure within a KBA varies in the degree to which it may drive a loss of biodiversity. More research is required to find out the extent to which infrastructure in a particular KBA affects wildlife within the site and what measures are needed to mitigate this. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Africa's energy potential is 50 times bigger than the world's energy demand for 2040, William Ruto, President of Kenya, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. "The untapped solar and wind potential is rated as "super abundant" in most African countries, meaning the potential is over 1,000 times the current demand. By contrast, all of Europe is classified as either replete or stretched with renewable energy potential less than ten times the current demand, indicating they will not be able to meet a massive growth in energy demand with domestically generated supply," he said. According to Ruto, moreover, 30 to 40 percent of the world's minerals lie in Africa, including those on which the green energy transition depends, and plentiful relevant natural resources and assets. "Africa needs the right type of amount of investment capital to become the green industrial power-house of the world. Renewable energy investment and associated infrastructure is almost all up front capex, with the right level of investment, Africa can provide energy success for all by 2030 while reducing total emissions related to energy generation by approximately 80 percent," he added. The President pointed out that the world needs to reach Net Zero, sooner than was anticipated in the Paris Agreement, that is by 2040, instead of 2050. "We are the continent least responsible but most vulnerable to climate change and its impacts. We are the continent with the least energy access with over 600 million Africans still without access to energy. We are not only having to provide secure energy access in clean and renewable ways, we need to do this while managing economic dependencies addressing debts completely shifting our development model to finally prioritize the true flourishing and wellbeing of our people," he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Kenya will be hosting the first ever Africa Climate Action Summit in Nairobi on September 4-6, 2023, William Ruto, President of Kenya, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. "The object of the Summit is to gather the world to tackle climate challenges, that the least emitting continent, and more importantly to tap the numerous opportunities that Africa presents towards global zero ambition," he said. According to the President, the summit will provide a unique platform to deliver it on the nexus between climate change and Africa's development reality, and the need to push for increased investment in climate action globally, and specifically in Africa. "I invite German and European companies and organisations to come and sample opportunities and ideas on Africa as contribution to solving this global climate challenges that poses an existential threat to humanity. Let us work together. Less us work together for pro-climate, pro-growth development. It has been proven that we can reduce emissions even as GDP grows, and Kenya and Africa are the best partners for this paradigm shift," he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. There is a large number of concrete agreements with other African nations on the energy transition, Mohamed Ouhmed, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. "The co-operation of Morocco in Africa is a strategic interest. Africa also has great interest in the experience we are making in Morocco, and we have a great presence in other the African countries, and there are many programs that have helped directly and indirectly to move forward a number of initiatives. They help other African countries promote renewable energy," he said. According to Ouhmed, the projects that Morocco has implemented in the area of wind and solar power have led to the increase in trust of investors. "Today, there are 40 international companies and from more than 13 countries, of course, also from Germany. Companies that are doing business in Morocco and promoting future opportunities in Morocco. Morocco has a clear figures as the first point for all investors, long-term vision which has then been translated into concrete action and projects that are very regarding the timeline. We are already working on the third rounds of reforms. In the last few weeks, two acts have, to bills have been enacted for investment in renewable energy. And an act providing the framework for investment in renewable energy, and also incentivized, incentivizing young companies, as we want to mobilize capital from the private sector. And the act provides for simplification to make it easier for the area of start-up of renewables. This also means that other states can fulfil their commitments on reducing emissions, there will also be more transparency," he explained, The director also pointed out the need for the energy grid to be available to more people. "Both acts that I just mentioned also will lead to a situation that a certificate of origin will have to be provided by all stakeholders, so that we can produce sufficient green energy," he noted. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Until the middle of this century, the cumulative macroeconomic impact would amount to 280 to 900 billion euros, if the climate change is not tackled, Steffi Lemke, German Federal Minister of the Environment, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. "These are huge sums that are difficult to imagine. And these are forecasts that motivate us as a government to act urgently and that is what we are doing," she said. According to the minister, a nature-based energy transition is needed. "So, the massively accelerated expansion of renewable energies, wind power, onshore/offshore, photovoltaics, electrolyzers. We have to manage these products in a way that is compatible with nature. That offsets the impact on nature so that we do not fuel another ecological crisis with this. And the energy transition itself also has to be carried out in a way that spares resources. Because we have a huge demand of raw materials. And we have to make huge investments in a short periods of time. We need to ensure sustainable funding and a raw material-sensitive energy transition," she explained. Lemke pointed out that, in order to save raw materials, the Federal Ministry for the Environment is currently working on the circular economy strategy which places great focus on the development of functioning and closed-loop material cycles. "In Germany, we will be using nature-based climate solutions. And these solutions will focus on re-cultivating and rehabilitating ecosystems. So, for example, we will be reforesting forests. We will be rehabilitating sea grass beds, and we will be rehabilitating floodplains for positive climate effects. This will have a positive influence on climate protection because these ecosystems can store carbon at a large scale. And if we want to continue using natural resources or if we continue losing natural resources through wildfires and droughts, we have to invest, on the other hand, to maintain ecosystem services and ecosystem functions," she noted. According to the minister, this action program of nature-based solutions will be approved by the Federal Government tomorrow, as well as 4 billion euros of investments in this program in Germany in the coming 4 years. "We want to make sure that rehabilitation can take place on a larger scale. And that is not only a contribution to climate protection. But also for maintaining biodiversity and that it is also a means of preventing the inevitable consequences of climate change that we can already foresee today," she said. On March 27, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered a final judgment against Massachusetts-based investment adviser, James K. Couture in connection with the SEC's allegations that he engaged in a deceptive scheme to misappropriate a total of approximately $2.9 million from unsuspecting clients. The SEC's complaint filed in June 2021 charged that from approximately 2009 to December 2019, Couture, while operating an investment advisory and brokerage business, fraudulently prompted his advisory clients to sell portions of their securities holdings in order to fund large money transfers to an entity that, unbeknownst to his clients, Couture owned and controlled. According to the complaint, for each transaction, Couture obtained client authorization by falsely claiming that the proceeds would be reinvested for the clients' financial benefit. In reality, Couture's alleged purpose in arranging these transactions was to divert the sale proceeds for his own benefit. When clients requested withdrawals, the complaint alleged that Couture took assets from his other advisory clients through a web of third-party accounts to disguise that he was misappropriating money from one client to replace funds he had previously stolen from another. Pursuant to the final judgment, to which Couture consented, Couture was permanently enjoined from future violations of the antifraud provisions of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. In a parallel action by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, Couture pleaded guilty to ten criminal counts including one count of investment adviser fraud. On January 11, 2023, Couture was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,924,585 in restitution and $2,874,585 in forfeiture. The SEC previously issued an order barring Couture from associating with any broker, dealer, investment adviser, municipal securities dealer, municipal adviser, transfer agent, or nationally recognized statistical rating organization, as well as participating in the offering of a penny stock. The SEC's case is being handled by Rory Alex, Robert Baker, Jennifer Cardello, William Donahue, and Richard Harper, II of the SEC's Boston Regional Office. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service. Erica Rice, St. Clair County CMH Fitness equipment at St. Clair CMH Erin Sullivan, St. Clair County CMH The MI Mental Health series highlights the opportunities that Michigan's children, teens and adults of all ages have to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. It is made possible with funding from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan , Center for Health and Research Transformation , Genesee Health System , Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan , North Country CMH , Northern Lakes CMH Authority , OnPoint , Sanilac County CMH , St. Clair County CMH , Summit Pointe , and Washtenaw County CMH . Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Shannon Novara, Washtenaw Intermediate School District STORM FORECAST: 'Extratropical cyclone' brings severe weather to California The specter of more battering rains in the Bay Area early this week prompted a warning from geologists across the region: Beware of landslides that could cause roads to crater and snap, send rocks pouring onto highways or tilt homes perilously close to cliff sides. Soil saturation is at the level of concern for debris flows that could occur with this incoming rainstorm, said Jeremy Lancaster, an associate state geologist with the California Geological Survey, referring to information his agency has received from its federal counterpart. Debris flows describe a deadly type of landslide that typically occurs during or shortly after a rainstorm, often with little or no warning. They move at 20 to 25 mph, pitching boulders and soil down canyons, knocking houses off their foundations, and sending debris through walls. Relentless storms have triggered landslides throughout California this year, famously along Highway 1 near Big Sur, Highway 29 between Calistoga and Lake County where shrubs and rocks spilled along the asphalt and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where an atmospheric river in January felled trees and sent boulders cascading down slopes. Piles of mud and debris buried sections of Highway 9, a throughway that partially closed in December. Any area with steep, sloping terrain and higher-than-average rainfall could be a hot spot, Lancaster said, particularly if past landslides have already fractured the rocks and caused the ground to deteriorate. Hills in the Bay Area are especially prone to landslides due to the weak rocks that undergird them, he added, a feature of geologically young mountain ranges pushed up along active faults. Santa Cruz County, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, up into Marin, Sonoma, and Napa, Lancaster said, highlighting large swaths of the Bay Area now in the danger zone. Jeff Nolan, the geologist for Santa Cruz County, cited risks for hillside homes all up and down the San Francisco Peninsula and in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He noted that some rock types are more vulnerable to sliding than others, such as the sheared Franciscan formation along the coast south of Big Sur. Public Works crews in San Francisco are carefully watching Twin Peaks and Telegraph Hill for mudslides, though department spokesperson Rachel Gordon said the agency hasnt seen anything catastrophic in the recent series of storms, except for the erosion on Great Highway south of Sloat Boulevard. The agency has a team of hydraulic and structural engineers on hand to inspect places that could pose an imminent safety hazard. Staff at the citys Recreation and Park Department have dealt with rock- and mudslides at Bernal Hill, Corona Heights and McLaren Park, though spokesperson Tamara Aparton said fears of erosion tend to wane toward the end of the rainy season, when vegetation is thicker on hills. In Novato, crews are keeping an eye on Redwood Boulevard, an artery alongside Highway 101 that split open when last weeks bomb cyclone caused severe erosion on the hills. Gaps that formed in the pavement exposed a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. gas main, which utility workers had to temporarily reroute through southbound lanes of Highway 101. Were watching and waiting to see what the hillside does with another storm brewing on the horizon, Marin County spokesperson Laine Hendricks said. Forecasters warn of mercurial weather Monday afternoon, with sun and raw cold temperatures leading to thick evening clouds, overnight rains and another round of brutal wind. Other areas of Marin County that historically have suffered mudslides are the leafy hills of Fairfax and Sausalito, where a mudslide four years ago sent a duplex toppling down a hill in the Hurricane Gulch neighborhood. Caltrans is monitoring a section of State Route 1 near Tomales Bay, where a storm in January washed out the embankment beneath the highway as though someone had scraped out the side of a cake, but left the frosting rigid on top. The stretch of road has stayed open with one-way traffic control and sandbags to reinforce the eroded section. Caltrans expects to start repair work later this spring, when the rains abate. At that point, the risk of sudden, fast-moving landslides will diminish, but the region may still witness deep slow-moving landslides, Lancaster said, as rainfall builds up and penetrates 50 feet below the the surface of a mountain. We anticipate more deep landslides occurring throughout the spring, Lancaster said, adding that excessive rainfall could perpetuate these slides into the summer. Berkeley Unified School District is looking into paying cash reparations to African American students whose ancestors were enslaved in the United States, with officials saying the district can and should lead such a change nationally. The district is creating a task force to make recommendations to the school board by January on how to fund and implement a reparations program focused on cash payments, according to a district webpage explaining the effort. The task force, with 15-20 members, will include board members, district staff, teachers and community members. Kad Smith, a Berkeley High School alumnus and former project director at Oakland social justice nonprofit CompassPoint, will be the task force facilitator. The district is recruiting community members and plans an online informational meeting Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. While the effort is in its early stages, the district webpage says officials want to create a program of true reparations in the form of cash payments for African American descendants of enslaved people. African Americans make up 12.5% of the districts 10,194 student population, according to the California Department of Education. It was not immediately clear where the reparations funding would come from, or how much students would receive. We believe this is a critical conversation for school districts to have at this moment as educators look to better address the opportunity gap of Black students, school district spokeswoman Trish McDermott told The Chronicle. A Berkeley community group urged the school board last year to consider reparations for the districts Black students, McDermott said. She did not elaborate on the groups membership. The need for reparations in response to the institution of U.S. slavery has existed for over 150 years, but it has recently taken on an increased public attention, Laura Babitt, the boards president, said during a board meeting last week. We have heard you and with the support of the board that was expressed at the last board meeting, I am pleased to announce the creation of the Berkeley Unified School Districts Reparations Task Force, she said. The districts action comes amid a growing movement in cities across the country, including in the Bay Area, toward reparations to address the legacy of slavery and systemic racism. The Chicago suburb of Evanston in 2021 became the first U.S. city to make reparations available to Black residents. The Berkeley City Council in 2022 agreed to hire a consultant to engage with community members and historians, and develop recommendations for reparations. A reparations task force in San Francisco recently submitted a draft plan to the Board of Supervisors that includes dozens of recommendations, including the potential for $5 million one-time payments to individuals. Californias first-in-the-nation state task force has until July 1 to deliver a final report to state legislators with recommendations on cash payments. The Oakland school board in 2021 also passed a Reparations for Black Students measure to create an emergency fund for Black students and their families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide other resources to Black students. A district spokesman said information about the status of that program was not available Tuesday morning. The Berkeley school districts website declared officials desire to be in the forefront of a national movement. No true reparations program for descendants of enslaved people currently exists at the federal, state, or local level. It is time for that to change; BUSD can and should lead such a change, the webpage stated. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Africa's energy transition is such a huge task and it will cost an estimated $100 billion a year between 2020 and 2040, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. "Africa is completely energy deficient. The continent accounts for only 6 percent of global energy use, and just 3 percent of global electricity demand. Africa has made, however, important progress in terms of access to electricity. With a population with access to electricity increasing from 44 to 56 percent between 2010 and 2020. Now, despite this progress, close to 600 million people do not have access to electricity. And close to a billion people lack access to a clean cooking energy," he said. According to Adesina, to meet SDG goal, Africa needs to connect 90 million people annually to electricity in the next 8 years, and to also shift 130 million people from cooking fuels every single year. "Universal access to electricity is possible in Africa if the continent fully unlocks its massive potential in renewable energy sources. The lowering costs of solar and wind energy coupled with energy storage systems makes renewables cost-competitive and presents a unique opportunity for Africa to underpin its future energy needs based on renewables," the president explained. He also pointed out that, since 2016, 86 percent of African Development Bank's investment in power generation have been in renewables, including such projects as the 510 MW solar project in Morocco, and the 300 MW Sub-Saharan Africa's largest wind farm. "The bank's $20 million desert to power project is working on solar power across 11 countries. It will provide renewable for 250 million people in terms of access to electricity. And when it is completed, by the way, it will be the largest solar zone in the world. The projects are currently underway," he noted. Bay Area stargazers will want to look skyward just after sunset this week: a rare parade of five planets will be visible, weather permitting, plus a star cluster and the crescent moon. Though the planet parade could be visible after sunset for the next few days, sooner is better than later, Paul Lynam of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton said. The celestial show should be set to begin 20 minutes after the sun sets, or just before 8 p.m., according to astronomer Joe Rao. He writes that the celestial objects will appear in the following order and go from left to right in the western sky: the star cluster Messier 35, Mars, the moon, Uranus, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury. Finding planets in the sky Bright Venus, at the center of the show, will be the easiest planet to see. But right away, you should aim for a glimpse of Jupiter and Mercury, Rao advises in a column for Space.com, because they will be the first to disappear. The two planets will be side by side, below and to the right of Venus, near the horizon where the sun just set, with Jupiter about twice as bright as Mercury, according to Rao. Mercury happens to be lined up near Jupiter on the sky a cosmic photobomb, as it were! so people will be able to try and spot Mercury in the bright sky just to the right from Jupiter, said Geoff Mathews, an astronomer at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, in an email. It will definitely be a race between the planets setting and the sky getting darker! Slightly above and to the left of Venus will be Uranus, shining a faint pale green, Rao says. To find Mars, first locate the crescent moon; the glowing object to its upper left will be the Red Planet. The Messier 35 star cluster will be to the upper left of Mars, Rao says. Called M35 for short, the cluster located in the constellation Gemini appears as a curving formation of faint lights, with a reddish star at the center. Where and when to see the planet parade Getting a glimpse of all of this could be a challenge. Monday night was probably the best chance, but not the only one. The positions of the planets on the sky change only gradually, so it is rare for an event to be one night only, Mathews said. (Monday) is when Mercury and Jupiter appear closest to each other in the sky, but their positions will change slowly over the next few nights. If anything, over the next few days the chances of seeing Mercury with the naked eye will only improve, as it will keep moving up on the sky compared to Jupiter, thus setting below the horizon a little bit later in time when the sky is darker, he added. If the sky is clear, Rao recommends going to a flat, wide-open place with an unobstructed view of the horizon ideally, a westward-facing shoreline. While the moon and brighter planets can be seen without special gear, a good pair of binoculars or small telescope is needed if you want to find the fainter celestial bodies like Uranus, as well as Jupiter and Mercury. To see the last two, Rao advises first sweeping low across the western horizon with binoculars just after sunset. When you find them, try looking with just your eyes. And enjoy it while it lasts about 30 minutes at most, Rao says, after which both planets will set below the horizon. All the planets, including Earth, orbit in close to the same plane, Mathews said, and therefore appear to us to move in the same line across the sky. Planetary alignments occur when a group of planets line up on one side of the sun from the Earths perspective, NASA astronomer Bill Cooke told the Associated Press. They can involve different planets in different numbers, and while they are not uncommon, some types are rarer than others. In this case, for example, Seeing five planets with the crescent moon is unusual, said Andrew Fraknoi, emeritus chair at the Foothill College Astronomy Department. The planetary alignment that occurred June 6 of last year involved the naked eye planets of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, which are viewable without equipment and appeared in sequential order from the sun an event that hadnt happened since 2004 and wont occur again until 2040. Another five-planet alignment will appear in June, according to stargazing app maker Star Walk, involving Mercury, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune and Saturn. Mathews noted that for those wanting a closer view of the planets, the Foothill College observatory at 4100 Perimeter Road in Los Altos Hills is open Fridays from 9 to 11 p.m., weather permitting. Viewing and parking are free. The Chronicles Annie Vainshtein contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Amid a politically charged debate over how to treat people accused of selling drugs in San Francisco, local defense attorneys have begun making an argument in court that has long circulated in progressive circles: that some of the citys street-level drug dealers are human trafficking victims. Late last year and again in January, San Francisco juries weighed this claim in two separate trials, where public defenders argued their clients shouldnt be held responsible for selling drugs because they were forced to do so under fear of violence from cartels and coyotes the people who shuttled them across the U.S. border, often at considerable expense. Both defendants, immigrants from Honduras, said they owed thousands of dollars to coyotes who had threatened them and their families back home if they didnt pay their debts. Law enforcement officials maintain that the drug dealing in these cases was voluntary, a way to profit immensely from the suffering of San Franciscans struggling with addiction. In both cases, juries were divided over whether the defendants were criminals or victims, leading to mistrials, and the men were released. Prosecutors have decided not to retry either case and dismissed the charges. The Chronicle agreed to withhold the names of both men out of concern for their safety and because they were not convicted of any crime. The fight over the cases reflects a broader debate over how San Francisco authorities should seek to intervene in the operations of street dealers who often sell openly in a city where at least 78 people died from drug overdoses in January. Some believe more punishment will clean up drug markets, and in turn help users, while others say the citys priority should be root-cause efforts like providing housing and treatment. In both cases, attorneys who represented the two accused drug dealers were able to convince some jurors that the defendants likely hadnt sold drugs of their own volition. Attorneys said the two cases represented the first drug trials in San Francisco to specifically make use of a 2016 California law that allows criminal defendants to assert as a defense that they committed the crime as a result of being trafficked. Despite choosing not to push forward with the cases, San Francisco prosecutors forcefully rejected the notion that the defendants had no choice but to sell drugs. In an interview, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the two defendants had autonomy that isnt afforded to victims of sex or labor trafficking: They had phones and cars and were allowed to move about as they pleased. Jenkins said simply owing a debt, even if the creditor is threatening violence against the debtor, does not equate to trafficking. In the drug trade, there are always people who are high up who have said, Hey, you better not snort my coke; you better not give it away; you better sell it; you owe me money; if you dont pay me the money, there are other consequences, Jenkins said. High-ranking members of criminal organizations are interested in the money, Jenkins said, not in the fact that youre standing out on that corner. But officials with the Public Defenders Office say that the hung juries could represent a rightful shift in the publics understanding of trafficking victims. Sierra Villaran, who represented the defendant in the December trial, said many peoples understanding of trafficking victims typically involves agriculture, hospitality or prostitution. Given that jurors have likely witnessed San Franciscos drug market or personally experienced the ravages of the opioid epidemic, Villaran said, she wondered whether jurors would acquit her client, but not feel good about it. Instead, she said, jurors embraced her client after the trial, and some continue to see if theres anything they can do to help him. That gives me an incredible amount of hope that we can have a more nuanced and compassionate and effective response to the sale of drugs in our city than we have in the past, she said. In a December trial, the first defendant told the jury that he had crossed the Mexico-U.S. border in 2017 with the help of a coyote, whom he promised to eventually pay $12,350. The defendant testified he painted and installed floors in a large, southern U.S. city for years, but the pay was slow, and the coyote grew increasingly demanding. Eventually, the defendant said, he moved to Oakland, where the coyote told him he would connect him with a friend who could get him more construction work. When the defendant arrived, the friend told him he would instead be selling drugs, the man testified. The defendant said he felt he had no choice but to sell the drugs, because the man in Oakland and the coyote now in Honduras were in contact with one another. In Oakland, the defendant said, he never got to keep his earnings, but turned everything over to the coyotes contact in the city, who found him a place to live. All the while, he testified, the men threatened his family: If you dont (sell drugs), remember you have a family. Remember we know where they live, the defendant recalled the men saying, according to court transcripts. I mean, it wasnt like they were directly telling me what they were going to do to my family, but you could read between the lines that they were threatening me, he said. The defendant said he was able to pay off some of his debt, but still owed $9,500 at the time of the trial. During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Angela Roze sought to undercut the trafficking claim with evidence that the defendant had a $6,000 car, was not forced to sell drugs in previous places he had lived, and had a phone he used to frequently talk to his family. In her cross-examination, Roze asked if there were any text messages or phone calls that could corroborate the defendants claims that his family was being threatened. The defendant said the threats were never made by text message, and that he no longer had the phone to show evidence of the calls. The defense team also called as an expert witness Thomas Boerman, whose research focuses on Central America and nontraditional forms of human trafficking. Boerman testified that he had observed many situations in which someone from Central America had been lured to the United States by an offer of a legitimate job, only to find out later that they would be selling drugs. Boerman said a culture of silence exists in Honduras in which victims dont seek police assistance or even tell family members what is happening. Under cross-examination, Boerman said he had never spoken to anyone who dealt narcotics in San Francisco. Prosecutors, meanwhile, relied on the testimony of San Francisco police Officer Christina Hayes, a veteran narcotics officer, who said on the witness stand that she spoke to dealers who revealed they were building large homes in Honduras with the money they made between $200 and $1,000 a day. Hayes said evidence collected through surveillance, wiretaps and undercover drug buys does not support claims of trafficking. Some suspected dealers post videos on social media showing them drinking beers around Lake Merritt. Some of them are smoking marijuana, and they are basically listening to music. And it looks like a party scene, she said. It doesnt look like people are worried or being threatened. Hayes said she often has friendly, off-the-record conversations with dealers, and that many will tell her about their families, why theyre selling drugs and why the money is so important to them. Its never about being coerced or MS-13 (a criminal gang) is out to get them and they have to sell these drugs right away, Hayes said. During the trial, Hayes said she had never heard any mid-level or street-level dealer say anything on a wiretapped recording about being threatened or about violence that would occur if they didnt sell drugs. Under questioning from Villaran, Hayes said she had not received training on how to spot victims of human trafficking. In her closing arguments, Villaran compared the case to domestic or sexual violence, saying society better understands why victims dont always speak out. And that is why it is so important to not let what might otherwise be implicit bias about people who sell drugs to not let that bias affect the way you actually look at the evidence, she said. Societies change. Norms change. The jury in the first defendants case was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, with 10 voting for not guilty and two for guilty. At the second trial in January, a defendant accused of selling drugs told a similar story. Also a Honduran national, he said he crossed the U.S. border from Mexico with the help of a coyote who said he would help the defendant find legitimate work in the United States. But when he arrived in Oakland in 2018, the defendant said, his coyote placed him in an apartment with several other people, told him he was part of a cartel and forced him to sell drugs. He told me specifically, You know who we are. You know that we are the same people, the defendant testified. You know that you must do what were telling you to do. The defendant testified that the coyote told him it would cost $15,000 to get across the border, and that during the time he was selling drugs his take-home pay was about $200 a week. He told jurors that threats to his family in Honduras were constant, and that he was told that someone connected with the cartel had visited them there. In cross-examination, prosecutors challenged the defendants claim that he was forced into selling drugs when he left Honduras in 2018, noting that the defendant had been previously convicted of selling drugs in San Francisco in 2014. The defendant responded that he was tricked into coming to the U.S. again. Prosecutors also challenged the claim that the defendant made just $200 a week, pointing to a time he called his Oakland-based sister from jail to ask her to retrieve money from his house. There was $3,000 found there, prosecutors said, and the man had asked his sister to use it to pay for a mechanic for his car and to send money to his family. The defendant said those funds consisted of money he still owed, but that he needed to move it around to pay for essentials. The second trial also resulted in a hung jury, weighted more heavily in favor of the prosecution. Nine members of the panel voted for guilt and three found the man not guilty. The question of whether some San Francisco drug dealers are victims could have a significant impact on city policies intended to counter an epidemic turbocharged by fentanyl that has resulted in more than 2,100 overdose deaths since 2020. Jenkins, who worked as a prosecutor under former District Attorney Chesa Boudin until resigning to join his successful recall, has called Boudins stance on drug prosecutions too lenient, and she promised to crack down on serious offenders. In some cases, she has said, prosecutors may decline to offer a plea deal designed to protect a defendant from deportation. While in office, Boudin argued that many of the Honduran nationals arrested for drug sales were victims of trafficking and deserving of deportation protections. San Franciscos sanctuary city laws prevent the citys law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration officials. Supporters have long argued that people would be reticent to help local police and prosecutors if they felt they were constantly under threat of deportation. Supervisor Matt Dorsey recently tried to carve out exceptions to these policies, but he received almost no support from other city leaders. Dorseys proposal would have made it easier to deport some people convicted of selling fentanyl, adding the crime to the list of exceptions in which San Francisco may be allowed to cooperate with immigration authorities. Other excepted crimes include murder, rape, robbery, arson and carjacking. In an impassioned rebuttal to Dorseys proposal, Supervisor Hillary Ronen held up the two recent trials as reason to reject it. Both of those cases turned out in hung juries, with the vast majority of jurors on the side of the immigrant because of the overwhelming testimony from experts and from the immigrant himself, in both cases, that he is trafficked, she said at a February Board of Supervisors meeting. It is unclear whether future drug defendants will use this defense in trials. Villaran said she has other clients whom she believes were trafficked without a shadow of a doubt, but doesnt know whether they will choose to publicly make their case to jurors. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Regarding Alameda County prosecutor quits in protest over D.A. Pamela Prices policies (Bay Area, SFChronicle.com, March 25): Kudos to seasoned and veteran prosecutor Jill Nerone for her selfless act of resigning because she can no longer tolerate the soft on criminal policies of the recently elected Alameda County district attorney. Im thinking Nerone would be an excellent candidate for district attorney should the law-abiding citizens of Alameda County decide they want to send a message to people committing serious crimes. David Altscher, Belmont Shared responsibility Regarding Is it unreasonable to expect S.F.s homelessness department to solve homelessness? (Editorials, SFChronicle.com, March 25): The Chronicles editorial on the not feasible plan to end homelessness in San Francisco was on target and wishy-washy. It was on target in emphasizing that cooperation was the missing link in achieving the goal. It was wishy-washy in failing to state how and where the missing link can be filled. In fact, the missing link exists in the citys neighborhood districts, which make little or no contribution to resolving the homeless crisis. Residents of these districts want homelessness end but block the building of housing and shelter to do so in their neighborhoods. And, most significantly, they scare off their district supervisors from agreeing to the cooperation necessary to share the burden of housing the homeless. Also part of the missing link are Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, both invisible in this effort. In contrast, former Rep. Jackie Speier showed how her involvement could help achieve a realistic plan for San Mateo County. John Kelly, Hayward Shootings not great Another day, another school mass shooting. Monday it was Nashville, tomorrow is anybodys guess. Kind of fun game dont you think, trying to anticipate whose children will be the next to die needlessly. This reality we are living in is absolutely insane, and I for one am mad as hell at the spineless legislators who refuse to do anything about it. Make America great again, take back our country are you kidding me? If you want to make this country great and get your country back, do something about the carnage. Tony de Grassi, Concord Classes open minds Regarding California ethnic studies classes are sparking controversy as mandate looms (California, SFChronicle.com, March 20): The parent quoted in the article should do her homework as should everyone before saying ethnic studies courses emphasize discrimination. Go to https://www.smuhsd.org/Page/5457 where you can review the San Mateo school district course description, purpose, goals and student outcomes as well as textbooks and instructional materials. These courses do not emphasize discrimination. They help young people understand better about all ethnicities. The only scary thing about ethnic studies seems to be the parents who think their children dont want to expand their knowledge and all of our experiences in this beautiful world, particularly here in the Bay Area, one of the best melting pots to be found anywhere. Matthew Evans, Mendocino Heat pumps trump gas Regarding Gas is more efficient (Letters to the Editor, March 24): The claim that natural gas furnaces produce less greenhouse emissions than electric if additional natural gas power plants have to be built fails to account for the remarkable efficiency of heat pumps, which are typically more than 300% efficient in a moderate climate like the Bay Areas. Factoring that in, it more than compensates for the inefficiency of using natural gas to produce electricity and transporting it before using it to heat a home. Of course, if we do the sane thing and also build in rooftop solar, there wont be a need for more natural gas power plants in the first place. David Fairley, San Francisco Translators needed Regarding Lack of Cantonese services creates health care obstacles in S.F. (Health, SFChronicle.com, March 24): The article highlights a big gap in our health care infrastructure and why it would also be good if we educated or trained people more in Cantonese and other Chinese dialects. Language programs in the Bay Area and beyond are focused on Mandarin, leaving fewer people speaking other dialects who can help fill the need of our health care system. Michael Szeto, Redwood City In Nashville on Monday, a devastating school shooting appears to have been perpetrated by a 28-year-old transgender man named Audrey Hale. According to media reports, Hale was autistic, though high functioning, and only recently came out as trans. Many conservative figureheads, however, like the Daily Wires Matt Walsh and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-N.C., have already jumped on the bandwagon of blaming the shooting on Hales gender identity, sparking panic among many in the trans community over potential conservative reprisals. How much hormones like testosterone and medications for mental illness was the transgender school shooter taking? Everyone can stop blaming guns now, tweeted Greene, shortly after police revealed the suspected shooters identity in a news conference. Theres no actual evidence at this point that Hale was taking testosterone. Instead, it appears from initial police reports that the suspects motive came largely from grudges held from his attendance at the private Christian school. Facts, of course, will make little difference to the Republicans who have waged a culture war against trans people for most of the past decade. Its crucial that trans allies see through the GOP rhetoric on all of this. School shootings are always tragic events, but this country decided a long time ago that these things are acceptable so long as the free flow of guns remains unhindered. There were 646 mass shootings last year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. There have already been more than 100 in 2023. With their constant pushback against even the slightest restrictions on gun rights over the past few decades, Republicans have all but ensured that statistically speaking, sooner or later, the perpetrator of a deadly mass shooting would be trans. Easy access to dangerous semi-automatic rifles is an obvious problem in America. And yet this latest shooting is already becoming a convenient vehicle to advance the conservative narrative on trans rights. Several details of the suspected shooters profile fit neatly into pre-existing GOP talking points about trans people, like Hales autistic identity. For years now, conservatives have claimed that trans people were using trans ideology to recruit autistic people into trans identities, though many autistic trans people feel like their neuro-divergency led them to be less committed to societal structures like gender. Expect Republicans to use the Nashville shooting to attempt to add gender dysphoria the clinical term used to describe the incongruence between a trans persons physical sex and their gender identity or the taking of cross-sex hormones, to the list of reasons to deny a gun license to citizens. Though an unpopular notion among many of the more progressive trans circles, a gun ban for our community would be dangerous for the trans rights movement. It would leave our community defenseless against the growing number of far-right paramilitary gangs showing up armed to protest drag queen story hours and gender clinics. It would also represent a legal distinction that could mark us as inherently dangerous in the eyes of the law and could serve as a pretext to deny us other rights that non-trans citizens take for granted. After all, if were too risky to own guns, why would anyone want to let us use the bathrooms we need to use in public life? According to a recent report by the Anti-Defamation League, the majority of ideological shooting sprees are committed by members of the far right. Where was this outrage after a right winger shot up a supermarket in Buffalo, killing 10? Or the El Paso massacre at a Walmart? After each of those shootings, the stock Republican response was to chide the left and claim that now was not the time to politicize shootings or to claim that the shooter was mentally disturbed or a lone wolf. They reached for anything that might disassociate their own politics from the motives of these shooters. Yet, mere minutes after discovering this latest shooter belonged to one of their already favorite targeted minorities, they immediately sprang into action, seeking to further inflame their culture war on trans people. If identity is such a motivating factor in these shootings, as many Republicans are now saying, shouldnt we be having a conversation about why so many conservatives have committed so many heinous acts in the past decade and a half? Trans people are regular human beings, with our own thoughts, desires and motivations. Theres nothing inherently violent about being trans, and the actions of one member of a demographic is obviously not representative of the rest of us. Trans people are no different in this regard. Mass shootings are always highly emotional news events, and school shootings even more so because the victims are typically children. But we must not let emotion override our common sense and allow the GOP to seize upon a narrative that demonizes the entire trans community. More hate and more guns are the solutions being offered by conservatives when what we really need is more love and understanding and fewer AR-15-style rifles on the street. We were the last group called. One by one, others had been told. Now, after about 12 hours, it was our turn to learn the incomprehensibly horrible truth our daughter Kristina, just 20, was gone, the last victim of the 2018 Borderline Bar and Grill massacre in Thousand Oaks to be identified. Just the day before, wed had breakfast together. Id had pumpkin pancakes it was November. After breakfast, she napped before picking up some hours on her day off, and I went to work. I never saw her alive again. Everyone who lives long enough on this planet experiences, at one time or another, a painful loss, the loss of a loved one. Ive heard it said many times and I know it to be true: Grief is the price we pay for love. But to have your child taken from you in an instant in a mass murder as the world watches, well, this doesnt fall under the natural path of human existence. Today, families in Nashville are wrestling with the same excruciating pain. You need someone to talk to. Flashback another year to 2017: A gunman opened fire at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, and bullets rained down on some of the same people who would later be at the Borderline shooting in Ventura County. One who survived the first shooting didnt survive the second. The Las Vegas gunman fired from a hotel room in the sky. The thousands of concertgoers, enjoying the third and final night of the festival, didnt know what was happening. There are many different, but all horrific, accounts of that night. How do I know? The survivors told me. They needed someone to talk to. Since my daughter was killed, Ive been on a strange journey trying to move forward in a life that was shattered. I discovered right away that talking to others whod been through a similar experience was helping me. It assured me I wasnt alone in my struggle, and I found some hope in that. California has been on a similar journey. Weve suffered our share of mass shootings and our share of victims the Route 91 festival may have taken place in Las Vegas, but most in the audience were Californians. And, in the wake of a global pandemic, we as a society are accumulating traumas. They persist. In 2020, California enacted SB803, which created the first state program allowing persons with certain lived experiences to become state-certified peer providers to serve in mental health settings. Forty-eight other states were already doing this, and most counties in California are now testing and certifying candidates under the California Mental Health Service Authority program. Peer Supporters already existed in the state, but this gives them a new potential role to play in a field where demand has expanded. Much of this work has been in mental illness and substance abuse, and thats needed. But my experience in mass violence, trauma and grief tells me that this is an area with enormous need, and there simply arent enough mental health professionals to serve all who are struggling. After the attacks on 9/11, a group called Tuesdays Children was created to offer this kind of support to the families of those who died that day. Those who ran the program quickly realized that the loved ones of 9/11 victims could provide invaluable help to the loved ones of victims of subsequent mass violence events. Sadly, the need only seemed to grow. For each of us wrestling with our shattered emotions, the details are different, but we struggle. Weve all seen our own worst days. That, we have in common. We can come together and hold each other up because of the pain we share. It was after Borderline, when we were supported by a national nonprofit called Give an Hour, that I started working on a program to serve the California Route 91 community. And through that work, I was asked by Tuesdays Children to join a group called the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program STOP. The STOP members are all from different mass violence communities, with some experts, who are working to find ways to support other communities who are regrettably joining our ranks. The point Id like to get across is this: We all have our own lived experiences, and we all have potential roles to play in the emotional wellness of others around us. We all can contribute to lifting our society out of this mental health crisis that impacts us all. Please, find your own purpose in serving others in this society we share. Ill never get over the loss of my daughter. Im not even going to try. In fact, I purposefully visit pancake houses in the fall just for the pumpkin spice. But I do believe that I can learn to live with the new role that Kristina plays in my life and that the choices I make going forward can make a difference. One way Ive discovered to do this is to talk. And to listen. Its estimated that up to 2.4 million people in the United States are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus, but two-thirds of them dont know it. Hepatitis B is a silent killer without treatment, as many as 1 in 4 people with chronic hepatitis B will die of liver cancer or liver failure. My friends dad was one of them. The virus lived inside his body for years, slowly and stealthily damaging his liver until it caused cancer. By the time he was diagnosed, the liver cancer was at an advanced stage, and he died in less than a year. If his doctor had tested him for hepatitis B earlier, his death could have been prevented. After my friends dad died, his entire family got tested, and two of my friends uncles were found to have chronic hepatitis B. They take daily antiviral medication and undergo regular monitoring for liver cancer, and theyre alive and well today. With testing and treatment, people with hepatitis B can lead full lives. On March 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines recommending testing all adults for hepatitis B at least once. If detected early, chronic hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral medications that suppress the virus, greatly reducing the risk of liver cancer. The new CDC recommendation has the potential to save many lives. But more action is needed to realize this potential. Hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian American communities 1 in 12 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1,000 non-Hispanic white people. In Asian American communities, barriers that prevent people from undergoing testing and treatment include a lack of knowledge about hepatitis B, and cultural and linguistic barriers. Im a Chinese American physician, and I have a relative with chronic hepatitis B who doesnt follow her doctors advice to take antiviral medication and undergo regular monitoring for liver cancer. There are many reasons for her noncompliance. English is not her first language, so its hard for her to communicate with doctors. She also feels shame due to the stigma surrounding hepatitis B and holds fatalistic beliefs that inhibit her from taking action. Such beliefs are common among the population in one survey of Asian Americans, 39% of respondents didnt think they could do anything to prevent cancer, and 35% didnt think cancer is curable. Respondents with these fatalistic beliefs were more likely to not get screened for hepatitis B. In Asian American communities, individuals can take action to encourage more people to undergo screening. In one study of Asian Americans, participants were more than three times as likely to get tested for hepatitis B if a friend recommended they do so and more than five times as likely to get tested if a family member recommends it. Thus, anyone can make a significant difference by talking with loved ones about getting screened. Community organizations can hold outreach events and conduct media campaigns to promote testing, as does San Francisco Hep B Free. To help reduce stigma, Hep B Free produces videos, ads and events featuring prominent Asian Americans, such as California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, sharing their personal stories of living with hepatitis B. To help dispel fatalistic notions, Hep B Free provides factual medical information emphasizing the benefits of antiviral medication and regular monitoring for liver cancer. Community organizations can also collaborate with medical institutions to offer screening through health fairs, mobile clinics and standalone testing sites. This would make testing more accessible for people who dont have transportation, insurance or a primary care doctor. People who distrust the medical system might be more likely to get screened at sites endorsed by trusted community organizations. Medical institutions can also remind patients and doctors about hepatitis B screening through online portals, text messages and emails. At many medical centers, doctors receive an alert through the electronic medical record if a patient is due for preventive screenings like mammograms; it would not be hard to add another alert for hepatitis B testing. As a doctor, I know that physicians are often unaware of the latest CDC guidelines and many lack comprehensive knowledge about hepatitis B. Thus, individuals need to be proactive and ask their doctor to test them. Medical institutions should educate physicians about the new CDC recommendation. When I was in medical school, we learned about the science of hepatitis B, but we didnt learn about its disproportionate impact on Asian Americans. Teaching medical students and doctors about this racial health disparity and the cultural and systemic factors contributing to it would help physicians better serve their Asian American patients. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The move to remote work has created a self-reinforcing phenomenon of empty downtowns and sluggish recovery. It has also led to office building depreciation. A group of New York economists are warning that this could spell disaster. The economic activity that office workers fuel, and the tax revenue their activities yield, are essential to the citys budget. But cutting services may drive out even more workers, and the city could get caught in a doom loop. As cities across California try to avoid complying with new state housing laws, Attorney General Rob Bonta is asking state legislators to give him another tool to rein in scofflaw municipalities. Bontas office is sponsoring a bill that would give the attorney general the unconditional right to wade into any lawsuit filed over a potential violation of state housing law. The measure, Assembly Bill 1485 by Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, comes as Bonta has increasingly sought to expand the states role in enforcing housing laws as California falls deeper into a housing shortage. Bontas work is only expected to grow as cities face aggressive state-mandated targets to build far more units by 2031. Haney said while some cities have been good actors, there are numerous localities where NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) politics motivates local officials to make it too burdensome to approve new housing in existing neighborhoods. There are localities all across the state, unfortunately, who are trying to make their areas no-new-housing zones, Haney said. And thats a violation of state law. The attorney general has to have the tools to combat that. Two years ago, Bontas office created a Housing Strike Force. Its a special division within his office thats designed to hold cities accountable for skirting laws the Legislature has passed in recent years to fast-track some local processes that are often used to fight denser housing, including planning, zoning and permitting approvals. But housing advocates and the attorney generals office said the office has sometimes been constrained or delayed in its ability to intervene in lawsuits challenging roadblocks to proposed housing. For example, in October, Bontas office requested to intervene in a lawsuit against the city of Anaheim after it denied a permit for a project to convert existing housing into a transitional home for formerly homeless women. Nearly six months later, the judge still hasnt decided whether to allow the state to join the case. Thats because, under current state law, the attorney general needs to get a judges permission to intervene in a third-party lawsuit filed to challenge a potential violation of state housing law. Haney said that has delayed Bontas involvement for months in some cases and could allow judges to block him outright. AB1485, which Haney plans to unveil Tuesday, was written in partnership with Bontas office and the Housing Action Coalition, an advocacy group frustrated by cities attempts to block new housing laws. While the attorney general already has the ability to file lawsuits against cities that violate housing law under a public right of action, many housing lawsuits in the state have come from YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) groups. Housing activists said such cases filed under a private right of action are needed because Bontas office alone cannot police the sheer volume of violations. Todd David, special projects director for the Housing Action Coalition, said its important for Bonta to be able to easily intervene in those lawsuits because he can be more strident in confronting cities than developers, who are often fearful of having their projects stymied further. This is another tool that indicates to recalcitrant municipalities that the state is really concerned about this issue, David said of AB1485. Housing advocates said they expect the number of lawsuits Bonta files to rapidly accelerate as the state tries to force cities to meet their housing targets. California must construct 180,000 units, including 80,000 affordable units, each year to keep pace with existing housing demand. The state is only constructing about 80,000 units per year. The attorney general is going to be more and more involved in implementing and enforcing state housing laws, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who is co-authoring the bill with Haney. Thats a big, powerful message that when we pass a state housing law, its not a suggestion, its a requirement. Wiener said the attorney generals intervention in private lawsuits is also crucial because developers who file lawsuits are typically fighting for a specific project. He said Bonta has a broader public interest to protect the enforcement of state housing policy and to prevent a patchwork of legal interpretations that could be harmful. Bonta echoed that sentiment in a statement, saying his office wants to easily wade into cases where the enforcement of housing law is a statewide concern. He said the bill would maximize his efforts to fight for better access to affordable units. Ensuring that all Californians have access to affordable housing is a top priority for my office, and weve been actively working to enforce state housing laws and address our housing crisis, Bonta said. The Supreme Court, in a California case, seemed inclined Monday to uphold a longtime federal law that makes it a crime to encourage or induce an undocumented immigrant to remain in the United States as long as judges require prosecutors to prove an intent to encourage illegal actions. Violations of the law, first enacted in 1952, can be prosecuted as felonies with 10-year prison sentences. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled in February 2022 that the law violated freedom of speech because it could apply to everyday comments such as telling an immigrant about available social services, offering legal advice, or simply saying, I hope you stay here. But the Supreme Court set the ruling aside by granting review of an appeal by the Biden administration, and in Mondays hearing the courts conservative majority seemed receptive to a Justice Department lawyers argument that the law could be validly read to apply only to statements meant to promote unlawful immigration. The First Amendment doesnt protect speech intended to induce unlawful activity, the attorney, Brian Fletcher, told the court. For example, he said, a friend could tell an immigrant, Heres how to work without being on the books. Several justices said the appeals courts fears of prosecutions for ordinary comments of sympathy seemed overblown. The law has been on the books for a long time, said Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and no one has cited evidence that it deterred legitimate services for immigrants such as charitable organizations ... that are not giving food and shelter or that lawyers are afraid to give advice. Chief Justice John Roberts questioned whether such prosecutions had taken place. And while entering or remaining in the U.S. without authorization is not a crime only a civil violation subject to deportation Justice Samuel Alito said federal law and policy show a strong interest in regulating who is allowed to remain in the United States, justifying criminal penalties against those who encourage illegal immigration. The courts three liberal justices appeared unconvinced, noting that an earlier version of the law had explicitly required proof that a defendant knowingly aided and abetted or solicited illegal immigration words Congress removed in 1952 while allowing prosecutors to show only that someone had encouraged or induced an immigrant to remain. So now were putting back in what Congress took out? Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked Fletcher. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson likewise said lawmakers had made their intentions clear in 1952. And Justice Elena Kagan said the law, as interpreted by the government, would still apply to communications that take place every day between immigrants and teachers, doctors, lawyers, neighbors or friends. But Fletcher said prosecutors would still have to show defendants were trying to help immigrants remain when they would otherwise leave. Pressed by Justice Brett Kavanaugh on how the law should be reinterpreted to require proof of such intent, Fletcher agreed that the court should set the constitutional boundaries and then return the case to the Ninth Circuit to apply those standards to the 1952 statute. The case arose from the prosecution of Helaman Hansen, who ran a Sacramento business from 2012 to 2016 falsely offering citizenship to hundreds of migrants who went through adoption ceremonies. He was convicted in 2017 of two counts of violating the immigration law and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The appeals court in San Francisco upheld his separate conviction and concurrent 20-year sentence for defrauding the immigrants, but ruled unconstitutional the law making it a crime to encourage illegal immigration. At Mondays hearing, Esha Bhandari, a lawyer for Hansen, told the justices that neither Congress nor the court should create a new category of unprotected speech criminal solicitation of civil law violations. A ruling is due by late June or early July. The case is U.S. v. Hansen, 22-179. Federal regulators found deficiencies in Silicon Valley Banks liquidity risk management in late 2021, the vice chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors told lawmakers Tuesday. The hearing by the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs comes in the wake of two bank failures that shook the financial markets and required the federal government to take control of both institutions. Senators were hearing Tuesday morning from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. chairman, Federal Reserve vice chair and a Treasury Department official on the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and New York-based Signature Bank and how Congress could make changes to prevent similar collapses in the future. Banking agencies are investigating the failures and will release reports by May 2023, Nellie Liang, Treasury Department undersecretary for domestic finance, said. The reports will include confidential supervisory information, including supervisory assessments and exam material so that the public can make its own assessment, Federal Reserve Board of Governors Vice Chair Michael Barr said. Stabilizing Silicon Valley Bank will cost an estimated $20 billion, according to Liang. The funds required to stabilize the two banks will come from fees paid by banks to the FDIC and will be used to secure uninsured deposits by account holders. Ahead of the bank run, SVB attempted to improve its liquidity position, Barr said, but the bank did it in a way that spooked investors and depositors. The two banks were sold to two other financial institutions SVB to First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, and Signature Bridge Bank N.A. to New York Community Bancorps Flagstar Bank. The FDIC received 27 bids from 18 bidders for SVB, according to the officials. The FDIC received two bids the weekend of March 10, but they were rejected, FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg said. The first was found invalid because the board of that bank had not approved the bid, and the other was rejected because that purchase would have been more expensive than liquidating SVB, he said. Neither of Californias two senators sits on the committee holding the hearing. Barr and the other regulators blamed the failure of SVB on the banks gross mismanagement. Some Republican senators, including John Kennedy, R-La., said that the Federal Reserve should have stress-tested SVB in 2022. However, Barr said that the Feds rules for doing so, which were finalized in 2019 under the prior administration, meant that SVB was not eligible that year. Liang will call on Congress to consider further regulation for banks with assets of $100 billion or more, including methods to resolve failures. Barr said that the Fed is looking at new regulations to increase the capital and liquidity requirements for banks and how much long-term debt they can hold. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Offshore wind power will become a significant energy resource for Japan, Mika Ohbayashi, Director at Renewable Energy Institute, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. We are a tiny country. But if we count Japans territorial waters and exclusive economic zone that is 12 times wider. There is great potential of offshore wind energy," she said. According to Ohbayashi, currently, there is less than 1 GW of offshore wind power in Japan. But an environmental assessment project is underway for expanding it to 45 GW. The government plans to create 10 GW and the 45 GW pipelines by 2030 and 2040 relatively. Given the changes in the world over the past year, these figures will, of course, need to be revised. But there is no doubt that offshore wind power will become a significant energy resource for Japan, she noted. Ohbayashi pointed out that according to a study, solar energy found on land and offshore, will be able to provide Japan with much needed electricity. The deployment of rooftop solar panels is the well-suited method for Japan, considering its densely populated territory. The installation of rooftop solar panels, especially for housing and buildings, will be an obligation for some places in Japan starting next year. However, at the same time, these have to be integrated with the housing and the building policy as well. We need to increase the standards of efficiency for those housing and buildings, she said. San Franciscos office vacancy rate shot up to a record high of 29.4% in the first quarter, nearly eight times the pre-pandemic level. The city saw the biggest jump in vacancy among any U.S. city in the past three years, and leasing activity remained minimal at the start of 2023, according to preliminary data from real estate brokerage CBRE. The vacancy rate, a measure of space available for lease and sublease, rose from 27.6% at the end of 2022 and 19.7% from the first quarter of 2022. Another 1.7 million square feet of vacant offices was added to the market in the past three months. Tech giants were the big winners during the early pandemic and continued record hiring and signed huge office leases even as workers stayed home. That has dramatically changed, with cost-cutting adding to San Franciscos pain on top of remote work. The citys biggest companies continue to downsize amid massive tech layoffs, with Meta listing all 435,000 square feet of its office space at 181 Fremont for sublease. Nearby, Salesforce listed 125,000 square feet for sublease at Salesforce Tower, the citys tallest building. The companies have cited real estate efficiency and cost-cutting efforts as reasons to close offices, though they remain obligated to pay rent unless a subtenant is found. There was a weak level of demand, said Colin Yasukochi, executive director of CBREs Tech Insights Center. Layoff announcements continued in the first quarter. That all translates to companies needing less space. He expects vacancy to rise through at least the end of this year. The biggest leases in the first quarter included law firm Gibson Dunns 50,334-square-foot commitment at 1 Embarcadero Center and Reddits 47,872 square foot downsizing and relocation to 303 Second St. Law firm Shartsis Friese leased 26,158 square feet in another downsizing and relocation to 425 Market St. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Owen Thomas, CEO of Boston Properties, owner of Salesforce Tower and San Franciscos biggest office landlord, said on an earnings call last month that U.S. commercial real estate markets are currently in a recession, though the broader economy is not. Despite the explosion in vacancy, asking rents are down less than 15% compared with 2019, to $75.25 per square foot annually. Thats far less than the 70% plunge in office rents after the 2000 dot-com bust and 30% drop after the 2008 recession, according to CBRE. Robert Sammons, senior research director at brokerage Cushman & Wakefield, said many properties were sold just prior to the pandemic with the expectation that high rents would continue. Lowering rents could devalue a building and make paying off mortgages or refinancing harder. It could also lead existing tenants to ask for price discounts. Major office leases also typically last a decade or more, meaning many major tenants continued to pay rent even through shelter-in-place orders when offices were closed, and afterward when offices were half empty. That has delayed the urgency of finding new tenants, though asking rents are expected to drop more this year as more leases expire. Some office landlords are offering concessions like free months of rent and paying for interior tenant office improvements as a way to lure companies without reducing the stated rent per month. Sammons said there is a flight to quality that has meant higher demand for the most modern and well located offices, which has also kept some rents high. Even if rents dropped in half, Yasukochi believes it would give only a small boost to demand, since many companies are not leasing offices because of remote work, rather than due to high prices. The cost of moving to a new office is also high, he said. I would say that the building owners are a little in denial of whats happening on the ground. And so theres a lot of stickiness with respect to these stated rent terms, said Arpit Gupta, an associate professor of finance at New York University who co-authored a widely read paper called Work From Home and the Office Real Estate Apocalypse. Some building owners may have covenants on their debt. That means they have to go back to the bank in order to change their formal rental price, he said. Some building owners may be doing what we think of as gambling for resurrection, which is just maintaining the hope that maybe someday they really land that great tech tenant. And so theyre just kind of holding out hope for that. But financial turmoil is spreading for office owners. Multiple landlords have recently defaulted on U.S. office mortgages, including Columbia Property Trusts $1.7 billion default on seven properties that include two downtown San Francisco towers. The pain could expand, with $270 billion in commercial mortgages held by banks expiring this year, according to real estate firm Trepp, the highest on record. That means property owners must pay up or risk losing their buildings. San Francisco could also suffer: The Controllers Office estimated in November that property tax losses could reach nearly $200 million per year by 2028 in a worst-case scenario where office vacancy remains high a 35% plunge in revenue compared with before the pandemic. But real estate experts remain optimistic about the citys long-term economic resilience. Its not going to be an easy recovery, Yasukochi said. We have the biggest and strongest tech ecosystem which sets us up from future growth and innovation. Thats not going away. Sammons said more efforts are needed from both the city government and businesses to make downtown more diverse, with more residents, restaurants and shops in addition to offices. On Tuesday, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin announced proposals to make it easier to convert offices to housing by eliminating some requirements, and to allow more flexible uses in upper-floor Union Square retail spaces. In the near term theres going to be pain. In the longer term, if the public and private sectors can come together, it can come back and come back strong, Sammons said. Its going to have to be more mixed-use going forward. Theres no going around that. Everyone seems to agree San Francisco has big problems homelessness, a housing crisis and concerns about crime but not everyone agrees who in city government is responsible for failing to fix them. While Mayor London Breed and the Board of Supervisors sometimes work together, she and her moderate allies have long accused progressive supervisors of blocking her solutions to those issues whether delaying housing projects or scrutinizing police spending. But some progressives and the mayors critics have started punching back, blaming Breed for not adequately addressing the challenges, pointing out that she controls more than 60 department heads, more than 36,000 employees and a $14 billion budget. Intensifying fights among the citys leaders come amid dissatisfaction from residents with the state of the city and some supervisors and the mayor facing election next year. The mayor is already facing a potential challenge from a critical supervisor who says the city is in crisis. Juliana Yamada/The Chronicle So amid all the recent finger pointing, The Chronicle looked at who has the power to fix San Francisco, and what is holding them back. The answers are nuanced, but our reporting found in general that Breed has power over the areas of policing and homelessness. Supervisors exert significant influence over housing through legislation, although the mayor runs departments that oversee development. Running the city Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Breed has more power than the board over the citys budget, operations and political appointments. The mayor has significant influence over San Franciscos $14 billion-plus budget, and the choices her department heads make about what to fund have huge implications. Its up to Breed to ensure the budget is well spent and that city funds are being used effectively and efficiently. Still, the mayor had control over only about a quarter of last years budget, with the rest already determined through enterprise departments, such as the airport, which are self sustaining, and set-asides that can be spent only in very specific ways. While the supervisors review and approve the budget, they did not make significant changes last year. SFNext is Chronicle coverage devoted to the city's most vexing problems. To become involved: Send feedback, ideas and suggestions to sfnext@SFChronicle.com The mayor has the power to fill vacant elected positions. Thats been to her advantage over the past two years when shes picked a city attorney, district attorney, District Six supervisor and three school board members after job changes, recalls and special elections. Five of the six went on to win elections, giving her allies in key positions. While those appointments put the burden on her to show results, having well-placed political allies doesnt necessarily give her more control over these areas, since her power is checked by supervisors, oversight commissions and city laws, said Corey Cook, politics professor at St. Marys College in Moraga. What she can do is wield her influence over those bodies to push her agenda such as she did recently when the board approved her request for $25 million in more police overtime. But political consultant Eric Jaye, who has worked on the campaigns of three mayors, said every mayor has struggled to fight the permanent government of the citys bureaucracy. Its a difficulty, he said, but its not an excuse for failing to fix the citys problems. Supervisors create legislation that guides city policy and performance. But they have very little impact over day-to-day operations and ultimately, its the function of the mayor to run the city, argued David Ho, a political consultant who worked in support of the mayor in 2018 and more recently for progressive candidates. Policing and public safety Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Breed has significant power over public safety and street conditions. Despite opposition to increased police spending from a few vocal critics, shes gained more allies who support police on the board and recently prevailed in her effort for more police overtime. But Breed has struggled to address open-air drug dealing and high property crime rates both huge concerns for residents and businesses even though she oversees the Police Department and has a strong ally in District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. While Police Chief Bill Scott controls SFPD operations and deployments, Breed, his boss, has a say. For example, the night of the November 2021 mass thefts at luxury stores in Union Square, the mayor told the chief he needed to make a public announcement about the incident, according to her former aide Conor Johnston. The next day, the chief and mayor held a news conference to announce more police in the square. More recently, after Tenderloin business leaders pushed the mayor for action on open-air drug dealing, she told the chief that weve got to do more, said mayoral spokesperson Jeff Cretan. The result was more cops on the street. The mayor is the chiefs boss, said Board President Aaron Peskin. If she says jump, he says, How high? Cretan said Breed doesnt direct deployments, but identifies priorities and pushes the chief to address them. Despite that power, Breed has had mixed success in curtailing dealing. The recent push to put extra officers in the Tenderloin has cleared certain blocks, but a similar effort that began last March in the wake of her Tenderloin emergency declaration made a measurable difference only after Jenkins entered office. Breed marshaled resources under the emergency plan to help more than 1,000 people into shelter or housing and a few into treatment, but residents and business owners said homelessness and open-air drug dealing and use continued to pose a huge challenge. Jaye and other critics acknowledged some factors such as judges who decide whether to release defendants from jail before trial are beyond Breeds control, but slammed Breed for not being able to curtail drug markets, arguing she could if she better managed resources. They (past mayors) never accepted an excuse, he said. OK, the judges are letting people loose well, arrest them faster than the judges can let them loose. Kanishka Cheng, a former Breed staffer and head of moderate political advocacy organization TogetherSF Action, said that while the mayor can direct police priorities, there arent enough officers to carry them all out. Cheng also argued that the mayors powers are curtailed by the Police Commission, which crafts policies that affect operations. Although the mayor appoints a majority of commissioners, she must hire a chief from a list of candidates they pick, and they have equal power to fire the chief. Cretan said lack of officers and other restraints are issues, but not excuses. Even if (the mayor) is limited in certain areas, he said, she knows that at the end of the day she is the leader and she needs to do everything she can to address these issues. Homelessness Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2022 The mayor exercises more control over homelessness than the supervisors. Breed directly oversees the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which has a $672 million annual budget. Under Breed, San Francisco managed to cut homelessness by 3% and unsheltered homelessness by 15% one of the few counties to do so over the past three years. But the issue has long eluded quick fixes, with every San Francisco mayor since 1980 failing to solve the citys homelessness problem. Though Breed has accumulated political power, she cant wave a magic wand to fix it, Cook said. The city depends on state and federal funding as well as its own dollars to invest in shelter and affordable housing, but has been unable to bring down exorbitant costs. For example, proposed tiny cabins in the Mission were estimated to cost $100,000 per unit vs. $10,000 in Oakland. While the mayor oversees the homelessness department, supervisors have power to approve purchases and projects addressing homelessness and to change laws. For example, one supervisor pushed a proposal last year to mandate enough shelter and housing for those on the streets, but the homelessness department recently said it would need $1 billion over three years to build enough shelter and housing to meaningfully solve the problem. While Breeds agencies have cleared homeless encampments over the past few years, the city is now limited in its ability to do so because of a pending lawsuit alleging the city violated federal law and constitutional rights. Housing Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The board has significant power over housing because its primarily responsible for legislation that dictates how housing gets built and where, although its up to departments that the mayor controls to implement those laws and oversee development. Neither, of course, controls the economy and market that drives building. Breed and her allies on the board push for fewer restrictions on housing production and embrace both market-rate and affordable projects. Breeds progressive opponents prioritize affordable housing and favor more community input. Housing laws passed by voters and supervisors over the years limit some of what Breed can do on her own. She has proposed both administrative and legislative fixes to help the city meet its state-mandated plan for 82,000 new homes over the next eight years. Critics argue that the mayor controls the planning and building departments, which are abysmally slow at approving projects and permits. Bilal Mahmood, a former state Assembly candidate, revealed in The Chronicle that it takes at least 87 permits and 1,000 days on average for any residential project to get approved. Don Feria/Special to The Chronicle 2021 Breed recently ordered her departments to come up with a plan to cut those times by 50%. She pledged to introduce legislation which needs board approval to move some permitting from building to planning to shave 65% off approval times. Separately, two supervisors proposed allowing departments to simultaneously review a key permit to also speed things up. While Breeds departments are responsible for some of the hurdles, legislation primarily the domain of the board is to blame for some of the lengthy and complicated processes. For example, city law controls how many planning permits are required and how much they cost. While the mayor can propose laws to streamline housing, she doesnt always have the votes to pass them. Critics slammed supervisors for rejecting Breeds attempt to create a ballot measure to streamline housing three times and then for putting forward a countermeasure last year, probably contributing to both failing. Breeds allies say a big culprit in the citys long approvals process is also embedded in the citys charter, which the city attorney has said voters would have to change. Discretionary review allows permit approvals to be appealed. Many cities instead allow housing and other projects to move ahead without challenge if they comply with law. Some appeals can make their way to the Board of Supervisors, which Breed has criticized for delaying or stopping high-profile projects. Jason McDaniel, a political scientist at San Francisco State University, blamed regulation and boards over the years for obsessively guarding local influence over housing and said the city is now paying the price with the highest housing and cost of living in the country, if not the world. UPDATED FORECAST: Heres where the highest chances of thunderstorms are across the Bay Area Tuesdays unusual late-season storm is making its rounds across Northern California and will introduce a slew of weather impacts, including strong winds, downpours and thunderstorms, along with the risk of small hail. Most of this severe weather will peak Tuesday morning and steadily drop off by the afternoon across most of the Bay Area, but lingering showers and thunderstorms are forecast to hang around through Wednesday afternoon well after the worst of the storm has passed. Track live updates on the storm from the San Francisco Chronicle today. Baron/Lynx Heavy rain and wind threat: Tuesday The heaviest downpours are forecast to roll into Northern California on Tuesday morning, lasting until 1 p.m. in the Bay Area and 5 p.m. in the Sacramento Valley. Some downpours are forecast by the high-res rapid refresh weather model to introduce gusts up to 40 mph across most of the Bay Area and up to 55 mph on some of the hillsides in the North Bay highlands, East Bay hills and the west side of San Francisco. On Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum, 70 mph gusts arent out of the question. These strong northwest winds will help crank up rainfall rates to half an inch per hour around San Francisco, Oakland and Santa Rosa between 9 a.m. and noon. Baron/Lynx The rest of the Bay Area can expect rainfall rates around a third of an inch per hour. That doesnt account for the risk for thunderstorms, which would add heavy rain to the mix and boost rates closer to half an inch per hour in the Santa Cruz coastline including Aptos, Santa Cruz and Capitola if a lone storm or two come ashore over the course of the day. By Tuesday evening, most of the wind and shower activity across Northern California will begin to fizzle, leaving behind quieter conditions as winds and rain peter out. But the storm wont be done just yet. Thunderstorm threat continues: Wednesday The storms center will continue to travel south toward the open waters off the coast of Morro Bay on Wednesday, leaving traces of atmospheric energy in its wake. This energy, known scientifically as convective available potential energy, or CAPE, is a measure of how many joules per kilogram are in a column of the atmosphere in other words, how much energy the atmosphere has available to convert into thunderstorms. Baron/Lynx For thunderstorms to form over Californias coastline and the Central Valley, the atmosphere typically must hold around 50 to 100 joules per kilogram of energy. The North American weather model, along with a couple other models like the European and Canadian, are trending toward there being more than enough energy in the atmosphere for thunderstorms to surface off the coast and in the Central Valley. But just how many of these thunderstorms could evolve into supercells, or rotating thunderstorms, capable of producing powerful gusts over 35 mph, small hail and an additional inch of rain? Currently, the high-res rapid refresh and North American weather model are suggesting that a fair amount of these types of thunderstorms will be possible.It looks like the greatest chances on Wednesday are slated for parts of the coastline along Highway 1 between Mendocino and Santa Cruz counties, along with most of the Central Valley from Chico to Fresno. There is also the possibility of weak, short-lived tornadoes that could run up to the coastline or form in the Sacramento Valley. For now, these chances for severe thunderstorms and their subsequent weather features remain low to moderate. Tuesday breakdown San Francisco: A stormy morning is on tap for much of the city as gusts climb above 35 mph through noon. Some of the windiest spots will be along the outer Sunset and Richmond districts, where gusts will briefly surpass 50 mph. These winds could lead to power outages across the city that recently dealt with outages in previous storms. Winds will also draw downpours, with rainfall rates around a third of an inch per hour throughout the morning. A few areas around Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson and Golden Gate Park could reach rainfall rates up to half an inch per hour before showers taper off this afternoon. Light rain and weaker winds are on tap after 2 p.m. as the bulk of the storms rainfall exits the city. The cold air left behind will keep daytime temperatures in the lower 50s while nighttime temperatures quickly fall to the upper 40s in the Mission, SoMa and downtown areas overnight. The rest of the city can expect nighttime temperatures closer to the mid-40s as skies clear overnight. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: A slew of unsettled weather conditions will make for dangerous driving conditions on Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, with downpours, brief thunderstorms and gusts most of the morning. Rainfall rates will range between a quarter to a half an inch of rain per hour, while winds will gust above 45 mph and up to 60 mph on Highway 92 between Half Moon Bay and San Mateo. These gusts will spread east over the morning and into the San Bruno Gap, raising 45 to 60 mph gusts in Daly City, San Francisco International Airport and Millbrae. Residents in the rest of the Peninsula along I-280 and 101 will experience fewer impacts thanks to the rain-shadow effect off the hillsides of San Mateo County, but can expect occasional downpours and a couple of thunderstorms. Conditions will gradually improve by the afternoon as showers and winds taper off, but brief thunderstorms capable of downpours, strong winds and even isolated tornadoes are expected to last though 6 p.m. Cloud cover overhead will help keep daytime highs in the lower 50s, while nighttime temperatures are forecast to fall to the mid-40s as showers clear out and skies become clearer. North Bay: Some of the heaviest rainfall is forecast for residents downwind of the Mayacamas Mountains, including Calistoga, Santa Rosa, St. Helena, Windsor and Guerneville. Rainfall rates around a half an inch per hour are expected in the morning, with some of the heaviest rain between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The heavy rainfall will be carried in by powerful winds gusting to 60 mph in the highlands of Napa and Sonoma counties. On Mount Tam winds could gust up to 70 mph at the summit. Look for widespread 35 to 55 mph gusts and rainfall rates around a third of an inch per hour across most of Solano, Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties through 1 p.m. Weather conditions will improve this afternoon as winds and rain ramp down, but isolated thunderstorms will be possible along the Sonoma and Marin county coastline, including Point Reyes and Bodega Bay. Brief heavy rain, small hail and even a couple of funnel clouds cant be ruled out for the immediate coastline. Gloomy skies overhead will help keep daytime highs in the Santa Rosa, Napa and Petaluma valleys closer to 50 degrees, while residents closer to San Pablo Bay, the delta and the Pacific coast can expect slightly warmer temperatures in the lower 50s. Cold air from the storms cold front will settle in the region and drop nighttime temperatures to the upper 30s inland and lower 40s by the water. Watch for overnight frost and any icing on remote roadways off 101. East Bay: A windy and rainy morning is on tap for Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with 35 to 55 mph gusts for residents in Richmond, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont and Hayward. Brief swells could raise coastal flooding concerns in Alameda and along the bayshore as morning winds raise rough waters on San Francisco Bay. These winds will be accompanied by heavy rainfall, with rates up to a third of an inch per hour possible along the I-80 and I-880 corridors, along with the delta region that includes Concord and Pittsburg. The bulk of these downpours will also spread east of the Caldecott Tunnel over the morning, raising heavy rainfall and gusts in the San Ramon and Livermore Valleys. Walnut Creek, Pleasanton and Dublin will bear some of the most serious impacts this morning as showers spill into the valleys and briefly reach rainfall rates of half an inch per hour. Conditions will gradually improve after 1 p.m. as winds ramp down and showers fizzle, but there will be a slight risk for thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. Chances remain generally low at around 20% to 25% across the East Bay. Thunderstorm risks include small hail, damaging gusts over 35 mph and even a couple brief spin-ups. Temperatures will generally peak in the lower 50s across the wider East Bay before dropping to the lower 40s overnight. South Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains: The stage is set for an active weather day on the Santa Cruz coastline. Gusts to 55 mph will be possible along the waters of Capitola, Aptos, Soquel and the city of Santa Cruz this morning. These winds will carry heavy rainfall toward the shoreline, raising rainfall rates to a half an inch by midmorning. The rainfall and winds will peak around 11 a.m., spreading to the rest of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties before the storms bands fizzle away this afternoon. That said, swollen rivers and infrastructure damage from this mornings winds and rain are likely to delay flood and damage relief operations from last weeks storm along Highway 17. There may be significant travel delays if gusts cause more widespread damage in the Santa Cruz Mountains. By Tuesday afternoon, the storms impacts will be more isolated. The forecast is calling for thunderstorms with gusts possibly exceeding 35 mph, small hail, brief downpours up to half an inch per hour and brief spin-ups. The areas with the highest chances for afternoon thunderstorms are the Santa Cruz coastline and the 101 corridor between Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Clouds and cold air will keep daytime temperatures in the lower 50s. By nightfall, thunderstorm chances will fizzle and temperatures will drop to the lower 40s by the water and upper 30s in the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate UPDATED FORECAST: Heres where todays highest chances of thunderstorms are across the Bay Area California is getting hit by yet another rare winter storm this one an "extratropical cyclone" that's ushering in a slew of impacts to the Bay Area and much of the northern parts of the state. Winds, heavy downpours and thunderstorms carrying hail were reported throughout the region. San Francisco broke a century-old cold-temperature record. The blustery weather cracked another window at Salesforce East, a downtown office tower, prompting concerns about shattered glass on San Francisco's Mission Street for the second time in roughly a week. Thousands of PG&E customers were enduring power outages, and officials urged caution when near trees and on roads. Meteorologist Gerry Diaz says this storm will host enough convective available potential energy to raise an elevated risk of severe weather over the next couple of days. Lingering showers and thunderstorms are forecast to hang around through Wednesday afternoon well after the worst of the storm has passed. Latest updates: Winds peaked at 81 mph in Bay Area Tuesday's storm brought significant winds to the mountains of the Bay Area, though they were generally less damaging to the lowlands than the fierce, two-eyed storm of a week ago. The region's highest wind gust was recorded at 81 mph at the Mines Tower weather station in Alameda County on Tuesday morning. In Marin County, wind gusts peaked at 73 mph and in Contra Costa County, they peaked at 70 mph Read the full National Weather Service wind report here. Flood advisory for Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties until 8 p.m. Small streams and creeks may flood amid heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said. The advisory includes southern Santa Clara County, northern San Benito County and northeastern Monterey County. Specific locations of concern include Watsonville, Gilroy, Hollister, Prunedale, Ridgemark, Interlaken, San Juan Bautista, Aromas, San Martin, Las Lomas, Pajaro and Elkhorn. Read details of the flood advisory here. I-80 eastbound closes again in Sierra The roadway is closed at Applegate due to "multiple spinouts over Donner Summit," Caltrans says. The westboound interestate remains open. Flood advisory in effect for Monterey County until 8 p.m. Drivers are advised to watch for urban and small stream flooding due to the intense rains -- and not to drive on flooded roadways. Here is the text of the flood advisory from the National Weather Service. San Francisco sets new maximum temperature record There's no doubt the weather has been frigid. San Francisco temperatures on Tuesday reached only 51 degrees, preliminary data shows. That would be a record low maximum temperature for March 28. Read more here about how cold it's been in San Francisco. Flooding closes part of Highway 121 in Sonoma County All lanes of Highway 121 in both directions are blocked between CA-116 and Schellville 8th St., according to 511. The area is a throughpoint for those driving between the Napa Valley and Sonoma County. There is no estimated time of reopening. Newsom expands Major Disaster Declaration request to Monterey, Santa Cruz, Tulare and other hard-hit counties In a move, if granted, that would free up more federal resources, Gov. Gavin Newsom requested the extension of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to nine new counties: Calaveras, Kern, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne. The governor said he might request the inclusion of more counties if conditions warrant. I-80 reopens in Sierra Both directions of the roadway reopened across Donner summit, Caltrans tweeted shortly after 5 p.m. The roadway had previously been closed between Colfax and the Nevada state line. The agency warned drivers to go carefully to avoid spinouts, as heavy snow continued to fall. I-5 reopens to Ashland Interstate 5 has reopened between Ashland and the California border, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation, which warned drivers to "expect winter conditions and delays as backed up traffic begins moving again." I-5 is also open in northern California, though Caltrans says that travel is not currently recommended "for campers, trailers or permit loads." Landslide closes Napa County road Mt. Veeder road is closed due to a landslide due west of Yountville, according to the Napa County Sheriff. The road runs through the mountains west of the Napa Valley, roughly parallel to Highway 29. Here is the Zonehaven information. Car 'flew' off 780 overpass A black SUV went over an I-780 overpass in Benicia, not far from a Holiday Inn Express on East 5th Street -- miraculously with no injuries. What caused the accident was unclear, but roadways are slick with the rain and local police asked drivers to slow down. Heavy snow falling in Tahoe Snow is falling and accumulating around Lake Tahoe again. Views from Caltrans cameras around the lake show that snow is gathering on highways on both sides of the lake and giving cars on the road a dusting of white. Funnel cloud spotted in Redding A funnel cloud, which is different from a tornado, was spotted from the Redding Municipal Airport. The cloud was sighted at about 3:14 p.m. and lasted just nine minutes, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. A funnel clouds differs from a tornado in that it doesn't reach the ground and doesn't cause damage, the weather service said. Cleanup continues in Pajaro Piles of belongings and other damaged household items were visible on the streets of hard-hit Pajaro in Monterey County on Tuesday. Amid the latest round of rain, residents and clean-up crews were sorting through belongings damaged or destroyed after a levee breach flooded the town nearly three weeks ago. Now Playing: Piles of belongings and other damaged household items can be seen on the streets of Pajaro, Calif. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. As another round of rain drenches Northern California, Pajaro residents and clean-up crews sort through and remove damaged and destroyed belongings since a levee breach flooded the town nearly three weeks ago. Video: Bronte Wittpenn I-80 closed in mountains due to spinouts Interstate 80 was closed between Colfax and the Nevada state line due to spinouts over Donner Summit, Caltrans said. There is no estimated time for when the road will reopen. PG&E outages affect 3,800 homes and businesses in Bay Area About 3,792 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers were without power following Tuesdays storm, the utility company said. Tuesday afternoon, the bulk of the outages were reported in San Francisco, which had 2,844 PG&E customers in the dark, up from barely more than a dozen earlier in the day. Snow in Sonoma, Napa counties The National Weather Service reports that wet snow fell in northern Sonoma and Napa counties, with temperatures well below freezing on Mt. St. Helena. Flood advisory in Alameda, Contra Costa counties extended until 4 p.m. Heavy rain continues to prolong urban and small stream flooding threats in the western Alameda and western Contra Costa counties, per a flood advisory extended from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. by the National Weather Service. Some locations that could experience flooding, according to the NWS, include: San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Concord, Berkeley, Richmond, San Leandro, Mountain View, Alameda, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Union City, Milpitas, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Dublin, Newark, Danville and Martinez. BART still facing delays of up to 20 minutes due to weather BART riders should continue to expect delays of up to 20 minutes due to wet weather, according to 511 SF Bay. Widespread rainfall to peter out this afternoon, isolated thunderstorms possible The forecast continues to play out on-schedule, with rain bands and their winds gradually exiting San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. A few lingering showers and thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon, though most will be concentrated off the coast. The pattern will turn to spotty downpours as we head into Wednesday, with the main contenders for tomorrow looking to be more widespread thunderstorms capable of producing small hail and damaging winds. All active Bay Area weather warnings in one place Check out The Chronicles up-to-date tracker of all the National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories issued for California. The tracker updates every five minutes and is searchable by area or county. Persistent landslides complicating road repair near Big Sur and Santa Cruz Geologists warned that "deep, slow-moving landslides" could occur long after the rain abates, as water builds up beneath the ground surface. The saturation from consecutive storms has complicated road repairs in the Santa Cruz Mountains and along the coast near Big Sur, Caltrans spokesperson Kevin Drabinski said. He pointed to Highway 9, a thoroughfare through the wooded mountain towns of Santa Cruz county, which has been partially closed since December as water streams from a hillside near Holiday Lane. "We've done everything we can to redirect that water," Drabinski said, "but it continues to come out of the side of the hill." Flood advisory in western Alameda, Contra Costa counties | 12:38 p.m. Heavy rain is moving into western Alameda and western Contra Costa counties, which will prolong urban and small streaming flood threats, per a flood advisory in effect until 2 p.m. from the National Weather Service. More than 6,000 PG&E customers without power | 12:31 p.m. Around 6,074 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers were without power shortly after noon Tuesday, according to PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian. Thats an increase of about 900 customers since earlier in the morning. The outages include the following number of customers: East Bay: 3,035 North Bay: 1,470 South Bay: 976 Peninsula: 578 San Francisco: 15 We have thousands of crew members in the field, with a focus on the South Bay and Peninsula in the Bay Area where the most damage is expected, Sarkissian said. Special weather statement: Thunderstorms causing strong winds and hail near SFO A special weather statement has been issued for a line of thunderstorms and moderate rain bands capable of producing 50 mph gusts and pea-sized hail near San Francisco International Airport and towns across the Peninsula, including San Mateo, Redwood City and South San Francisco. These rain bands will continue east into Alameda, Oakland, Hayward and San Leandro through 1 p.m. before fizzling out near Danville and Walnut Creek. Update: S.F. window reported cracked Tuesday splintered last week San Francisco officials said Tuesday that a window on a downtown high-rise that cracked in powerful winds actually broke last week. The broken window was reported broken Tuesday at Salesforce East, but Department of Building Inspection officials said it was one of some 20 windows that broke at the building following last weeks storms. Wind, hail warning for East, Peninsula | 12:18 p.m. Areas including Oakland, Hayward and San Mateo could see winds of up to 50 miles per hour and pea-sized hail, the National Weather Service said in a warning that expires at 1 p.m. Planes warned of severe turbulence over Northern California The National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center has told pilots to expect severe turbulence over northeastern California and southeastern Oregon on Tuesday afternoon as the storm moves through. Portion of Tesla Road in Livermore closed after landslide Tesla Road from Reuss Road to the Alameda County line is closed to all through traffic after a landslide covered one side of the road, according to photos and a tweet from Alameda County. There is a hard closure at the Mile Marker 9.5, the county said. The photos also show the other side of the road heavily eroded, with a large cavity on the slope off the side of the road. Rain pelting S.F. The rainfall intensity sharply increased in the Haight Ashbury area around 11:30 a.m., as a strong band of showers moved through. SF Bay Ferry sees delays, cancellations amid rough weather The San Francisco Bay Ferry is continuing to operate Tuesday, though its had some delays and cancellations, per the SF Bay Ferry alerts page. The 11:25 a.m. San Francisco to Alameda ferry was canceled, as was the 11 a.m. Alameda to San Francisco ferry, the 10:20 a.m. Harbor Bay to San Francisco ferry and the 8:30 a.m. Harbor Bay to San Francisco ferry. Portions of S.F.'s Golden Gate Park closed The Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Gardens and the Pine Lake and Stern Grove areas of Golden Gate Park will be closed Tuesday because of the weather, according to the city's Recreation and Parks Department. The Conservatory of Flowers was open Tuesday. Park officials urged residents to be aware of trees that can topple. "These storms are no walk in the park. If you do go outside, please be alert around trees, as strong gusts can topple healthy trees and snap limbs," the department tweeted. More than 5,100 PG&E customers without power | 10:51 a.m. Around 5,186 PG&E customers are without power as of Tuesday 10 a.m., according to PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian. The day began with only a few dozen outages as of 6:45 a.m., per The Chronicles PG&E outage map, which tracks outages by address. The outages include the following number of customers: South Bay: 2,565 East Bay: 1,974 North Bay: 615 Peninsula: 30 San Francisco: 2 We have thousands of crew members in the field, with a focus on the South Bay and Peninsula in the Bay Area where the most damage is expected, Sarkissian said. Tahoe travel warnings in place through Wednesday morning as more snow piles up Snow is once again falling in the Sierra, prompting warnings about the dangers of driving in the Tahoe region during a storm event expected to persist through Wednesday morning: Mountain travel is not advised today, the National Weather Service Sacramento cautioned on Tuesday morning. At the time, chain controls were in effect for travel on Interstate 80 in the Truckee area. The latest storm is expected to drop heavier snow across the Tahoe basin through Wednesday night producing 1-2 feet at the Sierra crest by Thursday morning before peeling back into scattered snow showers through the weekend, according to mountain weather forecaster OpenSnow. Winds up to 71 mph measured in the East Bay High-speed gusts have lashed the East Bay Hills Tuesday morning, with winds of 50 to 60 mph measured along the highest elevation areas. A 71 mph wind was measured at the Calaveras Road weather station around 10 a.m., according to National Weather Service data. So far, San Francisco has seen 29 mph in the Outer Sunset neighborhoods, according to the NWS data viewer. San Francisco International Airport measured 43 mph winds around 10 a.m., while San Jose International Airport reported 30 mph winds. National Weather Service Numerous state parks closed in Santa Cruz Many state parks and beaches will be closed Tuesday out of caution in Santa Cruz, according to a tweet from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. These include: Ano Nuevo State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, Blacks Beach and Schwann Lake trails area of Twin Lakes State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Manresa State Beach, Upper Sunset State Beach and Palm Beach. Flood advisory in Marin, Sonoma counties extended | 10:13 a.m. Moderate to locally heavy rain continues in northern Marin and southern Sonoma counties, as the National Weather Service extends its flood advisory from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Heavy rain will likely cause urban and small-stream flooding in the following locations, according to the NWS: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Sonoma, Sebastopol, Cotati, South Santa Rosa, Roseland, Tomales, Larkfield-Wikiup, Dillon Beach, Point Reyes Station, Boyes Hot Springs, Forestville, Guerneville, Graton, Occidental and Glen Ellen. What is an extratropical cyclone? Stunning satellite imagery Tuesday morning showed center of today's storm clearly visible off the coast of California and Oregon. Its bands of precipitation are radiating hundreds of miles from its center, casting heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk for thunderstorms across most of Northern California down to Morro Bay and the Fresno area. This type of storm that spans hundreds of miles in the middle latitudes of the planet is referred to as an extratropical cyclone. Unlike the tropical cyclones, like hurricanes and typhoons, that channel their energy from warm ocean waters, extratropical cyclones channel their energy from the differences in temperature over land and sea. These temperature variations are known as frontal zones, and it's where cold and warm fronts will often develop. Extratropical cyclones are often called the parent of all storms, because they are capable if everything from cloudy skies and mild showers to gales, thunderstorms, blizzards and tornadoes. They are the main drivers of severe weather across the planet, often spanning hundreds of miles as they travel west-to-east in areas with large temperature variations. California's sea-surface temperatures are running below-average for this time of the year, helping to enhance some of those temperature variations that are fueling today's cyclone. NOAA GOES-West Downed tree on southbound I-280 in South San Francisco A tree has come down on southbound Interstate 280 at Avalon Dr in South San Francisco, blocking the right lanes, according to 511 SF Bay. Travelers are advised to expect delays, and there is no estimated time to reopen the roadway. Heaviest rain, thunderstorms arrive on California coast | 9:49 a.m. Radar and satellite imagery are confirming that a few embedded thunderstorms and heavy downpours in some of this morning's rain bands are approaching the coastline. These rain bands will likely host rainfall rates around half an inch of rain across San Francisco, Oakland and parts of the Peninsula through 12:30 p.m. College of DuPage Weather Interstate 5 closes at California-Oregon border due to winter conditions Northbound I-5 is closed from Redding, California to the Oregon border, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation Twitter account. The southbound lanes of I-5 are closed from exit 14 in Ashland, Oregon to the California border due to severe winter conditions, the Oregon Department of Transportation said. This could be a long closure until conditions in CA improve, the Oregon Department of Transportation said. Next round of heavy rainfall arriving in San Francisco and wider Bay Area | 9:20 a.m. Tuesday's second round of heavy showers will begin to stream into San Francisco over the next 30 minutes, with most of the Bay Area likely to be hosed down by moderate rainfall between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Some of these rain bands may have thunderstorms embedded in them, raising the risk for gusty winds over 35 mph. Lightning can't be ruled out for coastal areas, along with rainfall rates briefly reaching half an inch per hour. Radarscope Another flood advisory in Marin, Sonoma counties in effect until 10:30 a.m. A flood advisory affecting numerous cities in southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties is in effect until 10:30 a.m., according to the NWS. It is different from another flood advisory for another group of cities in the same two counties, in effect until 10:45 a.m. Heavy rain will cause urban and small stream flooding in the following locations, according to the NWS: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Sonoma, Sebastopol, Cotati, South Santa Rosa, Roseland, Tomales, Larkfield-Wikiup, Dillon Beach, Point Reyes Station, Boyes Hot Springs, Forestville, Guerneville, Graton, Occidental and Glen Ellen. San Francisco flood advisory extended | 9:12 a.m. A flood advisory has been extended into San Francisco until 12:30 p.m. this afternoon, with urban and small stream flooding expected in low-lying areas and poor drainage sites. Examples include 14 and Harrison and parts of the Mission, which could receive heavy rain as indicated by doppler radar. More glass cracks in downtown San Francisco Glass broke on yet another window on downtown San Francisco high-rise Tuesday morning, as powerful winds battered the city. Emergency crews asked the public to avoid the area of Mission Street between Main and Fremont streets downtown. The city's Fire Department tweeted that the glass broke at 350 Mission St., the address of Salesforce East, one of the software company's office buildings in the city. At least 20 other windows cracked during last week's rain and wind storms at the same building. The building's engineers were securing the glass, which did not fall to the street, the Fire Department said. The incident appeared to be the latest in a string of similar issues in which downtown high-rises have seen cracked glass that in some instances fell down to the street, causing safety hazards. The incidents have largely blamed on the recent spate of intense winds battering San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. Napa County flood advisory in effect until noon | 8:56 a.m. Heavy rain is moving into northern Napa county, expected to cause urban and small stream flooding, per a flood advisory in effect until noon from the National Weather Service. Locations that will experience flooding, according to the NWS, include: St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, Angwin and Deer Park. Very dangerous avalanche conditions in Tahoe area A backcountry avalanche warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday in the Central Sierra and Greater Lake Tahoe Area. Heavy snowfall and strong winds are resulting in widespread, dangerous avalanche conditions in the Central Sierra Nevada from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass, according to an update from the National Weather Service. A graphic shows avalanche danger as high, the second highest danger designation. Travelers should avoid being in, near or below avalanche terrain avalanches can be triggered from flatter areas below, above, and to the sides of steep slopes, the NWS said. Flood advisory in Marin, Sonoma counties extended | 8:34 a.m. Urban and small stream flooding continues in Marin and the far southern parts of Sonoma counties, as the National Weather Service Bay Area extends its flood advisory from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. At 8:15 a.m., Doppler radar showed another round of moderate to heavy rain approaching the area, the NWS said. Locations that will experience flooding, according to the NWS, include: San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Fairfax, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, San Geronimo, Kentfield, Black Point-Green Point, Stinson Beach, Tamalpais-Homestead, Strawberry, Muir Beach, Ross and Belvedere. Latest Bay Area forecast: Wednesday likely to see more widespread thunderstorms | 8:33 a.m. While most of it is still on track for Tuesday with winds and rain, and thunderstorm potential, there are a few updates to their timing for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. Tuesday's wind outlook remains mostly unchanged, with peak gusts in the Bay Area forecast to roll in between 10 a.m. and noon. Look for wind gusts ranging between 35 to 45 mph, locally up to 55 mph on the coast and some of the hillsides Most winds are then forecast to begin ramping down after 1 p.m, though a few gusty spots will linger in the Santa Cruz Mountains and South Bay. Winds are slated to increase in intensity again on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., gusting to 35 mph and locally up to 45 mph in the hillsides above 1,000 feet in elevation.Chances for coastal thunderstorms on Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. are still on track, with sporadic wind gusts over 35 mph, small hail and a slight chance for spin ups expected along Highway 1. These chances then quickly drop off by Tuesday night. Wednesday's winds are looking to be accompanied by more widespread thunderstorms, with the greatest chances for thunderstorms on the coast and in the East Bay's valleys and Northern Sacramento Valley from 11 a.m, to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. As for rainfall totals between Tuesday and Wednesday, weather models have not shifted from the 1 to 2 inches of rain for the wider Bay Area, with slight upticks to the Sonoma hillsides, west side of San Francisco and the Santa Cruz Mountains up to 3 inches between Tuesday and Wednesday if showers linger long enough on Wednesday afternoon. Cold front halfway through Bay Area as heavy rainfall and strong winds approach The next wave of gusty winds and rain will run into Northern California over the next couple of hours, ushering in 40 to 55 mph gusts by the coastline and 35 to 45 mph gusts in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. Along with gusty winds, expect light to moderate rain bands to reel in rainfall rates between a quarter to a third of an inch per hour up to 1/2 of an inch per hour in some of the hillsides of Napa and Sonoma counties. College of DuPage Weather San Francisco International Airport sees 50-minute weather delays Travelers to San Francisco International Airport should expect delays averaging 50 minutes due to high winds and rain, per a notice from the Federal Aviation Association. The ground delay applies to all U.S. flights except those from Hawaii and Alaska to SFO, according to the FAA notice. As of 8 a.m., SFO has seen a total of 89 delays and 15 cancellations, according to live statistics from Flight Aware. SFO public information officer Doug Yakel previously recommended that travelers download their airlines mobile app and sign up for flight alerts to be immediately notified of any delays or cancellations. Flood advisory in effect for Marin, southern Sonoma counties | 8:01 a.m. Urban and small stream flooding caused by heavy rainfall is expected in Marin and the southern parts of Sonoma counties, according to a flood advisory in effect until 8:45 a.m. from the National Weather Service Bay Area. Locations that will experience flooding, according to the NWS, include: San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Fairfax, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, San Geronimo, Kentfield, Black Point-Green Point, Stinson Beach, Tamalpais-Homestead, Strawberry, Muir Beach, Ross and Belvedere. Wind advisory in effect for San Francisco until 8 p.m. South winds of up to 45 mph are expected in San Francisco, southern Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast Tuesdayu, according to a wind advisory in effect until 8 p.m. from the National Weather Service Bay Area. The strongest winds are expected for coastal areas, the advisory said. Extremely hazardous conditions expected in the Sierra this afternoon Heavy snow will blanket the Sierra Nevada through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest snowfall will occur on Tuesday, with extremely hazardous conditions by Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said, advising people to avoid travel if possible. Interstate 5 is expected to see 24 to 30 inches of snow, while Donner Pass could see between 36 and 48 inches, according to the NWS. Latest Bay Area PG&E power outages as rain, wind pick up | 6:59 a.m. About two dozen PG&E customers in the South Bay are currently experiencing power outages as the latest storm starts up Tuesday morning, according to the Chronicles PG&E outage map. Winds are expected to pick up through the morning and reach 35 to 55 mph to many parts of the Bay Area, which is expected to bring down trees and cause outages. Wet weather closes Bay Area, Santa Cruz roads | 6:27 a.m. Multiple roads are closed in the South Bay due to wet weather conditions, according to 511 SF Bay. San Mateo County: CA-84 between Portola Rd and Fox Hill Rd, all lanes blocked Santa Clara County CA-9 between Redwood Gulch Rd and Sanborn Rd, all lanes blocked Santa Cruz County CA-9 north of CA-236, one-way traffic control is in effect CA-9 between Glen Arbor Rd and Arboleda Way, all lanes blocked in both directions San Francisco may see power outages amid 35 mph winds A stormy morning is on tap for much of the city, as wind gusts climb above 35 mph through noon. Some of the windiest spots will be along the outer Sunset and Richmond districts, where gusts will briefly surpass 50 mph. These strong winds could lead to power outages across areas in the city that recently dealt with outages in previous storms. Go here for the full weather forecast from Chronicle meteorologist Gerry Diaz. Dangerous conditions on Highway 1 A slew of unsettled weather conditions will make for dangerous driving conditions on Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, with heavy downpours, brief thunderstorms and gusty winds forecast for most of the morning. Rainfall rates for the Pacific Coast and Peninsula will range between a quarter to a half an inch of rain per hour, while winds will easily gust above 45 mph up to 60 mph on Highway 92 between Half Moon Bay and San Mateo. These gusty winds will spread east over the course of the morning and into the San Bruno Gap, raising 45 to 60 mph gusts in Daly City, San Francisco International Airport and Millbrae. Residents in the rest of the Peninsula along I-280 and 101 will experience fewer impacts thanks to the rainshadow effect off the hillsides of San Mateo County, but can still expect occasional downpours and a couple thunderstorms. Where heaviest rains will fall Some of the heaviest rainfall in the region is forecast for residents downwind of the Mayacamas Mountains, including Calistoga, Santa Rosa, St. Helena, Windsor and Gurneville. Rainfall rates around a half an inch per hour are expected over the course of the morning, with some of the heaviest rain bands forecast between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The heavy rainfall will be carried into the region by powerful winds gusting to 60 mph in the highlands of Napa and Sonoma counties. More active weather for Santa Cruz Powerful winds, gusting to 55 mph, will be possible along the waters of Capitola, Aptos, Soquel and the city of Santa Cruz this morning. These winds will carry heavy rainfall toward the shoreline, raising rainfall rates to a half an inch by the middle of the morning. The heavy rainfall and strong winds will peak around 11 a.m., spreading to the rest of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties before the storms bands begin to fizzle away this afternoon. That said, swollen rivers and additional infrastructure damage from this mornings rounds of winds and rain are likely to delay flood and damage relief operations from last weeks storm along Highway 17. Be advised that there may be significant travel delays if gusty winds cause more widespread damage in the Santa Cruz Mountains. By Tuesday afternoon, the storms impacts will be more isolated. The forecast is calling for thunderstorms capable of producing powerful winds gusting over 35 mph, small hail, brief downpours up to half an inch per hour and brief spin ups. The areas with the highest chances for afternoon thunderstorms are the Santa Cruz coastline and the 101 corridor between Gilroy and Morgan Hill. The abundance of clouds and cold air will keep daytime temperatures in the lower 50s region wide. By nightfall, thunderstorm chances will fizzle away and temperatures will quickly drop to the lower 40s by the water and upper 30s in the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Landslide risk across the Bay Area As another storm bears down on Northern California, Bay Area and Central Coast officials are concerned about the renewed thread of landslides. Any area with steep, sloping terrain and higher-than-average rainfall could be a hot spot, said Jeremy Lancaster, an associate state geologist with the California Geological Survey, particularly if past landslides have already fractured the rocks and caused the ground to deteriorate. Hills in the Bay Area are especially prone to landslides due to the weak rocks that undergird them, he added, a feature of geologically young mountain ranges pushed up along active faults. Santa Cruz County, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, up into Marin, Sonoma, and Napa, Lancaster said, highlighting large swaths of the Bay Area now in the danger zone. Go here to read more about the high-risk locations for landslides. Tornadoes could hit cities along Highway 1 San Francisco Chronicle Meteorologist Gerry Diaz said cities and towns along Highway 1 in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties could see thunderstorms capable of producing small hail and gusts of 35 mph that could form into tornadoes of 100 yards in length, lasting a few minutes. The areas with the highest risk of seeing brief tornadoes are cities right along Highway 1 in Monterey Bay, including Capitola, Santa Cruz, Aptos and Davenport. Other parts of the coast will also have a brief chance for tornadoes. The thunderstorms will carry heavy rainfall, as much as an inch of additional rain in the areas where the tornadoes could make landfall. There will also be heavy winds. Go here to read more on the tornado risk for cities along Highway 1. Firefighters in Riverside County rescued a skydiver who had become entangled in live power lines after overshooting her landing Monday, officials confirmed. The woman was completing her first skydiving attempt without a trainer present when she landed on the power lines, Battalion Chief Jeff Roberts of the Lake Elsinore Fire Department told SFGATE. "She got kind of disoriented, she said, and turned the wrong direction and ended up getting caught on top of a live power pole with high-tension power lines, and she was hanging next to the transformer," Roberts said. After responding to a 911 call regarding the incident, firefighters contacted Southern California Edison to shut power off in the area and prevent the woman from being electrocuted, Roberts said. Crews then used an aerial ladder to assist her back down to safety. The operation took roughly one hour. The skydiver did not sustain any injuries from the accident. Roberts said his crews respond to skydiving incidents regularly. This is the second time in a year they have responded to incidents of a skydiver becoming stuck in power lines after miscalculating a landing. The previous incident happened about a year ago and also did not result in any injuries. Roberts said that crews had to be more cautious with Monday's rescue because the woman landed directly next to high-voltage lines, heightening her risk of electrocution. Skydive Elsinore general manager Josh Hall told the Los Angeles Times that the skydiver was attempting her first solo jump as part of a training program and that something went awry when her parachute was released. From what it sounds like, she just got confused, Hall told the LA Times. She basically flew her parachute into an area where she shouldnt. The company is investigating the incident, according to the LA Times. A strange-shaped, 3,300-foot-tall underwater volcano has been discovered just 184 miles off the Northern California coast. The sea mountain, or "seamount," appears more like a smooth-sided circular tower, with near-vertical sides, than a craggy mountain. It was found in February by an ocean mapping autonomous sailboat as part of a multi-agency survey led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Typically seamounts have sloped sides, like Mount Fuji," Dr. Aurora Elmore, the program manager for NOAA's Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute, told SFGATE. "But what's interesting about this one is that it's really steep. It rises from the bottom of the seafloor with a tower shape." Elmore thinks this unique shape may be because the volcanic activity that formed it was "super hot, and happened all at once." Alternatively, the structure may have lost a more gradually sloped base due to a build up of sediment known as "marine snow," or as Elmore puts it: "Millennia of fish poop." The find is an anomaly for another reason, too. While there are 63 identified seamounts off the California coast, there are none near the one found off the coast of Cape Mendocino. "It doesn't fall into the area of known seamounts," Elmore says. "It expands the range." The 1,200-foot-deep crater at the summit of the new underwater volcano sits about 2 miles below the ocean's surface, and was found through the use of a vessel operated by Bay Area ocean research company Saildrone, in partnership with NOAA and other agencies. Saildrone The orange-sailed uncrewed sailboat Surveyor SD 1200 surfs the ocean using a multi-beam sonar on its hull to map the contours of the depths below. The vessel is controlled remotely by pilots at the company's Alameda base. "The Surveyor weathered the storms, collected high-resolution bathymetry, and put no humans at risk," Saildrone vice president Brian Connon said in a statement. "... This is the future of ocean mapping." The vessel set sail from Alameda in July 2022 and mapped Alaska's Aleutian Islands before heading back down the California coast. The unique underwater discovery is making waves in the oceanography community. Elmore says that only 50% of the U.S. exclusive economic zone an area of the oceans within 200 miles of any U.S. coastline has so far been mapped this way. "The immediate reaction from the team was that it looked like a Bundt cake," Neah Baechler, lead surveyor for Saildrone, told the Sacramento Bee. "It's very round and with steep sides and a curved top that slopes into a crater in the center." Similar features have been found on the ocean floor, but rarely this big, or this complete. "The Bundt cake shape is not unique to this feature, although finding one large enough to qualify as an official seamount is less common," Baechler told SFGATE over email. He described a much smaller previous find, in a C-shape "More of a Bundt cake with a few slices missing," Baechler said. Seamounts are the remnants of extinct volcanoes formed millions of years ago on the ocean floor, NOAA says, with a height from seafloor to summit of at least 3,300 feet. The underwater mountains will occasionally breach the water's surface, giving rise to islands formations, like Hawaii. Saildrone / NOAA California's new underwater mountain does not yet have a name; that process will soon be completed by the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans' Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names. Elmore hopes one day to send a remotely-operated video camera into the ocean, to get a closer look at the underwater tower, standing taller than Mount Tamalpais off the California coast. "They are a weird and wonderful feature on the bottom of the seafloor," Elmore says. Pinterest will pay nearly $100 million to consolidate its office space in a newly announced restructuring effort, as detailed in a recently filed Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The company plans to close its offices at 505 Brannan St. and 149 Bluxome St. in San Francisco but retain its headquarters at 651 Brannan St. This is in addition to laying off 4% of workers the company conducted layoffs in February. The new plan will support the Companys corporate strategy, improve efficiency and position the business in light of the ongoing macroeconomic environment, the filing reads. Costs will primarily be associated with negotiating lease terminations. We made the decision to strategically reduce our square footage in select locations to better align how Pinterest employees are choosing to work with our goals for business efficiency and sustainability, a statement from Pinterest provided to SFGATE said. The San Francisco Business Times reported the company would not renew its leases for two floors of space at 410 Townsend St. in December 2022. The company has around 1,700 employees in the Bay Area, according to LinkedIn. Pinterest was one of the first major tech companies in San Francisco to pay millions to cut office space amid the pandemic, paying almost $90 million to terminate an office lease at 88 Bluxome. The company had planned to move some operations to the new building prior to the pandemic, but after the company pulled out and other legal battles ensued, the building has yet to break ground. Editor's note: This story was updated at 9:15 a.m. March 28, to clarify the timing of layoffs in the headline. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A field that has long grown tomatoes, peppers and onions now looks like a wind-whipped ocean as farmer Don Cameron seeks to capture the runoff from a freakishly wet year in California to replenish the groundwater basin that is his only source to water his crops. Taking some tomatoes out of production for a year is an easy choice if it means boosting future water supplies for his farm about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southwest of Fresno. Hes pumping 300 acre-feet a day enough to supply hundreds of households for a year from the gushing North Fork of the Kings River onto former vegetable fields and others dotted with pistachio trees, which can withstand heavy flooding. We knew long-term if we didnt have water, wed be out of business, Cameron said. Were doing our part to protect communities downstream, but were also putting the water in the ground. The 70-year-old has spent more than a decade building and expanding a system to divert floodwaters from nearby rural communities and is a pioneer in the practice of on-farm recharge, or flooding agricultural lands during rainy periods to help restore the groundwater basin. But he isn't alone. Government agencies, water district officials and nonprofits are eyeing the practice as a way to weather swings in climate, especially as California muddles through a winter that has experts forecasting the Sierra Nevada snowpack could last for months. Groundwater supplies are essential to both farms and communities across the fertile Central Valley, a key source of food for the United States. That's even more the case during drought years, when groundwater accounts for up to 60% of the states water supply, compared with 40% in non-drought, said Wade Crowfoot, secretary of Californias Natural Resources Agency. But farmers have pumped ever deeper through years of drought, depleting what's left and leaving wells dry. Hoping to reverse that trend, valley water agencies have built basins to try to capture water in rainy years and allow it to seep back into the ground. Now many are hoping to enlist vast tracts of farmland for a similar purpose. Groundwater recharge projects are a critical, important part of our infrastructure future, Crowfoot said. The Tulare Irrigation District for example, has doubled the amount of water it can divert this year thanks to farmers who are willing to take it, said Daniel Mountjoy, director of resource stewardship at the nonprofit Sustainable Conservation, which supports expanding on-farm recharge. Farmlands are the thing you can expand to when you have a freak year like this, he said. They are the solution. The idea of using farmland to recharge groundwater has percolated for years. After California enacted a law in 2014 requiring regional agencies to manage their aquifers sustainably to avoid overpumping, more farmers faced with the prospect of fallowing fields began considering it. With the potential for flooding in small towns and rural communities this season, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an order this month making it easier for farmers to divert floodwater to their fields. While some farmers like Cameron are ready to flood their fields now, many others aren't. Still, the rains and looming pumping limits have galvanized interest, said Wendy Rash, state water quality specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Last year her agency started a pilot program for 20 farmers, and more than two dozen in Fresno County alone recently were on a call about how to join the expanding effort in its second year. If successful, the program could be replicated in other Western states. The McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which operates in a portion of the Central Valley, has developed an on-farm recharge university to train farmers in the practice. One of them, Mark Pitman, said he has always used water sparingly but may eventually flood his orange grove, which is close to a proposed canal. If you don't flood it, you may not be able to water your crop next year when it's rough, Pitman said. It's six of one, half dozen of another. Some environmental groups support on-farm recharge but urge caution over concerns that pesticides or other contaminants could be flushed into a system that is also a drinking water source. The worry is "you may cause a groundwater quality problem when you try to solve a groundwater supply problem, said Michael Claiborne, directing attorney at Leadership Counsel, a nonprofit focused on valley communities. With such concerns in mind, Newsom's recent order makes dairy lands and fields where pesticides were recently applied ineligible. Also, farmers are required to report to the state when they divert water. It isn't immediately clear how farmers will be compensated, but some say they expect to receive a water credit in the future. Not all the water will come back to those who participate, but experts anticipate they will see a benefit and so will their neighbors. Some soil conditions and crops are better suited for recharge than others. Grapes, for example, can withstand large amounts of water, especially in cold temperatures, and so can pecan trees, said Philip Bachand, an environmental engineer who has worked with Cameron on recharge. In 2017, another wet year, Cameron tried flooding almonds, pistachios, walnuts and winegrapes and found they could survive so long as the water remained cold. He said it's hard to track where all the water went, but he measured a 40-foot (12-meter) increase in the water table beneath his flooded vineyard. Back then, Cameron said, he moved the water with a much smaller system that he has since expanded with help from a $5 million state grant to significantly boost his recharge capacity. We have the location, we have the soils. Cameron said. And we have the will to do it. Gene J. Puskar/AP Honda is recalling more than 330,000 vehicles because heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, which could lead to the mirror glass falling out and increase the risk of a crash. Vehicles included in the recall are 2020-2022 Odyssey, 2020-2022 Passport, 2020-2021 Pilot and 2020-2021 Ridgeline. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) Recent turmoil in the banking industry may have you worried about your money. The recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, which catered mostly to the tech industry, were the second- and third-biggest bank failures in U.S. history. It started when too many depositors tried to withdraw their money from Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California. That's known as a bank run. The bank had to sell treasury bonds and other securities at a steep loss and more people kept trying to withdraw money as word of the situation spread, causing the bank to fail. Regulators took control of New York-based Signature Bank soon after, saying it was necessary to protect depositors after too many people withdrew money. In response, regulators guaranteed all deposits at the two banks and created a program to help shield other banks to shield them from a run on deposits. On Tuesday, federal officials testified at a congressional hearing about what went wrong and how to stop it from happening again. Here's what you need to know: IS MY MONEY SAFE? Yes, if your money is in a U.S. bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and you have less than $250,000 there. If the bank fails, you'll get your money back. Nearly all banks are FDIC insured. You can look for the FDIC logo at bank teller windows or on the entrance to your bank branch. Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration. If you have over $250,000 in individual accounts at one bank, which most people don't, the amount over $250,000 is considered uninsured and experts recommend that you move the remainder of your money to a different financial institution, said Caleb Silver, editor in chief of Investopedia, a financial media website. If you have multiple individual accounts at the same bank, for example a savings account and certificate of deposit, those are added together and the total is insured up to $250,000. (Read on for more about how joint accounts are protected.) Federal officials have been taking steps to make sure other banks aren't impacted. You shouldnt be too concerned about your money if its in one of the bigger banks, and even in some of the regional banks and the credit unions, Silver said. CAN I TELL IF MY BANK WILL FAIL? If you are worried about your bank closing in the near future, there are some things you can watch out for, according to Silver: Watch the stock price. Keep an eye on the quarterly and annual reports from your bank. Start a Google alert for your bank in case there are news stories about it. You want to make sure you pay close attention to the way your bank is behaving, Silver said. If they're trying to raise money through a share offering or if they're trying to sell more stock, they might have trouble on their balance sheet, said Silver. SHOULD I LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES? If you have more than $250,000 in your bank, there are a few things you can do: Open a joint account You can protect up to $500,000 by opening a joint account with someone else, such as your spouse, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, a financial services company. A married couple can easily protect a million dollars at the same bank by each having an individual account and together having a joint account, McBride said. Move to another financial institution Moving your money to other financial institutions and having up to $250,000 in each account will ensure that your money is insured by the FDIC, McBride said. Do not withdraw cash Despite the recent uncertainty, experts don't recommend withdrawing cash from your account. Keeping your money in financial institutions rather than in your home is safer, especially when the amount is insured. Its not a time to pull your money out of the bank, Silver said. Even people with uninsured deposits usually get nearly all of their money back. It takes time, but generally all depositors both insured and uninsured get their money back," said Todd Phillips, a consultant and former attorney at the FDIC. "Uninsured depositors may have to wait some time, and may have to take haircut where they lose 10 to 15% of their savings, but it's never zero. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR INSURED MONEY TO BE AVAILABLE IF A BANK FAILS? Historically, the FDIC says it has returned insured deposits within a few days of a bank closing. The FDIC will either provide that amount in a new account at another insured bank or issue a check. HOW MUCH MONEY CAN BE INSURED IN JOINT ACCOUNTS? If you have a joint account, the FDIC covers each individual up to $250,000. You can have both joint and single accounts at the same bank and be insured for each. So if a couple each has individual accounts and a joint account where they have equal withdrawal rights, they can each have up to $250,000 insured in their single accounts and up to $250,000 in their joint accounts. That means each of them will have up to $500,000 insured. WHAT ABOUT OTHER INVESTMENTS? Customers should take a close look at the types of investments they have in their bank to know how much of their assets are insured by the FDIC. The FDIC offers an Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator, a tool to know how much of your money is insured per financial institution. FDIC deposit insurance covers: Checking accounts Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) accounts Savings accounts Money Market Deposit Accounts (MMDAs) Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Cashiers checks Money orders Other official items issued by an insured bank FDIC deposit insurance doesn't cover: Stock investments Bond investments Mutual funds Life insurance policies Annuities Municipal securities Safe deposit boxes or their contents U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, or notes Crypto assets HOW DOES A CREDIT UNION COMPARE TO A BANK? Both credit unions and banks allow customers to open savings and checking accounts, among other financial products. The key difference is that credit unions are not-for-profit institutions, which tends to translate into lower fees and lower balance requirements, while banks are for-profit. Sometimes it also means that its easier for credit union customers to be approved for loans, McBride said. Usually, customers are allowed to join credit unions based on where they live or work. Credit unions serve a smaller number of customers, which also allows for a more personalized experience. The tradeoff is that banks tend to have larger staff, more physical branches and newer technology. When it comes to the safety of customers money, both banks and credit unions insure up to $250,000 per individual customer. While banks are insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA. Whether at a bank or a credit union, your money is safe. Theres no need to worry about the safety or access to your money, McBride said. ___ Associated Press Writer Ken Sweet contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. This article was first published on NerdWallet.com. People with mental health concerns now have more options than ever for how they receive treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted psychotherapists to open new avenues for care, from video sessions to text-based counseling. And in 2023, many therapists have returned to their offices to see clients who prefer in-person sessions. Anyone who is experiencing psychological challenges has plenty of company. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to wane in February, some 32.3% of American adults were experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to health policy nonprofit KFF's analysis of federal data. These ills are even more common among young people, including about half (49.9%) of those ages 18 to 24. The expansion of therapy settings does complicate your decision about how to get therapy. So heres a briefing to help you or a loved one find the optimal path to improved mental health. Online therapy is as effective as in person for many issues The first thing to know is that numerous scientific studies have found that online therapy and in-person treatment are, by and large, equally effective. There is ample clinical evidence that videoconferencing therapy is as good as face-to-face treatment, says Heleen Riper, professor of e-mental health and clinical psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. One 2018 meta-analysis in the journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, statistically combining 20 research studies, found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as in-person cognitive behavioral therapy for a diverse array of psychological diagnoses, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depressive symptoms and body dissatisfaction. Videoconferencing works quite well for anxiety, depression and PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], says Ephrem Fernandez, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Efficacy was noticeably less for eating disorders in a meta-analysis conducted by Fernandez and fellow researchers. One caveat: Research to date is more robust for live video therapy sessions than for text-based therapy. We dont have a lot of data on whether asynchronous texting or messaging is effective, says Vaile Wright, a senior director of health care innovation at the American Psychological Association. Online therapy: Pros and cons Online psychotherapy is convenient and often effective, but the setting also has potential disadvantages. Pros Multiple ways to find a therapist. You can identify a professional qualified to help you either by seeking a referral from another health care professional or through an app or website that offers the services of therapists across the United States. Convenience. Going online typically makes therapy more convenient and opens up more scheduling options with more mental health providers. Online therapy often enables people to avoid the need to take time off work, travel to and from the therapists, arrange and pay for child care and so on. Availability of specialists. With online therapy, you have access to more specialists who might have the expertise you need, Wright says. Some licensed providers specialize in substance use disorders or child and family psychology, for example. Access from underserved areas. For people in rural areas and other places where mental health professionals are scarce, online offers better access to therapy. Cons You miss whats outside the screen. Some psychologists believe that online therapy limits the development of the therapeutic relationship. Body language, for example, may not be fully communicated in a video call. The privacy challenge. Its difficult for some people to find a private place for a video call. There are patients who have online sessions from their car or a closet, says Jeffrey Seitelman, a psychiatrist in Seal Beach, California. The technology challenge. If you lack consistent access to broadband internet, or you dont have a private device, or you simply arent comfortable with the technology, in-person therapy may be a better choice. If online skirts your therapeutic challenge. "Lets take someone who has agoraphobia," Fernandez says. Its inherently a disorder which requires treatment that gets you out of your house." If someone who with the condition opts to stay online for their therapy, "they may not improve because theyre not being challenged to face the real-life environment. In-person therapy: Pros and cons Sessions in a psychotherapists office make sense for some patients in some situations. Pros Neutral territory. Your therapists office is a neutral location, away from your everyday life. This may enable you to better focus on the process of dealing with your issues, getting better and getting on with your life. Most kids do better in person. My experience is that most adults do equally well in online sessions as in in-person, but a few people do much better in person, said Carla Leone, of North Suburban Family Psychologists in Lincolnwood, Illinois, in an email interview. It's the other way around for kids and teens; most do much better in person, but some especially older teens do fine online. Kids often need to play as part of their therapy, and its a lot easier to play in person. The power of physical presence: Therapy does feel different in the office, says Seitelman. Without face-to-face interaction, therapy is less intensive, less connected. Cons Inconvenience: Compared with online, in-person therapy comes with greater costs in terms of travel time and expense, and the potential need to take time off work, pay for child care and so on. So how do you make the choice? Experts say that as you set out to choose the setting for therapy in person or online its wise to consider how your state of mind could affect your decision. Patients now believe they ought to feel empowered about their decision-making, Wright says. But you have to balance that out with a natural tendency to want to avoid therapy and talk about the things that are really hard. Thats where shared decision-making is beneficial. It may make sense to have a preliminary conversation with a potential therapist to assess whether online or in person suits you and your situation. Most providers will give a free phone consultation to discuss what may be the best options, Wright says. Fernandez says that our research shows no reason why people should hold back from making the first contact with a provider via videoconferencing unless theyre experiencing a psychiatric emergency. Do note that your choice of a specific therapist is probably at least as important as the setting of therapy. The research has shown repeatedly that so much depends on the credentials and the credibility of the provider, Fernandez says. You can check a psychotherapists licensure and certification in your state through the American Counseling Association's database. Hybrid therapy can offer some of the benefits of both videoconferencing and in person, plus learning opportunities. With blended treatment, patients can monitor their own progress with their smartphone apps so they gain much more knowledge in the dynamics of their moods or fears, Riper says. Insurance for therapy: Its complicated The extent of your insurance coverage for psychotherapy online or in person depends on the individual therapist, your states regulations and your health plan. So when youre choosing a medium of therapy and a mental health professional, note that: Many health plans require substantial copays for psychotherapy sessions. Some states dont require insurers to reimburse psychotherapists equally for online and in-person sessions. Some psychotherapists dont take insurance for online therapy, or for in-person sessions, or for either. To make matters even more complex, your benefits for mental health care might change with the scheduled expiration of federally mandated COVID-19 emergency coverage on May 11, 2023. I think theres a lot of confusion among insurers about whats going to happen when the public health emergency ends, Wright says. I do encourage people to think about eliminating possible future barriers. Learn more by contacting your health plan and your states department of health. John Rossheim writes for NerdWallet. Email: USexpansion@nerdwallet.com. The article Does Online Therapy Work? originally appeared on NerdWallet. NEW YORK (AP) A Cuban-Peruvian poet from New Mexico has won the Academy of American Poets First Book Award. Sara Daniele Rivera will receive $5,000, a six-week residency at an artist community in the Umbria region of Italy and a book deal with Graywolf Press, which next year will publish her debut collection The Blue Mimes. Poet Eduardo C. Corral chose Rivera's manuscript for the first book prize. In a statement Tuesday released through the academy, he praised Rivera for her beautifully and deftly crafted poems, and her compelling evocation of loss. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Energy landscape in Europe has changed forever, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, State Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Norway, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. The energy crisis is important for Norway because our neighboring countries are our most important trade partners. For example, so it's not a good thing for Norway that they close down industry in Europe, for example, and it is not a good thing for Norwegian energy investments the kind of volatility and uncertainty that we see in energy markets today. And then finally, on the perspective of the crisis, it is also a crisis that hits us in Norway as well due to the link between the power market and the gas market. So, we have seen record high electricity prices in Norway. That is challenging for Norwegians households, Norwegian industry and businesses. It is very much a crisis that we are concerned with in Norway, and we want to help work together with our neighboring countries to bring prices back to normal levels as soon as possible, he said. Eriksen believes that with the energy crisis, the energy landscape in Europe has changed forever and there is no going back to pre-war levels. So, I think even though the energy transition is happening much faster than we perceived just a year and a half ago, and that is a very good thing. Even on the Norwegian side, even though we have 100% renewable power generation in our mix today, hydro and windpower, we need a lot of extra renewable electricity to be able to get rid of our fossil fuel dependency and transform the transportation sector where Norway really has taken a lead going forward. So, the main challenge there is also for us to be able to get sufficient amounts of renewable electricity on the grid fast enough. We see that the demand is ramping up really quickly. We will have a lot of extra demand the next couple of years, demand could increase by almost 50 percent only until 2030, and then we have to do a lot in our energy system, Europe has to do a lot in their energy systems, to be able to cope with that demand and the pace in the energy transition that we see right now, he added. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn LATEST March 28, 9:43 a.m. Homeroom has officially opened its first Berkeley storefront. Homeroom announced in an Instagram post that its newest restaurant, at 1313 Ninth St., opened Monday and will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Dine-in, takeout and delivery will also be offered at the location. Homeroom opened its third Bay Area storefront sooner than expected. A spokesperson at Homeroom told SFGATE last Wednesday that they anticipated opening sometime in April. March 22, 2:26 p.m Oaklands popular Homeroom restaurant is expanding its reach in the East Bay. The macaroni and cheese restaurant confirmed to SFGATE via email that it has a new store planned for Berkeleys Gilman District at 1313 Ninth St. and anticipates opening sometime in April. Diablo Magazine first reported the forthcoming store. Homeroom did not provide additional details, but it seems the project has been underway since 2022. Berkeley city planning records show that Homeroom was issued a permit to install business signs on the building last October. The new restaurant is expected to settle into a warehouse space where businesses Funky Elephant and Philz Coffee already operate. Homeroom is taking up the former site of Farm Burger, which shuttered in 2018. In 2011, Homeroom opened its first Oakland storefront at 400 40th St., and it quickly drew a crowd of impassioned macaroni and cheese fans. Homeroom has remained a hit ever since with its vast selection of creative dishes, including truffle mac, Buffalo chicken mac and its most popular item: Gilroy garlic mac. The future restaurant will be Homerooms third Bay Area outpost behind its Oakland flagship store and Homeroom To Go, which is at 4007 Webster St. in Oakland. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The Lucky supermarket in Larkspur is set to close its doors after four decades. By April 14, the Larkspur storefront at 570 Magnolia Ave. will cease to operate, though the closure is not expected to affect store employees, according to a statement by parent company Save Mart. Current staffers will be offered positions at nearby chain locations. After four days of jury deliberation, popular heritage bean company Rancho Gordo has been ordered to pay a former employee $252,000 in damages. The civil case was filed against the Napa company two years ago. At the beginning of March 2023, Martha Martinezs lawsuit against the heirloom bean company went to trial. Martinez accused Rancho Gordo of wrongful termination and retaliation, and she sought damages for lost wages and benefits and emotional distress. She also sought punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish and deter [Rancho Gordos] conduct, and to set an example for others, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but have separate newsrooms.) Martinez also accused Rancho Gordo of discrimination based on national origin, sex and, a key factor in the case, pregnancy. The company is known for selling dried specialty items such as heirloom beans, grains, seeds, chiles, herbs and spices. It has a reputation among chefs nationwide as offering high-quality products. On Thursday, a Napa County jury fought through a deadlock to reach a majority decision on some of the charges, including wrongful termination, with her pregnancy being a substantial motivating reason for her firing, according to the Chronicle. The 11 jurors (one was dismissed on Wednesday, March 22) decided that her national origin did not factor into her firing. From late 2019 through early 2020, Martinez packaged beans at the companys warehouse in Napa. She claims that during that time, co-workers also discriminated against her for being Salvadoran. Martinez, who was a temporary worker, also claimed that she wasnt rehired by Rancho Gordo because she complained about being fired for being pregnant. The jury agreed with her retaliation claim in its verdict. Rancho Gordo has said it was unaware that she was pregnant when fired. The company also said she was let go after the holiday season because there wasnt as much work post-holidays. Martinez was hired through a temporary staffing agency. According to Eater SF, a Slack message went out companywide to Rancho Gordo employees explaining what happened in the trial. Its a crushing loss as we know it was due to seasonal needs, not discrimination, but the emotional jury thought otherwise, read the Slack chat, which was obtained by Eater SF. We did nothing wrong and our staff acted with professionalism and grace. I would invite you to read the court transcripts and you will agree. Or not, but this is a rough one. Rancho Gordo plans to appeal the decision. A hearing is scheduled for May 16. A hiker survived a 100-foot fall over a steep ridge during a hike on Oahu in Hawaii on Sunday, officials said. The man was hiking with a group of nine other people in steep terrain on the Koolau Summit Trail in Kaneohe when he stumbled over a cliff, the Honolulu Fire Department said. The group had been hiking for about 2.5 hours before the fall, the fire department said. A witness called 911 just after 9 a.m., and first responders jumped into action, developing a landing zone in Kaneohe District Park, where a rescue team loaded a helicopter with medical supplies and boarded the aircraft, the department said. The helicopter delivered the search-and-rescue team to the area where the hiker had fallen. After a short hike, first responders arrived at the scene at 9:43 a.m. They provided basic life support before preparing him to be transported by helicopter to the landing zone. Back at the landing zone by about 10 a.m., emergency medical services took over treatment. Shayne Enright, a spokesperson for Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, said the man had injuries to his head, back and arm. "I know we treated him in serious condition," Enright said. The Koolau Summit Trail is called a "challenging" hike by the website All Trails, and in the comments, many people advise hikers to be careful, calling it a "dangerous" trail and a hike that's "not for the faint of heart." The Honolulu Fire Department didn't immediately respond to a request for additional information. Dear EarthTalk: Are the famous Joshua trees of the California desert really going extinct? What can we do to preserve them? Bill Alexander, Tempe, Arizona The Joshua tree is an iconic species of the Mojave Desert that stretches across parts of southeastern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Known for its resilience in an unforgiving desert climate, the Joshua tree is unique in its unusual anatomy and adaptable ecology, but its future looks bleak in the face of increasing global warming. Indeed, increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation thanks to climate change have shifted the suitable habitat for a variety of flora and fauna around the world, including the Joshua tree. Biologists fear that little of the Joshua trees historical range will be suitable for it within a century. By 2100, climate models show that Joshua Tree National Park will lose the majority of its suitable habitat for its namesake species. The increasing severity and frequency of forest fires pose a threat to the future of the trees as well. Because Joshua trees did not evolve with fire, they are not adapted to its effects, making it difficult for the population to bounce back after such a disturbance. As temperatures increase, biologists predict that the suitable range for Joshua trees will move northward. However, this northward range is not guaranteed to be viable, as the Yucca moth that pollinates Joshua trees does not live up there. Given the threat to Joshua trees, several entities have embarked on campaigns to try to save the iconic tree. The National Park Service recently embarked on a campaign to protect the trees remaining habitat in Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley National Park. Meanwhile, researchers and conservationists launched the Joshua Tree Genome Project in 2020 to collect and monitor data from both professional and citizen scientists in an effort to map and monitor existing populations. Project organizers hope to use the data to inform conservation planning by identifying Joshua tree populations best situated to benefit from conservation protections. Yet another effort to help Joshua trees comes from the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which recently launched a planting program to restore lost habitat for the trees across the Mojave. Public education about the importance of saving threatened species is also key to saving Joshua trees. To wit, the nonprofit Joshua Tree National Park Association is working to educate the public about the importance of Joshua trees and the threats they face through free educational programs and resources for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. Yet while Joshua trees were granted temporary protection under the state of Californias endangered species laws, they are as yet unprotected at the federal level. As such, the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Joshua tree under the Endangered Species Act. 2023 Emagazine.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Another Bay Area bookstore is closing. Eastwind Books of Berkeley, an Asian American bookshop that opened in 1982, is set to shut its doors permanently April 30, as first reported by Berkeleyside. The store carries an extensive collection of Asian American literature, ethnic studies books and language learning materials at 2066 University Ave. Activists Harvey and Beatrice Dong took over the bookstore when it was in danger of closing in 1996, transforming it from a store that sold primarily Chinese language books to the more wide-reaching catalog it has today. It wasnt the first time the couple had been in the bookstore business. Harvey Dong had helped open the first Asian American bookstore in the country in January 1970 in San Francisco, though the shop closed after it was evicted in 1977 by the buildings real estate developers. Harvey said a combination of factors led to their decision to close. He and Beatrice are in their 70s and want to dedicate time to taking care of their aging parents. They also recently received a rent hike and a hefty bill for repairs from their landlord. Plus, their lease is up in April. While they would have liked to pass along the business to someone else, no one came forward in time. The owners plan to operate a small online bookshop after the closure. Their nonprofit arm, Eastwind Books Multicultural Organization, will carry on some community events formerly held at the store, as well as publish some books. "We're still going to be busy," Harvey told SFGATE over the phone Monday. "It'll be a new beginning for us." The store is not affiliated with Eastwind Books & Arts in downtown San Francisco. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Glen E. Ellman/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Glen E. Ellman/AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) Six people, five of them children, were hospitalized in critical condition after being exposed to carbon monoxide, apparently from a running vehicle at their home, according to fire officials in Fort Worth, Texas. Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek told local media at the scene that firefighters were called to the home about 8 p.m. Monday by a child who met firefighters at the door then collapsed after saying her mother was acting oddly. BRIDGEPORT The Moon Rock and Roll smoke shop that opened earlier this year in the North End marketed itself as selling "hemp-derived" products. But police said the owner, Wenke Chen, was illegally selling more than 100 pounds of marijuana out of the Main Street store. Not so, said Chens lawyer, Christian Young, outside the Golden Hill Street court Monday morning. Not everything that smells like a skunk is a skunk, Young said. He claims the more than 100 pounds of plant-like material seized from his clients store on March 14 by police is legal. The material is now going to be tested by the state police lab. The case was continued to May 5. Police Capt. Lonnie Blackwell said police raided Moon Rock and Roll, located at 1615 Main Street, and seized over 100 pounds of vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, 1,700 pre-rolled joints and hundreds of marijuana derivatives, such as wax, pens, and edibles. Blackwell said 75 percent of the visible products sold at the store were some form of marijuana, despite the owner lacking a license to sell such products. Chen, of New York, was arrested on charges of operating a marijuana dispensary without a license and possession with the intent to sell 1 kilogram or more of marijuana. Police also arrested three employees who were charged with the illegal sale of marijuana and conspiracy to sell a controlled substance without a license. Young said he contends the material seized is more akin to hemp than marijuana. It turns on what the level of THC (the active ingredient of marijuana) is, Young said. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Philip J. Lazarus, Florida International University (THE CONVERSATION) Whenever a school shooting takes place, such as the one that claimed the lives of three adults and three children at a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27, 2023, school officials often arrange for grief counseling services to be made available for whoever needs them. But what exactly do those services entail? To answer that question, The Conversation reached out to Philip J. Lazarus, a school psychology professor at Florida International University who counseled students and educators affected by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which took place in Parkland, Florida, on Valentines Day, 2018. Below, Lazarus recounts some of the experiences he had as he provided grief counseling. He also offers insights on what students and educators need as the nation confronts record levels of shootings with higher and higher death tolls. Shattered sense of security A few days after Parkland, a seventh grade boy at a nearby school told me his plan for how to make schools safer. We need to have a conveyor belt to check all kids for guns, then we need to have bulletproof windows on the outside, then we need to have bulletproof closets that we can all run into in case a shooter enters the building, the boy told me at the time. We need to put up a 10-foot barbed-wire fence outside the playground, and more police. I wondered if this is the future we as a society want. Five years later, more elements of that future are now here. In Newport News, Virginia, for example, officials decided to install 90 walk-through metal detectors in schools across the district. The measure comes in response to one of the most shocking cases of a school shooting one in which a first grader reportedly shot and wounded his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News on Jan. 6, 2023. In Texas, tens of millions of dollars were spent on providing schools with ballistic shields for school police officers. Some schools have installed bulletproof safety pods to protect students against active shooters. When tragedies like the ones in Parkland; Newport News; Uvalde, Texas; and Nashville take place, they dont affect just the school itself they affect surrounding schools as well. Which is why, when I returned a few days after the Parkland shooting from the National Association of School Psychologists convention in Chicago to Broward County, where I live and where the Parkland shooting took place, I connected with Frank Zenere, one of my former students, an adjunct lecturer at Florida International University and the crisis coordinator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as well as a team from Nova Southeastern University and another team of school psychologists from Volusia County to provide psychological intervention. These interventions included debriefing students, which means students talking about their reactions to the horrific event, short-term individual and group counseling, and consultation with school leaders and parents about how to handle childrens grief and how best to open reopen schools. Fears and uncertainty One thing all school-based mental health providers learn in crisis intervention is that all students have a story to tell, even if they have problems articulating their thoughts. The job of the mental health provider is to listen. However, listening is often not enough. After Parkland, some students in the surrounding area were afraid to enter their own schools. A few were concerned that they would be attacked by a copycat killer. Some students emotionally broke down. One sixth grade boy I met at a nearby charter school was afraid to go into his school building, and I was contacted by the principal to help. The boy just stood outside. So, I walked up to him and started talking and asked him why he did not walk home if he was so afraid. He told me that his parents drove him to this charter school, and he lived more than 10 miles away. I asked him if I walked right next to him and did not leave his side if he would be willing to go inside the building. He agreed. We talked for about 30 minutes. He said, My body does not feel well. It doesnt feel right, it feels crazy inside, and I cannot describe it. I told him that his feelings were normal. Then he was asked to rate his level of well-being from 1 to 10 from when he arrived at school to now, with 1 meaning feeling great to 10 meaning feeling terribly scared and anxious. He responded that when he entered my temporary office in the school, it was an 11, and now after about 30 minutes of recounting his experiences, reactions and feelings with me, he was at a 5 or 6. He told me that he was taking yoga classes, and I worked with that to his advantage. I taught him how to imagine yoga music reverberating through his body to help him calm down. I taught him how he could make the music go faster or slower, louder or softer, and how to regulate his breathing. This provided him a sense of control over his internal feelings. Through a series of other techniques, such as using deep breathing, he learned how to enter a highly relaxed state. He reported by the end of our 90-minute meeting that he was now a 2. I asked him to practice what he had learned at least three times before he came to school the following day. The next day he saw me and rushed up and said, Im a 1. Normalcy is elusive Sadly, as my colleague Frank told me, for many others the interventions will not be as easy or the responses as quick. For example, young people directly affected by a tragedy, especially those in classrooms where students were killed, will require deep understanding, empathy and guidance from family, friends, teachers, religious leaders and mental health professionals as they struggle to cope. Some may require years of therapy. Closure is a myth. The trauma and grief may never go away. Yet young people can learn lessons from the past and move forward with help from their friends, families, faith, communities and mental health providers. For all those affected, their lives will never be the same, but with care and understanding from others and by focusing on the future, they can recover and thrive. This article was updated to reflect a shooting that took place in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27, 2023. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/closure-is-a-myth-a-school-psychologist-explains-how-to-help-students-and-teachers-deal-with-grief-after-a-school-shooting-192292. BOSTON (AP) The Coast Guard has initiated an investigation into a fire late last week that damaged a harbor cruise vessel docked in Boston. No one was on board the 153-foot (47-meter) Spirit of Boston when it caught fire late Friday night while it was moored at Commonwealth Pier in Boston's Seaport District. The vessel has a capacity of 675 passengers and offers dinner and holiday cruises, a DJ and other on-board activities, according to its website. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Implementation of the project covering transfer of green energy from Azerbaijan to Romania and Hungary through Georgia and the Black Sea continues, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports via the ministry. Shahbazov made the remark within the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue conference during a roundtable dedicated to perspectives for a future energy partnership. According to him, this is a new project of the supply of energy resources which is supported by the European Union (EU). At the initial stage, its planned to transfer 4 GW of energy, thereby Azerbaijan will become an important supplier of green energy for Europe. All this, as well as potential and plans of our country in connection with green energy, are opportunities for partnership with companies from Germany, the minister noted. Besides, at the meeting, the strategic role of Azerbaijan's traditional energy sources, especially natural gas, in the safe energy supply of partner countries, and the further diversification of Azerbaijan's gas supply geography as a result of the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor were discussed. It was also stressed that Azerbaijan continues implementation of the projects on the production and export of green energy based on renewable energy potential of about 200 GW, cooperation opportunities in the countrys Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions, and the concept of the green energy zone with net zero emissions, with international energy companies. Cooperation opportunities in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan were also brought to the attention of the event participants. The roundtable was held with the participation of more than 20 German energy companies and business circles. including the German Wind Energy Association, Eastern Business Association, Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, Siemens Energy, Uniper, Notus Energy, Energy Agency-DENA, Germany-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, EDEG ED-Energy, DEIG Energietechnik, ALPHA GmbH, Windcomp GmbH, SAP SE and others. During the roundtable, new cooperation opportunities were discussed within the Azerbaijan's policy of diversifying energy supply sources and energy transition plans. The parties expressed the interest in cooperation on the transmission of Azerbaijans electricity, renewable energy and green hydrogen, the production of solar panels, and de-carbonization. LANCASTER, Calif. (AP) A driver who stole a California Highway Patrol cruiser died Tuesday after he jumped out of the car during a high-speed chase down a desert highway. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital, the CHP said. His name wasn't immediately released. Officer Alec Pereyda said the CHP began receiving calls at around 11:45 a.m. of a reckless driver on Interstate 5 near Castaic, KNBC-TV reported. The driver struck another car and when a CHP showed up to investigate, the man jumped into the patrol car and took off, Pereyda said. The car was clocked at about 50 mph on State Route 138 near Lancaster in the high desert north of Los Angeles when the driver jumped after a spike strip punctured the rear tires, the CHP said. TV news helicopters captured the incident. The driverless cruiser then veered off the road and knocked down a wooden utility pole before coming to a halt in a grassy area off the road. Officers attempted life-saving measures and the man was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, the CHP said. The CHP said officers are supposed to keep their cars running but locked during investigations. The car contained several weapons but they were locked and the suspect didn't get access to them, the CHP said. Stacey Wescott/AP CHICAGO (AP) The survivor of a mass shooting last July 4th outside Chicago rushed to the scene of the latest such tragedy Monday in Nashville, expressing disbelief that one had occurred again. Are you freaking kidding me right now? Ashbey Beasley told the Chicago Tribune by phone as she drove to the scene of the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, in which three children and three adults were killed before the shooter was killed. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MADISON, Wis. (AP) After nearly a year of searching, investigators used DNA pulled from a half-eaten burrito to capture the man they believe firebombed a prominent Wisconsin anti-abortion lobbying group's office. The U.S. attorney's office in Madison announced that police arrested 29-year-old Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury at Boston's Logan International Airport on Tuesday. He was charged via the complaint with one count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Tuesday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell set a detention hearing for Thursday. Roychowdhurys attorney, Brendan O. Kelley, who is listed in online court records as a federal public defender, declined comment when reached by phone after Tuesdays hearing. Federal agents have been searching for almost a year for whoever tossed a pair of Molotov cocktails into the Wisconsin Family Action office in Madison on May 6. One of the firebombs failed to ignite; the other set a bookcase on fire. The message If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either was spray-painted on the building's exterior. No one was in the office at the time. The attack came about a week after a draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade, the decision that legalized abortion, leaked. The release sparked abortion rights supporters to mount protests across the country. Two Catholic churches in Colorado were vandalized in the days leading up to the Madison firebombing. And someone threw Molotov cocktails into an anti-abortion organization's office in a suburb of Salem, Oregon, several days later. The court officially overturned Roe v. Wade in June, putting Wisconsin's 1849 ban on abortion back into play. According to the criminal complaint against Roychowdury, investigators pulled DNA samples from three individuals from evidence at the scene of the Wisconsin attack. But the samples didn't match any profiles in the U.S. Department of Justice's DNA database. As time went on, Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine Appling offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. She accused Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes of being more interested in empathizing with abortion rights activists than bringing any suspects to justice. This past January, police assigned to protecting the state Capitol building in Madison reviewed surveillance video of a protest against police brutality. The footage showed several people spray-painting graffiti on Capitol grounds. The graffiti resembled the graffiti at the Wisconsin Family Action office. The footage showed two people leaving the area in a white pickup truck, which investigators tracked to Roychowdhury's residence in Madison, according to the complaint. Police began following him. On March 1, he pulled into a Madison park-and-ride and threw away a bag of fast food. After he left, police retrieved the bag from the trash can. DNA on a burrito in the bag matched DNA taken from the Wisconsin Family Action office, according to the complaint. The U.S. attorney's office said in a statement that Roychowdhury traveled from Madison this month to Portland, Maine. He had a one-way ticket for a flight from Boston to Guatemala City, Guatemala, that was scheduled to depart Tuesday morning when he was arrested, the office said. Investigators have been unable to match the other two DNA profiles from the scene to anyone, the complaint said. Appling had no comment Tuesday on Roychowdhury's arrest. I'm very proud of the tireless and determined efforts the combined federal, state and local team put in to identify and arrest this individual, said William McCrary, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives' St. Paul Field Division, which handles crimes in Wisconsin. It is very satisfying to me to see that this alleged perpetrator has been placed in custody. The co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise spoke out Monday when the "epidemic of violence" continued with a school shooting in Tennessee. A woman wielding two assault-style rifles, a pistol and "significant ammunition" killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville, according to authorities. The suspect also died after being shot by police. The violence occurred at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school for about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. The killings come as communities around the nation are reeling from a spate of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first-grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. Sandy Hook Promise co-founder and CEO Nicole Hockley, whose 6-year-old son Dylan was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012, called for action as another community is "traumatized by gun violence." Our hearts are heavy for the families and friends of the victims of this latest school shooting at Covenant School. Once again, parents are living the nightmare of sending their children to school never to have them come home," Hockley said in a statement. "I know that horror and that grief it never ends. Another community, and our country along with them, has been traumatized by gun violence." Po Murray, chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance, another organization formed in the wake of Sandy Hook, also spoke up in support of change. Our hearts are with the Nashville families and their community, and we make a commitment to continue to fight for the assault weapons ban legislation to end the cycle of deadly school shootings in the U.S.," she said in a statement. Police initially said the shooter appeared to be in her teens, but later identified her as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, of Nashville. The Nashville victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Other students walked to safety Monday, holding hands as they left their school surrounded by police cars, to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Police officers with rifles, heavy vests and helmets could be seen walking through the school parking lot and around the grassy perimeter of the building Monday morning. In addition to advocates like Hockley and Murray, Connecticut lawmakers also condemned the shooting. "Children dead & gravely injured. Casualties of gunfire. My heart is with the Covenant School community," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal wrote on Twitter. "Congress can help stop this senseless violence now," he wrote. "Our thoughts & prayers are not enough." His remarks were echoed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District), who called the shooting "heartbreaking." "This is all too common parents, families, and communities are left devastated on a daily basis in this country as a result of rapid gun violence," DeLauro wrote on Twitter. "We can and must enact legislation that saves lives no matter how long it takes." U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy reflected on the scars survivors of the shooting will bear. "Today's shooting is uniquely cataclysmic for the families of the kids and teachers who died," he wrote on Twitter. "But let's not delude ourselves. Every kid and adult in that school is a victim. Most of them will experience life-altering trauma that we can never understand and will never go away." Rep. John Larson (D-1st District) invoked Sandy Hook in his remarks on the shooting. "It's devastating to once again hear of the lives of innocent children & staff lost at a school to senseless gun violence," Larson wrote on Twitter. "In CT, we know all too well the pain these shootings inflict on families & communities, more than a decade after 26 lives were stolen from us at Sandy Hook. Larson also noted that more than 100 mass shooting have already occurred in 2023 so far. "It is regretful that our society has grown numb to the pain of these tragedies, as they have quickly become the norm when we turn on the news and to think our children pay the price," he wrote. In accordance with a proclamation by President Joe Biden, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday night that U.S. and state flags throughout Connecticut would be lowered to half-staff "as a mark of solemn respect" for the victims of the shooting. The flags will be raised after sunset Friday, according to Lamont. I am sickened and heartbroken by another mass shooting at a school by a person with assault weapons, Lamont said in a statement. Our elected leaders in Congress have become too complacent and comfortable with doing nothing to protect Americans from this epidemic of gun violence. The overwhelming majority of Americans support meaningful reforms on gun violence prevention and it is far past time that Congress acts. The Covenant School was founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2001, according to the schools website. The school is located in the affluent Green Hill neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville, situated close to the cities top universities and home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a beloved spot for musicians and songwriters. The grade school has 33 teachers, the website said. The schools website features the motto Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood. Nashville police said Hale drove a Honda Fit to the Covenant campus Monday morning before embarking on the shooting spree. Photos shared by police on Facebook show the dark gray Honda bore a number of bumper stickers, including one reading "THRASHER" in letters stylized to resemble flames. Detectives conducting a search of the car "found additional material written by Hale," police said without elaborating on the nature of the material. When authorities began to arrive on scene, Hale fired at police vehicles from a second-story window, according to police. Based on the photos, at least one cruiser was hit by a bullet, shattering a section of the front windshield. The students killed in Monday's shooting were identified by police as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. Three adults, Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, also died, police said. Koonce's profile on the Covenant School website lists her as the head of school. My heart has broken so many times in the last 10 years there is nothing but tattered remains," Hockley said in the Sandy Hook Promise statement. "And every day, there are more people like me. As my heart dies, my anger grows at cowards and profiteers who stand in the way of protecting children from gun violence. We all can, and must, do more. Democratic Tennessee state Rep. Bob Freeman, whose district includes The Covenant School, called Mondays shooting an unimaginable tragedy. I live around the corner from Covenant and pass by it often. I have friends who attend both church and school there, Freeman said in a statement. I have also visited the church in the past. It tears my heart apart to see this. This story includes reporting by the Associated Press. NEW HAVEN A federal grand jury indicted six reputed gang members and associates last week for their roles in area homicides, violence and drug trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The six men were each charged with racketeering conspiracy as well as other offenses. They are reputed members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang, which is named after neighborhoods near the Interstate 91 exit in New Haven, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said in a news conference Monday. The grand jury returned the indictment on Wednesday. Two of the defendants Quaymar Suggs, 19, and Kiveon Hyman, 25 were arrested on Friday and ordered to be detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven. The other four defendants were already in custody. Tyjon Preston, 20, has been in state custody since May 2021, while the others Jaedyn Rivera, 22; Samuel Douglas, 24; and Donell Allick, Jr., 24 have been detained in federal custody on previous charges, according to the U.S. Attorney. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the investigation was prompted by the ongoing gang war between Exit 8 and rival gangs in the Hill section, and other areas, of New Haven. The indictment alleges that members of the gang have committed at least two homicides and 10 attempted homicides since 2018. The first attempted homicide occurred in June 2018 when Douglas and Hyman shot a member and associate of a rival gang, as well as another individual in the area, the U.S. Attorney said. In January and July 2019, gang members and associates, who weren't named, tried to kill people associated with a rival gang, the U.S. Attorney said. In February 2020, an Exit 8 member who went by "Honcho" was killed on Quinnipiac Avenue, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. This prompted younger members of the gang to identify themselves with the word "Honcho," the U.S. Attorney said. From April 27 to June 30, 2021, the gang's members and associates terrorized the city, the U.S. Attorney said. Suggs and others shot and killed a member and associate of a rival gang, while Preston, Rivera and others were responsible for seven additional shootings, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The U.S. Attorney's office said the second homicide occurred on Sept. 16, 2022, when Allick and others shot and killed an individual. The members and associates also engaged in drug trafficking and celebrated their narcotics distribution and violence through social media, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The string of violence has "plagued" New Haven since 2018, Avery said Monday. "Gun violence will not be tolerated," Avery said. "The negative impact of gun violence in our cities is immeasurable. No child should have to live in a community where gun violence is rampant, and no parent, child or other family member should have to live with the fear and trauma that such violence causes. That trauma is, needless to say, profound." "Understand we have scores of investigative tools and sources of information available to us," Avery continued. "So, do not think you can engage in gun violence or gang activity and not be detected." "If you are engaging in such violence, we will find you and bring you to justice," she warned. The indictment charged each defendant with racketeering conspiracy. If convicted, Suggs and Allick, also known as "D-Nice," face up to 60 years in prison, while Rivera, also known as "Jae Honcho;" Preston, also known as "TJ;" Douglas, also known as "Blamm;" and Hyman, also known as "Tiny," face up to 20 years. Rivera was also charged with attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder in violation of the violent crimes in aid of racketeering statute, or VCAR; VCAR assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Preston was additionally charged with two counts of VCAR attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder. Douglas was also charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's office said. In a news conference Monday, Avery said in New Haven and other cities in Connecticut, "A very small number of young men involved in gang activity are responsible for a large percentage of shootings and other mayhem that occur there." History has shown that once authorities identify and successfully prosecute this small number of individuals, the shootings decrease, she said. "Each of us would rather these young men had chosen a path that does not involve criminal prosecution," she said. "To anyone listening who has engaged in gang activity or violence, I say you have a way out of this lifestyle." Avery added that her office sponsors programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and reentry initiatives to help those engaged in gang violence or activity to seek help. "If you don't put the guns down and stop the violence, we will know that you have chosen the wrong path," she said. "One that will inevitably include a trip to the federal courthouse." SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The New Mexico Court of Appeals has upheld the rape and voyeurism convictions of Native American actor and film producer Redwolf Pope. A jury in 2020 found Pope guilty of taking photos and video of himself sexually assaulting a Seattle woman in a Santa Fe hotel room in 2017. The jurors acquitted Pope of kidnapping, which was the most serious charge against him and carried up to an 18-year prison sentence. According to evidence presented at trial, the woman Pope was convicted of raping had asked him to give her a ride home from a party. In an appeal filed in 2021, attorneys for Pope argued that his convictions should be overturned because the District Court had erred by not granting him a change of venue. They also said the evidence didnt support the convictions and the convictions violated double jeopardy rules, which prohibit defendants from being punished more than once for the same act. A panel of three Court of Appeals judges rejected each of the arguments. Pope also is an activist who has been described as having assisted elders and others during 2016 pipeline protests at the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota. PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia officials say the city's water system will not be affected by a chemical spill into the Delaware River upstream last week. We can all confidentially say the threat has passed I repeat: All the citys drinking water is safe to drink and will not be impacted by the spill, Mayor Jim Kenney said Tuesday night. Sampling hasn't detected any substance from the spill, and "models tracking the flow and tide of the Delaware River show the potential threat is passing us, he said. Health officials in Bucks County, just north of Philadelphia, said Sunday that between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons (30,700 and 120,000 liters) of a water-based latex-finishing solution spilled into the river late Friday because of a burst pipe at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township. Officials said it is nontoxic to humans, and no known adverse health effects have been reported in the county. Philadelphia officials said tests of hundreds of samples from a number of locations had turned up no trace of contaminants related to the discharge. The final all-clear came after days of announcements that water could be guaranteed uncontaminated at least through Monday, then into Tuesday afternoon and finally through Wednesday. Throughout the whole event, no contaminants were ever found in Philadelphia's drinking water, said Michael Carroll, deputy managing director for the citys Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability. He punctuated his words by drinking a glass of water at the podium, as did the mayor at the end of the news conference. Carroll said the all-clear comes after Coast Guard tests of water from the river continued to show no contamination and water brought into the city system from the river for about four hours early Tuesday was contaminant-free. So we know we have enough water on-hand now to last us for about 48 hours ... and when we open the gates again we know that that water is going to be in that window where there's no contamination in the river, he said. Elevated tests, however, will continue until environmental officials say it is all right to ease off, he said. Intakes allowing water from the river into the Baxter Water Treatment Plant in northeast Philadelphia about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of the spill were initially closed. But they were later opened periodically to maintain minimal water levels to avoid damage to equipment and to supply water for fire safety and other essential needs, officials said. Carroll had said Monday night that the city had materials available to treat contaminated water should any enter the system and out of an abundance of caution were also developing plans to distribute water if needed, providing timely information on a block-by-block basis. The city's health commissioner, Cheryl Bettigole, said any contamination, if it were to occur, would be at a very, very low level after the chemicals had come through the river and through treatment, making any health risks extremely unlikely, although officials would want to inform people so they could elect to take precautions. Announcements and an alert sent out Sunday were followed by a run on bottled water in Philadelphia stores that left many bare shelves and No water signs posted at some. If bottled water was unavailable, officials said, people could fill empty bottles with tap water. Asher Rosinger, a Penn State University researcher who studies water access, said big, headline-grabbing events casting doubt on water safety could increase distrust in tap water among city residents, something that has already worsened across the nation after the Flint water crisis. Already, 20% of adults nationally say they dont drink tap water filtered or not up from 14% before the Flint crisis, according to a study of federal survey data. The figures are higher among Black adults, with 35% saying they avoid drinking tap, up from 25% before Flint. Among Hispanic adults, the figure rose to 38%, up from 27%. Philadelphia is one of the few major cities that has actively tried to increase trust, running campaigns promoting the cost and safety of its tap water, but distrust is a lingering issue. Among Black residents in 2021, more than 60% said they mostly drank bottled water, compared to 42% of Philadelphia residents overall. Philly has done a lot to try to increase tap water use and confidence in the tap, Rosinger said in an email. This type of spill will set that effort back. Trinseo said that following an internal review of operations at the plant, which makes acrylic resins and employs about 110 people, the company expects to resume partial production within the next several days and to resume full production shortly thereafter. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network said the level of information released to the public has been incredibly deficient and undermines public trust. The environmental advocacy group has asked authorities to provide more details on testing and the materials released and for the public to be told where they can report any damage they see to the river. - Michael Phillis reported from St. Louis. WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) A woman believed to be the mother of a dead newborn child found abandoned in a southern Wisconsin field earlier this month has been arrested, police said Monday. The 39-year-old Whitewater woman was arrested Friday, the Whitewater Police Department said in a news release posted on its Facebook page. The woman, whose name wasn't released, was being held in the Jefferson County Jail. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) will allocate additional 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas from 2026, said Luca Schieppati, TAP Managing Director at the European Gas Conference, Trend reports. TAP recently triggered the first level of capacity expansion. The additional 1.2 bcm to be allocated from 2026 will be the initial phase of the process until capacity is reached to 20 bcm per year, he said. As the European section of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP has the capacity to transport approximately 10 billion cubic meters of gas per annum (bcm/a) to several markets in Europe. The pipeline is also designed with the potential to expand its throughput capacity up to 20 bcm/a. TAP is strategically and economically important to Europe and essential in providing reliable access to a new source of natural gas. TAP plays a significant role in boosting Europes energy security, supply diversification, as well as decarbonisation objectives. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn PHILADELPHIA (AP) Jason Wingard, the first Black president at Temple University, is resigning after a tumultuous tenure of less than two years and amid a surge of violence that has affected the north Philadelphia campus. The university announced Tuesday evening that the board of trustees had accepted Wingard's resignation, which takes effect Friday, and lauded him for what it called significant contributions to the university's mission. Given the urgent matters now facing the university, particularly campus safety, the board and the administration will ensure the highest level of focus on these serious issues, the announcement said. We understand that a concerted and sustained effort must be undertaken as we attempt to solve these problems." Officials said a small group of senior Temple leaders would be designated to guide the university while another president is being sought. This group will have many years of experience at Temple and devotion to its mission, the announcement said. Each will have discrete responsibilities for the universitys essential functions and provide a stable foundation for us as we look toward the search for our next president. Wingard, 51, has led the 33,600-student university since July 2021. The Temple Association of University Professionals was preparing to hold a no confidence vote next month regarding Wingard and two other officials, with members citing concerns over falling enrollment, financial issues, and labor disputes. During an emergency town hall meeting earlier this month, faculty members spoke of a reduction of faculty positions, non-renewal notices on contracts, and increasing class sizes, WHYY reported. Wingard told a panel of state lawmakers last week that Philadelphias homicide rate has wrought a climate in which students, faculty, parents and staff are afraid. A Temple University police officer was shot and killed near the north Philadelphia campus last month. Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, 31, was shot after pursing three people dressed in black and wearing masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. Two youths were arrested nearby, and an 18-year-old suspect was taken into custody the following morning in neighboring Bucks County. Fitzgerald was the first Temple University officer killed in the line of duty, said Jennifer Griffin, the universitys public safety director. A father of five children, he joined the schools police force in October 2021. The university had also recently seen a six-week strike by graduate students who are teaching and research assistants. Union members earlier this month ratified a new contract after overwhelmingly rejecting an earlier agreement and extending their walkout. By Jeff Ballinger Bay City News A federal grand jury has indicted two men on suspicion of violating the Endangered Species Act after one of them allegedly tried to smuggle a trophy of an endangered sheep through San Francisco International Airport in 2018. The indictment charges Jason Keith Bruce, 49, of Galt, and Pir Danish Ali, 43, of Pakistan, with conspiracy to violate the Endangered Species Act, to make false statements and to smuggle goods into the United States, and charges Bruce with smuggling and violating the Endangered Species Act, according to an announcement Monday from U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert. Pir was the CEO of a hunting outfitter and guide company based in Pakistan, and Bruce was a recreational big game hunter who hunted as a client of Pir's company, prosecutors said. Beginning in February 2016, Pir and Bruce conspired to hunt a Ladakh urial -- an endangered wild sheep in Pakistan -- and smuggle the resulting trophy from Pakistan to the United States. Bruce paid Pir $50,000 for the hunt, during which he shot a Ladakh urial, prosecutors said. On March 29, 2018, Bruce flew into San Francisco International Airport from Pakistan carrying eight trophies in his personal baggage, including the Ladakh urial trophy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped him and alerted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pir and Bruce conspired to lie about the scheme during the ensuing investigation -- prosecutors said -- which revealed that, between 2013 and 2018, at least 25 hunters who had hunted with Pir's company presented forged documents to import at least 97 hunting trophies into the U.S. If convicted of the conspiracy, Pir and Bruce face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the smuggling charge, Bruce faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and if convicted of the violation of the Endangered Species Act, Bruce faces a prison term of up to one year and a fine of up to $50,000 or both. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. Copyright 2023 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. By Jean Schiffman Bay City News The title "Private" may seem vague. In this West Coast premiere, playwright Mona Pirnot uses the word to encompass her three-pronged play that's at once funny, intimate and of-the-zeitgeist, billed by its producer San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company (SFBATCO) as "a searing exploration of personal privacy in the age of digital technology." But as it turns out, the first half or even two-thirds of the one-act, 75-minute play is basically one long red herring. There is indeed a "searing exploration" toward the end. But the issue of personal privacy in a world where even your Alexa seems to be eavesdropping is merely the extraneous catalyst that propels a truly rich encounter between two life partners that is reminiscent of some of the deeper two-person scenes in Ingmar Bergman movies. Georgia (Aidaa Peerzada, the understudy stepping in at the last minute and doing a terrific job as a tough and troubled young woman) and Corbin (a touchingly vulnerable Sedrick Cabrera) are struggling along financially. She'd like to pursue a musical career but both of them need to work to make ends meet. When he is offered a job as a product engineer at a startup at a very high salary, it seems their worries are over. But what Corbin confesses to Georgia, with much trepidation, is that this new startup requires 24/7 digital surveillance over all its employees. He doesn't see the problem with that, but as he expects, she explodes. A compromise is reached. He promises to approach his prospective employer and demand concessions. What Georgia doesn't know is that eager-to-please Corbin has already accepted the job. There's no room for negotiating with, or even getting to meet, the all-powerful CEO. In a comical scene on Corbin's first day in the new job, he hesitantly queries the boss' robotically perky assistant, Abbey (Risa Ferrer, cartoony but very funny), about the possibility of negotiating with the boss over the surveillance protocol, and his anxiety is palpable. (In another comical scene at a party for employees and their spouses, Georgia is cornered at the hors d'oeuvres table by a drunk, motor-mouthed Abbey, and, as before, Ferrer is hilarious, but the scene jars with the realism of Georgia and Corbin's relationship, the core of the play.) When Georgia confesses to a friend (a wonderfully sardonic Adam Maggio) her long-festering unhappiness with her life--and that life includes Corbin -- it's clear things are going to spiral out of control. Corbin's a pushover, a yes man, but Georgia claims she'd take a pushover over a liar any day. Of course, we know that Corbin has indeed been lying to her. Unbeknownst to her, the surveillance is ongoing and pervasive. It's when Georgia discovers the ruse that the play suddenly leaves the issue of company-mandated privacy-invasion behind and turns to the ways partners can hide from each other, cover up their deepest feelings. The writing here is so strong that it more than makes up for some scenes of repetitive bickering early on, and for the distraction of the start-up's surveillance protocol and for the scenes involving Abby that seem to belong to a very different play. Tonal issues aside, Pirnot's dialogue feels emotionally authentic, and the direction by Peter J. Kuo--the way that he stages the action so gracefully in the tiny playing area and encourages such achingly personalized performances from Peerzada and Cabrera--make the word "private" meaningful in a new way. San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company's "Private" continues through April 2 at Potrero Stage, 1695 18th St., San Francisco. Tickets are $10-$40. Call (415) 484-8566 or visit sfbatco.org. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. Copyright 2023 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A bill that would remove the legislature from the process of approving charter schools in Connecticut, which advocates say will allow these institutions to open more quickly, was approved by the Education Committee on Friday despite a Thursday evening email from two teachers unions that several lawmakers viewed as a threat. The bill would reverse a 2015 law that requires approval from the state Board of Education and the legislature before a charter school can open. Before voting, several lawmakers made reference to the email to committee members, in which the Connecticut Education Association and AFT CT expressed their opposition to the legislation. This is one of the bills CEA will be scoring as part of our 2023-24 legislative report card, the email read in its opening sentences. According to AFT CTs website, the union represents approximately 30,000 teachers and school staff. CEA represents over 43,000 teachers, school support staff and higher education faculty throughout Connecticut. Ill just simply say, whether or not you agree or disagree, that this is your decision to remain today, and hopefully that is not swayed or influenced by any sort of attempt at veiled threats of whether or not this vote is going to be counted as any sort of way, with any sort of organizations, that may or may not have been appropriately addressed to the committee in such a manner, said Committee Co-chair Rep. Jeff Currey, D-East Hartford, before the vote. The email highlighted several reasons for the unions opposition to Senate Bill 1096, including that the current process provides necessary checks and balances between administrative and legislative branches. This bill would be an abdication of legislative control over tens of millions of dollars for public education, setting a bad precedent for public school funding in Connecticut, the email said. Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, who is also a co-chair on the committee, said in 19 years of serving as a state legislator, he had never received an email like that. You all read the letter, and theyre going to take score of how you all vote on this one piece of legislation, McCrory said. That letter that came from CEA and AFT was very, very I dont even want to use the word and unfortunately, that has placed a bulls-eye on each and every single one of our backs. For nearly 20 years, Connecticut charter schools only needed approval from the state Board of Education before being built and funded. Charter school proposals have to undergo an extensive process before approval, including an analysis of the schools curriculum, model and community need. There also must be public hearings to determine if theres a demand and local support from constituents. Applications often take over a year to be considered. Legislation in 2015 instituted a two-tier approval system, where the state Board of Education grants initial approval, but lawmakers grant the schools funding. Since the change, no charter school has been built in the state, although two based in Danbury and Norwalk received state Board of Education approval in 2018 but have been waiting in limbo for funding ever since. Earlier this month, the state Board of Education also approved two more charter schools one in Middletown and another in New Haven. Im supporting this bill today, not that it solves for the travesty that has been Danbury struggle, but because no community should ever have to go through what weve been through, Rep. Rachel Chaleski, R-Danbury, said. This is about choice and in Danbury, we have the largest high school in the state, and while its a phenomenal school not everyone can thrive at such an environment and if we could help a small percentage of students get what they need, why wouldnt we help them? Similar to Chaleski, many lawmakers voiced their experiences with charter schools, including emotional testimony from McCrory, who recalled his time as a teacher in Hartford and how parents in the late 1990s were begging for other educational options beyond traditional public schools. Residents of color across the state continue to demand more school choices, McCrory said. These communities who are underserved, marginalized, underrepresented and under-resourced these [communities are] largely Black and brown children and families, and theyre poor, and they want another option, McCrory said. Its time for us in this state to give our parents a choice and give these children a chance. The vote on SB 1096 split party lines but ultimately passed. At the committee meeting, legislators also voted on another 18 bills, including House Bill 5003, which would accelerate ECS funding to schools across the state. HB 5003 passed unanimously. SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) Dozens of schools across Bulgaria were closed and their students evacuated for a second consecutive day following bomb threats that were made by email and phone. Most of the threats received Tuesday were directed at schools in the capital, Sofia, and in the Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas. Students were evacuated for 24 hours, and police stepped in to search for explosives. DOVER, Del. (AP) A $2.4 billion bankruptcy plan for the Boy Scouts of America has been upheld by a federal judge, clearing an important hurdle in the legal challenge by certain insurance companies and dissenting sex abuse survivors. The plan would let the Texas-based organization keep operating while it compensates tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting. The ruling released Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Delaware rejected arguments that the bankruptcy plan wasn't proposed in good faith and improperly strips insurers and survivors of their rights. More than 80,000 men have filed claims saying they were abused as children by troop leaders around the country. Plan opponents say the staggering number of claims, when combined with other factors, suggest the bankruptcy process was manipulated. Judge Richard Andrews said he found no fault with the plan's initial approval by a federal bankruptcy judge in September, although he agreed with the previous judge that it was an extraordinary case by any measure. The appellants have failed to put forth evidence that would demonstrate clear error in the bankruptcy courts careful findings of facts, the judge wrote. A spokesperson for lawyers representing several non-settling insurance companies had no immediate comment, but attorneys have previously suggested the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The Boy Scouts issued a statement describing the ruling as a pivotal milestone that solidifies a path forward for both survivors and Scouting. We look forward to the organizations exit from bankruptcy in the near future and firmly believe that the mission of Scouting will be preserved for future generations, the statement said. Under the plan which the Boy Scouts describe as a carefully calibrated compromise the organization itself would contribute less than 10% of the proposed settlement fund. The local Boy Scout councils, which run day-to-day operations for troops, offered to contribute at least $515 million in cash and property, conditioned on certain protections for local troop sponsoring organizations, including religious entities, civic associations and community groups. The bulk of the compensation fund would come from the Boy Scouts' two largest insurers, Century Indemnity and The Hartford, which reached settlements calling for them to contribute $800 million and $787 million, respectively. Other insurers agreed to contribute about $69 million. The Boy Scouts' largest insurers negotiated settlements for a fraction of the billions of dollars in potential liability exposure they faced. Other insurers, many of which provided excess coverage above the liability limits of the underlying primary policies, refused to settle. They argued that the procedures for distributing funds from a proposed compensation trust would violate their contractual rights to contest claims, set a dangerous precedent for mass tort litigation, and result in grossly inflated payments. They also noted that a plaintiffs attorney had acknowledged that some 58,000 claims probably couldn't be pursued in civil lawsuits because of the passage of time. When it sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, the Boy Scouts had been named in about 275 lawsuits and told insurers it was aware of another 1,400 claims. According to plan opponents, the huge number of claims filed in the bankruptcy was the result of a nationwide marketing effort by personal injury lawyers working with for-profit claims aggregators to drum up clients. Insurers opposing the plan contend that Boy Scouts of America is contractually obligated to assist them in investigating, defending and settling claims, as it did before the bankruptcy. They say the organization, desperate to escape bankruptcy, colluded with claimants lawyers to inflate both the volume and value of claims in order to pressure insurers for large settlements, then transferred its insurance rights to the settlement trust. The insurers argue that if the Boy Scouts transfers its rights under insurance policies to the settlement trustee, it must also transfer its obligations under those policies. Under the Boy Scouts' plan, insurance companies, local Scout councils and troop sponsoring organizations would receive broad liability releases protecting them from future sex abuse lawsuits in exchange for contributing to the victims compensation fund or even for just not objecting to the plan. Some abuse survivors argued that releasing their claims against non-debtor third parties without their consent would violate their due process rights. The U.S. bankruptcy trustee, the governments watchdog in Chapter 11 bankruptcies, argued that such releases are not allowed under the bankruptcy code, and that the scope of the proposed releases in the Boy Scout plan was unprecedented because it potentially extends to tens of thousands of entities. BEIJING (AP) China said Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. Wang Yajun will help in the development of the traditional friendship between the close neighbors sharing mountains and rivers, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing. Matias J. Ocner/AP MIAMI (AP) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will travel to Jerusalem next month and speak at a museum event as Israel faces a spiraling domestic crisis, giving the potential 2024 presidential candidate a stage to tout his foreign policy credentials. The Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem say DeSantis will deliver a keynote speech at an event that will address the tensions in Israel, a key U.S. ally. The governors office confirmed the travel plans, noting the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of Israels independence. WASHINGTON (AP) House Republicans plan to deliver a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday for classified cables related to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking an unprecedented effort to force the release of sensitive documents to Congress. Rep. Mike McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Associated Press on Monday that he had spoken with Blinken earlier in the day when he was notified the agency would not be turning over a so-called dissent cable written by diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul shortly before the August 2021 withdrawal. We have made multiple good faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information, McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement. Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee. The July 2021 communication warned Blinken about the potential fall of Kabul via a special dissent channel," which allows State Department officials to issue warnings or express contrarian views directly to senior agency officials, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The State Department made a direct offer last week before McCaul made his subpoena threat about the dissent cable in particular to share the substance of the cable via a briefing, according to a March 22 letter obtained by the AP. "The Department is prepared to discuss a path that would communicate to you the circumstances and substance of the requested cable exchange, as an extraordinary accommodation," the letter read. "The Department trusts that this accommodation will address the Committees request for information while preserving the confidential nature of the Dissent Channel. The effort to force the release of the cable is the latest in a series by McCaul and other House Republicans to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they have called a stunning failure of leadership" after Taliban forces seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, far more rapidly than U.S. intelligence had foreseen as American forces pulled out. Kabuls fall turned the Wests withdrawal into a rout, with Kabuls airport the center of a desperate air evacuation guarded by U.S. forces temporarily deployed for the task. A single explosive device that day killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members. McCaul made the Afghanistan-related document requests in January, upon becoming chairman of the committee, but has said he faced pushback from the department as he pursued his investigation into the withdrawal. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters Monday that while he recognizes the importance and the keen interest in this cable, it would be a rare move for any secretary to turn over those documents to Congress. It is a unique way for anyone in the department to speak truth to power as they see it without fear or favor. And they do it by the regulations we have established for these cables in a privileged and confidential way, Patel said. Its vital to us that we preserve the integrity of that process and of that channel. Since the Dissent Channel was created in 1971, in part to address U.S. diplomats concerns over the Vietnam War, the State Department has held communications closely. Nearly all such cables are classified to protect the integrity of the process and the identities of dissenting Foreign Service officers. They are not generally intended for public consumption, however, some have been leaked to the press, often by their authors. According to the National Security Archives at George Washington University, at least 123 Dissent Channel cables have been sent since 1971. The vast majority of those have remained classified and the State Department has long objected to efforts to force their release. The basic contents of some Dissent Channel cables have become public, including in the Afghanistan withdrawal case. One of its authors was given an award for Constructive Dissent in 2022 by the union that represents U.S. diplomats. ___ AP Diplomatic Writer Matt Lee contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijani SOCAR PETROLEUM CJSC has commissioned a new modular filling station in Shusha, the press service of the CJSC told Trend. According to the press service, starting from February of this year, RON-95 premium gasoline has been sold at the new gas station, and POS-terminals for non-cash payments have been set up. Currently, 45 SOCAR filling stations and 11 oil terminal bases are operating in the country. - Filling stations operating under the SOCAR brand have a number of advantages for customers, including the ability to check the accuracy of fuel volumes. Considering the company's strategic development plan, it is expected that the number of filling stations will be increased in the future. Previously, SOCAR PETROLEUM commissioned a gas filling station in Azerbaijan's Lachin. BOISE, Idaho (AP) The Idaho Senate on Monday voted 22-12 to pass a bill criminalizing gender-affirming healthcare for minors, one month after the state House passed similar legislation. The measure bars transgender and transitioning children, or children with gender dysphoria, from receiving hormones or puberty blockers to alleviate their symptoms or help them with transitioning, KTVB reported Monday. Doctors prescribing these hormones or blockers could be charged with a felony and face prison time. The Senate will send the measure back to the House for consideration of the Senate amendments. If the House agrees, the bill will go to Gov. Brad Little. Republican lawmakers in more than two dozen states have pushed for bans on gender-affirming care this year, targeting what doctors and psychologists widely consider medically necessary care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends gender affirming care to treat children struggling with gender dysphoria. The organization says those who struggle with the condition are more likely to think about suicide or attempt suicide. Before the vote, Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, read a letter from a constituent pleading with lawmakers to reject the bill. "'I cannot imagine if that right was taken away from us. Please do not take away a lifeline for parents to save their child, Wintrow said as she read the letter on the Senate floor. It is okay for people to disagree but please do not take away that lifeline. Transgender people have always been here. You can either push them over the edge or help pull them away from the edge. SYDNEY (AP) A former elite soldier charged with murder for allegedly killing an unarmed man in Afghanistan was released on bail Tuesday by a magistrate who concluded he would face danger from Muslim extremists in prison. Oliver Schulz, 41, had been in custody since his arrest in rural New South Wales state last week on the war crime of murder. His lawyer Phillip Boulten applied for bail in Sydneys Downing Center Local Court on Monday, arguing the former Special Air Service Regiment trooper faced serious risks to his personal safety from Muslim extremists in the prison system and had to be segregated from other inmates. Wherever this man is going to be held in prison, he is likely to have to mix with people in prison who sympathize with the Taliban or with other Islamic extremist groups, Boulten said. Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson granted the request, agreeing the risks posed to him while behind bars were too great. Its possible to infer that there may be some people being held there who may take an adverse position in relation to what was said to be the accuseds behavior both as a member of the (Australian Defense Force) and also on the day the incident allegedly occurred, Atkinson told the court. Schulz had been held at a maximum security prison in Goulburn, 200 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of Sydney. Most of New South Wales' worst convicted terrorists are held at Goulburn. Helmet camera footage aired by Australian Broadcasting Corp. in 2020 that was shot in Afghanistans Uruzgan Province in 2012 will form part of the prosecution case. The footage allegedly shows Schulz shoot local man Dad Mohammad three times as he lay on his back in a wheat field with his hands and knees raised. His father later made a complaint to the Australian Defense Force alleging his son had been shot in the head. Atkinson said that because of the murder allegation, Schulz would be in a very difficult if not dangerous environment in custody and correctional staff could not be available 24 hours a day to supervise him. I am of the view that the position the accused finds himself in could be worse than other persons who are on remand given the particular security risks to his person, she said. Schulz would also have difficulties giving advice to his lawyers and accessing confidential material under strict conditions due to national security concerns surrounding the case if he were forced to do so behind bars, Atkinson said. The court has suppressed the names of the town and region where Schulz lives to protect his family from threats. After footage of the Afghanistan shooting was broadcast nationally, the then-Defense Minister Linda Reynolds referred the allegation to the Australian Federal Police. Schulz was suspended from duty in 2020 and later discharged from the Australia Defense Force on medical grounds. Schulz, who was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan, is the first former or serving Australian Defense Force member to face a war crime charge of murder under domestic law. He faces a potential life sentence in prison if convicted. He is among 19 current and former Australian special forces soldiers who a war crimes investigation found could face charges for illegal conduct in Afghanistan. A military report released in 2020 after a four-year investigation found evidence that Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and civilians. More than 39,000 Australian military personnel served in Afghanistan during the 20 years until the 2021 withdrawal, and 41 were killed there. ___ Find more of APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) The Central American nation of El Salvador marked a full year Monday under anti-gang emergency measures that were originally supposed to last only a month. It was the the first anniversary of President Nayib Bukeles request for special powers to pursue gangs last March 27, following a surge in gang violence in which 62 people were killed in a single day. The countrys legislature has voted every month since then to renew the measures, which suspend some rights. In the year since, a total of 66,417 people have been arrested, and 4,304 have been released. Rights groups say there have been 111 deaths in custody and 5,802 suspected cases of rights violations. The emergency decree has reduced violence and proved popular in a country where streets gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18 have long killed and extorted money from residents. Jorge Ezequiel Bran, a 25-year-old hotdog vendor in the nation's capital, said he approved of the crackdown, though he acknowledged there have been abuses. It's no secret that there have been unjust arrests, Bran said. There will always be errors, nothing is perfect, but for me, it (the crackdown) is good. Polls suggest over eight of every 10 Salvadorans support the measures. Recalling last March 27 when the last homicide wave occurred, Bukele wrote in his Twitter account that was one of the most difficult days of my life. Referring to police reports that there were no killings in El Salvador on Sunday, Bukele wrote triumphantly, Now, a year later, we closed with zero homicides, and March 2023 is on track to be the safest month in our history. Under the special powers, police dont have to tell someone being arrested the reason or inform them of their rights. Someone arrested does not have a right to a lawyer and can be held for 15 days without seeing a judge rather than the previous 72 hours. Telephone lines can be tapped more easily. Bukele gave no signs he is planning to return to normal police procedures soon. Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro told a local television channel that he thinks the government has yet to arrest 35% of (gang) members. The government has used controversial tactics like locking up thousands of gang suspects in a huge new prison built especially for gang members. At other prisons, inmates were crowded together and have seen their food rations reduced. A recent government video posted on social media showed prisoners forced to run barefoot and handcuffed down stairways and over bare ground, clad only in regulation white shorts. They were then forced to sit with their legs locked in closely clumped groups in cells. Villatoro denied accusations that Bukele had negotiated with gangs prior to declaring the crackdown. He said that could not be possible. The U.S. Treasury Department alleges Bukeles government had previously tried to buy the gangs support with financial benefits and privileges for their imprisoned leaders, including prostitutes and cellphones. A coalition of local rights groups say they have documented 111 deaths of suspects in custody, and 5,802 cases of human rights abuses under the state of emergency, including cruel and degrading treatment. Anabel Belloso, a legislator for the leftist FMLN party, said the crackdown has brought mass arrests without investigation, sweeping up the innocent and the guilty alike. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PARIS (AP) Authorities raided the Paris offices of five banks Tuesday on suspicion of tax fraud, French prosecutors said. The raids come as part of five preliminary investigations opened in December 2021 on allegations of money laundering and tax fraud linked to dividend payments, the French National Financial Prosecutors Office said in a statement. Prosecutors didn't specify which banks were raided. French media said the banks searched included HSBC, BNP Paribas, Exane a subsidiary of BNP Societe Generale, and Natixis. Societe Generale confirmed the investigation at its office but declined to comment further. Messages seeking comment from the other banks were not immediately returned. The raid comes amid global financial turmoil unleashed this month by the collapse of two U.S. banks and the government-orchestrated takeover of troubled Swiss lender Credit Suisse by its rival UBS. The French investigation involved cum cum deals in which a foreign shareholder of a company listed in France transfers its shares to a French bank around the time that dividends are paid out to avoid paying capital gains tax. The French prosecutors' statement says the search involved six German prosecutors from Cologne, in the framework of European judicial cooperation. It suggests that foreign shareholders in question included Germans or German entities. The Cologne prosecutors office said it cannot comment on the investigation because press sovereignty in this case lies with the French investigative authorities. A similar wide-ranging tax evasion investigation in neighboring Germany in recent years led to searches of banks, other companies and the homes of businesspeople, leading to convictions against some bankers. Hundreds of bankers allegedly were involved in that fraud involving cum-ex transactions in which participants swap shares to collect reimbursement for taxes they had not paid. The scam reportedly defrauded taxpayers of billions of euros. ROME (AP) Posters calling on Pope Francis to stop his crackdown on the old Latin Mass were plastered near the Vatican on Tuesday, in the latest display of conservative opposition to the pontiff. The posters featured images of Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II and quoted from their texts speaking positively about the old rite, which Francis has sought to restrict. For the love of the pope. For peace and unity of the church. For the free practice of the traditional Latin Mass, read the posters, which were put up primarily in the Prati residential neighborhood near St. Peter's Square. They were referring to Francis decision in 2021 to overturn one of Benedicts signature liturgical decisions and reimpose restrictions on celebrating the old Mass. Francis said he had to act because the spread of the old rite was dividing parishes. He said Benedicts decision to liberalize its use in 2007 had been exploited by people opposed to the modernizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that allowed for Mass in the vernacular, not just Latin. The poster initiative, which is due to last 15 days, was organized by a group of pro-Latin Mass activists and bloggers who said they feared Francis ultimate aim was to forbid the ancient rite entirely. After Francis' initial decree restricting the celebration, the Vatican's liturgy office has issued two subsequent clarifications making it tougher to celebrate it widely. In a statement, the traditionalist groups said they were being unjustly marginalized and rejected by the Catholic hierarchy for merely expressing their steadfast faith. They said they were taking action out of love for the pope, so that he might be paternally opened to understanding those liturgical peripheries that no longer feel welcome in the church." The initiative was a reflection of the growing opposition to Francis from some traditionalist quarters in the Catholic Church who remain nostalgic for the doctrinaire papacy of Benedict. While only a fraction of Catholics go to old Latin Masses, Francis' crackdown has become a rallying cry for other conservatives opposed to his progressive bent. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) Prince Harry returned to a London court Tuesday as his attorney fought assertions that the phone hacking lawsuits he, Elton John and other celebrities have brought against the publisher of The Daily Mail are based on forbidden documents. Associated Newspapers Ltd. denies the allegations and wants a judge to throw out lawsuits it says impermissibly rely on information the publisher turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. The lawsuit is one of several brought by the Duke of Sussex in his battle against the press. It alleges the company's newspapers, which also include The Mail on Sunday, commissioned the breaking and entry into private property, and hired private investigators to illegally bug homes and cars and to record phone conversations. The case also includes claims by actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost. John and his husband, David Furnish, said the publisher unlawfully obtained the birth certificate of their son before they saw the document and snooped on the singer's medical records. I have found The Mail's deliberate invasion into my medical health and medical details surrounding the birth of our son Zachary abhorrent and outside even the most basic standards of human decency, John wrote in a witness statement. Associated Newspapers denies the allegations and is seeking to throw out the lawsuit, arguing the claims are too old and barred because they rely on information it turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking. Harry said the publisher targeted him and the people closest to him by unlawfully hacking voicemails, tapping landlines, obtaining itemized phone bills and flight information of his then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. One article by The Mail on Sunday discussed a vacation the prince took with Davy to a private polo lodge in Argentina and weekends the two spent in Cape Town. "The article also revealed paranoia and agitation I felt as a result of the paparazzi attempting to take photographs of Chelsy and I abroad," Harry wrote in a sworn witness statement. This intrusion was terrifying for Chelsy: it made her feel like she was being hunted and the press had caught her, and it was terrifying for me, too, because there was nothing I could do to stop it and now she was in my world. Whether a court ever weighs those allegations depends on a four-day hearing this week that focuses on two legal points: whether Harry and others waited too long to file cases that include allegations dating to 1993; and whether they rely on documents that should have been kept confidential. Attorney David Sherborne, who represents Harry and the famous claimants, argued that the documents in the 2012 inquiry following a phone hacking scandal at another tabloid were presumed to be public unless marked confidential. He also said many had been the source of investigative news articles about unlawful reporting practices by Associated Newspapers. But Justice Matthew Nicklin repeatedly pushed back on assertions that the documents were public unless Lord Justice Brian Leveson, who oversaw the earlier inquiry, had deemed them confidential. Its not open season," Nicklin said. Its for the inquiry to decide when the material goes into the public domain. The documents include ledgers showing payments to private investigators Nicklin suggested he could end up issuing a stay that would allow the claimants a chance to get restrictions lifted so they can use the documents. He also could prevent the claimants from using evidence that is vital to their case. The hearing resumes Wednesday over the issue of whether the six-year deadline to bring a lawsuit had expired before Harry and the others filed suit. Associated Newspapers attorney Adrian Beltrami said it would be surprising if anyone in the public eye was not been aware of news about the phone hacking long before the suit was filed. He said Harry's best-selling memoir, Spare" describes taking a keen interest in the prosecution of News of the World journalists, which was the basis for the Leveson inquiry. Evidence at trial showed they repeatedly hacked Harry's phone. Harry was overjoyed at the arrest of an editor and described his chipper mood at the death rattles coming from the most popular Sunday newspaper, (Rupert) Murdochs News of the World. The leading culprit in the hacking scandal," Beltrami wrote in court papers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Jacket of the Azeri Central East (ACE) platform has been installed in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) CJSC told Trend. The jacket, built at Baku Deep Water Jackets Factory named after Heydar Aliyev, was loaded on STB-1 barge and dispatched to the sea on March 16, 2023. "The weight of the jacket is 16,000 tons, and the height is 153 meters. This facility includes three vertical pipes - for water injection, oil export, and gas export," ASCO noted. The ACE project (worth $6 billion), includes a new offshore platform and other facilities designed to produce up to 100,000 barrels of oil per day. The ACE platform will maintain oil production at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of fields above 400,000 barrels per day until the end of the 2020s. Within the project, a new 48-slot production, drilling, and quarters platform will be built mid-way between the existing Central Azeri and East Azeri platforms in a water depth of approximately 140 meters. The project will also include new infield pipelines to transfer oil and gas from the ACE platform to the existing ACG Phase 2 oil and gas export pipelines for transportation to the onshore Sangachal terminal. The jacket of the Azeri Central East (ACE) platform will be installed in a water depth of 137 meters. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MOSCOW (AP) A Russian space capsule safely returned to Earth without a crew Tuesday, months after it suffered a coolant leak in orbit. The Soyuz MS-22 leaked coolant in December while attached to the International Space Station. Russian space officials blamed the leak on a tiny meteoroid that punctured the craft's external radiator. They launched an empty replacement capsule last month to serve as a lifeboat for the crew. The damaged capsule safely landed Tuesday under a striped parachute in the steppes of Kazakhstan, touching down as scheduled at 5:45 p.m. (7:45 a.m. EDT) 147 kilometers (91 miles) southeast of Zhezkazgan under clear blue skies. Space officials determined it would be too risky to bring NASAs Frank Rubio and Russias Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin back in the Soyuz in March as originally planned, as cabin temperatures would spike with no coolant, potentially damaging computers and other equipment, and exposing the suited-up crew to excessive heat. The three launched toward the International Space Station in September for what should have been a six-month mission. They now are scheduled to return to Earth in September in a new Soyuz that arrived at the space station last month with no one on board, meaning the trio will spend a year in orbit. Also on the station are NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, the United Arab Emirates' Sultan Alneyadi, and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev. A similar coolant leak was spotted in February on the Russian Progress MS-21 cargo ship docked at the space outpost, raising suspicions of a manufacturing flaw. Russian state space corporation Roscosmos ruled out any defects after a check and concluded that both incidents resulted from hits by meteoroids, BEIRUT (AP) The U.S. and U.K. on Tuesday slapped sanctions on four Syrians and two Lebanese involved in manufacturing and trafficking the amphetamine drug Captagon, the two governments said. The six include cousins of Syrian President Bashar Assad and notorious Lebanese drug lynchpins. Experts say Captagon is primarily produced in Syria and Lebanon, where packages containing millions of pills are smuggled into Gulf countries, Europe and elsewhere. The trade allegedly has strong ties to Assad and his associates, as well as key ally, the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in neighboring Lebanon. The U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office statement announcing the sanctions said the Captagon industry is worth $57 billion to Assad, and has been a key source of revenue as Syria' uprising turned-conflict continues for a 13th year. Assad's brutal crackdown on protests in 2011 led to his global isolation, and his forces were accused of rampant torture, bombing civilian infrastructure, and using chemical weapons with support of key allies Russia and Iran. Syria has become a global leader in the production of highly addictive Captagon, much of which is trafficked through Lebanon, said the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control director Andrea M. Gacki in the statement. Gacki added that the trade's revenues enable the government's continued repression on the Syrian people. Among the four Syrians sanctioned are two cousins of Assad, Samer and Wassim. According to the U.S. Treasury's statement, Samer oversees Captagon production in the northern coastal city of Lattakia in coordination with Hezbollah and the Syrian army's elite Fourth Division. Meanwhile, Wassim has been described as a key figure in the regional drug trafficking network, while also leading a paramilitary group backing the Syrian army in the conflict. Meanwhile, Syrian businessman Khalid Qaddour was also sanctioned for his alleged involvement in managing smuggling revenues and allegedly has close ties to President Assad's brother Maher, who leads the Fourth Division and has allegedly profited off smuggling illicit drugs, mobile phones and cigarettes. Syrian militiaman Imad Abu Zureik was also sanctioned for running a militia group with ties to Syrian military intelligence in the south of the country that the U.S. Treasury said controls the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. Abu Zureik was a former commander with Free Syria Army opposition forces. In Lebanon, Washington and London sanctioned notorious weapons and drug smuggler Noah Zeiter, who for years has been on the run from Lebanese authorities. Zeiter prior to the conflict in Syria was known for producing and smuggling large amounts of cannabis and made occasional bombastic media appearances. Zeiter is close with Hezbollah and Syria's Fourth Division. Hassan Daqqou, a Lebanese-Syrian who the media frequently dubs The King of Captagon, was also sanctioned due to his links with Hezbollah and drug trafficking operations by the Syrian army's Fourth Division. Daqqou was arrested in Lebanon in 2021 and in 2022 was sentenced to seven years of hard labor for producing and smuggling Captagon. Washington and London also sanctioned two trading companies based in eastern Lebanon that Daqqou owns. BEIJING (AP) Chinese authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at an abandoned refrigerated warehouse in the northern industrial province of Hebei, killing 11 people, the local government said Tuesday. The Cang County government said the blaze started Monday afternoon when the warehouse was being dismantled. Firefighters extinguished the fire at about 11 p.m. and rescuers recovered 11 people, but none showed signs of life, it said in a statement. A symbolic resolution that would acknowledge the persecution and murders of Connecticut residents mostly women tried as witches during the Colonial era, has resulted in some minority Republicans doubling down on their skepticism and opposition to the legislation. One member of the law-writing legislative Judiciary Committee stressed that there still needs to be evidence of their innocence, while another, the top minority member of the panel, said the legislation is better left to Great Britain, because Connecticut did not become a state until after the American Revolution, more than 100 years after the prosecution and execution of 11 people, including two men. Victims of the witchcraft persecutions, which occurred between 1647 and 1663, included Alice Young, Mary Johnson, John and Joan Carrington, Goodwife Bassett, Goodwife Knapp, Lydia Gilbert, Mary Sanford, Nathaniel and Rebecca Greensmith, Mary Barnes. Another alleged witchcraft practitioner, Elizabeth Seager, was convicted and reprieved in 1665. The bill, which would proclaim the exoneration "of all alleged crimes" and acknowledge their innocence, passed Monday afternoon 28-9 and next moves to the House of Representatives. Supporters included veteran Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, who grew up in Windsor, where Alice Young was the first to be tried and killed for witchcraft. "I think I'm sort of doing a service by voting yes today," Kissel said. "It's my way of sort of saying to the spirits that you can rest a little easier now. I think that it's a tragic chapter in our history." Opponents included Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, a top GOP member of the panel; state Rep. Doug Dubitsky of Chaplin; Rep. Tom O'Dea of New Canaan; and Rep. Patrick Callahan of New Fairfield. "What's before us is procedurally improper," said Fishbein, a lawyer. "When one asks for an apology, one asks the individual who did them harm. Here, this resolution before us, says the state of Connecticut apologizes. The state of Connecticut actually had nothing to do with this. So, if anything, the individuals, we were Great Britain. We were a colony at the time of this. If you really wanted to do something, you'd go to Great Britain and ask to apologize. It's like someone stealing a car and asking the neighbor to apologize, who had nothing to do with it." Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Similar efforts to symbolically exonerate the victims of the persecution campaigns, led by such famous figures as Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather and Roger Ludlow, have been filed in the General Assembly since 2012. "The resolution doesn't say what they were convicted of, which is very suspect in itself," said Fishbein. "When you look into it, they weren't all convicted of witchcraft. There's a portion that has to do with individuals allegedly may have been charged with that, among other things, and were exonerated. It's a nice gesture, sort of like a Valentine's card." "This bill is in the wrong place and asking for the wrong type of relief," said Dubitsky, referring to public criticism he received after opposing the resolution during a recent public hearing in which he asked if there was any evidence of the victims' innocence. "By asking that question, I was then the subject of probably a dozen or more newspaper articles across the country, from San Francisco and Texas, to several in Connecticut, all with the same sort of baseline that I was a rube because I thought that witchcraft was real and therefore I needed some evidence that these people were not witches." Dubitsky said that when asked to exonerate people, state lawmakers take judicial roles. "My understanding is that many of these people were not accused of actual witchcraft," he said. "They were accused of things such as murder, consortium with the devil and other crimes that did not include the actual crime of witchcraft. Without that evidence, how do we know what we are exonerating these people of? Do people believe there is no devil anymore? Well people who believe in God typically believe there is a devil. Is it no longer a crime to consort with the devil? Well, I guess it's no longer a crime in Connecticut to do that, but does that mean that it wasn't a crime back then?" "What it is, is an expression of sympathy," said State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the committee, agreeing that the convictions came during the ruling period of Great Britain and the Colony of New Haven. "And an acknowledgement of the trauma that was inflicted on certain people who lived within the territorial limits what are now Connecticut. "It's an expression of sympathy toward the descendents of those individuals, some of whom continue to live in Connecticut and came and testified before this committee," Stafstrom continued. "It's an acknowledgement of mob mentality, folks who were punished for non-conformity. Folks who were the victim of misogyny, who were ridiculed for adultery and generally have been victimized as a result of conduct that in large measure would not be considered criminal in today's state of Connecticut." A bipartisan California bill aimed at charging fentanyl dealers with murder unceremoniously failed to advance out of a state Senate committee on Tuesday. The law, authored by Democratic state Sen. Tom Umberg, would have required courts to notify those convicted of selling drugs laced with fentanyl that they will be eligible for homicide charges if, in the future, they sell fentanyl-laced drugs that result in someone's death. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria reportedly appeared at Tuesday's hearing in the Senate Public Safety Committee and gave testimony in support of the bill, which was co-sponsored by members from both parties. A representative from San Francisco Mayor London Breed's office also appeared at the hearing and said the office supported the bill. State Sen. Scott Wiener who represents San Francisco said he wouldn't support the bill if an amendment wasn't added to specify that the dealer either knew, or should have known, that the drugs they sold contained fentanyl. He said passing the bill without such an amendment wouldn't solve the problem and runs the risk of compounding the harm done by the country's war on drugs, which he said was a catastrophe. Umberg, who represents most of Orange County and parts of Long Beach, said such an amendment would make the bill toothless in curbing the sale of fentanyl in the state. The other senators on the five-person committee seemed to agree with Wiener's concerns, since the bill only received one yes vote. Republican Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh voted in favor, while Wiener and Sens. Aisha Wahab, Steven Bradford and Nancy Skinner, all Democrats, each abstained from voting. The move by the committee was met with criticism from other California lawmakers. "Absolutely mind boggling and a failure to address one of the biggest/growing problems in our state (#fentanyl). @SenatorUmberg narrowed his *bipartisan* bill from my similar #AB18 to address concerns and received absolutely zero votes from Dems on the committee," state Republican Rep. Joe Patterson, who represents much of Placer County in the state Assembly, said on Twitter. State Rep. Juan Alanis, a Republican who represents parts of Merced and Stanislaus counties in the state Assembly, also took to Twitter to express his disappointment. "This is really sad... @SenatorUmberg thanks for leading this effort in the senate," he said. "Let's work together to keep this important fight going." In response to high-profile cases of domestic abuse in Connecticut, the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously approved a bill that would expand the state's electronic monitoring program to require those who violate restraining orders to submit to the extra oversight. The panel also approved legislation that would ban marriages for those under 18 years of age, but even supporters of the bill's current form said the bill needs to be rewritten or it may fail. If supported in the legislative budget committee, then the Senate and the state House of Representatives and signed into law, abusers - mostly men - determined to be high-risk offenders by the state's family violence intervention unit, would be ordered to wear electronic ankle bracelet surveillance, which is currently a limited program in the judicial districts of Fairfield, Hartford and Windham. "This is looking to provide greater protections for individuals involved in domestic and intimate partner violence," said Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the panel. Another section would prohibit many domestic abusers from receiving alimony in divorce proceedings. "Regarding the alimony, that just seems like a simple interest of justice," said Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield of the legislation, which had unanimous approval in the sometimes contentious committee. "Certainly, you wouldn't want the perpetrator of harm and crimes to then be the recipient of alimony. It makes no sense to me." Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, a lawyer who, like Kissel, is a top Republican on the committee, said he believes that judges already have the discretion to ban certain domestic abusers from receiving alimony. But he then suggested that the proposal be put on a list of bills for unanimous passage in the committee, which was approved later in the afternoon. It took less than four minutes of debate to approve the domestic violence reforms, while the change in the matrimonial laws, aimed at stopping the marriage and possible trafficking of young teen girls, ignited a 15-minute debate. "One would believe by reviewing the backup documents that tons of 16 and 17-year-olds are being married in Connecticut," said Fishbein, recalling a 2018 law in attempt to stop the marriage of the youngest state residents. "That law created a procedure that if one wanted to do that, they couldn't just do it. They had to go to the Probate Court. The Probate Court had various things that needed to be proven before it permitted the marriage." Fishbein said that while at least one advocate for the bill called the issue a "crisis," in Connecticut it is not. He recalled that during a recent public hearing a supporter of the bill noted that there had been 31 such marriages approved by the courts since 2018. "It's a manufactured problem," Fisbein said. "What we heard was there are arranged marriages and people are forced into doing this and human trafficking. Yes, those things could occur pre-2018." He noted that state law allows courts to declare some teens emancipated. "Now we're telling them it doesn't matter, even if you have been adjudicated to have that legal status, government is going to step in and take it away from you for this one particular thing," Fishbein said. "That doesn't make sense. What we have here is not a crisis. It's not an urgency. Thirty one people in five years have availed themselves of this process that nobody has shown to us that it doesn't presently work." State Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury, who was first elected in 1988, asked about incidents of pregnancy and the desire of a couple to legalize their status. "They can't get married? We're creating, sorry for my language, a statutory set of bastards," Godfrey said. "We've got children being born out of wedlock because it's prohibited by state statute. I'll vote to get this out of committee today, but this needs a significant amount of work. Exceptions and how those exceptions are enforced are part of it because it troubles me very much. It still bothers me when we make sweeping changes like this that I don't think we've explored all the ramifications of." "I think the opposition and concern about this bill is bipartisan, across different ideologies, so I think that if this bill is ever to actually see the light of a vote passing in both chambers, I would encourage those who have concerns and those who want the bill, have a serious sit down and discussion and bring back to us a product that might be workable," said Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the committee. Financial markets' focus on Tuesday would be on the latest house price figures out of the US, alongside a smattering of speeches from central bankers from around the world. At 1300 GMT, the US Federal Housing Finance Agency was to release its house price inex for January. In parallel, S&P would release its own Case Shiller house price gauge covering that same month. Those data points would be followed by the Conference Board's consumer confidence gauge and the Richmond Fed's regional factory index, both for the month of March, at 1400 GMT. Earlier, at 0845, the Monetary Policy Committee's Catherine Mann was to deliver a speech, followed by another from Bundesbank chief, Joachim Nagel, at 1500 GMT, and ECB boss Christine Lagarde a quarter of an hour later. On the corporate side of things, Ocado was due to publish its first quarter results amid concerns around its ability to grow its sales, said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK. In 2022, sales were flat but those from the core retail arm shrank by 3.8%, while its losses widened from 176.9m to 500.8m, mostly due to its retail unit. More recently, the shares had come under more pressure after US outfit Kroger said that it would not roll-out any further fulfillment centres in 2023. Tuesday 28 March INTERIMS Bellway, eEnergy Group, Nanoco Group, Softcat QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE Diversified Energy Company INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Confidence (US) (15:00) House Price Index (US) (14:00) FINALS Animalcare Group, Bango, Barr (A.G.), Burning Rock Biotech Limited Ads (Each Repr 1 Class A Ord Usd0.0002), CPP Group, EKF Diagnostics Holdings , Elecosoft Public Limited Company, Empresaria Group, Good Energy Group, Impact Healthcare Reit , Personal Group Holdings, S&U, Synthomer, Team17 Group, The Mission Group, VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities , Wood Group (John) ANNUAL REPORT Impact Healthcare Reit EGMS Ground Rents Income Fund AGMS Autins Group, Cindrigo Holdings Limited, Ground Rents Income Fund TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS Darktrace UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Nationwide House Price Index (07:00) Retailer Next is in advanced talks to buy vintage-inspired brand Cath Kidston , it was reported on Tuesday. According to Sky News, the blue chip is close to agreeing a deal with owner Hilco Capital, the specialist restructuring and investment firm, which acquired the homewares and fashion brand less than a year ago. Cath Kidston has a market value of around 8.7bn, Sky said. Neither Next nor Hilco have commented on the report. Should the deal go ahead, it will be the latest in a number of acquisitions Next has carried out recently, as it looks to build a portfolio of wholly-owned retail brands. In November it acquired online furniture group Made out of administration before agreeing to buy fashion retailer Joules in a 34m rescue deal in December. It also bid for Philip Greens TopShop before eventually pulling out of the auction, which saw Asos snap up the brand in early 2021. Cath Kidston, which was founded by the eponymous Kidston in 1993, was acquired by Baring Private Equity Asia in 2016. It went into administration in 2020, with the loss of 1,000 jobs, but was relaunched shortly afterwards by BPEA after it struck a pre-pack insolvency deal. Most of its UK high street estate was closed under the deal. At the time of its sale to Hilco in June last year, Cath Kidston said that following its "pivot" during Covid-19, it was now performing "strongly", with orders from international and UK franchisees and wholesale partners up 40% in the year to March 2022. Sky said PricewaterhouseCoopers had been advising Hilco on the sale for several weeks now, with talks held with a number of potential bidders. Shares in Next, which is due to publish full-year results this week, were largely flat at 1045 BST at 6,696p. Sabien Technology Group updated the market on its M2G business on Tuesday, which specialises in carbon dioxide mitigation devices for commercial boilers. The AIM-traded firm said it had secured further orders from a UK government customer, valued at 0.42m, following an initial order of 0.25m announced on 10 March. It confirmed that M2G's total order value in the year to date now stood at 0.93m, which was 70% higher than the same period last year and 12% higher than the prior financial year's total value of 0.89m. The company said the orders, which were for Sabien's carbon dioxide mitigation device, had been either invoiced or would be invoiced in the next seven days. A minimum of 67% of the order value was expected to be recognised as revenue during the financial year ending 30 June, with the balance of install and cloud service revenue accruing during the period to 31 March 2024. Additionally, Sabien said that following the billing of the second M2G government order in the coming week, it confirmed that it would have billed revenue in excess of 1m in the first nine months of the 2023 financial year, compared to 0.83m in the whole of the 2022 fiscal period. The majority of the total order value was expected to be recognised as revenue during the 2023 financial year, subject to the timing of unit delivery, install, and revenue recognition of cloud service income. Sabien said it had also been advancing negotiations for further repeat orders, although there was no guarantee of securing them. The company's management team would be visiting South Korea for the next two weeks to strengthen its relationship with City Oil Field (COF), which is the inventor and vendor of a unique catalyst-driven, plastic-to-oil technology for which Sabien was the exclusive UK and non-exclusive worldwide sales agent. Sabien said it would hold meetings in relation to key research projects, in addition to due diligence meetings with prospective funding partners and a prospective African customer for its associate operating company, b.grn Group. The company said it was planning to provide further business updates in its interim results for the six months ended 31 December, which would be announced later this week. The momentum of M2G's success in securing important orders from critical customers is building and is a testament to the hard work of the management team, said executive chairman Richard Parris. It is a reflection, also, of the trend to realistic energy efficiency during the transition to net-zero. Parris said Sabien, through M2G and b.grn, was in the vanguard of the transition, encompassing both the reality of today and the potential of tomorrow. The board is very pleased with the momentum at M2G and the progress at b.grn. At 1407 BST, shares in Sabien Technology Group were up 3.09% at 9.02p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The deployment of renewable sources of energy has become one of the priorities of the social and economic development strategy of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijans energy minister Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue event. And at the moment, we are working on the issue of development of renewables in our country, not only to provide it with energy, but also to make a contribution into the energy security of our neighbors as well as our partners from the European Commission, the minister said. Shahbazov reminded that last year Azerbaijan and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership in the field of energy. So, Azerbaijan, as it has been doing it for many years, provides the global oil market with crude oil, oil products, and petrochemicals. And over the last 2 years, we have already started to provide the European energy market with natural gas. Now we work with the European Commission to double the volume of natural gas delivered from Azerbaijan to the European Union as we have been approached by our partners from Europe to increase these volumes as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the overall energy crisis, he said. UK gambling company William Hill has slapped with a record 19.2m fine by the UK gambling regulator for customer protection and anti-money laundering failures. Three businesses owned by the company were charged with "widespread and alarming" failures and the GC had considered suspending its licence. Owned by online gaming and betting giant 888, William Hill allowed customers to deposit large sums of money without the companies conducting any checks, the regulator said. These included allowing a customer to open a new account and spend 23,000 in 20 minutes, another spent 18,000 in 24 hours, while a third was able to spend 32,500 over two days, all done without any checks. Fines will be paid by WHG (International) Limited, which runs williamhill.com - which will pay 12.5m - Mr Green Limited, which runs mrgreen.com, 3.7m; and William Hill Organisation Limited, which operates 1,344 gambling premises across Britain, 3m. Rival Entain was handed the previous highest fine of 17m last year. The British government has been changing gambling laws to prevent addiction by capping the maximum stake on betting terminals and banning the use of credit cards by punters to place bets. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijan is going to use vast potential of renewables, to deliver green energy to Europe, Azerbaijans energy minister Parviz Shahbazov, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. He reminded that Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, Hungary signed in December last year in Bucharest an agreement on the production and transmission of green energy. So, we are going to use the vast potential of green energy. First of all, we have 15 gigawatts of discovered offshore wind potential in the Caspian Sea to deliver it to the European Union in form of electricity through high voltage lines and in a form of green gases like hydrogen, ammonia and so on. And four countries, together with the European Commission, and private companies are working together, said Shahbazov. The minister pointed out that Azerbaijans strategy has been not to use state budget resources to develop the renewable source of energy in the country, but attract the foreign private companies. In recent four years, we developed several new legislation acts. And now through doing that, we created conducive conditions for private investors. And as a result of that, within the last two years, we have signed implementation agreements with several companies for production of 25 gigawatts of renewable energy, he said. INOX Air Products (INOXAP), Indias largest manufacturer of industrial and medical gas, has announced that it has been awarded a prestigious contract for setting up its sixth air separation unit (ASU) at the Hazira unit of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) - a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the worlds leading steelmakers. The ASU will have the capacity to produce 1000 tonnes per day of Gaseous Oxygen and 1000 tonnes per day of Gaseous Nitrogen, besides other liquid medical and industrial gases. The ASU in Gujarat will be commissioned within a time span of 23 months. INOXAP's currently operational five ASUs at the AM/NS India's Hazira facility make it India's largest onsite industrial gas complex with a combined capacity to produce 9000 TPD of industrial gases. The commissioning of the sixth ASU would scale up the combined capacity of the industrial gas complex to 11,100 TPD. Speaking about the development, Siddharth Jain, Director, INOX Air Products, said, "The contract for setting up the sixth ASU at AM/NS India's Hazira facility is a unique distinction accorded to us, recognising our reliability, commitment and consistency in delivering high-quality product and services. It is indeed a matter of immense pride for us to be an integral part of AM/NS India's growth plans. "We are buoyed with the prospect of further scaling up the capacity of India's largest onsite industrial gas complex. We are committed to ensure that our capex plan fructifies in a productive manner, and stays on course to deliver upon its objective of augmenting the growth of India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors and push our country closer to its vision of a $5 trillion economy within the next few fiscals." Wim Van Gerven, Director and Vice President (Operations), AM/NS India, said "We are pleased to partner with INOX Air Products on further expansion of India's largest onsite industrial gas production complex. This project will play an important role in supporting AM/NS India's ongoing steel manufacturing expansion programme at Hazira, aided by our mission to create Smarter Steels for Brighter Futures. This initiative will also strengthen our commitment to contribute to India's growth story." INOXAP's long-term, onsite gas supply partnership with AM/NS India began in 2005, when the erstwhile Essar Steel awarded a contract for a 885 TPD Cryogenic ASU on BOO basis. This relationship achieved newer heights when INOXAP was chosen as a preferred partner to outsource the majority of its captive ASUs, resulting in INOXAP acquiring all three ASU assets of 1,700 TPD capacity each from Essar Steel in 2015 and entered into a long-term contract for supply of all industrial gases on a BOO basis. In 2022, INOXAP gave the partnership a new dimension of speed and precision by commissioning the fifth ASU at the Hazira site in a record time, creating new global benchmark in the industrial gas industry. INOXAP has been servicing the needs of the Indian steel industry for close to five decades now. As an integrated industrial gas supplier, INOXAP offers efficient solutions, including application technology in areas like BF Enrichment, EAF O2 Lancing, Ladle Furnace Pre Heating (Oxy Fuel Burners), RHF Enrichment, Argon Oxygen De-carburization, Oxy Fuel Assisted Melting and Molten Metal Blanketing (MMB) in Induction Furnace, and supplies of industrial gases for the same, either through on-site ASUs or through bulk supplies from its 47 plants across the country. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police are investigating a report that an attempt was made to rob a smoke shop at gunpoint in Grant City on Monday evening. The incident was reported at about 8:50 p.m. at Euphoria smoke shop, on the 100 block of Lincoln Avenue, according to preliminary information supplied by a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Three males entered that location, one of which displayed a firearm, said the spokesman. They demanded the workers to go to the back room as they attempted to remove property. Police say the assailants were not able to corral the employees to the back room or remove any property. There were no injuries and the assailants fled on foot. The suspects are described as three males wearing all black. Two wore white sneakers. The shop was closed when visited by an Advance/SILive.com reporter early on Tuesday afternoon. In front of the location, two Grand Opening signs were prominently displayed in front of the business. The location, on a busy strip of Lincoln Avenue near the Grant City train station, was previously a cleaners. Eateries and delis also line the block, and Lincoln Avenue Condominium is across the street. Prior to the this latest robbery attempt incident, there had been at least nine armed robberies at smoke shops across Staten Island. The incidents have been in neighborhoods across the borough, including South Beach, Meiers Corners, Great Kills, Port Richmond and Rosebank. A similar trend has been taking place across New York City. OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS: >> Questions mount, amplifying devastation after young mother dies in recovery >> NYPD: Man sought for questioning in connection with pattern of 23 burglaries at businesses, restaurants on Staten Island >> Hes accused of firing flare gun into car occupied by 2 men in Staten Island road-rage shocker >> Suspect tosses brick to break glass, burglarize store on Staten Island, source says >> Man, 53, who died after falling off boat in waters off of Staten Island identified by sources IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Port Richmond High School recently opened a newly designed and modern virtual enterprise business classroom. The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month to celebrate the new classroom for the business education program. The program is aimed at transforming students into professionals through authentic business experiences that prepare them for a fulfilling, financially secure future. All students in the program have active roles in a simulated virtual business. The school's business program is aimed at transforming students into professionals through authentic experiences that prepare them for a financially secure future. All students in the program have active roles in a simulated virtual business. (Courtesy/Sarah Pena) New furniture, fresh paint, a new floor, new lighting, plants and more upgraded the space into a modern business environment. During the ribbon-cutting, the business plan team of students presented their most recent citywide presentation to guests, which included parents, teachers, counselors and administrators. Also present was Paul Presti, New York Metro regional director of Virtual Enterprises International. Students became city finalists for their virtual business, NYC Pizza, which is a business that incorporates ingredients from New York City that would be available for delivery nationwide as a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit. The business idea received 4.5 stars and placed in the top 10% of presentations for the National 2022 Intuit Fall Design for Delight Competition, hosted by Virtual Enterprises International. The city finalists who presented the NYC Pizza plan for the opening of the new classroom at Port Richmond High School included Sarah Pena, Cindi Sosa, Nicholas Pareja, David Quiahua, Michele Wu and Henry Fall. CSI COLLABORATES WITH UNIVERSITY IN GRENADA The College of Staten Island (CSI) in Willowbrook announced collaboration with a university in Grenada to offer a new doctoral program. CSI and St. Georges University (SGU) in Grenada, West Indies, have reached an agreement to offer a seamless 4+4 program that will allow students to obtain a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Students who successfully complete a bachelor of science degree in a pre-approved, pre-medicine, or pre-veterinary program at CSI will have the opportunity to pursue either an MD or DVM degree at SGU. I am pleased with the announcement of the 4+4 program between CSI and SGU, which will provide a seamless path for our medical and veterinary students to earn their MD and DVM degrees, said CSI Interim President Timothy G. Lynch. The College of Staten Island strives to provide our students with myriad opportunities to achieve their academic and career goals, and this is another wonderful program that will not only contribute to student success, but will also allow participants to experience studying in other countries, expanding their horizons even further. After students complete four years of study at CSI, they have the option of completing their first two years of medical study at SGU or their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year at SGU. Qualified medical students will complete the final two years of the program in clinical rotations at SGUs affiliated hospitals in the United States or the United Kingdom. Qualified veterinary students will complete their first three years at SGU and their final clinical year in one of SGUs affiliated schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, or the United Kingdom. Medical students who are accepted into the 4+4 program will receive a $10,000 scholarship from SGU. Subject to seating limitations, students may also be eligible for a scholarship to attend the SGU Med/Vet Summer Leadership Academy on the Grenada campus. We are delighted to partner with CSI to educate the next generation of doctors and veterinarians, said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of SGU. Both of these professions are facing shortages that pose a concerning threat to public health. Initiatives like this one will help us to close those gaps, while expanding the horizon of opportunities for students. Were honored to work toward those goals alongside CSI. For more information on entrance requirements, please contact Grozdena Yilmaz at grozdena.yilmaz@csi.cuny.edu. SEND US YOUR STORIES Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com. ADDITIONAL IN CLASS COLUMNS Staten Island students rally in Albany for bill to protect school journalists | In Class column New workshop aims to educate S.I. students on harmful effects of cyberbullying | In Class column Students launch first youth podcast as part of media center partnership | In Class column Threats can come from unexpected places: School hosts workshop on social media safety | In Class column Non-profits to offer Staten Island schools inquiry-based Holocaust education programming | In Class column Staten Island barbershop gives free haircuts to students | In Class column Amazing holiday toy drive spreads cheer to Staten Island special ed students | In Class column Paid summer internship offers opportunity for NYC teens to become student leaders | In Class column School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Ahead of Opening Day Thursday, the New York Mets are finalizing their bench. This week, that meant designating Darin Ruf for assignment, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Want to bet on MLB? See the best NYC Sports Betting sites The Mets acquired Ruf from the San Francisco Giants last season to serve as a dependable right-handed DH, but the 36-year-old did not live up to expectations. He came in a hit .152/.216/.197 in his 28 games with the Mets. This move leaves room for Tim Locastro to come in and make the Mets Opening Day roster. The speedy outfielder was a non-roster invitee to spring training after signing a minor league deal with the Mets in January. Before joining the Mets, Locastro had a stint with the New York Yankees. He was traded to the Yankees from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021, but later that year was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox. Before the 2022 season, however, the Yankees signed him to a one-year major league deal. Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced on Monday that his office will be handing over control of the Paterson Police Department, including all police functions such as internal affairs investigations, to a former commanding officer of Staten Islands 120th Precinct. Isa Abbassi, a 25-year veteran of the NYPD and its current chief of strategic initiatives, will become the officer-in-charge of the Paterson Police Department in May. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Members of NYPD met with a local Jewish leader at the 121st Precinct stationhouse on Monday to discuss security concerns before the Passover holiday. The commanding officers of the Islands four precincts, along with Assistant Chief Gin Yee, the borough commander, were joined by Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island. As with the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Passover gatherings traditionally bring out larger numbers of Jewish residents, as many families travel throughout the Island to synagogues and community centers for seders the traditional Passover meal celebrated over the course of the first two nights of the weeklong holiday. Mirocznik said with the continued rise of antisemitism, hes confident police are able to assess any security concerns of the Jewish community, and was very satisfied with the meeting. Im very proud to say we have the best of the department working in the borough, Mirocznik told the Advance/SILive.com. Were in good hands. Passover begins at sunset on April 5 and runs through April 13 at sunset. 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! BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Azerbaijan is working on integration of bigger amount of renewable energy in its energy system, Azerbaijans energy minister Parviz Shahbazov, said, addressing the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Trend reports. What is really challenging us is the integration of the bigger amount of renewable energy in our energy system, the balancing between the renewable sources of energy and traditional ones. We are working on that. We just attracted two companies to Azerbaijan: the American Tetra Tech, and the Turkish Efra company," he said. Shahbazov also said that three years ago Azerbaijan attracted German VPC, and identified 1,500 megawatts of integration capacity for the country's grid. "Now we are working further. We want to increase it up to 2,000 megawatts, the minister explained. Shahbazov went on to add that just within three years, Azerbaijan has contracted already for 470 megawatts of solar and wind energy projects. And they are already being worked on. Shahbazov noted that together with BP, Azerbaijan is implementing a large project of 240 megawatts aimed at decarbonization of the countrys oil and gas sector. There has been a tactical move by Xi, post-Covid, to ease pressure on the economy, because things are in a really bad shape, says Professor Steve Tsang, director of the Soas China Institute. What you have to understand about Xi is he is as ideological as you can get when he can get his way. But when he scents danger, he is a pragmatic realist. Jack Ma built e-commerce giant Alibaba into one of the worlds biggest companies. Credit: Bloomberg When the economy is in serious trouble, then his hold on power is potentially being undermined. And he knows that he still needs the likes of Jack Ma and Alibaba. Mas reemergence coincides with a visit to China by Tim Cook, the chief executive of iPhone maker Apple, and a host of other American business chiefs, including Qualcomm boss Cristiano Amon, Pfizer boss Albert Bourla and billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ray Dalio. They are attending a three-day business forum that has been dubbed Chinas Davos. In a less-than-subtle tweet, the Chinese embassy in Paris contrasted a photo of Shou Zi Chew, the boss of Beijing-based social media app TikTok, facing a barrage of photographers in Washington last week, next to one of Cook posing with adoring fans in one of Apples Chinese stores. Loading The embassys tweet asked: How are CEOs treated in China and the US? The dubious comparison is unlikely to fool anyone, given Beijings years-long campaign to clip the wings of entrepreneurs like Ma at home. Yet it is also a telling one, at a time when the Communist governments heavy-handed crackdown on the tech sector has deterred investment and sent shares plummeting. After three years of Xis disastrous zero Covid lockdowns, and amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, the result has been low business confidence and a recovery that looks shaky. For the first time in about 25 years, China is no longer a top three investment priority for the majority of US companies, according to the local American Chamber of Commerce. Official Chinese statistics show factory profits in the first two months of this year were down by 23 per cent compared with a year earlier. That has left Chinese officials scrambling to change the narrative and lure reluctant wealth creators back to the table. According to Bloomberg, the regime has begged Ma to return home in recent months and trumpet government policies. When the economy is in serious trouble, then his hold on power is potentially being undermined. And he knows that he still needs the likes of Jack Ma and Alibaba. Professor Steve Tsang, director of the Soas China Institute His continued decision to remain abroad was seen to be hurting business confidence - and was a clear sign of scepticism that Xi has really changed his position. When Ma eventually reappeared, having jetted back to China via Hong Kong last week, it immediately sent Alibaba shares 4 per cent higher. One market commentator suggested it would boost sentiment of the broader internet industry. That means the new top leadership has indeed been re-examining the position and the importance of the platform companies in Chinas economic development, Zhang Zihua, chief investment officer at Beijing Yunyi Asset Management, told Reuters. Others are not so optimistic, noting that actions speak louder than words. At the moment, Beijing is yet to take any substantive actions to reverse the tech crackdown. Xi Jinping may be softening his stance against Chinas entrepreneurs. Credit: AP But in the wake of the pandemic, and with exports falling due to global economic turbulence, Beijing needs to turbocharge growth and cannot do so without the private sector, which generates roughly 60 per cent of GDP. This year the central government is targeting growth of 5 per cent. The message from the top leadership is that domestic demand expansion is priority number one, says Duncan Wrigley, chief China economist at Pantheon Economics. Local governments stepped on the gas a bit at the start of the year. And Beijing is hoping that private enterprises, including the tech sector, will be encouraged enough to step up investment, because overall it is still very weak. Loading Li Qiang, Chinas new premier and a close ally of Xi, is leading the charm offensive. He told Cook and other business leaders that his countrys opening up would continue, no matter how the international situation changes. But George Magnus, an economist and research associate at Oxford Universitys China Centre, says this rhetoric conceals a rigid approach toward private enterprise. They want private firms to make money and they want them to produce, to provide jobs, but they have to do what the party tells them to do and behave the way the party expects them to behave, Magnus adds. The irony is that productivity comes, first and foremost, from private firms, because theyre more dynamic and more profitable than state firms. But if youre not prepared to accept the kinds of freedoms that entrepreneurs cherish and want, you probably wont get the best out of them. Loading Tsang says that even if Ma makes a comeback, he is unlikely to be allowed the same level of celebrity as before under Xi. Its interesting to see what happens to somebody like Jack Ma, because he is genuinely somebody who was able to break the mould in China, and create something that, before, hardly anybody in China or outside of China thought the Chinese were able to do, Tsang adds. How Ma, and others like him, have been forced to trim their sails tells us a lot about the trajectory of Chinas development. Embattled neurosurgeon Charlie Teo has given deliberately untruthful evidence and should be rejected as a witness of credit, his disciplinary hearing has been told. After seven days of evidence, the Health Care Complaints Commissions (HCCC) counsel Kate Richardson, SC, on Tuesday began her closing submissions to the four-person Professional Standards Committee inquiry that is examining multiple complaints about two of Teos surgeries from which his patients had catastrophic outcomes. Charlie Teo is greeted by well-wishers as he arrives at a disciplinary hearing in Sydney on Tuesday. Credit: Kate Geraghty Richardson submitted that the neurosurgeon had made up evidence opportunistically or changed his evidence as the hearing unfolded. He is not a witness of credit and his evidence should not be accepted unless corroborated, said the barrister who is asking for Teo to be reprimanded and for more conditions to be placed on his practising certificate. A former SAS soldier accused of gunning down an unarmed, disabled man in a wheat field in Afghanistan has been granted bail, after a magistrate found his safety and his ability to mount a legal defence would be affected if he remained in custody. Oliver Schulz, 41, was arrested on March 20 and became the first Australian serviceman or veteran to be charged with the war crime of murder over the killing of Dad Mohammad in Uruzgan province on May 28, 2012. Oliver Schulz has been charged with war crime murder over a shooting in Uruzgan province in May 2012. On Tuesday, Downing Centre Local Court heard Schulz had been on patrol with Australian forces and was dropped into the location by helicopter when his squad saw a man in a wheat field. Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson said vision from a helmet camera showed the man on his back, with his hands and knees raised, holding prayer beads in one hand as Schulz interacted with others in his squad. Trio who allegedly robbed multiple businesses with machete arrested after crashing car into pole Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Parents at the fast-growing Docklands Primary School are concerned by a government plan to educate 225 students in a nearby shopping centre from term 3. Enrolments at the three-storey school have already exceeded capacity after opening just two years ago. In response, the Department of Education has announced it will create a second campus and build nine classrooms on the first floor of the largely vacant District Docklands shopping centre, near the grounded Melbourne Star ferris wheel. Mary Masters and other parents are concerned about the governments proposal to put students at The District Docklands shopping centre. Credit: Paul Jeffers But many parents say the proposed second campus is too small, not secure from the public and contains pillars that will obscure students views. Rajesh Naik is concerned about the sites accessibility for his son, Ishak, who has cerebral palsy. Naik is pushing for the department to rent an additional floor in the shopping centre and provide a separate entry and exit for students. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews arrives in China Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Commonwealth shield laws supposed to protect whistleblowers have utterly failed to stop the prosecution of a public servant who risked all to reveal the rapaciousness of the Australian Tax Office and now Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus must stop him being sacrificed on a seemingly unalterable altar of law. Richard Boyle worked in the ATOs debt recovery division in Adelaide and made headlines in 2018 when he blew the whistle on aggressive debt recovery tactics used by the Tax Office, revealed in a joint media investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the ABCs Four Corners. He was charged in 2019 and faces 24 charges, including of recording private phone calls and taking photographs of taxpayer details. He applied for immunity on 23 of the charges under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, the Commonwealth whistleblowing shield law for public servants, enacted by Mark Dreyfus during his first stint as attorney-general in 2013. But on Monday, South Australias District Court rejected Boyles application for immunity. He is due to go to trial in October with a life sentence possible if convicted. ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle. Credit: Joe Armao Depending on ones point of view, whistleblowers share the same hero/villain persona captured by the slogan one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. After the September 11 attacks, governments became more secretive across a number of fronts. In Australia, several whistleblowers such as Boyle emerged to reveal nefarious conduct at, what has turned out to be, great personal cost. The most famous/infamous is WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Various Australian governments have been wringing their hands since the US launched a criminal investigation into his activities and he fled to asylum in 2012. Nothing has come of whatever behind the scenes efforts have been mounted by Labor and Coalition federal governments. Assange remains in an English jail. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar met with Alexey Miller, the CEO of Gazprom, a Russian energy corporation, Trend reports, citing Gazprom. The sides discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation, in addition to exchanging views on the implementation of the Roadmap for gas cooperation signed between the government of Kazakhstan and Gazprom. The sides reiterated their commitment to continuing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Gazprom. The Roadmap for the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Gazprom was signed in mid-January. The document outlines cooperation between the sides on several matters, including the areas of the processing of Kazakh gas at the Orenburg gas processing plant, the possibility of Russian gas supplies to Kazakhstan, as well as collaboration on the promising cooperation projects. Another possible area for cooperation between the sides includes the construction of a gas pipeline from Russia to China, through the territory of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which was discussed at an earlier date. Thanks for your company today. Its been a slow one for counting, hasnt it? We called Miranda earlier today for the Liberals Eleni Petinos, who has now stretched sizeably ahead of Simon Earle of Labor. Kiama was also called for independent Gareth Ward. He too is now sitting significantly ahead of Labors candidate Katelin McInerney, who earlier today conceded defeat. So, were left with three those three seats youll be able to say off the top of your head, if youve been following our coverage over the last few days: Terrigal, Holsworthy and Goulburn. It might not feel like the results are moving, but the Electoral Commission has assured us theyve been spending the day counting in each of these seats. Well be back bright and early tomorrow to bring you every twist and turn on the road to the 47th parliament. The Russian navy has fired supersonic anti-ship missiles at a mock target in the Sea of Japan, the countrys Defence Ministry said. In the waters of the Sea of Japan, missile ships of the Pacific Fleet fired Moskit cruise missiles at a mock enemy sea target, it said in a statement on its Telegram account on Tuesday. The target, located at a distance of about 100 kilometres, was successfully hit by a direct hit from two Moskit cruise missiles. The P-270 Moskit is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile capable of destroying a ship within a range of up to 120km. Credit: Commons The P-270 Moskit missile, which has the NATO reporting name of SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile of Soviet origin, capable of destroying a ship within a range of up to 120km. Russia fired the missiles in the same area during tactical exercises in 2019. London: Humza Yousaf, the grandson of a Pakistani immigrant who arrived barely speaking English to work in a sewing machine factory in Glasgow, has been named as the new leader of the Scottish National Party. Because of his partys majority, Yousaf will almost certainly be chosen as first minister the leader of Scotland by the parliament on Tuesday. Humza Yousaf, speaks to the media after being announced as the new leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh, UK, on Monday. Credit: Bloomberg At age 37, Yousaf will be the youngest first minister of Scotland and the first Muslim to run the nation. His mother, wearing a headscarf, dabbed a tear as he spoke after the vote results were announced. His ascension as Scottish leader comes alongside the prime ministership of Rishi Sunak, a Hindu, whose parents are also South Asian. Londons mayor is Sadiq Khan, a Muslim and son of Pakistani immigrants. Today, Sunak, Khan and Yousaf are three of the most prominent and powerful leaders in Britain. Mexico City: Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention centre in northern Mexico, starting a fire that killed at least 40 people, in one of the deadliest events ever at a Mexican immigration lockup. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday (Mexico time), rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. A migrant leans against an ambulance as a person she knows is attended by medics after a fire broke out at the Mexican Immigration Detention centre in Juarez. Credit: AP Twenty-nine people were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. What they are doing if they cant win at the ballot box [...] They are going to do this kind of stuff. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing and at a rally in Texas over the weekend used his speech to reassert his innocence, and claim without evidence that the Manhattan case had been dropped. He also told his adoring crowd that if he were to have an affair, Daniels would not be the one. David Pecker is a close friend of Donald Trump. Credit: AP I never liked Horse Face, the twice-impeached president said. That would not be the one. There is no one. We have a great First Lady. Daniels, who often refers to the former president as Tiny, returned fire on Twitter by posting a meme of a semi-naked woman with the face of a horse, while making digs at his manhood. In response to one post in which a Twitter user said: President Trump wouldnt touch you with a 10ft pole, Daniels replied: True. He used a 3-inch one. Another Twitter user attacked her for sleeping with a married man. Yep, she said sarcastically. The sorcery of my magic voodoo was too much for that poor little man and it forced him to forget all about his vows, take his clothes off and corner me. Its ALLLL my fault... Adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Credit: AP Amid the mud-slinging, the Manhattan grand jury met on Monday for what could be one of the last times before it votes on whether to indict Trump. While grand jury proceedings are shrouded in secrecy - and therefore the timing of the vote remains unclear - such an indictment would make Trump the first former US president to face a criminal charge in court. Loading It would also upend the Republican race for the 2024 presidential nomination, in which Trump is currently the frontrunner. One Monmouth University poll released over the weekend showed 54 per cent of potential primary voters support Trump, compared with 26 per cent who are backing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is yet to formally enter the race. Security across New York was beefed up last week after Trump put out an incendiary post claiming he would be arrested last Tuesday and calling for people to protest in the streets to take our nation back. Police were on high alert again on Monday after Trump issued another post warning of potential death and destruction if he was indicted. In his Fox News interview, Trump attempted to clarify his comments saying he was not calling for violence but feared it would break out if he was charged. I didnt say death and destruction, Trump told Hannity. I didnt say do something bad, I said I was afraid people will do something because people are very angry about it. Soon after that Truth Social post, an anonymous letter from Orlando containing powder and a typewritten note was sent to the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is overseeing the grand jury case. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Credit: AP ALVIN: I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!!! the letter said. A spokeswoman for the District Attorneys office later said the situation was immediately contained and authorities had determined the powder was not dangerous. Trumps courthouse demonstrations did not get off to a great start, either. Last week, only a few dozen supporters showed up to a protest by the New York Young Republican Club. The next day, a woman wearing a Trump mask and fake diaper turned up to demonstrate, along with a man wearing elk horns and American flag face paint reminiscent of January 6 rioter Jacob QAnon shaman Chansley. Anti-Trump demonstrator Laurie Arbeicer outsider the Manhattan court where he could soon be indicted. Credit: Farrah Tomazin On Monday, the turnout dwindled to just one Trump supporter pacing up and down the legal precinct with a Hooters tee-shirt and a Make America Great Again cap, along with a few anti-Trump demonstrators. Among them was Laurie Arbeicer, who stood outside the court holding a sign saying Once Again Trump Got Caught With His Pants Down. He basically admitted to being violent against women and yet he got into office anyway, she told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, in reference to the 2016 Hollywood Access tape in which Trump was caught bragging about being able to grab women by the pssy because he was famous. PHILIPSBURG:--- Attorney at law Sjamira Roseburg the legal representative for the Prison Association said in a statement on Monday that it is unbelievable how one of her clients was treated by the Pointe Blanche Prison and the St. Maarten Medical Center. Rosebury said her client has severe medical and mental issues, which is not being properly taken care of by the Point Blanche Prison. Attorneys, always have to go the extra mile to make sure the basic needs of our clients are met. She said the situation regarding her client was brought to her attention that her client, who has a severe medical condition, was not doing well. I monitored it with the prison director, and he informed me that he would look into it and that the matter had his attention. This was March 16th. Last Thursday, after my client's family and friends, visited him, they informed me that he could barely walk, that his face and legs were swollen, and that he was shaking with the intense pain. On Friday, the ambulance was called to the prison, and surprisingly, he was not taken to the hospital. In the meantime, the client kept complaining that he had pain all over his body. During the weekend, she was told that the nurse prescribed him morphine. Now, on Monday, March 27, 2023, she visited the client at the prison and was shocked to see his condition. The prisoner couldnt walk and was brought to me with the assistance of a guard and another inmate. Seeing the urgency, I requested to see the nurse. I was told I needed to schedule an appointment. I immediately informed the watch commandant that I needed to see someone from management. After some time, the prison director finally showed up, and I told him that my client urgently needs to see a doctor. About 1.5 hours later, my client was finally transported to the doctor. When we arrived at the prison doctor's office, he immediately informed us after a medical examination that my client needed to be transported to the hospital. After arriving at the hospital, Roseburg said she sought to safeguard her client's best interests. As she previously did at the house doctor. This is especially troubling given the fact that his medical situation has not been properly monitored. As the law states, a lawyer and an inmate should have free contact with each other. My client requested that I be there to assist him in this medical situation, yet my access was denied at the hospital. The management of SMMC was, for unknown reasons, afraid to grant me access without the permission of their legal department. When I explained to them that this does not make any sense, they then changed this to: They need permission from the prison director. The prison director did give permission but then decided that he would not grant me access to my client anymore, without explaining the legal basis for such. This is a violation of my client's rights. He is expecting me to represent him or assist him in this current medical battle. But access to him is being denied. Seeing the current medical and also mental condition of my client, I would like to make the authorities aware that if at any moment any decision was taken by my client (and this negatively impacted him) without being able to consult his attorney, the involved parties will be held accountable. This will also be the case if, at any point in time, any neglect in connection with the medical situation is established. We cannot continue to violate the rights of inmates. They also have rights. This is yet another perfect example that shows that the medical protocol in the Point Blanche prison is not functioning. Get Multi-Factor Authentication Consulting For Cooperatives & Improve Security In 2023, the business landscape has evolved to call for greater flexibility, faster access, and higher-volume storage. In the past, these things might have contradicted one another, but recent developments in cloud technology have made commonplace what once was impossible or, at the very least, extremely costly. In this constantly shifting business environment, threats are ever-present and just as adaptive as you are, meaning you need to constantly be alert and ready for the next threat. Azure IAM\-s team of certified security architects can be your partner in the constant battle to keep your data safe. They can now create medium-large scale access management and MFA structures for decentralized organizations such as cooperatives. To read more about what they may be able to do for you, visit https://azureiam.com/ Large, employee-owned businesses simply have different cybersecurity or cloud storage needs than a traditional business. Azure IAM can build custom security infrastructure to defend your data from threats both internal and external. As a long-time Microsoft partner, the company is developing solutions using primarily Microsoft-based technologies. Azure IAM has access to a large toolkit of solutions which can in turn be accessed through the Azure Active Directory, an all-in-one control panel for all other implementations. Also included in their toolkit are a number of solutions designed for large workforces based around on-premise data storage, including the Authenticator app and verification protocols designed by Sailpoint. If your company is internally governed or employee-owned, Azure IAM can build solutions that automate the verification process through flexible MFA and permissions management systems. These systems are intended to ensure that your network governance remains unconsolidated while a high degree of security is maintained. The firm is constantly incorporating new strategies and technologies into their toolkit to keep up with modern cyber threats. However, they are also seeking to keep up with the latest industry trends regarding how businesses are run, and to reflect the large-scale adoption of cloud technology as a mainstay of most commercial operations. No matter the structure of your business or the needs of your enterprise, Azure IAM has you covered. They can build the systems that you will rely on as the marketplace continues to evolve, and will stay by your side as new solutions become available. Azure IAMa?s implementations are fully scalable and customizable, meaning they can accommodate more flexible data structures than the competition. By implementing the Azure Active Directory, the firm seeks to ensure that these ever-changing verification procedures can be tightly contained and controlled. Azure IAMa?s team is available now for consultations on custom verification systems. To read more about their cutting-edge implementations, visit https://azureiam.com/ Devin Grome had made a few trips into Ukraine since coming to work for European Initiative, an evangelical ministry, in 2018. On the morning of Feb. 24, 2022, he woke up to a raft of urgent messages about the Russian invasion.He heads the ministrys office in Budapest, Hungary, only 332 miles from the nearest Ukrainian city. Grome had a big problem to solve. One of his staff members had a team in Ukraine and was trying to evacuate, but wasnt allowed to cross several borders. Slovakia appeared to be the best location to cross, though it would have to be by foot.Grome enlisted a pastor in Budapest, who is from Slovakia, to help. I called a friend, got a van and got up there to pick them up. Wow, that was a day, Grome says.The 28-year-old has family in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. He grew up in Patriot, Ind., across the river from western Boone County. He attended Charis Bible College in Colorado. During a summer ministry trip to Europe, he found out about European Initiative and realized it offered a future.Grome runs the Budapest office with his wife, Jessica. They host summer mission teams from America, teach English in schools, and work with the Romani minority in Hungarian villages to help better their way of life. Grome describes his work as serving and just doing anything that we can to be an answer to peoples needs.That brings us to Feb. 25, 2022. We got together to just pray for Ukraine but didn't know what to do I just felt frustrated. You know, I felt we're so close, we could do something. And we're sitting in my apartment, and I don't have anything against prayer at all. I think it's great, but I'm like, you know, all of America's praying. Europe's praying. People that don't believe in God are praying. And I'm like, we're close enough to actually do something, he says from Budapest during a recent Zoom call.How can we be called Christians and not do something when our neighbors are in a crisis and in a time where they don't know what to do? And honestly, we don't either but there's something we can do, he says. Grome obtained the OK from his boss, Jeff Serio, based in Berlin.His team filled vans with food and drove them to Uzhhorod, Ukraine. The city had gone from fairly full to overwhelmed with people overnight. Stores emptied out quickly. Missionaries they knew were housing hundreds of refugees, but without enough beds. They had people sleeping on the floor, and theyre like, can you bring us blankets, sleeping bags? Literally anything, Grome recalls.Its a four-hour drive from Budapest to southwestern Ukraine. Wait times at the borders doubled that.We started going to Lviv as well. And our partners there were driving the aid that we were bringing further east to places like Kharkiv. Mostly young Ukrainians from Bible schools, they were driving into some pretty sketchy areas, dodging mortars being dropped on them as they were delivering aid, Grome says.Grome has made or supervised 150 trips. When we chatted last month, he was trying to figure out how to organize a relief van to the site of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It took a while to get permission, but he and his co-workers are now making trips to Turkey. European Initiative is an evangelistic ministry. Our hope is to spark a spiritual awakening in Europe by sharing the gospel that has changed our lives.The gospel is a choice. Its a decision. Its not something that we can force somebody to believe, and we would never want to do that. So, its always just about sharing in that personal conversation, connecting with people. Our hope really is just to further the gospel in Europe and for many to experience the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.Their work in Ukraine came from just having a heart for Ukraine and you know, you cant call yourself a Christian if you cant help people, he says. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission in Kazakhstan, Trend reports, citing the Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants (KNPP). The IAEA mission consists of three specialists, who will carry out fieldwork and gather the necessary data to make recommendations on the improvement of nuclear energy security, management, and the organization of work on the construction of a new nuclear power plant. Local specialists will also provide assistance to the IAEA mission. The INIR missions help countries assess the state of their national nuclear infrastructure and identify further development needs for a nuclear power plant project. The mission will cease its operation on 31 March. Earlier, it was revealed that Kazakhstan is working on the construction of a nuclear power plant. The government has already enlisted the services of foreign partners, including French company Electricite de France (EDF). As a part of the agreement, EDF will supply an EPR-1200 reactor. Written by Danny Brocklehurst (Brassic, Ordinary Lies) and produced by Eleven (Sex Education, Red Rose) first-look images have today been released of Michelle Keegan (Our Girl; Brassic) as Kate, Faye Marsay (Game Of Thrones; Black Mirror) as Annie and Warren Brown as Terry (The Responder; Luther) in upcoming drama Ten Pound Poms which is coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Stan in Australia.Images have also been released of Hattie Hook as Pattie, Finn Treacy as Peter, David Field as Dean, Sophie Gregg as Tina, Cheree Cassidy as Marlene and Rob Collins as Ron.The six-part series follows a group of Brits as they leave dreary post-war Britain in 1956 to embark on a life-altering adventure on the other side of the world. For only a tenner, they have been promised a better house, better job prospects and a better quality of life by the sea in sun-soaked Australia.But life down under isnt exactly the idyllic dream the new arrivals have been promised. Struggling with their new identity as immigrants, we follow their triumphs and pitfalls as they adapt to a new life in a new country, far from Britain and familiarity.At the heart of the drama are Annie (Faye Marsay) and Terry Roberts (Warren Brown). They try to make the best of the situation for their family, but the poor living conditions at the migrant hostel and local attitudes towards immigrants test them in ways they couldnt have imagined.They arent the only people at the hostel avoiding the truth. Kate (Michelle Keegan) is a young nurse who arrives without her fiance and will do whatever it takes to try and rewrite her devastating past. Bill (Leon Ford) has lost his family business back home and is so desperate to prove hes living the Australian dream that hell stop at nothing in order to get a lifestyle he cant sustain. Teenager Stevie (Declan Coyle) comes from a troubled background and hopes to use this new adventure to escape his oppressive father. Meanwhile, Ron (Rob Collins), an Indigenous Australian war veteran, struggles with feeling like an outsider in his own country.Produced by Eleven, Gaynor Holmes executive produces for the BBC and Amanda Duthie and Cailah Scobie for Stan with Joel Wilson, Olivia Trench and Jamie Campbell executive producing for Eleven. Joining Danny Brocklehurst on the writing team are Ryan Griffen, Smita Bhide and Ava Pickett. It is directed by Jamie Stone and Ana Kokkinos. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) will distribute the series worldwide.Filming took place in Australia last year and transmission details will be released in due course. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two men involved in Connecticut's cannabis scene are now branching out by also planning to grow the plant in Puerto Rico. Jason Ortiz, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and past president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, said he had been growing cannabis illegally in my home for many years and had considered applying for a cultivator license in Connecticut. I looked for money to try to get to be a cultivator, he said. But Ortiz said he "was unable to find a significant enough investment to do so. Luis Vega has been granted several licenses in the state. We have an adult-use cultivation license in Connecticut, he said, and will be opening two retail cannabis locations in the state. Another business partner, Wesley Jackson, is also part-owner of a dispensary in Middletown. Ortiz was born in New London, but his parents are Puerto Rican and he has family on the island. His sister was born here but raised in Puerto Rico, he said, and my grandma has been there for 50 years. That allowed him, under Puerto Rican law, to apply for a cannabis license. His sister owns 51 percent of the venture, called Top Flor. The name incorporates the Spanish word for flower, flor, which is also the term used for cannabis plant material. Recreational cannabis is not legal in Puerto Rico, but medical cannabis is. As in Connecticut, the law specifies that all cultivation must be indoors. We have a 13-acre plot that is on a hill, I would say thats couched in a bit of a residential community, he said. We'll have a translucent roof. That means that sunlight can come through the roof and reach the plants. It's a bit of a mixed-grow environment where you will have sun coming in, but also some lights as well. Vega, who owns Wepa! Farms, is working with Ortiz whose facility will both grow and process the cannabis. But he is also launching his own separate cultivation site elsewhere on the island. Jason and I have become friends over the last 10 years here in Connecticut based on cannabis and activism and everything else, Vega said. As that happened, it was, Hey, I'm going out to Puerto Rico to do some things, will you be out there? Hey, I'm gonna be out there, too. One introduction goes into another introduction, to another introduction, and now there's two people doing it. Vega credited a low-key meetup for their new plans. If I had not taken Jason up on the offer to have lunch in Puerto Rico, because we were both out there, I probably would not be in this position, he said. Ortiz said he found the process of applying for licenses relatively straightforward in Puerto Rico. Anybody can apply in Puerto Rico and there's no time limit. There's no limit to the number of operators that can exist, he said. His and Vegas operations should start growing cannabis in May, if everything goes as planned. They were granted preapproval, which enabled them to purchase land, insurance and equipment. The tone of the government is much more inviting and supportive than it is in Connecticut and most other places, where there's just so many different restrictions and folks are still treating it as a bad thing that needs to be controlled, rather than an opportunity, Ortiz said. In Puerto Rico, Vega said, cannabis operations are a little bit more straightforward, and a lower barrier to entry as well, where here in Connecticut, it's a little bit more formalized, Vega said. But we kind of see that in most industries in the Caribbean versus up here on the mainland. Ortiz, whose facility will also process cannabis for use in edible forms, said he plans to keep the offerings specific to Puerto Rican culture. by offering such items as cannabis-infused flan, for example. You give my grandma a brownie, she's like, all right, but it's not really something that she feels is part of her culture, he said. We're really trying to make sure that the products that we make are for a Spanish-speaking audience very specifically. Puerto Rico allows cannabis only for medical purposes, but it also offers reciprocity, meaning a U.S. resident with an active medical card could buy a cannabis product. Many of the larger companies market their cannabis to tourists. On the island, you'll see a lot of those same mainland brands, because it's focused on tourism. And where do most of the tourists come from? From the mainland, Vega said. So that marketing is carried over. But Ortiz and Vega plan instead to market their wares to the islands residents. Our target audience is really Puerto Ricans and Spanish-speaking folks across the country. Thats a sensibility Vega said he hopes will carry over to his cannabis businesses in Connecticut. He said cannabis marketing in the United States is not often targeted to minority communities. I believe that a lot of the products in this state are very commercialized and they don't hold true to the cannabis culture itself, he said. I'm a social equity applicant. So, hopefully, the social equity applicants are able to infuse some more of the culture here and that piggybacks off of what Jason is hoping to do in the island. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greeces center-right prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, called a May 21 general election Tuesday as his partys long-standing lead in opinion polls has declined in the aftermath of the countrys worst train disaster. A Feb. 28 collision between a passenger train and a freight train in northern Greece left 57 people dead. The disaster stirred public anger, cutting the conservative New Democracy party's support by a half-point to 4 points over its left-wing main rival, Syriza, according to opinion polls. The country and its citizens need clear skies our work continues more boldly and with fewer compromises, Mitsotakis said during a televised Cabinet meeting. Mitsotakis, 55, the son of the late former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, has remained popular throughout his four-year term, which was due to end in July. But more recently, his reputation has been dented by allegations of wiretapping by state security services, as well as the governments failure to protect rail network safety. The election he called is not considered early because it is within six months of the end of his mandate. Greece is moving to a proportional representation system that is likely to result in six parties with seats in parliament. The recent slide in the polls for the prime minister's party has made a coalition government more likely. But Mitsotakis insisted that New Democracy was seeking outright victory. Greek men and women, in the elections of May 21, will finally have a choice on whether the country will continue to seek and win the challenge of modernization, he said. The left-wing Syriza party said it would seek political partnerships but has ruled out forming a coalition with the conservatives. At Syriza, we will seek a government of cooperation, even if we have an outright victory. The country is facing huge challenges and needs the widest possible social consensus, Alexis Charitsis, a spokesman for the opposition party, told private Antenna television. ___ Find more AP coverage of Europe at https://apnews.com/hub/europe This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that he intends to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the conflict in Ukraine. It follows Putin's warnings that Moscow is ready to use all available means to fend off attacks on Russian territory, a reference to its nuclear arsenal. A look at Putins statement and its implications: HOW DID PUTIN EXPLAIN HIS MOVE? Putin said that President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has long urged Moscow to station its nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and was a staging ground for the invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Russia already has helped modernize Belarusian warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons something that Belarus' authoritarian leader has repeatedly mentioned. In remarks broadcast Saturday, Putin said the immediate trigger for the deployment of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was the U.K. government's decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium. Putin toned down his language after first falsely claiming that such rounds have nuclear components, but he insisted they pose an additional danger to the civilian population and could contaminate the environment. Putin also said that by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia will be doing what the United States has done for decades by putting its nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. He alleged the Russian move doesnt violate an international treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons, even though Moscow has argued before that Washington has breached the pact by deploying them on the territory of its NATO allies. Putins move contrasted with a statement that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued after their talks in the Kremlin last week, which spoke against nuclear powers deploying atomic weapons outside their territories, in an apparent jab at the U.S. WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities. Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasnt released their numbers or any other specifics related to them. The U.S. government believes Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, which include bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. While strategic nuclear weapons are fitted to land- or submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missiles that are constantly ready for launch, tactical nuclear weapons are stored at a few tightly guarded storage facilities in Russia, and it takes time to deliver them to combat units. Some Russian hawks long have urged the Kremlin to send a warning to the West by moving some tactical nuclear weapons closer to the aircraft and missiles intended to deliver them. WHAT EXACTLY WILL RUSSIA DO? Putin said that Russia already has helped upgrade 10 Belarusian aircraft to allow them to carry nuclear weapons and their crews will start training to use them from April 3. He noted Russia also has given Belarus the Iskander short-range missile systems that can be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads. He said the construction of storage facilities for nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1. He didnt say how many nuclear weapons will be stationed there or when they will be deployed. Putin emphasized that Russia will retain control over any nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus, just like the U.S. controls its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its NATO allies. If Moscow sends nuclear weapons to Belarus, it will mark their first deployment outside Russian borders since the early 1990s. Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan inherited massive nuclear arsenals after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but agreed to ship them to Russia in the following years. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES BEHIND PUTINS MOVE? With his latest statement, Putin again is dangling the nuclear threat to signal Moscows readiness to escalate the war in Ukraine. The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly if Moscow decides to use them. It would also extend Russias capability to target several NATO members in Eastern and Central Europe. The move comes as Kyiv is poised for a counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, warned last week that attempts by Ukraine to reclaim control over the Crimean Peninsula was a threat to the very existence of the Russian state, something that warrants a nuclear response under the countrys security doctrine. Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Every day of supplying Western weapons to Ukraine makes the nuclear apocalypse closer, Medvedev said. Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said that Putin's goal is to discourage Ukraines Western allies from providing Kyiv with more weapons before any counteroffensive. Putin is "using nuclear blackmail in a bid to influence the situation on the battlefield and force Western partners to reduce supplies of weapons and equipment under the threat of nuclear escalation, Zhdanov said. The Belarusian nuclear balcony will be looming over not only Ukraine, but Europe as well, creating a constant threat, raising tensions and rattling the nerves of Ukrainians and their Western partners. WHAT ARE UKRAINE AND THE WEST SAYING? Ukraine has responded to Putins move by calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. A U.N. spokesman referred questions on the issue to the Security Council, which had announced no meeting on it by Monday afternoon. The world must be united against someone who endangers the future of human civilization, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday that U.S. officials havent seen any movement of any tactical nuclear weapons or anything of that kind since Putin's announcement on Belarus. He has said Washington has seen nothing to prompt a change in its strategic deterrent posture. NATO rejects Putins claim that Russia only is doing what the U.S. has done for decades, saying that Western allies act with full respect for their international commitments. Russias nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said, adding that the alliance hasnt yet seen any change in Russias nuclear posture. Lithuania, which borders Belarus, described Putins statement as yet another attempt by two unpredictable dictatorial regimes to threaten their neighbors and the entire European continent, calling them desperate moves by Putin and Lukashenko to create another wave of tension and destabilization in Europe. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, visiting Romania, said at a news conference Tuesday that Moscow's decision to deploy the weapons "will certainly lead to additional sanctions being put on Belarus and the level of new sanctions will be much more painful. Belarus' Foreign Ministry rejected Western criticism, casting the deployment as a response to unprecedented Western pressure and arguing that the move wouldn't contradict the international agreements because Russia will retain control of them. The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Washington and its allies had ignored Russia's calls for the withdrawal of U.S. nuclear weapons from Europe. It reaffirmed Moscows right to take the necessary additional steps to ensure security of Russia and its allies." ___ Aamer Madhani in Washington, Stephen McGrath in Bucharest, Romania, and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine A bald eagle that was initially thought to have injured its wings died Monday night from a poison used on rats and mice that also is killing the wild creatures that eat the rodents, according to a raptor rehabilitator who was caring for the ailing eagle. "We lost the national symbol of freedom to rodenticide right here in Connecticut," said Christine Cummings, president of A Place Called Hope in Killingworth. "Tragic news and my heart is just broken, again." Cummings and other wildlife advocates have been pressing state lawmakers to ban the sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), but she said a bill before the General Assembly has been so watered down it would be pointless to pass in its latest form. The bill would restrict use of the pesticides to professional exterminators, but Cummings said they are now the primary users of the product. Cummings said she hopes for a stronger bill before the session ends. State Sen. Christine Cohen, a Democrat who introduced the bill, said SGARs "have a devastating and irreversible effect on our wildlife, and there are safer alternatives to pest management available. "While I am proud that this legislation is getting a much deserved conversation, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Hartford, animal rights advocates and environmentalists to protect Connecticut's delicate ecosystem," Cohen said. More than 150 people testified before the legislature's environment committee in favor of banning SGARs, with some exceptions to protect public health, Nicole Rivard, spokesperson for the international wildlife advocacy group, Friends of Animals, told the committee about the heartbreak of seeing poisoned birds and mammals twitching and dying in agony. "If owls, hawks, eagles, foxes, bobcats and other wildlife could be here," Rivard told the panel, "theyd say 'Stop poisoning our food with second-generation anticoagulant poisons. Well control the rodents.' Lori Brown, executive director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and Laura Simon, president of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, said there are many alternatives to pesticides, including blocking rodents from buildings and better garbage management. Pest management business owners and other opponents of a ban, however, say SGARs are essential to control disease-carrying rodents. The bill as initially written would prohibit the use "of the most effective and affordable means of preventing rat infestations," Anthony Giovanni, director of the Connecticut Pest Control Association, testified. "Rodents have been on the rise in Connecticut over the past five to 10 years, from mice or rats in a home that dribble urine and feces everywhere they roam, spreading germs and disease, as well as the local restaurants and manufacturing facilities," Heather Millette, of Millette Pest Control in Watertown, testified. SGARs, Millette said, are particularly crucial in poorer areas of the state where there are many abandoned buildings harboring rodents and residents cannot afford more expensive pest control solutions. Millette also noted the EPA is reviewing rodenticides and asked that Connecticut leaders "not get ahead of the science." The mature male eagle from New Hartford was the first of its species suspected of being sickened by anticoagulant rodenticide brought to A Place Called Hope, Cummings said. However, tests done on owls, hawks and other raptors that died at the center have shown the scope of the problem, she said. Of 43 birds tested so far, 36 had ingested one or or more ingredients in SGARs, she said. The bald eagle was spotted Saturday on the ground in New Hartford before it flew into a tree and became snared in branches. State environmental control police freed the bird and bought it to the Killingworth center, reporting initially that the bird had hurt its wings. But Cummings said poisoning made the bird clumsy and confused, which is why passersby found it acting "drunk" on the ground and why it miscalculated when flying into the tree. Excessive bleeding under the eagle's skin showed it had eaten poisoned prey and may have shared the toxic kill with its family, Cummings said. On Monday afternoon, before the eagle died, state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesperson Paul Copleman said the agency was "monitoring the situation and consulting with the wildlife rehabber. We are still evaluating possibilities with regards to illnesses and cant make any conclusions based on the evidence at this time." The eagle was more than seven years old but was not banded, Cummings said, so it's not clear whether it was a Connecticut native. Bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in the state after widespread poisoning from DDT and are now nesting in a third of Connecticut's 169 municipalities. But Cummings and other wildlife advocates say the anticoagulant poisons pose a long-term danger to eagles and other birds and mammals. First-generation anticoagulants, which are sold in stores and marketed to the general public, are not as effective or dangerous to wildlife as the second-generation type. The EPA restricts sales of SGARs to bulk purchases, but the products are easily available and not prohibitively expensive. An 18-pound bucket of Conrac Blox Rodent Control, for example, was listed Monday on Amazon for $109.99. The pesticides are widely used, as shown by tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts. A 2020 study by veterinary scientist Maureen Murray at Tufts University found chemicals from second-generation anticoagulants in all 43 red-tailed hawks tested. The birds had been admitted to the university's wildlife clinic but did not survive. Rats and mice that ingest anti-coagulants do not die immediately, but they become easy prey for birds and mammals. Cummings has been testing sick raptors for more than a year. In almost all cases, the birds did not appear to suffer from any other injuries, she said. Poisoned birds try to remain stoic and show no signs of illness so they don't become prey to other animals, Cummings said, but inevitably the toxins overwhelm them. In 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting most uses of the pesticides, which state environmentalists said were known to poison mountain lions and other wildlife. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BENGALURU, India (AP) When the bidders for India's multibillion-dollar incentive to make solar components were announced in early March, the absence of corporate behemoth Adani Group was conspicuous. The group which set up a gigantic factory to make solar equipment in 2016, more than tripled its capacity to make solar panels since 2017 and have begun making silicon materials needed to convert the sun rays to electricity was expected to bid in a large way, said Chiranjeev Saluja, the managing director of Premier Energies, an Indian solar components manufacturer. The absence is another indication of the holding pattern the group has been in since U.S. short-selling firm Hindenburg Research alleged in late January that the businesses had engaged in fraud and stock price manipulation. Spooked investors dumped tens of billions of dollars in shares, while the company's purported proximity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated politics in past weeks. The group has a considerable stake in India's clean energy future: Adanis renewable energy ambitions account for 10% of the countrys clean energy goals. But some analysts say the group's woes wont hurt Indias energy transition, especially in the medium and long term. And with a big government-favored player like Adani forced to scale down, companies that were reluctant to bid for clean energy projects in India are likely to step up now, leading to a more competitive market and bigger investments in green energy in India, market watchers say. The Adani Group, led by founder Gautam Adani, influences the lives of millions in India. It builds roads and runs airports, operates some of its biggest ports, makes defense equipment, and sells cooking oil. More recently, the tycoon who made his fortune betting on coal in an energy-starved nation in the 1990s and remains the largest private developer of new fossil fuel projects in India, had set his eyes on becoming its biggest renewable energy player by 2030. The group has a clean energy portfolio of over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy, including 10 gigawatts of solar power, accounting for about 5% of clean energy nationwide. Its renewable energy portfolio is spread across 12 Indian states and includes one of the worlds largest solar power plants in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Last September, Gautam Adani said the group would invest $70 billion in clean energy projects by 2032. What appears to have changed, at least in the short term, is the group's ability to raise funds for its ambitious expansion plans. Adani is still working on existing renewables projects but not those in the pipeline. Frances TotalEnergies paused a $4 billion investment plan to develop green hydrogen with the Adani Group. It's also not bid for any new projects since the Hindenburg report. But India's power minister R. K. Singh dismissed concerns in February that the stock for Adani's green companies along with the rest of his portfolio plummeting could affect the country's green ambitions in any way. Vinay Rustagi, managing director at the renewable energy consultancy Bridge to India, agrees that long-term effects will be minimal, but said there may be short-term hits. And there may be benefits to opening space for other companies, said Tim Buckley, director of Australia-based Climate Energy Finance who has been tracking the Adani Groups growth for decades. Buckley said there are other Indian companies interested in investing in renewable energy and now there could be an acceleration of Indias transition to cleaner energy. India is the largest emitter of planet-warming gases behind China, the U.S. and the EU, and aims to produce 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. That would require that a little more than half of India's total installed capacity be clean by the end of the decade. But Adani Group's continuing interest in new fossil fuel projects put the Indian government under pressure to deliver a fossil fuel agenda and less pressure to deliver on renewables, said Buckley. At the end of the day, its about removing the biggest single private developer of new fossil fuel projects in India, reducing their impact on the political system and democracy in India, he said. The company has consistently aligned itself with Indias national priorities and was an early mover into sectors like hydrogen or storing power that were important for the government. Since the report, Indias opposition parties have demanded a probe into the company and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis proximity to Gautam Adani. Outside of the Adani Group, major Indian clean energy companies like Renew power, Tata power, Greenko energy holdings and the government-funded National Thermal Power Corporation are aggressively increasing their renewable energy capacity. Analysts say Indias renewables market is also attractive for foreign investors given the enormous potential for fast growth. The country needs to build 35 to 40 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year to meet its 2030 targets. With so many players keen to invest in India, Rustagi said any ripple effects of the Adani ordeal on the sector will likely be temporary. ___ Ghosal reported from New Delhi, India. ___ Follow Sibi Arasu on Twitter at @sibi123 and Aniruddha Ghosal at @aniruddhg1 ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. In the midst of simultaneous efforts to add new restrictions to both state and federal gun laws, several Connecticut politicians on Tuesday invoked the deadly results of the nations latest mass shooting at an elementary school in Nashville. The shooting the 38th massacre to take place in America this month claimed the lives of three adults and three children at the private, religious Covenant School, according to news reports. The suspected shooter was killed by police. What the heck is going on? Gov. Ned Lamont said during an appearance Tuesday morning on WNPR. I dont remember this growing up, these types of shootings in schools, targeting the most vulnerable, targeting 9 year olds. Lamont, a Democrat, responded to a question from the host, Catherine Shen, about what can be done to prevent future massacres by pointing to his own broad set of proposals to address gun violence, including prohibiting open carry, cracking down on unregistered ghost guns and eliminating loopholes in the states decades-old ban on military style weapons. State lawmakers were set to take up consideration of Lamonts legislation under an agenda that was set before the shooting in Tennessee. The governor also referenced money the state has made available to school districts to enhance security. Surveillance footage released by police on Tuesday shows the assailant shooting their way into the building through glass doors. Its up to each school how much they want to take advantage of this, but you probably want to limit the entry and egress to one or two spots in the school, Lamont said. One of the chairmen of the Judiciary Committee that was considering Lamonts proposals on Tuesday, state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, began the debate by referring to the shooting in Nashville. We dont need to go back any further than yesterday to see that gun violence continues to be a scourge in our nation, Stafstrom said. Republicans on the committee continued to claim that any new restrictions on gun ownership in Connecticut would be ineffective in solving the scourge of gun violence as they fought to amend or block the governors proposals. "The correct answer by the way, if one of us was asked about that tragedy yesterday or even today is that we should wait until we have all of the facts before we start jumping to conclusions and spouting off about quote-unquote assault weapons," said state Sen. Rob Sampson, R- Wolcott. Supporters of tougher restrictions have credited Connecticut's existing gun laws passed in the wake of the Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 with giving the state one of the lowest overall rates of gun deaths in the country. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., both of the states U.S. senators, Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, spoke out about the shooting and their latest effort to tackle gun violence at the federal level through legislation to create a national Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This day is one of unspeakable tragedy, again, Blumenthal said in a recorded video. Like many people in Connecticut, my heart sank as I thought back to Sandy Hook. Murphy led last years effort to enact the first federal gun violence restrictions in nearly three decades following the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. During an appearance on CNN on Monday night, he rebuffed Republican suggestions that the law was the furthest Congress would be willing to go to tackle gun violence. While conceding that Democrats likely lacked the support needed for policies such as a restored ban on military-style weapons, he said that common ground could still be found on some less far-reaching measures. I do think there are some things that could get support, like shouldnt you have some training on one of these weapons before youre able to pick it up and bring it out into public? Murphy said. A symbolic resolution that would acknowledge the persecution and murders of Connecticut residents mostly women tried as witches during the Colonial era, has resulted in some minority Republicans doubling down on their skepticism and opposition to the legislation. One member of the law-writing legislative Judiciary Committee stressed that there still needs to be evidence of their innocence, while another, the top minority member of the panel, said the legislation is better left to Great Britain, because Connecticut did not become a state until after the American Revolution, more than 100 years after the prosecution and execution of 11 people, including two men. Victims of the witchcraft persecutions, which occurred between 1647 and 1663, included Alice Young, Mary Johnson, John and Joan Carrington, Goodwife Bassett, Goodwife Knapp, Lydia Gilbert, Mary Sanford, Nathaniel and Rebecca Greensmith, Mary Barnes. Another alleged witchcraft practitioner, Elizabeth Seager, was convicted and reprieved in 1665. The bill, which would proclaim the exoneration "of all alleged crimes" and acknowledge their innocence, passed Monday afternoon 28-9 and next moves to the House of Representatives. Supporters included veteran Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, who grew up in Windsor, where Alice Young was the first to be tried and killed for witchcraft. "I think I'm sort of doing a service by voting yes today," Kissel said. "It's my way of sort of saying to the spirits that you can rest a little easier now. I think that it's a tragic chapter in our history." Opponents included Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, a top GOP member of the panel; state Rep. Doug Dubitsky of Chaplin; Rep. Tom O'Dea of New Canaan; and Rep. Patrick Callahan of New Fairfield. "What's before us is procedurally improper," said Fishbein, a lawyer. "When one asks for an apology, one asks the individual who did them harm. Here, this resolution before us, says the state of Connecticut apologizes. The state of Connecticut actually had nothing to do with this. So, if anything, the individuals, we were Great Britain. We were a colony at the time of this. If you really wanted to do something, you'd go to Great Britain and ask to apologize. It's like someone stealing a car and asking the neighbor to apologize, who had nothing to do with it." Douglas Grundy/Getty Images Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media Similar efforts to symbolically exonerate the victims of the persecution campaigns, led by such famous figures as Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather and Roger Ludlow, have been filed in the General Assembly since 2012. "The resolution doesn't say what they were convicted of, which is very suspect in itself," said Fishbein. "When you look into it, they weren't all convicted of witchcraft. There's a portion that has to do with individuals allegedly may have been charged with that, among other things, and were exonerated. It's a nice gesture, sort of like a Valentine's card." "This bill is in the wrong place and asking for the wrong type of relief," said Dubitsky, referring to public criticism he received after opposing the resolution during a recent public hearing in which he asked if there was any evidence of the victims' innocence. "By asking that question, I was then the subject of probably a dozen or more newspaper articles across the country, from San Francisco and Texas, to several in Connecticut, all with the same sort of baseline that I was a rube because I thought that witchcraft was real and therefore I needed some evidence that these people were not witches." Dubitsky said that when asked to exonerate people, state lawmakers take judicial roles. "My understanding is that many of these people were not accused of actual witchcraft," he said. "They were accused of things such as murder, consortium with the devil and other crimes that did not include the actual crime of witchcraft. Without that evidence, how do we know what we are exonerating these people of? Do people believe there is no devil anymore? Well people who believe in God typically believe there is a devil. Is it no longer a crime to consort with the devil? Well, I guess it's no longer a crime in Connecticut to do that, but does that mean that it wasn't a crime back then?" "What it is, is an expression of sympathy," said State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the committee, agreeing that the convictions came during the ruling period of Great Britain and the Colony of New Haven. "And an acknowledgement of the trauma that was inflicted on certain people who lived within the territorial limits what are now Connecticut. "It's an expression of sympathy toward the descendents of those individuals, some of whom continue to live in Connecticut and came and testified before this committee," Stafstrom continued. "It's an acknowledgement of mob mentality, folks who were punished for non-conformity. Folks who were the victim of misogyny, who were ridiculed for adultery and generally have been victimized as a result of conduct that in large measure would not be considered criminal in today's state of Connecticut." B ank of England governor Andrew Bailey said HSBC was effectively the only bidder remaining for failed lender Silicon Valley Banks UK arm once the sale process got fully underway. The Bank boss faced questions from the Treasury Committee today after tech-focused Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in the US earlier this month, which then led to the collapse of its UK arm. In my past 30 years, talking about the parent bank in the US to start with, Silicon Valley Bank saw the fastest passage from health to death really since Barings, Bailey said. That was a Friday to Sunday thing and this was pretty similar. Bailey was asked about the number of bids that were on the table for Silicon Valley Banks UK arm before HSBC ultimately acquired it for 1. The Bank of London publicly announced an interest in a rescue deal, while the Treasury also looked into deals with other banks such as Barclays. However, defending the 1 purchase price, the governor said that once the actual selling process got underway, HSBC had the only viable bid. Other prospective bidders, he said, either never submitted a firm offer or attached terms and conditions that the Bank couldnt agree to. By the end of that process, into the earlier evening on Sunday, maybe seven or eight oclock, we really only had one and that was HSBC, Bailey said. When asked why the Bank said it was set to place SVB UK into insolvency first before later announcing a sale, Bailey added that he only became sure a sale could occur at the very last minute. We could not guarantee that a sale would take place until about 4am going into Monday, he said. Bailey also sought to calm fears about the banking sector in general. I do not think we are in the period we were in 2008, he said, though he also warned that the banking sector still faced heightened tension. My very strong view about the UK banking system is that it is in a strong position both capital and liquidity-wise, it is not showing signs of problems in that respect and we have tested very extensively, he said. T HE number of female bosses in the FTSE 100 is soon to hit double figures for the first time. Today Diageo said Sir Ivan Menezes will stand down as CEO after a decade at the helm of the drinks giant behind Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys and Johnnie Walker. He will be replaced on July 1 by his chief operating officer Debra Crew, a graduate of the University of Denver, who holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and who served as an officer in the United States Army. Crew has previously worked at Kraft Foods, Mars and Pepsi. She said: Diageo in a very strong position for future growth and I look forward to working with our teams around the world to capture the opportunities ahead. When she takes over she will be the 10th FTSE 100 female boss. The other nine are Milena Mondini-de-Focatiis of the Admiral Group, Amanda Blanc of Aviva, Alison Rose of NatWest Group, Anne Farlow of Pershing Square Holdings, Liv Garfield of Severn Trent, Emma Walmsley of GlaxoSmithKline, Linda Cook of Harbour Energy. Jennie Daly of Taylor Wimpeys Jennie Daly and Jette Nygaard-Andersen, boss of Ladbrokes owner Entain. Pressure groups to increase the number of women at the top say that while progress has been made, more work is to be done. They also note that a large portion of female bosses come from finance backgrounds, suggesting it is easier for them to get promoted in the City than in the wider commercial world. Menezes is a popular and well regarded boss in the City. Diageo shares are up 43% in the last five years today they slipped 20p to 3565p, which values the business at 80 billion. He was paid 8 million last year. Diageo chairman Javier Ferran said: "The Board is enormously grateful for Ivans contribution over the past decade. Under his stewardship, Diageo has consistently delivered a truly impressive performance to become one of the most respected businesses in the world. Ivan has transformed Diageos global footprint, brand portfolio and strategic focus, positioning our business as a clear leader in premium drinks. Menezes said he is delighted to be handing over to Crew. C lothing giant Next has bought the brand, website and intellectual property of Cath Kidston after it was placed in administration, but it will close the remainder of the vintage-themed homeware companys shops. Administrators Zelf Hussain and Rachael Wilkinson of PWC arranged the sale of the homewares and lifestyle brand, which is known for its floral designs. Hussain said the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis were both major challenges for Cath Kidston to navigate. Cath Kidston is a well loved lifestyle brand founded in 1993 and I am pleased to say that it has been bought by Next who will make sure it continues to flower under their ownership, he said. The company has over recent years navigated through incredibly challenging market conditions including the pandemic restrictions, and most recently the decline in consumer spending driven by cost of living pressures and rising costs. While Next will buy the brand, the remaining Cath Kidston stores will close after they sell any remaining stock, meaning some of its 125 staff will be made redundant. Cath Kidston has shops in London, Ashford, Cheshire Oaks and York. In the short term its four stores will continue to remain open whilst operations are wound down. Sadly, there will be redundancies during this period of wind down and we will continue to support the staff throughout this period. W illiam Hill will pay a record 19.2 million penalty for widespread and alarming social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures, as the Gambling Commission said it seriously considered suspending the betting firms licence. The settlement is the largest in the Gambling Commissions history, overtaking a 17.1 million payment made by Entain last year. The watchdog said it gave serious consideration to the prospect of suspending William Hills licence before settling for a financial penalty instead. The payment comes as the Government prepares to release a white paper on gambling reform, which has been repeatedly pushed back. Since the start of 2022, while the white paper was delayed, the Gambling Commission has handed out 26 fines or penalties worth a combined 76 million. Each of the UKs top listed operators has had to pay a penalty since the Government review began. The penalty is split into three payments. William Hills online business will pay 12.5 million. Sub-brand Mr Green - which boasts of having won eight different industry safer gambling awards and said it put safer gambling at the forefront of all our marketing activities - will pay 3.7 million. The firms retail arm, which runs 1,344 betting shops, will pay 3 million. All three businesses are owned by 888 Holdings, which paid 1.95 billion to acquire William Hills non-US business last year. The price had initially been 2.2 billion, but was negotiated down because of the impending penalty. At the time, the company put aside 15 million to cover the eventual penalty. Matt Zarb-Cousin, reform campaigner and director of gambling blocking software company Gamban, said fines are often treated as the cost of doing business rather than prompting change. People are fed up of seeing these failures time and again: in a cycle of fines getting paid as a cost of doing business and then the harm continuing, he said. This sector makes the vast majority of its profit from people addicted or at-risk, it cannot be trusted to self regulate. Stronger affordability rules and sanctions are needed in the forthcoming gambling White Paper to prevent these harms occurring. Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes said: When we launched this investigation the failings we uncovered were so widespread and alarming serious consideration was given to licence suspension. However, because the operator immediately recognised their failings and worked with us to swiftly implement improvements, we instead opted for the largest enforcement payment in our history. William Hill allowed one customer to open a new account and spend 23,000 in 20 minutes. Another set up their account and spent 18,000 in 24 hours, while a third spent 32,500 over two days all without any checks. Ineffective controls allowed 331 customers to gamble with William Hill Online despite having self-excluded with Mr Green. Anti-money laundering (AML) failures included allowing customers to deposit large amounts without conducting appropriate checks. One customer was able to spend and lose 70,134 in a month, another to lose 38,000 in five weeks and another to lose 36,000 in four days. A spokesperson for William Hill owner 888 pointed out that the failings had happened under previous ownership. The settlement relates to the period when William Hill was under the previous ownership and management, a spokesperson said. After William Hill was acquired, the company quickly addressed the identified issues with the implementation of a rigorous action plan. The entire group shares the Gambling Commissions commitment to improve compliance standards across the industry and we will continue to work collaboratively with the regulator and other stakeholders to achieve this. D EAR friends in the capital, I bring news from the frozen north: the Union is safe. The decision of SNP members to elect Humza Yousaf as their new leader is a blow to the Scottish independence movement. After eight and a half years of Nicola Sturgeon the SNP is now under the stewardship of a man with a net approval rating among voters of a pitiful -20 per cent. And let me tell you, hes put the work in to achieve that. Yousaf will become First Minister during a special meeting at Holyrood today. This will be his reward for a ministerial career littered with screw-ups. Here is a man who, while Transport Minister, was fined for driving without insurance; a man who, after being promoted to Justice Secretary, introduced a Hate Crime Bill that had to be completely rewritten after it stood to criminalise people for using offensive language in the privacy of their own homes; a man who, in his most recent role of Health Secretary, has presided over record waiting times and a staffing crisis that has stretched the service to breaking point. When Sturgeon announced her resignation last month, she was clear that she had become too divisive a figure to win new support for the independence movement. Yousaf doesnt merely inherit a divided nation, he inherits a freshly divided party. His victory over Kate Forbes, by 52-48, reveals that the SNP, for two decades renowned for its remarkable discipline, is split. Yousaf, the continuity candidate who played up his progressive credentials, may have won the contest but almost half of the 50,000 SNP members who voted preferred Forbes, a socially conservative member of the Free Church of Scotland who, early in her campaign, revealed that she would have voted against legalising gay marriage. It is, no doubt, an important milestone that Scotlands sixth First Minister is from a minority ethnic background. He is also the second Muslim after Scottish Labours Anas Sarwar to take leadership of a party at Holyrood. But with his poor approval ratings and his unenviable track record in government, he is unlikely to provide the SNP with the surge of support it needs if it is to make independence the preferred option for a majority of Scots. Review at a glance T heres a scene in the 1961 Disney version of 101 Dalmatians where people and their dogs (or dogs and their people) are on promenade: the joke is that both parties are strikingly similar. Do people become like their dogs, or choose dogs that look like them? That idea of the dog as a projection of the owner comes across in this charming little exhibition at the Wallace Collection. Lord Byrons Lyon, who he maintained was half wolf and once tried to eat him, is here, looking uncompromisingly independent, if too red to be wolfish. George Stubbs painting of Lady Archers Maltese Terrier, shows a creature with heavily plumed tail and a remarkable hairdo, not wholly unlike the lady herself. The feathery-haired collie in Gainsboroughs depiction of his dogs, Tristram and Fox, is markedly intelligent looking. Lucian Freuds Pluto, grey and lean, is, Id say, a canine version of Freud. You get the picture: dogs are no random accessory, but an expression of their owner. Thus animal portraiture can be psychologically insightful, an extension of human portraiture. Some of the greatest artists turned their hand to dogs: often their own. Dog Painting 41 by David Hockney, 1995 / Richard Schmidt Theres a lovely study here by Leonardo of a dogs paw. Stubbs, it turns out, did terrific dogs as well as horses: the selection includes a very fine foxhound. The artists are not all British, but its fair to say the exhibition fits here. As it happens, the most popular postcard in the Wallace giftshop is on show: Rosa Bonheurs Brizo, a rough-haired benign otterhound. At the outset, theres a striking sculpture of two greyhounds from the second century AD: one nibbling the ear of the other. This, then, is a show that spans the centuries, though much of it is Victorian. The one criterion for exhibits is that they should be simply dogs and from British collections; no humans. But that includes a stuffed Pekingese, Ah Cum, the original creature smuggled out of China to become the progenitor of British Pekingese. Hes shorter haired, less fluffy and more solid than the current lot. Its in the section on The Allegorical Dog that we find the dumb chums pressed into the service of allegory and story, and you may not be surprised to find that theyre all by Landseer, who indeed crops up quite a bit elsewhere. A depiction of a human story using dogs makes a point effectively, like those satirical medieval manuscript depictions of animals doing human things. Theres a dog version of the encounter of Alexander and Diogenes, with a sneery looking bull terrier as Alexander; and a remarkable painting titled Uncle Tom, which shows two pugs chained together, the female looking up beseechingly at the defiant male; hanging up nearby, theres an ominous whip. Landseer doesnt so much tug at the heartstrings as yank them from their moorings. Doubtful Crumbs by Edwin Landseer, 1858-1859 / The Trustees of The Wallace Collection Elsewhere we find Royal Dogs and some unexpectedly good sketches by Victoria and Albert of their dogs, and the tradition carries on to our own day. Theres an entire room given over to David Hockney, with six pictures of his dachshunds Stanley and Boodgie, and a video of him trying to draw them. And then theres Freuds whippet Pluto and, alas, a painting of Plutos grave. The poster for the exhibition features a formidable poodle by Jean-Jacques Bachelier, ostensibly sitting up to beg, but with his pink bow, dignified bearing and highly stylised top knot, plainly in charge of the situation. Its a captivating image for a very jolly show. Wallace Collection. from March 29 to October 15; wallacecollection.org P olice are trying to trace a woman after another woman, in her 20s, suffered a head injury in an altercation outside a bar in south-east London. Paramedics and police officers were called to the scene in Broadway, Bexleyheath, around 11.15pm on December 16. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to her head injury. Police investigating the assault on Tuesday released CCTV footage of a woman they would like to identify as part of their investigation. Detective Constable Georgia Fair of the South East Command Unit said: I am appealing to anyone who recognises the woman shown in this footage to get in contact. I am also appealing to anyone who was in the area around the Broadway, Bexleyheath on the night of the 16 December and witnessed this incident to get in touch. There have been no arrests and police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7508/16Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. T he Duke of Sussex says Britain is doomed if his High Court privacy battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail is blocked. Harry was at court on Tuesday for the second day of a preliminary hearing in his claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The duke is part of a group - along with Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Simon Hughes and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley - bringing claims over allegations ANL carried out or commissioned illegal or unlawful information-gathering. Prince Harry arriving at court on Tuesday / AFP via Getty Images The allegations - which are denied - include the hiring of private investigators to place listening devices inside cars and the accessing and recording of private phone conversations. In his witness statement, Harry says he is determined to pursue the legal claim to hold Associated accountable, for everyones sake. Addressing ANLs attempt to block legal action, Harry wrote: If the Defendant, the owner of various national newspapers, including The Daily Mail which, by its own definition, is the most influential and popular newspaper in the UK, can evade justice without there being a trial of my claims then what does that say about the industry as a whole and the consequences for our great country. Unfair is not a big enough word to describe the fact that Associated is trying at this early stage to prevent me from bringing my claim. I do not see why Associated should get away with something they have covered up and lied about for however many years. He argued that he had been unaware of the possibility of legal action until recently, and had relied on as truthful declarations to the Leveson Inquiry by ANL executives that unlawful activity had not taken place. There is obviously a personal element to bringing this claim but it is not just about me, added the Duke. There is also a social element as, if the most influential newspaper company can successfully evade justice, then in my opinion the whole country is doomed. I am bringing this claim because I love my country and I remain deeply concerned by the unchecked power, influence and criminality of Associated. The evidence I have seen shows that Associateds journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us. The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it. Lawyers for ANL, which is also the publisher of The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, said the allegations are "firmly" denied and that the "stale" claims have been brought too late as it made a bid to throw out the cases. The Duke, Sir Elton, Mr Furnish, Baroness Lawrence and Ms Frost all attended at least part of the start of a four-day hearing on Monday. Harry and Baroness Lawrence returned for the second day. ANL is making a bid to have the claims dismissed without a trial. The Duke of Sussex has returned to the Royal Courts of Justice for the second day of a High Court hearing / PA Adrian Beltrami KC, for the publisher, argued in written submissions the legal actions have been brought too late and that the cases were "largely inferential". The barrister has also said that unless lawyers for the people bringing the claim make an application, some aspects of the cases should be thrown out as they breach orders made by Lord Justice Leveson as part of the inquiry bearing his name into press standards. Baroness Lawrence has told the court she feels anger, shock and upset at allegedly being targeted by the Daily Mail, a publication which campaigned strongly for justice for her murdered son Stephen. The newspaper ran a famous front page story identifying five people they said were responsible for the racist murder of the 18-year-old in 1993. But Lady Lawrence said she now fears her decision to work with the Mail may have caused her to have delayed or have failed her murdered son. She asks herself whether more individuals could have been arrested, whether earlier investigations might have been more successful, and whether she could have got justice, according to a statement to the High Court. Baroness Lawrence, who arrvied to listen to court proceedings on Tuesday at just after midday, has identified the familys contact with the Metropolitan Police and sensitive and confidential information in the murder investigation which may have been the target of unlawful newsgathering. She finds it hard to believe the level of duplicity and manipulation that was clearly at play, knowing now as she does that the Daily Mails outward support for her fight to bring Stephens killers to justice was hollow, and worse, entirely false, her statement continues. (She) now sees that the Daily Mailstrue interests were about self-promotion and using her and her sons murder as a means to generate exclusive headlines, sell newspapers, and to profit. Prince Harry says he lost friends and was consumed by suspicion and paranoia as he struggled to understand where stories about his life had come from. Accusing ANL of phone hacking, bugging calls, and blagging confidential information, Harry says he was shocked and appalled to learn of unlawful activities. The claimants have identified a series of private investigators allegedly commissioned by the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, including Gavin Burrows. It is said Mr Burrows was asked to target a number of high-profile individuals such as Hugh Grant, Carole Middleton (for private information about Prince William and her daughter, Kate), Elizabeth Hurley, Ken Livingstone (whilst Mayor of London) Peter Mandelson (the Labour peer and former Secretary of State), Brian Paddick (former Deputy Assistant MPS Commissioner) and Simon Bates (the former BBC Radio 1 DJ). The court has been told Mr Burrows allegedly received cash payments from the Mail on Sunday at a drop-off point in Regents Street, and carried out activities including landline tapping and vehicle bugging. But in a statement issued last night, after the first day of court hearings, ANL said Mr Burrows has denied their allegations that he acted illegally against them on behalf of the Daily Mail or Mail on Sunday. It added: Associated Newspapers, which owns the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, vigorously denies all the claims against it. In her statement, Hurley said she was shocked and mortified when she discovered what happened allegedly happened. The prospect of strangers listening into her live telephone calls and bugging her private property was a particularly grotesque thought that she had never considered possible, the statement said. To have it confirmed, and that this took place in relation to her inner circle too, made her feel violated and horrified at the idea of all her innermost thoughts and feelings that were surreptitiously accessed and rifled through by faceless strangers in Associateds newsrooms. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to finish on Thursday with a decision expected at a later date. T he alleged killer of a Metropolitan Police Sergeant who was shot dead at a south London custody centre appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. Louis De Zoysa, 25, is accused of shooting Matt Ratana in the chest while handcuffed during a search at a police station in Croydon in the early hours of September 25, 2020. At a hearing in front of Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, De Zoysa used a red pen and a piece of card to identify himself to the court, appearing on a video link from a secure hospital. He wrote down his full name and date of birth before holding it up to the screen. The defendant was in a wheelchair, and wore a fawn-coloured turtleneck sweater for the hearing with his right arm in a blue sling. He did not say anything, and was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murder, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. De Zoysa is due to stand trial on June 6 at Northampton crown court, and was ordered to return to court for further hearings on April 24 and 25. Sergeant Matt Ratana / PA Wire He is accused of discharging four bullets in a holding cell at Croydon Custody Centre after he was arrested in the street in Norwood. The first bullet struck 54-year-old Sgt Ratana in the chest, causing a fatal wound, while he was also hit in the leg. De Zoysa himself was also shot in the incident. Sgt Ratana was taken to St Georges Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, while De Zoysa survived after he was treated by officers and London Ambulance staff. The defendant, from Norbury and who had been staying in Banstead at the time, remains in custody. A driver is fighting for life in hospital after a horror collision with a lorry on the M25 close to Heathrow Airport. Emergency services rushed to the collision on junction 14 just before midnight on Monday to cut the man out of the wreckage. He was treated for serious head and chest injuries by paramedics. Images from the scene appear to show the mangled front of a silver car after it smashed into the rear of a truck as the busy orbital road splits into the M40. A Met spokesman said: Police and LAS were called to the M25 at junction 14 following reports of a collision involving an HGV and a car. The driver of the car was taken to hospital where he remains. His injuries have been assessed as life threatening. A London Ambulance spokesman said: We treated a patient at the scene for head and chest injuries and took him to a major trauma centre as a priority. A London Fire Brigade spokesman added: A car and a lorry were involved. One person who was trapped was released by fire crews and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews. The Brigade was called at 12.01am and the incident was over for firefighters by 12.35am. Fire engines from Heathrow and Hayes fire stations and a fire and rescue unit from Heston Fire Station attended the scene. Road closures are in place in the clockwise lanes and, as of 8am, there was a mile of congestion approaching Junction 14. Drivers are being encouraged to avoid the area and allow for extra travel time this morning. A Highways England spokesman said: Metropolitan Police and National Highways Traffic Officers remain on scene. London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service attended. The police are conducting accident investigation work with more tailbacks expected on the A30, A308, A4 and M4. A mother has spoken of her anguish after her 21-year-old daughter died when an e-bike battery burst into flames at her London flat, blocking her escape. Former model Sofia Duarte lost her life when the blaze broke out in the entrance hall of her home on Old Kent Road, South Bermondsey, in the afternoon of New Years Day. Her mother has now told of her grief, saying: It feels like a nightmare and I cant wake up. Fire investigators believe the flat fire was sparked by a bicycle that had been converted into an e-bike. Its lithium battery pack it thought to have failed catastrophically, bursting into flames in the entrance to the property and preventing Miss Duarte from getting out. Footage captured at the scene showed two fireballs exploding from a third-floor window as passers-by screamed for help below and tried to smash down the front door. Fire investigators found a modified bike at the scene / London Fire Brigade Miss Duartes mother, Maria Frasquilho Macarro, says her world fell apart the moment she learned her only daughter had died. Sofia loved life, she loved to party and she enjoyed her job working behind the bar at a nightclub, she said. Now all I have left is my daughters ashes. Sofia meant the world to me and my family. I dont know how to live without her. It feels like a nightmare and I cant wake up. Ms Macarro, who is originally from Portugal and brought up her daughter in west London, is now warning people to take care with e-bikes and e-scooters, and to never block fire escape routes. I really want to make sure [Sofias] death is not in vain, she said. If I can raise awareness about the dangers of e-bikes and lithium batteries then there will be a positive in this. If we can save someone elses life, I will take great comfort in that because at the moment I am hurting - I dont want others to suffer as much as I have done. Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters are on the rise in the capital. So far this year London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been called to one such fire once every two days on average a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period as last year. The brigade has now launched a #ChargeSafe campaign, to inform people about the dangers of charging, storing and modifying the vehicles and their batteries. Conversion kits allow people to add an electric motor to their bikes, but not all of them are sold with a battery. LFB warns that some batteries such as cheaper ones purchased from online sources dont necessarily adhere to UK safety regulations, and are more likely to fail and cause fires. LFBs Deputy Commissioner, Dom Ellis, said: Sofias death is a tragedy, and our condolences are with her family and friends, he said. We are working hard to prevent these types of incidents in the future. E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in London and the risk of significant fires is rising too. We want people to travel safely and be aware of the risks that the batteries present as part of our #ChargeSafe campaign. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following our #ChargeSafe tips and by using our Home Fire Safety Checker. Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. The only way to be sure of a legal, safe and reliable e-bike is to buy one in complete form, from a trusted and reputed retailer. The number of incidents our fire crews are attending shows that buying a product from a reputable seller will help protect you, your family and property from bursting into flames - not forgetting the peace of mind it can give. For more tips and information, visit LFBs website. W estminster School will admit girls to all year groups for the first time, according to a report. The private school, located in Westminster Abbey, has been a boys school for centuries, with girls only allowed to join its sixth form since 1967. A spokesperson for the school told the Telegraph that it was responding to an increasing number of parents, pupils and staff who had asked about girls joining. The school will seek to become fully co-educational by 2030 though no dates have been confirmed, the newspaper reported. Changes will apply to both the primary and senior school. A spokesperson said: Although no dates are yet confirmed, we look forward to reaching the point at which we can make this significant change to our school, enabling any child who would flourish here to be able to come, irrespective of gender. Westminster sends around 40 per cent of its pupils to Oxbridge and has educated six former prime ministers. Other alumni include Louise Theroux, Christopher Wren, Nick Clegg and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Last year, Fiona Scolding KC recommended that the school allow girls to join from a younger age in response to allegations of sexual harassment posted anonymously on the Everyones Invited website. In a review of the school, she said that a considerable number of interviewees amongst pupils and staff commented that both male and female pupils joining the sixth form from single-sex environments may, in some cases, be naive and may have had limited experience of interacting with the opposite sex in an academic setting. She added: Some staff felt that sixteen was the most challenging age at which to make a single sex school co-educational. Dr Gary Savage, who joined the school in 2020, last year issued a sincere and unreserved apology following the reports publication. Charterhouse, formerly an all-boys public school, became fully co-educational in 2021. The Standard has contacted Westminster School for further comment. T housands of Afghan refugees are reportedly set to be forced out of hotels under new Government plans. Between 8,000 and 9,000 Afghan refugees who are living in hotels across the UK will be given three months notice in April to leave, and will be offered one property that they must accept, according to The Times. The latest Government figures show that 9,483 Afghans who fled the Taliban in 2021 around half of whom are children are currently living in hotels, under a widely-criticised scheme that costs around 1.2 million a day. Some, who have now moved into homes, told the Standard that living in a hotel for months on end felt like a prison while one father struggled to get medical help for his wife who suffered a miscarriage. Under plans set to be unveiled today, any families that have not had an offer of accommodation or have turned down a home by the end of the three-month period will reportedly have to present as homeless. An announcement is expected to be made by Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer to the House of Commons later on Tuesday. He is set to tell MPs that the Government will find permanent homes for refugees. The news is likely to spark concerns that hundreds Afghan refugees could become homeless. Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said the plans could leave refugees destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Plans will be announced later this week to start transferring the first asylum seekers from hotels to former military bases and possibly ferries, The Times reports. The plan will not apply to asylum seekers housed in hotels by the Home Office. More than 20,000 Afghan refugees arrived in the UK following the Taliban takeover and the fall of Kabul in 2021. Figures provided to the Commons Home Affairs Committee last year showed that 5.6 million a day was being spent on hotels for asylum seekers, with 1.2 million paid to house Afghan refugees. The Home Office was criticised for raiding the foreign aid budget to pay its eye-watering hotel bills in a scathing report by the International Development Committee. It spent around 1 billion of the aid budget on refugees in the UK in 2021 alone. The Government has been criticised for spending the budget on hotels instead of funding local authorities to renovate unused homes for refugees. London Councils previously told the Standard that boosting boroughs funding and improving our ability to access suitable housing would undoubtedly make a positive difference. The Government is expected to commit as much as 750 million to providing support to the Afghans to find housing, The Times reports. The Home Office has cut down on the number of hotels it uses to house Afghan refugees, from 84 in 2021 to 63 at the end of last year. More than 8,500 Afghan refugees have been moved into a home, while almost 300 households have refused accommodation offers for reasons such as job offers and schooling. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced funding for up to 600 new homes in London for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees last month. M I5 has increased the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. Announcing the change on Tuesday, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris cited a small number of individuals who remain determined to carry out acts of politically motivated violence. He urged the public to remain vigilant but not be alarmed. But he added that recent months have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland-related terrorism, which have put children, police officers and others at risk. He referenced the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell, a senior detective who was shot at a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone in February. In a written statement to MPs on Tuesday, Mr Heaton-Harris said MI5 had increased the threat level to the region independently of ministers. The public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, he said. He said that despite the success of the Good Friday Agreement a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence. In recent months, we have seen an increase in levels of activity relating to Northern Ireland related terrorism, which has targeted police officers serving their communities and also put at risk the lives of children and other members of the public. These attacks have no support, as demonstrated by the reaction to the abhorrent attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. The change comes roughly a year after Britain lowered the threat level for the province to substantial for the first time in more than a decade. Simon Byrne, Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: This is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5. We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22. We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities. I would also like to thank the community and political leaders of Northern Ireland for their overwhelming support for the Police Service in recent times. L ondons dirty money problem would be tackled with a new transatlantic anti-corruption council under a Labour government, the shadow foreign secretary vowed on Tuesday. David Lammy said money laundering had turned the capitals properties into the bitcoins of kleptocrats, pricing nurses, teachers and other key workers out of their homes. He pledged to develop a strategy to fight kleptocracy with EU and Five Eyes leaders. Transnational crime is an area that provides the perfect example of where domestic and foreign policy meet, Mr Lammy said. Dirty money from Russia and other authoritarian states has been a stain on London for too long. Labour is determined to end our nations dirty money problem, working in partnership with international allies to generate a clean bill of health. Between 2000 and October 2019 more than 900 UK companies were involved in 89 cases of corruption and money laundering, amounting to 137 billion of economic damage, research by Transparency International UK found. The Government has outlined its measures to drive dirty money out of the UK and tackle illegal activity in its Economic Crime Bill. The legislation, currently making its way through the House of Lords, would increase the powers of Companies House to root out illegitimate businesses and ban UK companies from being controlled by opaque offshore firms. S NP leader Humza Yousaf has been voted in by MSPs as Scotland's youngest First Minister and the first from a minority ethnic background. The 37-year-old succeeds Nicola Sturgeon, who formally tendered her resignation to the King on Tuesday after more than eight years in the post. Mr Yousaf's selection at Holyrood follows him winning the SNP leadership contest on Monday, beating closest rival Kate Forbes by 52% of votes to 48%, when second preferences were included. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton all stood against Mr Yousaf for the position of First Minister in the Holyrood vote but failed to secure enough support. The Glasgow Pollok MSP will now officially be sworn in as First Minister at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Speaking prior to the vote, Mr Yousaf referred to the fact that he and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar are of Pakistani Muslim heritage, saying it was a signal of progress for Scotland. It's also quite a signal of the progress that we have made as a country, as well as a parliament, that two of the candidates putting themselves forward are from minority ethnic communities, he told MSPs. That the majority of MSPs in this Parliament belong to parties led by two people of colour, two people of the Muslim faith. The fact that no-one bats an eyelid at this tells me we are making progress in our nation for which we should all be very, very proud. Viewed as the continuity candidate to Ms Sturgeon, Mr Yousaf had greater levels of publicly-declared support from SNP parliamentarians at both Holyrood and Westminster than the other candidates in the race. Among his high-profile backers were outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney, and new SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Mr Yousaf was first elected in 2011 as a regional MSP for Glasgow and was appointed a junior minister the following year, becoming Justice Secretary in 2018. Ms Sturgeon, who was Scotlands longest-serving first minister, announced last month she was stepping down. The outgoing Scottish First Minister congratulated Mr Yousaf on his victory in the race to succeed her on Monday. He will be an outstanding leader & First Minister and I could not be prouder to have him succeed me, she said. S cotlands new First Minister Humza Yousaf has promised he will argue tirelessly for independence despite facing calls from the UK Government to put the SNPs obsession aside. In his first speech after being voted into the job by MSPs, the new SNP leader insisted his Government will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent. In a sideswipe at the Conservatives in Westminster, who have blocked Holyrood reforms of the gender recognition process, Mr Yousaf also said the Scottish Government would be less effective if we allow the UK Government to arbitrarily veto this Parliaments legislation. He confirmed later that there absolutely will be a minister for independence in his Government, and he tipped Shona Robison, the current Scottish Social Justice Secretary and a close ally of Nicola Sturgeon, as his deputy first minister. Mr Yousaf said a call has been set up with Rishi Sunak very soon, adding: We have a mandate for a referendum and I will be putting that case forcefully to the Prime Minister. Mr Sunak said he is looking forward to having a dialogue with Scotlands new First Minister. Mr Yousaf addressed MSPs and then the media after a vote in the Parliament saw him become the countrys sixth first minister, with Mr Yousaf winning the support of 71 MSPs. In his speech to MSPs, Mr Yousaf paid tribute to his predecessor Ms Sturgeon and her deputy first minister John Swinney, who he said had left a significant legacy. He told Holyrood he would be very proud to build on the record they had left. Mr Yousaf then added: I will also continue, as they did, to argue tirelessly for independence. In my view, and it is of course the view of the majority in this Parliament, we will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent. Mr Yousaf insisted he would argue vigorously for independence, but also said he would work with the UK Government where I can, when I can, in the best interests of our nation. That was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, who insisted politicians at Westminster want to work constructively with the new First Minister on the issues that matter to people in Scotland. Mr Jack said: I was pleased that during his acceptance speech Mr Yousaf made clear he also wants to work together. That is what people in Scotland, rightly, expect. There is a huge amount to be done continuing to tackle the cost of living, growing Scotlands economy, tackling NHS waiting lists, ensuring our energy security and improving transport links. I hope that Mr Yousaf will govern for the whole of Scotland. In particular I hope he will put his obsession with independence aside, and concentrate on working with the UK Government to make life better for people in Scotland. Mr Yousafs election at Holyrood came a day after he was declared the new SNP leader. Speaking as his family looked on from Holyroods gallery and with Ms Sturgeon and Mr Swinney on the backbenches Mr Yousaf said taking on the top job is the honour and the privilege of my life. He added: I will strive every single minute of every day to be worthy of it. As well as being the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background, he also becomes the first Muslim politician to become leader of a Western democratic nation. Mr Yousaf said: It is a proud day for me and my family. I hope it is also a proud day for Scotland as it speaks to our values as a country. But he also recalled how as a teenager in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack in the US in 2001 that he felt as if he simply did not belong here in Scotland as his loyalty to the country was questioned. I have lost count of how many times my identity, my loyalty to Scotland, the only country I have ever and will ever call home, has been questioned, he told MSPs. There was a time not all that long ago when I felt I simply did not belong here in Scotland. To go from there to now leading the Government, as Scotlands sixth First Minister, I hope sends a strong message to every single person out there who feels that they dont belong. He used his speech to declare a key early priority will be to work to protect Scots as far as we can from the cost-of-living crisis. As part of that, one of his first meetings as First Minister will be with poverty campaigners as he seeks to discover what more can be done to tackle child poverty. He vowed to continue the Bute House Agreement that brought the Greens into power in Scotland in 2021 but he also extended an offer of early meetings to the leaders of the other political parties at Holyrood I want to work with you, where we can to achieve those shared aims, he told his rivals. C ampaigners on Tuesday raised concerns about the Governments plan to force thousands of Afghan refugees out of hotels. Between 8,000 and 9,000 Afghan refugees are currently living in hotels in the UK after fleeing Kabul. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said the 1m-a-day cost of housing the refugees, half of them children, in the temporary accommodation was unsustainable. The Government will begin writing to individuals and families housed in the "bridging hotels" at the end of April, giving them "at least three months' notice" before they have to leave, he said. Hadi Sharifi from charity Panjshir Aid has been working with refugees in Southwark. He said many Afghans forced to flee their country were moved out of the borough earlier this year. He told the Standard: The problem was that many of the areas individuals were offered properties in were in the middle of nowhere. Some had jobs in London, most dont have access to a car, so when they were moved to a little village with two buses an hour they lost what they had built up. This move by the Government has to be well planned and take into account the needs of these refugees who have lost everything. Mr Mercer promised generous support to help Afghans implement the scheme and trained staff based in hotels to provide advice on finding work, new homes and English lessons. Some 35m of funding will help councils provide increased support to help people move into accommodation across England, while the local authority housing fund will be expanded by 250m, with most of the cash going to house Afghans and the rest easing homelessness pressures. Whilst this Government realises our significant responsibilities to this cohort, there is a responsibility upon this group to take the opportunities that are offered under these schemes and integrate into UK society, Mr Mercer said. Where an offer of accommodation can be made and is turned down, another will now not be forthcoming. At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan, adding there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Downing Street denied that Afghan refugees will be kicked out of hotels and said the new package is about finding them settled accommodation. This is about how were accelerating support for Afghans who have been forced to remain in hotel accommodation for sometimes more than a year, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said. Weve made a large commitment to them to support them in the UK to make a new life here and this will be the next stage of that. We do think it is right to help them into settled accommodation. There will be a significant package of support that sits behind them to both help them to find accommodation and to help them fully integrate into their new community. He added that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the UK can be proud of the support provided to those forced to flee Afghanistan. The wider British response to refugees fleeing Afghanistan has come under scrutiny in recent months. Figures from February showed just 22 people, including eight children, had been resettled in the UK after fleeing Afghanistan under the strand of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) that promised to help vulnerable refugees. The figure for Afghan nationals arriving in the UK by boat after crossing the Channel rose to 8,633 last year a six-fold increase on 2021. A pledge was made to take up to 20,000 Afghan refugees with as many as 5,000 in the first year who were forced to flee their home or faced threats of persecution from the Taliban. The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was also launched in April 2021, offering priority relocation to the UK for current or former locally employed staff who have been assessed to be under serious threat to life. Under that scheme, 4,094 were resettled last year and 7,118 in 2021. C ampaigners say Afghans who helped British troops could be forced into homelessness as ministers confirmed plans to end their stays in taxpayer-funded hotels. The UK promised a safe haven for thousands of people who fled Afghanistan as the Taliban swept back into power in 2021 with many living in hotels since arriving. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said the 1 million daily cost of housing around 8,000 Afghan refugees, half of them children, in hotels is unsustainable. Long-term residency in hotels has prevented some Afghans from properly putting down roots, committing to employment, integrating into communities and (is) creating uncertainty as they look to rebuild their lives in the United Kingdom long term, he said. The Government will begin writing to individuals and families housed in the Afghan bridging hotels at the end of April, giving them at least three months notice before they are forced out. This will crystallise a reasonable timeframe in the minds of our Afghan friends with significant support from central and local government at every step as required, together with their existing access to welfare and the right to work to find good, settled places to live in the longer term, Mr Mercer said. He acknowledged there is a debt owed to Afghans who assisted British forces during the war and upheld British values. There are veterans across this country enjoying normal lives today because of the service and sacrifice of this cohort in keeping them safe in Afghanistan, the former army officer said. Mr Mercer promised generous support to help Afghans into settled accommodation, with trained staff based in hotels to provide advice on finding work, new homes and English lessons. Some 35 million of new funding will help councils provide increased support to help people move from hotels into accommodation across England, while the local authority housing fund will be expanded by 250 million, with most of the cash going to house Afghans and the rest easing homelessness pressures. Whilst this Government realises our significant responsibilities to this cohort, there is a responsibility upon this group to take the opportunities that are offered under these schemes and integrate into UK society, Mr Mercer said. Where an offer of accommodation can be made and is turned down, another will now not be forthcoming. At a time when there are many pressures on the taxpayer and the housing market, it is not right that people can choose to stay in hotels when other perfectly suitable accommodation is available. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said he is deeply concerned by details of the plan. He said there is a risk that they could lead to people who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan being left homeless and destitute on the streets of Britain. This is not how those who were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated, he said. Hotels are not the right place for refugees to live but the fact that thousands of Afghans have been left in them for months on end is a consequence of government mismanagement and a failure to work successfully in partnership with local councils and other agencies to find suitable housing. To expect councils to suddenly move them out of hotels by putting pressure of Afghan families risks causing great misery and anxiety for those who have already experienced trauma and upheaval. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said Mr Mercer is serving eviction notices on 8,000 Afghans half of whom are children with no guarantee they will be offered a suitable, settled place to live. The Local Government Association said councils will need extra resources to help find and fund accommodation for Afghans moved out of hotels. A spokesman said: To ensure we do not see a further rise in homelessness as a result of a chronic shortage of properties across the UK and increase current significant pressures on homelessness teams, councils will need sufficient resources and flexibilities to assist with finding and funding accommodation, particularly for larger families. The Home Office said the process of moving Afghans out of hotels will be staggered, with people being notified at different times to make sure there is not a disproportionate demand for housing in one area. More than 20 new four-bedroom homes have so far been provided for Afghans as part of a Government project with property developer Barratt Developments and councils. The first two families have moved into homes in Doncaster, with more to follow in the coming weeks in Bedfordshire, Canterbury, North Somerset and Telford, the Home Office added. K ate Forbes is set to leave the Scottish Government after finishing second in the SNP leadership race. Ms Forbes is believed to have been offered the rural affairs job by new First Minister Humza Yousaf, but turned it down. It means Ms Forbes, who served as Finance Secretary under Nicola Sturgeons administration, will return to Holyroods backbenches. If she had moved to rural affairs it would have been seen as a major demotion, one which one of her backers and former health secretary Alex Neil branded an insult and not a real effort to unite, adding: A poor start. Ms Forbes narrowly missed out on the leadership, claiming 47.9 per cent of the vote in the second round, while Ash Regan was eliminated in the first round with 11 per cent of the vote. Early on in her campaign, Ms Forbes caused controversy when she said she would not have voted in favour of equal marriage legislation. Neil Gray, Scotlands culture minister and the campaign manager for Mr Yousaf, had previously indicated that Ms Forbes would be given a role in Government. There are conversations to be had about government going forward and the make-up, the structure and those that are involved in government. Ill leave it to Humza to have those conversations over the coming days. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr Yousaf promised to argue tirelessly for independence and said he had held a constructive dialogue with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He tweeted: Just spoken with PM we had a constructive discussion on a range of issues, including helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. I also made clear that I expect the democratic wishes of Scotlands people and Parliament to be respected by the UK Government. Mr Sunak said he had spoken to the First Minister to congratulate him on his appointment. Im looking forward to working with him to deliver on the priorities that matter most to people across Scotland from cutting NHS waiting lists to growing our economy. In his first speech after being voted into the job by MSPs, the new SNP leader insisted his Government will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent. Mr Yousaf is the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background as well as the first Muslim politician to become leader of a Western democratic nation. A furious London MP slammed ministers on Tuesday for abandoning five British children in Kabul under the Talibans brutal rule. Twickenham MP Munira Wilson tore into the Government for not getting them out of the increasingly poverty and hunger stricken country. Clearly livid, she challenged Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer to ensure the Government acted to rescue the children, whose uncle lives in her constituency. The minister has said at least three times in his statement that we will honour our commitment to those who remain in danger in Afghanistan. While that may be true for him personally, Im afraid as far as this Government goes that promise is utterly hollow. I challenge him to come to my surgery and look the Afghan families, whose families have been left behind, in the eye and say that. The Liberal Democrat MP added: In particular, three weeks in a row in this Chamber, I have now raised the case of five British children under the age of 18 who have been abandoned in hiding in Kabul. Their mother is an Aghan national. There is no safe and legal route for her to apply for. Their British father was blown up by the Taliban. She called for a route out of Kabul for the children, challenging Mr Mercer or will he admit that they have just given up on them. Former soldier Mr Mercer responded: My presence here today indicates that we clearly have not given up on these people. Its incredibly difficult to get people out of Afghanistan. Nobody is happy with what has happened in that country. We have opened up ACRS (Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme) and ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) applications to third countries and I would encourage people to apply to that to get themselves on the scheme and we will do everything we can to see through our duties. Just over 10,000 applicants have been resettled as part of the ARAP scheme, according to a Freedom of Information request. The scheme was established in April 2021 to relocate those who worked for, and alongside the UK Armed Forces as the Taliban reclaimed Afghanistan following the Wests chaotic withdrawal from the state. In August that year, the Taliban swept into Kabul, quickly seizing total control of the city, leaving many Afghans who wanted to leave stranded under its hardline rule. A Freedom of Information request from the Standard showed that the ARAP scheme had received 119,305 applicants as of June 30, 2022. Of that number, just 10,158 eligible personnel had been relocated to the UK as of July 22, 2022, the Ministry of Defence said. In order to qualify for the scheme, applicants must be able to prove that they were employed by the UK and are at an imminent or high risk to life, or if they provided linguistic services to the Armed Forces. If successful, applicants will be able to bring certain family members with them and be given permanent residency, the MoD states. In addition to ARAP, the UK also launched the the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme in January 22, 2022. ACRS hopes to relocate 5,000 citizens in the first year and 20,000 over the years it is operational. This scheme focuses on women and children, with the first family arriving in January 2022. Approximately, 18,000 people were evacuated from Afghanistan by the UK as the Taliban swept back to power. Desperate people besieged the airport to try to get a flight out of the country which under the Taliban is now seeing widepread food shortages, girls banned from secondary schools and universities, and a brutal regime imposed. C harities have criticised plans that could see landlords evict antisocial tenants with just two weeks notice - saying the move could result in further criminalisation of vulnerable people. The proposal would make it quicker for landlords to evict tenants who make their neighbours lives a nightmare through noise or being drunk and disorderly - by halving the notice period to two weeks for all anti-social behaviour eviction grounds. The proposal - unveiled by the Prime Minister on Monday as part of wide-ranging new scheme to clamp down on antisocial behaviour - would also see antisocial tenants deprioritised for new council housing. But charities have hit out at the plans, which they warn could be abused by landlords. Housing charity Shelter has warned against opening up new loopholes that could place tenants at risk of eviction once the long-awaited Renters Reform Bill is passed and no-fault evictions are banned. Its chief executive, Polly Neate, said millions of private renters are living in fear of eviction with only a few weeks notice and no reason given, making renting deeply unstable and turning lives upside down. Without clear guidance and safeguards in place, there is a real risk that the new anti-social behaviour grounds for eviction could be abused, she warned. Rishi Sunak announced his 160 million plan to stamp out anti-social behaviour in Britain once and for all on Monday, pledging more police patrols and swifter punishments for those blighting communities. The Government proposes a three-strike rule for disorderly tenants, stating in its plan: After three strikes, the Government thinks it is right that perpetrators of anti-social behaviour face eviction and should be deprioritised for further social housing and will work with the sector to achieve this. In a written statement, Mr Sunak said: By establishing a zero-tolerance approach where offenders know they will face the full consequences of their actions we can prevent more of these crimes from happening in the first place. I am determined to tackle these crimes with the urgency they deserve, restoring your confidence that these will be quickly and visibly punished. But Matt Downie, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, described the three-strike rule as a deeply problematic approach which could see survivors of domestic abuse or people with support needs forced from their homes if neighbours complain about noise. He called for clear guidance for landlords, regarding what behaviour is deemed an annoyance. The Governments plan also includes targeting beggars causing a nuisance on streets. Its proposal document says those genuinely homeless and with complex needs would be directed to appropriate support. But it states an intention to introduce new powers to prohibit organised begging which is often facilitated by criminal gangs to obtain cash for illicit activity as well as begging where it is causing a public nuisance with examples given including by a cashpoint, in a shop doorway or on public transport. Homeless Link, the national membership body for frontline homelessness services, called the plan a backwards step which undermines its commitment to ending rough sleeping in this parliament. Its director of social change, Fiona Colley, warned the plan will result in further criminalisation of vulnerable people, rather than offering the constructive solutions that help people off the streets for good. The Government has rejected the criticism, arguing that it is providing help for those who need it while also tackling people who are engaged in intimidating behaviour or could be linked to criminal gangs. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: What we are doing is giving forces and local councils the tools theyve made clear they need to ensure vulnerable individuals on the streets can get the support they deserve, whether thats accommodation, mental health support or substance misuse services, and at the same time deal with individuals whose behaviour is intimidating or maybe linked to criminal gangs. Under the Governments antisocial behaviour crackdown laughing gas will also be banned, drug testing of criminals will become more prevalent, on-the-spot fines for graffiti and fly-tipping will be increased and more money will be ploughed into youth centres as part of a bid to eradicate behaviours spoiling Britains neighbourhoods. Mr Sunak said on Monday: Anti-social behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home. The public have rightly had enough, which is why I am determined to restore peoples confidence that those responsible will be quickly and visibly punished. This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all - so that wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of your community. C hildren cannot be exempted from plans to detain people who cross the Channel in small boats to prevent the creation of a pull factor, Rishi Sunak has argued. The Prime Minister told MPs on Tuesday that the new policy should include families to prevent an incentive for people to bring minors with them. He also downplayed suggestions that the stalled policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda could begin this summer. Mr Sunaks Government has defused a Conservative rebellion from the right by agreeing to hold talks with those wanting to toughen up the Illegal Migration Bill. But he indicated he would not concede ground to more liberal Tories who want to prevent children being detained indefinitely if they arrive in the UK by unauthorised means. Caroline Nokes, the Tory MP who has likened Mr Sunaks horrendous asylum plans to Donald Trumps caging of children, pressed the PM over the detention of children. Mr Sunak said: The intention of this policy is not to detain children but its important that we dont inadvertently create a policy that incentivises people to bring children who wouldnt otherwise come here. Otherwise you create an incentive for a criminal gang to bring a child with them when they otherwise wouldnt be, and I dont think that is a good thing. We dont want to create a pull factor to make it more likely that children are making this very perilous journey in conditions that are appalling. During the appearance before the Commons Liaison Committee, Mr Sunak insisted children will not be separated from families and housed in appropriate accommodation. The new legislation being debated in Parliament means asylum seekers could be detained indefinitely before being removed to a safe country like Rwanda. It has been denounced by the United Nations refugee agency as effectively an asylum ban and Labour has blasted it for giving the powers to lock up children. The widely-criticised policy of sending asylum seekers who arrive by small boats to Rwanda under a 140 million deal with the East African nation has been stalled by court action. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said while visiting Rwanda earlier this month she was encouraged by constructive discussions with the European Court of Human Rights. A source in her department told reporters that they were working to get flights off the ground by the summer. But Mr Sunak said: No one has promised flights by the summer. What weve said is well start flights as soon as we can after legal proceedings have completed. Uzbekistan opened its Embassy in Hungary. This was announced by acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, Trend reports citing UzDaily. From now on, the State Flag of Uzbekistan will constantly fly in the capital of Hungary. On the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the opening ceremony of the Embassy of Uzbekistan was held in Budapest. This is a historic moment in the strategic partnership between our two countries, said Saidov. Bakhtiyor Saidov held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, in Budapest. The parties agreed to direct all efforts to strengthening ties between the two countries, which in recent years have shown unprecedented high dynamics. "Our agenda remains very busy," said Saidov. Following the meeting, the Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. B ritish-supplied Challenger 2 main battle tanks will soon begin combat missions in Ukraine, the countrys defence minister said. Oleksii Reznikov said the fantastic tanks has recently arrived in Ukraine. The UK promised 14 of the vehicles to Ukraine, a move which helped persuade other Western nations to supply their own tanks to aid the fight against the Russian invasion. Mr Reznikov posted a video on social media showing him taking one of the Challenger 2s for a spin in Ukraine. He thanks Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, adding: These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. Ukrainian tank crews trained in the UK on the machines, which are being donated by the Government along with ammunition and spares. Mr Wallace said the crews return to their homeland better equipped, but to no less danger. Russia has condemned the UKs move and predicted the tanks would burn on the battlefields of Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin has also reacted to the UKs decision to supply depleted uranium armour-piercing rounds for the tanks in Ukraine by announcing plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighbouring Belarus. E ssex Universitys Paternoster lift is the latest video to become a hit on TikTok. One of the videos posted on the universitys TikTok page, featuring the lift, has more than 2.3 million views. Jonathan White, director of library and cultural services at the university, told the BBC to see videos of the lift go viral on TikTok is fantastic and shows how genuinely intrigued and fascinated people from across the world are by it. What is a Paternoster lift? The Paternoster lift uses open compartments on a continuously moving loop, one side going up and the other down. The system doesnt stop moving, and passengers can step on and off the elevator when they like. A person would go around in a loop and emerge on the opposite side of the lift shaft if they decided to stay in one of the compartments. It was invented in the 1860s by Peter Ellis, an architect from Liverpool. The name originates from the systems resemblance to rosary prayer beads and is Latin for Our Father, which begins the Lords Prayer. There aren't many of these lifts available today because of safety concerns. As well as the Paternoster lift at the University of Essex, there are three examples in the UK, including a design at the University of Sheffield Arts Tower, and Northwick Park Hospital in London. A Paternoster lift at the University of Leicesters Attenborough Tower closed in 2017 due to expensive maintenance. What is the trend? Installed at the University of Essex in 1967, the elevator made up of 14 individual compartments runs on a continuous loop. Several videos demonstrating the lift posted on the universitys TikTok account have been watched hundreds of thousands of times. A traffic-light system was installed in the Albert Sloman Library lift at the campus in Colchester in 202021, after it had been out of commission for a number of years. The lift was reportedly used as the backdrop for a wedding picture shoot, according to the institution. J K Rowling has hit out at new SNP leader Humza Yousaf, suggesting his plans to press ahead with controversial gender reforms in Scotland will be his downfall. Mr Yousaf, who was announced as leader of the party on Monday and is expected to become Scotlands First Minister on Tuesday, plans to fight the UK Government over the Gender Recognition Bill which it previously blocked, his campaign manager has announced. Responding to a tweet about this on Tuesday, Harry Potter author Rowling suggested Mr Yousaf will disappear through the ice, like his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon. She wrote: @HumzaYousaf is the kid who just saw the skater in front of him disappear through the ice, but yells watch me, everybody! while wobbling straight for the hole. Humza Yousaf (Andrew Milligan/PA) / PA Wire Scottish MPs passed the Gender Recognition Bill in December, to allow people to obtain a gender recognition certificate without a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria - a process is known as self-identification. The bill would have also allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to apply for a gender recognition certificate, and would have areduced the time a person would have to live in the gender they identify with before being granted the document. But the rules did not come into force, as the bill was blocked by the UK Government, which used Section 35 of the Scotland Act for the first time since it was passed in 1998. Then-first minister Nicola Sturgeon said the decision was a full-frontal attack on the Scottish Parliament, and vowed to vigorously defend the legislation. Mr Yousaf is now set to continue with her plans, pledging to fight the Section 35 order in court. Mr Yousafs campaign manager Neil Gray says the new SNP leader will seek to defend democracy by pressing ahead with the reforms. I think there is an important principle at stake here, Mr Gray, who is also the Scottish culture minister, told Times Radio on Tuesday. Of course he is going to listen to the legal advice - he has to do that - but there is an important principle at stake which is about the democracy and the democratic mandate given to the Scottish Parliament that must be defended. A two-thirds majority passed the Gender Recognition Bill in the Scottish Parliament MSPs from every single political party supported it, so it is right now that Humza Yousaf - at the first time that section 35 of the Scotland Act has been used - tests that and challenges it, because democracy is at stake. We must defend Scottish democracy and devolution. Otherwise, what is the point? Mr Yousaf, 37, was announced as new leader of the SNP on Monday after winning a hotly contested leadership race against Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. Assuming he receives the nomination of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, he will become Scotlands sixth permanent First Minister. He would be the youngest person, and the first from a minority ethnic background, to hold the post. Mr Yousaf is the only SNP leadership candidate who voted for the Gender Recognition Bill. Ms Forbes said she would look to amend the Bill, while Ms Regan said she would put it to a citizens assembly if there was a desire to do so. J eremy Corbyn will not stand as a Labour MP at the next general election, Keir Starmer will confirm at Tuesdays national executive committee (NEC) meeting after he vowed to prove the party had changed under his leadership. The Labour leader will propose a motion today (March 28) that makes it clear the partys ruling body will not endorse Corbyn as a Labour candidate for the Westminster election expected next year. The former Labour leader said he was not going anywhere. In a statement, Mr Corbyn criticised the Labour leader, claiming Sir Keir has broken his commitment to respect the rights of Labour members and denigrated the democratic foundations of our party. I joined the Labour Party when I was 16 years old because, like millions of others, I believed in a redistribution of wealth and power, he added. He did not say if he would run as an independent MP but said of those who support him: Our message is clear: we are not going anywhere. Neither is our determination to stand up for a better world. The Islington North MP was suspended in 2020, following allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party. He has since served as an Independent MP, but he has remained a member of the Labour Party, meaning he has continued to attend local party meetings in Islington North. Heres how Labours ex-leader, who was brought to power by the partys left wing in 2015, had his whip removed. Why was Jeremy Corbyn removed? A report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission published in October 2020 found that under Mr Corbyns leadership, the Labour Party breached the Equality Act when it failed to effectively address antisemitism within it. It identified cases of harassment, political interference into complaints, and inadequate training to deal with antisemitism. Mr Starmer condemned the findings and apologised to the Jewish community. But he did not initially take disciplinary action against Mr Corbyn, who led the Labour Party between September 2015 and April 2020. He said instead that the report indicated a collective failure of leadership. Responding to the report, Mr Corbyn said at the time: One anti-semite is one too many, but the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media. He was dismissed shortly afterwards, with a party spokesman saying: In light of his comments made today and his failure to retract them subsequently, the Labour Party has suspended Jeremy Corbyn pending investigation. Mr Corbyn criticised the decision, stating that political intervention was behind his removal. Defending his comments, he added: Ive explained what Ive said. Ive explained what I meant by it. I am not diminishing or minimising the issue of antisemitism. It is serious. It is real. It does exist. His allies spoke out against his suspension. John McDonnell, who served as shadow chancellor under Mr Corbyns leadership, said it was profoundly wrong, while Len McCluskey, leader of the Unite union, described it as an act of grave injustice that could cause chaos. There is evidence that Labour Party infighting was to blame for Mr Corbyns reputation being smeared, and vested interests in the media sought to paint the lifelong anti-racism campaigner as an antisemite. Why was he reinstated without the whip? His reinstatement without the whip came 19 days later by five Labour members of the National Executive Committee, the partys governing body. The decision was criticised by the Jewish Labour Movement (JVM), which said a factionally aligned political committee was behind it. Mr Starmer announced he would set up a new independent disciplinary process as soon as possible. He said he would not be restoring the whip to Mr Corbyn while the Jewish community lacked trust and confidence in the party. Earlier this year, an attempt by the committee to reinstate him as a Labour MP was voted down. A High Court case has started without Irish teacher Enoch Burke after he did not agree to comply with the authority of the court. Mr Burke had represented himself in the case taken by his former employer, Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath, as part of a dispute over how a student who was transitioning gender should be addressed. The court heard that Mr Burke is taking a counter-action against disciplinary proceedings issued against him by the school, as well as his suspension and subsequent dismissal. The school says the dispute emanates from Mr Burkes behaviour after a direction was given from the schools then-principal last May, while Mr Burke maintains the case is about the freedom to express his Christian beliefs. During the morning session, Mr Burke had continuously asked the court to take action on an issue he raised about access to evidence, despite the fact that the matter had been ruled on by the judge. After an hour and a half of back-and-forth between the presiding judge and Mr Burke, the court ruled that as he had been continuously in contempt of court, Mr Burke would not be allowed to return when proceedings resumed in the afternoon. Mr Justice Alex Owens said Mr Burke would be able to watch proceedings by videolink. After recess, Mr Burke attempted to return to the courtroom but was prevented from entering by four gardai, acting on an order of the court. When the case resumed, Mr Burkes sister Ammi told the hearing he wanted to address the court. The judge said Mr Burke could only address him if he was willing to obey the rules of the court. But if he doesnt want to do that, he has to stay outside, Mr Justice Owens added. Ms Burke replied are you denying Mr Burke justice then?, prompting a sigh in the courtroom. The judge said Mr Burke would have justice, but it required his co-operation. After Ms Burke held discussions with her mother Martina and brother Isaac, she asked if Mr Burke would only be allowed back into the courtroom if he engaged in falsehoods. The three members of the Burke family then left the courtroom. Oh there they go, the judge remarked as they left. In Mr Burkes absence, Mark Connaughton SC, acting on behalf of the school, delivered his opening arguments and said the schools then-principal is to give evidence. In relation to the email sent from the principal in May 2022, which said a student was to be addressed in neutral terms, Mr Connaughton said the school had been over this territory once before and had taken some advice on how it should deal with the matter. He added that the school was not on a mission to promote a certain world view, or to challenge Mr Burkes beliefs, but was simply trying to fulfil its obligations to one student in the development of their education. Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said I've ruled on this issue now Mr Connaughton said Mr Burke has a misconceived notion that the case is to do with his religion, when it is about conducting himself in a manner appropriate for a teacher in the school. He added that Mr Burke was always given an option to engage, both in the courts and with the school. That isnt his way, that isnt what he chose to do, he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Justice Owens dismissed what he called flimsy and stupid arguments from Mr Burke, who claimed a document from a book of evidence supplied by the schools legal team had been tampered with and surreptitiously erased. Mr Burke argued that the matter concerned the whole chassis of the case, and also complained of WhatsApp messages being typed out, instead of in the form of screenshots. I am bringing this to your attention now, it is misleading the court, Mr Burke said. During one exchange, the judge rebuked Mr Burke over the way he was addressing him. Im not going to be cajoled by litigants, or barristers on behalf of litigants, the judge said, adding that he would come down very heavily on those who show disrespect in the courtroom. Alex White SC, representing Wilsons Hospital School, rejected the outrageous allegations made against his solicitors and his client in the strongest terms. The case should not be further delayed, Mr White told the court. Theres no fraud, theres no tampering Mr Burke is very quick to assign base motives to people in matters that dont suit him. Mr Justice Owens ruled that he was not prepared to say there had been deliberate tampering, adding that this was most unlikely as both sides had the original document. The judge also said he was wary of Mr Burkes request for screenshots of WhatsApp messages as they should have been requested prior to the evening before the trial. He also raised concerns about the minutes of meetings of the board of the school being sought that may not be relevant to the case. This isnt really a basis upon which there should be a delay of proceedings, he said, adding that he could not see how Mr Burke had been inconvenienced or how he himself had been misled, and calling the arguments put forward flimsy. Mr Burke continued to address the court on the matter several times, despite the judges objections that he had already ruled in the case. You're the author of your own misfortune. I'm afraid it's bye-bye to you Ive ruled in relation to this matter now, we cannot continue to hear Mr Burke, have you some problem with your ears? I said Ive ruled on this issue now. When Mr Burke continued, the judge dropped his head in both his hands. Im going to invite Mr White or Mr Connaughton to simply talk over Mr Burke, he said. In the following exchange, the judge told Mr Burke there was no indication that he was going to pay a blind bit of notice of what I do. When Mr Burke referenced the four-day trial, the judge remarked: Youve wasted a day of it with stupid arguments already. Mr White said that if Mr Burke outlines his concerns about aspects of the book of evidence, it can be dealt with as a matter in dispute between the two parties. He added that he had offered to deal with the concerns raised by Mr Burke, despite not believing there was much to it, but told the court Mr Burkes aim was to torpedo proceedings. When Mr Burke offered to go through his concerns again, the judge said: No, no, no, prompting laughter in the courtroom. Mr Connaughton added that he had watched Mr Burkes appearance before the Court of Appeal, where he was repeatedly asked if he would comply with orders of the court, to which he absolutely refused to do so. He will not behave himself properly in court, he will not allow this case to run properly, he said. The court has gone out of its way to move the matter forward, Mr Burke wont have any of this, this is how he behaves. Youre the author of your own misfortune, the judge said, after ruling that Mr Burke should not be allowed to return to the courtroom after recess. Im afraid its bye-bye to you. T he son of a Yemeni billionaire who fled the UK hours after the alleged murder of university student Martine Vik Magnussen in London has spoken for the first time. Ms Magnussen, 23, was found dead in March 2008 after a night out with friends celebrating end-of-term exams. Her body was found buried under rubble in the basement of a block of flats in which Farouk Abdulhak lived. Police believed she had been raped and strangled. Mr Abdulhak, who has never spoken to a journalist about the case, has now revealed to BBC News Arabic and BBC Current Affairs in a joint investigation that the death was a sex accident gone wrong. He and Ms Magnussen were students at Regents Business School in central London. He fled England for Yemen hours after her death, and has never returned for police questioning. But now, in a series of text messages to BBC News Arabic Special Correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi, Mr Abdulhak writes: I deeply regret the unfortunate accident that happened. I regret coming here [Yemen]. Should have stayed and paid the piper. It was just an accident. Nothing nefariousLike I told you just a sex accident gone wrong. Mr Abdulhak is the only suspect in the case. Farouk Abdulhak / PA On the night she died Ms Magnussen left Maddox nightclub in Mayfair with Mr Abdulhak at around 3am. A post mortem showed Ms Magnussen had been drinking and had taken small amounts of cocaine. She died from compression to the neck and her body showed 43 cuts and grazes, typical of those sustained in an assault or struggle. Mr Abdulhak suggested to the BBC he was unable to recollect exact details of the night because of his cocaine use: No-one knows because I could barely piece together what happened. In a phone call with special correspondent Ms Al-Maghafi, he said he was not ready to return to the UK. Its too cold there. I dont like the weather...I dont think justice will be served. I find that the criminal justice system there is heavily biased. I find that they will want to make an example of me being a son of an Arab, beinga son of someone rich. The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Yemen. On hearing Mr Abdulhaks comments, Ms Magnussens father Odd Petter Magnussen, told the Standard: It is in many ways a breakthrough moment because for the very first time the suspected killer is admitting being Martines killer. We can now argue with the Yemeni authorities who have been sympathetic to my case in recent weeks and want to see a solution in 2023. Previously, there have been legal problems and they wont go and arrest him. But now we have his confession, its a game changer. Its more problematic for them to deny a solution to this case. Its fantastic news. Mr Magnussen said losing a child is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a human being, adding: When I saw my own government wasnt doing very much, I had to seek justice for Martine all these years, increasing the pressure on this man. This was no accident, as he now says. I have seen the police post-mortem report. This is a brutal murder and rape the worst crime a man can commit on a woman. Its fills me with anger. Getting Abdulhak back to London is extremely important for the legal rights of everybody. Odd Petter Magnussen / PA Wire Mr Abdulhak is the son of Shaher Abdulhak, who ran a business empire that spanned the Middle East. At the time of Ms Magnussens death, he was the richest man in Yemen and close friends of the then President Abdullah Saleh. Shaher Abdulhak died in 2020. For the first time, a close friend of Shaher Abdulhak, Mustafa Norman, revealed that former President Ali Abdullah Saleh met with Mr Abdulhak when he came to Yemen after leaving the UK. Mr Noman, a former Yemeni diplomat, told the BBC: Ali Abdullah Saleh was sympathetic to Shaher, because theyd had a relationship for so long. He made sure he didnt have to hand the boy over. He also saw Farouk after the incident. Ali Abdullah Saleh wanted to reassure him that nothing would happen to him. Mr Magnussen, who has campaigned for fifteen years for justice for his daughter, said Mr Abdulhaks disclosures make him hopeful about his daughters case. He told the BBC: Im optimistic that we might have a solution in the longer term more so than before because we can talk to him. Im more than ever convinced that there will be a solution to this case. I just hope it will be on my terms, my ethical terms, rather than anything else. This World: Murder in Mayfair airs on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC Two. P rince Harrys celebrity barrister has denied leaking documents from the Leveson Inquiry which now lie at the heart of a privacy battle with the Daily Mail. David Sherborne, whose past clients include Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, and Johnny Depp, is leading the legal team fighting against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, in the High Court. Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is suing ANL alongside Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost, Sir Elton John, David Furnish, and Sir Simon Hughes over claims of illegal newsgathering dating back to 1993. A key part of the legal battle is a series of ledgers - said to show evidence of payments to private investigators which were handed to the Leveson Inquiry into press standards in 2012. Mr Sherborne, who was a lawyer at the inquiry and signed a confidentiality agreement covering evidence, told the court on Tuesday morning that he is not the source of the leaked notes. AFP via Getty Images The material didnt reach the claimants solicitors in this case through the route of any of the three signatories who are part of the claimants group now, he told the court. The defendants have got no evidence to challenge that. ANL is seeking to exclude the evidence from the privacy battle, arguing its confidentiality was secured by Leveson Inquiry rules which can only be overturned by a government minister. But Mr Sherborne argued those involved in the inquiry do not have a super-added dutyto police any use they see by third parties of the same material. He insisted that the evidence can be lawfully deployed in civil proceedings if it has come into the public domain by another route. In its written submissions to the court, ANL has pointed out that Hurley, Sir Elton, and Furnish are all close friends of Hugh Grant who was a core participant in the Leveson Inquiry, and added that Baroness Lawrence is associated with another Inquiry witness, DCI Clive Driscoll. The court heard on Monday that the publisher had issued a press release specifically linking Mr Sherborne to his role in the Inquiry. ANL argues the evidence was protected by orders made by Lord Justice Leveson, and it is also seeking to block the legal claim on the grounds that it is too late. Sir Elton John leaves the Royal Courts Of Justice (Aaron Chown/PA) / PA Wire It says there was a wealth of information in the public domain about past practices at the Mail newspapers, and Mr Sherborne himself told the Inquiry more than a decade ago that purchasing private information was widespread throughout Fleet Street and ANL was a particular offender [which was] top of the table. ANL argues that the claims could have reasonably begun within the usual six-year time limit. Mr Sherborne has been on his feet making legal submissions for most of the second day of the hearings, with Prince Harry sat two rows behind him. The Oxford-educated barrister, who attended the same school as long-time Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre, was recently victorious on Coleen Rooneys legal team in the Wagatha Christie High Court trial. He boasts Tony Blair, Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Moss, David Beckham, and Harry Styles among his rostrum of former clients. During submissions to the court, Mr Justice Nicklin said he is concerned about who is responsible for policing confidentiality undertakings made during the Leveson Inquiry. He said that basic contract law requires that in order for a confidentiality agreement to be enforced someone has to be able to stand there and say that they have the power to enforce it. Who is that person? he asked, adding: I am now concerned about who is responsible for policing the Leveson undertakings. He raised the possibility of pausing the legal proceedings for permission to be sought from the government for those documents to be used as evidence. The hearing continues. P rince Harry has accused the Royal Family of hiding evidence of phone hacking from him and his brother for years. The Duke of Sussex says figures within the Institution told him to stay away from the scandal when it first emerged in 2005 with revelations that Royal Family staffers had been targeted by the News of the World. Harry said he did not realise his own phone had also been targeted until years later, and it was not until 2020 when he stepped down as a fulltime Royal that the bubble burst. In a statement to the High Court that will be viewed as a fresh attack on the Royal Family, Harry said the Firms lawyer in 2005 was clearly getting instructions from within the Institution not to involve myself or William about phone hacking by the News of the World. No one was ever brought together for a discussion and there were no structured meetings of any sort, certainly none that I was invited to or made aware of. Getty Images He said he was busy with his role in the British Army between 2005 and 2015 and rarely read the news, and recalled being vaguely aware of an News of the World apology for the hacking of Royal Family staff phones in 2005. My understanding was that a voicemail my brother had left for me had been accessed and published, he said. Aside from that, I thought that the hacking had been confined to the phones of members of staff. I did not know that my phone had been hacked and thought that no one would be so stupid as to hack my own phone given the security implications and consequences of my private information and whereabouts ending up in the wrong hands. Harry said the Royal Family has communication siloes within it, and he was oblivious for long periods about hacking claims brought by his friends. There is this misconception that we are all in constant communication with one another but that is not true, he said. Harry said he became aware of the possibility of a civil claim against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, in 2018, but he was blocked from bringing an action. REUTERS There was in place an agreement between the Institution and NGN that we would not engage, or even discuss, the possibility of bringing claims against NGN until the litigation against it relating to phone hacking was over, he said. The Institution made it clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking and it was made clear to me that the Royal Family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms. The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me for a long time about NGNs phone hacking and that has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued my own claim with different legal advice and representation. Harry is now suing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) alongside Baroness Doreen Lawrence, actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, and former MP Sir Simon Hughes, all alleging widespread illegal newsgathering. The Duke claims a short-lived romance with Laura Gerard-Leigh when he was studying at Eton was derailed by press intrusion, and he says the pursuit by journalists across the world when he was dating ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy made her feel like she was being hunted. Baroness Doreen Lawrence leaves the Royal Courts Of Justice, central London, following a hearing claim over allegations of unlawful information gathering brought against Associated Newspapers Limited (Aaron Chown/PA) / PA Wire Baroness Lawrence says she was numb with anger when she learned last year from lawyers that her phone bills, communications, and bank accounts had been monitored by private detectives allegedly working for the Daily Mail. My landlines had been tapped, my voicemails hacked, my phone bills illegally extracted using deception which I now understand is called blagging, covert electronic surveillance was put on me including at a cafe that I used to go to when I wanted to talk to people privately, and corrupt payments had been made to police officers, she said. Baroness Lawrence claims she has evidence of the Daily Mail paying police officers involved in the first investigation into her sons murder, which floundered amid suspicion of corruption and a cover-up. Vowing to fight against this fresh injustice, Lady Lawrence added: I cannot think of any act or conduct lower than stealing and exploiting information from a murder and from a mother who buried her son, and by people who pretended to be my friends. PA It has been a new trauma and injustice for me, and it seems that in my sons death there was absolutely no one to protect him or me. I wonder who is good and who is bad, where is it that we can find integrity in the public institutions and people in authority that should be looking after us all. Sir Elton said he and his husband joined the legal action after learning in early 2021 from Liz Hurley that phones at their home in Windsor had been tapped by a private investigator for the Mail on Sunday. He accused the Daily Mail of obtaining medical information on his infant son, and discovering details of his own collapse on a plane while touring. Apart from being illegal and immoral for the Mail to be looking around and intruding into this area of my life, it was inhumane, said Sir Elton. I have devoted my life to my music but this does not mean deeply personal things which I have a right to deal with in private are fair game. PA In human decency, they are not. In law, they are not. ANL denies all allegations of unlawful newsgathering and is applying for the legal action to be blocked. It says evidence at the heart of the case has been wrongly obtained from the Leveson Inquiry, where confidentiality protections were put in place. The company is also arguing that claims have been brought too late, years after they say the claimants knew that a civil action may be possible. Liz Hurley wearing Versace's safety-pin dress in 1994 / PA Archive/PA Images In Baroness Lawrences case, ANL said a private investigator said to have admitted illegal activities has provided a signed witness statement denying that he was commissioned or instructed by Associated to carry out any unlawful activity. While the Mails admiration for Baroness Lawrence remains undimmed, we are profoundly saddened that she has been persuaded to bring this case, it added. The Mail remains hugely proud of its pivotal role in campaigning for justice for Stephen Lawrence. Its famous Murderers front page triggered the Macpherson report. Associated Newspapers, which owns the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, vigorously denies all the claims against it. The hearing in front of Mr Justice Nicklin continues on Wednesday. T he BBChas been accused of hiding an alleged Oxbridge bias on University Challenge by a professor at University College London. Professor Frank Coffield is calling for each university to be limited to one entry each on the quiz show, after penning a series of complaints claiming that the format is rigged towards elitist colleges. University Challenge currently allows separate Oxford and Cambridge colleges to enter the contest while limiting other universities to one entry each. In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the BBC, Durham-based Mr Coffield asked the broadcaster to reveal exactly how many teams from Oxford or Cambridge had appeared on the show since 1994, when Jeremy Paxman became quizmaster of the revived version, according to the Guardian. But the BBC rejected his request. Mr Coffield told the Guardian he is suspicious of the BBCs decision to withhold information. What has it got to hide? Quite a lot, I suspect. The director general, Tim Davie, said that impartiality is the cornerstone of the organisation, so why does it keep chipping away at it with a rigged format? He then called on Mr Davie to disown this shameful snobbery and allow Oxford and Cambridge one entry each from now on. He also asked for a response to his FOI request. The shows website reveals that on average more than 10 of the 28 teams to have competed in the quiz in the last nine series were Oxbridge colleges. The current series has eight Oxbridge colleges. In a previous complaint, Mr Coffield wrote: Each of the 70-plus Oxbridge colleges [even those with only 300/400 students] is allowed to compete in University Challenge, but huge civic universities like Manchester and Birmingham [with upwards of 40,000 students] are allowed only one entry each, the Guardian reports. A BBC spokesperson told the Standard: All education institutions that design and deliver teaching towards university level qualifications are welcome to apply to University Challenge independently. This is not limited to Oxbridge colleges, but also includes around 300 colleges of further and higher education across the UK, several member institutions of the University of London, and a number of UK conservatoires and art schools. We actively encourage a variety of educational institutions to apply to University Challenge and welcome greater diversity on the show. Theres no secret as to whos been on University Challenge over the years, as the programme has been televised. The FOI request asked for 29 years worth of information which would have exceeded cost and time limits, the BBC said. The first ever episode of University Challenge aired on ITV in 1962. It was hosted by the late Bamber Gascoigne until 1987. The BBC revived it in 1994 with Jeremy Paxman in the chair. The next series in October will be presented by its third quizmaster, Amol Rajan, who is taking over from Mr Paxman after 28 years. All three presenters attended Cambridge colleges. T he son of a billionaire suspected of murdering a Norwegian student in London 15 years ago has said the incident was a sex accident gone wrong. Farouk Abdulhak is accused of the rape and murder of Martine Vik Magnussen, 23, in Mayfair in March 2008. He fled to Yemen via Egypt in the hours after her death, and despite efforts by Martines family and the UK and Norwegian authorities, he has not returned to Britain to face the charges. In a text message to Nawal Al-Maghafi, BBC News Arabic special correspondent, Abdulhak said: It was just an accident. Nothing nefarious. Just a sex accident gone wrong. He continued: No-one knows because I could barely piece together what happened. When the journalist asked him why, he replied: Cocaine. Abdulhak told Ms Al-Maghafi: Trust me Im legally (expletive). He said this was due to leaving the country and the body was moved. After the journalist asked him why he moved the body, Abdulhak replied: I dont remember. She asked him if he had thought about handing himself in, and he said lawyers had advised him not to as he would now serve the harshest sentence. Abdulhak told her it was too late. Abdulhak is the son of the late billionaire Shaher Abdulhak, who was known as the king of sugar because the source of part of his fortune was the soft drinks industry. The accused was friends with Ms Magnussen, who was studying at Regents Business School and had just come top of her class when she died. A group of students were out celebrating finishing their end-of-term exams at the Maddox nightclub in Mayfair on March 14 2008, but Ms Magnussen vanished, and her body was found two days later in the basement area of flats where Abdulhak lived. During an initial phone call conversation, Abdulhak told Ms Al-Maghafi he does not know what answers Ms Magnussens family want to hear. Nothings going to bring their daughter back, he said, adding: Theres nothing thats going to be able to change what happened. When he was asked about the possibility of coming back, Abdulhak said: Its too cold there. I dont like the weather. The dead womans father, Odd Petter Magnussen, said listening to the phone recording made him furious. Mr Magnussen said of Abdulhak: He has no empathy, obviously, with our family, and he doesnt show any sort of remorse or anything. Asked what he would say to Abdulhak, Mr Magnussen said: Go back to the UK. Tell what happened to Martine. Because not only Martine deserves that, but also our family. The only right thing to do here would be, of course, to give us some sort of closure to the case, but also yourself. Murder In Mayfair, a documentary of the investigation by BBC News Arabic and BBC Current Affairs, will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday at 9pm. A ustralia, the most recent country to take action against the Chinese-owned video app, banned TikTok on Tuesday (April 4) from all federal government-owned devices due to security concerns. The ban highlights rising concerns that China may utilise the Beijing-based business, which is owned by ByteDance Ltd, to collect user data for political purposes and jeopardise Western security interests. TikTok has also been fined $12.7 million by the UK's data watchdog for failing to safeguard children's privacy. Up to 1.4 million UK youngsters under the age of 13 were reportedly permitted to use TikTok in 2020. According to an inquiry by the Information Commissioner's Office, the video-sharing website exploited the data of children of this age without getting permission from their parents (ICO). While ByteDance has tried its best to settle lawsuits and appease concerns, some nations have decided to ban it either totally or partially. Here is a comprehensive look at all the countries that have banned TikTok. United Kingdom TikTok was banned from UK government phones on March 16. Security minister Tom Tugendhat had told Sky News he had asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into the app. He said it was absolutely essential to keep the UKs diplomatic processes free and safe. Oliver Dowden Bans TikTok on government phones United States New legislation has been backed that would see a nationwide ban of the platform but fears were also raised earlier this year. On February 28, the US government revealed that it had ordered all of its federal employees to remove TikTok from their government-issued phones to protect confidential data. A spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry criticised the move, saying: We firmly oppose those wrong actions. The US government should respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, stop suppressing the companies, and provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies in the US. They added: How unsure of itself can the worlds top superpower like the US be to fear young peoples favourite app like that. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to ban TikTok after a review by the Home Affairs department. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus declared in a statement that the ban will go into force as soon as practicable and that exceptions would only be made where necessary and after taking security precautions. Lee Hunter, general manager of TikTok for Australia and New Zealand, asserted that the app shouldn't be singled out. In a statement, Hunter stated that TikTok shouldn't be handled any differently from other social media platforms since there is no evidence to suggest that it is in any way a security issue for Australians. France France has banned the recreational use of TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and other apps on government employees phones because of concerns about insufficient data security measures. The ban is to come into force immediately, the Ministry of Public Sector Transformation and the Civil Service wrote on Twitter on March 24. He added that for several weeks, many of Frances European and international partners have adopted measures to restrict or ban the downloading and installation of or the use of the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok by their administrations. Mr Guerini said recreational applications do not have sufficient levels of cybersecurity and data protection in order to be deployed on administrations equipment, adding that exemptions can be given for professional reasons, such as institutional communication of an administration. Canada The North American nation also banned TikTok from being installed on any government-issued devices. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explained the reason: I suspect that as government takes the significant step of telling all federal employees that they can no longer use TikTok on their work phones, many Canadians from business to private individuals will reflect on the security of their own data and perhaps make choices, Im always a fan of giving Canadians the information for them to make the right decisions for them. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has also spoken about the ban / Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press via AP The European Union The wave of bans within the EU began with the European Commission and the EU Council temporarily banning TikTok from employee phones as a cybersecurity measure. Later, on Tuesday, February 28, the European Parliament revealed that it would follow suit. Aside from downloading the video-sharing app on their work phones, employees have also been barred from going on the platform on their private devices if their parliament email and other network accesses are installed on them. India India banned TikTok in June 2020 alongside some other Chinese apps. It believes the app threatens its national security and defence and that it also encourages pornography. India was TikToks largest international market before the ban, with more than 200 million users. Taiwan In 2022, the Taiwanese government banned TikTok from all public-sector devices. This followed concerns that the Chinese government was conducting cognitive warfare against the nation. Pakistan Pakistan has banned the video-sharing app several times, with the latest ban concluding in November 2021. Afghanistan In April 2022, a Taliban spokesperson said the government was planning to ban the app. This was because of the negative impact it had on the younger generation and its inconsistencies with their Islamic laws. It has recently been banned, with the Taliban stating that the apps filthy content was not consistent with Islamic laws, according to The Sun. Iran In Iran, TikTok is entirely banned as TikToks rules and Irans laws are not compatible. F our people died during a mass shooting at a 16th birthday party in Alabama, while 28 people were left with injuries ranging between minor and extremely critical. The victims include high school senior Phil Dowdell, a star athlete at a local school in the city of Dadeville. Shots were fired at the Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in Dadeville, a small rural city in Alabama. No information has been released about suspects, but President Biden has renewed his calls for stricter gun regulations in the face of the latest attack. The Alabama shooting has pushed the United States over the tragic threshold of more than 160 mass shootings so far this year. Below are the 15 mass-shooting incidents with the highest number of victims in the US, including the Pulse nightclub attack and the Columbine High School Massacre. Deadliest mass shootings in the US since 1982 Las Vegas, Nevada, 2017 Orlando, Florida, 2016 Virginia Tech, Virginia, 2007 Sandy Hook, Connecticut, 2012 Sutherland Springs, Texas, 2017 San Ysidro, California, 1984 Killeen, Texas, 1999 El Paso, Texas, 2019 Uvalde, Texas, 2022 Parkland, Florida, 2018 Edmond, Oklahoma, 1986 San Bernardino, California, 2015 Binghamton, New York, 2009 Fort Hood, Texas, 2009 Columbine, Colorado, 1999 Uvalde residents gather for a vigil following the mass shooting at a school / Jordan Vonderhaar / Getty Images Las Vegas, Nevada, 2017 The deadliest mass shooting in the US occurred in Las Vegas in October 2017. During the Route 91 Harvest music festival, 58 people were shot and killed when 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd from a hotel window, before killing himself. Two additional victims died from their injuries years later, bringing the number of victims to 60. Orlando, Florida, 2016 In June 2016, 49 people were killed at Pulse , a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, while a further 53 were injured. The gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, was killed by police after a three-hour standoff. Virginia Tech, Virginia, 2007 Virginia Tech student Seung-Hui Cho , aged 23, killed 32 people at the college in April, 2007. Twenty seven students and five faculty members died in the attack, before Cho shot and killed himself. Sandy Hook, Connecticut, 2012 In December 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother before travelling to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. He then fatally shot 20 children and six faculty members, before killing himself. Sutherland Springs, Texas, 2017 Twenty-five people, including a pregnant woman, were shot and killed when Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, opened fire during a Sunday service at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, in November 2017. Kelley killed himself soon after the attack. San Ysidro, California, 1984 In July 1984, 41-year-old James Oliver Huberty opened fire at a McDonalds restaurant in San Ysidro, California. He killed 21 people and wounded 19 others, before being shot and killed by law enforcement. Killeen, Texas, 1999 A mass shooting took place at Lubys cafe, in Killeen, Texas, in October 1999. George Hennard, 35, drove his truck through the popular cafe before opening fire and killing 23 people, and he was subsequently killed by law enforcement. Police officers outside Robb Elementary School, in Uvalde, where 21 people were killed / Brandon Bell / Getty Images El Paso, Texas, 2019 Twenty-three people were killed in a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso , Texas, in August 2019. Patrick Crusius, 21, was arrested and charged following the attack and is currently in jail awaiting trial. Uvalde, Texas, 2022 At least 19 children and two adults were killed in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, in Uvalde, Texas, on April 24, 2022. The gunman, Salvador Ramos, 18, was killed by a Border Patrol agent. Parkland, Florida, 2018 The Stoneman Douglas High School shooting took place on February 14, 2018. Nikolas Cruz, aged 19 at the time, fatally shot 17 students and faculty members and injured 17 others. Cruz was sentenced to life without parole in 2022. Edmond, Oklahoma, 1986 The United States Postal Service shooting of 1986 took place in Edmonton, Oklahoma. Postal worker Patrick Sherrill killed 14 people and injured a further six, before killing himself. Police officers in Uvalde, Texas, following the school shooting / Brandon Bell / Getty Images San Bernardino, California, 2015 Married couple Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and Tashfeen Malik, 27, shot dead 14 people at a Christmas party for the San Bernardino public health department in December 2015. They were shot and killed by police. Binghamton, New York, 2009 Jiverly Wong, 42, killed 13 people at an immigration services center in Binghamton, New York, in April, 2003. Wong entered a classroom of students attending English lessons and took dozens of them hostage, before killing himself when alarms were sounded. Fort Hood, Texas, 2009 In November 2009, US Army officer Major Nidal Malik Hasan shot and killed 13 people and injured more than 30 others. Hasan was shot and killed by police. Columbine, Colorado, 1999 In April 1999, Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, shot and killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, before killing themselves. It was the deadliest high school shooting in US history at the time. B lack-clad groups set fire to rubbish bins and threw projectiles at police in Paris, who charged at them and threw teargas on the fringes of a march against President Emmanuel Macron and his deeply unpopular pension bill. Clashes also erupted on Tuesday at similar rallies in other cities including Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse, with a bank branch and cars set ablaze in Nantes. However, while public frustration has evolved into broader anti-Macron sentiment, there was less violence than last week and rallies were otherwise largely peaceful. But amid the clashes, one man lied motionless on the ground after being knocked out by a police charge in Paris, live footage from BFM TV showed. Footage of the same scene went viral on social media. Police stopped to give him assistance but did not later respond to a request for comment on the mans health. Earlier in the day, the government rejected unions demand to suspend and rethink the pension bill, which raises retirement age by two years to 64, infuriating labour leaders who said the government must find a way out of the crisis. A demonstrator holds a placard reading Impeachment. The street wont give up during a rally in Paris / AFP via Getty Images The government said it was more than willing to talk to unions, but on other topics, and repeated it would stand firm on pensions. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has offered to meet unions next Monday and Tuesday. Millions of people have been demonstrating and joining strike action since mid-January to show their opposition to the bill. Unions said the next nationwide day of protests would be on April 6. The protests have intensified since the government used special powers to push the bill through parliament without a vote. One protester in Paris captured the mood, brandishing a banner that read: France is angry. The bill has acted as a catalyst for anger over Macrons policies, said Fanny Charier, 31, who works for the Pole Emploi office for job seekers. A man lies on the pavement after riot police officers charged protesters in Paris / AP Mr Macron, who promised pension reform in both of his presidential campaigns, says change is needed to keep the countrys finances in balance. Unions and opposition parties say there are other ways to do that. We have proposed a way out ... and its intolerable that we are being stonewalled again, the head of the CFDT union, Laurent Berger, told reporters at the Paris rally. In the previous big day of protests on Thursday, Black Bloc anarchists smashed shop windows, demolished bus stops and ransacked a McDonalds restaurant in Paris, with similar acts in other cities. That was some of the worst street violence in years in France, reminiscent of protests of the yellow-vest movement during Mr Macrons first term. People fall over as police charge during proitests in Paris on Tuesday / Getty Images On Tuesday, rallies were more peaceful, despite some clashes. In the western city of Nantes, the boarded-up front of a BNP Paribas bank branch was set on fire. A car was set on fire in the margins of the rally, while some shot fireworks at police. Also in western France, protesters blocked the Rennes ring road and set an abandoned car on fire. In Paris and in Marseille, protesters blocked train tracks for a while. Rolling strikes in the transport, aviation and energy sectors continued to disrupt travel. Youths scuffle with police forces amid tear gas during a demonstration in Nantes / AP However, in a move bringing some relief for Parisians and tourists alike, city waste collectors said they were suspending a weeks-long strike that has left the roads around famous landmarks strewn with piles of trash. There were also fewer teachers on strike than on previous days. Union leaders said high inflation made it harder for workers to sacrifice a days pay on the picket line. The Interior Ministry said 740,000 people had protested across the country on Tuesday, well below the record 1.09 million seen at the March 23 rally. The numbers in Paris were also below last weeks record but higher or equal to earlier demonstrations since January. Nonetheless, about 17% of all fuel stations in France were missing at least one product as of Monday night, Frances petroleum association UFIP said, citing energy ministry data. Charles de Courson, from the opposition Liot party, said French authorities should learn from the situation in Israel, where the government just hit pause on a controversial justice overhaul. P olice have shot a man after two people were stabbed to death and another person was injured at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon, Portugal's prime minister has said. Antonio Costa told reporters it was "a criminal act" and an isolated incident. Police were called to the centre on Tuesday just before 11am after reports of a man wielding a large knife. Officers ordered him to surrender but he advanced toward them and was neutralised, a statement said. The suspect was taken to a Lisbon hospital where he was in police custody. Several other people were wounded in the attack. Local news outlet Sapo24 reported that two women were stabbed to death and another man was seriously injured. It all happened very quickly, we dont know what happened, but there are dead people. He had a huge knife, an employee at the Ismaelita centre told Sapo24. The two victims were Portuguese nationals who worked at the centre, SIC television network cited Nazim Ahmed, leader of the Ismaili community in Portugal, as saying. Local media also said the women worked at the centres refugee support programme. He also said the attacker was an Afghan refugee. Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building. REUTERS Mr Costa said police were investigating the attack and it was too soon to speculate about a motive. The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam, according to their website. Ismaili spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan, who claims to be a direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed, opened the centre in Lisbon in 1998, complete with prayer halls, classrooms, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces. In 2015, he established the global headquarters of Ismailism in Lisbon under an agreement with the Portuguese government, and in 2018, he made the Henrique Mendonca Palace, also in Lisbon, as the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat. The Aga Khan Foundation did not respond when called for a comment. The Ismaili Muslims are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world, it said. Portugal hasnt recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of. P olice investigating the fatal school shooting in NashvilleTennessee have released footage of officers confronting the attacker. The shooting at the Covenant Christian school on Monday left three children and three adults dead. The victims have been identified as nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney and Cynthia Peak, a substitute teacher, aged 61; Katherine Koonce the schools headteacher, aged 60; and Mike Hill, a custodian, aged 61. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released six minutes of footage from officers body-worn cameras which showed officers storming into the school minutes after the shooting was reported at 10.13am. It showed police clearing one classroom after another on the first floor before venturing up the stairs to the second floor. Shots can then be heard seconds before the suspect, identified by police as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, comes into view. It shows police responding to the suspect, with one repeatedly shouting: Get your hands away from the gun! The attacker was shot by police and pronounced dead at 10.27am. The shooter had legally bought seven firearms in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before the attack, police also said on Thursday. Investigators said they were examining a manifesto written by the shooter, a 28-year-old ex-pupil of the school, hoping to learn the motivation behind the USs latest mass shooting. Authorities said Hale was not on their radar before the attack. Police say Hale was under a doctor's care for an undisclosed emotional disorder. Police earlier said Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre. In an interview with NBC News, police chief John Drake said he believed the suspect had some resentment for having to go to that school as a child. He told reporters: We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place." Police officers arrive at the Covenant School / via REUTERS The suspect was with two assault-style weapons and a pistol, at least two of which were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours on Monday, police identified the attacker as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email on Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The shooting is the 90th school shooting - defined as any incident in which a gun is discharged on school property - according to researchers at the K-12 School Shooting Database. Last year saw 303 school shootings, the highest of any year in the database, which goes back to 1970. On Tuesday, the White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden has already taken multiple gun-related actions by executive order but called upon lawmakers to pass a ban on assault weapons. We need Republicans in Congress to show some courage," she told MSNBC in an interview. Enough, enough, enough." Hours after the shooting, Biden urged lawmakers to pass tougher gun reform legislation. The Covenant School, founded in 2001, is a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in the Green Hills neighbourhood of Tennessees state capital. It has about 200 students. R ussias 10th Tank Regiment has lost many of its tanks in tactically flawed frontal assaults on the eastern town of Avdiivka in Ukraine, British defence chiefs said on Tuesday. Vladimir Putins army had achieved only marginal progress, they added, in the offensive in the Donetsk province, at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles. However, other military experts said Russian forces, in particular Putins private army, the Wagner Group mercenaries, had gained more ground in the town of Bakhmut which has seen some of the fiercest fighting of the war. In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said Russian generals had been prioritising in recent days an operation to try to encircle the Donetsk town of Avdiivka. However, Russian forces have made only marginal progress at the cost of heavy losses in armoured vehicles, it said. Russias 10th Tank Regiment has likely lost a large proportion of its tanks while attempting to surround Avdiivka from the south. 10th Tank Regiments losses have likely largely been due to tactically flawed frontal assaults similar to those in other recent failed Russian armoured attacks, such as around the town of Vuhledar. The briefing added: The regiment is part of 3rd Army Corps, the first major new formation Russia stood up to support the invasion of Ukraine since August 2022. Numerous open-source accounts suggested that 3rd Army Corps has been particularly dogged by problems with ill-discipline and poor morale. Despite a likely period of training in Belarus, the formation still appears to display limited combat effectiveness. Avdiivka is 55 miles south of the largely destroyed mining town of Bakhmut where the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Russian forces had gain more territory in recent days. Ukraine shut Avdiivka to civilians on Monday, with an official describing the town as a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The Ukrainian military has warned that Avdiivka could become a second Bakhmut, which has been reduced to rubble in months of fighting described by both sides as a meat grinder. Russian forces say they are fighting street by street. Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who said this month that a counterattack was not far off, visited frontline troops in the east and said his forces were still repelling attacks on Bakhmut. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said air defences shot down 12 drones near Kyiv on Monday and falling debris set a non-residential site ablaze. No casualties were reported. Russia launched a total of 15 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight on Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces destroying 14 of them, Ukraines military said early on Tuesday. The logic of the Russians actions is terror aimed at civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on Telegram about the drone attacks. It wont work, just like geopolitical blackmail. Since Putins invasion has stalled, he and other Russian officials have played up the prospect the war could escalate to involve nuclear weapons. On Saturday, he said he had struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Ukraine and its Western allies have slammed the plan. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian troops of holding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant hostage and its safety could not be guaranteed until they left it. Russian troops have occupied the nuclear power plant, Europes largest, since the early weeks of the invasion of Ukraine and have shown no inclination to relinquish control. Holding a nuclear power station hostage for more than a year - this is surely the worst thing that has ever happened in the history of European or world-wide nuclear power, he said in his nightly video address. He decried the Russian presence as radiation blackmail. His comments followed a meeting with Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the Dnipro hydroelectric power station, northeast of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Initiatives on restoring safety and security are doomed to failure without a withdrawal of Russian troops from the plant, Mr Zelensky said in comments posted on the presidential website. Russia and Ukraine routinely accuse each other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant. Fighting around it and worries of a water shortage and that cooling systems could lose power have raised fears of a nuclear disaster. A team of IAEA has since September been stationed at the plant, which Kyiv has accused Moscow of using as a shield for troops and military hardware. Mr Grossi has repeatedly called for a safety zone around it and is due to visit it again this week. He has tried to negotiate with both sides but said in January that brokering a deal was getting harder. Zaporizhzhia is one of four regions Russia claimed to annex in September after referendums criticised globally as shams. Russia views the plant as its territory, which Ukraine denies. Mr Zelensky visited the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region on Monday, the latest stage of a tour of frontline regions since a top general said Ukraines counterattack could come soon. U krainian military chiefs on Tuesday hailed the arrival of British Challenger II tanks ahead of a planned counter-offensive against Vladimir Putins invasion force. They have arrived!, tweeted Ukraines Defence Ministry. Strykers and Cougars from (America), Challengers from (Britain), Marders from (Germany) have officially joined the Air Assault Forces of the #UAarmy! The greatest vehicles for the best soldiers. Onward! A few hours later, Ukraines defence minister Oleksii Reznikov told how he had taken a Challenger for a spin as he thanked Britain for sending the tanks. The UK has pledged to send 14 Challenger II tanks, with hundreds of German-built Leopard tanks expected to be delivered in coming months from other European allies to Kyiv. Analysts expect a Ukrainian counter-attack to get under way in earnest during the April-May period as the weather improves and more military aid arrives, including more battle tanks. The 18 Leopard 2 tanks, workhorse of militaries across Europe, pledged by Germany have reached Ukraine, the German Defence Ministry said on Monday. Im sure that they can make a decisive contribution on the front, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Twitter. Front lines in Ukraine have barely moved for more than four months despite a Russian spring offensive which has achieved only minimal gains. Ukraines military aims to wear down Russian forces before mounting its own attack. Putins private army, the Wagner Group which is thought to have sustained heavy losses in eastern Ukraine, is seeking to replenish its ranks ahead of any Ukrainian counter-offensive. A giant recruitment advertisement for the group has appeared on the facade of an office building in northeast Moscow. It shows Wagners logo and slogans such as Join the winning team! and Together we will win, along with a picture of a masked man holding a weapon. However, Wagner mercenaries, many of them recruited directly from jails, have suffered very heavy losses, as they have been used as cannon fodder, according to military experts, being forced to advance in reckless attacks on Ukrainian positions, including in the eastern town of Bakhmut, and at times shot by their own forces if they retreat. Western defence chiefs estimate that Russian forces have suffered up to 200,000 casualties, with as many as 60,000 fatalities, with heavy losses also on the Ukrainian side. Thousands of civilians have also been killed in the conflict which Putin launched more than a year ago. A t least four people were killed in a mass shooting in Alabama on Saturday (April 15). A further 28 people were injured at Mahogany Masterpiece Dance Studio in the city of Dadeville, where a 16th birthday party was taking place. High school student Phil Dowdell has been named as one of the victims, but no information about the suspected shooter has been revealed at the time of writing. Gun-related injuries are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and injuries every year in the US. There have been 163 mass shootings in the US so far this year, according to the independent group Gun Violence Archive. Weve highlighted key figures and statistics around gun violence in the US below. US gun violence facts and statistics I tsu, the pan-Asian chain best known for lunchtime takeout, has launched a fully fledged restaurant concept that forgoes its famous sushi. The 96-cover newcomer has taken over the existing Itsu on Hampstead Road and focuses entirely on steamed hot food, rather than the sushi boxes that have made Itsu a staple for office workers lunching at their desk. itsus latest site / Backdrop_Productions Although sushi has been the bedrock on which Itsu was built, founder Julian Metcalfe says, in order to provide healthy fast-food that will challenge the McDonalds of this world, we need to build on our success in hot food innovation. Bao buns make up more of the menu, as do dumpling dishes and broths. A new 3.99 chicken bao dubbed the bigbao comes with spring onion, woodear and shiitake mushrooms. Menu items start from as little as 2.79 with an overall aim to keep the average spend per head in line with existing Itsus: under 7. Itsus expansion into more dine-in experiences comes as the demand for fast food shows no sign of slowing, with post-pandemic growth buoyant particularly compared with the wider hospitality industry and strongest in the so-called QSR (quick service restaurant) sector. Hoisin duck bao at Itsu / Backdrop_Productions The restaurant opened on Monday March 27. Commenting on the launch, Charles Way, Itsus head of food, said: We know that the process of steaming offers us the ability to reduce waste and make dishes even more affordable, while keeping the nutrients and minerals locked in. Using our new steamers, were further progressing our vision in showing the world that healthy fast food, on a global scale, is possible. The restaurant is offering an Easter happy hour of 50% off food orders from 3pm till 9pm until April 9. The latest Itsu opening is one of 18 new sites the brand has planned for 2023, adding to the existing 40 Itsus in central London and 79 globally. Regents Place, 15-20 Hampstead Road, NW1 3JA, itsu.com D onny Osmond has recalled what it was really like at the height of The Osmonds success back in the 70s and why returning to London for his upcoming tour 51 years later is like a homecoming. The singing superstar, 65, was just 14 years-old the first time he visited the capital with his four elder brothers, who made up the rest of the musical group, and it could well have been their last as their arrivals sparked scenes not seen since The Beatles the previous decade. After their first flight into Heathrow, The Osmonds were banned from further landings there when part of a balcony collapsed beneath the sheer number of fans who had shown up in a bid to get a glimpse of Donny. Gatwick wouldnt have them either, so Donny and his brothers had to fly to Scotland and take a train down to London. The reaction to Donny and his brothers that hysteria was always greatest in the UK. And that is why Donny has always loved touring here. Speaking to the Standard, he said: London is my second home. I always go back to the memories of Osmondmania in the early 70s. It was hysteria on steroids. Donny Osmond pictured with his brothers during their first trip to London in 1972 / Getty Images It was pretty cool, the screaming and the adulation, but I remember a moment right after the Heathrow experience where the balcony collapsed and we were banned from the airports. I was in the hotel room with my brother Alan and we turn the television on that night and there was this programme with three people on the presenter, a person from Scotland Yard and a child psychiatrist and they were debating whether or not Donny Osmond should be deported from England because of what hes doing to all of our young kids. My brother turned to me and said, You remember this moment because this never happens. It was such a cool moment. A natural born storyteller, Donny goes on to recount another standout memory from that time. I remember when the screaming girls were chasing us into the underground carpark of the hotel and they took firehoses to keep all of the fans out. I had the time of my life! he enthused. Hundreds and hundreds of fans were able to get into the parking structure and cos I had long hair at the time they were just surrounding us. Our security guard, he saw me and because of my long hair, he thought I was one of the fans so he threw me back into the fans and realised what he had done, but he couldnt get to me because of all the fans. So I got on the floor and I was sneaking to the entrance of the hotel, and one of the other security guards thought I was a fan and grabbed me and threw me back into the fans. It was awesome! In more recent years, Donny made his West End debut in 2021 playing the Wizard in Pantoland at the Palladium with a cast including Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot an experience he called just hilarious. Donny Osmond appearing in Pantoland at the Palladium with Julian Clary in 2021 / Paul Coltas Theyve tried [to bring panto to the US]. Americans dont get the British humour, but I get it completely because Ive been there so many times. It was so funny, quite rude. He has starred on Broadway many times, including playing Joseph in Lord Lloyd Webbers Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Gaston in Disneys Beauty & The Beast, but could he ever be tempted back to the West End, and does he have a dream role in mind? His upcoming UK tour his first since 2017 is an extended version of his current residency at Hurrahs Las Vegas and spans his entire 60 years in showbusiness, and takes in 13 dates here, including two at Hammersmiths Eventim Apollo on December 13 and 14. That ticked every box for him, he said. He added: This show is a dream role for me because it encapsulates everything that I have done and so when I hit the stage it doesnt matter how tired I am. Its so much fun to go through six decades of showbusiness in Las Vegas and thats why Im so excited to bring it over to the UK because it really is the dream role of anyone to be able to play themselves for 90 minutes of six decades of things youve done. He has a vast repetoire to draw on to fill his shows, but will he be digging out any of his old stage costumes to accompany them? Somebody asked me about my old jumpsuits, I dont know if I could fit in them anymore, he laughed. But we recreate our first record One Bad Apple with my four dancers and they dance with me kind of like the choreography that we had in the 70s and we play the Osmonds cartoon behind us, its really funny. Despite having six decades under his belt, he has no intention of retiring or slowing down any time soon, saying he still has to beat Elvis Presleys record of 68 albums. Given he released his 65th album entitled Begin Again in 2021 and is currently working on his 66th, hes not far off achieving that. For more information and to buy tickets to Donny Osmonds 2023 UK tour, visit myticket.co.uk Commercial banks in Georgia loaned 44.45 billion ($17.27bln) and received deposits of 43.61 billion ($16.94 bln) in February 2023, the latest data from the National Bank of Georgia shows, Trend reports with reference to Agenda. The volume of loans decreased by 0.02 percent compared to the previous month, while the number of deposits also decreased by 0.08 percent month-on-month. Last month, the volume of term deposits increased by 0.23 percent, while on-demand deposits decreased by 0.28 percent, the NBG also said. Loans taken out in the national currency increased by 0.59 percent while the volume of loans in foreign currencies decreased by 0.77 percent. In other figures, the total assets of Georgian commercial banks increased by 0.06 percent and constituted 67.8 billion ($26.33 bln). There were 15 commercial banks in Georgia - 13 of them foreign-owned entities - as of the end of February 2023. G ail Porter has found a new calling in life: to make people smile and laugh. And she intends to do that by turning her struggles with homelessness, alopecia and mental health into material for a brand new stand-up routine. The Scottish TV presenter, 52, admits she is anxious, but a good anxious to show people what she is made of when she takes to the stage at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms from August 2-28. Speaking to the Standard, she said: Ive done little stand-up bits before, its usually like a charity event. Ive done wee gigs in Glasgow and in Edinburgh, but nothing major and this is my own show! Im still getting over the fact that Ive managed to pull it off, to have one. I just hope on the first night that first laugh - if I can get it - then I can keep going. Im just a tiny bit anxious, but its a good anxious, its a nervous anxious. Citing comedy greats such as Billy Connolly and Eddie Izzard as her inspirations, she says shes into observational stuff. When they go off on a tangent and come back again you just think whats happening? We dont know, but its funny. Its not going to be super structured, well, Ive been told that Ive got to structure it, but I never really do what Im told. Someone who unashamedly wears their heart on their sleeve, she vows nothing will be off limits, including her time going from a childrens TV presenter to becoming a lads mag favourite with her naked image beamed onto the Houses of Parliament. The 60-minute show will also touch on her being sectioned, diagnosed as bipolar and forced to sleep rough for six months. She said: Every single one of us has been through stuff; you dont know what that person walking down the street has gone through, you dont know what your neighbour has gone through unless people open up and talk about it. Weve all got our little stories and we all deal with it in different ways and my way now is to try and be funny and do as much as possible to make people smile and laugh. Another way that Porter likes to give back is through charity work. She has recently partnered with Virgin Media O2 and digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, to help raise awareness of a National Databank set up to help people in need to access free mobile data. 1,000 national databank hubs have been set up throughout the UK, helping people in need to get online and to stay connected with up to 220 hours of internet browsing per month, as well as free texts and calls. You need communication, thats extremely important, you need data obviously to sort your life out, but you also get extremely lonely when youre in a different place, or youve not got a secure background. I very much doubt I would have been homeless for six months if I had this sort of data. It would have an absolute game-changer. Recalling how night time had been the hardest while homeless, she said: You get seriously lonely and then I think I cant even phone anyone to just say can I have a hug a virtual hug. Im not a daft person and if I had data then I would have been on it all the time thinking ok, this is free, I can contact this person, that person, can I get a shelter, someone to help me, do I get money from anybody, can I get a job, anything. Another thing it might have allowed her to do is communicate more about how she was feeling. Porter became seriously depressed while homeless, but for the longest time kept how she was feeling to herself. I thought Im not going to tell anybody because this is embarrassing, and everyones going to judge me and its going to be awful and I dont want other people to feel bad. When I did finally open up, I realise everyone is there and people care about each other and they are there to take you for a tea or a coffee or go for a walk around the park. Now, Im lucky enough to have a roof over my head, Ive got a little rescue cat and Ive got a wonderful daughter. To find out more about the National Databank,visit www.o2.co.uk/national-databank J ack Whitehall has laughed off the odd rumour that presenter Richard Madeley is secretly his father. The rumour has been around for over a decade and started on an online forum after Whitehall presented Big Brothers Big Mouth in 2008. Earlier this month the comedian, 34, appeared on Good Morning Britain with Madeley, 66, which sparked fresh chatter. Addressing the rumours in a new chat with Heat magazine, Whitehall said: Richard seemed very flattered by that idea, didnt he? But yes, that was genuinely a rumour. When I was hosting Big Brothers Big Mouth back in the day, there was a rumour on one of those online forums that I was Richard Madeleys son. Madeley (2nd left), with (left - right) his daughter Chloe, wife Judy Finnigan and son Jack, after receiving an honorary degree from the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge in 2011 / PA Maybe because I looked like his real son? Madeley and wife Judy Finnigan are parents to daughter Chioloe, 35, and a son also named Jack, 36. Whitehall recently starred alongside his actual father, Michael Whitehall, 82, in the Netflix series Travels With My Father. His latest interview comes after he revealed his girlfriend Roxy Horner collapsed at the Brit Awards in 2021 while he was hosting the ceremony. Whitehall and his father Michael Whitehall recently explored their roots in the Netflix series Travels With My Father / Getty Images He revealed that Horner was rushed to hospital following the incident, when he had been hosting the annual ceremony and discovered she had Type 1 diabetes that night. Horner, who has since gone on to raise awareness about the disease, said of Whitehall, who shes been with for three years: Jacks been my absolute rock, hes so lovely. T he principal peril facing Rishi Sunak is the fact that, in practice, he presides over a hung Parliament. True, the Prime Minister notionally commands a working majority of 66. In reality, however, the Conservative backbenches are divided by ideology, faction and the proto-campaigns of those vying to succeed him as party leader. Yesterday, as the Commons debated the Illegal Migration Bill, the flagship legislation of the PMs small boats strategy, he was able to negotiate a truce of sorts with the main group of backbench rebels but only just, by postponing the moment of reckoning. Last week, one might have supposed that Sunak had gained full control of his fractious tribe, as he saw off the mutiny over the Windsor Framework on Brexit. But Sunak has not tamed the Tory beast. Only by promising that he and Home Secretary Suella Braverman would give further consideration to four hardline amendments on migration policy and international human rights law did he convince the rebels, led by Danny Kruger, Simon Clarke and Jonathan Gullis, to hold off for now. As one of told Politicos Playbook PM: The Government will either fix this at report stage or the Prime Minister will be taking up a position as emeritus professor of government at Stanford University. And that is not all. A smaller but still significant group of more moderate Conservative MPs, led by Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham), is urging Sunak to commit to more safe and legal routes for migrants before cracking down on crossings of the Channel. The PM, in other words, faces a political pincer movement. For a start, Tory MPs know that a general election, in which they will be judged against their extravagant promises on illegal migration, is just around the corner. But this is also a teaser trailer for the seething argument over the future of Conservatism into which the party will be plunged if it loses power. The fault-line exposed by this weeks debate concerns the UKs membership of the European Convention on Human Rights specifically and, more generally, the relationship between national sovereignty and international obligations. Even in unamended form, says Braverman, the bill is more than 50 per cent likely to break human rights law. The Kruger-Clarke-Gullis group of MPs would like to see yet more restraints imposed upon the ability of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to intervene in the UKs border management as the court did in June to block the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda. Lurking beneath such amendments is the hardening conviction among Tories of the populist Right that the ECHR, though distinct from the European Union, is no less grievous an institutional impediment to the taking back of control. Every amendment demanding that UK ministers ignore judges in Strasbourg in particular circumstances whispers of a greater ambition: for the UK to ditch the ECHR altogether. Unlike Braverman, Sunak does not wish to do this, attempting instead to maintain a precarious balance between tough measures and the requirements of international jurisprudence. This is a country and a government that does follow the law, he said yesterday. It would indeed be extraordinary if the UK were to exit the ECHR a post-war document drafted in large part by Britons. Specifically, our post-Brexit agreements with the EU, which make frequent reference to the ECHR, would be imperilled. So too would the Good Friday Agreement, which requires the convention to be enforced in Northern Ireland (it is no accident that Sunak does not want a noisy debate on the ECHR before President Bidens visit to Belfast on or around April 10). For this country to leave the ECHR would be an act of flagrant ethical secession from the international community; it would send an unambiguous signal to the rest of the world about British identity and make it all but impossible for us to criticise the human rights abuses of other nations. In February, Sir Bob Neill, Tory chair of the Commons justice committee, said to the Financial Times: If Conservatives dont believe in the rule of law, what do we believe in? Are we going to put ourselves in the same company as Russia and Belarus? This was and remains a very good question. To an alarming extent, the Tory party is edging ever closer towards a deeply unpleasant answer. T witter is about to change, and perhaps not for the better. Legacy verified blue ticks are being wound down meaning, aside from a few exceptions, people will need to cough up 8 a month to retain their status. What does it matter if a blue tick now means nothing more than what you pay Twitter? As expected, Twitter is beginning to limit non-paid accounts. Only Twitter Blue users will have their tweets shown in the For You section of the app. This may be an issue for those who rely on getting their posts seen by people they dont follow. Standard members wont be able to vote in Twitter polls, and will find their responses to tweets relegated to the bottom of the pile. If you dont pay, youre a second-class citizen, so maybe its time to jump ship. Below youll find some of the most notable alternatives to Twitter, from longstanding dinos of social media that are still worth a look, to upstarts looking to attract folks disillusioned by Elon Musks direction for Twitter. Reddit Founded: 2005 Number of active users: 52 million Founded a year before Twitter, Reddit is an internet institution, but one that can often seem opaque and unfriendly to folks without a degree in internet culture. It has much more of the air of a classic message board or forum than Twitter and is broken down into often incredibly specific areas called subreddits. These are home to some of the best and worst things the internet has to offer. And, of course, the bad bits have gained all the attention over the years. However, its a great place to indulge in hobbies with like-minded folks, while Reddit feeds such as /todayilearned and /dataisbeautiful are top time-killers minus the Twitter guilt. Mastodon Founded: 2016 Number of active users: One million While Mastodon is one of the most similar-looking alternatives to Twitter, it will feel quite different in use. Twitter is a behemoth in which everyone tweets under the same virtual dome, while Mastodon operates as a series of smaller servers, each with a maximum of 250,000 participants. A server is chosen on sign-up. Theres a server for people in Scotland or who identify as Scottish, for example, or another for ravers. Mastodon is going to feel a lot less busy than Twitter; it is less of a place to pick up social media clout than it is to connect with people who have similar interests. Substack Founded: 2017 Number of active users: 2 million paying subscribers Substack essentially allows you to sign up to receive newsletters via email from notable and amateur writers. The platform has built a reputation as a refuge for media firebrands who have fled established news outlets. Among the notable authors on Substack are journalists Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi; renowned authors Salman Rushdie and Chuck Palahniuk; Boris Johnsons former aide Dominic Cummings; and political activist Michael Moore. You can join, and even publish your own articles, for free. But, some writers charge a subscription for their newsletters, while others simply ask for a tip. Substack makes money by pocketing 10 per cent of the subscription fees, with additional costs for payment processing. More recently, Substack has branched out to introduce podcasts and video, though its mainly associated with written articles. Notably for alienated Twitter fans, it also just launched its own take on short-form text posts, dubbed Notes, which are uncannily similar to tweets. The move seems to have rankled Musk as Twitter is now effectively blocking users from interacting with Substack posts. Hive Founded: 2019 Number of active users: One million Hive Social may appeal to those looking for something that behaves a lot like Twitter as soon as you sign up. Like Twitter, theres a timeline and the ability to follow people and repost other peoples messages as you see fit. It does all this without timeline algorithms: you see things in chronological order as theyre posted, just like in the early days of Twitter. There are big differences, though. For starters, theres no limit to post length. This makes the bite-sized content Twitter offers optional, with no defence against blowhards who enjoy the sound of their own voice. Also, at the time of writing, its mobile-only with no desktop experience at all. The oddest thing? You can pick a song to play when anybody visits your profile, like the old days of MySpace. Post Founded: 2022 Number of active users: None as yet Its hard to know what to expect from Post at the time of writing. Created by the former CEO of Google-owned Waze, Noam Bardin, the prospect of a social medium designed to make you smarter rather than angry has certainly piqued peoples interest. There are more than 100,00 people waiting to be granted access to the platform. What we do know is that it seems like itll be a cross between Twitter, Medium, and Tumblr. Like Twitter, the aim is to encourage conversation between friends, strangers, and experts without barriers. Unlike Twitter, there will be no limit to the length of posts, rigorously enforced content moderation, and the ability to buy individual articles from publications you dont subscribe to, to break people out of their filter bubbles. Post is designed to give the voice back to the sidelined majority; there are enough platforms for extremists, and we cannot relinquish the town square to them, Bardin says. CounterSocial Founded: 2017 Number of active users: Around 30,000 A response to the ills that have afflicted social-media giants such as Twitter and Facebook, CounterSocial claims to take a zero-tolerance stance to hostile nations, bot accounts, trolls, and disinformation networks. To this end, it blocks entire countries from accessing the network, including Russia, China, and North Korea. The app is very slow to load right now, though (perhaps caused by an influx of folks moving from Twitter). Once you access it, the look is similar to that of Twitter, but with virtually zero engagement in posts from the community firehose of content promoted by the app itself. CounterSocial isnt one for those looking to kill some time browsing social media streams. Bring some friends along. You might cringe yourself out of giving it a go if you read the platforms FAQ section, though. Cohost Founded: 2022 Number of active users: Around 38,000 If CounterSocial is the no bots platform, Cohost aims to be the no algorithm social network, bringing back some of the feel of the internet of years gone by. It promises no ads, no tracking, for good. You can try the service for free, but theres also Cohost Plus subscription for $5 (4) a month ($50/40 a year) to support the developers, and unlock a few advanced features, such as large file uploads. Theres no Cohost phone app yet, only a web interface, which isnt easy to find. And its active user base is likely tiny. Sign up with a bunch of friends, though, and there are worse ways to keep in contact online. Tumblr Founded: 2007 Daily posts: Nine million Tumblr is a social network many have forgotten existed. It was a giant back in the days before such platforms were routinely described as a hellscape. But according to a New Yorker interview with Tumblr CEO Jeff DOnofrio, 48 per cent of active users and 61 per cent of new users are from Gen Z. Today, it comes across as a much lower-stakes network than the big names. Since it has been around for ever, it doesnt claim to want to clean the social-networking slate. It is less influencer-drenched than the more mainstream networks. Georgias digital technology company UGT and Austria's largest electricity provider Verbund have teamed up to implement digital management at the Enguri hydropower plant, the largest electricity-producing infrastructure in Georgia, the Ministry of Economy announced on Tuesday, Trend reports with reference to Agenda. A delegation from the Austrian company met the Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze to discuss the project, which is currently in the first phase of its implementation. The stage involves an in-depth analysis and preparation of technical tasks for the next phase. Mikautadze said transition of Enguri HPP to digital management was essential for ensuring a more effective, safe, operative and sustainable operation. Besides, in the case of hydroelectric plants in Georgia, this will be a precedent for the introduction of digital management, he said. Dance-pop group Aqua will bring their hit songs to the stage in Niagara Falls in June. The Danish group, whose hits include Barbie Girl, will perform with Bran Van 3000 and Prozzak at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on June 29. Aqua is one of several acts set to play at the new theatre this summer. If youre looking for thrilling performances this summer, the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino is where you want to be, said Cathy Price, vice-president of marketing at Niagara Casinos. International award-winning Elvis tribute artist Steve Michaels will perform Return from Grace July 12 to 21. Country duo Dan + Shay, who recently released their fourth studio album Good Things, will take centre stage on Aug. 17, followed by Grammy and Brit award-winning soul artist Joss Stone on Aug. 26. For further information, visit www.fallsviewcasino or www.ticketmaster.ca. Across the border, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is hosting a number of summer shows. Comedian Lon Lovitz will perform June 8 and 9 as part of the Barrel of Laughs comedy series. And 38 Special will perform June 17, followed by REO Speedwagon on June 24, and country music legend Lorrie Morgan on June 30. For further information, visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, SenecaAlleganyCasino.com or ticketmaster.com. SHARE: Niagara Falls is the fourth most popular bucket list landmark in the world, according to one of United Kingdoms leading price comparison websites. The life insurance team at Comparethemarket analyzed the volume of Instagram hashtags and Google searches for more than 70 of the worlds most famous landmarks, revealing the sights people are dreaming of visiting. Niagara Falls placed fourth, with 3.6 million pictures under the hashtag #niagarafalls and 1.8 million monthly searches. The Honeymoon Capital is listed behind only Burj Khalifa in Dubai, with an average monthly search volume of 2.2 million and 6.2 million images; Eiffel Tower in France, with an average of 1.5 million searches per month and 7.2 million people using the #eiffeltower on Instagram; and Times Square, with 4.8 million Instagram posts and 1.5 million search queries each month. Janice Thomson, president of Niagara Falls Tourism, described the results as really thrilling news, adding it reiterates all the effort the organization puts into marketing the destination. Niagara Falls Tourism alone, we post over 200 entries every month on whats new, whats happening. Were very active in those markets and its gratifying to see that its reflected in that international success, she said. With all the attractions in this destination and the reputation we have for great hospitality, thats what earns us that position. Thomson said the agency is seeing an increase in website searches from people around the world researching the opportunity to visit here. Theyre looking at the options and now our job is to just keep those messages strong so that people will make the eventual decision when its the right time in their world to travel here, she said. Thomson said officials are starting to see a slight increase in cross-border traffic. Its still down 47 per cent from our regular year. But were just undertaking a large campaign (to be rolled out in April) into the U.S. market to highlight why you should be coming to Niagara Falls, Ont., and highlighting the advantages of the exchange rate and the fact that you can come here and theres so much to do for all ages. Mayor Jim Diodati said he never gets tired of these kinds of studies. Every time someone says Niagara Falls, we win, he said. I really, truly, never understood how strong the Niagara Falls brand is until I travelled to places around the world. Our brand is as big as any city on this planet and were easily the most well-known and most famous city in the country. Diodati said growing up, he took it for granted. People react, they smile they always say the same thing: One day before I die or Its on my bucket list or Ive seen pictures and videos. Its the same reaction. People intend to come here. He said the timing of this study couldnt be better, as tourism officials are expecting a comeback summer season with international visitors. Last year, domestic tourism returned to pre-pandemic numbers, but international was around half of what it should be because of the ArriveCan app, he said. Now thats its been removed since (Oct. 1) last year, weve got big expectations for the return of the international traveller. Diodati said one of the reasons officials like to see international visitors is because they stay longer and they spend more. They make a commitment to the destination. Read more about: SHARE: At least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 injured in a horrific bus crash southwest of Saudi Arabia, Trend reports citing Al Arabiya. The passenger bus crashed into a bridge on Monday, overturned, and caught fire, killing 20 and injuring 29. The accident, which occurred as a result of a brake failure, took place on a road linking Asir province and the city of Abha. The victims were on their way to Mecca to perform Umrah. Andrea Soltes is the owner of St. Catharines newest arts and crafts store, called Pink Flower Lady Yarns. The shop offers a wide range of curated yarns from around the world, as well as a variety of knitting needles and notions. Andrea Soltes has tried other crafting hobbies, but there is something special that continues to draw her back to her knitting needles. Soltes, who spent time travelling internationally in the late 1990s, explained that the yarn needed to make her projects became an anchor to the world because knitting and crochet is a shared hobby by many all over the world. When Ive found myself in a strange place and cant speak the language, Ive found it soothing to search markets and look for different yarns and tools, she said. Her passion for the craft is why the Fonthill resident has opened her own store. Pink Flower Lady Yarns, at 100 Fourth Ave. (Ridley Heights Plaza) in St. Catharines, offers a wide range of curated yarns, with a growing focus on Canadian independent dyers and quality yarns from around the world, as well as a variety of knitting needles and notions. It has been a dream to build an inclusive community of fibre artists in Niagara, people coming together to share knowledge and gain inspiration. I believe there is room in the region to grow this community and offer more variety, she said. Soltes said she is looking forward to building an inclusive community space for crafters to come shop and learn. Interest in knitting seems to have ramped up in recent years, so I have plans to develop workshops, demonstrations, and cultivate a knitting group or two, she said. The stores name comes from the signature crochet pink flower Soltes leaves on all of her finished projects. Ive been knitting a long time and I wasnt able to find a good tag, Soltes explained. Then one day Soltes finished a sweater, and with the scraps she began to crochet a pink flower. That became Soltes signature. Pink Flower Lady Yarns is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A grand opening celebration has been planned for Thursday (March 30) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. For more information about the store, call 905-397-1161. Upcoming classes and special events will also be listed on the Pink Flower Lady Yarns Facebook page. SHARE: The new St. Catharines fire station on Linwell Road will be among the first in the country to meet Canada Green Building Councils zero carbon building standards but it will cost, at least in the short term. City councillors agreed unanimously this month to spend an extra $1.2 million on the projects price tag to go green. Council previously put $6 million in the 2022 capital budget for the replacement of the outdated station at 192 Linwell Rd. . Anthony Martuccio, director of engineering, facilities and environmental services, said zero carbon features were always intended to be part of the design for the station, but city staff didnt know how much those costs would be when they put together the capital budget in 2021. Weve progressed to a point now in the design of the project where we can quantify the additional costs in order to implement a zero carbon, net zero type facility and it was identified that these additional funds are required in order to do that, he said during councils last meeting on March 20. The new total project cost with design fees and associated construction materials and systems to meet the requirements of the zero carbon building standards is an estimated $7.2 million. Staff have looked into the Green Municipal Fund to help address some of these additional costs, Martuccio said. Its a funding source that can be very useful in allowing us to achieve some of these extra objectives. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund provides low-interest loans and grants for projects that qualify. St. Catharines, which has submitted a pre-application, could qualify for a loan of up to $5.76 million and a grant of up to $860,000. City council declared a climate emergency in 2019. In 2021, it voted to join the Cities Race to Zero Campaign with the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. A staff report to council this month said buildings designed under Canada Green Building Councils zero carbon building standards are high energy efficient, produce on-site renewable energy, reduce the carbon footprint and emissions from materials, and shifts peak electricity demands. Meeting the standards is expected to save the city in monthly and annual utility costs, as well as result in systems that last longer. The Linwell Road fire station, built in 1958, will be demolished and replaced with a 635-square-metre building on the same site. While construction is happening, firefighters from the station will be temporarily housed in an old fire station on Brock Street in Port Dalhousie, which had since been converted to a city-run older adult centre. The older adult centre programming will be accommodated at Port Weller Community Centre. The city said the fire station project will be ready for permit and tender this spring. Construction is now expected to start in the summer and be completed by fall 2024. The building will have electric air source heat pumps, triple-glazed thermal windows, airtight building construction, a permeable paving system, hydronic in-floor radiant heating, a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system and more features to meet the zero carbon building standards. The extra $1.2 million is being transferred from a budget that was earmarked for a new fire training tower, as that project has a long way to go. The city doesnt have a location for the tower yet and is working with St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. on finding an appropriate site. SHARE: What can Canada learn from the World Happiness Report? The United Nations just published its list of the worlds happiest countries, and the Great White North did reasonably well, coming in at No. 13. Finland took the top spot at No. 1 for the sixth year in a row, followed by Denmark and Iceland, respectively. The World Happiness Report has emerged in recent years as one of the more credible publications that attempts to measure the happiness of humans around the world, so the report is worth examining as it may provide us a moment of reflection. Canadians should not anguish for being ranked 13th if anything, we should be grateful because things could be much worse however, things could also be much better. So, what can we learn from the countries that ranked at the top? Before diving into that, lets take a step back and explore the World Happiness Report. It is an annual publication that began in 2012 and ranks countries according to their populations self-assessed happiness status. The study was released this month on March 20, which marks the International Day of Happiness, and is published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global project of the United Nations. The report is available on their website and anyone can download it, free of charge. Measuring happiness can be tricky, which is why the scores are based on individuals own evaluations on what makes them happy. However, a few factors that the report considers are: income, health, having someone to count on, having a sense of freedom to make critical life decisions, generosity, and the absence of corruption. For the sake of simplicity, we wont analyze all these factors, but we will examine a few in the context of the Canadian system and way of life. Canada has long been praised and respected as a land of opportunity. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said Canada was the North Star that guided the Underground Railroad. He even went so far as to say, Heaven was the word for Canada. And he was not the only one who viewed our country with such high esteem in Eddie Jakus book The Happiest Man on Earth, the Holocaust survivor and author recounts his many experiences in Auschwitz, one of which included prisoners talking about a place known as Canada, a beautiful and peaceful country, in which all the good things in life were available in surplus to be enjoyed. Please make no mistake, we have an abundance of things to be thankful for, but in many ways, we are slowly losing what made us the coveted nation where dreams come true. For example, 63 per cent of renters in Canada have given up hope of ever becoming homeowners, 1 in 4 Canadians are not in a position to afford a sudden expense of $500 according to StatsCan, and our health-care system is in a constant state of crisis. The World Happiness Report is valuable insofar as it lists countries in which citizens rank their happiness, and more times than not, these countries are places where the well-being of citizens is ensured through robust state programs, as well as people having the opportunity to pursue their dreams while having upward economic mobility, without worrying about affording basic necessities. Its time we make Canada a land of opportunity again, because what were currently doing isnt working. Alan Joseph is a freelance financial and political writer. SHARE: Title insurers need to be brought under anti-money laundering rules to fight against scam artists who impersonate homeowners to sell or mortgage their properties, a former insurance executive says. Tim Hyde, who spent years in the title insurance business in Ontario, said dozens of cases involving impersonators in Ontario and B.C. showed the need for title insurers to be designated as reporting entities under Canadas money laundering law. Hyde has been lobbying the federal government for the changes alongside fellow lawyer Kevin Comeau and Denis Meunier, an anti-laundering consultant who previously worked at both the Canada Revenue Agency and Fintrac, Canadas financial intelligence agency. The spate of title fraud cases include that of a Toronto condo owner who discovered her property had been listed and sold last year for $970,000 by someone using her name. Owner Moffy Yu, who lives in China, told The Canadian Press in January that she was shocked to discover her name had been replaced on the title and a stranger was living in the property. Police said they were investigating. Hyde, Comeau and Meunier wrote to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in November 2022, urging the inclusion of title insurance firms in Canadas anti-money laundering regime due to the companies involvement in the high-risk real estate sector, which has been very attractive to money launderers and corrupt foreign kleptocrats. Title insurance is not well understood, Hyde said. Even though, frankly, its been around for 20 years, its insuring every mortgage in the country, its insuring every transfer in Ontario and its insuring most of the transfers in the rest of the country. Hyde said title insurance firms have a larger stake than lawyers, agents or brokers in real estate transactions that involve money laundering or identity fraud, yet they dont have to report suspicious transactions, unlike counterparts in the United States. Simply bringing title insurers under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act wont eliminate title fraud, Hyde said. But it could be a useful tool in the fight against launderers. Its just, to me, incongruous that the entity that searches for the indicia of fraud the hardest has no reporting obligation to anybody except themselves, he said. Hyde said three big U.S.-based insurance companies with Canadian subsidiaries control most of the title insurance market in North America, and they have anti-money laundering obligations to Americas Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Theyre already reporting a deal in Niagara Falls, New York, that they dont have to report in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he said. That just seems crazy. Unlike other insurance policies with monthly premiums, title insurance polices involve a one-time payment to a small number of companies handling large numbers of land transfer and finance transactions, Hyde said. Not only do those companies keep records of those transactions, they also likely know of any red flags when they deny title insurance coverage, Hyde said. Bringing the firms under anti-money laundering rules, he said, would mean records of those denials and transactional paper trails could potentially be used when investigating or preventing cases of title fraud. But Daniel Pinnington, president and CEO of the Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company in Ontario, said he doesnt believe title insurers in Canada can play a significant role in stamping out money laundering cases involving title fraud. Pinnington said title insurers like his company, which is owned by the Law Society of Ontario, have a small market share and dont operate the same as American firms that are more involved in real estate transactions by handling the receiving and transferring of funds. Obviously wed love to see a reduction in title fraud because it leads to claims, he said. Anything that can be done to reduce those frauds, we support it. Real estate fraud has been around for a long time. Pinnington said sophisticated identity theft involving government documents used to dupe lawyers and lenders is more of a pressing issue than money laundering. Its amazing how sophisticated these these frauds are now, he said. He said theres been a few waves of title fraud throughout his career, prompting provincial law societies and his company to ramp up fraud prevention education for lawyers. Lawyers got more sophisticated about recognizing and spotting the red flags of fraud and we saw lawyers preventing them, he said. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says there are two main avenues for real estate fraud involving titles to properties and bogus foreclosure proceedings. Title fraud happens when fraudsters steal the title to your home. They sell your home or apply for a new mortgage against it, the agency says. Title fraud usually starts with identity theft, which may happen if someone steals your personal information. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. SHARE: Sun Lifes continued fossil fuel investments could be harming both its customers health and its own business prospects, according to a shareholder group that has called for the insurance giant to formally report on these risks. Investors for Paris Compliance filed the proposal, which the companys shareholders will vote on at its annual meeting on May 11, and it was published Tuesday in a regulatory filing. The Sun Life board has recommended voting against it. The climate advocacy group argues that Sun Life invests tens of billions of dollars in fossil fuels (coal in particular) and says this could harm peoples health through air pollution and climate change, going against the health and life insurers stated purpose: To help our clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. What once seemed like abstract outcomes are becoming increasingly urgent and Investors for Paris Compliance pointed to events like the hundreds of heat related deaths in British Columbia in 2021 and research revealing many young people are struggling with their mental health because of their feelings about climate change. The Sun Life shareholder proposal calls for the company to prepare a report documenting the health impacts and potential insurance implications of its investments in fossil fuels on its current and future client base. It comes amid a growing call for more accountability from Canadas biggest financial institutions when it comes to their role in addressing the climate crisis. Last week, a group of 56 professors and academics signed on to a public letter urging the Senate to move forward with a bill on climate finance that was introduced one year ago by independent Sen. Rosa Galvez. All five of Canadas biggest banks, which routinely face shareholder proposals on an array of issues, are facing climate-related proposals this year. Yet, Canadas insurance giants Sun Life and Manulife have faced little public pressure in recent years despite controlling about $2.6 trillion in assets under management between them. This is the first time since 2007 that a shareholder proposal will go to a vote at Sun Life. In the intervening years, the company has either received no proposals or been able to persuade shareholders to withdraw proposals after holding talks to address their concerns. In its recommendation to vote down the proposal, Sun Life said it would constrain the exercise of the boards business judgment by dictating how Sun Lifes climate and broader sustainability strategy should be managed to best meet its purpose. We recognize that we do not yet have all the answers to this complex topic, and we welcome opportunities to engage in constructive conversations and engagements with a variety of stakeholders as we seek to advance this critical work as we have been with (Investors for Paris Compliance) since 2022, Kim Race, a spokesperson for the company said in a statement to the Star. She added that Sun Life would detail the progress it has made on its sustainability goals and climate plan during the AGM. Sun Life pledged in 2021 to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its investments by 2050. Investors for Paris Compliance purchases shares in Canadian public companies with a view to engaging company managers and board members through informal conversations and by filing public shareholder proposals. With $1.3 trillion in assets under management as of the end of last year, Sun Life is a massively influential investor worth scrutinizing, said Matt Price, the advocacy groups director of corporate engagement. We did find there is a big contradiction in their business model, Price told the Star, referring to the insurers ongoing stakes in fossil fuels and its business of selling customers life and health insurance policies. With $11.9 billion (U.S.) in coal investments in 2021, he said, Sun Life was the largest Canadian investor listed in the Global Coal Exit List, which is prepared by German non-profit environmental group Urgewald. Price noted that only one of Sun Lifes numerous subsidiaries has committed to excluding fossil fuel investments. The company did not respond to a question from the Star about whether other subsidiaries or the company as a whole are considering divesting from fossil fuels. Sen. Galvezs bill, the Climate-aligned Finance Act, proposes requiring financial institutions, such as insurance companies, banks and pension funds, to develop climate action funds and targets. It would also set requirements for financial players to keep adequate capital on hand to address climate risk, a growing concern for investors and the economy at large. But the bill has stalled at second reading and last weeks open letter urged lawmakers to move it to the committee stage for discussion. Bringing it to committee would open a conversation about the risks to Canadas economy from climate change, said Julie Segal, senior program manager of climate finance at Environmental Defence. Segal wants to see greater political leadership and engagement on climate policy. The financial system is expected to be destabilized by these risks and this is known but not properly discussed. Read more about: SHARE: PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) Montenegros pro-Western president criticized the European Union for allegedly allowing Russia to spread its influence in the Western Balkans, saying Tuesday that the volatile region has become a platform for anti-EU policies due to the blocs negligence. President Milo Djukanovic spoke to the Associated Press as he prepares for a Sunday runoff election with a political newcomer who has the support of the Montenegrin government, which includes parties seeking closer relations with Serbia and Russia. Russia has simply walked into an open space left by the European Union, Djukanovic said of the EUs position toward the Balkans. The European Union in the past 10 years didnt know what to do with the Western Balkans, but Russia did. It has developed its network in the Balkans. Djukanovic, who has held Montenegros largely ceremonial presidency since 2018, won the most votes in the first round of the countrys presidential election, which was held March 19. Analysts in Montenegro think his challenger in the two-candidate runoff, former Economy Minister Jakov Milatovic, stands a good chance of winning because he has the backing of other candidates and political parties. With an early parliamentary election scheduled for June 11, this weekends vote is considered an important indicator of the future path of Montenegro, a small NATO member nation of 620,000 people. A political stalemate has stalled the country's EU path and raised fears of instability as the war rages in Ukraine. Djukanovic told the AP the presidential contest presents a choice between his pro-EU policies and the brutal populism of the current coalition government, which formally backs EU integration but is dominated by parties that favor closer ties with Serbia and Russia. Djukanovics Democratic Party of Socialists governed the country more or less unchallenged for three decades. The president alleged that the the ruling coalition that came to power after a 2020 parliamentary vote has devastated Montenegro economically and financially. For the past 2 1/2 years, we have witnessed serious stumbling by Montenegro, Djukanovic said. The coalition government has pledged that Montenegro would remain on its European Union path. Milatovic, the presidents challenger, also has expressed support for the country pursuing EU membership, but Djukanovic said the ruling majoritys policies indicate otherwise. Milatovic served as economy minister from December 2020 through April 2022. Mr. Milatovic is a man who is still part of a parliamentary majority which won the (2020) election and which is directly responsible for such (bad) results, Djukanovic charged. Analysts say the Western-educated Milatovic, 36, is seen as the favorite on Sunday against Djukanovic, 61, who as prime minister took Montenegro to independence from Serbia in 2006 and defied Russia in 2017 to secure NATO membership. A political novice, Milatovic has campaigned as a fresh face for voters who are fed up with established politicians. After the war in Ukraine started and the EU refocused on the Balkans, Montenegro had a historic chance to speed up the reforms needed to join the EU. But the current ruling coalition has failed to do so and has instead moved to mend relations with the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, the incumbent president alleged. We (Montenegro) have come from being considered by European officials as a positive example, an example of a country that promotes successfully European values in the Balkans, to the image of a cancer wound in the Western Balkans and a possibility ... that negotiations with Montenegro be halted, said Djukanovic. Would the victory of my opponent mean continuation of that road? Djukanovic said. I am more inclined to say yes than no. Before he became president, Djukanovics government in 2016 said it prevented a Russia-orchestrated coup that was designed to thwart Montenegros NATO bid and to install a government that would turn instead to Serbia and Russia. Djukanovic, who first came to power at 29, said the governments he led managed to peacefully achieve independence, stay out of Balkan conflicts and preserve stability. Corruption, which was seen as a key problem during his leadership of Montenegro, exists in all countries in the world, he said. I am completely focused on victory, I believe in that victory. I do not think of a defeat at the election, Djukanovic said. I believe I will win the election, and I believe this will be good for the European future of Montenegro. ___ Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report. SHARE: BEIRUT (AP) The U.S. and U.K. on Tuesday slapped sanctions on four Syrians and two Lebanese involved in manufacturing and trafficking the amphetamine drug Captagon, the two governments said. The six include cousins of Syrian President Bashar Assad and notorious Lebanese drug lynchpins. Experts say Captagon is primarily produced in Syria and Lebanon, where packages containing millions of pills are smuggled into Gulf countries, Europe and elsewhere. The trade allegedly has strong ties to Assad and his associates, as well as key ally, the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in neighboring Lebanon. The U.K.s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office statement announcing the sanctions said the Captagon industry is worth $57 billion to Assad, and has been a key source of revenue as Syria uprising turned-conflict continues for a 13th year. Assads brutal crackdown on protests in 2011 led to his global isolation, and his forces were accused of rampant torture, bombing civilian infrastructure, and using chemical weapons with support of key allies Russia and Iran. Syria has become a global leader in the production of highly addictive Captagon, much of which is trafficked through Lebanon, said the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control director Andrea M. Gacki in the statement. Gacki added that the trades revenues enable the governments continued repression on the Syrian people. Among the four Syrians sanctioned are two cousins of Assad, Samer and Wassim. According to the U.S. Treasurys statement, Samer oversees Captagon production in the northern coastal city of Lattakia in coordination with Hezbollah and the Syrian armys elite Fourth Division. Meanwhile, Wassim has been described as a key figure in the regional drug trafficking network, while also leading a paramilitary group backing the Syrian army in the conflict. Meanwhile, Syrian businessman Khalid Qaddour was also sanctioned for his alleged involvement in managing smuggling revenues and allegedly has close ties to President Assads brother Maher, who leads the Fourth Division and has allegedly profited off smuggling illicit drugs, mobile phones and cigarettes. Syrian militiaman Imad Abu Zureik was also sanctioned for running a militia group with ties to Syrian military intelligence in the south of the country that the U.S. Treasury said controls the Nassib border crossing with Jordan. Abu Zureik was a former commander with Free Syria Army opposition forces. In Lebanon, Washington and London sanctioned notorious weapons and drug smuggler Noah Zeiter, who for years has been on the run from Lebanese authorities. Zeiter prior to the conflict in Syria was known for producing and smuggling large amounts of cannabis and made occasional bombastic media appearances. Zeiter is close with Hezbollah and Syrias Fourth Division. Hassan Daqqou, a Lebanese-Syrian who the media frequently dubs The King of Captagon, was also sanctioned due to his links with Hezbollah and drug trafficking operations by the Syrian armys Fourth Division. Daqqou was arrested in Lebanon in 2021 and in 2022 was sentenced to seven years of hard labor for producing and smuggling Captagon. Washington and London also sanctioned two trading companies based in eastern Lebanon that Daqqou owns. SHARE: Skittles, strawberry Yoohoo and Walmart yogurt-dipped pretzels what do these all have in common? They contain the controversial red dye No. 3 or titanium dioxide, which some California lawmakers are now waging war against. A new bill could ban five chemicals prevalent in thousands of U.S. food items, including certain brands of fruit cups, sliced bread, fruit juice, cake mixes, trail mix and beyond. Assembly Bill 418, introduced by Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, and Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, seeks to prohibit red dye No. 3 for good along with brominated vegetable oil, titanium dioxide, propylparaben and potassium bromate. Red dye No. 3, a synthetic dye derived from petroleum, and titanium dioxide, which is a pigment often found in paint primer, are used for coloring food and the most prevalent of the five proposed banned additives. The proposal cites a range of studies linking these additives to increased cancer risk, adverse behavioral development in children and decline in reproductive health, among other ailments; some studies tested their effects on humans, others on lab animals. The legislators say they hope the bill, if passed, will inspire change nationally. And it could force food manufacturers to reformulate the ingredients in their products. Red dye No. 3 has been banned from cosmetics and select uses in the U.S. since 1990, but its still commonly found in food. All five of these additives have been banned from food use in the European Union. Unfortunately, the U.S. is really behind the rest of the world in protecting consumers from unsafe and toxic food chemicals, said Gabriel. In a lot of ways, the chemical companies get to grade their own homework. Chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern brought some celebrity wattage to a virtual news conference with lawmakers last week, where the bill was announced. Everyone in America should be confident the food we bring into our homes and serve our families is safe, Zimmern said, and I say that as a parent of a child myself. But as we know, thats not always the case. A representative for the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates color additives in the U.S., said that the FDA routinely reviews new scientific information on the authorized uses of ingredients; if those are deemed unsafe, the FDA can rescind its own approvals, alert the public and aid in recall efforts. Industry groups have maintained that red dye No. 3 is safe at the levels that people normally consume it. Gabriel stressed that the bill does not seek to ban products outright. Instead, Gabriel, Wicks and representatives for the bills co-sponsors including nonprofits Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group said they hope that it will spur companies to alter their ingredients if the bill becomes law. Many manufacturers have already done so for products sold in the E.U., such as Skittles. Consumers today can order Skittles and other such items that dont contain red dye No. 3 from Europe. This is evidence that these five additives are unnecessary, said Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president of government affairs. As someone who worked for the food industry, the only reason that companies are fighting to preserve these chemicals is because its inconvenient to change their recipes, Faber said. Faber previously served as head of government affairs for the Grocery Manufacturers Assn., now known as the Consumer Brands Assn. The bill provides a period of time for companies to change their recipes for sale in the state; if signed into law, the new regulation would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2025. According to the EWG, red dye No. 3 appears in nearly 3,000 food products; the nonprofits running tally of products containing the additive includes Pop Tarts frosted confetti cake bites, Sara Lee brownies with sprinkles and SuperValu gummy bears, among hundreds and hundreds of other items. Titanium dioxide helps to whiten foods such as Kroger fat-free half-and-half, Campbells Healthy Request chicken corn chowder and Little Debbie honey buns. SHARE: BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. More than 500,000 people took to the streets of French cities, expressing disagreement with the pension reform, the Le Figaro newspaper reports, citing data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Trend reports with reference to TASS. As the newspaper reports, "according to police estimates, 556,000 people took part in the protests that took place in 214 communes of France". Unprecedented security measures were imposed following the tenth day of protests against the pension reform. According to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, about 13,000 policemen and gendarmes provide security during protests throughout the country, including 5,500 in Paris. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A former student shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school Monday and killed three children and three adults after elaborately planning the massacre by drawing out a detailed map and conducting surveillance of the building, police said. The massacre at The Covenant School in Nashville was the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community planned vigils for the victims. I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said during one of several news conferences. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter, who police say was fatally shot by two responding officers at the school. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Drake did not give a specific motive when asked by reporters but gave chilling examples of the shooters prior planning for the targeted attack. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he said. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. He said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe Hale had some resentment for having to go to that school. The shooter gained entry by firing into glass doors on the building, shattering them, police later said in a tweet. The shooter was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun, authorities said. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of the shooters home turned up a a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Students held hands as they walked to school buses, which drove them to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Rachel Dibble, who was at the church as families found their children, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, said Dibble, whose children attend a different private school in Nashville. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Communities around the U.S. has suffered through one mass killing after another in recent years, with school shootings taking an especially painful toll. Recent tragedies nationwide include the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Its ripping at the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of this nation, Biden said. Biden later ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings through March 31. He also spoke to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor John Cooper about the shooting, officials said. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church which is affiliated with the conservative evangelical Presbyterian Church in America The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Our community is heartbroken, a statement from the school said. We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said during a news briefing. Police later said in a tweet that the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window and had come armed with significant ammunition. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. One officer had a hand wound from cut glass. Late Monday night, police released approximately two minutes of edited surveillance video showing the shooters car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. Jozen Reodica heard the police sirens and fire trucks blaring from outside her office building nearby. As her building was placed under lockdown, she took out her phone and recorded the chaos. I thought I would just see this on TV, she said. And right now, its real. Nashville has seen its share of mass violence in recent years, including a Christmas Day 2020 attack where a recreational vehicle was intentionally detonated in the heart of Music Citys historic downtown, killing the bomber, injuring three others and forcing more than 60 businesses to close. A reeling city mourned during multiple vigils Monday evening. At Belmont United Methodist Church, teary sniffling filled the background as vigil attendees sang, knelt in prayer and lit candles. They lamented the national cycle of violent and deadly shootings, at one point reciting together, we confess we have not done enough to protect the children injured or killed in shootings. We need to step back. We need to breathe. We need to grieve, said Paul Purdue, the churchs senior pastor. We need to remember. We need to make space for others who are grieving. We need to hear the cries of our neighbors. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Kristin Hall in Nashville; Denise Lavoie in Richmond, Virginia; John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia; Stefanie Dazio in Los Angeles; Beatrice Dupuy and Larry Fenn in New York; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington; as well as AP researchers Randy Herschaft and Rhonda Shafner in New York. SHARE: VICTORIA - British Columbia wants a federal government clampdown on prescription rules after thousands of doses of the hyped weight loss drug Ozempic went to Americans, doled out by a single practitioner in Nova Scotia. Health Minister Adrian Dix said Tuesday that hes asking provincial and federal regulators to look into two Metro Vancouver pharmacies and the Nova Scotia practitioner responsible for thousands of Ozempic prescriptions issued to Americans in the first two months of 2023. Though the injectable drug is prescribed mainly to treat diabetes, Dix said Ozempics weight loss side-effects have been hyped up by advertising and celebrity-driven social media chatter. The drugs popularity on social media, and the, I think, almost unprecedented campaign of advertising for the drug, is driving a surge in demand and is resulting in shortages of Ozempic, not yet in British Columbia, but in other jurisdictions, including the United States, Dix said. He said the province is taking action to ensure patients in B.C. continue to have access to the drug and avoid potential shortages. In the first two months of 2023, Dix said upwards of 15 per cent of Ozempic prescriptions in B.C. were being filled for American patients who receive the medication by mail. Dix said the situation involving Ozempic is unacceptable, and noted that less than half a per cent of other drugs in B.C. are prescribed to non-residents. We would never have sufficient supply of Ozempic in British Columbia to satisfy the needs of the American market, he said. We have to protect patients here. Nova Scotias Department of Health and Wellness said in a statement that it is aware of the situation and has reached out to the provinces College of Physicians and Surgeons about what is taking place. We advise any Nova Scotians with concerns about a physicians prescribing behaviour to contact the college, the departments statement said. Dix said it doesnt make sense to allow B.C.s supply to be drained and exported, driven by increased demand from Americans who have long turned to Canada as a source of cheaper prescription drugs. The drugs public profile is exceptionally high, and Dix said drug shortages of any type are concerning. Its Ozempic today, it might be another drug tomorrow, but I dont think this is a short-term thing, he said. Its a significant drug and its part of our PharmaCare system. Bernie Garrett, a professor in the school of nursing at the University of British Columbia, said off-label marketing of pharmaceuticals has been problematic for years. He said Ozempic is effective to treat Type 2 diabetes as designed, but its also effective for weight loss, albeit with significant risks attached, including thyroid cancer as a possible side-effect. Policing misinformation about pharmaceutical drugs on the internet is difficult, Garrett said, because its outside of our regulatory control. TikTok videos can be made anywhere, he said. Garrett said Ozempic may indeed be effective for weight loss, but its not approved or safe for that use regardless of how fashionable its become due to its celebrity-endorsed social media hype. The reason they put these restrictions on the use of these drugs is because they have significant reservations about using them outside of the scope where theyve tested them, Garrett said. People who are doing this are really just being guinea pigs. Dix said the province is working with the drugs supplier to ensure theres enough Ozempic for diabetes patients in B.C. He said he wants a federal government review under the Food and Drugs Act to address the concerning number of Ozempic prescriptions emanating from practitioners in one province. Ozempic is a high-value and high-demand medication, Dix said, but the large number of prescriptions being shipped to Americans doesnt necessarily mean any rules were broken by the pharmacist or issuing medical professional. But I think a reasonable person would say this is not what should happen, that drugs be imported into Canada and then diverted to the United States, Dix said. He said hes asking the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia to ensure pharmacies are following drug dispensing rules because of the unusually high number of prescriptions being filled for non-Canadian residents. Provincial and federal regulators need to work together to protect the supply of in-demand medications and avoid mass exportation of a drug needed by Canadian patients, Dix said. Its a national problem. Its a problem across the 10 provinces. This is a drug thats in demand. Theres significant off-label use that we all know about related to weight loss, he said. We need to take some action. By Darryl Greer in Vancouver This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said Dix was asking the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons to ensure pharmacies are following dispensing guidelines. Read more about: SHARE: MONTREAL - A Montreal municipal bylaw banning the use of single-use plastic items comes into effect today, with glasses, stir sticks, straws and utensils among the items that will be prohibited. The ban also applies to polystyrene or compostable plastic products, whether used on-site in restaurants or for takeout, with the only exception being trays for raw meat and fish. The bylaw was passed 18 months ago and covers the 19 boroughs that make up the city of Montreal, with officials estimating some 8,400 businesses will be affected. There are certain exceptions, including for non-profit groups like charities or organizations that deliver meals to vulnerable people. Inspectors will be able to give a warning during the first visit, but from the second violation, merchants are exposed to fines ranging from $400 to $4,000. Marie-Andree Mauger, the citys executive committee member in charge of ecological transition, says the city will show some leniency to allow merchants to clear their older stock. Mauger told reporters last week the citys only landfill will reach capacity in 2029, so there is no choice but to reduce waste at the source. We must respect the limits of ecosystems, Mauger said. If everyone lived like us in Montreal, it would take four planets to support the rate at which we consume resources. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: HALIFAX - As a public inquiry prepares for the release of its final report into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, its findings are sure to refocus the spotlight on the RCMPs problem-plagued response to the 13-hour rampage that claimed 22 lives. Almost three years after a man disguised as a Mountie started murdering people in Portapique, N.S., on the night of April 18, 2020, the senior RCMP officers and staff involved in the tragic case have all either retired or moved into new jobs. Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Manitoba, says theres no guarantee the inquirys findings will have much impact on the RCMPs senior ranks. Police accountability is not easily realized, even in the most grave of circumstances, said Schneider, who has published extensively on policing issues. Given how grave it was and how many people lost their lives ... the RCMP could have, at the very least, demoted or meted out some sort of punishment to show the public that they were taking it seriously. The commission of inquiry, which started public hearings in February 2022, is scheduled to release its final reports and recommendations on Thursday. The following is a recounting of the roles played in April 2020 by senior RCMP officers and staff, and a look at where they have ended up. Commissioner Brenda Lucki, RCMP commanding officer. Then: As the head of the national police force, Lucki attracted national attention on April 19, 2020, when she upstaged junior officers in Nova Scotia by revealing that at least 17 people had been killed by the lone gunman a number that was significantly higher than police had first confirmed. At the time, the Mounties in Nova Scotia had told the public that in excess of 10 had been killed, even though senior officers knew the growing death toll stood at 17. Lucki was back in the spotlight last June when the inquiry released notes from an internal RCMP meeting on April 28, 2020. The handwritten pages from RCMP Supt. Darren Campbell said Lucki had promised the prime minister that the RCMP would release descriptions of the weapons used by the killer because the information was tied to pending gun control legislation. Critics accused Lucki of interfering in a police investigation, but the commissioner denied the allegation. On Aug. 25, Lucki apologized for the RCMPs failure to meet public expectations during and after the mass shooting. I dont think we were what you wanted us to be or what you needed us to be, Lucki said near the end of her second day of testimony before the inquiry. Where is she now? Lucki retired on March 17. --- Assistant commissioner Lee Bergerman, RCMP commanding officer in Nova Scotia. Then: Bergerman was the first Mountie to speak to the public about the rampage during a televised news conference on April 19, 2020. During her two-minute statement, Bergerman said: Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and it will remain etched in the minds of many for years to come. What has unfolded overnight and into this morning, is incomprehensible and many families are experiencing the loss of a loved one. In July 2021, Bergerman found herself under scrutiny for a potential conflict of interest after her husband, retired RCMP staff sergeant Mike Butcher, was forced to resign from an internal RCMP team tasked with providing information to the inquiry. On Aug. 23, 2022, Bergerman told the inquiry the RCMP should communicate better with the public and learn more about the communities it is policing. During her testimony, she said she was aware some senior officers in Nova Scotia complained about her performance following the shooting rampage. Her response? I completely disagreed with them. Where is she now? Bergerman retired from the RCMP in October 2021 after serving 35 years as a Mountie. --- Chief Supt. Chris Leather, Nova Scotia RCMP criminal operations officer. Then: Leather stood beside Bergerman when the Mounties held their first news conference after the massacre. He fielded questions from journalists that night and over the next few days. But the inquiry determined that the RCMPs initial statements to the public were riddled with mistakes, confusion and omissions. It was Leather who told Canadians that in excess of 10 people had died at the hands of the gunman, even though the RCMP knew the actual number at that time was 17. There were a number of questions I wasnt prepared for ... having the limited experience I had in those types of scenarios, he told the inquiry on July 27, 2022. Thats what led to some of the incorrect accounting. Ill say it right now: obviously I missed the mark on more than a couple occasions. For days, Leather and other senior Mounties withheld other key information from the public, including the victims names and basic details regarding the weapons used by the killer information that senior Mounties in Ottawa had asked to be released. Where is he now? Leather became interim commander of the Nova Scotia RCMP after Bergerman left, but he returned to his previous position in May 2022. Three months later, he joined a federal policing modernization team at RCMP headquarters in Ottawa. --- Supt. Darren Campbell, Nova Scotia RCMP officer in charge of support services. Then: After Leathers shaky performance before the cameras, Campbell was tasked with handling the RCMPs news conferences. As the public face of the RCMP, Campbell was less gaffe-prone, but he would eventually come under intense scrutiny over four pages of handwritten notes he wrote during the tense meeting on April 28, 2020 nine days after the mass killing. The notes sparked controversy in Ottawa, where the opposition Tories and New Democrats accused the governing Liberals of interfering in a police investigation for political gain assertions denied by the government and Lucki. As he concluded his testimony before the inquiry, Campbell addressed the victims families. I apologize for failing, he said, drawing a deep breath and sobbing. I havent cried for two and a half years, and Im truly sorry that we failed you. And I promise that well do better. Where is he now? Campbell was promoted to chief superintendent last year. He is now the criminal operations officer with the New Brunswick RCMP. --- Lia Scanlan, Nova Scotia RCMP director of strategic communications. Then: Scanlan was responsible for how the RCMP communicated with the public during and after the mass shooting. During her testimony before the inquiry, she broke down in tears as she admitted that the unclear practices her team used to alert the public led to confusion and crucial delays. She confirmed that the RCMPs first tweet about the events in Portapique, N.S., on the night of April 18, 2020, was inaccurate, as it described what was happening as a firearms complaint, even though the Mounties were aware at least three people had been shot to death. Scanlan also confirmed there were unacceptable delays in alerting the public to the fact that the killer was driving a car that looked exactly like a marked RCMP cruiser. Just know that, if I could go back and have those minutes disappear, I would do anything, Scanlan said when asked if anything should be changed to prevent such delays. I just need people to know that. And well do better. Where is she now? Scanlan assumed the role of strategic adviser to the commanding officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP in January 2022. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (438) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (474) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (441) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (579) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (801) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (946) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (881) Aug 2016 (1035) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (500) The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) and Romfilatelia marked on Monday the Centenary of the 1923 Constitution, with the launch of a dedicated postage stamp issue. "On the occasion of the Centenary of the 1923 Constitution, the Plenary of the Constitutional Court had the initiative to launch, together with Romfilatelia, a stamp issue dedicated to this anniversary reflected in a philatelic album which has a programme of historical and legal documentation made through the contribution of the Constitutional Court. This initiative, as well as the organisation of the centenary exhibition, aimed to mark a historical moment that will last in time, in the scale of the event we are celebrating," said on this occasion President of the Constitutional Court Marian Enache. During the event, General Director of Romfilatelia Cristina Popescu invited President Klaus Iohannis and the President of the CCR to stamp the day of the official launch of this issue of postage stamps, told Agerpres. "The Constitutional Court in plenary meeting decided that the year 2023 will be the Centenary Year of the Constitution of Romania. For this, we would like to express our thanks for the collaboration in the realisation of a philatelic project that will, as is natural, play the role of enhancing the value of the important national events of Romania," Popescu said. According to the general director of Romfilatelia, the launched postage stamps transfer a message to the public space, marking the moment of 1923. The postage stamps issue entitled 'Centenary of the Constitution of Unified Romania' consists of 3 stamps, a perforated souvenir sheet, as well as a First Day Cover. On the stamp with the face value of Lei 2.90, the image of King Ferdinand I, known as the Unifier, is associated with that of the steel crown with which he was crowned in Alba Iulia. The stamp with the face value of Lei 4.30 depicts the image of the craftsman of the Fundamental Law and other important moments of Romania's history, Ion I. C. Bratianu, alongside with the coat of arms of the Romanian Kingdom. On the stamp with the face value of Lei 11 are reproduced the image of the liberal jurist and senator Constantin G. Dissescu, the rapporteur of the Fundamental Law of 1923 and the 'creator of the branch of Romanian constitutional and administrative law,' as well as the image of the coat of arms of the Romanian Senate. The stamp of the souvenir sheet of the issue with the face value of Lei 34, presents in facsimile the cover of the volume with the text 'New Constitution,' framed by two pages of the act of promulgation signed by King Ferdinand I. Also attending the event, among others, were interim Senate President Alina Gorghiu, Chamber Speaker Marcel Ciolacu, PM Nicolae Ciuca, EU officials, MPs. The Ambassador of Bulgaria to Romania, Radko Vlaykov, during a meeting he had on Monday with Iasi City Mayor Mihai Chirica said that he was particularly impressed by the respective city and, in particular, by the "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre building, where he also attended a show. On the same occasion, the Bulgarian diplomat said he wanted closer relations between the municipalities in Romania and Bulgaria, told Agerpres. "The ambassador told us that he wants to organize cultural and economic events, and also proposed the organization of a Romanian-Bulgarian Economic Forum in Iasi, in the second part of the year or at the beginning of next year. I proposed to invite the chambers of commerce from the Republic of Moldova as well to this Forum. Also, the Bulgarian ambassador proposed that the Iasi Opera participate with a performance in the Veliko Tarnovo open-air opera festival this summer," stated mayor Mihai Chirica. According to the same source, the discussions also focused on strengthening relations between the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities and those in the Balkans, the strategic role played by the two neighbouring countries in the Black Sea region, joint support for the Republic of Moldova in its efforts to integrate into the European Union, as well as for the joint accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area. The "Carpathian Vipers" detachment of the Romanian Air Force will participate, between April and July, in allied missions of the Enhanced Air Policing in the Baltic States. "I wish success to the 'Carpathian Vipers' detachment of the Air Force, which, between April and July, will participate in allied missions of the Enhanced Air Policing in the Baltic States. The four Romanian F-16 multi-role fighter jets, deployed today in Lithuania, will contribute, together with Portuguese air capabilities, to protecting the integrity of the airspace in the region, by ensuring early warning and intervention to clarify the flight situation. Also, during the mission, the detachments will be engaged in joint exercises with allied and partner structures," the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Daniel Petrescu wrote on Tuesday on his Facebook page. After the presence in 2007, the Romanian Army contributes again to providing this service in the Baltic States, states General Petrescu. The personnel that will be deployed in Lithuania, at the air base in Siauliai, mostly come from the 53rd Fighter Squadron "Warhawks" of the 86th Lieutenant aviator Gheorghe Mociornita Air Base. The commander of the detachment, which symbolically bears the name "Carpathian Vipers", is Commander Cosmin Vlad, an experienced pilot, who is part of the Air Force Staff's team and has represented the Air Force in numerous national and international missions. In 2007, the Romanian Air Force also participated in this mission with four MiG-21 LanceR aircraft of the 71st "General Emanoil Ionescu" Air Base in Campia Turzii. AGERPRES Commercial exchanges between Romania and Poland stood at 10.94 billion euros in 2022, and the number of Polish companies doing business in Romania reached 1,514, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) Mihai Daraban told a Romania-Poland Business Forum on Tuesday. "Romania's commercial exchanges with Poland in 2022 were worth 10.94 billion euros, which is a significant increase from the year before. Unfortunately for Romania, its exports was worth only 3.5 billion euros while imports totalled 7.44 billion euros. So we will have to work very hard to balance this trade. At the same time, we have always distinguished between the exchange of goods and products and the exchange of services, and we can say that we have recorded exchanges of services of 835 million euros last year. Last but not least, we are talking about 1,514 companies running on Polish capital in Romania. These are probably the best ambassadors who can say in Poland how to do business in Romania. These 1,514 companies have a subscribed capital of 330 million euros, placing Poland 19th in the ranking of foreign investors in Romania," said Daraban. He added that Romania had a lot to learn, especially during the economic crisis of 2008-2009, when Poland was becoming the champion in absorbing European funds. "Let me begin by emphasising that the first international agreement that I signed when I took over office at the National Chamber was with the Polish Chamber of Commerce (...) I want to thank the two prime ministers, the highest dignitaries of Romania and Poland for practically officiating this business forum. Business people in general need this green light, if you will, of mutual trust, and we hope that, in the continuation of this moment of openness, the B2B meetings will be fruitful (...) There is a lot to do. We had a lot to learn, especially in 2008-2009, when Poland was practically the champion of absorbing European funds and did not feel the crisis of 2008 as many other Central and Eastern European countries did. In general, we are looking with satisfaction and confidence as Poland will join the G20 platoon, probably in the shortest time," said Daraban. The Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) organised on Tuesday the Romania-Poland Business Forum attended by Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki, told Agerpres. Romania supports the development of the civil nuclear programme, because decarbonisation is not possible without nuclear energy, Energy Minister Virgil Popescu stated. "Today [Tuesday] I am in Brussels, at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting. At first light, I attended a meeting with several ministers from the EU countries to discuss the details about the measures to support nuclear energy. Romania supports the development of the civil nuclear programme, because decarbonisation without nuclear energy is not possible. This is why we need cooperation at the level of EU states in order to achieve our goals," the minister wrote on his Facebook page. According to information on the EC website, EU relevant ministers will try within this meeting to reach a general orientation on the gas and hydrogen package, which will include a proposal for a Directive and a proposal for a Regulation regarding common rules for the domestic gas and hydrogen markets, told Agerpres. Energy ministers will also try to reach a political agreement on the extension of the Council Regulation on the voluntary reduction of gas demand by 15pct, which would be maintained until March 2024. Moreover, the ministers will have a first orientation debate on the proposal to revise the EU electricity market configuration. The proposal aims to increase the resilience and stability of the energy market in the EU bloc, protect consumers and companies from short-term electricity price volatility and boost investment in renewable energy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. At least three people were killed and three others were injured as a result of an explosion at an enterprise in the Iranian city of Babol (Mazandaran province) in northern Iran, Trend reports, citing IRNA. According to the agency, the incident occurred in the eastern part of the city. The cause of the explosion was the failure of the company's workers to comply with safety rules. All the victims were hospitalized, their condition is assessed by doctors as satisfactory. As a result of the explosion, a fire broke out, which destroyed about half of the area of the enterprise. At the moment, the fire is localized, other industrial facilities of the city have not been affected. On tuesday, the Ministry of Finance (MF) drew RON 45 million off banks, in a benchmark government bond issue of a residual maturity of 52 months and an average yield of 7.15% per year, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR). The nominal value of the additional issue was RON 45 million, and the banks signed up for 160 million lei, told Agerpres. The ministry has planned for March 2023 borrowings off commercial banks of RON 5.2 billion, of which RON 720 million through additional offer of non-competitive bids The total amount of RON 5.920 billion is by 245 million higher than the 5.675 million planned in February and it will be used to refinance public debt and the government deficit. Health Minister Alexandru Rafila is of the opinion that Health Education should become a compulsory subject in Romania's schools. He voiced hope that the new bill on pre-university education would provide for the introduction of Health Education as a compulsory subject, told Agerpres. "We will not progress in many areas, including that of unwanted pregnancies, unless we introduce Health Education as a compulsory subject in schools. Because Health Education does not mean only sex education, it means a concept that must be taught by teaching staff trained in that area, adjusted for child's age. As long as only 5% of parents send their children to Health Education, which is an optional subject, and only 2% of these children complete the Health Education modules, we will not progress. I have discussed with [Education] Minister Deca the new education bill, and I hope that this provision regarding the introduction of Health Education into the curriculum will exist. I hope that this provision will exist in the new pre-university education bill; I am optimistic," the minister told a news conference at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital. Referring to antibiotics, Rafila said that he is "very seriously" considering a regulation according to which antibiotics can no longer be dispensed "possibly not even on a simple prescription". Croatia is one of the active supporters of Romania's Schengen bid, said Interior Minister Lucian Bode, who was on a visit to Zagreb on Tuesday. His counterpart Davor Bozinovic assured him of Croatia's full support both within the Council of the European Union and in the relationship with the European partners. "I am glad to be in Zagreb today and follow the invitation extended by my counterpart and friend, Mr. Minister Davor Bozinovic. This visit is a very good opportunity to strengthen the relationship Romania and Croatia have developed in recent years in the sector of internal affairs, and have very useful exchange of views about the challenges facing us," Lucian Bode wrote on Facebook. According to him, the two states have an "excellent dialogue on internal affairs, which takes place at all institutional levels". "We share similar visions and common or very close positions on most aspects of the regional, European and international agenda. Together with my counterpart, one of the oldest members of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, I approached European topics of common interest, such as asylum and migration, Romania's Schengen entry, topics on the bilateral agenda with an emphasis on police cooperation and emergency situations, as well as other aspects related to regional security developments. As far as Romania's accession to the Schengen Area is concerned, I emphasized our expectation for Romania to become a Schengen member state in the course of this year. (...) The very good and constructive discussions we had during this visit reconfirmed once again the excellent collaborative relationship between our ministries," Bode also wrote. AGERPRES Deputy Prime Minister Kelemen Hunor submitted, on Tuesday, his candidacy for a new mandate as president of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR). The elections will take place at the UDMR Congress that will be held in Timisoara, at the end of April. "Today I submitted my candidacy for a new mandate. After 12 years and with the experience I gained and due to the trust of my colleagues, I decided to submit my candidacy for the next mandate, for the next 4 years and to contribute, through this experience and with my work, to everything that will happen in Romania. Since it is an extremely important and difficult period, I say that it is the decade in which Romania will take a huge leap in development, we have the necessary resources, we have the necessary thinking to definitively change the face of the country and to bring it to a higher, better level, both in terms of the quality of life, as well as jobs. Because there are important challenges, important ones, Romania is going through an important stage and it is necessary for the Hungarian community to share in this success", Kelemen Hunor told AGERPRES. He showed that the wishes of the Hungarian community are the same, namely to remain on their native land, to contribute to the development of the country and to preserve their identity. "Of course, the wishes of the Hungarian community, which have not changed in 32 years, will not change. We want to stay on our native land, in Romania, we want to contribute to the development of the country as we have done until now and, of course, we want to preserve our ethnic, linguistic, cultural identity, of any kind. And I am convinced that through my accumulated experience I still feel that I have the strength and the necessary inner motivation to continue this work", said Kelemen Hunor.AGERPRES Madalina Turza, strategic coordinator of the humanitarian assistance provided by Romania to Ukraine and national anti-trafficking coordinator is visiting Washington March 27 through 30, having meetings scheduled with representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House National Security Council, the Department of State and the Homeland Security Department, the Romanian diplomatic mission to the U.S. announced. According to a post on the Facebook page of the Romanian Embassy in Washington, the discussion topics include: Romania's efforts to combat human trafficking, including amid the Ukrainian refugee crisis; the humanitarian assistance provided by Romania to Ukraine, as well as the protection and integration of Ukraine refugees; the international assistance granted to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova via Romania; and Romania's involvement in ensuring the grain transit from Ukraine. Madalina Turza already met on Monday with USAID assistant administrator Erin Elizabeth McKee, as well as with officials from the White House National Security Council and the Department of State. The visit's agenda for the following days includes meetings with Erin McConaha - assistant coordinator for sanctions and Cindy Dyer - ambassador at-large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from the Department of State, with officials for the Homeland Security Department, with think-tank representatives, as well as series of presentations and meetings with specialist committees of the U.S. Congress, the cited source said. Also, Madalina Turza will participate in a working lunch hosted by Romania's ambassador to the U.S., where she will present in detail Romania's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees; the lunch will be attended by the ambassadors of Ukraine, Poland and the Republic of Moldova in Washington, U.S. Administration officials, representatives of prestigious American think-tanks and journalists from the Washington Post, Politico, Foreign Policy and Defense News. AGERPRES A group of Save Romania Union (USR) lawmakers and members were present on Tuesday at the High Court of Cassation and Justice, where a new hearing was held in the trial of former communist-era secret police Securitate officers Marin Pirvulescu and Vasile Hodis, charged with torturing anti-communist dissident Gheorghe Ursu to death. The USR group gathered in front of the Supreme Court displayed a banner reading "No special pensions for Securitate henchmen". "Hodis and Pirvulescu investigated my father before and after his arrest. There are witnesses who state that Gheorghe Ursu was systematically beaten up, from the first day of his arrest. He returned to his cell with swollen palms, beaten on his soles, with blood marks on his face and body, he was holding his stomach with his hands. The blows got increasingly violent because he didn't provide the statements the Securitate investigators wanted him to give. All these Securitate officers obviously did political policing and are guilty of crimes against humanity," said Gheorghe Ursu's son Andrei Ursu, as cited in a USR release. The Save Romania Union lodged to Parliament a bill for scrapping special pensions for former Securitate officers who were found guilty by a court decision of suppressing and violating human rights, and also suspends the right to special pension for former Securitate members sent to court by the National Council for the Study of Securitate Archives for having violated human rights. "We want special pensions of the Securitate officers to be cut. There are 1,300 people in Romania who received a decision as former political police workers and yet today, in 2023 Romania, they collect special pensions. We are talking about real people who were beaten to death, we are talking about families destroyed by Securitate henchmen who then switched to the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI). Hodis was head of the SRI Legal Service until 1999, 9 years after the Revolution. To this day, these people receive special pensions and are everywhere in the Romanian state's institutions. Parliament did not vote the USR bill, but we continue to fight for it," said Cristian Ghinea, coordinator of USR's Public Policy Department. Former Securitate officers Marin Pirvulescu and Vasile Hodis were sent to trial by prosecutors for crimes against humanity, but they were acquitted in the first instance after Bucharest Court of Appeal judge Mihaela Nita changed the classification of their crimes to that of inhumane treatment. Construction engineer, poet and writer Gheorghe Ursu was brutally investigated by Securitate in the 80s, for sending letters to Radio Free Europe and for keeping a diary in which he wrote down the horrors of the communist leadership. According to the prosecutors, between January and November 1985, dissident Gheorghe Ursu was the subject of informative and judicial investigation for acts or activities considered hostile to the communist regime. He was arrested on September 21, 1985 and died on November 17, 1985 in the Jilava Penitentiary Hospital. AGERPRES The legal committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate gave on Tuesday a positive opinion, with a majority of votes, to the four proposals for the post of deputy Ombudsman. Last week, Ombudsperson Renate Weber sent a letter to Parliament's standing bureaus informing them that the mandate of deputies Zsolt Molnar, Ionel Nicolae, Ioan Ganfalean and Ecaterina Mirea will end on April 17, told Agerpres. According to the document, the proposals for filling these mandates for the next five years are: Zsolt Molnar - for human rights, equal opportunities for men and women, religious cults and national minorities; Cynthia Carmen Deaconescu - for family rights, young people, pensioners, people with disabilities; Ioan Ganfalean - for the defence, protection and promotion of children's rights - Children's Ombudsman; Emil Mihai Pasolea - for property, labour, social protection, taxes and duties. The four candidates are to be appointed by the joint plenary session of Parliament. Approximately 148,200 Romanian and foreign citizens, with more than 42,300 means of transport, carried out control formalities on Monday, both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, through border crossings throughout the country, informs the Inspectorate General of the Border Police (IGPF). According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday, 76,256 people entered Romania, including 7,346 Ukrainian citizens. In the areas of competence - crossing points and "green border," border police officers found, on Monday, 51 illegal acts (17 offences and 34 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, told Agerpres. The value of the fines imposed amounted to approximately 37,400 lei. On Monday, 18 foreign citizens were not allowed to enter the country, as they did not meet the legal requirements, and nine Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca on Tuesday said Romania and Poland are among the countries that will discuss with the EU executive about the "traceability of exports from Ukraine," so that farmers are no longer affected by "speculation." Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca delivered a speech, together with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki, to the Romania-Poland Economic Forum, told Agerpres. "I have discussed with Mr. Prime Minister [Polish - ed. note] about how the export of grain and other products from Ukraine has affected both Romanian and Polish agricultural producers, as well as from the other countries bordering Ukraine, and together we are engaged in an approach meant to tackle with the European Commission - what mechanisms to employ to put into operation the traceability of exports from Ukraine and of course the final destination, so as to avoid this speculation through which dumping prices have affected farmers, agricultural producers in our country," said Ciuca. Morawiecki also called on Romania for the two states to speak with one voice at EU level. "I ask our friends in Romania today as well that our voice be strengthened, that it be the same at the European Union forum. It is a very important thing if we speak with the same voice, because this way we can ensure our common interests," said Morawiecki, according to the official translation. The Polish official also referred to the transit of grain from Ukraine in the context of the war in that country. "And here we are making efforts, so these grains can leave our countries, so the European Union can help us achieve our trade policy (...) in the interest of Ukraine's and Central Europe's strategy, but also, of course, in Poland's and Romania's economic interest," Morawiecki added. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca stated in a message conveyed on Tuesday, on the Day of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), that this institution is fundamental for the functioning of the state and it has already learned to adapt and operate "in a world of uncertainty and constant developments", told Agerpres. "Today, we are celebrating 33 years of existence of the Romanian Intelligence Service, a fundamental institution for the functioning and performance of the Romanian state, in an unstable, tumultuous and sometimes tectonic world, in which the spectre of war has returned, along with all the hybrid instruments of the 21st century. We find ourselves in a period of alert development of new technologies - ally, engine of economic growth, but also source of vulnerabilities. All the more so today, as we enter the second year of the Russian Federation's full-scale war of aggression in Ukraine, which brings countless challenges and risks for Romania as well. And we see it every day, through hybrid actions also directed straight towards citizens too, not only in the Republic of Moldova, a state where we have special interests and responsibilities, but also here in Romania, against our own citizens," Nicolae Ciuca stated. The aggressive behavior of the Russian Federation places under pressure the values, interests and national objectives, our social cohesion, the prime minister warned. He showed that the preferred target of hybrid attacks is "the prestige and relevance of the state." "We are responsible for defending the fundamental rights of each citizen, the dignity, choices and property. This is why the preferred target of hybrid attacks is aimed at the construction of confidence, prestige and relevance of the state, of its institutions in the social perception of each individual. The Romanian Intelligence Service is first to be called in order to ensure the security of the three components - state, society and citizen," Ciuca mentioned. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca also said that the SRI is a modern institution "which already learned to adapt and operate in a world of uncertainty and constant developments, some of them of great magnitude, adapting to challenges, turning security risks in opportunities to promote national interests." The Executive head congratulated the SRI workers for "devotion and abnegation." Russias COVID-19 case tally rose by 8,447 over the past day to 22,603,646, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday, Trend reports with reference to TASS. A day earlier, 8,989 daily cases were recorded. As many as 1,604 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Russia over the past day, up 166.4% from a day earlier. The number of hospitalized patients increased in 72 regions, while in six regions the figure decreased. The situation remained unchanged in seven regions. A day earlier, 602 people were rushed to hospitals. Moscows COVID-19 cases surged by 973 over the past day versus 1,333 cases a day earlier, reaching 3,472,159, according to the anti-coronavirus crisis center. St. Petersburgs COVID-19 cases increased by 1,137 over the past day versus 1,183 a day earlier, reaching 1,914,292. Russias COVID-19 recoveries rose by 11,013 over the past day, reaching 21,957,466, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday. A day earlier some 8,160 patients recovered. Russias COVID-19 death toll rose by 37 over the past day, reaching 397,146, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday. A day earlier 31 COVID-19 deaths were registered. Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca discussed on Monday with President of the European Council Charles Michel the situation in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the issue of Romania's accession to Schengen. According to a Government press release, during a working dinner the Romanian Prime Minister had together with the high European official, who is currently paying a visit to Bucharest, they analyzed the situation in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, particularly from the perspective of the impact of Russia's war on Ukrainian territory and its hybrid actions, told Agerpres. The President of the European Council thanked Romania for its responsible and determined steps to support Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. In his turn, the Romanian Prime Minister highlighted the measures adopted in support of Ukraine, reiterating the need for the EU to remain united and in solidarity. "Nicolae Ciuca also underlined the need to continue actions for the economic stability and security of the Republic of Moldova, also appreciating the discussions on the launch of a new EU civilian mission to support the increase of Chisinau's capacity to manage hybrid threats. The Prime Minister said that Romania remains committed to continuing its support for the efforts undertaken by both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as EU candidate states," the release reads. In the same context, Charles Michel voiced full support for Bucharest's efforts to join Schengen and readiness to get involved in facilitating a political solution to unlock the EU Council decision. The Prime Minister also confirmed the continuation of the steps leading to Romania's accession to Schengen as soon as possible, implicitly acknowledging the contribution that Romania has already made to ensuring the EU's internal security, the Government release added. The President of the European Council was welcomed in Bucharest on Monday by President Klaus Iohannis. Charles Michel will also pay a visit to the Republic of Moldova on Tuesday. Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca on Tuesday said that trade exchanges between Romania and Poland in 2022 increased by 20% from 2021, reaching 11 billion euros, adding that the trade is disfavouring Romania, which is why the Romanian business community should find solutions to balance it. Ciuca and his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki attended a Romania-Poland Business Forum, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, told Agerpres. "Romania and Poland have a strategic partnership signed in 2009. So, there is a very solid consistency on well-founded bases, as I said, from the highest level to the level of economic relations, so that together we can find solutions for collaboration and strengthening of the ties between our countries," said Ciuca. He added that 2022 was a beneficial year for the business community of Romania and Poland, adding that Romanian entrepreneurs have to find solutions to balance the trade between the two countries. Ciuca mentioned common opportunities for the development of bilateral economic relations, with emphasis on attracting European money. "It was mentioned that Poland managed to navigate the economic crisis of 2008-2009 due to a very good and thoughtful procedure for absorbing European money. I believe that Romania has learned its lesson and at this moment, if we look to the absorption figures in the 2014-2020 Financial Framework, it has reached 80%. We are nearing the end and in December this year we will end the n plus three period and, as we have pledged at the level of the government, there are all the prerequisites for Romania to end the year on an absorption level of over 90%, at least 90%," said Ciuca. He also mentioned that for the financial framework 2021-2027 the government managed to approve the start of 16 programmes. With reference to Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Ciuca said that Romania is one of the few EU countries that submitted a second request for payment. He also talked about the steps taken by Romania in order to get closer achieving the goal of joining the OECD. Returning to the plan of bilateral relations, Ciuca pointed out the energy sector, agriculture and the IT&C and technology as important areas for economic co-operation. Regarding agriculture, he said that Romania and Poland are two countries that have a very well developed agricultural sector. He also mentioned the potential offered by the IT&C and technology. "There is an appetite on the part of large companies in the field to use the capacity and intelligence of Romanians and Poles for developments in this sector. Looking at the numbers, we can easily see that the revenue percentage that the IT&C industry has brought to the national government is a consistent one, but at the same time it is one with great potential and added value, and that should be a goal for us," said Ciuca. He also mentioned regional collaboration between Romania and Poland under the Three Seas Initiative. "It is an initiative that has created a framework under which Romania and Poland managed to be active. Furthermore, the foreign trade banks of Romania and Poland are already actively involved in the financial security of the projects under this initiative. In September, a forum of this initiative is taking place in Bucharest. Allow me to use this opportunity to invite you to participate in this activity," said Ciuca. Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday, in Bucharest, after the meeting with president Klaus Iohannis that Romania and Poland are the pillars of the North Atlantic Treaty in this part of Europe, and showed that its strengthening by reinforcing military cooperation is desired. "Poland and Romania are the closest allies of the USA. Perhaps Lithuania is one of the few countries that is as pro-American as Poland and Romania. We want to really strengthen this North Atlantic Treaty and this is done by reinforcing military cooperation. (...) The modernization of the army, future joint acquisition, but also joint exercises are happening right now and are a sign of deepened cooperation between Romania and Poland. We care about mutual relations and these are confirmed by the presence of Romanian soldiers on Poland's territory and vice versa," specified the head of the Polish Executive. The Polish official said that the B9 Format renders "Russia's threats futile", recalling that the level of cooperation between Poland and Romania is exceptional. "Mr. President is one of the exceptional leaders who does not need to be explained the risk that is beyond the eastern border because he understands very well and we have a similar approach to the way we must face these challenges. (...) We have a lot common interests at the EU level as well," said Mateusz Morawiecki. He emphasized the importance of the Three Seas Initiative Format, showing that it has an economic potential that can serve all countries, including Greece, and argued that the Via Carpathia has the chance to multiply trade between Romania and Poland. The discussions at the Cotroceni presidential Palace also focused on the war in Ukraine. "Poland and Romania took Ukraine's side because they know very well that Ukrainian soldiers die for our freedom, too. Humanitarian and economic aid, sanctions (...) are very important. We propose that these packages be sealed. These are the actions that we are carrying out. Only when we support Ukraine on the one hand, and when we cut off Russia's oxygen, can Ukraine win this war as quickly as possible and stability and security will be restored. Today, we can fight with the sanctions. That is why we send the western partners this message with this unique voice of Poland and Romania regarding the fight through sanctions with Russia," pointed out Mateusz Morawiecki.AGERPRES The role of the Central and Eastern European region has increased in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday, adding that he hoped that "significant strategic plans" would be built in the area after the Ukrainian victory, told Agerpres. "We see that with the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the role, the rank of this region, in which we live, in which we create economic and social values, increases, that is why I believe, in depth, that in this triangle between Ukraine, Romania and Poland it will soon be possible - we hope as soon as possible, after the victory of Ukraine and the achievement of peace - to build some significant strategic plans (...) strategic plans, which will be very ambitious from an economic, investment and business point of view, but also ambitious from a strategic point of view, from the point of view of military cooperation and from the point of view of creating a new economic community of over 100 million [people - ed. note] in the Central European region," Morawiecki said, according to the official translation. The head of the Polish government said that he sees Romania as "a very great ally, a great ally in the fight for our common interests." "For years, I am telling you very straight, our countries have been played by the East and the West. Of course, one cannot compare the pressure from the West with that from the East, but we must realise that the first naive decades of transformation, of capitalism were, at the same time, decades in which we were largely used for Western Europe's own purposes. From Romania, from Poland many people left. Now hundreds of thousands of people are returning to Poland for the first time in our history," said Mateusz Morawiecki. Poland supports Romanians' aspirations regarding the Schengen area, the head of the Government in Warsaw, Mateusz Morawiecki, said on Tuesday in Bucharest, in the beginning of the meeting of the two government delegations, told Agerpres. "Poland supports the aspirations of Romanians in relation to the Schengen area, but what I say here will be unpopular, but among friends I allow myself to say - a great effort, which results from statistical data both of Romania and Poland, is that very talented people from us are going to the European Union and this influx of blood, we can say, refers to thousands, hundreds of thousands of people that we have trained, we have taught them, we have made financial efforts and they are leaving. These expenses that we have incurred are going to favour Western markets fed by this influx. Naturally, we appreciate that a lot of money from various grants and so on is going further into the Polish and Romanian economy," Mateusz Morawiecki stated, according to the official translation. In this context, he said that "the elements of economic construction are so designed as to act in favour of the powerful." "It's about the flow of capital and the flow of labour and services. Thus, it's good to be aware that we are in a similar situation, and those who are more powerful than us, the Germans, the French, the Italians, are trying to win. It is good that we have learned to work together and this works in our favour," the Polish Prime Minister added. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday that "we cannot look at the European Union as those that should be listened to and always having the best solutions in their suitcase" to Warsaw and Bucharest. He attended the Romania-Poland Economic Forum, together with his Romanian counterpart, Nicolae Ciuca. In the context of EU legislation, he talked about the mobility package and the package related to posted workers. "What else are they, but a blow against the Romanian and Polish economy, which are starting to do well?," Mateusz Morawiecki stated according to the official translation, told Agerpres. The Polish Prime Minister spoke about the importance of the free flow of people and goods on the single market. "We cannot look at the European Union as those that should be listened to and always having the best solutions that are brought in the suitcase to Warsaw and Bucharest. That is why, in Brussels, during the discussion on the European single market, we opted to focus on the free flow of people and goods. Why? Because in these sectors we can have some advantages," the head of government in Warsaw stated. Thus, he underscored that "Poland and Romania must fight together to complete the provision of services on the European single market." "We must fight for this, because it is in the best interest of our entrepreneurs," Morawiecki said. Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki is paying a visit to Romania on Tuesday, context in which he will participate alongside Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca in a joint meeting of the Governments of Poland and Romania, while he is also set to attend a bilateral economic forum and meet President Klaus Iohannis. In the start of the visit, according to the schedule announced by the Gov't, the Polish prime minister and the head of the Executive in Bucharest will participate in the Romania-Poland Economic Forum, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, told Agerpres. Afterwards, the high Polish guest will be welcomed at the Victoria Palace by his Romanian counterpart and a family photo of the members of the Governments of Romania and the Republic of Poland is scheduled as part of the ceremonies. The two governmental delegations will also have a plenary sitting. At the end of the inter-governmental meeting, the two prime ministers will attend the signing ceremony of the bilateral documents: a memorandum of understanding between the Sport and Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Poland and Romania's Sport Ministry and the Cooperation Declaration in the area of civil protection between Romania's Interior Ministry, through the Emergency Situations Department (DSU) and the State Fire Service of Poland. After this event, the two prime ministers will hold a joint press conference. Moreover, Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki will be welcomed at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace by President Klaus Iohannis. President Klaus Iohannis will participate on Tuesday in a meeting assessing the current status of measures adopted by the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) in the context of the security challenges generated by the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The meeting will start at 12:00hrs and doesn't have a component open to the public, according to a SRI press release, told Agerpres. The SRI mentioned that it will return with a statement after the event. President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday promulgated a piece of legislation amending Article 6(2) in Law 361/2022 regarding the protection of whistleblowers in the public interest. "Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, reporting that does not include the name, surname, contact details or signature of the whistleblower in the public interest shall be examined and resolved to the extent that it contains indications of legal violations," the law says. According to the amendments made by Parliament, the word "substantial" was removed from "substantial evidence." The change was made at the request of the European Commission. The Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers in the Public Interest translates into the national legislation of Romania Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, told Agerpres. The translation of the directive was provided for under milestone 430 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). As part of the evaluation of the law carried out on the occasion of the second PNRR payment request, the European Commission sent its objections to the national authorities. In the opinion of the European Commission, the "substantial evidence" in the article are of a nature to lead to a subjective examination of the anonymous reports. In addition, the European Commission says the provision would not provide potential whistleblowers with the adequate level of legal certainty and could discourage reporting. The close ties with Poland in terms of security and defence must be matched by economic cooperation to the extent of the potential offered by the two economies, president Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday afternoon, after meeting with the visiting Polish premier, Mateusz Morawiecki. "Poland is a close and long-lasting friend, a key strategic partner and a reliable ally of Romania. We are bound by strong common strategic and security interests, reinforced by the current very tense context of regional security. (...) I note in particular the very high level of bilateral cooperation in the field of security, both from the perspective of bilateral relations and at the allied level. We intend that our close ties in the line of security and defense will be matched by a robust and fruitful economic cooperation, to the extent of the potential offered by the two economies. Poland is one of Romania's most important trading partners in the region: in 2022, bilateral trade reached a record level of almost 11 billion euros," Klaus Iohannis said. President Iohannis said he was certain that the joint meeting of the governments of Romania and Poland, held on Tuesday, had set the objectives to be achieved for the further expansion and diversification of the Romanian-Polish cooperation in as many areas as possible. "I welcome the adoption of the Joint Declaration between the two heads of government, as well as the signing of sectoral bilateral agreements," the president said. Klaus Iohannis pointed out that together with the Polish official he reiterated his firm condemnation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and that only Kyiv can decide the parameters of peace talks with Moscow. "Romania and Poland will unequivocally maintain their support for Ukraine for as long as necessary. As it is known, since the beginning of this war, Romania has been at the forefront of action to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian population," Iohannis said. The president agreed with the Polish prime minister the need to strengthen bilateral coordination within the European Union and NATO in order to continue the full support of Ukraine. "At the same time, we agreed to intensify the support for the most vulnerable and most affected partners of the conflict in the region, especially the Republic of Moldova," he added. The discussions also targeted the security situation in the Black Sea region and on the Eastern Flank. "We reaffirmed the commitment of our states to continue to work together to implement the decisions of the NATO Summit in Madrid regarding the strengthening of the Allied position of deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank," the president said. Klaus Iohannis reaffirmed Romania's appreciation for Poland's active support for Schengen. At the same time, the two officials reiterated their joint support for advancing on the European path of Ukraine and Moldova as candidate states to the EU. The president presented Romania's priorities for the Three Seas Initiative Summit to be held in Bucharest in September and for the Business Forum of the Initiative. "We have highlighted the strategic relevance of the infrastructure projects promoted within the Initiative of the Three Seas, especially the Rail2Sea and Via Carpathia projects," Klaus Iohannis said.AGERPRES ADS ADS Drink me the bottle exhorted Alice. Eager to take a ladybirds-eye look at the volumes imagined by Alexandre Beauregard, I quickly took a gulp. His watches go by the names Dahlia and Lili, and so I found myself catapulted into a floral wonderland of remarkable precision. Dahlia boasts a horological heart with a central tourbillon contained in a white gold cage in the shape of a flower. At 15mm high for a 38.8mm diameter, Dahlia saves room for hand-carved stone petals whose delicious plumpness takes advantage of the dials almost 5mm thickness. Such a beautiful flower, sculpted from fire opal, that the ladybird in me had to nibble just a tiny piece only to be shooed away by the hands, two curved openworked petals, as they circled the central tourbillon. Much of the work that went into this tourbillon involved the hands, Alexandre Beauregard explains. While it may not be immediately obvious, they are high-precision elements. The minutes hand sweeps just two tenths of a millimetre above the dial the same distance that separates it from the hour hand. Dahlia in red opal Beauregard With a flutter of wings, I alighted on Lili. Round like a button, or rectangular, Lilis focus is the art of carving and setting stones. Beauregard has chosen a Swiss quartz movement, hence the sides of the case arent interrupted by a winding crown. Clusters of topaz petals sent ladybird-me floating through a cloudless sky; mother-of-pearl called me back down to a shimmering sea. Lili in topaz Beauregard Precious petals These magnificent high jewellery watches are a temptation that is hard to resist. Both Lili and Dahlia contain a wealth of expertise in the selection, carving and setting of stones. Im a regular at the Tucson Gem Show in Arizona. I go every year to buy batches of stones. I need a substantial stock of each type. Some dont make it past the initial selection, then ninety per cent of the stone is lost during the hand-carving. The resulting petals are assembled and adjusted with a precision of one-hundredth of a millimetre. During this process, some will inevitably be discarded because their size, or colour, is not an exact match. Alexandre Beauregard, assisted by Jeremie, cuts, polishes and assembles the stones himself at his studio in Montreal, Canada. Because we are in the realm of high jewellery, the petals are mounted in a white gold dial ring, rather than held by adhesive. This provides a secure setting because, Beauregard insists, these are precious watches but they are made to be worn. Brilliant-cut diamonds, snow-set on certain models, bring sparkle to cases in pink gold or white gold. Lili Bouton in chrysoprase Beauregard At Watches and Wonders The bouquet of flowers that Beauregard is presenting this month is carved from mother-of-pearl, fire opal and sky-blue topaz, and fitted with gorgeous, easy-change satin straps. The petals generous volumes show the colours in all their glory, and offer a surface for light and transparency. As for the delicious Lili Candy, it returns with its lollipop spiral of coloured stones and Turkish white opal. A sweet treat I would love to try! The ladybird has two questions for Alexandre Beauregard. Is there a stone you havent yet used and would like to see on your dials? Id love to work with tsavorite for its stunning green colour. Weve done all the tests and are waiting on an order for this very expensive stone. And a stone you will likely never use but wish you could? Probably imperial jade, because of its rarity. I absolutely love it. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) announced on Tuesday that it does not support the legislative proposal initiated by the National Liberal Party (PNL), which tightens the criminal sanctions in case of public protests, told Agerpres. "In its current form, the draft law entered into debate in the Senate on Tuesday is of a nature to intimidate the organization and participation in demonstrations or protest rallies, which affects the very foundation of democracy. Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed by the Romanian Constitution and cannot be fenced off in any way," according to a PSD press release, sent to AGERPRES. According to the social democrats, "the Romanian people are sovereign", and citizens must have the freedom to publicly express their dissatisfaction with the elected, without being intimidated on the penalty of imprisonment. "Therefore, PSD will not vote on the bill in its current form. During the debates, the PSD MPs will request the removal of the amendment proposed by the PNL by which those who participate in protests risk being directly sanctioned with prison because they dare to criticize the public authorities or political decisions. The draft law initiated by the PNL parliamentarians proposes the amendment of article 371 of the Criminal Code, so that the disturbance of public order, including by affecting the dignity of the person, is punished with imprisonment between 1 and 5 years or for the aggravated forms with imprisonment from 2 to 7 years. In the current form, the same acts are punishable by a fine or imprisonment from 3 months to 2 years," the quoted source states. The Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) is organising the Romania-Poland Economic Forum on Tuesday, an event that will be attended by the two prime ministers of the two countries, Nicolae Ciuca and Mateusz Morawiecki. According to the organiser, the Forum will take place on the sidelines of the joint meeting of the Romanian and Polish governments, on which occasion a delegation made up of representative Polish companies from the following areas will arrive to Romania: defence, IT&C, agriculture, energy and transport, smart city solutions and urban mobility, told Agerpres. Mihai Daraban, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, will be present at the event, together with the two heads of government. President Klaus Iohannis signed, on Tuesday, several decoration decrees, among those decorated being the researcher Sergiu Pasca, told Agerpres. The head of state conferred the National Order "For Merit" in the rank of Officer to Sergiu Pasca - physician, researcher, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University in the United States of America, "as a token of high appreciation for the excellence he has shown in his teaching and internationally acclaimed research work, contributing to a better understanding of brain diseases, and to the identification of innovative treatments, informs the Presidential Administration. President Klaus Iohannis also conferred the Order "Virtutea Maritima" (The Maritime Virtue - ed.n.) in the rank of Knight, with peace insignia for the military, to Rear Admiral Marian Savulescu "as a token of appreciation for the outstanding services he has rendered to the military institution and for the professionalism he has shown in successfully carrying out missions of great complexity and responsibility, for the moral integrity he has demonstrated throughout his military career". The president also conferred the National Order "For Merit" in the rank of Knight, with peace insignia for the military, to the Battle Flag of the 191st Infantry Battalion Colonel Radu Golescu "as a token of appreciation for the important results obtained by the unit's personnel in conducting specific missions, for the contribution to promoting the Romanian Army's image". The Parliament decided, on Tuesday, in a plenary sitting the appointment of Toni Grebla as the president of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) for a 8-year mandate. Toni Grebla, who is currently the Bucharest prefect, was proposed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) for this position, told Agerpres. Voting was secret with ballots. There were 251 votes "for" and 110 "against" regarding Toni Grebla's candidacy. The other candidates were Iulia Andreea Babeanu, proposed by Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) - 37 votes "for" and 324 "against" and Cristian Preda, proposed by Save Romania Union (USR) - 73 votes "for" and 288 "against". On January 11, Constantin-Florin Mituletu-Buica submitted his resignation as chairman of AEP to the two Chambers of Parliament. Floor leader of the Save Romania Union (USR) senators Radu Mihail criticized on Tuesday the form of the bill on public service pensions adopted by the Senate's select committees, emphasizing that his formation wants the contribution principle to be applied in every situation and special pensions to be repealed. "The lawmakers in the room were divided between two positions: that of the USR - which wants an all-out contributory system and the abolition of all special pensions, and the position of the Social Democratic Party-National Liberal Party-Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania ruling coalition - which still attempts to arrange things here and there in hopes that they will squeeze their special pension collecting cronies through. (...) USR was the only party that voted against special pensions. It was a shameful committee meeting because the cowardice of the ruling coalition came to light. They didn't even have the courage to raise their hands and vote for their own ambition of keeping special pensions in place. Five million Romanians pay pension contributions while a minority rides the support of the current power. We are back in the era of the [defunct] Social-Liberal Union. Parliament is controlled by people who have nothing to do with democracy. (...) We were not allowed to see who votes in favor of the special pensions, we weren't allowed to present our arguments. In the plenary, USR will continue to argue that we, as a country, cannot afford to have a category of citizens more special than others," Mihail said after the joint meeting of the Senate's Law, Defence and Labor Committees. The three Senate select committees on Tuesday issued a favorable joint report with accepted and rejected amendments to the bill initiated by the government for the change and supplementation of certain regulatory acts regarding public service pensions, told Agerpres. The majority of the votes cast were "in favor", with only nine votes against and abstentions. On Wednesday, the bill will enter the debate of the Senate plenary, the first chamber notified. The deadline for the tacit adoption of the bill is March 31. The Save Romania Union (USR) says that it has submitted amendments to recalculate the former special state pensions of soldiers, police officers and other law enforcement employees on the principle of contribution and integration into the general contributory system. In a press statement released on Monday, USR says that it supports the repeal of the special state pensions of lawmakers, local officials, clerks, Court of Accounts officials, diplomats, parliamentary officials and sailors, told Agerpres. The amendments are said to be designed to meet the commitments in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) of bringing the special pensions in line with the principle of contribution. USR national chairman Catalin Drula calls on national leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Marcel Ciolacu and the national chair of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Nicolae Ciuca to also unblock a bill submitted by USR to Parliament almost one year ago for the repeal of the special pensions of the lawmakers. "We need a separate law that will no longer be declared unconstitutional," says USR. The COVID pandemic was a bad time for salad bars. Shielded only by a sneeze guard, subject to being touched by people's germ-covered hands, salad bars were avoided, quite literally, like the plague. As a corollary, the COVID pandemic was a bad time for companies that make salad bars. At the height of COVID, November 2020, Picadeli, a new concept saladbar company founded in Sweden, opened an off shoot company in the United States. The company was already a hit in Europe, with more than 2,000 locations in grocery stores across seven countries. In the United States, they are now found in Albertson's and a couple of other chains. Last week, Picadeli began installing salad bars in 22 Schnucks markets in the St. Louis region, Columbia and Illinois. The rollout should be completed by June. The salad bars represent a new level of process and technology artificial intelligence is involved though the differences will be noticed more by the stores than the customers. "Traditional salad bars are traditionally very hard to operate," said Picadeli U.S. Chief Executive Officer Patrik Hellstrand. They are laborintensive, requiring 50 to 60 employee hours per week. The Picadeli version only requires 15 hours, he said. Standard salad bars have people in the back, washing, chopping and preparing food. When a pan of, say, shredded cheese needs to be replaced, a worker has to bring it from a refrigerated storage section of the store to the salad bar. The new version has smaller pans of already prepared items in refrigerated cabinets underneath the salad bar itself. All a worker has to do is open the cabinet, get a pan of the cheese and remove the plastic top. The smaller pans mean the food has less of a chance to spoil before it is replaced, Hellstrand said. Spoilage and waste are major problems with salad bars. The items Picadeli stocks on its salad bars including hummus, falafel, tuna and more usual fare generally stay fresh a week to 12 or 14 days after production, he said. That's shorter than the average salad bar. "Because we are able to turn the food really quickly, we are able to serve much higher quality food," Hellstrand said. The new version addresses another source of spoilage as well. Typically, refrigeration units just under the pans risk freezing some of the more delicate items on the bottom of the pan while the open air design encourages the top items to dry out. The Picadeli version has a cold wall behind the pans that extends above them, which Hellstrand said helps to circulate the air and keep a consistent, crisp temperature for all the produce. A see-through plastic cover, which must be raised to gain access to the food, also maintains the temperature and humidity for the food. One of the more intriguing innovations involves artificial intelligence. As each new tray of produce is removed from the cabinet, it is scanned into a computer, which keeps track of how much of each item whole hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices and the like is used, and how fast. "It uses an algorithm to calculate or forecast the amount of food it will use" for each store, he said. "It learns from the behavior of the bar. It tries to predict behavior based on past usage." Being able to fill the specific needs of each store also cuts down on spoilage and waste. But the biggest advantage of the system is the ease with which each pan is refilled. Seventy percent of a typical salad bar's sales are made in the two hours around lunch. The traditional salad bar requires several people preparing food during that period to keep up with demand. With this new version, the food is already ready to go. It just takes a minute to take it out of the cabinet, scan it and drop it in its place. "Employees in the store have more time to do other things," Hellstrand said. Daniel Neman 314-340-8133 @dnemanfood on Twitter dneman@post-dispatch.com To meet increasing spending needs, households can generally do two things: cut spending or raise income. A large share of Americans are doing the latter, according to a new survey. Almost half of employed consumers hold a side job or have some other form of supplemental income such as selling artisan products, data released Monday by LendingClub Corp. in partnership with industry publication Pymnts.com show. Its not just low-income or cash-strapped households who are turning to additional income to help pay the bills. Those earning $100,000 annually are more likely to have a growing supplemental income, the survey found. Overall, consumers may be amassing more than $50 billion a month in cash through extra earnings with a large portion of that money undeclared to tax authorities, according to the report. A vast majority of consumers became used to working from home during the pandemic, and after returning to work, many kept flexible hours and turned to alternative income streams to expand their earning potential beyond a 9-to-5 job, Anuj Nayar, financial health officer at LendingClub, said in the report. Tips and selling used items on online marketplaces like eBay are among the most common sources of extra cash cited in the survey. Other respondents especially the more affluent are taking informal jobs on mobile apps like TaskRabbit or receiving passive incomes from investments or rents. Roughly 4% say they supplement their income with returns on betting or gambling. For people who live paycheck to paycheck, the extra money can represent the difference between being able to cover the bills or not, according to the survey, which polled 4,125 consumers and was conducted in February. The findings align with other reports showing a rise in the informal economy during the pandemic, with an increasing number of people taking on side hustles. The proliferation of apps designed to help people find short-term work or to sell products has made it easier to find additional sources of income. More than 4 million people in the U.S. and Canada have signed up on Instawork looking for additional income, according to Daniel Altman, chief economist at the platform. Half of them have full-time or part-time jobs, and two-thirds want permanent positions, he said by email. According to our research, three-quarters of the flexible workers on our platform are using the extra income to pay for essentials, just to make ends meet, Altman said. ST. LOUIS St. Louis-area nursing homes are caring for fewer seniors and more adults with mental and behavioral health conditions, adding stress to already-overworked staff, according to a new report from the union that represents local workers. The regional health care chapter of the Service Employees International Union said in a white paper released to the Post-Dispatch that the average age of nursing home residents in St. Louis has dropped by almost a decade. In interviews, workers bolstered the claims in the report, and some described instances when they feared for their safety. Several said the training theyve received hasnt kept up with the change in population. Paula Johnson, a restorative aide and nursing assistant at Heritage Care in north St. Louis County, said when she started working there 27 years ago, the residents were mostly seniors. Within the past 15 years, it has just totally changed, she said. The last three years have been extraordinarily difficult for nursing homes, marked by staffing shortages, COVID-19, and the accompanying restrictions that prevented families from seeing their loved ones. The SEIU report now sheds further light on those difficulties for owners, workers and patients, all. Lenny Jones, state director for SEIU Healthcare Missouri, said he believes the shift is happening because more seniors are opting to live at home with support, when possible. But a side effect of that change has been, in some cases, a more challenging environment for workers at nursing homes. SEIU represents workers at about 20 local long-term care facilities in Missouri. Jones said workers are contacting him with more complaints of just not knowing how to handle the situations, and fears that they lack the right tools to handle behavioral issues. According to the report, the average age of nursing home residents in St. Louis city fell to 69 years in 2020, from 78 in 2000. The downward trend in residents ages isnt happening everywhere, and some facilities are still mostly caring for seniors, said Marjorie Moore, executive director of VOYCE, a nonprofit based in Marlborough that advocates on behalf of nursing home residents and serves as the long-term care ombudsman program for the area. Still, shes concerned, because skilled nursing facilities have traditionally been used to take care of residents who need assistance with issues like mobility or frailty. Staff arent always given extensive training on mental health, she said. The COVID-19 pandemic, Moore said, pushed more seniors toward aging in place, or leaving nursing homes in favor of living at home with the assistance of family, home health care providers, or a combination of both. I think returning is starting to happen, Moore said. But people are not breaking down doors to go back into a nursing home. Workers call for training, staffing Shunda Whitfield, a certified nursing assistant, said that when she first started working at Estates of Spanish Lake almost a decade ago, she was more often caring for elderly residents who needed help with daily tasks like eating, bathing or moving from bed to a chair. Now shes seeing more residents who are middle-aged, and need care for mental health or psychiatric issues. You just never know what your day-to-day will bring, Whitfield said. Police responded to a report on the evening of Feb. 4 that a worker at Estates of Spanish Lake not Whitfield had been assaulted by a patient, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. Estates of Spanish Lake did not respond to requests for an interview. Gabriella Love, a certified medication technician at Hillside Manor in the Baden neighborhood of St. Louis, works in an Alzheimers and dementia unit. But sometimes younger patients with behavioral health issues are brought to her area. And her coworkers in other units tell her theyre seeing the same thing. Sometimes they feel like we dont have the training to take care of these patients, Love said. Love said there are typically three staff members working in her unit, to take care of about 30 residents. Whitfield, the nursing assistant at Estates of Spanish Lake, said theres supposed to be two staff members in her unit at a time, to take care of about 20 residents, but sometimes theres only one. Short-staffed, high turnover The struggles of the long-term care industry have been pulled increasingly into the national spotlight throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and locally, as SEIU workers have held protests and strikes to call out poor working conditions at local facilities. Earlier this year, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen created a special committee to discuss problems in long-term care and make policy recommendations to the Health and Human Services Committee. Why are nursing homes understaffed? Because the jobs arent valued. They are very low-paying jobs, said Jones, the SEIU state director. Many longtime workers left when the pandemic hit, or retired early. Because the positions dont pay well, theres a high level of turnover, Jones said. So until we change that dynamic, which is foundational on good-paying jobs that provide a career that a worker can thrive in were always going to be running into the same problem, Jones said. Moore, of the patient advocate group, said there needs to be more conversation about how to care for people struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. Were going to continue seeing people who have mental health issues, who may need higher levels of care. So I think as a state and as a country, we really have to come up with some better options for people in those situations. And I dont know what those are. I specialize in aging, not mental health, Moore said. I think Missouri really has to think about, How are we going to care for this group of folks? ADS ADS On the occasion of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023, WorldTempus gets to talk to Christian Knoop, Chief Designer at IWC Schaffhausen, regarding the new launches in the Ingenieur collection. IWC Schaffhausen is a brand with several distinct collections, each with different identities, so what message is IWC Schaffhausen prioritising this year by focusing on the Ingenieur? First, the Ingenieur collection is important to us and our history. It reflects our way of making watches, very much driven by engineering and forward-looking design. And second, we believe in the future of the Ingenieur in the 21st century, as a modern watch. It has its place in the IWC collections, because we are missing the steel integrated bracelet watch in our portfolio. IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 Jordy Bellido/WorldTempus Did you feel any pressure to work on a watch that was redesigned by Gerald Genta, a famous watch designer that created icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or the Patek Philippe Nautilus? We have always had to deal with collections and watches that haven been designed by someone else. But as soon as you have such a big name there, it's always a bit of an exciting moment, because you're about to modify what someone did in the past. However, we are not replacing a product in an existing collection. The situation is thus completely different as we are not creating a new design. I'm not removing the agenda design that we have been selling since 1976. Here, we have a watch that was created in the past, that was paused for a long time ago, and that is now being revisited. What you frequently hear while approaching something like the Ingenieur is that it can be more difficult to refresh, rather than starting from zero, because thats already an icon. Personally, how do you approach such a delicate task? Nowadays, the watch market is so crowded, you have so many watches coming out every day and every week. The average level of design is thus very, very high. What makes the difference between a successful and non-successful watch is if you you're able to give a character and identity to a product that is recognizable, that you can relate to a brand and that really sticks in people's mind. It's all about the recognizability of the product. And in that sense, a product that is already established, with a recognizable DNA, has a major advantage. And I think in the case of the Ingenieur, the design is very recognizable but still leaves enough room for interpretations. But you need to make sure not to lose the connection by not getting too far from the original design. The line is thin. IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40 Suzanne Wong/WorldTempus So, in the case of the Ingenieur, what are the essential features of the Ingenieur that must be kept to remain an Ingenieur watch? Definitely the shape of the case, the bezel with the five screws, the dial with baton hands, the indexes, and the treatment on the dial surface. And, of course, the proportions of the watch. What was the biggest challenge you faced while working on the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40? What I enjoyed the most was really working on the case. The biggest challenge came from ergonomics and the balance of the dial. This was hard work, but it was necessary to get a better and viable product. Ingenieur Automatic 40 IWC Schaffhausen When you look at the design of this new Ingenieur Automatic 40 watch, what are you the most proud of? What I am the most proud of is that we managed to not only have a beautiful technical watch, but we also gave it a certain premium quality in the appeal, that previous watches (including the original) never had as they were designed as very functional watches. Now, we have a watch that can be appreciated not only by people that like the IWC history, but also people that are sensitive to product only and that can see the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into the watch. I'm really proud of that. How would you describe the new Ingenieur collection in a few words? This new Ingenieur collection is about turning a historic watch that has always reflected the IWC values into a 21st century luxury watch. Michael A. Wewege, from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of analgesic medicines for acute nonspecific low back pain. Data were reviewed from 98 randomized controlled trials (15,134 participants), which included 69 medicines and combinations. The researchers observed low or very low confidence in evidence for reduced pain intensity after treatment with tolperisone, aceclofenac plus tizanidine, pregabalin (mean differences, 26.1, 26.1, and 24.7, respectively), and 14 other medicines versus placebo. There was low or very low confidence seen for no difference between the effects of several of these medications. There was moderate to very low confidence noted for increased adverse events with tramadol, acetaminophen plus sustained-release tramadol, baclofen, and acetaminophen plus tramadol compared with placebo (risk ratio, 2.6, 2.4, 2.3, and 2.1, respectively). There was moderate-to-low confidence for these medicines increasing the risk for adverse events compared with other medicines. For secondary outcomes and a secondary analysis of medicine classes, moderate-to-low confidence was also noted. TUESDAY, March 28, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Few youths with sickle cell anemia (SCA) receive hydroxyurea despite national guidelines recommending its use, according to a study published online March 24 in JAMA Network Open. Sarah L. Reeves, Ph.D., from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues assessed changes in hydroxyurea use among youths with SCA before and after release of the 2014 U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. Analysis included administrative data for 4,302 youths aged 1 to 17 years with SCA enrolled in the Michigan and New York State Medicaid programs (2010 to 2018). The researchers found that the mean annual days' supply of hydroxyurea was 47.2 days per patient in Michigan and 97.4 days per patient in New York. There was an increase seen in Michigan in the odds of having nonzero days' supply after the guidelines were released (odds ratio, 1.52), but no change in the mean days supply of filled hydroxyurea in New York. "These findings suggest that hydroxyurea was substantially underused among youths with SCA, despite establishment as the primary disease-modifying therapy for SCA, and that there was incomplete clinician or patient uptake of newly released guidelines," the authors write. "Results suggest that expanding use of hydroxyurea may require a multifaceted approach that includes addressing multiple system- and patient-level barriers." Some adults who take prescription medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are required to have their urine tested for drugs several times a year. Others never are tested. Such screenings are designed to check if ADHD patients are safely taking their pills, such as Adderall, and not selling them, taking too many, or using other drugs. Several doctors told KHN there are varying opinions and no national standards on the role of urine testing to monitor adults who take ADHD medication. So patients face dramatically different requirements, depending on their clinics and health insurers policies. There really isnt much literature to guide you on how to do this, said Dr. Margaret Chaplin, a Connecticut psychiatrist who treats patients with ADHD, mental illnesses, or substance use disorders. Chaplin first noticed the lack of testing standards about eight years ago, when she and colleagues proposed ways to prevent stimulant misuse in adult ADHD patients. Her team recommended urine tests only if patients exhibit red-flag behavior, such as appearing intoxicated, repeatedly reporting lost prescriptions, or frequently switching doctors. Some doctors and clinics make testing decisions on a patient-by-patient basis taking into account those red flags or patient history. Others apply universal policies, which may be aimed at preventing discrimination. Some insurance companies and state Medicaid systems also have testing requirements. ADHD stimulants, opioid pain medications, and some other drugs are classified as controlled substances, which are tightly regulated because they can be addictive or misused. ADHD patients subjected to frequent drug screens say the tests can be time-consuming and expensive. Some feel stigmatized. A.C. Shilton felt relieved when she was diagnosed with ADHD in her mid-30s. The farmer and freelance journalist from rural Tennessee said the diagnosis explained why she felt so disorganized and forgetful, and as if her brain were a motor running all day. Shilton said her medication slows that motor down. The 38-year-old Jamestown resident said her first doctor ordered urine tests once a year. That doctor eventually closed his practice, and Shilton said her next physician made her take a test at nearly every visit. You go in to get the standard of care, which is this medicine, and youre kind of treated like youre a bad person again; theres some shame associated with that, Shilton said. She was also upset after learning office staffers were incorrect when they told her that urine testing was required by law something that other ADHD patients posting on social media forums said had happened to them too. Shilton said few doctors treat adult ADHD patients in her rural community. She now drives more than an hour to a different clinic, which doesnt require her to take as many drug tests. Travis Gordon, 47, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has gone to the same ADHD clinic for more than 10 years. Gordon said he wasnt drug-tested in the first few years. Then, for several years, he had to give a urine sample every three months. During much of the covid-19 pandemic, he wasnt tested. Now, hes screened every six months. We shouldnt have to feel like street criminals to get drugs that are needed for our daily success, Gordon said. Gordon said it would make sense for doctors to order tests more frequently as they get to know new patients. But he said he doesnt understand why such testing should continue for people like him, established patients who properly take their medication. Traci Camper, 50, of northeastern Tennessee, said she has never even tried a cigarette, much less used illicit drugs, but her doctor has required urine tests every three months for more than 10 years. Camper said the process can be inconvenient but shes ultimately OK with the tests, especially since she lives in an area with high rates of drug abuse. The clinics that Shilton, Gordon, and Camper went to did not respond to KHNs requests for interviews about their testing policies. Adults are diagnosed with ADHD if they have multiple, frequent symptoms so severe they interfere with work, relationships, or other aspects of life. Treatments include therapy and medication, most often stimulants. ADHD patients have been affected by the response to the opioid crisis, which has led to more scrutiny for all controlled medications. Some have reported trouble filling their prescriptions as drug distribution companies limit sales to certain pharmacies. Some patients, especially rural ones, could face obstacles if the federal government reverts to pre-pandemic rules that require at least one in-person appointment to receive controlled drugs via telehealth. Chaplin said doctors who treat ADHD may feel the need to be extra vigilant with drug testing because of this increased scrutiny, or due to the risk of misuse. An estimated 3.7 million Americans 12 or older misused prescription stimulants in 2021, and 1.5 million had a prescription stimulant use disorder, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Americans are more likely to misuse or be addicted to prescription opioids, sedatives, and tranquilizers, the agency said. Adults with ADHD are more likely to have a substance use disorder than those without the condition, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although there arent formal standards, several health care organizations and professionals have made recommendations to prevent and detect adult ADHD stimulant misuse. Suggestions include requiring patients to sign prescription-agreement contracts and regularly checking databases that show all controlled medications each patient is buying. Chaplin said theres little research into how effective any method is at preventing medication misuse. A recent survey found that 42% of family physicians and 21% of college health professionals who treat adult ADHD require their patients to submit random urine drug screens. Gordon, Camper, and some ADHD patients on social media forums said their drug screens have come at predictable intervals, instead of random ones. Dr. Sidarth Wakhlu, a psychiatrist who specializes in treating substance use disorders at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said some of his patients also have ADHD. He suggests drug-testing most ADHD patients once or twice a year. For someone who has no addiction history, has no red flags, every three months is an overkill, he said. The cost of drug testing is as variable as the frequency. For example, Dr. Michael Fingerhood at Johns Hopkins University uses urine tests that cost as little as $60 before insurance. Fingerhood makes testing decisions case by case for patients who take controlled substances to treat ADHD, pain, or opioid addiction. Gordon used to pay $110 for each of his tests when he had insurance his doctor did not accept. Shiltons insurance was billed $545 for a test. Shilton said she complained to a nurse who said, in the future, she could use a less expensive test. Shilton said she replied, Well, why arent we doing that to begin with? Why are we doing this extremely fancy drug testing? Wakhlu said the more expensive urine tests can identify specific types and quantities of drugs. Such tests are usually used to confirm the results of initial, less pricey tests, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wakhlu said that when test results show a patient might be misusing stimulants, doctors should initiate a non-accusatory conversation to discuss the results and, if needed, offer help. He also said its important to emphasize safety, such as how taking too much ADHD medication or combining it with other stimulants, such as methamphetamine, can be dangerous. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. USE OUR CONTENT This story can be republished for free (details). Is there a connection between factory farms and seaweed? The article "5,000-mile seaweed belt is headed toward Florida" (March 24) described 13million tons of a seaweed that will be on the beaches of the Caribbean islands, Yucatan and Florida. Small amounts of sargassum (common seaweed) washes up seasonally. But the blooms are getting bigger each year. Predictions are that some piles of sargassum on beaches could exceed six feet. Why are sargassum blooms growing larger every year? Runoff of agricultural nutrients from fertilizer is a big part of the problem. Sargassum growth spurts are associated with seasonal river runoff. Here is where Missouri makes its contribution of nutrient waste. Missouri is now home to more than 500 permitted CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations), with millions of pigs and chickens confined in large barns. There are unknown numbers of smaller unpermitted facilities. These operations produce tons of untreated animal waste exported to local farmland for use as fertilizer. The volume of this waste is too large for land absorption and was hes into rivers and streams making its way to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. This waste is rich in nitrogen. It feeds sargassum seaweed and algae blooms that contribute to the low-oxygen "dead zone" in the Gulf and to the demise of the manatees. Nutrient waste from CAFOs is fouling Missouri rivers, streams and the Mississippi. Waste from CAFOs is poorly regulated. Is it time for a moratorium on permitting new CAFOs? Barbara Chicherio University City ST. LOUIS A federal judge on Monday ordered the former caretaker of Tonka, a chimpanzee who appeared in movies, to pay nearly $225,000 in attorneys fees to an animal rights group after she falsely told authorities last year the animal was dead. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argued Tonia Haddix owes the group for hundreds of attorney work hours and tens of thousands of dollars in costs after she lied under oath and claimed Tonka had died and was cremated. PETA instead retrieved him last year from a basement near Lake of the Ozarks and sent him to a Florida primate sanctuary. On Monday, Judge Catherine D. Perry ordered Haddix to pay, finding each of these hours was necessitated by Haddixs blatant recalcitrance, chicanery, perjury and contempt of court. Haddixs attorneys did not return a request for comment, but they argued in a filing she shouldnt be required to pay certain hours and expenses. The order was the latest in a long legal saga over several chimps, including Tonka, who appeared alongside actor Alan Cumming in the 1997 movie Buddy. PETA claimed in a lawsuit that Tonka and other chimps formerly at the defunct Missouri Primate Foundation facility near Festus were improperly cared for and housed. Haddix, a caretaker at the facility, denied those claims. In 2020, Haddix signed a consent decree agreeing to send four of the chimps to the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Florida. The order allowed her to keep three chimps, including Tonka. But Haddix failed to comply with the requirements of the consent decree, PETA said, and a year later Jefferson County sheriffs deputies and U.S. Marshals oversaw the removal of the remaining chimps from the Festus facility. Haddix claimed that Tonka was no longer there because he had died of congestive heart failure, and her husband signed a court affidavit saying he cremated the body. But then last year, PETA found through a recorded phone call between Haddix and a documentary filmmaker that Tonka was alive and living in her basement. She said her veterinarian planned to evaluate the chimps health and possibly euthanize him. Haddix told the Post-Dispatch he was staying in a finished basement in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, equipped with a 60-inch television and an iPad so he could watch YouTube until she and her husband could build him an outdoor enclosure. She said she elected to keep him so he would die peacefully and with people who loved him. I did it for that chimp. In June, authorities removed Tonka from the basement and sent him to the Save the Chimps Sanctuary in Florida. PETA had already asked for roughly $163,000 in attorneys fees and costs, but in July, the group asked for an additional $65,000. Judge Perry awarded the full amount of $224,404.24 on Monday. In a statement, PETAs general counsel Jared Goodman said the organization would put the award toward helping other animals still caught in the clutches of exploiters like Haddix. Children injured or killed by gunfire in the St. Louis area in 2023 Below is the St. Louis Post-Dispatch coverage of children who have been injured or killed by gunfire across the St. Louis metropolitan area in 2023. The children are 17 years old or younger. Through April 13, reporters have covered at least 18 shootings involving children; nine were fatal. These are not all the homicides involving children. For more details on local homicides, check the homicide tracker. The event will feature an update from Gardner about current challenges and opportunities followed by a roundtable with local leaders and stakeholders discussing efforts to stop violent crime, keep people from becoming involved in the legal system and reduce harm to victims and the community, according to an event announcement. JEFFERSON CITY Utility companies like Ameren Missouri could begin billing customers for the upfront costs of building nuclear power facilities under a plan advancing in the General Assembly. In debate Monday, the Missouri House gave preliminary approval to legislation allowing utility companies to add the cost of a new nuclear plant or renewable energy generator to customers rates while theyre under construction. Thats a practice that was banned by Missouri voters in 1976 in response to the utility companys attempt to collect costs while it was building the states first and only nuclear power plant in Callaway County. Then, and now, consumer advocates object to the concept of forcing utility users to pay for something that is not yet in service, especially when Ameren recently obtained a rate increase and, in February, announced a 7% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, signaling healthy economic times. Rep. John Black, R-Springfield, who is sponsoring the proposal said the change is needed to begin weaning companies like Ameren off the use of coal-burning plants to generate electricity. Ameren now predominantly relies on coal for power generation, but aims to pour billions of dollars into renewable energy projects over the next two decades, with the goal of carbon emissions reaching net zero by 2050. The Consumers Council of Missouri is among those who oppose the plan, saying if the plant is never completed, electric customers still bear the costs. In South Carolina, the concept enabled a utility to charge ratepayers for the construction of two nuclear reactors that were never completed. During that period, South Carolina ratepayers were charged billions of dollars until the project faltered and ultimately collapsed, the watchdog organization said. Large industrial users of electricity, including Ford Motor Co. and other manufacturers, also oppose the plan. Black said the legislation limits the size of the plants in order to avoid cost overruns that plagued the construction of larger facilities in other states. This bill limits the size of these reactors. It provides jobs, good jobs, Black said. But Rep. Doug Clemens, D-St. Ann, warned that the measure could hurt consumers. This particular scheme is essentially giving a blank check to our utility companies, Clemens said. Well never see productivity out of this scheme. Ameren has sought to repeal the ban before in 2009 and 2012, but shelved expansion of its Callaway plant in 2015 when that did not transpire. Black also has argued that consumers would be protected from rate hikes if the measure is approved. The Public Service Commission, for example, which regulates investor-owned utilities like Ameren, would still have to sign off on any rate hikes. The proposal needs a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate for further deliberations. The legislation is House Bill 225. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri lawmakers say its wrong to interfere with the relationship between a patient and a doctor at least as long as the patient is a cat and the doctor is a veterinarian. The Missouri Senate voted Monday to nullify ordinances in St. Louis and St. Louis County that ban cat declawing, saying the local measures sought to prohibit procedures that remain legal under state law. Sen. Justin Brown, a Rolla Republican whose late father, Dan, was a state senator and veterinarian, said local jurisdictions shouldnt be allowed to obstruct the practice of veterinary medicine. It interferes with the patient-client relationship with the practitioner, Brown, the bill sponsor, said. I think that needs to be between the practicing veterinarian and the owner of the pet. Once common, many vets now recommend against declawing cats, which can lead to complications including chronic pain, infection, nerve trauma, behavioral problems and lameness, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The Senate gave Browns proposal first-round approval on a voice vote. It must receive another affirmative vote before advancing to the House for consideration. During debate Monday, Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, proposed an amendment that would require public universities and private universities receiving state dollars to publish annual reports on animals used in research. Moons amendment was voted down by a voice vote. St. Louis 2019 anti-declawing ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Christine Ingrassia, 6th Ward, made it illegal for veterinarians in the city to conduct such operations unless medically necessary for the animal. The American Association of Feline Practitioners strongly opposes the practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages declawing but leaves it up to veterinarians to decide whats best for the cat. Alternatives include providing more scratching posts, regularly trimming claws and temporary nail caps. The legislation is Senate Bill 115. CLAYTON Top officials in St. Louis County Executive Sam Pages administration pushed back Tuesday against efforts to limit the power of county counselors office to hire outside lawyers. Republican Councilman Dennis Hancock is seeking to reverse a rule passed in January 2021 that allows the county counselors office to hire outside attorneys without approval from the seven-member council. At a committee meeting Tuesday, Pages opponents recalled controversial spending on outside law firms during the pandemic to defend the countys COVID-19 prevention policies. But, despite the end of the pandemic, the countys legal experts say theyre better off keeping the rule in place. It can take weeks or even months to get approval from the council through an ordinance to hire outside attorneys, said Beth Orwick, former county counselor and Pages current chief of staff. It puts the county at a disadvantage in lawsuits that can result in costly settlements, she said. When youre served in a lawsuit, the clock starts ticking, Orwick said. You need to react quickly and swiftly, and if you wait, thats a problem. The county counselors office needs to hire outside attorneys for cases that require expertise outside county attorneys knowledge, said County Counselor Dana Redwing. If they dont hire expert lawyers, it can end up costing the county more money in settlements, she said. Hancock, who joined the council in January, said he agrees outside attorneys are necessary. He just wants to get rid of the rule because the council needs to scrutinize spending as it tries to rectify a $41 million budget deficit. But Orwick said shes also concerned that filling the council in on details of a case in public can sometimes harm the countys chances in court. Another challenge is that when you come here and you explain your lawsuit in front of the council, youre really just tipping your hat to the people who are suing the county, Orwick said. Were in a place where it is common for the people who are suing St. Louis County to go to council members to kind of help the defense of their case. I think thats happening. Hancock himself has connections to a person vocally opposed to the countys COVID-19 policies: Shannon Robinson is part of an ongoing lawsuit against the state of Missouri that stripped the ability of local health departments to enforce COVID-19 restrictions. The county joined four other counties in appealing a circuit court decision, and the case is now before the Missouri Supreme Court. Robinson was a volunteer on Hancocks 2022 election campaign, and has contacted him recently about the lawsuit, Hancock said. He says his motive isnt political. Im trying not to talk to her about it, Hancock said. This is about getting our arms around where were spending money. The county has spent $1.8 million with the law firm Lewis Rice since August 2020, said Republican Councilman Mark Harder. The firm handles the countys COVID-19 lawsuits that require outside counsel, Orwick said. (It also represents the Post-Dispatch.) Hancock said he would bring his bill up for a vote at the councils next meeting on April 11. The annual paid May Day holiday to public and private sector employees will be enjoyed on Thursday 4 May to allow for a longer weekend, announced Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announed on Tuesday. Two years of sampling from the radioactive West Lake Landfill Superfund site in Bridgeton has revealed contamination in areas where it had not previously been identified something Environmental Protection Agency representatives said is not uncommon when preparing for Superfund cleanup. Overall, the EPA said it expects that the cleanup will remove roughly the same amount of radioactive material that it originally envisioned from the landfill, albeit in some different spots. EPA officials said the site does not pose risks to the public. The bulk of the sites radioactive waste will be removed and sent to an off-site facility for disposal, while a specialized cover will be installed over areas where contamination remains in place. EPA representatives will meet with area residents to share some updates and a take comments from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Machinists Hall in Bridgeton, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road. The federal agencys sampling efforts took about two years to complete, in what was essentially a three-dimensional game of Battleship with extensive cores drilled into the landfill to map out where radioactive contamination exists, and at what depths. Officials would even use things like newspapers from the landfills debris to help assess the age of the material extracted from certain areas. There are still no clear dates or targets for when the removal of radioactive contamination might begin, let alone finish, regional EPA officials said Monday, speaking on background. And the entities that are liable for the site and responsible for covering the estimated $205 million cleanup still have not reached an enforceable agreement about how to shoulder the costs. The agency said that, in the coming weeks, it expects to release a report detailing the findings and hold another public hearing in May. It is 2016 all over again, and very few have seemed to learn the lesson when it comes to Donald Trump. The Show-Me states record can demonstrate why Trump will most likely be the 2024 Republican nominee. Some pundits have speculated that Trump couldnt possibly be the Republican nominee, asserting that he is an albatross on the party and blaming him for their losses. While correct, that makes little difference at this point. Many are busy casting wishes that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or others would take Trump out. Many donors are literally banking on alternatives. From my perspective here in flyover country, it is too late. Republican base voters havent changed. They are not listening to elites, they will not care about any Trump indictment, and the mainstream news media is missing it again. The days for stopping Trump were back in 2016, before he became the Republican presidential nominee, or in 2021 with his second impeachment trial. The establishment shirked its responsibilities both times, and now it is too late. Trump has enough voters, he has control of the state parties, he has a significant influence over the national party, and his opponents have done too little to distinguish themselves from Trump, let alone explain why he shouldnt be president again. After his 2016 win, reporters from all over the country descended on rural diners to study the Trump voter in order to understand the grievances and to explain what had just happened. The resentments that these voters feel havent changed over the last seven years, and to think they have is foolish. My neighbor just replaced his somewhat tattered Trump flag with a brand new one, which incidentally hangs next to a flag exclaiming Biden Sucks. He, like other Republican base voters, still loves Trump. They think he did a great job and was robbed of his reelection in 2020. Polling confirms their stories. Trumps approval rating among Republicans remains around 70%. Six in 10 Republicans continue to believe that Joe Biden didnt win the 2020 presidential election legitimately. These voters believe Trump will continue to fight for them and are ready to vote for him. Most state Republican Parties, Missouri included, are fully controlled by the MAGA wing of the party. Candidates for elected office seek out Trumps endorsement, and his endorsement matters in red states. Think Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio or Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming. State elected officials, at least in states like Missouri, have been quick to endorse Trump, including our junior senator, Eric Schmitt. Feel free to speculate why Missouris senior senator, Josh Hawley, has not. State parties have control over how delegates are awarded. A crowded primary field would guarantee to split the anti-Trump vote, clearing his path to the lions share of delegates. Repeating 2016 all over again. On the national scene, things look about the same. Trumps hand-picked Republican National Committee chair in 2017, Ronna McDaniel, was just reelected for her fourth term. McDaniel suggested on CNNs State of the Union that all Republicans will be required to sign a pledge to support whoever wins the party nomination to be allowed on the debate stage. The party made that requirement as well in 2016. Asked if he would abide by it, Trump told conservative radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt: I would give you the same answer I gave in 2016, during the debate: It would have to depend on who the nominee was. I am doubtful that McDaniel or others Trump packed into the national committee would dare speak out publicly against him. Despite the losses and the grumblings, this is still Trumps party, and very little has changed. Perhaps the most compelling case for why I believe Trump will be the Republican nominee is that he continues to hold the party hostage. In a poll from The Bulwark/North Star Opinion Research, 28% of Republican respondents said theyd vote for Trump over either a Republican or a Democrat if he made a third-party run in 2024. Republicans chances of winning would be nearly nil if almost 30% of GOP voters left to vote for Trump. It is also important to consider what would motivate Republican primary voters to choose another candidate over Trump. On Fox News Sean Hannity show, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina described the other candidates who are running or considering it as offering nothing different from Trumps policies. A candidate would need to make a strong case for why Trump should not be president again while walking the very fine line and not offending his voters. The time for wishing Trump out of the national picture is long gone. He still has the voters, the state parties and the national party. There is little reason to think the outcome will be different this time. Lynn Schmidt is a Post-Dispatch columnist and Editorial Board member lynnschmidtrn@outlook On Twitter: @lynnschmidtrn A judge has blocked a Wyoming abortion ban based on an ironic instance of unintended consequences: A decade ago, conservative voters in that state, eager to limit the reach of the newly enacted Affordable Care Act, approved a constitutional amendment to ensure that each competent adult shall have the right to make his or her own health care decisions. That line, a judge has concluded, precludes the state from taking that right away from competent adults who happen to be pregnant. Similar challenges are playing out in other red states, where conservatives who were quite concerned about preventing government involvement in health care issues generally under Obamacare have no problem today with the government forcing women to carry unwanted pregnancies to term. This isnt just irony, its hypocrisy. The various Obamacare-era laws protecting health care decisions in states around America are each a little different, but its safe to say not one of them specifically exempted women from those protections. Yet thats exactly what these new anti-choice laws attempt to do. After the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down Roe v. Wade, states controlled by Republicans rushed to pass abortion bans of varying (but generally draconian) severity. Missouri was the first, enacting a previously passed law literally minutes after the ruling thats as severe as any in the country. It bans the procedure from the moment of conception, even in cases of rape or incest, with medical emergencies being the sole exception. The Wyoming Legislature attempted to enact a similarly strict ban after the Supreme Courts action, but a judge suspended it, ruling that it violated the states own constitutional provision based on the earlier amendment won by conservatives protecting the right of citizens to make their own health care decisions. Lawmakers responded by rewriting the new law to specify that abortion isnt health care. The problem with that argument is that its an ideological one rather than a medical one. Anti-choice activists can chant that abortion isnt health care all they want, but in its legalized form, it has already been treated as such. As District Judge Melissa Owens noted in suspending the latest version of the law, even jurisdictions where abortion is legal require the involvement of doctors. An abortion can only be performed by a licensed medical professional, so what authority does the legislature have to declare that abortion is not health care when our laws only allow a licensed medical professional to administer one? she asked. The response of a state lawyer defending the law I would concede that if you focus just on the pregnant woman, it becomes a little bit easier to say, well, this has to be health care serves to emphasize the fact that fully realized women are an afterthought, if that, to those who prioritize zygotes with these laws. SCHOOL CHOICE:To little surprise, voting on the partisan lightning-rod bill known as the Parents Bill of Rights Act split decidedly along political party lines as the GOP-controlled U.S. House passed the measure on Friday by a 213-208 vote. That national voting pattern found no exceptions in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Voting in favor of the measure were the six Republican members of the U.S. House who represent portions of STL: Missouri members Ann Wagner of Town and Country, Jason Smith of Salem and Blaine Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth; and Illinois members Mike Bost of Murphysboro and Mary Miller of Oakland. Casting opposing ballots were Democrats Cori Bush of St. Louis and Nikki Budzinski of Springfield, Illinois. The bills backers contend that the legislation would include requiring education officials to provide parents with lists of books and other curriculum materials, online budgetary information and alerts about incidents of violence at their childs school. Schools also would have to notify parents if their child uses a different name or pronoun at school. Opponents of the measure have called the bill a gimmick that does nothing but repeat rights that parents already possess and also suggest that the legislation could lead to book bans. The bill now moves to the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate, which is not expected to take action on the bill. TAIWAN WIN:A pro-Taiwan bill authored by U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner now will make its way across to the U.S. Senate, as the full U.S. House approved a bill that aims to strengthen U.S. support of Taiwan. Wagner, R-Town and Country, introduced the bill last month and steered it through the House Foreign Affairs Committee, of which she is the vice chair. The bill passed by a vote of 404-7. Wagners bill would eliminate restrictions on U.S.-Taiwan contact, measures that had been in place for decades to appease China. Those measures were lifted in early 2021 but then reimplemented by the Biden Administration. In a statement, Wagner said the bill aims to recognize that Taiwan is a democratic partner and a free and open society that respects universal human rights and democratic values. OFFICE SPACE: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. MIXING SIGNALS:The title of top spot on the radio dial has been grabbed once again by adult hits WARH (106.5 FM). Its the fourth time in the last five months that the station known as The Arch has been No. 1 in the Nielsen ratings for the St. Louis market. And each time, the longtime ratings champ classic rock KSHE (94.7 FM) has ended up in second place. For February, WARH posted a rating of 9.8, compared to 9.2 for KSHE. The numbers represent the percentage of a markets total listeners, measured from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. No complaints about the ratings have been heard from the Hubbard Radio chain, owner of both stations. Classic hits KLOU (103.3 FM), an iHeart Radio station, came in with an 8.1, good enough for the bronze medal. Rounding out the top 10 were: urban contemporary WFUN (96.3 FM); country music KSD (93.7 FM); alternative rock KPNT (105.7 FM); adult contemporary KEZK (102.5 FM); Christian contemporary KLJY (99.1 FM); country music WIL (92.3 FM); and news/talk KMOX (1120 AM). After KMOX in the talk-radio format, public radio KWMU (90.7 FM) was No. 11; sports/talk WXOS (101.1 FM), an ESPN affiliate, was No. 13; and conservative talk KFTK (97.7 FM) was No. 16. Our mighty metro radio market is the 24th largest in the U.S. Joe Holleman 314-340-8254 @stlsherpa on Twitter jholleman@post-dispatch.com Since at least biblical times, money changers have been gouging foreign visitors exchanging their currency for local shekels. Fortunately, if you're going outside the U.S. this summer, you can avoid most of the gouge. Unless you're a currency speculator, you'll almost always lose a little in exchanging your dollars for whatever, but you can keep those losses to no more than around 1 percent: The actual cost of exchanging currency is the 1 percent or so that the international Visa, MasterCard, or American Express networks charge to do the exchange job. But many credit and debit card issuers add their own foreign charges and fees for doing nothing they gouge because they can running the cost up to 5 percent or even more. Retail foreign exchange desks can use a combination of lousy rates and fees to run your cost up to 10 percent or more. These days, using the right plastic can limit your loss to that 1 percent. That means both a credit card and a debit card Credit Card. These days, a lot of credit cards,especially co-branded travel-related cards, have stopped surcharging foreign charges. They no longer charge a fee at all or add just the fee of 1 percent or less to cover the network transaction cost. To keep losses to a minimum, the traveler's key rule is to put as many bills on a no-surcharge credit card as possible. Debit Card. You may not need much local currency, but the best way to get what you need is to get it from a local bank's ATM. But finding the right card and the right ATM can sometimes take some digging. Although a large foreign bank's ATM generally uses the bank rate for conversion, when you use a debit card at a foreign bank's ATM you face up to three possible fees: Your bank may assess a fee typically around three or four dollars for every ATM transaction at any "foreign" bank, regardless of the amount. Your bank may also add a conversion surcharge. The foreign ATM may assess a withdrawal fee. To avoid these gouges, you need a debit card account with a bank that (1) charges no exchange fees on foreign withdrawals and (2) absorbs some or all foreign-bank fees as well. If your regular bank doesn't offer such an account, do what I do: maintain a small no-fee checking account with a small local bank that I transfer money to before a trip but otherwise keep idle. Your best bets for such a "travel money" account are credit unions, former savings banks, and online banks. Cashless Traveling. Forget the old "tip" that you need to get local money before you arrive. Last October, I traveled from Gatwick Airport to my London hotel without handling a single pound or pence. And when I tried to buy a can of Sprite at St. Pancras station using coins, the attendant said, "Sorry, we don't take cash here." Avoid Traps. Keep away from three major gouges: Airport exchange offices almost always give very poor rates you can lose up to 10 percent. Many foreign airports have given local exchange agencies exclusive franchise to operate all ATMs at the airport. Those ATMs proclaim "no fees," but they give the same lousy rates as the exchange office. Find a major bank's ATM instead Some foreign merchants may offer to bill you in dollars rather than local currency. Even if your card adds no junk fees, however, the merchant will almost certainly give you a lousy exchange rate. Don't fall for it. Exceptions. These recommendations apply to countries with stable currencies. There are still places Argentina, most noteworthy where the official exchange rates are unrealistic. Check before you visit any country that might have a currency problem. What's in Your Travel Wallet. Check the card(s) you normally carry. If your cards don't avoid the fees, get some that do. Last seen in the Apple TV+ series Dear Edward, Idris Debrand is at work on the streaming sites upcoming series Sinking Spring, where he plays the younger version of a character played by Brian Tyree Henry. Ray is a complex character and we see some of the choices hes made as a teenager and how they affect him in the present day, said the British actor. So [without giving] too much away, I play the reason why Ray is the way he is. Originally from London, Debrand currently splits his time between Philadelphia and New York. Q: Of all the characters you've portrayed, which one would make a good travel partner? A: I played a character named Sid in a feature film called Kat and The Band. He was a talented, sometimes slow, drummer. He was always full of energy and had so much optimistic vibes even in the worst scenarios. Id love to travel with Sid because I know he would make the holiday memorable. He would dance with the locals, hes not afraid to make a fool of himself in the name of fun and hed always be down for the excursions. Granted Id probably have to explain everything to him like hes a child so that he gets it. But once he gets it, hes all in and committed! Q: How have your travels affected your craft as an actor? A: Being well traveled can enhance your acting ability, because youve got a lot of experiences to pull from. The more you have to pull from, the better you can be as an actor. Traveling to different countries has allowed me to see different perspectives of things. For example, poverty in London is not the same kind of poverty in Nigeria or in Los Angeles. Being in other countries, you get to hear the authentic accents [which] can make them easier to learn. Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? A: Nigeria. I must have been about five or six years old and I went with my mum. Im the youngest of six and it was only me that my mum took with her. Initially I was excited to know I was going on holiday. But close to the time, it dawned on me that I'll be leaving my sisters and brother back home. It mortified me and I remember begging my mum to not take me with her. Im glad she didnt listen to my whining. [Laughs.] Nigeria was an incredible time! I got to meet so many family members my grandparents and my parents' siblings. My uncle took me to so many places, put me on the back of his motorbike, which my mum was furious about! I was told so many stories. I loved seeing how the people there who didnt have much were still very happy. It made me appreciate the privileges I have back home. Q: Have you planned any trips for 2023? A: Im going to Jamaica in December. I want to perhaps visit Ghana, South Africa and Tokyo this year. Q: Do you speak any foreign languages? A: Unfortunately, I dont speak any foreign language. Im Nigerian and my tribe is Yoruba. I can understand about 70 percent of it, but cant speak. I do wish one day to learn it fluently. Q: What are your five favorite cities? A: Las Vegas, Antalya (Turkey), Los Angeles, London and Stockholm. Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home? A: New York City reminds me of home the most. As most people would say, London and New York are very similar. I would go as far as to say New York is London on steroids. Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before? A: I really want to go to Tokyo. Ever since I watched Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift as a child, that country has been on my radar. I had plans to go for the 2020 Olympics, but COVID-19 had other plans. But that is a place Im really looking forward to exploring in the next three years. Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip? A: I definitely have to look at the reviews on the place Im staying, whether it's a hotel or Airbnb. I particularly look for reviews on cleanliness, food and customer service. Of course, I have to research the area and make sure it's safe. I do like to be in places where everything is kind of in close proximity, so Id be researching distances. Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items? A: Laptop, sunglasses, swimming gear, Kodak camera and sleeping pills. EQS-Ad-hoc: Wienerberger AG / Key word(s): Share Buyback Wienerberger AG: ADHOC / Wienerberger resolves on new share buyback program 28-March-2023 / 18:37 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ADHOC / Wienerberger resolves on new share buyback program Buyback of up to 1,000,000 shares corresponding to up to approx. 0.9% of Wienerberger's share capital planned Vienna, 28 March 2023 Based on the authorization granted by the 153rd Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2022 pursuant to sect. 65 para. 1 item (8) of the Stock Corporation Act, which was published via an electronic information dissemination system on 3 May 2022 as well as in the Federal Gazette of Wiener Zeitung on 5 May 2022, the Managing Board of Wienerberger AG today decided to buy back own ordinary bearer shares of the Company at their market price via the Vienna Stock Exchange between 31 March 2023 (inclusive) and presumably 3 May 2023 (inclusive). A total of up to 1,000,000 shares, corresponding to up to approx. 0.9% of the share capital, can be bought back at a price of between EUR 1.00 and EUR 32.50 per share. The maximum purchase price for shares under the share buyback program amounts to EUR 26,000,000. The shares bought back are to be used for both as consideration in corporate acquisitions and for other purposes in accordance with the authorization resolution granted by the Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2022. The buyback will have no impact on the admission of the shares of Wienerberger AG to stock exchange trading. A credit institution will be mandated to execute the share buyback. The credit institution has to take its decision on the timing of the buyback of Wienerberger AG shares independently of Wienerberger AG and comply with the conditions for trading laid down in Article 3 of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016. Note pursuant to sect. 5 para. 4 of the Publication Ordinance 2018: (i) The details on the transactions performed within the framework of the buyback program to be disclosed pursuant to sect. 7 of the Publication Ordinance 2018 as well as (ii) any modifications of the buyback program to be disclosed pursuant to sect. 6 of the Publication Ordinance 2018 are published on the website of Wienerberger AG (https://www.wienerberger.com/en/investors/share.html). This publication neither constitutes a public offering for the purchase of Wienerberger shares, nor does it create an obligation for Wienerberger AG or any of its subsidiaries to accept offers for the buyback of Wienerberger shares. The War in Ukraine means different things to different people around the world. To Western countries this is a big deal as it is the first war between major European military powers since 1945 and an end of three decades of Russian efforts to operate like a democratic industrialized country. This effort started going bad after a decade and by 2022 Russia had fully reverted to its ancient aggressive dictatorship role. The West currently includes industrialized democracies, including South Korea and Japan in East Asia, Australia and New Zealand adjacent to Southeast Asia, Israel in the Middle East but no others in the Middle East and no nations in Africa. Russia was brought low by its massive and endemic corruption. All nations are corrupt to some degree but in Russia the corruption breeds aggressive behavior towards neighbors. Ukraine is one of those neighbors, but one with many powerful friends in the West, especially in the NATO alliance. Nations outside the Western network have a different perspective on the Ukraine War. The rest of the world views Europe as a wealthy region with self-destructive tendencies. Historically, Britain, the Netherlands and France were the aggressive face of Europe. For about a century (until the 1960s) European colonization efforts in Africa brought some economic development and Western higher education for a tiny, but influential, number of Africans. Similar colonial efforts took place in some parts of Asia, with similar effect. These foreign interlopers were remembered as heavily armed, short tempered and driven to achieve their goals (religious, economic or imperial). These European efforts did not last long. Even the Americans, who got involved after the colonization effort was already underway, lost their enthusiasm for it after a few decades. The rest of the w0rld wanted to be left alone and saw the West as a source of reliable customer for raw materials. The Europeans now exercise aggression against each other and the Ukraine War is seen as another episode of that. The rest of the world is concerned about the nuclear weapons European nations have and the global impact of their use in Europe. Most of the non-Western nations dont take sides about who is good or bad in the Ukraine War. Its a distant event with a distant chance of impacting the lives of non-industrialized nations. Not just with possible nuclear fall-out but with global economic disruptions. The fighting disrupted the export of much of the food the non-Western nations depend on. Food prices have gone up sharply and people are going hungry. There is less foreign aid for poor countries because of the high costs of Western nations supplying Ukraine with weapons and much else. The Ukraine War is having a worldwide impact that does not reflect favorably on either side in the conflict. You could see these attitudes in action as the UN debated on what they could do. Not much, it turned out, except to demand that both sides stop. The Russian plan for a quick, cheap conquest turned out to be an expensive military and economic disaster that they cant seem to extricate themselves from. For the rest of Europe, it was a wakeup call to do something about the sorry state of their own armed forces. NATO that are close to, or share borders with Russia, had already been rearming and trying to get more distant (from Russia) NATO members to take the threat seriously. One interesting side effect was Finland and Sweden abandoning long-held neutrality to join NATO. On the plus side, Europeans were relieved that Russias high-tech weapons were largely overhyped failures. Russia is trying to fix that while the war continues but the fix requires some Western components which are no longer available due to economic sanctions. The war also halted shipments of Russian natural gas and oil to Europe. Russia hoped that fear of those energy supplies being halted would reduce NATO support for Ukraine. That was not the case. Europe coped and put a higher priority on arming the Ukrainians. Europeans were able to obtain natural gas and oil, at higher prices, from African, Middle Eastern and Asian producers. From a distance, the Ukraine War seemed like an action drama with an unexpected hero in Ukrainian president Volodymyr (Vladimir) Zelensky and a relentless villain in Russian leader (as he prefers to be called), president Vladimir Putin. Russian troops have been ordered or encouraged to misbehave in Ukraine to the extent that Putin was recently accused of war crimes by the ICC (International Criminal Court). Putin dismissed the ICC as a purveyor of NATO propaganda. The war grinds on, with the bad guys losing but not yet willing to give up. Russia is either determined or masochistic or a bit of both. Ukraine considers victory to be the expulsion of Russians from all Ukrainian territory. The Russians have been on the defensive for nearly a year and NATO is sending Ukraine tanks and other armored vehicles to finish the job before the second year of fighting is over. The aftermath of this conflict will be another chapter in European history well worth remembering. Three weeks ago, China arranged a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This is all about the Chinese need for tranquility in the Persian Gulf so that China can continue to get half its imported oil from Persian Gulf states. Iraq has been trying to arrange such a peace deal for several years but lacked the standing and clout to get the deal done. Iran is hoping this new deal will enable Iran to expand its waning influence in Iraq. Since 2021 this Iranian influence has visibly declined because of so many Iraqis opposing Iranian interference in Iraq plus help from other Arab countries, like Saudi Arabia, in reducing Iranian influence in Iraq. This was obvious after the 2021 national election where pro-Iran parties did poorly while the anti-corruption Sadr coalition won 73 of 329 seats in parliament. Senior Shia Islamic cleric Moqtada Sadr now had momentum and the best chance of forming a majority coalition, and of forming a government that would make good on his promise to do something about government corruption (the two are not the same, which is often true in politics). Sadr was unable to get enough ethnic or religious coalitions to join him and form a government. Even then, Sadr would have to achieve a two-thirds vote in parliament to elect a new president. This was seen as a win for Iran and corrupt Iraqi politicians. While Iraq resists Iranian offers for economic and military cooperation, Saudi Arabia was welcome. The Saudis have the cash to invest in rebuilding war torn Iraq and, along with Iraqis, have to deal with Iranian opposition to any Saudi presence. This conflict gets little media attention because the Saudis have no military forces in Iraq, just investors and Saudi personnel managing the new investments. These are often attacked by Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militias. The government is trying to disband these militias but that has proved difficult because of continued Iranian support for these groups. A year ago, Iraq hosted Saudi Arabian and Iranian officials holding their fifth round of negotiations in an effort to resume diplomatic relations. These talks were suspended seven months earlier. Iraq along with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the other Arab Gulf Oil states are angry with the Americans because the U.S. is not only offering Iran a revival of the 2015 sanctions treaty, but also a modification of the terms to make it easier for Iran to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Worse, the United States considered taking the Iranian IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and its Quds Force off the list of known terrorists. This was all about the 2020 presidential elections in America, which put into power what is now recognized (by numerous polls) as the most unpopular and inept American president ever. One reason for this unpopularity was the current American policies towards Iran and reduced support for Arab resistance to Iranian violence. This has driven many Gulf Arab oil states, including Iraq, into an economic alliance with Russia to drive up the price of oil. This policy makes it easier for Iran to smuggle more of its heavily discounted oil to customers. That plan survived the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine and even more economic sanctions. Inside Iraq, Iran has a more serious problem with the obvious shift in Iraqi government attitudes about Iran. For example, in late 2021 Saudi Arabia signed a deal with Iraq to build and operate a second major border crossing in Muthanna province. This is one of three Iraqi provinces that border Saudi Arabia and the one closest to Kuwait. Muthanna is where the borders of Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia meet. The Saudis will pay for construction on both sides of the border for this massive border crossing complex, which will enable trade between Iraq and Saudi Arabia to increase from the current one billion dollars a year to three billion. Years of violence in Iraq have led to the closing and destruction of the major border crossings to Saudi Arabia that could handle large amounts of commercial traffic. The new crossing is a big deal for the 770,000 residents of Muthanna province, where half the population lives in poverty and there is not a lot of economic activity. Iraq has found China willing to invest in the local economy, especially if it includes developing or operating oil production facilities. Iraq is also aware of the Chinese proclivity for eventually using these investments as political and diplomatic tools to achieve whatever local goals China had. In 2021 Iraqi officials revealed that China was the major customer for Iraqi oil, currently receiving 40-44 percent of what Iraq exports. In 2019 China, a major customer for Iranian oil, announced it would comply with the American sanctions and halt Iranian oil imports as its 180 day import waiver expired. Until mid-May China had not made it clear how it would react and is still indicating that it could keep changing its policy. The Chinese decision was enforced quickly and Iranian tankers in transit or waiting to unload at Chinese ports were told that their cargo would not be accepted. This was a major blow for Iran as China was Irans largest oil customer. China was buying nearly half a million barrels a day and was willing to pay in barter (thus avoiding the banking sanctions). China has lots of items, including high tech goods that Iran needs. Now all that was gone. China has tried to invest its way into the Persian Gulf. Since 2005 China has invested over $120 billion in the four Gulf nations that matter most to them; Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE (United Arab Emirates), and Iran. Most (a little over half) of those investments were made after 2013. Fighting and general chaos in the are the greatest threat to local Chinese assets. The Incorruptible The ICTS (Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service) is a small but elite Iraqi force that is not only effective but apparently incorruptible. ICTS emerged in 2008 as a component of the then-new (since 2005) Iraqi Special Operations Brigade. Immediately after the Saddam Hussein dictatorship was overthrown by the American led invasion in 2003, one of the priority items was to recruit and train Iraqi special operations troops. By 2009 the Iraqi commandos (ISOF, or Iraqi Special Operations Forces) had over 10,000 well trained and combat experienced operators. ISOF was always small but reliable and effective and often took the lead in fighting the remaining terrorists in Mosul and northern Iraq. A prime example was the 2016 offensive, led by several thousand Iraqi special operations troops, which was supposed to overcome that problem. The Iraqi government was reluctant to admit how essential U.S. trained special operations forces were and tried to ascribe some of the success to the army. The successful 2014 ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) advance into Iraq made it clear how corrupt the Iraqi military was. About a quarter of the 253,000 soldiers in the army should not have been recruited. These are men who were too old, illiterate, physically or mentally disabled, and thus disqualified. Many of these troops were allowed to remain in uniform because they performed well despite their problems. Auditors were also looking for "ghost soldiers" (troops who do not exist, and whose pay is stolen by an officer or government officials). Many of the improperly recruited soldiers were the result of corruption, or the need to placate some local tribe leader or politician, by providing jobs for his people. In 2014 it was ISOF that organized the defenses that stopped ISIL from advancing beyond Mosul and on to Baghdad. By 2019 it was obvious that the commandos and other special operations forces were the most effective personnel the government had to use against ISIL. The problem was there were not enough of these elite troops and one reason for keeping the Americans around after 2011 was that U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) trainers and advisors were a big help in training more Iraqi commandos and keeping the current ones effective. March 26, 2023: In the west (Anbar province) the army continues trying to block all the areas on the border with Syria that ISIL groups continue to use to freely cross between Syria and Iraq. March 25, 2023: Iraq obtained an International Court of arbitration ruling that declared it illegal for Turkey to allow 370,000 barrels of oil a day to move through a Turkish pipeline to a port where the oil can be sold to export customers and finance the autonomous Kurd government. Turkey gets a transit fee for use of the pipeline. Without the oil income the Kurds will have to surrender some of their autonomy to the Arab dominated Iraqi government. The Iraqi Arabs have never treated the Kurds well and under Saddam, the Kurds were constantly being attacked, in one case with chemical weapons. March 23, 2023: In the northwest, across the border in Syria (Hasaka province) an Iran backed Iraqi group called the Al-Ghaliboun Brigade launched an attack on an American base, using an explosives carrying UAV. The attack killed an American contractor, wounded another and wounded five American soldiers. The Americans retaliated with air strikes on bases used by the IRGC and known anti-American groups in Syria. The Iraqi government has tried to shut down Iran-backed Iraqi militias but some still operate, especially along the Syrian border. March 20, 2023: It was twenty years ago today that the Saddam Hussein government was defeated and replaced by a democracy that could not initially deal with continuing resistance from the Sunni minority that Saddam belonged to. Iran expanded its influence in Iraq and supported attacks on Iraqi Sunni Arabs. The Sunnis were using Islamic terrorism to justify its continuing violence and in 2014 this led to the creation of ISIL in Syria by Iraqis, many who used to work for the Saddam government. March 19, 2023: Iraq and Iran have agreed to a new security treaty that has Iran and Iraq cooperating on curbing Kurdish power in Iraq and Iran. The Iraqi Kurds have been autonomous since the early 1990s when the Americans and British provided air power and some special operation troops to keep Iraqi troops out. This has annoyed The Shia Arab central government ever since. The Iraqi Kurds are formidable fighters and led the 2016 effort to retake Mosul and push ISIL out of Iraq. The Iraqi government downplayed the Kurdish contribution but foreign observers reported what really went on and the Kurds prepared for another attack on them by the Iraqi government. March 13, 2023: In the northeast (Diyala Province) there was another attack on civilians as a roadside bomb and gunfire were used to kill six civilians. That makes 18 such deaths in the last few weeks as Shia tribal militias attack local Sunnis or other Shia groups. The main cause of the attacks is who (usually Sunnis) supported past ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) attacks in the area. There is more violence like this throughout Iraq as various tribal or religious groups settled old grudges. There has never been a lack of such grudges and the security forces have a difficult time getting the warring groups to make peace. In addition, there are still some pro-Iran Iraqis who are regarded with suspicion and sometimes attacked. The central government is seen as part of the problem because one of the anti-corruption efforts involves cracking down on smuggling gangs in areas like Diyala province. Most Iraqis still want a crackdown on corruption, but not when it hurts them financially. To make matters worse, smuggling gangs that lose their access to smuggling routes often turn to more violent money making activities like kidnapping for ransom and killing hostages when the family does not pay the ransom. Until last year there were still small groups of ISIL fighters surviving in the north and west, mainly by avoiding the security forces and concentrating on raising money via extortion and kidnapping so they could rebuild and recruit. The fundraising has been more successful than the recruiting and ISIL in Iraq is evolving into another organized crime network. Gangsters tend to prefer a lower body count than terrorists. In the last year there have been many months where there were only a few terrorism-related deaths, often the result of police activity where Islamic terrorists would not surrender. March 12, 2023: In the west (Anbar province) a major anti-terrorism effort resulted in 22 ISIL members killed. Among the dead were several known ISIL leaders. The entire operation was carried out by the ICTS, March 11, 2023: In the northeast (Diyala Province) a counter-terrorism effort arrested 86 ISIL members or supporters and seized several stockpiles and weapons and equipment. This included over 60 rifles, a mortar and large quantities of ammunition. Also taken were 18 cars and trucks along with 160 motorcycles. A cell phone was also taken and examination of that and interrogation of suspects yielded information on some more fanatic ISIL members in the province. March 10, 2023: China brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia. March 3, 2023: Turkeys National Intelligence Organization (MIT) reported it had killed a senior PKK commander in operations in the vicinity of Sinjar, Iraq. The commander was identified as Saad Ali Badal. MIT claimed Badal planned to attack Turkish soldiers at a base in Bashiqa (Iraq, Nineveh province). It is believed Badal is connected to an attack on ethnic Turkmen in the city of Kirkuk (northern Iraq). The Turkmen belonged to the Iraqi Turkmans Front. Badal allegedly has ties to Iran. Why Hybrid Events Aren't Working Hybrid events have become much more common since the pandemic, but they have not proven to be as effective or engaging as in-person events. What are some of the issues that prevent the best QoE for hybrid participants, and how can they be remedied? Chris Pfaff, CEO, Chris Pfaff Tech Media, Producers Guild of America (PGA), VR AR Association (VRARA), discusses these issues with Alex Lindsay, Head of Operations, 090 Media, and Dan Houze, VP, Encoding & Digital Strategy, BC Live in this clip from Streaming Media Connect 2023. Chris Pfaff begins by pointing out that it was not too long ago that streamed live events were audio-only, and that it was only just before the pandemic that video began to be widely incorporated into the experience for virtual audiences. The pandemic accelerated the process of developing higher-quality streaming video at scale. However, even with the leap of improvements for QoE, much remains left to be desired. I think for any event that you're talking about, whether it's a corporate event [or] a concert, that's a huge issue, he says. So I really want to start with that as a topic because when we're all involved in these events, I think we're very forgiving. But you know, scale is such a huge part of this. He asks Alex Lindsay of 090 Media, What's your take on how far we've come in terms of really getting that quality experience and that scale? I think we're starting to get there, Lindsay says. [But] I think we're sliding backward a little bit. You know, now people want to come back into the room, and I think that the ways we're coming back into the room have been sliding us back into the 2015, 2016 range. He laughs and says, You know, I've been doing this a bit longer than many people We can tell by the gear behind you! Pfaff says. 2008, 2009 is when we really started streaming video, Lindsay says. And the main thing is that we aren't doing it that much better now in some cases when we go back to physical events. He refers to webinars such as Streaming Media Connect, A lot of these events are starting to work. The problem is that there's data that we have from 10 years ago that told us that the hybrid events weren't working, and they're still not working. Pfaff says, So as an adjunct, that you're a second-class citizen if you're not in the room, you should be happy that there's a camera with a terrible angle of five people on a stage. Is that what we're talking about? Yeah, Lindsay says. When we started, it made sense. You know, we're streaming Dreamforce, and there's 15,000 people in the room and 300 people watching, you are second class For those who don't know, Dreamforce is Salesforce, Pfaff says. Its Salesforces mondo over-the-top annual event. Lindsay emphasizes that the core issue is a virtual audiences sense of not being fully connected to a live event, which ultimately colors their perception of the events significance. In that situation, he says, They dont feel like the event's important. They don't feel like the product is important. They don't feel like a lot of these things are important, and we don't talk enough [about that]. So youre saying that in some respect, there's a brand disconnect? Pfaff says. That you're damaging your brand to some extent? Lindsay notes that not only does this sense of disconnect damage the brand, but it hampers enthusiasm for virtual participants to return to the event. It's the most devastating way to do this because they don't complain, he says. People who complain care about the event, they want it to be better. People who don't complain oftentimes are just disappearing. We've called them and said, Hey, why didn't you come? Well, I was just busy. You know, it wasn't like I'm mad that I felt like I was in the back of the room Pfaff points out that accessibility is also a critical issue that does not get enough attention. He asks Dan Houze of BC Live about his insights into audience accessibility, not just for digital-first events like webinars but particularly for hybrid events. Houze narrows the accessibility issue down to consumer versus internal audiences. I think that a lot of times the virtual shows we're doing, or the hybrid shows or digital-first shows that we're doing are sort of just corporate-driven and they're sort of internal meetings, he says. It's not necessarily launching a keynote for a new product or something like that. Lindsay agrees but contends that engagement matters no matter what the type of hybrid event, even corporate ones. You still have to keep all the employees going in the same direction, he says. When you create an event where they don't feel important, you're not getting quite the same charge out of your corporate event. Learn more about hybrid events at Streaming Media East 2023. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Egypts National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) issued a statement on Saturday calling for the return of five-year-old boy Shenouda to the Christian family who raised him until their lawsuit to regain custody of the child is ruled on. In late 2022, the case of boy Shenouda stirred controversy after authorities removed the boy from the custody of the couple who raised him and placed him in an orphanage following DNA tests which revealed that the couple were not his biological parents. The boy was later assigned to the Islamic faith per customary practice and renamed Yusuf. The childless couple who raised boy Shenouda told the authorities that they found him as an abandoned infant who was a few days old in a church in Cairo. They added that they named him Shanouda Farouk Fawzy after the father. The couple have filed a lawsuit to regain custody of the child and reverse his conversion to Islam. Adoption is prohibited by Egyptian law as it contradicts Islamic Sharia. However, an alternative care system for abandoned children which allows orphans to be raised as part of a foster family exists. Egyptian law does not regulate the religion of children with unidentified parents. However, the Ministry of Interior's civil status department customarily attributes them to Islam after picking a full name for them. The NCHR intervenes The NCHR said it would assign its legislative committee to explore ways to be involved in the childs lawsuit based on the relevant laws. It also said that it would suggest legislative and procedural amendments to both the parliament and the government. The council will also coordinate with all relevant parties to make sure that the case ends in a way that guarantees the best interest of Shenouda, which is bringing the child back to his family, the statement said. "It is the right of the child at this early age to live in a family, not in an orphanage," the NCHR stressed. The council called for all judicial authorities working on the case as well as the Ministry of Social Solidarity to make sure that they take the child's best interest into account in all decisions related to the child and to ensure that their decisions are in line with the Constitution and the Child Law 12/1996. The NCHR called for returning the child to the family until the lawsuit is decided. The council asserted that taking the child from the family that he lived with during his first five years and placing him in an orphanage is in contradiction to article 80 of the Constitution, the Child Law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and standards of childrens rights. "The council affirms that the humanitarian nature of this situation requires us to act in the interest of the child, to ensure his rights, and to show mercy until the case is decided," the statement said. The lawsuit "should not be an obstacle to the child's enjoyment of a decent life with the family in which he was raised for a full five years," the statement added. President of the NCHR Moushira Khattab wrote an opinion in December under the title "Shanoudas rights as a child," where she stressed the need to underscore how the constitutional provisions are framed in a way that gives priority to the role of the family in the life of any child. Khattab expressed hopes that Shenouda can "celebrate this holy season back home in the embrace of the family who has loved and cared for him all these years." Search Keywords: Short link: An administrative court declined on Saturday to rule in a lawsuit filed by an Egyptian Christian couple to regain the custody of their five-year-old adopted boy Shenouda, citing lack of jurisdiction on the subject matter. Related The NCHR calls for returning boy Shenouda to parents who raised him pending court decisions The court explained that it lacks the jurisdiction to rule on returning the boy to the couple who raised him or reversing the decision by the authorities to assign him to the Islamic faith. The case of five-year-old Shenouda stirred a public controversy and outcry in late 2022 when authorities took the boy from his parents amid a family dispute over inheritance. The investigation into the child's paternity was triggered by a report filed by a relative of Shenouda's father who did not want the child to share in family inheritance. After DNA tests revealed that Shenouda's parents were not his biological parents, the authorities took custody of Shenouda, placing him in an orphanage. The authorities at this point assigned him to the Islamic faith as customary in the case of abandoned children and renamed him Youssef. The Christian couple say they found the boy when he was only days old in a church in Cairo. They explained that they named the boy Shenouda and raised him as their own son in their Christian faith. The couple plan to appeal the court's ruling, according to their lawyer. Egyptian law does not assign a specific religion to children with unknown parents. However, the Civil Status Department at the Ministry of Interior, which regulates all personal documentation matters, assigns children with unknown parents to the Islamic faith customarily. While adoption is prohibited under Egyptian law, the government oversees a foster care system known as kafala for abandoned children. In early January, the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) issued a statement calling for the return of Shenouda to the parents who raised him while the courts rule on the matter. The NCHR called on the Ministry of Social Solidarity, which oversees child care matters, to consider the child's best interest in all decisions. The council also asserted that removing the child from the family that raised him violates article 80 of the Egyptian Constitution, Child Law No.12 of 1996, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Search Keywords: Short link: Since entering the Oval Office, Joe Biden has been eager to avoid a replay of what he saw as an unpleasant episode from his time as vice president -- public brawling with Israel's pugnacious prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Now as the US ally plunges into turmoil over Netanyahu's divisive bid to shake up his country's judiciary, the Biden administration has been raising its tone, if only by a notch. Netanyahu on Monday agreed to pause his proposals to weaken the power of judges, nodding to mass protests and a general strike that even shuttered the Israeli embassy in Washington. US officials for weeks spoke in general terms about the need for consensus and shared democratic values, but a White House statement late Sunday said the United States was "deeply concerned" about events in Israel after Netanyahu fired the defense minister for criticizing the legislation. Last week, the State Department issued unusually strong criticism over the hard-right coalition annulling a law on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and over remarks by one of Netanyahu's firebrand ministers denying the existence of the Palestinians. The reaction is still far from the open clashes during Barack Obama's presidency when Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, rallied with rival Republicans against a nuclear agreement with Iran. David Makovsky, a close watcher of US-Israel relations at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said that Biden had managed a skillful balance. "I think the Biden administration is actually playing this quite well," Makovsky said. "For Biden, at least when it comes to Israel, you don't air the dirty laundry in public -- he's not Obama in this way." The statements on democratic principles -- and the lack of a White House invitation to Netanyahu since he returned to power in December -- already made abundantly clear to Israelis where the United States stands, Makovsky said. "At the same time, the administration doesn't want to be seen as too heavy-handed and to become a punching bag for the right-wing in Israel." Netanyahu's son Yair already claimed that the United States is funding the protests, an assertion strongly denied by the State Department. Growing doubts among Democrats Biden, who spent 36 years as a US senator, has long enjoyed a cordial relationship with Netanyahu and a reputation as a supporter of Israel. But views are changing within his Democratic Party as Israel moves further to the right. A recent Gallup poll found for the first time that more Democrats sympathized with Palestinians than Israelis, while Republicans remain staunchly pro-Israel, led in part by evangelical Christians. A letter this month by a majority of Jewish members of the House of Representatives -- almost all of whom are Democrats -- urged Netanyahu to suspend the proposals which "could undermine Israeli democracy and civil rights." Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, questioning Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Palestinian issue at a hearing last week, said the United States looks "very weak when we continually make statements without any kind of consequence." Blinken did not take the bait and noted dryly that Netanyahu had promised not to revive settlements. Logan Bayroff of J Street, the left-leaning pro-Israel US advocacy group, said the United States should do more to "stand unequivocally" with the protesters. "This is a historic crisis moment in Israeli democracy," he said. "There needs to be a clear, public tough red line on the actions that this government is taking to make clear that they're destructive ultimately to Israel's own interests, to US interests, and to shared democratic values." Netanyahu's proposals prompted rare expressions of concern from Israel's military, highly respected within the Jewish state, as a growing number of reservists refused to serve. Consistency on criticism? Even the mild US criticism contrasts with the approach of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump who fully embraced Netanyahu and acted on an Israeli wish-list including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital. Elliott Abrams, who held senior positions under Trump and previous Republican presidents, noted the Biden administration has not commented on the politics of another democracy, France, which has also seen massive, rowdy protests over President Emmanuel Macron's raising of the retirement age. "How a democracy handles this kind of internal reform is something that we watch with interest and concern, but it's not for us to pick winners and take positions," Abrams said. "I don't think we would appreciate other people intruding in our politics, and we should not do it either." Search Keywords: Short link: The fourth high-speed Spanish Talgo train in Egyptian service will start making daily runs on Wednesday along the Cairo-Aswan line, according to the Egyptian National Railways Authority (ENRA). These trains are part of a 157-million-euro contract signed with the Spanish giant in 2019, which included the provision of seven new trains, one of which was a gift. Three Talgo trains are already in daily operation; two on Cairo-Alexandria line and one on Cairo-Aswan line. Egypt is expected to receive the fifth train by the end of the week, the ENRA added. The new trains are made of aluminum, which reduces their weight and helps reduce the trains fuel consumption during the journey. They are also resistant to rust and therefore will not corrode from the water used to clean the trains, which extends their life spans. For people with special needs, each seat of the first air-conditioned carriages is equipped with a display screen to display information, in addition to the presence of central screens in the second-class air-conditioned carriages. The carriages are also fitted with surveillance cameras for security. The Talgo trains procured by Egypt have a commercial speed of 160 km/h and can accommodate 490 passengers. The agreement with Talgo is part of a broader government plan by the Egyptian government to replace all old railcars with either upgraded or new ones, to ensure better services for users. The Ministry of Transport signed last Wednesday a protocol with Talgo to manufacture railway passenger carriage domestically as the country seeks to localise heavy industries and mobile units in order to turn Egypt into one of the major industrial nations in this field. Search Keywords: Short link: The signing ceremony was attended by the Egyptian Minister of Finance and Head of the General Authority for the UHIS Mohamed Maait and the Head of the JICA office in Egypt Kato Ken. The agreement aims to enhance the efforts of comprehensive health coverage in Egypt and help complete the UHIS' objectives in the next seven years, according to pre-set timetables, Maait said in a statement. The UHIS covers more than 3,000 diverse health services ranging from surgical interventions, medical analyses, radiology scans, tumour treatments, organ transplantations and prosthetic devices by the latest advancements in the medical field. The six-phase healthcare scheme started experimentally in Port Said in early 2018 and later expanded to Luxor and Ismailia. The lowest-income citizens were given priority in the programmes schedule. Plans to expand the scheme to the Suez, Aswan and South Sinai governorates by the end of the current fiscal year 2022/2023 were also announced. Millions of citizens in these three governorates have already registered in the UHIS. The capital, Cairo, is relegated to the final phase. Maait said, "We [Egypt] are keen to learn from the Japanese experience in all fields, especially the healthcare sector." The delegation of JICA praised Egypt's efforts in expanding the umbrella of its health insurance and asserted their willingness to provide all the support and Japanese expertise in developing this sector. This is not Egypt's first collaboration with the JICA. In October 2021, JICA, along with the World Bank, French Development Agency and World Health Organisation, announced they would provide Egypt with a facility worth $1 billion to finance the countrys UHIS. In the field of transportation, JICA approved a $301 million loan to Egypt for developing the country's fourth metro line in December 2022. Search Keywords: Short link: Speaking from a monument commemorating Ghanas independence from colonialism, Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning "a future that is propelled by African innovation. The speech on her second full day in Ghana is part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Harris is the most high-profile member of President Joe Biden's administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continent's innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. Thousands of people gathered in Independence Square, many waiting hours for the vice president, waving U.S. Ghanaian flags. Harris stood in front of Black Stone Gate, the stone monument bearing the words: Freedom and Justice" and 1957, the year the country became independent. Some of the audience were invited by the Young African Leaders Initiative, a U.S. State Department Initiative. Much of the vice president's remarks focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. It's something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We want to be able to change that dynamic, Akufo-Addo said when he met with Harris on Monday. Harris will announce $139 million in U.S. assistance for Ghana, according to her office. Some of that money will require congressional approval, which could prove difficult amid sharp partisan differences over the federal budget. The Treasury Department also plans to dispatch an adviser to Accra to help manage the country's burdensome debt. Other programs are intended to reduce child labor, improve weather forecasting, support local musicians and defend against disease outbreaks. Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create one's own future. She spoke of the intertwined history of the U.S. and Africa, some of which is painful, and some of which is prideful. And all of which we must acknowledge, teach and never forget. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africa's future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own," she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continent's youth, calling them dreamers and innovators;" Africas population has a median age of 19. "It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. Search Keywords: Short link: SAN FRANCISCO (Tribune News Service) Westerners brought many things when they came to the Bay Area, technology, new religion and massive greed. Among these was paranoia a fear of others slipping in and disrupting the nice life they were making. The focus of this paranoia was a mile-wide strip of water below what's now the Golden Gate Bridge. If you look at a map of the San Francisco Bay, it's like a vast front door left open to anybody who wants to cruise in and poke around. Early on, the concern was a British invasion. Then it was the Confederate States Navy it existed and not just in the South and then Japanese and German forces during World War II. Several measures were proposed to guard this entrance. A never-realized idea from the 1860s was to string a cable all the way across the water to clothesline ships, professional-wrestler style. There actually was a physical barrier during the 1940s a retractable metal-mesh net to snag intruding U-boats. None was ever found in the Bay, so supposedly it worked, no doubt to the annoyance of larger marine mammals. The most practical solution was a fort. The Spanish, realizing the narrows were key to controlling the region, built one called Castillo de San Joaquin in 1794. It was a funny-shaped adobe structure that could rain down fire from a perch roughly 100 feet above the water. When the Americans captured California in the mid-1800s, they wanted a fort closer to water level to bounce cannonballs over the waves like deadly skipping stones. Hundreds of workers many of them miners who got skunked in the Gold Rush physically lowered the ground, excavated the building site to just above Bay level. Thus was born Fort Point, now a U.S. National Historic Site, an enormous expanse that invites exploration outdoors on the grounds, atop the rooftop where cannons were once mounted and in the open air parade grounds at the fort's center as well as inside. The four-story building, despite being made from millions of bricks, looks rather humble in the bridge's massive shadow. But in its time, it was a mighty presence, one that might make a Confederate soldier wet his trousers. "This was the only fort of its kind built west of the Mississippi," says John Martini, a retired National Park Service ranger. "There were about 40 forts built with this general design scheme, but they were along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. That the government spent money to build a cutting-edge coastal fort way out here in the wilds shows the importance of California during the Gold Rush." Martini knows the fort well, having worked there in the 1970s and written two historical books about it. "The idea was to build multiple-story forts, so that cannons could be stacked one upon the other to maximize firepower," he explains. The fort employed four types of uniquely devastating cannonballs. The first was a plain ol' hunk of iron that flew at a thousand feet per second to smash through the oak walls of warships. Another was a metal eggshell filled with powder that could explode into shrapnel, and a third was a sack of grapeshot that tore up rigging like a giant shotgun blast. The last was also solid iron, but heated until red-hot in a furnace so it would light ships on fire. Cannonballs from enemies would simply ricochet off the fort's 5-foot-thick carapace. It was both a formidable defense and, to this day, an enduring example of the mason's art. "They didn't have diesel-powered machinery swinging around the blocks of granite. It was all done with portable cranes and either strong backs or wheel power. The fact they were able to build the thing as fast as they did they started in 1853, and it was almost finished in 1861, when the Civil War began is remarkable," says Martini. "I'm such a nerd," he adds, "that I walk around looking at the arched ceilings and notice how the bricks were hand-cut at very specific angles to form intricate arches. It was done without electrical or hydraulic machinery and was just laborious. I don't think it's a craftsmanship we see much of nowadays." During the Civil War, the fort was occupied by dozens of soldiers, cooks, surgeons, laundresses and prisoners with 12-pound balls attached to their legs. By most accounts, it was not a nice place to stay. A contemporary sanitary inspector wrote: "This Fort, as is well known, consists of a mass of granite and brick, situated at the entrance of the Golden Gate, presenting a bold front to the Ocean. And while its massive walls afford safe protection to its big guns, its interior arrangements offer but a cold and cheerless habitation to the soldier." Dense fog enveloped the grounds for 260-plus days a year. It kept the walls damp and the floors puddled with water. Soldiers tried to stay warm by burning fires with wood carried in from the Presidio. Nevertheless, the persistent clamminess not helped by straw-filled beds and blanket rationing (one on your first year of enlistment, a second in your third year) led to bronchitis, rheumatism, diarrhea and catarrh, aka an excess of mucus. "They would've worn a wool cape and sometimes, they'd have whale skins to wear or the Civil War kepi (hat) with a rainproof cover," says Martini. "But even when it's rainy, you have to keep walking, just keep slogging." What was the result of their vigilance? Well, Fort Point and other batteries on the hills and atop Alcatraz Island famously never fired a shot in anger. Its mere presence, however, was seen by military officials as a deterrent to incursions. While paranoia was high when it was manned periodically from the Civil War through World War II, those fears were not unfounded. In 1863, the United States captured a Confederate privateer prowling the area, presumably to steal gold shipments. And there were definitely Japanese submarines off the coast. "There was one somewhere between the Cliff House and the Farallons," says Martini. "It had orders on Christmas Eve of 1941 to surface and, using its deck guns, just randomly shell San Francisco as a terror move. It never did it got a recall order many hours before the shelling began, so they just returned to Japan." The threat level around then was so great, it might have affected the whale population. "The Navy used to run blimps, loaded with depth charges, patrolling off the coast looking for submarines. Based on a few reports, some whales might have met their end that way. When you consider everybody's war jitteriness, and you consider a big, gray object just off the coast, it's possible." The fort's purpose as a functional defender of the Bay was short-lived. Around the beginning of the Civil War, cannonballs became obsolete, replaced by pointed artillery that was extremely accurate and could drill through masonry walls. After its service in WWII, the fort became a military warehouse and then in 1970, a designated historic site, with subsequent appearances in films, including 1985's James Bond flick "A View To a Kill" and 2014's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes." Today, Fort Point remains a crucial item to cross off your Bay Area bucket list. Admire the impressive architecture and self-standing spiral staircases, gaze at the underbelly of the Golden Gate Bridge, throw a shaka sign to the surfers and sea lions offshore and ponder a soldier's life way back when. "I always asked people when they're there, especially when it's a gnarly weather day, to think about what it'd be like to stand patrol on the top tier," Martini says, "walking post for four hours at a stretch, waiting for an enemy that never came." 2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former Egyptian UN secretary general Boutros Boutros-Ghali saw important differences between Egyptian and Arab identity but never overemphasised the countrys debts to Europe, writes Tarek Osman in his series of articles on the makers of modern Egyptian culture Boutros Boutros-Ghali was one of former president Anwar Al-Sadats key advisers in the process leading up to the Egypt-Israel Peace Accords in 1979, and he was later the UN secretary general in the 1990s. His most important contribution to modern Egyptian thought was in national security. Like several other thinkers presented in this series of articles, he believed in the existence of a unique Egyptian identity that was vastly different from that of other countries in the region, and he also believed that Egyptian interests differed from those of its neighbours. In a way, his thinking was the exact opposite of that of Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, the doyen of Egypts theorists of Arab nationalism who was presented in the previous article in this series. However, unlike many of the other thinkers who believed in a marked difference between Egyptianness and Arabism, Boutros-Ghali was not a Mediterraneanist. He certainly believed in the immense value that Egypt had attained from its exposure to Europe in the 150 years from the beginning of the 19th to the middle of the 20th centuries and until the collapse of Egypts liberal age. He himself was also a product of this exposure. His character and style were a mix of the culture of the Nile Valley, with a strong imprint from the heritage of Upper Egypt (the Saeed), along with the absorption of European, and especially French, culture. But Boutros-Ghali was never infatuated with Europe. With his deep understanding of European intellectual history, he knew that there was an unbridgeable gulf between Egypts historical experiences and those of Europe, even those of the south of the continent. He understood the historical connections between Egypt and Europe. Modern Egypt had evolved from internalising aspects of Romantic and industrial Europe, he thought, in the same way that Renaissance Europe had come about through internalising Greek and Arab ideas that owed a lot to ancient Egyptian concepts. But he also thought that modern Egypts internalising of European ways had had certain limits. Unlike the Mediterraneanists in modern Egyptian culture, he was convinced that there were internal cultural barriers in Egypts collective consciousness that would stop the country from undertaking any advanced attempt at Europeanisation. He never lamented the existence of those barriers, since for him they were also at the core of Egyptian identity and the products of Egypts extremely rich culture that had managed over the millennia to retain its uniqueness. Even so, he was far too sophisticated to fall for any narrow-minded nationalism. He understood that Egyptian culture, the product of a predominantly agricultural country, has always been self-contained and that this was a blessing as well as a curse. For that culture to transcend its limitations, and for it to rise and innovate, he thought that it needed fresh ideas that often came from abroad. In this view, a diversity of ideas, experiences, and perspectives was a key ingredient for modern Egypt to progress. It was the mix of the best ideas, talents, and perspectives that had chosen Egypt as their home with the countrys inherent stability, solidity, and anchorage in history that had made 19th and early 20th-century Egypt the beacon of the east, Boutros-Ghali thought. The best and brightest ideas and talents did not need to come from Europe or from across the Mediterranean, however. They could also, and often had also, come from the south and from Africa. Boutros-Ghali was the Egyptian foreign policy strategist most interested in, knowledgeable about, and involved in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the late 1970s, he effectively served as Egypts foreign minister and tried to resuscitate Egypts strong links to Africa, building on the major heritage of cooperation during the presidency of Gamal Abdel-Nasser in the 1950s and 1960s. He had a particular interest in East Africa. The fact that this region was also the origin of the River Nile carried immense weight in his view of its importance for Egypts national security. But he also saw East Africa as a land of opportunity for Egypt. He had the foresight, along with the geographer/ geologist/ scientist Rushdi Said, also discussed earlier in this series, to envisage major economic cooperation with the countries of the Nile Basin. Egypt needed the north and Europe, he thought, to bring out the best in its own consciousness, but it also needed the south and Africa to anchor it in place, including in terms of its development. Boutros-Ghalis thinking about East Africa and the continent as a whole also stemmed from his deep understanding of the history of the Egyptian Coptic Church. He knew the colossal weight the church had had in East Africas history from the earliest centuries to the papacy of Coptic Pope Kyrillos IV in the 19th century, a transformative Egyptian patriarch also discussed earlier in this series, to the late 20th century. He was the kind of encyclopaedic and multi-dimensional thinker who conceived of national security as drawing on a deep and wide understanding of a countrys history, culture, and positioning in its neighbourhood. For him, the Egyptian Coptic Church was a pillar of Egypts soft power and influence in the region in the same way that Egyptian Christianity has always been a pillar of Egyptianness. When remembering Boutros-Ghali, many invoke his light-heartedness and humility. For those who knew him and conversed with him, there lay behind a soft demeanour a remarkable sharpness and mental agility that made listening to him an education as well as a pleasure. It is for this reason that Boutros-Ghali, unlike many of modern Egypts most notable thinkers, was also more than just an intellectual giant. He was also a magnificent teacher. The writer is the author of Islamism: A History of Political Islam (2017) and Egypt on the Brink (2010). * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: In 1994, Rae Dunn took a ceramics class in San Francisco and figured out almost immediately that she loved everything about working with clay. In particular, she developed a fondness for stamping words onto her pottery pieces as a way to express herself. "I am a very quiet and super-shy person," says Dunn, now 60 and living in Berkeley. "I pretty much have always distilled what I had to say out loud down to using the least amount of words possible." She started inscribing plates, bowls, mugs and vases with verbs like "dream," "focus" and "begin" monosyllabic aspirations for her own life. Nearly three decades later, that small act of self-expression has exploded into a major business with a cult following. "Dunn hunters" stalk the stores that sell Dunn's products, namely T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls, looking to amass as much as they can, sometimes to resell at a markup. Former employees of those chains have described fights breaking out over the pieces. Dunn finds it all a bit overwhelming and says she never anticipated this outcome when she agreed to license her art to a company called Magenta back in 2003. The products distributed by that corporation still feature words, often tied to their literal function. A bowl and plate set, for example, reads "soup" and "sandwich." Dishes proclaim "eat," "devour" and "taste." While the Rae Dunn craze is especially intense, the brand is just one part of a larger category of home decor whose popularity has persisted since the early 2000s. You know the stuff. We're talking about the "Gather" sign above your friend's dining table. The "Live, laugh, love" decal on your aunt's wall. The "Lake life" throw pillows at the Airbnb you rented last summer. Other fads have come and gone, but consumers can't seem to get enough of this one. Surely, no one needs a "Family" sign to know that they are, in fact, in the family room. So, the question is why? Kelly Ray, a Rae Dunn collector in Alabama, says the messages on some of her favorite pieces got her through hard days when she was dealing with fertility issues. She particularly likes items with religious sayings, such as "amen" or "grace." "Those things kind of helped me every morning when I made my coffee," says Ray, 34, who just had her second child. "I could look at it, and it was just encouraging." This type of merchandise, known in the retail industry as "word art" or "sentiments," has been around for so long now that it doesn't qualify as a trend, says Tom Mirabile, founder of Springboard Futures, a trend-forecasting company for retailers and manufacturers. It's "so much more than wall art or dish towels," he says. "It's usually a strong reflection of our culture." Not long after Dunn licensed her work to Magenta, American shoppers started gravitating toward decor with "sweet, saccharine" sayings including the ubiquitous "Live, laugh, love" Mirabile says. The motto's origins have been traced to a 1904 poem, but in more recent history, Mirabile estimates its popularity peaked around 2008, when millions lost jobs and homes because of the Great Recession. Google searches for "live laugh love" were at their highest between 2007 and 2012. "It started around the time when we needed to center ourselves on intangibles, on things that delivered value other than monetary value," Mirabile explains. As the recession waned, another cultural phenomenon arrived: The HGTV series "Fixer Upper" and its charismatic stars Joanna and Chip Gaines. The show's first season aired in 2013, quickly amassing mega ratings. Many of the houses Joanna designed featured pieces from her trusty, metal-sign designer Jimmy Don Holmes. Among them: "grow old along with me, the best is yet to be" for one homeowner's bathroom, and "I love you to the moon and back" over the mantel of a ranch home. Oftentimes, the pieces served as ways to personalize houses that had otherwise been completely gutted and decorated from scratch. Indeed, part of the reason this trend has endured, say retail-industry watchers, is because it's something of a shortcut for homeowners seeking to inject personality into their spaces. "It's about people ... being like, 'yeah, this speaks to me,'" says Hannah Craggs, head of subscription and content at trend forecasting agency Trend Bible. Before "Fixer Upper," Holmes ballparks that his Valley Mills, Texas, studio produced two custom signs a day. Now he's up to about 10 a day, or 300 a month, on top of the mass-produced signs his team has made for Magnolia, the Gaineses' brand. "People like something cut out of metal because it won't change," Holmes says. "Three generations down, when you're getting rid of all great-grandpa and -grandma's stuff ... that metal sign is going to look exactly the same, even if it rusted." The use of words and typography in the home has actually already endured for generations, says Cassandra Gagnon, an interiors analyst with consumer trend forecaster WGSN. Before millennials and Generation X women became Rae Dunn and Joanna Gaines obsessives, their grandmothers were framing crewel embroidery or needlepoint pieces with Bible verses and phrases like "bless this home." Thanks to internet culture and social media, the "flowery language" of older generations got ditched for "snappier points," Gagnon explains via email, noting that recent popular phrases have included "choose kindness" and "good vibes only." Such optimistic sentiments, she surmises, are likely a response to pandemic burnout. There's no doubt the internet has catalyzed the frenzy around Dunn's pottery. The artist herself attributes its popularity to platforms such as Instagram, where more than 1 million posts are tagged with #raedunn. On Facebook, thousands of collectors buy, sell and trade the pieces. Though Dunn finds the more unsavory behavior distressing (the fighting, the reselling), she says she also hears from fans on social media who say her work has changed their lives or helped them form friendships while collecting it. "It's about community," says Michele Martino, 49, of New Jersey, who owns about 300 Rae Dunn pieces. She acquired one of her first while decorating for Christmas in 2019 a canister that says "reindeer snacks." Now she runs two Instagram pages for fellow Dunn enthusiasts, one dedicated to new releases and another sharing a Rae Dunn mug of the day. Though rare Rae Dunn pieces may go for several hundred dollars on the secondary market, word decor in general is inexpensive and widely accessible, which of course adds to its staying power. Stores like Target and Bed Bath & Beyond dedicate entire sections of their websites to wall art with "sentiments" or "typography." For under $30, shoppers can buy decor with such aspirational phrases as "work hard and be nice to people." As with many oversaturated markets, though, this one has spurred a backlash, especially among Generation Z. On TikTok, users post tours of their families' houses, reading the seemingly endless litany of phrases on decor throughout the rooms. Or, they head straight to the source, reading from the signs and other items for sale at stores such as Hobby Lobby. Karleigh Norris, a social media marketer in Decatur, Texas, experienced a brief moment of internet fame when she posted a video poking fun at "live, laugh, love" in August 2021. She was working an exhausting job for a repossessions company and recorded a TikTok of herself in a gas station parking lot, crying out: "How am I supposed to 'live, laugh, love' in these conditions?" The sound bite took off, used in videos posted by national brands such as Mattel. Amid the political and pandemic chaos of the past few years, treacly phrases don't seem authentic, says Norris, now 28. "I don't think we're in the business of faking it, as much as previous generations are." But even the backlash has turned into its own kind of word art. Norris sells stickers and T-shirts with the viral saying. For a while, comedian and artist Shawna Jarrett sold housewares mocking Rae Dunn under a brand she called "Stae Dumb." Offerings included a container inscribed with "Not weed." The actual Rae Dunn says her work is very different now than when she made it all by hand. She now works with an entire team at Magenta to decide which words go on each piece. The artist compares living through her brand's evolution to being at a party where you gradually have to talk louder to make yourself heard. "I don't even know if I should say this," Dunn says, laughing, "but I just feel like I've put so much product into the world. Me, personally, I want to get back to being more quiet." By the time the U.S. called home its last troops from South Vietnam on March 29, 1973, veteran Don Ballard was working as a police officer and attending college. Ballards role in the Vietnam War as a Navy corpsman who treated hundreds of casualties during the 1968 Tet Offensive had concluded when he left active service in 1970. That final troop withdrawal 50 years ago Wednesday marked the end of a long and politically contentious war that had left 58,000 U.S. service members dead and another 304,000 wounded. But like many of the other roughly 2.7 million troops who were sent to Vietnam starting in 1964, Ballards return to civilian life did not end the war for him just as that spring withdrawal did not conclude the wars impact on American society. I was wounded eight times; I got three Purple Hearts, Ballard said in a phone interview Thursday from his home near Kansas City, Mo. I killed six people three of them was with my knife. And you expect me to come home and be the same Johnny-from-the-filling-station? Yet every war, along with its milestones and turning points, has its denouement. March 29 brought some sense of relief to the growing number of Americans who opposed Americas military involvement in what was essentially a civil war between South and North Vietnam. I think Americans tend to define the end of war as when their troops come home, but that doesnt necessarily mean the war is over, Gregory Daddis, a retired Army colonel and history professor at San Diego State University, where he directs the Center for War and Society, said by phone March 21. Americans leaving didnt settle the fundamental question of what Vietnamese society was going to look like after U.S. troops had departed, he said. And at the end of the day, we were supposed to leave behind a stable, non-communist, independent South Vietnam, and that never really came to fruition, he said. Not so neatly over Negotiations between the U.S. and North Vietnam over the withdrawal of American troops had begun five years earlier. A mutually acceptable peace treaty was delayed by intractable demands by both parties, as well as stipulations by negotiators representing South Vietnam. In May 1972, President Richard Nixon anxious to present the American public an exit from the war with the presidential election coming in the fall offered a major concession to North Vietnam. The new provision would allow North Vietnam to leave its regular army troops in areas they occupied in South Vietnam, while the U.S. would withdraw all troops. The North, however, was not to advance any farther nor to reinforce the existing force in the South. The agreement also set in motion the exchange of all prisoners of war, which would lead to the release of almost 600 American POWs over two months. The Paris Peace Accords were signed Jan. 27, 1973, but that did not end hostilities. Fighting continued, quite literally, the next day, Daddis said. This is where we might suggest that the war was not so neatly over after the Paris Peace Accords were signed, that the legacies and the damage that had been done because of the war lasted far longer than the signing of this agreement, he said. That complicates the question of when does war end, he said. If family members are still dealing with the trauma of war, does that mean the war is still ongoing? If were still working through trying to help resettle southern Vietnamese as South Vietnam is collapsing, does that mean the war is still ongoing whether were participating or not? Saving Marines lives Ballard recalled greeting the news of the final U.S. troop withdrawal with satisfaction. I was happy that the troops were coming home and that we were getting out of something we didnt belong in, he said. He had joined the Navy in 1965, primarily with the goal of getting tuition assistance to become an orthodontist. With his interest in the medical field, he chose to become a corpsman. He was assigned to a Marine Corps unit in Vietnam, a tour that coincided with North Vietnams Tet Offensive in early 1968 and some of the fiercest battles of the war. On May 16, 1968, his Marine company was ambushed in Quang Tri province by an enemy wielding machine guns and mortars. Ballard moved through heavy fire to treat the wounded, at one point throwing himself atop an enemy grenade that landed among the Marines. The grenade failed to immediately detonate, and Ballard tossed it back toward the enemy where it exploded. For his actions that day, Ballard was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award for military valor in action. In the midst of his combat tour, Ballard did not see, nor care, about the big picture of the war, he said. As a corpsman and Im not speaking for all corpsmen but as a corpsman my job was to save Marines lives and get them home to their loved ones in the best medical and emotional condition that I could, he said. I didnt care if the North was winning, the South was winning, the Republicans at home were winning, the Democrats were winning. My job was not so much influenced by the big picture. I concentrated on the little day-to-day activities of firefights. Were not winning here Ballard began to sour on the war during a couple calm periods when he was recuperating in a rear hospital, he said. He came to feel that the war was dragging on because it was so profitable for people and corporations far from the actual fighting. My hope was that someday theyd realize that were not winning here even though we killed massive amounts of people, he said. America was indeed eager to turn the page on Vietnam with the spring 1973 withdrawal, but the war lived on for many of its veterans. It affected me, Ballard said of the combat. Today, I still got PTSD. We were 18-, 19-year-old kids over there, he said. Many carried out their military service with the attitude that their actions in some way helped America, he said. We didnt go over there because we hated anybody, he said. We just loved our country enough that we wanted to do our part. We wanted to pay the price to live here. We just didnt think that our life was part of the price. YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Service members, their families and civilian employees at this airlift hub in western Tokyo are enrolling this week in a bone marrow registry that could potentially save a life. You never know it could be your neighbor it could be your, you know, your sibling; it can be a family member; it could be the next person you work with that needs a bone marrow transplant, Capt. Sadith Chacon, 374th Medical Group, told Stars and Stripes while registering to become a bone marrow donor at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at the air base on Tuesday. By Tuesday, the four-day enrollment drive had registered 25 prospective bone marrow donors at Yokota Air Base on behalf of Salute for Life, a Department of Defense program. Donor drives like the one at Yokota are the work of volunteers, Master Sgt. Abraham Vallejo, of the 374th Airlift Wing, told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. Vallejo organized the drive at Yokota, its first, based on his experience with a drive at Osan Air Base in South Korea, his previous duty station, he said. Salute for Life, created by Congress in 1991, works with active and reserve military personnel, their dependents and DOD civilian employees to facilitate marrow and stem cell donations, according to its website. The program since its inception has coordinated more than 8,000 donations. The Yokota donor drive concludes Friday. Donors may sign up from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Samurai Fitness Center and from 10 a.m. to noon Friday outside the commissary. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 60. The next scheduled drive is at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., from April 14 to 22, according to Salute to Life. Bone marrow is a source of stem cells, which can be used to regenerate or repair diseased tissues. A transplant involves taking stem cells found in bone marrow, filtering those cells and returning them either to the donor or to another person. A bone marrow transplant is a special therapy for patients with certain cancers or other diseases, according to the Johns Hopkins University website. More than 17,500 individuals are diagnosed each year with diseases that require a stem-cell transplant, according to Salute to Life. A transplant can replace diseased marrow with healthy marrow or regenerate a cancer patients immune system thats been weakened by chemotherapy. Bone marrow transplants have successfully treated leukemias, lymphomas, aplastic anemia, immune deficiency disorders and some solid tumor cancers. To register with Salute to Life, potential donors provide contact information, age, ethnicity, blood type and any known medical history, which goes to the Salute to Life database. A cheek swab is also collected and sent to the organizations lab. If they are a potential match with someone who needs a bone marrow transplant, Salute for Life will call and inform them, Vallejo said. If a donor is matched to a patient, all travel, lodging and medical costs are covered by Salute to Life, and donors are eligible for temporary duty orders, Vallejo said. He said many prospective donors express fear about the procedure. A common misconception is that the process of giving bone marrow is super painful, Vallejo said. Bone marrow can be taken by either of two methods, he said. In one, the donor is under anesthesia while cells are removed with a needle from their hip bone. Under the other, the apheresis method, the donor is given medication to stimulate the release of stem cells into their blood, which is drawn and screened, Vallejo said. Im really hoping they call me I hope to be a match, Cachon said. Im looking forward to that. Former enemies turned allies returned to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima on Saturday to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the bloody 36-day fight 78 years ago. Approximately 220 visitors from the U.S. and Japan, including Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, attended the annual Reunion of Honor ceremony commemorating the pivotal World War II clash. Between 80 to 100 members of Japanese families who lost loved ones on Iwo Jima and several of the dwindling number of U.S. veterans of the battle were present for the hour-long ceremony, according to Japanese and U.S. spokesmen. Speakers from both nations evoked the memory of thousands of dead on both sides while touting the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance. Emanuel, in his address, called the alliance the envy of the world. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to peace, prosperity, and possibility between the two countries. The idea that American and Japanese forces would one day train together, serve together and sacrifice together would have once been prohibitive, Emanuel said, according to a copy of his remarks provided by the embassy. We chose to make it possible. The Battle of Iwo Jima began with an amphibious assault by Marines on Feb. 19, 1945, following months of aerial and naval bombardment. The Japanese had dug a defensive labyrinth of tunnels into the island rock. Of 70,000 Marines that fought there, more than 6,800 were killed and 19,000 were wounded. On the Japanese side, about 18,000 were killed. Only 216 were captured. The flag-raising atop Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, photographed by The Associated Press Joe Rosenthal, helped rally U.S. support for the war effort and became an iconic symbol of American sacrifice and courage. Attendees took their seats under tents surrounding the Reunion of Honor monument on the islands southern point, overlooking the beach where some of the battles heaviest fighting occurred, Isao Yamaki, secretary general of Japans Iwo Jima Association, told Stars and Stripes by phone Tuesday. An unspecified number of U.S. veterans took part in the memorial, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Johnny Coronel said by email Tuesday. Yoshitaka Shindo, grandson of Japanese garrison commander Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi, delivered remarks, Yamaki said. The annual ceremony is a reminder that war must be avoided at all costs, Berger told attendees, according to a III Marine Expeditionary Force statement Sunday. Kenji Yamada, Japans State Minister for Foreign Affairs, paid tribute to the fallen but then turned to the existing security environment in the Indo-Pacific, which he called the most challenging and complex in recent memory. The peace and prosperity we enjoy today is built on the precious sacrifices of those who lost their lives, he said. He pledged to work with the U.S. to make a tireless effort to achieve peace and prosperity in the region. BUSAN, South Korea A Navy carrier strike group steamed into South Koreas largest port Tuesday for a joint exercise a day after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles. Roughly 7,000 U.S. sailors and Marines from Carrier Strike Group 11 and its flagship, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, docked at Busan for an ongoing, large-scale drill by U.S. and South Korean naval forces. The two-week Ssangyong Exercise in and around the Korean Peninsula is the largest U.S.-South Korean maritime drill in five years. Over 30 ships and 70 aircraft, and roughly 50 amphibious assault vessels, are scheduled to participate in the exercise until Monday, according to South Koreas Ministry of National Defense. The scheduled exercise is taking place in international waters in a professionally safe manner, the strike group commander, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, told reporters on the Nimitz flight deck. Two weeks ago, spokesman Wang Wenbin of Chinas Foreign Affairs Ministry said Beijing was gravely concerned about the exercise. The current situation on the Korean Peninsula is highly complex and sensitive, Wang said at a March 14 news conference in Beijing. All parties concerned should remain restrained and do more things that are conducive to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, not otherwise. Tensions on the peninsula are at a critical point, North Koreas state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun said Tuesday. It said the U.S. is undisguised in their attempt of aggression against North Korea. All the demonstrative military exercises of the enemy clearly show that they are military actions of preemptive attack, which can no longer be overlooked as they are conducted , Rodong Sinmun reported. North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles Monday, its eighth day of testing this year. The U.S. does not seek to contain China nor a conflict with North Korea, but is not going to be bullied, Sweeney said. We are not going to be coerced and we are going to stay here, fly and operate under international norms to [assure] all our allies and partners, Sweeney said. Were not going anywhere. The Nimitzs arrival in Busan, its first in 10 years, comes six months after a visit by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Two days before arriving, the Nimitz and destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Decatur conducted anti-submarine and air defense drills with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, according to a Navy news release. On Monday, the Nimitz, Meyer and Decatur joined two South Korean destroyers off the southern South Korean island of Jeju, according to a Ministry of National Defense news release. Large-scale joint drills like Ssangyong by U.S. and South Korean forces returned this year after a long absence on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, soldiers from South Korea and the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division held their largest Warrior Shield field exercise in six years, while U.S. Forces Korea and the U.N. Command conducted the tabletop Freedom Shield exercise. The U.S. may deploy more of its military assets to Seoul in the future, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said Jan. 1 during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The two defense chiefs agreed to closely consult for timely and coordinated deployment of strategic U.S. assets, Lee said. You can look for more of that kind of activity going forward, Austin said. But in addition to that, you can look to see deeper consultation between our two countries and that leadership. SEOUL, South Korea (Tribune News Service) Her badly decomposed body was found in a rundown Seoul apartment about a year after she died, discovered only after government housing officials sought to evict her for failing to pay the rent. The woman, 49, had been well known in the community of North Korean defectors. After fleeing the reclusive nation in the early 2000s, she soon became a success story for South Korea's resettlement program even counseling other defectors on how to transition to life in a modern nation. So it came as a shock among defectors that it took so long for anyone to find the woman, whose name and cause of death haven't been publicly released after her body was discovered in October. "Eventually she was found as a skeleton, which shows the society of North Korean defectors has a serious problem," said Lee Na-kyung, who left North Korea in 2005 and now runs an association that supports the thousands of other women who fled to South Korea. "She suffered from depression for a long time without letting anyone know." What's even worse: This isn't the first time something like this had happened. In 2019, the badly decomposed bodies of North Korean defector Han Seong-ok, 42, and her 6-year-old son, Kim Dong-jin, were found in their apartment about two months after they died of apparent starvation. After fleeing poverty and food shortages in North Korea, they found themselves unable to buy food in South Korea, where economic activity generated in a week is roughly equal to what North Korea produces in a year. While refugees from Guatemala to Ukraine to Syria have struggled adapting to a new country, the resettlement of North Koreans should in theory be easier because they're moving to a country with a common language, culture and traditions. But North Korea's decades of isolation and lack of uncensored information has caused a wide rift with South Korea, which has built an economy that supplies high-tech goods to all parts of the globe. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative who took office about a year ago, has pledged to make life easier for defectors. A plan his government announced last year involves stronger networking opportunities for defectors as well as more services for those with low-incomes. It also provides enhanced consultations for mental health, greater incentives for employers looking to hire defectors and improved education systems for children. The plan doesn't reveal specifics on expenditures. That marks a shift from Yoon's predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who was criticized by aid groups for not doing enough to help those who fled North Korea. In a bid to strike a deal on disarmament with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Moon largely avoided mentioning human rights abuses that have prompted thousands of people to flee. Still, those who work with North Korean defectors say more could be done. Lee, who arrived as a single mother with little money and few marketable skills in the fast-moving capitalist country, said the government should help defectors acquire work-related licenses or certificates that would help them over the long term. "It gets difficult for them after living in South Korea for five, six or 10 years like this, because from then on all government support is just cut off," she said. "You are left to survive on your own." Nearly 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea since figures were first collected in 1998. While the number of new arrivals dropped to a trickle in recent years due to strict COVID-19 controls in North Korea and China, they are almost certain to start rising again now that border constraints are easing. For many, the journey is arduous. Since the border between the two Koreas is one of the most militarized in the world, almost all defectors first flee to China until they can gather enough money to reach a third country, such as Thailand. Then they can apply for asylum in South Korea, which grants them citizenship after a security screening. Once North Koreans arrive, South Korea offers an initial settlement funding of 9 million won ($6,900), vocational training and subsidies for employers for hiring defectors. Many live near each other in blocks of inexpensive apartments, oftentimes the so-called 25-square-meter "rental apartments" provided by the government. When the support runs out, they must provide for themselves often leading to grim outcomes. The unemployment rate for defectors is about twice the national average. Many older defectors retain a northern Korean accent, making them stand out each time they speak. Others bear scars such as psychological trauma or physical problems such as lung damage from digging for coal in unsafe mines with no protective equipment. Nearly 90% of defectors in Seoul said they've had trouble settling into their new homes after a decade, according to a 2022 study from the Seoul Institute. North Korean defectors between 2017 and 2021 experienced suicidal impulses more than double the rate of South Korea population, which is already among the highest in the world, according to a survey from the Seoul Institute. COVID-19 made the problem worse, according to Joanna Hosaniak with the nonprofit Citizens Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, who has worked with defectors for more than a decade. Work became harder to find, human contacts became fewer and the public health system added new levels of complexity for people who had little experience using a smartphone or computer before they arrived in South Korea. "We have this wonderful system of support established, yet people very often die at their homes out of loneliness," she said. Women on Front Lines Nearly 72% of defectors are women, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry, and many have scars from their journey that could require a lifetime to heal. Family members are sometimes left behind in North Korea or China, and they often face sexual violence from traffickers in China. The woman who was found dead last year had entered South Korea in 2002 and appeared to have thrived. But her co-workers had begun to lose contact with her after she quit her job as a counselor in 2017. Eventually she stopped paying her phone and health insurance bills. And then a year after failing to pay her monthly rent of about $100 dollars a month, authorities opened the door to her home and made the grisly discovery, local media reports said. For defector Im Su-ryuh, 51, the pandemic raised questions about her decision to flee North Korea. She crossed the Yalu River into China just before the COVID-19 border crackdowns, and with the help of a South Korean church and broker she made it to Laos and then Thailand, where she landed in a refugee camp. Im managed to pay off the $12,000 equal to about 10 years of income for an average North Korea for the broker who took her to China. She read out a letter to her mother left behind in North Korea saying she and her son are now "much more well off than most North Korean executives." The South Korean government provides them money and rice every month, she said, calling Seoul a "heaven on earth." But she can't escape being homesick. "I often cry because I miss the family I left behind," Im said. "It's been about three years, but I still dream about North Korea." In some cases, leaving could prove fatal for family members who don't flee. Lee, who defected to South Korea in 2017, and only gave her surname due to safety concerns, could only afford to bring one of her sons with her. When the North Korean authorities found out about her defection, they beat her oldest son to death. "I am so lonely," Lee said. "I want to go back and die there South Korea is as suffocating as the North." Stella Ko, Stephen Engle, Adrian Wong and Kurumi Mori contributed to this story. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A new export-support programme is being rolled out after an agreement between the government and relevant stakeholders, reports Ahmed Abdel-Hafez The government and the countrys export councils have reached an agreement on points related to the export-rebates programme that aims to boost exports and reimburse certain expenses, the cabinet announced following a meeting of ministers on Sunday. The three-year programme will cost an estimated LE28 to LE30 billion in its first year and will go into effect in July. The current 2022-23 programme, which is about to expire, has a budget of LE8 billion for this fiscal year. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli has been meeting with representatives of the export councils in all sectors since January with the aim of revamping the export-support programme, itemised in the national budget under the heading of the export burden reimbursement programme. The discussions coincided with the Ministry of Finances preparation of the 2023-24 budget. Egypts non-petroleum exports increased to LE35 billion last year, surpassing the LE30 billion mark despite ongoing supply chain impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. This is a good sign that the export-rebates programme is on target, said Nermine Abul-Ata, an advisor to the minister of trade and industry, during a workshop on the rising cost of living at the cabinets Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC). The government is targeting exports worth $100 billion within five years, Madbouli said in May 2022. The new export-rebates programme will contribute to boosting Egyptian exports while enabling exporters to meet their obligations, Madbouli said early in March. This will have a positive effect on maximising the countrys productive capacities in diverse sectors and expanding the export base. Alia Al-Mahdi, a professor of economics, said that it was important to put a time limit on the support given to companies. No company should receive support more than twice in five years, and support should be made conditional on a companys ability to stay competitive internationally, she said. She said that the purpose of the support should be to enable companies to deal effectively in the global marketplace, and the programme should be readjusted to ensure that support is directed to firms that have not previously benefited from it, thereby increasing the number of companies equipped to export. A portion of the support should target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are geared for export and have succeeded in signing deals for their products abroad, she said. Boosting them through the programme would make them stronger, more sustainable, and more internationally competitive. But the support should not last more than three years and the same company should not be eligible for support more than once within a certain timeframe so as not to deprive other companies of the chance to explore avenues to international markets. According to Sherif Al-Sayad, head of the Export Council for Engineering Industries, the recent meetings with the prime minister had focused on a specific demand, namely that rebate payments should be made within at most three months from the date exporters had submitted the required documents certifying that the exported items had been shipped and detailing the production costs and local-component ratio in the manufactured products. Praising the new rebates programme, Al-Sayad said it took into account the recommendations made by the export councils in all sectors. We have truly been partners in forging the outlines of the new programme. But we have also learned that there is one problem that hinders the full realisation of the programmes goals: delays in paying the rebates. This causes the programme to fall short of its goals. He said that the purpose of offering support to exporters was to cut down production costs, making it possible for products to reach markets at competitive prices. Delays in payments of the rebates undermine this end because export shipments are bound by contract deadlines. If the exporter is not reimbursed in time, he will end up paying the full production costs without the benefit of the subsidy. The export-support programme has been plagued with delays in the past in the payment of dues to exporters. However, the Export Development Fund reported that it had disbursed approximately LE42 billion in overdue rebate payments to exporting firms between December 2020 and December 2022. The programme was designed with certain ends in mind. One is to boost the ratio of local components in exported products, as exporters are eligible for rebates only if a minimum of 40 per cent of local components are used. A second aim is to encourage SMEs, and these will be eligible for an additional two per cent and one per cent, respectively, rebate on top of the standard one. Thirdly, the programme also aims to increase the share of products targeting African markets, making the exporters of such products eligible for additional increments. According to Al-Sayad, the higher the ratio of local components in the exported product, the higher the rebate. This is an important step towards promoting local manufacturing, he said. Yomn Al-Hamaki, professor of economics at Ain Shams University in Cairo, agreed, but said that the scaling system used to stimulate higher ratios of local components should be fine-tuned to encourage exports from high-priority sectors in which the Egyptian economy has a potential competitive advantage. She identified food, clothing, furniture and leather goods as among the most promising sectors. Not every export realises the best returns for the Egyptian economy as a whole, she said. We need a national manufacturing and export strategy. Based on that, we can identify the sectors that should be prioritised for export support, thereby ensuring that the export-support programme maximises our economic resources. Every exporter who helps support SMEs that offer him a local alternative to an imported component should receive a higher rebate rate, she concluded. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: While Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan to station nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus is unlikely to change Europe's strategic balance, it has put him at odds with a pledge he made with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping just days earlier. Russia and China declared that "all nuclear weapons states should refrain from deploying nuclear weapons abroad" in a joint statement at the end of Xi's visit to Moscow last week. Then Putin announced on state television late Saturday that Russia will place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for the first time since the Soviet Union's collapse, even as he insisted the move wouldn't breach Moscow's nonproliferation commitments. "Putin's statement cast doubt on the outcome of his meeting with Xi," said Tariq Rauf, the International Atomic Energy Agency's former nuclear nonproliferation director. "He seems to be nuclear signaling to a domestic audience, trying to reassure his own public that Russia is doing OK, that the war in Ukraine is going all right." Nonproliferation analysts say there aren't any technical barriers preventing Russia from deploying weapons to secure Belarusian bunkers by July. Putin said storage facilities would be ready by July 1, without indicating when Russia would send nuclear arms to its ally's territory. His attempt to escalate confrontation with the U.S. and NATO over Russia's war in Ukraine received a cool response in Washington and among Kyiv's allies in eastern European states that border Belarus. Officials in Poland and the Baltic States criticized Moscow's latest nuclear saber-rattling, while insisting the deployment, if it happens, would be of largely symbolic significance in security terms. "The reaction should be calm and firm," Poland's European Union Affairs Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek told reporters in Poznan on Monday. "We cannot let them frighten us. We should continue our efforts to support Ukraine without letting emotions get in the way." Russian nuclear weapons are already stationed in Kaliningrad, its exclave wedged between Poland and Lithuania, and are geographically closer to military targets in the Baltic Sea and western Europe than they would be if stationed in Belarus. With Russian troops bogged down in eastern Ukraine, Xi's three-day visit to Moscow was by far the most significant since Putin began the invasion more than 13 months ago, and it produced a flurry of economic and nuclear agreements. Putin's intention to return nuclear weapons to Belarus suggests Beijing and Moscow may interpret their commitments differently, with former U.S. ambassador Michael McFaul saying it showed a lack of respect toward Xi. "Under the current circumstances, all sides need to focus on making diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis and work together for de-escalation," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday, adding that a nuclear war should never be fought and can never be won. Ten aircraft adapted to carry nuclear weapons have been prepared in Belarus, Putin said. Russian Iskander short-range missiles - capable of carrying nuclear warheads have also been sent to Belarus, and training for crews would begin there on April 3, he told state TV. As part of the Soviet Union, Belarus stored scores of mobile warheads and tactical nuclear weapons at various bases during the Cold War. Technical barriers to rejuvenating that infrastructure are low, according to Robert Kelley, a former U.S. nuclear-weapons engineer and intelligence analyst. "It's really just about security and if you're heavy on guns and guards it won't be much of an issue," he said, adding that the decision to deploy in Belarus is a political one that isn't linked operationally to the war in Ukraine. The Belarusian military airfield of Baranavichy has facilities that can probably be quickly converted to host weapons, he said. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko allowed Putin to use his country's territory to launch Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year and has consistently supported the Kremlin leader's actions, while holding back from allowing his own military to take part in the war. Putin defended his decision to move nuclear weapons to Belarus by saying the U.S. had long stationed them in North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries. Germany and the Netherlands are among U.S. allies that host nuclear weapons. Finland may also revisit its nuclear policy once completing its membership in NATO. "Russia is showing weakness, not strength," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Twitter. "Serious sanctions, troop deployments in the Baltics and more air+sea defense systems on the eastern flank of NATO would send a message of solidarity and determination, not fear and prevarication." Bloomberg's Natalia Ojewska and Aaron Eglitis contributed to this report. STUTTGART, Germany A project in the works for two decades came to fruition this month at the Armys garrison in Grafenwoehr, where a 70,000 square-foot training center has consolidated a range of activities under one roof. The new Training Support Center is on the Camp Normandy site of the services largest training ground in Europe. Services previously spread out at 11 different facilities between the barracks at Grafenwoehr and Vilseck are now in one place, the Army said in a statement Monday. The Army began considering the concept in 2003, but it wasnt until 2016 that the building was designed, said John Doyle, director of Training Support Activity Europe. Construction on the $22 million project started in 2019. The site includes more than 8,000 training aids and devices, including simulators to practice rifle and pistol shooting. Virtual Stinger missile and artillery training also are available. The centers high-tech capabilities include a home station instrumented training system that involves soldiers donning laser-equipped gear. Their field training then can be viewed on a screen several miles away in the facility, the Army said. The upgrades reinforce the role of Grafenwoehr as the Armys main training hub on the Continent. The sprawling grounds are used both by Army units based in Europe and stateside-based units on deployments. The base also is playing a key role in U.S. efforts to train Ukrainian forces, who come for instruction on weapons systems. When I look at this building, what I see is readiness for U.S. Army Europe as well as our allies and partners that train here, Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Hilbert, head of the 7th Army Training Command, said in a statement. AUSTIN, Texas A 31-year-old man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing a Fort Hood soldier nearly three years ago, according to Texas court documents. Brandon Olivares admitted last month to killing Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans on May 18, 2020, in Harker Heights, a small town near the central Texas Army base. He was sentenced Friday in Bell County. Rosecrans was found unresponsive from a gunshot wound at about 10:17 a.m. in the 2100 block of Fuller Lane in Harker Heights, according to local police. Investigators determined Olivares was in a vehicle with Rosecrans that morning when he shot the soldier and left him in an area adjacent to the roadway, police reported. Minutes after police were called about Rosecranss body being found in the residential area, fire officials were notified of a burning vehicle on the 2500 block of Jubilation Drive, a residential street about 4 miles from Fuller Lane. The vehicle, an orange 2016 Jeep Renegade, belonged to Rosecrans, police said. In addition to a charge of murder, Olivares, a Killeen resident, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He received a 10-year sentence for that charge, which he will serve concurrently. As part of the plea agreement, Bell County Judge Paul LePak could have sentenced Olivares to prison for up to 42 years. Rosecrans, who is from Kimberling City, Mo., entered the Army in May 2018 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer and had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018, according to Fort Hood officials. His death was among a string of five homicides at Fort Hood that occurred in early 2020, including the death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen. She was killed on base April 22, 2020, by a fellow soldier who later shot himself dead when confronted by police. Only one case from 2020 remains unsolved or without a conviction. Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales was last seen Aug. 19, 2019, driving in Killeen, according to the Army Criminal Investigation Division. His remains were found in a field in Killeen in June 2020. Investigators are offering $50,000 for information about his death. This came in a recorded speech during the inauguration of the first official meeting of the Transitional Committee of COP27 on funding for vulnerable communities hit by climate disasters, held in the Upper Egyptian city of Luxor from March 27-29, to prepare for establishing the loss and damage fund. Shoukry shed light on the climate phenomena which threaten many world countries, especially African states and other developing countries. The foreign minister pointed out to a report issued by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning that the worsening climate crisis would triple the economic burdens of countries by 2050. He expressed support for COP28 due to be held in the United Arab Emirates later this year. For his part, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiel said that the committee's task is to protect the lives of millions of people who suffer from the bad effects of climate change and to find mechanisms to finance the loss and damage fund. He added that the transitional committee, established during the Sharm El-Sheikh conference and consisting of 24 countries, 14 of which are developing countries and 10 advanced countries, is anticipated to issue recommendations on the structure of the loss and damage fund during COP28 in the UAE, with the goal of identifying funding mechanisms. Search Keywords: Short link: WASHINGTON Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama refused to release his hold on the Senates consideration of military promotions Tuesday even as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned senators a continued holdup would have a ripple effect across the armed forces. Tuberville is blocking the full Senate from swiftly confirming about 160 nominees for promotions until the Defense Department rescinds new abortion policies that provide leave and stipends for service members and family members traveling across state lines to access abortion care. Senators typically approve batches of nominations by voice vote, and Tubervilles hold would force the Senate to find time for lengthy roll call votes. During a hearing Tuesday on the Defense Departments 2024 budget, the senator reiterated his objections to the abortion policies amid intensifying criticism from Democrats and a plea by Austin to end the obstruction. I really implore you to reconsider and allow our nominations to move forward, Austin told Tuberville during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. It will make a significant difference for our force. Austin said the Defense Department is feeling the effects of the pileup, which continues to grow as the DOD sends more nominees to the Senate for approval. He said the promotions are absolutely critical as the military contends with the largest European conflict since World War II in Ukraine, an aggressive China in the Indo-Pacific region and Iran-backed militias targeting U.S. troops in the Middle East. There are a number of things happening globally that indicate that we could be in a contest on any one given day, Austin said. Not approving the recommendation for promotions actually creates a ripple effect through the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be. The stalled nominations for general and flag officers include commanders for U.S. naval forces in the Pacific and the Middle East as well as the U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee. Five three-star generals are among the pending confirmations. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the chairman of the Senate committee, said the backlog is slated to rapidly increase in the coming months due to a spate of upcoming retirements, including the mandatory end in September of Army Gen. Mark Milleys term as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. If we cannot resolve this situation, we will be, in many respects, leaderless at a time of great conflict, Reed said. Austin said the paralysis in the Senate will cause more damage the longer it goes on, affecting military families and the schools their children attend. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Tuesday lashed out against Tuberville on the Senate floor and called his actions unprecedented. Senators have used the military promotion process to make political points in the past, but Tuberville stands out for blocking votes on not just leadership posts but routine military promotions. This level of obstruction of routine military promotions is a reckless departure from Senate norm. None of us want to live in a world where military appointments get routinely politicized, and that's just what the senator from Alabama is doing, Schumer said. Hes inflicting unnecessary damage to our military leadership. And it would paralyze the Senate if all of us had to take one roll call vote after another just to confirm routine, apolitical, qualified generals and other flag officers." Tuberville was unfazed by the backlash. He told Austin that the new policies amounted to the Pentagon paying for elective abortions with taxpayer money and said defense officials overstepped their authority in crafting the rules. Under current law, federal money cannot be used for abortions unless the mothers life is in danger or in cases of rape or incest. Service members Tricare health insurance does not cover the cost of obtaining the procedure privately. My colleagues on the left think this abortion issue is good for a campaign, and thats what this shouldnt be about. Im not going to let our military be politicized, I want our military to be the strongest and deadliest it has ever been, but I also want the administration to follow the law, Tuberville said. As long as I have a voice in this body, Congress will write the laws, not the secretary of defense, not the joint chiefs. Austin argued the new policies are based on strong legal ground and said they were composed with the input of troops and senior military leaders. The Defense Department unveiled the policies in February, months after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. About one in five service members are women, and almost 80,000 of them are stationed in places with restricted access to the procedure, Austin said. This policy does not fund abortions, I want to be clear about this, he said. This policy provides access to noncovered reproductive health care. There were no signs Tuesday that the Defense Department would rescind the measures. Tuberville also held up some military confirmations last year over the Defense Departments delay in providing information about the abortion travel policy, but he stopped the standoff before the end of the congressional session in December. ROYAL OAK, Mich. (Tribune News Service) Trial is scheduled for a former U.S. airman charged with multiple sex crimes in three separate cases. Ian Mitchell Wilson, 22, is facing one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, four counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Oct. 30 in Oakland County Circuit Court. Judge Mary Ellen Brennan will preside over the trial. Wilson, of Independence Township, was initially charged for allegedly assaulting a woman at a New Years Eve gathering on Jan. 1, 2021. Investigators subsequently linked him to other sexual assaults in Oakland County dating back to 2017. After the Oakland County Prosecutors Office issued a warrant for Wilsons arrest in February 2021, Las Vegas police were to take him into custody when he reported for his shift at Nellis Air Force Base. However, he didnt show up for work, so a federal desertion warrant was issued. Wilson, who joined the U.S. Air Force in 2018, was arrested Feb. 11, 2021 as he attempted to cross the border into Canada from Washington state. He was extradited to Michigan a few weeks later. For now, Wilson is out on bond. (c)2023 Daily Tribune, Royal Oak, Mich. Visit Daily Tribune, Royal Oak, Mich. at www.dailytribune.com/ Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (Tribune News Service) There were four generations of Gordon Kirks at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minn., on Sunday morning. The eldest Gordon Kirk celebrated his 100th birthday last week, and his grandson, great-grandson and great-great-grandson joined about two dozen parishioners in the churchs basement after the 10 a.m. service to mark their namesakes milestone. I guess Im just one of the lucky ones, Kirk said of his longevity. Ive been blessed. I mean, Im the first Kirk to ever reach 100 years old. Dad died at 99, mother died at 94. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz both issued proclamations last week recognizing the World War II veterans service to his city and state. Kirk has spent much of his long life helping others. Holy Trinity parishioner Paula Mitchell described Kirk as a pillar of the community. We could always depend on him, she said Sunday. At 100 years old, hes still trying to be of assistance to others. Hes just always been so giving. A longtime resident of St. Pauls Rondo neighborhood, Kirks sharp memory is also a repository of local history. Hes still able to talk and tell stories, Mitchell said. If you dont have that, how do you have a culture you can call on, that you can believe in? Kirk was born in Helena, Mont., on March 23, 1923. His fathers career with the Northern Pacific Railway moved the family west to Seattle just as he was starting grade school. When Kirk was 10 years old, they finally settled in St. Paul in the depths of the Great Depression. Kirk enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Marshall High School in 1942. Sent to Texas for basic training, he first encountered the open racism of the segregated south when he and his fellow Black recruits were boarding a train in Kansas City. The conductor comes up and says, You boys will have to ride in the Jim Crow car, he recalled. Id heard about Jim Crow cars, but Id never seen one. I hadnt ever been called boy. Kirk hoped to join the paratroopers after basic training, but Black soldiers were still prohibited from doing so. He was instead assigned to a trucking company under Gen. George Patton. Landing at Omaha Beach six days after D-Day, Kirk served in Europe for the rest of the war. During the Battle of the Bulge, his company was tasked with delivering troops to the front lines near Bastogne in the dead of winter, enduring frostbite and regular bombing by German planes. After leaving the Army, Kirk spent a decade working as a streetcar driver for Twin City Rapid Transit, before embarking on a 30-year career as a skycap with Braniff and then Northwest Airlines. That was a choice job, he said of the skycaps. In addition to discounted airfare, it afforded Kirk a longtime Vikings season ticket-holder opportunities to rub elbows with frequent flyers such as Bud Grant and Ahmad Rashad, both of whom he counted as friends. Kirk always found time to help those in need. In the mid-1960s, he and his wife Gwen, who died in 2005, co-founded an organization that donated playground equipment to St. Paul parks. After retiring from Northwest Airlines in the 1990s, he went to work part-time for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, helping his fellow veterans navigate the VA healthcare system. A longtime VFW member, he also became the first Black commander of the organizations Minnesota chapter in 1995. Throughout the years, Kirk has always made time for Holy Trinity, serving as an usher for decades. His fellow parishioners are quick to point out his giving spirit. He has long been a mentor to younger members of the congregation, and the Kirks occasionally took at-risk youths into their home, helping them turn their lives around without judgement. Holy Trinity parishioner George Thompson credited Kirks longevity for his ability to see past peoples faults. I think it enabled him to be very generous as a person and willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, Thompson said. He always gave people the benefit of the doubt. 2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at twincities.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial said on Tuesday that the opinion of two judges in the previous Supreme Court (SC) verdict over provincial assembly elections is not relevant in the case concerning the postponement of Punjab Assembly polls. The CJP passed the remark when the Supreme Court resumed the hearing on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision on Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections. CJP Bandial is heading the five-member larger bench hearing the plea. Apart from the CJP, the bench includes Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. The Imran Khan-led party had challenged the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to defer the Punjab polls till October 8. The electoral body's announcement came after financial and security authorities expressed their inability to support the electoral process. Following this, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali also urged the electoral body to hold general elections on the same date (October 8) as the Punjab polls given the growing security threats from terror groups operating from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border regions. At the outset of the hearing, CJP Bandial welcomed newly appointed Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan. While seeing "good friend" Farooq H Naek, the CJP remarked that the court would need assistance of the senior lawyer on the matter. The CJP remarked that the court does not want to drag this matter. He said that ECP's jurisdiction as per yesterday's order will be seen by the court, while the request of the ruling coalition parties to become party in the case will be looked into later. "Rule of law and democracy are two sides of a same coin. There should be mutual tolerance, patience and law and order" CJP Bandial observed. Meanwhile, Naek interjected and told the bench that they were also stake holders in the case. At this, the CJP assured the senior lawyer that no one denied Naek's importance but he personally believed that they shouldn't engage in a legal controversy. He said that the parties had to decide the direction of circumstances while the court had to keep the facts in view. On the March 1 verdict my stance is that the law empowers the president to give a date for the elections. If you want clarification on the March 1 decision then file a separate petition, said the CJP. He added that the simple question in the case was whether the ECP can change the election date or not. If ECP has the power then the matter will be resolved, said the CJP On the other hand, attorney general contended that if the court decision was 4-3 then there is no order. He added that if it was not a court order then the president cannot give the election date. The March 1 decision should be decided first, said the AGP. At this, CJP Bandial remarked that right now the case was not of giving the election date but of the delay. He added that elections were necessary for a democracy. Two honourable judges gave a decision. Its the opinion of those two judges but is not related to the current case. Do not bypass a sensitive matter, remarked the CJP. The AGP responded that that current petition was seeking the implementation of the court orders in the March 1 judgment. At this, CJP Bandial remarked that the bench members were there to review the questions raised in the petition. Apex court's jurisdiction wasn't limited to just the petition, he added. On this point, AGP interjected and appealed for the formation of a full court on the matter. It is a request that this is an important matter and if the bench deems it appropriate then a full court should be formed, said the AGP. However, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the number of judges who favoured the March 1 ruling was an internal matter of the apex court. "Just tell if the Constitution requires conducting elections in 90 days or not, and whether the ECP can postpone the date of election," he asked. Upon hearing Justice Mandokhail, the CJP thanked the judge for clearing the matter. Meanwhile, PTI's lawyer Ali Zafar maintained that every institution has to work while staying in its constitutional bounds. At this, CJP Bandial remarked that he expected the PTI's senior leadership to have the same behaviour as expressed by the lawyer. He also asked the lawyer whether he talked to the senior party leadership. "PTI would have to be the first [one to speak] because they have approached the court," the chief justice stated. He advised the parties of the case to avoid differences saying that there was violence, intolerance and economic crisis in the country. At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that these crises would intensify if the elections are delayed. CJP Bandial then remarked that it would order the government only if PTI takes the initiative. Moving on, Justice Khan asked if the 90-day period before the election could be shortened. At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the ECP was bound to give the schedule for polls within 90 days. While, Barrister Zafar maintained that the electoral watchdog couldn't withdraw the order once given. Unfortunately, no one has any doubt that elections now can't be held in 90 days, remarked Justice Mandokhail. He also wondered if there was a democratic way to resolve the issue. Justice Mandokhail lamented that no one cared about the Constitution in Pakistan anymore but elections have to be held under any circumstances. "The question is, who has the authority to extend the duration of 90 days and if the assembly should be dissolved at a single person's behest," the justice added. PTI's lawyer argued that the prime minister and chief minister are the elected representatives. At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the assembly can be dissolved if the prime ministers own party moves a no-confidence motion against him. However, Barrister Ali Zafar contended that the assembly couldn't be dissolved in case of a no-confidence motion. Justice Mandokhail observed that the Parliament should review the authority of a single person to dissolve the assembly. At this, the Barrister Zafar said that the Parliament can debate over the authority of PM and CM. "The Constitution doesn't allow any delay in the fundamental right of election," he maintained, adding that efforts to defer the polls were made in the recent past. Zafar added that the ECP maintained that it couldn't give a date, while the governor said it was his authority to give the polls date. On this point, Justice Ahsan remarked that the implementation on the apex court's judgement had been done as the election schedule was issued. However, the question before the bench was whether the ECP had the authority to change the date given by the president. "Can the election commission delay [elections] beyond 90 days," he asked. Meanwhile, CJP Bandial remarked that the Election Act's Section 58 did not allow deferment of the polls. At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that the ECP based its order on two clauses from the Constitution. Justice Mandokhail then interjected that the electoral watchdog had excused itself from fulfilling the constitutional duty while stating the reasons. What would have happened if the ECP hadn't given the date of October 8, he asked. At this, Justice Ahsan remarked that the electoral body could have approached the president for changing the election date. "All administrative institutions are bound to cooperate with the ECP. Election commission can approach only if there are solid reasons," he added. Barrister Zafar remarked that the Article 220 of the Constitution binds all the governments and institutions to cooperate with the ECP, but the electoral body made a decision after taking input from the institutions only. He urged the court to question the electoral watchdog why it did not use its constitutional powers. He argued that Article 5 of the Constitution would apply if the administrative institutions don't cooperate. The lawyer said that according to ECP, Article 254 gives the authority of deferring the polls. At this Justice Mandokhail remarked that the electoral body's date was already after 90 days period. Was the date after 90 days period was correct, he asked. Barrister Zafar conceded that the polls couldn't be conducted within 90 days even if the court issues an order right now. At this Justice Mandokhail remarked that the president had also given a date after the 90-day period. "Article 254 can be invoked after the job was done but not before that," he added. Moving on, Justice Ahsan observed that in practice, if the election is not possible in 90 days, the court could issue an order. However, Justice Akhtar remarked that if the conducting of elections were not possible, the Election Commission should have approached the court. He explained that the court could be approached for the polls on the same day if another assembly was dissolved before the date of elections for an assembly. "The election commission cannot automatically issue an order to postpone elections. If the Election Commission can postpone the election for 6 months, then it can do it for six years as well, he observed. At this, Justice Mandokhail remarked: The constitution is silent on who can move the elections ahead. Shouldn't parliament amend the constitution? he asked. It will be the best if the Parliament amends it, the justice added. The question is what will happen to the elections that are to be held until the amendment is made, Justice Akhtar remarked. At this, Barrister Zafar maintained that the elections could never be held if they consider the basis on which elections were postponed. Justice Akhtar then remarked that if was a matter of funds, how will the caretaker government provide the funds? "Will the problems present today not be there on October 8," he asked. At this, Barrister Zafar contended that the ECP had said in its order of March 22 that the funds had not been provided. He argued that the election commission had never requested funds. Justice Akhtar then remarked that he had read the premier's statement in the newspaper. The federal government says that Rs500 billion tax revenue had been collected till March, he added. He said that it was surprising that the government was unable to spare Rs20 billion out of those Rs500 billion for the elections. Hours before the hearing resumed on Tuesday, the ruling alliance decided to become a party in the case. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) have filed the pleas in the SC to become a party, and will present their stance when the hearing resumes. Egypt has eased tourist visa requirements from China, Iran, India, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria and Israel as part of efforts to boost tourism in the country. In a press conference held today, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa announced that tourists from China can obtain an entering visa upon arrival to Egypt, while Indian tourists who hold a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resident visa can obtain an entering visa upon arrival to Egypt. These facilities, he said, go hand in hand with the facilities already offered to holders of a valid and used entry visa from Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Turkish tourists can obtain Egypt entry visa upon arrival without age restriction, while Algerian and Moroccan tourists can obtain the same visa on the condition that they are part of a tourist group. Tourists from Iran will be allowed to obtain a visa upon arrival when heading only to South Sinai through a certified tourist agency. As for Israeli tourists, the ministry announced that Israelis would be allowed to come in groups to Hurghada, with the sponsorship of certified tourism companies. Meanwhile, those coming from Iraq can now obtain a visa upon arrival to Egypt on the condition that they hold a valid and used visa to Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. Those under 16 and over 60 can obtain an electronic entry visa to Egypt from the E-Visa platform. Issa also pointed out that soon the government will announce a new multi entry visa to Egypt valid for five years which will be issued for a fee of $700. Egypt received 11.7 million tourists in 2022, up from eight million in 2021, marking a 46.2 percent increase, according to statements by Issa in mid-March. The number of visitors to Egypt is expected to increase by 28 percent this year to 15 million, according to the minister. Egypts tourism sector was dealt a hard blow by the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenue dropping from $13.03 billion in 2019 to $4.1 billion in 2020. However, the sector has begun since mid-2021 to flourish as Egypt secured $10.7 billion in tourism revenue in FY 2021/2022, up from $4.9 billion in FY 2020/2021, according to the Central Bank of Egypt in October. Egypt received 13.1 million tourists in 2019, 3.7 million in 2020, and eight million in 2021. The country, which has 1,200 tourist hotels, hopes to double tourist numbers to 25-30 million by 2028. Search Keywords: Short link: In a statement on Tuesday, he said these heinous acts have hurt the sentiments of Muslims all over the world. Such incidents are provocative and indicate rising Islamophobia in the world. The President said freedom of speech is not the name of hate speech and inciting people to violence. He said the desecration acts are contrary to internationally recognized norms and principles of legitimate expression of freedom of expression. He said Islam preaches peace and brotherhood to the humanity. President Arif Alvi urged the international community to take practical measures against Islamophobia and discourage extremist elements. He also stressed the need for practical steps to promote tolerance, interfaith harmony and dialogue. He later appeared at Limerick District Court where he was jailed for two weeks by Judge Patricia Harney, but immediately appealed the sentence An All Ireland-winning hurler has been convicted of committing perjury arising out of an internal garda probe into the alleged squaring away of road traffic offences. Three-time All-Ireland winner Pat Ryan, of Doon, Co Limerick, appeared by appointment at a garda station in Limerick this morning where he was charged. He later appeared at Limerick District Court where he was jailed for two weeks by Judge Patricia Harney, but immediately appealed the sentence. He pleaded guilty to committing perjury on October 21, 2020, at Limerick District Court. Ryan (27) is a three-time All-Ireland senior hurling winner with Limerick who was dropped from the senior hurling panel earlier this year. He was originally questioned by members of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) in March 2021 arising out of a probe into alleged corruption in office involving a number of gardai. More to follow... The court heard he was causing an obstruction to the public, who had to walk around him. A drunken man found sprawled out asleep and snoring on a city centre footpath has been told by a judge: You have to get help. Robert Cilindz (42) was twice arrested by gardai, who were very concerned for his safety. Judge Treasa Kelly fined him 250. Cilindz, a builder of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public drunkenness. Dublin District Court heard a garda was on patrol at Hanbury Lane, Dublin 8, on September 28 last year when he found the accused sprawled out across the footpath, asleep and snoring. He was causing an obstruction to the public, who had to walk around him. When the garda attempted to rouse him, Cilindz fell to the ground as he could not support himself and had to be lifted up. At Ushers Quay on October 8 last year, gardai again found the accused lying intoxicated on the footpath, in proximity to traffic on the street. He was arrested for his own safety. Cilindzs drinking only became a problem during Covid, his lawyer said. Judge Kelly said there could have been serious consequences for the accused. Covid is behind us now, you will have to get yourself back on track, the judge said. Scott Purdue, with an address at Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, is charged with violent disorder at a secondary school. A Dublin man is charged with violent disorder at a school in the west of the city where a youth was allegedly chased by a group of men. Teachers and students had to run for safety when Scott Purdue (25) and two co-accused entered the school, it is alleged. The case against him was adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence when he appeared in Blanchardstown District Court. Mr Purdue, with an address at Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, is charged with violent disorder at a secondary school on October 13 last year. A garda said the accused was arrested at Ronanstown garda station for the purpose of charge and made no reply after caution. The court heard it was alleged Mr Purdue and two other co-accused entered the school after a minor and an article was produced. It was just after lunch and students and teachers who were in corridors had to run into classrooms for safety. Nobody was injured, the court heard. Judge Gerard Jones granted bail after hearing there were no garda objections. Under conditions, Mr Purdue is to sign on at Ronanstown garda station, stay away from the school and live at his home address. He is to have no contact by any means with any witnesses including the youth mentioned. Other co-accused had also been before the courts and granted bail. Judge Jones remanded Mr Purdue on bail to appear in court again next month. The injuries suffered by the woman included the head-butt to her nose from Kane after nasal surgery and a broken arm that was similar to an injury from a car accident The first man to be convicted of coercive control by a jury in Ireland has launched an appeal against his 10.5-year sentence for making his partner's life a "horror show" with repeated violent assaults, threats and intimidation. During a 20-month relationship, Daniel Kane (54) repeatedly attacked the woman, including burning her foot, cutting her face with a pizza slicer, headbutting her face when she was recovering from nasal surgery, and punching her and stamping on her arm causing her multiple fractures. On another occasion he stamped on her head and strangled her, leaving finger marks along her throat. After being charged with the attacks and while in custody Kane threatened to send explicit images of her to her family if she did not withdraw the case. At the Court of Appeal today, Kane's barrister Padraig Dwyer SC said his client was appealing the length of his cumulative sentence, submitting to the three-judge court that it was "excessive". Mr Dwyer said his client had committed "appallingly aggressive and despicable" behaviour over 20 months and that there was "no gainsaying the pain" he caused. Mr Dwyer said the relationship had been an abusive one but had calmer periods when Kane was sober and added that his client had no relevant previous convictions. Counsel said phone calls made from prison by Kane to the woman were "not the most vicious in character" and were "more ones of manipulation and self-pity rather than a threat". Mr Dwyer said his client was a person who had no relevant convictions in his adult life and had received a sentence of 10.5 years as a first offender. Counsel said that while there was no evidence of remorse at the time of the trial, Kane was now remorseful and had written a letter to the woman but had not sent it to her. Mr Dwyer said his client had a very serious alcohol problem and had been admitted to hospital on occasion and had suffered with depression and had attempted a "variety" of suicides. Counsel said Kane had been a care-giver for his elderly parents and had attended a residential facility for his alcoholism. Mr Dwyer said if the complex sentence structure was taken in its totality, the trial judge should have given his client more of a discount for a man who appeared before her in his early 50s and who was of "generally good character". Counsel said there was a disproportionality to the consecutive nature of the sentence structure which he described as "excessive" and had the effect of reducing any effective rehabilitation of his client. Anne Marie Lawlor SC, for the State, said the sentencing judge had carefully considered and crafted the sentence and that the appellant could not point to an error in principle Ms Lawlor described the woman as "living in a horror story" for 20 months and said the injuries suffered by the woman included the head-butt to her nose from Kane after nasal surgery and a broken arm that was "similar to an injury from a car accident". Ms Lawlor said that incidents like the pizza cutter being used on the woman's face and the repeated punching and violence mean that the incidents "melted into one another". Counsel said that the defence framed the abuse in terms of alcohol but pointed out that Kane had been sober and in prison when he further exercised "continued coercive control and dominion" over the woman through 250 phone calls. In those calls, said counsel, Kane attempted to pervert the course of justice and intimidate a witness by threatening to send intimate images of her to her family and for her to withdraw from the case. Ms Lawlor said the "heinous violence" against the woman was only discovered by an A&E consultant who believed her life to be in danger and contacted An Garda Siochana. Ms Lawlor said the assaults were of the most serious kind, that Kane had never expressed remorse at the trial and that the trial judge imposed a "significant" sentence on the appellant that had due regard to proportionality and the totality of the offending. Mr Justice George Birmingham, presiding, said the court would aim to have a judgement on Thursday of this week. In November 2021, a jury convicted Kane of Waterville Terrace, Blanchardstown, Dublin, of coercive control, intimidation, assault and 12 counts of assault causing harm. The offences occurred at various locations, including the couple's Dublin home, on dates between May 2018 and January 2020. He had pleaded not guilty to all the offences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The prosecution came after the first circuit court trial for offences under this law. Kane pleaded guilty to a separate charge of intending to pervert the course of justice in the period between March and July 2020. This related to several attempts by Kane to get the woman to withdraw her statements to gardai by threatening to show intimate images of her to her family. In her victim impact statement the woman told the court she might be dead or in a vegetative state if doctors and gardai had not intervened to get her away from Kane. Passing sentence after trial, Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Kane has not taken the opportunity to apologise to the victim or express remorse for his actions. Judge Sheahan noted that during the trial, the accused's senior counsel was instructed to suggest to the victim, during cross-examination, that she was prone to hysteria. She said that but for the intervention of a doctor the assaults would have continued. She said the victim remained beholden to the defendant. His repeated assaults accompanied by rants and demeaning language all served to maintain his control of her, she said. Judge Sheahan said the assaults were aggravated by the attacks taking place in the victim's home, the persistent nature of the offending, the fact of the intimate relationship, the level of fear instilled on the victim and her psychological vulnerability. She noted as aggravating factors the fact that Kane was on bail for other charges when he committed the intimidation offence and was already charged with intimidation when he attempted to pervert the course of justice. Judge Sheahan said the case was mitigated by his previous good character, but noted that had to be juxtaposed with his repeated offending in this case over a 20-month period. Judge Sheahan said that emotional abuse and assault occurring within a relationship was unfortunately all too prevalent in society. She described the physical harm done in this case as significant, brutal and cowardly. Judge Smyth said the charges were serious and he shared the garda concerns over bail being granted. A robber pointed a knife at a shop assistants face, threatened to slit her throat and ordered her to fill a bag with money, it is alleged. Daniel Smith (18), accused of carrying out the robbery, was refused bail when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Judge Bryan Smyth remanded him in custody and adjourned the case for the directions of the DPP to be given. Mr Smith, from Ashbrook, Clogherboy Park, Navan, Co Meath, is charged with robbery and possession of a knife. The offences are alleged to have happened at Gala, Cannon Row, Navan, on March 25. The prosecuting garda told the judge he was objecting to bail. Outlining the prosecutions case, he said gardai responded to a call to the filling station shop and were told a man alleged to be the accused had come in and produced a knife. It was alleged he threatened the shop assistant with it, pointing it at her face and telling her: This is a robbery, put the money in the bag or Ill slit your f**king throat. The shop assistant took cash 255 out of the till and filled a bag with it. The accused allegedly took the bag and left. According to gardai, Mr Smith was clearly identifiable in CCTV footage from the scene. The garda was on patrol in Navan on March 26 when he saw Mr Smith, who ran from him, he said. The accused was apprehended after a short foot chase and arrested. He was wearing the same clothing and carrying the same bag that had been seen in the CCTV footage, the garda alleged. A knife was found in the bag, the garda added. Applying for bail, Mr Smiths lawyer said her client had no previous convictions and had never been arrested before. He had spent a night in custody before being brought to court and this had been an eye-opening experience for someone who had never come to garda attention before in his whole life, she said. Mr Smiths lawyer said if granted bail, the accused would abide by conditions; he would live at his family home, sign on daily at a garda station and provide a contact phone number to gardai. Judge Smyth said the charges were serious and he shared the garda concerns over bail being granted. The defence lawyer said the case could possibly remain in the district court but Judge Smyth said he thought this was unlikely. He remanded the accused in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on Friday. Jonathan Jacob Meijer is a Dutch musician and YouTuber A serial sperm donor who has fathered 550 children is being sued amid accusations his prolific donation increases the risk of accidental incest. The Netherlands Donorkind Foundation is taking Jonathan Jacob Meijer, a 41-year-old musician and YouTuber from The Hague, to court to stop him donating sperm, and accuses him of lying about the number of children he has fathered. Dutch guidelines say donors should donate a maximum of 25 children or to 12 women to prevent inbreeding, incest or psychological problems. Donorkinds civil case is being brought with a Dutch woman named only as Eva, who had a child using Mr Meijers sperm in 2018. If I had known he had already fathered more than 100 children, I would never have chosen him, she said. If I think about the consequences for my child, I am sick to my stomach. Donorkind wants the court to order Mr Meijer to stop donating and to find out which clinics he has donated to. It also wants his stored sperm destroyed unless it is reserved for a woman who already has one of his children. We are taking action against this man because the government is doing nothing, said Ties van der Meer, the Donorkind chairman. He has a global reach via the internet and does business with large, international sperm banks. Mr Meijer is on a Dutch donation blacklist but has continued to donate abroad, including in Denmark and Ukraine, Donorkind said. He has also approached prospective parents looking for home insemination online and on social media. He advertised himself as a blond musical Viking donor Mr Meijer, who now lives in Kenya, sometimes used the alias Ruud when offering to be a sperm donor, the AD newspaper said. Donorkind said Mr Meijer had broken agreements with clinics and parents after promising to stick to the limit of 25 babies. Exceeding the limit increases the risk of incest and inbreeding, as well as posing a risk to childrens mental health, it added, because they find it difficult to cope if their biological father has created so many children. It is not yet clear when the case will be heard but further details are expected in the coming days. The Dutch gynaecologists association NVOG raised the alarm about Mr Meijer in 2017 after it emerged he had fathered at least 102 children through 10 different clinics in the Netherlands. In 2021, Mr Meijer told The New York Times he had about 250 donor children. The article revealed he advertised himself as a blond musical Viking donor. He said then: Assumptions of 1,000 [children] are ridiculous. I became a donor not for any numbers to help parents with realising their dream. The House's Agriculture and Irrigation Committee approved on Tuesday a draft bill that aims to regulate the possession by individuals of animals deemed dangerous without licenses as well as measures to control the spread of stray dogs in the country. The bill was drafted and introduced by MP Ahmed El-Sigini, the chairman of the Local Administration Committee in the House. "The draft law aims to address three issues: the problem of the spread of stray dogs in the streets, the possession of dangerous animals without a license, and other issues related to ownership of dogs," explained MP El-Sigini. The passing of such bill would represent a first step in a long-term strategy to find a comprehensive solution for the problem of the stray dogs, he added. El-Sigini introduced the draft bill as many MPs sounded the alarm on the danger posed by stray dogs to the public. In 2022, hospitals treated hundreds of individuals from serious dog bites and some of these victims have actually died, Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar told the Local Administration Committee in the House last month. "This problem is part of a worldwide phenomenon on the streets of many capitals," noted El-Sigini. "In Egypt, we have to address it by setting up animal shelters and providing proper medical care for animals as other countries do," he stressed. Search Keywords: Short link: The case arose after the girls mother became aware of hundreds of texts between Murphy and the girl A former teacher who told a young schoolgirl that he wanted to take her virginity and asked her for naked pictures of herself in sexual exchanges on Instagram has appeared in court. John Murphy (42) a married father of one from Ferncourt Crescent, Ballycullen, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to a charge of the sexual exploitation of a child between June 2017 and June 2018 before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court. Murphy, who comes originally from Galway and was teaching mathematics and science at a school in Tallaght at the time of the offending, also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of the possession of child pornography between December 2007 and December 2010. Detective Garda Sandra Forde told the court that the case arose after the girls mother became aware of hundreds of texts between Murphy and the girl when she discovered her daughters Instagram account open on her mobile phone. Det Garda Forde said the exchanges had been going on for around 12 months between June 2017 and June 2018 and had just ended before they had been discovered by the girls mother. She said many of the texts were of a general conversation but there were also a lot of texts of a sexual nature. Det Garda Forde said the girl had initially told Murphy she was 17 but shortly after they began texting told him he was 16 when she was actually 15. The court heard Murphy had a number of graphical sexual exchanges with the girl in which he looked for naked pictures of her and expressed a desire to have sex with her and take her virginity. Det Garda Forde said the pornographic material of children, which included 10 images and nine chat logs describing sexual acts, was discovered after a Toshiba laptop seized from his home in January 2019. She said the material dated from around 2009. The witness said two videos depicting children having sex with each other were of the most extreme form of child pornography. Det Garda Forde said no images of the girl were found on Murphys computer but noted that the girl had informed gardai that she had sent images of her in her underwear to him. Cross-examined by Paul Murray SC, the garda agreed that Murphy had been naive in that he had told the girl his age and about being a teacher in Tallaght. He did not make any great attempt to hide his identity, she acknowledged. However, Det Garda Forde confirmed that Murphy had not made any concrete attempt to try and meet the girl in person. Mr Murray also pointed out that Murphy had never asked the girl to do something uncomfortable. Counsel for the DPP, James Kelly, described how Murphy had texted the girl in which he stated he wanted to have sex with the girl. He said he liked to kiss a girl on the lips while he was having sex which was uncommon. In another text, Murphy wrote: Im not going to lie, I would like if you lost your virginity to me. When the girl asked him if he had any kinks, Murphy replied: Apart from liking teenagers? On another occasion, Murphy remarked that it was a pity that proposed changes to the age of consent had not been made. Its 15 in most of Europe and whos to say thats wrong, Murphy observed. In a victim impact statement, the girl, who is now aged 21, said she suffered nightmares that Murphy would find her, kidnap her and ask to do unspeakable things. He knew so much about me that I felt I could not stop talking, she remarked. The teenager said she would have panic attacks that someone was watching her. I felt dirty and used and felt more like a property than a person, she said. The girl said she also suffered with her mental health as well as from anorexia and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also described having thoughts day and night about harming or killing herself. The court heard she now had tattoos on her arms where she had burnt herself. The girl said she had also turned to starving herself and going without food for up to four days in order to make herself more desirable which became a deadly addiction. She had also been hospitalised for having suicide ideation. The girl said she felt there had been irreparable damage to her body and she feared she might never be able to have children. Mr Murray told the court that Murphy had suffered an exceptional and spectacular fall from grace. The barrister said his client wished to apologise to the girl and her family and expressed his remorse for his actions. Mr Murray said Murphy had no previous convictions and already had received a long-time sentence by the fact that his 20-year career as a teacher was over. The barrister expressed surprise that a probation report indicated his client had some in-built hostility to women. Judge Patrick Quinn remanded Murphy on bail for a sentence date to be fixed in May. During the course of this search, Gardai located and seized a number of items at various locations within the waste land Three high-powered weapons and ammunition as well as drugs worth 177,000 have been seized by gardai following a search operation in Finglas, North Dublin. The guns including a Scorpion Machine Pistol with magazine clip, ammunition and silencer, a Sig Saur Pistol with ammunition and a RAK 63 Machine Pistol and magazine clip were discovered yesterday at vacant waste land in the area. Suspected cocaine with an estimated value of approximately 92,000 and suspected cannabis with an estimated value of approximately 85,000 was also found in the search that was carried out at 3pm. Gardai seized three suspected firearms, ammunition and approximately 177,000 of suspected drugs during the course of a search in Finglas, Dublin 11 on Monday, gardai said. The search, conducted as part of Operation Thor by Gardai from the Finglas Detective Unit supported by Gardai from the K District Task Force and the Garda Dog Unit, occurred at approximately 3pm at vacant waste land in the Finglas area. During the course of this search, Gardai located and seized a number of items at various locations within the waste land, including in a barrel which had been buried into the ground. Three suspected firearms were seized: Scorpion Machine Pistol with magazine clip, ammunition and silencer. Sig Saur Pistol with ammunition. RAK 63 Machine Pistol and magazine clip In addition to this, suspected cocaine with an estimated value of approximately 92,000 and suspected cannabis with an estimated value of approximately 85,000 was also seized. The firearms and drugs will be sent for analysis at the Garda Ballistics Unit and Forensic Science Ireland respectively. Garda investigations are ongoing. Operation Thor, launched in November 2015, is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity. This initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015. The Winter Phase of Operation Thor was launched on the 30th of September 2022. John Doolan (49) from Cockhill, Kilcummin in Co Kerry got a year in prison after being convicted of assault and sexual assault. John Doolan pictured on his way out of Tralee Court House on Tuesday, March 7. A prostitute who was assaulted by a Co Kerry farmer advertised sex-for-sale services for two years after the attack. The sordid case highlights how hundreds of vulnerable women are left to fend for themselves by ruthless pimps and sex trafficking gangs who control the business in Ireland. John Doolan got a one-year jail sentence for two separate assaults after contacting the women for sex but then began looking for discount or sex acts that had not been offered. One of the women, who was assaulted at her apartment in Tralee in March 2020, said in her victim impact statement that she no longer works alone following the attack. I know working as a sex worker is dangerous, but you never think it will happen to you, she said. The woman attacked in Tralee worked using the name Hot Summer and her profile was advertised on the Escorts Ireland website set up by convicted pimp Peter McCormick. Information still available online shows how despite the attack, Hot Summer continued moving around the country in Thurles, Clonmel, Sligo and Dublin in the middle of the Covid lockdown. Her profile on the website is similar to hundreds of others, including those trafficked to Ireland or lured here by bogus promises of legitimate jobs. Earlier this month, 49-year-old Doolan from Cockhill, Kilcummin in Co Kerry, got a year in prison after being convicted of assault and sexual assault. Gardai arrived at the home he shares with his 74-year-old mother after tracing the blue Opel Astra they share to the house. During interviews with gardai from the National Garda Protective Services Bureau, Doolan denied claims by the women that he had touched them inappropriately or assaulted them. John Doolan pictured on his way out of Tralee Court House on Tuesday, March 7. One of the women known as Victoria on her online profile, told the court Doolan grabbed her by the arms and pushed her on to a bed after she refused to give him oral sex without a condom or to have sex without a condom. She also said he had touched her breasts, vagina and bottom without consent at her Killarney apartment May 2020. He asked me for a blowjob without a condom. I said no. He was angry. He asked for sex without a condom too. I said nothing without a condom. In my advertisement I say that I dont do service without a condom. He knows that, she told the court in her evidence. She said they agreed on a price of 80 for a half-hours service, with a condom. She said this agreement was made on the phone. Doolan told gardai when the allegations had been put to him: That is not John Doolan, he doesnt do things like that. Doolan also denied allegations made by the other woman in Tralee and said he had asked for his money back in this case. I went to have an intimate encounter with her, he said, adding that he would have known the price before he arrived. The woman was known as Hot Summer online, the court heard. He said he had seen a TS, a man with long hair in the apartment, and he didnt want to be in an apartment with a man and a lady. Doolan said he believed a pimp was in the nearby apartment watching him, and he wanted to leave. The victim of the Killarney attack said she had given up sex work after the assault due to fear and said she suffers panic attacks as a result of the assault. Doolans defence counsel said his client, who had pleaded not guilty to the assaults, accepted the jurys verdict and was remorseful for his actions. I remain very concerned for the welfare of children where David Hubbard is concerned. Convicted baby abuser David Hubbard is being investigated over a suspected breach of the Sex Offenders Act after fleeing Ireland for the UK. Its understood gardai were contacted by social services in Liverpool after the child predator presented himself at a centre in the city seeking to access benefits there. Following enquiries, it was established he had travelled to the UK by ferry earlier this month. Its further understood the Wicklow native maintains he signed on at a garda station, as required by the provisions of the Act, prior to travelling and this is now being checked. Catherine Potts was assaulted Officers have made also inquiries into the identification documents used by Hubbard on boarding the ferry. One of Hubbards victims, Catherine Potts,this week said she had been informed of Hubbards movements after expressing concerns regarding his current whereabouts. Hubbard had been staying in the Wicklow area following his release from prison earlier in the month but left after Catherine spoke out publicly to warn of his presence in the county. The gardai have been very good to me all the way through this, said Catherine, who was sexually assaulted by Hubbard when she was just 10 years old. I remain very concerned for the welfare of children where David Hubbard is concerned. I was concerned enough to ask where he is now and I was told he is no longer in Wicklow. A social services worker contacted the gardai after he turned up in Liverpool and the gardai have tracked his movements back from there. I have put up an alert on my Facebook page to warn people in the UK he is over there now. The Sunday World confronted Hubbard about his crimes on his release from the Midlands Prison on March 8. As he walked out the gates, we asked the predator if he was finally willing to apologise to his victims. But instead of begging for their forgiveness, he responded with a curt no, turned his back and scurried away. Hubbards release from the Midlands Prison came after he served 18 months of a two-year-sentence. This sentence was imposed after he was convicted of indecently assaulting Catherine Potts more than 37 years ago. Brave Catherine reported the historic sex attack in 2016 after seeing pictures of Hubbard lying next to an infant at his home in Great Yarmouth, England. That photo set off all kinds of alarm bells in my head, Catherine told us. I knew straight away who he was. And I just thought, Jesus Christ, 30 years later and he is still around infants. Thats why I waived my anonymity. People need to know who he is and what he has done. He has ruined lives. Seven years after the attack on Catherine, Hubbard carried out a sickening attack on his own daughter during which he inserted a blunt object into the then three-month-olds vagina. He was jailed for four years at Dublin Circuit Court on May 18, 1992 but was not identified at the time to protect his victim. One of the men was armed with a 12 inch carving knife and threatened the gardai who then attempted to restrain the suspects Two unarmed female gardai have been commended for their bravery after they tackled an armed and dangerous pair of criminals who had attempted to rob two takeaways less than three minutes apart. Independent.ie has learned that the two officers were involved in a separate undercover operation when they became aware of an armed robbery at a pizza delivery premises in Newbridge at 8.30pm yesterday. Sources say that as they were attempting to deal with this, the two gardai became aware of another armed robbery happening nearby at a Chinese takeaway at Charlotte Street in the Co Kildare town. The female officers who are aged in their late 20s immediately responded to the second incident and confronted two well known local criminals who were threatening staff members at the Chinese and had kicked in a window in the takeaway as the armed robbery was in progress. One of the men was armed with a 12 inch carving knife and threatened the gardai who then attempted to restrain the suspects. There was a big struggle the suspects were overpowered after a violent struggle in which pepper spray was deployed, a senior source said. One of the gardai has suffered a head injury during the course of the assault but thankfully she is not in a serious condition. The two female gardai were able to hold onto these suspects and they were arrested. They are now likely to face multiple charges. Senior gardai have commended the bravery of the two gardai and it is very lucky really that they were not seriously injured in this incident. The suspects were armed with an extremely large knife and were acting in a very volatile and dangerous manner, the source explained. The same large carving knife was used in the earlier attempted armed robbery at the pizza takeaway, a crime in which the duo failed to escape with any cash after a staff member at that premises managed to defend himself after being subjected to threats. These arrests are considered very significant on a local level and the arrested men would be considered prolific offenders in Co Kildare, the source added. Gardai announced details of the arrests this morning in a statement. Gardai have arrested two men following the armed robberies of two fast food outlets in Newbridge yesterday, Monday 27th March 2023, a spokesman said. At approximately 8:30pm, Gardai received report of an incident where two men entered an fast food outlet on Eyre Street, Newbridge and threatened staff members with a knife while demanding cash. A short time later, Gardai were alerted to a robbery taking place at a fast food outlet on Charlotte Street, Newbridge. Upon arrival, Gardai arrested two men, one aged in his 40s and the other in his 20s. Both men are currently detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co. Kildare, he added. No other litigant I have ever experienced has behaved as you seek to misbehave The High Court judge hearing the trial of the dispute between Wilsons Hospital School and Enoch Burke has told the sacked schoolteacher he will be excluded from the courtroom this afternoon due to repeated interruptions and his refusal to accept a ruling of the court. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said it was his practice to come down heavily on those who show disrespect to the bench and said Mr Burke was in contempt in the face of the court. No other litigant I have ever experienced has behaved as you seek to misbehave, he said. The judge said he would have him removed if he returned to the courtroom following a break in the case for lunch. He will be provided with facilities to watch the case remotely, but the move means he may not be able cross examine witnesses. The judge made the order after two hours of stormy argument in the packed courtroom, where it was standing room only due to interest from members of the public and lawyers. Enoch Burke Collins Courts Mr Burke raised his voice on several occasions and clashed with the judge while making allegations of fraud and tampering with discovery against members of the schools legal team. His claims were rejected by the judge, who said: I would need more that the flimsy arguments I have been presented with here to reach that conclusion. Mr Justice Owens added: Nothing has been put before me that justifies these type of allegations. But the teacher refused to accept the ruling and repeatedly made the same arguments already rejected by the judge. Mr Justice Owens repeatedly pleaded Mr Burke to sit down and stop talking. He put his head in his hands on several occasions. The judge told the teacher he had wasted a day of the four-day hearing with stupid arguments. You are making a fool of yourself, the judge said at one point. The row has meant the substantive hearing of the action against Mr Burke and his counterclaim against the school has yet to get underway. Amid repeated interruptions from Mr Burke, the judge said: What are we going to do with you? You would test the patience of Job. At one point, Mr Burke told the judge: This is not a circus. To which the judge replied: It has become a circus because you have made it a circus. The teacher, who is an evangelical Christian, was suspended from the Co Westmeath school last August after a number of incidents in which he clashed with management over a request from the then principal Niamh McShane to call a transgender student by a new name and by they/them pronouns. He objected to the request on religious grounds. The trial will centre on the conduct of the disciplinary process and whether injunctions obtained against Mr Burke were justified. Mr Burke has filed a counterclaim against the school, alleging his suspension was procedurally flawed was unlawful. The claims are denied by the school. He was sacked from his post as a teacher of history and German in January and is separately appealing the dismissal to a tribunal. The teacher was accompanied in court by his siblings Ammi and Isaac and mother Martina. At the outset, Mr Burke said he wanted to raise an extremely serious matter relating to discovery made to him by the school. He claimed a 103-page document disclosed to him on March 7 had subsequently been tampered with when it was filed with the court. It included an email from Ms McShane to the chairman of the board of management John Rogers on August 17 last year. Mr Burke raised issues over the redaction of the email and how the discovered document were supplied to the court. He claimed part of the email was surreptitiously erased. You see judge, the email was tampered with, he claimed. The teacher also complained about the manner in which WhatsApp messages had been provided to him. It wont be possible to proceed unless all these issues are dealt with, he said on a number of occasions. Mr Burke said he was disgusted to the pit of his stomach at the egregious fraud and open tampering. The judge said he understood the point Mr Burke was making but asked the teacher to show respect to him. A little bit of respect now please and we will deal with it in an orderly fashion, he said. However, on examining the papers and hearing more, the judge said he didnt see evidence of the fraud or tampering Mr Burke alleged. Ah come on judge, Mr Burke exclaimed. The judge quickly replied: Dont come on with me Mr Burke. You will give me respect. I am not going to be cajoled and hectored by litigants or barristers on behalf of litigants. Alex White SC, for the school, said he rejected in the strongest terms the utterly outrageous an ill- founded accusation made by Mr Burke. The judge said repeatedly he was not minded to halt the trial over the issue and he would leave the issue rest overnight, for the school to clarify any issues with discovery later. Mr Burke repeatedly protested at the judges ruling, saying on a number of occasions the hearing could not continue. Mr Burke, are you listening? Have you some problem with your ears? You are not going to be entertained to make a further submission on something I have already ruled on, the judge said at one point. Mr Justice Owens later said: In the old days I would have had you carted off to jail. He said he may make decisions Mr Burke doesnt like, but the teacher would have to live with them. I dont think it is impossible for you to proceed and I have already ruled on it, he said. Mr Burke responded: You are not a law unto yourself. You cannot ram road through this case. The judge gave Mr Burke several warnings about his behaviour before ruling the teacher would be excluded from the courtroom. The attacks, which started last Wednesday, were sanctioned by the leadership of South East Antrim (SEA) UDA Fifteen families have been targeted in a UDA drugs purge in the last five days. Attacks on elements within a breakaway faction of the loyalist terror group continued over the weekend with fresh attacks in Newtownards and Bangor In an incident on Sunday, a 62-year-old man was treated by paramedics after petrol bombs were thrown at a house in Newtownards. There were another two petrol bomb attacks on Saturday, one in Newtownards, another in Bangor. The attacks which started last Wednesday were sanctioned by the leadership of South East Antrim (SEA) UDA and are believed to have been ordered because of elements within the organisation dealing in heroin and crack cocaine. Now there are fears it could escalate into a turf war. The PSNI said the attacks are linked to an ongoing feud between "two rival drug gangs operating under the banner of the Ulster Defence Association in the North Down and Ards areas". The Sunday World understands the purge is aimed at taking out renegade UDA members who have been lining their own pockets. Sources have told us there are now only a handful of SEA members left in Newtownards. While the renegade groups power base is centred in the Rathcoole estate on the edge of north Belfast and in Carrick and Larne, an element of the faction set up in Newtownards. North Down UDA mural Prominent UDA figures including alleged leaders Adrian Price and `Scotch Brian McLean have been targeted. A close associate of Price and the daughter of another leading member have been targeted. According to sources the night of the long knives purge is the SEA leaderships attempt to retake control of the drugs market. They are also keen to defuse tensions with rival terror group the UVF who blamed SEA for bringing heroin to the streets of Newtownards. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed they were called to put out a blaze in Newtownards on Sunday. A brick was thrown through a front window and two petrol bombs were thrown into the property, which caused fire damage to the window ledge, roof and floor. Damage was also caused to a car parked outside the property, police said. Brian 'Scotch' McLean PSNI District Commander Supt Johnston said there had also been two attempted hijackings and incidents of graffiti daubed on properties. Supt McDowell said all of the attacks were unacceptable, but described petrol and pipe bomb attacks as being particularly reckless. Among the attacks was an incident on Saturday when a number of windows were broken and extensive damage was caused to the front of a seperate property, Newtownards. "Luckily no-one was at home at the time of the attack, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life," said a police spokesperson. A pipe bomb was thrown at another house in the town at about 21:35 on Saturday. It was reported that a front window and a wall at the property were damaged during the incident. The property was occupied at the time, but there were no reports of any injuries. In Bangor, a petrol bomb was thrown at a house in on Saturday. A number of windows were broken and scorch damage was caused to the property during the attack. Three people who were in the house at the time were uninjured. Police said that attack was being treated as arson with intent to endanger life Tubridy announced earlier this month that he was stepping down from the hosting gig after 14 years. Former Xpose presenter Aisling OLoughlin has celebrated Ryan Tubridys resignation from The Late Late Show, saying that it is an ignominious end to Irelands most shameful broadcasting chapter. Tubridy announced earlier this month that he was stepping down from the hosting gig after 14 years. In her latest newsletter, OLoughlin, who now lives in France and in recent years has emerged as a conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer, said Tubridy was never fit to host the landmark talk show as she accused him of betraying RTE viewers by promoting Covid-19 lies. Tubridy has led his audience astray, she wrote. He has done the bidding of his paymasters, a grave betrayal to the Irish people. He has put those who trusted in him in harms way. It is no surprise hes stepping down. Mission complete. The public is waking up to the horror of the gene therapy trial, to the care home culls, the use of midazolam, morphine, remdesivir and ventilators, to the Covid-19 lies and to the sustained misdirection from the mainstream media. There is much talk in the papers about who will replace Tubridy. No-one should replace him and this shameful chapter in Irish broadcasting." OLoughlin, who was previously banned from Instagram for repeatedly sharing harmful misinformation on the issues of vaccines and Covid-19, went on to list what she believes to be Tubridys worst moments as Late Late Show host, from endorsing PCR tests to pushing fear of a mystery virus during the height of the pandemic. She claimed that the real reason for Tubridys departure was his role in the Covid-19 scandal, slamming the 49-year-old as a grand ringmaster who advocated for vaccines and social distancing. Ryan Tubridy is not giving a reason for his plans to step down as presenter from The Late Late Show apart from a coy, when you know, you know, OLoughlin continued. Tubridy certainly did act as the grand ringmaster to the greatest circus of all time. Theres no covering up the deadly consequences of his words and his role in the Covid-19 scandal. The Irish public are slowly realising theyve been duped in the worst possible way as the excess mortality rates and vaccine injured mount and international news seeps into our small island. Of course, hes stepping down. The comments on Twitter alone show the mood has shifted dramatically. We are witnessing an ignominious end to Irelands most shameful broadcasting chapter. We must never be fooled like this ever again, she added. Various political parties, including opposition ones, welcomed the announcement by the Board of Trustees of the National Dialogue that the dialogue would start in proper on 3 May. The board said on Monday the dialogue will commence on 3 May - after the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and the holidays of Eid El-Fitr, Sinai Liberation Day, Easter and Labour Day. Senator Hossam El-Khouly, the deputy chairperson of the Mostaqbal Watan Party, welcomed the announcement, saying "the kick-off of the national dialogue will re-energise political life and contribute to the drawing of a new roadmap for Egypt's political and economic priorities in the next phase. El-Khouly added that the Mostaqbal Watan Party fully supports the return of complete judicial supervision, meaning there will be a judge for every ballot box. This sends a message that the 2024 presidential and 2025 parliamentary elections will be conducted with integrity, transparency and fairness. On Sunday, the Board of Trustees of the National Dialogue proposed an amendment to the law governing the work of the National Election Authority (NEA) in order to to extend the authority's mandate to supervise all types of referendums and elections, which is set to expire in January 2024. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed the government on Monday to study the trustees boards proposal and its implementation mechanisms. Ahmed El-Sharkawy, a member of the trustees board, explained the board has proposed amending Article 34 of the NEA Law 198/2017 to stipulate that all elections, including presidential, parliamentary and municipal, as well as referendums, shall be supervised by judicial members under the principle of "a judge for every ballot box. Article 34 of the NEA Law 198/2017 stipulates that voting and counting of votes in referendums and elections are carried out by staff affiliated with the authority under the supervision of its board of directors, and the authority may enlist members of judicial bodies in this process. The article also mandated, as a provisional measure, full judicial supervision over referendums and elections for a period of 10 years from the time of the adoption of the country's constitution in 2014. According to this 10-year-mandate, full judicial supervision over referendums and elections is set to expire in January 2024. El-Sharkawy noted that this principle of "judge per ballot box" was applied in Egypt from 2000 to 2010 and its removal was one of the main reasons for the 2011 Revolution against Mubarak. He added that since 2011, elections and referendums in Egypt have been held under general judicial supervision, but without the application of the principle of a judge for every ballot box. "This means that judges will not only supervise polling stations but will also supervise every ballot box, including the vote-counting process," said El-Sharkawy. This should guarantee that all elections in the next few years will be fair and difficult to manipulate in any way or form," he added. The Nation's Guardians Party also welcomed the announcement. In a statement on Monday, the party said that "the decision to kick off the National Dialogue on 3 May is a positive development that can help crystallise a new agenda of economic and political reforms." The liberal Al-Wafd party also welcomed the announcement, saying that it was "a very important step towards political reform. Meanwhile, the Reform and Development Party, which is led by Mohamed Anwar Esmat El-Sadat, expressed satisfaction with the decision to start the national dialogue. "They took a lot of time almost one year. It is good anyway that it comes late rather than never coming at all." The party hopes the dialogue will usher Egypt into a new era of groundbreaking political reforms and freedoms, read a statement by the party. The Reform and Development Party also praised the return of the "judge for every ballot box" system. This system allowed for a healthy political life and created vibrant parliaments when it was in place, said the party. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Civil Democratic Movement an opposition movement formed in 2017 that includes various leftist and liberal political parties said in a statement on Monday that "we have no objection to the proposal that the dialogue kicks off on 3 May. We support any proposal that can lead to a serious and positive national dialogue. The movement stressed, however, that it wants all political prisoners to be released ahead of the start of the dialogue to create a favourable climate. Search Keywords: Short link: A high-powered conference in Rotorua aims to change the narrative on Maori housing, with particular urgency in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Around 400 tangata whenua, Cabinet ministers, MPs, government officials and representatives from regional, community and the private sector will come together for the three-day think tank, which begins on Wednesday, March 29. The event will be the seventh biennial National Maori Housing Conference, and will focus on what Maori housing success looks like in the post-Covid and post-cyclone world, says Lauren James of Ngati Whakaue, who co-chairs the conference organising committee. Our intention organising this wananga was to canvas the housing continuum as broadly and deeply as possible to achieve a balance of focus that covers Papakainga solutions, affordable rental and home ownership, homelessness, climate change, economics, Treaty and human rights, construction, and innovation through to what our next-gen rangatahi are saying about housing security in fresh research, says Lauren. Students from five south Auckland schools will be contributing to the The Forever House Project, a partnership between the Ara Education Charitable Trust, Stuff and others. Photo: Abigail Dougherty and Ricky Wilson/Stuff. Lauren says matauranga Maori knowledge brings unique insight to the national housing crisis. It uses our practices and principles that have been passed down from generation to generation, she says. Examples like understanding the environment we are building in based on historical iwi knowledge and what can be built where, applying Maori design in our housing forms and seeing Maori design in the housing design. Maori have been disproportionately affected by negative housing outcomes, and three years ago the United Nations called New Zealands housing crisis a significant human rights crisis. We know that [the housing] crisis impacts Maori more than others, says Wayne Knox, general manager of Te Matapihi, the peak body for Maori housing providers. Wayne is also a member of the conference committee. On top of that weve got a major recovery from the rest of the flooding. Its going to have a massive impact not just on housing but well-being, the economy and all of that. At the same time, were in recovery mode from Covid. Its a cascading crisis, one thing after the other. The Governments Whai Kainga Whai Oranga programme aims to address housing inequities faced by Maori, investing $730 million over 4 years to accelerate Maori housing delivery. Were seeing tangible progress now of integrated projects happening across the motu its a force for social change, says Wayne. Wayne Knox is the general manager of Te Matapihi, and a member of the conference committee. Photo: Supplied. Theres been enough trust to look at doing things differently and now were starting to see the results and benefits of that. There are Maori-led and strong kaupapa Maori pathways which is absolutely the right direction that we need to take to deal with the housing crisis while recovering from the flooding. The hui will feature presentations by various rangatira of the Te Arawa confederation in the Bay of Plenty, Ngarimu Blair of Ngati Whatua Orakei, Te Pati Maori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi , Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt, Economist Shamubeel Eaqub, advocate Pania Newton, welfare expert Dr Huhana Hickey, and Waitangi Tribunal legal counsel Annette Sykes, among others. The event will include practical example of success stories; on day one, after the powhiri at Te Papaiouru Marae, delegate will get on the tools with a site visit to a trade academy at Rotorua Boys High School that upskills senior students building new housing stock for relocation by Kainga Ora. Theyll also stand on the whenua to learn about housing developments on the tribal lands of Ngati Uenukukopako and Ngati Whakaue, which take a holistic approach to building communities, rather than just housing. We hope those attending will come away with some real gems that they can put into practice in the areas that they live and deliver services in, says Lauren. The National Maori Housing Conference will be held at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua. Stuff Building apprentices from across Tauranga will battle it out this Saturday at the New Zealand Certified Builders - NZCB - Apprentice Challenge. Competing for the title of Taurangas NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner and a spot in the national final, the apprentices will be tasked with completing a challenging project over eight hours that will put their skills to the test. This years challenge will see each apprentice build a fort, the design plans for which will be revealed one week ahead of the competition, says a spokesperson for the challenge. "The day-long challenge requires proficiency in a raft of carpentry skills, with a focus on attention to detail and time management. "To decide the winner, a judging panel of building practitioners and industry educators will assess each apprentices technical skills and technique, the quality of their workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan all while working against the clock." Each fort must meet minimum safety standards, and competitors will be provided with durable, trade-quality timber and materials from ITM to complete the project. The event will be held at Toi Ohomai Trade Campus, 70 Windermere Drive, Poike, Tauranga and is open to the public to attend and support local building talent. The event begins at 8am and the best time to attend is from 3pm onwards, with Taurangas Apprentice Challenge 2022 winner being announced around 5pm. The Tauranga event is one of 20 regional NZCB Apprentice Challenges being held around the country on the day. These events are sponsored by ITM and held in conjunction with the NZCB Apprentice Trust. The winner of each regional event will go on to represent their region in the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Final, held at the NZCB Annual Conference and Expo in Christchurch on May 26 27. More than 1.4 million doses of the Pfizer Covid vaccine have been destroyed - or are about to be - because they expired before they could be used this year. Te Whatu Ora has already disposed of 870,000, with another 570,000 hitting their use by date on Friday. Its immunisation operations manager Rob Humpreys said some wastage was inevitable in a roll out the size of New Zealand's Covid response. "New Zealand continues to actively manage its vaccine stocks, striking a balance between ensuring it has sufficient vaccines available to immunise the eligible population, while minimising wastage," says Rob in a statement. Just 47 per cent of those eligible for the second booster had taken up the chance - meaning about 780,000 people had not. The first booster was at 73 per cent but because it had wider eligibility, that meant more than a million people had not had one. The wasted doses were the original Pfizer vaccine but Te Whatu Ora was now offering a new bivalent jab for those getting a booster. From Saturday, more people will have access to it. Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris says there are a lot of reasons people may have been slow to get boosted. For example, some may have only recently had the virus, while others may have been holding out for the new vaccine. It was important those at higher risk of harm from Covid - like older people - got as much protection as they could, she says. Rowan Quinn/RNZ Many hotels in Malaga, Marbella and Ronda are already close to being fully booked ahead of Spain's spectacular Semana Santa processions in most towns and cities Pilar Martinez Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram The Aehcos association of hoteliers of the Costa del Sol has said it expects a solid Easter week for the sector and to fill 84% of rooms across Malaga province from Friday 31 March until 10 April, with full capacity at many Malaga city establishments. Booking information to date points towards the holiday occupancy being 8% higher than last year. Aehcos is also confident that with last-minute bookings, which are becoming increasingly frequent, and with the prospect of good weather, the occupancy record set in 2019 will be close to being reached. At present, booking expectations are 1.7% points below pre-pandemic levels. "We consider that we are facing a fairly optimal Easter," said Aehcos vice-president, Javier Fernandez. Fernandez added that: "There are still many places available in many of the municipalities of the Costa del Sol and more and more people are deciding to book at the last minute, which leads hoteliers to believe that they will approach the figures for 2019". The president of Aehcos, Jose Luque, said: "The forecasts are encouraging, with an occupancy rate that will exceed 80% on average throughout the province and that in some municipalities will be almost full, as is the case of Ronda or Marbella, which will have more than 90% occupancy. "Establishments throughout the province are preparing for the high season with enthusiasm and excitement. The early Easter data suggests a growth of up to ten per cent in some municipalities with respect to that obtained in 2022, but we must be cautious and wait for it to be confirmed," said Luque. David Lerma Marbella Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Following the recent inauguration of Esteponas town hall, the Mirador del Carmen - which is home to a library and study spaces, a music conservatory, an auditorium for cultural events, an exhibition hall and a viewing point where a restaurant will be located - will be formally opened on Thursday 30 March. The space will open to the public on 5 April with the exhibition 'Vivir en la Pintura' (live in the painting). The exhibition will be on display over the next few months with fifty works by Spanish artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Joaquin Sorolla, Francisco Iturrino and Julio Romero de Torres, among others which belong to Baroness Thyssens collection. "It is an honour for me that these paintings form part of such an important project for Estepona", the baroness said during a visit to the town last week. She added, "I love Estepona and our mayor of this divine town. I am very proud to be here and to inaugurate this wonderful hall. It is historic. Evolution of Spanish painting Artistic director of the Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga, Lourdes Moreno, said, "This is a carefully chosen selection that demonstrates Carmen Thyssen's passion for collecting and her contribution to the extensive Thyssen-Bornemisza family collection, to which she has added numerous works of 19th century Spanish and 20th century avant-garde painting". Moreno went on to say that through the exhibition, "the evolution of Spanish painting can be seen ". Mayor of the Estepona, Jose Maria Garcia Urbano, accompanied Carmen Thyssen on her visit. "Thank you very much, dear Carmen. The fact that the Thyssen Foundation and your collection are in Estepona and that it joins your brand is for us a leap in cultural and touristic quality without comparison. It is a unique moment. I thank you on my own behalf, but also on behalf of the whole town, because it helps us even more to position ourselves better on the national and international tourist scene. Thank you for your visit and your collaboration", he said. This exhibition hall is located in the Mirador del Carmen, which is to be officially opened on Thursday 30 March. The ceremony was held at the Teatro Espanol in Madrid on Monday which, appropriately, was World Theatre Day Antonio Banderas, with the award for Best Actor in Musical Theatre for his role in Company at the first Talia Awards. Teresa Abajo / SUR Madrid / Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram The premiere of the Talia Awards, organised by the Spanish Academy of Performing Arts, was held at the Teatro Espanol in Madrid on Monday 27 March, which, appropriately, was World Theatre Day. The awards brought together numerous giants of the stage in a ceremony that celebrated Company, by Antonio Banderas, as the best theatrical production of the year. The Stephen Sondheim classic musical, which Antonio Banderas directed, produced and starred in, won the award for Best Musical. The Malaga actor and filmmaker also won the Best Actor award for his role in the play based on love and heartbreak, which he received from Jose Sacristan. An emotional Banderas dedicated the awards to his colleagues and to Malaga and promised to continue "searching for excellence" with his Soho Theatre in the city. Describing Company, he said that the musical genre "is theatre, it is not a concert or a recital". Malaga-born Rocio Molina won the award for Best Female Dance Performer for her work Vuelta a Uno. The recognition in Madrid came after she received the Silver Lion in Venice last year and Spains Gold Medal of Fine Arts. President of the Academy, Cayetana Guillen Cuervo, who hosted the event filled with musical numbers, from The Chorus to The Wildcat said "it has taken a lot to get here." The Talia Awards are here to stay, and time will tell if they achieve their goal of becoming the Goya of the performing arts, replacing the Max Awards, which have been the benchmark since 1998 and which in less than a month on 17 April will once again bring the profession together. Russian authorities said a Ukrainian drone caused an explosion Sunday that injured three people in a town far from the two countries' border. The Russian state-run news agency Tass reported authorities identified the drone as a Ukrainian Tu-141. The Tu-141 went into service in the Soviet army in the 1970s. It reportedly was retired from service in 1989, then reintroduced in Ukraine in 2014. It has a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). The explosion occurred Sunday afternoon in the town of Kireyevsk, in the Tula region about 300 kilometers (180 miles) from the border with Ukraine and 175 kilometers (110 miles) south of Moscow. Russia's state news agency RIA-Novosti had cited local authorities as saying the explosion, which damaged some residential buildings, was caused by a drone but did not immediately give further details. The Latvia-based Russian news outlet Meduza reported that the blast left a crater about 15 meters (50 feet) in diameter and five meters deep (16 feet). Ukraine's government on Sunday called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to counter the Kremlin's nuclear blackmail after Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed plans to station tactical atomic weapons in Belarus. One Ukrainian official said that Russia "took Belarus as a nuclear hostage. But Moscow said it was making the move in response to the West's increasing military support for Ukraine. Putin announced the plan in a television interview that aired on Saturday, saying it was triggered by a U.K. decision this past week to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium. Putin argued that by deploying its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia was following the lead of the United States. He noted that Washington has nuclear weapons based in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. We are doing what they have been doing for decades, stationing them in certain allied countries, preparing the launch platforms and training their crews, he said. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned the move in a statement Sunday and demanded an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Ukraine expects effective action to counter the Kremlin's nuclear blackmail by the U.K., China, the U.S. and France, including as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, which have a special responsibility to prevent threats of aggression using nuclear weapons, the statement read. The world must be united against someone who endangers the future of human civilization. Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, tweeted Sunday that Putin's announcement was a step towards internal destabilization of Belarus that maximized the level of negative perception and public rejection of Russia and Putin in Belarusian society. The Kremlin, Danilov added, took Belarus as a nuclear hostage. On Saturday, Putin argued that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has long asked to have nuclear weapons in his country again to counter NATO. Belarus shares borders with three NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and Russia used Belarusian territory as a staging ground to send troops into neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Both Lukashenko's support of the war and Putin's plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has been denounced by the Belarusian opposition. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield and have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted to long-range missiles. Russia plans to maintain control over the ones it sends to Belarus, and construction of storage facilities for them will be completed by July 1, Putin said. Russia has stored its tactical nuclear weapons at dedicated depots on its territory, and moving part of the arsenal to a storage facility in Belarus would up the ante in the Ukrainian conflict by placing them closer to Russian aircraft and missiles already stationed there. The U.S. said it would monitor the implications of Putins announcement. So far, Washington hasn't seen "any indications Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. In Germany, the foreign ministry called it a further attempt at nuclear intimidation, German news agency dpa reported late Saturday. The ministry went on to say that the comparison drawn by President Putin to NATOs nuclear participation is misleading and cannot be used to justify the step announced by Russia. Search Keywords: Short link: 80s stars daughter auditions for American Idol The latest American Idol standout definitely has music talent running in her family. Billboard reports Kaya Stewart, 22, impressed judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie when she revealed she was accompanied by her father, Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart. Oh my God, blast from the past! Perry said. Stewart, who performed 80s new wave hits with Annie Lennox like Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year alongside Richie. Stewarts daughter Kaya proved she has chops of her own as she performed an original song she wrote with her dad, a country-pop ballad called This Tattoo, and got a ticket to Hollywood. Aristocats remake The Roots drummer Questlove will direct a remake of Disneys The Aristocats. (Ahem, not to be confused with The Aristocrats.) Rolling Stone reports The Tonight Show bandleader will make his feature film directorial debut with a live-action/CGI-hybrid movie about a family of cats trying to return home after being kidnapped by an evil butler. Questlove, who recently directed his first documentary, Summer of Soul, will also serve as executive producer and oversee the music; the 1970 original featured the song Evrybody Wants to be Cat and The Aristocats theme song. MORE BUZZ: Liv Tyler to revisit Incredible Hulk character in new Captain America ( ET The Kardashians season 3 coming to Hulu on May 25 ( E! The Band Perry announces break ( ET Lil Nas X cruises down Old Town Road for Carpool Karaoke ( BB Firefly Lane trailer promises emotional ending ( ET Tom Leadon, Tom Pettys Mudcrutch bandmate, dies at 70 ( RS Daughter of Eurythmics Dave Stewart auditions for American Idol ( People Jimmy Kimmel, Matt Damon continue feud at Air premiere ( ET Ariana Grande marks 10th anniversary of The Way with Mac Miller ( BB Zach Shallcross gets engaged on The Bachelor finale ( ET Elemental trailer: Latest look at new Pixar film ( SF iHeartRadio Music Awards winners list ( ET Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. Rochester, N.Y. A Brooklyn man has admitted he defrauded dozens of Wegmans customers by stealing their account information to purchase more than $9,200 worth of food, federal prosecutors said Monday. Maurice Sheftall, 24, pleaded guilty to fraud and related activity in connection with computers. U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa sentenced Sheftall to serve three years probation and pay $41,441 in restitution, according to a news release Monday by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of New York. Sheftall was able to get more than 50 Wegmans customers logins and passwords in January 2021, Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire said in the release. He then logged into the accounts and changed passwords and e-mail contact information, locking each customer out of his or her account, the prosecutor said. Sheftall used the customers credit card information that they had saved on their accounts without their knowledge to order groceries and have those groceries delivered to himself and his associates, McGuire said. Prosecutors say Sheftall intentionally defrauded Wegmans and about 50 customers between January 22, 2021 and July 25, 2021 by placing roughly 25 fraudulent orders, totaling $9,297.05. Actual losses, however, totaled $41,441, they said. Sheftall agreed to pay that higher amount, prosecutors say, which covers: $9,297.05 to reimburse customers; $1,000 worth of employee time to respond to the offense; $150 to purchase credit monitoring for each customer whose account was accessed without authorization; $16,000 to buy dark web monitoring to determine where and how Sheftall obtained the customer account information he used to access the accounts; And $15,000 in legal fees Wegmans incurred. Have a tip or a story idea? Contact Catie OToole: cotoole@syracuse.com | text/call 315-470-2134 | Twitter | Facebook Syracuse, N.Y. The Downtown YMCA will reopen Tuesday, two days after a fire caused water damage in the building. The YMCA was closed Monday. On Sunday afternoon, Syracuse city firefighters said a small fire started in a fifth-floor room, and was controlled by sprinklers in the building, at 340 Montgomery St. Firefighters confirmed the fire was out and shut down the sprinklers, said Syracuse Fire Capt. Matthew Craner, the departments public information officer. Firefighters then spent time clearing smoke from the building and ensuring there was no extension of the fire, he said. Thankfully, everyone is safe, the YMCA said in a post Monday. The Downtown Y will reopen Tuesday, according to an updated post. YMCA officials said they closed the facility on Monday to assess the extent of water damage in the building from the fire. Members are able to go to other YMCA locations, including in the towns of Clay, Lysander, Fayetteville and Manlius, and at Onondaga Community College. Even though the Downtown YMCA will reopen Tuesday, the following areas of the building will remain closed or shift locations due to the water damage: The third-floor track will be closed until further notice. Group exercise classes will be moved to temporary locations in the building until further notice; members are asked to call or check with the Ys Welcome Center for updated locations. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation, the YMCA wrote in an updated post Monday. We are thankful that everyone is safe and we can continue to deliver services to our community. The Syracuse Fire Department has not yet said what caused the fire. The YMCA has single-room occupancy residential units reserved for men at risk of homelessness in the area of the building where the fire started, officials said. Have a tip or a story idea? Contact Catie OToole: cotoole@syracuse.com | text/call 315-470-2134 | Twitter | Facebook Modern craft brewers make so many different beers these days theyre constantly seeking new inspirations to give them distinct, memorable names. Two Syracuse brewers this month have taken their cue from local headlines. One new craft beer is named in honor of the notorious truck-eating bridge in Liverpool. Another takes its name from the biggest local economic development news in recent years. Talking Cursive Brewing in downtown Syracuse this week unveiled its beer called Crash Into Me. Aside from the obvious Dave Matthews Band reference, this beer, and its logo, refers to the Onondaga Lake Parkway Bridge, which has been struck by trucks and other vehicle dozens of times in recent years. The latest crash happened earlier this week, just as Talking Cursive was putting the beer on tap. Its such a big part of local lore and legend now, Talking Cursive co-owner Andrew Brooks said. Its iconic. And it keeps happening, as we saw this week, so it makes sense to highlight it in a beer. Crash Into Me is what Brooks calls a not-so-premium domestic lager, similar to but with a little more body and color than a Budweiser, Miller or Coors. Its available on tap at the brewery at 301 Erie Blvd. W., across from the National Grid (NiMo) building. Mike-Ron beer from Bullfinch Brewpub in Syracuse Meanwhile, the Bullfinch Brewpub at Destiny USA mall in Syracuse launched a beer earlier this month based on another big story. The beer is called Mike-Ron. Yes, it name-checks Micron Technology, the giant computer chip manufacturer that last fall announced plans to build a plant in Clay accompanied by a potential $100 billion investment in the area over the next 20 years. In that spirit, Mike-Ron is a slightly strong Czech-style pilsener, about 5.5% alcohol. Bullfinch owner Dave Collins is referring to it as a Big Czech beer. Its like they wrote a big check to the community, so, yeah, that where that came from, Collins said. In the high-tech spirit of the name, Collins and his crew used Artificial Intelligence to write up the beer description and the script for a video the brewpub has made to promote the beer. (It features two characters named Mike and Ron wearing clean-room suits in the Bullfinch brewhouse.) Mike-Ron is available on tap and in cans at the brewpub in Destiny. Brewers in Central New York and beyond have long used their beer names to take note of local people, places and things. Syracuses Willow Rock Brewing, for example, has a hall fame entry with a brown ale named Jim. Thats Jim Brown Ale, of course. Its always fun to try to come up with new names for beers, said Brooks at Talking Cursive. Sometimes they work and thats a good feeling. More CNY beer news: An Irish favorite led the way in Syracuse as beer sales boomed on St. Patricks Day Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. From March 3-10, four girl members of the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways Council joined 15 of their sisters to represent the Girl Scout Movement and serve as delegates at the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The four GSNYPENN Girl Scouts are: Morgan Herringshaw of Mohawk, N.Y., a Girl Scout Ambassador from Troop 20528 Isabella Shiel of Newark Valley, N.Y., a Girl Scout Ambassador from Troop 40349 Aubrey Coyle of Cicero, N.Y., a Girl Scout Senior from Troop 10752 Aarohi Rastogi of Jamesville, N.Y., a Girl Scout Senior from Troop 60500 Each year, more than 5,000 women and girls from around the world gather for this session focused on the worldwide state of gender equality. GSNYPENN is one of only five Girl Scout councils (out of 100+ councils nationwide) selected to send a delegation for the 2023 session. We are very proud of Aubrey, Morgan, Aarohi and Isabella for representing GSNYPENN and the Girl Scout Movement at the U.N. to advocate for women and girls everywhere and help make the world a better place, says GSNYPENN CEO Julie Dale. Staff member Serafina Sortino, a Membership Engagement Manager in the councils Utica office, applied on behalf of GSNYPENN and was invited to attend the session with four girl delegates. The girls submitted applications to the council and were selected to join fellow Girl Scouts from California, Florida and Oklahoma. Staff member Libby Bokal, a Membership Engagement Manager in the councils Maine office, joined the group for their trip. During the Commission on the Status of Women, girls attended sessions, listened to speakers and advocated for what they believe is important and relevant for girls today. They engaged with non-governmental organizations, U.N. Agencies, Country Missions and other youth delegates from around the world. Delegates also took part in and spoke at Girl Scout parallel events about STEM, digital literacy, access to technology in rural areas, and the importance of Girl Scouts and other organizations to champion digital literacy for girls. To prepare for their roles during the experience, Girl Scouts participated in bi-weekly Zoom training beginning in August 2022. Along with attending inspirational events led by women leaders and professionals from across the globe during their visit to the U.N., the girls were also part of advocacy groups, conversation circles, assisted with girl statement writing, and moderated their own event in collaboration with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. They also met people from all over the world, visited GSUSA headquarters, sat in on the UN. General Assembly and more. New Yorks Office of Cannabis Management recently announced a policy change to double the number of conditional dispensaries allowed in the state, but existing zoning rules could cap the number of weed retailers in many Empire State communities. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act stipulates dispensaries are not allowed within 500 feet of school grounds, or 200 feet of a house of worship. Meanwhile, the OCM released guidance for conditional adult-use retail dispensaries that says these businesses cannot be within a 1,000-foot radius of another weed retailer in communities with more than 20,000 residents. In communities with fewer residents, dispensaries cannot be within a 2,000 radius of each other, the guidance says. Other states have placed similar zoning restrictions on weed retailers, but in many cases theyve proven to be problematic and have led to lawsuits, said Chris Beals, former CEO of Weedmaps. And thats something New York regulators should consider before enacting statewide rules for dispensary zoning, he said. If local zoning boards have been able to control where communities want bars and liquor stores, Beals said, why would you not default to that same, quite onerous framework for cannabis? An OCM spokesperson told NY Cannabis Insider that the buffer zones between dispensaries are currently in the agencys draft regulations, but have not received final approval from the Cannabis Control Board. Additionally, the proposed regulations include a mechanism for the CCB to override the buffer, if it was determined it was in the public convenience and advantage to do so, the spokesperson said. OCM is currently reviewing more than 1,500 public comments it received about the proposed regulations including the buffer zones. Is there enough space? Unless OCM changes or removes its proposed buffer zones, its possible that only CAURD dispensaries will be able to open in Manhattan. When OCM announced plans to double the number of CAURD dispensaries, NY Cannabis Insider put together a rough map of 1,000-foot radii spaces in Manhattan and found itd be difficult to place many more than 44 the current allotment in the borough, even if that was the only spatial restriction. But after adding MRTA rules against siting dispensaries near schools and churches, its likely not possible to place even 44 dispensaries there without an OCM override. The conundrum is similar in all densely-populated areas, like Long Island. These same problems have been playing out in other legal cannabis states for years, Beals said. Oftentimes state governments have set arbitrary spatial restrictions on where dispensaries can and cannot operate, and have done so without doing proper GIS mapping. This has resulted, at times, in cities and states having goals for the legal cannabis industry that dont align with their own restrictions. Ive seen cities in southern California saying that they wanted to have a target goal of having, say, 35 dispensaries; and then setting these buffer zones, Beals said. But when you actually mapped it out, there was only enough available space for 10 or 15 dispensaries. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider newsletter Such restrictions have played a role in lawsuits filed in California for years, Beals said. Closer to the Empire State, Saint Peters University a Jesuit university in Jersey City, N.J. sued the Jersey City Planning Board for approving an application for a dispensary that allegedly violates a requirement that dispensaries be at least 200 feet from a school. Beals said hes seen legal disputes over whether a small part of a dispensarys land (say two feet) violates buffer zones, even though the actual store doesnt. Its going to happen consistently and repeatedly, Beals said. It will lead to litigation in cities and any jurisdiction thats putting these radii restrictions. Problems get even more complicated when weed companies use buffer zones to enjoy a competitive advantage, Beals said. In legal states with buffer zones, some companies have intentionally rented or bought dispensary space in a location that due to a combination of zoning restrictions would severely limit the places at which competitors are able to open. Theres really a lot of ways for bad actors to play with those offset zones, Beals said. Some officials in legal cannabis states are now considering loosening buffer zones. NBC Palm Springs earlier this month reported the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is thinking about allowing cannabis companies to operate in areas where they were previously barred. In New Mexico, the Las Cruces City Council in October considered but ultimately rejected relaxing some restrictions on where cannabis companies can operate. The buffer zones OCM proposed have not yet received final approval, and Beals said he thinks it might be best if they let communities make dispensary-siting decisions without setting an all-encompassing rule. Buffer zones for state and local governments can be really toxic, Beals said. Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday her office is investigating potential irregularities at a Madison County tax preparation and insurance services firm. James said her office is investigating multiple complaints from consumers who relied on Miles B. Marshall Inc. and M. Burton Marshall for various services. Learning that the people you entrust with your finances and investments may be misusing your hard-earned money is scary and concerning, James said in a statement. My office has been notified of multiple complaints regarding potential irregularities at the offices of Miles B. Marshall Inc. and M. Burton Marshall, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of this matter, she said. Our investigators will continue their work, and I urge anyone who has not already contacted law enforcement regarding this matter to reach out to my office immediately. She said her office is working closely with the Madison County District Attorneys Office and other law enforcement partners on the investigation. James urged impacted consumers who have not already reached out to law enforcement to contact her office at MBMarshall.complaint@ag.ny.gov. Marshall, 71, referred syracuse.com | The Post-Standard to his attorney, Jeff Dove, for comment. Dove, one of Syracuses preeminent bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Marshall operates a tax preparation and insurance services business from an office in Hamilton in southeastern Madison County. A note dated Feb. 21 on the firms website says he would not be preparing taxes this tax season due to my ongoing health issues and absence from the office. According to his firms website, he also operates a property management company that has served commercial and residential renters in Madison County for more than 48 years. In addition, he owns two self-storage facilities in Hamilton. Madison County District Attorney William Gabors office said the Hamilton Police Department received an inquiry on March 7 from a concerned participant in an 8% Promissory Note Fund established by Marshall. Police Chief Matthew Janczuk contacted the DAs office for help investigating the matter, the DAs office said. Quickly realizing the potentially large number of participants in this fund and the multi-jurisdictional reach of this inquiry, we immediately contacted the New York State Police to enlist their participation in this matter, Gabors office said in a statement. From our contact with the New York State Police, our office learned that a similar inquiry had previously been made to the New York State Attorney Generals Office. Robert Mascari, an assistant district attorney in Gabors office, said James office has taken over the investigation and the DAs office will make no further comment. If you are a customer of the Marshall firm and would like to share your story, please contact Rick Moriarty at rmoriarty@syracuse.com. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Julie LaFave, Syracuse commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs, is leaving May 1 to become the operations director at the New York State Fair. The city is beginning the search for her replacement and is seeking an individual with outstanding professional leadership ability, according to the job description. The commissioner is responsible for everything from directing parks activities to budgeting, operations and maintenance. Mayor Ben Walsh named LaFave as commissioner in 2018. Julies professional experience and exuberance for parks took Syracuse to a whole new level during the past five years, said Mayor Walsh in a statement. Her legacy will have a positive impact long into the future. Under her leadership, the department has expanded youth programming, created new playgrounds, renovated a gymnasium and pool and converted public pools to saltwater. During Covid-19, she ensured that outdoor facilities remained open and parks programs continued. The department manages over 1,000 acres of parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in Syracuse. Watchdog/Public Affairs reporter Melissa Newcomb covers education, including Syracuse University and the city schools. For tips, contact her anytime at mnewcomb@syracuse.com, 315-679-1068, or @melissarnewcomb on Twitter. Fighting has intensified near a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that is Europes largest, further increasing the possibility of a war-related nuclear accident, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday. There is an increased level of combat, active combat in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano, Grossi told The Associated Press in an interview. My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant. Speaking a day before he was to cross the front lines for a second time to visit the plant, Grossi said he felt it was his duty to ramp up talks aimed at safeguarding the facility. He met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would probably head to Russia in the coming days. Grossi has long called for a protection zone to be set up around the plant, which is very near the front line of the war. But so far, an agreement has been elusive. It is a zone of extreme volatility. So the negotiations are, of course, affected by the ongoing military operations, Grossi said. I would not characterize the process for the last few months as one that has not led to any progress. The U.N.'s atomic energy watchdog, which is based in Vienna, Austria, has a rotating team permanently based at the plant. The power station's six reactors are in shutdown and the plant has received the electricity it needs to prevent a reactor meltdown through one remaining functioning power line. Plant personnel have had to switch to emergency diesel generators several times during the 13-month war to power essential cooling systems. Military analysts expect the fighting between invading Russian troops and Ukrainian forces will further escalate as spring progresses and the ground hardens, allowing heavy military machinery to advance on the battlefield. There is talk about offensives, counter-offensives, Grossi said. The concentration of troops, concentration of military equipment, heavy weaponry has grown exponentially in the area near to the plant, which of course, makes us believe that the possibility of an accident, of a renewed attack ... could grow. While the last direct shelling of the plant occurred in November, the surrounding area was still being hit, the nuclear agency chief said. We have far more military activity, and more is announced, he said. The IAEA head said he has discussed the situation at the highest levels with both sides and was still discussing different scenarios that could lead to the creation of a protection zone around the plant. This proposal is about preventing a nuclear accident. It Is not to create any situation which may have a military advantage or disadvantage or a legitimization of the situation, the nuclear agency head said. So I have to walk this fine line talking to both, trying to make it so that both understand very well that a radiological accident ... here and also on the Russian side would be extremely serious and its something that we really need to avoid. Search Keywords: Short link: Roxbury, N.Y. Seeking an unforgettable stay? A night at The Roxbury is ready to make your cosplaying, movie-loving dreams come true. The Roxbury, Upstate New Yorks most unique hotel/motel, has been rated among ten one-of-a-kind lodging experiences Yelp recommends having in 2023. The recognition is not exactly surprising: The beloved Catskills hotel, which offers guests a chance to sleep in themed rooms and cottages, was previously named one of the top 25 hotels in the United States. The hotel/motel made the Yelp list alongside distinctive lodgers like Kimberly Creek Retreat, which offers geodesic dome glamping in Nebraska, and Kennedy School, a hotel inside a historic Oregon elementary school. The exteriors of the new tower cottages at The Roxbury's expanded Stratton Falls location in the Catskill Mountains.Nils Schlebusch | The Roxbury The Roxbury calls two locations home: The Roxbury Motel, a revamped 1960s motel in the small town of Roxbury, and The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, a property that includes a renovated 1848 Italianate mansion and eight stand-alone cottages. A night spent at The Roxbury is meant to be memorable. The Roxbury is truly a one-of-a-kind stay, located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, Yelp wrote in its recently released ranking. The bespoke themed rooms, cottages, and suites are impeccably detailed and whimsical for interests ranging from superheroes to Dracula. The characters from your favorite films, comics and books would certainly be comfortable at The Roxbury: Holly Golightly would be happy to sleep in the Tiffany-blue, Golightly-a-Go-Go motel room, while Ancient Alien analysts would be thrilled to see the rooftop stargazing observation conservatory in the Galileos Gate cottage. If you do not at least smile (and hopefully sometimes gasp) when you open the door to your room, then we have not done our job, the owners of The Roxbury wrote on the hotels website. We want you to feel that immediacy of emotion that seeing a great film or play can produce. Only instead of just watching the production, we want to provide you with the ability to be IN the production. To live the fantasy. And along with making fantasy a reality, The Roxbury also has a pool with a cabana, a trail to a waterfall and two spas one of which includes a steam area constructed from recycled green car windshield glass. To view each of The Roxburys rooms or book a stay, visit the hotels website. The Roxbury at Stratton Falls features eight themed guest cottages. The Superhero Incognito is perfect for fans of pop art and Wonder Woman.Nils Schlebusch | The Roxbury READ MORE Quirky Upstate NY hotel rated among top 25 hotels in the U.S. by Tripadvisor We dare you to spend the night at these 17 haunted Upstate NY hotels Sleep in a fairy forest, unleash royal dragon fantasies, pretend to be a princess and more at expanded Upstate NY hotel Best new hotels in the world include three peaceful stays in Upstate NY Leave the kids home: One of the best-rated adults-only resorts in world is in Upstate NY On March 22, a 32-year-old from Lyons and a 62-year-old from Sodus cut a large amount of cattails from the Lakeshore Marshes Wildlife Management Area in the Wayne County town of Huron. For centuries, people have harvested and sold cattail leaves for use in wooden barrel caulking, but today a permit is required to do this legally. A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger observed the cattail collectors from a distance as they cut and bundled the reedy bounty. After determining that they didnt have the required permits, the ranger confiscated the cattails and ticketed the pair for illegal cattail harvest. Forest rangers last week rappelled 100 feet down into Ausable Chasm to recover the body of a murder victim. On the morning of March 20, the body of 37-year-old Kenneth Darrah, of Keesville, was found at the bottom of Ausable Chasm. New York State Police determined that Darrah was stabbed to death during a fight on the Ausable Chasm Bridge on State Route 9 in Chesterfield, and his body thrown off the bridge. State police called rangers to recover the body and to help search for evidence connected to Darrahs murder. Rangers rappelled 100 feet down a sheer rock face into the chasm, found the victim, packaged the body, and used a technical rope system to return the victim back above the cliff. Rangers then spent hours scaling the cliff, scouring it for evidence in the case. Anything found was turned over state police. State police charged two North Country men for Darrahs murder the next day. Both men are being held in Essex County Jail without bail. An investigation is ongoing. Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: READ MORE Rangers recover body of hiker who fell off 50-foot cliff - newyorkupstate.com DEC forest rangers recover two bodies, ticket target shooters with stuck truck - syracuse.com Ranger tickets driver for barreling through fence, abandoning car in Upstate NY nature preserve - newyorkupstate.com Rangers recover two bodies in separate incidents; rescue injured hikers - newyorkupstate.com Forest rangers pull 74-year old from ADK lake, rescue two elderly hikers injured on icy Catskills trail - syracuse.com Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.comand NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. Washington U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney told a crowd of journalists at a Syracuse University event Monday night that its getting pretty dark out there when it comes to threats to democracy and the future of the news business. Romney, R-Utah, lamented the loss of trust in mainstream media and the development of local news deserts across the nation where no newspapers or other independent sources of news are available. When people increasingly get their news where there are no editors or fact checkers thats a problem, Romney said in his keynote address at an SU ceremony to award the 2023 Toner Prize for Excellence in Political Reporting. Romney said the erosion in the size and number of news organizations has made it tougher for elected officials to engage with voters. Worse for us is the fact that the public largely tunes out of political campaigns altogether, he said. It used to be what we called earned media was the heart of a political campaign. Romney, a senator since 2019, was the 2012 Republican nominee for president. He is also a former governor of Massachusetts. He told a crowd of more than 250 people who gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington that the stakes have never been higher for democracy. So, if democracy dies in darkness, were counting on you, and those who are being honored tonight and have shown us the way, to help shed the light of truth on our public electorate, Romney said. Its a task for which I thank you and Im happy to join you this evening. The Toner Prize honors the life and work of Robin Toner, a 1976 SU graduate who became the first woman to serve as national political correspondent for The New York Times. After Toner died of cancer in 2008, friends and classmates established the Robin Toner Program in Political Reporting at SUs S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The friends and classmates also established the annual journalism prize for the nations best political reporting. The winner of this years prize is a team of reporters at Politico, who broke the news that the U.S. Supreme Court planned to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision for abortion rights. Politico reporters Josh Gerstein, Alex Ward, Peter Canellos, Hailey Fuchs, Heidi Przybyla, Elena Schneider and Holly Otterbein were honored for a series of articles related to the decision. The initial Politico story marked the first time in the courts modern history that a draft decision had been disclosed publicly while a case was pending. The nonprofit news site ProPublica and The Texas Tribune won honorable mention for a series of stories titled Church Politics. The stories explored the political activities of churches and the potential impact on campaigns. Other speakers at the event Monday night included SU Chancellor Kent Syverud and Mark Lodato, dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. It marked the first time the prize event has been held in person since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous speakers at the annual awards ceremony in Washington have included Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. This is the fourth year that a separate prize was awarded for excellence in local political reporting. Phil Williams, a reporter for WTVF-TV in Nashville, won for a series of stories that examined how laws are made in the Tennessee General Assembly. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Washington Rep. Brandon Williams has agreed to hold a series of public town hall meetings in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, his first since winning the 22nd Congressional District election in November. Williams, a Republican, said today he will host four public meetings in April in Madison and Oneida counties. A second series of town hall meetings will be held later in the year. Williams announced the meetings a day after a group showed up at his Syracuse office with a petition signed by 234 voters requesting town hall meetings. The petition drive was organized by the Working Families Party. A spokesperson for Williams said the meetings had already been planned before the petition was submitted Monday. Other newly elected Democratic and Republican House members from New York have already hosted multiple in-person town hall meetings. The list is led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook, who promised to hold public meetings in all 11 counties in the 19th Congressional District within his first 90 days in office. The district includes Cortland County. Williams plans to host voters at the following town hall meetings: New Hartford 6:30 p.m. April 6, Bradley Elementary School, 33 Oxford Road. Chittenango 6:30 p.m. April 10, Chittenango High School, 150 Genesee St. Rome 6:30 p.m. April 11, Lyndon Strough Middle School, 801 Laurel St. Morrisville 6:30 p.m. April 13, Morrisville-Eaton Middle/High School, 5061 Fearon Road Williams was sworn into office in January after winning the 22nd Congressional District election over Democrat Francis Conole. The new 22nd District spans all of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties and the southeast tip of Oswego County. READ MORE Brandon Williams hires new communications director from Skaneateles Williams ripped bipartisanship during campaign for Congress. Now he embraces it Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Nashville, Tenn. A former student killed three children and three adults at a Christian elementary school in Nashville on Monday, armed with two assault-style weapons and a handgun after elaborately planning the massacre by drawing out a detailed map and conducting surveillance of the building, police said. The massacre at The Covenant School in Nashville was the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. The victims included three 9-year-old children, the schools top administrator, a substitute teacher and a custodian. Amid the chaos a familiar ritual played out: Panicked parents rushed to the school to see if their children were safe and tearfully hugged their kids, and a stunned community planned vigils for the victims. I was literally moved to tears to see this and the kids as they were being ushered out of the building, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday during one of several news conferences. Police gave unclear information on the gender of the shooter. For hours, police identified the shooter as a 28-year-old woman and eventually identified the person as Audrey Hale. Then at a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said that Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale currently identified. Drake did not give a specific motive when asked by reporters but gave chilling examples of the shooters prior planning for the targeted attack. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that were going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he said. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. The shooter gained entry by firing into glass doors on the building, shattering them, police later said in a tweet. The shooter was armed with two assault-style weapons as well as a handgun, authorities said. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. The victims were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and adults Cynthia Peak, 61; Katherine Koonce, 60; and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Students held hands as they walked to school buses, which drove them to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents. Rachel Dibble, who was at the church as families found their children, described the scene as everyone being in complete shock. People were involuntarily trembling, said Dibble, whose children attend a different private school in Nashville. The children started their morning in their cute little uniforms, they probably had some Froot Loops and now their whole lives changed today. Communities around the U.S. has suffered through one mass killing after another in recent years, with school shootings taking an especially painful toll. Recent tragedies nationwide include the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. President Joe Biden, speaking at an unrelated event at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a familys worst nightmare and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. Its ripping at the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of this nation, Biden said. Biden later ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff on all federal buildings and grounds through March 31 as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence in Nashville. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famed Bluebird Cafe a spot typically beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Before Mondays violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas-area within two days of each other. Mondays tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m. Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said during a news briefing. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. One officer had a hand wound from cut glass. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. Jozen Reodica heard the police sirens and fire trucks blaring from outside her office building nearby. As her building was placed under lockdown, she took out her phone and recorded the chaos. I thought I would just see this on TV, she said. And right now, its real. Nashville has seen its share of mass violence in recent years, including a Christmas Day 2020 attack where a recreational vehicle was intentionally detonated in the heart of Music Citys historic downtown, killing the bomber, injuring three others and forcing more than 60 businesses to close. Caution prevailed in Israel Tuesday ahead of the first talks between the government and opposition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused controversial judicial reforms which sparked a general strike and mass protests. With the crisis far from over, President Isaac Herzog's office said he had invited representatives of the ruling coalition and the two main opposition parties "for a first dialogue meeting" at his residence from 7:30 pm (1630 GMT). After three months of increasing tensions that split the nation, Netanyahu bowed to pressure in the face of a nationwide walkout Monday which hit airports, hospitals and more, while tens of thousands of reform opponents rallied outside parliament in Jerusalem. "Out of a will to prevent a rupture among our people, I have decided to pause the second and third readings of the bill" to allow time for dialogue, the prime minister said in a broadcast. The decision to halt the legislative process marked a dramatic U-turn for the premier, who just a day earlier announced he was sacking his defence minister who had called for the very same step. The move was greeted with scepticism in Israel, with the president of the Israel Democracy Institute think-tank remarking it does not amount to a peace deal. "Rather, it's a ceasefire perhaps for regrouping, reorganising, reorienting and then charging, potentially, charging ahead," Yohanan Plesner told journalists. 'Ruse Or Bluff' Opposition leader Yair Lapid reacted warily, saying Monday he wanted to be sure "that there is no ruse or bluff". A joint statement Tuesday from Lapid's party and that of Benny Gantz, the former defence minister, said such talks will stop immediately "if the law is put on the Knesset's (parliament's) agenda". The opposition had previously refused to negotiate over the reforms, which would hand politicians more power over the judiciary, until the legislative process was stopped. "The goal is to reach an agreement," Netanyahu said in a statement Tuesday. Activists who have led nearly three months of protests against the reform package vowed to continue their rallies. "This is another attempt of Netanyahu trying to gaslight the Israeli public in order to weaken the protest and then enact a dictatorship," the Umbrella Movement of demonstrators said. "We will not stop the protest until the judicial coup is completely stopped," it added in a statement. 'No Turning Back' The crisis has revealed deep rifts within Netanyahu's fledgling coalition, an alliance with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted "there will be no turning back" on the judicial overhaul, in a tweet Monday. Fellow far-right cabinet member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, had pressed his supporters to rally in favour of the reforms. Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party revealed on Monday that the decision to delay the legislation involved an agreement to expand the minister's portfolio after he threatened to quit if the overhaul was put on hold. Writing in the left-wing daily Haaretz, political correspondent Yossi Verter said the pause was "a victory for the protesters, but the one who really bent Netanyahu and trampled on him is Itamar Ben-Gvir". The affair has hit the coalition's standing among the Israeli public, just three months after it took office. Netanyahu's Likud party has dipped seven points, according to a poll by Israel's Channel 12 which predicted the government would lose its majority in the 120-seat parliament if elections were held. The fate of the ousted defence minister, Yoav Gallant, was unknown on Tuesday with speculation in Israeli media that he could be reinstated. Gallant, who had warned the crisis threatened national security, on Monday welcomed "the decision to stop the legislative process in order to conduct dialogue," his team said. Search Keywords: Short link: Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. DarthVeda BHPian Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 493 Thanked: 1,857 Times Infractions: 0/1 (5) re: 2023 Hybrid sales exceed EVs | Toyotas hybrid bet paying off? Quote: nettooran Originally Posted by At this point of time, economically, I do not see any sense in BEVs. Of course, the green fuel, cleaner air tag may have an advantage ( then again it is said that it is nuetralized in the mining process of the raw materials required for the battery). I wonder what the resale value of the BEV vehicles are going to be. The battery costs about 50% of the total car cost and post 3 to 4 years of ownership no one is going to pay you anywhere near to 50% of the car cost if there is a need for you to sell your car. Most of the money you saved would be gone in the initial premium you paid for the BEV. Coupled that with the ultra low resale value, time spent in recharging and ever increasing electricity cost, I hardly see any advantage in BEVs. That was my thought. Correct me if I am wrong. Now coming to your comment about neutralised during raw materials, do you know lithium is not the major component of a Battery by weight? and the effects of mining is one time only, it's not recurring. Battery tech is changing every year, this year will see onset of Sodium ion battery and guess where Sodium is going to be mined? You also need to think that Petrol/Diesel aren't exactly coming gushing out of geysers or natural spot and they are also drilled in offshore, causing so much documented damages to the environment and marine life. But hey!! let's gloss over that shall we! Why would you want to sell your vehicle is 3 to 4 years? for some reason you want to, you can check equivalent resale value of EV vehicles outside india, since we do not have the history right now. Coming to spiraling electric cost, what spiraling electric cost, you mean like how petrol went from 60 rupees to 110 rupees in a year? something like that. You are always free to generate electricity through roof top, wind mill, etc. Can't say the same about Petrol/Diesel can we? As an EV owner for 3 years, and clocked only 25k KMs (lost 1/2 year due to covid), I am very happy with the car and have done inter state trips as well, yes, the charging stops are a bane given that Nexon EV charges at only 21kw while other competitors are going faster and faster, but a trip should not be a rush to POINT A to POINT B in record time, it's enjoying the journey, which I do, given the awesome drivability of the EV and lack of noise, so that I can talk to folks inside the car. Quote: neerajku Originally Posted by Think the reasons are obvious, as many of you have articulated it so well; lack of EV infra, lower range than proclaimed, some fear of the unknown, prices, no big brands, life of battery etc. Personally I feel Hybrid is an intermediate tech though it wont disappear in the next 15-20 years as EV infra will cost a lot of Money. But ultimately it will be EV only. One question I have always had, why dont Petro companies invest in research on hybrid if their future appears bleak. Why not collaborate with strong Car companies? Or may be they do. I dont know. Such collaboration is not unknown in the business world. Other places through Advt expenses, like De'beers. Here it could be design and development. Nobody is investing in Hybrid in big way because it is worst of both and a stop-gap before fully going electric, some manufacturers are clinging onto fuel variants and going for hybrid to prolong their beloved assets and IPs and what nots. The future is electric drive, what powers the electric will be dictated by R&D, Economics and Markets. Let me correct you then, if you are a heavy user of car then travelling 10k km will save you roughly 1L provided that you used charging at home or at govt. DISCOM rated below 9 rs per unit. If you are like me and charge at office for free then you can enjoy the saving even more.Now coming to your comment about neutralised during raw materials, do you know lithium is not the major component of a Battery by weight? and the effects of mining is one time only, it's not recurring. Battery tech is changing every year, this year will see onset of Sodium ion battery and guess where Sodium is going to be mined? You also need to think that Petrol/Diesel aren't exactly coming gushing out of geysers or natural spot and they are also drilled in offshore, causing so much documented damages to the environment and marine life. But hey!! let's gloss over that shall we!Why would you want to sell your vehicle is 3 to 4 years? for some reason you want to, you can check equivalent resale value of EV vehicles outside india, since we do not have the history right now.Coming to spiraling electric cost, what spiraling electric cost, you mean like how petrol went from 60 rupees to 110 rupees in a year? something like that. You are always free to generate electricity through roof top, wind mill, etc. Can't say the same about Petrol/Diesel can we?As an EV owner for 3 years, and clocked only 25k KMs (lost 1/2 year due to covid), I am very happy with the car and have done inter state trips as well, yes, the charging stops are a bane given that Nexon EV charges at only 21kw while other competitors are going faster and faster, but a trip should not be a rush to POINT A to POINT B in record time, it's enjoying the journey, which I do, given the awesome drivability of the EV and lack of noise, so that I can talk to folks inside the car.Occasionally, before posting comment like "Lack of EV Infra", please visit plugshare.com and see the growing infra each week. BPCL has gone an spree and covered lots more highways in Karnataka and south. It took decades for fuel stations to be at the state where they are now, EV is growing at even rapid pace than that. A EV car owner need not rely on external EV charging station solely for his/her needs. Your home or office setup will do nicely. the EV infra will come into question for your vacation, which I presume most of the folks won't be doing weekly. I am with you on the comment about lower range than proclaimed. ARAI range is ARAI range, manf. should not emphasize too much on that. It is the same on petrol/diesel, you will never achieve the proclaimed efficiency in real world anyway.Nobody is investing in Hybrid in big way because it is worst of both and a stop-gap before fully going electric, some manufacturers are clinging onto fuel variants and going for hybrid to prolong their beloved assets and IPs and what nots. The future is electric drive, what powers the electric will be dictated by R&D, Economics and Markets. Last edited by DarthVeda : 28th March 2023 at 12:07 . Myanmar's junta-stacked election commission on Tuesday announced Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party would be dissolved for failing to re-register under a tough new military-drafted electoral law, state media said. The military justified its February 2021 coup with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in 2020 elections won by the NLD, ending a 10-year democratic experiment and plunging the country into turmoil. In January, it gave political parties two months to re-register under a strict new electoral law ahead of fresh polls it has promised to hold but which its opponents say will be neither free nor fair. Out of 90 existing parties only 50 had applied to re-register under the new rules, state broadcaster MRTV said. The rest would be dissolved from Wednesday. Suu Kyi cofounded the NLD in 1988, and won a landslide victory in 1990 elections that were subsequently annulled by the then-junta. The NLD carried the torch for democratic aspirations in military-ruled Myanmar and later won crushing victories over military-backed parties in elections in 2015 and 2020. Its leadership has been decimated in the junta's bloody crackdown on dissent, with one former lawmaker executed by the junta in the country's first use of capital punishment in decades. Some leaders in exile had previously called for the party not to re-register under the new rules. The rules stipulate any party wishing to contest elections nationwide must mobilise at least 100,000 party members within 90 days of registration being granted and open offices in at least half of the country's townships within 180 days. Those unable to do so will "lose their status" as a political party. The rules give no details on how those numbers would be verified across the crisis-racked country, where the military is struggling to crush resistance to its coup and rights groups accuse it of massive intimidation. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party had applied to re-register, according to a junta statement. Junta Vows Further Crackdown Last month, the military announced a six-month extension of a two-year state of emergency and postponed elections it had promised to hold by August because it did not control enough of the country for a vote to take place. On Monday, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed no let up in a crackdown on opponents and told thousands of soldiers at an annual parade that elections would be held, although he did not give a timeline. "The Myanmar regime is preparing for national elections that, if imposed by force, are likely to be the bloodiest in the country's recent history," said Richard Horsey, International Crisis Group's senior adviser on Myanmar. "The majority of the population fiercely oppose going to the polls to legitimise the military's political control, so we will see violence ratchet up if the regime seeks to impose a vote." Suu Kyi has been detained since the early hours of the coup in February 2021. In December, the junta wrapped up a series of closed-court trials of the 77-year-old Nobel laureate, jailing her for a total of 33 years in a process rights groups have condemned as a sham. A spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres said the dissolution of the NLD was "another step in the direction that we would not like to be going," and called for the release of Suu Kyi. The putsch sparked renewed fighting with ethnic rebels and birthed dozens of anti-junta "People's Defence Forces" (PDFs), with swathes of Myanmar now ravaged by fighting and the economy in tatters. More than 3,100 people have been killed and over 20,000 arrested since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. Search Keywords: Short link: dieselhead01 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Bangalore Posts: 94 Thanked: 472 Times Re: New VW Virtus Vs Used VW Jetta Driving both back to back, and spending time with both of these cars, I will straight up suggest the Jetta. But please look out for a 2015+ Jetta, which is the facelifted version, the MK6.5, if youre getting one that is, and look for quite low mileage cars too. Why I would pick jetta is: 1. Much more solidly built, built like a tank. 2. Way better suspension, and the interiors feel more premium, if you keep the fancy new features aside. 3. Despite being the older car, the Jetta is the better performer on the road with all that grunt and torque, itll outrun the Virtus GT on the straights and the Jetta corners way better. 4. A bigger car, next segment, has more space any day, and is more practical too. 5. Much more fuel efficient, and the MK6.5 design grows on you as time passes. 6. Has more mod potential than the Virtus, my friends Jetta has about 205hp and 500nm torque on the crank with just a stage 2 remap on stock turbo, especially the diesel, imho forget the 1.4 TSI, and get the 2.0 diesel Jetta. Post remapping a Jetta, youll forget even the 320d or any other 2.0 diesels. The car even at stock form performs brilliantly, and at the same time is frugal at most. Just hunt for a well maintained Jetta, nothing even comes close. TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust What just happened? It's amazing how much ChatGPT can do, from writing essays and emails to creating programming code. But its abilities are easily abused. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) has become the latest organization to warn that criminals will use the chatbot for the likes of phishing, fraud, disinformation, and general cybercrime. Europol notes that Large Language Models (LLMs) are advancing rapidly and have now entered the mainstream. Numerous industries are adopting LLMs, including criminal enterprises. "The impact these types of models might have on the work of law enforcement can already be anticipated," Europol wrote. "Criminals are typically quick to exploit new technologies and were fast seen coming up with concrete criminal exploitations, providing the first practical examples mere weeks after the public release of ChatGPT." Europol notes that ChatGPT's ability to draft text based on a few prompts makes it ideal for phishing attacks. These emails are usually identifiable by their spelling and grammatical errors or suspicious content, tell-tale signs that ChatGPT can avoid. The tool can also write in specific styles based on the type of scam, increasing the chances of a successful social engineering play. Additionally, ChatGPT can produce authentic-sounding text at speed and scale, making it a perfect tool for propaganda and disinformation purposes. But possibly the most dangerous aspect of ChatGPT is that it can write malicious code for cybercriminals who have little or no knowledge of programming. Europol writes that the safeguards preventing ChatGPT from providing potentially malicious code only work if the model understands what it is doing. "If prompts are broken down into individual steps, it is trivial to bypass these safety measures." Based on previous reports, OpenAI's service is already being abused in this way. Security researchers in January discovered ChatGPT being used on cybercrime forums as both an "educational" tool and malware-creation platform. The chatbot could also be used to answer technical queries about hacking into networks or escalating privileges. ChatGPT's uses aren't limited to creating specific texts or code. A potential criminal could use it to learn about a particular crime area, such as terrorism or child abuse. While this information could be found on the internet, ChatGPT makes it easier to discover and understand thanks to how the query result is presented. There's also the potential for creating a filter-free language model that could be trained on harmful data and hosted on the dark web. If you use #ChatGPT be careful! There's a risk of your chats being shared to other users! Today I was presented another user's chat history. I couldn't see contents, but could see their recent chats' titles.#security #privacy #openAI #AI pic.twitter.com/DLX3CZntao --- Jordan L Wheeler (@JordanLWheeler) March 20, 2023 Finally, Europol warns of the danger that ChatGPT user data, such as sensitive queries, could be exposed. This already happened a week ago when the service was temporarily shut down after it started showing other users' chat history titles. The contents were not exposed, but it was still a major privacy incident. Europol isn't the only agency to warn of the potential dangers posed by chatbots. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued a similar warning earlier this month. Masthead: Emiliano Vittoriosi TechSpot is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In context: Intel's Alder Lake-H laptop CPUs may be a generation old, but they're still pretty capable in their own right. With TDPs starting at a mere 45W, they are also fairly power efficient, making them ideal for most use cases including gaming. Chinese motherboard manufacturer Erying has released a number of DIY gaming PC motherboard kits with Intel's Alder Lake-H laptop CPUs. The boards, which are currently available for sale on AliExpress, come in mATX and Mini-ITX form factors. The kits offer a range of CPU options including the Core i7-12700H, Core i5-12650H, Core i5-12500H, and the Core i5-12450H. The most powerful processor in the lineup is the Core i7-12700H, which comes with 14 cores, including six performance cores and eight efficient cores. It has a total of 20 threads, and a max turbo frequency of 4.7GHz. The base power rating is 45W and the max turbo power rating is 155W. The CPUs have a BGA design and are soldered to the motherboard, meaning users won't be able to swap them out when they want to upgrade. As for the motherboard, it has a 6+1 Phase VRM design and is powered by a single 8-pin connector. It comes with 2x DDR4 DIMM slots with support for up to 64GB of RAM, and 3x M.2 slots including two Gen 4 x 4 and one Gen 3 x 4 slot for SSDs. The board also has a PCIe Gen 4 x 8 slot for a discrete graphics card. I/O options include 1x VGA port with support for a 1,920 x 1,080 60Hz display, 2x HDMI slots that support 4,096 x 2,160 @ 60 Hz panels, 4x USB Type-A ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2x RJ45 Ethernet ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Pricing starts at $236 for the base Mini-ITX model with the Core i5-12500H, but the top-end model with the Core i7-12700H will set you back $343. AliExpress is offering free shipping to the US, but it will take a month for the products to arrive Stateside. Buyers can also choose expedited shipping, which costs $70. Overall, the DIY kits offer great value for money, especially for people who are looking to get their hands on something affordable. The big picture: The proliferation of commercial spyware tools created a lucrative global market for individuals and organizations developing software for surveillance and data theft. These are effectively malware that's hard to defend against, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the US government wants to implement guardrails for their use - specifically, for situations where the US government is not the one using them. President Biden has signed an executive order that should effectively prevent the US government and any federal agencies from acquiring or licensing commercial spyware tools that have been previously used by other countries for purposes such as systematic surveillance of key officials, journalists, academics, or dissident voices among the general population. The move isn't a blanket ban but rather a way to deal with the recent explosion of spyware software used to extract (read: steal) sensitive information from a device by exploiting security flaws. These tools have a high risk for abuse, which is one of the reasons why the general public won't be notified about any bans made under the new executive order. Criteria that can lead to an outright ban on a specific spyware tool include whether or not it has been used by a foreign government to access the private information of a US citizen or to suppress free speech from a person opposing or criticizing a certain regime. Another characteristic would be that a specific tool has clear ties or has been supplied to a government known to engage in political repression or human rights violations. White House officials won't say what software is on the shortlist for a ban, but they note the order is a direct response to incidents that have led to the devices of roughly 50 US government personnel overseas being compromised in recent years. Examples of companies with mixed track records include NSO Group (known for the infamous Pegasus spyware), Candiru, and Cytrox, whose Predator software was used by the Greek government to spy on a US citizen for a year. Also worth noting is the order applies to both domestic and foreign companies. Furthermore, any organization that's considered for a ban can take remedial steps to increase trust, such as proving its software hasn't been misused or introducing new safeguards to prevent abuse. Overall, the new executive order seems to be designed only as a way to alleviate concerns about growing counterintelligence and security risks to the US. It doesn't say whether the US government or any federal agency uses commercial spyware tools on its citizens, nor does it explain how it will encourage "the development and implementation of responsible norms regarding the use of commercial spyware that are consistent with respect for the rule of law, human rights, and democratic norms and values." Image credit: FLY:D NASA and the French space agency Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) have revealed some of the first glimpses of water on Earth's surface captured by the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. The images showed ocean currents like the Gulf Stream in unprecedented detail and freshwater features such as lakes, rivers, and other water bodies down to about 300 feet (100 meters) wide. Measuring All Bodies of Water One of the most thorough surveys of the surface water on our globe will be provided by SWOT, which is planned to measure the elevation of almost all bodies of water. Understanding how the ocean affects climate change and the water cycle will be possible thanks to the satellite's measurements of freshwater bodies of water and the ocean. Helping communities better manage their water supplies and prepare for floods and other disasters will show how a warming planet affects water storage in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, SWOT's advanced imagery will empower researchers and advance how fresh water is managed and the effects of sea level rise across the globe. "Water is one of our planet's most important resources - and it's proven to be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. SWOT will provide critical information that communities can use to prepare for the impacts of a warming climate," he added. On January 21, SWOT measured the sea level in a section of the Gulf Stream off the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia. The measurements were recorded, and the resulting data were mapped as two broad, colored strips that were a combined 75 miles (120 kilometers) large. Read Also: NASA's Artemis Astronauts May 3D Print Batteries for Future Lunar Missions Sea Levels Sea levels that are higher than usual are shown in the photos as red and orange regions, whereas lower average sea levels are shown as various hues of blue. KaRIn's two wide-swath strips observe sea level as a two-dimensional map in contrast to conventional altimeters, which can only see a narrow beam of Earth directly beneath them. CNES Chairman and CEO Philippe Baptiste said, "Our ability to measure freshwater resources on a global scale through satellite data is of prime importance as we seek to adjust to a changing climate. In this respect, the first views from SWOT give us a clearer picture than ever before." "These data will prove highly valuable for the international scientific community in the fields of hydrology, oceanography, and coastal studies." According to Parag Vaze, SWOT project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, the KaRIn instrument of SWOT took years to create and build. The initial inland image is a compelling example of how SWOT can measure specifics of smaller lakes, ponds, and rivers in ways that satellites previously could not. Overall, the SWOT mission will have significant implications for how we understand and manage water resources globally, providing valuable insights into the effects of climate change and helping communities prepare for its impacts. Related Article: NASA To Unveil 'Mars Habitat' Before Crew Enters Yearlong Mission in Ground-Based Structure 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple's CEO met with the Commerce Minister of China on Monday to talk about the importance of the company's relationship with the country. The conversation also revolves around stabilizing the industrial and supply chains despite the increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing. (Photo : BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Apple CEO Tim Cook listens to US President Joe Biden deliver remarks on his economic plan at TSMC Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 6, 2022. Meeting with China's Minister of Commerce Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao have met to discuss China's reopening and broader supply and industrial chains issues. Reuters reported that Apple relies on the country for about 20% of overall sales, with most of its products still made mostly in China. As per a statement from Wang's ministry regarding the meeting between the two, "The two sides exchanged views on issues such as Apple's development in China and the stabilization of the industrial and supply chains." Cook was also told that China is opening its hands as they continue to provide good services to foreign companies, including Apple. China Development Forum CNBC reported that the meeting with China's Minister of Commerce comes after Cook's attendance at the government-ran China Development Forum (CDF) last March 24th, along with a handful of top American and European executives who also met the minister. this event is showcased by the government as they reopen after years of COVID-Zero regulations. Wang was appointed to his role this year and met so far with leaders and executives from Nestle SA, BMW, AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Pfizer Inc., and Qualcomm Inc. The Apple executive stated during CDF that the company and China have grown their relationship together, and he described it as "symbiotic." His trip to China included a visit to an Apple retail store in Beijing with Retail Chief Deirdre O'Brien and other executives of the company. Also Read: Apple, China Relationship Called 'Untenable' Amidst Criticism Bloomberg reported that ever since Apple expanded its services in the country, products from the company gained popularity in the regions and now count for 20% of its sales in China. However, the relationship between the two has become unraveled over time. Factory closures because of COVID lockdowns became a challenge for the company as they suffered unprecedented snags in production last year. This caused setbacks including the limiting supply of iPhone 14 Pro. Apple has also been shifting production away from the country as it seems like the company is making India a new place for its new expansion. This comes after the $9 billion worth of smartphones exported from the country between April 2022 to February this year. Pegatron Corp is already in its developing phase with a second India factory in the southern city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, as the company diversifies its production away from China. As of the moment, Pegatron accounts for 10% of Apple's production of iPhones in India every year. Related Article: Apple Continues to Shift Production Away from China, Looking to Open Second Factory in India 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A research team from South Korea has developed a high-performance AI chip that is suitable for AI computations that will address challenges like higher power consumption and significant delays in calculating results. (Photo : Chris McGrath/Getty Images) ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 06: A tablet is seen in the center of a high tech art installation at Salt Galata on May 6, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey. The "Archive Dreaming" installation by artist Refik Anadol uses artificial intelligence to visualize nearly 2 million historical Ottoman documents and photographs from the SALT Research Archive. High-Performance AI Chip As artificial intelligence rises and was recognized through its ability to perform several tasks, systems of traditional digital computer separates the storage and computation of information, which leads to much-increased power usage and lags in computations. Due to this, researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology, also known as POSTECH, developed a solution that will address these challenges. Interesting Engineering reported that through chip technologies, researchers were able to produce a high-performance device that offers high performance and power efficiency. The material used to build this device is indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), which is an oxide chip that is commonly used in OLED displays. POSTECH researchers stated that previous systems were only limited to meeting all AI requirements like linear and symmetric programming and uniformity to improve accuracy. Researchers then used IGZO as the key material for these calculations, which provided uniformity, durability, and computing accuracy. This consists of four atoms in a fixed ratio of indium, gallium, zinc, and oxygen, with excellent electron mobility and leakage current properties. Also Read: AI Vision is Less Superior than Human Vision New Study Finds They were able to develop a novel synapse device that comes with two transistors connected through a storage node. The AI chip was also able to meet the performance metrics required for a much-improved performance by controlling the node's charging and discharging rate. As per the team, "Possibility of utilizing the ultra-thin film insulators inside the transistors to control the current, making them suitable for large-scale AI." The output current of synaptic devices will be minimized as technologies were included in a large-scale AI system. Testing the Device EurekAlert reported that the researchers used the newly developed device to train and classify handwritten data and achieved a high accuracy of over 98%. With this percentage, this technology may potentially be used in the future in high-accuracy systems related to AI. This team was led by Professor Yoonyoung Chung, Professor Seyoung Kim and Ph.D. candidate Seongmin Park from the Department of Electrical Engineering. Chung stated, "The significance of my research team's achievement is that we overcame the limitations of conventional AI semiconductor technologies that focused solely on material development." The study was then published on the inside back cover of Advanced Electronic Materials, with support from the Next-Generation Intelligent Semiconductor Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation. This foundation was funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea. Related Article: AI-Generated Works May Now Qualify for Copyright Protection 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Pakistan announced Tuesday it will not participate in this week's US-led Summit for Democracy, a move seen in part as an effort by the impoverished Islamic nation to assuage longtime ally China, which was not invited. The Biden administration has invited 120 global leaders to the summit being held in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday. It will be co-hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry in a statement thanked the United States and its co-hosts for the invitation. Pakistan was also not part of the first and only other summit held in December 2021. Pakistan is the fifth largest country in the world with a population of over 220 million. It has a functional democracy, although critics say Pakistan ranks among the worst democracies in the world. Pakistan would engage bilaterally with the United States and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption," the statement said. Pakistan did not attend the 2021 summit amid growing tension between the government of then-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the US administration of President Joe Biden. Relations between Washington and Khan were further strained when Khan visited Moscow in February 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Two months later Khan, who served as prime minister for over 3 1/2 years, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament by an alliance of major political parties. Since then, Khan has alleged that the vote that removed him was a US-organized plot, a charge that Washington and Khan's successor Shahbaz Sharif have denied. In Tuesday's statement, the foreign ministry under Sharif said Pakistan values its friendship with the United States. "Under this Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. We remain committed to further solidifying this relationship for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, it said. The summit is taking place days after a leading international rights group in its annual report expressed concern over continued violations of human rights in Pakistan. These include enforced disappearances, curtailments on peaceful assembly, and tightening of controls on freedom of speech. Amnesty International said blasphemy allegations continued to spark violence against both religious minorities and Muslims in 2022. Fawad Chaudhry, a senior leader from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, at a news conference in Islamabad released a report describing how the current government under Sharif is continuing a crackdown on Khan supporters that began with his ouster in April. He said hundreds of Khan supporters have been detained in recent weeks. Pakistani analyst Imtiaz Gull, executive director at the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies, said there were multiple factors behind Pakistan's decision to skip the summit. One of them is Pakistans desire to assuage concerns from China, which was not invited. While relations between the US and China have been strained, China has been helping Pakistan's efforts to overcome its deepening economic crisis, China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan, much of it in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a sprawling package that includes everything from road construction and power plants to agriculture. It has an estimated cost of up to $75 billion. The largest component of the CPEC project is a 3,200-kilometer (2,000-mile) road linking China to Pakistans deep-water port of Gwadar in the southwest. Pakistan hopes the project will bring prosperity to this South Asian nation. China has also deposited much-needed millions into Pakistan's central bank to boost its fast-declining foreign exchange reserves to save Pakistan from a default amid the country's worst-ever economic crisis. Talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout have been on hold since last year. That has annoyed Pakistan, which has been trying to get help from Washington to influence the IMF into releasing the loan to Pakistan. On Tuesday, Pakistan's premier told the parliament that the IMF wants external financing commitments made by several friendly countries to be fulfilled to get the kay $1.1 billion tranche from the $6 billion bailout. Sharif said he hoped that the commitments made by Pakistan's friends will be fulfilled. Gull also noted the growing instability in Pakistan amid a widening crackdown on Khan and his political party as a factor for Pakistan to bow out of the summit. It does not happen in democracies what is happening in Pakistan, where the country's former premier Khan has been implicated in more than 127 cases, and hundreds of his party workers have been arrested on a range of charges, including terrorism, he said. What would you present there if you go to participate in the summit about democracy and democratic values? he said. Search Keywords: Short link: China's Chang'e 5 rover found tiny glass beads that contain water on the moon, according to Engadget. The samples were collected from a 2020 mission and the beads have high-water content-as high as 2,000 parts per million. (Photo : Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 02: A visitor looks at a case holding lunar rock and debris recently collected from the Moon by China's space program that is part of a display at the National Museum of China on March 2, 2021 in Beijing, China. The Prevalence of Glass Spheres on the Lunar Surface There are many of these glass spheres on the lunar surface that is sufficient enough to deliver 71 trillion gallons of water. Some of the beads were formed when asteroids collied with the Moon millions of years ago, while the others come from ancient volcanoes. Scientists believe that the water came from a chemical reaction when hydrogen ions emitted from the sun and is combined with oxygen atoms inside the beads. The beads are tiny but there are enough on the Moon's surface that can supply around 270 trillion kilograms of water. The Problem Is... The challenge here is that there is no final method yet to extract them. Scientists would need to heat them to around 212 degrees Fahrenheit to extract water. Should they be able to come up with a method to extract them soon, the tiny beads can be used for future lunar settlements. For example, the astronauts can use the water for drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and more. Also Read: China Chang'e 5 New Moon Water Discovery Can Help Create Permanent Human Presence Other Moons May Have Similar Beads Scientists believe that other moons in the solar system have similar tiny beads. The presence of water in impact glass beads is consistently seen with the remote detection of water at lower-latitude regions of the Moon, Vesta, and Mercury. This isn't the first time that the beads have been found on the Moon. In 2009, NASA crashed a probe into the Cabeus crater, which led to water detection. Also, in 2018, NASA found direct evidence of ice deposits in the Moon's permanently shadowed craters on its north and south poles. Water on the Moon for Future Lunar Explorations Recent discoveries by NASA have revealed that there is water on the Moon, which could have significant implications for future lunar explorations. The water is believed to exist in the form of ice in the permanently shadowed regions of the Moon's poles. Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis, which can be used as fuel for rocket propulsion. This could enable future lunar missions to refuel on the Moon, reducing the need for costly resupply missions from Earth. The discovery of water on the Moon could enable future lunar missions to sustain human life for longer periods. Water can be used for drinking, food production, and hygiene. Also, this is a significant breakthrough that could have far-reaching implications for future lunar explorations. Water can be used as fuel, sustenance, and for scientific research, and it could even lead to commercial opportunities in the future. As we continue to explore the Moon, the discovery of water will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our efforts to establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface. Related Article: China's Chang'e-5 Mission Moon Rock Sample Shows New Lunar Mineral-A Breakthrough in Mineralogy Research 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, has approached one of the biggest neurosurgery centers in the US as a potential partner for clinical trials, according to Reuters. (Photo : Nasa/Getty Images) A Simulation Of Surgical Implantation Of The Light Emitting Diodes Probe At The Children's Hospital Of Wisconsin, Medical College Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. The Led Probe Is Approximately 9 Inches Long And Is About One-Half Inch In Diameter. The clinical trials are in preparation for Neuralink to test its devices on humans once regulators allow it. Musk's brain company has been developing brain implants since 2016 and hopes that they will develop a cure for intractable conditions, such as paralysis and blindness. However, in 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected its application to progress to human trials due to safety concerns. The company has been working to address the agency's concerns. On the Lookout for Centers Neuralink is in talks with Barrow Neurological Institute, an Arizona-based neurological disease treatment and research organization, to help them execute human trials. However, it is unclear whether their talks will really turn into a solid partnership. That's why Neuralink is also talking to other centers. In 2022, the US Department of Agriculture's Inspector General started looking into the potential animal-welfare violations at Neuralink. Former and current employees of the company detailed their concerns regarding the company's rushed experiments that led to needless suffering and deaths. According to the US Department of Transportation, it is investigating potential mishandling of hazardous pathogens during Neuralink's partnership with University of California, Davis between 2018 and 2020. Also Read: Top 5 Fears About Elon Musk's Neuralink: Mind Control, Hacking, Malfunction, Etc. What Musk Says The plan for clinical trials is part of Musk's vision for the development of Neuralink's brain chip. He plans to make the company's brain implants become as ubiquitous as Lasik eye surgery. The company's brain implant is a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) device. It uses electrodes that penetrate the brain or sit on its surface to provide direct communication to computers. So far, no company has received US approval to bring a BCI implant to the market. On the other hand, Barrow's implants are different from Neuralink's. Barrow uses deep brain stimulation devices that are approved by the FDA. Their devices help reduce Parkinson's tremors and have been implanted in over 170,000 patients. The Neuralink device has a wide range of potential applications, including medical applications, such as treating neurological disorders, and non-medical applications, such as improving cognitive function or providing a direct interface between the brain and technology. While the Neuralink device has the potential to revolutionize the way humans interact with technology, there are also concerns about the safety and ethical implications of brain implants. These concerns include the risk of infection, the potential for abuse, and the privacy implications of having direct access to a person's thoughts and emotions. Related Article: Elon Musk Defends Neuralink Against Neuroscientist's Concerns of Chips Overheating 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Isar Aerospace, a German launch startup, has gained new funding amounting to $165 million, which will help with its goal to launch its small rocket, Spectrum, later this year, as reported by TechCrunch. (Photo : by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)) Daniel Metzler, CEO of Isar Aerospace, poses in Munich, southern Germany, on June 8, 2021. - If all goes according to plan, the startup Isar aerospace will send its first mini-rocket to the sky in less than a year. Isar Aerospace is one of the startups in Europe that are aiming to fill the gap in the launch market on the continent. Currently, there are only two European rockets flying today. Better Sovereign Launch Capabilities Soon? The European Union is focused on the automotive industry, but they are now recognizing the importance of investing in space due to its high profitability. Isar Aerospace will take a long-term approach to being fully vertically integrated, which the company thinks that will have a huge pay off. Isar Aerospace will fly five customer payloads on its first mission, which is scheduled for the second half of this year from Norway. The company has signed with Andya Space for the exclusive use of one of its launch pads for up to 20 years. The company also has contracts with several customers for future launchers, such as OroraTech and Exotrail. Also read: Europe Launches Rocket Carrying First Building Block Of Space Data Highway Next Step: Stage Testing Isar Aerospace still has things to do before the first launch. The next step is stage testing. Recently, they ran 124 hot fire tests of their Aquila rocket engine over a one-year period. Europe's sovereign rocket launches refer to the launch of rockets by European countries without relying on outside help. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been working on developing its own rockets and launch capabilities for several decades. The main objective of the sovereign rocket launches is to reduce Europe's dependence on other countries for space technology. One of the most significant developments in this area is the Ariane rocket family. The Ariane rockets are a series of rockets that have been developed by ESA and its partners to launch satellites into space. The Ariane rockets are designed to be reliable, cost-effective, and versatile, with the ability to launch a wide range of payloads into space. The Ariane rockets have been used to launch many different types of satellites, including telecommunications, weather, and scientific research satellites. They have also been used to launch the Galileo navigation system, which is Europe's own satellite navigation system. Europe's sovereign rocket launches are an important achievement because they demonstrate Europe's ability to become a major player in the global space industry. By developing its own rockets and launch capabilities, Europe is reducing its dependence on other countries for space technology, which is important for maintaining its strategic autonomy. Europe's sovereign rocket launches are an important development that demonstrates Europe's ability to become a major player in the global space industry. The development of the Ariane rockets has been a significant achievement, allowing Europe to launch a wide range of satellites into space and reduce its dependence on other countries for space technology. Related article: Meet ArianeGroup's SUSIE: Europe's Latest Reusable Spacecraft for Many Missions 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. French lawmakers are set to vote on a proposed law that would legalize the temporary use of intelligent surveillance systems for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, according to a report by AP on Tuesday, March 28. All About the Bill The bill has faced criticism from digital rights watchdogs who say it would violate international human rights law by becoming the first of the European Union's 27 countries to legalize AI-powered surveillance, even if just temporarily. The decision to take action would thereafter be made by human operators. Authorities in France have stressed that facial recognition will not be used in the surveillance. The technology, according to the bill's proponents, might help prevent tragedies like the devastating crowd crush that killed around 160 people during Halloween festivities in South Korea in October 2022. As the measures were being discussed last week in the National Assembly, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said, "It's not about recognizing 'Mr. X' in a crowd. It's about recognizing situations." By a margin of 245 to 28, the Senate largely adopted the draft in January. If the National Assembly follows suit on Tuesday afternoon, the law will be subject to additional revisions from assembly members and senators before being adopted in its entirety, which is anticipated to happen in April. Read Also: Chess Legend Kasparov Says Google AI and Microsoft ChatGPT Aren't Top Security Risks: Saying He Fears Bad Actors More The Bill's Detractors The deployment of this technology, according to the bill's detractors, runs the risk of turning France into a dystopian surveillance state permanently and would result in a full-scale assault on the rights to privacy, dissent, and freedom of assembly and expression. Mher Hakobyan, an expert on AI regulation for Amnesty International, argues that it is widely established that marginalized groups, such as migrants and Black and Brown people, are disproportionately targeted by hostile surveillance technology. Although the proposed law specifies that the cameras will not employ facial recognition, opponents worry that the technology could be used to target people who spend a lot of time in public places, such as the homeless. Additionally, the bill paves the path for the technology's use of drones equipped with cameras. Sandra Regol, a legislator from the opposition, warned during last week's National Assembly debates on the bill that it would use Olympic attendees as "guinea pigs" for AI-powered surveillance. If the measure is approved, France will be the first nation in the EU to make AI-powered surveillance permissible, even if it is only temporarily. Sporting and cultural events in France that are particularly vulnerable to terrorist threats will be protected using the technology on an experimental basis. Before being officially adopted in April, the bill is anticipated to go through one more round of revisions by senators and assembly members. Related Article: Crochet Creators Request Patterns From ChatGPT: Can AI Take Over Fiber Arts or Are the Designs Too Weird? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk's sudden decision to give its Twitter verification a deadline disappointed many Twitter users. On May Tuesday, Mar. 28, the billionaire suddenly announced that only verified Twitter accounts will be able to appear on the social media platform's "For You Page." If this is true, then Twitter accounts with no blue check marks will not be able to have their content on the FYP section. This is a major issue since Twitter's verification marks are no longer free. Now, here's what Twitter users say about the sudden announcement of Elon Musk. Elon Musk's Twitter Verification FYP Deadline Upsets Users! Via his official Twitter post, the billionaire said that unverified Twitter accounts' posts will not appear on the FYP recommendations. Also Read: Twitter Blue's Waiting Period for New Accounts Lowered-How Many Days Will You Have to Wait? He added that Twitter users have until Apr. 15 to get their accounts verified. The CEO further stated that this sudden plan will address the spread of AO bot swarms across the platform. However, many users are not happy with the announcement. In the comment section, many consumers shared their disappointments. One of them explained that Elon is forcing Twitter users to pay for the Twitter Blue service, which costs $7 per month. Another one said that instead of forcing Twitter users to subscribe to Twitter Blue, the social media company should invest its money into talent and AI technology to detect bots. So people who aren't "verified" can't even get their voices and content out there now? This is literally gonna make twitter obsolete, why be here when we can share content ANYWHERE else for free without a pay to win fyp, I don't understand this decision at all Sam Yang (@samdoesarts) March 28, 2023 While many Twitter users complained, individuals bashed the decision of Elon. One of them stated that the billionaire's plan is devaluing the Twitter platform. Despite all the criticisms he is receiving right now, Elon Musk seems to be unbothered. He even replies to them with the price of the Twitter Blue subscription. You can check the comments of the disappointed Twitter users below: I don't get behind this decision. You need to invest money into talent and AI tech to detect bots on the platform. This isn't the way to go. It could tarnish the platform Ben (@videotech_) March 28, 2023 Just a reminder to everyoneElon is a rightwing media mogul with massive conflicts of interests in various fields that require government oversight and regulationwhos openly and not so openlyutilizing his giant personal social-media platform to serve his own political purposes Luke Zaleski (@ZaleskiLuke) March 28, 2023 I don't understand your marketing strategy here. You, the richest man on Earth, made it seem like me, a renter, am some kind of fancy "elite" for having a blue check so someone couldn't impersonate me. You devalued it by making it seem like only status obsessed losers want it. Bridget Phetasy (@BridgetPhetasy) March 28, 2023 As of writing, the billionaire hasn't confirmed if he will still make a poll to see if the majority of Twitter users will agree with his plan or if he will just roll out the platform change. Twitter: Getting Verified Before Vs. After Elon Musk Takeover CNBC reported that Twitter blue check marks were free before Elon Musk acquired Twitter. The social media platform verifies accounts as a way to identify them if they match real people or companies. Most Twitter accounts that receive verifications are those belonging to journalists, celebrities, government officials, and organizations. However, after the billionaire took over, he decided to change this system. Instead of relying on Twitter staff to actually verify Twitter accounts, he decided to launch Twitter Blue. This subscription service, which costs $7 per month, will allow anyone (if they meet the platform's eligibility requirements) to be verified. In other news, the Twitter Blue relaunch allegedly made millions of dollars in revenue. We also reported that Twitter's two-factor authentication is no longer free. For more news updates about Twitter and Elon Musk, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Elon Musk claims 'For You' Page will Only Display Twitter Verified Accounts Starting April 15-What For? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched yet another investigation into Tesla vehicles, this time focusing on complaints that the seat belts may not hold people in a crash, as per a report from AP. 50,000 Model X SUVs According to the NHTSA, around 50,000 Model X SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years are being investigated following two complaints from Tesla owners that the front seat belts were not properly connected at the factory. The agency says that the belt linkage and pretensioner, which tighten the belts before a crash, are anchored to the seat frames. Both complaints allege that the linkage and pretensioner separated from the frames when the vehicles were in motion, but neither incident involved a crash. This investigation into safety issues could result in product recalls, which is not the first time that the NHTSA has looked into Tesla's safety record. In addition, the agency is currently investigating reports of incidents dating back to 2020, including issues with Tesla's partially automated driving system, such as braking for no reason or colliding with emergency vehicles, and complaints about sudden steering wheel disconnection and suspension component failures. Read Also: NTSB Report Claims Autopilot is Not the Culprit in 2021 Tesla Crash Despite No People Found in Driver's Seat TeslaCam Captures an Incident Despite these safety concerns, some Tesla owners maintain trust in their vehicles. One such example occurred recently, in which a Tesla driver claimed that the Autopilot system prevented the vehicle from colliding with a detached wheel following a car accident. The incident was captured on TeslaCam, a built-in dashcam that uses Autopilot cameras to record the car's surroundings in case of an emergency. TeslaCam has previously helped police investigations and demonstrated Tesla's safety features, including capturing footage of a Tesla Model 3 collision with a truck and of a car being keyed in a parking lot. However, Tesla's safety record is not without controversy. For instance, in April 2022, a Tesla in autonomous driving mode crashed into a private jet at a US airport, leading to concerns about the safety of Tesla's Autopilot system. In addition, a 2022 report revealed that 70% of accidents involving advanced driver assistance systems included at least one Tesla between July 2021 and July 2022. Despite these safety concerns, Tesla remains a popular choice for those seeking electric vehicles with advanced features. However, it remains to be seen whether Tesla can address these safety issues and continue to innovate in the EV market. Related Article: [VIRAL] Tesla Steering Wheel Detaches While Driving; Owner Disappointed With Automaker's Response 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft is reportedly looking for some ways to modernize the Windows OS next year. By rolling out advanced features for Windows 12, we are yet to see a new set of improvements that might entice users to test out this operating system in early trials. From the looks of it, the Redmond giant is strategizing to include AI considering its popularity in usage this 2023. Microsoft Wants More Advanced Features For Windows 12 According to a report by XDA Developers, Microsoft once tried to modernize Windows 10 by launching Windows 10X. However, it did not translate well since in the end, the tech giant released Windows 11. To create a new OS designed to cater to a more optimized experience among users, Microsoft might have to rely on a different approach dubbed "CorePC." This way, the latest Windows OS can still thrive in older operating systems. This is important since not all devices are compatible with a specific Windows version. The technique is taken oppositely from a Windows 10X book. This time, the company wants to rebuild the original OS from the start and focus only on important inclusions. CorePC won't be featuring all the features that Microsoft finds to be underwhelming for Windows 12. Additionally, it will also emphasize the module design that will fit almost all devices. With that being said, we could get a "silicon-optimized" Windows OS version from Microsoft. It's an upgrade that everyone won't expect especially since it tackles both the software and hardware aspects. It could be similar to Apple Silicon devices which are seen to be effective for Mac devices. If Microsoft's plans turn out well with Windows 12, then this could be the revolutionary modernization that Microsoft expects to see in the future. Faster Updates on Windows 12 Since Microsoft desires to bring a modern look to the upcoming Windows OS, we expect to see faster updates launching on the platform. In doing so, users can enjoy having a "more consistent" experience in using the software. It's ideal especially since files are getting bigger each year, thus requirements tend to go higher than usual. Related Article: Microsoft Windows Calendar App Crash: Here's a Workaround You Can Try to Fix the Issue Heavy Reliance on AI For Windows 12 As Windows Central reports, Microsoft is preparing to introduce more AI-related features on Windows 12. With the arrival of the Bing AI chatbot, it's no wonder why the firm wants to add more aspects to the scene. Bringing the AI features will allow users to maneuver Windows easier and more conveniently by any means. It suggests that doing a simple task like cropping a photo or editing a video will be twice as fast as usual thanks to AI prompts. Alleged Windows 12 System Requirements Windows 12 has not arrived yet; an alleged set of requirements is already a part of several leaks, per Neowin. Here are the system requirements that we might see on Windows 12 codenamed Next Valley. Supported processor (may still be undecided) TPM 2.0 (Pluton may be optional) 8GB RAM Read Also: Github Virtually Lays off Entire Engineering Team in India-but Why? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. According to a revised indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 28, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is accused of paying a $40 million bribe to Chinese government officials. The bribe was allegedly paid in cryptocurrency in order to regain access to trading accounts that had been frozen by Chinese law enforcement. The accounts were linked to Alameda Research, FTX's sister company, Nikkei Asia reports. The accounts allegedly contained more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency. SBF Repeatedly Tried to Unfreeze Alameda Accounts According to the most recent indictment, Bankman-Fried attempted to unfreeze the accounts associated with Alameda Research numerous times, including hiring attorneys to lobby on the company's behalf in China. He also attempted to transfer funds and avoid Chinese authorities' freeze orders by using the personal identifying information of several individuals not affiliated with FTX or Alameda. Bankman-Fried allegedly directed the multimillion-dollar bribe after months of unsuccessful attempts to unfreeze the accounts. As stated in the indictment, an Alameda employee sent crypto payment instructions for at least a part of the bribe payment to other Alameda employees on his instruction. Read Also: Apple CEO Tim Cook Meets with China's Commerce Minister for Stabilizing Industrial, Supply Chains "After months of failed attempts to unfreeze the accounts, Samuel Bankman-Fried discussed with others and ultimately agreed to and directed a multi-million-dollar bribe to seek to unfreeze the accounts," the indictment detailed. The indictment also described that by November 2021, Bankman-Fried prompted a bribe payment of approximately $40 million to be transferred from Alameda to a private crypto wallet. The accounts were unfrozen at the time of the payment, prompting Bankman-Fried to transfer tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrencies. The unfrozen accounts were then used to fund additional trading activity by Alameda. According to Cointelegraph, Alameda was using Chinese cryptocurrency exchanges in early 2021, as China banned outright crypto exchanges from offering services in the country in 2017. Bankman-Fried was already charged with eight criminal counts after being extradited from his home in the Bahamas in December. The government expanded its case against him last month, charging him with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud which experts said could translate into 40 years of jail time for SBF. What's Next? SBF's newest indictment comes after a third former colleague, Nishad Singh, reached a plea deal with prosecutors last month. Singh, a former FTX head of engineering, has agreed to assist the government in building its case against Bankman-Fried, along with former Alameda exec Caroline Ellison and FTX co-founder Gary Wang. The criminal trial for Bankman-Fried is scheduled for October. He is accused of stealing billions of dollars in FTX customer funds that were channeled through Alameda Research. In Other News Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has decided to temporarily suspend spot trading on its platform. The announcement came after Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, fell by 3% on Friday, March 24. Binance is currently investigating the possible cause of the spot trading issue. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. When Twitter Blue came, everyone thought that they would become a celebrity overnight. Unfortunately, while it's easy to get a legacy blue checkmark on your profile, it also comes with a risk of getting impersonated by a suspicious person. There are times when your feed is flooded with posts from public figures even when you don't follow them. There might be a reason why this exclusive list of Twitter VIP accounts is always on the front page of your timeline. Is Twitter Prioritizing 35 VIP Accounts? According to a report by Platformer, Twitter CEO Elon Musk announced last week that the blue check mark will be available to subscribers alone who are willing to pay a monthly fee of $8. This way, the platform can avoid the spread of AI chatbots which are the culprits behind misinformation. While this is good news for verified users, not everyone is treated equally on the microblogging site, as Musk told critic William Shatner. "There shouldn't be a different standard for celebrities imo," the tech boss responded. Platformer says that Twitter is "secretly" prioritizing a special list of 35 VIP accounts that are always ahead of other users and pages. The outlet only listed a few of them due to the sensitivity of the documents. The information was obtained through anonymous sources. Since the list might change over time, the site prefers not to share the entirety of the list which contains the most popular personalities on the planet. Some of them are written below: LeBron James (NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers forward) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes (US representative) Ben Shapiro (Founder of Daily Wire) Joe Biden (US President) Mr. Beast (YouTube content creator and philanthropist) @catturd2 (Conservative shitposter) @dieworkwriter (Menswear writer) @dril (Twitter shitposter) Elon Musk Gizmodo reached out to Twitter to ask how it arrived on the prestigious list. The platform only replied with an emoji of poop. Related Article: Twitter CEO Elon Musk Confirms 'For You' Page Will Only Display Tweets of Verified Users Twitter Boosting Elon Musk's Tweets As Gizmodo writes in its latest report, the VIP list of Twitter users who are always enjoying the limelight was made for engagement monitoring. There came a time when Musk noticed that the engagement trends on Twitter have been declining back in December. As a result, a company engineer came up with the idea of crafting some VIPs to assess the website traffic on the site. Unfortunately, the CEO did not like what he witnessed. The disappointing result pushed Musk to self-boost his posts over everyone else's tweets. Apparently, this has sparked some concerns among content creators who desperately want to lure more followers to their pages. While it did not come as a surprise to every Twitter user, it only goes to show that Musk won't stop changing the platform until he wishes to do so. It could be his way of fixing a problem that is not broken in the first place. Read Also: Facebook Special Program for VIP Users Criticized by Meta's Oversight Board Regarding Offensive Content Retention 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The most-awaited "League of Legends" Project L is still in development, as confirmed by Riot Games Senior Director/Executive Producer Tom Cannon. Riot Games made huge headlines in 2019 after it announced that it is developing the new Project L. This new version of "LoL" was confirmed during an anniversary livestream during that year. However, Riot Games didn't provide further updates in the following years. Since it has been more than four years, will the giant game creator finally share new details about Project L? 'League of Legends' Project L Still in Development Redditor u/VADORANT shared a screenshot of Tom Cannon's announcement on Discord. Also Read: New 'League of Legends' Quick Play Game Mode Now Tested! Is It Better Than Blind Pick? Sadly, Cannon said that Riot Games will not provide any new updates regarding the "League of Legends" Project L game at the upcoming EVO Japan 2023. But, he said that they are still working on the online title; looking for new talents to help them continue its development. "Without saying the size of the team, I can say that I'm incredibly happy with the talent that we have, and we're still hiring," said the Riot Games senior director. For those who are not familiar with the EVO Japan event, it is the premier fighting game competition. This 2023, the EVO Japan tournament is scheduled to start on Mar. 31. If you want to learn more about this prestigious fighting game competition, you can click this link. What is 'LoL' Project L? The "League of Legends" Project L game is an upcoming fighting online game that will have an assist-based/tag team system. This means that it will be similar to the "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3," "BlazeBlue: Cross Tag Battle," "Street Fighter x Tekken," etc. As of press time, information about Project L is still limited. But, LoL Fandom reported that it will have six champions at its initial launch. These include Illaoi, Jinx, Katarina, Ahri, Darius, and Ekko. Aside from the new Project L game, Riot Games also focuses on other game enhancements to improve gamer experiences. Recently, gaming experts said that the "League of Legends" is more newbie-friendly this 2023 due to effective in-game enhancements. We also reported that Riot Games is working on the new Zyra rework. For more news updates about "League of Legends" and other popular online games, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: 'League of Legends' April Fools Skins 2023 Will Have Dogs Vs. Cats Theme; Release Date, Other Details 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) announced on Tuesday that its real-estate subfund TSFE Tourism, Real Estate & Antiquities has signed a development agreement with A Developments to repurpose the former headquarters of Egypts Ministry of Interior in downtown Cairo. Through this agreement, TSFE aims to transform the building into a prime mixed-use destination to revive downtown Cairo. The project is estimated to require EGP 800 million ($25.9 million) of investment by A Developments to transform the complex, TSFE said in a statement. The project will encompass the construction of a three-star hotel and serviced apartments, as well as retail and support services, educational services and an international business process outsourcing (BPO) hub. "The proposed development plan aims to transform the complex into a cutting-edge innovation district, also featuring technology hubs and incubators, office spaces and an IPAG Business School of Paris campus," according to the TSFE. Revival of old downtown Cairo is a top priority for the state, and the TSFE is committed to pursuing it by revitalizing the assets transferred to it by the state, according to TFSE Chairperson Hala El-Said. The project will redefine the face of downtown Cairo into a new destination for entrepreneurs, startups and young travelers which will promote Egypts flourishing startup scene and contribute to the growth of the tourism and real-estate sectors. TSFE's ability to partner with renowned industry players is key to realizing these transformations, El-Said, who is also the minister of planning and economic development, added. TSFE will lease the complex to A Developments for 25 years and earn a fixed rental return and revenue share. The fund is part of the State Ownership Policy, which aims to raise the private sector share in Egypt's economic activity to 65 percent, up from 30 percent. TSFE CEO Ayman Soliman said that the fund is committed to reviving downtown Cairo and transforming it into an innovation and technological hub for our youth. This project is another manifestation, after Tahrir repurposing project, of TSFEs investment strategy to preserving the citys history while generating sustainable financial returns in partnership with leading private sector champions. We are proud to partner with a reputable Business School such as IPAG and are confident of A Developments expertise to turn our joint vision into a reality, he added. Search Keywords: Short link: GPT-4 could worsen cybersecurity risks. However, tech experts clarified that ChatGPT's successor has a low chance of inventing a new cyberthreat. OpenAI's popular artificial intelligence models are still not accepted by everyone across the globe. Although there are some people who are awed by ChatGPT and GPT-4, others still criticize them because of the risks they pose. Among its critics is Hector Ferran, the VP of marketing at BlueWillow AI. GPT-4 Could Worsen Cybersecurity Risks! According to Venture Beat's latest report, Ferran said that OpenAI's GPT-4 will not create a new security risk. Also Read: #HustleGPT Challenge: GPT-4 Users Share How They Use AI to Start Businesses! Should You Join Them? However, he believes that hackers and other bad actors can take advantage of the multi-modal AI model. "But just as it is being used by millions already to augment and simplify a myriad of mundane daily tasks, so too could it be used by a minority of bad actors to augment their criminal behavior," explained Hector. This means that GPT-4 is not the main problem. Ferran explained that people should know that malicious intent is not exclusive to AI technologies. He added that all technologies can be used for "good or evil." Ferran futher stated that the security risks that AIs can pose will depend on how bad actors use these tools. OpenAI Admits GPT-4's Risks Via its official GPT-4 System Card document, OpenAI admitted that the AI tool poses risks. "Known risks associated with smaller language models are also present with GPT-4, said the AI company. It added that the GPT-4 can also create content that can possibly be harmful to users. These include advice on how to plan an attack or hate speech. Aside from this, OpenAI also confirmed that its multi-model AI still has societal biases and worldviews that are not of widely shared values. The AI firm said that they are still improving the GPT-4 so that these problems can be solved in the future. In other news, Apple's MacGPT app receives a new update, which includes the GPT-4. We also reported about the new AI-powered reforestation drones of an Australian startup that allowed it to land a $200-million deal. For more news updates about AIs and other similar innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Microsoft's New AI-Powered Clinical Notes App Relies on GPT-4! Here's How DAX Express Works 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. Last Thursday, Ethiopia announced that construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was 90 per cent complete. Satellite pictures show that Addis Ababa has opened one of the gates of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in order to release nearly 50 m3 of water without consultation with downstream countries Sudan and Egypt. The move aims to clear water in preparation for raising the height of the middle wall of the dam ahead of the July rainy season. Preparations for the fourth filling started at the end of February, said a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, and underline Addis Ababas insistence on taking unilateral steps when it comes to GERD. Addis Ababas announcement that the dam is 90 per cent complete came days after Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri issued a fresh warning to Ethiopia against unilateral action on the dam. All options are open, and all alternatives remain available. Egypt has its capabilities, and its foreign relations, said Shoukri. He pointed that after years of tripartite negotiations, Ethiopia has failed to reach a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, saying Egypt signed the Declaration of Principles with Ethiopia as an expression of goodwill, but it has not been met with flexibility on the Ethiopian side. Ethiopia dismissed Shoukris remarks as irresponsible. A statement issued by the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry described them as a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU), claimed they were a clear violation of the agreement on the Declaration of Principles, and demanded Egypt stop its malicious and unlawful pronouncements. The statement called on concerned parties to take note of Egypts flagrant violation of principles of international relations, adding no interest can be advanced through threats and intimidation. The statement also urged the parties to re-engage in AU talks to reach a negotiated solution, a call the diplomat described as procrastination and an attempt to buy time on the part of Ethiopia. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab League (AL) both took a supportive stand towards Egypt. Meeting last week, the GCC rejected any measures that would affect Egypt and Sudans rights to Nile water and described Egyptian and Sudanese water security as an integral part of Arab national security. It called for an agreement to be reached in accordance with international law and the UNSC presidential statement issued in 2021. Meeting in Cairo early March, the AL Council agreed to place GERD on its agenda as a pressing issue, a decision Shoukri described as underlining the joint Arab approach to the issue. In response, Addis Ababa accused the AL members of politicising the Nile dam issue, acting as the spokesperson of one state and disregarding international law. Over the last three years, Ethiopia has unilaterally implemented three fillings of the dam and last year started the partial operation of the first turbine despite objections by Egypt and Sudan. Khartoum and Cairo fear Africas largest dam will reduce their share of Nile water and have repeatedly called on Addis Ababa to sign an agreement on the filling and operation of the dam that secures their water rights and protects the interests of their populations. In his speech before the UN 2023 Water Conference this week, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said Egypts already compromised water security was being compounded by the absence of a legally binding agreement on GERD. He described transboundary water cooperation as an existential issue for Egypt. Its absence threatened the livelihoods of 150 million citizens in Egypt and Sudan and could lead to the exacerbation of irregular migration. These unilateral, non-cooperative practices violate international law, including the 2015 Declaration of Principles, and are not consistent with 2021 UN Security Council presidential statement, he said. He also pointed out that Egypts per capita share of water had fallen to 500 m3 annually, half the figure the UN has determined is necessary. Sewilam said Egypt had invested huge sums to raise the efficiency of its water system, including $10 billion during the most recent five-year plan. The UN Water Conference, held last week in New York and co-hosted by the governments of the Netherlands and Tajikistan, aimed to raise awareness of the global water crisis and agree a raft of international water-related targets. In 2015, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan signed the Declaration of Principles which prioritises cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes over water and called on Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to agree on guidelines and rules for the first filling of GERD. Multiple rounds of talks between the three governments have failed to produce an agreement over the filling and operation of the dam. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve": experts on the new variant of the coronavirus "Arcturus" Minors hit on scooters in Paris: three police officers suspended and placed in custody Music and artificial intelligence: "the idea of a substitution of the artist is a fantasy" The most demanded table in the world that works as a pinchos bar on Sundays The most exclusive and anticipated salad of the season returns in Madrid "Screenings do not reveal all problems": RUDN University professor on the maximum reproductive age and late childbirth Disappearance of Chloe in Seine-et-Marne: how did the investigators find the young woman? Rospotrebnadzor: in patients with measles in the first days, the face becomes puffy and the eyelids swell A platform merchant received more than 2000,196 orders without delivery, and cashed out <>.<> million yuan in false transactions "Be bold enough to give birth in Hong Kong"? Hong Kong is looking for "the lowest fertility rate in the world" Precipitation tends to weaken in central and eastern China, and there is strong convective weather in southern China The brutal (and not recommended) modality of intermittent fasting with which the singer Luis Miguel has lost 20 kilos Why did no one want to finance Sara Serantes, the entrepreneur who today invoices five million euros? The official film of the Beijing Winter Olympics "Beijing 2022" will be released nationwide next month Breaking the circle and breaking the red at home and abroad, the self-satisfied piano club did something right There are more than 2000,<> physical bookstores in Beijing, and the comprehensive reading rate of residents continues to lead the country Zhongxin character Chen Ruoxuan: If you want to seize the present, you also want to fight for the future "Full-time children" are not gnawing at the old, don't be prejudiced against free choice of employment The "city of the future" in the eyes of cadres on temporary duty: looking forward to resonating with Xiong'an at the same frequency A UNICEF report is concerned about childhood vaccination, which has fallen sharply since 2019 "A real fervor": record attendance for the Blues against the Welsh in the Six Nations Tournament Watch- One of them is an Arab who participated in a full match. Stars had to guard the goal in official matches Salvation contrary to logic: Lokomotiv got a draw in the derby with ten men after the replacement of Dzyuba and the injury of Pinyaev "The best way to celebrate Eid al-Fitr." Mahrez is happy with the historic hat-trick and hopes to convince Guardiola Lens and OM follow each other, Nantes in danger, what to remember from the 32nd matchday of Ligue 1 Top 14: Bordeaux-Begles has found the fangs to tame the LOU three days before the end of the season The content of the "Schumacher interview" was generated by AI and published, and the editor-in-chief of the German media was fired CBA: Playoffs produce semifinalists Guangdong missed the semifinals for the first time in nearly 21 years The return to the future of tennis in Madrid: Alcaraz, Tik-Tok, 70 companies waiting and 130 million euros for the city Si Jia Hui became the only highlight of the Chinese Legion at the World Championships How to innovate the economic paradigm in the context of high-quality development Imported durian catches up with cherries and the fruit "top stream" contest is more intense CCTV: US sanctions against Russia have increased the risk of de-dollarization in the world "Every day is 618", does the e-commerce industry need to "make festivals"? Why economists expect 200,000 new jobs in all of 2023 if we already have 250,000 How to get a better experience during the "May Day" holiday of "people following the crowd"? The second phase of the 133rd Canton Fair opened with nearly 1,2 enterprises participating in the exhibition-China News Network video "2022 Read More Report": New youth groups become the "backbone" of the book market Interview with Peng Sen: To promote high-quality development, what aspects should the new round of comprehensive deepening reform focus on? ArcelorMittal: what will the blast furnace of tomorrow look like? Rebecca's son has an NPF diagnosis was not allowed to join the excursion Fragmented Russian opposition here are three of the most famous Former Australian General Ryan spoke about three scenarios of the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Japan protested to Russia because of the "Union of the inhabitants of the islands of Chishima and Habomai" American Thinker: anti-Russian sanctions turned out to be the largest miscalculation of the West in history No, Los Serrano are not back: this will be 'the reunion' for the 20 years of the mythical series Patricia Rite, from MyHyV, who became an influencer for her fight against skin cancer, dies A US fund declares Spain in "technical default" and asks for the reimbursement of government bonds for 910 million A woman dies in the Paris metro after her coat is hooked in the car Hersh: the West knows that the weapons supplied by the Armed Forces of Ukraine are leaking to the black market "Be bold enough to give birth in Hong Kong"? Hong Kong is looking for "the lowest fertility rate in the world" Lula arrives in Spain on Tuesday amid controversy over his stance on the war in Ukraine "Every day is 618", does the e-commerce industry need to "make festivals"? The cargo base fled more than $700 billion in a single week, and the US stock market will meet the main play Exploring the sky without stoppingwritten on the occasion of the eighth "China Space Day." XBB.1.16 becomes the main epidemic strain in India Will it cause a rebound in the number of new crown positives in China FT: Zelensky fears the failure of the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. From presidential initiatives to a new personal status law, Egypt is working to protect family members from the distressing repercussions of divorce There are on average 667 divorces in Egypt every day. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics, 243,583 couples were divorced in the country in 2021, recording a 14 per cent increase on the 2020 figure. Protecting family members against instability is one of the states goals, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi said recently at an event marking Womens Day. Towards this end and to decrease the number of divorces and provide social protection for divorced women and their children, the presidential initiative Mawada (Cordiality) was launched in 2019 to help couples about to get married with the information and skills required to found a strong family. The Ministry of Social Solidarity is supervising the campaign. Moreover, a few months ago the president instructed the drafting of a new personal status law that avoids the pitfalls of the current law. The wording of the draft should be detailed and simplified to enable Egyptians from all walks of life to understand it, he added. At the celebration last week, Al-Sisi said a wide-scale social dialogue should be initiated to help draft a new, balanced law. In the meantime, the state is helping divorcees out. The Family Insurance Fund of Nasser Social Bank was established in 2004, focusing on cases in which divorced men abstain from paying alimony. From 2004 until the end of 2021 the bank disbursed LE5 billion, or LE82 million a month to 500,000 beneficiaries from 302,000 court rulings and total indebtedness of LE2.7 billion. The Nasser Social Bank is meant to realise social justice through its Family Insurance Fund, which works to speed up the implementation of court rulings for monthly alimony in favour of divorced women, children, and parents at a maximum of LE500 per month and obtaining their entitlements speedily without the need to wait to collect the alimony from the ex-husband. Protecting the Egyptian family takes more than drafting laws, counsellor Walid Abdel-Maqsoud, head of the initiative Together to Save the Egyptian State, and cassation lawyer, told Al-Ahram Weekly. Social awareness is equally important, Abdel-Maqsoud said, adding that families must take several steps before taking their case to court. Abdel-Maqsoud suggested introducing a family education curriculum in schools to be prepared by notable Al-Azhar, psychology, and sociology scholars. Couples wanting to marry should attend courses especially designed to educate them on marriage and the means of separation without causing harm to their children. He said he wished to see a set of measures enforced by the new personal status law: Speedy litigation procedures are necessary; two months maximum for alimony cases and 15 days for appeal in family courts instead of 40 days. An alimony ruling should be associated with a jail sentence if the man abstains from paying. There should also be a cooperation protocol between the ministries of justice and manpower on one hand and where the man works, on the other hand, to deduct the alimony automatically from his salary. Counsellor Mohamed Farghali, a former head of the Family Court, said cases take between six and 12 months in court. However, the problem is not the ruling but seeing it implemented. Farghali recounts the case of a woman who received a ruling in her favour 12 years ago but hasnt been able to receive her spousal support. Farghali called for tying alimony rulings with government entities so that the man cannot renew or obtain documents until he pays his dues. This scheme is applied in criminal rulings. Abdel-Maqsoud lauded the change in giving custody to the father in the new law being drafted. At present, the father comes in 16th place when it comes to receiving custody of his children, which is not fair. The new bill places the father fifth. For the father to see his children once a week he should be willingly spending money on them, enjoys good behaviour, has not been sentenced in terrorism or honour-incriminating cases, and does not take the children abroad during custody, Abdel-Maqsoud proposed. Farghali pointed to the psychological damage children may suffer if, for example, couples hurl insults in front of their children. He also suggested preventing children from attending court sessions to spare them psychological damage. At last weeks celebration Grand Mufti Shawki Allam said some 300,000 religious edicts on divorce had been issued in the past five years which, he added, brought back the discussion about the need to document divorces that are announced verbally, a matter on which Al-Azhar has shown reservations. Al-Sisi noted at the event that he had sought the need to document oral divorce five years ago, stressing that it should be applied at present and that he would not take any steps that were not compliant with Islamic Sharia. The aim of cancelling oral divorce, Al-Sisi added, is to protect the Egyptian family and society. Divorce in Egypt, and in Islam, is until today valid if the husband willingly tells his wife you are divorced, without the need to document the divorce on paper before a marriage registrar. It takes a woman around six to eight months to prove the divorce in court, said Farghali, suggesting that an oral divorce be followed by documenting it on paper within a week before it becomes invalid. Oral divorce renders the woman divorced according to Sharia but married according to law, said Abdel-Maqsoud, adding that documenting divorce will provide social protection for women. In December 2022, Al-Sisi instructed the establishment of the Family Support Fund and an insurance policy to be financially backed by the state in the face of challenges related to personal status matters. The state will pay to the fund the equivalent sum that each couple who are about to be married no matter their religious affiliation would be obliged to pay. The president noted that the fund will also accept donations. If utilised correctly, the family fund can be a pillar of social protection and provide a decent life for the community, Farghali said, expressing hope that the money couples will have to pay will not be much. When news of the proposed Family Support Fund first came out, many couples, fearing they would have to pay large sums for the fund, rushed to complete their marriage certificates. Abdel-Maqsoud expects the fee will come in the form of a postal stamp worth around LE1,000, mandatory to completing official marriage papers. I believe this will be the best social protection measure of the past 50 years. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Nearly 50 missing, 7 dead in Ecuador landslide Alausi , Ecuador, March 27 (AFP) Mar 27, 2023 Rescuers and neighbors were on Monday searching for nearly 50 people reported missing after a landslide triggered by months of heavy rainfall killed at least seven in Ecuador's south. The mudslide happened late on Sunday night, burying dozens of homes and injuring 23 people, officials said. The government's communications secretariat revised the initial confirmed death toll down from 16 in the village of Alausi in Chimborazo province, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of the capital. Rescuers and civilians were seen Monday trying to clear debris by hand to get to any survivors. Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso said on Twitter that firefighters from neighboring areas had been rushed to the village of "to attend to the affected citizens." The government said it had mobilized the national police, armed forces, the health ministry and the Red Cross to help with the rescue efforts. "We have activated temporary accommodation and mobilized sleeping kits for those that have lost their homes," said a government statement on Twitter Since the start of the year, heavy rains in Ecuador have caused the deaths of 22 people, destroyed 72 homes and damaged more than 6,900, according to the SNGR risk management secretariat. The downpours have caused close to 1,000 dangerous events, such as landslides and flooding. The area affected by Sunday's disaster had been in a designated "yellow alert" risk zone since February following other landslides. Sunday's landslide came just over a week after 15 people, including a Peruvian, were killed when a strong quake struck in Ecuador's southwestern border region with Peru. The earthquake, registered at a magnitude of 6.5 by local authorities, caused 22 landslides that blocked roads in the provinces of El Oro and Azuay. Afterwards, the government declared a two-month state of emergency in 13 of the country's 24 provinces, allowing economic resources to be redistributed to affected areas. In February, heavy rains forced oil pumping in the country to be suspended for five days for safety checks over fears that a major oil pipeline could have been damaged by the collapse of a bridge. Ecuador's Andean valleys can have a rainy season that lasts from October until May. N. Korea's Kim calls for ramping up production of 'weapon-grade nuclear material' Seoul, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2023 North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un called for his country to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials" and build more powerful weapons, state media reported Tuesday. Kim's latest threat, a doubling-down on an earlier promise to ramp up nuke production "exponentially", came ahead of a US Navy carrier strike group's scheduled arrival in South Korea Tuesday. Kim was briefed by officials from the country's nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, and said that North Korea should prepare to use its nukes "anytime and anywhere". He called on officials to "expand on a far-sighted way the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials for thoroughly implementing the plan... on increasing nuclear arsenals exponentially." Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons", KCNA added. When North Korea has "flawlessly" prepared its nuclear weapons systems then "the enemy would fear us and not dare provoke our state sovereignty, system and people", Kim said, according to the report. North Korea last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power and Kim recently called for an "exponential" increase in weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons. The country is also seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms for its nuclear weapons, and on Tuesday claimed to have conducted a second successful test of its purported underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the new weapon called Haeil -- which means tsunami in Korean -- was carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in scale in five years. The new weapon manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before exploding a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, KCNA said in a separate report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", the KCNA report said. Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon -- the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo -- but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report. Kim calls for ramping up N.Korea's 'weapon-grade nuclear material' Seoul, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2023 Leader Kim Jong Un called for North Korea to expand production of "weapon-grade nuclear materials", state media said Tuesday, as Pyongyang unveiled what appeared to be a new, smaller tactical nuclear warhead. Kim was shown in state media images surrounded by uniformed generals inspecting a row of compact green warheads identified as the "Hwasan-31", which means volcano in Korean. The North has long sought the technology to "miniaturise" a nuclear warhead allowing it to be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles to threaten the United States. Diagrams on the walls in the photos indicate this could be possible with the Hwasan-31. Kim was briefed by officials from the North Korean nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. He called on them to expand "the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials" for an "exponential" increase in the North's arsenal. Kim also "put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons" that he said would strike fear into the North's enemies, KCNA said. Experts warned the unveiling of a potential tactical nuclear weapon did indeed show key signs of technical progress, and could indicate an imminent nuclear test. It came as a US Navy carrier strike group arrived in South Korea on Tuesday. Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Seoul and Washington ramping up joint military drills as North Korea conducts ever more provocative weapons tests while blaming the South for the deteriorating security situation. "The current hard-line approach is likely aimed at justifying their tests for new weapons and a nuclear test in the future," said Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at the Sejong Institute. "North Korea unveiled a significantly miniaturised tactical nuclear warhead this time," he said. "The possibility that North Korea will carry out a seventh nuclear test with these tactical nuclear warheads as a next step has increased," Cheong told AFP. - Too expensive? - Pyongyang has got into a pattern of "tit-for-tat" missile launches and tests to counter US and South Korean military exercises, which represents a huge -- and unsustainable -- financial outlay for the impoverished country, one expert said. "North Korea warned of an overwhelming response against each South Korea-US joint training, but looking at the number of missiles fired, they can't continue this forever," Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. "If so, the seventh nuclear test will mark some kind of an end, they will declare themselves a nuclear power, and they will turn to negotiating with the United States," he said. The North Korean military also conducted a firing drill on Monday, simulating a nuclear attack using tactical ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate report, part of a record-breaking streak of tests over the past year. "North Korea is sending a very coherent message. They are fighting for recognition as a perfect nuclear power," Park said. - Underwater drone? - North Korea is seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms in addition to increasing its nuclear stockpile. It claimed on Tuesday to have conducted a second successful test of a new underwater nuclear attack drone. The first test of the Haeil, which means tsunami in Korean, was claimed to have been carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in five years. Seoul has cast doubt on the claim, with the South's military saying it was "weighing the possibility" the test had been exaggerated or even "fabricated". There were some indications "North Korea is developing unmanned submarines, but it is evaluated that they are still in the early stages", the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said on Tuesday the Haeil had manoeuvred underwater "for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometres" before destroying a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, according to another KCNA report. The test "proved all strategic qualifications as well as safety and reliability in the weapons system", KCNA said. Russia has also reportedly developed a similar weapon, the nuclear-capable Poseidon torpedo, but mastering the complex technology required for such weaponry might yet be beyond North Korea, experts have said. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2020 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement Christian Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to Egypt, talks to Ahmed Kotb about cooperation over water, energy, food security, and migration, and opportunities for trade and investment On the occasion of World Water Day, how important is water for cooperation between the EU and Egypt? Water has been the biggest sector of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Egypt, and we have been working with Egypt for over 10 years to develop water enhancement strategies, maintenance and systems. EU-funded and joint Egyptian-EU projects have helped in the creation of thousands of job opportunities in the country. The EU has provided Egypt with more than 550 million in grants since 2007 to help it overcome its water challenges. The EU has also leveraged concessional funds of nearly 3 billion to Egypt since 2007, thanks to European financial institutions. Our work has included developing new sources of water. For example, about 6,000 Roman wells were rehabilitated in the Matrouh governorate for agricultural purposes. We have also supported 12 water treatment plants and there are currently two big plants under construction funded by the EU and the French Development Agency (AFD), one of which, the biggest water treatment plant in Africa, is being built in Alexandria. There are EU funded projects for water distribution networks to make water usage more efficient, and rehabilitating drainage systems and canals, including a project in Upper Egypts Luxor governorate in collaboration with the World Food Programme, where canals are being fixed and water pumping stations changed to work with solar energy, which will help increase crop yields. On desalination, we have supported a big research project with the research centre in Borg Al-Arab on ways to desalinate water using solar energy. Water is a very important sector for us and we have a good cooperation with all the relevant ministries in Egypt. It is also important to note that creating awareness of water scarcity and how to use water efficiently is very important, especially among school and university students. We launched Horizon Europe, which is the EUs key funding programme for research and innovation, with a focus on tackling climate change, which will help achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. We invite Egyptian research institutions, facilities and universities to take part in this big European research programme. What is the state of cooperation on trade and investment? Trade between the EU and Egypt has grown steadily in recent years. Total bilateral trade reached 30 billion in 2022, and we saw an increase in mutual trade even during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt has become an important exporter of organic vegetables and fruits, chemicals, natural gas and minerals to the EU. There was a bit of a slowdown compared to the pace of bilateral trade increase prior to the pandemic, recorded mainly in the services sector, including tourism which was affected heavily by the pandemic, but this year tourism is back to higher levels. We witnessed a slowdown in investment during the pandemic: it reached about 38 billion in stocks before the pandemic and then dropped to 18 billion. Investment figures are predicted to go up and reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023. We are working to encourage more European investment in Egypt by organising an investment conference later this year. The idea for the conference came after President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi announced that it is good for foreign investors to explain what is needed for them to invest or increase investment in Egypt, and what could make the country more attractive. The other element of the conference is to bring business people together and establish direct relations. The last time such a conference took place was about 10 years ago. Is there specific cooperation for food security? The Russian war in Ukraine, which is a breach of international laws and has shaken the multilateral security structures built since 1945 to help preserve international stability, has affected many countries, including Egypt, and prices of many food products have risen as a result. The EU has setup food facilities in different parts of the world, including Egypt, to help address food security. The EU has established a fund for North Africa worth 225 million, from which Egypt will get about 100 million to help meet its wheat and grain needs. Projects include enhancing grain storage capacity for farmers in several governorates across Egypt, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Supply. Last week we signed an agreement with Egypt on projects that will help enhance agricultural productivity, in light of climate change, through new technologies and procedures that assist in creating heat-resistant seeds. Another aspect of this agreement includes providing agricultural machinery to small farmers. How is the cooperation between the EU and Egypt advancing in the energy sector? Energy is another area in which the relationship between the EU and Egypt has strengthened over the last year. We signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) whereby Israeli gas is liquefied in Egypts liquefaction plants and exported to the EU. We have seen an increase of 47 per cent of LNG exports coming from Egypt to the EU. There is a need to diversify energy sources and the type of energy used in Europe, mainly renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal energy, to reduce dependency on Russian gas. There are a whole range of renewable energy initiatives underway, including EU support for a wind farm in the Gulf of Suez with a production capacity of 250 megawatts, and an MoU on green hydrogen was signed with Egypt during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh last November, furthering our partnership on green hydrogen. The MoU entails a number of activities including production, consumption and trade of green hydrogen and its derivatives, as well as the importance of looking into research and marketing of energy products like hydrogen. Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans made it clear when he was in Egypt witnessing the signing of the MoU that Europe will be able to produce about 40 per cent of its hydrogen needs by 2030 and the rest needs to be imported from countries like Egypt. The EU is supportive of the development of green hydrogen in Egypt given the countrys potential for producing electricity using solar and wind power. We are also working with Egypt on updating its strategic energy strategy, and the EU is ready to continue providing technical assistance and funding for renewable energy projects here. Linking the Egyptian and Greek electricity grids is another important project, currently in the technical and economic feasibility study phase. The aim is to establish an electrical wiring interconnection system between Egypt and Europe via Greece. This 2,000 megawatt project will allow Greece to buy electricity from Egypt and export surplus capacity to other EU member states. The EU and Egypt have been stepping up cooperation on migration. How can illegal migration be tackled? The EU and Egypt have a shared interest in stopping illegal trafficking and the smuggling of migrants through different ways, including awareness campaigns. My view is that the strongest antidote to trafficking is to open legal pathways. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Promoting the European Way of Life, visited Egypt this week in order to increase cooperation between the EU and Egypt in areas such as skills, education and mobility, and to discuss concrete steps at the political and operational level to address the shared challenges of migration management. We are working with EU member states and international institutions to open legal pathways for migration. Egypt has signed a number of agreements with EU member states supporting seasonal workers which help provide thousands of job opportunities, and to provide technical vocational training programmes. We are also supporting Egypt shoulder the burden of accommodating refugees, including helping with access to healthcare and housing. What is the significance of the political dialogue between Egypt and the EU scheduled for May? The upcoming political dialogue is an important opportunity to talk about developments in the region and Egypts role in Africa and the Middle East. In many aspects, the EU shares the same views as Egypt on how to move forward and settle key issues. In the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, for example, we both believe in the two-state solution, and we welcome the latest meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh as an effort to reduce tensions between the Israelis and Palestinians and discover ways to move forward. We are also planning to organise a business forum between Egypt and the pan-European body, with negotiations currently being held in Cairo and Brussels about how to bring together businessmen from both sides. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The military escalation between US forces and Iran-backed militias in Syria coincides with news of Saudi-Syrian reconciliation and adds to speculation about waning US influence in the region. News of attacks and counter-attacks between US forces in Syria and what Washington described as Iranian-backed militias came hours after media reports of Syrian-Saudi reconciliation this week. It also came just days after another Israeli attack on Aleppo Airport in northern Syria, amid claims that this had taken place to intercept Iranian supplies being given to its proxy militias in Syria and Lebanon. The US attacks started with a drone attack on a US base at the Al-Omar oilfield in Deir Al-Zor in northeastern Syria that killed a US contractor and injured half a dozen US troops. According to the Associated Press, US fighters were scrambled from the Al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar within an hour of the drone attack, and strikes on militia bases on the opposite side of the Euphrates River killed more than a dozen militia members. This was followed by missiles targeting the US base at the oilfield, where no casualties were reported. Though such skirmishes are not rare, the Friday flare-up was one of the most deadly to have taken place, especially in terms of US casualties. The Pentagons press secretary stopped short of blaming Tehran for the attacks, however, saying that they were carried out by groups affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). Iranian media outlets close to the IRGC denied any Iranian militia involvement, claiming the deaths from the US air raid in Syria were civilians working in an agricultural development centre in the area. Most of northern Syria is under the control of groups opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, mainly US-backed Kurdish fighters and Turkish-backed militant Islamist groups. The government in Damascus controls only 65 per cent of the countrys territory. While the US has bases in the east, Turkey controls the northwest, and the largest US base is in Tanf in southeastern Syria close to the border with Iraq and assists Israeli efforts at preventing Iranian arms supplies from reaching the Lebanese Hizbullah group through Iraq and Syria. The US bases in the northeast control Syrian oilfields that were once under the control of the Islamic State (IS) group, and Syria has accused the US of stealing millions of tons of Syrian oil. The US forces were based in Syria in 2014 as part of a wider coalition against the Islamic State group, and though Washington announced in 2019 that this had been destroyed in Iraq and Syria, it kept its forces in Syria, supposedly to help the Syrian Kurds root out the remnants of the terrorist group. There are reportedly 10,000 terrorists in detention or dispersed in sleeper cells in the region in addition to an unaccounted number that includes family members kept in camps. Meanwhile, Pro-Israeli Republican Party figures in the US Congress have accused US President Joe Bidens Democratic Party administration of being lenient with regards to Iran. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted this week that the targets the Iranians fear most are their refineries. For every attack against Americans in the future, take down an Iranian refinery and their oil and gas infrastructure, he said. Other Republicans have repeated the same line, seen by some analysts as following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus position on the need to strike Iran. The military escalation in Syria coincided with Netanyahus tour of Europe, intended to persuade European leaders that they should abandon any revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. At the same time, few around the world doubt that Arab reconciliation with Iran is against Israeli and US interests. Even so, the diplomacy of such reconciliation in the region is rapidly progressing, and Al-Assad paid an official visit to the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi a few days ago, the second in a year, and following another visit to the Sultanate of Oman just before the news of Damascus and Riyadh agreeing to restore diplomatic relations was made public. Some commentators in the region have gone as far as to see the recent attacks on the US forces in Syria as a green light for the Syrians to expel the Americans from their country, and following them the Turks. But others believe that bringing Syria back into the Arab fold is not related to these developments. There are also some circles that think that Israel is behind the escalation to sabotage any Gulf rapprochement with Iran, Iraq, Syria and other countries where Iran has influence. These scenarios may not align with the official narrative seen in the region, but one component of them that carries some credibility is that the region is no longer just under US hegemony and that some countries are actively seeking alliances with other powers like China and Russia. As Al-Assads visit to Abu Dhabi coincided with the news of the Syrian-Saudi reconciliation, some opposition circles in the country have attempted to propagate the view that the Saudis and Emiratis are in competition or even disagree on regional policies. The UAE was the first Arab country to restore full relations with Syria a couple of years ago. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, tweeted that the Emirati approach towards Syria is part of a deep vision targeting enhancing regional stability The events of the Decade of Chaos prove that it is best for the Arab world to face its issues away from regional and international interference. It was not clear what interference Gargash had in mind. The Syrian leadership is keen on improving its relations with the Arab states that boycotted Damascus more than a decade ago after the outbreak of the conflict in Syria. However, it is reluctant to make major concessions, especially if these might mean scaling back its alliances with Iran or Russia. What might help Damascus now is for the Gulf and Arab countries that are already cosying up to Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing to distance themselves from Washington and Tel Aviv. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. April hit list: Hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now. See all stories . Carefully, deliberately, he starts snipping the flesh with scissors, working his way around the fins, cutting carefully alongside the spine. Tableside knifework is one of the great restaurant experiences: I love a bit of silver service. But this is different. This flounder needs no filleting. It has no bones. It isnt, in fact, a fish at all. Restaurant manager Steven Dong approaches the table with a large pair of scissors. Wait, he says. Im going to fillet it for you. He stands over the large, flat platter before us and gently, deftly pushes vegetables off a flounder bathed in coconut gravy. 6 / 6 Whole Thai-style fish, made from tofu with a seaweed skin, is filleted expertly at the table. Im at Vegie Mum, a 21-year-old BYO restaurant in a charmingly old-fashioned strip of eastern suburban shops. The concept is Chinese fusion vegetarian cuisine, built around a long menu of mock meat dishes. In general, Im not a fan of fake flesh. Why not just eat vegetables? But theres a grand tradition of make-believe in Chinese cuisine, largely attributable to Buddhist communities who eschewed meat but still wanted to honour guests with prestigious dishes such as pork, duck and seafood. Before Beyond Burgers were the merest twinkle in a lab technicians eye, monks were making mock duck so realistic you could just about hear it quack. Still, if you eat meat, youd only bother with this if it was tasty as well as clever. At Vegie Mum, everything is made from scratch by chefs whove trained in meat cooking: the flavours are bold, the textures stand up and you can taste the joy in everything. That fish is made from beancurd skin wrapped in seaweed, set in a fish-shaped mould, then deep-fried to make the seaweed skin crispy. Its served like Thai tom kha gai, the coconut cream sauce fragrant with lemongrass and galangal. Pork ribs are made with mushroom stalks, blended, seasoned then shaped into little sausages. Theyre skewered and glazed in a Shanghai-style sweet-and-sour sauce, pungent with black vinegar. I dont know how, but the mushroom meat is succulent and toothsome, layered as though with real pork fat. Traditionally fish (either whole or in fillets) is dredged in flour and fried in clarified butter, then served with a brown butter sauce. This version is a little different, and its more suited to the modern Australian kitchen. Fish meuniere is a classic of French cooking. Its popularity in the rest of the world is often attributed to Julia Child, who described eating it after recently arriving in France as, absolute perfection the most exciting meal of my life. Im taking you through the 10 essential dishes everyone should know how to cook , covering a range of techniques and ingredients. If you can competently make all of these youll not only eat well, youll be a well-rounded cook at the end of it. These days, recipes for any dish you can think of as well as many you have never even imagined are just a few taps on a keyboard away. But what are the dishes that every modern cook should have in their repertoire? Add the butter and swirl until melted. Cook the butter until it reaches a hazelnut brown colour, then immediately squeeze in the lemon juice and stir through the parsley. Spoon the brown butter over the fish, season with a little salt and pepper and serve with an extra lemon wedge. Cook the fish for about 3 minutes until mostly cooked through, then turn the fillets and cook for just a minute on the other side. Remove from the pan, pour out any oil in the base of the pan and return the pan to heat. Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat until very hot. Season the fish with salt and if using flour, dredge the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Add the oil to the hot pan and rotate the pan to spread the oil. Add the fish to the pan, holding each fillet at one end and laying it in the pan skin-down, away from your body. Immediately press down the fish very firmly with a spatula, or use a cooking weight or the base of a saucepan. Tips & tricks Flour Meuniere in French is the feminine form of miller, and in this dish it refers to the coating of flour that surrounds the fish, protecting it as it cooks and crisping around the edges. Controversially, I think flour should be optional. Its an extra step, makes the process of frying a little more difficult and uses more oil. Cooking a simple fillet of pan-fried, non-floured fish is a far more useful skill that can be applied to more varieties of fish and many other dishes. Pan-fried fish While the traditional dish is usually made with sole or flounder, you can use any fish you like. This works well with snapper, whiting, flathead, salmon or barramundi, just to name a few. The process for pan-frying fish is simple. Place a carbon-steel pan over medium heat and wait until the pan is hot. With practice you can judge this by eye, but otherwise you can test your pans heat by observing the Leidenfrost effect: drip a tiny amount of water into the pan and if it squeaks and forms a bubble that skims across the surface, its hot enough. If the water wets the pan, wait a little longer. Julia Child described eating fish meuniere after arriving in France as absolute perfection the most exciting meal of my life. Paul Child/WGBH When the pan is hot, add the oil. Dont add oil to the pan before heating, as it will burn and smoke before the pan gets hot enough. Lay the fish into the pan, skin down. The skin of the fish will want to contract and buckle the fillet, so press the fish firmly down with the back of a spatula, base of a pot or cooking weight for about 30 seconds until the fillet relaxes. You dont need to cook things in a pan for an equal amount of time on each side. In fact, this often causes overcooking. When cooking fish, I will often cook one side for about 80 per cent of the cooking time, and the second side for just 20 per cent. Squeeze or press the fillet with your fingers to see if its cooked. I like to imagine that Im biting into the fish as I press it. If it feels raw, just keep cooking. Alternatively, stick a thin metal skewer into the thickest part of the fish and leave it there for a few seconds. Hold the end of the skewer to your lip and if it feels warm, the fish is done. Fish will be cooked around 45-50C, so if the skewer feels warm against your lip the inside of the fish will be just higher than your body temperature (around 38C). Beurre noisette The key to this dish is the beurre noisette, or brown butter. The French translation is hazelnut butter keep that in mind when youre making it. The butter should turn the mid-brown colour of hazelnut husks. If the butter is too pale it will taste oily; too dark it will taste burnt and bitter; but just-right and it will be rich and nutty. The heat from the pan will continue to colour the butter even after you remove it from the heat, so I like to add a little lemon juice to cool down the butter as its removed. Prince Harry returns to London Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Mining Billionaire Andrew Twiggy Forrest is heading to China hot on the heels of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews. Forrest is playing down fears that China poses a national security threat, adding that it is no more protectionist than Australia or the United States. Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest. Credit: Peter Rae Forrest reckons countries should put aside their political differences to support stronger climate action. Speaking before meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday afternoon, he called on the Australian government to make it clear that the $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal was to defend our nation only, never to attack another. Read the full report here by our North Asia correspondent, Eryk Bagshaw. The widow of slain Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin claims her former partner was controlling and hostile during their relationship as she defends allegations she was part of a 2013 incident in which Mr Martin threatened and assaulted his accountant over dodgy tax returns. Mrs Martin denies the allegations. Amanda Martin sat quietly in Perth District Court on Tuesday on the first day of her trial, where a jury heard how the outlaw motorcycle gang leader, her de facto partner, coerced his accountant into creating false tax returns and loan applications in 2011. Amanda Martin, partner of slain Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin, is standing trial for allegedly threatening the couples accountant. Credit: Nine News The bikie boss wanted to buy a new Range Rover and two new properties, including one for his mother, and asked the accountant, who cannot be named, to submit false estimates of his income with the Bank of Queensland, while also downplaying his income with the Australian Taxation Office. In 2013, after a tax office audit noticed the discrepancies, Martin was notified and paid the accountant a visit at his Balcatta office. Commonwealth shield laws supposed to protect whistleblowers have utterly failed to stop the prosecution of a public servant who risked all to reveal the unconscionable conduct of the Australian Taxation Office. Now it seems only Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus can stop him being sacrificed on a seemingly unalterable altar of law. Richard Boyle worked in the ATOs debt recovery division in Adelaide and made headlines in 2018 when he blew the whistle on aggressive debt recovery tactics used by the Tax Office, revealed in a joint media investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the ABCs Four Corners. He was charged in 2019 and faces 24 counts, including of recording private phone calls and taking photographs of taxpayer details. He applied for immunity on 23 of the charges under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, the Commonwealth whistleblowing shield law for public servants, enacted by Mark Dreyfus during his first stint as attorney-general in 2013. But on Monday, South Australias District Court rejected Boyles application for immunity. He is due to go to trial in October, with a life sentence possible if convicted. ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle. Credit: Joe Armao Depending on ones point of view, whistleblowers share the same hero/villain persona captured by the slogan one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. After the September 11 attacks, governments became more secretive across a number of fronts. In Australia, several whistleblowers such as Boyle emerged to reveal nefarious conduct at, what has turned out to be, great personal cost. Suspending independent MP Gareth Ward from NSW parliament if he retains his seat of Kiama could be seen as defying the wishes of voters, who had made their choice with eyes wide open, leading constitutional lawyer Anne Twomey says. The former minister was suspended from parliament last year after he was charged with historical sexual assault, which he denies. He was also suspended from the Liberal Party and sat on the crossbench until forced out of the parliament. Gareth Ward with his lawyer Robert Foster outside Nowra District Court on Tuesday. Credit: Nine Premier Chris Minns and former premier Dominic Perrottet both vowed during the campaign to move a new suspension to ensure Ward could not sit in the chamber if re-elected. Ward, who has been the Kiama MP since 2011, is inching ahead of Labor challenger Katelin McInerney on first preferences in the South Coast seat, and is expected to claim victory after initially slipping behind in the count over the weekend. On 26 March, US Vice President Kamala Harris set off on a tour of Africa that includes Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, as part of the Biden administrations latest bid to strengthen relations between the US and the continent, which Washington had largely ignored under former president Donald Trump. Harris hopes to reshape the image of her country and present it as a better partner than China, which has pumped vast investments into the continent over recent decades, acquiring an influence there that has outstripped that of the US and Europe. The US vice presidents visit follows through on the US-Africa Summit that US President Biden hosted in December 2022 with the purpose of strengthening US strategic relations with Africa. The summit was attended by 49 African countries who collectively received pledges for more US investment and assistance. The vice presidential tour also comes shortly after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinkens visit to Ethiopia and Niger in mid March. Washingtons drive to step up cooperative relations with Africa has covered support for climate change action, exploration of ways to improve food security in a region that is home to many of the worlds poorest nations, and steps to improve institutional relations with the African Union, as occurred in December when Biden invited the AU to become a permanent member of the G-20 and promised to reform the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa. With its eye on its economic competitor, China, Washington has also offered African countries export privileges to US markets and signed partnership agreements in various economic sectors. The Harris tour is expected to see the launch of initiatives to promote US partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area, industrial cooperation and investment opportunities for US businesses in Africa. The Biden administration has evidently rediscovered Africa as a potential linchpin for reinforcing its global leadership status in a particularly turbulent environment and at a time when it sees China and Russia encroaching on American interests and zones of influence. It is particularly disturbed by a growing Russian military presence in Africa, and by the inroads China has made in key economic sectors in a large number of African countries. Such circumstances set the context for Harris statements on the eve of her African tour, in which she stressed the importance of her countrys deep-rooted relations with Africa and its eagerness to promote peace, security and stability in the continent. In addition to political and economic focuses, Washington has also been active in supporting the health sector in Africa. The US has invested $100 billion in public health in African countries over the past two decades, sending large quantities of Covid-19 vaccines to those countries that were most vulnerable to the virus and least able to combat it. The US vice presidents visit to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia is intended to demonstrate American support for the continent as it contends with severe economic and environmental challenges, according to political commentators. However, it is clear that her tour is also driven by the desire to counter international and regional powers whose policies conflict with Washingtons agendas. Foremost among these, of course, are Beijing, Moscow and Tehran which have developed vast networks of economic and political interest and influence across the African continent, which has once again become an arena in international power struggles. Washingtons current rivalry with Beijing, in particular, helps to explain its rush to Africa carrying packages of incentives to win over countries and offset the advances made by its strategic adversaries. Washington has been campaigning to bolster its international alliances to secure its position at the helm of a unipolar world order and ward off the Russian and Chinese threat to its global hegemony. The competition has escalated into a new Cold War the most salient manifestation of which is the war in Ukraine. Most African countries have opted to remain neutral on that war and many of them have refused to comply with the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow. Harris African charm offensive, as it has been described, is a sign that Washington was taken by surprise by such stances and that it has recalibrated its approach to influencing African policies on global issues that intersect with US interests the better to be able to mobilise African support for American positions on international and regional conflicts. In this regard, Washington is campaigning to have the Wagner PMC, which has expanded its operations in Africa, designated as a terrorist organisation, and it will need African support for that. Of course, Harris trip and Blinkens before, must also be seen in the context of the US desire to ensure access to Africas natural resources. The continent has long been famous for its abundant mineral and natural wealth and, more recently, significant natural gas reserves have been discovered off the coast of West Africa. All those resources are crucial to the US economy, especially at this time of global economic crisis. In addition, Africa offers a vast market for American products. The quick succession of Blinken and Harris trips are a sign that US activities in Africa will pick up pace in the coming period, now that it has moved up in Washington priorities as a strategic asset on its global chess board. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Security experts say that Chinas campaign is widespread and tailored to local communities. In Utah, the AP found, Beijing and pro-China advocates appealed to politicians affiliations with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon church, which is the states dominant religion and one that has long dreamed of expanding in China. Republican Utah state Senator Curtis Bramble: the roles of legislator and businessman sometimes overlap in China. Credit: AP Beijings campaign in Utah has raised concerns among state and federal politicians and drawn the attention of the Justice Department. A state legislator told the AP he was interviewed by the FBI after introducing a resolution in 2020 expressing solidarity with China early in the coronavirus pandemic. A Utah professor who has advocated for closer ties between Washington and Beijing told the AP hes been questioned by the FBI twice. The FBI declined to comment. Beijings interest in locally focused influence campaigns is not a secret. Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, said during a trip to the US in 2015 that without successful cooperation at the sub-national level it would be very difficult to achieve practical results for cooperation at the national level. Loading Deceptive and coercive A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington told the AP that China values its relationship with Utah and any words and deeds that stigmatise and smear these sub-national exchanges are driven by ulterior political purposes. It is not unusual for countries, including the US, to engage in local diplomacy. US officials and security experts have stressed that many Chinese language and cultural exchanges have no hidden agendas. However, they said, few nations have so aggressively courted local leaders in ways that raise national security concerns. In its annual threat assessment released earlier this month, the US intelligence community reported that China is redoubling its local influence campaigns in the face of stiffening resistance at the national level. Beijing believes, the report said, that local officials are more pliable than their federal counterparts. Loading The National Counterintelligence and Security Centre in July warned state and local officials about deceptive and coercive Chinese influence operations. And FBI Director Christopher Wray last year accused China of seeking to cultivate talent earlyoften state and local officialsto ensure that politicians at all levels of government will be ready to take a call and advocate on behalf of Beijings agenda. Authorities in other countries, including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, have sounded similar alarms. Those concerns have arisen amid escalating disputes between the US and China over trade, human rights, the future of Taiwan and Chinas tacit support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Tensions worsened last month when a suspected Chinese spy balloon was discovered and shot down in US airspace. US officials have provided scant details about which states and localities the Chinese government has targeted. The AP focused its investigation on Utah because China appears to have cultivated a significant number of allies in the state and its advocates are well-known to legislators. A Chinese state media outlet reported the Utah students jubilantly exclaimed: Grandpa Xi really wrote back to me. Hes so cool! Relying on dozens of interviews with key players and the review of hundreds of pages of records, text messages and emails obtained through public record requests, the AP found China won frequent legislative and public relations victories in Utah. China-friendly politicians, for example, delayed action for a year to ban Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes at state universities, according to the legislations sponsor. The Chinese language and cultural programs have been described by US national security officials as propaganda instruments. The University of Utah and Southern Utah University closed their institutes by last year. Legislative and PR victories In 2020, China scored an image-boosting coup when Xi sent a note to a class of Utah fourth-graders thanking them for cards theyd sent wishing him a happy Chinese New Year. He encouraged them to become young ambassadors for Sino-American friendship. Emails obtained by the AP show the Chinese Embassy and the students Chinese teacher coordinated the letter exchange, which resulted in heavy coverage by state-controlled media in China. A Chinese state media outlet reported the Utah students jubilantly exclaimed: Grandpa Xi really wrote back to me. Hes so cool! Portraying Chinas most authoritarian leader in decades as a kindly grandfather is a familiar trope in Chinese propaganda. Xis letter garnered positive attention in Utah, too. A Republican legislator said on the state Senate floor that he couldnt help but think how amazing it was that the Chinese leader took the time to write such a remarkable letter. Another GOP senator gushed on his conservative radio show that Xis letter was so kind and so personal. Chinese President Xi Jinping. Credit: AP Dakota Cary, a China expert at the security firm Krebs Stamos Group, said in making such comments Utah lawmakers are essentially acting as mouthpieces for the Chinese Communist Party and legitimising their ideas and narratives. Statements like these are exactly what Chinas goal is for influence campaigns, he said. Chinas interest in Utah is not limited to its officials and advocates who are engaged in diplomacy, trade and education. US officials have noted that Chinas civilian spy agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), has shown an interest in Utah, court records show. Spy agency interest In January, former graduate student Ji Chaoqun was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges related to spying for China. The Chicago student told an undercover agent hed been tasked by his spy handlers to meet people, some American friends. He was baptised at a Latter-day Saints church and told the undercover agent hed been going to Utah more often lately before his arrest, according to his Facebook page and court records. Ron Hansen, a former US intelligence official from Utah, pleaded guilty to trying to sell classified information to China. Hansen said Chinas spy service had tasked him with assessing various US politicians views towards China. The FBI found the names of Utah elected officials among sensitive files he stored on his laptop, court records show. Hansen was sentenced in 2019 to serve 10 years in federal prison. Hansen was well known in Utah political circles and helped organise the first-ever annual US-China National Governors Forum, which was held in 2011 in Salt Lake City, according to court records and interviews. Trips abroad The US State Department cancelled the forums in 2020 due to concerns about Chinese influence efforts. The AP found groups of up to 25 Utah politicians routinely took trips to China every other year since 2007. Politicians have partially used campaign donations to pay for the trade missions and cultural exchanges, while relying on China and host organisations to pay for other expenses. On the trips, theyve forged relationships with government officials and were quoted in Chinese state-owned media in ways that support Beijings agenda. Loading Utah is not like Washington DC, then Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, told the Chinese state media outlet in 2018 as the former president ratcheted up pressure on Beijing over trade. Utah is a friend of China, an old friend with a long history. In an interview last month with the AP, Hughes said the trips to China made him bullish about the country and prospects of improving trade. However, he said he now believes the visits were pretexts for Chinese officials to influence him and other politicians. Its a trip not worth taking, Hughes said. Utah doesnt require public officials to report in detail their foreign travel or personal finances, so its difficult to determine lawmakers financial ties to China. Chinas going to be a world force. Senator Curt Bramble Some of Utahs most pro-China legislators, however, have China-related personal business connections. Senator Curt Bramble told Courthouse News Service last year that his role as a part-time legislator and as a business consultant sometimes overlap and that he had clients in China a dozen at times some of them on legislative tours, some on consulting. In an interview with AP, Bramble said none of his clients are based in China; they only do business there. He declined to name them. Bramble, a Republican who represents a conservative district, also rejected fears of undue Chinese influence in Utah. Chinas not going anywhere. Chinas going to be a world force. Theyre going to be a player for the foreseeable future and trying to understand what that implies for the United States or for the state of Utah and get a concept of that seems to be a valuable endeavour, he said. Ties forged by two Utah residents Many of the Utah-China ties have been forged by two state residents with links to the Chinese government or to organisations that experts say are alleged front groups for China, including its civilian spy agency, the AP found. The two men advocated for and against resolutions, set up meetings between Utah politicians and Chinese officials, accompanied legislators on trips to China and provided advice on the best way to cultivate favor with Beijing, according to emails and interviews. In reviewing the APs findings, legal experts said the mens connections with Chinese officials suggest that they should register with the Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, known as FARA. The law generally requires anyone who works on behalf of a foreign entity to influence lawmakers or public perception, but its scope is the subject of significant debate and enforcement has been uneven. If I were representing either of these individuals, I would have significant concerns about FARA exposure, said Joshua Ian Rosenstein, an attorney who handles such matters. One of the men, Taowen Le, has championed China to religious and political leaders in Utah for decades. Le, a Chinese citizen, moved to Utah in the 1980s and has been a professor of information technology at Weber State University since 1998. Le converted in 1990 to the Mormon faith. From 2003 through 2017, Le had another job -- as a paid representative of Chinas Liaoning provincial government. Provincial governments are largely controlled by Beijing and Liaoning has had a longstanding sister relationship with Utah. Ive heard more than once from the mouths of Chinese government officials that China is prioritising their relationship with Utah. Dan Stephenson, employee of China-based consulting firm Les advocacy continued after he said he left Liaonings payroll, emails and interviews show. He has frequently forwarded messages from Chinese government officials to Utah lawmakers and helped the Chinese Embassy set up meetings with state officials. After embassy officials tried unsuccessfully last year to get staff for Utah Governor Spencer Cox to schedule a get-together with Chinas ambassador to the US, Le sent the governor a personal plea to take the meeting. I still remember and cherish what you told me at the New Year Party held at your home, Le wrote in a letter adorned with pictures of him and Cox posing together. You told me that you trusted me to be a good messenger and friendship builder between Utah and China. State Senate President Stuart Adams turned to Le when Utah was scrambling to obtain large quantities of drugs that Adams thought could be used as potential treatment against the coronavirus in early 2020, emails and interviews show. Le, who belongs to the same congregation as Adams, said in an email to another lawmaker that he was able to get the Chinese Embassy to assign two staffers to work tirelessly on the request until it was fulfilled. Politicians son turned China advocate Dan Stephenson, the son of a former state senator and employee of a China-based consulting firm was another Utah resident who had advocated better relations with China, legislators said. Emails and other records show Stephenson advised the Utah Senate president on how to make a good impression with a Chinese ambassador and assisted a Chinese province in its unsuccessful efforts to build a ceramics museum in Utah. Stephenson has promoted China in Utah for several years and has boasted of being well-connected with government officials there. Republican Utah senator Jacob Anderegg at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. Credit: AP Ive heard more than once from the mouths of Chinese government officials that China is prioritising their relationship with Utah, Stephenson told politicians at a committee hearing. That testimony came shortly after Stephenson accompanied Republican state Senator Jake Anderegg on a trip to Shanghai and Beijing that included meetings with officials at Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A few months after that trip, Stephenson provided Anderegg with the draft language for a pro-China resolution the state senator introduced in 2020 expressing solidarity with China during the pandemic, Anderegg told the AP. Loading The resolution passed with near unanimous approval. A Chinese diplomats efforts to win passage of a similar resolution in Wisconsin failed, with the states Senate president publicly blasting it as a piece of propaganda. Anderegg told the AP that he was interviewed by FBI agents seeking information about the Utah resolutions origins. It seemed rather innocuous to me, Anderegg said of his resolution. But maybe it wasnt. Stephenson said the FBI has not contacted him and no Chinese government official played a role in the resolution. Ties to alleged front groups Stephenson has links to Chinese groups allegedly active in covert foreign influence operations, documents show. He is a partner in the Shanghai-based consulting firm Economic Bridge International. The companys chief executive, William Wang, is a Chinese citizen and council member of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, according to an online biography. The group is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Partys United Front. Stephenson said hes never taken any action at the direction of the Chinese government and never accepted compensation from it. Loading I work to promote Utahs economy, to help American companies succeed in China, and to encourage healthy people-to-people and commercial ties, Stephenson said. His work sometimes aligned with what Chinese government officials were seeking and in ways experts say likely helped the Chinese Communist Partys messaging. Stephenson urged Utahs elected officials to make videos to air on Shanghai television to boost the spirits of that citys residents early in 2020 as they battled COVID-19, according to emails obtained by AP. You cannot buy this type of positive publicity for Utah in China, Stephenson said in an email pitching the videos. What does 205/55 R 16 91 V actually mean? - Brief explanation of information on the tyre sidewall HANOVER September 12, 2008: A tyre sidewall contains several alphanumerical codes. Some of them help the manufacturer or tyre dealer to identify the products, others give information on the tyres size, type, maximum permissible speed and load rating. Recently information of original equipment relevance and on run-flat properties and low rolling resistance has been added. The European market leader, Continental, has compiled the most important details. Size and type Although the label 205/55 R16 91V" doesnt say much to the tyre layman, it is really rather simple. 205" specifies the tyres nominal width in millimetres. The number 55" refers to the nominal aspect ratio, i.e. the ratio of the tyres height to its width. In this case, the height of the sidewall is 55 percent of the nominal width. The abbreviation R" says something about the construction and describes the way the cords of the casing are arranged. A distinction has to be made here between two abbreviations: R" stands for Radial". In radial tyres, the separate cords of the casing lie transverse to the direction of travel. The advantage is higher speed resistance, better grip and more comfortable driving properties than with diagonal tyres, which were previously the norm. For these reasons diagonal passenger tyres have not been mass-produced in Europe for more than 30 years now. They are still available, however, for utility vehicles and as special tyres for extreme off-road use. Their casing cords run over the tyres diagonal to the direction of travel, they have exceptionally high working loads and are more robust than their younger counterparts. The number 16 in the size data refers to the rim diameter in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm). Load index and speed symbol 91 is the tyres load index (LI). There is a standard conversion table for converting this numerical code to the maximum tyre load. It starts at 50 (= 190 Kg) and progresses in increments of one up to 124 (= 1,600 kg). In the present example, this means that a tyre can be loaded with a maximum of 615 kilograms. The speed symbol (GSY) V indicating the maximum permissible speed is indicated right after load rating 91. In this case, the tyre is V-rated, i.e. approved for speeds of up to 240 km/h. Other common speed symbols are T (up to 190 km/h), H (up to 210 km/h), W (up to 270 km/h) and Y (up to 300 km/h). The maximum speed of true ZR (radial construction) tyres is not standardised. Confirmation from the tyre manufacturer is therefore required for speeds in excess of 240 km/h. Together a tyres load index and speed index constitute the passenger tyres service description. Winter tyres only really safe with the snowflake on the mountain symbol Road user safety is the number one priority of Continentals tyre developers. That is why Continental offers both summer and winter tyres. Each tyre type optimally ensures high safety requirements only in the appropriate season. A genuine winter tyre is easy to identify from the numerous sipes on the tyre and the two typical symbols: M+S" (Mud and Snow) and the snowflake on the mountain" symbol, a clear indication that it really is a winter tyre. Tyres that bear this symbol have been tested against a reference tyre to demonstrate their winter suitability. Continental therefore strongly advises customers to keep an eye out for this additional label when buying winter tyres. Safe tread depth The abbreviation TWI stands for tread wear indicator. Crossbars are evenly distributed in the main longitudinal profile grooves over the tyre circumference. When the legally defined minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres is reached, the crossbars are flush with the tread blocks. Numerous tests conducted by leading car magazines and tests performed by Continental itself prove that the safety reserves of summer tyres under wet conditions significantly decrease with a residual tread depth of less than three millimetres. A raindrop on the sidewall of new Continental summer tyres indicates the minimum tread depth recommended by Continental for driving under wet conditions. In the case of winter tyres, already a tread depth of four millimetres provides only minimal safety reserves on typical wintry roads. With less tread depth, sipes no longer have sufficient traction on snow or ice. The winter TWI is indicated by a snowflake symbol at a residual tread depth of four millimetres. Winter tyres with a residual tread of less than four millimetres are no longer approved as winter tyres in Austria. TL stands for tubeless tyres A closer look at the tyre also reveals a Tubeless or TL label. Unlike Tube Type/TT tyres, any tyre so labelled is also operational without an inner tube. Models operational only with tubes are hardly to be found any more among modern passenger car and light truck tyres. At best, rare vintage cars and/or spoke wheel rims still need tubes. Special labels: SSR, ContiSeal, MO and E On increasingly popular run-flat tyres, the aforementioned labelling is followed by the run-flat designation. At Continental, this is SSR (Self Supporting Runflat Tyre). An SSR tyre has reinforced sidewalls and allows a vehicle to continue on its way even with a complete loss of tyre pressure. SSR tyres should be mounted only if the vehicle has a tyre pressure control system and was designed for such tyres by the manufacturer. A tyre with ContiSeal technology continues to function even if its tread has been damaged by a nail or screw with a diameter of up to five millimetres. This system makes it possible for a vehicle to still continue driving in around 80 per cent of all tyre punctures. The tyre has a viscous coating on the inner side of its tread that seals the tread puncture spot. Since this prevents any loss of air, ContiSeal tyres can also be mounted on vehicles without a tyre pressure control system. Tyre manufacturers mark models that have been manufactured according to the specifications of vehicle manufacturers with MO, N0 - N4, a star, the letter J or RO 1. These tyres differ slightly from tyres without the additional code. MO tyres, for example, are produced to Mercedes specifications, while Porsche-approved tyres are labelled N0 N 4. Tyres approved by Jaguar are identifiable as such by a J. The tyres that BMW fits on the cars at its factories are identified by a small star. The designation R01 can be found on tyres for Audi Quattro GmbH. Tyres with such identifiers can, however, also be fitted on other vehicles. Of late, some Continental original equipment tyres have an E" after the tread designation. Tyres so labelled are designed for especially low petrol consumption on these vehicles. Tyre age A DOT code is vulcanised into each tyre. This certifies compliance with the stipulations of the American Department of Transportation. In addition to a code for the manufacturer, the tyre size and tyre properties, the week of production is also shown in an encrypted form. The number 2208 means that the tyre was manufactured in the 22nd week of this year. Two further alphanumeric combinations are still to be noted. E4" is a mark of approval based on the EC Regulation. The number behind the E" stands for the country issuing the approval (examples: 4 = the Netherlands, 12 = Austria). The number sequence 0214338 after E4 is the approval number as per the applicable EC regulation. Even if the DOT code already tells experts the tyres country of origin, providers of quality products, such as Continental, vulcanise Made in onto each tyre to identify the country of origin. Size Does Matter: Electric Roads Allow Car Batteries To Be Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper, More Practical GOTHENBURG, Sweden - March 28, 2023: The Chalmers University of Technology released this EV Motoring Report. If an electric car charges while driving, the size of the battery can be reduced by up to 70%, and the load on the power grid can be spread out over the day. Charging on the move suits most people, but not everyone. This is shown by a new study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, where for the first-time researchers combine the so-called electric road system with real-life driving patterns of Swedish drivers. The Swedish government has proposed a ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The same trends are seen across Europe, as demonstrated by the rapid increasing sales of electric vehicles. As this development progresses, challenges are also increasing, including the uneven load on the power grid and where to charge the electric vehicles. Different ways of charging vehicles on the move Several countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, are testing whether electric road system (ERS) can be used to electrify road networks. An ERS charges moving vehicles with either loops in or next to the road, or with wires suspended above vehicles, similar to trams and trains. All variants mean that vehicles do not need to be parked to charge, and there are less needs for large batteries storing energy to overcome ?range anxiety, a term referring to the fear or concern of an electric vehicle drivers experiences about the distance their electric vehicle can travel before the battery needs to be charged. Now researchers from Chalmers have used data from over 400 passenger cars to study real driving patterns on different parts of Swedish national and European roads. They have used the data to calculate, among other things, battery size needs to complete all journeys given possible charging options (stationary versus ERS), charging patterns, and total costs including infrastructure and batteries. Smaller battery results in lower costs The results show that a combination of electric roads on 25% of the busiest national and European roads and home charging would be optimal. The batteries, which account for a large part of the cost for an electric car, can become significantly smaller, at best only one-third of the current size. "We see that it is possible to reduce the required range of batteries by more than two thirds if you combine charging in this way. This would reduce the need for raw materials for batteries, and an electric car could also become cheaper for the consumer," says Sten Karlsson, who, together with research colleagues Wasim Shoman and Sonia Yeh, is behind the study ?Benefits of an Electric Road System for Battery Electric Vehicles. Other positive effects are that peaks in electricity consumption would be reduced if car drivers did not entirely rely on home charging but also supplemented it with electric road charging. After all, many people charge their cars after work and during the night, which puts a lot of strain on the power grid. By instead charging more evenly throughout the day, peak load would be significantly reduced. Limited benefit in sparsely populated areas But different groups of motorists also have different conditions for benefiting from the combination of stationary charging and ERS. There are big differences between groups, depending on driving patterns and proximity to electric roads. Even in the optimal case, some would manage with only electric road charging, while others would not be able to use the opportunity at all. For example, we see that those who live in the countryside would need almost 20% greater range on their batteries compared to those who live in a city centre," says Wasim Shoman. The study also shows that small batteries do not automatically lead to charging through ERS. "Just because you can charge does not mean the consumer actually wants to do it at every given opportunity. The business model, therefore, becomes extremely important because benefits and costs may become unevenly distributed. And there are no decisions yet on what the business model should look like," says Karlsson. Facts about electric roads in Sweden There are a few short test sections with different electric road technologies in Sweden, including in Lund and on Gotland, but the first pilot with a permanent electric road is now underway. The Swedish Transport Administration is building a 21-kilometre stretch between Orebro and Hallsberg alongside the E20. The electric road is expected to be completed in 2026. You can read more about the project on the Swedish Transport Administration's website. Would I Rent An EV again? Larry Nutson Goes EV-Motoring From Hertz Take a Trip; Rent an All-electric Car! Yes. Recent travel took my wife and I from our Chicago home to the Florida Keys to attend a wedding. An air flight to Miami and a rental car to get us to Islamorada was our transport. I had seen ads by Hertz promoting electric vehicle rentals, so I gave it a look. Save up to 30% off the base rate when you pay now and rent an electric vehicle greeted me on the Hertz website. Polestar 2 Dual Motor, Kia Nero, and the Tesla Model Y all-electric, battery powered cars were being offered. From techy touchscreens to smooth drives, choose from the largest EV rental fleet in North America, touted Hertz. Okay. Im interested but I needed to consider driving range and charging ability. I had recently test-driven the Polestar 2 in Chicago, so I was familiar with its performance and driving range ability. From Miami International Airport to our hotel in Islamorada it was 79 miles. The Polestar 2 has an EPA-driving range rating of 260 miles. We would only be driving additional short distances around Islamorada for the wedding event. I most likely would be able to do this without even needing to recharge. However, what does Hertz require? When renting a gasoline engine vehicle it needs to be returned with a full tank. If not, Hertz charges nearly $10.00 per gallon to refuel the car. I took a quick look at the availability of EV charging stations in the Florida Keys. There are not too many with the majority being in the Tesla network. An Electrify America fast charging station was located in Key Largo back towards Miami, about 20 miles from our hotel. If I actually needed to add charge I could also use the Polestars 11-kW onboard charger connected to standard 120-volt AC power while parked overnight at out hotel. The weather in the Keys would be warm and toasty. We would need to use the air conditioning which uses battery power and takes away from driving range. From my Chicagoland test drive, I liked the Polestars energy-efficient HVAC mechanical improved heat pump that reduces the reliance on battery charge to heat and cool the interior, thus boosting overall driving range in adverse conditions. I reserved the Polestarand crossed my fingers. I read on the Hertz website that an EV rental needed to be returned with a minimum of 10% charge remaining. Curious? Thats it, 10%. Well! Upon picking up the Polestar at Hertz Miami Airport I learned there was an option. Return the car with at least 70% charge. Or, pay the $35 Charge Purchase Option (CPO) and return the car with as little as 10%. I chose to pay the fee because I did not want to try to locate and stop at an EV charger during our return to the airport. Just like with any typical car rental, the task of locating a gas station thats near an airport to refill a rental car is often a challenge. Plus, their gas prices are usually higher. When we got into our Polestar it was fully charged with 260 miles of range displayed on the instrument cluster. Off we went south to Islamorada. From Miami a couple different 65-70 mph highways eventually lead to US Highway 1. From two lanes the road becomes one lane and speed limits drop down to 45 mph. Overall, a nice mix of speeds appropriate for electric vehicle driving. Driving from mainland Florida down the Overseas Highway, the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 is often referred to as the "Highway that Goes to Sea. The 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West incorporates an astonishing 42 bridges leapfrogging from key to key in a series of giant arches of concrete and steel over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. We stopped for lunch in Key Largo and then made our way to our hotel. The Polestar had plenty of remaining range. The wedding, on a beach in Islamorada, was wonderful. I though about plugging in at the hotel, just to be safe, but convinced myself there was no need. Upon return to Hertz at Miami Airport we had driven a total of 171 miles and still had an indicated 110 miles of range and 43% battery charge. Yes, the Polestar driving range dropped by 150 miles while we drove 171 miles. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary. I attribute this to the use of regenerative braking which puts charge back into the battery while also slowing down the car. Coming back to the $35 charge fee we paid. Regular grade gasoline was running around $3.50 - $3.60 a gallon in Florida. A gasoline engine car similar to the Polestar would probably have an EPA combined mileage rating of 25-26 mpg. That equates to around seven gallons of gas that would have been used for the 171 miles of driving, or around $25.00. Add to that the chore of locating a gasoline station. The $35 fee seemed a fair deal. Would I rent an EV again? It will depend on my driving needs. The ability to recharge an EV battery is THE issue today. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is being rolled out over the next few years. The resulting installation of EV fast chargers located every 50 miles along interstates and major highways will make recharging more convenient. Reuters/Ipsos asked in a survey of 4,410 people nationwide whether theyd consider buying an all-electric vehicle as their next vehicle. Despite most Americans driving just 30-40 miles a day, the survey showed that a third of U.S. consumers who would consider buying an all-electric vehicle as their next vehicle say they need at least 500 miles of charge with another third saying they need at least 300 miles. The desire for your car to have a range far beyond what you use in daily life dubbed range anxiety in the industry is the paradox of the electric age. In part, you could argue range anxiety is a result of charging anxiety people dont trust that theyll find a charging point when they need it and would rather be safe. Hertz is investing in the largest rental EV fleet in North America. Through Hertz Electrifies, Hertz is expanding the availability of that fleet including models from Tesla, Polestar, and GM and helping to add charging capacity to Hertz locations in cities. Hertz is supporting the installation of new public charging infrastructure through its partnerships with bp pulse and others. The future is electric. Happy motoring! 2023 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy The Syrian government will have to comply with various measures if it wants to normalise the countrys ties with the Arab states. The Saudi media reported a few days ago that the country is in talks with the Syrian government with a view to resuming consular services between the two states, citing a source in the Saudi Foreign Ministry as saying that it was engaged in discussions with its Syrian counterpart. International media outlets have also cited diplomats claiming that Saudi Arabia and the Syrian government have reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and putting an end to the cessation of diplomatic relations that took place over a decade ago. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan earlier stated that the current situation in Syria was untenable and that a new approach will necessitate engaging in a dialogue with the government in Damascus. We have to confront the challenges posed by the status quo, including the humanitarian crisis and the refugee situation, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries are collaborating with international partners to develop appropriate strategies for engaging in dialogue with the Syrian government. At the same time, the US Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia and Syria are nearing an agreement to restore diplomatic ties after negotiations mediated by Russia. The Russian government brokered a preliminary agreement when Mr [Bashar Al-] Assad visited Moscow last week Senior Syrian officials have visited Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, the newspaper said. International media outlets said Iran has encouraged the regime led by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to strike an agreement with Saudi Arabia after it agreed to resume diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia following a seven-year hiatus. However, news of the normalisation moves came as a surprise to the Syrian opposition, which seemed to be ignorant of them. The opposition had not expected that one of its major supporters, Saudi Arabia, would normalise ties with the Syrian regime, leaving it unsure about how to react. The Syrian government has been actively seeking to restore its relationships with the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, for several months in the light of the severe economic sanctions imposed by the US and Europe on Syria and its allies including Russia and Iran. It also sought to capitalise on the earthquake that struck northwestern Syria in early February to appeal to the Arab countries for support, while simultaneously urging the international community to lift the sanctions. Normalisation with Saudi Arabia would be an important move for the Syrian regime as it would allow it to move back into the Arab fold. There have been rumours that Al-Assad plans to attend the Arab Summit meeting in Riyadh in April, where the reconstruction of Syria will feature high on the agenda. Details on the Saudi-Syria rapprochement have not been announced, but according to analyst Said Moqbel the agreement may encompass a range of issues, including security along the Syrian-Jordanian border, halting the smuggling of Captagon [stimulants] to the Arab Gulf, and addressing the Iranian intervention in Syrian politics, he said. The deal may also involve putting an end to Saudi funding for armed groups in Syria, facilitating Syrias return to the Arab League and restoring relations between Syria and the Arab Gulf. But there is a distinct possibility that the reconciliation could falter before it even begins should the Syrian regime fail to adhere to certain Saudi conditions. The European stance on the potential normalisation of Saudi-Syrian relations is clear, with the EU Head of Delegation to Syria Dan Stoenescu, expressing support for any Arab initiatives that foster progress in the ongoing negotiations on the Syrian crisis and yield concrete outcomes. Stoenescu said that European policies towards Syria would not change, emphasising that there would be no normalisation, lifting of the sanctions, or reconstruction until Damascus takes steps towards a political transition in the country in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The US position regarding a potential Saudi-Syrian rapprochement remains unclear, with the US administration offering brief criticisms of the initiative without escalating tensions. Voices have been raised within the US concerning any Arab normalisation of relations with the Syrian regime, with committee members in the US Congress criticising the administrations delay in activating the Caesar Act that aims to hold the perpetrators of human rights violations in Syria accountable for their crimes. The Caesar Act stands in the way of normalisation with the Syrian regime, such voices say, prompting concerns over the administrations allegedly soft stance towards the Saudi-Syrian rapprochement. Amidst the signs of normalisation with the Syrian regime, there was an escalation of military actions in northeastern Syria this week, with Iranian militias carrying out attacks on US bases in Deir Al-Zor, including on the Al-Omar and Koniko oil fields, resulting in the deaths or injury of several. The US then launched a series of missile strikes against Iranian militia sites, although the measures were relatively limited in scope. US President Joe Biden issued a statement saying that his country was prepared to take strong measures to protect American citizens, while emphasising that the US does not seek conflict with Iran. According to Syrian opposition member Ahmed Rahal, the attacks are an attempt to undermine the prestige of the US forces and the International Coalition in Syria. Iran and its militias, as well as sleeper cells, have reached the US military sites in northeastern Syria and established a military base close to Iraq. The US has neglected these threats, apparently unaware that the near future will see further escalation, particularly as Iran regards the US presence in Syria as illegitimate. If the US fails to respond decisively to attacks by Iran and its militias, the region could witness a major campaign against US bases. Two days after the announcement of the Saudi-Syrian talks, Western and Arab governments reasserted their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254 on the Syrian conflict. During a meeting held in the Jordanian capital Amman, representatives from the US, France, Germany, Norway, the UK, the EU, Turkey, the Arab League, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the resolution. Many European and Arab countries are adamant about enforcing the resolution, believing in the importance of dialogue with Damascus to address both the humanitarian and the political crisis in Syria. Through a step by step process advocated by UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, they believe they can persuade the Syrian regime to adopt a more conciliatory stance and embrace a political solution. However, the Syrian regime views the Resolution as interference in Syrias internal affairs. While it has focused on the proposed steps towards it, it does not recognise that it has to take reciprocal steps towards others. The next 60 days will be a critical period for testing the viability of the recent agreement between Riyadh and Tehran, as the former has said the agreement will not be implemented until after this period elapses. It is likely that there are undisclosed Saudi demands that will need to be met before the agreement can be implemented. The success of the Saudi normalisation with the Syrian regime will be closely linked to the Saudi-Iranian agreement. If the latter is disrupted, it could jeopardise the former as well. Two key factors are likely to shape Arab normalisation with Damascus. The opening of Arab embassies in Syria or an invitation to the Syrian president to participate in the next Arab League Summit meeting would constitute significant Arab gestures towards Syria. There will also be restrictions on normalising ties with the Syrian regime, and they can scarcely return to normal because of the US and European sanctions on Syria. Any Arab moves in this regard will have to be associated with steps to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which would facilitate the eventual lifting of the sanctions. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Last weeks visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow was a sign of the determination of China and Russia to reshape the international order to serve their interests as great powers, writes Hussein Haridy After his re-election for an unprecedented third term in office in March, Chinese President Xi Jinping made an official visit to his dear friend Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two men held two summit meetings during a visit to Moscow that took place from 20 to 22 March. The meetings between the two men this month in the Russian capital come in addition to the previous 40 meetings between them that have taken place since 2012. This number in itself shows how close their personal relations have become as well as the convergence of their strategic and global interests and their mutual determination and political will to reshape the world order to accommodate the two great powers of China and Russia. The driving force behind this determination is to meet, from a position of strength, the US-led West and its global strategy to dominate world politics under the banner of the rules-based international order, an order that quite literally means Western hegemony. It is no wonder, then, that western reactions on the official and media level to the visit have tried to throw doubt on the solidity and strength of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in all its aspects, extending from the strategic and the military to the economy, energy, and technology both civilian and military. The official visit of President Xi to Moscow comes one year after the visit of the Russian president to Beijing in February 2022 to take part in the inauguration of the Winter Olympic Games. The two leaders held a summit meeting at the same time and released a 5,000-word joint declaration on a bilateral partnership that had no limits. Two weeks later, Russian forces crossed the border with Ukraine in a special military operation, according to the Russian government, and an act of Russian aggression, according to the Western powers. From February 2022 to the present, China has adopted a neutral position in the Ukrainian crisis without condemning Russia or supporting the unprecedented sanctions that the US-led West, including its Asian and Pacific allies, have imposed on Russia. In February this year, the Chinese government released a 12-point peace plan that it said was intended to help end the military conflict in Ukraine. It came as no surprise that the US administration did not warmly receive it. On 21 March, US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby said that China was parroting Russian propaganda about the causes of the conflict. I dont think the meeting today [a reference to the Russian-Chinese summit in Moscow on the same day] gives us great expectations that the war is going to end soon, he said. The European reactions were not greatly different, though French President Emmanuel Macron has left the door open to explore peace prospects in Ukraine during his upcoming visit to Beijing next month. The president of the European Commission is scheduled to accompany him to show a unified European stand. Kirby also told reporters on 20 March that a potential trip to China by Janet Yellen, the US secretary of the Treasury, and Gina Raimondo, the Commerce secretary, was being planned. In the meantime, and as reported by the South China Morning Post newspaper on 23 March, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia Rick Walters was in Shanghai on 22 March and met the former and current presidents of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS). As quoted in the Post, a post by the Shanghai Institute on WeChat reported that the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations. The visit to Shanghai could also lay the ground for a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China, a visit that was postponed after the Chinese balloon incident over the US last December. Despite dismissing the importance of the Chinese plan for peace in Ukraine in public, the US administration would welcome consulting with the Chinese on the results of the Russian-Chinese summit meeting in Moscow and how to build on the plan in the foreseeable future. That would be a positive sign, to a certain extent, as notwithstanding the growing strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing, as the visit of President Xi to Russia demonstrates, it shows that China and the US can still work together. During his visit to Moscow, the Chinese president invited his Russian counterpart to attend a summit meeting next autumn, probably in Beijing, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative. On the eve of his visit to Moscow, President Xi also penned an article published in the Russian Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper stressing that his visit to Russia was a journey of friendship, cooperation, and peace. He added that relations between the two countries have become more mature and resilient in their development, constantly renewing a new vitality and setting a new model of great power relations. This description could help us to understand the new multipolar world order that is taking shape at present, indicating that the competitive relations among the superpowers should not be seen as a zero-sum game. The Russian-Chinese summit meeting in Moscow is a milestone in reshaping the international order, making it become a multipolar one where power and influence are evenly spread worldwide and not the monopoly of one great power and its alliance systems across the globe. Even so, it is interesting to note that President Putin said on 26 March that the Russian partnership with China should not be considered a military alliance in the strict sense of the word. Whether this is true or not only time will tell. The writer is former assistant foreign minister. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The recent Saudi-Iranian agreement normalising relations between the two countries will bolster Saudi Arabias regional role and could lead to other countries reactivating their relations with Iran, writes Eman Ragab The Chinese-brokered agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia that was signed several weeks ago holds the promise of returning the Middle East to the conditions that prevailed before the outbreak of the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011 in other words to a time of relative calm in the region thanks to Tehrans and Riyadhs efforts to contain their strategic rivalry. The Saudi-Iranian agreement, according to what has been made public about it, provides for the resumption of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries within two months and a commitment to the principles of respect for national sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of others. It also calls for the revival of the security cooperation agreement that the two countries signed in 2001 and their agreement of 1998 that focused on broader cooperation, including in the economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and youth and sports. The new agreement is thus less about taking the bilateral relationship forward than about resetting it to where it stood just over a decade ago. At the time there were diplomatic relations and economic and security cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. For example, the then Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit meeting of 2007 in which the participants discussed various visions for coordination between the GCC countries and Iran in order to achieve regional security. There were also understandings on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a matter of concern for all countries overlooking the Gulf. Despite the strategic competition between Riyadh and Tehran over influence in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and elsewhere in the region at the time, they were able to keep their relations on an even keel and even explore ways to share influence in those countries. The readiness of both sides to come to terms again today is perhaps best explained by their realisation that the lack of dialogue between them has cost them dearly. A salient example of this is the disruption and threat to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during the past three years that has been detrimental to many countries in the region. But the Chinese-brokered agreement also speaks of something new. It reflects a remarkable change in the security culture that underpins Saudi foreign policy and a shift away from a thinking informed by perceptions of threats to a thinking shaped by potential opportunities. Several official statements have signalled this shift. For example, in the Jeddah Summit meeting of July 2022 Saudi Arabia said that it would prefer to engage in dialogue and cooperation with Iran instead of seeing it as an enemy and forming military alliances against it. Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman has also said on several occasions that he regards Iran as a potential friend that his country can deal with and that he would prefer negotiating with it instead of confrontation. But even if the recent Saudi-Iranian agreement cannot be said to bring anything really new to the relations between the two countries, it could nevertheless ultimately reshape relations in the wider Middle East. It could enhance Saudi Arabias role as an agent of change in the patterns of regional interplay towards Iran and bolster Riyadhs status and legitimacy as a major regional power. For years, this regional interplay has generally worked to isolate Tehran politically and strategically. Following the agreement, we can expect other regional powers, such as Egypt, to reactivate their relations with Iran after a long freeze. Another ramification of the agreement pertains to Washingtons policies towards the region. Under the administration of former US president Barack Obama, the US shifted to a backseat driver approach that encouraged regional powers to resolve their problems on their own rather than waiting for Washington to step in. Saudi Arabia has now acted on this principle and, in response, US National Security Spokesperson John Kirby has said that Washington is following developments regarding the Saudi-Iranian agreement through its strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and that it has no objection to the Chinese role as long as it contributes to achieving stability in the region. A third ramification of the agreement concerns the evolution of Chinas role in the Middle East. Its success in brokering the agreement between these two major countries is a landmark in the development of a political dimension to this role and one that draws on the economic influence that Beijing has built up in the region over the course of many years. Chinas interest in brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran is not new. It began with the international negotiations over the Iranian nuclear programme in 2003. China was instrumental in the process that eventually culminated in the nuclear agreement of 2015. Throughout that period, Chinese diplomats were keen to discuss the reasons for the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the origins of the disputes between them, and the potential for dialogue. Looking ahead, we can now expect further developments in Chinas new political role in the region, especially as the Saudi-Iranian agreement states that the three parties, Riyadh, Tehran and Beijing, will exert all possible efforts to promote regional and international peace and security. The question now is which regional conflict will China try to resolve next by encouraging dialogue, sponsoring negotiations, or brokering a diplomatic settlement. The writer is head of the Security Research Department at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies and a visiting professor of political science at Cairo University. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Evidently humans are not alone in having their faith and behaviour tested during the holy month of Ramadan. The international order is being tested as well. Nor do we hold a monopoly on sin and misdeed. Governments and their ruling elites are just as vulnerable to them, especially when it comes to matters of war and peace. These agencies proved amazing in their response to Covid-19. Although the pandemic killed more than six million worldwide, governments succeeded in stemming the spread of the disease, developing a vaccine and distributing it across the world without discrimination between rich countries and poor. Yes, there was a time lag before the vaccines became available in developing nations, but it was also the case that wealthy countries were harder hit. On the other hand, just over a year ago, those same elites stood with hands tied behind their backs as the world careened over the brink, from Russian troop amassments to Western threats of sanctions, to pledges of support Ukraine into a full-scale war in Ukraine. We know how that has played out from various statements, threats, maps, figures and other information. There were some surprises, such as the strength of Ukrainian resistance. But now, a year after the war began, it is painfully clear that Ukraine is the biggest loser. Many of its cities have been reduced to rubble, its economy is in ruins, a large portion of its population has been displaced at home and abroad. The conflict currently stands on a knifes edge at the threshold of a new round of fighting called the spring offensive. But we may be looking at a different kind of war before another year is out. A sign of what could lie ahead occurred with the confrontation between a Russian fighter plane and an American MQ-9 Reaper drone on a military intelligence gathering operation over the Black Sea near Crimea. This first direct collision between the US and Russia testified to the unpredictable dynamics of the war and how it can generate unanticipated situations that are even difficult to assess legally in terms of the law of war or law of the sea. Did the engagement occur in an area where all countries have the right to innocent passage? Is an unmanned and unarmed plane flying a thousand feet above sea level near a war zone a legitimate military target? Regardless of how it is framed legally or militarily, the implications of that incident are extremely grave. All major wars in history were preceded by alarming arms races and huge increases in military spending. We see this happening today among all major powers. Russia and Ukraine are spending fortunes by the day; indeed, by the hour. The US is discussing a $6.8 trillion budget for 2024, including $842 billion for defence. Germany has increased its defence budget by $100 billion since the start of the war. Japan has not announced a figure, but it has stated that it will increase defence spending enough to be able to contend with all foreign threats. China and India have followed suit. The growing outlays will, of course, fund the new arms race in an era where weapons are nothing like those used in world wars or even the Cold War. International relations theorists and strategic analysts believe that weapons buildups, mobilisations and deployments generate a war-producing momentum of their own. World War I is notorious for being a war that no one wanted but everyone failed to prevent. It broke out because each side was afraid that the other would be the first to start and thus gain the advantage of the initiative. Could the same happen with the current war? Are we not watching escalations in quantities and qualities of weapons that could eventually lure in parties that did not even want the war to begin with? Can the new types of cyber, unmanned and AI weapons, in all their chemical, biological and of course tactical nuclear and strategic nuclear varieties truly be subordinated to rational calculations. Or will they detonate and seal the fate of all humankind without forewarning? Fortunately, the world stage is not entirely full of news of impending hell. We have a Chinese initiative that offers a possible solution in the form of a six-point theory. It also has a practical aspect in the form of President Xi Jinpings visit to Moscow and his stated intention of speaking with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The theoretical and practical sides combined define a starting point that consists of a ceasefire and the launch of a negotiations process. Secondly, they tell us that Russian-Chinese relations have evolved to a degree that Moscow can afford to back down from its more maximalist demands, such as holding onto territory that is purely Ukrainian and the demilitarisation of Ukraine. At the same time, Chinas position in the UN including its right to veto offers Kyiv the opportunity to give a peace initiative a try, and that could alleviate the military pressure on it ahead of the expected spring offensive. The initiative is a more explicit expression of the joint Chinese-Russian declaration of 4 February 2022 calling for reform of the monopolar world order. Naturally, the US opposes anything that might jeopardise what it regards as its innate global rights. However, reform would offer it an opportunity for an orderly retreat in which it would retain a unique status in the international system and simultaneously find avenues that might enable it to prosper even more than under the current order. The Chinese proposition does not exclude the cooperative rivalry that the US political scientist Joseph Nye advocated. Nor is it inconsistent with the concept of competition as outlined in recent US strategic documents. Unfortunately, the balance between the forces racing to prepare for more war, death and destruction and the Chinese push for peace remains heavily tilted in favour of the former. This is because the Chinese initiative is only Chinese up to now. The balance will only begin to shift when other midsized or major powers act, not to complicate things more than they are already complicated but to give the Chinese initiative the chance it deserves at a time when there are no other options on the table. India, Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries that are not part of any international military pact and that have not taken sides in this war must speak out on the horrible toll being paid by countries that have nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. Whether they do so individually after consultations with others or collectively through international organisations such as the African Union and Arab League, they must act now. This is not an attempt to revive the Non-Aligned Movement. It is an attempt to save the world. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: So far the project has progressed unilaterally, with the building and the filling of the dam undertaken before an agreement with Egypt and Sudan, two countries very likely to be affected by the dam, was reached. Two days before the announcement, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam warned that the continuation of unilateral measures regarding GERD can present an existential danger to 150 million citizens, that is the Egyptian and Sudanese populations combined. Sewilams statement was made in the course of him addressing the opening plenary of the 2023 UN Water Conference, held in New York. In his address he stressed that Addis Ababas unilateral and non-cooperative practices in the operation of a dam of such exaggerated size can have a disastrous impact. While he pointed out that Egypt is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, Sewilam cast light on the huge investments the country is making to raise the efficiency of its water system, which have exceeded $10 billion during the previous five-year plan. Such costs come on top of those needed to reuse water and import enormous amounts of food products worth about $15 billion. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri, for his part, told the media two weeks ago that Egypt has the right to defend the capabilities and interests of its people. All options are open, and all alternatives remain available, and Egypt has its capabilities, Shoukri told the media in reference to GERD. We just declare all options open without defining specific procedures, and this serves Egyptian interest in keeping all available alternatives open. While he refrained from discussing the fourth filling of GERD, he said that Cairo is monitoring and following the situation closely. This is not the first time that Shoukri directed a warning to Addis Ababa. In his meeting with Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua in early March, he vowed that Egypt would defend its peoples interests if Addis Ababa failed to ensure that no serious harm is caused to downstream countries by the building and operation of the dam. In a press conference following the meeting, he pointed out that Cairo has always sought a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of GERD, he questioned whether Ethiopia has the political will to reach that agreement at a time when it is going ahead with plans to build the dam and unilaterally carry out the fourth phase of its filling this summer. Initially, Egypt tried to reach an agreement with Ethiopia via bilateral talks. The two countries together with Sudan then signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) in 2015, after which tripartite negotiations started in the hope of reaching an agreement on the operation of GERD. However, Addis Ababa continued its policy of wasting time while imposing facts on the ground. The various sessions of tripartite talks failed to bridge the differences between Egypt and Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa managed to intentionally thwart several African-Union mediated initiatives. Given the good relations that tie the US with both Egypt and Ethiopia, Cairo later accepted mediation by former US president Donald Trump. A consensual and detailed agreement was prepared then and was ready to be signed, but the Ethiopian delegation made a no-show, and Egypt alone signed the agreement to confirm its good will. Sudan attended but declined to sign. In the hope of breaking the deadlock in the negotiations, Egypt took its dispute with Ethiopia to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The council issued a presidential statement in September 2021 urging Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to resume negotiations, at the invitation of the AU chairperson, on the dam, with a view to finalising the text of a mutually acceptable agreement on filling and operating the dam within a reasonable time frame. Last year, for the third year in a row, Egypt sent a letter to the international body that held Addis Ababa fully responsible for any significant harm to Egyptian interests that may result from Addis Ababa breaching its aforementioned obligations. Preparations for the fourth filling indicate that it is going to be a big one. It is likely to have an effect on both Egypt and Sudan. Even if it does not, nothing can guarantee that there will be no effect on the downstream countries in the future, especially during years of drought. That is why Egypt should continue with its diplomatic campaign to highlight to the world the dangers and damage that the dam can cause. The two downstream countries should also insist on reaching a legally binding agreement that draws a timetable for the filling and operation of the dam without affecting Egypts share of water, or causing damage or flooding in Sudan. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 March, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Al-Azhar strongly rejects and condemns the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by a group of extremists in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, stressing that the repetition of this inciting act that provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, is a hateful terrorist act that reflects the ignorance and recklessness of its perpetrators, Al-Azhar said in its statement. It added that the act only expressed intolerance and hatred towards Muslims in what can only be described as a hate crime. Al-Azhar, the world's leading Sunni Islamic institution, also described the act as an instance of Islamophobia that fuels hatred between the followers of the different religions. It also stressed that terrorism and provoking the feelings of others are two sides of the same coin and that both of them are equally dangerous and destructive. Al-Azhar described this act and similar actions as reflecting a strong desire to destroy the bridges of dialogue that have been otherwise erected by the world's wise people and religious leaders. It reiterated its call for governments and relevant institutions worldwide to issue laws that deter the perpetrators of such acts from insulting religions and to stop sanctioning such acts under the umbrella of freedom of expression. Al-Azhar concluded by warning of an impending disaster that will affect everyone in case the world fails to take the necessary measures to confront these acts. On Friday, members of the right-wing group Patrioterne Gar Live (The Patriots Go Live) aired the burning of the Holy Book on a live Facebook broadcast in front of the Turkish embassy. The group also burned a Turkish flag in the same broadcast. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, and Morocco, condemned the incident. This is the second incident of its kind in less than three months. Members of right-wing groups in Sweden and the Netherlands had set the Holy Quran on fire along with the Turkish flag. During a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen two weeks ago in Cairo, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb asserted that freedom of expression must not violate the sacred beliefs of others. The Imam condemned what he described as a direct insult to Islam in the West under the guise of freedom of expression. Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka secures national on-trade listing Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka has announced that its strengthening its on-trade presence with Drake & Morgan, following the success with The Alchemist and Gaucho. The vodka brand will be appearing as part of Drake & Morgans Under the Sea cocktail menu, which is live from this week. The new menu puts a focus on British ingredients which have been sustainably sourced, as well as celebrating the UK coastline with the introduction of shore-sourced spirits. Distilled from British apples, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka will also be the key ingredient in the new Beneath Our Feet cocktail, featuring across all Drake & Morgan venues including 17 in London and a further one in Manchester. Andy Braithwaite, Managing Director for Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, commented: We are thrilled to have our premium Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka listed in the esteemed Drake & Morgan bars, as we continue to execute our ambitious plans for growth. Our commitment to crafting high-quality vodka is reflected in every sip of our award-winning spirit. We believe that the sophisticated and refined atmosphere of Drake & Morgan's bars is a perfect match for the premium nature of our vodka, and we are excited to introduce it to their discerning clientele." Drake & Morgan head of marketing Kate Hitchock added: We take pride in offering our guests a diverse range of premium spirits and carefully crafted cocktails, so we're delighted to offer Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka as part of our new cocktail menu. We believe that Dutch Barns commitment to producing high-quality, sustainable vodka aligns perfectly with our values and will appeal to our customers who appreciate the finest quality ingredients in their drinks." 28 March 2023 - Bradley Weir Share this story After the hype of their relationship circulated on the internet and then we heard of their sudden breakup, we were all scratching our heads as to what happened to the seemingly perfect power couple. Obviously, the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive and well in America. According to a survey from Junior Achievement USA, 60 percent of teens want to launch businesses instead of working traditional jobs. The survey also revealed that 45 percent of teens want to learn from business owners. From early pioneers to modern-day trailblazers, Forbes has compiled a collection of 10 videos highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and success of individuals such as Annie Malone, Fred Harvey, George Eastman, and Malcom McLean. In this special presentation, Larry Elder is joined by Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes, as they delve into these inspiring tales of success. Are electric vehicles truly better than gasoline-powered vehicles? Can you drive an electric vehicle from coast to coast? Joining Elder to shed light on these questions is Craig Bannister, the editor of the CNSNews.com blog. What does race have to do with medicine? The American College of Surgeons apparently believes its members are racially biased and provide worse care to patients of color than we do to white patients, leading to disparate health outcomes. Dr. Richard Bosshardt, a plastic surgeon and longtime member of the American College of Surgeons, was recently banned from the colleges online forums after he continued to raise concerns about the pervasiveness of critical race theory (CRT). He joins Elder to dig into the motives behind CRT. The Larry Elder Show is sponsored by Birch Gold Group. Protect your IRA or 401(k) with precious metals today: http://larryforgold.com/ 3 Young SJTU Professors Die of Illness Three young professors at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have died in the past three months. They are Zhang Weiping, 51, deputy director of the National Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano machine Technology; Lai Xinmin, 58, director of the National Engineering Research Center for Automotive Power and Intelligent Contro; and Zhao Gang, 48, chief physician of gastrointestinal surgery at Renji Hospital in Shanghai. All three were members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Deputy Director of National Key Laboratory Died On March 21, the School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University issued a donation proposal, disclosing that Zhang Weiping, a CCP member, researcher of the School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and deputy director of the National Key Laboratory, died on March 10 at the age of 51 due to a sudden illness. The notice advises teachers from SJTU to help Zhangs family overcome the difficulties. Zhang Weiping, born in 1971, was a professor at the School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, SJTU, doctoral supervisor, Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory of Micron/Nanomachine Technology, Perkin Outstanding Scientist of the Chinese Society of Micron and Nanotechnology, member of the National Micro-electromechanical Technology Standardization Technical Committee, member of the Inertial Instrument and Component Professional Committee, and member of the Inertia Technology Society of Shanghai. He was selected for the New Century Outstanding Talents Support Plan of Chinas Ministry of Education, the Talent Development Fund Support Plan of Shanghai, the Morning Star Outstanding Young Scholars Award Program of SJTU, and the winner of the National Technological Invention Award. Over the years, Zhang researched intelligent unmanned Microsystems, biomimetic micro-robots, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), micro-inertia technology, analog-digital embedded circuit detection and control, and related technologies. As a backbone, he has presided over or participated in over 100 projects of the 863 Program, National Natural Science Foundation project; 973 Program, pre-research of final assembly; and other provincial and ministerial level projects. His research achievements in non-silicon MEMS technology, micro-inertia technology, micro-biomimetic robot, biological microfluidic chip, MEMS security technology, and other aspects have won the national technology invention Second prize, Shanghai Technology Invention First Prize, and other scientific and technological awards over ten times. He has published over 200 papers and 4 monographs in academic journals and conferences at home and abroad. He has applied for more than 200 invention patents (over 180 were authorized) and obtained 10 national software Copyrights. SJTU Professors Who Died Zhang Weiping is one of three young professor at SJTU to die in the past three months. On Jan. 5, Lai Xinmin, a professor at SJTU, director of the Institute of Thin Plate Structure Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Power Engineering, director of the National Engineering Research Center of Automotive Power and Intelligent Control, and director of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacture of Complex Thin Plate Structures, died in Shanghai at the age of 58. Sources said Lai had been infected with COVID-19 and returned to work six days after recuperating. However, the illness suddenly relapsed on the same day, and he died about two hours later. Lai was honored as a special professor of Changjiang (Yangtze River) Scholar by Chinas Ministry of Education in 2009 and became the chief scientist of Program 973 in 2013. On Dec. 25, 2022, Zhao Gang, a doctoral supervisor, and chief physician of the gastrointestinal surgery department of Renji Hospital, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, SJTU, died of illness at 48. Zhao has been honored as the excellent Discipline leader by Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission, the Research Physician by SJTUs School of Medicine, the New Long March Pace-Setter in Shanghai, and the Ten Outstanding Youth by Shanghai Pudong New Area. He won the third Prize in the Shanghai Science and Technology Progress, the Xinglin Teaching Award of the School of Medicine, SJTU, and the third prize in science and Technology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Shanghai. Four Well-Known SJTU Academicians Died According to incomplete statistics, at least four other well-known academicians and professors at SJTU died of illness in the past three months since the end of 2022. On Dec.21, 2022, Liu Tong, a CCP member, expert on Party history and military history, professor of history at the School of Humanities at SJTU, a researcher at the Academy of War Justice and World Peace, and a chief expert at the Research Center for Party History and Party Construction of the CCP, died at the age of 71. Liu was a researcher at the Academy of Military Sciences. On Jan. 4, Ge Xiurun, a CCP member, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, researcher of the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, professor at SJTU, and rock mechanics expert, died of illness in Wuhan at the age of 88. He was engaged in rock mechanics and major geotechnical engineering research for a long time. He has participated in analyzing the Three Gorges Dam project and won several scientific and technological awards conferred by the CCP regime. On Jan. 14, Zhang Shengdao, a tenured professor and chief physician of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the School of Medicine, SJTU, former director of Surgery of Ruijin Hospital, honorary director of Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, former head of Pancreatic Surgery Group of Chinese Medical Association Surgery Society, former deputy head of Biliary Surgery Group of Chinese Medical Association Surgery Society, and recipient of the special government allowance from the CCPs State Council, died in Ruijin Hospital at the age of 96. Zhang won Third Prize in the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the Science and Technology Progress Award of the Ministry of Health. He was awarded as Shanghai Advanced Educator, National Model Worker of Education System, Advanced Worker of Shanghai Health Bureau, etc. On Feb. 25, Prof. Xue Huiliang, a CCP member, an expert in pediatric blood oncology, former Party Committee member of Shanghai Childrens Medical Center Affiliated with the School of Medicine, SJTU, and chief physician of the Department of Hematology and Oncology, died of illness in Shanghai at the age of 69. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a key state university under the Ministry of Education and jointly established with Shanghai Municipality. It is a key construction university of the CCPs Double First-class Class A, Project 985, and Project 211 institutions. In February 1961, SJTU was placed under the Commission of Science and Technology for National Defense by the CCP Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CCP. In February 1970, it was put under the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry. In September 1982, it assumed the dual leadership of the Ministry of Education and Shanghai Municipality, with the Ministry of Education as the primary leader. SJTU is the alma mater of former CCP leader Jiang Zemin. Among the alumni of SJTU are senior CCP officials, including Lu Dingyi, Ding Guangen, and Wang Daohan. Since a COVID-19 outbreak began late last year in China, the deaths of high-ranking CCP members and CCP-connected celebrities, experts, and scholars in various fields have made headlines. Many prominent deaths come from the medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology fields. Amid Strained US Ties, China Finds Unlikely Friend in Utah Taowen Le, a Weber State University professor of information systems and technologies, speaks during an interview at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, on Oct. 11, 2022. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo) SALT LAKE CITYChinas global campaign to win friends and influence policy has blossomed in a surprising place: Utah, a deeply religious and conservative state with few obvious ties to the worlds most powerful communist country. An investigation by The Associated Press has found that China and its U.S.-based advocates spent years building relationships with the states officials and lawmakers. Those efforts have paid dividends at home and abroad, the AP found: Lawmakers delayed legislation Beijing didnt like, nixed resolutions that conveyed displeasure with its actions and expressed support in ways that enhanced the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) image. Its work in Utah is emblematic of a broader effort by the CCP to secure allies at the local level as its relations with the United States and its Western allies have turned acrimonious. U.S. officials say local leaders are at risk of being manipulated by the CCP and have deemed the influence campaign a threat to national security. The CCPs success in Utah shows how pervasive and persistent China has been in trying to influence America, said Frank Montoya Jr., a retired FBI counterintelligence agent who lives in Utah. Utah is an important foothold, he said. If the Chinese can succeed in Salt Lake City, they can also make it in New York and elsewhere. Security experts say that the CCPs campaign is widespread and tailored to local communities. In Utah, the AP found, Beijing and pro-CCP advocates appealed to lawmakers affiliations with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon church, which is the states dominant religion and one that has long dreamed of expanding in China. The CCPs campaign in Utah has raised concerns among state and federal lawmakers and drawn the attention of the Justice Department. A state legislator told the AP he was interviewed by the FBI after introducing a resolution in 2020 expressing solidarity with China early in the coronavirus pandemic. A Utah professor who has advocated for closer ties between Washington and Beijing told the AP hes been questioned by the FBI twice. The FBI declined to comment. Deceptive and Coercive Beijings interest in locally focused influence campaigns is not a secret. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during a trip to the United States in 2015 that without successful cooperation at the sub-national level it would be very difficult to achieve practical results for cooperation at the national level. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington told the AP that the CCP values its relationship with Utah and any words and deeds that stigmatize and smear these sub-national exchanges are driven by ulterior political purposes. It is not unusual for countries, including the United States, to engage in local diplomacy. U.S. officials and security experts have stressed that many Chinese language and cultural exchanges have no hidden agendas. However, they said, few nations have so aggressively courted local leaders in ways that raise national security concerns. In its annual threat assessment released earlier this month, the U.S. intelligence community reported that the CCP is redoubling its local influence campaigns in the face of stiffening resistance at the national level. Beijing believes, the report said, that local officials are more pliable than their federal counterparts. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center in July warned state and local officials about deceptive and coercive Chinese influence operations. And FBI Director Christopher Wray last year accused the CCP of seeking to cultivate talent earlyoften state and local officialsto ensure that politicians at all levels of government will be ready to take a call and advocate on behalf of Beijings agenda. Authorities in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have sounded similar alarms. Those concerns have arisen amid escalating disputes between the United States and China over trade, human rights, the future of Taiwan, and Chinas tacit support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. Tensions worsened last month when a Chinese spy balloon was discovered and shot down in U.S. airspace. Legislative and PR Victories U.S. officials have provided scant details about which states and localities the Chinese regime has targeted. The AP focused its investigation on Utah because the CCP appears to have cultivated a significant number of allies in the state and its advocates are well-known to lawmakers. Relying on dozens of interviews with key players and the review of hundreds of pages of records, text messages and emails obtained through public records requests, the AP found the CCP won frequent legislative and public relations victories in Utah. CCP-friendly lawmakers, for example, delayed action for a year to ban Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes at state universities, according to the legislations sponsor. The Chinese language and cultural programs have been described by U.S. national security officials as propaganda instruments. The University of Utah and Southern Utah University closed their institutes by last year. In 2020, the CCP scored an image-boosting coup when Xi sent a note to a class of Utah fourth-graders thanking them for cards theyd sent wishing him a happy Chinese New Year. He encouraged them to become young ambassadors for Sino-American friendship. Emails obtained by the AP show the Chinese Embassy and the students Chinese teacher coordinated the letter exchange, which resulted in heavy coverage by state-controlled media in China. A Chinese state media outlet reported the Utah students jubilantly exclaimed: Grandpa Xi really wrote back to me. Hes so cool! Portraying Chinas most authoritarian leader in decades as a kindly grandfather is a familiar trope in Chinese propaganda. Xis letter garnered positive attention in Utah, too. A Republican legislator said on the state Senate floor that he couldnt help but think how amazing it was that the Chinese leader took the time to write such a remarkable letter. Another GOP senator gushed on his conservative radio show that Xis letter was so kind and so personal. Dakota Cary, a China expert at the security firm Krebs Stamos Group, said in making such comments Utah lawmakers are essentially acting as mouthpieces for the Chinese Communist Party and legitimizing their ideas and narratives. Statements like these are exactly what Chinas goal is for influence campaigns, he said. Spy Agency Interest The CCPs interest in Utah is not limited to its officials and advocates who are engaged in diplomacy, trade, and education. U.S. officials have noted that the CCPs civilian spy agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), has shown an interest in Utah, court records show. In January, former graduate student Ji Chaoqun was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges related to spying for the CCP. The Chicago student told an undercover agent hed been tasked by his spy handlers to meet people, some American friends. He was baptized at a Latter-day Saints church and told the undercover agent hed been going to Utah more often lately before his arrest, according to his Facebook page and court records. Ron Hansen, a former U.S. intelligence official from Utah, pleaded guilty to trying to sell classified information to the CCP. Hansen said Chinas spy service had tasked him with assessing various U.S. politicians views towards China. The FBI found the names of Utah elected officials among sensitive files he stored on his laptop, court records show. Hansen was sentenced in 2019 to serve 10 years in federal prison. Hansen was well known in Utah political circles and helped organize the first ever annual U.S.China National Governors Forum, which was held in 2011 in Salt Lake City, according to court records and interviews. The U.S. State Department canceled the forums in 2020 due to concerns about Chinese influence efforts. Utah Is Not Like Washington DC The AP found groups of up to 25 Utah lawmakers routinely took trips to China every other year since 2007. Lawmakers have partially used campaign donations to pay for the trade missions and cultural exchanges, while relying on the CCP and host organizations to pay for other expenses. On the trips, theyve forged relationships with officials and were quoted in Chinese state-owned media in ways that support the CCPs agenda. Utah is not like Washington D.C., then-Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes told the Chinese state media outlet in 2018 as then-President Donald Trump ratcheted up pressure on Beijing over trade. Utah is a friend of China, an old friend with a long history. In an interview last month with the AP, Hughes said the trips to China made him bullish about the country and prospects of improving trade. However, he said he now believes the visits were pretexts for Chinese officials to influence him and other lawmakers. Its a trip not worth taking, Hughes said. Utah doesnt require public officials to report in detail their foreign travel or personal finances, so its difficult to determine lawmakers financial ties to China. Some of Utahs most pro-CCP legislators, however, have China-related personal business connections. Sen. Curt Bramble told Courthouse News Service last year that his role as a part-time legislator and as a business consultant sometimes overlap and that he had clients in Chinaa dozen at timessome of them on legislative tours, some on consulting. In an interview with AP, Bramble said none of his clients are based in China; they only do business there. He declined to name them. Bramble, a Republican who represents a conservative district, also rejected fears of undue Chinese influence in Utah. Chinas not going anywhere. Chinas going to be a world force. Theyre going to be a player for the foreseeable future and trying to understand what that implies for the United States or for the state of Utah and get a concept of that seems to be a valuable endeavor, he said. Ties Forged by 2 Utah Residents Many of the UtahChina ties have been forged by two state residents with links to the CCP or to organizations that experts say are alleged front groups for the CCP, including its civilian spy agency, the AP found. The two men advocated for and against resolutions, set up meetings between Utah lawmakers and Chinese officials, accompanied legislators on trips to China and provided advice on the best way to cultivate favor with Beijing, according to emails and interviews. In reviewing the APs findings, legal experts said the mens connections with Chinese officials suggest that they should register with the Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, known as FARA. The law generally requires anyone who works on behalf of a foreign entity to influence lawmakers or public perception, but its scope is the subject of significant debate and enforcement has been uneven. If I were representing either of these individuals, I would have significant concerns about FARA exposure, said Joshua Ian Rosenstein, an attorney who handles such matters. One of the men, Taowen Le, has championed the CCP to religious and political leaders in Utah for decades. Le, a Chinese citizen, moved to Utah in the 1980s and has been a professor of information technology at Weber State University since 1998. Le converted in 1990 to the Mormon faith. From 2003 through 2017, Le had another jobas a paid representative of Chinas Liaoning provincial government. Provincial governments are largely controlled by Beijing and Liaoning has had a longstanding sister relationship with Utah. Les advocacy continued after he said he left Liaonings payroll, emails and interviews show. He has frequently forwarded messages from CCP officials to Utah lawmakers and helped the Chinese Embassy set up meetings with state officials. After embassy officials tried unsuccessfully last year to get staff for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to schedule a get-together with Chinas ambassador to the United States, Le sent the governor a personal plea to take the meeting. I still remember and cherish what you told me at the New Year Party held at your home, Le wrote in a letter adorned with pictures of him and Cox posing together. You told me that you trusted me to be a good messenger and friendship builder between Utah and China. State Senate President Stuart Adams turned to Le when Utah was scrambling to obtain large quantities of drugs that Adams thought could be used as potential treatment against the coronavirus in early 2020, emails and interviews show. Le, who belongs to the same congregation as Adams, said in an email to another lawmaker that he was able to get the Chinese Embassy to assign two staffers to work tirelessly on the request until it was fulfilled. Religious Sales Pitch A hallmark of Les approach is to utilize his religion in his pitches to lawmakers. He quoted scripture from the Bible and the Book of Mormon in his emails, text messages and letters, and sprinkled in positive comments that Russell Nelson, the churchs president-prophet, has made about China. Chinese officials have tried to cultivate friendly ties with the church. When visiting Utah, the CCPs diplomats and officials often meet top church members as well as lawmakers, emails and other records show. Expanding to China has been a top goal for the church, which plays a heavy role in Utah politics and the states overall identity. Many of the states residents lived abroad as missionaries, and several of Utahs public schools have robust K-12 Chinese immersion programs. While the church has historically been an outspoken advocate for religious freedom, Le sought to stop Utah lawmakers from supporting religious figures or groups discriminated against by the CCP. When a Utah lawmaker sponsored a resolution in 2021 condemning the CCPs well-documented and brutal crackdown of its minority Muslim Uighurs, Le chastised the legislator in text messages and compared unflattering media coverage of the CCP to that of the churchs founder, Joseph Smith Jr. Pray to God and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit as you ponder about these issues instead of solely relying on those biased media reports, Le said. The resolution failed that year and a similar one introduced in January did not receive a hearing. The CCPs Advantages Le has served as a board member of the China Overseas Friendship Association, which has ties to the United Front Work Departmenta CCP organization the U.S. government says engages in covert and malign foreign influence operations. A United Front publication profiled Le in 2020 after he attended a meeting in Beijing of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, a prestigious advisory body controlled by the CCP. I deeply feel the advantages of Chinas system, Le told the publication. Le told the AP he was interviewed by the FBI in 2007 and 2018 about his CCP ties. He said his advocacy has always been self-directed. I dont consider myself a lobbyist because Im not a lobbyist. Im just someone who cherishes the relationship between the U.S. and China, Le said in an interview in his Weber State office. Adams, the Senate president, said he feels otherwise. I do believe hes lobbying, Adams said. He advocates very hard on China. Lawmakers Son Turned China Advocate Another Utah resident whom lawmakers said regularly has advocated better relations with China was Dan Stephenson, the son of a former state senator and employee of a China-based consulting firm. Emails and other records show Stephenson advised the Utah Senate president on how to make a good impression with a Chinese ambassador and assisted a Chinese province in its unsuccessful efforts to build a ceramics museum in Utah. Stephenson has promoted China in Utah for several years and has boasted of being well connected with officials there. Ive heard more than once from the mouths of Chinese government officials that China is prioritizing their relationship with Utah, Stephenson told lawmakers at a committee hearing. That testimony came shortly after Stephenson accompanied Republican state Sen. Jake Anderegg on a trip to Shanghai and Beijing that included meetings with officials at Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A few months after that trip, Stephenson provided Anderegg with the draft language for a pro-CCP resolution the state senator introduced in 2020 expressing solidarity with China during the pandemic, Anderegg told the AP. The resolution passed with near unanimous approval. A Chinese diplomats efforts to win passage of a similar resolution in Wisconsin failed, with the states Senate president publicly blasting it as a piece of propaganda. Anderegg told the AP that he was interviewed by FBI agents seeking information about the Utah resolutions origins. It seemed rather innocuous to me, Anderegg said of his resolution. But maybe it wasnt. Stephenson said the FBI has not contacted him and no CCP official played a role in the resolution. Ties to Alleged Front Groups Stephenson has links to Chinese groups allegedly active in covert foreign influence operations, documents show. He is a partner in the Shanghai-based consulting firm Economic Bridge International. The companys chief executive, William Wang, is a Chinese citizen and council member of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, according to an online biography. The group is affiliated with the CCPs United Front. Stephenson, also once worked for the China Academy of Painting, which has been used by the CCPs Ministry of State Security as a front for meeting and covertly influencing elites and officials abroad, according to Alex Joske, the author of the recently published book Spies and Lies: How Chinas Greatest Covert Operations Fooled the World. Stephenson said he worked only brieflywithout payfor the China Academy of Painting. He added he did not witness any spy agency involvement. Work Aligned With the CCPs Desires Stephenson said hes never taken any action at the direction of the CCP and never accepted compensation from it. I work to promote Utahs economy, to help American companies succeed in China, and to encourage healthy people-to-people and commercial ties, Stephenson said. His work sometimes aligned with what CCP officials were seeking and in ways experts say likely helped the CCPs messaging. Stephenson urged Utahs elected officials to make videos to air on Shanghai television to boost the spirits of that citys residents early in 2020 as they battled COVID-19, according to emails obtained by AP. You cannot buy this type of positive publicity for Utah in China, Stephenson said in an email pitching the videos. The request originated with the Shanghai government, according to Stephensons email, and came as officials in China were scrambling to tamp down public fury at communist authorities for reprimanding a young doctor, who later died, over his repeated warnings about the diseases dangers. Many lawmakers recorded videos reading sample scripts Stephenson provided, and a compilation of those videos was uploaded to a Chinese social media website. The compilation ends with dozens of lawmakers in unison shouting jiayou!a Chinese expression of encouragementon the Utah House and Senate floors. Fire at Mexican Migrant Facility Kills 39, Injures 29 More Viangly, a Venezuelan migrant, reacts outside an ambulance for her husband Eduard Caraballo who was injured in the National Migration Institute (INM) building during a fire, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on March 27, 2023. (Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters) A fire that broke out at a Mexican immigration detention center near the U.S. southern border on Monday night has killed at least 39 people and injured dozens more, according to Mexican government authorities. Mexicos National Institute of Migration (INM) confirmed the fire broke out at around 10:00 p.m. local time on Monday night at a detention center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, located across the border from El Paso, Texas. INM said 68 men from Central and South America were staying at the facility at the time of the fire, of which 39 were killed and 29 were injured and in delicate-serious condition. In translated remarks, INM said it strongly denies the acts that led to this tragedy, but did not elaborate further on the matter at the time. In a Tuesday morning press conference, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said investigators believe migrants inside the facility started the blaze, setting fire to their mattresses in an apparent protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said during a press conference on Tuesday morning. The Mexican authorities are still working to identify the deceased migrants. Karla Samayoa, a spokeswoman for Guatemalas Foreign Ministry, said that Mexican authorities had informed them that more than two dozen of the migrants who died appeared to be from the country. The migration authorities said they are also continuing to monitor the health status of those migrants who were injured in the fire and provide support to the families of the victims. Tensions Running High Over Migrant Crossings Tensions between authorities and migrants had reportedly been running high in Ciudad Juarez in the weeks leading up to this incident. Shelters have been full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. Tensions grew further in Ciudad Juarez when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges into El Paso earlier this month. Many of those migrants were acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country once they crossed over. U.S. border authorities blocked these crossing attempts. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter on March 9 that complained about the criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abuse and using excessive force in rounding up migrants, complaining that municipal police were questioning people in the street about their immigration status without cause. Migrants previously rioted inside an immigration facility in Tijuana in October and inside another facility in Tapachula near the border with Guatemala in November. No one died in either incident. Migrants also set fires to mattresses and bedding during a riot inside an immigration facility in Tijuana, Mexico, in April of 2019. No one died in that incident, but 51 people had to be evacuated and six peopleincluding two children 2 and 4 years oldreportedly had to be treated for smoke inhalation. The Associated Press contributed to this article. This is a breaking news story. This story will be updated as more details come in. From NTD News Biden Activates Defense Production Act to Boost Circuit Board Manufacturing President Joe Biden has applied the Defense Powers Act (DPA) to two components used in the manufacture of virtually all electronic devices, protecting the countrys ability to control its supply of electronic materials and equipment. Biden signed a presidential directive that includes printed circuit boards and advanced packaging under Executive Order 14017, Americas Supply Chains, the Department of Defense announced on March 27. The original executive order, signed in February 2021, addresses vulnerabilities in U.S. military readiness and economic competitiveness. The United States needs resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains to ensure our economic prosperity and national security, Biden wrote in 2021. An Air Traffic Controller monitors computer screens inside the Carrier Air Traffic Control Center(CATCC) at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md., July 31, 2012. (Paul J Richards/AFP/GettyImages) The DPA authorizes the president to control the production of items necessary for the national defense by allocating materials, services, and facilities for their production. The president may also prohibit the hoarding of supplies, offer loans or loan guarantees, and install equipment in government or privately owned factories. In recent years, Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden have used the law primarily to prioritize the fulfillment of orders placed by the federal government for medical and military equipment. Bidens directive delegates these powers to the DoD regarding printed circuit boards and advanced packaging. Printed circuit boards are electrical circuits etched into a material like copper, to which other electronic components may be attached. Advanced packaging is the aggregation of several electronic components into a single device. By including printed circuit boards and advanced packaging under the DPA umbrella, the administration builds on the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 in reducing U.S. dependence on China, the worlds largest producer of electronic components and devices. The CHIPS Act provides $280 billion for the research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. The law was passed with bipartisan support amid a global shortage of computer chips. In 2020, China controlled 54 percent of computer chip sales. More than two-thirds of the worlds supply of circuit boards are made in China, including Hong Kong. The DoD now has the authority to strengthen U.S. production of these items. While that move benefits military readiness, it is part of the presidents broader agenda to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Resilient American supply chains will revitalize and rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity, maintain Americas competitive edge in research and development, and create well-paying jobs. Biden wrote in the 2021 executive order. Congress enacted the DPA in September 1950 at the outset of the Korean War and has renewed it several times since then. The current version of the law expires in 2025. Biden Admin Retaliated 4 Times Against 83 Attacks by Iran and Proxies: Defense Secretary Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on April 7, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told Congress on March 28 that President Joe Bidens administration retaliated a total of four times to over 83 attacks by Iran and its proxies. Austin made the comments during testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. How many attacks has Iran or its proxies launched against American positions in Iraq and Syria since Joe Biden took office? Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) asked Austin. 83 attacks, the secretary replied. How many times have we retaliated against Iran or its proxies? Cotton continued. Weve launched four major strikes, Austin said. Austin confirmed that those strikes had not caused Iran to back down on aggression against American troops. History of Tension Between Nations Though the United States has never formally declared war on Iran, the two nations have often clashed on Middle Eastern battlefields. The revolutionary Islamic state is often considered one of the United States top enemies, along with Russia, China, and North Korea. A top strategic priority for the United States has long been the prevention of Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons, which would pose a substantial threat to U.S. strategic allies in the region. In 1979, Iran instigated an international crisis when it took over the U.S. embassy and held U.S. citizens hostage for nearly a month and a half. In 2020, President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Iran responded with missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Iraq. In recent days, conflict between the two nations has again boiled over. On March 23, Iranian-backed militants carried out a kamikaze drone strike in northeastern Syria that left one American dead and six others injured. The same day, the United States retaliated with a drone strike on two militant strongholds that left an undisclosed number of enemy combatants dead. The move caused some controversy, as Congress was not notified of the strike. During his appearance before the committee, Austin himself confessed that we should have notified you. Speaking on behalf of the Pentagon, John Kirby said that while we take seriously our obligations to inform Congress, time was pretty compressed that day. We did communicate to Congress and Ill just leave it at that, Kirby added. The next day, Iran-backed militants conducted a rocket strike on a U.S. base in eastern Syria in retaliation for the U.S. counterattack. Have we retaliated for that attack on Friday [March 24]? Cotton asked. We have not yet, senator, Austin replied. Since his decision to pull the United States out of Afghanistan, Biden has faced allegations from Republicans of being soft on and emboldening U.S. enemies like China and Russia. The withdrawal from Afghanistan, ordered and pushed on Bidens own timetable in August 2021, left the Taliban terrorist organization in possession of billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment. The participation of Emirati firm ADNOC is the latest sign of the quickening normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE since their opening of diplomatic relations in 2020 and their signing of a free trade deal last year which takes effect next month. NewMed, which holds 45 percent of Israel's Leviathan offshore gas field, said the "non-binding indicative offer" was received on Monday, noting it had appointed an audit committee to examine the deal. The cash purchase would include all of NewMed's publicly held participation units, and a small number of participation units held by Israeli holding firm Delek, of which NewMed is a subsidiary. BP said that "together with ADNOC, it has made a non-binding offer to take NewMed Energy private through an acquisition of the free float and a partial acquisition of Delek's stake, which would result in BP and ADNOC holding 50 percent of NewMed Energy." The deal would "be a significant first step" in BP and ADNOC's intention "to form a new joint venture that will be focused on gas development in international areas of mutual interest, including the East Mediterranean," BP said in a statement. NewMed CEO Yossi Abu said the offer was "the result of the warm relationships and bridges we have built in recent years with the energy companies working in the region". To Abu, the offer was also "an important vote of confidence" in "the Israeli gas market in general, and to the business and assets of NewMed Energy in particular," a company statement said. Leviathan, discovered 130 kilometres (80 miles) west of the Mediterranean port city Haifa in 2010, is estimated by NewMed to hold 605 billion cubic metres (21.3 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas, along with 34.1 million barrels of condensate. Production began in December 2019. The field is connected by a pipeline to Israel, which uses part of the gas with the rest exported to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan. Bidens EPA Is Lowering the Environmental Justice Boom on Louisianas Disputed Cancer Alley LAPLACE, La.Along Interstate 10 where the Mississippi River threads from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, ever-expanding petrochemical and other industrial projects have long been fought by environmental activists, who have saddled the stretch with the disputed moniker Cancer Alley. Now the Biden administration is opening a new front in the waragainst a proposed expansion of the sector in St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes known to Louisianians as the River Parishes. Under its stated aims of equity and environmental justice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is trying to block state-issued permits for two new complexeswhile renewing objections to an existing plantall on grounds of a negative disparate impact on minority populations in the area. In a novel application of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964which allows the federal government to defund entities found to discriminate based on race, creed or national originthe EPA is threatening to withhold millions of dollars in general federal grants to Louisiana unless it enters into an informal resolution agreement. This would give federal regulators wide latitude to control a process currently run by Louisiana agencies. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry calls the move a breathtaking regulatory overreach, noting that the state has complied with existing environmental regulations. But the EPA has notified Louisiana that it has subjected the states permitting process to a civil rights analytical framework. Just what that framework is, who wrote it and when are unclear, according to Landrys office, and the EPA declined to discuss the matter or answer questions, citing the pending agreement and legal challenges. Some light emerged last December, however. In a phone call between Landrys office and EPA officials, Mary OLone, an agency attorney, said the problem in Louisiana isnt any traditional environmental hazard. In state documents reviewed by RealClearInvestigations (RCI), she said compliance with environmental law does not guarantee compliance with Title VI. The EPA team conducting the civil rights analysis said there was no specific action at issue but rather the cumulative impact from [the Louisiana Department of Environmental Qualitys] overall action. The new approach is being met with skepticism from critical attorneys familiar with environmental laws. This is not the way the EPA typically operates, and it looks like they are trying to expand their authority by using their muscle without clear authorization from Congress to infringe on a state permitting agency, said Jeff Clark, who served in the Trump administration in the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division and is now with the conservative Center for Renewing America. There is no authorization to apply cumulative impact analysis to Title VI regulations. Ive never seen this, said Steve Milloy, an attorney who has written extensively about what he and others characterize as EPA overreach. Environmental justice is a hoax and the EPA has no statutory authority to pursue it with permits. The EPA is pushing the envelope here to see what it can get away with. They are trying to strongarm the state. At issue is the permitting process covering a cluster of seven existing plants in the River Parishes. The two pending projects would mark a huge expansion. The first is a $9.4 billion Formosa Plastics complex in St. James Parish, the second a $400 million grain terminal in St. John the Baptist Parish. In addition, an existing plant is being targeted by the EPA in its Title VI allegations: the Denka Performance Elastomers factory, which has been in St. John Parish for decades and has been partly owned by a Japanese company since 2015. Responding to the agency in January, Louisiana Assistant Attorney General Joseph Scott St. John wrote that the EPA seems to be using complaints about two specific facilities as a springboard to a larger area. Issuance of the Formosa permit is already under legal challenge in Louisiana, where in an unprecedented ruling a district judge tossed it on environmental racism grounds last September. That ruling is under appeal. The Denka plant is the nations only domestic producer of neoprene, a synthetic rubber used in surfers wetsuits, cell phone cases, and medical and military equipment. And environmentalists and the EPA are zeroing in on a chemical essential to neoprene production: chloroprene, which, they insist, is a dangerous carcinogen. While studies have shown it can be a carcinogen in animals, scientists only suspect that it is cancerous in humans as well. An agreement reached in 2015 reduced by 85 percent the amount of chloroprene in the air, which, all sides agree, is released only intermittently. A state permit at the Denka plant that incorporates the regulations is currently pending. For decades activists have alleged that the petrochemical industry is responsible for cancer in the local population, especially minorities. In 1997, however, the Journal of the Louisiana Medical Society found almost no evidence that the incidence of cancer was higher in the River Parishes than in the rest of the United States. Denka paid for another study, conducted by Ramboll Environ, that concluded the EPA was relying on flawed science in falling in with the age-old cancer allegation. To the extent that health issues are a factor in River Parishes, they are caused by other factors, not environmental racism, according to several EPA critics. Poverty, smoking, obesity, and other factors are the likely culprits of health problems among the River Parishes, not the chloroprene, according to them. Poor people in the world consume less healthcare, said Benjamin Zycher, a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. Theres no explicitly legal authority here. Its just the EPA trying to get away with it on environmental justice grounds. Many local leaders and residents reject the idea that they live in Cancer Alley. These outside environmental groups have a blind eye when it comes toward any partnerships with the local community, said Jason Amato, a councilman in St. James Parish now running for the state legislature. Amato is a retired employee of the oil industry. These activists continue with the EPA mounting a legal battle against the industry and they keep changing the rules, he said. Some locals believe opposition has largely been astroturfed by left-wing activists in New Orleans with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Tulane Law Schools Environmental Law Clinic. Bucket Brigade founder Ann Rolfes has concentrated on the so-called Cancer Alley for decades, and her explicit goal is a phase out of fossil fuels in her lifetime. The Louisiana Bucket Brigade was one of the groups that urged the EPA to advance its Title VI argument, Rolfes acknowledged in an email, but she offered no additional comment. The EPA did not specify who had initially filed the complaints that made it look into the alleged civil rights violations, but one group that has targeted the industry is Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish. The group did not respond to a request for comment, and Lydia Gerard, its founding member, did not return a phone call. During a reporters recent visit to the area, several residents who support the industry, but declined to speak on the record, pointed to ads atop the front page of the local St. James News Examiner-Enterprise and questioned where the funding for the attacks is coming from. Since 2021, the Examiner-Enterprise has editorialized against what its editor, David Reynaud, calls a largely manufactured opposition. He says that while the activists have achieved improvements in overall safety and risk assessment at the various plants, they do not reflect the majority opinion of the parishes, which supports the industry and its economic benefits. Theyve drummed up a lot of fear around here and grotesquely overrated the risk, he said. Theres been a lot of out-of-state money poured into this. As the EPA is invoking Title VI on environmental racism grounds, it is relying on old-fashioned pressure, too. On Feb. 28, the agency and the Department of Justice filed a complaint against Denka alleging it presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare due to the cancer risks from Denkas chloroprene emissions. Denka has taken legal action of its own, calling the EPAs maneuvers politically motivated, and in court papers has accused the agency of cherry-picking data from old studies to stretch its case for excessive cancer risks with chloroprene. A Denka statement rebutted the charges against it. EPAs allegations in the lawsuit directly contradict the agencys own prior statements, years of reliable health data relating to St. John the Baptist Parish where the facility is located, comprehensive studies regarding workers in the U.S. chloroprene industry showing no connection between chloroprene and cancer, and the best available science on the potential risks of chloroprene, the company said. Notably, EPAs lawsuit does not allege rates of cancer incidence in the area are higher than average, and in fact, data from the Louisiana Tumor Registry confirms that cancer rates in the St. John the Baptist Parish are in the bottom 25 percent among Louisiana parishes in its most recent report. The Denka plant is small compared to some other operations in the River Parishesengineering complexes that present a dizzying array of pipes and stacks, along with grain silos and dockyards of the Port of South Louisiana stretch. They wind along the Mississippi following the same track that plantations once did in the first half of the 19th century. Today, those former grand plantations account for what tourism there is in the parishes, and represent to activists the legacy of environmental racism that they see as still at work in the area. The companies favor the area because of its existing infrastructureincluding railroads that have followed the Mississippi and the highway for decades, making the spot an ideal transportation hub. All of the recent activitythe novel Title VI regulatory claims by the EPA, along with its February motionfall under the rubric of the Biden administrations push for environmental justice launched last May. EPA administrator Michael Regan, who came to the job after eight years with the left-wing Environmental Defense Fund as well as a regulatory stint in North Carolina, vowed the action was neither the first nor the last they would take in the River Parishes. Vanita Gupta, Bidens associate attorney general, who served in the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division under President Obama, has adopted a similarly tough stance. We allege that Denkas emissions have led to unsafe concentrations of carcinogenic chloroprene near homes and schools in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, Gupta said in a press release. The Justice Departments environmental justice efforts require ensuring that every community, no matter its demographics, can breathe clean air and drink clean water. Our suit aims to stop Denkas dangerous pollution. Regan helped make the small patch of Louisiana a sort of poster child for environmental racism in a visit to the area last November as part of what he dubbed his Journey for Justice tour, and the agency and activists have enjoyed largely supportive media for their efforts. According to U.S. Census data, the population in the River Parishes is, in fact, somewhat better off than that of New Orleans, where the environmental activists behind the complaints are headquartered. St. John the Baptist has roughly 42,000 people, of whom 59.1 percent are black, and a median income of nearly $62,000. Roughly 16.8 percent of the population there is poverty-stricken. By contrast, Orleans Parish has a median income of $45,500, and 25.2 percent of the population is at or below the poverty line, according to the census. The Sunshine Project, the name given to the Formosa Plastics complex planned by FG LA LLC, claims it plans to invest more than $9 billion in a project that will bring 1,200 new jobs to the River Parishes, with an average salary of $84,500. Louisianas Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has supported the program. Janile Parks, director of community and government relations for FG LA LLC, said the fights the company has had to undertake with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, federal prosecutors, and the EPA are based on false premises. FG is disappointed by the delays in project progress but confident the project will prevail, she said. We do not intend to give up the fight for this important economic development project that will benefit the people of St. James Parish and Louisiana. Instead of cancer alley they should call this opportunity alley, Councilman Amato said. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. California State University Intends to End COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates The California State University (CSU)the nations largest public four-year higher education systemintends to rescind coronavirus vaccine mandates for students, faculty, and staff, as reported by its faculty association March 2. The systems office of human resources and labor relations determined it will no longer require students to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, according to the California Faculty Association, a union representing 29,000 CSU faculty members. The system has more than 450,000 students enrolled among 23 campuses. A revised draft of the policy is currently in the meet and confer state with various CSU labor groups, said CSU spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith, in an email to The Epoch Times March 23. The colleges plan to cancel its mandate follows California Gov. Gavin Newsoms announcement Feb. 28 ending the states COVID-19 State of Emergency. The push for colleges to require coronavirus vaccines began in 2021 at Cornell and Duke, both private universities, spurring other schools to enact similar policies, with more than 1,000 colleges mandating vaccination, as of Sept. 2022. The University of California (UC) and CSU implemented similar vaccine mandates for the fall 2021 semester in a joint announcement, and both currently require a booster shot to be compliant. A request for comment from UC regarding if it will follow suit was not returned on deadline. California State UniversityFullerton in Fullerton, Calif., on Aug. 28, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The controversial mandate was immediately met with a series of protests on some campuses, including Cal State Fullerton, and three Chico State students filed a federal lawsuit June 25, 2021 against the policy. Since the mandates were imposed, questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines have increased. In response to peer-reviewed studies and criticism from constituents, 21 states have now banned coronavirus vaccine mandates in public schools and universities. Meanwhile, CSU is struggling with enrollment declines and potential budget deficits for some campuses if target numbers are not met. During a Board of Trustees meeting in January, the executive vice chancellor and chief financial officer, Steve Relyea, alluded to the enrollment predicament by saying, The California State University is facing an unprecedented moment in its 62-year history. Cal State enrollment statistics reveal a pattern of decline beginning before the pandemic, reversing in 2020, and accelerating downward after the restrictions were put in place. According to the university, 34,130 fewer full-time students enrolled in fall 2022 as compared to fall 2020, and the headcount was down by 27,558. These numbers indicate some students chose to take fewer classes, while others made the decision to drop their studies altogether. According to a CSU report from January, enrollment declines have continued for the 202223 school year. That projected two-year decline in systemwide enrollment will be greater than at any time in the universitys history, a CSU joint committee on education policy and finance said in a report in January forecasting enrollment projections through 2026-2027. The number of transfer students coming into the Cal State system, traditionally a strong source of enrollment, has dropped by 11,000 annually since the pandemic restrictions began. The report attributes some of these losses to the decline in community college attendance across the state, but noted, first-year enrollments at CSU rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in fall 2022. Newsom was an advocate for permanent vaccine requirements in public schools. Californias mandate was the first in the nation to require coronavirus vaccines for middle and high schoolers, and there was a push to include kindergarten through elementary grades, but the state Supreme Court ruled in February that school districts cannot dictate such policy, as only the state government has the power to issue mandates. Colleges and private schools are exempt from this decision because tuition is required to attend, leaving students subject to the rules of the institution. Given the risk-benefit analysis of injecting young, healthy students with coronavirus vaccines, some doctors are suggesting that mandates are not advisable, following a peer reviewed study led by Dr. Kevin Bardosh of the University of Washington Medical School and published in the Journal of Medical Ethics last September. While the CSUs faculty association wrote that the university intends to explain its decision to rescind the vaccine order in letters directed to individual campuses, no official announcement has been issued from the Chancellors office. As it stands now, the policy has not changed, said Bentley-Smith, the CSU spokesperson. California City Caught in National Controversy Over Critical Race Theory A special meeting is held to discuss critical race theory with the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board and invited experts in Temecula, Calif., on March 22, 2023. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) Heightened tensions among opposing sides regarding the teaching of critical race theoryor its underlying tenetsin K12 schools erupted into chaos at a local school board meeting in Temecula, California, last week, creating deeper rifts in the community. The otherwise sleepy city tucked away in southwest Riverside County known best for its wineries has become the latest crucible in the heated war of words over critical race theory, or CRT. The Temecula Valley Unified School District fell under the national media spotlight in December when a slate of newly elected conservative school trusteesJoseph Komrosky, Jen Wiersma, and Danny Gonzalezwere sworn into office. The trio shifted the balance of power on the school board and voted to ban CRT at the boards first meeting after the Nov. 8 election. The other trustees, Steven Schwartz and Allison Barclay, opposed the resolution banning CRT, both claiming that the topic isnt taught in district classrooms. The special meeting on March 22, which lasted nearly five hours, was billed as a workshop to inform parents about CRT and why the school board banned it from being taught in classrooms. Were not debating whether we should have [CRT] or not. It is condemned. It is gone, Komrosky said at the meeting. We have local control here as school board members. We can make it explicitly clear what we condemn. Racism is morally reprehensible, and CRT is racism in disguise. Dozens of activists, including parents, politicians, teachers, and students, showed up at James L. Day Middle School to protest the ban, while a few hundred others gathered to hear the presentations of six expert panelists. People protest a special meeting to discuss critical race theory with the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board and invited experts in Temecula, Calif., on March 22, 2023. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) The panelists were Dr. Joe Nalven, a professor of cultural anthropology, peace and justice, and indigenous religions at the University of San Diego; Walter H. Myers, an adjunct faculty member at Biola University and Master of Arts, Science, and Religion; Wenyuan Wu, director of Californians for Equal Rights, who spoke via Zoom; Esther Valdez-Clayton, an immigration attorney and former school board president; Brandy Shufutinsky, director of education and community engagement at the Jewish Institute for Liberal Values; and Chris Arend, former Paso Robles Joint Union High School District board member, who played an instrumental role in drafting the CRT ban resolution. All of the panelists opposed CRT being taught in K-12 schools and told the audience that banning it is not a ban on teaching black history or ethnic studies, contrary to the signs and claims of protesters. Audience Members Removed The meeting got off to a raucous start with the public comment portion, as Deon Hairston, a local black pastor, gave a fiery speech against racism and the CRT ban. Your continued blatant, willful ignorance of the black experience in this country is not only shameful, but also detrimental to the education and growth of our children, he told the board and panelists who were invited to speak on the issue. As he walked away from the podium, Hairston said a woman in the audience told him that, If I feel that way, why dont I get out of the country? and he shouted the alleged comment to the crowd. Hairston continued yelling and was warned twice before Komrosky told sheriffs deputies to escort him out of the school auditorium. As Hairston left the building, some protesters surrounded the woman and pointed at her, chanting get that woman and kick her out, and she was also later escorted out. Gonzalez later told The Epoch Times the woman could be heard saying something, but he could not confirm what she said. The alleged comment was inaudible on recordings. Komrosky suspended public comments and called a recess, but before order was restored, a student protester draped in a Pan-African flag confronted a parent. She walked towards the man and put her hand on his chest. When the man said, Dont touch me, San Jacinto City Councilor Brian Hawkins moved toward him, grabbing his arm and shouting repeatedly Thats a child! over the crowd until the man said Shut up! and walked away. Deputies asked the man to leave and escorted him out. The man, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told The Epoch Times he has retained legal counsel and is prepared to sue anyone making false accusations against him. A narrative being spread that he sought out the girl with the flag and got in her face is is a complete lie, he said. Jenn Reeves, a local activist, recently posted video clips on TikTok of the incident between the man and the girl with the flag from the March 22 meeting, claiming Hawkins prevented the man from assaulting the girl. But, several videos show the girl with the flag jumping in front of the man and putting her hand on his chest. I didnt know what happened, and then I looked down. I saw it was a person, and I pointed at my chest. I just said Dont touch me, the man said. Hawkins, who was wearing a Black Panther Party hoodie under his open suit jacket, ran unsuccessfully for Congress as a Republican in 2022 and adamantly opposed CRT during his campaign. San Jacinto City Councilor Brian Hawkins attends a special meeting to discuss critical race theory with the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board and invited experts in Temecula, Calif., on March 22, 2023. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) He later told The Epoch Times he has changed his mind about CRT and left the GOP at the end of last year before registering as a Democrat in February. The immediate solution for unity in the district is to repeal the CRT ban, Hawkins said. This piece of paper has caused more harm than good, he said. CRT Controversy A San Diego parent who goes by the pseudonym Ben Richards and advocates for parents rights, told The Epoch Times that Temecula is now the tip of the spear in the national fight against critical race theory. Richards claims there is a coordinated effort by educators and activist groups such as Fight Back Collective to portray those who oppose CRT as white Christian nationalists and foment, coordinate and support leftist student walkouts, in the district, Richards said. Fight Back Collective states on its website that school boards across the United States are being infiltrated by far-right white supremacists running on a campaign of parents rights. Usually endorsed by hate groups such as Moms for Liberty and backed by dark money, these school board members are banning CRT, attacking trans youth and LGBTQ+ kids, and running smear campaigns on teachers who support inclusivity. Students are being told they are either a racist, or an anti-racist and that in order to be the latter, they must become an activist and support CRT, Richards said. CRT seeks to create student activists and that is exactly what youre seeing in Temecula, he said. People protest a special meeting to discuss critical race theory with the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board and invited experts in Temecula, Calif., on March 22, 2023. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) Jeff Pack, a member of the One Temecula Valley Political Action Committee, known as OneTVPAC, which opposed the CRT ban, told The Epoch Times in an email the group is calling for Komrosky and Wiersma to resign immediately. The behavior of TVUSD school board members Komrosky, Wiersma, and Gonzalez mirrors those happening in other school districts across the country. They are seemingly following a national political playbook line-by-line with no regard to whether any of the resolutions they are passing or actions they are taking have anything to do with Temecula Valley Unified School District whatsoever, he said. Thats bad governance in our eyes. The California School Boards Association (CSBA), which represents more than 1,000 school boards, has stated that its up to each school board to decide whether or not to teach CRT. Troy Flint, a spokesman for the association told The Epoch Times in 2021 the CSBA doesnt endorse CRT nor does it believe that critical race theory is widely taught in California schools. Mostly what you see in those cases where elements of CRT are being taught in the classroom [is] that its an individual decision the teacher has made that this is a way to communicate or to illustrate a particular concept that they think enhances a students understanding of the material, Flint said in 2022. But, youre not seeing CRT as a whole or as a matter of practice taught in California schools on a widespread basis. On July 3, 2021, the National Education Association, a teachers union which represents nearly 3 million educators nationally, passed a resolution to promote CRT and fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric. Days later, the American Federation of Teachers, another national teachers union affiliated with the AFL-CIO representing 1.7 million members, denied CRT was being taught in public schools. Meanwhile, opponents of CRT say the tenets of the topic are taught and are sending a racially divisive message to schoolchildren. They argue the underlying principles of CRT pit racial groups against one another, and portray white people as oppressors and non-whites as oppressed. People protest a special meeting to discuss critical race theory with the Temecula Valley Unified School District Board and invited experts in Temecula, Calif., on March 22, 2023. (Brad Jones/The Epoch Times) Not Going to Be Deterred Trustee Wiersma told The Epoch Times she wont back down on the CRT ban because thats what she campaigned on and thats what parents who voted for her expect her to do. Im not going to be deterred through the harassment and peoples attempts to cancel what we were elected to do, and that is to represent the people, she said. The board majority is committed to continuing discussions and focus groups to educate the community about critical race theory and why it was banned, she said, stressing the workshop was never intended to be a debate. It was to strengthen the reasoning behind passing the resolution, and to help educate people and answer questions. Unfortunately, there were people there simply to hijack it and cancel the meeting, she said. I think a lot of that was staged, of course, and its unfortunate. People seated near the back of the auditorium felt intimidated and threatened by the mob mentality, and couldnt focus on what the speakers had to say, she said. Near the end of the meeting, Gonzalez said that despite claims CRT is not being taught in the district, it has crept into lessons in the district through supplemental materials. The resolution is intended to provide clarity to parents and teachers on how to deal with controversial topics and set preventative guardrails knowing that we dont want CRT in public schools, Gonzalez said. Trustee Barclay denied CRT is taught in district classrooms and said she is not suggesting it should be taught, but blamed the ban for dividing the community. Its strictly a political stunt that is divisive, she said. We did not have this division before this resolution. Trustee Schwartz left his seat after public comments and didnt return to hear the panelists presentation and discussion. However, he did appear after the discussion to speak with panelist Shufutinsky. Schwartz told The Epoch Times via email the forum was a waste of money that would have been better spent on classroom supplies and materials. The purpose of the forum was supposedly to educate about CRT. It actually was an indoctrination by opponents, he said. CRT was never part of our curriculum. Whether people support it or dont is irrelevant to the issue. I was opposed to the resolution being proposed at the first board meeting. The issue never should have been raised, as it has caused chaos in the community. Stephanie Dawson, a parent who spoke in support of the workshop and was heckled during her public comments, told The Epoch Times it was unfortunate the panelists presentations were overshadowed by the protest. The signs and their part in the chaos that unfolded made it clear that they werent there to learn anything but instead, were there to just agitate and disrupt, she said. It seemed as if they were ready to pounce on anything that could ignite the night, so the comment that woman made was enough for them to just jump on it. Dawson said CRT has infiltrated the classroom whether people want to see it or not, and while shes disappointed the city is so divided over it, she believes banning it is for the best. The ban is going to be a good thing, she said. I support it even more now that Ive learned so much from the panelists. Another parent, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told The Epoch Times the meeting was supposed to be a safe environment for parents to learn more about CRT and why it was banned from district classrooms, but instead devolved into chaos and anarchy as protesters heckled those who spoke in favor of the ban. Two groups of protesters flanked both sides of the auditorium along the back wall. On one side you had a lot of students with signsa lot of screaming, yelling, and name-calling, and on the other side of the room there appeared to be adults with signs doing the same thing, the man said. They were heckling; they were being loud; they were moving around. They had signs in everyones faces. It was obvious they were there to completely disrupt the event. The three audience members were removed for disrupting the meeting and/or making inappropriate personal comments toward another audience member, according to a joint statement by Komrosky, the school board president, and Wiersma, the board clerk, on the districts website. The race of these individuals was irrelevant to the removal decision, just as any other personal attribute of either individual would also be completely irrelevant, they stated. While it is always regrettable when a removal has to occur, the Boards rules and policies are intended to promote an orderly process for Board meetings and an open, reasoned, and effective dialogue and exchange of ideas. California Losing Software Dominance to Communist China People gather for a press conference about their opposition to a TikTok ban on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 22, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Commentary Something Ive long dreaded finally is happening: Wokeness and other foolishness by the U.S. and California governments is stifling this states innovation machineleading to Communist China assuming software dominance. The successes of Apple, Google, Facebook, and other Silicon Valley companies dazzle us, preventing us from seeing whats really happening. Tech icon Steve Jobs died 11 years ago. Perhaps just as indicative, Gordon Moore, the co-founder of Intel who discovered Moores Law in 1965, just diedat age 94. Moores Law states computing power doubles, or the price of it is halved, about every three years. Now this: Why Chinese Apps Are the Favorites of Young Americans, headlined the Wall Street Journal March 26. Subhead: It isnt just the algorithms, but lessons from a competitive culture. TikTok, currently being scrutinized in Congress, is only one of these firms. Four of the hottest five apps in the U.S. in March were forged in China, the article reported. Algorithms are often cited as their secret sauce. An often overlooked facet is how cutthroat competition for users at home has given Chinese firms a leg up over Western rivals. We used to have that red-hot competition here. Its in all the books that have come out about Jobs and the founding of Apple in the mid-1970s at a time of vast ferment in the microcomputer market. Then the dot-com revolution occurred in the 1990s, followed by the social media competition of the late 2000s and early 2010s. A good idea of how Apple and other firms thought of themselves 40 years ago is the still legendary 1984 ad for the new Macintosh computer broadcast during that years Super Bowl. Playing on the year of George Orwells dystopian Nineteen Eighty-Four novel, it pitched Apple as a scrappy upstart against Big Brother IBM. Digital Sclerosis Unfortunately, the vast success of these firms turned them into what they originally fought against: gigantic, sclerotic, centralized companies tightly interwoven with the government. Twitter, although smaller than the other companies, in some ways was more influential because of its use by media influencers. And as we have learned since Elon Musk bought it and unveiled the Twitter Files, it and the other social media platforms engaged in heavy censorship in cahoots with the FBI, NSA, CIA, and other federal agencies. The U.S. companies now also are obsessed with wokeness, Critical Race Theory (CRT), gender theory, and whatever new ideological fad crops up among progressives. The most absurd development was when Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and centibillionaire, funded Equitable Math. Its curriculum actually stated, White supremacy culture shows up in math classrooms when The focus is on getting the right answer. This is a man known, before he became a full-time executive, as one of the top computer programmers in the industry. And programming, of course, largely is applied math. Enter the more nimble Chinese startups taking over the sectorof course, under the watchful eye and penetration by the Chinese Communist Party. You can bet no one in those companies thinks math derives from white supremacy. Five Problems There are four problems for America now as these and other Chinese companies may have advanced so far it will be difficult for our companies to catch up. First, these big companiesFacebook, Google, etc.now are too big to innovate. Even Apple, the worlds most valuable company, has yet to come up with a major new product since Jobs died; the Apple Watch was its last great innovation and was in the pipeline in his last years. Second is something from my Epoch Times article, SVB Crash Will Slam California State and Local Budget. The fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse is reducing capital for startups. That not only will hurt revenues for California state and local governments, as I pointed out. Its going to be difficult to fund new startups to challenge these Chinese firms. Bloomberg reported March 24, SVB Collapse Could Mean a $500 Billion Venture Capital Haircut. Third, this problem extends to the military. Pentagon Woos Silicon Valley to Join Ranks of Arms Makers, reported the March 26 Wall Street Journal. To keep up with China, the Defense Department is trying to lure private capital. But how can they do it with the private capital system hampered by the bank failures and other problems? Moreover, the chicanery the intelligence community has conducted with Silicon Valley companies, noted above, already politicizes what should be apolitical market systems. Unlike in China, our system is supposed to keep separate the market and the militarywith the military then using the markets brilliant innovations to defend our country. Fourth, Californias broken educational system prevents the development of adequate homegrown talent to propel Silicon Valley companies. Obviously, companies there draw from the best tech minds from all over America, indeed the world. But it isnt just geniuses who run companies. You also need the local folks who have the talent to implement company policy, and do such seemingly mundane things as fix broken computer servers, install building wiring, and even run restaurants where talented people go to mingle and cook up new ideas and projects. Fifth, even if Congress puts limits on TikTok and the other Chinese companies, that wont restrict them from taking over social media in the rest of the world. Facebook, Google, etc. will be pushed aside due to their own foolishness and political correctness. Finally, the only way America can compete with China is to get out of this woke funkthis nonsense of looking at every action through the lenses of race, gender, and so on. We need to get back to the good old American virtue of free and open competition, of a level playing fieldand let the best win. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. California Public Safety Committee Declines to Hear Fentanyl Bill AB 1058 A hearing for Assemblyman Jim Pattersons (R-Fresno) recently introduced Assembly Bill 1058 (AB 1058), aiming to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers, was postponed indefinitely by Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), chair of the public safety committee, on Thursday, March 23. In a press conference held in Fresno March 24, Patterson decried the move while flanked by a group supporting sentencing enhancements for fentanyl distribution, including law enforcement officials and mothers of overdose victims. California is saying loud and clear to these dealers that our kids are fair gamethey can keep selling, and if they get caught with thousands of potentially deadly pills, they will walk with a misdemeanor, Patterson said in a statement to The Epoch Times. Its unconscionable. Pamela Smith, mother of 22-year-old fentanyl overdose victim Jackson Smith, spoke at the press conference of her frustration about the bills rejection. To say the least, I was extremely disappointed. I find it outrageous. California law currently allows fentanyl dealers to be released within days of their arrest, and supporters of Pattersons proposed AB 1058 say this policy is endangering local communities. The language in the bill proposes increased penalties for those with convictions pertaining to fentanyl possession of more than 28.35 grams. Its time that the legislators in Sacramento stand up and do the right thing, and they need to hold these drug dealers accountable and put them away for a very long time, Smith said. Thats what they deserve because they are killing our children. Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer attends MedMen Red Jacket Preparation Launch with Brotherhood Crusade in Culver City, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2019. (Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for MedMen) Addressing The Fentanyl Issue Jones-Sawyer defended his actions in an email to The Epoch Times. The fentanyl issue requires comprehensive input from a variety of experts and stakeholders in order to establish a united approach to solving the matter, he said. Moving forward, I intend to work on this issue by bringing those who understand the causation, prevention, and treatment components together with policy makers to ensure we have a tactical solution in hand. Last year, Jones-Sawyer introduced Assembly Bill 2195, approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 23, which reduced sentences and penalties for drug dealing and other crimes labeled as a public nuisance. Critics say his latest move on the fentanyl bill echoes these past actions. At the press conference, Patterson said, They simply will not hear the bill. We are facing this obstruction in Sacramento, and it has consequencesreal life and death consequencesacross the state of California. We know what fentanyl is doing to our kids, and all we are asking for is consequences for the people dealing, he said. The Fresno District Attorneys office also vehemently spoke out on the issue at the event. This public safety committee is behaving in a way that is unconstitutional, said a spokesperson for the office. They are censoring the proposed legislation of individuals who have been elected in their home district. Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid reported to be 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the department lists the narcotic as the top local drug threat for Southern California. The most recent data from the California Department of Public Health shows 6,843 opioid drug overdose deaths in the state in 2021, with fentanyl accounting for 5,722. Photos of drug overdose victims line a chain-link fence at the Laguna Niguel Skate Park on International Overdose Awareness Day in Laguna Niguel, Calif., on Aug. 31, 2020. (Chris Karr/The Epoch Times) The National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report alarming trends in fentanyl overdose deaths nationwide, with numbers relatively flat from 2017-2019 and accelerating significantly since 2020. The number of reported total drug overdose victims in 2019 was 70,630, jumping up to 106,699 in 2021, and by August 2022, 108,000 overdose deaths were recorded in the first eight months of the year. The increase is blamed on the prevalence of fentanyl, which accounts for the majority of the incidents, according to the CDC. Twice as many people die of overdoses than are killed on our highways every year, and three times as many than are murdered, said Paco Balderama, Fresno police chief, at the press conference. Additionally, the flow of illegal narcotics is an ongoing issue for border states like California. We like to say that were intercepting 10 percent of the drugs coming into the country, Balderama observed, but thats not truethats a gross overestimation. Were maybe stopping 2 percent. Steve McComas of the Fresno Sheriffs Office told the press, We are not winning the war on fentanyl or the opioid crisis that is in our state and in our nation. The Public Safety Committees decision to not hear this bill will cost lives. Two state Senate bills being considered by legislators also target fentanyl issues, but with different approaches. Senate Bill 237, introduced by state Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), would strengthen penalties for possession, distribution, and trafficking. Senate Bill 234, presented by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), would require public schools K-12, charter schools, community colleges, stadiums, concert venues, and amusement parks to maintain a supply of naloxone, used to reverse fentanyl overdoses. It is a simple truth that death and time often alter our opinions of the deceased. His political opponents and many in the press maligned Abraham Lincoln during his time at the helm of government, yet today he is regarded as one of the presidential greats. During his presidency, Ronald Reagan experienced a constant barrage of criticism blasting him, for instance, for his Star Wars policy, but he is now credited as a prime mover in the downfall of the Soviet Union. Abigail Adams is better known and more celebrated for her character and accomplishments in our day than in her own. Emily Dickinson lived her entire life in obscurity in Amherst, Massachusetts, yet has long been considered one of Americas greatest poets. Death gives us pause to reconsider the deceaseds accomplishments or, in the case of Dickinson, to uncover information and material that bring reevaluation and tributes. We frequently do the same regarding our own departed family members and friends, pushing aside their foibles and remembering with admiration and affection their words and deeds. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones, declaims Shakespeares Mark Antony at Caesars funeral. True, yes, but then so is the reverse of that famous line. Which brings us to James Rosens new biography, Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 19361986. Stepping Stones to the High Court As promised by his books subtitle, Rosen takes readers from Antonin Scalias birth, prefaced by some family information, up to the time he became a justice on the Supreme Court. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Scalia attended a public elementary school in Queens followed by St. Francis Xavier High School in Manhattan, and another Jesuit institution, Georgetown University. After his graduation from Harvard Law School, he held a wide variety of positions, working first for the Jones Day law firm as an attorney, teaching law at the University of Virginia, serving in the Nixon and Ford presidencies, teaching next at the University of Chicago, and finally, before his Supreme Court appointment, sitting as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Supreme Court Justices (LR) Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, and Associate Justice David H. Souter at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003, in Washington. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Rosen provides flesh and blood to the above bare-bones summary of the first 50 years of Scalias life, adding a multitude of details about the mans performance in all these capacities, and the benefits and consequences they brought both for Scalia and for those who worked with him. For his material, Rosen researched hundreds of the justices writings and letters, and interviewed some 70 colleagues, friends, former students, priests (Scalia was a devout Catholic), and family members. Along with Rosens cordial mix of politics, law, and anecdotes, these are certainly good reasons to read this fine study of the man. Perhaps the best reason of all, however, is what Rosen reveals about Scalias virtues: his love of family, his ethic of hard work, and his admirable character. Family Man Though an only child, Scalia grew up surrounded by a clan of Italian relatives, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His father, a doctor of philosophy and professor of romance languages, was, according to one of the justices sons, pretty demanding, pretty strict. Scalias daughter Meg remembered her grandfather as incredibly critical of his son, jeering at Scalia, for example, for simply reading the newspaper comics as an adult. Scalias mother, Catherine, was the kinder and gentler parent. She was the prototypical Italian mother, Scalia later wrote. In an interview with C-SPANs Brian Lamb, he said: That was my mother, who I only realized later devoted her life to making sure I did the right things, hung out with the right people, joined the right organizations. Scalia brought this importance and centrality of family to his marriage with Maureen McCarthy. Described by Rosen as petite but fiercely independent, intellectually brilliant, and impeccably mannered, Maureen matched her husbands devotion to the Catholic faith and was just as principled and outspoken in her conservatism. Married for 55 years, the couple had nine children, and Rosen includes many reminiscences of their family life in his book. Though he was often absent from homeMaureen performed the yeomans work of raising the children and managing the householdby all accounts Scalia was a loving and fun-loving father. Antonin Scalia, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Maureen M. Scalia arrive for the State Dinner at the White House in Washington, on March 14, 2012. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images) At a Federalist Society celebration in 2006, Justice Scalia asked Maureen to the podium. Rosen gives us this description of what followed: Mrs. Scalia smiled shyly and examined the floor as the justice described her as the best decision I ever made, the mother of the nine children you see, and the woman responsible for raising them with little assistance from me. And theres not a dullard in the bunch! Nose to the Grindstone Antonin Scalia himself was certainly no dullard, but that sharp mind was buttressed by a habit of hard work established in his childhood. An early example of the importance of effort surely came from his father. Salvatore, more commonly known as Sam, was 17 years old when he immigrated with his parents to America. Grit, his capacity for hard work, and a gift for languages eventually procured for Sam a post as a university professor. For most of his life, he spent hours every day with a book in hand, often translating texts. He was, Scalia remembered, committed to the life of the mindmuch more of an intellectual than I ever was. Here the justice is perhaps being overly modest. From Xavier High School, for example, a tough Jesuit institution, he graduated at the top of his class. At Georgetown University, he was once again class valedictorian. He would miss that mark at Harvard Law but still graduated magna cum laude, which meant he had placed in the top five of his class. Scalias long hours with the books explains these triumphs, and this same work ethic became one of his trademarks in his professional life. As described by Rosen, he often seemed a human dynamo, delivering speeches at various conferences, attending countless meetings, writing brilliant legal opinions, teaching students in his classes and the law clerks who worked for him, and still finding time for friends and family. In 2008, Scalia said of gaining a seat on the Supreme Court, I just kept my nose to the grindstone, and, I mean, thats the secret. Evidence would suggest that it was the grindstone and not his nose that took a beating. A Good Man Moral character, Rosen tells us, was king in Sams eyes, prized more than intellect or wealth. Son, he would tell Nino, brains are like muscles. You can rent them by the hour. The only thing thats not for sale is character. His father drummed this lesson into the young Scalia, and the Jesuit priests at the schools he attended reinforced this message. As Rosen demonstrates, the defining feature of Xavier High was building moral character in its students. Obedience to duty, manly honor and discipline, frank and forthright acknowledgment of error: These are some of Scalias memories of what Xavier embedded in him. The lifelong practice of such a code might leave the impression that Scalia was an austere personage, remote from others. Yet throughout Rosens book, we are struck again and again by the joy the man found in life and in others. He was, for example, great friends with Justice Ruth Ginsberg, who was his ideological opposite on the Supreme Court, and he taught another liberal justice, Elena Kagan, the art of hunting. Scalias potential appointment to the District of Columbia circuit court required an FBI background investigation. Agents looked at every aspect of his life, from bank accounts to tax returns to interviews with friends and colleagues. He was given a perfectly clean slate, but what is most impressive are the comments made during the dozens of interviews of those who knew him. Rosen devotes four full paragraphs to citing comments such as these: able to put people he meets at ease, good sense of humor family oriented, a model family man, his reputation above reproach, quick witted with a warm sense of humor, the government could not have a better candidate for a position as a judge. Rosen closes his account of this FBI investigation with a remark about Antonin Scalia that most of us probably wish applied to us: Would that every life repaid such close scrutiny with such superlative results. Character, said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, is destiny. We Americans should be grateful that men of character such as Scalia are still willing to serve aboard the ship of our republic. Scalia: Rise to Greatness: 19361986 By James Rosen Regnery Publishing, March 7, 2023 Hardcover: 500 pages China Seeking to Dominate Fourth Industrial Revolution: Expert An employee observes chip production at a factory in Nantong in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, on March 17, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) China is striving to dominate the Fourth Industrial revolution, according to David Goldman, Spengler columnist for Asia Times and PJ Media. Although the concept of a science, data, and technology-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution first stemmed from the World Economic Forum in 2015, it has since been adopted by the Chinese Communist Party. From the mechanization of the first industrial revolution in the 18th century, to the electrification of the second industrial revolution in the 19th century, to the informationization of the third industrial revolution in the 20th century, each round of disruptive technological innovation has shaped history, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a 2018 speech. According to Xi, the next decade will largely determine who leads the next industrial revolution. The next ten years will be a key decade, Xi said, stating that a new round of technological revolution and industrial changeartificial intelligence, big data, quantum information, and biotechnologyare gathering strength. Goldman cited Chinese government-controlled media, which stated that China is a leader in 4th industrial revolution' to illustrate the Chinese regimes ambitions. China says it wants to be the leader in the fourth industrial revolution. Thats the application of artificial intelligence to information technology, which makes it possible not just to stream videos or play games, but to drive cars, unload freighters, run factories and so forth, Goldman told China in Focus on NTD, the sister media outlet of The Epoch Times. If China dominates the Fourth Industrial Revolution, then you will have an autocracy allied to other autocracies being the dominant economic power in the world to the detriment of the democracies, he noted. In this case, Goldman argued, we will be poor, well be less secure, well be more beholden to other countries, our children will have a much dimmer future. In his opinion, China lags far behind the United States in terms of microchip fabrication. In terms of the production of the actual semiconductors that do the data processing and storage, its 10 to 20 years behind us, he said. However, in many of the applications to which you apply chips, China is much more advancedparticularly when it concerns 5G broadband and its application to things like autonomous vehicles, factories, ports, and so forth. So its a very unbalanced situation, he added. Consequently, he said, the global economy could end up with two semiconductor worlds that compete with each other. And that will simply make life a great deal more expensive. That will hold China back for some period of time, but not forever. Advancing US Industry Vs. Holding Back China Last October, the U.S. government issued new export controls (pdf) that block U.S. companies from selling advanced semiconductorsand the equipment used to manufacture themto certain Chinese manufacturers unless a special license is obtained. In December, the government expanded these restrictions to 36 additional Chinese chip makers. Washington has also effectively prohibited U.S. citizens from supporting the production or development of chips covered under the restrictions. U.S. nationals participating in Chinese chip-related companies will either have to quit their jobs or relinquish their citizenship. On March 21, the U.S. Commerce Department went a step further by releasing proposed rules to prevent billions of dollars in semiconductor manufacturing and research funding from being used by China and other countries deemed of concern. These approaches, Goldman said, can hold back Chinese chip manufacturing for some time, but would not work in the long run. Denying access to Chinanot only to very fast chips, but the equipment you need to make fast chipswill eventually require China to build its own industry, he noted. China has a very large skilled manpower pool, it has lots of engineers, and if it puts enough effort into it, it will eventually come up to speed, and we will face a formidable competitor that will try to knock our companies out of the market, he said, just as China destroyed the American solar-panel industry. As a result, the expert suggested that the United States should advance its own industry, which he deemed a more effective strategy. I really think we need to focus more on the industrial and productivity applications of 5G. The CHIPS Act was a good thing. Semiconductors are a critical resource, we need to be able to produce them at home as a matter of national security, he said. Alex Wu contributed to this report. Chinas Low-Price Car Promotion Fails to Spur Sales as Consumer Confidence Declines A bleak economic outlook is causing middle-class Chinese to hold back on buying high-end goods such as cars People visit the 20th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition on its opening day at Guangzhou, in China's southern Guangdong Province, on Dec. 30, 2022. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) News Analysis A low-price auto campaign initiated by Chinese car companies and local governments has been sweeping throughout China since the start of March, but auto sales continue to fall. Experts indicate that middle-class Chinese citizens, the mainstay of consumption, face heavy debts as they lose confidence in the economy. On March 6, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, in cooperation with the Hubei provincial authorities, launched a car-buying season campaign with the most significant price reduction. A major discount was offered for the Dongfeng Citroen C6, usually priced at 216,800 yuan (about $31,700), with a combined government and corporate subsidy of 90,000 yuan (about $13,000) per vehicle. It is the first time such a large subsidy of nearly half the price of a car has been offered in Hubei. Besides Dongfeng, several models of Buick and Tianjin FAW Toyota are also included in the scope of subsidies in the province, according to a report by The Paper on March 8. A Dongfeng motor T5 EVO car is seen during the 19th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai on April 19, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) Dongfeng Motors move ignited nationwide auto price cuts, with major car companies kicking off various promotion planssuch as buy one get one free, buy a car and get a free license plate, credit offer, and equity pointsspanning at least 40 car brands and more than 100 models, with discounts ranging from 30,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan (about $4,300 to $14,600). Discounted Sales Cant Help Weak Auto Market This wave of domestic auto price cuts comes after Tesla, which took the lead on Jan. 6, dropped prices on some of its models by up to 48,000 yuan (about $7,000). Dr. Frank Tian Xie, a business and marketing professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken, told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on March 24 that Tesla has significantly reduced the cost and price of its cars, which brings benefits to Chinese consumers. But a low-price strategy cant help the sales of domestic-made cars as auto sales across China are dropping. A source from a joint venture told Chinese news portal Sina: At the beginning of the year, we had thought the impact of the epidemic would recede, and car consumption would recover. Thus, many car companies set a high sales target, but we didnt expect to fall short. This reflects that the entire auto industry and market in China are fragile, and the Chinese economy is in recession, Xie said. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on March 22 criticized the local price cuts, saying it was disrupting the market and that the hype of this round of price cuts should be cooled down as soon as possible so that the industry returns to normal operation. Xie disagrees with the CAAM and said that if the market is depressed and fewer people are buying cars, it would make sense for car companies to compete by cutting prices. In effect, the state-owned car companies represented by CAAM have undergone heavy pressure from discounted price sales; they know that their cars are not competitive and are losing every car they sell, so they hope the price cuts will stop immediately, Xie added. Debts Weigh Down on Consumption Many Chinese auto industry insiders believe that several car dealers are being forced to reduce prices to clear their inventories that may not meet the China VI-B emissions standard, which goes into effect starting July 1 this year. On March 23, the China Auto Dealers Chamber of Commerce (CADCC) called on the authorities to postpone the implementation of the VI-B emission standard, allowing sufficient switching time for auto manufacturers and dealers to unload the existing inventory of new vehicles. According to Lu Tianming, a U.S.-based political and economic analyst, the low-price promotion is only a superficial reason for the wave of auto price cuts. The low-price promotion competition is actually due to an absence of consumer power, and the whole consumption is shrinking, Lu told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times on March 25. The shrinking consumption is caused by insufficient spending money, and consumers who have the money are afraid to spend. Lu said the ordinary Chinese people have no money because their debts have reached a new high, with housing mortgage accounting for the highest percentage. The real estate sector is a binding constraint on Chinas economy, he said. The communist regimes land finance policy pushed high land prices, coupled with collusion between business and government, which has led to high housing prices. An elderly woman looks at the price tags of houses at a local real estate office in downtown Shanghai on Feb. 12, 2018. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) The disposable income of Chinese residents is so low that they become overly indebted after buying a home, and their mortgage payments account for too much of their income, resulting in a significant reduction in their ability to spend on other products. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) have also admitted that Chinese people are overloaded with debt. Li Yang, a member of the CASS and director of the National Finance and Development Laboratory, claimed at a February economic summit that citizens earning 100 yuan (about $15) must take out 15 yuan (about $2.20) to repay their debts. If you include mortgage debt, the ratio of total required household debt payment to total disposable income may exceed 50 percent, he said. According to official figures, the total debt of Chinese residents exceeds 200 trillion yuan (about $29 trillion), and the per capita debt is as high as 140,000 yuan (about $20,000). In comparison, the per capita disposable income in 2022 was 36,883 yuan, or about $5,370. Lu also pointed out that the Chinese fear spending money because they lack confidence in the future. Since the Chinese Communist Partys three-year zero-COVID policy, the peoples income is generally declining, and they are worried about their future. Official data shows that peoples savings are growing, and total deposits have reached a record high. In Lus view, this is not because people are earning more money, but because their income has been reduced, so they want to keep their money in the bank. They [Chinese consumers] are cutting back on food and clothing and saving money to prepare for the uncertainty of the future. As a result, the whole societys consumption is shrinking, he said. Consumer Confidence Diminishes A man walks past a booth of the Bank of China at the Main Press Center of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on Jan. 28, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas Central Bank released financial data for January, saying that yuan deposits surged by 6.87 trillion yuan (about $1 trillion), with household deposits rising by 6.2 trillion yuan ($900 billion), a record high for the same month. Such record-breaking numbers or increased savings signal a decline in spending, said Xie, adding that people are afraid or reluctant to spend money, and they are worried about losing their jobs tomorrow. If this sentiment arose, people would save more, and saving would reduce the consumption rate, he said. Lu shared a similar opinion that Chinese middle-class income is lessening. City lockdowns and the emigration of industrial chains have impacted the Chinese economy, resulting in a sharp drop in the income of the middle class. Even car prices have dropped sharply, but sales are still down because the middle class cant afford to spend or dare not spend. Xie said that most middle-class citizens dont have more savings, citing that the average citizen is overwhelmed by mortgages, car loans, and other expenses. Furthermore, there are many cases of loan suspensions and mortgage cuts, he said. He noted, We only see the total amount of deposits increasing, but whose deposits are increasing? If the total amount of savings is increasing, we should look at the vested interests of the upper echelons of communist rulers and see if they have more cash in their hands. Kane Zhang contributed to this report. Chinese, Vietnamese Ships Have Close Encounter in South China Sea: Report A Chinese coast guard ship reportedly entered Vietnam's exclusive economic zone A ship of the China Coast Guard is seen near a ship of the Vietnam Marine Guard in the South China Sea, about 210 km (130 miles) off shore of Vietnam on May 14, 2014. (Nguyen Minh/Reuters) A Chinese coast guard ship and a Vietnamese fisheries patrol boat came dangerously close in the South China Sea as the Chinese ship was spotted crossing Vietnams waters, a U.S. researcher said on Sunday. The incident was first spotted by Ray Powell, the Project Myoushu (South China Sea) lead at Stanford University, who cited data based on the ships automatic identification system (AIS) signals, Radio Free Asia reported. AIS tracking indicates a dangerously close encounter between Chinas coast guard ship 5205 [and] Vietnams fisheries surveillance ship KN-278, Powell stated on Twitter. Powell said the Vietnamese boat initiated shadowing operations south of Vanguard Bank on March 25 after spotting the Chinese coast guard ship cross into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). An EEZ typically extends 200 nautical miles beyond a countrys territorial waters, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over natural resources and the ability to control activities. The Vietnamese boat followed the Chinese ship, and they kept a distance of about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in Vietnams EEZ. But on March 26, the two ships appeared to come within 10 meters apart on parallel courses, Powell stated. The Chinese coast guard ship departed Vietnams EEZ two hours after the incident and sailed to Malaysias EEZ. The Vietnamese ship was pretty bold given the difference in sizethe Chinese ship is twice the size of the Vietnamese ship, Powell told the news outlet. It must have been a very tense engagement. A China Coast Guard ship (L) chases a Vietnam Coast Guard vessel near the site of a Chinese drilling oil rig being installed at the disputed water in the South China Sea off Vietnams central coast on May 14, 2014. (Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP via Getty Images) Previous Encounter The same Chinese coast guard vessel approached a Philippine coast guard ship in Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea earlier in February and used a military-grade laser on the ship, temporarily blinding the crew. The Philippines Coast Guard said the Chinese ship made dangerous maneuvers by approaching within 150 yards (137 meters) of its starboard quarter. Vietnam and China have for years been embroiled in a dispute over the potentially energy-rich stretch of water. In April 2020, Vietnam lodged an official protest with Beijing following the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat it said had been rammed by a Chinese maritime surveillance vessel in the South China Sea. The Vietnamese fishing vessel, with eight fishermen on board, was fishing near the Paracel Islands when it was rammed and sunk by the Chinese vessel, according to Vietnams Foreign Ministry. All the fishermen were picked up by the Chinese vessel alive and were transferred to two other Vietnamese fishing vessels operating nearby, the Vietnam Fisheries Society said in a statement. A Chinese oil survey vessel conducted operations in Vietnamese-controlled waters for more than three months in 2019, causing a tense standoff between vessels from the two countries. Beijing claims much of the South China Sea as its own territory under its so-called nine-dash line, a claim that the Hague Tribunal ruled in 2016 has no legal basis. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei all have competing claims against Beijing. Reuters contributed to this report. Chris Christie Speaks in New Hampshire as He Considers White House Bid President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) after he delivered remarks on combatting drug demand and the opioid crisis in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Oct. 26, 2017. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Chris Christie spoke to a crowd in New Hampshire on March 27 about extending the minimum age to receive social security at an appearance he made as part of his maybe campaign for a bid for president. In painting several scenarios of what he would do if he were elected to the White House, the former Republican New Jersey governor said he favored term limits for Congress, the need for the United States to support Ukraine against Russias invasion, reaffirmed his pro-life views, and touched on stopping drugs from coming over the border from Mexico and ending friendly arrangements with China. But in establishing the reason why he had made a trip back to the first-in-the-nation primary-state, Christie laid into both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden. Christie opened his nearly two-hour speech, which seemed at times more like a political standup comedy routine to the standing room-only crowd at the St. Anselm Colleges Institute of Politics, by taking jabs at Biden, Trump, and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In referring to the young woman believed to be the gunman in the Nashville shooting, Christie said the shooting is an example of a country riddled with anger and mental illness that politicians are only addressing by calling for more penalties for offenders instead of reforming the cause of them. Christie said that Trump was part of the anger problem facing America, explaining away his once staunch support of the Republican president by saying it was a strategic mistake supporting Trump in 2016 after losing his own bid for the White House. We all made a strategic error in 2016, supporting Trump, Christie said, with one man shouting from the crowd that he forgives Christie for supporting Trump. Christie condemned Trump for what he said was putting his own need for self-retribution above the needs for America. Christie said the only reason that Biden was in office is because the Republicans chose such a bad candidate. He referred to his own status as a popular Republican governor in a very Democratic state to make the point that Republicans can win over Democrats with the right candidate. In driving home his point about Republicans needing to field better candidates, he talked about failed Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker and Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake. Can we please not nominate Kari Lake for anything again and can we please not nominate Herschel Walker for anything again, implored Christie. Leaving few stones unturned in bolstering himself as the best choice out of the growing list of potential contenders for the GOP nominee, should he run, Christie also criticized DeSantis for deeming Ukraine a territorial dispute that the United States should not be involved in. When you get your property survey and find out that the neighbors fence is six inches on your property, thats a territorial dispute, he said, remarking would someone please make a wake up call to Tallahassee. Christie said that helping Ukraine is an investment for America, making the argument that if the United States doesnt take a stand against the authoritarian forces of Russia, it will serve as a green light for the Kremlin and its allies to embody a massive geographic takeover of ally territories with major residual impacts on Americas foreign trades and thus its economy. He also criticized DeSantis for saying that America has no interest in getting involved in proxy wars with China, saying that if he were president, he would most definitely focus on ensuring that China does not succeed in what he characterized as an obvious plot to become the supreme global ruler. I dont want to live in a world where America is not the leader of the world, he said. Christie also had criticism for former Vice President Mike Pence, who is considering a run for president. While Pence has denounced Jan. 6, Christie said that when the former vice president said, Let the people decide to a question about Trumps belief that the election was stolen, it is a sign that Pence lacks the leadership needed to safeguard the U.S. Constitution. Hell, Ill answer that question, Christie said, emphasizing that any suggestion to suspend the U.S. Constitution should be disqualifying for a presidential candidate. More and more elderly Koreans die alone without family or friends to tend to their bodies, often because they are poor or are found dead on the street. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and National Health Insurance Service last week, 2,447 older people died alone last year and had no family or friends to take care of their funeral arrangements. That was a rise of 437 from 2017, the biggest rate of increase since the government began tallying such statistics in 2012, when the number was 1,021. It has since grown 2.4 times. People in their 60s accounted for 60 percent of lonely deaths, but the proportion of those in their 50s accounted for more than 20 percent. Last year, 565 people in their 50s died alone, compared to 460 in 2017. Seven out of 10 people who died alone were welfare recipients, and the cause of death was unverified in 437 cases, while 152 remain unidentified. Liberty Korea Party lawmaker Kim Seung-hee, who published the data, said the government is not doing enough to care for abandoned older people. The ministry told the National Assembly in April that some 2,279 people died alone last year but has revised that figure to 2,447 just ahead of a National Assembly audit next month. "It's hard to trust the governments drive to bolster welfare coverage if it can't even accurately assess the number of people who die alone," Kim said. Climate Safeguard Mechanism Will Stifle Gas Industry, Warned Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister A general view of The Yallourn Power Station in Yallourn, Australia, on Aug. 16, 2022. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) Australian businesses, and especially the gas industry, will suffer under the climate safeguard mechanism, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham has warned. The safeguard mechanism, which was initiated by the centre-right Coalition but is being overhauled by the centre-left Labor, requires the 215 facilities that annually produce over 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases to limit their net emissions below a baseline limit. Its highly likely the plan will pass through parliament after the left-wing Australian Greens announced it has successfully struck a deal with the Labor government on Monday. Birmingham said if that were indeed the case, the economic ripple will be felt over months or years to come. What is going to occur if, as the Greens claim, it is going to stifle gas industry investment, in particular, because that has flow-on consequences and impacts for Australian businesses, Australian households, in terms of the availability of gas and therefore the price and reliability of gas for production purposes in industry, as well as what it means for electricity markets, too, he told Sky News on Tuesday. I think there are still serious issues for particular business sectors, such as the cement industry sector, to really understand whether there is any compromise from the government. Birmingham said the implications need to be fully understood before the parliament passes the bill, but he suspected that the government will seek to rush this through from here. I hope, though, that given this deal has been stitched up behind closed doors between Labour and the Greens, they do allow a proper process for a full exploration of the consequences of what theyre doing. Birmingham also said it is crucial that the Liberal party could ensure they have a compelling set of policies for the next federal election. Including effective policies to achieve Australias emission reduction targets, he said. Along with, of course, demonstrating that we also have the types of policies to actually deal with the cost of living pressures that Australians are facing at present. Greens Struck Deal With Labor To Pass Climate Safeguard Mechanism On Monday, Greens leader Adam Bandt said a deal had been made to put a ceiling on gross greenhouse gas emissions, which wont be able to exceed current pollution levels of 140 million tonnes a year, and there will be a decreasing cap over time. The bill will include a pollution trigger that will require the climate change minister to test a new or expanded projects impact on the hard cap and net carbon budgets. If the assessment finds that the project would contribute to exceeding the cap or budget, the minister must consult and recalibrate the rules or impose conditions on new entrants. As well, all new gas fields for export will need to be carbon-neutral from day one. ACT independent senator David Pocock reached an agreement with the government on Monday night. Reforms to the safeguard mechanism are imperfect but represent a step towards a credible climate policy, Senator Pocock said in a statement on Tuesday. Previously, Pocock argued that the science is very clear that we cant open new fossil fuel projects and potentially be on the path to a livable future. In addition, Pocock disagreed with the idea that Australia needed new coal and gas projects during the transition to renewable energy, saying the country already had plenty of existing gas and coal. We export three-quarters of it. And weve charged international prices for our own gas. That is a political failure, he said. Id argue that the solution is not more gas. Its electrification and helping households get off a really expensive energy source. The government agreed to a hard cap on safeguard mechanism emissions, which Senator Pocock said would give Australians certainty of pollution reduction under the policy. The government also agreed to accept, or partially accept, 16 recommendations as additional comments to the committee report on the legislation. Biggest Carbon Tax But Ted OBrien, the Shadow Minister for Energy, on March 15 warned that electricity prices would continue to spiral out of control under Labor, with further increases to whack small businesses by an additional $1151 and families by $463. Labor cannot be trusted to reduce energy prices, he said. OBrien also called the climate safeguard mechanism the biggest carbon tax Labor has introduced and is three times more expensive than the carbon tax under former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard. In 2014, the Gillard government priced carbon at A$23 (US $15.31) a tonne, compared to $75 a tonne under the Albanese government. And itll be up to $100 by 2034 times the price, he told Sydneys radio 2GB on Jan. 11. Economic insanity is a tax on individual families and consumers. I mean, there is no chance that we are going to have all the companies under this scheme that are able to reduce their emissions, by the way. You can grow the economy and do the right thing on the climate change side. But you dont watch the economy and hurt Australians in the process. Thats what Labors doing, he said. Cold Pacific Storm Bears Down on California This Week A bikepath fills with water during a storm in Irvine, Calif., on Jan. 5, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Californians were taking advantage of a sunny day as they started the work week, but more winter weather is on the way beginning late March 27, according to the National Weather Service. A half-inch to an inch of rain could fall this week in the Bay Area and Los Angeles County, while up to three inches are expected in the Santa Cruz Mountains, San Mateo County coast, San Francisco East Bay hills, and North Bay, Meteorologist Rick Canepa with the National Weather Service San Francisco office told The Epoch Times. High winds will also whip through the storm-soaked region that has received multiple drenchings since the end of December. Forecasters predict winds from 3035 miles per hour in the Bay Area and central coast region, with gusts reaching 50 miles per hour, according to Canepa. Its not quite high-wind-warning criteria, but its not too far away from it either, he said. Bay Area residents could see some rain starting Monday night and continuing through Tuesday evening, with a few residual passing showers expected later that day. On Wednesday, the main part of the storm will pass through the central California coast, reaching close enough to land to produce showers, some thunderstorms, and small-sized hail, Canepa said. The National Weather Service also issued an avalanche watch Monday afternoon for the backcountry around Lake Tahoe, where locals could see another two feet or more of snow this week, Canepa said. Theyre forecasting a lot of snow in the Sierra Nevada, he said. People should avoid travel, if possible. Vehicles drive as snow falls during another winter storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Mammoth Lakes, California, on March 10, 2023. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) High avalanche danger may occur in the backcountry from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Highway 49 and Highway 4, including the greater Lake Tahoe area, the weather service warned. The area should expect high-intensity snowfall mixed with gale-force winds, creating conditions for widespread avalanche activity, with some large avalanches possible in a variety of areas, according to the weather service. Further south in the Los Angeles County region, forecasters are expecting rain and thunderstorms beginning Tuesday, with rain falling into Tuesday night. On Wednesday and Thursday, the area could see off-and-on rain showers and gusty winds, with a chance of small hail, Weather service Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld, in Los Angeles, told The Epoch Times. The region also has a slight chance of seeing another tornado, but its hard to say exactly where that could be, she said. The chance is slim, Schoenfeld said. During the last storm March 22, a rare tornado touched down in Montebello, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, ripping pieces of roofing from commercial buildings in the area and injuring one person. This weeks storm is traveling into the Golden State from the Pacific Northwest, bringing with it colder temperatures as it moves from the San Francisco region south to Los Angeles and Orange counties. California mostly gets atmospheric river systems this year, dumping copious rain and snow, along with warmer temperatures. But this weeks event is a low-pressure system from Oregon, Schoenfeld said. Temperatures in Los Angeles County are forecast to reach the high 50s and low 60s during the storm pattern, according to the National Weather Service. A rainstorm hits the Newport Beach, Calif., on Jan 5, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) By Thursday, the rain should taper off in the L.A.-Orange County region and warmer weather is expected to return by Friday. Southern California could get a break from the winter weather after this storm, with not even a hint of another system on the horizon, according to Schoenfeld. In Northern California, the temperatures are expected to remain below-average with above-average precipitation extending for the next two weeks as a few storms reach the area from the Pacific Northwest, according to the weather service. Condolences Pour In for Quebec Police Officer Killed on Duty Condolences have been pouring in following the death of another police officer killed while on duty, this time in Louiseville, Quebec, about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal. Sergeant Maureen Breau, a 20-year provincial police veteran, was stabbed with a knife while she and another officer were trying to arrest a 35-year-old man for uttering threats at an apartment in the Mauricie region on the evening of March 27. Another two officers arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and one of them shot and killed the suspect. In addition to Breaus death, another officer was injured during the incident but was expected to recover. Jacques Painchaud, president of an association representing provincial police officers, told reporters that Breau was stabbed in the neck and that she had been working an overtime shift that evening. Breau was in her early 40s and the mother of two children. She served with her husband, also a provincial police officer, according to provincial police chief inspector Patrice Cardinal. She had a lot of experience for every kind of event or police intervention, he said. The RCMP Academy Depot Division, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, issued condolences on social media. Today we are saddened to hear that a police officer from Surete du Quebec was killed in the line of duty. Our hearts go out to family, friends and colleagues of Sgt. Maureen Breau, as well as the Surete du Quebec. We stand with you during this difficult time, the division said on Twitter. Surete du Quebec is a national police force and the only Quebec police organization to have jurisdiction over all of Quebec. Police Montreal took to social media on March 28, commenting on the death of Breau under tragic circumstances. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times, said the force. Our Hearts Are Heavy Quebec Premier Francois Legault called the news appalling and said his thoughts are with the sergeants colleagues, loved ones, and family. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the news that a Quebec police officer was killed in the line of duty was heartbreaking. Im sending my condolences to Sergeant Maureen Breaus family, friends, and colleagues and Im wishing a fast and full recovery to the officer who was injured. Were keeping you all in our thoughts, he said on social media on March 28. Quebec Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel also posted his sympathies. Today reminds us that the police do dangerous and important work to ensure the safety of the Quebecois. I will never be able to thank them enough for their sacrifices, he wrote in French. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said, Our hearts go out to the family and to all police officers who collectively mourn this incredible and, unfortunately, more common loss. We must never forget the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make to keep us safe, he said on social media. Johanne Beausoleil, director general of the Surete du Quebec, also expressed condolences. It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Sergeant Breau. Such an ordeal reminds us of the danger of being a police officer in the face of extreme situations, Beausoleil said in a March 28 news release. The Brandon Police Service, in Manitoba, said on Twitter, Our hearts are heavy yet again as we learn of the passing of Sgt. Maureen Breau, a Surete du Quebec police officer who was killed in the line of duty last night. We send our deepest condolences to her family and colleagues. Louiseville Mayor Yvon Deshaies told CityNews that the suspect was previously institutionalized for violent behaviour and mental health issues. Some media reports suggest that the suspect had a long history of diagnosed mental illnesses and had previously been held not criminally responsible for violent crimes. Quebecs police watchdog, the Office of Independent Investigators (BEI), has assigned five investigators to the case and will be assisted by Montreal police officers. Third Officer Killed on Duty This Month The RCMP Depot Division just days ago offered condolences on the deaths of Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, two young Edmonton police constables fatally shot by a 16-year-old male teenager while responding to a domestic disturbance call on March 16. Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said he had attended seven police officers funerals since September, including the March 27 funerals for Ryan and Jordan. It has been truly unprecedented in our countrys history, he said. We have to continue to find ways to support law enforcement in the way that theyre doing their work to keep our community safe, particularly the families who are left to grieve without their loved ones, he said. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China, a U.S. legislature and administration joint commission to monitor Chinas human rights violations, holds a hearing at 10 a.m. ET March 28 on preserving Tibetan linguistic, religious, and cultural heritage in the face of the threat from the Chinese Communist Party. Penpa Tsering and Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration; Richard Gere, chair of the International Campaign for Tibet; Lhadon Tethong, director of the Tibet Action Institute; and Tenzin Dorjee, senior researcher and strategist for the Tibet Action Institute, will testify. Corbyn Blocked From Standing as Labour Candidate at Next General Election Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks after the General Election results of the Islington North constituency were announced at a counting centre in Islington during Britain's general election, London, Britain on Dec. 13, 2019. (Hannah McKay/Reuters) Britains main opposition Labour Party has blocked former leader Jeremy Corbyn from standing as a Labour candidate at the next general election. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmers motion to block his predecessor from standing was approved by the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday, with 22 committee members voting for the motion and 12 against. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech at the office of UK Finance in central London, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Stefan Rousseau/PA Media) The motion says the hard-left politician will not be endorsed by the NEC as a candidate on behalf of the Labour Party at the next general election. The motion cited the dismal defeat Corbyn led Labour to as leader in the 2019 general election in arguing his candidacy should be blocked. Labours chances of winning the next election and securing a majority in the Commons would be significantly diminished if Corbyn was endorsed, it argued. It is now down to Corbyn to decide whether to run as an independent candidate in his Islington North constituency, which he has represented since 1983. Anti-Semitism During Corbyns leadership from 2015 to 2020, Labour was persistently plagued by allegations of anti-Semitism among party ranks. In October 2020, months after Corbyn stepped down as party leader, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found the Labour Party in breach of the Equality Act (2010) for political interference in anti-Semitism complaints, failure to provide adequate training to those handling such complaints, and harassment. Starmer, the new Labour leader, suspended Corbyns party membership after he said the EHRCs findings dramatically overstated the problem for political reasons. Corbyn got his party membership back the following month, but Starmer refused to give back his party whip, which means that he has been kept out of the parliamentary Labour Party and has continued to be classed as an independent MP. Last month, Starmer welcomed the EHRCs decision to lift the party out of two years of special measures over its past failings on anti-Semitism. The Labour leader reiterated his vow that anyone who plays down anti-Semitism will be treated with zero patience or tolerance and acknowledged it is not the end of the road for tackling the issue. He said Labour will never again be a party captured by narrow interest and will never again be brought to its knees by racism or bigotry. He invited those on the far left of Labour to leave the party if they oppose his reforms, and confirmed Corbyn himself will be stripped of his candidacy for Labour. Not Going Anywhere In a statement issued on Monday, Corbyn hit back at Starmers decision and accused the party leadership of undermining the partys internal democracy. He said Starmer has broken his commitment to respect the rights of Labour members and denigrated the democratic foundations of the party. As the government plunges millions into poverty and demonises refugees, Keir Starmer has focused his opposition on those demanding a more progressive and humane alternative. Corbyn also issued a warning to the current leader and his allies, saying: Our message is clear: we are not going anywhere. Neither is our determination to stand up for a better world. Starmers move has angered some in the Labour Party, where Corbyn retains the support of far left members, especially those aligned with the Socialist Campaign Group. Jon Lansman, the co-founder of the Corbyn-backing Momentum pressure group, suggested the Labour leader is acting like an authoritarian. Keir Starmer unfortunately is behaving as if he was some kind of Putin of the Labour Party. That is not the way we do politics, he told Times Radio. However, Lansman said it would be a big mistake for Corbyn to run as an independent, saying he wants to see Starmer form a Labour government. Undue Interference The Labour group in Corbyns Islington North constituency said on Tuesday it rejected the NECs undue interference, which it said undermines our goal of defeating the Conservatives and working with our communities for social justice. NEC member Shabana Mahmood, Labours national campaign coordinator, insisted constituency members do get a chance to vote but it is always left to the NEC to endorse those candidates. This is a clear demonstration of Keir making changes to our party to make sure that we can win the trust of the British people again, she told reporters. We are in this position because Jeremy has failed to take the responsibility. I think it was incumbent of him to respond to the findings of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission in a way that would acknowledge the seriousness of what they said had happened to our party under his leadership, he has failed to do that. Corbyn remains a member of the Labour Party. But party rules mean he could lose the membership if he does announce he will run against an official Labour candidate. PA Media contributed to this report. Democrat Bill Seeks to Ensure Transgender People Can Serve in US Military U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Battalion prepare for a Warrior Shield live fire exercise at a military training field in Pocheon, South Korea, on March 22, 2023. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Defense from discriminating against or barring transgender individuals from serving in the military. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) introduced the bill on Monday with the support of 22 Democratic co-sponsors. Though a full-text version of the legislation is not yet available, Jacobs said its purpose is to prevent future discriminatory policies against transgender military service members. Jacobs introduced the bill just over a month after Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced legislation seeking to codify specific eligibility requirements for transgender individuals to serve in the military. The Republican bill, titled the Ensuring Military Readiness Act, would require transgender individuals to have been stable for 36 consecutive months in their biological sex prior to accession into the military, and would allow transgender service members who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria while in the military to remain in service as long as they do not pursue gender reassignment therapy or hormone therapy. Jacobs said her bill, titled the Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act, would prevent future discriminatory policies like Dont Ask, Dont Tell, President Trumps transgender military service ban, and Senator Rubio and Congressman Banks bill that would reinstate President Trumps transgender military service ban. Anyone willing and able to serve our country should be able to serve authentically, said Jacobs, who serves as vice-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. Jacobs also presented her bill as a way to address the militarys recent recruiting challenges. All U.S. military branches struggled with recruitment last year, and the U.S. Army missed its recruiting goal by 25 percent, or about 15,000 fewer recruits than it had planned for the 2022 fiscal year. Discrimination of all kinds, especially against the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, prevents our military from recruiting and retaining the best and brightest and weakens military readiness, Jacobs said Monday. As our military faces recruitment and retention challenges, we need to ensure that our policies reflect our militarys values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Jacobs bill also garnered the support of various LGBT advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, SPARTA, the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA), the National Center for Transgender Equality, Minority Vets, and American Veterans for Equal Rights. Enshrining into law that military service cannot be limited by any criteria relating to the race, color, national origin, religion, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics, including intersex traits of an individual) is a critical step in ensuring the recruitment, readiness and retention of our armed forces, said Cathy Marcello, director of MMAAs MilPride program. Republicans, Conservatives Raise Transgender Readiness Concerns In a press statement introducing his Ensuring Military Readiness Act, Rubio criticized President Joe Bidens handling of the military, saying the president has turned our military into a woke social experiment. It is a stupid way to go about protecting our nation. Rubio argued that the military has strict standards for who can and cannot qualify to serve, including an exclusion for people with peanut allergies. Banks similarly noted that people who were treated for ADHD in the two years prior to their enlistment must receive a waiver to serve. Our military holds recruits to stringent medical standards for a reason and the Biden administrations special carveout for those suffering from gender dysphoria was purely political, Banks said. Our bill ensures that DoD puts lethality and readiness before far-left ideology. Ryan Walker, the vice president of government relations for Heritage Action and a supporter of Rubio and Banks bill, said data shows that service members with gender dysphoria are at a much higher risk of suicide, crippling anxiety, or other mental conditions than their peers. The Biden administrations decision to allow for those diagnosed with gender dysphoria to serve will harm readiness by reducing the number of troops that are available to deploy, Walker added. At a time when all branches of the military are already facing a recruitment and readiness crisis, this decision will also breed mistrust and uncertainty among units that need to know they can count on those standing next to them. From NTD News DeSantis Signs Florida School Choice Bill so Money Follows the Child Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the signing of the state's universal school choice bill at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami on March 27, 2023. (Public domain.) Proclaiming Florida the best state for choice in education, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Floridas universal school choice bill into law on March 27, giving every family educational options as the money follows the child. Florida is No. 1 when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and todays bill-signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of these United States, DeSantis said in a ceremony at Christopher Columbus High School, a Catholic school in Miami. When you combine private scholarships, charter schools and district choice programs, Florida already has 1.3 million students attending a school of their choosing, he said, standing at a podium bearing an Education Freedom poster. These programs have been instrumental in elevating school achievements over the past 20 years. DeSantis said that the 1.3 million students in Florida already using school choice makes it a group larger than the entire K-12 enrollment in 35 other states. Aimee Uriarte speaks at a bill-signing ceremony in Miami, Fla. on March 27, 2023. (Courtesy of the Office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis) School choice lifts school performance by forcing schools to compete, DeSantis said. Our charter schools perform better because they have to compete for individual students, he said. Theyre not entitled to anybody at a charter school. Democrats and teachers unions, who had opposed the bill, painted the states educational prospects in dark tones going forward, because of the legislation. State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Democrat representing Tampa, told reporters on the day of the bill-signing ceremony that the law would be devastating to Floridas public schools. The bill, she said, creates two systems, characterizing vouchers as coupons were giving to millionaires. Later, she told The Epoch Times in an email, Florida already has school choice. We have traditional neighborhood public schools; as well as magnet, charter, and private schools, Florida Virtual School, and homeschooling. This will upset the balance between our educational options, potentially financially crippling our public schools. Arizonas move to school choice became welfare for the wealthy, she wrote. Universal vouchers did not cause a mass migration from public schools, but they did cause a mass migration of tax dollars into the bank accounts of for-profit corporate schools. And the measure failed, she said, in delivering low income kids out of failing schools. The majority of the families applying for the money came from the wealthiest zip codes, and the overwhelming majority were not even in public schools before the vouchers. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association teachers union, issued a written statement that read, in part: The public schools that most families choose need lawmakers support. All of Floridas children should be able to get the education they deserve and need at fully funded and staffed public schools. HB 1 will make a bad situation worse, as our public schools have long been underfunded and understaffed. Florida already ranks 44th in the nation for spending per student in our neighborhood public schools. The state has a critical and increasing shortage of teachers and staff, including bus drivers, paraprofessionals, nurses and mental health counselors. How it Will Work The bill, which goes into effect on July 1, eliminates current financial eligibility restrictions and allows any student eligible for kindergarten through 12th grade to participate. It continues to prioritize low- and moderate-income families, those below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. And it establishes a second tier of priority for families earning between 185 percent above the federal poverty level and 400 percent above. The income amount that puts families in the category of living in poverty depends on the number of family members. In 2023, a family of four is considered to be living in poverty if the family income is at $30,000 or below. The law addresses high demand and wait lists for its Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities by speeding up how many new scholarships are offered each year. It lifts enrollment caps for new students, allowing 20,000 next school year and 40,000 each year after that until 2027. It requires the Department of Education to develop an online portal that will help parents to choose the best educational options for their children. And it eliminates the requirement that students complete at least one credit virtually to graduate. At the signing of a school choice bill in Miami, Fla., on March 27, 2023, state Sen. Corey Simon talks of how his mother worked hard to get him into a better school. (Courtesy of the Office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis) The bill also removes red tape and bureaucracy for those wanting to be teachers, the governors office said, making teaching certificates valid longer, and allowing those with good work ratings and at least three years of classroom experience to skip the general knowledge requirement they otherwise must fulfill. Scholastic Successes Sen. Corey Simon, a Republican who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said he has filed 25 bills this year. But this one means the most to him for personal reasons. The neighborhood he grew up in on the other side of Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach didnt have a lot of success stories, he said. His mother, a Publix Supermarket employee for 35 years, didnt want her son to deal with the same obstacles that she saw right outside of her front door, Simon said. And so she utilized her work address so that I could go to a better school. When I got into the Senate, when I was running for this position, thats the story that I told. Thats the life that Ive lived. Thats the passion that I approached this bill with. Because I understood that I wouldnt be standing here today in this position without the sacrifice that my mother made. And I wanted to ensure that every family had that same opportunity, to make the choice that was best for their children. Hera Varmah spoke of how the states scholarships had helped her poor immigrant family. Shes one of 12 children born to immigrants from Jamaica and Liberia. Two are now engineers, and one is in medical school. She graduated from Tampa Catholic High School and Florida A&M University and now works for the American Federation of Children. Four of her other siblings are in college, three are in high school, and one is in middle school. My parents would stop at nothing to give us the best education possible, Varmah said. They also believe that school values should align with their childrens and with theirs. Hera Verman, one of 12 children in an immigrant family, speaks at a bill-signing ceremony in Miami, Fla., on March 27, 2023, about about how scholarships enabled her entire family to achieve and excel academically. (Courtesy of the Office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis) When people say school choice doesnt work, I simply show them my family, Varmah said. This is the power of giving a child an education that fits their needs. Aimee Uriarte, a single mother, said she moved from Costa Rica back to the United States three years ago, partly because of her older son Sebastians opportunity to go to Christopher Columbus on a scholarship. Now, hes a straight-A student and active on the schools television network. His younger brother Alejandro has ADHD, and had academic trouble during the pandemic, she said. But a scholarship sent him to Christopher Columbus with his brother. Like his brother, hes won an award for his work in the schools journalism program, despite his struggles with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Education choice scholarships have been a huge blessing to my family, Uriarte said. Governor, you have this mothers eternal gratitude for allowing my boys future to be promising in a school like Columbus, she said, choking up as she was speaking, before giving DeSantis a hug. Rachel Haydon Sabbah spoke about being the mother of four daughters in Fort Lauderdale who attend the Jewish Cooperative School, an Orthodox institution. Two of her girls qualify for Family Empowerment Scholarships, enabling her to homeschool one and get therapy for the other. She had previously been put on a waiting list for the treatment. The legislation will cause the unique abilities waitlist to vanish, she said, and allow nearly 10,000 special needs families to get the funding that they need. Editors note: This story was updated after it was published to include comments from Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell. DHS Secretary Mayorkas in Fiery Exchanges With GOP Lawmakers at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing Engaging in fiery exchanges with Republican lawmakers about the southern border crisis, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on March 28. Mayorkas appeared before the panel a week after DHS launched Operation Blue Lotus, a strategy designed to curtail the volume of fentanyl flooding into the United States. Illegal immigrant encounters along the U.S.Mexico border have soared to record highs since Mayorkas was sworn in as DHS secretary in February 2021. The number rose to about 250,000 in December 2022 and was reported at 155,000 in February. Customs and Border Protection seized a record-high 2,900 pounds of fentanyl along the southern border in November 2022. Three years ago, border agents were seizing about 380 pounds of fentanyl every month. Venezuelan citizens cross the Simon Bolivar International Bridge from San Antonio del Tachira in Venezuela to Norte de Santander province in Colombia on Feb. 10, 2018. (George Castellanos/AFP/Getty Images) During the first week of Operation Blue Lotus, there were 16 federal arrests, two state arrests, and 18 seizures that prevented more than 900 pounds of fentanyl from crossing into the United States, DHS reported. Regulations Are Working Biden announced in January that under a COVID-19 pandemic rule that aims to minimize the spread of the virus and prevent illegal immigrants from seeking asylum, Mexico would take back Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. The Biden administration agreed to allow up to 30,000 people from those countries entry into the United States on humanitarian parole if they find a financial sponsor, apply online, or arrive at an airport. Mayorkas said the reduced number of illegal immigrants in February shows that Bidens regulations are working. Overall, border patrol agents have encountered more than 4.8 million illegal immigrants at the U.S.Mexico border since Mayorkas took office. Border authorities reported 11 terror watchlist encounters on the southern border between 2017 and 2020. Last year, they said the figure escalated to 98. You want to fix this, Mr. Secretary? Go back to Trump policies. Just reimpose everything Donald Trump did to secure the border, and your problem will dramatically be improved, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said. You change policies in a bad way, and youre getting a bad result. Were under attack by drug cartels. Weve lost operational control of the border. The Secretary has said numerous times we have control of the border. The head of the Border Patrol about a couple of weeks ago said we dont have operational control of the border. Anybody who believes that were in control of the border is in denial. Weve lost control of our border. The number of people coming across our border on the terrorist watch list is going up like a rocket. Look whats happened. And you know how it happened? You took all the policies that were working, and you changed them, and its blown up in our face. Most of the fentanyl thats detected enters the United States through illegal border crossings and isnt brought in through the ports of entry, Mayorkas said. Last week, the Border Patrol chief agent in Tucson, Arizona, John Modlin, told Congress that the illegal immigrants are used by cartels to distract agents. Mayorkas told lawmakers that he didnt know that cartels use illegal immigrants to cross into the United States from Mexico and sneak in contraband. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in Washington on Dec. 5, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The admission sparked a contentious debate with Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Debate About Cartels Cornyn told Mayorkas that during testimony to Congress earlier this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged the cartels strategy. You have no idea how many of those people were carrying fentanyl or other drugs with them, do you? Cornyn said. Senator, the expert view that I received is that approximately 90 percent of the fentanyl Mayorkas responded before Cornyn interjected. The senator said, Thats a totally made-up number, Mr. Secretary. You know it. Thats a totally made-up number. Mayorkas said, Senator, the expert information that I received is that approximately 90 percent of the fentanyl is brought in through the ports of entry, through passenger vehicles, through trucks, and through pedestrians. Cornyn asked, Mr. Secretary, you understand that you have a credibility problem with the Congress and with the American people, dont you? Mayorkas said, I have unflinching confidence in the integrity of my conduct. Cornyn responded, You said we do have operational control of the border in 2022. You said the border is not, in fact, open. And then I think I heard you say here that no administration has ever had operational control of the border. Isnt that what you said? Mayorkas replied, No. That is not what I said. Cornyn said 4.8 million people arrived at the border and were ushered into the interior of the United States, perhaps never to be identified or heard from again. And with 108,000 Americans dying of drug overdoses last year alone with those drugs flooding across the border, you think everything is just hunky dory? he said. Mayorkas answered, That is absolutely not true, Senator. No, I understand that. A Significant Challenge Multiple times during his testimony, Mayorkas called fentanyl a significant challenge that was a problem before the Biden administration took office. The Biden administration has operational control of the border, according to his own definition, Mayorkas said. He defined having operational control as maximizing the resources that we have to deliver the most effective results. The Border Patrol agents and all the personnel of the Department of Homeland Security are doing heroic work in that regard, the secretary said. A heated exchange took place when Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) immediately confronted Mayorkas. Is there a crisis at our southern border? he demanded to know. Mayorkas responded that theres a very significant challenge, before Cruz interjected. Yes or no. Is there a crisis? Cruz asked. Mayorkas replied, I believe Ive addressed that question. Cruz asked, So, youre refusing to answer? Mayorkas said, Senator, there is a very significant challenge. Yes or No Cruz reminded Mayorkas of what Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz testified in a sworn deposition in July of 2022 when asked if there was a crisis at the southern border. He responded with one wordYes, Cruz said. Has the crisis at our southern border made Americans less safe? Yes or no? Cruz asked. Mayorkas, avoiding a yes or no response, started to answer before Cruz interrupted. I dont want a discourse. Its a yes or no question, Cruz said. Senator, we have a challenge, Mayorkas replied before Cruz interjected again. Let me show you how someone doing his job answers a question in a straightforward manner, Cruz said, referring back to the Border Patrol Chiefs testimony. Chief Ortiz, is the crisis that is currently ongoing at the southern border making the border less safe for Americans and aliens alike? Answer: Yesone word, one syllable, three letters. Thats how someone answers a question and does their job. Youre being a politician misleading the American people. Let me give you a chance again. Is the crisis at the southern border making Americans less safe, yes or no? When Mayorkas tried to respond without a yes or no, Cruz moved on to the next question. Throughout the rest of the exchange, Mayorkas refused to offer yes or no answers, and Cruz chastised him. Its obvious youve been instructed to stonewall, so Im not gonna let you. You dont get to stonewall and filibuster, Cruz said. Near the conclusion of Cruzs questioning, he asked, Mr. Secretary, how many children have been sold into sex slavery under your administration? Mr. Secretary, I want to say to you right now, your behavior is disgraceful, and the deaths of assaulted children, they are at your feet. If you had integrity, you would resign. Mayorkas was given one minute to speak after Cruz finished his remarks. He responded that what Cruz said was revolting. Im not going to address it, Mayorkas said. Cruz said, Your refusal to do your job is revolting. Republicans have repeatedly called for Mayorkas to step down. Two House members, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), introduced articles of impeachment against the Homeland Security secretary. Fallons impeachment inquiry included charges of participating in a pattern of conduct thats incompatible with his duties, giving false and misleading testimony to Congress, and knowingly slandering Border Patrol agents. The impeachment articles from Biggs accuse Mayorkas of the systematic destruction of the geographical integrity of the United States of America. The articles of impeachment were sent to the House Judiciary Committee. Mayorkas has repeatedly said he wont resign. Dispute That Led to Mexico Seizing US-Owned Port Not Unprecedented: Expert Trade agreements are written for issues like this, according to Villanova professor Police stand guard at the port of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, before the arrival or Tropical Storm Rina, on October 27, 2011. Hurricane Rina weakened Thursday to a tropical storm hours before it was expected to crash into tourist resorts dotting Mexico's Caribbean coast like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, US experts said. AFP PHOTO/RONALDO SCHEMIDT (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images) The Mexican military has vacated a port in Mexico owned by Vulcan Materials Company of Birmingham, Alabama, according to a U.S. senator. I am happy to hear that Mexican governmental forces have now heeded our request to withdraw from Vulcans port facility, following a nearly two-week unlawful takeover, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said in a statement. There was never a legitimate reason for Mexican military and law enforcement personnel to forcibly occupy this Alabama companys private property. Britt is the ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Mexican police and naval personnel reportedly seized the property at Punta Venado in Quintana Roo, Mexico, at 5:30 a.m. on March 14 to allow a ship belonging to Cemex, a Mexican building materials company, to offload cargo. Vulcan Materials and the Mexican government have been in arbitration over alleged violations of the North American Free Trade Agreement since late 2018. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures during a press conference in Mexico City on Jan. 20, 2023. (Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images) According to the statement, Britt and other members of Alabamas congressional delegation met with Ambassador of Mexico to the United States Esteban Moctezuma at the Mexican Embassy in Washington on March 27. The meeting came after the delegation sent Moctezuma a letter asking why the military remained in the port after a March 16 deadline to leave that had been set by a Mexican federal court. The letter, dated March 22, reads, Despite the events, as of the date of this letter, Mexican military and law enforcement forces remain on the property and show no sign of leaving. The letter stated that the takeover of the port was the latest in a pattern of the Mexican government ignoring the rule of law. Jonathan Doh is an associate dean of research and a professor of management at Villanova University, Pennsylvania. He said that disagreements are common in international business, though this one has gone on longer than usual in his experience. Disputes Not Unprecedented These kinds of disputes are not unprecedented, Doh told The Epoch Times. This is the very reason we have these provisions in international trade agreements. He said the deal between Vulcan and the Mexican government is covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement, first negotiated in 1994, then renegotiated as the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement. Such agreements aim to ensure that all parties are treated fairly and have some recourse in the event of a disagreement. The ultimate aim is to ensure that foreign-owned businesses are treated the same as domestic businesses, Doh said. According to Doh, this is important because cultural, legal, and commercial differences must be addressed to ensure free trade. Vulcan Lists Tax Complaints Doh pointed out that U.S. legal precepts are likely foreign to many Mexican citizens. We have our own policies and restrictions. Thats exactly why we have [trade agreements], he said. In its complaint, Vulcan claims that various Mexican agencies have levied unfair taxes on the property and ignored their own courts warnings to stop the taxes and return the companys money. Mexican officials allege that Vulcan has engaged in illegal mining. Since taking office in 2018, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has garnered a reputation as a nationalist, Doh said. For example, Obrador has walked back policies brought in to comply with the U.N.-brokered Paris Agreement, which opened the countrys energy markets to foreign suppliers. Obrador instead favors Pemex, Mexicos state-owned energy company. US Companies Have Concerns In other cases, some U.S. companies have expressed concerns about the Mexican government. They have accused Mexico of dragging its feet [in trade agreements], Doh said. Vulcan has operated in Mexico for more than 30 years. It built the port in Quintana Roo to load deep draft vessels with limestone for export to the United States. Mexican officials have accused Vulcan of illegally mining other materials. In documents filed with the U.S. State Department as part of the arbitration process, Vulcan claims that the Mexican government has deployed the full powers of the State to interfere with Legacy Vulcans integrated project to quarry limestone and produce aggregates for export to the United States. Dramatic Bodycam Footage Shows Nashville Officers Rushing to Stop Christian School Shooter This image provided by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shows bodycam footage of police responding to an active shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) The Nashville Police Department released bodycamera footage of the Covenant School shooting response, showing the moment officers shot and killed shooter Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a 28-year-old transgender former student who is accused of killing six people Monday. The video, captured via officer Michael Collazos bodycamera, showed officers rushing through the school before running up to a second-floor room before they spotted the suspect and opened fire. Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Get your hands away from the gun, an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police earlier identified the shooter, who was killed by police, and say Hale was a former student and shot through the doors of the private, Christian elementary school. Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. A Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesperson, Kristin Mumford, told The Epoch Times that the shooter was born a woman. However, Mumford and other officials could not confirm if she identified as a man or not. On Monday, Nashville Police Chief John Drake told reporters that Hale was transgender, although he provided no further details. Several social media profiles, including a LinkedIn page, that were allegedly associated with Hale indicated that she used he/him pronouns in her biography. Meanwhile, alleged unnamed family members told The Daily Beast and other websites that Hale recently started identifying as transgender, although The Epoch Times cannot corroborate that report. The Nashville Police Department released bodycam video of the Covenant School shooting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (Nashville Police Department) A LinkedIn profile said that Hale started a freelance illustration and graphic design business while she worked at a small arts college last year after attending, and working for, Nossi College of Art in Madison, Tennessee. At Nossi, Hale won an award for most improved in 2015, according to the schools site. While he did not elaborate on a motive, Drake stated that Hale targeted random students in the Christian school. Whoever she came in contact with, she fired rounds, Drake told news outlets. When contacted by ABC News, Hales mother, Norma Fort Hale, stated: Its very difficult now, we ask for privacy. I really cant talk right now, I think I lost my daughter today. This image provided by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shows bodycam footage of police responding to an active shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, March 27, 2023. (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department via AP) The victims included three 9-year-old children, a substitute teacher, a custodian, and the schools administration, officials said. Three 9-year-old children were identified by authorities as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, while the three adults were named as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, according to a prior update from the Nashville Police Department. A team of five Nashville police officers entered the school after the initial call, said Aaron, the police spokesperson. While clearing the first floor of students and staff, they heard shots being fired on the second floor. Two of the officers opened fire in response and fatally struck Hale at about 10:27 a.m., police said. This image provided by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shows bodycam footage of police responding to an active shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, March 27, 2023. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famous Bluebird Cafe, beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Video footage of the incident can be seen below (Warning: This footage may be disturbing to some viewers): JUST IN Police release footage of officers neutralizing the transgender shooter who killed multiple children and teachers at a Christian school in Nashville yesterday.pic.twitter.com/TqH0bd4Imc Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 28, 2023 The Associated Press contributed to this report. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Sunday pledged to boost the renegade country's nuclear weapons "exponentially" as he fired another volley of missiles into the sea. North Korea launched three short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday that fell into the East Sea and another one on Sunday morning. Here, President Yoon Suk-yeol held a video conference with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and ordered soldiers to retaliate "with a firm determination not to avoid going to war." The Defense Ministry warned the North Korean regime will "face an end" if it attempts to use nuclear weapons. According to the North's official Korean News Agency, Kim told a plenary session of the ruling Workers Party that South Korea has become an "undoubted enemy" that is "hell-bent on imprudent and dangerous arms build-up." A missile is being launched in an unidentified location last Saturday, in this photo from the [North] Korean Central News Agency the following day. He added this highlights the need to mass-produce tactical nuclear weapons and push for "an exponential increase of the country's nuclear arsenal." "We have declared our resolute will to respond with nuke for nuke and an all-out confrontation for an all-out confrontation," it quoted him as saying. Kim was presiding over a bizarre ceremony where the plenary session took delivery of what he called "super-large multiple rocket launchers capable of carrying nuclear weapons." The 600-mm rounds appear capable of hitting targets 400 km away, so they can hit any target in South Korea. "Our nuclear force considers it as the first mission to deter war and safeguard peace and stability and, however, if it fails to deter, it will carry out the second mission, which will not be for defense," Kim said. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (front right) and his daughter inspect medium-range Hwasong-12 missiles in an undisclosed location, in this grab from [North] Korean Central Television on Sunday. He said the North was also presented with the "task of developing another [intercontinental ballistic missile] system," presumably referring to attempts to build a solid-fuel engine for them that makes launches much faster and harder to detect. North Korea's existing Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17 ICBMs use liquid fuel which takes time to prepare for launch. Kim also claimed his country is in the "final stage" of developing a spy satellite, which would be necessary to mount precision attacks against the South. Meanwhile, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily said South Korea and Japan are considering sharing radar information that detects and tracks North Korean missiles through the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. A Spanish cave lost for 80 years has been rediscovered with over 100 unique prehistoric engravings on its interior walls. The caves eight panels of incredible hand-engraved art are delivering further insight into prehistoric life in Spain. The cave, known as Cova de la Vila in Catalan, was rediscovered in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, during a topographical expedition by the group of speleologists, Barranc de la Cova del Corral, on May 13, 2021. The cave was originally excavated in the 1940s by the researcher Salvador Vilaseca, whose team later lost its location. The rediscovery of the cave and its engravings was announced publicly on March 17, 2023, by officials including the mayor of Febro, Lurdes Malgrat, and IPHES (Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution). A researcher prepares to descend into Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Cova de la Vila was rediscovered in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain, in May 2001. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Explorers examine wall engravings in Cova de la Vila, located in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Speleologist Julio Serrano, who also attended the announcement, was the first to enter the underground cave system through a small hole, which led the group to an oval room of more than 295 square feet (90 square meters). When I saw the engravings, I felt a great emotion that I will take with me for the rest of my life, Serrano stated in an IPHES press release. Serrano found Sala dels Gravats, the oval room filled with art, adorned with prehistoric engravings from the Chalcolithic to Bronze Ages arranged in a panel, eight meters long, depicting agricultural and pastoral life in the region. The art was in incredible condition, and Serrano knew the panels were old despite not understanding how to interpret the schematics. The panel, comprised of five horizontal lines, depicts different engraved figures in a homogenous style and is thought to have been rendered with stone tools, wood, or directly with human fingers. Humans, animals, as well as the sun and stars are represented. IPHES researchers Dr. Ramon Vinas and Dr. Josep Vallverdu visited Cova de la Vila to certify the authenticity of the engravings before notifying the department of culture. The engravings represent one of the most important sets of post-Paleolithic art in the Mediterranean arc and one of the few representations of underground schematic art in this area. This composition of the panel in the Sala dels Gravats is absolutely unusual, and is showing us a worldview on the part of the people of the territory during the neolithization process, Vinas said. It is not a random composition but quite the opposite; it clearly responds to a symbolic meaning. Detail of a wall engraving in Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Wall engravings representing pastoral life in the region inside Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) According to co-director of the project Antonio Rodriguez Hidalgo, further excavation at the site will recover archaeological materials corresponding to this same era and will allow the team to gain much more knowledge about the moment in which the engravings were made, and even be able to date them. The IPHES team is keeping the public posted on their progress on Twitter and Instagram. For now, the conservation of the engravings is of the utmost concern since the surface of the cave walls is soft, moist, and vulnerable to atmospheric changes, including the current drought. To ensure its physical preservation, the cave has been closed by the Department of Culture, the Ajuntament de la Febro, and IPHES. They have also installed a series of probes to monitor the atmosphere, which will be checked during further trips to the site. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Explorers gaze at wall engravings in Cova de la Vila, located in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) The cave has been named a cultural asset of national interest and, since there is no free access, the department of culture is working on digitizing the engravings for use by researchers and the enjoyment of the public using photogrammetry and laser scanning. Other examples of prehistoric schematic cave art in the region include the Cova de la Vallmajor in lAlbinyana, Baix Penedes, cave paintings in La Pileta and Nerja, Malaga, the Murcielaguina in Cordoba, and the schematic-abstract caves of Los Enebralejos in Segovia. The entrance area outside Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) A researcher rappels down into Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) A researcher ducks into a lowered ceiling inside Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Wall engravings believed to have been carved using stone tools and wood, as well as by hand. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Detail of a cave engraving inside Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Detail of a wall engraving inside Cova de la Vila in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Explorers examining wall engravings in Cova de la Vila, located in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Detail of a wall engraving inside Cova de la Vila, located in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) A wall engraving inside Cova de la Vila, located in the village of Febro at Baix Camp, Tarragona, Spain. (Courtesy of IPHES Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution) Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Former Senior Obama Adviser Claims GOP Concerns Over TikTok Bad Faith The TikTok logo is displayed outside the company's office in Culver City, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior advisor to Barack Obama, has criticized Republicans over their push to ban TikTok, a Chinese social media app that has aroused national security concerns. The Republicans see the issue as a win-win. If Biden doesnt ban TikTok, they can paint him as soft on China. If Biden does ban TikTok, he risks alienating the young voters who put him over the top in 2020, Pfeiffer wrote on Twitter on March 24. Per usual from the GOP, its bad faith BS. One day before Pfeiffers comment, TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi appeared before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, but he failed to convince lawmakers that TikTok wouldnt pose a national security risk, given the social media apps ownership by China-based parent company ByteDance. At one point in the hearing, Chew was pressed by congressman Bob Latta (R-Ohio) about whether ByteDances engineers had access to Americans user data. He couldnt give a simple no response, and replied that it was a complex topic. Chew claimed that a company initiative called Project Texas would eventually transfer all U.S. user data to Oracle-based cloud infrastructure in the United States. Following Chews testimony, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said the United States has legitimate national security concerns over TikTok. A day after Pfeiffer made his comments, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also took to Twitter, and voiced her opposition to a TikTok ban. Do I believe TikTok should be banned? she asked. No. Why should TikTok not be banned? I think its important to discuss how unprecedented of a move this would be, she continued. The United States has never before banned a social media company from existence, from operating in our borders, and this is an app that has over 150 million Americans on it. Ocasio-Cortez said that arguments in favor of a ban, including concerns about Chinas surveillance of Americans, were missing the point. So to me, the solution here is not to ban an individual company, but to actually protect Americans from this kind of egregious data harvesting, that companies can do without your significant ability to say no, she said. Last week, Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) held a press conference with TikTok influencers opposing any ban on the Chinese social media app. Big tech needs to be regulated to protect Americans data and privacy, but banning apps and limiting our freedom of expression is not the answer, Garcia wrote on Twitter a day after the joint conference. Democrat Response Some Democrats, however, support banning TikTok. Anyone defending @tiktok_us is either too caught up in being a social media celebrity or theyve been brainwashed by the Chinese governments propaganda. Both put our national security at risk, wrote Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) on Twitter on March 23. We need to ban TikTok or force the sale of its U.S. operations to an American company. We know that the Chinese government views the U.S. as an enemy, we know that they are actively trying to spy on us and compromise our critical infrastructure, and we know that TikTok gives them access to millions of Americans data, he added. China can control what our kids see and consume. On March 24, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) tweeted that TikTok isnt just an innocent app for viral videos. Its a threat to our democracy. We cant ban it soon enough, Bennet wrote. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill), ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, told ABC that Chews testimony created more concerns. Project Texas is a mess, Krishnamoorthi said. There are whistleblowers coming forward saying that whatever the TikTok management is saying about Project Texas is a pack of lies, and that even when they erected this firewall, supposed firewall with regard to data of American users, these Chinese employees of ByteDance, the parent company, were able to spy on American journalists. We have to recognize that while TikTok is another social media app and we have a generalized concern about these social media apps, its different in kind from any other social media app because its parent company is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party. Currently, TikTok has already been banned by the federal and several state governments from government devices. FTX Founder Bankman-Fried Bribed Chinese Officials With $40 Million in Crypto: DOJ Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, arrives at the Manhattan federal court in New York on Feb. 16, 2023. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, bribed Chinese government officials with $40 million in cryptocurrency, the Department of Justice alleges in a new 13-count indictment (pdf). Federal prosecutors stated that accounts belonging to Bankman-Fried and others directed and caused the transfer of at least $40 million in crypto intended for the benefit of one or more Chinese government officials in order to influence and induce them to unfreeze some of the accounts. In November 2021, accounts for Alameda Research, Bankman-Frieds hedge fund, were frozen by Chinese authorities. The Chinese government has been clamping down on cryptocurrency since 2017, banning digital currencies in September 2021. Bankman-Fried and his colleagues employed numerous legal and personal methods to unfreeze the accounts that contained approximately $1 billion worth of crypto, according to prosecutors. After months of failed attempts to unfreeze the accounts, Samuel Bankman-Fried discussed with others and ultimately agreed to and directed a multimillion-dollar bribe to seek to unfreeze the accounts, prosecutors wrote in the indictment. Once unfrozen, the accounts funded his hedge funds loss-generating trades. Cryptocurrency exchange FTX announced its bankruptcy recently. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP) Bankman-Fried is accused of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, an anti-bribery statute. A letter to the federal district court judge managing the case confirmed that a grand jury returned the indictment on March 27. The S5 Indictment, which was unsealed this morning, includes the twelve counts contained in the S3 Superseding Indictment, as well an additional count for conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371, the letter reads. This is in addition to a plethora of other allegations, including fraud, campaign finance violations, and money laundering. In February, the Justice Department accused Bankman-Fried of directing approximately $100 million in political contributions to Democratic and Republican congressional candidates through straw donors or dark money groups. The money used to make these political donations originated from Alameda bank accounts, and included funds that had been deposited by FTX customers, prosecutors said in the filing, which was unsealed last month. The defendant, perpetuated his campaign finance scheme at least in part to improve his personal standing in Washington, D.C., increase FTXs profile, and curry favor with candidates that could help pass legislation favorable to FTX or Bankman-Frieds personal agenda, the indictment states. To accomplish these goals, Bankman-Fried caused substantial contributions to be made in support of candidates of both major political parties and across the political spectrum. The purpose behind keeping his contributions dark was to conceal from the press that he had donated to Republican candidates, according to Bankman-Fried. All my Republican donations were dark, he told YouTuber Tiffany Fong in November 2022. The reason was not for regulatory reasons, its because reporters freak the [expletive] out if you donate to Republicans. Theyre all super liberal, and I didnt want to have that fight. His total political contributions were roughly $80 million, equally split between the two parties. The beleaguered ex-CEO of FTX was arrested in December 2022 in the Bahamas and was soon extradited to the United States to face charges in federal court. He was released on a $250 million bail and confined to his parents home in Palo Alto, California. New bail conditions for Bankman-Fried were set after an agreement was established between prosecutors and his attorneys. The latest terms, which were meant to prevent him from going to prison pending trial, prohibit him from using a smartphone and that his new mobile device doesnt maintain internet access. His existing laptop will also be configured to permit access only to specific websites, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Wikipedia. A pre-trial conference for Bankman-Fried is scheduled for March 30 at 11 a.m. EDT. The failed FTX exchange is still entrenched in bankruptcy court proceedings in Delaware. Fulton County Judge Orders DA to Respond to Trumps Petition to Quash Grand Jury Probe 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) A judge presiding over the Fulton County special grand jury that is considering charges in connection with efforts to tamper with the outcome of the 2020 general election has ordered District Attorney Fani Willis, a Democrat, to reply to former President Donald Trumps petition to quash the jurys proceedings. On March 27, Fulton Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney instructed Williss office to reply to Trumps March 20 request that seeks the disqualification of the District Attorneys Office from any further investigation into or prosecution of such alleged interference by May 1. That response, beyond addressing the various contentions in the former presidents motion, should also include an opinion on whether the motion requires a hearing for proper resolution, McBurney wrote in his order. In their motion, Trumps lawyers also requested that a report that may contain recommendations for specific charges relating to the investigation be annulled. The special grand jury convened to help with the investigation is said to have recommended many indictments linked to conspiracy and racketeering charges, however, no defendants have been identified. Legal challenges have bombarded the former president since declaring a 2024 presidential candidacy. If the court grants Trumps motion, one of the four legal challenges that call for a criminal investigation of the former president will be dismissed. Trumps request is an effort to end a year-long probe into claims that he and his aides meddled in the 2020 election. The investigation was started in early 2021 and was overseen by Fani Willis, the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia. It was primarily concerned with a recorded phone call that took place in January 2021 between Trump and Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state of Georgia, during which the former president appeared to pressure Raffensperger to find enough votes to overturn his electoral loss in Georgia. Trumps detractors claim that the call amounted to an attempt to sway the election. All accusations of impropriety on Trumps behalf have been refuted. The grand jury reportedly made recommendations for indictments in its final report before being dismissed in January. The jury panels report was partially made public by the Fulton County Superior Court in early February, although it did not contain the list of people for whom charges were suggested. It is widely believed that Willis will file accusations of election meddling against the former president. Gary Bai contributed to this report. Gambling Firm William Hill to Pay Record 19.2 Million Penalty for Alarming Failures Three gambling businesses owned by William Hill have been ordered to pay a total of 19.2 million for widespread and alarming social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures, the Gambling Commission has announced. This is the largest settlement in the history of the Gambling Commission, which was established in 2007. WHG (International) Limited, which runs williamhill.com, will pay 12.5 million; Mr. Green Limited, which runs mrgreen.com, will pay 3.7 million; and William Hill Organization Limited, which operates 1,344 gambling premises across Britain, will pay 3 million. Social responsibility failures at William Hill businesses included allowing one customer to open a new account and spend 23,000 in 20 minutes, allowing another to open an account and spend 18,000 in 24 hours, and a third able to spend 32,500 over two daysall without any checks. Ineffective controls allowed 331 customers to gamble with WHG (International) Limited despite having self-excluded with Mr. Green. Anti-money laundering failures included allowing customers to deposit large amounts without carrying out appropriate checksone customer was able to spend and lose 70,134 in a month, another to lose 38,000 in five weeks, and another to lose 36,000 in four days. Suspension Considered Andrew Rhodes, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said: When we launched this investigation, the failings we uncovered were so widespread and alarming, serious consideration was given to licence suspension. However, because the operator immediately recognised their failings and worked with us to swiftly implement improvements, we instead opted for the largest enforcement payment in our history. The Gambling Commission said all 19.2 million will be directed towards socially responsible purposes as part of a regulatory settlement. A spokesman for 888, the new owner of William Hill, said: The settlement relates to the period when William Hill was under the previous ownership and management. After William Hill was acquired, the company quickly addressed the identified issues with the implementation of a rigorous action plan. The entire group shares the Gambling Commissions commitment to improve compliance standards across the industry and we will continue to work collaboratively with the regulator and other stakeholders to achieve this. Deadly Addiction But critics say the commissions move does not go far enough. Will Prochaska, strategy director at Gambling with Lives, a charity set up by families bereaved by gambling-related suicide, said, Fines wont stop the gambling industry from deliberately exploiting its customers and driving hundreds every year to suicide. He added, The deaths will continue until the Gambling Commission uses the powers it already has to remove gambling firms licences and hold individual executives liable for these failures, or until the government announces significant reforms to gambling regulation. In the UK we desperately need the government to end gambling advertising and stop gambling companies from luring people to gamble more than they can afford. There are signs that gambling has become a more serious issue as millions of Britons are struggling with the soaring cost of living. GamCare, a gambling charity, said the National Gambling Helpline which it operates took more than 3,700 online chats and calls in Januarya 17 percent increase compared with the same time period last year. According to the charity, which said it receives more than 42,000 calls to its helpline each year, its advisers are increasingly citing examples of how the cost-of-living crisis is causing people to turn to gambling. Signs of Improvement The action against William Hill is the Gambling Commissions largest enforcement case so far. The previous largest was 17 million action taken against Entain in August last year. Since the start of 2022, the regulator has concluded 26 enforcement cases with operators paying over 76 million because of regulatory failures. Rhodes, the commissions chief executive, said: In the last 15 months we have taken unprecedented action against gambling operators, but we are now starting to see signs of improvement. There are indications that the industry is doing more to make gambling safer and reducing the possibility of criminal funds entering their businesses. Operators are using algorithms to spot gambling harms or criminal risk more quickly, interacting with consumers sooner, and generally having more effective policies and procedures in place. It comes just a week after the commission fined two operators owned by Kindred Group plc a combined 7.2 million. 32 Red Limited, which runs 32red.com, was ordered to pay 4,195,655 and Platinum Gaming Limited, which runs unibet.co.uk, will pay 2,937,599. Both also received an official warning following the Gambling Commission investigation. 32Reds social responsibility failures included failing to identify customers at risk of harm based on their session times, and not having effective enough controls to identify and protect potential problem gamblers. One customer was allowed to deposit 43,000 and lose 36,000 within seven days, the commission said. Some self-excluded or blocked customers were able to register on Platinum Gaming after being blocked or self-excluded on the 32Red platform, and Platinum Gaming also failed to identify and interact with customers who may have been experiencing harm. PA Media contributed to this report. Greens Deal Paves Way to Legislate Climate Safeguard Mechanism The Australian Labor government is getting very close to legislating its climate safeguard mechanism after reaching an agreement with the Greens party. On March 27, the Greens announced that it would support the safeguard mechanism after securing significant changes to the legislation, which Labor wanted to push through the parliament this week. The mechanism is a policy that mandates Australias 215 businesses with the highest greenhouse gas emission levels to cut their carbon footprint by 4.9 percent each year as Australia aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The legislation passed the lower house on March 27 after the government struck down proposed amendments from independent crossbenchers, displeasing the MPs who sought to change the mechanism. For the bill to get through the upper house, Labor needs to get the support of the Greens and two other votes, either from independent Senators or minor parties. Previously, Labor had been in a deadlock with the Greens as the latter wanted new coal and gas projects in Australia to be banned in exchange for its support. While the Greens backed down from its earlier demand, the party said the new agreement with Labor would stop many new coal and gas projects in the development pipeline. The Greens Amendments to the Legislation Among the changes introduced by the Greens is a hard cap that limits Australias gross greenhouse gas emissions to 140 million tonnes a year. The ceiling is expected to decrease over time. In addition, there will be a pollution trigger that requires the climate change minister to test the impact of a new or expanded project on the hard cap and net carbon budgets. Suppose a project is assessed to cause greenhouse gas emissions to exceed the cap or the budget. In that case, the minister must consult and recalibrate the relevant laws or impose additional conditions on the project. The bill will also dictate all new gas fields for export to achieve zero emissions from day one and require corporations to justify their use of carbon offsets if they offset over 30 percent of their base CO2 emissions. LNG gas storage tanks are shown at the Woodside operated North West Shelf Gas Venture in the north of Western Australia, on June 17, 2008. (Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images) Other changes include increased methane monitoring and restrictions on using some government funds to subsidise coal and gas projects. Coal and gas have taken a huge hit. The Greens have stopped many of the 116 new coal and gas projects in the pipeline from going ahead. Greens Leader Adam Bandt said in a statement. Pollution will actually go down, and weve derailed the Beetaloo and Barossa gas fields. While the Greens considered the agreement with Labor a victory, Bandt said the fight against all new coal and gas would continue. We will continue to push to strengthen the environmental laws that will come before the Parliament next year and to fight fossil fuel subsidies in the budget, he said. We will back the fights of communities around the country who are fighting these coal and gas projects in the pipeline, including Scarborough and Narrabri. Response from the Government and Relevant Parties Following the agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the amended safeguard mechanism would bring about more action on climate change and steer Australia toward becoming a superpower for renewable energy. We cant afford to continue to engage in conflict in this place in order to try to get the perfect outcome, he told reporters. We have a responsibility to achieve real outcomes to protect our manufacturers, to grow our economy, while were dealing with emissions reduction. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2022. (Martin Ollman/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the country was a crucial milestone in achieving Australias 43 percent emissions reduction target by 2030. These reforms are crucial to our climate and our economysupporting Australian industry and ensuring they will continue to be competitive in a decarbonising world, he said in a statement. Independent Senator David Pocock, who reached an agreement with the government on March 27, said that while the safeguard mechanism was imperfect, it represented a step towards a credible climate policy. These reforms need to be seen as a first step as there is much more work to do to ensure we speed up decarbonisation and take advantage of the huge opportunities this presents for Australia, he said. On the energy industrys side, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) said the changes to the mechanism ignored the central role of natural gas in meeting Australias climate goals and would make those targets harder and more costly to achieve. Australia needs to produce more gas to support decarbonisation across the economy and meet energy demand, as called for by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Australian Energy Market Operator, APPEA chief executive Samantha McCulloch said in a statement. New gas supply investment needs policy and regulatory certainty, but instead, the Labor-Greens deal creates additional barriers to investment, further diminishing the investment environment and adding to the growing list of regulatory challenges facing the sector. Harris Announces $100 Million in Aid to Ghana During Meeting with Akufo-Addo US Vice President Kamala Harris (R) Ghanas Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia (L) attend the state banquet at the Jubilee House in Accra, Ghana, on March 27, 2023. - US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana on March 26, 2023 at the start of a three-nation African tour, as Washington looks to strengthen diplomatic ties on the continent. The trip to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia until April 2 comes after a December summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Washington with US leaders and counterparts from Africa, a continent where China and Russia are enjoying rising influence. (Photo by Nipah Dennis / AFP) (Photo by NIPAH DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) Praising Ghana as a beacon of democracy, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the United States will give $100 million in aid to help address the threats of violent extremism and instability in the west African nation and four other countries on the continent. Benin, Guinea, Cote dIvoire, and Togo are the other nations that will benefit from the assistance. Harris arrived in Ghana as part of a three-nation, nine-day African tour at a time when the Biden administration is intent on countering China and Russias emerging influence there. The Biden administration is requesting an additional $139 million in bilateral assistance to Ghana in fiscal year 2024, Harris said at a joint press conference with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo. President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo speaks at the 74th Session of the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters on Sept. 25, 2019 in New York. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) Ghana, which has 34 million citizens, is regarded as one of Africas most stable democracies. Unrest has entered the region in recent years. Coups have occurred in Burkina Faso to the north and Mali to the north of that. Multiple nations across West Africa and the Sahel region have struggled to stop local offshoots of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State that have resulted in humanitarian disasters and contributed to military coups in Burkina Faso and Mali. Earlier this month, the U.S. military launched its annual military training exercise focused on preparing armies to contain the threat. Soldiers from 29 countries traveled to Ghana and Ivory Coast to participate in Flintlock, which trains personnel in counter-insurgency tactics. Wagner, a Russian mercenary group, is operating in Africa. Mali tasked them to remove French-based troops stationed there. Ghana officials alleged that Burkina Fasos leaders are seeking assistance from Wagner. Akufo-Addo said that Ghana is concerned about Wagner because it raises the very real possibility that our continent is going to become the playground for great power conflict. Were spending a lot of sleepless nights trying to make sure were protected here, Akufo-Addo said. Before announcing the $100 million aid package, Harris talked about her meeting with Akufo-Addo at the joint press conference. We have discussed a number of important topics, including the importance of concepts and priorities such as freedom and liberty, which areto be sureat the core of who we are as Americans and who Ghanaians are, Harris said. Mr. President, you put it well during the State of the Nation a few weeks agoand Im going to quote youwhen you said, It is important we never forget that democracy is not a static achievement, but a promise that needs continuous nurturing. I agree. I often, in fact, say that there is a duality when it comes to democracies, in that they are both an exhibition of strength and they are fragile, she added. We appreciate your leadership in response to recent democratic backsliding in West Africa and standing up for democratic principles around the world. After Ghana, Harris is scheduled to visit Tanzania and Zambia. She will return to Washington on April 2. CCP Influence Rear Admiral Bravo Mhlana of the South African Navy looks on during a press conference at the port in Richards Bay on Feb. 22, 2023. South Africa embarked on Feb. 17, 2023, on a 10-day joint military exercise with Russia and China. The controversial drills, dubbed Mosi meaning smoke in the local Tswana language, are taking place off the port cities of Durban and Richards Bay. (GUILLEM SARTORIO/AFP via Getty Images) China has heavily invested in Africa in the last two decades. In 2019, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced the first phase of a road construction project in Ghana that is part of a $2 billion infrastructure agreement that gives it access to Ghanas bauxite reserves. Bauxite is an integral source of aluminum. Before the start of last Decembers three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves admitted that China had surpassed the United States in direct investment in Africa. We took our eye off the ball, so to speak, and U.S. investors and companies are having to play catch up, Graves said. Were bringing the best technologies and innovations, the highest standards. The U.S. helps to build capacity in our partner countries as opposed to exploiting those countries. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the Biden administration would spend $55 billion over the next three years on a wide range of sectors to tackle the core challenges of our time. At the summit, Biden expressed his support to add the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The African Union includes the continents 54 nations. The G-20s membership represents more than 80 percent of the worlds gross domestic product. Harris emphasized that her visit, and U.S. aid and outreach, are not directly related to concerns about China and Russias growing presence in Africa. Yes, we are concerned with security, Harris said. We are concerned with what is happening on the globe as a whole. We are clear-eyed about that. But this trip is motivated by the importance of the direct relationship between the United States and Ghana, and as I travel the continent, with those countries as well, she added. When asked about Chinas influence in Ghana, Akufo-Addo downplayed the significance. There may be an obsession in America about Chinese influence on the continent. But theres no such obsession here, Akufo-Addo said. Maryland parents are on the warpath against gender ideology, which they believe is steering their children onto the wrong track. And so the mothers and fathers of Frederick County have petitioned the County Superintendent of Schools to notify a parent when his or her child signals a desire to change gender. On March 23, a public forum in Eldersburg, Maryland, heard from a panel of experts that public schools are grooming vulnerable students to transition away from their sex at birth. The gathering was sponsored by Moms for Liberty and co-sponsored by the Heritage Foundation and the Leadership Institute. Dr. Kathleen Goonan (L) and Dr. Jay Richards, presented at Town Hall in Eldersburg, Md., on March 23, 2023. (Douglas Burton/The Epoch Times) The word grooming might refer to two types, according to Dr. Jay Richards, director of the DeVos Center for Life, Religion and Family at the Heritage Foundation, who spoke to the gathering. One is grooming a child for sex, he said, but there is also ideological grooming that gets a child in a total new thought world. Thats why the word grooming is important even when the teacher is not a pedophile, Richards added. Introducing children to these concepts in gender ideology whereby you can have a gender identity that is totally contrary to your biological sex is the worst toxic ideology you could teach to a kid because you are teaching a child that he or she is born into the wrong body. What the schools are doing is definitely grooming, said Utah-based advocate Dr. Erin Brewer, co-founder of Advocates Protecting Children and Compassion Coalition, at the gathering. Brewer added: It allows teachers to talk to small children about their genitals, breaking down barriers, and teaches the kids to deceive their parents, telling them what goes on in this classroom, dont go tell your parents! Brewer said she is a former trans kid who was helped back to reality by good cognitive therapy, which is today being banned for children. Breaking Parent-Child Trust The problem of breaking down trust between parents and children was amplified by January Littlejohn, a Florida-licensed mental health counselor whose 13-year-old daughter was socially transitioned in 2020 from girl to boy without her knowledge. Is there grooming? Yes! Many of the girls who are vulnerable are autistic, so they are already vulnerable when you bring in ideology that destabilizes the childs identity, Littlejohn said. The teachers are already in a position of authority in the classroom. They send a message to the kids that they will keep the childs secret from their parents. That sends the idea that the parents may not be safe, which is a dangerous message to be perpetuating in our public schools, Littlejohn said to The Epoch Times in a follow-up interview. January Littlejohn says schools are undermining trust between students and parents. The image was taken on March 23, 2023. (Douglas Burton/The Epoch Times) Public school teachers are socially transitioning students because they think they are being kind, said Kathleen Goonan, a retired medical doctor who spends her time now helping de-transitioners, young people who have previously transitioned and who now want to reverse the process under medical care. The fact is that social transitioning is a major psychosocial intervention, in which teachers are fast-tracking kids toward medical change, said Goonan. Advocates such as Goonan have to tread lightly since 21 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws banning conversion therapy, a treatment in which a physician assists a person who is seeking to revert to his or her sexual identity at birth. A physician doing so could suffer the loss of their medical license. The Biden administration has made gender identity a protected class, Dr. Ryan Anderson told the forum. It means that a doctor could be delicensed for helping a child become comfortable with his or her body, said Anderson, who is the author of the book When Harry Became Sally (2017). Trans activists picket the Moms for Liberty Town Hall meeting in Eldersburg, Md., on March 23, 2023. (Douglas Burton/The Epoch Times) The town hall was picketed on the street outside St. Stephens Church by a band of two dozen flag-waving protesters, some of whom spoke to The Epoch Times. No More Opting Out Opting out of curriculum content has become an issue in neighboring Montgomery County, the most affluent county in Maryland and historically known for some of the best public schools in the nation. But gender ideology emphasized in the wake of falling student achievement levels has riled some Montgomery parents who formed a chapter of Moms for Liberty in January 2023. The so-called inclusive gender material dominates much of the language arts curriculum for the county, according to Lindsey Smith, founder of the countys Moms for Liberty Chapter and a mother of four children. My preschool kid recently was read to from the book Pride Puppy, which is an alphabet book illustrated with Drag Queens and Pride illustrations, Smith told The Epoch Times. My second-grader is scheduled to read a book titled My Rainbow, which is a story about an autistic girl who dreams of becoming trans, Smith said. Our principal had sent home to parents a list of these books and gave us instructions on how we could opt out of these books, and we did, which was possible until March 23, Lindsey said. On March 23, we got a blast email from MCPS [Montgomery County Public Schools] telling us that no one could opt out anymore. Montgomery County Public Schools posted a notice on March 23 telling teachers that they must use inclusive texts in all instructional materials that include inclusive and safe spaces for students, including those who identify as LGBT or have family members in the LGBT community. A call seeking clarification from MCPSs Office of Health Education and Curriculum was not returned. The post on the MCPS website stated: Students and families may not choose to opt out of engaging with any instructional materials, other than Family Life and Human Sexuality Unit of Instruction which is specifically permitted by Maryland law. As such, teachers will not send home letters to inform families when inclusive books are read in the future. Moms for Liberty and allied citizens announced that they will picket the Board of Education Administration building at 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland, at 3:30 p.m. on March 28. Modern life can be exhilaratingbut living at a fast pace also brings worries, stress, tension, anxiety, and even mental exhaustion. In todays chaotic world, many people are looking for a sense of peace and good health. Dr. Yang Jingduan, a well-known Chinese psychiatrist in Philadelphia, launched a series of lectures titled The Three Tiers of Doctors Forum to share his insights into spiritual and physical health. The following is a transcript of his talk: Lower-tier doctors treat diseases, middle-tier doctors treat people, and upper-tier doctors treat the country. Welcome, everyone, to the Three Tiers of Doctors Forum. I am Dr. Yang. In the last episode, we discussed the concept of middle-tier doctors treating people and our understanding of it. Before that, we discussed the concept of lower-tier doctors treating diseases. Today, I would like to share my understanding of how upper-tier doctors treat the country. If I Cannot Be a Good Premier, I Would Strive to Be a Good Doctor There is a Chinese saying, If I cannot be a good premier, I would strive to be a good doctor. There are stories in Chinese history of individuals leaving the job as premier to become a doctor. The reverse is also true, and there were cases when someone quit his job as a doctor to become the premier. We wonder, what is the relationship between a good premier and a good doctor? The answer lies in the intricate relationship between a doctors treatment of a disease and a premiers management of the country. A doctor is trained to care about the health of everyone he comes across, relieving personal pain or saving lives through medical treatment. At the same time, country administrators manage a countrys health, alleviating the pain of their people and saving lives. So, the policies, ways of management, methods, and concepts formulated by the premier and his team inevitably have a wide-ranging impact on peoples health and future, thus the saying, the upper doctors treat the country. Good Public Health Policy Helps the Public Remain Healthy For the peoples general health, the country needs to formulate viable public health policies to solve fundamental health problems. Doctors alone cannot treat all diseases, cure everyone, and save every life. It is, therefore, vital to have top-tier doctors treat the country. There are many such examples in our daily lives. For instance, if the government makes an immoral decision and invests its resources in a war that should not be fought in the first place, many innocent lives will be lost. Doctors can hardly recover such losses. This is just one example. There are also more direct examples, for instance, if a country invests all its financial resources in medical treatment, this might allow the government to achieve cutting-edge medical science breakthroughs, but it will not help much to improve the health of its people. There may even be undesirable side effects. Currently, in the United States, one of the issues often discussed by politicians is health care policy reform. (They call it health care. The American insurance companies specializing in health are called health insurance companies.) The health care policy in the United States is called health management. However, if you look more carefully, the United States does not have a health management system. Doctors and hospitals are primarily involved in what we call the lower medicine, which merely treats diseases and responds to emergencies such as heart attacks, tumors, accidents, and so on. The entire medical system is a disease management and crisis intervention system, which can hardly be called a health care system. The never-ending debate among politicians is nothing more than whether to apply this disease management and crisis intervention system to more people or fewer people, and which group of the population can benefit from it, or which group is to make way for the others, who pays more and who pays less. This debate cannot solve the underlying problem. I believe what needs to be reformed is how to truly invest public, financial, and human resources to treat people and the country and to improve the health of the entire population. We all hope that as technology in the medical industry becomes more sophisticated, fewer people will need to use the technology. If surgeons do not need to perform so many operations, the number of accidents due to surgery will naturally decrease. We also hope that when people reduce the amount and types of drugs they need to take, the number of people who die from adverse effects of medicines will decrease. Curing the Country Requires Spiritual Morality From the TCM [traditional Chinese medicine] perspective, there is another crucial concept in governing the country: the code of conduct a society adheres to, which is paramount. I like to refer to a car as an example. The fate of a car is closely related to the driver. If the driver does not develop good habits and maintain the car, it will quickly break down. If the drivers habits get even worsefor example, the driver does not wear a seatbelt, does not obey the traffic rules, or even drives while drunkit will not just bring an unfavorable end to the car but will also endanger the lives and health of others. What should we use to restrain the driverthe spirit and soulof human beings? What do we use to protect our spirit and soul? This relates to what we often call morality. The Chinese language has profound connotations. For example, when Chinese people say I understand in Chinese, they say wo (I) zhi (know) dao (Tao). In other words, it is only when you understand the Tao or the Way, that you can claim you understand. Benevolence, Righteousness, Ritual Propriety, Wisdom, and Trustworthiness Offer Paths to Treat the Country Tao is what we call the roads or directions of life, more precisely, the correct way of life and truth. In addition, people with traditional Chinese culture often evaluate a persons behavior with the phrase within the Fa or not. On the surface, it refers to whether the way of doing things is legal or illegal, right or wrong. In fact, Fa in this context extends further to mean there is truth at every level in this world. To be within the Fa means that you grasp the truth. No matter what level of truth, the criterion guides our lives. In traditional Chinese culture, the concepts of benevolence (ren ), righteousness (yi ), ritual propriety (li ), wisdom (zhi ), and trustworthiness (xin ) shape peoples thoughts, souls, and behaviors. Suppose a countrys policymakers vigorously advocate and promote views and protect values that help people achieve benevolence, righteousness, ritual propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. In that case, the countrys ruler can be said to have genuinely managed the country and be among the upper tier of doctors. This will bring about good fortune to the people of the country. This is the concept of healing the country by the upper-tier doctors we discuss today. For centuries on end, the people grounded in common sense have been an annoyance to the educated folks. STORY AT-A-GLANCE A recent study suggests that vaccine skeptics are, ummm, likely to struggle with problem-solving and to demonstrate absolutist thinking, political conservatism, and xenophobia. Ironically, blaming the village yokels and tradition defenders has been a staple on the menu of psychological manipulation by the elitessome of those dirty tricks have been, unfortunately, deeply internalized. We are all familiar with the frustration of trying to convince our loved ones to use their common sense and look at facts. The frustration reduces significantly once we quit the missionary mode, do our job with love and patience, and leave the rest to the higher powers (however we personally believe). Dim-witted Anti-vaxxers? The science is in! I am using the word science loosely herebut a study, published in Environmental Research and Public Health, and authored by Alice Cancer, Carola Salvi, Alessandro Antonietti, and Paola Iannello, has concluded that the vaccine skeptics are, you know, the rigid folks who are not particularly bright and not particularly endowed with the ability to solve problems. I supposed that lack of problem-solving skills in Big Pharma skeptics is the reason whyslowlythe mainstream is gradually admitting to what the so-called anti-vaxxers were saying three years ago. Also, a thought on the mental flexibility on the part of the folks who embraced the experimental treatments. (It would probably be more appropriate to call it moral flexibility.) As stated in a Feb. 26 article in PsyPost: A new study published in Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that individuals who struggle with problem-solving and demonstrate absolutist thinking, political conservatism, and xenophobia are more likely to refuse to get vaccinated. These findings indicate that a focus on improving problem-solving skills may result in improvements in public health due to higher vaccination rates. [emphasis mine] A quick a translation from Orwellian to English: In this sentence, the phrase problem-solving skills stands for obedient compliance, and the phrase improvements in public health stands for further grown of pharmaceutical profits and medical data sharing so that the overlords can build their AI faster. Moving on. The research team hypothesized that problem-solving skills and socio-cognitive polarization are two constructs associated with vaccine acceptance. Problem-solving skills involve the ability to generate new ideas and new methods to consider the problem at hand. Problem-solving may require individuals to think flexibly to expand their thinking beyond what they previously understood. Socio-cognitive polarization includes measures of conservative political ideology, absolutist thinking, intolerance of ambiguity, and xenophobia. According to the research team, people who score high on [socio-cognitive polarization] may be less likely to handle complexity and seek out alternative explanations when processing information. Here is how far and deep the science went to draw that conclusion: The study recruited 277 U.S. participants using Amazons Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing platform [emphasis mine]. Participants completed online surveys measuring problem-solving ability through a rebus puzzles task and socio-cognitive polarization through a composite measure of absolutist thinking, political conservatism, and xenophobia. They also took a survey measuring their vaccine acceptance. Now, thats precision! The research team acknowledged that their use of the internet prevented demographics without technological access from participating in the study. This may mean their results are slightly skewed. Additionally, the cross-sectional design of the study prevents direct cause-and-effect conclusions. Despite these concerns, the study highlights the critical role of problem-solving skills and socio-cognitive polarization in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Individuals who are more flexible in their thinking and less rigid in their socio-cognitive orientation may be more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines. The studys findings indicate that cognitive and social rigidity may represent risk factors for COVID-19 vaccine refusal and may have significant implications for public health interventions aimed at promoting vaccines. Blaming the Backward Village Yokel Sarcasm aside, I would like to juxtapose the aforementioned brilliant science with a 1947 commercial for DDT [below]. In that ad, an entomologist tries to educate African villagers on how DDT is safe and effective. (Of course it is, the scientists made it, so why wouldnt it be?) As the camera shows what would be considered stereotypical uncivilized paganswho are evidently in dire eternal need of being saved by foreign educated folks, and who dont know how to take even one correct step in life without parental guidance from the civilized onesthe narrator tells the story that goes something like this: Oh, the villagers dont believe the scientist. They are still very suspicious of DDT. They are concerned that the DDT powder constitutes bad magic or that it may poison their people. Well, who was right, the chemical industry-funded science, or the allegedly backward members of the African village? Historical Context But here is the kick. Proverbial village yokels have been the scapegoats of the financial interests of the elites for a long time. And yet, we are somehow led to believe that the elites of the past demonized the village yokels of the past correctlyand only today, they became corrupt and started to demonize the modern village yokels (the farmers, the conservatives in rural areas, etc.,) incorrectly. Are you kidding me? Those are the same elites, using the same principle of thievery and domination! They lied all along! The pointing of the refined fingers of the elites at the village yokels whose powers they want to curb and whose stuff they want to stealand accusing them of all sorts of suspicious thingsis a movie that has been playing for centuries on end! Even the Bolsheviks were complaining about the backward peasants, who for some weird reason seemed unenthused about the prospect of giving away their cattle for the good of the victory of the dictatorship by the proletariat! And this is how the power-hungry maniacs (also known as the deep state or the elites) get us every time. They point at the scapegoats, and who is a better scapegoat for the elites than the cartoonish conservative anti-vaxxer, or the more traditional dirt-covered village yokel, the pagan type? By the way, here is a funny thing, anti-vaxxers are really just proponents of bodily autonomy who are aware of the abysmal track record of the pharmaceutical giants and the Latin word paganus just means a rural dweller (a village yokel, so to speak)and so demonizing the pagani was really just a way of the Roman super elites to consolidate their political power. Demonizing the pagani, historically, was a way of the political and spiritual predecessors of the WEF [World Economic Forum] to arrange for an own nothing and be happy situation for anyone who didnt go along with the power consolidation program of the day. Yes, it is that cynical. Very Schwabian. Very Hitleresque. As a result, our ancestorsour blood, wherever we come fromwere intentionally and darklyand then just ignorantlydemonized. How do you feel about your family members, your direct blood from maybe thousands of years ago, intentionally demonized by the same elites that are demonizing you today? (And on similar grounds (ignorant, backward, extremely dangerous to society, and too free). Is it really plausible that the mobsters used to be wonderful, righteous people up until a certain point in time (in ancient Rome, nonetheless) and preached correct ideasand then all of a sudden, they became corruptbut it only happened when they targeted my tribe? I dont think so. This is not how it works. A mob is a mob is a mob, and relying on any mob for protection is a bit of a limited hangout. The way I see it, we will only defeat Klaus Schwab and his wretched vampire crew when we realize that the village yokels of the past were slandered by the same general kind mobsters who are slandering us today. When we realize that we can nourish our own relationship with the Creator and the mystery of life without decimating others, without supporting the decimation of others or bending their free will, and without arrogantly assuming that other cultures are inferior to ours. The DDT commercial above is just one slice of culture but in a way, it sums up the history of the world. The underlying theme goes something like, A few people lie, many people die. And I wish we could win this battle against Klaus Schwab by yelling louder or pointing fingers more often at the Schwabian mobsters. But as long as we accept a part of the mythology that allowed for Schwab to come to power in the first place, we are helping the wrong guys. I am convinced of that as a result of my entire life. It took me many years to figure this out and shed the lies that had been given to me and to many of my ancestors over time. The bad guys have been piling on, generation after generation: dividing, hurting, robbing, pitting people against each other, doing bad magic onto people, tapping into peoples bad habits and tricking them into acting against their best interests. Yes, this is a story that has been unfolding for a very long time. Enough of the metaphorical bad sorcerers working for the elites. Enough is enough. We are smarter than this. We are more loving than this. And, dear educated folk, we are not close-minded at all. The Difficult Task of Convincing Others, With Love Like many of us, I have spent many hours of my life banging my head on the wall, so to speak, trying to get through to the people I care about, begging them to look at facts. Sounds familiar, right? Earlier in my journey, it frustrated me to no end. I just felt, Dear God, this is all so dangerous, how can this person not see the obvious?!! Maybe, if I just find better words or repeat them again, or talk louder, maybe then Ill be able to get through? Maybe then they will hear me, for once? As you can imagine, the overall result was, LOLZ. People take their sweet time to pay attention to the factsbut when I turned on the patience, the process stopped killing me and started bringing me joy. I started seeing more progress with patience, and with love, and with genuine respect for their soul and their right to choose what makes sense to themthan I saw with banging my head on the wall. Today, when I encounter a person who, in my opinion, is sincerely subscribed to the most fantastical lies, I dont despair. Oh, and the menu of lies is very long. Over time, the elites have developed the most exquisite lies for every psychological type, and tested them, and refined them, and mixed them upso yeah, their menu is very long, indeed. And so, after screaming to the skies many times and having finally found my grounding, today, I look at someone whose ideas are, in my opinion, simply ridiculous, and see my brother or sister who is on his or her journey, a legitimate journey, journey of the soul. I see a sacred spirit traveling though the jungle of this broken world, doing stupid things perhaps, and perhaps at the moment, actually helping Klaus Schwab (my heart!) by supporting various elite-generated lies about how the world works. And yes, the damage is real, and it hurts me still, but the journey is in progress, and the Creator has no time limit. That was key to my own peace of mind. I am just one person, on my journey, trying to do my job. The burden of master planning is not mine. I can safely shed that burden and just focus on my job. My job is much easier to do than worrying about the master planning for the world. The way I feel about it, the Creator doesnt care about time. The Creator cares about doing our job with love, not fearing doing what feels right, and respecting other peoples free will. Only being grounded in love in the most mysterious spiritual sense will get us out of it. Only honesty about what has happened in the past and what is happening today will get us out of this. Honesty fueled by love brings the best courage out of usthe courage of the pure spirit that turns us, humble human beings, into lions. This is all mysterious. And no, we dont own the sphere of time. We just need to do our job right. And everything will be fine. Originally published on Tessa Fights Robots, reposted, Mar 20 2023, from Mercola.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here. A ministry official said, "This is largely due to the falling birthrate because many young people don't want to have babies." Only 254,628 babies were born last year, falling below 260,000 for the first time. The country's population shrank by 200,000 or 0.4 percent to reach 51.44 million by the end of last year. It was the third decline in a row from a peak of 51.85 million in 2019. The pace is also picking up. In 2020, the population shrank by just 20,000 in 2020, but that speeded up to 190,000 in 2021. Korea's population dwindled for the third year running last year, firmly establishing the decline in the statistics, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Sunday. Korea is well on the way to becoming a "super-aged" society where over 20 percent of the population are elderly. Already last year the 5.2 million women over 65 made up 20.1 percent of the total female population, but the 4.07 million men in the age group accounted for only 15.9 percent of the male population, bringing the total to 18 percent. More elderly people mean a heavier financial burden on the working-age population. The gender gap is the biggest on record, with a female population of 25.8 million, 165,000 more than men. The female population only overtook the male population for the first time in 2015 as families' traditional preference for sons disappeared. Women are expected to outnumber men in increasing proportion because women live longer. But deaths are also on the rise, from 307,764 in 2020 to 372,631 last year. They increased by 54,208 last year as the coronavirus pandemic kept many people with chronic diseases from getting treatment. "The population will decline more rapidly in the future," said Cho Young-tae at Seoul National University. "The decline will get out of control once the baby boomers now in their 60s begin to take up the majority of deaths." However, the number of households increased by 233,000 or one percent on-year to 23.71 million last year because more and more people live alone. Some 9.72 million lived alone, accounting for 41 percent of all households. "One-person households will highly likely surpass 10 million by the end of this year," the official said. One- and two-person households took up a whopping 65.2 percent of households while larger households shrank apace. That brought the average number of people per household to an all-time low of just 2.17. People in their 50s now account for the largest proportion of the population at 17 percent, followed by 40-somethings at 16 percent and 60-somethings at 14 percent. HHS Secretary Announces Major Directional Shift in Federal Health Policy A woman is examined by a doctor during a routine checkup at the Jessie Trice Center for Community Health clinic in Miami in 2012. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Federally funded health programs will undergo a major philosophical shift in 2024, moving from an illness-care strategy to providing wellness care, according to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. The secretary touted the change while presenting President Joe Bidens $1.8 trillion HHS budget proposal to the House Ways and Means Committee on March 28. An illness-care system leaves our most vulnerable families behind. A wellness care system invests in providing the full spectrum of health care to all Americans, Becerra said. Illness care, or sick care, is based on treating diseasewhereas wellness care aims to maintain good health by providing things like preventative treatments, regular physical exams, cancer screenings, and the promotion of healthful habits. Xavier Becerra at a Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Feb. 24, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool via Reuters) Illness care allows the price of prescription drugs to skyrocket. Wellness care starts by prescribing fruits, vegetables, and exercise. It treats food as medicine, Becerra said. He said, Illness care requires you to get a referral by your family physician to see a specialist for mental health services. Wellness care lets you get mental health care the minute you walk through the door of your family physicians office. Illness care forces hardworking Americans to deplete their life savings to get the long-term care that they need, Becerra said, whereas wellness care aims to keep older adults and Americans with disabilities at home and in their communities. Major Initiatives Wellness initiatives in the 2024 spending plan include $30 billion to prepare for the next pandemic or other public health crisis, including replenishing the nations strategic national stockpile of medical supplies and equipment, Becerra said. The plan also calls for boosting the behavioral health workforce with the goal of adding the capacity to receive an additional 6 million calls to 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Other initiatives would add Medicaid coverage for 2 million more adults, make expanded Medicaid postpartum care permanent, provide an additional $600 billion for child care and preschool programs, and $150 billion to increase Medicaid home and community-based services. Questions About Medicare The presidents budget proposal seeks $144 billion in discretionary spending for 2024, an increase of 11.5 percent from the amount approved for 2023. The vast majority of the nations health care spending, $1.7 trillion is for entitlement programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and health premium tax credits. More than 65 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, 84 million in Medicaid, and more than 16 million receive tax credits through the Affordable Care Act. Republican committee members questioned whether the budget proposal provided accurate information on the effect some provisions would have on senior adults. Physicians assistant Kim Gracey checks the throat of a sick child at a low-cost clinic in Aurora, Colorado. (John Moore/Getty Images) Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) said that the Pay-As-You-Go Budget Rule (PAYGO) would require more than $500 million in Medicare cuts to offset prior spending by the Biden administration. Why dont you account for these looming cuts in your budget, and what are you going to do to prevent them from taking place? Smith asked. Becerra insisted that the proposed budget would reduce the deficit over the long term without cutting Medicare. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) stated that the budget would cause an increase of more than 50 percent in premiums paid by beneficiaries for Medicare Advantage plans, affecting 31 million people. Becerra disputed the claim. Im not sure where you got that information, but we are increasing the amount of reimbursement were giving to these insurance companies, he said. If insurance companies are claiming that theyre going to have to cut benefits [for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries] its because they dont want to provide them, and theyre more willing to take care of their profits over the beneficiaries. The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials holds a hearing at 10:00 a.m. ET on March 28 on Government Response to East Palestine: Ensuring Safety and Transparency for the Community. House Overwhelmingly Passes 1st Ever US Bill to Punish CCPs Forced Organ Harvesting The House of Representatives on March 27 overwhelmingly passed a bill to punish communist China for its forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience, marking the first nonsymbolic legislative measure in the United States to counter the atrocity. H.R. 1154, dubbed the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023, passed by a vote of 4132. It would sanction anyone involved in the act and require annual government reporting on such activities taking place in foreign countries. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) were among more than a dozen lawmakers leading the measures companion version in the Senate. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the principal sponsor of the bill, called attention to the penalties in the bill for those found to be involved in forced organ harvesting: a civil penalty of up to $250,000 and a criminal penalty of up to $1 million and 20 years in prison. Its got real teeth. Were not kidding, Smith told The Epoch Times ahead of the floor vote. This is an atrocity, this is a crime against humanity, and its a war crime, because this is a war on innocent people in China, and [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping is directly responsible. Those who willingly engage in this will be held responsible. On the House floor, Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) highlighted the annual reporting requirement in the bill, which she said would ensure that the United States makes an informed assessment regarding the magnitude and prevalence of this problem. Given the ongoing genocide, we cannot take Beijing at its word about what it is and is not doing, she said. We need to investigate and we need to verify. We should never look away from injustice and repression wherever it takes place. Haunting Memories The news of the bills passage was heartening for many survivors of the regimes persecution who have escaped to the United States for refuge, as in the case of Han Yu, an adherent of Falun Gong. Practitioners of the spiritual discipline have been named as the primary victims of the regimes illicit organ trade. Falun Gong practitioners in Vienna, Austria, stage a demonstration of organ harvesting of imprisoned practitioners in China during a protest against the importing of human organs from China to Austria, on Oct. 1, 2018. (Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images) The spiritual practice, which includes moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, along with five meditative exercises, enjoyed significant popularity for its health and moral benefits in China in the 1990s, eventually attracting an estimated 70 million to 100 million practitioners by the end of the decade. Perceiving this popularity to be a threat to its control, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) started an elimination campaign in 1999, resulting in millions of adherents being detained and an unknown number of deaths from slave labor, torture, and other abuses over the past 23 years. In 2019, an independent tribunal in London concluded, after a year-long investigation, that forced organ harvesting had taken place in China for years on a significant scale, with detained Falun Gong practitioners being the principal source of organs. Its final judgment, released in March 2020 and including 300 pages of witness testimony and submissions, found no evidence of the practice having been stopped. A native of Beijing, Han was 19 when she lost her father to persecution in 2004, two years before the first reports of the regimes secretive organ trade industry. More than a decade would pass before the issue became more widely recognized. The last image she has of her father, Han Junqingwho died just a little more than two months after his arrest for practicing Falun Gongstill haunts her to this day. Han Yu at a Falun Gong rally at the United Nations Plaza on Sept. 24, 2019. (Eva Fu/The Epoch Times) Han Yus breathing grew heavier as she recounted those memories from nearly two decades ago. Extremely thin, with a face bruised green and purple, her fathers body lay cold in a forensic center room surrounded by dozens of uniformed officers. There was tissue missing from under the mans left eye. A long knife incision, sewn together with black thread, extended down from his throat. The police forced her out when she tried to unbutton his shirt to see where the stitches ended. Later, Hans aunt and uncle tore open his shirt before the police could stop them. They found that the incision reached all the way to his abdomen. There were no organs inside, only ice. A Crime Never Seen Before Han for a long time struggled to accept the loss of her father. She dreamed of him often and would wake up in tears, she told The Epoch Times. In 2006, multiple whistleblowers came to The Epoch Times to shed light on the dark scheme. In 2007, while surfing social media, she came across an article describing forced organ harvesting, and what happened to her father fit the description. That night, Han cried for hours. The story of Jiang Li, the daughter of a persecution victim in southwest Chinas Xishanping Labor Camp, is similar. Her father, Jiang Xiqing, a retired official at a local tax bureau in the megacity Chongqing, was arrested after a house raid in May 2008three months before Beijing hosted its first Olympicsand was given a one-year sentence to a labor camp without trial. Jiang Li in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, N.Y., on Nov. 1, 2015, holds a photo of her father, who was killed by the Chinese Communist Party in China for practicing Falun Gong. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times) He died in late January the following year, less than 24 hours after a family visit during which he appeared healthy. After seven hours in the freezer, the mans face and chest were still warm, but when Jiang Li and other family members tried to call attention to the matter, police pushed them out of the morgue. Police cremated the body days later and threatened and harassed the family when they sought to get to the bottom of the matter, at one point telling Jiang Li to name any price to settle the case. A Chongqing procuratorate official, Zhou Bailin, told them that all of Jiang Xiqings organs had been removed and turned into medical specimens. They never sought the Jiang familys approval, nor was there any explanation. Harvesting organs from living people is a crime never seen before on this planet, and its still happening, Jiang Li, who now lives in New York, told The Epoch Times. Her hope, she said, is to see the U.S. government help immediately stop such crime against humanity, hold the Chinese Communist Party and all perpetrators accountable, and purge the state-run machinery thats still committing the crime. Major Step Forward Torsten Trey, executive director of the medical ethics group Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, welcomed the bill as a major step forward in helping to raise critical awareness about forced organ harvesting but believes that more measures are necessary to curb medical tourism to China. The bill takes advantage of our legal system and applies existing mechanisms to demonetize or ban those who participated in these crimes against humanity, he told The Epoch Times in an email. What is missing, he wrote, is a requirement for all who enter the United Stateswhether immigrants or U.S. citizensto answer whether they have imported a newly transplanted organ from countries that are known to procure organs through forced organ harvesting and the amount of money paid for the organs. Organ harvesting is a crime, he wrote. Although patients have the right to privacy, that privacy should end at the crimes of forced organ harvesting: If Falun Gong practitioners or other prisoners of conscience have been killed for their organs in China, we should not cover up these crimes under the umbrella of health care privacy. Smith, the New Jersey congressman, said the bill could cover anyone who participates in forced organ harvesting, including patients who receive the organs. If theres willful knowledge that is being stolen from a Falun Gong practitioner, or anyone else, then they could be held criminally and civilly liable, he said. How do you know on a certain date, youre going to have a liver all ready to go? Thats because they kill the individual in order to get that. They murdered them, he added, referring to instances of Chinese hospitals promising to deliver vital organs on a specified datesomething impossible in voluntary organ donor systems. Smith emphasized that theres also a moral onus on Americans going to China for organ transplants to find out more about the source of the organs. Israel, Taiwan, Italy, and Spain have already banned organ transplant tourism. The European Parliament, U.S. Congress, and various local bodies have also publicly censured the regimes forced organ harvesting but have yet to adopt legislative means. But if the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act becomes law, that would be one step toward that change, according to Levi Browde, executive director of the Falun Dafa Information Center. With this bill, our Congress is joining lawmakers from several other countries who have passed laws aimed at stopping the horrific practice of murdering innocent people for their organs, and punishing those who continue to do so, Browde said in a statement to The Epoch Times. He urged the Senate to pass the companion legislation. Despite all the economic and political pressure exerted by the CCP over the years, through this act, the U.S. government is officially, on the world stage, calling out the CCP for murdering people for organs, he said. How China Harnesses Private Tech Giants for Overseas Intelligence Use Built-in party branches and golden shares facilitate the communist regimes manipulation of high-tech companies People walk past the headquarters of ByteDance, the parent company of video sharing app TikTok, in Beijing on Sept. 16, 2020. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is tightening the reins on private high-tech giants by acquiring voting shares or using party branches within the companies as the militarys intelligence assistant. The move to exert greater control over private industries has the United States and EU on alert. On March 11, Belgiums prime minister said the country is banning TikTok from government phones over concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, and misinformation. Belgium followed the lead of the United States and the EU in banning the video-sharing app, developed by Chinese internet technology giant ByteDance. On Feb. 27, the White House gave all federal agencies a 30-day time limit to remove TikTok from government devices. The Office of Management and Budget said the move was a critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data. The U.S. Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State have already instituted a similar restriction. On Feb. 23, the European Commission and the EU Councilthe EUs two biggest policy-making institutionsissued a ban on TikTok for employees work and personal phones and devices with access to EU Council services. All those moves directly targeted TikToks developer, parent company ByteDance, a Beijing-based private enterprise that has long been dominated by the CCP and used as a tool of its military and intelligence service to target overseas countries. CCPs Golden Share in Private Companies A Jan. 13 report in The Financial Times revealed how the CCP controls the countrys high-tech group ByteDance. In April of 2021, a fund associated with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), along with two other state-owned units, paid 2 million yuan ($290,000) for a 1 percent equity stake in Beijing Douyin Information Service Co., a subsidiary of ByteDance. Through this acquisition, CAC was granted the right to nominate one of three directors of ByteDance. The 1 percent golden share gave the CCP voting rights and influence over business decisions in the private tech firm. Golden shares or special management shares give their ownersoften governmentssome level of control over companies. Wu Shugang, the former supervisor of CACs online commentary monitoring department, was subsequently appointed to the board of directors of ByteDance. Along with a say in ByteDances business strategy and investment plans, mergers and acquisitions, profit sharing, and voting rights for the groups top three executives and their remuneration, Wu also has a say in the content of ByteDances Chinese media platforms. These platforms include the news platform Todays Headlines and TikToks Chinese version, Douyin. Moreover, Wu can appoint the groups chief censor, chair its content security committee, or appoint the committees chairman. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) TikTok Exposed for Leaking US Data In 2022, the year after the communist regime bought golden shares of ByteDance, TikTok was exposed for leaking data from U.S. users. Buzzfeed News reported on June 17, 2022, that Chinese employees of ByteDance had repeatedly accessed the non-public data of U.S. TikTok users. ByteDance planned to use TikTok to monitor the personal locations of certain U.S. citizens, according to a Forbes report in October of 2022. That was despite claims by TikTok executives that they are independent of the Chinese regime, have never been asked to provide data by the Chinese authorities, and would refuse to do so if asked, reported The Washington Post. The United States and the EU, however, gave little credence to those claims, clearly realizing that private technology companies in China are closely intertwined with the communist regime. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told CBS in February that in China, theres no distinction between private companies and the state. The CCPs golden shares strategy extends to other Chinese technology companies with an overseas presence as well. In January, an investment fund entity under CAC acquired a 1 percent stake in Alibabas subsidiary Guangzhou Lujiao Information Technology, strengthening control over the e-commerce giants streaming video platform Youku and Web browser UCWeb. CAC also appointed a new board member, according to a CNN report. U.S.-listed companies such as Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo, media outlet 36 Kr, tech and financial media outlet Qutoutiao, and mobile content aggregator and Hong Kong-listed short-form video app Kuaishou, are among those controlled by golden shares holder CAC, according to the CNN report. CCP authorities have also been in talks with Tencent, about taking a stake in one of its subsidiaries. Communist Party Branches at Private Companies In addition to acquiring golden shares, the CCP secures its grip over private companies by establishing party branches within both state-owned enterprises and privately owned companies. Internet companies, in particular, are a crucial target in the effort to build party branches. Thriving party branches operate at Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and internet shopping platforms Temu and Jingdong. Jingdongs party branch may be the most massive, with a reported 10,730 members and 154 Party branches nationwide as of 2018. At Jingdong, party members can pay their party dues directly on the internal app. Logos of Ford and Baidu on a Ford license plate during a press conference ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show on April 3, 2019. ( Kelly Wang/AFP via Getty Images) Almost all these internet giants are listed in the United States. Meanwhile, ByteDance has an enormous presence in the United States through its subsidiary TikTok, which has more than 150 million active U.S. users. What threat will these CCP-linked internet companies pose to the United States? Close Ties Between Intelligence Department and Private Companies Zach Dorfman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, wrote in December 2020 about the growing ties between CCP intelligence and Chinese companies. Chinas national intelligence law, enacted in 2017, required Chinese businesses to work with Chinese intelligence and security agencies when requested to do so. At the time of Dorfmans report, the U.S. intelligence community had obtained extensive evidence of coordination, including back-and-forth data transfers between so-called private companies and CCP intelligence, with one Trump-era national security official citing evidence of close public-private cooperation on a daily basis. William Evanina, then director of the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center, told Dorfman that the CCPs ability to access and obtain data from private companies provides the regime with vast opportunities to target people in foreign governments, private industries, and other sectors around the world in order to collect research, technology, trade secrets, or classified information. The CCP intelligence services ask Chinese technology companies to help them process huge amounts of data, such as data obtained from the hack of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Evanina said. This data then quickly flows to CCP agencies. Dorfman quoted U.S. officials as saying that by using the data processing capabilities of Chinese companies, CCP spy agencies can quickly sift through large amounts of information to find key details of intelligence value. For example, they might cross-check real-time travel intelligence with other information gathered by Chinas Ministry of State Security in order to identify an undercover CIA agent. Chinese companies typically avoid mentioning their relationship with the Party. In public, especially in Western countries, they deny any ties to communist intelligence or military agencies. Huawei, for example, claims that the company is employee-owned. However, domestically, these companies have repeatedly demonstrated their loyalty to the party and have assisted its security services. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is shown around the offices of Chinese tech firm Huawei technologies by its President Ren Zhengfei, in London, during his state visit on Oct. 21, 2015. (Matthew Lloyd/AFP via Getty Images) In January 2019, Huawei President Ren Zhengfei insisted to Western journalists that Huawei would never allow the Chinese communist regime to access customer data, even if Beijing asked for it, according to a CNBC report. He claimed that Huawei has never handed over data to the authorities. But information from Huawei, obtained by The Washington Post in December of 2021, showed the company was actually marketing a variety of surveillance-related services to government agencies. The PowerPoint presentations described services including voice recognition technology, facial-recognition-based surveillance, monitoring of detention facilities, location tracking, workplace tracking tools, and police surveillance in Xinjiang, where the Chinese communist regime has been accused of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. The presentations contrasted with the companys denials that it has helped the CCP track Chinese citizens. The Defeat of Free Market Processes Chinas taking of golden stakes in U.S.-listed companies is a theft of American shareholder value, a threat to U.S. national security, and the defeat of free market processes by a totalitarian regime that should be illegal, Anders Corr, founder of Corr Analytics and publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, told The Epoch Times on March 11. In China, individuals and companies have no protection against the state, said Corr, an Epoch Times columnist. Companies have no legal recourse against intelligence services that require sensitive information to maintain ones freedom or the continued operation of a business. The move to more tightly link private companies to the CCP demonstrates the increasing intensity of CCP control over what is left of the private sector in China, as Xi strengthen[s] his lock on the party,Corr stressed. That control is a grave threat not only in China but overseas as well. The more that Beijing is allowed to make inroads into free market processes, the more powerful the Chinese Communist Party becomes, including here at home in the United States. In-N-Out Near UC Irvine Vandalized, Suspect Arrested People are seen enjoying meals sitting outside of the In-N-Out. (Sophie Li/The Epoch Times) IRVINE, Calif.An In-N-Out Burger located near the University of CaliforniaIrvine campus was broken into on March 26, whereafter a male suspect was arrested, authorities said. Officers responded to a report of a man breaking several restaurant windows and vandalizing cars near the area at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Irvine Police Department. There were also several reports of gunshots, police said, but no evidence was found regarding such. The suspect was arrested. In-N-Out near University of CaliforniaIrvine was vandalized in Irvine, Calif., on March 27. 2023. (Sophie Li/The Epoch Times) The stores windows were quickly repaired, and the restaurant resumed business the next day. Students and nearby residents were seen enjoying their meals next to police tape, still visible around the previously broken windows. In 2022, Irvine has been listed as the safest city of its size in the nation for 17 consecutive years, according to a comparison made based on crime statistics released by the FBI. A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some great idea, wrote Benjamin Disraeli in 1844. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique world, Art. Every year, over 6 million travelers visit the sprawling city named for mighty Athena. They come, sometimes without knowing, to discover the eternal soul of the place that poet/philosopher John Milton called the mother of art and eloquence. The largest archaeological museum in Greece, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. (trabantos/Shutterstock) One of the must-see Athens attractions is the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum adjacent is another bucket list attraction, housing unimaginable treasures. And for some, the best parts of the city lie at the stunning seaside that cradles the metropolis. Monastiraki Square is famous for its flea market, iconic ruins, and reputation as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. (Dimitris Panas/Shutterstock) Walk the colorful back alleys or shop near Monastiraki Square or Plaka. Along the way, be sure to embrace getting lost, finding your way, and discovering what life here is really liketaking cues from some of the Athenians who know the city best. Shop for souvenirs, visit high-end galleries, and sample Greek foods and wine in the neighborhood of Plaka, Athens. (Adisa/Shutterstock) The Promoter: Cultural Masterpieces and Nightlife Hot Spots Alex Tripodis is the founder and CEO of Efluencer Digital Marketing Agency. Hes also the founder and owner of GuestList.gr, the principal at Stigma Productions, and the former publisher of Nowitsdark Magazine. Athens visitors should make an early start and explore Plaka and Monastiraki. In these areas, one masterpiece after another unfolds before you. The Ancient Agora, the Temple of Athena Nike, the mighty Acropolis, and the new museum are just a few. The Ancient Agora of Athens includes magnificent classical structures such as the Stoa of Attalos, Church of Holy Apostles, and Temple Hephaestus.(RUBEN M RAMOS/Shutterstock) I enjoy Plaka. You can shop for souvenirs, visit high-end galleries, and sample Greek foods and wine. Drop by Hircus at 16 Athinaidos Street at Agias Eirinis Square. In addition, its an excellent place for brunch. Built around 420 B.C., the Temple of Athena Nike is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. (TTstudio/Shutterstock) I suggest you take in Gazi nightlife. For the 18- to 20-somethings, Dirty Blonde-loft at Persefonis Street is a hot spot. Its one of the biggest multilevel nightclubs in town. For a different vibe, head to Juan Rodriguez at No 3 Pallados Street in Psiri. This speakeasy is classy, majestic, and seductive. The Actress: Sophisticated Suburbs, Shopping Streets, and Day Trips Eva Galani is a Greek film, theater, and TV actress and mother of three children. Shes appeared in Greek TV series, commercials, and movies and was co-host of the American show series Europe After Dark. A visit to Athens would only be complete with a visit to the Acropolis, its Parthenon, and Plaka beneath. Here you will feel the authentic energy of the city. But Athens is a massive city with lots more to do. Located at the heart of the city, Syntagma Square is Athenss most important square, featuring the Old Royal Palace, Presidential Guard, and one of Greeces busiest transport hubs. (Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock) Athens has everything from cocktail bars to rooftops overlooking the Acropolis and courtyards reminding of the Greek Isles. The surrounding suburbs also have scores of sophisticated restaurants, clubs, and bars with good music and original menus. My favorite is a family-owned traditional Greek restaurant called Stis Ellis (which means at Ellis) in the Agia Paraskevi neighborhood. Ermou Street, a pedestrian-only and primary clothing shopping street in downtown Athens, Greece. (The_AAs/Shutterstock) Lake Vouliagmeni in the Athenian Riviera is famous for its mineral waters, which are known to have healing properties.(nito/Shutterstock) For shopping, visit pedestrian-only Ermou Street (and the surrounding areas). Afterward, snap some photos at Syntagma and Monastiraki squares. I recommend the MacArthurGlen outlet in Spata, near the airport. The ruins of the Temple of Poseidon still stand at Cape Sounion, at the edge of Attica, Greece.(Sven Hansche/Shutterstock) If youre up for a short day trip, I suggest visiting Lake Vouliagmeni with its deep green thermal waters. Its just under half an hour south of the city. A bit farther south, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is genuinely a bucket list attraction. The Areios Pagos, also called the Areopagus, is a prominent rock overlooking Athens, is said to have mythological associations, and was the seat of ancient Athenss council.(karnizz/Shutterstock) The Lawyer: Courts of Ancient Athens, Adventure, and Perfect Beaches Nick Grammenos is a supreme court lawyer practicing civil, commercial, corporate, and criminal cases. He studied law and criminology in France and Greece and opened Grammenos Law Firm over two decades ago. Athens is a city full of energy that always offers something to explore. Like any local, I recommend the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum as the first places to visit. However, my tip as a lawyer is to see the Areios Pagos, where the courts of ancient Athens took place. The night views from here are unforgettable. View of the Acropolis lit up at night from the historic neighborhood of Thission, which is known for its cafes, bars, and nightlife.(Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock) After the Acropolis attractions, youll be hungry. Luckily, some of the best places to eat are beneath the Acropolis. Plaka, Thission, and Psiri neighborhoods have many great restaurants. Tourists and locals enjoy the Psiri neighborhood, an area of Athens known for its vibrant nightlife and great dining opportunities. (Page Light Studios/Shutterstock) For the more adventurous, rent a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to take in the coasts south and west of Athens. This is the best way to find perfect beaches, some hidden and deserted. Be sure to troll past the Temple of Poseidon and then disembark to dine at the Naos Cafe Restaurant just across from the temple. America First Legal Launches Investigation Into Alvin Braggs Abusive and Partisan Pursuit of Trump Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks at a press conference after the sentencing hearing of the Trump Organization at the New York Supreme Court in New York on Jan. 13, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) America First Legal (AFL) has launched an investigation into the Manhattan District Attorneys Offices abusive and partisan pursuit of former President Donald Trump, with the foundation seeking records that are expected to unmask the probe against Trump as politically motivated. The foundation filed a New York Freedom of Information Law request on March 27 (pdf), requesting a range of Trump-related communications records from the Manhattan DAs office, which is pursuing an investigation against the former president. America First Legal will obtain and expose records about Alvin Braggs unprecedented efforts to target a political opponent, said Gene Hamilton, AFL vice president and general counsel, in a statement. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is probing Trump over an alleged misclassification of a hush money payment to adult performer Stormy Daniels over an alleged affair. Trump, who has denied the affair with Daniels and insists hes the victim of extortion, initially said he expected to be indicted last week, but Bragg has so far not made his move. The former president has since said he believes Bragg has given up on the case. I think theyve already dropped the case they have absolutely nothing. Trump said after a rally in Waco, Texas, on Saturday. Its a fake case. Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives during a rally at the Waco Regional Airport in Waco, Texas, on March 25, 2023. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Bragg, for his part, recently said that Trump created a false expectation that he would be arrested, but the Manhattan prosecutor has otherwise avoided speaking publicly about the matter. In pursuing its records request from Braggs office, AFL said its actions are about holding to account officials at various levels of government who abuse prosecutorial power to persecute their political opponents. Hamilton said in a statement that, by pursuing his case against the former president, Bragg seems to be engaged in the vindictive pursuit of prosecution, regardless of the underlying facts and law. The reality is this: no other American citizen would ever face the prospect of prosecution in these circumstances, Hamilton continued. Instead of delivering one standard of justice for all, Alvin Braggs actions undermine the American peoples confidence in our justice system everywhere. The Epoch Times has reached out to Braggs office for comment. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg arrives at the Manhattan District Attorneys office in New York City, on March 23, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Between a Rock and a Hard Place A Manhattan grand jury was expected to reconvene this week to hear more evidence about Trumps alleged role in the hush-money payment. Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen has said he made the payment at Trumps direction to buy Danielss silence about the alleged affair ahead of the 2016 election. Attorney Robert Costello, a Trump ally and former legal adviser to Cohen, testified before the grand jury last week, saying Cohen told him he acted alone in making the payment. Cohen, who testified the previous week, pleaded guilty in 2018 to federal charges stemming from the payoff and was sentenced to time behind bars for a campaign finance violation, among other crimes. No matter whether Bragg ultimately decides to proceed with an indictment against Trump or not, the Manhattan District Attorney faces difficult decisions going forward. I dont think I would want to be Alvin Bragg right now. I think hes between a rock and a hard place with all the eyes of the nation watching him, Cheryl Bader of Fordham University Law School told Reuters in an interview. On the one hand, he could end up pulling the indictment, but then everybody will be critical of, well why did he put everyone through this? The grand jury could decide not to indict on their own, but I think thats probably unlikely, she continued. I think well probably end up with an indictment. But again, that puts Bragg with a lot of criticism as to whether he is pursuing a risky case that could end up imploding. Bader also noted other dilemmas facing Bragg, including flawed witness Cohen and the fact that the judge may end up dismissing the case. The jury, too, may be unsympathetic. Jurors often arent moved by a case that feels like a technical accounting violation and its really about covering up a personal indiscretion. It may feel like old news, right? It may be something that the jury doesnt really care about, she added. Trump faces several other criminal investigations, including one tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. If Trump ends up being indicted, it would be a first for a current or former president. Investigation Reveals Revolving Door of DOJ, Big Tech Employees Report follows state AGs lawsuit alleging illegal government-tech collusion In the midst of an ongoing lawsuit against the Biden administration alleging collaboration with social media companies to censor Americans, a new report has detailed the extent to which former Justice Department (DOJ) employees are now working at Big Tech firms. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) investigated the resumes of recent hires and found that more than 360 current employees of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook/Meta are former DOJ employees. Likewise, more than 40 DOJ employees, many of them in senior roles, previously worked at Big Tech firms. According to the report, since President Joe Biden took office, Google hired 40 former DOJ staffers, Amazon hired 61, Microsoft hired 26, and Meta hired 53. While staff often move between government and the private sector, this case is different because unlike government and industry moving expertise back and forth (knowledge about procurement rules for example) what we have seen moving back and forth between DOJ and tech is a shared political agenda, specifically to silence conservative voices, Yitz Friedman, AAF communications manager, told The Epoch Times. Sadly, it is evidence that in the Big Tech community, corporate policy is the governments policy. This concern is heightened by recent evidence of collaboration between the DOJ and Twitter to silence Americans, particularly regarding political speech. After buying social media platform Twitter, Elon Musk released thousands of internal emails that allegedly showed collusion between Twitter and DOJ officials to censor speech, including banning a report by the New York Post before the 2020 election that reportedly incriminated then-candidate Joe Biden in illicit payments scandals. Campaign of Public Threats The release of the Twitter files follows a lawsuit by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt that alleges illegal collusion between the Biden administration and Big Tech companies to suppress free speech. In a November 2022 interview with The Epoch Times, Landry stated that, because of the First Amendment, the government doesnt have the ability to censor speech, especially political speech. And so they cant go out there and force these companies [to do it]. Plaintiffs in this case filed a 364-page finding of fact document showing a campaign of public threats against social-media platforms to pressure them to censor more speech on social media. This document will be discussed in a congressional hearing on March 30 on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. [The DOJ] is doing everything they can to scratch and claw and fight to keep us from getting any of this information the U.S. Department of Justice and the Attorney General claim that theres some sort of privilege to the information were looking for, Landry said. I would remind the U.S. Attorney General that there is no privilege for violating an Americans First Amendment rights. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry speaks during a news conference in Washington on Jan. 22, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) A key component of this suit is what is called the law of agency, which states that the federal government could be responsible for the actions of private companies if it encourages or compels them to violate the law. Landry expects that this case will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court and will set a landmark precedent for collusion between the government and corporations. Demonstrating its intentions to curtail Big Tech monopolies and the authority the government has over them, the DOJ announced a lawsuit on Jan. 24 against Google for monopolistic abuses regarding advertising. Todays complaint alleges that Google has used anticompetitive, exclusionary, and unlawful conduct to eliminate or severely diminish any threat to its dominance over digital advertising technologies, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated when announcing the suit. But this gives little comfort to those who are concerned about government-tech collusion, particularly when it comes to silencing political opponents. As Big Tech continues to target conservatives, the revolving door between the Justice Department and Big Tech calls into question the Biden administrations willingness to end these abuses rather than collaborate with big tech, AAF President Tom Jones said. The Epoch Times contacted the DOJ, Meta, Google, and Amazon for comment on this article. They didnt respond by press time. John Durham Expected to Finish His Report Relatively Soon: Attorney General Special counsel John Durham arrives at federal court in Washington on May 18, 2022. (Teng Chen for The Epoch Times) U.S. special counsel John Durham is poised to finish his report soon, Attorney General Merrick Garland said on March 28. Garland, testifying before a U.S. Senate committee, was asked about how Democrat lawyer Michael Sussmann had a badge that let him access the FBIs headquarters. Sussmann used the the badge to gain entry on Sept. 19, 2016, when he handed over unsupported allegations against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump to an FBI lawyer. He was with the private law firm purpose Perkins Coie, which is the main counsel for the national Democratic Party. He had a special badge to get him into the FBI building. Why did he have that special badge? Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) asked. Im afraid I also dont know anything about this. I assume from the reference that this is something that Mr. Durham was investigating as part of his investigation, Garland said. No, I dont think he investigated the badge, Kennedy said. I know he was investigating Mr. Sussmann. I think this goes back to 2020. I dont know the answer to that, Garland said. Kennedy asked Garland to find out the answer for him, noting that he tried getting it from FBI Director Christopher Wray during questioning in 2020 but that Sussmanns trial was in process at the time. Sussmann, prosecuted by Durhams team, was acquitted by a jury in Washington. The trial is over. Id like to know why Mr. Sussmann, a private citizen, had a special badge to get into the FBI in the Department of Justice, and if there are other people out there who have special badges, Kennedy said. On the particular question about Sussman, I think were going to have to wait until Mr. Durham finishes his report, which should be relatively soon, Garland replied. I certainly dont in any way want to interfere with him. Hes the one who would know the answer to that, the attorney general added. On the more general question, I can certainly ask my team to look into how lawyers have special badges. Garland was appointed by President Joe Biden. Durham was made special counsel by former Attorney General William Barr, a Trump appointee. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland arrives for testimony before the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee in Washington on March 28, 2023. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Little Insight U.S. officials have rarely commented on the Durham probe, which is focused on the U.S. counterintelligence investigation into Trumps campaign before and after he was elected president. Durham has only prosecuted three people. Former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who doctored an email to state that a one-time Trump campaign associate was not a CIA asset when the associate actually was, pleaded guilty and received probation. Sussmann was acquitted by a jury, as was Igor Danchenko, a Russian national who was the primary subsource for the Trump dossier compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele for Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. Barr, who has defended the probe, said he was disappointed by the acquittals but optimistic about the upcoming report. Garland has said before that he wants as much as possible of the Durham report to be made public. I have to be concerned about Privacy Act concerns and classification, but other than that, the commitment is to provide a public report, yes, he said during an appearance before a Senate panel in 2021. He has also said that he would not interfere with the investigation. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said during Garlands last appearance before the Senate that Garland has succeeded in doing that. I expect we will hear accusations from some of my Republican colleagues, such as weaponization of the Justice Department. The reality is you recommitted to serving the American people and not the personal interest of one political figure. Youve taken the appropriate steps to ensure investigations are not overshadowed by politics. You have not interfered with the investigation of the presidents son by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, a holdover who was appointed by president trump, Durbin said. You have not interfered with the special counsel initiated into the origin of the investigation of the Trump campaign ties to Russia, he added. Most recently, youve appointed to special counsels to investigate mishandling of classified documents in the possession of former President Trump or President Biden. Joint Venture Brands Amid Price Reduction Frenzy in Chinas Auto Market People looking at a Volkswagen car on display at a showroom in Beijing on May 10, 2020. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) In recent years, the Chinese car market has witnessed intense competition. In less than three months of 2023, the competition has intensified further, with several joint-venture brands joining a price reduction war. In early March, Chinese car maker Dongfeng Group, with the support of Hubei provincial authoritys subsidies, cut prices of several types of vehicles, including two Citroen C6 models, by up to 90,000 yuan ($13,000), setting off a price-cutting spree for fuel cars across China. FAW-Volkswagen and FAW Toyota followed suit with promotions, SAIC-Volkswagen launched an Audi brand-buying campaign for its employees, SAIC-GMs Buick brand gave special promotions of up to 70,000 yuan ($10,000) for a number of cars, and BMW Brilliance reduced the price of several models by 35,000 yuan ($5,095). Chinese finance expert Qi Fang, who is based in the U.K., recently spoke to The Epoch Times on March 24 regarding the current situation faced by Chinese joint venture brands. According to Qi, Chinas declining population and economic slowdown have resulted in weak domestic demand and a continuous decline in sales volume in the passenger car market. Joint venture brands have been slow to invest and establish themselves in the new energy vehicle market, and they lack the impetus to make transitions in accordance with Chinas policy-driven market. Specifically, the SUV market has been impacted by hybrid vehicles, and the small car market has been affected by pure electric vehicles, further contributing to the decline in sales volume and market share for joint venture brands. Sales Trends According to data released by the Market Research Branch of the China Automobile Dealers Association, retail sales of regular fuel vehicles in China have been declining since 2019, with 19.68 million units in 2019, 18.18 million in 2020, 17.17 million in 2021, 14.88 million in 2022, and a 44 percent year-on-year drop in January this year. At the same time, the retail market share of Chinas domestic passenger car brands continues to grow, while the market share of mainstream joint venture brands has been consistently declining. Specifically, the retail market share of domestic brands reached 35.4 percent in 2020, then increased to 41 percent in 2021 and to 47 percent in 2022. By February of this year, this share increased further to 51 percent. An employee working on a car assembly line at a Dongfeng factory in Wuhan in Chinas central Hubei Province on Sept. 14, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) During the same period, the market share of Chinas mainstream joint venture brands was 44 percent in December 2021; 39 percent in December 2022; 36.4 percent in January; and 34.5 percent in February this year. In February, Chinas joint venture brands sold 480,000 vehicles, representing a 12 percent year-over-year decline. German brands accounted for 20.6 percent of retail sales in February, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous year. Meanwhile, Japanese brands accounted for 17.6 percent of retail sales, down 5.4 percentage points year-on-year, while American brands accounted for 7.5 percent of retail sales, down 1.6 percentage points year-on-year. According to Qis analysis, the current strategy of new energy vehicle brands, offering deep discounts to seize market share, has had a significant impact on the sales of traditional fuel cars. This effect is particularly pronounced for joint venture brands, whose market share is expected to continue declining in the future. However, most Chinese domestic new energy vehicle brands, aside from BYD, are currently running at a loss. If Chinese domestic new energy vehicle brands are unable to achieve profitability this year, it will be difficult to sustain their price reduction strategy, and there is a possibility that the market share of joint venture brands may reverse. Joint Ventures In the 1980s, Chinas auto industry faced three Nos: no market, no technology, and no capital. The communist Chinese authorities used the strategy of market in exchange for technology and market in exchange for capital to bring in German, French, and Japanese car companies such as Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Isuzu, giving birth to joint venture car factories in China. People looking at a BMW 1-Series sharing car in Shenyang in Chinas northeastern Liaoning Province on Aug. 10, 2017. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas cheap manufacturing industry became directly integrated into the global market after the country formally joined the WTO in 2001, attracting more foreign investment into Chinas auto industry. GM, Ford, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and several other foreign brands entered China one after another. It was a period of prosperity for Chinas auto market. By 2009, Chinas auto production and sales surpassed that of the United States and became the worlds largest auto producer and seller. Chinas state-owned automakers, including BAIC, Dongfeng Motor, SAIC, FAW, etc., which cooperated with foreign investors, were able to join the ranks of the worlds top 500 companies thanks to the huge profits brought by joint venture brands. However, with the expansion of the new energy vehicle industry, the once glamorous joint venture brands started to go downhill. In 2012, Chinas State Council issued the Energy Conservation and New Energy Vehicle Industry Plan (2012-2020) in order to send Chinas new energy vehicle industry onto a fast track. Then in 2018, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) implemented significant reductions in import tariffs on automobiles, relaxed equity ratio restrictions on joint ventures, and welcomed the introduction of Tesla into the Chinese market. These developments led to an explosion in Chinas new energy vehicle market, which has accelerated the erosion of the traditional vehicle market. Starting this year, traditional joint venture brands in China have been embroiled in a price war and have resorted to a price for volume strategy. The mainstream joint venture brands in Chinas passenger car market had a market share of over 60 percent in 2014, but by 2023, that share dropped to 34.5 percent. China has scrapped COVID tests on arrival for travelers from Korea after Seoul stopped the requirement for visitors from China last week. But all arrivals in China including Koreans still have to present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure. The two countries also agreed to increase flights to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport here. China slashed flights between the two countries from about 1,100 a week in 2019 to just 60 at the moment. Only 105,000 passengers took the flights in January this year, a mere 7.6 percent of the 1.38 million passengers three years ago. Kansas Supreme Court Unlikely to Shift on Abortion-Friendly Stance Value Them Both amendment supporters line a sidewalk near a polling site in Olathe, Kansas, during the states Aug. 2, 2022, special electionthe nations first public referendum on abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned Roe vs. Wade, kicking regulation back to states. (Courtesy of the Value Them Both coalition) The Kansas Supreme Court appeared unmoved on March 27 by Kansas Solicitor General Tony Powells arguments that its 2019 ruling recognizing abortion as a fundamental right under the Kansas Constitution should be overturned. Powell spent Monday morning defending two state abortion laws before the courta 2015 ban on second-trimester dismemberment abortions and a 2011 law that regulates abortion providers more strictly than other medical providers. Both laws have been blocked from enforcement due to legal challenges. In his arguments, Powell held that the courts 2019 ruling should be reconsidered in light of the U.S. Supreme Courts June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that abortion is not a right protected by the U.S. Constitution. The justices, however, seemed skeptical. We had a vote in August, and it was pretty overwhelming to reject the proposition of amending the Constitution. I mean, I think thats the elephant in the room, Justice Dan Biles said, referring to a proposed amendment that would have declared that nothing in the states constitution creates a right to abortion. But while that measure was rejected by roughly 59 percent of Kansas voters during the states 2022 primary election, Powell argued Monday that the vote doesnt matter to the cases at hand. Holding that voters who rejected the amendment could still support reasonable restrictions on abortion, he asserted that the court should let the people work it out through the legislature. Later, when Powell described dismemberment abortionalso known as a dilation and evacuation abortionas heinous, Justice Melissa Standridge questioned what evidence had been presented to support that description. I am giving a pejorative description of it, but Id like to think that we can agree that the dismemberment of a live, unborn child is a gruesome thing, Powell said. Nonetheless, of the six justices present for the hearing, five appeared unswayed by the state attorneys arguments, though at one point, they did ask Alice Wang, attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights, whether preserving life presented a compelling state interest. In response, Wang noted that the court had addressed that question in its 2019 ruling, declining to recognize a compelling interest. Kansas law currently allows for an abortion to take place up until 22 weeks gestation, well into the second trimester. The Center for Reproductive Rights, a pro-abortion advocacy group, has held that a ban on dismemberment abortions would require providers to turn to alternatives that would be more expensive and pose greater risks to the mothers healthan argument Biles appeared to agree with. As for the 2011 law, while its supporters have held that it makes clinics safer for women, multiple justices appeared doubtful that the state has a compelling reason to treat abortion providers differently from other health care providers. The court is not expected to issue its final rulings on the two laws for months. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Long Beach Neighborhood Group Pushes Back Against LA Metros Plan to Create Local Homeless Hub Some Long Beach community members are pushing back against the Los Angeles County Metro Boards plan to create a hub for homeless services at one of its local Metro subway stations along the line that runs from downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Long Beach and is a member of the Metro board, in February authored the motionwhich was sponsored by three other board members including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bassto create the hub. During a Metro board meeting that month, officials requested that staff explore the citys Wardlow and Willow stations, both located in Long Beachs Wrigley neighborhood, for such a hub. The stations in question are four and five stops, respectively, from the A Lines 1st Street station, where riders, according to Metro policy, must disembark daily at 1 a.m. to allow Metro workers to clean and prepare compartments for operations that resume at 4 a.m. As a result, about 40 to 60 homeless individuals exit into downtown Long Beach nightly, according to officials. Syringes disposed on the train tracks at the Westlake/Macarthur Park train station in Los Angeles on March 20, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The Metro boards consideration of such a homeless hub comes after the city of Long Beach last October questioned the Metro board on the policy and how it may be affecting its downtown area after several residents and business owners expressed frustration about homeless people exiting the train in the middle of the night. A hub could potentially provide showers, phone charging stations, and would have representatives from the countys leading homeless agencythe Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)offering housing services, according to county officials. Hahn emphasized that the success of such an endeavor would require collaboration between various agencies, including LAHSA, the city, and the county. While Metro can provide the necessary space, its not the agencys core mission to take on the responsibilities of the other governmental bodies involved, she said. Metro can own the property and turn it over for a use like that. But the rest of the agencies have to provide everything else, Hahn said during a Feb. 23 Metro board meeting. Metro has stepped up to the plate, but lets face it, its not their core mission to do this work that the rest of our different governmental bodies are responsible for. A homeless man in LA Metros Westlake/MacArthur Park station in Los Angeles on March 20, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) But the Wrigley Association, a nonprofit group that represents Wrigley neighborhood residents and local business owners, said such a homeless hub would further burden an already underserved community. Bringing in a number of people nightly that require aid is just going to decimate the minimal resources this area already has, the associations spokesperson, Alejandra Gutierrez, told The Epoch Times. Gutierrez said the association is not concerned with NIMBY-ism, an acronym for not in my backyard, but instead, the group is urging the City of Long Beach, Metro, and county officials to find another solution to help the homeless who seek refuge on the Metro. This is just a moment of looking to an already under-resourced area of Long Beach to do more than it can bear the brunt of helping an issue that plagues not only the City of Long Beach, but California in general, she said. The association held a community meeting in March that drew roughly 150 Long Beach residents to question county, Long Beach city officials, and Metro representatives about the proposal. People also voiced concerns about public safety and how a hub could affect businesses nearby and deter new businesses. The issue will return before the Metro board for consideration in April. California Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Head of China-Controlled US Newspaper Crime scene tape is seen outside of the U.S.-based Chinese-language newspaper China Press' office after a shooting death in Alhambra, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2018. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) A man accused of shooting and killing his boss at a U.S.-based, Chinese-language newspapers office in Alhambra, California, in 2018 pleaded guilty on March 27. Zhong Qi Chen, 63, who confessed to the murder of Yining Xie, founder and chairman of China Pressor Qiao Bao in Chinesewill face a combined maximum sentence of 21 years in state prison for involuntary manslaughter and the intentional use of a firearm. The prosecutor, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Cindy Park, said during the hearing that the defendant may be eligible 15 years later for elderly parolefor those who are at least 50 years old and have been in custody for at least 20 years, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Chen has been in custody since November 2018. His sentencing has been scheduled for May 1. Zhong Qi Chen, of El Monte, Calif., was arrested for suspicion of murder with a firearm in Alhambra, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2018. (Courtesy of Alhambra Police Department) Chen, a Chinese national with U.S. citizenship, could be seen in a yellow prison uniform with an interpreter standing next to him. He also admitted to using a semi-automatic pistol and shooting the victim three times in the head, four times in the chest, and twice in the back. A motive hasnt been released by authorities. On Nov. 16, 2018, Xie, 58, was pronounced dead at 9:40 a.m. with multiple gunshot wounds. He was found on the second floor of the newspapers Alhambra building, according to police. Chen was arrested on the same day for suspicion of murder, and a handgun was recovered by officers from the scene. Investigators said at the time that they believed that a workplace dispute led to the shooting. Yining Xie, founder and chairman of the U.S.-based Chinese-language newspaper China Press, was shot to death inside the publications office in Alhambra, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2018. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) Chen was released three days later after posting a bond for his $1 million bailbefore being arrested again the next day on a Los Angeles County Superior Court warrant with his bail being set at $6 million. The bail amount was later reduced to $3 million by a judge. Chen pleaded not guilty later that month to a murder charge, with allegations that he used a handgun and caused great bodily injury and death, according to a statement (pdf) from Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. China Press Close Ties to the CCP China Press published an obituary in November 2018 with a brief timeline of Xies career. After graduating from university in 1982, Xie became a reporter for the state-run China News Service. In 1987, Xie became the White House correspondent for the news service. In 1992, he left his position to establish China Press in San Francisco; the newspaper also has editions in Los Angeles and New York. China Presss webpage, with a remembrance photo and message about the passing of its founder, Xie Yining. (Screenshot) China Press has long been known in the U.S. immigrant community for its pro-Beijing views and tendency to repeat the Chinese Community Partys propaganda on a wide range of issues. The publication is under the umbrella of Rhythm Media Group, a California-registered firm founded in 2003 with several Chinese-language media outlets, a film production company, and a cultural center in its profile. In 2001, the U.S. think tank The Jamestown Foundation listed China Press as an overseas Chinese newspaper directly controlled by the Chinese government. After Xies death, the newspapers operation reportedly shrunk, with its West Coast edition switched from daily to weekly print distribution in July 2019, the publication announced the previous month. Epoch Times staff members Zhou Yuejun and Annie Wu contributed to this report. Man Serving Nearly 250 Years to Life for San Diego Murder Killed in Prison Prison fence and security camera are seen in this file photo. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) SAN DIEGOA man who was serving a nearly 250-year-to-life prison sentence for fatally shooting a Linda Vista man was killed at Pelican Bay State Prison last week, allegedly by two fellow inmates. Joseph Hill, 53, died March 23 afternoon after state prison officials say two inmates attacked him in a prison yard. Hill was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead about two hours after the attack, according to the state. Officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not elaborate on the nature of the attack but said officers recovered an inmate manufactured weapon during their investigation. Hill was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 for shooting 47-year-old Sean OToole in the backyard of the victims home. At trial, prosecutors said Hill killed OToole on Dec. 29, 2013, because he felt the victim had disrespected his girlfriend, while Hills defense attorney said the shooting was self-defense. Hill was also convicted of attempted murder for shooting and wounding another man at a motel in La Jolla a few hours after OToole was killed. Prosecutors alleged that man was shot over a $200 drug debt. Hill was arrested the following day after a shootout with police in Point Loma. At his sentencing hearing in 2015, Deputy District Attorney Joe McLaughlin said Hill had shown little remorse for the murder, to which Hill stated in open court, No remorse not little. No remorse. Man Stabbed Outside Downtown Vancouver Coffee Shop as Witnesses Watch Police cars are seen parked outside Vancouver Police Department headquarters in Vancouver, on Jan. 9, 2021. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has charged a 32-year-old man with murder, following a stabbing outside a downtown Starbucks near Granville Street on March 26. VPD said in a March 27 news release they are seeking additional witnesses to the crime, which left Paul Stanley Schmidt, 37, dead. He worked as a mover in Burnaby, B.C., and is Vancouvers sixth murder victim of the year, according to police. Inderdeep Singh Gosal has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. We believe this homicide was witnessed by dozens of bystanders, and there may be people with information who have not yet come forward, said Sergeant Steve Addison. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was present in the moments before the stabbing, or anyone who has cell-phone video of the incident. Obviously this was extremely traumatic for everybody involved, Addison told reporters. The fatal stabbing occurred around 5:40 p.m. on a Sunday evening, which police said followed a brief altercation between the two men outside the coffee shop. According to police, a constable patrolling in the area was flagged down moments after the stabbing, and arrested the suspect at the scene. Additional VPD officers attempted to save the victims life by performing first aid, however he succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to hospital, said police. A graphic 36-second video was posted on social media, with raw footage of the stabbing. The video shows a dark-haired, heavyset man in bright red sweatpants and a white hoodie involved in a physical altercation just outside the entrance doors, with a slim, Caucasian man wearing grey pants, a white shirt, and a long-sleeved black jacket. The video shows the man in red sweatpants going back into the busy Starbucks, while the Caucasian man stumbles around for a few seconds, clutching his left rib/chest area. He slowly collapses face-first to the ground. The man in red sweatpants then comes back outside, opens the glass door, looks at the man on the ground, and goes back into Starbucks. Splatters of blood can be seen all over the cement patio in front of the coffee house. The man on the ground tries to lift his head. A woman can be heard in the background crying incoherently. A bearded man, wearing glasses, a black cap, and a grey jacket, is shown on video, sitting on the patio watching the events unfold and taking a sip of his coffee. Police investigators have indicated they do not believe the victim and suspect knew each other, and said the circumstances that led up to the fatal stabbing remain under investigation. The victims mother, Kathy, told Global News that Schmidt was enjoying a family day with his wife and young daughter, stopping to pick up treats at Starbucks. Paul lives for his wife and daughter, she said. They were his whole life. Sen. Elizabeth Warren Announces Plans to Run for 2024 Reelection Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 1, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced she is planning to run for re-election 2024. It would be the third term for the 73-year old Massachusetts senator, who first took office in 2012. The announcement came early on March 27, when Warren posted a campaign ad on her Twitter page. Weve won some big victories for working families in Massachusetts and across the country, but theres a lot more to do. So today Im making it official: Im running for re-election to keep up the fight, Warren announced on Twitter. Warren has become known for being a high-calibre liberal contender within the Democratic Party. Her aim, she says, is to end corruption in Washington, and make the economy work for the lower and middle classes. Warren says that she first ran for Senate because she noticed that the system is rigged very much in favor of the rich and powerful, at the expense of everyone else. I won because Massachusetts voters know it, too. And now Im running for Senate again because theres a lot more weve got to do, Warren said in a campaign video released Monday. Her campaign ad on Twitter showed supporters singing her praises. Across Massachusetts, Elizabeth makes sure we have a choice, one voter says in the video. Elizabeth doesnt [expletive] around. Shes always in our corner, another says. A failed 2020 Presidential contender, Warrens initial hesitance to endorse the Biden-Harris administration for 2024 sparked speculation that she was planning another presidential campaign herself. She later rescinded on her comments, which she made on Boston Public Radio in January, saying that she is fully supportive of a Biden-Harris re-run. I fully support the presidents and vice presidents re-election together and never intended to imply otherwise. Theyre a terrific team with a strong record of delivering for working families, she told GBH. According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Warrens campaign account amounted to nearly $2.5 million at the end of last year. Her first win in the 2012 election saw her defeating incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown. A Harvard Law School professor at the time, Warrens win made her the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts. Then, in 2018, Warren was re-elected for a second term after a landslide victory against Republican candidate Geoff Diehl. Shortly after, she set out to run in the 2020 presidential primaries. Warrens blunt and outspoken style, while popular with some Democrat voters, proved not been enough to convince a wider majority. She dropped out of the presidential run after she failed to secure a win in any of the states that voted on Super Tuesday. This included coming in third in the Democratic primary in her home state. Warren previously claimed partial Native American ancestry, which due to her inability to provide evidence, had laid obstacles in her way during her campaign against Brown and again, during her bid for the presidency. She has stated that she first learned of her Cherokee and Delaware roots from stories her parents told her as a child. After her loss in 2020, her focus shifted back to pushing reforms in the financial sector. She joined Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) on a quest to rebuke a 2018 rollback of parts of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted following the 2008 economic crash. Her recent campaign video addressed a range of priority issues, ranging from the implementation of a wealth tax and imposing stricter rules on financial institutions, to more affordable child care, as well as the protection of coastal communities. Another focal point is the construction of what Warren refers to as a 21st century transportation system across all of Massachusetts. To date, there is no indication of a potential challenger to Warren as the Democratic candidate. While many Democrats appear to be biding their time for now, Warren already has the backing of many high-profile Massachusetts Democrats including U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and fellow Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Edward Markey. Markey has decided not to seek re-election after fending off a primary challenge from then-Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy in 2020. Warren is currently serving on multiple congressional bodies, including the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Armed Services. The Associated Press contributed to this report. From NTD News McConnell Says Repeal of Iraq War Authorizations Would Benefit Iran Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) arrives at his office in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Nov. 15, 2022. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a lengthy statement on March 28 expressing opposition to a bill that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations, claiming that undoing them would benefit Iran. The first allowed the United States to enter the Gulf War, during which Iraqi leader Saddam Husseins forces were driven out of Kuwait. The second allowed the U.S. military to go into Iraq following reports that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. McConnell said that the repeals, which President Joe Biden supports, would be a victory for Iran. I am opposed to Congress sunsetting any military force authorizations in the Middle East. Our terrorist enemies arent sunsetting their war against us. And when we deploy our servicemembers in harms way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can. McConnell remarked that the 2002 authorization, bears directly on the threats we face today in Iraq and Syria from Iran-backed terrorists. Iraq has come under extremely heavy influence and manipulation from Iran. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has spent years standing up political parties, militias, and terrorist proxies in Iraq whose chief loyalty is to Tehran, he said. Our enemies in Iran who have spent two decades targeting and killing Americans in the Middle East would be delighted to see America dial down our military presence, authorities, and activities in Iraq. Tehran wants to push us out of Iraq and Syria. Why should Congress make that easier? McConnell went on to lament that while the Senates been engaged in this abstract, theoretical debate about rolling back American power, Iran has continued its deadly attacks on us. Just last week a suspected Iranian attack killed one American and wounded six more in Syria. Some in America may think our war against terrorism is sunsetting but clearly, the terrorists do not agree. After a small initial response from the Biden administration, Iran launched yet more attacks over the weekend, aimed at killing even more Americans. Our presidents response to this escalation seems to have been to pull his punches and let Tehran have the last word. McConnell called on the Biden administration to change its strategy, rebuild deterrence, end Irans pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, and protect Americans and American interests from Iranian terrorism. His statement comes a day after the Senate voted to advance the bill, introduced by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 authorizations. Mental Health, Social Skills, Reading Scores Plummeted Because of School Lockdowns, Witnesses Testify at Congressional Hearing U.S. children were unnecessarily harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic because of school closure decisions that lacked a solid scientific basis, witnesses told the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Black, Hispanic, and lower-income students were more affected by these policies, which increased the educational and economic disparity between segments of the population, lawmakers heard at the March 28 hearing. Despite children being COVIDs lowest-risk demographic, American elementary and secondary students were shut out of schools for lengthy periods and relegated to deplorable remote learning, Virginia Gentles, director of the Education Freedom Center at Independent Womens Forum, told the subcommittee. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) during a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing in Washington on Sept. 26, 2017. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Irresponsible school district leaders endangered children academically, emotionally, and physically, by closing and refusing to open schools, decisions that led to devastating learning loss, mental health issues, developmental delays, and persistent discipline challenges, she said. Profound Harm Witnesses presented a litany of data on the ill effects of depriving children of in-person learning, physical activity, and socialization due to school closures. Investigative journalist David Zweig cited studies showing that test scores in school districts with 100 percent remote instruction fell by three times as much as in those that allowed in-person learning for most of the school year. Moreover, their research showed that disadvantaged students had disproportionate learning declines during the academic year, he said. He noted that remote instruction was more likely to be used in schools with predominately black and Hispanic students and that schools in high-poverty areas spent more time in remote learning during the 20202021 school year than other schools. Zweig said that students also were less likely to report abuse during the lockdowns because they no longer had a way to tell an adult what was happening to them. According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as The Nations Report Card, math and reading scores plummeted across the country. Only 26 percent of eighth-graders are proficient in math and 31 percent in reading nationwide, Gentles said. A student follows an online live lesson while separated from others by plastic barriers in Culver City, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2020. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) An October 2022 analysis by Harvard and Stanford Universities researchers found that the average U.S. public school student in grades three through eight lost the equivalent of a half year of learning in math and a quarter of a year in reading, she said. Increased psychological and behavioral problems were reported in students returning to school after lockdowns were lifted. That was partly due to the lack of access to school nurses, the primary health care providers for many students, according to Donna Mazyck, executive director of the National Association of School Nurses. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported 5.6 percent of children under 19 were uninsured. For many children living in or near poverty, the school nurse may be the only health care professional they access regularly, and access to a school nurse advances health equity, she said. Unnecessary Loss The lawmakers heard that school lockdowns were initiated as a first response to COVID-19 but werent a long-term strategy necessary to prevent the pandemics spread. Tracy Beth Hoeg, an epidemiologist and private practice physician, noted that European schools were fully opened by the fall of 2022 with no ill effects. The reopening of schools across Europe was not associated with an increase in community COVID-19 cases, and this was seen independent of the country or their particular mitigation strategies, she said. We had evidence prior to the pandemic that masks were largely ineffective at preventing community transmission of influenza and other upper respiratory viruses, and we did not obtain any new, high-quality evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic that masks are an effective mitigation strategy in schools or outside of schools. The masking guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the six-foot social-distancing standard were arbitrary, Hoeg said. A sign outside Columbus Elementary School in Chicago lets visitors know that the playground is closed on Jan. 25, 2021. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) It wasnt necessary, and it wasnt evidence-based. We should have, by default, been keeping our schools open. But instead, we required these non-evidence-based mitigation strategies as a prerequisite for getting our children back in school. That ended up being very harmful. The Next Pandemic Republican and Democratic leaders on the subcommittee, both physicians, agreed on the need to keep children in school as much as possible in the event of another pandemic. As we look back, I believe each state and district should have asked themselves, Schools need to be open. Students need in-person instruction. How can we achieve that? subcommittee Chair Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) said. Our goal must be to make our schools resilient for the next highly contagious, lethal virus so that we can keep schools open, protect students and teachers, prevent outbreaks, and reduce transmissions of the virus in our communities, ranking Democrat Raul Ruiz of California said. I believe that one of the lessons we learned is that keeping children in school is important, Mazyck said. To do that, we need to bolster the supports that they need in order to be in school, learning. They need public health. They need support from specialized instructional support personnel to help them be available for their learning. Personal protective equipment, disinfectant supplies, vaccines, and proper ventilation all are necessary for keeping children in school, Mazyck said. Middletown Police Make 2 Drug Arrests Following Month-Long Investigation Middletown police officers arrested two men for illegal drug possession after a month-long joint investigation with the district attorneys office, according to a March 24 police release. The investigation aimed to disrupt the trafficking of cocaine and heroin in the area. One of the defendants, Noah Stark-Morris, was also illegally in possession of a firearm. The city has seen an increase in shots fired this year, though police have reported no direct evidence linking them to illicit drug trafficking. On March 21, Middletown police executed a search warrant at Stark-Morriss residence in the Town of Wallkill, recovering 4 grams of fentanyl, 17 grams of crack cocaine, 5 grams of powdered cocaine, one scale, and other packaging materials. The search also led to the discovery of a handgun, a shotgun, and ammunition. Stark-Morris was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and a firearm before being released on his own recognizance. Under current New York law, the crimes he was charged with arent eligible for bail. Drugs, firearms, and ammunition were recovered during recent searches by Middletown police. (Courtesy of Middletown Police Department) On March 24, Middletown police, with assistance from the sheriffs office, executed a no-knock search warrant at 147 Prospect Ave. in the City of Middletown. Police recovered 139 bags of heroin and fentanyl, two scales, and 28 rounds of ammunition. The target of the search, Kenneth Middleton, was arrested on-site and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Because Middleton had an outstanding warrant from a separate charge of driving without a valid license, a cash bail was allowed to be set on his new offense. He was subsequently remanded to county jail. Several shots were recently reportedly fired on the same block of Middletons residence, and several shell casings were located by police. No people or property were found to have been struck by gunfire following a neighborhood canvass by police. In January, gunshots were reported on two separate occasions near the intersection of Wickham Avenue and Sproat Street by nearby residents. On Jan. 4, a bullet passed through a window of a Sproat Street residence without injuring anyone. Four days later, a residence on nearby Lincoln Street was reported to have a bullet hole inside a bedroom. Middletown police believe the incidents are related, according to a press release. Anyone with information on shots fired is encouraged to contact the Middletown Police Department at 845-343-3151; anonymous tips can be sent via text through Nixle to 888777. Individuals or business owners with video surveillance systems or doorbell cameras in areas where shots were fired are encouraged to review the footage for evidence. Musk Announces Shakeup for Twitter Verified Users Twitter logo and a photo of Elon Musk are displayed through a magnifier in this illustration taken on Oct. 27, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) Elon Musk has touted Twitters paid Blue subscription plan as providing users with additional benefits while helping to prevent AI bots from taking over the platform. In a March 27 Twitter post, Musk said users will now need a verified account if they want to be eligible to vote in polls or be recommended on the platforms For You page, which displays a stream of tweets from accounts on Twitter, including those that users dont necessarily follow. Users who wish to appear on the recommended feed and vote in polls will need to be verified by April 15, Musk said. Starting on April 15, only verified accounts will be eligible to be in For You recommendations, Musk tweeted. [This] is the only realistic way to address advanced AI bot swarms taking over. It is otherwise a hopeless losing battle. Voting in polls will require verification for same reason. Musk clarified that AI bots will still be allowed to pay for verification via the Blue subscription plan as long as they dont impersonate a human. That said, its ok to have verified bot accounts if they follow terms of service and dont impersonate a human, Musk added. Twitter announced on March 23 that it would begin winding down its legacy blue checkmarks for all users on the platform starting April 1. Prior to Musk acquiring Twitter in October for $44 billion, Twitter users such as celebrities, politicians, government officials, journalists, or other accounts of public interest, were able to get verification badges for free as long as they met certain criteria. However, Musk had complained that the process to get accounts verified was often difficult and convoluted and that the blue checkmarks were handed out in a corrupt and nonsensical way. The Only Platform You Can Trust Under the Blue subscription plan, users pay $8 per month in the United States for verification, although it is slightly more expensive at $11 per month for users who sign up on the iOS app, to account for the 30 percent cut that Apple takes. Subscribers will still need to meet Twitters eligibility criteria to receive or retain the blue checkmark, including having accounts that are more than 90 days old and were active within 30 days leading up to the subscription. They must also show no signs of having engaged in misleading or deceptive behavior or platform manipulation and spam. Responding to Musks announcement regarding verified accounts on Monday, one user tweeted: I dont get behind this decision. You need to invest money into talent and AI tech to detect bots on the platform. This isnt the way to go. It could tarnish the platform. My prediction is that this will be the only platform you can trust, Musk replied. Twitter bots have long been a contentious point for Musk, who had previously claimed that Twitter failed to provide the necessary information needed to establish how many automated bots and fake accounts were on the platform prior to his buying Twitter last year. Twitter had said around 5 percent of accounts on the platform were bots but Musk argued that at least 20 percent were fake or spam accounts. Since taking over the platform, Musk has made cracking down on fake bot accounts one of his top priorities. Earlier on Monday, the billionaire businessman said that paid verification increases the cost of using bots by more than 10,000 percent and makes it much easier to identify them. Obvious conclusion: paid account social media will be the only social media that matters, Musk tweeted. Korean travel agencies are eagerly resuming lucrative package tours to China after the world's most populous country started issuing visas for foreign tourists again last week. Although Korean tourists still have to submit negative COVID tests taken within 48 hours before departure, travel agents expect all regulations will be dropped by the end of this month. Hana Tour has already started selling package tours to Shanghai, Zhangjiajie and other cities. Budget agency Very Good Tour also started selling more than two dozen package tours to China. Tours to Zhangjiajie offered by Yellow Ballon Tour are already sold out for next month. Nearly 30% of Canadas Leopard 2 Tank Fleet Will Be Out of Commission Between 2023 and 2026: Federal Records A Polish soldier navigates the Leopard 2 tank during a training at a military base and test range in Swietoszow, Poland, on Feb. 13, 2023. (Michal Dyjuk/AP Photo) Nearly 30 percent of the Canadian Armys fleet of Leopard 2 main battle tanks, which number 74 in total, will be out of commission due to required maintenance for about three years starting this May, according to newly released federal records. All 20 of the Canadian Armys Leopard 2A6M fleet are set to undergo a planned repair, overhaul, and turret conversion in New Brunswick that the Department of National Defence (DND) says will not be completed until 2026, according to an Inquiry of Ministry tabled by cabinet in the House of Commons on March 20. DND says in the Inquiry that the tanks are generally considered combat-ready only when up to date on their inspection schedules and after all necessary maintenance has been completed. Accordingly, vehicles can be deemed unserviceable when scheduled for routine inspections or refurbishment, awaiting parts, or requiring the attention of technicians holding specific qualifications, it says. While the 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks set to receive repairs over the next three years represent just over 27 percent of the Armys total fleet, they are also exactly half of the Leopard 2 fleet reserved for combat purposes. The Armys remaining Leopard 2A4 tankswhich number 34 in totalare reserved as the militarys training fleet, but DND says in the Inquiry that they are maintained at a level of serviceability to meet the quantity required to support the Armys force generation requirements. DND released the information in the Inquiry on the request of Conservative national defence critic James Bezan, who asked in the House on Jan. 26 for details of the Armys tank fleet readiness and also whether or not the federal government has any plans of updating the fleet with newer tanks. The department said it has not confirmed any date for retiring the Leopard 2 tanks and replacing them with newer models. However, the Inquiry added that the Canadian Army has begun an early assessment of possible options for updating the fleet, which it says will be dependent upon the federal governments commitment to replace the capability. To date, Ottawa has sent eight Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine in two separate installments of four each, with Defence Minister Anita Anand announcing the first batch in late January and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing the second on Feb. 24the one-year anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The recently tabled Inquiry also said that approximately 25 Canadian Armed Forces members were sent at the time to Poland to train Ukrainian crews on the fundamentals of Leopard 2 tanks. New York Republican Criticizes States Plan to Phase Out Gas Stoves Rob Ortt, the Republican minority leader in the New York State Senate, has argued that new legislation banning gas stoves will harm everyday consumers but wont meaningfully reduce carbon emissions. The proposed gas stove legislation would prohibit the installation of fossil fuel equipment and building systems in the construction of new one-family and smaller multi-family homes, beginning Dec. 31, 2025. The same prohibition applies to larger multi-family homes and commercial buildings starting Dec. 31, 2028. The Democrat-led state legislature is currently considering attaching the new fossil fuel building regulations to a $227 billion budget bill that focuses more broadly on how the state will phase out the use of fossil fuels in the coming years. I think its ridiculous, and I think the danger is that it almost seems comedic, and so people can take it, you know, maybe not as seriously as they should, Ortt said in an interview with Fox News. It is going to increase peoples utility rates in the state of New York, it is going to decrease energy reliability in the state of New York, and it will do nothing to fight climate change. Were not going to stop the polar ice caps from melting because my mom has to use an electric stove, Ortt added. Ortt described the proposed gas stove legislation as an attack on working people who pay utility rates. While proponents of the gas stove ban see it as a step in the transition away from fossil fuels, Ortt said the only actual result it will achieve is driving employers and tax-paying residents out of the state. All were going to have is less people living here, higher taxes, less energy reliability, Ortt told Fox News. Our policy here in New York for a long time has been to export jobs and import energy. That is the New York energy policy. And, obviously, its been a bad one. Proponents Seek Gas Stove Bans Beyond New York California and Washington have limited the use of gas stoves in new homes, achieving these bans through changes in building codes rather than new legislation. The New York proposal would add another state to the list opposing gas stoves. It could serve as model legislation for other state legislatures seeking to codify similar limits on gas stoves. All eyes are on us, and a lot of other states are looking to what New York does, Pat McClellan, policy director at the New York League of Conservation Voters, told Politico last week. If we prove it can be done and we have the political will to do this, its going to open the floodgates for other states to take action. National Debate The topic of gas stoves has sparked a national debate recently. In a January interview with Bloomberg News, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. said that his agency is considering banning gas-powered stoves. Trumka cited concerns about pollutants and research indicating links between their use and childhood asthma. This is a hidden hazard, Trumka said. Any option is on the table. Products that cant be made safe can be banned. CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric later said that the commission is not looking to ban gas stoves, and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so. In February, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a new regulation for how much gas certain gas-powered stoves can consume. The DOEs analysis indicated the new regulation would impact about half of the available gas stoves. Ortt said he prefers keeping all energy sources on the table rather than opposing fossil fuels. Whether its nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, electric, you want as diversified an approach as possible, he told Fox News. Thats going to keep costs down, and thats whats going to keep reliability up, and its whats going to keep people safe and keep people here in New York and keep companies investing in New York. Gas Stoves and Asthma While eliminating gas stoves may be one way to reduce fossil fuel consumption, some believe the idea would also lead to better personal health for families that have used gas stoves. The Colorado-based green energy advocacy group Rocky Mountain Institute published a study (pdf) in November that attributes nearly 13 percent of childhood asthma nationwide to gas stove use. Gas stove usage should be considered in multi-faceted asthma prevention approaches, the Rocky Mountain Institute researchers said. Given that this exposure is preventable, our study demonstrates that known mitigation strategies will lessen childhood asthma burden from gas stoves. Contrasting with the Rocky Mountain Institutes study, a new review (pdf) by Catalyst Environmental Solutions determined the type of cooking appliances that are used are not a significant determinant of residential indoor air quality. The review, supported by the California Restaurant Association and California Building Industry Association, found that certain types of food and cooking oils used in kitchens can release harmful chemicals to humans. The health effects from what is being cooked have been shown to be greater than those from the heat source itself, the Catalyst Environmental Solutions review stated. From NTD News New Zealand Worst Place for Women Ive Ever Visited: Posie Parker Womens rights activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, left New Zealand after people were attacked and mobbed by counter-protesters during her Let Women Speak rally in Auckland on March 25, cutting her tour short. I genuinely thought if I fell to the floor, I would never get up again, my children would lose their mother, and my husband would lose his wife, Parker wrote on Twitter. My security saved my life today, no words can express my gratitude. Footage on social media showed an elderly woman being repeatedly punched in the face at the event. Parker said she had genuinely feared for her life at her event that aimed to give women a platform to speak. I genuinely thought if I fell to the floor I would never get up again, my children would lose their mother and my husband would lose his wife. My security saved my life today, no words can express my gratitude. #LetWomenSpeak Kellie-Jay Keen (@ThePosieParker) March 25, 2023 My activism is simple; we #LetWomenSpeak. Why does that make anyone so angry? We showed the world what happens to women when they try to speak, she said. Speak Up For Women, a New Zealand rights group affiliated with Parker, said women were punched, kicked, spat at, trampled, and overrun by a violent mob. Storming barricades and assaulting women is not free speech. It is violent sexism and misogyny. Drowning out the speech of people you dont like is the cowardly approach of people unwilling to debate contesting views, the group said in a statement. A 51 woman needing four security guards to form a human shield around her to protect her from a screaming, spitting mob is not a New Zealand we know. On the advice of her security team, Parker cancelled her event in Wellington that was planned for the next day. Following the chaos, Parker said she left the worst place for women Ive ever visited and apologised to New Zealand women for not being able to do more. Rachael Wong, the CEO of Womens Forum Australia, said the violent scenes at the rally displayed exactly why women needed women-only spaces. Violent Scenes Condemned Writer J.K. Rowling described the scenes where women had been assaulted by mobs as repellent, which Prime Minister Chris Hipkins agreed with. I dont believe people should throw things at a protest, whether what theyre throwing is soup or a brick. Ultimately, the right to free speech does not extend to the right to physical violence, and so I would condemn that regardless of whos engaging in that type of activity, he told reporters on March 27. However, the prime minister refused to give assurance that the police would investigate and prosecute the people responsible for any assault at the Auckland event. Those decisions are matters for the Commissioner of Police, he said. Former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said regardless of a persons views, New Zealand cannot allow assault in any form. If the person who assaulted Posie Parker is not being arrested and charged by police for a clear assault, the question needs to be askedwhy not? he said. If it is allowed to occur with no recourse, it will set a dangerous precedent that if you disagree with someones opinion, violence is acceptable. The New Zealand Free Speech Union said in a public letter to the police minister that the police displayed an abject failure in their duty to do their job to defend basic liberties, including free speech. The Police have failed in their duty to protect these foundational rights, they said. We call on you, and the Police Commissioner, to acknowledge the lack of action to defend the basic speech rights of those who turned up to the Let Women Speak rally, and reassert that those who express unpopular or controversial views in public are entirely in their right, and deserve to be protected from threats, intimidation, and violence. However, the transactivist group Auckland Pride rejected claims that Parker had left her event because of violence from the trans community. They further rejected that there was any further physical threat from the transgender community towards Parker, calling it a baseless rumour being perpetrated by those who feel defeated by the events of today. Parkers subsequent withdrawal from her Wellington event demonstrates the power of community organising and solidarity in showing her that her hateful views are not welcome here, the group said in a thread of Twitter posts. Auckland Pride unequivocally stands by peaceful protest as a means of counter-protest and does not endorse any physical violence, regardless of the extent of injury caused, they wrote in another post. Met With Resistant From the Beginning Prior to her arrival, New Zealand transactivist groups called for the banning of Parker from entering the country, claiming she posed a threat to transgender people after her rallies in Australia were met with aggressive counter-protests. In Melbourne, a small group of protesters who repeatedly performed the Nazi salute attended the rally, leading media outlets to claim that Parkers rallies were supported by extremists. Prior to arriving in New Zealand, Parker told Radio New Zealand that it was preposterous to say people who called themselves Nazis were her supporters. I dont think men who believe in the far-right, who call themselves Nazis, give an absolute stuff for womens rights, she said. I just dont want men in womens spaces. I want my daughter to be safe when she plays sports. Is really that such a terrible thing? After review, both the government and High Court said she would be allowed into the country. Immigration Minister Michael Wood said that while he personally preferred Parker never set foot in New Zealand because of her repugnant views, he was advised that her case did not meet the threshold to use his discretionary powers to ban her from entering. Disappointed that Parker was allowed into the country, rainbow activist groups called for their supporters to counter-protest, resulting in some of the most aggressive scenes to come out of her Let Women Speak tour. Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark Strike Deal to Operate Unified Nordic Air Defense Force Russian fighter jets in Swedish airspace east of the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, on March 2, 2022. (Swedish Air Force/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images) The air forces of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have agreed to operate their fleets of more than 200 fighter jets as a unified Nordic air defense force aimed at countering the threat from Russia. The four nations announced the joint agreement in separate statements on March 23. Marking a first of its kind between the Nordic nations, the joint declaration of intent (JDI), was signed on March 16 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany by the commanders of the countries air forces. The head of NATO Air Command, Gen. James Hecker, who also oversees the U.S. Air Force in the region, was present for the signing, officials said. According to a statement from Denmarks air force, the intention of the JDI is to bolster already well-established cooperation between the Nordic countries and strengthen the Nordic air forces. The ultimate goal is to be able to operate seamlessly together as one force by developing a Nordic concept for joint air operations based on already known NATO methodology, Denmarks air force said in the statement, according to a translation by Bloomberg. Fleet Size of Large European Country The nations will pursue four areas of action, according to Bloomberg: integrated command and control, operational planning and execution, flexible deployment of forces, and joint airspace surveillance and training exercises. Currently, Norway has 57 F-16 fighter jets and 37 F-35 fighter jets and has ordered 15 more of the latter. Meanwhile, Finland has 62 F/A-18 Hornet jets and 64 F-35s on order, while Denmark has 58 F-16s and 27 F-35s on order. Sweden has more than 90 Gripens jets. The exact number of those planes that are operational is unclear. Maj. Gen. Jan Dam, commander of the Danish air force, said the move to unite was sparked by Russias invasion of Ukraine which began in February last year. Our combined fleet can be compared to a large European country, Dam said. We would like to see if we can integrate our airspace surveillance more, so we can use radar data from each others surveillance systems and use them collectively. We are not doing that today. While all four countries have committed to cooperating under the NATO guidelines, Finland and Sweden are still yet to join the trans-Atlantic military alliance, and must first obtain the approval of NATOs 30 existing members. Sweden, Finland NATO Bid Both nations applied to join last year but their applications were being held up by Turkey, which along with Hungary has yet to ratify the memberships. Ankara has accused the two Nordic countries of refusing to extradite members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, meanwhile, has accused the two Nordic nations of spreading blatant lies about Hungary which have raised questions among lawmakers in his party about whether to ratify the bids. Despite the initial delay, Turkey and Hungary both announced earlier this month that they will sign off on Finlands NATO membership, leaving Sweden still facing a waiting game, although it is widely expected to be admitted at some point in the future. Speaking about the new joint force, Maj. Gen. Rolf Folland, the chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, told Defense News, There is obvious interest in a regional initiative for a joint air command on NATOs northern flank. We know the conditions in the High North well, and we have a lot to learn from each other. With a total of almost 250 modern combat aircraft, this will be a large combat force that must be coordinated, Folland added. Russia has not publicly commented on the announcement of the newly-unified Nordic air defense force but has previously insisted it is not a threat to Finland and Sweden. Reuters contributed to this report. Nashvilles police chief on March 28 said there is still no clear motive in the recent Christian school shooting that left six people and the shooter dead, as Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called for a federal hate crime investigation. Authorities also released surveillance footage of the shooter, identified as Audrey Hale, entering the school building as well as body camera footage of the two officers who reportedly shot her. Seth Dillon, CEO of the Babylon Bee, and journalist Michael Shellenberger testified at a congressional hearing on Big Tech censorship. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the IRSs house call on investigative journalist Matt Taibbi on the day he testified before Congress about the possible weaponization of the government. Epoch Times contributor and Brownstone Institute president Jeffrey Tucker tells NTDs Stefania Cox the incident is profoundly disturbing. Orange County Partnership Gears Up to Attract Semiconductor Businesses President Joe Biden (2nd L) looks at a 3D rendering of a future Micron factory presented by CEO of Micron Technology Sanjay Mehrotra (L) during a tour of the Micron Pavilion at the SRC Arena and Events Center of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, N.Y., on Oct. 27, 2022. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images The nonprofit that has driven Orange Countys high-value business growth for decades now sets its eyes on the burgeoning semiconductor industry. Orange County Partnership President Maureen Halahan and Vice President of Business Attraction Conor Eckert have been meeting with key industry players lately, seeking to bring home a share of the growing semiconductor supply chain. Primarily fueled by billions of dollars of federal and state incentives, the semiconductor industry is expected to grow substantially in Central New York. Micron, a global industry leader, plans an investment of up to $100 billion over 20 years in constructing cutting-edge plants in Onondaga County. Another manufacturer, Onsemi, recently announced a $1.3 billion investment in a specialty image sensor fabrication facility in Dutchess County. That means new businesses supplying these manufacturers will sprout in surrounding communitiesa growth opportunity the partnership leaders want to seize. We are centrally located between Onsemi in Dutchess with access to the capital region, where SUNY Poly is, Saratoga, and then Western New York, Eckert said. So we have that highway proximity, access to labor, and we also have sites that can accommodate a supply chain. SUNY Polytechnic Institute, a public university with campuses in Utica and Albany thats known globally for research and development, is working with Micron to supply the future workforce. Maureen Halahan (Courtesy of Orange County Partnership) Halahan and Eckert toured SUNY Poly recently and are in talks with Fei Tian College at Middletown for potential workforce development partnerships. They also met with the site selector who brought Micron to Onondaga County for growth opportunities. Last August, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law, which will infuse $50 billion into the U.S. semiconductor (also known as chips) industry. In the same month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Green CHIPS legislation, which aims to make New York a semiconductor manufacturing hub with state incentives. Proactively Attracting High-Paying Jobs On top of the semiconductor industry, the OC Partnership focuses on attracting food and beverage manufacturers, the life science and pharmaceutical industry, and clean energy companies. Last year, the partnership started a new initiativethe Site Inventory Programto proactively identify suitable sites countywide for future developments. That helps us when we get an inquiry from a prospect, Eckert said. We dont have to take three days to figure out which community is ready; we know the infrastructure profiles of all communities and have all the answers up front. Conor Eckert (Courtesy of Orange County Partnership) In the past months, Halahan and Eckert met with mayors, town supervisors, planning board chairs, and municipal engineers to gauge interest and gather infrastructure profiles. They look for water, sewer, and utility capacities, how experienced the planning boards are, and how residents perceive economic developments. What we found is that all communities are open to high-end jobs, Eckert said. Over 60 Percent of Scotlands Transgender Prisoners Only Transitioned After Being Jailed: Reports Isla Bryson, 31, formerly known as Adam Graham, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, arrives at the High Court in Glasgow, on Jan. 23, 2023. (PA Media) Reports that over 60 percent of Scottish transgender prisoners only transitioned after being locked up have been deemed shocking but unsurprising by womens rights campaigners. Of the 19 transgender prisoners currently in Scotlands prisons, 12 are recorded as beginning their transition after their date of admission, according to The Telegraph. The figures, disclosed to the newspaper under the Freedom of Information Act, also reveal there were seven trans womenbiological men identifying as femalebeing allowed to serve their sentences in the womens estate. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said in its response to The Telegraph that of those seven, less than five individuals in our care were recorded as beginning their transition after their date of conviction. The latest figures follow anger over the SPSs handling of transgender double rapist Isla Bryson. Earlier this year Brysonpreviously known as Adam Grahamwas sent to Cornton Vale womens prison near Stirling to await sentencing after being convicted. He was later moved to the male estate following a public and political storm over the plans to house him alongside female prisoners. It emerged that the 31-year-old only began transitioning from male to female in 2020 after being charged with raping two women. Following the fiasco, The Times of London reported that four out of five transgender inmates being held in Scotlands only female prison are murderers. The convicted killers include Sophie Eastwood, formerly known as Daniel Eastwood, who strangled his cellmate at a young offenders institution in Dumfries in 2004, the newspaper said. Eastwoods sentence was later increased for an attack on a prison guard before deciding in 2018 to self-identify as a woman. Human Rights Speaking to The Epoch Times on Tuesday, Marion Calder of the campaign group For Women Scotland, said the latest figures on the transitioning of inmates were unsurprising. These figures are shocking but unsurprising to us, weve been aware of this for quite a while. This is absolutely about womens rights but the focus seems to be all about males that identify as trans now, whether thats before their conviction or after, the focus always seems to be on their human rights. A male does not have a human right to be put in a female prison. This is nonsense. The campaigner said the current situation within Scotlands prison service surrounding the housing of transgender inmates was down to policy, not rights. This is a Scottish Prison Service policy which is wrong, and its fundamentally actually breaking the human rights of the female to have a single sex space, she added. The Epoch Times has contacted the SPS for comment. Kenny MacAskill, the Alba Party MP and a former Scottish National Party (SNP) justice secretary, told The Telegraph that the latest figures confirm that self-ID is being used to avoid going to male prisons by male prisoners who have convictions for very serious crimes. In January, the Isla Bryson case caused controversy amid a debate around self-ID and the Scottish Governments Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Act, which was blocked by the UK government. An urgent review on the movement of the transgender rapist to the female prison was also ordered by Justice Secretary Keith Brown. That revealed that Bryson had spent a day-and-a-half in the female prison where the 31-year-old was housed in a segregation unit away from other inmates. A photo of signage outside the entrance to Scotlands only female prison Cornton Vale on Jan. 26, 2015. The prison is reportedly housing a number of trans prisoners. (PA Media) Political Pressure The reviews recommendations included improving communication within the justice sector and the creation of a shared justice process for the admission of transgender people into prisons. A pause on the movement of transgender prisoners with a history of violence against women into the female estate has continued until a wider review of the handling of transgender prisoners can be undertaken. The issue piled pressure on Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who faced street protests over the handling of the transgender prisoner row. Within weeks, Sturgeon announced she was resigning as Scotlands leader. When asked last week about her governments handling of the Isla Bryson case, Sturgeon told Sky News that she had no regrets. Sturgeon said the behaviour of a tiny minority including the convicted rapist could not justify denying rights to transgender people. What gender that person said they were, was less important than saying they were a convicted rapist, Sturgeon said. The fact they were a convicted rapist should not have been used by anybody as a pretext for denying rights to the wider trans community. She also revealed that she received the most intense abuse of her political career over the Gender Recognition Reform act, which seeks to make it easier for a transgender person to be legally identified in their preferred gender. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a press conference on winter pressures in the NHS, at St. Andrews House in Edinburgh on Jan. 16, 2023. (Lesley Martin/PA Media) Gender Reform Sturgeons successor Humza Yousaf was announced as Scotlands new leader on Monday. His campaign manager has since said the new SNP leader will seek to defend democracy by pressing ahead with controversial gender reforms blocked by the British government. Neil Gray, who is also the Scottish culture minister, told Times Radio: I think there is an important principle at stake here. Of course he is going to listen to the legal advicehe has to do thatbut there is an important principle at stake which is about the democracy and the democratic mandate given to the Scottish Parliament that must be defended. A two-thirds majority passed the Gender Recognition Bill in the Scottish Parliament MSPs from every single political party supported it, so it is right now that Humza Yousafat the first time that section 35 of the Scotland Act has been usedtests that and challenges it, because democracy is at stake. We must defend Scottish democracy and devolution. Otherwise, what is the point? Womens rights campaigners say they will continue to campaign against such reforms. Responding to Yousafs plans, For Women Scotland told The Epoch Times: We are very disappointed that it looks like Humza will continue the footsteps of his predecessor and compare and choose to ignore womens voices. Our campaign remains unchanged. PA Media contributed to this report. Philadelphia Officials Say Water Is Safe to Drink After Chemical Spill in Delaware River Lightning illuminates storm clouds over the Philadelphia skyline as seen from across the Delaware River in Camden N.J., on Aug. 18. (AP Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek) Philadelphia officials say city water is safe to drink until at least 11:59 p.m. on March 29 as they continue testing it for contamination. They expect to keep extending that timeline as they continue testing water upstream, entering a water treatment facility and accounting for the time it takes for treated water to flow down river to home taps. The concern for possible contamination of drinking water in certain parts of Philadelphia started on March 24 after a white cloud of chemicals floated down the Delaware River, when 8,100 gallons of acrylic latex polymer spilled into Otter Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and swiftly moved into the nearby Delaware River. The spill originated at the Altuglas LLC manufacturing facility in Bristol, a Trinseo PLC company, maker of plastics and latex binders. The chemical began flowing at about 11:30 p.m. March 24, and as of early morning [Sunday] March 26, 2023, no additional product was leaving the facility and entering the Delaware River, a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) told The Epoch Times. Philadelphia officials informed local media on March 25, and on March 26, officials informed the public directly. To be cautious, they initially advised the public that water was safe to drink but that people may wish to store tap water in case continued upstream testing later shows contamination. Dissolves in Water Acrylic latex polymer is often used in the production on synthetic latex. The material overflowed from a containment system and entered a storm drain, where it flowed to Otter Creek and the Delaware River, Trinseo said in a statement. It dissolves in water. Because the material is highly water soluble, and the release coincided with a period of rainfall, the material dissipated quickly in the water, the company said. To assess potential impacts, water samples were collected at designated locations. Results received to date have not detected the released material. There have not been any signs of fish or wildlife impacts, the DEP said in a statement. The citys water is safe to drink, Philadelphia officials said during a March 27 video press briefing on the citys emergency response to the chemical spill. Testing continues at 12 locations. No contamination has been reported, and city officials expect to have the incident behind them within a couple of days. But grocery stores in Philadelphia are running out of bottled water and commenters on social media are skeptical about accepting the governments word on safety. The DEP is monitoring the drinking water by working with the following: Aqua Pennsylvania, Lower Bucks Joint Municipal Authority, Philadelphia Water Department, and New Jersey American, Philadelphia city officials, and other government agencies. The DEP is conducting an investigation of the incident, city officials said. Coast Guard pollution responders conducted shoreline patrols Sunday morning and observed no visible product located along the Delaware River, according to a Coast Guard statement. Clean-up was primarily focused on removing product from the storm drain system and outflow located on Mill Creek. So far, 60,000 gallons of contaminated water have been collected. The response is being conducted in close coordination with local and federal agencies including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Trinseo paused production operations at the facility to devote its full resources to addressing the release and to conduct a thorough review and analysis of all material-handling processes and equipment at the Bristol facility, the company said. The Bristol facility manufactures acrylic resins for Trinseos engineered materials business. The plant employs approximately 110 people. Polish Council Recommends Banning TikTok on Public Administration Phones: Media A TikTok app logo in an illustration taken on Aug. 22, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) WARSAWA Polish government advisory body has recommended banning the use of Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok on the work phones of public administration employees, Polish media reported on Monday. The Digitization Council expresses a positive opinion regarding the order to remove the Chinese TikTok application by public administration officials and employees from their work phones, it was quoted as saying in the recommendation by wyborcza.pl website. The recommendations of the Council are not binding for the government. A string of Western governments and institutions have banned TikTok in recent weeks, including the UK parliament, the Dutch and Belgian administrations, and the New Zealand parliament. Queensland to Cap Rent Increases to Once a Year Balconies seen at apartments in Southbank in Brisbane, Australia on Jan. 11, 2021. (Jono Searle/Getty Images) Landlords will only be allowed to increase rents once a year under a proposal by the Queensland Labor government. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement prior to the second Housing Summit on March 28, which brings the state in line with Victoria and South Australia. Today were taking action to give people who are renting a fairer go, she wrote on Facebook. Weekly rents are rapidly increasingsometimes going up $200 or even $400. Its not right. Thats why were proposing to limit rent increases to once a year rather than every six months. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at Yeronga High School in Brisbane, Australia, on May 7, 2022. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) Currently, landlords can raise a tenants rent once every six months, but the premier is looking to limit that to once a year. A bill is set to be introduced to Parliament on March 28. Homelessness, Affordability Crisis Hits Queensland The move comes in response to the report, A blueprint to tackle Queenslands housing crisis, which laid bare the situation in Queenslands housing market. It found that since 2017 homelessness was up 22 percent (compared to the national average of eight percent), and the amount of affordable housing dropped from 36 to 17 percent. Further, median rents in regional areas have skyrocketed in Gladstone (up 80 percent), Noosa (51 percent), Rockhampton (43 percent), Central Highlands (42 percent), and Bundaberg (36 percent). While areas around the capital city Brisbane also saw substantial growth with increases in Gold Coast (33 percent), Redland (26 percent), Moreton Bay (25 percent), and Ipswich (21 percent). These negative trends are happening in most parts of the country but are of a higher intensity in Queensland, partly due to high rates of migration from other states and partly due to other factors such as the conversion of long-term rentals into short-term lettings through platforms like Airbnb, said Andrew Clarke, lecturer in sociology at the University of New South Wales. The sheer scale of housing issues facing regional Queensland is quite alarming, Clarke said. Theres a lot of anecdotal chatter about a post-COVID housing crisis, but its glaringly apparent from our hard evidence that the regional housing problem is worse than we thought. The report was commissioned by the Queensland Council of Social Service. Rent Caps Not a Long-Term Solution, Experts Say The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has warned against a rental cap, saying it will discourage future investorsa key source of rental housing supply. With the Queensland property industry providing $27 billion in taxes, its inconceivable that this Government continually bites the hand that feeds them and provides vital shelter for their constituents, said CEO Antonia Mercorella. Entertaining rent control is incredibly dangerous for the stability of Queenslands property market, as investors are the ones doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to housing the 1.5 million Queenslanders who rent their homes. Graham Young, executive director of the Australian Institute of Progress, has suggested the housing crisis be resolved via a two-part solution. The short-term solution has to be an increase in emergency housing. People shouldnt be forced to camp out in parks in tents because there is literally nowhere for them to rent, he previously told The Epoch Times in an email. Young said underutilised government facilities and buildings could be made available, including the infamous Wellcamp Quarantine Facility that the Queensland government spent $223 million to build before closing it just six months later. There is other government land and buildings that could be temporarily used for demountable housing or emergency accommodation, he added. It might even require emergency and temporary rezoning of land to allow it to be used for temporary housing. Young also said international immigration should be restrained as well to slow down demandQueensland will likely need to absorb another 60,000 migrants this year. Taiwan must vacate its embassy in Honduras within 30 days, a senior Honduran official said on Monday, after President Xiomara Castro severed ties with Taiwan in favor of China in a bid for more investment and jobs from the Asian giant. Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia issued the order on local television on Monday, following the government's announcement over the weekend that it had opened formal diplomatic relations with Beijing while simultaneously ending its decades-long relationship with Taiwan. Castro's main conservative opposition later announced it would reverse the opening to China if it regains power. China has long argued that democratically ruled Taiwan is part of its own territory with no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taipei strongly rejects. Communist-run China demands that countries it has ties with must adopt its position. Taipei's embassy in Tegucigalpa's leafy Palmira neighborhood was for years one of the Central American capital's most prominent foreign outposts, as well as the country's second-biggest embassy after the U.S. embassy. Republican 2024 Candidates Call for More Law Enforcement in Schools After Tennessee Shooting Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on March 3, 2023. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Two of the top 2024 Republican presidential candidates are calling for more law enforcement in schools after a deadly shooting at an elementary school in Tennessee. The real question is why this criminal was able to get into that school in Nashville in the first place, right? Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the candidates, said in a video statement. We protect our banks, green pieces of paper sitting in the bank account, more effectively than we protect our kids in schools. Ramaswamy has proposed the abolishment of the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that its ineffective. With just a quarter of the departments budget, we could have 2-3 armed marshals in every public school in Americato ensure something like this never happens again, he wrote in a Facebook post on March 27 after the shooting occurred. At a town hall in New Hampshire, Nikki Haley, the other GOP candidate, also spurned calls from President Joe Biden and others to ramp up gun ownership restrictions. Youre going to hear everybody want to talk about gun control, the former South Carolina governor said. My thing is, I dont want to take away your ability to protect yourself until they do those things that protect those kids, and we need to make sure that happens in every school because its happened too often and we need to make sure that stops. Haley said schools should have a single point of entry and always have a law enforcement officer on campus. She also suggested metal detectors, used in some schools already, should be expanded. Former President Donald Trump, the third major declared GOP 2024 candidate, doesnt appear to have commented about the attack, and his campaign didnt return a query. The shooting took place at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. Three children and three adults were killed, officials said. The attacker was named as Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old biological woman who identified as male. Two police officers fatally shot Hale, video footage showed. Mental Health Condition Ramaswamy said he believes gender dysphoria, or a person believing they are a sex different from the one theyre born as, should be treated as a mental health condition. When someone identifies as a gender different from their biological sex, more often than not, that is a sign and a symptom that they are suffering from a mental illness, Ramaswamy, a business executive, said in a statement. I reject the idea that it is somehow humane to affirm their confusion, rather than to actually help them. Its inhumane, he added. While the World Health Organization and other organizations used to classify gender dysphoria as a mental disorder, in recent years, many have stopped using that classification. Social media profiles associated with Hale show the woman identified using he/him pronouns. Hale described herself as a freelance graphic designer and artist who liked binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports. Police officials said theyre investigating whether that identity motivated the shooter to act. A manifesto has been obtained, although so far not released to the public. Bidens Message Biden, at an event at the White House on March 27, praised the police officers who confronted Hale and said officials have to do more to stop gun violence. Its ripping our communities apart and ripping at the soul of the nation and we have to do more to protect our schools so they arent turned into prisons, the Democrat president said. The shooter in this situation reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol, two AK-47s. So I call on Congress, again, to pass my assault weapons ban. Bidens proposed ban would outlaw a number of semiautomatic weapons. Critics say the action would be an overreach and cover guns commonly used by millions of Americans. Nashville officials said Hale was armed with assault-type rifles and a handgun. More specific details on the firearms havent yet been made public. We need to do something, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier in the day. Once again, the president calls on Congress to do something before another child is senselessly killed in a preventable act of gun violence. Ramaswamy said in one of his statements that adding officers would help protect children. I refuse to just stand by as some bystander watching this and accepting it like it has to be so and then spouting off irrelevant topics like an assault weapons ban, he said. We have the same number of guns in this country today as we did 50 years ago. The thing thats actually different is a lot of the mental health issues that have changed since then. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. ChatGPT Makes It Easier to Plagiarize in Schools, Study Warns A smartphone with a displayed ChatGPT logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken on Feb. 23, 2023. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) The rollout and subsequent popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT has brought with it significant stresses in the education sector, with concerns about academic honesty and plagiarism brought to the forefront following the adoption of such technology. Three researchers from the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University in the United Kingdom set out to demonstrate this in a paper published in Innovations in Education and Teaching International. One challenge with using GPT-3 for assessment in higher education is the possibility of plagiarism, the paper said. AI essay-writing systems are designed to generate essays based on a set of parameters or prompts. This means that students could potentially use these systems to cheat on their assignments by submitting essays that are not their own work. Academic staff and exam evaluators find it difficult to distinguish between answers derived by the student and those produced by a chatbot. This undermines the very purpose of higher education, which is to challenge and educate students, and could ultimately lead to a devaluation of degrees, the paper said. But near the end of the paper in the discussion section, the researchersDebby R. E. Cotton of Marjon University and Peter A. Cotton and J. Reuben Shipway of Plymouth Universityrevealed that everything preceding the discussion section, including the excerpts highlighted above, had been generated using ChatGPT. Our intent in taking this approach is to highlight how sophisticated Large Language Machines (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have become, the authors wrote. Preventing Students From Plagiarizing Using ChatGPT The researchers fed several prompts to the chatbot to generate the resulting paper, such as: How can university staff design assessments to prevent or minimize the use of GPT-3 by students? How can academics prevent students plagiarizing using GPT-3? What are the challenges of GPT-3 for assessment in higher education? Write an original academic paper, with references, describing the implications of GPT-3 for assessment in higher education. The resulting paper encourages academic staff to adopt a combination of automated and manual assessment techniques instead of standardized testing approaches. Besides educating students on plagiarism and compelling honesty through written declarations, staff should be required to employ AI-detection tools, the paper says. For example, they may use natural language processing algorithms to analyze the language and style of submitted work and identify any anomalies that may indicate the use of ChatGPT or other AI language models, it says. In order to detect AI work, the instructors can look for patterns and irregularities in the language as chatbots currently have limited language abilities, and their method of output suggests a nonhuman quality. Chatbots cannot be relied on to generate original, unique and innovative content. Hence, checking for originality should be part of test assessment. A student is typically not flawless, while AI tech strives to be so. Therefore, when submissions come in with perfect grammar and spelling, the paper can be evaluated further. Human writing is generally more aware of its audience, while the AI, for now, sticks to the context of the subject matter, the paper says. Spread of AI Developed by AI research company OpenAI, ChatGPT is a natural language processing toola chatbot. Since its public release in November 2022, the tool has garnered hundreds of millions of users in record time initiating an AI race. The latest version of the language model system is GPT-4 with free and premium versions. OpenAI had over 1.1 billion users visit its website in February 2023, an increase of over 60 percent from Januarys 667 million, indicating its expanding popularity across the world. Most of its users are young, between 25 and 34 years old, according to Similarweb. As with all technology, ChatGPT comes with its own limitations in intelligence and privacy. A data breach was recently discovered, and the platform was taken offline for maintenance on March 20 as users reported seeing chat histories from other users. The bug has since been patched, with CEO Sam Altman issuing apologies for the exposure of private information, including payment details. ChatGPT has also been accused of left-wing bias in many of its answers. The technology is still in its nascent stage in the public sphere, and it remains to be seen how AI will evolve. 1954 | Not Rated | 1h 36m | Adventure, Drama, Western The 1950s saw a massive proliferation of American Westerns and, while many were excellent, an equal number could be considered mediocre or worse. Broken Lance (1954) is definitely from the former camp and takes the genre into the realm of familial drama. Its based on an earlier film produced in 1949 titled the House of Strangers. Helmed by Edward Dmytryk (who also directed the outstanding film, The Caine Mutiny in 1954), this Western features incredible cinematography and a strong cast, including Spencer Tracy, Robert Wagner, Jean Peters, and Richard Widmark. The film opens in front of a prison, where young Joe Devereaux (Wagner) is being released. A gaggle of lawmen escort Joe (basically against his will) to the local town, where hes been summoned to a private meeting with the governor, Horace (E.G. Marshall). However, when Joe arrives, the governor reveals that hes arranged for the lad to be offered a proposal from his three half-brothers, Ben (Widmark), Mike (Hugh OBrian), and Denny (Earl Holliman). The brothers father, Matt, has passed away. Ben, Mike, and Denny, the sons of Matt and his first (and white) wife, have taken over the family business. Young Joe is the son of Matt and his second wife, a Native American woman who passes for a Mexican and, as such, is only referred to as Senora Devereaux (Katy Jurado). The Devereaux brothers (LR): Joe (Robert Wagner), Denny (Earl Holliman). Mike (Hugh OBrian), and Ben (Richard Widmark), in Broken Lance (20th Century Fox) Ben, the eldest son and leader of the clan, offers Joe a shot at expanding their empire into Oregon, but Joe refuses. It quickly becomes apparent that a major rift has formed between Joe and his half-brothers as he storms out of the meeting. Seeing that Ben moved the family business from Matts sprawling ranch into the town, Joe nostalgically rides out to the old place, left abandoned. As he walks around, he pauses in front of a large portrait of Matt and asks for advice on what he should do next with his life. Things then flash back to previous years when the Devereaux family was still relatively intact and Matt was still alive. While out on the range one day, Matt is alerted by his ranch hands that someone is trying to rustle some of his cattle. The cattle baron rides out with some of his men, including Joe, and they track the perpetrators down in short order. Unfortunately, Matt discovers that his sons Ben, Mike, and Denny are among the cattle rustlers. Matt banishes them from his ranch. Matt Devereaux (Spencer Tracy, L) talks with his wife Senora Devereaux (Katy Jurado), in Broken Lance (20th Century Fox) A little later, while preparing to host a dinner party at the ranch, Senora Devereaux tries to soothe the still-angry Matt with regards to his three sons, whom he considers little more than brash upstarts. Through their conversation, its apparent that, although Matts hard-as-nails demeanor has enabled him to build a successful business, it has been at the expense of showing any affection (or even basic concern) for his boys Ben, Mike, and Denny. Over the years, Senora has managed to soften Matts approach to Joe, which in turn causes the three older sons to become resentful and jealous of the youngest brother. You can probably surmise from here where things are headed. However, there are a few twists and turns along the way. One of the things I enjoyed about this Western is cinematographer Joseph MacDonalds artistic sensibilities. His wide shots of the natural splendor of the Southwest (the film was mainly shot in Arizona) are sumptuouswith pastel skies merging with purple mountains in the distance, and sprawling windswept prairies beneath billowing blue and white clouds. While taking screenshots, I marveled at how many of them resembled oil paintings. Some of the beautiful cinematography in Broken Lance (20th Century Fox) And, although the acting is expectedly top-notch, it is the films writing that most impressesits crisp and bereft of any fat or minutiae. The dialogue is both subtle when nuance is called for, and bold during some of the movies more dramatic scenes. Its no wonder that screenwriter Philip Yordan won an Oscar at the 1955 Academy Awards for Best Writing, Motion Picture Story. Simply put, Broken Lance is a well-told and brilliantly directed Western that also features great acting, impactful drama, and lots of highly immersive cinematography. In the end, its a rousing tale of revenge that ultimately ends on a satisfyingly positive note. You can watch this film here: Vudu, Amazon, and Apple TV. Broken Lance Director: Edward Dmytryk Starring: Spencer Tracy, Robert Wagner, Jean Peters MPAA Rating: Not Rated Running Time: 1 hour, 36 minutes Release Date: Sept. 25, 1954 Rated: 4 stars out of 5 U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), House Committee on Rules Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), joined by actor Richard Gere and the International Campaign for Tibet, host a press conference at 3:30 p.m. ET on March 28, to discuss the situation of Tibetans and bipartisan legislation. The risk of sudden cardiac death in young women more than tripled following an AstraZeneca COVID-19 shot, according to a study using Englands official data published on Monday. Vahe Nafilyan, senior statistician at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said researchers found receiving a first dose of a non-mRNA vaccine was associated with an increased risk of cardiac death in young women. There was no evidence that the risk of death in young people increased following vaccination with mRNA shots, such as those produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The ONS compared deaths of people aged between 12 and 29 that occurred within 12 weeks of COVID-19 vaccinationthe so-called risk periodto those that occurred at all times after the risk period, to estimate the risk of death following vaccination. After cross-referencing the deaths with records of COVID-19 vaccination and test results, the ONS said there had been no significant increase in cardiac or all-cause mortality within 12 weeks of receiving COVID-19 vaccines. However, a breakdown of data showed that the risk of cardiac death among young women was three times higher in the 12 weeks following any dose of non-mRNA vaccination, compared with the longer-term risk. When only the first dose was included, young womens risk of cardiac death become 3.5 times higher within 12 weeks of vaccination. But the ONS also noted that the subgroup who received non-mRNA vaccines was more likely to be clinically vulnerable and may be at greater risk of adverse events following vaccination than the general population. It also said the absolute number of deaths was small. According to the statistical model, 11 out of the 15 cardiac deaths in young women that occurred within 12 weeks of a first dose of a non-mRNA vaccine were likely to be linked to the vaccine; this corresponds to 6 cardiac-related deaths per 100,000 females vaccinated with at least a first dose of a non-mRNA vaccine, the ONS said. Members of the public have the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination at Fazl Mosque in Southfields as they host a drop in clinic, in London, on June 8, 2021. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) The study also examined the effect of COVID-19 on young people, concluding that a positive test was associated with increased cardiac and all-cause mortality and that the risk was higher in those who were unvaccinated at the time of testing than in those who were vaccinated. Noting the limitations of the method, the study said some deaths that occurred during the period may not have been registered by the cut-off date because deaths of young people and deaths that occurred soon after COVID-19 vaccination are more likely to be referred to the coroner and registration delays can be substantial. Although the subgroup of deaths that occurred in hospitals were not subject to registration delays, sudden cardiac deaths mostly occur outside of hospitals and may not be captured in the data, the paper said. Spike Protein May Be the Problem Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol and a member of the UKs Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said the data generated as many questions as answers. The findings are somewhat unexpected, as concerns about rare cardiac side-effectsspecifically myocarditis and pericarditishave hitherto been particularly associated with mRNA vaccine second doses in males especially when the dose interval was short, whereas the signal reported here is primarily in non-mRNA first doses in females, Finn said in a statement. He said the overall data seems reassuring, and the increased mortality associated with a positive COVID-19 test result raises the question whether the spike proteinwhich is expressed both during infection and following vaccinationis the cause. The next and most pressing issue that needs to be addressed is to gather more detailed information on what the nature of the reported cardiac events actually was, as this would help us begin to understand what is really being seen in these figures and might help guide future policy and vaccine design, he added. Vials labelled AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, and Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in this illustration picture taken on May 2, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) UK and US Data The ONS has long been criticised for not publishing raw data on mortality rates among the vaccinated and the unvaccinated in the same age groups, which mathematician Norman Fenton said would be most useful in evaluating COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. In the new analysis, which was published earlier this month in Nature Communications, ONS researchers said they chose to use each participant as their own control group rather then directly comparing mortality rates among the vaccinated and the unvaccinated in the same age group. The vaccination campaign that targeted young people prioritised clinically vulnerable groups, who are probably more likely to die with or without vaccination. A study from Florida last year (pdf) that used the same method found that mRNA vaccination may be driving the increased risk of cardiac-related death in males aged between 18 and 39, prompting the state to recommend against giving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to the group. ONS researchers said the Florida study introduced bias by combining deaths after first and second doses while extending follow-up beyond the interval between doses. The make of vaccines and the intervals between doses in the UK and United States are also different. Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine, which was not available in the UK, was the main non-mRNA vaccine in the United States. In terms of mRNA vaccines, the UK used more Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines while the United States had more from Moderna. The waiting time between the two doses were also shorter then it was in the UK. Russia Says It Test-Fired Anti-Ship Missiles in Sea of Japan A Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan, on March 28, 2023. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP) MOSCOWMoscow test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan, Russias Defense Ministry said Tuesday, with two boats launching a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles). The ministry said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometers (430 miles) from Japans northern Hokkaido island. The Russian military has conducted regular drills across the country and Russian warships have continued maneuvers as the fighting in Ukraine has entered a second yearexercises that were intended to train the troops and showcase the countrys military capability. The U.S. Navys 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki told a news conference later Tuesday that Tokyo will continue to monitor Russias military operations, as it has been stepping up activity in the region. Tokyo does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its locationPeter the Great Bayis considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries. On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russias increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, Matsuki said. He added that Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week. In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islandssome of which are claimed by Japanand expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year. San Diego County Supervisor to Check Into Rehab, End Senate Bid Nathan Fletcher (R) swears into the San Diego Board of Supervisors. (Courtesy of the San Diego Board of Supervisors) San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced March 26 he will check into a rehabilitation center this week for alcohol abuse, trauma, and post-traumatic stress. Fletcher will forgo his campaign for state senate, which he launched Feb. 6, to focus on his health. For many years, Ive been suffering from devastating post-traumatic stress associated with combat piled on top of intense childhood trauma thats been exacerbated by alcohol abuse. While Ive shared some of these challenges publicly, they run much deeper than Ive acknowledged. Fletcher wrote on Twitter March 26. San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. (Courtesy of the San Diego Board of Supervisors) The former marine also said he is optimistic for his recovery and that he is focusing on what he needs to do right now for his health and family. His wife, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, wrote on social media, I love my husband and appreciate his willingness to put our family first. While Fletcher will be on medical leave, his staff will continue to serve District 4 constituents, according to his office. His current term ends in January 2027. He served on active duty in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2007, with tours in Iraq, the Near East, and the Horn of Africa. He was decorated for valor under enemy fire and has been an advocate for military veterans ever since founding a veterans foundation to help those struggling with [post traumatic stress] and successfully overturning unjust deportations of immigrant servicemembers, according to his website. Fletcher was first elected to the county board of supervisors in 2019 and reelected in 2022. Prior to that, he served as state Assemblyman in 2008 and was re-elected in 2010 for a second two-year term. His wife, Lorena, served in Californias 80th state Assembly District from 2013 to 2022. Scientists Warn Baby Formula Shortage Could Happen Again Similac and Enfamil products on largely empty shelves in the baby formula section of a Target store, amid continuing nationwide shortages in infant and toddler formula, in San Diego on May 25, 2022. (Bing Guan/Reuters) Former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials told a House Oversight subcommittee that factors that led to a shortage of baby formula have been identified but remain unchanged. Witnesses at a March 28 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services said the agency would need more funding, enforcement authority, and a better organizational structure to avoid repeating the problem. Committee members expressed little confidence. I dont really trust the FDA, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said. Dr. Peter Lurie, former FDA associate commissioner and current president and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said problems that left parents searching desperately for formula were present for years. They were waiting for a suitable catalyst for a problem to manifest. Baby formula is offered for sale at a big box store on Jan. 13, 2022, in Chicago. Formula was in short supply in many stores around the country for several months. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) It took the addition of a pandemic, with its own supply chain problems; Abbot Nutritions deficient manufacturing practices; and, later, the war in Ukraine, to produce a full-blown shortage, Lurie said. Frank Yiannas, former FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, agreed. He told the subcommittee that it could all very quickly happen again. The nation remains one outbreak, tornado, flood, or cyber-attack away from finding itself in a similar place to that of Feb. 17, 2022, Yiannas told the subcommittee. The problem began in the Abbot Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan, where contaminated baby formula was discovered, but committee members werent stopping their criticism there. Democratic ranking member Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) said theres plenty of blame to go around. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) speaks in Irvine, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Im not afraid to say the FDA has a whole lot of work to do, Porter said. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) agreed. She said the committee was looking for answers and solutions. The American people are tired of excuses, she said. Yiannas testified that a whistleblower had outlined problems at the Abbot Nutrition plant in a 34-page letter sent by mail, by Federal Express delivery, and electronically. The complaint described a facility with old, damaged equipment and lax safety protocols that hadnt seen an FDA inspector in at least two years. The whistleblower also told of a previously contaminated batch that had been destroyed before it left the plant. That was never reported to the FDA, according to Yiannas. Dr. Robert Califf gathers his documents as the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension adjourns a hearing on his nomination to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration on Capitol Hill on Dec. 14, 2021. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo) Because of the FDAs siloed organizational structure and culture, Yiannas said he didnt see the warning until at least two infants had died from the contaminated formula. The Abbot Nutrition plant was closed for several months to address the problems once the FDA knew about them. Lurie pointed out that the shuttered plant produces about 40 percent of all powdered infant formula in the country. Porter said the fact that three companies have about 90 percent of all baby formula in the United States is a problem. The witnesses told the committee that steps had been taken to deal with the problems and prevent future shortages but that more needs to be done. In the wake of the crisis, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf announced a restructuring of the organization to include a Human Foods Program. Focused on food safety and supply, the program would be led by a deputy commissioner reporting directly to the commissioner. The new deputy commissioner would have decision-making authority over policy, enforcement, and regulation writing within the program. Food and Drug Administration headquarters in White Oak, Md., on Aug. 29, 2020. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters) Yiannas said another problem is that the bacteria that caused the problem, Cronobacter sakazakii, isnt nationally reportable. This means that producers arent required to report finding this in a product that doesnt leave the plant. He said this must change. Lurie noted that $12 million had been set aside for nutrition, which he said is a good step but not enough. A figure closer to $24 million is needed to adequately fund this work, he said. Yiannas resigned over the shortage last January. At the time, he said he had delayed his resignation until after implementing steps to address the problems he found. Both men said the issues havent been resolved and warned that more shortages are possible if changes arent made. McClain said its true that Abbot Nutrition is ultimately responsible. However, she pointed out that the company is being called to account by government agencies, law enforcement, and various civil lawsuits. McClain said the FDA failed in its responsibility to keep Americans safe and is now seeking $372 million for not doing its job. She said Congress would act on the FDAs failures. The FDA needs to be held accountable for its lack of transparency to the Congress and the American people just as we are holding Abbot accountable, she said. Senate Advances Repeals of Gulf and Iraq War Authorizations The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Feb. 28, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) The Senate voted 65-28 on March 27 to invoke cloture, ending debate, on a bill that would repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations. Ahead of the vote Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, cited the U.S. retaliatory strikes in Syria following Iran-backed groups killing a U.S. contractor, injuring a second contractor and wounding five soldiers. Menendez noted that President Joe Biden did not need the 1991 and 2002 authorizations. The first allowed the United States to enter the Gulf War, during which Iraqi leader Saddam Husseins forces were driven out of Kuwait. The second allowed the U.S. military to go into Iraq following reports that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. United States forces captured him in 2003 and he was executed in Iraq in 2006. The procedural vote, which required 60 votes, comes a week after the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Last week, the Senate voted on amendments and will continue to do so this week. By invoking cloture, debate on the bill will be limited to 30 hours. Senate Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), have said that the 1991 and 2002 authorizations need to be repealed so that future administrations dont abuse them in that it is Congress that has the authority to declare war in accordance with Article I of the Constitution. Biden supports repealing the Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), according to a statement from the White House. The administration noted that the United States conducts no ongoing military activities that rely primarily on the 2002 AUMF, and no ongoing military activities that rely on the 1991 AUMF, as a domestic legal basis. Repeal of these authorizations would have no impact on current U.S. military operations and would support this administrations commitment to a strong and comprehensive relationship with our Iraqi partners. That partnership, which includes cooperation with the Iraqi Security Forces, continues at the invitation of the government of Iraq in an advise, assist, and enable role. Following final passage of the bill in the Democrat-controlled Senate, expected this week, the measure would go to the GOP-controlled House. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on March 21 he has no objection to the bill. Im into it, he said at a press conference. I dont have a problem repealing that. McCarthy did not say if and when he would bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. The Speaker remarked that he wants the 2001 authorization, which allows the United States to go after those responsible for the 9/11 attacks, to not be repealed. I was not here to vote on either of the creation of those, but youre 20 years into this now, said McCarthy, who has been in Congress since 2007. I still want to take actions if there are terrorists anywhere around the world. If were keeping that one AUMF and removing another one, thats personally where I am. Shadow of Colonial Past Hinders France in Limiting Growing Chinese and Russian Influence in Africa TOPSHOT - French President Emmanuel Macron and Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo (R) wave to the crowd through the roof of a car in Bissau, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images) Frances imminent reduction of troop levels in Africa has experts eyeing which major power will supplant Pariss influence across the continent. The tongues started wagging after French President Emmanuel Macron announced earlier this month that his country harbors no desire to return to past policies of interfering in Africa. During his March 14 tour of the continent to repair frayed ties, Macron landed in Libreville in Gabonfollowed by other trips to Angola, Congo-Brazzaville, and the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congoechoing the same message: the era of French interference in Africa is well over. The age of Francafrique is well over, Macron told a French community in Libreville, referring to Frances post-colonization strategy of supporting authoritarian leaders to defend its interests. Sometimes I get the feeling that mindsets havent moved along as much as we have, when I read, hear, and see people ascribing intentions to France that it doesnt have, he said. The tour was Macrons 18th visit to the continent as president and comes hard on the heels of Africa tours by high-level U.S., Russian, and Chinese officials seeking closer ties. Anti-French sentiment runs high in some former African colonies as the continent now becomes a renewed diplomatic battleground, with Russian and Chinese influence growing in the region. Paris has fallen out with new military authorities in Mali and Burkina Faso, withdrawing its troops from both former French colonies after years of helping them battle jihadists. Macron and his predecessors, notably Francois Hollande, have previously declared that the policy of interference is dead and that France has no intention of meddling in sovereign affairs. But Joshua Meservey, Senior Fellow at the Washington-based Hudson Institute research think tank, told The Epoch Times in an email that Macrons assurances should be taken with a grain of salt given that Frances old habits of interference in its former colonies may die hard. It is true, however, that French foreign policy has suffered setbacks in the Sahel, said Meservey. Its most high-profile effort on the continent for years was its counterterrorism operations in Mali, and yet it was forced to withdraw its troops in August 2022 after relations soured with the coup government there, he said. The same thing happened a few months later in Burkina Faso. In both cases, Russian influenceprimarily through the Wagner Grouplikely contributed to the pressure on France. Perhaps those dramatic repudiations of French involvement have led to some soul-searching in Paris. Before embarking on his Africa trip, Macron said there would be a noticeable reduction in Frances troop presence in Africa in the coming months and that a greater focus on training and equipping allied countries forces. Some military bases would become academies, while others would become partner bases, he said. They would see a rise in the presence of their African partners according to goals defined by those partners. More than 3,000 French soldiers are deployed in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Djibouti. France still has 3,000 troops in the wider Sahel region, including in Niger and Chad, but is seeking to tone down its presence on the ground. Macron described this as a reorganization of French military presence, rather than a withdrawal. But analysts, including associate professor in the Department of Political Science University of Ilorin and the University of The Gambia Luqman Saka, warn that French boots may not be leaving Africa any time soon. So long as the bases are not closed and continue to be used in one form or the other, French boots and military presence will still remain palpable on the continent and this has serious implicationsfor security policy, for response to insurgency and jihadists, among many others, Luqman told The Epoch Times by phone. France claims that their military presence helps complement security of former colonies where those bases are located, but the fight against insurgency and Islamists in the Sahel has actually shown that the French are not totally committed to helping their African partner in resolving Islamism and insurgency in the Sahel. Frances waning influenceparticularly in the Sahel regionhas also allowed Russia to expand its reach in Africa, including in the digital sphere through the use of disinformation campaigns, as well as on the ground with Wagner mercenaries, who in some cases have replaced French soldiers. Alarm has grown in Paris over the growing role of Russia in French-speaking African countries, alongside a Chinese push for influence that has been apparent for some years. France and its Western allies accuse Wagner, infamous for its activities in Syria and Ukraine, of being active in Mali and the Central African Republic, also ruled by France in the colonial era. Meservey says French troops are by far preferable to Russian mercenaries. The latter are parasitic; once they get onto the ground they enmesh themselves in lucrative industries, usually involving natural resources, without any apparent oversight or control from the host government, he told The Epoch Times. They are then very difficult to dislodge. They are as well tools of Russian foreign policy, which is entirely hostile to the West. Finally, Russian mercenaries are brutal, which leads to unnecessary human suffering but will also prove to be counterproductive in the fight against terrorism. Their crimes will make terrorists appeal more convincing to local people who are suffering at the hands of Russian mercenaries and, often, government forces. French forces, by contrast, are professional, do their best to minimize civilian casualties, and are not tantamount to violent organized crime syndicates that operate at the behest of a hostile foreign power, said Meservey. They have killed and captured many senior terrorists, thereby saving African lives, so it is a loss for U.S. foreign interests to have them withdraw from Mali and Burkina Faso. Macron insisted France would steer away from anachronistic power struggles in Africa, saying African countries should be considered as partners, both militarily and economically. But Luqman says this is an unthinkable choice for France which still has the most penetrating influence in Africa. The rest of the Western imperial powersincluding the United Statesleverage on Frances influence in every stratum of African society, Luqman told The Epoch Times. Thinking that France will withdraw from anachronistic power struggle is not feasible. The moment France [opts to] withdraw, it means the European imperial power will have ceded Africa and their sphere of influence on the continent to China and Russia. I dont think that is going to happen any time soon, he said. France is the only Western power that has the most significant military presence, penetration, and influence on the continent through its bases. These bases will always come in when the West wants to engage in regime change or overthrow another government through a phantom coup, [or] if there is instability in any African country that they needed to withdraw their population [from]. The Western imperial power is not ready to cede Africa to any other power. The struggle for control and influence or the second scramble in Africa is not going to be over anytime soon. Meservey said France, because of its long history in the region, has a deep understanding of local conditions in many areas, which will also be difficult to replace. Likewise, it will be difficult for the West to fill the vacuum French troops are leaving in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. France was involved in serious fighting that cost them lives and other countries, including the United States, will be hesitant to take on that burden, Meservey told The Epoch Times. China will not want to fill the counterterrorism role that France had because it has no interest in possibly taking casualties and getting embroiled in a conflict. Russian mercenaries dont mind the fighting, but they bring so many negatives with them that they are a big net loss to host governments. Solving the terrorism problem in Africa is far beyond the capacity of France, or any outside power. Building up the capacity of local counterterrorism forces is the only sustainable approach to the security element of counterterrorism in Africa, according to Meservey. In that sense, Frances recalibration of its approach is positive, he says. The best that foreign counterterrorism forces can do is to put enough pressure on terrorist groups to provide time and space for local governments to address the failures in governance that empower terrorists. Then it is up to Muslims themselves to discredit the Salafi-Jihadi ideology that motivates the leadership of many of the African terrorist groups, which is again something that no outside power can do. A university on the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. launched its accredited doctoral program, becoming the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities across the country to offer such a high-level degree. The program at Navajo Technical University will be dedicated to sustaining Dine culture and language. Dine is the Navajo word meaning "the people" and is commonly what tribal members call themselves. A celebration is planned on the Crownpoint campus in western New Mexico in April, and the school already started accepting applications for the fall semester. The offering marks a milestone for the university, which already has more than 30 degree and certificate programs spanning science, technology, engineering, business and liberal arts, Navajo Tech President Elmer Guy said. Guy told The Associated Press on Friday that he believes the program in which students will receive a Ph.D. in Dine Culture and Language Sustainability will have a profound impact on the future of the tribe's language and culture. He said he's excited to see how students shape their dissertations. The idea was to create a program that would lead to employment opportunities and effect change for Navajo communities on the reservation that stretches into New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. "I thought it would be important to make that connection," Guy said, explaining that it's a step beyond the call by tribal leaders for their people to learn the language and stay engaged with their culture. "Individuals will get a degree and they'll be professionals. You have to make it applicable. By making it more meaningful, people will have an interest in it." The effort is paying off. About 20 students have applied so far and will be vying for five coveted spots in the inaugural class, said Wafa Hozien, an administrator who helped with the program's creation. Kelly Loewen at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the afternoon of March 25, 2023. (Sally Sun/The Epoch Times) VANCOUVER, CanadaKelly Loewen, a business owner specializing in foreign military helicopter repair and overhaul, was impressed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the afternoon of March 25. 10 out of 10, he said. It was really good! The costumes and the dancing were phenomenal. It was just out of this world! Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company. Along with folk dances and solo performances, the production depicts story-based pieces that tell tales from ancient times to the modern day. Loewen was most impressed with Shen Yuns portrayal of principles in their story-based dances. According to the companys website, the presented heroes embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization and convey morals still relevant to the modern day. It was nice that it was modest and it had values a belief in a God and the values of being a better person, he said. It gets you out of your way of thinking and puts your thoughts back to where it should be, he added. China was once known as The Land of the Divine and Shen Yun presents this culture by drawing upon the Middle Kingdoms Buddhist and Daoist philosophies. In the past, artists looked to the divine for inspiration and cultivated virtue in order to create uplifting art. Today, Shen Yuns artists follow in this noble tradition, which is why audiences feel there is something different about Shen Yun, says the companys website. In regards to the spiritually uplifting messages, it makes you want to be a better person! Loewen said. Telling the Story Through Design Helen Menyes, a scenic painter, and Kerry Martinson, a retired professional driver, also attended the Shen Yun performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on March 25. The costumes, the material, the colors, you didnt need words, it told the story without words, said Ms. Menyes. According to the companys website, Shen Yuns costumes and colors are true to traditional aesthetics and styles, painting each dance piece with the splendor of the past. As a scenic painter for the movies, Ms. Menyes was fascinated by the companys patented method of integrating a 3D animated backdrop with the stage performance. It allows the performers to seamlessly travel back and forth between the stage and the background projection. Reflecting on the stories portrayed by the dances that depicted the people of China from ancient times to the modern day, she said, theres a big story there we are in it right now but it shows that humanity should all rise together, all come together. Reporting by Sally Sun, Ryan Moffatt, and Jennifer Schneider. The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006. Staffer for Sen. Rand Paul Brutally Stabbed Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) listens during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 14, 2022. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) A staffer from Sen. Rand Pauls (R-Ky.) office has been attacked in Washington, D.C., according to a statement from the congressmans office. In a statement to outlets, Paul said that a member of his staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C., over the weekend. I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions, he added. We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy, so everyone can focus on healing and recovery. In a statement on Monday, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) said the attack took place on March 25 and police were dispatched around 5:17 p.m. to 1300 block of H Street, Northeast, in response to a reported stabbing. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. There has been no update as to the staffers condition as of late Monday. The victim was identified as Phillip Todd, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, according to The Independent, citing MPDs report. Paul is the top Republican on the committee. According to the MPD report, the attacker popped out from corner to attack Todd, who was walking down the street with another person at the time. The attacker stabbed Todd and subsequently ran off. The suspect, Glynn Neal, 42, was arrested on the same day of the attack. He was charged with assault with intent to kill with a knife, according to the MPD statement. Neal had been sentenced in 2011 to more than 12 years in prison for compelling two women to engage in prostitution, according to a release (pdf) from the Department of Justice. Neal was released from prison just one day before the stabbing, reported Fox5DC, citing Federal Bureau of Prisons records. The attack occurred weeks after Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) was attacked in an elevator inside her Washington, D.C. apartment building on Feb. 9. The suspect, a homeless man, was arrested on the same day. Supreme Court to Consider Case of Litigious Disability Activist The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on March 23, 2023. (Richard Moore/The Epoch Times) The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging a serial lawsuit filer who has sued more than 600 hotels over their alleged failure to post disability accessibility information on their websites. Activists say they are only helping to enforce the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which they say hotels do not observe unless they are pressured to do so. Industry representatives counter that some activists abuse the Act and burden small businesses by lodging dubious lawsuits demanding disability accessibility information. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Resort Development Association, National Association of Home Builders, and International Council of Shopping Centers filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the court to review the case. Burden to Small Businesses A cottage industry has arisen in which uninjured plaintiffs lob ADA lawsuits of questionable merit while using the threat of attorneys fees to extract settlement payments. These lawsuits have burdened small businesses, clogged the judicial system, and undermined the Executive Branchs exclusive authority to enforce federal law, according to the petition that a hotel operator filed with the Supreme Court. The court agreed in an unsigned order on March 27 to hear Acheson Hotels v. Laufer (court file 21-429). The court is expected to hear the case in its next term, which begins in October. Deborah Laufer is a self-identified civil rights tester who challenges hotels failure to make information about accessibility to disabled people publicly available without necessarily intending to visit the supposedly offending hotels. Hundreds of Lawsuits Laufer, who has vision problems and physical disabilities, has brought hundreds of lawsuits against hotels across the country under the Disabilities Act, a 1990 civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The ADA requires that hotels post information about their accessibility to people with disabilities. Laufer brought suit in federal district court in Maine, claiming that the website for an inn that Acheson Hotels operates there contained insufficient information about what accommodations the establishment provides for disabled people. The inns website states: Please Note: Unfortunately, we do not have the capabilities to provide pet-friendly or ADA-compliant lodging. We apologize for the inconvenience! The district court sided with Acheson Hotels, holding that Laufer lacked legal standing to proceed because she did not actually intend to visit the hotel and therefore could not suffer harm because of the dearth of website information. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit disagreed and reinstated Laufers lawsuit, concluding that the denial of accessibility information was adequate grounds for the legal action. The fact that Laufer had no intent to use the information for anything but a lawsuit doesnt change things, the court stated. Whatever feelings of frustration, humiliation, and second-class citizenry Laufer may have had are downstream consequences and adverse effects of the informational injury she experienced, according to the court. Split Among Courts There is a split among federal courts of appeal on the issue of tester standing. Three have rejected tester standing on identical facts, while one held that Laufers allegations, if true, would establish standing, according to court documents. The Epoch Times reached out to the hotels counsel of record, Adam Unikowsky of Jenner and Block, but had not received a reply as of press time. But lawyers for the Restaurant Law Center, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the hotelier, welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to take up the case. The Restaurant Law Center is very pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to review this matter, attorneys Dylan Carp and Joseph DiPalma of Jackson Lewis told The Epoch Times by email. Merely resolving the circuit split that the case presents will bring needed clarity to the issue of tester standing, and precedent dictates that the Court will ultimately conclude that testers with no intent to patronize hospitality businesses lack standing to sue for alleged law violations, they said. Laufers attorney, Thomas Bacon, also lauded the High Courts decision to hear the case. We are pleased that the Supreme Court will address a matter that has evenly divided the Circuits on the issue of whether decades of civil rights precedent remain intact or is effectively nullified by the Courts recent decisions in Spokeo and TransUnion, he told The Epoch Times by email. In the two cases to which Bacon referred, the Supreme Court questioned the standing of testers to bring lawsuits. Tennessee Rep. Burchett Calls for Release of Nashville School Shooters Manifesto Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a deadly shooting at their school on March 27, 2023. (Jonathan Mattise/AP Photo) Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) has called on police to publicly release a manifesto allegedly written by the former student of a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, before she opened fire on children and staff members on March 27. The 28-year-old woman, who identifies as transgender, killed three children and three adults at The Covenant School after allegedly planning the massacre by drawing out a detailed map of the school, which included potential entry points, and conducting surveillance of the building, police said. Speaking to Fox News late on Monday, Burchett said, Our trans youth are troubled. If they dont get the help they need they can grow up to have some serious issues, but I obviously dont believe theyll all grow up to be shooters like this, he said. We need to know what was going through this persons head, and the manifesto should be made public. Police identified Mondays shooter as Nashville resident Audrey Elizabeth Hale who they said had attended the school years prior. She was shot dead by authorities on site. The shooter arrived on campus in her Honda Fit and was armed with two assault-type rifles, a 9-mm pistol, and a significant amount of ammunition according to authorities. At least two of the weapons were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to police. An ambulance leaves of Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (John Amis/AP Photo) Attack Was Calculated and Planned Surveillance video shows that Hale shot her way into the school through glass doors on the side of the building. The first call to 911 about shots being fired in the building came in at 10:13 a.m. police said. Officers rushed to the campus, made entry, and began clearing the building. Shots were heard coming from the second level. It was on the second floor, in a common area, that a team of officers encountered Hale shooting (she had been firing through a window at arriving police cars). According to authorities, two police officers, identified as Rex Englebert, a four-year Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) veteran, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year MNPD veteran, fired at Hale and fatally wounded her. The officers had engaged the shooter by 10:27 a.m., roughly 14 minutes after receiving the first call, MPND spokesman Don Aaron said at a news conference on Monday. Writings recovered from Hale revealed that her attack was calculated and planned, police said. A search warrant executed at Hales Brightwood Avenue home resulted in the seizure of a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun, and other evidence. Officers at an active shooter event that took place at Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tenn., on March 27, 2023. (Metro Nashville Police Department via AP) Victims Identified Police on Monday identified the six victims as three 9-year-olds and three adults. They were named Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs, all aged 9, and Mike Hill, 61, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Katherine Koonce, 60, who was the head of the school. On Twitter late Monday, police said they had searched Hales Honda Fitwhich they said had been parked on campus prior to the shootingand found additional material written by the shooter. Authorities do not yet have a clear motive for the shooting but MNPD Chief John Drake told NBC News that investigators believed the shooting stemmed from some resentment Hale harbored for having to go to that school when she was younger. In a post on Twitter late Monday, Burchett said he and his wife Kelly are praying for everyone at The Covenant School, especially the families of the shooting victims. No one should have to go through that kind of horrific event or lose a loved one like that, Burchett said. Im so thankful to those brave folks who brought down the shooter and took care of the students and their families. The Covenant School is a private Christian institution founded in 2001 and teaches children up to sixth grade, according to its website. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Terri Schiavo Case Was a Culture-of-Death Tipping Point Terri Schindler Schiavo's family (R-L) brother Bobby Schindler and parents Mary and Robert Schindler hold a media conference on Capitol Hill to announce the official launch of The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation as National Right to Life PAC employee Elizabeth Maier holds a banner with Terri's photograph, in Washington on March 30, 2006. After living in what doctors called a persistent vegetative state for years, Terri Schiavo died March 31, 2005, after her feeding tube was removed two weeks earlier. Bobby Schindler and his family were against the removal of the feeding tube and wanted to keep Terri alive. The not-for-profit foundation has stated that its mission is to "ensure the rights of disabled, elderly, and vulnerable citizens against care rationing, euthanasia and medical killing." (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Commentary The March 31, 2005, court-ordered death of Terri Schiavo was an ominous cultural tipping point. As many readers will recall, the legal case began when Terris husband, Michael Schiavo, applied to remove the feeding tube from his profoundly cognitively disabled wife so that she would die from dehydration. When Terris parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, joined by her siblings Bobby and Suzanne, fought the plan in court, profoundly important cultural and legal battle lines were drawn that were destined to change the country. The legal battle raged for several years, during which the country agonized and argued about the right and moral course. When her case began, few were aware that cognitively disabled patients could legally be made to die via the removal of feeding tubes. A few years later, after Terris family (in alliance with disability rights and pro-life organizations) failed to save her life, this form of quasi-euthanasia was endorsed by polling majorities. The publics general acceptance of Terris dehydration followed a familiar pattern often seen as the culture-of-death slippery slope slip slides away. Initially, most people were shocked. But as the media pounded the drum in support of Michael, attitudes changed. This cultural shift was aided by prominent bioethicists and politicians assuring the public that taking away Terris feeding tube was not only legaltruebut ethically justified. By the time Terri was made to die agonizingly over two weeksand despite Terris brother saying that she had become so desiccated that blood was pooling in her eyesmost of the country became convinced that her forced death was both right and compassionate. Looking back nearly 20 years later, Terris case can be judged as a cultural cudgel that crushed the sanctity of life. These days, societys primary purpose is popularly understood to be the prevention and elimination of sufferingeven if that means eliminating the sufferer. In this nihilistic climate, killingwhen supposedly motivated by compassionoften finds strong public support. This shift has led to radical changes in our laws. When Terri died, only Oregon had legalized assisted suicide. Today, nine jurisdictions have passed statutes allowing doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to dying patients (Oregon, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, New Jersey, Vermont, California, and the District of Columbia). These states encompass about one-third of the U.S. population. Not only that, but most of these states have already begun the slippery slope process of expanding access to assisted suicide from that originally permitted, such as shortened waiting periods, allowing doctors to examine assisted suicide requesters over the internet rather than in person, and allowing nurse practitioners to lethally prescribe. Vermont has done away with its residency requirementslikely followed soon by Oregonopening the door to suicide tourism and potentially allowing patients throughout the nation to receive lethal doses who never meet the prescribing doctor in the flesh or even enter the state. Meanwhile, the euthanasia movement is striving to increase the number of jurisdictions that permit doctors to assist suicides. This year, there will be fraught political battles over assisted suicide legalization in New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maryland, just to name a few. Not content to await such changes, euthanasia advocacy groups promote suicide by self-starvation/dehydration to the elderly and people with disabilities, known in movement parlance as VSED (voluntary stopping eating and drinking). VSED is a form of quasi-assisted suicide. Starving oneself is an agonizing way to dieas it clearly was for Terri if she was in any way consciousso a doctor is usually required to palliate the agony. Otherwise, most people cant complete the process. Activists also promote VSED by advance directive for patients who willingly eat and drink. The idea is to allow people to create written legally binding documents ordering themselves starved to death should they become incompetent. Under these proposals, caregivers would be required to refuse sustenance to their patientseven if the patient asked for food and waterunder the theory that the decision by the formerly competent patient should apply whether the person still wants to starve or not. How bad could this death agenda get? Canadaour closest cultural cousinprovides an alarming illustration. Our northern neighbor not only allows lethal injection euthanasia, but patients need not be terminally ill to qualify. Thus, lonely, frail elderly patients have been killed by doctors, as well as people with disabilities and chronic diseaseseven the depressed. Next year, the mentally ill are scheduled to be qualified legally for euthanasia, and the move is also afoot to allow children to be killedperhaps without their parents knowledge or permission if doctors deem the child to be sufficiently mature. Not only that, but in Ontario, someone who has been accepted for euthanasia will be contacted by an organ transplant charity and asked for their liver, heart, pancreas, and kidneys. If the same awful death paradigm develops here, the Terri Schiavo debacle will have paved the way. In the years since society nodded at the dehydration death of a helpless woman, we can trace a profound lessening in our commitment to the value of human life, along with a concomitant increase in poisonous utilitarianism in health care. Indeed, the day may soon come when killing seriously ill, elderly, and severely disabled patients isnt merely seen as a legitimate end-of-life choice but also a normalized way of death. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Texas Bill That Would Ban DEI in Higher Education Inches Toward Approval State considers following Florida's lead, as lawmakers hear testimony Travis Ballie holds a sign in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 10, 2012, in Washington, during arguments for and against affirmative action in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas (UT) at Austin. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Texas is one step closer to following in Floridas footsteps by creating a state law that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from universities. Opponents of DEI programs say they divide people into camps of oppressors and victims based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and others. Those in favor of DEI programs say theyre necessary to give oppressed groups justice by providing advantages they say are long overdue. The Texas Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education initially approved Senate Bill 16 last week. For it to become law, it would have to be passed by the full Senate and the state House, then go to the governors for a possible signature. If it becomes law, the bill would block Texas faculty from compelling college students to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity is superior to another. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patricka powerful opponent of DEIspeaks at a 2024 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Waco, Texas, on March 25, 2023. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images) The bill also would amend the Texas Education Code, requiring higher education institutions to create an environment of intellectual inquiry and academic freedom. And it would require them to create an environment of intellectual diversity, so that all students are respected and educated, regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity or social, political, or religious background or belief. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrickone of the most powerful politicians in Texas because of his role presiding over the state Senatehas been an outspoken critic of state universities adoption of DEI programs aligned with critical race theory (CRT). CRT is a neo-Marxist ideology that teaches that America is systemically racist. It calls for the adoption of so-called antiracist policies in order to combat racism. Those policies often call for actions that discriminate against whites to compensate for real or perceived racism in the past, present, and future. Protecting all Texans The idea of banning that ideology gained traction in Texas this year, as it came to light that DEI policies had become prevalent at most of the Lone Star States universities. Many Texas universities have required DEI loyalty statements in hiring and have pushed faculty and students to adopt the left-wing political ideology. On Feb. 8, news broke that Texas Gov. Gregg Abbotts chief of staff, Gardner Pate, had sent a memo to state agency leaders, including universities, that using DEI in hiring was illegal. The memo, reported widely by Texas media, said DEI had been manipulated to push policies that expressly favor some demographic groups to the detriment of others. At a hearing on SB 16, some Texas university professors and students spoke against it. One student suggested a student boycott of tuition, if the bill passes. Speaking in favor of the bill was Carol Swain, distinguished senior fellow for constitutional studies at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and a former tenured professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt universities. Carol Swain, conservative author, commentator, and former university professor. (Courtesy of Carol Swain) I think it will protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all Texans, Swain said, strongly urging lawmakers to support the bill. During her testimony, Swain mentioned news articles from The Epoch Times that documented bias and social pressure experienced by conservative students and faculty at institutions of higher education. Swain said her personal story does not fit the Lefts narrative that minorities are victims who cannot succeed in America. One of 12 children born and raised in rural poverty in southwestern Virginia, Swain dropped out of school after completing the eighth grade, she told subcommittee members. She was married by 16, and had three small children by 21. However, she eventually earned a doctorate in political science and a masters in law studies. Social scientists would describe a person like me as underprivileged, a victim, doomed to fail and going nowhere, Swain said. And as you can see, they would be wrong. Hostility for America, Christianity In her 28 years in academia, Swain witnessed the evolution of ideologies that oppose American principles, she said. She is author of Black Eye For America: How Critical Race Theory is Burning Down the House. I watched firsthand as critical theories such as critical race theory, critical queer theory, radical feminism, cultural relativism, and postmodernism escaped from the law and philosophy department, and gradually changed our colleges and universities, before spreading into and infecting the K-12 educational system, she said. Now, Swain said students are encouraged to seek out microaggressions, perceived insults, and threats that may or may not be made consciously. And universities have become indoctrination centers that are openly hostile to any ideas associated with Western civilization, particularly Christianity and traditional American thought, she said. A Florida university studentwho asked to be identified only as Mia, because of her professors open disdain for Christianssits with her study Bible at her home on Christmas break on Dec. 22, 2022. (Courtesy of Mia) Blame for slavery has been placed on white America, though slavery has been part of the world since ancient times, Swain said. And professors today ask students questions about their beliefs to out them, which leads to punishment through lower grades and harassment from fellow students, she said. Balanced information about the history of slavery is lacking on college campuses, she said. She pointed to risks whites took to operate what became known as the underground railroad, a movement that helped black slaves escape to free states in the North. And slaveholders included blacks, whites, and Native Americans, she said. DEI, Swain said, has led to self-segregation by affinity groups and has splintered a cohesive American society. Standing for CRT and DEI Swains anti-DEI made her a target for sharp questioning by one lawmaker. Texas state Sen. Royce West, who is black, prodded Swain about her definition of DEI. After she attempted to respond, he pointedly said, I need you to answer the question. Because your testimony is, frankly, inconsistent with what Ive experienced. Another bill opponent was University of Texas professor Roger Reeves, who said he was against it because of its vague language that could restrict teaching about the wrongs of slavery. UT student Maria Del Carmen Unda opposed the bill on behalf of Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition, saying it would restrict intellectual freedom. She said she represented student racial and ethnic groups that are against curtailing DEI. We have been discussing extensively that if these DEI initiativesanti-DEI billspass, that we will not pay tuition, Unda said. Students at the University of Texas in Austin participate in the Walkout to Vote event on Nov. 6, 2018. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images) In February 2022, in response to CRT bans in Texas and nationwide for K-12 institutions, the University of Texas at Austin Faculty Council challenged anyone to stop them from teaching the ideology. The council passed a resolution stating it will stand against any future intrusions on faculty authority by the Texas Legislature or the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents. Since then, conservative Texas lawmakers have been building support to outlaw DEI.. Teaming Up with Florida SB 16 will likely pass the Texas Senate, because it was one of Patricks priorities this legislative session. The bill now will advance to the Senate Committee on Education. There, members can send it to the full Senate for a vote, or let the bill die. Meanwhile, the Texas House Committee on Appropriations approved House Bill 1 last week, which included a rider stopping colleges and universities from using state funds on DEI. It now heads to the Texas House of Representatives for a vote. Other bills in both the Texas Senate and House aim to remove DEI from the state university system. And one proposed bill would eliminate tenure for college professors as a way of dealing with those who teach woke ideology, such as DEI. A Texas delegation met with Florida officials in an attempt to plan bills for introduction during this years legislative session, according to Henry Mack, senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education. Mack spoke with The Epoch Times during a higher education conference in Florida hosted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. When asked what advice he would give Texas lawmakers, Mack said, Follow our bills. Students at the University of Florida hold signs in support of transgender rights and pose for a news photographer as part of a protest against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantiss efforts to curb diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs on Feb. 23, 2023. (Nanette Holt/The Epoch Times) In December, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered Florida universities to provide information on how much tax money was used to finance DEI positions and policies. It amounted to at least $34 million. The command from DeSantis came four days after The Epoch Times documented the experiences of six students attending a major Florida university. The students said that conservative views arent tolerated by professors or peers and can result in bad grades and harassment. One was visited by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after he was reported as an extremist for holding conservative views. Lawmakers in Florida currently are considering House Bill 999, which would stop colleges from financially supporting any programs or campus activities that espouse diversity, equity, or inclusion or critical race theory rhetoric. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Enters Houston Mayoral Race U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) speaks to members of the press after the oral argument of the Merrill v. Milligan case at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 4, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas hopes to become Houstons next mayor. I hope Ive been a humble servant for you for 28 yearsmany of you are in my district, Jackson Lee said on Sunday. Sheila Jackson Lee wants to come home to be your mayorfor the city of Houston. I will not be able to do it without every one of you. Jackson Lee announced her plans to join the already crowded mayoral race during a service at the City Cathedral Church in Houston. Urban Reform posted a video of Jackson Lees announcement on Twitter. The 73-year-old Congresswoman, who has served as a member of the House since 1995, is one of six candidates vying to replace Mayor Sylvester Turner. Turners seat is up for grabs in the November election because he has reached his term limit. Jackson Lees announcement was confirmation of months of speculation that she was considering joining the mayoral race, according to the Texas Tribune. The Congresswoman, who represents Texass 18th Congressional District, will not be required to vacate her seat while running for mayor. Jackson Lee was re-elected to a 15th term in November with more than 70 percent of the vote. Her current term ends in January 2025. In 2019, she was sued by a former staffer who claimed Jackson Lee fired her after she planned to take legal action over an alleged rape by a former Congressional Black Caucus Foundation employee in 2015, Roll Call previously reported. Jackson Lee stepped down from her position as chair of the Crime Subcommittee after reports of the lawsuit, and her office released a statement that denied any wrongdoing. Its not immediately clear whether the lawsuit has been settled. Early Frontrunner Democrat state Sen. John Whitmire is reportedly the races early frontrunner. I will be tough but smart on crime, keep our economy growing and ensure city services are working for all Houstonians, says Whitmire, who serves as chair of the Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Whitmire was re-elected in 2022 with more than 65 percent of the vote against Republican George Brian Vachris. Other candidates aiming to win the open seat include Robert Gallegos, a Houston City Council member; Chris Hollins, a former Harris County Clerk; Gilbert Garcia, former chairman of the citys Metropolitan Transit Authority; and Amanda Edwards, a former City Council member, according to the Texas Tribune. The office of the mayor is a non-partisan position. Prior to her election to Congress, Jackson Lee served two terms as an At-Large City Council Member for the City of Houston from 1990-1994. Before serving on the city council, she was an Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston from 1987-1990. If Jackson Lee fails to win the mayoral seat, she will be eligible to run for another term in Congress in November 2024. Three Children Killed at Nashville Elementary School Were Nine, Police Say Adult victims were also identified as being between 60 and 61 The three children killed at a Nashville elementary school on Monday have been identified as being nine years old, Metro Nashville Police Department officials said in a third press conference regarding the incident Monday afternoon. The faculty members killed were between the ages of 60 and 61. The three adults killed at the Covenant School were the Director of School, Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; and Mike Hill, 61, a custodian at the school. The nine-year-old children were identified by MNPD as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. In the third press conference, Chief Drake said one of the students was eight years old and almost nine, but the MNPD Public Affairs Director said moments later all three were nine. Officials have not yet responded to a request to clarify the conflicting information. The Shooting The shooter was identified Monday afternoon as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, who MNPD Chief John Drake said identified as a transgender woman. MNPD said Hale also had plans to attack another school in the area, but it appeared that school had too much security. MNPD, Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco (ATF) agents, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents were seen focused on a home in south Nashville, which Chief Drake confirmed was the home of the shooter. Were also determined there were maps drawn of the school in detail of surveillance, entry-points, etc., Drake said. We know and believe that entry was gained through shooting through one of the doors. He added Hale was a former student at the school but could not identify yet what grades the shooter attended. Drake said the shooter was someone that had multiple rounds of ammunition, prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement, and prepared to do more harm than was actually done. Police were working through a manifesto as well as a map drawn out with plans for the shooting. He added there is a theory to the shooting that may be released later alongside video. TikTok Harvests Your Location, Contacts, Passwords, Cybersecurity Firm Reveals Cyber expert issues stark warning to younger users of Chinese-backed music app TikTok app logo is seen in this illustration taken on Aug. 22, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) Chinese-backed social media giant TikTok has been accused of excessive data harvesting by cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0. In a new report, the Australian-based firm found the popular music video app tracked the location of users every hour, accessed calendars and contacts, and also conducted device mappingtracking what other apps were installed on a persons phone. TikTok has access to contacts, and if the user denies access, it continuously requests for access until the user gives access, the report stated. The application retrieves all other running applications on the phone. TikTok also gathers all applications that are installed on the phone. In theory, this information can provide a realistic diagram of your phone. Tom Kenyon, director at Internet 2.0 said TikTok harvested more data than just about any other social media app. If youre a government person with sensitive contacts like the prime ministers phone number, or you might just be an important part of defence they can know who your contacts are, who youre sending texts to, they can know what devices youre connecting with he told 4BC radio. Other details collected by TikTok include GPS information and access to clipboards, which contains stored passwords. The Kids Are Not Alright TikTok is the sixth most used app globally, gaining its huge market share by capturing the under-24 market. Around 43.7 percent of its users are aged 18-24, while 31.9 percent fall into the 25- to 34-year-old age bracket. The app claims to have nearly 150 million users in the United States, almost half the population. However, Kenyon conceded that the younger population were oblivious to the dangers of sharing their personal data. Kids just dont care. They do not care about their privacy, he said. Kenyon warned that there were two dangers that younger people should be aware of. One is the addictive nature of social media in general, and TikTok is very good at being addictive and getting you to watch it. Everyone seems to acknowledge that their algorithm seems to be one of the best in terms of getting you to keep coming back, he said. The data that you have is valuable, and it doesnt matter who you are or where you are, it helps someone else build a picture about our society, about Western society, he warned. In its worst form, wed be cooperating with a foreign government to help change the way Australia does things. Now is that actually happening? Well, no ones got any hard evidence on that, but its a possibility. US Considers Banning TikTok The release of the report comes after TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew received a grilling from members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee over the companys links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its data practices. CCP laws require Chinese companies like ByteDance to spy on their behalf, Rodgers said. That means any Chinese company must grant the CCP access and manipulation capabilities as a design feature. TikTok surveils us all, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is able to use this as a tool to manipulate America as a whole. We do not trust TikTok will ever embrace American values. Chew attempted to distance TikTok from its China-based parent company ByteDance, despite himself having deep ties to the organisation, previously serving as its chief financial officer. The U.S. Biden administration is exploring the possibility of forcing TikTok to be sold to an American company or banning the app from the United States completely due to national security concerns. Andrew Thornebrooke contributed to this article. TikTok Matches Definition of Foreign Agent Commentary Under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA), TikTok matches the definition of a foreign agent and should be banned. U.S. lawmakers are considering banning TikTok to protect American data from being shared with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Chinas National Intelligence Law obliges all Chinese companies, no matter where theyre located, to share data with the CCP and aid Beijing in intelligence gathering. Under FARA, TikTok and other Chinese companies qualify as foreign agents. FARA requires the registration of, and disclosures by, an agent of a foreign principal who, either directly or through another person, acts on behalf of a foreign government within the United States. A bipartisan House committee held hearings in March questioning TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about data security issues and the degree of control the CCP has over the company. Beijing complained, stating that the singling out of a Chinese company was racially motivated. Despite Beijings objections, the connection between TikTok and the CCP is quite clear. The CCP has invested heavily in ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, and the Party holds a seat on the board of directors. ByteDance also has an internal CCP committee, with Vice President Zhang Fuping serving as the companys CCP committee secretary. Parent company ByteDance solidified its control over the app when Chew, the former chief financial officer of ByteDance, began serving as CEO of TikTok in April 2021. One way to distance TikTok from the CCP would be for ByteDance to sell off the app. But Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Shu Jueting said on March 23 that Beijing would strongly oppose a forced sale of TikTok. Shu went on to say that a forced sale would threaten foreign investment in the United States, especially from China. The very fact that Beijing is so involved in the potential sale of an allegedly private company proves that the CCP has a stake in both ByteDance and TikTok. People walk past the headquarters of ByteDance, the parent company of video sharing app TikTok, in Beijing on Sept. 16, 2020. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) Beijing accusing the United States of singling out the Chinese app seems hypocritical, given how the CCP handles Western media. Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, HBO, Netflix, and WhatsApp are all blocked in China. Foreign news sourcesincluding BBC, The New York Times, The Guardian, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Time, ABC Australia, The Economist, and Reutersare prohibited. Ignoring its own censorship, the CCP stated that a potential TikTok ban represented the overreach of U.S. authority. Ironically, TikTok is banned in China. In the United States, TikTok is already banned from government and military devices. And more than half of the 50 states have banned its use on state-owned equipment. Outside of the United States, TikTok is banned or restricted in the UK, India, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. These restrictions span the gamut from outright prohibitions to age restrictions or restrictions from using TikTok on government phones. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is in favor of completely banning TikTok on national security grounds. The sentiment has also been supported by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Treasury Department. Beijing is quick to dismiss these concerns. When the United States banned TikTok on federal devices, Beijing complained. France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Singapore have comparable prohibitions against TikTok on government devices. The Netherlandss national intelligence agency, the General Intelligence and Security Service, extended similar warnings to other apps from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as they increased the risk of espionage. The justification given by the Dutch Interior Ministry was that the CCP is known to have an aggressive cyber program targeted at the Netherlands. The CCP has also been implicated in cyberattacks and massive data theft in the United States and other nations. Along with attacks and data theft, there are issues with the CCP controlling the flow of information on TikTok, disseminating its own views, and censoring the opposition. For example, in Russia, TikTok restricts uploads criticizing the government or the military. The app is also used to track journalists, a fact which sparked an investigation by the Department of Justice. A report submitted to the Australian Committee Secretary Select Committee on Foreign Interference through social media found that describing ByteDance as a private enterprise was no longer accurate. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that ByteDance collaborates with Chinese public security bureaus, including the one in Chinas Xinjiang region. Human Rights Watch warned in 2020 that CCP committee members at ByteDance are committed to following the Party in technological innovation. In the House hearing, Chew said TikTok had never been asked to hand over user data to the CCP. And while this may or may not be true, if TikTok were asked, the company would be required to comply. According to TikToks Project Texas, the company plans to store American user data on U.S. soil. But under the terms of Chinas National Intelligence Law, it doesnt matter where the data are stored. Chinese companies must turn over data when the CCP requests that they do so. A recent government restructuring has placed the CCP in control of a central science and technology commission. Its similar to the one Mao Zedong used to develop Chinas nuclear weapons program. Deng Yuwen, a former editor of the CCP Central Party Schools journal, Study Times, said this restructuring will mobilize nationwide resources to achieve breakthroughs. This makes the CCPs control of ByteDance even more conspicuous. It confirms that ByteDance, TikTok, and other Chinese companies operating in the United States pose a national security threat. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the country's nuclear weapons to be ready for use "any time and anywhere," state media said Tuesday. Kim "called for efforts to expand the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials and continue to produce powerful nuclear weapons in a bid to meet the goal of an exponential increase in the nuclear arsenal," according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency. "Only when we perfectly prepare the ability to use nuclear weapons at any time and from any place will we ensure that we will forever not have to use nuclear weapons," he said. Trade Minister Confronted on Lack of Forced Labour Products Intercepted at Borders Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng appears as a witness at a meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, in Ottawa on Feb. 10, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) As International Trade Minister Mary Ng testified before a Commons committee on March 27, Conservative MPs sought answers as to why Canada has been unable to intercept a single shipment of goods made with forced labour. MP Kyle Seeback pressed Ng on the issue during the meeting of the Standing Committee on International Trade, after the minister had testified in a previous meeting in October that she believed some shipments had been interdicted. After the October meeting, Seeback filed an order paper to obtain accurate numbers on the shipments seized and the government responded on Jan. 30 that none have been. Were you misinformed when you gave that information to the committee? Or did you misspeak? asked Seeback. I provided what I understood to be the facts at that meeting, Ng replied, adding that her government takes her trade agreement obligations seriously. Ensuring that there is no forced labour in our supply chains is something that we are absolutely committed to doing. Deputy Minister of International Trade Rob Stewart testified along with Ng and said that one unspecified shipment had been seized and subsequently released. This probably refers to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepting a shipment of clothes from China in Quebec in mid-2020. The trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States says that the parties must work to eliminate all forms of forced labour and prohibits the importation of goods produced wholly or in part from such labour. The United States has adopted a more aggressive approach than Canada and keeps a public dashboard on enforcement actions under its Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. It says that 3,237 shipments were stopped and 424 were denied entry as of March 27. The law was adopted in December 2021 to deal with the exploitation of the ethnic and religious minorities in China such as the Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. The act creates the rebuttal presumption that the importation of goods coming from Xinjiang is prohibited due to being potentially produced by Uyghurs detained in Chinese labour camps. Seeback filed a subsequent order paper in February on the same topic and asked if the CBSA allows the companies banned by the United States law to import into Canada. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety Pam Damoff responded in the House on March 22 that Canadian law does not allow the designation of goods for importation as prohibited without evidence. Neither does it allow company or country-specific bans on goods made with forced labour. Damoff added that the data importers have to legally submit to the CBSA does not provide full traceability through the importers supply chain. As such, while the CBSA has no records of imports by companies on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act the agency cannot definitively confirm that there have not been imported goods linked to the listed companies, she said. Canada has a bill addressing forced labour that is close to receiving royal assent, but some Uyghur advocates do not view the bill as amounting to much to curb the issue. Bill S-211 has cleared the Senate and is currently in third reading in the House. S-211 would create a reporting obligation for governmental and private entities to make an annual declaration that they have taken steps to prevent and reduce the risk that forced or child labour was used in the production of goods. S-211 is the pretence of pretending of doing something without doing nothing as this bill mandates only a reporting obligation to the companies if they exercise due diligence on Uyghur forced labour, said Mehmet Tothi, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project. And with Canada not having stopped any shipments, Tothi said the country has become officially a dumping ground for the products made by the use of Uyghur forced labour. Trudeau, Poilievre Spar in House Over Rising Violent Crime Rates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 28, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre sparred in the House of Commons on March 28 over rising rates of violent crime across Canada, with Poilievre blaming Liberal policies and Trudeau pointing the finger at Tory opposition to Liberal gun control measures. Poilievre made reference to a recent fatal stabbing that happened in a downtown Vancouver Starbucks on March 26, for which the citys police department has charged a 32-year-old man with murder. The stabbing took place just after 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday evening, and a video of it posted online shortly after showed there were multiple witnesses who watched the murder unfold. Poilievre said there has been a 32 percent increase in violent crime since Trudeau first took office in 2015. Will he reverse the policies that caused that? the Conservative leader asked. Trudeau said in response that Canadians are deeply concerned with some of the very heinous crimes weve seen over the past number of days and also with the general rise in violent crime, especially directed toward police officers. Trudeau added that his government has also taken steps to tighten gun restrictions across the country through Bill C-21, which he said will contribute to overall public safety. If [Poilievre] was really serious about moving forward on keeping communities safe hed back our upcoming Bill 21 at reading, he said. Poilievre responded by criticizing the gun control bill saying it targets the guns of law-abiding citizens and will not reduce violent crime. He also took aim at the Liberal governments bail system policies, which he said allow repeat violent offenders back on the street again and again. Will he replace bail with jail for repeat violence? Poilievre said. Justice Minister David Lametti said earlier in March that the Liberal government will be moving forward quickly with a targeted reform of Canadas bail system, which comes several months after the government passed legislation removing 20 mandatory minimum sentences from the Criminal Code. The Liberal government has faced mounting pressure to reform the bail system from opposition parties, provincial governments, and regional police chiefs and departments ever since the murder of Ontario Provincial Police Const. Greg Pierzchala while on duty. The primary suspect in the case is a repeat offender who was out on bail. Marnie Cathcart and Andrew Chen contributed to this report. Two Tory Riding Executives Quit Over Troubling Nomination Race A Conservative Party logo is seen before the opening of the party's national convention in Halifax on Aug. 23, 2018. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press) Two Conservative Party riding executives in Southern Ontario have resigned because of what one of them labelled a troubling nomination race that she says was unfairly tilted in favour of one candidate. Catherine Agar and Brian Kaufman, former president and vice-president respectively of the Electoral District Association for the riding of Oxford, are both exiting their positions just days after Arpan Khanna, a lawyer from Mississauga, Ont., won the ridings Tory nomination race, according to a Globe and Mail article. Khanna won the partys nomination in the Conservative stronghold riding on March 25 after a tight race. Khanna previously served as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievres Ontario campaign co-chair during Poilievres run in the partys 2022 leadership race. Khanna also received endorsements in his bid for the Oxford Conservative nomination from both Poilievre and Tory House Leader Andrew Scheer. However, Agar wrote in a letter announcing her resignation and obtained by the Globe that the Oxford nomination race was unfairly tilted in favour of a Khanna victory. She also said she believed Khanna only had a small amount of support from Oxford constituents holding Conservative Party memberships. These past two months have been very troubling, Agar wrote in the letter. The nomination process is full of problems; the rules were repeatedly ignored and my concerns dismissed by the party. Agar added that the Conservative Party showed favouritism toward Khanna as its preferred candidate and delayed nominee approvals, which she said left Khannas two rival candidates with just one week with a membership list to campaign. The nomination race has caused deep divisions in the Oxford membership and I understand the frustration and anger, she wrote. It is my personal opinion that the Oxford nomination was hijacked by people from Ottawa and Brampton who crafted a win for Mr. Khanna with a small sample of the Oxford Conservative membership. Oxford Nomination The seat in Oxford opened up after longtime Conservative MP David MacKenzie announced hed be stepping down in December 2022 and officially left the seat in early 2023. MacKenzie also voiced concerns of favouritism in the partys nomination race for the riding after Scheer posted on Twitter his endorsement of Khanna on Feb. 24. Arpan will be an excellent MP, and I know he will work tirelessly to make our leader Pierre Poilievre the next Prime Minister of Canada, Scheer wrote several weeks before Khanna won the nomination race. Prior to the decision, the Conservative Party also disqualified one of the ridings nominees, Gerrit Van Dorland, for which it received criticism, including from Khanna. Conservative Party spokesperson Sarah Fischer said Van Dorland, a former Parliament Hill staffer, was disqualified from the race for failing to provide information such as a list of his social media accounts, along with comments made online or in media interviews. However, a spokesman from Van Dorlands campaign told The Canadian Press that the party didnt provide it with a reason for his disqualification. Pro-life organization RightNow released a statement suggesting that Van Dorland was ousted from the race both because of his pro-life views and his perceived popularity among the ridings Conservative Party members. Khanna wrote on social media shortly after that he disagreed with Van Dorlands disqualification. My strong view is that everyone should be allowed to freely and fairly contest this nomination, and that local members should decide who their candidate will be, he said in a statement. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. UN Envoy Concerned With Recent Violence Towards Womens Rights Rallies Police remove a protester during a transgender rights rally, involving opposing neo-Nazi protesters, outside Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia, on March 18, 2023. (James Ross/AAP Image) UN Special Rapporteur for Violence Against Women and Children, Reem Alsalem, has called for a stop to ongoing aggression against women protesting for female spaces to remain free of those who are biologically male but now identify as transgender. Alsalem said having different views was not a green light for threats and violence. [Very] concerning that in last few weeks, physical, political + online violence has intensified against #women asserting sex-based needs +spaces in several countries, she wrote on Twitter on March 26, Even where one may disagree with their views, that shouldnt translate into a green light to threaten and attack them. V. concerning that in last few weeks, physical, political + online violence has intensified against #women asserting sex-based needs +spaces in several countries. Even where one may disagree with their views,that shouldnt translate into a green light to threaten and attack them Reem Alsalem UNSR Violence Against Women and Girls (@UNSRVAW) March 26, 2023 Her comments come after aggressive counter-protests took place in Australia and New Zealand against Let Women Speak rallies hosted by UK womens rights advocate Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (also known as Posie Parker). The thrust of Parkers rallies was to stop self-identifying transgender individuals from entering biologically segregated areas like bathrooms and sports. In Melbourne, Parker was met by hundreds of LGBT+ counter-protestors, as well as a small group of protesters performing the Nazi salute, which led to media outlets and commentators linking the womens rights advocates to neo-Nazism. The group of Neo-Nazi supporters disrupting the Let Women Speak rally is seen in Melbourne, Australia, on March 18, 2023. (AAP Image/James Ross) Her rally in Hobart was drowned out by large groups of LGBT+ protesters, while in Canberra, independent Senator Lidia Thorpe created a scene when she attempted to physically disrupt a speech delivered by Parker, which forced police to pull her aside. Thorpe fell to the ground, crawled away, before getting up and heading back to the nearby counter protest rally. In Auckland, New Zealand, Parker was met with some of the most aggressive protest actions, eventually forcing the campaigner to abandon her tour. Womens Groups Welcome UN Support But womens rights groups have welcomed Alsalems comments, thanking her for her concern. Womens Forum Australia (WFA) said Alsalem helped raise awareness of the recent attacks on women defending their sex-based rights, which clearly includes attacks in Aus/NZ against @ThePosieParker, @MoiraDeemingMP & other women. Thank you Reem for being our voice, the WFA said. UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women & Girls speaks out about recent attacks on women defending their sex-based rights, which clearly includes attacks in Aus/NZ against @ThePosieParker, @MoiraDeemingMP & other women. Thank you Reem for being our voice #LetWomenSpeak https://t.co/qZySwF4fxo WomensForumAustralia (@WomensForumAust) March 26, 2023 Another womens group from the UK, For Women Scotland, also thanked Alsalem, saying they were horrified by the violence over the weekend. Thank you Reem; we have been horrified by some of the justification of violence we have seen this weekend, the advocacy group said in a Twitter post. Thank you Reem, we have been horrified by some of the justification of violence we have seen this weekend. For Women Scotland (@ForWomenScot) March 26, 2023 Police Accused of Failing to Protect Women Womens rights advocates have blamed police for not controlling the violence around the events. Former Liberal candidate Katherine Deves accused the Australian Federal Police (AFP) of failing in their duty for not promising organisers to keep counter protestors at a safe distance. The Epoch Times has reached out to the AFP on the allegations. Seeing whats happened in the other two cities (Melbourne and Hobart), that the police would be prepared to allow the counter-protesters to get within arms length and spitting distance from us is a dereliction of duty, Deves said. I dont trust the police to keep us safe, and I think the threat of mob violence is so great I need to put my safety first. Meanwhile, New Zealand Speak Up for Women spokesperson Suzanne Levy said she believed there was a lack of police intervention at the event in Auckland, reported RNZ. We were very surprised and devastated at the lack of police intervention, she said. I think they were given quite a bit of information about the likelihood of there being violence and a bit of chaos. They could have watched some of the other live streams from previous events in Australia and Hobart and Melbourne, seeing what the police did and how they held a line between the women holding the speaking event and the people who were protesting. US Carrier Strike Group Arrives in South Korea in Show of Support as North Korea Tests Missiles A U.S. Navy sailor stands guard in front of a F/A-18F Super Hornet aboard the USS Nimitz during its port visit to Busan on March 28, 2023. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) A U.S. aircraft carrier has arrived in South Korea for the first time in six months in a show of alliance after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles that it said served as warnings to the two allies. South Koreas Defense Ministry said the 11th carrier strike group, including the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz, arrived at the Busan naval base on Tuesday after participating in a joint drill near Jeju Island the previous day. The U.S. carrier strike group 11 is also comprised of USS Bunker Hill, a Ticonderoga-guided missile cruiser, and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Decatur, the ministry stated. They will hold joint maritime exercises with South Korean warships as part of the Warrior Shield exercise, including aircraft carrier convoy training and air defense warfare, to strengthen their joint defense posture. South Korean Navy personnel are seen standing alongside the USS Nimitz, during its port visit to Busan on March 28, 2023. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, commander of the carrier strike group, said the visit demonstrated U.S. support for South Korea and the alliances readiness to deter North Koreas missile threats. Im not threatened or worried about North Korea, Sweeney told reporters on Monday, Yonhap News Agency reported. The United States has deployable strategic assets at the ready on every day. North Korea fired two ballistic missiles hours before the U.S. carrier strike group arrived in Busan, which landed outside Japans exclusive economic zone near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the first missile was launched at around 7.47 a.m. (local time), followed by a second missile 10 minutes later. The missiles traveled 370 kilometers (230 miles) at a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometers (31 miles). A man walks past a television showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test at a railway station in Seoul on March 27, 2023. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on March 27, South Koreas military said, the latest in its flurry of weapons tests in recent weeks. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the launches did not pose an immediate threat to the United States or its allies, but they highlighted the destabilizing impact of North Koreas unlawful nuclear weapons and missiles programs. State-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said North Korea also tested an underwater nuclear attack drone called Haeil-1 from March 25 to March 27. According to KCNAs earlier report, the underwater drone is capable of generating a super-scale radioactive tsunami and destroy enemy naval striker groups and ports. Kim Orders Boost of Nuclear Capabilities KCNA reported on Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for an increase in the production of weapon-grade nuclear material in order to expand the countrys arsenal exponentially. Kim made the remarks while inspecting the regimes nuclear program, where he was briefed about an IT-based nuclear weapon management system whose scientific accuracy, reliability, and security have been strictly verified, KCNA said. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un walks next to what state media reports is the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on its launch vehicle in an undated photo released on March 25, 2022. (KCNA via Reuters) He urged to strengthen North Koreas nuclear force, saying that the enemy would not dare to provoke the countrys sovereignty if the powerful and superior nuclear force going beyond imagination is ready for offensive posture, according to the report. North Korea has launched more than 20 ballistic and cruise missiles on 11 occasions this year as it tries to force the United States to accept its nuclear status and negotiate a removal of sanctions from a position of strength. The weapons tested this month included an intercontinental ballistic missile and a series of short-range missiles intended to overwhelm South Korean defenses as North Korea tries to demonstrate an ability to conduct nuclear strikes on both South Korea and the U.S. mainland. North Korea also condemned the U.S.-South Korean joint military drills as invasion rehearsals even though the allies have said the exercises are defensive in nature. The Associated Press contributed to this report. US Envoy Says Anti-Coercion Coalition Needed to Tackle Chinas Economic Coercion Rahm Emanuel, former Mayor of Chicago and former chief of staff in the Obama White House, testifies during a confirmation hearing before Senate Foreign Relations Committee at Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill Oct. 20, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) The worlds leading economies should set up an anti-coercion coalition to combat Beijings persistent use of economic coercion to achieve its political goals, the U.S. ambassador of Japan said on March 27. U.S. envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said that collective action is needed to address instances where a country utilizes economic measures to penalize another country due to its political stance, Japan Times reported. Economic coercion is political warfare by other means, Emanuel said at an event at the University of Tokyo. It is the use of economic tools, whether thats embargoes, tariffs, and other types of tools, to politically target a country that you disagree with and try to coerce them into changing their political stance and their political independence, he added. Emanuel said that Beijing is a persistent purveyor of such tools, and only through coordinated response by countries can such actions be checked. If the world does not organize against economic coercion, Beijing will continue to prey on other countries and their economies, large or small, developed or developing, near or far, he said. The world today must develop a comprehensive collective response to combat economic coercion equal to the collective comprehensive actions that China has taken, the U.S. envoy added. In an article posted on the U.S. Embassy website, Emanuel listed examples of the Chinese regimes economic coercion against other nations, including Japan, which saw Chinese exports of rare earth metals blocked in 2010 after an incident near the disputed Senkaku Islands. In 2012, Beijing quarantined Philippine fruit exports over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. South Korea suffered business boycotts from Chinese consumers and tourists when it installed a U.S. missile defense system in 2016. When Australia called for an international inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) restricted Australian exports of coal, barley, beef, copper, wheat, and a range of other products. We need a policy response to engage and win this battle, he said. Collective groupings, like the G7 or existing trade agreements, help countries resist China and survive the economic consequences. The CCP also targeted multinational corporations that heavily rely on manufacturing in China and the Chinese market. Emanuel said that Beijings economic tools include restrictions in trade, investment, and tourism, as well as boycotts, state threats, and intellectual property theft. Additional aggressive tactics include detention and cyberattacks, he added. China Took Advantage of WTO Experts said that China has not lived up to its commitments to fair trade in the past two decades and has little will to do so, despite the world looking to its transition toward free-market capitalism. China has never really observed the rules of the World Trade Organization [WTO]. It has taken advantage of the World Trade Organization, Clyde Prestowitz, president and founder of the Economic Strategy Institute, told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times in 2021. Prestowitz is also the author of The World Turned Upside Down: America, China, and the Struggle for Global Leadership. If you just look at what China has been doing in its trade with Australia, its actually, sadly, halting Australian imports, he said. Of course, China is making some excuses. U.S. charge daffaires David Bisbee said that Beijings industrial policies skew the playing field against imported goods and services, besides other accusations, including preferential treatment for state enterprises, data restrictions, inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights, cyber theft, and forced labor. Today, those challenges remain before us, he said. A previous study also shows communist Chinas unfair trade practices since joining the WTO in 2001 have harmed industrial innovation in developed nations, causing companies, particularly in North America and Europe, to lose their competitive advantage in advanced industries. Convincing friendly governments to encourage their companies to leave China while cutting Chinas exports, it would also send a solid message to Chinathat China will either have to changeor go it alone, China economic analyst Antonio Graceffo told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times. Rita Li contributed to this report. US Must Expand Nuclear Arsenal to Win New Cold War With China: Report An F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet landing on the deck of the US Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, during a NATO vigilance activity NEPTUNE SHIELD 2022 (NESH22) on eastern Mediterranean Sea, on May 23, 2022. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) The United States is in a Cold War with Chinas communist regime and must take immediate steps to counter the threat and defend itself, according to a new report. Decisive and sweeping action is necessary to prevent authoritarian revision to the world order from happening, according to Winning the New Cold War: A Plan for Countering China, published by conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation. China envisions a world in which they are the worlds most powerful nation, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) at a March 28 launch event for the report. We are in a conflict with a nation state that doesnt just seek to replace us, they seek to reorient the world. Rubio framed the ongoing struggle with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a civilizational struggle between the values of individual rights and collectivist totalitarianism, and one that would determine the character of the next century. We are living in a hinge moment in history that will define the 21st century, Rubio said. Thats the conflict we face: freedom versus totalitarianism. Report: US in New Cold War The Heritage report is designed as a comprehensive plan to protect the U.S. homeland, advance American prosperity, diminish the CCPs influence, and reestablish U.S. leadership abroad. It consists of more than a hundred operational policy proposals and proposed changes to U.S. strategic and diplomatic policy, which the foundation believes are essential to winning the new Cold War. The Biden administration does not, however, recognize the ongoing conflict with the CCP as a cold war, and instead refers to it as strategic competition. The report takes aim at that belief first. While U.S. officials have been reluctant to frame the rivalry with China in these terms, their apprehension ignores a simple reality: China adopted a Cold War strategy against the U.S. long ago, the report said. Ultimately, however, China is foremost an Oval Office problem: The U.S. President must exercise leadership in directing a national plan, as the Presidents predecessors did during World War II and the Cold War. The President must galvanize Congress to act. Heritage staffers took issue with that reluctance, saying that the multi-front conflict between the United States and CCP was the textbook definition of a cold war. This is what a Cold War is, said Jeff Smith, director of Heritages Asian Studies Center. Conflict across multiple fronts falling short of military conflict. To that end, Smith noted that improving the United States defense posture and strategy with regard to China was a central theme of the report. Preventing the CCP from bringing the new cold war into a hot war he said, the United States needed to ensure it had the firepower necessary to hold the regime at real risk. As such, he said, expanding and modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal was essential to ensure that the Chinese Communist Party believes that a war with the United States would be absolutely catastrophic. US Must Take Fight to CCP To ensure the United States maintained that strategic advantage, it needs to rapidly expand and enhance its nuclear capabilities, including by fielding sea-launched nuclear cruise missiles the report said. A strong nuclear deterrent, said Heritages Vice President for National Security and Foreign Policy James Carafano, would be necessary to slow the CCPs march towards nuclear parity with the United States. China is sending a message to the world that nuclear weapons are an important way to intimidate the world, and so theyre building up their nuclear arsenal, Carafano said. Carafano said part of that effort meant leaving the New START agreement, which limits how many warheads the United States and Russia can deploy, though Russia recently unilaterally suspended its involvement in the program. Such a state of affairs was untenable, he said, given the United States need to now deter both China and Russia from nuclear aggression simultaneously. Weve never endorsed the New START treaty, Carafano said. It created this false sense of control. It was consciously blind to the fact that it didnt apply to Chinese capabilities at all. We think that the United States needs to look into developing a strategic nuclear arsenal that thinks about China and Russia, not China or Russia. With that in mind, Carafano said that it was not enough for the United States to simply back away from its engagement with the CCP. Rather, he said, the United States would need to invest in the capabilities required to carry the battle to the regime. You cannot just protect the United States from China by just walling off or disengaging, Carafano said. You cannot protect the United States by just playing defense. You have to take the fight against the Chinese Communist Party. Wayne Allyn Root, Nicky Billou Publish Consumer Guide for Conservatives Commentary Well written though they are, the introductory essays in Wayne Allyn Root and Nicky Billous recently published The Great Patriot BUY-cott Book: The Great Conservative Companies to BUY From & Invest In! might be found by Epoch Times readers to be a bit of deja vu all over again. The subjects of woke, COVID-19, the border crisis, Russiagate, economic decline, election integrity, Jan. 6, and so forth have been covered extensively in this paper, where theres more room to drill down on them. But thats not why you should buy this bookand you absolutely should! Messrs. Root and Billou have provided a first-rate and necessary handy consumer guide for all of us who wish to strike back with our wallets at whats arguably the most reactionary and destructive movement in American history. We can do that by patronizing our friends and avoiding woke companies that were the target of their previous book, The Great Patriot Protest & Boycott Book. That one was worthyRoot told me in a phone conversation that he takes pride in their contribution to the exposure of woke Disneybut the new book is more important, he says, because it shows readers where to go in a positive sense. Rewarding your friends, the side of good, is better for the country and ultimately for the soul than simply boycotting your enemies. You can wait months to vote in the primaries and the election, or you can start to vote nowwith your money. While others have attempted this approach, I found Root and Billous to be the most effective because they list, in order, 123 praiseworthy companies to patronizein each case accompanied by an explanation of why they were chosen. These explanations are key because, in many cases, you wont know the companiesat least I didnt. In other cases, youll know them but be pleasantly surprised to find familiar names having been selected for having the rightnon-ESG (environmental, social, and governance), non-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)values, as well as having made positive contributions to conservative causes. Some examples pleasing to me were Dillards department stores and Publix supermarkets, both of which happen to have branches in my neighborhood. I was also happy to learn that ADTwhose security system we inherited from our homes previous ownerpassed muster. Im not going to go through the entire list because you owe it to the authors who have done the work to assemble it to buy the book. You may quarrel with their exact orderin fact, you probably will. But thats to be expected and may be part of the fun. The Epoch Times was ranked 14th of the 123, when I would have placed it No. 1 or 2but Im obviously biased. It was No. 1 among newspapers and far above Fox News Channel (FNC), which, at 91, has lately come under considerable criticism from conservatives. While praising Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, and other Fox stalwarts, the authors wrote of the network: However, they are moving more left and anti-Trump. They refused to allow straight talk on either stolen elections or vaccine mandates. Paul Ryan on their Board is a vicious anti-Trumper. There are problems at FNC. But they remain the highest-rated channel for conservative viewers. The authors noted that theyll keep an eye on FNC, as they should. But in all, the evaluations of media companiesalthough good fodder for debateare less useful than the recommendations of specific consumer-oriented companies in a variety of areas. If anything, the list is too short. One obvious example is that at this moment, we could use more recommendations for decent, non-woke banks, especially if theyre solvent. Both authors told me on the phone that theyre looking to expand the list with a new book, a website, or both. One idea is to allow owners to nominate their businesses for inclusion; a system would be established to vet those proposals to make sure those companies really were what they said they were. If this expansion were successful, we could be assured that almost every dollar we spend would be going in the right (pun intended) direction, from our dry cleaners to the local hamburger joint. That may seem an extreme way to live, but the other side, through its cancel culture, has given us little choice. Now if there were only an alternative to the IRS. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. We Believe in Prayer: Top Tennessee Official Defends Prayers After Christian School Shooting People pay their respects at a makeshift memorial for victims at the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church following a shooting, in Nashville, Tenn., on March 28, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) The director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation defended prayer on Monday as an appropriate response to tragedies in the wake of a mass shooting in Nashville that left six people dead. I want to echo what [the] chief has said in reference to the great support and the great teamwork that has been taking place here, as well as sending our heartfelt prayers to the families, to this community of these victims, TBI Director David Rausch said at a press conference on Monday. Now, I know therell be people who want to criticize us for prayers. But thats the way we do that in the South, right? We believe in prayer and we believe in the power of prayer. And so, our prayers go out to these families, he continued, seemingly referring to some left-wing criticism of officials statements offering prayers to the families of the victims. Rausch was not responding to any specific critical comments during his statements to reporters Monday. Gun-control advocates and prominent left-wing social media users in recent years have criticized elected officials for offering thoughts and prayers following high-profile mass shootings, arguing that lawmakers should pass gun-control measures to prevent such incidents. A similar phenomenon occurred on Monday and Tuesday, with some criticizing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and others for their statements. A progressive radio host, David Pakman, drew widespread criticism on Twitter Monday after he said that prayers did not prevent the mass shooting. Pakman later deleted his Twitter post. During the news conference, Rausch said that TBI investigators were assisting local law enforcement with the investigation. He said the agency will provide oversight of their investigation, without elaborating. Authorities confirmed the suspect, Audrey Hale, 28, was a former student at The Covenant School, a Christian private shcool. Hale did not target specific victimsamong them three 9-year-olds and the head of the schoolbut did target this school, this church building, police spokesperson Don Aaron said at a news conference Tuesday. Hale was under a doctors care for an undisclosed emotional disorder and was not known to police before the attack, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at the news conference. Hale wasnt on local authorities radar before the violence on Monday. Chief of Police John Drake delivers a press briefing at the entrance of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn., on March 28, 2023. (Seth Herald/Getty Images) If police had been told that Hale was suicidal or homicidal, then we would have tried to get those weapons, Drake said. But as it stands, we had absolutely no idea who this person was or if [Hale] even existed. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. Later in the day, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. Police spokesperson Kristin Mumford told The Associated Press Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. A LinkedIn profile that appeared to be associated with the shooter showed that she used he/him pronouns. On Tuesday, Drake said that authorities found a map and a manifesto that had belonged to the suspect. Details about the contents of Hales writings were not provided, although Drake said that she included details about how to enter The Covenant School. When police officers arrived, they noticed that Hale positioned herself on an upper-level floor of the school and was attempting to conceal herself. Bodycamera footage released Tuesday morning shows a group of officers rushing to the floor and checking various rooms before they shot the suspect as Drake and other authorities have praised the responding officers decisiveness. Authorities identified the slain children as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. The adults were identified as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Police identified Officer Rex Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Michael Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. A police spokesman said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. The Associated Press contributed to this report. What Happened When the Georgia Governor Tried to Open the State? Commentary The journalists have fallen down on the job. To say the least. Three years ago, all normal rights and liberties of the people were trampled on by governments everywhere. It was all for naught. The virus came and became endemic as it always would in any case. And as societies opened up gradually, we were left with unbearable carnage: economic, cultural, and public health. The damages continue to hammer the world in the form of health and economic losses, and now we face a growing financial and banking crisis. One might assume that professional journalists would be all over this, digging into every nook and cranny to discover precisely how all this came to be. Alas, there is a weird game of pretend going on in the mainstream press: pretend lockdowns were fine, pretend the shots worked, and pretend that todays shattered politics and economics have nothing to do with the outrageous actions that were perpetuated on people the world over. As a result of this tremendously odd conspiracy of silence, the journalistic duty has fallen to people independent of the mainstream, writing for Brownstone, Substack, and a handful of other venues. And yet, every once in a while, something does leak through in a large venue. That happened last weekend in the Wall Street Journal. The opinion page editor James Taranto took a trip to Georgia to talk with Governor Brian Kemp. The result is Brian Kemp, Georgias Affable Culture Warrior. The thesis is that Kemp has been battling woke culture longer than anyone else while rarely getting the credit. Thats interesting but not the real revelation of the piece. What it really does is dig deeply into the most interesting aspect of the last three years: how it came to be that Georgia was the first state to open following lockdowns and how the White House responded. On this subject, the piece absolutely breaks new ground, so much so that it is worth quoting the relevant passages here. In April 2020, businesses in Georgia were shuttered by government decree as in most of the rest of the country. Mr. Kemp was hearing from desperate entrepreneurs: Look man, were losing everything weve got. We cant keep doing this. And I really felt like there was a lot of people fixin to revolt against the government. The Trump administration had that damn graph or matrix or whatever that you had to fit into to be able to do certain things, Mr. Kemp recalls. Your cases had to be going down and whatever. Well, we felt like we met the matrix, and so I decided to move forward and open up. He alerted Vice President Mike Pence, who headed the White Houses coronavirus task force, before publicly announcing his intentions on April 20. That afternoon Mr. Trump called Mr. Kemp, and he was furious. Mr. Kemp recounts the conversation as follows: Look, the national medias all over me about letting you do this, Mr. Trump said. And theyre saying you dont meet whatever. Mr. Kemp replied: Well, Mr. President, we sent your team everything, and they knew what we were doing. Youve been saying the whole pandemic you trust the governors because were closest to the people. Just tell them you may not like what Im doing, but youre trusting me because Im the governor of Georgia and leave it at that. Ill take the heat. Well, see what you can do, the president said. Hair salons arent essential and bowling alleys, tattoo parlors arent essential. With all due respect, those are our people, Mr. Kemp said. Theyre the people that elected us. Theyre the people that are wondering whos fighting for them. Were fixin to lose them over this, because theyre about to lose everything. They are not going to sit in their basement and lose everything they got over a virus. Mr. Trump publicly attacked Mr. Kemp: He went on the news at 5 oclock and just absolutely trashed me. Then the local medias all over meit was brutal. The president was still holding daily press briefings on Covid. After running over me with the bus on Monday, he backed over me on Tuesday, Mr. Kemp says. I could either back down and look weak and lose all respect with the legislators and get hammered in the media, or I could just say, You know what? Screw it, were holding the line. Were going to do whats right. He chose the latter course. Then on Wednesday, him and [Anthony] Fauci did it again, but at that point it didnt really matter. The damage had already been done there, for me anyway. The damage healed quickly once businesses began reopening on Friday, April 24. Mr. Kemp quotes a state lawmaker who said in a phone call: I went and got my hair cut, and the lady that cuts my hair wanted me to tell youand she started crying when she told me this storyshe said, You tell the governor I appreciate him reopening, to allow me to make a choice, because if Id have stayed closed, I had a 95 percent chance of losing everything Ive ever worked for. But if I open, I only had a 5 percent chance of getting Covid. And so I decided to open, and the governor gave me that choice. At that point, Florida was still shut down. Mr. DeSantis issued his first reopening order on April 29, nine days after Mr. Kemps. On April 28, the Florida governor had visited the White House, where, as CNN reported, he made sure to compliment the President and his handling of the crisis, praise Trump returned in spades. Three years later, heres the thanks Mr. DeSantis gets: This Wednesday Mr. Trump issued a statement excoriating Ron DeSanctimonious as a big Lockdown Governor on the China Virus. As Mr. Trump now tells the tale, other Republican Governors did MUCH BETTER than Ron and, because I allowed them this freedom, never closed their States. Remember, I left that decision up to the Governors! Whats utterly remarkable here is that readers gain an inside look into the difficult spot into which Trumps White House had placed Republican governors. The whole machinery of D.C. had been marshaled with Trumps approval. The order read: indoor and outdoor venues where people can congregate should be closed. He issued this order on March 16 and expected full compliance, and then lobbied for trillions in welfare to the states to make sure they stayed locked down. Only South Dakota with Kristy Noem refused. And for that she was dragged through the mud of media lies for two years because she allowed motorcyclists, for example, to organize and ride in her state. The fake studies coming out about the Sturgis bike rallies set a new low standard for real-time science. Georgia is important because it was the first state to open. Trump tweeted his opposition to this move both in general and then, two weeks later, in opposition to Kemps opening. For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government. Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2020 I (or @VP) never gave Governor Brian Kemp an OK on those few businesses outside of the Guidelines. FAKE NEWS! Spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, & barber shops should take a little slower path, but I told the Governor to do what is right for the great people of Georgia (& USA)! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 24, 2020 Every bit of documentation absolutely contradicts Trumps claim that he left that decision up to the Governors as a matter of his own intention. It was his intention to achieve what he later bragged he had done, which is turned it off. Somebody please explain to @MichelleObama that Donald J. Trump would not be here, in the beautiful White House, if it werent for the job done by your husband, Barack Obama. Biden was merely an afterthought, a good reason for that very late & unenthusiastic endorsement.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2020 I wont belabor this anymore because weve covered this in more detail here and here. And yet for weeks now, Trump has been telling visitors to Mar-a-Lago, and his coterie has backed him up, that he never locked down and only people like Kemp and DeSantis did this over his objections. Daily I get calls from people who are stunned that this outright attempt to falsify history is happening. But these days, it is just part of public life, I suppose. This is why we must be grateful for people like Taranto for digging more deeply into the actual history of what happened in those fateful months from 2020 when life itself was completely upended by dreadful decision-making from the White House. If we had more journalists interested in what actually happened, rather than just pretending that either what happened was perfectly normal or that it didnt happen at all, we would be far closer to getting to the truth, and making sure that such a calamity never repeats itself. From the Brownstone Institute Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The facelifted Sonata is larger than its predecessor released in March 2019 and features a sleek look. It is the first Hyundai car to be equipped with a panoramic curved display comprising a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch AVN infotainment system. The car also offers extra space in the console as the gearshift has been relocated to the steering column. Hyundai plans to showcase the car at the Seoul Mobility Show, which kicks off on Thursday at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, ahead of its launch before June. White House Urged Meta to Censor WhatsApp Messages to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy President Joe Bidens administration pressured Meta to restrict messages on WhatsApp, according to newly disclosed emails. Rob Flaherty, an assistant to the president, messaged Meta executives in March 2021 to ask about how the company was working to reduce harm, one of the emails shows. On Whatsapp, which I may seem like Im playing gotcha, but I guess Im confused about how youre measuring reduction of harm, he wrote in one email. If you cant see the message, Im genuinely curioushow do you know what kinds of messages youve cut down on? Assuming youve got a good mousetrap here, thats the kind of info were looking for what interventions youve taken, and what youd found to work and not work? I guess I have the same question here as I do on Facebook on Instagram. Do you guys think you have this under control? Youre obviously going to say yes to that, so I guess the real question is, as ever: how are you measuring success? Reduction in forwarding? Measured impact across Facebook properties? Flaherty added in another email. WhatsApp is a private messaging service that Facebook bought in 2014, sparking concerns about user privacy. Meta is the parent company of both WhatsApp and Facebook. Flaherty and Andrew Slavitt, at the time a top White House COVID-19 adviser, had been pressuring Meta executives to take action against supposed COVID-19 misinformation, expressing concern that such informationeven if truecould lead to vaccine hesitancy. The Biden administration has aggressively tried to get Americans vaccinated, including through mandates. The email came after Slavitt held a call with Meta officials in which they discussed WhatsApp. A Meta executive responded, informing Flaherty that about 90 percent of the messages sent on WhatsApp are one-on-one, with the rest being sent in group chats. But Meta was taking steps to address alleged misinformation. Youre right that without being able to see the content of messages on WhatsApp, were not able to measure prevalence (and, relatedly, reduction) of particular types of content. WhatsApp seeks to control the spread of misinformation and inform users through deliberate, content-agnostic product interventionsthings like labeling and limiting message forwards, the executive said. The underlying idea there is that messages that did not originate from a close contact are less personal compared to typical messages sent on WhatsApp, and may be more prone to contain misinformation. The labels (forwarded; and forwarded many times if the message has been forwarded five times or more) are intended to prompt people to stop and think when they are reading a message and before they forward something, which may not be accurate. The forward limits (no more than five chats at time; one chat a time for highly forwarded messages), are intended to reduce their spread. After the limits on highly forwarded messages were introduced early in the COVID-19 pandemic, those messages were reduced by 70 percent globally, according to the executive. Of course, not all forwards are misinformation, so these are by nature somewhat blunt tools, but they are important onesand ones that many other messaging services dont provide, the executive said. WhatsApp also bans accounts engaged in mass marketing or scam behaviors, including accounts that seek to exploit COVID-19 misinformation, the executive said. The executive also touted how WhatsApp has introduced a feature enabling users to tap a magnifying glass button to launch a web search to double-check forwarded messages, the executive said, adding, This helps users find news results or other sources of authoritative information about messages they have received from outside their close contactsand is available in English, Spanish, and other languages. WhatsApp also provided $1 million to the International Fact-Checking Network, and users can receive answers from a fact-checking bot. Answers come from organizations such as the World Health Organization. Flaherty responded, saying: Will say Im really mostly interested in what effects the interventions and products youve tested have had on increasing vaccine interest within hesitant communities, and which ones have shown promise. Really couldnt care less about products unless theyre having measurable impact. And while the product safari has been interesting, at the end of the day, I care mostly about what actions and changes youre making to ensure sure youre not making our countrys vaccine hesitancy problem worse. I still dont have a good, empirical answer on how effective youve been at reducing the spread of vaccine-skeptical content and misinformation to vaccine fence sitters, he added. Flaherty claimed that WhatsApp helped increase skepticism in the 2020 election and that the U.S. Capitol breach after the election was plotted, in large part, on your platform. He asked for assurances, based in data, that you are not doing the same thing again here. Understood. I thought we were doing a better job through [redacted] responding to this-and we are working to get the data that will more clearly show the universe of the Covid content thats highest in distribution with a clear picture of what percentage of that content is vax hesitancy content, and how we are addressing it, a Meta executive said. I know [redacted] told Andy that would take a bit of time to nail down and we are working on that universe of data. I will make sure were more clearly responding to your questions. The messages were produced during discovery in Missouri v. Biden, a federal lawsuit. Meta and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. The overwhelming evidence is clear: the highest levels of our federal government are suppressing the First Amendment rights of Americans who have opposing views, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican and one of the plaintiffs, told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. This egregious and unlawful viewpoint censorship by the White House, FBI, CDC, CISA, and other agencies not only chills speech; but it also unjustly inflicts grave and irreparable injuries on citizens and states, whose duty it is to protect their fundamental rights. The case is moving forward after the U.S. judge overseeing it rejected a government attempt to have it dismissed. The same judge was assigned to a class-action suit that alleges the government violated Americans First Amendment rights with its pressure on Big Tech to censor content. Who or What Encouraged Audrey Hales Transgenderism? Officials have identified the suspect in Monday's Nashville Christian school shooting incident as 28-year-old Audrey Hale as Nashville Police released surveillance footage, seen above, on March 28, 2023. (Nashville Police Department) Commentary The cellphones were buzzing non-stop at our house on March 27. Who was this person? What motivated him or her? It was a trans person but because the police announcement was so cautiousprobably correctlyno one was immediately sure, until very late, which way the transition had gone. Still, there are many unanswered, some undoubtedly buried in the shooters manifesto. The tragic shooting that took six lives, three of them children, at Nashvilles Covenant School occurred a four-minute drive from my house. I pass the school regularly to get to the local Walgreens or Whole Foods. That doesnt give me any special insight into this horrific event thats now dominating our television screens; on the other hand, it should be no surprise that I cant stop thinking about it. One thing is certain nevertheless: This isnt a Nashville-specific calamity. It could happen anywhere. It comes as a recent poll shows a catastrophic decline in traditional values in the United States, with only the desire for money showing a percentage gain in public interest. Notably, interest in religion is vanishing. At the same time, there has been an extraordinary rise in transgenderism, as if changing your sex were an answer to lifes inevitable pain and difficulties. Actually, it most often creates more, by perpetuating an endless psychological and medical cycle. This rise has been encouraged by our schools, our media, and, perhaps most repellently, because they profit financially from it, our medical community. This so-called solution has reached near-epidemic proportions among our young, inspiring many forms of treatment from hormone therapy to genital surgery, all of which have unknown chemical and physiological results. This has gone on even as its been common knowledge since time immemorial that male and female sexuality exists on a spectrum. Only now, in what John Nolte aptly calls in his forthcoming novel the great all at once, do we seek to intervene in this natural evolution of our species that, according to recent research, began some 300,000 years ago. For all those millennia, people found ways of dealing with their feelings and impulses. It obviously wasnt always perfect, but it sufficed to bring civilization forward. Only in this minute portion of that time is there a serious, government-approvedindeed, often encouragedattempt to solve peoples problems by medically altering their sex. Talk about playing with fire. We have just seen the fruits of that, even though it appears that Audrey Hale, 28, because of the rampage that resulted in her death, came to the decision she was male somewhat later than many. We dont know, as of this writing anyway, the extent that she was under medical treatment, taking testosterone, and so forth. Still, she was a part of the zeitgeist that unconsciously encouraged her to dress, if you look at recently revealed videos, as almost a parody of a macho terrorist in assault gear. Indeed, the schools (not Covenant, a Christian school, but the general run of public schools throughout the nation and many private as well), the media, and the medical community should start looking in the mirror and examine what they have wrought. I should add to my list perhaps the most execrable of allso-called trans activists. This is, as they say, a teaching moment. Unfortunately, every teaching moment needs a willing audience in order to have value, in order to work. That remains to be seen. Two essays in March 28s New York Post should act as a reminder. Rich Lowry tells uswriting before this catastrophe (was he prescient?): Social contagion is making teen girls depressedand trans. And how! As if expanding on Lowry, presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy writes The USA is experiencing a crisis of faithin itself. How true. He explains: The woke left preys on this vacuum of identity. The new secular cults of wokeism, gender ideology, COVIDism and climateism prey on this vacuum of purpose and meaning. Blaise Pascal famously said that if you have a hole the size of God in your heart and God doesnt fill it, then something else will. Pascals words are indeed the nub of the problem. If, following on his French theme I could say today, in the spirit of Emile Zola, Jaccuse! I would accuse woke ideology that creates secular cults, as Ramaswamy says, like this increasingly bizarre gender ideology we live with, of murdernot just here in Nashville, but everywhere. I dont believe thats too extreme to say. That its victims this time were 9-year-old children and the people that took care of and mentored them at a Christian school is a desperately sad tragedy. One can only imagine what their families must be feeling. ADDENDUM: As of this writing, Nashville police arent releasing Hales manifesto, according to the Daily Caller Foundation. Going forward, lets hope they do. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. World Health Organization Scales Back COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Most people dont need an additional COVID-19 vaccine booster, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated in a March 28 update. People designated as high priority, including older adults and people with significant comorbidities, such as diabetes and immunocompromising conditions such as having received an organ transplant, are being advised by the U.N. organization to get an additional booster 6 to 12 months after their most recent dose. The group includes adults older than the age of 60. The medium-priority group, including younger, healthier adults who dont have comorbidities, are still advised to get a primary series and one booster, but the WHO isnt recommending additional boosters given the comparatively low public health returns, the organization stated. The updated guidance is a change from the WHOs recommendation of additional boosters for the medium-priority group, which includes adolescents with comorbidities. The low-priority group, including healthy children and adolescents, benefit from a vaccine and boosters but considering the low burden of disease, the organization is urging countries to take into consideration factors such as cost-effectiveness when vaccinating them. The public health impact of vaccinating healthy children and adolescents is comparatively much lower than the established benefits of traditional essential vaccines for childrensuch as the rotavirus, measles, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccinesand of COVID-19 vaccines for high and medium priority groups, the WHO stated. The updated guidance reflects that many people have been vaccinated, survived COVID-19, or both, Dr. Hanna Nohynek, a WHO official, said in a statement. Countries should consider their specific context in deciding whether to continue vaccinating low risk groups, like healthy children and adolescents, while not compromising the routine vaccines that are so crucial for the health and well-being of this age group, she said. COVID-19 poses less risk to many people since the Omicron coronavirus variant and its subvariants displaced the Delta variant in late 2021. Newer subvariants have increasingly evaded the protection from the vaccines and, to a lesser extent, that from COVID-19 recovery, also known as natural immunity. That has prompted some countries to initiate aggressive booster campaigns to try to recapture the previous protection. Others have narrowed or stopped their campaigns. England, for example, recently ended its booster campaign for people younger than 50, citing the high levels of population immunity from vaccination, natural immunity, or both. Danish authorities have, for some time, not recommended COVID-19 vaccination to healthy people younger than 50. Christine Stabell Benn, a vaccine expert in Denmark, told The Epoch Times in an email that for children, it is quite clear the benefit does not clearly exceed the risks, because children usually dont experience severe illness after being infected with COVID-19 and because natural immunity provides strong, long-term protection against severe disease. Benn, a professor and chair at the Bandim Health Project and Danish Institute for Advanced Study, also noted that theres limited information about the risks of the COVID-19 vaccines, since theyve been used for only a few years, and that the list of confirmed and potential side effects has been growing and includes heart inflammation, tinnitus, and menstrual irregularities. With little if anything to gain, no societal benefit, and potential risks, COVID-19 vaccines should not be used in healthy children, in my opinion, she said. CDC Advises Against 2nd Updated Booster In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the fall of 2022 cleared updated boosters despite no clinical data being available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then recommended boosters for virtually all people aged 5 and older, and for babies and toddlers who received Modernas vaccine, as soon as two months after their most recent shot. Although many Americans have opted to not get any boosters, and each successive booster campaign has drawn less support, some people have pushed to be able to get multiple updated boosters. Addressing such people, the CDC said this week that it recommends against more than one of the new boosters, which come from Moderna and Pfizer. Can I get more than one updated COVID-19 booster? No, the CDC stated on its website. Receiving more than one of the updated boosters isnt currently authorized by U.S. regulators, the agency noted. Its still not clear when clinical efficacy data will be available for the updated boosters. They contain the Wuhan strain and a sublineage of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. The companies and U.S. authorities havent responded to requests for comment. Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 coordinator, said in a recent appearance on WBUR that the FDA is examining data to determine whether high-risk individuals should get a second booster. We continue to closely monitor the emerging data in the United States and globally, and we will base any decision on additional updated boosters upon those data, an FDA spokesperson told media outlets in a statement. As of March 22, 73.4 percent of the U.S. population aged 5 and older have received a primary series, according to federal data. Just 17.5 percent have received an updated booster. Wuhans Elderly Expose Chinese Authorities Retaliation Against Health Reform Protests Elderly people protest over health insurance cuts in Wuhan city, China, on Feb. 15, 2023. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Elderly protestors in Wuhan, China have been threatened and harassed by the police there since Feb. 8, when tens of thousands of Wuhans retirees started huge protests against health reforms that cut their medical benefits by 70 percent. Hao Jiayi, a Wuhan resident who participated in the protests, has been subject to police suppression and retaliation since they began. He said, I feel the white terror is covering Wuhanand even the whole country. Hao said he hoped that through The Epoch Times, his voice would let the world know the situation of elderly Chinese people under the Communist regime. We have no right to speak, no freedom of action under the tyranny of the regime, he said. Authorities Retaliation In a previous report, local residents revealed to The Epoch Times that Wuhan mobilized nearly all of its police forces when a large protest took place there on Feb. 15. Since then, the police have engaged in an all-out effort to retaliate against and punish the participants. In early March, local police summoned Hao for interrogation. They demanded to check his cell phone, but he rejected their request. Hao indicated that the police keep a detailed record of almost every protestor, and monitor their chat content and their Weixina Chinese-based social media platform. The police and community grid staff have pursued him every day, Hao said, just to confirm his whereabouts. Chinas grid staff members are the regimes monitoring system at the grassroots of Chinese society, with members designated to monitor local residents within a set geographical range through their cell phones, TVs, and computers. The majority of the participants have been summoned to the police station for a statement. [We] have all been warned, said Hao. He believes the authorities will continue the monitoring and checking just to prevent more protests from arising. Local retirees hold a large-scale protest against the reduction of their medical insurance payments after health benefit reforms in Wuhan in Chinas Hubei Province, on February 15, 2023. (Video screenshot) A Plundering Reform This medical insurance reform is plundering, said Wuhan retiree Liang Li (pseudonym), whos in her late 60s. The steep cut of the health benefit left her only 160 yuan ($23.25) per month as a benefit, while she still has a hospitalization bill of more than 5,000 yuan ($726.41) to pay after her Covid infection. It will now take her several years to save up the money, she said. When Chinas communist regime issued its guide to national health insurance reform in April 2021, local governments were required to refine measures by the end of 2021, and implement them within three years. When the Wuhan government launched the new measure on Feb. 1, the slashed benefits badly affected elderly people, who had just experienced years of COVID-19 lockdowns and infections. Gu Guoping, a retired teacher in Shanghai, said, What we, the elderly desire is a sense of security in old age. The Wuhan elderly are doing what they should do. I agreed with their rally. Retirement pensions and medical insurance are personal assets, he said. It is my labor remuneration, not the states welfarenor is it given by the [Communist] Party. According to the Chinese medical insurance system, which was established in 1998, the funds for basic medical insurance are premiums paid by both employers, at six percent, and employees, at two percent, of the employees total wage. The individuals premiums and 30 percent of the premiums paid by the employers go to the personal accounts, and the remaining 70 percent of the premiums paid by the employers goes to the social pool program funds. Retirees are exempted from paying premiums. However, the current reforms aim to shift accumulated savings from personal accounts to public accounts, which would result in lower payments to elderly peoples personal insurance accounts. Personal medical insurance benefits for Wuhan retirees were thus cut from about 5 percent of the average basic pension to 2.5 percent per month. Gu said when the government slashed the personal account payments, it was violating their rights. He said, People should sue the government. Its just and legal to protect their rights. Chinese civil rights lawyer Qin Ming (a pseudonym due to security considerations) said that without a formal legal procedure, the current reform is obviously illegal. He said, Whatever the means or the excuse, it cannot justify the nature of this violation. He further pointed out that the suppression of the elderly peoples protest is also illegal, and said he believes that the protest would affect the entire nation. Qin suggested that the elderly continue exercising their rights and demand that the government provide a legal basis for the benefit cut. Otherwise, he said, Sue the department that cuts the benefit for its legal violation. Hong Ning contributed to this report. Acceptance growing for highrise buildings: Abhijit Majumdar Business Bureau Nagpur city is witnessing a huge transformation these days as highrise buildings have started to dominate its skyline. People are now accepting living in highrise buildings to experience a breathtaking view, clean air, sunshine and lower noise pollution combined with a string of the latest amenities within the premises, said Abhijit Majumdar, Director of Abhijit Realtors & Infraventures Pvt Ltd while speaking in an exclusive interview with The Hitavada. One of the visionaries and pioneers of introducing the highrise culture in the city, Majumdar said, The demand for highrise apartments is growing at a rapid pace. A house is something people buy once in their life time and so they want a place which offers modern community living experience, comforts and conveniences under one roof. Highrise is the future of urban living, he said. Considering the new trend, we have launched the Jayanti Nagari 7 project in Besa that is spread over an area of 15 acres out of which 80 per cent land is open space and 20 per cent is for construction purpose. There are total 12 highrise buildings of 26 stories consisting of 1,300 units of 2BHK and 3BHK flats, he said. The project is getting an overwhelming response as 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the flats have already been booked. Apart from this, we have introduced the latest technology in construction using Mivan Technology that ensures durability of the structure without using any bricks. The State Government has introduced new rule and resgulations like the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) which has given a boost to the high rise culture and real estate development in the city. Majumdar advises homebuyers to take precautions before investing their hard earned money while buying a home. Homebuyers should check the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) registration number, completion date and other information of the project. They should also ensure to check on monthly basis the progress of the project. Action plan to reduce human-elephant conflict on cards By Kartik Lokhande Maharashtra Forest Department is thinking about preparing a monitoring, conservation and management action plan to reduce human-elephant conflict in Vidarbha region, which has witnessed several incidents of movement of elephants in recent past. The department is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foundation in this regard. According to sources, the MoU is likely to be signed with Stripes and Green Earth (SAGE) Foundation, Kolkata. The work of the proposed project is expected to be carried out in Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Bhandara districts of Vidarbha. Under the project, elephant herds will be monitored, conflict hotspots in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts shall be identified, and community-based conflict mitigation strategies will be promoted. Besides, major elephant fodder will be identified and its nutrient content will be estimated apart from identification and mapping of water bodies and other resources. Further, the local community is proposed to be sensitised about elephant and its ecology in the above-mentioned districts of the region. For the said project, Maharashtra Forest Department shall provide an estimated funding assistance of Rs 1,58,80,542/- to SAGE Foundation. The project is expected to be completed by 2026-27, with year-wise release of payment to SAGE Foundation. The project entails support of thermal drone from Navegaon rapid response team or use of the thermal drone equipment by the foundation team when the herd of elephants moves in Gadchiroli or Bhandara division, and to carry out radio-collaring of matriarch elephant in presence of veterinarian and other field support. The community-based conflict mitigation strategies include crop guarding mechanism. For, the planners feel that the local communities are not aware of the methods of tackling wild elephants. The identification of major elephant fodder and estimation of nutrient content of such fodder, is expected to prepare a baseline database on the fodder species preferred by elephant and would help Forest Department in preparing plantation strategy. Interestingly, it is proposed to form Quick Response Team (QRT) among villagers by the name Hathi Mirtas (Elephant Friends) to tackle conflict situation. APC martyred in IED blast Our Correspondent BIJAPUR, A TROOPER belonging to Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) attained martyrdom after coming under impact of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, allegedly triggered by outlaws on a forested patch between Timenar and Etepal under Mirtur police station limits of restive Bijapur. The incident took place on Monday morning. As per police sources, the martyred trooper has been identified as Vijay Yadav, Assistant Platoon Commander (APC) of 19th CAF battalion (D Company). As per information, a squad of the CAF personnel from Etepal camp was out to provide security cover at a road construction site, about one kilometre away from Etepal. Meanwhile, Assistant Platoon Commander Vijay Yadav inadvertently stepped on an IED, leading to a blast. The impact of the blast was so severe that APC Yadav succumbed to injuries on the spot. Other CAF personnel reported about the incident to higher authorities. A native of Baliya in Uttar Pradesh, Vijay Yadav was currently residing at Dharampura, Jagdalpur. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has expressed profound grief over martyrdom of Chhattisgarh Armed Forces Assistant Platoon Commander Vijay Yadav. The Chief Minister has denounced the Naxalites cowardly deed, describing it as sad. The Chief Minister has also extended his solidarity with Yadavs bereaved family members. CBSE takes lead for an integrated framework for pre-school segment By Dinesh Chandankar Pre-primary school education in the country is all set to see structural transformation from the upcoming academic session as Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to implement the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for the pre-school students. Till now, there was no specific pattern for the pre-primary classes and schools were free to design their own curriculums. Now, CBSE has emerged as one of the single largest education board in the country, and it plans to to bring uniformity in their affiliated schools. CBSE recently issued a direction to its affiliated schools to take steps to align their curriculums with NCF for Foundational Stage of New Pedagogical Curricular Structure as envisaged by National Education Policy 2020 from the upcoming academic session, that is 2023-24. Acting on the CBSE circular, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Sainik Schools Society, Central Tibetan School Administration, Additional Director General of Army Education, Heads of Department/Regional Directors/Regional Officers of CBSE and such entities have asked their respective units to take note and put in place the necessary mechanism for aligning their studies with the new pattern. The circular further asks the heads of all CBSE-affiliated schools to implement NCF for Foundation Stage-2022 from the academic session 2023-24. The schools offering Foundational or Preparatory education are advised to adhere to the recommendations regarding curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and other areas described in detail in the framework. The schools offering Classes I to X/XII may make efforts to gradually augment the infrastructure requirements to include pre-primary classes. The schools already running foundational classes may continue to offer 3 years of pre-primary education, it states. CBSE adopted NCF for Foundational Stage-2022 ad the new structure of five-year CONSPIRACY!? STRONG rumours are doing the rounds all over the country that Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhis conviction in a defamation case and his subsequent disqualification from the Lok Sabha membership are parts of a deep-rooted conspiracy against him within the Congress party -- so that his leadership reign ends and possibly new leadership emerges. Though there is no substantiation of this sly thought doing the rounds, many political observers are open to accepting this as a possible truth. They are almost willing to accept that Mr. Rahul Gandhi has become a victim of some ugly design to throw him out from leadership position and reduce his importance beyond repair. Let alone the drama in such rumours and ideas, there are sound reasons to suspect that Mr. Rahul Gandhi was driven to a point of no-return, by way of which he refused to apologise in the Surat court that heard the defamation case. Had he just said in all politeness that he did not have any ill-intentions while making the controversial statement against the Modi community, the honourable court would have allowed him to go home without blemish. Instead, Mr. Gandhi refused to apologise -- and got the flak. And to make things all the more suspicious, the Congress party did not approach the Supreme Court, as it had done recently in the case against spokesperson Mr. Pawan Khera, within just an hour. Such an alertness could have been displayed in Mr. Rahul Gandhis case as well. But that did not happen -- which has led to a strong suspicion that the Congress stalwarts chose to remain silent, thereby allowing the system to proceed against Mr. Rahul Gandhi. Their inaction has given rise to various rumours -- and even political loose talks. The biggest question that is being asked again and again in the political circles plus media is whether Mr. Rahul Gandhi failed to assess the importance of the issue at hand and the damage its loose handling could cause, or he was carefully led into a trap from which it was difficult for him to emerge. Given his own flaws and foibles, Mr. Gandhi could have walked on any of the two paths! It is possible from every which the angle that somebody pumped up Mr. Rahul Gandhis false sense of dignity and pushed him into comparison of his family name Gandhi with the name of Savarkar. To say that he was not a Savarkar to apologise because his family name was Gandhi, was actually being foolish. For, this same man has apologised on two three occasions in the recent years. By so doing, he escaped arrest. He could have taken the same approach here as well, and save himself the huge embarrassment. If Mr. Rahul Gandhi had apologised in most sincere tone, the honourable court would have let him go possibly with a warning not to indulge in such overtures again. But the Congress leader was maybe pushed into an obstinate stance by some of his hangers-on (who were in league with some sly anti-Rahul activity) within the party. Hence the suspicion of an anti-Rahul conspiracy. There are political observers who insist that there is a rift between Mr. Rahul Gandhi and Mrs. Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra. This segment of observers suspects that it could be Mrs. Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra who plotted the suspected conspiracy against her brother -- with an ultimate wish to take over the party leadership. This segment does not think that it is too far-fetched an idea to be true. No matter the factual details that we may never come to know fully and truthfully, the very development is totally strange and defies logic. Let alone that, it is obvious that the Congress party is slowly but invariably leading to its own doom in the next some years. Farmers union threatens protest next month; vegetables, milk supply to affect By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla Pitching farmers demands and plight, Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh has once again swung into action. Seeking urgent action from Governments to prop up farmers whose fields got affected from the recent spell of rain and hailstorm, the union raised several other issues pertaining to recovery of electricity bill, minimum support price, loan payment etc. At the same, the said organisation gave an ultimatum to the Government to pay immediate attention to farmers immense hardship. Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasanghs (RKMM), Convenor Shivkumar Sharma, announced on Monday, that farmers are facing hardship due to delayed settlement of relief fund, electricity bill, erratic weather conditions etc. issues. The organisation has placed 33 demands before the Government, in absence of adequate action and assurance by the government , the organisation will protest from June 1-7. Farmers will stop supply of essentials like fruits, vegetables and milk. Putting forward their demands, the national convenor stated that untimely rain and hailstorm have severely affected crops, on the basis of initial assessment, government should disburse first installment of relief fund to farmers account. Hailstorm affected areas should be taken on priority. Survey must be started urgently. The organisation also brought Governments attention towards long pending demands. They also asked for speedy payment of pending dues of crop insurance and relief assistance. Pointing existing method of estimation erroneous, they sought correction in assessment methodology when the hailstorm affected fields are taken in to account. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made several announcements for farmers but there is a lot of ambiguity. They need to be specific about the beneficiaries. And what about those who doesnt come under their category. Government should come up with more precise figures about conditions to avail benefits. what about those who are sufferers but not up to the parameter described by the Chief Minister. For example, CM has announced compensation to farmers at the rate of 32,000 per hectare in case crop loss is in an area of 50% or above. How much financial support will be given to the farmers whose field has been affected less than 50%? Union also sought clarification over exemption from the last date of payment of loan installment. Last date must be extended to May 31. Ban on export of wheat, onion and cotton should be lifted as farmers have to sell these products below Minimum Support Price at present. If the ban gets lifted, more options to sell will be opened for them and they will be able to get a better price. Recovery of electricity bills are being carried ruthlessly. Japan is expected to remove the word "forced" from any references to the mobilization of Korean laborers in colonial times when it announces revisions of school textbooks on Tuesday. The textbooks are also likely to stress the island country's bogus claim to Korea's Dokdo islets, diplomatic sources said Monday. The whitewash was already enshrined in high school textbooks last year. News of the plan have taken the Korean government by surprise after President Yoon Suk-yeol traveled to Japan to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this month in a historic attempt at reconciliation. Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announces its annual review of school textbooks every March, and this year some 10 publications for elementary schools have been reviewed. Injured Amitabh Bachchan returns for weekend meet-and-greet with fans MUMBAI, MEGASTAR Amitabh Bachchan, currently recovering from an on-set injury, resumed his routine on Sunday meet-and-greet with fans who came out in droves to see the veteran actor at his Juhu residence here. With his right hand supported by a homemade sling, the 80-year-old star appeared on the gate of Jalsa wearing a white kurta-pyjama with a printed jacket. .. They come in droves and wait and watch, elders , children and several others in passing or in station .. So much care and love .. Blessed to be in their eyes for more.. And the work continues .. The Sunday blessings of the well wishers .. My love affection and gratitude .. They still come .. Me in homemade sling and the grey.. There is a flood of well wishers here, but space and limits do not allow .. (sic) Bachchan wrote on his personal blog on Monday morning. The screen icon suffered an injury earlier this month on the Hyderabad set of his upcoming film Project K while filming an action sequence. In a post informing fans, he had said his rib cartilage popped broke and there was a muscle tear to the right rib cage. Following a CT scan in Hyderabad, Bachchan was advised to rest at home by the doctors. Owing to the injury, the star had also skipped his meet-and-greet with fans, he had said in a post shared on March 5, which was also a Sunday. In a previous blog post shared on Saturday, the popular star said he would try to return to the Jalsa gate on the weekend. One of eight cheetahs Sasha dies of kidney failure in MP Staff Reporter BHOPAL, In a major setback to the Indias ambitious project of reintroducing Cheetah, ailing spotted cat Sasha was found dead in her cubicle at Kuno National Park on Monday morning. Death of the big cat has left forest officials and wildlife enthusiast in a state of shock and grief. The five-year-old female cheetah was not well for past two months and she was under treatment. Officials said that she has died of kidney failure. Sasha was released in Kuno National Park by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2022, along with other seven cheetahs. Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) J S Kansotia confirmed that one of the eight cheetahs has died on Monday. However, time of the death is yet to be confirmed. Veterinary team from Bhopal has reached Kuno to ascertain the details. Officials informed that Sawana, Sasha and Siyaya, three female cheetahs were released in compartment no 5 on November 28. All the three were killing prey in the cubical but on January 23, Sasha was found ill. Veterinary team from Bhopal reached Kuno to treat the cat. Oppn MPs in black stage protest over Rahul issue NEW DELHI, WEARING black clothes, several opposition MPs on Monday took out a march from Parliament to Vijay Chowk to protest against the Government over the Adani issue and Rahul Gandhis disqualification from the Lok Sabha. The protesters, including Congress MP Sonia Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, gathered near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament complex and raised slogans against the Government. Holding a huge Satyamev Jayate banner and placards with save democracy written on them, the MPs proceeded towards Vijay Chowk where they staged a sit-in. How has Adanis wealth multiplied so much in the last few years. When you are going to foreign countries how many times have you taken the industrialist with you. The PM has not been able to give answers to questions raised against Adani, Kharge told reporters at Vijay Chowk. We want a JPC on the Adani issue. Why is the Government not agreeing to this? Why are you scared of a JPC probe... It means dal mein kuchh kala hai (something is wrong), he said. Recession can be avoided by cumulative efforts: Dr Tejinder Singh Rawal Business Bureau Chartered Accountant Dr Tejinder Singh Rawal on Sunday said that the current banking crisis in the US may lead to a recesseionary trend and its may also affect Indian economy in coming days. However, its impact on our economy could be minimized if everyone makes cumulative effort, he said while speaking at the Augment Session organised by the Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) at Chitanvis Centre, Civil Lines in the city. He drew legitimate attention to the bankruptcy of banks in America and its effects on the Indian economy. Despite the absence of management errors and corruption, the leading banks in America have collapsed. This has happened in just one month. Even though the assets of the banks were safe but lack of funds at the time of withdrawal by customers created misunderstanding. The chaotic situation was result of the disconnect, he observed. Rawal further said, when banks are safe, customers dont withdraw or are in need of money, but bank run starts, when we hear any news, which leaves cascading effect and amounts to such debacle. 18th largest US bank with strong systems and ethics, could not withstand pressure from customers, which effectively had to declare bankruptcy. Foreign investors started withdrawing money from the banks. It also includes investors in India. Obviously, the collapse had a big impact on the Indian economy as well. The Indian stock market also rumbled. Silicon Valley is primarily a bank for startups. Mental state is important in a recession. If everyone withdraws money from the banks thinking that there will be a recession, the economy will suffer. But, at the same time, if everyone believes that there is no such situation, the situation will be different all together. Regulations related to banks in India are strict. Augment Tip was shared by Prerna Kotecha on Color Therapy for Stress Management. Moderator and session in-charge was CA Ritesh Mehta. SC notice to Centre, Guj on Bilkis Banos plea NEW DELHI, THE Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre, Gujarat Government and others on a plea filed by Bilkis Bano, who was gangraped and seven members of her family were killed during the 2002 post-Godhra riots. Bano has challenged remission of sentence of 11 convicts in the case. While posting the matter for hearing on April 18, a bench of Justices K M Joseph and B V Nagarathna said there is a gamut of issues involved and it needs to hear the matter in detail. The top court issued a notice to the Centre, the Gujarat Government and the convicts. It also directed the Gujarat Government to be ready with the relevant files granting remission to the parties on the next date of the hearing. During the hearing, the bench observed that it would not be overwhelmed by emotions in the case and would only go by the law. On January 4, a bench comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela M Trivedi took up the petition filed by Bano and other pleas. However, Justice Trivedi recused from hearing the case without citing any reason. Bano had moved the apex court on November 30 last year challenging the premature release of 11 lifers by the State Government, saying it has shaken the conscience of society. Besides the plea challenging the release of the convicts, the gangrape survivor had also filed a separate petition seeking a review of the apex courts May 13, 2022, order on a plea by a convict. The review plea was later dismissed in December last year. All 11 convicts were granted remission by the Gujarat Government and released on August 15 last year. Solution for saving money, sustainable development By Dr Sameer Manapure Launch of the Call Before U Dig application is a welcome move by the Prime Minister. It will definitely help in saving thousands of crores of rupees. But, there is another area needing attention -- huge loss of money caused due to unplanned work. Almost all cities in India are unplanned. Unplanned development has turned cities into eyesore. The illiterate (lacking knowledge of city management) and lazy (getting salary even without working well) Government employees have worsened the situation. Corruption in city management, too, is causing a huge loss of taxpayers money and also making citizens lives miserable as complaints about city woes are never addressed. There are numerous examples of unplanned development causing loss of taxpayers money and posing risk to citizens lives. A recent example is works done for Civil20 meeting in Nagpur. Had these works been done with proper planning and management in advance, Nagpur would have become permanently clean and beautiful. Another example is Ram Jhula cable-stayed bridge, for which newly constructed roads had to be demolished for alignment with second such bridge. Many roads are built without planning and then dug immediately for laying cables. No lesson is learnt from the old design disaster flyover in front of railway station. Many new flyovers and roads have become design disasters. Instead of easing traffic congestion, they have contributed to increasing traffic jams and chaos. Many new road-dividers, which were 2 feet high a couple of years back, have disappeared as a result of relayering and asphalting. Increase in the level of roads has become a nightmare for citizens as rainwater enters their homes. On many roads, only single lane relayering is done, making roads dangerously uneven for two-wheeler riders and may result in accidents, sometimes fatal. On many newly relayered roads, manholes are not levelled, making those dangerous for especially pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. Many areas do not have proper footpaths even after 75 years of Independence. But, in some areas, well-built footpaths are destroyed for re-tiling again and again. This is completely unacceptable. Fast and haphazardly growing thorny Bougainvillea plants on road-dividers at many places require regular trimming, which is not done by NMC. These overgrown branches reduce usable road-width and also damage vehicles paint-work. Many people got injured directly or indirectly because of these overgrown plants on road-dividers. Three labourers electrocuted Our Correspondent SAKTI, THREE labourers were electrocuted to death and two others sustained burn injuries when the concrete mixture machine they were shifting came into contact with high tension over head electric wire. The incident occurred at Khamariya village under Baradwar police station limits and deceased have been identified as Rajkumar Sewak, Premlal Mahilange and Ajay Singh. Bodies have been handed over to family members after postmortem. The injured labourers Nagendra Singh and Parau Ram are under-treatment in hospital. Rajkumar and other labourers were engaged in road construction at Khamariya village. On Sunday evening, after completing the work, they were shifting the mixture machine being used for construction. Meanwhile, the machine came into contact with overhead electric wire of 11 KV. There was a blast and eventually, current spread all over the machine and labourers were electrocuted. Local people were panicked with the incident and injured labourers were rushed to hospital. Rajkumar, Premlal and Ajay were declared brought dead while Nagendra and Parau were admitted for treatment. Baradwar SHO Rajesh Patel said that there was a blast after machine came into contact with electric wire. Villagers admitted labourers to hospital and it was later Champa police informed about the incident. Champa SHO Manish Singh Parihar said that Rajkumar, Premlal and Ajay were declared brought dead and other two labourers are under-treatment. Readers who sign up before the end of the year will receive a 21-day free trial. David Molina Grande (Getty Images/iStockphoto) EL PAIS has partnered with language-learning company Gymglish to offer online personalized lessons in Spanish. Readers who sign up before the end of the year will receive a 15-day free trial, with no further commitment required. The lessons only take 15 minutes and are available online. Before starting the course, students will be given a free language assessment to determine their current strengths and weaknesses. This information will then be used to adapt the Spanish lessons to their needs, abilities and goals. Every day, students will receive a new 15-minute class that is sent to their inbox. At the end of each lesson, students will be given immediate corrections and personalized explanations about their mistakes. Gymglish uses AI software to then customize the next daily lesson. Once the course is completed, readers will receive a diploma with statistics on their level of Spanish, learning progression and participation. About the course The Spanish-language course is called Hotel Borbollon, and uses storytelling and humor to motivate students. It follows the story of Ana Borbollon who must choose between her successful career as a surgeon in Argentina and taking over her familys struggling hotel in Madrid. The setting and personalities including the hotels disgruntled staff are designed to expose the student to various accents and different personal and professional situations. About Gymglish Founded in 2004, Gymglish creates adaptive language courses aimed at optimizing long-term gains and memorization by providing students with short but regular 15-minute classes instead of long and intensive training. The lessons are also designed to be fun: the content uses up-to-date issues, native accents and authentic cultural references. Students can also choose the topics that interest them. Gymglish is based in Paris and is made up of a team of 50 people. In addition to English, the company also provides courses in French, Spanish and German. In its 15-year history, Gymglish has worked with more than 50 million users across the world. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union on Tuesday defended its work with migrants in Libya after U.N.-backed investigators accused the 27-nation bloc of abetting human rights abuses and other crimes in the largely lawless north African country. Libya is a major departure point for people from northern Africa and elsewhere desperate enough to make the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing in poorly maintained boats in search of better lives or sanctuary in Europe. At least 529 migrants were reported dead and 848 others missing off Libya last year, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM). More than 24,680 people were intercepted by the Libyan coastguard as they tried to leave. Presenting a report on Monday by a U.N.-commissioned fact-finding mission to Libya, investigator Chaloka Beyani said that EU assistance to Libya's migration department and the coastguard has aided and abetted the commission of the crimes, including crimes against humanity. The report said that migrants, some of whom might have been eligible for asylum, were apprehended, detained, and disembarked in Libya solely to prevent their entry into Europe as a corollary of both European immigration policy and the economic agenda of migration in Libya via their subsequent detention and exploitation. The EUs executive branch, the European Commission, said it takes the allegations very seriously but insists that its work in Libya is vital and done in coordination with U.N. agencies like the IOM and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Not doing anything is not an answer. And our objective, our joint objective, is to help to improve the situation of the people stranded in Libya, commission spokesman Peter Stano said. Of course, there are incidents. There are issues which are a source of concern. We try to address them with the partners in Libya, with the international partners, Stano told reporters in Brussels. He said the EUs Libya mission had cooperated with the investigators. The arrival in 2015 of well over one million people, many of them fleeing war in Syria, overwhelmed reception centers in Greece and Italy. It sparked one of the EU's biggest ever political crises. Nations bickered over who should take responsibility for the migrants and whether they all should be obliged to help the EU countries that people entered. That dispute continues today. Several members, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia among them, erected razor-wire fences and other barriers. The new report underlined that investigators believe the EU directly or indirectly, provided monetary and technical support and equipment, such as boats, to the Libyan Coast Guard and the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, which were then used to catch and detain migrants. But Stano rejected suggestions that the EU would pay to keep migrants in Libya. We are not financing any Libyan entity. We are not giving physical money to partners in Libya, he said. What we are doing is allocating a lot of money, which is then usually used by our international partners. A lot goes through the U.N., for example. Earlier this month, the commission confirmed that a new boat was recently handed over for coastguard duties in Libya. Two more new boats and an undisclosed number of refurbished ones will also be delivered. At the same time, the EU has refurbished six other boats for Libyas General Administration of Coastal Security, which is separate to the coastguard. In February, Italy supplied two more fast boats to this GACS fleet. The commission said Tuesday that 142 GACS officers have now received EU training. Italy, where most people leaving Libya arrive, has received at least 15 million euros ($16.3 million) in EU money to fund migration and border control work there. Last year, in answer to a question from the European Parliament, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said that the EU has devoted around EUR 700 million ($760 million) to Libya during 2014-20, including EUR 59 million ($64 million) for the coastguard and GACS. Spanish EU lawmaker Sira Rego, from the Left group, said that for years the EU has allowed slavery in refugee detention camps in Libya, has been aware of the atrocities being committed there against migrants, and yet has continued to implement racist migration policies." In Greece, meanwhile, a voluntary scheme by EU members to accept unaccompanied migrant children from the country officially ended Tuesday, raising concern over the future of minors traveling alone until long-delayed asylum reforms are hammered out. EU lawmakers have finalized the parliament's negotiating position on the reforms, and hope that nations can agree on the way ahead before the next European elections in May 2024. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man was found guilty Friday of three counts of first-degree attempted murder among seven total felonies. The case stemmed from a 2021 shooting that left three people injured. A Madison County jury, after nearly five hours of deliberation, found Steven Foster, 36, of Alton guilty of three counts each of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm, all Class X offenses, as well as aggravated discharge of a firearm. Foster remains in custody and will be sentenced at a later date. The original incident began about 11:20 p.m. Sept. 8, 2021, when Alton police responded to the 700 block of Oakwood Estates in reference to a shooting. They found three adult gunshot victims who were taken to area hospitals and then transferred to a St. Louis area hospital. A few days later, Foster was arrested by Alton police and U.S. Marshals in the 2200 block of Bostwick Street in Alton. Also charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon in that incident was Montreal D. Holmes, 45, of Alton. That case is still pending. EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man was charged Monday with felony DUI after a Sunday incident. Walter E. Williams-Bey, 60, was charged March 27 with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on March 26 Williams-Bey allegedly was driving a 2013 GMC Terrain while under the influence of alcohol. He has a conviction or has received court supervision for similar cases out of Montgomery County in 2010 and 2012. Bail was set at $40,000. Other drug-related charges filed March 27 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Carlie Crane, 19, of Granite City was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, and obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on March 27 Crane allegedly had one gram or more of fentanyl with the intent to deliver and provided false information to a Madison County sheriffs deputy. Bail is set at $75,000. Britnie D. Hayse, 33, of Granite City was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on March 26 Hayse allegedly had less than five grams of methamphetamine and less than 15 grams of Tramadol Hydrochloride. Bail was set at $20,000. Demarion D. Hendricks, 32, of East St. Louis was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on March 25 Hendricks allegedly had more than 30 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. Bail was set at $50,000. Elijah E. Essenpreis, 18, of Alton was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, both Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois. According to court documents, on March 25 Essenpreis allegedly had less than 15 grams each of fentanyl and cocaine. Bail was set at $30,000. EDWARDSVILLE Unanimous "yes" votes on separate issues from the District 7 board of education Monday mean upgrades at the high school media center, a new superintendent contract and a new two-year contract for personnel. After the school's Facilities Committee voted in favor of the high school media center work Monday morning, the full board did the same that evening. Board members voting "yes" were Jill Bertels, Terri Dalla Riva, Debra Pitts, Kristen Pfund and John McDole. Absent on Monday night was board member Katie Robberson. The approved bid for the work at Edwardsville High School is $683,000 by C. Rallo Contracting of St. Louis. Now, the school's media center will undergo significant renovations and an expansion that includes seven new classrooms. District leaders have said the new classrooms will mean that freshmen can return to EHS from the N.O. Nelson campus. Money from the District 7 Operation and Maintenance Fund will cover the project. The total estimated budget was between $750,000 and $1 million. Superintendent contract approved The District 7 school board unanimously approved a new three-year contract with Dr. Patrick Shelton, who started as superintendent in Edwardsville on July 1, 2021. At that time, his contract was for three years. School board president McDole said the new multi-year contract, which goes through 2027, shows "the board's commitment to Dr. Shelton and all the great work that he has done." Other contract approvals Also Monday, the school board unanimously approved a contract amendment and one-year contract extension for student transportation services with First Student. The extension provides for four new buses and a 4-percent rise in costs, or about $250,000. It also raises starting bus driver pay to $18.50 per hour and maximum driver pay to $22.70 per hour. Under the amendment, bus drivers and monitors can complete training to be authorized to administer epinephrine injections (EpiPen) to passengers, including students, that they believe are experiencing anaphylaxis. The amendment and extension are for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Separately, a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Edwardsville School Service Personnel Association got a unanimous "yes" from the District 7 board. Personnel will get approximately an 8.3 percent annual raise in 2023-24 and 7.6 percent in 2024-25. The contract involves approximately 300 employees, such as school safety personnel, food service workers, monitors, classroom assistants, and grounds, custodial and maintenance personnel. This contract goes through June 30, 2025. NBC/Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty I Elementary school students who had rehearsed a Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton song to perform in their elementary school's spring concert came home this week disappointed after the school removed the song from the show. The first grade class at Heyer Elementary School in Wisconsin was set to perform "Rainbowland," a song both Cyrus and Parton said was about acceptance and kindness. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Nairobi, Kenya (AP) Thousands of anti-government protesters marched on the streets of Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on Monday despite the government's declaration that the protests are illegal. Opposition leader Raila Odinga joined protesters on the western side of the capital where his convoy attracted thousands of supporters and he addressed them at various stops calling for electoral justice and reduced prices for food items. Police used a water cannon and teargas to disperse supporters. Police chief Japheth Koome insists that the protests are illegal but Odinga says Kenyans have a right to demonstrate. Odinga and his party, Azimio la UmojaOne Kenya Coalition, are leading the protests against the rising cost of living and calling for President William Ruto's resignation saying he wasn't validly elected in last year's election. The protests occurred last week and Odinga has urged his followers to take to the streets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. More than a dozen civil society groups have in a joint statement expressed concern over police declaring Monday's protests illegal and urged authorities to uphold people's constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations. Ruto over the weekend urged Odinga to face him directly and stop terrorizing the country. Odingas plan in last weeks protests was to march to the presidents offices at State House but police erected barriers to prevent public access and motorists were directed to alternative routes. Ruto is currently out of the country visiting Germany. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared photos of himself at his office early Monday morning and urged Kenyans to report to work. Nairobi's central business district remained calm but most businesses were closed on Monday morning due to the uncertainty over demonstrations and if there would be violence. There were reports of some violence directed at Odinga and his supporters. Some people raided a farm in the outskirts of the capital owned by the family of the former president Uhuru Kenyatta, cutting trees and taking away sheep, according to local media reports. The former president supported Odinga in 2022 elections. Odinga's gas cylinder manufacturing business near the central business district was pelted with stones. There was a heavy police presence within the capital and surrounding neighborhoods on Monday. Police have dispersed crowds that gathered in Kibera and Mathare, poor areas of Nairobi. A resident on Kibera, Emily Atieno, told the Associated Press she would continue to protest until the price of cooking flour is reduced. Another protester Mario Omari said protests would continue until Ruto resigns from office. Local media have been warned against broadcasting Mondays protests. The Communication Authority of Kenya said the airing of last weeks demonstrations caused panic, incited the public and threatened peace. The High Court, however, ruled that the authoritys notice was unconstitutional and upheld media freedom in response to a petition filed by a civil society group, a journalists union and the Law Society. In 2018, Kenya's main television stations were taken off air for one week by the regulator after airing Odingas mock swearing in ceremony where he claimed to be the peoples president. Odinga had rejected the 2017 election results and organized anti-government protests. Police last week threatened to take action against those pictured hurling stones at officers. They released photos of people who they said were wanted for crimes committed during the protests but were called out by local media outlets for using old photos and others that were taken during protests in Burundi. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aditya Hadi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28, 2023 Homegrown mining giant Indika Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korean electric vehicle (EV) charging company Daeyoung Chaevi to expand the distribution of charging infrastructure in Indonesia. The agreement will allow Chaevi to expand its exports of EV charging equipment to Indonesia through Indika affiliate PT Energi Makmur Buana (EMB), which will act as a local distributor. "It is hoped that this deal between Indika and Chaevi will bolster [the development] of EV facilities and infrastructure in the country," said Purbaja Pantja, director and group chief investment officer at Indika Energy, in a statement on Monday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tenggara Strategics (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28, 2023 14:10 26 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b0535b5f1 4 Economy SMI,Sarana-Multi-Infrastruktur Free Financing is an essential part of the energy transition that Indonesia needs to achieve its 2060 net-zero emissions target. One mechanism expected to support the countrys retirement of existing coal-fired power plants and replace them with clean energy is the Finance Ministry-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), with state-owned infrastructure financing company PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) or (PT SMI) as ETM Country Platform Manager. According to PT SMIs Advisory Division Head Ekha Yudha Pratama, the company has so far coordinated with relevant stakeholders, namely ministries and state-owned electricity company PLN, and is in the midst of conducting a comprehensive study on fiscal support needed for the energy transition. During his presentation on the ETM at Japan RE Invest Indonesia 2023, Ekha explained that PT SMI will implement a blended finance approach to finance energy transition projects from PLN and independent power producers (IPPs). Through this approach, the combination of funding will be sourced from the governments budget, the Indonesian Investment Authority (INA) and philanthropic organizations, as well as multilateral and bilateral development finance, among other sources. What is the function of a country platform in blended finance? If the [energy transition] project needs government support it can go through the country platform manager, but if it doesnt need government support it can go through a B2B [business-to-business partnership], explained Ekha. The ETM is currently in its first phase of development, which, in line with the progress of the energy transition in Indonesia, focuses on the early retirement of inefficient coal-fired power plants. Ekha noted that the second phase will be the scaling up of renewables in the national energy mix, followed by developing interconnecting grids and concluding with energy efficiency measures. To support the ETM, Ekha mentioned that PT SMI had joined hands with 17 partners. Among them are grant partners consisting of Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, financing partners HSBC and Japan Bank for International Cooperation, USAID and the Climate Policy Initiative as knowledge and technical partners, in addition to the INA sovereign wealth fund as an investment partner. These partnerships marked a highlight in both the progress of the ETM in Indonesia and PT SMIs role as its country platform manager. Most importantly, it will provide PT SMI with the support needed to conduct the early decommissioning of coal-fired power plants owned by PLN and by IPPs. For PLN coal-fired power plants, PT SMI is in the middle of conducting discussions with PLN on two methods. First, is a program loan to speed up the retirement and increase the energy mix of PLN toward green energy. Second, is the divestment method to reduce the burden on PLNs balance sheet. We are in the middle of conducting several studies related to the program loan to help PLN achieve its target on the transition to renewable energy. About divestment or asset spin-offs, we are making some calculations with the [Finance] Ministry and related parties on what we want to do with the assets, said Ekha. Meanwhile, for IPP coal-fired power plants, the INA will invest in an IPP project in the form of an acquisition while SMI will participate as a co-investor. In addition to supporting the early decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, the PLN and IPP projects are set to encourage the implementation of a just and affordable transition scheme, provide additional CO2 emission reductions toward Indonesias nationally determined contribution (NDC) achievement, and promote carbon finance. Established by Tenggara Strategics in cooperation with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia, Japan RE Invest Indonesia 2023 was held in Tokyo on March 3 and is the third multistakeholder event of its kind. The event brought together the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, PLN, PT SMI, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, and energy companies from Indonesia and Japan to discuss renewable energy policy updates and investment opportunities, as well as energy transition financing through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) in Indonesia. The hybrid forum served as a side event to the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting, hosted by Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on March 4, and was attended by 205 participants from 145 institutions. This article is written in partnership with Tenggara Strategics. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Zack Petersen (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28, 2023 08:50 27 91bd6e1d1220161ebde1a4c1fa159359 1 People What-Ive-Learned,activism,activist,sexual-education Free What I've Learned is a column that presents candid interviews with policymakers, artists, activists and businesspeople on facing challenges and making a difference. There are some people you meet who are simply operating on a higher plane of decency, grace and thoughtfulness than the rest of us. Sam Olam is one of them. His views and compassion are magnetic, which is why it is so difficult to understand how he keeps such a low profile. See, Sam works behind the scenes, influencing from the inside. You will never catch him demonstrating in front of the House of Representatives or the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle. But if you are interested in the idea of effectively using the intricacies of inserting language into guidelines and technical assistance as an entry point for advocacy, Sam is your guy. In this interview Sam, who has a medical degree, a masters in public health and has worked as a consultant with every big-name organization you can think of, from the World Bank and the World Health Organization to Ipas and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shares his thoughts on reproductive health, activism and human rights and talks us through the way he contributed to the development of guidelines for maternal health care, health systems strengthening for postabortion care, dissemination of reproductive health information to young people and why it is so important to adopt a human rights approach to health. No information. No contraception. No abortion for unintended pregnancies. What can young people do? Access to reproductive health information and services is important, especially for young people. Under the law now the minimum age for marriage is 19 years old. But government data show that young people start having sex by the age of 15 or 16. They are getting younger and younger. More importantly, 16 percent of women and girls aged 15-19 who have had sexual intercourse reported having had an unwanted pregnancy. But comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information has not reached all young people. Also, family planning service is provided only for those who are married, while its actually the foundation of maternal health and reducing maternal mortality, also a key to ensuring every individual can live to their best potential by deciding when to have children. Youre talking about stunting or maternal and newborn mortality, which are related to adolescent pregnancy, but increasing the age for marriage doesnt fix the root of the problem. To promote health, you have to give women and men power, through choice and information. In Indonesia, choices are not always available. Even when they are, the information is not well provided or accessible. You cant report to the police if you get scammed when trying to purchase abortion pills. Given Indonesias restrictive laws on abortion, many women with unintended pregnancies seek unsafe ways of ending their pregnancies. In recent years, growing businesses on digital marketplaces have opened an avenue for women to access abortion pills. But sadly, with their limited understanding, they are often taken advantage of. More than 50 percent of online sales of abortion pills end up a scam. Confused and scared, those women cant even complain to anyone. Urgency: Sam says that government data is showing that young people start having sex by the age of 15 or 16. (Courtesy of Sam Olam) (Archive/Courtesy of Sam Olam) Im not radical. But I am fighting for something I believe in. I wish for a better world. But I am doing it in my own way in my own approach. Im really intrigued by the term activist. Because people have different perspectives and definitions of the word. I wouldnt call myself an activist if it means screaming and campaigning on the streets. Activists are everywhere. You dont have to be in a circle of feminists. You dont have to be in a grassroots organization. You can be an activist inside organizations like the UN and the World Bank, or anywhere else. Once you are inside you can tweak conversations and navigate the bureaucracy. You can make changes. You can make changes from within. We should pay more attention to adolescents. They cannot access sexual reproductive health information and services. Right now we are trying to make in-school comprehensive sex education mandatory but the fact is, it is optional, and most schools have not put it in their curriculum. it's not yet seen as a priority and the schools curriculum is considered already too full. Comprehensive sexual education is tricky. You can have guidelines and curriculum but if the person delivering it doesn't have a good gender perspective it can actually perpetuate old stereotypes. We put a lot of faith in influencers to get the right information out. Thats why at UNFPA, where I currently work right now, were trying to build a network with influencers and get more sexual and reproductive health information out there to give people more options and better choices. I learned from young influencers across the Asia Pacific and shared their best practices to encourage more people into digital sexuality education. One of them is Tabu.id, at which I sit on the advisory board. Read the book Half the Sky. The most effective activists work behind the scenes to have their language inserted into other legislative vehicles that are moving into law. Sometimes the most successful way to advance agenda items is through technical assistance opportunities and guideline production. In 2018, I joined Ipas Indonesia, in a project that focused on the prevention of deaths due to unsafe abortion. As a health policy advisor, my work dealt with creating evidence and communicating that evidence to policymakers. I personally found the organization interesting, as they use technical assistance as an entry point for advocacy. It was also interesting that, especially at the international level, most of the staff didnt come from a health background, theyre feminists and activists from a diverse range of backgrounds. But this was new to me because in Indonesia most of the staff of public health programs have health backgrounds. But from Ipas I learned to look at things from a human-rights approach. I joined their Global Advisory Team, and I was the youngest. With a medical background, I tend to put safety, quality and standards first, but apparently, from the womens point of view, access is really important. I am glad that the team welcomed opposing views and different perspectives. Disagreements are allowed, but evidence is where we always come back to. A line of protesters supporting women's rights, dressed as characters from The Handmaid's Tale television series, and other Israelis protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 25, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a delay in his judicial overhaul plan Monday, saying he wanted to avoid civil war by making time to seek a compromise over the contentious package with political opponents. Netanyahu made the announcement after two days of large protests against the plan. When theres an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue, Netanyahu said in a nationally televised address. Striking a more conciliatory tone than in previous speeches, he said he was determined to pass a judicial reform but called for an attempt to achieve broad consensus. Immediately after Netanyahus statement, the head of the countrys largest trade union said it would call off a general strike that threatened to grind Israels economy to a halt. Israels figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed the pause and said it was time for frank, serious and responsible discussion that will lead urgently to calming spirits and lowering the flames. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that if the judicial overhaul was indeed halted, he was willing to hold dialogue brokered by the president. Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside parliament and workers launched a nationwide strike Monday in a dramatic escalation of the mass protest movement aimed at halting his plan. The chaos shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy. Departing flights from the main international airport were grounded. Large mall chains and universities closed their doors, and Israels largest trade union called for its 800,000 members to stop work in health care, transit, banking and other fields. Diplomats walked off the job at foreign missions, and local governments were expected to close preschools and cut other services. The main doctors union announced that its members would also strike. The growing resistance to Netanyahus plan came hours after tens of thousands of people burst into the streets around the country in a spontaneous show of anger at the prime ministers decision to fire his defense minister after he called for a pause to the overhaul. Chanting the country is on fire, they lit bonfires on Tel Avivs main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. Demonstrators gathered again Monday outside the Knesset, or parliament, turning the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. Large demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Haifa and other cities drew thousands more. This is the last chance to stop this move into a dictatorship, said Matityahu Sperber, 68, who joined a stream of people headed to the protest outside the Knesset. Im here for the fight to the end. Netanyahu spent the day in consultations with his aides and coalition partners before announcing the delay. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has been one of the strongest proponents of the plan, announced after meeting with the prime minister that he had agreed to a delay of at least a few weeks. He said Netanyahu had agreed to bring the legislation for a vote when parliament reconvenes for its summer session on April 30 if no agreements are reached during the recess. Netanyahu gave no timeline for a compromise to be reached in his speech, but expressed hope that the nation would heal and that people would enjoy the upcoming Passover holiday. The speech appeared to calm tensions, but it did not resolve the underlying tensions behind the protests. Even before he spoke, the grassroots anti-government protest movement said a delay was would not be enough. A temporary freeze does not suffice, and the national protests will continue to intensify until the law is rejected in the Knesset, organizers said. The plan driven by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, and his allies in Israels most right-wing government ever has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises. It has sparked sustained protests that have galvanized nearly all sectors of society, including its military, where reservists have increasingly said publicly that they will not serve a country veering toward autocracy. Israels Palestinian citizens, however, have largely sat out the protests. Many say Israels democracy is tarnished by its military rule over their brethren in the West Bank and the discrimination they themselves face. The turmoil has magnified longstanding and intractable differences over Israels character that have riven it since the country was founded. Protesters insist they are fighting for the soul of the nation, saying the overhaul will remove Israels system of checks and balances and directly challenge its democratic ideals. The government has labeled them anarchists out to topple democratically elected leaders. Government officials say the plan will restore balance between the judicial and executive branches and rein in what they see as an interventionist court with liberal sympathies. At the center of the crisis is Netanyahu himself, Israels longest-serving leader, and questions about the lengths he may be willing to go to maintain his grip on power, even as he battles charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate affairs. He denies wrongdoing. Some 20,000 right-wing Israelis attended a counter demonstration, which also took place near parliament and passed without violence.They wont steal the election from us, read a flyer for event, organized by Religious Zionist party. Netanyahus decision to fire the defense minister at a time of heightened security threats in the West Bank and elsewhere, appeared to be a last straw for many, including apparently the Histadrut, the countrys largest trade union umbrella group, which sat out the monthslong protests before the defense ministers firing. Where are we leading our beloved Israel? To the abyss, Arnon Bar-David, the groups head, said in a rousing speech to applause. Today we are stopping everyones descent toward the abyss. Lapid said the crisis was driving Israel to the brink. Weve never been closer to falling apart. Our national security is at risk, our economy is crumbling, our foreign relations are at their lowest point ever. We dont know what to say to our children about their future in this country, Lapid said. The developments were being watched by the Biden administration, which is closely allied with Israel yet has been uneasy with Netanyahu and the far-right elements of his government. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the United States was deeply concerned by the developments. The architect of the plan, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a popular party member, had long promised he would resign if the overhaul was suspended. But on Monday, he said he would respect the prime ministers decision should he halt the legislation. Netanyahus dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appeared to signal that the prime minister and his allies would barrel ahead. Gallant was the first senior member of the ruling Likud party to speak out against the plan, saying the deep divisions threatened to weaken the military. And Netanyahus government forged ahead with a centerpiece of the overhaul a law that would give the governing coalition the final say over all judicial appointments. A parliamentary committee approved the legislation on Monday for a final vote, which could come this week. The government also seeks to pass laws that would would grant the Knesset the authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit judicial review of laws. A separate law that would circumvent a Supreme Court ruling to allow a key coalition ally to serve as minister was delayed following a request from that partys leader. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Tue, March 28, 2023 07:58 27 91bd6e1d1220161ebde1a4c1fa1484a5 1 Archipelago firecracker,death,ramadan,North-Sumatra Free A 16-year-old boy died and two others were injured after being beaten by vigilantes for throwing lit firecrackers into a mosque compound while a Quran recital was underway in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, late on Sunday. Beringin district police chief Adj. Comr. Doni Simanjuntak said the three teenagers were riding a motorcycle and had thrown the firecrackers into the mosque compound in Pasar V Kebun Kelapa village at around 11.30 p.m. Participants in the recital chased down the teenagers, who later crashed. The three were then severely beaten, Doni said on Monday. Police brought the teenagers to a local hospital for treatment, but one teenager died. The other two were still being treated. In a separate development, at least one person was killed and two others were injured in a large explosion on Sunday evening in Kaliangkrik, Magelang, Central Java. Five houses were heavily damaged while six other houses were slightly damaged in the blast, which was allegedly fueled by raw materials for making firecrackers. Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Ahmad Luthfi said the person who died was a 33-year-old man named Mufid, who was suspected of making firecrackers for sale. Our investigation showed that he had ordered 7.5 kilograms of materials used to make firecrackers, Ahmad said in Magelang on Monday. Mufid was found dead at the scene with severe wounds. Both his legs were missing, the police chief added. The police have named several suspects and have arrested one person suspected of selling Mufid the materials. They also said the blast had been caused by potassium, sulfur and aluminum powder, which are often used to make firecrackers. Firecracker sales usually increase during Ramadan and Idul Fitri, when many people use them in celebration of the holiday. Ahmad said the provincial police had confiscated and disposed of at least 12,600 items related to the manufacture of firecrackers since the beginning of Ramadan, which started on Mar. 22. Police are calling on the public to refrain from lighting firecrackers, citing a provision from the 1951 Emergency Law on the possession of firearms or explosive substances, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years or life in prison. (dre) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yi Fan (The Jakarta Post) Beijing Tue, March 28, 2023 Top diplomats from the Group of 20 met in India in early March. As the South Asian nation takes over the G20 presidency from Indonesia, the Foreign Ministers Meeting sets the tone for an upcoming summit later this year. The world has been watching, but only to see the ministers end their contentious meeting divided, with discussions on Ukraine dominating much of the talks. For countries around the world, 2023 is shaping up to be a crucial year. The COVID-19 pandemic is stabilizing, and the global economy is on the path to recovery. On the other hand, countries around the world, especially the Global South, are still going through a tough time. Under such circumstances, solidarity and cooperation are needed more than ever. Back in 2022, when the world was still recovering from COVID-generated shocks, the G20 Bali Summit stood as a powerful shot in the arm for global confidence. The world looks to the G20 to build on this momentum for even greater progress. The Global South, which is most hard hit by the pandemic, has high hopes for the 20 most influential economic powerhouses. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, March 29, 2023 02:41 26 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b0535f4c6 1 Editorial Myanmar,Joko-Widodo,envoy,peace,democracy,military,junta,consensus,ASEAN Free As the ASEAN Leaders Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, set for May 9-11 is drawing closer, it is only natural to expect President Joko Jokowi Widodo as this years chairman of the regional grouping to share with the public of Indonesia and people across Southeast Asia the progress he has achieved since January, especially in connection with the Myanmar conundrum. The President has vowed to not let the Myanmar junta hold ASEAN and its noble goals hostage. Hopes abound among the global community and the people of Myanmar, including the persecuted Rohingyas minority, that ASEAN under Indonesias chairmanship will achieve major breakthroughs in its bid to stop the power-hungry military from oppressing the people. But so far, Jokowi has given no signal that the much-awaited progress is there. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has assigned a powerful team, comprising senior and best-performing diplomats to man the Office of Special Envoy for Myanmar. The minister herself is the official special envoy of ASEAN for this year. The team works in secret to avoid unnecessary controversies that can backfire against the mission. But still, the ministry must keep the public updated about what the special team has done or achieved. We have barely seen the steps ASEANs foreign ministers have taken after their meeting in Jakarta last month. It is quite worrying, too, that President Jokowi has not realized his intention to involve the Indonesian Military (TNI) element in a peace mission to Myanmar. Jokowi revealed his plan to appoint an Army general as his special envoy to Myanmar, to emulate his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also a retired general, who did it in 2007. Jokowi disclosed his intention in an interview with Reuters on Feb. 1, when the world marked the second anniversary of the military coup against the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Jokowis statement soon created confusion at the Foreign Ministry because the plan had not been informed to the diplomats beforehand. During the interview, Jokowi also said that ASEAN would not be held hostage by the Myanmar conflict, and would act decisively if there was no progress on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus the Myanmar junta had agreed upon during the emergency summit in Jakarta in April 2021. Jokowi did not elaborate further but it was clear there was an intention to expel the junta from, while accepting non-junta elements into, the regional groupings official activities, including the summit. Speculations have been rife that Jokowi would name his trusted aide, Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Gen. (ret) Luhut Pandjaitan, or Lt. Gen (ret) Agus Widjojo, who has vast experience in dealing with Myanmars military as part of this mission. The choice of a military figure to personally communicate with Myanmars junta is the right decision, as it will power up the diplomatic efforts by Minister Retno in finding solutions to the Myanmar crisis. It should be clear that the foreign minister is in charge of the mission. Such an approach would allow the foreign minister to focus on talks with non-junta elements, such as the National Unity Government (NUG), which is widely regarded as the representative of the ousted government of Suu Kyi. Her unconditional release should be one of the top priorities of the diplomatic endeavor. The NUG has repeatedly demanded that ASEAN recognize it as the official representative of the country. But knowing the complexity of the crisis, it will be more productive for Indonesia to regard the NUG as one of Myanmars elements. There is an international agreement that the Myanmar junta should abide by the five-point consensus, which requires an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, the appointment of a special envoy, entry of ASEAN humanitarian assistance and the visit of an ASEAN special envoy to meet with all parties in Myanmar. Despite the daunting challenges he faces in restoring peace and democracy in Myanmar, Jokowi we believe can produce a meaningful breakthrough. The only problem is that the public, especially the people of Myanmar, cannot wait for too long. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Julie Jammot (The Jakarta Post) Agence France-Presse/San Francisco, United States Tue, March 28 2023 Artists outraged by artificial intelligence that copies in seconds the styles they have sacrificed years to develop are waging battle online and in court. Fury erupted in the art community last year with the release of generative artificial intelligence (AI) programs that could convincingly carry out commands such as drawing a dog like cartoonist Sarah Andersen would, or a nymph the way illustrator Karla Ortiz might do. Such style-swiping AI works are cranked out without the original artist's consent, credit or compensation the three C's at the heart of a fight to change all that. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28 2023 Emirates, the worlds largest operator of Airbus A380 super jumbo jets, announced on Friday that it would deploy its signature double-decker aircraft to Bali on the first A380-operated route to Indonesia starting on June 1. Emirates A380 offers a two-class cabin consisting of 58 lie-flat Business Class seats and 557 generously pitched Economy class seats, the United Arab Emirates flag carrier said in a statement. The airline said the super jumbo jet would replace one of two daily flights to Balis I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport currently operated by Boeing 777-300ERs with a two-class cabin configuration. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yi Fan (The Jakarta Post) Beijing Tue, March 28 2023 Top diplomats from the Group of 20 met in India in early March. As the South Asian nation takes over the G20 presidency from Indonesia, the Foreign Ministers Meeting sets the tone for an upcoming summit later this year. The world has been watching, but only to see the ministers end their contentious meeting divided, with discussions on Ukraine dominating much of the talks. For countries around the world, 2023 is shaping up to be a crucial year. The COVID-19 pandemic is stabilizing, and the global economy is on the path to recovery. On the other hand, countries around the world, especially the Global South, are still going through a tough time. Under such circumstances, solidarity and cooperation are needed more than ever. Back in 2022, when the world was still recovering from COVID-generated shocks, the G20 Bali Summit stood as a powerful shot in the arm for global confidence. The world looks to the G20 to build on this momentum for even greater progress. The Global South, which is most hard hit by the pandemic, has high hopes for the 20 most influential economic powerhouses. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jeremy Marot and Jurgen Hecker (The Jakarta Post) Agence France-Presse/Paris Tue, March 28 2023 President Emmanuel Macron summoned government ministers for a crisis meeting on Monday, as tensions ran high a day before another major day of strikes and protests against his pension reforms. Nearly two weeks after Macron rammed the new law through parliament using a special provision sidestepping any vote, unions have vowed no letup in mass protests to get the government to back down. They have called for another big day of action on Tuesday, the 10th such mobilization since protests started in mid-January against the controversial law, which includes raising the retirement age to 64 from 62. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reuters (The Jakarta Post) Moscow/Kyiv Tue, March 28 2023 The influential secretary of Russia's Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, said NATO countries were a party to the conflict in Ukraine, according to excerpts from an interview with Russian government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta on Monday. The newspaper cited Patrushev as saying: "In fact, NATO countries are a party to the conflict. They made Ukraine one big military camp. They send weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian troops, provide them with intelligence". Patrushev, a former chief of the FSB internal security service, is widely seen as one of the most hawkish members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Soo-hyang Choi and Hyonhee Shin (The Jakarta Post) Reuters/Seoul/Busan, South Korea Tue, March 28 2023 North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, South Korea's military said, just as a United States aircraft carrier staged combined naval exercises with South Korea in a warning to Pyongyang. The missiles flew about 370 kilometers after being launched from North Hwanghae province at 7:47 a.m. local time, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The North's latest launch came as a US carrier strike group led by USS Nimitz joined military exercises with South Korea in international waters off the southern island of Jeju. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28 2023 It took Bank Indonesia (BI) less than a week to follow up on the Presidents warning about Indonesias dependence on foreign credit card networks. The central bank said on March 18 that it had been discussing with local businesses on developing a domestic network, and that progress was at 90 percent. Just two days later, BI spokesman Erwin Haryono told CNBC Indonesia that the new network would be launched in April, noting that Indonesia was following Japan and China in developing a domestic settlement network. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login The Donorkind Foundation, a Dutch organization which facilitates the reunion of donor children. alleges that the man named Jonathan M. in the Dutch press fathered at least 550 children in the Netherlands and internationally. A 41-year-old sperm donor is being sued by the Donorkind Foundation, a Dutch organization which facilitates the reunion of donor children. The foundation alleges that the man named Jonathan M. in the Dutch press fathered at least 550 children in the Netherlands and internationally. The suit calls on the court to impose precautionary measures to stop him from fathering more children, and requests that all of his stored semen samples be destroyed, except for those reserved for women who have already had his child and want a genetic sibling. It is the first time such a lawsuit has been presented in the Netherlands, where sperm donors are not supposed to father more than 25 offspring or impregnate more than 12 mothers. This guideline is in place to avoid unintentional incest and potential psychological problems for donor children who discover they have hundreds of siblings. In 2017, Jonathan M. was blacklisted in the Netherlands after the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NVOG) warned that he had already fathered 102 children at 11 different fertility clinics. But the man continued to donate sperm overseas and via the internet. Mark de Hek, the lawyer representing Donorkind, said his actions were illegal. The donor prioritized his urge to reproduce and his conduct poses a threat to the mental and physical well-being of donor children, he said in a statement, adding that agreements with the clinics and prospective parents had been broken because they trusted his promise that he would father a maximum of 25 children. Fertility clinics in the Netherlands are financed through the official health insurance that all citizens must have. These clinics which can be private or belong to public or university hospitals pay between 10 ($10.8) and 20 ($22) for each sperm donation. They are legally obliged to record information related to egg, semen and embryo donations in a national registry, and make it available to children, parents and family doctors. Since 2004, donor children in the Netherlands can access this information once they turn 16. The Dutch Parliament is currently studying a bill that would legally prevent one person from donating sperm to more than 12 families, both within and outside the country. The problem is that fertility clinics do not share data with each other. This lack of communication allowed Jonathan M. to make donations in dozens of clinics without raising suspicions. After he was blacklisted in 2017, he began making donations internationally via websites such as CoParent Match, Cyros, PrideAngel, Onewish, Kinderwunsch and Spendesperma, according to the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. A mother who fathered one of Jonathan M.s children in 2018 has also joined the lawsuit. If I had known he had already fathered more than a hundred children, I would never have chosen this donor, said Eve, as she is named in the foundations statement. When I think about the consequences this can have for my child, I get a feeling of [the] gut and I become insecure about his future: how many more children are added? Going to court is the only way to protect my child. Ties van der Meer, president of Donorkind, told EL PAIS that Jonathan M. was tracked down on the internet in 2017 after the foundation received multiple calls from worried mothers. There were mothers from other countries in the world, so he was lying about the number of children he had when he spoke to them, said Van der Meer by phone. The Donorkind president pointed out that while Jonathan M. is estimated to have fathered 550 children, this does not take into account the children he may have fathered via international clinics, internet sites and anonymous donations. It seems unethical to us that the anonymity of the donor is maintained, and that they can also operate abroad, he said. We must remember that many Dutch doctors prefer that the donor be anonymous. For this reason, despite the national registry, it is still difficult to know how many children each donor has. But this does not take into account the rights of children. According to Donorkind, Jonathan M. told several potential mothers-to-be that he planned to continue making sperm donations, and has recently spoken with more couples. Although the Dutch press has not revealed his identity, The New York Times published an in-depth profile on Jonathan M. in 2021, revealing his full name. In 2022, Donorkind revealed that at least 10 Dutch fertility doctors had used their own semen to inseminate their patients without their consent. The most notable case was that of Doctor Jan Karbaat, who made headlines when it was revealed that he had fathered around 80 donor children. He also had several children with different partners. Karbaat, who died in 2017 aged 89, ran a fertility clinic in Rotterdam for four decades. When treatment failed, he used his own semen. One of Karbaats colleagues, Jan Wildschut, fathered at least 34 donor children, while Doctor Jos Beek is alleged to have fathered 21. The Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology condemned the doctors, saying that the relationship between the doctor and the patient is sacred, but the trust placed in the specialist was violated. Donorkind expects the judges to summon Jonathan M. to court by mid-April. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, March 28 2023 A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A group of civil society organizations has expressed concern that privatized water was still lingering in Jakarta, instead of fully returning the utilitys management to city-owned PAM Jaya, which denies the allegation. The utility company insists that it now has full control of the capitals drinking water system. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nur Janti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, March 29 2023 Papua Police have named 15 people as suspects in an arson attack on a Susi Air plane and the subsequent kidnapping of its New Zealander Pilot, all linked to a Papuan separatist group. Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said all the suspects were currently at large and were connected to the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The 15 people are part of the armed rebel group led by Egianus Kogoya, Benny told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali Wed, March 29 2023 A Russian man will be deported from Indonesia after posing with his pants around his ankles on top of Mount Agung, Balis highest mountain. The visa-on-arrival holder, identified only as Yuri, will also be placed on a blacklist that prevents him from returning to the country for at least the next six months. He violated norms and showed no respect for our culture, Bali Law and Human Rights Office head Anggiat Napitupulu told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Diane Bartz (Reuters) Washington Tue, March 28, 2023 09:12 27 d5259e4d93052b0e76bee70b053575fd 2 Americas Anti-competitive-Behavior,Antitrust-Regulation,crime,Google,Alphabet,Big-Tech,online-ad Free Google parent Alphabet asked a US federal judge on Monday to dismiss a Justice Department lawsuit alleging that the search giant illegally abused its dominance of online advertising. The government, which filed the ad tech lawsuit in January along with eight states, had argued that Google should be forced to sell its ad manager suite. Google has denied any wrongdoing. "In the more than three years that it has been investigating Google's ad tech business, the United States has received more than two million documents from Google and taken over thirty depositions of Google witnesses," the company said in a court filing late on Monday. "Yet plaintiffs remain unable to find support for their claimed antitrust harms." Google argued that the case should be thrown out because the government had erred in defining the online advertising market and improperly excluded powerful competitors such as Facebook. It also said that the government's estimate of Google's ad exchange as having "more than 50 percent" of the market fell short of the 70 percent needed to allege market power. The company also said the government was wrong to assert that Google's acquisitions of DoubleClick and AdMeld, both more than 10 years ago, harmed competition. Antitrust enforcers approved both transactions at the time. Google urged a hearing to consider the motion to dismiss. The case is being heard by US Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department's ad tech lawsuit follows a separate lawsuit filed in 2020, at the end of the Trump administration, that accused Google of violating antitrust law to maintain its dominance in search. That case goes to trial in September. The Biden administration has sought to toughen antitrust enforcement. Alongside the Google suit, it also has a long list of merger challenges. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin AFP Naypyidaw, Myanmar Tue, March 28, 2023 Myanmar's junta chief, flanked by tanks and missile launchers, vowed no let up in a crackdown on opponents and said Monday elections would be held, weeks after the military conceded it did not control enough territory to allow a vote. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government more than two years ago after making unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud. The putsch sparked renewed fighting with ethnic rebels and birthed dozens of anti-junta "People's Defence Forces" (PDFs), with swaths of the country now ravaged by fighting and the economy in tatters. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Lucy Craymer (Reuters) Wellington Tue, March 28, 2023 11:15 27 91bd6e1d1220161ebde1a4c1fa17fb16 2 Asia and Pacific Conflicts-War-Peace,Diplomacy-Foreign-Policy,Government-Politics,International-National-Security,New-Zealand,China,Pacific,security,defence Free New Zealand's foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta said on Tuesday she had encouraged China to support and strengthen Pacific regional institutions and uphold a 22-year old agreement that sees Pacific countries look after their own security needs. After returning from Beijing, Mahuta told reporters she had encouraged China to support regional Pacific architecture such as the Pacific Islands Forum, the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Biketawa agreement. The Biketawa Agreement was signed in 2000 and was a declaration by Pacific leaders for coordinating responses to regional crises such as security issues. "Again, they registered our view, and it was very much acknowledged that New Zealand has a strong interest in the resilience of the Pacific on all levels," Mahuta said. New Zealand's tone on security amid China's growing presence in the South Pacific toughened in the past year after China and the Solomon Islands struck a security pact. New Zealand has consistently expressed concerns about the potential militarization of the Pacific with China's military buildup in the South China Sea. Mahuta met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, after he returned from a visit to Russia with President Xi Jinping. China is a powerful ally of Russia and both have criticized the US and NATO for undermining global stability. "Most of the emphasis from the Chinese side was on their efforts to encourage the peace plan that President Xi had put to President Putin," she said. She added she had clarified what New Zealand would like to see in a peace plan a withdrawal of Russian troops, a return to internationally agreed boundaries and Ukraine involved in discussions about peace. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Almaden Minerals (NYSEAMERICAN:AAU Get Rating) (TSE:AMM) in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the basic materials companys stock. Separately, Alliance Global Partners lowered shares of Almaden Minerals from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. Get Almaden Minerals alerts: Almaden Minerals Stock Performance Shares of NYSEAMERICAN AAU opened at $0.20 on Friday. Almaden Minerals has a 1-year low of $0.18 and a 1-year high of $0.38. The company has a 50-day moving average of $0.22 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.23. The company has a current ratio of 26.92, a quick ratio of 26.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The company has a market cap of $27.10 million, a PE ratio of -9.88 and a beta of 0.95. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Almaden Minerals A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AAU. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in Almaden Minerals during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP grew its position in Almaden Minerals by 564.4% in the 4th quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 233,188 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 198,088 shares during the period. HRT Financial LP bought a new position in Almaden Minerals during the 4th quarter valued at $64,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in Almaden Minerals by 587.9% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 485,878 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $119,000 after acquiring an additional 415,244 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in Almaden Minerals during the 4th quarter valued at $119,000. Institutional investors own 3.81% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Almaden Minerals Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It focuses on the operation of Ixtaca gold-silver deposit. The company was founded by James Duane Poliquin on February 1, 2002 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Almaden Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Almaden Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL Get Rating) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the thirteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $2,872.83. SHEL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. AlphaValue raised shares of Shell to a reduce rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Shell from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 27th. Berenberg Bank lifted their price target on shares of Shell from GBX 2,900 ($35.63) to GBX 3,000 ($36.86) in a research note on Friday, February 17th. Wolfe Research cut shares of Shell from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 12th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Shell from GBX 2,761 ($33.92) to GBX 2,987 ($36.70) in a research report on Tuesday, December 6th. Get Shell alerts: Shell Stock Performance Shell stock opened at $55.84 on Tuesday. Shell has a twelve month low of $44.90 and a twelve month high of $62.75. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The companys 50-day moving average price is $59.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $56.38. The company has a market cap of $194.62 billion, a PE ratio of 4.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 0.65. Shell Increases Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Shell The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 17th were issued a $0.575 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 16th. This represents a $2.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.12%. This is a positive change from Shells previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. Shells payout ratio is currently 20.14%. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of SHEL. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Shell by 96,141.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 14,370,746 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $818,414,000 after purchasing an additional 14,355,814 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new stake in shares of Shell in the 1st quarter valued at about $677,739,000. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Shell during the 4th quarter worth approximately $658,071,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership bought a new position in shares of Shell during the 1st quarter worth approximately $549,346,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors bought a new position in shares of Shell during the 1st quarter worth approximately $262,275,000. Institutional investors own 7.74% of the companys stock. About Shell (Get Rating) Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the United States, and Rest of the Americas. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Shell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Traeger, Inc. (NYSE:COOK Get Rating) has earned an average rating of Hold from the nine research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $4.27. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $3.00 price target on shares of Traeger in a research note on Friday, March 17th. William Blair reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Traeger in a research report on Friday, December 16th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Traeger from $6.00 to $4.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 17th. Piper Sandler lowered shares of Traeger from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $6.00 to $4.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group restated a market perform rating and issued a $3.50 target price on shares of Traeger in a report on Friday, March 17th. Get Traeger alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Traeger Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Caz Investments LP acquired a new stake in Traeger in the 3rd quarter valued at $56,000. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Traeger by 87.5% in the second quarter. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. now owns 1,286,534 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,461,000 after buying an additional 600,289 shares in the last quarter. Trexquant Investment LP purchased a new stake in shares of Traeger during the 2nd quarter valued at about $47,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Traeger during the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Traeger by 9.3% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 100,998 shares of the companys stock worth $286,000 after acquiring an additional 8,553 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.16% of the companys stock. Traeger Stock Performance About Traeger NYSE:COOK opened at $3.69 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The firm has a market cap of $452.54 million, a PE ratio of -1.16 and a beta of 0.74. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.71 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.39. Traeger has a 1-year low of $2.48 and a 1-year high of $8.15. (Get Rating) Traeger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, sources, sells, and supports wood pellet fueled barbeque grills for retailers, distributors, and direct to consumers in the United States. Its wood pellet grills are internet of things devices that allow owners to program, monitor, and control their grill through its Traeger app. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Traeger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Traeger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The political rise of Russias presidential commissioner for childrens rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, reached a new dimension when she met face-to-face with Vladimir Putin on February 16, a month before she was included in an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), alongside the Russian president, which accused her of a war crime over the unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. During her meeting with Putin, Lvova-Belova laughed as she told him: Now I know what it is like to be a mother of a child from Donbas. It is difficult, but we definitely love each other, she said in reference to Filipp Golovnia, a 16-year-old from the devastated city of Mariupol about whom hardly anything is known, beside the fact he has not had any contact with his biological mother in five years. Kyiv has accused Russia has of abducting and indoctrinating minors from the occupied territories. During an act to mark the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian provinces last September, Lvova-Belova made some controversial remarks about the practice: When we brought them [the minors] to the Moscow region so that they could recover a little bit, the story started that they were saying negative things about the president [Putin], all kinds of unpleasant things, and singing the Ukrainian anthem, Glory to Ukraine and all that. There is some negativity, maybe at first, but later it turns into love for Russia. That same month, September 2022, the presidential commissioners adopted Ukrainian son received his Russian passport during a nationally televised ceremony: Now I am a full-fledged citizen of Russia. This is very important for me, I am very happy, overwhelmed with emotions, the teenager said. Lvova-Belova expressed her delight at the speed of the process, noting that, through her position in the Russian government, a mechanism had been put in place so that [passports] can be processed in a short time, in order to facilitate the adoption of Ukrainian minors by Russian families. According to the Tass news agency, Lvova-Belova, 38, and her husband, a Russian Orthodox priest, have five biological children, four adopted children and 13 more, all with disabilities, under their guardianship. Lvova-Belova was appointed presidential commissioner for childrens rights in 2021, having emerged on the national political scene two years earlier when former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev himself handed her a membership card for Putins United Russia party and she was appointed a regional head of the All-Russia Peoples Front, a political movement founded by the Kremlin in 2011 to strengthen its influence across all social sectors, from senior citizens to schools and trade unions. She previously served as a member of the Civic Chamber for the region of Prenza, her birthplace, and at age 21, founded an organization to promote the social adaptation of disadvantaged minors, Blagovest. No concrete basis for ICC arrest warrant Lvova-Belova was scheduled to give a press conference in Moscow last week, but it did not take place. The department she heads has not responded to EL PAIS for comment on the situation of Ukrainian minors. Her only statement over the ICC arrest warrant was made on the day of its announcement, March 17, when she said: It is great that the international community appreciated our work to help the children of our country. On a visit to Yekaterinburg on February 22 she told reporters: What the International Criminal Court is accusing us of, and what the international community is accusing us of, has no concrete basis. We have not been told a single surname, we have not received a single application confirming that the children were separated from their parents or that they were deported to Russian territory. Lvova-Belovas department describes adoptions by Russian families as an extreme case, preferring the legal term of guardianship so the children can be returned if relatives appear. However, Article 49 of the Geneva Conventions states: Individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as deportations of protected persons from occupied territory to the territory of the Occupying Power or to that of any other country, occupied or not, are prohibited, regardless of their motive, and that such evacuations, whether total or partial, are only permissible if they do not involve the displacement of protected persons outside the bounds of the occupied territory except when for material reasons it is impossible to avoid such displacement. Lvova-Belova has not made any statement over the personal risk she faces due to the ICC warrant, but Pavel Chikov, a lawyer and former member of the presidential council for the development of civil society and human rights in Russia, who has been declared a foreign agent by the Kremlin, suggested that Washington might put a price on her delivery: A little known fact is that the U.S. State Department has a bounty program for war crimes [the War Crimes Rewards Program]. For information leading to the capture of those being sought for such crimes there is a reward of up to $5 million. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund Inc. (NYSE:AFT Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 18,300 shares, a decline of 71.6% from the February 28th total of 64,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 72,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund by 24.3% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 210,511 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $3,078,000 after acquiring an additional 41,170 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund by 20.7% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 43,365 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $635,000 after acquiring an additional 7,423 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 329,625 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $4,819,000 after acquiring an additional 20,194 shares during the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund in the first quarter worth $169,000. Finally, Walleye Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund in the first quarter valued at $446,000. Get Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund alerts: Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund Price Performance NYSE AFT traded up $0.05 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $12.37. The company had a trading volume of 70,370 shares, compared to its average volume of 70,936. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $13.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.72. Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund has a twelve month low of $12.15 and a twelve month high of $14.90. Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund Dividend Announcement About Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.113 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 23rd. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.96%. (Get Rating) Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc operates as a closed-end investment management company. It seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in senior, secured loans made to companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, and investments with similar characteristics. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Buzzi Unicem S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:BZZUF Get Rating) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $24.11 and last traded at $24.11, with a volume of 162 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $22.40. Buzzi Unicem Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.37. Buzzi Unicem Company Profile (Get Rating) Buzzi Unicem SpA engages in the production and sale of cement, ready-mix concrete and natural aggregates. The firms geographical segment Central Europe consists of Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Eastern Europe covers Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine and Russia. The company was founded in September 1999 and is headquartered in Casale Monferrato, Italy. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Buzzi Unicem Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Buzzi Unicem and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Diageo (LON:DGE Get Rating) has been assigned a GBX 3,100 ($38.09) target price by equities researchers at Royal Bank of Canada in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Borsen Zeitung reports. Royal Bank of Canadas price objective would suggest a potential downside of 12.70% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on DGE. Jefferies Financial Group set a GBX 4,000 ($49.15) price objective on shares of Diageo in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Credit Suisse Group set a GBX 4,200 ($51.60) price target on shares of Diageo in a report on Friday, January 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a GBX 4,500 ($55.29) price objective on shares of Diageo in a research report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a GBX 2,650 ($32.56) target price on Diageo in a research report on Friday, January 27th. Finally, Investec upgraded Diageo to a buy rating and set a GBX 3,900 ($47.92) price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 4,040.67 ($49.65). Get Diageo alerts: Diageo Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of LON DGE traded down GBX 32 ($0.39) during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting GBX 3,551 ($43.63). 2,180,947 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,505,061. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 3,559.18 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 3,650.53. Diageo has a 12 month low of GBX 3,363 ($41.32) and a 12 month high of GBX 4,067 ($49.97). The stock has a market capitalization of 80.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,244.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 186.30. Insider Buying and Selling at Diageo About Diageo In other news, insider Javier Ferran acquired 229 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 3,620 ($44.48) per share, for a total transaction of 8,289.80 ($10,185.28). Insiders bought a total of 937 shares of company stock valued at $3,308,396 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and sells alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, whisky, gin, vodka, rum, ready to drink products, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Canadian whisky, American whiskey, cachaca, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and non-alcoholic products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Diageo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diageo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNP Select Income Fund Inc. (NYSE:DNP Get Rating) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, December 15th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, March 31st will be given a dividend of 0.065 per share by the investment management company on Monday, April 10th. This represents a $0.78 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 30th. DNP Select Income Fund Price Performance NYSE DNP opened at $11.02 on Tuesday. DNP Select Income Fund has a twelve month low of $9.83 and a twelve month high of $12.00. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $11.14. Get DNP Select Income Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On DNP Select Income Fund Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Colony Group LLC acquired a new position in DNP Select Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $277,000. MAS Advisors LLC raised its holdings in DNP Select Income Fund by 19.3% in the 1st quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 20,645 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $243,000 after acquiring an additional 3,333 shares in the last quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in DNP Select Income Fund by 34.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Republic Investment Management Inc. now owns 19,465 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $211,000 after acquiring an additional 5,035 shares in the last quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in DNP Select Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $206,000. Finally, Range Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in DNP Select Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $204,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.75% of the companys stock. DNP Select Income Fund Company Profile DNP Select Income Fund, Inc is a closed-end investment fund. Its investment objectives are current income, long-term growth of income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity and fixed income securities of companies in the public utilities industry. the company was founded on January 21, 1986 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for DNP Select Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DNP Select Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI Get Rating) in a report issued on Saturday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. Flexible Solutions International Stock Performance NYSE FSI opened at $2.96 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $3.11 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $2.91. The stock has a market cap of $36.67 million, a PE ratio of 9.22 and a beta of 1.76. Flexible Solutions International has a fifty-two week low of $1.51 and a fifty-two week high of $4.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 2.58. Get Flexible Solutions International alerts: About Flexible Solutions International (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Flexible Solutions International, Inc is an environmental technology company engaged in the research, development, and manufacture of products that save water and energy. It operates through the following segments: Energy and Water Conservation Products and Biodegradable Polymers. The Energy and Water Conservation Products segment consists of a liquid swimming pool blanket which saves energy and water by inhibiting evaporation from the pool surface, and a food-safe powdered form of the active ingredient within the liquid blanket. Receive News & Ratings for Flexible Solutions International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flexible Solutions International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (BATS:IGE Get Rating)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $38.35 and last traded at $38.23, with a volume of 96428 shares. The stock had previously closed at $37.66. iShares North American Natural Resources ETF Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $40.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $40.15. The company has a market capitalization of $833.41 million, a PE ratio of 15.98 and a beta of 1.26. Get iShares North American Natural Resources ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares North American Natural Resources ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in IGE. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 9.5% during the 3rd quarter. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC now owns 431,526 shares of the companys stock worth $14,999,000 after purchasing an additional 37,540 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 931.4% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 30,736 shares of the companys stock worth $1,249,000 after purchasing an additional 27,756 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $960,000. Well Done LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 18.5% during the 4th quarter. Well Done LLC now owns 99,022 shares of the companys stock worth $4,026,000 after purchasing an additional 15,487 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Wealth Alliance LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $532,000. iShares North American Natural Resources ETF Company Profile iShares North American Natural Resources ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of U.S.-traded natural resource-related stocks as represented by the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index (the Index). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares North American Natural Resources ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares North American Natural Resources ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kearns & Associates LLC grew its holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Get Rating) by 3.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,956 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 186 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Real Estate ETF accounts for approximately 0.5% of Kearns & Associates LLCs holdings, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Kearns & Associates LLCs holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF were worth $491,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in VNQ. Cowa LLC boosted its holdings in Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 75,967.4% in the first quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 5,210,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $824,000 after acquiring an additional 5,203,764 shares in the last quarter. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 7,735.2% in the third quarter. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,834,209 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $898,000 after purchasing an additional 1,810,799 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 3.6% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 20,789,433 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,894,126,000 after purchasing an additional 721,899 shares during the last quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 38.9% in the third quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,791,548 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $143,628,000 after purchasing an additional 501,594 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of Vanguard Real Estate ETF by 12.0% in the third quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 3,897,162 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $308,967,000 after purchasing an additional 416,748 shares during the last quarter. Get Vanguard Real Estate ETF alerts: Vanguard Real Estate ETF Stock Up 0.0 % Shares of NYSEARCA:VNQ traded up $0.01 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $78.71. The stock had a trading volume of 1,600,853 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,852,821. Vanguard Real Estate ETF has a 12-month low of $74.66 and a 12-month high of $113.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.40 and a beta of 0.87. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $86.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $84.86. About Vanguard Real Estate ETF Vanguard REIT ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund invests in stocks issued by real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies that purchase office buildings, hotels, and other real property. It tracks the return of the MSCI US RIT Index, a gauge of real estate stocks. The Vanguard Group, Inc provides investment advisory services to the Fund. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:VNQ Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Real Estate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PATRIZIA Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 232,940 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $11,414,000. Portland General Electric makes up 8.5% of PATRIZIA Pty Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. PATRIZIA Pty Ltd owned approximately 0.26% of Portland General Electric at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its position in Portland General Electric by 308.8% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 834 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 630 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its stake in Portland General Electric by 69.1% in the second quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 778 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares during the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. bought a new position in Portland General Electric in the second quarter valued at $47,000. American National Bank bought a new position in shares of Portland General Electric during the third quarter valued at about $50,000. Finally, Wipfli Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Portland General Electric during the third quarter valued at about $61,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.03% of the companys stock. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Portland General Electric from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, February 17th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their target price on shares of Portland General Electric from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Bank of America upgraded shares of Portland General Electric from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $47.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $50.00. Insider Activity at Portland General Electric Portland General Electric Price Performance In related news, VP Brett Michael Sims sold 2,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.00, for a total value of $96,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 10,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $515,966. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Company insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock. Shares of NYSE:POR traded up $0.46 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $47.72. The companys stock had a trading volume of 68,156 shares, compared to its average volume of 792,392. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.81. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $47.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.34. Portland General Electric has a 12-month low of $41.58 and a 12-month high of $57.03. The company has a market cap of $4.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 0.56. Portland General Electric Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 17th. Investors of record on Monday, March 27th will be issued a $0.4525 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 24th. This represents a $1.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.79%. This is a boost from Portland General Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Portland General Electrics payout ratio is 69.62%. Portland General Electric Company Profile (Get Rating) Portland General Electric Co engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. The firm also sells electricity and natural gas in the wholesale market to utilities, brokers, and power marketers. It also serves residential, commercial and non-residential customers. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding POR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TSGTY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 66.7% from the February 28th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Tsingtao Brewery Price Performance OTCMKTS:TSGTY remained flat at $51.03 during trading hours on Tuesday. 320 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 494. Tsingtao Brewery has a 52 week low of $34.17 and a 52 week high of $52.60. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $50.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of $47.59. Get Tsingtao Brewery alerts: Tsingtao Brewery Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Articles Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of beer products worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Shandong Region; South China Region; North China Region; East China Region; Southeast China Region; Hong Kong, Macau and Other Overseas Region; and Finance Company. Receive News & Ratings for Tsingtao Brewery Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tsingtao Brewery and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. I Want to Go Home by Sergey Mikhalkov was a popular 1948 play about Soviet children torn from their families by the Third Reich who never returned home. Its a lesson that history buff Vladimir Putin seems to have forgotten, as an international arrest warrant has been issued for the Russian president due to the large-scale, forcible expatriation of Ukrainian children to Russia. While the international community demands the return of the children, the Kremlin propaganda machine issues baseless claims that most of them are orphans. Russian human rights activists decry the lack of a registry loved ones can use to locate their children. There are several facets to the relocation of Ukrainian children. Many were interned in state-administered childrens centers taken over by the Russians, and their fate is unknown. Some parents sent their children to Russian territory in the early stages of the invasion to get them out of harms way. However, they never returned after Ukrainian soldiers reclaimed territory around Kherson and Kharkiv. In Kozacha Lopan, a village in northern Ukraine near the Russian border, 11 of the 13 minors that the Russians took to a summer camp in August are still missing. Tatiana Glagola said she and another mother rescued their two children after a harrowing journey. Mayor Lyudmila Vakulenko thinks the other 11 children will never return because their parents followed them to Russia. Vakulenko calls them traitors to the homeland. Kozacha Lopan exemplifies the complex reality of relocating children during an armed conflict, considered a war crime. Ukraine has identified more than 16,000 children who were relocated to Russia but estimates there may be 150,000. Only 300 have returned home, according to Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliaments Commissioner for Human Rights. This led the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant on March 17 for Putin and Russias presidential commissioner for childrens rights, Maria Lvova-Belova. Everyone is against him [Putin], says Vakulenko. But I have no idea how he will react nobody does. The town she governs not only borders the invading country but is replete with families of dual nationality. One nagging question lingers in the air. Who would send a son or daughter to a camp run by the same people who invaded your country? There was a lot of bombing, so we sent her as far away as possible. We made the decision we werent pressured, says Tatiana Glagola, a 38-year-old resident of Kozacha Lopan who sent her nine-year-old daughter Polina to a Russian camp on August 28. The little girl was supposed to return on September 21, but a Ukrainian counter-offensive pushed the Russians out of Kozacha Lopan. The girl stayed on the other side until her mother personally retrieved her. Its a familiar story among the families we interviewed in eastern Ukraine, who were all motivated by the urgent need to get their children away from the war by any means possible. The mayor of Kozacha Lopan, Lyudmila Vakulenko on March 24, 2023. Luis de Vega In Russia, we know very little about the fate of the children Tatiana Glagola is unaware of the arrest warrant for Putin. I had no idea. We dont even have a TV. I dont keep up with the news, she says. The family was reunited on November 2 when Glagola returned with Polina, and the town has since remained under Ukrainian control. But only 1,500 of its 6,000 residents have stayed. Glagola has grown accustomed to the almost daily Russian bombardment of Kozacha Lopan, and her home has escaped damage so far. She confirmed the mayors suspicion that the parents of the other 11 children had left for Russia. We dont know for sure, but we have information that some are in Belgorod [a Russian city about 25 miles from Kozacha Lopan] because we have heard their negative comments about Ukraine broadcast from that city. They chose to be on that side they made their decision, says Vakulenko. The 16,207 minors relocated to Russia identified in mid-February represent the tip of the iceberg, says Lubinets. Kyiv estimates that up to 150,000 children and adolescents have been illegally transported to various parts of Russia or Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine. On March 11, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Irina Vereshchuk reported that 2,161 Ukrainian orphan minors had been illegally removed from their environments. Lubinets says only about 300 children have been successfully repatriated. We were able to do this because we had information from both sides, says Svetlana Gannushkina, a Russian human rights advocate and former Nobel Peace Prize contender. In Russia, we know very little about the fate of the children. Ukrainians have more data because they receive information from parents and other relatives. But here, children are rarely able to demand contact with their families. Many are not old enough to have phone numbers memorized or to know where their grandparents are, says Gannushkina, who helped found the Civic Assistance Committee, a Russian NGO that campaigns for human rights. Gannushkina belongs to Yabloko, a Russian opposition political party calling for a registry of Ukrainian minors. For over a year, no one knows anything about these children where they were taken, how they are being cared for, who and how many they are, says Yabloko founder Grigory Yavlinski. Crimean children for adoption The Russian government has a public website for child adoption: usynovite.ru (adopt, in Russian). The database has photos and physical descriptions of the children up for adoption, including eye color, blood type and other characteristics. The registry has been updated to include the four Ukrainian regions illegally annexed in September 2022 (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia), but a search of these regions doesnt yield any results. The database does show children to adopt from Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula seized by Russia in 2014. A search produced 202 Crimean children, many included in the last few months. One entry says, Andrei: kind, curious, active, artistic, emotional and attentive. Member of the school choir. However, one important detail has been omitted: nationality. Its impossible to tell if they are Ukrainian. There is a constant bustle of foreigners at the Civic Assistance Committees headquarters. Placing these children with families is often risky, says Gannushkina. I got a call from a young woman who took in six Ukrainian children and was now asking for money to support them. When I asked her about the legal basis for adopting them, she told me about an agreement between the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic and Moscow. But she never called again because she was worried about the legal issues we raised. What was their condition? She adopted six more children on top of the three she already had. Where would they live? Oxana, a Ukrainian soldier, was reunited in Kyiv with her daughter Eva after her return from Russia on December 17, 2022. Luis de Vega The state institutions for children in the occupied territories are one of the biggest problems. Russian propaganda talks about saving orphans, but in reality, they are separating families, says Bill Van Esveld, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) staffer and author of We Must Provide a Family, Not Rebuild Orphanages. Nine out of 10 children in these institutions have relatives. They are not there because their parents died or abused them. They were placed there because of poverty or some deficiency, and the parents couldnt care for them. The Russian Childrens Ombudsman estimates that when the war started in February 2022, about 2,500 minors were transferred from centers in Donetsk and Luhansk to refugee camps on Russian territory. This is illegal under international law. You cannot relocate civilians, especially children, during a war or occupation. Its only allowable for security reasons, but thats not usually the case. Thats why we think this is a war crime, says Van Esveld. The lack of a database is compounded by another problem that makes it even more challenging to find Ukrainian children: the Russian government expedited granting citizenship to minors to facilitate their adoption by Russian families. The law was changed to make them permanently adoptable Russians cannot adopt children or receive aid if the children have Ukrainian nationality, says Van Esveld. The Russification of Ukrainian minors Fifteen children from the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv and Kherson returned this week, announced the Save Ukraine NGO. They had spent the last few months in what the organization describes as re-education camps. The Yale School of Public Health reported that up to 6,000 minors are located in 43 re-education camps that comprise an extensive adoption network stretching from Crimea to Siberia. The Yale report alleges that Russian authorities actively prevent family reunification and sometimes even provide military training for the children. Lvova-Belova boasted in a meeting with Putin last September about the forced re-education of Ukrainian children to make them forget their roots. When we brought them [the minors] to the Moscow region so that they could recover a little bit, the story started that they were saying negative things about the president [Putin] and singing the Ukrainian anthem, Glory to Ukraine and all that. There is some negativity, maybe at first, but later it turns into love for Russia, Lvova-Belova told Putin. According to her figures, 380 minors had been adopted by Russian families by the end of 2022. If children from another nation are brought here to Russia, our country has to guarantee that they will receive training in their language and culture, says Gannushkina, citing Syrian minors who were temporarily taken in by her organization. Taking children out of their environment and imposing the language and culture of another country is considered genocide. Human Rights Watch agrees with Gannushinka. Its a crime thats why the Geneva Convention prohibits forced relocation. Some of these children are two or younger: they cannot be separated from their families and communities to be injected with a different nationality, says Van Esveld. The situation for families in the Russian-occupied regions could be even worse. Sources from the Museum of Civilian Voices organization founded by Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov told EL PAIS that some of the adoptive families in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in cities like Mariupol, Rubizhne and Volnovaja have not been able to escape the area. The minors have been reassigned to local authorities loyal to Russia, they said. The phones of the adoptive families were tapped, and their social media access has been blocked. It is not safe for them to contact Ukrainian representatives. Tatiana Glagola and the other mothers we spoke to did not report mistreatment while their children were in the camps. Everything was proper, said Glagola. The teachers gave them clothes, shoes, a new telephone... When my daughters eyeglasses broke, they gave her a new pair and took her to the doctor to have her eyesight checked. My daughter has not said anything bad about the camp. They had classes several times weekly so they wouldnt forget their schooling. Unfortunately, she can only attend online classes now. Deportation of children is a war crime, tweeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on March 23. Her post said the EU would facilitate Ukrainian repatriation through Poland, often used as a transit route. Officials in Kyiv readily acknowledge some repatriations occurred with help from Russian authorities. Lubinets reported on March 23 that two minors returned thanks to cooperation between the Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen. But Russian cooperation is fickle, according to the Zelenskiy administration, which accuses Moscow of deliberately destroying documents to thwart the identification and repatriation of minors. Some were orphans in state custody, and others were disabled children separated from parents and guardians by war or death. Despite her pleas for assistance, Glagola says no one helped her and the other mothers rescue their children from Russia. Although their town is a stones throw from the Russian border, the two mothers had to travel across the entire country and enter Poland. From there, they crossed Belarus and into Russia, journeying hundreds of miles south to Anapa, a Russian port on the Black Sea. Then they crossed the Kerch Strait to the Crimean Peninsula, where they found their children in Camp Vita. Glagola says it took 15 minutes to identify themselves, present their documentation and get their children back. Days later, the Ukrainian guards at the border post who heard their story called them crazy. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition That release could not be found. First off, a word of warning: this article is not going to provide a single answer to the question all Colombians ask themselves: Why do we get up so early? There are several reasons and none of them is definitive. Custom, religion and geographic location are all some of the factors as to why the alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m. every day in Yurlenis Moyas house; why she and her five-year-old son get on their bicycles and pedal through a city still shrouded in darkness to get to school at 6:15 a.m.; why they wont see each other again until 13 hours later, when she gets off work and picks him up at his grandmothers house in a daily routine that will surprise no reader in Colombia, but which in most other countries is inconceivable. A report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that Colombia is the worlds earliest riser. On average, Colombians open their eyes at 6:31 a.m. By comparison, in the United States the median is 7:20 a.m., in China it is 7:42 a.m. and in Spain, 8:05 a.m. Honor or punishment? For many Colombians, getting up early is synonymous with discipline, commitment, effort and hard work. But the OECD report contradicts that panorama: Colombia is also the least productive country in the world despite early starts and one of the longest working weeks worldwide at 48 hours per week, the same as in Mexico. The government of Gustavo Petro is seeking to reduce the working week to 42 hours through a labor reform bill presented this week, but Colombias pre-dawn ritual is another matter. A mother transports her son by bicycle at dawn in Bogota. NATHALIA ANGARITA Well-known stories of proud early risers are commonplace. Members of Alvaro Uribes administration talk of calls from the former president at 4:30 a.m. and the official government website profile of Juan Camilo Restrepo, appointed Peace Commissioner in 2021, still notes he is a disciplined and an early riser. These two officials serve as examples of how the culture of the early riser which traditionally was more common in rural areas and the center of the country eventually spread to the rest of Colombia. Nobody gets up earlier than a Paisa: residents of Colombias northwest. In Medellin, for example, university classes start at 6 a.m. At the beginning of the 20th century, Colombia began to industrialize. In 1900, around 75% of Colombians lived in rural areas; by 1980 the situation was reversed and 75% of the population was living in cities. Schools, factories, and companies flourished, but the timetables remained the same as they had when most of the workforce were laboring in the coffee plantations. Historian Pablo Rodriguez explains that the transition from the countryside to the city was an extraordinarily fast one. Customs and mentalities do not change so quickly; people just took their working hours with them. And in the countryside, people work from dawn until dusk. An article written in 2016 by Camilo Andres Salcedo of the National University of Colombia, titled Family Strategies, Work and Origins of Small Coffee Producers in Huila, Colombia includes an interview with a grower who said: With the five children we picked 300 arrobas [25 pounds / 11.5 kilograms] a week, which was 30,000 pesos [around $6.4] And that was a lot of money. Thats why I made my children get up early and work like boars. Work in the fields traditionally began as soon as the sun rose. In the coffee plantations, the countrys main economic driver for decades, work began as soon as the color of the beans, between green and ripe red, could be made out. Colombia is an equatorial country: there are no seasons and no altering of the clocks. Throughout the year, the sun rises at around 6 a.m. and sets at around 6 p.m. Colombians suffer from an advanced sleep phase; they go to bed with the chickens and wake up with the rooster, says Dr. Steve Amado, president of the Colombian Association of Sleep Medicine (ACMES). For adults, he explains, this may not have notable consequences if they consolidate a schedule to get enough sleep, but it can cause problems for children. A street vendor serving coffee for passersby. NATHALIA ANGARITA Initiatives to ensure schoolchildren sleep for longer have multiplied in recent years in several countries. There is a scientific basis behind them: numerous studies claim that delaying school start times would improve student performance. In 2019, the United States pushed back high school start times to 8:30 a.m. In 2009, Bogota decided that the youngest schoolchildren should arrive at public schools at 7:30 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. In Colombian private schools, there is little respite from the alarm clock. Most of these centers are located on the outskirts of the main cities, so it is not uncommon to see children taking the bus before the sun has risen to get to class by 7 a.m., when the school day usually starts. The ACMES plans to sign an agreement with the NGO Start School Later, a movement that was founded in the U.S., to start a campaign and raise awareness about the need to reach new agreements on schedules to benefit children. It is not a straightforward issue. Children start school early because their parents start work early, so it would be necessary to change the entire system to accommodate both. People waiting to board public transport at dawn in Bogota. NATHALIA ANGARITA In cities like Bogota, the problem is exacerbated by traffic. The Colombian capital ranks fifth on the list of the cities with the highest traffic delay times in the world, according to the INRIX 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard. In addition, the supply of public transport does not meet demand. To get to work on time, thousands of people spend hours commuting around the city. And if they have children, they need schools that open very early so they can drop them off earlier. Religion is another factor in one of the most Catholic countries in the world. There are a series of symbolic traditions at the religious level that have permeated popular culture, especially among rural workers, who have no problem waking up at 4 a.m., says sociologist Carlos Charry. These are values of sacrifice, in which laziness is considered a cardinal sin. Science, though, refutes these ideas. In an interview with EL PAIS, physiologist Maria Angeles Bonmati said that for most people, getting little sleep will mean being much less productive in their daily lives and having their physical and cognitive capacities diminished. The OECD report plows a similar furrow. Increasingly, more and more voices are being raised against the old adage the early bird catches the worm, that is so often repeated in Colombia. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Considered the hub of the community, the Campbellford and District Curling and Racquet Club is celebrating a funding boost from the provincial government. The club is receiving a $114,700 capital grant funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). With the money, the club will make a series of accessibility upgrades to its building. The Campbellford and District Curling and Racquet Club is truly the hub of our community, said the clubs Carol Currelly-Burnham. We foster a sense of belonging, which is a vital component of our communitys overall health. Thanks to the generosity of the Ontario government and the (OTF), we are able to make our site truly accessible to all. The upgrades will include the addition of new automated, touchless doors, installing a wheelchair lift, widening doors to the locker-room areas and squash courts, adding ramps where needed and more, ensuring that the building is even more accessible in the years to come. The club provides recreational activities for people of all ages living in the Trent Hills community and surrounding areas. NorthumberlandPeterborough South MPP David Piccini made the funding announcement during the Norwood Curling Clubs annual Maplefest event, where he was joined by representatives from the Norwood and Campbellford clubs to announce a combined $200,900 in funding. This funding is big news for the Trent Hills and Norwood area and will ensure that members of our community have plenty of options to stay active and engaged, said Piccini. Our government will continue to support important projects like these in rural areas as we build a stronger Ontario. The Norwood Curling Club received a $86,200 capital grant from OTF to replace the roof on its century-old facility. The building hosts the annual Norwood Fair and is available to the public for community events. The Norwood club is run by volunteers and is open to everyone, offering multiple recreational, educational and competitive curling leagues. "This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will allow the club to replace the roof and thereby significantly extend the life of this vital community building and ensure that it remains available for years to come, said Denton Curry, Norwood Curling Club president. The OTF, an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canadas leading granting foundations, invested in 2022 nearly $209 million into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the provinces Community Building Fund. SHARE: Making the leap from computers to cuisine has been a positive one for Manu Birla and his family. Not only has it opened up a whole new world for the information technologist, but seriously increased his family. Birla took over the Pattie House in downtown Coboconk on Feb. 6 and has been enthusiastically navigating the steep learning curve ever since. Even though I worked in IT, I always said if this ever ends, Id like to go into the food business, said Birla. The opportunity came last fall when Birlas contract ended sooner than expected. On Thanksgiving weekend, Birla and his family took a drive and stopped at the Coboconk landmark. Although the meal wasnt remarkable, the potential wasnt lost on Birla. The experience was incredible. I loved the feel of the place. The staff were great. But I found myself wondering why there was nobody there, said Birla. We thought people should be in here laughing and talking and enjoying good food. So Birla contacted the owners with an offer to buy. Along with spending three weeks shadowing management, Birla also took the time to talk with customers, residents and local business owners. I was trying to get their impression of the Pattie House; why they werent coming, what they wanted from it I made a list, said Birla. Focused on getting foundations in place, Birla made changes to improve product quality and kitchen operations and began delivering his personal philosophy: treat customers the way you want to be treated. Its part of our tradition and belief to look at every person as a guest in our home; like youre part of our family, said Birla. Birla kept much of the original menu but added a few personal touches such as samosas, butter chicken poutine and butter chicken and naan. During special events when the kitchen closes such as trivia nights and Saturdays when the Toronto Maple Leafs play he offers a shareables menu including fried pickle chips, jalapeno popcorn shrimp, cheesy garlic pretzel bread and fresh cut fries. Although still learning the ropes, if Birla had any concerns about joining the community, they quickly disappeared. The first example came just weeks after taking over; a roof leak. Birla, who had been with his family in the GTA, hit the road. By the time he arrived at the restaurant, staff were working with contractors to repair the leak. The second touched the entire family. Up until the beginning of March, Birla had been staying in a rented room during the restaurants Wednesday to Sunday operations. Hearing his family wanted to spend more time in Coboconk, a local resort owner offered up one of their cottages. Whatever best-case scenario me and my family envisioned, its been better than that, said Birla. For more information on the Pattie House, check it out on Facebook or visit https://thepattiehouse.cloudwaitress.com/ SHARE: Police say a 38-year-old Cobourg man is facing charges after allegedly exposing himself during an incident at a business. On Tuesday, March 28, at about 12:05 a.m., the Cobourg Police Service said police were called to a downtown business for a report of a possible break and enter. Upon arrival, officers said they located an individual matching the description provided to police, and officers allegedly observed the individual exposing himself. As a result, a 38-year-old Cobourg man was arrested for indecent acts, reported police. Upon arrest, police allege they located a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine. Police said the accused was charged with the following offences: Indecent acts contrary to section 173(1)a of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC.) Possession of a schedule I substance contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. Fail to comply with probation contrary to section 733.1(1) of the CCC. Mischief contrary to section 430(1)(a) of the CCC. None of these allegations or charges have been proven in court. The accused was released on an undertaking with a court date set for May 10, 2023, reported police. SHARE: A Cobourg resident is facing charges as part of an ongoing fraud investigation, say police. On March 26, while responding to an unrelated call for service in the area of Sutherland Crescent and Ontario Street, the Cobourg Police Service said police allegedly observed a person of interest in an ongoing cheque fraud scam investigation. Police said as a result of an investigation, a 40-year-old Cobourg woman was arrested and charged with the following offences: Fraud contrary to section 380(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC.) False pretense contrary to section 362(1) of the CCC. Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the CCC. Possession of schedule I substance methamphetamine contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Five counts of fail to comply with undertaking contrary to section 145(4)(a) of the CCC. Fail to comply with probation contrary to section 733.1(1) of the CCC. None of these charges have been proven in court. No other details were released by police. The accused was held for a show cause hearing and remanded into custody, said police, on March 28. SHARE: The Theatre on King artistic administrator Kate Story said on Monday night she didnt know whether TTOK will have to close now that city council has made a final decision not to offer the theatre any funding for 2023. TTOKs lease on its space on King Street downtown expires at the end of July, Story said, and without the city funding the rental arrangement could be in question. I dont know what were going to do, Story said. At Mondays city council meeting, there had been a proposal to fund TTOK and the Artisans Centre $9,500 each, from the municipal contingency fund. Neither organization had been recommended for city funding, in a recent competitive grant process, and both had urged council to reconsider and fund them. But council voted against it. Council did agree to ask city staff to review the grants process and report back with any recommendations for changes. Coun. Andrew Beamer said the granting process which recommended 20 groups for funding from a field of 25 applications had been fair and balanced. Every department, every agency would like more money.... We need to balance the needs of all the community, with the needs of the taxpaying community in mind, Beamer said. However 10 citizens including Story and TTOK artistic director Ryan Kerr had called TTOK a gem of an experimental theatre and urged council to fund it. There was also a delegation from Denise Stone, a board member for the Artisans Centre in the lower level of Peterborough Square which teaches skills such as weaving to kids and seniors alike asking council to fund them, too. In response there was a motion from Coun. Matthew Crowley to draw $54,000 from the city contingency fund to offer grants to all five organizations that had been turned down. Crowley was proposing $15,000 each for TTOK, the Artisans Centre and Junior Achievement, plus $7,000 for the Inspire Womens Portrait Project and $2,000 for the MS Society. But Coun. Alex Bierk brought forward a friendly amendment accepted by Crowley, though ultimately voted down by council 7-3 to reduce that sum to $19,000, drawn from the contingency fund, to be divided evenly between TTOK and the Artisans Centre ($9,500 each). Bierk, Crowley and Coun. Joy Lachica were the only three to vote in favour. The rest of council Coun. Andrew Beamer, Dave Haacke, Lesley Parnell, Kevin Duguay, Keith Riel, Gary Baldwin, and Don Vassiliadis all voted against giving $9,500 each to TTOK and to the Artisans Centre. Mayor Jeff Leal was away on vacation Monday. TTOK artistic director Kerr told council in his delegation that theyd applied for $30,000 this year. That may seem audacious, he said, but their application explained exactly why the funding was needed. The tone of the application wasnt entitlement: it was a cry for help, he said, in response to a remark from Coun. Riel, from earlier this month, that some of the applications left him with the impression the applicants expected money (Riel and Bierk, plus 11 citizens, a re on the jury). Actor Linda Kash also urged funding for TTOK. We are talking about a gem in this town that would make a whole lot of citizens really upset, if it had to shut its doors, Kash said. Mark Wallace, artistic director of New Stages Peterborough, said TTOK is exceptional. Theres nothing else like it... It is the experimental, thriving, affordable theatre space, where some of the best shows are each year, he said. Local playwright Frank Flynn said investing public money in this type of small cutting-edge theatre is needed. Its the difference between a really great, happening community and a place where people go to retire and die, he said. Stable funding is the only mechanism to keep the arts alive to keep TTOK alive, said Coun. Joy Lachica. Coun. Alex Bierk, a professional visual artist, agreed. This is the reason I got into politics. We are around the table at a decision point and have the power to change, from what I heard, is obviously broken, he said. But Riel said the recommendations were made based on a fair process, well thought-out, well adjudicated. Unfortunately, some people dont make the cut. Coun. Dave Haacke said he was reluctant to override the process of adjudication, given that he wasnt on the jury. Coun. Kevin Duguay was on the jury previously for six years, as a citizen. I am not prepared to forget and forego the process that this council, and previous councils, ensures happens, he said. Some applications filed didnt make the cut: thats what happened. Duguay, Beamer and Parnell all mentioned that the city does fund the arts: for example council has created a new program to offer $50,000 a year in grants for individual artists over the next three years. Furthermore the city will spend $5.3 million this year on its arts, culture and heritage division (which funds the public library and museum, for example). Parnell pointed all that out: We do greatly invest in arts. joelle.kovach@peterboroughdaily.com SHARE: City chief administrative officer Sandra Clancy got a standing ovation from city council at her last city council meeting on Monday night before she retires on April 28. While Clancy has worked for the city since 1985, shes been CAO since 2018 when she took over for Alan Seabrooke. Shes also been city treasurer, finance manager and chief accountant. Toronto-based executive recruitment firm Phelps Group is seeking prospective applicants for the city CAO job. Although Mayor Jeff Leal was away on vacation Monday night, he called into council chambers to bid Clancy farewell in a set of remarks he delivered via speakerphone. Leal said the stewardship of the citys finances were always maintained under Clancy. Sandra was highly regarded and respected among all staff in our organization, he said. Sandra also played a very major role in steering our ship, during the unprecedented pandemic... Today, were in a good position because of her (Clancys) leadership during this very difficult time. Leal furthermore thanked Clancy for helping him a former city councillor who went on to become an MPP and cabinet member, before being elected mayor in the fall get an insider update on current municipal affairs. Thank you for your tremendous leadership over four decades you will be missed, Leal said. Also on Monday night: Anti-harassment bill Council gave its final approval to support a private members bill calling for a provincial law to allow the ouster of municipal council members who behave badly. Coun. Alex Bierk had asked fellow council members at a committee meeting earlier this month to consider having the city write a letter to Queens Park in support of Bill 5, the Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act. The support from city councillors at that committee meeting was unanimous, but the matter still needed a final vote. Bill 5 is a private members bill from Orleans MPP Stephen Blais aiming to make it possible for city council members in Ontario to lose their seats over breach of their municipalitys workplace harassment policies. Blais was on Ottawa city council from 2010 until 2020, before running for MPP in Orleans. He told CBC last year that his bill was inspired by a colleague on council whod harassed city staff in Ottawa. Two integrity commissioner reports exposed former Ottawa city councillor Rick Chiarellis harassment of former city staff members and job applicants for years, CBC reported in 2022. Two readings of Bill 5 had already been passed in the Ontario legislature prior to the provincial election in June; a third reading is needed, to pass the bill into law. Several city councils in Ontario have already endorsed the bill, including Sault Ste. Marie, Orillia and the previous Barrie city council. Peterborough citizen Kerith Paul, speaking on behalf of the workplace human rights group The Women of Ontario Say No, thanked council for its preliminary approval and urged them to take a final vote to write to Queens Park in support of the bill. Ault Equipment Council gave final approval to allow a new heavy equipment sales and service business to be built in Peterboroughs southeast end industrial park, on vacant land at 2000 Technology Dr. Ault Equipment is a supplier of Canadian-made heavy equipment for the aggregate, mining and environmental industries. At a committee meeting earlier this month, councillors gave preliminary approval for a rezoning to allow a new 21,000-square-foot distribution centre, plus a repair garage and an office for Ault on the property. COVID-19 policy Council gave final approval to drop the citys mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for its employees. City staff recommended it in a report, and the proposal got unanimous preliminary approval from councillors at a committee meeting earlier this month. The citys COVID-19 vaccination policy was adopted Sept. 27, 2021 and loosened somewhat in July 2022. joelle.kovach@peterboroughdaily.com SHARE: Douro-Dummer Township is receiving $141,323 from the provincial government under one-time funding announced Monday to help with clean-up and forest regeneration in damaged areas following the devastating May 21 derecho the most money being doled out to four municipalities impacted by the storm in Peterborough County. The province announced Monday it is spending $5.5 million to support 22 small municipalities across the province after extreme weather events in southern and eastern Ontario last year, including the devastating windstorm in May locally along with a tornado in July outside the Peterborough area. Both events damaged public roads and thousands of hectares of Crown and private land. Many residents and employers in the city and county were also without power for days and dozens of homes were damaged by falling trees. Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township will receive the second most in funding in the county at $115,116, followed by Otonabee-South Monaghan Township, which is set to collect $95,068. The province has earmarked $59,480 for North Kawartha Township the lowest amount in funding in the county from the province. According to Douro-Dummer Township Mayor Heather Watson, the one-time funding became available in early March from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Watson only had a few days to apply for the funding, which closed on March 13, she told The Examiner. Watson recounted the devastation felt by many municipalities in the county that day, when Douro-Dummer, like several other county townships, declared a state of emergency. Many residents were left without hydro for at least a week after the storm because it was so difficult for hydro crews to get in and do the work because the damage was so bad, recalled Watson. Watson said shes set to receive the exact dollar amount she applied for last month. In a press release following Mondays announcement, Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Graydon Smith said the province prioritized small communities hit hardest by the weather events. With todays announcement, we are ensuring municipalities are able to recover from these weather events and build a strong Ontario, Smith stated. The funding is being provided to municipalities that sought financial support to help with the cleanup effort and forest regeneration post-storm. After the derecho, municipalities sought to recover from substantial damages including repairs to public infrastructure, through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program (DRAO), which applies to private property and allows individuals to recoup losses not covered by insurance, and the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program (MDRA), North Kawartha Township recently heard it was unsuccessful in getting the $280,616 it had claimed under the MDRA program. Part of this was for debris clean-up. To make up for the lack of previous funding, the township will now use its one-time funding of $59,480 from the province for debris clean-up to prevent floods and fires caused by decaying and fallen trees. Meanwhile, longtime Jack Lake cottager and North Kawartha resident Ambrose Moran, whose home was damaged during the storm, is skeptical about how the money will be used. Moran, who, along with several other cottagers expressed frustration with a lack of clean-up help from the township post-storm, told The Examiner the funding is too little, too late. Fellow cottager and North Kawartha resident Patricia Phillips said the funding could be great for the municipality but added she hopes it would come with some support for the residents in the area. However, citing the wide gulf between the money earmarked for Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and North Kawartha, Philips said shes curious how the numbers were determined, given the widespread devastation in North Kawartha. Im surprised and Id like to find out why theres such a huge discrepancy. The Examiner was unable to reach North Kawartha Mayor Carolyn Amyotte on Monday for comment. BB Brendan Burke is a staff reporter at the Examiner, based in Peterborough. His reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. SHARE: MONTREAL - Flair Airlines said this week that it has reimbursed almost all 1,900 passengers whose flights were cancelled after the seizure of four of the carriers planes earlier this month, but some customers say they are owed more money while others say no refunds have come through at all. Bailiffs repossessed Boeing 737 jets on which the discount carrier had overdue payments at airports in Toronto, Edmonton and Waterloo, Ont., in the early morning hours of March 11. The seizures meant multiple flights that day had to be cancelled, sending customers scrambling to rebook on other airlines, or to give up entirely. Carrie Kennedy was at the gate with two friends for a Toronto-Halifax flight all three had booked time off work for a March break getaway when the cancellation was announced. It was supposed to be her first plane ride, the Barrie, Ont., resident said of her friends six-year-old daughter. She was bawling her eyes out. Why cant I go see grandma? I want to see grandma. She was heartbroken, Kennedy added. The group has tried and failed to receive any refunds for the cancelled trip, she said. The airline had rebooked them on a flight five days later than scheduled, with a return flight one day after that, which they declined. It was a friggin nightmare, Kennedy said. We dont have loads of money. After The Canadian Press asked Flair about reimbursements Monday morning, the airline replied that evening that hundreds more refunds had been paid that day, with only eight remaining. We do not want any customer to feel frustrated and so our teams have been working hard to get the reimbursements paid, the airline said in a statement. In most cases, it required manual tabulation by our customer service team. Any remaining amounts outstanding to customers should be paid out within the next 48 hours. No cash has landed in traveller Kelly Butts account so far, however. The Toronto-area resident was scheduled to take a Flair flight with her family from Toronto to Palm Springs, Calif., on Saturday afternoon, but arrived roughly 30 hours later than planned due to the cancellation. Seven days have come and gone. We havent seen a penny, she said, noting a pledge from the company on March 11 to reimburse all airfares within one week. She and her husband, mother and two teenage kids took two different planes to Calgary late Saturday night. Butt touched down at 12:30 a.m., two hours after the others followed by a noon flight to San Diego and a two-and-a-half hour drive in a rental car Sunday. After numerous emails to the company, Butt said it agreed to reimburse her for the fares, but not the cost of a lost Airbnb reservation and car rental, nor to fully compensate her for the last-minute cancellation. Flair told her in an email she is ineligible for any expenses associated with this flight change, including meals, hotel or the cost of transportation to a different city. The Montreal Convention, a multilateral treaty applicable to international flights, states that airlines are generally liable for damages caused by a delay of passengers, save for rare exceptions, said Air Passenger Rights advocacy group president Gabor Lukacs. Other customers say Flair hasnt compensated them enough, and take issue with the airlines communication throughout the ordeal. In an initial notification to passengers alerting them to the cancelled flights, Flair characterized the disruption as the result of unanticipated maintenance delays. That explanation falls under a regulatory loophole that relieves airlines of the requirement for compensation distinct from reimbursement if a delay or cancellation is prompted by a safety concern. Flair said in a statement the email was a miscommunication, and has told customers they are owed $125 in compensation for their cancelled flights. The majority of the compensation has been paid out, Flair said. But Kyle Stevenson, who was slated to fly home to Toronto from Palm Springs on the day of the plane seizures, said he has been told over the phone and by email that the March 11 flight was cancelled for safety purposes and that no compensation is owed him. He said Flair offered him a refund, but not reimbursement for the much pricier rebooking he made with United Airlines in order to get back home the following day much earlier than the return trip Flair had booked for him a week later. Stevenson and Butt believe they and their fellow travellers are owed more. The Air Passenger Protection Regulations state that small carriers must compensate passengers with $125 for delays stretching between three and six hours, $250 for delays of six to nine hours and $500 for cancellations and delays of nine hours or more. Because we arrived a lot after nine hours to our destination ... that is $500, said Butt. But now theyre telling us no, no, its only $125 that youre entitled to. To this day, nobody from Flair has called us. Theyve emailed us a bunch, but its been in circles because it seems like nobody is actually reading the information that we have been giving them. Other Flair customers have voiced similar concerns on a Facebook group, though some have also reiterated the airline plans to refund them for rebooked flights. The passenger rights charter says travellers who receive a refund are entitled to less compensation. But Lukacs of Air Passenger Rights says that only applies when the customer rebooks with the same airline or declines to rebook. If they opt for travel with another carrier, the rule has no bearing, he said. Airlines like to play this game of pushing the refund on passengers instead of providing alternate transportation, he said. Lukacs also stressed that compensation issues in Canadian aviation are not unique to Flair. Its a broader, systemic problem. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Noah Pino, a beader and textile artist, noticed his phone was blowing up last week with messages from dozens of people saying the same thing: his 2021 ribbon skirt design looks strikingly similar to a new release from Kate Spade. Kate Spades Sunday Stripe Organza Midi Skirt which retails for US$328 is a mid-length satiny-skirt with boldly-coloured stripes that vary in width. Many saw similarities with the skirt, Pinos design and ribbon skirts more generally a traditional garment worn by some Indigenous Peoples in North America. Users said as much in the comments on Kate Spades social media posts, accusing the brand of stealing the design from an Indigenous artist, cultural appropriation and asking for the skirt and the posts to be removed. TikTokkers also made videos criticizing the design. I understand why a lot of our people would be upset about (Kate Spades design), said Pino, who lives on Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana. Its not uncommon for brands to seemingly pull from Indigenous designs, Pino said, but doing so removes the history and cultural significance of garments, like ribbon skirts, which are ways our people adorn ourselves and express who they are. And given the number of people who would have been involved with the designs release from original sketches to large-scale manufacturing its surprising to him nobody did anything to stop it, or acknowledge the history of the garment. That, Pino said, is the most upsetting. On Facebook, the brand replied to a few critiques saying: Thank you for bringing this to our attention and promising to share the feedback with the appropriate department for review. The Star reached out to Kate Spade for comment about the cultural appropriation allegations. A spokesperson acknowledged receipt, but did not respond to a list of questions and follow ups by publication time. As of Monday, the skirt is still available for purchase, and the social media posts are still online. What is a ribbon skirt? Europeans traded ribbons with Indigenous Peoples who transformed them into culturally-significant garments, including ribbon skirts and dresses. Some Indigenous Peoples say the skirts represent a connection to Mother Earth, and some wear their skirts during ceremonies and powwows, or as formal regalia. The ribbons are appliqued on fabrics, either with a few sewn on horizontally close to the bottom hem, or covering the skirt entirely, like Pinos. They can vary in length, but are more commonly mid- or full-length, and often tell stories about the wearer through the colours chosen. In January, Canada celebrated its first National Ribbon Skirt Day, which was proposed after then-10-year-old Isabella Kulak, a member of Cote First Nation, was ridiculed for wearing a ribbon skirt to a formal wear day at school. While the Saskatchewan school division later apologized, her story prompted Indigenous women to photos of themselves wearing ribbon skirts online, as a way to honour their identity. Can intellectual property rights protect from cultural appropriation in fashion? Kate Spade may be the latest fashion brand to be accused of appropriating Indigenous culture, but it isnt the only. Earlier this year, a hairstylist for Balmain was called out online for his vertibow hairstyle which TikTok users pointed out looked like a Tsiiyeel, a traditional Navajo hairstyle. Sage Paul, an artist and designer who heads the Toronto-based non-profit Indigenous Fashion Arts, noted the U.S. has a law in place, the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, that prohibits companies from claiming a product was created by an Indigenous person when it was not. But it doesnt prevent a cultural item from being appropriated. Its difficult, especially when its cultural expression or traditional knowledge because (intellectual property) is not owned by a single individual, Paul explained. Despite cultural items being commodified and appropriated by the fashion industry, Indigenous Peoples are still struggling to enter the market, said Paul, citing a lack of resources and the needs of communities not being met. In order for meaningful change to occur, it has to be through government policy, said Paul. And Indigenous artists need to be better supported in their creative endeavours to prevent appropriation and encourage buyers to purchase directly from Indigenous Peoples. (Cultural appropriation) wont be an issue anymore when our communitys needs are met, and when we can be an equal competitor in this world of fashion, Paul said. With files from Canadian Press SHARE: Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Bibi, the prime minister of Israel, and AMLO, the president of Mexico, couldnt be more different. At the moment, however, their political strategies could not be more similar. Both are trying to change the politics of their respective countries in profound ways, and both are doing so using profoundly undemocratic means. Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) and Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors (AMLO) personal histories as well as the countries where they were born in, live in and lead are radically different. So is the cultural, political and economic context in which they were raised. The territory of Mexico is 94 times that of Israel and its population is 14 times larger. Israels per capita income is now at the same level as that of France or Germany, while Mexico suffers from chronic economic anemia. Since the 1970s, Israels economy has been growing rapidly while Mexicos has been growing slowly. While Bibi boasts of the high-tech boom during his tenure, AMLO is using public funds to build a railroad and an oil refinery. Another difference is that Bibi has lived his entire life in a democratic country, while AMLO was raised in a one-party state, where the PRI monopolized power from 1929 to 2000. For Bibi, it is imperative that his government respond aggressively to attacks by internal and external enemies such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Palestinian militants. AMLO, for his part, will be remembered for taking on the Mexican drug cartels with a strategy he called hugs, not bullets (no, it didnt work). The surprise is that, despite their many differences, Bibi and AMLO have adopted exactly the same political strategy: a frontal attack on democracy. This attack is not being waged with soldiers and tanks, but with lawyers, journalists and political cronies. Bibi is trying to push a series of reforms through the courts that would dilute laws and institutions designed to prevent the prime minister and his allies from concentrating power. While Bibi attacks the judiciary, AMLO attacks the electoral system. The Mexican president has launched an offensive against the National Electoral Institute (INE), the public body in charge of organizing elections in Mexico and preventing fraud. The INE is recognized worldwide as an independent institution that defends democracy and unlike many countries these days does not give a rubber stamp to elections rigged by the resident autocrat. Similar to Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, AMLO has continually criticized the INE, calling it rotten, corrupt and biased. His most recent attack has been to slash its budget. Lorenzo Cordova, the institutes president, told journalist Anne Applebaum that AMLOs reforms would force them to lay off 85 percent of their staff, severely limiting INEs ability to carry out its mission. But the attack is not only on the electoral system. AMLO has also been attacking the media and specific journalists who criticize him or who have exposed his falsehoods (a study by the consulting firm Spin found that AMLO has made 56,000 false or misleading statements on Mananeras, his daily morning news conference). Another battlefront for the Mexican president has been the judiciary. He recently lashed out at Norma Pina, the president of the Supreme Court, a woman AMLO slams as soft on crime. The US State Department, journalists, academics, politicians and a wide range of non-governmental organizations have declared their firm opposition to AMLOs strategy. Tens of thousands of protesters have been filling the Zocalo, the streets of Mexico City and other cities to protest against him. It is the same in Israel. More than 100,000 Israelis have taken to the streets in major cities to protest Bibi and his coalition of radical parties and leaders. Thus, two countries that could not be more different turned out to be identical in their defense of democracy. Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, declared: We are no longer in a political debate, but on the brink of constitutional and social collapse. Veterans of Unit 8200, an elite section of Israeli military intelligence, have joined those who have publicly denounced Bibis attempt to concentrate power. In a letter released to the public they said, We will not volunteer for a country that unilaterally changed the basic social contract with its citizens. What is happening in the streets of Mexico and Israel goes beyond a cry to stop undemocratic legal reforms and reducing the budgets of public bodies such as the INE or attacks against journalists and judges. It is a reaction to the imminent loss of freedom. Twitter: @moisesnaim Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TORONTO - A rise in violence on Torontos transit system signals an urgent need to better support people struggling with homelessness, mental illness and addiction, says a forensic psychiatrist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Its that combination that is giving rise to this (violence), said Dr. Sandy Simpson, chair in forensic psychiatry at CAMH and the University of Toronto, Its really impossible to know how much each of those things is to blame. But its not a single issue, he said. More information is needed about the suspects accused in recent attacks against Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) passengers and employees to make that determination, he said. But Simpson said drug addiction is likely a factor in some cases, especially crystal meth and crack. Unlike opioids, those drugs can be associated with violent acts. Lack of social support for people who are living in poverty and who are homeless, as well as poor access to mental-health services for the people who need it most, are also big underlying problems that need to be addressed, Simpson said. Frankly, my top solution would be universal basic income, he said. That would make a dramatic difference to the struggles that desperate people get into, Simpson said. People are sleeping on the TTC because theres nowhere else to sleep and becoming intoxicated or irritable or in conflict with other people on the TTC because they have nowhere else to go and theyre feeling that the world is structured against them, he said. Untreated mental illness, drug use or both can confuse vulnerable people and make them perceive others as a threat, Simpson said. Right now, the wait time for people in Toronto with serious mental illness to be treated by an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team is 10 to 12 months, he said. Gord Tanner, general manager of shelter, support and housing for the City of Toronto, said more outreach workers are being hired to offer services to homeless people identified at certain TTC stations in the city. Six employees wearing red winter coats bearing a Streets to Homes logo on the front and Outreach on the back are currently approaching people on trains, buses and streetcars to help them access a shelter bed, other housing or services such as applying for income support and identification, he said. Plans are underway to employ a total of 20 people by May to provide services 24 hours an day, seven days a week from funding in the citys current budget, Tanner said. Theres been a couple of stations where weve seen people bedding down, and that is Union Station and Spadina Station, but theres parts of the system that have had more people visibly sheltering over the course of the winter, he said. Folks are just having a very hard time making ends meet and so access to income supports and to affordable housing is probably something we hear most often from individuals we work with throughout the shelter system and folks who might be on the street or using the transit system, Tanner said. He noted city staff tell him that the individuals theyre working with who are struggling to access supports or housing have a feeling of hopelessness about their situation. Tanner said that since Jan. 1, outreach workers have connected and referred 226 people to shelters from various parts of the transit system but that long-term housing is needed. Its not meant to be a panacea or the solution to the tragic incidents, he said of the project. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. SHARE: CALGARY - Rima Rifai thought her furnace had exploded Monday when the house across the street burst into a ball of fire, sending 10 people to hospital with serious injuries. When she opened the front door to the street, Rifai saw the home her neighbour has lived in for 20 years was destroyed. The whole top of the house was completely blown off and there were all of these people coming out of the house, Rifai said in an interview Tuesday outside her home in the neighbourhood east of downtown. There was a gentleman actually right between these two vehicles here. You could tell after the explosion he had made it out first and he was just wandering the streets in absolute shock. The explosion also damaged several other homes and sent part of the roof of the house that blew up into a yard across the street. Calgary Emergency Medical Services has said all the victims were adults. Six had life-threatening injuries and four were seriously hurt. Rifai and her neighbours rushed to help other victims exit the home. We brought him over to safety, sat him down in a chair, wrapped him in blankets and it actually got more hectic after that, she said. It started with smoke and then flames and it just exploded into a huge fire. As we were trying to get them out one by one. Even one of the neighbours got set on fire actually trying to get them out. It was just surreal. Rifai said the injuries were severe. We were trying to get blankets on them and just comfort them and give them some support. The skin was peeling off of every part of the body that we could actually wrap up, she said. I feel thankful that there were no lives taken and at the same time, I am sad for them. Its sad. Its really sad. A pile of debris including discarded blankets remained on Rifais lawn. She said fire officials spent the night near the home, watching for hot spots. A fire insurance investigator and Calgary fire officials were still going through the wreckage. Five vehicles were parked nearby. The rear window of a minivan was blown out. Gar Gar, a leader in Calgarys South Sudanese community, said efforts were being made to provide financial help to those who were injured. He said it appears all of the victims are from South Sudan. He and some of the victims family members met at one of the hospitals where the injured were taken. I met a son who came to the hospital and went in and saw his dad and you could see the tears in his eyes. That sounds like its related to something that he saw and the shape his father is in, Gar said. There are family members, cousins, uncles and their nephews and nieces. Eventually, those will be the houses that some of them, when they get out of the hospital, might also be hoping to get back in. Gar said after hearing about the explosion and seeing its aftermath, he cant believe no one died. To hear that theyre still fighting for their lives and some of them are stable that by itself is a miracle and we give thanks for the responders who came in and took them so quick, he said. Gar said if all 10 victims were living inside the home, he wants to know why. Were hoping to rally around those families and the community to come together and to support them where we can. The cause of the explosion is under review. Acting Battalion Chief Scott Owen said investigators remain at the scene and continue to interview witnesses. Owen said at this point its possible that the cause was a natural gas explosion. For an explosion of this magnitude, in a residence, natural gas or propane would be the leading candidate, he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: LOUISEVILLE, Que. - A veteran Quebec provincial police officer was killed and a male suspect was shot dead by police during an attempted arrest at a home in the provinces Mauricie region Monday night. The police force confirmed in a news release Tuesday the death of Sgt. Maureen Breau, an officer with more than 20 years of experience. Quebecs police watchdog said Breau was stabbed after she and a partner tried to arrest a suspect at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday for uttering threats. The 35-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, was shot and killed by other officers who arrived on the scene in Louiseville, Que., about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal. The watchdog Bureau des enquetes independantes said another officer was wounded in the altercation but is expected to recover. Police had cordoned off the area around a white, three-storey building on Tuesday morning, and both Quebecs police watchdog and Montreal police had set up mobile command posts. Crime scene technicians were snapping photos of the exterior of the building, which appeared to be of mixed commercial and residential use. Quebec provincial police Chief Insp. Patrice Cardinal said Breau was in her early 40s and had two children. Her partner is also a provincial police officer, he said. Breaus two decades of police work were mostly spent on patrol or supervising patrol teams, he said in a phone interview. She had a lot of experience, for every kind of event or police intervention, he said. Johanne Beausoleil, the provincial police chief, offered her condolences to Breaus husband, children, other family members and colleagues. It is with immense sadness that I learned of Sgt. Breaus death, Beausoleil said in the news release. An ordeal like this reminds us of the danger police officers face in extreme situations like those confronted by Sgt. Breau, her fellow officers and the emergency telecommunications operators who supported them during the intervention. Breaus sister, reached on Facebook, said the family was asking for privacy. My big sister will always be my hero, she wrote in a message. Yvon Deshaies, the mayor of Louiseville, said he had learned from the buildings landlord and police that the suspect was disruptive and had started conflicts with neighbours some of whom he had allegedly accused of stealing his cats. Everybody was scared of him, he said. Deshaies also suggested the suspect had previously been hospitalized for mental health issues, although the mayor did not provide a source for that information. He shouldnt have been here, he told reporters. He should have been in an institution, getting healed. He was sick. Jacques Painchaud, the president of an association representing provincial police officers, confirmed the police intervention originated in a mental health call a situation that he said has become increasingly frequent. He told reporters at the scene that Breau was stabbed in the neck and there was little that could have been done to save her. Painchaud said Breau was working an overtime shift when she was stabbed. She was four days away from starting a new job as an investigator, he added. She was a mother with two young children. She gave her life for the mission. Cardinal said the force was offering support to Breaus family, the other responding officers and staff who were affected. He thanked the public and other police forces for the hundreds of messages of support that have poured in from across the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the heartbreaking death on Twitter. Im sending my condolences to Sgt. Maureen Breaus family, friends, and (provincial police) colleagues and Im wishing a fast and full recovery to the officer who was injured, he wrote. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said police killings in Canada have become too frequent. He said he has been to seven officers funerals since September, including two in Edmonton on Monday. It has been truly unprecedented in our countrys history, he said. We have to continue to find ways to support law enforcement in the way that theyre doing their work to keep our community safe, particularly the families who are left to grieve without their loved ones, he said. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also expressed condolences to the family and to police, suggesting such violent events are happening more often. Quebec Premier Francois Legault said he would work with the provinces minister responsible for social services to ensure that mental health cases are treated urgently when a person is deemed to be a risk of violence to themselves or others. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. With files from Morgan Lowrie in Montreal. Read more about: SHARE: LAVAL, Que. - A court heard Tuesday that a Montreal psychiatric hospital needs more time to evaluate a bus drivers mental state at the time he allegedly drove a bus into a daycare, killing two young children. The Philippe-Pinel institute has been charged with assessing the criminal responsibility of Pierre Ny St-Amand, 51, on Feb. 8, the day of the killings. However, in a letter addressed to the court, the hospital said that due to the complexity of the file, it needs another 30 days to complete the assessment. Given the nature of the offence and the complexity of the clinical picture, additional evaluations were requested, in particular a psychological evaluation, which unfortunately could not be completed in time for the upcoming hearing date, Dr. Kim Bedard-Charette, a forensic psychiatrist, wrote in the letter. She noted Mr. St-Amands exemplary co-operation. Prosecutor Karine Dalphond told reporters after a brief hearing at the Laval, Que., courthouse that she doesnt know whether the inability to complete the evaluation was related solely to the specifics of St-Amands case, or whether other factors, such as delays caused by a shortage of specialized staff, may have played a role. St-Amand was judged fit to stand trial on Feb. 24 after an initial psychiatric evaluation, but an evaluation of his mental state at the time of the alleged offences was ordered at the request of the defence. Its a criminal responsibility evaluation. Basically, if we summarize it simply, its to see if, at the time of the events, this gentleman was able to differentiate between right and wrong, Dalphond said Tuesday. Accompanied by four corrections officers and a courthouse security guard, St-Amand showed little emotion as he stood in the prisoners box. His hands cuffed in front of him, he looked mainly at a screen in front of the box, where his lawyer appeared by videoconference. There was no opposition to the hospitals request for more time. A bus driver with the Laval transit corporation, St-Amand was arrested after a city bus turned down the driveway of a daycare in the citys Ste-Rose neighbourhood and plowed into the front of the building as parents were dropping off children. Maeva David and Jacob Gauthier, both four years old, were killed in the crash, which injured six other children. St-Amand is charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as seven other charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault. He has been detained at the Philippe-Pinel institute since Feb. 23 and will remain there at least until his next court appearance on April 26. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: PARISProtests and strikes against unpopular pension reforms gripped France again Tuesday, with many thousands marching and the Eiffel Tower closed and police ramping up security amid government warnings that radical demonstrators intended to destroy, to injure and to kill. Concerns that violence could mar the large demonstrations prompted what Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin described as an unprecedented deployment of 13,000 officers, nearly half of them concentrated in the French capital. After months of upheaval, an exit from the firestorm of protest triggered by President Emmanuel Macron s changes to Frances retirement system looked as far away as ever. Despite fresh union pleas that the government pause its hotly contested push to raise Frances legal retirement age from 62 to 64, Macron seemingly remained wedded to it. The French leader previously used a special constitutional power to ram the reform past legislators without allowing them a vote. His move this month further galvanized the protest movement. Violence has since flared and thousands of tons of stinking garbage have piled up on Paris streets as sanitation workers strike. The Eiffel Towers website announced that strikers had closed down the world-famous tourist attraction. The Louvre Museum was similarly strikebound on Monday. Everybody is getting madder, said Clement Saild, a train passenger at Paris Gare de Lyon railway station, where tracks were temporarily invaded and blocked Tuesday by protesting workers. He said he supports the strikes despite their impact on transportation and other services. I am 26, and I wonder if I will ever retire, he said. Another passenger, Helene Cogan, 70, said: French people are stubborn and things are getting out of hand. The wave of protests Tuesday marked the 10th time since January that unions have called on workers to walk out and for demonstrators to flood the nations streets against Macrons retirement changes, which are a key priority of his second term as president. His government argues that Frances pension system will dive into deficit without reform, because of the lower birth rates and longer life expectancy in many richer nations. Macrons opponents say additional funding for pensions could come from other sources, without having to make workers retire later. Demonstrations got underway peacefully Tuesday morning, with large crowds in multiple cities. But police reported being pelted with objects and responded with tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the western city of Nantes and were braced for violence elsewhere. The interior minister said more than 1,000 radical troublemakers, some from overseas, could latch on to marches in Paris and other cities. They come to destroy, to injure and to kill police officers and gendarmes. Their goals have nothing to do with the pension reform. Their goals are to destabilize our republican institutions and bring blood and fire down on France, the minister said Monday in detailing the policing. Some protesters, human rights campaigners and Macrons political opponents allege that police officers have used excessive force against demonstrators. A police oversight body is investigating multiple claims of wrongdoing by officers. The striking railway workers outside Gare de Lyon marched behind a banner that alleged: The police mutilates. We dont forgive! Lucie Henry, a 36-year-old protester, said that by skirting Parliament to impose his reform, Macron has set everyone on fire. What adds fuel to the fire is the behaviour of the government, the police violence in particular, she said. Macrons opponents are urging him to cool tempers by backing down. Union leader Laurent Berger appealed Tuesday for a pause in implementing the retirement reform and for mediation. If we want to avoid tensions and I want to avoid them what the trade unions are proposing is a gesture to calm things down, he said. It must be seized. But government spokesman Olivier Veran said mediation wasnt needed for unions and the government to talk to each other. The latest round of protests prompted Macron to indefinitely postpone a planned state visit this week by King Charles III. Veran insisted, however, that France remains a welcoming place for all non-royal visitors. Life goes on, he said. Read more about: SHARE: SAN DIEGO (AP) The fire that killed 38 people at an immigration detention center in Mexico happened as Western hemisphere countries face pressure to address the extraordinary number of people fleeing their homes. Mexico has expanded its network of dozens of detention centers while working closely with the United States to limit movement of asylum-seekers through its territory to the U.S. border, including to Ciudad Juarez, where authorities said migrants set mattresses on fire late Monday in a detention center after learning they would be deported. Here are some questions and answers about the conditions and policies that led to one of Mexicos deadliest events at an immigration detention center. WHY WERE THESE MIGRANTS DETAINED? Specifics have yet to be released, but Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. It is still largely a transit country, though, for those on the way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up without work in Tapachula, near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also assembled in border cities, including Ciudad Juarez, often arriving illegally after harrowing journeys or paying someone off. A sprawling network of lawyers, fixers and middlemen has sprung up to provide documents and counsel to migrants who can afford to speed up the system. More than 2,200 people are believed to be at Ciudad Juarez migrant shelters, and more are living elsewhere in the city after arriving from Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and El Salvador, according to a report issued last month by the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin. Mexico carried out more than 106,000 deportations last year, with about 8 out of every 10 sent to Guatemala or Honduras. HOW ARE U.S. POLICIES AT WORK? The Trump and Biden administrations have relied increasingly and heavily on Mexico to curb a flow of migrants that has made the United States the worlds most popular destination for asylum-seekers since 2017, according to U.N. figures. Guatemalans were the largest group among those killed or injured in Mondays blaze, according to Mexicos Attorney Generals Office. Others were from Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Guatemalans have been disproportionately affected by a U.S. policy in effect since March 2020 to return people who enter the U.S. illegally to Mexico. The practice suspended their rights to seek asylum on grounds of preventing COVID-19. Mexico takes back Guatemalans and some other nationalities, while people from other countries are often released in the U.S. to pursue their cases in immigration court. Thats due to the costs and diplomatic challenges of sending them home. On May 11, the Biden administration plans to end the pandemic-era rule, known as Title 42, and replace it with a sweeping new policy that largely bans asylum for anyone who travels through Mexico without first seeking protection there. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security received more than 11,000 comments on the new policy before a Monday deadline for public feedback. The U.N. refugee agency said key elements of the proposal are incompatible with principles of international refugee law. The American Federation of Government Employees, the main union representing asylum officers, opposes the change. The proposal is subject to revisions based on public comment and will almost certainly be challenged in court. Amid the uncertainty and rapid change, frustration is running high among many migrants about a glitch-plagued app called CBPOne, which was expanded in January to grant some exemptions to the asylum restrictions. The U.S. has been admitting about 740 migrants daily at land crossings through CBPOne. About 80 migrants are being admitted daily from Ciudad Juarez to El Paso using CBPOne, according to the Strauss Center. WHY CIUDAD JUAREZ? The Biden administration has been under intense pressure after the tally of illegal border crossings reached its highest levels ever recorded last year. Traffic has slowed sharply since January, when the administration extended humanitarian parole to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who enter through an airport with a financial sponsor. At the same time, Mexico agreed to start taking back people from those four countries who crossed the border illegally. Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said at a Senate hearing Tuesday that the policy on those four countries has been tremendously successful. Toward the end of last year, El Paso became the busiest of the Border Patrols nine sectors along the Mexican border, causing many migrants to sleep outside or in overcrowded shelters upon their release and prompting Joe Bidens first visit to the border as president. El Paso, with its expansive network of shelters in Ciudad Juarez, remained the busiest corridor for illegal crossings in February, when migrants were stopped more than 32,000 times. Nearly half of those incidents involved people from Mexico. ___ This story has been corrected to show that eight of 10 people Mexico deports are sent to Guatemala or Honduras, not four. ___ Associated Press writers Maria Verza in Mexico City and Rebecca Santana in Washington contributed. SHARE: Premier Doug Ford is urging Torontonians not to vote for any mayoral candidate who supports defunding the police. While Ford did not mention anyone by name, it appeared to be a veiled shot at councillors Josh Matlow and Brad Bradford and a tacit endorsement of former Toronto police chief Mark Saunders. Theres a couple of candidates that are running theyre sitting councillors that voted to defund the police, the premier told reporters Tuesday at Pearson International Airport. The people that voted for defund the police, dont vote for them. Simple as that, he said. We cant have anarchy in our cities. People have been scared to get on our subway, go walk down the street. If theres more than one or two candidates who support our police, then vote for them. Fords intervention in the June 26 Toronto mayoral byelection came after the shocking and unprovoked murder of 16-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes at Keele subway station Saturday. The premier said the Magalhaes family are his constituents in the riding of Etobicoke North. Its heartbreaking and I will be calling the mother and father. Our prayers and thoughts go out to them. Were putting $3.8 billion into mental health unprecedented amounts of money and my heart breaks for them. Thats their child. I will be making a call to their family this afternoon. Matlow moved a motion to cut a minimum of 10 per cent from the 2021 Toronto police budget in June 2020 when Saunders was still police chief but it did not pass. He wanted the savings to be redirected toward community-led alternatives to policing, anti-racism education and youth anti-violence programs. In a social media thread posted after Fords comments, Matlow said its clear that police alone arent going to address the problems on our transit system or in our communities. For too long, weve heard simple answers to complex problems. We need significant investments in housing, mental health services, addictions even job training and opportunities, the councillor said. Then-councillor Ana Bailao and Councillor Stephen Holyday, who are also both running for mayor, opposed Matlows motion, which failed by a vote of 8-16. Although Bradford supported it, he has since changed his tune on defunding the police and recently backed a $48 million budget increase for the Toronto force. Last month, the councillor said 2020 was a particular moment in time when people were reacting to the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd, and he said Toronto has taken steps since including creating nonpolice crisis response units. Bailao was pointed, blasting Ford for shortchanging the city. The premier should put his money where his mouth is. We need a fair deal for Toronto so we can restore services on the TTC and have well-funded, well-trained police, she said. Instead of trying to indirectly favour certain candidates, he should be ensuring the people of Toronto get improved services for mental health, transit, housing and police. The premier insisted he is remaining neutral in the contest even though Saunders was a losing Progressive Conservative candidate in the Don Valley West in the June 2 provincial election. Im not saying any names. I dont even know what number were up to here what are we up to 40-some-odd people running? Everyone and their cousin, their brother, their uncle is in there and are running to be the mayor of Toronto, said Ford. But theres only maybe one or two people that I think could actually run the city. At Queens Park, NDP Leader Marit Stiles accused the premier of rolling out the red carpet for a particular candidate. He keeps saying he doesnt care and hes not going to meddle, but hes clearly trying to influence the election, said Stiles. With files from David Rider Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: SHARE: Army Region Chief inspects Phuket beaches PHUKET: Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 4th Army Region, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, led a team of army personnel to inspect beaches on Phukets west coast, including Kata Beach and Freedom Beach, yesterday (Mar 27) to ensure they are managed for tourists security and to preserve nature. tourismnatural-resourcesmilitarycorruptioncrimeenvironment By The Phuket News Tuesday 28 March 2023, 01:50PM Speaking during his visit to Kata Beach, Lt Gen Santi said that there had been a large number of Thai and foreign tourists visiting Phuket, and as the host, Phuket must set management systems and regulations to offer security and safety to the tourists. This requires cooperation from all sectors involved, including government officials, local people, and business operators in the area, he said. Everyone can help create a beautiful environment by respecting the rules; this will effectively attract tourists to the area, Lt Gen Santi added. The important part is that officials must create cooperation and understanding among the business operators regarding issues such as facilitating tourists at the airport, transport routes in Phuket, how the piers are operated, fair-priced fees, beach loungers, boats, buses, construction of shops that could obscure the panorama [of the beach], beach encroachment, forest encroachment and the problem of tourists being taken advantage of, Lt Gen Santi continued. At Freedom Beach, Lt Gen Santi boarded a boat to survey the beach and the coastline from the water before meeting with local authorities. Freedom Beach has been clearly announced as a preserved nature and environment area, so the beach must be kept in its original state. Nobody is allowed to do business [on the beach]. If anyone violates the law, the maximum penalty will be imposed, Lt Gen Santi warned. It is time to set management [protocols] for the key tourism attractions. The charm of the sea is the beautiful beach, the clear water, and the panoramic view without obstacles. If we do not do it today, then when will we start? Do not let the beach management in the past go to waste, he urged. In the afternoon, Lt Gen Santi visited Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew to discuss measures to help solve problems and promote cooperation in order to yield satisfying results. Every sector must work together without conflict, he said. During the meeting, Lt Gen Santi raised the topic of deforestation, saying that the departments involved can cooperate with the army for the manpower and equipment to reclaim as soon as possible forest areas that had been encroached on. Following the meeting, the commander visited the Phuket operations team of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 branch, to encourage the officers and emphasise that their operations must be morally upstanding. They must not get affiliated with mafias, and not accept bribes, Lt Gen Santi said. He also said that they have to get close to the local people by understanding the identity and local culture so that they can be a part of the community and create confidence and safety among local people and tourists. Black wastewater streams across Kamala Beach PHUKET: Local officials will urgently have a channel dredged deeper across the popular Kamala Beach so that black wastewater can flow quicker across the beach and into the sea. tourismpollutionhealthnatural-resourcesenvironment By The Phuket News Tuesday 28 March 2023, 06:09PM The wastewater treatment equipment in the Pak Bang Canal is not working. Photo: Kathu District Office The wastewater treatment equipment in the Pak Bang Canal is not working. Photo: Kathu District Office The wastewater treatment equipment in the Pak Bang Canal is not working. Photo: Kathu District Office The wastewater treatment equipment in the Pak Bang Canal is not working. Photo: Kathu District Office The decision was made this morning (Mar 28) during an inspection of the beach by Kathu District Chief Thitiwat Boonkij and Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) President Jutha Doomluck. The couple inspected the beach following a red tide of what officials like to call a plankton bloom washing up onto the beach in recent days. A cleanup of the red seaweed was conducted to make the beach picturesque once again. However, the black wastewater in the Pak Bang Canal, which runs through Kamala and streams across the beach, remained unresolved. Kathu District Chief Thitiwat today admitted that the water had turned black due to the accumulation of wastewater being dumped into the canal by local sources. He also blamed neap tides for not reaching high enough up the beach to help wash away the pollution that streams into the bay, which is home to one of Phukets most popular tourist beaches. During the dry season, there is often a problem like this, Mr Thitiwat said. Kamala OrBorTor will pump out the water from the canal and we will send a team to remove the sand ridge that narrows down the waterway to the sea tonight, he explained. Also, an aerator will be installed to generate oxygen in the water in the canal, he added. In addition, the water-treatment machine in the canal is broken, Mr Thitiwat told The Phuket News. However, Kamala OrBorTor Chief Mr Jutha has yet to publicly recognise any faults with wastewater treatment equipment installed to clean the water in the canal. Over the years Kamala Beach has been plagued by recurring incidents of black wastewater flowing across the sand. in 2020, in an attempt to avoid further recurring incidents, a wastewater-treatment plant costing B58 million was installed to treat the water in the Pak Bang Canal. Kamala OrBorTor will make a public announcement asking for cooperation from everyone in the area not to throw the trash into the water, Chief Thitiwat said. Residents will be asked to separate trash before disposing of it properly, and to ensure wastewater is treated before releasing it into the drains, he said. In the long term, the canal will be dredged to remove the accumulated sediment under a project organised by the Wastewater Management Authority, Mr Thitiwat said. MORE PLANKTON Meanwhile, officers from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) inspected dark beach water at the popular Plub Pla Bay area on Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket. The inspection followed local residents voicing concerns that the dark water, stretching some 200 metres along the beach, resembled an oil slick. However, DMCR officers confirmed that the dark water was the result of yet another plankton bloom, or the result of whale poop. Either way, the cause was attributed to a a natural phenomenon that causes the sea to change colour to brown, red or green, etc. This is due to the proliferation of single-celled algae in the sea, which makes the sea look a different colour than usual, one officer said. And this phenomenon can be dangerous for fish and other marine life, the officer added. No comment was made on whether the dark water presented a health hazards for humans. The DMCR officers collected samples of the dark water for testing to confirm their hypothesis, or determine a different cause of the phenomenon. The sudden attention to the quality of sea water at key beaches in the Phuket area comes as Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 4th Army Region, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, inspects tourist-popular beaches to ensure they are managed for tourists security and to preserve nature. Lt Gen Santi yesterday led a team of army personnel to inspect beaches on Phukets west coast, including Kata Beach and Freedom Beach. Less than two years ago, China took a small but significant step in its goal of becoming a space power. For the first time, the Asian giant sent a robotic spaceship to Oceanus Procellarum (Latin for Ocean of Storms), a vast lunar mare that looks like a huge dark spot from Earth. According to the China National Space Administration, it is the youngest terrain on the Moon. Chinas Change 5 probe landed near Mount Rumker, a 43-mile-long (50 kilometer) mass that rises around a mile above the horizon. It used a robotic arm to take lunar samples and send them to the orbital module over the Moon. From there, they were dispatched back to Earth. All this took place in a single lunar day: the equivalent to around 14 Earth days. The analysis of these samples the first lunar samples collected since the Soviet mission Lunik 24 in 1976 has now revealed some surprising results. The Chinese space agency believes it has solved one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the Moon: where does lunar water come from? The Moon likely formed when a planet the size of Mars crashed into Earth more than four billion years ago. The collision broke off a piece of the Earth, and covered it with molten rock. The temperatures were thought to have been so high that all water evaporated forever. However, in recent years, several robotic missions and terrestrial telescopes have confirmed that the Moon continues to contain water and not just a few drops: there are tons of water in the form of ice. Much of this water is located at the poles, shrouded in perpetual darkness. It is precisely in these unexplored regions where NASA plans to land the first crewed mission to the Moon in 50 years. The mission is landing there because the area contains water, and with it possible sustenance and raw material for rocket fuel to help the crews that one day may reach Mars. Until now, it was not known where this frozen water came from. Other space probes have also found ice in the illuminated areas of the Moon, but were not able to determine how it got there, with researchers suggesting it may have arrived via an asteroid or a previously undetected water reservoir. In a study published on Monday, scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with two European researchers, argue that the secret to the origin of lunar water lies in the samples sent by Change 5. These samples collected from the northwest of the Moon contain impact glass beads, i.e. small grains of different colored glass that probably formed at high temperatures after a meteorite collided with the Moon. According to the study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, these glass beads collected by Change 5 contain small amounts of water. Impact glass collected by the Chinese 'Chang'e 5' probe. CAGS Sen Hu, from the Planetary Physics Laboratory at CAS, explains that the water content in the crystals is about 2,000 parts per million, or about 2,000 grams for every ton of soil. On the Moon, meteorite impacts are very frequent and occur across the Moon, meaning glass beads are distributed throughout its geography, from the equator to the polar regions, Hu told EL PAIS. According to the scientist, the lunar water may be in its molecular state (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom), although so-called hydroxyl (one hydrogen and one oxygen atom) is probably more abundant. Researchers estimate that 270 billion tons of water may be stored across the Moon in the form of impact glass beads. This is a huge reservoir compared to other estimates. In 2010, for example, a NASA radar aboard the Indian probe Chandrayaan-I estimated that there were about 600 million tons of ice entombed in craters at the Moons north pool. The samples taken by the Chinese spacecraft are about a billion years younger than those collected by astronauts in the U.S. Apollo program and the Soviet Unions robotic missions. The latest study shows that these glass beads have been forming for the past two billion years, with more produced during periods of intense meteorite collisions, such as the one that occurred 68 million years ago, when a large meteorite struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Whats interesting, says Hu, is that the water locked up in the lunar crystals has been generated by the Sun. An analysis of the different types of hydrogen atoms in the samples suggests that positively charged hydrogen atoms from a solar wind penetrated the glass beads and combined with the oxygen inside them. When the temperature is high enough due to solar radiation, these glass beads could also release part of their HO charge. These glass beads are responsible for the water cycle on the Moon, he explained. This could be an alternative source of water, Hu added. The way to extract it would be to collect lunar soil, heat it in an oven at 100 degrees Celsius and capture the resulting steam. While it may sound crazy, Europes Prospect spacecraft is being sent to the Moon to do just that. A probe will drill into the lunar soil, collect samples and heat them up to 100 degrees to study the volatile compounds present, including water vapor. This project, which we will launch in 2026, can clarify whether there is water trapped in the minerals on the Moon, James Carpenter, head of planetary sciences at the European Space Agency (ESA), told EL PAIS. According to Carpenter, the new China-led study provides an important demonstration that water is trapped in lunar glass beads spread across the entire surface. But given the amount of this material is very small, a lot of lunar soil would have to be processed if it were to be of potential use to future manned missions. These glass beads are probably not an exploitable water reservoir, said Carpenter. What this work does show is clear evidence of the Moons water cycle, including the possible origin of the frozen reserves at the poles. The Moons atmosphere is so thin that the molecules suspended in it never interact. For this reason, when the Sun hits the glass beads, they release water vapor which is ejected like a cannonball, said Carpenter. Water tends to stay longer in the coldest and darkest places, he added, arguing that this explains why it has accumulated in the form of ice at both poles on the Moon. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kunming Airlines launches direct flights to Phuket PHUKET: Kunming airlines inaugurated its direct flight to Phuket (KMG-HKT), KY8365 at Phuket International Airport on Sunday (Mar 26) with a warm welcome from Phuket International Airport staff. tourismChinese By The Phuket News Tuesday 28 March 2023, 10:21AM Pairat Sawaengsup, the duty manager from Airports of Thailand, Phuket (AOT Phuket), led his team to welcome the first group of 156 arrivals at gate number 15 of the international terminal. The representatives of Phuket International Airport also gave away souvenirs to all the KY8365 passengers upon arrival. Kunming Airlines is a Chinese airline based in Kunming, Yunnan, which was established in 2005. Its international routes focus on Thailand with four different destinations, including Bangkok, Hat Yai, Pattaya and Phuket. The COVID-19 outbreak at Cambridge Memorial Hospital ended today (March 27). The outbreak in the Medicine B unit, wing C, level 4, was declared on March 20. The hospital stated in a news release there has not been a new case of COVID-19 in that unit for the past seven days. In total, two patients and no staff were identified as having health-care-acquired infections while in hospital. All visitor restrictions have been lifted, the hospital stated. "Many thanks to the med B unit, Environmental Services, Health Safety and Wellness and Infection Prevention and Control staff for all their efforts to contain the virus and their commitment to safety throughout the outbreak," the release stated. SHARE: Waterloo regional police is investigating threats made in "reference to potential violence towards the school, staff, and students" at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Police were called to the school on March 27 at approximately 8:25 a.m., when the threat was found written in one of the washrooms. People on social media who said they are parents of students said they received a phone call and email about the incident. This was confirmed by John Shewchuk, chief managing officer at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, who said the messages stated, "We have been made aware of some graffiti found at the school, suggesting a threat to the school community. As always, we take all threats seriously. "We have been in contact with WRPS, they are investigating and as always are prepared to be responsive to any urgent needs. The school is taking all the necessary steps to ensure our processes for school safety are in place. Thank you for your continued support." A photo, said to be obtained by one of the students at the school, was also posted on social media. The photo had a message that read, "I am shtooing (sic) this shool (sic) down on M/28. F you!" Police would not confirm that was the message in the washroom. The threat came on the same day a woman fatally shot three children and three adults at Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. Anyone with information can call police at 519-570-9777. To provide anonymous information, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. Story updated March 28 at 12:15 p.m. SHARE: KITCHENER In a one-year period leading up to the night he was fatally shot by a police officer, Beau Baker visited hospital emergency departments 26 times, his inquest was told Monday. I have never in 50 years of my career and practice ... ever heard anybody make 26 visits in a year, testified Dr. Peter Szatmari, an expert in adolescent mental health at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Baker was often suicidal and asking for help. I would like to have someone I can talk to when Im upset, Baker said, the inquest was told. Throughout the years, Baker was put on medications but got little counselling, Szatmari said. He had experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Baker, 20, was armed with a kitchen knife when he was fatally shot by Waterloo Regional Police officer Eric Boynton in 2015 outside Bakers apartment building at 77 Brybeck Cres. in Kitchener. He had threatened to stab police and kill himself. Boynton said he feared for his life and the lives of others when Baker moved toward him. The Special Investigations Unit cleared Boynton of any criminal wrongdoing. During visits to Kitchener hospital emergency departments, Baker was intoxicated by alcohol and often suicidal, the inquest was told. Occasionally he was admitted. Most suicidal people never ask for help, the inquest was told, but Baker asked for it often. What do you make of that? inquest counsel Julian Roy asked Szatmari, who was not involved in Bakers care but reviewed his interactions with the health-care system. I find it very distressing, as a professional, for young people ... he said. Szatmari got emotional and didnt finish the sentence. Im sorry. I need a moment, he said. I find it very distressing that somebody would have to go through this pain and agony. Szatmari later said, I grieve for Beau and I hope that we prevent this from happening in the future. Baker was identified as a child in need of protection at the age of two, he said. At one point he was made a Crown ward. He may have been abused in a group home, Szatmari said. Bakers life was marked by instability. He was a regular marijuana user at age 14. In 2010, when he was 15, Baker tried to hang himself. This should have been a red flag that he was at a high risk of killing himself, Szatmari said. Firearms and hanging are at the highest level of lethality as compared to ... superficial laceration or an overdose, he said. Baker went to the hospital emergency department in London, Ont., where he lived at the time, after the suicide attempt. Heres a young man who has mental-health problems, has medical problems as a result of the substance use, hes not doing well at school and hes in the child-welfare system, Szatmari said. So theres four different systems that are engaged with the care of this young man. And its absolutely essential for all those four systems to come together ... to develop a common understanding of what this young mans needs are, and then develop a plan to support him, both in the short term and in the long term. Roy asked Szatmari whether Bakers records show this happened. No, he said. What I see is that the medical system in London prescribes medication and offers counselling quite appropriate but I dont see discussion with the child-welfare agency. I dont see discussion with the school system: How can we make sure he gets back into school and is a success? I dont see discussion with the family doctor to make sure that his long-term mental and medical needs are looked after. Its this care co-ordination thats really required for these really high-risk, complex young people. Baker set up followup appointments but didnt attend, which often happens with young people who have serious mental-health issues, Szatmari said. Its unrealistic to expect for him to take responsibility for his mental health all on his own, without support from one of the agencies, he said. Szatmari agreed with Roy that there are lessons to be learned from Bakers life and death, including the need for wraparound services. Its the best model we have for dealing with young people dealing with complex mental-health challenges, he said. It brings everybody together as a team. Its too big for any one person to deal with. Another witness at the inquest on Monday testified that a knife with a short blade is just as dangerous as a knife with a long blade. The inquest was told Baker was armed with a small kitchen knife when he was shot. Dr. Julian Owen, an emergency physician at Hamilton General Hospital and an expert on the danger posed by edged weapons, said a knife wound from a blade two centimetres (about three-quarters of an inch) long can prove fatal. Police body armour does not protect all parts of the body where a stab wound could kill, Owen said. The inquest continues. The public can watch it online. Read more about: SHARE: WATERLOO A Waterloo startup that makes microscopic LEDs and sensors received $10.5 million in federal and provincial funding Monday and plans to more than double the size of its workforce over the next three years. Since it was founded seven years ago, VueReal Inc. overcame the technical challenges of making LEDs and sensors that range from two microns to 20 microns in size a human hair is about 70 microns thick. The ultra-tiny sensors developed by VueReal will have many futuristic applications that could revolutionize biotechnology, health care, advanced manufacturing, among other sectors, said CEO Reza Chaji in an interview Monday. VueReal says it is all about scalable nanotechnology for next-generation applications, Chaji said. The money announced Monday from Sustainable Development Technology Canada and Invest Ontario will be added to the $18.5 million US investment raised in April 2022, and the expected sales revenue from VueReal technology during the next three years to pay for a $40-million expansion of the company. We are scaling production to meet a strategic market, said Chaji. Then, we want to work with some smaller companies on the consumer market. VueReal has developed cutting-edge tech that lowers the cost of making LEDs that also use much less power to operate, Chaji said. They are way more efficient to run compared to traditional devices, said Chaji. The global market for micro LEDs was about $592 million US in 2021. It is expected to grow by 80 per cent a year until 2030. It is advanced display technology that does not use organic materials, lasts longer than traditional LEDs and provides clearer images on screens. Critical supplies of LEDs and sensors during the first three years of the pandemic caused some companies to return manufacturing to North America. Chaji said VueReals technology to print LEDs and sensors is made for that market. This is a solution that can be scaled, he said. You can do it anywhere. VueReal is among the regions startups that employs engineers for hardware, software and advanced manufacturing. It makes hundreds of millions of super-tiny LEDs and sensors, and also sells the technology so other companies can make them. Described as a semiconductor and cleantech company, VueReal developed a printing platform for the efficient, practical and scalable production of micro LEDs and sensors. This platform extends the use of micro LEDs and sensors to several sectors of the economy automotive, aerospace, smartwatch, smartphone, television, information technology, medical, and more, says Sustainable Development Technology Canada. We had a lot of collaboration with the University of Waterloo, and we hired a lot of talent from there, said Chaji. In announcing the government funds Monday, Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger called VueReal the kind of startup that is trying to transform the world and solve some of its major challenges. When we invest in clean technology, we are investing a strong economy and a more sustainable future, said Chagger in a prepared statement. Anyone who has used a smartphone outside on a sunny day will appreciate the innovation that VueReal is creating. Their microLED technology will not only make screens brighter but will use less energy and create less waste in their production process, added Leah Lawrence, president and CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada. SHARE: WATERLOO REGION Courts are not equipped to detect the fake video and audio evidence that will contaminate the justice system thanks to advances in artificial technology, says Maura Grossman, a University of Waterloo expert in ethics, law and technology. I worry about what happens with the court system when neither a judge nor a jury will be in any position to believe their eyes and ears anymore when they look at evidence, said Grossman in an interview. Only defendants who can afford to pay for expert analysis of the evidence will be able to get a fair trial when trying to refute deep fakes, she said. The AI race among big tech became public in a new way in November 2022 when California-based OpenAI released ChatGP3, and more recently ChatGP4. Ask a question, it confidently answers. Microsoft announced it will invest billions in the technology. A few days ago Google released its chatbot called Bard to a limited number of users in the United States and the United Kingdom. Both ChatGPT and Bard are among the latest advances in natural language processing, an area called generative AI. The technology can be used to help take apart a real, authentic recording, and rearrange everything. With a relatively short recording of a person speaking, the AI can have the subject saying something radically different in a new recording it makes based on data from the original, said Grossman. There are already reports of telephone scams that use fake audio produced by a generative AI to trick people into sending money, she said. Since 2016, Grossman has taught ethics and AI to graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo, and Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Prior to that she practised law in New York for 17 years, specializing in law and technology. Grossman is also on faculty at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Toronto, and the principal at Maura Grossman Law, an eDiscovery law and consulting firm in Buffalo, N.Y. She is trying to warn the legal profession and government ministries that oversee the justice system about the threats posed to the courts by generative AI. What does that do to the justice system that has always relied on either a judge or a jury being able to assess evidence? said Grossman. We are moving into a world where that is going to be harder and harder to do. But she stops short of calling for government regulation of AI for two reasons. First, it can easily become a blunt instrument that stifles advances that can help with disease diagnoses and new drug development. Secondly, the public sector does not have the experts needed to meaningfully regulate AI. The European Union has draft legislation that is the most comprehensive so far and includes a ban on facial recognition technology for public surveillance, said Grossman, and some U.S. states have also banned the use of facial recognition tech. A lot of people say the EU went too far, said Grossman. She likes the idea of telling the public when they are interacting with a chatbot. She also likes the idea of requiring impact assessments before deploying AI, and making the findings public. There has to be some middle ground, said Grossman. Lets find something in between outright banning and doing nothing, and maybe it is some agency for algorithms that has to approve them. AI specialists are among the best-paid workers in tech, and it is going to be very difficult for the public sector to recruit experts to help draft and enforce regulations. Tech associations, industry leaders and government should call for a pause on the deployment of new AI until some of the concerns are addressed, she said. Grossman acknowledges that will be difficult, and wont work unless everybody agrees to a voluntary pause. Some people have asked, Shouldnt we hit pause, at least commercially, to get our arms around this before they go to market? Maybe more research needs to be done, said Grossman. There are some smart, thoughtful people who have taken that position that this stuff has shifted a little too quickly without a lot of thought about the dangers, she added. SHARE: Emotional distress has increased on a global scale according to a study published in the scientific journal PNAS. The data, collected through telephone surveys conducted by U.S.-based consultancy Gallup, show that while in 2009, 25% of people acknowledged having feelings of worry, sadness, stress, or anger over the course of the previous day, in 2021 that figure had risen to 31%. Over 1.5 million people in 113 countries participated in the interviews. The data, analyzed by Michael Daly and Lucia Macchia of Maynooth University in Ireland, suggest that people with lower socioeconomic status have poorer mental health. In the final year covered by the study, there was a more than ten-point difference between the richest 20% of the population and the poorest 20%. A more rapid deterioration in the mental state of people with only a basic education compared to those with high school or university level qualifications was also detected. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a 2.5% increase in the number of people reporting anxiety. From that peak the number declined in 2021, although the figures remained higher than those recorded in pre-pandemic data. The study also indicates that the pandemic had a different impact depending on age. Figures continued to worsen year-on-year among those 55 or over but, according to the data, this demographic did not suffer as marked a deterioration as those under that age. Under-35s were the least affected group over the entire study period, but during the coronavirus pandemic they surpassed those over 55 and neared the figures reported by those between 35 and 55, who are the most anxious age group overall. After the pandemic, although general emotional distress declined, young people whose negative feelings experienced a growth of four points compared to the average of 2.5 during Covid did not return to third place on the anxiety scale. The study, like others previously published, also observed that women suffered a longer-lasting psychological impact during the pandemic than men. The authors state that their results are in line with evidence from longitudinal studies indicating that the pandemic had an adverse psychological effect which was small in magnitude. Furthermore, the pandemic-related increase in distress found in this study was short lived, a result consistent with other findings suggesting that populations flexibly adapted to the stressful circumstances of the pandemic and recovered relatively quickly from the distressing impact of the initial lockdown period. As for the reasons behind the negative trend in mental health around the world, Daly believes that many factors may be involved, which vary by country and period. Among other reasons, the researcher points to the consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, which caused job insecurity and debt problems for many people, as well as political instability in many parts of the world. Daly also mentions concern about the decline of social cohesion in some countries, reflected in isolation and loneliness that can contribute to a sense of distress. Lastly, Daly points to the possible role of the technological environment, with the associated increase in information, demands for productivity or comparison with others as another source of emotional distress, and acknowledges that increased awareness of mental health issues may be making problems that previously existed but were not measured more visible. Mental disorders are closely linked to economic and social inequalities Carmen Rodriguez Blazquez, a researcher at the National Epidemiology Center at the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid, believes that no one has an explanation for the trend shown by studies such as Daly and Macchias paper. There are always many factors to take into account with emotional disorders and illnesses, such as economic crises, which always have an effect, and the increased awareness of mental health issues, which we especially witnessed as a consequence of the pandemic, she says. Rodriguez Blazquez agrees with the data reflected in the study showing a worsening of the situation among people with less education and fewer resources. Mental disorders are closely linked to economic and social inequalities and to lack of resources, and this is evident in study after study, she says. The psychologist also believes the data showing an increase in mental suffering may be the result of a greater awareness of a problem, something that can be useful for people to seek help. However, she adds that if we raise awareness of mental disorders, but do not increase the amount of resources to deal with the problem, this awareness can be counterproductive because it generates frustration, and that is what is happening. Together with the increase in resources dedicated to making psychologists or psychiatrists more accessible, the data reflected in the Gallup surveys show that economic and social development itself, in principle, should translate into better mental health. However, data such as suicide rates, which are very high in highly developed countries such as Scandinavia yet lower in Southern Europe and North Africa, show the complexity of the problem something global studies on the scale of the PNAS investigation will be useful tool toward fully understanding and the futility of seeking simple answers. Economic progress is often accompanied by a change in the social context, which reinforces individualism. In Spain, family and social support provides protection against some mental health problems, but we are becoming more and more like the Nordic countries, says Rodriguez Blazquez. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition WATERLOO REGION Graham Taylor understands why Flair Airlines leads the nation in passenger complaints. The Baden man received $250 in compensation for a delayed fight, but says the discount airline made the process difficult. Flair agreed it owed him money yet provided him multiple excuses over 79 days for not paying out. Taylor complained to a federal watchdog where he faced an 18-month wait. His compensation arrived Thursday after a reporter questioned the airline. Taylor feels this intervention is the only reason he was paid. Flair has filled the regional airport with passengers since launching there in 2021, after it was granted exclusive rights to certain routes by Waterloo regional government. The low-cost carrier leads Canadian airlines in passenger complaints, generating 13 complaints per 100 flights between April and December last year, according to complaints received by the Canadian Transportation Agency website. Thats more than twice the passenger complaints made against WestJet (five per 100 flights) and more than three times the complaints made against Air Canada (four per 100 flights). Taylors headaches started just after Christmas when he waited with his wife for almost four hours while Flair delayed their flight from Halifax to the Region of Waterloo International Airport. The flight departed around 2 a.m. Days later, Taylor contacted Flair seeking compensation at $125 each because the airline caused the delay when a crew arrived late. Hes entitled to this under a federal law to protect passenger rights. Flair agreed it owed him compensation and told him the money would arrive in two weeks. In February, Flair told him it had technical problems with our payments and pointed to a new system that needed 30 business days to complete a payment. A few days later the airline told him it had to start over with all payments and reprocess them. Taylor filed a complaint with the transportation agency. It warned it has a backlog of more than 37,000 complaints and it might take longer than 18 months to get his complaint resolved. In March the airline told him its finance team was facing a backlog, but that his compensation was processed and sent to the finance department for payment. Later the airline blamed a high volume of requests and asked for his patience because our new processing time is 30 days or longer than anticipated. The airline said: In regard to the time frame, to be honest with you, we dont have an idea because the finance department will be the one who will send an email on how to claim the compensation. After The Record contacted the airline, a Flair spokesperson apologized to Taylor for any delay in receiving the compensation he is rightly owed. The spokesperson cited technical issues and promised to investigate the delay but in the meantime we have sent the payment today. Four of Flairs jetliners were repossessed earlier this month after the carrier failed to pay their leases. Read more about: SHARE: Blood donation camp held | IMPHAL, Mar 28 : Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra led a blood donation camp at JNIMS Blood Bank today. A number of Congress workers donated blood in today's camp. Speaking in connection with the camp, K Meghachandra said that the blood donation camp is held to help in fulfilling the requirements of blood by the patients. He expressed that regular conduct of such camps will help in addressing blood shortage issues and will save many precious lives. He further assured that the Congress workers will extend the best possible help to those who are in need. ST for Meiteis and NRC call Common thread | The common thread running through is unmistakable. The call for the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a demand which has been given more teeth by the mushrooming of dubious settlements, the incursion on protected/reserved forests, the decision of the State Government not to give recognition to villages which fall below a stipulated number of households each village should have and the demand that the Meiteis be included in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Constitution of India have one point in common and that is to save the resources of the indigenous people of Manipur. At the moment, the call for NRC seems to be reverberating through with different student bodies raising the NRC banner while the demand that the needed recommendations be sent to the Centre to get the Meiteis listed in the ST category seems to have been relegated to the background, but the core point of the two demands somewhat remains similar. Acknowledging this is crucial for it is about the land and her people, a people whose ancestry can be traced to the soil of Manipur. It was a historical blunder that led to the Meiteis being left out of the Constitutional protection that is being provided to the indigenous folks of the land but as they say, it is better late than never and the fact that the ST for Meiteis demand has been raised should be more than enough to say that steps ought to be taken up now to right the wrongs of history. This is how humans progress and righting the wrongs of history is part of the progress of mankind, anywhere across the world. At the moment, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM), World Meetei Council (WMC), the Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) and others concerned seem to be lying low but as noted in an earlier commentary here, the silence could be part of a larger scheme of things and it would be premature to jump to any hasty conclusions. The urgency for the need of an NRC may also be seen against the backdrop of clashes between people of different communities and the conflicting claims on land and its resources. Time for the Government to get down to the root of the matter and in the process also set up a Population Commission. Assam has already done it and given the right approach coupled with the right intention, there is no reason why a National Register of Citizens cannot be enforced here. Let it take time, but at least the beginning of the process to set up the NRC will ring out the message that the Government is intent on keeping the interest of Manipur above everything else. Note the common thread running through the two issues and let the Government take them up with the required urgency. The hills are Constitutionally protected, no doubt about it, but this ring of protection will be hollow without conducting an NRC. Likewise the Meiteis and their land too need some sort of a Constitutional protection and this is where the ST for Meiteis call should be taken with the seriousness it deserves. There are objections to the ST demand for the Meiteis with ATSUM leading the way and this is where the STDCM, WMC, KKL and others would need to study how to work out a meeting point with all concerned. It should however be clear to all that the present reality is not at all logical. The valley area, where the Meiteis are legally allowed to own land/settle down constitute only 10 or so percent of the total geographical area of Manipur, while all are free to settle anywhere in the valley. And it is in the face of the politics of land that the demand for ST for Meiteis has been raised, for simply put in a nutshell, the line I can settle anywhere I like, name any locality according to my likes, but you cannot come and settle in my place does not exactly sound logical and runs counter to the idea of coexistence. The task before the State Government is clear. Consider the ST for Meiteis demand in the right light and get down to the task of implementing the NRC here in Manipur. The interests of Manipur should not be ignored under any circumstances. Grade 8 students Lina Fantas (left) and Sarah Mohammed are enjoying all the activities at the Islamic School of Hamilton to celebrate their holy month of Ramadan. Theres a buzz in the hallways at the Islamic School of Hamilton. Students and staff at the east Mountain school are celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan which runs from March 23 to April 21. A variety of activities are planned and a Ramadan bazaar will be available to parents, staff and students until the end of the month-long celebrations. Its a month (where) you try to do your best, said 13-year-old Sarah Mohammed, a Grade 8 student. Its kind of a reset button because its our spiritual moth where we realize our mistakes and we try our best to fix them throughout the year again; I love it how when everybody comes together and celebrates it. Ramadan is celebrated as the month during which Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations of what became the Quran, their holy book, from God. During Ramadan Muslims are expected to fast and not consume any liquids from sunrise to sunset. Children who have not reached puberty along with the frail, sick and elderly are exempt from the fasting rules as are pregnant women and mothers who are breast feeding. I feel like its just getting closer to our God and getting more spiritually cleanses, said 13-year-old Grade 8 student Salma Omar. Fourteen-year-old Grade 8 student Lina Fantas said Ramadan is a time to be grateful. In Ramadan you spend a lot of time with your fiends and family, she said. During Ramadan you are trying your best to be the best version or yourself. Sarrinah Shad, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student, said their holy month means more than fasting. Muslims are praying and reciting the Quran, making their actin intentional and selfless, theyre trying to stay away from gossiping, lying and fighting, Shad said. Muslims become more aware of who they are, they swear less, becoming more pure and closer to God. All four students said they are fasting from dawn until sunset during Ramadan. Mariam Mohamad, a Grade 3 teacher at the school aid she has been teaching her eight and nine-year-old students what the month means. How it connects to them spiritually, so Its not all about abstaining from food and drink, Mohammad said. At a young age they are not actually fasting yet, some of them are doing what they call half-fasting, so they try to not eat until lunchtime. Mohammad said staff and students at the school started planning Ramadan activities in September. Ramadan ends April 21 with Eid al-Fitr or the festival of breaking the fast. The festival can include official receptions and meals with family and friends, gift giving, wearing of new cloths and visiting the graves of relatives. SHARE: Bracing has been installed to shore up the southeastern corner of the Saltfleet Community Centre. The Stoney Creek Community Food Bank is looking for a new temporary home as it redirects clients to other area food banks following last weeks sudden closure of the Saltfleet Community Centre due to structural safety concerns. Food bank president Katherine Isaac said the city has offered two possible locations, with one only allowing food to be collected and stored while the community centre is repaired. The other is on a bus route and could serve clients, she said, but both require electrical upgrades to accommodate the food banks commercial fridges and freezers. In the meantime, we have reached out to other food banks in the Hamilton area asking them to please serve our clients, Isaac said, noting volunteers handed out gift cards to 33 families in the community centres parking lot the day after its March 21 closure. It just tells us how it is an essential service and were so pleased that everybody is trying to help us. Public works general manager Carlyle Khan said the city closed the community centre as a precaution after a consultant noticed abnormal cracking in the 605 Hwy. 8 buildings foundation earlier in March. Repair cost estimates and timelines for reopening the former Alliance Church building, built in 1985 and purchased by the city in 2010, will be determined by a pending structural engineers report, he said during a March 22 media briefing. The centre is also home to several other community groups and services, including Seniors Outreach Services, Homefront Cancer Service, the Stoney Creek Historical Society and the 713 Thunderbolt Squadron air cadets. There were concerns about the foundation and the building envelope and how the building sits on the foundation, Khan said. There were some concerns that it is shifting; it is moving, which will eventually lead to it potentially slipping off the edge of the foundation. Pam Witt, president of Seniors Outreach Services, said her groups volunteers are monitoring phone calls from home, as they did during a two-year pandemic shutdown, to ensure theres no disruption in services. In its 33rd year, SOS has between 30 and 35 volunteers helping more than 250 clients, she said. All the services, housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance, household maintenance and drives to and from appointments, are still being covered by our dedicated volunteers, Witt said. Although its frustrating for us as volunteers because we cant get on with all the office work that needs to be done, we can still look after the clients, and within our organization, the clients, the seniors of Stoney Creek, are our top priority anyway. Greg Armstrong, president of the Stoney Creek Historical Society, said his group isnt as affected because it primarily uses office space as a reference library for land registry documents, photographs and other archival materials. Were hoping that that can stay put and secure while other things are taken care of, he said, adding he and others retrieved a projector, banner and other materials the society needs to use, including for its next member meeting on April 5. Armstrong said the society typically gets several email inquiries for historical records per month and will arrange for visits but has no set office hours. Most inquiries can be answered via email because many documents have been digitized, he said, or volunteers refer people to other sources if they arent archived. We want to make certain that were helpful, Armstrong said. Jeff Beattie, the areas councillor, said hes asked for a staff report as soon as possible and his priority, apart from finding temporary space for the critical food bank, is to keep the building, if possible. He said hes always viewed the centre as being underutilized and prior to the shutdown had planned to ask for a feasibility study on potential additional community uses, including for the theatre. Theres been water in the basement, those kinds of issues over time, Beattie said, adding his conversations with staff may have led to the discovery of structural failings. When you dont have a plan for the building, you dont necessarily keep your eye on whats happening there. I think, as a result, perhaps we lost track of whats happening there and things deteriorated more quickly than they should have. With files from Mike Pearson STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We wanted to look at the impact of the community centres sudden closure. SHARE: A Hamilton councillor whose son is a police staff sergeant says she will refrain from a final vote on the police budget after a conflict-of-interest finding that docks her 15 days of pay. Coun. Esther Pauls says she respects the integrity commissioners probe on her participation and vote on the services spending plan during a police board meeting in December. I will follow the rules, the second-term Ward 7 councillor said Monday. That means avoiding police budget talks in the future, including on Wednesday when council debates the services proposed 6.71 per cent hike, she said. Moreover, Pauls said she will steer clear of potential conflicts involving her son while dealing with other policing matters the board discusses. And I will do that. But Coun. Cameron Kroetsch, who filed the complaint that led to the integrity commissioners report, argues city politicians in Paulss situation shouldnt be on the board at all. I think that council has to reflect on what it means to send representatives to the police services board who cant vote on one of the most significant items: the budget. Thats what Principles Integrity, which serves as commissioner, suggests in the report before council Wednesday. Council should be aware that the appointment of city politicians with police relatives burdens them with the obligation of careful diligence to recognize conflicts as they arise. During the police budget session, Pauls failed to recuse herself, despite having received written advice on three occasions to avoid spending plan talks altogether, the commissioner noted in the report. It should have been apparent to her that a proposed budgetary increase for salaries, wages and benefits would obviously represent a pecuniary interest to her son. But after police Chief Frank Bergens presentation on the 6.71 per cent hike, she proceeded to lean in and participate with vigour in the debate on the global amount, vociferously endorsing and ultimately voting to support the overall increase. Pauls said she heeded conflicting advice from councillors that pointed out her sons pay had already been settled until 2025 through collective bargaining. I assumed ... the budget wouldnt affect him personally, she said. So it was my misunderstanding. But the budget does indeed represent a pecuniary interest for her son, the commissioners report asserts, and therefore a deemed interest for herself. In fact, without being able to parse out the budget line-by-line to discuss other matters, Pauls must recuse herself from participating in the entirety of that deliberation. In November, during the new councils inaugural meeting, Pauls was appointed along with Kroetsch and Mayor Andrea Horwath to the police board. At the time, Pauls told The Spectator shed consulted the commissioner and said shed avoid conflicts tied to her son. When it is to do with pay, I will declare it, and thats it. Pauls isnt the first councillor board member with close relatives in the police service, which has raised eyebrows in the past but not led to formal integrity commissioner sanctions. MP Chad Collins as a Ward 5 councillor had a sister in the service. Before him, the late Bernie Morelli, a Ward 3 representative with a constable son, was board chair. Under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, council members must disclose pecuniary interests whether direct or indirect through parents, spouses or children. In an email, Principles Integrity previously told The Spectator a city politician on the police board may not participate in consideration of any aspect of salary discussions which might impact their family member. But most matters of a policy nature will have no particular impact when it comes to pecuniary interests and wont spark conflicts of interest. Under provincial legislation, harsher sanctions for conflicts of interest can be sought at court. But unless removal from office is on the table, or a member who benefited financially refuses to voluntarily disgorge such profits, its not in the public interest, Principles Integrity reasoned in the report. As it stands, the commissioner can issue a reprimand or suspend pay for up to 90 days, but Pauls showed genuine contrition for her actions. Kroetsch told The Spectator he didnt support pursuing the court application, saying the circumstances didnt warrant removal from office. In fact, the first-term Ward 2 councillor emphasized, he didnt want to file the complaint at all. But after Pauls declined to share the commissioners initial advice to her, he had to in order to get the answer. Pauls said she didnt want to divulge that information so shortly after the new councils inauguration. Were supposed to be in unity. It would make better sense for the commissioner to provide advice on such matters to council as a whole, and not strictly in confidence with an individual city politician, Kroetsch suggests. Because I think its our job to help our colleagues avoid conflicts of interest a collegial thing. Pauls said she would have more to say on the matter when the commissioners report is up for discussion at council on Wednesday. SHARE: A truck driver has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death after running over a Hamilton animal rights activist. Longtime activist Regan Russell, 65, was struck and killed by a truck carrying pigs to slaughter outside a Burlington pork plant where she was protesting on June 19, 2020. Andrew Blake, who appeared at in a Burlington courtroom by video on Monday, pleaded guilty to the traffic offence, and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and serve a 12-month probation during which hes allowed to drive only for work a sentence suggested jointly by assistant Crown attorney Michael Godinho and defence lawyer Cody Cornale. The court saw video of the fatal crash taken from security footage at Fearmans Pork Inc. on Appleby Line, a meat-processing plant owned by Sofina Foods. Blake was driving a tractor-trailer filled with pigs when his semitruck was met by a crowd of demonstrators. He remained stopped at a traffic light for more than four minutes as demonstrators blocked the plants driveway and gave water to the pigs, the agreed statement of facts read. Blake started to make the turn across the lane of traffic and into the plant once the driveway was clear and the light was green, the statement of facts read. Mark Powell, right, and his son, Joshua, head into court for the sentencing of the man who plead guilty in the traffic fatality of his wife, Regan Russell. John Rennison/The Hamilton Spectator As the truck enters the intersection, Russell steps into the driveway, the agreed fact statement further read. Her body is dragged several feet before the truck comes to a stop. Lawyers said Blake, who had a spotless driving record, should have been aware of Regan, but there is no evidence he intentionally ran her over. There is nothing to suggest Mr. Blake does not understand the seriousness of his actions, Godinho submitted, adding that a guilty plea has to be taken as a sign of significant remorse. Blake spoke before the court only to acknowledge the guilty plea and the penalty against him. The court heard several emotional victim impact statements from Regans family. Bill and Pat Russell talk about the sentencing of the man who pleade guilty in the traffic fatality of their daughter, Regan Russell, outside court Monday in Burlington. John Rennison/The Hamilton Spectator Reading to the court over video, father Bill Russell said waves of grief come when you least expect them. Dusting old photographs taken from a drawer and seeing her unforgettable smile he paused briefly, his voice breaking brings immediate tears. Pat Russell said her daughter was a caregiver to everyone she met including to her parents. No more will she wash and set my hair and tell me to hold still just as I did when she was a child, her mother said. I miss her and think of her every minute of every day, and I will until the day I die. Husband Mark Powell, who appeared in person, said the couple were happy and had plans for the future, including designing the house of Regans dreams, which theyd purchased the week before she died. Those plans were never to be. We will never be, he read. I am quite lost without Regan. Mark and his son, Joshua Powell, said their lawyer will be reviewing legal options. I dont feel justice has been served, said Joshua, Regans 33-year-old stepson. I feel that this is a miscarriage of justice, that the non-criminal offence is a joke for a professional driver. Regans parents, however, say they have accepted the outcome. It went as expected, Pat said, speaking with reporters outside of the courthouse. It definitely was an accident ... We cant blame him. The Russell and Powell families have filed separate civil lawsuits in June. The Powells say their $5-million suit can move forward now that withheld evidence has been made public. The Russell familys suit is for $3 million. Animal rights activists, who say charges against the driver were too lenient, gathered outside the Halton courthouse Monday morning, holding banners and signs bearing her face and name. When she died, Regan was doing what she did for decades, protesting on behalf of animals. She spent her whole life standing up for the oppressed, said Toronto Pig Save organizer Lori Croonen. We owe it to our friend. Croonen, who was at pork plant the day her friend died, said she believes Blake was empowered by controversial trespassing legislation that some say targets animal rights activists with significant fines. Regans death prompted vigils and demonstrations outside the slaughterhouse, but it also caused a ripple felt across the globe. Bill said that includes places like Mexico, Uruguay, the U.K. and Turkey. Activists inspired by his daughter have reached out to the family in the form of cards, gifts and kind words. What our daughter set out to do is now being done by hundreds, thousands of people all over the world, he said. The very fact that we can give people like that a reason for life and for a name, Id say weve succeeded. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: SHARE: Children and a woman depart the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. Mass shooters have killed hundreds of people throughout U.S. history in realms like stores, theaters and workplaces, but it is in schools and colleges where the carnage reverberates perhaps most keenly places filled with children of tender ages, older students aspiring to new heights and the teachers planting the seeds of knowledge, their journeys all cut short. If a mass shooting is defined as resulting in the death of four or more people, not including the perpetrator, 175 people have died in 15 such events connected to U.S. schools and colleges from 1999s Columbine High School massacre to Mondays shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. Thats according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University, in addition to other AP reporting: The Covenant School, March 2023, six dead A 28-year-old female shooter wielding two assault-style rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville. The suspect also died after being shot by police. Robb Elementary School, May 2022, 21 dead An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two adults, officials said. Law enforcement killed the attacker. Oxford High School, November 2021, four dead A sophomore student is accused of killing four people and wounding others at his school in Oxford, Michigan, near Detroit. His parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter; authorities say they failed to secure a gun and ignored the mental health needs of their son before the shootings. Santa Fe High School, May 2018, 10 dead A shooter opened fire at a Houston-area high school, killing 10 people, most of them students, authorities said. The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with murder. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, February 2018, 17 dead An attack left 14 students and three staff members dead at the school in Parkland, Florida, and injured many others. The shooter was sentenced to life without parole. Umpqua Community College, October 2015, nine dead A man killed nine people at the school in Roseburg, Oregon, and wounded nine others, then killed himself. Marysville-Pilstuck High School, October 2014, four dead A 15-year-old used text messages to draw several cousins and friends to his cafeteria table at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Washington state. He fatally shot four of them before killing himself. University of California, Santa Barbara, May 2014, six dead A 22-year-old college student frustrated over sexual rejections fatally stabbed or shot six students near the school in Isla Vista, California, and injured several others before he killed himself. Sandy Hook Elementary School, December 2012, 27 dead A 19-year-old man killed his mother at their home in Newtown, Connecticut, then went to the nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 first-graders and six educators. He took his own life. Oikos University April 2012, seven dead A former nursing student fatally shot seven people at the small private college in East Oakland, California. He died in prison in 2019. Northern Illinois University, February 2008, five dead A 27-year-old former student shot and killed five people and wounded more than 20 others at the school in DeKalb, Illinois, before killing himself. Virginia Tech, April 2007, 32 dead A 23-year-old student killed 32 people on the campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, in April 2007; more than two dozen others were wounded. The gunman then killed himself. West Nickel Mines Amish School, October 2006, five dead A 32-year-old man entered an Amish schoolhouse near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dismissed the boys, bound the girls, and fatally shot five of them before killing himself. Five others were wounded. Red Lake High School, March 2005, nine dead A 16-year-old student killed his grandfather and the mans companion at their Minnesota home, then went to nearby Red Lake High School, where he killed five students, a teacher and a security guard before shooting himself. Columbine High School, April 1999, 13 dead Two students killed 12 of their peers and one teacher at the school in Littleton, Colorado, and injured many others before killing themselves. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Hamilton police say commendations are forthcoming for residents who helped save the life of a stabbing victim at the Jackson Square mall Sunday afternoon. Police were called to the entrance of the mall around 11:40 a.m. on Sunday for a man who had been stabbed. Witnesses told police the victim and his assailant appeared to be arguing when a fight started, said Const. Indy Bharaj. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled into the mall. Bharaj said it was difficult for officers to contain the busy mall entrance. The first officer on the scene applied pressure to the wound under the armpit of the stabbed man, who was also assisted by some passersby. The man was later taken to hospital by paramedics and treated. Police say they are reviewing video and still images of the incident recorded by mall security, but they were unable to locate him. The investigation is ongoing. Bharaj said the members of the public who helped to staunch the victims wound will be receiving official commendations from the Hamilton police. SHARE: Torontos Catholic school board, and others in the province, are changing their rules and allowing teens of all religions to run for student trustee a move that comes in advance of upcoming elections. The change in policy follows a landmark decision last fall, when an Ontario Superior Court ruled against Yorks Catholic board for barring a teen from running for student trustee because she isnt Catholic. We were extremely disappointed in the decision, however we understand that we are required to follow the law, said Patrick Daly, president of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association, which represents English Catholic boards in the province. He says many Catholic boards, including his he is the chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board have since amended their policies so they are consistent with the court ruling. Trustees at the Toronto Catholic District School Board voted in favour at a March 23 board meeting to change their policy, which took effect immediately and is in place for the student trustee election in mid-April. We recognize that our student body is made up of individuals from various cultural and racial backgrounds, including different faiths at the secondary level, said board chair Nancy Crawford in a statement. We are confident that this decision by the board of trustees will provide more opportunities for all our talented students to be involved and play a greater role in leadership as student trustees at TCDSB. All school boards in Ontario have up to three student trustees elected by their peers to represent them at board meetings. Most Catholic boards had policies in place stating student trustees had to be Roman Catholic but in light of the court decision, those policies are being amended. Grace Lee, a spokesperson for Education Minister Stephen Lecce, says Ontario will continue to provide access to constitutionally mandated, publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario. We believe strongly that choice benefits parents. Stephanie De Castro, a student trustee at the TCDSB, calls the policy change a good step towards inclusivity, noting it opens another door for student representation and opportunity at our board. We have a lot of student leaders, who arent necessarily baptized, but also reflect our Catholic values, said De Castro, a Grade 12 student at Senator OConnor Catholic School in North York. Trustee Markus de Domenico of Ward 2 (Etobicoke) says the change is long overdue. He first became aware of the issue when a teen who attends a school in his ward notified him that he couldnt run for student trustee because he isnt Catholic. That prompted de Domenico to move a motion in February 2021 asking the board to consider revising the policy to make it inclusive. That motion was defeated. I was shocked, recalled de Domenico, both about learning that non-Catholic students couldnt run and that some trustees wouldnt support his motion. We have thousands and thousands of students in our secondary schools that are not Catholic and they shouldnt be treated in a second-class citizen fashion. The student who contacted him is Rushan Jeyakumar, who couldnt run for trustee in Grade 10 because he is Hindu. It felt hurtful, said Jeyakumar, now in Grade 12 at Michael Power-St. Joseph High School. I felt like the TCDSB was saying to students of different faiths that they didnt have the same priorities and morals as the Catholic student body and due to that they were unfit to be in the role of student trustee. Jeyakumar applauds the policy change, which shows the board is moving towards equity and diversity. He says having been denied the opportunity to run was a pivotal moment in my life that resulted in a lot more student advocacy. His advocacy work on this issue led to him being a witness in the court case that would ultimately bring about this policy change. In the summer of 2021, student Dasha Kandaharian launched a lawsuit against the York Catholic District School Board because of its policy stipulating student trustees must be Catholic she is Orthodox Christian. She was represented pro bono by Torys LLP and the non-profit legal aid clinic Justice for Children and Youth, who argued that the policy violated her Charter rights. Witnesses in that case included Jeyakumar and Raghad Barakat, who is Muslim and was barred from running as a student trustee in Haltons Catholic board. In October 2022, the court ruled in favour of Kandaharian, striking down the policy requirement. It found that the York board had no legal authority under the Education Act to impose such a demand and that it was contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is a really inspiring example of young people identifying a problem, or an injustice, and using their voices to make change, said Allison Williams, a lawyer at Justice For Children and Youth who worked on the file. At a Tuesday night board meeting, York Catholic trustees will vote to approve amendments to its policy so that its in line with the court decision. If approved, the revised policy will be in place for its student trustee election in late April. The ministry is encouraging all school boards to ensure their policies are compliant with the laws of Ontario and Canada and that the rights of all students are respected. With files from Star archives SHARE: A man has been charged in connection with an explosion and fire that destroyed a Richmond Hill house on March 20. According to York Regional Police, a man has been charged with arson with disregard for human life, mischief to property over $5,000 and breach of probation. Police were called to Deerwood Crescent in Richmond Hill at around 12:50 p.m. on March 20 for reports of an explosion and fire. According to police, no one was injured in the blast and blaze. However, the house sustained significant damage and needed to be demolished. There was also damage to the adjacent houses. The suspect was allegedly seen leaving the house immediately after the explosion and resulting fire. Police say the man was not seen again after the incident. A request went out to the public for assistance in locating him. The suspect was found in the Town of Georgina on March 24 where he was transported to hospital. He was charged on March 25. He was set to appear in court on Monday, March 27. Police are asking anyone with information to contact York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com. TG Thea Gribilas is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: tgribilas@thestar.ca Read more about: SHARE: A missing woman who found in Thornhill on Monday morning has been identified and is reunited with her family, York Regional Police said. Police asked the public to help identify the woman on Monday after a concerned citizen called that morning and reported finding her at Atkinson Road and Centre Street. In a press release, police said the woman was not appropriately dressed for the weather and appeared to have been outside for some time. They added that the woman also appeared to be non-verbal. Police told the Star the woman is from the city of Toronto. Correction March 29, 2023: A previous version of this article erroneously said the missing woman was found in Richmond Hill. She was found in Thornhill. The Star was supplied inaccurate information. TG Thea Gribilas is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: tgribilas@thestar.ca Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie SHARE: A woman embittered over a long-standing lawsuit and disgusted with the justice system rented a U-Haul truck and fatally struck the Toronto lawyer who opposed her in the litigation, a jury heard Monday. This is a case about money and murder, Crown attorney Corie Langdon told a Superior Court jury Monday during her opening address at the murder trial of Anh Chiem. Chiem, 64, has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder of civil litigator Scott Rosen, 52, who died of the catastrophic injuries he received in a mid-Toronto underground parking lot on Dec. 18, 2020. Around 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, surveillance video captured Rosen walking into the underground parking garage of his law office at 234 Eglinton Ave. E., as a white pickup truck accelerated at a high rate of speed, striking him, reversing and hitting him again. The vehicle then fled the scene. A witness will testify about flagging over the driver of the damaged vehicle around 5:45 p.m., and noting she was an Asian-Canadian female, middle-aged, with mid-length brown hair with some grey in it. Later he recognized the woman after seeing a TV news report. A damaged white U-Haul pickup was located about 90 minutes later with blood, on the front bumper, that forensic analysis determined belonged to Rosen. When police notified the operator of the rental agency, at 626 Dundas St. W., he called Chiem, who told him she had caused the damage and would pay repair costs, Langdon said. The operator will testify Chiem first rented that white Ford F-150 pickup truck, with Arizona licence plates, on Dec. 15 after paying cash and telling him she needed a vehicle that would fit into an underground, Langdon said. The rental company owner took a photo of Chiems drivers licence and recorded her phone number. That same day, police investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle across the street from the Eglinton Ave. E. underground garage found Chiem behind the wheel of the rented U-Haul pickup truck with its Arizona licence plate covered up with tape, jurors heard. Chiem received a ticket for having an obscured licence plate. She rented that same truck again on Dec. 16, 17 and 18, and witnesses are expected to testify to seeing one matching that description parked for hours across from the parking garage. Chiem and Rosen were not strangers to each other, Langdon explained. They had been involved, as opposing parties, in legal proceedings that began in 2016 when Chiems ex-son-in-law, Peter Voong, sued her and her mother in a dispute relating to a residential property in Etobicoke. Rosen represented the plaintiff Voong and his company, Castleform Developments. Things did not go Chiems way. In 2019, after she tried to get the lawsuit tossed, a judge ordered her and her mother to pay $37,000 in legal costs. Chiem complained to the Law Society about Rosens conduct and asked that he be disciplined or have his licence revoked. Both times, the legal regulator reviewed the complaint and concluded no further investigation was warranted. I am totally disgusted, Chiem wrote in a letter to Law Society investigator after he let her know on Dec. 1, 2020, that he had closed her second complaint. The Law Society is a joke and does not help anyone but the lawyers. No wonder no one trusts the justice system. It is broken and does not work for the people. Sending a complaint form is a waste of time and effort. Thanks for not helping, read Chiems letter. In December 2020, the litigation left Chiem owing hundreds of thousands of dollars while also owing a mountain of other debt. After Chiem filed for bankruptcy, Rosen pursued her assets and acted for an opposing party to her bankruptcy, Langdon explained to the downtown court. The trial in front of Justice Peter Bawden continues Tuesday. SHARE: Hours after a 2021 fatal shooting in Torontos west end, a longtime Toronto police officer remarked to another cop at the scene that a Somalian guy did it or at least ... Black guy a caught-on-camera utterance that led to the officers guilty plea at a disciplinary hearing Monday. It was the second discreditable conduct plea Const. Christopher Hominuk has made at the Toronto police tribunal in the last decade, both times for utterances captured on police video. According to an agreed statement of facts entered into evidence Monday, Hominuk, who is assigned to Etobicokes 23 division, was among the first officers to investigate the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jovahn McKnollys at Westown Plaza, near Dixon Road and Islington Avenue. The shooting happened after an incident inside a Somali restaurant, in a Somali neighbourhood and the victim was of Somali ancestry, the document states. In light of all of this, Officer Hominuk drew an inference and remarked to another officer: Somalian guy did it ... or at least ... Black guy, the statement of facts reads. It was an attempt at humour designed to lighten a tense situation, the document said. A police document filed in the case last year that outlined the allegations said the comments were discovered by a colleague listening to body camera footage while preparing court disclosure. According to the document, Hominuk said the remark was inappropriate and apologized during an interview with Toronto police professional standards. He acknowledged a comment regarding the ancestry, colour or race could be construed as offensive based on the protected grounds set out by the Ontario Human Rights Code, the agreed statement of facts said. Its not clear what penalty Hominuk will face; a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service said the tribunal will release its decision at a later date. Gary Clewley, Hominuks lawyer, could not be reached for comment Monday. Officers found guilty of professional misconduct under Ontarios Police Services Act can face consequences ranging from a reprimand to dismissal. In a 2011 criminal case, Hominuk was granted a conditional discharge after being convicted of threatening bodily harm for remarks he made threatening to Taser a handcuffed man in the genitals. Ill f---ing Taser you. If you are lying to me, when I get back to the station, Im Tasering you in the f---ing nuts, Hominuk said. In that instance, Hominuks comments were found by a senior officer reviewing the in-car video footage. In the criminal case, a judge accepted medical evidence that his comments had been uttered because of a diabetic condition that can cause irrational behaviour and anger. Hominuk told the court he had not eaten for several hours before his shift and was sleep deprived. He was placed on probation for nine months. He also later pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct and was demoted in rank for a year. Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis SHARE: City officials say there are no fast or easy answers as they work to tackle a string of deadly attacks on the TTC, the latest of which left a 16-year-old boy dead on Saturday night. The shocking and unprovoked stabbing of Gabriel Magalhaes has parents across the city fraught with worry as they watch their kids leave home each day to ride the transit systems buses, streetcars and subways. Speaking at city hall Monday, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said she knows residents want the city to act. As a mother of two, her heart absolutely breaks for the mom of the teen killed in the unprovoked stabbing on Saturday, she said. We know were not moving in the direction we want to as a city. We know we can do better, said McKelvie (Ward 25, ScarboroughRouge Park). She and TTC Chair Jon Burnside told reporters the city, police and transit agency are focused on addressing the problem. But they warned violence on transit is complex, and solutions will require a combination of enforcement, outreach work and investment in social supports from all levels of government. The challenge is theres no one solution. Theres no panacea, said Burnside, councillor for Ward 16, Don Valley East. The quick result may not be as quick as we like. Magalhaes, a student at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, was stabbed to death at the Keele subway station just before 9 p.m. on Saturday in what police described as an unprovoked attack. A 22-year-old man with no fixed address has been charged with first-degree murder. Magalhaes was the fourth person to be killed on or near the TTC in the past year. In each case, initial reports indicated the attackers didnt know the victims. While the TTC safely carries millions of passengers each week, the apparently random murders have left Torontonians wary of riding a system already struggling to attract passengers in the wake of the pandemic. Eden Dales started taking the subway by herself when she was around 12 or 13, and loved the independence it gave her. As a parent, the social worker looked forward to her own kids doing the same, and even picked the location of their home because it was one bus ride away from school. But every time I am about to tell my 15-year-old that its daytime and you have to get yourself somewhere, I pause, she said. Dales knows many people ride the TTC every day and are fine. Still the anxiety lingers she herself doesnt feel safe on the subway anymore. Im now leaving work to drive her places, Dales said. In the aftermath of Saturdays attack, the TTC says it has added high visibility special constable patrols to the west end of Line 2, where Keele station is located. But earlier this month the Toronto Police Service ended special patrols announced in January in response to earlier attacks on the TTC. For roughly six weeks, upwards of 80 additional officers patrolled the network on an overtime basis. According to the police, the officers made more than 310 arrests and provided more than 220 referrals to shelter, food, mental health services and other supports. The patrols cost $1.5 million per month. The service said Monday it still has an increased presence on the TTC, but has switched to using proactive deployments of regular-duty officers. TPS, in collaboration with the City of Toronto and the TTC, (is) responsible for safety on transit, (and) continues to assess public safety needs on an ongoing basis, the service said. The head of Torontos largest transit union says the overtime patrols were a veneer, and the city and TTC need to invest in authentic, ongoing sustainable solutions. While no one has established a firm link between the recent attacks and homeless people using transit, Marvin Alfred, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, said the system has become a safety net for underfunded social supports. With nowhere else to go, vulnerable people are taking refuge on the network, increasing the likelihood of conflict, he said. Alfred called on the TTC to reverse recent service cuts, which he warned will only drive more riders away and make the system less safe. The citys 2023 budget included an additional $500,000 to expand a pilot project of multi-disciplinary teams that connect people experiencing homelessness on the TTC to physical and mental health supports. The teams are on top of the 20 Streets to Homes workers, 20 community ambassadors, 50 security guards and 50 special constables the TTC is adding. These measures are in place, theyre being rolled out, and they have my full support, said McKelvie, who is filling in as mayor after John Torys resignation. Toronto has asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government for $97 million for anticipated shelter costs this year, and more for transit, but McKelvie said she had seen no sign that funding will be in Tuesdays federal budget. The deputy mayor wouldnt weigh in on whether the Toronto police should resume overtime TTC patrols, saying that was a decision for the force. Certainly Im supportive of whatever recommendation they make, she said. The TTC believes the steps its taking so far are working. The number of serious incidents declined in January, and it expects updated data to show that positive trend continued into February. Spokesperson Stuart Green said the transit agency is doing all it can to keep the system safe, but there are bigger societal and systemic issues at play when it comes to the root causes of these incidents that require a multi-pronged approach. Dr. Sandy Simpson, chair in forensic psychiatry at CAMH and the University of Toronto, said whether the root problem is mental health, drug addiction, poverty or a lack of supports, the solution in his mind is straightforward. A lot of this comes at the door of the province, which is responsible for funding mental health and social supports, he said. Simpson stressed that we dont know the circumstances of Saturdays attack. But he said we expect some of the most vulnerable residents to access supports that we structurally deny them and the solution comes down to political will. The funding comes if you care enough about it. At Queens Park, Health Minister Sylvia Jones conceded mental health supports are just one solution to making the Better Way safer. The provincial budget released last week included $48 million for Toronto supportive housing for residents struggling with mental health and substance use. There are many partners that are going to have to play a role in this, whether its the city of Toronto, the TTC, the special constables said Jones. With files from Robert Benzie Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering city hall and municipal politics for the Star. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr Alyshah Hasham is a Toronto-based reporter covering city hall and municipal politics for the Star. Reach her via email: ahasham@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @alysanmati SHARE: Voters in Torontos upcoming mayoral byelection should not support anyone who wants to cut police budgets, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday in the wake of an apparently unprovoked fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old at a city subway station. Ford has previously said he is staying out of the race to replace former mayor John Tory, but addressed it Tuesday when asked about violence in Torontos transit system. He said there needs to be a three-pronged approach to address the issue: mental health supports, more police, and federal bail reform. On the first two points, Ford did not indicate that any additional funding would be coming from the province to either help Toronto hire more officers or boost his governments 10-year, $3.8-billion mental health strategy. Ford did, however, have advice for voters in Torontos mayoral byelection in June. Everyone and their cousin, their brother, their uncle and their aunt are running to be mayor of Toronto, but theres only maybe one or two people that I think could actually run the city, Ford said, without naming names, at an unrelated press conference in Mississauga, Ont. Were seeing stabbings in the subway, car thefts coming out of our gazoo and just enoughs enough. Weve got to put more money into policing. Theres a couple of candidates that are running, theyre sitting councillors, that voted to defund the police. The people that voted for defund the police, dont vote for them, simple as that. We cant have anarchy in our cities. Ford said Torontos next mayor should be a candidate who understands policing. Former police chief Mark Saunders, who also unsuccessfully ran for Fords Progressive Conservatives in last years provincial election, has said he is running to be mayor. Gabriel Magalhaes, 16, was sitting on a bench at a Toronto subway station Saturday night when he was approached and fatally stabbed in an apparently unprovoked attack, police have said. Jordan OBrien-Tobin, 22, of no fixed address is facing one count of first-degree murder. Court documents from Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court show a man with OBrien-Tobins name and date of birth is wanted on an outstanding warrant for breaching probation conditions. Magalhaes mother has said in media interviews that she wants to see more mental health and social supports. Ford said Tuesday he doesnt disagree with her comments and cited the money his government is already spending on mental health. My heart breaks for them, he said. I will be making a call to their family this afternoon ... and well do everything we possibly can to make sure this tragedy, (this) senseless murder never happens again. Ford also said there should be full-time police officers in the Toronto Transit Commission. Toronto police put more than 80 officers working overtime on patrol in the TTC in late January in response to a spate of violence in the system, but ended those shifts two weeks ago. Police said they were returning to deploying on-duty officers on the TTC for regular, proactive patrols. NDP Leader Marit Stiles said as a mother whose now-grown children took the subway to school, she is heartbroken by the tragedy. I would love the premier to actually listen to that mother, because that is what the people of this city are saying, she said Tuesday at the legislature. Theyre saying, Youve put the cops in there, it hasnt solved the problem. The solution is to address the root cause. We have a homelessness crisis. We have a mental health and addiction crisis in this city. I want him to put the resources into supporting those folks ... That that mother could stand up and speak in such an effective way about what needs to happen, I mean, I hope he listens. TTC Chair Jon Burnside said police arrested 314 people and referred 220 people to social services during the six week period of increased police presence on the transit system. More efforts are clearly needed, he said, to address a general sense of disorder on the TTC, whether its open drug use... or loitering. All that obviously got a lot worse with the pandemic and was essentially allowed to happen, Burnside said. He added that the TTC was working with Toronto police on new initiatives to improve safety, with additional measures set to be announced in the coming days. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023. SHARE: It started with a drawing. The instructions to the students at School No. 9 in the Russian town of Ephraim, 300 kilometres south of Moscow, were rather simple: illustrate your support for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine. But Masha Moskaleva, 13, did not follow the teachers orders. Her drawing depicted Russian missiles headed toward a mother and child standing next to a flag bearing the words, Glory to Ukraine. The explosive fallout has sent a cold chill through the entire country. Russians who are opposed to their countrys invasion of Ukraine have been contending for the last year with military censorship laws under which they risk stiff fines or jail time for repeat offences. Many have fled the country. Countless others have gone silent. But Masha and her father, Alexei Moskalev, who is missing after escaping house arrest just hours before being sentenced to two years in prison for his anti-war social media posts, have suffered a harsher fate than most. Their brush with the Russian authorities dates to almost a year ago when, in reaction to Mashas anti-war drawing, school officials berated Moskalev and alerted local police investigators as well as the Federal Security Service, the FSB. The citys police chief reportedly accused Moskalev of failing in his fatherly duties toward his daughter while the FSB threatened to make Masha a ward of the state, according to an article last month by the independent Russian-language magazine Spectrum and OVD-Info, a Russian human rights group which has championed the case. A formal criminal investigation turned up Moskalevs social media posting in support of Ukraine and lampooning Russian President Vladimir Putin, resulting in charges of discrediting the countrys armed forces and a fine of 32,000 Rubles (about CAD$570). But the incident so rattled Masha Moskaleva that the girl reportedly begged her father not to be sent back to school. Months passed, and the crackdown on dissent and protest in Russia continued. There have been more than 19,000 arrests and detentions for anti-war activities since the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to OVD-Info. The bulk of those incidents dated to the first month of the war, but there was a spike again last August and September that coincides with a partial draft to boost the ranks of the Russian army. In another case, an elected Moscow deputy was sentenced to seven years in prison for the crime of spreading fake news when he objected to a city council discussion on holding a childrens drawing contest at a time when children are being killed by Russian military activities in Ukraine. On Dec. 30, as Russians prepared to mark New Years Eve, Moskalevs apartment was raided by a platoon made up of police, firefighters and FSB investigators armed with a saw to breach the door and a search warrant. While officials ransacked the apartment, Moskalev was taken into custody and Masha was taken to a state institution. Under interrogation, Moskalev was reportedly questioned about the sources of money found in his apartment, the contents of his computer and, according to the Russian legal publication Lawyer Street, two fridge magnets bearing the words Glory to Ukraine. He has claimed to have been beaten in custody, with his head banged against the wall and floor, and then made to listen to the Russian national anthem for two and a half hours at full volume. The questioning ended when he became ill and required medical attention. He was arrested in early January, reportedly after fleeing his home for a different town about 100 kilometres away. Then again in March, when he was formally charged with repeatedly discrediting the Russian Armed Forces a more serious charge that comes with a jail term. Moskalev was held under house arrest while Masha was kept in the state-run orphanage after the local commission on juvenile affairs filed a lawsuit to restrict her fathers parental rights. The case has scared many and outraged others. Ivan Zhdanov, an anti-corruption campaigner allied with jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, last week launched a letter-writing campaign, urging people to contact Masha at the orphanage where she is being held to remind her that her father misses her and tens of thousands of people want her to be returned home. But Masha Moskaleva, 13, did not follow the teachers orders. A linked petition urging authorities to release Masha from the facility has received nearly 144,000 signatures. Moskalev, however, was found guilty on the criminal charges Monday. He was meant to appear in court Tuesday to receive his sentence and be taken into custody by correctional authorities. But at 8 a.m., when officials arrived at his apartment to transport him to court, Moskalev was not there. Russias federal court service told media that the electronic bracelet Moskalev was required to wear indicated that he left his apartment at 4:41 a.m. His whereabouts are currently unknown and a search is underway to find him. Adding a layer of mystery to the case was the posting on Telegram of Marina Ovsyannikova, a former editor with Russias state-run Channel One who was herself arrested soon after the invasion of Ukraine for interrupting a news program with an anti-war protest. Ovsyannikova was also under house arrest and staring down a prison sentence when she was secreted out of Russia. On Tuesday, she wrote: Alexei Moskalev is in good hands. Everything will be fine. Well, maybe not everything. Masha Moskaleva remains in an orphanage while waiting for an April 6 court hearing that will decide whether she should remain under the states care or whether a family member can be found who is willing to care for her. Allan Woods is a Montreal-based staff reporter for the Star. He covers global and national affairs. Follow him on Twitter: @WoodsAllan Read more about: SHARE: A man who spent 16 years in prison after he was wrongfully convicted of raping writer Alice Sebold when she was a Syracuse University student has settled a lawsuit against New York state for $5.5 million, his lawyers said Monday. The settlement comes after Anthony Broadwaters conviction for raping Sebold in 1981 was overturned in 2021. It was signed last week by lawyers for Broadwater and New York Attorney General Letitia James, David Hammond, one of Broadwaters attorneys, said. Broadwater, 62, said in a statement relayed by Hammond, I appreciate what Attorney General James has done, and I hope and pray that others in my situation can achieve the same measure of justice. We all suffer from destroyed lives. Sebold was an 18-year-old first-year student at Syracuse when she was raped in a park near campus in May 1981. She described the attack and the ensuing prosecution in a memoir, Lucky, published in 1999. Sebold went on to win acclaim for her 2002 novel The Lovely Bones, which recounts the aftermath of a teenage girls rape and murder and was made into a movie starring Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon and Stanley Tucci. Sebold, who is white, wrote in Lucky that she spotted a Black man in the street months after being raped and was sure that he was her attacker. He was smiling as he approached. He recognized me. It was a stroll in the park to him; he had met an acquaintance on the street, Sebold wrote. Hey, girl, he said. Dont I know you from somewhere? Police arrested Broadwater, who was given the pseudonym Gregory Madison in Lucky, but Sebold failed to identify him in a police lineup, picking a different man as her attacker. Broadwater was nonetheless tried and convicted in 1982 after Sebold identified him as her rapist on the witness stand and an expert said microscopic hair analysis had tied Broadwater to the crime. That type of analysis has since been deemed junk science by the U.S. Department of Justice. Broadwater was released from prison in 1999 but still had to register as a sex offender until his conviction was vacated in November 2021. William J. Fitzpatrick, the current district attorney for Onondaga County, the central New York county that includes Syracuse, joined the motion to vacate the conviction, noting that witness identifications, particularly across racial lines, are often unreliable. Broadwaters settlement with the state must be approved by a judge before it becomes final. A message seeking comment was sent to the attorney generals office. Broadwater has also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Onondaga County, the city of Syracuse and an assistant district attorney and a police officer who were involved in prosecuting him. That case is pending. Sebold apologized to Broadwater in a 2021 statement released to The Associated Press and later posted on Medium. She wrote that as a traumatized 18-year-old rape victim, I chose to put my faith in the American legal system. My goal in 1982 was justice not to perpetuate injustice. And certainly not to forever, and irreparably, alter a young mans life by the very crime that had altered mine. A message seeking comment on Broadwaters settlement with New York state was sent to a representative for Sebold on Monday. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Authorities originally reported 40 dead, but later said some may have been counted twice in the confusion. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. The institute said almost all were from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador. In the video, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards did not appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead ran away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adan Augusto Lopez, Mexicos interior secretary, confirmed the authenticity of the video in an interview with local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney generals office. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said. The deaths forced the government to rent refrigerated trailers to hold the migrants bodies, Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui told reporters. The detention facility is across the street from Juarezs city hall. At a nearby hospital, Viangly Infante Padron, a 31-year-old Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the U.S. with her husband and three children, waited for her husband, who was being treated for smoke inhalation. The previous evening, she was waiting outside the detention center for his release when the fire broke out. There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration, she said. The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived. She saw several dead bodies before finding her husband in an ambulance. I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didnt see him anywhere. Earlier, about 100 migrants gathered Tuesday outside the immigration facilitys doors to demand information about relatives. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman with her two children, ages 2 and 4, was seeking her half-brother, Orlando Maldonado, who had been traveling with her. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she said. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Authorities did not immediately answer that question. Marquez and Maldonado were detained Monday with the children and about 20 others. They had been in Juarez waiting for an appointment from U.S. authorities to request asylum. They were staying in a rented room where 10 people were living, paying for it with the money they begged in the street. I was at a stoplight with a piece of cardboard asking for what I needed for my children, and people were helping me with food, she said. Suddenly agents came and detained everyone. Everyone was taken to the immigration facility but only the men were placed in the cells. Three hours later, the women and children were released. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or for the asylum process to play out. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. After that, Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar started campaigning to inform migrants there was room in shelters and no need to beg in the streets. He urged residents not to give money to them and said authorities would remove them from intersections where it was dangerous to beg and allegedly a nuisance to residents. Migrant advocates who recently denounced more aggressive tactics said Tuesday that the immigration facility was over capacity and that the site of the fire was small and lacked ventilation. You could see it coming, the advocates statement said. Mexicos immigration policy kills. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. Mexicos immigration lockups have seen overcrowding, protests and riots from time to time. In October, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities. At a Mass celebrated in memory of the migrants, Bishop Mons. Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos lamented the sudden grief that had descended upon the migrant community. The shout, the cry of everyone is enough, enough of so much pain, enough of so much death, he said. ___ This story has been correct to show the age of Viangly Infante Padron is 31. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernandez and writers Guadalupe Penuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. Read more about: SHARE: SYDNEY (AP) A former elite soldier charged with murder for allegedly killing an unarmed man in Afghanistan was released on bail Tuesday by a magistrate who concluded he would face danger from Muslim extremists in prison. Oliver Schulz, 41, had been in custody since his arrest in rural New South Wales state last week on the war crime of murder. His lawyer Phillip Boulten applied for bail in Sydneys Downing Center Local Court on Monday, arguing the former Special Air Service Regiment trooper faced serious risks to his personal safety from Muslim extremists in the prison system and had to be segregated from other inmates. Wherever this man is going to be held in prison, he is likely to have to mix with people in prison who sympathize with the Taliban or with other Islamic extremist groups, Boulten said. Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson granted the request, agreeing the risks posed to him while behind bars were too great. Its possible to infer that there may be some people being held there who may take an adverse position in relation to what was said to be the accuseds behavior both as a member of the (Australian Defense Force) and also on the day the incident allegedly occurred, Atkinson told the court. Schulz had been held at a maximum security prison in Goulburn, 200 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of Sydney. Most of New South Wales worst convicted terrorists are held at Goulburn. Helmet camera footage aired by Australian Broadcasting Corp. in 2020 that was shot in Afghanistans Uruzgan Province in 2012 will form part of the prosecution case. The footage allegedly shows Schulz shoot local man Dad Mohammad three times as he lay on his back in a wheat field with his hands and knees raised. His father later made a complaint to the Australian Defense Force alleging his son had been shot in the head. Atkinson said that because of the murder allegation, Schulz would be in a very difficult if not dangerous environment in custody and correctional staff could not be available 24 hours a day to supervise him. I am of the view that the position the accused finds himself in could be worse than other persons who are on remand given the particular security risks to his person, she said. Schulz would also have difficulties giving advice to his lawyers and accessing confidential material under strict conditions due to national security concerns surrounding the case if he were forced to do so behind bars, Atkinson said. The court has suppressed the names of the town and region where Schulz lives to protect his family from threats. After footage of the Afghanistan shooting was broadcast nationally, the then-Defense Minister Linda Reynolds referred the allegation to the Australian Federal Police. Schulz was suspended from duty in 2020 and later discharged from the Australia Defense Force on medical grounds. Schulz, who was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan, is the first former or serving Australian Defense Force member to face a war crime charge of murder under domestic law. He faces a potential life sentence in prison if convicted. He is among 19 current and former Australian special forces soldiers who a war crimes investigation found could face charges for illegal conduct in Afghanistan. A military report released in 2020 after a four-year investigation found evidence that Australian troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and civilians. More than 39,000 Australian military personnel served in Afghanistan during the 20 years until the 2021 withdrawal, and 41 were killed there. ___ Find more of APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific SHARE: TALLINN, Estonia (AP) A Russian court on Tuesday convicted a single father over social media posts critical of the war in Ukraine and sentenced him to two years in prison a case brought against him after his daughters drawing at school opposed the invasion, according to his lawyer and activists. But Alexei Moskalyov fled house arrest before his verdict was delivered in his Russian hometown of Yefremov and is at large, court officials said. His 13-year-old daughter Maria, who has been taken from him by the authorities, wrote him a supportive letter for his trial from the orphanage where she is living, according to his lawyer, telling him, Daddy, youre my hero. Moskalyovs case has drawn international attention and was a grim reminder that the Kremlin is intensifying its crackdown on dissent, targeting more people and handing out harsher punishments for any criticism of the war. The broad government campaign of repression has been unseen since the Soviet era. Moskalyov, 54, was accused of repeatedly discrediting the Russian army, a criminal offense in accordance to a law Russian authorities adopted shortly after sending troops into Ukraine. He was indicted for a series of social media posts about Russian atrocities in Ukraine and referencing the terrorist regime in Moscow that he insists he didnt make. But, according to his lawyer and activists who supported him throughout the case and trial, his troubles started last spring after his 13-year-old daughter, Maria, drew an antiwar picture at Yefremov School No. 9 that depicted missiles flying over a Russian flag at a woman and child and said, Glory to Ukraine. In April 2022, Moskalyov was fined for critical comments on social media. His apartment was raided in December and a criminal case was opened against him this month. He was placed under house arrest and his daughter was placed into the orphanage. At the trial, which concluded in one day on Monday, three teachers and the director of Marias school testified that they found Moskalyovs discrediting social media posts at random and that Marias drawing had nothing to do with the case contradicting the accounts of his lawyer and other supporters. Men in military uniforms and medals showed up at the courthouse Monday, apparently in support of the authorities. Moskalyov rejected the accusations and insisted he had nothing to do with the social media posts in question. In a short closing statement, Moskalyov said he was against what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation. How can one feel about death, about people who are dying? Adults are dying, children. ... Only negatively how else can one feel about a war? he was quoted as saying by Russias independent news site Mediazona. Court officials said Moskalyov fled house arrest overnight from his apartment in Yefremov, about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) south of Moscow and a similar distance north of the Ukrainian border. He had been wearing a bracelet that tracked his movements but apparently had taken it off. When an official announced in court Tuesday that Moskalyov had fled, some in attendance shouted, Bravo! Moskalyovs lawyer Vladimir Biliyenko said he learned of his clients disappearance at the hearing. Moskalyov was scheduled to appear in court again next week on a petition to restrict his parental rights. Biliyenko told The Associated Press the authorities petition to restrict Moskalyovs parental rights was based almost solely on his political views and his prosecution for discrediting the army, which they said posed a threat to his daughter. The officials have also accused Moskalyov of being a negligent parent because Maria stopped attending school after her drawing was reported to the police and she was questioned. According to Biliyenko and Moskalyovs supporters, she was scared to go back after that and studied at home. The lawyer described the prosecution of Moskalyov as bullying of the family. The lawyer visited Maria in the orphanage Tuesday and told reporters that while he wasnt able to see her, local administrators allowed him to photograph a letter she wrote to her father, which ended with, Daddy, youre my hero. Biliyenko also was given two drawings Maria made, depicting a dog and rabbits. Olga Podolskaya, a member of Yefremovs municipal council who has been helping Moskalyov, told AP that father and the daughter clearly love each other, and the decision to take Maria away was politically motivated. Marias mother left when the girl was 3 and has another family in a different city, Podolskaya told AP by phone. Podolskaya said the news that Moskalyov escaped house arrest shocked her. Were all really worried, including Alexeis lawyer, she said, adding that the hope now was for other relatives to seek custody of Maria. Biliyenko said after the hearing that he tried calling Moskalyov after his visit to the orphanage, but he wasnt answering his phone. I thought that he was being brought here (to the courthouse), because they usually arrive in advance, he said. Russian human rights activists say the Kremlin has ramped up pressure on those who disagree with the war. The OVD-Info rights group that tracks political cases and provides legal aid this month has registered an increase in prison sentences for people prosecuted for their antiwar stance, said Daria Korolenko, the groups lawyer and analyst. Repressions are picking up speed, Korolenko told AP in a phone interview, adding that the numbers are expected to continue growing. Also on Tuesday, a court in St. Petersburg continued a hearing in the case against Irina Tsibaneva, 60, who is charged with desecrating a grave. In October she left a note on the grave of President Vladimir Putins parents that said, among other things: You raised a monster and a killer. She faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Earlier this month, a court in the nearby region of Tver sentenced a married couple to 6 1/2 and 7 years in prison on charges of vandalism and spreading false information about the army. According to OVD-Info, Alexander Martynov and Lyudmila Razumova were charged after critical social media posts and antiwar and antigovernment slogans they allegedly wrote on buildings. In Moscow last week, police raided two bars suspected of raising funds for Ukraines military. According to media reports, police played patriotic songs and forced the guests to sing along during the raid. At least 40 people were briefly detained. Another recent raid in the capital targeted an event dedicated to the jailed artist Sasha Skochilenko, who is on trial for spreading false information about the army. The events participants reported being beaten by police or threatened with rape. In the far eastern city of Vladivostok, a court reversed the acquittal of a feminist artist who was tried on charges of disseminating pornography after she shared artwork online of womens bodies. Yulia Tsevtkovas case drew international outrage and ended in a rare acquittal last year after fears she would be sent to prison. Tsvetkova has since left Russia; a new trial has been ordered for her case. In Yefremov, Yelena Agafonova, an activist who has been helping the Moskalyov family, told AP after the trial that anyone can run afoul of authorities these days with their comments. Perhaps your children will express their opinion somewhere. Perhaps your children will laugh at something somewhere, and they will be in exactly the same situation in which this family is now, she said. Perhaps a neighbor, who thinks they saw something (untoward), will report on you. So while you are lying on the couch, this will all happen more, and more, and more. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Read more about: SHARE: BEIRUT (AP) A leading international rights group on Tuesday decried what it said were double standards by Western countries that have rallied behind a robust response to Russias invasion of Ukraine but remain lukewarm on issues of human rights violations in the Middle East. According to Amnesty International, such double standards only fuel further repression for millions in the region. The sharp rebuke came as the London-based watchdog launched its annual report at a news conference at its office in Beirut, Lebanons capital. Every year, the report documents and analyzes patterns of human rights violations and abuses across the world. In the report, Amnesty urged the international community to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses in the Middle East and North Africa to account, and to address the issue of migration without discrimination. They immediately opened their borders to receive refugees from Ukraine, Aya Majzoub, Amnestys deputy chief for Mideast and North Africa, said of Western nations. She said thats in stark contrast to how the same countries generally treat refugees and migrants trying to flee war-torn Syria, the chaos in Libya or Lebanons economic meltdown. The number of attempts by migrants to enter the European Union without authorization reached around 330,000 in 2022, the highest in five years. In 2015, over 1 million people, mostly Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict, reached Europe. Germany received accolades for welcoming large numbers of Syrian refugees at the time, and the U.S. and European countries frequently point out the billions of dollars they have given in aid to help refugees and internally displaced Syrians. Today, many European governments are calling for reforms to the asylum-seeking system for better efficiency and to distinguish between refugees fleeing war and persecution and migrants searching for job opportunities, who they say are creating a strain on the asylum system and should be returned. Majzoub spoke to The Associated Press in an interview after the news conference. She praised the international community for denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putins attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions which a U.N.-backed inquiry earlier this month said amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity. But such a strong response was lacking during Syrias 12-year-old brutal civil war. Thats perpetuated the culture of impunity and empowered Putin to commit the crimes that he was committing in Ukraine, she said. Amnestys report said Middle Eastern governments took advantage of the situation over the past year and doubled down on repressing dissidents while neglecting obligations to respond to economic crises. The group condemned Iranian authorities for detaining over 20,000 people who took part in monthslong anti-government protests that erupted last September, following the death of a young woman in the custody of the countrys morality police. Amnestys report also did not spare oil-rich Saudi Arabia for changing its image to win over foreign investment in a public relations campaign while continuing to crack down on activists promoting womens rights. Amnesty also criticized Israel for its ongoing raids on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with the past months being among the deadliest in years. In tiny Lebanon, Amnesty chastised the authorities for escalating rhetoric against Syrian refugees and the queer community instead of undertaking badly needed economic reforms for an International Monetary Fund bailout package. SHARE: PLEASANT VIEW, Tenn. (AP) Authorities on Monday revised the number of youths killed over the weekend in a Tennessee highway crash, saying that four girls ages 1 to 12 died instead of the six they originally reported. Emergency crews found a car upside down with extensive damage early Sunday when they responded at about 2 a.m. to the crash site on Interstate 24 in Robertson County, said Brent Dyer, chief of the countys emergency management services office. In a news release sent after the crash, Robertson County EMS said first responders found six females ranging in age from 1 to 18 who had been thrown from the car and could not be resuscitated. The Tennessee Highway Patrol released a report Monday identifying the car as a Toyota Camry and placing the number of people who were in the vehicle at eight. The report revised the ages of those killed from six youths to four girls and two adults. All six were riding in the Camry. The highway patrol said the girls ages were 1, 3, 5 and 12. Their names were not released. Also killed was the driver of the Camry, the highway patrol said. She was identified as Tania Rodriguez, 21. A sixth person who was killed was identified as Rina Reyes, 35, who was a passenger in the Camry. Two other passengers, Saira Reyes, 34, and Anthony Gellardo, 18, were injured, the highway patrol said. Of the eight people in the Camry, only Gellardo was wearing a seat belt. A car that crashed with the Camry was found nearby, officials said. The driver, identified as Matthew Flint, 23, was not injured, the highway patrol said. The crash took place on I-24 near Pleasant View and Springfield, north of Nashville. A section of the highway was closed for hours before reopening later Sunday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. The Robertson County emergency management office said it was coordinating professional mental health and counseling services for crews that responded to the crash. SHARE: BOISE, Idaho (AP) The Idaho Senate on Monday voted 22-12 to pass a bill criminalizing gender-affirming healthcare for minors, one month after the state House passed similar legislation. The measure bars transgender and transitioning children, or children with gender dysphoria, from receiving hormones or puberty blockers to alleviate their symptoms or help them with transitioning, KTVB reported Monday. Doctors prescribing these hormones or blockers could be charged with a felony and face prison time. The Senate will send the measure back to the House for consideration of the Senate amendments. If the House agrees, the bill will go to Gov. Brad Little. Republican lawmakers in more than two dozen states have pushed for bans on gender-affirming care this year, targeting what doctors and psychologists widely consider medically necessary care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends gender affirming care to treat children struggling with gender dysphoria. The organization says those who struggle with the condition are more likely to think about suicide or attempt suicide. Before the vote, Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, read a letter from a constituent pleading with lawmakers to reject the bill. I cannot imagine if that right was taken away from us. Please do not take away a lifeline for parents to save their child, Wintrow said as she read the letter on the Senate floor. It is okay for people to disagree but please do not take away that lifeline. Transgender people have always been here. You can either push them over the edge or help pull them away from the edge. SHARE: WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the Justice Departments investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Thats according to two people familiar with the decision, who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the ruling remains under seal. The ruling says Pence will not have to answer questions about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol building as Republican Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify Democrat Joe Bidens victory, according to one of the people. However, he would have to testify about any potential illegal acts committed by the former president, the person said. Pence and his attorneys had cited constitutional grounds in challenging a grand jury subpoena issued weeks ago. They argued that, because he was serving in his capacity as president of the Senate that day, he was protected from being forced to testify under the Constitutions speech or debate clause, which is intended to protect members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts. Trumps lawyers had also objected to Pence complying, citing executive privilege. A Trump spokesman criticized the decision in a statement, accusing the Justice Department of continuously stepping far outside the standard norms in attempting to destroy the long accepted, long held, constitutionally based standards of attorney-client privilege and executive privilege. There is no factual or legal basis or substance to any case against President Trump, they added, but did not respond to questions about how Trumps legal team might respond. Pence said Tuesday evening that his team was evaluating the judges ruling and would make a decision whether to appeal in the coming days. Im pleased that the court accepted our argument and recognized that the Constitutions provision about speech and debate does apply to the vice president, Pence said during an appearance on Newsmax. But how they sorted that out and what other testimony might be required, were currently reviewing. The sealed ruling from U.S. District Judge James Jeb Boasberg sets up the unprecedented scenario of a former vice president being compelled to give potentially damaging testimony against the president he once served. And it comes as Pence has been inching closer to announcing a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination a decision that would put him in direct competition with his former boss. In addition to the Justice Department probes, Trump is under investigation in Georgia and in New York, where a grand jury has been hearing testimony about hush money paid to women on Trumps behalf during the 2016 campaign. That grand jury will not take up the inquiry again this week, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday, meaning any potential vote on a possible indictment will not happen until next week at the earliest. In Washington, Pence was subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before the federal grand jury investigating election interference. In public appearances, he has cast that action as unconstitutional and unprecedented and has said he would pursue the matter as far as the Supreme Court. Still, he told ABCs This Week that he might be open to testifying about matters not directly related to his congressional role. Ive actually never asserted that other matters unrelated to January 6 would otherwise be protected by speech and debate, he told the network. Were gonna make that case, but I promise you well respect the decisions of the court. A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn Bidens win in the 2020 presidential election to keep Trump in the White House. Multiple Trump aides have already appeared before the federal grand jury, as well as before a separate panel examining allegations of Trump mishandling classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment. A lawyer for Pence did not return messages seeking comment. Pence has spoken extensively about Trumps pressure campaign urging him to reject Bidens victory in the days leading up to Jan. 6, including in his book, So Help Me God. Pence, as vice president, had a ceremonial role overseeing the counting of the Electoral College vote, but did not have the power to impact the results despite Trumps contention otherwise. Pence has said that Trump endangered his family and everyone else who was at the Capitol that day and history will hold him accountable. ___ Colvin reported from New York. SHARE: MIAMI (AP) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will travel to Jerusalem next month and speak at a museum event as Israel faces a spiraling domestic crisis, giving the potential 2024 presidential candidate a stage to tout his foreign policy credentials. The Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem say DeSantis will deliver a keynote speech at an event that will address the tensions in Israel, a key U.S. ally. The governors office confirmed the travel plans, noting the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of Israels independence. At a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, Florida serves as a bridge between the American and Israeli people, DeSantis is quoted in a press release announcing his visit. A controversial judicial overhaul plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked waves of unprecedented street protests in Israel. Netanyahu delayed the plans earlier this week, saying he wanted to avoid civil war, and rival political factions agreed to begin negotiations. Israeli media have reported that the U.S. was withholding an invitation of a formal White House visit as a sign of displeasure with Netanyahu and his new far-right government. The U.S. ambassador, Tom Nides, said in a radio interview that the White House would soon invite Netanyahu to visit. The Jerusalem Post says the April 27 visit is part of a larger Florida/Asian trade delegation. DeSantis says that as a congressman in 2017, he scouted out sites to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to press the Trump administration to deliver on his promise. DeSantis also traveled to Israel as governor in 2019 for a state visit and says relations between Florida and Israel have been growing stronger. SHARE: A 6-year-old child ends up in the emergency room with meningitis, following days of concern by her parents about her fever and rash. A pregnant woman avoids seeing a health provider until she goes into labour, all the while worrying that she is risking her life and that of her baby. A young man falls off a roof while doing repairs, but bears the pain and waits to seek care until his injured leg becomes infected. You may be surprised to hear such things could happen in Ontario, in a country that prides itself on its universal health-care system. But unfortunately, these are exactly the kind of scenarios we are worried will reappear, due to the cruel cuts to health care announced by the Ford government last week. At the start of the pandemic, following years of advocacy by uninsured people and the communities who support them, the Ford government announced a health-care funding program to ensure no one who lives in Ontario would be turned away from health care when they needed it. This program meant that people who found themselves without insurance and those who had lost or expired health cards, often due to homelessness or mental illness, would not be turned away from care. The pandemic provided the catalyst to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Canada has a history of denying health care to people on the basis of immigration status. In Ontario, this has historically included new immigrants, returning Canadian citizens, temporary foreign workers working part-time or between work contracts, international students who dont have insurance through schools, and people who are undocumented. Hospitals and health providers would be faced with the decision to either turn people away, or choose to serve people and absorb the cost. In the end, it cost us all more to wait for people to develop avoidable complications. It is always better to treat high blood pressure than wait for someone to have a stroke. As the pandemic raged on, we saw how the most marginalized among us were hardest hit. We saw how racialized people, Indigenous people, migrants, people experiencing homelessness, and people living in crowded conditions paid the price. These are the same people who couldnt work from home because their jobs involved laying bricks for our homes, picking tomatoes for our dinners, checking out our groceries or delivering our packages. Many of these people may have otherwise been unable to access the health care they needed. Our world changed overnight, and many suffered as a result but his policy change ensuring health-care access for all people living and working in Ontario offered hope. Before this policy change, people who are uninsured were much more likely to delay seeking health care, showing up to our emergency rooms sicker and more likely to die there or leave untreated as a result. Frontline health-care workers and hospitals breathed a sigh of relief when the government ensured access to care for everyone, allowing us to focus on diagnosing and treating peoples health conditions. But now that is all at risk again. Overnight, the Ford government has turned its back on marginalized people who are uninsured or have lost health cards, and the communities that take care of them. The Ford government is playing with peoples lives in cutting a small program with a huge impact. No one should be forced to choose between accessing health care and paying the rent. Doctors, nurses and hospitals all agree the government did the right thing at the start of the pandemic by ensuring no one was denied health care in Ontario. They can do it again by reversing these cruel cuts and making this program permanent. Ritika Goel and Vanessa Redditt are family doctors in Toronto. Michaela Beder is a psychiatrist in Toronto. They are all members of the Healthcare for All Coalition. SHARE: The saga of Shaw Communications merger with Rogers Communications continues. Close to two years in the making, its a story replete with paradox and outsized numbers, starting with the $20 billion price tag. This is a spectacular amount of money that reflects on others in the sector, particularly the arts. Moreover, its the first of a two-part deal involving three players, as Quebecors Videotron is set to acquire Shaws wireless carrier, Freedom Mobile, following the merger. For $2.85 billion it will get a toehold in Alberta. The story goes back to the 1980s when the internet arrived courtesy of Microsoft, facilitated later by Google. Interestingly, Bill Gates genius was in recognizing writing code was like writing a book. So, he copyrighted his invention instead of applying for a patent, thus acquiring rights lasting a lifetime instead of 20 years. The big departure came later with Amazon, Facebook (now Meta) and Twitter, all three being monopoly-based enterprises, ostensibly illegal both in Canada and the U.S. Their billionaire owners seem to operate in a vacuum, as outliers even in the telecom world. They remind you of Eeyore lamenting his solitary lot being the only one of me. Of course, Shaw and Rogers are family businesses that became major players in the telecom world by delivering off-air programming to subscribers by cable. Neither programmers nor producers, they were the folks who could guarantee good reception. Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commissions (CRTC) concerns are about competition. Yet, Ottawa speaks in more than one voice on the subject, inviting skepticism. For example, the effort by the Competition Bureau to block the merger, promptly rejected by the Federal Court of Appeal. Presumably, increased competition (more players) will mitigate Canadas reputation for having the highest internet fees anywhere. But that $20 billion is still problematic. Rogers outage last summer focused attention on something else its public obligations. Situations can and did arise where its service intersected with public safety, especially given cellphone service is part of the package nowadays. It was a sobering experience, warranting serious rethinking. Upheavals in the telecom world arent anything new. The arrival of cable was itself a disrupter. Coverage was its selling-point, the prize being imported American channels, which had a way of showcasing the lack of Canadian content instead. The situation was emblematic. Concerned creators and performers mobilized their unions and began attending CRTC license renewal hearings. Cable had an image problem back then, a common critique being that it brought crumbs to the table, culturally speaking. (Someone even likened telecom execs to parking lot attendants.) And for a time, cable companies were required to run a community channel. Today, the issues have to do with ownership and competition. Small telecom operations continue to disappear, as Oxio did just last month, acquired by Cogeco. Then theres the hot-topic of wholesale access, which big companies are required to provide to smaller ones. Indeed, the CRTC has just announced it was launching a review of network rates. So far, the commissions policy has been to support private sector profit, while encouraging competition. The trouble is the latter part is achieved more in the saying than doing. Content, however, is never mentioned. For creators the internet has been a path to new audiences. But a crap shoot when it comes to monetizing your work. Readers/viewers can find books and videos across continents, and languages. But selling books or arts the same way is tough a challenge. Meanwhile, people take liberties, as with the breathtaking experience of illustrator Sam Yang, whose distinctive images were lifted, scraped and recreated through an AI process. Moral rights be damned. In the end, we are left with the disparity between Rogers $20 billion and the $10,000 creators earn in a good year. Theres something jaded about that. As there is with Metas dump of 10,000 workers, and with the multiple phone-pitches I received last month from Rogers, the packages never the same twice. Susan Crean is a Canadian writer, cultural critic and activist. Read more about: SHARE: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves as she arrives to address youth gathered on Black Star square in Accra, Ghana, on March 28, 2023 Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stood before a monument commemorating Ghanas independence from colonialism and envisioned a grand future between the U.S. and Africa, propelled by innovation on the continent. But shes also insisting on exploring past wounds, heading to a seaside fort where enslaved Africans were loaded onto ships bound for the Americas. We have an intertwined history, some of which is painful and some of which is prideful, she told a crowd of gathered at the Black Stone Gate, the monument bearing the words: Freedom and Justice and 1957, the year the country became independent. And all of which we must acknowledge, teach and never forget. The events on her second full day in Ghana is part of a weeklong trip that will include visits to Tanzania and Zambia. Harris is the most high-profile member of President Joe Bidens administration to visit Africa as the U.S. escalates its outreach to the continent. As the nations first Black and South Asian vice president, Harris is a powerful symbol in Gha na, and thousands waited hours at the Independence Square for a chance to see her. After the speech, Harris was to tour the Cape Coast Castle and speak there, too. Because of this history, this continent of course has a special significance for me personally, as the first Black vice president of the United States, she said to huge cheers from the crowd. And this is a history, like many of us, that I learned as a young child. Tracy Sika Brobbey said its a special moment to see the first woman vice president. Margaret Mintah, who waited alongside her, said Harris gives us some kind of hope, that we can believe that anything is possible. Its like a blessing, she added. Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa, envisioning a future that is propelled by African innovation. Much of her remarks focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, part of her effort to spotlight Africa as a place for American private-sector investment. Its something that Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said he hopes to see after years of being overlooked. We must invest in the African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities, Harris said, highlighting the continents innovations to deliver emergency healthcare supplies and provide vaccines, and in farming and mineral processing. The U.S. must be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but we can do with our African partners. But Harris also homed in on areas for work, including promoting democracies across the world, progress in the digital economy in Africa, and the empowerment of women. Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles, she said. The empowerment of women is rooted in the concept of freedom, not just freedom from violence or want, but freedom to create ones own future. U.S. outreach is part of the global competition over Africas future, with China and Russia each defending their own interests in the continent as well. But Harris has been careful to play down the role of geopolitical rivalries during her travels here. Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own, she said. Harris spoke of the vast capabilities of the continents youth, calling them dreamers and innovators; Africas population has a median age of 19. It is your spark, your creativity and your determination that will drive the future. Imagine a future where every person is connected to the digital economy, where every young person trusts that their voices are heard, a future that is propelled by African innovation, she said. On Monday evening, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, attended a banquet dinner hosted by Akufo-Addo. In addition to officials from both countries, American celebrities, businesspeople and civil rights leaders also attended. Guests included actors Idris Elba and Rosario Dawson and director Spike Lee. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The big number $1.7 billion the projected high-end scenario opening budget gap facing Toronto city hall for next year. Any serious candidate for mayor should offer voters a credible budget for dealing with it. With six days still to go before registration even officially opens, the list of people who might be running to be the next mayor of Toronto is already long enough that Im already finding it hard to keep track. With a field this big, voters are going to need a way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Theyll need a litmus test for whether to take candidates seriously. Luckily, Ive got one, and its simple. Want to be taken seriously? Show us your budget. Voters dont need platitudes. They dont need vague promises. They dont need folksy stories about how your parents were labourers and instilled you with the value of a hard days work. They need numbers. Because numbers are now a huge part of the job. After Premier Doug Fords provincial government introduced strong mayor powers via legislation last year, the mayor of Toronto is now fully responsible for the citys annual budget. Previously, the municipal budget process in Toronto was a more collaborative process, with bureaucrats proposing a spending plan and politicians making tweaks. This created a general lack of accountability. Mayors could claim ignorance of the budget while it was being developed by staffers and suggest unpopular proposals for spending cuts happened without their knowledge or direction. Now, the accountability is crystal clear. The citys budget is the mayors budget. Members of Toronto city council can propose changes, but amending a budget over the objection of a mayor requires clearing a high bar. The mayor can veto any budget amendments, and overriding that veto takes a two-thirds majority on council. So what better way for a mayoral candidate to prove theyre ready for the job than to show us their budget now? Theres no reason to put it off. In provincial and federal elections, providing a costed platform is the general expectation for parties who want to be taken seriously. And theres recent direct precedent for municipalities with strong mayor systems to demand that candidates provide budgets in advance. In last falls mayoral election in Ottawa the only other city in Ontario to receive strong mayor powers via provincial legislation, so far all three of the leading candidates provided detailed spending plans. All the information candidates need to build a credible spending plan is publicly available. Theres no ornate scroll of secret budget information that is ceremonially bestowed to the mayor upon taking office. Everyone sees the same numbers. In fact, these candidates have access to more financial reports than any previous would-be mayors. City hall is awash in recent reports and studies on the citys financial situation. So many, in fact, that any mayoral candidate who claims the solution is another study should be laughed out of the room. The most recent report comes from consulting firm Ernst & Young. It will go before council this week for consideration, though its unlikely Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie and councillors will do much beyond acknowledge its seriousness before moving on to other business. But it is indeed deadly serious, documenting a projected $46.5 billion city hall budget hole over the next 10 years, including $7.5 billion in accumulated operating budget pressures, $9.5 billion in increased debt costs, and $29.5 billion in unfunded but badly needed capital projects. Candidates dont necessarily need to tell us how theyll fix that terrifying 10-year problem, but a plan for how theyll begin to deal with it in the citys 2024 budget where expenditures are expected to exceed revenues by up to $1.7 billion is a necessity. Of course, last weeks provincial budget is illuminating, too. With no announced bailout for Toronto in Fords spending plan, candidates who suggest theyll get the money from other levels of government will need to prove why we should put any faith in their negotiating skills. For candidates wishing to take a different approach, there are also recent reports on potential ways to increase revenues to fill that gap, with estimates on how much the city could expect to take in from a parking levy (up to $535 million), a congestion charge for vehicles (up to $377 million) and an extra one per cent increase on the average residential property tax bill (about $39 million). And theres been no shortage of audits and reviews of services as part of the ongoing hunt for budget efficiencies all of which generally suggest theres no deep well of budget waste to be found. And heck, the city even offers a service where candidates for office can request detailed answers from city hall staff on specific issues. (Alas, only seven questions were answered during last falls election.) With the volume of information, resources and numbers available, any candidate who wants to be taken seriously should have to to offer some basic math that adds up to a credible budget. Voters and those of us in the media should hold them to it. Read more about: SHARE: They continued to arrive, the end of a long journey seeking a new start and a better life. Yet the asylum seekers who sought to cross into Canada at the Roxham Road entry point over the weekend as thousands before them did instead found the crossing closed. It was a reminder that for all the political furor over Roxham Road, this is about the fate of individual lives. Its important to keep such refugees in mind as Canada and the U.S. move forward from their agreement to close Roxham Road as an unofficial crossing. The deal that was announced during Joe Bidens Canadian visit had been hammered out long before Air Force One touched down last Thursday carrying the president to the nations capital. It took effect over the weekend, an attempt to halt traffic at this unsanctioned but busy crossing. In 2022, some 39,000 migrants entered Canada via this route. It owed its popularity to a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement, a bilateral treaty that requires asylum seekers to make their claim in whichever country they reach first. Yet that provision had only applied to official border crossings, leading to the scene at Roxham Road. The change applies that requirement all along the nearly 9,000-kilometre border, meaning that asylum seekers crossing anywhere will likely be turned back to the other country anytime within two weeks of arrival. In return for Washingtons willingness to make the change, Canada has agreed to accept 15,000 migrants from elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere, helping the U.S. deal with the asylum seekers who arrive at its southern border. The deal brings political relief for Justin Trudeaus government, which had been under pressure from opposition Conservatives to shut down Roxham Road. It also eases a strain on Quebec, which has been carrying the ball for a long time providing services for asylum seekers. As federal immigration minister Sean Fraser highlighted in a Toronto speech Monday, Canada should be rightly proud of its openness to immigration, an attitude that is largely free of the polarizing, often racist and xenophobic tones, that have marked the issue in other countries. This year, Canada expects to bring in 465,000 permanent residents, including some 92,000 on humanitarian and refugee grounds. Yet, the Roxham Road crossing was being exploited as a partisan political wedge. There was real danger that inaction would risk eroding public confidence and the welcome public support in the immigration system. There was good reason to act. The solution though is not ideal. Yes, with this move, some irregular migrants will abandon their attempts to come here. Yet other, more desperate asylum seekers will likely take more perilous routes, perhaps relying on human smugglers. The 14-day window to return migrants to the other country seems arbitrary. During this window, authorities can return migrants even after they successfully make it to Canada without being detected. Yet what happens to these individuals if they need assistance during this time? It could potentially push them further underground. Advocates rightly highlight the disparities in the treatment of asylum seekers in the Canada and U.S. The fact that Canadas system is considered more open and fair is no doubt what drives many migrants to our border. That includes the determination process in Canada, gender persecution and domestic violence are grounds for asylum, but not in the U.S. and whether claimants can access work permits and health care. They can in Canada. Ultimately, to really make a bilateral agreement work, Canada and the U.S. have to bring about more changes to their respective asylum systems. That clearly is a longer term goal and perhaps one out of reach given the politics south of the border. Roxham Road was portrayed as a crisis. Lost in such political machinations were the true crises violence, economic hardships, natural disasters that routinely upend families, forcing them to leave homelands and embark on perilous journeys to another country to start anew. Their plight remains. And while Roxham Road is closed, the moral obligation to assist these refugees remains. SHARE: Doug Fords bad Walmart haircut proves no man is safe at the barbershop, March 23 Vinay Menons description of Premier Doug Fords haircut is hilarious. Standing behind a podium illustrating the words Building Ontario, Ford expressed his dissatisfaction with the simple trim he requested at a barbershop south of the border. Turns out the barber clipped too much hair from Fords head in the wake of a misunderstanding. Yet Ford went one step further when he described himself as a cheap son of a gun. Premier, I learned long ago that paying the standard rate to get a decent haircut is worth the price difference. Embrace the adage you get what you pay for. Robert Ariano, Scarborough Read more about: SHARE: If you care about journalism, if you consume journalism, and especially especially if you are a journalist, then do yourself a favour: look up an article in the Washington Post by Martin Baron on the importance of objectivity in journalism and give it a good read. Baron is a legendary editor. While he was at the helm of the Boston Globe and then the Post (from 2013 to 2021) those papers won a string of Pulitzer Prizes. They even made an Oscar-winning movie, Spotlight, about his time at the Globe. Now hes stepped forward with a new defence of an old idea that in recent years has become increasingly discredited. Spoiler alert: I agree with him. Baron acknowledges off the top that defending objectivity is terribly unpopular among journalists these days. The current wisdom is that its at best naive and at worst racist. Everyone has biases, goes the argument, so no one can be truly objective. Its also dismissed as a cover for false balance and whats become known as both-sidesism. Finally, its condemned as an expression of the world view of those who historically dominated the media and pretty much everything else: white men. For some critics, the idea of objectivity is the kind of thinking that gave the United States Donald Trump a fake neutrality that presented his lies on a par with the truth. Baron goes back a century to see where the idea of objectivity came from. The 1920s were also a time when, in the words of Walter Lippman, another legendary American journalist, there was an increasingly angry disillusionment about the press. Lippmans solution was to advocate what he called as impartial an investigation of the facts as is humanly possible. The key point is not to pretend you dont have biases, but precisely to be aware of them. To set out as a reporter with an open mind, prepared to be surprised and to change your mind along the way. To realize that while the ultimate goal is to seek the truth, the truth about any subject on any particular day is elusive, to say the least. None of these statements argues for false balance, Baron writes. They argue for genuine understanding of all people and perspectives and a receptivity to learning unfamiliar facts. None argue for ignoring or soft-pedalling the revelations of our reporting. They are arguments for exhaustively thorough and open-minded research. None of them are arguments against moral values in our work. Of course, we as a profession must have a moral core, and it begins with valuing truth, equal and fair treatment of all people, giving voice to the voiceless and the vulnerable, countering hate and violence, safeguarding freedom of expression and democratic values, and rejecting abuses of power. At the same time, he says, those same ideas argue against journalists setting themselves up as moral authorities. They argue against stories that are pre-cooked before a lick of research is conducted, where source selection is an exercise in confirmation bias And, importantly, all argue against a madcap rush to social media soapboxes with spur-of-the-moment feelings or irrepressible snark and virtue signalling. That last point in particular landed Baron in controversy at the Post. Some younger journalists, and journalists of colour, resented that approach as an attempt to muzzle them. Whats the point of encouraging diversity on your staff if you dont allow them to express their full selves, went the complaint. That was typical of tensions inside many newsrooms at the time (and indeed now), and its behind much of the contempt for the very concept of objectivity in journalistic circles these days. But I agree with Baron that its misguided. Most of the public, he says, expects journalists to be objective in the way he understands it as professionals out to find the truth, even if it doesnt fit neatly with our preconceived notions. (Here they really mean reporters and editors, not us opinion-mongers.) Thats my sense, too. As we fight to keep the trust of readers and viewers, its a fundamental mistake to toss that ideal aside. SHARE: President Droupadi Murmu was elated seeing the chief minister Mamata Banerjee beating dhamsa (drum) and dancing with adivasi dancers at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Monday evening. The state government held a civic reception at the stadium for the President, who belongs to the adivasi community and hails from a remote tribal village in Odisha. While addressing the reception, a visibly moved Murmu said, I am really very happy to see how the chief minister showed respect to the adivasi community by dancing with tribal dancers and beating a drum. I thank her because she has shown a sense of equality to cultures of all communities. I am overwhelmed with her hospitality. Political observers felt that the President was so elated with the chief minister that the former might have forgotten the controversy that had taken place in July in 2022 when the BJP-led NDA nominated her as presidential nominee. Mamata had said she would have considered supporting the NDAs presidential nominee, Droupadi Murmu as a consensus candidate had the BJP consulted her before the Opposition collectively decided to field former Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha as a contestant for Presidents post. Mamata had played a lead role in trying to get the nonBJP forces together for the presidential polls. Mamata by dancing with the tribal dancers during civic reception virtually gave a message to the BJP that she showed equal social respects to the adivasi community and their culture though the saffron camp had made negative campaign against her on tribal issues during presidential elections. Murmu also said that Bengal has immense contributions in building the nation since Independence. Bangabhumi is a land of great men like Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Bose, Raja Rammohan Roy, Khudiram Bose, Iswarchandra Vidyasagar, Chittaranjan Das, Binoy, Badal, Dinesh, Satyajit Ray, and so many others, who had leading role to lead the country ahead. Mamata while delivering her speech on the occasion requested the president, Madam, my humble request to you. Please try to protect constitutional rights of poor people. Save the country from constitutional crisis because you are the constitutional head. Protect our countrys tradition of unity in diversity. Mamata handed over a Durga idol of dokra art to the President as a gift on behalf of the state. Governor CV Ananda Bose also spoke at the programme throwing lights on woman power. Chief justice of the Calcutta High Court Prakash Srivastava, chief secretary HK Dwivedi, bureaucrats, ministers and Biman Banerjee, speaker of the state legislative Assembly and Kolkata mayor were also present. Earlier in the day, the chief minister and governor welcomed Murmu at the RCTC helipad this morning. Miss Banerjee greeted the President with a bouquet of yellow roses. The President went to the Jorasanko campus of Rabindra Bharati University and to pay respects to Rabindranath Tagore. She went to the room where Tagore was born. State education minister Bratya Basu and Dr Shashi Panja, minister for women and child development and social welfare welcomed the President. Professor Nirmalya Chakraborty, vice-chancellor of RBU took the President around. This was the Presidents maiden visit to West Bengal. She will visit Belur Math tomorrow morning and then attend a function to celebrate 80 years of UCO Bank. She will also attend the convocation of Visva Bharati University KYODO NEWS - Mar 28, 2023 - 21:05 | World, All A U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrived at a port in the South Korean city of Busan on Tuesday, as tensions ratchet up with North Korea following a series of missile tests and other provocations. The warship's arrival came a day after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles in an apparent response to U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises and, according to the North's state media, leader Kim Jong Un inspected work related to the country's nuclear weapons program. It is the first time since September last year that a U.S. nuclear carrier entered a South Korean port. The U.S. Navy's Nimitz docked after its strike group participated in a training exercise with the South Korean navy in open waters near South Korea's southern island of Jeju on Monday. It also conducted a drill with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea for four days through Sunday. Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, told a news conference on the aircraft carrier that the United States, South Korea and Japan plan to conduct a joint exercise after leaving Busan. The carrier's arrival in South Korea will strengthen friendly cooperation as well as joint readiness posture in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the alliance, South Korea's Defense Ministry said. Freedom Shield, the two countries' regular springtime exercise, ended Thursday after 11 days in which the nations' navies held large-scale drills. It was the first time in five years the exercise had been held. An amphibious landing exercise is under way and runs through next Monday. Related coverage: North Korea's Kim orders expansion of weapons-grade nuke material output Japan, South Korea mull 1st security talks in 5 years in April: source North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military Trinamul Congress came down heavily on the state BJP leaders for boycotting the civic reception for the President, Droupadi Murmu by the West Bengal government. Trinamul leaders tweeted: Despite being invited to the event at Netaji Indoor Stadium, they have chosen to boycott it. When it comes to petty politics,@ BJP 4 India does not even spare the Honble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. Shameful. The state government had sent invitation letters to the state BJP office and they were received by the office staff. Trinamul leaders alleged that the leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had chosen the day to meet the Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda to complain to them that the state BJP leaders had not been invited for the civic reception. Suvendu speaks more lie than truth and to cover up the partys faults he will lie to the central leaders that he had not been invited for the civic reception of the President. This is just an attempt to malign the West Bengal government, said minister Shashi Panja at a press meet on Monday. Trinamul Congress also criticized the BJP after their leaders would found having associated with a person who is a convict in connection with alleged rape. Trinamul leaders tweeted: The Nari Shakti rhetoric of @ BJP4India is exposed as its [email protected] and MLA @ssbhabhor are seen brazenly associating with a convicted rapist in the Bilkis Bano case. India needs leaders who prioritize womens safety, not just use it as a slogan. The Delhi High Court is likely to pronounce Tuesday its order on the polices revision plea against a trial courts order discharging 11 accused, including Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar and Asif Iqbal Tanha in the 2019 Jamia violence case. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had on March 23 reserved the judgement on the plea. Violence erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia in December 2019 after a clash between the police and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters. During the last hearing, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain appeared for Delhi Police while different advocates represented the respondents, namely Imam, Tanha, Zargar, Abuzar, Umair Ahmed, Mohd Shoaib, Mahmood Anwar, Mohd Qasim, Mohd Bilal Nadeem, Shahzar Raza Khan and Chanda Yadav. All 11 accused persons were discharged by the trial court on February 4, but it had, however, framed charges of unlawful assembly and rioting against Mohd Ilyas. Before the bench of Justice Sharma on March 23, Jain had contended that the trial court (Saket court), overstepped its jurisdiction in passing disparaging and gravely prejudicial observations against the probe and the investigative agency, and said that the same ought to be expunged from the record. ASJ Verma had pulled up police while discharging the accused persons, saying that police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators behind the commission of the offence, but surely managed to rope in these 11 accused as scapegoats. The bench had said: The trial court judge has basically said you couldnt bring anything on record for the court to believe that these persons were part of a crowd who committed an offence. They also raised the question that when there were so many people, why did you only pick up a few? Appearing for respondents Anwar, Raza Khan, Qasim and Umair Ahmed, advocate M.R. Shamshad submitted that the accused were merely bystanders and that the trial court had passed the right order of discharging them. On behalf of student activist and JNU alum Imam, advocate Talib Mustafa submitted that there is no video clip or any single statement of witness against Imam in any of the charge sheets. Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for Zargar, questioned the manner of her identification by police. She submitted that the person who was identified as Zargar from a video clip had a face cover, adding that no reason was given by the prosecution for concluding that it was her. Recently, Priyanka Chopra opened up, albei, safely, about her shift to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting and expand her global outreach as an artist. The actress took a jibe at the Indian industry over alleged politics inside Bollywood that came in the way of her getting work. But the interview sounded more like the script of her movie, Fashion. It looks as if the international actor is reliving scenes from her movie where Meghna Mathur, Priyankas character, has to go to clubs in order to get work and connect with people as they claim networks can get you work in the industry. In Dax Shepherds podcast Armchair Expert, PeeCee said she wanted to take a break and that the opportunity to do music in the West just clicked at the right time. The actor said, I was being pushed into a corner in the industry (Bollywood). I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, I am not good at playing that game so I kind of was tired of the politics and I said I needed a break. Priyanka further said, This music thing gave me an opportunity to go into another part of the world, not crave for the movies I didnt want to get but I would require to schmooze in certain clubs and cliques of people. It would require grovelling and I had worked a long time by then so I didnt feel like I wanted to do it. She said she just grabbed the opportunity and used it as her way out of Bollywood at that time. So when this music thing came I was like fu** it I am going to America. The former Miss World shared that she didnt do well in music too but someone asked her to stay back and give it a shot in acting. The actress had to start from scratch to make her career in Hollywood. She used to give a lot of auditions. But this industry gave her opportunities based on her talents and not on her appearance. She wanted to explore new opportunities and challenge herself in different ways. In 2015, Priyanka Chopra was cast in the lead role of Alex Parrish in the American television series Quantico, which marked her entry into Hollywood. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Chopras performance was widely praised, helping her gain a foothold in the industry. Since then, she has acted in several Hollywood movies, including Baywatch and Isnt It Romantic, and has also worked on projects as a producer, including the hit TV series Quantico and the film The White Tiger. Later, Priyanka has been seen in big budget Hollywood releases such as Baywatch, Matrix: Revolutions, The White Tiger and will be seen in Citadel and Love Again. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reviewed cyber security infrastructure and functioning of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) here in the national capital, and appealed to spread awareness to curb the menace of cybercrime. Announcing that the analytical report on modus operandi of top 50 cyber-attacks has been prepared, the Home Minister, while interacting with the media persons after the review, said the Ministry of Home Affairs is making comprehensive, integrated and all-out efforts to create awareness among masses about various aspects of cyber security and cybercrime. Shah said that I4C is organizing Cyber Jagarukta Diwas on the first Wednesday of every month and that the I4C is reaching out to all the states in the country to play an active and pivotal role in this initiative and help promote cyber hygiene. The Home Minister urged the media to join hands with the Union Home Ministry in spreading awareness about all the initiatives taken by it in curbing the menace of cybercrime. Shah said more than 20 lakh cyber crime complaints have been registered on the cybercrime portal so far. On this basis, more than 40,000 FIRs have been registered. In addition to that more than 13 crore hits registered on this portal since its launch in January 2020, said the Minister. He also said that 99.99 per cent of police stations (16,597) in the country have been connected with CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems) and they are now registering 100 per cent of First Information Reports directly on CCTNS. As per statistics of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the CCTNS national database so far contains 28.98 crore police records. On CCTNS, more than 12.82 crore service requests have been received from citizens, out of which 12.35 crore requests have been disposed of by the state police, the Minister further mentioned. Shah also stressed the importance of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) App having a database of over 1 crore fingerprints, which is being extensively used by law enforcement agencies. Shah said 1,05, 80, and 266 records are being integrated on NAFIS. In view of the cyber financial fraud, on the helpline number 1930, Shah said, over 250 banks and financial intermediaries are onboarded and resulting in the recovery of over Rs 235 crore embezzled by cybercriminals from over 1.33 lakh people so far. The Minister further said more than 5,000 forensic services have been provided to the states so far through National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation). He alao said training on Cyber Crime awareness, investigation and forensics has been provided to 30,000 police personnel, judicial officers, and prosecutors. Under the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform CyTrain, the Minister further stated more than 31,000 police officers have been registered and more than 8,000 certificates have been issued. He also mentioned that more than 500 apps have been blocked on I4Cs recommendation due to security reasons. After 43 years of criminal activities, mafia don Atiq Ahmed, along with his two accomplices, were awarded life term in connection with the kidnapping of Umesh Pal 17 years back, the main witness in the MLA Raju Pal murder case of 2005. This is the first conviction of Atiq in over 101 criminal cases registered against him. He has been registered in UP police as Interstate gang number 227 with 121 gang members including almost all his family members and his history sheet number is 39A. The Uttar Pradesh government has already confiscated illegal property worth over Rs 1100 crores so far. The other two convicted and awarding them life imprisonment under section 364(A) of the IPC along with Atiq by the special MP/ MLA judge Dinesh Chandra Shukla were Dinesh Pasi and Khana Shaukat Hanif . They were also fined Rs one lakh each to be pad to the family of Umesh Pal. However, seven accused, including Atiqs brother Ashraf, were acquitted due to lack of substantial evidence, the court said. A total of 11 people including Atiq were accused in the 17-year-old case. One of the accused had died during the trial. On hearing his conviction verdict by the MP-MLA court, Atiq started crying, hugging his brother Ashraf. Lawyers in large numbers too raised slogans against Atiq demanding capital punishment and some even tried to give him with a shoe garland. The security personnel had a hard time controlling the agitating lawyers as they were demanding harsh punishment of Atiq, who was behind the murder of Umesh Pal and his two police gunners during the trial of this case on February 24 last. Umesh Pal was abducted 17 years ago on February 28, 2006 by Atiq and his henchmen to change his testimony. Tortured him by taking to their office and then forced him to change his testimonies . Freed from the clutches of Atiq, Umesh went to the police and got a case registered. The court, while hearing, sentenced Atiq and other two accused to rigorous life imprisonment under Section-364A/34, Section-120B, 147, 323/149, 341,342,504, 506. With this, the first justice has been done for Atiqs crimes. The entire family of Atiq is either in jail or absconding after daylight murder of Umesh Pal here on February 24 last. Meanwhile, both sides announced that they will move the Allahabad high court. While Atiqs lawyers said that as their client is suffering from several ailments, they will seek less punishment but the Unesh Pals lawyers said they will oppose the acquittal of 7 accused including Ashraf. Slain Umesh Pals wife Jaya Pal said that though she wanted the court to give death sentence to Atiq Ahmed but still they are satisfied with the judgement . I would appeal to the government that the entire Atiqs family should be punished , otherwise their next target could be their family. Umesh Pals mother Shanti Devi said that her family will accept todays verdict .This (Atiq Ahmed) has been doing all the crimes sitting in jail. If it dies then I will be satisfied. As my son was murdered, he should be given similar treatment. We want the death sentence of Atiq and his family involved in the murder of my son. In a surprise development, a woman Youth Congress leader has filed a complaint against BJP Kerala president for his disparaging statement against the women leaders of the CPI-M. Youth Congress Kerala secretary Veena S Nair has lodged a complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Womens Commission against Surendrans slanderous remark against CPI-M women leaders. Veena, in her complaint, said that Surendrans remarks were extremely insulting and reflected his vile attitude towards women. She also demanded that the police should register a case against Surendran and take legal action against him. It is learnt that the state police chief has assigned the Hi-Tech Cell to probe Veenas complaint and take appropriate action Speaking at a women empowerment programme organised by the Mahila Morcha in Thrissur on Sunday, Surendran had said that the women leaders of the CPI-M were all becoming fat by extorting money from the people and then making fun of the women of Kerala. All CPI-M women leaders of Kerala are fat. They all became fat. How? By extorting money from the people. Then, they laugh and make fun of the women of Kerala, Surendran said. The BJP state presidents comments against women leaders of the CPI-M triggered a political row between Congress and the left party in Kerala. KPCC vice-president VT Balram on Monday alleged that CPI-M leaders were not reacting to Surendrans comments. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan on Tuesday expressed surprise at chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI-M state secretary M V Govindans silence on the issue Why is the CPI-M leadership not filing a case against Surendran, when otherwise the CPI-Ms practice is to slap defamatory cases in fictitious and false cases against their detractors? We will take up the case legally, if the CPM decides to continue their stoic silence, Satheesan told media persons here. Telangana Industry Minister KT Rama Rao has sent defamation notices of Rs 100 crore to state Congress president A Revanth Reddy and BJP state chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar with an ultimatum to withdraw their allegations of the TSPSC paper leak against him or face defamation suit. The notice stated that unless the leaders refrained from making defamatory statements against him, casting aspersions and damaging his reputation and tendered public apology, Rao will take further legal action and file a defamation suit in the courts of competent jurisdiction. Thus, through this Notice, my client calls upon you to refrain from making any further derogatory/defamatory statements/imputations in any form against my client and tender an unconditional apology forthwith to my client by conducting similar press meets by withdrawing your statements made which are extracted above, else my client shall be constrained to prosecute you for an offence of defamation which is punishable under Section 500 of the IPC apart from claiming damages to the tune of Rs 100 crore by initiating appropriate proceedings in the Courts of competent jurisdiction holding you solely responsible for all the costs and consequences thereof, read the notice. Rao had earlier stated that there was a terrible conspiracy hatched by the BJP and the Congress to stall the entire recruitment process. While Revanth Reddy accused Rama Raos personal assistant Tirupati of involved in the paper leak, the BJP chief had alleged involvement of the minister himself in the question paper leak. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Hyderabad Police, which is investigating the case, had served notices to both the politicians to appear before it. Although Reddy appeared before the SIT, BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar chose to ignore the summons twice. The minister accused the Opposition leaders of provoking the job aspirants and appealed to them to ignore the provocations and prepare for the retest announced by the TSPSC. Meanwhile, Rao wrote a letter to Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday to reconsider the decision to reject the proposal of Hyderabad Metro Phase II from Ladkikapul to BHEL and Nagole to LB Nagar on grounds of feasibility since the ministry sanctioned Metro projects for cities with less traffic. He accused the Centre of pure discrimination and step-motherly treatment to Hyderabad and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh CID has served summons on media baron Ramoji Rao and his daughter-in-law to appear before it in connection with the allegations of irregularities and siphoning of funds from Margadarsi Chit Fund Private Limited. Rao and his daughter-inlaw Cherukuri Sailaja, who are chairman and managing director of the MCPL, respectively, were given the choice of four dates on which they have to make themselves available at their office or residence for examination by CID officials. Whereas in view of the facts of the case, for effective investigation and to arrive better conclusion I, being the investigation officer of the below mentioned crime feels that your examination is just and necessary. Hence you are hereby requested to make yourself available at your place of residence/office on 29.03.2023 or 31.03.2023 or 03.04.2023 or 06.04.2023, and cooperate for the investigation, read the notice under section 160 CrPC issued by deputy superintendent of police of CID Ravi Kumar. The duo was also asked to choose a convenient date for the same in separate notices issued to them. Cases have been booked against the two under sections 76 and 79 of the Chit Fund Act, 1982 at the CID police station in Mangalagiri. In the second week of March, multiple FIRs were registered against Rao and Cherukuri Sailaja in police stations across the state. In November last year, the Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, reopened the Margadarsi scam case which was initially alleged by former Congress MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar. The chief minister has often accused Ramoji Rao of being part of a gang of four which is key to the attempts to secure TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidus return to power, dismantling the YSRCP government. The raids against MCPL began months after Rao met Union home minister Amit Shah apparently to broker an alliance between TDP and BJP. Initially, the Stamps and Registration Department conducted inspection of the branches of MCPL. After several irregularities and violations of the Chit Fund Act came to light FIRs were lodged with the CID which took up investigations and conducted searches in multiple places in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopeta and Anantapur and staff. Two Sri Lankan families, who left the island nation for asylum in India, reached Tamil Nadus Dhanushkodi on Tuesday. They were found at a sand dune by fishermen who alerted the Tamil Nadu coastal Police. The coastal police in turn informed the Indian Coast Guard officials, who rescued the two families in a hovercraft from the sand dune. Eight people five women, two children and an adult male had reached the sand dune near Dhanushkodi from Sri Lanka. There are 225 people from Sri Lanka who have reached the shores of Tamil Nadu ever since the island nation was gripped with an economic crisis. The two families, on questioning by the marine police, said that they had paid Rs 1.45 lakh to an illegal ferry operator to reach Dhanushkodi. The two families, according to the marine police, are from Dharmapuram near Killinochi in Sri Lanka. Ahead of the G20 summit meetings in Visakhapatnam on 28 and 29 March, the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has done some greening exercise as part of a beautification drive by covering up slums with green tarpaulin. The so-called greening drive by the civic body has taken place mostly along the route from the airport in ASR Nagar in Thatichetlapalem. Retired IAS officer and activist EAS Sarma, who shared photographs of the spot, pointed out that the slum cluster included one of 60 Chenchus, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) who live in subhuman conditions. The civic body has spent some Rs150 crore in its beautification campaign to impress the delegates arriving at the port city. Sarma slammed the civic body saying, Beautification is a euphemism for enriching contractors. He went on to add, The latest gimmick of GVMC is that it is greening the slums lying along the route from the airport to the city. The slums are a standing testimony to GVMCs and the governments failure to implement slum welfare programmes year after year. Even in the latest Budget approved by GVMC, instead of providing 40 per cent of the budgeted amounts for slum development, the Corporation has allocated funds for contractor-driven works, betraying the magnitude of corruption that exists in it. He also pointed out that GVMC has carried out eviction drive displacing hundreds of street-side hawkers and vendors, damaging their shops disregarding Central law that had conferred special rights to them. Many of the vendors belong to the most disadvantaged sections of society. This is nothing but an outright onslaught on their human rights. The GVMC violated the environmental laws, especially the CRZ norms on the Vizag beach, damaging valuable marine resources, alleged Sarma. He pointed out that the GVMC act of covering the slum of the Chenchus even attracted penal provisions of the law to prevent atrocities on Scheduled Tribes (ST). It may be noted here that bare patches on the beautiful Rushikonda were allegedly covered with green geo mats prior to the Global Investor Summit at the beginning of March. KYODO NEWS - Mar 28, 2023 - 19:47 | All, Japan, World Russia's Pacific Fleet warship has test-fired anti-ship cruise missiles in the Sea of Japan off Vladivostok, the country's Defense Ministry said Tuesday. Two "Mosquito" cruise missiles, developed during the Soviet era, attacked a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers away during an exercise in the Peter the Great Gulf, according to the ministry. Russia has released a video of the missile firings through a communication app. The nation's Tass news agency quoted the military as saying that the launches were carried out after ensuring no safety concerns in the surrounding waters. In Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters later in the day that Japan will "keep monitoring the moves by the Russian military," adding his government will maintain "necessary communication" with Moscow. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference that Russian forces have been "intensifying their activities also in the Far East" while Moscow continues its aggression against Ukraine. Meanwhile, on Monday, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, a close aide of President Vladimir Putin, criticized the United States for pressing Japan to "militarize" its Self-Defense Forces in an interview with a government-controlled newspaper. Referring to Tokyo's plan to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from Washington, Patrushev cautioned the SDF against developing full-fledged military forces, saying it would be a "serious breach" of post-World War II norms. Tech giant Samsung will reportedly unveil a new tri-foldable smartphone, alongside its upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 devices. This information came from the reliable tipster Yogesh Brar, who also claimed that the company will not launch the Galaxy S23 FE this year, reports SamMobile. It is still unclear what will be the tri-folding Galaxy device, but it will likely turn from a compact smartphone to a large-screen tablet with its foldable OLED screen with two hinges. In January this year, the tech giant filed for the trademark of the Flex Hybrid term. Flex Hybrid is the companys new display type that folds and slides simultaneously. Meanwhile, earlier this month, it was reported that the tech giant was not planning to launch the Fan Edition for the S-series this year, which means that the Galaxy S23 FE would not be launched. The company did not even release the Galaxy S22 FE last year. Therefore, it seems that the tech giant is done with the Fan Edition offerings. In a recent move, the Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a plea challenging the appointment of Mohsin Raza Naqvi as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, The News International reported. The government informed the court during the hearing on Monday that the ECP and the courts had the jurisdiction to stop a caretaker CM from abusing their position. The ECP has already halted the execution of a number of Naqvis orders. As the Election Commission of Pakistan has the authority to name the caretaker CM, Judge Shahid Karim stated that the appointment was done in accordance with the law, according to The News International. Questioning Naqvis appointment, the government contended that the ECP alone had the authority to nominate the caretaker chief minister. The petitioner claimed that Naqvi had previously entered into a plea agreement with the National Accountability Bureau and was engaged in acts of corruption. Earlier in January, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan categorically rejected the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decision on the appointment of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi a nominee of the opposition as interim chief minister for Punjab, reported Geo News. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senior Vice-President Fawad Chaudhry rejected the appointment of Naqvi as caretaker Punjab chief executive and vowed to launch a massive campaign against this system. Reacting to the decision, Fawad said, No other options left but taking to the streets against this system, reported Geo News. He added that they rejected the ECPs decision about appointing a controversial person to the key post. Lahore-born Mohsin Raza Naqvi is a journalist by profession. He got his higher education in the United States and was associated with the American TV channel CNN during his stay in Miami. After returning to Pakistan, he served as the regional head of CNN. According to a report, former prime minister and PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, who Mohsin had interviewed, was the last person she contacted before her assassination. Mohsin founded the local media City News Network in 2009 at the age of 30 and now owns six news channels and a newspaper. He is also widely known in the political arena and has strong relations with leading political figures. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Showers early becoming a steady light rain later in the day. High 47F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low near 40F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. KYODO NEWS - Mar 28, 2023 - 19:30 | All, Japan, World Japan, the Philippines and the United States plan to set up a trilateral framework involving their national security advisers, officials familiar with the matter said recently, amid China's growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Their first discussions under the new scheme may take place as early as April, Eduardo Ano, security adviser to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., told Kyodo News. Ano said he is "willing to attend" the meeting although details, including which country will host the talks, remain fluid. An aide to Ano separately disclosed on Friday that the proposal to initiate a three-way security dialogue was put forward by Japan which, with the United States, believes that forging closer ties with the Philippines is essential for boosting deterrence against China and preparing for a potential crisis over Taiwan. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and his Japanese counterpart Takeo Akiba are expected to be the two other representatives at the envisioned meeting, according to a U.S. government source. Another U.S. government source said the trilateral meeting is likely to take place after the United States and the Philippines hold security talks involving their foreign and defense ministers in Washington on April 11. The so-called two-plus-two talks between the two countries will be convened for the first time since January 2016, signaling that the Marcos administration continues to pursue a different foreign policy approach from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte, who held office for six years until June 2022, repeatedly threatened to sever the Philippines' longtime security ties with the United States and often ignored China's illegal incursions in the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, but the Philippines, several other Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan have overlapping claims with Beijing. China disregards a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its territorial claims to the area. Japan, which has been seeking to counter China's assertion of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, is a U.S. treaty ally, alongside the Philippines. The Philippines seeks the support of Japan and the United States over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, but it is also cautious about relying too much on the two countries. Marcos has made it clear that his administration will not seek to embrace a "Cold War mindset," saying his country's foreign policy will be independent and will not choose a side between Beijing and Washington. Japanese and U.S. officials, meanwhile, want to expand the framework beyond dialogue to trilateral defense cooperation and exercises in the near future. The U.S. government has assessed that China could take military action against Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, by 2027 when Xi Jinping's third term as leader of the Communist Party ends. As China's behavior toward Taiwan becomes increasingly assertive, Japan and the United States regard the Philippines, a country located near important sea lanes and the self-ruled democratic island, as strategically important for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Despite seeking to avoid being caught in the intensifying rivalry between China and the United States, the Philippines has adopted a more resolute stance in recent months against Beijing. In February, the president granted the U.S. access to four more military bases, raising the number American soldiers can use in the Philippines to nine. He also summoned China's ambassador to Manila following an incident involving a Chinese coast guard vessel shining a powerful laser at one of its ships in the contested waters. Investigators looking for the cause of a deadly explosion that leveled part of a Pennsylvania chocolate factory are facing an even more difficult task as they comb through wreckage that was picked apart and moved around during the weekend search for victims and survivors FILE - New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin speaks in Trenton, N.J., Feb. 3, 2020. On Monday, March 27, 2023, Platkin says his office has taken control of the police department in the state's third-largest city, Paterson. The announcement came less than a month after Paterson police officers fatally shot a well-known crisis intervention worker during a tense standoff. Zolnierek/Getty Images/iStockphoto EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man was found guilty by a Madison County jury of multiple felonies in a 2021 shooting that left three people injured, including three counts of first-degree attempted murder. After nearly five hours of deliberation the jury found Steven Foster, 36, of Alton, guilty of three counts each of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm, all Class X offenses, as well as aggravated discharge of a firearm. EDWARDSVILLE An Alton man was charged Monday with felony DUI after a Sunday incident. Walter E. Williams-Bey, 60, was charged March 27 with aggravated driving while under the influence, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on March 26 Williams-Bey allegedly was \driving a 2013 GMC Terrain while under the influence of alcohol. He has a conviction or has received court supervision for similar cries out of Montgomery County in 2010 and 2012. Bail was set at $40,000. Other drug-related charges filed March 27 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Carlie Crane, 19, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, and obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on March 27 Crane allegedly had one gram or more of fentanyl with the intent to deliver and provided false information to a Madison County sheriffs deputy. Bail is set at $75,000. Britnie D. Hayse, 33, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on March 26 Hayse allegedly had less than five grams of methamphetamine and less than 15 grams of Tramadol Hydrochloride. Bail was set at $20,000. Demarion D. Hendricks, 32, of East St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on March 25 Hendricks allegedly had more than 30 grams of cannabis with the intent to deliver. Bail was set at $50,000. Elijah E. Essenpreis, 18, of Alton, was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, both Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois. According to court documents, on March 25 Essenpreis allegedly had less than 15 grams each of fentanyl and cocaine. Bail was set at $30,000. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WHITE HALL Generations of families have grown up in the First Christian Church of White Hall after being established 140 years ago. Like the family of Church Secretary Anna Gansz. "My husband knows if I'm not at work or at home, I'm here," Gansz said. "This is my second home, my second family." Many of her or her family's life milestones took place in the church birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers and funerals. Growing up and going to Sunday School, Bible School during the summers, Gansz said the church is a part of her history. Now, her children are making up the seventh generation and she is looking forward to them experiencing the same second family that she has had. But, before her, there were many more years of history within the church walls. The First Christian Church in White Hall was established March 11, 1883, where members of the congregation met at the nearby church before the construction of their building in 1903 at 201 N. Main St. The lot where the church sits was purchased in 1898 by the Ladies Aid Society. Families purchased stained glass windows as memorial windows, which are still intact at the church. Gansz took on the project of compiling the church's history for its 140th birthday, and though there was a formal history, it was the personal aspects that she connected with. "My grandma love writing and she chronicled a lot of the history," Gansz said. "When I was going through everything, I saw all these documents with the handwriting of all these past members, including her's. It was so special to me." The church itself is about the families that have built it. Each window is dedicated to a family that donated to the construction, each chandelier and even several of the flower pots that grace the outside of the building are in dedication to Gansz's grandmother, Kae Coats, who grew flowers on her farm and loved taking care of the flowers at the church. It was built through the people, whether if they donated, helped create murals on the walls or were a part of the group of volunteers that used buckets to dig out dirt to create the basement. Though the church has its physical location, Gansz said the church isn't the building it's the people. It's Pastor Rex Beard who served from November 1997 to December 2021. It's Pastor Chad Hoesman who took over church leadership in June. It's the families and the community that comes together to help each other. During the pandemic, the church's members made sure to find ways to worship, from Zoom Sunday School to writing messages on the steps of the church in chalk. Even when they were without a pastor for six months, the membership worked together to hold a community prayer, inviting members of every faith and communities to come together. "We just continue to grow," Gansz said. "Nobody is a stranger here, even visitors. We have been growing and growing." Getty Images ALTON The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced lane restrictions will be encountered starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, on southbound Illinois 3/111 (Homer Adams Parkway) over Bloomer Avenue in Alton. The right lane will to allow emergency bridge deck patching. Press Release March 28, 2023 Legarda -- Listen to science; heed the call for rapid GHG reduction, climate resilient development Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged leaders in government and the private sector to listen to science and heed the call for deep, rapid, and sustained greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in order to avert the worst of the climate crisis. Legarda made the statement following the release of the latest Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC reports, which are reviewed by thousands of climate experts from 195 member-states, provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments about climate change. In the Synthesis Report, the IPCC asserted that human-caused global warming has breached 1.1 degrees Celsius since the 1850s and that climate change is causing widespread and rapid changes in the environment, leading to deadly floods, destructive storms, and raging fires and undermining public health, food security, and water supply. While there has been progress in GHG emissions reductions found across 18 countries, the IPCC also said that the pace and scale of what has been done so far, as well as current plans, may be insufficient to prevent an overshoot past 1.5 degrees Celsius, the critical threshold for vulnerable countries. "The science is clear that we have to act with much more urgency than before. I urge all leaders in government and the private sector: We have to ensure that our vulnerable communities and natural ecosystems are able to adapt to the climate crisis, and we have to stop relying on fossil fuels. Let's heed the call for rapid emissions reduction and enable a resilient future for all," Legarda said. She noted that the IPCC report, while alarming, also said that keeping global warming to the agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius in the Paris Agreement is still entirely possible and that the solution lies in climate resilient development. This includes the deployment of renewable energy, low-emission technologies, and clean transport solutionsall of which reduce or avoid GHG emissions and provide co-benefits for people's health such as better air quality. She also shared the IPCC's view that political commitment, increased climate financing, enhanced technology innovations, and international cooperation are critical enablers for accelerated climate action. "We are in the most crucial decade to respond to the global climate emergency. We have to ensure that the window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future does not close on us. The solutions to avert this climate crisis are already available, and it's just a matter of exercising our political will to actually decide and implement these solutions. Our decisions and actions now will determine the fate of our children and our future," Legarda concluded. KYODO NEWS - Mar 29, 2023 - 00:27 | World, All, Japan Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi is considering visiting China this weekend, Japanese government sources said Tuesday, as ties between the two nations remain tense over issues including Beijing's recent detention of a Japanese businessman and a territorial row. If the planned trip to China for two days from Saturday is realized, it would be the first visit to the neighboring nation by a Japanese foreign minister since December 2019. Hayashi is expected to hold his first meeting with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang since the former Chinese ambassador to the United States succeeded Wang Yi in late December, according to the sources. Hayashi will likely demand that China release the Japanese national detained since earlier this month on suspicion of engaging in spying activities, the sources added. The detention of the employee of Japanese drug maker Astellas Pharma Inc. has further strained relations between the two Asian powers. The two countries have been at odds over the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are claimed by China as Diaoyu, with Chinese coast guard vessels repeatedly entering Japanese territorial waters around them. The planned visit emerged after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to arrange Hayashi's trip to China when they met in November in Bangkok for their first in-person talks. Tensions between China and the United States have also grown over matters such as Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island that Beijing sees as an inseparable part of China to be eventually reunified with the mainland. Kishida and Xi met in the Thai capital on the sidelines of a gathering of the leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. It was the first face-to-face meeting of Japanese and Chinese leaders in nearly three years. Qin invited Hayashi to China during their phone talks early last month. Against a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020, no top Japanese diplomats have visited China since December 2019, when then Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a meeting with then Chinese Foreign Minister Wang in Beijing. Related coverage: Japan demands release of national detained in China for espionage Businessman detention shocks Japan firms in China, dampens sentiment Kishida nixed China envoy farewell meeting amid strained ties SPRINGFIELD In an effort to increase recognition of indigenous history and culture, lawmakers are considering measures to repatriate Native American remains and teach Native American history in public schools. Lawmakers last week approved both measures that seek to address past harms inflicted on the Native American community and shift how the state recognizes these communities in Illinois. They both head to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 3413, passed unanimously out of the House, would ensure a more concerted effort is made to return Native American remains and cultural artifacts to their affiliated tribal nations. According to the legislation, the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources would work with the director of the Illinois State Museum and federally recognized tribes with geographical and cultural affiliation with Illinois to determine the tribal identity of these remains. The remains and artifacts would then be returned to those affiliated tribes. The measure would also allow for the creation of a cemetery in which repatriated Native American remains and materials may be buried. The public would not be allowed to use the cemetery and it would be protected by the state. [The bill] allows us to gather those remains and put them back where we got them, to reinter them, to have their own cemetery, to bury them with honor, said Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights and lead sponsor on the bill. For cultural artifacts that are funerary artifacts, those become the property of the tribe most associated with those burials. The artifacts that were buried with the individual would then belong to federally recognized indigenous nations who may loan them to the museum if they choose. The measure would also create a Native American Review Group which would examine the impact of state projects on culturally or religiously significant properties. The group would have the authority to review any request made to IDNR for a land permit on projects that would disturb native remains. The group would be appointed by the director of IDNR and consist of at least one tribal representative from each of the more than 30 tribal nations that have been identified as having a historical presence in Illinois. HB 3413 also creates the special tribal repatriation fund in the state treasury. Subject to appropriation, the funds would be used for tribal repatriation or internment. These are the remains that have been gathered in Illinois for 200 years and theyre sitting in museums, Walker said. And so if we dont appropriate the money, we have to find the money elsewhere. Despite the 1990 passage of the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, tribes around the country are still waiting on the return of their ancestral remains and cultural artifacts. According to a ProPublica series tracking the return of Native American ancestral remains across the country, the Illinois State Museum has the second largest collection of unrepatriated remains in the United States. In the three decades since the federal law was passed, Illinois has only returned 2 percent of the 7,700 remains it reported to the U.S. government, or just 156 individuals. Its time to turn back the clock and do it right and put these people back in the ground with honors, Walker said. House Bill 1633, passed on a 75-32 vote, would require public elementary and high schools to include Native American history in their social studies curriculum, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Teaching our children true Native American history would not only teach them of the things we are ashamed of but also the contributions of Native Americans that have benefitted our state, said state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford and lead sponsor on the bill. This bill is giving a voice to the very first of us. While the legislation does not actually create curriculum for the history course, it does specify the unit should include Native American contributions in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of Native Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of their own nations and of the United States. The bill also requires the unit of instruction to include descriptions of large urban Native American populations in Illinois and, for grades 6 through 12, a section on the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans. While the Illinois State Board of Education will provide instructional materials and guidelines for the development of the curriculum, each school district would be required to develop it on their own. The floor debate included pushback on the way the curriculum would be developed. I do want to stress to you, representative, that maybe when it goes over to the Senate, there should be someone included in this process that will hopefully make sure theres an objective view when the curriculum is written, said state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago. In particular, DeLuca was concerned about how Christopher Columbus would be represented in the unit of instruction, saying his story is essential to Native American history as well. West, however, said he had no intention of changing the bill in the Senate. We are desensitized when it comes to a certain community of people and, so no, Im not going to change in this bill in the Senate, West said. Im standing firm on how this bill looks right now because there are people of Native American descent who need to know that this legislature stands for them. Additionally, the State Education Equity Committee, which provides recommendations for advancing equity in education, will also include a representative from an organization that works for economic, educational, and social progress for Native Americans. JERSEYVILLE Pig on a Wing in Jerseyville will be taking a new direction next month. Last week the restaurant announced through its Facebook page that Pig on a Wing would be closing its location at 807 Illinois 16 on Friday, March 31. "We understand this news will be disappointing to many, but after many months of deliberation we decided to put our efforts into The Pig on Wing food truck and the debut of our second food truck this spring," the post read. "Please come see us and say goodbye to our wonderful staff that you've made friends with over the years." Located for five years in Metford's Food Mart at 216 N. State St. in Jerseyville, in April 2022 the store announced it was moving back to its original location at 807 Illinois 16, attached to Hansen's Meat Packing. At that time owner Ryan Hansen and his business partner Steve Walker said they were returning to the Hansen's location because their lease with Metford's had expired. On Facebook, Walker said the second food truck, named "Rolling Dog," is expected to be ready by May. The food truck will offer a different sandwich selection than Pig on a Wing, he said. Pig on a Wing has seen success at the Flock Food Truck Park in Alton. "This year should be better than last," Walker said. Walker said Rolling Dog also will make its way to the Alton food truck park, as well as to other events in the area. For updates on food truck locations and progress, visit the Pig on a Wing Facebook page. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate EDWARDSVILLE A small group communications class is helping the community while its students learn valuable lessons. Support the Girls, Holly's House of Hope and Neighborhood Bakery Edwardsville are the nonprofits that students, divided into three groups in the small communications class, represent in raising funds and donations for these three respective nonprofits. Holly's House of Hope group of students already held an event at Fox Creek Golf Course in Edwardsville. Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles chapter of Support the Girls donation event is two different days from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, April 3, and Thursday, April 5, at SIUE's Founders Hall on the first floor. Support the Girls is asking for donations of new and gently used bras, new panties, menstrual hygiene products, socks and small makeup bags. Donations will help people in need from homeless shelters, foster care programs, domestic violence centers, pregnancy crisis centers and schools, in the Metro East and surrounding St. Louis areas. "Businesses can also donate," said nontraditional student Jerika Burton, with Support the Girls, who received a full scholarship to SIUE when she transferred with honors and an associate degree from Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. She is studying for a degree in psychology. Each student group had to choose a nonprofit organization from a list that professor Diane Owino provided. "The project is amazing," Burton said. "We are doing this to learn about small group communication, and why its important to learn how to communicate within these groups, from leadership roles to relationship building in the workplace," she said. Professor Alicia L. Alexander is SIUE's faculty sponsor of SIUE Support the Girls. An American bald eagle couple that went viral when they worked together to rebuild their nest in West Virginia welcomed its first eaglet Sunday afternoon. The chick was revealed from under its parent around 2:14 p.m. to watchers of a livestream called EagleCam managed by the National Conservation Training Center in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Outdoor Channel. The second egg remains unhatched. The nest is about 90 feet off the ground at the top of a sycamore tree at the National Conservation Training Center near Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in the eastern panhandle of the state, according to Randy Robinson, who coordinates the EagleCam updates for the NCTC. It was first built 20 years ago by a bald eagle couple and has been continuously used and maintained since, according to Robinson. The EagleCam, which focuses on the nest, was one of the first to stream footage to eagle fans nationwide. There are now around 50 cameras nationwide that feature bald eagle nests. The first egg, which appeared on Feb. 15, was expected to hatch around March 22, so it and its younger sibling, which was laid on Feb. 18, are a bit late. Incubation time is about 35 to 38 days, according to Robinson. The second egg will reach 40 days on Thursday, March 30. After that, it will likely not hatch. "They're excellent parents," Robinson said. The mom was named Bella, and the dad, Smitty. The eagle couple went viral last month after a video of them preparing their nest made captured by the USFWS made its way to Twitter. The video taken in January 2023 showed the pair carrying a stick together to ensure it was in the perfect spot. The USFWS posted the video on Feb. 23. It garnered more than 500,000 views. The eagle family is available to watch live through the Outdoor Channel's NCTC EagleCam. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BEIRUT (AP) A leading international rights group on Tuesday decried what it said were double standards by Western countries that have rallied behind a robust response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine but remain lukewarm" on issues of human rights violations in the Middle East. According to Amnesty International, such double standards only fuel further repression for millions in the region. The sharp rebuke came as the London-based watchdog launched its annual report at a news conference at its office in Beirut, Lebanon's capital. Every year, the report documents and analyzes patterns of human rights violations and abuses across the world. In the report, Amnesty urged the international community to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses in the Middle East and North Africa to account, and to address the issue of migration without discrimination. They immediately opened their borders to receive refugees from Ukraine, Aya Majzoub, Amnesty's deputy chief for Mideast and North Africa, said of Western nations. She said that's in stark contrast to how the same countries generally treat refugees and migrants trying to flee war-torn Syria, the chaos in Libya or Lebanon's economic meltdown. The number of attempts by migrants to enter the European Union without authorization reached around 330,000 in 2022, the highest in five years. In 2015, over 1 million people, mostly Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict, reached Europe. Germany received accolades for welcoming large numbers of Syrian refugees at the time, and the U.S. and European countries frequently point out the billions of dollars they have given in aid to help refugees and internally displaced Syrians. Today, many European governments are calling for reforms to the asylum-seeking system for better efficiency and to distinguish between refugees fleeing war and persecution and migrants searching for job opportunities, who they say are creating a strain on the asylum system and should be returned. Majzoub spoke to The Associated Press in an interview after the news conference. She praised the international community for denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putins attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions which a U.N.-backed inquiry earlier this month said amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity. But such a strong response was lacking during Syria's 12-year-old brutal civil war. Thats perpetuated the culture of impunity and empowered Putin to commit the crimes that he was committing in Ukraine, she said. Amnesty's report said Middle Eastern governments took advantage of the situation over the past year and doubled down on repressing dissidents while neglecting obligations to respond to economic crises. The group condemned Iranian authorities for detaining over 20,000 people who took part in monthslong anti-government protests that erupted last September, following the death of a young woman in the custody of the country's morality police. Amnesty's report also did not spare oil-rich Saudi Arabia for changing its image to win over foreign investment in a public relations campaign while continuing to crack down on activists promoting women's rights. Amnesty also criticized Israel for its ongoing raids on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with the past months being among the deadliest in years. In tiny Lebanon, Amnesty chastised the authorities for escalating rhetoric against Syrian refugees and the queer community instead of undertaking badly needed economic reforms for an International Monetary Fund bailout package. Give them the fruits and none will look at the depth of the roots. What China is doing in Kenya, let alone Africa, can with no doubt be considered nothing but progressive. From helping manage conflict by giving certain countries at war, military equipment to building infrastructures and bringing medical necessities and other services throughout the entire continent. China has been improving relations with African countries since the 1960s through these kinds of acts and services. Yet, the extent of Chinas activity throughout Africa cannot be ignored. A healthy transaction considers the growth and benefits of all parties involved equally, China is no exception. With that said, the question then immediately comes to mind: How much is China truly benefiting from its involvement in Africa? This question leads me to further explore the possibility that Chinas intentions in Africa may not be so generous. The fact of the matter does not change. China is bringing wealth, prosperity, and knowledge to Africa and giving African countries opportunities to become economically stable. No other country has given its resources to assist African countries, on such a continental scale. Its no wonder this has inevitably established and strengthened loyalty and dependency on China amongst African leaders. But in the process, binding African countries to China. We can observe this in the structures theyve built. Every piece of equipment has Mandarin characters. Its comparable to someone writing their alias on an art piece, wanting everyone to know who did it. But then again, this isnt high school. Every action taken by a nation has substance and depth to it that is not for shallow recognition. In this case, the African Union headquarters, the building China gifted the AU with the intention to unify African countries and solidify relations, is a prime example. The 20-story office tower, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, began construction in 2009 and was completed in 2012. All union congregations were held there with no detection of any underlying suspicious activities. That is until January 2017, technicians noticed a higher consumption of data being used between the hours of 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. when no one was in the building. Actions were immediately taken and the AU took matters into its own hands and replaced the Chinese-installed servers, with its own servers. Nonetheless, China had been spying on them for at least 5 years. Chinas acts and services extend to over 50 African Countries. All of East Africa included; Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. One of Chinas major activities has been the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya. This project was approved by the Kenyan cabinet as a means to link the port in Mombasa to Malabo in order to improve the means of transportation. President Uhuru Kenyatta envisioned the economic potential of this project and the impact it would have on Kenya and his election which led him to bypass protocols and negotiate the financial terms and conditions of the project. The estimated cost of the project was $3.6 billion. Bringing Kenyas debt to China to $6.47 billion in 2019 from its initial margin of $756 million in 2014. A debt increase of 755% in 5 years. What a large debt increase! And for one mere project. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket. It makes me wonder, what will happen if Kenya cant pay it back? Well, wonder no more. Another of Chinas global projects comprised building a deep water port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The countrys second-largest port. However, in 2016, Sri Lanka incurred a loss of SRL 46.7 billion. Meaning, the country wouldnt keep up with its annual payment toward its loan of $1.7 billion. China instead offered debt relief by contracting a 99-year lease for the port. Thank God it wasnt 100 years. The minus 1 year was definitely a mercy act. Regardless, this paints a picture of one possibility if Kenya will not keep up with its annual payment. Nobody knows the outcomes of a century. Threats of impending wars, the possibility of discovering more resources, alien invasion, etc. The possibilities go as far as the imagination. With all said, China is planting its seeds all over the world. For now, the fruits are delicious, and only a handful are rotten. Despite that, many progressive acts overshadow non-progressive outcomes. However, this goes without saying, governments that desire growth, rarely plant good seeds. China's intentions behind its acts and services should undoubtedly remain on the radar. CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, guards quickly walked away and made no apparent attempt to release the men before smoke filled the room and killed 38 men, surveillance video showed Tuesday. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under silver sheets outside the immigration detention facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, the National Immigration Institute said. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. The institute said almost all were from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador. In the video, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards did not appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead ran away as billowing clouds of smoke filled the structure within seconds. Adan Augusto Lopez, Mexicos interior secretary, confirmed the authenticity of the video in an interview with local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney generals office. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said. The deaths forced the government to rent refrigerated trailers to hold the migrants bodies, Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui told reporters. The detention facility is across the street from Juarezs city hall. At a nearby hospital, Viangly Infante Padron, a 31-year-old Venezuelan migrant seeking asylum in the U.S. with her husband and three children, waited for her husband, who was being treated for smoke inhalation. The previous evening, she was waiting outside the detention center for his release when the fire broke out. There was smoke everywhere. The ones they let out were the women, and those (employees) with immigration, she said. The men, they never took them out until the firefighters arrived. She saw several dead bodies before finding her husband in an ambulance. I was desperate because I saw a dead body, a body, a body, and I didnt see him anywhere. Earlier, about 100 migrants gathered Tuesday outside the immigration facilitys doors to demand information about relatives. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman with her two children, ages 2 and 4, was seeking her half-brother, Orlando Maldonado, who had been traveling with her. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she said. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Authorities did not immediately answer that question. Marquez and Maldonado were detained Monday with the children and about 20 others. They had been in Juarez waiting for an appointment from U.S. authorities to request asylum. They were staying in a rented room where 10 people were living, paying for it with the money they begged in the street. I was at a stoplight with a piece of cardboard asking for what I needed for my children, and people were helping me with food, she said. Suddenly agents came and detained everyone. Trending Stories Everyone was taken to the immigration facility but only the men were placed in the cells. Three hours later, the women and children were released. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the U.S. or for the asylum process to play out. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organizations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumors that the United States would allow them to enter the country. U.S. authorities blocked their attempts. After that, Juarez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar started campaigning to inform migrants there was room in shelters and no need to beg in the streets. He urged residents not to give money to them and said authorities would remove them from intersections where it was dangerous to beg and allegedly a nuisance to residents. Migrant advocates who recently denounced more aggressive tactics said Tuesday that the immigration facility was over capacity and that the site of the fire was small and lacked ventilation. You could see it coming, the advocates statement said. Mexicos immigration policy kills. The national immigration agency said Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalized, he wrote. Mexicos immigration lockups have seen overcrowding, protests and riots from time to time. In October, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexicos largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the worlds third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the U.S. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the countrys southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities. At a Mass celebrated in memory of the migrants, Bishop Mons. Jose Guadalupe Torres Campos lamented the sudden grief that had descended upon the migrant community. The shout, the cry of everyone is enough, enough of so much pain, enough of so much death, he said. ___ This story has been correct to show the age of Viangly Infante Padron is 31. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernandez and writers Guadalupe Penuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. KYODO NEWS - Mar 28, 2023 - 14:13 | World, All North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered an expansion of the country's production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to accelerate its output of powerful nuclear weapons, state-run media said Tuesday. Kim gave the instructions on Monday as he inspected work being done for mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles, according to the official Korean Central News Agency, which released pictures of objects believed to be warheads of different types. The leader's order came as the United States and South Korea conduct joint military exercises. On Tuesday, the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz arrived at a port in the southern South Korean city of Busan. North Korea has denounced such exercises as a rehearsal for invasion. Pyongyang has launched a series of ballistic missiles recently, with fears mounting that the country may be preparing to conduct its seventh nuclear test. Kim was briefed on details of the nuclear program such as "the means for applying nuclear weapons" and technological specifications and examined the country's plan and written orders for nuclear counterattack operations, KCNA said. The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, criticized Tuesday the U.S.-South Korea joint drill and insisted it is "natural that our nuclear force will go on an important mission when the country's autonomy and security is threatened." KCNA also said a unit guided by the Missile General Bureau of the North's armed forces on Monday test-fired two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles loaded with mock nuclear warheads, with both detonating 500 meters above their intended target. Japan and South Korea detected the Monday launch of two ballistic missiles off the North's east coast, with the missiles believed to have fallen in the sea outside of Tokyo's exclusive economic zone. In addition, the North's Academy of Defense Science conducted another test of an underwater nuclear attack drone for three days through Monday, the agency said. Pyongyang also tested the new system last week, claiming it can generate a radioactive tsunami to destroy enemy ships and ports. The drone deployed for the test Saturday in Wonsan Bay in the eastern part of North Korea "correctly set off" a test warhead underwater on Monday after cruising along a "jagged and oval course" simulating a distance of 600 kilometers in the Sea of Japan for 41 hours and 27 minutes, KCNA said. The South Korean military said Monday it believes the North's claims to have developed the new unmanned underwater nuclear attack system are "exaggerated." Related coverage: North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military New Chinese envoy arrives in North Korea after 15-month COVID hiatus Japan, South Korea mull 1st security talks in 5 years in April: source Pushpa: The Rise star Allu Arjun, on Tuesday, completed two decades in films and the actor said he owes his career to the audience. Arjun, who became a pan-India star after the success of the 2021 Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise, shared a brief note on his official Twitter account to mark the 20th anniversary of his debut film Gangotri. "Today, I complete 20 years in the film industry. I am extremely blessed & have been showered with love. "I am grateful to all my people from the industry. I am what I am bcoz of the love of the audience, admirers & fans (sic). Gratitude forever," the 40-year-old actor said in the statement. In his two decade-long career, Arjun has featured in action films such as Bunny, Arya series, Desamuduru, Parugu, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and biographical period action movie Rudhramadevi. He is currently working on Pushpa: The Rule, the sequel to Pushpa: The Rise. The highly enjoyable fourth instalment in the John Wick franchise was indeed a long movie, by Hollywood standards. It has 169-minute runtime, most of which is one brilliant piece of action sequence after another. However, the lead character, the eponymous John Wick doesn't say much during the movie, even as he takes out armies of assassins with guns, including dragon's breath shells, knives, a nunchaku, and of course bare hands. The Wall Street Journal counted the number of words and sentences Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, utters in the movie. He spoke just 380 words across 103 lines in the entire runtime. John Wick indeed is a man of few words. In contrast, he had said a total of 484 words in the first John Wick movie, which had a runtime of mere 101 minutes, according to the publication. Reeves reportedly cut major portions of his dialogues for the scene where Wick and Marquis de Gramon were framing the rules for the final gun duel. Its a shock when you work with him how dedicated he is to not speaking, co-writer of the movie Michael Finch has been quoted as saying. His longest dialogue in the movie has 14 wordsYou and I left a good life behind a long time ago, my friend. Most of his dialogues in the movie are monosyllables like Yeah. John Wick: Chapter 4 was released in Indian theatres on March 24. Shot in New York, Osaka, Berlin and Paris, the film also stars Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama, and Lance Reddick, who passed away recently at the age of 60. * From low-carbon industries to digital technologies, multinationals are looking to tap new areas of growth in China's high-quality development, which authorities consider to be the first and foremost task in modernization. * China's accelerated efforts to promote modernization will infuse new vitality into the country's economy and create more opportunities for foreign companies, said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk. * China is still the most attractive investment destination in the world, and a strong engine of the global economy, said Milind Pant, CEO of Amway Corp. BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- While the global economy is clouded by uncertainties including the COVID-19 impact and stagflation risks, China, in its pursuit of modernization, is creating new opportunities much needed by businesses in the world. As the Chinese economy bounces back from COVID and presses ahead with policies and actions to maintain steady and quality growth, leaders of multinationals attending a high-level forum in Beijing have expressed their confidence in China's economy and their businesses in the country. China's accelerated efforts to promote modernization will infuse new vitality into the country's economy and create more opportunities for foreign companies, said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global shipping and logistics company, who attended the China Development Forum 2023 held from Saturday to Monday. The annual high-level international conference has attracted 100 overseas delegates, many of whom are executives from leading multinationals endeavoring to take the pulse of the recovering Chinese market, as well as the growth drivers generated from innovation and sustainable development. An industry robot works at the analysis and testing center of Konfoong Materials International Co., Ltd. in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 21, 2023. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) SHARED DIVIDENDS OF RESILIENT GROWTH In its vision of modernization, China aims to build a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century, which makes it imperative to both effectively upgrade and appropriately expand the economy. For multinationals, this means China will remain one of the most appealing investment destinations. "When we talk about China's modernization, a key word for me is sharing," said Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, one of the world's leading mining companies. "China has shared its development opportunities with the world in the past decades, and we believe it will continue to do so in its journey to modernization." He said he is excited about China's new journey to modernization and the shared opportunities this presents, noting that China has become Rio Tinto's largest market, contributing over half of its annual global sales revenue. China is still the most attractive investment destination in the world, and a strong engine of the global economy, said Milind Pant, CEO of Amway Corp. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to invest 600 million yuan (about 87.32 million U.S. dollars) in transforming and upgrading its production base in south China's Guangzhou over the next five years. The Chinese economy has seen major indicators improve since the start of this year, with brisk expansion in factory activity, an increase in industrial output and a rapid recovery in consumption. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its projection for China's economic growth in 2023 to 5.2 percent. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have also revised their forecasts upwards. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, said China's economy is "seeing a strong rebound." This means China is set to account for around one third of global growth in 2023, "giving a welcome lift to the world economy," she said at the forum. SWEET SPOTS IN HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT From low-carbon industries to digital technologies, multinationals are looking to tap new areas of growth in China's high-quality development, which authorities consider to be the first and foremost task in modernization. China's modernization offers many opportunities that can benefit the world, particularly in sustainable development, said Stefan Hartung, CEO of Bosch, a German engineering and technology company. Bosch recently announced 7 billion yuan of investment in east China's Suzhou for production and R&D on solutions for electromobility and automated driving, Hartung said, noting that China's rapid development of new-energy vehicles is key to achieving its carbon emission reduction objectives. This undated photo shows a factory of Bosch at Sino-German Industrial Park in Shunyi District of Beijing, capital of China. (Sino-German Industrial Park/Handout via Xinhua) Foreign enterprises have been encouraged to ride the waves of China's green transition, as the country underlines harmony between humanity and nature in modernization, while aiming to boost green and low-carbon industries. Clerc, CEO of Maersk, said the company has noted China's increased efforts on sustainable development and its move to a low-carbon economy. "We are very glad that we are working with strong Chinese partners to make the transition to green energy, and we believe in China's great potential in producing green methanol," Clerc said. Maersk is looking for green methanol to replace traditional fuel on its vessels. Overseas firms are also eyeing business growth generated from China's efforts to spur innovation, which remains at the heart of China's modernization drive. In late February, China rolled out a plan for the overall layout of the country's digital development, which has drawn the interest of Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. "The rapid rise of digital transformation has made it a powerful engine for economic growth," said Amon, adding that China has sped up the pace of digitalization, which brings vast opportunities to various parties, including Qualcomm. This photo taken on March 20, 2023 shows a view of the Tianjin Artificial Intelligence Computing Center in north China's Tianjin. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) China has advanced its infrastructure for the digital economy and is building a modern industrial system, said Pant of Amway Corp., noting that the company will explore smart organic farming in China to support rural revitalization through agricultural technology innovation. In March last year, Rio Tinto established a China innovation and technology center in Beijing. "Rio Tinto is committed to continuing our mutually beneficial cooperation well into the future, providing the materials that China needs for its green transition and working with partners in China to decarbonize the whole value chain," the company's CEO Stausholm said. (Video reporters: Peng Ying, Hong Ling and Yang Zhigang; video editors: Jia Xiaotong, Luo Hui, Mu Xuyao and Zhou Sa'ang) The mortal remains of noted actor and former MP Innocent were laid to rest on Tuesday at the cemetery of a church in Irinjalakkuda with full state honours. Hundreds, including stars from the tinsel town and state ministers, took part in the funeral procession of the actor-comedian-turned politician. Several people thronged St. Thomas Cathedral to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor. On Monday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, state ministers, leaders of various political parties, and senior actors including Mammootty and Mohanlal paid their respects to the actor, along with thousands of people from all walks of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise. Innocent began his acting career in 1972, and the last film he acted in was Pachuvum Atbuthavilakkum directed by Anoop Sathyan, son of ace director Sathyan Anthikad. Innocent was the former president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) for 18 years, from 2000. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the actor was elected from Chalakudy constituency in Thrissur district as a candidate of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Innocent, who had been under treatment at a private hospital in Kochi since March 3, breathed his last at 10.30 pm on Sunday. He was diagnosed with cancer twice and yet always maintained a positive attitude towards life, a fact remembered by many in their condolence messages. Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu says she has nothing but gratitude for her professional life as it has kept her grounded in the past few years that saw her battling health concerns. The actor had revealed in October last year that she was diagnosed with myositis, an autoimmune condition that can cause muscles to become weak. She and fellow Telugu star Naga Chaitanya also parted ways after four years of marriage in 2021. "I think there is a lot going in my life in the last two-and-half years but my work really grounds and centres me. It gives me the energy to keep going. And, I usually don't let things affect my work, unless I am unable to get out of bed, which was the case for the last few months. "I am grateful that all the production (people) waited and they showed such support and it was very helpful for me to get to the state of getting better and going back to shoot, the 35-year-old told star said ahead of the release of her film Shaakuntalam. Samantha, whose credits include Telugu and Tamil films such as Eega, Mahanati, Mersal, and Super Deluxe, and Prime Video series The Family Man 2 in Hindi, said the epic love story of Shakuntala and King Dushyant should connect with the audiences through its complex human emotions. "With this film, there is intense pressure but I believe if the film is good, it will be accepted very well by the audience. It is more than just grand sets, great designs, costumes and grandeur, she said. "Shaakuntalam, written and directed by award-winning director Gunasekhar and also starring Dev Mohan, is based on poet Kalidasa's acclaimed Sanskrit play Abhigyan Shakuntalam. Samantha believes the story is still relevant and has a contemporary vibe to it despite its mythological origins. "It is a movie that is rich in our culture, it's been in our books, but at the same time it is made in a contemporary fashion, so it is relatable and at the centre of it. It is a love story, everyone loves a really good love story. There are enough reasons, like the magical world, the animal characters, there's a beautiful world that is created. It is meant to be enjoyed by families, she said. The actor said even her character of Shakuntala, who challenged societal norms back then, will strike a chord with women. "Even though it was written in as early as the fifth century, her beliefs like going against societal norms, and the way she faced adversity with grace and dignity, is still aspirational, it is still relevant. It is something that even a contemporary woman of today, looks up to. Speaking about her idea of love, Samantha said she feels blessed to be surrounded by people who often love and encourage her in moments of weakness. Love doesn't always have to be with the partner, it is all around us. There is so much love to give. In fact, I am more enriched with love these days and I felt it a little stronger especially in moments of great weakness. "I never needed picking up before and I needed picking up now off late. There were people who picked me up, and I felt true love. I am very grateful for it. Sachin Khedekar, Kabir Bedi, Dr M Mohan Babu, Prakash Raj, Madhubala, Gautami, Aditi Balan, Ananya Nagalla and Jisshu Sengupta round out the cast of Shaakuntalam. The film will be released on April 14 in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. It is presented by Dil Raju via Sri Venkateswara Creations in collaboration with Gunaa Teamworks and is produced by Neelima Guna. Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese's historical drama Killers of the Flower Moon, starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brendan Fraser will be released in limited theatres from October 6. The film, set in 1920s Oklahoma and centres around the Osage Nation murders, will have a wider release from October 20, according to media reports. The film, being produced Apple Original Films, will be released on OTT platform Apple TV+ later. Killers of the Flower Moon, based on David Grann's historical book of the same name, recounts the story of how members of the Native American tribe were murdered one by one after the group became rich off the oil found underneath their land. "Leonardo DiCaprio will play the main role, Bob (De Niro) will return to play William Hale, the "king of the Osage hills", the man responsible for most of the murders. For the rest, they will be Native American actors," the director had earlier said while talking about the film. As we approach the end of March, here is a look at all that's arriving on streaming platforms this week. The exciting lineup includes Bollywood films, romantic dramas, crime thrillers and more. Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat: Netflix Release date: March 31 The Anurag Kashyap directorial is a musical rom-com featuring Alaya F and debutant Karan Mehra. It also features Vicky Kaushal in a special cameo. The film which had its world premiere at the Marrakech Film Festival, was released in theatres, explores the impact of caste and societal status on relationships. Unstable: Netflix Release date: March 30 Featuring real-life father-son duo Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe, the Netflix comedy series revolves around a biotech entrepreneur who struggles to take things forward as he grieves his wife's death. His son returns to save the family business, but dealing with his father is no easy task. The Power: Amazon Prime Video Release date: March 31 Another interesting release this week is this British sci-fi series that revolves around Naomi Alderman's novel by the same name. Starring Toni Collette and JohnLeguizamo, the series follows a group of teenage girls who have developed the mysterious power to electrocute people. Murder Mystery 2: Netflix Release date: March 31 Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler are back with the sequel to 2019's Murder Mystery. The film opens four years after the events of the first film and Nick and Audrey Spitz are now full-time detectives. They are invited to celebrate the wedding of their friend the Maharaja on his private island. But things take a turn for the worse when the groom is kidnapped for ransom soon after the festivities begin. Copycat Killer: Netflix Release date: March 31 After a slew of successful Korean crime thrillers, Netflix brings this Chinese language crime drama adapted from Japanese writer Miyabe Miyukis novel Mohou-han. The thriller series features Kang Ren Wu, Ruby Lin, Fandy Fan and Alice Ko in prominent roles. Set in Taipei in the '90s, the plot revolves around serial murders in the country and how the killer manipulates the media. Gaslight: Disney plus Hotstar Release date: March 31 The thriller featuring Sara Ali Khan and Vikrant Massey revolves round a daughter's search for her missing father. Sara essays a differently abled woman who returns to her ancestaral home, and suspects her father has been murdered. The film directed by Pavan Kripalani also features Chitrangada Singh. In connection with the 2019 Jamia Nagar violence case, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday partially set aside a trial court's order discharging 11 people including JNU student Sharjeel Imam and activists Asif Iqbal Tanha and Safoora Zargar. The HC ordered framing fresh charges against them as well. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in her order said that "While there is no denial of the right to freedom of expression, this Court remains aware of its duty and has tried to decide the issue in that way. Right to peaceful assembly is subject to restriction. Damage to property and peace is not protected," reported Bar and Bench. Offences including rioting and unlawful assembly was charged against them. The detailed judgment is awaited. The case pertains to the violence that erupted after a clash between the Delhi Police an protesters in Jamia Nagar area in December 2019. The protest was against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). In its February 4 order, the trial court had in its February 4 order discharged all 11 people from the case while holding that they were made "scapegoats" by police and that dissent has to be encouraged, not stifled. The 11 people who were discharged by the trial court in the case are Imam, Tanha, Zargar, Mohammad Qasim, Mahmood Anwar, Shahzar Raza Khan, Mohammad Abuzar, Mohammad Shoaib, Umair Ahmad, Bilal Nadeem and Chanda Yadav. "Marshalling the facts as brought forth from a perusal of the chargesheet and three supplementary chargesheets, this court cannot but arrive at the conclusion that the police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators behind the commission of the offence, but surely managed to rope the persons herein as scapegoats," said Additional session judge Arul Varma while pronouncing the order. According to the prosecution, Imam had allegedly made speeches on December 2019 at Jamia Milia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University, where he threatened to cut off Assam and other states in the Northeast from India. Imam and Asif were granted bail in 2021. However, Imam would continue to be in jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the conspiracy case related to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. (With PTI inputs) Twenty-eight years after he ended up behind bars on death row for killing six people in Pune, Narayan Chetanram Chaudhary is a free man. On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered Chaudhary's release from the Yerwada Central Prison in Pune. Reason: He was a juvenile when the crime was committed but was tried as an adult. Chaudhary, from Rajasthan, was convicted of murdering six people, including two children and a pregnant woman. The deceased were members of the Rathi family and the incident happened at their second-floor flat in Himanshu Apartment at Shilavihar Colony, Paud Phata, Kothrud, in 1994. The family's domestic help was one of the victims. The gruesome crime took place when Chaudhary and his two other accomplices, Jitya Nayansingh Gehlot and Raju Rajpurohit, broke into the Rathi household to rob them. However, they ended up killing all the family members to get rid of the evidence. Raju Rajpurohit later turned approver and was sentenced to life imprisonment while Gehlot and Chaudhary underwent a full trial. Four years later, the trial court convicted and sentenced him to death. The High Court and the Supreme Court too affirmed the sentence, reported Live Law. A review petition was filed in the apex court which was eventually dismissed. Chaudhary also filed a mercy petition before the then President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015, which was rejected. Soon after, Chaudhary filed an application under 9(2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, claiming that he was a juvenile when the incident happened. Four years later, the Supreme Court directed a Principal District and Sessions Judge, Pune (inquiring judge) to decide the juvenility of the applicant, the Live Law report added. The inquiring judge filed a report which confirmed that Chaudhary was just 12 when he committed the crimes. Though the chargesheet said he was 20 years old when he took part in the crime, the certificate of date of birth proved that Chaudhary was born on 01.02.1982. Hence, he was just 12 and 6 months old when the crime was committed. However, the name on the certificate was 'Niranaram' and there were discrepancies in his age in multiple documents. Seven documents were furnished. Investigating officers visited his village in Rajasthan and recorded statements from several people, including his family and village sarpanch. An age determination was also performed at a hospital and the probe revealed that he was just 12 at the time of the offence. According to the Supreme Court, the state is yet to come up with any compelling contradictory evidence to show that the record of his date of birth in the admission register was false. Finally, on Monday the bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose, KM Joseph, and Hrishikesh Roy passed the order after concluding that his claim of juvenility was true. Chaudhary is expected to leave the prison in three to four days after the completion of all the formalities. Radical Sikh preacher Amritpal is on the run, but he has not crossed the Indian borders yet, according to central and state police sources who said that the only evidence on record of Amritpal crossing the Punjab border is the arrest of a woman in Haryana allegedly for giving shelter to him. She sheltered Amritpal in an under-construction house in Shahbad Markanda area in Kurukshetra district after he evaded arrest in Punjab. The border guarding forces as well as central and state police agencies on Amritpal's trail are keeping a close watch on districts closer to the border areas which have a sizeable Sikh population. Agencies believe that he can easily mix into the population, find logistical support and tap into resources in these areas to evade arrest. Ahead of the G20 meet, a pro-Khalistan body had given a call to protest in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh like Rampur, Pilibhit and Bareilly as well as Uttarakhand which has prompted a tight vigil. Even as technical and human intelligence inputs are keeping the Punjab police and the Intelligence Bureau on their toes, social media is abuzz with pictures spotting Amritpal in various locations, sporting different clothes and rumours around the plans for his surrender or alleged police action to neutralise him but none of them have been found true. Punjab police sources told THE WEEK that Amritpal is believed to have not left the country, a claim buttressed by sources in central agencies who follow certain procedures when a fugitive is being tracked in real-time. The alert sounded by the Indian agencies to their counterparts in Nepal is one of them - as Nepal shares a porous border with India and incidents of terrorists and criminals crossing over into Nepal or sneaking into India using the porous border are not new. Moreover, Nepal being a friendly country, unofficial channels of communication have been opened to coordinate efforts to nab him in case he slips out. Hence, once the 'Look Out Circular' was issued by the central agencies altering all airports, land ports and sea ports to keep a vigil on Amritpals movements and alleged attempts to use a fake passport or identity to flee the country, the second step was to alert the department of immigration in the neighbouring country. After an LoC was issued, the routine exercise of unofficially sounding out counterparts in countries, especially those that either do not require a visa or have a visa-on-arrival facility, is carried out to keep a lookout for the fugitive. Getting hold of fugitives who have left Indian shores has been an uphill task for security agencies. Whether it is terrorists, criminals or those accused of economic offences like money laundering- India has asked Interpol to issue Red Corner Notices against several accused in the past but it has not been a cakewalk. The RCNs are also not legally binding and most of the cooperation with our counterparts bears fruit when there is a mutual legal assistance treaty and diplomatic cooperation. Even then, it is not legally imperative for the other country to hand over an alleged fugitive, said a senior official. In this case, Indian agencies are yet to complete the domestic chase before pushing the pedal on cross-border efforts to nab Amritpal. Nepal being one of the most friendly countries, channels had been opened in advance for friendly cooperation. Several Congress leaders, including former Uttarkhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, were detained as the Delhi Police cracked down on the party's protest held near the Red Fort against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi. Congress had planned the 'Loktantra Bachao Mashal Shanti March' from Red Fort to Town Hall at 7 pm. However, according to reports, Delhi Police denied permission for the march citing law and order situation. A heavy force of uniformed personnel was stationed outside Red Fort before the Congress MPs kicked off their march. The Congress has said that it would take to the streets against Gandhi's disqualification and reach out to the public on the issue. The party has announced over a month-long agitational programmes from block to national level, including a 'Jai Bharat Maha Satyagraha' in Delhi. Gandhi was disqualified as a Lok Sabha member on March 24, a day after he was sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, AICC general secretary in-charge organisation K.C. Venugopal said a 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' to protest the "erroneous" conviction and disqualification of Gandhi, and to express the Congress' resolve to keep raising the voice of the people against the "blatant loot of people's money" will be held from the block and madal levels to the national level. A protest by SC/ST/OBC/Minority departments in front of B.R. Ambedkar or Mahatma Gandhi's statues in all state capitals will be held beginning April 3, he said. From April 15 to 20, 'Jai Bharat Satyagraha' will be held at the district level as part of which the district collectorate will be gheraoed, Venugopal said, adding that senior leadership will attend and address these district-level events. On Monday, the Congress held a black protest in parliament which was joined by several opposition parties including the Trinamool Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. With PTI inputs Even as the security agencies have intensified their manhunt to nab radical preacher Amritpal Singh, a fresh CCTV footage showing the fugitive walking on the streets of Delhi has emerged on social platforms. According to reports, the footage is from March 21, three days after Punjab Police launched a massive operation to arrest the pro-Khalistan leader. In the video, the Waris Punjab De chief could be seen wearing a denim jacket, and jeans with sunglasses on, and covering his face with a mask apparently to hide his identity. Amritpal's associate Papalpreet Singh could also be seen walking with him carrying a backpack. The video has emerged a day after a picture of Amritpal and Papalpreet was widely circulated on social media. That image showed both of them looking relaxed and Amritpal holding a beverage can. The Punjab Police launched its crackdown on Amritpal and his aides on March 19 three weeks after the separatist leader and his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested man. Police have arrested or detained a number of his associates under criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack, police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge duty by public servants. The Punjab government on Tuesday told the high court that they are close to catching Amritpal. The court of Justice N.S. Shekhawat was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody. Meanwhile, a section of reports claimed Amritpal has fled to Nepal. The Himalayan country has Put the fugitive on its surveillance list after India requested it not to allow him to flee to a third country and arrest him if he attempts to escape using an Indian passport or any other fake passport. An Uttar Pradesh court has pronounced gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case. The duo were produced before the Prayagraj court on Tuesday amid a tight vigil. Ahmed and Azim, also known as Ashraf, were accused in the abduction of Umesh Pal, the witness in the 2005 murder of former BSP MLA Raju Pal. However, Umesh Pal and his two security guards were killed in a shooting on February 24. Ahmed is accused of orchestrating both murders. Atiq Ahmed was taken out of Sabarmati Jail, where he was lodged since 2019, by a 45-member team of Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday. The convoy of police made a 36-hour-long journey before reaching the Prayagraj jail on Monday morning. Plea dismissed Atiq Ahmed | PTI However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed Ahmad's plea seeking protection during his custody with Uttar Pradesh police in the Umesh Pal murder case. A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela M Trivedi granted Ahmad liberty to approach the Allahabad High Court for protection after he claimed his life is under threat while being in the custody of UP police. It refused to record that the former Samajwadi Party MP's life is under threat despite vehement requests by Ahmad's counsel. Since he is in judicial custody, Uttar Pradesh state machinery will take care of his protection in case of threat to his life, the court said. "It is not a case where this court is going to interfere. Liberty granted to move appropriate application before the High Court. Whatever is the process prescribed under law will be followed," the bench said. Ahmad's counsel said there is serious threat to his life while in police custody in the Umesh Pal murder case. "I am not shying away from any custody or police interrogation in the case but what I want is grant me protection as there is serious threat to my life," he said. The bench, however, dismissed his plea. The top court was hearing a plea of Ahmad seeking protection and claiming that he and his family have been falsely "roped in" as accused in the Umesh Pal murder case in Prayagraj. (With PTI inputs) The idea of a community with a shared future for mankind represents China's efforts for world peace, cooperation, and harmony, a Hungarian expert has said in an interview with Xinhua. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Mafia leader-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed will be produced before the Prayagraj court on Monday in connection with the Umesh Pal abduction case. Security has been tightened outside the residence of Umesh Pal, reported ANI. Umesh Pal, who was later murdered, had filed a case that he was allegedly abducted and harassed by Ahmeds men. District Bar Association, Prayagraj, said that the hearing will not be held in any other cases except the Umesh Pal abduction case on Tuesday in the MP-MLA court of Prayagraj. "A letter has been written to the Minister of District Advocates Association by the Presiding Officer of MP MLA Court. A request also has been made to pronounce a verdict on March 28 itself," the association was quoted by ANI. Security has been beefed up outside Naini jail. A heavy deployment of uniformed personnel has been posted outside the jail premises. As per court orders, Atiq Ahmed was taken out by a 45-member team of Uttar Pradesh police from Ahmedabads Sabarmati Jail where he was lodged. The convoy of police made a 36-hour-long journey before reaching the Prayagraj jail on Monday morning. Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf was also brought to the Naini jail on Monday. Ashraf has been lodged in the Bareilly District Jail since July 2020. Ashraf too is involved in the killing of Raju Pal, who was shot dead in 2005. Umesh Pal, a key witness in the former BSP MLA's murder case, was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24. On a complaint from Umesh Pal's wife Jaya, a case was lodged at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmed, his brother Ashraf, wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Plea rejected Meanwhile, a CBI court in Lucknow has rejected a plea moved by gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his son Umar, seeking a clean chit in an extortion case. The court of Special CBI Judge Ajay Vikram Singh has summoned Ahmed, Umar and the other accused on April 7 for framing charges. The applicants were booked in connection with the 2018 abduction of Lucknow-based businessman Mohit Jaiswal, who was then taken to the Deoria district jail. Jaiswal was allegedly thrashed in jail in the presence of Ahmed and subsequently, forced to resign from his four companies in which the former Samajwadi Party (SP) MP inducted his own men, Zaki Ahmed and Mohammad Farukh. (With inputs from PTI) Amid reports that radical preacher and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has escaped to Nepal, the Department of Immigration (DoI) of the Nepal Government has alerted its offices, particularly airports, to prevent the fugitive from fleeing the country. The Indian Embassy wrote to Nepal authorities on Monday seeking the DoI's help in stopping Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh from escaping to a third country, Kathmandu-based The Himalayan quoted DG Jhalak Ram Adhikari. The report added that the Indian Embassy provided the photograph and other details of Amritpal Singh to Nepal authorities. The Embassy also flagged Nepali authorities that Amritpal Singh could flee to a third country using his own passport or a fake passport. Adhikari added that all passengers who wanted to go abroad using Nepal's airport would be screened and people like Singh who were under the DoI's surveillance cannot flee. The official also confirmed to the ANI that they have included Amritpal Singh on the watchlist. "They have warned us that he might use a fake passport to enter Nepal and attempt to fly out. He might be hiding somewhere here in Nepal as well. No one is sure about Amritpal whereabouts. But as per the request we have informed all the concerned departments and authorities," Adhikari added. Singh, who is said to be possessing multiple passports with different identities, has been on the run since March 18. The elusive preacher gave the police the slip and escaped their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Akal Takth's ultimatum Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpeet Singh has issued a a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to release all Sikh youths detained during the police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh. The highest seat of authority for the Sikhs, the Akal Takht has also questioned the invoking of National Security Act against a few persons during the crackdown. "There are lakhs who demand Hindu rashtra. Those who are calling for Hindu Rashtra should also be booked .They should also be booked under NSA," the Jathedar asked. Stating that the Akal Takht will take up this matter across the country and the world after Baisakhi, he alleged that certain news channels were defamed Sikhs. He accused the media of setting a "narrative" through probe agencies and news channels. "The hate propaganda done by news channels. we must book the news channels. Are we terrorists?" he asked. The Jathedar said it would extend all help to the "innocent Sikhs" arrested in this matter. He also asked the police to release the impounded vehicles of the Sikhs. The Akal Takht has also convened a special gathering of Sikh organizations, including intellectuals, Sikh lawyers, journalists, religious and social leaders here to discuss the current situation in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he asked the director general of police to release those who were taken into preventive custody. He, however, said that strict action will be taken against whosoever tries to disturb peace in the state. Punjab Police Sunday said it released 197 persons out of total 353 taken into preventive custody on apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of law and order. Amid strains in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance over Rahul Gandhi's strident criticism of V D Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying the Shiv Sena's concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership. Opposition leaders said Congress has agreed to tone down its criticism of Savarkar, which has led to unease among the NCP and Shiv Sena, its alliance partners in Maharashtra. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday evening and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help the opposition alliance in the state, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI. Former Congress Presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting along with leaders of opposition parties. Pawar also told Rahul Gandhi that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS and underscored that the real fight of the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. As the BJP stepped up attack on Rahul Gandhi and sought his apology for "maligning" India on his recent tour to the UK, the former Lok Sabha member from Wayanad had said that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had slammed Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and said his outfit will not tolerate any insult of the freedom fighter. The Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had skipped the meeting convened by Kharge as a mark of protest against Gandhi's remarks targeting Savarkar. The grandson of late Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar has sought action against Rahul Gandhi for his recent 'Savarkar' remarks. "I will file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi if he does not apologise for his statement on Savarkar," Ranjit Savarkar, grandson of V.D. Savarkar told ANI. He also said that the Sanjay Raut and Uddhav Thackeray may have respect for Savarkar but until and unless they show their support for him, it does not make any sense. They should go ahead and demand Rahul Gandhi to apologise for his statements on Savarkar, he added. Sharad Pawar ji also has a lot of respect for Savarkar and he should also ask for his apology for his statements, Savarkar was quoted by ANI. Earlier, Savarkar had challenged Congress leader to show documents to prove that he had apologised to the British. Rahul Gandhi is saying he won't apologise as he isn't Savarkar. I challenge him to show documents that prove Savarkar apologised, he said. "Using the names of patriots to promote politics is wrong and deplorable. Action must be taken," Savarkar said. While addressing a press conference after being disqualified from Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi had said that he will not apologise as his name was not Savarkar. My name is Gandhi and I do not apologise. His remarks has drawn fire from BJP. BJP came to the forefront demanding his apology for the statements made against him. The Shiv Sena (UBT) boycotted the meeting of opposition leaders held in Delhi on Monday, citing the criticism of Savarkar by Rahul Gandhi as the reason. In fact, in the editorial of party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray faction sharply criticised the Gandhi scion for his statement I am not Savarkar to apologise, I am Gandhi. The editorial paid a glowing tribute to Savarkars patriotism and advised the disqualified Congress leader not to criticise Savarkar anymore. Just a day earlier, former chief minister Uddhav in his rally at Malegaon, reiterated his partys love for the Hindutva ideologue who has become a polarising figure in Indian political discourse. Savarkar is like God for us. We will not tolerate insult of our God. We are trying to come together to defeat the autocratic forces. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that he should not rake up this issue when we are trying to come together, Uddhav said at Malegaon on Sunday. Uddhavs criticism of Rahul and Congress over the issue of Savarkar was played down by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) chief Nana Patole by stating that Savarkar was not part of the common minimum programme on which three partiesShiv Sena (UBT), NCP and Congresshave come together in Maharashtra. Even as Patole tried to play down the controversy, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bavankule challenged Uddhav to walk the talk and quit MVA if he felt the slightest love for Savarkar. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went a step further and asked Uddhav whether he would ask his followers to slap Rahuls photos with shoes and sandals, just like late Balasaheb Thackeray had ordered in case of Mani Shankar Aiyar when Aiyar had launched a blistering attack on Savarkar in 2004. To corner Uddhav further, CM Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that their karyakartas will take out a Savarkar Gourav Yatra across Maharashtra in the coming days. This yatra, said Fadnavis, will travel in every assembly constituency, taluk and district in the state. The yatra will protest against remarks made by Rahul and highlight the patriotic and social development work done by Savarkar in his life, informed Fadnavis. In such a situation what will Uddhav do if Rahul continues to attack Savarkar? The first option that is being explored is that party MP and editor of Saamana, Sanjay Raut will meet Rahul and explain to him the importance of not attacking Savarkar in the context of Maharashtra. Raut had participated in Rahuls Bharat Jodo Yatra and is perhaps the strongest votary of the MVA alliance within Shiv Sena (UBT). Being a member of parliament, he has a certain rapport with Congress leaders in Delhi and can get a meeting with Rahul to discuss the issue, said Shiv Sena insiders. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Prof Manisha Kayande said that Raut is likely to meet Rahul in Delhi and explain Shiv Senas stand. Raut has said it himself that he will take the initiative. That is the latest information that I have, Kayande said. Another option on the table is a direct telephonic conversation between Uddhav / Aditya Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi on the issue. The main agenda in this option will be to discuss opposition unity against BJP and the need to keep issues like Savarkar on the backburner to achieve the main aim of a united opposition ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Our stance on Veer Savarkar has been consistent. Uddhavji made it clear in his Malegaon speech also. Now it is for the Congress leaders in the state to tell Rahul [Gandhi] that his statements are hurting opposition unity efforts in Maharashtra. If a conversation is arranged, Uddhavji will happily explain to Rahul not just Shiv Sena's stand on Savarkar but entire life story on Savarkar and his contribution to patriotism, said a close aide of Uddhav. Senior political analyst Abhay Deshpande said that the difference of opinion between Uddhavs Sena and Rahul Gandhi on Savarkar issue wont reach a level where Uddhav will have to explore exit clause from MVA. Aditya has very clearly said that when Sena had an alliance with the BJP it did not agree with every decision of the BJP. He cited example of BJPs alliance with Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a clear indication that leaders from both sides will diffuse the tension on the issue of Savarkar. Only thing is Uddhav will have to do a very fine balancing act now that he has been cornered by Shinde and Fadnavis. How long and how well he does it remains to be seen because at this time Uddhav Thackeray can ill afford to quit MVA alliance, said Deshpande. A fire in a dormitory at a Mexican immigration detention centre near the US border left more than three dozen migrants dead, a government agency said Tuesday, in one of the deadliest incidents ever at an immigration lockup in the country. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. 39 people died and 29 were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. There were 68 men from Central and South America held in the facility at the time of the fire, the agency said. It was the deadliest incident inside a Mexican immigration facility in recent memory. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and the governmental National Human Rights Commission had been called in to help the migrants. The agency said that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation of what those actions might have been. The country's immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration centre in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexico's largest detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Ciudad Juarez is a major crossing point for migrants entering the United States. Its shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross or who have requested asylum in the US and are waiting out the process. In recent years, as Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem the flow of migration to the US border under pressure from the American government, its National Immigration Institute has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. The high level of frustration among migrants stuck in Ciudad Juarez was on display earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants acting on false rumours that the United States would allow them to enter the country tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso. US authorities blocked their attempts. The much-awaited Leopard 2 tanks from Germany have arrived in Ukraine. According to the German defence ministry, the troops were also trained to use the eighteen cutting-edge main battle tanks. Germany Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told the BBC, he was sure the tanks could "make a decisive contribution" on the frontlines of the war. According to reports, the Challenger tanks from the UK have also arrived. Ukraine has been asking for newer and more modern weapons systems to help them fight Russia's invasion. The Leopard tanks are considered among the best in the West's arsenal. Germany had agreed in January to send the tanks. Three Leopard tanks donated by Portugal have also arrived in Ukraine. Around 2,000 Leopard 2s produced by Nato countries are in use by European countries. A Leopard 2 tank can hold 4 crew members, weighs 67 tonnes and requires 120 mm NATO ammunition. The Leopard tanks have been designed to compete with the Russian T-90 main battle tank. Besides the tanks, Ukraine has also sent two specialist tank-recovery vehicles and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Other countries have pledged tanks to be sent to Ukraine. But, the timeline for delivery of the same isn't clear. Ukraine has received delivery of much-waited Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, Berlin confirmed during the late hours of Monday. As promised, our tanks have arrived on time in the hands of our Ukrainian friends, The Guardian quoted Boris Pistorius, the German defence minister as saying. I am sure that they can make the difference on the front, Pistorius said. German news magazine Der Spiegel reported the tanks were handed over at the Ukrainian border at the end of last week. The report said 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles and two tank recovery vehicles were also delivered to Ukraine. Germany did not reveal the route through which the tanks were delivered owing to security reasons. While Germany promised delivery of 18 Leoprad2 tanks, the US has promised delivery of 31 American-made M1A2 Abrams tanks. While Portugal will be contributing three tanks, Sweden would send 10. The Guardian reported that the Leopard tanks, operated by a crew of four a commander, gunner, loader, and driver about 2,000 Leopard 2s are in use by European countries. Ukrainian soldiers underwent training for the past two months at a Bundeswehr site in Munster, Lower Saxony. Ukraine had been demanding Western countries to supply it with tanks and fighter jets to improve its defences against Russia. Germany agreed to supply Ukraine with tanks as part of an international coalition after the US agreed to send Abrams tanks. Britain agreed to deliver Challenger 2 tanks and Ukraine's defence minister on Tuesday confirmed they received the first set of British tanks. Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said, It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian Challenger 2 MBT for a spin. Such tanks, supplied by the United Kingdom, have recently arrived in our country. These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions. The United Nations nuclear watchdog warned on Tuesday that the situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was very dangerous. Zaporizhzhia plant is Europe's largest nuclear facility. Rafael Grossi, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency said that situation at the plant was very dangerous and very unstable. Grossi said since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the plant lost power six times and it had to depend on diesel generators to cool reactors. IAEA had been demanding a safety zone around the plant to prevent a nuclear disaster. Russia and Ukraine had been accusing each other of launching strikes targeting the plant. The Guardian quoted Grossi saying, I am confident that it might be possible to establish some form of protection, perhaps not emphasising so much the idea of a zone, but on the protection itself: what people should do, or shouldnt do to protect (the plant) instead of having a territorial concept. Grossi warned that intensified combat in the area has increased risks to the facility. There is an increased level of combat, active combat in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant, Grossi said. Grossi said a deal to secure a safety zone around the plant was close. I think it's close. Obviously, I need a political commitment, and political decision. And in this case, what I want to stress is that what they would be agreeing is on the protection of the plant. They are not agreeing with each other. They are agreeing with the IAEA. They are agreeing with nuclear safety and security. This is a very important element which I believe should be taken into consideration, Grossi said. Grossi on Monday met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed safety of the plant. IAEA recently said the plant is in a precarious situation and advised both nations should come forward to set up safety zone around the plant. Ukraine's state-run hydropower agency on Tuesday raised concerns that the plant could face shortage of water to cool reactors during late summer since Russian forces have let water out of a reservoir that supplies the plant. (With PTI inputs.) As protests over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's disqualification intensifies, the US has reacted, stating that they "were watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts." On the Congress leader's expulsion from the Parliament, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we're watching Mr Gandhi's (Rahul Gandhi) case in Indian courts," Patel said on Monday. "We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies," Vedant Patel said. On whether the US was engaging with India or Rahul Gandhi, he said: "I don't have any specific engagements to read out... but as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships, but I don't have any specific engagement to read out." #WATCH | "Respect for rule of law & judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. Were watching Mr Gandhis case in Indian court .... ":Vedant Patel, US Principal Dy Spokesperson on defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over his 'Modi surname' remark pic.twitter.com/WFUaAcBWd0 ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2023 Attack on Indian Embassy The US has also condemned the recent attacks on Indian diplomatic facilities in the US by pro-Khalistan activists. Last Saturday, pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. During his speech outside the embassy, a protestor threatened Sandhu that his "hypocrisy" would come to an end and the Ambassador could face a similar fate to what former president of India Zail Singh faced back in 1994. "Violence or the threat of violence against diplomatic facilities and personnel in the United States is a grave concern and will not be tolerated," US Department of State spokesperson told ANI. "The Department supports the First Amendment rights of protestors in the United States to engage in free speech. However, violence, or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of protest," the spokesperson added. India had strongly protested against the speech, and the State Department is reportedly in touch with local law enforcement on the next steps. The spokesperson also condemned the incident in which an Indian journalist was abused by Khalistani supporters. According to the US Department of State spokesperson, attacks against journalists are never acceptable. "We condemn any incidence of violence against a member of the media for doing their job, and any act of vandalism against diplomatic facilities," he added. The Washington DC-based Indian journalist was covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian Embassy when he was physically attacked and verbally abused by Khalistan supporters. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng holds discussions with the advisory board of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng held discussions with the advisory board of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing on Tuesday. To understand today's China, one must have an in-depth understanding of the strategic plans for the coming period set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Han said. The goal of the CPC is to ensure a better life for the over 1.4 billion Chinese people, said Han, adding that the central task of the CPC is to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. Han explained the historical logic and distinctive features of Chinese modernization and emphasized that no modernization model should be regarded as the only model. "It must be based on national conditions and in line with the realities of each country," he stressed. Han said China adheres to the path of prosperity for all, promotes harmony between humanity and nature, and commits to high-quality development, and all these are the essential requirements of Chinese modernization. China will adhere to the national policy of opening up, constantly ease market access, improve the business environment, and make joint efforts with enterprises from all over the world to maintain the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain, Han added. While commending the board members for their long-term concern and support for China's education cause, Han expressed the hope that the board members will continue to deeply participate in China's development and actively commit themselves to educational, scientific, and technological exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries. The advisors, led by Apple CEO Tim Cook, introduced their educational exchanges and personnel training cooperation with China. They highly appreciated the Chinese government's commitment to greater opening up for mutual benefits and win-win results, saying that they are full of expectations for new opportunities brought by the Chinese modernization. The board members said they would continue to expand investment in China and increase spending on the green economy, sustainable development, and innovative research and development to assist with China's high-quality development. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng holds discussions with the advisory board of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing, capital of China, March 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Kolkata, Mar 28 (PTI) City-based public sector lender UCO Bank on Tuesday said it hopes to achieve a net profit of Rs 1,500 crore this fiscal year. MD & CEO of UCO Bank S S Prasad said the bank had also doubled market capitalisation in less than a year from Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 28,000 crore thereby increasing the wealth of the shareholders. Total business of the bank had touched Rs four lakh crore, he told reporters at the sidelines of an event here. Prasad said there had been a growth of 20 per cent in advances so far this financial year. The UCO Bank MD and CEO said deposit growth was 10 per cent this fiscal, adding that it would increase following the new tax regime on debt mutual funds. "We are expecting inflow of debt mutual funds to our term deposits. CASA of the bank is low at 37 per cent but it is expected to grow next fiscal", he said. Demand for credit is good for sectors like steel, cement, NBFC, renewable energy and infrastructure is good. He also indicated shareholding of the government is likely to come down by one per cent by March 2024. Plans are there to raise Rs 1,000 crore from the market, he said. The bank might issue fresh shares or OFS by the government, Prasad added. KOCHI, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has received two CSR Awards from the Kerala Management Association (KMA) for its campaigns and efforts to give back to the community. At an event held in Kochi, Kerala, UST received recognition for its contributions in the categories of 'Environment and Greenery' and 'Health and Hygiene'. UST, a global pioneer in digital transformation solutions since its founding in 1999, has always placed a strong emphasis on giving back to the communities in the regions in which it conducts business. UST adopts an inclusive strategy and encourages staff members to volunteer on initiatives that will have a long-term impact and are consistent with sustainable development goals. The ambitious CSR initiatives of UST take a whole-of-society approach that aims to solve root issues while also enhancing individual lives. "We are honoured to get these prestigious awards from the Kerala Management Association in recognition of our CSR efforts to give back to the community. Everyone at UST will keep trying to make our shared world a better one," said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer, UST. In its work to improve health and hygiene in India, UST has supported initiatives to assist those living with disabilities and the critically ill while simultaneously participating in programs to reduce substance abuse and improve mental health. Furthermore, UST has worked to combat infant mortality in Attappady by supporting programs for maternal and infant health and nutrition. The multi-pronged effort is designed to combat the leading causes of infant mortality by placing an emphasis on maternal well-being through improved nutrition as well as sexual, reproductive, and mental health awareness. UST has provided more than 1000 free dialysis to patients touching more than 250 lives. Through the Regional Cancer Center Free Drug Bank, the company has also given away free medications to more than 500 cancer patients. UST CSR is deeply invested in supporting initiatives related to mental health. The company has worked very closely with the patients and inmates of Santhimandiram, a psychosocial rehabilitation centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Going beyond their basic needs of medicines, clothes, beds, and food supplies, to supporting infrastructure needs, UST associates visit regularly to work with mental health patients, to distribute eco-friendly materials, and organize recreational activities for the patients. UST firmly believes in promoting the sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity and conducts its environmental CSR campaigns in full accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. KMA recognized UST for its efforts to end forest degradation and restore degraded forests as well as its work to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. By establishing miniature forests using Miyawaki and dense forest plantation methods, UST also produces new green spaces in rural and urban regions to enhance and sustain biodiversity. Conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater habitats are other environmental CSR initiatives undertaken by the company in India. "I am proud of the UST employees that volunteered their time to give back to the community here in Kerala by embodying our corporate values through participation in these CSR campaigns. By boosting sustainability and improving healthcare, we are building a better world for the next generation," said Smita Sharma, Global Program Manager - CSR, UST. Sunil Balakrishnan, Smita Sharma, Sofi Janet, CSR Ambassador Trivandrum, Prasanth Subramanian, CSR Ambassador Kochi, along with other CSR Leads of UST received the award on behalf of the company. About UST For more than 23 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizationsdelivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impacttouching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857 Merrick Laravea +1 (949) 416-6212 Neha Misri +91-9284726602 media.relations@ust.com Media Contacts, U.S.: S&C PR +1-646.941.9139 media@scprgroup.com Makovsky ust@makovsky.com Media Contacts, Australia: Team Lewis ust@teamlewis.com Media Contacts, U.K.: FTI Consulting UST@fticonsulting.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Air India on Tuesday launched a non-stop service between Ahmedabad and Gatwick in the UK, and it was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. At the inauguration, Scindia said the introduction of this route will open more business avenues and further strengthen investment opportunities between the two nations, according to a release. The flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick will be operated three times a week, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 business class and 238 economy class seats. London Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK. "It is estimated that over 8,00,000 Gujaratis call the UK their home, making the Gujarati diaspora in the UK to be, arguably, the largest in the world," Air India said in the release. This week, in addition to flights from Ahmedabad, the airline has also launched non-stop flights to Gatwick from Amritsar Goa, and Kochi. Besides, the frequencies have been increased to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai. "In total, the airline now operates 49 flights per week between India and the UK, including six flights a week to Birmingham from Delhi and Amritsar," the release said. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) The Modi government has created a robust system to handle cyber crimes where people can lodge online complaints that lead to registration of FIRs and prompt action, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. He said more than 20 lakh cyber crime complaints have been registered on the national cyber crime reporting portal so far on the basis of which 40,000 FIRs have been registered. In addition to that, more than 13 crore hits registered on this portal since its launch in January 2020, he told reporters after a review meeting of cyber security infrastructure and functioning of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs is making comprehensive, integrated and all out efforts to create awareness among masses about various aspects of cyber security and cybercrime. "The Modi government has adopted a strategy to promote 'coordination- exchange -sharing' in information and data as soon as it took over," he said. These include, Shah said, real time reporting of cyber crimes, forensic laboratory network, capacity building, research and development, ensuring cyber hygiene of cyber space and special focus and efforts were undertaken on topics such as cyber awareness. Due to the increased vigil, about 500 mobile apps were identified and banned by the law enforcement agencies, he said. Shah said in view of the increasing cyber financial frauds, the '1930' helpline number has been launched and this platform covers over 250 banks and financial intermediaries, assists in real time action such as restricting fraudulent funds and marking lien-money. "The quick reporting system and action of the task force has resulted in recovery of over Rs 235 crore embezzled by cyber criminals from over 1.33 lakh people so far," he said. The home minister said the national database of sexual offenders has been set up and through this searchable registry, law enforcement agencies can look for offenders involved in sexual offences like rape, molestation, stalking, child abuse etc. "This includes the names, addresses, photographs and fingerprint details of the offenders. It helps in identification and verification of sexual offenders to prevent further crimes," he said. Shah said 99.9 per cent of police stations (total of 16,597 police stations) in the country are registering 100 per cent FIRs directly on Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and the national database so far contains 28.98 crore police records. "On CCTNS, more than 12.82 crore service requests have been received from citizens, out of which 12.35 crore requests have been disposed of by the state police, he said. On National Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), 1,05,80,266 records are being integrated, through the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation), more than 5,000 forensic services have been provided to the states so far and training on cyber crime awareness, investigation, forensics, etc. provided to 30,000 police personnel, judicial officers, and prosecutors, he said. Besides, the home minister said, analytical report on modus operandi of top 50 cyber-attacks has been prepared. He said through the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform 'CyTrain', more than 31,000 police officers have been registered and more than 8,000 certificates have been issued. The I4C, which was launched by Shah on January 10, 2020, to deal with cyber crime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, has seven platforms for different purposes. They are: the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytical Unit, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, the National Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory, the National Cyber Crime Training Centre, the Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Task Force, the Cyber Crime Ecosystem Management Unit and the National Cyber Crime Research and Innovation Centre. Shah added that I4C is organising Cyber Jagarukta Diwas on the first Wednesday of every month. He said that I4C is reaching out to all the states in the country to play an active and pivotal role in this initiative and help promote cyber hygiene. The home minister said a few other online plaforms have also been developed by the Union Home Ministry. They include the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System for e-police, e-court, e-jails, 112-based emergency response service, safe city project for a safe environment for women, children and elderly, investigation tracking system for sexual offences, national integrated database on arrested narco offenders, national database of offenders of foreign origin. A few others are national centre for missing and exploited children, national database on human traffickers, Crime Multi Agency Centre among others. The Jammu and Kashmir administration is all set to launch a technology-driven agriculture apex monitoring dashboard (AAMD) that will offer a one-stop solution to farmers and agri-startups for registration, monitoring and funding of various projects. A roadmap for the AAM dashboard in J&K is aimed at governing the 29 projects that were approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. These projects were recommended by a committee for holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors worth over Rs 5,000 crore. "We are formulating state of art dashboard to implement the holistic agriculture development programme. The state-of-art technology-driven agriculture apex monitoring dashboard (AAMD) is a one-stop solution for agri-startups allied projects to farmers from registration to education", Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Atul Dulloo told PTI in an interview here. He said that anyone aspiring to move to the farm sector can apply online. "Their applications will be processed online. Our officers will visit their doorsteps to conduct any verification or process", Dulloo said. Initially, 29 projects of agriculture and allied sectors under the recently launched Rs 5,000 crore holistic agriculture development programme, which is aimed at transforming the agriculture profile from subsistence type into a sustainable and commercially viable entity, would be brought under the ambit of the high-tech system. "The dashboard will be a one-stop platform to deal with all the issues of farmers, agri-startups, industries and allied sectors", he said. The aspiring agri-startups and agri- entrepreneurs will get all support through online mode from registration, approval, banking and financial support, central schemes integration, advice, education, skilling and rectification on the dashboard. Dulloo said, "In case, they need financial assistance, the application will be sent to banks through the dashboard. In the central schemes, his application will be integrated into those schemes for the benefit of getting incentives. It will also be online. It is based on OTP-driven setup". He said that at each stage from applying online, dashboard will send him an SMS about the progress of the case. "The dashboard will give all the information about areas and the suitable agriculture or Horticulture activity in the belts", he said. The dashboard will be based on artificial intelligence to cater to all needs of users from registration to education. "There will artificial intelligence-based chatbot, which will guide farmers on all information. It will have a learning management system in which 59 courses and 57 courses have been identified in Kashmir and Jammu provinces. We will offer certificate courses online from universities", Dulloo said. He said that dashboard will have online videos on various subjects and online material in four languages. The 29 projects envisaging transformation of agriculture and allied sectors in J&K will include development of seed and seed multiplication chain, promotion of niche crops in J&K, promotion of vegetables and exotic vegetables under open and projected cultivation, strengthening of agriculture marketing, promotion of bee keeping and nutri cereals (Millets). The official said that those who apply for this holistic agriculture development programme will be linked to skilling through hybrid mode. "Those farmers and Startups or agri-entrepreneurs or anyone else will get their certificates from universities through this dashboard, which will serve as an education and skill development platform as well", Dulloo said. Houston, Mar 28 (The Conversation) The fact that Saudi Arabia entered a rapprochement deal with Iran and chose China to broker it came as a surprise to many international observers. The agreement, officially called the Joint Trilateral Statement, was signed in Beijing on March 11 and begins the process of restoring diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. Those ties were severed in January 2016 after protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in Iran in the aftermath of the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Saudi Shiite cleric who had criticised Saudi treatment of its Shiite minority. As an analyst of Saudi foreign policy, Ive seen how the kingdoms decision to engage in this way with Iran and China is part of a broader diversification of the kingdoms international relationships that has unfolded over the past decade. To close observers of geopolitical trends in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, the China-brokered deal fits into a pattern. From being firmly a part of the anti-communist camp during the Cold War and closely tied into U.S.-led regional security networks in the Persian Gulf, Saudi foreign policy is now taking a nonaligned stance that has become increasingly consequential for how Saudi Arabia pursues its interests. Saudis question US partnership The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is often said to revolve around an oil-for-security dynamic in which the Saudis provide the former and the U.S. the latter. In reality, ties have spanned a far wider spectrum than that and have been more complicated, with periods of high tension stemming from events such as Saudi participation in the Arab oil embargo in 1973, or the involvement of Saudi citizens in the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks in 2001. But since the Arab Spring protests in the early 2010s, U.S.-Saudi relations have frayed, both in Riyadh and in Washington. The perception among Gulf leaders that the Obama administration abandoned former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during the Egyptian revolution in 2011 left them deeply rattled. They feared that the U.S. could abandon them just as it had done Mubarak, a longtime partner of 30 years. This was compounded by the Gulf states exclusion from U.S. negotiations with Iran, initially in secret bilateral talks in 2013 and subsequently as part of the P5+1 framework of the U.N. Security Council permanent members, plus Germany, which culminated in the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. And then in 2019, a missile and drone attack on Saudi oil infrastructure temporarily knocked out half the kingdoms production. The attacks were linked, but never formally attributed, to Iran. President Donald Trump responded by declaring it had been an attack on Saudi Arabia, not on the U.S., drawing a distinction between their interests. Trumps remarks, and subsequent inaction, caused shockwaves in Riyadh and other Gulf capitals as leaders began to question U.S. credibility as a reliable regional partner. Finally, in 2021, the chaotic nature of the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan, served to reinforce deeply-rooted perceptions about U.S. disengagement from the Middle East, irrespective of the situation in reality. Pivot to booming China It is against this backdrop of pragmatic acknowledgment of its own vulnerabilities to regional and global tensions and entrenched uncertainty about the role of the U.S. as a long-term partner that Saudi Arabia began to broaden its international relationships, with particular attention on China. Officials across the Gulf believe China will replace the U.S. as the dominant economic and energy superpower in the 21st century. For more than a decade, a majority of oil and gas from the six Gulf monarchies has flowed east to Asia in quantities that far exceed the cargoes heading west to Europe and North America. In a further sign of deepening bilateral ties, in December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia to sign investment agreements across 34 sectors, ranging from green energy and information technology to construction and logistics. Moving toward reconciliation with Iran Meanwhile, the Saudi outreach to Iran has been more than three years in the making. It began after the 2019 oil attacks and focused initially on de-escalating regional tensions. Saudi and Iranian officials held five rounds of dialogue in Iraq between 2020 and 2022 to try to bridge the issues that divided them. These meetings formed the backdrop to the China-brokered deal in Beijing. Reports have suggested that Saudi Arabias King Salman has invited Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the kingdom, possibly during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began on March 22. Any such visit would indicate a political will on both sides to move beyond the two decades of rancour and acrimony that followed the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and doomed an earlier phase of Saudi-Iranian rapprochement at the turn of the century. A Saudi reconciliation with Iran would undermine attempts by the U.S. and Israel to increase Irans international isolation and is consistent with a Saudi desire to de-escalate regional tensions. This is particularly the case as Vision 2030, a plan to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil revenue, reaches its halfway stage and begins to implement the infrastructure and tourism giga-projects associated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 has struggled to attract international buy-in, in part due to investor concerns about regional insecurity and its spillover into Saudi Arabia. Balancing act on Ukraine Saudia Arabias unwillingness to take sides in great power competition is also evident in policy responses to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, has resisted pressure to take sides in an era of strategic rivalries. One manifestation of this balancing act has been the Saudi decision to work with Russia within the framework of the oil producers group OPEC+ and at the same time engage with U.S. officials over issues of oil output and prices. The Saudi deal with Iran and choice of China as an intermediary is consistent with a deeper shift in Saudi foreign policy, which has been evident for some time. By adapting to changing circumstances, Mohammed bin Salman is looking to Saudi Arabias future and trying to strike a wider balance of power in what he sees as an eventual post-American Gulf. (The Conversation) VM Moscow, Mar 28 (AP) Russia's Defense Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The ministry said on Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. It said the exercise took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometers (430 miles) from Japan's northern Hokkaido Island. The US Navy's 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Japan does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its location Peter the Great Bay is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries. On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russia's increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest, Matsuki said. He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. He said Japan is not in a position to comment on Russia's intention of the exercise. Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week. In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands some of which are claimed by Japan and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year.(AP) RUP Toronto, Mar 28 (PTI) The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised at a university campus in Canada's British Columbia province, days after another statue of the global peace icon was targeted in this country by Khalistan supporters. In the latest incident, the statue placed at Peace Square on the Burnaby campus at Simon Fraser University was vandalised, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver said on Tuesday. "We strongly condemn the heinous crime of vandalising the statue of the harbinger of peace Mahatma Gandhiji, @SFU Burnaby campus," the Consulate said in a tweet. "The Canadian authorities are urged to investigate the matter urgently and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly @MEAIndia," it added. The incident comes after Khalistani supporters defaced and spray-painted a Mahatma Gandhi statue near the City Hall in the town of Hamilton in Canada's Ontario province on March 23. In July last year, a Mahatma Gandhi statue at a Vishnu temple in Richmond Hill, Canada was vandalised, drawing sharp condemnation from the Consulate General of India in Toronto. "We are distressed at the desecration of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Vishnu temple in Richmond Hill. This criminal, hateful act of vandalism has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada," it said in a tweet at that time. Canada has witnessed a surge in anti-India activities recently by Khalistan supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples. A Ram Mandir in Mississauga was defaced by "Khalistani extremists" with anti-India graffiti on February 13, drawing strong reaction from the Indian Consulate in Toronto. "We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators," India's Consulate in Toronto had tweeted. Beijing, Mar 28 (AP) China said on Tuesday its new ambassador to North Korea has taken up his post, in a sign the North is reopening amid reports it has been suffering heavily from the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. Wang Yajun will help in the development of the traditional friendship between the close neighbors sharing mountains and rivers, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing. China is North Korea's main source of economic aid and political support, but interactions have been disrupted by travel restrictions imposed in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ambassador's posting comes as North Korean state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un urged his nuclear scientists to increase production of weapons-grade material to make bombs to put on the country's widening range of weapons. The report on Tuesday followed a series of missile launches seven this month alone and rising threats to use the weapons against North Korea's enemies. North Korea's weapons tests and US-South Korea military exercises have intensified in recent months, increasing tensions in the region. China's support for both North Korea and Russia is seen as an act of defiance against the US-led liberal world order, along with ensuring security along its borders. While China has agreed to United Nations sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear tests, it has repeatedly assured the Kim regime of support to prevent its collapse and the potential humanitarian, military and political consequences that might ensue.(AP) RUP Beijing, Mar 28 (PTI) Weeks after China brokered a landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said he expects both countries to improve their ties as arch-rivals in the Middle East faced an array of challenges to implementing it. Xi in his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, official media here reported. China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks, Xi said, referring to the China-negotiated peace deal between the arch-rivals to end their hostilities. The agreement signed on March 11 in Beijing was regarded as a major diplomatic coup for China's efforts to emerge as a major power rivalling the US to enlarge its strategic influence especially in the Middle East. "The Iran-Saudi rapprochement has been touted as a momentous development in the region. But how it ultimately impacts the Middle East remains a very open question, as the long adversarial powers are fighting a proxy war in Yemen and continue to support opposing sides across the region," said a report by the US Institute of Peace. "Amid perceived US retrenchment from the Middle East, the deal is a diplomatic win for China as it increasingly seeks to present an alternative vision to the US-led global order," it said. Following the Iran-Saudi deal, Xi during his March 20 visit to Russia made a strong pitch for Russia-Ukraine peace talks to end their current war. In his phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, Xi said with the joint efforts of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran successfully held and achieved significant results, helping the two countries to improve their relations. It is a significant demonstration effect on enhancing the unity and cooperation of regional countries and easing regional tensions, and thus having been widely praised by the international community, he said. It is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, Xi said, adding that China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks. As Xi and Crown Prince Mohammed held talks for the successful implementation of the deal, both countries appear to be building a "more meaningful" relationship with a landmark USD 10 billion deal to construct a state-of-the-art refining complex in north-eastern Liaoning province. Under the deal announced on Sunday, Riyadh will invest in the integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex to consolidate energy ties amid uncertainty over Russian supplies, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. For now, analysts expect China to continue buying heavily discounted Russian crude, but there are fears that US-led sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine could greatly disrupt the global oil supply chain, leading to big price fluctuations, Joey Zhou, a Shanghai-based petrochemicals analyst, told the Post. "We expect Middle Eastern companies would be willing to participate in [more] joint ventures with Chinese firms to ensure they have a secure outlet for their oil, he said. "To obtain a more competitive position for feedstock costs, Chinese producers are also likely to welcome Saudi or Emirati funds by involving them in existing or new plans for integrated refinery and petrochemical complexes, Zhou said. BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yajun, the new Chinese ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has arrived in the DPRK to assume office, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a related query. Noting that China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Mao said that under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, China-DPRK relations have entered a new historical period and have continued making new progress in recent years. "We believe that with his assumption of office, Ambassador Wang Yajun will play an important role in advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK," she said. Lisbon, Mar 28 (AP) Portuguese police shot a man suspected of stabbing two people to death at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon, Portugal's prime minister said Tuesday. Prime Minister Antonio Costa told reporters it was a criminal act and that two lives had been lost in the incident Tuesday. The suspect is hospitalised, Costa said. Everything points to this being an isolated incident, Costa said, without elaborating. Police made no immediate comment but said they would provide more information later Tuesday. (AP) GRS Islamabad, Mar 28 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that "history would not forgive us" if parliament did not enact laws to curtail the powers of the chief justice, a day after two Supreme Court judges questioned the suo motu powers of the country's top judge. Addressing the joint session of parliament, Sharif talked at length about the dissenting judgement by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the Supreme Court, who lashed out at the unlimited authority of the Chief Justice to take a suo motu (on its own) action on any issue and constitute benches of choice to hear different cases. Their judgment was about the case of suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on February 22 about elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Speaking passionately about the need for new laws to limit the chief justice's power, Sharif said that if the legislation were not passed, history would not forgive us. The suo motu power is based on the original jurisdiction of the court under Article 184 of the Constitution. However, its usage over the years has created an impression of partiality on the Chief Justices' part. It was openly challenged for the first time by the two judges who were part of a bench that, in its 3-2 majority decision of March 1, directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to consult with President Arif Alvi for polls in Punjab and Governor Ghulam Ali for elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The five-member bench was reconstituted by Bandial, who took a suo motu action against the delay in elections and initially formed a nine-member bench to deal with the issue. However, two of the nine judges differed with the decision to take suo motu notice, while two other judges recused themselves, prompting the Chief Justice to form a new bench. Justice Shah and Justice Mandokhail, in their detailed 28-page dissenting note, also rejected the 3-2 judgment in the suo motu case by saying that it was a 4-3 judgment to reject the maintainability of the case and lambasted the Chief Justices power to form a bench for important cases. The coalition government led by Prime Minister Sharif, which is supporting the ECP's decision to delay the election in the two provinces until October 8, is trying to use the parliament to curtail the powers of the Chief Justice. The premier also said that the courts were treating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan favourably and were not ready to hold Khan accountable. Sharif said that enough is enough and the law would take its course while the government would not allow the favourite to play with Pakistan. He added that the Constitution clearly defined the division of powers between the legislature, judiciary and administration and set a red line that no one should cross. The powers of the legislature defined by the Constitution and the powers of the judiciary were being flouted, the prime minister said. The joint session of parliament was summoned last week to discuss the key issues confronting Pakistan and provide guidelines to deal with those issues. The development comes as the top court is hearing a case about the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan to postpone the provincial election till October 8, well beyond the 90 days deadline by the constitution to hold elections after the dissolution of an assembly. London, Mar 28 (PTI) An independent review into the culture at one of the UKs major National Health Service (NHS) hospital trusts on Tuesday recommended greater support for doctors in training who are concerned about their mental health, in the wake of the suicide of an Indian-origin doctor. Dr Vaishnavi Kumar, who worked at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital, died aged 35 in June 2022. Her inquest last year heard how she felt belittled at work and would come home and cry. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust (UHB), which runs the hospital among several others in the region, was under an independent review following the death and amid wider performance-related concerns. In light of the tragic death by suicide of Dr Kumar together with HEE [Health Education England], a review of the processes to support doctors in training who are concerned about their mental health, ability to speak up freely about concerns with colleagues and a clear message that they will be listened to, reads one of the recommendations of the review. The report notes that Kumar was a respected senior doctor in training, approximately one year from qualifying as a consultant diabetologist. Her father, Ravi Kumar, also a doctor, told the Birmingham Coroners Court that his daughter felt the Queen Elizabeth Hospital was a hypercritical environment to work in. We were told of considerable unrest and indeed anger at the Trusts response to this tragic event, from both Dr Kumars family and the staff who worked with her and the wider junior doctor community Our review also heard from several employees at the Trust who expressed their disappointment and anger at the lack of senior representation at Dr Kumars funeral, the report said. It warns that "any continuance of a culture that is corrosively affecting morale and in particular threatens long-term staff recruitment and retention will put at risk the care of patients". The report chaired by Professor Mike Bewick, a former deputy medical director at NHS England and now an independent consultant, was commissioned last year after a number of complaints were raised about the trust, which employs over 22,000 people across several sites and operates four major hospitals in the West Midlands region. We have been disturbed by the consistent reporting of a bullying culture at the Trust and look forward to the next phase of the review where staff and patients will have the opportunity to speak freely and confidentially about their concerns, said Bewick. A Cross Party Reference Group, chaired by British Sikh MP from Birmingham Preet Kaur Gill, will continue to work closely with Bewick throughout the rest of the process. Patients can continue to be confident that the care and treatment provided at our hospitals is safe. We are pleased that Prof Bewicks overall view is that the Trust is a safe place to receive care, said Jonathan Brotherton, Chief Executive of UHB. There are a number of significant concerns that we need to, and have started to, address; we will continue to learn from the past, as we move forward, he said. Tel Aviv, Mar 28 (AP) Israel's political factions opposed to embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began setting up negotiating teams on Tuesday after he paused a controversial judicial overhaul plan that had triggered unprecedented street protests and a spiraling domestic crisis. But compromise seemed elusive in a standoff over the fundamental issue of what kind of country Israel should be and positions only appear to have hardened. Three months of demonstrations against the overhaul plan intensified this week and Israel's main trade union declared a general strike, leading to chaos that shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyse the economy. Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a month-long delay for the legislation. The announcement followed a spontaneous mass demonstration against his firing of his defense minister, who had spoken out against the judicial overhaul plan, and the sudden general strike. He understood that he's in a dead end, said Yohanan Plesner, president of Israel Democracy Institute. "And Netanyahu, who is very experienced, understood that now is the time for correction." The pause brought a brief period of calm after a stormy period that has seen mass protests and heavy opposition from influential sectors like Israeli business leaders, academics and military reservists who have complained the overhaul was pushing Israel toward authoritarianism. Many of Israel's closest allies have also voiced concerns. The US ambassador, Tom Nides, said in a radio interview that the White House would soon invite Netanyahu to visit. Israeli media have reported that the US was withholding an invitation as a sign of displeasure with Netanyahu and his new far-right government. The prime minister has been to the White House probably 50 times. He obviously will be coming, I assume after Passover. Nides said. There's no question that the prime minister will come and see President Biden. The weeklong Passover holiday begins next week. In his address, the premier said he wanted to avoid civil war and would seek a compromise with political opponents. Netanyahu spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated outside the parliament building in Jerusalem. His announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions that have fuelled months of unrest. But it failed to address the underlying issues that have polarized Israelis. Netanyahu leads the most right-wing government in Israeli history and and his allies have vowed to enact the legislation. I feel relief but with doubt," Fega Gutman, Tel Aviv resident, said Tuesday. Netanyahu over the years "promised us a lot but didn't always fulfill, unfortunately. The pause gave many Israelis time to consider the challenge ahead. I feel good today, everything calmed down from yesterday, said Maor Daniel, also from Tel Aviv. "We have to figure out together how to fix the situation, how to live together. Some anti-government protesters stepped aside, for the moment at least, but made clear their distrust of Netanyahu and his allies. A key group, however, declared it would hold a new protest later on Tuesday and again on Saturday night in Tel Aviv, which has been its practice in the last three months. The protesters who take to the streets are not stupid, the group known as the Umbrella Movement of Resistance against Dictatorship said in a statement. "Millions of citizens who have protested until now will not give up. A flurry of phone calls between rival opposition leaders followed Netanyahu's announcement and lasted into Tuesday morning, with several working groups named as the protests subsided and Israel's largest labour union called off its general strike. When there's an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue, Netanyahu said in his speech. He vowed to reach a broad consensus during the summer session of parliament, which begins on April 30. The country's figurehead president, Isaac Herzog, said pausing the legislative blitz was the right thing and offered to oversee the negotiating teams. He spoke in separate phone calls with Netanyahu, opposition leader Yair Lapid and National Union Party Chairman Benny Gantz, his office said. This is the time for frank, serious and responsible discussion that will lead urgently to calming spirits and lowering the flames, Herzog said. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist who has pushed for quick passage of the package, said he would respect the delay but vowed to pass the plan. No one will scare us, he tweeted. The overhaul would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation's judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court's ability to review laws. Netanyahu has argued that the overhaul is needed to rein in a liberal and overly interventionist court of unelected judges. But his opponents say the package would concentrate too much power in the hands of Netanyahu's allies. They also say that he has a conflict of interest as a criminal defendant. Large swaths of Israeli society and governments around the world condemned the overhaul. Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs have all come out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward an autocracy. Fighter pilots and military reservists have threatened not to report for duty, and the country's currency, the shekel, has tumbled in value. Tens of thousands of people, largely secular, middle-class Israelis, have regularly joined mass protests against it. The situation escalated on Sunday night after Netanyahu abruptly fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had urged him to put his plan on hold, citing concerns about damage to the Israeli military. Chanting the country is on fire, furious protesters lit bonfires on Tel Aviv's main highway, closing the thoroughfare and many others throughout the country for hours. Demonstrators continued Monday outside the Knesset, or parliament, turning the streets surrounding the building and the Supreme Court into a roiling sea of blue-and-white Israeli flags dotted with rainbow Pride banners. Departing flights from the main international airport were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of travellers. Large mall chains and universities closed their doors, and the union called for its 800,000 members to stop work in health care, transit, banking and other fields. Israel's Palestinian citizens have largely sat out the protests. Many say Israel's democracy is tarnished by its military rule over their brethren in the West Bank and the discrimination they themselves face. Even with the big issues standing, officials inside and outside Israel signalled relief that the pause had bought some time. I had a nice night of sleep last night, thank God, Nides said. This morning I'm optimistic and I applaud the move. (AP) PY PY Nairobi (Kenya), Mar 28 (AP) Ethiopia's prime minister said on Tuesday his administration is attempting talks with an outlawed rebel group operating mainly in the restive Oromia region. Abiy Ahmed's comments to lawmakers on outreach to the Oromo Liberation Army came amid efforts to replicate a peace process conducted for the conflict based in the northern Tigray region that saw an agreement signed in November to end the fighting. The government has a high level of interest to resolve this conflict (with OLA) in peaceful terms. Not only interest, but also a committee entrusted with the task of leading the peace process has been set up, the prime minister said, adding he hopes Ethiopians will support the process. More than 10 attempts and contacts were made with the (OLA). The problem so far is that there is no centralized group so every unit has different ideas and positions the committee is leading the talks and we will see the result together. A spokesman for the rebel group, Odaa Tarbii, tweeted on March 20 to say recent reports on meetings between the group and the government were false. He did not immediately respond to a message on Tuesday. In a February 18 statement, the OLA indicated that a mediation agreement enforced and guaranteed by intentional actors could be possible. The OLA is listed as a terrorist group in Ethiopia and the government has accused it of carrying out mass killings against ethnic minorities, mainly Amharas, in the Oromia region, the largest of the country's federal states. In one attack blamed on the group in June, witnesses asserted that more than 200 civilians were killed. The OLA has rejected most of the accusations and instead blamed attacks on Ethiopian federal forces and allied fighters. Federal forces have carried out frequent airstrikes against the rebel group, also causing civilian casualties. In recent weeks, the Oromia regional government has expressed interest in talking with the rebel group. During the Tigray conflict, the OLA declared a short-lived alliance with Tigray forces. Last week, Ethiopian lawmakers removed the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front from the country's list of designated terror groups. (AP) PY PY Mexico City, Mar 28 (AP) Migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at an immigration detention centre in northern Mexico, starting a fire that killed at least 40 people, the president said on Tuesday, in one of the deadliest events ever at a Mexican immigration lockup. Hours after the fire broke out late Monday, rows of bodies were laid out under shimmery silver sheets outside the facility in Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas, and a major crossing point for migrants. Ambulances, firefighters and vans from the morgue swarmed the scene. Twenty-nine people were injured and are in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. At the time of the blaze, 68 men from Central and South America were being held at the facility, the agency said. Immigration authorities identified the dead and injured as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, with Guatemalans being the largest contingent, according to a statement from the Mexican attorney general's office. Many of them may have been from Guatemala, according to a Guatemalan official. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants in protest after learning they would be deported. They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune, Lopez Obrador said, adding that the director of the country's immigration agency was on the scene. The detention facility is a short walk from the US border and across the street from Juarez's city hall. Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, where shelters are full of people waiting for opportunities to cross into the US or who have requested asylum there and are waiting out the process. More than 30 migrant shelters and other advocacy organisations published an open letter March 9 that complained of a criminalisation of migrants and asylum seekers in the city. It accused authorities of abusing migrants and using excessive force in rounding them up, including complaints that municipal police questioned people in the street about their immigration status without cause. The high level of frustration in Ciudad Juarez was evident earlier this month when hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants tried to force their way across one of the international bridges to El Paso, acting on false rumours that the United States would allow them to enter the country. US authorities blocked their attempts. The national immigration agency said on Tuesday that it energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy without any further explanation. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this one, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said via Twitter. In keeping with international law, immigration detention should be an exceptional measure and not generalised, he wrote. As Mexico has stepped up efforts to stem migration to the US border under pressure from the American government, the agency has struggled with overcrowding in its facilities. The country's immigration lockups have seen protests and riots from time to time. Mostly Venezuelan migrants rioted inside an immigration center in Tijuana in October that had to be controlled by police and National Guard troops. In November, dozens of migrants rioted in Mexico's largest detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala. No one died in either incident. Mexico has emerged as the world's third most popular destination for asylum-seekers, after the United States and Germany. But it is still largely a country that migrants pass through on their way to the US. It holds tens of thousands of migrants in an expansive network of detention centres and attempts to closely monitor movements across the country in cooperation with American authorities. Asylum-seekers must stay in the state where they apply in Mexico, resulting in large numbers being holed up near the country's southern border with Guatemala. Tens of thousands are also in border cities with the US, including Ciudad Juarez. An estimated 2,200 people are in Ciudad Juarez's shelters, along with more migrants outside shelters who come from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and El Salvador, according to the Strauss Centre for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin. (AP) PY PY Nashville (US), Mar 28 (AP) Nashville police released video on Tuesday from a body-worn camera that shows a team of officers entering and searching an elementary school, then confronting and opening fire on an assailant who had murdered three children and three adults in the latest school shooting to roil the nation. The dramatic, six-minute video supplements an earlier release, late on Monday, of about two minutes of edited surveillance footage that shows the shooter's car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. The new video from Officer Rex Engelbert's bodycam shows a woman greeting police outside as they arrive at The Covenant School on Monday. The kids are all locked down, but we have two kids that we don't know where they are, she tells police. OK, yes, ma'am, Engelbert replies. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Upstairs are a bunch of kids, she says. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles. Metro Police, officers yell. Let's go, let's go, one officer yells. As alarms are heard going off in the school, one officer says, It sounds like it's upstairs. Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Get your hands away from the gun," an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. Police earlier identified the shooter, who was killed by police, as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale. They say Hale was a former student and shot through the doors of the private, Christian elementary school. Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police response times to school shootings have come under greater scrutiny after the elementary school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, in which 70 minutes passed before law enforcement stormed the classroom. In Nashville, police have said 14 minutes passed from the initial call about a shooter in the school to when the suspect was killed, but they have not said how long it took them to arrive. Surveillance video of The Covenant School grounds released by police shows a time stamp of just before 10.11 am, when the glass doors were shot out by the shooter. Police said they received a call about a shooter at 10.13 am but have not said precisely what time they arrived, and the edited bodycam footage didn't include time stamps. A police spokesperson didn't immediately respond to an email on Tuesday asking when they arrived or whether any version of the video includes time stamps. Police have given unclear information on Hale's gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an on uesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The victims were children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age 9. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. The website of The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school founded in 2001, lists a Katherine Koonce as the head of the school. Her LinkedIn profile says she has led the school since July 2016. Peak was a substitute teacher, and Hill was a custodian, according to investigators. Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake did not say exactly what drove Hale but said in an interview with NBC News that investigators believe the shooter had some resentment for having to go to that school. Drake provided chilling examples of the shooter's elaborate planning for the targeted attack, the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country that has grown increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we're going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident, he told reporters. We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place. Authorities said Hale was armed with two assault-style weapons, as well as a handgun. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area, according to the chief. Police said a search of Hale's home turned up a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence. President Joe Biden said he had spoken to the Nashville chief of police, mayor and senators in Tennessee. He pleaded with Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons. The Congress has to act," Biden said. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre, it's a crazy idea. They're against that. Founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Covenant School is in the affluent Green Hills neighbourhood just south of downtown Nashville that is home to the famous Bluebird Cafe, beloved by musicians and songwriters. The school has about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade, as well as roughly 50 staff members. Before Monday's violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools since 2006 in which four or more people were killed within a 24-hour period, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. In all of them, the shooters were males. The database does not include school shootings in which fewer than four people were killed, which have become far more common in recent years. Just last week alone, for example, school shootings happened in Denver and the Dallas area within two days of each other. At The Covenant School, officers began clearing the first story when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, Aaron said. Police later said the shooter fired at arriving officers from a second-story window. Police identified Engelbert, a four-year member of the force, and Collazo, a nine-year member, as the officers who fatally shot Hale. The surveillance video released on Monday shows the shooter's car driving up to the school from multiple angles, including one in which children can be seen playing on swings in the background. Next, an interior view shows glass doors to the school being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of the shattered doors. More footage from inside shows the shooter walking through a school corridor holding a gun with a long barrel and walking into a room labeled church office, then coming back out. In the final part of the footage, the shooter can be seen walking down another long corridor with the gun drawn. The shooter is not seen interacting with anyone else on the video, which has no sound. Aaron said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school. (AP) PY PY Mumbai, Mar 28 (PTI) A 15 per cent water cut will be implemented across Mumbai for 30 days from March 31 to fix a hole in a crucial supply tunnel, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Tuesday. Water has been leaking from the tunnel after it was recently punctured in Thane while digging a borewell, BMC said in a release. According to the civic body, its Bhandup water complex, which takes care of 65 per cent of the total water supplied to Mumbai, receives about 75 per cent of its supply through this 15-km-long tunnel that has a diameter of 5,500 mm. This tunnel got punctured in Thane due to digging of a borewell and water is leaking on a large scale. It is necessary to isolate the tunnel completely for repairs and use an alternate transmission system for bringing water to Bhandup, during repairs period, said the BMC release. The corporation said that the water supply to Mumbai and its suburbs will get affected during the switching over of transmission systems and repairs. Therefore, it has decided to impose a water cut of up to 15 per cent, said the civic body. The BMC also appealed to citizens to use water judiciously and co-operate with it. Raipur, Mar 28 (PTI) With the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting fresh raids in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday in the alleged coal levy extortion case, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned why the central agency never takes any action in BJP-ruled states. The ED conducted searches at multiple locations in Chhattisgarh and also in Andhra Pradesh, officials said earlier in the day. The ED has once again conducted raids in Chhattisgarh. No section of society is left to be raided, be it industrialists, traders, transporters, MLAs, officers or farmers," Baghel told reporters. "Raids are never conducted in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Karnataka (all ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party). It seems the ED does not have offices there," he added. The ED should be unbiased, but action is being taken at the behest of state and Central BJP leaders, the Congress leader claimed. The ED does not take action in Karnataka where '40 per commission' government is being run, and Rs 6 crore in cash were recovered from an MLA. It does not take action against Adani....The agency does not take action in connection with the NAN (Nagrik Apurti Nigam) and chit fund scams (which allegedly happened during the previous BJP government in Chhattisgarh), Baghel further said. I have also heard that they are not taking any action in the Mahadev app case after the involvement of some BJP leaders surfaced. Neither the BJP talks about Mahadev app, nor is ED taking any action, the chief minister said. The Chhattisgarh police has arrested more than 250 people in the last six months for alleged involvement in online betting through the Mahadev application. According to officials, the ED searches were underway since early Tuesday morning at several locations in Raipur and Durg districts and some other places. Premises of a senior bureaucrat and prominent industrialist were also covered in the raids, they said. The ED investigation relates to "a massive scam in which an illegal levy of Rs 25 was being extorted for every tonne of coal transported in Chhattisgarh by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen," the agency had said earlier. As per the ED, at least Rs 540 crore were extorted over the last two years. Premises related to those allegedly linked to Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal and arrested coal businessman Sunil Agarwal, besides a few others, in state capital Raipur and in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh were searched, the official sources said. Nine people, including state administrative service officer Saumya Chaurasia, coal trader Suryakant Tiwari, his uncle Laxmikant Tiwari and Chhattisgarh-cadre Indian Administrative Service officer Sameer Vishnoi, have been arrested till now in the case by the ED. Mumbai, Mar 28 (PTI) A woman who had consumed poison outside Mantralaya, the headquarters of the Maharashtra government here, died in hospital on Tuesday, police said. The condition of another woman who too had consumed poison along with her was serious, said an official. The incident had taken place on Monday. Shital Gadekar, a resident of Dhule district in northern Maharashtra, died at the ICU of the state-run JJ Hospital here. Gadekar had come to the Mantralaya in connection with a dispute over a plot of land at Dhule MIDC industrial area. Sangita Davare, a resident of Navi Mumbai, was also visiting Mantralaya to seek justice in a different matter, officials said. Both arrived at Mantralaya in the same cab on Monday. They were apparently in contact with each other and another person, an `activist'. When both were seen consuming some suspected poisonous substance, police deployed on the gates of Mantralaya tried to stop them. They were immediately rushed to the JJ Hospital. Gadekar, who was shifted to the ICU on Tuesday, died during the treatment while Davare's condition was serious, said a police official. According to Gadekar, a plot owned by her husband was transferred in the name of another person by officials of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation with the help of bogus and forged documents in 2010. She had been complaining about it at various levels since then, the official said. Recently she had also warned of committing suicide if she did not get justice, he said. In Davare's case, her husband, a police constable, lost his leg during a surgery, and she was demanding action against the doctor, he said. An activist who knew both of them allegedly asked them to consume poison for getting justice and police were probing his role, the official added. ADEN, Yemen, March 28 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed early on Tuesday in clashes between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels in the country's southern province of Lahj, a military official said. "Ferocious clashes break out between dozens of heavily armed Houthi attackers and soldiers of the government's Fourth Brigade around the AlKarb area in the government-controlled province of Lahj," the local military official said on condition of anonymity. Six Houthi fighters and five government soldiers died in the clashes, which forced many residents in nearby villages to flee their homes in search of shelters, said the official. Following the clashes, local government authorities ordered their troops to stay vigilant and fend off the Houthis' attacks on Lahj, which is close to Aden, the temporary capital of the Yemeni government. Despite calls from the international community for de-escalation and dialogue, the Houthis have continued their on-the-ground military attacks in the government-controlled provinces. Following an increase in the number of Houthi attacks in the oil-rich provinces of Marib and Shabwa, Yemen's government on Friday warned of a possible return to a full-scale military conflict in the war-ravaged Arab country. Yemen has witnessed sporadic armed confrontations between the local warring factions, after a cease-fire brokered by the United Nations in April last year expired six months later. Since 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally-recognized government and its allies, which include a Saudi Arabia-led coalition. The war has pushed the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of collapse, leaving millions of people without access to adequate food. Gandhinagar, Mar 28 (PTI) The G20 working group on environment and climate sustainability on Tuesday emphasised the need for collaboration among member countries and engagement in an inclusive and consensus-driven approach to address climate change. During the second day of the second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting under Indias G20 Presidency here, participants also expressed their concern on the subject of depleting level of groundwater at an alarming rate, and said that cooperation at all possible levels is key in effective Water Resource Management (WRM). Technology, cooperation and joint research are crucial for successful WRM, the working group said and called for the need to promote safeguard measures for the vital ecosystem, the role of communities in implementing measures like human rights to water, sound sanitation, and access to clean water. Thematic presentations were also made on the Centres projects such as Namami Gange, Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Mission. Participants stressed the need for a common understanding of water and groundwater and integrating principles of sustainable development in the implementation of WRM. Members said that interventions in monitoring and evaluation of the water ecosystem are important, and strong legal and policy instruments are necessary for the regulation and implementation of strategies in WRM. Indonesia will be hosting World Water Forum in 2024 and the importance of the same for water cooperation was highlighted at the event. Richa Sharma, additional secretary of the environment ministry, reaffirmed Indias commitment to facilitate tangible outcomes to build a strong foundation before passing on the baton to the Brazil Presidency. During a session on WRM, Debashree Mukherjee, special secretary, water resources, ministry of Jal Shakti, highlighted the need for efficient management of water resources to achieve the overarching UN Sustainable Development Goals. Another technical session focussed on land restoration, with participants favouring a collaborative and consensus-driven approach directed at how key inputs are being incorporated in the development of the proposed outcomes under Indias Presidency. A technical session on encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy was also held. Santiniketan, Mar 28 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore had visualised India as a leading source of knowledge in the global arena, while speaking at the convocation of the Visva Bharati University founded by the first Asian Nobel prize winner. Murmu, the Visitor of the central university, also said though she had the privilege to visit many institutions of learning and eminence, but her first visit to Visva Bharati remains very special as it is associated with the memory of one of the greatest thinkers in this world. "Gurudev had visualised India being the leading source of knowledge....", and Visva Bharati was founded based on this principle, she said. Murmu also pointed out the two national anthems of India and neighbouring Bangladesh have both been composed by the Bard - Jana Gana Mana and Amar Sonar Bangla respectively. The President recalled her visit to Tagore's ancestral place Jorasanko thakurbari in Kolkata the day before and said this was nothing short of a "pilgrimage." Governor C V Ananda Bose and Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty also addressed the students having assembled to be awarded degrees at the convocation for the year 2022. Ranchi, Mar 28 (PTI) Twenty-four life convicts will walk free as Jharkhand Sentence Review (JSRB) Board on Tuesday recommended their release from jail, a statement said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the JSRB, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, which reviewed the cases of 50 such prisoners, it said. "After reviewing the opinion of the courts, Superintendents of Police, Jail Superintendents and Probation Officers of the concerned districts, it was agreed to release 24 prisoners," the Chief Minister's Secretariat said in the statement. Soren directed officials to make arrangements for counselling, tracking and monitoring of the prisoners released from jail, besides emphasising the need for rehabilitation of the released prisoners and connecting them with the schemes of the government, it said. "The chief minister said that proper counseling should also be done for these prisoners from time to time. Apart from this, they should also be linked to the schemes of the government, so that they remain connected with the mainstream. At the same time, there should also be a system for the rehabilitation of needy prisoners," the statement noted. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Vandana Dadel and Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Kumar Singh were among those present at the meeting. Aizawl, Mar 28 (PTI) Eleven people, including three Myanmar nationals, were arrested in Mizoram with heroin worth over Rs 23 lakh in the last five days, officials said on Tuesday. The Excise and Narcotics Department seized 913.8 grams of heroin in raids at seven locations in Aizawl and Serchhip districts since Friday, they said. In Serchhip, 434 gram of heroin was seized in the anti-drugs raids. Seven locals were arrested, they said. Four people, including three Myanmar nationals, were arrested in Aizawl. A total of 346 grams of heroin was seized from them, they added. The accused were booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, officials said. Bhubaneswar, Mar 28 (PTI) With Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik planning to undertake a nine-day trip to Japan from April 3, Opposition Congress on Tuesday suggested that the CM visit the East Asian country after the end of the Budget session of the House. The Budget session of the Odisha Assembly will end on April 6. The issue was raised by Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra in the House during the Zero Hour. "I understand from media that the CM is all set to start his tour to Japan from April 3. We do not have any objection to his (CM) visit to Japan on the state's interest. But, he should not ignore the House which is on session," he said. Mishra said some important business would be taken up in the House after passage of the Appropriation Bill on March 31, including the motion discussion on the Mahanadi water dispute issue. "The chief minister should remain present when the House takes up a debate on all important Mahanadi water dispute matter. Therefore, we suggest him (CM) to take a trip to Japan accordingly," he said. Sources said that preparations for the CMs trip are in the final stage and the state is expecting to receive huge investment proposals during Patnaiks meeting with top investors in Japan, The states delegation will be led by Patnaik which will showcase Odisha as a potential investment in food processing, chemicals, plastics, petrochemicals, textile, apparel and tourism for its pro-investors policies. Japan had been a partner country in the state's flagship investors meet like Make in Odisha (MIO) Conclave, held in December last year. Recently, while replying in the Assembly, Odishas Industry Minister PK Deb informed that Odisha has emerged as a preferred investment destination due to political stability and conducive business environment. The MIO Conclave 2022 generated investment intents of Rs 10.50 lakh crore with potential for 10.50 lakh employment. Before the MIO, Patnaik had met several industry captains in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. Patnaik also in August, 2022 had attended an investors meet in Dubai and received investment proposal worth Rs 22,000 crore. Chandigarh, Mar 28 (PTI) The Border Security Force (BSF) brought down a drone and shot at two others, apparently being used to smuggle heroin, near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, an official said on Tuesday. About 10 kg of heroin, a pistol, a magazine and eight rounds were recovered in the series of incidents. In one case, BSF soldiers opened fire at miscreants who hurled a heroin packet across the border fence in Fazilka district. A BSF spokesperson said the force also apprehended two persons. In Amritsars Rajatal village, the movement of a Pakistani drone was detected at around 8:30 pm on Monday and the BSF personnel fired at it, the official. During the search of the area on Tuesday, the force recovered a black coloured drone (a DJI Matrice quadcopter). A packet of heroin (weighing 2.6 kg), wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, was found inside a bag attached to the drone, the spokesperson said. In Amritsars Bachiwind village, the BSF shot down another drone entering the village from the Pakistan side on Monday night. Three kg of heroin, concealed inside three packets, was recovered from a polyester bag during the search, the spokesperson said, adding two people were also apprehended. In Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar, the BSF opened fire at another Pakistani drone and later recovered two packets of heroin (weighing 2 kg) during a search of the area. In Fazilka district, the BSF personnel opened fire at some miscreants after they heard the thumping sound of something being thrown over the border fence near village Natha Singh Wala early Tuesday morning. The miscreants managed to flee, the spokesperson said, adding that two packets of (weighing 2 kg) and a China-made pistol along with a magazine and eight rounds were recovered during the search of the area. Srinagar, Mar 28 (PTI) Twelve years after cloning the first Pashmina goat Noorie, the scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) are now working on gene editing technology that can increase the yield of famed cashmere wool. Noorie died earlier this month after living a life span of a normal Pashmina goat. However, the cloning team at SKUAST has not stopped its work on improving the quality of animals. We recently submitted a few projects to the ICAR. Currently, we are running a project on gene editing of the same Pashmina goats in which we were able to produce the edited cloned embryos of these goats, Shah told PTI. The aim is to create a cloned Pashmina goat with an edited genome. Once we are able to transfer the edited genes to the recipients and produce an offspring out of it, that will be the cloned edited goat. Our aim is to just increase the Pashmina (wool) production and so we have targeted a gene with which we can achieve this, Shah added. Giving the background of the cloning project, Shah said the process in India started with buffaloes at the National Dairy Institute of Karnal. I was working for the PhD research program at Karnal where we were able to clone Buffalo, which was the first clone produced in India, in any livestock species. Later on, once I moved back to my native department, we had one project from ICAR and the main aim of that project was to produce clones of Pashmina goats, he said. The Pashmina goat is native to the Ladakh region and it lives at high altitudes with low oxygen, he said. It took us almost 3 years to standardise the technique and ultimately we were able to produce 'Noorie', Shah added. Being the first major animal cloning success at the SKUAST, the team of scientists was attached to Noorie but they are content that it paved the way for further research in the field. Noories death was very emotional because this department got recognition and funding because of her. The Noorie project generated the platform for further research like this one (gene editing). Primarily, the objective was to generate the value chain on cloned production, said Abrar Malik, a PhD student. Malik was an undergraduate student when Noorie came to life. Noorie was produced in 2012, under the leadership of Dr Riyaz. I was pursuing my UG at that time and it was fascinating for me. It pumped me to join Biotechnology, Malik said. Noorie recently passed away at age of 10 which is normal. She had lost her teeth and she was not eating properly. So, it was a kind of natural death, the research scholar said. On being asked if cloning can be used to save endangered species like Hangul (Kashmir stag), Shah said, We haven't undertaken it yet because for rare species we need a recipient where we can transfer the embryos. For those recipients, we rely on the wildlife department. Species like Hangul are not available with them. Otherwise, we could have tried in that area also but the main focus is livestock species, Shah said. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) There is no proposal under consideration of the government to make Sanskrit communication and official language, Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra said in Lok Sabha. The minister's written answer came in response to a question posed by BJP member Subrat Pathak, who asked whether the government proposes to make Sanskrit the communication and official language in addition to Hindi. "No, Sir. There is no proposal under consideration of the government to make Sanskrit as communication and official language. As per Article 343 (1) of the Constitution of India, the official language of the Union is Hindi in Devanagari script," Mishra said. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Delhi Police have arrested six members of a multi-state gang which was allegedly involved in stealing high-end cars like Fortuner SUV in the national capital at gun point and selling them for as low as Rs 3 lakh in Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat, officials said on Tuesday. The gang was busted when police officials were investigating an incident of carjacking in Dwarka earlier this month. Officials said Vikram (40) led the gang and Arjun (26), Rohit (29) and Vicky (30) were his associates. Two others arrested in the case Ashraf (68) and Ramesh (36) supplied arms and ammunition to the gang. These two would also take the delivery of stolen cars and sold them either in Jammu and Kashmir or delivered the vehicles to another associate named Illiyas in Gujarat, officials added. Police have recovered four pistols, eight live cartridges and a Hyundai i20 from them. While investigating the carjacking incident in Dwarka, police noticed the gang was using the i20 car in the commission of the crime, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harsha Vardhan. Police then mobilised their informers and laid a trap near a university in Dwarka. Vikram and his associates were arrested from there, Vardhan said. Vikram was then taken to Jammu and Kashmir to trace their weapon suppliers and those who took the delivery of the stolen vehicles. The police team used a Fortuner SUV to lay a trap and was able to nab Ashraf and Ramesh from Jammu, the DCP said adding two pistols, four live cartridges and a stolen Fortuner car were recovered from them. Explaining the modus operandi of the gang, Vardhan said the members would snatch the mobile phone of car owners or drivers at gun-point and then pushed them out of the vehicle. "After that Vikram would drive the car all the way to Jammu the same night and hand it over to Ashraf and Ramesh, who would further sold the cars to a person named Illiyas in Ahmedabad, Gujarat," the DCP said. During interrogation, Vikram told police his cousin Arun, who is in Bhondsi Jail in Gurugram, lured him into carjacking, they said. With the arrests, police claimed to have solved five cases of robbery and arms act in Delhi. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) India has potential to be the world's "skill capital", Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh said on Tuesday as his ministry signed an MoU with 19 "Captive Employers" for providing jobs to 31,067 rural youths under a government scheme. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the government will give these employers the target to train and provide gainful employment to rural youths, with a minimum salary of 10,000 per month for the minimum period of six months. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said education should be focused on skill development, and skill development should be focused on providing employment... That is what we are trying to do," Singh said at an event to sign the MoU. "India has the potential to be the skill capital of the world. In this direction today for the first time an MoU is being signed between government and employers," Singh said. He also sought suggestions from the employers on implementing the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) across the country, and distributed appointment letters to some candidates who received similar training under the DDU-GKY and are placed with captive employers. The Rural Development Ministry launched the Captive employment Guidelines under DDU-GKY to ensure that the candidates are trained as per the industry requirement and employed. The Captive Employment model allows the employer to select rural youth, skill and employ them. The RTD (Recruit, Train & Deploy) model has been developed to address the needs of the Industry on one hand and ensuring sustainable placement for rural youths. The Captive Employment Guidelines will increase the direct involvement of the industry due to the benefits provided to the industries for encouraging them to participate in the DDU-GKY program thereby ensuring the large quantity employment for rural youths. The basic objective of DDU-GKY is to provide the gainful placement in sustainable manner to rural youth after skilling hence the concept of captive employment was envisaged and launched on the occasion of Antyodaya Divas in the year 2020. Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, writes an inscription meaning "Peace, endeavor, revitalizing China" in commemoration at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, March 28, 2023. A delegation led by Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing Tuesday morning. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) NANJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Tuesday morning. Ma, also former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, presented a floral basket to the statue of Sun Yat-sen who died in 1925. Then the delegation observed a minute of silence. Ma and some members of the delegation paid their respects to Sun in the coffin chamber. Ma wrote an inscription meaning "Peace, endeavor, revitalizing China" in commemoration. In an interview with media outlets after the visit, Ma said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same Chinese nation. "The Chinese people on both sides of the Strait should work together in pursuit of peace, avoid war, and be committed to the revitalization of China. This is an inevitable responsibility that we must work hard to fulfill," Ma said. Ma also called on the young people in Taiwan to gain a deep understanding of the life of Sun and the cross-Strait relations, noting that the delegation will convey the hospitality and kindness they receive on the mainland to people on the island. Sun is known to the Chinese people as a great national hero, patriot and forerunner of China's democratic revolution. Chinese revolutionaries represented by Sun launched the Revolution of 1911 that brought down the Qing government, ended the absolute monarchy that had ruled China for thousands of years, and paved the way for the profound social changes that have taken place in modern China. Sun once noted that "reunification" is the hope of all Chinese people. He had always firmly safeguarded national reunification and unity and taken a clear-cut stance against words and actions aimed at splitting China and the Chinese nation. "The aspiration of revitalizing China, held by Sun and pioneers of the Revolution of 1911, should be a common pursuit for people across the Strait," said Liu Xiangping, an expert on Taiwan studies at Nanjing University, when commenting on Ma's visit to the mausoleum. "Compatriots on both sides of the Strait should carry forward the spirit of national revitalization championed by Sun," said Li Zhenguang, a professor at the Beijing Union University. "Under the new historical conditions, compatriots on both sides should jointly maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and realize national rejuvenation, which is the best commemoration for Sun," Li said. Ma arrived in Shanghai Monday. His itinerary on the mainland includes Nanjing, Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing and Shanghai. Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, pays respect to the statue of Sun Yat-sen in the sacrifice hall of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, March 28, 2023. A delegation led by Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing Tuesday morning. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party Ma Ying-jeou and members of the delegation pose for a group photo at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, March 28, 2023. A delegation led by Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing Tuesday morning. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party Ma Ying-jeou and some members of the delegation pay their respects to Sun Yat-sen in the coffin chamber of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, March 28, 2023. A delegation led by Ma visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing Tuesday morning. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Dilli Haat-INA, Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place are among the most sought-after locations for film and web series shoots in Delhi, which has witnessed over a dozen productions since the implementation of the city government's film policy last May, an official said on Tuesday. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation acts as a facilitator for film productions in the capital. The Tourism department has received 52 applications for film and web series shoots since the Delhi Film Policy - 2022 was introduced last May, the official said. Under the policy, a single-window e-Film Clearance portal has been created to bring over 20 agencies that grant the various approvals related to film production. The government has facilitated 13 film and web series shoots since the policy's implementation. These include two Hollywood films, the official said. "Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Dilli Haat-INA and Pritampura are the most sought-after locations. Producers are also interested in filming at the Red Fort. Birla Mandir is also popular," he added. The official said, "We have facilitated the production of 13 films and web series, including a few international movies. We have received applications (to film) at 52 locations as a movie requires multiple locations. At present, seven applications are in process." The Delhi Film Policy - 2022 has brought up to 20 different agencies, including those of the Delhi government and the Centre, under one umbrella. The policy aims to promote "artistic, creative and cultural expression, to brand Delhi as a vibrant film shooting destination by easing approval processes for movie shooting, and to develop and support local talent by providing a skilled ecosystem in the city", the official said. The e-Film Clearance -- a completely online single-window clearance mechanism -- was finalised by holding regular meetings with various agencies and stakeholders such as production companies even during the Covid pandemic through videoconferencing, the official added. "Earlier, filmmakers had to get approval from 20 different agencies for filming in the city," he said. Now, they can procure clearances for filming by visiting the Delhi Tourism website and applying on e-Film Clearance. The online process for clearances from agencies in a time-bound manner then begins, the official added. Fatehpur (UP), Mar 28 (PTI) A mini-truck carrying devotees rammed into a stationary container truck in this district on Tuesday, killing three people and injuring another 12, police said. SHO of Kotwali police station Amit Mishra said the accident took place on Kanpur-Prayagraj highway near Bhitaura bypass in the morning. Keshraj (80), his wife Lakhraji (75) and relative Shivkumari (45) were killed in the accident, Mishra said. He added that 12 people were injured in the accident, and the condition of two of them is serious. All the injured have been taken to Kanpur for treatment. Mishra informed that the devotees were residents of Amethi district, and had returned from Satna district of Madhya Pradesh after having a 'darshan' of the Goddess at Maihar. Police said the bodies have been sent for post-mortem. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) A Jaipur-based businessman was apprehended for allegedly creating a fake social media profile of a woman and posting her mobile number with obscene messages, police here said on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Sachin Singh, was arrested from Rajasthans Jaipur, they said. According to the police, the victim broke up a three-year-old friendship with the accused, following which he decided to take revenge. The 20-year-old woman lodged a complaint here alleging that an unknown person has posted her phone number on a fake Instagram profile created in her name. The alleged person used the complainant's photo as a profile picture and posted obscene captions with her mobile number, a senior police officer said. During the investigation, it was revealed that the mobile number used for creating the account was registered in the name of the accused's father, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said. Later, a raid was conducted in Jaipur where Singh was interrogated. The mobile numbers and SIM cards involved in the offence were recovered from his possession, Kalsi said. Interrogation has revealed that the accused met the complainant via Facebook and slowly they became good friends. They had been friends for three years and then the complainant got a job where she found a person who became her close friend, police said. The complainant started ignoring him which made him jealous. He asked her not to talk to her new male friend. When she refused to do, so he decided to take revenge, they said. Lucknow, Mar 27 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court allowing the State Election Commission to issue a notification regarding the urban local body polls in the state. In a tweet in Hindi, Adityanath said, "Accepting the report of the OBC Commission by the Honourable Supreme Court, and the orders to conduct the urban local body elections is welcome. The UP government is committed to conduct the urban local body elections in a time-bound manner, while following the rules of reservation in a lawful manner." The Supreme Court on Monday paved the way for holding the urban local body polls in Uttar Pradesh as it allowed the State Election Commission to issue a notification in this regard in two days with an OBC quota in terms of a report of the Uttar Pradesh Backward Classes Commission. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala said, "This court, in an order dated January 4, 2023, noted that in view of the decisions of this court, the government of Uttar Pradesh issued a notification for setting up the Uttar Pradesh Backward Classes Commission in December 2022. Though the tenure of the commission was six months, it was to complete its task by March 31, 2023." It further said, "The solicitor general informs that the report has been submitted on March 9, 2023 to the cabinet. The process of notifying the local body elections is going on and will be done in two days. The plea is disposed of. The direction in this order is not to be used as precedent." On January 4, the top court stayed an Allahabad High Court order directing the holding of the urban local body polls without any reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It had also ordered that the panel appointed by the state government to decide on issues related to the grant of the OBC quota for the local body polls will have to conclude its exercise within three months (by March 31), instead of six months as stipulated earlier. Earlier, the state government had moved the apex court with its appeal against a December 27, 2022 order of the high court, saying the latter cannot quash the draft notification issued on December 5 last year, which provided for reservation of seats in the urban civic body polls for the OBCs, apart from those for the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and women. The appeal said the OBCs are a constitutionally-protected section and the high court erred in quashing the draft notification. After the high court's order, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed a five-member commission for going into the entire gamut of issues for providing reservation to the OBCs in the urban local body polls. The panel was headed by Justice (retired) Ram Avtar Singh. The four other members of the panel were retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers Chob Singh Verma and Mahendra Kumar, and former legal advisors to the state government Santosh Kumar Viskarma and Brajesh Kumar Soni. The Lucknow bench of the high court had ordered that the state government notify the polls "immediately" as the term of several municipalities was going to expire by January 31, while annulling the December 5, 2022 draft notification. The high court had directed the State Election Commission to hold the elections by January 31, after transferring the OBC seats in the draft notification to the general category. The high court's order had come on pleas challenging the preparation of the OBC reservation draft without following the "triple test" formula prescribed by the Supreme Court. The triple test requires setting up a commission to hold a "rigorous empirical inquiry" into the nature of the "backwardness" in the context of the local bodies, specifying the proportion of reservation based on the commission's recommendations and ensuring that it does not exceed the overall 50-per cent quota limit. The high court had held that the triple test condition formulated by the Supreme Court 11 years ago was mandatory. "Until the triple test is completed in all respects by the state government, no reservation for a backward class of citizens shall be provided," the order had said. Muzaffarnagar (UP), Mar 27 (PTI) Notorious criminal Jabruddin, who was freed from the custody of Haryana STF personnel by villagers in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Monday following an encounter with police. Additional Superintendent of Police, Shamli, OP Singh told reporters that Jabruddin, who had a cash reward of Rs 25,000 on information leading to his arrest, was spotted in the Jhinjhana police station area of the district. Police surrounded him and in the ensuing exchange of fire, the accused sustained bullet injuries. He was arrested and admitted to a hospital, the officer said. An illegal firearm and a motorcycle were seized from his possession, police said. On Sunday, at least three personnel of the Haryana Police's Special Task Force (STF) were injured and their service pistols looted after they were attacked by the residents of Kertu village in Shamli, officials had said. Kertu is located within the Jhinjhana police station limits. The Haryana STF team had gone to the village to nab Jabruddin, police said, adding that the villagers managed to free the accused from the custody of the personnel. Superintendent of Police, Shamli, Abhishek had told reporters on Sunday that a case was registered against 40 people, including 21 who were named, under sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 307 (attempt to murder), 225 (resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension of another person), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty) and 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Six people were arrested in connection with the incident and the looted pistols and 10 cartridges recovered from their possession, police had said. The injured policemen were taken to a hospital for treatment, they had added. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) The student community is not a different group which enjoys any extra right regarding freedom of speech and expression and the law does not grant protection if the right to protest is demonstrated violently while threatening the safety of others and damaging the public property, the Delhi High Court Tuesday said. The court's observations came while setting aside a trial court order discharging 11 people, including JNU student Sharjeel Imam and activists Asif Iqbal Tanha and Safoora Zargar, in a 2019 Jamia Nagar violence case, and ordered framing of charges against them. "Protecting and promoting freedom of speech and expression are not only a fundamental constitutional right but every court is duty bound to protect the same. The student community is not a different group in itself who enjoys any extra right in this regard but being citizens of India they have equal right to freedom of speech and expression and protest as all other citizens of this country. "No doubt they can also express their views even if views are unpopular as others citizens, however the law protects the right to express one's views and protest peacefully but the law does not protect or guarantee the right to protest and demonstrate violently, threaten the safety of others and damage the public property or threaten and damage their own campus and personal safety of others including the law enforcing agency," Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said. The high court said there is no confusion about rights of the individuals to express themselves and to assemble lawfully for lawful purpose, however, the assembly of such persons cannot be permitted to violate laws of the land or regulations. "The police can be seen trying to reason with the protesters repeatedly by announcing that section 144 CrPC had been imposed in the area and a placard had been also displayed at the spot. It is true that as per prosecution story, section 144 CrPC was imposed in the area where they were proceeding i.e. in the New Delhi district as they wanted to go to the Parliament. "The students therefore knew that they were trying to violate the law by insisting on moving towards that area and breaking barricades and putting property on fire, pelting stones at the spot of Jamia area. Protest by violent means can never be part of democracy," Justice Sharma said, adding that the police was being targeted by pelting stones. The high court said the emergency powers had to be used to tackle the immediate urgent crisis which is visible in video clips to save lives of not only the investigating agency but also of the young students and others person at the spot. Whether the limit of legitimate dissent and protest or expression was breached or not has to be tested on different touchstone at the time of trial and court has to reach a conclusion at that stage, it said. Bengaluru, Mar 28 (PTI) By repeatedly changing the goalposts over the timing of cabinet expansion in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and the ruling BJP managed to deftly sidestep potential disgruntlement within a section of the party, that would have in a way put the leadership in a firefighting mode in the run-up to Assembly elections, instead of strategising for poll victory. The Bommai-led government is going to the elections, due by May, with six vacant berths, with the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule in the next few days. A week after taking over as Chief Minister from B S Yediyurappa, following his stepping down, Bommai on August 3, 2021 expanded his new Ministry, by inducting 29 Ministers. It had taken the cabinet's strength to 30 including the CM, against the sanctioned strength of 34. However, due to subsequent resignation of Minister K S Eshwarappa following a case for allegedly abetting the suicide of a contractor, and death of Minister Umesh Katti, the strength of the current cabinet stands at 28. Soon after the cabinet expansion, discontent started simmering within the party, and Bommai had the task of having to manage the situation and run the administration by cleverly navigating between the party old guard or loyalists or "natives" and "migrants", those who had defected from JD(S)- Congress that led to the fall of the coalition government, and helped the BJP to come to power. Several loyal party old guards were unhappy and had expressed their displeasure openly about "migrants" scuttling the chances of them becoming Ministers. With only six berths in hand and too many aspirants, the Chief Minister had been under pressure from aspirants to expand his Cabinet from the beginning. Boomai too had never ruled out the cabinet expansion but kept buying time. He always had been maintaining that he was willing to carry out the exercise, once the party's central leadership approves, while the high command representatives including party General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh always stuck to the stand that it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister and that he would decide on it, in consultation with the leadership. The speculation of cabinet expansion cropped up every time the CM travelled to Delhi, and Bommai too had most of the time maintained that he would discuss it with BJP National President J P Nadda or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but never returned with any positive news in this regard. On a couple of instances, there were signs of expansion turning out to be a reality, which had resulted in some aspirants even camping in New Delhi to lobby their case. Following political developments in Uttarakhand and Gujarat ahead of Assembly polls in those states, there were murmurs in BJP circles that a top-to-bottom overhaul of the Cabinet cannot be ruled out, and ministerial aspirants were hopeful about a decision regarding Cabinet expansion or reshuffle, in which case several incumbents could make way for fresh faces. But that was not to be. The issue seemed to have had its silent death in the last couple of months, with polls nearing, as many aspirants were of the opinion that such an exercise will not be useful at this juncture, as the duration for the new inductees will be very less to prove themselves. According to party insiders and poll observers, the leadership was wary of the possible disgruntlement by aspirants who would not make it to the cabinet. It seems there was a feeling that the impact of dissidence by aspirant MLAs would be much stronger to an extent that it may turn out to be a revolt against CM Bommai, who is someone who came to the party from outside (Janata Parivar), a party functionary said. Political analyst A Narayana from Azim Premji University feels not carrying out cabinet expansion was some kind of a strategy to maintain an equilibrium. "Because the moment you give it (Ministerial berth) to someone, others will be unhappy. I don't think they were confident of handling such a situation or maybe they did not want to give it to someone. If the party had given to someone, the kind of discontent it would have generated would have proved costly for them," he had told PTI recently. The whole question of political dissidence in the party was suppressed, not that it was not there, Narayana further said, "They (party) kept it suppressed because of two things- one is the high command is too high and mighty, so nobody would have ventured to offend them too much, which was to their advantage. The second is maybe by keeping the berths vacant as long as possible, they were making people just wait in expectation...that's one way of managing." One party leader said, cabinet rejig or expansion should have been carried out eight to six months ago. "By making way for new faces, anti-incumbency could have been tackled to an extent, ahead of polls." It can be noted that without succumbing to pressure like the one exerted by senior leader Eshwarappa to be reinducted into the cabinet, after he reportedly got a clean chit in the contractor suicide case, the party high command and Bommai moved cautiously by not carrying out the Cabinet expansion, as inducting him would have opened up a "pandora's box". Some religious personalities had come out in support of Eshwarappa, however, as the party and CM seemed undeterred, the former Minister himself announced that he was no longer an aspirant. Pressure tactics by Gokak MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had resigned from the earlier Yediyurappa cabinet, in a sleaze CD row case, was also handled by the party in a similar fashion. Calling BJP leadership's move of not giving a go-ahead to the cabinet expansion or rejig as "calculated", a political observer said, the party's structure and nature of its strength in Karnataka is different compared to that of Gujarat and Uttarakhand, for it to have carried out an overhaul here, like it did in those States. "The party here is a mix of natives or loyalists from RSS background, and also migrants, who came from other parties, like Janata Parivar in 2008 and Congress-JD(S) in 2018," he added. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had recently claimed that the "secret" behind Bommai not expanding the Cabinet is to avoid making BJP strongman Yediyurappas son B Y Vijayendra a minister. As he (Bommai) will have to make Yediyurappas son a minister if the cabinet is expanded, the Chief Minister did not expand the Ministry and is keeping six posts vacant, it has been more than one-and-half years now, he had said. Almost one-fourth of the portfolios are with the Chief Minister, as Bommai is in charge of about eight of them, including Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), Bengaluru City Development and Finance. Bommai's father and former CM S R Bommai-led government (1988-89) had collapsed just two weeks after the cabinet expansion, due to defections. This factor would have been in Basavaraj Bommai's mind, making him more cautious about carrying out the exercise, a party leader said. Hardoi (UP), Mar 28 (PTI) Five people were killed and four injured in a collision between an autorickshaw and a car on the Lucknow-Hardoi Highway, police said on Tuesday. While the five victims died on the spot, the injured were rushed to a hospital where their condition is stated to be stable, they said. Both the vehicles were at speed when the accident occurred in the Dehat area, the police added. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and attempts are on to identify the victims, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi said. New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI) Rajya Sabha proceedings were on Tuesday adjourned in the pre-lunch session as opposition MPs continued their protest over the Adani issue. Members of the Congress and other parties started raising slogans as the listed papers were laid on the table of the House. They were raising slogans demanding a probe by a joint parliamentary committee into allegations of corporate fraud and stock price manipulations against the Adani Group. Sensing the mood, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. Kochi, Mar 28 (PTI) A herd of wild elephants went on a rampage in a village bordering forest in Kerala damaging a Government Upper Primary school in the small hours of Tuesday, Forest officials said. The incident was reported from Idamalayar village in the eastern part of Ernakulam district, they said. Window panes, three bathroom doors and the outdoor water tank of the school were found broken, the officials said. Locals alleged that the elephants entered the premises as the authorities failed to repair the damaged electrified fencing. "Around thirty window panes of the school, a door, water tank and the pipeline were destroyed," local sources told PTI. School officials said the elephants also made an attempt to enter the office block. They have estimated a loss of around Rs three lakh. Forest officials reached the place and assessed the damage. Since the annual examination is going on, the school authorities arranged alternative place in the building for students to write the exam. UNITED NATIONS, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China supports the United Nations setting up an international independent commission to investigate the Nord Stream pipeline incident, a Chinese envoy said here on Monday. In an explanation of vote, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, stressed that the vicious act of sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline affects the security of not only Europe, but also global cross-country infrastructure. The UN Security Council on Monday failed to adopt a draft resolution proposed by Russia, which requested the UN Secretary-General to establish an international, independent investigation commission to probe into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. Russia, China and Brazil voted in favor while other Security Council members abstained. Noting that relevant countries are conducting national investigations, Geng said international and national investigations do not contradict one another. "In fact, authorizing the United Nations to launch an international investigation is precisely the best way to respond to speculations and allegations," he said. International investigation under the auspices of the United Nations can play a coordinating role among different national investigations, he said. The Chinese envoy added that if the countries concerned are hesitant to support the Security Council's authorization of an international investigation, it only makes people think that "there might be something hidden behind the scene." "Although Security Council members have not yet reached an agreement authorizing any international investigation, we all support finding out the truth and bringing the perpetrators to justice at an early date," said Geng. China hopes that countries carrying out national investigations will embrace an elevated sense of urgency, report the progress of their investigations to the Security Council timely and regularly, and identify and publish their findings as early as possible, he said. The Security Council has the responsibility to remain seized of the Nord Stream incident, including by holding regular briefings and taking necessary further actions in an effort to discharge effectively its responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, Geng added. LAUREL MCINTOSH, Chariho Girls Lacrosse, Senior; McIntosh scored six goals and assisted on another in a Chariho win against Toll Gate. Chariho is 5-0 this season. DYLAN CIMINI, Stonington, Baseball, Junior; Cimini allowed just one hit and struck out 10 in a win against Ledyard. Cimini did not give up the hit until the sixth inning. ALLYSON FAUBERT, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Sophomore; Faubert scored the winning goal with 49.6 seconds left in a win against Cranston East. Faubert finished with two goals in the game. REESE MAIN, Wheeler, Softball, Junior; Main pitched a one-hitter and struck out 10 in a win against Bacon Academy. Main walked just two batters and also drove in three runs at the plate. Vote View Results The United States is on track for its deadliest year yet, with the recent mass shooting at a Nashville private school bringing the total up to 129. The country surpassed the grim milestone of 100 mass shootings on March 5, with the rate of shootings increasing faster than in the past ten years. Last year, the US hit 100 mass shootings on March 19, almost two weeks later than this years date. So far this year, there have been 13 school shootings resulting in six children and four adults losing their lives. The Nashville shooting, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults, is the deadliest school shooting of 2023 and is one of only five in history to have a female gunman. The shooter had two assault-type rifles and a handgun, and authorities have yet to determine her link to the school. The incident is the third most deadly of the year, with the worst being a shooting in Monterey Park, California, which claimed 12 lives. The USs gun death rate is 22 times higher than the European Union and 23 times greater than Australia. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) An open letter to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu: Dear Mr. Netanyahu, I am writing to you for a very simple reason, the reason being that I assume you would like to win the next election. As I am sure you are more than aware, for five elections the right and left blocks ended up in a stalemate. This past election the right wing finally reached a majority primarily due to a left-wing party missing the electoral threshold. What if I suggested an idea that would simply increase the right-wing voter bloc? Surely it would make your life easier, and would hopefully ensure your future political legacy, and the long-term success of the right-wing. I dont know if youve taken at the number of frum Israeli yordim on your recent trips to various European capitals. Maybe in London, or Antwerp or Vienna not to mention the tri-State area you could have paid attention to the fact that there literally thousands of charedim who once lived in Israel but were forced to settle abroad due to the impossibility of Israels property market. Perhaps when youre flying over the charedi city of Kiryat Sefer on your way to the airport in your private helicopter, youll take notice that virtually nothing has been done to increase the availability of housing for the charedi sector despite skyrocketing demand. Perhaps youll glance out the window at the chronic traffic situation that snarls this city and all its charedi counterparts and realize the difficulty for people who choose to live in these cities. And while you are at the airports VIP lounge, pay attention to the fact that the new railway is utterly impractical for a family loaded with children and suitcases. I do not know your opinion of charedim, or of religion in general. I do know that many believe you be a smart man, and I do know that if you would build fifty thousand accessible housing units for the charedim, and another fifty thousand for the Dati Leumi community, you will have gained yourself a lot of votes in the next election. NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN. DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE POSTED ON YWN? SEND IT TO US FOR REVIEW. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Police officials in Tennessee have released dramatic bodycam footage of officers responding to Mondays school shooting at a private school which resulted in the death of six people 3 children and 3 adults. The footage shows a team of five officers toting heavy weapons rushing methodically through the building before encountering the shooter and promptly cutting him down in a hail of gunfire. Police earlier identified the shooter, who was killed by police, as 28-year-old Audrey Elizabeth Hale. They say Hale was a former student and shot through the doors of the private, Christian elementary school. Hale had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre, authorities said. Police have given unclear information on Hales gender. For hours Monday, police identified the shooter as a woman. At a late afternoon press conference, the police chief said Hale was transgender. After the news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron declined to elaborate on how Hale identified. In an email Tuesday, police spokesperson Kristin Mumford said Hale was assigned female at birth. Hale did use male pronouns on a social media profile. The victims were children Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all age 9. The adults were Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61. Just minutes before the senseless attack, the shooter messaged a friend stating that he was planning to die today and that youll probably hear about me on the news after I die. The dramatic, six-minute video supplements an earlier release, late Monday, of about two minutes of edited surveillance footage that shows the shooters car driving up to the school, glass doors being shot out and the shooter ducking through one of them. The new video from Officer Rex Engelberts bodycam shows a woman greeting police outside as they arrive at The Covenant School on Monday. The kids are all locked down, but we have two kids that we dont know where they are, she tells police. OK, yes, maam, Engelbert replies. The woman then directs officers to Fellowship Hall and says people inside had just heard gunshots. Upstairs are a bunch of kids, she says. Three officers, including Engelbert, search rooms one by one, holding rifles. Metro Police, officers yell. Lets go, lets go, one officer yells. As alarms are heard going off in the school, one officer says, It sounds like its upstairs. Officers climb stairs to the second floor and enter a lobby area. Move in, an officer yells. Then a barrage of gunfire is heard. Get your hands away from the gun, an officer yells twice. Then the shooter is shown motionless on the floor. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he intends to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus appears to be another attempt to raise the stakes in the conflict in Ukraine. It follows Putins warnings that Moscow is ready to use all available means, to fend off attacks on Russian territory, a reference to its nuclear arsenal. A look at Putins statement and its implications: HOW DID PUTIN EXPLAIN HIS MOVE? Putin said President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has long urged Moscow to station its nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and was a staging ground for the invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Russia already has helped modernize Belarusian warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons something that Belarus authoritarian leader has repeatedly mentioned. In remarks broadcast Saturday, Putin said the immediate trigger for the deployment of Russias tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus was Britains decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium. Putin toned down his language after first falsely claiming that such rounds have nuclear components, but he insisted they pose an additional danger to the civilian population and could contaminate the environment. Putin also said that by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Russia will be doing what the United States has done for decades by putting its nuclear weapons in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. He alleged the Russian move doesnt violate an international treaty banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons, even though Moscow has argued before that the U.S. has breached the pact by deploying them on the territory of its NATO allies. Putins move contrasted with a statement he and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued after their talks in the Kremlin last week, which spoke against nuclear powers deploying atomic weapons outside their territories, in an apparent jab at the United States. WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS? Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities. Unlike the strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, the tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasnt released their numbers or any other specifics related to them. The U.S. government believes Russia has about 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, which include bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. While strategic nuclear weapons are fitted to land- or submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missiles that are constantly ready for launch, tactical nuclear weapons are stored at a few tightly guarded storage facilities in Russia, and it takes time to deliver them to combat units. Some Russian hawks long have urged the Kremlin to send a warning to the West by moving some tactical nuclear weapons closer to the aircraft and missiles intended to deliver them. WHAT EXACTLY WILL RUSSIA DO? Putin said Russia already has helped upgrade 10 Belarusian aircraft to allow them to carry nuclear weapons and their crews will start training to use them from April 3. He noted Russia also has given Belarus the Iskander short-range missile systems that can be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads. He said the construction of storage facilities for nuclear weapons in Belarus will be completed by July 1. He didnt say how many nuclear weapons will be stationed there or when they will be deployed. Putin emphasized that Russia will retain control over any nuclear weapons deployed to Belarus, just like the U.S. controls its tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of its NATO allies. If Moscow sends nuclear weapons to Belarus, it will mark their first deployment outside Russian borders since the early 1990s. Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan inherited massive nuclear arsenals after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but agreed to ship them to Russia in the following years. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES BEHIND PUTINS MOVE? With his latest statement, Putin again is dangling the nuclear threat to signal Moscows readiness to escalate the war in Ukraine. The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly if Moscow decides to use them. It would also extend Russias capability to target several NATO members in Eastern and Central Europe. The move comes as Kyiv is poised for a counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, warned last week that attempts by Ukraine to reclaim control over Crimea was a threat to the very existence of the Russian state, something that warrants a nuclear response under the countrys security doctrine. Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Every day of supplying Western weapons to Ukraine makes the nuclear apocalypse closer, Medvedev said. Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said Putins goal is to discourage Ukraines Western allies from providing Kyiv with more weapons ahead of any counteroffensive. Putin is using nuclear blackmail in a bid to influence the situation on the battlefield and force Western partners to reduce supplies of weapons and equipment under the threat of nuclear escalation, Zhdanov said. The Belarusian nuclear balcony will be looming over not only Ukraine, but Europe as well, creating a constant threat, raising tensions and rattling the nerves of Ukrainians and their Western partners. WHAT ARE UKRAINE AND THE WEST SAYING? Ukraine has responded to Putins move by calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. A U.N. spokesman referred questions on the issue to the Security Council, which had announced no meeting on it by Monday afternoon. The world must be united against someone who endangers the future of human civilization, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Monday that U.S. officials havent seen any movement of any tactical nuclear weapons or anything of that kind since Putins announcement on Belarus. He has said Washington has seen nothing to prompt a change in its strategic deterrent posture. NATO rejects Putins claim that Russia only is doing what the U.S. has done for decades, saying the Western allies act with full respect of their international commitments. Russias nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said, adding that the alliance hasnt yet seen any change in Russias nuclear posture. Lithuania, which borders Belarus, described Putins statement as yet another attempt by two unpredictable dictatorial regimes to threaten their neighbors and the entire European continent, calling them desperate moves by Putin and Lukashenko to create another wave of tension and destabilization in Europe. Russias Foreign Ministry responded to Western criticism by pointing out Washington and its allies had ignored repeated Russian calls for the withdrawal of U.S. nuclear weapons from Europe. The ministry reaffirmed Moscows right to take the necessary additional steps to ensure security of Russia and its allies. (AP) Millions of Israelis were outraged by the political strike called by the Histadrut labor union on Monday in protest of the governments judicial reform plan. A politically motivated nationwide strike that shuts down the Israeli economy sets quite a dangerous precedent. According to a Ynet report, Mondays strike cost the Israeli economy about NIS 2.5 billion. The sum doesnt include the emotional cost of those affected by the strike of the healthcare system. One Israeli cancer patient wrote an emotional post on Facebook about an important test that he scheduled months earlier that was canceled during the strike. Additionally, the Israel Hotel Association reported a significant number of cancellations of reservations in Israels hotels. At Ben-Gurion Airport, tens of thousands of passengers were forced to wait for hours after their flights were canceled or delayed, and a number of airlines canceled their flights to Israel leaving Israeli citizens, tourists and business travelers stranded at international airports. Was the strike even legal? Not according to the chairman of the Constitution Committee MK Simcha Rothman, who is a lawyer by profession. Rothman told Radio 103FM on Tuesday that the strike was definitely illegal and a violation of workers rights, noting that many Histadrut members voted for the current government and support the judicial reform. Yitzchak Bam, a lawyer for the Lavi civil rights organization, wrote an open letter on Monday stating that the strike on Monday is illegal according to the ruling of the Supreme Court and calling on the Finance and Labor ministers to withhold pay from employees who took a vacation day. According to law, employees who take a vacation day during a legal strike must receive their wages but according to Bam, Mondays strike did not meet the legal criteria for labor disputes, which must be declared to employers at least 15 days prior to the strike. Additionally, a strike must be called against a specific employer. The Shas party was also outraged by the strike and decided to take revenge on the Histadrut in a different way. Shas MK Moshe Arbel, who is a lawyer by profession, submitted a bill to reduce payments of membership fees to the Histadrut by 50%. Every person who works in a company or public organization under the Histadrut must pay membership fees, and now, if the law passes, the Histadrut will lose 50% of its income. The bill seeks to set a maximum ceiling for the amount of money allowed to be collected by union organizations of various kinds, in which there is no justification for the amounts they charge, the explanation for the bill states. Israeli media reported in January that opposition leader Yair Lapid tried to convince Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David to call a nationwide strike as part of the protests against the Netanyahu government. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Fox News host Brian Kilmeade launched a stinging attack against Donald Trump for incessantly harping on his 2020 election loss rather than talking about his accomplishments as president, and blasted the former president for literally praising the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at a recent campaign event. I think for President Trump to spend 80% of his time complaining about court cases instead of just looking at his own record and what he would have done, Kilmeade said at the end of a segment discussing recent bank failures. He does that, or other candidates do that, theyre going to be unbelievably successful because thats going to be the conversation at the kitchen table. Kilmeade then turned to last weekends Trump rally in Waco, Texas, in which the former president seemed to praise Jan. 6 rioters. Instead, the United States former president opened up with January Six video, which is insane! Kilmeade said. He should be running from that, period, he continued. I dont care his point of view, that is not a good thing for him. I thought that was absolutely awful. Even though he is winning in the polls, that will not help. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Venture capital trusts have long been considered a vehicle for wealthy, experienced investors who want to access early stage private companies. VCTs raise money from investors to invest in early-stage, usually privately owned, companies, or those listed on the junior Aim market. In return for taking on this higher level of risk, they offer a tasty 30 per cent income tax break and tax-free dividends, along with an annual investment limit of 200,000. Crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, which has been behind the crowdfunding efforts of Monzo and Brewdog, has now partnered with Octopus Investments to bring VCTs to the masses, This Is Money can reveal. VCTs give investors exposure to early stage companies and offer juicy tax breaks, but they have often been the preserve of the wealthy Over the last few years, there have been a number of successful exits for UK VCTs that have paid out handsomely to various trusts, notably Cazoo, which listed in New York in 2021, and Depop, which sold to Etsy for $1.6billion. The typical minimum investment into a VCT has been between 3,000 and 5,000, and with companies staying private for longer, the vast majority of retail investors have been shut out of accessing privately held startups. > VCTs offer a 30% tax break and tax-free dividends, but are they right for you? The Crowdcube partnership will see Octopus VCTs available for investment via the Crowdcube platform, and include their flagship funds Titan VCT and Apollo VCT. Apollo VCT will be the first to become available, with a 2 per cent initial fee and an ongoing annual fee of 0.4 per cent to Crowdcube, although it is currently closed to investment. There is an annual 2 per cent fee to Octopus for managing the VCT. Octopus said it won't be available immediately and will be available on the platform as and when the VCTs are open. Octopus has an impressive track record of providing everyday investors with access to some well-known names, including Zoopla, Graze and Depop. Crucially, the minimum investment has been lowered to 500, opening it up to a wider pool of investors. Ruth Handcock, board director at Octopus Investments, said: 'Investing in companies at initial public offering (IPO) stage was the tried and tested route for many retail investors to boost their wealth in years gone by, but increasingly, as companies stay private for longer, this source of investment is drying up. 'Retail investors have been largely locked out of the private company access that many institutional investors have enjoyed. This needs to change and it's up to the investment industry to break down those barriers. 'Crowdcube has long championed greater access for retail investors to private companies, a philosophy that we too have wholeheartedly supported since Octopus began investing in high-growth, early-stage companies at the turn of the millennium. 'Our partnership provides an exciting opportunity for investors who might be new to the VCT asset class, but have the appropriate risk appetite, to invest in a diversified range of future technology stars.' VCTs might have become more popular in recent years, but investors should be aware they come with greater risk than other types of investments. By pooling investments with those of others, VCTs allow investors to spread their risk over a number of small companies. But VCTs are still a niche and highly risky investment because the companies they invest in are at an early stage and the vast majority will fail. Angry shareholders have demanded that Nanoco bosses step down in a bitter row over the companys David and Goliath battle with Samsung. A group of investors led by Tariq Hamoodi, who has a 4.23 per cent stake in the British quantum company, has called for chief executive Brian Tenner and chief finance boss Liam Gray to resign following a settlement with Samsung last month. Nanoco filed a lawsuit in February 2020 for patent infringement, alleging the South Korean tech giant used its quantum dot technology in its TVs without permission. Lawsuit: Nanoco claims South Korean tech giant Samsung used its 'quantum dot' technology in its TVs without permission The pair were due to go to court in Texas but agreed to settle. Samsung last month agreed to pay 123million to Manchester-based Nanoco far below industry estimates of around 215million. Shareholders said: Nanoco had settled on terms substantially less favourable than its prior statements had led shareholders to believe. Nanoco said it emphatically rejects the shareholder groups speculative concerns. Staff members work at the press center of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2023 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 27, 2023. The BFA will hold its annual conference from March 28 to 31 in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan, according to the official website of the forum. This year's forum will be held entirely offline under the theme "An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges." (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Staff members work at the press center of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2023 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 27, 2023. The BFA will hold its annual conference from March 28 to 31 in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan, according to the official website of the forum. This year's forum will be held entirely offline under the theme "An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges." (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) Journalists work at the press center of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2023 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 27, 2023. The BFA will hold its annual conference from March 28 to 31 in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan, according to the official website of the forum. This year's forum will be held entirely offline under the theme "An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges." (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) This photo taken on March 27, 2023 shows a fountain square in front of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. The BFA will hold its annual conference from March 28 to 31 in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan, according to the official website of the forum. This year's forum will be held entirely offline under the theme "An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges." (Xinhua/Fan Yuqing) OneWebs chairman said it has proved naysayers wrong after it launched the final set of satellites needed to offer global coverage. Sunil Bharti Mittal said the UK satellite business was back on track after launches from a Russian site in Kazakhstan last year were cancelled following the invasion of Ukraine costing more than 250million. At that time I must say the situation looked very bleak, Mittal said. Shoot for the stars: Launches from India helped the OneWeb bounce back after launches from last year were cancelled following the invasion of Ukraine costing more than 250m It was the latest setback for the company which previously went bust before being rescued by the Government in a deal championed by ex-prime minister Boris Johnsons former adviser Dominic Cummings. The latest launch of 36 satellites from India takes the total constellation in orbit to 618 and should mean it is soon in a position to offer global broadband coverage, a company spokesman said. OneWeb, a rival to Elon Musks Starlink network, operates low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, aimed at providing access to high-speed internet where traditional ground infrastructure is hard to reach. Applications include broadband on aeroplanes and parts of the Third World as well as the farthest-flung reaches of the UK. Mittal, 65, said the suspension of launches from Kazakhstan had put a lot of pressure on the company, costing it hundreds of millions of dollars and setting it back by eight or nine months. But the completion of the latest launch over the weekend the third this year means that OneWeb will have 618 satellites in orbit. A total of 588 are needed to operate its network with the rest as spares in case any need to be replaced or fixed. Britains rescue of OneWeb in 2020 saw it take a 20 per cent stake for 420million, a deal that went through despite reported opposition at the time from senior government officials. Pressure: OneWeb chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal (pictured) said the UK satellite business was back on track Last year it agreed a merger deal which will see it become part of Paris-listed Eutelsat though the Government will keep a golden share and the deal, expected to complete shortly, will also see the company eventually take a secondary listing in London. Mittal said the Government took a bold step in backing it, but that it has now repaid that faith after raising billions from new investors, giving it a cushion that helped it see off the setback posed by the Ukraine war. Clearly there were naysayers [who said] this company would never be able to put up global services with the limited funds they have, he said. We have done that and everything is now in place to start glo- bal services. Mittal said OneWeb will be able to provide what has been missing for a long period of time. The aim is to offer internet access that is both high speed and low latency that is, not lagging in its response when needed for live interactions, for example. Oil rigs, ocean-going vessels and aircraft stand to benefit, the chairman added. Gone will be the days when you have a very snail-paced type of availability of broadband in aircraft. Test results had been absolutely stunning according to Mittal, and he added: Deserts, forests, mountains the Himalayas hard-to-reach areas will all start to get covered. We are on to something very, very special. Like any other industry there will be competition and that is to be expected. Starlink is a serious player in this market and have launched thousands of satellites and are providing services in most parts of the world. So we have some catching up to do. But I am pleased to report that demand seems very robust. Russias invasion of Ukraine means that, along with the likes of China and North Korea, it will not be a market for OneWebs service. But the company is looking to operate in other parts of the world from Canada and the US to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, India, Africa and Latin America. Aid agencies and security forces are among potential customers. The most important and critical job of putting satellites in space is behind us now, Mittal said. The rest of the work is now a matter of a few months seeing global coverage becoming a reality. Barclays faced a backlash after announcing plans to close yet more branches across England and Wales amid the shift to online banking. The bank said it will shut another 14 sites this year adding to the 55 it has already marked for closure in 2023. British lenders have now closed nearly 5,500 branches since 2015. Barclays's move means customers will need to rely on pop-up sites and 'banking pods' if they require in-person support. Branch closures: Barclays said it will shut another 14 sites this year adding to the 55 it has already marked for closure in 2023 Banking pods are semi-permanent sites that can be relocated to different areas depending on demand. Barclays has around ten of them as well as 200 pop-up sites. 'As visits to branches continue to fall, we need to adapt to provide the best service for all our customers,' a spokesman said. 'Where there is no longer enough demand to support a branch, we maintain an in-person presence through our Barclays Local network, live in over 200 locations, based in libraries, town halls, mobile vans and our new banking pods.' Banks and building societies have closed 5,498 branches since January 2015, or around 54 each month, according to data from consumer site Which? Barclays has reduced its network the most, with around 971 sites having closed over the last nine years. The full list of 14 Barclays branches which will close in June 46 Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Wales, SA19 6HF - June 23, 2023 38/42 High St, Mold, Wales, CH7 1BB - June 30, 2023 12 Station Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, TS12 1AB - June 30, 2023 24 Fore Street, Tiverton, England, EX16 6LE - June 28, 2023 106 High Street, Honiton, England, EX14 1JW - June 23, 2023 10 The Square, Caterham, England, CR3 6XH - June 23, 2023 112 Woodcote Road, Wallington, England, SM6 0LY - June 28, 2023 65/67 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, England, CT20 1RY - June 23, 2023 66 Market Place, Chippenham, England, SN15 3JA- June 23, 2023 1 The Square, Holmes Chapel, England, CW4 7AF- June 27, 2023 13/15 Victoria Square, Holmfirth, England, HD9 2DW - June 23, 2023 337/339 Stanley Road, Bootle, England, L20 3EB - June 30, 2023 207 High Road, Loughton, England, IG10 1AZ - June 22, 2023 28 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, England, CB4 3AZ - June 28, 2023 Meanwhile, NatWest has shuttered 741 branches, Lloyds around 642, HSBC 629 and Santander 472. Geographically, the South East has seen the largest number of closures since 2015, with 720 branches shuttered and another 46 scheduled to close. Scotland has also been hit hard with over half of its 1,040 branches now gone. Closures have been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, when customers were forced to use other methods of banking during lockdown. Barclays will close a further 14 bank branches across England and Wales in June, meaning at least 69 branches will close in 2023 Last month, the head of HSBC's UK operation Ian Stuart sparked a furious backlash after claiming the bank's decision to close hundreds of branches was 'what customers want'. Stuart told MPs that while the bank was 'absolutely committed' to maintaining a physical presence in the UK, he noted 98 per cent of its transactions in December had been digital. Another reason for the decline has been falling numbers of cash transactions, with many people opting for card and contactless payments instead. But critics have argued bank branches are still vital for vulnerable people, the elderly and those who need face-to-face advice, accusing banks of leaving swathes of society with little access to basic services. 'Bank branch closures don't just make access to cash more difficult for the millions of people across the country who rely on it, but also cuts vital in-person banking services, which are particularly important for customers who are not ready or able to bank online,' said Which? Money Editor Jenny Ross. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said the ongoing branch closures were making life 'really difficult' for elderly people who 'don't want to or can't bank online'. 'Closing a branch saves a bank money, but it's not what many older people want or need, having been quite happy with banking face-to-face throughout their lives,' she added. Ross said schemes such as banking pods and hubs, locations where multiple banks offer services, were 'a good start' but needed to be rolled out 'much more quickly' to benefit consumers. There are worries the hubs are taking too long to set up despite the accelerating pace of branch closures. Which? said at the end of 2022, only two new hubs had been opened in Yorkshire, joining existing trial sites in Lanarkshire and Essex. Another 34 are currently in the pipeline but could still take years to appear. Ross also raised concerns cash users would need to pay to make withdrawals through ATM fees and that the Government should 'look again at proposals to introduce guaranteed minimum levels of free access to cash'. Barclays shares rose 2.3 per cent, or 3.1p, to 137p yesterday. The Saudi banking chief whose damaging comments about Credit Suisse proved to be the last straw for the battered lender has resigned. Ammar Al Khudairy said absolutely not when asked if Saudi National Bank (SNB) would increase its stake in the Swiss investment giant amid doubts about its future nearly two weeks ago. The remarks would prove hugely costly for the Saudi lender as they helped send shares in Credit Suisse in which it was the biggest shareholder into a downward spiral from which it would never recover. Final straw: Ammar Al Khudairy said 'absolutely not' when asked if Saudi National Bank would increase its stake in Credit Suisse amid doubts about its future nearly two weeks ago Days later it was swallowed up in a cut-price emergency takeover by Swiss rival UBS in a deal that nearly wiped out SNBs stake costing it about 1billion. The bank said yesterday that Al Khudairy had resigned as chairman for personal reasons. Chief executive Saeed Mohammed Al-Ghamdi will take over. Credit Suisse came under pressure earlier this month after the demise of Americas Silicon Valley Bank and two other smaller US lenders. With speculation mounting over its future, Al Khudairy said his bank would absolutely not put any more money into Credit Suisse. It was enough to spook investors and knock a third off the Swiss banks value, which came back to bite the Saudis. Banking stocks rallied yesterday after parts of collapsed Silicon Valley Bank were snapped up by a US regional lender. The deal involving North Carolina-based First Citizens eased worries about the wider sector, which is experiencing the biggest shock since the 2008 financial crisis. Reports that US authorities were considering more support for embattled lenders also lifted investor appetite after weeks of turmoil. The collapse of SVB and two smaller American lenders had set off global tremors resulting in the demise of 167-year-old Credit Suisse. Epicentre: The collapse of SVB and two smaller American lenders had set off global tremors resulting in the demise of 167-year-old Credit Suisse SVBs UK arm has already been rescued in an emergency 1 takeover by HSBC. Concerns have also spread to US regional banks and in particular First Republic. Its shares rose 10.5 per cent yesterday however, while other regional lenders such as Keycorp and Zions also posted gains, as did bigger names such as JP Morgan and Citigroup. First Citizens soared 22 per cent. In Europe, Deutsche Bank which fell 8.5 per cent on Friday as fears over the European banking sector spread climbed 6 per cent yesterday. UK banks were also on the front foot with Barclays up 2.3 per cent, NatWest ahead by 0.5 per cent, HSBC rising 1.3 per cent and Lloyds climbing 1.3 per cent. The deal for SVB sees First Citizens take on assets of 90billion, deposits of 46billion and a loan book of 59billion as well as its 17 branches. SVB was taken over by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) earlier this month after a bank run which saw billions of dollars pulled out by depositors. Twitter has shed over half its value since Elon Musk bought the firm. The tycoon suggested to staff that the social media group is worth just 16billion around 20billion less than the 36billion he paid in October. Musk, 51, who has given himself the title Chief Twit, has said he was obviously overpaying for Twitter. Slump: Reports suggest more than 500 major advertisers have paused their spending on Twitter since Elon Musk (pictured) bought it Reports suggest more than 500 major advertisers have paused their spending on the site since Musk bought it, with daily revenues 40 per cent lower than they were a year ago. Musk, who also runs electric car maker Tesla and SpaceX, told staff that Twitter should be looked at as an inverse start-up as he tries to rebrand the company, saying: Twitter is being reshaped rapidly. He defended his decision to lay off large swathes of employees, saying the radical changes to the social media company were necessary to save money, according to reports from tech site The Information. Twitter sacked over half its 7,000-strong workforce just days after the South African born billionaire took over. Dan Ives, tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, said: Musk knew he was way overpaying for Twitter but once he looked under the hood it was much worse than feared. United Parcel Service, Inc. is a global package delivery and logistics company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was founded in 1907 and has since become a significant player in the logistics industry. UPS operates in more than 220 countries and territories, with a network of over 500,000 employees worldwide. UPS's primary business is package delivery, but the company also provides supply chain solutions and specialized transportation services. In recent years, UPS has expanded into e-commerce, offering services like same-day delivery and order fulfillment for online retailers. In addition to its delivery services, UPS also operates a freight division that provides air and ground transportation for commercial shipments. UPS has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as alternative fuel vehicles and a carbon offset program for shipping. Fortune magazine has also named the company one of the World's Most Admired Companies for several years. UPS is led by CEO Carol Tome, who joined the company in 1995 and became CEO in 2020. Tome has extensive finance experience and served as The Home Depot's CFO before joining UPS. In addition to Tome, UPS's executive team includes Executive Vice President and President of U.S. operations, Nando Cesarone, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Kevin Warren, and Chief Financial Officer Brian Newman. UPS has reported stable revenue over the past several years. UPS's profit margins have remained steady, with an average gross profit margin of 56.4% and an operating margin of approximately 9.3%. UPS has a strong balance sheet, with total assets of $69.4 billion and total liabilities of $43.4 billion as of the end of 2022. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is higher than the industry average but within a reasonable range. UPS's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers, and overall, UPS's valuation suggests that the market views the company as fairly valued. UPS's stock performance has been robust in recent years, with the company's share price increasing by 33% from 2020 to 2022. This outperformed the S&P 500 index, which increased by 26% over the same period. Trading volume for UPS has been relatively stable, with an average daily volume of around 2.83 million shares. The logistics industry is highly competitive, with several large players vying for market share. In addition to traditional competitors such as FedEx and DHL, UPS competes with newer players in the e-commerce space, such as Amazon and Shopify. The industry is also subject to regulatory and political pressures, such as changes in trade policies and labor regulations. Despite these challenges, the logistics industry is expected to grow in the coming years. E-commerce, in particular, is driving demand for package delivery and supply chain solutions, and UPS is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. UPS has several potential growth opportunities in the coming years. The company's expansion into e-commerce has been a significant growth driver, and this trend is expected to continue. UPS's recent acquisition of Roadie, a same-day delivery platform, could also help the company capture more business in the rapidly growing same-day delivery market. In addition to e-commerce, UPS is investing in technology to improve its operations and customer experience. The company is testing drone delivery in specific markets and has developed digital tools to help customers manage their shipments. UPS has also announced plans to expand its presence in healthcare logistics. The company has already invested in specialized facilities and services for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and this market is expected to continue growing in the coming years. UPS faces risks and challenges like any company that could impact its future performance. One critical risk is the potential for increased competition, particularly from newer entrants in the e-commerce space. These companies may have lower overhead costs and more agile business models, making it more difficult for UPS to compete on price and speed. Another risk for UPS is the potential for regulatory or political changes that could impact the logistics industry. Changes in trade policies or labor regulations could increase costs for the company or limit its ability to operate in certain markets. STATEMENT ON THE ICC REJECTION OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT'S PETITION AGAINST THE DRUG WAR INVESTIGATION "The Appeal made by the Philippines was a courteous assertion of our sovereignty, its denial has no binding effect. It will not clothe the International Criminal Court (ICC) with jurisdiction, as there was none in the first place. ICC should recognize the fundamental pillar of the international legal order, which is sovereignty." -SENATOR FRANCIS TOL N. TOLENTINO Chairman, Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights 28 March 2023 People visit the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) GENEVA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- One of the largest trade fairs for the watch industry kicked off on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 will welcome professionals and the public over the course of seven days. In his speech at the inauguration of the fair, Jean-Frederic Dufour, chairman of Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, emphasized the dynamism and importance of the event for the watchmaking industry. Meanwhile, Jean-Marc Pontroue, chief executive officer of Italian watch manufacturer Panerai, told Xinhua that the Chinese market is an essential component of Panerai's global strategy. As one of the largest luxury markets in the world, China has tremendous potential for Panerai, he said. "We are utilizing the power of celebrity influence to increase brand awareness and drive sales, particularly in China, where the 'fan economy' plays a significant role," Pontroue added. A woman poses for a photo with the logo of the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) People visit the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A woman visits the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A man takes photos of exhibits during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) People view a watch during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A woman visits the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A woman visits the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A watchmaker demonstrates watch craftsmanship during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A man takes photos of watches during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A craftsman demonstrates watch belt making during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2023. With 48 participating brands, Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023 is held here from March 27 to April 2. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) 1+ days ago 3 Dividend Stocks with a Yield Above 5% That Are on Sale Now Buying high-yielding dividend stocks is exciting. But buying high-yielding dividend stocks that also give you a chance for market-beating capital gains is when things get really fun. Thats because of the idea of total return. The total return on a stock includes not only the capital gains (i.e. the stock price growth) but also the amount that you earn via a dividend. Some of the best stocks to buy are companies that have strong expectations for stock price growth with an attractive dividend yield. Thats Read Article BHP Group Limited is a leading natural resources company based in Melbourne, Australia, with a long and successful history in the mining industry dating back to 1851. BHP is one of the largest companies in Australia, and BHP operates in countries around the world. The company is engaged in various mineral exploration, mining and processing activities, including zinc, copper, silver, uranium, molybdenum, gold, iron ore and coal. BHP also has a presence in refining and smelting nickel and potash. They are also engaged in development activities that revolve around the mining industry. The company provides towing, freight, marketing support, finance, marketing and trading, administrative and other services. With a global workforce of over 80,000 people, BHP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. BHP is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth and demand for commodities. BHP operates in critical growth markets, providing innovation and sustainability. This operating principle has helped BHP become one of the largest mining companies in the world. BHP has roots in Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP), incorporated in 1885. The first consignment of Broken Hill ore was smelted in Spotswood, Victoria, in June of 1885. In 1915, BHP diversified into steel manufacturing, building a manufacturing facility in Newcastle, New South Wales. In 2001, BHP merged with Billiton, a mining company founded in the 1860s in the Netherlands, becoming BHP Billiton. In August 2016, BHP Billiton recorded the worst annual loss in its history, at $6.4 billion. In 2017, BHP Billiton began to rebrand itself as BHP and announced plans to sell its U.S. shale oil and gas business. In July 2018, BHP Billiton completed the sale of its Fayetteville Onshore U.S. gas assets to a wholly owned subsidiary of Merit Energy Company. In August 2021, BHP announced plans to exit the oil and gas industry by merging its hydrocarbon business with Woodside Petroleum. BHP has been part of several controversies, such as the Ok Tedi environmental disaster, Bento Rodrigues tailings dam collapse and allegations of drawing waters above the granted limit from aquifers. In response to a sexual harassment and assault investigation in 2021, the company terminated or removed 48 workers from multiple sites. BHP is constantly striving to ensure responsible and ethical mining activities while also working toward reducing its environmental impact. As a significant player in the natural resources industry, BHP is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for commodities worldwide while continuing to be a leader and innovator in the mining sector. Mastercard Inc. is a leading technology company in the payments industry that provides payment processing solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. Mastercard is one of the largest payment processors in the world by market cap and the number of payments processed. Mastercard was founded in 1966 as Master Charge: The Interbank Card. The company was created to respond to the growing need for a secure and reliable payment processing system. In 1979, the company changed its name to Mastercard. Mastercard is in over 200 countries and territories and serves over 2.8 billion cardholders. Mastercard operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, providing payment processing services to financial institutions, merchants and governments. The company earns revenue primarily through transaction processing fees, cross-border fees and other value-added services. Mastercard's business is divided into four segments: domestic assessments, cross-border volume fees, transaction processing fees and additional revenue. Mastercard's financial performance has been consistently strong in recent years, with revenue and earnings growth driven by increased transaction volumes and higher fees. Mastercard faces significant competition from other payment processing companies, including Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) and PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL). However, Mastercard has maintained its position as one of the largest payment processors in the world due to its strong brand recognition, global network and innovative technology solutions. Mastercard has consistently invested in innovative technology to enhance its payment processing solutions. One of the company's most significant innovations in recent years is Mastercard's tokenization technology, which provides a secure way to process payments without exposing cardholder data. Mastercard has also invested heavily in contactless payment technology, which has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mastercard has a solid commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint, increase financial inclusion and promote gender equality. Mastercard is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on advancing financial inclusion in Africa. As with any company, Mastercard faces several risk factors that could impact its financial performance. One of the most significant risks facing Mastercard is the potential for increased regulation of the payment processing industry. Mastercard is also vulnerable to changes in consumer behavior, such as a shift away from traditional payment methods toward mobile payments. Additionally, Mastercard's business depends on the overall health of the global economy, which could be impacted by factors such as inflation, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. JERUSALEM, March 28 (Xinhua) -- An international diamond exhibition and the 40th World Diamond Congress kicked off in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, on Tuesday. The activities are part of the ongoing 10th edition of the International Diamond Week, an annual event that began on Monday at the Israel Diamond Exchange in the city. The three-day exhibition hosts diamond vendors who offer a wide variety of merchandise. The three-day congress, convened by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, brought together industry experts and diamond enthusiasts to explore new opportunities and share visions regarding the future of diamond trade. Attended by hundreds of participants from dozens of countries, the International Diamond Week is being held for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The International Diamond Week also features the first Israel Diamond Exchange Conference, which was held on Monday. Participants of the conference discussed the state of the retail market of diamonds and the diamond supply chain, among other issues. The following companies are subsidiares of Waste Management: 635952 Ontario Inc., ADS Renewable Energy - Stones Throw LLC, ADS Renewable Energy - Wolf Creek LLC, ADS Solid Waste of NJ Inc., Access Computer Products, Advanced Disposal Acquisition Sub LLC, Advanced Disposal Recycling Services Atlanta LLC, Advanced Disposal Recycling Services Gulf Coast LLC, Advanced Disposal Services, Advanced Disposal Services Alabama Holdings LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Alabama LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Biloxi MRF LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Birmingham Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Blackfoot Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Blue Ridge Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Carolinas LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Cedar Hill Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Central Florida LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Cobb County Recycling Facility LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Cranberry Creek Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Cypress Acres Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services East Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Evergreen Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Grand Bahama Limited, Advanced Disposal Services Hancock County LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Jackson LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Jones Road LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Lancaster Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Lithonia Transfer Station LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Macon LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Magnolia Ridge Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Maple Hill Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Middle Georgia LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Midwest LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Milledgeville Transfer Station LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Mississippi Holdings Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Mississippi LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Morehead Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services National Accounts Holdings Inc., Advanced Disposal Services National Accounts Inc., Advanced Disposal Services North Alabama Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services North Georgia LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Oak Ridge Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Orchard Hills Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Pasco County LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Pecan Row Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Pontiac Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Renewable Energy LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Rogers Lake LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Selma Transfer Station LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Leasing Corp., Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Midwest LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Southeast Inc., Advanced Disposal Services South LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Star Ridge Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Sumner Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Taylor County Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Tennessee Holdings Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Transport LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Valley Meadows Landfill LLC, Advanced Disposal Services Valley View Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Vasko Rubbish Removal Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Vasko Solid Waste Inc., Advanced Disposal Services Wayne County Landfill Inc., Advanced Disposal Subsidiary Holding Company LLC, Advanced Environmental Technical Services L.L.C., Akron Regional Landfill Inc., Alabama Waste Disposal Solutions L.L.C., Alliance Sanitary Landfill Inc., Alpharetta Transfer Station LLC, American Landfill Inc., Ameriwaste LLC, Anderson Landfill Inc., Anderson Rubbish Disposal, Antelope Valley Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., Arden Landfill Inc., Atlantic Waste Disposal Inc., Automated Salvage Transport Co. L.L.C., Avalon South LLC, Azusa Land Reclamation Inc., B&B Landfill Inc., Baton Rouge Renewable Energy LLC, Big Dipper Enterprises Inc., Bluegrass Containment L.L.C., Burlington Transfer Station Inc., Burney Disposal Inc., Burnsville Sanitary Landfill Inc., CA Newco L.L.C., CGS Leasing Inc., CGS Services Inc., CR Group LLC, CWM Chemical Services L.L.C., Cal Sierra Disposal, Caldwell Partnership LLC, California Asbestos Monofill Inc., Canadian Waste Services Holdings Inc., Capels Landfill LLC, Capital Sanitation Company, Capitol Disposal Inc., Carolina Grading Inc., Cartersville Transfer Station LLC, Caruthers Mill C&D Landfill LLC, Cedar Ridge Landfill Inc., Central Disposal Systems Inc., Chadwick Road Landfill Inc., Chambers Clearview Environmental Landfill Inc., Chambers Development Company Inc., Chambers Development of Ohio Inc., Chambers of Georgia Inc., Chambers of Mississippi Inc., Champion Transfer Station LLC, Chemical Waste Management Inc., Chemical Waste Management of Indiana L.L.C., Chemical Waste Management of the Northwest Inc., Chesser Island Road Landfill Inc., City Environmental Services Inc. of Waters, Cleburne Landfill Company Corp., Coast Waste Management Inc., Coastal Recyclers Landfill LLC, Community Refuse Service LLC, Connecticut Valley Sanitary Waste Disposal Inc., Conservation Services Inc., Continuus Materials Group LLC, Continuus Materials HoldCo LLC, Continuus Materials Intellectual Property LLC, Continuus Materials LLC, Continuus Materials of Fairless Hills LLC, Continuus Materials of Iowa LLC, Continuus Materials of PA LLC, Coshocton Landfill Inc., Cougar Landfill Inc., Countryside Landfill Inc., Curtis Creek Recovery Systems Inc., Cuyahoga Landfill Inc., DHC Land LLC, DLD Limited Partnership, Dauphin Meadows Inc., Deep Valley Landfill Inc., Deer Track Park Landfill Inc., Deffenbaugh Disposal Inc., Deffenbaugh Group Holdings Inc., Deffenbaugh Industries Inc., Deffenbaugh Recycling Company L.L.C., Deffenbaugh of Arkansas LLC, Del Almo Landfill L.L.C., Delaware Basin Landfills LLC, Delaware Recyclable Products Inc., Dickinson Landfill Inc., Disposal Service Incorporated, Dolphin Services & Chemicals LLC, Dolphin-One LLC, Doraville Transfer Station LLC, ELDA Landfill Inc., Earthmovers Landfill L.L.C., East Liverpool Landfill Inc., Eastern One Land Corporation, Eco-Safe Systems LLC, Eco-Vista LLC, Elk River Landfill Inc., Energy Injection Services of Mississippi LLC, EnviroSolutions Dulles LLC, EnviroSolutions Holdings Inc., EnviroSolutions Real Property Holdings Inc., Envirofil of Illinois Inc., Evergreen Landfill Inc., Evergreen Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., FDS Disposal II LLC, Farm Properties LLC, Firetower Landfill LLC, Fred J. Eckert Sanitary Service Inc., Furnace Associates Inc., G.I. Industries, GA Landfills Inc., Gallia Landfill Inc., Garnet of Maryland Inc., Gateway Transfer Station LLC, Georgia Waste Systems LLC, Giordano Recycling L.L.C., Glades Landfill LLC, Glen's Sanitary Landfill Inc., Grand Central Sanitary Landfill Inc., Greenbow LLC, Greenstar Allentown LLC, Greenstar Georgia LLC, Greenstar LLC, Greenstar Managed Services - Connecticut LLC, Greenstar Managed Services - RLWM LLC, Greenstar Mid-America LLC, Greenstar New Jersey LLC, Greenstar Ohio LLC, Greenstar Paterson LLC, Greenstar Pittsburgh LLC, Greenstar Recycled Holdings LLC, Greenstar Recycling LLC, Guadalupe Mines Mutual Water Company, Guadalupe Rubbish Disposal Co. Inc., HWStar Holdings Corp., Hall County Transfer Station LLC, Ham Lake Haulers Inc., Harmony Landfill LP, Harris Sanitation Inc., Harwood Landfill Inc., Hedco Landfill Limited, High Mountain Fuels LLC, Highstar Royal Oaks I Inc., Highstar Royal Oaks II Inc., Hillsboro Landfill Inc., Hinkle Transfer Station LLC, Holyoke Sanitary Landfill Inc., IN Landfills L.L.C., IWStar Waste Holdings Corp., Illini Disposal, Jahner Sanitation Inc., Jay County Landfill L.L.C., Jones Road Landfill and Recycling Ltd., K and W Landfill Inc., Keene Road Landfill Inc., Kelly Run Sanitation Inc., King George Landfill Inc., King George Landfill Properties LLC, Kirby Canyon Holdings LLC, L&K Group Holdings LLC, LCS Services Inc., Lakeville Recycling L.P., Land South Holdings LLC, Landfill Services of Charleston Inc., Landsouth Inc., Laurel Highlands Landfill Inc., Liberty Landfill L.L.C., Liquid Logistics, Liquid Waste Management Inc., Longleaf C&D Disposal Facility Inc., Looney Bins Inc., Mac Land Disposal Inc. II, Mahoning Landfill Inc., Mass Gravel Inc., Mc Ginnes Industrial Maintenance Corporation, McDaniel Landfill Inc., McGill Landfill Inc., Meadowfill Landfill Inc., Michigan Environs Inc., Midwest One Land Corporation, Modesto Garbage Co. Inc., Moor Refuse Inc., Mordell, Moretown Landfill Inc., Mostoller Landfill LLC, Mountain Indemnity Insurance Company, Mountainview Landfill Inc., NEWS MA Holdings Inc., NEWS Mid-Atlantic Holdings Inc., NEWS North East Holdings Inc., NEWStar Waste Holdings Corp., Nassau County Landfill LLC, Nassau Landfill L.L.C., National Guaranty Insurance Company of Vermont, New England CR L.L.C., New Milford Landfill L.L.C., New Orleans Landfill L.L.C., North East Waste Services Inc., North East Waste Transport Inc., North Manatee Recycling and Disposal Facility L.L.C., Northwestern Landfill Inc., Nu-Way Live Oak Reclamation Inc., OGH Acquisition Corporation, Oak Grove Disposal Co. Inc., Oakleaf Global Holdings Inc., Oakleaf Waste Management, Oakleaf Waste Management Inc., Oakleaf Waste Management LLC, Oakridge Landfill Inc., Oakwood Landfill Inc., Okeechobee Landfill Inc., Old Kings Road LLC, Old Kings Road Solid Waste LLC, Orla Landfill LLC, Ozark Ridge Landfill Inc., P & R Environmental Industries L.L.C., PDC Disposal Co. Inc., Pacific Waste Management L.L.C., Pappy Inc., Parker Sanitation II Inc., Pasco Lakes Inc., Peltz H.C. LLC, Pen-Rob Inc., People's Landfill Inc., Peterson Demolition Inc., Petro Waste DeWitt-Hohn Disposal Facility LP, Petro Waste Disposal GP LLC, Petro Waste Environmental LP, Petro Waste Holdings LP, Petro Waste Howard County Disposal Facility LP, Petro Waste McMullen County Disposal Facility LP, Petro Waste Pecos County Disposal Facility LP, Petro Waste Reagan County Disposal Facility LP, Phoenix Resources Inc., Pine Grove Landfill Inc., Pine Tree Acres Inc., Precision Waste Services Inc., Prime Westport LLC, Quail Hollow Landfill Inc., Questquill Limited, R & B Landfill Inc., RAA Colorado L.L.C., RAA Trucking LLC, RCI Hudson Inc., RTS Landfill Inc., Recycle America Co. L.L.C., Recycle America Holdings Inc., Redwood Landfill Inc., Refuse Inc., Refuse Services Inc., Reliable Environmental Transport, Reliable Landfill L.L.C., Remote Landfill Services Inc., Reno Disposal Co., Resco Holdings L.L.C., Resource Control Composting Inc., Resource Control Inc., Richland County Landfill Inc., Riverbend Landfill Co., Rust Engineering & Construction Inc., Rust International Inc., S & J Landfill Limited Partnership, S & S Grading Inc., S&T Materials LLC, SC Holdings Inc., SSI Southland Holdings Inc., Sanifill de Mexico (US) Inc., Sanitation Services Company Limited, Shade Landfill Inc., Shawnee Rock Company, Sierra Estrella Landfill Inc., Sister's Sanitation Services LLC, South Hadley Landfill LLC, South Suburban LLC, Southern One Land Corporation, Southern Waste Services L.L.C., Spruce Ridge Inc., St. Johnsbury Transfer Station Inc., St. Paul Haulers LLC, Stony Hollow Landfill Inc., Suburban Landfill Inc., Summit Disposal Inc., Summit Energy Services Inc, Summit Inc, Superior Waste Services of New York City Inc., T2L Trucking LLC, TN'T Sands Inc., TW PWE GP LLC, TX Newco L.L.C., Texarkana Landfill L.L.C., Texas Pack Rat - Austin #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Dallas #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #2 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - Houston #3 LLC, Texas Pack Rat - San Antonio #1 LLC, Texas Pack Rat Service Company LLC, The Peltz Group LLC, The Waste Management Charitable Foundation, The Woodlands of Van Buren Inc., Trail Ridge Landfill Inc., TransAmerican Waste Industries, Transamerican Waste Central Landfill Inc., Trash Hunters Inc., Twin Bridges Golf Club L.P., USA South Hills Landfill Inc., USA Valley Facility Inc., USA Waste Geneva Landfill Inc., USA Waste Landfill Operations and Transfer Inc., USA Waste Services of NYC Inc., USA Waste of California Inc., USA Waste of Texas Landfills Inc., USA Waste of Virginia Landfills Inc., USA Waste-Management Resources LLC, USA-Crinc L.L.C., USB LIHTC Fund 2010-1 LLC, USB LIHTC-NMTC FUND 2018-2 LLC, USB LIHTC-NMTC FUND 2019-1 LLC, UWS Barre Inc., United Waste Systems Leasing Inc., Urban Sanitation Limited, Valley Garbage and Rubbish Company Inc., Vermont Hauling Inc., Vern's Refuse Service Inc., Vickery Environmental Inc., Vista Landfill LLC, Voyageur Disposal Processing Inc., WBLF Acquisition Company LLC, WM Avon Inc., WM Bagco LLC, WM Billerica Inc., WM Biloxi Hauling LLC, WM Biloxi Transfer Station LLC, WM Boston CORE Inc., WM CCP Solutions LLC, WM Compactor Solutions Inc., WM Conversion Fund LLC, WM Corporate Services Inc., WM Curbside LLC, WM DC 1 LLC, WM Emergency Employee Support Fund Inc., WM Energy Resources Inc., WM Energy Services Holdings LLC, WM Energy Services of Ohio LLC, WM Energy Solutions Inc., WM GTL Inc., WM GTL JV Holdings LLC, WM GTL LLC, WM Green Squad LLC, WM GreenOps LLC, WM Healthcare Solutions Inc., WM Illinois Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM Intellectual Property Holdings L.L.C., WM International Holdings Inc., WM KS Energy Resources LLC, WM LNG Inc., WM LampTracker Inc., WM Landfills of Ohio Inc., WM Landfills of Tennessee Inc., WM Leasing Services of Texas LLC, WM Leasing of Arizona L.L.C., WM Leasing of Texas L.P., WM Logistics LLC, WM Middle Tennessee Environmental Center L.L.C., WM Mobile Bay Environmental Center Inc., WM ND Energy Resources II LLC, WM ND Energy Resources LLC, WM National Field Services LLC, WM Nevada Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM North Broward Inc., WM Organic Growth Inc., WM Organics LLC, WM PA Holdings LLC, WM PRG L.L.C., WM Pack-Rat LLC, WM Pack-Rat of California LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Illinois LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Kentucky LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Maryland LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Massachusetts LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Michigan LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Nevada LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Ohio LLC, WM Pack-Rat of Rhode Island LLC, WM Partnership Holdings Inc., WM Phoenix Energy Resources LLC, WM Propane LLC, WM Quebec Inc., WM RA Canada Inc., WM Recycle America L.L.C., WM Recycle Europe L.L.C., WM Recycling Latin America LLC, WM Refined Coal LLC, WM Renewable Energy L.L.C., WM Resource Recovery & Recycling Center Inc., WM Resources Inc., WM Safety Services L.L.C., WM Security Services Inc., WM Storage II Inc., WM Storage Inc., WM TX Energy Resources II LLC, WM TX Energy Resources LLC, WM Texas Pack Rat LLC, WM Transport of Indiana LLC, WM Trash Monitor Plus L.L.C., WM Universal Solutions Private Limited, WM WY Energy Resources II LLC, WM WY Energy Resources III LLC, WM WY Energy Resources LLC, WM Waste Inc., WM of North Dakota Energy Disposal Solutions LLC, WMI Mexico Holdings Inc., WMNA Container Recycling L.L.C., WMRE of Kentucky LLC, WMRE of Michigan LLC, WMRE of Ohio LLC, WMRE of Ohio-American LLC, WMSALSA Inc., WSI Medical Waste Systems Inc., WSI of New York Inc., WTI Air Pollution Control Inc., WTI Rust Holdings Inc., Waitsfield Transfer Station Inc., Warner Company, Waste Away Group Inc., Waste Management Arizona Landfills Inc., Waste Management Buckeye L.L.C., Waste Management Collection and Recycling Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Colorado Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Maryland Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Massachusetts Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Oregon Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Pennsylvania Inc., Waste Management Disposal Services of Virginia Inc., Waste Management Energy Services of Texas LLC, Waste Management Holdings Inc., Waste Management Inc. of Florida, Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee, Waste Management Indycoke L.L.C., Waste Management International Inc., Waste Management Milam Property LLC, Waste Management National Services Inc., Waste Management National Transportation Services Inc., Waste Management Partners Inc., Waste Management Recycling and Disposal Services of California Inc., Waste Management Recycling of New Jersey L.L.C., Waste Management Service Center Inc., Waste Management of Alameda County Inc., Waste Management of Alaska Inc., Waste Management of Arizona Inc., Waste Management of Arkansas Inc., Waste Management of California Inc., Waste Management of Canada Corporation, Waste Management of Carolinas Inc., Waste Management of Colorado Inc., Waste Management of Connecticut Inc., Waste Management of Delaware Inc., Waste Management of Fairless L.L.C., Waste Management of Five Oaks Recycling and Disposal Facility Inc., Waste Management of Georgia Inc., Waste Management of Hawaii Inc., Waste Management of Idaho Inc., Waste Management of Illinois Inc., Waste Management of Indiana Holdings One Inc., Waste Management of Indiana Holdings Two Inc., Waste Management of Indiana L.L.C., Waste Management of Iowa Inc., Waste Management of Kansas Inc., Waste Management of Kentucky Holdings Inc., Waste Management of Kentucky L.L.C., Waste Management of Leon County Inc., Waste Management of Londonderry Inc., Waste Management of Louisiana Holdings One Inc., Waste Management of Louisiana L.L.C., Waste Management of Maine Inc., Waste Management of Maryland Inc., Waste Management of Massachusetts Inc., Waste Management of Metro Atlanta Inc., Waste Management of Michigan Inc., Waste Management of Minnesota Inc., Waste Management of Mississippi Inc., Waste Management of Missouri Inc., Waste Management of Montana Inc., Waste Management of Nebraska Inc., Waste Management of Nevada Inc., Waste Management of New Hampshire Inc., Waste Management of New Jersey Inc., Waste Management of New Mexico Inc., Waste Management of New York L.L.C., Waste Management of North Dakota Inc., Waste Management of Ohio Inc., Waste Management of Oklahoma Inc., Waste Management of Oregon Inc., Waste Management of Pennsylvania Gas Recovery L.L.C., Waste Management of Pennsylvania Inc., Waste Management of Rhode Island Inc., Waste Management of South Carolina Inc., Waste Management of South Dakota Inc., Waste Management of Texas Holdings Inc, Waste Management of Texas Inc., Waste Management of Tunica Landfill Inc., Waste Management of Utah Inc., Waste Management of Virginia Inc., Waste Management of Washington Inc., Waste Management of West Virginia Inc., Waste Management of Wisconsin Inc., Waste Management of Wyoming Inc., Waste Management-Green Ridge RDF LLC, Western Maryland Waste Systems LLC, Western One Land Corporation, Western Waste Industries, Western Waste of Texas L.L.C., Westminster Land Acquisition LLC, Wheelabrator Technologies, Wheelabrator Technologies International Inc., White Lake Landfill Inc., Willow Oak Landfill LLC, Wolf Creek Landfill LLC, and eCycling Services L.L.C.. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V.. Read More FedEx Corporation is a global courier delivery services company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Founded in 1971, it is one of the largest logistics companies in the world, with operations in over 220 countries and territories. FedEx offers various services, including express shipping, ground shipping, freight forwarding, and e-commerce solutions. The company has over 600 aircraft and more than 180,000 vehicles in its fleet and employs over 600,000 people worldwide. Frederick W. Smith is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Corporation. He has been at the company's helm since its inception and has been instrumental in its growth and success. In 2022 Frederick Smith passed the baton to Raj Subramaniam. Raj Subramaniam has over thirty years of leadership experience and moved into the CEO role from his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In recent years, the company has made a few critical changes in its leadership team, including the appointment of Lance Moll as President and CEO of FedEx Freight in 2020, who started his career as a manager at a FedEx distribution center. FedEx reported that revenue has risen at an excellent pace yearly for several years. Net income, while only a fraction of revenue, is pacing in growth with the revenue. This is due to FedEx maintaining a healthy profit margin, with a net profit margin of approximately 3.5%. The company has also been actively managing debt to reduce its debt levels. Total assets on hand are robust enough to cover total liabilities within the company. FedEx has a price-to-earnings ratio lower than the industry average and a price-to-book ratio lower than the industry average. These valuation metrics suggest that the company's stock may be undervalued compared to its peers. FedEx's stock had performed well in recent years, with the stock price recovering from a tumble in 2022 when FedEx pulled its earnings forecast due to worsening business conditions. FedEx operates in the highly competitive logistics and courier delivery services industry with low margins and intense competition. The company faces competition from established players like UPS and DHL and newer entrants like Amazon, which has been expanding its delivery network. The industry is also subject to regulatory and political pressures, such as changes in trade policies and tariffs, which can impact the flow of goods across borders. Despite the challenges in the industry, FedEx has several growth opportunities. The company has expanded its e-commerce capabilities by acquiring ShopRunner, a membership-based e-commerce platform, in 2021. The company has also invested in autonomous delivery technology, launching the FedEx SameDay Bot, designed to make deliveries in urban areas. In addition, the company has been expanding its presence in healthcare logistics by acquiring Cargex in 2021. Several risks and challenges could impact FedEx's future growth prospects. One significant risk is the potential for changes in consumer preferences, particularly with the growth of online shopping and the increasing demand for faster and more convenient delivery options. The company also faces regulatory risks, particularly with changes in trade policies and tariffs. Competitive pressures are also a significant challenge, with Amazon expanding its delivery network and other logistics companies competing for market share. Finally, the company is also subject to risks related to its operations, such as disruptions to its supply chain or the impact of natural disasters on its infrastructure. The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: APM Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Cryo Intermediate Inc., Acme Cryogenics, Acme Cryogenics Inc., Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o., Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Audax ECII Blocker Inc., Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated, BELVAC CR spol s r.o., BSC Filters Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Blue Bite LLC, Blue Bite LLC, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CDS Visual Inc., CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., Cryogenic Experts LLC, DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dositec Sistemas SL, Dosmatic U.S.A. Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services Europe S.R.L., Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover Switzerland Participations GmbH, Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ECI - IGT Holdings LLC, ECI Holding Company LLC, ECI RegO S. de R.L. de C.V, ECI RegO Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., ECII (Mexico) LLC, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty Ltd, Em-Tec, Engineered Controls International LLC, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, LIQAL B.V., Liquip, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Germany GmbH, Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Service (Taiwan) Ltd., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Macro Technologies LLC, Malema, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty. Ltd., Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn. Bhd., Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A., Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Midwest Cryogenics Inc., Mouvex, Northeast Services Inc., Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OK International Ltd., OPW Engineered Systems LLC, OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, Quantex Arc Limited, Quantex Patents Limited, RAV France, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, RegO (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., RegO Holding GmbH, RegO Products, RegO Valve (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Rego GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd., SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP France, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Shanghai RegO Flow Technology Company Ltd., Shine Bloom - ECI A Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI S Blocker Corp., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Soft-Pak, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana S.R.L., Superior Holding LLC, Superior Products LLC, Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Espy Corporation, The Heil Co., Tokheim, Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, WellMark, and em-tec GmbH. Read More This undated file photo provided by the interviewee shows Cheng Heping, a leading Chinese biomedical expert, and two of his doctoral students conducting experiments in a laboratory at Peking University in Beijing, capital of China in 2011. (Xinhua) by Xinhua writers Che Yunlong, Wei Mengjia BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Cheng Heping, a leading Chinese biomedical expert at Peking University, had long hoped to create a microscope capable of recording the tiniest changes in the brains of living animals. "How to create a microscope that can see the dynamic changes of individual neurons under the condition of small animals walking freely, this is a dream hidden in my heart," he said. Cheng, 60, has now realized his long-standing goal. A miniature three-photon microscope recently developed by his team has achieved stable deep-brain imaging in freely moving mice. This revolutionary tool promises to reveal the mysteries of the whole human brain. An academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Cheng has spent decades researching multiphoton microscopy, and his life story is that of a growing focus on the science of photons, tiny subatomic energetic particles that he views as magical. CLOSER TO PHOTONS Born in a village in east China's Anhui Province in 1963, Cheng thought he was destined to become a farmer in the rice paddy fields, like his mother and grandparents. However, he showed an enthusiasm for reading, although books were a precious rarity for his family. "I would travel long hours just to borrow a book and devour it while walking back home," Cheng recalled. He remembers clearly his weekly happy hour following the arrival of the children's newspaper, which his parents managed to provide despite their overwhelming poverty. In 1980, Cheng entered Peking University, where he spent nine years majoring in mechanics and biological engineering. He also received a second degree in physiology. He attributes part of his later success to this interdisciplinary background. "In my master's thesis research, I was fascinated by the beauty of the cell for the first time when I found the double-concave shape of red blood cells optimal for transmembrane transport," said Cheng. At the time, he did not anticipate that this would inspire his future studies of cell activities using photons. Later, he got the opportunity to study for a doctorate in physiology at the University of Maryland in the United States. He, along with his mentor and his colleague there, discovered calcium sparks in rat myocardial cells, causing a sensation at the time. The discovery was made with a self-modified confocal laser scanning microscope, which worked in a similar way to a two-photon microscope. A fluorescence imaging technique, two-photon microscopy allows imaging in deep living tissues. It works better than conventional fluorescence microscopy due to the characteristics of two-photon excitation, such as longer wavelength, less scattering and stronger penetrability. From this point on, Cheng was increasingly drawn to the study of photons, which seemed to be an area with great potential. "In the 1990s, studies of electricity had a great impact on biology, but the potential of light within life sciences had not yet been realized," he said. SMALLER MICROSCOPES In 1992, during a visit to Cornell University, Cheng saw a two-photon microscope for the first time. It was only the second such device in the world. "I was shocked by the microscope, which was the size of the whole room," he recalled. In 2013, China's national natural science foundation started soliciting applications for the development of major national scientific research equipment. Cheng proposed to make a miniature two-photon microscope that is wearable on the head of freely moving animals for brain imaging. His proposal received a research and development fund of 72 million yuan (about 10.48 million U.S. dollars). "Other projects applied for developing big ones, even the size of a building, while I promised a finished product weighing only 15 grams," he recalled. However, at that time, many research teams worldwide had tried with only very limited success in building such a miniature multiphoton microscope. He and his team went to a renowned U.S. university for advice, but he was told that it was impossible to make such a tiny device. The biggest challenge for the development of such equipment was to combine the advantages of performance and weight, with the miniature two-photon microscope having the same high resolution as a conventional one weighing tens of kilograms. Cheng came up with the idea of shrinking the microscope's imaging parts into a thumb-sized headpiece by using devices including miniature optics, among others. By 2017, his team had made great strides, successfully developing their first generation of miniature two-photon microscopes weighing 2.2 grams, much smaller than the 15 grams he had promised. The smallest and lightest such device in the world at that time, it obtained dynamic images of neuronal and synaptic activities in the cerebral cortex of freely moving mice, bringing Cheng to the global forefront of brain imaging. After four years, an upgraded two-photon microscope built by his team enlarged the imaging field by 7.8 times and featured an additional function of three-dimensional imaging. Cheng explained the additional function as like "cutting" skin with a thickness of more than 100 microns into 100 layers. "This thickness is the same as the diameter of a human hair," he said. DEEPER INTO THE BRAIN Cheng is determined to see deeper into the brains of mice, including viewing their entire brains, using photons. At the end of February, his team made a new breakthrough, completing the development of a 2.17-gram three-photon microscope, which achieved stable imaging of the brain cortex and hippocampal neurons of freely moving mice at a depth up to 1.2 millimeters. It was the first time non-invasive images of the hippocampus of freely moving mice had been captured. The mouse brain is six millimeters deep, said Cheng, adding that the brain can be completely observed when the imaging depth reaches three millimeters, which is his future goal. "We hope to understand brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and sleep disorders, as well as their treatment strategies by dynamically observing the brains of mice during their movement and sleep," he said. However, after solving the problems of imaging depth, other questions began to linger in his mind. Will vital signs change in weightless conditions? How will cell metabolism work in deep space? To find the answers, Cheng, leading a joint research team supported by the China Manned Space Agency, sent the hand-hold version of his 2.2-gram two-photon microscope to the country's space station onboard the Tianzhou-5 cargo craft. Last month, the microscope successfully obtained three-dimensional structural images of skin cells from the Chinese Shenzhou-15 astronauts while in orbit, demonstrating the feasibility of his portable microscope operating in space. He revealed that further such experiments will be conducted on a larger scale, in which small animals in space will wear his two-photon microscopes and be observed dynamically for a long time. "They are expected to address basic biological issues of human beings during future space exploration," said Cheng. The scientist, who has studied brain science with the aid of photons for decades, is excited about the future potential of the field. "Our understanding of nature is a gradual process, and different eras have different propositions. Brain science takes a long time, and we are still standing on the threshold," he said. This undated file photo provided by the interviewee shows Cheng Heping, now a leading Chinese biomedical expert, operating a confocal microscope in a research lab in Maryland, the Untied States back in 1995. (Xinhua) Cheng Heping, a leading Chinese biomedical expert, is pictured at work in his office at Peking University in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Che Yunlong) Exxon Mobil Corporation is the largest direct descendent of John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil and one of the worlds largest companies. Its earliest roots lie with Vacuum Oil which got its start in the 1860s. Vacuum Oils primary product was kerosene, an important advancement for heating and lighting in rural America. Vacuum Oil was later merged with Standard Oil of New Jersey which was the parent operation of the Standard Oil empire prior to its breakup. Standard Oil of New Jersey would merge with other independent operators over the next few years until settling on the brand Exxon for most of its operations. Meanwhile, Standard Oil of New York was operating under much the same impetus, merging and growing, until it became known as Mobil. Then, in 1999, the two giants became one with a merger of equals that on paper had Exxon buying Mobil. Now, the combined company operates under the Exxon, Mobil, and Esso brands as an international vertically integrated energy and petrochemical business. Today, the company explores and produces crude oil and natural gas and their derivative products globally. As of 2022, it was ranked 6th on Forbes Fortune 500 list and 12th on the Global 500 list but it has held positions from #1 to #10 over the years. In terms of its operations, it is the worlds second-largest oil refiner and the largest refiner outside of China. In terms of reserves, ExxonMobil claimed about 18.5 million barrels of oil and oil equivalents at the end of 2021 and was ranked 15th globally. ExxonMobil operates through three segments that are the Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces oil and oil equivalents and represents roughly 70% of the income. The Downstream segment gathers, receives, stores, transports and refines oil and equivalents and their derivatives. The Downstream segment also markets and delivers fuel products to consumers and businesses. The Chemicals segment produces the full range of petrochemicals including plastics, resins and synthetic rubber. ExxonMobil is committed to advancing sustainable and carbon-free energy solutions. The company is targeting 2050 for net-zero emissions and its 2030 interim targets are in alignment with the Paris Accord, the EU's Global Methane Pledge, and US Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. The companys plans include investing $15 billion into reducing greenhouse emissions by 2028. New York Community Bancorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for New York Community Bank. New York Community Bank is the nations 47th-largest financial institution and its largest thrift. As a thrift, the bank specializes in real estate and consumer accounts specifically real estate loans and savings accounts and has limited exposure to other forms of business banking. Among the benefits to consumers are interest-bearing checking and saving accounts that come with higher-than-average interest rates. New York Community Bank was founded in 1859 to serve Queens County, New York. It operated under that name, growing all the while, until 2000 when it changed its name to better reflect the business. The company IPOd in 1993 and has made multiple acquisitions in the time since. As of 6/30/2022, the bank had $63.1 billion in assets and $41.2 billion in deposits. New York Community Bank operates in greater New York City, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona. The company provides deposit products ranging from interest-bearing checking and money market accounts to savings accounts, IRAs, and CDs. Brands under the companys umbrella include AmTrust in Florida and Arizona, Ohio Savings Bank, Garden State Savings Bank, and Atlantic Bank. The bank offers a wide range of real-estate-related loans including but not limited to multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and consumer loans and mortgages. Investment products include annuities, mutual funds, and life insurance. Customers include individuals, small businesses, and organizations and are served through a network of more than 230 branches, and 300 ATMs, online, mobile, and by phone. Many of the locations are open 24 hours and 6 days a week although those hours are not available at all branches. Clients can access their accounts digitally 24/7. New York Community Bancorp and its underlying business carry investment-grade credit ratings from all the major rating agencies. The credit outlook in the 4th quarter of 2022 was stable as it had been for some time. In New York, it is a leader in the multi-family market specializing in lower-cost housing in rent-controlled areas. As of June 30, 2022, the multi-family loan portfolio accounted for more than 75% of all investments. The company has a stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan that help to sustain a high level of ownership. Pfizer Inc. is a US-based multinational biotech company. The company operates as a research-based pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, production and marketing of medicines and vaccines. It is the 2nd largest drugmaker globally by revenue and is ranked 64th on the Fortune 500 list. The companys avenues of research include Immunology, Oncology, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology. Regarding its product line, the company has at least ten blockbuster drugs producing more than $1 billion in avenue revenue each. The company brought in over $81 billion in total revenue in 2021. The US is its main market and represents roughly 50% of all revenue. China and Japan make up roughly 12% of the business, while the rest come from the rest of the world. It employs roughly 79,000 people and is headquartered in New York state. Pfizer Inc. was founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer Sr. and his cousin Charles Earhart. The two were German immigrants and chemists that set up shops outside New York City to make medicinal compounds. The first major success was an antiparasitic called santonin, and the commercialization of citric acid-making technologies quickly followed that up. Their success with citric acid led to the companys expansion and other major discoveries. World War I caused a shortage of materials for making citric acid and forced the company to seek alternatives. The one they latched on to was the fermentation of certain fungi known to produce citric acid naturally. This led to the advancement of fermentation technology that was later used in the commercial production of penicillin and then the advancement of antibiotics in general. Pfizer Inc was incorporated on June 2nd, 1942 in Delaware, and another period of expansion began. The postwar drop in demand for penicillin led to the discovery of newer, more marketable antibiotics and cemented the companys role in modern medicine. By the time he 80s rolled around, the company was trading on the New York Stock Exchange and on the path to developing todays blockbuster lineup. The companys top seller in 2021 was Comirnaty, a COVID-19 vaccine. It generated nearly $37 billion in 2021 and was followed by Prevnar, Ibrance and Eliquis with just over $5 billion in sales each. Other blockbuster names on Pfizers list include Xeljanz and Enbrel, each bringing in $3.5 billion. Pfizer operates 39 research and production facilities worldwide and sells its products in 125 countries. As of 2022, the company had a robust pipeline of potential treatments, with more than 220 in some stage of clinical trials. Among its leading candidates is a vaccine for RSV, a life-threatening respiratory disease affecting children. 2021 highlights include 8 FDA approvals, four new regulatory submissions and 13 new trial startups. Pfizer is also a well-known dividend payer and has returned more than $8.7 billion to shareholders since going public. "Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodle Soup" is an iconic delicacy of China's Yunnan. Recently, 1.43 tonnes of such noodles from Yunnan's Mengzi were exported to Canada. Produced by Xinhua Global Service MALTA - Computer chip makers who receive federal tax incentives provided under the CHIPS and Science Act to build new factories in the United States would have to begin construction by the end of 2026, and would be barred from building new factories in China for 10 years, according to proposed regulations released last week. The CHIPS Act as it is informally known is a $52 billion incentive program passed last year by Congress at the urging of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York, who has hailed it as a boon to upstate chipmakers like GlobalFoundries and Micron, which is planning a $100 billion chip fab complex outside of Syracuse. The legislation sets aside nearly $40 billion in grants for chipmakers to build new factories in the U.S. or expand existing facilities here as a way to counter the growing influence of China's chip industry, which has been grabbing market share from the U.S. for decades amid growing political and military tensions between the two nuclear superpowers. Another $75 billion would be available in the form of federal loans and loan guarantees. Companies that participate in the CHIPS program will also be eligible for a 25 percent investment tax credit on construction and purchasing manufacturing equipment. A typical chip fab can cost between $5 billion and $10 billion to build, so the potential tax credits that companies could earn are substantial. "Without the ITC and other historic incentives I created in my CHIPS and Science Act, major investments like Microns in Central New York would have gone overseas," Schumer said in a statement. The most pressing concern is if China were to invade the self-governing island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which is the world's largest contract maker of advanced computer chips supplied to companies like Apple. If China were to invade Taiwan, it would not only gain access to TSMC's cutting-edge technology but also take control of the world's advanced chip supply. Rules proposed by the Treasury and Commerce departments include requirements that companies that receive benefits would be barred from building new factories in China for 10 years and would require that construction on the new or expanded facilities begin by the end of 2026 to be eligible for the tax credits. There will be a 60-day comment period ending in May before the new rules are made official. Companies from China would also be banned from participating in the program. The proposed rules estimate that the average grant award would be equal to between 5 percent and 15 percent of a project's cost. For a $10 billion fab, that would come to $1.5 billion. Awards in excess of $3 billion for individual projects would only be given in special circumstances related to national and economic security. The conditions of the direct grants does not appear to have a specific deadline to start construction. GlobalFoundries is expected to use the program to expand its current factory in Saratoga County and is looking at building a second factory, or fab, as well that could also be built using CHIPS Act incentives, although GlobalFoundries has yet to say when construction on that second facility would begin. GlobalFoundries makes chips used by the auto industry, the U.S. military and also critical infrastructure that is vital to U.S. interests. "We are reviewing the new regulations issued last week, and will of course comply with the requirements," GlobalFoundries spokesman Michael Mullaney said. "The guardrails are designed to keep to the CHIPS investments in the U.S. to support U.S. manufacturing and (research and development), and we fully support this approach." People pose for a group photo to celebrate the resumption of Air China direct flights between Rome and Beijing at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) ROME, March 28 (Xinhua) -- After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air China has resumed its direct passenger service between Rome and Beijing. The airline will operate four round-trip flights every week, it said. The route is operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, between Rome's Fiumicino Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Passengers who took the first flight on Monday told Xinhua the route has opened up flight options between China and Italy. Yang Yongqiang, General Manager of Air China's Rome Office, said that the resumption of this route will be a landmark in promoting individual and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Air China also operates other direct round-trip flights from Rome to Wenzhou, and from Milan to Beijing, Shanghai and Wenzhou. Data released by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) shows that Italy received around 5.36 million Chinese tourists in 2019, making it one of the most visited European countries by Chinese tourists that year. Passengers board an Air China direct flight to Beijing at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) A staff member presents souvenirs to Chinese passengers arriving at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua) The first resumed direct flight from Beijing to Rome arrives at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) Passengers wait to board an Air China direct flight to Beijing at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) People attend a ceremony marking the resumption of Air China direct flights between Rome and Beijing at the Fiumicino airport in Rome, Italy, March 27, 2023. Air China resumed its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Monday after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni) Bobbi Ercoline, who one morning during the Woodstock music festival rested her head on her boyfriends chest and in that drowsy moment became a symbol of 1960s hippiedom, died March 18 at her home in Pine Bush, N.Y. She was 73. Her Woodstock boyfriend and later her husband, Nick Ercoline, said the cause was leukemia. About a half-million people attended the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Aug. 15-18, in 1969, a cultural phenomenon that has endured in the popular imagination partly with the help of Woodstock, a 1970 documentary, and its album soundtrack, featuring Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Jefferson Airplane, Richie Havens and many more musicians. Ercolines tender moment became the subject of a photograph chosen for the cover of the soundtrack album, a three-LP set that was once a familiar sight in record collections in dorm rooms and coffee houses throughout the country. Behind a pair of big shades, clad in a multicolored garment and partly covered by a comfy pink-trimmed blanket wrapped around her boyfriend, she seemed to embody the flower-child spirit. In fact, she and Nick represented something else: the broad appeal held by the counterculture of the 1960s. Nick Ercoline was a bartender and construction laborer putting himself through college. Bobbi Ercoline Bobbi Kelly at the time was a bank clerk. They were observant Roman Catholics working in Middletown, a small city near the festival site in upstate New York, and had begun dating on Memorial Day weekend. A fuller version of the photograph than appeared on the Woodstock album shows, to the right of the Ercolines, a sleeping young friend of theirs, Jim Corky Corocoran. Far from being a draft card-burner, he had recently returned from duty with the Marines in Vietnam. The $18 tickets to Woodstock struck the couple as pricey, and initially they did not plan to go. On the festivals first night, they sat on Bobbi Ercolines front porch with friends, including Corcoran, listening to the radio. Newscasters spoke of colossal traffic jams and hordes of young people. At about 8 the next morning, the group got into Corcorans mothers 1965 Chevy Impala station wagon and set out to see what all the fuss was about. They ditched the car miles from the festival, held on a farm in Bethel, New York, and continued down a back road on foot. Bobbi Ercoline found the blanket, which had been discarded, on the way. They also picked up a Californian, named Herbie, who was on a bad acid trip. He supplied the plastic butterfly attached to a wooden staff in the photo. The photographer who happened upon the group was Burk Uzzle, freelancing for the Magnum agency. He had visited the concert stage but decided that the story was elsewhere the hundreds of thousands of audience members, some tripping, others building tents, skinny-dipping in a pond and sharing crates of bananas and loaves of bread. Uzzle woke up about 4:30 on Sunday morning and roved through the crowd. He spotted Bobbi and Nick from about 15 feet away and made use of advice from Magnum founder Henri Cartier-Bresson, who had told him to study the detailed compositions of the Quattrocento painters of Renaissance Italy, as Uzzle told The New York Times in 2019. I walk up and I know the curvature of the hill has to work with the curvature of the heads, he recalled. And theres the flag, its going to have to be there, and just enough of the people. The day the Woodstock soundtrack came out, Corcoran bought a copy, and the group gathered to listen to it. They did not immediately realize that they were pictured on the cover because they had looked first at the back of the record sleeve to see which songs had been included. Thats when I realized I needed to tell my mother that I had gone to Woodstock, Bobbi Ercoline told The New York Post in 2019, on Woodstocks 50th anniversary. The groups initial intent was to get home in time for church Sunday, she told New Yorks Eyewitness News in an interview the same year. The picture was incriminating, she said with a smile: Proof that I did not go to Mass. Barbara du-Wan Kelly was born June 14, 1949, in Middletown and grew up not far away in the hamlet of Pine Bush. Her father, John, was a mechanic, and her mother, Eleanor (Gihr) Kelly, was a homemaker. She and Nick Ercoline married in 1971. After focusing on raising their sons, Mathew and Luke, she got an associates degree in nursing at Orange County Community College in 1986. As a nurse, she worked mainly at an elementary school. Nick Ercoline became a union carpenter and a construction inspector. In addition to her husband, Ercoline is survived by her sons; a brother, John; and a sister, Cindy Corcoran (who married one of Corcorans brothers); and four grandchildren. The Ercolines became frequent interview subjects for historians of Woodstock, and they often spoke about their marriage as a symbol of its lasting influence and an example of peace and love in action. Every morning when they woke up and every night before they went to bed, they kissed and held each other for about a minute just as they had on a grassy hill in the summer of 1969. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. GOSHEN Immigrant rights organizations have filed a civil rights complaint with the Department of Homeland Security alleging that immigrants being held at the Orange County Correctional Facility in Goshen are being mistreated. The complaint, filed on March 21 with DHS' Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, claims that immigrants detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Orange County facility, which is run by the county sheriff's office, have been denied medical care for physical and mental health conditions and have been subjected to arbitrary punishment, retaliation and traumatizing strip searches. Seven organizations jointly filed the complaint: Brooklyn Defender Services, Catholic Charities Community Services of the Archdiocese of New York, Envision Freedom Fund, For the Many, Freedom for Immigrants, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and the NYU Law Immigrant Rights Clinic. It was written to supplement complaints filed in February and April of last year. "The bravery it takes for people detained by ICE to speak out at great personal risk against the horrible conditions and treatment they endure should not be underestimated," Tania Mattos, director of advocacy and policy at Envision Freedom Fund, said in a statement. "ICE has a well-documented history of the kind of abuse described by immigrants jailed at OCCF, a New York county jail, and we cannot tolerate it. New York must step up to demonstrate that we value human dignity above all and commit to ending the state's participation in ICE detention." ICE declined to speak about the specific allegations contained in the complaint, but an agency spokesperson said ICE was "firmly committed to the health, safety and welfare of all those in its custody." The spokesperson noted the agency's national detention standards and other ICE policies require facilities to provide comprehensive medical and mental health care from the moment "noncitizens" arrive at a facility and throughout their entire time in ICE custody. She said facilities must provide access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care, and that "noncitizens" should have access to a continuum of health care services, including screening, prevention, health education, diagnosis and treatment while in ICE custody. The Orange County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. What the complaint alleges This most recent set of allegations was taken from the accounts of three people identified as Ms. Q, Ms. G and Mr. D who were detained recently at the facility. The complaint alleges that Ms. Q, a longtime New York resident who was detained by ICE in December and released earlier this month, experienced a serious decline in her physical and mental health while she was at the facility and was denied access to medications and therapy. A survivor of multiple traumas including childhood sexual abuse, Ms. Q needed treatment and medication to address anxiety, depression, night terrors, panic attacks and insomnia resulting from her post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the complaint. Two independent evaluations of Ms. Q confirmed the alleged medical inattention led to a "predictable deterioration of her mental health," according to the complaint, which claims that the lack of care violated the self-imposed standards of the facility and ICE. When Ms. G's detention at the Orange County facility began in November 2022, she had already been experiencing painful and persistent headaches related to an injury, according to the complaint. Her requests for care at the facility were often dismissed, ignored or "met with extreme disdain by staff," she claimed. Though she ultimately was prescribed medication, information about the medication and its purpose wasn't explained in a language she could understand, according to the complaint, which noted she experienced multiple problems related to language barriers with staff at the facility. "Ms. G was informed by OCCF staff that the staff had mistakenly prescribed and given her medication for diabetes and other conditions Ms. G was not suffering from," which caused adverse reactions, according to the complaint. Ms. G alleges she was later locked in her cell for most of the day for 15 days for having the wrong medication and that the discipline interfered with her ability to meet with her attorney during a key moment in her immigration case, according to the complaint. Another detainee, Mr. D, also claimed he did not receive adequate medical attention in Goshen. According to the complaint, he said he was already experiencing vision loss while at the Hudson County Jail in New Jersey before he was transferred to the Orange County facility. Once there, he was prescribed glasses. After the vision in his right eye began deteriorating, his attorney sought additional medical care for him by contacting ICE. An MRI conducted in February showed Mr. D had a brain cyst, but he wasn't informed of the discovery until two weeks later when his attorney called. Advocates who filed the DHS complaint said Mr. D is currently being denied surgical intervention. He did not receive proper medical care for severe pain in his arm and an injury to his leg, according to the complaint. "I was horrified," Mr. D said in a news release from Brooklyn Defender Services. "I don't know what it is. I don't even know if it's cancer. My aunts and uncles and people in my family have died of cancer. It's so frustrating that I am sitting here and can't do anything." In addition to concerns about adequate health care, the complaint alleges guards at the facility have subjected individual detained women to "invasive, traumatic, and humiliating strip searches" without reasonable suspicion and have conducted unit-wide strip searches. The detainees also alleged the food that was served to them was unsafe. Mr. D, who worked in the kitchen, said the facility was serving rotten, expired food. The organizations that filed the complaint are demanding that all immigrants at Orange County Correctional Facility be released. They are also calling for a plan to be put in place to "remedy the facility's continued medical neglect and abuse, flagrant food safety violations and nutritional shortcomings, as well as the pervasive culture of violence and impunity," according to the release. Warning: This article contains a description of a police killing. WAWARSING Daniel K. McAlpin was incapacitated by a stun gun fired by a state trooper before another trooper shot him five times inside his home in September, body-cam footage released Monday by the state attorney general's office shows. The fatal incident unfolded on Sept. 9, when State Police were called to assist the Ulster County Sheriff's Office's mobile mental health crisis team at McAlpin's residence. Officers arriving on the scene encountered a distraught McAlpin, 41, in the midst of a mental health crisis. He was wielding a knife and ignored repeated commands to drop it, police said at the time. They said McAlpin then charged at officers and threatened them with the knife before a trooper shot him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In New York, incidents in which civilians are killed during encounters with police are subject to review by the state attorney general. On Monday, the attorney general's Office of Special Investigation released footage from body cameras worn by two of the troopers involved Jason Wurtz, who fired the fatal shots, and Elias Strickland, who fired the stun gun. The videos show at least six officers with the State Police and sheriff's office surrounding a doorway to a staircase leading up to McAlpin's room. Their weapons are already drawn when the video begins. They implore McAlpin to "be calm," to which he responds: "I do not want to hurt anyone. Please go away." An unidentified officer responds, "Danny, nobody wants to hurt you. ... Danny, we want to build trust with you." McAlpin repeats, "I do not want to hurt anyone. Please go away!" Wurtz then opens the door to the stairwell, and officers begin shouting at McAlpin to show his hands and "drop the weapon." Within five seconds, Strickland fires his stun gun at McAlpin, hitting him. The man can be heard saying "ow" on the video. Wurtz was standing closest to the doorway. Video from his body camera shows McAlpin at this point already hit with the stun gun stumbling down the stairs and swinging a large knife. Wurtz fires two shots and McAlpin falls to the floor, according to the video. Another officer can be heard repeatedly yelling "drop the weapon" while Wurtz fires three additional shots at McAlpin. The officers then rush to handcuff McAlpin, who was lying facedown in the hallway just beyond the stairwell. "We're safe," an unidentified officer can be heard saying. "Everybody's safe." The release of the videos "follows Attorney General James' directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters," the attorney general's office said in a statement. An internal investigation by the State Police is ongoing, and neither Trooper Wurtz nor Strickland was placed on leave following the shooting, according to Beau Duffy, director of public information for the State Police. The attorney general's investigation also remains active. NEWBURGH Want to go to Europe? Starting Tuesday through April 2, travelers can save $50 off Play Airlines flights from New York Stewart International Airport to various European cities, including Paris, Dublin, Berlin and Copenhagen, among others. All are routed through Iceland, where the airline is based. Fifty bucks might not sound like a huge price reduction, but the Icelandic budget airlines flights are already affordable as air travel goes these days, so it adds up, especially if youre traveling with companions. The deal is valid for flights booked from April 9 through May 31, 2023, and Sept. 3 through Oct. 29, 2023, which the airline refers to as shoulder seasons. Travelers can plug in the promo code PLAYNYC when booking flights on flyplay.com. Play was founded by two former executives of Wow Air, which suspended operations in March 2019 and declared bankruptcy. Since June 2022, the low-cost carrier has operated daily flights from Newburgh to Reykjavik, connecting beyond to an ever-growing list of destinations. It recently announced new routes to Amsterdam, Glasgow and Venice just in time for travelers to plan summer trips, spring getaways and spontaneous vacations, Play CEO Birgir Jonsson said. Plays most popular destinations so far after Iceland have been its large hubs including Paris, but also smaller hubs like Brussels. Should you want to make a stopover in Iceland en route to, say, London, no problem. The airline now has a 24/7 chatbot called Playfin that can help passengers add stopovers when booking a flight. For Hudson Valley residents, the convenience of Stewart Airport is apparent. No long drives to JFK or LaGuardia, paying for expensive parking in Newark or schlepping north to Albany. Its a no-frills small airport dont expect a duty-free shopping spree and Play has not made any big changes since its arrival on the scene. Travelers can walk from long- or short-term parking (theyre basically side by side) to the terminal. Even New Yorkers are choosing to reverse commute upstate to fly Play. The airline is helping them out by offering a Stewart Airport Express shuttle from Manhattan timed with its flights. Its the only direct transit link between New York City and Stewart, Jonsson said. (Stewart) is a popular airport for New York and surrounding area travelers as it offers the convenience that other airports in the area do not. It is uniquely situated as a hub for travelers in Manhattan, the growing Hudson Valley area and surrounding states, he added. The overall low-stress pre-flight experience is an excellent selling point, but even Play cannot get around TSA guidelines. Although security lines are generally shorter at Stewart, Play recommends that travelers arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight based on TSA guidelines, Jonsson said. Fyrirgefu (thats Im sorry in Icelandic). Will Waldron/Times Union WESTERLO A volunteer firefighter saved a dog that had fallen through the ice on a pond, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple Sr. said. Then the dog bit him. Just after 11:30 a.m., the Albany County Sheriffs Office received a call about the dog's plight off Camp Lane. CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds recently welcomed special guest Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker on the show. The exclusive interview aired on March 23, 2023. If you didn't get a chance to tune in, we have you covered and you can listen to the interview in its entirety below. In the can't-miss interview, CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds chats with Parker about a number of topics, including Hyundai's runaway hit lineup in the past five years, the brand's electric vehicle plans, and whether there are plans to increase production of the very popular three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV. Reynolds also asks Parker about Hyundai powertrain issues prior to his arrival at Hyundai. You can listen in to the interview here: About Randy Parker, Hyundai Motor America CEO Last July, Hyundai announced Randy Parker's promotion to CEO of Hyundai Motor America effective August 1, 2022. As such, he assumed responsibility for Hyundai's commercial automotive operations in the United States and reports to Jose Munoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. Parker joined Hyundai in 2019 when he was named vice president of national sales at Hyundai Motor America then in 2021 was promoted to senior vice president. Hyundai says during his tenure, Hyundai became one of the fastest growing mainstream brands in the U.S., setting an all-time retail sales record in 2021 and growing retail market share 31% since 2020. Parker is a long-time industry veteran, with previous leadership roles at Nissan, its INFINITI luxury division and General Motors. Before joining Hyundai in 2019, he served as division vice president of Global Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Sales and Marketing at Nissan Motor Company and prior to that was vice president of INFINITI North America and regional vice president of Nissan USA's western region. Parker also spent nearly 25 years at General Motors working in a variety of sales, marketing and finance roles. Parker was born in Nuremburg, Germany, but considers himself a native of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University and also completed Executive Management Programs at Harvard and Penn State. In 2021, Parker was named to the Automotive News All-Star list and was also recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2022 in their prestigious list of industry influencers. If you'd like to read more about Parker, check out this article from TCU Magazine. Recent Hyundai Award News Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson Awarded 2023 Best Cars for Families by U.S. News & World Report ... Read More From Hyundai Hyundai IONIQ 6 Named Among Top Three Finalists in 2023 World Car Awards... Read More From Hyundai 2023 Elantra Hybrid Blue, Sonata Hybrid Blue and Kona EV Among Top Scorers on ACEEE's Greenest Vehicles List... Read More From Hyundai Hyundai Wins Eight 2023 Car and Driver Editor's Choice Awards... Read More From Hyundai Photo Courtest: Hyundai Motor America. This article originally appeared on CarProUSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY The man accused of barricading himself and his 97-year-old mother inside a patient's room at Albany Medical Center Hospital for hours Monday was armed with a shotgun loaded with one bullet as well as a BB gun, according to a prosecutor speaking at the man's arraignment Tuesday in City Court. In addition, police said investigators searching Dino Savoca's Colonie home Monday found the gas turned on and candles and incense burning. Hospital administration quickly assured the public after a lockdown was called around 3 p.m. Monday that all patients and staff were safe and accounted for. But the New York State Nurses Association is expressing dismay that a suspect got weapons into the hospital undetected, and is calling for an immediate review of security protocols. Suspect arraigned Savoca appeared before Judge Joshua Farrell Tuesday morning in Albany City Court. Dressed in a blue polo shirt and wearing restraints, the 61-year-old was arraigned on charges of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, as well as second-degree menacing, a misdemeanor. Savoca pleaded not guilty to the charges. Albany County Assistant District Attorney Taylor Cupp said Savoca was accused of abducting an unnamed person and barricading her in her room while armed with a shotgun loaded with one live round in an incident that prompted a four-hour standoff with police. He was also charged with displaying a pistol later revealed to be a BB gun at another person. City police said in a release Tuesday that before they arrived, Savoca "did not want to leave his mother and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at an individual who had arrived to the patients room to transport her to the different facility." Albany Med said Monday night that the suspect barricaded himself in a room on the third floor of building. Savoca's attorney, county Public Defender Eric Kauppila, said the office would not seek a mental health evaluation, based on his conversations with the defendant. Savoca had one criminal charge on his record, and is a lifelong resident of the area, Kauppila said. Savoca was born in Albany and had lived at his current address for about 30 years, his attorney said. Currently unemployed and on disability, he had also been receiving mental health counseling. "He's had a very close relationship with his mother his entire life," Kauppila said. " ... I'm not even sure if Mr. Savoca has so much as left the county in the past 60 years." Farrell set bail at $50,000 cash and $100,000 bond, issuing an order of protection for both victims as well as a witness. Savoca is due back in court at 1:30 p.m. Friday for a preliminary hearing. Neighbors at the mobile home park where Savoca and his mother lived said their homes were evacuated for several hours Monday evening after police went into the Savoca home and found the gas was left on with candles and incense lit. A relative contacted by the Times Union said Savoca was estranged from his family. The relative asked to not be identified. Several neighbors at the park said Savoca would often repeat the same story when they spoke with him. His mother had been in the hospital for the past several weeks, they said. Police on Monday said the man taken into custody at the hospital around 7 p.m. had been armed with a BB gun, but said nothing about other weapons. The hospital in a statement Monday said "at no time during this entire incident were our other patients or our staff in danger." Hospital security Albany Med nurse Katheryn Dupuis said she was not at the hospital Monday, but what she heard from her colleagues "actually broke my heart because they were scared to death." Dupuis, who works in the labor and delivery unit, said she has repeatedly asked for stronger security protocols, including armed security guards, metal detectors and mandatory active shooter drills for all staff. "There was no harm done to staff physically, but the mental anguish that those people experienced in that unit, that's going to have a lasting impact," she said. The New York State Nurses Association put out a statement Tuesday that said it " is deeply disturbed by the safety breach that took place last night at Albany Medical Center," and said the union has previously proposed active shooter drills, metal detectors and additional security in the Emergency Department. "As the largest employer in the county and the regions only Level 1 Trauma Center, Albany Medical Center has a responsibility to act proactively and do more to protect its staff, who deserve to work in an environment without fear of violence," the association said in a statement. Albany Medical Center replied to a Times Union inquiry with this statement: "We are always evaluating our security protocols... At this time, each patient and visitor is screened before entering the facility. We have reduced the amount of entrances and exits for the public and have secure swipe access entries across the campus." The hospital has entrances with security guards, but not metal detectors. But the extent of security present at all public entrances, and what "each patient and visitor is screened" entails wasn't immediately clear. Police said the investigation is ongoing. The hospital released an alert for "a potentially armed assailant" around 2:40 p.m. Monday. About 90 minutes before the incident ended, city police and hospital officials said the man had been isolated to a single room and police were negotiating with him. Even as the standoff continued Monday, the hospital began loosening security restrictions, allowing staff to come to relieve others for overnight shifts. "Thank you to our staff for coming in for their shifts tonight," the hospital tweeted. Ambulances were also being accepted at Albany Med's emergency department. However, all other visitors were being asked to stay home for the remainder of Monday evening. I can tell you right now, the hospital is a safe place to receive care, said hospital spokesman Matt Markham on Monday evening. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Update: Three men accused of striking off-duty Vermont deputy Vito Caselnova before he allegedly shot one of them were indicted in misdemeanor assault charges that were filed Wednesday in Saratoga Springs City Court. BALLSTON SPA An off-duty Vermont sheriffs deputy, who allegedly shot a Utica man downtown last year and was then shot by Saratoga Springs police after he allegedly leveled a gun at them, was charged with attempted murder and other offenses Tuesday. Vito Caselnova pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Saratoga County Court. The 25-year-old Rutland County deputy from Glens Falls faces an eight-count indictment that charges him with attempted murder, assault, menacing and reckless endangerment in the Nov. 20 shooting. Judge James A. Murphy III read the charges to Caselnova, who stood with his attorney Greg Teresi, on those charges as well as possession of a firearm in a sensitive location, two counts of a possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and harassment. He was taken into custody after the court appearance. Bail was set at $50,000. The case stems from a wild 3 a.m. shootout at Broadway and Caroline Street the heart of the city's nightclub scene. City officials said the deputy shot Alexander Colon of Utica after an altercation at one of the local clubs, leaving the man with serious injuries. Saratoga Springs police heard the gunshots and shortly after arriving at the scene opened fire on Caselnova after they repeatedly ordered him to drop his firearm. The deputy was hit several times but survived, as did Colon, 38. The Times Union has previously reported that police said Colon and Caselnova exchanged gunfire before officers showed up. Caselnova's attorney has maintained that his client's actions were in self-defense and that Caselnova should be protected against Colon. However, Murphy issued a year-long order of protection for Colon. Colon has not been charged with any crime. After Caselnova's arraignment, District Attorney Karen Heggen declined to discuss Colon, but did speak about the grand jury process. "What was unveiled today in the sealed indictment was the result of a long, extensive and thorough investigation into the incidents that occurred on Nov. 20," Heggen said outside the courthouse. "This was not a quick speculation or a rush to judgment that occurred. Rather, it was a thorough and methodical review of significant amounts of evidence. The grand jury made its determination as it relates to that night based on all of the evidence available." Caselnova's girlfriend, Cali Brown of Glens Falls, was hit by a stray bullet when police opened fire at the deputy. Though he worked in Vermont, Caselnova was living in Warren County when the shootings occurred. He was put on leave from his job after the incident. It was unclear if he ever returned to work. Rutland County Sheriff David Fox did not immediately respond to a Times Union request for comment. Brown has signaled her intention to sue Saratoga Springs and its police department for alleged negligence and excessive force on the part of city officers, according to a Jan. 27 notice of claim filed by her attorney, Stephen Coffey. Police body camera video captured officers shouting at Caselnova to drop his weapon, which Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino said in the aftermath of the incident was leveled at police. Police ordered him to get on the ground eight times; when the deputy didn't comply, Saratoga Springs police opened fire, Montagnino said. Several city police officers were at the scene and three opened fire. The situation has caused considerable friction between city officials and Heggen, who requested a judge impose a gag order to prevent Montagnino and Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim from discussing the case. Kim and Montagnino held a news conference hours after the shooting at the corner of Broadway and Caroline Street and displayed surveillance and police body camera footage a move Heggen criticized as "highly unusual and irregular." Kim and Montagnino said they acted quickly to dispel rumors about the shooting. Heggen later allowed the gag order to lapse, but she used the day's events to continue the feud with city officials by saying their decision to release the video to the public "was a quick, snap, unprecedented judgment." On Tuesday, Montagnino said he didn't want to continue arguing the point with Heggen. However, he said he was impressed with First Assistant District attorney Al Poremba, saying the charges show that he looked into the events leading up to the shootout. He also said that he is not surprised by the attempted murder charge. "A reasonable view of the evidence suggests that when a shot is fired in anger at another individual, under those kinds of circumstances, its reasonable to infer that it was the intent of the actor to cause the death of a person," he said. Saratoga Springs police, in a late-afternoon statement, said the result of the grand jury's effort "is the proper charging of the individual involved criminally, and affirming that our officers acted within the law when dealing with a deadly threat." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERUSALEM (AP) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus proposed judicial overhaul unleashed the most intense social unrest in Israel in decades before he announced Monday that he would delay the plan. Tens of thousands of people repeatedly took to the streets to protest the proposal including spontaneous mass demonstrations that erupted across the country late Sunday after he fired his defense minister for questioning the overhaul. Business leaders, bank chiefs, fighter pilots, military reservists, academics, former security commanders and other influential sectors of society also came out against the plan. On Monday, Israels largest trade union declared a general strike paralyzing the countrys international airport and thousands of people gathered outside parliament. Later in the day, Netanyahu announced he would delay the overhaul, saying he was still determined to pass a judicial reform but would take the time to seek a compromise. The head of the countrys largest trade union responded by saying it would call off a general strike that threatened to grind the country's economy to a halt. Heres a look at Israel's most serious domestic crisis in decades: HOW DID WE GET HERE? Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption in three separate cases, has been at the center of political turmoil that has plagued the country since 2019. After he was indicted, Netanyahus former governing partners turned on him, and he was unable to form a stable, lasting coalition. That led to a protracted political crisis that sent Israelis to the polls five times in less than four years. After an 18-month political exile as opposition leader, Netanyahu returned to power late last year in a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist allies, forming the countrys most right-wing government ever. He denies wrongdoing in the corruption cases. ___ WHAT IS THE JUDICIAL OVERHAUL ABOUT? After taking power, key figures in Netanyahus Likud Party along with his governing partners pledged to quickly overhaul the countrys judicial system, which critics say is driven by a desire to push their ideological agendas with less judicial oversight. The changes would give the governing coalition control over judicial appointments and weaken the country's Supreme Court by granting parliament the authority to overturn its decisions and limiting judicial review of laws. Opponents say the overhaul would upend the countrys delicate system of checks and balances by giving Netanyahu's ruling coalition control over what is now an independent judiciary. They also say Netanyahu has a deep conflict of interest in trying to reshape the legal system while on trial. The government says the legal changes are necessary to streamline governance in the face of an interventionist judiciary. ___ WHAT FUELED THE LATEST PROTESTS? Israel has experienced nearly three months of mass protests since Netanyahus confidant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, unveiled the overhaul in January. But the eruption of anger over Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's dismissal, organized quickly largely via the WhatsApp messaging app, was startling. In roughly one hour, tens of thousands of people blocked Tel Avivs main highway, and thousands more demonstrated outside Netanyahus Jerusalem home. Gallant was the first Cabinet minister to break ranks and publicly call for a delay in the overhaul. With morale down and soldiers threatening not to report for duty, Gallant said that pushing ahead could hurt Israels military readiness. In security-obsessed Israel, Gallant, a gruff retired general, is among the most respected members of the new Cabinet. By attacking the man responsible for national security, Netanyahu may have crossed a red line and unwittingly united this deeply polarized country by touching upon national security, one of the few areas of consensus. ___ WHAT WAS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GENERAL STRIKE? Israels largest trade union is one of the most powerful institutions in the country, representing nearly 800,000 people across sectors that include health care, banking, government services, day care and transportation. While the union has crippled parts of the economy in past labor disputes over the years, never before has it gone on strike to protest a political matter. The decision was felt almost immediately. Israels main international airport canceled all outgoing flights, stranding more than 70,000 travelers. Doctors and day care workers said they would stay off the job, and others were expected to join as well. The economy already has been hit by the protests, with the shekel currency tumbling in value in recent weeks. A protracted strike could have meant longer-lasting and deeper damage. ___ WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? The pause Netanyahu declared could help ease the tensions and buy him some time to find a compromise. But it also runs the risk of angering his far-right coalition partners potentially threatening the stability of his government and risking the possibility of new elections. Any new election would once again likely focus again on Netanyahu's suitability to govern while he faces serious legal problems. ___ WHAT EFFECT COULD THE JUDICIAL OVERHAUL HAVE OUTSIDE ISRAEL? While the battle may seem like an internal Israeli matter, its outcome could have important repercussions for the region and beyond. Netanyahu's coalition allies are dominated by religious and nationalist hardliners who oppose Palestinian statehood and have close ties to the West Bank settlement movement. A weaker court system could clear the way for more aggressive settlement construction and even annexation of West Bank lands. That could lead to further friction with the Palestinians, who seek the Israeli-occupied West Bank as part of a future independent state, as well as with Israel's Western allies, who have voiced concerns about the overhaul and criticized the comments of some of his partners. Israeli soldiers could also be more susceptible to war crimes prosecution in the Hague. One of Israel's key defenses has been that it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting wrongdoing by troops. A weakened judiciary could rob Israel of that defense. Israel's high-tech industry, the engine of the country's economy, could also be affected. International agencies have already said they might lower Israel's debt rating if the overhaul passes since the agencies consider a strong judiciary crucial to ensuring a good business climate. A lower rating could make investors hesitant to do business in Israel and potentially lead companies with operations in Israel, including the world's leading tech giants, to scale back their presence. ___ Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan announced Tuesday it will not participate in this week's U.S.-led Summit for Democracy, a move seen in part as an effort by the impoverished Islamic nation to assuage longtime ally China, which was not invited. The Biden administration has invited 120 global leaders to the summit being held in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday. It will be co-hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry in a statement thanked the United States and its co-hosts for the invitation. Pakistan was also not part of the first and only other summit held in December 2021. Pakistan is the fifth largest country in the world with a population of over 220 million. It has a functional democracy, although critics say Pakistan ranks among the worst democracies in the world. Pakistan would engage bilaterally with the United States and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption," the statement said. Pakistan did not attend the 2021 summit amid growing tension between the government of then-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the U.S. administration of President Joe Biden. Relations between Washington and Khan were further strained when Khan visited Moscow in February 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Two months later Khan, who served as prime minister for over 3 1/2 years, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament by an alliance of major political parties. Since then, Khan has alleged that the vote that removed him was a U.S.-organized plot, a charge that Washington and Khan's successor Shahbaz Sharif have denied. In Tuesday's statement, the foreign ministry under Sharif said Pakistan values its friendship with the United States. "Under this Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. We remain committed to further solidifying this relationship for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, it said. The summit is taking place days after a leading international rights group in its annual report expressed concern over continued violations of human rights in Pakistan. These include enforced disappearances, curtailments on peaceful assembly, and tightening of controls on freedom of speech. Amnesty International said blasphemy allegations continued to spark violence against both religious minorities and Muslims in 2022. Fawad Chaudhry, a senior leader from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, at a news conference in Islamabad released a report describing how the current government under Sharif is continuing a crackdown on Khan supporters that began with his ouster in April. He said hundreds of Khan supporters have been detained in recent weeks. Pakistani analyst Imtiaz Gull, executive director at the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies, said there were multiple factors behind Pakistan's decision to skip the summit. One of them is Pakistans desire to assuage concerns from China, which was not invited. While relations between the U.S. and China have been strained, China has been helping Pakistan's efforts to overcome its deepening economic crisis, China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan, much of it in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a sprawling package that includes everything from road construction and power plants to agriculture. It has an estimated cost of up to $75 billion. The largest component of the CPEC project is a 3,200-kilometer (2,000-mile) road linking China to Pakistans deep-water port of Gwadar in the southwest. Pakistan hopes the project will bring prosperity to this South Asian nation. China has also deposited much-needed millions into Pakistan's central bank to boost its fast-declining foreign exchange reserves to save Pakistan from a default amid the country's worst-ever economic crisis. Talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout have been on hold since last year. That has annoyed Pakistan, which has been trying to get help from Washington to influence the IMF into releasing the loan to Pakistan. On Tuesday, Pakistan's premier told the parliament that the IMF wants external financing commitments made by several friendly countries to be fulfilled to get the kay $1.1 billion tranche from the $6 billion bailout. Sharif said he hoped that the commitments made by Pakistan's friends will be fulfilled. Gull also noted the growing instability in Pakistan amid a widening crackdown on Khan and his political party as a factor for Pakistan to bow out of the summit. It does not happen in democracies what is happening in Pakistan, where the country's former premier Khan has been implicated in more than 127 cases, and hundreds of his party workers have been arrested on a range of charges, including terrorism, he said. What would you present there if you go to participate in the summit about democracy and democratic values? he said. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn here on Monday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated Kao Kim Hourn on taking office as ASEAN secretary-general and expressed appreciation to him for making China the first stop of his visits to non-ASEAN countries. As ASEAN's largest neighbor, China has always supported ASEAN sincerely and selflessly, said Wang, adding that under the new circumstances, China will continue to firmly support ASEAN's integration and community building, support its strategic independence and solidarity for development, and support maintaining the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation architecture. He added that the two sides should join hands to advance the noble cause of modernization for over 2 billion people in China and ASEAN. The two sides should push for alignment and cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific; build a common homeland that features peace, tranquility, prosperity, a beautiful environment, and friendship; and foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, said Wang. He also called for upholding the environment for peaceful development that has been shaped over the past decades, firmly rejecting the Cold War mentality, and opposing any attempt to stoke conflicts between major countries or camp-based confrontation, said Wang. Kao Kim Hourn said China is a good neighbor and friend of ASEAN, as well as a reliable long-term cooperative partner, adding that the bilateral cooperation enjoys a profound foundation, extensive areas and fruitful results. ASEAN is ready to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy and green development, he said, also expressing the willingness to work with China to promote energy transformation, enhance connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, and unleash cooperation potential to further advance the bilateral ties. Whats to be done when a state agency doesnt follow the law? Whats to be done when that agency is the one thats supposed to be rehabilitating criminals to convince them that following laws is the right thing to do? The agency is, of course, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which has been failing to consistently comply with the 2021 HALT Act, short for Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement. The act was intended to put an end to DOCCS over-reliance on solitary confinement as a disciplinary tool. HALT was all about finding alternatives to long-term isolation of prisoners, a practice considered to be tantamount to torture. The law limited time in solitary cells, or special housing units, as theyre euphemistically called, to 15 days. But as the Times Unions Brendan J. Lyons reports, a study by the Correctional Association of New York, an independent organization that monitors prison conditions, found "numerous departures from basic adherence" to HALT, in some cases up to six times the legal limit. Thats nearly 13 weeks with little to no human contact. Its inhumane. And its dangerously counterproductive. As the Correctional Association noted, solitary confinement can lead to anxiety, depression and psychosis. HALT was supposed to end its use entirely for people with mental illness, but the Correctional Association found that on a monthly basis, one-third or more of those in solitary confinement had a mental health issue. The associations report also said that prisoners held in "residential rehabilitative units" transitional disciplinary units for people who receive SHU sentences of more than 15 days often did not receive the very assistance theyre supposed to get in those units. In short, whats supposed to be a system of correction is too often just warehousing people and, worse, subjecting them to conditions known to be detrimental to their physical and mental health. DOCCS blames, in part, a sharp increase in violence in prisons shortly after HALT took full effect last year, causing it to run short of residential rehabilitative units. It says that as of February it had sufficient capacity, for now. Sign up for the Observation Deck newsletter Read the latest Times Union opinion, perspective and letters to the editor on Mondays by signing up for our Observation Deck newsletter. As for putting prohibited people in solitary confinement, DOCCS says that its reading of the law is that it pertains only to seriously mentally ill people. That misses the point: Its been well established that solitary confinement tends to exacerbate mental health issues. Parsing the law is not a solution. Nor is saying, well, tough, thatll teach em not to break the law. That, too, misses the point: A system that mistreats people this way only worsens the chance that theyll be able to function as law-abiding members of society once theyre released. Whether the problem is funding, staffing, prison culture, obstinance or some or all of the above, right now, amid budget talks, is a perfect time for the Legislature to give the Correctional Associations report a close read and ask DOCCS to explain itself. A good place to start is this straightforward question: Why isnt the states prison system following state law, and what will it take to correct that? This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced a bill late Monday that could indicate she is considering nominating one of the Court of Appeals' sitting justices to be the next chief judge of the state's highest court. The governor said the purpose of the legislation would be to streamline the judicial nominating process and prevent the Court of Appeals from operating for extended periods with only six of its seven members. The bill was proposed by the governor as she is reviewing a new list of finalists for chief judge that was issued last week by the Commission on Judicial Nomination. That list includes three associate judges serving on the Court of Appeals. If approved it would allow her to nominate an associate judge to become chief judge. If that nominee is confirmed by the Senate the governor could pick from the remaining finalists to fill any vacancy created by the selection of the new chief judge. The unprecedented proposal is in a "program bill" that is the type of legislation that typically has already been informally agreed upon with legislative leaders. It would change the merit-based selection process for Court of Appeals' judges that went into effect about 50 years ago. "Amending this law will prevent the Court of Appeals from unnecessarily operating for an extended period of time without a full bench, which results in split decisions and delays in the important work of the court," the bill states. It could signal a compromise may be in the works between the governor and legislative leaders over the makeup of the Court of Appeals, a process that has recently caused tension between Hochul's administration and many Senate Democrats. The new list from the nominating commission includes acting Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals Anthony Cannataro and Court of Appeals associate judges Shirley Troutman and Rowan D. Wilson. If one of those three judges is selected, it could lead to Hochul picking from one of the four other finalists: Presiding Justice of the Third Department Elizabeth A. Garry; Presiding Justice of the Fourth Department Gerald J. Whalen; former Solicitor General Caitlin J. Halligan; and Corey L. Stoughton, attorney-in-charge of special litigation and law reform at the Legal Aid Society. Earlier in the day, state Sen. Brad Hoylamn-Sigal, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, predicted it would be a "smooth process" for the selection of the next chief judge. "I have confidence based on a number of the nominees that it'll be a good selection that Democrats can coalesce behind," Hoylman-Sigal, D-Manhattan, told reporters in the Capitol. Hoylman-Sigal declined to say at the time whether he had been in communication with the governor on the names on the list of potential nominees. Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt had decried political games he said his Senate Democratic colleagues were engaging in so they could bring an "activist judge" onto the Court of Appeals. He said the selection process would likely have budget implications. ALBANY Three Harlem Democratic members of the Assembly, and 10 other former elected officials, have filed a legal brief in support of former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin as he faces bribery charges in a criminal case that's pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals. "We have come together because we are gravely concerned that the legal standard proposed by the government in this appeal is one that will change the existing rules for campaign fundraising and criminalize ordinary, innocent indeed, necessary conduct by elected officials and by their constituents," states the brief filed in the Second Circuit late last week. The group which includes Democratic Assembly members Inez Dickens, Eddie Gibbs and Al Taylor asserts that the proposed standard by federal authorities for what constitutes a "quid pro quo" would "chill elected officials from engaging with their constituents." The brief was filed nearly a year after Benjamin resigned as lieutenant governor following his indictment on federal charges alleging that he participated in what Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described as a "simple story of corruption." Benjamin, a Harlem Democrat, had quickly risen from community board member to state senator before Gov. Kathy Hochul tapped him to be her No. 2 after she ascended to the governor's office following the resignation of former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in August 2021. The federal charges focused on his run for New York City comptroller; he is accused of steering a $50,000 grant to a charity run by Harlem real estate developer Gerald Migdol in exchange for campaign contributions, including a number of donations fraudulently given in the names of other people. In December, U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken dismissed bribery and fraud charges against Benjamin, ruling there was not an explicit "quid pro quo." An agreement based on "unspoken assumptions, winks and nods," even if the "terms of the bargain were 'clear and unambiguous'" to those involved, would not qualify as bribery, Oetken ruled. Benjamin still faces falsification of records charges, and federal authorities have appealed the dismissal of his bribery and fraud charges. Benjamin's attorneys recently filed a motion that said if the judge's dismissal is overturned, it could upend "our representative democracy and the political fundraising underlying it." City & State first reported that brief filed on behalf of Benjamin. On Friday, Dickens, Gibbs, Taylor and other former elected officials said the charges should remain dismissed in order to "protect the core values of the democratic system that we cherish." "As current and former elected officials, we write separately to focus on another concern particular to our experience, which is that the governments rule will put under the microscope every interaction between a campaign donor and a candidate for office or a sitting elected official," the amicus brief states. Published reports on Benjamin's alleged illicit dealings with Migdol were first published in The City, which analyzed individual campaign contributions and led to its reporting being referenced in the federal indictment. Subsequent reporting outlined other potential issues revealed by the New York Daily News and the Times Union. The ex-elected officials on the amicus brief include ex-U.S. Rep. Max Rose, D-Brooklyn/Staten Island; former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields; former state Sen. Marisol Alcantara, D-Manhattan; former state Assembly members Michael Blake, Karim Camara, Walter T. Mosley, Annette M. Robinson and Frank Seddio; and former New York City Council members Robert Cornegy and David S. Yassky. Blake, of the Bronx, was the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 to 2021, overlapping with his time in the Assembly from 2015 to 2020. Camara, a Brooklyn Democrat, served in the Assembly from 2005 to 2015, before he left to become the executive director of the state's Office of Faith-Based Community Development, an entity that has faced public scrutiny for its lack of accountability. Seddio, who served in the Assembly from 1999 to 2006, was the chairman of the Brooklyn Democratic Party from 2012 to 2020. While the terror threat level has increased in Northern Ireland, the possibility of a paramilitary attack in the Republic of Ireland is considered to be low, the Irish Minister for Justice has said. Simon Harris was reacting to MI5 hiking the terror threat level in Northern Ireland from substantial to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. However, he said he has been assured by the commissioner of An Garda Siochana, the Irish police service, the threat of an attack in the Republic of Ireland is generally considered to be low. Mr Harris said there is a long history of co-operation between Irish authorities, the British security system and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Despite the enormous progress towards a lasting peace on this island, there remains to this day a real and persistent threat from paramilitary groups opposed to peace and democracy, he said. The callous targeting of PSNI officers underlines the morally vacant path which these groups seem to follow, Mr Harris added. Twenty-five years on from the signing of the Friday agreement, continued peace and stability on the island of Ireland is absolutely vital and we will never lose sight of that goal. Mr Harris paid tribute to the PSNI and An Garda Siochana for working tirelessly to co-operate to counter the paramilitary threat. He said An Garda Siochana will continue to work with services in Northern Ireland to deal with any threats on the island. He assured Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris that gardai have a continued commitment in this regard. He said he is due to have a more substantial conversation with Mr Heaton-Harris later on Tuesday. [March 27, 2023] Lotus Midstream and EnCap Flatrock Midstream Agree to Sell Lotus Midstream to Energy Transfer for $1.45 Billion Lotus Midstream ("the Company") and its financial sponsor EnCap Flatrock Midstream ("EnCap Flatrock") today announced they have signed a definitive agreement to sell Lotus Midstream to Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) for approximately $1.45 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Located in Sugar Land, Texas, Lotus Midstream is a premier crude oil gathering and transportation system connecting the Permian Basin to Cushing and Gulf Coast markets. The Company originally partnered with EnCap Flatrock in 2018 and is led by three founding partners, Chief Executive Officer Mike Prince, Chief Commercial Officer Emily Baker and Chief Operating Officer Jen Fontenot. In September 2018, Lotus completed the acquisitions of the Centurion Pipeline and Southeast New Mexico ("SENM") crude gathering systems. Management commercially transformed the business from a producer-centric system to an integrated transportation network providing wellhead connectivity to major downstream markets including Cushing, Nederland, Houston, and Corpus Christi. Lotus subsequently announced its participation in the Wink-to-Webster Pipeline which transports production to the Gulf Coast refining market via the largest crude takeaway pipeline out of the Permian Basin. From Lotus Midstream p> "We are thankful for the opportunity provided by EnCap Flatrock to have grown and developed Centurion Pipeline," said Lotus Midstream CEO Mike Prince. "We have had the good fortune to work alongside outstanding and dedicated people, who are responsible for Centurion's collective success." From EnCap Flatrock Midstream "We are pleased to have reached agreement with Energy Transfer for the sale of Lotus Midstream," said EnCap Flatrock Managing Partner Greg King. "Mike, Emily, Jen and the Lotus team built a fantastic business. We are grateful for their partnership and are thankful to our investors for their support of this significant investment for EnCap Flatrock." Advisers Jefferies served as financial advisor and Vinson & Elkins as legal advisor to Lotus Midstream, and Sherman & Sterling as EnCap Flatrock's legal advisor. About Lotus Midstream Based in Sugar Land, Texas, Lotus Midstream is an independent energy company focused on the development of midstream infrastructure and services necessary to transport crude oil and condensate from the wellhead to market. Lotus owns the Centurion Pipeline System, a large-scale, integrated network of approximately 3,000 miles of crude oil gathering and transportation pipelines that extends from southeast New Mexico across the Permian Basin of West Texas to Cushing, Oklahoma. Lotus Midstream is backed by EnCap Flatrock Midstream. For more information, please visit lotusmidstream.com. About EnCap Flatrock Midstream EnCap Flatrock Midstream provides value-added growth capital to proven management teams focused on midstream infrastructure opportunities across North America. The firm was formed in 2008 by a partnership between EnCap Investments L.P. and Flatrock Energy Advisors, LLC. Based in San Antonio with offices in Oklahoma City and Houston, the firm manages investment commitments of over $9 billion from a broad group of prestigious institutional investors. For more information, please visit efmidstream.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005643/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 27, 2023] FLASK to Unveil the Beta Version of Its Web 3.0 GameFi Platform NAODA for Global Access - The beta version of NAODA will be released on April 7, marking FLASK's first move towards expanding the Web 3.0 experience. - The platform's white paper will be released and special digital badges known as POPs will be issued, featuring unique artwork. - FLASK CEO plans to focus on fostering a community-driven platform with high user engagement. SEOUL, South Korea, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FLASK has announced that the international beta of its Web 3.0 GameFi platform, NAODA (www.naoda.xyz), will be released on April 7, 2023. FLASK has developed NAODA a blockchain platform that will play an integral role in the company's blockchain game business with the aim of providing high-quality, community-driven gaming experiences. NAODA aims to contribute to the Web 3.0 ecosystem and grow its community through its distinctive features and strategic partnerships. "We are excited to take this step forward in expanding the Web 3.0 experience for users through NAODA's beta version, ahead of the platform's official release, said Lee Byoung-jae, CEO at FLASK. "We will continue to add new features to NAODA, including a marketplace, and form partnerships to foster a user-friendly community. We will maximize the utility of our POP collection, along with onboarding high-end games later this year." The unique blockchain gaming platform features high-end RTS and FPS games developed by RedPill Studios and MetaEdition, two blockchain game studios that are part of the FLASK network. Using Soulbound Tokens (SBTs), NAODA will issue Proof-of-Participation (POP) digital badges to users who take part. These badges serve as records of individual players' achievements spanning community, gaming, and platform features. NAODA's exclusive POP badges feature designer artworks, creating unique opportunities for both ownership and self-expression in Web 3.0. These POP badges also provide different levels of rewards, which can be redeemed as tokens to be used in NAODA's NFT Marketplace. As the platform evolves, earning POPs can provide opportunities to participate in future governance for NAODA's ecosystem. In addition to the beta release, FLASK has released a white paper about the platform and its operations. FLASK will release the official version of NAODA in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, FLASK will be attending the world's largest blockchain event '2023 Consensus' in Austin, Texas, USA, from April 26-28 as an official sponsor. FLASK will issue special POP badges at the event for attendees who visit the company's booth. About FLASK FLASK, a KOSDAQ-listed company, is a technology company that was relaunched in 2022 with ambitions to lead in the expansion of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies. The development of its blockchain-based game platform and game titles is driven by top talents with experience from leading companies including Kakao Games, NCSoft, and Neowiz. FLASK CEO Lee Byoung-jae was formerly General Manager at EA Studios Spearhead and at EA Seoul Studio for EA Korea, leading several projects for FIFA Online. Additional team members responsible for running the business include global talents from companies such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). FLASK plans to provide expanded GameFi services through an upcoming blockchain game platform NAODA and high-end games, which are scheduled for release in the first half of this year. Learn more at: https://flask.global/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flask-to-unveil-the-beta-version-of-its-web-3-0-gamefi-platform-naoda-for-global-access-301782079.html SOURCE FLASK [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Youth representatives from China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe have shared their perspectives on youth development. They will also discuss topics such as the digital economy, history, and culture amid a youth communication activity. A forum on youth development was held Monday in Beijing, with nearly 100 young people attending it online and offline, according to the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (CYL) of China on Tuesday. The forum is a part of a China-Central and Eastern Europe youth campus event this year, which will see the young representatives tour Beijing and Cangzhou City in the neighboring Hebei Province for further studies and exchanges in the coming week. At the forum, representatives of youth organizations from countries including Bulgaria and the Czech Republic spoke about China's achievements in promoting youth development and protecting their rights and interests. Participants also talked about youth development policies of relevant countries and discussed a series of new topics in this sector. Speaking at the forum, He Junke, an official with the CYL Central Committee, said young people are the most important stakeholders and form the most promising forces to cope with the common challenges faced by humanity, and called on countries to make youth development a priority. [March 27, 2023] 2023 Shandong Tourism Development Conference opens in Qingdao QINGDAO , March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the afternoon of March 26th, 2023 Shandong Tourism Development Conference opened in Qingdao International Convention Center. The guests gathered in Qingdao to talk about friendship and cooperation around the theme of "Meet fashionable Qingdao and share Friendly Shandong" and seek for the high-quality development of cultural tourism. The conference was hosted by the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and the Shandong Provincial People's Government, and co-hosted by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee, the Qingdao Municipal People's Government and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Lin Wu, secretary of the Shandong Provincial Party Committee, attended the opening ceremony and announced the opening of the conference. Zhou Naixiang, deputy secretary of the provincial party committee and governor, delivered a speech. Ge Huijun, chairman of the CPPCC, attended the conference. Lu Zhiyuan, deputy secretary of the provincial party committee and secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee, presided over the conference, and Yang Dongqi, deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress and party secretary, attended. Zhou Naixiang said in his speech that Shandong is a large population, economic, cultural and tourism province on the east coast of China. This year, we thoroughly implement the spirit of the Party's twenty and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on the work of Shandong, anchored in the "forge ahead, open a new situation", to green low-carbon high-quality development of the construction of the first area as a general grasp to promote the depth of integratin of cultural tourism development, focus on building a world style, show the spirit of China, highlighting the charm of Shandong's internationally renowned cultural tourism destination, the national cultural tourism integration development of new highlands, "Friendly Shandong" demonstration area of all-area tourism, and continue to polish the "Friendly Shandong, Remarkable Shandong" brand, the land of Shandong a brand new weather. "The most beautiful period of the year is spring, a glimpse of Shandong's style is highly desirable", here we invite you to interact with the Friendly Shandong's people and culture, to appreciate the style of the cultural mecca; visit the Friendly Shandong's mountain and sea, explore the charm of the sea; appreciate the Friendly Shandong's folklore, feel the nostalgia of the rich charm and style; share the fashion of Friendly Shandong, taste the flavor and style of enthusiasm and generosity. We will focus on strengthening the planning to lead, focus on enriching the supply of products, to create a first-class environment, so that Shandong has become a cultural mecca, vacation paradise. "A trip to Shandong, a lifetime of Shandong memory", warmly welcome friends at home and abroad often come to Friendly Shandong, enjoy a good trip, admire the sage, learn the culture, visit the scenery, see the place and people. Zhang Xu, President of the World Tourism Alliance, Chen Yin, Chairman of China Tourism Group, and Oh Reihun, Governor of Jeju Province, South Korea delivered speeches. Comrade in charge of Qingdao City made a cultural tourism promotion. Leaders of Shandong Province awarded 10 "Friendly Shandong" tourism ambassadors, 2022 advanced counties in Shandong Province culture and tourism industry, and the fourth batch of provincial tourism demonstration areas. There are 18 cultural tourism key projects signed on the spot. Comrades in charge of the cultural and tourism departments of the nine provinces along the Yellow River launched the "Tourism China Good Life - 'Meet the Sea along the Yellow River' global promotion activities. The whole opening ceremony was accompanied by wonderful performances. Yellow River Meets the Sea, Mountain and Sea Rendezvous, Yellow River Symphony and other song and dance performances created a strong and warm atmosphere, won the audience applause. After the opening ceremony, the leaders and guests attending the meeting will also observe the Zhanqiao Bridge, No.1 Zhongshan Road, Anna Villa, Sea Vow Plaza, Dabao Island Cultural and Leisure District and so on. The opening ceremony will be broadcast live online. Du Jiang, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of Shandong Province; Xiong Jijun, Vice Governor of Shanxi Province; Li Gang, Vice Governor of Gansu Province; Bai Yugang, Zeng Zanrong, Zhang Haibo, Song Junji, Deng Yunfeng, Yu Haitian and Zhao Haozhi, leaders of Shandong Province, Jinan City and Qingdao City; diplomatic envoys of many countries in China; responsible comrades of cultural and tourism departments along the Yellow River, counterpart support, cooperation between the east and the west and some key tourist destinations; financial investment institutions, airlines, health-care enterprises and tourism e-commerce enterprises. Sub-venues are set up in cities and counties (cities, districts). Wang ke hello at whlyj.qingdao.gov.cn [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mitsubishi Electric Receives Order for 700MVA STATCOM Aimed at Stabilizing Power Grid in Northeast Japan Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced today that it has received an order for a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) rated at 700MVA, the world's largest capacity class, from Tohoku Electric Power Network Co., Inc., which is headquartered in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The STATCOM is expected to be operational by the end of 2031. The ongoing introduction of renewable energy generation in northeastern Japan's power grid will contribute to carbon neutrality, but will also mae it more difficult to maintain a stable power supply. The new system will be installed at the Iwate substation in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture to help stabilize synchronization whenever a power system failure occurs due to bulk power transmission. STATCOMs are devices that control and stabilize power voltage in a power system by instantly providing reactive power. Mitsubishi Electrics' STATCOM supports power-oscillation damping and harmonic voltage suppression based on technologies that have been optimized through extensive testing. The company's advanced technologies and well-proven track record of global supply in this field led to its STATCOM being selected for use at the Iwate substation, which plays a significant role in northeastern Japan's power grid. For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005299/en/ [March 28, 2023] DIGITAL LEADERS AT DOING DIGITAL FORUM YEREVAN YEREVAN, Armenia, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An inaugural event of Armenian SPRING PR, co-organized by Ameriabank, The Doing Digital Forum (DDF) , is set to unite industry leaders to explore the latest trends and best experiences in digital transformation. Forum features Chris Skinner, a renowned global expert in fintech and digital transformation, as a keynote speaker. The event attracts senior executives and decision makers from government, finance and technology ecosystem, other enterprises, and the press. DDF takes place April 5, 2023, in Yerevan, Armenia. For details www.doingdigital.am DDF Founder, SPRING PR Co-Founder Tatevik Simonyan emphasized the need for constant communication between all players of digital ecosystem to ensure a smooth and seamless trnsformation process. "We are following the global trends and creating the Doing Digital platform to facilitate discussions about the trends, business dynamics, challenges and opportunities that all actors involved in digitalization process face today." "As a pioneer in digital transformation in the Armenian finance sector, we have started an exciting journey of re-inventing ourselves creating trusted financial and technological space by improving the quality of life. Namely, standing in the roots of this event and jointly inviting Chris to Armenia is yet another testament of Ameria's commitment to catalyze the mindset shift and empower digital transformation in Armenia", Armine Ghazaryan, Chief People and Services Officer, Ameriabank. Twenty top industry leaders from Singapore University of Social Sciences, McKinsey, Forbes, Visa, Hexens, FAST Foundation, Revytech, Fastex, ICDT Global, Apricot Capital, Beta FT, as well as Armenian Government and Central Bank, SPRING PR, Ameriabank, will share their insights on digital business and technology through keynote and visionary speeches and panel discussions. "We are proud to become an innovation partner of the DDF in Armenia. As Visa continues supporting the development of digital transformation in the country, we are delighted to share our international expertise with a broader audience. We would like to thank the organizers for creating a discussion platform and wish a successful session to all participants", Diana Kiguradze, Visa Regional Manager for the Caucasus region said. DDF is the best way of networking and exploring new ideas and technologies. "Digital tech is transforming investments and creating new opportunities for investing in innovative ideas. The Doing Digital Forum is expected to provide a platform for local and foreign specialists to exchange ideas and foster an investment culture", mentioned Vardan Amaryan, the co-founder of Apricot Capital. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041130/The_Doing_Digital_Forum.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-leaders-at-doing-digital-forum-yerevan-301782202.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] EEW Eco Energy World EEW sells a 42 MWdc Solar PV Project in Sweden LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- E.E.W. Eco Energy World Limited ("EEW" or "the Company"), an independent global, pure-play renewable energy project developer, has announced the successful sale of a 42 MWdc solar PV project in Sweden to a large Swedish solar and wind developer. The project, located in the south of Sweden, is targeted to reach ready-to-build status in 2023 and commence operations in 2024. Once completed, the solar farm is estimated to generate around 41 GWh of clean and sustainable energy annually. Svante Kumlin, CEO of EEW said, "This is EEW's frst project sale in Sweden; we currently have a pipeline of solar and BESS projects in excess of 1 GW in Sweden, many of which are in an advanced stage of development. We're proud to be supporting Sweden's energy diversification and net zero strategy." Sweden is on the cusp of a rapid growth in solar power as it seeks to achieve its 2045 net zero target and address the power shortages currently affecting the south of the country. Svensk Solenergi, Sweden's solar energy trade association, notes that newly installed grid-connected solar power in 2022 amounted to almost 1,000 MW (1 GW), a doubling from the year before (503.4 MW). However, today, solar energy currently accounts for just 1% of Sweden's total energy mix. The Swedish Energy Agency forecasts that Sweden's solar output is set to triple over the next two years to 3TWh. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eew-eco-energy-world-301782315.html [March 28, 2023] UST's CSR Initiatives Recognised at 2023 KMA Awards Company recognized for its contributions to 'Environment and Greenery' and 'Health and Hygiene' KOCHI, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has received two CSR Awards from the Kerala Management Association (KMA) for its campaigns and efforts to give back to the community. At an event held in Kochi, Kerala, UST received recognition for its contributions in the categories of 'Environment and Greenery' and 'Health and Hygiene'. UST, a global pioneer in digital transformation solutions since its founding in 1999, has always placed a strong emphasis on giving back to the communities in the regions in which it conducts business. UST adopts an inclusive strategy and encourages staff members to volunteer on initiatives that will have a long-term impact and are consistent with sustainable development goals. The ambitious CSR initiatives of UST take a whole-of-society approach that aims to solve root issues while also enhancing individual lives. "We are honoured to get these prestigious awards from the Kerala Management Association in recognition of our CSR efforts to give back to the community. Everyone at UST will keep trying to make our shared world a better one," said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer, UST. In its work to improve health and hygiene in India, UST has supported initiatives to assist those living with disabilities and the critically ill while simultaneously participating in programs to reduce substance abuse and improve mental health. Furthermore, UST has worked to combat infant mortality in Attappady by supporting programs for maternal and infant health and nutrition. The multi-pronged effort is designed to combat the leading causes of infant mortality by placing an emphasis on maternal well-being through improved nutrition as well as sexua, reproductive, and mental health awareness. UST has provided more than 1000 free dialysis to patients touching more than 250 lives. Through the Regional Cancer Center Free Drug Bank, the company has also given away free medications to more than 500 cancer patients. UST CSR is deeply invested in supporting initiatives related to mental health. The company has worked very closely with the patients and inmates of Santhimandiram, a psychosocial rehabilitation centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Going beyond their basic needs of medicines, clothes, beds, and food supplies, to supporting infrastructure needs, UST associates visit regularly to work with mental health patients, to distribute eco-friendly materials, and organize recreational activities for the patients. UST firmly believes in promoting the sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity and conducts its environmental CSR campaigns in full accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. KMA recognized UST for its efforts to end forest degradation and restore degraded forests as well as its work to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. By establishing miniature forests using Miyawaki and dense forest plantation methods, UST also produces new green spaces in rural and urban regions to enhance and sustain biodiversity. Conservation and restoration of terrestrial and freshwater habitats are other environmental CSR initiatives undertaken by the company in India. "I am proud of the UST employees that volunteered their time to give back to the community here in Kerala by embodying our corporate values through participation in these CSR campaigns. By boosting sustainability and improving healthcare, we are building a better world for the next generation," said Smita Sharma, Global Program Manager - CSR, UST. Sunil Balakrishnan, Smita Sharma, Sofi Janet, CSR Ambassador Trivandrum, Prasanth Subramanian, CSR Ambassador Kochi, along with other CSR Leads of UST received the award on behalf of the company. About UST For more than 23 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizationsdelivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impacttouching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857 Merrick Laravea +1 (949) 416-6212 Neha Misri +91-9284726602 [email protected] Media Contacts, U.S.: S&C PR +1-646.941.9139 [email protected] Makovsky [email protected] Media Contacts, Australia: Team Lewis [email protected] Media Contacts, U.K.: FTI Consulting [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/usts-csr-initiatives-recognised-at-2023-kma-awards-301782934.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Southeastern Grocers Partners with Relocalize to Reinvent Retail Ice with World's First Autonomous Hyper-local Micro-factory Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has announced its partnership with Relocalize to pilot ice manufacturing in the world's first autonomous micro-factory, designed to help eliminate middle-mile logistics to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, water waste and plastic pollution to nourish both people and the planet. The new ice micro-factory was unveiled at the grocer's Jacksonville Distribution Center, located at 15500 W. Beaver St., where a ribbon made of 200 pounds of ice was ceremoniously cut with a chainsaw by SEG and Relocalize leadership to celebrate the achievement. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005350/en/ Southeastern Grocers announced its partnership with Relocalize to pilot ice manufacturing in the world's first autonomous micro-factory, which was unveiled at the grocer's Jacksonville Distribution Center where a ribbon made of 200 pounds of ice was ceremoniously cut with a chainsaw by SEG's Chief Merchandising Officer Dewayne Rabon, joined by SEG and Relocalize leadership to celebrate the achievement. (Photo: Business Wire) SEG and Relocalize are committed to revolutionizing the food industry with the introduction of this first local micro-factory that is centrally managed by an AI-powered software platform and utilizes robotics for 100% of production labor. This innovative and automated manufacturing process allows the grocer to scale production and create waste-reduction solutions throughout the full lifecycle of the product - all at a lower economic and environmental cost. Through this partnership, SEG has also introduced Party Cubes, the world's first hyper-local, certified plastic-negative, packaged ice that is produced on-site and on-demand at the new micro-factory. This fresh, premium ice product is now available at two Jacksonville locations, including the Lakewood Winn-Dixie store and the grocer's stand-alone liquor store, WDs Wine, Beer and Liquor in the nearby Miramar neighborhood, with considerations to expand to the broader market in the future. Anthony Hucker, President and CEO for Southeastern Grocers, said, "Our partnership with Relocalize meets at the intersection of sustainability and innovation and provides a unique opportunity to offer our customers better ice, in a better package at a better price - that's also better for the planet. We plan to pilot ice manufacturing in the world's first autonomous ice micro-factory in our hometown of Jacksonville, and we are excited to now offer Party Cubes in select local stores as we test and learn with the industry's first hyper-local, certified plastic-negative, packaged ice. We believe it's our responsibility to be leaders of change, and we continue to push forward for a brighter future for our people, products and planet." Party Cubes are a super-premium cubed ice made efficiently, locally and on-demand. Party Cubes also store better and cost less for consumers compared to traditional bagged ice, and the smaller, leak-proof packaging is 100% recycle-ready. For every one pound of plastic used in packaging, Relocalize will remove and recycle two pounds of ocean plastic. Additionally, the process produces zero water waste (compared to 50% normally) and reduces trucking carbon dioxide emissions by 90%. Wayne McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder for Relocalize, said, "Two years ago, we set out on a mission to decarbonize food supply chains. Today, fully autonomous hyper-local food manufacturing becomes a reality through our partnership with Southeastern Grocers. This premier packaged ice micro-factory represents a fundamental shift in how packaged food is produced and distributed, ushering in the era of the one-step food journey from production to consumption." SEG's partnership with Relocalize bolsters its wholehearted commitment to sustainability, product innovation, convenience and value. Additionally, SEG is diligently working to increase sustainability for its Own Brand packaging by the end of 2028 by eliminating the use of polystyrene, making all packaging reusable, recyclable or industrially compostable, and including an average of 30% post-consumer recycled material in all Own Brand packaging. SEG also continues to work closely with supplier partners and stakeholders throughout its southeast footprint of stores to work toward additional industry established sustainable, high-quality products and packaging goals. SEG has cultivated its sustainability journey to align its environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including industry, innovation and infrastructure, along with responsible consumption and production. The grocer takes pride in being a trusted retailer that recognizes the importance of taking purposeful steps for lasting change while putting the people of today and tomorrow first and consistently weaving sustainability into the service of its people, products and planet. About Southeastern Grocers Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer and one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S., serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com. About Relocalize Relocalize sells automated food production platforms as a service (PaaS) to grocery and convenience retailers. These micro-factories (RELOs) are located at retailer distribution centers and fulfillment centers, where they produce CPG products on-demand for 100-200 retail stores. Each RELO performs all of the processes of a traditional factory (e.g., production, processing, material handling, packaging, palletizing, inventory management, food safety) hyper-locally at ~1/20th scale. By eliminating middle-mile transportation and 100% of production labor with robotics, the retailer is supplied hyper-locally with fresher products at a much lower environmental and economic cost. Our goal is to disrupt the $1+ trillion ice & beverage CPG category by hyper-localizing production to eliminate 100% of transportation CO2 and waste. Automated, distributed food manufacturing can nourish both people and the planet. For more information, visit www.relocalize.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005350/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Revolutionizing Forex Trading with SpearGpt: The Innovative Platform for Traders TALLINN, Estonia, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A massive number of people have entered the online financial markets as this industry keeps expanding in popularity. In response to this rising demand, various new brokers have attempted to get a fair share of the market, with a view to serving a larger clientele. SpearGpt , a new brokerage service, recently launched a multi-asset platform to offer state-of-the-art features to trading enthusiasts. "SpearGpt is introduced to the market participants as an efficient and convenient gateway to the financial trading sector. We have integrated several customized tools and all the essential facilities so that users can leverage market opportunities, irrespective of their trading expertise," said Peter Kraus, SpearGpt spokesperson. "Our new platform is designed with robust security measures, ensuring that users' information is safe from malicious activities. Furthermore, we accommodate a transparent, efficient, and secured financial system suitable for all kinds of trading parties." Explore a unique tading environment SpearGpt was launched with a mission to empower its customers with the benefits of a world-class user experience . The brand is backed by a team of experienced professionals, so as to always ensure a user-friendly customer experience. To further enhance these optimal trading conditions, SpearGot offers a detailed trading academy that is accessible 24/7 to all users. The broker also offers over 100 tradeable assets belonging to diverse categories, such as stocks, crypto, commodities, and real estate among others. "We assimilate a top-notch technological infrastructure that monitors a large number of datasets in milliseconds, to deliver stable quotes even in volatile markets," added Kraus. "Consequently, our users can benefit from such lightning-speed data retrieval and enjoy faster transactions than ever. On the whole, we are offering an innovative trading platform with cutting-edge services and features to augment our clients' financial journey." About SpearGpt The newly launched financial brand aims to revolutionize the way people approach online trading via its easy-to-access interface and services. It provides a wide range of unique financial instruments, enabling traders to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market opportunities regardless of their skill level. Moreover, the platform's transparency and fair pricing structure instill confidence in traders, allowing them to proficiently access the markets. The company's knowledgeable customer support team is also available 24/7 to assist traders with any queries or concerns. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/revolutionizing-forex-trading-with-speargpt-the-innovative-platform-for-traders-301783260.html SOURCE SpearGpt [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] OptionMetrics Announces Acquisition of Woodseer Global OptionMetrics, the options and futures database and analytics provider for institutional investors and academic researchers worldwide, has acquired Woodseer Global ("Woodseer"), a provider of dividend forecast data for equities, American depositary receipts (ADRs) and ETFs. The acquisition expands OptionMetrics' research data offerings and global footprint by adding offices in London and Vancouver. Woodseer is OptionMetrics' second acquisition since partnering with Leeds Equity Partners ("Leeds Equity") in 2021. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "The addition of Woodseer's product suite will enhance our ability to serve financial market stakeholders and academic institutions in their analysis of equity market performance and risk," said David Hait, CEO, OptionMetrics. "Woodseer's accurate, comprehensive dividend forecast data is second to none and will provide our clients with new data sets and further drive analysis tools and capabilities within our core options data solutions. We very much look forward to working with Ed Dean, Mark Riding and the rest of the Woodseer team in fostering the continued success of Woodseer as part of OptionMetrics." Utilizing a proprietary, algorithm-based methodology, Woodseer produces market-leading dividend forecast data at global scale. Clients at banks, funds and market makers can make faster trading, income planning and risk management decisions with Woodseer's timely, accurate data sets with dividend forecast statistics for 32,000+ securities in 100+ countries. OptionMetrics is recognized for providing high quality, comprehensive historical options and futures options data. Its flagship IvyDB US covers 10,000+ underlying stocks and indices from 1996 onward, and it also provides data for Europe, Asia, Canada, optionable futures and option trading volume on order flows. "Our investment thesis for OptionMetrics centered on building greater capabilities to assist institutional investors and academic research communities in driving improved investment effectiveness and risk management," said David Neverson, Managing Director, Leeds Equity. "Acquiring Woodseer is an important part of this process. Woodseer's dividend forecast data and related solutions, along with its strong European footprint, will further position OptionMetrics as a key strategic partner to institutions and stakeholders in the global financial services market." Fieldfisher LLP and Polsinelli PC served as legal counsel to OptionMetrics. Sequence Advisers LLP acted as financial adviser, and RWK Goodman served as legal counsel to Woodseer. About OptionMetrics: With over 20 years as the premier provider of historical options and implied volatility data, OptionMetrics distributes its IvyDB databases, futures options, Signed Volume and Borrow Rate data to leading portfolio managers, traders, and quantitative researchers at 300+ corporate and academic institutions worldwide to construct and test investment strategies, perform empirical research, and assess risk. www.optionmetrics.com, LinkedIn, Twitter About Woodseer: Founded in 2011, Woodseer dividend forecast data is used by leading financial services and data clients across the globe. Woodseer's use of a hybrid algorithm+analyst approach to calculate global dividend forecast data enables unparalleled accuracy at scale. With teams based across offices in London and Vancouver, Woodseer covers 32,000+ securities (equities, ADRs, ETFs) across 100+ countries for clients including investment banks, hedge funds, market makers, index providers, asset managers and fintech platforms. www.woodseerglobal.com, LinkedIn About Leeds Equity Partners: Leeds Equity Partners, is a New York-based private equity firm dedicated exclusively to partnering with management teams in the education, training and information services industries (the "Knowledge Industries"). The firm was founded in 1993 and currently manages over $4 billion of capital across a broad spectrum of companies within the Knowledge Industries. Leeds Equity seeks to leverage its sector-focused expertise and market insights to create long-term value for its partner companies and investors. www.leedsequity.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005293/en/ [March 28, 2023] IMMOTION'S FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS MAKES A SPLASH AT ITS AZA DEBUT OKLAHOMA CITY, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Immotion, the leading provider of location-based VR edutainment, premiered their latest VR adventure FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS at the 2023 Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Mid-Year Meeting in Oklahoma City that began March 25th. Immotion's President Rod Findley was on hand to introduce FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS to the more than 1000 zoo and aquarium professionals attending the weeklong conference from across the country. VR is a game changer for conservation. We don't have a lot of time left to save the remaining manta populations FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS takes viewers on a deep dive under the crystal waters off the coast of Mozambiue, following marine biologist Dr. Andrea Marshall on her quest to study and protect the local manta ray population. Known internationally as "Queen of the Mantas," Dr. Marshall is co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of endangered marine wildlife and to the restoration of healthy oceans. When Immotion approached Dr. Marshall about a collaboration, she jumped at the opportunity to work on Immotion's latest immersive experience. "Conservation requires empathy. And it's a really important experience to swim alongside a large animal, to see the challenges it faces. We've become disconnected from the natural world, and people don't get to experience wildlife anymore. But Immotion's FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS transports them, takes them underwater where they're right there, swimming next to a manta ray. So VR has been a vital educational tool and a game changer in conservation. Which is so important, because we don't have a lot of time left to save the remaining manta populations," Dr. Marshall said. Immotion President Rod Findley agreed, adding, "Partnering with conservation organizations like the Marine Megafauna Foundation is very important to us. It forms the core of our mission of conservation and education." To spread this gospel of conservation, Immotion works with zoos and aquariums to place multi-seat VR theaters on-site, deepening the guest engagement via immersive VR experiences. Immotion VR theaters are currently in over 35 locations worldwide and counting, offering the VR experiences GORILLA TREK, SHARK DIVE, SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACKS, and now FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS. For FLIGHT OF THE MANTAS, Immotion's creative team partnered with Habitat XR in Africa for logistical help and production services, as they provided state-of-the-art VR cameras to create the 3D, 360 VR experience. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immotions-flight-of-the-mantas-makes-a-splash-at-its-aza-debut-301782868.html SOURCE Immotion [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] CIBC Expands CDR Line-Up With Launch of 6 New CDR Tickers on the NEO Exchange NEO is proud to announce that CIBC has returned to the NEO Exchange with a suite of 6 new Canadian Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), bringing the current lineup to 41 global, blue-chip companies. Attracting more than $1.8 billion in AUM in less than two years since their initial launch, CDRs allow investors to access some of the largest public companies in the world - in Canadian dollars. Offered at a fraction of the price per share of the underlying stock, and with a built-in notional currency hedge, CDRs give investors more affordable access to foreign stocks while mitigating the currency risk associated with cross-border investing. The 6 new CDRs available for trading on the NEO Exchange are listed below: Boeing CDR (CAD Hedged) - BA Chevron CDR (CAD Hedged) - CHEV Citigroup CDR (CAD Hedged) - CITI Exxon Mobil CDR (CAD Hedged) - XOM Intel CDR (CAD Hedged) - INTC Uber CDR (CAD Hedged) - UBER This latest suite of CDRs adds to the existing lineup of 35 CDR tickers which are available for trading on the NEO Exchange, including household names such as Tesla, Amazon, Walmart, VISA, and more. "In under two years, CDRs have become one of the great success stories of the Canadian capital markets," remarked Erik Sloane, Chief Revenue Officer at NEO. "NEO is proud to be the exclusive trading exchange for this industry-first innovation, enabling Canadians to diversify their investments while tackling the barriers to global investing. We congratulate the incredible team at CIBC for addressing a clear challenge in the investing community." For more information about CDRs, please visit www.neo.inc/en/services/raising-assets/canadian-depositary-receipts. The 6 newest CDRs launched by CIBC join over 260 unique listings on the NEO Exchange, including some of the most innovative Canadian and international growth companies, Canadian Depositary Receipts, and ETFs from Canada's largest ETF issuers. NEO consistently facilitates between 10% and 15% of all volume traded in Canadian-listed companies and close to 20% of all volume traded in Canadian ETFs. Click here for a complete view of all NEO-listed securities. About the NEO Exchange The NEO Exchange is Canada's Tier 1 stock exchange for the innovation economy, bringing together investors and capital raisers within a fair, liquid, efficient, and service-oriented environment. Fully operational since 2015 and acquired by Cboe Global Markets in 2022, NEO provides access to trading across all Canadian-listed securities on a level playing field. NEO lists companies and investment products seeking an internationally recognized stock exchange that enables investor trust, quality liquidity, and broad awareness including unfettered access to market data. Connect with NEO: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005613/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2022 shows an evening view of the Lujiazui area in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) SHANGHAI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 foreign-funded asset management institutions have now settled in Shanghai's Lujiazui Financial City, demonstrating China's further opening-up of its financial sector, according to the third Lujiazui Global Asset Management Summit held in Shanghai on Monday. In 2022, Lujiazui Financial City introduced 10 foreign asset management institutions or related upstream or downstream enterprises. Financial institutions from 13 countries have thus far established 122 foreign asset management institutions in the Shanghai financial zone, nine of which are among the world's top 10 such institutions. At the summit, the Lujiazui Administration Bureau of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone signed a memorandum of cooperation on opening-up with 10 global asset management institution. By 2025, the total number of industry-leading international asset management institutions in Lujiazui is expected to exceed 150, said Xiao Jian, director of the Lujiazui Administration Bureau of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [March 28, 2023] LocusUSA Welcomes New Vice President of Sales, Jim Myers Veteran sales executive to expand sales of an essential radio maintenance tool to local, state, and federal agencies MELBOURNE, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LocusUSA, the leader in radio analysis specializing in the Over-The-Air waveform capture of short bursts of radio frequency, recently announced the appointment of Jim Myers as Vice President of Sales. Myers will head the company's sales team and oversee the sales process, bringing DiagnostX products to potential clients looking for a proactive approach to maintaining their two-way radios. "We are excited to welcome Jim to our team and look forward to supporting his plans to strategically develop sales and significantly expand our market share in the United States, Canada, and overseas," said Joseph Rey, managing partner of LocusUSA. "His in-depth knowledge in the radio solutions industry will be a huge asset in bringing our state-of-the-art remote radio testing solution to global users." Myers brings over three decades of sales management experience in strategic growth leadership and sales management. His industry background includes many years in sales leadership positions at Motorola Solutions and EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. Most recently, Jim served as MSSSI Vice President and Director of Channel Sales for Motorola's East Region. Jim began his career in 1987 as a Radio Communications Representative for Motorola in the Commercial Markets. He later served as a Zone Sales Manager for Philadelphia and the State of Delaware. In 1990, Jim left Motorola to pursue an ownership stake in a Motorola Dealership. He grew it to one of the largest Motorola Radio Partners in the United States. After ten years, Jim left the private business to embark on a career withEF Johnson Technologies, Inc. He served in several leadership roles with them that included sales management, channel development, and large-system sales management. Jim returned to Motorola in 2005 as a Senior Account Manager for the State and Local FAST Team in the Mid-Atlantic, where he was consistently a top performer. He accepted the role of Channel Account Manager responsible for leading the Indirect Channel Business in 2009 for Pennsylvania and West Virginia. During his tenure, Jim had significantly impacted the PCR and MR Business, consistently posted strong YoY Growth and capturing MSI Mindshare through his vast industry experience and communication skills. "I look forward to contributing to LocusUSA's continuous path of growth in North America and reinforcing its strong reputation as a responsive and technology-driven company with a powerful remote radio testing solution," said Myers. "For me, customer success and satisfaction should be the key components in every step of our business development and improvement." For more information on how DiagnostX can make radio maintenance easy for your agency, contact LocusUSA at (321) 727-3077 or visit https://locususa.com/ to schedule a DiagnostX demonstration. About LocusUSA LocusUSA is an American R&D engineering company in Melbourne, Florida, on the Space Coast. In 2009, LocusUSA introduced DiagnostX, a long-range, Over-The-Air radio waveform analyzer that measures a radio's alignment and operating characteristics in real-time without any impact on the radio system or user intervention. LocusUSA supports government agencies across the United States and Canada at the state, local, and federal levels with DiagnostX. This state-of-the-art patented solution remotely evaluates radios while in use in the field. For more information about any of the DiagnostX family of products, visit https://locususa.com/, or on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Know Before You Go with DiagnostX! Media Contact: Eileen Cole Marketing Manager LocusUSA Office: (321) 727-3077 ext. 111 Direct: (321) 323-3137 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/locususa-welcomes-new-vice-president-of-sales-jim-myers-301782179.html SOURCE LocusUSA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Axcient Welcomes Madhu Rawat, Senior Vice President of Engineering DENVER, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axcient, the leader in business availability software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), today announced it has welcomed an experienced engineering leader, Madhu Rawat, as Senior Vice President of Engineering. In her new role, Rawat reports to Kevin Hoffman, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. She is responsible for consistently delivering reliable products, driving engineering innovation, and leading a high-performing team. We are thrilled to have Madhu on the Axcient leadership team, said Rod Mathews, Chief Executive Officer at Axcient. Axcient is solving some of MSPs' biggest data protection challenges with the unified x360 platform that offers rapid, reliable, and easy-to-manage backup and disaster recovery. Excellence in engineering is essential to our ongoing success, and Madhu brings a new level of expertise and leadership to Axcient, enabling us to achieve new heights in our technology and operations. Rawat has more than ten years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams to design, develop, integrate, and deliver innovative B2B SaaS solutions focused on customer success. She has a proven track record of effectively managing timelines, teams, and resources to ensure consistent product delivery and operational excellence. Rawat most recently served as Vice President of Engineering at BriteCore She previously held engineering and software development leadership roles at DocuSign, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Aprimo, Metavante, and Virtusa. MSPs consistently choose Axcients award-winning Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions because they offer greater security, reduced downtime, and lower Total Cost of Ownership. Expanding the companys expertise in engineering is part of a long-term commitment to investing in innovation to ensure MSPs are prepared for the future of data protection. I am excited for the opportunity to join the winning team at Axcient, said Rawat. Our vision is to cure data loss, and I look forward to leading the engineering organization that makes it possible for MSPs to Protect Everything. To learn more about Axcient, please visit www.axcient.com. About Axcient Axcient is an award-winning leader in business availability software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Axcient x360 empowers MSPs to Protect Everything by combining SaaS Backup, BCDR, and secure File Sync & Share into one platform and experience. Trusted by MSPs worldwide, Axcient protects business data and enables continuity from events such as security breaches, human error, and natural disasters. For more information, visit www.axcient.com. Media Contact Amanda Lee ARL Strategy for Axcient [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn's Dos Primos Tequila Company renews partnership with The Nature Conservancy Partnership includes a $50,000 donation for water- and land-conservation efforts in Mexico ST. LOUIS, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dos Primos Tequila Company founded by country music superstar Thomas Rhett and his cousin Jeff Worn is renewing its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support land-restoration and water-conservation efforts in Mexico. The company has pledged $50,000 to TNC to continue its conservation work in the Tehuacan Valley area in Mexico. The valley is located southeast of Jalisco, Mexico, where Dos Primos Tequila produces its Blanco, Reposado and recently launched Anejo Tequila. The Tehuacan Valley is the most biologically diverse arid region in North America and is home to a remarkable 70% of the worlds plant families, including wild agaves, "cousins" of the tequila and mezcalero agaves. The valley is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and has been recognized by UNESCO as a Mixed World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural and cultural values. Dos Primos is continuing its support of TNC's work to help conserve and restore this land. Efforts include integrating sustainable agroforestry systems and replenishing adjacent streams and bodies of water, increasing the availability of fresh water by millions of gallons each year for nature and people. "Jeff and I enjoy spending time outdoors with our friends and family, and we have deep respect for the wilderness and natural places," said Thomas Rhett. "We're proud to continue our partnership with TNC and we hope others will lend their support to these important efforts by learning more about the region and making a donation." From March through November 2023, consumers can scan a special QR code where Dos Primos Tequila is sold to learn more about the project or to donate to TNC. The Dos Primos website and the TNC website also will feature information and donation links. Worn shared Thomas Rhett's sentiment, explaining, "By bringing attention to the Tehuacan Valley and renewing our partnership with TNC we hope to support a larger initiative that helps to conserve natural resources and keep wild places wild." "This conservation project in the Tehuacan Valley is essential to protecting the ecological integrity, water sources, and biocultural heritage of this region," said Francisco Reyna, Freshwater Information Coordinator for TNC in Mexico. "Implementing agroforestry systems with local species such as pitaya y agave reduces the pressure on the natural ecosystems and contributes to social and economic wellbeing of local communities. Incorporating the Indigenous peoples' conservation practices and knowledge enhances the benefits for nature and people. We are grateful for Dos Primos' continued support which will help TNC steward this work in the Tehuacan Valley in Mexico." Dos Primos is distilled at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, located just outside the city of Arandas, Mexico, in the highlands of Jalisco. The distillery utilizes sustainable practices for the distillation and bottling of Dos Primos Tequila. For more information about the project, the tequila or to find a retailer, visit DosPrimosTequila.com . About Dos Primos Tequila Company The Dos Primos Tequila Company was founded by Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn in 2019. The company produces Dos Primos Tequila Blanco, Dos Primos Tequila Reposado and Dos Primos Tequila Anejo. All Dos Primos Tequila products are super-premium and made from hand-harvested 100% blue agave sourced from estates in Los Altos and the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico. Dos Primos is distilled at Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, located just outside Arandas, Mexico, in the highlands of Jalisco. All sales and marketing efforts for the Dos Primos Tequila Company and products are handled by St. Louis-based Luxco. Learn more at DosPrimosTequila.com. About The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. About Thomas Rhett Ten years after signing his record deal with Big Machine Label Group's The Valory Music Co., arena-packing superstar Thomas Rhett dubbed "the most reliable maker of No. 1 singles in country music" (Variety) has 20 No. 1 singles, 12 BILLION streams and the longest current active streak of consecutive No. 1s in the format (Mediabase/Country Aircheck Chart). His current album, Where We Started "practically demands an open field, tens-of-thousands-strong throng of fans in front of it" (Esquire). Its newest single, the heartfelt track "Angels Don't Always Have Wings" follows the album's two No. 1 hits. Declared "a prince in the genre" (USA Today), he has been honored with eight ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year, two CMA Awards, five GRAMMY nominations, plus trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeartRadio Awards, in addition to being recognized with four CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. Additionally, the hitmaker has launched a tequila brand, Dos Primos, now offering Blanco, Reposado and Anejo variants. For more information, visit www.ThomasRhett.com . CONTACT: CONTACT: Patrick Barry, BYRNE PR The Nature Conservancy 314-540-3865 [email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thomas-rhett-and-jeff-worns-dos-primos-tequila-company-renews-partnership-with-the-nature-conservancy-301783347.html SOURCE Dos Primos Tequila Co. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Leading U.K. Personal Finance Platform Unbiased Launches in the United States with New Site Unbiased.com LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unbiased , the leading source for unbiased and independent financial advice in the United Kingdom, has announced the launch of its personal finance platform in the United States. To coincide with this expansion, the company has also unveiled a new website, Unbiased.com , which caters to the needs of American consumers. Leading U.K. Personal Finance Platform Unbiased Launches in the United States The new Unbiased.com features a comprehensive range of financial information and resources that empower people to confidently make financial plans and decisions, from buying a house to planning for retirement. An information portal for personal finance, Unbiased.com provides free guides, tools, insights and information about topics such as mortgages, insurance and investments, and will soon launch a comprehensive directory of Unbiased financial advisors, allowing users to easily find and compare advisors in their area. Similar to its sister site in the United Kingdom, Unbiased.com has the ability to match customers with individual financial advisors who have the expertise that meets their specific needs. Unbiased.com provides a clear alternative to many of the existing financial websites in the U.S. which aggregate and sell leads to financial advisors. Istead, Unbiased.com will custom pair consumers with a single advisor based on the customer's economic standing, age, goals, location and other factors. As a result, consumers can seek financial guidance knowing that their contact information won't be shared with multiple parties. "We are thrilled to bring our vision for making financial advice accessible to all to the United States," said Karen Barrett, founder and CEO of Unbiased. "Finances can be overwhelming and confusing. Our goal is to empower consumers with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions and help them cut through the clutter, so they get the help they need." The launch of Unbiased in the United States is a significant milestone for the company, which has been providing financial advice and guidance to consumers in the United Kingdom for over a decade. Since launching in 2009, more than 10 million people have used Unbiased to find trusted financial advice, helping them make some of life's biggest decisions. "The United States is a natural next step for us, as there is clear evidence of declining financial literacy and an increasing need for unbiased, expert financial information and advice," said Barrett. "I founded Unbiased after a significant health scare with one of my children, and I realized how vulnerable we feel when we are unsure about our financial position. As Unbiased continues to grow and evolve, our objective remains to connect people to the advice and resources they need so that they can make confident, sound decisions about their future." For more information visit Unbiased.com or visit their YouTube channel to learn more. About Unbiased Unbiased is a personal finance platform that empowers individuals to make confident, competent financial decisions. For over a decade, Unbiased has held the top position in the UK for connecting people with regulated, independent financial advisors. To date, more than 10 million individuals have relied on Unbiased to find trustworthy financial advisors. In just the past year, Unbiased has assisted financial advisors in acquiring more than $20 billion in new assets under management (AUM). Our dynamic search feature uniquely pairs consumers with finance professionals, while our knowledge hub provides an array of tools, calculators, and resources to support navigating Life's Biggest Financial Decisions. Our advisor platform delivers data, analytics, and engagement tools to ensure that advisors achieve industry-leading conversion rates, streamlining the onboarding process for new clients. In early 2023, Unbiased expanded its presence to the United States with the launch of Unbiased.com . For more information, please visit unbiased.co.uk (United Kingdom) or unbiased.com (United States). Contact: Remedy PR [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-uk-personal-finance-platform-unbiased-launches-in-the-united-states-with-new-site-unbiasedcom-301782995.html SOURCE Unbiased [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Dialpad Honors 2022 Partner Program Award Recipients, Recognizing Their Contributions to Company-Wide Growth Dialpad, the industry-leading Ai-Powered Customer Intelligence Platform, today announced the recipients of its second annual Partner Program Awards. Recipients are among Dialpad's leading partners who play a vital role in the company's growth to-date, and future ahead, as the company propels the industry forward to harness the benefits of Ai for instant deployment, infinite scale and ultimate flexibility. Dialpad celebrates the winners in the following categories: Wireless Provider Partner of the Year: T-Mobile Technology Partner of the Year: Google Cloud Technology Solutions Brokerage (TSB) Partner of the Year: Telarus Regional Partner of the Year: Select Communications "Dialpad recognizes that its ability to reach and support a magnitude of businesses can be largely attributed to the help of its partners," said Mike Kane, SVP of Global Partner Sales at Dialpad. "For this reason, we enjoy crediting partners as notable contributors to Dialpad's year-over-year growth. We're delighted to name T-Mobile, Google Cloud, Telarus, and Select Communications to Dialpad's 2022 Partner Program Awards and look forward to continuing this journey, as we seek to revolutionize the customer intelligence industry." Dialpad's channel momentum in the last fiscal year is underscored by: Overall Growth: Dialpad saw 102% increase in new logo channel bookings and 105% closed-won opportunities increase YoY. Dialpad saw 102% increase in new logo channel bookings and 105% closed-won opportunities increase YoY. Program Expansion: Dialpad YoY growth increased in all markets. Specifically, North America saw 95% growth and international growth increased by 268%. Dialpad YoY growth increased in all markets. Specifically, North America saw 95% growth and international growth increased by 268%. Award Wins: The Dialpad channel program received a total of seven industry accolades in 2022 alone. Mike Kane, SVP Global Partner Sales, was included in both the CRN Channel Chiefs and Channel Futures' Channel Leaders lists. Kane was also named a finalist for UC Channel's Person of the Year. Additionally, three Dialpad Channel Leaders were named to CRN's 2022 Women of the Channel List, including Ally Murtlow and Kaitlin Boughton. This year, Dialpad introduced a new category, Wireless Provider Partner of the Year. This title celebrates providers that exemplify speed and reliability of service, and those who are dedicated to the future of Ai-powered cloud communications. As a result of Dalpad and T-Mobile's partnership growing 190% year-over-year, the company earned the inaugural title for the category. "We share the same passion with Dialpad to continuously deliver more to our customers. We're honored that Dialpad has awarded us Wireless Provider Partner of the Year," said Mishka Dehghan, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Product and Solutions Engineering with T-Mobile Business Group. "We look forward to continuing to bring customers Ai solutions powered by T- Mobile's most-awarded 5G network." Technology Partner of the Year is determined by partnership growth that benefits Dialpad customers through a new or redefined integration. Dialpad recognizes Google Cloud as Technology Partner of the Year for its expanded strategic partnership in centralizing business communications and ease of transition to hybrid work. Google Cloud also added Dialpad as a Chrome Enterprise Recommended Partner for both cloud communications and contact center solutions, further elevating its position as a catalyst of agent conversation and productivity. "We value our partnership with Dialpad and are thrilled to be named the company's Technology Partner of the Year," said Rodrigo Rocha, Global Horizontal Partnerships Leader at Google Cloud. "Working together to further support the future of business communications has sparked an abundance of creativity and productivity among customers. We hope to continue making a difference in the way people connect and companies grow." TSB Partner of the Year is determined by total annual bookings. As a result of Telarus' meaningful contributions to Dialpad's success and momentum in 2022, the company is named Dialpad's Technology Solutions Brokerage Partner of the Year. "Dialpad remains at the forefront of the Telarus portfolio as a prominent supplier, boasting an AI-driven CX platform that harmoniously integrates CCaaS and UCaaS," said Sam Nelson, VP of Contact Center at Telarus. "In the current climate, partners and consumers alike are progressively turning towards advanced technologies, as evidenced by Dialpad's ascension to the rank of our most rapidly expanding CCaaS provider in terms of new revenue in 2022. With the CX market becoming more sophisticated and the adoption of AI technology increasingly necessary, partners are reaping significant rewards from Dialpad's steadfast focus on innovation, customer success, and outstanding partner program. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our sustained growth throughout 2023 and beyond." Regional Partner of the Year is awarded to partners who go above and beyond, dedicating themselves to Dialpad and joint go-to-market efforts. As the 2022 winner, Select Communications drove the most customer growth while consistently delivering value to customers. Select earned Regional Partner of the Year based on their continued revenue growth, tremendous communications skills, and their dedication to building a strong and lasting relationship with their customers and Dialpad. "We are continuously seeking to expand our portfolio with innovative solutions that provide our customers the best technology available in the market. Dialpad offers cutting edge CX service with AI technology not offered by other providers," said Jerry Goldman, Chief Executive Officer, Select Communications. "Our partnership with Dialpad is critical to our portfolio, and our customers will benefit from their continued innovation for many years to come. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as Dialpad's partner of the year." Dialpad's Partner Program Awards come on the heels of significant growth and success. In 2022, Dialpad was named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies and recognized by Inc.'s Best in Business for its Software as a Service (SaaS). Dialpad was also named a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Worldwide and launched its new Ai-Powered Customer Intelligence Platform. Dialpad's real-time, predictive Ai features enhance the customer experience, boost customer retention, improve employee collaboration and triple productivity. Dialpad maintained the momentum by announcing its $50 million investment into the continued research and development of AI related technologies. Dialpad remains committed to developing cutting edge technology that allows its partners and customers to reap the benefits of Ai for long-term business growth. Interested in joining the Dialpad partner community on this next phase of growth? Check out the Partner Portal for more information and to learn more about Dialpad's offerings and how your organization can "Work Beautifully," visit dialpad.com, the blog, and follow along on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. About Dialpad Dialpad is the leading Ai-Powered Customer Intelligence Platform that is completely transforming how the world works together. We've designed one, beautiful workspace that seamlessly combines the most advanced Ai Contact Center, Ai Sales, Ai Voice, and Ai Meetings with Ai Messaging. More than 30,000 innovative brands and millions of people use Dialpad to unlock productivity, collaboration, and customer satisfaction with real-time Ai insights. Visit dialpad.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005730/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Leading Longshore Workers' Comp Provider Selects CLARA Analytics to Improve Adjuster Productivity The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. (AEU), an Amwins Group company, the leading provider of workers' compensation insurance for waterfront employers, has selected CLARA Analytics ("CLARA"), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) technology for commercial insurance claims optimization, as their partner in a new initiative that will use advanced technology to help adjusters achieve better results, more efficiently, for the employers who partner with AEU. As the program administrator for American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA), AEU helps waterfront employers (ALMA members) improve safety, reduce risk, and get injured longshore workers the care they need. The company will implement CLARA's Optics and Triage modules, which automate the extraction of key information from claims documents and deliver AI-driven insights to monitor medical claims and proactively manage risk. The Optics module uses natural language processing (NLP) to transcribe and extract information from medical records and legal demands, highlighting relevant details about individual workers' compensation claims. CLARA's Triage module helps adjusters to promptly identify high-risk casualty claims and flag them for proactive resolution. That leads to optimal medical outcomes for injured parties, it gets workers back on the job quickly, and reduces overall claim costs. CLARA's AI solutions can natively integrate into the Origami Risk claims platform, a cloud-based, end-to-end claims management solution. AEU is adopting these integration capabilities between CLARA and Origami Risk as part of this venture to enable improved adjuster productivity and claims outcomes for AEU's customers. "At AEU, we're always looking for ways to better serve our members and their injured workers," said Adele Hapworth, CEO o AEU. "CLARA's AI platform is already delivering impressive ROI for workers' compensation carriers. We see it as a great fit for AEU as well. CLARA's products will help us improve efficiency and ultimately reduce claims costs for our members. This is a proven path to making AI work for us." AEU's customer-centric vision is central to CLARA's mission. The topic will be explored in an upcoming panel in which CLARA is participating at the 4th annual InsurTech Spring Conference in New York. The presentation, "Improving Customer Experience with Better Claims Collaboration," takes place on March 30. "AEU is recognized as a leader in USL&H coverage," said Heather H. Wilson, CEO of CLARA Analytics. "That's due in large part to their intensively customer-first philosophy. In that respect, they're a perfect fit with CLARA, which provides AI tools that not only drive productivity but also better outcomes for all parties. CLARA Triage helps adjusters focus on the claims that need attention while CLARA Optics significantly reduces document review time. These AI tools allow adjusters more time to focus on an injured worker's needs to help them return to health faster. We look forward to collaborating with AEU." To learn more about CLARA Analytics, visit https://claraanalytics.com/. About The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. With headquarters in Mobile, Alabama, The American Equity Underwriters, Inc. serves as program administrator for American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd., a group self-insurance fund authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor for waterfront employers in all 50 states under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. AEU provides best-in-class services including claims handling, loss control, longshore consulting, and other support. For more information, call (866) 238-8754 or visit amequity.com. Follow AEU on Facebook and LinkedIn. About CLARA Analytics CLARA Analytics is the leading AI as a service (AIaaS) provider that improves casualty claims outcomes for commercial insurance carriers and self-insured organizations. The company's product suite applies image recognition, natural language processing, and other AI-based techniques to unlock insights from medical notes, bills and other documents surrounding a claim. CLARA's predictive insight gives claim professionals "AI superpowers" that help them reduce claim costs and optimize outcomes for the carrier, customer and claimant. CLARA's customers include companies from the top 25 global insurance carriers to large third-party administrators and self-insured organizations. Founded in 2017, CLARA Analytics is headquartered in California's Silicon Valley. For more information, visit www.claraanalytics.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter. All brand names and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: CLARA Analytics, American Equity Underwriters, CLARA Optics, CLARA Triage, Origami Risk, Amwins Group, American Longshore Mutual Association, InsurTechNY, longshore, waterfront employers, commercial insurance, workers comp, workers compensation, claims optimization, claims adjusters, insurance, artificial intelligence, AI as a service, AI, AIaaS, data science, predictive analytics, machine learning, insurtech, insuretech, claims, litigation, claims management View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005391/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Cenlar Promotes Rene Gonzales to Chief Technology Officer Cenlar FSB, the nation's leading mortgage loan subservicer, announced today that Rene Gonzales has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer. Rene, a seasoned IT leader with significant experience in large mortgage servicing operations, joined Cenlar in 2018 and quickly assumed responsibility for IT infrastructure and operations. He has a proven track record with directing transformational efforts, managing programs and projects, improving operational efficiency and integrating, implementing and developing new solutions. In his role as Chief Technology Officer, Rene is responsible for providing strategic technology leadership to Cenlar's business units. Additionally, Rene also leads solution architecture and innovation initiatives, partners with leaders to leverage technology to generate value and help achieve Cenlar's business objectives and strategy. "I have worked closely with Rene on a variety of projects, and I have grown to respect his dedication, commitment to excellence, and his ability to quickly adapt to fast technological change," said Chief Information Officer Steven Taylor. "I also respect his strong sense of value and his people-centered leadership style. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rene on his work that proved his abilities. His demonstrated skills are hat earned him the CTO role." During his tenure at Cenlar, Rene has provided technical direction and leadership for the new telephony platform implementation, the company's cloud strategy and migration, and the rapid and successful shift to remote operations during the pandemic. Prior to joining Cenlar, Rene held IT leadership positions at PHH Mortgage, Altisource, Ocwen Financial Corporation, Ally Financial, GMAC and JPMorgan. Rene also served honorably in the United States Army and the Army Reserves for 28 years, including mobilization tours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle, retiring at the rank of Major. "I look forward to being the CTO and continuing our efforts to deploy innovative technology that demonstrates value to the company and our clients and their homeowners," said Rene. About Cenlar FSB Cenlar FSB is the nation's leading subservicer, servicing loans in 50 states and its U.S. territories. Cenlar boasts a loyal and growing client base including banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Our employees, strategically located throughout the United States, are dedicated to customer satisfaction and teamwork that drives client solutions unparalleled in quality, flexibility and innovation. Headquartered in Ewing, NJ, Cenlar is industry rated and audited regularly by independent third parties. For more information, visit www.cenlar.com. Find us on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cenlar-fsb/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005657/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Cooperation Agreement signed with Sonoma Clean Power for up to 200 MWe of Eavor-Loop in Northern California CALGARY, Canada, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eavor Technologies Inc. (Eavor), the leader in globally scalable geothermal technology, is pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement with Sonoma Clean Power for the development of up to 200 MWe of new geothermal through the GeoZone initiative in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, California. The Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone) creates a public-private partnership for local geothermal development. Sonoma Clean Power then contracts for power generated with selected private partners who provide the technology and capital to enhance geothermal capacity in the Northern California region. The GeoZone provides a sustainable and affordable source of reliable clean energy. Sonoma Clean Power initiated the GeoZone, with three main objectives: Develop a geothermal resource with minimal water use Develop a geothermal resource compatible with community values, including land use Develop a solution that is scalable and cost-competitive In March 2023, the Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors unanimously voted to enter into a cooperation agreement with Eavor to develop geothermal resources in the GeoZone utilizing Eavors closed-loop technology. Neil Ethier, VP, Business Development at Eavor, stated, With water and land use of utmost importance to the development of power in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, Eavors closed-loop technology addresses those issues, while removing the geographic constraint of a permeable aquifer, making it truly scalable throughout the region. Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics at Sonoma Clean Power said, In Northern California, we see the challenge of meeting an energy demand in the coming years during the winter months, when the sun isnt shining, and the wind isnt blowing for long periods of time. Eavors technology can meet this critical need. This agreement is the first entered into by Eavor in the California market. Eavor has begun evaluating the opportunity and seesthe potential to help meet this critical energy need to satisfy the more stringent portfolio standards set out by the California Public Utilities Commission. It is through these types of initiatives that we are looking to spur advancements of geothermal development for our customers. We have long appreciated the value of having geothermal power generation as part of our portfolio and would like to see it grow. Eavors technology is the type of innovation that we are looking to foster through this cooperation agreement, said Geof Syphers, CEO of Sonoma Clean Power. John Redfern, President and CEO at Eavor stated, The opportunity to work with a forward-looking entity such as Sonoma Clean Power to unlock the geothermal potential in Northern California utilizing Eavor-Loop is a very exciting opportunity for Eavor. About Eavor Technologies Inc. Eavor (pronounced Ever) is a technology-based energy company led by a team dedicated to creating a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future on a global scale. Eavors solution (Eavor-Loop) represents the worlds first truly scalable form of clean, dispatchable, baseload capable, and flexible power. Eavor achieves this by mitigating or eliminating many of the issues that have traditionally hindered geothermal energy. Eavor instead circulates a benign working fluid that is completely isolated from the environment in a closed-loop, through a massive subsurface radiator. This radiator simply collects heat from the natural geothermal gradient of the Earth via conduction. Eavor has been supported by equity investments made by several leading global energy producers, investors, developers, and venture capital funds including Vickers Venture Partners, bp Ventures, BDC Capital, Temasek, Chevron Technology Ventures, BHP Ventures, Helmerich & Payne, Precision Drilling and Chubu Electric Power. [email protected] - Eavor.com About Sonoma Clean Power Sonoma Clean Power is the public power provider for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, serving a population of about a half-million. Sonoma Clean Power offers its customers clean electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources and implements customer programs to advance electrification and energy efficiency measures. Sonoma Clean Power uses geothermal power to offer one of the only 100% renewable 24/7 products in the country and has established a target of mitigating 100% of its hourly marginal emissions by 2026. Sonoma Clean Powers Geothermal Opportunity Zone was established to reinvigorate local geothermal development and build the necessary clean firm capacity to enable complete retirement of Californias natural gas power plant fleet. To learn more, visit sonomacleanpower.org or call 1 (855) 202-2139 Contact Eavor Technologies Inc. John Redfern President & CEO [email protected] Tel: +1-650-269-250 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Enterprise Connect 2023 Announces the Award Winners for the Best of Enterprise Connect Industry Awards Enterprise Connect, the leading conference and exhibition for enterprise communications and customer experience, today announces Bandwidth and Theta Lake tie for the Overall Best of Enterprise Connect award. Bandwidth was honored for FlexibleSIP, a cloud-based, communications automation platform that pre-integrates global SIP trunking, conversational AI, voice bio-authentication, call verification, and leading UCaaS and CCaaS platforms. Theta Lake was recognized for the Theta Lake Risk and Compliance Suite latest release, which provides compliance and security for modern collaboration platforms and enables organizations to expand their use of communication platforms for video, voice, documents and chat content. The finalists for the Overall Best in Enterprise Connect award include: Amazon Web Services - AWS End User Computing, which features Zoom media optimization for VDI, multi-region resilience, passwordless authentication, and WorkSpaces Streaming Protocol (WSP) remote access Five9 - Five9 Workflow Automation 2.0, which allows for seamless integration of data between the contact center systems and across other enterprise business software (e.g.: Sales, Marketing, HR etc.) PolyAI - PolyAI Customer-Led Conversational Assistant (latest release), which provides customer-led conversational assistants that conduct natural conversations with customers, in multiple languages when required, to solve their problems SpeechLogix - XLogix Platform, an all-in-one UCaaS & CCaaS platform Enterprise Connect also announces winners for four Category Awards: Best Innovation in Customer Experience: PolyAI for the PolyAI Customer-Led Conversational Assistant (latest release) Best Innovation for Accessibility: Zoom for Zoom Virtual Agent, which can feature live transcription technology for customers with hearing loss Best Innovation for Employee Experience Management: Vyopta for Vyopta Digital Collaboration Experience Platform, which provides visibility into modern collaboration, identifying factors that impact employee experience Most Innovative Use of AI: PolyAI for PolyAI Customer-Led Conversational Assistant (latest release) Eric Krapf, General Manager, Enterprise Connect sad, "Our industry is growing at a rapid pace and all of the products that were submitted demonstrated the innovation taking place in the enterprise communications and customer experience industry. We are continually amazed at the level of creativity by the award winners and congratulate them for their innovations." Winners were announced during an awards presentation at Enterprise Connect 2023 on Tuesday, March 28. Enterprise Connect 2023 takes place March 27-30, 2023 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL and digitally. For more information and to register, visit www.enterpriseconnect.com. For additional information on exhibition or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Leahy at [email protected]. Stay connected with Enterprise Connect on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. About Enterprise Connect For more than 30 years, Enterprise Connect has been the leading conference and exhibition for enterprise communications and customer experience in North America. Enterprise Connect brings corporate IT decision makers together with the industry's vendors, analysts and consultants to focus on the issues central to enterprise communications. Enterprise Connect owns and produces No Jitter, (nojitter.com), providing daily blogging and analysis of enterprise communications, and it also serves the community with a weekly email newsletter, research surveys and a Webinar Series. For more information, visit enterpriseconnect.com. Enterprise Connect is brought to you by Informa Tech. About Informa Tech Informa Tech is a market leading provider of integrated research, media, training and events to the global Technology community. We're an international business of more than 600 colleagues, operating in more than 20 markets. Our aim is to inspire the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through research, media, training and event brands that inform, educate and connect. Over 7,000 professionals subscribe to our research, with 225,000 delegates attending our events and over 18,000 students participating in our training programs each year, and nearly 4 million people visiting our digital communities each month. Learn more about Informa Tech. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005551/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Zefiro Methane Appoints Global Philanthropist Daryl Heald to its Board of Directors VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Daryl Heald to the Companys Board of Directors. As a globally renowned philanthropist who facilitates giving for high-net-worth families across four continents, Mr. Heald is beginning to focus on environmental causes based on the rapidly evolving situation of climate change resulting from causes such as oil and gas wells leaking carbon and methane. In a press release dated November 17, 2022 , Zefiro announced its application to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE). Mr. Heald began his professional career in 1988 as a commercial real estate broker in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1997, Mr. Heald joined the Maclellan Foundation and served on its executive committee, shaping the foundations global grant-making strategy. He has also helped to launch several charitable organizations to include Generous Giving , Giving Wisely, and Generosity Path . Mr. Heald has long championed the notion of Giving as Opportunity, not Obligation , which is a defining component of his approach to philanthropy. Regarding his appointment to Zefiros Board of Directors, Mr. Heald commented, Zefiro stands out to me as a meaningful player in the emissions-reduction space because they have a logical, transparent, and hands-on business model. In recent years there has been lots of chatter about taking action to mitigate climate change, though very little actual execution. This can at least partially be attributed to the fairly limited bandwidth of firms who plug oil and gas wells in the United States, a supply gap that Zefiro plans to overcome through strategic acquisitions. I believe this can afford the Company the ability to get in front of an unprecedented opportunity for both environmental impac and economic prosperity, and I am very excited to be a member of Zefiros Board of Directors. Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR or the Investor Relations section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. Curt Hopkins Curt Hopkins, CEO For further information, please contact: Zefiro Investor Relations 1-800-274-ZEFI (1-800-274-9334) [email protected] THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER. About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro develops methodologies to reduce methane emissions by plugging orphaned and abandoned oil/gas wells, while originating carbon credits. Under executive leadership to include the former carbon market team at J.P. Morgan, Zefiro actively deploys crews to decommission wells throughout the United States. With unprecedented global demand for carbon offsets as corporations and institutions work towards net-zero targets, Zefiro is strategically aligning with industry leaders for a greener future. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the Company, the Companys business, the industry in which the Company operates, the Companys opportunities, strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as the Company pursues its business plan, the adequacy of the Companys available cash resources and other statements about future events or results. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; and (iv) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding general market conditions, the availability of financing for proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of outside service providers to deliver services in a satisfactory and timely manner. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on http://sedar.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76f48c94-5016-4a38-9367-7b377ede5a1c [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LANZHOU, March 28 (Xinhua) -- In a production workshop at the 65-year-old state-owned enterprise (SOE) Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd (JISCO), northwest China's Gansu Province, this year's first shipment of 316H stainless steel is ready for the final quality test before delivery. Hu Huanzhang, a JISCO Group staff member, cooperated with an R&D team of 24 engineers and developed 316H stainless steel through a technical breakthrough and process optimization at the end of last year. 316H is mainly used in the manufacture of key stainless steel materials suitable for use with fourth generation nuclear-power reactors, said Hu, adding that this environment places higher demands in terms of the hardness of a material at high temperature, high radiation and anti-corrosion, impact strength and stability. Acquiring this kind of stainless steel previously relied on imports, and so the company formed a technical team in 2019 to engage in this key bottleneck technology development. Zhao Dejiang, the product development engineer, recalled that the biggest hurdle during the four-year R&D process was the precise control of ferrite content. "The content of ferrite has to be less than 1 percent," Zhao said. "Just like pouring water into juice, even slight variations can affect the final result." The team made a major breakthrough in the lab after multiple tests and numerous failures within 700 days. It then took nearly a year to commercialize the lab results and realize mass production of the first batch of 112 tonnes of products by the end of 2022. At present, 316H stainless steel produced by the JISCO is being steadily supplied to a nuclear power project in Xiapu, east China's Fujian Province. During the past few years, the JISCO was embarrassed by disadvantages of product structure, overcapacity and low efficiency, and thus decided to bank on high-tech innovation to turn the tide amid an industry slowdown. Since 2020, this provincial SOE's proportion of main business revenue investment in technology has shown a steady growth trend. In January 2023, the company's R&D input intensity reached 3.29 percent, with a year-on-year increase of 0.66 percent, according to the financial statements of the company. Driven by technological innovation, a lot of new changes have taken place. For instance, old foundries filled with dust and polluted air have been transformed with the introduction of 3D printing technology. "Traditionally it was time consuming to make a single handmade casting product. Sometimes the production process could last a week," said Su Wen, factory manager of a precision casting foundry of Gansu Western Heavy Industry Co., Ltd, JISCO Group. He said that by using 3D printing, the casts can now be made by digital molds. This means the printing process can be completed within half a day. "3D printers facilitate a higher degree of accuracy of sand cores. They have also doubled the productivity of the factory, and reduced the burden of manual labor on the workforce," Su said. The 3D printing casting products have been applied in the fields of hydropower, nuclear power electricity and automobile manufacturing. Orders for the first five months of this year have been fully booked and the factory is now working at full capacity. Last year, both the business revenue and industrial output value of the company exceeded 100 billion yuan (about 14.53 billion U.S. dollars). With continuous investment in innovation in terms of production technology and application, the SOE has speeded up its green transformation and continues to expand its market share. [March 28, 2023] Paris BPU, TVA, and Silicon Ranch Celebrate Newest Tennessee Solar Farm with "Flip the Switch" Event Silicon Ranch, one of the nation's largest independent power producers and a community-focused renewable energy company, the Paris Board of Public Utilities (Paris BPU), and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) held a "Flip the Switch" event today to celebrate the completion of a new 6.75-megawatt (MW AC ) solar facility in Puryear, Tennessee. This solar facility will generate enough renewable, cost-effective energy to power approximately 1,000 homes annually. The Paris Solar Farm - Puryear was developed as part of TVA's Generation Flexibility Program. The nationally renowned program is designed to encourage local power companies (LPCs) to develop distributed generation facilities and provide local solutions to the renewable needs of customers. With economic development being an integral part of Paris BPU's mission, the ability to take advantage of flexible solutions helps ensure that Paris BPU can continue to provide Henry County customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. As the long-term landowner of every project it develops, including the Paris Solar Farm - Puryear, Silicon Ranch is committed to working directly with the community as a neighbor invested in the long-term success and economic viability of the surrounding area. Additionally, through this project, Silicon Ranch will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in new tax revenue for the county over the life of the project which will help support infrastructure, and other community-identified priorities, while requiring little to no county services in return. "As a company that calls Tennessee home, Silicon Ranch is proud to continue to deliver on our commitments to build, own, and operate projects like this that not only help spur positive growth, but also provide a source of reliable, cost-effective renewable energy to communities in our own backyard," said Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO. "We applaud Paris BPU for utilizing TVA's visionary Generation Flexibility Program and look forward to partnering with both companies for years to come." "The completion of this solar project in Henry County marks the beginning of a new era for Paris BPU as an even more resilient power company for our community. We're proud to be leading clean energy efforts and providing solar-generated power to our local industries and customers," said Terry Wimberley, President and CEO of Paris BPU. "This project wouldn't have been possible without our trusted partner, Silicon Ranch. And we encourage others in the community to support the push towards locally generated, diversified, sustainable energy sources." "TVA is using renewable energy to drive economic growth in local communities like Henry County across the Valley," said Chris Hansen, TVA Vice President of Origination and Renewable Solutions. "Flipping the switch on the Paris Solar Farm - Puryear alongside Silicon Ranch and Paris BPU represents our shared commitment to ensuring all of our partners have access to reliable energy sources that will benefit the community." Electric automaker Rivian Automotive is meeting its ambitious climate commitments by partnering with Clearloop, Silicon Ranch's carbon solutions platform, to support the development of one megawatt of this project. Rivian's Waypoints chargers are located at eleven state parks across Tennessee: Radnor Lake, Cumberland Mountain, South Cumberland, Montgomery Bell, Cove Lake, Indian Mountain, Meeman-Shelby Forest, Natchez Trace, Warrior's Path, Fall Creek Falls, and Pickwick Landing. As of December 2022, Rivian's 1MW portion of the Paris Solar Farm - Puryear is exected to annually generate more renewable energy than is needed for all these sites combined. This past January, Clearloop, Rivian, and the City of Paris held an event celebrating the first charge of Rivian's Waypoints station at Eiffel Tower Park. "This new solar farm is a testament to how carbon solutions can be used to bring big brands and local power companies together to benefit a community for the long-term at scale," said Laura Zapata, CEO and co-founder of Clearloop. "Rivian and Paris BPU are setting a clear example for other communities on how mutual partnership can benefit parts of the country that can benefit the most by aligning decarbonization and economic opportunity." About Silicon Ranch Founded in 2011, Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America. The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the country, with a portfolio that includes more than five gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems that are contracted, under construction, or operating across the U.S. and Canada. Silicon Ranch owns and operates every project in its portfolio and has maintained an unblemished track record of project execution, having successfully commissioned every project it has contracted in its history. Silicon Ranch has the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy its nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. This model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality. In 2021, Silicon Ranch acquired Clearloop, which helps businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while helping to bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities. To learn more, visit siliconranch.com and clearloop.us. Follow Silicon Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About Paris BPU Established in 1938, Paris BPU is a municipal utility that provides electric, water and wastewater services to residents of Paris and Henry County as a means of promoting economic development and enhancing quality of life in the community. Serving over 21,000 homes and businesses, Paris BPU strives to provide reliable, safe and affordable services to our community. About Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. About Clearloop: Clearloop creates carbon solutions for companies of all sizes to help decarbonize the American economy in the communities that can benefit the most. As a Silicon Ranch company, Clearloop helps corporate climate leaders meet their net-zero and corporate responsibility goals by supporting the development of new solar projects. These projects directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while spurring economic investment in an effort to usher in a more equitable energy transition in the United States. By bringing solar projects to regions of the country with disproportionately carbon-intense electricity generation, Clearloop is shifting the way corporate investments offset and reduce carbon to achieve emissions reductions faster and more effectively. To learn more, visit clearloop.us and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230324005333/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Insurity Partners with Attestiv to Provide AI-Powered Automation and Enhanced Fraud Protection for P&C Insurance Carriers Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs, today announced its partnership with Attestiv to accelerate automation initiatives, increase fraud protections, and reduce expenses for P&C carriers. Through this partnership with Attestiv, Insurity offers automated document and image validation to its 500-plus customers, saving insurers costs by eliminating manual inspections, reducing fraud, and minimizing reputational risk. Attestiv, a Boston-based technology company, provides a tamper-proof media validation and automation platform for insurance, financial services, and related industries. Attestiv verifies the authenticity of digital media, including photos, videos, and documents. This empowers organizations to deploy trusted automation initiatives protecting them from fraud and losses by providing the highest standard for information exchange. Utilizing Attestiv's patented AI and blockchain technology, Insurity customers will benefit from enhanced fraud analysis for insurance claims and underwriting images, videos, and documents provided by policyholders, field adjusters, and third parties. Insurity's customers wil benefit from reduced costs due to automated validation, fraud reduction, and streamlined claims handling. "Attestiv's AI provides the foundation for trusted automation that protects insurance companies against fraud while accelerating their digital transformation initiatives," said Sylvester Mathis, Chief Insurance Officer at Insurity. "With this partnership, Insurity enables a differentiating standard for trusted automation in the insurance industry." "With P&C insurance carriers positioning AI automation to build industry-leading offerings, Attestiv is paving the way with automated AI fraud protection," states Nicos Vekiarides, Chief Executive Officer of Attestiv. "By partnering with Insurity, we are excited to be able to provide our innovative AI technology seamlessly within Insurity's cloud-native platform and beyond." To learn more about Insurity's partnership with Attestiv, please get in touch with Elizabeth Hutchinson at [email protected]. About Insurity Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 22 of the top 25 P&C carriers and 7 of the top 10 MGAs in the US and has over 400 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform and with unrivaled industry experience and the industry's most robust analytics offerings, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners and TA Associates. For more information, visit www.insurity.com. About Attestiv Attestiv provides the most comprehensive AI digital media validation and automation platform for insurance, financial services, and related industries. Established in 2018, Attestiv verifies the authenticity of digital media and documents, helping organizations build automated processes, improve customer experience, and provide the highest standard for information exchange. Utilizing patented artificial intelligence and tamper-proofing technology, Attestiv enables digital transformation with automation, cost savings, and fraud prevention. For more information, please visit https://attestiv.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005699/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Craig Newmark Philanthropies Announces $3 Million Grant to Bob Woodruff Foundation to Support Veterans and Military Families NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Craig Newmark Philanthropies today announced a $3 million grant to the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), once again demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the military/veteran community through BWF's national network of veteran service providers. With the nation's largest non-governmental cohort of organizations serving veterans, BWF has been instrumental in addressing the most pressing issues facing veterans and military families across the country. With this funding, BWF will continue supporting those in need. Our message to veterans, military families, and veteran serving organizations is: We've Got Your 6. The unique service-related lifestyle and experiences of military families and veterans can present significant challenges. Frequent relocations and high costs of living, combined with limited job opportunities for military spouses, and the stress of deployment and military life compound. It is crucial to recognize that military families require specialized support and resources to help them navigate these difficulties. Global conflict in Europe and increasing tension in Asia only heighten the need for assistance to our military families. This support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies will enable BWF to find, fund, and shape programs that address the urgent and long-term concerns of veterans and military families, including food insecurity, employment, mental health, and housing/homelessness. The grant will also facilitate a 2024 Got Your 6 Summit, building on the success of previous Summits in New York City (2022) and San Antonio (2023). These Summits bring together public, private, and nonprofit sector representatives to network and collaborate on finding effective ways to support veterans and military families. "Every veteran and military family deserves the support they have earned wherever they live or work," said Craig Newmark. "The Bob Woodruff Foundation's network of veterans serving organizations provdes this support in every community across the country. To all vets and military families, we have Got Your 6," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation Board of Directors. "Craig Newmark shares the Bob Woodruff Foundation's vision that all veterans should be able to quickly and easily access the resources they have earned in their communities. This $3 million grant will support programming and funding to our national network of veteran partners. With this funding, we can continue to find and fund innovative programs that make a real difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country," said Anne Marie Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. For more information on the Bob Woodruff Foundation and its work across the country, please visit www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org. About the Bob Woodruff Foundation: About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has led an enduring call to action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term needs of today's veterans, including suicide prevention, mental health, caregiver support, and food insecurity. To date, BWF has invested over $124 million to find, fund, and shape programs that have empowered impacted veterans, service members, and their family members across the nation. Visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org for more information. About Craig Newmark Philanthropies Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer, philanthropist, and leading advocate. Most commonly known for founding the online classified ads service craigslist, Newmark works to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. In 2016, he founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies to advance people and grassroots organizations that are "getting stuff done" in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, women in technology, and veterans & military families. At its core, all of Newmark's philanthropic work helps to strengthen American democracy by supporting the values that the country aspires to fairness, opportunity, and respect. For more information, please visit CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org. Craig can be found sharing his personal perspective on the issues of the day at @craignewmark. For more information contact: Marie Maguire: 917-886-4718, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/craig-newmark-philanthropies-announces-3-million-grant-to-bob-woodruff-foundation-to-support-veterans-and-military-families-301783579.html SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CUPE: Clock Ticking Toward Job Action at Toronto Metropolitan University A dispute over pension funding at Toronto Metropolitan University will lead to job action later this month unless the university addresses pension issues, say leaders of CUPE Local 233, representing maintenance, grounds and custodial workers at the school in downtown Toronto. "After months of negotiations, the university still hasn't recognized that it cannot make unilateral changes to our pension plan and must treat all workers equitably," said Jason Vigilante, vice-president of CUPE 233. Two main issues remain unresolved in the dispute: Wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living in Toronto, and the pension. TMU unilaterally increased pension contributions for workers at the university in 2021. Followng an arbitration, the university corrected the situation for faculty, but did not do so for other workers. Standard practice in the sector is for employee contributions to be fixed and only changed during collective bargaining. "What TMU has done is create an inequitable situation, where custodial and maintenance workers are contributing more than faculty. This is patently unfair and should have been resolved before bargaining even commenced. Instead, it looks like the university will force us to take job action," said Vigilante. CUPE 233 members will hold a rally to provide information to the university community at noon on Wednesday, March 29, together with members of OPSEU Local 596, who represent academic and administrative supports and research assistants at the university. Scheduled speakers at the rally include Ontario Federation of Labour Executive Vice-President Janice Folk-Dawson, OPSEU President JP Hornick, and David Simao, chair of CUPE's university sector committee. :pc/cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005760/en/ [March 28, 2023] Pavlov Media Announces Investment from Macquarie Asset Management Investment will support further growth for the nation's largest private provider of fiber-based Internet and video services to off-campus student housing. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pavlov Media announced today that is has closed on an investment transaction with Macquarie Asset Management ("MAM"), the world's largest infrastructure manager.1 A fund managed by MAM ("the Fund") has made a preferred equity investment in Pavlov Media Inc. ("Pavlov Media" or the "Company"), one of the largest independent providers of fiber-based Internet connectivity to off-campus student housing in the United States. Pavlov Media, which was founded in 1994, primarily provides broadband services to multi-dwelling units (MDUs) under bulk agreements with the MDU landlords. The Company currently focuses on off-campus student housing and today serves approximately 800 MDU buildings, which have over 275,000+ beds, across more than 150 markets in the U.S. and Canada. Pavlov Media connects these buildings to its national backbone through its owned last-mile fiber network or third-party circuits. The Fund's investment will allow Pavlov Media to continue the construction of fiber infrastructure in existing and new markets, expand the company's MDU market presence and accelerate Pavlov Media's fiber-to-the-home initiatives, which are focused on locations around its core markets. "We believe that the combination of Pavlov Media's highly contracted base business and its significant growth potential represents a unique opportunity to invest in the rapidly growing consumer fiber sector," said Karl Kuchel, CEO of Macquarie Infrastructure Partners. "We look forward to partnering with the Pavlov Media management team to support the future growth of the business." "I'm very proud to announce this new partnership with Macquarie Asset Management," said Mark Scifres, Chairman and CEO of Pavlov Media. "MAM has a highly respected track record in bringing fiber connectivity to underserved geographies and shares my vision of building networks that deliver simply exceptional connections for our customers, and we look forward to working with them to grow our business." Lazard acted as sole financial advisor to Pavlov Media and Hogan Lovells acted as Pavlov Media's legal counsel. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as sole financial advisor to an affiliated investment fund of Macquarie Asset Management and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as their legal counsel. About Macquarie Asset Management Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager that aims to deliver positive impact for everyone. Trusted by institutions, pension funds, governments, and individuals to manage more than US$542 billion in assets globally, Macquarie Asset Management provides access to specialist investment expertise across a range of capabilities including fixed income, equities, multi-asset solutions, private credit, infrastructure, renewables, natural assets, real estate, and asset finance. Macquarie Asset Management is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity, and commodities. Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group employs approximately 19,000 people in 34 markets and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. All figures as at 31 December 2022. About Pavlov Media Pavlov Media is headquartered in Champaign, IL and offers broadband, voice and television services. The company operates networks connected to its 100 Gigabit national backbone network in 44 states and Canada. Pavlov Media specializes in private networks designed, built and operated by a team of dedicated professionals from the multifamily real estate industry. For more information visit pavlovmedia.com Other than Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 ("Macquarie Bank"), any Macquarie Group entity noted in this document is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these other Macquarie Group entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank. Macquarie Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these other Macquarie Group entities. In addition, if this document relates to an investment, (a) the investor is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested and (b) none of Macquarie Bank or any other Macquarie Group entity guarantees any particular rate of return on or the performance of the investment, nor do they guarantee repayment of capital in respect of the investment. Media inquiries Media inquiries Lee Lubarsky Chris Hunt 212.231.2638 217.531.9031 [email protected] [email protected] 1 IPE Real Assets (Jul/Aug 22), ranking based on total assets under management (AUM) as of 31 December 2021. AUM is defined by IPE as the total gross asset value of all assets managed and committed capital (including uncalled). The ranking is the opinion of the publisher and not of Macquarie. No such person creating the ranking is affiliated with Macquarie or is an investor in Macquarie-sponsored vehicles. There can be no assurance that other providers or surveys would reach the same conclusions as the ranking or award being advertised. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pavlov-media-announces-investment-from-macquarie-asset-management-301783854.html SOURCE Pavlov Media, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] DSM - delivery of shares This is a press release by Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Royal DSM), pursuant to the provisions of Sections 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Dutch Decree on Public Takeover Bids (Besluit openbare biedingen Wft) (the Decree) in connection with the public offer by Danube AG (to be renamed DSM-Firmenich AG) for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of DSM (the Exchange Offer). This press release does not constitute an offer, or any solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities. This press release is not for general release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, in or into, directly or indirectly, the United States or any other jurisdiction where such release, publication or distribution would violate applicable laws or regulations. HEERLEN, Netherlands, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the Offering Circular published on 22 November 2022, Royal DSM is required to announce transactions relating to the ordinary shares in its capital in accordance with the Dutch public offer rules. This includes the delivery of treasury shares to employees in view of settling the vesting of share units or the exercise of stock options. Pursuant to commitments entered into prior to issuing the Offering Circular, DSM has on 28 March 2023 delivered 135 ordinary shares to employees in view of settling the exercise of an equivalent number of stock options granted under the respective DSM Incentive Plan (average exercise price 85.00). On the date hereof, the total number of issued and outstanding DSM ordinary shares is 173,186,017. As a consequence of the delivery included herein, the number of outstanding DSM ordinary shares increased by 0.0001%. DSM Royal DSM is a global, purpose-led company in Health, Nutrition & Bioscience, applying science to improve the health of people, animals and the planet. DSM's purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM's products and solutions address some of the world's biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all its stakeholders customers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com. Or find us on: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/3108 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DSM Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DSMcompany YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/dsmcompany For more information DSM Media Relations Gareth Mead tel. +31 (0) 45 5782420 email [email protected] DSM Investor Relations Dave Huizing tel. +31 (0) 45 5782864 email [email protected] Forward-looking statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to DSM's future (financial) performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of DSM and information currently available to the company. DSM cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance and position to differ materially from these statements. DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. The English language version of the press release is leading. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329419/dsm_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dsm---delivery-of-shares-301783732.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] PNG Air Partners with GO7 to Broaden Sales Capabilities GO7's ticketing technology provides the ambitious airline serving Papua New Guinea and the surrounding region with solutions to scale distribution LONDON and MIAMI and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PNG Air, one of Papua New Guinea's largest domestic carriers and the island nation's "next-generation airline," has partnered with GO7, a travel technology company committed to helping travel brands transform their operations by putting power back into their hands, to support the airline's network growth through expanded distribution. With GO7's W2 ticketing solution in place, PNG Air can activate ticketing capability in over 190 markets worldwide, accelerating revenue and market share growth from non-strategic markets. While demand for domestic air travel within Papua New Guinea has traditionally been strong, its increasing appeal as an adventure and eco-tourism destination is driving international visitor traffic (more than 69K international arrivals in 2022). In addition, the country's population has grown by nearly 2% each year, outpacing the global rate of 0.9% and further expanding the market for domestic travel. This combined international and domestic passenger volume makes expanding capacity and distribution capabilities a key priority for growth-minded airlines like PNG Air. A comprehensive flight network positioned for growth Operating 460 flights per week to 24 cities, PNG Air has the most comprehensive domestic network in Papua New Guinea. The airline is focused on rebuilding after the impacts of COVID to regain the scale and frequency it offered pre-pandemic. With international visitors increasingly choosing Papua New Guinea as a destination, these travelers will now, with the GO7 partnership, have the option of choosing PNG Air whe planning their itinerary. Empowering growth through relationships PNG Air chose W2 as a partner due to its proven success in global BSP ticketing, with travel agent relationships PNG Air can't currently reach. "For a regional carrier like PNG Air, GO7's W2 ticketing solution is a key tool to help us expand our footprint, become competitive in all potential markets, and extend our principle of consumer-centricity to new audiences," said Simon Pitt, Chief Commercial Officer of PNG Air. "GO7 is helping to optimize our GDS sales in non-strategic markets through its global reach, enabling travel agents all over the world to issue PNG Air fares on W2-365 documents, which our airline would not be able to achieve on its own." A new approach to expanding distribution GO7's W2 ticketing solution enables carriers to earn incremental revenue in non-core or underserved markets where participating in an IATA BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) to facilitate payment is either unavailable or not cost-effective. With the support of the partnership, PNG Air now has access to an expanded distribution network -- 100K+ IATA agencies across the globe can now book PNG Air flights and issue tickets via GDS. GO7's W2 ticketing solution also removes a major barrier to entry for airlines launching operations in new markets: payments. By utilizing GO7's existing BSP agreements in 190 markets, PNG Air can avoid the lengthy process of establishing agreements with credit card issuers in each country. "Our ticketing solution enables PNG Air to expand its inventory distribution, making the airline's comprehensive domestic network available for sale through the GDS channel across the globe," said Peer Winter, Chief Distribution Officer of GO7. "This supports PNG Air in establishing itself as travel agents' preferred carrier and the airline that can meet travelers' needs when visiting Papua New Guinea." For more information about the GO7 and PNG Air partnership or to speak with company executives, please contact Vanessa Horwell at [email protected]. About GO7 GO7 represents a new approach to travel technology, united by a core belief to give control back to airlines and other travel operators through flexible, customer-centric technology. GO7's suite of integrated solutions allows airlines to transform their commercial operations using modern, agile technology flexibly designed as a 'one-stop' or bespoke solution. GO7's foundations are proven, with over 185 airlines globally already using GO7 for ticketing and distribution, passenger servicing, loyalty, payments, interlining, baggage management and operational consulting. Visit www.go7.io to learn more. About PNG Air PNG Air is a domestic airline servicing over 24 destinations across Papua New Guinea and the region. Flying the country's youngest fleet of ATR72-600 aircraft, we operate scheduled, charter and cargo services, connecting people across the land of a thousand tribes and cultures. Connect with us today at www.pngair.com.pg and experience Papua New Guinea with the people's airline. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/png-air-partners-with-go7-to-broaden-sales-capabilities-301783949.html SOURCE GO7 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] FLEETCOR Appoints Tom Panther as Chief Financial Officer FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FLT), a leading global business payments company ("FLEETCOR"), today announced the appointment of Tom Panther as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), effective May 12, 2023. "We are thrilled to welcome Tom to FLEETCOR. Tom is an experienced public company CFO who knows payments. He is a classically trained financial executive who can also help us run the business. We expect that he will hit the ground running," said Ron Clarke, FLEETCOR's Chairman and CEO. Prior to joining FLEETCOR, Tom served as the CFO at EVO Payments, Inc. ("EVO") prior to its acquisition by Global Payments Inc. Tom was instrumental in EVO delivering strong revenue growth and significant margin expansion, as well as exeuting a number of key initiatives, including international M&A, debt and capital financings, and serving as a key advisor to the Board regarding the recent sale of EVO. Prior to joining EVO, Tom worked at SunTrust Banks, Inc. for nearly 20 years serving in numerous leadership roles including Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, SVP of Corporate Finance, and Head of Capital Planning & Analysis. He began his career at Arthur Andersen, is a certified public accountant, and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond. With Tom's appointment, interim CFO Alissa Vickery will return to her full-time role as Chief Accounting Officer. "We're super appreciative of Alissa stepping up to lead our finance organization over the past six months, she did a terrific job," said Ron Clarke. About FLEETCOR FLEETCOR Technologies (NYSE: FLT) is a leading global business payments company that helps businesses spend less by providing innovative solutions that enable and control expense-related purchasing and payment processes. The FLEETCOR portfolio of brands automate, secure, digitize and manage payment transactions on behalf of businesses across more than 165 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.FLEETCOR.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230324005384/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] Confete Party Launches Custom Branded Gift Boxes for Businesses TACOMA, Wash., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Confete Party announced the launch of their "Custom + Branded Gift Boxes". After working in event design since their conception in 2016, Confete Party has launched custom, branded gift boxes for businesses to better connect with their employees, referral partners, and customers. The shift came after a downturn in event installations post-Covid. Confete Party has launched custom + branded gift boxes for businesses to better connect with their audience. "We were faced with a decision when the shutdowns began in 2020 - we could close down or we could shift our course and look at other opportunities for the business," said Madison Martin, Business Development Manager. After coining the term "virtual party boxes", Confete launched custom boxes that allowed families to celebrate life's most important moments virtally in 2020. After the popularity of their virtual party boxes, Confete Party decided to shift to gift boxes with a celebratory flare for businesses looking to make an impact on their market. Confete started pitching their idea to major businesses and ended up working with companies like Spotify and Google. However, the real focus was small businesses. The goal was to develop boxes that created an opportunity for businesses to really stand out to their clients, which in turn, made it easier for them to make it through the tough times. "We realized that corporate gifting seemed toocorporate. We wanted businesses to be able to send a clear message of gratitude to their employees and clients through gifts people actually want" says Jamie Taylor, Creative Director at Confete Party. "Stepping away from the typical swag products we wanted to offer a more elevated approach with branding while offering aesthetic gifts that people are excited to receive!" Features and benefits of Custom + Branded Gift Boxes include: Low order quantities Easy on demand or date specific shipping Products sourced from top local brands Custom + Branded boxes are now available for businesses across the nation, from $35-$100. For more information on corporate gifting visit www.confeteparty.com. About Confete Party: Confete Party Box is a self-funded, women-run company specializing in curated gift boxes and virtual party boxes that make your clients and team members feel special and make you look like the boss you are. Featured in the New York Times, Confete Party has changed the way we view connection through gifting and virtual partying. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/confete-party-launches-custom-branded-gift-boxes-for-businesses-301783993.html SOURCE Confete Party Box [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 28, 2023] KBS Signs 24,280 Square Feet in Leases with Five Tenants at 494,289 Square-Foot Class A Office Park in Salt Lake City, Utah KBS, one of the largest owners and operators of premier commercial real estate buildings in the nation, announces it has signed 24,280 square feet in new leases and lease renewals with five national and local tenants at Millrock Park, a four-building, 494,289 square-foot Class A office park in Cottonwood Heights, one of the most desirable submarkets of Salt Lake City, Utah. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005925/en/ KBS' Millrock Park in Salt Lake City (Photo: Business Wire) "The current challenging office environment has spurred a flight to quality, especially for many smaller tenants in the market," says Giovanni (Gio) Cordoves, Western regional president for KBS. "KBS has seized this opportunity to provide top-tier office space for these companies in markets like Salt Lake City that are positioned for stability and growth." KBS has a history of identifying operating strategies that keep its properties performing at a high level, notes Tim Helgeson, senior vice president at KBS and asset manager for Millrock Park. "Excellent location and the right amenities can make a significant difference in office leasing outcomes, and KBS is proficient at delivering both," says Helgeson. "These elements continue to attract new tenants to the property and signal it as one of the most desired locations for office users in the market." Constructed in 2005, Millrock Park is situated along the "East Bench" of the Wasatch Mountain Range in Salt Lake City. Its location offers tenants easy accessibility to I-215, I-15, and Salt Lake City International Airport. The office park is only minutes from a variety of ski resorts, including Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, Park City Mountain Resort and more. Common amenities at the property include a fitness center, tenant lounge, event center, structured parking, and outdoor gathering spaces. Millrock Park is situaed in close proximity to numerous hospitality and restaurant options. The asset is also LEED-Certified and has achieved the UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for Indoor Air. Millrock Park has some features that distinguish it from others in the market. The property's concrete structures are hidden below ground, leaving 37% of the entire campus as green space. Additionally, the land that the asset is constructed on is unique as an office property site due to the dramatic elevation changes within the 22-acre campus, which creates dramatic view lines of the Salt Lake Valley. "This unusual topography strongly positions this asset over all other office properties in the Salt Lake Valley," says Helgeson. Companies that have recently signed new leases with KBS at Millrock Park include: Phalynx Ventura, a Quant Fund managed by a group with strong, diverse investing and operating skills, for 7,147 square feet Mountain View Mortgage, a Utah-based mortgage company, for 5,851 square feet Stratus Real Estate Solutions, a local real estate services firm, 3,900 square feet Tenants that have signed lease renewals with KBS at Millrock Park include: Truist Financial Corporation, a national banking firm, for 3,706 square feet Square Inc., a web-based payment service company, for 3,676 square feet Brandon Fugal, Josh Smith, and Angela Kroneberger, represented at Colliers International, represented KBS in the lease transactions. "Millrock Park's ideal location and amenities, along with KBS' impeccable reputation, have sparked considerable interest in the property from local office users," says Fugal, Chairman at Colliers International. "In addition, KBS' ability to provide excellent service continues to facilitate lease renewals at this asset." Millrock Park is located at 6550 S. Millrock Drive in Holladay, Utah. Please find photos of the property here. About KBS KBS is one of the largest investors of premier commercial real estate in the nation. As a private equity real estate company and an SEC-registered investment adviser, KBS and its affiliated companies have completed transactional activity of more than $44.7 billion on behalf of private and institutional investors globally. Founded in 1992 by Peter Bren and Chuck Schreiber, KBS acquires and operates prime commercial real estate in some of the most successful epicenters in the country. The firm is committed in its business ethics, its business relationships, and its constant focus on exceeding the expectations of its investors, partners, and tenants. SEC registration as an investment advisor does not imply any particular level of skill or training. For more information on KBS, please visit www.kbs.com. This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements relating to KBS' ability to invest in and manage a diverse portfolio, and the performance of Millrock Plaza and of the Salt Lake City real estate market. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Millrock Plaza's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230328005925/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Soldiers march during a military parade to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) YANGON, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has celebrated its 78th Armed Forces Day with a military parade in the capital Nay Pyi Taw in commemoration of the start of its anti-fascist movement during World War II. Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the Myanmar Armed Forces' commitment to embracing national causes and safeguarding the State Constitution. The Southeast Asian country commemorated March 27, 1945, as the start of its army's resistance to the fascist occupation of imperial Japan. Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attends a military parade to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023.(Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) A formation of military vehicles proceeds during a military parade to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Fighter jets take part in a military parade to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) A formation of military vehicles proceeds during a military parade to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) Once again the Northland hopes to earn respect from the Kansas City political establishment and this time around they're hoping deep pockets will help their cause. More likely . . . In a low turnout contest . . . Diehard voters on the nice side of the bridge are desperately needed by At-Large candidates and this time around they'll have more influence. For now . . . A few TKC readers have noticed the group raise more than 50K in about a month's time. Another construction company is coming through with a check for $100K just in time for next week's election and the group hopes that will give them an edge. Consider . . . Northland voters have been repeatedly abused by KCMO's political establishment and labeled racis. They are likely to take out their grievances on candidates who helped turn their political representation upside down. Moreover . . . Make no mistake . . . The Northland now leads Kansas City population growth as the downtown boom seems to be taking a pause. With more development closer to the airport . . . There's no reason that, at long last, this part of KCMO exercises more influence over local politics. And so . . . Once again Northlanders hope to gain traction at 12th & Oak and this low turnout contest might present a unique opportunity to do as much. Devleoping . . . The Kansas City-based corporate giant offers doubles down on killing more jobs. Here's their side of the story we've "liberated" from a local biz paper . . . "Hallmark reduced the size of its headquarters-based office workforce recently as the company transforms its business to meet the changing needs of consumers and address current economic conditions. "This was a difficult decision, but one that will help the company invest in operational efficiencies, digital capabilities and product innovation. We are grateful for the many contributions of the 38 employees affected by the involuntary separations. Hallmark is providing severance and outplacement assistance to each of them. "In February, Hallmark rolled out a voluntary program, allowing employees to resign/retire in exchange for benefits. While we are not publicizing the number of employees who accepted that offer, the program dramatically lowered the number of involuntary staff reductions." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Just noticed a few local updates on this one . . . The only notable news fact . . . KANSAS CITY MIGHT CONFRONT LESS THAN 5% OF ALL REGISTERED VOTERS COMING OUT TO THE POLLS IN THIS UPCOMING ELECTION!!! In fact . . . Here's the REAL news . . . INSIDERS REVEAL THAT THIS VOTE IS GOING TO BE WON BY MAIL-IN BALLOTS ALREADY OFFERING WINNERS REASSURANCE OF PRESERVING THE STATUS QUO!!! This is basically how the new airport and the streetcar was pushed through . . . Voting "organizations" and activists focused on mail in ballots whilst everyone else was busy focusing on turnout and meeting people at the ballots. Don't worry . . . We're going going to make assumptions about the ballots and we'll accept the results of local democracy that has far less interest this time around. And so . . . We're obliged to share this information to further educate our fellow plebs . . . Three dozen candidates are running for the open city council seats, with seven current council members seeking re-election. Candidates running for in-district seats are elected by the voters living in that district. All Kansas City voters have a say in who gets elected to the six at-large seats. April 4 will serve as the primary election the two candidates with the most votes in each race will move on to the general election on June 20. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Kansas City voting guide: Who and what to expect in the April 2023 election All 12 of Kansas City's council seats and the mayor's office will be up for election in the April 4th primary. Three dozen candidates are running for the open city council seats, with seven current council members seeking re-election. Candidates running for "in-district" seats are elected by the voters living in that district. Whos running for Kansas City council, mayor? Your voter guide to the April 4 primary Early voting also called no excuse, in-person absentee voting begins for Kansas Citys municipal primary election on April 4. That means any registered voter can cast a ballot before Election Day at an early voting location.. Developing . . . Without question this town is getting more violent as the weather warms. So tonight, in order to keep constant readers up to date . . . We compile more than a few news items on the topic of police action, ALLEGED misdeeds, court cases and all matter of crime reporting. Check TKC news gathering . . . Standoff ends with wanted man not found in KCMO residence KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An hours-long standoff with a man wanted for a possible sex crime ended late Monday night when officers searched a residence and did not find the man. According to KCPD Sgt. Jake Becchina, a spokesperson for the department, the standoff was in the 4300 block of NE 45th Street. Dispute that escalated into a shooting at a Kansas City home now a homicide after victim dies A case has been transferred to homicide detectives after the death after the late death of a shooting victim in Kansas City. According to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, 28-year-old Sylvester Roberts died nearly ten days after he was shot during a dispute in a KC residence. Kansas City mom wants justice after teen son killed while protecting siblings KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City mom wants justice after her son was gunned down last week. Darrell Weldon was shot to death in front of his home. "He knew the guy was coming, and he sat outside and waited for him because his younger siblings were inside the house," Arnita Logan, Weldon's mom, said. KCK man sentenced to 154 months for role in deadly Overland Park crash News Chopper 9 SOURCE: News Chopper 9 A Kansas City, Kan., man has pleaded guilty in connection to a 2019 fatality wreck that killed one person in Overland Park. Eric Segovia pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and failure to stop at an accident of a known death. Family pushes for change after motorcyclist killed in KC-area police chase KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A driver charged with running from police and killing two people on a motorcycle appeared in Jackson County court on Monday. Melvin T. Brown, 26, an Independence resident, faces five charges after police report he led them on a high-speed chase last Wednesday. 82-year-old Kansas City man dies from injuries 1 month after collision KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Missouri, man died Saturday due to injuries sustained in a collision that took place one month prior. On Feb. 25, the driver of a white Toyota Corolla was driving north on Troost Avenue and did not stop at a red light at the intersection of Troost and Meyer Boulevard. Family of 2-year-old girl killed by police during Kansas standoff files lawsuit The family of a toddler who was fatally shot by a police officer during a standoff last year between her father and law enforcement has filed a federal lawsuit over her death.Kansas authorities have said that 2-year-old Clesslyn Crawford was shot by a Joplin, Missouri, police officer during a confrontation March 26, 2022, in Baxter Springs. FBI Internet Crime report highlights Missouri and Illinois SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report out from the FBI shows Americans lost more than $10 billion to cyber criminals in 2022. "At the end of the day, all fraud boils down to this: it's a lie to steal your money," said David Nanz, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Springfield, Illinois Office. St. Joseph School District superintendent arrested on Sunday evening St. Joseph School District superintendent Dr. Gabe Edgar is facing potential charges after an arrest in Buchanan County.Missouri State Highway Patrol records show Edgar, 49, was arrested at 6:48 Sunday evening.Arrest records show MSHP cited charges for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and failure to drive on the right side of the roadway.As of Monday afternoon, Missouri court records do not show official charges yet.A district spokeswoman confirmed in an email that the arrest record is accurate for Edgar, the current superintendent.The district released the following statement Monday:"The St. KCPD says elderly woman with dementia last seen at KCI booked flight to Florida UPDATE: KCPD says investigators have determined she booked a plane for a destination out of state in Florida late Sunday. They will be working with those local authorities there and her family to attempt to determine future destinations from there. KANSAS CITY, Mo. For 5 days, KCPD didn't alert public of missing 18-year-old. He was found dead Thursday In the five days from the time Oscar Cabral's family reported him missing to the day his body was found last week, Kansas City police did not alert the public that a search was on for him. The 18-year-old had been missing since leaving home at 5:42 p.m. Olathe Police Department mourns loss of officer who died Thursday OLATHE, Kan. - The Olathe Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its officers who died on Thursday. According to the department, Officer Brandon Blom, who served the department in the patrol unit for eight years, died after a medical emergency at his home. Developing . . . No news turned out to be IMPORTANT news regarding ongoing threats to local students. Here are the basics of the story and the round-up with more info . . . Sgt. Andy Bell with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said local law enforcement have called troopers to assist at several schools Monday. So far they have not found any active shooters at the schools they've responded to. They don't know the source of these calls, Bell said, and it's too early say if this is an attempt at swatting, a prank call to 911 to bring a large number of police to a particular address. Bell did not have a full list of all schools involved, but was aware of incidents at North Kansas City High School in the Northland, Smith-Cotton Junior High in Sedalia, and Knob Noster High School in Johnson County, Missouri. MSHP said there could be other schools affected. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Multiple Kansas City-area schools receive false reports of active shooters KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Officials say there have been multiple false reports of active shooters at schools in the Kansas City region on Monday. Sgt. Andy Bell with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said local law enforcement have called troopers to assist at several schools Monday. Unfounded school threats reported at 3 Kansas City-area school districts KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Clay County Sheriff says it received a false report of a shooting at North Kansas City High School on Monday - one of three across the area Monday. The sheriff's office says the North Kansas City Police Department received a call around 11:50 a.m. Law enforcement reports unfounded swatting threats made at area high schools KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - North Kansas City High School has determined a reported shooting threat is unfounded Monday. The Clay County Sheriff's Office stated the report is possibly similar to swatting incidents that took place last school year. Developing . . . Honestly, I have no idea what to do with these links but they seem important so we'll share in hopes that readers can find some useful purpose outside of raising donation cash . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Newsflash: Voters Want Choices Chairs of Missouri Republican and Democratic parties ask lawmakers to reinstate presidential primary JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri lawmakers could vote to resurrect the state's presidential preference primary a year after deciding to kill it. Leaders of the state's Republican and Democratic parties testified Wednesday in favor of a plan to bring back the primary, which would take place March 12, 2024, if legislators approve the measure. Show-Me DEI Talking Points The University of Missouri System cuts diversity statements from its job postings The University of Missouri System is halting the use of diversity statements in its hiring practices. UM President Mun Choi said in an email Monday that officials will now send a "values commitment" to job applicants instead of DEI statements. Gutting School Choice?!? Kansas lawmakers strike several provisions from controversial private school funding program - Kansas Reflector TOPEKA - In the first of what is likely to be a series of bill negotiations over the next few days, a Kansas senator proposed cutting provisions on teacher salaries and district funding from a controversial, voucher-like K-12 education proposal. More Deets On Fight For Life Kansas Supreme Court will weigh abortion rights for first time since overturn of Roe The Kansas Supreme Court on Monday will consider whether abortion should be a guaranteed right in the state constitution for the first time since the federal right to the procedure was eliminated. Four years after the Kansas court's landmark 2019 decision establishing abortion as a right, justices will hear arguments about whether that decision was correct and what restrictions should be allowed under that right. Low Turnout Agenda Setting Kansas City voters to decide on adding local taxes for weed, short term rentals like Airbnbs Kansas City residents are voting on multiple ballot questions in the April 4 election. Those ballot questions include whether or not to add an additional local tax to marijuana sales and whether or not to impose additional taxes and fees to short term rentals like Airbnbs. GOP Calls Out Their Own 'He flip-flopped': Missouri legislator one of three in hot water over about-face on school choice (The Lion) - Missouri Rep. Chris Lonsdale, R-Liberty, is taking heat for voting against an open enrollment bill last week after promising during his election campaign to support it and other school choice measures. The conflict was apparent on Twitter Wednesday, where screenshots of Lonsdale's pledge to support specific school choice measures, including open enrollment, were shared. Snatching Purse Strings MO Republicans still want to restrict Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood after abortion ban Despite Missouri's sweeping abortion ban, some Republicans are still attacking Planned Parenthood's Medicaid reimbursements. Multiple bills attempt to block funding to abortion-affiliated facilities, like Planned Parenthood, from different avenues. One would prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid reimbursements and another would create a constitutional amendment to stop all Medicaid reimbursements from going to the facility, with voter approval. Legal Debate Postscript Kansas Bill of Rights is null and void when it comes to abortion, Kobach's office says | Opinion Monday morning, the Kansas Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases testing the limits of abortion rights. It did not appear to go well for the state's attorney who sought to undermine a woman's right to choose. At issue are two state laws that remain unenforceable as long as there's a constitutional right to abortion in Kansas. Rolling For Dollars Missouri House Republicans scramble for slice of governor's I-70 money for other projects * Missouri Independent On one end of the Missouri Capitol, House Republicans seem poised to divvy up the money Gov. Mike Parson wants to use widening portions of Interstate 70 on a bunch of smaller projects. Across the rotunda in the Senate, Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough is looking for ways to pour more money into the project to finance a statewide expansion of the highway. School Daze Q&A Seven questions with the 2023 North Kansas City school board candidates Five candidates are facing off for just two seats on the North Kansas City Schools board. Newspaper Fights For Quotas 'Not a great look.' MO state government workforce is less diverse than state population Percy Johnson had worked in environmental health for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services since 1995, but after nearly two decades with the agency he had trouble advancing. In 2014, Johnson, who says he was the only Black environmental health specialist in the agency, applied for a higher position. Citywide Fight For KCMO 4th An open 4th District at-large Kansas City Council seat draws a crowd of candidates Delivered every Tuesday and Thursday morning The Beacon in your inbox. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our free newsletter today! A donation to The Beacon goes beyond the newsroom. Cash Runs Out . . . Pandemic-era benefits expire for Kansas SNAP recipients Kansas City Councils 4th District at-large seat is one of at least six positions on the Kansas City ballot that will be filled with a new City Council member after Katheryn Shields wraps up her second term in August.. Developing . . . Legal advocates for The Dotte won't get a chance to make their case. Here are the basics . . . The court's decision to not hear the case means that the newly redrawn map will remain in play. Kansas had asked the US Supreme Court to not take the case, arguing in court papers that it lacked jurisdiction in the matter and that the state court rightly decided the case. The group of voters, represented by the ACLU, the ACLU of Kansas and the Campaign Legal Center, said in court papers that the Kansas Supreme Court "held that intentional racial discrimination in redistricting is unconstitutional only if it prevents the formation of a majority-minority district." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Supreme Court declines to hear Kansas racial gerrymandering case "Under this conception of the Fourteenth Amendment, where minority voters are fewer in number or more dispersed, states have carte blanche to intentionally discriminate against them in drawing districts -- even if the legislature announced that it acted specifically to disadvantage minority voters," they wrote. Supreme Court won't hear challenge to Kansas congressional map The Supreme Court on Monday announced it will not take up a challenge to Kansas's GOP-drawn congressional map. The justices in a brief, unsigned order rejected an appeal from a group of Kansas voters, who argued that a lower court used the wrong legal standard in upholding the map. Developing . . . Right now we witness yet another another report on Missouri's new cash crop and MILLIONS in revenue generated already this year. Check-it . . . Across Missouri, cannabis sales in February -- when recreational use was legalized -- totaled $103 million, as compared with $37.2 million the month before, according to the state's health department. "That really blew us away," said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MoCannTrade), which projects the local market will soar to more than $1.2 billion in a year's time. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . The request for honorary citizenship was submitted to the government by BoG Governor Yannis Stournaras Prominent professor and Hellenist Roderick Beaton took an oath as a Greek citizen at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Bank of Greece (BoG) conference room, ANA reports. Beaton, who joined the faculty at King's College in 1981, became Koraes Professor of Modern Greek and Byzantine History, Language, and Literature at King's College in 1988. He retired from the College in 2018 after also having served as head of the college's Department of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies and director of the Centre for Hellenic Studies. The request for honorary citizenship was submitted to the government by BoG Governor Yannis Stournaras and approved by Interior Minister Makis Voridis and Secretary General Athanassios Balerbas. The latter administered the oath. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Dimboukas Celebrated with glory and honor the double feast of Romiosini: The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Theotokos and our National holiday dedicated to the epic start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 The community of St. John the Baptist in Des Plaines, IL, celebrated with glory and honor the double feast of Romiosini: The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Theotokos and our National holiday dedicated to the epic start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Georgia Katsis, Pythagoras Greek School Director, shared with The National Herald: The students of our Pythagoras Greek School and the Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School participated with joy and pride in the Chicago Greek Independence Parade on March 26, conveying to everyone the resounding message of the continuity of Hellenism. ! LONG LIVE GREECE! The mission of the Pythagoras Greek School is to provide students with Modern Greek language acquisition by developing their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills, as well as by exposing them to Hellenic culture, customs, history, and Orthodox traditions. The mission of the Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School is to educate children by integrating intellectual, physical, and spiritual learning using the teaching of the Holy Orthodox Church in a manner that will instill virtues within their souls and reveal the image of God within them. More information is available online: https://www.stjohnthebaptistgoc.org. Read more at thenationalherald.com RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: TUBS BOAO, Hainan, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The weighted real GDP growth rate of Asia in 2023 is estimated to be 4.5 percent, an increase from 4.2 percent in 2022, according to a report released by the Boao Forum for Asia Tuesday. As a major engine of the world economy, Asian economies are accelerating the pace in overall economic recovery in 2023, making it a standout performer in view of the global economic slowdown, said the report titled "Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress." According to the report, China and India would contribute half of the world's growth this year, citing data from the International Monetary Fund. Despite a deteriorating global labor market in 2023, the employment situation in Asia, particularly in East Asia, may turn out better than expected, according to the report. 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. The victims of the Yonge Street van attack will be honoured and remembered on the fifth anniversary of the tragedy at commemoration events in North York on Sunday afternoon. Sky Vacations expands portfolio to Queensland Australia; inviting travelers to discover the Sunshine State in 2023. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - March 28th, 2023 - For Immediate Release Sky Vacations expands portfolio to Queensland Australia; inviting travelers to discover the Sunshine State in 2023. New York, March 28, 2023: Sky Vacations, recognized as one of the leading US based tour operators, specializing in custom crafted itineraries for individual and group travelers, announced today the expansion of its products to Queensland, Australia. New programs include a 9-day journey of discovery Exploring Queensland To Sydney featuring thriving food and wine scene in Brisbane, visit to Whitsundays - the island paradise in the heart of Queensland, Hamilton Island and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. The tour ends in the vibrant city of Sydney. For first time visitors, Best of Australia is the perfect multi-center tour that incorporates some of the most famous sights of Australia on an 8-day experience. The tour includes the best of city life in Sydney in contrast with the rugged natural beauty of the Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. To maximize the experience, day trips to the Blue Mountains and Daintree Rainforest have also been included. Queensland is one of the biggest states in Australia and is home to some of the worlds most magical places. says Richard Krieger, Director of Sky Vacations. Further he adds, when it comes to things to see and do, places to visit, and memorable experiences, Queensland has something for everyone. Whether its a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation thats filled with sun, sailing, snorkeling, diving, extra ordinary marine life, Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland offers it all. Ready for some laidback urban charm and a splash of adventure with a thriving food and wine scene, head to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. With sunshine over 300 days in a year, Queensland is a year along destination for all. To view these and all of the Sky Vacations portfolio, visit: www.skyvacations.net. For reservations: 1.877.666.3113 About Sky Vacations One of the leading tour operators in North America, Sky Vacations curates unique travel experiences around the globe for individual and group travelers. Sky Vacations is a proud Active Member of USTOA, a member of the African Tourism Board, IGLTA and is part of the Sky Bird Group. MEDIA CONTACT: Priya Chhabra E: priya@skyvacations.net D: +1 248 653 1618 ### A screen image captured on March 27, 2023 in Arlington, the United States shows the site of a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee. Three children and three adults died after a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, on Monday. The mass shooting was reported at the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, on Monday morning. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Three children and three adults died after a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, on Monday. The mass shooting was reported at the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, on Monday morning. Don Aaron of the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) told reporters that the students were fatally wounded and that three adult staff members who were shot are also deceased. Aaron said the shooter was a female and armed with at least two "assault-type" rifles and a handgun, and that she was shot dead by police during their encounter. "Two MNPD officers who entered the building and went to the sounds of gunfire engaged the shooter on the second floor and fatally shot her," the MNPD tweeted on Monday afternoon. Police haven't identified the shooter but said she was a 28-year-old woman. It remains unclear whether the shooter had any connection to the grade school. U.S. first lady Jill Biden said on Monday afternoon that she's "truly without words" after learning about the Nashville school shooting. "Our children deserve better. And we stand, all of us, we stand with Nashville in prayer," she said from an event in Washington, D.C. There have been 128 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter. Meanwhile, more than 9,800 people, including hundreds of children and teens, have lost their lives to gun violence in the past three months, the website's data showed. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the daily briefing on Monday that "we need to do something." Jean-Pierre told reporters that U.S. President Joe Biden once again "calls on Congress to do something before another child is senselessly killed in a preventable act of gun violence." The Covenant School serves about 200 students from preschool through 6th grade, according to its website. A screen image captured on March 27, 2023 in Arlington, the United States shows the site of a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee. Three children and three adults died after a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, on Monday. The mass shooting was reported at the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, on Monday morning. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) A screen image captured on March 27, 2023 in Arlington, the United States shows the site of a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee. Three children and three adults died after a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, the U.S. state of Tennessee, on Monday. The mass shooting was reported at the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, on Monday morning. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang meets with Kao Kim Hourn, the secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday met with Kao Kim Hourn, the secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Qin said the stability and continuity of China's domestic and foreign policies and its cause of advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization will inject more stability into regional peace and tranquility, and provide stronger driving force for regional development and prosperity. This year marks the 10th anniversary of China's proposal to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future and the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. China and member states of ASEAN have coexisted peacefully and set an example of good neighborliness and friendship, Qin said. He expressed China's willingness to work with ASEAN to carry forward the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to jointly defend regional rules and order. As the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has fully entered into force, China hopes that the two sides will make good use of this opportunity to yield significant outcomes in the negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) as soon as possible, he said. China is ready to work with ASEAN to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and strengthen people-to-people exchanges to provide inexhaustible energy for mutually beneficial cooperation, Qin said. He pointed out that China is willing to work with ASEAN members to eliminate external interference, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and reach an early agreement on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), so as to provide institutional guarantee for building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Qin stressed that Myanmar is a member of the big ASEAN family, and that China supports ASEAN in playing constructive good offices relating to Myanmar in the ASEAN way. For his part, Kao Kim Hourn said China is a good partner of ASEAN, and ASEAN is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in various fields, speed up negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA, host commemorative activities marking the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Expo, and step up the negotiation on COC. ASEAN appreciates China's support for ASEAN centrality and its constructive role in easing the situation in Myanmar. ASEAN supports the Global Development Initiative proposed by China, agrees to exchanges and mutual learning among diverse civilizations, and is ready to cooperate with China on the implementation of relevant initiatives, he said. Tourists visit the Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace", a giant water reservoir built in the sixth century during the reign of the Byzantine Empire, in Istanbul, Turkiye, March 11, 2023. The number of foreigners visiting Turkiye rose to about four million in the first two months of 2023, up by 37.31 percent year on year, according to the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkiye, March 11, 2023. The number of foreigners visiting Turkiye rose to about four million in the first two months of 2023, up by 37.31 percent year on year, according to the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkiye, March 27, 2023. The number of foreigners visiting Turkiye rose to about four million in the first two months of 2023, up by 37.31 percent year on year, according to the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. (Xinhua/Shadati) American R&B group Boyz II MEN.. is the feature act tonight ..as the curtain comes down.. on the 2023 edition of the Tobago Jazz Experience . . They spoke with reporters..at a conference at Stone Haven Villas. Bulgaria will most likely sell a huge amount of ammunition to Ukraine through intermediaries, which could significantly impact the war, former Defense Minister Boyko Noev has told bTV in an interview. That's according to Euractiv, Ukrinform reports. The caretaker Defense Ministry will transfer old ammunition worth nearly 175 million to the state military plant VMZ and, in return, will receive new ammunition, the ministry said. According to Noev, the goal is for the vast amounts of old ammunition from the warehouses of the Bulgarian army to go to Ukraine. "This is the largest rearmament of the Bulgarian land forces in recent history. That's a huge amount of ammunition hundreds of thousands. There is a huge increase in the prices of ammunition, and VMZ will sell this ammunition through intermediaries to Ukraine," the former minister added. According to him, this is an amount of ammunition that can turn the tide of the war in some directions on the Ukrainian front. The Bulgarian army has stockpiles of Soviet-standard ammunition, which the Ukrainian army needs to fuel its vast stockpile of Soviet-standard weapons, including tanks, howitzers, anti-tank grenade launchers, Soviet multiple rocket launchers, AK-47 rifles and more. Euractiv's investigations have already reported that arms supplies to Ukraine worth billions of euros by Bulgaria have not stopped, despite the official claims of the authorities in Sofia. On March 27, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov commented that the scheme with VMZ was only agreed to "for the purpose of renewing wartime stocks" for the army. This is part of the decision of the National Assembly to "provide support for Ukraine," he added. The Constitutional Court of Bulgaria on March 7 rejected a petition from pro-Russian deputies who demanded that the decision to provide military aid to Ukraine be declared unconstitutional. The Ukrainian side should be more actively involved in joint projects with Germany on the basis of the Ukraine Reconstruction Platform which was officially launched in Berlin on March 27. "So far we see bigger initiative from the German side. I really want this Platform to be bilateral. We should speak proactively, present ourselves," Olha Trofimtseva, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, told Ukrinform in a commentary. She called the initiative of German friends to create the Platform very good and useful. This makes it possible to collect all proposals in one place because often the interested organizations do not know where to look for information, Trofimtseva noted. The idea is to coordinate all efforts and at all levels from federal to municipal to accumulate aid for the reconstruction of Ukraine. "The most important tasks of the Platform should be coordination, communication, and information," Trofimtseva said. Read also: Ukraine Reconstruction Platform launched in Berlin She confirmed that the emphasis in this initiative is on non-governmental structures and business. According to the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civil society can play a very important role in the reconstruction of the state, be an extremely important partner for business, in particular at the regional level. "It is non-governmental organizations and initiatives that give a lot of impetus, including to state institutions," Trofimtseva said. The first conference held within the framework of the Platform was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Udo Philipp, Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Oleksiy Makeeyv, more than 100 representatives of municipalities, business, civil society, and science. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Baron John McFall, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the Parliament of the United Kingdom on March 27. As Stefanchuk posted on Facebook, he discussed in detail the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation with his British colleague. In addition, the Verkhovna Rada Chairman pointed out the Ukrainian initiatives that need support in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, in particular, the recognition of the Russian Federation as a terrorist state, the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the reconstruction of our state, and joining NATO. Stefanchuk thanked the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the initiative of holding the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in London this June. "Ukraine must win, and the Russian Federation must bear legal and financial responsibility for unprovoked aggression and the commission of war crimes," the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine summed up. As reported, Stefanchuk is on an official visit to the UK on March 27-28. LAGOS, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Five people, including three members of Nigeria's paramilitary agency, were killed by unknown gunmen in the country's southern state of Imo on Monday, local police said. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps personnel were riding in a vehicle when the gunmen ambushed and killed them as well as two civilians in the Obiangwu community, said Henry Okoye, Imo's police spokesperson. Security in the area has been beefed up, said the spokesperson, noting that police operatives are on the trail of the hoodlums. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that soldiers have taken over the community. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. In recent months, there have been a series of gunmen attacks on police stations and prisons in the southern part of Nigeria. 03/27/2023 By Ed Brennen The slices of five-spice tri-tip steak, cooked a perfect medium-rare and adorned with a sesame chimichurri, rested on a Korean-inspired gochujang cannellini bean puree. Fried sweet soy cauliflower, arguably the star of the dish, and pickled vegetables rounded out the plate. Stanley Szymczak, senior residential chef for University Dining, had been thinking about the dish for a month. Now, after 60 pressure-packed minutes of cooking, it was plated for three judges at the Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) 2023 Northeast Regional competition, held recently at Boston University. Im super-competitive and I always push myself, so when I heard Aramark was doing this, I said, Yeah, I want to compete, says Szymczak, whose dish finished second in a field of six Aramark chefs making him the first alternate if the winning chef from BU is unable to attend this summers ACE national competition at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Im happy that I placed, says Szymczak, who joined UML in 2021 after almost 14 years at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center in Boston. I went against some talented chefs and got some positive feedback. Two judges told me they really enjoyed my fried cauliflower. Raised on fresh seafood on Long Island in New York, Szymczak earned a culinary arts degree from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After working in the Seaport Hotels restaurant for six years, he transferred to the banquet division, where he was soon plating up to 7,000 dinners at a time while working under Executive Chef Jeffrey Stone. When Stone left to become Aramarks district executive chef at UML in 2021, Szymczak followed. This was a new challenge. I had never worked in an environment like this, says Szymczak, who spends a lot of his time planning menus for UMLs three dining commons Fox Hall, South Campus and the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center where nearly 4,000 students eat each day. Image by Ed Brennen Jeff and I come from a four-diamond hotel where that expectation of quality is always up there, and we want to bring that here, Szymczak says. A perfectionist, Szymczak keeps looking for ways to improve the food service. Unfortunately, Im never happy. I will always find something we can improve on, he says. Im never complacent. Szymczak had to get through the district round of the ACE competition last fall to advance to the Northeast Regional. Much like on Food Networks Chopped, contestants are given a protein and a set list of ingredients although they know whats coming a month before the competition. For his district dish, Szymczak went more of an Indian route and prepared a turmeric sea bass with a curry cauliflower gnocchi, sauteed with tomatoes and arugula. It was accompanied by bhaji, which is like a fried onion blossom crisp, he says. While Szymczak enjoys competitive cooking (he participated in several scholarship cookoffs at his vocational high school), hes not clamoring to appear on one of the many TV cooking shows. Maybe I would do Chopped since its just one day, but Im all set with the TV things, he says. He is looking forward to next years ACE competition, however. Ill be back next year, he says. I want to win. Villagers stand at a signpost pointing the direction of Mahusekwa Hospital in Mahusekwa, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on March 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping) by Tafara Mugwara MAHUSEKWA, Zimbabwe, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese-funded hospital in rural Zimbabwe is bringing relief to villagers who used to endure walking long distances to seek medical attention. The Mahusekwa Hospital, also known as China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital, was built with Chinese aid to provide quality health services in Mahusekwa, a rural area in Marondera District, east of the capital Harare. Mahusekwa Hospital Project Phase I was completed and handed over to the Zimbabwean government in 2012. The Phase II project, which opened in 2019 with a total area of 5,220 square meters and a floor area of 650 square meters, features a larger courtyard and upgraded facilities in the mortuary, disinfection room, and laundry room, among others. The state-of-the-art hospital has dental, pediatrics, theatre, radiology and physiotherapy, mortuary, and maternity wing, among others. Marondera District Medical Officer Delight Madoro said the hospital has brought great convenience in terms of medical care. "Mahusekwa is a bit far from the provincial capital Marondera as well as Harare. Before the construction and opening of the hospital, people used to go to Marondera or Harare to seek medical services, but ever since the opening of this hospital, it has seen people having better access and easy access to health care services in the district," Madoro told Xinhua. He said the hospital has been a game changer, as locals and even people from as far as Harare, which is over 100 kilometers away, come to receive treatment. "In my opinion, the aid from China toward our health services is of paramount importance since we continue getting support from the People's Republic of China. This support comes in the form of manpower. It also comes in the form of equipment and sundries to use toward service provision for our patients," Madoro said. Banard Madembo, a doctor at the hospital, said the facility has greatly improved the quality of medical services in the area. "Before the building of this hospital, we used to have clinics and rural hospitals in this area, (but) the closest hospital is about 55 kilometers away. There were some services that were not available at the clinic or at a rural hospital such as theatre services, laboratory services, and radiology like x-rays and ultrasound scans." "So now there is a hospital, we are able to provide such services. So it's better for the patients because it's a shorter distance to travel from their villages to the hospital," he said. Caroline Mabuda, a villager, said the hospital has been welcomed by the community. "The good thing about having a hospital closer is that when people get sick, they get assistance quickly. Those who were traveling long distances are now closer to the hospital, and this will make it easier for them to get assistance. Expectant mothers will not give birth on the way; they can be ferried to the hospital by ambulance. So we are grateful, and we hope they will also do the same in other places," said Mabuda. The Zimbabwean government is targeting universal health coverage by 2030, and China has played a major role in improving the country's healthcare system. China and Zimbabwe have a long history of cooperation in the medical field. Since 1985, China has dispatched medical teams to Zimbabwe. Last year, the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse, aided by China, was handed over to the Zimbabwean government. In addition, the Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Center was also established in 2020. A cyclist rides into the Mahusekwa Hospital in Mahusekwa, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on March 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping) Marondera District Medical Officer Delight Madoro (L) inspects a new-born baby in an incubator at Mahusekwa Hospital in Mahusekwa, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on March 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping) HARARE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday called for more donations to the people of Malawi after the devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the southern African country. Mnangagwa, chairing a resource mobilization meeting, said that Zimbabwe stood with the people of Malawi, expressing his deepest sympathy to Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, and the bereaved families and the country at large. Mnangagwa commended the coordinated responses being undertaken by countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) towards assisting the people of Malawi. He appealed for more support from Zimbabweans to assist the people of Malawi to recover from the effects of the cyclone. On Saturday, the Zimbabwean government handed over 300 tons of maize meal to Malawi to assist the victims. Business organizations at the resource mobilization meeting responded swiftly to the appeal by Mnangagwa and pledged various goods ranging from food hampers, fuel, blankets, medical supplies and transport. Two local cement-producing companies also donated 120 tons of cement. The cyclone left more than 500 people dead and displaced about 35,000 others in Malawi. Steve Ussery spent the last 30 years as a successful Silicon Valley engineer but has recentl Read more69-year-old goes for his third degree Texas State computer science and physics senior Isaac Jaramillo, a developer on the SpeExoDisks team at Texas State, explains spectroscopy to Innovation Lab attendees, Sunday, March 13, 2023, at SXSW. SpeExoDisks is focused on collecting radiation data from stars to create a database of chemical elements on distant planets. Texas State student actors Nicholas May (left), Connor B. Duncan and Calin Eastes rehearse for Slaughterhouse-Five, Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Theatre Center. The cast started their last week of rehearsals with a pajama day. Mock-trial Workshops to Improve Understanding of Criminal Justice Practitioners on CFT and ML Legal Framework and Trial Process 24 March 2023, Karachi, Pakistan Pakistan Terrorism Prevention Project, funded by the U.S. Embassy's Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), implemented by UNODC, organized two workshops on Countering the Financing of Terrorism Mock-Trial for Prosecutors and Judges. The three-day workshops were conducted from 07-09 March to 13-15 March 2023 at Sindh Judicial Academy, Karachi. Participants included 25 Prosecutors and 10 Judges from the Anti-Terrorism and District Courts of the province. At the same time, officials from National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) also attended the workshop. The objective of the mock-trial workshops was to improve the understanding of criminal justice practitioners in Sindh on legal framework related to Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Money Laundering (ML), in addition to the trial process through hands-on exercises with a particular focus on courtroom skills and techniques. During the workshop, participants role-played as investigators, prosecutors, and witnesses, to present a fictitious trial of a terrorism financing case. Participants also benefitted from an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge of legal procedures and strategies through peer mentoring and feedback. During his opening remarks, Mr. Shahid Shafique, District Judge, Sindh Judicial Academy, welcomed the participants and highlighted the workshop's overall objective to enhance capacity, strengthen the CFT regime in Pakistan, and improve coordination capacities in cases related to terrorism financing (T.F.). He also led a brief introduction session and interaction between participants and expert resource persons. The first session was about an overview of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Regime, FATF recommendations, and its immediate outcomes for CFT. Participants were enlightened on key provisions of ATA 1997 related to terrorism financing and proscription regime, along with the requirements of evidence for successful conviction and confiscation. They were also apprised of National Risk Assessment and sensitized on how the relevant authorities needed to adopt a risk-based approach for improved results of the CFT regime. The second session covered various stages of money laundering, and the modus operandi of the culprits using these tactics for terrorism financing was also explained. Key provisions of the Anti Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 regarding money laundering investigations as well as the technical aspects of investigation for the establishment of a money trail connecting the property with terrorism financing, were elaborated. The vulnerability of different sectors, especially Non-Profit Organizations (NPO) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP), to being exploited in money laundering and terrorism financing tactics was also highlighted. On the second day, an FMU representative made a detailed presentation on the subject covering: The evolution, mandate, and functions of FMU. Compliance with UNSC Resolutions. Institutional framework. TFS understanding by reporting entities. Challenges faced by FMU in domestic and international cooperation and Implementation. The presenter also explained the SOPs in place to analyze STRs/ CTRs and Risk Screening/ Analysis of TFS-related STRs. The presenter also touched upon emerging technologies used in CFT and ML, notably cryptocurrencies. Participants were apprised about the working of cryptocurrencies, methods to obtain the same in Pakistan, legal framework, and the role of FMU in generating Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) for transactions involved in the cryptocurrency business. Mock-Trial: During the second part of Day 2, a case scenario was shared with all participants, and they were divided into different groups with assigned roles. This scenario entailed a complex case of T.F. having elements of ML, digital evidence, inter-agency coordination, international cooperation, sanctioning, and proscription regime involving all sections of T.F. and parallel sections of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). In this complex scenario, participants wrote down the steps of receiving records from relevant authorities, establishing a money trail, recording witness statements, preparing seizure memos, lodging FIR and preparing the final report. On the workshop's final day, each group presented their case as a prosecutor, while two members of the Sindh Judicial Academy acted as judges. During the mock trial, prosecutors were allowed to present the case, whereas the judges highlighted gaps in the investigation and prosecution of the T.F. trial. The workshops concluded with closing remarks by Shahid Shafique, District Judge, who appreciated the persistent efforts of the UNODC in providing platforms that helped enrich their capacities in dealing with T.F. cases. He also expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office (INL) for extending financial support. Both events were formally closed with the distribution of certificates to participants. London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2023 ) :Britain's Challenger tanks have arrived in Ukraine, a spokeswoman for the defence ministry in Kyiv said on Monday. "They are in Ukraine already," spokeswoman Iryna Zolotar told AFP, without providing any other details. The tanks are expected to be involved in any spring counter-offensive launched by Ukraine. Ukraine's defence minister said earlier Monday he inspected a "new addition" to the country's forces -- Challenger tanks as well as Germany's Marder infantry fighting vehicles, plus Cougar armoured trucks and Stryker armoured personnel carriers from the United States. "A year ago, no one would have thought that our partners' support would be so strong," Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Facebook. He praised Britain's Challengers, calling them works of "military art". In London, Britain's government said Monday that Ukrainian crews who have been training to use UK-donated Challenger 2 tanks are now ready to deploy to the frontline. "Ukrainian tank crews have completed training on Challenger 2 tanks in the UK and have returned home to continue their fight against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion," the ministry of defence said in a statement. The training began shortly after London announced in January that it would send 14 of the tanks to the front line. The crews learned how to command, drive and "effectively identify and engage targets", said the UK ministry, which called it a "step change" in capability for Ukraine's armed forces. "It is truly inspiring to witness the determination of Ukrainian soldiers having completed their training on British Challenger 2 tanks on British soil," said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. "They return to their homeland better equipped but to no less danger. We will continue to stand by them and do all we can to support Ukraine for as long as it takes," he added. Lieutenant Colonel John Stone, who oversaw the training mission, said the British instructors were "hugely impressed with the level of competence displayed" by the Ukrainian crews. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow would be "forced to react" if Britain follows through on a promise to deliver to Ukraine armour-piercing ammunition containing depleted uranium. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2023 ) :The former United States envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, does not represent U.S. policy, a State Department spokesperson has said, asserting that the Afghan-born diplomat speaks in his "personal capacity". The spokesperson, Vedant Patel, was responding to a question from a Pakistani tv channel reporter about the perception that his recent tweets about the political situation in Pakistan reflect the views of the U.S. government. "Mr. Khalilzad is a private citizen, and any social media activity or comments or tweets that you might reference, those are done in his private capacity, does not represent U.S. foreign policy, and he does not speak for this administration," Patel told reporters at his daily news briefing, as he set the record straight. Asked about the political crisis in Pakistan in which death threats were being held, the spokesperson urged all sides to respect the rule of law and allow the people to democratically determine their country's leadership in accordance with the constitution and laws. "So we have previously stated that any implication of violence, harassment, or intimidation has no place in politics, and as we do with our partners all around the world, we encourage all sides in Pakistan to respect the rule of law and allow the people of Pakistan to democratically determine their own country's leadership pursuant to their own constitution and laws," he added. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2023 ) :President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday called for expansion of economic relations with Tajikistan and said that steps should be taken to enhance trade and investment cooperation with Tajikistan for the mutual development of the two brotherly countries. The president said this while talking to Pakistan's Ambassador-designate to Tajikistan Muhammad Saeed Sarwar who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The president mentioned that Pakistan had deep historical and cultural linkages with Tajikistan and Pakistan wanted to build enhanced, result-oriented and sustainable engagements with all the Central Asian States under its "Vision Central Asia" policy. He underscored that Pakistan remained committed to strengthening political, economic and energy connectivity with the Central Asia and that the CASA-1000 energy project was an important component of this strategy, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release. The president asked the ambassador to work for improving Pakistan's image, besides expanding trade, energy, and commercial relations with the host country. He underlined the need for establishing academic linkages between the educational institutions of both countries, adding that Pakistan was offering online and distance education through the Virtual University of Pakistan and Allama Iqbal Open University, and Tajik students could benefit from it by getting access to their educational content. The president also stressed upon the need for highlighting the anti-minority and anti-Muslim policies of India as well as the atrocities being committed by the Indian Security Forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The president congratulated Muhammad Saeed Sarwar on his appointment as Pakistan's ambassador to Tajikistan and urged him to work for further cementing bilateral relations with the brotherly country. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Kyiv, Ukraine, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Mar, 2023 ) :Moscow announced Tuesday it had for the first time downed a long-range rocket supplied to Ukraine by the United States, weapons Kyiv said were key to an anticipated counter-attack against Russian forces. The statement from Russia's defence ministry came a day after Ukraine said it received modern Leopard and Challenger battle tanks from Germany and the United Kingdom to push back Moscow's army in east and southern Ukraine. Fighting in recent months between Russian and Ukrainian forces has concentrated on the eastern city Bakhmut, and Kyiv says it is holding out in the Donetsk region urban hub to exhaust Russian forces and then more easily push them back. "Air defence (forces) downed... a GLSDB guided rocket," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement, referring to ground-launched small diameter bombs produced by Boeing and the Saab Group. These devices have a range of up to 150 kilometres (93 miles), which would threaten Russian positions and supply depots far behind the front lines. The Pentagon announced last month it was providing Ukraine with the artillery as part of a $2.2 billion arms package. "This gives them a longer-range capability... that will enable them to conduct operations in defence of their country and to take back their sovereign territory," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said at the time. Ukraine had been asking the United States for munitions that can fly farther than the HIMARS rockets, which have an 80-kilometre range. The West had been wary of supplying the weapons over concerns Kyiv could use them to target Russia. HIMARS played an important role in Ukraine's recapture of Kherson in the south last year but the GLSDB potentially gives Ukraine forces an ability to strike anywhere in the Russian-held parts of Ukraine. - The file photo shows villager Caroline standing in a drought-stricken maize field in Kidemu sub-location in Kilifi county, Kenya, on March 23, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) The Intergovernmental Authority on Development on Monday appealed for 2.69 billion U.S. dollars in funding to save millions of people at risk of starvation in Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia due to drought. NAIROBI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, on Monday appealed for 2.69 billion U.S. dollars in funding to save millions of people at risk of starvation in Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia due to drought. The situation continues to worsen, with 47 million people being highly food insecure and some at risk of dying of starvation, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said. "Some 70 percent of these 47 million people live in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia," he said in a statement released in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. "This is why, today, we solemnly call on the international community to help us prevent a major humanitarian disaster by committing requisite resources to save lives and livelihoods in the short term, and continue investing in resilience building in the medium and long term." The file photo shows a family sharing a meal in Baidoa district, Somalia, on Jan. 20, 2023. (Photo by Abdi/Xinhua) According to the bloc, Somalia needs 1.6 billion dollars to provide food and non-food items to the drought-affected communities and the internally displaced people; Ethiopia needs 710 million dollars to provide support to key sectoral needs in the coming four months; Kenya requires 378 million dollars to provide food, water, and vaccination to the affected counties until October. IGAD said the drought has led to terrible consequences, including severe water and pasture shortages, a million displaced people and over 10 million livestock and wildlife deaths, and reduced crop and livestock production, all of which are increasing food insecurity. Gebeyehu said recovery will require resources and time, and the institution is working to prevent future disasters from having such severe impacts. (@FahadShabbir) The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of last date extension for Hajj applications ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2023 ):The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of last date extension for Hajj applications. The Ministry's Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, talking to APP, urged the aspirant pilgrims to submit their Hajj applications and dues in time. Giving a break-up of the Hajj applications, he informed that the ministry had received 44, 621 Hajj applications through designated banks so far. He said it had received 40,313 applications under Government Hajj Scheme while 4,308 applications under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme. He said the designated banks remained open across the country for the collection of Hajj applications and dues to facilitate the intending pilgrims on the weekend. On Saturday, the ministry scored a total of 4,468 Hajj applications of which 3,960 applications were received under the Government Hajj Scheme and 508 under the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme, he said adding that on Sunday the ministry collected a total of 2,679 Hajj applications out of which 2,371 applications received under Government Hajj Scheme while 308 applications under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme. Umar Butt further said Meezan Bank had topped by collecting 9,142 Hajj applications including 940 applications under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme to date. He said the overseas Pakistanis could submit a health certificate issued from abroad in the bank or they could furnish a medical fitness certificate before their Hajj flight. He said those who had not yet received the coronavirus vaccine, could also submit the application. "However, they will have a full dose of the vaccine and submit the certificate to the banks before their departure to Saudi Arabia. Apart from NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), a foreign vaccine certificate will also be acceptable," he maintained. He clarified that it was not necessary for the person sending sponsorship to have a blood relation with the pilgrim. But it was essential to send the name, Computerized National Identity Card number, and contact number of the pilgrim along with the money, he added. According to other official sources in the ministry, a reduction of Rs.45,000 was expected in the Hajj expenses under the Government Hajj Scheme. If the Pakistani currency did not fall further, the benefit would be transferred to pilgrims by the ministry, they added. They said the ministry was trying to make the Hajj package cheaper as the negotiation with the Saudi government was underway. They said after the reduction, the Government Hajj Scheme for the northern region would be from Rs.1,175,000 to Rs.1,130,000 while it would be from Rs.1,1 65,000 to Rs.1,120,000 for the southern region. (@Abdulla99267510) Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch says we value our friendship with the US. She said under the Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 28th, 2023) Foreign Office says Pakistan remains committed to further solidifying relationship with the United States for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Responding to the queries of media persons in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we value our friendship with the US. She said under the Biden Administration, this relationship has widened and expanded substantially. The spokesperson said we are thankful to the US and co-host countries for inviting Pakistan to attend the Second Summit for Democracy being held on the 29th and 30th March. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said as a vibrant democracy, the people of Pakistan are deeply committed to democratic values and generations of Pakistanis time after time have upheld their faith in democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. This month, the nation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Constitution that is the fountain of democratic polity in Pakistan. The Spokesperson said Pakistan has not been part of the Summit process, that commenced in 2021 and required countries to make certain national commitments. She said the Summit process is now at an advanced stage and therefore Pakistan would engage bilaterally with the United States and co-hosts of the Summit to promote and strengthen democratic principles and values and work towards advancing human rights and the fight against corruption. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th March, 2023) At least 35 migrants were killed and about 100 were injured in a fire that broke out at a Mexican immigration center on the US border, media reported on Tuesday. The fire occurred at the National Migration Institute (INM) building in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez, the Excelsior newspaper said, adding that about 100 people suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, with some in critical condition. The fire reportedly broke out at a detention facility for migrants who tried to illegally cross the border into the United States. It was set by the migrants themselves, who tried to escape. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th March, 2023) Canada via the US foreign military sales program submitted a request for proposal for up to sixteen P-8A Poseidon aircraft to replace its own CP-140 Aurora fleet, Public Services and Procurement Canada said in a statement. "Canada has recently submitted a Letter of Request (LOR) through the United States government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program outlining Canada's requirements and requesting an offer. These requirements include up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft and associated equipment and initial servicing, as well as access to intellectual property and technical data," the release said on Monday. Canada, the release added, has been looking to replace its CP-140 Aurora fleet, which was originally procured in 1980 and is scheduled to be retired in 2030. The Canadian government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets Ottawa's operational requirements, namely anti-submarine warfare and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), the release said. Boeing in a separate statement said it looks forward to working with the US and Canadian governments to finalize the sale under Washington's foreign military sales process. TEL AVIV (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th March, 2023) Israeli police have separated people protesting in Tel Aviv against the controversial judicial reform from supporters of the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also took to the streets on Monday, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir agreed that the adoption of the controversial judicial reform should be postponed to the Knesset's summer session amid mass demonstrations in the country. However, on Monday evening, opponents and supporters of the reform gathered in central Tel Aviv, carrying flags and banners and exchanging insults, the correspondent reported. The protesters were once again attempting to block the Ayalon Highway, the correspondent added. Police, in turn, have installed barriers, trying to prevent clashes between the opposing groups. On Monday, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing police sources, that at least 80,000 people had gathered at the building of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem to protest against the reform. In January, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin rolled out a legal reform package that would limit the authority of the Supreme Court by giving the cabinet control over the selection of new judges, as well as allowing the Knesset to override the court's rulings with an absolute majority. The reform's opponents argue it will undermine democracy in Israel and put the country on the verge of a social and constitutional crisis. Protests against the reform have been held in Israel for 12 straight weeks, escalating late Sunday night after the prime minister dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over his opposition to the judicial reform. SEOUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th March, 2023) North Korea launched two ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles to test a nuclear warhead in the air on Monday, the state-run Korean Central news Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday. One of the ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missiles was equipped with a simulated warhead, imitating a nuclear warhead, the KCNA reported, adding that it was not specified which of the missiles was carrying the "weapon." A mock nuclear warhead detonated 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the target island off the city of Kimchaek in the North Hamgyong province, the report said. According to the report, the test allowed Pyongyang to verify the procedure for issuing and transmitting an order for a nuclear attack and confirm the normal operation of the launch authorization system, as well as work out the actions of combat units under such circumstances. Earlier in the day, KCNA reported that it tested a Haeil-1 underwater nuclear attack drone from March 25-27. On Monday, Japan and South Korea said that Pyongyang test-fired two ballistic missiles from its western coast toward the Sea of Japan. Both of them reached an altitude of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and flew some 350 kilometers, landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. (@FahadShabbir) The United States has thrown its support behind calls for a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the "crime of aggression" against Ukraine, an idea promoted by the European Union Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Mar, 2023 ) :The United States has thrown its support behind calls for a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for the "crime of aggression" against Ukraine, an idea promoted by the European Union. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over war crimes and considers aggression a crime but it has no jurisdiction over Russia, which is not a party to the Hague tribunal. A State Department spokesperson said Tuesday that the United States supported a special tribunal on the crime of aggression over Russia's February 2022 invasion of its neighbour. "We envision such a court having significant international support -- particularly from our partners in Europe -- and ideally located in another country in Europe." Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, said that the United States wanted the court to have international personnel and resources. "We believe an internationalized court that is rooted in Ukraine's judicial system, but that also includes international elements, will provide the clearest path to establishing a new tribunal and maximizing our chances of achieving meaningful accountability," she said in a speech Monday at the Catholic University of America. "We are committed to working with Ukraine, and peace-loving countries around the world, to stand up, staff and resource such a tribunal in a way that will achieve comprehensive accountability for the international crimes being committed in Ukraine," she said. It was the first time that the United States -- which has fraught relations with the International Criminal Court -- has explicitly supported a special tribunal on Ukraine. The European Union in November floated the idea of a tribunal, which was backed in January by a vote of the European Parliament. UW and Wyoming SBDC Network to Host Social Media Workshop in Buffalo April 4 Small-business owners can learn more about using social media effectively to help their businesses during a workshop Tuesday, April 4. Audie Cunningham and P.J. Burns will discuss the basics of social media best practices during a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network workshop titled Social Media from 8-9:30 a.m. and noon-1:30 p.m. at the Bomber Mountain Civic Center, located at 63 N. Burritt Ave. in Buffalo. Attendees can choose either the morning or afternoon session. To register for the morning session, go here. To register for the afternoon session, go here. Registration is free for both sessions. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The workshop will focus on how small businesses can be effective on each social media platform; how to design and create content for social media and tools to help those businesses; and how businesses can get discovered online. Additionally, the workshop will cover how small businesses can use content marketing in social media. This will include what content marketing is and why it is effective; what effective content marketing looks like; where to find what potential customers are looking for; and how to incorporate valuable content and brand building in marketing messages. Cunningham, a regional director (Fremont and Teton counties) for the Wyoming SBDC Network, enjoys seeing community members bring their business ideas to life and is eager to help them grow and thrive. As an entrepreneur, Cunningham has worked in art licensing and graphic design and has 10 years of experience in customer service and marketing through her work in public libraries. Her education and experience have given her knowledge in print and digital marketing, creating marketing plans, social media marketing and business planning. Burns is the northeast regional director (Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties) for the Wyoming SBDC Network. She has spent the majority of her career advising and advocating for small businesses in her roles at chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. She has a background in marketing, human resources, strategic planning, leadership and management. For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu. LUANDA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Angolan Minister of Transport Ricardo de Abreu has expressed his satisfaction with the Chinese contractor undertaking the new airport project in the capital Luanda, and commended the quality of works. When accompanying Angolan President Joao Lourenco on an inspection visit Monday to the Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport, which is being built by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation (AVIC-ENG), the minister highlighted the importance of the new airport for Angola's economic diversification, emphasizing that the infrastructure will be fundamental to boost sectors such as tourism, industry, agriculture, and fisheries. He said the airport could become a logistical hub to promote economic development in southwestern Africa. Noting that the two countries maintain close ties of affinity, cooperation, and development, the minister said China has made a strong contribution to Angola's reconstruction, infrastructure development, and economic growth. When talking about the Belt and Road Initiative, the minister said the investments made by the Chinese side are aimed at the progress and development of both countries. According to the AVIC-ENG, the new airport in Luanda, which will be four times the size of the old airport in the capital city, is being constructed to meet the needs of Angola's economic development. The airport is expected to be delivered later this year and will become one of Africa's most important air hubs. UW to Host Workshop on Budgeting and Benchmarking for Sheep Producers Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist, is among organizers of a budgeting, benchmarking and marketing workshop for sheep producers April 19 in Lingle. (UW Photo) For sheep producers interested in learning more about budgeting, benchmarking and marketing, University of Wyoming Extension will offer a free workshop in Lingle Wednesday, April 19. Producers of all ages, experience levels and operation sizes are welcome to attend the event, hosted by the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The workshop begins at 3 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Keeping track of your levels of production and costs on your sheep enterprise is important to ensure profitability, though it may appear daunting, says Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist. Join us for an interactive conversation on knowing where you stand relative to other sheep operations on production levels and costs, marketing strategies and everything sheep production. Stewart will lead the workshop, along with Jaelyn Whaley, South Dakota State University Extension sheep specialist, and Brian Lee, UW agricultural economist. Stewart also will facilitate a question-and-answer session. Presenters will discuss what production parameters and costs are important; how to calculate key costs and successfully develop an enterprise budget; and how to match production calendars with optimal markets. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with basic information about their own operations, such as the number of ewes and lambs they market and feed costs. What is unique about this program is we hope to sit down with producers and help them work through their numbers, Stewart says. To register, call (307) 837-2000 or email blee@uwyo.edu. The American Lamb Board, UW Extension and Wyoming Wool Initiative provided funding for the event. About University of Wyoming Extension Since 1914, UW Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the state. With roots in agricultural education, UW Extension supports rural communities facing contemporary challenges and changes. UW Extension brings the universitys resources to each of the states 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. To learn more about UW Extension, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124. President of the United States of America Joe Biden has sent a letter of congratulation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the Novruz holiday, Azernews reports, citing Azertac news agency. On behalf of the American people, I send our best wishes to you and the people of Azerbaijan for a joyous and peaceful Novruz Bayram. "Over the last year, Azerbaijan and the United States have come together to advance energy security and tackle transnational challenges that affect both of our peoples. This year, as we celebrate spring and new beginnings, I look forward to deepening the friendship between our people. And in this season of renewal and reflection the United States reaffirms our support for a sustainable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia which will promote security and prosperity across the South Caucasus for generations to come, the congratulatory message said. TOKYO, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A traditional wooden boat with around 30 people aboard got stuck on Tuesday during a river cruise in Kyoto Prefecture in western Japan, leaving one person dead and one missing, local officials and media said. The fatal incident took place along Kyoto's popular Hozu River at around 12:00 p.m. local time, according to the boat's operator and officials. Sightseeing tour operator Hozugawa Yusen Kigyo Kumiai said the 25 tourists onboard at the time of the incident were rescued. However, the staff member who was punting the boat had been killed, and one of the three other staff members who were also on board of the boat remains missing, according to Hozugawa Yusen Kigyo Kumiai. Following the incident, boat cruises were halted for the rest of the day on Tuesday, the tour operator said. Known for their stunning and changing seasonal views, the boat tours in Kyoto prefecture have become a fad, with as many as 300,000 tourists visiting annually to traverse through rapids in the two-hour cruises from Kameoka to Arashiyama. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. The global response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine should act as a blueprint for addressing mass human rights violations, according to Amnesty International in its annual report released Tuesday. However, the organization accuses the West of ignoring other human rights violations. Ukraine invasion Amnesty International says Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 unleashed "military destruction on a people and country at peace." "Within months, civilian infrastructure had been destroyed, thousands killed and many more injured," the report says. "Russia's action accelerated a global energy crisis and helped weaken food production and distribution systems, leading to a global food crisis that continues to affect poorer nations and racialized people disproportionately." A strong global response began within days of the invasion, according to Philip Luther, a research and advocacy director for Amnesty International, in an interview with VOA this week. "We saw the U.N. General Assembly vote to condemn Russia's invasion. That was good. The International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes and Western countries opened up their borders to Ukrainian refugees. For us, these measures were really a blueprint you could say for how to address mass human rights violations," Luther noted. Russia denies committing atrocities or targeting civilians in Ukraine, despite widespread evidence documented by United Nations investigators and other human rights groups. Amnesty criticism Amnesty International was widely criticized last year when it accused Ukrainian forces of endangering civilians by stationing its military in residential areas. Amnesty's director in Ukraine quit her post, accusing the organization of parroting Kremlin propaganda, while Ukraine's president said the group had tried to "shift the responsibility from the aggressor to the victim." Amnesty said Tuesday it would continue to highlight human rights abuses by all sides. "It is extremely clear to all of us that the violations committed by the Russian forces are far more important and lethal than anything else that the Ukrainian militaries may do. That being said, our mandate, our mission is to protect civilians. And for that reason, we will continue to expose violations committed by the Ukrainian military forces," Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard told a press conference Tuesday in Paris. 'Double standards' Amnesty says the strong international response to Moscow's invasion exposes the double standards of many countries, which condemned Russia but fail to act on other human rights crises. "Solidarity is owed to the Ukrainian people, but it is also owed to the people of Palestine, to the people of Eritrea, to the people of Myanmar. And that did not happen in 2022," Callamard told The Associated Press on Tuesday. European nations have taken in about 8 million Ukrainian refugees since the invasion. Amnesty says policies toward other nationalities seeking asylum have hardened. "They didn't exhibit the same or show the same treatment to those fleeing war and aggression in other places war in Syria or in Afghanistan, or violence in Haiti when it came to the U.S.," Amnesty's Philip Luther told VOA. Deadly conflicts 2022 saw the outbreak of new wars, while existing conflicts became deadlier, according to the Amnesty report. It highlights the war in Ethiopia, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people according to some estimates. "Much of this carnage was hidden from view, meted out in a largely invisible campaign of ethnic cleansing against Tigrayans in western Tigray," the report says. Amnesty says 2022 was the deadliest year in a decade for Palestinians in the West Bank, with at least 151 people, including dozens of children, killed by Israeli forces. Israel claims it is targeting terrorists and says 23 of its citizens were killed in terror attacks last year. Amnesty also highlights Myanmar's continuing oppression of the Karen and Karenni minorities, with hundreds killed and at least 150,000 displaced. "The people of Haiti, Mali, Venezuela, Yemen, and many other places too, were plagued by armed conflicts or systemic violence and associated human rights violations," the report adds. In Iran, anti-government protests erupted in September following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Amnesty says security forces fired live ammunition to crush the demonstrations, killing hundreds of men, women and children and injuring thousands more. China's coercion Amnesty accuses China of using coercion to silence international criticism of its human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded in August that China had committed "serious human rights violations" against Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim communities, accusations Beijing denies. "The U.N. Human Rights Council failed to order follow-up action because essentially China was allowed to use its strong-arm tactics to prevent further scrutiny or accountability," said Amnesty's Luther. The report says human rights protections have advanced in some countries, in areas such as women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty. "The Central African Republic, Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea and Sierra Leone all fully abolished the death penalty last year," Luther said. Turning point 2023 is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in the wake of World War II. In its report, Amnesty says this year must be a turning point for upholding human rights. "We've witnessed iconic acts of defiance, including Afghan women taking to the streets to protest Taliban rule and Iranian women posting videos of themselves cutting their hair in protest against the country's abusive and forced veiling laws," the report says. "We can take some comfort in knowing that in the face of such repression, thousands of people still came together to write letters, sign petitions, and take to the streets. It should be a reminder to those in power that our rights to demand change, and to come together freely and collectively, cannot be taken away," it states. West Africas Sahel region saw mounting violence and a rollback in free expression last year, rights group Amnesty International says in its latest annual report, released Tuesday. Amnesty International says that for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger 2022 was an especially grim year. The countries saw an uptick in civilian killings compared to 2021, as they battle an ongoing jihadi insurgency in the region. We are talking about 9,000 civilians killed due to the conflict and increase of 54% compared to 2021, said Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher for Amnestys Dakar office. He says governments in these three countries are increasingly disregarding human rights. One big thing thats changed in the region over 2022: reports of the growing presence in some places of the Wagner Group, a private Russian mercenary company. Mali and Burkina Faso have also seen coup d'etats over the past two years. I think there is certainly a strong link between these military takeovers and some of the abuses of human rights I specifically want to cite here freedom of expression and press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso that have been under strong attacks by these military governments, he said. Diallo gives the example of Malian journalist Malick Konate, who was forced into exile for reportedly shooting footage for French TV that showed Wagners presence in Mali. The situation of Malik Konate is not a unique one. Many other actors whether journalists or human rights defenders of political actors have been forced to exile due to these attacks against freedom of expression and press freedom, he said. Even Senegal, considered one of West Africas most successful democracies, has lost points, Diallo says, when it comes to civil liberties. Its president, Macky Sall, is considering running for a third term which the opposition asserts would be unconstitutional. The situation in Senegal has dramatically worsened over the last two years. We have seen a lot of abuses against freedom of peaceful assembly whether the right to protest by the opposition, by civil society members, is often rejected by administrative Authorities due to risk of disturbing public order without giving any specifics about it. But also, freedom of expression and press freedom, said Diallo. Amnesty also criticizes forced deportations under agreements aimed to control migration including Algerias expulsion of thousands of sub-Saharan African migrants to northern Niger in recent years. Reports say many are dumped into the desert with little food or water. Algeria denies such accusations, calling them malicious. African nations called on the world Tuesday to pay attention to how terrorism targeted their continent, particularly its Sahel region, telling the United Nations Security Council that Africans made up nearly half the world's terror attack victims. Using his country's bully pulpit as Security Council chair for March, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi told the council that "though terrorism is a global threat, the situation in Africa remains more critical." His words were echoed by a series of ambassadors from African countries who discussed terror groups' threats to their nations. One global terrorism index shows that 48% of terror victims last year were African, Nyusi said, "and the Sahel region is the new epicenter of terrorist attacks." Many speakers said they were deeply concerned by terror groups' operations in the vast, semi-arid expanse below the Sahara Desert. According to the U.N., the countries of the Sahel include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. The latest Global Terrorism Index says the number of terror victims has risen 2,000% in the past 15 years, and it ranks Burkina Faso first in the region. "The situation in Africa is especially concerning," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council. "Despair, poverty, hunger, lack of basic services, unemployment and unconstitutional changes in government continue to lay fertile ground. I am deeply concerned by the gains terrorist groups are making in the Sahel and elsewhere." Mozambique's Islamist extremist insurgency, which started in October 2017, is blamed for the deaths of more than 3,000 people and for displacing an estimated 900,000 people. In March 2021 the rebel violence forced the France-based firm TotalEnergies to put on hold its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in the northeast. TotalEnergies invoked force majeure after the insurgents attacked the town of Palma, very near the gas project. Palma was later recaptured by Mozambican and Rwandan forces, and the government has urged TotalEnergies to resume work on the gas project. While gains have been made by Mozambique's armed forces and its regional allies, the rebels are still capable of carrying out lethal attacks, including on the main north-south road that links the city of Pemba with the gas project in Palma. "Mozambique has been engaged in countering terrorism with some success," Nyusi said, "thanks to a combination of internal efforts and the support from partners." The U.N. is undergoing a regular review of its counterterror strategies. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council that when she visited Mozambique in January, among the issues she discussed with officials there was how "we faced a host of challenges, especially when it comes to the dramatic rise in terrorism in Africa." U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, is on a weeklong visit to Africa, intended to deepen U.S. ties with the continent. The Canadian government said on Monday it was targeting two entities and eight individuals as part of new sanctions against Iran over human rights violations and production of drones and ballistic missiles. Canada's latest round of sanctions against Iran, the 10th since October, targets individuals including senior officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) for "gross and systematic human rights violations" in Tehran and northwestern Iran, the Canadian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Sanctions also target senior Iranian officials involved in unmanned aerial vehicle and ballistic missile production, the ministry said. Tension between Iran and the West have mounted over Tehran's nuclear activity and its supply of drones for Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as the Islamic Republic's clampdown on months of anti-government-protests. Tehran denies selling drones to Moscow for use in the war in Ukraine. "We call on the Iranian regime to stop the brutal oppression of Irans people and to address their demands in good faith," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in the statement. The sanctioned entities support "the Iranian regime by helping them disrupt and manipulate the online communications of those protesting the regime or by supplying the LEF with tactical equipment used in the brutal suppression of demonstrations," according to the statement. Nigerian civil society organizations have been holding daily protests to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, and Nigerian authorities to review the February and March elections. The presidential, gubernatorial and parliamentary polls were marred by violent attacks leading to deaths, injuries, voter suppression and intimidation. On Monday, police said more than 700 people had been arrested for disrupting elections and will be prosecuted according to law. As music filled the air, protesters in civil society group Free Nigeria Movement held up placards and marched in the streets of the capital on Tuesday. Daily demonstrations began last week to call for accountability in the electoral system. Nigerians went to the polls in February and March to elect a new president, state governors and lawmakers. Observers say the elections were characterized by widespread violence, voter suppression and intimidation, and technical problems. Protesters say INEC was too quick to declare winners, despite the obvious challenges. They also say the commission failed to honor its promise to electronically transmit results during the presidential polls. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared the winner of February's presidential elections. Moses Paul, who convened the Free Nigeria Movement protests, called for the resignation of INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu. "Professor Mahmood Yakubu has lied to us and abused our right of choice, Paul said. We pass a vote of no confidence, and we call for his immediate sack. We cannot afford to continue the culture of performance of lawlessness without consequences." Earlier in March, INEC said technical and security challenges were regrettable and pledged to improve. On Monday, national police authorities said 781 people were arrested during the February and March polls combined. Police chief Usman Alkali Baba spoke during an assessment meeting with security heads in the capital to review the conduct at the polls. He said the police also recovered 66 firearms from the suspects. The director of the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Development, Idayat Hassan, said there was some improvement in the handling of local elections compared to the presidential polls, but acknowledges the process was flawed overall. "These elections have been a mixed bag, said Idayat Hassan of the Center for Democracy and Development. On one hand, INEC has been able to improve compared to the February 25 elections with early opening of polls, the functionality of the new technology for authenticating voters and with the upload of results. But on the other hand, these elections have been hugely blighted by violence, vote trading and voter suppression. When people are being induced, paid to vote, the validity of such an outcome becomes extremely questionable. There will likely be protests in some parts of the country." Last week, rights group Amnesty International condemned Nigeria's electoral violence that disenfranchised thousands of voters and called on authorities to punish perpetrators in order to serve as a deterrent. Hassan said lapses in Nigeria's electoral laws were also inhibiting factors. "It's not just about INEC, but it's about the legal provisions that do not actually prioritize the rights of citizens to fully participate in an electoral process, Hassan said. And it is this [gap] in the law that the political actors are exploiting to cause violence in opposition strongholds so they can actually reduce their vote. At the end of the day, results will have to be called." The opposition People's Democratic Party and the Labor Party have filed petitions challenging INEC's declaration of Tinubu as the president-elect. Tinubu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress party, is expected to be sworn into office in two months, but many will be waiting to see if protests or court petitions can change that. At a March 23 product launch in Shanghai, Chinese tech giant Huawei unveiled its signature P60 series of smartphones with high-end cameras and its Mate X3 series mobile phones equipped with folding screens. There were demonstrations. There were speeches. But something was missing from the Huawei offerings: 5G, which gives phones the speedy internet access wanted by many consumers in North America, Europe and Asia. The smartphones also lack access to Google's Android operating system and popular Western apps such as Google Maps. The launch quieted "rumors that it is considering selling off its handset business, thus showcasing the company's resilience amid U.S. government restrictions," according to the government-affiliated China Daily. Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei's device business group, said at the event, "We have experienced four years of winter under sanctions. Now, the spring has come, and we are excited about the future." In 2020, Huawei briefly surpassed Apple and Samsung to become the world's largest smartphone seller when its market share peaked at 18%, according to market tracker Canalys. Then the Trump administration imposed successive rounds of U.S. export controls. By 2022, Huawei had a 2% share of the global smartphone market, with most of its sales in China. Now the Biden administration is considering banning all technology exports to Huawei. And its smartphone business today shows how the Shenzhen-based company, a major supplier of equipment used in 5G telecommunications networks, still relies on American technology for some key components. According to a December 2022 report by Counterpoint, a Hong Kong-based analyst firm, Huawei used up its stockpile of homegrown advanced chips for smartphones, leaving it with a market share of zero for the final three quarters of the year. "They suffered a steep drop in profits. They have a lot of damage to the brand," James Lewis, senior vice president, Pritzker chair and director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told VOA Mandarin. "I think it's a mixed bag that Huawei was never going to give up. The Chinese government was never going to let Huawei go out of business, so they've found ways to keep selling things. Most of what they sell is 4G or earlier." Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei said in a February 24 speech that the Chinese tech giant has survived U.S. sanctions by substituting components locally. He said, "We completed a process of redesigning over 4,000 circuit boards as well as finding local suppliers for more than 13,000 components the company needs for our products within three years." Paul Triolo, senior vice president for China and technology policy lead at Albright Stone Group, a business consulting firm, said the risks of using Cold War era tools such as export controls can have unintended consequences. In an email, Triolo told VOA Mandarin, "If the result of the 'small yard, high fence' policy over the next decade is to significantly slow technology innovation and massively incentivize the development of a large rival technology ecosystem, then the US approach will be judged to have failed, with many losers. Any short-term national security gain will be very hard if not impossible to measure while the short-term pain, particularly for US technology companies, will be substantial, as will the long-term consequences to global innovation systems." After Huawei was caught stealing trade secrets, evading U.S. bans on transferring technology to Iran and was suspected though never proved to be an arm of the Chinese intelligence services, the U.S. began imposing a series of controls. Since 2019, these have cut off Huawei's supply of chips from U.S. companies and its access to U.S. technology tools to design its own chips and have them manufactured by its partners. The Biden administration is considering tightening export control measures against Huawei and completely banning all business dealings with the company, including banning exports to Huawei's suppliers and middlemen. For now, vendors selling less-desirable technologies such as 4G phones can still apply to the U.S. Department of Commerce for a license to do business with Huawei. The Commerce Department has approved billions of dollars in such sales from U.S. suppliers, including Intel Corp., which sells chips used in Huawei laptops, and Qualcomm Inc., which supplies chips for 4G smartphones. Ren said in the speech last month that Huawei invested $23.8 billion in research and development in 2022. "As our profitability improves, we will continue to increase research and development expenditures." He added that the company has established its own enterprise resource planning system called MetaERP. Set to launch in April, it will help run its core business functions including finance, supply chain and manufacturing operations. Lewis said Huawei had been able to circumvent some U.S. controls. "They have a plan on how to recover, and they're actually making it work. It doesn't work in a lot of countries, but it works in Latin America. It works in Africa." This means the U.S. will need to refine its strategy on Huawei, Lewis said. "It has to look at how does it match Huawei, how does it match China in the Southern Hemisphere," he said. "So the Latin Americans are buying from China and from Huawei. Huawei has Africa pretty much sewn up. So, it's really a question of how you undo that. And the answer is, you need to do it through development aid, and I don't know if Western countries are willing to spend." Tibet is dying a "slow death" under Chinese rule, the head of the India-based organization known as Tibet's government in exile told a U.S. agency Tuesday. Some activists lament what they see as a fading focus on alleged abuses in Tibet amid growing concerns in Washington and other Western capitals about China's expanding military, pressure on democratic Taiwan, and crackdowns in Hong Kong and on minority groups in China's Xinjiang region. "If PRC [the People's Republic of China] is not made to reverse or change its current policies, Tibet and Tibetans will definitely die a slow death," Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration said via video link to a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, an independent agency of the U.S. government that monitors human rights and rule of law developments in China. The Central Tibetan Administration leadership role was created in 2012 after the Dalai Lama, Tibetans' 87-year-old spiritual leader, relinquished political authority in favor of an organization that could outlive him. Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of fomenting separatism in Tibet, and it does not recognize the CTA, which represents about 100,000 exiled Tibetans living in about 30 countries including India, Nepal, Canada and the United States. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the hearing. China has ruled the remote western region of Tibet since 1951, after its military marched in and took control in what it called a "peaceful liberation." China denies wrongdoing there and says its intervention ended "backward feudal serfdom." Uzra Zeya, U.S. undersecretary of state for democracy and human rights, told the hearing that China continued to "wage a campaign of repression that seeks to forcibly Sinicize" the 6 million Tibetans in the country and eliminate Tibetan religious, cultural and linguistic heritage. Recent reports on government-run boarding schools and involuntary mass DNA collection in Tibetan areas "shock the conscience," said Zeya, who as special coordinator for Tibetan issues leads U.S. support for Tibetans. Beijing has refused to deal with her. Republican U.S. Representative Chris Smith, who chairs the commission, said there was a global focus on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, but "we cannot take our eyes off the ongoing genocide being committed against Tibetan people." Actor and longtime Tibet activist Richard Gere told the hearing that Chinese policies in Tibet increasingly "match the definition of crimes against humanity." China says Tibet is part of its territory and that it has improved living conditions and reduced poverty in the region. China says any accusations that it is violating Tibetans' human rights are false. A federal judge in Washington has ordered former Vice President Mike Pence to comply with a grand jury subpoena and testify about his conversations with former President Donald Trump as Trump tried to overturn his 2020 defeat for reelection. Judge James Boasberg, the chief judge for the U.S. District Court in Washington, issued the ruling Monday, mostly rejecting pleas by Trump and Pence to keep the former vice president from having to divulge their private conversations at the White House and in phone calls. While the ruling remains sealed, U.S. news outlets reported that Boasberg rejected contentions by Trumps lawyers that certain of his discussions with Pence in the weeks after the 2020 election were off-limits because of executive privilege, which shields disclosure of some conversations between U.S. presidents and their aides. At the same time, the judge blocked federal prosecutors from asking Pence direct questions about his role in presiding over Congress on January 6, 2021, as it began to certify the Electoral College vote determining that Democrat Joe Biden had defeated Trump. Pence, as Trumps running mate, had also lost reelection. But the judge did not block the prosecutors, led by special counsel Jack Smith and his associates appearing before the grand jury, from asking Pence about other possibly illegal efforts by Trump to overturn his election loss, such as a documented effort to select fake Trump electors in some states to replace legitimate electors pledged to certify Bidens victory. In the United States, the Electoral College vote, decided by the state-by-state vote counts throughout the country, determines who is president and vice president, not the national popular vote outcome. Boasberg accepted Pences contention that he had some protection against answering questions before the grand jury under the U.S. Constitutions speech or debate clause governing legislative actions. Pence certified loss Trump had pleaded with Pence to upend the Electoral College vote and keep him in power, but Pence, on the advice of his lawyers and more than two centuries of U.S. precedent, decided his role was ceremonial and certified that Trump had lost. The final Electoral College vote did not occur until the early hours of January 7, 2021. The process was delayed for hours after 2,000 Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in protest against Pence, who by then had made clear he would ignore Trumps pleas to upend the election result. Some protesters shouted, Hang Mike Pence, and a gallows was erected on the National Mall within eyesight of the Capitol. About 1,000 of the protesters have been arrested so far. About half of them have been convicted of an array of offenses, with some being sentenced to several years in prison. While limiting some questioning of Pence, Boasberg ruled that Pence would have to testify about any potentially illegal acts Trump may have committed in trying to remain in power. In a memoir of his vice presidency, Pence wrote that in a New Years Day phone call in 2021, Trump told him, Youre too honest, predicting that hundreds of thousands are gonna hate your guts, and people are gonna think youre stupid for certifying the Electoral College outcome. Mr. President, I dont question there were irregularities and fraud, Pence wrote that he told Trump. Its just a question of who decides, and under the law, that is Congress. Pence said he and Trump have gone their separate ways. Appeals possible Either Trump or Pence could appeal Boasbergs ruling, but it was not immediately known whether either one would. Pence told ABC News recently that while he would appeal any adverse ruling related to his actions overseeing the Electoral College vote, he would not seek to block testimony related to his other conversations with Trump. Special counsel Smith is conducting a wide-ranging inquiry into Trumps actions to stay in office and also Trumps retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after he left office. The law requires that such documents be turned over to the National Archives when a president leaves office. A prosecutor in Georgias capital, Atlanta, is probing Trumps efforts to overturn the vote count in that state, and a New York prosecutor is weighing whether to file charges against Trump in connection with his $130,000 hush money payment to a porn star. The payment was made ahead of the 2016 election to keep her quiet about her claim to have had a one-night affair with Trump a decade earlier. Trump has denied the allegation. Trump has denounced the various investigations of his actions and announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Pence says he is contemplating his own presidential candidacy in 2024. Germanys public broadcaster Deutsche Welle is set to close its Turkey office Tuesday after Ankara declined to extend its operating license, a move condemned by media rights groups. The case shows the pressure that Ankara is putting on foreign media to make it harder for them to work in the country, some analysts say. Authorities had already blocked access to the Turkish-language websites of DW and VOA last year when the broadcasters refused to comply with license requirements that they said amounted to censorship. In the case of DW, the broadcaster says the Ministry of Industry and Technology informed it on March 7 that they would not extend the operating license of DW Turkish because it had failed to choose its field of activity correctly. There was no explanation of what this meant, the broadcaster said. The broadcasters director was cited in reports as saying they had not been informed of errors in the application and that DW had not changed the way it operates in Turkey since the last time the paperwork was renewed. DW has said it is considering legal steps over the decision, which will affect how the broadcaster can hire staff, with employees being cut off from retirement and other benefits. Local reports say more than 10 journalists will now work on a freelance basis so that DW Turkish can keep reporting on events inside the country. Media watchdogs have noted the timing of the decision comes just weeks before presidential and parliamentary elections. Renan Akyavas, Turkey program coordinator for the Vienna-based International Press Institute, said the exit of DW represented the latest attempt by the government to muzzle foreign media. We expect that the crackdown [on foreign media] will only intensify before elections in May, she told VOA. This stems from this governments attempts to try to push out the foreign media. They can control the local media. The foreign media were being protected by their own [organizations], Akyavas said. VOA emailed the Turkish governments directorate of communications for comment but had not received a reply at the time of publication. Erkan Arikan, director of Turkish services for DW, was not available to speak with VOA before publication. Other journalists working for the broadcaster declined VOAs interview requests. Under pressure DW and other foreign broadcasters have come under pressure from Turkish authorities for over a year. In February 2022, Turkeys media regulator, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), ordered DW, VOA and Euronews to obtain broadcast licenses. DW and VOA refused, citing concerns that the new licensing regulation gave RTUK broad powers over online content. Because of their refusal to comply, RTUK in late June blocked access to the Turkish editions of DW and VOA. At the time, Peter Limbourg, DW general director, said his agency refused to apply for a Turkish license because it would harm independent broadcasting. For example, media licensed in Turkey are required to delete online content RTUK interprets as inappropriate. This is simply unacceptable for an independent broadcaster, he said in a statement published by DW in July last year. Media commentators see the actions as an effort by Turkey to control domestic and foreign media outlets. Turkey has a poor media freedom record, with Reporters Without Borders ranking it 149 out of 180 countries where 1 denotes the best environment for journalism. In its country analysis, the media watchdog said that with around 90% of the countrys media now under government control, the public has come to rely on foreign media such as DW for insight into politics and the economy. Ozgur Ogret, the Turkey representative for New Yorks Committee to Protect Journalists, said that move against DW meant Turkish people were prevented from seeing independent reporting of their own country. Denying DWs license serves only to disrupt the broadcasters activities and deny Turkish citizens critical, independent reporting as elections approach, he said in a statement. An investigation by the news agency Reuters published last year said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had bent the countrys media to his will. The Turkish mainstream media, once a livelier clash of ideas, has become a tight chain of command of government-approved headlines, front pages, and topics of TV debate, the report said. The report, based on interviews with people in the media, government and regulatory bodies, said the media industry in Turkey has fallen in line with other formerly independent institutions that Erdogan has bent to his will. Reuters cited the head of Turkeys communications directorate as saying that while he occasionally briefs editors and reporters, he had never done so in a way that could be viewed as infringing on the editorial independence of news organizations or violating the freedom of the press. Directives and regulations on foreign media are tactics used by several authoritarian countries to try to control or retaliate against foreign media. China has been accused of delaying or refusing to renew journalist visas to retaliate against critical reporting. Spanish daily newspaper ABC had its website blocked in China, along with other foreign media organizations, after it published a critical report of the Chinese government, claiming its reporters had been victims of state intimidation in March 2022. In Cuba last year, reporters at the Spanish state news agency EFE waited for months for accreditation from Havana, which nearly resulted in EFE withdrawing from the country. Some information for this article came from Reuters. JAKARTA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's narcotics agency BNN has thwarted the smuggling of 319 kg crystal methamphetamine in the Indian Ocean south of Java Island. When the Indonesian patrol boats approached a ship with foreigners on board, "they tried to run away and we gave them a warning shot," said agency's Deputy of Eradication, I Wayan Sugiri, on Tuesday. The anti-drug force took the ship to Cilegon Port and found 319 kg crystal methamphetamine under its fuel tank. Investigation is still underway. Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday pledged more than $100 million in U.S. assistance to Ghana and stressed that U.S. interests in African nations extend beyond competing with China, on the first full day of her weeklong tour of the continent. Harris said Monday that the U.S. will commit more than $139 million in assistance, most of which will support conflict prevention in the Sahel region, where Islamist extremists have expanded their footprint. She spoke Monday at Jubilee House, seat of Ghana's presidency, alongside Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. "To help address the threats of violent extremism and instability, today I am pleased to announce $100 million in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo," she said. "Last week, President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. Today, funding and the announcement that I've just made will help implement that plan and will address security, governance and development issues in the region." Harris is the fifth top U.S. official to visit the continent this year, and she deflected criticism that the U.S. sees African nations through the lens of its own competition with China, which has built massive infrastructure projects and loaned billions of dollars to African nations in what many see as a fight for influence and access. "The president and I had a conversation on this very topic, but the conversation was not about China as much as it is about the enduring and important direct relationship that the United States has with Ghana and with African nations," she said. "I will tell you that we are very clear and I will speak for myself and on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration that the relationship between the United States and this continent and African leaders is an important one. There's a historical basis for the relationship, not to mention as we look forward, as all governments should, and recognize the unachieved as of yet opportunities that exist going forward." Akufo-Addo agreed. "There may be an obsession in America about the Chinese activities on the continent, but there's no such obsession here," he said. "China is one of the many countries with whom Ghana is engaged in the world. Your country is one of them. Virtually all the countries of the world are friends of Ghana, and we have relations in varying degrees of intensity with all of them. Our relationship with America is a relationship that has been forged over several decades, right from the time of independence up till now." Harris also toured some of Accra's vibrant arts scene, visiting a skateboard park and recording studio. Tagging along for the ride was actor Idris Elba, who spoke to journalists. "I think this is a great, significant signal for the VP to come to Ghana, to come to Africa and be that interface and, you know, to show the rest of the world that actually it's a fantastic place to sort of look at in terms of partnership and investment," he said. Harris plans to spend another full day in the West African nation before continuing east, to Tanzania, and then south, to Zambia. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pledged a new era of partnership between the U.S. and Africa, touting womens empowerment, developing the digital economy and supporting democracy to 8,000 young Ghanaians who gathered under the punishing midday sun to hear her speak in Accra. Harris, the first Black female U.S. vice president, took the stage under the arch of Black Star gate, a sweeping seaside monument to Ghanas 1957 independence from British colonial rule. We are all in because there are longstanding ties between our people, Harris said. We have an intertwined history, some of which is painful and some of which is prideful and all of which we must acknowledge, teach and never forget. Her schedule Tuesday includes a visit to Cape Coast Castle, a place where enslaved Africans were once crowded onto overloaded, unsanitary ships headed on the long, dangerous ocean journey to the Americas. But Harris stressed that her three-nation visit is forward-looking, and on Monday pledged $139 million in U.S. assistance to West Africa, most of which will support conflict prevention in the Sahel region, where Islamist extremists have expanded their footprint. I am more optimistic than I have ever been about the future and the future of the continent of Africa and, by extension, the world, not only because of the work we undertake in government, not only because of the investments in the private sector, Harris said. I am optimistic about the future of the world because of you, the woman who will shatter every glass ceiling. A young woman who identified herself as a student told VOA after the speech, I thought she was great. But, she added: I hoped she would talk about LGBTQ issues. On Monday, Harris said she had raised human rights issues in her bilateral discussions with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. All three nations on her tourwhich includes Tanzania and Zambiahave laws that criminalize homosexuality to some degree. Let me be clear about where we stand, Harris said. First of all, for the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the board, including as it relates to the LGBT community. And I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting the freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people, and that all people should be treated equally, she added. I would also say that this is an issue that we consider and I consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change. Beyond China competition Speaking alongside Akufo-Addo on Monday at Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana's presidency, Harris stressed that U.S. interests in African nations extend beyond competing with China. "To help address the threats of violent extremism and instability, today I am pleased to announce $100 million in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo," she said. "Last week, President Joe Biden announced a strategic plan for coastal West Africa as part of the United States Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. Today, funding and the announcement that I've just made will help implement that plan and will address security, governance and development issues in the region." Harris is the fifth top U.S. official to visit the continent this year, and she deflected criticism that the U.S. sees African nations through the lens of its own competition with China, which has built massive infrastructure projects and loaned billions of dollars to African nations in what many see as a fight for influence and access. "The president and I had a conversation on this very topic, but the conversation was not about China as much as it is about the enduring and important direct relationship that the United States has with Ghana and with African nations," she said. "I will tell you that we are very clearand I will speak for myself and on behalf of the Biden-Harris administrationthat the relationship between the United States and this continent and African leaders is an important one. There's a historical basis for the relationship, not to mention as we look forward, as all governments should, and recognize the unachievedas of yetopportunities that exist going forward." Akufo-Addo agreed. "There may be an obsession in America about the Chinese activities on the continent, but there's no such obsession here," he said. "China is one of the many countries with whom Ghana is engaged in the world. Your country is one of them. Virtually all the countries of the world are friends of Ghana, and we have relations in varying degrees of intensity with all of them. Our relationship with America is a relationship that has been forged over several decades, right from the time of independence up till now." Harris travels on from Ghana to Tanzania, and then to Zambia. Hungary's parliament Monday approved Finland's bid to join NATO, putting an end to months of delays and bringing the Nordic country one step closer to becoming a full member of the Western military alliance. The measure, passed with 182 votes for and six against, came after Hungary's government had for months frustrated allies in NATO and the European Union by repeatedly postponing the vote after nearly all other alliance members ratified Finland's bid. While Hungary's approval was greeted with relief in Helsinki and elsewhere, NATO accession for Sweden remained up in the air as members of Hungary's governing party insisted they will wait for Stockholm to clear up lingering disagreements before they go to a vote. Finland and Sweden jointly applied for membership following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Adding to the uncertainly over Sweden's bid are Turkey's own objections amid accusations that Stockholm is too soft on groups that it deems to be terror organizations. Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker with Hungary's opposition Democratic Coalition party, said Monday that the governing Fidesz party had been using "pretexts" to delay ratification for the two countries, and that further stalling could push a vote on Sweden into early April or even May. "There is no real reason for not supporting these countries," Vadai, a former secretary of state in Hungary's ministry of defense, told The Associated Press. "NATO accession shouldn't be a question of personal feelings and blackmailing." Turkey is now the only one of the 30 NATO members not to have ratified Finland's accession. Full unanimity is required to admit a new member into the alliance. However, Turkey's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs last week approved Finland's NATO membership application, and a vote on accession is expected to be held before Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections May 14. While Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long signaled his country's support for NATO expansion, his government has alleged that Swedish and Finnish politicians have told "blatant lies" about the condition of Hungary's democracy which has left some ruling party lawmakers unsure of whether to support the accession bids. In an interview with the AP at the United Nations Friday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the West's steady criticism of Hungary on democratic and cultural issues had made its government reluctant to offer support on practical matters, specifically NATO's buildup against Russia. The EU, which includes 21 NATO countries, has for years accused Orban's government of cracking down on media freedom and LGBTQ rights, overseeing an entrenched culture of official corruption and co-opting state institutions to serve the interests of the governing Fidesz party. Some Hungarian opposition politicians and analysts believe the country's foot-dragging on ratification had aimed at pushing Sweden and Finland to support the release of billions in EU funds earmarked for Budapest that have been frozen over alleged breaches of the bloc's rule-of-law standards. But Samuel Agoston Mraz, director of the pro-government Nezopont Intezet thinktank in Budapest, said Hungary won't make a move regarding Sweden until Turkey decides on whether to approve the country's NATO membership bid. Mraz said Hungary "does not want to make decisions against the Turks" and wants guarantees from Stockholm on improving bilateral relations. "Hungary is a supporter of a unified NATO. It does not believe in Turkey versus all the other member states," Mraz told the AP. Iraqi lawmakers passed early Monday controversial amendments to the country's election law that could undermine the chances for smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in future polls. The amendments increase the size of electoral districts, a move widely backed by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-backed parties. The coalition forms the majority bloc in the current parliament, which brought Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to power last year. The bill passed in a 206-12 vote in the 329-seat assembly, according to media reports. The remaining lawmakers were absent from the hourslong session, which started on Sunday night. The amendments also reverse key articles passed ahead of the 2021 federal election and redraw the electoral maps to have Iraq return to one electoral district per each governorate. Several Iraqi political blocs and independent parliamentarians had rejected the amendments and stalled the vote for weeks. Hundreds of protesters gathered over the past weeks to voice their opposition. Independent lawmakers who objected to the law walked out of a previous session, causing it to be postponed due to a lack of quorum. They attempted to stall the vote again overnight by protesting and disturbing the count, before Iraqi security forces escorted them out of the assembly hall. On Saturday, hundreds protested in Baghdad against the new amendments, while some protesters in other parts of Iraq blocked roads with burning tires. "These amendments will only fortify the rulers in power and their corruption, and exclude independent and new political groups," one of the protesters, Mohamed Al-Daami, told The Associated Press. He described the amendments as "unjust." Iraq's previous election law was adopted following mass anti-government protests in 2019. That legislation gave independent candidates and grassroots movements a better chance at winning seats. Its drafting and the subsequent 2021 elections involved technical assistance from the United Nations. The vote was lauded as a "substantial achievement" by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. special representative to Iraq. The outcome of that election shocked the Coordination Framework, which lost seats while its chief political rival, firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, was declared the clear victor. Al-Sadr's political bloc gained 74 seats in the 2021 polls, while the Fatah Coalition, made up of Iran-backed parties, lost nearly half of its votes and more than two-thirds of its seats, compared to the 2018 polls. Despite emerging as the clear winner in the election, al-Sadr did not win a parliamentary majority needed to form the government. An alliance with Sunni and Kurdish parties fell apart after the cleric, frustrated by months of political impasse, ordered his lawmakers to resign in a sudden move that many observers said was a miscalculation. The move allowed his political rivals in the Coordination Framework to amass the needed parliamentary majority to form the government and name al-Sudani as prime minister. Amending the electoral law and reversing the articles that effectively disempowered the ruling coalition from the vote emerged as a priority for the new government. Iraq's provincial elections are slated for November 6, the country's first local vote in a decade. Independent candidates fear the elections under the new law will empower ruling parties, which they accuse of rampant corruption. The Iraqi government hast not yet scheduled the country's next general elections. New developments: IOC backs return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competition as individuals but offers no timeline for Paris Olympics. of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competition as individuals but offers no timeline for Paris Olympics. Russia convicts father of teen who drew antiwar picture, The Associated Press reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits two war-torn cities in the northern Sumy region of the country where fierce fighting occurred a year ago before Russia withdrew. two war-torn cities in the northern Sumy region of the country where fierce fighting occurred a year ago before Russia withdrew. U.S. official announces support for dedicated tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday traveled to the Sumy region in the northeast, visiting cities that have seen intense fighting since Russia invaded the country a year ago. The region is next to the enemy. The threat is constant. The shelling of our border is constant. But life, our people are obviously stronger than any fears, Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. Zelenskyy spoke with city officials and residents in Okhtyrka and Trostyanets, towns that have seen fierce fighting. Trostyanets was under Russian control shortly after the invasion but freed by Ukrainian troops on March 26, 2022, The Associated Press reported. He also traveled to an undisclosed location near the Russian border and spoke with border guards. I also had a special conversation with the Head of the Border Guard Service. We talked about the defense of Sumy and our other regions, about strengthening the border guards who, together with all the defense forces, are fighting on the frontline, Zelenskyy said. Bad weather Tuesday led Ukraines power grid operator, Ukrenergo, to shut down electricity in eight regions in the country. Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said on national television that the network could meet consumer needs in the next few months provided power plants damaged in Russian attacks were repaired in good time, Reuters reported. "The Ukrainian energy system is part of the European system. That means we have the opportunity to import power if we don't have enough of our own," Kudrytskyi said, according to Interfax Ukraine news agency. "It is important to carry on with repairs, particularly on those energy units at thermal and hydroelectric stations that were damaged to be able to mobilize resources to the maximum and get through the winter properly." A deal to secure the safety of Europes largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine could be close, although final details have yet to be agreed upon by Russian and Ukrainian officials, Rafael Mariano Grossi, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Tuesday. Grossi told reporters he met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and would "most probably" head to Russia in the coming days to try to finalize an agreement to protect the nuclear plant at Zaporizhzhia. Fierce fighting for months near the facility has international officials worried about a nuclear disaster, with the potential for radiation spreading far beyond the immediate war zone. "There is an increased level of combat, active combat" near the power plant, Grossi said. "My teams there report daily about the attacks, the sound of heavy weaponry. This is practically constant." Grossi has long called for a protection zone to be created around the plant, which is very near the front line of the war. But no agreement has been reached. "It is a zone of extreme volatility. So, the negotiations are, of course, affected by the ongoing military operations," Grossi said. "I would not characterize the process for the last few months as one that has not led to any progress." Grossi said he has maintained a professional dialogue with both Russian and Ukrainian officials as he seeks a deal "to ensure ... that there is no radiological accident, major catastrophic accident, in Europe." "I think it's close," he said of the possibility of a deal. "Obviously, obviously, I need a political commitment, political decision. And in this case, what I want to stress is that what they would be agreeing is on the protection of the plant. They are not agreeing with each other. They are agreeing with the IAEA. They are agreeing with nuclear safety and security. This is a very important element which I believe should be taken into consideration." He said any such agreement would be limited to protection of the nuclear plant, not aimed at securing a broader cease-fire. "What we are doing, the way we are presenting things is as a series of principles or commitments that the IAEA presents and everybody would be able to support," he said. "So, in my opinion this should make an agreement possible, not impossible, not utopian, not something for which we should be waiting for months and months on end." Because of the fighting, he said, "I think the principle here is to avoid an accident, and the possibility of having it is increasing. This is a matter of fact." New Russian attacks kill three Ukraines presidential office said at least three civilians were killed and 43 others wounded in the latest Russian attacks involving drones, gliding bombs and heavy artillery. Most of the attacks were in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian shelling hit 12 towns and villages. The southern city of Kherson was also targeted. Russia has continued its long-range bombardment of Ukraine with Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones. But Kyiv said it shot down 14 of the 15 drones Moscows forces launched Monday night. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister reversed an unpopular decision made by his office to delay the start of daylight saving time by a month, saying Monday the Cabinet decided to implement the change in two days. Najib Mikati's comments came after the government's initial decision earlier this month was widely criticized around the country with many, including the country's largest church, saying they will not abide by the decision. "The new daylight saving time will start at midnight Wednesday," Mikati said after a Cabinet meeting that only discussed the issue. With some institutions implementing the change while others refused, many Lebanese found themselves in the position of juggling work and school schedules in different time zones in a country that is just 88 kilometers (55 miles) at its widest point. Last week, the government said it will delay the start of daylight saving time by a month until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. That led to mass confusion in a country already experiencing the worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history. In some cases, the debate took on a sectarian nature, with many Christian politicians and institutions, including the small nation's largest church, the Maronite Church, rejecting the move. The small Mediterranean country normally sets its clocks forward an hour on the last Sunday in March, which aligns with most European countries. However, on Thursday, the government announced a decision by Mikati to push the start of daylight saving to April 21. Just days after an explosive device detonated on Lenin Artiedas computer, injuring him, the journalist was back in the newsroom, refusing to let the incident keep him from working. The main political interviewer for the Ecuavisa television channel was one of five journalists who received letter bombs last week. The attack is the latest in a wave of violence directed at the media in the South American country. All the targets in the letter bomb campaign were high-profile television and radio journalists. The Ecuadorean prosecutors office has opened an investigation into what it terms a crime of terrorism but did not say why it believed the media offices were targeted. Organizations that document violations against media and advocate for a safer environment say they are troubled by the attacks. Cesar Ricaurte, executive director of the media freedom group Fundamedios, described it as a worrying development. These were designed to send a very strong message of disrespect for the media, he told VOA. Ricaurte said that journalists are coming under increasing pressure in Ecuador. His organization documented a record 352 verbal, physical and legal threats made to 441 reporters. For Artieda, he said the package containing the explosives had seemed legitimate at first. I received a pen drive with a piece of paper which said it contained information about corruption in the government of Correa, he said referring to former President Rafael Correa. It had a name and an address, so it seemed OK. When I put it in my computer, it exploded, cutting my face and injuring my right hand slightly. The bomb squad said only 50% of the explosives went off. If all of it had gone off, I would have suffered serious injury. Though he sustained only minor injuries, he and his family have been left with mental scars, he acknowledged. It could have been worse. My family and friends have been scared. But this will not put me off doing my work, providing information for the people of Ecuador, he said. When he spoke with VOA days after the attack, Artieda was already back in his office. He declined to speculate on who might be behind the campaign, saying, That is a job for the police and the legal authorities. Radio journalist Miguel Rivadeneira, who was also targeted, said he believes he had a lucky escape. The device sent to Rivadeneira, who is director of news for radio station Ecuadoradio, failed to explode. The police told me that as I plugged it into a radio which has a lower electrical charge it failed to explode, whereas a colleague plugged a pen drive impregnated with explosives into a computer and it went off, he told VOA. Rivadeneira conducts political interviews for the radio station and writes a newspaper column for El Comercio newspaper. We are being targeted by people on the margins of the law who are allied with the opposition. The government wants to uphold the law, he said. We are trying to conduct responsible and reliable journalism, but some people do not respect that. Rivadeneira said his country was also increasingly coming under pressure from drug traffickers. His radio station had been critical of former President Correa, like other media that were targeted. Correa was granted asylum in Belgium after he was convicted in absentia of graft and sentenced to eight years in prison. The Ecuadorean prosecutors office is leading the investigation into the media attacks and says it has identified a suspect, according to reports. The suspect has not been named and authorities have not said whether the person has been detained or why it believed the journalists were targeted. Juan Zapata, the interior minister, disclosed that the envelopes were sent from Quimsaloma, a town in the coastal province of Los Rios. Three were sent to Guayaquil, a crime-ridden city, and two to the capital, Quito. There is an absolutely clear message to silence journalists, Zapata said. The device was the same in all five places, he told journalists. Envelopes containing USB sticks were delivered to Artieda, Rivadeneira, Mauricio Ayora of TC Television, and Milton Perez of Teleamazonas. Police said the USB drive sent to Artieda could have been loaded with RDX, a military type of explosive. Another package was sent to journalist Carlos Vera, who has worked for TC Television channel, but it was intercepted by the police at a courier company in Guayaquil and did not reach its target, police said. In the letter bomb addressed to Teleamazonas, a note contained information about Correismo, which is a political movement named after Correa. The Ecuadorean government said in a statement that it categorically rejects any form of violence perpetrated against journalists and media outlets. It added that any attempt to intimidate journalism and freedom of expression is repugnant. With attacks on media overall on the rise in the country, Ricaurte of Fundamedios said he wants a strong response from the state and more protection for the media. He added that some cases involving media killings are still unresolved, adding, "Another journalist is missing. Ecuador, which is sandwiched between Colombia and Peru seen as the worlds biggest cocaine producers has become a focus of the global drug trade in recent years, according to the research group Insight Crime. Guayaquil, where some of the bombs were mailed to, is one of the most violent cities, with frequent clashes among rival drugs gangs over smuggling routes, Agence France Press reported. Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso has declared war on the gangs. The groups control the illicit trade from prisons which are also engulfed in violence and riots that have claimed the lives of more than 400 inmates since 2021, according to the AFP. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders notes that journalists in the country are working in a climate of growing danger. Journalists regularly report receiving death threats. Last year, the RTS TV station came under gunfire attack, and in 2020 a bomb exploded at the entrance to the Teleamazonas broadcaster in Guayaquil. Some information for this report is from Agence France-Presse. U.N. investigators have accused Libyan state security forces and armed militia groups of committing a wide array of crimes with impunity, many of which could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The three-member U.N. Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya on Monday presented its final report on what it called "the country's deteriorating human rights situation" since the beginning of 2016. And the picture it paints is not pretty. The investigation has documented numerous cases of arbitrary detention, murder, rape, enslavement, extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance. Despite the gravity of these crimes, the investigators noted that nearly all the survivors interviewed refrained from lodging official complaints "out of fear of reprisals, arrest, extortion and a lack of confidence in the justice system." Mohamed Auajjar, chair of the Libya Fact-Finding Mission, said the body found "overwhelming evidence that migrants have been systematically tortured while in detention and that sexual slavery, a crime against humanity, was committed against migrants." Factual evidence gathered by the U.N. investigators found that state institutions, groups, and individuals were involved in the commission of violations and abuses. The mission found that crimes against humanity were committed against migrants in places of detention under the actual or nominal control of the Libyan Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, the Libyan coast guard and other entities. Auajjar said, "These entities received technical, logistic and monetary support from the European Union and its member states." Chaloka Beyani, a member of the mission, added that "the support given by the E.U. to the Libyan coast guard in terms of fallbacks, pushbacks and interceptions lead to violations of certain human rights." "Non-refoulement, for example you cannot push back people to areas that are unsafe," he said, "and the Libyan waters are unsafe for embarkations of migrants quite clearly." The ongoing systemic widespread character of the crimes documented by the mission strongly suggests that individuals and officials of security and military agencies at all levels of the hierarchy and affiliated militias are implicated. "The violations and abuses investigated by the mission were connected primarily to a reconsolidation of power and wealth by militias and other state-affiliated groups through, for instance, the misappropriation of public funds," said Auajjar. "It is beyond question that significant revenue arising from the widescale exploitation of vulnerable irregular migrants incentivized the continuation of the violations documented." The mission has undertaken 13 field trips to Libya since it was established by the U.N. human rights council in June 2020. It has interviewed more than 400 survivors and witnesses and collected more than 2,800 items of information. More than 670,000 migrants from over 41 countries were present in Libya when the mission began its investigation and these numbers have been increasing since 2021. The International Organization for Migration reports around 5,000 migrants are held in official detention centers, though it believes that number is greatly underestimated. The number of migrants detained in secret facilities run by armed militia groups is unknown. Many of the migrants, who include asylum seekers and refugees, come from West and East Africa and from lands as far away as Afghanistan. Beyani notes smuggling and trafficking of migrants has become a huge money-making industry in Libya. He said geography largely determines which migrants are likely to be kidnapped and held for ransom. "So, those coming from East Africa, for example, attract a fairer price in terms of smuggling and trafficking than those coming from West Africa. "The perception is that perhaps they have a lot more money in this regard," he added. The report said there are reasonable grounds to believe migrants "were enslaved in official detention centers as well as 'secret prisons,' and that rape as a crime against humanity was committed." It said detainees were subjected regularly to torture, solitary confinement, held incommunicado and denied adequate access to water, food, toilets, medical care and other essentials. It also deplored the systematic discrimination of women in Libya, saying that their situation has markedly deteriorated over the past three years. The mission is calling for ending impunity through criminal accountability on the international and local level and recommends supporting the Libyan judiciary to strengthen its capacity for accountability. The investigators are calling for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained in Libya and for secret prisons to be dismantled. It stressed that perpetrators of gross human rights violations must be held accountable for their crimes. The report will be submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council later this week. Authorities in Malawi have deployed excavators to help locate dead bodies believed to be trapped under the rubble after Cyclone Freddy destroyed houses two weeks ago. The cyclone, which also hit Mozambique and Madagascar, killed nearly 600 people in Malawi and left over 500,000 people homeless. Charles Kalemba, Malawis commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, said besides finding bodies, the work would help clarify what was happening with cyclone damage. He told state radio Tuesday the move to use excavators follows reports from communities that blood is oozing on top of the rubble of destroyed houses. Those reports are not true, he said. What we have noted is that actually its not blood, Kalemba said. The water is drying and because it was stagnant, normally you have green algae or red algae, so this is red algae. Rashid White is a traditional leader for Nkulinga village, which was heavily affected by mudslide in the Blantyre. He told VOA that he believes many more bodies remain buried under the rubble because most of the people in his area remain missing. Government statistics show that Cyclone Freddy has so far killed nearly 600 people with over 500 others still missing. Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera had earlier asked authorities to ensure that the missing are accounted for. Police had earlier used sniffer dogs which helped to locate dead bodies of people buried under the rubble. Casper Chalera, deputy inspector general of police responsible for operations, said he was trying to partner with the Malawi Defense Force in the search. In some of the areas, we need actually an excavator so that we can actually sift through those rubbles, he said, maybe come up with anything that we can find. Cyclone Freddy has also displaced hundreds of thousands of people in southern Malawi who are now sheltered in over 500 evacuation camps. In the meantime, search and rescue operations continue in southern Malawi by aircraft provided by various countries to rescue those trapped in hard-to-reach areas. HANOI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam will raise the fare caps on domestic airlines that have remained unchanged since 2015 by an average 3.75 percent in the second half of this year, local newspaper Vietnam News reported on Tuesday. The Ministry of Transport plans to impose a new ceiling on one-way ticket prices based on the flying distance. Accordingly, flights of 1,280 kilometers and above in distance are subject to the biggest hike of 6.67 percent to 4 million Vietnamese dong (170 U.S. dollars). The fare cap on flights from 1,000 to 1,280 kilometers is about to rise 6.25 percent to 3.4 million dong. Hikes of 3.58 percent and 2.25 percent will be applied to flying distances from 850 to 1,000 kilometers and from 500 to 850 kilometers, respectively. Meanwhile, no changes will be made to ticket prices for flights under 500 kilometers. The move is expected to raise the overall annual consumer price index by 0.07 percentage points, according to the General Statistics Office. Local airline executives kept calling for the government to remove price caps on domestic airfares, saying that they have been struggling to make profits amid surges in fuel prices, staff salaries, aircraft rentals expenses and costs of exchange rate volatility, said Ho Ngoc Yen Phuong, vice president of budget carrier VietJet. The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam said high fuel costs, the single biggest line of airlines' operating expenses, are eating away at domestic airlines' profitability. The country's flag carrier Vietnam Airlines reported a loss of 10.09 trillion Vietnamese dong (428 million dollars) in 2022, blaming higher jet fuel prices and a weakened domestic currency. Industry experts and economists argued that with the removal of airfare caps, competition would be set to increase, especially in the busy routes. The aviation authorities have proposed no airfare caps on flying routes with three carriers or more for better services while the maximum limit may continue on the monopoly routes. Health officials in Mozambique are set to hold a massive cholera vaccination campaign in Quelimane, a city hit hard by Cyclone Freddy earlier this month. The director of health in Zambezia province, Blayton Caetano, told state radio Tuesday that the two-week vaccination drive is aimed at bringing down the soaring number of cholera cases in the aftermath of the historic storm. Quelimane suffered significant damage when long-running Cyclone Freddy passed over Mozambique a second time this month, killing 19 people in all and forcing 50,000 others into temporary housing. Caetano said that as a precaution, everyone in the city will be vaccinated. Caetano says, "we are ready to start the vaccination campaign and I think that in 24 or 48 hours we will start a vaccination process for cholera with greater focus on the city of Quelimane. He says, vaccination criteria is that all Quelimane residents with or without cholera, including those of us in this room, we are going to vaccinate against cholera so that in two weeks we can start registering the reduction of cholera cases. In a recent media statement, the U.N. childrens fund, UNICEF, said that as of March 18, nearly 10,000 cases of cholera had been reported across Mozambique, more than tripling case reports since early February. On Tuesday, Mozambique received 1.7 million doses of cholera vaccine, obtained by UNICEF, to start the vaccination campaign. The Ministry of Health said in a statement that the newly arrived doses are intended for the cities of Quelimane in Zambezia province, Chimoio in Manica province and Beira and Marromeu in Sofala province. Quelimane, in particular, recorded a significant increase in cases, a situation caused by floods and the destruction of the water supply network by Cyclone Freddy. Due to the lack of drinking water in the taps, in recent days thousands of Quelimane residents have been traveling in vehicles or on foot with buckets and other containers, looking for alternatives. Most people consume water from wells, which may be contaminated. Health authorities have warned that the stock of water purifiers is running out and recommend that those who have money buy the product from private sellers instead of waiting for free distribution. At the same, Mozambique has to deal with a humanitarian crisis in the north, where the government is fighting an Islamist insurgency. An estimated 2 million people need assistance there. The Webb Space Telescope has found no evidence of an atmosphere at one of the seven rocky, Earth-sized planets orbiting another star. Scientists said Monday that doesn't bode well for the rest of the planets in this solar system, some of which are in the sweet spot for harboring water and potentially life. "This is not necessarily a bust" for the other planets, Massachusetts Institute of Technology astrophysicist Sara Seager, who wasn't part of the study, said in an email. "But we will have to wait and see." The Trappist solar system a rarity with seven planets about the size of our own has enticed astronomers ever since they spotted it just 40 light-years away. That's close by cosmic standards; a light-year is about 5.8 trillion miles. Three of the seven planets are in their star's habitable zone, making this star system even more alluring. The NASA-led team reported little if any atmosphere exists at the innermost planet. Results were published Monday in the journal Nature. The lack of an atmosphere would mean no water and no protection from cosmic rays, said lead researcher Thomas Greene of NASA's Ames Research Center. As for the other planets orbiting the small, feeble Trappist star, "I would have been more optimistic about the others" having atmospheres if this one had, Greene said in an email. If rocky planets orbiting ultracool red dwarf stars like this one "do turn out to be a bust, we will have to wait for Earths around sun-like stars, which could be a long wait," said MIT's Seager. Because the Trappist system's innermost planet is bombarded by solar radiation four times as much as Earth gets from our sun it's possible that extra energy is why there's no atmosphere, Greene noted. His team found temperatures there hitting 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) on the side of the planet constantly facing its star. By using Webb the largest and most powerful telescope ever sent into space the U.S. and French scientists were able to measure the change in brightness as the innermost planet moved behind its star and estimate how much infrared light was emitted from the planet. The change in brightness was minuscule since the Trappist star is more than 1,000 times brighter than this planet, and so Webb's detection of it "is itself a major milestone," the European Space Agency said. More observations are planned not only of this planet, but the others in the Trappist system. Looking at this particular planet in another wavelength could uncover an atmosphere much thinner than our own, although it seems unlikely it could survive, said Taylor Bell of the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, who was part of the study. Further research could still uncover an atmosphere of sorts, even if it's not exactly like what's seen on Earth, said Michael Gillon of the University of Liege in Belgium who was part of the team that discovered the first three Trappist planets in 2016. He did not take part in the latest study. "With rocky exoplanets, we are in uncharted territory" since scientists' understanding is based on the four rocky planets of our solar system, Gillon said in an email. Launched in late 2021 to an observation post 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) away, Webb is considered the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, orbiting Earth for more than three decades. In the past, Hubble and the Spitzer Space Telescope scoured the Trappist system for atmospheres, but without definitive results. "It is just the beginning, and what we can learn with the inner planets is going to be different from what we can learn from the other ones," MIT's Julien de Wit, who was not involved in the study, said in an email. North Korea unveiled new, smaller nuclear warheads and vowed to produce more weapons-grade nuclear material to expand its arsenal, state media said Tuesday, as a U.S. aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea for military drills. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency released photos of the warheads, dubbed Hwasan-31s. Leader Kim Jong Un visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and inspected new tactical nuclear weapons and technology for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles, as well as nuclear counterattack operation plans, KCNA said. Nuclear experts said the images could indicate progress in miniaturizing warheads that are powerful yet small enough to mount on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the United States. "It has something more powerful in a smaller space. That's worrisome," said Kune Y. Suh, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering at Seoul National University, comparing the new warheads with the 2016 version. Kim Dong-yup, a former South Korean naval officer who teaches at Kyungnam University, said the images appeared to show "a miniaturized, lightweight and standardized warhead" intended for use with at least eight delivery platforms listed in posters on the wall, including missiles fired from submarines. "Now that the delivery vehicles are nearly ready, they would churn out warheads to secure second-strike capabilities perhaps hundreds, not dozens while running centrifuges even harder to get weapons-grade nuclear material," he said. Kim Jong Un ordered the production of weapons-grade materials to boost its nuclear arsenal "exponentially" and produce powerful weapons, KCNA said. He said the enemy of the country's nuclear forces was not a specific state or group but "war and nuclear disaster themselves," and the policy of expanding the arsenal was solely for defensive purposes and regional peace and stability. US exercises In Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States remained willing to discuss verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but that North Korea had shown no desire for such talks. "So we will continue to make sure that we have the appropriate military capabilities and the appropriate readiness to use those capabilities, if need be, to protect our national security interests and those of our allies," he said, referring to large-scale military exercises underway with South Korea. Kim was also briefed on an IT-based, integrated nuclear weapon management system called Haekbangashoe, which means "nuclear trigger," whose accuracy, reliability and security were verified during the simulation of a nuclear counterattack, KCNA said. North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles on Monday and conducted a nuclear counterattack simulation last week against the U.S. and South Korea, which it accused of rehearsing an invasion. A commentary in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the U.S.-South Korea military exercises amounted to "an open declaration of war." KCNA said the North Korean military simulated a nuclear airburst with two tactical ballistic missiles equipped with mock warheads and tested a nuclear-capable underwater attack drone. It said the Haeil-1 drone reached a target in waters off the northeast coast after cruising along a "jagged and oval" 600 km course for more than 41 hours. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Pyongyang did not deserve "a single penny" of economic aid while pursuing nuclear development, his spokesman said. A South Korean military spokesman said additional analysis would be needed to verify whether North Korea's new warheads were deployable. He said the report on the underwater drone was most likely "exaggerated and fabricated." Carrier strike group On Tuesday, a U.S. carrier strike group led by the Nimitz docked at South Korea's Busan naval base after joint drills. It was the carrier's first visit in nearly six years and coincided with the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. South Korean Rear Admiral Kim Ji-hoon said the joint exercises were intended to improve U.S. extended deterrence a reference to the U.S. nuclear umbrella protecting its ally given the evolving North Korean threat. The strike group commander, Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, said his ships were prepared for any contingency. "We don't seek conflicts with [North Korea]. We seek peace and security. We're not going to be coerced, we're not going to be bullied and we're not going anywhere," he told reporters. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wants his country to increase production of weapons-grade nuclear materials as the North conducts more and more tests of its military arsenal. Kim made the call Monday during a meeting with scientists from the Norths nuclear weapons institute, according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency. He urged the scientists to increase production of material for nuclear weapons in order to exponentially expand the countrys nuclear arsenal. The KCNA report was accompanied by photos showing Kim inspecting various warheads, including a row of snub-nosed warheads dubbed Hwasan-31 which means volcano in Korean. One of the photos showed diagrams on the wall in the background which showed how the warheads could be mounted on different types of missiles. North Korea has conducted a series of short-range missile launches in recent days as South Korea and U.S. forces conducted a joint military exercise that Pyongyang views as preparation for an invasion of the North. KCNA also reported Monday that the military had carried out a successful test of a new underwater attack drone, plus tests of ballistic missiles that carried mock nuclear warheads. The reports of the new tests occurred just hours before the nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its battle group held joint drills with South Korean warships off the coast of the southern island of Jeju. South Koreas Yonhap news agency said Tuesday that President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed that Seoul will not provide any financial aid to Pyongyang while it continues developing its nuclear weapons program. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Protesters gathered underneath Rio de Janeiro's famed Sugarloaf Mountain earlier this week to protest construction of four cable lines that will carry tourists over the surrounding forest. The cables, commonly known as zip lines, will carry individuals connected to them by safety harnesses at least 755 meters over the forest to the nearby peak of Urca Hill at speeds of 100 kilometers an hour. But demonstrators who gathered near Sugarloaf Mountain Sunday say the zip lines will cause environmental damage to the mountain and the surrounding area. Opponents are also concerned the zip lines will lead to an expansion of the visitors center at Sugarloafs summit. An online petition against the zip lines has collected more than 11,000 signatures. Sugarloaf, known in Portuguese as Pao de Acucar, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each who take cable cars to the peak to take in breathtaking views of Rios famed beaches and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. UNESCO ((the U.N.s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)) named Sugarloaf a World Heritage Site in 2012. Parque Bondinho, the company that operates the 110-year-old cable car system, is installing the four zip lines. It says the lines will have limited impact on the environment, even as it brings in even more tourists to Rio. The company says it has obtained all necessary permits for the project. The zip lines are scheduled to be completed by the middle of this year. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse. With an International Criminal Court arrest warrant out for Vladimir Putin, South Africa is weighing what to do if the Russian president accepts an earlier invitation to attend an August summit in the country. The court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader on March 17 for war crimes involving the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. South Africa is a signatory to the ICC's Rome Statute that obligates countries to execute the court's international arrest warrants. But Pretoria is also a close ally with Moscow and has refrained from criticizing Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine going as far as holding bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year and hosting Russian war ships in February for joint military exercises. Naledi Pandor, South Africa's minister for international relations, told local radio station SAfm in an interview that the government was awaiting a refreshed legal opinion on the matter and would then consider its options. "It is a difficult situation, but, you know, I think that the Cabinet needs to discuss this," she said. "Once I have the opinion I will take it to Cabinet, so our actions will be guided by the overall views of government." However, the minister demurred on the possibility of withdrawing Putin's invitation to the summit of the group of emerging economic powers known as BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. South Africa is due to host a summit of the bloc's leaders this August. Moscow has not yet confirmed whether Putin will attend in person. Pandor also criticized the ICC for not having what she called an "evenhanded approach" to all leaders responsible for abuses of international law, and for focusing on some states rather than others. But Darren Bergman, shadow minister for international relations with South Africa's main opposition party the Democratic Alliance, said the government must stick by its ICC commitments. "The Democratic Alliance believes that the Cabinet should not be extending the invitation any more to President Putin and therefore should withdraw that invitation," he said. "If they do not, they should be ready to effect the warrant of arrest on President Putin." Steven Gruzd, a Russia analyst at the South African Institute for International Affairs, told VOA there are a number of routes the government could take. It could dodge the issue by making the BRICS summit virtual, withdraw from the court entirely, or, most likely, he said, they could try looking for some sort of diplomatic immunity for Putin as a sitting head of state. "We've seen this dilemma before," he said. "In 2015, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan came to South Africa for the African Union Summit and South Africa was ordered to arrest him. There was a local court order. But this was ignored and defied, and he was allowed to escape from a military base." Lunga Ngqengelele, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation told VOA the Cabinet would likely discuss the matter this week. The political party led by Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to face automatic dissolution by the military-appointed election commission on midnight Tuesday because it declined to register for a planned general election it denounced as a sham. Critics say the polls will be neither free nor fair in a country ruled by the military that has shut free media and arrested most of the leaders of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. "We absolutely do not accept that an election will be held at a time when many political leaders and political activists have been arrested and the people are being tortured by the military," said Bo Bo Oo, a former party lawmaker. Suu Kyi, 77, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military. Her supporters say the charges were contrived to keep her from actively taking part in politics. The party won a landslide victory in the November 2020 general election, but less than three months later, the army kept her and all the elected lawmakers from taking their seats in Parliament, and top members of her government and party were detained. The army said it acted because of a massive poll fraud, though independent election observers did not find any major irregularities. Some critics of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the takeover and is now Myanmar's top leader, believe he acted because the vote thwarted his own political ambitions. No date has been set for the new polls. They had been expected by the end of July, according to the army's own plans. But in February, the military announced an unexpected six-month extension of its state of emergency, delaying the possible legal date for holding an election. It said security could not be assured. The military does not control large swaths of the country, where it faces widespread armed resistance to its rule. "Amid the state oppression following the 2021 coup, no election can be credible, especially when much of the population sees a vote as a cynical attempt to supplant the landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in 2020," said a report issued Tuesday by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think tank. "The polls will almost certainly intensify the post-coup conflict, as the regime seeks to force them through, and resistance groups seek to disrupt them." The military government enacted a new political party registration law in January that makes it difficult for opposition groups to mount a serious challenge to its favored candidates. It sets conditions such as minimum levels of membership and candidates and offices that any party without the backing of the army and its cronies would find hard to meet, especially in the repressive political atmosphere. The new law declared that existing political parties had to re-apply for registration with the election commission within two months after it took effect by March 28 and those that fail will be "automatically invalidated" and considered dissolved. It also says the party has to entrust its properties to the government if it is dissolved of its own volition or when its registration is canceled under the law. The National League for Democracy rejected the law just days after it was announced, saying at the same time that the military-planned polls are illegal and amount to a "sham election." It declared that any individuals and entities cooperating in the polls with the military will be deemed as accomplices in high treason. Bo Bo Oo said that a March 21 meeting of the party's Central Working Committee reaffirmed the decision not to register and considers the election commission and registration law illegitimate. The state-run Myanma Alinn daily newspaper reported on Saturday that a total of 52 political parties had applied to the election commission for registration under the new law. Twelve applied to contest at the national level and 40 at the level of regions and states. The commission must approve their applications. An ongoing effort by many within the Republican Party to reframe the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as an act of patriotism reached a peak, of sorts, during former President Donald Trumps first large-scale reelection campaign rally last weekend. At the beginning of his appearance, Trump stood on the stage with his hand over his heart, as speakers blared out a version of the national anthem recorded by a choir made up of people convicted of various charges related to the attack. On a screen behind the president, images of the Capitol during the Jan. 6 assault were displayed to a cheering crowd. The song, recorded by the J6 Prison Choir, features Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance over the music, and concludes with chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A.!, which were echoed by the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people who came to see Trump at the outdoor event in Waco, Texas, on Saturday. In his remarks, Trump railed against what he described as the weaponization of law enforcement against him and his supporters. He pledged that if he is reelected in 2024, You will be vindicated and proud and the thugs and criminals who are corrupting our justice system will be defeated, discredited and totally disgraced. Change of tune The veneration of the attack on display at the Trump rally shows how far some segments of the GOP have come in the more than two years after a violent mob stormed the Capitol in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Bidens election victory in 2020. In the immediate aftermath of the assault, condemnation of the attack was bipartisan, with some Republicans including current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy blaming Trump for inciting the crowd. In the intervening two years, however, many in the GOP have simply gone silent on the issue, while others have actively worked to rewrite the narrative, downplaying the violence of the day and claiming that the law enforcement effort to charge perpetrators amounts to political persecution. More recently, efforts have been made to characterize the events of that day as fundamentally peaceful. McCarthy made thousands of hours of video taken on the grounds of the Capitol on Jan. 6 available to conservative Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who selectively aired segments on his program that suggested the protests were nonviolent. Detached from reality In reality, while not all Jan. 6 participants resorted to violence, videos of the event taken by participants, law enforcement and news organizations captured the raw brutality of the assault, which took place over the course of several hours. Demonstrators used chemical sprays and improvised weapons to break through police barricades, forcing bloodied law enforcement officers to fall back from the onslaught. The attack left dozens of police officers injured, some severely. At least five people died during the assault or in its aftermath. Several hours into the assault, President Trump urged his supporters to peacefully exit the Capitol. He has since denied inciting the protesters to violence. Kurt Braddock, an assistant professor of communication at American University who researches the language extremist groups use to radicalize their audiences, said that in some respects the way Trump is rewriting history is typical. It does not strike me as terribly surprising, he told VOA in an email exchange. One of the cornerstones of Trump's communication strategy has been to deny objective reality and to replace it with one that benefits him. That seems to be what he is doing here. Braddock added, I think it is simply an extension of what he has been doing for six or seven years now recasting an incriminating history such that he is a patriotic hero rather than someone responsible for an attack against the U.S. itself. Unfortunately, his followers are more than happy to accept the reality he creates. Echoes of fascism Experts on the topic of extremism and political violence said that the Trump movements embrace of the attack and valorization of its perpetrators has disturbing historical parallels. Its classic fascism, said Jason Stanley, a professor of philosophy at Yale University and the author of the book How Fascism Works. Stanley pointed out that a foundational moment in the development of the Nazi Party in Germany was a failed coup in 1923, known as the Beer Hall Putsch. In a violent confrontation with police, 16 Nazis were killed. They would later be venerated by the party as blood martyrs, and the date of the coup attempt in which they participated was celebrated annually. It's all very textbook, Stanley told VOA. You take the people who are trying to overthrow the government, in a violent putsch for the fascist leader, and you make them into heroes. They're your Stormtroopers. That's the thing about history it instructs. Trumps limited success Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and an expert on political violence, told VOA that while Trumps effort to celebrate the Jan. 6 attack is troubling, it remains important to retain perspective. The former president, she said, has called for other protests to take place over his possible indictment in New York on charges that he illegally used campaign funds to buy the silence of an adult film star who claims the two had an affair. Few protests have occurred, Kleinfeld noted, and a recent rally to support him in New York, organized by the Young Republicans, attracted more reporters than participants. Like other populist leaders, Kleinfeld said, Trump craves the media spotlight. She said it is important that the media be judicious about the kind of coverage it provides. We've seen that in a lot of other countries where populist authoritarians come back, or that style of leadership comes back because the media finds more fun, frankly, and gets more viewership than normal, boring politicians, she said. We're seeing that in America, too. But of course, he is normalizing violence and other Republican Party members are not calling him out for it. So that part is real. Braddock, of American University, said that Trumps apparent approval of the violence on January 6 might result in more attacks in the future. When violence is championed by a leader that people admire, it becomes normalized, Braddock wrote. That is, people begin to think that violence is not only something that's acceptable, but expected. That is the real danger; when his followers think that he would approve of their actions, it becomes more likely that they will engage in that action. He is creating an atmosphere where past attacks are retroactively justified, increasing the chances of future attacks. Waco history Trumps choice of Waco as the site of his rally on Saturday was a clear, if not necessarily intentional, callback to a moment many in the far right in the U.S. consider important for their movement. The town was the site of a 1993 standoff between federal law enforcement agencies and a religious sect known as the Branch Davidians. A gun battle and subsequent multiweek siege of the groups compound ended with a massive assault on the compound, which triggered a devastating fire. The events in Waco ended in the death of four federal agents and 82 Branch Davidians. The siege has become a touchstone for the hard right in the U.S., held up as an example of the excessive power of the federal government. The U.N. human rights office is calling for justice and accountability for victims of enforced disappearance and abductions by North Korea, which has engaged in the illegal practice since 1950. A report issued by the U.N. office Tuesday describes the suffering of families across multiple generations who have had to bury their sorrow in silence, without compensation and acknowledgement by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) government. The testimonies from this report demonstrate that entire generations of families have lived with the grief of not knowing the fate of spouses, parents, children, and siblings, said Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights. Enforced disappearance is a profound violation of many rights at once, and responsibility lies with the State, he said. A 2014 report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the DPRK found that the systematic and widespread nature of the abductions and enforced disappearances in that country constituted crimes against humanity. The new U.N. report is based on interviews conducted in Seoul, South Korea with 38 male and 42 female victims of abduction and enforced disappearance, including relatives of forcibly disappeared people. Survivors and witnesses spoke about the psychological and emotional impact these violations have had on their lives, and they described the trauma of having their lives ripped apart by these state-sponsored abductions and of not knowing the whereabouts and fate of their loved ones. One witness, Kim Nam Joo, the son of Korean War abductee Kim Jung Ki, said Only when I learn what kind of life my father led after his abduction will I feel any better. So that is my utmost priority. Another witness, Kim Jae Jo, whose father Kim Ki Jung was abducted during the Korean War, said he could not sleep thinking about what happened to his father. The confirmation of his fate is the most important, he said. I want his fate to be confirmed. If he has passed away, Id like his remains to be returned. The 55-page report, entitled These wounds do not heal, details violations between 1950 and 2016. However, Marta Hurtado, the high commissioners spokeswoman noted that enforced disappearance is an ongoing crime. We fear that this practice continues currently with people inside the countrynationals that are arbitrarily detained and disappeared. They quite often are sent to prisons without their relatives being informed of their fate, she said. The report recounts enforced disappearance and abductions of foreign nationals both during and after the Korean War, which occurred between 1950 and 1953. It said nearly 100,000 South Korean nationals are estimated to have been abducted during the Korean War. After the war, North Korea abducted 3,835 people from the Republic of Korea. Most eventually were returned, but the South Korean government reports 516 people were not. Another category of abductees includes foreigners, mainly Japanese nationals, mostly descendants of Korean nationals. Marta Hurtado said some of the Japanese were lured to North Korea with the promise of a better life and once they arrived voluntarily to North Korea, they were not allowed to go back, she said. They are considered as enforced disappeared. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that it continues to receive reliable information from former inmates about the ongoing existence of political prison camps. It says that some of these escapees requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation against their families who remain in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. In the 2014 report on North Korea, Michael Kirby, chair of the U.N. commission of inquiry described the governments sponsored abductions and disappearances of people from other nations as unique in their intensity, scale, and nature. U.N. rights chief Turk said he was determined to engage with the North Korean government to resolve well-documented human rights issues. Now is the time for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea to move away from isolation and work with the U.N. to find solutions to human rights issuesincluding the long-standing issue of enforced disappearance and abduction, he said. Victims have the right to truth and to justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. Hibatullah Akhundzada is officially referred to as the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, commander of the faithful, and scholar of the Quran and the hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). His words, written or spoken, are high law and strictly enforced by a regime that does not have a constitution or limits on the unchecked powers of its supreme leader. Except for some senior Taliban officials who claim to have seen him in person, Akhundzada, believed to be in his 70s, is an enigma to Afghans and the world because there is no information about the man who rules Afghanistan without being seen, elected or accountable to anyone. A photo of a man with a long black beard and wearing a white turban, believed to have been taken in 1990 for a passport, is the only image of Akhundzada circulating in the media. But it has never been officially confirmed as authentic. This month, Akhundzada, who reportedly resides in Kandahar province, issued an edict banning the distribution and sale of public lands except under his order, effectively undermining the entire state bureaucracy for land management in the capital, Kabul. From appointing ministers and judges to selecting district administrators, Akhundzada decides everything in the Taliban regime. If or when the Taliban will allow girls to return to secondary school and women to work are issues that will be resolved only at Akhundzadas behest. First, he is fearful of Allah, Shahabudin Dilawar, the Talibans minister of mines, told an Afghan reporter about the special characteristics of Akhundzada. Second, he knows the hadiths. He is [an] interpreter of the Quran. He is a faqih [jurist in Islamic law]. ... In this previous jihad, his own son did [a] martyrdom [suicide] attack while he was emir. The identity of Akhundzadas young son who carried out the attack remains unknown to the public, as is information about the rest of his family. He is said to have two wives and 11 children, though there is no official denial or confirmation of this rumor. Legitimacy Like his two predecessors, Akhundzada was declared emir by a small, all-male council of Taliban clerics. That occurred in 2016 after Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, the second Taliban emir, was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan. The Taliban maintain that the councils selection of the emir secured his public legitimacy under the Islamic term of bayah [pledge of allegiance]. In the past, Muslim jurists said that through bayah, an emir or caliph had to seek the approval of his constituency, according to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, an Islamic jurist and president of the Cordoba House in New York. Today, many modern jurists consider a democratic election to be an equivalent of a bayah, Rauf told VOA. In addition to a bayah, an emir should meet other conditions. He has to be just, and he has to be pious, said Rauf. In the absence of a written framework of Taliban governance, it is unclear how long the emir can stay in power, how and whether he can be replaced, and whether he can pick his own successor. Lacking international recognition, even among majority Muslim countries, Akhundzadas regime is also defied by Afghans inside and outside the country as authoritarian and illegitimate. When challenged with the opinion that the regime lacks electoral legitimacy, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told a BBC reporter this month that not every country holds elections, and Afghanistan is just one among them. Authoritarian rule North Korea, Syria and Saudi Arabia are often reported as the most authoritarian regimes in the world, where autocratic leaders rule with unchecked power. Akhundzada has no less power than the leaders of these three countries, but he has one main distinction: his unique style of operation. He is like a ghost, a lecturer at Kabul University, who did not want to be identified out of concern for his personal security, told VOA. Why he does not appear in public is a million-dollar question. But something is definitely wrong. Invisibility of the emir is exclusive to the Taliban. By shutting schools and universities for women, suppressing the free press, criminalizing political dissidence and isolating the country from the international arena, Akhundzada is largely mirroring leaders of other authoritarian regimes. It is really important for them to keep their own people ignorant of the better lives that people elsewhere may have. And it is also an absolute requirement that they keep their people believing in an external, existential threat, Peter Harms, a professor of management at the University of Alabama, told VOA. Under the Taliban, Afghanistan has been plunged deeper into poverty, with more than half of its estimated 38 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Nearly all Afghans rate their lives on a par with suffering, according to a Gallup poll published in December 2022. Taliban leaders often brag about bringing peace and security to a war-torn Afghanistan. As an armed insurgency, the Taliban were blamed for perpetrating thousands of security incidents suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings annually from 2002 to August 2021, when they regained power. Many people seem willing to trade their freedoms for safety, said Harms, describing the nature of autocratic regimes. The Talibans return to power, after almost two decades of an internationalized democratization in Afghanistan, is not an exceptional case. Around the world, authoritarian regimes are expanding their grip. Only 20% of the worlds population lives in free societies, while 39% lives in societies where civic and political freedoms are curtailed at varying levels, according to the nonprofit Freedom House in Washington. Authoritarian regimes have become more effective at co-opting and circumventing the norms and institutions meant to support basic rights and liberties, Cathryn Grothe, a research analyst for Middle East and North Africa at Freedom House, told VOA in written answers. In Akhundzadas Afghanistan, such institutions the national human rights commission, electoral bodies and parliament have already been dissolved indefinitely. Cambodia Airways flight KR991, the airline's first direct flight between Phnom Penh and Beijing, is given a water salute at the Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, China, March 27, 2023. Cambodia Airways has launched its first direct flight between Phnom Penh and Beijing, aiming to meet rising travel demand between the two destinations, the airline operator said in a press release on Tuesday. (Cambodia Airways/Handout via Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia Airways has launched its first direct flight between Phnom Penh and Beijing, aiming to meet rising travel demand between the two destinations, the airline operator said in a press release on Tuesday. An inaugural flight KR991 landed at Beijing Daxing International Airport on Monday, the press release said, adding that the first flight KR991, operated by an Airbus-A320 aircraft, departed from Phnom Penh International Airport in the morning and landed at Beijing Daxing International Airport in the afternoon. On the same day, the return flight KR992 departed from Beijing in the afternoon and arrived in Phnom Penh in the evening, it added. "Prior to the departure, Cambodia Airways was determined to make the trip memorable for our passengers by preparing some special souvenirs to be distributed at the boarding gate," the press release said. Cambodia Airways is offering a three-times-a-week service, scheduled regularly on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the press release said. "The opening of this new route is expected to strengthen trade, investment, culture and tourism ties between the two cities," Simon Xu, commercial director of Cambodia Airways, told Xinhua. "We hope that this new route will help bring more Chinese tourists, business people and investors to Cambodia," he said. Several airlines have recently resumed direct flights between Cambodian and Chinese cities after the world's second largest economy optimized its anti-COVID-19 strategy and resumed its outbound group tours earlier this year. The United States expressed concern Monday about the strengthening of ties between Russia and Iran. It should be a concern for countries not just neighboring Russia and Iran, but the world broadly, deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a briefing. We have seen the havoc caused by Iranian-made drones that Russia has unleashed on Kyiv, targeting energy and civilian infrastructure, so of course this relationship is one that we are paying close attention to, Patel added. Russia has used Iranian-made Shahed drones to carry out widespread aerial attacks on Ukraine during its full-scale invasion. The tactic, which includes crashing the drones into targets, led Ukrainian officials to ask for anti-drone missiles to knock them out of the sky. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter, that at the same time as the expansion of military cooperation between Iran and Russia, the Russian government is helping Iran achieve advanced digital surveillance capabilities. The United States will not back away from its nearly eight-year deployment to Syria, where it is battling the remnants of Islamic State, despite attacks on U.S. forces there last week by an Iran-backed militia, the White House said on Monday. A one-way attack drone struck a U.S. base in Syria on March 23, killing an American contractor, injuring another and wounding five U.S. troops. That triggered U.S. retaliatory air strikes and exchanges of fire that a Syrian war monitoring group said killed three Syrian troops, 11 Syrian fighters in pro-government militias and five non-Syrian fighters who were aligned with the government. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said he was not aware of any additional attacks over the past 36 hours but cautioned, "We're going to stay vigilant." Kirby also referred to President Joe Biden's remarks on Friday, in which Biden warned Iran that the United States would act forcefully to protect Americans. "There's been no change in the U.S. footprint in Syria as a result of what happened the last few days," Kirby said, adding the mission against Islamic State would continue. "We're not going to be deterred ... by these attacks from these militant groups." Syria's Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned U.S. strikes, saying Washington had lied about what was targeted and pledging to "end the American occupation" of its territory. Iran's Foreign Ministry also condemned the strikes, accusing U.S. forces of targeting "civilian sites." U.S. forces first deployed into Syria during the Obama administration's campaign against Islamic State, partnering with a Kurdish-led group called the Syrian Democratic Forces. There are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria, most of them in the east. Prior to the latest spate of attacks, U.S. troops in Syria had been attacked by Iranian-backed groups about 78 times since the beginning of 2021, according to the U.S. military. Iran has been a major backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad during Syria's 12-year conflict. Iran's proxy militias, including the Lebanese group Hezbollah and pro-Tehran Iraqi groups, hold sway in swathes of eastern, southern and northern Syria and in suburbs around the capital, Damascus. Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who led a delegation of the Belarusian opposition to Washington, spoke to VOAs Russian Service on Saturday about the democratic movement in her country and the war in Ukraine. Tsikhanouskaya fled Belarus after facing President Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential elections that drew mass protests over allegations of electoral fraud. Lukashenko, who won a new term, has long denied the fraud allegations. Earlier this month, a court in Belarus sentenced Tsikhanouskaya to 15 years in prison after a trial in absentia on charges including conspiring to overthrow the government, the latest move in a monthslong effort by the Belarusian government to suppress dissent. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. VOA: Just over a year ago, the world was expressing support and solidarity with Belarussians who fought for their freedom. Now many people call Belarus a co-aggressor. How much does it complicate the lives of ordinary people and your life as a national leader? Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: It took us a while after the beginning of the war [in Ukraine] to explain to the world that the Belarusian people and the Belarusian regime are two different things; that the Belarusian regime became an accomplice in this war, and all those who are responsible have to bear responsibility for this. The Belarusian people oppose this war, they are on the side of Ukraine, and it's necessary to put as much political and economic pressure as possible on the regime. Our nation, our people despite the huge level of repression inside the country try to support the Ukrainians as much as we can. We saw acts of sabotage of our partisans on railways, blowing up a Russian surveillance airplane, acts of disobedience, putting Ukrainian flags in Belarus. It all cost a lot. People are being detained every day in Belarus for their anti-regime and anti-war position. But participation of the regime in this war doesn't make our nation a participant. It is also very important to distinguish Belarusian people from Russians, because 86% of Belarusians are against the participation of Belarus in the war, and you will never see these Z or V signs [pro-Russia symbols] on our streets. We consider Ukrainians a close nation and we are facing actually the same enemy: the imperialistic ambitions of Russia. And we have to fight together. VOA: You called [President Alexander] Lukashenko a puppet of Putin. How does it affect the future policies of Belarus? Is the very independence of the country at stake? Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: We are fighting for freedom, sovereignty and independence of Belarus. Belarusian people have made their choice back in 2020. We are against the regime, and now after the beginning of the war, this geopolitical choice of Belarusians became evident. Belarusians feel themselves as part of the European family of countries. Now Russia is connected with war and poverty; the West [with] peace and security. People want our beloved Belarus to be a prosperous, safe country, a good ally and partner for our neighbors. This is what we are fighting for. Belarusians don't see their future with the imperialistic Russia. I think all the deals that are made between Lukashenko and Putin for these two years shouldnt be recognized as legitimate and should be overlooked. So, there is no future of any democratic and free country with such Russia. VOA: What is the possibility of Belarus entering full-scale war with Ukraine in the future? Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: So, here again we must distinguish between the regime and Belarus as it is. The Belarusian regime has already become a full accomplice in this war. Lukashenko and his cronies have provided our territorial infrastructure to Russia, from which the Russian army can attack Ukraine. And they have to be made accountable for this. A special tribunal has to be opened against Lukashenko and all those who have been participating. Lukashenko has to be recognized as a sponsor of terrorism. But Belarusian people, the Belarusian army are against this war. And if at the beginning of the war there were more chances for the Belarusian army to participate in the war because of the huge tension in the region, it has now become evident that Belarusian soldiers don't want to fight with Ukrainians. They don't want to kill or to be killed for Lukashenko and Putin. So, I see this scenario of participation of the Belarusian army as minimal. But again, the Belarusian land can be used at any moment for launching missiles or attacking Ukraine again. It is Lukashenko who must bear responsibility for this. Amnesty International says in 2022, authorities across the world deployed various tactics to silence peaceful dissent. In its latest Human Rights Report, Amnesty International said in Africa, journalists, human rights defenders and political opposition also faced repression including in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal and Zimbabwe. Crackdowns on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly intensified as authorities used national security or Covid-19 as a pretext to ban, suppress or violently disperse protests. In Guinea, judicial proceedings have been launched against activists for protesting against transitional authorities, which have imposed a total ban on demonstrations since May. The deaths of scores of protesters were reported and attributed to excessive use of force by security forces in Chad, DRC, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan, among other countries. In many countries, political opponents, activists, bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders were or remained arbitrarily detained in 2022 simply for exercising their freedom of expression, said Amnesty International. In Cameroon, more than 100 people from the Anglophone regions or supporters of the main opposition party are detained for expressing their opinion. In Zimbabwe, senior opposition leader Job Sikhala remains in detention after he was arrested in June 2022, even though he has not been convicted of any crime. Media outlets were suspended or subjected to heavy fines, including in Mali, Togo and Senegal for disseminating or publishing information critical of the regimes. Technology was weaponized against many, to silence, prevent public assembly or disinform. In response to growing threats to the right to protest, Amnesty International launched a global campaign in 2022 to confront states intensifying efforts to erode the fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly. As part of this campaign the organization calls for the adoption of a Torture-Free Trade Treaty banning the production and trade in inherently abusive law enforcement equipment and controlling the trade in law enforcement equipment often used for torture or other ill-treatment. Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. TUESDAY, March 28, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have discovered that two drugs might be better than one for women who have advanced endometrial cancer. Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy or a monoclonal antibody at the same time helped these patients live longer without their cancer progressing, especially those who had a specific type of endometrial cancer known as a mismatch repair-deficient tumor. "We found a profound improvement," Dr. Carol Aghajanian, a medical oncologist specializing in gynecologic cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, who was senior study author on one of the reports, told NBC News. The findings from the two studies were published March 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine and simultaneously presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology in Tampa, Fla. "This is going to drastically change the conversation" with patients "probably as of tomorrow," Dr. David O'Malley, a gynecologic oncologist with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, told NBC News. Chemotherapy is typically used to treat women with this cancer, and immunotherapy is only approved as a second-line treatment. But in one study, researchers led by Aghajanian found that adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to a standard chemotherapy regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel cut the risk of advanced or recurrent cancer returning by up to 70%. The improvement was an average of 13.1 months before the disease progressed in women who received the combination treatment, compared to 8.7 months for those on chemotherapy alone. In women who had a mismatch repair-deficient tumor, those in the chemo-only group averaged 7.6 months before their cancer progressed, while those who got chemo plus immunotherapy were doing so well a year later that not enough showed tumor progression for researchers to determine how long the additional benefits might last. "Patients with either advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer dont have a lot of great treatment opportunities," Dr. Pamela Soliman, a gynecologic oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston who was not involved in the new studies, told NBC News. "This is really practice-changing." Regulators are now reviewing the new data, Aghajanian said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration would need to change its guidance on immunotherapy before it could be widely used to treat late-stage endometrial cancer, NBC News reported. In the second study, researchers combined chemotherapy with a monoclonal antibody called dostarlimab (Jemperli). Compared to women treated with chemotherapy alone, that treatment reduced cancers return by up to 61% for up to two years, depending on tumor type. About 66,200 cases of endometrial cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. And more than 13,000 women will die of the disease. The cancer is typically detected after symptoms begin (such as irregular vaginal bleeding) because women are not screened for the disease. The rate of new endometrial cancer is growing about 0.6% annually, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute. "Endometrial cancer is one of the few cancers that is rising, increasing in mortality in the United States," said Aghajanian. "Unfortunately, very few treatments have been developed specifically for it." More information The American Cancer Society has more on endometrial cancer. SOURCE: NBC News By Mark Waghorn via SWNS The time chemotherapy drugs are administered influences how well they fight cancer, according to new research. Some work better during the day and others at night, scientists said. The phenomenon could lead to personalized treatments. It also has implications for tumor growth - and diagnosis. Most living organisms animals, plants, fungi and even bacteria have an internal, or circadian, clock. It orchestrates the biochemical, physiological and behavioral functions in each cell according to a 24-hour cycle. The rhythms don't just govern sleeping schedules. They also impact development of disease. Corresponding author Professor Nicola Aceto, of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, said: "The circadian rhythm governs most of the cellular functions implicated in cancer progression, and therefore its exploitation opens new promising directions in the fight against metastasis." Stopping spread, or metastasis, is the 'Holy Grail' of cancer research - turning it from a fatal to a chronic disease. Our circadian rhythms help synchronize gene expression, immune function and cell repair. Disruptions by erratic sleep, jet lag or shift work have been linked to life-threatening illnesses - including cancer. They can also fuel the migration of cells - leading to the formation of secondary tumors that often kill. For the process to occur, cells need to break away from the primary site, enter the bloodstream and infiltrate another organ. Studies have shown the rate at which this happens oscillates throughout the day. But the timing differs between cancer types. For example, breast cancer is more likely to spread at night while we are asleep, whereas prostate cancer and multiple myeloma peak at other points during the day. Leveraging this information would enable chemo and immunotherapies to be administered at the optimal hour - a practice known as chronotherapy. Prof. Aceto said: "Circadian rhythm-based metastasis formation should be seen as an opportunity to intervene in the most timely and effective way. "Chronotherapy holds promise to be a valuable alternative treatment option in the fight against cancer." Clinical trials have shown chronotherapy also reduces severity of side effects experienced by patients - and impacts success. The researchers cited a recent study in which survival rates almost doubled in melanoma patients given immunotherapeutic drugs before 4:30 p.m. This was compared to those who received the treatment later in the day. The best timing varies for different cancer types and therapeutics. The clinical benefits of chronotherapy might also be affected by factors such as the patient's sex and genetic background. Knowledge of the circadian rhythms of cancer cells could also aid cancer diagnosis. Cancer cells produce proteins at different rates throughout the day. Some of these proteins are used as diagnostic molecular markers. We could decrease the chances of misdiagnosing a patient by collecting and testing biopsies at the time of the day when the concentration of these proteins is highest. Added Dr. Aceto: "More mechanistic understanding of these processes will be required to fully unleash its potential on the clinical side. "Defining the circadian-rhythm-controlled timing of proliferation and release of circulating tumor cells into the bloodstream in additional cancer types may help to identify the optimal time window for therapy administration." The study is in the journal Cell Biology. Jonathan Majors was charged with multiple misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment after his arrest on Saturday (03.25.23). The 33-year-old actor was arrested in New York City over the weekend, and documents obtained from the Manhattan District Attorney's office - which have been seen by PEOPLE - show that he was charged with three counts of assault in the third degree. Majors was also charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree, harassment in the second degree, and three counts of attempted assault in the third degree. The alleged victim told police officers that they were struck "with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear". What's more, they accused Majors of causing "bruising and substantial pain". Despite this, Majors' lawyer said on Sunday that she expects her client to be cleared "imminently". Priya Chaudhry, Majors' criminal defense lawyer, claimed that "all charges will be dropped" in the case. She told PEOPLE: "We are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently. "This evidence includes video footage from the vehicle where this episode took place, witness testimony from the driver and others who both saw and heard the episode, and most importantly, two written statements from the woman recanting these allegations." The New York Police Department released a statement following Majors' arrest. The statement read: "On Saturday, March 25, 2023 at approximately 1114 hours, police responded to 911 call inside of an apartment located in the vicinity of West 22nd Street and 8th Avenue, within the confines of the 10 Precinct. "A preliminary investigation determined that a 33-year-old male was involved in a domestic dispute with a 30-year-old female. The victim informed police she was assaulted. "Officers placed the 33-year-old male into custody without incident. The victim sustained minor injuries to her head and neck and was removed to an area hospital in stable condition." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the actor has already insisted that he's "done nothing wrong". The representative said: "He has done nothing wrong. We look forward to clearing his name and clearing this up." BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Zambry Abd Kadir will visit China from March 28 to 29, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Tuesday. ST. PAUL, Minn. The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that the agency will undertake 188 road and bridge projects statewide during the 2020 season to help maintain the states roads and bridges, improve safety and support construction jobs across the state. Some of the projects have already begun and others such as the work on Hwy 5 around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are proceeding ahead of schedule in light of the reduced traffic volumes in Minnesota due to statewide efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, MnDOT will work on another 66 projects to make improvements to airports, ports, transit and railroads that are outside of the state road construction program. It is critical that MnDOT continue its work to maintain and improve our states transportation infrastructure, said Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. A safe, reliable and multimodal transportation system is essential to keeping our state running in times of crisis. MnDOT construction projects will continue as scheduled and within the guidance set by state and federal health officials to prevent further spread of COVID-19. We are especially grateful to our employees and partners in labor and the private sector for working together and prioritizing safety for workers on project sites. Governor Tim Walz provided an exemption for workers engaged in roadway construction, maintenance and utility projects in the Stay at Home Executive Order 20-20. 2020 road and bridge construction An interactive map of the full 2020 construction program can be found at mndot.gov/construction. This years program features a number of projects in the Twin Cities metro area, including: Hwy 5 around the airport Resurface Hwy 5 and ramps from Mississippi River to I-494 I-94 Nicollet to 280 Resurface I-94 and ramps between Nicollet Avenue and Hwy 280, add traffic management system and improve accessibility I-35 Harris/Rush City Resurface more than 8 miles between Harris and the Chisago/Pine County line, update drainage and improve safety I-35W MnPASS North Construct MnPASS Express Lane between CR C in Roseville and Lexington Avenue in Blaine, repave I-35W and ramps, repair and replace several bridges and install seven noise walls Greater Minnesota will also see significant work this summer, including: West central (MnDOT District 4) Hwy 210 west of Fergus Falls Reconstruct from west of I-94 to just east of the Otter Tail/Wilkin county line; resurface with concrete, widen shoulder on west end of project, construct turn/bypass lanes, truck inspection lane and install snow fence Hwy 28, 29, 114 Starbuck Complete streets reconstruction in Starbuck; resurface, replace utilities, improve pedestrian accessibility and construct multi-use trail Hwy 28 Chokio to Morris Resurface approximately 13 miles from Chokio to Morris; replace culverts, install snow fence near Morris; improve pedestrian accessibility in Chokio Hwy 55 bridge replacement Replace bridge over the Pomme de Terre River near Barrett Northeast (MnDOT District 1) Hwy 61 Grand Marais Reconstruct and resurface Hwy 61 from Cutface Creek to Hwy 14 through Grand Marais, including accessibility and drainage improvements Hwy 61 Grand Portage Resurface Hwy 61 from Reservation Bay Road to the Canadian border Hwy 53/11 International Falls Reconstruct Hwy 53 from Crescent Drive to 4th Street and Hwy 11 from Hwy 71 to Hwy 53 in International Falls Northwest (MnDOT District 2) Hwy 1 and Hwy 32 Between MnDOT, County, City and the Watershed there are eight different projects happening in the vicinity of Thief River Falls. MnDOT has coordinated with each of the agencies in order to limit the overall impacts through staging and shared detours. Hwy 72 in Baudette Replace the International Bridge; this multi-year project will see the new bridge open later this summer. The old bridge will then be demolished and removed. Hwy 2 Resurface between Bena and Ball Club, and construct new multi-use trail in Bena to improve pedestrian safety Hwy 200 near Laporte Reconstruct and raise grade in order to improve safety and reduce flooding impacts Central (MnDOT District 3) I-94 Maple Grove to Clearwater Resurface road, replace/construct bridges, add lanes and improve access along 39 miles of I-94 Hwy 10 Wadena Reconstruct Hwy 10 from Birch Avenue to east of County Road 4 in the city of Wadena; includes sidewalks, accesses and utilities Hwy 47 Isle to Ogilvie Reconstruct 22 miles of road surface, improve road access and update drainage between Hwy 27/47 in Isle and Hwy 23 in Ogilvie. Replace two bridges near Ann Lake Hwy 24 Annandale Reconstruct from Hwy 55 to Poplar Avenue in Annandale; includes pedestrian sidewalks and city utilities Southeast (MnDOT District 6) Hwy 14 Expand Hwy 14 to four lanes between Owatonna and Dodge Center Hwy 61 Lake City Reconstruct Hwy 61 through Lake City Hwy 63/I-90 interchange Replace Hwy 63 bridges; build or reconstruct two I-90 off ramps south of Rochester I-90 Austin Resurface eastbound I-90 with concrete from Freeborn CR 46 to Hwy 105 in Austin South central (MnDOT District 7) I-90 Fairmont Resurface 16 miles of eastbound I-90 from Hwy 15 in Fairmont to the Blue Earth River Hwy 22/Hwy 111 Nicollet to Gaylord Resurface 19 miles, construct snow fence in problem area, perform utility work in Nicollet Hwy 71 Jackson to Windom/Windom to Hwy 30 Resurface and replace bridge Southwest (MnDOT District 8) Hwy 23 Cottonwood to Granite Falls Resurface with concrete 18 miles from Cottonwood to Granite Falls; realign Lyon CR 9 intersection in Cottonwood and construct several left-turn lanes Hwy 15 Hutchinson Reconstruct downtown Main Street from 2nd Ave N to 5th Ave S; improve lighting and pedestrian accessibility; update city utilities; resurface Hwy 15 from 5th Ave S to CR 115 Hwy 12/Hwy 40 Willmar Wye Realign Hwy 12 and reconstruct Hwy 40 on the west side of Willmar; construct two roundabouts; construct a new rail line Hwy 12 Litchfield Reconstruct Hwy 12 in downtown Litchfield; improve lighting and pedestrian accessibility; update city utilities For a complete list of projects by highway, visit mndot.gov/roadwork/current.html. Project page information includes construction schedule, traffic impacts, maps, benefits and costs. Motorists can stay informed about projects and other transportation topics by connecting to MnDOT via social media, as well as by signing up to receive email updates at mndot.gov. Motorists may encounter lane closures or lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, equipment and other unexpected obstacles when driving near or through work zones. MnDOT advises motorists to: Check 511mn.org for up-to-date information about traffic and road conditions Expect delays, especially during peak travel times Minimize distractions (e.g., dont use cell phones or eat or drink while driving) Follow posted speed limits; fines are up to $300 in work zones Avoid making lane changes within work zones Photo: Apple TV+ If theres one upcoming film that has us looking like Charlie Day with a giant board of red confusion, its not Barbie (although thats up there). Its Martin Scorseses upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon. Scorseses first film since 2019s The Irishman, the film is an adaptation of David Granns nonfiction book titled Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, which was released in 2017. It is directed by Scorsese with a script written by Scorsese and the perennially Oscar-nominated Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, A Star Is Born, Dune). The film is produced by Paramount and Apple, and is a smaller scale film with a reported budget of over $200 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Despite being produced by Apple, the film will have a theatrical release before being released on its streamer, where Timmy Chalamet will no doubt catch it. Below, everything you need to know about the upcoming film ahead of its murderous debut. Whats it about? Based on the aforementioned nonfiction book, Killers of the Flower Moon follows the mysterious murders of members of the Osage Tribe in Oklahoma. Osage people were killed due to the oil deposits found on their land, which courts ruled they were to receive the profits from. At the time, the FBI was newly formed and investigating the murders, and cattleman William Hale was eventually convicted of the murders. According to THR, the original script included a good (white) guy character as the lead who has since been revised as a man torn between love and Hale, his uncle. Whos in it? As you might expect from a Scorsese film, Killers of the Flower Moon has a stacked cast. The lead character will be played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who helped Scorsese revise the script. William Hale is set to be played by newcomer Robert De Niro. Other big names include recent Oscar winner Brendan Fraser and Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons, as well as Indigenous actress Lily Gladstone (First Cow). When can I see it? The film will first premiere on October 6 before going into wide release in theaters on October 20. Given that it is produced by Apple, it will likely hit streaming soon after, although the official date is not confirmed. Also, if you happen to be vacationing in France this summer, the film is officially debuting at the Cannes Film Festival May 20 at the Grand Theatre Lumiere. Hurry, find a wall for Post-its and maps covered in red string. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The Gumshoe who puts Carmen Sandiego behind bars figures out where Mike White is setting The White Lotus season 3 will get a free trip anywhere in the lower 48 states! Okay, no they wont. But theyll get to feel smug online, which is almost as good as a vacation. The White Lotuss Italian summer ended with several bangs, both figurative and literal. And season 3 has already been greenlit by HBO. Fans want to know which luxe destination will be getting the ugly American satire treatment next. The first season we highlighted money and then the second season is sex, creator Mike White said in the HBO post mortem. I think the third season, it would be maybe a kind of satirical and funny look at death in Eastern religion and spirituality, it feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. So are we looking at Asia? Perhaps. Variety reports that season three will allegedly take place in Thailand, a country with plenty of tourists seeking spiritual healing (and several Four Seasons resorts available to film at.) HBO has declined to comment on season threes final destination, so there are still infinite possibilities for future settings. The internet has a particular wish for The White Lotus season 3, and its based on aesthetics alone. Two words: apres ski. TikTok is awash with The White Lotus ski lodge dream casts. Maybe White can blend the two ideas together. Base camp at Mt. Everest, perhaps? white lotus and knives out are in a race against time to claim ski lodge as their third location clare (@claresrey) November 28, 2022 SEOUL, March 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea on Tuesday expressed regret over Japan's history-distorting textbooks as it hinders the right perception of history in Japan's future generations. The South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement that the government expresses deep regret over the Japanese government's approval of primary school textbooks following the unreasonable claims, which Japan has made for the past decades. The ministry noted that it strongly protests, in particular, against Tokyo's approval of textbooks containing the unfair claims to Dokdo, called Takeshima in Japan, which the ministry said is the country's unique territory historically, geographically and according to international law. Dokdo is a couple of rocky islets lying halfway between South Korea and Japan, which were forcibly incorporated into the Imperial Japan during its 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea restored its sovereignty over the islets after the peninsula's liberation from the colonization. Seoul has since maintained a small police detachment there. The South Korean ministry also expressed strong regret over the Japanese textbooks, which changed the expression and description related to Japan's wartime forced mobilization of South Korean workers in a bid to dilute the nature of its coercion. It added that the Japanese government should show more responsible behavior in educating its future generations while squarely facing history. MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Kremlin on Tuesday regretted the decision made by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to reject Russia's request for an independent investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. "We believe that everyone should be interested in an objective investigation involving all interested parties, all those, who can shed some light on the commissioners and perpetrators of this terrorist act. We consider this extremely important," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by local media as saying. Moscow strongly regrets that its initiative was not adopted, Peskov said, adding Russia "will do anything in its power to ... initiate such an international investigation." The UNSC on Monday rejected Russia's draft resolution that requested an international independent investigation into last year's Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions. In September 2022, a series of bombings and subsequent underwater gas leaks occurred on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The international community has since attempted to find the perpetrators and initiators of the attack. Update for UK licence holders in Italy. British citizens and UK licence holders living in Italy can exchange their licence for an Italian one, without the need to take a new driving test, from Thursday 30 March 2023. The news, confirmed by the British embassy in Rome on Monday, follows the landmark agreement on the exchange of driving licences reached between Italy and the UK last December. From 30 March, UK licence holders residing in Italy can make an appointment to begin the process of exchanging their driving licences at their local motorizzazione office. The documents required for the exchange are listed on the Italian transport ministry website under the section titled Richiesta conversione patente non comunitaria. We are very pleased to announce that the agreement on the exchange of driving licences will enter into force on 30 March 2023. Please refer to our Living in Guide for more info: https://t.co/B3AmCVt7lY Consult our Q&A on the exchange process: https://t.co/qR4KIWtpWo UK in Italy (@UKinItaly) March 27, 2023 "You dont have to do your licence exchange in the area where you live" - the British embassy points out - "If there are no appointments in your area, you should look in another region where there may be more availability." Motorists will be able to keep their UK driving licence until the new licence requested for exchange has been issued. Valid UK driving licences held by those who were resident in Italy on 31 December 2022 will be recognised until 31 December 2023 - the embassy states - while those who became resident in Italy after 31 December 2022 can use their valid UK licence for one year from the date they became a resident. Further details on the licence exchange process, including a Q&A section, are listed along with other useful information in the British embassy's Living in Italy guide. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The investment seemed virtually risk-free, guaranteeing hefty returns after only a short period of trading. By exploiting how Germany once taxed dividend payments, dozens of bankers, brokers and lawyers helped investors snatch billions of euros from the national treasury. A decade later prosecutors won their first convictions for tax crimes. In Germany alone, some 1,800 people are facing investigation in whats come to be called the Cum-Ex affair. Now French banks have been ensnared in a similar strategy known as Cum-Cum. 1. Whats a Cum-Ex trade? The trades exploited an interpretation of the tax code that appeared, at the time, to let multiple people claim ownership of the same stock and crucially the right to a refund of taxes withheld from dividends. The transactions relied on the sale of borrowed shares just before a company was scheduled to pay dividends. This enabled more than one investor to claim a refund on a tax that was paid only once, according to German authorities. The practice was named after the Latin terms cum/ex, meaning with/without, because the stock was sold with but delivered without a dividend payment. Advertisement 2. Why is it controversial? For years tax authorities granted the refunds despite having knowledge that the process could lead to multiple payouts. While there were several attempts to mend the practice, in 2007 lawmakers said tax officials had to tolerate occasional incidents. Law enforcement authorities, however, started to investigate a few years later, arguing that parliament had focused on the unintended side effects of legitimate transactions not trades set up deliberately to generate tax refunds. Prosecutors argue that people involved in the transactions knew they were double-dipping on the refunds. The practice ended in 2012 when Germany revamped how it collects dividend tax. Similar deals were being reviewed in Denmark and Belgium. 3. Whats a Cum-Cum trade? Cum-Ex developed out of Cum-Cum, a dividend arbitrage strategy where shareholders transferred stock for a short period to investors based abroad to avoid paying tax on dividends. Investors outside the country held shares during dividend payout day and were refunded the tax collected on dividends. Then they sold the securities back to the original owner. The amount saved this way was split between the parties involved. The practice has been done for decades as people considered it to be legal. While Cum-Cum didnt involve multiple refunds on a tax that was paid only once, it led to refunds that wouldnt have been refunded had the share been kept by the original owner. France opened investigations in late 2021 and on March 28 this year raided five banks as part of the probe. They may face 1 billion ($1.1 billion) in fines. Prosecutors in Cologne, Germany, are also looking into Cum-Cum. Advertisement 4. How much money is involved? According to investigative reporting platform Correctiv, Cum-Cum and Cum-Ex combined cost taxpayers globally 150 billion, including 36 billion in Germany and 33.4 in France. A trader in a German trial in 2019 testified that Cum-Ex was five to six times more profitable than Cum-Cum. 5. How wide are the investigations? At least half a dozen Cum-Ex probes were started in Germany, with one in Cologne being the broadest. Major banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays Plc, Bank of America Corp.s Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley have seen their Frankfurt offices raided. At Deutsche Bank AG alone, dozens of former and current employees were under investigation at one point, including five former board members. Its headquarters as well as the home of a former co-chief executive officer, Juergen Fitschen, were raided in October 2022. The banks say they are cooperating with prosecutors. Investigations were opened in other countries including Belgium and Denmark. As for Cum-Cum, the banks raided included Societe Generale SA, BNP Paribas SA, HSBC Holdings Plc, Natixis SA and BNPs Exane unit, according to the prosecutors office in Paris. Advertisement 6. Has anyone been charged and/or convicted? Yes. Former M.M. Warburg Chief Executive Christian Olearius in July 2022 became the first leading banker to be charged. A former colleague described as his right-hand man was convicted of aggravated tax evasion in 2021 and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. Hanno Berger, a German tax attorney, was sentenced to eight years after being extradited from Switzerland. Paul Mora, a former investment banker at UniCredit SpAs HVB unit from New Zealand, was placed in 2021 on Interpols Most-Wanted list. Executives linked to Duet Group, a London asset manager, were charged in Germany in September 2022. Four investment bankers at now defunct Maple Bank in November got terms of up to four years. The cases are likely to continue for years. 7. Whats the history? Advertisement According to a German parliamentary inquiry, Cum-Ex was first noticed by banks as early as the 1990s. A decade later, transactions were set up by traders at structured finance units of banks, mainly in London. Cum-Ex spread beyond the banking industry as some former bankers set up funds to allow wealthy individuals to take advantage of the loophole. Many investment banks across Europe and the US participated at some level: buying or selling stock, lending shares to the short seller, providing capital or acting as custodians. Germanys top criminal court in 2021 backed the probes, dubbing Cum-Ex trades a blatant money grab. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Its been called ridiculous, pointless, and one of the most meaningless and truly stupid benchmarks ever. In 2014, following Russias illegal annexation of Crimea, the NATO allies met in Wales and pledged a number. Member states would aim to move towards the 2% guideline within a decade. That is, they promised to spend at least that percentage of their GDP on defense by 2024. The convoluted and slippery wording aim to move toward should have been the giveaway. With most of the decade gone, only seven allies honored the pledge last year. Thats more than the three countries that exceeded the benchmark in 2014, but hardly impressive in a club of 30. That same year, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin attacked all of Ukraine and started threatening other countries in the region. And now hes escalating yet again, by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in his neighboring vassal state, Belarus. So Jens Stoltenberg, the alliances secretary general, intends to tweak the stupid, pointless and ridiculous rule at the NATO summit in Vilnius this July. Therell be no more aiming and moving toward. Instead, he wants to make 2% a floor and not a ceiling. Advertisement That raises a question. If 2% was stupid as a ceiling, why would it be less dumb as a floor? Critics of the benchmark say it makes no sense to measure inputs rather than outputs. What NATO wants is martial prowess. What some of its members would get is only more military bureaucracy, or weapons that dont work with other allies hardware, or gear thats actually useful for NATOs battle plans. Besides, why pick a percentage of GDP? Should countries lay off soldiers every time they enter recessions? Greece which keeps a relatively large army because its afraid of fellow NATO member Turkey has at times topped the 2% only because its economy shrank even faster than its military budget. Why not instead set the benchmark as, say, an amount per capita? That would propel Luxembourg, which has about 900 soldiers, from 29th place to a respectable 8th, because its a rich place with only about 640,000 people. Either way, its unlikely that the Grand Duchy better known for bankers than warriors will save us from Putin. By the way, one member Iceland has no army at all. Advertisement Granted, then: The 2% guideline is stupid. To emphasize that, however, is to miss the point. The benchmarks virtue is that its simple. And its necessity derives from the problem its meant to address: the massive free-riding by some members on others, and on one in particular. Its hardly a secret that the transatlantic alliance has the power to deter enemies only because it includes the Wests only superpower. Last year, the US accounted for 70% of NATOs combined military spending (but only 54% of its GDP). Allies such as Belgium and Portugal have long used this US dominance as a convenient excuse to hide behind the Americans. But the worst offender is surely Germany because, as NATOs second-largest economy, it could do so much more. Instead, Germany systematically defunded its army since the Cold War, even as it carried on a recklessly naive dalliance with Putin. Advertisement In theory, Putins invasion and nuclear saber-rattling has now, at long last, snapped the Germans out of their pacific illusions. Last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz enacted a special defense fund worth 100 billion euros ($107 billion), meant to top off Germanys future defense budgets. In practice, not a cent arrived from that fund in 2022, according to Eva Hoegl, the parliamentary commissioner for Germanys army. She blames the countrys Kafkaesque procurement bureaucracy. In any event, she thinks, the fund would need to be tripled to make a difference. At this rate, she says, itll take half a century to get the German army into fighting shape. In this context, an inane but simple guideline such as the 2% goal becomes a useful political tool. It keeps pressure on laggards such as Germany, and simultaneously aids their defense ministers in their domestic sparring with finance ministers and other cabinet members when the budget pie is sliced up. Simultaneously, it helps American legislators make the case to their own constituents that defending Europe is still worth it and that the folks across the pond are paying their share. Advertisement In that sense, the 2% guideline resembles other stupid measures that nonetheless make sense once you wrap your mind around the alternative, their absence. Does it make sense for the European Union to arbitrarily stipulate that member states shouldnt run budget deficits in excess of 3% of GDP or run up debts to more than 60%? Hardly. Unless the EU includes countries, such as Italy, with political and economic cultures that would otherwise abandon thrift entirely. NATOs guideline is daft. And Im glad the alliance has it. Since Putin started imagining hes Attila the Hun with nukes, weve understood that we need to arm to keep him away from us, and that we cant tolerate free-riding in the alliance any longer. Heres to 2%. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Putin Ups the Ante With Nukes in Belarus: Andreas Kluth Advertisement The West Cant Afford Hubris About Russias War in Ukraine: Max Hastings Getting Pummeled in War Is a 200-Year Russian Tradition: James Stavridis Want more Bloomberg Opinion? OPIN . Or you can subscribe to our daily newsletter. 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 Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share Giorgia Meloni, Italys hard-right prime minister, has gained a reputation in her first few months in office for moderating some of her most extreme positions from her time in opposition notably vitriolic euroskepticism and incendiary nativism to govern within European Union norms. But when it comes to cracking down on tax cheats and Italys giant black economy, shes going in the wrong direction. In an error-riddled speech to Parliament on March 15, Meloni promised a real fight against tax evasion. Her pursuit of evaders would replace measures, she insisted, that do not seem to have had any great effect. The sentiment was laudable but she didnt tell the truth. Last year, Italy brought in an additional 20 billion ($22 billion) from stepped-up measures against tax evasion, leading to its biggest-ever haul. That coincided with the zero tolerance stand of Mario Draghis government, which was helped by recent laws requiring companies to produce electronic invoices. Melonis government, which includes Berlusconis Forza Italia and the anti-immigrant League party, came to power on a promise of sweeping tax cuts. Its key pledge was to extend a flat-tax regime for the self-employed so that those with gross earnings of 85,000 could pay as little as 15%. The bet was that would encourage people to pay their share. What has economists fretting is the government proposal, which must be approved by parliament, gives priority to a cooperative approach that wont curb Italys chronic problem of tax evasion. Meloni is offering small firms and the self-employed the chance to agree in advance how much they should pay in taxes in the coming two years and allow them to decide whether they qualify for the 15% flat tax rate, without external verification. Advertisement Along with the absence of oversight, Melonis government is looking favorable for tax cheats in other ways. What is becoming clear is that Meloni has turned against an effective revenue-collection tool by pushing back against technological progress: That means cash is again king for Italys right wing. Meloni has gone out of her way to double down on cash, even as countries in northern Europe move towards a cashless society. One of Melonis first proposals was to raise the limit for cash payments to 5,000 from 2,000. Meloni also attempted to make it legal for business owners to refuse digital payments for transactions below 60 euros, but the European Commission balked at the idea. Whats more, her government included a tax amnesty in its first budget allowing tax evaders to bring back assets hidden outside Italy for no penalty which, in the words of one of the technocrats who left office shortly after Draghi, is going to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of anyone who did pay their taxes for the past decade. Advertisement Ideology plays a part here. Meloni has also said she is opposed to the idea of a cashless society because electronic finance is private enterprise and cash is state-owned. A recent study by pollster Ipsos showed three-quarters of center-right voters interviewed backed greater cash use. By profession, those in favor were overwhelmingly the self-employed, small-business owners, housewives and the unemployed, all categories whom studies have shown tend to support Meloni. Economists say tax evasion will give a short-term boost to the economy at a time when growth is slowing. Italy is expected to grow an insipid 0.8% this year, down from 3.9% in 2022, according to the EU. But, of course, lower revenue means less is available for hospitals, roads and schools, all areas that have seen dramatic crises in recent times due to lack of investment. It also allows employers to punish the weakest: from new hires to migrant workers. Advertisement Last but not least, it benefits organized crime. Michele Riccardi, an expert in transnational crime at think tank Transcrime in Milan, says repeated studies have shown most suspicious activity is related to cash use or cash smuggling. Cash facilitates the laundering of illicit funds because it is anonymous and cannot normally be traced, he says. The broader issue, of course, is that regardless of whether its due to idiocy, ideology or cynicism, making life easier for tax evaders and organized criminals sends Italy backwards. Melonis advocacy of cash has opened up a gulf with countries like Sweden, the UK and the Netherlands that are fast moving towards a cashless society, and also France where the limit on cash transactions is 1,000. Senior bankers say Italy will inevitably join the cashless revolution as younger Italians use electronic payment cards in greater numbers. But how many will stick around to do so, especially those with high earning and tax-paying potential? Italys national statistics office in collaboration with media group Il Sole 24 Ore last week provided new data on Italys young: 8% of university graduates emigrate, where they earn 41.8 % more than they earn in Italy. This wipes 1% off Italys annual gross domestic product, according to Istat data. Thats a cost Meloni can ill afford. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Can Meloni Learn From Berlusconis Failures?: Rachel Sanderson Sweden Ditching Cash Tells a Cautionary Tale: Lionel Laurent Got Change? Why Digital Cash Needs to Feel Real: Andy Mukherjee Want more from Bloomberg Opinion? OPIN . This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article The trend comes even as overall enrollment numbers rise at some historically Black colleges and universities. Howard, for example, has gained more than 3,000 students since 2016. But of those, just one of every six has been a man. German Leopard-2 tanks arrive in Ukraine 27 March, 10:15 PM Leopard 2 tank (Photo:REUTERS/Benjamin Westhoff) All 18 Leopard-2 tanks and about 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, previously pledged by Berlin, are already in Ukraine, German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on March 27. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov also posted photos of the recently arrived Western vehicles on Facebook. It was an honor for me today to test a new replenishment in our reinforced units together with the commander of the Airborne Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General Maxim Mike Myrohorodsky and our paratroopers, Reznikov wrote. Video of day Challengers from Britain, Strykers & Cougars from the United States, and Marders from Germany. A year ago, no one couldve thought that the support of our partners would be this strong. Reuters also reported that two armored recovery vehicles and three more Leopard tanks from Portugal arrived in Ukraine as well. On March 14, CNN reported that Ukrainian military personnel had almost completed their training on Leopard-2 main battle tanks and that Germany would soon be able to send them to Ukraine. A senior Bundeswehr spokesman said that the AFU troops trained from 12 to 14 hours a day, six days a week, for five weeks. On Jan. 25, after much hesitation, Germany approved the transfer of 14 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine and their re-export from partner countries. On the same day, the United States announced the delivery of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that the first tanks could be sent to Ukraine by the end of March. The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, said that a group of countries, including Germany, Poland, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, are working on transferring Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv needs 300-500 tanks to conduct a major offensive to liberate more Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation. 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 One of the worlds largest lithium producers has sparked a resurgence in dwindling lithium stocks after it lobbed an audacious $5.5 billion takeover bid at West Australias Liontown Resources, an offer the miners board has promptly rejected. New York-listed chemicals giant Albemarle said on Tuesday it would pay $2.50 a share for Liontown, valuing the company at $5.5 billion, after building a 2.2 per cent stake in the WA mining minnow through its subsidiary RT Lithium. Liontown called the timing of Albemarles bid opportunistic. Credit: Bloomberg The fresh bid Albemarle has taken two previous tilts at Liontown sent shares in the miner soaring 50 per cent in early trade to $2.26 before ending the day at $2.57, as investors digested details of the proposed buyout via a scheme of arrangement. The Liontown board and its advisers carefully considered the indicative proposal and unanimously determined that it substantially undervalues Liontown, and therefore is not in the best interests of shareholders, the company told the ASX in a statement. Germany to increase Ukraine military aid fivefold 28 March, 02:20 AM The flag of Germany (Photo:tvjoern / pixabay) The German government plans to increase its long-term military aid commitment to Ukraine fivefold, bringing it to more than EUR 15 billion ($16 billion), German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on March 27. Armed assistance to Ukraine is expanding significantly, the article said. It is noted that Germany wants to increase the cost of military assistance to Ukraine in the coming years. "Berlin wants to increase aid from EUR 3 to 15 billion," Der Spiegel adds. Read also: Another batch of military aid from Germany arrives in Ukraine On Jan. 25, after much hesitation, Germany approved the transfer of 14 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine and their re-export from partner countries. On the same day, the United States announced the delivery of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that the first tanks could be sent to Ukraine by the end of March. Video of day U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that a group of countries, including Germany, Poland, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, are working on transferring Leopard tanks to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Kyiv needs 300-500 tanks to conduct a major offensive and liberate Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation. 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 Australian Community Media will deal the latest blow to West Australian regional journalism in ceasing to print its remaining community newspapers in the South West. An industry insider told WAtoday the Augusta-Margaret River Mail, Bunbury Mail, Busselton-Dunsborough Mail and Mandurah Mail would be reduced to a digital publication serviced by a lone journalist. The Busselton-Dunsborough Mail, Bunbury Mail and Mandurah Mail are among the South West newspapers which are set to go online-only under ACM. A printing press that printed the ACM papers run by IVE is also set to close later in the year, which will impact a group of independent metro Perth newspapers known as the Perth Suburban Newspapers group, including The Post and Examiner Newspapers. Examiner Newspapers owner Tim Mayne said the company was exploring other options but he was optimistic for the papers future. Tank news, Russian nukes in Belarus, Moscow Patriarchate departure from Lavra approaching 28 March, 03:14 PM Your slice of the top headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Tuesday, March 28, 2023. German Leopard-2 tanks arrive in Ukraine All 18 Leopard-2 tanks and about 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles previously pledged by Berlin have arrived in Ukraine, German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on March 27. Ukrainian troops complete Challenger 2 tank training in UK Ukrainian crews have returned home after completing training in the United Kingdom on British tanks that are expected to be used in a counter-offensive against Russia, UK newspaper the Guardian reported on March 27. Video of day SBU detains Russian FSB agents in eastern Ukraine, including assistant to MP Ukraines SBU security service has neutralized a Russian FSB security service agent group that was preparing missile attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia facilities, the SBUs press service reported on Telegram on March 27. Ukraines central bank slams Raiffeisens proposed Russia exit strategy Ukraines central bank is concerned about Raiffeisen Bank International's strategy to exit the Russian market by swapping the assets of its Russian subsidiary for the sanctioned Sberbank in Austria, the regulator's press service told news agency Interfax-Ukraine on March 24. Resistance in Russian-occupied territories ramps up with explosions in Mariupol and Melitopol Explosions were heard in the Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Melitopol on the morning of March 27. No more dangerous money printing, says National Bank of Ukraine Ukraine will no longer return to dangerous money printing to cover state expenses, National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) chair Andriy Pyshnyi confirmed to the Financial Times on March 26. UOC-MP monks intend to remove everything but relics from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra After being ordered to vacate the premises, representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) plan to remove "everything but the relics" from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on March 27, citing a source among the clergy. Former 'Berkut' officer abuses kidnapped Ukrainian children A former member of Ukraines disgraced and dissolved Berkut special police, Valeriy Atakhov, abused abducted Ukrainian children in Crimea, Russian independent magazine the Insider claimed on March 26 after conducting a special investigation. 1.5 million Ukrainian children at risk of serious psychological problems Zelenskyy Over 1.5 million Ukrainian children are at risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems due to Russias brutal war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Hollywood star Orlando Bloom and the UNICEF team on March 26. Russias plans to move nukes to Belarus further involves it in military machine Polands MFA Russias plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is a step towards further involving Minsk in the military machine of the Russian Federation, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesperson ukasz Jasina told Polish media outlet RMF FM on March 26. 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 Qabil Ashirov Recent occurrences in the region - taking the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road under control by the Azerbaijani army as well as Iran's activity on the border with Azerbaijan indicate existence of the potential tension in the region. In order to clarify what might happen in the region, Azernews interviewed military expert Adalat Verdiyev. Q: First of all, thank you very much for taking your time to give us interview. Certainly, the liberation of the height with the conventional name of 2054 and the restoration of control over the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road will provide Azerbaijan advantages in many terms. The questions is - what would be the benefits of this road for Azerbaijan? Above all, the liberation of the 2054 height will prevent the transportation of weapons and other supplies from Armenia to Karabakh. Another advantage is that two soldiers of Azerbaijan were martyred on March 5 on the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road. Having this road under our control indicates that Azerbaijan takes revenge on its martyrs, and sooner or later the positions where Azerbaijani soldiers were fired upon will be under the control of the Azerbaijani army and the Azerbaijani flag will be raised there. Another advantage is that this peak is of an important strategic height, and a number of large areas around it are under full fire and visual control of Azerbaijan. Q. As is known, there are rumors in the Armenian media about the complete siege of Karabakh, which, in turn, paves the way for a humanitarian disaster. We would like to clarify something for both local and international audiences. Was Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road, which had been taken under Azerbaijani control, potentially closed? A. A humanitarian disaster in Karabakh is out of the question. For example, yesterday 31 vehicles belonging to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement left Khankendi for Armenia. What kind of humanitarian disaster can one talk about? If there is a humanitarian disaster in Karabakh, how did Ruben Vardanyan gain six kg? There is no humanitarian disaster. A humanitarian disaster is happening in Nakhchivan which is under siege for 31 years. We have taken control of the peak of the mountain located several hundred meters above the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turssu road. That is, Azerbaijan did not descend to the road. However, the road is in our palms, and in front of our eyes. No car or vehicle of an Armenian militant can move on that road. No illegal provision and supply can be done by using the road. In other words, the road is actually closed for military transport. Q. Do you think that taking under control of this road will also be able to completely prevent the sending of weapons and ammunition to the separatists in Karabakh? Or, considering the landscape of Karabakh, are there other dirt roads that the separatists will use? A. A little north of the Khankendi-Khalfali-Turshsu road, there is the Khankendi-Kosalar-Mirzaler-Turshsu road, and this road was also used by the Armenians for illegal purposes. However, we do not have accurate facts about the complete closure or taking under control of the second road. I think that Azerbaijan will definitely take control of that road because the transportation of weapons must be prevented. In parallel with this, the Azerbaijani side will install a border crossing or checkpoint on the conventional border with Armenia in the territory of the Lachin region. I think these processes will be completed during April. Q. Obviously, the Lachin highway is under the control of Russian peacekeepers, and every day dozens of trucks belonging to peacekeepers pass on this road. Of course, it is not clear what was transported in these trucks. Do you think that the Russians can arm the separatists using the Lachin road, and what measures can Azerbaijan take in this regard? A. We have never ruled out Russians arming Armenian separatists. In order to prevent this, as I mentioned before, Azerbaijan must establish a checkpoint on the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Because the Armenian side has already established such a checkpoint and the US ambassador to Armenia took a picture in front of that checkpoint. Q. At a time when Azerbaijan is doing its best to restore peace in the region and open communications, Iran is resorting to all kinds of provocations, stating that the Zangezur corridor is a red line for them. According to recent information, Iran has deployed troops, heavy equipment, and S-300s on the border. What does this have to do with it? A. Iran is a despicable state. It is a stain on the name of Islam. The history of Iran's activities against Azerbaijan is very old. We have observed this before the war, during the war, and in the post-war period. Iran's fear is that Iran is a state oppressed by sanctions. Relations with any of the neighboring states are not in positive dynamics. Armenia and Syria are the countries siding with Iran in the region. However, Iran has no border with Syria. That is, Iran's access to the world is only through Armenia to Georgia. Iran is worried that if the Zangazur corridor is opened, it will it will totally be restricted of access to the world. Because of the presence of US warships, Iran currently has no access to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The only way it can connect is through Armenia. However, after the opening of the Zangazur corridor, the Azerbaijani side allows it to pass under the road (through tunnels) or over the road (through a bridge). This is not a problem. Iran's policy in general is a stain on the name of Islam and Turkic hostility. The only value that unites Armenia and Iran is Turkic enmity. Q. How can we evaluate this action of Iran against the background of the processes taking place in the world and in the region - especially the impasse in which Russia is in Ukraine and the events taking place inside Turkiye? A. There are several countries with which Iran cooperates in the world. These are Syria, North Korea, Russia, and Armenia. There is no need to explain the country that cooperates and is friendly with such countries. Iran is busy creating threats in the region. The US, Israel, and their allies are well aware that Tehran will become a global threat if it acquires nuclear weapons. The process also goes in this direction. I believe that consultations on stopping Iran are ongoing. Presumably, we will witness pre-emptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at the end of April and the beginning of May. I believe that consultations on stopping Iran are ongoing. Presumably, we will witness pre-emptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at the end of April and the beginning of May. Against the background of the threatening activities voiced and carried out by Iran against Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan receives quite serious support from the United States, Israel, England, and other countries, as well as from the member states of the non-alignment movement and the Union of Turkic States, and Iran cannot ignore this. Iran's domestic audience will not support any action of Iran against Azerbaijan. This should make Iran think seriously. Yes, the Romans used uranium in their glass, and modern versions of the stuff still exists. It goes by a few different names and is even still being produced in some quantities in Europe. But it's more of a curio now than anything, found in the form of pitchers and bowls and other glassware in flea markets, dusty attics, museums and among glass collectors, all reminders that at one time it was something desirable. "It is kind of attractive because it has that iridescent glow to it under certain lighting conditions. It really looks kind of special," says Paul Frame, a retired health physicist at Tennessee's Oak Ridge Associated Universities, a consortium of schools founded after World War II as the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies. For years, Frame was also the curator at ORAU's Health Physics Historical Instrumentation Museum, also known as the Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, which chronicles "the scientific and commercial history of radioactivity and radiation." The collection is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Advertisement "There are many different types of collectors that would be interested in this sort of item," Frame says of the glass. "There are some people out there that are particularly interested in it because it's radioactive. And there are other people who just collect glassware; the styles and so forth. But there's so much of this damn stuff out there that, despite the fact that there's a variety of people that are interested in it, it really doesn't have a lot of value unless it's a particularly unique piece of glassware ... size, design, artistry, that kind of thing." Uranium glass also known as Vaseline glass because of the Vaseline-type color that many glass pieces emit under certain lighting conditions (usually black light or ultraviolet light) certainly has its die-hard fans. Some collectors and aficionados of the stuff will gather in Pittsburgh in October 2021, for the 22nd annual Vaseline Glass Collector, Inc. convention. VGCI is a non-profit that has more than 6,000 followers on Facebook. In addition, places like the Hawley Antique Exchange in Hawley, Pennsylvania, feature large collections of the glowing, sometimes eerie-looking glass. " " Here the same three pieces of uranium glass from above are seen under natural light. Peter Chow/Shutterstock Weber State professor honored for enriching lives of children with disabilities March 28, 2023 OGDEN, Utah A physical education professor at Weber State University is being recognized for his commitment to the community via his landmark work on behalf of children with disabilities. James Zagrodnik will receive the 2023 John A. Lindquist Award presented by the Center for Community Engaged Learning during CCELebration, an annual banquet that celebrates students, faculty, staff, alumni and local partners who are doing incredible work in their community. This years banquet will be held 122 p.m. on March 30 in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms at the WSU Ogden campus. CCEL has also selected recent Weber State graduate Benjamin Drake Regalado Alton to receive the Ivory Prize, which recognizes excellence in leadership and community engagement. Lindquist Award Zagrodnik has been a part of Weber States physical education faculty since 2011. In 2013, he co-founded Childrens Adaptive Physical Education Society!, better known as CAPES!, which pairs children who have developmental disabilities with WSU students who are studying education. The pairings last 10 weeks each fall and spring semester, giving students the opportunity to teach critical skills in a safe and fun environment. Since its launch, CAPES! has delivered on its goal to not only increase the independence of each child in the program, but also to enhance WSU students knowledge and application of various teaching and learning theories for individuals with disabilities. So far, over 800 students have accumulated more than 18,000 hours of one-on-one interaction with local children and their families. Dr. Zagrodnik is an exemplar for dynamic community engagement, bringing together students, children with disabilities, and their families through the CAPES! program, said Kristin Hadley, Dean of the Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education. Each semester there are students who change their major to teaching or special education because of their experience in CAPES!, she added. Kaitlyn Standifird, a WSU student involved in CAPES!, said Zagrodnik has had a significant impact on her life: He makes you want to be a better student, teacher, and most importantly, person, she said. Aside from CAPES!, Zagrodnik created and ran a summer camp for Ogdens at-risk youth and also co-created a podcast, Wildcat Conversations: Racism, where he interviews faculty, staff, students and community members on racial issues. He also works with community groups, such as Youth Impact and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, helping students develop after-school programs for gifted students. He also became a Certified Adaptive Physical Educator and has presented his methods at national conferences related to teaching pre-service teachers how to work with individuals with disabilities. His scholarly work focuses on the impact of CCEL-based pedagogies on pre-service teachers among individuals with disabilities, and hes presented these methods at eight national conferences. I am convinced that my ultimate job is to enhance the lives of others. I am equally convinced that I cannot do that without performing community engaged-based practices, Zagrodnik said. I often find myself asking this to my students and myself: If we are not making a difference in ourselves, others and our community, what then are we doing it for? Zagrodniks upcoming projects include creating an immersive study abroad program with the University of Otago in New Zealand to learn more about health, physical education and recreation for the Maori people and how these beliefs relate to the beliefs of the five indigenous tribes of Utah. He also chairs a WSU coalition to create a Multi-Sensory Environment for the campus and community to utilize. Ivory Award In 2021, Benjamin Drake Regalado Alton was a junior at Weber State, working toward his degree in biochemistry, when he founded the Regalado Foundation, a non-profit organization which helps underrepresented students in the Ogden area pursue higher education. I come from an immigrant family and have always had a passion for helping people who are new to this country, Alton said. My dad immigrated to the United States from Honduras as a teenager to receive an education, and there is a huge population of people like him in Ogden. I thought to myself, if I struggled to figure out my own career path, how much more would people who are new to this educational system struggle to find theirs? Though Alton is not a first-generation student, he was the first in his family to be born in the U.S., and often found it difficult to navigate college. His goal with the foundation was to give students an easier start with higher education than he did through guidance, mentorship and aiding with scholarship applications. In 2022, the Regalado Foundation, which relies 100% on the work of volunteers, was able to provide four students from immigrant families with $1,000 college scholarships and aided 20 more in getting scholarships from Ogden-Weber Technical College. With the additional money Alton has raised for the foundation, he expects the number of awards the foundation offers this year to nearly triple. I have been teaching Spanish for 40 years and have seldom had the privilege of working with students as outstanding as Drake, said Thomas Mathews, WSU Spanish professor. I have no doubt of the impact his work will have for heritage Spanish speakers in the Weber State area, and I look forward to seeing the benefits of the work that Drake and his foundation will inspire. Alton graduated from WSU in December 2022 and plans to begin medical school at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine this summer. He hopes to one day work in the medical field at a university. In his free time, he enjoys reading and taking jiu-jitsu classes. The work I have done with this organization is one of my biggest and proudest accomplishments, Alton said. Nothing has brought me more satisfaction than helping young students in my community succeed. More information on the Lindquist and Ivory awards is available on the CCEL website. " " Judy Blume's beloved book debuted in 1970 and has been read by countless girls ever since. AARON DAVIDSON/GETTY IMAGES So what makes this novel so special? Published in 1970, "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret" tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Margaret Simon who's the daughter of a Jewish father and a Christian mother. Raised without any particular faith, Margaret talks to God throughout the book as she navigates growing up (particularly about getting her period) and tries to figure out which religion she should join. "As far as I'm aware, it was the first novel written for young adolescent girls that accurately, thoroughly, and non-judgmentally described puberty," young adult author and former Viking Children's Books editor Leila Sales said in an email when we talked to her in 2018. "It treated the ordinary experiences common to basically every young teen girl as something important enough to write a book about," Advertisement That approach resonated well with preteen girls. "My mom didn't tell me squat about puberty and other than a pamphlet my sister brought home from a health class at school (which was AWFUL), I had Judy Blume as my only guide," Ellen Mangold in Thompson's Station, Tennessee, said in an email. "I remember feeling like [Blume] had captured all my crazy thoughts on paper. I was so glad to know that I wasn't the only person who worried about all that stuff." While just about everyone remembers many of the more-gimmicky aspects of the book (like the group chant "We must, we must, we must increase our bust!") "Are You There, God?" also opened a lot of young eyes to religious differences and options. The book presented religion as a choice instead of something you were born into. That was a first for many readers. Although the book is largely fiction, author Blume drew on personal experiences to develop the religious aspect, writing on her website that like Margaret, she "had a very personal relationship with God that had little to do with organized religion. God was my friend and confidant." Durga Puja Time : October Significance: Veneration to Goddess Durga Date: 11.10.2021 - 15.10.2021 Durga puja is performed during the nine days of Navaratri. According to the Hindu calendar it falls on the first nine days of the month of Ashwin (october). It is celebrated all over India, but with great zeal in the eastern part of India especially West Bengal. In West Bengal, it is celebrated in most households apart from the gaily-decorated puja mandaps that are erected in almost every locality. The puja pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga and community pujas are organised. People gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities. Families visit each other to share feasts. The festivities start with the first day called Mahalaya, when people remember their ancestors (tarpan) and 'chakku dan' the ritual of drawing the eyes of the image is performed. The first day as well as the following days of Sashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami or Bijoya Dashami have their own unique rituals. On Sashthi, all mothers keep a fast and pray for the well being of their children. The religious ceremony starts on Saptami or the seventh day and are observed till Dashami, the tenth day. 'Bodhun' the ritual of infusing life to the Goddess (Pran Pratishta) is performed on Saptami, when a banana plant draped in a yellow saree with the leaves uncovered, symbolising the goddesses soul, is taken to a water source i.e a river or pond. Life is symbolically transferred from the water to the plant. The plant is brought back in a procession and placed in the Pandal near the Ganesh idol. On the 10th day, Bijoya dashami, the idols are taken in elaborate processions for immersion in the river or the sea. Legend behind the Origin of Goddess Durga: Most of the themes of Hindu mythology is the struggle between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of the good. Goddess Durga symbolizing divine energy (Shakthi), was created to slain the demon in the buffalo form; Mahishasura who attacked the Gods and conquered heaven. The Gods led by Brahma went to Shiva and Vishnu and prayed for help. The energies of the trinity of the Hindu Gods condensed to create the Goddess. She went to battle on her ferocious mount lion, armed with the weapons given to her by the other Gods. In the battle, she fought and killed the evil Mahishasura and restored heaven to the Gods. Since then the goddess is invoked for protection from the powers of evil. Durga Puja is observed in her honour, to celebrate her victory over evil. In north India, it is characterized by fasts and solemnity, in western India, it is marked by gaiety and the traditional and garba dances, and in the south, pujas are offered separately for three days to each of the three goddesses, Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi. In some parts of India, the first three of the nine days of Navratri are devoted for worshipping Durga (Goddess of valor), next three days for Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and the last three days for Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge). Brock University is looking forward to seeing prospective students return to the university for its first open house weekend in more than three years. The open house is Sunday, and is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic shut the university to in-person visits. The event typically attracts 4,000 people to campus, including prospective students and their parents, who are looking for everything the university has to offer, said Matt Melnyk, director of student recruitment. They can see everything they need to see to make their decision on campus that day, he said. They can come to see the residences, theres an information fair with faculty to talk to professors from their program, and theres presentations for all the different programs and services offered. Melnyk said prospective students have usually narrowed down their choices when it comes time to head to events such as open houses. The No. 1 thing students are looking for is the program that fits their interests, he said. Usually, students view their program first, then from their program theyre working their way down a decision tree. He said students tend to look at several factors including housing costs, proximity to amenities and university student services. Brock is well known for our student services, ranked No. 1 in Canada for mental health support, but we also have high rankings across other student services, said Melnyk. If you think about a students decision, but also the parents decision theyre thinking about their child being successful in having a place to live, having a program theyre interested in and knowing we have their back when they get here. He said focusing on student success has equated to an increase of applications from potential students interested in what the university has to offer. Theres a few things different this year than previous years, he said. Brock has launched a new brand refresh, so we talk about how students can break through here, but the way that applies is students can break through scientifically or through social barriers or personal barriers. He said this approach resonates with students, especially with barriers faced because of the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the big city environments became a little bit more nerve racking for folks, for public health reasons, he said. Being at a mid-sized campus, in a smaller region is attractive. Students and parents who want to learn more about Brocks open house can go to Brocku.ca/discover. SHARE: NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) The man who inspired the film Hotel Rwanda and was freed by Rwanda last week from a terrorism sentence has arrived in Qatar on his way to reuniting with family in the United States. Paul Rusesabagina is currently in Doha, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists on Monday. He will soon be making his way back to the United States. And his family is, as Im sure no one is surprised, theyre eager to welcome him back here, home. The White House has been and remains engaged in every step of this process, Kirby said. The 68-year-old Rusesabagina, a U.S. legal resident and Belgian citizen who had left Rwanda after saving hundreds of countrymen in the countrys 1994 genocide, was convicted in 2021 of terrorism offenses and sentenced to 25 years in prison in a widely criticized trial. Rusesabagina disappeared in 2020 during a visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and appeared days later in Rwanda in handcuffs. His family alleged he was kidnapped. He was convicted on eight charges including membership in a terrorist group, murder and abduction. Rusesabagina has asserted that his arrest was in response to his criticism of longtime President Paul Kagame over alleged human rights abuses. Kagames government has repeatedly denied targeting dissenting voices with arrests and extrajudicial killings. In a signed letter to Kagame dated Oct. 14 and posted on the justice ministrys website, the ailing Rusesabagina expressed regret for any violence and wrote that if I am granted a pardon and released, I understand fully that I will spend the remainder of my days in the United States in quiet reflection. I can assure you through this letter that I hold no personal or political ambitions otherwise. I will leave questions regarding Rwandan politics behind me. His arrest was a source of friction with the U.S. and others at a time when Rwandas government has also been under pressure over tensions with neighboring Congo and Britain's plan to deport asylum-seekers to the small east African nation. Kirby said U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan personally engaged in the case, really doing the final heavy lifting to get Paul released and to get him on his way home. ___ AP journalist Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. SHARE: Health Minister Sylvia Jones is on the defensive after scaling back free eye tests for seniors and winding down a pandemic-era program that provided medicare services for the uninsured. Premier Doug Fords Progressive Conservatives unveiled the controversial changes Friday afternoon while most media attention was focused on U.S. President Joe Bidens official visit to Ottawa. That left Jones under fire Monday, where she accused the opposition NDP of spreading false information online about the end of the Physician and Hospital Services for Uninsured Persons program, which was launched when COVID-19 struck in March 2020. If there is one individual who chooses not to take their loved one to a hospital because they think theyre uninsured, then thats on the NDP to explain, she fumed. This program was put in place when individuals could not travel in the province of Ontario at the beginning of the pandemic when we had limitations on individuals who needed to be able to return to their home communities, the minister said. I want to reinforce: We have 75 community health centres spread across Ontario that have funding models that ensure that they can provide necessary health services for individuals who, for any number of reasons, do not have an up-to-date OHIP card, said Jones. We have temporary foreign workers who have programs provided by the federal government to ensure that they have health-care funding in the province of Ontario, she said. Under the plan, hospitals and doctors were allowed to bill the government for medically necessary treatments provided to patients without OHIP coverage. There is no change in the way that uninsured persons will receive care in the province of Ontario. The only change is how hospitals, community health and midwifery centres will be reimbursed for insuring and providing that care. Despite Joness comments, the New Democrats refused to back down from claims the change might mean refugees wont receive health-care coverage. This program existed for a reason it exists because people were slipping through the cracks, said NDP Leader Marit Stiles. There are many people, including refugees, who slipped through the cracks of the system all the time. The minister should be more concerned right now about how shes going to reverse this change and fix this problem than she is about whatever is on our website, said Stiles. Jones also faced criticism for changing OHIP-covered annual eye tests for those 65 and up to offering free exams to all seniors every 18 months. As well, seniors will be restricted to two free minor followup assessments with an optometrist every year; currently, theres no limit. Thats the result of a new funding deal between the government and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. I can see that any change can be something that needs (you) to have a conversation with your optometrist, but I also want to highlight that Ontario is not leading in these changes, she said. In fact, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, both have 24-month access, so we have extended it for individuals seniors with healthy eyes to 18 months. But Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser said the Tories message coming out of last Thursdays $204.7-billion budget is clear. Seniors eye care, youre on your own. Child struggling to get school, youre on your own, said Fraser. Thats what this governments budget has been saying to families, he said. Theres nothing in there that supports families in a way just to make life a little bit easier. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie SHARE: Allentown, PA (18103) Today Sunshine mixing with clouds and rather cool. There might be a stray afternoon shower primarily north and west.. Tonight Turning out mainly clear or partly cloudy and chilly. " " Acclaimed children's author Roald Dahl, pictured here in 1971, was once a British intelligence officer. Ronald Dumont/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/GettyImages There may be no 20th-century children's author as well-known as Roald Dahl. His beloved stories, including "James and the Giant Peach," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," "The Witches," and many others have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide and spawned numerous adaptations. Though Dahl died more than 30 years ago, his work remains as popular as ever: a Roald Dahl book, according to the BBC, continues to sell every five seconds. But the author's been in the news recently for another reason. Earlier this year, the publisher Puffin announced that Dahl's books would be re-edited using sensitivity readers and rewritten to remove potentially offensive physical descriptions of characters. Newly minted editions will no longer contain words such as "ugly" and "fat," reported The Guardian. Other altered passages concern mental health, race and gender. While some critics decried these changes (Salman Rushdie called it "absurd censorship"), others pointed out that children's books have often been rewritten to reflect contemporary values and mores. Advertisement This isn't the first time Dahl's books and the man himself have courted controversy. Read on to learn more about Dahl's life and controversy. Reading, PA (19601) Today Sunshine mixing with clouds and rather cool. There might be a stray afternoon shower primarily north and west.. Tonight Turning out mainly clear or partly cloudy and chilly. WEST READING, Pa. - A fundraiser to help the families of the victims of the R.M. Palmer factory explosion in West Reading is well underway. Thousands of dollars have been pouring into a relief fund set up by the Berks County Community Foundation and the United Way. Businesses in the surrounding area are now trying to keep it going strong, like Brewer's Bar and Grill, where General Manager Stacy Seidel was at work when the factory exploded, and she ran outside to see what it was. "I looked over and saw the cloud of smoke and saw the shrapnel flying obviously because I was out within seconds of the explosion actually occurring," said Seidel. Seidel said, after getting over the shock from the disaster, she and her coworkers wanted to help. "We have some employees here that have family members or know people that work there on a personal level, so we immediately wanted to do something," said Seidel. MORE: West Reading Chocolate Factory Explosion More info on the story including photos and past articles Thankfully, the Berks County Community Foundation and the United Way had an official relief fund online within 24 hours of the blast, because they were prepared in advance. "Our plan was, believe it or not, based around the idea of a mass shooting and what would we do, but this is effectively the same set of circumstances," said Foundation President Kevin Murphy. "When I looked last night before I went to bed, there was about $40,000 that had been committed, but our phone has been ringing off the hook here today." And more is on the way. The American Diner in West Reading just announced it has raised $3,600 from its customers, and Seidel said Brewer's will share its contribution after collecting for two weeks. "We want to make sure that everybody's being taken care of, and being taken care of properly, and getting the resources and any monetary compensation that they need to get through this," said Seidel. If you would like to contribute to the disaster fund, you can go to the Berks County Community Foundation website. In this article, we will discuss the 16 best vodka brands under $30. If you want to see more brands in this selection, go to the 5 Best Vodka Brands Under $30. According to Maximize Market Research, the size of the vodka market is set to increase from $44.88 billion in 2021 to $89.03 billion by 2029. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.94%. The rate is higher than the expected CAGR of 5.9% for the whiskey industry. Russia occupies the top position in the list of countries that consume the most vodka on a per-person basis. According to Euromonitor, an average Russian has 17.28 shots of vodka every month. Meanwhile, Poland and Ukraine are in the second and third position on this list, with a per-person vodka consumption of 13.71 shots and 9.96 shots, respectively. The US sits at the sixth position with an average monthly consumption of 3.76 shots only. Smirnoff, Absolut, and SVEDKA Vodka are a few of the best-known vodka brands in the world, owned by famous companies like Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO), Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), and Pernod Ricard SA (EPA:RI). With many businesses highlighting their use of natural, regional ingredients and applying eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, the vodka sector has also experienced a rising trend towards environmentally friendly and organic production methods. The vodka industry is characterized by intense competition and innovation, with frequent introductions of new brands and flavors aimed at satisfying the ever-changing tastes of consumers. A variety of grains, potatoes, and other plant-based ingredients can be used to make vodka. Although some manufacturers also utilize less typical grains like quinoa, sorghum, or even grapes, the most common grains used to make vodka are wheat, rye, corn, and barley. The type of grain used can significantly influence the flavor, texture, and character of the final product. The alcohol industry appears to be experiencing significant growth, with even established companies expanding their product offerings to enter this profitable market. You can also read 21 Best Tequila Brands of 2023 to know more about the industry trends. Story continues 16 Best Vodka Brands Under $30 Photo by Adam Wilson on UnsplashOur Methodology To shortlist the best vodka brands under $30, we went through 20 lists developed by vodka experts, bartenders, and vodka enthusiasts, assessing the quality, aroma, and flavor of vodka. Some of the sites we consulted include Liquor.com, Vinepair, and Insider.com. We ranked the best vodka brands according to the number of times each of them appeared on these 20 lists. Every time a brand was recommended or ranked in any of the lists we consulted during our research, it received a score of 1. The brand that received the highest number of recommendations secured the first rank on our list. We have also provided the average price of each of the vodka brands for a 750 ml bottle. Best Vodka Brands Under $30 16. Seagrams Platinum Select Vodka 100 Proof Score: 3 Average Price: $13.19 Seagram's Platinum Select Vodka 100 Proof is a high-proof vodka made from a blend of the finest American grains. It is distilled five times and then filtered through charcoal for a smooth and clean taste. With proof of 100, it is considered a "high-proof" vodka, meaning it has a higher alcohol content than many other vodkas on the market. This vodka is known for its versatility, making it suitable for both straight sipping and mixing in cocktails. Its smooth taste and high alcohol content make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy strong, bold flavors in their drinks. 15. Chopin Potato Vodka Score: 3 Average Price: $21.09 Chopin Potato Vodka is a premium vodka produced by the Poland-based Chopin Vodka company. Unlike most vodkas, which are made from grains like wheat or rye, Chopin Potato Vodka is made entirely from potatoes. The potatoes used to make the vodka are carefully selected and sourced from local farms in Poland. The production process involves cooking and fermenting the potatoes, then distilling the resulting liquid several times to achieve a high level of purity. The final product is then bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) and distributed around the world. 14. Haku Japanese Vodka Score: 3 Average Price: $26.99 Haku Japanese Vodka is a leading vodka brand produced by Suntory, a Japanese beverage company. Haku means "white" in Japanese, symbolizing the purity and clarity of the spirit. Haku Japanese Vodka is made from 100% Japanese white rice, which is polished to remove impurities and create a clean and crisp taste. The vodka is distilled three times in a pot still and then filtered through bamboo charcoal to remove any remaining impurities and to create a refined finish. 13. Effen Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $20.49 Effen Vodka is one of the finest vodka brands globally that was first introduced in the US in 2003. The brand is owned by Beam Suntory, Inc. It is produced in the Netherlands using a continuous distillation process, which results in pure vodka. The name "Effen" comes from the Dutch word for "smooth," which is a nod to the vodka's velvety texture. The brand is known for its sleek and modern packaging, which features a distinctive, frosted bottle with a rubber sleeve for easy grip. Effen Vodka is available in a variety of flavors, including original, black cherry, cucumber, blood orange, green apple, and raspberry. 12. New Amsterdam Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $12.99 New Amsterdam Vodka is a popular brand of vodka produced in the US by E&J Gallo Winery. It is named after the city of New Amsterdam, which later became New York City. The vodka is made from grains and is distilled five times before being filtered three times through activated carbon to create a smooth taste. New Amsterdam Vodka was first introduced in 2011 and has since become popular due to its affordable price point and suave taste. It is often used as a base for cocktails and mixed drinks but can also be enjoyed on its own. 11. Ciroc Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $29.99 Ciroc Vodka is produced in France and is distributed by the international alcoholic beverage producer Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO). The grapes used in the production of Ciroc Vodka are harvested from the Gaillac and Cognac regions of France, and the vodka is distilled five times to create a clean and smooth flavor. Ciroc Vodka was introduced in the US in 2003 and has since gained widespread popularity due to its unique grape-based production process and high-quality taste. Ciroc Vodka is often associated with luxury and is a favorite among celebrities and high-end bars and restaurants. 10. Belvedere Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $27.99 Belvedere Vodka is a top-of-the-line vodka brand that originated in Poland. The vodka is manufactured and distributed by LVMH (EPA:MC). It is made from 100% Polish rye and water from the distillery's well. The brand was introduced in the US in 1996 and has since become popular around the world. Belvedere Vodka is known for its clean finish. The vodka is distilled using a four-column distillation process, which helps to remove impurities and create a high-quality product. 9. Russian Standard Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $17.00 Russian Standard Vodka is produced by Roust International. It is made from winter wheat grown on Russian steppes. The brand was launched in 1998 by Roustam Tariko, who wanted to create a vodka that would embody the spirit of Russia and its centuries-old tradition of vodka-making. Russian Standard Original Vodka is a classic Russian-style vodka that is distilled four times and filtered through charcoal and quartz sand. The result is a clean-tasting vodka with a mildly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. 8. SVEDKA Vodka Score: 4 Average Price: $12.99 SVEDKA Vodka is a popular Swedish vodka brand that was first launched in the US in 1998. It is owned by Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ). The name "Svedka" is a combination of the words "Sverige" (the Swedish word for Sweden) and "Vodka." Svedka Vodka is made from a blend of Swedish winter wheat and pure spring water and is distilled five times. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including original, strawberry lemonade, cucumber lime, and blue raspberry. Overall, Svedka Vodka is a well-regarded brand in the vodka market, known for its quality and wide range of flavors. 7. SKYY Vodka Score: 5 Average Price: $14.49 SKYY Vodka is a brand of high-end vodka that was introduced in the US in 1992. It is produced by SKYY Spirits LLC, a subsidiary of Gruppo Campari. SKYY Vodka is made from American grain and water that undergoes a four-column distillation and triple filtration process. The vodka is then blended with water to achieve the desired proof before bottling. In addition to the classic SKYY Vodka, the company also offers several flavored vodkas, including citrus, pineapple, raspberry, and grapefruit. SKYY Vodka is available in many countries around the world and is a popular choice for cocktails and mixed drinks. 6. Absolut Vodka Score: 6 Average Price: $19.99 Absolut Vodka is a popular brand of high-quality vodka introduced in Sweden in 1879. It is produced by the Swedish company, The Absolut Company, which is a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA (EPA:RI). Absolut Vodka is made from Swedish winter wheat and water from a deep well in Ahus, Sweden. The vodka then undergoes a unique continuous distillation process that removes all impurities. The brand is known for its iconic marketing campaigns, which have featured creative and eye-catching ads, such as the "Absolut Nights" campaign. The brand has also collaborated with artists and designers to create limited-edition bottles with unique designs. In addition to Absolut Vodka, Ketel One Vodka, Smirnoff Vodka, and Stolichnaya Vodka are also some of the best vodka brands under $30. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Vodka Brands Under $30. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 16 Best Vodka Brands Under $30 is originally published on Insider Monkey. POHATCONG, N.J. The Pohatcong Township Land Use Board began a public hearing Monday night for an 840,000-square-foot warehouse known as East Valley Logistics Center, proposed at New Brunswick Avenue and Edge Road. Under review are amended preliminary and final site plans and variance approvals. The previous owner of the 103-acre property received approval for a 666,000-square-foot warehouse. However, there a differences between the old plan and the new plan, which was before the board Monday night. The new plan offers 533 parking spaces, down from 808. Now there are 267 van parking spaces versus 581. The number of loading bays in the new proposal increased to 152 from 118. There are also now 324 trailer storage spaces versus 280 in the previous proposal. In addition, the plan's impervious coverage decreased slightly from 47% to 46% in the new plan, and there is now an access driveway to Edge Road, where only an emergency gravel road was previously proposed. Perhaps more important is a new traffic study, which found the trip generation numbers are "significantly less" in the new proposal. Township officials surmise this is because the previous study utilized Institute of Transportation Engineers data, while the new study used New Jersey Department of Transportation figures. For example, the new study found a total of 361 morning peak single-hour total trips versus 579 previously. The evening single hour registered 403 total trips, opposed to 799 before. Matthew Schlindwein, a partner with Greek Development, testified, "We feel the size (840,000 square feet) is an appropriate size." He further testified that neither he nor his company knew the tenant who would occupy the building, but Schlindwein did discuss who typically occupies such facilities. Storage, light manufacturing, logistics and distribution would be the leading candidates, as the Pohatcong site "is not as attractive to e-commerce" end users. The facility was not built to attract cold storage businesses. One tenant would be ideal, but Schlindwein added that the building could comfortably house two companies. Also during Monday's meeting, the board granted partial waivers for a warehouse plan on the site and behind the former Phillipsburg Mall. Warehouse plan for former Phillipsburg Mall site moves step forward Developers have proposed two separate warehouses, known as "The Cubes," on the site of and behind the former Phillipsburg Mall. Developers from CRG Integrated Real Estate Solutions and J.G. Petrucci have proposed two separate warehouses, known as "The Cubes." The board reviewed the Phillipsburg Mall warehouse, of which the majority 457,000 square feet would rest in neighboring Lopatcong Township, with the remaining 392,000 square feet in Pohatcong. Key Insights Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Serko's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions The top 7 shareholders own 52% of the company Recent sales by insiders Every investor in Serko Limited (NZSE:SKO) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. With 39% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk). Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Serko. View our latest analysis for Serko What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Serko? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. Serko already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Serko's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Serko. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Harbour Asset Management Limited with 11% of shares outstanding. With 9.3% and 9.1% of the shares outstanding respectively, Darrin Grafton and Geoffrey Hosking are the second and third largest shareholders. Darrin Grafton, who is the second-largest shareholder, also happens to hold the title of Chief Executive Officer. Story continues We also observed that the top 7 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent. While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of Serko While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our information suggests that insiders maintain a significant holding in Serko Limited. Insiders own NZ$75m worth of shares in the NZ$274m company. This may suggest that the founders still own a lot of shares. You can click here to see if they have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 28% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Public Company Ownership It appears to us that public companies own 4.6% of Serko. This may be a strategic interest and the two companies may have related business interests. It could be that they have de-merged. This holding is probably worth investigating further. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Serko (of which 1 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about. Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here jmoor17 / Getty Images One of the best places to get deals all year long is by signing up for a Sams Club membership and using it for the things you purchase regularly for your home. There are even some secret ways to save money that Sams Club shoppers know about, which makes the warehouse club even more fun to be part of. Costcos Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money Good Stuff: 3 Signs Youre Serious About Raising Your Credit Score But like many stores offering everything under the sun for a good deal, Sams Club does have a few items that are arguably overpriced and might push your spending budget past its limits. GOBankingRates reached out to some expert shoppers and bargain-hunting superfans to find out which of Sams Clubs items are the most overpriced. Heres what we found out. Consumer Analyst Julie Ramhold with DealNews.com advises shoppers to skip Sams Club when it comes to stocking up on SFP from Banana Boat. At Sams Club this package is three 6-oz spray cans for around $16.68, or 93 cents per ounce, says Ramhold. However, at Costco, you can get a package that contains two 8-oz spray cans and one 8-oz lotion for around $18.99, which works out to about 79 cents per ounce. However, Ramhold notes that there are very few reasons to buy sunscreen in large quantities anyway. Sunscreen does have an [expiration date] and can lose its effectiveness, so its not something you want to buy in bulk and leave hanging around for a long time. Ramhold observed that the store-brand cream cheese at Sams Club weighs in at a whopping 3 lbs, costing $8.56 or 18 cents per ounce. And it all comes in one huge brick, which doesnt appeal to many shoppers. It may not be the best option to purchase, even though the unit price is good, says Ramhold. Unless youre planning a massive baking project thatll use up a good portion of it or have a ridiculous amount of bagels that need to be consumed ASAP. Story continues She adds, If you shop at Costco, though, you can get a package of six 8-oz bricks of Kirkland Signature cream cheese for around $8.63, or again, 18 cents per ounce. Take Our Poll: Would You Move for a Job That Paid You a $10,000 Signing Bonus? Regarding the brick-ish nature, Ramhold notes that Costco splits up and individually packages each of their cream cheeses but it still might not be a great buy. Most people probably dont need to purchase cream cheese in bulk anyway, and you can find sale prices at a standard grocery store for a brick or two thatll be more reasonable for most households, says Ramhold. How much can a pod of your favorite coffee, tea, or other hot beverage really cost? At Sams Club, the answer might be too much. Something that consistently ends up being more expensive at Sams Club than at its competitors are K-Cup pods, says Rex Freiberger, CEO of Gadget Review. K-Cup pods at Sams Club tend to average around $0.45 a pod, whereas at Costco they tend to average around $0.39. But isnt that just a few pennies in savings? While this might not seem like a huge difference, if you are someone who uses these everyday to make one or multiple cups of coffee, the difference adds up pretty quickly, Freiberger says. Sams Club is a great place to clean up on deals, but it might not be the retailer where you want to buy your cleaning supplies, particularly if they are of the name-brand variety. Sams Club offers a variety of name-brand cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent, dish soap and cleaning sprays, says Brenda Kosciuk, CEO of Paper Heart Family. While these items may be convenient, they are often significantly overpriced compared to generic or store-brand options. For example, a bottle of Tide laundry detergent may cost around $20 at Sams Club, while a similar generic option at another retailer may cost around $10, Kosciuk observes. To save money on cleaning supplies, consider purchasing generic or store-brand options at other retailers or waiting for sales at Sams Club. Kosciuks trick is to be patient and keep an eye out for deals. By shopping around at other retailers, waiting for sales, or purchasing generic options, you can save money on your shopping trips and make the most of your Sams Club shopping experience. It might seem like youre saving some money by sprucing up your home with items from Sams Club, but you might be overpaying in the process. Sams Club offers a variety of home decor items, including wall art, decorative pillows, and rugs, says Kosciuk. While these items can add a pop of style to your home, they are often significantly overpriced compared to similar items sold at other retailers. Kosciuk cites the example of a decorative pillow. At Sams Club it may cost around $30, while a similar pillow at a discount home goods store like Marshalls may cost around $15. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Most Overpriced Sams Club Items, According to Superfans Officers executed search warrants and arrested two people after getting a tip that three packages of meth were sent to two properties in Winona. Damien Duwjan Shade, 46, of Winona and Jessica Marie Willis, 30, of Winona were arrested following the search warrants. Police were notified by Homeland Security Investigations out of Rochester about three suspicious packages headed to Winona from California. Those packages were delivered to two addresses between 11:30 a.m. and noon on March 24 with two packages arriving at a residence on the 1700 block of Kraemer Drive and one on the 700 block of West Fifth Street in Winona. After the packages were delivered, police said, Shade brought his package into his West Fifth Street residence and met Willis at her residence where they brought in the other two packages with the search warrants carried out shortly after. Each of the three packages contained two pounds of meth stored in stuffed animal dolls. Police searched both residences, finding the single package containing two pounds of meth at Shades apartment along with a gun, ammunition and drug paraphernalia. At Willis apartment, officers found both Shade and Willis, the other two packages of meth and a total of 1.5 grams of meth in Williss possession. Officers said Shade admitted the six pounds of mailed meth from both deliveries were his. The two were arrested without incident. Shade was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and ineligible user in possession of a firearm. Willis was charged with fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. A total of 25 officers were involved in the search on Friday. The investigation was led by the Winona County Sheriffs Department along with a Homeland Security Investigations investigator out of Rochester, the Winona Police Department and many agencies in the area assisting with officers who are a part of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team. Further investigation is ongoing within the violent crimes task force. The total worth of the six pounds of meth seized is around $24,000, police said. A western Pennsylvania man found dead in a home filled with poisonous snakes last week had been bitten, but thats not what killed him, according to police. Aliquippa police told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the 23-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, had bite marks on his wrist but they were from an old snake bite unrelated to his death. Police said the Beaver County coroner could release the mans cause of death in two or three weeks, as toxicology results are also pending. The Trib reported that the man was found in a bathroom on Tuesday. The Beaver County Times reported that the people in the home had recently moved to the area to sell reptiles. A 3-year-old girl was found in a highchair near poisonous snakes, The Times reported, which prompted a visit from Beaver County Child and Family Services. Police told the Trib that no violations were found. Aliquippa code enforcement officer Jim Bologna told the Trib that about 60 venomous snakes, including a cobra and two black mambas, were among over 200 snakes held in latched cages. The poisonous snakes were taken to a local exotic pet store by the Beaver County Humane Society. Besides the snakes, there was also a poisonous lizard and a dwarf caiman crocodile, the outlets reported. Venomous snakes are prohibited in Aliquippa and Bologna told the Trib that the owners could face fines up to $1,000 for each snake. The Times reported that the residents are allowed to remain in the home with the non-poisonous snakes and lizards. The most dangerous snakes in the world Sea snakes West African carpet viper Egyptian cobras Monocellate cobras Puff adders Mambas Russell's vipers Krait Malayan pit vipers Papuan taipans Brown snakes Lancehead vipers Rattlesnakes martinedoucet / Getty Images While Social Security is a "safety net" for some who have been able to save for retirement or have a pension, for others it is all the income they have to live on. Depending on where you live, however, it may not go very far. Social Security: Whether You're 62, 65, 67 or 70, Here's Why Your Age Matters Read: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement In many parts of the country, the average monthly Social Security benefit (as of December 2022) of $1,775.81 is just not enough -- but Florida provides some options, especially for couples, who collectively can make $3,551.62 from Social Security. It turns out the Sunshine State is a decent place to survive on only a Social Security check for some couples, particularly these ten towns. To figure out where you can live on your Social Security checks in Florida, GOBankingRates determined the average monthly benefit for retired workers, sourced from the Social Security Administration, and the average 2022 rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Florida. GOBankingRates then researched Sperling's Best to find the cost-of-living index for each listed city, looking at grocery and healthcare index scores. GOBankingRates also used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 Consumer Expenditure Survey to find the annual expenditure amount for both grocery and healthcare costs for couples aged 65 and older, adding these costs together. Livability scores were sourced from AreaVibes. Here are the best places in Florida where couples can live off just Social Security. Ebyabe / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA-3.0 10. Titusville 2022 average rent: $1,721 Monthly expenditures: $2,992.14 In Titusville a retired couple will have over $550 left after key expenses. Here healthcare expenses are $585.25 per month and monthly grocery costs are $369.50 per month. LennonsGhost / iStock.com 9. Bartow 2022 average rent: $1,693 Monthly expenditures: $3,008.76 In Bartow, the living is good-with a livability score of 79. Here healthcare expenses are $591.11 per month and monthly grocery costs are $382.99 per month. Story continues Take Our Poll: What Do You Plan To Use Your Tax Refund For? Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com 8. Lake Wales 2022 average rent: $1,493 Monthly expenditures: $2,813.94 In Lake Wales, overall monthly expenses are $742 less than the average monthly Social Security benefits for a couple. Utilities are only $347.66 per month, healthcare expenses are $591.11 per month and monthly grocery costs are $382.25 per month. Mikereichold / Wikimedia Commons 7. Largo 2022 average rent: $1,785 Monthly expenditures: $3,127.99 Largo may have slightly higher overall monthly expenses, but it comes with a very high livability score of 85. So, while monthly grocery costs are 4.4% higher than national average, and healthcare costs are 3.7% higher, the quality of living here makes these costs worthwhile. RobHainer / Getty Images 6. Winter Haven 2022 average rent: $1,651 Monthly expenditures: $2,960.37 In Winter Haven expenses are manageable. Here healthcare expenses are $591.11, the same as three other cities on this list, and monthly grocery costs are $384.49 per month. Housing Market 2023: Is a Double-Digit Drop in Prices Coming? Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto 5. Lakeland 2022 average rent: $1,707 Monthly expenditures: $3,002.79 Lakeland is another city with a great livability score, of 80. Here, utilities are 2% below the national average. Healthcare is also $591.11, just like Winter Haven, and monthly grocery costs are $384.87 per month. Ken Badgley / Getty Images/iStockphoto 4. Brooksville 2022 average rent: $1,360 Monthly expenditures: $2,664.99 Brooksville has the second lowest rent on the list, at $1,360 per month. Overall monthly expenditures are also second lowest on this list. Healthcare costs are $582.90 per month, and monthly grocery costs are $384.49. Dmooker / Shutterstock.com 3. Altamonte Springs 2022 average rent: $1,691 Monthly expenditures: $3,011.28 Altamonte Springs may not have the lowest overall monthly expenditures, but it has a super high livability score of 85, and monthly groceries are lower than the national average. Monthly healthcare costs are $610.44, which is about $25 more than the national average. Social Security: Proposal for $2,400 Extra in Checks Expanded and Reintroduced in Congress Shutterstock.com 2. South Daytona 2022 average rent: $1,563 Monthly expenditures: $2,851.71 In South Daytona the monthly expenditures leave a surplus of about $700. Both grocery and utility costs fall under the national average, and monthly healthcare costs are only 2.7% above national average here. In addition, it has a great livability score of 83. benedek / Getty Images 1. Crystal River 2022 average rent: $1,183 Monthly expenditures: $2,491.78 Crystal River takes the number one spot on the list by having the lowest overall expenditures, the lowest monthly rent, and a decently high livability score of 81. Healthcare is also 2.6% below the national average here. More From GOBankingRates Methodology: GOBankingRates determined the best cities in Florida for a couple to live on only a Social Security check based on the average monthly benefit for retired workers, $1,775.81 ($3,551.62 for a couple), sourced from Social Security Administration. GOBankingRates first isolated all cities in Florida with a 2022 average monthly rent under $1,750. GOBankingRates then used Sperling's Best to find the cost of living index for each listed city, looking at grocery and healthcare index scores. Next, GOBankingRates used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey to find the annual expenditure amount for both grocery ("food at home") and healthcare costs for people aged 65 and older in order to find how much a couple 65 and over would spend on groceries and healthcare in each city on a monthly basis. GOBankingRates then added monthly housing, grocery, and healthcare costs together to find where a couple 65 and older could survive on their Social Security or less. In order for a city to be qualified for the study the city had to have a livability score above 65 as sourced from AreaVibes. GOBankingRates scored and combined both livability and monthly necessities expenditure, with the lowest score being best, to determine final rankings. All data was collected and is up to date as of January 30, 2023. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Places in Florida Where You Can Live Only on Social Security The wellness of Sauk Prairie School Districts mental health programs received a big boost recently. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the district, one of only two in the state of Wisconsin to receive a grant, a school-based mental health grant of $4,660,083 over the next five years. A 25% match is required by the Sauk Prairie School District. We do everything we can do to help our families, said Noelle Sapiro, SPSDs Executive Director of Special Education and Pupil Services. We are always asking ourselves, How can we do more?, How can we make the school a hub for our families overall care?, What can we do to meet the needs of our community?. The recent award will help. The plan outlined in the districts grant application aims to increase collaboration and coordination across education, mental health, healthcare, and law enforcement agencies to better meet student and family needs by streamlining service delivery and eliminating redundancies. Sapiro is excited about creating a cross-agency team for the area. The districts coordinator would work with local agencies to coordinate efforts so that the needs of the students dont fall through the cracks or are replicated by more than one entity. The district is eager to work with local mental health providers, healthcare services, such as Sauk Prairie Healthcare, law enforcement agencies, like the Sauk Prairie Police Department and the Sauk County Sheriffs Department, Wisconsin Department of Childrens Mental Health, and Wisconsin Office of School Safety, among others. We want to be there for families, Sapiro said. We want our families to know that we can help. That we got this. Its in the heart of all our staff. Its what we want to be. Its what we do. Much of the funding will go toward hiring more mental health professionals for the district. Currently, there are two school counselors, a part-time social worker, and a part-time psychologist. The district would like to boost staffing by hiring social workers and a cross-agency team coordinator. We want a tighter web of care around our students, Sapiro said. Our amazing community will be a great support. Support is needed. The mental health issues of youth have become more prominent in recent years due to the effects of social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, the political climate, and other factors. CDC data from 2022 noted that 37% of high school students reported poor mental health while 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless in the past year. In addition, 55% reported they experienced emotional abuse by an adult in the home and 11% reported physical abuse. LGTBQ+ youth and female youth reported greater levels of poor mental health; emotional abuse; and having attempted suicide than their counterparts. Additionally, people of color also reported greater levels of poor mental health. School connectedness matters. The CDC reports that youth who felt connected to adults and peers at school were significantly less likely than those who did not to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; that they seriously considered committing suicide; or attempted suicide. There is such a need for mental health services, said Todd Felhofer, Superintendent of the Shell Lake School District. The Shell Lake School District was the only other school district in Wisconsin to receive the grant. Shell Lake, a village 30 minutes north of Rice Lake, received $998,900 over five years. The district has one school that serves 600 students. Were a rural community, Felhofer said. We need to add another level of care for our students and families. They plan on using the funding to hire more licensed counselors and to also provide materials and training about mental health to the entire school districts staff. Felhofer said, We have a lot of good people here doing good work but there is a lot of work left to be done. Schools, like the one in Shell Lake and those in Sauk Prairie, are stepping up to the challenge. We want our schools, Sapiro said, to be a shoulder to lean on. Thanks to the new grant, the shoulder just got stronger. An empty lot at the corner of Gateway and N. Frances Lane will be getting a makeover before the end of the year. Alrig USA, a Michigan-based development company, paid Menards $1,242,300 for the two side-by-side parcels last week. Alrig leases commercial spaces in 15 states, and it recently signed deals that will bring Starbucks to Brown Deer and Rhinelander. Next to Verizon on N. Frances Lane, the developer advertises a 1.21-acre property that could be built to a tenants specifications. A structure with parking, a drive-thru and a national coffee user is planned next door. I think you can read between the lines there, Michael Schuchman, co-owner of Alrig, told the Daily Citizen. I cant say exactly who it is, but you know who we do a lot of work for. Some 1,615 square feet of space is still available for lease in the multi-tenant building, meaning Starbucks ahem, the coffee user will have a neighbor. The drive-thru cafe will be located across from the former Nunatak Coffee location. The business moved downtown to the corner of Mill and Spring Street in April last year, leaving the US 151 Beaver Dam exit without a coffee shop for commuters and travelers. Development at the pre-planned site will be completed by the end of the year. Alrig is still in talks with potential tenants, but theyre optimistic that theyll bring more businesses to Beaver Dam soon. Its very important real estate in the Beaver Dam community. Its highly sought. Were not set on any firm plans, but we are speaking with people, Schuchman said. Weve done a lot of projects in Wisconsin and were going to continue to do so. Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Pardeeville school board in the Tuesday, April 4th election. Incumbents Lynette Ives, Becky Levzow, and Karla Walker will be joined on the ballots by newcomers Paul Hees and Angie Engelmann. Here is a closer look at the candidates: LYNETTE IVESLongtime Wyocena resident Lynette Ives has just completed her 12th year on the board. Ives says her core values include active listening, transparency, treating others with dignity, advocating for students, and promoting lifelong learning. She added that it is these values, not any personal agenda, that drive her decision-making on the board. I am here to listen closely to the concerns and topics at hand, to fully educate myself on those initiatives, to ask questions of what I dont fully understand, and finally to vote with my head and my heart on what I truly believe at that very moment is the very best solution to the topic being discussed, she said. I am one of seven voters and I cannot accomplish anything on my own. She and her husband Mike have raised two Pardeeville graduates, Zachary and Rebecca, who she says have inspired her to become involved in the district. I have been #PARDEEVILLEPROUD since our 5-year-old son Zachary walked through the front door of the Marcellon School in September of 2002, she said in an email statement. From serving many years as President of the Pardeeville Elementary PTO, to being an active member of the Pardeeville Middle/High School PTSO, It has been a true blessing for me to have been able to serve on the Pardeeville School Board for the past 12 years. If re-elected for another term, I will continue to serve the students, the staff and the community to the best of my ability. BECKY LEVZOWBecky Levzow presently serves as the boards vice-chairman, as well as chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. Like Ives, Levzow also raised two Pardeeville graduates, and hopes to make continual improvements for future PASD students. Levzow describes herself as a good listener, with the ability to keep an open mind, learn willingly, and articulate concerns. If elected, she says she hopes to see the facilities study to fruition, in particular, addressing the needs of career and technical education programs, and food service space and equipment. She also wants to work toward maintaining quality staff, bringing in new hires where needed. I have a passion for education that ensures all our students educational needs are addressed, said Levzow. I realize we need to be prudent & wise to ensure this district is fiscally responsible with the trust our community has placed on our decisions to provide an education & experiences that ensure all students succeed. Apart from her board service, Levzow is involved with the Pardeeville Methodist Church as well as the Pardeeville FFA, the latter of which she serves as treasurer. She is on the National Dairy Promotion & Research Board and Foremost Farms USA Board. KARLA WALKER Karla Walker brings 20 years of school board experience to the polls. Walker is a lifetime resident of Pardeeville, having raised two children and two step-children in the area, with a grandson currently attending school in the district. In her time on the board, Walker says there have been many positive changes in Pardeeville schools. She hopes to continue the momentum with improved test scores, assisting staff and administration, and staying up-to-date on technology needs in the schools. I am committed to providing an excellent education for all children, a positive school environment that promotes learning, continual support to administrators, teachers and all staff as well as maintaining open communication with them and our community, continual review of our curriculum and student offerings and fiscal responsibility with transparency, said Walker. Our community is our strength, they have supported many important referendums. We need to continue being fiscally responsible and transparent to maintain that relationship. PAUL HEES If elected, board newcomer Paul Hees has three key items hed like to get to work on right away. Firstly, improving Department of Public Instruction scores, which have fallen over the last five years. Other districts nearby have bounced back over the last couple of years, but we havent, said Hees. Secondly, he wants to open up board meetings to underrepresented groups in the district, allowing busy working parents more input in the schools. Thirdly, addressing the growth currently happening in the area, particularly pertaining to its effect on the student population. We need to grasp that we are not only a current and future farm-related district, rather we also are a growing suburban destination town, he said. Our student population next year is on record as growing compared to this year very different than many rural districts, which are generally shrinking. Hees grew up in Kenosha, and has lived in the Pardeeville area for 44 years. Currently, he has two children enrolled in Pardeeville schools, a daughter and a foreign exchange daughter, as well as a granddaughter who will be entering 4k in two years. His children, he says, have helped him to remain informed on the day-to-day goings-on in the district. I believe that having my own children in the schools ensures not only that I have up-to-date information every day, but also that I have a vested interest in making the best decisions for our students, for the teachers, for the staff, for our teams and clubs, and for our community as a whole, said Hees. I trust that I can have a positive impact on our Board, he said. I bring a wealth of qualification and experience to the Board: I myself am a K-12 public school educated student. I was a National Merit Scholar semifinalist and Honor Society member in high school, and graduated with honors. I earned bachelors and masters degrees in Finance and Investment, have over 30 years experience as an Investment advisor, over 20 years of volunteer Board experience, over 20 years of teaching experience to both adults professionally and kids as a volunteer. ANGIE ENGELMANN Angie Engelmann did not respond to requests for comment. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will open the 30th edition of GoforIsrael in Tel Aviv, which will host 1,000 participants, including investors, entrepreneurs and corporate heads from Europe, the US, Mexico, Asia, and Israel taking place on May 3, 2023 at Hilton, Tel Aviv. TEL AVIV, Israel, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Investment Conference GoforIsrael will celebrate its 30th edition and will host hundreds of investors from Europe, USA, Mexico and Asia. Organized by Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Catalyst Funds, GoforIsrael is considered as one of the most influential and prestigious business conferences in Israel, thanks to its international recognition of its impact on the future of foreign investments in Israel and on Israeli and global investments worldwide. Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Managing Partner of Catalyst Investments. This year the event marks not only its 30th conference; Cukierman & Co. Investment House celebrates its 30th anniversary, and Catalyst will celebrate the closing of Catalyst IV Fund and launching of Catalyst Investors' Club (CIC). The event will be held at the Hilton Tel Aviv on May 3rd, 2023. The conference's primary purpose is to create new business development opportunities, international partnerships, and strategic alliances. GoforIsrael will welcome 1000 participants including 500 investors from abroad and will facilitate more than 800 one-on-one meetings. Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of Cukierman & Co. Investment House and Managing Partner of Catalyst Investments announces: "The 30th GoforIsrael will demonstrate that Israel's ultimate economic strength is its tech companies, which have always weathered crisis times successfully. We have high-energy density batteries, AI generated real-time maps, high-resolution radars, electronically steered antennas. Israel's tech will continue to thrive." After being held virtually for the past 3 years due to COVID19, this year's live conference will focus on breakthrough Israeli innovation in leading industries including: Life Sciences (Biotech, Medtech), High Tech (Cybersecurity, Deep Tech, Mobility) and Climatech (Foodtech, Renewable Energy). Story continues The event will be opened by Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel together with Edouard Cukierman, Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds and Chairman of Cukierman Investment House. Participants include senior executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs, including executives from the venture capital industry as well as other investors. Speakers include Yair Shamir, Former Israeli Agriculture Minister and Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds; Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties; Luc Muller, Vice-Chairman of Cukierman & Co. & Former CEO of Otto Group; Amnon Shaashua, CEO of Mobileye; Maurizio Molinari, Editor in Chief at La Repubblica Italy; Keren Dahan, CEO of Sarel; Gokhan Eyigun, President of Sabanci Group; Yoav Etzyon, Managing Partner at APM; Alexander Stern, Head of Private Markets Hauck Aufhauser Lampe; Edward Talmor-Gera, CEO Newvest,; Maria Ameli, Head of Corporate at Banca Generali; Ofer Carmel, CEO of Catalyst Investors' Club, Roger Cukierman, former CEO of Rothschild Bank; Steve Elbaz, CEO of Watergen, Amir Zaidman, CBO of The Kitchen Hub by Strauss; Guy Spigelman, EMEA Life Sciences Startups, Amazon Web Services and more. The conference will focus on the hot issues of Mergers & Acquisitions, fundraising in challenging times, the impact of the economic & political changes on the Israeli High-Tech industry, and the image of Israel abroad. "Despite markets uncertainty, I believe Israel's diverse and impressive supply of breakthrough technology startups will continue to prevail and remain a stable and safe investment," says Edouard Cukierman, Chairman of the Cukierman & Co. Investment House, and Managing Partner of the Catalyst Funds. "The GoforIsrael conference accelerates investors' relationship with the Israeli ecosystem by creating focused and direct meetings between Israeli entrepreneurs in a variety of areas and senior investors from Europe, the U.S., Turkey, China and Latin America. Israeli entrepreneurs will enjoy the opportunity to showcase their technologies on stage as well as pre-arrange meetings with quality investors, which is especially important in light of the current situation." The event will give the opportunity to dozens of startups, at various stage, to pitch their innovative technologies to over 500 foreign investors. Among participants, Unicorns, publicly traded companies such as Taboola, Arbe, Freightos, Satixfy, Storedot, Trax, and Soonicorns such as: Addionics, Civan Lasers, CuraLife, Nexar. Other newcomers at the event: SIS, Novaremed, Omnysense, Virility, Cell-Lipo, Hairstetics, LaserTeam, MedCu, Raziel, Smart Cooling, Level Hydrofoils, Solitek, Robotican, Entropotech, Eatsane, Plantish, Armenta, Brevel, and MushFoods. For registration and agenda 2023, please visit our website: https://goforisrael.com/ For further information about the conference: Nadine Lati Managing Partner GoforIsrael nadine.l@cukierman.co.il For media coverage: Omer Hochbaum Positive Communications Press agency Omerh@gopositive.co.il GoforIsrael Logo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/500-investors-from-across-the-globe-to-attend-goforisrael-conference-301783212.html SOURCE GoforIsrael Chanson International Holding (CHSN) plans to raise $19 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on Friday, March 31st, IPO Scoop reports. The company plans to issue 3,750,000 shares at a price of $4.00-$6.00 per share. In the last twelve months, Chanson International Holding generated $16.5 million in revenue and $300,000 in net income. The company has a market cap of $34.1 million. Chanson International Holding provided the following description of their company for its IPO: We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and not a Chinese operating company. As a holding company with no material operations of our own, we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries in China and the U.S. and the VIEs in China.A Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all share amounts and per share amounts in this prospectus have been presented giving effect to a forward split of our ordinary shares at a ratio of 1,000-for-1 share and additional share issuances to our existing shareholders approved by our shareholders and board of directors on March 27, 2021. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores manufacture and sell a wide selection of bakery products, seasonal products (i.e. products sold during particular holiday seasons), and beverage products; some of these stores also offer eat-in services. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores currently focus their business in Xinjiang of the PRC and New York City, respectively, and plan to expand to other regions of the PRC and the U.S., with a goal of opening three to five new stores in China annually and eight new stores in the U.S. during the next five years. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores aim to make healthy, nutritious, and ready-to-eat food through advanced facilities and industry research and to create a comfortable, yet distinguishable store environment in which customers can enjoy their products. The PRC Stores are a bakery chain consisting of 32 stores operated by Xinjiang United Family and the VIEs under the asGeorgeaZChansonat brand in Xinjiang, and the U.S. Stores sell their products in New York City. Chanson 3rd Ave and Chanson Broadway are currently renovating spaces for the opening of two new stores in New York City. Selling through directly-operated stores, instead of franchise stores, allows the operating entities to run their entire operation more efficiently and to exercise greater control over the quality of products and the presentation of their brand, and to better manage customer experience in the stores. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores also sell their products on their digital platforms and through third-party online food ordering platforms. The current customer base of the PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores consists of both individual and corporate customers. To expand their customer base, the PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores have developed a variety of marketing and sale strategies, such as increasing their presence on social media platforms, devising pricing and discounting programs, and improving customer in-store experience. The PRC Stores manufacture the majority of bakery products in their central factory located in Urumqi, Xinjiang, prepare beverage products within the stores, and contract third-party manufacturers to produce seasonal products. the U.S. Stores bake bakery products, prepare breakfast, lunch and all-day brunch, bar food, and other light meals for eat in, and make beverage products all within the kitchen in the stores. To ensure the quality and safety of their products, the PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores procure raw materials, including flour, eggs, and milk, from renowned suppliers with a record of consistently supplying high-quality raw materials over decades in the food industry. In addition, the PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores have implemented a rigorous quality control system covering their entire operation process and mandated internal training to improve their employeesa awareness and knowledge of food safety. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores have dedicated and highly experienced product development teams that constantly create new products that reflect market trends and are designed to meet customer demand. As of November 2022, the PRC Stores had more than 697 types of bakery products and seasonal products on sale, including over 135 types of new products introduced to the market since 2021, and the U.S. Stores had 123 types of eat-in menu items and bakery products on sale, including 26 types of new products introduced to the market since 2021. The PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores also offer a large number of beverage products and update their drink menus seasonally and in response to ever changing customer demand. By continuously offering new products and refining their product formulas to enhance existing products, we believe that the PRC Stores and the U.S. Stores are able to steadily bring in new customers and increase the frequency of their existing customersa visits to their stores, digital platforms, and store page on third-party platforms. **Note: Revenue and net income figures are for the 12 months that ended June 30, 2022. (Note: Chanson International Holding filed an F-1/A dated March 20, 2023, in which it increased the size of its IPO to 3.75 million shares and kept the price range at $4.00 toA $6.00 to raise $18.75 million. In February, Chanson switched its sole book-runner to EF Hutton from Univest Securities according to an F-1/A filing dated Feb. 6, 2023.) (Chanson International Holding filed its F-1 on March 31, 2021, and disclosed terms for its IPO: 3 million shares at $4.00 to $6.00 to raise $15.0 million. ) (Note: On Dec.1, 2022, Chanson International Holding filed an F-1/A with updated financial statements for the six months through June 30, 2022.)A . Chanson International Holding was founded in 2009 and has 385 employees. The company is located at No. 26 Culture Road, Tianshan District Urumqi, Xinjiang, China and can be reached via phone at +86-0991-2302709 or on the web at https://www.chanson-international.com/. Receive News & Ratings for Chanson International Holding Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chanson International Holding and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Colombier Acquisition Corp. (NYSE:CLBR Get Rating) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 76,900 shares, an increase of 487.0% from the February 28th total of 13,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 147,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Approximately 0.5% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CLBR. Saba Capital Management L.P. purchased a new stake in Colombier Acquisition during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,255,000. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new stake in Colombier Acquisition during the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,835,000. Karpus Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Colombier Acquisition during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $217,000. Centiva Capital LP purchased a new stake in Colombier Acquisition during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $275,000. Finally, Verition Fund Management LLC purchased a new stake in Colombier Acquisition during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,089,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.36% of the companys stock. Get Colombier Acquisition alerts: Colombier Acquisition Price Performance Shares of Colombier Acquisition stock remained flat at $10.14 on Monday. 363,985 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 190,365. The firms 50-day moving average price is $10.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.92. Colombier Acquisition has a 52-week low of $9.63 and a 52-week high of $10.20. About Colombier Acquisition Colombier Acquisition Corp. does not have significant operations. It intends to effectuate a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Palm Beach, Florida. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Colombier Acquisition Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colombier Acquisition and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hyundai Motor (OTCMKTS:HYMLF Get Rating) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $89.00 and last traded at $89.00, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.00. Hyundai Motor Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average of $89.00 and a 200 day moving average of $89.00. Hyundai Motor Company Profile (Get Rating) Hyundai Motor Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes motor vehicles and parts. It operates through Vehicle, Finance, and Others segments. The company offers cars under the Azera, Sonata, Veloster, Veloster N, i30 Fastback N, i30 N, i30, Elantra, Accent, i20, and i10 names; and SUVs under the Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, Creta, Kona, and Venue names. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hyundai Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyundai Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Saul Centers, Inc. (NYSE:BFS Get Rating) CEO B Francis Saul II acquired 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $36.35 per share, with a total value of $363,500.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 101,501 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,689,561.35. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Saul Centers Stock Performance BFS traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $37.16. 40,194 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 34,139. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $40.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $888.50 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.93 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.63. Saul Centers, Inc. has a 1-year low of $35.63 and a 1-year high of $56.22. Get Saul Centers alerts: Saul Centers Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 17th will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.35%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 14th. Saul Centerss dividend payout ratio is currently 144.79%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Saul Centers Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. State of Tennessee Treasury Department grew its position in Saul Centers by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 9,562 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $389,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Saul Centers by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 12,014 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $633,000 after acquiring an additional 264 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Saul Centers by 5.3% during the 4th quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 5,832 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $237,000 after acquiring an additional 296 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Saul Centers by 17.5% during the 2nd quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 2,207 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $104,000 after acquiring an additional 329 shares during the period. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. grew its position in shares of Saul Centers by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 20,182 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $824,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the period. 45.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BFS. StockNews.com began coverage on Saul Centers in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Raymond James lowered Saul Centers from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 4th. Finally, B. Riley reduced their target price on Saul Centers from $47.00 to $42.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. Saul Centers Company Profile (Get Rating) Saul Centers, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the ownership, management, and development of income producing properties. It operates through the following segments: Shopping Centers and Mixed-Use Properties. The Shopping Centers segment consists of community and neighbourhood shopping centers which are anchored by supermarkets, discount department stores, and drug stores. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Saul Centers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Saul Centers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LPETTET / iStock.com Costco was one of the companies at the forefront of raising their minimum wage to $15 (it's now $16), but the pay is only one of the job perks that come along with working at the warehouse club. Costco's Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money Advice: How to Build A Financial Plan From Zero Here's a look at some of the incredible benefits enjoyed by Costco employees. Shutterstock.com Multiple Yearly Bonuses Although this is a perk you only get after working for the company for a few years, it's a good one. According to Costco's website, "we provide twice-yearly Extra Checks (bonuses) for long-tenured hourly employees." Take Our Poll: Do You Think Bankruptcy Is an Acceptable Way To Escape Student Loan Debt? GOBankingRates Free Executive Membership Costco employees get free membership cards for themselves and their friends and family. "We get four free membership cards (including mine) with 2% cash back annually," one long-time Costo cashier wrote on Quora. "[These] cards can be given to any family members or any friend of your choice. And if you work for Costco for more [than] 25 years [and retire, you get] a lifetime membership card." Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock.com First Dibs on Hot-Ticket Items Employees get to test out new products before they hit shelves and often buy up hot-ticket items as soon as they are available. "It's frequently the case that we're out of stock of something because we've bought them all," a Costco employee in Ohio told Fox Business. GOBankingRates First Dibs on Sale Items Employees also get access to sales before shoppers do. "We see stuff go on clearance before you do, and if it's a good deal, we'll snatch them up," the Ohio employee told Fox Business. Costco's Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money ZikG / Shutterstock.com Free Thanksgiving Turkey Multiple employees confirmed on Reddit that American Costco workers all receive a voucher for a free turkey every Thanksgiving. Costco donates the turkeys that employees choose not to take home. Chase Brock / GOBankingRates.com Exclusive Employee Shopping Hours Perhaps the biggest downside to shopping at Costco is the super long checkout lines -- but employees get to avoid these. Story continues "You can shop after hours, and a lot of employees do that," a Costco employee in Washington State told Mental Floss. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Incredible Perks of Being a Costco Employee StockNews.com cut shares of Archrock (NYSE:AROC Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning. A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on AROC. Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of Archrock from $10.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 24th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Archrock from $12.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. Get Archrock alerts: Archrock Trading Up 2.8 % Shares of Archrock stock opened at $9.61 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $9.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $8.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.56. Archrock has a fifty-two week low of $6.28 and a fifty-two week high of $11.49. The company has a market cap of $1.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.14 and a beta of 1.77. Archrock Increases Dividend Archrock ( NYSE:AROC Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 22nd. The energy company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. Archrock had a return on equity of 5.10% and a net margin of 5.24%. The business had revenue of $218.87 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $213.27 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.09 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Archrock will post 0.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 7th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This is a positive change from Archrocks previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 6th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.24%. Archrocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 206.90%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Archrock news, CAO Donna A. Henderson sold 13,961 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.11, for a total transaction of $155,106.71. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 50,039 shares in the company, valued at approximately $555,933.29. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Donna A. Henderson sold 13,961 shares of Archrock stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.11, for a total transaction of $155,106.71. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 50,039 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $555,933.29. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Ocean Reserves Lp Old sold 557,737 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.83, for a total value of $6,040,291.71. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 16,172,626 shares in the company, valued at $175,149,539.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Archrock by 5.9% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,248,507 shares of the energy companys stock worth $110,735,000 after buying an additional 963,291 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Archrock by 2.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 9,675,051 shares of the energy companys stock worth $89,301,000 after purchasing an additional 220,951 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Archrock by 18.3% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 9,454,203 shares of the energy companys stock worth $87,262,000 after purchasing an additional 1,462,659 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its position in Archrock by 17.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,047,977 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $55,823,000 after buying an additional 915,097 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. increased its stake in Archrock by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 2,859,206 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $25,676,000 after buying an additional 113,396 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.05% of the companys stock. Archrock Company Profile (Get Rating) Archrock, Inc engages in the provision of operations, maintenance, service and equipment for oil and natural gas production, processing, and transportation applications. It operates through the Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services. The Contract Operations segment includes the owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment that the company uses to provide operations services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Archrock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archrock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Get Rating) by 1.5% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,609 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 709 shares during the quarter. Bank of Montreal Can owned approximately 0.25% of AutoZone worth $115,355,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AZO. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of AutoZone by 368.0% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 411,450 shares of the companys stock worth $841,242,000 after acquiring an additional 323,536 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 3rd quarter worth about $88,576,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in shares of AutoZone by 24.6% during the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 141,802 shares of the companys stock worth $303,731,000 after acquiring an additional 28,025 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of AutoZone by 297.9% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 32,749 shares of the companys stock worth $70,146,000 after acquiring an additional 24,519 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky acquired a new stake in shares of AutoZone during the 3rd quarter worth about $51,994,000. 91.12% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AutoZone alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets AZO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of AutoZone from $2,800.00 to $2,878.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Wedbush raised their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $2,350.00 to $2,600.00 in a research note on Monday, November 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on AutoZone from $2,563.00 to $2,899.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Barclays initiated coverage on AutoZone in a report on Tuesday, February 7th. They issued an overweight rating and a $2,663.00 price target for the company. Finally, MKM Partners upped their price target on shares of AutoZone from $2,350.00 to $2,650.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $2,652.76. Insider Transactions at AutoZone AutoZone Stock Up 1.6 % In other news, CEO William C. Rhodes III sold 29,511 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,427.27, for a total value of $71,631,164.97. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 14,825 shares in the company, valued at $35,984,277.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other AutoZone news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 138 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,441.21, for a total value of $336,886.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,188,714.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, CEO William C. Rhodes III sold 29,511 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,427.27, for a total transaction of $71,631,164.97. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 14,825 shares in the company, valued at approximately $35,984,277.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 38,372 shares of company stock worth $93,403,027. Insiders own 2.59% of the companys stock. NYSE:AZO traded up $38.37 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $2,406.92. 43,108 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 152,320. The firm has a market cap of $44.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.69. AutoZone, Inc. has a 52 week low of $1,703.32 and a 52 week high of $2,610.05. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $2,446.62 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2,396.99. AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 28th. The company reported $24.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $21.33 by $3.31. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 64.72% and a net margin of 14.32%. The company had revenue of $3.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.56 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $22.30 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that AutoZone, Inc. will post 127.64 EPS for the current year. AutoZone Company Profile (Get Rating) AutoZone, Inc engages in the retail and distribution of automotive replacement parts and accessories. The firm offers ALLDATA, which produces, sells, and maintains diagnostic and repair information software used in the automotive repair industry and E-commerce, which includes direct sales to customers. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AZO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group restated their buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco (LON:BATS Get Rating) in a research note issued to investors on Friday, MarketBeat reports. Jefferies Financial Group currently has a GBX 4,100 ($50.37) target price on the stock. BATS has been the topic of several other research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a GBX 3,500 ($43.00) price objective on British American Tobacco in a report on Thursday, February 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a GBX 4,000 ($49.15) price target on British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, February 10th. Royal Bank of Canada set a GBX 3,500 ($43.00) target price on British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, February 10th. UBS Group set a GBX 4,100 ($50.37) target price on British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, December 9th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group set a GBX 3,900 ($47.92) price objective on British American Tobacco in a report on Monday, February 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, British American Tobacco has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 3,788 ($46.54). Get British American Tobacco alerts: British American Tobacco Stock Performance Shares of LON:BATS opened at GBX 2,885.50 ($35.45) on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.98, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.47. The businesss 50 day moving average price is GBX 3,081.73 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 3,244.43. The firm has a market capitalization of 64.64 billion, a PE ratio of 978.14, a P/E/G ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.34. British American Tobacco has a 1 year low of GBX 2,823.50 ($34.69) and a 1 year high of GBX 3,645 ($44.78). British American Tobacco Increases Dividend Insider Buying and Selling The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 28th will be issued a GBX 57.72 ($0.71) dividend. This is an increase from British American Tobaccos previous dividend of $54.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.87%. British American Tobaccos dividend payout ratio is currently 7,830.51%. In related news, insider Susan Jane Farr bought 392 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 3,170 ($38.95) per share, with a total value of 12,426.40 ($15,267.72). In related news, insider Karen Guerra acquired 3,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 3,055 ($37.54) per share, for a total transaction of 100,815 ($123,866.57). Also, insider Susan Jane Farr acquired 392 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 22nd. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 3,170 ($38.95) per share, with a total value of 12,426.40 ($15,267.72). Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 3,706 shares of company stock worth $11,368,831. Insiders own 8.96% of the companys stock. About British American Tobacco (Get Rating) British American Tobacco p.l.c. provides tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It offers vapour, tobacco heating, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible products; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Kent, Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Newport, Natural American Spirit, being Vapour, THP, and Modern Oral brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Chiba Bank, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CHBAY Get Rating)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $37.38 and last traded at $37.38, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $37.38. Chiba Bank Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $5.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.13 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $36.98 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.71. About Chiba Bank (Get Rating) The Chiba Bank, Ltd. engages in the business of banking services. The company offers general banking services including deposits, loans, domestic and foreign exchange transactions; and financial services such as leasing, securities brokerage, credit cards and others. It also develops software; and provides business management and staffing services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Chiba Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chiba Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Construction Bank Co. (OTCMKTS:CICHF Get Rating) saw a significant decrease in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,393,500 shares, a decrease of 82.8% from the February 28th total of 19,714,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 451,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 7.5 days. China Construction Bank Trading Down 1.7 % Shares of CICHF traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $0.63. The stock had a trading volume of 550 shares, compared to its average volume of 89,093. China Construction Bank has a 1 year low of $0.54 and a 1 year high of $0.78. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.64 and its 200 day moving average is $0.60. Get China Construction Bank alerts: China Construction Bank Company Profile (Get Rating) Read More China Construction Bank Corporation provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, Treasury Business, and Others segments. The company accepts various deposits, such as foreign currency, all in one accounts, RMB, corporate term and notification, and corporate demand deposits, as well corporate deposits by agreement. Receive News & Ratings for China Construction Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Construction Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copper Mountain Mining (TSE:CMMC Get Rating) had its price objective boosted by equities researchers at Stifel Nicolaus from C$2.00 to C$2.20 in a report issued on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Stifel Nicolaus price target indicates a potential upside of 4.27% from the stocks previous close. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on CMMC. CIBC raised their price objective on Copper Mountain Mining from C$1.90 to C$2.20 in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Scotiabank reduced their price target on Copper Mountain Mining from C$3.00 to C$2.75 in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. Haywood Securities lifted their price target on Copper Mountain Mining from C$2.00 to C$3.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 2nd. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their price target on Copper Mountain Mining from C$2.25 to C$2.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Copper Mountain Mining currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$2.46. Get Copper Mountain Mining alerts: Copper Mountain Mining Stock Performance Shares of TSE:CMMC traded up C$0.09 during trading on Tuesday, hitting C$2.11. The stock had a trading volume of 1,371,728 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,226,601. Copper Mountain Mining has a 12-month low of C$1.23 and a 12-month high of C$3.92. The stock has a market capitalization of C$451.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 2.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 88.37. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$2.09 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$1.87. Insider Buying and Selling at Copper Mountain Mining About Copper Mountain Mining In other Copper Mountain Mining news, insider Zeta Resources Limited sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$2.35, for a total value of C$234,610.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 26,966,545 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$63,266,211.22. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 400,000 shares of company stock valued at $864,300. Company insiders own 3.50% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Copper Mountain Mining Corporation operates as a mining company in Canada. The company explores for copper, gold, and silver deposits. Its flagship asset is the Copper Mountain mine that comprise 138 crown granted mineral claims, 149 located mineral claims, 14 mining leases, and 12 fee simple properties covering an area of 6,702 hectares located to the south of Princeton, British Columbia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Copper Mountain Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Copper Mountain Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW Get Rating) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a note issued to investors on Monday. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Curtiss-Wright from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $187.00 to $188.00 in a research report on Monday, December 12th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $183.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $179.80. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Curtiss-Wright Stock Performance NYSE:CW traded up $1.78 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $171.71. The stock had a trading volume of 110,354 shares, compared to its average volume of 177,803. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.56 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $169.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $164.99. Curtiss-Wright has a 52 week low of $124.37 and a 52 week high of $182.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Insiders Place Their Bets Curtiss-Wright ( NYSE:CW Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 21st. The aerospace company reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.02 by ($0.10). The firm had revenue of $758.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $752.23 million. Curtiss-Wright had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 16.56%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 13.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.40 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Curtiss-Wright will post 8.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other news, CEO Lynn M. Bamford sold 2,223 shares of Curtiss-Wright stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.42, for a total value of $376,620.66. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 17,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,940,453.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Lynn M. Bamford sold 2,223 shares of Curtiss-Wright stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.42, for a total value of $376,620.66. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 17,356 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,940,453.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Lynn M. Bamford sold 1,337 shares of Curtiss-Wright stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.10, for a total transaction of $228,760.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 18,998 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,250,557.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 8,586 shares of company stock worth $1,459,205. 0.62% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CW. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 16.9% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,094 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $614,000 after acquiring an additional 593 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 15.4% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 5,655 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $849,000 after acquiring an additional 756 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 1.6% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,598 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,141,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright in the first quarter worth approximately $308,000. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 10.5% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 14,381 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,159,000 after acquiring an additional 1,371 shares in the last quarter. 84.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Curtiss-Wright (Get Rating) Curtiss-Wright Corp. is a global integrated business that provides engineered products, solutions, and services mainly to the aerospace and defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding commercial power, process, and industrial markets. It operates through the following three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Curtiss-Wright Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Curtiss-Wright and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 33,300 shares, a growth of 162.2% from the February 28th total of 12,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 175,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Barclays began coverage on Deutsche Lufthansa in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. They set an overweight rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Deutsche Lufthansa in a report on Friday, December 2nd. They set an overweight rating for the company. UBS Group raised Deutsche Lufthansa from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. HSBC raised Deutsche Lufthansa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, March 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley began coverage on Deutsche Lufthansa in a report on Tuesday, January 10th. They set an underweight rating for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $7.80. Get Deutsche Lufthansa alerts: Deutsche Lufthansa Stock Performance OTCMKTS DLAKY traded up $0.18 on Tuesday, hitting $10.24. 41,455 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 65,458. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The firms 50-day moving average price is $10.47 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $8.42. Deutsche Lufthansa has a fifty-two week low of $5.40 and a fifty-two week high of $11.67. The firm has a market cap of $6.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 1.21. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Deutsche Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa ( OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Friday, March 3rd. The transportation company reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.35 by ($0.08). Deutsche Lufthansa had a return on equity of 9.46% and a net margin of 2.19%. The business had revenue of $9.06 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that Deutsche Lufthansa will post 1.4 EPS for the current year. A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Deutsche Lufthansa stock. Yousif Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Rating) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 19,989 shares of the transportation companys stock, valued at approximately $115,000. About Deutsche Lufthansa (Get Rating) Deutsche Lufthansa AG engages in the provision of passenger, freight, and cargo airline services. It operates through the following segments: Network Airlines, Eurowings, Logistics, Maintenance Repair Overhaul, Catering and Additional Businesses and Group Functions. The Network Airlines segment comprises Lufthansa German Airlines, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D Get Rating) by 321.0% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,101,849 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,602,582 shares during the quarter. Bank of Montreal Can owned approximately 0.25% of Dominion Energy worth $129,642,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV raised its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 1.2% in the first quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 10,630 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $903,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the period. Golden State Equity Partners raised its holdings in Dominion Energy by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Equity Partners now owns 7,635 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $649,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd lifted its position in Dominion Energy by 49.8% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 394 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. grew its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 4.8% in the second quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. now owns 2,838 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $227,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 0.3% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 40,479 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,440,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.30% of the companys stock. Get Dominion Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim lowered their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $69.00 to $63.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 28th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating for the company. UBS Group decreased their price target on Dominion Energy from $60.00 to $57.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, March 7th. Credit Suisse Group cut their price objective on Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $58.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $58.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, March 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $66.08. Dominion Energy Trading Up 1.3 % Dominion Energy stock traded up $0.72 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $54.85. 1,152,112 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,044,228. The firm has a market capitalization of $45.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.84, a PEG ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.73. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $52.03 and a fifty-two week high of $88.78. The firms 50 day moving average is $58.08 and its 200-day moving average is $62.83. Dominion Energy (NYSE:D Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.03. Dominion Energy had a net margin of 5.79% and a return on equity of 13.35%. The business had revenue of $4.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.21 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.90 earnings per share. Dominion Energys revenue was up 26.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 3.96 earnings per share for the current year. Dominion Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 3rd were issued a $0.6675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 2nd. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.87%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 244.95%. About Dominion Energy (Get Rating) Dominion Energy, Inc engages in the production and distribution of energy. It operates through following business segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Gas Distribution, Dominion Energy South Carolina, Contracted Assets, and Corporate and Other. The Corporate and Other segment focuses on corporate, service company, non-controlling interest in Dominion privatization, and non-regulated retail energy marketing operations. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding D? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Dominion Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dominion Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Engrave Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating) by 8.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,076 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the quarter. Engrave Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $222,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BMY. Boston Financial Mangement LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% in the third quarter. Boston Financial Mangement LLC now owns 15,468 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,100,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Accredited Investors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% in the third quarter. Accredited Investors Inc. now owns 15,461 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,099,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Lincoln National Corp increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.4% in the third quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 36,282 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,579,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.4% in the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 10,053 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $715,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% in the third quarter. Elmwood Wealth Management Inc. now owns 13,686 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $973,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. 75.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.6 % BMY stock opened at $68.07 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $143.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $65.28 and a 12 month high of $81.43. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $70.43 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.89. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $11.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.20 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 51.60%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.83 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Investors of record on Monday, April 10th will be issued a $0.57 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 6th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.35%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 77.29%. Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb In related news, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total value of $17,916,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 236,104 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,625,163.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, EVP Ann Powell sold 11,183 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.69, for a total transaction of $835,258.27. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 23,043 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,721,081.67. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Giovanni Caforio sold 240,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.65, for a total transaction of $17,916,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 236,104 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,625,163.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have commented on BMY. Atlantic Securities upped their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 3rd. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, January 17th. They issued an overweight rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, March 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $79.69. About Bristol-Myers Squibb (Get Rating) Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sabina Mammadli Russian IrAero airline has launched flights from Omsk to Baku, Azernews reports. According to the website of the Federal Air Transport Agency, the air carrier plans to fly to the capital of Azerbaijan 3 times a week. Currently, there are no direct flights from Omsk to Baku. Moreover, the airline has also launched flights on the new Novosibirsk-Baku-Novosibirsk route. Flights from Novosibirsk to Baku will be carried out twice a week, on Fridays and Sundays, and from Baku to Novosibirsk, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. "The first Novosibirsk-Baku flight is scheduled for March 31. A plane will depart from Novosibirsk at 1400 (GMT+7) and arrive in Baku at 1540 (GMT+4). The flight time will be four hours and 40 minutes. The return flight will be carried out at 2310 (GMT+4) with arrival in Novosibirsk at 0600 (GMT+7), and the flight time will be three hours and 50 minutes," the company said. Multi-billion opportunity in the multiparameter patient monitoring market, in-home care settings is gaining high prominence. CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest research report, the multiparameter patient monitoring market will grow at a CAGR of 8.06% during 2022-2028. Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3751 BROWSE IN-DEPTH TOC ON THE MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING MARKET 154 - Tables 128 - Charts 322 Pages The global healthcare landscape has evolved drastically. Healthcare settings initially focused on avoiding re-admissions; however, this has shifted toward avoiding admissions and treating patients remotely. This model is helping healthcare settings to function efficiently and effectively, adding more value to patient treatment. This further prompts healthcare settings to invest in remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and advanced patient monitoring technologies. Vendors in the multiparameter patient monitoring market & digital health have a significant opportunity to handle the shift in the healthcare landscape. Most patients are treated more for chronic diseases than other conditions, and a major portion of the healthcare expenditure in the US goes toward treating and monitoring chronic diseases. Therefore, multi-parameter patient monitors and remote patient monitoring devices will have a major impact on the future of the global healthcare market. Post-COVID-19, healthcare settings have invested in virtual care, online consultations, and home healthcare. MULTIPARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING MARKET REPORT SCOPE REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS Market Size (2028) USD 15.20 Billion Market Size (2022) USD 9.55 Billion CAGR (2022-2028) 8.06 % Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segments Devices, Acuity Level, Patient Group, and Geography Geographic Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Countries Covered The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa Market Dynamics Growing Demand for Real-time Patient Monitors in Critical Care Increasing Target Patient Population with Various Diseases Enhancements in Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Fastest Market APAC Story continues Looking for More Information? Download the Free Sample Report Now: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3751 INCREASING DEMAND FOR MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING IN-HOME CARE SETTINGS It is predicted that 83.4 million patients will be monitored through wireless patient monitoring systems by 2023. About 88% of health systems and hospitals have invested or plan to invest in remote patient monitoring solutions. Home patient monitoring is gaining widespread popularity as patients receive quality care directly at home. Home healthcare has always been recognized as a life-saving option for patients requiring long-term care to treat chronic diseases. As a result, over the past few years, home patient monitoring has become a standard of care among adult patients who require a long-term alternative to hospital-based care. Moreover, the worldwide increase in the geriatric and chronic disease population has led to a growing demand for home patient monitoring. APAC to Witness the Fastest Growth Rate in the Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market The APAC multi-parameter patient monitoring is expected to reach $3.83 billion by 2028. China and India together have a large pool of diabetic people. The market for multi-parameter patient monitoring devices in both countries is likely to grow faster than in other countries in the region. Nowadays, smart homes and smart beds with built-in multi-parameter monitoring devices are used to detect abnormalities that can be fatal and provide early treatment to patients. These advanced technologies increase the demand for multi-parameter patient monitoring devices in the APAC region. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Most multi-parameter patient monitors manufacturing companies are densely concentrated in North America and Europe, offering products catering to the requirements of end-users in these regions. However, it is also observed that there is a rise in the number of hospital beds in various healthcare settings of developing regions, which is boosting the growth opportunities for vendors in these regions. Local manufacturers, particularly Chinese and Japanese manufacturers such as Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics and Nihon Kohden, are giving intense competition to international players such as GE Healthcare and Philips. VENDOR ACTIVITIES: M&AS AND PRODUCT LAUNCHES In 2022, Medtronic partnered with BioIntelliSense for exclusive US distribution of the BioButton multi-parameter wearable for continuous remote patient monitoring from in-hospital settings to homes. In January 2022, ICU Medical acquired Smiths Medical. The addition of vital care products expanded the business range of ICU Medical with a robust reach. In December 2021, Baxter acquired Hillrom, a medical technology leader. Prior to that, in January 2021, Hillrom acquired Bardy Diagnostics, an innovator in digital health and a leading provider of ambulatory cardiac monitoring technologies. In February 2021, Philips completed the acquisition of BioTelemetry. The acquisition of BioTelemetry is a strong fit with Philips' cardiac care portfolio. The combination results in the business expansion of patient care management solutions for hospitals and homes In 2021, Masimo acquired LiDCO, an advanced hemodynamic monitoring technology provider. KEY COMPANY PROFILES Baxter CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS GE Healthcare Koninklijke Philips Masimo Medtronic NIHON KOHDEN OSI Systems Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Advanced Instrumentations American Diagnostic Dragerwerk AG & Co. EDAN Instruments EPSIMED FUKUDA DENSHI Halma ICU Medical Infinium Medical Lutech MEDIANA MEDION Mennen Medical Nonin OMRON Opto Circuits (India) SCHILLER Skanray Technologies Viatom Technology VYAIRE MEDICAL MARKET SEGMENTATION Devices Portable/Compact Devices Fixed Devices Acuity Level High Acuity Level Mid Acuity Level Low Acuity Level Patient Group Geriatric Patient Group Adult Patient Group Pediatric Patient Group End-User Hospitals ASCs Homecare Settings Others Geography North America Europe APAC Latin America Middle East & Africa CHECK OUT SOME OF THE TOP-SELLING RESEARCH REPORTS: Telehealth Kiosk Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027: The global telehealth kiosk market is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 19%. Remote Patient Monitoring Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027: The global remote patient monitoring market is expected to reach USD 62 billion, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. Portable Patient Isolation Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026: The global portable patient isolation market will reach USD 65 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period. Vital Signs Monitoring Devices Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025: The vital global signs monitoring devices market size is to cross USD 15 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. TABLE OF CONTENT 1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 3 RESEARCH PROCESS 4 SCOPE & COVERAGE 4.1 MARKET DEFINITION 4.1.1 INCLUSIONS 4.1.2 EXCLUSIONS 4.1.3 MARKET ESTIMATION CAVEATS 4.2 BASE YEAR 4.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 4.3.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY DEVICE 4.3.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY ACUITY LEVEL 4.3.3 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY PATIENT GROUP 4.3.4 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY END-USER 4.3.5 MARKET SEGMENTATION BY GEOGRAPHY 5 REPORT ASSUMPTIONS & CAVEATS 5.1 KEY CAVEATS 5.2 CURRENCY CONVERSION 5.3 MARKET DERIVATION 6 MARKET AT A GLANCE 7 PREMIUM INSIGHTS 7.1 OVERVIEW 8 INTRODUCTION 8.1 OVERVIEW 8.1.1 MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS 8.1.2 COVID-19 IMPACT 9 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & TRENDS 9.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING IN HOME CARE SETTINGS 9.2 GROWING DEMAND FOR PORTABLE/COMPACT MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS 9.3 INTEGRATION OF MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORS WITH WIRELESS AND REMOTE MONITORING PLATFORMS 9.4 ADVANCES IN REMOTE PATIENT MONITORING TECHNOLOGY 10 MARKET GROWTH ENABLERS 10.1 GROWING DEMAND FOR REAL-TIME PATIENT MONITORS IN CRITICAL CARE 10.2 INCREASING TARGET PATIENT POPULATION WITH VARIOUS DISEASES 10.3 ENHANCEMENTS IN MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING 11 MARKET RESTRAINTS 11.1 FALSE ALARMS & ALARM FATIGUE 11.2 INCREASING REGULATORY COMPLEXITIES 11.3 HIGH COST OF MULTI-PARAMETER PATIENT MONITORING DEVICES 12 MARKET LANDSCAPE 12.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 12.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 12.2.1 GEOGRAPHY SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.2 DEVICES SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.3 ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.4 PATIENT GROUP SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.2.5 END-USER SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS 12.3 FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 12.3.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS 12.3.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS 12.3.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS 12.3.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES 12.3.5 COMPETITIVE RIVALRY 13 DEVICE 13.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 13.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.3 PORTABLE/COMPACT DEVICES 13.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 13.3.3 PORTABLE/COMPACT DEVICES SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 13.4 FIXED DEVICES 13.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 13.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 13.4.3 FIXED DEVICES SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14 ACUITY LEVEL 14.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 14.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.3 HIGH ACUITY LEVEL 14.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.3.3 HIGH ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14.4 LOW ACUITY LEVEL 14.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.4.3 LOW ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 14.5 MID ACUITY LEVEL 14.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 14.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 14.5.3 MID ACUITY LEVEL SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15 PATIENT GROUP 15.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 15.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.3 GERIATRIC PATIENT GROUP 15.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.3.3 GERIATRIC PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15.4 ADULT PATIENT GROUP 15.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.4.3 ADULT PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 15.5 PEDIATRIC PATIENT GROUP 15.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 15.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 15.5.3 PEDIATRIC PATIENT GROUP SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16 END-USER 16.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 16.2 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.3 HOSPITALS 16.3.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.3.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.3.3 HOSPITALS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.4 AMBULATORY CARE SETTINGS (ACS) 16.4.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.4.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.4.3 ACSS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.5 HOME CARE SETTINGS 16.5.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.5.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.5.3 HOME CARE SETTINGS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 16.6 OTHERS 16.6.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 16.6.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 16.6.3 OTHERS SEGMENT BY GEOGRAPHY 17 GEOGRAPHY 17.1 MARKET SNAPSHOT & GROWTH ENGINE 17.2 GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW 18 NORTH AMERICA 18.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 18.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 18.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 18.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 18.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 18.3 KEY COUNTRIES 18.3.1 US: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 18.3.2 CANADA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19 EUROPE 19.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 19.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 19.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 19.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 19.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 19.3 KEY COUNTRIES 19.3.1 GERMANY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.2 FRANCE: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.3 UK: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.4 ITALY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 19.3.5 SPAIN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20 APAC 20.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 20.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 20.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 20.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 20.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 20.3 KEY COUNTRIES 20.3.1 JAPAN: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.2 CHINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.3 INDIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.4 SOUTH KOREA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 20.3.5 AUSTRALIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21 LATIN AMERICA 21.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 21.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 21.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 21.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 21.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 21.3 KEY COUNTRIES 21.3.1 BRAZIL: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.2 MEXICO: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 21.3.3 ARGENTINA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA 22.1 MARKET OVERVIEW 22.2 MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.2.1 MARKET BY DEVICE 22.2.2 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 22.2.3 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 22.2.4 MARKET BY END-USER 22.3 KEY COUNTRIES 22.3.1 TURKEY: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.3.2 SAUDI ARABIA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 22.3.3 SOUTH AFRICA: MARKET SIZE & FORECAST 23 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 23.1 COMPETITION OVERVIEW 23.1.1 VENDOR ACTIVITIES: M&AS AND PRODUCT LAUNCHES 23.2 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS 23.2.1 BAXTER 23.2.2 CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS 23.2.3 GE HEALTHCARE 23.2.4 PHILIPS 23.2.5 MASIMO 23.2.6 MEDTRONIC 23.2.7 NIHON KOHDEN 23.2.8 OSI SYSTEMS 23.2.9 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS 24 KEY COMPANY PROFILES 24.1 BAXTER 24.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 24.1.2 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 24.1.3 KEY STRATEGIES 24.1.4 KEY STRENGTHS 24.1.5 KEY OPPORTUNITIES 24.2 CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS 24.3 GE HEALTHCARE 24.4 PHILIPS 24.5 MASIMO 24.6 MEDTRONIC 24.7 NIHON KOHDEN 24.8 OSI SYSTEMS 24.9 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS 25 OTHER PROMINENT VENDORS 25.1 ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATIONS 25.1.1 BUSINESS OVERVIEW 25.1.2 PRODUCT OFFERINGS 25.2 AMERICAN DIAGNOSTIC 25.3 DRAGERWERK 25.4 EDAN INSTRUMENTS 25.5 EPSIMED 25.6 FUKUDA DENSHI 25.7 HALMA 25.8 ICU MEDICAL 25.9 INFINIUM MEDICAL 25.10 LUTECH 25.11 MEDIANA 25.12 MEDION 25.13 MENNEN MEDICAL 25.14 NONIN 25.15 OMRON 25.16 OPTO CIRCUITS (INDIA) 25.17 SCHILLER 25.18 SKANRAY TECHNOLOGIES 25.19 VIATOM TECHNOLOGY 25.2 VYAIRE MEDICAL 26 REPORT SUMMARY 26.1 KEY TAKEAWAYS 26.2 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS 27 QUANTITATIVE SUMMARY 27.1 MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY 27.2 MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.2 EUROPE MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.3 APAC MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.2.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY DEVICE 27.3 MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.2 EUROPE MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.3 APAC MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.3.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY ACUITY LEVEL 27.4 MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.2 EUROPE MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.3 APAC MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.4.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY PATIENT GROUP 27.5 MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.1 NORTH AMERICA MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.2 EUROPE MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.3 APAC MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.4 LATIN AMERICA MARKET BY END-USER 27.5.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MARKET BY END-USER 28 APPENDIX 28.1 ABBREVIATIONS ABOUT US: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. CONTACT US Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: enquiry@arizton.com Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog Website: https://www.arizton.com/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041996/MULTIPARAMETER_PATIENT_MONITORING_MARKET.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg Arizton Logo (PRNewsfoto/Arizton Advisory & Intelligence) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/about-80-of-the-healthcare-systems-are-investing-in-remote-patient-monitoring-solutions-the-global-multiparameter-patient-monitoring-market-size-to-worth-15-billion-by-2028--arizton-301783791.html SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Presima Securities ULC reduced its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Get Rating) by 19.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,900 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,700 shares during the period. Presima Securities ULCs holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $1,016,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 80.0% during the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 144 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. American National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 271.7% during the 4th quarter. American National Bank now owns 171 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage during the 3rd quarter worth about $35,000. 95.32% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EXR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Extra Space Storage from $175.00 to $170.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 12th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $153.00 to $145.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 14th. Raymond James raised shares of Extra Space Storage from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $170.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 9th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered shares of Extra Space Storage from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 18th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Extra Space Storage currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $170.89. Insider Buying and Selling at Extra Space Storage Extra Space Storage Price Performance In other Extra Space Storage news, CMO Samrat Sondhi sold 6,290 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.88, for a total value of $1,018,225.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer now owns 82,653 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,379,867.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . In other news, EVP Gwyn Goodson Mcneal sold 1,500 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.00, for a total transaction of $246,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 32,290 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,295,560. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CMO Samrat Sondhi sold 6,290 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction on Monday, February 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.88, for a total transaction of $1,018,225.20. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 82,653 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,379,867.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 8,440 shares of company stock valued at $1,371,963 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.52% of the companys stock. EXR traded down $1.51 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $151.84. The companys stock had a trading volume of 91,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,037,737. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $158.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $160.84. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a 1 year low of $139.97 and a 1 year high of $222.35. The company has a market cap of $20.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.92, a PEG ratio of 5.99 and a beta of 0.54. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.08 by ($0.56). Extra Space Storage had a return on equity of 22.01% and a net margin of 45.52%. The firm had revenue of $506.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $433.39 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.91 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Extra Space Storage Inc. will post 8.55 EPS for the current year. Extra Space Storage Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be given a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 14th. This is a boost from Extra Space Storages previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 101.09%. About Extra Space Storage (Get Rating) Extra Space Storage, Inc is a real estate investment trust. It operates through the following segments: Self-Storage Operations and Tenant Reinsurance. The Self-Storage Operations segment includes rental operations of wholly-owned stores. The Tenant Reinsurance segment includes reinsurance of risks relating to the loss of goods stored by tenants in stores. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated their sector perform rating on shares of General Mills (NYSE:GIS Get Rating) in a research report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $76.00 price objective on the stock. GIS has been the subject of several other reports. Mizuho initiated coverage on General Mills in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on General Mills in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of General Mills from $88.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of General Mills from $88.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 15th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on shares of General Mills from $84.00 to $86.00 in a report on Friday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.88. Get General Mills alerts: General Mills Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of GIS stock opened at $84.88 on Friday. General Mills has a fifty-two week low of $64.94 and a fifty-two week high of $88.34. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $78.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $80.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.54. The company has a market cap of $50.05 billion, a PE ratio of 18.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.28. General Mills Announces Dividend General Mills ( NYSE:GIS Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.06. General Mills had a net margin of 14.04% and a return on equity of 24.51%. The firm had revenue of $5.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.84 EPS. The companys revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that General Mills will post 4.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.54%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 6th. General Millss dividend payout ratio is currently 46.65%. Insider Transactions at General Mills In related news, CAO Mark A. Pallot sold 1,955 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.99, for a total transaction of $168,110.45. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 17,146 shares in the company, valued at $1,474,384.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other General Mills news, CAO Mark A. Pallot sold 1,955 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.99, for a total value of $168,110.45. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 17,146 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,474,384.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Sean N. Walker sold 27,157 shares of General Mills stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $84.87, for a total transaction of $2,304,814.59. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 90,975 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,721,048.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 40,006 shares of company stock valued at $3,393,359 over the last ninety days. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its holdings in General Mills by 4.8% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 22,026 shares of the companys stock worth $1,492,000 after buying an additional 1,003 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of General Mills by 45.3% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,867 shares of the companys stock worth $397,000 after purchasing an additional 1,828 shares during the last quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. raised its holdings in shares of General Mills by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 73,176 shares of the companys stock worth $4,955,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in General Mills by 2.3% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 279,604 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,935,000 after purchasing an additional 6,176 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in General Mills by 15.3% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,834 shares of the companys stock valued at $124,000 after purchasing an additional 244 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 74.48% of the companys stock. General Mills Company Profile (Get Rating) General Mills, Inc engages in the manufacture and marketing of branded consumer foods sold through retail stores. The firm operates through the following segments: North America Retail, Europe & Australia, Convenience Stores & Foodservice, Pet, and Asia & Latin America. The North America Retail segment includes grocery stores, mass merchandisers, membership stores, natural food chains, drug, dollar and discount chains and e-commerce grocery providers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nestle (OTCMKTS:NSRGF Get Rating) and Devro (OTCMKTS:DEITF Get Rating) are both consumer defensive companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability. Dividends Nestle pays an annual dividend of $2.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Devro pays an annual dividend of C$0.09 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Nestle pays out 72.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Devro pays out 66.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Devro is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Nestle alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Nestle and Devros top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nestle N/A N/A N/A $2.98 40.14 Devro N/A N/A N/A C$0.13 29.59 Profitability Devro is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Nestle, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This table compares Nestle and Devros net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nestle N/A N/A N/A Devro N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations for Nestle and Devro, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nestle 0 0 1 0 3.00 Devro 0 1 0 0 2.00 Nestle currently has a consensus price target of $120.00, indicating a potential upside of 0.39%. Given Nestles stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Nestle is more favorable than Devro. Institutional & Insider Ownership 27.2% of Nestle shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 42.7% of Devro shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Nestle beats Devro on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Nestle (Get Rating) Nestle SA is a nutrition, health and wellness company, which engages in the manufacture, supply and production of prepared dishes and cooking aids, milk-based products, pharmaceuticals and ophthalmic goods, baby foods and cereals. The company products portfolio includes powdered and liquid beverages, water, milk products and ice cream, nutrition and health science, prepared dishes and cooking aids, confectionery, and pet care. It operates through the following segments: Zone EMENA, Zone Americas, Zone Asia, Oceania & Africa, Nestle Waters, Nestle Nutrition, and Other Businesses. The Other Business segment is comprised of Nespresso, Nestle Health Science and Nestle Skin Health. The company was founded by Henri Nestle in 1866 and is headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. About Devro (Get Rating) Devro Plc engages in the manufacture of collagen and sausage casings products for the food industry. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Global. The Americas segment includes North America and Latin America. The Asia-Pacific segment comprises of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and the rest of South East Asia. The Europe segment consists of Continental Europe, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Africa. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Glasgow, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Nestle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nestle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Rating) and Paradigm Oil and Gas (OTCMKTS:PDGO Get Rating) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, earnings and risk. Institutional & Insider Ownership 58.1% of Agnico Eagle Mines shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Paradigm Oil and Gas shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Agnico Eagle Mines shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Agnico Eagle Mines and Paradigm Oil and Gas, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Agnico Eagle Mines 0 0 6 0 3.00 Paradigm Oil and Gas 0 0 0 0 N/A Profitability Agnico Eagle Mines currently has a consensus target price of $70.50, suggesting a potential upside of 36.84%. Given Agnico Eagle Mines higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Agnico Eagle Mines is more favorable than Paradigm Oil and Gas. This table compares Agnico Eagle Mines and Paradigm Oil and Gas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Agnico Eagle Mines 11.67% 6.18% 4.30% Paradigm Oil and Gas N/A N/A N/A Volatility & Risk Agnico Eagle Mines has a beta of 0.77, indicating that its share price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Paradigm Oil and Gas has a beta of 0.74, indicating that its share price is 26% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Agnico Eagle Mines and Paradigm Oil and Gas top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Agnico Eagle Mines $5.74 billion 4.10 $670.25 million $1.50 34.35 Paradigm Oil and Gas $3.32 billion 0.00 -$495.10 million N/A N/A Agnico Eagle Mines has higher revenue and earnings than Paradigm Oil and Gas. Summary Agnico Eagle Mines beats Paradigm Oil and Gas on 11 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Rating) Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. engages in the exploration and production of gold. It operates through the following segments: Northern Business, Southern Business, and Exploration. The Northern Business segment comprises of LaRonde mine, LaRonde Zone 5 mine, Lapa mine, Goldex mine, Meadowbank mine including the Amaruq deposit, Canadian Malartic joint operation, Meliadine project and Kittila mine. The Southern Business segment consists of Pinos Altos mine, Creston Mascota mine, and La India mine. The Exploration segment represents the exploration offices in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Latin America. The company was founded by Paul Penna in 1957 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. About Paradigm Oil and Gas (Get Rating) Paradigm Oil & Gas, Inc. engages and explores oil and natural gas properties. The firm goal is to identify oil producing wells and use modern technology to make them profitable based on modern commodity pricing. The company was founded on July 15, 2002 and is headquartered in Tampa, FL. Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Rating) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, a decrease of 87.7% from the February 28th total of 5,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 103,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. International Land Alliance Stock Down 8.2 % International Land Alliance stock traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $0.07. 34,600 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 70,404. International Land Alliance has a twelve month low of $0.06 and a twelve month high of $0.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.43. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $0.11 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.16. Get International Land Alliance alerts: About International Land Alliance (Get Rating) Recommended Stories International Land Alliance, Inc operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building plots; securing financing for the purchase of the plots; improving the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers. Receive News & Ratings for International Land Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Land Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bowman & Co S.C. lowered its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Get Rating) by 0.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 134,725 shares of the companys stock after selling 243 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF makes up about 7.5% of Bowman & Co S.C.s holdings, making the stock its 4th biggest position. Bowman & Co S.C.s holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $9,714,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in USMV. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 97.0% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 25,017,562 shares of the companys stock worth $1,653,661,000 after acquiring an additional 12,316,375 shares during the period. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7,462.3% in the third quarter. CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,403,200 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after buying an additional 7,305,304 shares during the last quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the third quarter worth $325,088,000. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 844.3% in the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,858,878 shares of the companys stock worth $255,072,000 after buying an additional 3,450,227 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 17.3% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,988,250 shares of the companys stock valued at $858,523,000 after purchasing an additional 1,917,457 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of BATS USMV traded up $0.21 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $70.87. The company had a trading volume of 2,333,694 shares. The company has a market capitalization of $29.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.76. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $47.44 and a 1 year high of $55.45. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $71.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $71.35. About iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Itau Corpbanca (NYSE:ITCB Get Rating) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 10,300 shares, a growth of 312.0% from the February 28th total of 2,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.7 days. Itau Corpbanca Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ITCB traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $3.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 9,129 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,285. The stock has a market cap of $1.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.53 and a beta of 0.96. Itau Corpbanca has a 12 month low of $2.50 and a 12 month high of $3.94. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $3.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.21. Get Itau Corpbanca alerts: Institutional Trading of Itau Corpbanca Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in Itau Corpbanca by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 86,256 shares of the banks stock valued at $247,000 after acquiring an additional 3,585 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp bought a new stake in Itau Corpbanca during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, Veriti Management LLC boosted its position in Itau Corpbanca by 196.5% during the 3rd quarter. Veriti Management LLC now owns 265,668 shares of the banks stock valued at $763,000 after acquiring an additional 176,076 shares in the last quarter. 0.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Itau Corpbanca Company Profile Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on Itau Corpbanca in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating on the stock. (Get Rating) Itau Corpbanca engages in the provision of banking and financial services. It specializes in banking products such as financing, leasing, loans, insurance and credit cards. It operates through the following geographical segments: Chile and Colombia. The Chile segment consists of commercial and corporate banking, real estate and construction, large companies, retail banking, personal banking, small business, retail companies, Banco Condell consumer banking, international and treasury and other financial services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Itau Corpbanca Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Corpbanca and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) had its target price cut by Royal Bank of Canada from $150.00 to $132.00 in a research report released on Friday, The Fly reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the financial services providers stock. A number of other research firms have also commented on JPM. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $148.00 to $155.00 in a report on Monday, March 13th. Credit Suisse Group set a $155.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Monday, February 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $155.00 to $145.00 in a report on Friday, January 6th. UBS Group set a $156.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Friday, January 13th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a hold rating for the company. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $149.28. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance JPM stock opened at $128.49 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $137.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $129.95. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $101.28 and a fifty-two week high of $144.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $378.19 billion, a PE ratio of 10.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.94 and a beta of 1.12. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Dividend JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $3.57 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.11 by $0.46. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 24.34% and a return on equity of 14.68%. The firm had revenue of $34.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $34.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.33 EPS. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue was up 18.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 12.88 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, April 30th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 6th will be given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 5th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.11%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is currently 33.11%. Insider Activity at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In related news, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 23,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $140.31, for a total value of $3,247,895.88. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 48,311 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,778,516.41. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, Director Mellody L. Hobson purchased 375 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 19th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $134.53 per share, with a total value of $50,448.75. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 22,040 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,965,041.20. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 23,148 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.31, for a total transaction of $3,247,895.88. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 48,311 shares in the company, valued at $6,778,516.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 37,887 shares of company stock valued at $5,315,762. 0.79% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On JPMorgan Chase & Co. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC lifted its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC now owns 13,786 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,849,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Karpas Strategies LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Karpas Strategies LLC now owns 21,608 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,898,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the period. Oxler Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC now owns 8,158 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,094,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares during the period. Sanford Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Sanford Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,176 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $426,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Finally, Gould Asset Management LLC CA raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.2% in the 4th quarter. Gould Asset Management LLC CA now owns 6,580 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $882,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. 67.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile (Get Rating) JPMorgan Chase & Co is a financial holding company, which engages in providing financial and investment banking services. The firm offers a range of investment banking products and services in all capital markets, including advising on corporate strategy and structure, capital raising in equity and debt markets, risk management, market making in cash securities and derivative instruments, and brokerage and research. See Also Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MAG Silver (TSE:MAG Get Rating) (NYSEAMERICAN:MAG) had its target price cut by investment analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from C$27.75 to C$25.75 in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Stifel Nicolaus price target suggests a potential upside of 57.40% from the companys current price. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. TD Securities set a C$29.00 price objective on MAG Silver and gave the stock a speculative buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 17th. CIBC cut their price target on MAG Silver from C$24.00 to C$21.00 in a research note on Tuesday. National Bankshares set a C$26.50 target price on MAG Silver and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 26th. Raymond James dropped their price target on shares of MAG Silver to C$25.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Pi Financial raised MAG Silver from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$23.81. Get MAG Silver alerts: MAG Silver Stock Down 0.8 % MAG traded down C$0.13 during trading on Tuesday, reaching C$16.36. 119,178 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 289,352. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 25.31 and a current ratio of 26.20. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$17.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$18.77. MAG Silver has a twelve month low of C$13.60 and a twelve month high of C$23.29. The stock has a market cap of C$1.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.02. About MAG Silver MAG Silver Corp. engages in the exploration and development of precious metal mining properties. The company explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc deposits. It primarily holds 44% interest in the Juanicipio project located in the Fresnillo District, Zacatecas State, Mexico. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MAG Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MAG Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mogo (TSE:MOGO Get Rating) had its target price raised by Eight Capital from C$2.25 to C$3.00 in a report issued on Friday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. Separately, Raymond James dropped their price objective on Mogo from C$2.25 to C$1.50 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Get Mogo alerts: Mogo Stock Down 2.3 % Shares of TSE:MOGO opened at C$0.86 on Friday. Mogo has a 52-week low of C$0.58 and a 52-week high of C$3.94. The stock has a market cap of C$64.47 million, a P/E ratio of -0.44 and a beta of 3.66. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$0.98 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.98. The company has a quick ratio of 3.99, a current ratio of 4.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 79.49. Mogo Company Profile Mogo Inc operates as a financial technology company in Canada and internationally. The company provides digital solutions to the consumers to get in control of their financial health. It offers Mogo app to access a digital spending account with Mogo Visa Platinum Prepaid Card; MogoCrypto that enables the buying and selling of bitcoin; MogoProtect, a free ID fraud protection and monthly credit score monitoring; MogoMortgage, a digital mortgage experience; and MogoMoney that provides access to personal loans. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mogo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mogo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portfolio Companies Generated Impact For Over 20M People, Avoided 1.68M MT of CO 2 Emissions Singapore-based impact investor to further focus on investing in technologies that can scale and deliver meaningful impact for Asia Portfolio additions in 2022 included French biotechnology company Innovafeed, China-based child autism intervention services provider DaMi & XiaoMi, and United Kingdom-based precision liquid cooling technology specialist Iceotope Discloses fund Theory of Change and adopts industry operating frameworks and principles SINGAPORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ABC Impact, the Singapore-headquartered impact private equity investor, today launched the third edition of its annual Impact Report, "Shaping the Climate for Impact", to share its impact progress and outcomes achieved in 2022. In 2022, the impact private equity fund continued to steadfastly shape its portfolio anchored on innovative solutions that can address the most pressing environmental and social problems in Asia. In the course of the year, the fund added three new investments to its impact portfolio French biotechnology company Innovafeed, China-based child autism intervention services provider DaMi & XiaoMi, and United Kingdom-based precision immersion cooling technology specialist Iceotope. With the support of ABC Impact, its portfolio companies have collectively delivered the following impact outcomes: 20.26M people supplied with essential services 7.78M students provided access to quality education content digitally 31,747 stakeholders benefited from autism therapy services 2.64M individuals & micro-enterprises gained access to financial services 7.76M farmers globally gained access to customised farming advice and information 1.68M metric tonnes of CO 2 emissions avoided 42.6B litres of water saved through avoidance of livestock agriculture Since inception, ABC Impact has invested USD199M in 10 companies in Asia and Europe from its inaugural USD300M fund, with one successful exit. Story continues Established in 2019, ABC Impact's founding investors are Temasek Trust, Temasek, Pavilion Capital, Mapletree Investments, Seatown Holdings, SP Group, and Sembcorp Industries. The impact private equity fund operates as a division of Singapore-based global asset management firm Temasek Trust Asset Management. Investing In Technologies To Scale And Deliver Meaningful Impact For Asia Asia is in a prime position to address climate-related challenges and capture opportunities that come from effectively managing climate risks. Asian countries are urbanising rapidly and building up infrastructure, which in turn highlight opportunities to deliver sustainable development and improve climate resilience for its societies. David Heng, CEO of ABC Impact, said, "In 2022, we observed both alarm and ambition toward addressing the global climate crisis. There has been an uprising of solutions and opportunities to aid the Net Zero agenda and we are currently seeing low-carbon innovations advancing rapidly. The fund believes that the next wave of creating equality and prosperity lies in the drive towards a decarbonized economy." Committing To Impact Investing Standards, Discipline, And Transparency In 2022, ABC Impact adopted the Operating Principles for Impact Management. The principles are designed to promote greater discipline, transparency, and credibility to the impact investment market. The fund also engaged impact verification provider BlueMark to provide an independent assessment and review of its impact measurement systems. In the same year, the impact investor signed on to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment ("UN PRI"). The UN PRI is the world's leading proponent of responsible investment. As a signatory, ABC Impact incorporates the UN PRI's six principles for responsible investment into its investment and management practices to foster a more sustainable global economy. In its third Impact Report "Shaping the Climate for Impact", ABC Impact also publishes for the first time its fund Theory of Change. The Theory of Change model is referenced by the impact investment industry for effective impact measurement and management. With this model, ABC Impact sets out how its investments will generate results that support the intended impact outcomes. These initiatives underscore ABC Impact's commitment to impact investing standards, discipline, and transparency. Through its investments as well as the adoption of these industry standards, the fund hopes to contribute towards the shaping of a conducive climate for impact transformation in Asia. Outlook The New Economy The collective race towards net zero, alongside the rise of a new generation of environmentally and socially conscious consumers who expect companies to do good, is creating a new economy one led by sustainable, scalable, and impact-driven companies creating solutions to address critical social and environmental challenges. David said, "Going forward, we continue to see compelling investment opportunities in solutions addressing inclusion, climate change, and the energy transition. Our strategic goal remains to seek out relevant and applicable technologies and business models for the Asia context. As an Asia specialist, ABC Impact is well-positioned to help these companies achieve scale and deliver meaningful impact in the region." "Shaping the Climate for Impact" is available for download at: www.abcimpact.com.sg/impactreport2022 For media queries: media@abcimpact.com.sg For investor relations: ir@abcimpact.com.sg About ABC Impact ABC Impact is a Singapore-headquartered and Asia-focused private equity fund dedicated to impact investing. We invest in companies that drive positive change by addressing the world's most pressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and deepening inequality. Our investment themes include financial and digital inclusion, better health and education, climate and water solutions, and sustainable food and agricultures. We believe that investing with an impact lens demonstrates the positive power of private capital and can help to foster more innovative and resilient companies that deliver societal and environmental benefits. We are a disciplined investor with a rigorous and evidence-based impact assessment approach that aims to generate positive and measurable social or environmental outcomes, alongside a compelling risk-adjusted return for our investors. ABC Impact is a signatory of the Operating Principles for Impact Management and the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment. Established in 2019, we are a division of Temasek Trust Asset Management Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based global asset management firm. Our founding investors are Temasek Trust, Temasek, Pavilion Capital, Mapletree Investments, Seatown Holdings, SP Group, and Sembcorp Industries. For more information, please visit www.abcimpact.com.sg. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/abc-impact-launches-impact-report-for-2022-301783018.html SOURCE ABC Impact Montz Harcus Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Raytheon Technologies Co. (NYSE:RTX Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 2,282 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $230,000. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of RTX. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Raytheon Technologies by 32.8% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 9,130,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $904,564,000 after buying an additional 2,256,475 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC purchased a new stake in Raytheon Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $103,133,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings in Raytheon Technologies by 137.2% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,110,424 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,080,000 after buying an additional 1,220,826 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Raytheon Technologies by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 123,174,905 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,083,098,000 after buying an additional 760,968 shares during the period. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can purchased a new stake in Raytheon Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $55,322,000. 78.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Raytheon Technologies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Raytheon Technologies from $107.00 to $110.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 25th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Raytheon Technologies from $119.00 to $115.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 19th. Citigroup upped their price objective on Raytheon Technologies from $104.00 to $106.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Raytheon Technologies from $102.00 to $107.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 12th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Raytheon Technologies in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Raytheon Technologies presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $111.17. Insider Transactions at Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies Stock Down 0.1 % In other news, VP Amy L. Johnson sold 3,622 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.55, for a total value of $356,948.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 4,061 shares in the company, valued at $400,211.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Company insiders own 0.11% of the companys stock. Raytheon Technologies stock traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $96.79. The companys stock had a trading volume of 360,998 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,790,226. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $98.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $94.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.81. Raytheon Technologies Co. has a 52-week low of $80.27 and a 52-week high of $108.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $141.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.69, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.00. Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 24th. The company reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.03. Raytheon Technologies had a return on equity of 9.73% and a net margin of 7.75%. The company had revenue of $18.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.16 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.08 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Raytheon Technologies Co. will post 5.03 EPS for the current year. Raytheon Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 24th were paid a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.27%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 23rd. Raytheon Technologiess payout ratio is 62.86%. Raytheon Technologies announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase program on Monday, December 12th that authorizes the company to buyback $6.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 4.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Raytheon Technologies Company Profile (Get Rating) Raytheon Technologies Corp. is an aerospace and defense company, which engages in the provision of aerospace and defense systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers. It operates through the following segments: Collins Aerospace Systems (Collins), Pratt and Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence and Space (RIS), and Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Raytheon Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raytheon Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Get Rating) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the fifteen ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seven have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $5.98. NOK has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Nokia Oyj from $6.50 to $7.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 27th. UBS Group lowered shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 31st. DNB Markets lowered shares of Nokia Oyj from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 17th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Nokia Oyj in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, TheStreet raised shares of Nokia Oyj from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. Get Nokia Oyj alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. RFP Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Castleview Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 361.0% in the 2nd quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 5,762 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,250,000 after buying an additional 4,512 shares during the last quarter. O Dell Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Nokia Oyj in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 62.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 6,904 shares of the technology companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 2,644 shares during the last quarter. 7.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Nokia Oyj Price Performance Nokia Oyj stock opened at $4.67 on Thursday. Nokia Oyj has a 52-week low of $4.08 and a 52-week high of $5.59. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $4.69 and a 200-day moving average of $4.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.99, a PEG ratio of 5.65 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 26th. The technology company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.02. Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 16.73% and a return on equity of 12.31%. The company had revenue of $7.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.15 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 16.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Nokia Oyj will post 0.46 EPS for the current year. Nokia Oyj Company Profile (Get Rating) Nokia Oyj engages in the provision of network infrastructure, technology, and software services. It operates through the following segments: Mobile Networks, Network Infrastructure, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The Mobile Networks segment offers technologies for Radio Access Networks (RAN) as well as Microwave Radio Links (MWR) for transport networks. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund (NYSE:JRO Get Rating) saw a large decrease in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 18,700 shares, a decrease of 68.6% from the February 28th total of 59,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 164,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund stock traded up $0.05 on Monday, reaching $7.87. 177,192 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 148,453. Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund has a one year low of $7.57 and a one year high of $10.38. The company has a 50-day moving average of $8.27 and a 200 day moving average of $8.16. Get Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund alerts: Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.074 per share. This represents a $0.89 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 11.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 14th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund Company Profile A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in JRO. International Assets Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund by 188.6% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 438,205 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,695,000 after acquiring an additional 286,341 shares during the last quarter. Logan Stone Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,967,000. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund by 19.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,509,835 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,792,000 after acquiring an additional 240,964 shares during the last quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,721,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund by 147.8% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 357,207 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,879,000 after acquiring an additional 213,083 shares during the last quarter. (Get Rating) Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund is an closed-end investment fund. Its investment objective is to achieve a high level of current income by investing its managed assets in adjustable rate loans. The company was founded on April 27, 2004 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NYSE:NXP Get Rating) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 35,600 shares, a decline of 76.9% from the February 28th total of 153,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 131,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Price Performance NYSE NXP traded down $0.04 on Monday, reaching $14.15. The stock had a trading volume of 47,677 shares, compared to its average volume of 111,734. Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio has a 12-month low of $12.86 and a 12-month high of $14.94. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $14.42 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.83. Get Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio alerts: Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 15th will be paid a $0.0485 dividend. This represents a $0.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 14th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio About Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 3.7% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 169,842 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,214,000 after purchasing an additional 6,099 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 52.7% during the third quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 137,319 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,791,000 after purchasing an additional 47,412 shares during the last quarter. Annex Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio during the third quarter worth approximately $200,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 39.3% during the third quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 459,243 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,989,000 after purchasing an additional 129,462 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in shares of Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 0.6% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 238,460 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. (Get Rating) Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of United States. The fund invests in the investment-grade municipal securities rated Baa and BBB or better. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. V Wealth Advisors LLC lowered its position in shares of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Get Rating) by 14.7% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 26,691 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 4,585 shares during the period. V Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in ONEOK were worth $1,754,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. First Command Bank increased its holdings in shares of ONEOK by 401.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Command Bank now owns 491 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 393 shares during the period. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in ONEOK in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in ONEOK during the first quarter valued at $30,000. EdgeRock Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of ONEOK in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, CI Investments Inc. increased its stake in shares of ONEOK by 1,003.7% during the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 596 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 542 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.16% of the companys stock. Get ONEOK alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on OKE. Seaport Res Ptn restated a neutral rating on shares of ONEOK in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of ONEOK from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $68.00 to $75.00 in a report on Friday, December 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on ONEOK from $75.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on ONEOK from $70.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, January 9th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on ONEOK in a report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.44. ONEOK Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of ONEOK stock traded up $0.29 on Tuesday, reaching $60.95. 115,082 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,569,281. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.96. The company has a 50-day moving average of $66.57 and a 200 day moving average of $63.36. The company has a market capitalization of $27.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.84, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.68. ONEOK, Inc. has a one year low of $50.50 and a one year high of $75.07. ONEOK (NYSE:OKE Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 27th. The utilities provider reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $5.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.03 billion. ONEOK had a net margin of 7.69% and a return on equity of 27.65%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.85 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that ONEOK, Inc. will post 5.28 earnings per share for the current year. ONEOK Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 30th were issued a dividend of $0.955 per share. This represents a $3.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.27%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 27th. This is an increase from ONEOKs previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. ONEOKs dividend payout ratio is 99.74%. ONEOK Profile (Get Rating) ONEOK, Inc engages in gathering, processing, fractionating, transporting, storing and marketing of natural gas. It operates through the following segments: Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids and Natural Gas Pipelines. The Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment offers midstream services to producers in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ONEOK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONEOK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intrua Financial LLC increased its holdings in PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG Get Rating) by 35.2% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,606 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,240 shares during the period. Intrua Financial LLCs holdings in PPG Industries were worth $1,064,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in PPG. First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 280.6% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,734,894 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $227,393,000 after purchasing an additional 1,279,104 shares in the last quarter. Putnam Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 33.8% during the 3rd quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 2,533,859 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $280,473,000 after purchasing an additional 639,404 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 36.2% during the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,985,929 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $219,819,000 after purchasing an additional 527,327 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 235.7% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 617,111 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $70,560,000 after purchasing an additional 433,297 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of PPG Industries by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,682,267 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,335,750,000 after purchasing an additional 285,651 shares in the last quarter. 80.04% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get PPG Industries alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently weighed in on PPG. BNP Paribas downgraded PPG Industries from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $130.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. KeyCorp raised their price objective on PPG Industries from $144.00 to $159.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on PPG Industries from $115.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on PPG Industries from $128.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. Finally, Vertical Research downgraded PPG Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $135.84. Insider Buying and Selling at PPG Industries PPG Industries Price Performance In other PPG Industries news, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 61,867 shares of PPG Industries stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.96, for a total value of $8,040,235.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 183,645 shares in the company, valued at approximately $23,866,504.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other news, Chairman Michael H. Mcgarry sold 61,867 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.96, for a total transaction of $8,040,235.32. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 183,645 shares in the company, valued at $23,866,504.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, VP Anne M. Foulkes sold 21,757 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.33, for a total value of $2,792,075.81. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 10,577 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,357,346.41. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Corporate insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. Shares of PPG stock opened at $126.00 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $128.95 and its 200 day simple moving average is $124.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of $29.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.10, a P/E/G ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 1.17. PPG Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $107.06 and a one year high of $138.10. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 20th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.14 by $0.08. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 22.55% and a net margin of 5.81%. The business had revenue of $4.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.12 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. PPG Industriess quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 6.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PPG Industries Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 17th were given a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 16th. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.97%. PPG Industriess payout ratio is 57.27%. About PPG Industries (Get Rating) PPG Industries, Inc engages in the manufacture and distribution of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. It operates through the Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings segments. The Performance Coatings segment supplies a variety of protective and decorative coatings, sealants, and finishes along with pavement marking products, paint strippers, stains, and related chemicals, as well as transparencies and transparent armor. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Redwood Investments LLC grew its stake in ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW Get Rating) by 1.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,912 shares of the information technology services providers stock after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the quarter. Redwood Investments LLCs holdings in ServiceNow were worth $1,519,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of NOW. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in ServiceNow during the first quarter worth approximately $29,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in ServiceNow during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in ServiceNow in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,208,000. Romano Brothers AND Company acquired a new position in ServiceNow in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Vigilant Capital Management LLC increased its position in ServiceNow by 300.0% during the 3rd quarter. Vigilant Capital Management LLC now owns 96 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.31% of the companys stock. Get ServiceNow alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently commented on NOW. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $515.00 to $508.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 19th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on ServiceNow from $500.00 to $510.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Truist Financial downgraded ServiceNow from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from $525.00 to $420.00 in a research report on Monday, January 9th. Wolfe Research raised their price target on ServiceNow from $500.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of ServiceNow from $550.00 to $575.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and twenty-six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $517.47. Insider Activity at ServiceNow ServiceNow Stock Performance In other ServiceNow news, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 30,500 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $459.14, for a total transaction of $14,003,824.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 11,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,288,395.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . In related news, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 2,483 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $455.03, for a total value of $1,129,831.05. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 53,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,169,647.91. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO William R. Mcdermott sold 30,500 shares of ServiceNow stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $459.14, for a total value of $14,003,824.90. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,518 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,288,395.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders have sold 65,629 shares of company stock worth $29,974,024. 0.28% of the stock is owned by company insiders. ServiceNow stock traded down $1.09 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $430.22. The stock had a trading volume of 274,525 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,621,845. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. The stocks 50 day moving average is $443.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $411.97. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 1 year low of $337.00 and a 1 year high of $601.62. The stock has a market cap of $87.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 269.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.77 and a beta of 1.03. ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 25th. The information technology services provider reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.28. ServiceNow had a net margin of 4.49% and a return on equity of 9.37%. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.93 billion. As a group, analysts predict that ServiceNow, Inc. will post 2.65 EPS for the current year. About ServiceNow (Get Rating) ServiceNow, Inc engages in the provision of enterprise cloud computing solutions. The firm delivers digital workflows on a single enterprise cloud platform called the Now Platform. Its product portfolio is focused on providing Information Technology, Employee and Customer workflows. The company was founded by Frederic B. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Get Rating) was the recipient of some unusual options trading activity on Tuesday. Investors acquired 22,389 call options on the company. This is an increase of 253% compared to the typical daily volume of 6,350 call options. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rio Tinto Group A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RIO. Cowa LLC purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. CNB Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. First Manhattan Co. raised its stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 555.4% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 426 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 361 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Rio Tinto Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. 10.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Rio Tinto Group Stock Up 1.3 % NYSE:RIO traded up $0.87 on Tuesday, reaching $65.96. The stock had a trading volume of 1,491,669 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,289,543. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.64. The company has a 50-day moving average of $72.70 and a 200 day moving average of $66.39. Rio Tinto Group has a 12-month low of $50.92 and a 12-month high of $83.21. Rio Tinto Group Cuts Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 10th will be given a $2.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 9th. This represents a yield of 9.8%. Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. CLSA raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an underperform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, March 13th. Berenberg Bank raised Rio Tinto Group from a sell rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,310 ($65.24) to GBX 5,380 ($66.10) in a report on Wednesday, January 18th. Citigroup downgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Rio Tinto Group from GBX 5,750 ($70.65) to GBX 5,790 ($71.14) in a research report on Monday, January 23rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Rio Tinto Group has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $5,790.00. Rio Tinto Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Rio Tinto Plc engages in the exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. It operates through the following business segments: Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper and Diamonds, Energy and Minerals, and Other Operations. The Iron Ore segment supplies global seaborne iron ore trade. The Aluminium segment produces bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rollins (NYSE:ROL Get Rating) was downgraded by StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday. Separately, Redburn Partners assumed coverage on shares of Rollins in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. They set a buy rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $44.25. Get Rollins alerts: Rollins Stock Up 0.3 % ROL traded up $0.12 on Monday, reaching $36.74. 931,895 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,358,277. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $35.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $37.25. Rollins has a 52-week low of $31.43 and a 52-week high of $43.06. The company has a market cap of $18.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.65 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.65. Insider Buying and Selling at Rollins Rollins ( NYSE:ROL Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 15th. The business services provider reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.01. Rollins had a net margin of 13.53% and a return on equity of 30.92%. The firm had revenue of $661.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $661.44 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.14 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Rollins will post 0.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Rollins news, insider Elizabeth B. Chandler sold 2,129 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.57, for a total value of $77,857.53. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 96,960 shares in the company, valued at $3,545,827.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 53.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Rollins A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ROL. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Rollins in the second quarter worth $29,000. Tobam acquired a new position in Rollins during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Rollins during the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new position in Rollins during the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC acquired a new position in Rollins during the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. 38.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Rollins Company Profile (Get Rating) Rollins, Inc engages in the provision of pest and termite control services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries to both residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, Mexico, and Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rollins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rollins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maisons du Monde S.A. (OTCMKTS:MDOUF Get Rating) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, a decline of 40.0% from the February 28th total of 2,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. Maisons du Monde Price Performance OTCMKTS MDOUF remained flat at $12.15 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $12.15. Maisons du Monde has a twelve month low of $9.12 and a twelve month high of $12.15. Get Maisons du Monde alerts: Maisons du Monde Company Profile (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Maisons du Monde SA, through its subsidiaries, creates and distributes home decoration items and furniture in France and internationally. The company's decorative products include bed linen products, carpets, candles, pillows and cushions, clocks, tableware, lamps, kitchen utensils, mirrors and frames, vases, storage units, curtains and net curtains, and bath products. Receive News & Ratings for Maisons du Monde Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maisons du Monde and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BANGALORE, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACL Digital today announced it has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with SAP. ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler, a cloud-based app, was built on SAP Business Technology Platform to deliver efficiency and workforce optimization benefits to customers. ACL_Digital_Logo A constraint-based planning engine, ACL Digital's Workforce Scheduler delivers an optimized employee experience. The user-friendly reporting tool helps planners achieve a balance between customer needs and employee preferences while considering constraints such as skills required and the number of people. The people's roster is applicable to IT services and the healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and aviation sectors. "Our strategic partnership with SAP is long-term," said Ramandeep Singh, CEO of ACL Digital. "Our customers will benefit from our deep expertise of IT services with that of SAP technology." Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, Business head of ACL Digital, said, "The Workforce Scheduler uses complex AI algorithms to deliver a balanced roster." The product is scalable and future-ready. About ACL Digital ACL Digital, an ALTEN Group Company, is a digital product innovation and engineering leader. We help our clients design and build innovative products (AI, Cloud, and Mobile ready), content and commerce-driven platforms, and connected, converged digital experiences for the modern world through a design-led Digital Transformation framework. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, ACL Digital is a leader in design-led digital experience, innovation, enterprise modernization, and product engineering services converging to Technology, Media & Telecom. The company has a workforce of 54,100+ spread across more than 30+ countries. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Story continues Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1245971/ACL_Digital_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acl-digital-partners-with-sap-to-launch-workforce-scheduler-app-301781880.html SOURCE ACL Digital StockNews.com upgraded shares of Steelcase (NYSE:SCS Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning. Separately, Benchmark downgraded Steelcase from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 29th. Get Steelcase alerts: Steelcase Price Performance Steelcase stock opened at $8.74 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $985.73 million, a PE ratio of 29.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Steelcase has a 12 month low of $6.20 and a 12 month high of $12.43. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.64 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.66. Steelcase Announces Dividend Steelcase ( NYSE:SCS Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $801.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $751.38 million. Steelcase had a net margin of 1.09% and a return on equity of 8.00%. The businesss revenue was up 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.02) EPS. Equities analysts predict that Steelcase will post 0.63 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 5th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, April 4th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.58%. Steelcases dividend payout ratio is 133.33%. Institutional Trading of Steelcase Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Steelcase in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its stake in Steelcase by 179.6% during the first quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,141 shares of the business services providers stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 2,660 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Middle East FZE bought a new position in Steelcase in the 4th quarter valued at $65,000. Raymond James & Associates bought a new position in shares of Steelcase in the third quarter worth about $69,000. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP acquired a new stake in shares of Steelcase in the 4th quarter valued at $72,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.01% of the companys stock. About Steelcase (Get Rating) Steelcase Inc manufactures and sells integrated furniture settings, user-centered technologies, and interior architectural products. It operates through the Americas, EMEA, and Other Category segments. The firms furniture portfolio includes panel, fence and beam-based furniture systems, storage products, fixed and height-adjustable desks, benches, and tables, as well as complementary products, including work tools and screens. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Steelcase Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Steelcase and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR lowered its stake in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Get Rating) by 18.0% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 6,690 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,469 shares during the quarter. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in Novartis were worth $607,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. DF Dent & Co. Inc. raised its position in shares of Novartis by 3.7% during the second quarter. DF Dent & Co. Inc. now owns 3,492 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. raised its position in shares of Novartis by 1.5% during the second quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 8,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $743,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Valmark Advisers Inc. increased its position in Novartis by 1.7% in the third quarter. Valmark Advisers Inc. now owns 7,446 shares of the companys stock worth $566,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV increased its position in Novartis by 42.7% in the third quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 441 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Perigon Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Novartis by 3.7% in the third quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,744 shares of the companys stock worth $285,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.12% of the companys stock. Get Novartis alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Novartis from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 3rd. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Novartis from CHF 82 to CHF 84 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Novartis from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of Novartis from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 5th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Novartis in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $82.63. Novartis Trading Up 0.6 % Novartis Increases Dividend NYSE NVS traded up $0.57 on Tuesday, hitting $90.85. 1,693,870 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,213,605. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.29. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $86.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $84.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $201.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.48, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.52. Novartis AG has a 52-week low of $74.09 and a 52-week high of $94.26. The business also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 10th were paid a dividend of $3.4694 per share. This is a positive change from Novartiss previous annual dividend of $1.18. This represents a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, March 9th. Novartiss payout ratio is currently 71.61%. Novartis Profile (Get Rating) Novartis AG is a holding company, which engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Innovative Medicines, Sandoz, and Corporate. The Innovative Medicines segment researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells patented pharmaceuticals, and is composed of two business units: Novartis Oncology and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of TransAlta (NYSE:TAC Get Rating) (TSE:TA) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Friday. A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Credit Suisse Group lowered shares of TransAlta from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of TransAlta from $17.00 to $16.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 16th. Finally, National Bank Financial upgraded shares of TransAlta from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, TransAlta presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $16.10. Get TransAlta alerts: TransAlta Stock Up 1.4 % TAC stock opened at $7.95 on Friday. TransAlta has a 52 week low of $7.55 and a 52 week high of $11.85. The company has a market capitalization of $2.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 397.50 and a beta of 1.06. The firms 50-day moving average is $8.79 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About TransAlta Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. raised its holdings in TransAlta by 1,037.3% during the 4th quarter. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. now owns 2,750,447 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $24,599,000 after buying an additional 2,508,615 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in TransAlta by 274.0% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,425,621 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $21,737,000 after buying an additional 1,777,039 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in TransAlta by 48.5% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 4,750,909 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $49,252,000 after buying an additional 1,551,346 shares during the period. Point72 Asset Management L.P. raised its holdings in TransAlta by 370.2% during the 3rd quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,810,372 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $16,005,000 after buying an additional 1,425,372 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI raised its holdings in TransAlta by 79.5% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,204,169 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $28,101,000 after buying an additional 1,419,388 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 64.37% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) TransAlta Corp. engages in the generation and distribution of electricity through wind, hydro, gas and coal power plants. It operates through the following business segments: Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, Energy Marketing, and Corporate. The Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas and Energy Transition business segments are responsible for operating and maintaining the companys electrical generation facilities in Canada, Australia, and the US. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Straight Path Wealth Management increased its stake in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA Get Rating) by 27.5% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 91,000 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 19,600 shares during the period. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries makes up approximately 0.8% of Straight Path Wealth Managements portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. Straight Path Wealth Managements holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $830,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 41,648,716 shares of the companys stock worth $391,081,000 after buying an additional 1,494,814 shares during the last quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 21,380,200 shares of the companys stock worth $172,533,000 after purchasing an additional 1,847,280 shares in the last quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 11.8% in the 3rd quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. now owns 20,831,080 shares of the companys stock worth $162,941,000 after purchasing an additional 2,201,291 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 14,901,933 shares of the companys stock valued at $120,259,000 after purchasing an additional 1,055,920 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 23.5% during the 3rd quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 14,132,727 shares of the companys stock valued at $114,051,000 after buying an additional 2,685,200 shares in the last quarter. 50.39% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Trading Up 0.9 % NYSE:TEVA traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $8.81. The company had a trading volume of 461,664 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,112,617. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $9.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The company has a market capitalization of $9.79 billion, a PE ratio of -4.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.22. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a 52 week low of $6.78 and a 52 week high of $11.44. Analyst Ratings Changes Teva Pharmaceutical Industries ( NYSE:TEVA Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 8th. The company reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.64 by $0.04. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a negative net margin of 15.76% and a positive return on equity of 28.06%. The business had revenue of $3.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.90 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited will post 2.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. TEVA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the company from $10.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.75. Insider Activity at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries In other Teva Pharmaceutical Industries news, VP David Matthew Stark sold 63,383 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.89, for a total transaction of $626,857.87. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,974 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,412.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Teva Pharmaceutical Industries news, EVP Sven Dethlefs sold 59,655 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.89, for a total value of $589,987.95. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 165,381 shares in the company, valued at $1,635,618.09. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP David Matthew Stark sold 63,383 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.89, for a total value of $626,857.87. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 2,974 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,412.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 158,884 shares of company stock valued at $1,572,797. 0.82% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Profile (Get Rating) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. engages in the development, production, and sale of medicines. It operates through the following geographical segments: North America, Europe, and International Markets. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines (NYSE:TGB Get Rating) and NovaGold Resources (NYSE:NG Get Rating) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation and institutional ownership. Profitability This table compares Taseko Mines and NovaGold Resources net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Taseko Mines -6.58% 0.35% 0.10% NovaGold Resources N/A -109.50% -30.80% Institutional & Insider Ownership 19.4% of Taseko Mines shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 53.9% of NovaGold Resources shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.3% of Taseko Mines shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 3.3% of NovaGold Resources shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Taseko Mines $301.22 million 1.46 -$19.98 million ($0.07) -21.85 NovaGold Resources N/A N/A -$53.34 million ($0.16) -37.13 This table compares Taseko Mines and NovaGold Resources gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Taseko Mines has higher revenue and earnings than NovaGold Resources. NovaGold Resources is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Taseko Mines, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk and Volatility Taseko Mines has a beta of 1.96, meaning that its stock price is 96% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, NovaGold Resources has a beta of 0.81, meaning that its stock price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Taseko Mines and NovaGold Resources, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Taseko Mines 0 0 0 0 N/A NovaGold Resources 0 0 0 0 N/A Summary Taseko Mines beats NovaGold Resources on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Taseko Mines (Get Rating) Taseko Mines Ltd. operates as a mining company engaged in the acquisition, development, and operation of mineral deposits. It holds interest in the Gibraltar, Florence Copper, Aley Niobium, Yellowhead, New Prosperity, and Harmony projects. The company was founded on April 15, 1966 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About NovaGold Resources (Get Rating) NovaGold Resources, Inc. is a mineral exploration company, which engages in the development of the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. The company was founded by Gregory Shawn Johnson, John W. Chisholm, Macisaac G. Angus, Rick van Nieuwenhuyse, and Gerald James McConnell on December 5, 1984 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charter Oak Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Get Rating) by 6.8% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,359 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 405 shares during the period. Charter Oak Capital Management LLCs holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $405,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 301,952,085 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,915,357,000 after acquiring an additional 4,994,047 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 61.4% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 10,764,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $667,373,000 after acquiring an additional 4,095,881 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 141.0% during the 3rd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 6,834,434 shares of the companys stock valued at $382,865,000 after acquiring an additional 3,998,128 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 363,258,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,349,737,000 after acquiring an additional 3,864,004 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the 3rd quarter valued at $169,838,000. 68.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Coca-Cola Stock Performance Shares of KO traded up $0.17 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $61.52. 2,079,149 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,883,594. The stocks fifty day moving average is $60.12 and its 200 day moving average is $60.34. The stock has a market cap of $266.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.52 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.15. The Coca-Cola Company has a 1-year low of $54.01 and a 1-year high of $67.20. Coca-Cola Increases Dividend Coca-Cola ( NYSE:KO Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 14th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.45. The business had revenue of $10.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.92 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.19% and a return on equity of 42.35%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.45 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.99%. This is a boost from Coca-Colas previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 16th. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio is currently 83.64%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO James Quincey sold 34,875 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.32, for a total transaction of $2,103,660.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 351,737 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,216,775.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 34,875 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.32, for a total value of $2,103,660.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 351,737 shares in the company, valued at $21,216,775.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Brian John Smith sold 126,972 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.07, for a total transaction of $7,881,152.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 116,168 shares in the company, valued at $7,210,547.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 282,268 shares of company stock valued at $17,137,823. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently commented on KO shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $63.00 to $60.00 in a report on Monday, March 20th. Royal Bank of Canada set a $69.00 price objective on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $67.00 price objective on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Thursday, February 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $68.00 price objective for the company. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.55. Coca-Cola Company Profile (Get Rating) The Coca-Cola Co engages in the manufacturing and marketing of non-alcoholic beverages. It operates through the following segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Global Ventures, and Bottling Investments. The company was founded by Asa Griggs Candler on May 8, 1886 and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Rating) (TSE:TD) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 16,890,000 shares, an increase of 230.5% from the February 28th total of 5,110,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,170,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 7.8 days. Currently, 0.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on TD. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$98.00 in a research report on Friday, December 2nd. Scotiabank upgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Desjardins raised their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$105.00 to C$106.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 7th. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from C$95.00 to C$103.00 in a research note on Monday, December 5th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Toronto-Dominion Bank in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a sell rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $100.57. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Up 2.4 % NYSE:TD traded up $1.38 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $57.93. 2,385,698 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,292,825. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $65.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $64.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $106.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.90. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of $55.43 and a 1 year high of $82.38. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.721 per share. This is a boost from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.71. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 5th. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.98%. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is presently 44.71%. A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TD. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the first quarter valued at $26,000. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 6.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 914,064 shares of the banks stock worth $72,595,000 after purchasing an additional 54,121 shares during the last quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank in the first quarter worth $200,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 1.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 9,868 shares of the banks stock worth $784,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 21.8% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 12,022 shares of the banks stock worth $955,000 after purchasing an additional 2,154 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 49.22% of the companys stock. About Toronto-Dominion Bank (Get Rating) The Toronto-Dominion Bank engages in the provision of financial products and services. It operates through the following segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The Canadian Retail segment offers various financial products and services, as well as telephone, Internet, and mobile banking services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Rating) was downgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Sunday. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on TMO. Royal Bank of Canada assumed coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Tuesday, December 6th. They issued an outperform rating and a $661.00 price target for the company. Barclays boosted their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $630.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $525.00 to $505.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Tuesday, December 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $620.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Cowen upped their price objective on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $690.00 to $711.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Thermo Fisher Scientific currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $647.00. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Up 0.6 % NYSE TMO opened at $561.69 on Friday. Thermo Fisher Scientific has a fifty-two week low of $475.77 and a fifty-two week high of $618.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.48. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $563.73 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $545.24. The stock has a market cap of $216.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 0.79. Insider Transactions at Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 1st. The medical research company reported $5.40 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.19 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $11.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.41 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 15.47%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $6.54 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Thermo Fisher Scientific will post 23.72 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, Director Jim P. Manzi sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.56, for a total value of $584,560.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 14,807 shares in the company, valued at $8,655,579.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Jim P. Manzi sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.56, for a total value of $584,560.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 14,807 shares in the company, valued at $8,655,579.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.96, for a total value of $915,136.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 128,705 shares in the company, valued at $73,614,111.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 30,100 shares of company stock worth $16,966,971. 0.43% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Palisade Capital Management LP increased its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Palisade Capital Management LP now owns 10,852 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $5,976,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. increased its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 25.2% during the 4th quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 2,398 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,321,000 after purchasing an additional 482 shares during the period. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 4th quarter valued at $627,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA increased its holdings in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 519,094 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $285,860,000 after acquiring an additional 3,675 shares during the period. 85.92% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Thermo Fisher Scientific (Get Rating) Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc engages in the provision of analytical instruments, equipment, reagents and consumables, software, and services for research, analysis, discovery, and diagnostics. It operates through the following segments: Life Sciences Solutions, Analytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thermo Fisher Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UBS Group set a 205.00 ($220.43) target price on Deutsche Borse (ETR:DB1 Get Rating) in a research note released on Friday morning, Borsen Zeitung reports. Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on DB1. Royal Bank of Canada set a 167.00 ($179.57) price objective on Deutsche Borse in a research report on Thursday, February 9th. Berenberg Bank set a 175.00 ($188.17) price target on Deutsche Borse in a research note on Thursday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a 189.00 ($203.23) price target on Deutsche Borse in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. Warburg Research set a 195.00 ($209.68) target price on Deutsche Borse in a research report on Wednesday, January 18th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a 206.00 ($221.51) target price on Deutsche Borse in a research report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Get Deutsche Borse alerts: Deutsche Borse Stock Performance Shares of DB1 opened at 180.50 ($194.09) on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 59.13. The businesss 50 day moving average price is 167.72 and its 200-day moving average price is 166.98. Deutsche Borse has a 52 week low of 148.15 ($159.30) and a 52 week high of 181.15 ($194.78). The stock has a market cap of $33.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.69 and a beta of 0.48. About Deutsche Borse Deutsche Borse AG operates as an exchange organization in Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific. The company operates through seven segments: Eurex (Financial Derivatives), EEX (Commodities), 360T (Foreign Exchange), Xetra (Cash Equities), Clearstream (Post-Trading), IFS (Investment Fund Services), and Qontigo (index and analytics business). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Borse Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Borse and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Yamaguchi Financial Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS:YFGSF Get Rating) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as $5.62 and last traded at $5.62, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $5.62. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Daiwa Capital Markets raised shares of Yamaguchi Financial Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Get Yamaguchi Financial Group alerts: Yamaguchi Financial Group Stock Performance The stocks 50 day moving average price is $5.62 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.62. About Yamaguchi Financial Group Yamaguchi Financial Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services in Japan. It provides securities brokerage, credit card, leasing, consulting, and other services. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Shimonoseki, Japan. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Yamaguchi Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yamaguchi Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Blake Brittain and Helen Reid (Reuters) -Sportswear maker Adidas AG on Wednesday reversed course 48 hours after asking the U.S. Trademark Office to reject a Black Lives Matter application for a trademark featuring three parallel stripes. "Adidas will withdraw its opposition to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation's trademark application as soon as possible," the company said in a statement. Adidas rescinded its opposition without prejudice, which means it could still challenge the trademark on the same grounds in future. A source close to the company said the rapid about-turn was triggered by concern that people could misinterpret Adidas' trademark objection as criticism of Black Lives Matter's mission. Adidas had told the trademark office in a Monday filing that the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation's yellow-stripe design so closely resembles its own famous three-stripe mark that it is "likely to cause confusion". It sought to block the group's application to use the design on goods that the German sportswear maker also sells, such as shirts, hats and bags. Adidas is struggling financially after ending its lucrative Yeezy shoe partnership with Kanye West over antisemitic comments he made on social media and in interviews. The sportswear firm has also ended its Ivy Park collaboration with Beyonce according to media reports. Adidas' contract with the pop star is set to expire at the end of this year. "LIKELY TO CAUSE CONFUSION" Adidas said in the filing that it has been using its logo since 1952, and that the Black Lives Matter design could cause confusion, making shoppers think their goods were connected or came from the same source. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is the most prominent entity in the decentralized Black Lives Matter movement, which arose a decade ago in protest against police violence against Black people. The group applied for a federal trademark in November 2020 covering a yellow three-stripe design to use on a variety of products including clothing, publications, bags, bracelets and mugs. Story continues Representatives of the Black Lives Matter group did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Adidas has filed over 90 lawsuits and signed more than 200 settlement agreements related to the three-stripe trademark since 2008, according to court documents from a lawsuit the company brought against designer Thom Browne's fashion house. A jury in that case decided in January that Thom Browne's stripe patterns did not violate Adidas' trademark rights. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office declined to comment on how quickly the Black Lives Matter trademark could be registered. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington and Helen Reid in London;Editing by David Bario, David Holmes, Christina Fincher and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) [Xinhua/Fan Peikun] Dou Junlan, a resident of Jinya (a village in Yuzhong, a county in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China's Gansu Province), has become known far and wide for her excellent vegetable-growing skills. While she has led Yuzhong Xianglong Vegetable Production and Marketing Cooperative (in Jinya) to remarkable success, Dou has also worked hard to ensure rural residents' well-being during the past decade. Her heart is filled with all sorts of emotions, especially as she recalls the many sweet, and bitter, incidents she has experienced as she started and developed her business throughout the years. In 2012, Dou and five other villagers established the cooperative in Jinya. They signed a contract with the village to plant vegetables on nearly 30 mu (2 hectares) of land. In 2019, 41 poverty-stricken families, from Jinya and neighboring villages, became the cooperative's shareholders. Each family receives 2,000 yuan (US $286), as a dividend, from the cooperative annually. Affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the cooperative did not resume work until the spring of 2020. As she learned many rural women (in Jinya and neighboring villages) could not leave their homes to work in COVID-affected regions (of the country), Dou employed many women to cultivate vegetables in the cooperative's seedling greenhouses. As they work near their homes, the women are able to also take care of their elders and children. Given Dou and her employees' efforts to develop the business, the cooperative has become a leading vegetable-growing enterprise in Yuzhong. Given the sound development of her business, Dou has been able to employ more than 300 rural residents. Now, the cooperative preserves vegetables in cold storage, so the enterprise can supply fresh vegetables to its customers. The cooperative has established a production and marketing chain, under which the cooperative's members grow seedlings, and process and sell their products under unified management. The cooperative has established business ties with more than 2,000 supermarkets in Guangdong Province (in South China) and other regions (of the country). Given its efficient work mechanism, the cooperative can send its vegetables to designated cooperative markets in Guangdong, Tianjin and other regions (in China) within 48 hours. The vegetables have sold well, both at home and abroad. As head of the cooperative, a member of the executive committee of Yuzhong Women's Federation, and vice-president of Jinya Women's Federation, Dou is aware she shoulders the great responsibility of helping rural residents get rich through hard work. She is confident about her enterprise's future. "We will lead farmers in working hard to create a better tomorrow," says Dou. (Source: Xinhua/Women of China English Monthly February 2023 issue) Company Logo Global Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market Global Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Product, Application, and Country Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global agriculture technology-as-a-service (ATaaS) market was valued at $1,606.9 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $3,438.6 million in 2027, with a CAGR of 16.43% during 2022-2027. The growth in the global agriculture technology-as-a-service market is expected to be driven by growing demand for precision agriculture solutions from small-scale farmers. Market Lifecycle Stage Agriculture technology-as-a-service (ATaaS) is in its growth stage. Farmers are increasingly looking for more advanced and efficient solutions to manage their operations, resulting in an increase in demand for ATaaS. This has led to growth in the number of companies offering ATaaS solutions, as well as an increase in investment in the industry. ATaaS will continue to grow as the market matures, leading to more innovative solutions and increased adoption by farmers and agribusinesses. As new technologies and customer needs emerge, the ATaaS market is likely to continue growing and developing. Impact Agricultural technology-as-a-service (ATaaS) helps farmers streamline their operations and increase efficiency by automating tasks such as crop monitoring, soil analysis, and resource management. This can result in improved yields and lower costs. ATaaS provides farmers with detailed and real-time information about their crops, enabling them to make informed decisions about planting, fertilizing, and pest control. This results in a more precise and targeted application of resources, leading to higher yields and a reduction in waste. Market Segmentation Segmentation 1: by Application Yield Mapping and Monitoring Soil Management and Testing Crop Health Monitoring Irrigation Others Story continues Crop health monitoring is expected to generate the highest revenue in the ATaaS market due to its importance in ensuring the overall health and productivity of crops. With ATaaS, farmers can monitor the health of their crops in real-time and make informed decisions about their management practices. This results in increased crop yield and profitability. Advanced sensors and technologies like remote sensing, drones, and precision agriculture are integrated into ATaaS solutions for accurate crop monitoring. This helps in the early detection of potential problems like disease, pest infestations, and soil degradation, leading to proactive management and timely intervention. The increasing adoption of ATaaS in the agricultural sector will drive the growth of the crop health monitoring segment, thereby generating the highest revenue in the ATaaS market. Segmentation 2: by Service Type Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is projected to drive the growth of the agriculture technology-as-a-service (ATaaS) market due to its advantages, such as ease of deployment, low cost, and user-friendly interfaces. SaaS platforms allow farmers to access technology-driven agriculture solutions and services remotely, reducing the need for large capital expenditures. It is expected that SaaS-based ATaaS will gain traction as cloud computing and IoT technologies become more popular, thereby driving the market's growth. Segmentation 3: by Pricing Subscription Pay-Per-Use In the ATaaS market, subscription pricing models have become increasingly popular among farmers due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Farmers can subscribe to these services on a monthly or annual basis and receive regular software updates and technical support. This eliminates the need for large upfront investments in equipment and technology, allowing farmers to better manage their costs and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the industry. Additionally, subscription models provide the ability to scale up or down based on their needs and production goals, offering greater flexibility and cost savings compared to traditional pay-per-use models. Segmentation 4: by Region North America - U.S., Canada, and Mexico Europe - Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Greece, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Rest-of-Europe China U.K. Asia-Pacific - India, Japan, Australia, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific South America - Brazil, Argentina, and Rest-of-South America Middle East and Africa - Israel, South Africa, and Rest-of-Middle East and Africa North America generated the highest revenue of over $547.0 million in 2021 and is expected to remain the largest region by 2027. A number of factors are expected to contribute to North America's lead in ATaaS, including the presence of major players in the agriculture sector, strong government support, and a high adoption rate of advanced technologies such as VRT, UAVs, and robots. Additionally, the region has a large number of well-established agribusinesses and farmers looking for innovative and cost-effective ways to improve their operations. The region also has a well-developed infrastructure and a high level of awareness about the benefits of ATaaS, which is further driving the market growth. Recent Developments in Global Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service (ATaaS) Market In November 2022, a new generation of monitoring robots called Tom v4 was launched by Small Robot Company. The commercialization of this product to both farmers and corporations is a major milestone. With a ground sample distance of 0.28mm per pixel, Tom v4 is one of the highest-resolution crop-scanning technologies. As a result, Tom can detect early signs of disease outbreaks and see individual water droplets on leaves. In October 2021, Kubota and Topcon signed a collaborative research agreement in smart agriculture. The companies will work together to innovate for future commercialization through collaborative research in smart agriculture, bringing together the technologies and know-how developed by each company. In October 2021, Naio Technologies announced plans to expand internationally in the agricultural robotics market. With the aim of consolidating its worldwide growth and launching a new robot-as-a-service (RaaS) model, the company is moving beyond its technology innovation context. In August 2021, Deere & Company acquired Bear Flag Robotics, an agriculture technology startup based in Silicon Valley. Bear Flag's technology enables a machine to perform autonomously. Bear Flag's technology complements Deere's technology initiatives and goals to help farmers achieve the best possible outcomes and solve meaningful challenges through advanced technology, including autonomy. Demand - Drivers and Limitations The following are the demand drivers for the agriculture technology-as-a-service market: Decreasing Agriculture Workforce Increasing Area under Permanent Crops Increased Yield Low Capital Investment for Customers The market is expected to face some limitations, too, due to the following challenges: Cyber and Online Data Security Reluctance to Adopt and Lack of Technical Awareness among Farmers Limited Infrastructure and Workforce to Provide EaaS Solutions Key Companies Profiled AGRIVI IBM Corporation Hexagon Agriculture Microsoft Corporation Topcon 365FarmNet GmbH PrecisionHawk Trimble Inc. Deere & Company DJI KUBOTA Corporation Small Robot Company Naio Technologies SGS SA TeeJet Technologies Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 265 Forecast Period 2022 - 2027 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1606.9 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2027 $3438.6 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 16.4% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1 Markets 2 Application 3 Products 4 Region 5 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles 6 Research Methodology Companies Mentioned AGRIVI IBM Corporation Hexagon Agriculture Microsoft Corporation Topcon 365FarmNet GmbH PrecisionHawk Trimble Inc. Deere & Company DJI KUBOTA Corporation Small Robot Company Naio Technologies SGS SA TeeJet Technologies For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ju3hfw About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Weather Alert ...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM CDT /2 AM EDT/ TO 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ MONDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 32 degrees will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Late tonight into early Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Some sheltered locations may see temperatures fall slightly below 32 degrees, which would result in a light freeze. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. && WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department's investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. That's according to two people familiar with the ruling, who spoke on condition of anonymity because it remains under seal. The people said, however, that Pence would not have to answer questions about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump's supporters violently stormed the building as Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify the vote. Pence and his attorneys had cited constitutional grounds in challenging the subpoena. They argued that, because he was serving in his capacity as president of the Senate that day, he was protected from being forced to testify under the Constitution's speech or debate clause, which is intended to protect members of Congress from questioning about official legislative acts. Pences team is evaluating whether it will appeal. The sealed ruling from U.S. District Judge James Jeb Boasberg sets up the unprecedented scenario of a former vice president being compelled to give potentially damaging testimony against the president he once served. And it comes as Pence has been inching closer to announcing a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, which would put him in direct competition with his former boss. Pence says 'history will hold Donald Trump accountable' for January 6 Former Vice President Mike Pence made his most blistering comments yet about former President Donald Trump's role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol during remarks Saturday evening at the annual Gridiron Club Dinner in Washington, DC. Pence was subpoenaed earlier this year to appear before the grand jury in Washington investigating election interference. A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election to keep Trump in power. Multiple Trump aides have already appeared before the grand jury, as well as another panel examining Trump's potential mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club. A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment. Pence has spoken extensively about Trumps pressure campaign urging him to reject President Joe Bidens victory in the days leading up to Jan. 6, including in his book, So Help Me God. Pence, as vice president, had a ceremonial role overseeing the counting of the Electoral College vote, but did not have the power to impact the results. Pence has said that Trump endangered his family and everyone else who was at the Capitol that day and said history will hold him "accountable. The business and legal worlds are filled with complex contracts and documents that must be carefully read to ensure they are understood, comply with a litany of laws and rules, and are properly filed and updated. Tracking legal cases and findings is a full-time job. Some of these documents can be hundreds of pages long, and take hours to review. Mayo Oshin, an artificial intelligence engineer in the UK, wants to change this using AI. Oshins latest project, dubbed Warren Buffett, is aimed at the financial sector and documents. Oshin says he named the bot after Buffett because it was designed to analyze financial documents in the style of the famed value investor. Elon Musk Weighs in After Warren Buffett Says He Wouldn't Pay $25 for Every Bitcoin Based in London, England, Oshin contributes to an open-source framework called LangChain that provides various tools and resources to facilitate the development of AI applications. A trend among companies is to incorporate the concept of retrieval in their AI systems, Oshin told Decrypt in an interview. Retrieval refers to the ability to chat with data, and this feature, Mayo added, has become a crucial need for many businesses. Story continues As someone who has been experimenting with retrieval capabilities for some time, Oshin says he recognized a growing demand for practical examples of how the technology could be applied to different types of documents and data. There have been many complaints about how long it takes to read annual reports, he said. For example, investors in Tesla may want to make sense of current risk factors or how management is performing, but the annual reports can be hundreds of pages long. The projects goal is to show how AI can assist in analyzing large and complex documents, making it easier and faster to extract relevant information using retrieval capabilities that let users converse with data and receive meaningful insights, which hopefully leads to better decision-making. Institutional Traders Shifting Attention from Blockchain to AI: JP Morgan You can kind of think of it as retrieving relevant sections of your document, as opposed to having to read the entire document, but its doing it based on natural language, Oshin said. As he explained, the idea behind the chatbot was to demonstrate that the bot is capable of more than just one-directional interactions, which have been a focus in discussions surrounding AI. Typically, this involves using [ChatGPT] to perform a specific task on a single PDF file or piece of information, he said. However, I wanted to highlight that the demo can perform analysis over time using a time series approach. One example is the analysis of cash flow performance over several years to reveal trends. Tutorial Youtube Video: https://t.co/Ocu3tVLKLS Github repo (please note this the original template used for the demo adapted for this usecase): https://t.co/DZ0sMKZpx8 My visual diagram of the pdf chatbot architecture below... pic.twitter.com/VPjMZUDICv Mayo (@mayowaoshin) March 27, 2023 Many people believe that AI is expensive, but in reality, it can be cost-effective, Oshin said, adding that he believes the reason the technology has gone viral is that people are both excited about and scared of what AI means for knowledge work. He acknowledges that it is a concern thats driving some of the interest and discussion around AI and its impact on the workforce. What's scary is the people working on AI research, they themselves don't even know what's capable of, Oshin added. When you're dealing with something that is beginning to think for itself, that's a gray area." The tragic death of UK head teacher Ruth Perry by suicide in January following an inspection by government schools regulator Ofsted has led to a flood of grief and anger among educators. Aged just 53, Ruth Perry was head teacher at Caversham Primary School in Reading where she had worked for 13 years. She took her own life while waiting for publication of an Ofsted report after the inspectorate had downgraded her school from outstanding to inadequate. Ruth Perry [Photo: Brighter Futures for Children] A dedicated educator for 32 years, Perry was well respected by her colleagues. Teacher Kate Wells posted online, Ruth Perry was my boss for 10 years. She was a passionate and dedicated head teacher. On behalf of the family, her sister Julia Waters said her death was the direct result of the deeply harmful inspection and was in a direct result of the pressure put on her by the process and outcome of the inspection. At Caversham Primary, the Ofsted report found the school welcoming and vibrant, staff/pupil relations warm and supportive but there was lack of appropriate supervision during breaktimes so pupils were potentially at risk of harm. Apparently, Julia told BBC South, an altercation in the playground between two boys and another incident involving a boy performing a floss dance, was the scant and sensationalist evidence for inadequate safeguarding. The playground fight was interpreted by Ofsted as evidence of child-on-child abuse and the dance as the sexualisation of children. A call on Twitter by Ms Waters, a professor in French Literature at the University of Reading, to boycott and protest against Ofsted led to many schoolssuch as Katesgrove Primary School and Emmer Green Primary in Reading and the Prince of Wales School in Dorchesterremoving the Ofsted logo and rating from their websites. The #ParentsagainstOfsted organisation protested Thursday outside the inspectors headquarters in London. A memorial walk from Caversham Primary School to Reading town centre will be held on April 8. Flora Cooper, a head teacher at the John Rankin federation of nursery, infant and junior schools in Berkshire, with an Ofsted inspection imminent, declared on social media that inspectors would not be allowed entry and called for solidarity. Such action would incur a 2,500 fine and no doubt her job. After pressure from the council, the inspection went ahead. On the day of the inspection, however, Cooper, teachers and support staff staged a protest at the school gates, wearing black armbands. A picture of Ruth Perry was displayed on the school gates and teachers held placards saying RIP RUTH. The inspectors turned up accompanied by the police. By Monday, an online petition begun by freelance school business manager Rona Metters demanding Secretary for Education Gillian Keegan grant an inquiry into the inspection at Caversham Primary School had reached 219,000 signatures. Perry is not the first tragic victim of Ofsted inspections. Carol Woodward was the head of Woodward Primary School near Plymouth and took her own life in 2015 after a negative Ofsted inspection. The Observer newspaper cited research by the Hazards Campaign charity and University of Leeds that implicated Ofsted in coroners reports into the deaths of 10 teachers over the past 25 years. It reports teachers suffering heart attacks, strokes and nervous breakdowns due to the stress of inspections. On Monday, the Mirror newspaper cited one specific example of a deputy head teacher having a heart attack in the school toilets after being told their school had been downgraded. Andrew Morrish, a former head and inspector and founder of the helpline Headrest, said most calls from stressed heads are about Ofsted. According to the Education Support 2022 charity, 84 percent of school leaders said they were stressed. A Teacher Tapp survey found that 61 percent of teachers registered responded 1-3 in a score of 1-9 when asked how positively they felt about Ofsted. The body has come to epitomise successive governments punitive and dictatorial policies in education. It can end careers with a single inadequate rating, with teachers vilified and schools rubbished, after an inspection which may only last a day. Established in 1992, Ofsted was part of a major overhaul of education under John Majors Conservative government, including the introduction of the National Curriculum, Local Management of Schoolsunder which schools would control their own budgetsand tests in primary schools known as SATS. From 1997, the Labour government under Tony Blair continued and extended these reforms, introducing the Academies scheme whereby schools were taken out of local authority control and run as independent businesses. The reforms were justified in the name of raising standards in education, especially in areas of poverty and deprivation. In fact, they imposed a market model on schools, pitted against each other in competition for pupils, and furthered a privatisation agenda whereby ancillary services like school dinners were hived off. An Ofsted rating of inadequate can send a school into a downward spiral, with teachers leaving and parents looking to remove their children. Poor ratings are also used as a pretext to force school to join a multi-Academy trust (MAT) if they are not already in one. They are increasingly a mechanism for holding educators responsible for the actions of the government. Schools have been starved of resources for decades, with deep real-terms cuts made to help pay for the bank bailouts of the 2008 financial crash, the corporate bailouts of the pandemic and energy crises, and now the cost of ramped up military spending to fight the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine. Staff pay has been slashed and workloads increased immeasurably, with workers driven to leave in droves by the stress. Ofsteds inspections are often the final kick in the teeth. The education unions have allowed these attacks to take place over decades and have made only the most tokenistic response to popular outrage at Perrys death, handing in a petition (dating from before the tragedy) calling for Ofsted to be replaced to Downing Street on March 23. Paul Whiteman, leader of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the union was not against inspections per se. Geoff Barton, who heads the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said, We have not asked Ofsted to halt inspections entirely, but merely to pause them. The Labour Party has made similar half-hearted noises. The unions advocate futile appeals to the government against mobilising educators for a fight to improve their intolerable conditions. The National Education Union has called for Ofsted to be replaced with a supportive, effective and fair accountability system while sitting in intensive talks with the government designed to bring about an end to its mandated strike action over pay with a sellout deal. Ofsted head Amanda Spielman dismissed calls to pause inspections, saying our aim [Ofsteds] is to raise standards, so that all children can get a great education. The government has said nothing, responding with the same cruel indifference it has shown to school workers wellbeing during the pandemic, with many killed by the COVID-19 virus and many more suffering long-term damage to their health. To this day, no mitigations are in place in schools. UV disinfection appliances, which effectively kill viruses, are used in Parliament but absent from classrooms. Taking up the fight for a fully resourced, child centred education system which guarantees the safety and well-being of staff and children requires new representative organisations for educators independent of the unions. We encourage all school workers to contact and follow the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. Delegates to the IWA-RFC meeting in Detroit voting to adopt the resolution [Photo: WSWS] On Sunday, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) took a significant step forward, holding a meeting attended in Detroit and online by several dozen worker delegates from rank-and-file committees in the auto and heavy equipment industries, as well as teachers and other sections of the working class. Delegates from General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler), auto parts makers Dana and Forvia (formerly Faurecia), Mack Trucks, and construction and mining equipment maker Caterpillar resolved at the meeting to affiliate with the IWA-RFC, and to establish a steering committee to guide the development of a network of autoworkers rank-and-file committees in the US. The meeting was addressed by Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker and socialist from Pennsylvania, who has been running for president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as a supporter of the IWA-RFC. In powerful and frequently moving contributions during the meeting, workers described harrowing conditions at their workplaces, recounted the deadly and ongoing impact of COVID-19, denounced the indifference and complicity of the pro-corporate UAW bureaucracy, and spoke passionately in support of the construction of a worldwide movement of the working class. The meeting was held as major class battles are exploding internationally, including demonstrations in France by millions of workers against President Emmanuel Macrons dictatorial imposition of pension cuts over the past week; a strike by hundreds of thousands of transportation workers in Germany against the rising cost of living Monday; and mass protests in Israel against the far-right Netanyahu government on Sunday. Marcus Day, a writer for the World Socialist Web Site, opened the meeting, noting that the event coincided with the swearing in of Shawn Fain as UAW president. Day explained: The fact is that this administration lacks any shred of legitimacy or authority. They are coming into office as the result of a so-called union election in which the most basic democratic rights of workers were flouted by both the bureaucracy and the UAW Monitor itself, and in which substantial numbers of workers were not even informed of the election or provided a ballot. Behind Fains rhetoric that there is a new, fighting UAW, Day continued, the same pro-corporate apparatus remains in place. In a swift vindication of this assessment, on Monday, the UAW Special Bargaining Convention voted overwhelmingly to reject a resolution that would have nominally committed the UAW bargaining team to include COLA (cost-of-living raises) in their own contract proposals with the Big Three. Day reviewed the broader context in which the meeting was being held, including the staggering cost-of-living crisis facing workers and the efforts of the ruling class, with the support of the union bureaucracies, to impose the burden of the capitalist economic crisis and war onto the working class. Day explained that the recent events in France revealed certain fundamental features of class society everywhere, exposing the state once again as a naked instrument of the financial oligarchy. What is emerging in response, he continued, is the global class struggle. This meeting here today is itself part of this international process. You are highly conscious representatives of an international working class which is seeking to overcome the obstacles to securing its interests. Addressing the meeting next, Will Lehman reviewed the experiences which led him to join the movement for rank-and-file committees and subsequently run for UAW president, including the powerful 2021 strike at Volvo Trucks and the formation of a rank-and-file committee by workers there. Will Lehman [Photo: WSWS] Lehman emphatically urged workers to reject the nationalism promoted by the UAW bureaucracy and adopt an internationalist strategy, saying such a perspective is needed to fight against these transnational corporations that seek to exploit us by dividing us up by country. Thats not the goal of the working class. I have no issues with any workers in China, Ukraine, Russia, or anywhere else in the world, and neither do any of the workers that I work with. And thats the whole point of advancing the IWA-RFC, is building those bonds and ties across countries, no matter where youre from; its not the allegiance to a nation-state, its the allegiance to ourselves, as class coworkers. Dana: This is the perfect time to get workers to build their own rank-and-file committees Some members of the Dana Rank-and-File Committee at the Jeep plant. [Photo: WSWS] A lively discussion among the delegates followed the opening reports. One of several members of the Dana Workers Rank-and-File Committee in attendance spoke at length on the wave of victimizations and firings that both the company and the UAW bureaucracy have been carrying out in recent months. I will be basically speaking on the behalf of those terminated from the Dana Toledo facility, she said. Within the last couple of months, there has been a large amount of people that have been terminated over bogus reasons. Youre being pushed out the door for something as simple as walking onto the line a minute late, and youre being told to just live with the fact that you were paying union dues, you worked seven days a week, you gave your all to this company, and thats just how it goes. Not only is the company pushing all these people out, the UAW is aiding this purge by not helping us get reinstated. Theyre not answering our grievances. Theyre not reaching out to us. Our grievances are being denied at step one. To reverse this situation, the Dana Toledo Rank-and-File Committee was working to forge connections with workers at other plants and coordinate their struggles, she said. Were basically trying to build alliances with the Jeep workers, General Motors, Caterpillar workers, Syncreon. Because we do play a very vital role inside the automotive industry. We make the axles of a lot of these vehicles and supply a lot of automotive facilities. Now, without these axles these cars cannot be built. Its just that simple. And with the Big Three contract coming up, this is the perfect time to get workers there to build their own rank-and-file committees, so they can start to have a say on their working conditions. Caterpillar: If you look at the situation globally, we are in the midst of a working class revolution A member of the Caterpillar Workers Rank-and-File Committee spoke next, describing how the UAW bureaucracy had worked to impose the companys demands for real wage cuts by concealing essential information from workers. One, I am 100 percent in solidarity and standing with workers at Dana, he began. I totally understand where theyre coming from, what theyre going through. Since the contract at Caterpillar supposedly passed, he continued, workers were being fired for small violations like at Dana, for attendance, or going through and looking at our social media. Giving voice to a powerful sentiment among workers for international solidarity, he continued, I understand that right now, if you look at the situation globally, we are in the midst of a working class revolution, as long as we can get working class people in America to be on the same page with one another, and with our international brothers and sisters. Right now, we have a boot on our neck. And it is not going away. We are our only defense against these corporations. Because without us, they cannot profit off of our backs, our work ethics, how good we do our job, and maintaining and keeping their flow going. GM Flint: We were once the most successful city in the country, and now we are poverty-stricken One of the delegates from the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee then spoke, drawing an important historical contrast between the UAWs origins and the situation workers confront today. We are home to the Flint sit-down strikes, which led to the original UAW being formed, which is not what it was like it was back then, she said. We were once the most successful city in the country with the highest standard of living, and now we are poverty-stricken with unemployment. Workers have to have two jobs to get by. They put a plasma center across from the plant in case you want to make extra money by donating your plasma. We also had to go through the Flint water crisis, which caused a lot of cognitive problems and physical problems to people, and their pets died. And they didnt switch the water over in the plants until the metal started corroding away. And then, after that happened, we finally got like filtered water to drink in our plant. Workers confront many safety issues and speed-up in the plant, she said. Were basically running in place. They keep adding and adding stuff to our jobs and cutting other jobs. I have to be in five places at one time, and its not doable. And then we talk to the UAW, and they tell you what you want to hear. And then they disappear for like a month and you dont see them again. Sometimes the plant floods with water, its on like a floodplain. And we have to use electric tools too and keep doing our jobs, and they dont let us stop. Theres been a lot of serious injuries in the plant. Some of the equipment falls from the ceiling. Another member of the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee appealed for workers to unite to overturn the tiered system, saying, I think its important that we link the issues of temp workers to seniority workers, and explain that we face common issues despite the discrepancies in pay and other benefits or lack thereof, to come together as a whole workforce and fight both the union bureaucracy and the company. GM Lansing: Somethings got to change A delegate from the GM Lansing Workers Rank-and-File Committee explained how workers were just recently confronted with major safety hazards in the plant. There was just a fire in the body shop on Friday. And everybody over there was complaining about how bad the air was, how it was hurting their throats, people were having asthma issues, because there was still smoke. Everything still smelled terrible, because they didnt air the building out enough before they sent everybody back in there. And theyve been doing a lot of construction right behind the door line. And at one point, they were welding and grinding on metal, and people couldnt see the person six feet away from them, a lot of them went to medical because people are throwing up, their eyes are burning, their throats hurt. The worker said she agreed with the comments of her sister at GM Flint about the UAW bureaucracy. The way that the UAW handles everything, it doesnt matter what you complain about, like she said, they tell you what you want to hear, but then they dont actually do anything to fix the problem. They are, as far as Im concerned, in the companys pocket, they back the company, they do as little as they can for us to help the company out. Im just at my wits end with it. Im done with it. Somethings got to change. And if we can all get together and all be on the same page, I feel like we could all help each other out in a major way. The impact of COVID-19: He died a slow and horrible death right beside me Despite the efforts of the corporations, the media, and the political establishment to present the COVID-19 pandemic as over and a distant memory for the population, many of the delegates reported their traumatic experiences unnecessarily losing family members and friends to the disease, because of the ruling classs prioritization of profits over saving lives. An auto parts worker from Michigan described losing his brother, who worked with him at the same factory. He was also going through some underlying health issues like diabetes when COVID hit our plant. He was terrified at the time. He knew if he caught COVID-19, there was a big possibility that he would not make it. Well, we were forced to continue working. And he did actually contract COVID through work. He died a slow and horrible death right beside me and my fiancees side. A worker at the Stellantis Warren Truck Plant from Michigan, speaking with fierce emotion, said later: The whole premise of the union was to make sure that we had a good work environment, and we do not. Were paying them every month. And were basically flushing money down the toilet. I can agree with many people in this room about our representation. And its sickening, just listening to everybody, Im really trying to fight back tears, because we sacrifice so much on a daily basis just to get up and make a living for ourselves and our families. And this is what were left with, at the end of the day, you know, were broke down. My plant was hit pretty hard with COVID. Most of the people that I worked with are no longer with us... I want to say, within the first two months of COVID here we had eight people die. Workers from beyond the auto industry also spoke of COVIDs toll. An educator from Alabama told the meeting, When we helped ourselves, with everybody taking a sick day, we were chastised by the union. We fought and they still required people to come to work. People used up their leave until we couldnt use it up anymore. So then two more teachers died. Then we lost four more teachers and waited and waited until the eighth teacher died. Evan Blake, the coordinator for the Global Workers Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic, reported on the WSWSs investigation to uncover the real impact of the pandemic on the working class, and the class interests behind the disaster which had unfolded over the past three years. COVID-19 has now killed over 20 million people throughout the world, Blake stated. Its disabled tens of millions more with Long COVID. And its basically brought about the collapse of the health care industry. For the first time since World War Two, life expectancy declined globally. And now were at the beginning of the fourth year of the pandemic, and theres just a massive propaganda campaign to claim that its over. Contrary to the claims of the ruling class, COVID can in fact be eliminated, Blake explained, but this requires an international, comprehensive response from the working class. Nothing is going to happen except through the organization of a rank-and-file movement Eric London speaking at the IWA-RFC meeting [Photo: WSWS] Towards the conclusion of the meeting, Eric London, a writer for the World Socialist Web Site, gave a detailed report on the antidemocratic character of the UAW elections, which in its first round saw a historically low 9 percent turnout for a national union election. London reviewed new information that had come to light about the corporate ties and blatant conflict of interest of the law firms comprising the UAW Monitor, which recently rejected Will Lehmans protest over widespread disenfranchisement in the UAW elections. The law firms behind the Monitor, London explained, had regularly served as legal representation for the Big Three auto companies, Caterpillar and other corporations, even as they were nominally tasked with independently overseeing the UAW apparatus. The two law firms that make up the monitor are two of the most powerful corporate law firms in the country, London said. These are the people who the UAW recommended to be Monitor. Summing up, London said he agreed with the people who have spoken today on the need for education, on the need for a focus on history, on the need to bring in the whole lessons of the class struggle. Nothing is going to happen except through the organization of a rank-and-file movement, which is capable of tearing power out of their hands, and putting it back on the shop floor. And thats what Will Lehmans campaign was about. At the end of the meeting, a resolution was put to the floor and unanimously adopted to found a steering committee for a network of autoworkers rank-and-file committees, in order to fight for what workers need. Recognizing that the fight of autoworkers in the US was part of a developing global movement of the working class, delegates resolved to support the IWA-RFC. The real struggle for democracy in the union lies ahead, the resolution stated. The reshuffling of positions among bureaucrats in Solidarity House changes nothing. The UAWs collaboration with the government and corporations, the betrayal of workers interests, and the suppression of their democratic rights will not be changed by the replacement of Curry by Fain. What is required is the transfer of power to the rank and file and the elimination of the entire UAW apparatus. Company Logo Global AI Training Dataset Market Global AI Training Dataset Market Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "AI Training Dataset Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report, By Type (Text, Image/Video, Audio), By Vertical (IT, Automotive, Government, Healthcare, BFSI), By Regions, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global AI training dataset market size is expected to reach USD 8.61 billion by 2030 and expand at a CAGR of 22.1% from 2023 to 2030. Artificial intelligence technology is witnessing an upsurge and as organizations are transitioning towards automation, the demand for technology is rising. The technology has provided unprecedented advances across various industry verticals, including marketing, healthcare, logistics, transportation, and many others. The benefits of integrating the technology across multiple operations of the organizations have outweighed its costs, thereby driving adoption. Due to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence technology, the need for training datasets is rising exponentially. To make the technology more versatile and accurate with its predictions, many companies are entering the market by releasing various datasets operating across different use cases to train the machine learning algorithm. Such factors are substantially contributing to market growth. Prominent market participants such as Google, Microsoft, Apple Inc, and Amazon have been focusing on developing various AI training datasets. For instance, in September 2021, Amazon launched a new dataset of commonsense dialogue to aid research in open-domain conversation. Factors such as the cultivation of new high-quality datasets to speed up the development of AI technology and deliver accurate results are driving market growth. For instance, in January 2019, IBM Corporation, a technology company, announced the release of a new dataset that comprises 1 million images of faces. This dataset was released to help developers train their face recognition systems supported by artificial intelligence technology with a diverse dataset. This dataset will allow them to increase the accuracy of face identification. For instance, in May 2021, IBM launched a new data set called CodeNet with 14 million sample sets to develop machine learning models that can help in programming tasks. AI Training Dataset Market Report Highlights Story continues Increasing the creation of synthetic training data for unsupervised and supervised training of machine learning algorithms is driving the adoption of datasets by organizations thereby catalyzing the market growth. The image/video segment is expected to portray a high growth rate, with a CAGR of approximately 25% over the projected period. Asia Pacific regional market is expected to have significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the substantial adoption of AI technology. Market Dynamics Market Drivers Rapid Growth of AI and Machine Learning Growing Applications of Training Datasets Across Diversified Industry Verticals Market Restraints Lack of Technological Adoption in Developing Regions Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1.73 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $8.61 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 22.1% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 AI Training Dataset Market Variables, Trends & Scope Chapter 4 AI Training Dataset: Type Estimates and Trend Analysis 4.1 AI Training Dataset Market: Type Movement Analysis, 2022 & 2030 4.1.1 Text 4.1.2 Image/Video 4.1.3 Audio Chapter 5 AI Training Dataset: Vertical Estimates and Trend Analysis 5.1 AI Training Dataset Market: Vertical Movement Analysis, 2022 & 2030 5.1.1 IT 5.1.2 Automotive 5.1.3 Government 5.1.4 Healthcare 5.1.5 BFSI 5.1.6 Retail & E-commerce 5.1.7 Others Chapter 6 AI Training Dataset: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis Chapter 7 Competitive Landscape Companies Mentioned Google, LLC (Kaggle) Appen Limited Cogito Tech LLC Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. Amazon Web Services, Inc. Microsoft Corporation Scale AI, Inc. Samasource Inc. Alegion Deep Vision Data For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dgpxv4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Last Monday, March 20, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) held a powerful antiwar meeting at the University of Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil, as part of its international campaign The war in Ukraine and how to stop it. Platform at March 20 meeting of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at the University of Sao Paulo. [Photo: WSWS] The meeting was hosted by leading members of the Socialist Equality Group (GSI-BR), which is fighting to build a Brazilian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI). It also featured a statement by the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists (YGBL), supporters of the ICFI in the countries of the former Soviet Union, to Brazilian youth and workers. The speeches addressed the historical origins of the war, its relation to the world capitalist crisis and the developing global class struggle, and the political perspective required to develop an antiwar movement in the 21st century. The events host, Guilherme Ferreira, began by summarizing the current situation of the US-NATO confrontation with Russia in Ukraine. He declared: One year after its beginning, this war is far from over. In fact, it is developing dangerously, threatening to spiral out of control. In recent weeks, successive red lines have been crossed, bringing the world even closer to an open war between nuclear powers. Ferreira highlighted the significant coincidence of the date of the event and the 20-year anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. As then, he claimed, the real interests of American imperialism are being hidden behind lies and a campaign to demonize its current adversaries. To discuss the historical and political background of the war, Ferreira called upon the next speaker, Tomas Castanheira. Castanheira began his speech by confronting the hegemonic narrative, which describes the current conflict in Ukraine as an unprovoked war launched by Vladimir Putin. He declared: This war can only be understood in the context of the contradictions opened up by the dissolution of the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy in 1991. Referring to the wars and interventions promoted by Washington over the past three decades in its declared quest for global hegemony, Castanheira explained that the current confrontation with Russia, and even the use of Ukraine as a platform for this purpose were long prepared. He also pointed to the explosive global economic, political and social crisis as a critical factor driving the military escalation of the capitalist regimes. Emphasizing the relationship between war and the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, he stated: The contradiction between the inability of the world capitalist class to organize a solution to preserve human lives [from the coronavirus], and its mobilization of massive resources and coordination among global powers to wage a war that threatens the end of humanity sums up the crisis of the present society. Castanheira pointed out that this historic crisis of capitalism was anticipated by the ICFI, which predicted that the period opened with the dissolution of the USSR would be marked by the deepening of the same contradictions that led to the outbreak of World War I, on the one hand, and to the October Revolution of 1917, on the other. The political foresight and revolutionary stance of the ICFI, he explained, was the product of the Trotskyist movements long struggle against Stalinism and every form of nationalism. Without Stalinisms betrayals of the revolutionary struggles of the international working class, Hitler would never have risen to power in Germany, and the continuation of the socialist revolution would have prevented a second and even more brutal world war, Castanheira said. And without its betrayals of the revolutions that rose up with the end of the war (...), capitalism would not have been able to establish a new world equilibrium, he added. From 1953 on, Castanheira stated, the Trotskyists struggle entered a new chapter with the foundation of the ICFI and its struggle against Pabloite revisionism. The Pabloites broke with the Fourth International to defend nationalist perspectives, in the first place the Stalinist bureaucracy, as forces of opposition to imperialism ... and alternatives to developing the world party of socialist revolution. The defense of Trotskyist principles, Castanheira claimed, led the ICFI, unlike the Pabloites, to repudiate the movement of the bureaucracy to dissolve the Soviet Union. Presenting the revolutionary perspectives elaborated by the ICFI at that critical historical momentparticularly at its Conference Against War and Colonialism, in 1991Castanheira argued that they remain the essential basis for the antiwar movement today. He concluded: The only program capable of defeating this war at its root is the unification of the international working class for the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a global economy upon socialist guidelines. Giving expression to the solid internationalist orientation of the IYSSEs campaign, Ferreira then read to the Brazilian audience the statement sent by the leadership of the Young Guard of Bolsheviks-Leninists. The YGBL called on Brazilian youth and workers to repudiate the imperialist policies of the NATO countries, especially the United States... which has taken hundreds of thousands of lives of Russians, Ukrainians and other nationalities. At the same time, the YGBL called upon them to reject bourgeois nationalism as a viable basis for opposing the war. In the final analysis, they claimed, both the Putin government and the Zelensky government are based on maintaining a capitalist system whose essence is the exploitation of Russian and Ukrainian workers. Making the necessary link between their revolutionary opposition to Putin and Zelensky and the political challenges faced by the Brazilian youth, they stated: The workers and youth of Brazil must once and for all put an end to the illusions in the present Lula government, which is based on the suppression of the struggles of the working class and the realization of the interests of the Brazilian oligarchy. Instead, the YGBL called for the construction of a revolutionary party in Brazil that will defend the independent position of the working class, and act in solidarity with the working class around the world through the International Committee of the Fourth International. Elaborating upon this perspective, the events last speaker, Eduardo Parati, presented the growing struggles of the international working class as the necessary basis for the movement against war and for socialist revolution. Parati explained that the war is intensifying the immense social crisis both in the centers of imperialism and in the oppressed countries. In order to finance imperialisms weapons and pay for the financial crisis, the ruling classes are promoting the suppression of all social opposition, he said. In Latin America, Parati said, this program is being promoted by all the Pink Tide governments, including the PT [Workers Party] in Brazil. While presenting themselves as left-wing, these bourgeois nationalist regimes are assisting the imperialist powers in the confrontation that threatens to turn into a nuclear war, he stated. Parati also denounced the complicity of the pseudo-left organizations in this bourgeois reaction. He pointed to the Morenoite Unified Socialist Workers Partys (PSTU) call to support the imperialist powers in arming the Ukrainian army and the systematic strengthening of the Brazilian capitalist state and military. On the other hand, Parati said, all over the world, massive strikes and protests are developing against the huge crises of the capitalist system. He added, In every case the working class is entering into a direct confrontation with not only the companies, but also the capitalist state and the unions. Rank-and-file committees will be the organizational expression of the working class in this new historical moment, Parati stated. [But] above all, we need to provide a political perspective for these struggles. In a compelling conclusion to the event at the University of Sao Paulo, Parati declared: Our call to everyone here is that you assimilate these lessons, undertake a serious study of the history of the Trotskyist movement represented by the International Committee of the Fourth International, and make the decision to join the IYSSE and GSI-BR. Los Angeles education workers on strike, March 23, 2023 [Photo: WSWS] The three-day strike last week by 65,000 public school workers in Los Angeles was a demonstration of the immense power of the working class and the potential that exists for a mass movement to fight for adequate funding for schools and other social needs. Teachers and school support workers are locked in a battle against the capitalist two-party system, and the California Democratic Party in particular. They are part of a world movement, involving mass strikes and protests by millions from France to Israel, fighting against austerity and attacks on democratic rights. But school workers are being blocked by the trade union bureaucracy in Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 and the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). School support staff have been kept on the job by the union for three years without a contract, while teachers have been without a deal since last summer. The bureaucracy ended the strike and sent workers back into schools last week before any of their demands were met. The following day, the SEIU announced a sellout deal that addresses none of workers demands and leaves support workers living in poverty. This is a universal phenomenon, which is also being played out on the West Coast docks, New York City schools, the railroads and other key industries. The union bureaucracy functions as one wing of a corporatist conspiracy against workers, involving the government, the courts and the major corporations. A critical role in this is being played by the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of America. Either DSA members or bureaucrats with DSA support are increasingly in the leadership of major unions around the country, including the Association of Flight Attendants, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and, as of this past weekend, the United Auto Workers. They also control the teachers unions in many major districts, including Los Angeles. The DSAs role is to block and misdirect growing working class opposition to the corrupt union apparatus and the two-party system. They are not socialists at all but use dishonest populist-sounding phrases to disguise their pro-capitalist policies. Among the most infamous examples of this to date was the DSAs vote in Congress to ban strike action by railroaders last December. They also support war, oppose public health measures to contain the pandemic and are bitterly hostile to and fearful of the working class. In Los Angeles, both the UTLA and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education are controlled by the DSA. Jackie Goldberg, for decades a fixture in local Democratic Party politics, has been president of the Board since this January. Rocio Rivas, another DSA member, is also on the board. The UTLAs president is Cecily Myart-Cruz, who specializes in using racial politics to divert attention from the class struggle. In addition, three DSA members are on the Los Angeles City Council. In other words, all bargaining sessions between the UTLA and the school district involve members of the same organization on both sides of the table! The concessions heaped upon LA teachers and school workers may as well have been worked out by the local leadership of the DSAs Los Angeles branch. This also graphically demonstrates that what is involved are not negotiations between mutually antagonistic parties but a conspiracy between the district and the unions against the classified and teaching staff. Goldberg is a trusted, leading member of the local Democratic Party. A former student protester at Berkeley in the 1960s, she long ago shed her youthful radicalism. She was earlier an LAUSD school board member from 1983 to 1991, on the LA City Council from 1993 and 2001 and a member of the California State Assembly from 2000 to 2006. In the Assembly, she was chair of the Education Committee, where she played a central role in the attacks on public education. Her first tenure on the LAUSD board also saw the 1989 lockout by the district of 20,000 teachers. After attempting and failing to secure support among teachers for an abysmal 17 percent wage increase over three years, Goldberg acted during the lockout as a crucial go-between for the district. In the end, the lockout ended with a somewhat higher but still concessionaryby the standards of the timewage increase of 24 percent over three years. Thirty years later, Goldberg was again on the Board during the next major work stoppage, the 2019 teachers strike. That strike was sold out by the UTLA after secret talks with the district and then-Mayor Eric Garcetti. By then, the union was under the control of the Union Power faction led by Alex Caputo-Pearl, a member of the International Socialist Organization (ISO). Myart-Cruz was also a leading member of the faction and became Caputo-Pearls successor as president the following year. The DSA played a crucial role in the reopening of the Los Angeles schoolsand in many other districts around the countryin early 2021, which led directly to a huge surge in infections and deaths. In February of that year, Goldberg held a virtual town hall with former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner, a former investment banker, to falsely tell parents and students that opening schools was safe. The DSA nationwide supported, and still supports, herd immunity policies to justify the reopening of schools. Jacobin magazine, the main publication associated with the DSA, published favorable coverage of the pseudo-scientific Great Barrington Declaration, which argued for the end of all lockdowns. The magazine published a friendly interview with the Declarations co-author, Martin Kulldorf, and Jacobin Editor Bhaskar Sunkara approvingly retweeted Kulldorfs claim that The [Covid] lockdown is the worst assault on the working class in half a century. This was part and parcel of the drive by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, acting on behalf of both parties, to reopen the nations schools against the opposition of teachers and to promote junk science from far-right circles. Myart-Cruz, who is black and Latina and a leading member of Black Lives Matter in Los Angeles (which has been rocked by a series of recent financial scandals where leading members used funds to purchase property), presented the push for reopening as a purely racial issue of white privilege. She said at the time: We have to call out the privilege behind the largely white, wealthy parents driving the push for a rushed return. Their experience of this pandemic is not our students families experiences. This was a smokescreen for the fact that the UTLA itself, as with the AFT and local teachers unions around the country, was pushing for reopening. The UTLA eventually struck a deal with the district, which it falsely said provided for safe reopening. In a sham vote, it presented teachers with a Catch-22: Either accept the deal, or have schools reopen with no collectively bargained framework at all. The union was bitterly opposed to calls by teachers for strike action to maintain virtual learning. The UTLAs reopening efforts were applauded by Jacobin, which wrote an article entitled LA Teachers Won a Safe Schools Reopening by Organizing. It called the reopening a result of our social justice-focused union leadership and school site organizing. To open up a new way forward, teachers must reject this entire rotten framework. They cannot fight for their interests within a system that is set up, whether in an overtly right-wing or pseudo-left guise, against them and in defense of the profit system. Their real allies are not left-talking appendages of the Democratic Party but the teachers and workers all over the world who are fighting against inequality. This requires the formation of an independent rank-and-file committee to take the initiative out of the hands of the bureaucracy and into the hands of teachers and school workers themselves. On Monday, socialist autoworker Will Lehman distributed hundreds of copies of a letter to delegates at the UAWs Big Three bargaining convention at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. At the convention, delegates voted down by a 2-to-1 margin a resolution asking the UAW to go on record supporting a call for including a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the contract. The convention takes place amid an unprecedented crisis in the UAW bureaucracy, as Shawn Fain was elected after winning the votes of just 3 percent of the rank and file in an election tainted by widespread voter suppression in the first round and apathy in the second. At the convention, several delegates who spoke to the World Socialist Web Site acknowledged that turnout was terrible and embarrassing. This is a video of Lehman reading this letter. Stay informed. Sign up to our Autoworker Newsletter. Tens of thousands of Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem on Monday, March 27, 2023. [AP Photo/AP] Late Monday, Jerusalem time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he was temporarily suspending action by the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, on his plan to carry out what amounts to a coup against the countrys judicial system, the only arm of the state that his ultra-right coalition does not control. Netanyahu made this tactical retreat in the face of the largest outpouring of popular opposition in the history of Israel, with massive street protests Sunday culminating in a full-scale walkout Monday by vast sections of the Israeli working class. Airports, shipping, transport, manufacturing, utilities, schools, day care centers, universities and virtually all government operations were affected. Israeli embassies all over the world were closed, and the Israeli consul general in New York City resigned. The immediate trigger for this political explosion was Netanyahus firing of his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who on Saturday called on him to abandon the plan to straitjacket the judiciary because the political conflict over it was splitting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Gallant, a top leader of Netanyahus own Likud Party, cited statements by thousands of reservists that they would refuse their regular call-ups because they did not want to serve under a government that was destroying democracy. The crisis in the military is only one expression of a conflict that has profoundly shaken Israel and blown up the fundamental myth of Zionism, that Israel represents the unity of all Jews against the world. Instead, Israel is riven by enormous social, political and class conflicts. As Netanyahu himself admitted, the country is on the brink of civil war. The self-proclaimed leaders of the protest movement, mostly officials of the previous government that gave way to Netanyahu after elections last year, like Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, are themselves committed defenders of the Zionist state and its oppression of the Palestinian people, as is the judicial system which they defend. They do not represent a progressive alternative, objecting to Netanyahus measures only because they fear that he will destroy the democratic fig leaf of the state of Israel. Nonetheless, the massive popular movement shows that far deeper issues are involved. Long suppressed social contradictions are exploding through the opening provided by the conflict in the ruling elite, bringing broad masses of the Israeli population and, above all, the working class onto the political stage. The postponement or even the resolution of the conflict over the Supreme Court will not suppress the further development of this social movement, fueled by immense economic inequality within Israel and the impact of the global capitalist crisis. Despite its enormous scale, however, this mass movement has a weakness that will prove fatal if not combatted: It has not so far embraced in any way the struggles of the Palestinian people. There has been a sea of Israeli flags, with not one attempt to mobilize support from Israeli Arabs, let alone the Palestinian population of the occupied territories. To have any chance of success, Jewish workers and youth must cast off the blinders of Zionist ideology and adopt a socialist strategy, based on the revolutionary unification of Jewish and Arab workers in a common struggle against capitalism. There exists a powerful objective basis for the development of such a movement. For months, there have been large protests in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities, huge for a country the size of Israel. The events of this weekend were a qualitative leap, however. Masses of people took to the streets, and a crowd estimated at 100,000 blocked the main road through Tel Aviv, fighting police attempts to clear it. Thousands demonstrated in front of Netanyahus official residence in Jerusalem. Strikes began on Sunday, a normal work day in Israel, and became so widespread that the Histadrut, the official union federation which has long been a direct arm of the Israeli state, was compelled to call a nationwide general strike. Many employers announced closures Monday, bowing to the strength of the strike movement. All departing flights from Ben-Gurion International Airport were grounded, and the countrys two main seaports, Haifa and Ashdod, shut down. Netanyahus statement announcing the temporary suspension of Knesset action on the judicial coup acknowledged the power of the popular opposition. Out of national responsibility, from a desire to prevent the nation from being torn apart, I am calling to suspend the legislation, he said. When there is a possibility to prevent a civil war through negotiations, I will give a time-out for negotiations. While Netanyahu promised talks with the opposition, he has actually been negotiating with the openly fascistic elements in his own extreme-right coalition because they initially opposed making any retreat, even a tactical one, in the face of the mass movement. Their agreement to accept the postponement came with an ominous concession: The government will establish, fund and equip a new National Guard, under the control of the interior ministry, which is headed by Itamar Ben-Gvir, one of the main leaders of the fascist settlers on the occupied West Bank. The time during which the judicial coup is suspended will be used by the fascists and the government to prepare the systematic use of violence against renewed political opposition. Their aim is to create a paramilitary force that, unlike the military, is politically vetted to include only the most rabid racist and religious Zionists and therefore can be more easily used for internal repression against the Israeli working class and youth. Ben-Gvir, the last cabinet minister to give his approval to the temporary suspension of the judicial reform bill, gloated to his supporters in a tweet: The reform will pass. The National Guard will be established. The budget I demanded for the Ministry of National Security will be passed in its entirety. No one will scare us. No one will succeed in changing the peoples decision. Repeat after me: de-mo-cra-cy! The last was a mocking reference to the main chant of the anti-government demonstrators. Moreover, now that Netanyahu has bought himself some breathing space, he may well use that time to launch a military provocation against Iran, seeking to create national unity on the basis of an explosion of militarism. In this he would be following the example of his imperialist patrons in Western Europe and the United States, who have incited the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, in large part to divert their mounting internal tensions towards a foreign adversary. Netanyahu put forward the plan to place the courts under direct control by the cabinet and Knesset at least in part to save his own skin. He is being prosecuted on a series of well-founded corruption charges, and the courts could declare him ineligible to remain in office if convicted. But the issues are far more fundamental than this. The real substance of the judicial measures is to eliminate all legal and procedural obstacles to the unrestrained dictatorship of the religious Zionists and the settler fanatics, who are a minority of the Jewish population but increasingly dominate the political system. The turn toward violent repression and dictatorship in Israel is part of a global process. As demonstrated in recent months in France and Sri Lanka, in both imperialist powers and impoverished and oppressed countries, the ruling class sees no way out of the social and political crisis of world capitalism except through such methods. The safety switches of democracy are burning out, and the two major classes in modern society, the capitalists and the working class, are confronting each other in open struggle. The events of the past months mark the end of a long period of political reaction in Israel, in which the class struggle has been systematically suppressed and the ideology of Zionism employed to justify the subordination of the working class to the garrison state erected to maintain the continued oppression of the Palestinian people. Now the forces mobilized against the Palestiniansabove all, the fascist settler elementsare being turned against the Jewish workers and youth as well. These attacks have provoked a mass movement that has brought masses of Israelis into the streets, where they have begun to measure their strength against the ultra-right. At the same time, they have brought Jewish workers and youth face to face with the historical necessity of a political reckoning with Zionism. The Zionist presentation of Israel as a classless state, one where all the Jewish people could be united under one flag, where social divisions would be erased, was always a lie. The foundation of the state of Israel came about through the systematic dispossession of the Palestinian people and their forced expulsion through violence and terror. Then followed the series of wars waged to expand the territory of Israel and build it up as a powerful, nuclear-armed spearhead for American imperialism in the Middle East. In 1948, the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, condemned the establishment of Israel based on religious identity as reactionary, a tragedy for both the Arabs and Jews living in Palestine. It declared: The Fourth International rejects as utopian and reactionary the Zionist solution of the Jewish question. It declares that total renunciation of Zionism is the sine qua non condition for the merging of Jewish workers struggles with the social, national and liberationist struggles of the Arab toilers. This perspective of the unification of the working class of the Middle EastJews, Arabs, Kurds, Turks, Armenians and other peoplesin a common struggle against capitalism, resonates more powerfully today than ever. It is the only basis for a revolutionary struggle against dictatorship, national oppression and imperialist war. It is impossible for Jewish workers and youth to defend their democratic rights under conditions where the Palestinian population of Israel and the occupied territories remains under savage military repression and increasingly brazen vigilante and settler violence. There cannot be military dictatorship in the West Bank and Gaza and democracy within Israel. All groups which reject the possibility of uniting Arab and Jewish workers in a common struggle are politically bankrupt and in the final analysis share the perspective of Zionism, albeit in an inverted form, accepting the state of Israel as permanent and unalterable and writing off the Jewish working class. This includes both the bourgeois national groups among the Palestinians, such as the corrupt PLO and the Islamic fundamentalist Hamas, and international solidarity movements like Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), which effectively blame Jewish workers for the crimes of the Zionist ruling class. We repeat again the formulation of the Fourth International in 1948: Our perspective is for the merging of Jewish workers struggles with the social, national and liberationist struggles of the Arab toilers. The events of the past weeks have put paid to the notion that the Jewish workers of Israel are somehow different from their class brothers and sisters around the world, including the Arab workers of Palestine. The central issue is to overcome the reactionary Zionist leadership of the protest movement and fight for the unity of Arab and Jewish workers in a common struggle to defend jobs, living standards and democratic rights, including the national rights of the Palestinian people. This can only be done on the basis of the program and perspective of international socialism. President Emmanuel Macrons government is an illegitimate dictatorship of the banks, ruling against the people, that must be brought down. Three-quarters of French people oppose the pension cuts he has rammed through parliament without a vote. As millions march today in another nationwide trade union day of action called against the pension cuts, masses of workers and youth support escalating protests and strikes against Macron. A recent Ifop poll found 62 percent support for hardening action against Macron. The further down the income ladder, the more the determination to fight mounts. Only 48 percent of those with per capita family monthly incomes over 2,500 support intensifying the struggle against Macron, compared to 74 percent with per capita family monthly income under 900. 68 percent of those under 50 support stepping up action against Macron, as do 74 percent of those aged 50 to 64. This sets the working class on a collision course with the union bureaucracy, which is terrified of the confrontation emerging between the working class and the capitalist state, and is coordinating with Macron an attempt to orchestrate a sellout. Union confederations are signaling their openness to resume talks with Macron, even as state officials insist they will not go back on Macrons pension cuts. These events vindicate the perspective advanced by the Parti de legalite socialiste (PES). A political movement must be built among masses of rank-and-file workers and youth, independent of the union bureaucracies, calling to bring down Macron. Yesterday morning, just before an emergency meeting of the government, Laurent Berger, the head of the French Democratic Labor Confederation (CFDT), Frances largest union, gave an extensive interview on France2 television. His remarks, which were no doubt closely discussed with Macron government officials beforehand, called to reopen talks with Macron and discuss deadlines to stop strikes against the government. I am concerned by this situation, Berger said. Warning of a political climate that is dangerous and mounting anger, he called to not fall into the insanity that could take over this country, with violence and also very deep social anger. Berger added, We have to turn the temperature down, not stoke things up. Asked about how much longer the CFDT would authorize strike action, Berger indicated it might call them off starting in three weeks, when Frances Constitutional Council is expected to validate Macrons pension cuts. Speaking of todays national trade union day of action, Berger said, No, its not necessarily the last one We will probably go on, at least until the Constitutional Council. Berger then appealed to Macron to utter a few empty phrases that the CFDT bureaucracy can use as a fig leaf to justify a sellout. I call upon the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister to understand that there is a way out of this, but that they have to make a sign on their side, he said. Such a sign, he said, would allow for a pause in the movement. He proposed as one possible sign the convening of a public discussion for six months of questions of work and pensions. CGT general secretary Philippe Martinez during a debate at Paris-Dauphine University [Photo by Ricani16 / CC BY-SA 4.0 Bergers remarks were echoed shortly after by Philippe Martinez, the outgoing head of the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) bureaucracy, who stressed that he is ready to go see Macron for talks anytime. Martinez said, We are ready to go in if its to say, we stop everything and we restart on the right bases, then there is no problem. We need to know the objective of the meeting. These bureaucrats all know that the talks they are proposing would be based on political surrender to Macron and accepting his pension cuts. Martinez, to be sure, cynically phrased his comments to make it seem that the CGT is only ready to negotiate with Macron if it is on the basis of withdrawing the cuts. But shortly before he and Berger spoke, French government spokesman Olivier Veran made clear that Macron sees his cuts as a settled question, and that all talks would proceed on the basis of accepting them. The law on pensions is behind us, Veran told BFM-TV. We are waiting for it to be validated by the Constitutional Council. It is something we had announced during the election campaign, even if people didnt necessarily vote for us for that reason, as we all know. Macron in his cabinet meetings responded favorably to the unmistakable offer of Berger and Martinez to orchestrate a sellout of the struggle. We must continue extending an open hand to the trade union forces, Macron said. However, he made clear that he is extending an open hand to the union bureaucracy in order to prepare a sellout of the rank and file, against which he is planning a massive escalation of police violence. Over the period until the Constitutional Council ruling, Macron said, the government has to intensify talks with its social partners in the union bureaucracy. He called on his ministers to use the next three weeks to discuss with elected officials, mayors and the social partners to appease tensions, continue implementing reforms, and repair public services. The government is moreover planning a new escalation of police violence against todays protests. At a press conference yesterday evening, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin declared that there are very important risks of disturbances to public order today. He announced an unprecedented police deployment, particularly in Paris where he will send 5,000 heavily armed riot police against the protest. Darmanins threats are an act of desperation, as social anger and strike activity continue to mount, and the crisis of the government intensifies. A fifth of flights and a larger proportion of regional trains are being canceled due to ongoing strikes, and the refinery strike is leaving fuel stations empty, particularly in the west and southeast. In the Loire-Atlantique region, 55 percent of fuel stations are empty. With the Louvre museum in Paris now on strike, there are also reports that 30 percent of elementary school teachers will strike today. The real balance of forces between the government and the working class was revealed by comments Sunday from Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt on the state of the riot police. Dussopt confirmed that French ministers have been asked to only organize public appearances when it is absolutely necessary, as the police deployments necessary to protect them from the people risk straining the riot police. Dussopt said, Our security forces are exhausted as they are mobilized every night against protests. Precisely because the union bureaucracies do not want a defeat of Macron, which they would view as a revolutionary threat to a figure who is for them an ally and negotiating partner, the union bureaucracies are moving amid this desperate crisis of the government to orchestrate a sellout. This underscores the political significance of the call launched by the PES to initiate a mass movement to bring down Macron, as the focus of a movement of the workers and youth independent of the union bureaucracies. In every workplace and school, resolutions must be passed demanding the bringing down of Macron. This requires holding general assemblies of the work force and student body in workplaces and schools, to debate and adopt these resolutions, and forming workplace committees to share and publicize these resolutions and thus unite the working class against Macron. Such an independent mobilization of the working class, making workers aware of their militancy and collective strength, can create conditions for a general strike to bring down Macron. Such a movement, creating independent organs of struggle in the working class that open the way to transfer state power to democratically controlled institutions of the working class, is the political alternative to the shameless sellout that the CFDT and CGT bureaucracies are seeking to prepare. A train with 55 cars hauling iron ore derailed in the Mojave desert east of Barstow, California, on March 27, 2023. [Photo: San Bernardino County Fire Department] Two major train derailments have occurred in less than 12 hours this week, less than two months after the catastrophic train derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio. At around 11:15 pm central time Sunday, a Canadian Pacific train derailed a mile outside of Wyndmere, North Dakota, with 31 of 70 cars leaving the track in a large pileup. Of the derailed cars, four spilled liquid asphalt and two spilled ethylene glycol. An additional car carrying propylene was punctured, releasing vapor, according to Canadian Pacific spokesman Andy Cummings. Liquid asphalt is refined crude oil used in the production of roads. Ethylene glycol is an industrial solvent used in the making of anti-freeze and hydraulic brake fluids. Both chemicals are flammable but company and public officials say that there was no fire at the site and that there is no waterway for the material to contaminate. The railroads said it believes a broken rail was the likely cause of the derailment. Nevertheless, hazardous waste crews are on site and it is expected to take seven to ten days for the spill to be cleaned. Ethylene glycol breaks down in air and water after around 10 days and the liquid asphalt is expected to congeal in the cold weather, aiding in the cleanup of the site. Just hours later, at 8:30 am Pacific time, a Union Pacific train carrying iron ore derailed in San Bernardino, California. Company officials said that 55 cars, including two locomotives, derailed after the train conducted an uncontrolled train movement, according to a statement from UP. At one point, the train was traveling at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour. The statement added that the crew was not in the cab at the time of the derailmenthaving jumped from the runaway trainand that no one was injured. The iron ore that spilled from the train is allegedly not hazardous, but there was a fuel leak from one of the locomotives which is being investigated by hazmat officials, according to county fire department officials. The cause of the derailment has not been determined as of this writing. Overhead view of the train crash in the Mojave desert in California on March 27, 2023. [Photo: San Bernardino County Fire Department] The derailments in Wyndmere and San Bernardino are the latest in an endless list of such events in the United States, where on average three trains derail every single day. The recent catastrophe in East Palestine, in which a Norfolk Southern train derail spilling thousands of gallons of toxic vinyl chloride, has sparked public outrage and attention over the horrid state of commercial rail transport in the US. That derailment saw company and public officials initiate a controlled release and burning of the vinyl chloride, releasing toxic dioxins. Congressional hearing were held on the derailment, with Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testifying before the US Senate. Shaw claimed the company had plans to make it right and that we will be in the community for as long as it takes. But despite the platitudes from Shaw and grandstanding from Congress, nothing has been done to combat the scourge of train derailments in the United States. Only hours before Shaws first appearance before a Senate committee earlier this month, another Norfolk Southern train derailed in a 30-car accident in Alabama, This was followed by a 28-car derailment in Springfield, Ohio. Another Canadian Pacific train derailed in a Chicago suburb over the weekend, with two cars derailing on a train carrying primarily wheat. The rampant crisis of train derailments is the product of decades of attacks on workers and safety by the major railroad companies, who have consistently sought to cut costs by downsizing personnel and refusing to properly maintain rail lines. Despite the high frequency of rail accidents, rail companies continue to rake in billions in profit, indirectly benefiting from the derailments as their cost is outweighed by the increase in profitability. These issues of inadequate staffing and safety were the main demands of rail workers as they pushed for strike action last year. With the help of the union bureaucracy, which delayed for months to buy them time, the Biden administration and Congress prevented a strike by banning it and enforcing a White House-brokered deal workers had already rejected. But the underlying issues remain and express themselves in the continuing occurrence of large and potentially disastrous train derailments. Seven people are dead, including three students, three adult staff members and the shooter, following a mass shooting Monday morning at the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. Children and a woman depart the reunification center at the Woodmont Baptist church after a school shooting, Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. [AP Photo/John Bazemore] Police identified the shooter in Mondays massacre as local resident 28-year-old Audrey Hale, a former student at the school. At the time of this writing, police and FBI agents were conducting an investigation at a home located in Nashville where Hale is believed to have lived with their parents. After initial morning reports stated that there had been a few injuries, due to the shooting, by mid-afternoon on Monday police identified six victims, all deceased from gunshot wounds. Three of those killed are nine-year-old students: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The three adults killed were staff members at the school, Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian; and Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, the head of the school, according to Covenants website. According to Nashville police chief John Drake, the shooter, Hale, was a transgender woman, however, according to The Tennessean, Hale was a transgender man who used male pronouns. In a press conference early Monday evening, Drake claimed that prior to the massacre, Hale had written a detailed manifesto that included maps of the school. The map, according to the police, included locations of entry points into the school. Drake said the shooting was a targeted attack and that the shooter had named another target in their manifesto. Drake said Hale allegedly abandoned the other target after conducting a threat assessment and deciding the risk was too great. The Covenant School was founded in 2001 and has an enrollment of about 200 students with about 42 staff according to its website. The Christian school teaches pre-kindegarten through sixth grade. According to her LinkedIn profile, Dr. Koonce has been head of the school since 2016. According to police, all of the doors to the school, which is also a Presbyterian church, were locked prior to the shooting. However, police claim Hale was able to gain entry to the school by shooting through a side door. Police claim Hale was armed with three different weapons, including two AR-style weapons, one of which was a rifle, while the other was an AR-style pistol. Drake said Hale was also armed with a handgun. Drake said two of the weapons were purchased legally and locally. After shooting through the side door, police claim Hale began shooting into classrooms while heading to the second floor. Police claim that they first received calls about an active shooter at the school at approximately 10:13 a.m. Police have confirmed that there is security footage from inside the school although they have yet to release any footage as of this writing. Police state that a five-person team engaged Hale in a shootout on the second floor at around 10:27 a.m. that ended with Hale dying after being shot by two police officers. Police have not stated if Hale was wearing body armor or a helmet but they have confirmed finding several rounds of ammunition. Chief Drake confirmed that police are looking into a possible motive to the shooting that is related to the fact that the shooter identified as transgender. Tennessee, like several states controlled by Republicans, has enacted a raft of anti-LGBTQ legislation aimed at dehumanizing and criminalizing transgender and queer persons. Mondays shooting is the deadliest mass shooting at a school in the United States since the Uvalde Massacre in Texas last year that left 19 students and two teachers dead, after police refused to engage the shooter for over an hour. It follows the shooting of two school adminstrators by a student in Denver, Colorado last week. The shooter in that incident, 17-year-old student Austin Lyle, was found dead after police claim he shot himself with a ghost gun. A database complied by the Washington Post estimates that with this latest shooting more that 348,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since the 1999 Columbine Massacre. There have been at least 376 school shootings in the US since 1999 according to the Post. However, it is likely these figures are a vast undercount. The K-12 School Shooting Database which is maintained by David Reidman and has been cited by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, found that there have already been 89 shootings on school grounds this year alone. In 2022, the database recorded 303 school grounds shootings. Through 2018, the tracker never recorded more than 100 shootings on school grounds with many years, such as 2010 only tabulating 15 shootings. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database there have already been 75 victims, fatal and wounded, from shootings on K-12 property this year alone, marking it the sixth-highest year since 1970. 2022 saw the most injuries and deaths with 273 total victims recorded. In the coverage of the Covenant shooting the capitalist press has been quick to contrast the response time of Mondays shooting to the Uvalde shooting. The fact that six people still were killed before police intervened, has been quickly brushed over in the rush to venerate the police. As with every mass shooting in the US, the question is reduced to the individual level, while questions that must be asked about a society that produces routine mass homicidal outbursts are completely ignored. Instead the capitalist politicians trot out their somber tones and well-worn phrases. For the Republicans, this takes the form of endless calls for thoughts and prayers. For the Democrats, it is empty rhetoric about gun reform. In his comments on the shooting Monday, President Joe Biden called for an assault weapons ban, something he knows has no chance of passing the Republican-controlled House and will do nothing to address the root cause of gun violence in America, which is not in the individual psyche or mental health of the shooter, but in the capitalist system itself, which produces a society in which thousands of people every year resort to gun violence. Decades of widening inequality has led to not only the resurgence of fascistic movements in the US and internationally but a deep social crisis in America. The solution to overcoming the crisis of mass shootings is not to pray to the almighty, or lobby for empty gun reform, but to mobilize the working class against the source of inequality, the capitalist system, and fight for a socialist program that guarantees education, health care and democratic rights for all. The following greetings were sent by the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists (a Trotskyist organization in Russia and the former Soviet Union that has declared its political support for the International Committee of the Fourth International) to a meeting on The war in Ukraine and how to stop it held March 20 at the University of Sao Paulo by the Socialist Equality Group (Brazil), which is in political solidarity with the ICFI. The Young Guard of the Bolshevik-Leninists welcomes the antiwar meeting by our Brazilian comrades from the Socialist Equality Group. We support its holding as an event of great importance for the building of a mass antiwar movement that stands for socialist internationalism. Platform at March 20 meeting of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at the University of Sao Paulo. [Photo: WSWS] The relevance of the meeting is beyond doubt. The world is on the brink of World War III because of the imperialist policies of the NATO countries, especially the United States. This policy has already led to the war in Ukraine, which has taken hundreds of thousands of lives of Russians, Ukrainians and other nationalities affected by this war. And these are only the immediate victims of the war. The Putin regime, dreaming of equal relations with its 'Western partners,' decided to play Russian roulette on February 24, 2022, which only accelerated the imperialist offensive of NATO. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the restoration of capitalism in its former republics, the Russian and Ukrainian oligarchies, each in its own way, hoped to integrate into the world capitalist system. The Ukrainian oligarchy chose the European path, culminating in the 2014 Western-backed coup d'etat. The Russian oligarchy, on the other hand, has always sought to have a benevolent relationship with imperialism, without giving up its own position in terms of being able to exploit the Russian working class and the country's natural resources. In the final analysis, both the Putin government and the Zelensky government are based on maintaining a capitalist system whose essence is the exploitation of Russian and Ukrainian workers. The rhetoric by both sides is accompanied by their professed desire to secure national interests, but what is really at stake for these regimes are the oligarchic interests of the ruling classes of both countries. There is no way out for the working class if it bases its position on bourgeois nationalism. Only the perspective of the unification of the international working class in a struggle against war, imperialism and the capitalist system as a whole can provide a way forward. The contribution of the Brazilian working class to the development of Brazil and the world (all the wealth of Brazil and all of humanity are the product of the labor of workers) The Brazilian working class makes a great contribution to the development of the productive forces of all mankind. It must realize that the main obstacle to the further development of the whole world, and of Brazil in particular, is the current system of capitalist production. The war in Ukraine has brought damage not only to the immediate participants in this conflict, but also to the whole world. The capitalist countries, against the background of rising international tensions, have chosen the path of militarization in order to be ready for a new redistribution of the world. But they have chosen to extract the means for this militarization from the products of the labor of the international working class. And the Brazilian working class is no exception in this matter. It faces the same problems as workers around the world: worsening working conditions, falling real wages, cuts in social spending, and the threat to life and health from the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases. And now the danger is posed that the whole world may be engulfed in the flames of a new world war, unlike anything we have seen before. For this war could well turn out to be nuclear and would pose a threat not only to all the achievements of human society, but also threaten its very existence. The workers and youth of Brazil must once and for all put an end to the illusions in the present Lula government, which is based on the suppression of the struggles of the working class and the realization of the interests of the Brazilian oligarchy. Lula's government is a bourgeois government defending bourgeois interests and representing them on the international scene. It already seeks in every way to limit the strike movement in Brazil, to abolish COVID-19 surveillance, and to prepare the country for new laws in the interests of Brazilian business. The threat of a fascist coup by Bolsonaro has been ignored. Lula would rather provide a cover for the far-right than be a valid defender of the democratic rights of Brazil's working class and youth. But Lula's government has tried to maintain stability, including with the help of the union bureaucracy. The unions have tried, through various means, to keep the working class off the streets. The trade unions seek to divide and suppress the working class. Their role consists in buying time for the capitalist government, so that it can prepare either retaliatory repressive measures or petty handouts that do nothing to resolve the crisis situation. The working class and the youth of Brazil must turn to the lessons of their own history of successes and failures in the workers class struggle. It is important to turn to the history of the trade union movement of the early 20th century, the military dictatorship of 1964, and the labor movement in the 1980s that led to the fall of the military dictatorship. Finally, it is necessary to assimilate the consequences of globalization for the international struggles of the working class. A genuine revolutionary movement of the Brazilian working class and youth against war, imperialism and the whole capitalist system is possible only on the basis of the lessons of history, an understanding of the nature of the current regime and of the reactionary role of the trade unions. We support this meeting as a step toward building a revolutionary party of the Brazilian working class. A party that will defend the independent position of the working class, and act in solidarity with the working class around the world through the International Committee of the Fourth International. With revolutionary greetings, The Central Committee of the Young Guard Bolshevik-Leninists Universities are being drawn ever more directly into the US war preparations against China. A central battleground in these war preparations is the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors are critical to the production, use and maintenance of planes, tanks, ships and other weapons systems. In an effort to offset the decline of the US position in the global semiconductor industry, the US government has ramped up its investments in US-based semiconductor manufacturers for military production and the enrichment of defense company shareholders. The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 is a critical part of these efforts. It was passed with bipartisan support and committed $280 billion over five years to the American semiconductor industry and scientific research in several strategic high-tech disciplines. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, right, speak to reporters after a bill designed to encourage more semiconductor companies to build chip plants in the United States passed the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] As part of the bill, tens of billions of dollars in research funding will flow into academia. Commenting on the impact of the legislation on academia in the September 13 article Not Just Chips, Inside Higher Ed rejoiced that the scale of new funding opportunities for universities is seismic. As of 2023, the Department of Defense already accounts for 60 percent or more of total Research and Development funding at universities in fields such as aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering. It also provides over 50 percent of federal funding for university research in electrical, electronic, communications and mechanical engineering, and nearly half of federal funding in computer and information science. Now, the proportion of funding for university research that is directly tied to the war machine will increase even further. The Act, much like many of the universities that its funding is going towards, embraces identity politics. Inside Higher Ed reported that many of the acts provisions are designed to ensure that some funding is routed to historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and institutions in states that historically have not benefited from this type of federal support. In other words, the efforts to cultivate support among more affluent sections of African Americans and other minorities are directly tied to funding on behalf of the imperialist war machine. A number of universities are now involved in the CHIPS and Science Act, helping develop key components of the imperialist war machine. Arizona State University made a press announcement that was explicit about ASUs intention to work for national security enterprises as part of the Act: Responsive to action initiated by the Department of Defense, Arizona State University President Michael Crow has appointed two senior leaders to guide the university in creating a world-class center of excellence for microelectronics research, development education and training. The CHIPS and Science Act includes $2 billion for DoD to establish the Microelectronics Commons, which aims to close the innovation lab-to-fab capabilities gap in the United States. By building enduring partnerships across emerging technology research and development, manufacturing and government stakeholders at all levels, the Microelectronics Commons will work to scale the semiconductor technologies necessary for the U.S. national security enterprise, and develop the skilled American workforce needed for this essential sector. Also involved is Purdue University in Indiana, which is leading the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement program. On its website, Purdue described the program as the preeminent U.S. program for semiconductor workforce development in the defense sector. Its aim is to train highly-skilled U.S. microelectronics engineers, hardware designers, and manufacturing experts, ensuring U.S. leadership in this important area. In total, the program involves 17 US universities, including Vanderbilt University, Georgia Tech, Ohio State University, SUNY Binghamton and Indiana University, with 67 faculty and staff spread across them and over 200 students enrolled at present. The institutions receive a total of $30 million in funding from the Department of Defense for their participation in the program. The Naval Surface Warfare Center The program is managed by the Crane division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), which is under the Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA), headquartered in Washington D.C. According to NAVSEAs website, it is the force behind the fleet. NSWC Crane is a shore command of the US Navy located in Crane, Indiana, under the NSWC that develops, maintains and upgrades numerous key weapons systems for the Navy and other armed forces sections. NSWC Crane focuses on expeditionary warfare, including developing and deploying sensors and communications technologies that enable the most advanced intelligence gathering, and surveillance capabilities for ground, surface and air support and special weapons systems. The NSWC has also been working with the fascist-ridden Special Operations Command (SOCOM)which is headquartered in the Pentagonsince its inception in 1987 and is playing a vital role in it. SOCOM is the unified command for US special forces, and as of 2021 was deployed to 154 countries covering 80 percent of the worlds nations. SOCOM is charged with carrying out the most secretive and illegal military operations and works closely with, and sometimes under, the direct authority of the CIA. NSWC Crane also focuses on strategic missions, including radar surveillance, integrated missile defense (IMD), and Global Strike, which focuses on nuclear warfare, including Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM), and land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM). Notably, NSWC Cranes archived March 2022 Global Strike fact sheet states that, Teaming with academia is an important element to the depth of work the Strategic Mission Center provides to the Warfighter. It lists partners with Global Strike as Indiana University, Vanderbilt University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and Penn State Universitythat is, many of the institutions now involved in the SCALE program. The fact sheet was drawn up before the passage of Bidens CHIPS and Science Act. This pattern persists through most of its programs as will be shown below. NSWC Crane Global Strike Fact Sheet NSWC Cranes other focus is electronic warfare (EW) in ground, air and naval forces. Its Electronic Warfare Center is set up for this purpose. Crane has provided full technical support and development in partnership with private industry, including Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin and ITT Corp., for the AN/SLQ-32(V) electronic warfare suite. Since 1984, AN/SLQ-32(V) has been built by Raytheon (initially by Hughes Aircraft), which an archived fact sheet lists as being installed on every combat surface ship in the Navy. It has developed test equipment for conducting Operational Readiness Certification for the AN/SLQ-32. The system is used for threat detection and countermeasures against anti-ship missiles, providing for detection of missiles before they are even fired by detecting high frequency targeting and fire-control radars, and electronic jamming of missile guidance, among other features. The Ground Electronic Warfare (EW) component of NSWC Crane focuses on so called Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems. These are designed to counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIED) systems. This expertise is provided to the US Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, as well as coalition partner forces. In addition to working with numerous organizations that are affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) and private industry, the ground EW component of Crane collaborates with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University. The Air EW component deals with systems airborne jamming systems such as those found on aircraft like the EA-18G, C-130 variants, and EP-3 Aries II and P-3 Orion. It also deals with information collection for these aircraft and training for crews. The fact sheet also states that Crane is a leader in IRCM (Infrared Counter Measures) solution development and testing for multiple airborne platforms for all of the DoD. The Air Electronic Warfare component partners with the government and private industry, including Northrop Grumman, Exelis Inc. and Science Applications International Corp. In academia, its partners include the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Purdue University as well as the Penn State Electro-optics Center, whose aim is to research and develop innovative solutions for NSWC Crane. The University of Texas at Dallas Another university that plays an important role in US war strategy to dominate the semiconductor industry is the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), a public university with a student body of 29,500. The university is particularly well equipped for semiconductor research and had initially been established by semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments in 1961 in order to train more employees for the company due to a lack of qualified personnel in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at the time. University of Texas at Dallas. Engineering and Computer Science Complex. According to a university news release, the university has created a new center called the Center for Harsh Environment Semiconductors and Systems (CHESS), which is an initiative under the newly created North Texas Semiconductor Institute (NTxSI). The press release notes that NTxSI positions UTD to contribute to the goals of the recently enacted federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) Act provides $52.7 billion in incentives over five years for American semiconductor research, development, manufacturing and workforce development. The pro-war character of NTxSI is exposed by the statements of the director of CHESS. The news release reads: Dr. Manuel Quevedo-Lopez, director of CHESS, said microelectronic devices capable of operating in harsh environments are vital for national defense in applications such as quantum computing; resilient networks and communication systems; resilient electrical grids; autonomous vehicles; space exploration; and hypersonic weapons, which travel beyond Mach 5, five times faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1). That is, these are technologies explicitly designed for warfare. The NTxSI held a Harsh Environment Electronics Workshop on November 1, which is a representative event of the collaboration of the university apparatus with the military industrial complex, as is shown by the speakers list. The Department of Defense has a list of trusted integrated circuit fabricators that are scrutinized by DoD auditors for compliance with security requirements set up by the DoD, as well as with quality requirements for military hardware. The program was launched in 2003 to 2004. Only 16 foundries are considered trusted by the DoD, in addition to one broker foundry. As the imperialist think-tank Center for Strategic and International Studies notes, while these foundries account for a small minority of devices used in military systems at only about 2 percent as of 2021, these are generally chips used in secret programs or for application-specific uses such as radiation-hardened devices for use in space or nuclear conflict. The speakers list on the agenda of the Industrial Session of the workshop illustrates the character of NTxSI as a nexus of the military industrial complex at the University of Texas in Dallas. What made the event stand out as one centered around warfare production is that it had a number of DoD trusted integrated circuit fabricators as well as other military-related semiconductor manufacturers presenting. The presentations fixated on electronics primarily for use in warfare. Notably, unlike the workshop held afterward on December 7, no workshop presentations were available on the universitys website. These are some of the speakers: Helmut Puchner, Vice President Fellow Aerospace & Defense at Infineon Technologies AG, High Reliability Group, which produces computer memory for use by the military, and is a leading company in the semiconductor in military and aerospace market. These include high reliability radiation-hardened electronics, which are used in outer space, typically in satellites for military and commercial applications. Kenneth Decker, Director of TX Advanced Reliability at Qorvo gave a presentation on Qorvo Texas LLCs radiation-hardened Gallium Arsenide and Galium Nitride transistors. Qorvo is one of the foundries trusted by the DoD and manufactures communications, electronic warfare equipment, radar, and space related technology. It is, one of seven DoD trusted sources of Gallium Nitride transistors and one of six trusted sources of Gallium Arsenide transistors. According to a press release by the company, Qorvo was awarded a DoD contract to proceed with the Advanced Integration Interconnection and Fabrication Growth for Domestic State of the Art (SOTA) Radio Frequency Gallium Nitride (GaN) program, also known as STARRY NITE, as part of the Office of Undersecretary of Defense Research & Engineerings (OUSD R&E) microelectronics roadmap. A presentation by S2MARTS lists some of the applications of GaN in a presentation from July 1, 2021. These include electronic warfare jammers, ground, air, and naval radar, and military communication systems. RF GaN in Defense by the NAVSEA Warfare Centers Crane Babu Chalamala, Energy Storage Program Manager of Sandia National Laboratories, another one of the DoDs16 trusted foundries, gave a presentation on the Role of Energy Storage and Power Electronics in Grid Modernization. Sandia National Laboratories is one of six silicon on insulator (SOI) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) transistors and one of three RH (radiation-hardened) SOI CMOS trusted fabrication suppliers. Sandia manufactures radiation-hardened trusted components for Nuclear Weapons, including for the B61 thermonuclear gravity bomb, and the W87 and W88 ICBM thermonuclear warheads. An image from the presentation given at UTD by Babu Chalamala of Sandia National Laboratories Ron Dusterhoft, a Technology Fellow for the defense company Halliburton, was scheduled to give a presentation on an unknown topic (announced as TBD). Halliburton is an American multinational corporation responsible for most of the world's hydraulic fracturing operations and is deeply implicated in war crimes of US imperialism. During the war in Iraq, in particular, the company reaped tremendous profits from no-bid contracts in the war zone awarded by its former CEO and then US vice president and corporate-military gangster Dick Cheney. Halliburton also bears responsibility for the poisoning of the Texas coast in the Deepwater Horizon Explosion in 2010 alongside British Petroleum (BP) and Transocean. A. Matt Francis, president and CEO of Ozark Integrated Circuits, gave a presentation on electronics in extreme environments. According to the US Small Business Administration, Ozark has been awarded over $4 million in contracts by the Department of Defense, which is the leading source of government grants for the company, comprising around 37 percent of the total award amount. Some of the contracts include supersonic capable single conditioning electronics for turbine engines for use in the Air Forces F35, for around $50,000; High-Temperature Instrumentation for use in Hypersonic Engine Development, for the DOD and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, for $1.5 million; and packing methods based on Silicon and SOI components for advanced control of turbine engines, for the DoD and Missile Defense Agency. NTxSI is by no means the only connection of the university to the military. Other examples could be pointed to. Thus, the National Association of Black Engineers of Lockheed Martin awarded the 2022 Community STEM Impact Award to the assistant director of outreach in the Multicultural Center at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). The university also has a crosstown agreement with University of North Texas (UNT) so that UTD students can take Reserve Officer Training Cadets (ROTC) classes at UNT. Moreover, there are numerous research grants provided to university researchers from the Department of Defense. NTxSI represents a new stage in the universitys integration into the military industrial apparatus. This development is paralleled at universities across the country as US imperialism ramps up its war preparations against China and is engaged in a war against Russia in Ukraine. These war projects at the universities are discussed and negotiated by university administrations and privileged, pro-war layers of the professoriate behind the backs of students and the overwhelming majority of academic workers. No doubt most students would oppose these pro-war machinations of the university administration if they knew about them and understood their political significance. This latent opposition by students to war and the war profiteers must be activated and oriented toward the working class. A new socialist anti-war movement must be built to fight against war and its root cause, capitalism and replace it with a system where education is free and a guaranteed right, and science is developed for productive use and the benefit of society, not war. As part of an international IYSSE meeting series, the IYSSE at the University of Texas at Dallas is holding a meeting on the war in Ukraine and the political and historical principles for the building of a new anti-war movement by workers and young people. The meeting at UTD will be held on Tuesday, April 11. We urge students and workers in the area to attend. For details on the meeting at UTD or to find a meeting near you, click here. Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director of Air India Ltd - Prakash Singh/Bloomberg Air India has defended paying the Kremlin millions to fly over Russian airspace as it prepares to ramp up its UK operations. Despite the Kremlin's war on Ukraine, Campbell Wilson, chief executive, said Air India was open to flying over Russia to UK and US destinations if thats the way the winds are blowing and it is most economical. Doing so could lead to millions of pounds being handed to the Kremlin in so-called overflight charges. Prior to the pandemic, Russia generated $1.7bn (1.3bn) from overflight charges each year. Mr Wilson told the Telegraph: You guys [the UK] are buying gas. You guys are buying oil. How much investment from the Russian diaspora do you have in Kensington and other places? The whole principle of if Country A and Country B are having a conflict, and then Country A insists country C has to do X, Y and Z. Thats a precedent that I think we all need to be careful of. The UK has banned imports of Russian oil and gas. Ministers have also introduced new legislation in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine which requires foreign companies holding UK property to identify their beneficial owners in a public register. Mr Wilson added: I absolutely don't sanction or condone or support the conflict. But aviation is probably the biggest enabler of global peace and connectivity because it brings people together, makes cultures mix, and reduces just the natural us versus them nature of humanity. And if we constrain that, is that a negative or positive? I think it's a clear negative. It comes as Air India prepares a major expansion to rival the likes of British Airways and Emirates. The company, which is India's flag carrier, is funded by a joint venture between Tata, the owner of Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel, and Singapore Airlines. The airline has already announced one of the largest aircraft orders in history, with plans to buy 470 planes from Boeing and Airbus to revitalise its fleet. Britain is Air Indias second-biggest international market after North America. Mr Wilson said Air India would begin flying from Gatwick as well as Heathrow. Story continues Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - SERGEI BOBYLEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Most Western airlines have halted flying over Russia, Belarus and Ukraine over safety fears and financial sanctions that prevent funding the war against Ukraine. Sir Richard Branson last November backed a ban for Chinese airlines that arrive in Britain after travelling over Russian airspace. Chinese commercial carriers have not been landing in the UK until recently because of Beijings zero-Covid policy. Like China, India has maintained diplomatic relations with Moscow despite international outcry against Mr Putins war in Ukraine. Mr Wilson added: If we prevent certain carriers from overflying certain places, it doesn't necessarily stop people moving. It just changes where they're moving through. And that is putting a thumb on the scale of competition. And is that the right thing to do? Because then you are going to get perverse outcomes. You're going to get more circuitous routings and therefore more emissions. You're getting higher prices. You're going to get carriers [prices] artificially inflated, you're going to get carriers artificially deflated. Proposal Represents All-Cash Offer at A$2.50 or US$1.66 per Share CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global leader in transforming lithium and bromine into essential ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health, notes the announcement to the ASX by Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) on March 28, 2023, and confirms that it submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Liontown by way of scheme of arrangement for A$2.50 or US$1.661 per share in cash, which values Liontown at A$5.2 or US$3.4 billion on an enterprise basis. Albemarle Corp. Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Albemarle Corporation) Albemarle believes the proposal is a compelling opportunity for Liontown shareholders with the per share consideration representing a substantial premium to Liontown shareholders and a material premium over relevant benchmarks: 63% premium to Liontown's closing share price on March 27, 2023 69% premium to the 30-day VWAP 184% premium to the 52-week low share price 41% premium to the median broker price target To highlight a commitment to the transaction, Albemarle has accumulated a less than 5% stake in Liontown stock as of March 27, 2023, through on-market purchases. Albemarle notes that the Liontown Board has not meaningfully engaged with Albemarle to facilitate its shareholders receiving the benefits of the proposal. Albemarle believes this is a compelling opportunity for Liontown shareholders and that Liontown's Board should immediately engage with Albemarle to facilitate a binding offer to be put to its shareholders for their consideration. Albemarle believes this offer provides enhanced liquidity and accelerates the realization of incremental value for Liontown shareholders beyond what might otherwise be expected from share price performance over the next few years and without the operating, market, financial and other risks that could impact the value of Liontown. Albemarle has submitted this attractive cash offer in advance of Liontown's completion of the Kathleen Valley project, which allows Liontown shareholders to avoid future risks associated with project development and operations. Story continues As a leading supplier of battery grade lithium products, Albemarle is well positioned in Australia and holds various interests and stakes in important assets, including world-class spodumene resources and lithium conversion facilities at Greenbushes, Wodgina and Kemerton in Western Australia. Albemarle believes the addition of Liontown and its team would advance its strategy to produce a sustainable, high-quality supply of battery grade materials to support the clean energy transition. As a result, in addition to being highly compelling for Liontown shareholders, the proposal represents an exciting opportunity for Liontown, as well as its customers, employees and other stakeholders. Liontown has signed off-take agreements with three world-class partners in the battery and automotive sectors and Albemarle would look forward to continuing to partner with those leaders as the owner and operator of Liontown. Albemarle remains committed to acting in the best interests of its shareholders and based on publicly available information, is confident the potential transaction is consistent with the Company's long-term growth strategy and disciplined approach to capital allocation and risk-adjusted value accretion. Pro forma for this potential transaction Albemarle will maintain a strong balance sheet and an expected net leverage of approximately 1.5x 2. This offer was unanimously approved by Albemarle's Board of Directors. Albemarle's proposal to Liontown represents a non-binding proposal which is subject to, among other things, the execution of definitive transaction documentation and completion of customary due diligence. Albemarle is prepared to engage immediately in discussions with Liontown to work toward a mutually acceptable definitive agreement and is ready to devote all necessary resources to finalize the documentation on an expeditious basis. J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor and Corrs Chambers Westgarth is serving as legal advisor to Albemarle. J.P. Morgan is also prepared to provide Albemarle with committed financing to support an acquisition of Liontown and a binding offer to acquire Liontown would not be subject to a financing contingency. About Albemarle Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global leader in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health. Together with our world-class lithium and bromine resources, technical and process knowledge, and safety and sustainability performance, we partner with our customers to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect, and protect. We are committed to building a more resilient world where people and planet thrive. Learn more about Albemarle at www.albemarle.com and at @albemarlecorp on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Albemarle regularly posts information to its website, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding the company, its businesses, and the markets it serves. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global leader in transforming essential resources such as lithium and bromine into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health. Together with our world-class resources, technical and process knowledge, and safety and sustainability performance, we partner with our customers to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect, and protect. We are committed to building a more resilient world where people and planet thrive. Learn more about Albemarle at www.albemarle.com and at @albemarlecorp on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs, or strategies regarding the future, which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those anticipated, often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "would," "will" and variations of such words and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, the outcome of any discussions between Albemarle Corporation and Liontown with respect to a possible transaction, including the possibility that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction, and all other information relating to matters that are not historical facts. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, without limitation: changes in economic and business conditions; adverse changes in liquidity or financial or operating performance; changes in the demand for our products or the end-user markets in which our products are sold; fluctuations in lithium market pricing; changes in laws and government regulation; and the other factors detailed in the reports we file with the SEC, including those described under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on the investor section of our website (investors.albemarle.com). These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to provide any revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. 1 Based on an AUD/USD exchange rate of 0.6642 as at March 27, 2023. 2 Based on Albemarle's balance sheet and trailing-twelve-month adjusted EBITDA as of December 31, 2022. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/albemarle-announces-proposal-to-acquire-liontown-301782724.html SOURCE Albemarle Corporation Global Market Insights Inc. Major amaranth market participants include Arrowhead Mills, Ardent Mills, Apollo Agro Industries Ltd., Pure India Foods, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Proderna Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Nature Bio-Foods Ltd, A.G.Industries, Organic Products India, Kilaru Naturals Private Limited, Flavex Naturextracte Gmbh, NOW Foods, and Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Selbyville, Delaware, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The amaranth market valuation is projected to exceed USD 1.7 billion by 2032, as reported in a research study by Global Market Insights Inc . The increasing utilization of amaranth across the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries will favor the market demand. Cold-pressed amaranth oil is conventionally used in regions such as Latin America and Southeast Asia for treating different types of ulcers. Amaranth oil boasts an 8% squalene concentration, and exceptional antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects, which makes it ideal for increasing blood circulation, relieving pain, enhancing joint lubrication, and treating several gynecological problems, hemorrhoids, osteochondrosis, arthritis, and gout. The increasing burden of chronic diseases across the globe, aggravated due to changing sleep cycles, lifestyles & eating habits, and the growing geriatric population, has propelled the demand for products with rich nutritional composition with added health benefits. This, in turn, with have a favorable influence on the amaranth market. This apart, the noticeable surge in pharmaceutical production will further transform the industry dynamics. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3836 The rising strategic exchanges among companies, advanced manufacturing processes, and technological innovations have further created optimistic scenarios for the amaranth market. To illustrate, in June 2021, the government of India announced a funding of USD 26,578.3 million, which will be utilized in 13 pharmaceutical sectors, such as key starting materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and drug intermediaries. The increasing drug developments worldwide will significantly drive pharmaceutical production, thus, creating lucrative opportunities for amaranth manufacturers. Story continues The amaranth market from the amaranth seeds segment is estimated to expand at over 19% CAGR up to 2032, due to the increasing demand for amaranth seeds globally due to their antioxidant composition, comprising gallic and vanillic acid. These helps fight free radicals that harm normal cellular activities, thereby aiding in curing heart diseases, which, in consequence, will stimulate segment gains. With respect to nature, the organic segment is set to surpass USD 165 million by 2032. Organic amaranth is a rich source of protein, iron, and fiber and has a gluten-free composition. Owing to these attributes and its sweet and earthy taste, it is used in a variety of hot breakfasts, cookies, and savory soups, which will fuel product sales in the forthcoming years. The amaranth market from pharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals application segment is anticipated to record a CAGR of around 17.5% CAGR till 2032. Amaranth helps cure issues such as atherosclerosis, stomach ulcers, and tuberculosis, which is why finds extensive usage in a range of antiseptic, antifungal & anti-inflammatory preparations. In addition, its increasing popularity among the health-conscious populace due to its positive impacts on human health will boost the industry expansion. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/3836 North America amaranth market will cross USD 390 million by 2032. The positive outlook of the bakery and food & beverage industries in North America and the increasing usage of amaranth flour and seeds in several food and bakery items will fuel regional revenues. Customers in the region are adopting naturally derived, vegan, gluten-free, and organic products, which will further enhance market performance in the coming years. Prominent participants operating across the amaranth market include Arrowhead Mills, Ardent Mills, Apollo Agro Industries Ltd., Pure India Foods, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Proderna Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Nature Bio-Foods Ltd, A.G.Industries, Organic Products India, Kilaru Naturals Private Limited, Flavex Naturextracte Gmbh, NOW Foods, and Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods. Enterprises operating in this business have been consistently undertaking R&D initiatives in a move to introduce new sustainable formulations and strengthen their market standing. For instance, in September 2021, Proeon, an Indian start-up, raised seed capital funding worth US$2.4 million to scale new plant proteins sourced from mung bean, amaranth, and Indian chickpea. With the investment, the company aims to file patent applications, scale production, set up a research lab in the Netherlands, and expand its team. Partial chapters of report table of contents (TOC): Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Global amaranth market 3600 synopsis, 2018 - 2032 2.1.1 Business trends 2.1.2 Product trends 2.1.3 Nature trends 2.1.4 Application trends 2.1.5 Regional trends Chapter 3 Amaranth market Insights 3.1 Industry segmentation 3.2 COVID-19 impact on world economy 3.3 Industry ecosystem analysis 3.3.1 Raw material supplier 3.3.2 Manufacturers 3.3.3 Distribution channel analysis 3.3.4 Profit margin trends 3.3.5 Vendor matrix 3.3.6 B2B buyers assessment 3.3.7 B2C buyers assessment 3.4 Technology landscape 3.4.1 New technology to make amaranth attractive for feed producers 3.5 Raw material trends 3.5.1 Amaranth seeds 3.5.2 Fertilizers 3.5.3 Pesticides 3.5.4 Cost structure analysis 3.5.4.1 R&D Cost 3.5.4.2 Manufacturing cost 3.5.4.3 Raw material cost 3.5.4.4 Distribution cost 3.5.4.5 Operating cost 3.5.4.6 Miscellaneous cost 3.6 Top Country and Switzerland Import Statistics by product 3.7 Regulatory landscape 3.7.1 U.S. 3.7.2 Europe 3.7.3 China 3.8 Pricing Analysis (Importing Prices), By Region 3.8.1 North America 3.8.2 Europe 3.8.3 APAC 3.8.4 LATAM 3.8.5 MEA 3.9 Regional pricing 3.9.1 North America 3.9.2 Europe 3.9.3 Asia Pacific 3.9.4 Latin America 3.9.5 MEA 3.10 Industry impact forces 3.10.1 Growth drivers 3.10.1.1 Rising consumer demand for healthier food alternatives and increasing applications in the cosmetics industry 3.10.1.2 Increasing demand from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries 3.10.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges 3.10.2.1 Rising consumer awareness of the negative effects of chemical residues 3.11 Innovation & sustainability 3.12 Growth potential analysis, 2022 3.13 Porters analysis 3.13.1 Supplier power 3.13.2 Buyer power 3.13.3 Threat of new entrants 3.13.4 Threat of substitution 3.14 PESTEL analysis 3.15 Russia-Ukraine war impact on the amaranth market 3.16 COVID-19 impact on amaranth applications 3.16.1 Bakery & confectionery 3.16.2 Pharmaceuticals 3.16.3 Cosmetics & personal care Browse our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse Browse Related Reports: Cultured Meat Market Size By Source (Beef, Poultry, Seafood, Pork, Duck), By End-Use (Burgers, Nuggets, Meatballs, Sausages), & Forecast 2023 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/cultured-meat-market Synthetic Food Market Size By Product (Colour, Enzymes, Hydrocolloids, Flavour & Fragrances, Antioxidants, Emulsifiers, Fat replacers), By Application (Beverages, Dairy & Frozen Products, Bakery & Confectionery, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Processed Food, Pet Food, & More), & Forecast, 2023-2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/synthetic-food-market About Global Market Insights Inc. Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. CONTACT: Contact Us: Aashit Tiwari Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights Inc. Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 USA: +1-302-846-7766 Europe: +44-742-759-8484 APAC: +65-3129-7718 Email: sales@gminsights.com Although the district came under our control when the Second Karabakh War ended, the city of Lachin was not in our hands. Because the road from Armenia to Karabakh passed through the center of the city of Lachin, said President Ilham Aliyev as he received Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin District, which is included in East Zangezur economic region. On August 26, we returned to the villages of Zabukh, Sus, and the city of Lachin. After that, I visited the city of Lachin, raised the Azerbaijani flag in the center of the city, and declared that we would live in our native land forever, the president stated. InsightAce Analytic Pvt. LTd. Companies Covered in this Report are 3D AG (Switzerland), 3M Company (US), Advanced Track and Trace (France), AlpVision S.A. (Switzerland), Ampacet Corporation (US), Applied DNA Sciences Inc (US), Atlantic Zeiser GmBH Jersey City, NJ, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Authentication Packaging Technology (Ink And Dyes, Security Inks, Holograms, Watermarks, Taggants), Track and Trace Packaging Technology (Barcode Technology, RFID Technology) and Application (Food Packaging, Pharmaceutical Packaging)- Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" The global anti-counterfeit packaging market is estimated to reach over USD 454.01 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.03% during the forecast period. Anti-counterfeiting packaging is the technique of safeguarding the product to stop and avoid counterfeiting and intellectual property infringement. Packaging entails wrapping the product and labelling that covering with specific identification marks for each product so that it can be monitored and traced and any attempts at counterfeiting are thwarted. The emergence of counterfeit goods, rising brand awareness, consumer awareness of product information, the growth of e-commerce, improvements in printing technology, and concerns about the effects of counterfeit packaging on marketing strategies for goods and consumer health are driving the market for anti-counterfeit packaging. Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1640 The market for anti-counterfeit packaging will also see new opportunities brought about by expanding consumer awareness, technological improvement, and corporate collaboration throughout the projected period. However, anti-counterfeit packaging must be produced at high installation and innovation costs, deterring new competitors and potential customers from adopting such solutions and limiting industry growth. Story continues Recent Developments: In April 2022, the opening of Avery Dennison's brand-new, cutting-edge production facility in Greater Noida was announced. Through this new facility, the business will centralize its manufacturing processes in order to better meet client expectations while utilising new technology and increasing efficiencies. In July 2021, Strategic IP Information Pte Ltd., Asia's top online brand and content rights protection company, was bought by Authentix (SIPI). Through this tactical purchase, Authentix's portfolio of digital security technologies will now encompass online anti-counterfeiting and content rights solutions, broadening the range of services we can provide to clients seeking brand protection. List of Prominent Players in the Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market: 3D AG (Switzerland) 3M Company (US) Advanced Track and Trace (France) AlpVision S.A. (Switzerland) Ampacet Corporation (US) Applied DNA Sciences Inc (US) Atlantic Zeiser GmBH (Germany) Authentix, Inc. Avery Dennison Corporation (US) CCL Industries (US) Du Pont De Nemours and Company Impinj Inc. (US) Intelligent Label Solutions (UK) SATO Holdings (Japan) Savi Technology Inc. SICPA Holding SA (Switzerland) SML Group (Hong Kong) Systech International (US) Tracelink Inc. (US) TruTag Technologies, Inc. (US) Zebra Technologies Inc. (US) Get Discount on this Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/discount/1640 Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2022 USD 141.24 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 454.01 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 14.03% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Billion, Volume (Unit)and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered Technologies And Application Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia Market Dynamics: Drivers: The expanding demand for packaging products from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food and beverage industries is the main factor propelling the expansion of the anti-counterfeit packaging market. Due to an increase in counterfeiting incidents and the resulting financial losses for brand owners, manufacturers are turning towards creating items with anti-counterfeit packaging. The retail sector is the main user of anti-counterfeit packaging, with a focus on food and electrical and electronic products. Various counterfeit goods have entered the market due to the recent sharp growth in customer demand for e-commerce purchases. Challenges: The high production and investment costs are the primary issue limiting the expansion of the anti-counterfeit packaging sector. Without a cost-effective solution, this might be a substantial obstacle for businesses looking to benefit from this new technology. Packaging fraud has become a serious concern for businesses trying to safeguard their brands. Few businesses can afford anti-counterfeit packaging materials on their own because of their high production and investment costs. Additionally, because they do not sell enough products to recoup their investment quickly, many businesses lack the critical mass necessary to make it beneficial to spend in the battle against counterfeiting. Regional Trends: North America anti-counterfeit packaging market is expected to register a major market share in revenue and is projected to grow at a high CAGR shortly. It is anticipated that rising consumer demand for electronics, healthcare products, cosmetics, and food and beverages will have a considerable positive impact on industry growth. The traceability of these products has greatly increased as a result of the rising transparency demands of consumers. The existence of complex anti-counterfeit regulations has aided the market's expansion. Besides, the Asia Pacific region had a substantial share in the market. It is growing as a result of improved consumer education, which has led to a better comprehension of product-related information and increased demand for fake packaging in the area. Enquiry Before Buying @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1640 Segmentation of Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market- By Technologies Authentication Packaging Technology Ink And Dyes Security Inks Holograms Overt Holograms Covert Hologram Watermarks Physical Paper Watermark Digital Watermark Taggants Detection Taggants Identification Taggants Track and Trace Packaging Technology Barcode Technology Bar Code Labels Paper Barcode Labels Aluminum Barcode Labels Polyester Barcode Labels Ceramic Barcode Labels RFID Technology Low Frequency RFID Ultra-high Frequency RFID High Frequency RFID By Application Food Packaging Canned Food Packaging Convenience Food Packaging Baby Food Packaged Bakery Products Confectionery Packaged Dairy Products Packaged Meat Products Packaged Seafood Pharmaceutical Packaging Over The Counter Drugs Prescription Based Drugs By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea South East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa Get Customized Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1640 About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ CONTACT: Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com (Bloomberg) -- European life sciences venture capital firm Sofinnova Partners has launched a new investment strategy focused on digital medicine. Most Read from Bloomberg The fund has raised 150 million ($162 million) at its first close, said a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because it was private. The digital medicine strategy follows a minority equity investment by Apollo Global Management Inc. last May. The alternative asset manager committed to invest as much as 1 billion in managed capital in Sofinnovas investment funds. In these current times, Im sure aware, it can be quite tricky to raise money, Antoine Papiernik, chairman and managing partner of Sofinnova, said in an interview. So when you have a very strong partner who not only puts their own money into the funds, but also helps us reach out to their best clients, I think this is a very positive development for us. Under the new strategy, Sofinnova said it has led investments in three Europe-based companies in the digital medicine sector: a 13.8 million series A funding at AI-powered digital health platform Kiro; a 12 million series A round at deepcOS, which has developed a radiology AI operating system; and a $5 million seed round at BioCorteX, whose platform models drug-bacteria interactions. We like to think of ourselves as first movers in this domain, said Edward Kliphuis, a Sofinnova partner. We identify early-stage companies with founders that really have the ability to bring the innovations to product market fit. Sofinnova, founded in 1972, is based in Paris, London and Milan. While 70% of its investments are focused on Europe, the firm is also eyeing the global market, according to partner Simon Turner. Story continues The firm was an early investor in Swiss biotech company Actelion Ltd., which sold to Johnson & Johnson for $30 billion in 2017. Based in Europe, Kliphuis and Turner will lead the new investment strategy. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. MIAMI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The FII Institute has announced two new game-changing sessions with world-renown speakers to take place at its Global PRIORITY Summit, held in Miami on March 30 31, 2023. FII Institute Logo On March 30, His Excellency Sergio Tomas Massa, Minister of Economy of the Argentine Republic, will discuss how Argentina is taking a stand for global reform in his keynote "The Battle for Financial Stability in an Unstable World." Argentina is also championing a Latin American common currency as an alternative to reliance on the US dollar. On March 31, the summit will witness a rare occasion when Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz two Co-Founders of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley's most influential VC firms appear onstage together. As two of the world's most forward-thinking investors (successful bets include Instagram, Oculus VR Medium, Databricks, and Skype), Andreessen and Horowitz will share their insights on the seismic shifts that are happening in society and which investments will help us navigate the most promising opportunities of the New Global Order. The session will be moderated by Adam Neumann, who invented WeWork and single-handedly changed how humans work. About FII Institute: THE FUTURE INVESTMENT INITIATIVE (FII) INSTITUTE is a new global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in five critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1811613/FII_Institute_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/argentinas-minister-of-economy-sergio-tomas-massa-and-top-silicon-valley-investors-marc-andreessen-and-ben-horowitz-to-speak-at-priority-powered-by-fii-institute-301783486.html SOURCE Future Investment Initiative Institute Market.Us According to Market.us, Increasing usage of AI in various end-use industries is expected to fuel the growth of the Artificial Intelligence Market, which is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 36.8% from 2023 to 2032. New York, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Artificial Intelligence Market size accounted for USD 129.28 billion in 2022 and growth is estimated to accelerate at a CAGR of 36.8%, registering an incremental revenue of USD 2745 billion by 2032. Artificial intelligence is a part of information and communications technology, that is used across various industries for optimizing the workload. AI aims to create machines that can perform tasks normally or otherwise only performed by humans. This technology is now an invaluable resource in many areas due to decision-making ability based on patterns and understanding. AI has been largely praised for its ability to self-learn and improve. These factors are boosting the growth of the artificial intelligence market. Artificial Intelligence Market To get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments, Request an Artificial Intelligence Market sample report at https://market.us/report/artificial-intelligence-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway: By Solution type , the software solutions segment dominated the market in 2022. By Technology , the deep learning segment accounted for a major revenue share in 2022. By End-Use , the advertising and media segment covered a significant share in 2022 and it is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. In 2022, North America was the dominant market, with a 51.1% market share. Asia Pacific is expected to have a robust CAGR during the forecast period. Developing well-arranged algorithms has helped the artificial intelligence market reach greater heights in 2022 by observing large amounts of data, making predictions, and recognizing patterns. Due to innovations like artificial intelligence, the market is expanding across the world. Companies in various industries are investing and funding in this advanced technology. Story continues Factors affecting the growth of the Artificial Intelligence industry? Several factors can affect the growth of the artificial intelligence industry. Some of these factors include: Advanced computing hardware: artificial intelligence is a perfect application for GPUs. Applying neural networks on GPU-supporting systems improves the training process significantly. This is the major driver for the growth of the artificial intelligence market. The increasing usage of digital technologies and the internet: The heavy use of the internet and other digital technologies have contributed massively to the growth of the artificial intelligence market. Government Initiatives: Governments across the world are supporting the development and implementation of artificial intelligence in various end-use industries. This is boosting the growth of the artificial intelligence market. Wide use of AI in various industries: The increasing use of AI in medical devices, electric vehicles, smartphones and many more applications is fueling the growth of the artificial intelligence market. To understand how our report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/artificial-intelligence-market/request-sample/ Top Trends in Artificial Intelligence Market Artificial intelligence is majorly used in the healthcare sector for different applications. The healthcare industry does data processing in large amounts, and it can greatly benefit from the permissions for large amounts of data and advances in AI techniques. This has resulted in the rise of possibilities for the improvement of patients health. Rather than replacing the human brain, AI can aid humans by diagnosis and valuable feedback. AI can learn and upgrade its algorithm over time to improve the quality of the technology. The text-to-speech was considered to be a specialized service for some time. But now audio transcription and AI speech-to-text software have seen an immense rise in their use cases and applications. The speech recognition softwares making it easy for users to transcribe audio files. Market Growth The increasing use of digital technology and the Internet has significantly contributed to the growth of the global artificial intelligence market. Heavy investments and funding in research and development by major companies in the market are continuously driving technological advancements in various industries. The rising demand for artificial intelligence in various end-user industries such as healthcare, automotive, banking & finance, and many more industries is anticipated to propel the growth of the global artificial intelligence market during the forecast period. Regional Analysis North America dominated the global artificial intelligence market by accounting for a major revenue share of 51.1% in 2022. The growth of the North American region is due to the research and development processes in the region for a long time. The region has developed many advanced and innovative technologies that support and optimize the workload in different industries. The United States covers the biggest revenue share in the North American region owing to the presence of major key companies in the artificial intelligence market like Google and Microsoft. After North America, The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience a robust CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing investments and funding in AI and AI like other technologies are driving the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific region. Countries like South Korea, Singapore, and China are heavily investing in the creation of artificial intelligence-supported eco-system. The start-up culture in these countries is also playing a major part in driving the growth of the AI market in the region. Have Queries? Speak to an expert, or To Download/Request a Sample, Click here. Competitive Landscape Companies that fail to adapt to the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in industries can go to loss. To meet this challenge, AI-offering companies are adopting various strategies to grow their customer base. A key plan is to build AI solutions specifically customized to specific industries. Another strategy used by the key companies is an expansion of the business into new markets and regions across the world. As AI adoption is increasing in emerging markets, companies are heavily targeting the regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America to expand their business across various regions and strengthen the company's position in the global artificial intelligence market. Scope of the Report Report Attribute Details Market Value (2022) USD 129.28 Billion Market Size (2032) USD 2745 Billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 36.8% North America Revenue Share 51.1% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Market Drivers artificial intelligence is a perfect application for GPUs. Applying neural networks to GPU-supporting systems improves the training process significantly. This is the major driver for the growth of the artificial intelligence market. NVIDIA was one of the first companies to integrate artificial intelligence in GPUs. Governments across the world are supporting the development and implementation of artificial intelligence in various end-use industries. Governments are now providing individuals and businesses with access to open data sets. This data was previously inaccessible or unavailable. Due to these factors, the artificial intelligence market is experiencing significant growth in the market. The increasing use of AI in medical devices, electric vehicles, smartphones and many more applications is fueling the growth of the artificial intelligence market. Artificial intelligence is majorly used in the healthcare sector for different applications. The healthcare industry does data processing in large amounts, and it can greatly benefit from the permissions for large amounts of data and advances in AI techniques. This has resulted in the rise of possibilities for the improvement of patients health. Rather than replacing the human brain, AI can aid humans by diagnosis and valuable feedback. AI can learn and upgrade its algorithm over time to improve the quality of the technology. Market Restraints Artificial intelligence is used in many industries for different applications. It has the potential to offer solutions for humanity. Even from a cybersecurity point of view, it is both beneficial and dangerous at the same time. Artificial intelligence requires a large amount of data to process. While processing the data one of the biggest risks is intentional or accidental mishandling of data. Hackers can intentionally target AI systems to steal sensitive data or engage in illegal activities for personal gain. On the other hand, accidental leaks can occur due to human error or technical glitches also. These factors are hindering the growth of the artificial intelligence market. Market Opportunities Although artificial intelligence is used in all fields, the artificial intelligence industry has a major position in its application for the automotive industry. The use of AI is advancing, from self-driving private cars to logistics. Automakers use it at every stage of the production process. Industrial robots are using AI for assembling parts in the company. It is also used for traffic navigation in many automated vehicles. Companies like Tesla have already adopted AI technology which puts them ahead of their competitors. Fully automated cars with the integration of artificial intelligence are expected to drive the growth of the automotive sector in the future. Although, Companies like Ford, Waymo, and Apple are offering alternatives for it with advanced features in vehicles. Grow your profit margin with Market.us - Purchase This Premium Report at https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=59640 Report Segmentation of the Artificial Intelligence Market Solution Type Insight Based on solution type the AI is divided into software, hardware, and services. From these segments, the software segment dominated the AI market by accounting for 39.3% of the global AI market. This growth of the segment can be attributed to various technologies and applications that use AI to increase efficiency and productivity. This segment benefits from being able to extract and present live information in real-time to assist with decision-making. chatbots, virtual agents, and AI-powered cybersecurity software are the other software solutions. These software solutions have their own perks and applications. Businesses can choose accordingly their requirements from these software solutions. Technology Insight Artificial intelligence is classified according to technology in deep learning, natural language processing (NLP) machine learning, and machine vision. Out of all the technologies deep learning technology holds a major revenue share of 35% in the market. Deep learning supports the machines to learn and improve their performance by working on data and experience. For example, Zoox has introduced AI technology to offer fully autonomous robotaxi vehicles. It learns from some of the most difficult driving scenarios to improve your decision-making ability. Other self-driving car companies are also using deep learning which includes Tesla's DeepScale and Googles subsidiary Waymo. End-Use Insight Artificial intelligence is used in many industries some of them are Manufacturing, Healthcare, Law, Retail, Agriculture, BFSI, Advertising and Media, Automotive and Transportation, and other End-use Industries. Among all the end-use industries advertising and media cover the largest revenue share in the AI market. The heavy usage of artificial intelligence in marketing and promoting products and services is driving the growth of the advertising and media segment growth through the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. However, the healthcare segment is expected to hold a dominant share during the forecast period. The healthcare industry uses AI to improve patient care through personalized treatment and optimizing diagnosis. AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze medical images faster and more accurately. Due to advances in technology, robot-assisted surgery is now widely practiced. It also helps in the development of new drugs. For more insights on the historical and Forecast market data from 2016 to 2032 - download a sample report at https://market.us/report/artificial-intelligence-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation By Solution Type Hardware Services Software By Technology Deep Learning Natural Language Processing (NLP) Machine Learning Machine Vision By End-Use Manufacturing Healthcare Law BFSI Advertising & Media Retail Agriculture Automotive & Transportation Other End-Uses 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 Key Market Players Advanced Micro Devices AiCure IBM Oracle Corporation Amazon Web Services Cisco Systems Inc. Arm Limited Atomwise, Inc. Ayasdi AI LLC Baidu, Inc. Clarifai, Inc HyperVerge, Inc. Intel Corporation Microsoft Google NVIDIA Corporation Other Key Players Recent Development of the Artificial Intelligence Market In February 2023, Amazon.com Inc collaborated with startup Hugging Face Inc. to develop an alternative for Chat GPT. This collaboration will allow developers to optimize their models. In May 2022, IBM launched the cloud-native supercomputer called Vela. It is developed for quick deployment and usage for training foundation AI models. Related Reports Artificial intelligence ai in healthcare market was valued at USD 9.81 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 258.5 billion at a CAGR of 38.73% between 2023 to 2032. Artificial intelligence chipset market was valued at USD 13.64 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 429.35 billion at a CAGR of 36.8% between 2023 and 2032. Artificial intelligence ai in agriculture market size reached USD 1.70 Billion in 2021 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 27.0% during the forecast period. AI Text Generator Market was valued at USD 360 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% during the forecast period of 2023-2032 to reach USD 1,808 million AI Voice Generator Market is expected to be valued at USD 4,889 Mn by 2032 with a CAGR of 15.4%. AI Video Generator Market is to reach USD 2,172 Mn by 2032 from USD 415 Mn in 2022, with a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period. 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 Surveillance footage from inside the immigration detention center in northern Mexico near the U.S. border where 38 migrants died in a dormitory fire appears to show guards walking away from the blaze and making no apparent attempt to release detainees. The fire broke out when migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze late Monday at the National Immigration Institute, a facility in Ciudad Juarez south of El Paso, Texas, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. Authorities originally reported 40 dead, but later said some may have been counted twice in the confusion. Twenty-eight people were injured and were in delicate-serious condition, according to the National Immigration Institute. The security footage, which was broadcast and later authenticated by a Mexican official to a local reporter, shows at least two people dressed as guards rush into the frame, then run off as a cloud of smoke quickly filled the area. They did not appear to attempt to open cell doors so migrants could escape the fire. Authorities were investigating the fire, the institute said. The country's prosecutor general has launched an investigation, Andrea Chavez, federal deputy of Ciudad Juarez, said in a statement. Mexico's National Human Rights Commission also was alerted. What caused the fire? Lopez Obrador said the fire was started by migrants inside the facility after they learned they would be deported. "They never imagined that this would cause this terrible misfortune," Lopez Obrador said. The immigration institute said it "energetically rejects the actions that led to this tragedy," without further explaining what those actions may have been. Video shows guards leaving as fire starts The video footage shows the area in the facility filled with smoke within seconds, obscuring the view of the camera. In the video, two people dressed as guards are seen rushing into the frame, then walking quickly off as migrants remain behind bars. At least one migrant is seen kicking at a cell door while flames grow. Story continues Mexico's interior secretary, Adan Augusto Lopez, told local journalist Joaquin Lopez Doriga he was familiar with the video. Katiuska Marquez, a 23-year-old woman from Venezuela and her two children, ages 2 and 4, were looking for her half-brother in the aftermath of the fire. We want to know if he is alive or if hes dead, she told The Associated Press. She wondered how all the guards who were inside made it out alive and only the migrants died. How could they not get them out? Migrants from Central, South America caught in blaze The institute said 68 men from Central and South America were staying at the immigration facility at the time of the fire. Authorities were working with other countries to identify the dead. Victims were identified as being from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Guatemalans made up the largest contingent, according to the Mexican attorney generals office. Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister Mario Bucaro said 28 of the dead were Guatemalan citizens. We are going to look to find those responsible for this, Bucaro said. A migrant cries leaning on an ambulance as a person she knows is attended by medics after a fire broke out at the Mexican Immigration Detention center in Juarez on Monday, March 27, 2023. Photos show mass law enforcement response in Ciudad Juarez Photos showed ambulances, firefighters, Mexican soldiers and vans from the morgue swarm the scene. Rows of bodies were laid out under silver sheets in a parking lot outside the facility. Survivors were carried on stretchers into ambulances. A woman wept while leaning her head against an ambulance. Mexico border fire sheds light on systemic issues, advocates say Global human rights organizations called for stronger protections for asylum seekers and expressed outrage over the fire, which they said sheds light on systemic issues related to the detention and treatment of migrants. The fire serves as a "reminder to the governments of the region of the importance of fixing a broken migration system," said Ken Salazar, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, in a Twitter statement. The immigration institute has struggled recently with overcrowding in its facilities. About 20 migrants, officials and human rights workers described a southern Mexico immigration detention center run by the institute as crowded and filthy, according to an investigation by The Associated Press in 2019. The extensive use of immigration detention leads to tragedies like this, Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the United Nations special rapporteur for human rights of migrants, said in a Twitter statement. He said immigration detention "should be an exceptional measure" and not generalized. Human rights organizations have warned for years about the risks people from Central and South America face when trying to apply for asylum in the United States, Rafael Velasquez, Mexico director for the International Rescue Committee, a global human rights organization, said in a statement. The dangers have increased, and humanitarian infrastructures in the country have been "increasingly strained" amid "historic numbers of new asylum claims" and stricter border policies. "The news of the fire at the migrant detention center in Ciudad Juarez is devastating," Velasquez said. "This is proof of the extremely urgent need to ensure that there are systems in place to provide safety for people in need of international protection." Mounting tensions in Ciudad Juarez Tensions between authorities and migrants had apparently been running high in recent weeks in Ciudad Juarez, a major crossing point across the border from El Paso for migrants entering the United States. Shelters in the city are full of migrants waiting for opportunities to cross or who have requested asylum in the U.S. and are waiting out the process. On March 9, more than 30 advocacy organizations and migrant shelters wrote an open letter denouncing the criminalization of migrants and asylum seekers in Ciudad Juarez and accusing authorities of excessive force in detaining migrants. Mexico's migrant facilities have seen protests from time to time as the American government has pressured the country to ramp up efforts to reduce the number of migrants coming to United States. Frustrations reached a fever pitch this month when hundreds of migrants, most of them Venezuelan, heard false rumors that the U.S. would allow them to enter and tried to cross an international bridge to El Paso. In October, migrants rioted at a Tijuana immigration center, and in November, dozens rioted at the country's largest detention center in the southern city of Tapachula. A girl lights candle during a vigil for the victims of a fire at an immigration detention center that killed dozens in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, migrants fearing deportation set mattresses ablaze at the center, starting the fire. (AP Photo/Christian Chavez) ORG XMIT: XMC156 Officials: 2 migrants found dead in freight train near US-Mexico border Latest Gov. Abbott-Biden standoff: Texas didn't get permits for razor-wire fence at border Contributing: Hector Garcia De Leon and Cesar Brioso, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico border fire: 38 dead after mattresses lit at migrant center In the five days from the time Oscar Cabrals family reported him missing to the day his body was found last week, Kansas City police did not alert the public that a search was on for him. The 18-year-old had been missing since leaving home at 5:42 p.m. on March 3, according to a missing persons flier that the family released over social media. Family members reported his disappearance to police March 18. Police took a report but did not post his photo on social media or send out a news release to engage the publics help in finding him. The Kansas City Police Department said Cabral did not meet the departments criteria for an active missing persons case. On Thursday morning, utility workers discovered his body off a two-lane road near the heavily wooded trails inside Swope Park. Police have not provided details of how he died but have said they are investigating his death as a homicide. Kansas City police have faced criticism in recent months for their handling of missing persons cases. The discovery of Cabrals body came about two weeks after the body of 13-year-old Jayden Robker was found in a pond near his Northland neighborhood. In that case, the police department had waited four days to put out a public alert that he had been reported missing. Police have said in Jaydens case that the initial autopsy results did not show obvious evidence of foul play. Families, social activists and neighborhood leaders say police are often not responsive to their concerns, especially in cases of missing people who are Black. Advocates have said the police department does not consistently follow the best practices in responding to reports of missing people. Many advocates who study the best practices in the field say every department should have strategies for alerting community members of missing persons and communicating with them during a search. Cabral reported missing Police have said that when Cabral was reported missing March 18, the department took a report. Story continues His information was listed in the National Crime Information Center or NCIC and the states crime information system also known as MULES. Federal authorities require police departments and other law enforcement agencies to report missing persons under the age of 21 as part of the Suzannes Law requirement. But after those entries were made in the databases, it is not clear what efforts the police made to locate Cabral. Capt. Corey Carlisle, a police spokesman, told The Star in an email Monday that the department actively looked for Cabral after he was reported missing. But Carlisle declined to say specifically what police did, citing the ongoing homicide investigation. Carlisle said the department did not circulate a public flier because Cabrals disappearance did not meet the KCPDs criteria for that step. The criteria include information that the missing person is under medical are, has mental health concerns, may be suicidal, has diminished mental capacity, has dementia or there is a strong indication of foul play. Carlisle said police did not submit a missing persons report to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs, a national publicly accessible database of missing persons. Some advocates say police should enter missing people into the NamUs system as a standard procedure. Before his death, Cabral was spotted at 7:42 p.m. on March 17 near 4124 Northeast Vivion Road, otherwise known as Penguin Park, wearing blue sweatpants and a thick, gray sweatshirt with a zipper, according to a family members message over social media. In response to questions about the Cabral case, police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina provided a statement in writing: KCPD handles missing teens in accordance with our department policies and state statutes that pertain to missing persons. Criticism of KCPD missing persons investigations In recent months, advocates and experts have pointed to best practices in missing persons investigations that Kansas City police do not follow. The police department does not maintain a list of active missing person cases that is accessible to the public. It does not require the missing persons unit to file monthly reports tracking which cases are being closed or going unsolved, and it does not track the demographics of missing persons. As a result, those who provide support to families of the missing say its nearly impossible to know what resources police are using to search for specific missing persons, or whether Black and brown communities are being disproportionately affected. In Kansas City, it is left to detectives to decide whether individual cases are worth pursuing, based on whether that person is in immediate danger or might harm themselves, police say. In Missouri, there is no statewide standard or protocol for investigating missing persons cases. A bill in the Missouri House of Representatives filed by Republican Adam Schnelting of St. Charles County, would require police to report their missing to NamUS. Similar legislation has already been enacted in 13 states from Oklahoma to New York. The Stars Matti Gellman contributed to this report. Aspocomp Group Plc Aspocomp Group Plc, Annual Financial Report, March 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Aspocomp Group Plc has published today its Annual Report 2022 and Corporate Governance Statement 2022. The Annual Report 2022 contains Aspocomps consolidated financial statements, the parent company financial statements and Report of the Board of Directors. Aspocomp's Annual Report in Finnish has been published in accordance with European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) reporting requirements as an Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (xHTML) file. In line with the ESEF requirements, the primary financial statements have been marked up with XBRL tags and the notes to the financial statements have been labeled with XBRL block tags. The audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy has provided an independent auditors reasonable assurance report on Aspocomps Finnish-language ESEF Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with ISAE 3000. The official Finnish-language ESEF-format Annual Report 2022 (as an XHTML file) and the attached non-official English translation (in PDF format) are available at www.aspocomp.com. Further, the Corporate Governance Statement is also attached to this release as a PDF file and is available at www.aspocomp.com. For further information, please contact Mikko Montonen, President and CEO, tel. +358 20 775 6860, mikko.montonen(at)aspocomp.com. ASPOCOMP GROUP PLC Mikko Montonen President and CEO Aspocomp heart of your technology A printed circuit board (PCB) is used for electrical interconnection and as a component assembly platform in electronic devices. Aspocomp provides PCB technology design, testing and logistics services over the entire lifecycle of a product. The companys own production and extensive international partner network guarantee cost-effectiveness and reliable deliveries. Aspocomps customers are companies that design and manufacture telecommunication systems and equipment, automotive and industrial electronics, and systems for testing semiconductor components for security technology. The company has customers around the world and most of its net sales are generated by exports. Aspocomp is headquartered in Espoo and its plant is in Oulu, one of Finlands major technology hubs. www.aspocomp.com Story continues Attachments levente bodo - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Whether youre strolling through Savannah, jetting off to Lake Como to sip spritzes or making another one of your dream vacations a reality, investing in a handful of small travel upgrades can make a big difference and move a great trip into ultra-luxurious territory. As we mentioned in our guide to 2023 vacation trends, the overall experience trumps the price for many luxury travelers. The average jetsetter booking with the global travel agency network Virtuoso says theyre willing to ante up about $7,000 more in terms of total travel dollars invested per person in 2023 compared to 2022. Now that youve budgeted more to travel wellwithout an ounce of guiltwe tapped a handful of travel experts from across the country to help you know where to invest that money to maximize your experience. Prepare to book your least stressful and most unforgettable excursion yet. Now thats priceless. 8 Travel Upgrades That Are Worth the Splurge, According to Pros Hiring a travel agent or advisor. Many people skimp onor go withouttravel agents and travel management companies, thinking that they'll save money, explains Simone Collins, the Audubon, Pennsylvania-based CEO of Travelmax. In the long run, this strategy rarely pays off. They end up spending more money than they otherwise would have, or waste valuable time on hold with airlines or troubleshooting problems when things go wrong. Investing in a good travel agent or agency is like having a good insurance plan or lawyer: When things go wrong, you're glad to be covered and it's really helpful to have experts advocating on your behalf, Collins says. A travel agent or advisor is a real person whose job is to handle your entire tripheadaches included, says Samantha Brown, the New York City-based host of the Emmy Award-winning PBS show, Samantha Brown's Places to Love. In addition to booking every aspect and smoothing out any unexpected speed bumps or hurdles along the way, a travel agent or advisor brings their strong relationships and ample experience to the table to secure access to value-added extras and experiences you may not ever discover or have access to on your own. Story continues A travel agents fee varies from a percentage of the trip or a flat fee, Brown says. If youre trying to determine how much to set aside, a rough estimate is about 5 to 15 percent of the trip cost, or about $500 or so as a flat rate. Whatever it is, when something goes wrong (and lately something always seems to be going wrong), the agent will pick up the phone and go to bat for you. Very well worth it! VIP arrival at international airports. Many airports offer VIP arrival services that whisk those who are willing to pay through private or semi-private security lines. Often, $200 or so can save you so much time and hassle in the immigration, customs and baggage claim process that's required for all international travel, explains Whitney Shindelar, an Iowa-based travel advisor and owner of the trip design company Undiscovered Sunsets. All airports handle this differently and at a different price point, and it's not always available. But at least ask, and definitely keep it in the itinerary when your travel pro recommends itas it's often recommended for good reason! High-quality luggage and sneakers. Speaking of baggage claim, no one wants to fight with pesky wheels, flimsy luggage or struggling to smash everything into a too-small carry-on bag. Since youll have it in hand longer than your checked bags, Collins says its especially worth it to splurge on luxe luggage thats durable, long-lasting and offers features that meet your needs. Brands like Away, Monos and July are industry pro favorites. As youre commuting and when you get to your destination, you might want to think twice about wearing your fashion-forward pumps or that pair of brand-new boots (who knows if they'll lead to blisters?). Instead, splurge on a chic pair of walking shoes. Allbirds, Kizik and Rothys all offer stylish and sturdy models. Good walking shoes cost more than people expect, say, in the $200 dollar range, but they are worth the spend. There is nothing worse than being in painful or uncomfortable shoes while traveling, Brown says. Private transfer services. Navigating public transportation, taxis or Ubers upon arrival in a brand new destination does not provide a stress-free start to a vacation, Shindelar confirms. Even if you never have a private transfer during the rest of your trip, make the beginning and endas seamless as possible. I highly recommend to my clients that they dont skimp on private arrival and departure transfers to and from the airport, she says. Private transportation can also come in clutch at other points of your vacation, whether its a car service that takes you from city stop one to city stop two via a route that allows you to stop for a scenic lunch, or for a safe ride that allows you to imbibe. Here in Wine Country, one of the biggest mistakes we see guests make is not arranging transportation for their wine tastings. People often overestimate their tolerance, so getting a driver to take you around is a worthwhile splurge that allows you to have fun, relax and know youre in safe hands, says Jeff Wielgopolan, the service director at Meadowood Napa Valley in Napa, California. Hotel rooms with certain amenities. If youre unsure whats available, reach out to the property (or, better yet, have your agent or advisor do so). Whether youre craving an open floor plan, separate seating areas, a fireplace, or otherwise, articulate what you like and chances are high that youll enjoy your home away from home much more than if you simply booked the basic option, Wielgopolan says. You might not need the penthouse suite or other most lavish hotel room option at every stop, but if your travel agent or advisor tells you to upgrade at a certain point, you better listen! When working with travel pros, a hotel is never just a hotel. It's always part of the experience. The location matters. The room category matters. The view from the room matters, Shindelar says. For Brown, the upgrade shes looking for is a junior suite instead of a standard room. Its always larger than a basic bedroom, and it comes complete with a separate seating area. When Brown is traveling with her family, the cost of that extra room is so worth it: Its a must for keeping everyones nerves a little more calm. Keep in mind that certain hotel loyalty programs might help you unlock other perks, access and opportunities to earn future rewards or free stays, adds Brad Anderson, the McLean, Virginia-based vice president of the Hilton Honors Program. Private tours with local guides. Many of our wealthiest and highest-profile clients skip tours because they associate them with crowds, tourist traps and inauthentic experiences. This is a shame, since private toursled by localscan lead to amazing experiences, Collins says. Splurge on private tours whenever possible, especially those which involve access to private property and behind-the-scenes views of local life, culture and historical sites. This can really bring a destination to life and add context that you might otherwise miss while roaming around by yourself. My heart is very sad when travelers remove the majority of guided experiences and prefer to explore on their own, Shindelar admits. The experience is incomparable! You have a couple different options here: Local guides focused on a specific theme throughout certain parts of the experience (Shindelar often taps on-site pros who are part of Context Travel) or one guide to assist with the trip from start to finish. In Egypt, for example, you can have one guide travel with you and guide you through Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel or you can have one guide in Cairo, one guide in Luxor, one guide in Aswan and a final one in Abu Simbel. Having one guide from start to finish is more expensive, as there are more costs to be covered, but as they get to know youand your preferencesthey can customize the itinerary even more to suit your needs. An airport security lane fast pass. Score access to a separateand often, far shorterline that makes the check-in and customs process much smoother. Not only will this save you stress, but during busy travel seasons, it might also be the difference between you missing or making your flight. Brown adores her CLEAR membership, which now also links up to security checks used at some concerts, offices and other large events or venues around the country. For CLEAR, biometrics are used for your face to go through security, and then you are personally escorted by a CLEAR employee to the TSA agent where they wave you through, she explains. I cant say enough about how smooth this makes the airport experience for me and my family, and kids under 18 can join your membership for free! Other options include TSA PreCheck, which is terrific for stateside travel, and Global Entry, which is like PreCheck with international perks. Before you pay full price, check with your credit card company; many reimburse some or all of the enrollment fee. Travel insurance. You cant put a dollar amount on peace of mind, so its very much worth it to invest in travel insurance, especially if youre booking a big international trip. One illness could totally undo all the money and time youve contributed, Brown says. If youre going overseas, its wise to also consider purchasing a separate travel medical insurance, as no plan in the U.S. covers you when you are abroad. Medjet and companies like them will transport you on a private plane anywhere youve traveled back to your home so you can seek emergency care with your own hospital and doctors. You Might Also Like Oklahomas leading anti-abortion group is pushing GOP lawmakers to loosen the states near-total ban. In a recent letter to legislators, Oklahomans for Life Chair Tony Lauinger argued that if they dont amend the states anti-abortion law to add exceptions for rape and incest, there is a real chance a citizen-led ballot initiative to make all abortion legal will eventually succeed. His efforts, which other lawmakers and anti-abortion groups have slammed as immoral and politically naive, are the latest example of the national scramble to prevent voters from restoring abortion access by popular vote. Legislatures in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma are debating bills this session that would hike the filing fees, raise the number of signatures required to get on the ballot, restrict who can collect signatures, mandate broader geographic distribution of signatures, and raise the vote threshold to pass an amendment from a majority to a supermajority. While the bills vary in wording, they would have the same impact: limiting voters' power to override abortion restrictions that Republicans imposed, which took effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. After watching the pro-abortion rights side win all six ballot initiative fights related to abortion in 2022 including in conservative states such as Kansas and Kentucky conservatives fear, and are mobilizing to avoid, a repeat. It was a wake-up call that taught us we have a ton of work to do, said Kelsey Pritchard, the state public affairs director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which plans to spend tens of millions of dollars on ballot initiative fights on abortion over the next two years. Were going to be really engaged on these ballot measures that are often very radical and go far beyond what Roe ever did. In Mississippi, where a court order froze all ballot efforts in 2021, GOP lawmakers are advancing legislation that would restore the mechanism but prohibit voters from putting abortion-related measures on the ballot. Story continues I think it just continues the policy of Mississippi and our state leaders that we're going to be a pro-life state, said Mississippi state Rep. Nick Bain, who presented the bill on the House floor. But in most states, the GOP proposals to tighten restrictions on ballot initiatives are not explicitly targeting abortion. The push to change the rules began years before the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022 spurred by progressive efforts to legalize marijuana, expand Medicaid and raise the minimum wage in several red states though it reached new heights over the past year as voters and elected officials clashed over abortion policies. Still, some anti-abortion activists worry that the trend could backfire, preventing groups from using the tactic to pass their own constitutional amendments via popular vote. In Florida, its a double-edged sword, said Andrew Shirvell, the leader of the group Florida Voice for the Unborn that is supporting efforts to put an anti-abortion measure on the 2024 ballot. So were conflicted about it, because there is a large contingent of pro-life grassroots advocates who feel our governor and legislature have failed us on this issue for far too long and want to take things into our own hands. Interest on the left in using ballot initiatives to protect or expand abortion access exploded in the wake of the 2022 midterm elections. Efforts are already underway in Missouri, Ohio and South Dakota to insert language restoring abortion rights into the states constitutions, while advocates in several other states are mulling their options. The campaign is furthest along in Ohio, where abortion rights advocates began collecting signatures this week. A coalition of anti-abortion groups called Protect Women Ohio formed in response and announced a $5 million ad buy this week to air a 30-second spot suggesting the proposed amendment would take away parents rights to decide whether their children should obtain abortions and other kinds of health care. At the same time, some Ohio lawmakers are pushing for a proposal that would raise the voter approval threshold for constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60 percent. In Missouri, where progressive groups have submitted several versions of an abortion-rights ballot initiative to state authorities for review, lawmakers are similarly weighing proposals to impose a supermajority vote requirement and mandate that the measure pass in more than half of Missouri House districts to take effect. Its about making sure everyone has a voice, and that includes middle Missouri as well, said Missouri Right to Life Executive Director Susan Klein. We have known for some time that the threat to legalize abortion was going around different states and would ultimately come to Missouri. Weve been hard at work preparing for this challenge and were ready. In Idaho, lawmakers are trying to require backers of initiative petitions to gather signatures from 6 percent of registered voters to qualify for the ballot. I call these bills death by a thousand cuts, said Kelly Hall, the executive director of the progressive ballot initiative group The Fairness Project. When you hear about each one in isolation, they seem like not that big a deal. But taken together, they have an exclusionary effect on peoples participation in democracy. Conservative lawmakers and advocates pushing the rule changes say they reflect their beliefs about how laws should be crafted and are not solely about abortion but they are upfront about wanting to make it harder to pass the kind of broad protections voters in California, Michigan and Vermont enacted last year. I did not start this out due to abortion, but Planned Parenthood is actively trying to enshrine a lack of protections for the unborn into constitutions, said North Dakota state Sen. Janne Myrdal, who heads the state legislatures Pro-Life Caucus. You can sit in California or New York or Washington and throw a dart, attach a couple million dollars to it, and you change our constitution. The resolution Myrdal is sponsoring, which passed the Senate last month and is awaiting a vote in the House, would require proposed constitutional amendments to pass twice during the primary and general elections and bump up the signature-gathering requirement from 4 percent to 5 percent of residents. If approved, the proposed changes would appear on the states 2024 ballot. Major national anti-abortion groups say theyre not formally endorsing these efforts, but support the GOP lawmakers behind them. It starts to diminish the importance of a constitution if it can be changed by the whim of the current culture, Carol Tobias, the president of the National Right to Life Committee, said. Even in states that have not yet taken steps to put an abortion-rights measure on the ballot, conservative fears of such a move are driving some surprising legislative action. In Oklahoma, the anti-abortion leader Lauinger is arguing to lawmakers that polling shows overwhelming support for rape and incest exceptions as one lawmaker has proposed in a bill that cleared its first committee last month and overwhelming opposition to leaving the states ban as-is. If the state didnt have a ballot measure process, he said, he wouldnt support exceptions. But since that threat exists, he argued, We must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. The abortion industry has the weapon to defeat what we regard as the ideal policy, Lauinger told the lawmakers. The initiative petition is their trump card. Lauinger did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Yet National Right to Life, the parent group of his organization, told POLITICO it backs his argument that its better to make exceptions for rape and incest than risk a sweeping ballot initiative enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution. This isnt a betrayal, insisted Tobias. If you really look at what were facing, we could either save 95 percent of all babies or we could lose everything and all babies could be subject to death. Its kind of hard to not see the reality. Advocates on both sides of the abortion fight stress, however, that a ballot initiative fight in Oklahoma is still possible even likely whether the state approves exceptions for rape and incest or not. "Theyre probably going to try to do one anyway, regardless of what we do," said Oklahoma state Rep. Jim Olsen, a Republican who launched an effort with other conservative lawmakers in the state to defeat the exceptions bill. "The fight hasnt even come and were already backing away. CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to clarify the role Florida Voice for the Unborn is playing in placing an anti-abortion measure on the ballot. Digital consumers between the ages of six and 26 are emerging out of Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and the Philippines, according to new research from Accenture. And while these 1.4 billion consumers represent a great opportunity for growth in the next decade, they also signal the need for companies to reinvent their digital commerce strategies. Accentures research finds that the opportunity is of great significance particularly because digital commerce eases some of the traditional barriers to entry in these markets and, notably, digital commerce revenues have quadrupled in these markets since 2017 for a total of $211 billion in 2022. Still, the researchers say, most multinationals are not set up to serve these digital-first consumers. More from WWD These new consumers are relevant to companies that operate in these countries today as well as the multinationals looking to grow their footprint and balance their global portfolios, said Fabio Vacirca, global commerce lead at Accenture Song. However, strategies based on the western model of consumerism the steady evolution from brick-and-mortar to digital commerce models that occurs over decades wont work for these consumers. Companies will need to be digital-first, leapfrogging older legacy approach. Importantly, Accentures research finds that there are key behaviors among these emerging consumers that have the potential to transcend boundaries and influence purchasing habits more broadly. Using a consumer survey of more than 3,000 consumers across eight countries, the researchers divided the consumers into four core archetypes including digital native purchasers, digitally savvy Millennials, digital native content creators and digital alpha influencers. Consumers span across three generations (Gen Alpha, Gen Z and Millennials), which Accentures data shows are already spending a significant amount of time online when discovering, considering and making a purchase. Eighty percent of surveyed consumers reported using online channels such as search engines, social media and videos to research products before purchasing. And 76 percent of these consumers said they were influenced by likes and good comments when making buying decisions. Story continues At the same time, 65 percent of consumers reported that they prefer to use online payment methods when shopping, also saying that convenient delivery options like click and collect (73 percent) or free delivery (79 percent) are important drivers for online purchases. Commerce is having a big moment right now in the boardroom, with CEOs asking where the next wave of growth in commerce will come from, Vacirca said. This moment is similar to the tectonic shift the telecommunications industry had when consumers leapfrogged landlines to mobile or similarly in the movement from the theater to streaming services. Ultimately, he said, the companies that will gain first-mover advantage will recognize they need to be as digital on the inside as they are on the outside and reinvent their commerce model to meet the needs of their future consumer. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. An AEP utility crew works to restore power to a line on Palmer Street in Wooster Monday. The company anticipated having the power back on for all Wooster area residents by 6 p.m. Tuesday. WOOSTER Some area residents remained without power Monday following a severe windstorm over the weekend. As of 2 p.m. Monday, nearly 90% of more than 125,000 Ohio AEP customers had their electricity restored. According to an update sent via email from the company, more than 2,000 workers were making repairs to downed wires and severed utility poles after wind gusts greater than 60 mph caused widespread damage across Ohio. More:FirstEnergy names new president and CEO, Brian Tierney Power is restored to almost 90% of customers. 16k customers are still without power. There was extensive, widespread damage across the state, with NE and SE Ohio hit the hardest. As crews restore power to an area, they move to harder-hit areas to lend extra support. pic.twitter.com/Bw7X6brRcr AEP Ohio (@AEPOhio) March 27, 2023 The company said 16,000 AEP customers across the state remained without power Monday afternoon. Estimated restoration time for Wooster was 6 p.m. Tuesday. The Wooster Police Department's Facebook page noted several intersections where traffic signals were out and cautioned residents to treat those intersections as four-way stops. Outages continue for some in Wayne, Holmes, Ashland counties Utility crews work to reset utility poles on Moreland Road near Apple Creek Monday as some AEP customers in Wayne and Holmes counties remain without electricity following Saturday's damaging winds. Scattered outages continued Monday afternoon in other parts of Wayne and Holmes counties, including Orrville, Shreve, Fredericksburg, Big Prairie, Millersburg, Berlin Township and Walnut Creek, according to AEP's online outage map. The company advised that customers can sign up for alerts online at AEPOhio.com/Alerts. In Ashland County, FirstEnergy's online map noted a handful of outages near Ashland, Mifflin Township, Polk, Perrysville and in the nearby Mansfield area in Richland County. A flood warning was extended to 2 a.m. Wednesday for the Killbuck Creek in Wayne and Holmes counties, according to the National Weather Service. Minor flooding was being reported on roadways and in areas near the creek, including Water Street, County Road 621, state Route 60 south, state Route 520 and other low-lying areas, the agency noted. This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Power outages, some flooding impacting Wayne & Holmes counties J Cole - Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images Amazon Music will host the livestream of the 2023 Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina. The livestream of the festival will air on April 1 and 2. As in years past, J. Cole has invited some of his favorite artists and collaborators to join him in his home state of North Carolina for one of the most anticipated music events of the year. Starting at 2 p.m. EDT each day, fans will be able to tune in to the Amazon Music channel on Twitch and Prime Video to watch their favorite artists perform throughout the day. Saturday will be headlined by multi-platinum R&B global superstar Usher, with additional performance from Lil Dur, Ari Lennox, City Girls, Sean Paul, EARTHGANG, Jessie Reyez, and Key Glock, among others. Meanwhile on Sunday Burna Boy will headline along with a curated selection of artists like Summer Walker, J.I.D., GloRilla, Bas, Waka Flocka Flame, Mario, and many more. To close out the 2023 edition of Dreamville Festival on Sunday night, J. Cole will welcome fellow international icon Drake to appear as a special guest during his headlining set on the festivals main stage. The two will perform a medley of hits from their chart-topping catalogs, which have helped define the sound of a generation. Burna Boy will headline the close out on the second stage on Sunday, prior to J. Cole and Drake ending the activities on the festivals main stage. The expanded two-day Dreamville Festival marks the reunion for Dreamville Records. J. Cole is bringing together the entire music roster to perform at the weekend event, including Ari Lennox, J.I.D., EARTHGANG, Bas, Cozz, Omen, and Lute. Music journalist and Rotation Roundtable host Rob Markman, R&B Rotation in DJ Mode host Gia Peppers, and hip-hop industry veteran Wayno will return as the festivals official livestream hosts. Viewers can tune in to see interviews with artists, special guests, and more throughout the weekend. Dreamville will welcome over 100,000 fans across the weekend, with millions able to watch at home in real time. Story continues Dreamville Festival has made itself one of the biggest hip-hop moments of the year, and after last years incredible performances, we at Rotation knew we needed to stream the festival for fans around the world a second year running, adds Tim Hinshaw, Head of Hip-Hop and R&B for Amazon Music. This years lineup is unparalleled with icons lie Usher, Burna Boy, Ari Lennox, Lil Durk, Summer Walker, GloRilla, and more all coming together during one weekend. For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music. uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG. Square or round, Elgins were the working mans watch for nearly 100 years. We haven't revisited the timepiece category lately, so let's pick it up again today. Elgin the place is a city in Illinois about 35 miles northwest of Chicago. It was founded in 1835, chartered by the state in 1854, and is perhaps best known today for its Victorian architecture. In fact, many of those stately homes were commissioned by executives of the National Watch Company, itself founded in 1864, and 10 years later renamed the Elgin National Watch Company. At one time, Elgin was one of the largest watchmakers in the USA, if not the very largest. It's a name worth knowing, so here's some background. For starters, we've all seen the famous 1869 photo of the two giant locomotives nose-to-nose celebrating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. What's less well known is the many horrible wrecks in those early days when a lack of accurate timekeeping pieces caused one train to pile into the back of another. The railroad industry quickly became aware of the need for better timepieces, and the nascent American watchmaking industry was called upon to up its game. The result was the "railroad-grade" pocket watch that featured Arabic numerals, more jewels, lever setting of the time and other improvements. Along with Hamilton and Waltham, Elgin was among the leaders in introducing models that met these standards, and their watches saved many lives. Once Americas largest producer of watches, Elgins were made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. All continued well for Elgin as the 19th century became the 20th, and by 1940, the company could boast of being the largest watchmaker in the country. With the advent of WWII, Elgin became even bigger, adding thousands of employees in order to make vast quantities of watches, instruments and munition timing devices for the Allies. At its peak, some 5,500 employees worked around the clock to churn out such products. At war's end, Elgin's transition back to peacetime production was smoother than most, and in 1951, the firm was able to celebrate the making of its 50 millionth watch movement an amazing feat. Mass production of watches at moderate prices had made Elgin the watch of choice for America's working man. Story continues Among the more interesting facts about this company is that in 1910, it built and maintained a sophisticated astronomical observatory near its main campus in order to calculate precise time via the known movement of celestial bodies. All of its factory clocks were synchronized to astronomical time, which gave Elgin the unique ability to say that its timepieces were "timed to the stars." Beginning in the 1930s, many Elgin models also included a star on the dial to reinforce its slogan. Eventually, its product lines grew to include the basic Elgin models with 15-jewel movements, the Elgin DeLuxe with 17 jewels and the Lord and Lady Elgins with 19-23 jewels. This Elgin with a so-called starburst pattern dial was among the designer's more unusual models. Like so many American watchmakers, the end came in the 1960s as higher production costs, an increase in imports and the move towards electric timepieces combined to hasten its doom. All factories were shuttered and the brand sold and then resold again. The good news, at least for timepiece enthusiasts, is that original Elgin watches remain widely available from vintage dealers and galleries like ours. Their cost rarely exceeds a few hundred dollars, although some of its rarer gold-cased and railroad watches can reach four figures. At their best, high-end Elgins were exquisitely made, but it's the workhorse models that are often more appealing. Your grandpa and mine might well have owned one. 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. 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: The history of Elgin, the workingman's watch Tombstone Earlier today (March 28), attorney Ben Crump revealed on Twitter that he would deliver a national call for justice tomorrow (March 29) at the funeral of 28-year-old Irvo Otieno. At Otienos familys request, Reverend Al Sharpton will provide the eulogy at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. The news comes days after Crump called on the public to sign a petition for additional mental health training to be administered within law enforcement. Irvo Otieno didnt deserve to be smothered to death when he needed help with a mental health crisis! Crump captioned his Twitter post. He isnt the first and likely wont be the last person with mental illness to be brutally victimized by police. Call for more mental health training for law enforcement officers. MEDIA ALERT: @AttorneyCrump will deliver a national call for justice tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET, at the funeral of Irvo Otieno killed this month when sheriffs deputies & hospital staff pinned him down for 12 minutes. @TheRevAl will deliver the eulogy at the familys request. pic.twitter.com/7akArPDaYd Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) March 28, 2023 As previously reported, Otieno passed away on March 6 after he was pinned on the ground for 12 minutes by several Virginia deputies and hospital staff employees. He arrived at Central State Hospital, a mental health facility, by way of officers for intake. He was initially at Henrico County jail after authorities alleged he was aggressive toward them and charged him after they took him into emergency custody on March 3. A state prosecutor released surveillance footage of the incident after Otienos family consented. It showed that the Kenyan native was shackled at his hands and feet and dragged by authorities. Following a sudden movement, officers piled on top of Otieno with at least one reportedly putting their knee in his back. Story continues Otieno laid motionless as a deputy checked his pulse. With no response, law enforcement and hospital workers waited several minutes before they performed CPR on the 28-year-old. Ann Cabell Baskervill, the Dinwiddie County prosecutor, has since charged seven sheriffs deputies and three hospital staff employees with second-degree murder. After watching the video, Otienos mother, Caroline Ouko, spoke at a news conference and said, My son was treated like a dog, worse than a dog. I saw it with my own eyes on the video. Trending Stories The minor heroes of Waystar Royco. Succession is known for a stellar ensemble cast that includes Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong, but the HBO drama has featured a ton of impressive guest stars over the years. One of the most frequently appearing guests is James Cromwell, who plays Ewan, the estranged older brother of Logan (Cox). Unlike the rest of the Roy family, Ewan isn't interested in billion-dollar acquisitions and corporate espionage, instead preferring to spend his time on liberal causes dear to his heart. Cromwell who in real life is a passionate activist for animal rights and environmental causes asked the Succession writers to make Ewan more like him. I demanded that we have similarities, the Babe actor told The Guardian in October 2021, recalling a conversation he had with creator Jesse Armstrong. I said, You cant take the guy whos fought in Vietnam, and seen what he has seen, and think that he is going to be the same sort of ahole that the rest of his family is.' Yes, of course, hes privileged, and everybody is flawed but he will have seen the truth." Adrien Brody, meanwhile, only appeared in a handful of scenes in season 3, but his character, Josh Aaronson, made an indelible mark on the series with his unique outfit. During a meeting with Logan and Kendall (Strong), Josh wore a truly astounding number of layers: a T-shirt, a button-down, a cardigan, a hoodie, a gilet and a scarf. "Those layers represent a preparedness for the elements and a previous plan to unsettle them for this proposed business meeting," the Oscar winner explained during a January 2022 interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, explaining Josh's sartorial prowess. "He's prepared. He has hiking boots, they're in their dress shoes. He wears them down, he's in a position of power. Checkmate." Fans love to see which actors will pop up as coldhearted business magnates and conniving heirs, but so do the cast's peers. In July 2022, Succession broke the record for the most acting Emmy nominations in a single year, scoring 14 for season 3. Cromwell and Brody both scored guest actor nods alongside Arian Moayed and Alexander Skarsgard, while Harriet Walter, Hope Davis and Sanaa Lathan all earned nominations for guest actress. Matthew Macfadyen, who plays Tom Wambsgans, also took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Sign up for Us Weekly's free, daily newsletter and never miss breaking news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more! Keep scrolling for a look back at some of the most memorable guest stars in Succession history: The Cincinnati Bengals struck a late-night deal in free agency with tight end Irv Smith Jr., formerly of the Minnesota Vikings. A second-round pick in 2019 from Alabama, Smith is the latest in the line of underrated and underused tight ends to potentially start in the Joe Burrow-led offense. If things work out the way the team hopes, Smith will end up being the latest breakout player at the position as a result of more chances than in the past and simply being a good fit. While the addition of Smith doesnt rule out signing other players at the position or even adding to it early in the draft, Smiths underutilized fit had Bengals fans and otherwise excited. Top TE on the board after the Foster Moreau news. Bengals still drafting a TE but maybe not in Round 1 now https://t.co/Ubmv1PeBVg Eric Ball (@EBall_BR) March 28, 2023 IRV!!! Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) March 28, 2023 IRV SMITH IS A BENGAL BABBYYYYY (@HoodieHiltonn) March 28, 2023 Fantastic signing by the Bengals. Very curious as to the terms. Likely a 1-year deal, but would love a multi-year. If Smith can stay healthy, I like what he could do in this offense with Burrow. https://t.co/MdWAgqDw90 Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) March 28, 2023 Irv Smith Welcome To Cincy #RuleTheJungle Just Eric (@JUSTERIC__) March 28, 2023 New Bengals TE Irv Smith is fun. Has had some solid grades as a blocker. Only 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/lV9SzbUb8O Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) March 28, 2023 Congratulations to Irv Smith Jr. for the one year deal he just signed with the Bengals and the 3 year, roughly $24 million deal he will sign somewhere next March as the Bengals tight end contract factory continues. pic.twitter.com/IuD2VdbgNT Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) March 28, 2023 Bengals add their tight end that they were missing. Irv Smith, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, just finished his fourth season with the Vikings. Adding Smith on a 1-year deal gives the Bengals a vet option + can still draft a young TE early if they want https://t.co/3aO30qAN9n Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) March 28, 2023 Zac said earlier today he was comfortable with their plan at TE. https://t.co/CAIR1mBLlV Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) March 28, 2023 So excited to see Irv Smith Jr. in Cincinnati. Exciting fit with a high reward! Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) March 28, 2023 The Bengals really like these past-midnight notable free-agent signings. But hey, Irv Smith Jrfinally a tight end! Injury-prone, but definitely some talent there. I do like his 72.2% career catch rate. Thats pretty high, right? pic.twitter.com/vBG5EjdlON Matt Fitzgerald (@MattFitz_gerald) March 28, 2023 I know some positional markets dwindled late, but this has been another fun free agency period for the Bengals. Two good, low-risk, high-upside signings today https://t.co/6Lh5SdOdVz Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) March 28, 2023 I am absolutely in LOVE with this Irv Smith Jr signing. I understand he hasnt lived up to the hype so far in the NFL, but I think hes a perfect fit in this offense. If he can stay healthy he should be ANOTHER great option for Joe Burrow. Jared Arevian (@JaredArevian_) March 28, 2023 The #Bengals signing Irv Smith is great. This opens up the draft completely. They could still take a TE in the first couple rounds, but now they dont HAVE to. Now Im pumped. How am I supposed to go to sleep? Jason Garrison (@JasonRG83) March 28, 2023 Story originally appeared on Bengals Wire Take the classroom anywhere with the world's first 14-inch 2-in-1 ruggedised laptop for education. World's first 14" 2-in-1 ruggedised laptop The ASUS BR1402 and CR1102 series are designed for hybrid learning, in and out of the classroom. Reliable and Built to Last Military-grade certified for maximum protection against bumps, drops and spills. Hybrid Learning & Collaboration Convertible touch-screen designs with garaged stylus, two cameras and all-day battery life. Easy Maintenance and Repair Cost-efficient modular design for simple on-site repair of replaceable components. Safe and Secure Physical and digital protection, including ASUS Antimicrobial Guard coating to protect from 99% of harmful bacteria. LONDON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ASUS, a global technology leader renowned for continuously reimagining today's technologies for tomorrow, introduces new education laptop solutions that feature rugged, serviceable and convertible designs to keep students engaged and put their safety at the forefront no matter where they are learning. With only 40% of learning taking place in schools, educators are looking to create more adaptable hybrid operations and campus models. As institutions adopt these new digital learning initiatives, they face new challenges in allocating resources, running online classrooms, integrating new devices and managing IT. Upgraded, student-centred laptop solutions from ASUS are designed to meet today's digital education ecosystem and enhance immersive learning and collaboration to help students thrive in the digital age. ASUS Education Logo (PRNewsfoto/ASUS) World's first 14-Inch 2-in-1 ruggedised laptop for education upgrades learning like never before From hybrid learning to IT management and student collaboration, ASUS enables incredible learning experiences with its brand-new BR1402 series. The perfect companion for hybrid learning, BR1402-series laptops feature durable designs for today's active students and an easy-to-service modular build that enables schools to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Designed to make the digital classroom interactive and easy to use, BR1402F features a 14-inch touchscreen and a 13-megapixel world-facing camera to enable professional-quality photos and videos. With up to 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB SSD, its accelerated computing speed makes for seamless learning and collaboration. Story continues Intel General Manager, Education Client Division, Michael. A. Campbell, said: "When students are equipped with the latest technology, educators can be better prepared to support students' higher-order skills needed to succeed in education and the future workforce. This is why we're excited about our partnership with ASUS and the world's first 14-inch 2-in-1 ruggedised laptop for education. With Intel's newest processors, students will be able to do more, and teachers will be able to focus on maximising their instructional time in class." In addition to the new BR1402, ASUS is announcing its new 11-inch ASUS Chromebook CR11 series to make both remote and in-person learning simple, interactive and engaging for the modern student. Reliable education laptops, built to last Hybrid learning has made durability more important than ever, as laptops travel with students daily between their homes, classrooms, after-school activities and other learning environments. Built to last, both BR1402 and CR11 series meet MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards, and BR1402F features a touchscreen made of damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. Both laptops feature a wraparound rubber bumper and grip with reinforced components, tamper-resistant finish and water-resistant keyboard. ASUS Vice President, General Manager of Commercial Computer BU, Benson Lin, said: "ASUS is addressing the challenges of implementing digital learning by offering upgraded solutions with student-centred designs. These designs aim to provide safe and engaging online learning experiences for students with user-friendly devices, catering to the needs of both educators and students in the digital classroom." Hybrid learning and collaboration made easy The new ASUS education laptops deliver total mobility so students can learn and thrive anywhere. Designed for hybrid collaboration, BR1402F and CR11 Flip also feature a 2-in-1 convertible design, garaged stylus and long-lasting battery life of up to 12 hours. In addition, BR1402 series is equipped with AI-powered noise cancelling technology to isolate unwanted noise from human speech and eliminate up to 94% of random noise. With these new laptops, ASUS is empowering students to stay engaged wherever they learn. Enabling easy maintenance and repairs With a technician-friendly, modular design that makes maintenance and repairs easy for IT managers and educators to complete, ASUS is enabling less downtime and more learning. Key components of the BR1402 and CR11 series, such as the keyboard, battery, panel and mainboard, can be replaced in minutes using simple tools. The bottom covers are securely fastened using one-size, captive screws that eliminate worries about misplaced parts and encourage a more environmentally friendly repair process. By making maintenance easier, ASUS enables schools to be more cost-efficient and ensures that classrooms are always ready for learning with fewer disruptions. Keeping students safe and secure ASUS also designed the BR1402 and CR11 series to keep students safe and give educators and parents peace-of-mind. Both laptops feature keyboards treated with ASUS Antimicrobial Guard to inhibit the growth of bacteria by over 99% over a 24-hour period, TUV-certified displays for eye comfort and safety, and a webcam privacy shield. For added security, BR1402 features hardware-level protection against sophisticated cyberattacks with Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0). With both digital and physical safety features, ASUS is helping to protect students from both digital and physical risks. Worldwide reveal at Bett 2023, London. The new ASUS BR1402 and CR11 series will be revealed publicly for the first time at Bett 2023, London ExCeL, on the 29th of March, alongside the full ASUS Education range of laptops, desktops, AiOs, monitors and networking solutions. NOTES TO EDITORS: ASUS Education Site: https://asus.click/edu23_pr Press Kit: 2023.03.28 - ASUS Introduce New Student-Centric Laptops @ Bett 2023 ASUS BR1402: ASUS CR11 Series: About ASUS ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world's most innovative and intuitive devices, components and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, ASUS is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today's technologies for tomorrow, garners more than eleven awards every day for quality, innovation and design, and is ranked among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041478/ASUS_Education_Logo.jpg Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/asus-introduce-new-student-centric-laptops-including-worlds-first-14-inch-2-in-1-ruggedised-laptop-301782580.html math Two New Orleans high school students recently attended a conference where they proved an impossible math problem by using trigonometry. For more than 2,000 years, mathematicians worldwide have thought solving Pythagoras Theorem was an unattainable feat until now. Calcea Johnson and NeKiya Jackson, who are enrolled at St. Marys Academy, a private Catholic all-girls school in New Orleans, are making headlines after attending the American Mathematical Societys Southeastern Sections semi-annual meeting in Atlanta earlier this month. It was at this conference where the two students presented their findings and titled them An Impossible Proof of Pythagoras. Johnson and Jackson were the only high schoolers present among the pupils from campuses such as the universities of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, The Guardian said on Friday (March 24). Two Black female high school students in New Orleans solved the Pythagorean theory, a math problem that genius mathematicians have failed to at for over of 2,000 years. Each student can win up to $1M for their discovery. pic.twitter.com/k7VlYmywb9 Black Millionaires (@Blackmillions_) March 27, 2023 The Pythagorean Theorem states that the area of the square whose right side is the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares on the other two sides. Jackson credited the math instructors at St. Marys for helping them achieve the victory. We have really great teachers, she told local New Orleans news station WWL-TV. Johnson added, Its really an unparalleled feeling, honestly, because theres just nothing like being able to do something that people dont think young people can do. A lot of times you see this stuff, you dont see kids like us doing it. Members of our community can examine their results to determine whether their proof is a correct contribution to the mathematics literature, Catherine Roberts, executive director for the American Mathematical Society, suggested of the two New Orleans residents. Roberts hopes that the pair will proceed with studying math in order to have a promising career in the field. We encourage them to continue their studies in mathematics, she said. Trending Stories The N.C. Zoo in Asheboro was evacuated Monday morning following a bomb threat later found to be a hoax. In a news release, the Randolph County Sheriffs Office said it had received a call at 10:43 a.m. that a park representative had received a bomb threat through electronic means. The park began evacuating visitors immediately. By 1:30 p.m., the zoo posted on its website that all school groups and employees had been evacuated. The zoo later said all public areas of the park had been searched twice and no suspicious items were found. Sheriffs deputies assigned to the park were joined by others to secure the perimeter of the property, the release said. Investigators also asked for the Guilford County Sheriffs Office to put its bomb squad on standby. Randolph County Sheriffs investigators were able to identify the person who sent the threat, saying it was a juvenile. Investigators said a juvenile petition will be filed in the case. The park did not say how many visitors were there on Monday, but spring is typically the busiest time of year for the zoo. The zoo hosts an average of 100,000 schoolchildren each year. The zoo will return to normal operating hours on Tuesday. Anyone with information about the threat can contact Randolph County Sheriffs investigators at 336-318-6658 or call Randolph County Crime Stoppers tip line at 336-672-7463. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via the Sheriffs Office app or the Crime Stoppers app. Visitors who had to leave the park and want to ask about refunds or return tickets can send an inquiry to guestservices@nczoo.org. School groups needing to reschedule can email reservations@nczoo.org or speak with them at 336-879-7700 starting Tuesday. Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith recently traveled the world to attend several premieres of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves but it was their fashion choices that got people talking. (Photos: Getty Images) The cast of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves officially landed in Los Angeles over the weekend for its final premiere, after nearly two weeks of fashion-fueled parties around the globe. Of course, all eyes were on stars Chris Pine, Rege-Jean Page and Justice Smith, who play a group of unlikely adventurers on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic in the film, which is loosely based on the board game of the same name. While Dungeons & Dragons is earning favorable audience reviews, the trio took red carpet fashion to another level by experimenting with various looks at the film's premieres in London, Paris, Berlin, SXSW and more including Page, who went shirtless for the premiere in the United Kingdom. Check out some of their looks here: Los Angeles From left, Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith attend the Los Angeles premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves at the Regency Village Theatre on March 26. (Photos: Getty Images) The trio was sexy and dapper, with Page sporting a low-cut white muscle shirt under a beige suit with embroidered flower prints and gold chain necklace. Meanwhile, Pine went for a classic green suit with an unbuttoned shirt exposing a gold pendant necklace, with Smith opting for a chic white suit with bold lines. Rege-Jean Page's full look on the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves red carpet in Los Angeles. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Chris Pine's full look on the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves red carpet in Los Angeles. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Justice Smith's full look on the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves red carpet in Los Angeles. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Paris Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith sporting a whole new set of suits at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in Paris. (Photos: Getty Images) Meanwhile, in the City of Love on March 24, Page was giving good face in a tailored light blue suit with hazel buttons over a white shirt and gold necklace. Pine went full Parisian with his look, sporting a low V-neck with a red bandana accessory beneath a sharp black suit. For his part, Smith was looking smooth in an all-red wrap suit ensemble over a bright red collared shirt. Rege-Jean Page wore baby blue to the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Paris premiere. (Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images) It was all about the accessories for Chris Pine on the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves red carpet at the Paris premiere. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) Smith matches the carpet in a beautiful red wrap suit at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Paris premiere. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) London Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith attend the U.K. premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in London. (Photos: Getty Images) British actor Page went shirtless for the March 23 London premiere, sporting a thin silver chain and a fitted black suit, while Pine went more traditional with a tweed suit topped off with a thick orange tie. Smith took it up a notch in loosely fitted sky blue suit with a textured brooch, white mesh shirt and chunky white shoes. Rege-Jean Page was shirtless at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves U.K. premiere. (Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage) Chris Pine topped his look off with a bold tie at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves U.K. premiere. (Photo: Jeff Spicer/WireImage) Justice Smith is serene in a sky blue suit with white sneakers. (Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage) Berlin Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith attend the premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves at Zoopalast in Berlin, Germany. (Photos: Getty Images) The fashionistas were all smiles in Berlin on March 20, where Page suited up in an all-black ensemble and silver chain necklace, while Pine went retro with a tan 1970s-style suit and black turtle-neck with a thin gold chain. Smith, however, took it a step bolder with a textured jacket and see-through turtle-neck. Story continues Rege-Jean Page wore all black on the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves red carpet in Berlin. (Photo: Gerald Matzka/Getty Images) Chris Pine smiles for the cameras in a tan suit at the Berlin premiere. (Photo: Gerald Matzka/Getty Images) Justice Smith's suit had a hint of sparkle at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Berlin premiere. (Photo: Gerald Matzka/Getty Images) SXSW premiere in Austin Rege-Jean Page, Chris Pine and Justice Smith arrive for the world premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, on day one of the SXSW Film Festival. (Photo: Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP) Things were bright in Austin at the film's SXSW screening on March 10. Page shined in a sexy jacket with an embroidered Pegasus, black pants and layered silver jewelry. That was bookended by Pine's green suede suit, delicately laid over a chic open-collar green button-up shirt and sexy sunglasses. Smith went for a more laid-back look, in a rust-colored cardigan jacket over a blue button-up shirt and loose-fitting denim jeans. Rege-Jean Page at the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves SXSW premiere in Austin, Tex. (Photo: Sarah Kerver/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures) Chis Pine was decked out in green suede at SXSW. (Photo: Gary Miller/WireImage) Justice Smith rocked flared jeans to the SXSW premiere of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. (Photo: Gary Miller/WireImage) Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves opens in theaters Friday, March 31. A TV reporter covering a deadly school shooting in Tennessee took time to share her own survival story on air. Joylyn Bukovac said she was a teenager in 2010 when gunfire erupted at her middle school in Madison, Alabama. This is something that hits very close to home for me, she said in a video clip Twitter user Reem Akkad posted online. Many of you might not know this, but Im actually a school shooting survivor. I appreciate all the support Ive received after sharing my story. I dont talk about it much, but I think about what happened on February 5, 2010 often. I just want people to know they arent alone. I also want to discuss solutions. As a mom, I am worried for the future https://t.co/Fbd0fEpZyt Joylyn Bukovac (@joylynrbukovac) March 27, 2023 Bukovac, a reporter at NBC affiliate station WSMV, shared her past experience while covering a deadly shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville. Six people including three children and three staff members were killed at the school on Monday, March 27, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Police on Twitter identified the shooting victims as 9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, as well as 61-year-old Mike Hill, 60-year-old Katherine Koonce and 61-year-old Cynthia Peak. Two officers killed the accused shooter, who officials said was a former student at the school. Bukovac told her TV station that covering the tragedy reminded her of what she witnessed at her middle school. In 2010, two teens reportedly were in the hallway of Discovery Middle School in Alabama when one shot another in the back of the head. Todd Brown, 14, died after the Huntsville-area shooting, according to WAFF and WHNT. My stuff was part of the crime scene, Bukovac told her TV station. I couldnt even take my backpack home that day. I really just felt like a sitting duck not knowing if I was going to make it out of that school alive. Which is awful because every child should feel safe at school. Story continues Bukovac said the experience drove her to go into TV news. I dont talk about it much, but I think about what happened on February 5, 2010 often, she wrote on Twitter. I just want people to know they arent alone. Now, Bukovac is sharing advice with others who are experiencing similar situations. My biggest advice is, for all of the families here, if your student witnessed the unthinkable today, just be very gentle with them and let them talk when theyre ready, she said while covering the March 27 shooting. Because the shock that theyre going to be feeling coming home is going to be unfathomable. 80-year-old woman hurled into traffic during road rage clash, Tennessee cops say Brake checking ends in deadly road rage shooting outside Walmart, Tennessee cops say This article is part of In Session: The Teen Vogue Lesson Plan. When did women get the right to vote? The 19th Amendment, passed in 1919 and ratified in 1920, technically guaranteed women's suffrage in the United States after years of work from activists. However, many women of color remained unable to actually exercise their right to vote, and the battle for true equality at the polls has been much more complex and fraught than some history books might make it seem. Voter access remains an important issue today, with activists fighting for a fairer election system that makes participation truly accessible. Ahead, Teen Vogue shares some highlights from the decades-long battle to secure all womens right to vote. 1848: The Seneca Falls Convention addresses womens rights An idea over tea to hold a two-day meeting to discuss womens rights turned into a convention attended by hundreds in Seneca Falls, New York. In total, some 300 people attended the convention, organized by suffrage movement leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Some 68 women and 32 men signed a Declaration of Sentiments, making the first formal demand in the U.S. for womens right to vote. This convention did not address the racism and oppression specifically faced by Black women. 1850: The first National Womans Rights Convention Two years after the Seneca Falls Convention, more than 1,000 people including abolitionists Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, and Abby Kelley attended a national conference in Worcester, Massachusetts to strategize ways to strengthen womens rights. These annual conferences continued almost every year through 1860. 1866: Suffragists send petition to Congress Suffragists sent a Congress a petition, signed by 10,000 people, requesting a constitutional amendment prohibiting disenfranchisement on the basis of sex. We call your attention to the fact that we represent fifteen million peopleone half the entire population of the country intelligent, virtuous, native-born American citizens; and yet stand outside the pale of political recognition, the petition read. Story continues 1869: The suffragists split Three years later, suffragists split into two separate organizations: the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association. The former focused on achieving voting rights through a constitutional amendment while the latter approached voting rights state-by-state. Splits were also fueled by disagreements regarding voting rights for minorities. The American Woman Suffrage Association endorsed the Fifteenth Amendment which prohibited voter denial because of race. Members included Black men and women. 1870: The Fifteenth Amendment is ratified On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, granting Black men the right to vote. The language declares that the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." But poll taxes, literacy tests, and other state laws, as well as the threat of violence, prevented many Black men from casting ballots. 1872: Susan B. Anthony votes anyway and is arrested In November of 1872, Susan B. Anthony, alongside 14 other women, casted a ballot and was arrested in New York. She eventually was tried and convicted for voting illegally, resulting in a $100 fine, which she later refused to pay. 1896: The National Association of Colored Women is formed Formed to achieve equality for women of color, the National Association of Colored Women became the eras largest organization of Black women. The group played an active role in decrying racial stereotypes projected onto Black women and was a pivotal advocate for change in the womens suffrage movement. 1910: Suffrage parades begin In 1910, the first womens suffrage parade took place in New York City. These parades quickly gained popularity around the country, and just three years later in Washington, D.C., the parade garnered around 10,000 participants along with hundreds of thousands of onlookers down Pennsylvania Avenue. 1913: The Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago is formed Ida B. Wells, the muckraking Black journalist and anti-lynching advocate, established the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago to advocate for voting rights for Black women. 1919: The Nineteenth Amendment is signed into law After making it through the House and Senate the latter by only two votes in June 1919, the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was sent to states for ratification. Months later, it was signed into law. 1920: White women are able to vote White women were granted the right to vote after the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920. Non-white women, however, found themselves subject to the same barriers that kept non-white men from voting, including poll taxes, literacy tests, fraud, and intimidation. 1924: Native American women earn the right to vote Through the Indian Citizenship Act, Native Americans including Native American women were technically granted citizenship and the right to vote. But individual states still blocked Indigenous residents from voting for many years. 1943: Chinese women gain voting rights Via the Magnuson Act, Chinese immigrants including women were given the right to citizenship and in turn, the right to vote in 1943. Like other minority women, they faced steep barriers to actually being able to cast ballots. 1962: New Mexico becomes the last state to officially grant the franchise to Native Americans The New Mexico Constitution held that Indigenous people not taxed could not vote because they didnt pay property taxes on their land. The problematic provision disenfranchised many and, after gaining attention nationally and from the Presidents Committee on Civil Rights, was finally overturned in 1962. 1965: Black and Latinx women are able to vote President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law in 1965, prohibiting voting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. After enduring the repression of Jim Crow laws for years, Black men and women were finally granted the right to vote but voter discrimination against and disenfranchisement of Black and Latinx communities continues in earnest to this day. 1975: The Voting Rights Act is amended to protect language minority citizens The VRA was amended to include protections for Americans who had a history of exclusion from the political process because of the primary languages they spoke, including Native Americans and immigrants from Latin America and Asia. 1984: The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act Law is passed To improve access for older voters and voters with disabilities, Congress passed a law requiring that polling sites for federally funded elections must be physically accessible for those experiencing any type of temporary or permanent disability. The law also required the provision of voting aids, such as printing ballot instructions in large font. 1990: The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 addresses accessibility issues The Americans With Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, was intended to ensure that disabled people have equal access to the ballot box. Today, however, members of the disability community still report many instances of inaccessible venues lacking ramps, improperly trained staff, and other barriers that disenfranchise them. Present Day: The fight for voter access continues Across the country, politicians and activists continue to fight against harmful voter suppression tactics, such as voter ID laws, limited polling places resulting in long lines, and gerrymandering. These issues disproportionately affect Black voters and other people of color, and also make it difficult for young people to vote, restricting polling sites on college campuses. In 2022 alone, states enacted 11 new restrictive voting laws [and] 12 election interference laws, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. The fight for voter access remains just as important than ever. ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: Rose Wong Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue A scientist picks up a vial of frozen donor sperm samples. Wong Maye-E/AP Photo A Dutch musician is accused of fathering 550 children via sperm donations. The Netherlands allows donors to father no more than 25 children, citing the risk of accidental incest. The donor is being sued in a bid to prevent him from continuing to donate sperm. A Dutch sperm donor who is accused of fathering 550 children is facing legal action aimed at stopping him from continuing to donate, over fears his prolific giving could increase the risk of accidental incest. Jonathan Jacob Meijer, a musician from The Hague, is being sued by the mother of one of the children he fathered, as well as Donorkind, a Dutch organization for children conceived via sperm donations. Donorkind is alleging that Meijer donated sperm to at least 13 clinics, the majority of them in the Netherlands, as well as communicated with prospective parents on social media using an alias. Meijer, who now lives in Kenya, was placed on a Dutch donation blacklist after the publication in 2021 of an investigation by The New York Times. But he has continued to donate his sperm abroad, including in Denmark and Ukraine, according to The Telegraph. Donorkind said that Meijer has fathered some 550 children, which surpasses the Dutch guidelines of not being able to father more than 25 children or impregnate more than 12 mothers. In the US, there is no enforced national limit, but the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends a maximum of 25 live births per population area of 850,000. These sort of guidelines exist to prevent "inbreeding" and incest, Donorkind said, adding that there is also a psychological impact on children who find out they have hundreds of half-siblings. The mother, known only as Eva, had a child using Meijer's sperm in 2018. She claims that Meijer promised her he had only fathered a maximum of 25 donor children, per The Telegraph. The Dutch News, which described Meijer as an "obsessive" sperm donor, said the Dutch gynecologists' society, NVOG, first issued a warning about Meijer in 2017. Story continues Eva told Donorkind that she would not have chosen Meijer as her donor if she had known that he was a prolific donor. She said: "When I think about the consequences this could have for my child, I get a bad gut feeling and I become uncertain about his future: how many more children will be added?" Eva said that going to court was the only way she sees to protect her child. The civil lawsuit is requesting that Meijer be banned from new donations, stops communicating with prospective parents, and writes to clinics that are storing his sperm to destroy it, Donorkind said. Donorkind lawyer Mark de Hek described Meijer's behavior as "dangerous for the mental well-being and health of donor children." Read the original article on Insider Digital-forward fashion brand Ilona Songs Futuristic Fauna and Primavera collections will bloom in the real and virtual worlds this week, and the effort may offer a glimpse into how the fashion business from design to runway shows to distribution could look in the future. The young, Los Angeles-based fashion house is known best for its Luv dress, a heart-shaped gown first made available in digital form that went viral last year thanks to a virtual try-on feature, with variations worn by stars like Madonna, Cher and viral fashion avatar Noonoouri. Now theres a physical version of the garment for sale, and with Ilona Songs so-called phygital bona fides established, the virtual dress is heading to Decentralands Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW), starting Tuesday. More from WWD Inspired by nature, Ilona Song is exhibiting Camellia Bride, Chanterelle Dress, Lotus Dress and, of course, the Luv dress, among others, in various ways ranging from NFT art, wearables or both. But that just scratches the surface. Ilona Songs Luv dress is available as virtual and physical garments. On Decentraland itself, a partnership with Vogue Singapore brings the brand to the publishers virtual rooftop at the Cash Labs Gallery, where it will present NFT artwork and wearables for the Elevating Culture campaign. As Kamila Rym, cofounder and creative director of the brand, told WWD, the message is for the metaverse to be more inclusive, in terms of different cultures and cultural attire, such as hijabs, Turkish caftans, kimonos and Korean hanboks. Those are all featured in our artwork. For Song, theres a personal angle as well. I am ethnically Korean, born in Russia, grew up in Kazakhstan and currently based in the United States, explained the designer. Experiencing all these distinct cultures and their similarities with one another continues to expand my worldview and appreciation for culture and tradition. There is beauty in every culture around the globe, and I aim to celebrate this through my designs. Story continues The fashion company will also bring wearables and artwork to Spatial, which is cohosting MVFW, to Vogues club, as well as the Mad Gallery. According to Rym, the latter will host its spring-themed Primavera collection, a line inspired by themes of rebirth and renewal. The description is perfectly in line with the brands sustainability mission. Turns out, the company doesnt just use technology for techs sake. It powers its efforts in the circular economy. AR tryons help people make informed buying decisions, and on-demand production for physical products helps reduce waste. Products are also embedded with NFC chips, so people can tap to easily access blockchain information for transparency, verification of authenticity and ownership tracing. Not that the tech is meaningless in its own right. For creatives, innovation matters and developments like AI can be a fascinating tool. Real life Chanterelle dress by Ilona Song. In fact, the Primavera collection on view at the Mad Gallery is also bound for AI Fashion Week, which premieres Thursday. Thats because the line was developed with the aid of artificial intelligence, as were the art and associated wearables. The tech was also an efficiency tool used to help shorten the process of garment creation. When asked about how AI fits into her design process, Song elaborated: I wake up with ideas and 3D visuals in my head. she said. I envision the big picture first: the main idea, mood, colors and then I create very detailed, precise prompts to create AI-generated visuals. AI allows you to play around with your ideas and improve upon them to get the desired result. So for anyone wondering how a small, three-year-old brand can create and juggle so many moving parts, apparently the answer is, at least in part, data science. For Song and her team, the week culminates on Friday, the last day of MVFW, at Overs mixed reality fashion event. Over, the third MVFW cohost, will stage its first fashion event at Milans Piazza del Duomo with Song and other designers. The way the tech will work, according to Rym, is that all of the attendees will have their phones and, using geo-location [and computer vision], they can open the Over app and watch the livestream of the augmented reality catwalk. Making that work is a complicated affair, so Over spared no effort on the geo-location. Because no one wants to see a model, even a virtual stumble down the runway or run into walls. We dont rely on GPS, but on our own code and systems, said David Carr, Overs head of partnerships. It gives us a much greater accuracy of about 20 centimeters. Thats crucial when youre trying to position content within a scene. The implication for runway shows is still up in the air. Some established fashion houses have told WWD that immersive experiences of some sort will always be part of their events. But others are skeptical that the metaverse and related virtual tech will become endemic to fashion. Over is planning a panel about it, titled Will virtual fashion save the metaverse? Ilona Song will be a speaker in that session. Its a fair question. The notion of a new internet, as a virtual world peopled by avatars, looked exciting to fashion houses just one year ago. And now, as tech trends go, AI appears to be the new black. But the fashion metaverse is still developing, and although AI may hog the spotlight, its not a competitor. Its an enabler. Thats evident when looking at Ilona Songs array of MVFW offerings. A major highlight of its whirlwind week will happen at the Piazza, the company noted to WWD, when it dresses South Korean viral virtual influencer Rozy for her turn down the physical catwalk. [The show] just touches the edges of whats possible, Overs Carr added. Its a really exciting thing to see fashion jump in and push a lot of this. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. An Illinois man who once appeared on the iconic game show Family Feud has pleaded not guilty to the home invasion killing of his wife last month. Timothy Bliefnick, 39, pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the February shooting of his wife, Rebecca Bliefnick, in her Quincy home, according to court records cited by KHQA-TV. Timothy Bliefnick, who once competed as a contestant on ABCs long-running television game show Family Feud, was arrested on March 13 in connection with his wifes death. Bliefnick was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday. He was also charged with home invasion. RELATED: Former 'Family Feud' Contestant Charged With Murder Of Estranged Wife In Her Illinois Home A grand jury was presented evidence, and they determined a crime probably occurred and the defendant probably committed the crime," Adams County Assistant States Attorney Josh Jones said, per KHQA-TV. On Feb. 23, authorities were dispatched to Rebecca Bliefnicks home in the 2500 block of Kentucky Road after the Illinois woman failed to pick up her children from school. Upon arrival, police found her dead; shed been shot several times. A personal photo of Becky Bliefnick Becky Bliefnick Photo: Facebook An exact motive hasnt been released by officials, however, the couple were reportedly in the midst of a divorce at the time of the murder and had been living separately. Investigators had executed a search warrant at Timothy Bliefnicks home on March 1. Its unclear what specific evidence has tied him to estranged wifes slaying. A defense attorney for Bliefnick, meanwhile, insisted his client was innocent as pre-trial proceedings got underway. Were looking forward to giving Timothy his day in court, lawyer Casey Schnack told WGEM. Rebecca Bliefnicks family held a funeral for her earlier this month. The family is also raising money on GoFundMe to help financially support her three surviving sons. A family spokesperson said theyre planning a scholarship in her name, per Fox News. Story continues A police mugshot of Timothy Bliefnick Timothy Bliefnick Photo: Quincy Police Department "There are no words to adequately express how devastated and heartbroken we are," her familys statement said. "Becky was the heart and soul of our family and her greatest loves were her sons. We will pray for her and miss her every day of our lives." The family had previously asked for privacy as investigators worked the case. "Thank you to our family, friends, community and even strangers who have expressed their sympathy and support, the statement added. As we continue to mourn, we will find ways to celebrate Becky's life and we will love and care for her boys in the ways we know she would want." Timothy Bliefnick appeared on Family Feud with other family members in 2020. Martha Beatty featured on Snapped When host Steve Harvey asked Timothy Bliefnick what the biggest mistake he made at his wedding was, the now-accused Illinois man replied, I do. Not mine to say, not mine to say, Timothy Bliefnick then quipped. I love my wife. He also said, Im going to get in trouble for that, arent I? Its going to be a lot of hell to pay at your house, Harvey responded. Bliefnicks answer was second on the board with 20 out of 100 people polled giving the same answer. Getting sloshed was No. 1 with 30 answers. The 39-year-old is now being held at an Adams County detention center, online jail records obtained by Oxygen.com show. He appeared in court for an arraignment on Friday. Timothy Bliefnick has a status conference scheduled for April 12 No other information was released by officials. Anyone with additional information related to Rebecca Bliefnicks murder is asked to contact Quincy Police Department or the Quincy Regional Crime Stoppers at 217-228-4474. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has been accused of funneling $40 million in bribes to two or more Chinese officials in order to release assets connected to his cryptocurrency business, an unsealed indictment on Tuesday shows. The new charges are the latest legal troubles for the 31-year-old cryptocurrency entrepreneur, who has faced a series of fraud allegations since he was arrested last December in the Bahamas. Bankman-Fried's most recent indictment, unsealed by the Southern District Court of New York, alleges conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Prosecutors claim he was trying to get foreign officials to unlock accounts belonging to his hedge fund, Alameda Research, which China had frozen as part of a crackdown on cryptocurrencies. The accounts, according to the indictment, hold roughly $1 billion in cryptocurrency. Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter Is money safe in banks: More depositors are wondering after SVB's collapse Bankman-Fried faces 13 charges Federal prosecutors have slapped Bankman-Fried with 13 criminal charges in total since he was extradited from the Bahamas to face federal fraud allegations related to the misappropriation of billions of dollars of customer funds. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan Federal Court after his arraignment and bail hearings on December 22, 2022 in New York City. FTX scandal: How the celebrity-endorsed crypto giant collapsed into chaos A founder's plea: FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried pleads not guilty to fraud In January, he pleaded not guilty to an eight-count criminal indictment in which Bankman-Fried was accused of illegally commingling funds of FTX Trading Ltd. with Alameda Research LLC, to fund luxury real estate purchases and other personal expenses, as well as illegal federal campaign contributions. Two former business associates of Bankman-Fried, Caroline Ellison and Gary Wang, have already pleaded guilty to federal charges. Both have agreed to cooperate with prosecutors investigating the alleged fraud scheme. Story continues Biggest fraud cases in U.S. history FTX which is short for "Futures Exchange" filed for bankruptcy last November in what was initially thought of as an old-fashioned bank run on the exchange's reserves. But federal investigators allege Bankman-Fried oversaw a massive con that included stealing deposits from his own company to pay for bets at his hedge fund while still living an affluent lifestyle. SBF's legal restrictions: Sam Bankman-Fried may be restricted to flip phone, limited internet while on bail FTX was one of the largest and busiest platforms for trading cryptocurrency, and had an estimated $32 billion value in January. It is believed that about $1 billion of customer funds are missing. Changes to the bail terms Bankman-Fried has been out on bail for months after posting a $250 million personal recognizance bond. That said, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan has put strict bans on Bankman-Fried's communication with the outside world. For starters, he cannot communicate with current or former FTX employees, according to Tuesday's order. Kaplan also has limited Bankman-Fried to the use of one laptop and phone for the purpose of his legal defense under the supervision of his attorneys. He is also blocked from using other communication devices with internet access. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FTX founder accused of funneling $40M in bribes to Chinese officials Company Logo Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Australia: Existing & Upcoming Data Center Portfolio" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report covers the Australia data center market portfolio analysis, which will provide the following information on the colocation data centers. The government has launched several digital initiatives such as the Digital Health Strategy, Digital Government Strategy, the Digital Economy Strategy, the connectivity strategy, including the National Broadband Strategy, among others. The Australia data center market is driven by technology innovations, HPC technology adoption, government initiatives, growing connectivity, increasing cloud presence, and growing data center investments. The Top 3 operators in the Australia Data Center Market AirTrunk, NextDC and CDC Data Centres contribute to more than 50% of the existing IT Load Capacity in the market. In the Australia Data Center Market, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra contribute to more than 80% of the raised floor area. The data points covered in the database across each facility are mentioned below: Detailed Analysis of 136 existing data centers Detailed Analysis of 25 upcoming data centers Locations covered: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Toowoomba, Hobart, Newcastle, Dubbo, Albury, Darwin, Tamworth, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Grafton, Townsville, Mackay. Existing white-floor space (square feet) Upcoming white-floor space (square feet) Current IT load capacity (2022) Future capacity additions (2023-2025) Retail Colocation Pricing I. Quarter Rack (1/4) II. Half Rack Cabinets (1/2) III. Full Rack Cabinet (42U/45U/47U/etc.) Wholesale colocation (per kW) pricing EXISTING DATA CENTERS (136 Facilities) Market Snapshot Location (Region/Country/City) Facility Address Operator/Owner Name Data Center Name i.e., (C1 Canberra or Melbourne Data Center) Core & Shell Area (White-Floor Area) Core & Shell Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity) Rack Capacity Year of Operations Design Standards (Tier I - IV) Power/Cooling Redundancy Story continues UPCOMING DATA CENTERS (25 Facilities) Investment Snapshot Location (Region/Country/City) Investor Name Area (White-Floor Area) Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity) Investment ($ Million) Electrical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million) Mechanical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million) General Construction Services Investment ($ Million) Announcement Year Project Status (Opened/Under Construction/Announced & Planned) Active or Expected Year of Opening INVESTORS/OPERATORS COVERED AirTrunk NEXTDC CDC Data Centres Equinix Fujitsu Global Switch Digital Realty Keppel DC REIT (Macquarie Telecom Group) Keppel DC REIT (Iseek) Macquarie Telecom Group Keppel Data Centres Polaris Equinix & PGIM DCI Data Centers 5G Networks Geraldton Data Centre AAPT Telstra (Centuria REIT) Verizon Pulse DC Pty Ltd CAN Interactive DXN YourDC PIPE Networks DC Two DC Alliance Telstra Leading Edge Data Centres Digital Sense DC West Integer DC intervolve Syncom Internode Pty Ltd Over the wire Micron21 Colocity Vocus Group Edge Centres Secure Data Centre OMNIconnect Broadband Internet and Data Centre (OCDC) On Q Communications TransACT Capital Communications Pty Ltd Gold Coast Data Centre. For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n7616q About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 A day after a gunman killed six people at a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Sen. Josh Hawley took to the Senate floor to denounce the shooting as a hate crime against Christians. We must also tell the truth about what happened yesterday in Nashville, Hawley said. This murderous rampage, this taking of innocent life, was a horrific crime, but more specifically, it was a hate crime. A crime that according to Nashville police, specifically targeted, thats their word, targeted, the members of this Christian community, the members of this religious institution. Under federal law, a hate crime is one motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. Nashville police have said the shooter targeted the Covenant School, which is a private Christian school, according to the Tennessean, and are reviewing a manifesto. But police have not offered specific details about the reasons the school was targeted. The shooter, who police say was a 28-year-old transgender man, attended the school when he was a child. The Nashville shooter was killed by police, and is therefore unable to face legal charges. Hawleys comments are part of the deadlocked debate over gun laws in America, where the aftermath of a shooting often feels as if its playing out according to a script. Gun control advocates, and many Democratic members of Congress, renewed their call for more restrictions on guns after reports that the shooter used two assault-style weapons (a pistol and a rifle) and a handgun. There have been 130 mass shootings already this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are wounded or killed, not including the shooter. But Republicans have remained steadfast in their opposition to efforts to tighten gun laws, like the assault weapons ban being pushed by President Joe Biden. In 2021, Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, introduced a bill called the Disarm Hate Crimes Act, which would prevent someone who has been convicted of perpetuating a hate crime from owning a firearm. The bill had no Republican co-sponsors. Story continues Instead, Hawley appears to be adopting the rhetoric often employed by Democrats after a shooter targets a minority community like shootings at an LGBTQ club, or in a neighborhood with a high population of Asian Americans and placing it in the larger context of the culture war. I would call on those corporate partners, who are so quick to weigh on social issues, Hawley said. Now make your voice heard, condemn this crime as the hate crime that it is. This is a time to be heard, this is a time to be clear about what has happened and is unfolding before our very eyes. Along with sponsoring a resolution to denounce the shooting as a hate crime, Hawley wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and FBI, calling on them to investigate the shooting as a hate crime. He said people need more evidence and facts about the motive of the shooter. The FBI pointed to a Monday tweet from its Tennessee field office that it was assisting local law enforcement, but it did not comment directly on Hawleys request. DHS also did not respond to Hawley. In 2021, Hawley was the only senator to oppose legislation intended to combat hate crimes against Asian Americans in the wake of an uptick of racist attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawley said at the time the bill was too broad. Hawleys speech echoes some of the response to the shooting in conservative media, where commentators have latched onto the identity of the shooter, who was transgender, adding fuel to a push by conservatives to restrict transgender rights, a movement often influenced by religion. He did not mention that the shooter was transgender, and instead used female pronouns to describe him. Hawley said the Senate has to condemn rhetoric about days of vengeance and genocide, rhetoric directed against religious believers of whatever background, whether theyre Presbyterians, like the students and teachers and employees targeted yesterday, or some other Christian affiliation, or orthodox Jews, or Catholics or whatever background. Biden, who is a devout Catholic, told reporters Tuesday that he had no idea if he believed Christians were targeted. When he was told Hawley believed they were, Biden said, Well, I probably dont then. Tameka Myles was at work Friday evening when she got the call every mother dreads. You need to get here, her neighbor in Rolling Fork said. Jay is hurt pretty bad. Immediately, Myles got in her Nissan Maxima with a coworker and raced home, with one thing on her mind: her son. Myles knew the weather was bad that night, but she assumed it would pass, as usual. She figured her 10-year-old son Gregory Jay Brady Jr. would be safe at her cousins house while she was at work at the Bumpers in Belzoni about an hour away. Instead, her hometown was decimated. An EF-4 tornado ripped through the Mississippi Delta on Friday night. At least 25 people died, and dozens more were injured. Gov. Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency Saturday morning. My city my city is gone, Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker told CNN Saturday morning. But we are resilient and we are going to come back strong. Driving through devastated Mississippi to get to her son That night, Myles drove down pitch black roads and through downed power lines, one hand permanently pressed down on her car horn. She couldnt fathom the devastation around her in the place she had grown up. On the way there, Myles got a call from another neighbor who had picked up her son and taken him to the Rolling Fork Motel. It was the only place that she could get to, because they had everything blocked off, Myles said. Myles arrived at the motel to see her son sprawled out on a bed, bleeding from his side. I knew that I couldnt break down, she said. I had to get my baby some help. Getting to rural hospitals in aftermath of Rolling Fork tornado The neighbor had already tried to get her son admitted at the local hospital, Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital the only hospital in the county. But it was full, and later lost power and had to transfer its patients to other hospitals. The rural hospital has been struggling to stay afloat and was, as of September, seeking a buyer. It has continued to lose money over the years, even after pooling its resources with other small hospitals to buy supplies at a discounted rate. Story continues EMTs said theyd return for Jay after taking someone already in the ambulance to Greenville, but the neighbor, a certified nurse assistant, knew the boy couldnt wait. When Myles heard her son couldnt get emergency medical help, she was dumbfounded. Malary White, chief communications officer at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said emergency responders were en route to assist survivors within minutes after the storm and ambulances were dispatched from across the state to Sharkey County. But she conceded that medical resources were stretched. Lets keep in mind we were dealing with a mass casualty situation, she said. Can they do that? Myles kept asking. Myles couldnt understand why her son couldnt get help. But one thing was clear she had to take matters into her own hands. Weve got to get to Greenville Myles and her coworker picked up Jay and loaded him into her car, before calling Jays father. They met up with him, transferred Jay to his car in the backseat because it was larger, and they sped the 41 miles toward Greenville, the closest place Myles knew Jay would be able to receive medical attention. On the way there, Jays father kept calling Myles, telling her that Jay was complaining he couldnt breathe. Myles started crying. Her coworker begged Myles to let him drive, but she refused. Were not stopping, she said. Weve got to get to Greenville. As they rolled into Greenville at 10 p.m., Myles blew past five red stop lights. Her coworker hung his head out of the window, yelling at bystanders to get out of the way. When Myles spotted the Delta Regional Medical Center, all she could think was, Thank God we made it. Twenty minutes later, Myles discovered that Jay had four fractured ribs, and one of his lungs was punctured. Someone with a punctured lung runs the risk of fatal complications like cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, shock and death if not treated quickly. Hed need to be put on oxygen and transferred to a larger hospital nurses at Delta Health told Myles that the hospital didnt have the equipment to help Jay. Saturday morning, Jay was taken by helicopter to Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis. Myles joined him at noon. That night, Myles pulled the recliner close to Jays hospital bed. She put two of her braids in his hand before he fell asleep, and told him to yank if he needed help. Then she slept for the first time in more than 24 hours. My options were limited for hospital care in rural MS Jay has since been taken off oxygen and is breathing on his own. Hes still got tubes in his side, but hes talking more and smiling, and Myles is relieved. But shes haunted by the possibilities of what might have happened if she didnt have a car. She wonders how quickly theyd be able to get help if they didnt live in rural Mississippi. My options were limited. I knew I had to do it myself, Myles said. I dont really want to think about me not being able to help my son. She still has no idea how her son was injured. All Myles can find out about her cousin, who Jay was with during the tornado, is that hes in critical condition at a hospital in Jackson. Its not clear when Jay will be discharged. Multiple times a day, he asks when they can go home. Myles hasnt told him yet that their home doesnt exist anymore. Their trailer and everything in it was destroyed. And now, after her son couldnt get the help he needed, Myles isnt so sure that she wants to return home. Things are only set to get worse: One report puts a third of Mississippis rural hospitals at risk of closure, making it even harder to access health care. I think what Im going to do is were going to move to a bigger area, where weve got support, Myles said. Where we can get help. Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers. Home and Away's Ziggy Astoni sparks a panic on UK screens next week as she disappears from her home without explanation. Ziggy and her partner Dean Thompson recently welcomed the arrival of a baby girl, but they're about to face some emotional challenges. After bringing their new daughter home, Ziggy starts to feel frustrated that her baby hasn't connected with her. Related: Home and Away's Kirby and Theo share upsetting news with Remi Ziggy also feels exhausted from lack of sleep and is upset that the baby seemingly starts crying every time she comes near her. In an emotional heart-to-heart, Ziggy tells Dean that she fears their baby hates her. Dean dismisses this and assures Ziggy that she's doing a great job. Later, Dean is alarmed to find that he's now alone with the baby at the Astoni farmhouse as Ziggy has mysteriously disappeared. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away star Kyle Shilling discusses importance of Mali and Rose story Dean rushes off to go searching and leaves Ziggy some frantic voicemails. Mali Hudson and Rose Delaney are both surprised when Dean arrives at the Surf Club and spreads the word that Ziggy is missing. They agree to help look for her. The staff at the Diner are also worried over the news, so Marilyn Chambers offers to take care of the baby while Dean focuses on the search. The mystery is resolved when Justin Morgan arrives at work at the garage and finds Ziggy asleep in the back of a car. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away's Felicity sparks new concerns in 16 spoiler pictures Justin calls Dean, who races to the garage to check on Ziggy. Ziggy opens up about how much she's struggling, explaining that she just needed time out and some sleep. Irene Roberts is sympathetic and steps in to take Ziggy for a walk. Irene offers some words of wisdom to Ziggy while they're out together, pointing out that she's being far too hard on herself. Ziggy takes Irene's advice on board and starts to get into a better headspace. As Ziggy and Dean name their baby girl Isabella "Izzy" Astoni-Thompson and look to the future, have they reached a positive turning point? Story continues Home and Away airs these scenes on Monday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 4 at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like Crime scene tape at the Waterford Glen Apartment complex off Edison Road cordons off where a shooting took place Oct. 22, 2020. MAREK MAZUREK, SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE SOUTH BEND A man from Illinois was found guilty of murder last week in connection to a shooting that left two men dead at the Waterford Glen Apartments in 2020. After a bench trial earlier this month, St. Joseph Superior Court Judge John Marnocha found Tyrik Rayford, 24, guilty on Friday of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and a firearm enhancement. He will be sentenced in late April and faces more than 100 years in prison if sentenced consecutively on all counts. Court documents say Rayford is a native of Sauk Village, Ill. Officials believe the October 2020 shooting which killed 21-year-old Malik Balderos and 20-year-old Ricky Kinds Jr. was gang-related, and court documents say the ballistic evidence shows at least eight separate weapons were fired in the murders. In addition to Rayford, three other men face criminal charges for the shooting. Retaliation According to police and court documents, the series of events leading to the murders of Balderos and Kinds began with the murder of 16-year-old Frederick Williams on Oct. 17, 2020. Documents allege Frederick was affiliated with "the West Side" and during a memorial vigil for Williams on Oct. 22, a number of people gathered with weapons where at least one person was overheard saying, "They gotta pay for this." When questioned by police, one suspect said several young men loaded into three different vehicles and went in search of East Side members, which brought them to the Waterford Glen Apartments. That night, South Bend officers received extensive reports of shots fired and a chaotic scene at the complex off of Edison Road. Kinds and Balderos, who police say were affiliated with the "East Side," were found shot, and autopsies confirmed both died of gunshot wounds. Court documents say several of the weapons used that night were also fired in other open shooting investigations, which investigators believe to be part of escalating tensions between the East Side and West Side gangs. Story continues Eventually, police identified multiple people believed to be involved in the Waterford Glen shooting, and prosecutors filed murder charges against Dijon Marcus Davis, 20; Darius Vaughn, 22; and Lance Dawson, 21, all from South Bend. Criminal proceedings against all three men are pending. Court documents in Rayford's case indicate other suspects identified him as being present at the memorial service and the subsequent shooting at the apartment complex. Rayford was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in October 2021. He went to trial at the end of February in a bench trial, meaning a judge decided the outcome of the case instead of a jury. A few weeks after the trial, Marnocha issued a guilty verdict. Email Marek Mazurek at mmazurek@sbtinfo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marek_mazurek This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Illinois man convicted of gang-related murders in South Bend Before and after images show the devastation in the town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi after a tornado on Friday night (AP/Getty/ Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies) Satellite images have captured the scale of devastation wrought by a huge tornado which ripped a 170-mile path across southern states on Friday night. Several rural towns suffered significant damage from the twister which left 25 people dead in Mississippi, one dead in Alabama, and dozens more injured. Aerial images, from space technology company Maxar, revealed that the little town of Rolling Fork, close to the Mississippi River Delta, was largely obliterated after it took a direct hit. Satellite images showing (left) Walnut street in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on December 27, 2022, and (right) the same street in the aftermath of Fridays tornado (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies) High-resolution satellite imagery captured on Sunday shows the extent of the damage when compared to previous images collected on December 27, 2022. Neatly-kept neighborhoods of modest homes dotted with greenery have been transformed into unrecognizable piles of wood, metal and rubble, the trees ripped from their roots. Vehicles were flipped over like toy cars. Residents took shelter from the tornado in bath tubs and hallways, and in one instance a restaurants walk-in refrigerator. Later, people broke into a still-standing John Deere store and converted it into a triage center for the wounded, The Associated Press reported. In the town of Amory, local resident Leah Ann Hubbard told The Independent how she climbed into her bathtub with her dogs and pulled a mattress over them. It was harrowing, all I heard was rain beating down, and it mustve been thunderous, she said. Its hard to remember because youre in fight-or-flight mode. Above all, you just feel the power. You know that there is a monster swirling over your house and over your town, and theres nothing you can do. And youre just praying for yourself and for everybody else. This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows homes along Walnut and Mulberry streets in Rolling Fork on Dec. 27, 2022 (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologie) Walnut and Mulberry streets in Rolling Fork, on Sunday, March 26 2023 after a tornado wreaked havoc in the area (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies) The tornado was given a preliminary rating of EF-4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale of intensity, marking it as a rare and powerful storm with the ability to destroy buildings and toss large objects including vehicles. More than 300 structures in Mississippi were entirely destroyed, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said on Monday with more than 1,000 impacted overall. Shelters have been opened for those who are displaced. Story continues President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi on Sunday meaning that federal funds will flow to the worst-impacted areas. But the threat isnt over yet in parts of the southeast. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Monday that there is a new risk of strong to severe storms with damaging wind gusts, hail and brief tornadoes today from southeast Alabama across central Georgia and heading into South Carolina. Isolated instances of damaging winds were also expected through early evening, NWS said. A tornado cannot be entirely discounted across parts of Georgia and southern South Carolina, the agency added. Israel's controversial judicial overhaul plan pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been delayed until the parliament's next legislative session, according to the head of the far-right Jewish Power party. "I agreed to remove the veto for the postponement of the legislation, in exchange for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment that the legislation will be brought to the Knesset for approval in the next session, if no agreements are reached during the recess," Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir said in a statement. The Jewish Power party was critical in bringing Netanyahu back to power late last year. Protesters had stormed Israel's streets overnight, as thousands voiced their opposition to a controversial justice reform bill and the prime minister's decision to fire the defense secretary who spoke out against it. Netanyahu on Sunday unceremoniously dismissed Yoav Gallant a day after Gallant called for a halt to the planned overhaul of Israel's judiciary that has fiercely divided the country. Military and business leaders have also spoken out against the plan. Netanyahu's office announced Gallant's firing in a terse statement, saying "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided, this evening, to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant." The prime minister's office did not provide further details. PHOTO: Police officers detain a protester during a demonstration after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the defense minister, in Jerusalem, March 26, 2023. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) Gallant, a former army general, is a senior member of Netanyahu's ruling Likud Party. On Saturday, he called for a pause in the controversial legislation until after next month's Independence Day holiday, citing the threat to Israel's national security. After a night of protests, including police water cannons shot at demonstrators, thousands gathered on Monday morning outside the Knesset, where Israel's parliament meets. Many more assembled in central Tel Aviv, where a massive rally had been planned. PHOTO: Passengers look at a departures flight board at Ben Gurion Airport showing cancellations of flights leaving Israel until further notice following widespread strikes in protest of the judicial overhaul on March 27, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. (Amir Levy/Getty Images) Ronen Bar, the head of Israeli's intelligence operations, arrived at Netanyahu's home in Jerusalem just after midnight on Monday as protests continued outside. Story continues Ben Gurion Airport, the country's main international airport, halted all departures on Monday, as Histadrut, the country's largest trade union, protested against the planned reforms. Arrivals will continue to land at the airport, although as many as 35,000 people were expected to have their travel disrupted. Netanyahu crossed all the "red lines" on Sunday night, Histadrut's leader, Arnon Bar-David, said in a statement posted to Facebook on Monday, according to a translation. He called for an "historic" strike to begin on Monday. PHOTO: People take part in a demonstration after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the defense minister, in Jerusalem, March 26, 2023. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) The strike action extended to hospitals, cafes and shopping centers, with many remaining closed on Monday morning. The country's stock market was set to be closed on Tuesday. Washington urged Israeli leaders to find a compromise, with National Security spokesperson Adrienne Watson saying in a statement that the White House was "deeply concerned by today's developments out of Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise." "As the president recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship," Watson said. PHOTO: Protestors attend a demonstration after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the defense minister amid his government's plan to overhauld the judicial system, in Jerusalem, March 27, 2023. (Ammar Awad/Reuters) Protests have simmered in Israel for months, since the planned changes were rolled out in December. Under Netanyahu's reforms, Knesset lawmakers would be able to override decisions made by the country's supreme court, a change that's seen by many as a move to consolidate power. The prime minister and President Joe Biden discussed the changes on a March 19 phone call. Biden at the time told Netanyahu that "democratic societies are strengthened by genuine checks and balances, and that fundamental changes should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support," the White House said. Two prominent Israeli lawmakers came out against Netanyahus judicial reforms as protests continued in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Aryeh Deri, one of the founders of the Shas political party, called on Netanyahu to pause the judicial reforms early Monday morning, according to local media reports. Miki Zohar, minister of Culture and Sports, said early Monday morning that while the reform of the judicial system is necessary and essential when the house is on fire, you dont ask who is right, according to a translation. "If the prime minister decides to stop the legislation in order to prevent the rift created in the nation, we must support his position," Zohar said. ABC News' Joe Simonetti, Edward Szekeres, Ellie Kaufman, Nasser Atta, Bruno Nota and Jordana Miller contributed to this report. Israel delays controversial judicial reform bill until next session amid protests originally appeared on abcnews.go.com John Leguizamo set his sights on Congressman George Santos for his first night guest hosting The Daily Show on Monday and, after the latest reveal about Santos, the actor wondered if he has no bottom. In case you missed it, heres the latest Santos con that surfaced: On Friday, CNN reported that the congressman struck a deal with prosecutors in Brazil, settling a charge that he defrauded a clerk out of $1,300 in 2008. Apparently, Santos defrauded the person by writing a bad check, using a checkbook he stole from an elderly man that his mother was caring for at the time. Also Read: Al Franken Says He Supports Banning TikTok: Stealing Our Data and Spying On Us Is Only A Job for American Companies (Video) On some level, Leguizamo was actually a little impressed by Santos this time. In a way, you have to respect Santos, though, Leguizamo joked. A lot of Republicans just want to end social security. But Santos has the balls to take an old mans wallet directly from his pocket! Speaking more seriously, Leguizamo shamed Santos for the con, reminding the audience of previous schemes from the congressman that have come to light. He actually stole from an elderly man that his mother was caring for. And thats on top of stealing from a homeless veterans dying dog. Is there no bottom? Leguizamo said. Is there nothing too low for this guy? George Santos sees a Make-a-Wish kid, and he sees, Oh, thats a jackpot.' You can watch the full segment from The Daily Show in the video above. Also Read: The Daily Show Taps Lewis Black, Roy Wood Jr. and Desi Lydic as Guest Hosts Kendrick Lamar, The Killers, and Odesza have been confirmed to headline Las Vegas Life Is Beautiful 2023. The Nevada festival will return to the citys downtown area this September to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Vegas own The Killers will come circle from the festivals first edition which it also headlined and top the bill on the opening day on September 22, closing out a day of performances from the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Inhaler, Slayyyter, Raye, and more. Lamar will then headline on the Saturday (September 23), following sets from The 1975, Renee Rapp, The Rose, and others. He last performed at the festival in 2015, when he also headlined. Life Is Beautiful 2023 will wrap with a headline set from Odesza on September 24, alongside appearances throughout the day by Nelly, Kim Petras, Biig Piig, and more. Tickets for the 10th anniversary of the festival will go on sale on Thursday (March 30) and 10am PT and will be available to purchase here. Payment plans for all ticket levels will be available. Life Is Beautiful was founded in 2013 and, alongside its music programming, features a range of culture and activities, including art and comedy. The Meow Wolf collective has been a part of the festival since 2017, creating custom-made art, sound, lighting and projections specific to the event. It will return again in 2023. The festival is the latest headlining duty to be added to Lamars tour itinerary for the summer. He will also top the bill at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Porto, and Madrid, Denmarks Roskilde, Rolling Loud Rotterdam, Chicagos Lollapalooza, New Yorks Governors Ball, Tennessees Bonnaroo, and Summer Sonic in Osaka, among others. The Killers, meanwhile, are set to headline Reading & Leeds in the UK in August, alongside numerous other festival commitments. Life Is Beautiful is currently the bands final live show of 2023. Story continues View the Life Is Beautiful 2023 line-up in full. For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music. uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG. Now that the Louisiana governor's race field appears set, the pressure will build among the Republicans to see if any of them can catch and then pass Republican front-running Attorney General Jeff Landry. That's what it will take to join Democrat Shawn Wilson, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' former transportation secretary, in advancing to a two-person runoff election. With Wilson having galvanized the Democratic support, veteran pollster John Couvillon said he is a virtual lock to emerge from the Oct. 14 primary election and into the runoff. Louisiana Capitol, spring 2022. Landry leads the Republicans with a devoted base and deep pockets, but Sen. Sharon Hewitt, Rep. Richard Nelson, Treasurer John Schroder and former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack all believe Landry is polarizing with a ceiling of support they can surpass. They'll have to prove it with polls and money or their shelf life will expire even before qualifying begins Aug. 8-10, LaPolitics Weekly Publisher Jeremy Alford said. More:In Louisiana, women represent less than 20 percent of seats in Legislature "Up until now the question has been who else is getting in," Alford said. "The real question and intrigue now is what Republicans will get out. You've got a lot of Republicans and if they stay at the table some of them are going to starve." Conservative Christian trial attorney Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles could be a wildcard after signaling he's willing to spend millions of his own money. "The field may be settle, but it's not peaceful," Alford said. Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: 60-second read: Explaining Louisiana governor's race field jetcityimage / Getty Images If you shop at Costco a lot, you definitely leave the store with lighter pockets after every trip. Considering the value you get, this seems normal, but you might wonder how your spending compares to other members. Costcos Best Deals? Employee Reveals 10 Standout Buys for Your Money Good Stuff: 3 Signs Youre Serious About Raising Your Credit Score The average Costco customer spends around $100 per trip, according to data from analytics firm Numerator, prepared for Insider. The average Costco shopper typically visits every two weeks or around 30 times per year. Getting even more specific, the researchers determined the average U.S. Costco customer is an Asian American woman between 35 and 44 years old. At minimum, she typically has a four-year degree and earns more than $125,000 per year. Keep reading to learn more about buying in bulk at Costco and the best membership type to maximize your money. The Value of Shopping at Costco The value of shopping at Costco is going to come from making smart purchases, said Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.com. Its important to be honest about what you have for storage space, as well as what you can consume before it goes off; otherwise, youll end up throwing money away. However, she said that doesnt necessarily mean you should focus on buying small quantities. In general, buying in bulk is a much better deal than not, because the unit price is almost always cheaper in bulk than not, she said. Given that Costco has highly rated store-brand products and often provides the opportunity to try new products you might not find elsewhere at least in those quantities its a valuable resource for most households. Jeanel Alvarado, CEO at Retailboss, said research has shown that higher income families purchase Costco memberships to save money. She agreed that buying in bulk offers incredible savings opportunities. Cost effectiveness is one of the most significant benefits of bulk buying, she said. It has been estimated that up to 40% can be saved on grocery bills when buying in bulk. Story continues Of course, buying in bulk isnt something thats financially realistic for every family. Take Our Poll: Would You Move for a Job That Paid You a $10,000 Signing Bonus? Higher-income families are particularly adept at taking advantage of this cost-saving benefit of bulk buying, she said. Because they have greater access to reliable income sources, they can spend more up front on items and realize greater cost savings down the line. She said buying in bulk can be a great way to save time and money. Higher-income families, in particular, are more likely to benefit from bulk purchases, she said. However, with the right mindset and strategies, anyone can reap the rewards of bulk buying. Different Membership Types Costco membership comes in two forms. You can choose to be a Gold Star Member for $60 per year or an Executive Member for $120 annually. Alvarado recommends the Executive Membership, especially for big families who shop at Costco often. She said one of the best perks of this elevated membership is getting 2% cash back at the end of the year, up to $1,000. That means $2 for every $100 of purchase will go back to you, she said. So if I purchase $550 per month from Costco or $6,600 per year, the cash back is going to pay for the membership fee and then some. Personally, she said she has an Executive Membership. I received a rewards coupon of $122, which basically is the cost of the annual membership so it pays for itself and more. Ramhold agreed that the Executive Membership is the best option. She used the average customers approximately 30 trips per year to the warehouse club, spending roughly $100 each time as highlighted by Insider to prove her point. Thats about a total of about $3,000 spent at Costco in a year; and, with the 2% annual earnings, that makes the $120 membership cost negligible, she said. That membership also provides discounts on Costco services, so it has an added benefit beyond just shopping at the retailer for bulk groceries and other items. Takeaways While the average person spends $100 per Costco shopping trip, its OK if thats not your reality. No matter how much you spend or how often you shop there, its important to remember these are just averages. Truthfully, all that really matters is how much you spend at Costco and the value you feel youre getting from both the warehouse club store and your membership type. If youre satisfied with your current Costco situation, keep on with exactly what youre doing. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Is the Average Amount Spent at Costco Per Visit? The Arizona Diamondbacks went 74-88 last season. Early MLB power rankings think they could fare better in the 2023 MLB season. Several sites are raving about Arizona's prospects and potential this season ahead of Thursday's MLB Opening Day, with a couple sites saying the team could be a "dark horse contender" and more than one saying that the team "could surprise a lot of people this year." What can we expect from the Diamondbacks this season? Could Arizona possibly contend for a playoff spot? Check out what some MLB writers are saying about the team's future in their MLB power rankings for 2023. Is the roof fixed at Chase Field?:What to know for 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB season Bleacher Report: Diamondbacks start season with No. 17 rank in MLB power rankings Joel Reuter writes: "The D-Backs have dark horse contender upside thanks to a talented up-and-coming core that includes Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy, Alek Thomas, Gabriel Moreno, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson. The one-two punch of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly atop the rotation is the most underrated pitching duo in baseball, while Evan Longoria could be a great veteran addition to a young locker room." Sportsnaut: Diamondbacks No. 20 in MLB power rankings to begin season Matt Johnson writes: "Were certainly higher on the Arizona Diamondbacks than the consensus MLB power rankings. While its a long shot that this team earns a Wild Card spot, this team is underrated. A lineup with Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno is better than what Arizona sent on the field in 2022. Combining the improved lineup with a solid rotation and top prospects coming, the Diamondbacks could surprise a lot of people this year." More:Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field slammed in MLB stadium rankings as among 'worst venues' Some MLB power rankings really like the potential of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 MLB season. ESPN: Diamondbacks ranked No. 20 in MLB power rankings as season approaches Alden Gonzalez writes: "They're in a tough division, of course, but Arizona's future nonetheless seems promising, with several talented young players -- Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno on the position-player side, along with Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Drey Jameson on the pitching side -- who will be ready to contribute in 2023. The D-backs acquired some veteran pieces this offseason, adding Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Kyle Lewis and Evan Longoria to a lineup that should be better. But their big question -- When can they legitimately contend? -- will be answered by the development of the aforementioned young players." Story continues Fansided: Diamondbacks begin season ranked No. 21 in MLB power rankings Tim Boyle writes: "The Arizona Diamondbacks can surprise a lot of people this year. The young players should help make them a contender soon enough. Theyre just not quite there at the present moment to rank them any higher. A timid offseason should have fans cautious about thinking theyll be able to finish higher than fourth. They definitely can. If youre looking for a dark horse playoff team in the National League, these are your guys." More:Who will win the World Series in 2023? Astros, Braves, Yankees, Dodgers lead MLB odds Clutch Points: Diamondbacks open MLB power rankings for season ranked No. 22 Josey Mistretta writes: "The Diamondbacks have the talent to compete soon. But they also play in a difficult division, as overcoming the Dodgers and Padres will be a major challenge. Arizona may be able to finish in third place ahead of San Francisco, but that is as high as they will get in the NL West. With that being said, the Diamondbacks have reason for hope moving forward." CBS Sports: Diamondbacks ranked No. 23 in MLB power rankings to start season Matt Snyder writes: "The popular NL Rookie of the Year pick is going to be Jordan Walker. And while that doesn't mean people are necessarily sleeping on D-Backs speedster Corbin Carroll, I'll remind you to not sleep on my pick, Mr. Carroll. Also, if there's a breakout team among those considered to be bottom-feeding types, I'll take the Diamondbacks." More:When is MLB Opening Day 2023? Game schedule, matchups, times, what to know for first games Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MLB power rankings 2023: Arizona Diamondbacks 'dark horse contender' Buoyancy waves often leave "ripples" in clouds like those seen over the Pacific Ocean in this image from NASAs Terra satellite captured on Oct. 4, 2020. Scientists are using rockets to search for giant hurricane-like swirls in the region near where Earth's atmosphere meets space. These vortices could be important for understanding weather patterns in the upper atmosphere that impact the entire planet, as well as "buoyancy waves" that travel all the way up to space. NASA's Vorticity Experiment (VortEx) employs four sounding rockets launched in pairs to characterize dynamics in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, layers of Earth's atmosphere that lie roughly 56 to 75 miles (90 to 120 kilometers) above the planet. The first two of these four rockets launched from Norway on Thursday night (March 23). Related: Earth's atmosphere: Facts about our planet's protective blanket One of the rocket payloads for NASA's VorTex experiment is transported to the launch rail in Andenes, Norway. In particular, the mission is hunting high-altitude winds that can buffet tall buildings, mountaintops and aircraft, and which have effects that extend well past humanity's usual reach into the upper atmosphere. These winds cause buoyancy waves, which NASA describes as giant pulses of energy that drive changes at our planet's interface with space. Buoyancy waves "could come from approaching storm fronts, or winds hitting the mountains and being sent upwards," VortEx principal investigator Gerald Lehmacher, a professor of physics at Clemson University in South Carolina, said in a statement . This phenomenon can drive a gust or disturbance that suddenly pushes denser air upward into a lower-pressure region of the atmosphere. This creates an oscillation as the atmosphere tries to return to equilibrium, generating buoyancy waves that spread outward from the disturbance, similar to ripples created when a stone is dropped into a pond. Buoyancy waves may be common, but the effect they have in the upper atmosphere particularly what happens when they meet the edge of Earth 's boundary with space is still something of a mystery. "In the broadest sense, this experiment is about learning about the fate of buoyancy waves at the edge of space," Lehmacher said. Story continues a photograph of buoyancy waves from space The scientists behind VortEx are seeking answers regarding a specific phenomenon hurricane-shaped swirls, or vortices, which are thought to be created when buoyancy waves rise through stable parts of the atmosphere, causing the air to move in giant swirls. "They could turn into whirls," Lehmacher said. "This could be happening everywhere in the atmosphere, but we simply don't have the measurements to know." These vortices can stretch for tens of miles, making them too large to be measured effectively using conventional methods. That's why VortEx is going the unconventional route, using rockets to measure winds across widely spread locations. To obtain these measurements, the VortEx mission is launching four suborbital rockets from the Andya Space Center in Norway, two at a time with a delay of a few minutes. Each pairing includes one high-flying rocket, a Black Brant 9 that can reach altitudes of around 373 miles (600 km), and one lower-altitude rocket, the Terrier-Improved Orion, which can soar to heights of around 217 miles (350 km). After a few minutes of flight, the rockets fall back to Earth, landing in the Norwegian Sea. Related stories: NASA to launch 3 sounding rockets from Northern Territory in boost for Australian space efforts These NASA rocket launches to study Earth's atmosphere are just gorgeous (photos) NASA sounding rocket lights up the sky: photos While the Black Brant 9 will help measure winds at an altitude of around 224 miles (360 km), the Terrier-Improved Orion will assist in the measurement of air density, which affects how vortices form, at a height of around 87 miles (140 km). The VortEx rockets conduct these measurements by releasing luminescent clouds into the atmosphere. To ensure the clouds are spread across a wide distance so large-scale patterns can be spotted, the four rockets will eject four sub-payloads one at a time. Each sub-payload will potentially get 25 miles (40 km) from the rocket before releasing luminescent clouds. The net result will be 16 different clouds at differing heights that spread to different distances. The VortEx team will study these clouds for swirling patterns using the Alomar Observatory in Andenes, Norway, to detect buoyancy waves happening in real time. The potential for spotting buoyancy waves will be boosted by the presence of the Scandinavian mountains, which run the length of Norway from north to south, in the testing region. The mountains are a steady source of buoyancy waves created as winds hit their slopes and move upward, VortEx team members said. The measurement of vortices by the VortEx mission could be a major step forward in the understanding of upper atmospheric weather, which can affect GPS navigation and communication signals. These vortices could also shed light on buoyancy waves that can't be modeled accurately by computers, as the behavior of vortices is much easier to predict. "Vortical structures follow certain universal rules that we could put into models to make them work at these scales," Lehmacher concluded. "Instead of tracking individual buoyancy waves, you would just describe them with a spectrum of vortices." The VortEx mission was originally supposed to launch from the Andya Space Center on March 17, but uncooperative weather pushed the liftoffs back repeatedly. The first pair of rockets got off the ground on Thursday (March 23); the second pair apparently has not yet launched. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. Rally Against Israeli Goverment's Judicial Overhaul Bills Thousands of Israeli Right Wing protesters rally in support of Israeli Goverment's judicial overhaul bills out of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem on March 27, 2023. Credit - Gili YaariNurPhoto/Getty Images Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended but not abandoned a plan to overhaul the countrys judiciary following mass protests. Netanyahu agreed to delay the proposal, which appeases far-right parties, only after his controversial national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir signed off on it. Ben-Gvir, a far-right extremist with a record of anti-Arab rhetoric, was long considered an outcast in Israeli politics but was pivotal in Netanyahus return to power last November. A coalition of far-right parties, including Ben-Gvirs Jewish Power Party, gave Netanyahu what proved to be the decisive margin. Now, Netanyahu cant back away from the proposed judicial reforms entirely without risking Ben-Gvirs critical political support. If Netanyahu loses Ben-Gvir, he loses his government and he has to pacify him, says Tomer Persico, a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and a Rubinstein Fellow at Reichman University in Israel. He is the most volatile, unpredictable and extreme element of Netanyahus coalition, so hes the loose cannon that has to be reckoned with. Netanyahu announced Monday that he had agreed with Ben-Gvir that the judicial reform, which would weaken Israels Supreme Court, would be passed by the end of the Knessets summer session. Ben-Gvir gave up very little in that negotiation, notes Shaul Magid, a professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College: Its like kicking the can down the road, Magid says. Netanyahu also agreed to create a new security force to report to Ben-Gvir, which some experts worry could be used against protesters the next time the judicial overhaul will be up for a vote in the Knesset. Its unbelievable, youre basically giving a minister, a right-wing radical minister, the right to establish his own national guard that can be used to police protests under his authority, says Magid. Story continues Tens of thousands of Israelis protested outside the parliament Monday, decrying the proposal to severely weaken Israels legal branch as antidemocratic. Flights at the main international airport were grounded, workers launched a nationwide strike and so many military reservists vowed to strike over the plan that the Defense Minister called for it to be withdrawn; Netanyahu dismissed him. Read More: Israelis Are Taking to the Streets Because Our House Is on Fire The proposed law would give parliament the ability to override the Supreme Courts decisions. This reform would have collapsed the separation of powers in Israel, Perisco says. In Israels system, the only check on the power of the legislature, which is ruled by the coalition, is the Supreme Court, notes Natan Sachs, Director of the Brookings Institution Center for Middle East Policy. The bill could pave the way for more extreme legal changes, such as outlawing Arab parties, a plan the far-right in Israel has previously proposed. Even if the Supreme Court rules such a change is illegal, a simple majority in parliament could override that decision, says Shibley Telhami, professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland. The judicial overhaul would also personally benefit Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption in three cases. That Ben-Gvir and the far-right are now calling the political shots is in part due to a rightward shift for young Israelis, Telhami says. It isnt just that these guys are outliers; its that they now have a reservoir of public support. He points to a 2016 Pew Poll in Israel that found almost half of Israeli Jews supported expelling Arabs from Israel. (Some 20 percent of Israelis are Palestinian.) Israels far-right parties have greatly benefited from having Netanyahu in power. They have never had so much power you cant imagine that they will just dump him because they would lose all influence, Telhami says. As well as national security, another right-wing extremist, Betzalel Smotrich, controls the finance ministry. For Magid, these protests have gone beyond judicial reform and democracy. Theyre also about the nature of Zionismthe belief in a Jewish stateand national identity. The protests have exposed deep fault lines between Israels secular and hardline religious population. It has been brewing under the surface of Israel for decades, Magid says. Many secular and centrist Israelis fear that settlers are stealing the country. Israels occupation of Occupied Palestinian Territories, which international human rights groups have termed as apartheid, or Israels treatment of its own Palestinian citizens, have barely featured in the protests. Telhami says its unlikely, but possible, that the protests might provide an opportunity for introspection Will that get them to empathize with the fact that the Palestinians have been under a military rule for more than a half a century with no end in sight? Will that inspire Israelis to start empathizing with them and demanding, not just freedom for themselves and democracy for themselves, but also democracy and freedom for the Palestinians? Theres no indication of that for now, he adds. Last Thursday, North Carolina regulators approved a controversial net-metering plan that will cut the future value of rooftop solar systems for Duke Energy customers. On the same day, the regulators also rejected an incentive package that had been devised to make the utilitys proposed solar reform more palatable to key solar industry players in the state. Thursdays rulings from the North Carolina Utilities Commission add yet another layer of complications to a long-running rooftop solar policy struggle thats split solar and environmental advocates in the state. In 2021, a coalition of groups including the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association and leading U.S. residential solar installer Sunrun reached an agreement with Duke to support a plan that linked the utilitys net-metering proposal with a separate set of incentives that would soften the economic blow to future rooftop-solar customers. Now that regulators have nixed that incentive package, its unclear how all the solar groups that previously supported Dukes net-metering reform will react. In a Friday statement, Will Giese, Southeast regional director for the Solar Energy Industries Association, called the decision a step forward for North Carolinas rooftop solar market that preserves the ability of residents to choose the power that works for them. Many other states in the Southeast have net-metering programs that offer significantly less certainty or value for customers who want to install solar on their rooftops. Representatives of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association declined to comment Friday on the commissions decisions, saying that the association was still reviewing them. A staff member of the Southern Environmental Law Center, which represented nonprofit groups Vote Solar and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy in negotiations for the 2021 agreement, also declined to comment on the decisions until the group had had a chance to review them. Story continues Meanwhile, another group of solar companies, environmental groups and community advocates have opposed Dukes net-metering plan from the start. Those groups, including more than a dozen North Carolinabased solar companies and more than 50 nonprofit groups, say Thursdays double whammy of decisions has only strengthened their opposition. This ruling is just rotten, Jim Warren, executive director of NC Warn, the nonprofit group leading the opposition, said in a Thursday interview, adding that the decisions give Duke Energy everything they asked for, and more. Duke spokesperson Randy Wheeless disagreed in a Friday statement, calling the commissions decision a constructive outcome to more than a year of negotiation and collaboration that creates a program that will be fair to solar and non-solar customers alike. Whats in the new net-metering plan? The net-metering plan approved on Thursday significantly changes how customers with rooftop-solar systems are paid for the energy they produce and how theyre billed for power from the utility grid. Customers who decide to add rooftop solar in the future will be hit with new minimum bills. Utility customers of Duke Energy Carolinas will have to pay a minimum monthly bill of at least $22, and customers with Duke Energy Progress a minimum of $28. For customers of both utilities, these monthly minimums will limit the bill reductions they can achieve by selling solar power back to the utility. Customers who decide to opt in to solar net metering will also be required to switch to rate plans that charge more for electricity when that power is more expensive for the utility to supply to the grid. These new time-of-use and critical peak pricing plans would replace the utilitys existing flat rates for electricity, which average 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. Instead, customers on these new plans will be charged between 5.6 and 7.7 cents per kilowatt-hour during the periods of highest solar generation, but as high as 17 to 19 cents per kilowatt-hour during mornings and evenings, when Dukes grid is facing the highest demand for electricity. Existing net-metered customers will be allowed to remain on the current rates until the start of 2027. Customers on net-metering tariffs earn retail rates for the power they export to the grid. Because the new lower rates correspond to time periods when home solar arrays tend to produce more power than customers can use, that rate plan is expected to lower the total value of net-metered solar for customers. For the typical solar customer in North Carolina, Duke estimates that the current average monthly bill savings of $80$98 will fall to $40$68 under the new plan. Duke has said that these changes are needed to reduce the cost shift that solar-equipped customers enrolled in net-metering plans impose on customers who dont have solar on their roofs. This is a critical issue for solar net-metering policy battles in multiple states. Utilities argue that paying solar-equipped customers the full retail electricity rates for the power they send back to the grid, as many state net-metering regimes do, compels utilities to increase rates on the rest of their customers to make up for the ongoing costs such as maintenance and upgrades of equipment that solar customers are no longer paying. Rooftop-solar advocates say that utilities have fudged the math on these cost shifts, ignoring some of the financial and social benefits that rooftop solar provides to the grid in order to stifle competition from a new source of electricity. Utilities across the country have undertaken similar efforts to change net-metering rules that pay customers full retail rates for the power they send back to the grid. One of the most noteworthy shifts in net-metering policy is taking place in California, the countrys leader in rooftop solar, where regulators late last year approved significant reductions in the payments for rooftop-solar exports, while adding new policies meant to expand access to solar for lower-income and disadvantaged customers. Losing efficiency incentives, adding a battery pilot program Solar groups that agreed to support Dukes net-metering plan in both North Carolina and South Carolina have said that they did so because the utilitys proposed cuts in net-metering payments for rooftop-solar customers were an acceptable alternative to the threat of even steeper cuts. But their support hinged on Dukes offer of a separate package of incentives to make this lost solar value sting a bit less. Regulators rejected that incentive package in a Thursday ruling. The package would have offered an incentive worth roughly $2,500 off the full installation cost of a typical 7-kilowatt solar system for customers using electric heating who signed up for the utilitys smart-thermostat rewards program. Eligible customers would also have received an initial $75 bill credit and an additional $25 credit per year. Commission staff concluded that this incentive package had been improperly defined by Duke Energy as an energy-efficiency plan rather than a solar-rebate plan, prompting the commission to reject it. Instead, the commission ordered Duke to offer the solar installation incentives only to a limited group of customers as part of a pilot project. That pilot will offer incentives only to customers who install batteries along with solar systems, with a total cumulative cap of 10 megawatts of installed solar capacity per year across both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress service territories. Batteries can be valuable not only for backup power during grid outages like those that struck North Carolina this winter, but also for storing solar power for later use at times of the day when its more valuable to the grid. Californias new net-metering regime also offers increased value for rooftop solar systems that are paired with batteries. Giese of the Solar Energy Industries Association called North Carolinas new solar-plus-battery incentive a smart, innovative approach, setting the bar for other states in the region to consider the benefits of these technologies for strengthening energy security in the face of extreme weather. The plan approved by North Carolina regulators on Thursday also allows solar-equipped customers to choose an alternative rate structure in place of the time-of-use rates the previous plan would have made mandatory. Giese described this alternative rate option as a welcome glide path that ensures monthly crediting for solar customers through 2026 and provides critical certainty for current customers and those considering going solar. But Warren said these changes dont alter the underlying harm of the new net-metering structure, which will jeopardize the growth and affordability of rooftop solar in North Carolina. NC Warn has vowed to legally challenge the North Carolina Utilities Commissions decision to approve Dukes net-metering plan on the grounds that it ignores a 2017 law requiring an independent cost-benefit analysis to be conducted before changes can be made to net-metering policy. The North Carolina Attorney Generals Office has echoed those concerns, questioning the legality of Dukes use of internal studies rather than publicly vetted data to claim that net-metered solar customers are increasing costs for other customers who lack solar. John Szoka, the former North Carolina state representative who led the passage of HB 589 in 2017, which set the current net-metering reform process in motion, said after the laws passage that its not up to the utility to determine whether net metering is good or bad, adding, were not putting the fox in charge of the henhouse here. For a deeper dive into the controversy surrounding the net-metering reform plan proposed by Duke Energy, see Canary Medias previous coverage. Another of Lexingtons OCharleys restaurants is officially gone. The location at 2895 Richmond Rd. is being demolished to make way for a new building. The restaurant closed in 2020 and has been empty ever since. Today there is only one open OCharleys location in Lexington at 2099 Harrodsburg Rd. Now, two new buildings will be going up for two new franchises at the old Richmond Road spot. Whats going in? According to a building permits filed with the city, one building will be Lexingtons second 7Brew coffee drive-thru, while the other will also be the second local location of a chain, but this time a restaurant Slim Chickens restaurant. The sign on the old OCharleys location at 2895 Richmond Road had been covered over since it closed in 2020 but had since torn away. The chain restaurant location is under demolition, Monday, March 27, 2023 by demo contractor May Demolition. A demo contractor with May Demolition clears a cable at the site of the former OCharleys location at 2895 Richmond Road, which is being torn down Monday, March 27, 2023. The chain restaurant closed in 2020 and had been empty since. 7Brew, the Arkansas-based coffee chain is building its first Kentucky location at 4265 Harrodsburg Rd. That location is expected to open later this year. The 2895 Richmond Road location will be of similar size, about 510 square feet. Next door to 7Brew will be a 3,211-square-foot new building for a second Lexington location of Slim Chickens at 2897 Richmond Rd., according to another building permit filed with the city. 7Brew, a drive-thru coffee kiosk chain that started in Arkansas, is coming to Kentucky and plans to build its first location in Lexington. 7 Brew Coffee is opening a new location on Richmond Road. 7 Brew coffee locations, menu According to the chain, 7 Brew opened its first kiosk in Rogers, Ark., and now has more than 45 throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The brand focuses on speed, quality products, genuine connection and kindness, according to a spokesperson. The 7 Brew menu offers a variety of iced and hot coffee beverages, from its fan-favorite Blondie to the Triple 7, which features white chocolate and Irish cream and six shots of espresso. 7Brew, an Arkansas-based coffee chain, is planning to build a drive-thru on Richmond Road where OCharleys is being torn down. 7Brew Coffee also is building a location on Harrodsburg Road. They also serve a selection of chillers, shakes, teas, smoothies, infused sparkling waters and energy drinks. And theres a kids menu too. Seasonal beverage options are also available each month, and 7 Brew fans can get these beloved drinks year-round by ordering from the secret drink menu. Besides the many excellent locally owned coffee shops, Lexington also is getting several other new drive-thru coffee chains including Dutch Bros, Scooters Coffee, and a second Human Bean is coming to Richmond Road as well. Story continues Slim Chickens Kentucky locations, menu Like 7Brew, Slim Chickens is based in Arkansas. Known for juicy chicken tenders and wings, in December, the chain announced it is opening its first Lexington location at 525 Waller Ave. across from St. Joseph Hospital, just off Broadway, later this spring. Slim Chickens, which serves fresh-made chicken tenders and wings with your choice of 17 house-made dipping sauces (including gravy), is coming to Lexington. The menu at Slim Chickens includes sandwiches and wraps as well as chicken tenders and wings. Slim Chickens is a fast-casual better chicken leader with dine-in and drive-thru service. Food is cooked to order, and the menu includes chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces, including gravy. Besides chicken, the menu includes a rotating lineup of desserts in jars, fried pies and cookies. A rotating menu of desserts in jars, as well as fried pies and cookies, round out the menu at Slim Chickens, which sells fresh-made tenders, wings, sandwiches and wraps as well as sides. Slim Chicken restaurants have tables and booths as well as communal tables. The chain is a leader in fast-casual better chicken with fresh fried tenders and wings and more. There are more than 180 Slim Chickens locations open, including five in Kentucky, and 1,000 restaurants in development. There is one in Ashland, Pikeville and Somerset and two in Bowling Green. The company announced plans earlier this year to add 29 locations throughout Kentucky in partnership with franchisee Harold Wallace and Houchens Food Group. Houchens Food Group operates more than 300 retail grocery, convenience, and neighborhood market stores across 14 states. The group is set to open four more in Kentucky in 2023. Harold Wallace has spearheaded Slim Chickens push into the Nashville market, according to the chain. Wallace and Houchens are partnering to develop more locations across Kentucky. State Rep. Dean Davis apologized Thursday afternoon to fellow lawmakers for an "unnecessary distraction" following his arrest. Dean Davis wasn't in the House chamber when his colleagues voted overwhelmingly to strip the three-term Oklahoma state representative of his committee assignments. The state House of Representatives officially censured Davis after police released video of his recent arrest on a public intoxication complaint. In the video, Davis, R-Broken Arrow, repeatedly told an Oklahoma City police officer that he couldn't be arrested because the legislature is in session. More:Oklahoma Rep. Dean Davis claimed 'legislative immunity' during his arrest. Are state officials really exempt? State law grants members of the Legislature certain privileges that ensure they can participate in the legislative session, including the right to vote on legislation and speak in debate inside the Capitol without fear of arrest. During the arrest last Thursday morning, Davis told an officer "you don't know how bad you messed up" when he was told to leave the patio of a closed bar. The censure motion will prevent Davis from participating in committee work unless he issues a public, written apology to the Oklahoma City Police Department and his fellow lawmakers. He could not be reached for comment Monday after the House vote. House Floor Leader Jon Echols said that if a legislator claims a privilege that they are above the law, "we won't put up with it." "Nobody wants to do this. But what we have to do is show the citizens of the state of Oklahoma that we are not above the law, that we are ordinary public servants, and as a matter of fact, not only are we not above it, we are subject to it more than others," Echols said. Just a few hours after he was released from jail last week, Davis spoke on the House floor to apologize for "creating this unnecessary distraction from the important work of the House." It's clear that the apology wasn't enough. Davis' arrest triggered a firestorm of controversy and questions about how House leadership would react. Just three weeks ago, the House censured another member, state Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, after it was claimed that Turner impeded an investigation by providing sanctuary to a protester at the Capitol who was accused of assaulting a state trooper. Turner has not been charged with any crime, but they received the same censure punishment as Davis. Story continues Turner voted against Davis' censure and urged their fellow lawmakers to think more about helping people than punishing them. "When we continuously provide a space that is willing to criminalize people, or put people in a social, political or physical prison and not provide the resources that they need, we do a disservice to them," Turner said. The censure vote on Davis passed 81-9. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma House member censured after public intoxication arrest DeMarco Murrays impact on the running back recruiting world cannot go unnoticed. Murray cast a wide net for 2024, and its paid massive dividends. Oklahoma has multiple options at the position this cycle. Caden Durham, Tovani Mizell, Jeremy Payne, and Xavier Robinson all have some projection that favors Oklahoma. The Sooners will not be taking four running backs, so ultimately, the spaces will be a numbers game. Added into that mix is another 2024 running back. Anthony Carrie joins the running backs tied to the crimson and cream as he listed Oklahoma in his top six via a post on his social media pages. Carrie, a 247Sports composite four-star running back out of Tampa, Florida, is a versatile runner willing to lower his pads and fight for the tough yards. Hes not overly imposing in size, but he runs with real purpose and doesnt shy away from running thru arm tackles. At 6-feet and clocking in around 185 pounds, Carrie should be able to add more mass once part of a collegiate weightlifting program. Outside of Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Ole Miss rounded out his top six. As it stands right now, its more than likely he doesnt end up a Sooner. Projections favor Oklahoma going in other directions at the position, but to be included in the top six for another four-star running back is a statement of the job that DeMarco Murrays done on the recruiting trail. Story continues More Recruiting! Oklahoma Sooners pick up a pair of Rivals FutureCasts for 4-Star Safety Jaydan Hardy 2025 linebacker Christian Thatcher predicted to land with the Oklahoma Sooners Updated look at each crystal ball issued for the Sooners in the 2024 cycle Prospect profile: 2024 three-star offensive tackle Kaedin Massey Oklahoma offers three-star offensive tackle Isaiah Autry after visit to Norman Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant. Story originally appeared on Sooners Wire Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat answers questions Monday, March 27, 2023, during Senate committee on education, finance and appropriations meet to consider amendments to House Bill 1935 at the Oklahoma Capitol. Despite Oklahoma's House speaker threatening against it, three Senate committees approved changes to two key education bills that would increase public school funding, give teacher pay raises, and offer tax credits to families of private-school and home-school children. The Senate's committees on education, finance and appropriations hosted an unusual joint meeting Monday. The trio approved amendments to House Bills 1935 and 2775 with overwhelming support. House Speaker Charles McCall, the author of the two bills, warned he would view changes to either legislation as an act of "sabotage." He said the House would not consider any education bills that come from the Senate if HB 1935 and 2775 were amended. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat wrote amendments to both bills. Treat, R-Oklahoma City, called McCall's threat "asinine" and doubted the bills would pass his chamber without any changes. More:Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall gives ultimatum to Senate on school funding, tax credit bills "I know that (McCall) put a lot of work in it, and we honor that work," Treat told reporters on Monday. "Today we improved those measures that came over." McCall, R-Atoka, is still reviewing the Senate amendments, said Daniel Seitz, a spokesperson for the speaker. He declined to comment further. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat answers questions Monday, March 27, 2023, during Senate committee on education, finance and appropriations meet to consider amendments to House Bill 1935 at the Oklahoma Capitol. What changes did the Oklahoma Senate make to the HB 1935 on private school funding? Under the Senate's version of HB 1935, families with students attending private schools could receive a $7,500 refundable tax credit per child to apply to educational expenses, $2,500 more than the House proposed. Families of home-schooling children would qualify for a $1,000 refundable tax credit for the entire household, not $2,500 per student like the original text suggested. The Senate introduced a household income limit of $250,000 to qualify for the tax credits. The House bills included no income cap. On top of the $500 million increase to public-school funding that HB 2775 proposed, the Senate added a $30 million grant program that would allow school districts to give merit-based bonuses to teachers and support staff who are high-performing and take on extra responsibilities. Story continues Bonuses couldn't exceed $5,000, and school districts could give them to no more than 10% of their teachers and support staff. Changes the Senate made to HB 2775, on teacher pay raises The Senate committees also changed the teacher pay raises within HB 2775. McCall suggested a $2,500 raise across the board, no matter how much each teacher already makes. The Senate opted for a different structure, one that mirrors Senate Bill 482 from Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. More:Oklahoma teachers could get pay raise from $541 million proposed education plan Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat answers questions Monday, March 27, 2023, during Senate committee on education, finance and appropriations meet to consider amendments to House Bill 1935 at the Oklahoma Capitol. The minimum pay scale for teachers would rise by $3,000 for educators with up to four years of experience, by $4,000 for those who worked five to nine years, by $5,000 for 10 to 14 years in the classroom and by $6,000 for 15 years or more. "We know what the market's telling us. This is a career field where we have not been able to sustain the pipeline and get new men and women into the teaching profession," Pugh said. "We've got to respond to that marketplace and make this more attractive." SB 482, which proposes the same pay-raise structure, already advanced to the House after passing a full Senate vote. Treat said he met with McCall and Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday before the committee votes. The governor had endorsed both of McCall's bills and, despite the ultimatum hanging between the House and Senate leaders, said all sides are "on the same page" in supporting public schools and educational choice. "I still think cooler heads are going to prevail," Stitt said Friday of the ongoing negotiations. Gov. Kevin Stitt, center, speaks Wednesday, May 15, 2019, during a news conference as Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, left, and Speaker of the House Charles McCall stand at his side as they announce the Fiscal Year 2020 budget deal at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. Stitt acknowledged reaching a final agreement might require lawmakers to "move some buckets (of money) around." The House's package is estimated to cost $800 million if left untouched. McCall said the tax credits alone could cost up to $300 million if all current private-school and home-school families applied. The Senate estimated the income cap will limit the cost of its tax credit plan to $98.75 million, according to a fiscal impact analysis by the chamber's staff. The total estimated price tag of the Senate's proposal is $630 million. "We wanted to make sure that whatever we do is sustainable through the long term," Treat said. Reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel covers K-12 and higher education throughout the state of Oklahoma. Have a story idea for Nuria? She can be reached at nmartinez-keel@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @NuriaMKeel. Support Nurias work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Senate amends bills on private school help, teacher pay After more than three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oklahoma finds itself near the top of the list of states with the highest death rates. CDC data updated as of March 24 shows Oklahoma ranks 14th in the nation for COVID-19 death rates per capita. There have been 15,845 deaths from COVID-19 in Oklahoma, or 400 per 100,000 people. In terms of cases, Oklahoma currently falls at 22nd in the nation with 1.29 million cases, or 32,696 cases per 100,000 people. The nation has seen an average of 31,313 cases per 100,000 people, and 338 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the CDC. The state with the highest death rate, excluding New York and New York City which report COVID-19 data separately, is Arizona with 455 deaths per 100,000. COVID-19 in Oklahoma tracker: Weekly updates on new cases, deaths, vaccines What the experts are saying about Oklahoma's COVID-19 death rate Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, right, and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat attend a sunrise remembrance service for those who were lost during COVID-19. Dr. Dale Bratzler, the University of Oklahoma's chief COVID officer, said Oklahoma's high death rate is the result of vaccination rates and the prevalence of risk factors for severe COVID-19. Some physicians and field experts predicted early on that Oklahoma would have a harder time with the virus than other states, according to an April 2020 article from Oklahoma Watch. "There was a study that the CDC put out fairly early that color-coded counties for underlying risk factors for deaths from COVID," Bratzler said. "Oklahoma had lots of color." How does Oklahoma compare to the nation? Check out the COVID Data Tracker David Chansolme, infectious disease physician at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center, said how Oklahoma fared has nothing to do with Oklahoma's quality of medical care. "We have fine hospitals, we have fine physicians, we have outstanding nurses," Chansolme said. Oklahoma was dealing with a "handicap" from the beginning, Chansolme said the state's residents' "baseline health." Oklahomans are notoriously unhealthy. How did that affect COVID-19 deaths? A nurse cares for a patient in 2021 in the COVID ICU at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma State Department of Health said in a statement that the state's poor health ranking contributed to some COVID-19 deaths, and is also a reason heart disease and cancer are leading causes of death in Oklahoma. Story continues Someone with diabetes is almost three times more likely to have a severe case of COVID-19, and about two times more likely to die from the infection, Chansolme said. The odds are about the same for a person with obesity who gets infected with COVID-19. Oklahomans have diabetes and obesity "in spades," Chansolme said. While not the only factor, Chansolme said he believes poorer overall health "drove the death rates in Oklahoma." According to the U.S. News and World Report Best States in 2021, 20% of Oklahomans between 19 and 64 do not have health insurance, and 36% of Oklahomans have obesity. A study by Forbes, which used data for 21 metrics from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listed Oklahoma as the eighth least healthiest state. The six least healthiest states, according to Forbes' study, are also in the top 10 states with the highest COVID-19 death rates West Virginia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. "It begins and ends with population health," Chansolme said. "We are an unhealthy state ... it makes sense that we were going to have more patients with severe COVID." After 3 years of COVID-19, how has Oklahoma fared? A look at the numbers How has Oklahoma's vaccination rate affected COVID-19 deaths? Long-term care facility resident Frances Watland receives the first COVID-19 vaccination for Oklahoma nursing home residents and staff on Dec. 22, 2020. Changing Oklahoma's unhealthiness is not a quick fix, but getting more Oklahomans vaccinated would have "stacked the deck in our favor," Chansolme said. Bratzler said vaccination is still the best way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Oklahoma was ahead of most states in its vaccine rollout, but soon fell behind. Today, only about two-thirds of Oklahomans are vaccinated, which Bratzler credits to misinformation and as a driving factor in Oklahoma's death rates along with poor health. "Studies show that in the elderly, even, somebody that is unvaccinated is about 14 times more likely to die than a similarly aged, vaccinated person," Bratzler said. "So vaccines are still our most important intervention to reduce the complications in the disease." Long COVID has some weird symptoms. Face blindness may be one them. Was poor testing a factor in the disparity between Oklahoma's COVID-19 cases and death rates? There's a disparity between Oklahoma's rate of COVID-19 cases, which was about average at 23rd in the nation, and the rate that Oklahomans died of the virus, 14th in the nation. Bratzler said he didn't believe this disparity could be blamed on a poor testing program in Oklahoma. "The reality is, we had pretty robust testing pretty quickly across the state," he said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why Oklahoma has one of highest COVID-19 death rates in America Pekic / iStock.com Gen Z isnt a tough generation to crack in terms of what they hold in high regard. Theyre thrifty, tech-savvy and want a quality customer experience values that are not only reflected in their loyalty to brands, but in their loyalty to and expectations of banks. They want low fees, good rates and constant access to customer service, along with clear, actionable sign-up bonuses. Advice: What To Know If You Deposit More Than $10K Into Your Checking Account Find Out: How To Guard Your Wealth From a Potential Banking Crisis With Gold Are these things so much to ask for? A new GOBankingRates survey indicates that they may not be and financial experts agree with Gen Z. Gen Z Wants Low Fees A GOBankingRates survey, which polled 1,000 U.S adults about their banking preferences, found that 31% of Gen Z respondents look for low fees in a bank. One of the main reasons that low fees are so important to Gen Z is that they are often on a tight budget and cannot afford to pay high fees for basic banking services, said Joseph Carpenito, financial advisor at Materetsky Financial Group. This is particularly true for those who are just starting out in their careers and are still trying to establish their financial footing. By choosing a bank with low fees, Gen Z can ensure that they are not paying more than necessary for services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards and loans. Take Our Poll: How Big of a Sign-Up Bonus Would It Take for You To Change Banks? Gen Z Wants Good Rates The new GOBankingRates survey also found that 20% of Gen Z respondents prioritize good rates in their banking institutions. Good rates are also a top priority for Gen Z because they want to get the most value out of their money, Carpenito said. This includes earning high interest on their savings and getting competitive rates on loans and credit cards. By choosing a bank with good rates, Gen Z can maximize their financial returns and get the most out of their money. Story continues Gen Z Wants 24/7 Customer Service and Sign-Up Bonuses GOBankingRates survey found that 12.5% of Gen Z respondents want 24/7 customer service and sign-up bonuses from their banks. In addition to low fees and good rates, Gen Z also values 24/7 customer service when choosing a new financial institution, Carpenito said. This is because they want to be able to get help whenever they need it, whether its through online chat, phone support or in-person visits to a branch. This is especially important for those who are new to banking and may have questions or need guidance on how to manage their finances. Savings Advice: Heres How Much Americans Have in Their Savings Accounts in 2023 These Are Reasonable Things To Want in a Bank Low fees and good rates make sense for any generation, and 24/7 customer service is likely table stakes and expected with Gen Z as most of these individuals have no experience before living digitally via the Internet and mobile devices, said Matt DiGangi, a financial executive with MassMutual. They educate themselves online. They read and watch videos online. They live their lives online. This is one reason why digital transformation is, or should be, on steroids in many companies today. It would be interesting to understand, however, what financial transactions Gen Z would expect or be willing to do in person. Other qualities that Gen Z should look for in a bank, according to Julian B. Morris, CFP, ChFC, AAMS, CRPC, CFS, BFA, founder and CEO of Concierge Wealth Management, are high-yield savings accounts, which are currently around 3.3%. If a Bank Doesnt Offer These Services, a Switch Is Warranted GOBankingRates survey found that 17% of Gen Z respondents are not satisfied with their banks, and that a third are considering changing banks, with 17% wanting better products and services and 12% seeking online access. Im surprised that 12% of people are still seeking online access, said John Halkins, a senior investment advisor at Retirement Expert. What banks are not offering their services online in this day and age? Whats more surprising to me as well is that most banks assume that simply replicating their current process online makes them digital which is so far from the truth. Banks which fail to transform themselves digitally will meet the same fate as Nokia or Blackberry did in the smartphone market. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Banking 2023: 3 Bank Features That Are a Must for Gen Z Nashville shooting A pediatric surgeon, who goes by Britney Grayson, claimed that she spoke at Chapel and visited kids at The Covenant School, a Christian elementary for preschool through sixth grade in Nashville, Tennessee, 20 minutes before three students and three adults were fatally shot earlier today (March 27). Just [four] hours ago we arrived [at] the Covenant School in Nashville. Our dear friends invited us to speak at Chapel and stay and visit their girls classrooms, pictured below. The kids were great. We taught them about life in Kenya and what it means to be a missionary, Grayson wrote in a Twitter post. We drove away at 10:12 a.m. and less than 20 minutes later, at least [three] children were shot right there on the campus. There are no words for this feeling. I think the normal feeling is supposed to be relief that we were already gone and our lives are safe. She continued, But to do what I do makes me literally one of the most qualified people on the planet to help in that situation. Why had we driven away just minutes before? Could I have helped those children if we were still there? I feel guilty for being safe. But furthermore, WHY ARE OUR CHILDREN BEING MASSACRED IN THEIR SCHOOLS?! I have no idea when this country will have had enough and Im utterly, completely, totally shocked that, as a nation, we arent there yet, Grayson added in follow-up tweets. I have personally operated on a school shooting victim. I have told too many parents and family members that their loved ones are dead as a result of gun violence. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. According to Metropolitan Nashville Police, the suspect, who was killed by police, was identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale. She was transgender and a former student of the school where the shooting occurred. See related posts below: We drove away at 10:12am and less than 20 minutes later, at least 3 children were shot right there on the campus. There are no words for this feeling. I think the normal feeling is supposed to be relief- relief that we were already gone and our lives are safe. (2/) Britney Grayson, MD, PhD (@britneygrayson) March 27, 2023 But furthermore, WHY ARE OUR CHILDREN BEING MASSACRED IN THEIR SCHOOLS?! I have no idea when this country will have had enough and I'm utterly, completely, totally shocked that, as a nation, we aren't there yet. Britney Grayson, MD, PhD (@britneygrayson) March 27, 2023 Please join me in praying for healing for these children. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and surgeons caring for them right now. Pray for all the little hearts that weren't physically wounded but who will never be the same. Pray. Pray. PRAY. Britney Grayson, MD, PhD (@britneygrayson) March 27, 2023 Trending Stories Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Democrat Nikki Fried filed an ethics complaint on DeSantis accusing him of "accepting prohibited gifts." The complaint accused DeSantis of going on a $235,000 donor-funded retreat at the Four Seasons Palm Beach. On March 14, Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., filed a similar ethics complaint against DeSantis. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been hit with another ethics complaint this time, from Nikki Fried, the Democratic Party chair in Florida. Fried tweeted a copy of her complaint on Monday. In her tweet, she accused DeSantis of improperly using funds from donors and "accepting prohibited gifts" from the DeSantis-linked political action committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis. In her complaint to the Florida ethics commission, Fried, the state's former commissioner of agriculture, outlined what she believes to be an inappropriate use of funds from the DeSantis-linked PAC.This included, per Fried's complaint, more than $235,000 spent on a three-day retreat to the Four Seasons Palm Beach in February. More than 150 people including DeSantis supporters and donors were invited to Florida in February for a weekend retreat, per Politico. The guest list included Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton. The event was meant to celebrate the launch of DeSantis' book, "The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint," Politico reported. According to campaign finance records seen by Insider, the $235,244.52 paid to the Four Season Palm Beach on February 21, 2023, was logged as an event expense. Fried also cited other expenses from the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC as evidence of spending that was "not primarily related to contributions, expenditures, or other political activities" allowed under state law. This included a bill from the Four Seasons Miami, and a receipt for a meal at a Miami steakhouse called the Dirty French, per Fried. Insider saw campaign finance records from the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC that logged a $142,388.65 payment to the Four Seasons as a meeting expense. The finance records also designated a $11,805.90 bill from the Dirty French steakhouse as a food and beverage expense. Story continues "Florida law prohibits Ron DeSantis or a member of his immediate family from soliciting or knowingly accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift from a political committee," Fried wrote in her complaint. On March 14, Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC linked to former President Donald Trump, filed a similar ethics complaint against DeSantis. MAGA Inc.'s complaint accused DeSantis of soliciting and receiving "millions of dollars worth of illegal gifts in violation of Florida State ethics laws and the Florida Constitution," per a copy of the document obtained by NBC News. A DeSantis spokesperson denied both MAGA Inc. and Fried's allegations in a tweet on Monday. "Just like the one from two weeks ago, we'll just add this to the list of frivolous & politically motivated attacks," DeSantis' spokeswoman Taryn Fenske tweeted, responding to Fried's complaint. "Louder for the Dems in the back: It's inappropriate to use ethics complaints for partisan purposes." DeSantis has not officially announced a 2024 presidential bid, but he will be Trump's biggest rival if he does choose to run. Fried and a spokeswoman for DeSantis did not immediately reply to Insider's requests for comment sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider The Russian Soyuz MS-22 space capsule descends under its main parachute as it lands on the steppes of Kazakhstan on March 28, 2023. A Soyuz space capsule that suffered a major coolant leak in December departed the International Space Station without a crew early Tuesday (March 28) to return to Earth for engineers to study. The leaky Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft cast off from its docking port on the Russian-built Rassvet module of the International Space Station without any astronauts aboard a rarity for Russia's Roscosmos space program at 5:57 a.m. EDT (0957 GMT). The Soyuz will land on the steppes of Kazakhstan at 7:46 a.m. EDT (1146 GMT) about 91 miles to the southeast of the city of Dzhezkazgan, but NASA did not broadcast the landing live. Roscosmos did broadcast it live on YouTube. "It's de-orbiting and descent to Earth went smoothly," Roscosmos officials announced on Telegram after landing. Images showed the spacecraft descending under its parachute and at rest on its side after landing. The Soyuz MS-22 capsule left orbit just 55 minutes after undocking, much sooner than the typical 2.5 hours, since it is uncrewed, NASA spokesperson Rob Navias said. The spacecraft also fired a longer departure burn than normal to leave the International Space Station, he added. Related: Russia releases photos of damage to leaky Soyuz spacecraft Image 1 of 4 The Russian Soyuz MS-22 space capsule descends under its main parachute as it lands on the steppes of Kazakhstan on March 28, 2023. Image 2 of 4 The Russian Soyuz MS-22 space capsule lands on the steppes of Kazakhstan on March 28, 2023. Image 3 of 4 The Russian Soyuz MS-22 space capsule at rest on its side after landing on the steppes of Kazakhstan on March 28, 2023. Image 4 of 4 The Russian Soyuz MS-22 space capsule descends under its main parachute as it lands on the steppes of Kazakhstan on March 28, 2023. Roscosmos launched the MS-22 Soyuz spacecraft in September 2022 to ferry Russian cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitri Petelin and NASA astronaut Frank Rubio to the International Space Station on a six-month mission. But in December, just halfway through the flight, the Soyuz capsule sprung an uncontrollable leak on Dec. 14 that vented its precious coolant into space. Roscosmos engineers have blamed the leak on a micrometeoroid impact, even as they study a similar leak in early February on a different uncrewed Progress cargo ship. Without coolant, engineers were concerned that temperatures inside the Soyuz MS-22 capsule could reach a sweltering 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) during its return to Earth, too high for a human crew to make the trip comfortably, NASA officials said. A subsequent temperature check by cosmonauts wearing spacesuits inside the stricken Soyuz found that the temperatures would indeed rise due to the lack of coolant, but "not to unsafe levels," Navias said. Story continues Still, the leak left Rubio and his Russian crewmates without a ride home or a lifeboat at the station for emergencies. That ended on Feb. 23, when Roscosmos launched an empty Soyuz MS-23 crew capsule to the station for the three astronauts. They will now return to Earth later this year, possibly as late as September after spending a full year in space. Image 1 of 2 A Russian Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft is seen after undocking from the International Space Station with a bright blue Earth in the background on March 28, 2023. The Soyuz suffered a coolant leak in December 2022 and returned to Earth without a crew. Image 2 of 2 A Russian Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft is seen after undocking from the International Space Station with a bright blue Earth in the background on March 28, 2023. The Soyuz suffered a coolant leak in December 2022 and returned to Earth without a crew. The Soyuz MS-22, meanwhile, will return to Earth filled with science experiments that can withstand its high internal temperatures, Roscosmos has said via a Telegram post. It is also carrying old navigation modules, Russian Orlan spacesuit sleeves, TV cameras and other gear, the agency has said. An image shared on Telegram by Russian space agency Roscosmos showing the location of a coolant leak and reported meteoroid strike. RELATED STORIES: Meteoroid strike may have caused Soyuz spacecraft leak, Russian state news reports Russia's replacement Soyuz spacecraft arrives at space station SpaceX Dragon capsule to be 5-person 'lifeboat' in event of ISS emergency "About 218 kilograms of cargoes, including the results of scientific experiments and ISS equipment for analysis or reuse are expected to be returned to Earth on the Soyuz MS-22," Roscosmos officials said according to a TASS news report . A recovery team will retrieve the Soyuz capsule after landing so it can be studied to better understand how its coolant leak occurred, as well as what a landing without coolant is like to aid in future missions, Roscosmos officials have said. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Instagram. HGTV If you're a passionate fixer-upper (or a passionate wannabe fixer-upper ), we have some exciting news for you! Erin and Ben Napier are returning to HGTV yet again with the second season of their reality series, Home Town Takeover! The Southern couple is known for remodeling somewhat worn-down homes into people's dream homes in their series, Home Town. But Home Town Takeoverwhich saw its first season air in May of 2021puts a spin to that mission by remodeling an entire hometown. Home Town Takeover's first season focused on a small town: Wetumpka, Alabama. Erin and Ben famously remodeled the town for what might have been their biggest project ever. And, there were certainly lots of tears (of joy). "Watch the finale of Home Town Takeover and see me cry on TV for the second time ever," Erin said on Instagram in 2021, as the first season wrapped up. "I still miss our friends there and hope so much we helped plant some good seeds and left it better than we found it." This time, however, the couple is changing things up and heading out of the South for their second season. Their next stop? Fort Morgan, Colorado! But the location is just one surprise. The fact that there's even a second season at all is somewhat shocking! Erin was very vocal about how rewarding the process was, but also how taxing it was for a mom of two. "I'll be honest, the takeover life is not all that simpatico with family life," Erin said in a tweet. "It was an amazing adventure for us, but likely the only one like it until (maybe) our girls are much older." But with the announcement of the new season, it seems like a solution was found: The addition of another handy-Southern couple to the Takeover team! That's right! Jenny and Dave Marrs from Fixer to Fabulous will be joining the Napiers in their venture to renovate the Colorado town. But that's not all! According to HGTV, other Food Network and HGTV all-stars will also help out. So far, the team consists of Jonathan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer), Molly Yeh (Girl Meets Farm), Ty Pennington (Rock the Block), Ben and Cristi Dozier (Building Roots), and Jasmine Roth (Help! I Wrecked My House). Story continues The six-episode season will aim to refresh a local bowling alley, spruce up the downtown business district, and update homes of local heroes. Home Town Takeover will premiere on Sunday, April 23 at 8pm ET/PT. You can also stream on the same day over at Discovery+. You Might Also Like The S.D. House of Representatives gathers on the first day of legislative session on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. The 2023 legislative session ended Monday, but legislators are already preparing and researching issues ahead of the 2024 session. The Legislature will conduct two summer studies this year focusing on long term care sustainability as well as county funding and mandated services, the Executive Board decided Monday. The summer studies allow legislators to learn about specific issues and explore solutions ahead of the next session, said Senate President Pro Tempore and Executive Board Vice Chair Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown. We can anticipate what the Legislature is going to need to deal with in the next session and see if we can help people work toward solutions, Schoenbeck said. The summer studies will feature a handful of meetings held throughout the summer to further explore the issues. Legislative Research Council staff will analyze data and conduct research to better understand the topics. The Executive Board, which includes leadership from the House and Senate, whittled the studies down from over 15 proposals to the selected two. Study proposal topics ranged from child care to nuclear power to Native American child welfare to South Dakotas surface water quality. Long term care wont be one size fits all Sustainable long term care was a hot topic ahead of the 2023 legislative session, and legislators already planned to establish a long term care summer study before the session began. Fifteen South Dakota nursing homes have closed over five years, and seven have closed in the last year, according to the South Dakota Health Care Association. That spells trouble as South Dakota faces an aging population and a surge in long term care needs as baby boomers near the end of their lives over the next two decades. While lawmakers did manage to increase funding for targeted Medicaid providers this session, such as nursing homes, to a 100% reimbursement rate for the year, that doesnt address the long term needs of the industry. Story continues The summer study will examine the states current long term care situation including demographics, funding, staffing, reimbursement rates and geography and evaluate potential solutions for affordable care. Sen. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton, and Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, will serve as chair and vice chair of the study, respectively. Rehfeldt told reporters at the Republican leadership conference on March 9 that shes looking forward to exploring different ideas to support the industry as a whole but that its not going to be a one size fits all answer. I do think theres still work to be done. I think thats something we can all recognize, Rehfeldt said. County sustainability could mean state partnerships The financial sustainability of counties was also an issue discussed during the session, though the suggested solutions regionalizing jail funding capacity, using state dollars to help with jail construction, allowing counties to charge sales taxes, providing property tax relief through reimbursement checks and more were struck down. The summer study will focus on regionalization and consolidation, how the state can partner with counties to make mandated services more affordable, and an analysis of county funding models and revenues, said House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, R-Pierre, in the executive board meeting. Sen. Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, recommended the study to the executive board earlier this session as a member of the Senate Local Government Committee. The states got to get its foot off the throat of the counties to broaden their tax base or theres not going to be any meaningful tax relief, Mehlhaff said. Rep. Roger Chase, R-Huron and former Beadle County commissioner, and Sen. Randy Deibert, R-Spearfish, who is on the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners Executive Board, will serve as the studys chair and vice chair, respectively. Why didnt child care make the cut? Schoenbeck met with several community and business leaders across South Dakota earlier this year with Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree, R-Madison. In a majority of those meetings, the number one issue leaders discussed was day care. I would say half of the time there was spent discussing day care, Schoenbeck said. The issue has been widely covered by state and national media, and it gained attention during Gov. Kristi Noems reelection campaign. But very little legislation was introduced during the session on the topic. Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, said he will head up an informal task force on child care. Hell gather a small group of legislators with stakeholders such as economic development professionals and child care industry workers to discuss the issue. Sen. Reynold Nesiba, D-Sioux Falls, suggested during the board meeting that the state should supplement child care with government funds. But House Speaker and Executive Board Chair Hugh Bartels, R-Watertown, is hopeful the informal group will help break the issue down into manageable pieces for the Legislature to tackle later on. Theres no consensus in the day care industry on how to solve it other than more money, Bartels said. Its hard to do a summer study like that because its such a broad deal to narrow down. The task force will not be as structured, resourced or publicized as the summer studies and recommendations from the task force will not carry as much weight as recommendations made by a summer study. But Reed is hopeful the group will be effective. Reed emphasized that the study will not focus on subsidizing or expanding public education to pre-kindergarten. Everybody that Ive talked to knows that we have to take a look at child care, Reed said. Were talking about child care just to make sure there are opportunities for working parents. The Executive Boards next meeting will be held on April 20 to appoint legislative members to interim study committees. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: SD Legislature will tackle county funding and long term care in summer studies What changes will Scotland manager Steve Clarke make for Spain? (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire) Scotland take on Spain in the second of their 2024 Euro qualifying double-header at Hampden Park on Tuesday night. The Scots began their campaign with an encouraging 3-0 win over bottom seeds Cyprus on Saturday. Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points ahead of the visit of La Roja. An unusually good start to a qualifying campaign The victory over Cyprus was the first opening day win in a Euro qualifying campaign since a 6-0 victory over the Faroe Islands at Celtic Park in 2006. In previous Euro campaigns it has felt like Scotland almost immediately had to play catch-up but three points is a solid if expected start to Group A fixtures. Top seeds Spain, who beat Norway 3-0 at home on Saturday night, will of course be tougher opponents but manager Steve Clarke knows a positive result will offer even more encouragement going into Junes double-header against Norway and Georgia. Scott McTominay to start? The Manchester United midfielder came off the bench on Saturday to secure the points for Clarkes side. John McGinns first-half strike separated the two sides but it was getting a little nervy until McTominay showed his finishing prowess with two strikes from inside the box in the final minutes. Clarke started with a 3-4-3 formation with attacking midfielders Stuart Armstrong and McGinn supporting Che Adams. Callum McGregor is a fixture in the holding midfield area so if there is any change to the more defensive-minded playmakers then it likely that Ryan Jack will make way for McTominay. Che Adams to be replaced by Lyndon Dykes? The Southampton attacker dropped out of the squad with a calf knock picked up against Cyprus and Clarke admitted the loss was a blow. Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland was drafted in as a replacement on Sunday but will almost certainly start on the bench. Clarke also has Ryan Christie and Jacob Brown in his squad but Dykes, recently recovered from a debilitating bout of pneumonia, took over from Adams on Saturday and is likely to start against Spain. Story continues The QPR striker has scored eight times in 27 international games including winners against the likes of Slovakia, Moldova and Austria but a goal against the Spanish would endear him further to the Tartan Army. Does Clarke play three at the back again? Defence will be key to a positive result against Spain. Clarke played three centre-backs against Cyprus Ryan Porteous, Grant Hanley and Kieran Tierney which allowed him to use the Arsenal defender along with captain Andrew Robertson. The former Kilmarnock, Reading and West Brom manager may well be pondering a return to a back four against Spain but would that include Tierney as one of the two centre-backs? Moreover, will Clarke be tempted to replace the youngest member of the squad, 20-year-old Aaron Hickey, who had a fine game at right-back against Cyprus, with Nathan Patterson who was his replacement after 79 minutes on Saturday? After spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Irv Smith Jr. will have a new home for the 2023 season. Smith had multiple suitors in free agency, but ultimately, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal. Smith was a second-round pick for the Vikings in 2019, but given the weapons around him like Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, Smith never had a primary role in the offense. The Vikings then traded for T.J. Hockensen mid-season and Smiths role in the offense quickly dwindled which caused the sides to go their separate ways. Smith now teams up with Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase who were on the opposing sideline of the 2019 AlabamaLSU game that is widely considered one of the best games ever played. Tight end Irv Smith, Jr. has agreed to a 1 year deal with the Bengals, per source. @nflnetwork @gmfb @NFLonFOX Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 28, 2023 More Bama in NFL! Alabama WR Malik Benson is a name to know during during Spring Football More Bama in NFL! Tua Tagovailoa's fifth-year option was picked up early to silence media chatter Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02. Story originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire From short walkabouts to rare interviews, its safe to say that the British royal family keeps their exposure to the world at an arms-length. And though they make regular appearances all around the globe, we dont know the royals as well as wed like. In a resurfaced video of the Prince and Princess of Wales, however, fans are getting to see their sweet and playful dynamic. The TikTok, posted by user @l0velycatherine, the video shows William and Middleton during their 2022 trip to the Bahamas. A local can be seen offering William a piece of the conch hes preparing. Im okay thanks, Im okay, William said, refusing politely. More from SheKnows Middleton, on the other hand, tries it with no hesitation before giving a double thumbs-up. Im a little bit more adventurous than William is so its okay, she told the chef, poking fun at her hubby. The video then followed short clips of Middleton helping out in the kitchen and trying some more local food and drinks. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge have a conch prepared for them during a visit to Abaco on March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. (Photo by Samir Hussein Pool/WireImage) Shes so funny the way she cheekily jokes with him, wrote one user in the comments. Shes not afraid to try new things the royals dont usually. Shes so stunning, born to be queen, wrote another. Click here to read the full article. Although we love to see the William and Middleton looking proper (and sometimes even color-coordinating) during their public appearances, its quite refreshing to see this other side of them too. We love them even more now! Before you go, click here to see more photos of Prince William & Kate Middleton through the years. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. [Source] Netflix released the official trailer for A Tourists Guide to Love, a romantic comedy set in Vietnam starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Scott Ly, on Tuesday. The film follows an American travel executive named Amanda (Cook) who travels to Vietnam after an unexpected breakup. While she goes around the country with her Vietnamese tour guide Sinh (Ly), she learns how to take risks and reconsider what it means to love. Screenwriter Eirene Tran Donohue told Netflix in January that the films script is based on a real-life trip she took to Vietnam following a bad breakup Donohue, whose mothers family is from the Southeast Asian country, also told Netflix that it was important for her to tell a story about life now. One that was full of joy and love and celebration. More from NextShark: James Hong, Ronny Chieng, Jimmy O. Yang among guest stars on American Born Chinese series I wanted to change the conversation about Vietnam, to highlight it as a modern thriving country whose stories are worthy of being told, she continued. Director Steven K. Tsuchida (Community, Dear White People) shared that the cast and crew of the upcoming movie, which Netflix says is filmed entirely on location in Vietnam one of the first U.S. films ever to do so, traveled to various places around the Southeast Asian nation. Some film locations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ha Giang. More from NextShark: Netflixs New Animated Series 'Trese' Features a Star-Studded Filipino Cast Cook became a 90s teen idol after starring opposite Freddie Prinze Jr. in the 1999 romantic comedy Shes All That. She has starred in several films and TV series since then, including 2020s Love Guaranteed, her first Netflix romantic comedy. A Tourists Guide to Love premieres on Netflix on April 21. Check out its trailer below: More from NextShark: Child Actor From 'Parasite' Has the Most Wholesome Reaction to Watching Best Picture Win on TV Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Naomi Osaka is Now a Sci-Fi Manga Heroine CHICAGO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Barcodes Group announced its acquisition of Identbase GmbH, a leading distributor and reseller of people ID and access control products. Based in Meppen, Germany, Identbase has more than thirty years of expertise in physical security and ID management solutions. Barcodes Group provides end-to-end technology solutions that improve mobility, visibility, and automation for organizations across the globe. With 25+ years of experience and partnerships with leading technology manufacturers, Barcodes Group delivers exceptional product, software, and services to help businesses navigate a world in motion. Key technology platforms include enterprise mobility, automated vision and labeling, RFID, warehouse robotics, access control systems, and more. (PRNewsfoto/Barcodes Group) "We will immediately start working together with UK-based Digital ID on growth opportunities across Europe," says Marcus Brand, Managing Director and founder of Identbase. "We now have three key distribution hubs located throughout the region to meet our customers' demand in much quicker timescales. We will be able to offer customers a faster, simpler and easier ordering experience. And our trade partners will have instant access to a much wider and innovative product range." Stephen Dodd, European Commercial Director of the Digital ID Group, adds: "Identbase has an excellent reputation in the industry, an impressive team of staff, and a loyal client base. This acquisition takes our global staff numbers to 350+ across 13 cities, including locations in the UK, Germany, Austria, and Sweden." "Identbase will join with Digital ID to create the leading ID and Access Control solutions provider in the UK and EU," says Daniel Nettesheim, President & CEO of Barcodes Group. "The powerful combination of businesses, when paired with our equally scaled business in the Americas, makes up the undisputed global market leader in the industry. As part of our long-term growth plan, Barcodes will continue to invest in the growth of Identbase through expanded stock availability, sustainable products, and industry-leading technology." ABOUT BARCODES GROUP Barcodes Group provides end-to-end technology solutions that improve mobility, visibility, and automation for organizations across the globe. With 25+ years of experience and partnerships with leading technology manufacturers, Barcodes Group delivers exceptional products, software, and services to help businesses navigate a world in motion. Barcodes Group brought together the leading identification solutions retailers in North American and Europe, including ID Wholesaler, AlphaCard, and Digital ID. For more information, please visit www.digitalid.co.uk. Story continues Todd Muscato, Chief Digital Officer Barcodes Group 1-312-765-6869, tmuscato@barcodesinc.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/barcodes-group-acquires-identbase-gmbh-expanding-access-control-and-people-id-capabilities-in-the-eu-301781257.html SOURCE Barcodes Group Monterey County, Calif. A California mother and her 7-year-old son were found dead last week after the woman's 3-year-old child had reported them missing, police said. Authorities were alerted to the missing pair shortly after 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, when a 3-year-old boy told a "good Samaritan" that his mother was missing, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement. Firefighters found the boy's mother, identified as Florencia Ramirez-Urbano, a short time later near a boat launch in Moss Landing, about 20 miles north of Monterey County, authorities said. Ramirez was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. Investigators then discovered the woman had another child a 7-year-old boy who was also missing. Rescued: 22-year-old man lost at sea off Florida coast rescued by family hours later Miracles: Two men and a sailboat vanished into open ocean. 10 days later, a miracle arrived Coast Guard crews searched for the boy on Thursday and Friday before discovering his body on Saturday. Authorities haven't confirmed how Ramirez and her son ended up in the water but said the boy may have started to drown and his mother jumped in to help, SFGATE reported. "This is a tragic situation," wrote Pasculli, Monterey County spokesman, in an email Monday. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757 and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California mother, 7 year old son found dead in apparent drowning A volunteer pours a beer inside the Iowa Craft Beer Tent at Hoops and Hops in March. It's down to the final two Iowa beers vying for for top honors in the Des Moines Register's Beer Brackets. Two beers out of 64 that started this competition remain. And for 2023, that means a new brewery that never won Beer Brackets will take the crown. This round of Beer Brackets voting ended on March 26, and now two Iowa beers remain to vie for bragging rights. This marks the fifth installment of letting readers vote to discover Iowas favorite craft beer brewed in the state. We invited readers to vote for their favorites, sorted into four brackets with one brewery and their beers remaining in each. One bracket focuses on lagers and ales with Exile's Ruthie winning that. Another features IPAs, with Big Grove Easy Eddy Hazy IPA winning. A third features stouts and porters, including winner Confluence Brewing Co. Milk Man Milk Stout. The fourth is a wild card category with Peace Tree Brewing Blonde Fatale Belgian-style blonde ale representing. Then those four beers battled over the weekend. So far, 2,106 people cast 38,070 votes to trim the contestants down to two. The Beer Brackets Logo for 2023 Which Iowa craft breweries remain in Beer Brackets? Ales, pilsners and similar bracket 1. Exile Brewing Co. Ruthie, based in Des Moines. Wild card bracket 1. Peace Tree Brewing Blonde Fatale Belgian-style blonde ale, based in Knoxville, with a tap room in Des Moines. This year, around 30 breweries elected to participate in Beer Brackets, each recommending a beer or four to compete. The Iowa Brewers Guild helped us find the beers to highlight in the contest. The seeds were randomly selected based on which beer the breweries suggested in each category. More:Your guide to 20 Des Moines metro breweries, taprooms and their craft beer Similar to the NCAA hoops brackets, your favorites will battle it out with round-by-round voting through March 31, with a winner announced on April 3. Well keep you posted every step of the way until a winner is declared. This round of voting remains open until March 31. Story continues In 2019, the last time the Des Moines Register held Beer Brackets, the winner was SingleSpeed Brewing, which originally opened in 2012 in Cedar Falls. Fenders Brewing in Polk City won in 2018. Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines won in 2017. And in the first competition in 2016, West O Beer from Milford won. Can't see the bracket above? Click here 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: Which Iowa beer is the best? Vote as Exile and Peace Tree face off The post The White Lotus Season 3 to Take Place in Thailand appeared first on Consequence. Producers of The White Lotus previously teased that Season 3 would take place in Asia, and we now know a little more about the destination of the next vacation. As Variety reports, Mike Whites HBO black comedy will head to Thailand in Season 3. According to sources, White has been in Thailand scoping out specific sites to film the next season. Potential locations include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and the Golden Triangle the four local homes to the Four Seasons, where previous seasons of The White Lotus have occurred. Last year, White hinted at what Season 3 of his hit series might look like. The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex, the showrunner said. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. The White Lotus has been a powerhouse in the Limited Series category since its premiere in 2021. Its first season won five Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, and its second season captured the Golden Globe for Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film. Jennifer Coolidge also won Best Supporting Actress at both the Emmys and Golden Globes for her standout performance as Tanya McQuoid. The White Lotus Season 3 to Take Place in Thailand Carys Anderson Popular Posts Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox. WASHINGTON Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Monday she will seek a third term in the U.S. Senate, seeking to maintain her status as one of the Democratic Party's most progressive voices. In a video announcing her re-election bid, Warren said she first sought the Senate in 2012 "because I saw how the system is rigged for the rich and the powerful and against everyone else." Warren's agenda There remains "a lot more weve got to do," Warren added, outlining an agenda that includes: "Pass a wealth tax. Make child care affordable. Protect our coastal communities. And build a 21st-century transportation system across all of Massachusetts." Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questions Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as she testifies in front of the Senate Committee on Finance on President Biden's 2024 budget.. Warren and Silicon Valley Bank Warren also called for tighter banking regulations in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. In recent weeks, Warren has attacked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and other government officials for weakening regulations ahead of the Silicon Valley Bank's problems. Warren and SVB:Warren: Powell 'took a flamethrower' to bank regulations leading up to SVB collapse Why does Massachusetts matter? Warren, 73, who ran for president unsuccessfully in 2020, enters the 2024 Massachusetts Senate race as a big favorite; she won re-election to the job in 2018 with 60% of the vote. Massachusetts, heavily Democratic, is probably a must-win state if the party is to keep control of the U.S. Senate after the 2024 elections. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Elizabeth Warren will seek third term in 2024 UPDATE: On March 27, the child whose body was found was identified as Nasir Mitchell of DeKalb County, Georgia. He died from drowning after he went missing in Yellow River Park, the Gwinnett County medical examiners office told McClatchy News. The original story is below. A 4-year-old boy was found dead after taking a trip to a riverfront park with his mother, Georgia officials told news outlets. Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said the child vanished after his mom briefly looked away Saturday, March 25. He was last seen in the water, and his mother witnessed him go under the rivertop, Capt. Ryan McGiboney said in video that WAGA recorded at a press conference. First responders were called at about 5:45 p.m. to Yellow River Park in Stone Mountain, roughly 20 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The recreation area is popular with children on warmer days, McGiboney said in the video. A 911 caller reported seeing a small child was floating down the river and unable to get out, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said in a news release. Officials used drones, boats and other tools to search for the boy, though weather limited the use of some equipment, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Then on March 26, the body of a child that matched the missing boys description was found at about 10:30 a.m., firefighters wrote in a news release. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources identified the child as the one who disappeared. His body was found in about 4 feet of water and was taken to the Gwinnett County medical examiners office, WSB-TV reported. Officials are asking people to pray for the family, firefighters told WANF. The medical examiners office didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News, and the Department of Natural Resources directed questions to Gwinnett County officials on March 27. McGiboney in the news conference encouraged people to wear a life jacket when near bodies of water. 4-year-old drowns after falling into river during family fishing trip, GA police say Teens playing on frozen lake fall through ice, killing one, Georgia authorities say Qabil Ashirov On March 28, 2023, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov left for an official visit to Israel and Palestine, Azernews reports. Within the framework of the visit, on March 29-30, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov is scheduled to hold meetings with high-level representatives of both countries, as well as participate in the opening ceremony of the embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the State of Israel. SINGAPORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd (BD), a global leader in life science technologies, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, have announced an extended research partnership that will focus on deep immunophenotyping of human tissues using spectral flow cytometry panels to bring forth discoveries that can be translated into positive healthcare outcomes. Spectral flow cytometry is the latest advancement in flow cytometry that allows researchers to expand the number of detectable parameters. An expanded spectral flow panel size allows the maximisation of biologically relevant information from a limited starting material. With the greater depth of immunophenotyping comes the ability to characterise the immune status of the patient more comprehensively, either broadly to capture more cell types across different lineages, or deeply into select cell populations. In a previous partnership between the A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (A*STAR SIgN) and BD signed in 2016, a whole leukocyte panel comprising 35 markers with 26 fluorophores was generated using the sentinel approach. This partnership validated BD Biosciences' prototype reagents and expanded the scope of biological data that could be acquired via flow cytometry. This successfully led to fast tracking of other high-parameter flow cytometry panels that have been used to investigate responses to immuno-therapy, as well as the human immune response to COVID-19. With this previous partnership as a basis, the research team aims to expand the possible panel size up to 43 markers without using the sentinel approach by utilising specialised cell analyser equipment from BD. Leveraging scientific know-how from both A*STAR and BD, two spectral flow cytometry panels for deep immunophenotyping of human samples will also be designed and optimised via marker-fluorophore combinations. These panels will focus on markers of interest in immunology and cancer, and contribute to A*STAR's translational research in the fields of immuno-oncology and pediatric allergy. Story continues Through this collaboration, the research team aims to achieve the highest quality in the acquisition of single cell biological data acquired in the space of high dimensional polychromatic flow cytometry panels while also making the data analysis significantly easier with a lower barrier of entry and know-how required. These panels will serve as a foundation to build other related flow panels, reduce the development time required to create new high dimensional spectral panels, as well as improve the consistency and reproducibility of the flow cytometry data for A*STAR SIgN and the research ecosystem. Prof Lam Kong Peng, Executive Director at A*STAR SIgN, said, "Building on our earlier partnership with BD Bioscience in high dimensional flow cytometry, we are excited to dive deeper into the immune system in our cancer and allergy studies to advance health discoveries that will benefit Singapore and beyond." "This collaboration will focus on utilizing the latest advancements in spectral flow cytometry, such as the BD FACSymphonyTM A5 SE Cell Analyzer unit, to perform deep immunophenotyping of human tissues, with the goal of making discoveries that can improve healthcare outcomes. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with A*STAR SIgN and contribute to the fields of immuno-oncology and pediatric allergy", said Bob Balderas, Vice President of Biological Sciences, BD. About BD BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of healthTM by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of healthcare by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for healthcare providers. BD and its 77,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety, and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo. About A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (A*STAR SIgN) Established in 2006, the mission of A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (A*STAR SIgN) is to advance human translational immunology research, contribute scientific knowledge and make innovative discoveries in immune-based therapeutics and technologies so as to improve lives and further socio-economic growth. A*STAR SIgN is home to ~150 researchers comprising of renowned Principal Investigators, post-doctoral fellows and support staff working under the directorship of Professor Lam Kong Peng. A*STAR SIgN also contributes to nurturing and retaining research talents to help build up the research ecosystem in Singapore. A*STAR SIgN research activities are broadly categorized into three main focus areas: Immuno-Oncology, Immune Potential, Regulation & Ageing and Immuno-Pathology. Our research groups are supported by a strong in-house cluster of cutting-edge technology platforms. Through partnership with hospitals and companies, A*STAR SIgN is also committed to translate research findings into clinical and commercial applications. All in all, A*STAR SIgN is working towards contributing to an enriching and vibrant research environment in Singapore. For more information about A*STAR SIgN, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg/sign . Follow us on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg. Follow us on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter For more information, please contact: Keefe Chee Segment Marketing Lead, Life Sciences Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd Mobile: (65) 9199 3584 Email: keefe_chee@bd.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bd-and-astar-collaborate-to-advance-ultra-high-dimensional-analysis-in-flow-cytometry-for-immunology-research-301782976.html SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page What Is Aioli? Aioli vs. Mayo How to Make How to Use Storage For an easy, all-purpose sauce that only sounds fancy, look no further than the powerhouse that is aioli. The sauce, claimed by both French and Spanish cuisines, is similar to mayonnaise, but there are subtle, but surefire differences. Here, learn more about aioli sauce, including its ingredients, how it is made, and how it can best be used in recipes. Related: 5 Famed French Sauces Every Home Cook Should Know What Is Aioli Sauce? Traditionally a pungent two-ingredient sauce made with garlic and olive oil, aioli also has a two-part name: ail is French for garlic and oli is Provencal for oil. Aioli is used around the northern Mediterranean, particularly in Eastern Spain and in Southern France (mainly Provence). Like many foods from those areas, its fame has spread. In the restaurant world, particularly since around 1990, aioli has seen been in the spotlight, although frequently what is labeled aioli is misrepresented. "Sometimes the culinary terms mayo and aioli are used interchangeably," says Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. "Probably because aioli has a nice sound to it when showcased on menus." basket of olive-oil-fried potatoes with aioli Johnny Miller Aioli vs. Mayo Despite their similarities, there is a clear difference between aioli and mayonnaise: Mayo is made by emulsifying egg yolks and oilgenerally, a neutral oil. In its most traditional form, aioli is simply fresh garlic emulsified with olive oil. But the aioli we know and love includes egg yolks for extra richness, and today, this version seems to dominate, which adds to the confusion. Making Aioli at Home Traditional aioli calls for a mortal and pestle, but most home kitchens today are equipped with a tool that makes the job much easierthe food processor. "The general technique is to emulsify the oil into the egg to make it into a thick suspension," says Roszkowski. Story continues Ingredients Be thoughtful about the quality of ingredients you use for such a simple and straightforward sauce, especially as they will all be raw, says Roszkowski. Oil: "Select the freshest oil you can find, as oils tend to go rancid when exposed to heat, air, or light, and that can compromise the flavor of your aioli," Roszkowski says. We often use olive oil for aioli, but Roszkowski prefers using a neutral, refined polyunsaturated oil such as canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil, "so the texture remains constant when refrigerated and the oil flavor is not too pronounced." Eggs: Buy fresh, free-range eggs; these will provide the best quality yolks for the aioli. Garlic: Use fresh, young garlic for aioli (or whenever you're eating it raw), because older garlic will also lend a stronger flavor. "I recommend finely mincing, crushing, or making your garlic into a paste before introducing it to the mixture for uniformity in texture," says Roszkowski. (She notes that finely chopping the garlic will make the garlic flavor stronger, as it crushes the cell walls of the clove.) Mustard: Though not traditional, mustard is often added to aioli to aid in the binding process. A mustard like Dijon also provides a nice flavor. The addition of an acid like lemon juice or vinegar can also round out the flavor. How to Make Aioli To yield 3/4 cup aioli, follow this method, which includes mustard: Using the side of a chef's knife, smash one small clove of peeled garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt to form a paste. In a bowl, whisk together this garlic paste with one large egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Very slowly whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil in a steady stream until thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Avoiding Breaking the Aioli Making aioli isn't complicatedbut it can go wrong. With any emulsification, the most important step in the process is adding the oil in a slow, steady stream. Adding it too quickly will cause the sauce to "break," a common term that refers to when the oil is no longer suspended in the liquid, forming a greasy pool on the surface. Another tip to prevent the aioli from breaking? "Make sure your equipment is clean and dry; any drops of water can potentially break your suspension," says Roszkowski. Variations Once you get the technique down, try adding different flavors to your aioli; follow our Caper Aioli (the ultimate sauce for crispy baby artichokes) or Saffron Aioli recipes. The Best Ways to Enjoy Aioli You can swap in aioli anytime you'd use mayonnaiseit's just as good, if not better. Try it as a: Sandwich spread Sauce for roasted vegetables Dipping sauce for steamed artichokes Dipping sauce for French fries Served on baby potatoes Dip with crudites A base for Caesar dressing Mixed into egg salad, chicken salad, or tuna salad in place of mayo Roszkowski also suggests mixing aioli into anything that would benefit from creaminess and richness, like baba ganoush, crab cakes, salmon burgers, and so much more. Want to get even more creative? She also uses aioli as an ingredient in savory doughs or batters, such as flatbreads or crepes. How to Store Aioli Aioli is delicious and versatile, but it has a short shelf lifeso use it up! For safe storage, keep aioli in the refrigerator no longer than five days if you made it using raw egg yolks, not pasteurized ones, Roszkowski says. This article originally appeared on Backpacker Three members of Arizona's congressional delegation have reintroduced a bill that would redesignate Arizona's Chiricahua National Monument as a national park. The national monument currently protects more than 12,000 acres of land in Cochise County. First established as a monument about 100 years ago, the destination quickly became popular due to its unique rock formations, which came into existence after a volcanic eruption took place 27 million years ago. Chiricahua National Monument is a popular hiking and camping destination, featuring a variety of short trails. Visitors often travel to the monument to sample dayhikes like the Echo Canyon Loop - a 3.3-mile trail that takes hikers through formations like the Grottoes and Wallstreet before spitting them out into a forested area where they can see prickly pear, yuccas, agave, and hedgehog cactus. The monument is also part of the ancestral homeland of the Chiricahua Apache nation, and home to historic and prehistoric sites dating back more than a thousand years. Arizona's Senators Mark Kelly (D) and Kyrsten Sinema (I) are supporting the measure in the Senate, while Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) is its main backer in the house. Redesignating Chiricahua as a national park will not only heighten protections for vulnerable natural and historical resources, they say, it will also boost the local economy. In a statement about the bill, Congressman Ciscomani stated that "tourism is an important part of our regional economy. With this legislation, the Chiricahuas will finally receive the designation they deserve. It is long overdue." In a statement, Sinema concurred. "Arizona has the best national parks in the world," she said. "Adding Chiricahua National Monument as Arizona's fourth national park will boost tourism, create jobs, and fuel opportunity in Cochise County." This isn't the first attempt to name Chiricahua a national monument. Last year, the Senate easily passed a similar bill with support from both sides of the aisle. after experiencing support on both sides of the aisle. But the bill never made it through the House. If successful, Chiricahua would become the state's first new national park since 1994, when Congress redesignated Saguaro National Monument as Saguaro National Park. Unlike national monuments, which presidents can establish by proclamation, establishing national parks requires an act of Congress. National parks tend to enjoy both better funding opportunities and more prestige among visitors than monuments. In an era when national park visitation is steadily on the rise, establishing a new national park in Arizona could help alleviate some of the pressure on more popular NPS sites. If the new bill makes it through congress, Chiricahua National Monument would become Arizona's fourth national park after Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest National Parks. For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today. A woman who went missing in early March was found dead Friday at a hotel in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, according to Avondale police. The woman was identified as Lynda Johnston, 74. Police said Johnston had been diagnosed with dementia. She seemed to have died because of medical complications and it is unknown when she died, authorities said. On March 16, Avondale police released a silver alert to help locate Johnston, who was last seen on March 8 leaving her home near 106th and Roanoke avenues with her nephew. Her nephew who was identified as Dyland Johnston, 31, was also found on Friday and was speaking with Mexican authorities, police said. Police said no further details were available. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Missing Arizona woman Lynda Johnston found dead in Mexico hotel Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters When you get on a plane and the pilot has a kamikaze headband tied around his head, get off the plane. This is one of two important political lessons offered by developments in Israel and the U.S. this past weekend. The other is that just because a corrupt demagogue is willing to use mob violence to advance his agenda, that doesnt mean all public demonstrations are bad. In fact, when fundamental rights are at stake in a democracyand other institutions of society have been co-opted by craven politicianspeacefully taking to the streets is sometimes the only way to stop kamikaze politicians. This Is Israels Most Dire Week Since the Yom Kippur War Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump have made it clear they will use any available tool to protect themselves from prosecution and (even if it means bringing down their countrys democratic institutions) the rule of law and the countrys global standing. They have, for years, displayed their willingness to embrace kamikaze tactics for all to see, as both have sought to obstruct justice and attack prosecutors, judges, and laws simply because they threatened them personally. Unfortunately for both Israel and for the United States, that has not stopped their political allies from supporting them. Bibi was reelected prime minister even while he was under indictment for corruption. Trump surely anticipates trying to do the same thing. And both have made it crystal clear that they have sought high office as a means of staying out of jail. It has been a chilling spectacle for both countries. But perhaps there is a glimmer of hope. Because at least for the moment, the people of Israels active use of their rights to free expression and peaceful public assembly has forestalled Netanyahus attempt to eviscerate Israeli democracy by subverting the independence of its judiciary. Following massive demonstrations, on Monday, Netanyahu announced he would postpone until after the Israeli parliaments month-long spring recess the controversial judicial reforms that have led to thirteen straight weeks of protests in Israel. Those protests came to a head this weekend, as objections to the reforms led Netanyahu to fire his defense minister and sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis into the streets, culminating in a general strike on Monday. Story continues Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, amid demonstrations after he dismissed the defense minister as his nationalist coalition government presses on with its judicial overhaul, in Jerusalem, March 27, 2023. Ronen Zvulun/Reuters The threat Netanyahu and his coalition pose still looms (and of course, temporarily dodging this political bullet does nothing to help the millions of Palestinians who have been disenfranchised and denied their fundamental rights by Israel.) For that reason, Israelis with whom I spoke said it was likely the protests would continue. Freezing the process solves nothing, said former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas. Thats because the issue remains open and imminent. In a dangerous region of the world, by far the greatest threat Israel faces is from its current prime minister and the cluster of right-wing thugs that make up his ruling coalition. Thats why its extremely important that the pressure on Netanyahu remains intense. Heres How the U.S. Is Preparing to Handle Multiple Foreign Policy Crises At Once The Biden administration faces a pivotal challenge. Privately, administration officials have expressed disgust with some of the statements coming from Bibis more radical cabinet officials, and are deeply opposed to the proposed judicial reforms. But publicly they have moderated their criticism, offering comparatively muted formulations about the importance of maintaining democracy in Israel or seeking compromises. While the freeze may appear just such a compromise, listening to Netanyahus speechit was clear it was not. He used harsh language to condemn pro-democracy demonstrators as a minority of extremists willing to tear our country to shreds. Members of his coalition called for violent counter-demonstrations. Further, in exchange for agreeing to the pause in implementing the judicial reforms, Netanyahu reportedly made disturbing promises to some of his most extreme supporterslike offering National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir the ability to form his own national guard within his ministry. This is an extremely bad idea, given Ben-Gvirs past history which includes a conviction as a supporter of a right-wing terrorist group. Israelis protest near Israel's Supreme Court during a demonstration after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the defense minister in Jerusalem, March 27, 2023. Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters For all these reasons, the Biden administration needs to send a clear message privately to Netanyahu that any further moves to curtail democracy will lead to an immediate pause of a meaningful portion of U.S. aid to Israel. We have the leverage. We should use it. Moreover, as Israels most steadfast ally, we have an obligation to defend it. Standing in the way of tyranny from within is one way in which the U.S. can live up to its commitment to defend Israel. Absent a solid promise not to pause but to actually fully stop the judicial reform effort, the administration should also rethink the invitation Israel has to participate in the upcoming Democracy Summit. (The administration says the criteria for attending the event must remain flexible to countries with differing degrees or systems of democracy. Fair enough. But undercutting that position is the fact that invitations to democracy backsliders like Turkey and Hungary were, appropriately, withheld.) Israels Unrest Could End Up Making Its Democracy Stronger The Biden administration must recognize that whats happening in Israel could easily happen here. Our once and possibly future president continues to call for violence against prosecutors investigating him, invokes racist slurs against them and their backers, and continues to venerate the Jan. 6 insurrectionists as political martyrs. Should Trump succeed or Netanyahu do so with the apparent acceptance of the US government, Hungarys Viktor Orban, Turkeys Recep Tayyit Erdogan, Mexicos Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and Indias Narendra Modi will surmise that their moves against democracy will be more easily tolerated. Democracy cannot and must not tolerate kamikaze politicians like Netanyahu, Trump and the others. The threat is too grave and given that they have been so clear about their intentions, we have no excuses for allowing matters to deteriorate even further than they already have. 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. AMIR COHEN/ Reuters Israels judicial overhaul, which has sparked massive outcry and protests, is being put on hold, Israels national security minister announced Monday. Itamar Ben Gvir, a member of the far-right Jewish Power party, said in a statement the pause will last until the next session of the Knesset. Ben Gvir said he still plans to bring the bill to a vote in April after the legislature's Passover recess. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a speech that the overhaul is on pause, but that he will seek a compromise. We will not give up but we will try to get to find a broad agreement, Netanyahu said Monday. The prime minister urged calm in the interim, asking his supporters to continue to behave responsibility and dont get dragged into any provocations. Netanyahu has been facing mounting pressure to put a stop to his plan to reform the countrys judicial system. Israels defense minister, Yoav Gallant, was the first senior member of the ruling Likud party to speak out about the potential plans when he spoke out in recent days calling for them to be halted. In response to the challenge, however, Netanyahu fired him Sunday, sparking renewed anger and a surge of strikes over the plans. Tel Aviv, today. Estimated as the largest protest in the history of Israel pic.twitter.com/2CEGz4cl2b Danel Lushi (@DanelLushi) March 25, 2023 The bill would give Israels legislative body the power to overrule the Supreme Courts decisions by a simple majority and dramatically increase politicians power to appoint justices. Critics have called the law a move toward dictatorship, while its supporters in the government have heralded it as a much-needed reform. John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Coordinator said in a call Monday the proposal flies in the face of the whole idea of checks and balances, later adding that U.S. President Joe Biden does not expect the situation in Israel to devolve into civil war. Story continues On Monday, hundreds of thousands Israelis turned out in cities across the country, as workers from airports to universities and McDonalds franchises walked off the job. Netanyahu Ally Turns on Explosive Plan to Reshape Judiciary Hours before his coalition partner announced he was backing down, Netanyahu attempted to calm the unrest. I call on all the demonstrators in Jerusalem, on the right and the left, to behave responsibly and not to act violently. We are brotherly people, he said in a tweet. At the same time, Ben Gvir and the far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged their own followers to take to the street in support of the reform. Do not give in to violence, to anarchy, to objectors and wild strikes. We are the majoritylet's make our voice heard, Smotrich said in a video message to supporters. The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, has also called for an immediate stop to the plans. Israels Consul General in New York Asaf Zamir announced his resignation following the decision to fire the defense minister for challenging Netanyahu. Zamir called on other Israeli envoys to also protest the firing. Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister, levied a scathing critique at Netanyahu, in whose cabinet he once served. We call it regime change from top down. They are trying to make Israel a dictatorship. We are not going to accept it. This is not going to fit into our basic values and collective psyche, Barak said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. BrickUniverse convention attendees admire one of the impressive builds in the fan zone. BrickUniverse, a Lego fan convention that travels the country, will stop in Columbus in June for a weekend of amazing displays and interactive experiences as part of its Inspire Tour. The family-friendly event, slated for June 10-11, will be held in the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave. General admission tickets are $14.99 and VIP tickets are $25.99. VIP ticketholders will receive access to the event an hour early, as well as an exclusive BrickUniverse brick badge. Marching in:Big stars and big events headed to Columbus in March Children 3 and younger will be admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult. General admission hours each day of BrickUniverse will be 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. VIP admission will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days. Attractions at the BrickUniverse convention will include world landmarks built by Rocco Buttliere, an internationally recognized Lego artist with a degree in architecture. Lego enthusiasts can expect to see awe-inspiring displays like mosaics, life-size sculptures, NASA-themed creations, world landmarks and more built by some of the world's top Lego artists. Massive building zones also will be set up and brick merchants will be onsite. In addition, a BrickUniverse Columbus 2023 souvenir Lego brick can be ordered online for $8 and picked up at the ticket desk on the day of the event. "We are thrilled to bring the Inspire Tour to Columbus, Ohio," event organizer York Beights said in a press release. "We have put together an incredible event that we know Lego fans of all ages will love. We can't wait to share the magic of the Lego brick with everyone!" To purchase tickets and for more information about the Inspire Tour, visit the BrickUniverse website at brickuniverseusa.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: BrickUniverse Lego convention coming to Ohio Expo Center June 10-11 The two ham types are distinctly different in their origin, preparation, and flavor. Frederick Hardy II; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley When you imagine ham, you might conjure a sandwich piled high with cold cuts, crisp iceberg, tomato slices, and your favorite condiments, or perhaps a Rockwell-worthy Easter feast replete with a honey-glazed, spiral-cut ham atop a silver platter. There are many types of ham, from black forest to honey-baked, but all ham can generally be filed into one of three different types: city ham, country ham, or fresh ham. There are distinct differences between the three, starting with their preparation, which begets the many other contrasts, including flavor, texture, and ideal ways to enjoy them. Those delicious visionsthe deli-sliced cold cut and the whole glazed hamfall into the same ham category, known as "city ham." Country ham is generally lesser known than the various types of city ham, but here in the South, its a beloved special-occasion staple, with a salty-funky flavor that can complement the subtle sweetness of a homemade sweet potato biscuits at breakfast or marry beautifully with Cornish game hen or roasted chicken at dinner. Whether you hope to be a ham aficionado or just want to choose the ham thats best to serve at your next holiday gathering, it will behoove your culinary intelligence to learn the difference between country ham and city ham. But First: What Is Ham, Anyway? Ham refers to the meat from the upper portion of the back leg of a hog. Aside from city and country varieties, ham can also be sold fresh (look for a label of "fresh ham" at the market) and then cooked like a pork shoulder or cured at home. City and country hams are cured, cured and smoked, or cured and cooked before going to market. The curing style and length will determine whether a ham falls into the "city" or "country" category. What Is Country Ham? Country ham has origins in the American Colonial days, when hams were salt-cured and aged from 70 to 200 days, depending on the producer, in order to preserve them for consumption for months or even years, says Chef Fred Tiess, master instructor in the college of Food Innovation and Technology at Johnson and Wales Universitys Charlotte campus. Story continues Certain areas of the world are sweet spots for salt-curing hamreferred to as "the ham belt"thanks to their ideal conditions in which the weather is not so cold that the ham will freeze and not so hot that it will spoil. Like prosciutto from Parma, Italy, and serrano from the mountains of Spain, country ham from Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are among these revered cured ham types. The process of salt-curing country hams generally involves mixing salt with sodium nitrite "to reduce microbial activity, which prevents the ham from spoiling," Tiess says. "Sodium nitrate then converts to sodium nitrite in the process of curing." Country hams can also be cured with a salt-and-sugar mixture and are often smoked over hickory after curing to enhance the flavor. Each stateand often each producerhas a slightly different country ham production method, with distinctions in the ingredients used and the amount of curing time. "From my observation, the production of country ham in the ham belt is similar to the variety of wines from Italy," says Tiess. "Each family or village has a special way of creating their version." The result is a salty, funky, sometimes nutty flavor that country ham fanatics adore. "The salting and aging process intensifies the flavor, because of the evaporation that occurs during the curing process," Tiess says. Because of its robust, salty flavor profile, country ham is best enjoyed thinly sliced, atop a flaky biscuit at breakfast, on a charcuterie board at cocktail hour, or as an accoutrement for other meats, especially poultry, at dinner. Country hams time-intensive process and limited regional availability has rendered it a rather expensive delicacy thats not as widely available as the cold cuts at your local grocery chain. If youre not in one of the prime country ham producing states, fear not; you can easily order and ship cooked and uncooked country hams from venerated smokehouses and sellers like Broadbents, Col. Bill Newsomes, and Fathers Country Hams in Kentucky; Bentons, Rices Country Hams, and The Hamery, in Tennessee; Goodnight Brothers, Sugar Grove, Silverstone Ham Co., and Smithfield Marketplace in North Carolina; and Edwards, the Old Virginia Ham Shop, and Smithfield Marketplace, which sells Smithfield ham, a type that can only be processed within the corporate limits of Smithfield, in Virginia. Related:Country Ham Hash Recipe What Is City Ham? The advent of refrigeration brought forth "city ham," which is ham that is wet-cured in a saltwater brine instead of dry-cured like country ham, and then refrigerated to stay fresh. City ham can either be cured by submerging it in brine or injecting it with brine, which can quicken the process for a cure in two to three days, Tiess says. After brining, city hams are typically smoked and almost always fully cooked. Because they can be cured so quickly and kept fresh with refrigeration, they are much more common and affordable than country hams. Theyre also available in many different iterations, from bone-in or bone-out, spiral-cut, honey-glazed, sliced into deli meat, or even compressed into a round shape or tinned. The result is a moist, less intensely salty flavor than that of country ham, which makes city hams ideal for using on sandwiches or eating by the slice alongside a plate of holiday favorites. Related:How Much Ham Do You Need Per Person? Let's Recap: What Is the Difference Between Country Ham and City Ham? The difference between city and country ham comes down to how theyre cured. Country hams are cured by dry-brining for several months, while city hams are wet brined for a much shorter amount of time and kept fresh thanks to the advent of refrigeration. The difference in curing process begets the two styles contrasting textures, flavors, and ideal uses. Because of evaporation during the dry curing process, country hams are saltier and funkier, while city hams are milder and more moist. Country ham is best served sliced thin, like prosciutto or other salty, dry-cured meats, while city ham can be enjoyed in thicker cuts. Whichever ham style you select for your holiday celebration or weeknight meal, you can count on it being a hit with guests. Related:The Right Way To Heat A Pre-Cooked Ham For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. Cassie Lopez via KY Fun Mall Cocaine Bear is having an incredibly busy year, which is surprising considering nearly four decades ago he died from ingesting too much cocaine that fell from the sky. The stuffed black bear, who has been on display at the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington since 2015, recently had his tragic death dramatized in a movie directed by Elizabeth Banks and was spoofed at the Oscars. Now, with his new fame, the bear has taken to officiating a wedding, his first, on Monday afternoon. Flanked by flowers perched on makeshift Greek columns, with a large movie poster advertising Cocaine Bear on its left, the bear swapped his cowboy hat for a top hat to preside over the wedding of Armando Elizondo and Alexandra Venturino, a Pikeville couple. Kentucky law requires marriages to be presided over by a human, and the couple was later lawfully wedded by Griffin VanMeter, the co-owner of the store, the store's spokesperson, Anne Livengood, said. "Just to make sure it's actually binding," Livengood told BuzzFeed News. Cassie Lopez via KY Fun Mall Owners of the Kentucky Fun Mall claim that the bear in their shop is indeed the taxidermied body of the black bear in Georgia that overdosed on cocaine that had been flung out of a plane by a convicted drug smuggler in the '80s. Former agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who were involved in the case, however, have said the bear's decomposing corpse was found months after its estimated death. "Our bear could not have been taxidermy," retired GBI agent Fran Wiley told Vanity Fair. Still, the stuffed bear in Kentucky has claimed the legacy of Cocaine Bear. The bear's potential as a wedding officiant was first floated publicly by VanMeter in an interview with Roadside America. Since then, Livengood said multiple people have asked the store about getting married by the bear, but only Elizondo and Venturino were serious from the get-go. The store did not charge the couple money for the ceremony, but Livengood said they might institute a wedding fee down the line. Story continues "It's fun for us to do it," Livengood said. "It's just a great thing to add to Cocaine Bear's resume." More famous in death than in life, the local Kentucky-area legend became even more popular after Banks's movie hit theaters in February. In the film, Cocaine Bear is portrayed as a ferocious coke fiend who mauls humans and goes to great and violent lengths to get its fix. The real story is far less vicious. In December 1985, the bear's 175-pound body was simply found in the woods among packages of cocaine that were ripped open, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said at the time. Universal Pictures While the bear is now a popular attraction for locals and tourists in light of the movie's release, Livengood said Cocaine Bear's fame long preceded the film. "That Cocaine Bear had grown so much in popularity is why a movie came out about it not so much the other way around," she said. More on this UPDATE Mar. 28, 2023, at 15:30 PM [Source] After years of searching and swirling rumors, the 14th Dalai Lama has officially revealed the identity of the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa: an 8-year-old U.S.-born Mongolian boy who will head Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, 87, revealed the new Tibetan Buddhism leader in Mongolia during a ceremony held in Dharamshala, a city in Indias Himachal Pradesh state where the Dalai Lama is living in exile, on March 8. We have the reincarnation of Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche of Mongolia with us today. His predecessors had a close association with the Krishnacharya lineage of Chakrasamvara. One of them established a monastery in Mongolia dedicated to its practice. So, his being here today is quite auspicious. The seat for the 10th reincarnation has been vacant since the death of the boys predecessor on March 1, 2012, in Mongolia. More from NextShark: Queens duo charged with hate crimes for punching, kicking Asian mom and son in their heads The boy, pictured for the first time alongside the Dalai Lama as they performed the ceremony in India, will be recognized by his formal title as the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa Rinpoche, the third most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. Besides the title, the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa will also be tasked with the crucial role of recognizing the next Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the second-highest authority in the faith. More from NextShark: Teacher in Japan arrested for mixing bleach into school lunch Though his exact identity was not revealed over the fear of being targeted by the Chinese government, reports suggest that he is one of a pair of twin boys named Aguidai and Achiltai Altannar who were born in the United States. The twins parents are reportedly identified as Altannar Chinchuluun, a university mathematics professor, and their mother, Monkhnasan Narmandakh, a national resources conglomerate executive. Their grandmother, Garamjav Tseden, is reportedly a former member of the Mongolian Parliament. Story continues China has been trying to find a way to seat a pro-Chinese government Dalai Lama for some time now. In 2011, the Chinese Communist Party, through the foreign ministry, said the next His Holiness would only be appointed by Beijing, while the other candidate would receive no recognition. More from NextShark: New York's first Asian mayor says he was called 'dictator Kim,' his son was called a 'gook' Since the Panchen Lama holds one of the crucial roles of recognizing the next Dalai Lama, the CCP tried to install their own after the mysterious disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, a 6-year-old boy who was named the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, in May 1995. Six months after the arrest, Beijing revealed the real reincarnation of the Panchen Lama named Gyaltsen Norbu, who was born in Tibet to two Communist Party members. The Dalai Lama first revealed during a visit to Mongolias Ulan Bator in 2016 that the forthcoming head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia had been born and that the search was already in progress for the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa. More from NextShark: COVID-related stigma cost Asian restaurants in US $7.4 billion in lost revenue: study China retaliated following the Dalai Lamas visit, imposing fees on commodity imports from Mongolia and placing additional transit costs for deliveries passing through Chinas Inner Mongolia. The Dalai Lamas furtive visit to Mongolia brought a negative impact to China-Mongolia relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil. We hope that Mongolia has taken this lesson to heart. SNS Insider pvt ltd The demand for high-precision bearings is increasing in industries such as aerospace, medical, and semiconductor manufacturing, which require high-precision and high-performance bearings. Pune, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per SNS Insider, the Bearings Market was valued at USD 138.30 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand to USD 261.92 billion by 2030, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.31% during the forecast period spanning from 2023 to 2030. Market Overview Bearings are essential mechanical components used in many machines and systems to enable rotational or linear motion while reducing friction and wear. They are used in a wide range of applications, from simple everyday objects such as door hinges and skateboard wheels to complex machinery in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Bearings come in various shapes and sizes, including ball bearings, roller bearings, sleeve bearings, and linear bearings. Market Analysis The bearings market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, specialized bearings that can meet the needs of various industries. With ongoing advancements in bearing technology and increasing awareness about the benefits of using high-quality bearings, the future looks bright for this important sector. For example, the wind energy sector has seen a surge in demand for high-capacity bearings that can improve turbine performance and reliability, increase energy production, and reduce lubricant consumption. Key Company Profiles Listed in this Report Are: NSK Ltd, Schaeffler AG, JTEKT Corporation, SKF, The Timken Company, MinebeaMitsumi Inc., NTN Bearing Corporation, Danaher, RBC Bearings Incorporated, Rexnord Corporation. Get a Sample Report of Bearings Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1179 Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Bearings Industry The Russia-Ukraine conflict has had a significant impact on the bearings market, with both countries being major players in the industry. The economic sanctions, disruptions in transportation networks, and instability in the region have all contributed to a decline in the production and export of bearings, leading to a shortage of supply and increased prices. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what further impact it may have on the market and the broader machinery and equipment industry. Story continues Bearings Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2022 US$ 138.30 Billion Market Size by 2030 US$ 261.92 Billion CAGR CAGR 8.31% From 2023 to 2030 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Historical Data 2020-2021 Bearings Market: Key Segmentation By Type (Ball Bearings (Deep Groove Bearings, Others), Roller Bearings (Split, Tapered, Others), Plain Bearings (Journal Plain Bearings, Linear Plain Bearings, Thrust Plain Bearings, Others), Others) By Application (Automotive, Agriculture, Electrical, Mining & Construction, Railway & Aerospace, Automotive Aftermarket, Others Key Regional Coverage North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), The Middle East & Africa (Israel, UAE, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Key Regional Developments The Asia Pacific region to continue dominating the bearings market in the coming years, driven by strong demand from various industries and the growth of the aftermarket for industrial equipment and motor vehicle repair. With China leading the way in terms of growth, manufacturers and suppliers of bearings will need to focus on expanding their operations in the region and meeting the growing demand for their products and services. This presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers of bearings to expand their operations in the region and capitalize on the growing demand. Enquiry about this research study@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/1179 Key Takeaway from Bearings Market Study The automotive has been the dominant segment in the market, owing to the surge in global automotive production and the need for technologically advanced solutions in the industry. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the demand for high-quality bearings is expected to increase, thereby presenting growth opportunities for the market in the future. The roller bearings segment holds the largest revenue share in the market. This segment is projected to maintain its dominance and emerge as the fastest-growing segment in the near future. This is due to the various benefits offered by roller bearings over other types of bearings. Recent Developments Related to Bearings Market Hallite, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance seals and bearings, has recently launched a range of low-friction seals and bearings at IFPE (International Fluid Power Exposition) in Las Vegas. These new products are designed to offer improved efficiency and longevity in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The Timken Company, a leading manufacturer of bearings and mechanical power transmission products, has recently acquired a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to inspect large bearings. With the ability to measure complex shapes and contours, a CMM is an essential tool for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of critical components, such as large bearings. Table of Contents Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Market Dynamics 4. Impact Analysis 5. Value Chain Analysis 6. Porters 5 Forces Model 7. PEST Analysis 8. Bearings Market Segmentation, By Type 9. Bearings Market Segmentation, By Application 10. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Competitive Landscape 13. Conclusion Buy Single-User PDF of Bearings Market Report@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/1179 [For more information or need any customization about this research study mail us at info@snsinsider.com] About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. CONTACT: Contact Us: Akash Anand Head of Business Development & Strategy info@snsinsider.com Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US) Its a detailed to-do list that U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., laid out in announcing that she will run next year for a third term, and one that she believes will deliver results for the residents of the state. Pass a wealth tax. Make child care affordable. Protect our coastal communities. Build a 21st-century transportation system across all of Massachusetts, Warren wrote in a prepared release. Oh, and like Ive been saying for years put stricter rules on banks so they dont crash and hurt working people. Warren, who released a video on social media along with a written release announcing her reelection bid, became the first woman elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate when she defeated incumbent Republican Scott Brown in 2012. She won a second term by easily defeating Republican Geoff Diehl in 2018. Warren, 73, had more than $2.3 million in her campaign account at the end of 2022, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Massachusetts first female senator I first ran for Senate because I saw how the system is rigged for the rich and powerful and against everyone else, Warren said in her release. I won because Massachusetts voters know it, too. And now Im running for Senate again because theres a lot more, weve got to do. Warren, a Cambridge resident, married her second husband, Bruce H. Mann, a legal historian and Harvard Law School professor, in 1980. She most recently called for banking oversight in the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. 2020 presidential bid After much discussion of a possible presidential run in 2016, Warren was one of the first Democratic candidates to throw her hat into the ring to challenge former President Donald Trump in 2020. She bowed out of the race after Super Tuesday, leaving the field open for Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, and the eventual winner, former Vice President Joe Biden. Story continues During the campaign against Brown and again during her bid for the presidency, Warren was dogged by past claims of Native American heritage and her inability to provide documentation of that ancestry. That led then-President Donald Trump to go after her early in the presidential campaign, derisively labeling her Pocahontas." Warren had said she learned of her family ties to Cherokee and Delaware tribes from stories told by her parents. A native of Oklahoma, Warren was born in 1949 and learned the hard way what it means to be poor. She often describes her childhood as on the ragged edge of the middle class and hanging on by their fingernails. What Elizabeth Warren said last week:Powell 'took a flamethrower' to bank regulations leading up to SVB collapse After her father suffered a heart attack and was unable to continue working as a salesman, her mother took a job answering telephones with Sears, Roebuck in its catalogue sales department. The family of six Warren has three older brothers managed to stave off foreclosure thanks to her mothers entry into the labor market. Did Warren drop out of college to get married? Warren won a debate scholarship to George Washington University, but dropped out after two years in 1968 to marry James Robert Warren, whom she met in high school. She gave birth to her first child, daughter Amelia, in 1971. Warren resumed her college career at the University of Houston, where she completed her bachelors degree, earning a degree in speech pathology and audiology and teaching special education students for a year. When did Elizabeth Warren get her law degree She earned her law degree from Rutgers University Law School and graduated in 1976 with a juris doctor. She was pregnant with her second child, Alexander, at the time. Education, however, continued to be a motivating force: Warren started her law career as a lecturer at her alma mater. She continued to teach at various universities including institutions in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and eventually at Harvard University while also researching bankruptcy and middle-class personal finances through the 1990s. Through her research, Warren became an expert on bankruptcy and commercial law. She has said that through her research she concluded that the majority of bankruptcy filings were not the result of reckless spending, but rather the result of the push for homeownership. What agency did President Obama ask Warren to establish? Warren was appointed to lead the Congressional Oversight Panel, created to oversee the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, in 2008 following the credit default swap banking and housing crisis. Two years later Warren was assigned to set up a national Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by former President Barack Obama. Warren was not appointed as executive director of the agency due to opposition to her nomination from financial institutions and Republican members of Congress. However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, designed to protect people from getting tricked and scammed by big banks and corporations, has returned more than $12 billion to American consumers who had been cheated. Find confidence in yourself: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey named Women of the Year honoree Warren is a published author, writing about finances in America and has appeared in several documentaries also discussing financial questions. In 2017, Warren published her 11th book, This Fight is Our Fight: The Battle to Save Americas Middle Class. In it, she explores the challenges facing the middle class, arguing the federal government needs to do more to help working families by investing in strong social programs and education. We know it wont be easy. Weve seen the powerful forces against us and how extreme the Republicans are. But the last 10 years have taught us that when we organize, when we hold those in power accountable, when we fight righteous fights then we can make positive change, said Warren. Thats why Im running for Senate are you with us? 'Compelled to tell their stories': Massachusetts reporters are focus of 'Boston Strangler' Who speaks for Warren in her video? The video announcement includes interviews with people from across Massachusetts and elected leaders such as U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Elizabeth is my partner in the Senate and I have seen this perpetual energy machine up close. Passing a tax on greedy corporations paying zero taxes? She got it done, Markey says in the ad. Making billionaires cry on TV? Done. Its always impossible, until its done. She never loses sight of the people, adds Pressley. She never forgets that policy is about peoples lives. She won billions in funding for projects across our state, like a new electric school bus fleet, touts Wu, to help achieve a city Green New Deal. With Associated Press reports. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren announces run for reelection Eurostar and British Airways have both announced cancellations for select services. Leonhard Simon/Getty Images Travelers to Europe or the United Kingdom may experience various disruptions in their itineraries as union strikes have been taking place throughout England, France, and Germany Eurostar, which provides high-speed train travel for millions of passengers across Europe annually, states that the rail line is expecting disruption across multiple rail services on Tuesday on its website, noting that the full impact of the strike will only be known nearer the time. We will do everything we can to prevent additional cancellations. The European rail line has canceled its London to Paris route in both directions on Tuesday. Heathrow airport is also advising passengers to be prepared for interruption of services due to strikes with Unite, which represents security officers, between March 31 and April 9. The strike, which is expected to occurs during the busy Easter and spring break travel period, may limit the amount of luggage passengers can bring through the airport, the advisory shares. British Airways has canceled over two dozen flights out of the London hub during the time of the strike, The BBC reported on Monday. German airline Lufthansa also experienced disruptions due to a strike earlier this week. The newly built Berlin International Airport in Berlin, Germany also advised passengers to anticipate considerable restrictions due to work stoppages, especially on domestic German routes, according to a travel advisory from the airport. Passengers are asked to check regularly with their airline about the status of their flights and arrival and departure options. the advisory recommended to passengers. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Jimi Hendrix playing guitar in 1969 though not at Woodstock festival in this image Jimi Hendrixs performance at the Woodstock festival on August 18, 1969 has come to be regarded as one of the electric guitars defining moments. It is also, arguably, the most famous performance by any rock musician, ever. Now, thanks to the magic of YouTube, you can enjoy the sound of Hendrixs isolated guitar track on Voodoo Child (Slight Return) from that historic day. The audio is not an upload of the guitar track in total isolation (elements of vocals, drums and bass guitar still sneak in), but it is a cleverly edited and EQd filter of Hendrixs guitar playing. What is immediately striking about the audio is just how much of the spectrum Hendrix covers. He seems to restlessly bound between the highs and lows, taking it from deep crunch to wahd out treble squeals that feel on the edge of human hearing range. The rich dynamic variety of his playing is also much more apparent, as he moves from whisper to thunder and back again over the course of the song. Then theres the tone an incredibly vocal wah, the squalling distortion, the disorientating slides and string bends that hail split-second climbs to new altitudes. Hearing the Voodoo Child guitar lines in isolation, you can also trace (a little) more clearly the lines it drew to the blues music that inspired the track and its creator. British writer Charles Shaar Murray eloquently explained the songs origins in his definitive Hendrix book, Crosstown Traffic. The West African even-before-Bo-Diddley beat he percussively scratches from his guitar and wah pedal at the beginning of Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is announcing as explicitly as possible that he is a man of the blues, writes Murray. [Indeed] Voodoo Child is virtually a chronological guided tour of blues styles, starting with the earliest recorded Delta blues and traveling through the electric experiments of Muddy Waters in Chicago and John Lee Hooker in Detroit to the sophisticated swing of B.B. King and the cosmic blurt of John Coltrane, eventually arriving at a glorious free-form noise which onomatopoeically evokes the blurring and collapse of history and category. Well, er, yes. We literally couldnt have put it better ourselves. You can hear all that and more in the Woodstock recording. Though well leave you with the galling fact that his performance on that particular night is not even regarded by the experts to be among his best Regardless, if you enjoy the above, check out the isolated track from the Voodoo Child studio outtakes. And if this has left you inspired to pick up the guitar, heres a quick lesson on Hendrixs fiery pentatonic phrasing... Photo: Shutterstock (Shutterstock) What is it with Georgia Republicans and voting rights? That question, of course, is rhetoricalsince screwing with voting is a way to maintain control in a state whose demographics are shifting out of their favor, but theyve already changed voting laws so many times that youd think theyd done enough damage. Read more After caping for Donald Trumps Big Lie in 2020, Georgia Republican legislators passed election reform bills in 2021 and 2022 that created new barriers for voters, such as limiting ballot box locations and banning volunteers from handing refreshments to voters waiting in long lines. Additionally, this included new responsibilities for Georgias 159 county election boards, which must comply with the legislature even as they receive no funding from the state to help them. On Monday, the GOP-controlled Georgia House of Representatives poured gas on the fire they started, passing a new measure whichif it becomes lawwould ban county election boards from receiving grant funding from outside the state. GOP lawmakers nicknamed the measure the Zuckerbucks bill, a reference to billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, a donor to a charitable fund that gives grants to local election boards in Georgia and elsewhere. They argue that the money is designed to unfairly influence elections (the irony) and needs to be limited. But some local officials who run elections in their counties have a different take. They say the bill intentionally makes it difficult to comply with all of the states new election rules. The grants theyve applied for have nothing to do with Zuckerberg and instead are only to fund their efforts to comply with election mandates put in place by the same legislators who refuse to fund them. Two election board chairs from counties in the Atlanta area told The Root they believe the bill is just a secondhand attack on Black voters. They have one of the largest, most Democratic and most African-American counties getting funding and improving efficiency and innovation [in voting], that threatens their ability to reduce the difference by which Republicans have lost Georgia, said Dele Lowman-Smith, who chairs the DeKalb County Board of Elections in suburban Atlanta. This is all about trying to control the outcome of elections, period. Among the unfunded mandates the Georgia legislature has put in place since its first major election overhaul in 2021: county election boards now have to ensure that all election-day vote tallies are reported to the state by 10 p.m. on that day, even though polling places in Georgia dont close until 7 p.m. and state law requires anyone in line by that time be allowed to vote, which could delay the tallying process. The Georgia legislature also passed a measure that allows any registered voter to file bulk registration challenges, meaning any one individual can request a list of a countys entire voter lists and possibly get thousands of their neighbors kicked off the rolls. Lowman-Smith and Omega R. Finney, who chairs the Henry County election board in south suburban Atlanta, both said that law has allowed what appears to be coordinated efforts to purge voters from the rolls, but their staffs have no choice but to follow up on the challenges. Story continues All of this is made more difficult by the structure of Georgias county election boards, which both officials said are universally understaffed and underfunded. Henry Countys election department has a full-time staff of three or four people to serve almost 170,000 registered voters across 37 polling places. DeKalb County has 17 filled positions, and 10 vacant ones, serving roughly 550,000 voters. We need additional staff, we need overtime to meet those mandates and we do not get additional monies from the state, Finney said. Both officials said theyve tried to explain the problem to members of the legislature, but to no avail. The measure now moves on to the state senate, which is also Republican-controlled and expected to pass it. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Tens of thousands of people are marching in the streets in Israel on Monday, the latest day in a series of protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned judicial overhaul. Here's what you need to know about the deepening political crisis. Why are people protesting in Israel? Stores, restaurants and the biggest airport in Israel were closing their doors on Monday amid an escalation in protests that have kept the nation's attention for weeks. Tens of thousands -- perhaps hundreds of thousands -- of people filled the streets in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and elsewhere. The country's stock exchange is set to close on Tuesday as part of a strike. The country's biggest union, Histadrut, announced on Monday that it would begin a "historic" strike, with most of its 800,000 members stopping work in protest of Netanyahu's reform plan. PHOTO: An aerial view shows protesters attending a demonstration after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the defense minister and his nationalist coalition government presses on with its judicial overhaul, in Jerusalem, March 27, 2023. (Stringer/Reuters) Israelis are protesting against a judicial reform plan proposed by Netanyahu's hardline nationalist government -- a plan that some see as a consolidation of power, with parliament increasing its oversight of the court system. Netanyahu on Monday called for protesters to "behave responsibly and not to act violently," according to a translation of a statement he posted on Twitter. "We are brotherly people," he said. MORE: Public outcry grows over Prime Minister Netanyahu's justice reform bill Supporters of Netanyahu's plan are also scheduled to counterprotest Monday night. Netanyahu was meeting with Itamar Ben-Gvir, the minister of national security, and other politicians at the Knesset Monday afternoon but still has yet to make any public statements on the legislation. What is the judicial overhaul in Israel? After Netanyahu, a member of the conservative Likud Party, formed a right-wing coalition government in December 2022, he announced he would return to his role as Israel's prime minister. His government, which is said to be the most right-wing government in the country's history, then announced it would introduce a measure countering what it saw as the growing influence of the judicial system. Story continues PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, right, arrive to attend a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Feb. 23, 2023. (Ronen Zvulun/AP) The changes would allow lawmakers at the Knesset -- Israel's parliament -- to override many decisions made by the country's Supreme Court. It would also give ruling lawmakers more control over appointments to the high court. Opponents of the plan say it amounts to a power grab. Some officials have said Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for charges including corruption and bribery, should bow out of the discussions over the reform, calling his participation a conflict of interest. "Your statement last night and any further actions by you that violate that agreement are completely illegal and in conflict of interest," Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara wrote a letter on Friday, according to The Associated Press. "The legal situation is clear -- you must avoid any involvement in measures to change the judicial system." Netanyahu spoke on March 19 with President Joe Biden, who told him that "fundamental changes should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support," according to a readout of the call from the White House. In his conversation with Biden, Netanyahu said "that Israel was, and will remain, a strong and vibrant democracy," according to a statement from his office. Why did Netanyahu fire the country's defense minister? The biggest spark in the continuing protests was the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday. On Saturday, Gallant had spoken out against the judicial overhaul. "The events taking place in Israeli society do not spare the Israel Defense Forces -- from all sides, feelings of anger, pain and disappointment arise, with an intensity I have never encountered before," Gallant said in a televised address on Saturday after the end of the Jewish Sabbath. "I see how the source of our strength is being eroded." Gallant said that the national crisis over the judicial overhaul has created a "clear, immediate and tangible danger to the security of the state." Netanyahu's office did not provide further details of the firing, but it signaled he doesn't appear to be backing down from the judicial plan yet. What happens next? Several top lawmakers and Netanyahu allies called on Sunday and Monday for Netanyahu to postpone or suspend his plan. But the prime minister during months of public debate has not signaled his willingness to do so. "In case you haven't noticed, Israel is in the midst of a little thing on judicial reform," Netanyahu said in a speech at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in February. PHOTO: Protesters gather outside Israel's parliament in Jerusalem amid ongoing demonstrations and calls for a general strike against the hard-right government's controversial push to overhaul the justice system, on March 27, 2023. (Hazem Bader/AFP via Getty Images) He said at the time that Israel is "a democray and will remain a democracy, with majority rule and proper safeguards of civil liberties." Much of the conversation about the proposal as been "frankly reckless and dangerous," he said at the time. Parts of the overhaul could be enacted as early as this week. The prime minister was meeting late Sunday with top officials at his home in Jerusalem, with thousands of protestors nearby. Observers said he may be considering whether to pause the changes. ABC News' Ellie Kaufman, Joe Simonetti, Patrick Reevell and Will Gretsky contributed to this report. Here's why Israelis are protesting Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan originally appeared on abcnews.go.com This is a breaking news story. Check back to idahostatesman.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. The late discovery of a major flaw may have killed a sweeping property tax relief bill, which would direct hundreds of millions in state funds to residential homeowners. Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoed the bill Monday after a state official found the proposal would put the states bonding ability at risk. House Bill 292 would leverage the states projected $1.4 billion surplus and sales tax revenue for at least $100 million in property tax credits, while directing another $100 million to school districts to pay off bonds and levies. Analysts found homeowners on average would see about 20% come off their property tax bill in the first year. The bill also would make it more difficult for schools to pass bonds by eliminating one of four dates school districts could hold bond and levy elections every year. March election dates by far have had the most success for passing school bonds. Little calls bill a hodgepodge of policy items The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, a nonpartisan research group, found that the bill would result in 20% property tax relief in the first year. But the relief would vary widely, depending on where someone lives. An Ada County home with a $300,000 assessed value would see about $500 reduced from a $2,000 property tax bill, the analysis found. The relief would be roughly the same in Canyon County, according to the analysis. But in a veto letter, Little called the bill a hodgepodge of policy items intermingled with property tax relief. The Republican governor said the proposal jeopardizes ready-to-go transportation projects by re-ordering where sales tax revenues go. Little also objected to removing the March bond election. A property tax relief bill this session needs to be simple and carried out in a way that does not harm public schools, does not hold up needed transportation projects, and does not reveal more unintended consequences, Little said in a news release. Story continues Layne McInelly, president of the Idaho Education Association, the statewide teacher union, said the groups members unequivocally support the governors veto. By eliminating the March school election date, the most important on the calendar for the passing of school bonds and levies, this legislation risks destabilizing public school finances and puts childrens learning at risk, McInelly said in an emailed statement. Major flaw leads to veto Last week, Gerald Hunter, president and executive director of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, in a letter to Little wrote that the way House Bill 292 prioritizes sales tax fund sources would result in a lower credit rating from national rating agencies and a dip in the states borrowing capacity. Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, told the Idaho Statesman that lawmakers learned of the major flaw late last week. I dont think people want to do an override when they understand that the consequences of that are devastating to the ability to issue bonds and have a good credit rating and get good interest rates, Winder said. That could end up impacting every taxing district in the state. To override a veto, the Legislature would need to vote on the bill again and secure support from two-thirds in each chamber. Idaho Gov. Brad Little claps delivers his 2023 State of the State address held at the Idaho State Capitol, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Boise, Idaho. Gov. Brad Little on Monday vetoed a bill that would provide at least $200 million in property tax relief. After the governors veto Monday, the Senate quickly patched the property tax relief and school construction funding proposals onto a separate bill, House Bill 198. Largely the same as the original proposal, the new bill does not include language related to transportation funding that raised concerns, and it excludes the bond and levy election date removal. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill after a brief debate. The only opposition centered on the rushed process. Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins, said the Senate didnt have enough time to read the bill. I feel like this is a disservice to the people that we represent, Carlson said. The new bill heads to the House, which recessed until Tuesday. House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, who co-sponsored House Bill 292, told the Statesman that Republicans will discuss how theyll move forward Tuesday. German launch startup Isar Aerospace has scored $165 million (155 million) in new funding as it races toward the inaugural flight of its Spectrum small rocket later this year. The company, founded in 2018, is one of a handful of European startups looking to fill the gap in the launch market on that continent. There are just two European rockets flying today: the heavy-lift Ariane 5, built by ArianeGroup, and Italian aerospace company Avios Vega launch vehicle. But Isar CEO Daniel Metzler told TechCrunch that European governments are waking up to the geopolitical and economic upsides to sovereign launch capabilities. If you take a look at the European Union, even Germany itself, theres a strong focus on the automotive industry. [The space industry] is a huge opportunity at the same time to build up another economical pillar that can be extremely profitable, he said. Isars funding history reflects this increasing overlap between public and private interest. This most recent Series C round was led by investors including 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche SE, UVC Partners and Vsquared Ventures. Part of these funds are backed by the EU and programs managed by the European Investment Fund; last year, Isar also won a $11.3 million (10 million) prize from the European Commission. Isar is taking a long-term approach, Metzler said. This thinking is built into the companys decision to be fully vertically integrated, its automated, mass-manufacturing technique, and the design of the launch vehicles. The company is betting that some investments in the vertical integration, for example will eventually have a huge pay off, even if that pay-off is not realized for the first five or even ten vehicles. I believe that you can be much cheaper if youre actually fully vertically integrated if you know how to do it, Metzler said. I think one of the big drivers for us early on was scalability. We wanted to not just build one or two vehicles a year, but tens of vehicles per year. In that case, especially with more and more units per year, it really starts paying off if you actually do it yourself. Story continues Isar Aerospace co-founders Daniel Metzler and Josef Fleischmann. Source: Isar Aerospace Full vertical integration has had other benefits too, like being able to simplify the vehicles design and generate more of a buffer against ongoing supply chain issues facing other space companies, he added. The company will be flying five customer payloads on its first mission, which is scheduled for the second half of this year from Andya, Norway. Isar signed an agreement with the space port, Andya Space, for exclusive use of one of its launch pads for up to 20 years. Isar has also inked firm contracts with a number of customers for future launchers. Those customers span smaller startups, like OroraTech, a German space-based wildfire detection developer, and French electric propulsion startup Exotrail, as well as big corporates like Airbus Defence and Space. Isars first American customer is rideshare broker Spaceflight Inc., for a dedicated mission in 2026. The company has more work to do before the first launch the next big milestone is integrated stage testing but Metzler said hes feeling positive about the progress. The company recently revealed on Twitter that it had run 124 hot fire tests of its Aquila rocket engine over a one-year period, an encouraging sign that the rocket is coming together. Isar is not the only European startup looking to take a slice of the burgeoning European launch market. The company is competing against fellow upstarts Rocket Factory Augsburg in Germany, Orbex and Skyrora in the United Kingdom, and a handful of others. Metzlers hunch is that the competition will be steep. Looking even five or ten years down the line, there may only be around eight major launch players spread across the world, he said. Probably youre going to have three to four players in the U.S., maybe two players or so within Europe, maybe another two within Asia. That would be my guess. Its not that many, he added. But look, if you divide the entire market globally for launch services by seven, eight companies, its a very lucrative business for those seven, eight companies. Israel Politics Israelis opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan set up bonfires and block a highway during a protest moments after the Israeli leader fired his defense minister, in Tel Aviv, Sunday, March 26, 2023. Credit - Ohad ZwigenbergAP We rushed out to the street in pajamas, the kids in our hands. We ran out to the street as if our house was on fire, because we knew that our house really was on fire. Our democracy was set in flames by our prime minister. On Saturday night, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged PM Benjamin Netanyahu to suspend the judicial overhaul, For the sake of the security of Israel. Many of us hoped that this call, coming from the mouth of his own party member, would persuade Netanyahu to stop his attacks on the legal system, to pause and consider his actions. But Netanyahu dismissed Gallant, just as he dismissed Nobel prize winners, economy professors, tech professionals, medical researchers, and everyone else who begged him to reconsider his plan. On Sunday, less than 24 hours after his announcement, Gallant was fired. Netanyahu was brutal, because he wanted to make sure that no other Likud member would dare to challenge him again. The timing was well planned9:30pm, the end of the day, long after the evening news. He didnt see it coming, and to be honest, we didnt either. Read More: Israelis Are Waking up to the Threat From Netanyahus Government When we rushed out of the house, a few minutes after the news came out, we had no idea that there would be thousands of us. We assumed that the chilly night and the late hourand the general exhaustion after almost three months of ongoing protestswould keep most people home. But as we rushed to the street in pajamas, we saw our neighbors standing there with us. And when we cried out Shame!, we heard the rage in the entire country. As we blocked the main junction in Tel Aviv, we saw the photos from other parts of the countryJerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba. My colleagues at Shalvata Mental Health Hospital kept posting new pictures, urging each other to take to the streets. It seemed like no one was going to work tomorrow. Story continues Read More: Why Netanyahu Faces His Biggest Political Challenge Yet I am writing these words at 3 a.m., Israel time, after seeing the streets fill with spontaneous protesters, marching, shouting, singing, blocking the roads. It was a frightening night, knowing how delicate the line is between protest and chaos. And yet, at the same time, it was one of the most beautiful nights in the history of this country. But what about tomorrow? As I write this, I hope tomorrow will be a day of reconciliation in the Israeli society, the day in which we finally start to collect the pieces of our ruined house. But another option exists, and its a scary one. Only time will tell if tonight was the end of this radical push, or the beginning of a very dark era. If, in a post-pandemic era, our homes have started to say more about our sense of style than ever before, then nonnas are the new super-influencers. Whether it be a handpainted bowl from Puglia, a needlepoint tablecloth from the Veneto, coffee cups from Sicily, or a pasta cutter from Umbria, items that have traditionally been associated with the home of the Italian matriarch are finding fresh cachet with the style set. Its funny, because I think that a lot of people are seeing these pieces for the first time, says Natalie Sytner, who founded Bettina Ceramica in 2020 and quickly found a niche with her ceramic Acquasantiera stoups, traditionally used in Catholic churches to hold holy water. But they do still represent an era that people feel touched by whether thats their granny or something they thought they would never have on their table again. Sytner credits her mother, brand namesake Bettina, with fostering her obsession with Italy; throughout Natalies childhood, Bettina would decamp to her native Liguria to tour ancient palazzi, returning with amazing trinkets from the workshops of local craftspeople. She was so ahead of her time and created the most amazing and interesting home, says Sytner. Some 30 years on, Natalie is continuing in the same vein. Courtesy of Bettina Ceramica For Bettina Ceramica, Sytner insists on working with family-run businesses all over Italy to reissue and co-design pieces from their archives, giving them intuitive updates by using new colorways, tweaking design details, and presenting them in an aspirational lifestyle context. Its resulted in a full collection of ceramic jugs, platters, wall ornaments, andmost recentlyher much-coveted Gigly wall lights and Punto Antico tablecloths. I think people are more interested in the provenance of things and where they come from now, says Sytner. I get so many messages from people who want to know about our pieces, and Im always so happy to let them know that something was handmade by, say, Stefano, the most amazing guy who has three daughters and is passing these skills down onto his kids. Story continues Sytner isnt alone in bringing an updated take on nonna chic into our homes. Along with the likes of Gohar World, Hot Pottery, La DoubleJ, Casa Celva, andthe ultimate go-to for all things nonna-esqueGlassette, husband-and-wife Maja and Toby Gliszczynska-Findlay launched Artemis Deco as a side-gig to their legal and insurance jobs to immediate adoration in 2020. I think [this aesthetic] is having a comeback because its totally timeless and immediately evocative of a time and a location, says Toby, explaining the thought process behind their tagline bring your holiday home with you. In keeping with the increasing demand to invest in pieces that will last a lifetime, their plan is to place desire in a domestic environment. None of our things are delicate, theyre all solid and sturdy; its supposed to be like the everyday chaos that you would have in a nonnas home, adds Maja of their Buon Ricordo souvenir plates, floral Passerotto mugs, and Sicily Azzurro utensil holders. We love the idea of people buying something that will stand the test of time and then it can be handed down, especially when it comes to big serving bowls and things like that. Like Sytner, the pair were inspired by the Tupperware their parents collected over the years on travels to Italy, and are resolute in working with craftspeople on the ground to make sure they are rewarded for their talents. When they were able to travel after lockdown, they arrived in the cradle of Sicilian ceramics, Caltagirone, armed with $700 in their pockets and some rusty Italian from their high school classes, and met their now-permanent suppliers Francesco and Tiziana, who opened their armsand archiveto the couple. Courtesy of Artemis Deco After initial pieces sold out, the couple placed a huge order which would effectively keep the family business running while their shop was closed to tourists during ensuing lockdowns. [Discovering] that was quite emotional, and since then weve developed the most amazing relationship with them, says Maja with a smile. If further proof was required of the nonna aesthetics allure, the online pre-loved interiors marketplace Vinterior has witnessed a 12 percent increase in searches for Italian antiques since August last year. Weve really seen the tide turn in recent years from a minimal Scandi aesthetic to homes that are all about warmth, eclecticism, and character, a spokesperson says. In a post-Covid world, we want to invite friends and family back into our homes and nurture them and who is more nurturing than an Italian nonna? Vinterior points to the popular Big Mamma restaurants and the Pellicano Hotel Group as big influences in everyone loving the lived-in Italian look which manages to feel decadent and whimsical without being pretentious. Vicky Bennison, the food author who launched the beloved Pasta Grannies Instagram in 2014 that quickly went viral after the Vatican played one of its videos, has followed hundreds of Italian grandmothers around Italy making their beloved home recipes in humble surroundings. If anyone can speak to nonna chics absolute unpretentiousness and origins, its her. Enough distance has passed [to celebrate it] because that generation, after the war, couldnt get out quick enough; they wanted to work [but] they didnt have further education, says Bennison, whose bestselling cookbook, Pasta Grannies, brings these nonnas stories to life. Someone we filmed [making pasta] in Sicily recently was a cow herd when she was younger; [she] helped her dad on the farm by day and wrote poetry in the evenings. The difference is that now we all make a choice about whether we make pasta, but for them, they had to learn it to get married and they were told they wouldnt get a decent husband if they couldnt make pasta properly. Nonnas wereand arethe cornerstone of Italian gastronomy, says Bennison. After hearing enough chefs saying that they were inspired by their nonnas cooking, she decided to find the women they were talking about and give them their moment. Many were surprised. I mean, its like opening a can of beans [to them], she says. A wonderful woman, Pina from Genova, couldnt work out why we came back to film her making gnocchi: Surely you dont have to come all this way to make gnocchi?! she asked. Its clear that the appreciation of food and the comfort of Italian cooking is a big part of the allure when it comes to the nonna aesthetic in our homes. Food is love, isnt it? says Bennison. It nourishes not just the body but [can change] how youre feelinga big bowl of pasta makes you feel better. And its picking up pace. Recently, Zara Home contacted Bennison to ask if her Pasta Grannies could be the stars of its new homewares collection, having seen a feature on the cover of the Spanish newspaper, El Pais. Bennison agreed on the condition that actual nonnas would feature and be compensated, and so Maria Argnani from Faenza, Leondina Micolucci from Brisighella, and Nadia Bassignani from Genova are now the happy stars of an international campaign. For the record, their pasta utensils and copper pots have the three womens approval, assures Bennison. It is, of course, only apt that these women and their lifestyles are celebrated as the custodians of nonna-core. For her part, Bettina, now a nonna herself, is hugely flattered that her daughters generation is finding charm in her Italian traditions. You dont expect young people to be interested in old shapes and things that are still handmade, so I am incredibly proud and honored that people want things that are true, which are real, and that we can all share, she says. People have always needed that familiarity and the comfort of things that are not necessarily old, but always full of love. Originally Appeared on Vogue More Great Living Stories From Vogue The star made a surprising change to her timeless hairstyle. Julia Roberts decided to make a change as the seasons transitioned from winter to spring, rocking an edgy new hairstyle. The actress also premiered the look in an interesting way, revealing the new hairdo as she attended the Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, Switzerland. Instead of her normally long, wavy hair, the star now sports fringe bangs and layers that give her hair a chic and trendy upgrade. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images Related: Fans Are Divided Over Oliver Hudson's New Look Roberts' fashion was just as on-point, with the actress wearing a relaxed white ensemble with a matching vest, jacket, and pants. As the event was focused on luxury watches, Roberts wore a wraparound watch on her right wrist. The 55-year-old is a brand ambassador for Chopard, and she attended the watch fair to discuss the Chopard Loves Cinema campaign directed by James Gray. She also helped co-presidents Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Caroline Scheufele announce the Lucent Steel Programme, as reported by SENATUS, which will have the company focusing on using Lucent recycled steel for its watches. Roberts shared a photo from the event on her Instagram that also showed off her new bangs and layered hairstyle. She captioned the post, "'Wanna Buy a Watch?' Thank you Geneva and @Chopard. #watchesandwonders2023." Related: Emma Roberts Reveals Her Favorite Julia Roberts Rom-ComAnd It Might Surprise You A fan commented on the photo, "This is everything. ." It's unclear if the change is because of a role or if Roberts was just feeling like doing something different. The star hasn't had bangs in quite a long time, usually sticking to a no-bangs style. Roberts' next on-screen role will be in the movie Leave the World Behind, based on the book by Rumaan Alam. The film will be released on Dec. 7 of this year, and many other big names are also in the cast, including Kevin Bacon, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, and more. The film is currently in post-production, and according to IMDb, her next project, a movie called Little Bee, hasn't started filming yet. Next, Pink and Her Kids Take Over the Red Carpet in Style. Evan Vucci/AP/Shutterstock Millions of Americans are living in limbo as they await the Supreme Courts decision on Bidens student loan forgiveness plan, which would eliminate up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt per borrower. There is also the question of when the student loan moratorium, which has been extended by the Biden administration amid litigation, will end. As it stands, if Bidens debt relief plan hasnt been implemented and the litigation hasnt been resolved by June 30, 2023, payments are scheduled to resume 60 days later. Housing Market 2023: Is a Double-Digit Drop in Prices Coming? Learn: Heres the Average IRS Tax Refund Amount by State Can Biden Extend the Moratorium Again? It certainly wouldnt be the first extension. Since it started in 2020, the student loan moratorium has been extended eight times. But another extension would likely depend on the Supreme Courts actions, among other factors. If the Supreme Court approves Bidens student debt relief program, it is unlikely that Biden will once again attempt to extend the moratorium. Instead, the administration will turn its attention to granting relief to borrowers, which it has been blocked from doing since litigation began. On the other hand, if the Supreme Court strikes down the student debt-relieving initiative, Americans could very likely see another attempt at an extension on the pause on student loan payments (along with a freeze on interest). But whether it would pass and for just how many more months the Biden administration can push off student loan repayments is unclear, especially when considering that the moratorium was part of a pandemic-era relief program, and the pandemic was declared over by Biden in September. Further, his administration announced it plans on ending the COVID-19 national emergency in May. Take Our Poll: Do You Think the US Should Raise the Medicare Tax on High Earners To Help Save the Program? The Biden administration seems to technically have the power to extend the moratorium on student loan repayments, but theres debate as to how far that power can reach when the nation is no longer in a state of pandemic emergency. If Biden goes to extend the pause again, he will likely face significant pushback that could challenge his authority and ability. Story continues More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Student Loans: Can Biden Continue to Pause Repayments? It Depends The SI Swimsuit legend and entrepreneur is gearing up to launch a new line of swimsuits and cover-ups next week. Kathy Ireland. Jon Carrasco The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Kathy Ireland has always felt at home in a swimsuit. The Southern California native rose to fame as a supermodel in the 1980s and 90s, making 13 appearances in the SI Swimsuit Issue (including covers in 1989, 92 and 94). Ireland founded her global lifestyle brand, kathy ireland Worldwide, in 1993. As the companys CEO, she has grown the brand to license everything from fashion to home and pet goods. In 2015, she was named to the first Forbes list of Americas 50 Richest Self-Made Women. Today, the company grosses $3.5 billion dollars in annual sales. Kathy Ireland in 1993 in Oahu, Hawaii Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated Irelands newest venture is a natural one: her new line of swimwear and cover-ups for HSN launches on Thursday, March 30. The collection includes stylish one-piece swimsuits and cover-ups in a variety of bold and colorful prints that are perfect for any and every body type. In the design career of our company, kathy ireland Worldwide, weve brought swimwear to tens of millions of women with hundreds of millions of suits, Ireland says, noting that she teamed up with manufacturer Amerex Group to bring her new swimsuit collection to life. Kathy Ireland wears the Palm Beach Neon swimsuit and cover-up from her new swimwear collection. Jon Carrasco Ireland notes that her time working with SI Swimsuit, particularly her lifelong relationship with the magazines founding editor, the late Jule Campbell, has been integral to how she approaches fashion and design today. Kathy Ireland in 1993 in Oahu, Hawaii. Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated I really believe Jule Campbell was so instrumental. She was so disruptive and revolutionary to not only give [models] a name and the humanity of who these people are, but to recognize beauty in every shape, size, color and age. That wasnt happening before Jule, she states. Ireland says that her inspiration for this line comes from nature and her world travels, particularly the globetrotting she did during her SI Swimsuit days when she journeyed to Bora Bora, Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa (among many other countries). Story continues Kathy Ireland models a blue swimsuit and the Safari Nights cover-up. Jon Carrasco Traveling with SI under Jules mentorship, that was and it continues to be a great inspiration and education, she says. I love experiencing different cultures and how people live and Jule always encouraged to go bolder and brighter and just to bring fun. Thats something that definitely is felt in this collection. Ireland truly believes that beauty comes in all forms, and inclusivity is integral to her brand, particularly when it comes to swimwear. I want [women] to feel beautiful, confident and comfortable, she states of her new collection. The suits offer adjustable straps and removal padding to be customized to the wearers body. Soft shaping over the bust for modesty and full lining are a few more features Ireland says are standouts. While the new collection provides women of any age with the perfect swimsuit for lounging poolside or playing a game of beach volleyball, Ireland says the best way to rock a swimsuit with confidence is by finding a silhouette that works for you and sticking to it. For so many of us, just the thought of trying on swimwear can really just wreak havoc on our confidence, she admits. But when you have a suit that is carefully designed, when its carefully made with thoughtfulness, that is powerful. Kathy Ireland in the collections basic black swimsuit and cover-up. Jon Carrasco While some clothing trends may be catered to certain demographics, Ireland believes swimwear is ageless. Youre never too young or too old for swim to be in your wardrobe, to walk with confidence, she offers. Irelands new line of swimwear and cover-ups launches exclusively with HSN on Thursday, March 30. Shop the collection here starting next week. Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube! At least a dozen Rhode Island police departments received false reports of school shootings Monday morning, prompting police officers to rush to the schools, and the schools to take extra safety measures. All of Narragansett's schools were put on lockdown after police received a call at 9:05 a.m. reporting a shooting at the high school. "Officers arrived at each school within 60 seconds, and swept each school for potential intruders or danger," Narragansett Police Chief Sean Corrigan said in an email. "Each school was confirmed to be secure by 9:20 and normal school operations resumed. All students and faculty are safe." More:Police chiefs offer guidance for protecting RI schools from shooters More:Student charged after being found with BB gun at North Providence High School Westerly High School was put on lockdown, and all of the department's available officers went to the high school after a hoax call was made to the department's non-emergency line at 8:47 a.m., Chief Paul Gingerella said. Officers checked and cleared the building within 15 minutes, he said. Several schools and police departments quickly posted messages on social media to notify and calm their communities. In a 9:12 a.m. message, Westerly Public Schools put out a message saying, Westerly High School was "briefly" in lockdown and students at other schools were instructed to shelter in place Monday morning due to a "hoax phone threat." "The buildings have been cleared to return to regular activity." The Narragansett Police Department posted a message to Facebook with extra capitalization for emphasis, "This morning, there was a report of a school shooting at the high school. THIS REPORTED INCIDENT WAS A HOAX. There was NO shooting, and all students and faculty are safe." Westerly was the first community to receive a call, Gingerella said, but calls to other cities and towns followed. Those included Narragansett, Portsmouth, Burrillville, Richmond, Cumberland, East Providence, Bristol, Barrington, Newport, Cranston and Warwick, according to Gingerella and Corrigan. Story continues Cities and towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts have dealt with similar hoaxes recently, according to Gingerella. The police characterize such hoaxes as "swatting" calls, "false reports of an attack upon a school intended to elicit a police response, disrupt the school day and provoke fear and anxiety," Corrigan said. Chariho Regional Schools Supt. Gina Picard sent a message saying schools had been placed in "secure status" after "it was brought to our attention that there have been some spoof phone calls sent to police departments" in the area. The Chariho district encompasses Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton. "Out of an abundance of caution, our buildings have been placed in secure status. There is no threat at this time and we have police on site," Picard said in the message, which was posted to social media. According to Corrigan and Gingerella, the incidents will be investigated through the state's Fusion Center, which gathers, analyzes and shares threat-related information among federal, state and local entities. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: School shooting hoax made to multiples RI police departments ROLLING FORK, MS - MARCH 27: Charles Jones Sr., L, and Edna Kent Jones look for any valuables they can where Charless son and the sons family were badly injured when a disastrous tornado tore through their mobile home park just outside Rolling Fork, on March 27, 2023 Its hard to calculate the sheer devastation in Rolling Fork, Miss., after a deadly tornado ripped through the small rural community. According to reports, at least 26 people died in the storm that passed through Mississippi and Alabama on Friday. Roughly half of those deaths were in Rolling Fork, a predominantly Black town with less than 1,900 residents in the Mississippi delta. So what made the storm so devastating in Rolling Fork? Well, experts say that in this case, poverty and extreme weather created a deadly combination. According to the United States Census Bureau, roughly 21 percent of residents in the town live in poverty. And experts told NBC News that the high percentage of mobile and manufactured homes put residents in extra peril. Read more Roughly 54 percent of all deaths in homes during a tornado occur in mobile or manufactured homes, according to the National Weather Service, even though these homes only make up 6 percent of the entire U.S. housing stock. They estimate that people are between 15-20 times more likely to be killed in a mobile or manufactured home than in a permanent home. In short, this crisis was brewing long before a tornado swept through town. Angelia Eason, the county coroner, told NBC News that eight of the 13 people killed by the storm in Rolling Fork were in a mobile home. For residents still reeling from this disaster, there is some hope. On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi to ensure federal funding can go to the most devastated areas. Sharkey County, which encompasses Rolling Fork, was included in the emergency declaration. And Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves proclaimed that help is on the way. Story continues Still, Reevess track record with disasters in Black communities, such as his handling of the Jackson water crisis, doesnt exactly inspire confidence. And it doesnt help that more severe weather is predicted to hit Mississippi and several other states this upcoming Sunday. The crisis facing Rolling Fork as they seek to rebuild isnt entirely new, especially not in Mississippi. Experts have raised the alarm time and time again that Black communities do not have the infrastructure to handle severe weather events that are becoming an increasing part of our reality, thanks to climate change. Last year, The Root spoke with Sacoby Wilson, a Professor of Environmental Justice at The University of Maryland School of Public Health, about the impact of systemic disinvestment in Black communities. Folks of color, weve already been impacted by poor infrastructure and environmental hazards, said Wilson. Were going to feel the effects of climate change, and were gonna feel it first. As residents begin to heal from the trauma and devastation that hit their small town, one can only hope that politicians take this opportunity to rebuild with the lessons of these tragedies in mind. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. President Joe Biden has left Research Triangle Park, where he touted his national economic agenda at one of the Triangles largest employers. Biden toured the Durham campus of the semiconductor chip manufacturer Wolfspeed, which has ambitious growth plans both globally and in North Carolina. Wolfspeed makes semiconductors, the devices needed for everything from phones to aircraft. The company specializes in and dominates the market for an efficient kind of semiconductor that is important for a range of uses, including for electric vehicles. China controls much of the rest of the supply chain for electric cars, so the company is significant for Bidens efforts to make sure domestic manufacturing can compete with China. READ MORE: As Biden visits, the Durham chip manufacturer Wolfspeed sees the sky as the limit Durham is Bidens inaugural stop on his administrations three-week Investing in America tour. 3:22 p.m.: Biden ends with another NC shoutout Biden has finished his remarks, but not before again trumpeting North Carolinas role in domestic manufacturing. The president specifically gave a nod to two future Chatham County facilities: Wolfspeeds materials factory and VinFasts car and battery plant.. Right here in America, here in North Carolina, were making chips that go into electric vehicles, he said. These vehicles are powered by batteries and critical minerals that were making here in North Carolina. Were making electric vehicles here in North Carolina. Thats what invest means. 3:11 p.m.: Hell of a lot more than light bulbs now Wolfspeed has made a major pivot in recent years, a change President Joe Biden noted Tuesday. In 2010, then-Vice President Biden toured Wolfspeed, which operated by the name Cree at the time. At the time, Cree was primarily focused on its lighting and LED divisions. Wolfspeed has since sold these divisions to focus exclusively on making silicon carbide materials and chips. Hell of a lot more than light bulbs now, Biden said. Story continues President Joe Biden is greeted by Gov. Roy Cooper after arriving via Air Force One at RDU International Airport Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Biden went on Wolfspeed in Durham Tuesday where he launched his Investing in America Tour. 2:54 p.m.: Biden opens with plea for gun reform Speaking a day after a school attacker shot and killed three children and three adults at a private school in Nashville, Biden opened his speech at Wolfspeed to call on Congress to reinstate a ban on semiautomatic guns classified as assault weapons. We owe these families more than our prayers, he said, later adding, why in Gods name do we allow these weapons of war on our streets and in our schools? The victims of the school shooting were 9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney and three adults, Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce and Mike Hill, news outlets including ABC News reported. Gov. Roy Cooper sits in the Presidential limo with President Joe Biden at RDU International Airport Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Biden went on Wolfspeed in Durham Tuesday where he launched his Investing in America Tour. 2:42 p.m.: Cooper brings out his campaign voice Gov. Cooper may not be able to run for governor again, but he appeared to be helping President Biden campaign for reelection on Tuesday. The President has delivered, Cooper said before rattling off legislative accomplishments since 2021. He has done more in two years, than many presidents would have aspired to do in eight, Cooper said to applause from the crowd. President Joe Biden listens to a technology demonstration between Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe (left) and Gov. Roy Cooper (right) on March 28, 2023 at Wolfspeeds Durham facilities. 2:34 p.m.: Durham mayor highlights Durham Tech A procession of public officials are now making comments to the gathered crowd, including Gov. Roy Cooper and Durham Mayor Elaine ONeal. ONeal used her time at the podium to applaud the partnership between Wolfspeed and Durham Technical Community College to prepare future workers. For more than 20 years, the two have worked together to develop customized training that increases the number of technicians and advances the career opportunities of our residents, she said. In 2020, Durham Tech teamed with Wolfspeed to design a customized training program. Durham Tech is proud to continue to help Wolfspeed develop and grow its workforce as the company prepares to open its new facility in Chatham County, Durham Tech spokesperson Nancy Wykle said in a statement Monday. We continue to explore ways we can partner further to benefit the company and provide our students with a great career opportunity in a growing, dynamic industry sector. 2:26 p.m.: Biden meets union workers President Biden was outside for the second stop on his Wolfspeed tour. Biden greeted a row of IBEW union workers, who thanked him. The president highlighted the number of manufacturing jobs created in his first two years in office. President Joe Biden at Wolfspeed in Durhams Research Triangle Park on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 2:15 p.m.: Lab tour Biden toured the companys Power Applications Lab, viewing and handling semiconductor materials and meeting employees. 2:05 p.m.: Biden touring Wolfspeed President Joe Bidens motorcade arrived at Wolfspeed in Research Triangle Park at 1:40 p.m. Biden is seeing a demonstration of the companys technology. President Biden is joined by Gov. Copper, Rep. Valerie Foushee, and Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe to tour the companys silicon carbide facility pic.twitter.com/XBDvL1zsyO Brian Gordon (@skyoutbriout) March 28, 2023 2 p.m.: Biden commented on gun violence on his way to NC President Joe Bidens visit to North Carolina comes as the nation reels from another mass shooting, this time at a private Christian grade school in Nashville, Tennessee. Biden was asked before his departure from the White House on Tuesday if he plans to take any action on gun violence. I have gone the full extent of my executive authority to do, on my own, anything about guns, the Democratic president said, according to a White House transcript. The Congress has to act, he went on to say. The majority of the American people think having assault weapons is bizarre; its a crazy idea. Theyre against that. And so, I think the Congress should be passing the assault weapons ban. I want to remind you, the last time we passed the assault weapons ban, violent shootings went down, mass shootings went down. So I cant do anything except plead with the Congress to act reasonably. 1:50 p.m.: This company is home-grown Wolfspeed was born on the campus of N.C. State University. In the late 1980s, a group of graduate students were working under a grant from the Office of Naval Research to study a unique type of semiconducting material called silicon carbide. In 1987, the five students and one other person created Cree to commercialize what theyd discovered. Today called Wolfspeed, the company is the world leader in silicon carbide manufacturing. If were dependent on Asia for chips, were going to be in trouble, John Edmond, Wolfspeed co-founder, said in an interview. You can have supply chain issues, (as seen) in this 100-year pandemic that just occurred. Weve always manufactured in the U.S., he said. This company is home-grown, North Carolina, N.C. State, and to grow it is the right thing to do, and so thats what were doing. Gov. Roy Cooper sits in the Presidential limo with President Joe Biden at RDU International Airport Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Biden went on Wolfspeed in Durham Tuesday where he launched his Investing in America Tour. 1:40 p.m.: Biden greeted by Cooper, Durham officials at airport Biden is on the way to Research Triangle Park. Air Force One touched down at Raleigh-Durham International Airport at 1:06 p.m., according to a White House press pool report. Gov. Roy Cooper, Durham County Commissioners Chair Brenda Howerton and Durham Mayor Elaine ONeal greeted Biden as he left the plane at 1:20 p.m. Traveling with Biden are Secretary Gina Raimondo of the Department of Commerce and Reps. Valerie Foushee and Wiley Nickel, among others. President Joe Biden has arrived at RDU. Yucking it up on the tarmac with Gov. Roy Cooper, Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal, Durham, and Brenda Howerton and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo pic.twitter.com/oUIhVc9x0y Aamer Madhani (@AamerISmad) March 28, 2023 1 p.m.: What Democrats and Republicans say Ahead of the presidents visit, the states competing political parties predictably released conflicting comments. President Bidens economic plan prioritizes American manufacturers like Wolfspeed, which will put more money into the pockets of North Carolina families with record job growth, strengthen our supply chains, and drive our clean energy future, the North Carolina Democratic Party said in a statement Tuesday. The North Carolina Republican Party tweeted: Dems struggle to sell an America First policy as if its an original idea, while NC families struggle under the reality of Democrats hyper-spending, Big Government policies - inflated prices and diminished hopes. This story was produced with financial support from a coalition of partners led by Innovate Raleigh as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. Getty Images Lukas Gage has confirmed his relationship with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton in a heart-warming interview. The pair were previously thought to be dating after they both shared pictures together on their Instagrams of what appeared to be a holiday to Mexico. However, Lukas hadn't confirmed their relationship until he appeared on an episode of The Today Show yesterday (27th March) where he revealed he was dating Chris and said how happy they were. He said: "I feel very happy, very lucky and very much in love. Hes a good looking man." 27-year-old Lukas, who stars in Netflix's You season four, which is based in London, joked about dating Chris, who is originally from the UK but now appears to reside in the US, saying: "Theres something about being in London. I think I got a taste of the Brits and couldnt help myself." It's not clear how long the pair have been dating but Lukas revealed the couple has a lot of fun together. "We have fun together. We go on adventures. Hes the best," he said. Getty Images The pair were first said to be dating when they both posted pictures together on Instagram at the end of February from their adventures in Mexico. However, neither confirmed they were in an official relationship then. Lukas later teased their relationship when asked by The New York Times if they were together, by saying: "If they want to think that, they can." He also mentioned he didn't understand the public interest in his dating life, adding: "Im a pretty open book about most things in my life, but I have a problem with the culture of everyone needing to know everybodys business and nothing can be sacred. Its a weird line that Im still trying to figure out." Stefanie Keenan - Getty Images 39-year-old Chris, who is known for styling Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande's hair, spoke about his relationship with Lukas for the first time in March earlier this year. Whilst appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, Chris told Drew he was very happy to be in love. Though Chris didn't mention Lukas by name, Drew went onto show the photos of the pair together, seemingly confirming their relationship. Story continues "Im very happy. Very much in love, and I feel very grateful to be able to share my time with someone very special. Love is a really special thing, and I think meeting someone that you really connect with is really really special," he said. Here's to love! Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton spills on his new relationship with @lukasgage. pic.twitter.com/xKBA9vm1j2 The Drew Barrymore Show (@DrewBarrymoreTV) March 15, 2023 Ok, is anyone else seriously smiling right now? They're too cute. You Might Also Like ALLIANCE Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced on Monday the approval of assistance for four projects that will create jobs in Ohio. One of them will be in the Stark County area. MAC Trailer Enterprises Inc. is expanding its operations in the Alliance area and plans to create 80 full-time positions, generating $4 million in new annual payroll and retaining $4.5 million in existing payroll, according to the Ohio Department of Development. Mike Conny, the owner of MAC Trailer and several other area real estate properties, bought the 20-acre former Royal China site in Sebring in 2020. Along with state and local officials, Conny is helping to fund the remediation of the contaminated property. The site has been a brownfield property for decades. This expansion, the state DOD said, allows MAC Trailer headquartered in Lexington Township to increase output on both frameless and framed dump trailers. The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.339%, seven-year tax credit for the project. MAC Trailer operates three plants in the Alliance area and manufactures dump, platform, pneumatic tanks, liquid tanks, refuse trailers and dump bodies under the MAC Trailer, Trailstar, Beall and MAC LTT brands. The trailers are made at 12 plants across the United States. Locally, MAC Trailer manufactures end dumps at its facility on Commerce Street in Lexington Township; half rounds, transfers and chippers at its West Main Street plant in Alliance; and platforms and pneumatic tanks at a facility on Allen Road in Salem. It has an aftermarket parts facility on Rockhill Avenue in Alliance. The company also has a manufacturing plant under the Trailstar brand in Smith Township. The company, in an email, said it can no longer sustain the demand for MAC Trailer and Trailstar products without an expansion at either one of its Alliance plants or the Smith Township plant. The company said no decision has been made on which plant will be expanded. Based in the Alliance, Ohio, area, MAC Trailer manufactures dump, flatbed, drop-deck, transfer, dry bulk pneumatic tank, and liquid tank trailers. The company has 12 plants in four states. MAC Trailer Enterprises employs more than 1,600 people in the U.S., including 1,000 people in Ohio. "This new addition will not only allow for more trailers to be manufactured, but it will also allow for new good-paying jobs to be created for people in our local community," the company said via email. "Some of the new positions that will be created are welding jobs, forklift operators, office staff employees, engineers and material managers." Story continues MAC also has manufacturing plants in Paton, Iowa; Davis Oklahoma; Haslet, Texas; and Sunnyside, Washington. The company's founder and president is Michael A. Conny. Conny owned: Cleanup at Sebring's Royal China property to begin in summer New venture: Rose's Hillcrest Market to close, staff to run new venture in former Perkins The TCA OK'd the tax credit during its monthly meeting, along with three others projects within the state. The four projects are expected to add more than $13.4 million in new payroll and create more than $55.6 million in investments across Ohio. The other three projects receiving assistance are: Middle West Spirits LLC in Columbus (Franklin County). Berkley Insurance Company in West Chester Twp. (Butler County). Cincinnati Test Systems Inc. in Harrison (Hamilton County). Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP This article originally appeared on The Repository: MAC Trailer gets tax credit for expansion in Alliance area Concerns lingered that oversight of oil and gas industry was inadequately funded in New Mexico, despite an almost $9.6 billion budget approved by lawmakers during this years legislative session that concluded March 18. House Bill 2, the General Appropriation Act of 2023, was passed by lawmakers in the State House and Senate three days before the session concluded and was awaiting signature into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The States two main regulatory agencies for oil and gas, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), both saw increases in state appropriations via HB 2 at 21 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively. More:Oil giants fueling refinery expansions as Permian Basin oil production to grow in April But Santa Fe-based environmental group WildEarth Guardians said increasing spills and other environmental impacts from New Mexicos booming oil and gas industry meant more resources were needed from the state. The group pointed to 1,450 liquid spills throughout the state last year, averaging four spills per day and totaling about 5.4 million gallons of contaminants. These largely included oil and gas wastewater, also known as produced water by the industry, and WildEarth Guardians said the vast majority occurred in Eddy and Lea counties the two counties that contain the Permian Basin in southeast New Mexico. More:$440K in fines issued to Carlsbad-area oil and gas company for air pollution violations Its the U.S. most active oilfield, shared by New Mexico and West Texas but in a March 21 letter to NMED and EMNRD officials, the group said expanded production meant greater efforts from the State to prevent pollution while transitioning to lower-carbon fuel sources. In this climate, our state has but one pragmatic choice: to meaningfully decrease oil and gas production and work towards a just transition away from energy generation that offloads its toxic burden onto communities and the environment, the letter read. Story continues The toxic legacy of current oil and gas production in New Mexico is already staggering. We urge you to adopt the recommendations above to prevent your agencies from making it worse. More:Carlsbad, New Mexico activists demand stronger oil and gas rules in Washington, D.C. The letter also called on the State to prevent the use of produced water outside of the oil and gas industry, amid efforts to increase treatment and reuse of the water, and asked NMED and EMNRD to enact greater oversight for the States ongoing research. Melissa Troutman, climate and energy advocate at WildEarth Guardians said despite shortfalls in its enforcement capabilities, the State continued to permit new oil and gas wells that threatened the environment. She said EMNRDs Oil Conservation Division (OCD), its main compliance arm, was especially underfunded. More:More than 3,000 acres of New Mexico public land being sold for oil and gas amid protests Permitting thousands of new oil and gas operations despite massive shortfalls in law enforcement is unjust, wasteful, and incongruent with climate goals, Troutman said. At four spills a day and a years-long backlog of spills that still need remediation, its impossible for the OCD to handle the oil and gas industrys pollution problem. The State of New Mexico banned spills of liquid or gas waste two years ago, meaning such events would immediately incur fines, but Soni Grant of the Center for Biological Diversity based in New Mexico said the State had so far failed to enforce its recently tighten restrictions. These also included a ban on routine flaring the burning of excess natural gas and required all operators in the state to capture 98 percent of produced gas by 2026. More:Pollution bills struggle in New Mexico legislature. Here's what passed and failed The NMED also added increased leak detection and repair requirements in rules enacted last year, but Grant said the state had not properly issued penalties to operators in violation. Although New Mexico prohibited toxic liquid waste spills in 2021, the oil and gas industry has had thousands of spills since then and state regulators havent issued penalties for the pollution, Grant said. To curb pollution and protect public health and the environment, the Oil Conservation Division needs to hold the industry strictly liable for its spills. More:Oilfield lawmakers claim success in killing bills aimed at energy pollution in New Mexico As oil booms, New Mexico could need more oversight EMNRD spokesman Sidney Hill said the OCD's added funding from the session would prove helpful, although continued expansion in the state's oil and gas production expected in the "next few years" would mean the agencies need would grow along with the industry. "Most predictions that we have seen forecast continued growth in the industry at least for the next few years," Hill said. "If those predictions prove accurate, OCD will likely continue to seek funding for staffing, equipment, and other technology to provide resources to try and keep pace with some of that growth." He said OCD's budget requests were largely for increased staffing for its engineering, inspection, legal, permitting and environmental oversight activities attempting to address its incident backlog. "These additional resources certainly will enhance OCDs ability to conduct its very important regulatory functions," Hill said. "For instance, additional field inspectors will enable us to increase the number and cadence of site visits/inspections. The Division would also use the funds for better technology to look for leaks and increase its oversight of operators throughout New Mexico. "OCD continues to investigate the potential for new tools and technology to enhance its work," Hill said. "When we find evidence that a specific tool will be helpful, we will submit a request for funding." NMED Cabinet Secretary said during the legislative session that HB 2 did not give his agency enough resources to do its job. He pointed to a $2 million special appropriation NMED requested from lawmakers to help fund expected increased permitting activities in advance of tighter restrictions expected from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to worsening ground-level ozone, or smog, in the Permian Basin. The higher ozone levels were believed the result of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) release by oil and gas facilities in the region. Kenney said the bill was also inadequate to allow the agency to increase staffing, address groundwater contamination and worker safety throughout the state. We have plenty of oil and gas operators who do comply with state and federal law. We have many that do not, which contributes to our ozone problem, Kenney said. Were just continuing to pave the way for deeper levels of regulatory oversight from the federal government. We cant hold the companies accountable because we dont have the budget to do that. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Does New Mexico have the money to hold oil and gas accountable? The actress spoke to InStyle about her new Tory Burch campaign, shooting a movie in Rome, and personal style. Courtesy of Tory Burch Sydney Sweeney is a self-described jeans and T-shirt kind of girl, but despite or perhaps because of her effortless approach to dressing, shes well on her way to becoming one of fashions It girls. After all, shes racked up plenty of sartorial bona fides to claim the title. A starring role in the industrys favorite series? Check shes more than made her mark, starring in Euphoria and The White Lotus. Going viral with a red carpet look? See: the slinky red number that took over Instagram feeds everywhere in February. Securing a contract with a major designer? Shes got that, too, playing muse to none other than prep icon Tory Burch. Her role, announced last fall, was born out of more than a shared fashion sensibility. It was the brands mission that truly brought them together. When I met with Tory, I was really inspired by her motivation to empower women and the business she built, Sweeney tells InStyle. I wanted to work with someone who I could learn from and be inspired by. With programs like the Tory Burch Foundation, which provides resources to women entrepreneurs, the company offers empowerment alongside the luxe American sportswear the fashion line is known for. Most recently, Tory Burch tapped Sweeney to star in a spring campaign featuring a new iteration of the beloved Ella Bag this time made from completely plant-based materials. Shot on-site in Italy, it features Sweeney on a modern Roman holiday of sorts, romping around the Eternal City. Vespas, cheerful spring separates, and, of course, gelato all make appearances, tying back to the fact that Ella Bios 64% bio-based materials are manufactured in Italy. "Rome is one of my favorite places in the world, says Sweeney, who has been filming her new movie Immaculate there for four months. It was fun being able to play around with all the fun colorways of Torys new collection at different monuments, she adds, sharing that she picked up a love for raspberry and mango gelato during her stay. Story continues Courtesy of Tory Burch Related:Sydney Sweeney Sported Baggy Blue Jeans and a Two-Piece Tube Top During Her First Football Game The Ella Bio, which is one of Torys mega-hit purse styles, comes in seven colors that range from an Amethyst, which is set to dethrone an almost sold-out pink as the brand's most TikTok-famous shade, to Limoncello, which Sweeney describes as one of her favorites and perfect for an Italian vacation! Besides its new vegan materials, the bags appeal lies in its day-to-night versatility. I love it because it can be both, says Sweeney. There are also so many fun colors, so you can really pair it with anything. In terms of spring style, Sweeneys keeping it fresh. She designed her own line of swimwear in collaboration with Frankies Bikinis last month (it felt so amazing being my own design, and I was really proud of it!), which is so comfortable she wore it to set recently. She also cites Tory Burchs Good Luck Trainers as a must-have spring staple. Oh, and like the rest of us, shes really into mini skirts right now: You can style them with almost anything. As for what shes carrying inside her Ella bag, which comes in full-size and mini, by the way, touch-ups and hydration are key right now with her hectic shooting schedule. I always have a pressed powder and my Laneige lip sleeping mask," Sweeney says. For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on InStyle. Nearly five years after James Ray fled his Upper Montclair house en route to Cuba, with his girlfriend and the mother of his daughter dead in the living room, his murder trial will begin in Newark. On Wednesday, Judge Verna Leath will hear opening arguments from assistant prosecutors Michelle Miller and John Petillo; the defense will be mounted by Thomas Ashley and Brooke Barnett. A pre-trial hearing in September 2019 hinted at the courtroom drama that could be in store. With Ray sitting before Judge Leath, the attorneys argued over the admissability of an 18-page journal he had penned about the killing of Angela Bledsoe and his flight from Montclair to Texas, first in his BMW and then by hitchhiking on tractor-trailers to Texas, then to Mexico and Cuba, where he was turned over to FBI agents on October 31, 2018. Barnett is the fiery criminal defense lawyer featured in the Sundance Channel's Brick City, the Peabody-Award-winning documentary series about Newark that ended in 2011. She also starred in the 2013 reality show "Jersey Strong." James Ray III is accused of murdering his girlfriend Angela Bledsoe on October 22, 2018. Sequence of Events The killing took place the morning of Oct. 22, 2018. Around 11 p.m., on a tip from Rays brother, police discovered the body of 44-year Angela Bledsoe in the stately six-bedroom stucco house at 304 North Mountain Ave., near Anderson Park, that she shared with Ray. She was shot once in the jaw and three times in the back, according to evidence presented at Ray's November 2018 detention hearing. The time was 11:15, as evidenced by a crime-scene photo of a stopped wall clock that had been hit by gunfire. The crime-scene photo was taken by Ray. The two were a power couple in New York. Ray, 55 at the time of the shooting, was a lawyer with an MBA. Bledsoe was a financial adviser who'd worked for JPMorgan Chase and other securities firms and was a high-profile leader with service organizations in the Black community. According to Rays diary, he shot Bledsoe in self-defense after the two argued about their relationship while he was cleaning his guns, two H9s and an HK45, in the living room. Ray, a former Marine, wrote that Bledsoe pointed a gun at him and, "scared and out of options," he grabbed a gun on the table and fired at her. When Bledsoe started towards him, he wrote, he ran into the bathroom, and when he emerged with his gun pointed in front of him, "she pointed the gun at me, and I fired. I couldn't stop firing." Story continues At the detention hearing, Ashley argued that Ray shot Bledsoe in self-defense and fled to Cuba because he feared no one would believe that he acted in self-defense. In a letter he wrote to his brother, Ray said, I am scared and dont want the long burden of a trial to prove my point nor want to face jail time if the jury doesnt agree. At the hearing, the prosecution asserted that Ray had many hours to stage the photo and write up the journal entry on the killing. Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Shaughnessy added, "To be shot in the back, your honor, does not sound like self defense." After killing Bledsoe, Ray wrote, he drove to Summit to pick up the couples daughter, 6-year-old daughter Alana, at her language immersion school, and then brought her to a Texas Longhorn steakhouse in Springfield, where he left her in the care of his brother. In his daughters suitcase, he had stowed a confession note, which his brother reported to the police, and which led them to Bledsoes body. According to his diary, Ray ditched his BMW 328i at Newark Airport (where it was later recovered by police) and took a cab to Philadelphia, where he spent the night on the street with the homeless. There, he took apart the murder weapon, an HK45, which he later discarded in pieces at various rest stops, he wrote. The next morning he took a cab to a Pennsylvania truck stop where he hitched a ride in a tractor-trailer, and then others, to Ohio, Memphis and Laredo, Texas. From there he took a bus to Monterrey, Mexico, and flew to Cuba, according to his diary. He was apprehended by U.S. authorities nine days after the killing, on Oct. 31, 2018. The judge and jury will have several complex narratives to unravel. In addition to questions about the veracity of the journal, which Miller has argued gives Ray an opportunity to manipulate certain facts to present himself in a positive light, and the defense has argued could be prejudicial to Ray, there are questions about his relationship to Bledsoe and his apparently concurrent marriage to a woman named Cheryl, with whom he has two grown children and had previously lived with in the North Mountain Avenue house. Ray's history In 2013, five years after he met Bledsoe, Ray was sued by a 23-year-old paralegal for sexual harassment after he told her he was a polygamist, talked to her about pornography and asked her to be his third wife, according to the complaint. In a deposition for the case, which was settled for $35,000, Ray said he would soon be celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with a woman named Cheryl, with whom he had two grown children. Ray was also involved in the high-profile trial of Jelani Maraj, 38, the brother of rapper Nicki Minaj, who'd been accused of repeatedly raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter. Ray, who said he'd been hired by the victim's mother, testified that he called Maraj's attorney demanding $25 million to resolve the case. When the lawyer told him Maraj had no money, Ray asked about his rap-star sister, according to a Newsday article. The defense called the demand extortion. Ray said the alleged victims mother fired him over the incident. The missing voice The prosecution will have to counter Rays narrative and piece together what really happened on the morning of Oct. 22. At the 2019 hearing, prosecutors said they had not been able to gain access to Bledsoes cellphone, but recent advances in accessing encrypted cell phone information will likely have changed that. Beyond a couple of chance interactions, theres been little revealed by the Montclair community, where the family reportedly kept to themselves. But there was trouble behind the house's stately facade: Logs show that police visited Ray's house several times between 2013 and 2016. A call placed on June 26, 2016 asked for an officer to keep peace while she gathers her belongings, but its unclear if the woman was Bledsoe or Cheryl Ray, who had previously lived with Ray in the house. In March 2013, Bledsoe called the NYPD to report that shed been receiving texted suicide notes from Ray, according to police records. The police checked his law office at 445 Park Avenue and called the Montclair police, who visited his home. They also checked for Ray at the DLV Lounge, the iconic bar and jazz venue in town that closed in December, which he visited several times a week, according to owner George Marable, who called himself a "good friend" of Rays. A Montclair report dated the following day classified Ray as a "missing person," but there are no further reports on the incident. The deceased Friends of Bledsoes said she was a doting mother to Alana, a Girl Scout cookie mom and active in Jack & Jill of America, an African-American family organization. A Montclair neighbor said Bledsoe had enrolled her daughter in the towns Sharon Miller Dance Academy; the 6-year-old was learning Mandarin and Spanish at Jump Immersion School. In his diary, Ray said that on the morning of her killing, Bledsoe said she wanted to leave him and move to Florida, where her sister Lisa LaBoo lives. She was angry that Ray was preventing her because he wouldnt give her permission to bring her daughter there, he wrote. Leaving, or threatening to leave, a relationship is the "most dangerous time" for domestic violence victims, according to Linda Farstein, former prosecutor and chief of New York City's Sex Crimes Unit. Bledsoe's death was the third in Montclair in 2018 in which women were killed by their male domestic partners. The likelihood of intimate partner violence goes up when women attempt to break up with their partners, and having loaded guns in the mix is a lethal combination, experts say. Ultimately, Bledsoe's daughter did end up in Florida with her aunt, but without a mother. At the press conference following Rays capture, Bledsoes parents, Ray and Gaynelle Bledsoe, said they were caring for their granddaughter at their Maryland home in the summer and that Bledsoes sister LaBoo has custody during the school year. Previous coverage of the case Oct. 23, 2018: Montclair woman found shot dead in home; suspect remains at large Oct. 23, 2018: Man wanted in Montclair fatal shooting was sued for sexual harassment in 2013 Oct. 26, 2018: New York power couple were a mystery in Montclair Oct. 31, 2018: Montclair police reports reveal trouble at home of murder suspect Nov. 7, 2018: Lawyer charged with killing Montclair girlfriend caught in Cuba Nov. 9, 2018: Montclair murder suspect confessed in a note left in his 6-year-old daughter's suitcase Nov. 13, 2018: Montclair homicide has a global twist with capture in Cuba Sept. 25, 2019: Montclair man's 18-page journal on killing of girlfriend is focus of court hearing This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Montclair's James Ray murder trial set to begin on Wednesday (Bloomberg) -- The US took its most forceful move yet on Monday to crack down on crypto exchange Binance Holdings Ltd. and its chief executive officer Changpeng Zhao. Most Read from Bloomberg The Commodity Futures Trading Commission alleged in federal court in Chicago that Binance and its CEO, who is known as CZ, routinely broke American derivatives rules as the firm grew to be the worlds largest trading platform. Binance should have registered with the agency years ago and continues to violate the CFTCs rules, according to the regulator. The defendants own emails and chats reflect that Binances compliance efforts have been a sham and Binance deliberately chose over and over to place profits over following the law, Gretchen Lowe, chief counsel in the CFTCs enforcement division, said. In a statement, Binance called the CFTCs lawsuit unexpected and disappointing. The exchange said itd been working with the regulator for more than two years and would continue to collaborate with authorities in the US and elsewhere. We have made significant investments over the past two years to ensure we do not have US users active on our platform, Binance said. The company added that it has expanded its compliance team, spent heavily to bolster surveillance and taken significant actions to prevent Americans from using its global trading platform. In a statement on the Binance Blog, Zhao said the CFTCs complaint appears to contain an incomplete recitation of facts, and we do not agree with the characterization of many of the issues alleged in the complaint. He added that he strictly observes Binances policies, including those for anyone with private information such as details on listings. Story continues The CFTC is a civil government agency, so it cant bring criminal charges against firms or seek jail time for individuals. However, cases from the regulator can result in hefty fines and other penalties against companies and individuals. In addition to suing Zhao and several Binance entities, the CFTC also alleged that Samuel Lim, Binances former chief compliance officer, broke its rules. Read the lawsuit here The agency said that Zhao, Lim, other senior managers failed to properly supervise Binances activities and took steps to violate US laws, including instructing American customers to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to obscure their location and directing VIP customers with US ties often institutional market participants to open Binance accounts under the name of shell companies. Attempts to reach Lim for comment were unsuccessful. Anti-money Laundering The CFTC also alleged that Binance failed to implement an effective anti-money laundering program. It also didnt establish necessary safeguards for determining the true identity of customers, the agency said. The complaint says that as of at least May 2022, the company had not filed a single suspicious activity report in the US. The CFTC also said Binances own documents for the month of August 2020 showed that the platform earned $63 million in fees from derivatives transactions, and that about 16% of its accounts were identified as being held by US customers. Defendants have disregarded applicable federal laws while fostering Binances U.S. customer base because it has been profitable for them to do so, the CFTC said in its complaint. Documents The CFTC alleged that the company intentionally destroyed documents. At the same time, Binance makes frequent use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to communicate with US customers, at Zhaos instruction, the agency said. Since at least 2021, the CFTC has been probing Binance over whether it failed to keep US residents from buying and selling crypto derivatives. CFTC rules generally require platforms to register with the agency if they let Americans trade those products. The regulator is one of several US bodies that have been investigating Binances activities. The Internal Revenue Service, as well as federal prosecutors, have been examining Binances compliance with anti-money laundering obligations, Bloomberg News has reported. The Securities and Exchange Commission has been scrutinizing whether the exchange has supported the trading of unregistered securities. Explosive Growth Binance, which exploded onto the crypto scene in 2017 and almost immediately took on and surpassed larger rivals, saw its market share surge after last Novembers collapse of FTX. Meanwhile, Binance had been publicly signaling that it expected to settle with US authorities probing its business practices, and that it closed compliance gaps that existed in its early years. In a recent 14-page letter to US senators including Elizabeth Warren, Chief Strategy Officer Patrick Hillmann detailed Binances work to build out its compliance program and team, but didnt provide details on the companys finances that the lawmakers had requested. The case is Commodity Futures Trading Commission v. Changpeng Zhao, Binance Holdings Ltd. et al., 23-cv-01887, US District Court, Northern District of Illinois. --With assistance from Olga Kharif and Justina Lee. (Updates with Zhao comment in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Metro Nashville Police identified the six victims who died after a 28-year-old woman opened fire Monday in a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville Police shared the names and ages of the victims of the shooting Monday, saying in a tweet that all three of the child victims were just 9 years old. The children, who died as a result of gunshot wounds, were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney. The adult staff members of the Covenant School who were shot and killed by the shooter, who carried assault-style weapons and a handgun, were identified as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, according to police. The shooter whose name has yet to be released entered the school through a side entrance Monday morning, officials said. Law enforcement officials said they responded to a call about the shooting at 10:13 a.m. and cleared the first floor of the school. Shortly afterward, officers heard gunshots on the second floor, where they engaged with the shooter, who was shot and killed by the officers. The shooter was dead by 10:27 a.m., police said. President Biden said the shooting was sick, heartbreaking and a familys worst nightmare, in remarks on Monday afternoon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Olympic gymnast and West Des Moines metro native Shawn Johnson East on her Instagram account says her children's school in Nashville, Tennessee, went on lockdown after where three students and three adults died in a mass shooting Monday. Police later killed the shooter. "I haven't been able to catch my breath since reading the news and getting a call from our school that they were on lockdown," East wrote in the Monday posting. "Shaking. Crying. Heartbroken. Horrific." She said her children, Drew, 3, and Jett, 1, were safe and she and her husband, Andrew East a former NFL player who played college ball at Nashville's Vanderbilt University had retrieved them from their school near Covenant, a private Christian academy in an affluent part of the city where she's lived since 2011. Shawn Johnson East with her husband, Andrew, and two children, Drew and Jett. "Our babies are now home with us," she wrote. "I feel lucky and blessed but still so incredibly sad. No parent or family should ever have to deal with this." More:Olympian Shawn Johnson East opens up about motherhood, social media fame and life in Nashville Johnson East, who has more than 3.8 million Instagram followers, described the scene: "I've seen children, ambulances, countless police cars, buses of children being transported to safety, parents flying down the street laying on their horns, people sprinting in an out of churches and schools looking for their kids," she wrote. "Today has changed me." She wrote that she was praying for the families whose "beautiful innocent babies" wouldn't be coming home from school, as well as the children and adults who witnessed the violence firsthand. "You don't ever fully recover from this." A police scam scene tape is seen at the entrance to Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. She included on her Instagram story a video her husband captured while returning home with their children, saying it shows students being transported to safety. More:Covenant School shooting in Nashville: 3 children, 3 adults dead; victims' names released Story continues An Instagram posting from former Des Moines metro resident and Olympian Shawn Johnson East, whose children attend the Nashville, Tenn., school that was the scene of a mass shooting on Monday. "Helicopters are still circling," she wrote. "The silence in Nashville is very loud right now." Now 31, Johnson East, who graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing when she was 16. She won four medals, including gold on the balance beam. She later competed on "Dancing With the Stars" and with her husband has launched a variety of family-oriented social media feeds, including FamilyMade, a media company that captures all things family through conversations and shareable content. She told Huffington Post she met her husband when his brother competed in the Olympics and later attended Vanderbilt. This article has been edited to correct which school Shawn Johnson East's children attend. Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter @NoelleHannika or email her atNAlvizGransee@registermedia.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Shawn Johnson East details emotions after Nashville school shooting Updated 5:30 p.m.: After a nearly four-and-a-half hour standoff, Dontrell Howard peacefully surrendered to Houma Police Department. Howard was stopped earlier in the morning by Houma Police Department on Grand Caillou Road and Tunnel Blvd. He fled police officers to Colonial Village apartment complex in Houma. There he barricaded himself in the apartment and threatened suicide. NAACP President Jerome Boykin had been requested by Howard a few hours into the standoff. He along with negotiators successfully persuaded Howard to drop at least two knives out of the window, and then eventually surrender himself to the police. NAACP President Jerome Boykin speaks with man held up in apartment as police negotiate with a man down. Event has been ongoing since before noon at Colonial Appartments in Houma. "I was just glad it turned out in this instance because it could've turned out a whole lot worse," Boykin said, who credited law enforcement's patience for the peaceful outcome. The Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police were both assisting Houma Police Department. Boykin said he and negotiators convinced Howard to come down for his daughter, who also had arrived on the scene. Howard peacefully surrendered at 4:10 p.m. "He had a flight from the police and then one thing led to another," Howard's brother Ronnie Bailey said "I guess he didn't want to be arrested, you know?" According to Bailey, Howard told him he had a previous run-in with law enforcement where they searched his vehicle for drugs. Howard had none, but had been beaten and charged with flight from an officer. More:Pork, beer, and good cheer: Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie draws thousands to Houma More:State offering assistance to small rental property owners, workshop in Houma Monday According to Travis Theriot this was not true, and no complaints had been filed accusing of such behavior. Theriot and Terrebonne Parish Tim Soignet said they suspect the motive for his flight and standoff were because he had numerous outstanding warrants for felonies. Theriot did not have the exact warrants at the time of the arrest. Houma Police Department Chief of Police Travis Theriot and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet speaking after the standoff, March 27. Past aside, Bailey said he was happy with how things turned out. He said he had spoken with Howard during the standoff over the phone and feared the situation might have taken a turn for the worst. Story continues Original story, published at 3:01 p.m. A tense standoff between law enforcement and a single man has been going on since before noon. Houma Police Department, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office and State Police are at Houma Colonial Village, negotiating with a man held up in his apartment. A police chase earlier this morning led to the situation. According to Sheriff Tim Soignet, the man is threatening to hurt himself. According to Chief of Police Travis Theriot, it is unknown if the man is armed or not, but they must treat the situation as if he is. Law enforcement are not releasing his name at this time. Theriot said the man they believe to be inside the apartment has numerous outstanding warrants. Tensions are runing high as the crowd watches two law enforcement with AR style rifles trained on the apartment. Relatives who would not give their names said he is afraid to leave the apartment because he said police beat him last time. They also would not name him. He requested NAACP President Jerome Boykin who is on the phone talking to the man. "All you got to do is come out," Boykin could be heard saying into the phone. "I got your back" This article originally appeared on The Courier: Police negotiating standoff at Colonial Apartments Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images Prince Harry, who is in London this week to deal with his ongoing lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, has submitted a witness statement in which he accuses the royal institution of hiding information from him about the case, and credits wife Meghan Markle with inspiring him to speak up. Harry and other high-profile figures are suing the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday for illegal information gathering (in Harry's case, via phone hacking). "Following the death of my mother in 1997 when I was 12 years old and her treatment at the hands of the press, I have always had an uneasy relationship with the press," he said, referring to his mother, Princess Diana, per People. "However, as a member of the Institution, the policy was to 'never complain, never explain.' There was no alternative; I was conditioned to accept it. For the most part, I accepted the interest in my performing my public functions." Harry openly spoke of his royal family's tight-lip policy and their complicated relationship with the British press in his memoir, Spare. In the book, he revealed the royal households compete against each other for positive pressoften at the expense of other members of the family. The duke also claimed the senior royals were not responsive when he voiced his concerns over Meghan's mental health due to the negative press against her, and discouraged them from seeking professional help. In his witness statement, Harry said dating Meghan made him "increasingly troubled by the approach of not taking action against the press in the wake of vicious persistent attacks on, harassment of and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan." He added that "the situation got worse" when Meghan became pregnant with their first child, Prince Archie, and when the young prince was born, in May 2019. Harry added that the institution did not disclose the full truth to him about his phone hacking incident with the British publisher, and it wasn't until he hired his own legal team that he learned the full extent of the privacy violation. Story continues "The Institution was without a doubt withholding information from me for a long time about NGN's phone hacking and that has only become clear in recent years as I have pursued my own claim with different legal advice and representation," he said. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the bubble burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom." Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020 and have since been living in California with their two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Harry added that his fight against Associated Newspapers is not just about him. "To this day, there are members of the Royal Family and friends of mine who may have been targeted by NGN and I have no idea whether they have or have not brought claims," he said. "There was never any centralised discussion between us about who had brought claims as each office in the Institution is siloed. There is this misconception that we are all in constant communication with one another but that is not true." You Might Also Like Prince Harry will miss out on a royal reunion Prince Harry will miss out on a royal reunion with his father King Charles and his brother Prince William, despite making a rare trip across the pond from California to London. On Monday, March 27, 2023, Prince Harry appeared in Westminster, London at the High Court. The Prince was in attendance at this case with a number of other high-profile figures as legal proceedings began in a phone-tapping and privacy case. In other royal news, King Charles takes partying off the table with curfew ahead of coronation. Prince Harry was snapped arriving at the High Court to settle an ongoing legal battle involving Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail. The Duke of Sussex was joined by other high-profile figures who were also making the same complaint to the organization. This included Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost. Despite the fact that the Prince has not stepped foot in the UK since the funeral of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, it is thought that the Prince will not get the opportunity to spend any time with his family. Prince William and Prince Harry The Prince and Princess of Wales are living in Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate which is not too far from London. However, as their children are currently on their Easter holiday break, it is thought that the family will have traveled to Anmer Hall in Norfolk for the holidays. This royal retreat hasn't been confirmed by the royals, but this is a go-to space for the family when they want a country retreat. King Charles is thought to currently be staying in Highgrove House in Gloucestershire. The King was supposed to travel to France just a few days ago, but the riots in the country caused his trip to be postponed. The King and Queen consort is thought to be spending some time in Gloucester ahead of their upcoming trip as the King is scheduled to attend a state visit to Germany on Wednesday, March 29. This means that the Prince is unlikely to see his father or brother while he is in the UK unless he makes a trip to see either of them in their homes in the countryside. Story continues Why is Prince Harry at the High Court? Prince Harry is currently at the High Court in London because of his involvement in a case against ANL, which has been accused of phone tapping and other illegal methods of sourcing information for news articles. Per Sky News, David Sherborne, the lawyer representing the Prince and the other claimants said in written submissions to the High Court that the allegations included "illegally intercepting voicemail messages, listening into live landline calls, obtaining private information such as itemized phone bills or medical records by deception or 'blagging', using private investigators to commit these unlawful information gathering acts on their behalf and even commissioning the breaking and entry into private property." Elton John It has been suggested that these illegal news-gathering practices have been used by the ANL for years. "They range through a period from 1993 to 2011, even continuing beyond until 2018," said the barrister, David Sherborne. Adrian Beltrami KC, quoted some of Prince Harry's letter of claim in court and shed some light on the specific times the Duke felt he had been under specific surveillance. "Indeed, the Duke was aware throughout this period of the intense interest in his life shown by the media and by Associated, of 'strange things happening around his phone communications', of 'unexplained disclosures of private information' in Associated's publications and of journalists from Associated 'regularly turning up at different locations which you would never expect them to, including South Africa... despite the extreme lengths my security team and I went to in order to protect my security and privacy'," said Adrian quoting the Duke. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Eurasian Economic Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on November 9, 2022. Contributor/Getty Images Putin has made a lot of nuclear threats since the war in Ukraine began. But the threats appear to be carrying less and less weight. The West seems skeptical he would actually use a nuke. Putin's latest threat involves moving tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a variety of nuclear threats since he launched his invasion of Ukraine last year, prompting condemnation and alarm across the world, but with each new threat, Moscow's rivals and adversaries seem to be growing increasingly skeptical that Putin would actually use such a weapon. Over the weekend, Putin announced a plan to place tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders members of the EU and NATO, by summer. Tactical nuclear weapons (also known as battlefield nukes) are generally intended for use on a smaller scale at shorter ranges and are less powerful than strategic nuclear weapons. That said, tactical nuclear weapons still have the capacity to wreak havoc and kill tens of thousands of people. Though NATO condemned Putin's rhetoric as "dangerous and irresponsible," the alliance also said that it had "not seen any changes in Russia's nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own." In other words, NATO signaled that it was monitoring the situation but not taking any major steps in response. Similarly, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Sunday told CBS News the White House hadn't seen anything to indicate Putin was preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons "in any way whatsoever in Ukraine." "I can also tell you that we haven't seen anything that would cause us to change our own strategic nuclear deterrent posture," Kirby said. Ukraine shares a border with Belarus and saw Russian troops invade via the Kremlin-allied country last year, and its foreign ministry called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in response to Putin's latest threat. But Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also mocked Putin as "too predictable" in response to the news. Story continues "Making a statement about tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, [Putin] admits that he is afraid of losing & all he can do is scare with tactics," Podolyak said via Twitter. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Vladimir Astapkovich, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Many top analysts largely view Putin's bombastic rhetoric on nuclear weapons as a sign of the Russian leader's frustration over how poorly the war in Ukraine has gone for Russian forces. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based research organization that has closely tracked the war in Ukraine and provided frequent updates, said that Putin's announcement on placing tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus were part of an "information operation" and "irrelevant to the risk of escalation to nuclear war, which remains extremely low." Putin is vying to "exploit Western fears of nuclear escalation," ISW said, adding that it continues to assess that the Russian leader is "a risk-averse actor who repeatedly threatens to use nuclear weapons without any intention of following through in order to break Western resolve." Last year, there were serious concerns that Putin could resort to using nuclear weapons as Russia failed to reach its goals in the war. CIA Director Bill Burns last April warned that Putin might use a nuclear weapon if becomes desperate enough. But those fears have seemingly faded. On Monday, for example, nuclear expert Joseph Cirincione tweeted that he got "bumped" from a scheduled interview with Sky News to discuss Putin's nuclear threats because the network instead decided to focus on a celebrity trial involving Gwyneth Paltrow in relation to a 2016 ski accident. Just days before Putin said Russia would send tactical nukes to Belarus, he was hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Moscow. Xi in early March also hosted Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, who chairs the House select committee on US competition with China, on Sunday told ABC News that Putin's repeated "nuclear saber-rattling" was a concerning, but should not deter the US from continuing to arm Ukraine with vital weapons. Read the original article on Business Insider The staff at Chuck's Dairy Bar survived the tornado by taking shelter in the restaurant's walk-in cooler. CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images The employees of a beloved Mississippi diner owe their lives to their employer after her quick thinking saved them from the deadly tornado that devastated Rolling Fork on Friday evening. Tracy Harden, the owner of Chuck's Dairy Bar, reportedly rushed eight members of her staff into a walk-in cooler seconds before an EF4 tornado leveled the building. When the storm passed, that cooler and one bathroom were the only parts of the restaurant left standing. "We are OK. I feel like I've said that a million times, but we are hurting, we are grieving, but we are alive so we are OK," Harden told Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts on Monday. Harden said they had what felt like barely a moments notice before the tornado bore down on them with winds up to 170 miles per hour. "I got two text messages back-to-back from my sister and my daughter in Vicksburg and they both said ... 'There's a tornado down, get to a safe place.' At the same time I had my teenage cashier came running towards the back of the building saying, 'My mother is on the phone and she said there is a tornado down here, she recalled. At that point, most of us were towards the back of the building and the lights flickered. And I just hollered 'cooler!' And my husband opened the cooler door and started shoving us in." One of the employees, Barbara Pinkin, recounted those seconds of chaos. She told Roberts she remembers hearing Harden say, "Calm down, everybody get to the cooler." "By the time we got to the cooler, I couldn't hear anything but the ceiling falling," Pinkins said. When the storm abated, a customer, who suffered a broken arm in the storm, helped clear debris away from the cooler's door so the nine sheltered inside could get out. "We stepped out to the back of the building we stepped out through what would have been the back door, and our vehicles were totaled," Harden told Fox Weather. "But then when we looked up, we just saw what used to be two motel buildings and 35 or more trailer houses are all gone, and they were all flattened. Story continues CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images Harden and her husband Tim have owned Chuck's Dairy Barn for 16 years, but its been the main meeting place for the Sharkey County towns roughly 2,000 residents for decades. "I care so much for my town, and our business is the place to go, not just to eat, but to be loved on and be comforted during anything," she told USA Today. The tornado is blamed for at least 21 total deaths in Mississippi, with 13 confirmed in Sharkey County. Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker told CNN that his city is gone. Were going to come back strong, he added. For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. A statuette of Anadyomene Venus, as she emerges from the ocean, from the Gallo-Roman period. Archaeologists in France have discovered a trove of up to 1,800-year-old artifacts including statuettes of the goddess Venus, a potter's kiln, coins and clothing pins in a rare location: a Roman shale quarry that was later repurposed into a trash pit in what is now the city of Rennes. Located in northwest France, Rennes was founded in the first century A.D. as the Roman town Condate Riedonum . In order to create houses, walls and public buildings, a significant amount of stone was needed. Earlier this month, while excavating ahead of a development project, archaeologists with the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) announced their discovery of a quarry that was likely instrumental in the foundation of Roman Rennes. Just outside the northern boundary of the ancient city, archaeologists found a Roman-era rock excavation site more than 6.5 feet (2 meters) deep, laid out in stages, from which the Romans extracted slabs of schist, a metamorphic rock commonly used in ancient building construction. A man excavates a first century A.D. potter's kiln. "The Romans are famous for developing quarries all over the Mediterranean," Jason Farr , a Roman archaeologist at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada, told Live Science in an email. Farr, an expert in ancient quarries who was not involved in the present finding, said that "most quarries in the Roman world would have been local affairs, focused on supplying building stone in bulk to nearby towns and farms. The concrete walls favored by the Romans required a great deal of stone." Related: Sacred chickens, witches and animal entrails: 7 unusual ancient Roman superstitions Small objects, including coins, a metal clasp and antique glass, found at the site. When the stone was used up and the quarry abandoned in the second century A.D., it became a large trash dump. Inrap archaeologists discovered numerous fragments of pots and plates, a few coins, some clothing pins, as well as several terracotta statuettes, including two depicting Venus in different roles. Known as the goddess of love in the Roman period, Venus became closely associated with the emperors and was often symbolic of Roman power . Story continues The quarry excavation yielded a fragment of Venus genetrix (mother-goddess) that shows her torso draped in fabric. The second, more complete example is of Venus anadyomene (rising from the sea); she is nude and, with her right hand, she wrings water out of her hair. "Because they were so close to towns, quarries were frequently reused," Farr said. "Open pit quarries made for ideal trash dumps." Image 1 of 2 The fragment of the Venus genetrix statuette, a depiction of her as a mother-goddess, from the Gallo-Roman period. Image 2 of 2 Archaeologists excavate the Roman-era quarry-turned-trash-dump. By the Medieval period (14th to 15th centuries), the Rennes quarry was completely filled in. Inrap archaeologists found the remains of wooden buildings, ovens and wells that suggest the area was reused for craft production. A 17th-century underground plumbing pipe was also found, which ran under a historically known boarding school for girls and supplied Rennes with water. related stories Voluptuous 'Venus' of the Ice Age originated in Italy Amateur freedivers find gold treasure dating to the fall of the Roman Empire Ancient garbage heaps show fading Byzantine Empire was 'plagued' by disease and climate change In addition to the stash of artifacts dating back centuries, the Rennes quarry is important for what it can tell archaeologists about stone extraction methods, chiseling tools and organization and management of the location during the growth of a Roman town. "Relatively few Roman-period quarries for 'mundane' building stone have been excavated," Farr said, which is unfortunate given the key role the construction industry played in the local economy. The newly discovered Rennes quarry, he noted, "is all the more exciting because of its reuse as a trash dump, which is a veritable gold mine of information on ancient life. There really is a lot we can learn here." The majority of Senate Democrats on Monday pressed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to maintain access to abortion care for service members and their dependents, warning that restricting such care could hurt national security. In a letter led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, the 38 lawmakers tell Austin that it is imperative that the Department of Defense continue to take action to protect the rights of service members and their families to access abortion care. State laws restricting or prohibiting our service members from accessing reproductive care send a message that the United States does not trust those who serve in uniform whom we trust to protect our country to make their own decisions about their health care and families, the letter reads. These laws also jeopardize the health and overall readiness of our military. The letter was coauthored with Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and signed by 36 Democrats as well as Independent Sens. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Angus King (Maine). In the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last June, 13 states have outlawed most abortions, with several others severely restricting the procedure. The RAND Corporation estimates that 40 percent of active-duty women who serve in the United States face limited or no access to abortion services where they are stationed, according to the letter. Prior to the courts decision, the Department of Defense allowed abortion services at military treatment facilities under limited circumstances, including pregnancy caused by rape or incest or endangering the health and life of the woman. In most other cases, service members were required to pay out of pocket themselves at civilian medical facilities. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Pentagon officials have vowed to continue to allow abortion services at military treatment facilities, including in states where the procedure is no longer allowed or limited. Story continues Austin first announced in October that the Pentagon would also provide leave to service members and their dependents for travel required to access reproductive health care and would reimburse individuals for the trek. Policies released in February gave additional details and guidance on how the directives would function. In his October decision, Austin argued that restricting access to reproductive care will interfere with our ability to recruit, retain, and maintain the readiness of a highly qualified force. Senate Republicans, however, are skeptical, with 12 asking Austin for the data to back up his readiness claims. Led by Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the lawmakers in a letter earlier this month accused the Pentagon of a blatant attempt to circumvent numerous federal statutes and policies that can only be interpreted as a purely political action taken without consulting Congress. The divide has also led to a hold on President Bidens nominations for top Pentagon positions since February, with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) last week vowing to maintain the freeze until the policy is altered. And in a contentious Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week, Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) included abortion access in the military as among so-called social experiments and radical agendas, at the Pentagon. In Mondays letter, Senate Democrats argue that state laws restricting abortions will not stop service members from needing or seeking care. Abortion restrictions and bans only force service members to travel farther to states that have not restricted abortion, further compromising both the financial security of the service members and military readiness, they write. Our service members should not be forced to needlessly risk their personal health and safety for routine health care simply because they pledged to protect and defend our nation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Market.Us According to Market.us, The global Biobanking Market growth is driven by Owing to the Rising Population And Expenditure, rise in awareness by various healthcare programs and Increasing demand for global market equipment. New York, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global biobanking market size was USD 48.9 billion in 2022 and is poised to reach USD 88.7 Bn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%. Bio-banking market refers to the advanced market structures that use technology to preserve and collect biological data, samples, and materials for use in the future. Additionally, they gather information about different diseases, try to find a cure, and study the effects of multiple conditions. The increase in the number of applications for biobank samples has raised the demand for bio banking equipment, which results in market expansion. global biobanking market Get additional highlights on major revenue-generating segments; request a global Biobanking market sample report at https://market.us/report/biobanking-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway: By Product and Services , the equipment segment held the highest market revenue from 2023 to 2032. By Sample , the blood product segment is anticipated to dominate the market due to increased ovarian cancer prevalence. By Application , the life sciences segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the market. In 2022, Europe dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 32.5%. North America will grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023-2032. Due to increased investments in R&D by healthcare companies and the number of research activities, the demand for the Biobanking Market is increased. Bio banking is expanding and also facilitating the rapid expansion of its complementary markets. For instance, the cryogenic market first provides these businesses with storage facilities for preserving blood, cells, tissues, and other biological materials. Factors affecting the growth of the Biobanking Market Several factors can affect the growth of the Biobanking Market. Some of these factors include: Story continues Rising population and expenditure: Increased expenditures and rising populations by public and private healthcare providers drive the market over the forecast period. Increasing demand for global market equipment: There has been a significant rise in demand for global market equipment due to the expansion of research into various diseases. Rise in awareness by various healthcare programs: The increasing health awareness programs and missions motivated people worldwide to improve their health status, propelling the market's growth. A large amount of money is required to set up bio banking companies: The market has been expanding quickly, but some factors have slowed down the market's growth. High cost of Bio banking equipment: The high cost of Bio banking equipment is another major constraint observed recently that hindered the market growth. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic: COVID-19 cause a negative impact on the global bio-banking market. Top Trends in the Global Biobanking Market The revenue generation will increase with sustainability, leading to prominent growth in the global Biobanking Market. The sustainability of the biobank is crucial to stay operative and effective. The insecurity related to long-term funding is a prevalent concern despite financial support from public organizations. Therefore, the biobank must balance its social, economic, and operational aspects to become more sustainable. The global Biobanking market would expand due to increased revenue from the biobank's increased sustainability. Biobanks and several industry stakeholders are pursuing different strategies to achieve the sustainability objective. To understand how Biobanking Market report can bring a difference to your business strategy, Inquire about a brochure at https://market.us/report/biobanking-market/#inquiry Market Growth The global Biobanking market is consolidated with several global banks. Some biobanks are population-based, while others focus on diseases. Tissue banks, blood biobanks, cell-specific biobanks, and various other banks also support the market. The global Biobanking market is expected to grow during the forecast period. The focus on genomic medicine and genomic generation sequencing (NGS) continued to expand along with the development of new technologies. In addition, the availability of different types of biospecimens to serve various sectors, such as diagnostics, drug research, and others, was expected to boost market growth. Regional Analysis Europe dominates the global bio-banking market during the forecast period, with a revenue share of 32.5%. Owing to the presence of biobanks in Nordic nations like Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and others. The European biobank market is growing due to an increasing supply of samples. Also, another reason for the expansion of the market in this region is the ongoing R&D efforts taken by pharmaceutical industries. North America currently occupies the second position in this market because of the numerous clinical trials conducted by research institutions & pharmaceutical companies. Also, the growing use of virtual biobanks made possible by technological advancements expanded the NA market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience a higher CAGR over the forecast period due to increased sales of blood and cell samples to academic medical institutions for research purposes. Competitive Landscape Biobank Graz is a publicly-funded biobank with around 20 million sample collection facilities. It is also known as a major biomedical research center. Using automation technology, Biobank Graz distributes scientific and ethical samples to academic institutions around the globe. Similarly, biobanks with distribution strategies and extensive storage facilities are estimated to increase the global market's value. 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 48.9 Billion Market Size (2032) USD 88.7 Billion CAGR (from 2023 to 2032) 6.3% Europe Revenue Share 32.5% Historic Period 2016 to 2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Market Drivers Due to the expansion of research into various diseases, demand for global market equipment has significantly increased. As a result, it has improved the overall structure of the market. In addition, the Biobanking Market share has been propelled due to the need for multiple types of research, the development of low-cost medicines, and the rising demand for cost-effective drug discovery. The rising health awareness programs and missions have motivated people worldwide to improve their health status and be aware of the diseases that can affect them differently, which have been another primary driver in the global market. Also, preserving newborn cord blood stem cells has expanded the scope of Application for the global Biobanking Market in recent years. Market Restraints The Biobanking Market has proliferated, but a few factors have slowed its growth. First, much money needs to be invested in setting up Bio banking companies, making it difficult for new players to enter the market. The high cost of Bio banking equipment is another major factor hindering market growth. It affects the Biobanking Market share because it cannot serve patients from various social classes. This prevents most patients from participating because they cant afford it. Market Opportunities To facilitate scientific research, virtual biobanks were offered by traditional biobanks. It is an online platform that makes held samples in traditional biobanks available in 2D and 3D formats. It is accessible through a web portal or specialized software. This technology helps access clinical data and bio specimens faster, along with further sample analysis. Biobanks should adopt various strategies to take advantage of these opportunities. In developing countries like China and India, technological advancement, increasing populations and economies, and new innovative methodologies will open up new market growth opportunities. Grow your profit margin with Market.us - Purchase Biobanking Market Premium Report at - https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=21442 Report Segmentation of the Biobanking Market Product and Services Insight Based on products and services, the market is segmented into consumables, equipment, and software & services. The global Biobanking Market is expected to be dominated by the equipment category. Due to factors like the rise in biobanks and the number of bio-samples that need to be stored, the demand for Bio banking devices is increasing. Sample Type Insight The market is divided into blood, cells, tissue, and other segments based on the sample type. The blood segment dominated the global market. Preventative measures, storage, and distribution have developed in nations globally due to a rise in the prevalence of infectious diseases and the need for blood sample collection. The pharmaceutical industry and academic medical institutions are the primary customers of the biobank for blood samples. The trans-hit bio database shows that the industry requires 85% of blood samples compared to other sample types for non-cancerous studies. Application Insight Based on the Application, the market is divided into life science, regenerative medicines, and other applications. The life science sector is the one that dominated the market owing to the expansion of sample distribution to pharmaceutical R&D and academic institutions for clinical applications. Furthermore, scientists are under pressure due to the need for cures and the rising prevalence of complex diseases. Also, the regenerative medicine sector is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Additionally, clinical trials of regenerative medicines for various uses have been conducted in association with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions worldwide. For more insights on the historical and Forecast Biobanking Market data from 2016 to 2032 - download a sample report at https://market.us/report/biobanking-market/request-sample/ Market Segmentation Based on Product and Services Equipment Consumables Software & Services Based on the Sample Type Blood Products Human Tissues Cell Lines Nucleic Acids Other Sample Types Based on Application Regenerative Life Sciences Other Applications By Geography North America The US Canada 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 Mexico 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 UK Biobank IBBL Shanghai Zhangjiang Biobank Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Isenet Biobanking Brooks Life Sciences Hamilton Company ASKION Other Key Players. Recent Development of the Biobanking Market In May 2022, Following a competitive procurement process, BC Platforms (BCP) was awarded a multi-year contract to collaborate with three Finnish Hospital District-owned Clinical Biobanks (Clinical Biobanks) to enhance access to and automated management of phenotypic, clinical data, and genomic. The project bolsters Finland's goal of becoming a global leader in Real-World Data (RWD) research, aids in creating novel treatments, and improves the resilience of healthcare systems. In May 2022, Phenomix Sciences (Phenomix) started its Bio banking registry and results study. By collecting patients' DNA, hormones, metabolomics, and behavioural assessments concerning treatment outcomes, the registry will evaluate variability in obesity treatment response. The Phenomix Sciences Obesity Platform contains 20 billion unique data points, which the collected data will enhance. Browse Related Categories Reports: 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 Just as the school week began across the country Monday, news broke that another school shooting was unfolding in the United States. On Monday morning, according to officials, three children and three staff members were shot and killed at the Covenant School, a private Christian school for students in preschool through sixth grade, in Nashville, Tennessee. The suspect -- identified by police as Audrey Hale, 28, of Nashville -- was shot and killed by authorities inside the school. No one who was shot survived, officials said. PHOTO: Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site after a deadly shooting at their school, March 27, 2023. (Jonathan Mattise/AP) The deadly shooting is the 131st mass shooting to have taken place so far this year in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more victims are shot or killed, not including the shooter. The Nashville school shooting is now also on the long list of school shootings that have taken place in the past decade, since the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that claimed the lives of 20 students and six educators. With each school shooting, the number of people affected by school shootings grows, as do the conversations parents and caregivers must have with kids about the reality of gun violence in the U.S. PHOTO: School buses with children arrive at Woodmont Baptist Church to be reunited with their families after a mass shooting at The Covenant School, Mar. 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (Seth Herald/Getty Images) Read on to see six tips from experts on how to discuss school shootings with kids. 1. Be proactive in talking with kids. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a board-certified family physician and resilience expert, said parents and caregivers should consider their child's age and situation when deciding how to talk with them about events like school shootings. "The first thing to think about is how old is my kid, and are they gonna hear about [the school shooting] anyway," Gilboa told "Good Morning America." "So if they're going to hear about it anyway, or they're over the age of eight, it's an important conversation to know how to have with your child." Gilboa said parents and caregivers can start the conversation with a question, like, "Have you heard about this?" The next step, according to Gilboa, is to thoughtfully listen to a child's reply. Story continues "We really listen to their answer before we flood them with more information," Gilboa said, also adding that adults should refrain from telling kids how or how not to feel. "[Telling a child] 'there's nothing to be afraid of,' doesn't really help." ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said last July -- shortly after 19 students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas -- that topics like school shootings should be discussed with kids in a proactive way. "We shouldn't sit back and wait for them to come up and say, 'Mom, Dad, I'd like to talk about gun violence," she said. "We're going to need to take the first step and come to them early and often and say, 'What are you thinking about? What are you afraid of? What questions do you have?'" MORE: School shooting survivors share their stories 10 years after Sandy Hook Ashton also encouraged parents and caregivers to not be afraid to say "I don't have an answer." If an adult doesn't have an answer, Ashton recommended they use dialogue like, "I don't have an answer to that but I'll help you find it." And if an adult has fear after a school shooting as children often do, Ashton said they can reassure a child by saying, "I know you're scared, so am I, but let me tell you what your teachers and what your parents and community are trying to do to help you stay safe.'" 2. Be truthful about what happened. Dr. Melissa Brymer, director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, said parents and caregivers should be truthful with kids in an age-appropriate way. "For our young kids, they don't need to have all the details," Brymer told ABC News last year. "Many times they're going to be worried about their safety, your safety as a parent or caregiver or their family members' safety, so we want to reiterate what's being done to help them right now." Brymer said parents should be prepared for teenagers to want a "much more in-depth conversation." "How do we talk about what this event has meant that might have impacted our value system?" Brymer said of a potential conversation starter with a teen. "Can you encourage your kids to think about is there a club or some type of activity that they can do within their schools to show and create change? In these times, many of us start to feel lonely. How do we reach out to those that might not have someone in their life?" 3. Take care of yourself as a parent or caregiver. Gilboa said the "first step" a parent or caregiver should take before talking with a child is to make sure their own emotions are in check and that they feel supported too. "We can't come to our kids and have the conversation if we're a wreck," Gilboa said. "Then they're going to feel like they need to take care of us." Brymer also suggested parents and caregivers take a "pause" so they can be ready to talk to their kids. "Sometimes we don't have the words right away," Brymer said. "We might need to reach out to our own support systems and have those conversations, and then we can have them with our kids." MORE: 'Dear Future Survivor': School shooting survivors pen letters to future survivors If a child's stress levels or response to a mass shooting are hard to manage, experts say parents and caregivers shouldn't hesitate to seek guidance from their pediatrician, a school counselor, social worker or other mental health experts. Parents should also seek out professional mental health help if they are struggling. Gilboa also said adults can help feel more in control of a situation like a school shooting, which they can't control, by choosing how to respond, explaining, "Controlling the things you can control is a really good way to find your own way through distress." "If I have stress that is unavoidable, I have to consider, what can I do," Gilboa said. "Do I want to be the kind of person who acknowledges it, offers sympathy and tries to do something else? Do I want to be the kind of person who gets involved and tries to make the world better in some way for my child and for my family? Do I want to be the kind of person who thinks, 'Okay, I'm going to reach out to people who are important to me and tell them how much I care.'" 4. Keep an eye out for changes in kids' behaviors. Psychiatrist and author Dr. Janet Taylor said children may respond to disturbing news about mass shootings in different ways, and parents and caregivers should pay attention to see if their child's behaviors change. Children may experience problems focusing, have difficulty sleeping or become more irritable, according to Taylor. "If you have younger children and they suddenly get more clingy or want to sleep in bed with you, pay attention to that and cuddle them as they need it," Taylor told "GMA" in 2022. "Older kids may become more isolated or feel that they have to solve things by themselves." Gilboa said parents and caregivers should also watch for kids who may develop a fear of going to school, who look for reasons to stay home and who withdraw from activities. "Ask them, 'Hey, tell me more about what's going on.' Don't just assume it's because they have a test they don't want to take or something like that," Gilboa said. "And make sure that if you're really worried about them, you're reaching out to their doctor or to their guidance counselor, their school counselor to get a little bit of extra support for you and for them." 5. Remember to keep checking in with kids. Instead of discussing a school shooting only once, Robin Gurwitch, a licensed clinical psychologist and Duke University professor, said it's crucial to continue the conversation over time. "A one-and-done conversation is not sufficient," Gurwitch told ABC News in 2018, after 17 students and teachers were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. "Let your child or teenager know that 'I really do care about you and I am open to having this discussion.'" She continued, "It is really important to check back in tomorrow, to check back in the next day, to find out, 'What are your friends talking about related to this school shooting?'" 6. Offer kids a chance to help. Gilboa said that helping kids focus on a sense of purpose after tragedy can help protect their mental health. She said parents and caregivers should ask a child if there is something that they can do together to help, or a way they can make a difference, either on the issue at hand or something else to make the world better. "That teaches kids that they matter, that their actions matter and they can have positive impact, and mattering improves their mental health," Gilboa said. "If we have empathy for their feelings, ask them how they're doing and involve them in making a difference, we're giving them the best shot we can of having stronger mental health through some unbelievable stressors." The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers comprehensive resource guides for parents, caregivers and educators to support students. Click here for resources related to school shootings. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Even if you feel like it, you are not alone. How to talk to children about school shootings after 6 people killed at Nashville school originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Theres possibly no food on earth as debated and celebrated as barbecue, at least in North Carolina. But the online masses (at Yelp, at least) have spoken and declared a Cary barbecue joint the best in the state. After scrutinizing the great, wide world of barbecue according to Yelp reviews, the online publication Insider named the best barbecue in every state. In North Carolina, that enviable honor fell to Big Mikes BBQ, a 12-year-old barbecue brand in Cary. Big Mikes BBQ launched in 2011 as a food truck by owner Michael Markham. Over the years it grew into two brick and mortars, with locations in Cary and Apex. The Apex location closed in 2022, but an Instagram post at the time suggested plans to resurface in the future. There are more than 600 reviews on Yelp for Big Mikes, averaging 4.5 stars, putting it ahead of City Barbecue and Dampf Good BBQ in the Triangle. Big Mikes serves a menu hitting the barbecue high notes, going with vinegary Eastern-style chopped pork, sliced brisket, chopped chicken barbecue and ribs. Sides include lots of modern riffs on the classic barbecue dishes, including a smoked mac and cheese, collards, baked beans, a bleu cheese cole slaw and even kale. One spot where Big Mikes shines is pairing two of North Carolinas great loves: barbecue and beer. The Cary location features a wide selection of local craft beer, operating as a bottle shop and a smokehouse. The UKs Last New Guinea Singing Dog Dies at Zoo (Picture Credit: Shadow_Hawk / Getty Images) The United Kingdoms last New Guinea singing dog has died at the age of 15 at Exmoor Zoo, the BBC reports. The dog, named Kota, died in mid-March at Exmoor Zoological Park, according to the charity. Kota had been receiving palliative care for two months after his partner Bella died four weeks earlier. Bringing New Dogs to the Zoo? It is with great sadness we announce the death of Kota, our last New Guinea singing dog Both Belle and Kota have been phenomenal ambassadors for the zoo and have had a huge following and will leave a large hole in many hearts, said a spokesperson for the zoo. They didnt confirm whether the dogs would be replaced. But, they did say that the zoo was trying to maintain a UK presence for this vitally important ancestral dog. The zoo was in talks with the New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society in the United States, but there are only six breeding females there currently, with no litters expected until the summer. The History of the Singing Dog The New Guinea singing dogs are the original ancestor of all domestic dogs in the region. And, they get their name from their howl. Its sometimes compared to a yodel or the song of a humpback whale. Their natural habitat is the mountains of New Guinea in Oceania. Theyve been able to adapt to their environment over 20,000 years with minimal human contact. At one stage, they were thought to be a separate species. However, theyre closely related to dingoes in Australia. Some tribes on the island have variously kept wild dogs as hunting aids or playmates for children. Some even tried to catch them for food. Per CNN, they were at one point thought to be extinct in the wild, but in 2016 15 were found on the west of New Guinea, in the Indonesian province of Papua. The post The UKs Last New Guinea Singing Dog Dies at Zoo appeared first on DogTime. The carrier has more in store for its expansion plans. Courtesy of United Airlines I looked out the plane window as we flew over the Arabian Gulf. Dubais famous landmarks were slowly coming into view: first, the Palm Jumeirah, then the Burj Khalifa. We crossed the glittering city and made our way over the rolling sand dunes of the desert as we descended. This wasnt just any flight. It was the inaugural flight for United Airlines' nonstop journey from Newark, New Jersey, to Dubai. This route now makes United the only U.S. carrier to fly direct from the U.S. to United Arab Emirates' most populous city. (United previously had a direct flight between Washington, D.C. and Dubai that was canceled in 2016, according to Reuters.) The milestone flight is an expansion of United's partnership with Emirates, which the airlines first announced last fall. The new route means United serves a total of 35 destinations across the Atlantic Ocean, and it's indicative of the carrier's international expansion plans. "It's important to have metal in the market," Patrick Quayle, the senior vice president of global network planning and alliances at United, told Travel + Leisure before boarding the Dubai flight. "It's really about creating an opportunity for our passengers to have that ability to fly United ... it really is symbolic to have a United plane going there." Alison Fox Alison Fox After boarding the 13-hour and 30-minute flight, I settled into Uniteds Polaris business class. The flight took off at 9:40 p.m. and I enjoyed a late-night dinner. Later, I watched as the airline's famous ice cream sundae cart rolled down the aisle dished out by none other than an apron-wearing Quayle himself before turning my seat into a bed to catch a few hours of sleep. As a bonus, United handed out commemorative pajamas and orange-and-cardamom baklava to celebrate the inaugural flight. The airline also gave each passenger a box of dates when we landed. Alison Fox But direct flights to Dubai is not Uniteds end game. It's just one part of their 2023 expansion plan. In May, the airline will launch a brand new flight to Malaga, Spain, from its Newark hub. Plus, it will resume flights to Stockholm (also from Newark) for the first time since 2019. United is also adding new flights to destinations it already serves, connecting San Francisco and Rome, Washington, D.C. and Berlin, and more. Story continues "Were looking at more expansion, we're looking at some new cities, and we're looking at connecting existing dots," Quayle told T+L. "It's really like making a cake: There are all these different ingredients and you have to mix them appropriately [to] get a great outcome." Last year, United added five new destinations, marking its largest-ever transatlantic expansion: Amman, Jordan; Bergen, Norway; Azores, Portugal; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands. And Quayle said the airline isnt done yet. "This has been our strategy for a long time," he said. "What I found is that breadth matters, so having a broad range of destinations matters." Alison Fox Once on the ground in Dubai, I made my way through the citys stunning architecture and bright lights that made it feel alive and humming after dark. I checked into my room at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai and walked to the window, looking down at the city lights from my room on the 48th floor. I took in the glowing Burj Al Arab, which was lit up green that night, and spotted the Atlantis, The Palm in the distance. Standing there, I could see why Dubai was on Uniteds list, and couldnt wait to explore more. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Pack your bags, we're going to ... From the moment The White Lotus aired its second season-finale in December 2022, fans have been speculating about where its third season would be set. Now the guessing game seems to be over. Here's what we know about where the HBO series, known for its lavish settings (and tragic outcomes), will take place next. Where is The White Lotus Season 3 filming? According to Variety, Season 3 of The White Lotus will take place in Thailand. That squares with a hint creator Mike White gave last year. "I think itd be fun to maybe go to a whole different continent," he told Deadline. "You know, we did Europe, and maybe Asia, something crazy like that, that would be fun." Has filming started for The White Lotus Season 3? Alas, the third season hasn't started filming yet. The first and second seasons premiered more than a year apart (in July 2021 and Oct. 30, respectively), so odds are we won't be watching our first Jennifer-Coolidge-less season until early 2024. Enough time to save for a trip to Thailand, perhaps? Related: HBO Books Another Stay At The White LotusEverything We Know About Season 3 Is The White Lotus set in Thailand? HBO has declined to comment, but the acclaimed show's third season will reportedly be set in the Southeast Asian country. Four Seasons Thailand locations The first two season of The White Lotus were shot at the Four Seasons. Assuming the third installment follows suit, the series could be shot at one of the hotel's four Thailand locations. There's one in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle. As Variety notes, the properties are "spread across the city, country, jungle and beach, giving White plenty of settings to play with, if he so chooses." Related: Jennifer Coolidge's Net Worth Proves She's Priceless Where was The White Lotus Season 1 filmed? The first season was filmed in Hawaii, at the spectacular Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Story continues Where was The White Lotus Season 2 filmed? The second season was shot in Sicily, at the Four Seasons' San Domenico Palace in Taormina. "We basically took over the amazing town of Taormina," star Michael Imperioli told USA Today. "Being there for such a long time, we really got to settle in, to have a routine and rhythm, and really kind of feel the lifestyle there. Going to the same restaurant a couple of times a week, and having a coffee at the same cafe, it really feels like it becomes home." Next, Why Fans Think Danny Devito Might Be Joining The White Lotus Season 3 The Duke of Sussex made a surprise appearance in London on Monday, attending the High Court for a legal case against Associated Newspapers Ltd for illegal information gathering Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry Prince Harry is back in the U.K. but he likely won't see King Charles or Prince William during his visit. The Duke of Sussex, 38, made a surprise appearance in London on Monday, attending the first day of a legal case in which he and other prominent figures, including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, are suing Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, for illegal information gathering. It marked the first time Prince Harry, who relocated to California with Meghan Markle and their family in 2020 after stepping back from their royal roles, returned to the U.K. since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were already in Europe for a series of charity events when his grandmother died at age 96. PEOPLE understands that Prince Harry flew to London to show his support for the case and informed both King Charles, 74, and Prince William, 40, that he would be in the U.K. for the proceedings. However, it's unlikely that Harry will see his father or brother during the trip. Related:Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend King Charles' Coronation? What We Know So Far Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images Prince Harry Prince William is not at his Windsor home while he and his wife, Kate Middleton, spend time with their three children during a school break. The Prince and Princess of Wales typically try to keep royal duties to a minimum and often escape to their country home of Anmer Hall in Norfolk while Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, are off from school. King Charles was scheduled to be in France this week for the first overseas tour of his reign. However, the trip was postponed due to increasingly-violent riots across the country. King Charles and Queen Camilla, 75, will continue with their plan to visit Germany, arriving on Wednesday for the tour. Story continues John Sibley - WPA Pool/Getty Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles It's unclear where Prince Harry is staying during his visit to the U.K. Although a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation confirmed to PEOPLE earlier this month that the couple was "requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," their U.K. home in Windsor, it's not certain when they will officially move out. A source recently told PEOPLE that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "matter-of-fact" about being requested to leave Frogmore Cottage and aren't trying to overturn the decision. The source added that Harry and Meghan, 41, are happy to raise their two children 3-year-old son Prince Archie and 1-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet in California. Related:Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Eviction from U.K. Home Is 'Just the Start' of King Charles' Slim-Down Plan Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle It's also still unclear if Prince Harry and Meghan will return to the U.K. in May for the King's coronation. A spokesperson for the couple told The Sunday Times in a statement earlier this month, "I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty's office regarding the coronation." However, Harry and Meghan's spokesperson added that their attendance wasn't confirmed yet. "An immediate decision on whether The Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time," the statement continued. Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images Prince Harry On Monday, Prince Harry watched intently during the High Court proceedings, sometimes taking notes, from his seat two rows behind the leading lawyers in the case. The four-day hearing will consider legal arguments from both sides and will conclude with a judge's ruling on whether the case should go to trial. Associated Newspapers are arguing that the case should be thrown out. When it was announced in October 2022, Prince Harry's lawyers claimed that he was among seven individuals who had "become aware of compelling and highly distressing evidence that they have been the victims of abhorrent criminal activity and gross breaches of privacy by Associated Newspapers." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The claimants alleged in their lawsuit that unlawful practices included the placement of listening devices in their cars and homes by private investigators, the surreptitious recording of private telephone calls, the payment of police "with corrupt links to private investigators" for sensitive information, impersonation to obtain medical information from hospitals and care facilities and illicit manipulation into accessing bank accounts, credit histories and other financial transactions. Associated Newspapers deny the allegations, calling them "preposterous smears," the BBC reported. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. "I think, for some reason, the district sees rainbows as a political symbol," said a student's parent. A school in Waukesha, Wisconsin banned first graders from performing the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet "Rainbowland." According to WGN9, the song was selected by teacher Melissa Tempel to be performed at Heyer Elementary School's spring concert because of its sweet message. However, days before the show, the school administration decided to pull it from the performance lineup. As reported by FOX6, the decision was made by superintendent Jim Sebert due to a school policy that bans raising controversial issues in the classroom. Because the song is about LGBTQ acceptance, it could "be perceived as controversial." According to Sebert, the district "questioned whether it was appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students" because of "social or personal impacts" on the kids. "I think, for some reason, the district sees rainbows as a political symbol," said mom Sarah Schindler, whose daughter was supposed to perform the song. However, Sebert pointed out that the Muppets song "Rainbow Connection," which was also originally banned, will be kept as part of the concert. "To me, that is a message I want my child to feel. Seven-year-olds should be free to be themselves," said Schindler to FOX6. Tempel added that the students were "devastated" noting, "they really liked this song and we had already begun singing it." The song doesn't directly address LGBTQ themes. Instead, the lyrics are about a fictional Rainbowland, where everyone can be themselves. Some of the lyrics include: "Living in a Rainbowland/The skies are blue and things are grand/Wouldn't it be nice to live in paradise/Where we're free to be exactly who we are/Let's all dig down deep inside/Brush the judgment and fear aside/Make wrong things right/And end the fight/'Cause I promise ain't nobody gonna win (come on)." The concert theme was The World with other songs like Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles and What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong included in the setlist. Cyrus and Parton have yet to comment on the school's decision. A woman has accused Singapore Airlines of discriminating against her for being an amputee, alleging that the airline humiliated her by ushering her out of the emergency exit row. Isabella Beale, 23, from Australia, was travelling to Europe in January with her family aboard a Singapore Airlines flight when she took her seat in an emergency exit row. However, according to Beale, who is a congenital amputee without a left forearm, she was immediately approached by a flight attendant, who allegedly told her to get out of the seat. According to Singapore Airlines website, passengers occupying emergency exit seats must meet certain criteria, including being above 15 years of age, not pregnant or travelling with infants, and fully able-bodied, which the airline defines as capable of opening and moving quickly or reaching and passing through the emergency exit doors. Passengers with reduced mobility or any disability, whether profound or partial, and passengers using portable oxygen or any other medical equipment may not purchase or be assigned an EMEX Preferred Seat as they may endanger themselves or others in the event of an emergency, the airline states. Beale, who said she does not require special assistance, reflected on the alleged incident while speaking to Australias ABC News, with the 23 year old recalling how the airline staff member left her humiliated. All of a sudden an air hostess approaches me and, in quite a loud tone and quite, like frantic and rushed, she just says: Get out, get out of that seat now, you need to get up, Beale told the outlet. According to Beale, who noted that she was taken aback by the instruction and that everyone [was] looking at us at this point, she then switched seats with her partner, as she assumed that would be fine because she was no longer directly next to the emergency door. However, Beale said the flight attendant then instructed her to sit in the row behind her original seat. Story continues [She] goes: No, get up you have to sit in the row behind, Beale claimed, adding: I had a little cry just because it was such an affronting thing to happen it was very humiliating and upsetting. According to Beale, her issue was not with the airlines policy, but rather the way she was treated by the airline employee. I understand that there might be policy around this, Im not saying I need you to sit me in emergency, Im saying I need you to treat me like a human being, she told ABC News. Beale alleged she was also discriminated against by the airline on her return flight, despite reportedly checking with airline employees about her ticket before boarding the flight. According to the student, employees at the airlines check-in desk confirmed that she was able to sit in the exit row before she boarded her return flight. However, she said she was approached by a member of staff shortly before take-off and instructed to show her ticket. At first its one woman and she comes up to me its almost take-off time and she goes: Show me your ticket. You have to move. Without speaking politely, without acknowledging me as an individual, Beale claimed. The 23 year old said the flight attendant then spoke to her partner and her partners mother, who she was travelling with, about her seating arrangement, with Beale telling the outlet: It felt like there was an assumption that I couldnt understand. And I dont know if that assumption came because Im a person with a disability or if she assumed that because I had a physical disability, I had an intellectual disability, which wouldnt matter either way you still speak to me. Im still a person. According to Beale, after she questioned why she would have to move, three additional airline staff members came over to her seat, with the student noting that the entire flight was watching the exchange occur. Beale said at that point, a manager for the airline pointed to her arm and claimed the problem [was] obvious. The manager gestured at my missing limb and just said: Well, the problems obvious, the problems obvious, and continued repeatedly to say that in front of an entire flight of people, Beale claimed. The 23 -year-old said the exchange, which allegedly saw the airline staff raise their voices, left her feeling hurt and like she was being vilified for her disability in front of the entire plane of passengers. It was probably tenfold worse the second time around, Beale said. In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Singapore Airlines apologised for the distress and embarrassment caused [to Beale] by the request to move and said the airline takes allegations of discrimination seriously. Singapore Airlines takes allegations of discrimination seriously and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, the spokesperson said. The airline also said that it undertook a detailed investigation after Beales complaint and found cabin crew operating the flight had determined that Ms Beale did not meet the safety and regulatory requirements to be seated in the emergency exit row. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) requires passengers with a disability or passengers with restricted mobility to not be seated at the emergency exit, the statement continued. The requirements to be seated in the emergency exit row are available on our website and must be reviewed and agreed to at the time of booking. However, the airline also noted that the decision should have been made either at check-in or during the boarding process and that the crews interactions aboard the plane were likely rushed due to time constraints of preparing the aircraft for departure. In the statement, the spokesperson also claimed that employees underwent further customer training following the complaint. On Instagram, where Beale posted a link to her story, she reiterated her humiliation over the experience, before noting that those with disabilities deserve to be in public spaces and deserve to travel. Discrimination and vilification of people with disabilities is humiliating and unjust. We deserve to be in public spaces. We deserve to travel. We deserve to have our humanity respected, she wrote. No airline policy gave @singaporeair the right to treat me as though I was a problem rather than a person. The Independent has contacted Singapore Airlines and Beale for additional comment. MOUNT PLEASANT -- A week before a pivotal local election that could determine the future of the sprawling Foxconn site, local and state leaders said Monday that Microsoft is poised to develop a $1 billion, 315-acre parcel of the mostly vacant land. Plans for the agreement were announced Monday by the Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County, Racine County Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporationand Milwaukee 7, following a closed session meeting. One year ago, Claude Lois, Foxconn's project manager hired by Mount Pleasant, told village residents he was hoping to attract a national or international company to the site. Mount Pleasant has spent five years and $1.4 billion investing in 2,500 acres of property since Foxconn first announced its international development in 2017. Our first commitment is always to local taxpayers, Lois said in a statement. That will be the case as we move forward with Microsoft. The development will happen in Area III - land owned by the Village of Mount Pleasant. Officials did not say how many jobs would be created. The village board will vote on the proposal Thursday and the Racine County Board will vote on it April 11 and 18. Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave and Village President David DeGroot called the plan a tremendous opportunity. Microsoft was attracted to this location because it is primed for development, DeGroot said. Through local investments, we have transformed this area of Mount Pleasant and equipped it with the infrastructure necessary to support a major investment by Microsoft. Microsoft development will financially benefit Foxconn If Racine County and Mount Pleasant approve the development agreement, construction on phase one of the Microsoft data center would begin no later than July 2026. Phase two would begin no later than July 2033. Microsoft would purchase approximately 315 acres for $50 million by July 31, 2023. Foxconn will receive the proceeds from the Microsoft land sale as a partial reimbursement of money Foxconn paid in 2017 to acquire land. Story continues Foxconn's existing facilities, including the recognizable globe, are located in Area I, which is south of Braun Road, north of Highway KR, west of County Highway H and east of Interstate 94. Area III, where Microsoft is planning to build, is also south of Braun Road and north of Highway KR. It's bordered by Highway H and 90th Street. Under the proposed agreement, Microsoft would be eligible to "earn back" some of its investment as it builds and could recoup 42% of the annual incremental property taxes it pays on the improvements it builds, not to exceed $5 million per year for the duration of the agreement and the district. Todays announcement is just the start of our mutual collaboration and Microsofts long-term commitment to the local community, Paul Englis, Microsoft's director of community engagement said in a statement. Mount Pleasant and Racine County have the option to repurchase the land being sold to Microsoft, if Microsoft fails to meet its construction deadlines. This deal does not change Foxconn's obligation to the village and county. Foxconn plans scaled back Foxconn's plans have greatly been scaled back since its initial announcement that was heralded by former President Donald Trump and then-Gov. Scott Walker who said it would transform Wisconsin's economy. The Generation 10 factory became unattainable, as were the jobs promised. In April 2021, the state revised its $2.85 billion contract with Foxconn to create more realistic goals including the creation of 1,454 jobs 11% of the original plan by 2024. Foxconn has promised many things - coffee kiosks, $100 million to UW-Madison, Ginseng capital of the world and innovation centers. So Monday's announcement had some skeptical. In a statement, Foxconn Technology Group said the collaboration with Microsoft and local government demonstrates the company's partnership with others. "As a result of Foxconns presence, Mount Pleasant has undergone a transformation of infrastructure that continues to support potential business cases for additional Foxconn production," the statement says. "In Wisconsin, Foxconn has invested over $1 billion, manufactures data servers for tier-1 customers, remains committed to driving its ongoing business operations and committed to finding new opportunities in response to market demand. Data centers growing in demand Americas largest technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon and Google are building data centers and the industry has doubled in size since the end of 2015, according to the Synergy Research Group, Still, despite the growth, the industry is not creating the number of jobs expected, according to the New York Times. E.W. Gregory, the head of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, told the Times that when Microsoft opened a data center in Boydton, Virginia, the community thought it would create hundreds of jobs but that was not the case. Instead, they brought in outside technicians to do most of the work, Gregory said. About 25 local residents got jobs, primarily as administrative assistants or janitorial staff, Gregory said. It helps the community to a point, because restaurants, gas stations, and hotels are getting more business, Gregory said. The people are nice and hard working, but there is no industry for them to work in. Election pits critics against current village trustees The announcement comes as a heated race for the Mount Pleasant village board is entering its final week. The race has pitted the current village board leaders against critics of their handling of the Foxconn development. In January, Kelly Gallaher, a long-time critic of the Village of Mount Pleasant, announced she was running to replace DeGroot in the spring election and put together a team to oust the current village board. On Monday she said if the Microsoft deal is happening, her team can handle it. Gallaher is running for office with Kim Mahoney, who fought for years with the village board to keep her home, located within the Foxconn redevelopment site, Travis Yanke and Eric Martinez. They are challenging incumbents DeGroot, John Hewitt, Nancy Washburn and Ram Bhatia. "Our position is if there is someone out there interested, they might want to have talks with us," Gallaher said. "Dave DeGroot has had five years, we're the ones that are going to make this happen. They've lost plenty of opportunities. Any opportunity that comes our way will get done. We're the the team to pursue and do it." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Microsoft data center announced for Foxconn site in Mount Pleasant The company is developing precision medicine solutions using in silico simulation to solve the complex relationship bacteria, viruses and fungi play in health, disease and drug response Edward Kliphuis, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, and Hussein Kanji, Partner, Hoxton Ventures, join the BioCorteX Board of Directors LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / BioCorteX, a digital medicine company that employs the Carbon Mirror platform, a first-principle computer simulation to understand drug-bacteria interactions and improve a person's response to treatments, has announced a $5 million seed funding round led by Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm specializing in healthcare and sustainability, and Hoxton Ventures, an early backer of companies ranging from Deliveroo to Darktrace. To date, drug development largely ignores drug-bacteria interactions resulting in trials needlessly failing and a seemingly random response in people living with diseases. The funds will be used to further develop the company's Carbon Mirror platform, which combines physics, chemistry and cutting-edge computational techniques, a melding of computer engineering, clinical insights and biology often referred to as "techbio." BioCorteX, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture "The interaction between the microbiome and its host is complex and remains a challenging question that requires an entirely new approach," said Dr. Nik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteX. "As a clinician, our technology aims to develop treatments that will change a person who does not respond into someone who does, so that people living with diseases have confidence in the outcome. Having Sofinnova Partners and Hoxton Ventures on board as investors is fantastic as they have a unique understanding of our technology and the industry's intricacies, which makes them the ideal partners." "BioCorteX's key differentiation lies in its unique team, which combines leading clinicians, engineers and microbiome scientists to develop entirely novel in-silico simulations, akin to those used in designing next generation nuclear reactors and jet engines," said Dr. Mo Alomari, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteX. "Our Carbon Mirror technology is a near-universally applicable simulation of the complex human-microbiome interaction from physics and chemistry-based principles, which can improve clinical trial design, aiding people living with diseases in decision-making and developing novel therapeutics." Story continues "BioCorteX's technology is the perfect example of how the power of data and novel computational techniques can be used to transform healthcare," said Edward Kliphuis, Partner, Sofinnova Partners. "Never before have we been able to comprehend the vast complexity of the microbiome. Carbon Mirror gives us the power to elucidate cause and effect in the microbiome-host relationship and thus develop solutions that could drastically alter patient outcomes." "BioCorteX is looking at the microbiome in a unique way, using math to improve very challenging health issues," said Hussein Kanji, Partner, Hoxton Ventures. "The technology has the potential to impact everything from the development of new and improved drugs to an individual's health outcome. We are excited to partner with them on their journey." ### About BioCorteX BioCorteX is a digital medicine company that has developed a "techbio" platform to model the complex interactions between the microbiome, host, and treatment, ultimately helping clinicians personalize treatment. The company's flagship product, Carbon Mirror, uses technology incorporating principles of physics and chemistry to create in-silico simulations with high fidelity, to assess and predict an individual's response to treatment based on their microbiome profile. This will ultimately enable a new paradigm of personalized care, bringing benefits to people living with diseases in treatment decisions, pharma companies in clinical trial designs, and ultimately to payers by ensuring a patient receives the most relevant and effective therapy available. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com. About Hoxton Hoxton Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm based in London and investing in European technology startups that can scale into large, global winners. It focuses on startups that either disrupt existing industries or invent entirely new market categories. It was the first institutional investor in Babylon Health, Darktrace and Deliveroo, and its portfolio companies have grown to an aggregate value of over $25 billion. Hoxton typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million into pre-seed and seed stage companies, and follows its capital through the life of the company. For more information, please visit www.hoxtonventures.com. Company contact Dr. Nik Sharma Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioCorteX info@biocortex.com Media inquiries Hollie Vile, Optimum Strategic Communications sofinnova@optimumcomms.com +44 (0) 20 3922 0900 SOURCE: BioCorteX View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746100/BioCorteX-Raises-5-Million-in-Funding-Led-by-Sofinnova-Partners-and-Hoxton-Ventures-To-Unlock-Drug-Bacteria-Interactions Nearly three decades after a 19-year-old woman was kidnapped and sexually assaulted, authorities said they have made an arrest. The woman was kidnapped from the area of Brescia University a private, Catholic college in Owensboro, Kentucky in December 1994, according to a news release from the Owensboro Police Department. She was assaulted while in Owensboro, police said, then she was taken to Indiana where she was assaulted again. The case went cold until recently, when the departments criminal investigations division reviewed the case. Police said the division reached out to the Indiana State Police Laboratory, which still had DNA evidence on file. Authorities in Kentucky asked Indiana State Police to retest the DNA with newer technology. This time, authorities said they found a DNA match to a 59-year-old man living in Hickory, North Carolina, about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte. On Friday, March 24, officers with the Hickory Police Department arrested Robert Shelton on a warrant from police in Owensboro, according to the release. Shelton faces charges of kidnapping and sexual abuse in the first degree in Kentucky, police said, and a rape charge from Indiana State Police. Authorities did not provide any additional details about the case. Owensboro is about 180 miles southwest of Lexington. Girl with the scorpion tattoo found dead, burned in 1991. Now shes been identified Hikers stumbled upon a body 17 years ago in Colorado canyon. Now a mans been arrested Teen girl found strangled to death in 1970. Decades later, Maryland cops have suspect In an executive order signed Monday , President Biden barred federal agencies from using commercial spyware that threatens US national security or carries a risk of improper use by foreign governments and individuals. The order applies to all departments, including those involved in law enforcement, defense and intelligence. It also prohibits the use of spyware that in the past was used to disclose non-public information about the US government. The executive order the Biden administration published on the White House website doesnt include a list of affected spyware vendors. Per TechCrunch , government officials declined to name specific firms when asked by reporters. However, the administration said the order includes US and foreign-made spyware. Judging from the criteria laid out in the order, known government spyware makers like Isreals NSO Group and Macedonias Cytrox are likely affected. As TechCrunch notes, security researchers have long warned of the dangers posed by commercial spyware. Such programs frequently target previously undisclosed vulnerabilities that make entire software ecosystems unsafe. In the case of NSO Groups infamous Pegasus spyware, the firm exploited a CoreGraphics vulnerability in iOS that allowed the program to infect an iPhone without the victim needing to tap anything . Moreover, while many governments claim to use spyware sparingly to investigate serious crimes, that hasnt stopped some from using the software for domestic surveillance and to target political dissidents . We are very concerned about the threat of digital authoritarianism and practices around the world but we are also very cognizant that the misuse of technology can occur in any state, a White House official told The Hill . So, we are taking steps to make sure that the way that we would like technology to be used is aligned with human rights and democratic principles all around the world. Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands after a deadly shooting at their school on Monday, March 27, 2023. AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise A woman open fired at a school in Nashville Monday, killing three kids and three adults. Images of students holding hands and evacuating were heartbreakingly similar to past shootings. December was the anniversary of Sandy Hook, in which 26 people, including 20 children, were killed. A familiar scene played out in Nashville, Tennessee, Monday morning as lines of elementary school kids held hands and evacuated their school during a mass shooting incident in which three of their classmates and three adult staff were killed. Images from the shooting at The Covenant School bore a striking resemblance to those taken over a decade ago at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when a mass shooter killed 26 people, including 20 children who were six or seven years old. December marked the 10-year anniversary of the tragedy. A few months later, tragedy struck again, this time in Tennessee. Police have identified the suspect as a 28-year-old woman, who they said was shot and killed by officers on the scene. Police said the suspect was armed with two assault rifles and one handgun at the time of the shooting. Victims included three 9-year-olds, identified by police as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney. Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, were also killed, according to Nashville police. The scene of students evacuating after a mass shooting has become a familiar sight in US schools. Photos taken from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida in 2018 also showed lines of teens holding onto each other as they evacuated after a gunman killed 17 people. Read the original article on Insider Maung Maung and his wife, Than Than, who came from Myanmar, make dim sum at their restaurant, 007 Chinese Food, in the West Side Bazaar in Buffalo, N.Y. More in this series Across the nation, the results of the 2020 census were the source of hand-wringing and political debate. But in Western New York, they were cause for unbridled celebration. For the first time in 70 years, the city of Buffalo had grown. The city's modest 6% growth was trumpeted by officials as a pivotal triumph for a Rust Belt city that had become synonymous with loss. Hollowed out first by suburban flight and then the loss of manufacturing jobs, the onetime steel and iron powerhouse had hemorrhaged more than 50% of its population in the half-century since 1950. By the turn of the millennium, it also ranked among the most poverty-stricken in the nation. The city's turnaround came from a perhaps unlikely source: refugees from some of the most conflict-riven places in the world. After welcoming fewer immigrants than any city its size in the 2000 census, Buffalo has since re-imagined itself as a haven for new Americans from countries such as Myanmar (Burma), Somalia and Iraq. Over the past two decades, more than a quarter of the refugees who came to the state of New York arrived in Buffalos Erie County, even as native Buffalonians continued to flee to greener economic pastures. Since 2002, more than 16,000 refugees have resettled in Buffalo. As word of mouth spread among the Burmese community in particular, still more followed who had initially settled elsewhere. The percentage of new Americans in Buffalo has more than doubled since 2000, cresting 10% of Buffalos population. In the process, the city has shored up a decades-long economic slide with an uneven but encouraging decade of growth. Story continues Conversations surrounding refugees often focus on immediate costs. But a 2017 study by nonprofit New American Economy argued that immigrants in Buffalo were a net boon to the economy, starting businesses at a higher rate than other residents and adding more than $900 million to Buffalos housing values between 2000 and 2014. Buffalo wouldnt be on the rise without refugees theyre a huge economic driver, refugee agency Jewish Family Services Marlene Schillinger told Princeton researchers in 2018. We like to call it The Refugee Renaissance. That renaissance was far from accidental. In the early 2000s, as President George W. Bush moved in 2003 to accept more refugees from the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, the leaders of four interlinked refugee nonprofits began work on an ambitious plan: They would radically increase the number of refugees they helped sponsor in the city. As it became apparent that Buffalo had job opportunities, affordable housing, and this welcoming environment, it made sense for us to accommodate more new Americans, said Denise Beehag, of resettlement agency International Institute of Buffalo. It's a decision that has transformed the city though even advocates caution that the rising tide has not lifted all ships. Bangladeshi families have bought up decrepit, foreclosed homes at auction on Buffalo's East Side, fixing them up to embark a new life as landlords. Blighted neighborhoods on the West Side, decimated by the suburban flight of Italian and Irish families, have undergone a similar renewal. Buffalo has become home to as many Burmese restaurants at least 16 as any city its size in the country. Factories like 150-year-old Buffalo Wire Works have expanded with a workforce that now includes as many as one-third former refugees, continuing a tradition of hiring immigrants that owner Joseph Abramo said goes back to Polish workers in the 1800s. He said he plans to offer ESL classes to help former refugees grow into management roles. Maung Maung loads dim sum into a steamer at his restaurant, 007 Chinese Food, in Buffalo. Maung Maung makes dim sum that will later be put into a steamer at his restaurant 007 Chinese Food located in the West Side Bazaar in Buffalo, New York. At the West Side Bazaar, a small business incubator run by the nonprofit Westminster Economic Development Initiative which provides small business loans to both native and new Buffalonians the densely packed restaurant and retail stalls play host to seemingly more languages than at a United Nations roundtable. Ive met more people from different African countries than I ever met when I was on the African continent, said Rwandan-born Lousie Sano, who founded her clothing and gift shop Global Villages at the Bazaar before graduating to her own nearby storefront. Now she sits on the nonprofits board, helping a new generation of entrepreneurs start businesses. Long, hard paths to success The journey has not been easy for most who arrived. Government aid for refugees is minimal and temporary, and many new Americans come without knowledge of English. At age 17, Ahmad Rashid touched down at the Buffalo airport in the dead of night. In Afghanistan, he'd walked to school to the soundtrack of gunshots. When a nearby Taliban bombing shattered the windows of his school, students injured by the blast huddled beneath the jagged portals. His father, a pharmacist and medic, received ominous threats after working with American troops. And yet when he got to America, the first thing Rashid wanted to do was go back home. The first week, to be honest, it was exhausting for me and my family, we were just not sure what to do, Rashid said. Because being in the country, you don't know the language, you're surrounded by different cultures. I missed my friends. Ahmad Rashid came to Buffalo from Afghanistan with his family after his father was threatened. He plans to graduate from nursing school in May. In Buffalo, unable to use his medical degree, Rashids father found work as a security guard. My father could not have a career in medicine, I know it is heavy on him, Rashid said. He doesnt say anything. But I can see it in his eyes. But Rashid will now be able to follow his father's path into the medical field. He was too old to start over in high school. But with the help of mentors at refugee agency Journeys End, he was able to learn English and obtain a GED within just a few years. He joined student government at community college while working at a pizza joint to pay tuition, then earned a scholarship into a bachelor-degree nursing program at D'Youville College. Now 24, he works at a local hospital while finishing his degree, volunteers as an interpreter and helps his younger siblings with their schooling. I would like to give back to this community, he said. Everyone has been such a blessing. When I see the situation in Afghanistan, I have cousins there and I watch the news. If we hadnt come here I dont know what I would be doing. After being sponsored by Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Akec Aguer followed a similar tortuous path to opening his Northeast African restaurant stall, Nile River, at the West Side Bazaar. A father and son team cooks Sudanese cuisine at West Side Bazaar in Buffalo, N.Y. Akec Aguer and his son Garang Doar are looking to grow from this space. During the Sudanese civil war, his work with a Canadian petroleum country made him a suspected spy, he said. When he tried to visit his family in South Sudan, he was instead detained for months. "The news came back to the company that where I work that I was killed," said Aguer. "They told me if you don't go back to (Sudanese capital) Khartoum, you and your brother or some people who are related to you, we're going to kill them." New York was never in his plans. A Canadian friend had helped Aguer escape Sudan with his family to apply for refugee status, and Canada was where Aguer hoped to live. But when he applied to the United Nations, Buffalo was where they told him he would go. "I told them, 'No, I don't want to go,'" Aguer said. He feared the city would be full of the same dense, tall towers he'd seen in movies about New York. For his family's safety, he relented. After coming to Buffalo in 2003, he found work as as a security guard at newspaper The Buffalo News, and enrolled in hospitality classes to realize his dream of opening a restaurant. Int he meantime, he took out a small-business loan from WEDI to buy a car to drive Uber. Finally this year, a slot opened up at the West Side Bazaar. At Nile River, working alongside his family, he now serves the rich tahini-eggplant mutabal and deep braised collards from the home he left long ago. Now Buffalo has become a second home, he said. And I love it. Higher rents as the price of prosperity But as refugees transform the West Side waterfront, programs sponsoring refugees have had to contend with the effects of their own success. The wait list to start a business at the West Side Bazaar stretches for years, and the pandemic has delayed the programs plan to expand into a larger space. West Side homes that used to sell for $40,000 might now go for hundreds of thousands, said Beehag at the International Institute, straining the resources of agencies trying to find housing for refugees who may need months to find jobs. To house the around 500 incoming Afghan evacuees, agencies are relying in part on churches and universities for short-term housing. Landlord Michael Maywalt, who has worked with refugee agencies for more than a decade, said he rents around 70 apartments to former refugees in Buffalos nearby Black Rock section but prices have tripled there, too, and new low-cost housing stock for incoming refugees has become difficult to find. As new Americans open restaurants and fix up once decaying houses, said University at Buffalo sociology professor Robert Adelman, neighborhoods on the West Side waterfront have become attractive to the same developers and young urban professionals whove helped gentrify the nearby restaurant and bar district of Elmwood. Poverty rates in Buffalo have barely budged even as other economic indicators trend upward leaving both refugees and longtime residents alike in danger of displacement, according to a 2019 analysis led by Adelman. One characterization could be that the hard work of refugees and immigrants and other groups on the West Side is being sort of taken over, he said. Will they be able to stay on the waterfront? Whats going to happen to this section of the West Side? "It's not all puppies and lollipops. It's becoming a challenge," said Beehag, who is now having to broaden her net to find housing. "And it's ironic.... The young hipsters are also the ones that are really embracing the diversity, and that's why they move to the city. On the one hand, they're huge allies and supporters of what we do in our agencies. But they're soaking up the housing." Now, she said, she is reaching out to previous generations of refugees who've become landlords, hoping to keep the cycle of renewal going. "We say, 'Hey, keep buying those houses. We will rent from you!'" Beehag said. "We're embarking on that now to see what the possibilities are. We just have to be more creative." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Buffalo NY refugee renaissance joined by Afghan evacuees Delaware residents should not be affected by a chemical spill in Philadelphia that left portions of the Delaware River polluted, officials said Monday. Approximately 8,100 gallons of latex finishing material, a water-soluble acrylic polymer solution, was spilled into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, just before midnight on Friday, March 24, with the Coast Guard estimating as many as 12,000 gallons were released, according to Philadelphia Water Department. Aerial view of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. A governmental agency created by compact in 1962, the Delaware River and Bay Authority owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The cause for the spill was a pipe rupture at the Altuglas plant in Bristol Township that spilled the hazardous liquid into a storm sewer, the company confirmed to WHYY News. Same chemical released in Ohio Chemicals released into the Delaware River include the same chemical released into a river in East Palestine, Ohio, after the Norfolk Southern train derailment, butyl acrylate, along with ethel acrylate and methyl methacrylate, chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics and coatings like latex paint. Just before midnight Sunday, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services announced on Twitter that the states drinking water was not affected and no further caution was advised for Delaware residents. MAPS AND TIMELINE: The latex chemical spill that threatened drinking water in Philadelphia The Brown's Shoprite in Bensalem, Pa., was nearly out of bottled water Sunday afternoon. Supermarket shelves in Lower Bucks were empty Sunday afternoon after Philadelphia officials issued a drinking water advisory after chemicals that spilled in Bristol entered a Delaware River tributary. DE drinking water has not been impacted by the chemical spill in a tributary of the Delaware River in Bristol, PA. Water treatment facilities that service DE do not take in water directly from the DE River. There is no impact to Delawareans at this time, read the tweet from DHSS. The bottled water advisory issued by the city of Philadelphia applies only to residents who live east of the Schuylkill River. The Water Department released a map over the weekend showing which areas were potentially impacted by the spill and which were safe to continue using their water as normal. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Philly chemical spill no impact on Delaware water: Officials FILE - German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi speak during a press conference in front of Michelangelo's "David statue" after their bilateral summit in Florence, Italy, on Jan. 23, 2015. The head of Florences Galleria delAccademia on Sunday March 26, 2023 invited the parents and students of a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelos David, after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File) A Tallahassee charter school made headlines around the globe when its principal was forced to resign after Michelangelo's David statue was part of a sixth-grade art lesson. Tallahassee Classical, a Hillsdale College curriculum school, is required to teach about Renaissance art in sixth grade. But three parents complained that the lessons content, which included learning about Michelangelos sculpture David and the "Creation of Adam" fresco painting and Boticelli's "Birth of Venus," upset their children. Former principal Hope Carrasquilla said last week she was told by the schools board chair, Barney Bishop, that she would have to resign or she would be fired, a move that sparked outrage and ridicule across social media. We broke the story: Tallahassee principal ousted after complaints about Michelangelo's 'David' in art lesson Art or pornography? Michelangelo's David has been controversial since the beginning More:Controversy over Tallahassee Classical art lesson sparks teacher, global backlash From locals in Tallahassee to across the nation and globe, here's what people had to say on social media and elsewhere. Dario Nardella: Mayor of Florence, Italy (Translated from Italian using Google) A Florida teacher was forced to quit for showing students photos of Michelangelo's David. Mistaking art for pornography is just ridiculous. I will personally invite the teacher to Florence to give her recognition on behalf of the city. Art is civilization and whoever teaches it deserves respect. Invitero personalmente linsegnante a Firenze per darle un riconoscimento a nome della citta. Larte e civilta e chi la insegna merita rispetto. Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) March 25, 2023 Peter Souza: Former White House Photographer Pornographic? Really? Story continues A Florida school principal has been ousted because art history students were shown photographs of Michelangelos iconic statue of David. Parents complained that their sixth-graders were forced to look at pornography. Perhaps these parents (and the Florida governor) should be forced to take a field trip to the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (Gallery of the Academy of Florence) in Italy to see the porn in its flesh. Photographs were made last summer when my wife and I visited Florence. Click here to see the post. Alex Wagner: MSNBC A school in Florida gave principal Hope Carrasquilla the ultimatum to quit or be fired after three parents complained that the Statue of David was pornographic. Barney Bishop: Chair of the Tallahassee Classical school board To Slate writer Dan Kois in this Q&A: Well, like all the reporters Ive talked to today, the premise that youre operating from is incorrect. We didnt remove her. She resigned. Shes an at-will employee by contract, as are all our teachers. I went to her last week and offered her two letters. One was a voluntary resignation, and another a letter that said if she decided not to resign, I was going to ask the board to terminate her without cause. Without cause. We have the right to do that under the contract. Rick Steves: American travel writer Clothed only in confidence, his toes gripping the pedestal, Michelangelos David seems ready and determined to step out of the Dark Ages and into a hopeful future. Completed in 1504, he is a six-ton, 17-foot-tall symbol of divine victory over evil and of the triumph of humanism over the ugly giant of medieval superstition. This masterpiece has inspired people for centuries. But in todays Florida, a principal is now out of a job after a parent complained that she shared a pornographic image of David during a sixth-grade art history lesson. Presumed Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantiss stance against woke ideology in public schools is just the latest example of the American insistence on seeing great art and the human body as somehow dirty. While Europeans have long since moved on, we Americans seem to be taking our cues from the Inquisition, when the Spanish king kept Titians Venus out of public view (but in his bedroom) and from Savonarola, the Italian friar who stoked his bonfires of the vanities with any art he deemed as too fleshy. In Florence today, travelers marvel as guides explain that Davids powerful right hand, which grips a stone to hurl at Goliath, may look too bigbut Michelangelo intentionally made it oversized. The message: No mere shepherd boy could slay the giant. This is the hand of a confident, bold hero empowered by God. And looking into Davids eyes, we know he will win. BBC News "Showing the entire statue of David is appropriate at some age." Brian Tyler Cohen: Political commentator A Florida principal was fired by a Republican official because a middle school history class saw a photo of Michelangelos David statue, which angry conservative parents called pornography. But sure, its the Democrats doing cancel culture. A Florida principal was fired by a Republican official because a middle school history class saw a photo of Michelangelos David statue, which angry conservative parents called pornography. But sure, its the Democrats doing cancel culture. pic.twitter.com/WM50AE17hm No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) March 24, 2023 Jodi Picoult: New York Times bestselling author This is the state of education in Florida. Oh, and lest you think "Oh, FLORIDA" you should know that yesterday in Congress testimony was heard on a parents' rights bill that would allow this very idiocy federally. This is the state of education in Florida. Oh, and lest you think "Oh, FLORIDA" you should know that yesterday in Congress testimony was heard on a parents' rights bill that would allow this very idiocy federally. https://t.co/svtrnSGXx3 Jodi Picoult (@jodipicoult) March 24, 2023 Commentary from news outlets, others: Want more news coverage like this? If you're already a subscriber, thank you! If not, please subscribe using the link at the top of the page and help keep the news you care about coming. Grace Pateras is a digital producer for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter at @gracepateras. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Italy official, others react to Florida principal 'David' controversy A Florida school banned a Disney movie about racial integration after one parent complained students should not see scenes of hatred toward a 6-year-old Black girl. Earlier this month, the parent wouldn't allow her child to watch the 1998 Disney movie "Ruby Bridges," which tells the real-life story of a 6-year-old girl who was among the first Black students to attend Louisiana public schools in 1960. Photos from the time showing white mobs hurling insults and threats at the girl have been studied in history lessons for decades, along with other examples of white communities protesting against Black students integrating schools across the South in the 1960s. Today, Bridges, 68, is a civil rights activist, children's book author and speaker. The Florida parent, Emily Conklin, contends the movie is inappropriate for second-grade students and wrote a formal complaint this month that racial slurs and scenes of white people threatening 6-year-old Ruby as she entered a school might teach white students to hate Black people, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Now, students at North Shore Elementary in St. Petersburg cannot watch the movie until further review, but students at other schools in the district can, the Times reported. The movie is not rated, according to Disney's website. The studio says the movie is about how Bridges is "subjected to the true ugliness of racism for the very first time" when she integrates her New Orleans school. But "guided by the love of her mother and father, Ruby's heroic struggle for a better education becomes a lesson for us all," Disney says. In the movie, Bridges is played by Chaz Monet and Penelope Ann Miller plays a white teacher who forms a strong relationship with the girl and helps her learn in the classroom despite the tension outside the school building. SEVENS DAYS OF 1961: Meet the Americans who stood up to racism in 1961 and changed history Story continues Who is Ruby Bridges? Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to attend her New Orleans elementary school at age 6 in 1960 following the 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled U.S. students could not be separated by race. At the time, Bridges had to be escorted through the front doors of the school building by federal law enforcement, who helped protect her from a mob of screaming white people who did not want Bridges or other Black students to attend school with white students. U.S. Deputy Marshals escort 6-year-old Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, in this November 1960, file photo. In a 2020 interview with USA TODAY, Bridges said she first thought the angry crowd of people meant it was Mardi Gras, because that's where she was used to seeing big crowds of people in New Orleans. The crowd threw items at Bridges, but she said the thing that frightened her most was seeing white people "march" around the school building holding a Black baby doll in a coffin above their heads. Advocates for Black students push back A coalition of groups who have long advocated on behalf of Black public school students in Florida's Pinellas County publicly spoke out against the elementary school's decision to ban the movie. In a letter to the community, the president of the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students questioned whether the decision to ban the movie serves students from different backgrounds "fairly and equitably," the Tampa Bay Times reported. COQEBS president Ric Davis wrote that decision-makers in the district should "not overreact because one white person objected to something." The Northside Elementary parent's complaint came after second grade students had watched the movie. In response to the mother's complaint, school officials said they would not show the movie again this school year, The Washington Post reported. When the school district banned Toni Morrison's novel "The Bluest Eye" earlier this year, district officials cited state law and a rule telling them to err on the side of caution when considering including books in lessons, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The Times said this week that the district had not set a timetable for reviews of either the Morrison book or the Disney movie. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ruby Bridges Disney movie banned at Florida school The NTSB's report details that the movement occurred after pilots responded to automated cockpit warnings and switched off the system meant to keep the private aircraft stable Mike Pont/WireImage The National Transportation Safety Board says in a preliminary report that a former staffer of both the Clinton and Obama administrations died in a private jet after pilots switched off an aircraft stabilizing system while in flight, causing the aircraft to pitch violently. Dana J. Hyde, a prominent attorney and former White House staffer, was named by Connecticut State Troopers as the passenger who died on the private flight earlier this month. She was 55. Hyde was one of five people who were aboard the jet that was shaken March 3 while traveling from Keene, New Hampshire, to Leesburg, Virginia, said Sarah Sulick, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, per the Associated Press. Initial reports suggested it was turbulence that caused the Bombardier Challenger 300 airplane to jolt upward, but the NTSB's report details that the movement occurred after pilots responded to automated cockpit warnings and switched off the system that helps keep the aircraft stable. Related:Former White House Official Dies of Injuries Following Jet Turbulence It is unclear if Hyde was seated or moving within the cabin when the incident occurred, but the NTSB reports that "as soon as the switch position was moved, the airplane abruptly pitched up." The Associated Press reports that the ensuing movement of the aircraft subjected the passengers "to forces about four times the force of gravity." Per the NTSB report, the pilot in control of the aircraft "immediately with both hands regained control of the airplane in what he estimated to be a few seconds after the airplane's pitch oscillated up and down." According to the AP, Hyde's husband and their son, along with the pilot and co-pilot, were not injured in the incident. The AP further notes that the FAA issued a directive about Bombardier Challenger 300 jets last year, "after multiple instances in which the horizontal stabilizer on the aircrafts caused the nose of the plane to turn down after the pilot tried to make the aircraft climb." Story continues According to Hyde's personal bio, she worked as chief executive officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, associate director at the White House Office of Management and Budget, and senior adviser to the deputy secretary of state under President Barack Obama. She also served as counsel to the 9/11 Commission and as special assistant to the deputy attorney general in President Bill Clinton's administration. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Meanwhile, both the National Transportation Safety Board and FBI are continuing to investigate the incident, and will analyze information from the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder and other sources of information such as weather data. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Investigators say Quentin Cantrell and Eric Cantrell were on the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. A Greenwood man arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot reached a plea deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to three months of probation Monday. Eric Cantrell pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped three other charges. The Greenwood man and his cousins from Indianapolis were arrested last March. The three men were accused of driving from Indiana to Washington and entering the U.S. Capitol Building during the riot. Previous coverage:3 Indianapolis-area men arrested in connection with U.S. Capitol riot A tipster contacted investigators after one of the cousins posted photos to social media from inside the U.S. Capitol Building during the riot, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. A closed-circuit television from inside the U.S. Capitol Building captured all three men entering the building near each other, according to the criminal complaint. More:Here's the latest on people with Indiana ties charged after the Jan. 6 insurrection Cantrell did not post photos to social media of the riot and said he was embarrassed and regretted entering the U.S. Capitol. "Dealing with the embarrassment of being arrested and facing the consequences of my actions are burdens I bear every day," he wrote in a letter to the court before his sentencing. The mans attorneys asked the court not to incarcerate Eric Cantrell and noted he had no previous criminal history. "Eric Cantrell drove from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., with the sole intention of attending the protest and peacefully expressing his political views," the man's attorneys wrote in a court filing. "Eric had no plan toillegally demonstrate or even enter a building." Cantrell entered the U.S. Capitol Building at 2:38 p.m. Jan. 6, 2021, through the Upper West Terrace Door. He exited the building one minute and 38 seconds later through the same doors he entered, according to a document filed by prosecutors. Story continues During that time, he was amongst a large mob that was chanting and demonstrating outside and inside the U.S. Capitol, the document reads. While inside the building, Cantrell did not engage in violent or destructive behavior and was never confronted by a police officer or any other official, according to his attorneys. The riot caused about $2.9 million in damages to the U.S. Capitol Building and forced the evacuation of lawmakers as they were gathering to certify the vote count of the Electoral College for 2020 presidential election. In addition to probation, Cantrell must complete 40 hours of community service and pay $1,510 in fines and restitution as part of his sentence. Charges filed against his cousins, Jared Cantrell and Quentin Cantrell, remain pending. The two men are charged entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Greenwood man sentenced to probation in 2021 U.S. Capitol riot InsightAce Analytic Pvt. LTd. Companies Covered in this Report are BASF (Germany), NatureWorks (US), Total Corbion (Netherlands), Novamont (Italy), Biome Bioplastics (UK), Mitsubishi, Chemical Holding Corporation (Japan), Toray Industries (Japan), Plantic Technologies (Australia), Danimer Scientific (US), Fkur Kunstsoff (Germany) Jersey City, NJ, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Biodegradable Plastics Market is estimated to reach over USD 31.53 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.25% during the forecast period 2023-2031. Environmental microbes can break down biodegradable polymers in a particular media and under the circumstances. They have several cutting-edge uses in the food and agriculture industries and are readily disposed of using waste management procedures. Therefore, biodegradable plastic is the best environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic polymers. One of the main trends propelling market expansion is governments banning single-use plastic and increasing public awareness of plastic waste's negative consequences. Additionally, the growing usage of biodegradable plastics in packaging and agriculture is projected to support the segment's growth. Plastics that don't break down are a global problem. Governments worldwide encourage biodegradable plastics and outlaw single-use plastics to combat this issue. Due to its eco-friendliness, people are willing to pay more for biodegradable plastics. Collectively, the elements above are giving the market a boost. Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1187 Furthermore, because they need a particular environment in terms of humidity and temperature, only some biodegradable plastics rapidly break down in the natural environment. Some biopolymers generate greenhouse gases as they break down, which is harmful to the environment. These elements will serve as roadblocks in the market's ascent. Furthermore, because they need a particular environment in terms of temperature and moisture, only some biodegradable plastics rapidly break down in the natural environment. Some biopolymers release greenhouse gases as they break down, which is harmful to the environment. These elements will serve as roadblocks in the market's ascent. Story continues Recent Developments: In April 2021-new strategic alliance with Nature Works was launched by IMA Coffee, a world leader in the handling, processing, and packaging coffee. This partnership aims to increase the market for high-performance biodegradable K-cups in North America. In February 2020-A joint venture between BASF and the Fabric Group (Italy) was established to provide a sustainable cling film alternative for fresh food packaging. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood will all be wrapped in the film. It will be created by the Fabric company utilizing Ecevit bioplastic from BASF, raising the need for biodegradable plastics in packaging applications. Get Customized Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1187 List of Prominent Players in the Biodegradable plastics Market: ABMcomposite Agrana Akro-Plastic ALPLA Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG Amcor limited Anellotech, Inc. AVA Biochem Avani Eco BASF (Germany) Biobent Polymers Biome Bioplastics (UK) Biome Technologies Bio-On BIOplastics Biosphere Plastic LLP Braskem Carbiolice Cardia Bioplastics Danimer Scientific Eastman Chemical Company Eranova Fkur Kunstsoff (Germany) FlexSea Floreon Transforming Futerro Genecis Bioindustries Green Dot Bioplastics Ingevity Kruger Inc. Mitsubishi Chemical Holding Corporation (Japan) Mondi Group NatureWorks (US) NEC Corporation Newlight Technologies Novamont (Italy) Polymateria Plantic Technologies (Australia) Plastic Suppliers Inc. PTT MCC Biochem Sphere Succinity Synbra Technology TECNARO GmbH TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc Tianan Biologic Materials Toray Industries (Japan) Total Corbion (Netherlands) Venvirotech Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Biodegradable Plastics Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2022 USD 7.08 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 31.53 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 18.2 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Billion, Volume (KT) and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered Types, End-Users Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia Market Dynamics: Drivers- The healthcare sector is anticipated to have a growth in industry adoption. These are employed in various applications, including synthetic biology, dentistry, medication delivery systems, orthopedic devices, and wound care. Because it is biocompatible and dissolves naturally in the body, PLA is frequently employed in medicinal applications. But when e-commerce grew throughout the epidemic, there was a rise in the need for packaging-related goods. During the forecast period, the market for biodegradable plastics is anticipated to grow, propelled by elements including supporting governmental laws, advantageous environmental policies, and rising environmental concerns. Challenges: Market expansion is anticipated to be restricted by degradable plastics' high cost. The increased production costs of biodegradable plastics would be much higher than those of fossil fuels, and it has a detrimental impact on demand. The development of feedstock price trends significantly impacts how much biodegradable polymers cost to produce. Regional Trends: The North American region market is projected to register a tremendous market share. Due to the increased demand for microbial packaging in the food and consumer products industries, the U.S. market is anticipated to grow significantly over the projected period. Compared to traditional plastics, bio bags and bio-based plastics have a higher tensile strength, are more environmentally friendly, and are easier to use. As a result, it is anticipated that during the projection period, demand for biodegradable plastics will increase. Besides, Asia Pacific had a substantial share of the market. Market participants have built new manufacturing facilities to meet the area's growing demand for biodegradable plastic. Consumers are gravitating more and more toward buying sustainable goods. The uptake of biodegradable products in the area is boosted by a notable rise in customers' environmental awareness, favorable environmental protection laws, and informed customers with a considerable money supply. During the forecast period, factors such as technological advancement and sizable investments in the research & development of biodegradable plastics are anticipated to provide growth possibilities. Enquiry Before Buying @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1187 Segmentation of Biodegradable plastics Market- Based on the type: Polylactic acid (PLA) Starch Blends Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) Biodegradable Polyesters Polycaprolactone (PCL) Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) Polybutylene succinate (PBS) Other Types Regenerative Cellulose Cellulose Derivative Based on the end-use industry: Packaging Rigid Packaging Flexible Packaging Consumer Goods Electrical Appliances Domestic Appliances Others Textiles Medical & Healthcare Textile Personal care, clothes and other textiles Agriculture & Horticulture Tapes & Mulch Films Others By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ CONTACT: Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com A Bay Area man accused of heading a criminal organization that peddled California marijuana to five states, engaged in unemployment insurance fraud and impersonated federal agents pleaded guilty Tuesday in Sacramento. Quinten Giovanni Moody, who the Justice Department said also is known of Christano Rossi and is from Dublin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, aggravated identity theft and obstruction of justice, charges that could have netted him more than 40 years in prison. The plea agreement Moody signed before Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez recommends a sentence of seven years. Mendez, who is not bound by the recommendation, set sentencing for July 11. Moody, former Roseville resident Myra Boleche Minks, 44, and Sacramento resident Jessica Tang, 48, were indicted last year by a Sacramento federal grand jury in a bizarre and wide-ranging series of alleged crimes. The allegations include Minks impersonating, at various times, an agent of the Secret Service, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration; federal prosecutors and a Justice Department employee who submitted fake search warrants, court papers say. Moody-Minks Organization Court papers describe Moody and Minks as being part of what authorities called the Moody-Minks Organization, which allegedly moved marijuana from California to Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, and Texas. Moody and Minks used couriers, airline employees, and a shipping company to transport the marijuana to various destinations, the Justice Department said, adding that Minks posed as a federal agent on several occasions. One of those occasions came in 2020, when she allegedly called California Highway Patrol investigators about a drive-by shooting in Oakland to ask if the driver of one of the cars involved had made any statements to law enforcement, court papers say. That person, using the name of DEA agent Amanda Wilkins, also told the CHP they might find $350,000 in cash inside one of the cars involved, court papers say, adding that there is no DEA agent under that name. Story continues Moody and Minks also were accused of orchestrating an effort to produce phony court orders to try to win the release of two vintage automobiles of Moodys that the FBI had seized in Georgia, court papers say. Those efforts led to the guilty plea by Moody to the obstruction of justice count, which stems from efforts to retrieve a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1956 Chevrolet pickup truck of Moodys from an FBI lockup, court papers say. The vehicles were ordered seized in April 2022, and FBI agents executing search warrants at an auto repair shop in Cleveland, Georgia, on April 15 took the vehicles to the agencys Atlanta field office, court papers say. Three weeks later, a flatbed truck arrived at the FBI office and the truck driver told agents he had been directed to pick up both vehicles and produced documents to back up his claim, court papers say. The tow truck driver gave FBI security personnel documents, including a document purporting to be an order issued by the Honorable John K. Larkins III, a United States magistrate judge for the Northern District of Georgia, court papers say. The documents purported to order the United States Marshal and FBI to release the vehicles. However, the documents were not issued by Judge Larkin. In fact, they contain several hallmarks of fraudulent court orders, including the presence of multiple case numbers and misidentification of Judge Larkin as a United States District Judge. Court papers say Moody and a co-conspirator created the documents, and that on May 10, 2022, two days after the first attempt to get the vehicles, Moody called the towing company and told them to return to pick up both the Camaro and the truck. A tow truck showed up at the FBI office again on May 21 and the driver presented officials with phony court documents that had been altered from the first attempt, court papers say. Pretended to be an FBI Special Agent FBI personnel did not release the vehicles, court papers say. Shortly before the arrival of the tow truck, a co-conspirator called personnel at the FBIs Atlanta field office and pretended to be an FBI Special Agent. While in character, the co-conspirator attempted to contact the employees assigned to the gate outside of the field office to facilitate the two truck gaining access to the FBI property. Moody never regained access to the vehicles, and as part of his plea agreement he agreed to forfeit both to the federal government. Tang, who faces mail fraud and identity theft counts related to allegations involving $120,000 in phony California Employment Development Department claims, was released from custody last June and her case is pending. Minks remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail pending the outcome of her case. If you think the airport has been crowded and gridlocked in recent months, prepare for it to get even more congested as spring break travel ramps up. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is preparing for millions of spring break travelers, while also warning that it will start construction that will block off portions of the airport roadway right in the middle of the busy period. Airport officials are now advising passengers to get to the airport at least 2.5 hours before their flights. The Atlanta airport expects to handle more than 4.4 million passengers during the spring break travel period from March 26 through April 9. The busiest day will be March 31, when 330,000 passengers are expected to pass through the worlds busiest airport. AAA also released its spring break travel forecast Tuesday, saying its survey results show 41% of Georgia residents plan to take a spring break vacation, up from 30% last year. More are planning to take international trips, including to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe, the auto club said. AAA said its survey also shows 87% of people in Georgia plan to travel this year, up from 56% last year, encompassing all types of trips. The results are based on a survey conducted Jan. 27-Feb. 2, with 400 Georgia residents responding. Strong travel demand will bring more people through the Atlanta airports roads, parking decks and terminals even amid ongoing construction closures. Hartsfield-Jackson is in the middle of a massive parking deck construction project, and will prepare for its next phase of work later this month when all Terminal North lower-level lanes will close from 10 p.m. March 27 until 10 p.m. March 30. During that time, off-airport shuttles will use the North upper-level outer curb. Phase 2 of the construction project to shore up the parking decks will run until June 2. The parking deck work has reduced the number of parking spaces and caused lane closures since it began last year, frustrating travelers and motorists. The full project to shore up the structures, construct new parking decks and demolish the old ones will take years longer to complete. Story continues Its part of $800 million worth of construction work currently ongoing at the airport, including a Plane Train tunnel extension, ceiling work, and escalator and elevator work. Over the next 18 months, the airport expects to start on $1.8 billion of construction work, including a massive project to widen Concourse D, the addition of three gates on Concourse E and the construction of a new parking deck where part of the South economy lot sits today. The facility is 42 years old... so it just continues to age, said Frank Rucker, Hartsfield-Jackson deputy general manager of infrastructure, during the airports industry day on Tuesday. This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news and events in metro-Atlanta and Georgia, visit AJC.com. Channel 5 Home and Away spoilers follow. Home and Away has hinted that there'll once again be some notable absences at Tane Parata and Felicity Newman's wedding. The happy couple are due to tie the knot on Australian screens next week, as the long-running soap celebrates its milestone 8,000th episode. Tane and Felicity have already had a first shot at making it down the aisle, but their big day descended into disaster when Felicity was involved in a road accident on her way to the ceremony. At the time, departed characters Gemma Parata and Chloe Anderson who'd both left the show sent their apologies and confirmed that they sadly wouldn't be able to make the trip over from New Zealand. Channel 5 Related: Former Home and Away star Rob Kipa-Williams reveals whether he'd return in shock twist Tane was upset over these absences at the time, as he'd wanted all of his family to make it. With a second wedding on the cards, Home and Away bosses have once again written in an excuse for possible no-shows Tane and Felicity don't want any guests this time. This week's Australian episodes saw Tane and Felicity take control of their own wedding plans by deciding to tie the knot as soon as possible. Wanting this ceremony to have a different feel to their doomed first one, they opted to have a tiny guest list with no extended family in attendance. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away airs update on pregnancy storyline Felicity's brother Cash and best friend Eden Fowler were the only ones to receive invites, so they could be official witnesses. Felicity told Tane: "Our easy-peasy 'turn up and get it done' wedding is all sorted. This is amazing. I'm so glad we don't have to wait. No stressing about dresses, flowers, invitations, guests especially guests." When Cash and Eden later asked about other attendees, Felicity quipped: "There are none. If you weren't needed as witnesses, you wouldn't even be there either!" Channel 5 Related: Home and Away legend Kate Ritchie reveals whether she'd return to the show Tane's nephew Nikau has also now left the show at Australian pace, moving to New York to be with Bella Nixon. Story continues Nikau played a role in the ceremony from afar by giving Felicity some last-minute advice on the phone over how to recite her wedding vows in te reo Maori. Home and Away fans in the UK will see the 8,000th episode on Channel 5 in May. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like A child was among several customers who tested positive for THC after eating ice cream sold at a New Hampshire cafe, police said. The customers, who were unrelated to each other, arrived at hospitals with symptoms of dizziness, weakness and rapid heart rates before some of them tested positive for the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana on March 17 and 18, according to the Newmarket Police Department. Now, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating the reports of illnesses related to the Angelos Amore brand of ice cream sold at Roots Local Cafe and Catering in Newmarket, police said in a March 24 news release. The cafe forfeited the remaining ice cream in its restaurant for testing, police said in a March 24 news release. We cannot believe or understand how this happened, the restaurant said in a statement shared March 24 to Facebook. Angelos Amore is no longer in business and Roots Cafe had no part in (the) making of this ice cream. McClatchy News was unable to reach Angelos Amore for comment on March 27. The cafe apologized to those affected by the ice cream in its statement and emphasized it has been removed from the shop. All the customers who checked into a hospital for treatment, including the child, have recovered, police said. One person was monitored at the hospital overnight. THC is known to produce feelings of euphoria with other common side effects including sedation, confusion, dry mouth and more. For some people, its psychoactive effects, such as hallucinations, dysphoria and paranoia, can be intolerable, according to the National Library of Medicine. Newmarket, New Hampshire, is about 60 miles north of Boston. Babysitter records herself sharing a joint with 1-year-old child, Florida cops say Teen dies of fentanyl poisoning from laced pill, Texas family says. Worst nightmare Poisonous level of marijuana in caterers food derails wedding, Florida lawsuit says The royal family is hoping to generate worldwide buzz for King Charles IIIs coronation, but it seems like hes having a hard time getting a few people to attend. Fans know that Prince Harry and Meghan Markles participation is up in the air, but it appears that President Joe Bidens absence stings more. Instead of Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attending on May 6, the U.S. is sending an official delegation to be named at a later date, according to The New York Times. While White House is promising that planning could still change, the Biden administration isnt exactly seeing this invitation decline as a perceived snub since they saw then-Prince Charles at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021, and again at Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral last year. More from SheKnows Prince William is taking steps to modernize the monarchy by reportedly dabbling in politics. https://t.co/RNS5Dih5gT SheKnows (@SheKnows) March 28, 2023 However, not everyone sees it that way because President Biden is also headed to Northern Ireland in mid-April to honor the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. He is not scheduled to stop over in the U.K. to see King Charles which has raised concern in diplomatic circles which could be interpreted as a snub because the U.K. is a close ally. The New York Times noted that while Charles remains above politics, he is the head of state, and his coronation is expected to draw a parade of world leaders. It seems like an occasion Joe Biden would want to be in attendance. White House officials are sticking to the story that the U.S. leader and the royal have a strong relationship, so no one should read into Joe Bidens absence from the coronation as a slight. The pressure is there for Present Biden to attend the global event, so royal watchers are keeping their eye on his schedule to see if he will eventually have a change of heart and find space on his calendar for May 6. Story continues Click here to read the full article. Before you go, click here to see every single detail we know about King Charles IIIs coronation so far. Launch Gallery: Every Single Moving Photo From Joe Biden's National Medal of the Arts Event Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Columbia man filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft of illegally blocking a proposed citizen-driven ballot question that would have prevented lawmakers from making it harder for voters to amend the state constitution. The lawsuit, filed by Columbia resident Harry Cooper in Cole County, argues that Ashcroft, a likely candidate for governor in 2024, unlawfully rejected Coopers filing, did so after a 15-day deadline and refused to provide a reason, as required by state law. It alleges that Ashcrofts actions create a pretext where the secretary of state could block any ballot question he does not like. Apparently Jay Ashcroft doesnt care about law and order, Cooper said in a statement. JoDonn Chaney, Ashcrofts spokesperson, said in an email to The Star that the secretary of states office was served the lawsuit and it is currently under review. Coopers proposed ballot question would have asked voters in 2024 to approve a measure preventing state lawmakers from passing laws that make it harder for citizens to amend the states initiative petition process. It also would have allowed lawmakers to serve 16 years in either chamber instead of the current eight year per chamber cap. The ballot measure would have reduced the legislative term limit to 12 years if lawmakers pass any laws that restrict the publics ability to amend the state constitution. Coopers petition was in response to Missouri Republican lawmakers proposing a flurry of bills that would make it harder for voters across the state to approve amendments to the state constitution. The legislation comes in the wake of Missouri voters approving several liberal-leaning policies such as recreational and medical marijuana. According to the lawsuit, Cooper filed two versions of his ballot question with Ashcrofts office in mid-February. Ashcrofts office notified Cooper 12 days later that the petition had been approved. Ashcroft, according to the lawsuit, then reversed course on March 9, and notified Cooper that the proposals had been rejected. The lawsuit alleges that this rejection happened after the 15-day deadline required by state law and Ashcroft gave no reason for rejecting the proposal. Story continues Its important to make sure that doesnt become a legally sanctioned avenue for any current or future secretary of state, Matt Vianello, Coopers attorney, told The Star. The lawsuit further alleges that Ashcroft has rejected a number of other ballot initiatives this year through a similar process. For Ashcroft to reject initiative petition sample sheets after they have been approved, reject them after the 15 day approval/rejection period has passed and reject them without providing any actual reasons flies in the face of well-established legal precedent in Missouri, the lawsuit said. A composite shows nails found at this burial site in Turkey. Archeologists think the nails may have been "charms" used to pin a restless dead's spirit down to the grave. Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project. Claeys et al. 2023, Antiquity, Insider Archaeologists have found bent nails, lime, and brick near a Roman burial site. These may have been charms to stop the restless dead from interfering with the living, they said. There are signs in burial site that the deceased person was respected at the time of their death. "Magical" nails used to stop the dead from pestering the living have been uncovered in a 2,000-year-old Roman imperial tomb in Turkey. Archaeologists found the 41 bent and twisted nails at the ancient site of Sagalassos, which was occupied from the third century BC to the 13th century AD. The nails may have been used as "charms against a wide variety of evil influences," the authors said in a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Antiquity on February 21. Researchers believe they may have been used to pin the body of the mystery adult male to the tomb so that his spirit would be unable to rise. Nails found at the site. Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project. Claeys et al. 2023, Antiquity The remains were also placed under a thick layer of brick and lime. This is a unique type of burial for the area, a necropolis of Sagalassos, the authors told The New York Times. It was the only grave to use brick and lime out of about 180 or so burials that the archaeologists have uncovered. Altogether, these rituals suggest the nails were thought to "form a magical barrier surrounding the remains of the funeral pyre," the authors said in the study. Nails were often associated with magic Antoninus Fountain of Sagalassos in Burdur, Turkey. Archaeologists have found nails in a burial ground in the site they think may have been used to pin a restless dead's spirit down to the grave. iStock / Getty Images Plus The nails suggest ancient Romans feared the restless dead and would use various occult practices to protect themselves, archaeologists said in the study. Nails were expensive in Roman times, so they would likely not have been discarded by mistake, lead author on the study Johan Claeys, an archaeologist at Catholic University Leuven, told The Times. "They would have been valuable enough to be recovered if still serviceable. But they were dead nails, and the way they were distributed around the perimeter of the tomb suggests that the placement was purposeful," he said. Nails were often seen as imbued with magical properties, Matteo Borrini, a lecturer of forensic anthropology at the Liverpool John Moore University who was not involved in the study, told Insider. Story continues "The most common association with it is to fix something like pain," he said. The nails were also used to ask the deceased to carry a curse into the afterlife, he said. "In the Roman period, you write a curse against someone, you pinch with the nail, and then you fix this into the grave," he said. "That person that will become a sort of courier and will bring this letter to the eternal spirits who will start to chase and torment and torture the person in life," he said. The nails may also have been used to protect the body Though nails have been used for nefarious purposes elsewhere, in this particular instance they could also have been used to protect the body. In this burial site, there are signs to show that this person was respected at the time of their death, suggesting they wouldn't have been someone that people would have feared in life. Cremation was a common burial rite at the time, and fragments of ceramics, glass, and traces of foods found at the site suggest this person was given the last rites common to people in that area. Shards of glass, coins, and some of the larger nails found near the burial. These suggest the person would have received a respectful burial before sealing them in. Sagalassos Archaeological Research Project. Claeys et al. 2023, Antiquity Borrini warned that a common pitfall in archaeology is to assign too much meaning to a singular grave when it's possible that the person may just have been from another culture, or have peculiar family-specific rites they were following. "I think that the people that discovered this and the people that wrote the article have been very good with that. They are pinpointing that: 'yes, there is evidence of this. This can be magical. This can be something even more unusual, but we cannot say necessary for sure.'" Read the original article on Business Insider Microsoft announced plans this week to purchase 315-acres to build a $1 billion data center on the sprawling Foxconn site in Mount Pleasant. Racine County and state leaders are touting the announcement as a win for local taxpayers and the Racine County region where Foxconn's promises over the last five years have not materialized. Microsoft joins a roster of innovative, world-class companies that are choosing to grow in Wisconsin because ofour highly educated workforce, outstanding infrastructure, central location, and unparalleled quality of life," Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation said in a statement. Approvals are needed from the Mount Pleasant Village Board and Racine County before the Microsoft deal can go through. If approved, Microsoft would purchase the land for $50 million by July 31, 2023. Foxconn will receive the proceeds from the Microsoft land sale as a partial reimbursement of money Foxconn paid in 2017 to acquire land. Microsoft is also eligible for up to $5 million in tax credits per year if the company meets its obligations. But there has been no mention of how many jobs will be created. Here's what we know about the kind of facility that Microsoft would bring to the site. Data centers don't require many workers For the last 10 years, the Potawatomi Business Development Corp. has quietly operated a 45,000-square-foot data center at the former Concordia College campus on Milwaukee's west side. Inside are thousands of computers that store data for large and small private and public companies and the state of Wisconsin. Despite the $30 million operation, only eight people work at the data center, said Ryan Brooks. vice president and general manager of Data Holdings Data Center, the company that operates the facility for Potawatomi. "Data centers don't bring a bunch of fanfair," Brooks said. "It's a big building for computers, not a huge number of employees. At the end of the day, the computers are doing the work." Story continues Potawatomi Business Development Corp. data center on Milwaukee's west side. Microsoft is 'good for Wisconsin business' While Potawatomi's data center serves private clients, Microsoft's center will serve people who use the platform. So if you have Windows, you have Microsoft. Brooks said Microsoft has one of the world's largest data centers in Chicago, but bringing a Microsoft cloud to Wisconsin, could mean faster service. "It's really great to see Wisconsin as an important player in this technology space," Brooks said. "This is a wonderful thing for the industry all around." Brooks added that while the data center itself probably won't employ many people - it will create construction jobs and supporting infrastructure jobs. "Microsoft being here is good for Wisconsin business," Brooks said. Data centers use as much water as small cities Tens of thousands of computers in one space are hot. Large amounts of evaporated water is used to keep computers from overheating and ensure data centers can run 24/7. This includes cooling towers, chillers, pumps, humidifiers and computer room air conditioners. Venkatesh Uddameri, director of the Water Resources Center at Texas Tech University, told NBC News a typical data center uses three to five million gallons of water a day, the same amount of water as a city of 30,000-50,000 people. Both Google and Microsoft have pledged to be more climate conscious by 2030. Microsoft opened a "sustainable datacenter region" in Arizona in 2021 and announced it would use 100% renewable energy in all data centers and facilities by 2025. Specific plans for the Mount Pleasant data center have not been released. Corrinne Hess can be reached at chess@gannett.com or on Twitter @CorriHess This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Microsoft expansion at Foxconn site: What we know about data centers In early 2018, a series of checks stolen from businesses around Erie County began showing up at local banks. The checks were altered and made out for a few thousand dollars, and each was presented to tellers for cashing by a person with valid identification. The scam was similar to one authorities said had been perpetrated throughout the country, which many law enforcement agencies dubbed, "Operation Homeless" for its use of homeless people in cashing the altered checks. Locally, it would launch an investigation involving local, state and federal authorities that would lead them to charge two Georgia residents with orchestrating a scam that utilized several homeless people as check-cashers and netted tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities are now wondering if they have a similar crime spree on their hands. The Millcreek Township Police Department late Friday afternoon apprehended three people after an attempt was made to cash a stolen business check at an Andover Bank branch. One of the suspects would tell police that the group had traveled to other banks in Pennsylvania and Ohio to attempt to cash similar checks. The Pennsylvania State Police has received reports of stolen business checks, stolen checks being cashed and attempts being made to cash stolen checks in other parts of Erie County, the agency reported Tuesday. Troopers based in Girard are working to determine if the incidents are possibly connected to the Andover Bank incident, according to state police. Apprehension in Millcreek Charged in the investigation so far are Jeremy C. Ivory, no age available, of McDonough, Georgia; Jemal D. Strozier, 30, of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and Jamie A. Thomas, 28, of Erie. Each was arraigned Saturday on felony counts of forgery and receiving stolen property and on a misdemeanor count of tampering with records in the Millcreek police investigation into the incident at Andover Bank. Ivory and Strozier had their bonds set at $50,000. Thomas was held on $25,000 bond. Story continues Millcreek police have charged two Georgia residents and an Erie man with attempting to cash a check that was stolen from an Edinboro-area business and altered on March 24, 2023. Millcreek police accuse the trio of attempting to cash a check, stolen from an Edinboro-area business last week, that was altered and presented late Friday afternoon at the Andover Bank branch at 2420 Zimmerly Road for $3,500. The bank did not cash the check and police were alerted about the attempt, according to investigators and information in the criminal complaints filed in the case. Millcreek police were given a description of the person who attempted to cash the check and received information that a vehicle involved was possibly a black minivan that might be parked behind a nearby Country Fair. A responding Millcreek police officer spotted a black Chrysler Pacifica behind the County Fair with two people inside who appeared to be ducking down, according to information in the affidavits filed with the complaints. The officer stopped in front of the Chrysler and noticed a third person inside the vehicle. All three denied being involved in the attempted check cashing, the officer wrote in the affidavits. Police said they obtained a photo of the person who attempted to cash the check and identified the rear seat passenger of the Chrysler Pacifica as that person. Police spoke to the person and recovered the check, which was made out to Jamie Thomas, according to the affidavits. Investigators said Thomas told them he was picked up by the other two males about a week ago and they went to several banks in Ohio and Pennsylvania to attempt to cash fraudulent checks. According to the affidavits, the check that was attempted to be cashed at Andover Bank on Friday afternoon was taken from a local trucking company on March 22. An employee said the check had been made out to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and was placed in the business's mailbox when it was stolen and altered, police wrote in the affidavits. Millcreek police impounded the Chrysler Pacifica and said they plan to search it as part of the ongoing investigation. Millcreek police said Monday they and other local law enforcement agencies are working to see if any other stolen and altered business checks were cashed or were attempted to be cashed at area banks in recent days. State police reported on Tuesday that they are investigating a number of similar reports about stolen business checks and attempts to cash those checks, and have been in contact with Millcreek police. Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call state police in Girard at 814-774-9611. A similar scam The incident that Ivory, Strozier and Thomas are accused of committing at Andover Bank in Millcreek is similar to a check-forging spree that state and local police accused two Georgia residents of perpetrating around Erie County in early 2018. In those cases, investigators accused Georgia residents Victor Lemmons and Jasmine Carter of employing others to cash checks that were stolen from local businesses and altered at several banks in the county. More: Georgia pair nabbed in check scam probe That case was cracked when police tracked down a homeless man who was hired to cash the checks, and he set up a meeting with Lemmons and Carter in Erie in late February 2018. Erie police and the Pennsylvania State Police went to the meeting location and took the pair into custody. A federal grand jury in 2019 indicted Lemmons and Carter in the check-cashing scam. Each faced one count of conspiracy and six counts of bank fraud in U.S. District Court in Erie. More: Check-cashing scam that relied on homeless in Erie, elsewhere nets 4-year federal sentence Each was sentenced in 2020. Lemmons received three years and 10 months to four years and nine months in prison. Carter was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Police probe bigger scam after 3 charged in stolen check-cashing try Police in Junction City, Kansas, got it wrong. Living outside city limits should not preclude a family from filing a missing persons report on a loved one. For days, the family of Roberto Junior Familia, an inactive U.S. Army National Guard member based in Junction City, had not heard from him. Until Tuesday, police in the town about an hour west of Topeka had refused to take a missing person report, according to family members. Why? Such reports must be filed in person, police told the family, according to Familias cousin, Madeline Familia. Members of the family live in Florida and New York. Heres a thought: In this digital age, why should members Robertos family have to plan a 21-hour drive from their home to file a missing person report? Shouldnt a video conference call suffice? Courts in Geary County, Kansas, and all over the country regularly use technology to conduct virtual legal proceedings. Why cant Junction City detectives employ a similar method in extreme cases like the disappearance of a U.S. soldier? It shouldnt take an email from Madeline Familia to Junction City Mayor Pat Landes office to initiate a missing person report, which was finally filed Tuesday. Roberto, 24, suffers from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, according to the family. Roberto hasnt been heard from since March 21. Police were able to track his cars license plates to Georgia, family members told us Tuesday. In Kentucky, Roberto was pulled over for a traffic violation, but fled to Georgia, Madeline Familia said. Roberto had an emotional breakdown and the family was concerned for his safety. His mother, who was initially making her way to Kansas, had to readjust her route and drive to Georgia in search of Roberto. The family is relieved that Robertos vehicle was tracked. But why did it take more than a week for Junction City police to act? The Junction City Police Department is aware of the situation with Mr. Familia, read a statement issued Tuesday afternoon. We have entered him as a missing person into the national NCIC database. We attempted to do a check welfare at his last known location but we were unable to locate him. Story continues We asked Kansas Bureau of Investigation officials about the protocol to file a missing person cases, too. The KBI potentially has two touchpoints with missing persons cases, emailed a spokeswoman Tuesday afternoon. We get involved in a missing persons case only when the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction requests our investigative assistance. These are usually in incidents were a criminal act is suspected, and when the agency has limited resources to conduct that criminal investigation. Second, we manage the Kansas Missing Persons Clearinghouse which also includes a public website of missing Kansans. Robertos medical condition should have qualified him as a critical missing person, family members said. The longer he is missing, the more danger he is in, they said. The Junction City Police Department refuses to take a missing person report for a missing loved one merely because we live miles away and cant immediately come in person to file it, Madeline Familia wrote in an email to Landes office. Madeline Familias email continued: His immediate family resides in Florida and New York and have tried to file a missing person report with Junction City Police Department over the phone but were denied as they live outside jurisdiction. She must have sounded the right alarm. Hours later, the report was filed and Robertos vehicle was tracked down south. Junction City Police must do better. The agency should not need prodding from the mayors office to take a report on a missing serviceman. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 27, 2023 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 10, 2023, it has closed the first tranche of its private placement (the "Offering"). The Company issued 4,050,000 units (the "Units") at $0.50 per Unit for total gross proceeds of $2,025,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant, each whole warrant exercisable into one additional common share at a price of $0.80 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issue. The Company paid $159,600 and issued 319,200 share purchase warrants in finder's fees with respect to the placement. Each finder's warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.75 per share for a period of 24 months from date of issue. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a regulatory hold period expiring four months from date of issue. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for research, development, and commercialization programs and for general working capital purposes. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets. Story continues BioNxt Solutions Inc. Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director Email: info@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422 This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could," or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include completion of the Early Warrant Exercise Program on the terms contemplated or at all, and any future payment of commission to Canaccord. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746150/BioNxt-Solutions-Closes-First-Tranche-of-Financing Nashville school shooting suspect Audrey Hale was believed to have been planning other attacks on a local mall and targeting family members, it has been revealed. Nashville Police Chief John Drake told CBS Mornings on Tuesday that investigators strongly believe the 28-year-old former student had other targets besides The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, where the shooter gunned down six victims on Monday. We strongly believe there was going to be some other targets, including maybe family members, and one of the malls here in Nashville, said the police chief. And that just did not happen. The police chief had said on Monday night that a manifesto left behind by the shooter indicated there was going to be shootings at multiple locations and that the school was one of them. The Covenant School was then singled out for an attack while a second undisclosed location was apparently ruled out because it had a higher level of security, he said. Hale allegedly drove to the elementary school just after 10am on Monday morning armed with two assault rifles and a handgun. There, Hale broke into the school building by shooting through the glass side doors and climbing inside. Once inside, the shooter stalked the corridors, killing three small children and three staff members. Students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney all aged nine and three staff members Katherine Koonce, 60, Cynthia Peak, 61, and Mike Hill, 61, were all killed in the attack. Responding officers fatally shot the assailant at 10.27am 14 minutes after the first 911 call reporting an active shooter came in at 10.13am. Police have identified the suspected shooter by their name at birth; Hale reportedly was a transgender man who used he/him pronouns, though law enforcement officials initially described the suspect as a woman in the aftermath of the shooting. Police did not provide another name but on the suspects social media accounts they refer to themselves as Aiden. Story continues If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. EAST KINGSTON Police have identified the man killed in Tuesday's car crash in East Kingston, which also seriously injured a woman and two children. Paul DiChiara, 27, of Newton, was identified as the deceased person in the crash by New Hampshire State Police Wednesday morning. The single-vehicle crash occurred on Burnt Swamp Road Tuesday afternoon at 1:40 p.m. Police said DiChiara was driving the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A woman passenger was taken by medical flight, to a Boston area hospital, they said. Also in the vehicle were two children, a 9-month-old and a 3-year-old, who both sustained serious injuries, police said. State police spokesperson Amber Lagace said information on their statuses was not available Wednesday morning. New Hampshire State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, on Burnt Swamp Road in East Kingston. A preliminary investigation indicates excessive speed was a contributing factor for this crash, according to police. Route 108 at Route 107A was closed, as was Route 107A from Route 108 to Chase Road as police investigated the accident, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. New Hampshire State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, on Burnt Swamp Road in East Kingston. State Police were assisted at the scene by the East Kingston Police Department, East Kingston Fire Department, South Hampton Police Department, Brentwood Fire Department, and Amesbury, Massachusetts Police Department. Local news coverage: Stay connected with the Seacoastonline mobile app This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: East Kingston NH crash: One death, three seriously hurt DOVER, N.H. At her second stop in this early voting state, hours after a mass shooting at a Nashville, Tennessee, elementary school, Nikki Haley let Granite State Republicans know she wants to ban TikTok, not guns. The presidential hopeful and former South Carolina governor is in the middle of two town halls one in Dover Monday night and another in Salem on Tuesday night as she tries to court voters. She has competition here, with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie hosting a town hall of his own Monday night and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slated to visit the state in a few weeks. In Dover on Monday evening, Haley sought to differentiate herself from the presidential field, being more accessible to New Hampshire voters who have been eager to meet candidates face-to-face in her town hall events. Heres how Haley made her pitch to voters in the first-in-the-nation state. Who is Nikki Haley?: Former S.C. GOP governor announces run for president in 2024 Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. After Nashville school shooting, Haley opposes more gun laws Haley's town hall opened against the backdrop of a deadly school shooting in Nashville. The Republican presidential hopeful started her pitch by addressing the shooting and telling voters she wants more metal detectors, not more gun control legislation. She called for schools to have one entrance and to use the metal detectors there. "It's OK if there are metal detectors. There are those guests coming in out, the kids see them in an airport, they see them wherever they go. Why don't we do that to protect those kids?" Haley said. "Everybody wants to talk about gun control. My thing is, I don't want to take away your ability to protect yourself until they do those things that protect those kids," Haley added. Haley calls for a TikTok ban Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. With lawmakers on Capitol Hill clamoring for a TikTok ban after CEO Shou Zi Chew testified to Congress, Haley told voters she's all for an outright ban. Story continues "We're going to ban TikTok. Ban TikTok everywhere," Haley said, also taking a jab at President Joe Biden for not banning the app. The White House has recently threatened the app's Chinese owners to sell its stakes in the company or face a nationwide ban. "What are we waiting on? Joe Biden's worried he's going to lose younger voters? Is that why you hold off on (banning) it?" Haley said. Haley leans into GOP culture wars, still campaigning on her identity Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. Her pitch in Dover sounded largely similar to her previous town halls, partly anchoring her campaign on her background as the daughter of Indian immigrants. "I was born and raised in rural South Carolina. We were the only Indian family in that small southern town." Haley said. "We weren't white enough to be white. We weren't Black enough to be Black." Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter But even then, Haley embraced the GOP's culture wars against public education, alleging nearly all American students are learning critical race theory. "Teachers need to teach. Parents need to parent. And we need to separate that once and for all," Haley said to raucous applause. 'Freaks.' 'Big spenders.': Why 2024 GOP hopefuls Trump, Haley, DeSantis are ripping their own party Meeting 2024 voters face-to-face in New Hampshire Haley was the first candidate to jump in the race after former President Donald Trump. Entering the race early, when so many other presumptive candidates are still waiting in the wings, gives Haley a head start on meeting voters face-to-face. Her accessibility compared to other figures such as DeSantis is something especially appreciated among Granite State voters. John Burns, 75, a Dover resident, said Haley's early stops in the state impressed him and that he loves the "small town meetings." Her town halls are a sign she respects "the New Hampshire public," he said. Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley shakes hands with guests during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. Nikki Haley's age is a plus, voter says Haley's relative youth at 51 years old, compared to high-profile politicians in Washington, is one of her greatest appeals to Dover resident Jeanne Stonehouse. "I think it's time we get some young people in there," said Stonehouse, who is 76. Core to that appeal is also how hard Haley has campaigned on her possibly being the only woman in the field, telling voters it is time to "send a badass Republican woman to the White House." That unapologetic campaigning is something Stonehouse especially appreciates. "I kind of thought she had a lot of gumption," Stonehouse said. That gumption is needed in the White House, she said. Stonehouse's grandson, who came with her to see the former South Carolina governor, said he's eyeing a more moderate Republican candidate who can win the general election. "I feel like the Republicans have drifted a little more towards the ultra conservative side," said 20-year-old Alex Leighton, who said he wants a GOP nominee that can attract younger voters like him. Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley shakes hands with guests while being introduced during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nikki Haley wants to ban TikTok, not guns: Takeaways at N.H. town hall Gov. Roy Cooper signs a bill expanding Medicaid coverage at the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh, N.C., on Monday, March 27, 2023. (Eamon Queen/The New York Times) RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina on Monday became the 40th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the latest sign of how Republican opposition to the health measure has weakened more than a decade after President Barack Obama signed it into law. Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed legislation expanding the states Medicaid program during a sunny afternoon ceremony on the lawn of the Executive Mansion, days after the Republican-controlled Legislature gave final approval to the measure. He was surrounded by patients, advocates and some of the same Republican leaders who had previously blocked expansion in the state. The bill will expand Medicaid to adults who make up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $41,000 for a family of four. State officials say the expansion will cover an estimated 600,000 people. It will take effect when the state adopts a budget, likely by June, Cooper said in an interview before the signing ceremony. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Today is a historic step toward a healthier North Carolina, the governor declared before signing the measure. When a reporter pressed him on when the expansion would take effect, he said, Its only a question of when, not if. It has been nearly 11 years since the Supreme Court ruled that states did not have to expand Medicaid the government health insurance program for low-income people under the Affordable Care Act. Nearly half the states opted out. More recently, progressives have helped to expand Medicaid in seven states all of them with either Republican-controlled or divided governments by putting the question directly to voters; in November, South Dakota adopted Medicaid expansion via the ballot box. But getting Republican elected officials to abandon their opposition to expanding the program has not been easy. The last state where a Republican-controlled Legislature voted to expand Medicaid was Virginia, in 2018. The governor at the time was a Democrat, Ralph Northam. Story continues The battle over Medicaid has been particularly intense in North Carolina. Supporters of expansion conducted hundreds of Moral Mondays protests at the state Capitol. In 2014, the Republican mayor of a town that lost its hospital walked all the way to Washington to build support for expansion. Mondays bill signing leaves just 10 states all with divided or Republican leadership, and most of them in the South that have yet to expand Medicaid. Advocates say they now have their sights set on Alabama, where Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, can expand her states program with her own authority. In North Carolina, there are various reasons for Republicans recent change of heart. Much of the opposition in the state and elsewhere has been both ideological and partisan a reflection of Republicans deep distaste for Obama. But it is now clear that the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is here to stay. Republicans in Washington have been unable to repeal the law and appear to have largely given up fighting it, helping to pave the way for expansion in North Carolina. The argument that this is somehow an endorsement of Obamacare is losing a lot of political currency, even among conservatives, said Frederick Isasi, the executive director of Families USA, a health care advocacy group based in Washington. Hospitals, especially struggling rural ones, are eager for the extra revenue that Medicaid reimbursement will bring. The federal government picks up 90% of the costs of reimbursement under the expansion, and in North Carolina, hospitals will pay the other 10%. The state has revamped its Medicaid program, moving it from a fee-for-service program to one that relies on managed care a long-sought goal of Republicans. This has been a long day coming, but its been as a result of a lot of reforms, Tim Moore, the speaker of the states House of Representatives and a Republican, said during the signing ceremony. The changes, he said, allowed us to be in the position that were in today to be able to expand this coverage. For Cooper, who is in his second term and has been mentioned as a possible future Democratic candidate for Senate or even president, the bill signing was a significant victory. He sought to expand Medicaid when he first took office in 2017, and Republicans sued in federal court to stop him from doing it. The push for expansion picked up steam last year, when the states House and Senate approved separate measures. But the two chambers were unable to reconcile differences. The signing ceremony Monday was at turns poignant and celebratory. Cassandra Brooks, who operates Little Believers Academy, a day care center in the Raleigh area, choked back tears as she recalled two of her teachers who had died, she said, because they could not afford health care. They were excellent early childhood teachers who didnt have health insurance and passed away due to preventable health conditions, she said. She cast the expansion measure as a boon to small businesses that operate on thin margins and cannot afford to offer their employees coverage. Heres to Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, she said. Heres to supporting small business in North Carolina. Heres to continued growth in North Carolina. I believe in North Carolina. c.2023 The New York Times Company By Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, the latest of several weapons tests as the South and the United States conduct their largest joint military drills in years. The missiles were fired about 7:40 a.m. (2240 GMT on Monday) from South Hwanghae province, near the country's west coast, and flew about 620 kilometres, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The South Korean military was on high alert and maintaining full readiness posture in close coordination with the United States, the JCS said in a statement. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan was collecting information on the missile, and that they have not confirmed any damage within the country related to the launch. Japanese chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the missiles have not been confirmed to have flown into Japan's territory or exclusive economic zones. "We see there is a possibility that North Korea will step up further provocative actions, including missile launches and nuclear tests," Matsuno said. "We will continue a close cooperation with the U.S. and South Korea over North Korea's military moves, and gather and analyse information with surveillance." U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the latest launches did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to its allies, but said the North's unlawful weapons programmes had a destabilising effect. South Korea's military "strongly condemned" North Korea, calling the repeated missile launches a grave provocation threatening the region's peace and security, and a U.S. State Department spokesperson criticised the launches as violation of multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. "The South Korea-U.S. alliance will carry out our exercises and training as planned even if North Korea tries to hamper our Freedom Shield drills with provocations," a spokesperson for South Korea's defence ministry told a briefing. Story continues The launch comes two days after North Korea test-fired what it called two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine, and less than a week after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the military to intensify drills to deter and respond to a "real war" if necessary. South Korean and American forces began 11 days of joint drills, dubbed "Freedom Shield 23," on Monday, which will be held on a scale not seen since 2017 to counter the North's growing threats. North Korea has long bristled at the allies' drills as a rehearsal for invasion. On Sunday, North Korean state media KCNA reported the country has decided to take "important practical" war deterrence measures, saying, "war provocations of the U.S. and South Korea are reaching the red-line." U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday the U.S. would not let "any steps North Korea takes deter us or constrain us from the actions that we feel are necessary to safeguard stability on the Korean Peninsula." The United States will hold an informal meeting of United Nations Security Council members on Friday on human-rights abuses in North Korea. North Korea's foreign ministry has denounced the planned meeting as "the most intensive expression" of U.S. "hostile policy" against Pyongyang, and warned it will take "the toughest counteraction." (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul, Satoshi Sugiyama and Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Tim Ahmann and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Kim Coghill, Christopher Cushing and Leslie Adler) A new true crime series shooting in Wilmington will focus on the 1990 murder of Talana Kreeger, one of the Port City's most notorious. One of the most heinous murders in the history of Wilmington is the subject of a new true crime series scheduled to come out in 2024. Mike Boudet of the long-running true crime podcast "Sword and Scale" and documentary filmmaker Ash Patino of the investigative true crime series Ashes to Ash TV are currently in the Wilmington area collaborating on a new project that will tell the story of Talana Quay Kreeger. In 1990, Kreeger, a 32-year-old Pender County resident, was killed in Wilmington by Ronald Sheldon Thomas, a long-haul truck driver from Tennessee. Her naked body was found in a wooded area near Shipyard Boulevard, her teeth knocked out and small intestines outside of her body, among even more gruesome injuries. Thomas was convicted in 1991 of Kreegers murder and of first-degree sexual offense, for which he received back-to-back life sentences. He died in prison in 2022. The murder was notable not only for its brutality, but for how, in its aftermath, it galvanized Wilmington's LGBT community, which was largely underground at that time. Kreeger was a lesbian, and local law enforcement warned local LGBT people to not mourn Kreegers death too visibly, perhaps fearing they too would face violence. More than one local church declined to host Kreegers funeral because of her sexuality before services were finally held at the Church of the Good Shepherd. More Talana Kreeger:Documentary about notorious Wilmington murder to screen "We are telling Talana's story to bring awareness to who she was and to what happened to her and why," Patino said. "We want to honor (Wilmington) for quickly apprehending the assailant and recognizing the crime for what it was early on, and that is a hate crime." North Carolina remains one of 16 states without hate crimes protections, but Kreeger's murder has long been viewed by many as a hate crime. Thomas told investigators he and Kreeger had been drinking and playing pool in the hours before he killed her, and that they had argued about homosexuality. Thomas later gave Kreeger a ride in his rig during the early morning hours, and he told investigators he killed her after she rebuffed his sexual advances. Story continues A new true crime series shooting in Wilmington will focus on the 1990 murder of Talana Kreeger, one of the Port City's most notorious. "I think what we're trying to do is tell the story of a human being who was targeted by a monster, and viciously attacked and brutally raped and assaulted and killed," Boudet said. Boudet has hundreds of thousands of social media followers for "Sword and Scale," which describes itself as covering "the underworld of criminal activity and the demented minds that perform the most despicable and unthinkable acts." He noted that women are the biggest audience for true crime stories, and to his mind that's because women are so often the victims of violent crime. "This is the purest form of human drama in real life," Boudet said. "And it happens every day in this country. There's always someone trying to take advantage of someone else. It's part of human nature and I find that fascinating." Host Mike Boudet and director/producer Ash Patino are launching a new true crime series. One of their subjects will be the murder of Talana Kreeger in Wilmington in 1990. Patino said she first learned of Kreeger's story when she saw the 2020 documentary "Park View" from Wilmington filmmaker Tab Ballis at a film festival. The documentary takes its name from the old Park View Grill on Carolina Beach Road, where Kreeger, her friends and her killer were hanging out before she was murdered. Known as something of a haven for Wilmington's LGBT community in 1990, the bar was most recently known as The Dubliner, and was recently rebranded as the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club. "I've always been attracted to true crime. To protect myself (and) to learn about situations I don't want to be in," Patino said. "That didn't happen to me, but it could have, you know? I think most people have stories from their past when something (bad) could've happened." Kreeger and Thomas "were playing pool together," Patino added. "He probably seemed really harmless. And I think he's even described in the newspaper as being a teddy bear figure. Which I hate when people say that about killers, but he probably did have a demeanor that disarmed (Kreeger and her friends), especially because you have these really kind of tough women who have had to protect themselves for so many reasons." A new true crime series shooting in Wilmington will focus on the 1990 murder of Talana Kreeger, one of the Port City's most notorious. Patino said she and Boudet will be in Wilmington through March 28 or 29. They plan on interviewing Ballis, some of Kreeger's friends, New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David and others. They'll also be shooting footage at the former Park View Grill. "The whole story will be kind of told about what led up to it, who she was, what happened," Patino said. "Obviously it's true crime so people want to know. And then what happened after, you know, (what) could've been done better." Despite the circumstances around her death, Kreegers sexuality was scarcely mentioned at the time in news coverage by the StarNews and other media outlets, although it was alluded to in coverage of Thomas' trial. Editorial decisions of the day were perhaps well-intentioned, and meant to keep from biasing the public or potential jurors against Kreeger. As the film "Park View" points out, those decisions had the unintended consequence of further dehumanizing her. The film also notes that fallout from Kreeger's murder is one of the things that led to the founding of the gay-friendly St. Judes Metropolitan Community Church in Wilmington in 1992. Patino said the filmmakers' plan is to bring the completed episode back to Wilmington for a screening next year, before it airs for a wider audience. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington murder of Talana Kreeger to be subject of true crime series Spring Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast offers one of the best chances to not only see one of natures most majestic animals, but to see them a bit closer. Gray whales make two annual migrations one southbound to the Baja in winter and another northbound to Alaska in spring. Not only is the weather nicer in the spring, but the whales also tend to be easier to see, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ranger Peter McBride said. Explore Oregon Podcast: How to see Oregon's whales so close 'you can hear them breathe;' science of great grey whale migrations The gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather is a little warmer for visitors, McBride said. This year, spring Whale Watching Week is March 28 to April 2. For those six days, trained volunteers will be stationed at 17 of the best whale watching sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. A gray whale breaches off the Oregon Coast near Depoe Bay. Decline in gray whale numbers There should be a measure of joy in seeing whales swimming this season, especially following a spate of dead whales that washed up on Oregon Coast beaches this winter. Four whales washed ashore in January including two at Fort Stevens State Park. Lots of Oregonians traveled to the coast to see (and smell) the beached whales. While it isnt unusual for whales to wash ashore on the Oregon Coast, and indeed an average of six whales wash ashore each year, it did come in the midst of a decline in gray whale numbers overall. The gray whale population is estimated at 16,650, down 38% since 2016. A family looks for gray whales during Whale Watch Week at the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay Dec. 28, 2022. "NOAA Fisheries in 2019 declared an Unusual Mortality Event for gray whales that migrate along the West Coast because of a sharp increase in strandings followed by a decline in the population," NOAA Fisheries spokesman Michael Milstein said. "The population produced the fewest surviving calves on record last year since counts began in 1994." Story continues Where are good spots to see the whales? The best spot overall to see whales and to do so from a warm indoor spot or an outdoor viewpoint is the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales, a news release said. The best time to see whales is the morning, when the ocean is backlit, but those traveling out should be sure to bring warm clothes. Staffed whale watching sites Fort Stevens State Park - Peter Iredale Shipwreck Neahkahnie Mountain Overlook Cape Meares Lighthouse Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint The Whale Watching Center Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint Cape Foulweather Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Yaquina Bay Lighthouse Yachats State Recreation Area Cape Perpetua Turnout Heceta Head Lighthouse Umpqua Lighthouse Shore Acres State Park Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint Ophir Wayside Harris Beach State Park Unique place to see whales or mom-and-babies Cape Lookout is one of Oregon's best spots to view whales. In the past one of the sites staffed was the tip of Cape Lookout State Park. Even though its not this year, it remains one of the best places to spot a whale, being 2 miles out into the ocean. Its also a place where you have some of the best chances to see a truly magic sight a mother and calf whale swimming north, just below the cape. Gray whale mothers will often keep her calves born just a month or so earlier in the warm Baja waters close to shore, passing remarkably close to places such as Cape Lookout, to avoid the detection of orcas (killer whales), which hunt calves during the northbound migrations. Orcas hunt the newborn calves, but because they use echolocation, they like to be out in deeper water, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department whale expert Luke Parsons said on the Explore Oregon Podcast. Because of that, gray whale moms will bring their calves super close to shore because the rocks and waves make it too turbulent for orcas to hunt very well. Cape Lookout can be a really cool spot in the northbound migrations because it sticks out so far it can kind of capture those mother and babies swimming back up north, and its pretty unreal how close theyll come to shore. Naturally, those types of sightings are rare, but they do happen and its one of the reasons whale watching week remains so popular in spring. To reach the tip of Cape Lookout, follow the Cape Trail 5 miles round-trip on a spectacular and moderately difficult hike. For more information, got to bit.ly/3TBmzvg Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregons spring Whale Watching Week returns, offers closer views (Bloomberg) -- In the battle for the biggest prize in Chinas trillion-dollar pension market, BlackRock Inc. and other global firms have little chance of attracting clients like Judy Deng. Most Read from Bloomberg On New Years Eve, the logistics executive tapped on her phone to deposit 12,000 yuan ($1,700) into a new pension account at her local bank in Shanghai. Deng, 46, never considered investing with global asset managers. You need a very strong reason to pick a foreign company, she said, calling the global giants very unfamiliar names. I dont even know which country theyre from. China launched private pension plans for the first time last year and Beijing has ensured that domestic banks and fund managers win the vast majority of the new business in a market that may eventually grow to $1.7 trillion. Global companies including BlackRock and Fidelity International Ltd have been off to a slow start. Given their tiny asset bases in China, most foreign money managers have so far been excluded from pilot trials in 36 cities, allowing banks like Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. and China Merchants Bank Co. to grab all the inflows. To cement their lead, the banks are offering everything from cash incentives to free ibuprofen for each new account. The first bite at the cake here wont be easy for foreign companies, said Zhou Yiqin, president of GuanShao Information Consulting Center, a financial regulations specialist. While its still early days for the new pension scheme, the head start for domestic companies illustrates the daunting challenges for global firms eyeing a piece of Chinas $60 trillion financial services sector. From mergers advice to stock sales and trading, Wall Street is struggling in a market that combines endless potential with stiff local competition and regulatory roadblocks. Story continues Chinas fledging private pension system is loaded with promise, as Beijing desperately tries to entice retirement savings to support an aging population. The number of people over 60 is expected to jump more than 50% by 2040, according to the World Health Organization. Chinas population shrank last year for the first time in six decades. To address the problem, China has launched three pension pillars. The first two a compulsory state-backed plan and a voluntary corporate matching option dont come close to meeting the future needs of most pensioners. Savings in the government-led program covering urban employees may run out by 2032 and face a shortfall of more than 7 trillion yuan by 2035, according to Citic Securities Co. estimates. The new private offering aims to fill the void, allowing clients to contribute up to 12,000 yuan a year in tax-sheltered plans, similar to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in the US that have become a $13 trillion market. The private pillar is estimated by Citic to grow to 12 trillion yuan by 2035, equal to the two other plans combined. UBS Group AG estimates the market could be worth $25 trillion by 2060, more than a third of Chinas gross domestic product by then. Competition among the 23 pilot banks that can open these accounts all Chinese is heating up. Some managers are dangling 50 yuan in digital envelopes or hongbao to win customers. Others offered ibuprofen, the Advil-brand fever medicine that was in short supply during the pandemic, while Postal Savings Bank of China Co. runs draws with a 600 yuan top prize. Read more: Chinas Long-Delayed Plans to Hike Retirement Age Go Viral Deng is among 28 million residents more than the population of Australia who have opened new accounts as of March 2. The program attracted 14.2 billion yuan in the last two months of 2022 alone, according to official data. The new plan is an attractive niche for asset managers since the tax breaks appeal to high-income earners and the money will be locked up for years with the same firm. Once a client opens a pension account with a bank, they can only invest in eligible funds distributed by that lender. Thats a rare, government-sponsored opportunity in China, where fickle investors are notorious for switching investments and banks. The quality of this cake is much better than that of the regular type, said Sun Bo, head of pension investment at Beijing-based China Asset Management Co., controlled by Citic Securities. So far, most international firms wholly-owned businesses have been unable to join the pension party. They either lack sufficient assets to meet thresholds set by Beijing, or theyve only recently won regulatory approval often after lengthy delays to buy out local partners to sell their own funds. BlackRock Moves BlackRock, with about 6 billion yuan in mutual fund assets, still hasnt issued any products under the new program even though its wealth management joint venture was allowed to join given its experience with a previous trial. The New York-based giant attracted just 158 million yuan in the earlier push with partners China Construction Bank Corp. and Singapores Temasek Holdings Pte. If a Big Brother like BlackRock cant adapt well in China, it would serve as a mirror for other global managers to gauge their own prospects for pension funds, Zhou said. BlackRock didnt reply to a request for comment. BlackRock, Defying Soros Warning, Breaks New Ground in China Other money managers such as Fidelity and Neuberger Berman Group LLC, which gained approvals for stand-alone units last year, are just starting to build onshore assets to meet the minimum thresholds. Fidelity is scheduled to start its first product early next month, while Neuberger Berman just raised 4.1 billion yuan in its maiden fund. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley have been in China for decades but only won approval in recent months to buy out their partners and ramp up their independent operation. JPMorgan has two funds in the trial via its joint venture. The pension market is one of the biggest opportunities for our onshore business, considering Chinas demographic change and tremendous need for retirement investments, JPMorgan said in a statement to Bloomberg. Morgan Stanley declined to comment. For the new entrants, meeting the thresholds may take time. Only retirement-target products with at least 50 million yuan in average assets over the past four quarters or at least 200 million yuan in the recent quarter can qualify. To start selling retirement-target funds, the firms need to be in operation for at least two years, and run a mutual fund business of at least 20 billion yuan. These thresholds may be relaxed over time to entice more foreign players, UBS analyst Cao Haifeng told reporters in Shanghai. If they get to participate in the domestic market, with investors warming up to their products, that should help facilitate Chinas capital market development, Cao said. Its going to be a win-win. In the meantime, firms such as Credit Suisse Group AG and Schroders Plc are getting some pension revenue from their minority stakes in joint ventures though thats not as lucrative as wholly-owned businesses like BlackRocks that can pitch their own funds. Read more: China Moves a Step Closer to a National Pension System Winning over Chinese consumers wont be easy as local banks tend to favor their in-house funds over rival products, Zhou said. Deng chose her lender Bank of Shanghai because a relative who works there needed to fill his quota. She even won a 50 yuan prize. Invesco Ltd.s fund venture shut down one of its retirement-target funds after its assets dropped below a minimum 200 million yuan threshold following losses last year. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s first wealth management product not in the pension space raised just $21 million, a fraction of the industry average. Global firms must move faster if they want a bigger share of the market, said Sun at ChinaAMC. While foreign players are often better at product design and asset allocation, they lack brand recognition and need to understand the bank-dominated distribution network, he said. The slow rollout could test global managers commitment to China as they face years of losses before building up scale, and its unlikely any foreign commercial bank will be selected for the trial, according to Zhou at GuanShao. He cited Citigroup Inc., which announced in December it will wind down its consumer bank in China as part of a wider retreat. Vanguard Group Inc. scrapped plans in 2021 to set up a wholly-owned fund business and now plans to exit the country entirely, people familiar told Bloomberg News. Read more: Vanguard Said to Shutter Business in China, Exit Ant Venture Still, global players have plenty of time to catch up in a market that will take years to develop, said Harry Handley, a senior associate at Z-Ben Advisors Ltd., an asset management research firm in Shanghai. It was highly unlikely that foreign firms would be welcomed into the market from the very beginning and few are in a position to execute on the opportunity, he said. Even with the slow start, Wall Street firms appear committed to the pension space in the worlds second-largest economy. Fidelity says pensions are in their DNA and are an integral part of their China focus. In due course, leveraging Fidelitys extensive experiences in managing pension investments for clients around the world, we aim to offer pension solutions to Chinese investors to enhance their retirement readiness, the company said in an emailed statement. --With assistance from Amanda Wang. (Updates with details about Fidelity plans for products) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. great white shark with back scars A great white shark with giant scars along its "massive body" may have survived an attack by a pair of orca serial killers that target sharks. Photos show orca teeth marks slashed into the side of the 11.4-foot-long (3.5 meters) shark apparently from an attempt to rip out and feast on its fatty liver. The photos of the female great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) were taken near Seal Island off False Bay, South Africa, in 2017 during a shark-diving expedition. The timing of these images is key. False Bay used to be a great white shark hotspot , but in 2017 things started to change. Great white sightings started to fall, and by 2019 the sharks had completely abandoned this prime seal-hunting spot. While their disappearance is likely due to a number of factors, scientists believe one of the key drivers was the presence of a pair of orcas (Orcinus orca) known as Port and Starboard that had started preying on sharks in the area and eating their livers . At first, attacks were mostly confined to broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus), but soon the orcas began to turn their attention to great whites. Grisly aerial footage released in 2022 showed the pair in action. RELATED: Photos: Orcas are chowing down on great white shark organs Finding a great white shark that survived an early attack could help researchers establish a timeline for when the orcas perfected their ruthless hunting technique. The photos of the scarred great white were published March 14 in the Marine Biological Journal . Study author Alessandro De Maddalena , a former adjunct professor of marine vertebrate zoology at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy, told Live Science in an email that he believes Port and Starboard were behind this 2017 attack. However, despite the recent spate of killings, De Maddalena believes that orcas can't easily tear open great white sharks. "I think the reality is much more complex than that, he said. "Outside of South Africa, only two cases of orca predation on great white sharks have been recorded to date, and this clearly tells us that great whites are not usual prey for orcas." Story continues RELATED STORIES Grisly new footage shows orcas attacking a great white shark and eating its liver 4 dead, liverless sharks washore in a weird whodunit Killer whales spotted for the first time killing blue whales The great white in the photos had a "massive body, with a wide trunk," De Maddalena wrote in the paper. It was a clear, sunny day, and the shark passed the cage divers several times. Years later, De Maddalena looked more closely at the images and realized the shark had several scars that looked like tooth rake marks from an orca. His analysis suggests the orca had attempted to grab the shark from above, with the scratches indicating "they were inflicted with significant force," De Maddalena wrote. Great white sharks have incredible wound-healing abilities as a result of ancient molecular adaptations. De Maddalena told Live Science that it is possible the injuries sustained by the great white shark could have been inflicted just days or weeks earlier, but that it is impossible to know for sure. "Perhaps the failure of the attack was due to the fact that the orcas were still perfecting their attack technique," he said. "Or it could simply be that like any predator, they can fail on a regular basis." Prince Harry arriving at the High Court for the second day of hearing Prince Harry arriving at the High Court for the second day of hearing Prince Harry turned up in London for the second day of his court hearing against a newspaper publisher on Tuesday but his family drama is still making headlines. Despite travelling to the UK from California, where he now lives, he is not expected to see his father, according to reports and Twitter is not very impressed. Whats the latest between Harry and the Royals? Although Harry reportedly returned to the UK after flying commercial over the weekend, King Charles has said he was too busy to see his youngest son, according to reports in The Telegraph. Relations are believed to be especially strained since the Duke of Sussex published his bombshell memoir, Spare, and revealed plenty of personal details about his life with his very private relatives, emphasising his own struggles behind palace walls. Watch: Prince Harry arrives for second day of court hearing Its still not clear if Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will even attend Charles coronation in May, amid these ongoing tensions although they have definitely been invited. Charles was supposed to be in France between Sunday and Wednesday for the first part of his first overseas tour since becoming the monarch, but it was cancelled because of the protests in the country. Still, Harrys appearance in the UK this week would likely have overshadowed the trip. From Wednesday, the King will be going to Germany, and is said to be preparing for that leg of the tour which is why he cannot see his son, according to The Telegraph. So Twitter is not impressed. King Charles, this is disgraceful. What kind of Father is too busy to see his son? That he would allow such to be put out there about Prince Harry is petty & quite frankly deliberately hurtful. Its wicked. Really glad Harry had Diana for his mother - she would never do this pic.twitter.com/8eE5FLP0Ht Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) March 28, 2023 < What isnt very understandable is King Charless inability to come up with a good reason as to why he wont be seeing his son during his surprise visit to the U.K. this week. > https://t.co/RgS7beLhdO Baroness Bruck (@BaronessBruck) March 27, 2023 King Charles wants to you to know hes too busy to see someone who didnt aak to see him https://t.co/ZPKZc4ejAX Krys - Global Royal Expert (@byetwit) March 27, 2023 The King is "too busy" to see Harry, who is London for a court case against the mail. That's the same King whose State visit to France was cancelled at the last minute three days ago and who is not due in Berlin until the 29th.https://t.co/Sfryr1Xumw Lolita Westinghouse (@lolwestinghouse) March 27, 2023 Commentators on Good Morning Britain also voiced their surprise at Charles refusal to see his son, prompting Richard Madeley to say he couldnt imagine saying he was too busy to see his on children. Story continues 'You know as a father and a mother that you would find time to see your kid.' Should the King make time to meet with Prince Harry while he is in the U.K.? The Duke of Sussex appeared at London's High Court as legal proceedings begin in a phone-tapping and privacy case. pic.twitter.com/AwVOFn6JZU Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 28, 2023 So why is Harry in the UK? The Duke of Sussex unexpectedly appeared at the High Court on Monday, making it clear that he along with his fellow celebrity plaintiffs including Elton John and David Furnish took this case seriously.The famous names are accusing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) who own the Daily Mail, of phone-tapping, bugging cars and homes, and paying police for sensitive information.Harry has long emphasised that one of his main focuses in his post-royal life is reshaping the media landscape, having felt targeted by the tabloid press in particular for much of his life.So his sudden appearance made it clear he was serious about this case, too, even though he and the other claimants are not expected to speak this week and were not required to attend.ANL has said it utterly and unambiguouslydenies the allegations and is using this week to try and have the case thrown out before it gets to trial.Harry alone has submitted 14 separate claims about articles ANL have published, with information about his private life taken unlawfully.The lawyer representing the famous faces bringing legal action said Harry was deprived of important aspects of his teenage years.But, by the second day, it was clear that the Duke of Sussex felt he had already sent the message he needed to the rest of the press.While on Monday he entered the High Court through the main entrance, drawing all the media attention while he grinned cheekily to the cameras, on Tuesday he took on a different tact.Sky News reported that there was a heavy police presence at court ahead of his arrival, but he came in via the back entrance.He was also the only high-profile figure in the courtroom on Tuesday, with his six other plaintiffs opting not to attend. Related... Lady Amelia Spencer, left, is photographed at the Leopard Awards in aid of The Prince's Trust on November 2, 2021, and Princess Diana, right, is photographed in Hong Kong in November 1989. Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images, Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images Princess Diana's niece Lady Amelia Spencer got married in a custom Versace gown in South Africa. The gown was backless and had lace and semi-sheer detailing. Diana was close friends with Gianni Versace and often wore his designs, Hello Magazine reports. Lady Amelia Spencer got married in a Versace wedding dress that had a special nod to her late aunt Princess Diana, according to an exclusive interview with Hello Magazine. Amelia, 30, wed her long-term partner, Greg Mallett, 33, on a mountaintop at Quoin Rock Manor House in the Winelands of Western Cape, South Africa, on March 21, the publication reported on Sunday. Diana's niece walked down the aisle in a custom gown by Versace, one of the late royal's favorite designers, according to Hello Magazine. The backless, lace gown had long sleeves, floral and sheer detailing on the waist, Swarovski crystals, and a two-and-a-half-meter train. She completed the look with a five-meter veil made out of fine silk tulle and Jimmy Choo shoes, the publication reports. Photos of the bride's dress were published in Hello Magazine and in an Instagram post shared on Amelia's official account. Amelia shared a photo of herself and Mallett, who wore a tuxedo and bow tie, alongside the caption: "Forever, in this life and the next." Diana was close friends with the late Gianni Versace and often wore his designs, according to Hello Magazine. She befriended the designer after modeling a blue Atelier Versace gown on a magazine cover in 1991, Vogue reports. "I think she would be very proud to see me on my wedding day," Amelia said of Diana in an interview with Hello Magazine. "I know the Versace family also absolutely love Diana, so there's a very special connection that we have," she added. Amelia is the daughter of Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, and former model Victoria Lockwood. Her twin sister, Lady Eliza, was maid of honor and wore a pink dress that was also custom-made by Versace, Hello Magazine reports. Story continues Amelia's father was unable to attend the wedding, therefore her younger brother Samuel Aitken walked her down the aisle, according to the publication. Amelia was born in the UK and her family relocated to South Africa when she was a child, according to her profile on Storm Management's website. She currently works as a wedding planner in South Africa, a model in London, and an ambassador for luxury brands, her profile states. Representatives for Lady Amelia and Versace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider When the McMinn County Board of Education banned the book "Maus" from an eighth-grade language arts studies course in January 2022, it set off a storm of national derision and finger-pointing at Tennessee and at conservative efforts to have books officials labeled as inappropriate for children removed from school libraries and curricula. But there is a much more muted response to acceptable book bans. Many progressives are silent when the targets are such books as the anti-racist classic "To Kill a Mockingbird," or Mark Twains "Huckleberry Finn, often referred to as the Great American Novel. "Maus" is a comic book, though theres nothing comic about the subject: A brutally honest depiction of one of historys most horrifying tragedies, 'Maus' presents a story within a story, exploring the authors tortured relationship with his aging father and recounting the chilling experiences of his father during the Holocaust, says Penguin Random House. The McMinn County Board of Education voted to remove "Maus," the award-winning 1986 graphic novel on the Holocaust, "Maus," from from an eighth-grade language arts studies course in 2022. The McMinn County Board of Education, citing curse words and a description of nudity, said no more "Maus" for eighth-graders. The outrage was palpable: The Fight Over 'Maus' is Part of a Bigger Cultural Battle in Tennessee, fretted the New York Times on March 4, 2022. On Jan. 7, 2022, Salon fumed, Orwellian": Tennessee school board sparks outrage with vote to ban Holocaust graphic novel 'Maus.' And it seems there was a desire for even seemingly unrelated issues to be related: Heres Why the 'Maus' Ban is a Queer Issue, said the website intomore.com on Jan. 31, 2022. Americans dont know much about the Holocaust; as time passes, knowledge falls even further. NBC reported in 2020 that a survey found a shocking lack of Holocaust knowledge among millennials and Generation Z. Whether 'Maus' is the correct vehicle to inform eighth-graders is a subject for other discussions. The question, again, is: If this is a principle, why the pretty much thundering silence when the censorship isnt from the political right? Story continues What about 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'? Marshall University's Marshall Libraries monitors book bans. Among Marshalls website information: After parent complaints about the use of racist epithets in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'; 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'; 'The Cay'; 'Of Mice and Men'; and 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,' the Burbank (California) Unified School District superintendent removed these titles from required classroom reading lists. Hear more Tennessee voices:Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought-provoking columns. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful fictional story set in the 1930s in a small Alabama town. In the book, a white lawyer defends a Black man against an unjust charge of the rape of a white woman. The story includes racially charged language common at the time. Such offensive language is a reason for the canceling of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in multiple school systems. One item, which mentions Tennessee, from the Seattle Times is about a Washington school district decision: Mukilteo School District removes To Kill a Mockingbird from required reading list. Among other examples: George Korda Wisconsin high school cancels production of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' " Minnesota school removes Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird from curriculum. Mississippi School District Pulls To Kill a Mockingbird. These actions didnt result in the extensive national hand-wringing that followed McMinn Countys decision. An interesting note: in 2021, the New York Times asked its readers to vote to choose the best book of the past 125 years, announcing the winner in December of that year. The winner? "To Kill a Mockingbird." Elected school board members' job is to settle disputes There are books children should not see in their libraries and on their reading lists, and there are books that should be available to them, and adults are supposed to make those decisions. But adults are going to differ on which books are acceptable and which are not. When theres a dispute, elected school board members represent the peoples interests. Not everyone is going to agree with their decisions, whatever decisions they make. But thats why theyre there: to listen to the taxpayers who are paying the bills, and then make decisions. After that, board members can take the applause or the heat. While these fights and others over such topics in schools as critical race theory and gender identity are escalating, an increasing number of parents are voting with their feet and leaving public school systems. The COVID-19 pandemic also has changed how children are taught, as described in an article in the Hill: Nearly two million fewer students have enrolled in public schools. Meanwhile, charter schools, private schools and homeschooling are seeing increased interest and participation. A part of this maelstrom is that it isnt reasonable for people who decry censorship and condemn the McMinn County Board of Education and others like it for their decisions to be silent or supportive when other systems take off the school library shelves books they say contain language thats hurtful, offensive or inappropriate. Thats not principle; thats personal preference. A message of We dont want what we dont want, and what you dont want doesnt matter is, long-term, a self-defeating argument. George Korda is a political analyst for WATE-TV, hosts State Your Case from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays on WOKI-FM Newstalk 98.7 and is president of Korda Communications, a public relations and communications consulting firm. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: George Korda: Silence on books banned by schools is selective U.S. and European officials do not believe Vladimir Putin intends to transfer tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus anytime soon, according to three senior officials involved in diplomatic conversations about Moscows recent threat. Putin announced on Saturday that he planned to send the battlefield weapons across the border to store in a facility that is under construction and would be ready in July. If such a shipment happened, it would mark the first time Russias nuclear weapons have existed outside of the country since the 1990s. Putin did not clarify when he intended to send the weapons, but the Western officials said they do not have any evidence to suggest Putin is going to move forward with the shipments in the near future. The Russian president appears to have made the threat to try to rattle the Ukrainians and distract from the Kremlins losses on the battlefield, the officials said. The officials said they have not seen any indication such as satellite imagery or other intelligence that shows Russia is moving forward with an immediate plan to deploy nuclear weapons. The officials represent both U.S. and European governments and were granted anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive national security issue. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby made similar comments to reporters on Monday. "We haven't seen any movement of any tactical nuclear weapons or anything of that kind since this announcement, and we certainly haven't seen any indication that Mr. Putin has made some sort of decision to use weapons of mass destruction, let alone nuclear weapons inside Ukraine, he said. The assessment and comments by U.S. and European officials underscore the degree to which Western governments are batting down Putin's messaging despite previously warning about the Russian president's potential use of nuclear weapons earlier on in the conflict. John Bolton, a national security adviser during the Trump administration, said on Monday that even if Putin made good on moving the weapons, it really wouldn't make that much difference in my view. Story continues During an appearance on CNN, Bolton noted that Russia has already staged nuclear missiles and other weaponry in the exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. That's a place which has long been basically a Russian military facility, he said. So the capabilities Russia already has in the Kaliningrad enclave are the ones that could be most threatening. I don't think the idea of moving some tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus changes that balance. Belarus is among Russias closest allies and is a supporter of Putins invasion of Ukraine. Leaders from the two countries have previously spoken about staging advanced weaponry, including nuclear weapons, in Belarus. Putins comments follow previous statements he made during a December press briefing in Minsk in which he said that Russia was training pilots from Belarus to fly aircraft capable of carrying a special warhead. The Russian presidents most recent comments come as the Russians and Ukrainians are locked in an intense battle in the city of Bakhmut. Both sides have lost a significant number of troops and ammunition in recent weeks. One of the Western officials described the fighting as a battle of yards and one that is likely to continue for weeks if not months. Putins threats about sending nuclear weapons to Belarus are meant to distract from Russias failures on the battlefield, that official said. An adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said the countrys intelligence services are monitoring Moscows activities closely, but said Ukrainian troops would continue to focus their efforts on countering the Russian forces in the eastern part of the country. Western officials have not completely ruled out the possibility that Putin could resort to not only sending nuclear weapons to Belarus but also using those weapons if his forces continue to lose ground. Over the past year, Putin has threatened the use of nuclear weapons on several occasions. In a September speech, he claimed NATO and the West were engaging in nuclear blackmail. To those who allow themselves to make such statements about Russia, I would like to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction," he said. "And if the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal to protect Russia and our people. This is not a bluff. In the weeks that followed, Western officials scrambled behind the scenes to respond to the threat. U.S. officials discussed with allies the validity of Putins remarks, warned about Russias increasing threats and pushed back against Moscows messaging. Since then, warnings about Russias potential use of nuclear weapons have quieted, and concerns among Western officials about Moscows threats have also dissipated. One of the European officials described the reaction among their countrys national security officials as calm. Its being seen as another scare tactic by Putin, the official said. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, officials are focused on continuing to push its Western allies for additional funding and weapons to fund its operations in Bakhmut and elsewhere in the country. A delegation of Ukrainian parliamentarians is in the United Kingdom lobbying officials there for additional resources, including jets, according to a person with direct knowledge of those conversations. A Raising Canes Chicken Fingers restaurant is being proposed for the current location of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse in Greendale. A national chicken fingers chain is looking to open a new location in Greendale. Raising Canes Chicken Fingers is proposing to open a restaurant with a drive-thru at 5250 S. 76th St., the current location of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. The restaurants hours are proposed to be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, according to a business and operational plan submitted to the village. Along with dine-in and drive-thru options, Raising Canes would offer take-out and mobile ordering, according to the business plan. The restaurant would have approximately 55 full-time and part-time employees. On March 21, the Greendale Village Board referred the restaurants special use application to the villages planning commission and planning consultant, Greendale Assistant Village Manager Sarah Weishar said. The planning commission is set to review it April 12. If approved by the village, the restaurant's timetable for opening isn't clear. Raising Cane's could not immediately be reached for an interview. The plan calls for the DSW to close at that location, according to Greendale Village Manager Mike Hawes. The building would then be razed and replaced with a Raising Canes on one half and another business on the other half. The Greendale proposal is part of Raising Canes push to open 10 new restaurants in the Milwaukee area. The company plans to open locations in Brookfield and Kenosha in 2023. Raising Canes was founded by Todd Graves in 1996 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is known for its great crew, cool culture and active community involvement, according to its website. More:A new Korean restaurant is coming soon to Wauwatosa More:Why does this bridge on the Oak Leaf Trail in Greenfield look like it was built for cars? Contact Bob Dohr at 262-361-9140 or bob.dohr@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BobDohr1. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers restaurant proposed for Greendale Sargassum seaweed on Miami Beach in 2020 Pedro Portal / Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images Sparkling blue waters, warm sand, palm trees and a giant mass of seaweed that smells like rotten eggs. This uninviting picture may be the reality along the Caribbean and Floridas east coast as the headline-grabbing seaweed blob (which experts say isnt a blob at all) continues to grow in the Atlantic and is expected to eventually wash ashore sometime this summer. The foul-smelling seaweed, which is actually a type of floating brown algae called sargassum, provides shelter for marine critters , protects shorelines from erosion, and acts as biomass for food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals. But it also attracts insects, hurts tourism, smothers sea turtle nests, and could put your health in harm's way. This particular patch of seaweed is making the news because of its size; its estimated to be 5,000 miles wide, or about double the width of the US. Its about the same size or bigger than the one that hit in 2018 , which was the largest ever and affected shores from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. When piled up and left untouched on sand, sargassum can decompose, releasing hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and other harmful gasses into the air that can cause respiratory problems. The seaweed contains heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic that can be toxic to the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs. In large quantities, rotting sargassum can also support the growth of disease-causing germs, such as fecal bacteria. The seaweed is a common sight on beaches, particularly in the summer. It generally travels not in a massive blob but rather in patches that can stretch for miles, hooking together like chains or velcro and moving along with the help of winds and ocean currents. It usually accumulates in the Sargasso Sea in the western North Atlantic, with some wandering into the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. But ever since 2011, the seaweed has been growing in size and more frequently floating into other coastal areas, including Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Its not clear why sargassum is growing in volume, but an increase in seawater temperature and nutrients from runoff, as well as changes in ocean currents and wind patterns may be to blame. Story continues Its difficult to track sargassum, given its complex motion, growth, and decay, but researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say there is a strong chance that it may reach the Florida coast this summer. Some reports show parts of the patch have already made its way to the northern coast of Cuba and the east coast of Florida . It sounds like a major summer bummer, so we asked experts whether these health risks are serious enough to warrant canceling your beach trips or just avoiding the affected coasts altogether. How serious are the health risks associated with sargassum? It's not the end of the world, and Florida is not going to be buried in seaweed. But you have to assess the risks and what you're comfortable with, said Mike Parsons, a marine science professor at the Florida Gulf Coast University who also studies how the environment influences human health. When you see these things and people start canceling flights and everything, is it a little premature? I dont know, but if you're exposed to it, pay attention to what your body is telling you, Parsons told BuzzFeed News. Are you getting headaches? Do you feel nauseous? If you do, get away and get some fresh air. Although sargassum releases a host of toxic gasses, exposure to hydrogen sulfide a colorless gas with a strong rotten egg smell is your biggest concern. The risks of hydrogen sulfide depend heavily on how much youve been exposed to and for how long. It can irritate your eyes and respiratory system , causing dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing, confusion, weakness, nausea, irritability, stomach upset, and vomiting. At the highest doses of exposure, the gas can lead to coma, seizures, heart attack, and unconsciousness , but thats unlikely to happen from spending time near seaweed at the beach, according to Helena Solo-Gabriele, an engineering professor at the University of Miami who studies the environments impact on human health. Strong coastal winds will likely dilute most of the toxic gasses, leaving only small concentrations that will have little to no effect on your health, Solo-Gabriele told BuzzFeed News. Whats more, the chances you actually run into giant patches of sargassum at a beach when vacationing this summer are slim, Solo-Gabriele said, because local communities, resorts, or hotels will likely sweep as much as they can away. (Toxic exposure usually happens about two days after the seaweed has been decomposing on the shore, so in theory it should be safe for people to remove it.) However, not all coastal communities have access to resources that enable them to remove sargassum from all beaches. For example, Caribbean countries such as Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, and Saint Martin have been dealing with sargassum invasions in recent years. Between January and August 2018, doctors in Guadeloupe reported more than 3,340 cases of acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide , and those in Martinique reported more than 8,060 cases, including three patients who required intensive care, according to a correspondence published in the Lancet. Researchers say the number of medical consultations related to chronic exposure to the gas is also increasing in local populations in these countries. Whos most at risk of experiencing health issues from sargassum? People with respiratory conditions such as asthma may be more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide spewing from rotting sargassum, Parsons said, so you may want to consider avoiding beaches with lots of buildup or make an extra effort to stay away from seaweed on the shore. That said, the risk to the general population is low. But people who live or work on or near affected beaches, including lifeguards, restaurant employees, and hotel guests, may be more likely to develop headaches or feel nauseous if sargassum is left to rot on the shore. Is it safe to swim in water with a lot of sargassum floating around? The short answer is yes butwould you really want to? Parsons said the only real risk for people swimming in sargassum-infested waters is that they could get tangled in the seaweed, panic, and potentially drown. Otherwise, you may experience some skin irritation if it brushes your body. Sargassum has tiny thorns that Parsons said could scratch you. The seaweed doesnt necessarily sting or cause rashes, but little critters that live in it could irritate and bite you . Its basically a little city, Parsons said. Youll find all kinds of golden shrimp, sargassum shrimp, and crabs. Sargassum also contains heavy metals that are toxic to humans and animals and do, to an extent, disperse in seawater, Parsons said. But the risk is quite literally a drop in the bucket given how vast the ocean is. Heavy metals in sargassum become a problem if people use the seaweed for other purposes like compost because the toxins can seep into vegetables or other foods that are grown in the soil . Its also worth noting that rotting sargassum can support the growth of fecal bacteria, which feeds on the seaweed and helps break it down. They are naturally found in the large intestines of warm-blooded animals, like humans. Sometimes beaches close because high levels of fecal bacteria like E. coli are detected in the water following sewage contamination or other events, making it dangerous to swim in. This doesn't necessarily mean that theres a bunch of poop in the ocean, but this type of bacteria is associated enough with fecal matter that when you see high abundances of it, you conservatively should assume that theres some fecal source nearby, Parsons said. But on the other hand, there's always going to be some around, and so if there is another food source like decaying seaweed, they're going to take advantage of that, which means they're going to multiply. But again, the likelihood you get sick from sargassum-munching bacteria is low because the seaweed would likely be raked away periodically, which will help prevent its growth. More on this Sonora's is planning to take over the former Simple Cafe space at 2124 N Farwell Ave. Milwaukee chef George Ortiz has been traveling around Mexico to eat street food as a way reconnect with his heritage and to build a menu for a new east side restaurant. He plans to open Sonora's, a rustic Mexican restaurant, at 2124 N. Farwell Ave., where Simple Cafe breakfast and lunch spot was until it closed in July 2021. "I want it to be really rustic and authentic," Ortiz said. "I was born here, but I am Hispanic and when I travel to Mexico I walk around sidewalks and get street food. I've been fortunate to be adopted by cooks I've met. They've embraced me and taught me their techniques. I'm bringing those elements here." More:Carnitas de Rafa on Milwaukee's south side is all about the meat and the weekend Ortiz plans to open the spot on May 29. He has traveled to many states and cities around Mexico, but most of his recipes are inspired by street food in Mexico City. One thing Ortiz is excited to have in his restaurant is Suadero, which is a cut of beef with a smoother texture and braised in fat, used in tacos and other dishes. "It's a unique, rustic technique. I have gone all around and I can't find anyone who does this in Milwaukee," Ortiz said. "It's great. If you braise it slowly with patience and love, its the most tender piece of meat you can have." The drink menu will also have strong Mexican influence with homemade horchata, agua fresca (fruit water), and naturally flavored shaved ice. He will stock the bar with rum, tequila and mezcal. He has plans to import agave spirts from Mexico that cannot otherwise be found in Milwaukee. The 3,000-square-foot interior will have artwork and pottery that Ortiz has collected from Mexico. He also will feature photos of street food chefs in Mexico who inspired the menu. He is proposing a patio with Spanish courtyard decor; it needs city approved. Ortiz named the restaurant after the Mexican state Sonora, where his late mother was born. "It's an homage to the motherland, my family and our heritage," Ortiz said. Sign up for our Dish newsletter to get food and dining news delivered to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New east side Milwaukee restaurant to feature Mexico City street food Last year, BLAZE saw 90% revenue growth, acquired two companies, secured SOC certifications, released two new products and added 11 states to its roster BLAZE Cannabis Software BLAZE Cannabis Retail Software Announces Sustained Pattern of Growth in 2022 and into 2023 LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BLAZE , the industry-leading cannabis software suite and point-of-sale platform for cannabis retailers and delivery services, today proudly announced its 2022 full-year results with a peek into 2023 achievements to date. Within the last 14 months, BLAZE has experienced 90% revenue growth, made two key acquisitions (Greenline and Tymber), expanded its product offerings with BLAZE Insights Advanced and BLAZE ECOM and grown operations across North America. Now powering 16% of all dispensary point-of-sale business in North America, BLAZE saw record growth in each of the 11 new states it entered last year. Among these new states, BLAZE experienced massive growth in both the New Mexico and Oklahoma markets. We are grateful to show continued growth even during what has been an unquestionably difficult time for our industry, said Chris Violas, Co-Founder and CEO of BLAZE. Our focus this past year has been on expanding product and system capabilities for our customers across the SMB space. Insights Advanced and ECOM are two BLAZE products that will actually move the needle for our customers. Acquiring Greenline has allowed us to serve the Canadian market and support our clients goals to control their own growth. Acquiring Tymber allows our customers to have the leading e-commerce platform available in USA and Canada. Were excited to serve 11 new markets, including the opening of the first adult-use dispensary in New York City. As markets mature, we look forward to seeing greater stability across the industry as other companies join us in forging a better future. BLAZE accomplishments over the last 14 months include: May 2022 : BLAZE acquired Vancouver-based dispensary POS software company Greenline , becoming one of the few cannabis operations software systems to serve both Canada and the U.S. The acquisition allows BLAZE to better support its international clients, while also enabling the company to gain experience operating in Canadas federally regulated marketplace. July-August 2022 : BLAZE announced SOC 2 Type 1 Certification in July, and in August achieved SOC 1 Certification. This dual certification is critical to MSO and publicly traded companies allowing them to streamline auditing processes and show data fidelity. September 2022 : Green Market Report honored BLAZE as the Best Delivery Tech in its Top Cannabis Industry Innovator awards, noting that BLAZE . . . uses automation to successfully simplify dispensary operations, inventory management and delivery dispatch. The platform also allows cannabis retailers to use integrated payment tools that offer alternatives to all-cash transactionsa perennial concern in the industry. October 2022 : BLAZE announced a partnership with Leafly that allows retail customers to accept online orders from Leafly directly without additional POS order inputs, streamlining a complex multi-system process into a convenient, time-efficient and user-friendly experience. November 2022 : BLAZE introduced its Insights Advanced product for enterprise and MSO cannabis retail customers, offering large operators a better way to track, evaluate and compare their performance among their outlets and competitors on an as-needed basis. January 2023 : BLAZE acquired Tymber , a pure-play e-commerce provider for cannabis retailers. The acquisition unlocks powerful and seamless functionality in managing cannabis e-commerce. February 2023: BLAZE ECOM is introduced to allow dispensary customers the option of prepaying for online orders while empowering cannabis retailers to attract, convert and retain their own customers with their own website and mobile appsa formative step in the cannabis retail universe. Story continues About BLAZE BLAZE powers the cannabis industry with intuitive technology solutions. Founded in 2015 by tech and cannabis entrepreneurs, the BLAZE software suite fully supports vertically integrated operations, standalone retailers, and delivery services. BLAZE provides POS, e-commerce, payments, analytics, and delivery management services to 1500+ cannabis businesses across North America. BLAZE offers full APIs and integrates seamlessly with over 60 cannabis tech platforms. BLAZE.me Contact: Steve Lynn press@blaze.me (415) 964-5689 ext. 180 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b1735de-83d1-4871-a5eb-d694a6a22377 Cherryl Delacruz, a Highland Park High School teacher, is the Region 2 secondary finalist for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year award. A Topeka USD 501 College Prep Academy and Highland Park High School math teacher is now a 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year. At a banquet Sunday, the Kansas State Department of Education announced Topeka USD 501's Cherryl Delacruz as the Region 2 secondary school finalist, alongside Fonda Telhorst of Piper-Kansas City USD 203 as the elementary finalist. Among a group of over 120 nominees, two finalists are chosen every year from each of Kansas' four U.S. Congressional districts. Delacruz is the second finalist in a row for Topeka USD 501, after McCarter's Pamela Munoz was named an elementary school finalist last spring. "Mrs. Delacruz represents excellence in teaching across Topeka Public Schools," Topeka USD 501 superintendent Tiffany Anderson said in a release. "She is a teacher who humbly leads with love and grace to fulfill our mission to engage, prepare, and inspire students for a lifetime of learning. We are all so very proud of Mrs. Delacruz, the Kansas Teacher of the Year for Region 2, and our elementary nominee Mr. Allen Lake. In receiving the recognition as a Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist, Cherryl Delacruz thanked her educator colleagues and recognized them as "unsung heroes." Delacruz, who immigrated to Topeka 15 years ago from the Philippines, also serves as the district's lead math curriculum planner. Beyond her school duties, Delacruz is a regular volunteer with KTWU, Learning Across Kansas and the Topeka Filipino-American Association. She was recognized as one of TK Business Magazine's 20 under 40 in 2021.. At the announcement ceremony, Delacruz said teachers have been "unsung heroes," thanking her colleagues for their support. "Mrs. Delacruz is inspiring to students and teachers," assistant superintendent of teaching and learning Billie Wallace said. "She exemplifies the profession in how she supports and gives back, always putting students first." More:Kansas one step closer to joining Interstate Teaching Mobility Compact In addition to the recognition, Delacruz and all other seven finalists this weekend received a $2,000 cash award and a red, marble apple award. Each of the eight finalists are considered members of the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year team, and one will be selected as the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year at a banquet in September. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka USD 501's Cherryl Delacruz is Kansas Teacher of the Year finalist Federal authorities expect to return a 13-year-old boy's remains to his Native American tribe in South Dakota this fall, they said Friday. The statement comes days after the tribe urged for a faster return of the child who died at a federal boarding school for Indigenous children in 1879. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate wrote to the head of the U.S. Army's cemetery office this week, demanding movement on their effort to have the remains of Amos LaFromboise repatriated from a graveyard at the Carlisle Barracks, a military facility in Pennsylvania. The letter from three lawyers with the Native American Rights Fund to Army Cemeteries Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera describes the child as the son of one of the tribe's most celebrated leaders, Chief Joseph LaFromboise, who signed an 1867 treaty that established their current reservation boundaries. The Office of Army Cemeteries emailed a statement saying that Amos LaFromboise's disinterment was approved a year ago and that the Army also told the boy's family and the tribe's chair last summer that his remains will be returned in 2023. His disinterment will be entirely at the Armys expense, the office said. More:What will it take for South Dakota to have a culturally responsive civics and history curriculum? The Army currently plans to conduct the disinterment of Amos this September and the required Federal Register Notice will be published in the next 60 days, according to the statement. The tribe argues that the Army has been requiring repatriation standards that are more demanding than those in the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, mandating a signed affidavit from the childs closest living relative, which can be difficult or impossible for 19th century remains. Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate expected Amos to return home from Carlisle Indian Industrial School, they wrote, to lead his people like his father and serve as a model for future generations of Tribal leaders. Story continues Lawyers for the tribe said Friday their request stands to have Amos LaFromboise repatriated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and that the tribe is willing to discuss the next steps. Amos LaFromboise died 20 days after his arrival at Carlisle the year the school opened. The tribe's letter says the Army has previously dug up and reburied his remains at least three times in three different locations. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate want to bury him next to his father on the Lake Traverse Reservation in northeast South Dakota. Tribe historians say six children of tribal leaders were sent to Carlisle in 1879. Three of the boys died there and a fourth passed away shortly after he returned home. More:Native American outreach marks Attorney General Vargos short term in office At a ceremony two years ago to return nine disinterred remains of Rosebud Sioux children, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said forced assimilation practices at Indian schools stripped away the children's clothing, language and culture. The Carlisle school put children through harsh conditions that sometimes resulted in their deaths. Founded by an Army officer, the school cut their braids, dressed them in military-style uniforms and punished them for speaking their native languages. European names were forced upon them. More than 10,000 Native American children were taught there and endured harsh conditions that sometimes led to death from such diseases as tuberculosis. There have been several rounds of disinterment and repatriation at Carlisle in recent years. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Tribe urges Army to speed up return of child's 1879 remains Trixie Mattel RuPauls Drag Race All Stars winner Trixie Mattel speaks out against drag bans in a new YouTube video. In the video, released Monday, Mattel (out of drag, Brian Michael Firkus), gets into drag and denounces the restrictions recently adopted in Tennessee and proposed elsewhere. None of this should be about whether or not drag is something everyone should like, Mattel says. It shouldnt be about whether or not drag is something everyone even accepts. It should be about whether or not something is really about protecting anyone. Not just children. Anyone. Right now in Tennessee, I can get a gun and carry it around in public, but I cant put on a fu---ing wig, the queen continues. On my second offense of doing drag in Tennessee, I could become a felon. A felon! As a white, rich drag queen, that scares me. How do you think that people of color and trans women, and trans women and people of color who do drag feel? They might not get a second chance because police do not treat those people the same. The Tennessee legislation, signed into law by Republican Gov. Bill Lee (who has himself dressed in drag) this month, redefines male and female impersonators as adult cabaret performers and bans adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors. Drag performances could not take place on public property or in venues accessible to minors. The first violation is a misdemeanor offense, the second one a felony. The bill passed in Tennessee is one of at least 35 anti-drag performance bills introduced in state legislatures this year. There are many types of drag, Mattel points out. To say all drag is bad for kids is to say all movies is bad for kids, all music is bad for kids, she says. She notes that drag queens are not plotting against anyone, as if theyre sitting around a Risk game board and planning world domination. Mattels own act is for adults, she says: You couldnt pay me enough to go to a library and read to children. Story continues People act like drag queens march into their living rooms and force children to watch lip-synching, Mattel goes on. That is not happening. Youll never accidentally walk into a drag show. I go to gay bars and I never accidentally see drag shows. The law can potentially be enforced against anyone with nontraditional gender presentation, the queen adds. This is real. This really will happen, she says. It can also threaten the liquor licenses of gay bars, which may ask trans or gender-nonconforming people to leave to avoid getting the bar in trouble, she says. Mattel closes by encouraging viewers to talk about the issue and support their local drag performers. She also mentions the Drag Isnt Dangerous fundraising event, which will be livestreamed May 7 at 4 p.m. Pacific. It will feature live and recorded performances and raise money for LGBTQ+ causes and out-of-work drag queens and trans people. Former President Trump in a new interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity claimed he would solve Russias yearlong war in Ukraine in 24 hours if hes reelected to the White House, but he didnt offer details. If its not solved, I will have it solved in 24 hours with Zelensky and with Putin, Trump told Hannity, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. And theres a very easy negotiation to take place. But I dont want to tell you what it is because then I cant use that negotiation; itll never work. But its a very easy negotiation to take place. I will have it solved within one day, a peace between them. Now thats a year and a half. Thats a long time. I cant imagine something not happening, Trump added. The key is the war has to stop now because Ukraine is being obliterated. Russias war on Ukraine crossed its one-year mark last month, and Moscow has continued its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The International Criminal Court has put out a warrant for Putins arrest in connection with alleged war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Putin said over the weekend that Russia plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a move condemned by the U.S. and NATO and called nuclear blackmail by Ukraine. So youd prefer if you were president, you think you would have a negotiated settlement? Hannity asked Trump. Within 24 hours, the former president replied. Trump also said he gets along very well with Putin. Trumps interview with Hannity comes as Fox News faces a defamation lawsuit stemming from its coverage of the former presidents false claims of widespread election fraud during the 2020 cycle. Trump announced his 2024 bid for another four years in the White House after the midterms in November. Updated at 8:50 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 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. Education Reporter Vanessa Ontiveros is the education reporter at the Yakima Herald-Republic. She grew up near Los Angeles but has happily made Yakima her new home. She is passionate about reporting stories that serve the community and highlight various aspects of the educational system.She also hosts a podcast that discusses local arts education, Yakima Arts Talk, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The daughter of two longtime public school teachers, she is always looking to include community voices in her work. Aging Columbia River Treaty with Canada is out of date. Here's what's at stake U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters on Sept. 20, 2022, in New York City. He presented the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's report last Monday. Miral, the creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has joined hands with Emerge for the launch of a 7MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, thus making it the largest rooftop solar project in the UAE capital. Emerge, a joint venture between Emirati renewable energy company Masdar and French utility group EDF, is also collaborating with Miral on the development of rooftop solar PV systems at its SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park, also on Yas Island which is set to open this year. As per the agreement, Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution, including design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation and maintenance services. On the new rooftop solar project, Miral said an estimated 16,000 solar modules across the theme parks roof area of 36,000 sq m, producing nearly 40% of its annual energy demand, makes Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi the regions largest solar-powered theme park. "Expanding our sustainability strategies is an integral part of Mirals vision. The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop solar project is a significant step on this journey, featuring a secure and reliable energy system, that will help us reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to combating climate change," said its Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi. "Through our partnership with Emerge, we are happy to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy as well as contribute to the UAEs larger net-zero goals and position Yas Island as a global destination," he stated. The project agreement includes a full turnkey solution for the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop solar, covering design, procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance of the plant. The project contributes to the UAEs Energy Strategy 2050 target, which aims to see renewable energy make up 44% of the countrys clean energy mix by 2050. Rooftop solar PV could provide approximately six percent of the UAEs total power generation by 2030, according to a projection by the International Renewable Energy Agency in its REmap 2030 report on renewable energy prospects for the UAE. Emerge's Chairman Khaled Ballaith said: "If countries around the region and beyond are to reach their clean energy objectives, it is essential that we support the decarbonization of the commercial and industrial sector. We launched the Emerge joint venture with our partner EDF to help private-sector organizations access renewable energy solutions more effectively and to make their operations more sustainable." "As we prepare for COP28 in the UAE, we look forward to working with more companies here and in the wider region on deploying clean energy solutions," he added. EDF Middle East CEO Luc Koechlin said the private sector plays a fundamental role in achieving a carbon-free energy mix. "We are convinced that our successful partnership with Masdar, through the Emerge joint venture and Miral will play the role of a catalyst for other C&I clients to become prosumers, i.e., to generate the clean electricity corresponding to their electrical needs, and to join the journey supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 at the forefront of the COP28," noted Koechlin. Emerge General Manager Michel Abi Saab pointed out said the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop project further demonstrates the economic and environmental value of solar energy. "We look forward to delivering more projects like this one, which will help reduce building-related emissions in the UAE and advance the countrys goals for renewable energy and decarbonization. Building-related emissions contribute almost 55% of global electricity demand, according to the World Green Building Council," he added.-TradeArabia News Service LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March, 28 2023 / Bluejay Mining plc, the AIM, FSE listed and OTCQB traded exploration and resource development company with projects in Greenland and Finland, is pleased to announce that a short follow-up drill programme has commenced at the Enonkoski Nickel-Copper-Cobalt ('Ni-Cu-Co') Project ('Enonkoski' or the 'Project') in eastern Finland as part of the Joint Venture ('JV') and earn-in agreement with Rio Tinto Exploration Finland Oy ('Rio Tinto') announced 10 November 2020. The short follow-up diamond drilling programme at Enonkoski is planned to consist of a single drill hole with a planned depth of 400 metres ('m') at the Laukunlampi intrusion located approximately 1 kilometre ('km') south-east of the historic Laukunkangas Ni-Cu-Co mine. Two drill holes for a total of 951.1m were completed at the Laukunlampi target in January, followed by downhole electro-magnetic ('DHEM') and three component ('3C') magnetic surveys on both new drill holes, which were completed during February. For further details and analytical results refer to our earlier RNS dated 27 March 2023 (titled: "Encouraging drilling results from the Enonkoski Ni-Cu-Co Joint Venture Project with Rio Tinto"). Based upon the encouraging results from the diamond drilling programme in January and subsequent geological and geophysical modelling, the JV have decided to proceed with drill testing a high-priority drill target within the Laukunlampi intrusion whilst drill rig availability allows. The new hole (ENON0029) currently in progress, is collared 435m to the north-northwest of ENON0028 (Figure 2, Table 1). The objective of the current drill hole is to test the current geological model which indicates that the pyroxenitic units (the most favourable rock type within the Laukunlampi intrusion to host Ni-Cu-Co mineralisation) continue towards the north-west. In addition, the drill hole will test a NNW-SSE trending and NNW plunging magnetic anomaly that is coincident with an airborne electromagnetic ('EM') conductor that has not previously been drill tested. Very limited drilling has been conducted in the north and north-western parts of the Laukunlampi intrusion, in the direction of the Laukunkangas Ni-Cu-Co mine. The intrusion remains open in this direction. The increasing sulphide content and Nickel ('Ni') tenor encountered in the previously announced drill hole ENON0028 also support that drilling along strike to the northwest of this hole may lead to the discovery of sulphide droplet zones with higher Ni grades and ultimately to ore grade semi-massive to massive sulphides. Story continues Thomas Levin, COO of Bluejay subsidiary FinnAust Mining Finland Oy ('FinnAust'), commented: "Given the unusually high demand for diamond drill rigs throughout Finland at present, I am delighted that our drilling contractor has been able to provide us with a rig for a short time window, allowing us to complete this high priority follow up drill hole in the Laukunlampi intrusion. The drilling and downhole geophysics completed in January-February were completed significantly under budget, which is a testament to FinnAust's ability to operate cost effective exploration programmes in Finland and has allowed us to add this extra drill hole within the current stage of JV funding for the Enonkoski Project. "The current hole tests a NNW-SSE trending and NNW plunging magnetic anomaly that is coincident with an untested airborne EM conductor, as well as dense gravity response that supports the presence of favourable pyroxenites. We have several independent geophysical proxies aligning, which in combination with the increasing sulphide content and nickel tenor observed as we move to the northwest of the intrusion, makes for a compelling drill target". Bluejay Mining PLC, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture Figure 1. Enonkoski Permit areas with location of the former Laukunkangas (A) and Halvala (C) Ni-Cu-Co mines and the Laukunlampi Intrusion (B). Bluejay Mining PLC, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture Figure 2. Plan view (looking down) of the north-west - south-east trending elongated Laukunlampi intrusion with the location of the recently drilled ENON0028 and ENON0027 drill holes indicated (see RNS dated 27 March 2023) and drill hole ENON0029 currently in progress. Former historical drill holes are also displayed. Colours on drill-holes represent different lithologies. The modelled pyroxenite (red solid) and the mafic-ultramafic Laukunlampi intrusive (green solid) are both open towards north and north-west towards an area with no historic drilling. The NNW-SSE trending and NNW plunging magnetic model (black solid rectangles) is coincident with a local conductor also untested by drilling. The distance between hole collars of ENON0028 and the current hole ENON0029 is 435m. Table 1: Drill hole collar information for ENON0029 (drilling currently in progress) Hole ID Coordinates (ETRS89_TM35FIN) Azimuth Dip Planned depth (m) Easting Northing ENON0029 593508 6880291 250 -65 400.00 Further information on the Laukunlampi mafic-ultramafic intrusion The Laukunlampi intrusion is located approximately 1.5 km along strike to the south-east of the historic Enonkoski (Laukunkangas) nickel-copper-cobalt mine. The Laukunkangas deposit was discovered in 1969, although the high-grade ore was only discovered in 1980. The mine was operated between 1985 to 1994 by Outokumpu Oy. The Laukunkangas ore deposit occurred as many separate ore lodes hosted within the ultramafic-mafic rocks of the eastern and northern portions of the Laukunkangas intrusion. The ore types varied from massive to semi-massive sulphide ores to sulphide droplets zones plus strong sulphide dissemination hosted in peridotite and weak sulphide dissemination hosted in norite. Typical ore minerals were pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Some of the richest ore occurred as off-set ore lodes outside of the intrusion, within the mica gneiss or graphitic gneiss wall-rocks. A total of 6.7 million tonnes at 0.78% Ni and 0.22% Cu was mined from the Laukunkangas mine. The off-set massive ore graded over 5%, with Cu grades of up to 2% and Co grades of up to 0.3%, whilst the lower-grade disseminated ore typically contained 0.3-0.4% Ni (Geological Survey of Finland, 2020). Strong similarities between both the Laukunkangas intrusion (that hosts the former mine of the same name) and Laukunlampi intrusions have been recognised. Disseminated sulphides and pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pentlandite droplets analogous to the droplet ore at the Laukunkangas mine have been discovered at Laukunlampi at several locations within the noritic-pyroxenitic intrusion including the significant mineralised upper pyroxenite zone in drill hole ENON0028 (as reported in our recent RNS dated 27 March 2023). No high-grade massive sulphides have yet been discovered within the Laukunlampi mafic-ultramafic intrusion. However, intervals with high amounts of sulphide droplets with high nickel and copper tenors based on handheld pXRF measurements have been discovered both close to the southern and northern contacts of the intrusion and by far the highest nickel tenor to date has been observed in drill hole ENON0028. In addition, significant widths of noritic rocks with disseminated sulphides have been intercepted with several drill holes. Qualified Person The scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Joshua Hughes MESci (Hons), Vice President Exploration, and a full-time employee of Bluejay Mining plc, who is also a Member and Chartered Professional Geologist ("MAusIMM CP(Geo)") of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists ("FSEG") and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London ("FGS"). Mr. Hughes has performed data verification on all information disclosed in this news release related to sampling and analytical procedures, assay results and QA/QC. Mr. Hughes has sufficient experience, relevant to the styles of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity that he is undertaking, to qualify as a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by the AIM rules, and for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI-43-101") Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects. Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. For further information please visit http://www.bluejaymining.com or contact: Kevin Sheil Bluejay Mining plc enquiry@bluejaymining.com Ewan Leggat/ Adam Cowl SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP(Nominated Adviser) +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 Andrew Chubb Hannam & Partners (Advisory) LLP +44 (0) 20 7907 8500 Tim Blythe/ Megan Ray BlytheRay +44 (0) 20 7138 3205 About Bluejay Mining Plc Bluejay is listed on the London AIM market and Frankfurt Stock Exchange and its shares also trade on the OTCQB Market in the US. With multiple projects in Greenland and Finland, Bluejay has now secured four globally respected entities as partners on three of its projects, and exploration expenditure of $37 million committed on three key projects, giving the Company and its shareholders both portfolio and commodity diversification in high quality jurisdictions. Bluejay's Dundas Ilmenite Project in Greenland, is fully permitted and undergoing further optimisation work. The Company has agreed a Master Distribution Agreement with a major Asian conglomerate for up-to 340k tonnes per annum ('tpa') of its designed 440ktpa annual output. The Company has also mandated a major European bank to head the financing syndicate for Dundas. Bluejay, through its wholly owned subsidiary Disko Exploration Ltd., has signed a definitive Joint Venture Agreement with KoBold Metals to guide exploration for new deposits rich in the critical materials for electric vehicles (The Disko-Nuussuaq nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE Project). Disko Exploration Ltd holds two additional projects in Greenland - the 692 sq km Kangerluarsuk zinc-lead- silver project, where historical work has recovered grades of up to 45.4% zinc, 9.3% lead and 596 g/t silver and a fully funded summer drill programme is to commence on multiple large-scale drill ready targets; and the 920 sq km Thunderstone project which has the potential to host large-scale base metal and gold deposits. In Finland, Bluejay currently holds three large scale multi-metal projects through its wholly owned subsidiary FinnAust Mining Finland Oy. The Company has a Joint Venture Agreement with Rio Tinto at its Enonkoski nickel-copper-cobalt Project in East Finland which has seen continued exploration and drilling since June 2021. Bluejay's drill ready Hammaslahti copper-zinc-gold-silver project hosts high-grade VMS mineralisation and extensions of historical ore lodes have been proven. The drill ready Outokumpu copper-nickel-cobalt-zinc-gold-silver project is located on one of the world's most prolific geological belts which hosts multiple high-grade deposits. Bluejay has also signed a conditional agreement for a partial divestment in a fourth Finnish project. **ENDS** This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Bluejay Mining PLC View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746124/Bluejay-Mining-PLC-Announces-Follow-Up-Drilling-Underway-at-Enonkoski Bocana Resources Corp. CALGARY, Alberta, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bocana Resources Corp. (TSXV: BOCA) (Frankfurt: VC1) ("Bocana" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a drilling contract with Leduc Drilling S.R.L. (the "Drilling Contract"), of La Paz, Bolivia for the diamond drill work on the Escala area concession, in Southwest Bolivia. The projected start date is April 17, 2023 and is expected to take approximately of 4 to 5 weeks to complete the first phase ("Phase I") of this drilling campaign. The Phase I program will be conducted using NQ size core drilling with a minimum of 2,000 metres to be completed. Upon completion of Phase I, drilling will stop until all assay results have been received prior to planning the second phase ("Phase II") of drilling, a proposed 3,000 metre follow up drilling program. The largest portion diamond drilling program is expected to occur in the Cerro Galapago area of the Escala concession and is projected to have a total of five of the nine proposed drill holes located around it. The proposed depth of each well will be approximately 250 metres. These drill hole locations will be completed in areas with high chargeability/moderate to high resistivities. The Cerro Blanco area intends to have two, shallow dipping, 250 metre length, drill holes to test this area and the remaining holes will be drilled along the main mine trend to the east where there are known historical precious/base metal veins. The recently completed induced polarization geophysical survey located an area of high chargeability and resistivity anomalies indicating an area of silicification/quartz veining with high sulphide content that has not been drill tested. Bocana intends to complete two, shallow dipping, 250 metre length, drill holes to test this area. Concurrent with the signing of the Drilling Contract, the compensation committee of the Company has recommended and the board of directors (the "Board") has approved, a grant of incentive stock options to various officers and directors of the Company to purchase an aggregate of 1,600,000 common shares of Bocana (the "Options"), exercisable at price of $0.10 per share, for a period of five years from the issue date. The grant of the Options is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and are made in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of Bocanas stock option plan. The Options and any common shares of Bocana issued pursuant to the exercise of the Options, will be subject to statutory hold periods in accordance with securities regulatory requirements. Story continues Qualified Person Mr. Lorne Warner, P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Warner supervised and approved the scientific and technical information included in this news release and has approved its dissemination. About Bocana Resources Corp. Bocana is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in South America. Bocana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Huiracocha International Service SRL, holds a 100% working interest in the mineral properties known as the Escala area concessions located at the Department of Potosi, Sud Lipez Province, Bolivia as awarded by Comibol. Contact Information For more information on Bocana, visit: https://bocanaresources.com. For more information or interview requests, please contact: Timothy J. Turner Chief Executive Officer info@bocanaresources.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", approximately, planning, projected, anticipate and similar references to future periods. Although Bocana believes that, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Bocana can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Bocana, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; risks associated with operation in foreign jurisdictions; ability to successfully integrate purchased properties or mining rights awarded; foreign operations risks; and other risks inherent in the mining industry. Although Bocana has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional risks include those disclosed in the Information Circular, which are incorporate herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. This news release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this news release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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. 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. Port Louis, Mauritius--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2023) - Bold Prime, a well-known CFD brokerage firm, has attracted a Qatari investor who has bought the company and provided a capital infusion of $250 million. With the new investment, Bold Prime is set to expand its operations to Japan, the Middle East, and Europe, with plans to open offices and hire more finance professionals. The new management is committed to taking the brokerage firm to new heights and furthering its mission of democratizing access to high-quality trading technology and services. Bold Prime has built a reputation for providing institutional-level performance and technology with retail-like accessibility, making it a favorite among high-profile traders and retail traders alike. The company's new capital will allow it to enhance its offerings further and continue pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. Furthermore, the Bold Prime team is composed of market experts from retail and institutional trading, who will be instrumental in achieving the company's goals. The brokerage firm has received several awards. Bold Prime is also a member of the financial commission, providing clients with protection up to 20,000. In addition to that, Bold Prime's core values of reliability, transparency, flexibility, constant innovation, education, and optimization. The company is authorized and regulated to provide licensed services as an investment dealer and administer client funds. Moreover, the company is excited about this new chapter in Bold Prime's history and the opportunities it presents for its clients and employees. With the commitment to innovation and excellence, the team of Bold Prime continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the CFD brokerage industry and provide its clients with access to the best trading technology and services available. Consequently, At Bold Prime, the focus is on providing the best possible technology and service to all clients, without any limitations. The company continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation to enhance the experience of every trader. To achieve this goal, Bold Prime invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and has a team of market experts from Retail and Institutional trading who work tirelessly to provide the best service. Story continues About the Company Bold Prime: Bold Prime is a game-changing broker in the CFD Brokerage Industry, transforming the way people trade with its institutional-level performance and innovative technology. The company has been growing rapidly and is now recognized as a pioneer in the industry, providing retail-like accessibility to everyone, not just high-profile individuals or traders with institutional behavior. Potential clients of Bold Prime can learn more about Bold Prime and its offerings, by visiting their website at boldprime.com or follow them on social media: Facebook ID: https://www.facebook.com/boldprimefacebook Instagram ID: https://www.instagram.com/bold.prime/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/boldprime Bold Prime Media Contact: Company Name: Bold Prime Contact Person: Joe Louis Email: support@boldprime.com Website: https://boldprime.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/159156 Cum vor circula trenurile de 1 Mai Vacanta muncitoreasca pune mai multe trenuri pe sine. CFR anunta ca va mari numarul garniturilor care circula in zilele de joi si vineri ale acestei saptamani. La fel, luni si marti, saptamana viitoare. Sunt perioadele in care romanii pleaca si se intorc din vacanta de 1 Mai. Vor fi mai multe trenuri pe rute ce leaga capitala de [citeste mai departe] Stiri pe aceeasi tema - The joint plenum of Parliament on Tuesday adopted a Statement of Support for Ukraine in the context of the completion, on February 24, 2023, of one year since the start of the war of aggression by the Russian Federation. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro - The Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) could carry out 15 financing rounds this year, in February there will be the listing of an investment fund, a bond listing and a stock listing, BVB Business Development & Public Affairs specialist Stefan Musgociu said on Tuesday, told Agerpres. Fii la - The Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, held a series of meetings with representatives of the defense industry from Europe and the United States, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, held between February 17-19, respectively from the Airbus and Lockheed Martin companies, the - The National Defence Ministry's Cyber Defence Command participated with 14 experts between February 6 - 17 in the Noble Guardian cyber defence exercise which took place in Auburn, Alabama, United States of America, the National Defence Ministry informs in a release. Fii la curent cu cele mai - President Klaus Iohannis received, on Tuesday, the new ambassadors of the United States of America, Kathleen Ann Kavalec, of Turkey, Ozgur Kivanc Altan, of the Republic of Slovakia, Peter Hatiar, and of the United Mexican States, Amparo Erendira Anguiano Rodriguez, on the occasion of which they had - The minister of Health, Alexandru Rafila, announced on Tuesday that approximately 1,000 medical staff have volunteered to go to Turkey to help the victims of the February 6 earthquakes, but, so far, they have not there haven't been any requests from the Turkish authorities, which is why the enlistment - The National Public Health Institute (INSP) informed on Tuesday that in the February 6-12 week, Romania reported 149 cases of of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, including 46 variants of concern and 103 variants of interest, told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro - As many as 63,388 people, including 6,739 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Monday, February 13, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Tuesday, told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro Britain will have only itself to blame if its microchip industry collapses Kwasi Kwartengs short time as chancellor was nothing short of disastrous but his stint as business secretary deserves to be remembered more favourably. It was under the Rt Hon Member for Spelthorne that Britain abandoned the naive help yourself attitude that countless governments have adopted towards foreign takeovers of strategically important UK companies, in favour of a much tougher and probing stance. The problem, however, was that nobody appears to have thought much beyond that, if the muddled response to a Chinese-backed buyout of struggling microchip pioneer Newport Wafer Fab is anything to go by. After referring the deal to a full government investigation on national security grounds, it was eventually blocked over fears that it could contribute to undermining UK capabilities. It was the right call but ministers are yet to outline a plan B, and the companys current owners argue not unfairly that without one, a facility that chalked up 70m of annual losses at the last count will quickly become unviable if forced to stand on its own two feet again. Joe Biden must be quietly chuckling to himself at the farce that has unfolded. Grant Shapps is a master at making things worse but it truly is the height of incompetence that in trying to protect an important slice of this countrys know-how, Kwartengs bumbling successor may actually condemn it to an early grave. The contrast with the highly strategic approach that America has taken to its microchip industry couldnt be more stark. The Government has had years to come up with a proper long-term solution to Newport Wafer Fabs predicament one that prevents it from ending up in the hands of the Chinese, but also ensures that Britains largest semiconductor plant survives. Britain's former Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng leaves 11 Downing Street after being sacked by the Prime Minister Liz Truss in London, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Kwarteng has left the government, ahead of an announcement by Prime Minister Liz Truss on changes to an economic package that sparked market turmoil. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) - AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth Nexperia, a Dutch subsidiary of Chinas Wingtech, which is backed by Beijing, became Newport Wafer Fabs second-biggest shareholder in 2019 but with nobody in Government paying attention, the threat wasnt spotted. Story continues Then, two years later, with the Welsh company struggling to pay its debts and faced potential bankruptcy, Nexperia launched a full takeover, which the Business Department has been desperately trying to reverse ever since. The ponderous response has placed further strain and uncertainty on an already struggling company, prompted accusations that the UK is closed for business and left the Government facing possible legal action after Nexperia applied for a judicial review. With the UK distracted, the White House is pulling out all the stops to turbo-boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and ensure that America can continue to compete with China and Taiwan on the global stage. During the pandemic, the US was quick to realise two things: the importance of microchips, and the fact that it was overly reliant on overseas suppliers. The resulting chip shortage crippled the American economy, forcing American carmakers to pause production; raised questions about critical military hardware; and led to fears about the reliance of its cyber-security capabilities. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told a Senate committee that the US faced a supply chain crisis. Not that long ago, America led the world in leading-edge semiconductor chips. Today we produce 0pc of those chips in America. Thats a national security risk and an economic security risk. The escalating threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan has further concentrated minds in the West. More than 90pc of the worlds advanced chips come from a single plant in Taipei, belonging to Taiwanese chip titan Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. It also makes about 90pc of the chips vital to products made by US tech firms Apple, Amazon, and Google; and a similar proportion of those used in US military equipment. Bidens response to Raimondos stark warning was emphatic the signing of the Chips and Science Act, a comprehensive $280bn state support package. It included more than $50bn in government loans and R&D tax breaks to revitalise the American semiconductor industry by encouraging foreign producers to build plants on US soil. The European Union equivalent amounts to roughly 43bn of subsidies. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 09: U.S. President Joe Biden talks about his proposed FY2023 federal budget during an event at the Finishing Trades Institute on March 09, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Seen as a preview to his re-election platform, Biden's proposed budget is projected to cut the deficit by $3 trillion over the next 10 years. It remains unlikely that the plan will find any support in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The US president's charm offensive has worked a treat with both domestic and foreign chipmakers taking the bait. Intel is spending $20bn to build two cutting-edge facilities in Ohio; TSMC has plans for a $12bn site in Arizona; and Samsung has pledged to construct a $17bn factory in Texas. The scale of investment is something that Brexit Britain can only dream of at present but an even bigger concern should be the prospect of seeing homegrown firms abscond. Some of Britains top microchip companies travelled to Washington at the beginning of the month to meet with the Biden administration after it began accepting applications for billions of dollars in federal funding under the Chips and Science Act. The high-level delegation included industry trailblazers such as IQE, Paragraf and Pragmatic Semiconductor, companies that have all been vocal critics of Britains failure to develop its own credible chip strategy. A longstanding promise to devise a national semiconductor plan of its own remains unfilled an omission that an influential cross-party committee of MPs has called an act of self-harm. The failure is even more glaring given that it was only a few weeks ago that Science Secretary Michelle Donelan laid out rather fanciful ambitions for Britain to become a global science and technology superpower. But even if the Treasury could match White House and Brussels, who would choose Britain? Weve failed to foster the right skills, develop a proper manufacturing base and create the other key conditions that lay the foundations for industry and technology to prosper. Not for the first time, theres a chasm between rhetoric and reality that the Government is struggling to bridge. Senate issues joint admission report on special pensions bill The specialist committees of the Senate -- judiciary, labour and defence -- on Tuesday issued a favourable joint report with accepted and rejected amendments to a bill initiated by the government amending and supplementing pieces of legislation related to special pensions. Most of the votes cast were "ayes," with nine noes and some abstentions, told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro .ro Help your friends know more about Romania! Share this article on Facebook Share this article! Citeste articolul mai departe pe stiripesurse.ro Sursa articol si foto: stiripesurse.ro Stiri pe aceeasi tema - The joint plenum of Parliament on Tuesday adopted a Statement of Support for Ukraine in the context of the completion, on February 24, 2023, of one year since the start of the war of aggression by the Russian Federation. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro - The National Gas Transmission Company 'TRANSGAZ' S.A obtained a net profit of 368.689 million lei, increasing by 97pct compared to the one registered in 2021, which stood at 186.941 million lei, according to the preliminary individual financial statements on 31 December 2022, published on Tuesday - Romania won two medals, silver and bronze, in women's cadet saber event, on Tuesday, at the Fencing Cadet and Junior European Championships in Tallinn (Estonia), told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro Help - The aftermath of the earthquake which occurred on Tuesday has been registered in 22 localities of five counties - Gorj, Dolj, Hunedoara, Mehedinti and Valcea, with calls having been recorded at the 112 emergency number to report medical problems, cracks in the buildings and detached construction - Romania's primary energy resources decreased by 0.6pct in 2022 compared to last year and the final energy consumption was lower by 7.2pct, according to the data published by the National institute of Statistics (INS) on Tuesday. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro - The National Weather Administration (ANM) issued on Monday a Code Yellow advisory for strong wind and scattered snow, valid from Tuesday morning in 20 countries, told Agerpres. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro Help - The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPF) informs that on Tuesday, 58,159 people, including 6,843 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania through the border points. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro Help - The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) admitted on Tuesday the notification regarding the Law of cadastre and real estate advertising, establishing that the normative act is unconstitutional, CCR sources told AGERPRES. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro The Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) recognized investors in nine categories at its annual "Investors of the Year" awards ceremony last week. "Foreign investors trust placed in our country is unbroken. On the other hand, what we work on together with them has become more important than ever given the current uncertain and volatile economic climate," said HIPA CEO Istvan Joo - pictured above. "It is a fact that today in Hungary everything is provided to meet the needs of businesses that wish to invest," he added. China's CATL was presented with the Award for Strategic Investment. The company is building a EUR 7.3 billion battery plant in Debrecen (225 km east of Budapest). The biggest greenfield investment in Hungary to date will allow CATL to meet the European market's demand for batteries better, contribute to accelerating e-mobility and the European energy transition, and support Hungary's commitment to carbon neutrality, HIPA said. South Korea's W-Scope took the Award for Newcomer Investor. The maker of separator film used for EV batteries announced a EUR 720 million investment in Nyiregyhaza (240 km northeast of Budapest) in the summer. The plant will have an annual capacity to produce 1.2 billion sqm of separator film. Swiss food industry giant Nestle won the Award for Continuous Reinvestment. During its 30 years in Hungary, Nestle has invested more than HUF 325 bln at its three plants in the country. Mercedes-Benz was recognized for lifetime achievement. The German car maker has produced vehicles in Hungary since 2012 and announced plans in the summer to invest more than EUR 1 bln at its plant in Kecskemet (95 km southeast of Budapest) to deploy new assembly lines and a body shop. The list of all award winners is available on the HIPA website. Seven out of ten Hungarians think that the countrys economy is in bad shape, and every other Hungarian is dissatisfied with their own personal financial situation, according to a new Eurobarometer poll based on interviews conducted in January and February. The results show that Hungarians consider higher prices and the cost of living as the most serious problems facing the country by far. Dissatisfaction has increased much more in Hungary over the past six months than the average in the European Union. This has been accompanied with a significant loss in confidence in the Hungarian government and Parliament during this period, though confidence in the government is still higher than the extent to which the average EU citizen views their own decision-making political institutions. There is also widespread dissatisfaction with the media and the functioning of Hungarian democracy. Only three out of ten Hungarians trust the media, while 16% of left-wing sympathizers and 76% of those on the right wing are pleased with how well democracy is run in the country. More Hungarians have trust in democratic functioning within the EU than in Hungary, although there are fewer of these than there were half a year ago. In just the past six months, there has been a 12% drop in the number of people who hold favorable views of the European Union. At present, only 39% of Hungarians have a positive opinion of the EU, 6 percentage points below the EU average. According to the Eurobarometer poll, this decrease was primarily a result of younger people changing their views of the EU, but it was seen in other age groups as well. Only 32% of those aged 15-24 hold a positive opinion of the Union. Over the last six months, the number of those satisfied with the Hungarian governments reaction to the Russian occupation of Ukraine has also dropped significantly, from 69% to 52%. A similar number of Hungarians was satisfied with the European Unions response to the conflict. Over half of the Hungarian population agrees with the EUs stances on the war, but this proportion is lower than the EU average: an average of 74% of those in the EU approve of imposing sanctions on Russia, while this amount is just 56% in Hungary. [Nepszava] YORK Albert D. Adkins, 27, whose address has been listed as both North Dakota and Texas in court documents, has pleaded not guilty to several charges in a case involving the illegal possession of Alprazolam, a Schedule 4 controlled substance. The case began when a deputy with the York County Sheriffs Department was on regular patrol on Highway 81 in York County when he saw Adkins driving without a headlight. During the traffic stop, the deputy said Adkins was extremely nervous and his arm was shaking. According to court documents, the deputy alleges Adkins told him he had a Delta 8 Vape and some flower in the vehicle and he provided both. It was found that Adkins drivers license had expired. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found raw marijuana, Delta 8 vape and some baggies containing white rectangle pills and some smaller broken pieces. The pills were identified as Alprazolam. The deputy said Adkins said the baggies contained his emergency medicine and he didnt have a prescription. In arraignment proceedings this week, he pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, plus two misdemeanors. A jury trial has been set for late summer. Kia and Hyundai are accused in a federal lawsuit filed on Monday by the city of St. Louis of neglecting to install industry-standard anti-theft technology, which led to thousands of vehicle thefts in the Missouri city. In addition to penalties, the action demands damages in excess of $ 75,000. St. Louis joins a number of other communities, including Cleveland, Milwaukee, San Diego, Columbus, Ohio, and Seattle, that have brought comparable legal actions. Since a TikTok social media challenge highlighted the lack of an immobiliser in the cars and demonstrated to viewers how to hot-wire cars using a USB connection and a screwdriver, Kias and Hyundais have come under fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the thefts have resulted in at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities across the US. "Defendants' careless disregard for the safety of the public has created a public nuisance in the City of St. Louis, resulting in an explosion of auto-related crime that is injuring citizens, taxing St. Louis's resources, and jeopardizing the public health, safety, and peace of all who live, work, and visit St. Louis," the lawsuit states. Also read: Most Indians Not Serious About Following Road Safety Rules: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Kia said in a statement that the lawsuits by St. Louis and other cities are "without merit". "Kia has been and continues to be willing to work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies in St. Louis to combat car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it," the company said. Hyundai Motor America "is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products," the company said in a statement. St. Louis police have received more than 4,500 reports of thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles over the past 10 months, and three-fifths of all vehicle thefts in that span have involved Kias or Hyundais, the city said. The lawsuit cited several incidents involving stolen Kias and Hyundais. In August, occupants of a stolen Kia Optima and a stolen Hyundai Sonata were involved in a shootout near downtown in which a 17-year-old was shot. In September, a bicyclist was struck and killed by a speeding Kia that had been stolen. Last month, both automakers rolled out software updates aimed at stemming the raft of thefts. The updates are free for millions of vehicles that are missing a key anti-theft device. The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on. About 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias are eligible for the software update, the NHTSA said. In addition to the software update, Kia said it is shipping more than 27,000 free steering wheel locks to over 140 law enforcement agencies, including nearly 1,500 to police in the St. Louis area, "and we will continue to provide additional free locks as needed". Hyundai said engine immobilizers became standard on all vehicles in November 2021. The company said it also provides free steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies to distribute to those who own or lease affected models and reimburses customers who bought steering wheel locks. With ANI Inputs Air India on Tuesday launched a non-stop service between Ahmedabad and Gatwick in the UK, and it was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. At the inauguration, Scindia said the introduction of this route will open more business avenues and further strengthen investment opportunities between the two nations, according to a release. The flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick will be operated three times a week, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 business class and 238 economy class seats. London Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK. "It is estimated that over 8,00,000 Gujaratis call the UK their home, making the Gujarati diaspora in the UK to be, arguably, the largest in the world," Air India said in the release. This week, in addition to flights from Ahmedabad, the airline has also launched non-stop flights to Gatwick from Amritsar Goa, and Kochi. Besides, the frequencies have been increased to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai. "In total, the airline now operates 49 flights per week between India and the UK, including six flights a week to Birmingham from Delhi and Amritsar," the release said. The international low-cost airline from India, Air India Express, said on Monday that it has started flying four times a week nonstop between Goa and Dubai. At one in the morning on Monday, Dabolim Airport's inaugural flight, IX 840, departed with 148 passengers on board. To mark the occasion, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express and AirAsia India, said: "We are thrilled to start our maiden international services from Goa under the Air India Express banner, which is amongst India's most popular tourist destinations". Also read: Watch: Scary Video Shows Final Moments Before Coast Guard's Helicopter Crashed in Kochi Singh said that the airline takes pride in being the only airline that offers direct connectivity to Dubai from Goa. AirAsia India, which is set to merge with Air India Express, already operates 13 daily direct flights to/from Goa, connecting five domestic cities. "We hope to be a part of the tourism success story of the state and remain committed to offering the best of services to our customers," he added. Earlier in the evening, the Goa travel trade joined the celebrations marking the entry of Air India Express to Goa at a function held at a city hotel with the senior leadership teams of Air India Express and AirAsia India. With PTI Inputs New Delhi: After winning the 'Women of Excellence' award at the Annual Los Angeles Festival of Film, Fashion, and Art for her international film, 'Tell it Like a Woman', the sunshine girl Jacqueline Fernandez is gearing up for her next film. It's just been a while since we had seen her spreading the charm of her beauty at the Oscars and now the actress has wrapped the first schedule of her next film 'Fateh' in Amritsar and seems like she had a great time with the team in the city. As Jacqueline was shooting in Amritsar for her next film Fateh, she brought some glimpses of her amazing time in the city for her fans. From receiving a sketch of herself from a fan to enjoying the lassi to eating delicious Punjabi food, the actress dropped some really amazing pictures on her social media encapsulating her best shooting days in Amritsar. She further jotted down the caption, "Thank you Amritsar #fateh" Jacqueline was truly having the best of her time while shooting for Fateh in Amritsar. The actress also visited the Golden Temple with her co-star Sonu Sood. Apart from Fateh' alongside Sonu Sood, Jacqueline also has 'Crack' alongside Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal in her future lineup. school classroom - Martin Rickett/PA Wire In The Natural History of German Life, a slightly strange essay packed with profound insights, George Eliot dismisses as fallacy the belief that the relations of men to their neighbours may be settled by algebraic equations. Such a conclusion cant, she argues, co-exist with a study of the habits, ideas and motives of real people. How best, then, to study real people? Art is the nearest thing to life; it is a mode of amplifying experience and extending our contract with our fellow beyond the bounds of our personal lot. The common complaint about fiction is that its not real. Rubbish, says Eliot, there aint nothing realer. As one of the pre-eminent English novelists, Eliot would say that, wouldnt she? But, as one of the pre-eminent English novelists, shes hard to dismiss. Art frees us from the tyranny of the mean, mode and median, which exist nowhere but on a spreadsheet. It provides immersion courses in nuance and empathy. It paints the world in shades of grey. It is, in short, rather useful. There has been a great deal of consternation in certain shrinking corners of academia recently about the steep decline in undergraduates studying the humanities. An article in the New Yorker found the number of students reading English and History in US colleges has fallen by a third in the last decade. UK universities have experienced a similar trend. For years policymakers have pushed the STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Silicon Valley was El Dorado and a humanities degree wasn't going to buy you an admission ticket. Why study languages in a world of Google Translate? Better to learn how to code. But along comes ChatGPT and potentially turns everything on its head. Earlier this month, OpenAI launched GPT-4, its most advanced artificial intelligence system yet, with astonishing results. Each day brings fresh examples of what the technology can do often better than us fallible meatsacks. Story continues GPT-4 has, for example, become extremely proficient at coding. Theres now a long list of exams it has aced; it passed the US bar exam, a professional qualification for lawyers, in the 90th percentile. There was one subject, however, for which the chatbots answers were conspicuously rubbish: English literature. In a world ruled by data, models and algorithms (Eliots algebraic equations), might humanitys USP be, well, its humanity? And, if so, doesnt it follow that studying the humanities is rather more important than we have been led to suppose? Somethings certainly awry. Professor Steven Spier, the vice-chancellor of Kingston University, says it is becoming increasingly clear that policymakers, educators and businesses are often talking at cross-purposes when discussing skills. Politicians frequently bemoan the shortage of graduates with the necessary STEM expertise. This, it is argued, is impeding productivity, economic growth and the ability to achieve policy goals, such as net zero and energy security. Its a valid concern. However, it is far from the only one. For the past two years, Kingston University has asked businesses what skills they actually need in potential employees. Top of the list are the ability to communicate, analyse, adapt, problem-solve and think creatively. They are not finding them in the current crop of graduates. Thats not to say we must push students to drop Newton and choose Chaucer. Rather it highlights the need for a better-rounded system which recognises the sciences and humanities are not distinct realms of human endeavour but intertwined. The English education system favours specialisation over breadth, says Professor Spier. Nowhere narrows down as quickly as we do. And its creating a bit of a crisis: this country is simply not producing a workforce with the skills that businesses say they need. There are no easy answers to this. It's telling that many independent schools have started offering the International Baccalaureate rather than A-levels. Broadening the curriculum, increasing the number of electives in tertiary education, and encouraging cross-discipline competitions might all help. The arts and humanities are the study of what it is to be human, says Professor Spier, who is an architect by training. The sciences and technical subjects are, of course, hugely important. But the humanities put everything in a larger context. Thats not just a nice-to-have; its crucial. Sam Bankman-Fried FTC founder - AP Photo/John Minchillo, File Nor should it end with formal education. Henry Oliver, the former consultant and author who produces the Common Reader newsletter, points out that Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange that spectacularly collapsed last year, infamously said he never read any books. What better advert for business executives to hit the library. Behavioural economics? Its all there in Plato. Need to grapple with the thorny but highly topical question of corporate purpose? George Bernard Shaw handily dramatised the conundrums in Major Barbara. Want to know how to conform within a larger collective while staying true to yourself? Jane Austens Mansfield Park can be your guide. The corporate art of persuasion could do with a dose of David Selznick, Virginia Woolf or Ida B. Wells, says Oliver. People make career decisions every day without having read The Death of Ivan Illyich. It is much shorter and more useful than any amount of corporate content or smart thinking non-fiction. Crucially, Oliver argues, a precis wont be enough. You cant just ask ChatGPT to spit out some bullet points on key learnings from a selection of novels. To internalise this stuff, you have to read it, exercise your imagination and, ideally, discuss it. Oliver is planning to set up a corporate book club. Eliot once claimed her writing was simply a set of experiments in life. Avner Offer, a professor of economic history at Oxford University, makes a similar point when he argues economics has more in common with literature than, say, physics. Literature, economics and business are all attempting to interpret the motivations and predict the behaviour of human beings who, as CS Lewis wrote, each contain a zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears, a harem of fondled hatreds. ChatGPT wouldnt, I imagine, ever write a sentence that profound, grasp its essential truth, or, realistically, be able to do much with the insight. Thats all down to us. On Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court mandated a CBI probe into claims that Nisith Pramanik, the Union Minister of State for Home, and his convoy were attacked in the Cooch Behar district during the final week of February. Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, filed a PIL in which he claimed that on February 25, while visiting his district, Pramanik, a BJP MP from Dinhata in north Bengal, was attacked and stones were thrown at his convoy. Adhikari pleaded for a CBI probe into the alleged assault, alleging that the state police had rejected the CISF's request to file a complaint while they were protecting the minister, and had instead detained BJP activists. The alleged assault on the Union minister was the subject of a CBI probe, which was ordered by a division bench chaired by Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava. Additionally, Adhikari claimed that bombs were thrown at the minister's convoy, causing damage to it. In opposition to the petition and disputing the accusations, West Bengal Advocate General S. N. Mookherjee spoke for the state administration. The assault, according to Adhikari's allegations in the PIL, was carried out by Trinamool Congress activists. February 25: Attack On The Convoy At Dinhata in Cooch Behar on February 25, there were claims of an attack on the convoy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's deputy Pramanik. The BJP claimed that there were bombings, shootings, and stone-throwing assaults. Pramanik went to Dinhata on that day, as stated in the previously published programme. He was engaging with BJP members while touring various neighbourhoods there. Local reports claim that when his convoy arrived in the Burirhat region, Trinamool workers showed him a black flag. As a result, things got heated up. The North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha, according to the BJP, orchestrated the assault on Pramanik's convoy. However, Pramanik was attacked back by Udayan, the minister in charge of North Bengal's Development, who blamed him for the entire incident. According to the Trinamool MLA of Dinhata, Pramanik allegedly intended to occupy the area with anti-social elements. Following this, the BJP raised concerns about the state's law and order situation. About the event, Governor CV Anand Bose also spoke. The governor described the assault as "deplorable" and questioned the state's law and order situation. Following this, the BJP move the division bench, presided over by Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava. New Delhi: Yet another CCTV footage of pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh surfaced on Tuesday (March 28, 2023) showing him without a turban and wearing a mask. The video, which is said to be from March 21 and from a market in Delhi, shows the 'Waris Punjab De' chief walking down a street wearing dark glasses. His key aide Papalpreet Singh could also be seen walking with a bag behind him. A Delhi Police official said they are probing whether the persons seen in the video are Amritpal and his aide. "So far we don't have any such information, nor the location where the video was shot has been confirmed to be of Delhi. However, we are verifying it," news agency PTI quoted the official as saying. There, however, has been no official word from Punjab Police on the fresh footage. It is notable that several images and videos of the radical preacher have surfaced on social media since the police crackdown on him and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De' began on March 18. Amritpal Singh, however, had managed to dodge the crackdown in Jalandhar and escaped by changing vehicles and his appearance multiple times. 'Close' to catching Amritpal Singh: Bhagwant Mann govt tells HC Earlier in the day, the Bhagwant Mann-led government told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that they were coordinating with several agencies and "close" to catching Amritpal Singh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, which claimed that Amritpal Singh was in the "illegal custody" of police. The court fixed March 29 as the next date of hearing in the case. Earlier on March 21, the court had rapped the Punjab government over the intelligence failure that allowed Amritpal Singh to escape the police crackdown. It is notable that the police crackdown against Amritpal Singh and his supporters began after they stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested man. Six police personnel were injured in the incident. Since then, Punjab Police have arrested or detained a number of his associates under criminal cases related to spreading disharmony, attempt to murder and attack, police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants. Nagpur: Angered by a power cut at his house, a man allegedly made a hoax call that a bomb was planted at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' house in Nagpur on Tuesday, police said. The police traced the 30-year-old caller to Kanhan town, around 30 km from the city, and have detained him, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said. The Nagpur police's control room received a call around 2 am from a man claiming that a bomb had been planted outside Fadnavis' house. However, the caller abruptly disconnected the call, he said. A police team with a bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and dog squad were rushed to the deputy chief minister's house near Trikoni Park in Dharampeth and a thorough check was carried out inside and outside the premises, but no explosives were found, the senior official said. Fadnavis and his family are currently in Mumbai, he said. The caller was allegedly facing a power cut at his house and had made the hoax call in a fit of rage to mislead the police, Kumar said. CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday rejected the pleas filed by deposed AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam and his aides against the party's July 11 general council resolutions, that among others, expelled him and his supporters. The court verdict also paves the way for interim chief K Palaniswami's elevation as the party's general secretary, its top, powerful post. The Panneerselvam camp indicated it will appeal against the single judge verdict before a division bench. AIADMK advocate I S Inbadurai said the court rejected all petitions, including that against the conduct of the party's General Secretary election. "Panneerselvam (and others) filed a plea against the July 11, 2022 resolutions. It has been rejected. This means the general council is valid, its resolutions are valid," he told reporters. He recalled that the party had earlier given an undertaking to the court that it will not publish the results of organisational polls held recently, referring to the election to the post of general secretary and said it is now evident Palaniswami is going to be elevated to the highest seat in the decades-old organisation. The court ruling drew instant celebrations from Palaniswami supporters at the AIADMK headquarters here as they burst crackers and distributed sweets to welcome the verdict. Palaniswami visited the party headquarters and paid tributes to the statues of late AIADMK stalwarts M G Ramachanndran and J Jayalalithaa. Bihar Board 10th Result 2023: The Bihar School Education Board (BSEB) is expected to declare Bihar Board 10th Result 2023 this week. However, the BSEB has not made any official announcement regarding the release of the Bihar Board 10th Result. Once announced, BSEB 10th result 2023 will be available on Bihar School Education Board's official website - biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. The BSEB 10th result may also be released at http://secondary.biharboardonline.com. BSEB 10th result 2023: Bihar Board Matric Exams Were Held In February The BSEB Matric Annual Examination, 2023 was held from February 14 to February 22. Over 16 lakh students registered for Bihar Board Class 10th exams this year. It is noteworthy that BSEB has already released the Bihar Board Class 12th Result 2023 on March 21. Bihar Board 10th Result: Here's How To Download BSEB 10th Result 2023 An MP-MLA court in Prayagraj today held Mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case. The Prayagraj MP-MLA Court sentenced Atiq Ahmed to life imprisonment besided imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 on him. According to government counsel Gulab Chandra Agrahari, judge Dinesh Chandr Shukla held Ahmaed, Saulat Hanif, a lawyer, and Dinesh Pasi guilty in the case. The three were pronounced guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder), Agrahari said. The maximum sentence under the section is death sentence. He said that seven others including Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf have been acquitted in the case. The gangster was brought to the court in a police van amid tightened security with CCTV cameras and security equipment installed in the police van. Security has been heightened at Prayagraj MP-MLA Court. Atiq Ahmed and his brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf were produced before the court in connection with the 2006 kidnapping of Umesh Pal, a witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, who was killed last month in an attack allegedly orchestrated by the two. Also Read: Setback For Mafia Atiq Ahmed As Supreme Court Dismisses His Plea For Protection In UP Police Custody The brothers were brought to the Naini Central Jail here on Monday, after long road journeys from two separate prisons. Security has been tightened in the court premises as well as the jail complex where the accused are lodged. Umesh Pal's wife Jaya Pal said she won't be going to the court but will "pray" that Ahmed gets capital punishment. "I am not going to the court. I will be in my house and pray for capital punishment for Ahmed. If they get life imprisonment, they will continue to do the same things that they did with my husband," Jaya Pal told reporters. Ahmed and Ashraf are also accused of being involved in a conspiracy, while they were both in prison, to kill Umesh Pal. After the killing of BSP MLA Raju Pal on January 25, 2005, Umesh Pal, then a zila panchayat member, had told police he was a witness to the murder. Umesh Pal alleged that when he refused to retract and buckle under pressure from Ahmed, he was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 28, 2006. The FIR was registered on July 5, 2007, against Ahmed, his brother, and four unidentified people. Umesh Pal was gunned down outside his Prayagraj residence on February 24. On a complaint from Umesh Pal's wife, a case was lodged at the Dhoomanganj police station in Prayagraj against Ahmed, his brother, his wife Shaista Parveen, two sons, aides Guddu Muslim and Ghulam, and nine others. Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MP from Phulpur, was shifted to the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat in June 2019 following a Supreme Court order after he was accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and assault of real estate businessman Mohit Jaiswal while in prison in Uttar Pradesh. He is named in more than 100 criminal cases, including the Umesh Pal murder case, police said. (With agency inputs) Pune: Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande has said transgressions remain the potential trigger for escalations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and asserted India has adequate reserves and was prepared to deal with any contingency. Speaking at an event here on Monday, he also said China wants to replace the United States as a global net security provider and cited Beijing's involvement in brokering recent peace talks between arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran and putting forth a peace plan to end the 13-month-long Russia-Ukraine war. The Army chief said China has accrued significant capacities for force mobilization, application, and sustenance of military operations and maintained the long-pending boundary issue can not be divorced from bilateral relations between the two Asian giants. General Pande said Chinese attempts to carry out transgressions across the LAC in violations of past agreements/protocols remain a matter of concern for India, but the Army's preparedness remains of a high order, comments coming in the backdrop of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 2020. He was speaking at the 2nd Strategic Dialogue on 'Rise of China and its Implications for the World', organized by the Savitribai Phule Pune University and the New Delhi-based Centre for China Analysis and Strategy. "I think the most important aspect of our operational environment remains our legacy challenges of the unsettled and disputed borders. Pockets of dispute and contested claims to the territory continue to exist due to differing perceptions of the alignment of the Line of Actual Control. Transgressions remain the potential trigger for escalations," the Chief of Army Staff cautioned. Hence, Sino-Indian border management requires close monitoring as infirmities can lead to a wider conflict, General Pande said. "As we all knew we have agreements/protocols -- (signed in) 1993, 1996, 2005, and 2013 -- in the military domain to maintain peace and tranquillity on the LAC. Of concerns remain the violations of these by China -- with their attempt to carry out -- transgressions across the LAC," he said. The decades-old boundary issue cannot be divorced from bilateral relations, General Pande asserted and went on to quote External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who had said, "for (India-China) ties to return to the positive trajectory and remain sustainable, they must be based on three mutual sensitivity respect, and interest." New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that its ties with Beijing cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. General Pande said engagement mechanisms exist at political, diplomatic, and military levels between the two countries which are optimally utilized to ensure stability along the LAC. Talks are continuing under these establishment mechanisms, he said."China has accrued significant capacities for force mobilization, application, and sustenance of military operations. It has built infrastructure of military significance -- be it roads, airfields, helipads, and so on," the Army chief added. He said the Indian Army's strategic orientation and long-term capability development have been with a focus on the northern border. "We have carried out the required rebalancing of the forces to affect the desired response on the northern border," General Pande said. The Army chief insisted India has adequate reserves and was prepared to deal with any contingency. "Our preparedness remains of a high order and troops continued to deal with PLA (China's People's Liberation Army) in a firm, resolute, and measured manner while ensuring the sanctity of our claims," he asserted. General Pande stated that the Indian Army has ramped up its efforts to fructify the operationally critical logistical requirements, especially roads in the forward areas. The Indian Army is working in synergy with all agencies in the forward areas to upgrade infrastructure, he added. General Pande said after becoming an economic powerhouse, China is looking to enhance its global role. "Brokering peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and putting forth the Chinese 12-point peace plan for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, are reflective of a Chinese urgency to replace the US as a global net security provider," he said. Talking about China's rapid economic rise, General Pande noted that the Communist giant's growth in the economic domain has been unprecedented. "Within a few decades of initiating widespread reforms, it transitioned from a largely agrarian economy into a world leader in manufacturing and services sectors. Due to its industrial prowess, it also earned a name for itself as the 'world's factory'. Following this success, many developing countries and their leaders have looked to emulate China," he said. The Army chief pointed out that China today stands as the world's largest economy in Purchasing Power Parity terms (based on buying power) and its economic expansion was multifaceted. "On the one hand, it is building an 'international network of coercion through predatory economics', while on the other it claims to pull more than 100 million of its own people out of poverty. "Its efforts to expand the sphere of influence through economic manoeuvring, weaponization of resource supply chains, financing large infrastructure projects with scant regard for environmental and safety standards and straddling recipient countries with unsustainable debt, are there for the world to see," he said. The Chief of Army Staff said issues of concern continue to exist in cases of theft of Intellectual Property Rights, stealing trade secrets and technology from foreign companies as also unfair trade practices. New Delhi: Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was on Tuesday held guilty in the 2006 Umesh Pal kidnapping case by an MP-MLA court in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and was sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment. Two others were also found guilty in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Atiq Ahmed's brother Khalid Azim alias Ashraf and six others were acquitted in the said case. This was Ahmed's first conviction in over 100 cases registered against him over the years. The former Samajwadi Party MP was held guilty under Indian Penal Code section 364-A (kidnapping or abduction in order to murder). In today's DNA, Zee News' Rohit Ranjan makes an analysis of Atiq Ahmed's criminal record. Atiq Ahmed is a gangster who has as many as 101 criminal cases lodged against him, with the first one dating back to 1984, when he was booked for murder. In the last 39 years, Ahmed, a five-time MLA and a one-time MP, has been booked for murder, possession of illegal arms, cheating, and various other various crimes. Out of the 101 cases registered against him, 54 cases are being heard in different courts of Uttar Pradesh. From the BJP leader Ashraf's murder to the Chand Baba murder case and the then BSP MLA Raju Pal's murder case, the mafia-turned-politician has been in the news for the past few decades. Atiq, who has now been sentenced to life imprisonment, has also committed crimes from behind bars. In 2018, a Lucknow businessman was abducted and taken to Deoria Jail, where Atiq was lodged. The businessman was brought to Atiq so that he could make him forcibly sign a property paper worth Rs 48 crore. The said property was named after Mohammad Umar, Atiq Ahmed's son. Not just Atiq, but his younger brother Ashraf also has as many as 52 criminal cases registered against him. Atiq's wife has also three criminal cases registered against her. His two sons -- Umar and Ali -- also have several cases registered against them, both of whom are currently in jail. Watch today's DNA for a detailed analysis of Atiq Ahmed's criminal records: New Delhi: As Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi`s disqualification has triggered a war of words between the grand old party and the BJP-led Union government, party general secretary KC Venugopal said that every opposition party is together and they will move forward with the same energy. Venugopal further took a jibe at the notification sent by the Housing Committee of Lok Sabha asking to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him."Rahul Gandhi is not worried about the house. Whatever the government of India is doing with the country`s democracy is a bigger issue, that is what he told. Every Opposition party is together, we had a cordial discussion and we will move forward with the same energy," he told ANI. Notably, days after his disqualification as MP following a Surat court`s verdict in a criminal defamation case, the Housing Committee of Lok Sabha has sent Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a notice to vacate the government bungalow allotted to him. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to vacate 12, Tughlaq Lane in the national capital. Rahul Gandhi has been given a period of 30 days to vacate the premises to avoid eviction.Rahul Gandhi, on Friday, was disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha, a day after a Surat court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in a defamation case filed against him over his `Modi surname` remark. The decision came pertaining to his remark made in April 2019, where he had said "how come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname" at a Lok Sabha election rally at Kolar in Karnataka. The court approved Gandhi`s bail on a surety and stayed the sentence for 30 days to allow him to approach the higher courts. The court approved Gandhi`s bail on a surety and stayed the sentence for 30 days to allow him to approach the higher courts.However, Congress workers have held protests in different parts of the country following Rahul Gandhi`s disqualification.The party has attacked the Modi government on the issue and said that it will fight the matter legally and politically. Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani has blamed the Congress party for the conviction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the defamation case. Addressing the Yuva Samvada event organised by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, Irani said that the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi as Lok Sabha MP was an 'operation of the law,' demonstrating that no person was above law in the country. She also charged that Gandhi believed that he was above law after his disqualification from the Lok Sabha as according to the judgement, he did not defend himself in the case. Responding to a lawyer's question about the ramification of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification on the dynamics of Indian politics and especially the upcoming 2024 elections, Irani hinted that it won't make any significant impact. "How does somebody change something when somebody is absent, always?...You should know that it's directive of the court and why is it a directive of the court because the person concerned made a racial slur against the OBC community. Let that fact first be placed on record. Now many amongst you who are seated here today possibly do not know each other's caste or religion background. Let me draw your attention to somebody on stage who's from the OBC community. So the racial slur Mr. Gandhi has hitched is not only on one individual but the entire community that includes the chancellor. So now, the case in a court of law is fought on merits and evidence. If you read the judgment, the judgment says that the person concerned did not defend himself which leads me to assume two things - that either somebody within his political organization just did not want to defend him knowing what the courts are capable of under the law. Or Rahul Gandhi thought he's above the law and that no court in this country will hold him accountable," said Irani. Young Bengaluru : How will Rahul Gandhis disqualification effect 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Listen to Smriti Irani answer it in her eloquent style. pic.twitter.com/XZsS0X1dDp March 27, 2023 The union minister further said that once the court has ordered a particular conviction, it is incumbent upon the Speaker of the House to follow the constitutional practice. "The Speaker of the House of the Lok Sabha, precisely is an entity that manifests the will of the Indian people through the constitution. This is not a speaker who wakes up one morning and says, let me write the law as I deem fit. This is a speaker who presides over the Lok Sabha on the basis of the Constitution, on the basis of Acts of Parliament and this is a speaker that also responds automatically to the judicial precedent set by law that is incumbent upon the speaker to follow," she said. Referring to Gandhi's recent remarks in London that he cannot speak in Indian Universities, she said, "Gandhi had been to universities in India, interacted with students, but no government stopped him from interacting. This means that he was lying in England." SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd. SkyQuest's Insect Fertilizers market report is excellent i for individuals interested in gaining insight into the valuable data, trends, and opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. Additionally, the report is written clearly and concisely, making it accessible to various audiences, from industry experts to market readers. Finally, one can gain an in-depth understanding of the primary and secondary market drivers, providing them with a comprehensive outlook of the current market situation and future projections. Westford, USA, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North America and Asia Pacific are expected to grow significantly in the Insect Fertilizers market. This growth can be attributed to various factors, such as the increasing demand for organic and sustainable agriculture, the rising global population, and the escalating cost of traditional fertilizers. Technological advancements in insect farming are also contributing to the market's growth. It is anticipated that the global market for technology in the insect fertilizer market, such as insect farming systems, will reach $2.5 billion by 2026. Furthermore, several technological advancements, such as automated insect farming systems, insect-based bio-conservation technology, microbial inoculants, advanced extraction techniques, and precision agriculture, are expected to continue driving innovation and growth in the market. According to SkyQuest's latest global research, the organic fertilizers market is experiencing a steady rise and is estimated to reach $16 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 11.5%. The insect fertilizer market is also following circular economy principles that focus on reducing waste and reusing resources. Some companies in the industry are utilizing food waste and other organic materials as feed for insects, which can then be transformed into fertilizer. Get sample copy of this report: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/insect-fertilizers-market Story continues Browse in-depth TOC on "Insect Fertilizers Market" Pages - 242 Tables - 78 Figures - 75 Insect fertilizer is an organic and sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers that are chemically synthesized. It is produced from the excrement of insects, which is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Insect-based fertilizers have numerous benefits, such as promoting plant growth, improving soil quality, and reducing environmental pollution. They are also a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for agriculture and horticulture. As a result, insect fertilizer is gaining popularity in the market due to its sustainable and beneficial properties. Prominent Players in Insect Fertilizers Market AgriProtein Beta Hatch Protix Ynsect Enterra Feed Hexafly Enormous Enterprise InnovaFeed Ynsect Entomo Farms Alltech EnviroFlight Grubbly Farms Flying SpArk Bioflytech Anterra Energy MealFood Europe Entofood Jimini's EntoCube Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.skyquestt.com/report/insect-fertilizers-market Black Soldier Fly type Segment to Drive Higher Sales Because the BSF Flower Produces High-Quality Fertilizer SkyQuest's recent analysis indicates that the Black Soldier Fly segment is a significant contributor to the rapid growth of the Insect Fertilizers market in 2021 and is expected to continue to do so from 2022 to 2030. This is due to the high-quality fertilizer produced by BSF and their ease of breeding, making them an attractive option for commercial insect farming. According to SkyQuest reports, The global market for Black Soldier Fly is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 32.3% from 2021 to 2028, with a market size of $2.9 billion by 2028. according to SkyQuest reports. Additionally, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) has launched a three-year project focusing on black soldier fly (BSF) in Ghana, Mali, and Niger. The project aims to improve urban sanitation, manage biowaste, and improve the livelihoods of small-scale producers in the region, using black soldier fly technology to process biowaste and create resources for smallholder chicken, fish, and vegetable farming. According to research analysis, North America is set to emerge as a leading player in the Insect Fertilizers market between 2022 and 2030. SkyQuest's forecast indicates that the region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.82% during this period. The growing demand for organic food products in the region primarily fuels the growing adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. Ynsect, a company in this industry, has recently signed an agreement with Ardent Mills, a flour milling company, to build a factory near one of its sites in the Midwest region of the United States. The factory is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Agriculture Application Segment to Exhibit Strong Growth due to Demand for Lightweight and Advanced Wheels and Brakes Systems The Agriculture Application Component segment emerged as the dominant method in the Insect Fertilizers market in 2021 and is expected to retain its lead from 2022 to 2030. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global organic agriculture has been growing at approximately 5% per year and reached 71.5 million hectares of certified organic land in 2019. Insect fertilizers mainly facilitate this increase in organic farming as they are considered an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers, as they are made from organic waste and provide nutrients to the soil without causing harm to the environment. SkyQuest has forecasted that the Asia Pacific region will continue to be a major force in the Insect Fertilizers market and is expected to maintain its leading position by 2030. The region is projected to experience significant growth with a CAGR of 29.47% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by factors such as the increasing population, growing demand for food, and the rise of sustainable agriculture practices in the region. Insectta, a startup based in Singapore, raised USD 4 million in 2021 to expand its insect farming operations. Flying Spark, a Thailand-based company, secured USD 21 million in funding to increase its insect-based protein production. These developments in the region are indicative of its growth potential. A recent report has conducted a thorough analysis of the major players operating within the Insect Fertilizers market. This comprehensive evaluation has considered several crucial factors, such as collaborations, mergers, innovative business policies, and strategies, providing invaluable insights into the key trends and breakthroughs in the market. Additionally, the report has carefully scrutinized the market share of the top segments and presented a detailed geographic analysis. Finally, the report has highlighted the major players in the industry and their ongoing endeavors to develop innovative solutions that cater to the ever-increasing demand for insect fertilizers. Key Developments in Insect Fertilizers Market Insecticides (India), a prominent crop protection company, has recently introduced two new products in the market. The first product, Shinwa, is an innovative insecticide developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation (NCC) in Japan. The second product, Izuki, is a combination fungicide that was developed through technical collaboration between Insecticides (India) and NCC. Ynsect, a globally recognized and certified B Corp company that specializes in the production of insect-based ingredients, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative. Known as YNFABRE, this represents the first-ever industrial genomic selection program applied to mass insect farming. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/insect-fertilizers-market Key Questions Answered in Insect Fertilizers Market Report What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period? Can you list the top companies in the market and explain how they have achieved their positions of influence? In what ways do regional trends and patterns differ within the global market, and how might these differences shape the market's future growth? Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Styrenics Market Global Crude Sulfate Turpentine Market Global Alpha Olefins Market Global Surface Disinfectant Market Global Hydrogen Peroxide Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com LinkedIn Facebook Twitter New Delhi: Amid ongoing police crackdown against pro-Khalistani elements in Punjab, the official Twitter account of the BBC Punjabi was blocked by the authorities. The message of Twitter profile of BBC News Punjabi` read: @bbcnewspunjabi`s account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. Though the BBC has not issued any statements yet on the latest development, social media users took to Twitter to express their opinions. "Now BBC News Punjabi twitter handle blocked in India. The government is afraid of the media that criticizes the government and exposes the government. It seems as if an undeclared emergency is being imposed in India, especially in Punjab," tweeted Lakhvir Singh. "BBC News Punjabi Twitter account blocked in India for spreading misinformation on law and order situation in Punjab and anti-India propaganda," wrote another Twitter user. In a latest development, a purported selfie of fugitive Khalistani ideologue Amritpal Singh enjoying an energy drink, along with aide Papalpreet Singh, has gone viral on social media. Also Read: 'Situation In Punjab Normal, No Truth In Sensationalist Lies': India's High Commissioner To UK On Amritpal Singh Crackdown The photo depicts Amritpal Singh, for whom a manhunt has been launched, wearing a jacket. However, police have not confirmed the timing of the photo and even its authenticity. Earlier in March, the Centre blocked at least six youtube channels for allegedly promoting pro-Khalistan sentiments, news agency PTI quoted a senior official as saying. Apurva Chandra, the secretary for information and broadcasting, claimed that during the last ten days, six to eight foreign-operated YouTube channels had been disabled. He said that the Punjabi-language channels were attempting to stir up unrest in the border state. The government had, in January, banned the BBC documentary 'The Modi Question' on the 2002 Gujarat riots and termed it as a propaganda piece. The BBC has stood by the documentary, calling it 'rigorously researched according to highest editorial standards'. Last month, the income tax Department conducted a survey at the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai to investigate a charge of "deliberate non-compliance with Indian laws including transfer pricing rules and diversion of profits illegally". (With IANS inputs) Prayagraj: Ahead of the hearing in the Umesh Pal abduction case in MP-MLA court of Uttar Pradesh`s Prayagraj on Tuesday, security was deployed outside his residence. Security has also been deployed outside the residence of his advocate. Prayagraj, UP | Security deployed outside Umesh Pals residence ahead of the hearing on his abduction case in MP-MLA court of Prayagraj, later today pic.twitter.com/suN1orXqKx ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2023 District Bar Association, Prayagraj said that the hearing will not be held in any other cases except the Umesh Pal abduction case today in the MP-MLA court of Prayagraj. "The letter is written to the Minister of District Advocates Association by the Presiding Officer of MP MLA Court. A request also has been made to pronounce a verdict on March 28 itself," Association said. Atiq Ahmed, a gangster-turned-politician and an accused in the case, was brought from Gujarat`s Sabarmati Jail to Prayagraj`s Naini jail on Monday after an over 24-hour long drive from Gujarat. He will be produced today before the court in connection with the Umesh Pal kidnapping case. Security has been heightened at the court. Security was beefed up outside Naini jail and a heavy deployment of uniformed personnel was seen outside the jail premises. Atiq Ahmed on Sunday was taken out by a 45-member team of Uttar Pradesh police from Ahmedabad`s Sabarmati Jail where he was lodged. Stepping out of Sabarmati jail here Ahmed told reporters waiting outside that a conspiracy was is being hatched to kill him on the pretext of following court orders. "Court Ke Kandhe Par Rakhkar Hume Maarna Chah Rahe Hai (They are using the court`s orders as a pretext to get me killed)," Atiq Ahmed said as he was being escorted inside a police van by a 45-member team of Uttar Pradesh police. Ahmed is the main accused in the Umesh Pal murder case. Umesh Pal, the prime witness in the 2005 murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal, and his two security personnel were shot dead in Prayagraj on February 24 this year. Previously, Prayagraj Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma on Sunday said that Atiq is to be produced before a court on March 28 in connection with a kidnapping case, the verdict of which is slated to be pronounced on the same day. "Court has fixed March 28 as the date for pronouncing the verdict in an old kidnapping case...All the accused have to be produced before the Court in this matter. To produce Mafia Atiq Ahmed before Court, an accused in this case, a police team has been sent to Sabarmati jail," the Commissioner said. New Delhi: Amid strains in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance over Rahul Gandhi's strident criticism of Veer Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has stepped in to play the peacemaker by conveying Shiv Sena's concerns on the issue to the Congress leadership. Opposition leaders said Congress has agreed to tone down its criticism of Savarkar, which has led to unease in the NCP and the Shiv Sena (UBT), its alliance partners in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said he had raised the Savarkar issue in his talks with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and MVA partners are on the same page on this matter. "MVA alliance is intact. If anyone thinks the MVA will break apart, they are wrong," Raut told reporters here. Gandhi is learnt to have assured Raut he would avoid any critical reference to Savarkar. Pawar raised the issue during a meeting of opposition leaders convened by Kharge on Monday and made it clear that targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, would not help MVA, two leaders who attended the meeting told PTI. Former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were present at the meeting. "Almost all opposition leaders were of the view that there was no need to rake up the Savarkar issue. We have to decide whether we have to fight Modi or Savarkar and not create confusion," Raut said after a meeting of parliamentarians owing allegiance to the Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena. Pawar also told Rahul Gandhi that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS and underscored that the real fight of the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP. Opposition leaders said Rahul told the meeting that the Savarkar issue was an ideological position. Leaders of Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi also reached out to the Thackeray faction Shiv Sena. As the BJP stepped up its attack on Rahul Gandhi and sought his apology for "maligning" India on his recent visit to the UK, the former Lok Sabha member from Wayanad said at a press conference on Saturday that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise. Former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray slammed Rahul Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and said his outfit will not tolerate any insult of the freedom fighter. The Thackeray faction had skipped the meeting convened by Kharge as a mark of protest against Gandhi's remarks targeting Savarkar. Jaipur: Medical services in Rajasthan are likely to be seriously affected on Wednesday with government doctors and faculty members at medical colleges announcing a one-day mass leave in solidarity with private doctors agitating against the Right to Heath Bill. Emergency services, however, will be exempted. Private hospitals and nursing homes in Rajasthan have been shut for several days due to a strike by private doctors, leading to a rush of patients in government hospitals. Private doctors have been striking to demand the withdrawal of the bill, which was passed in the assembly last week. On Tuesday, the All Rajasthan In-Service Doctors' Association announced the one-day strike in support of the agitating private doctors. Association general secretary Dr Shankar Bamnia said more than 15,000 in-service (government) doctors will go on a one-day mass leave in support of the private doctors' movement against the Right to Health Bill. Resident doctors and medical college faculties will also join the strike. "All doctors will be on a one-day mass leave in support of the (private doctors') movement," Bamnia said. Bamnia, however, said emergency services will not be affected. The protesting doctors have claimed that the bill will increase bureaucratic interference in their functioning. What is Rajasthan's Right to Heath Bill? According to the Rajasthan's Right to Heath Bill, every resident of the state will have the right to emergency treatment and care "without prepayment" at any "public health institution, health care establishment and designated health care centres". Dr Vijay Kapoor, secretary of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Society, said their agitation entered the 11th day on Tuesday. Claiming that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has not yet called them for talks, Kapoor said he should directly speak with the agitating doctors instead of spending lakhs of rupees on advertisements. Chief Secretary Usha Sharma and senior state officials held a meeting with a delegation of the agitating private hospital operators on Sunday and assured them to hold a discussion on their suggestions regarding the bill. However, the doctors were adamant and said any discussion would be possible only after the bill was withdrawn. The bill was passed following the recommendations by a select committee. Before the bill was amended, the draft mentioned "any health care provider, establishment or facility, including private provider, establishment or facility, public health institution, health care establishment and designated health care centres, qualified". According to the amended bill that was passed, "designated health care centres" mean health care centres as prescribed in the rules, which are yet to be framed. The private doctors said their one-point demand is the bill's withdrawal and any discussion on the points in it will be held only after the government fulfils the demand. Health Minister Parsadi Lal has already clarified that the bill will not be withdrawn because all the suggestions from doctors have already been incorporated and hence the demand was not justified. The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday declined to interfere with West Bengal's panchayat election process while finding that Suvendu Adhikari's argument regarding the seat reservation standards applied for the upcoming local government elections in 2023 has merit. A division bench made up of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice R Bharadwaj ruled that any intervention at this point in the PIL filed by Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, may result in the postponement of the panchayat elections in the state. The court held that Adhikari's complaint regarding the application of various factors for the reservation of seats in various categories had merit while declining to get involved in the West Bengal panchayat elections at this time. The court deferred to the State Election Commission's judgement on the concerns made by the BJP MLA regarding such seat reservations. By the middle of this year, the state's panchayat polls are most likely to take place. Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the state legislature, brought a public interest lawsuit against the decision to count the OBC community in the state before the High Court. He claimed that while other Backward Classes (OBCs) were not listed in 2011, Schedule Castes and Tribes were. According to the commission, they are conducting this computation door to door. Adhikari criticised that procedure as well. On Tuesday, Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj's division court heard the Public Interest Litigation of Adhikari. The bench declared, "For the time being, the High Court will not get involved in election issues. The State Election Commission will make all judgements pertaining to this." Adhikari brought a case in the Calcutta High Court before the panchayat elections on two major grounds, in relation to counting the OBC group. The alternative involved deployment of central troops on the voting day. On Tuesday, the Chief Justice's division bench stated that Adhikari could submit a distinct case regarding the central forces if he so desired. The High Court won't, however, put up any obstacles at this time. Reasons for Immigration to Canada from India Economic Opportunities: Canada has a strong economy with numerous employment opportunities, which makes it an attractive destination for immigrants seeking better economic prospects. With a rapidly growing economy, Canada is home to many high-paying jobs, and it has a strong demand for skilled workers in various industries. As a result, many Indians are looking to immigrate to Canada to take advantage of these economic opportunities. High Standard of Living : Canada is known for its high standard of living, which is one of the reasons why it has become a popular destination for immigrants. The country is safe, stable, and provides excellent healthcare, education, and social services to its citizens. Many Indians aspire to achieve a better standard of living for themselves and their families, and Canada is an ideal place to achieve that goal. : Canada is known for its high standard of living, which is one of the reasons why it has become a popular destination for immigrants. The country is safe, stable, and provides excellent healthcare, education, and social services to its citizens. Many Indians aspire to achieve a better standard of living for themselves and their families, and Canada is an ideal place to achieve that goal. Cultural Diversity: Canada is known for its cultural diversity and acceptance of people from all backgrounds. It is a multicultural society where people of different ethnicities, religions, and nationalities can live together harmoniously. This welcoming environment attracts many immigrants from India who are seeking a place where they can live and work without fear of discrimination. Canada is known for its cultural diversity and acceptance of people from all backgrounds. It is a multicultural society where people of different ethnicities, religions, and nationalities can live together harmoniously. This welcoming environment attracts many immigrants from India who are seeking a place where they can live and work without fear of discrimination. Education: Canada has a strong education system, with numerous universities and colleges offering high-quality education. Many Indian students choose to study in Canada to take advantage of this educational opportunity. By studying in Canada, they can obtain a high-quality education and gain valuable work experience, which can help them secure better jobs and improve their standard of living. Benefits of Immigration to Canada from India Economic Growth: Immigration can lead to economic growth by increasing the size of the workforce and creating new jobs. Immigrants bring new skills, knowledge, and perspectives, which can benefit the Canadian economy. By attracting skilled workers from India, Canada can fill the gaps in its labour market and boost its economic growth. Cultural Enrichment: Immigration can enrich Canadas cultural diversity by bringing new customs, traditions, and perspectives. Immigrants from India can introduce their cultural practices and beliefs, which can enrich Canadian society and promote cross-cultural understanding. Immigration can enrich Canadas cultural diversity by bringing new customs, traditions, and perspectives. Immigrants from India can introduce their cultural practices and beliefs, which can enrich Canadian society and promote cross-cultural understanding. Social Benefits: Immigration can bring social benefits to Canada by increasing the countrys population and strengthening its social fabric. By welcoming immigrants from India, Canada can become a more inclusive and diverse society, which can lead to greater social cohesion and harmony. Immigration can bring social benefits to Canada by increasing the countrys population and strengthening its social fabric. By welcoming immigrants from India, Canada can become a more inclusive and diverse society, which can lead to greater social cohesion and harmony. Innovation: Immigration can spur innovation by bringing new ideas and perspectives to Canada. Immigrants from India can bring their knowledge and expertise in various fields, which can contribute to the growth of Canadas innovation sector. Immigrating to a new country can be a daunting task, and it can be challenging to navigate the complex immigration laws and procedures on your own. Thats where an immigration consultancy like Oasis Resource Management comes in. With over 23 years of experience in the field of immigration, they can provide invaluable assistance and guidance to help make your immigration journey smooth and stress-free. Benefits of Moving to Canada with Oasis Resource Management Expert Guidance One of the primary advantages of immigrating with the help of Oasis Resource Management is the expert guidance that they provide. Their team of experienced immigration consultants has a deep understanding of the immigration laws and regulations of Canada. They stay up-to-date with the latest changes in immigration laws and policies, and they can provide valuable insights and guidance on the best strategies to secure your immigration goals. Tailored Solutions Every individuals immigration journey is unique, and Oasis Resource Management understands this fact. They provide tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs and requirements. Whether you are a skilled worker, or a family looking to immigrate, they can provide customized solutions that meet your needs. They work with you closely to understand your goals and develop a personalized plan that ensures your successful immigration. End-to-End Services Immigrating to a new country involves a range of services, including visa processing, documentation, and post-landing services. Oasis Resource Management provides end- to-end services that cover every aspect of your immigration journey. They can help you with visa processing, document verification, language proficiency tests, and post-landing services, including airport pick-up, accommodation arrangements, and job search assistance. Their comprehensive services ensure that you have everything you need to settle into your new country smoothly. Streamlined Processes The immigration process can be complicated and time-consuming, with many steps and requirements to fulfill. Oasis Resource Management understands the importance of a streamlined process and can simplify the process for you. They have a well-defined process that ensures that you have all the necessary documents and information required for a successful immigration application. They provide regular updates on the status of your application and ensure that you are informed every step of the way. Quick Processing Immigration processing times can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as country of origin, the type of visa, and the immigration program you are applying for. Oasis Resource Management understands the importance of a quick processing time and works diligently to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible. They leverage their experience and knowledge of immigration laws and policies to expedite your application and provide a faster immigration journey. Peace of Mind Immigrating to a new country can be stressful, with many uncertainties and challenges along the way. Oasis Resource Management understands the importance of peace of mind and provides you with the support and guidance you need to navigate the immigration process with confidence. Their experienced immigration consultants can answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your immigration journey. Conclusion In conclusion, immigrating with the help of Oasis Resource Management can make your immigration journey smooth, stress-free, and successful. Their expert guidance, tailored solutions, end-to-end services, streamlined processes, quick processing times, and peace of mind are just a few of the benefits that make them a top choice for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada. With over 23 years of experience in the field of immigration, they have helped thousands of people realize their dreams of immigrating to a new country. If you are planning to immigrate, consider Oasis Resource Management for a successful and stress-free immigration journey. If you want to immigrate to Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Hong Kong etc please contact Oasis Resource Management for comprehensive application process support. You may reach their visa specialist at +91-9311254550 or email us at info@oasis-india.com. Follow us on: https://twitter.com/oasisvisas https://www.instagram.com/oasis.resource.management/ https://www.facebook.com/OasisResourceManagementPvtLtd/ Rupinder Juneja HR Partner | Oasis Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. Email: info@oasis-india.com | WhatsApp International Helpline No.: +1 431 302 8880 We'll devote the individual attention it requires to your immigration case. If you would want our services in applying for and getting a visa, please do so, and we will provide you the support you need to achieve your dreams. We encourage our staff to be honest, open, and customer-focused, and the rest is history. (Above mentioned article is a consumer connect initiative, This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever.) New Delhi: Shalin Bhanot fans are all praises for the actor as he is seen looking dapper in a light ivory-mint green suit. Many fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for Shalin's impeccable sense of style and fashion. Some have even called him a fashion icon and a trendsetter in the industry and compared him to Vicky Kaushal. It's not uncommon for fans to compare the fashion choices of different celebrities, especially when they wear similar outfits. Fans were quick to notice Vicky Kaushal and Shalin Bhannot's fashion face-off, as the latter's fans, who call themselves Shalin Ki Sena, pointed out similarities in their outfits. Vicky Kaushal had worn his outfit at the star-studded chat show of Producer Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan Season 7, whereas the reality show and Bekaaboo star Shalin wore a similar outfit at an award function last night. It's always fun for fans to notice these little details and have friendly fashion face-offs between their favourite celebrities. It's interesting to see how different people can interpret and style the same type of outfit in their own unique way. Shalin and Vicky.. Just two fashion icons and trendsetters of their industries twinning in mint green outfits #ShalinBhanot #VickyKaushal @BhanotShalin @vickykaushal09 pic.twitter.com/SgpW2PDIyz SUPREMACY SHALIN (@ForShalinOnly) March 27, 2023 These two super hot fashion icons are really setting trends for showbiz industry #VickyKaushal #ShalinBhanot pic.twitter.com/x56JtmftbK Rashmi Singh (@ra14573) March 27, 2023 Shalin Bhanot is currently playing the character of Raanav Raichand in 'Bekaaboo.' Shalin, a Rakshas, is seen opposite Eisha Singh playing the role of a mystical fairy and fans are delighted to see the pair come together on the screen. New Delhi: Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who does not shy away from speaking her mind, on Tuesday made an allegation against filmmaker Karan Johar, saying that he "banned" global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas because of her friendship with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Priyanka in a recent interview shared that she had decided to take a break from the Hindi film industry after she was being "pushed into a corner" and got "tired of politics". Kangana took to Twitter, where she shared an article which had the title: "Priyanka Chopra says she moved to the US because had 'beef' with people in Bollywood: "Was being pushed into a corner, was tired of the politics". This is what @priyankachopra has to say about bollywood, people ganged up on her, bullied her and chased her out of film industry a self made woman was made to leave India. Everyone knows Karan Johar had banned her (1/2) https://t.co/PwrIm0nni5 March 28, 2023 Captioning the article, Kangana tweeted: "This is what @priyankachopra has to say about bollywood, people ganged up on her, bullied her and chased her out of film industry" a self made woman was made to leave India. Everyone knows Karan Johar had banned her." This obnoxious, jealous, mean and toxic person should be held accountable for ruining the culture and environment of film industry which was never hostile to outsiders in the days of AB or SRK.His gang and mafia PR should be raided and held accountable for harassing outsiders. Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 28, 2023 She even said that Karan "harassed" Priyanka, which caused her to leave the country. In another tweet, she wrote, "Media wrote extensively about her fallout with Karan Johar because of her friendship with SRK and movie mafia Cruella who is always looking for vulnerable outsiders saw a perfect punching bag in PC and went all out in harassing her to a point where she had to leave India." She further tweeted: "This obnoxious, jealous, mean and toxic person should be held accountable for ruining the culture and environment of the film industry which was never hostile to outsiders in the days of AB or SRK. His gang and mafia PR should be raided and held accountable for harassing outsiders." The World's highest railway bridge on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir is all set to become operational soon. Before the operations start, the Indian Railways commenced the inspection of the bridge higher than the Eiffel Tower. To do so, Indian railways used a modified Mahindra Bolero leading the inspection using trolleys. With this, the popular Indian SUV became the first vehicle to run on the 359 m tall bridge. It is to be noted that the SUV was modified to a rail vehicle to run on the tracks of the Chenab railway bridge. The pictures and videos of the modified Mahindra Bolero running on the Chenab railway bridge were shared on social media platforms. The videos and pictures show the converted SUV running on the tracks while other trolleys follow the car. To make the SUV worthy of operating on tracks, the car was modified by adding small wheels capable of running on tracks. The Chenab railway bridge is near completion at present as the incumbent regime laid a special focus on the project worth Rs 1400 crore. So it was a Mahindra Bolero converted into a rail vehicle that was one of the first vehicles to run on the world's tallest railway arch bridge at Chenab, J&K, leading the inspection trolleys of @AshwiniVaishnaw. The bridge at 359 m is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. pic.twitter.com/AMI1rHYgV3 Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) March 27, 2023 The world's highest railway bridge has already been tested for multiple fronts for safety that include stability, high-velocity winds test, earthquake-prone test, extreme temperatures test, and hydrological impacts due to water level increase. 42 kilometres from Reasi town, the base of the steel and concrete arch bridge was finished in November 2017, enabling the start of the main arch's construction, which was finished in April 2021. According to the officials, the bridge can withstand winds up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years once completed. The USBRL project also includes the first cable-stayed bridge, which, when finished, will be a feat of engineering of the twenty-first century, and the longest railway tunnel, with a total length of 12.75 km. New Delhi: Over the past few years, there has been a significant transformation in technology. Technology drives each and every sector. As a result, a few years ago, nobody imagined that their daily life products would be delivered with only one click. It seems that evolution is only improving at this point. But this also carries financial risks. Cyber fraud is such one. In a recent incident, when attempting to order a few bottles of alcohol to be delivered to their home, a Greater Noida resident lost Rs 44,000 to cyber criminals. Adhya Katyani Chauhan, a retired IPS officer's daughter, allegedly saw an online advertisement for spirits home delivery that included the address and phone number of a store in the nearby Jagat Farm market, according to an FIR filed at Beta 2 police station. She allegedly sought to order a few Blue Label Scotch Whiskey bottles over the phone on March 6 night but was duped into paying for the alcohol in advance. The initial payment of Rs 22,000 was paid at 10.30 p.m., but a short while later, according to the complaint, the accused allegedly contacted Chauhan again and demanded that she pay the entire amount because it was late at night. The thief allegedly demanded that the victim wait three days before receiving her money back, but the complaint claimed that because it was a UPI, it could be done right away, even on a bank holiday. But he called and abused me. I filed a report about it on the ministry of home affairs' cybercrime portal since I thought it would be a probable fraud. I kept trying to get in touch with him, but he kept putting off the payment," the woman claimed. Following Chauhan's complaint on March 23, an IPC section 420 and 504 SHO Beta 2 FIR was filed. Says Vinod Kumar Mishra. In the meantime, district excise officer RB Singh issued a warning against ordering alcohol online because the state does not offer such services. Although there are more of these occurrences, we want to warn people not to fall for these online scams. In the district, there are no such online delivery providers. That is not legitimate if someone is promising to do so, according to Singh. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Far East Orchard fair value estimate is S$1.29 Far East Orchard's S$1.04 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Far East Orchard's peers are currently trading at a premium of 36% on average Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Far East Orchard Limited (SGX:O10) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Far East Orchard The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$42.0m S$51.0m S$59.0m S$65.9m S$71.6m S$76.3m S$80.3m S$83.7m S$86.7m S$89.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 30.01% Est @ 21.59% Est @ 15.69% Est @ 11.56% Est @ 8.67% Est @ 6.65% Est @ 5.23% Est @ 4.24% Est @ 3.55% Est @ 3.06% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 13% S$37.2 S$40.1 S$41.2 S$40.7 S$39.3 S$37.1 S$34.7 S$32.0 S$29.4 S$26.9 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$359m Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.9%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 13%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = S$89m (1 + 1.9%) (13% 1.9%) = S$841m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$841m ( 1 + 13%)10= S$253m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$612m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$1.0, the company appears about fair value at a 19% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Far East Orchard as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 13%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.823. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Far East Orchard Strength Net debt to equity ratio below 40%. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Real Estate market. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine O10's earnings prospects. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Far East Orchard, we've compiled three pertinent items you should assess: Risks: As an example, we've found 5 warning signs for Far East Orchard (1 is potentially serious!) that you need to consider before investing here. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here New Delhi: Tech giant Samsung will reportedly unveil a new tri-foldable smartphone, alongside its upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 devices. This information came from the reliable tipster Yogesh Brar, who also claimed that the company will not launch the Galaxy S23 FE this year, reports SamMobile. It is still unclear what will be the tri-folding Galaxy device, but it will likely turn from a compact smartphone to a large-screen tablet with its foldable OLED screen with two hinges. ( Also Read: Beware! Online Alcohol Orders Can Make You Victim Of Cyber Fraud; Ex-IPS Officer's Daughter Loses Rs 44,000 In Noida In January this year, the tech giant filed for the trademark of the Flex Hybrid term. Flex Hybrid is the company's new display type that folds and slides simultaneously. ( Also Read: India Can Build Something Equivalent To AI ChatGPT? Ashwini Vaishnaw Says Big Announcement In Few Weeks Meanwhile, earlier this month, it was reported that the tech giant was not planning to launch the Fan Edition for the S-series this year, which means that the "Galaxy S23 FE" would not be launched.The company did not even release the Galaxy S22 FE last year. Therefore, it seems that the tech giant is done with the Fan Edition offerings. Nashville: The 28-year-old Nashville school shooter, who killed at least 7 students and three adults in the US on Monday was identified as transgender. The shooter reportedly had a detailed manifesto and maps to attack the school, New York Post reported citing the Nashville Police. The shooting occurred at Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville. The 28-year-old shooter, named Audrey Hale was a former student and carried at least two assault weapons and a handgun while launching the attack. Hale was shot and killed by police during the attack, which was the deadliest school shooting in nearly a year. Officials said Audrey Hale, a former student, entered the school Monday morning by shooting through a door on the side of the building. Police said that the officers found detailed maps and a manifesto of the attack. "We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we`re going over that pertain to this day," Nashville Metropolitan police chief John Drake said about the discovery, as per New York Post report.When asked if Hale`s identity might have played a role in the attack, Drake responded that while "we`re still in the initial investigation into all of that and if it actually played a role into this incident," authorities "feel that the shooter identifies as trans. "However, in online profiles, Hale had indicated they used he/him pronouns and also went by the name Aiden, New York Post reported.According to the school`s president, Audrey Hale graduated from Nossi College of Art & Design in Nashville last year. According to its website, Nossi College of Art & Design is "the only college in Tennessee primarily intended as an art school."In order to honour the victims of the Nashville School Shooting, US President Joe Biden ordered that the flags at the White House and all federal buildings will be flown at half-staff to honour the victims of the school shooting in Nashville.He said that the flags will be flown at half-mast until sunset, on March 31, 2023. Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted, "The 6 victims fatally shot by the active shooter at Covenant School are identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61. "In a statement, Biden said, "As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 31, 2023. "He further added, "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations." WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) termed the school shooting at Nashville which claimed the lives of six people as "sick" and said that the US has to do more about gun violence and stressed that "it`s ripping the soul of this nation."Biden`s remarks come after a person killed six people, including three children at Covenant School in Nashville. Joe Biden also called on Congress to pass an assault weapons ban and said that the shooter in Nashville reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol. While addressing the Small Business Administration Women`s Business Summit, Biden said, "It`s just sick. You know, we`re still gathering the facts of what happened and why. And we do know that, as of now, there are a number of people who are not going to, did not make it, including children. And it`s heartbreaking. A family`s worst nightmare." US President lauded police for responding within minutes to end the danger. He said, "We`re monitoring the situation really closely Ben, as you know and we have to do more to stop gun violence. It`s ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation ripping at the very soul of the nation. And we have to do more to protect our schools so they aren`t turned into prisons." Biden said, "the shooter in this situation reportedly had two assault weapons and a pistol two AK-47. So I call on Congress, again, to pass my assault weapons ban. It`s about time that we begin to make some more progress." Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the person who killed six people at Covenant School in Nashville on Monday has been identified as Audrey Hale. According to Drake, Hale is a 28-year-old Nashville resident, CNN reported. The six victims included three students who were all 9 years old, the Metro Nashville Police Department said in a tweet. Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted, "The 6 victims fatally shot by the active shooter at Covenant School are identified as: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61." The shooter had drawn detailed maps of Covenant School, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said in a press conference. Drake said that the suspect in Monday`s shooting was armed with three firearms, CNN reported. Drake further said that the shooter entered the school by shooting through one of the doors. The shooter was once a student at the school, CNN reported citing initial findings from police. According to CNN, John Drake said, "We`ve also determined that there were maps drawn of the school in detail of surveillance, entry points, et cetera. We know and believe entry was gained through shooting through one of the doors, is how they actually got into the school." Kathmandu: The Department of Immigration, Nepal government has alerted its offices, particularly those at airports to prevent Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher from Punjab, India who could flee to a third country using Nepali territory either on his own passport or a fake passport, the Himalayan Times reported. DG Jhalak Ram Adhikari told The Himalayan Times that Indian Embassy had written to his office seeking his office`s help in stopping Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh from fleeing to a third country. The Punjab government has launched a massive manhunt against the separatist leader Amritpal, who has been hiding since March 18. Indian Embassy has provided the photograph of the Punjabi fugitive and all details about him. The embassy also has flagged Nepali authorities that Amritpal Singh could flee to a third country using his own passport or a fake passport. Adhikari said that all passengers who wanted to go abroad using Nepal`s airport would be screened at the airport so that Amritpal who is under the surveillance of the Department of Immigration can not flee. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Sunday sent a letter to the Department of Immigration requesting them to not let pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh travel to a third country. "As per the request from Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, we have included him on the `watch list`, Director of Nepal`s Department of Immigration Jhalakram Adhikari told ANI over the phone. At first, the embassy had requested the Nepal government to enlist him on a watch list and shared the details along with photos with the department, the official added."They have warned us that he might use a fake passport to enter Nepal and attempt to fly out. He might be hiding somewhere here in Nepal as well. No one is sure about Amritpal whereabouts. But as per the request we have informed all the concerned departments and authorities," Adhikari added. Asked about the letters, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu did not respond.On March 25, Punjab Police appealed to people not to believe rumours and fake news of the arrest of radical preacher and pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, which is being circulated on social media. Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Bathinda SSP Gulneet Khurana said, "We urge people not to believe the fake reports of the arrest of Amritpal Singh that are being widely circulated on social media."On March 18, Punjab Police launched an operation against Amritpal Singh and his aides. The crackdown came almost over three weeks after Amritpal`s supporters clashed with uniformed personnel at the Ajnala police station on February 23, on the outskirts of Amritsar, demanding the release of one of his close aides, Lovepreet Toofan. Washington: The United States is keeping an close eye on Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi's court case, an official said, adding that Washington remains committed to working with India on democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression. Gandhi was sentenced to two years in prison on March 23 by a Surat court in a 2019 criminal defamation case for his remark "why all thieves have Modi surname." He was disqualified from the Lok Sabha a day later, effective from the date of his conviction in the case. The development comes after a Surat court sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in prison in a defamation case over his remark about the 'Modi surname' made in 2019 during an election rally in Karnataka. A day later, he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction in the case. "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is an essential component of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including, freedom of expression," the State Department's Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a news conference on Monday. "In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies," he said. Also Read: Savarkar's Grandson Calls Rahul's Comments 'Childish', Dares Him To Prove Late Hindutva Ideologue Apologised Responding to a question, Patel said it is normal and standard for the United States to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where it has bilateral relationships. Opposition parties in India stepped up their offensive against the Narendra Modi government and observed a "black day for democracy" on Monday, three days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from the Lok Sabha. The BJP condemned the ruckus created by the Opposition in Parliament and accused the Congress of resorting to "low-level politics" in its bid to justify Gandhi's remarks against the OBC community. Rahul Gandhi made the remark "how come all the thieves have Modi as a common surname" during a Lok Sabha election rally in Kolar, Karnataka, in April 2019. Purnesh Modi, a BJP MLA from Surat West, filed the criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. London: Pakistani-origin MSP Humza Yousaf won the Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership contest on Monday and became Scotland's new First Minister, succeeding Nicola Sturgeon. The 37-year-old became the first Muslim leader of a major UK political party, as well as the first Muslim leader of a Western European country. Yousaf also became the first Asian elected to lead the Scottish National Party (SNP). He served as the Health and Social Care minister in outgoing Sturgeon's Cabinet until she announced her resignation last month, triggering a leadership contest within the governing party for the devolved region. In his victory speech, Humza promised to deliver Scotland's independence. In a victory speech in Edinburgh, Humza Yousaf said, "From the Punjab to our parliament, this is a journey for our generations." From Punjab to Pollok, people from across the world & here at home have been offering me their good wishes, grateful for all the kind msgs I have received. Can I thank Kate & Ash in particular for their kind words of support. We're united as a team who will deliver for Scotland. Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 27, 2023 WHO IS HUMZA YOUSAF? The Glasgow-born and bred politician is the son of Pakistan-born Muzaffar Yousaf, whose family migrated from Mian Channu to Glasgow in the 1960s. Yousaf's mother, Shaaista Bhutta, was born in Kenya and migrated with her family to Scotland too. He touched upon his migrant roots in his victory speech as he shared that his grandparents arrived in Scotland in the 1960s barely able to speak a word of English and would not have believed "in their wildest dreams" that their grandson would one day be set to be elected the First Minister of Scotland. In 2016, Yousaf made history by taking his oath as a new MSP in English and also in Urdu while dressed in the traditional Scottish kilt. "Taking the oath in Urdu after having done it in English is making headlines across the world the best thing is, it is in praise of Scotland for being a tolerant and open country where diversity is celebrated. We are not without our problems or challenges but very proud of how many Scots believe our tartan is better with as many different threads woven throughout it," he said at the time. (With PTI inputs) California lawmakers approved the nation's first penalty for price gouging at the gas pump. The legislation, passed just a week after it was introduced, would give regulators the ability to punish oil companies for profiting from gas price spikes, and create an independent watchdog within the California Energy Commission. Under the bill, refiners would be required to disclose new information about their pricing to regulators, with most of it to be kept confidential. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the measure into law on Tuesday. GAS PRICES DROP DESPITE RISING DEMAND, TIGHTER SUPPLY: AAA "When you take on big oil, they usually roll you thats exactly what theyve been doing to consumers for years and years and years," he told reporters after the vote. "The Legislature had the courage, conviction and the backbone to stand up to big oil." READ ON THE FOX BUSINESS APP Taking on the oil industry has been a major policy priority for the governor, and his office tweeted that the proposal would "root out abuses of market power and shine a light on the inner workings of the oil industry." "Our proposal is about protecting [California] families and making oil companies play by the same rules that other industries already do," it said. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters during a visit the Antioch Water Treatment Plant on Aug. 11, 2022, in Antioch, California. While legislative leaders rejected his initial call for a new tax, fearing it could discourage supply and lead to higher prices, Newsom and lawmakers agreed to let the California Energy Commission decide whether to penalize oil companies for price gouging. California's gas prices are higher than the rest of the country due to the state's taxes and regulations, and the state requires a blend of gasoline that is better for the environment but more expensive to produce. But, state regulators say the taxes and fees are not fully responsible for a surge in prices last summer. The average cost of a gallon of gasoline in California was $2.61 higher than the national average. The oil industry recorded massive profits last year. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS Eloy Garcia, a lobbyist for the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), said California's high gas prices are the result of decades of public policy decisions that have driven many oil refiners out of the state. He noted California does not have a pipeline to send oil into the state, meaning it has to ship what it can't produce itself from the ocean. "The focus of this special session should have been consumers and a thorough examination of 30 years of public policies that caused Californias unique energy isolation and higher prices. Price caps, taxes, and tax-like penalties do not increase supply or reduce prices, but instead can have the opposite effect less investment, less gasoline supply and ultimately higher costs for Californians," WSPA President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd said in a statement. "With this politicized process behind us, we hope the governor and policy makers will join us in a serious discussion about what it will take to ensure an affordable, reliable fuel supply for the years ahead." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps headline the Cand Aid Red Rocks Rendezvous Cand Aid celebrates its 10 year anniversary with a chance to win the ultimate Colorado experience Win tickets to see Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps sold out shows at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, a private guided fly-fishing trip in the scenic riverways of the Rocky Mountains, plus front-row access to Cand Aids signature volunteer programs. Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps headline the Cand Aid Red Rocks Rendezvous and will host a donation project at a local school Join Cand Aid and the Food Stamps for an instrument donation assembly as part of its Music + Arts program. Longmont, Colo., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cand Aid, the national nonprofit building a movement inspiring everyday people to become catalysts for change in their local communities, launches its Cand Aid Red Rocks Rendezvous Sweepstakes today in celebration of its 10 year anniversary this September. Red Rocks Rendezvous gives supporters nationwide the opportunity to win the ultimate Colorado experience, including tickets to see Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps sold out shows at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheater on Sept. 27-28, a private guided fly-fishing trip in the scenic riverways of the Rocky Mountains, plus front-row access to Cand Aids signature volunteer programs. Airfare and lodging are included thanks to United Airlines and Origin Hotel. GRAMMY-nominated artist Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps facilitate instrument donations and host one-of-a-kind music live performances to underserved school districts across the country while theyre on tour as Cand Aid TUNES Ambassadors. Cand Aids Music + Arts program helps grow the next generation of musicians, by giving students much-needed resources to pursue creative outlets, and a chance to interact with award-winning artists. Cand Aid has donated nearly 3,000 brand new instruments to classrooms across the country to date. Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps have been working with us as TUNES Ambassadors for several years. We are all huge fans, and are really excited theyre on board to help make our 10th anniversary such a special event, says Cand Aid Founder and Executive Director Diana Ralston. The winner will have a unique opportunity to experience a Can'd Aid instrument donation and witness firsthand how a heartfelt performance from the band builds a genuine excitement for music and sparks creativity in the kids. Story continues Participants will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes by becoming a Cand Aid GEM (Gives Every Month) Donor. Every dollar raised will directly support Can'd Aids key program areas which work to increase access to music and the arts, protect and restore the environment and improve physical health and mental wellness. Since Cand Aid was founded in Colorado in 2013, the nonprofit has rallied over 32,000 volunteers to provide 75,000 hours of giving back. Cand Aid has evolved into so much more than we initially envisioned, and none of this would be possible without the thousands of volunteers who embraced our basic philosophy that doing good feels good and creates a ripple effect of goodness, says Ralston. This is our way of saying thank you and showing some lucky winners the power of giving back. The grand prize winner receives: Two reserved tickets to Tyler Childers + the Food Stamps (SOLD OUT) at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Sept. 27 + 28, 2023 Two roundtrip flights provided by United Airlines Three nights lodging at Origin Hotel for Sept.r 27-29, 2023 Two volunteer slots at Cand Aids 10 year anniversary volunteer project Invite to Cand Aids instrument donation and school music assembly with the Food Stamps One private guided fly fishing experience (for two) with Rocky Mountain Anglers Cand Aid + Tyler Childers swag Enter to win Cand Aids Red Rocks Rendezvous before Sept. 4, 2023, at candaid.salsalabs.org/redrocksrendezvous. ### About Cand Aid Cand Aid is a nationally recognized nonprofit that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities. Through their unique integrated approach, they distribute water, increase access and opportunities for underserved youth to experience music, arts and the outdoors; and protect and restore the environment. Since inception in 2013, more than 3 million cans of water have been distributed, over 13,000 skateboards and bikes have been built for underprivileged youth, more than 3,000 instruments have been donated and the equivalent of 73 million aluminum cans have been recycled. To donate, volunteer or learn more, please visit candaid.org. Attachments CONTACT: Jules Cuccurullo Turn It Up Media 6178208303 jules@turnitup.marketing (Bloomberg) -- Cemex SAB reached a temporary deal to use Vulcan Materials Co.s port facilities at Punta Venado in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, potentially defusing a legal battle that recently became a flashpoint for US-Mexico relations. Most Read from Bloomberg The companies are still working on a long-term agreement, Cemex spokesman Jorge Perez told Bloomberg News on Monday. A Vulcan spokesman didnt immediately reply to a request for comment. Vulcan has said it hasnt had access to the facilities since Cemex employees entered earlier this month escorted by Mexican marines in uniform. That dramatic seizure, captured on video, drew criticism from several US senators, who called it an example of misguided and counterproductive behavior by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Operations at Vulcans nearby quarry had been shut down since last year in a feud with Lopez Obrador, who accused the company of extracting materials without the proper permits. He reiterated that position last week, accusing Vulcan of ecocide. The White House had also weighed in, with an official from the National Security Council saying last week the administration was aware of the reports and is always concerned about the fair treatment of US companies. Mexicos ambassador to the US, Esteban Moctezuma, met on Monday with lawmakers Monday from Alabama, where Vulcan is based. I am happy to hear that Mexican governmental forces have now heeded our request to withdraw from Vulcans port facility, following a nearly two-week unlawful takeover, wrote Alabama senator Katie Boyd, one of the lawmakers who met Moctezuma, in a statement. While they are interdependent trade partners, Mexico and the US have been testy neighbors lately. Earlier this month, Lopez Obrador denounced Republican lawmakers who called for sending US troops to bring security to Mexico after a cartel killed two Americans. The countries are also in a trade dispute over Lopez Obradors nationalist energy policy. Story continues --With assistance from Eric Martin. (Updates with comments from Alabama lawmaker in sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A successful energy transition demands bold, transformative measures reflecting the urgency of the present situation. Investment and comprehensive policies across the globe and all sectors must grow renewables and instigate the structural changes required for the predominantly renewables-based energy transition, said a top Irena official, citing the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 Preview. The preview calls for a fundamental course correction in the energy transition, Irenas Director-General Francesco La Camera said at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD). The Preview warns that a lack of progress further increases investment needs and calls for a systematic change in the volume and type of investments to prioritise the energy transition. Although global investment in energy transition technologies reached a new record of $1.3 trillion in 2022, yearly investments must more than quadruple to over $5 trillion to stay on the 1.5C pathway. By 2030, cumulative investments must amount to $44 trillion, with transition technologies representing 80 percent of the total ($35 trillion), prioritising efficiency, electrification, grid expansion and flexibility, said La Camera. The Preview shows that the scale and extent of change falls far short of the 1.5C pathway. Progress has been made, notably in the power sector where renewables account for 40 percent of installed power generation globally, contributing to an unprecedented 83% of global power additions in 2022. But to keep 1.5C alive, deployment levels must grow from some 3,000 gigawatt (GW) today to over 10,000 GW in 2030, an average of 1,000 GW annually, said the top official. Deployment is also limited to certain parts of the world. China, the European Union and the United States accounted for two-thirds of all additions last year, leaving developing nations further behind, he added. La Camera Pointed out that the emphasis must shift from supply to demand, towards overcoming the structural obstacles impeding progress. "Irenas Preview outlines three priority pillars of the energy transition, the physical infrastructure, policy and regulatory enablers and well-skilled workforce, requiring significant investment and new ways of co-operation in which all actors can engage in the transition and play an optimal role," he added. Any new investment decisions, he stated, should be carefully assessed to simultaneously drive the transition and reduce the risk of stranded assets. Some 41% of planned investment by 2050 remains targeted at fossil fuels. Around $1 trillion of planned annual fossil fuel investment by 2030 must be redirected towards transition technologies and infrastructure to keep the 1.5C target within reach, he noted. Furthermore, public sector intervention is required to channel investments towards countries in a more equitable way, he stated. Last year, 85% of global renewable energy investment benefitted less than half of the worlds population, he added. La Camera stressed that it was time to rewrite the way international cooperation worked. "Achieving the energy transition requires stronger international collaboration, including collective efforts to channel more funds to developing countries. A fundamental shift in the support to developing nations must put more focus on energy access and climate adaptation," said the top official. "Moving forward, multilateral financial institutions need to direct more funds, at better terms, towards energy transition projects and build the physical infrastructure that is needed to sustain the development of a new energy system," he added.-TradeArabia News Service A lawsuit brought by a U.S. regulator against Binance Monday had an instant impact on the crypto market as coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum fell. But its effect on Voyagers ongoing bankruptcy case could be more muted, numerous legal experts said. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) accused Binancethe largest exchange by trading volumeof violating trading and derivatives rules, allowing customers in the U.S. to illegally trade derivatives such as futures or swaps. While its not listed as a defendant, the CFTCs lawsuit references Binance US multiple times. The exchange tailored to U.S. customers was launched in 2019 by BAM Trading and Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who described Binance US as ideally a navy boat to Binances pirate ship, the lawsuit alleges. Binance maintains that it and Binance US are separate companies, though their closeness has been questioned multiple times. Nonetheless, Binance US solidified its place earlier this month as a potential buyer of Voyagers assets after Judge Michael Wiles approved a deal in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The roughly $1.3 billion restructuring deal is far from complete. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulators have opposed the deal. The U.S. Justice Department filed an appeal against Judge Wiles ruling March 9., and the deal was put on pause yesterday by a separate judge until the appeal is fully addressed. Yet its unlikely that the CFTC lawsuit will disrupt Voyagers deal with Binance US because any determination that stems from it will take time, MPCHs Chief Legal Officer Cathy Yoon told Decrypt. "I can't imagine it being unwound because you're not going to get a resolution to this [lawsuit] for a very long time," she said. Voyager is one of several crypto firms that collapsed last year, filing for Chapter 15 bankruptcy last July. The broker went bust partly from loans to the defunct crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC) that soured after the $60 billion implosion of LUNA and Terra USD blindsided 3AC. Story continues Since Voyager and Binance US arent involved in derivatives trading, the CFTC lawsuit may not be applicable to the deal, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Blockchain Intelligence Group Timothy Cradle told Decrypt. He noted the agency is seeking civil penalties, registration bans, and permanent injunctions, but only as it relates to Binances derivatives offerings. If what Binance US is purchasing from Voyager is not a derivatives product, then my initial reaction is it should not affect what theyre trying to do, he said. Im only thinking that because of what the CFTC is looking for in terms of their actual penalties in this case. The CFTC lawsuit could be a limited factor in the lawsuit, but there are other hurdles the deal faces. Additionally, a report from Bernstein said the lawsuit could eventually force Binance to shutter its operations in the U.S., which may end up including Binance US. Unexpected and Disappointing: Binance Reacts to CFTC Lawsuit Even if Judge Wiles approval of the deal is upheld, the plan he approved makes Binance USs acquisition of Voyagers assets subject to various regulatory approvals, Cherokee Acquisition Manager Vladimir Jelisavcic told Decrypt. He believes the deal was already likely to fall through for that reason, forcing Voyager to conduct an orderly liquidation instead of selling its assets to Binance US, which would require Voyagers customers to create an account with Binances American affiliate. This is just like another nail in the coffin, but the person inside the coffin was already dead, he said. What the CFTC did is kind of kicking the dead horse of Binance US as far as acquiring Voyager. JPrescott / Getty Images/iStockphoto Before you toss your old pennies in the coin jar, take a closer look at them. They could be worth thousands of dollars to avid coin collectors. Related: Check Your $2 Bills They Could Be Worth Upwards of $4,500 Read Next: How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero Wheat pennies, which depict an image of Abraham Lincoln on one side and two stalks of wheat on the other, were minted from 1909 until 1958. According to CoinCollecting.com, the cent was 95% copper until copper was needed for war in 1943 and the pennys composition changed to zinc-coated steel for the year. A few errors were made on the steel coins, making them rare and valuable pennies. Another rare penny is the double die penny. In January, a 1958 double die penny sold for a record $1.136 million through an auction held by GreatCollections Coin Auctions, the fastest-growing coin and paper money auction house in the U.S, reported Fox Business. Double die pennies are coins that have been struck twice by a metal die during the minting process. Blake Alma, a coin collector and founder of the coin-collecting blog CoinHub in Lebanon, Ohio, told Fox News Digital that doubled die pennies can have doubled artwork and text that are a minor deviation or a major structural anomaly. Fox Business pointed out that many of these double die pennies are listed in the high $1,000 and $2,000 range on sites like eBay. Finding these rare coins is usually left up to chance, Alma explained. He advises keeping a close eye on your coins to increase your odds of finding something rare. Take Our Poll: Are You Concerned About the Safety of Your Money in Your Bank Accounts? A pennys worth depends on its quality and rarity, CNBC Worth It added. The 1943 bronzed Lincoln penny is described as the most famous error coin in American numismatics, CNBC Make It pointed out, and the odds of finding one are not in your favor. One thats been circulated could sell for $150,000 to $200,000, but prices can fluctuate significantly. Story continues More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Check Your Pennies They Could Be Worth $200,000 The healthcare provider's theme of celebrating women in medicine recognizes the strength, tenacity and resilience of women globally and within ChenMed MIAMI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ChenMed, one of the nation's leading primary care providers for older adults, continued transforming health in the neediest populations and celebrating the company's award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, with extensive Women's History Month programming. As part of that programming, ChenMed's Employee Resource Group (ERG) - the Women Inspire Network (WIN) has provided a toolkit to engage team members, highlight team members' contributions and open conversations about women's accomplishments, both within ChenMed and throughout the medical field. ChenMed has hundreds of female clinicians, executives and administrators in vital roles of leadership and culture in its privately owned medical, technology and management company. They include (pictured, left to right): Alexandria Beranger, MD, ChenMeds first-ever National Director of Quality and Patient Experience; Siolys Gonzalez, Executive Center Director for Chen Senior Medical Center, Pembroke Pines, FL.; Stephanie Chen, Chief Legal and Culture Officer at ChenMed. ChenMed is proud that more than 60 percent of its clinician partners are women. The physician-owned and physician-led practice also registers a substantially higher percentage of female physician partners at Chen, Dedicated and JenCare Senior Medical Centers nationwide than the percentages of female doctors reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges. AAMC's most recent data shows that in all specialties, women account for only 37.1 percent of physicians, while just 42.3 percent of active family medicine/general practice physicians are women. "I am honored to work for a company that hires and promotes outstanding female clinicians, and then allows us to deliver highly personalized, VIP care that underserved, older adults deserve and need," said Alexandria Beranger, MD, ChenMed's first-ever National Director of Quality and Patient Experience. "We have the ability to build trust with our patients and get to know them because our smaller patient load means we can see them more frequently and spend more time listening to their concerns. This allows us to live out the company's values of love, accountability and passion." ChenMed doctors give their cell phone numbers to their patients and respond to directly to patient calls and texts. Patients can get a same-day telehealth or in-person appointment with their doctors, when needed. Plus, ChenMed centers offer services that help reduce barriers to healthy living, from transportation assistance to on-site medications to helping with social services. Story continues ChenMed also celebrates the diversity of its team members and patients. Investing in workforce equity, creating an inclusive patient experience and making a difference in the communities it serves are cornerstones of its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy statement. The company's employee culture includes four Employee Resource Groups (ERG): All Working to Achieve Racial Equity and Equality(AWARE), Women Inspire Network (WIN), Veterans Engagement Team (VET) and ChenMed Healthcare Allied Respecting Individuality and Sexuality for Members and Associates (CHARISMA). The WIN group oversaw the alignment of all ChenMed employees in celebrating and honoring the contributions of women in medicine. During March, ChenMed celebrated its many female leaders, including Siolys Gonzalez, Executive Center Director for Chen Senior Medical Center, located in Pembroke Pines, FL. The Broward County Commission for Women's History Month recognized 12 female leaders in South Florida, including Gonzalez, who contribute to social, economic and political history of our community, in a program titled, "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." ChenMed also honored Gonzalez with its "People's Award," recognizing her for nurturing a highly engaged team that works to ensure continuity of care for patients. "I get to serve the Pembroke Pines community by impacting the lives of thousands of seniors, their families and my team," said Gonzalez. "I am humbled to have other women in the community and at ChenMed recognize my hard work and leadership. It's an absolute honor to have a platform where I can continue to advocate for and lead other women, and I plan to keep working together to pave the way for the next generation of women." "ChenMed salutes and thanks our female clinicians, executives and administrators for their vital roles in the leadership and culture of our organization," says Stephanie Chen, Chief Legal and Culture Officer at ChenMed. "We thank our Women Inspire Network (WIN) employee resource group for their collaboration in designing programming that has educated and engaged team members to have meaningful conversations during Women's History Month, helping to further foster a culture of inclusion and excellence here at ChenMed." Partnering with the Culture team at ChenMed, the WIN Employee Resource Group enriched the workplace by incorporating the following: Women's History Month toolkit provided to all leaders to engage teams, patients and communities. Women's History Month Weekly Newsletters with resources to encourage open dialogue between team members on ways to foster a culture of inclusion. Educational articles, historical facts on iconic female figures, books, podcasts, companywide online events, movies, and RightNow Media video series to engage and educate employees. Team Member Spotlights, where ChenMed recognized Four Wonder Women and nominees. International Women's Day observance, where all team members wore purple to celebrate this day. Special events, which were held at our ChenMed Centers nationwide, throughout the month. ChenMed has earned many national and regional awards for being a great place to work, while embracing and nurturing a culture of diversity and opportunity for women and minorities. The company encourages employees to get involved with Employee Resource Groups aligned with their interests, as a way to foster and strengthen its inclusive culture. About ChenMed ChenMed is a privately owned medical, technology and management company that delivers the high-touch and personalized primary care Medicare-eligible seniors need to enjoy better health. The company operates more than 125 senior medical centers in 15 states. Named one of Fortune's 2020 "Change the World" companies, twice named a "Most Loved Workplace" by Newsweek, and a certified Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute, ChenMed brings concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center,Dedicated Senior Medical Center, JenCare Senior Medical Center and IntuneHealth. Its leading healthcare technology organization, Curity, was recently named a "Best Place to Work in IT" by ComputerWorld. See ChenMed's 2022 Impact Report. ChenMed logo (PRNewsfoto/ChenMed) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chenmed-celebrates-the-contributions-and-culture-of-womens-history-month-by-honoring-countless-women-who-have-provided-healing-hope-and-love-301783861.html SOURCE ChenMed (Bloomberg) -- Premier Li Qiang vowed that China will open wider to the outside world and establish a broad space for foreign companies to develop in the Asian nation. Most Read from Bloomberg Chinas economy has deeply integrated into the global system, Li told foreign attendees of the China Development Forum on Monday, according to state broadcaster China Central Television. China will unswervingly stick to opening up, regardless of changes to the global environment. The countrys growth will provide new momentum for the world economy, he added. The comments underscore Beijings push to assure investors of its economic recovery and commitment to international businesses at the three-day forum. Overseas executives made their first trip to the worlds No. 2 economy since it reopened its borders after three years of stringent pandemic restrictions. Li thanked the foreign representatives in the audience for the support theyd offered over the years and urged them to take a long-term view amid economic challenges. It is like pressing on the journey during a rainy day, Li said. If one keeps their head down, theyd only see a muddy road. But if one looks ahead, theyd see the rainbow after the rain. Read: Jack Mas Retreat Undercuts China Pitch to Private Business About 70 foreign executives including Apple Inc.s Tim Cook, Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio and Deloittes Sharon Thorne were shown on CCTV attending the forum. The event was Lis first with foreign businesses since becoming Chinas No. 2 official earlier this month. Li struck an enthusiastic, upbeat tone about Chinas contribution to global growth and its ability to overcome future challenges, Andrew Forrest, founder and chairman of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., told Bloomberg in an interview following the meeting with the premier. Story continues A key message from the China Development Forum this year is that China is open for business again said Scott Kennedy, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic & International Studies who attended the event. At the same time, China is seeking to become more self-reliant in key technologies amid US efforts to curb its advances in chip technology, and companies continue to complain that market access is still restricted. More: Jack Mas Retreat Undercuts China Pitch to Private Business The economic recovery also remains uncertain. Profits at industrial firms in China plunged in the first two months, unemployment has increased and the housing market is still weak. The global economy is also weakening, curbing demand for Chinese exports. Beijing is counting on a rebound in domestic investment and consumer demand to meet its economic growth target of about 5% this year. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect the economy to grow 5.3% this year. --With assistance from Philip Glamann. (Updates with comments from Scott Kennedy.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Winnebago Industries, Inc. The 70,000 sq. ft. building adds over 200 jobs to Sarasota Community SARASOTA, Fla., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Chris-Craft, Americas Boatbuilder Since 1874 and wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), opened its doors to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida today. The new building, known to the team at Chris-Craft as Building 5, increases the companys production capacity by 50 percent and spans over 70,000 square feet, allowing for the full build of boats from start to finish. Using the latest manufacturing equipment and technology, Chris-Craft will build six models from 24 feet to 28 feet in the facility. The expansion also allows the storied boatbuilder to expand their model offering as it looks to continue to meet future customer preferences. Each Chris-Craft is built to order, following a detailed, meticulous process to ensure the finest quality product. Im thrilled to see boats rolling off the new line, said Chris-Craft President, Steve Heese. The new building marks an important milestone in the growth of our company and the enhanced production capacity this new building provides will help our dealer network meet demand for our products and ultimately, ensure our customers enjoy incredible experiences on the water. Site preparation for the new building began in November of 2021 followed by an official groundbreaking in February 2022. The company anticipates the building will add over 200 jobs to the community and is currently looking to hire in the Sarasota area. I am on honored to join Chris-Craft in celebrating the opening of your new facility, said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla) in a letter to the company. Thank you for your work to continue Floridas economic growth and create opportunities for families across the state. Originally based in Michigan, Chris-Craft has been manufacturing boats in Sarasota, FL since 1988. Chris-Craft was purchased by Winnebago Industries, a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products, in 2018. Story continues The team at Chris-Craft builds some of the finest boats in the world and I thank them for their effort to bring this facility from vision to reality, said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries Chief Executive Officer. We are proud to have the company as part of the Winnebago Industries family and are committed to continuing to invest in their future success and the marine industry at large. To construct the 70,000 square-foot facility expansion, Chris-Craft partnered with Ryan Companies US Inc., a national developer, builder, designer, and property manager offering full-service commercial real estate solutions based in Tampa, FL. ABOUT CHRIS-CRAFT Chris-Craft, America's boatbuilder Since 1874, leads the industry in craftsmanship and quality which represents the company's enduring devotion to its proud past. Chris-Craft is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and builds the following sterndrive and outboard power boat models for the 2023 Collection: The Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, and the Catalina, which range in length from 24 to 35 feet. For more information, visit: www.chriscraft.com. Chris-Craft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) a 65-year-old manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle product. For more information, contact: Allison Scharnow, Chris-Craft Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience +1 (941) 358-3737 | allison@chriscraft.com New investments to protect Canadians from flooding announced; plus recommitment to key investments in support of the National Adaptation Strategy OTTAWA, ON, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Climate Proof Canada is encouraged to see new investments to better protect and inform Canadians at highest risk of flooding and modernize federal disaster assistance to better adapt to climate change, as announced today in the federal budget. The federal government has again demonstrated its commitment to combat climate change playing both offence, with new clean economy measures, and defence, to address severe flooding risks and rethink the federal response to increasing climate-related disasters. Climate Proof Canada Logo (CNW Group/Climate Proof Canada) Every community across Canada is at heightened risk of natural catastrophes and more must be done to protect our communities. Severe weather in 2022 caused $3.1 billion in insured damage alone making it in the top three worst years on record for insured damages in Canadian history. Climate Proof Canada has supported the federal government's intergovernmental dialogue with provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments and organizations to finalize the National Adaptation Strategy in the coming weeks. Today's budget builds on the National Adaptation Strategy by: Investing in launching a new approach to climate-related disasters, in partnership with provinces and territories, beginning with standing-up a national flood insurance program for those at highest risk is an important next step for advancing the National Adaptation Strategy. Improving Canadians' understanding of the risks their homes face from flooding is necessary to better protecting our communities. The commitment to modernizing the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program backed by financial support to undertake the process is a much-needed step that will improve the way programs are delivered in the face of increasing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes. Climate Proof Canada also acknowledges the additional measures to support restoration of key waterways and better protection of freshwater across the country. Story continues Now more than ever, there needs to be a focused effort on the part of the federal government to finalize and fund implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy, such that we make tangible progress toward the targets set out, and better prepare for the present and growing effects of climate change through building a more disaster-resilient country. Climate Proof Canada looks forward to working with the federal government to support this critical undertaking. Climate Proof Canada is a national coalition of Canadian business representatives, disaster relief organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, environmental NGOs, and think tanks that believe Canada must prepare for the present and growing effects of climate change through building a more disaster-resilient country. About Climate Proof Canada Climate Proof Canada is an unprecedented coalition of insurance industry representatives, disaster relief organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, environmental NGOs and university-based thought leaders. This coalition believes that Canada must prepare for the present and growing effects of climate change through building a more disaster-resilient country. For more information, visit Climate Proof Canada. Climate Proof Canada Coalition Members INSURANCE INDUSTRY Aon Aviva Definity Desjardins Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Co-operators Insurance Brokers' Association of Canada Insurance Bureau of Canada Intact Financial Corporation Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation Sun Life Financial TD Insurance Travelers Wawanesa Zurich Canada MUNICIPALITIES Federation of Canadian Municipalities Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATIONS Metis National Council DISASTER RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS Canadian Red Cross PRIVATE SECTOR Canadian Chamber of Commerce Forest Products Association of Canada Genesis Resiliency Surrey Board of Trade PROVINCIAL ORGANIZATIONS Conservation Ontario ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs AND RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation International Institute for Sustainable Development Smart Prosperity Institute The Pembina Institute SOURCE Climate Proof Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c7952.html The rebrand supports the company's position as material transformers in regenerative implant science OAKLAND, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Collagen Matrix, Inc., a leader in regenerative medicine and a Linden Capital Partners ("Linden") portfolio company, announced today it has changed its name to Regenity Biosciences and unveiled a new visual identity and website. Regenity Logo For more than 25 years, the company has been transforming bioresorbable materials into regenerative solutions to repair and regenerate tissue and bone for a variety of markets including dental, spine, orthopedic, neurosurgery, ENT and nerve repair. After first getting its start with collagen-based medical devices, the company has since introduced numerous bioresorbable technologies with more than 71 product lines commercially available worldwide. Most recently, Regenity expanded its product portfolio to include versatile bioresorbable polymer technologies via the acquisition of Polyganics, which was the impetus behind the new name and brand direction. "Material transformation is at the core of everything we do and the inspiration behind our new name and rebrand," said Shawn McCarthy, CEO of Regenity. "We recognize the urgency in the work we do because of how critical it is to patients. Regenity represents our commitment to making a material difference with life-changing products, which support our vision to be the global leader in bioresorbable technologies for tissue and bone repair, as we now treat more than four million patients per year." Along with the new name and vision, Regenity is accelerating its innovation pipeline, mixing a build-it-now mentality with the development of new technology platforms and materials. The company is delivering the next generation of regenerative devices across an expanding range of clinical applications by introducing new synthetic polymers, and other complementary bioresorbable materials, to an already established product portfolio and world-class collagen capabilities. Regenity now operates in five locations in the U.S. and the Netherlands, employing more than 275 associates worldwide. Story continues Regenity will unveil its new name and brand at the Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting in San Diego, held April 19 April 22, 2023. The company will also be presenting three abstracts on the topics of osteostimulatory properties and in vivo evaluation of their novel bioactive bone graft substitute and novel in vitro models for studying damaged extracellular matrices. This data was generated through the company's cell biology lab, which was opened in the spring of 2022. Visit Regenity at Booth #205 to learn more. For more information, visit the new Regenity website at www.regenity.com and follow the company on LinkedIn @Regenity. About Regenity Biosciences Regenity Biosciences is the leading global developer and manufacturer of bioresorbable technologies to repair and regenerate natural tissue and bone for a variety of markets including dental, spine, orthopedic, neurosurgery, ENT and nerve repair. Founded in 1997, Regenity (formerly Collagen Matrix, Inc.) is headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey, with manufacturing locations in Oakland and Allendale, New Jersey and Groningen, the Netherlands. Regenity's product portfolio includes a variety of collagen-based and synthetic polymer solutions that support the company's platform for tissue and bone regeneration. Regenity develops proprietary products that are sold to OEM customers on either a contract or private label basis and offers partnership opportunities including contract product development and manufacturing services. For more information, please visit www.regenity.com. About Linden Capital Partners Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. Founded in 2004, Linden is one of the country's largest dedicated healthcare private equity firms. Linden's strategy is based upon three elements: (i) healthcare specialization, (ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and (iii) its differentiated human capital program. Linden invests in middle market platforms in the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. Since its founding, Linden has invested in over 40 healthcare companies encompassing over 250+ total transactions. The firm has raised over $7 billion in limited partner commitments since inception. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/collagen-matrix-inc-unveils-new-brand-and-name-as-regenity-biosciences-301782756.html SOURCE Regenity Biosciences The board of Comet Holding AG (VTX:COTN) has announced that it will be paying its dividend of CHF3.70 on the 20th of April, an increased payment from last year's comparable dividend. Although the dividend is now higher, the yield is only 1.6%, which is below the industry average. See our latest analysis for Comet Holding Comet Holding's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions Even a low dividend yield can be attractive if it is sustained for years on end. Before making this announcement, Comet Holding was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. This means that most of what the business earns is being used to help it grow. The next year is set to see EPS grow by 59.5%. Assuming the dividend continues along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 27% by next year, which is in a pretty sustainable range. Dividend Volatility The company's dividend history has been marked by instability, with at least one cut in the last 10 years. Since 2013, the dividend has gone from CHF0.40 total annually to CHF3.70. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 25% per annum over that time. Dividends have grown rapidly over this time, but with cuts in the past we are not certain that this stock will be a reliable source of income in the future. The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. We are encouraged to see that Comet Holding has grown earnings per share at 17% per year over the past five years. A low payout ratio and decent growth suggests that the company is reinvesting well, and it also has plenty of room to increase the dividend over time. Comet Holding Looks Like A Great Dividend Stock Overall, we think this could be an attractive income stock, and it is only getting better by paying a higher dividend this year. The company is easily earning enough to cover its dividend payments and it is great to see that these earnings are being translated into cash flow. Taking this all into consideration, this looks like it could be a good dividend opportunity. Story continues It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Comet Holding that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Compass Diversified Holdings WESTPORT, Conn., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI), an owner of leading middle market businesses, announced today that its Board of Directors (the Board) has nominated a new director candidate for election at CODIs 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 25, 2023. Ms. Nancy B. Mahon will join seven current directors standing for re-election at the 2023 annual meeting. If elected by the Companys shareholders, Mahon is expected to be designated as a member of the Boards Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mahon has worked for Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. for more than 17 years, most recently serving as Chief Sustainability Officer. She also serves on the Global Executive Leadership Team for Estee Lauder where she is responsible for strategy, governance, operations and communications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Mahon earned a bachelors degree from Yale University and her law degree from NYU School of Law. We are thrilled to nominate Ms. Mahon to CODIs Board of Directors, said CODI Board Chair Larry Enterline. She is a proven executive business leader who has demonstrated expertise in ESG issues, branded consumer products and enterprise strategy. If elected by the shareholders, we look forward to benefiting from her unique skills and extensive experience. Current Director Sarah G. McCoy (Sally) has advised the Board she will not be standing for re-election due to other commitments. McCoy will remain on the Companys Board up and until the 2023 annual meeting. Elias Sabo, CEO of CODI, commented: Over the past six years, Sally has brought tremendous insight to our Board, particularly with respect to business issues unique to consumer products companies. She has been a trusted advisor on matters related to our strategy and operations, as well as other critical emerging issues such as corporate citizenship and sustainability. On behalf of our entire organization, I want to thank Ms. McCoy for her many contributions and wish her continued success in the future. Story continues In addition, current director Teri R. Shaffer has been appointed Chair of the Boards Audit Committee, effective April 1, 2023, replacing Mr. James J. Bottiglieri, who is retiring from this position as of the same date. Bottiglieri will continue to serve as a director and as a member of the Audit Committee. Shaffer has served as a director of the Company since July of 2022. Prior to joining the Board, she was an audit information technology leader for Ernst & Young from 2016 to 2022 and served in various other leadership roles at Ernst & Young since 1984. Shaffer is a certified public accountant and certified information security manager, holding the CERT Cybersecurity Governance Certification from Carnegie Mellon. About Compass Diversified Since its founding in 1998, CODI has consistently executed on its strategy of owning and managing a diverse set of highly defensible, middle-market businesses across the niche industrial, branded consumer and healthcare sectors. The Company leverages its permanent capital base, long-term disciplined approach, and actionable expertise to maintain controlling ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries, maximizing its ability to impact long-term cash flow generation and value creation. The Company provides both debt and equity capital for its subsidiaries, contributing to their financial and operating flexibility. CODI utilizes the cash flows generated by its subsidiaries to invest in the long-term growth of the Company and has consistently generated strong returns through its culture of transparency, alignment and accountability. For more information, please visit compassdiversified.com (provided that the reference to such additional information is provided for convenience and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release). Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements with regard to the expectations related to the future performance of CODI. Words such as "believes," "expects," will, anticipates, intends, continue, "projects," potential, assuming, and "future" or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions, some of which are not currently known to CODI. In addition to factors previously disclosed in CODIs reports filed with the SEC, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment; risks associated with possible disruption in CODIs operations or the economy generally due to terrorism, natural disasters, social, civil and political unrest or the COVID-19 pandemic; future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); general considerations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the markets in which we operate; and other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in CODIs publicly disseminated documents and filings. Further information regarding CODI and factors which could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein can be found in CODIs annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, CODI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important Additional Information CODI, its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from CODIs shareholders in connection with CODIs 2023 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of CODIs directors and executive officers is set forth in CODIs proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting of CODIs shareholders filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on April 12, 2022 and, with respect to directors and executive officers appointed following such date, in certain of CODIs other filings made with the SEC subsequent to the date of such proxy statement. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other related materials (if any) in connection with CODIs 2023 Annual Meeting to be filed with the SEC when they become available. CODI intends to file a definitive proxy statement and proxy card and other related materials with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies. CODI SHAREHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS) AND PROXY CARD AND SUCH OTHER RELATED MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. These documents, including any proxy statement (and amendments or supplements thereto) and other related materials filed by CODI with the SEC, will be available for no charge at the SECs website at www.sec.gov and at CODIs website at www.compassdiversified.com under the caption CODI Investor Relations Financials & SEC Filings. Copies may also be obtained by contacting CODI by mail at 301 Riverside Avenue, Second Floor, Westport, Connecticut 06880, Attention: Investor Relations or by telephone at 203-221-1703. Investor Relations Compass Diversified irinquiry@compassdiversified.com Gateway Group Cody Slach 949.574.3860 CODI@gatewayir.com Media Relations The IGB Group Leon Berman 212.477.8438 lberman@igbir.com Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Growth of 5G Connectivity in the Telecom Business Makes a Progressive Compound Semiconductor Materials Market, and Leads to a CAGR of 11% by 2033. Cree Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Galaxy Compound Semiconductors Inc., Dow Corning Corporation, Nichia Corporation, and Momentive are key manufacturers of compound semiconductor materials NEWARK, Del, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The compound semiconductor materials market is predicted to be worth US$ 24.31 billion in 2023 and rise to US$ 69.02 billion by 2033. Initially, the global market was expanding at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2018 to 2022. Data transactions have increased due to growing industrialization, which is fueling the expansion of the semiconductor market globally. Due to their strong radiation resistance, compound semiconductor materials are utilized in scientific applications, such as rocket and jumpsuit coatings. Over the anticipated period, this tendency is probably going to support market expansion. Compound semiconductor materials with an extraordinarily high surface area to volume ratio are produced using nanotechnology in huge quantities. These materials, depending on their features, have a higher surface area and are employed in the creation and construction of electronic devices. Drivers and Challenges have an Impact on Market Dynamics, which can Impact Businesses. Find more Insights in a Sample Report! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12410 The production of semiconductor devices for autos and cell phones makes extensive use of the technique. The amount of RF content used by smartphones is projected to increase as the telecom sector progresses toward the deployment of 5G connectivity, which leads to a rise in the need for compound semiconductor materials and devices. Key Takeaways In 2022, the United States was expanding at a share of 16.1% in the compound semiconductor materials market. The compound semiconductor materials market was significantly expanding, with a size of US$ 22.27 billion in 2022. In 2022, Australia was expanding at a 0.7% share in the compound semiconductor materials market. Due to the market's enormous potential and the growing need for electrical vehicles, analysts expect it is likely to rise 1.09 times between 2022 and 2023. The market in China is anticipated to expand at an adequate CAGR of 12.1% by 2033. In 2022, Germany was expanding at a 4.2% share in the compound semiconductor materials market. In 2022, Japan was expanding at a 4% share in the compound semiconductor materials market. By 2033, it is anticipated that the United Kingdom market could expand at a respectable CAGR of 6%. Based on material type, the Gallium Nitride (GaN) is likely to lead the market with a share of 21.2% and continue to lead the market. Story continues Market Presence Across Multiple Geographical Footprints - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial - Buy the Report! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/12410 Critical Approaches Increasing Top Players' Wealth Businesses produce a variety of compound semiconductor materials, including silicon carbide, indium phosphide, gallium nitride, and gallium arsenide, among others. Also, they provide a range of goods that are used in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and defense. They include transistors, diodes, power amplifiers, and lasers, among others. Players invest substantially in research and development to create new products and technologies in order to preserve their competitive edge in this highly competitive market. In order to diversify their product offerings and improve their market share, businesses are concentrating on strategic alliances and partnerships with other industry participants. Key players IQE plc Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Nichia Corporation Samsung Qorvo Inc. Skyworks Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. Freiberger Compound Materials GmbH Comptek Solutions Oy Recent Developments A strategic relationship between IQE plc and Porotech was established in May 2022. This alliance aims to scale, develop, and commercialize Porotech's proprietary "PoroGaN" wafer technology. IQE and Global Foundries partnered strategically in October 2021. This long-term partnership's primary goal is to develop gallium nitride on silicon technology for use in wireless and mobile infrastructure. Expand Operations in the Future - To Get Requisite Details, Ask for a Custom Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-12410 Key segments By Material Type: Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Gallium Nitride (GaN) Indium Phosphide (InP) Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) Silicon Carbide (SiC) Gallium Phosphorus (GaP) Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide (AlGaInP) Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) By Application: Laser Optical Fibers Photovoltaic Cells Optical Devices LED Epitaxial Wafers Power Amplifiers Others Table of Content 1. Executive Summary | Compound Semiconductor Materials Market 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends 3.2. Scenario Forecast 3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario 3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario 3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario Complete TOC with Report Preview: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/compound-semiconductor-materials-market Explore FMIs Extensive Ongoing Coverage in the Chemicals & Materials Domain LED Phosphor Materials Market Value: According to Future Market Insights, the global led phosphor materials market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 3.69% in the forecast period from 2023 to 2033 where the market size in 2023 was US$ 250 million, and in 2033 was US$ 359.5 million. Biophotonics Market Overview: The global biophotonics market is expected to record a CAGR of 11.3% from 2023 to 2033. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 54,320.0 million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 1,58,457.0 million. Bio Rational Fungicides Market Size: The global bio rational fungicides market is expected to register a CAGR of 13% by garnering a market value of US$ 3.9 billion by the end of 2033. By 2023-end, a valuation of US$ 1.15 billion has been projected for this market. Fiber Optic Labels Market Trends: According to Future Market Insights, the market is slated to register a CAGR of 10% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a valuation of US$ 1,880.46 million by the end of 2033. The global fiber optic labels market is expected to be valued at US$ 725 million as of 2023. Structure Directing Agents Market Growth: The global structure directing agents market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.6% from 2023 to 2033, expected to accumulate a value of US$ 1,167.04 million by the end of the said forecast period. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Delaware, USA. As a recipient of the Clutch Leaders Award 2022 for a high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Amazon has opened its latest fulfillment centre in the UAE, increasing its total storage capacity in the country by 70%. The facility is located in Dubai Souths Logistics District, enabling efficient services, speed, operations, and uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs; Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District - Dubai South; and Mohamed Shael Alsaadi, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade witnessed the inauguration. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries were given a tour of the facility by Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Prashant Saran, Director of Operations for Amazon MENA and Zeina El Kaissi, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Amazon MENA. The new Fulfillment Center has a storage capacity of 2.1 million cubic feet. As the company gears up for increased customer demand during Ramadan, the investment will enable Amazon to offer customers with a wider selection of products across electronics, appliances, groceries, fashion, books and more. The new facility will house innovative solutions for its operations, close to three kilometers of conveyance equipment, spread across five floors and covering an area of more than 350,000 sq ft. Supporting Dubai and UAEs agenda for a digital economy, the enhanced capacity will provide entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) access to Amazons fulfillment capabilities and world-class logistics expertise. In order to reach a wider customer base faster and more efficiently, SMBs can take advantage of the Fulfilled by Amazon offering that allows them to store, pick, pack and ship customer orders through Amazon. The company recently announced its commitment to host products from 100,000 businesses, including local SMBs, on its UAE website Amazon.ae by 2026, in support of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make Dubai a global digital economy. Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, commented: At Dubai South, our mandate is to support the governments economic diversification efforts through the different services and solutions that we provide to local and international companies. We have created a world-class logistics, supply chain and warehousing infrastructure ecosystem, making it an ideal location for Amazons new facility. We are thrilled to welcome the companys second Fulfillment Centre in our Logistics District, as hosting a global e-commerce company like Amazon expanding its investment in the UAE brings us closer to our mission to catalyze the UAEs economic growth. Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: Dubais leadership has outlined a clear economic growth roadmap for the coming decade that capitalizes on the emirates business enabling infrastructure and highly developed global logistic network to deliver accelerated expansion opportunities for both international and local companies, whilst offering a strong competitive advantage to those choosing Dubai. In line with our Economic Agenda 2033s (D33) strategic objectives, we welcome the ongoing expansion of Amazon here and its catalyzing role in the wider development of an economy centered on innovation and technology that enables talent. Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon MENA, said: At Amazon, we continue to emphasize our focus on providing the best and fastest selection of products to our customers in the UAE. Fulfillment Centers have a ripple effect across the economy, contributing significantly to the growth of ecommerce sales, building capacity and accelerating entrepreneurship by allowing sellers and start-ups to leverage Amazons world class fulfillment offerings to reach more customers with a wider selection of products. At the same time, we continue to invest in building the UAEs talent capabilities, creating diverse career paths in an industry-leading workplace. - TradeArabia News Service NEXT-ChemX Corporation Austin, Texas, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEXT-ChemX Corporation (OTC: CHMX), (Next-ChemX) is pleased to announce entering into a Contractual Partnership Agreement with Clontarf Energy plc (Clontarf), to replace the Heads of Agreement announced on the 15th of February 2023. Under this agreement NEXT-ChemX and Clontarf (together the Partners) will establish a contractual Partnership domiciled in Texas and known as Clontarf NEXT-ChemX JV. The Partnership will provide the Partners with a vehicle to enable them to demonstrate the technical, commercial and environmental feasibility of NEXT-ChemXs ion-Targeting Direct Extraction technology (iTDE Technology) in Bolivia. To obtain this exclusive right for the Partnership, Clontarf will pay $500,000 to NEXT-ChemX. The initial priority the Partners is to use the cooperation to demonstrate to the State Lithium Company, YLB, the environmental and commercial advantages of the iTDE Technology including its limited energy and water consumption, and the ability to extract targeted ions with minimal waste. Testing of the iTDE Technology before YLB officials will be carried out using a new pilot plant system currently being completed. This is expected to be ready during 2nd Quarter 2023, at a new facility near Austin, Texas. The demonstration will underline the fact that the iTDE System has no need of evaporative ponds that are not optimal in Bolivia due to rainfall conditions, altitude and high magnesium content as well as being particularly damaging to the environment. If successful, the Partners plan to deploy a commercial pilot plant in Bolivia to further demonstrate the process. The results of the commercial operation of such a plant are expected to lead to the execution of a licensing, extraction, and exploitation agreement. Commercial exploitation of lithium deposits will be carried out exclusively through a newly formed corporate joint venture organized in Bolivia and owned jointly by the Company and Clontarf, with the possible participation of YLB. Story continues Benton Wilcoxon, CEO of Next-ChemX commented: We are confident that our iTDE technology will be effective with lithium extraction. Our new pilot plant system will demonstrate actual process kinetics on the customers brine samples to determine their specific projected operational costs. We anticipate our demonstration will be convincing. On behalf of the Board of NEXT-ChemX Corporation Benton Wilcoxon, Chairman and CEO About NEXT-ChemX Corporation NEXT-ChemX Corporation is an innovative technology company preparing to introduce its proprietary, patent pending novel membrane-based ion-Targeting Direct Extraction (iTDE) Technology. iTDE is proven to extract very low concentrations of ions from liquid solutions rapidly. iTDE technology uses the very high surface area of certain custom hollow fiber membranes to extract materials such as lithium from brines and liquors in a continuous process. We avoid the need for high pressures, high temperatures or electrolysis. Better economics and a reduction in the harmful impact to the environment of current deployed processes is a feature of our unique extraction process. The Company currently focuses on the extraction of lithium brines, leach solutions, or recycled battery solutions. Our iTDE Process is continuous and can be used for a range of metal ions. Our unique technology is easily scalable, and we are developing a modular extraction plant that will allow for the rapid deployment of the iTDE System onsite even in remote and difficult environments. NEXT-ChemX Corporation, is a Nevada company trading on OTC Markets as CHMX. Please visit the Companys website at www.next-chemx.com Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Making such forward looking statements involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. You can usually identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, could, will, should, expect, likely, anticipate, project, estimate, potential, intend, continue or believe or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, are inherently uncertain. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects, and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition, and other similar matters. Despite the difficulties associated with making forward looking statements, we believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors even though there may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speak only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, for several reasons including, without limitation, economic, political, access to capital, competition and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. It is not possible for us to predict all these factors or events. We caution you, therefore, not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update, revise or modify publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of changes in assumptions, new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those same or other forward-looking statements in the future. Contact: J. Michael Johnson President NEXT-ChemX Corporation Phone: +1 512 663 2690 email: m.johnson@next-chemx.com email: info@next-chemx.com Twitter: @NextChemx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-chemx (Bloomberg) -- Crescent Point Energy Corp. is accelerating its shift into Albertas shale plays with a C$1.7 billion ($1.3 billion) acquisition of Spartan Delta Corp.s assets in the prolific Montney formation. Most Read from Bloomberg The purchase will add 600 drilling locations and production equivalent to 38,000 barrels of oil a day, Calgary-based Crescent Point said Tuesday. The cash acquisition which will be financed through Crescent Points existing credit facilities immediately adds to key per-share cash flow metrics, the company said. Crescent Point Chief Executive Officer Craig Bryksa, who took over about five years ago, has shifted the company from its heavy focus on Saskatchewan to acquiring assets in western Albertas Montney and Duvernay shale plays. The Alberta wells decline more rapidly than those in Saskatchewan but offer a higher rate of returns, Bryksa said. We think of balancing those assets, he said in a phone interview. The Spartan Delta locations, which yield 55% oil and liquids, are near the Kaybob Duvernay shale positions in western Alberta that Crescent Point bought from Shell Plc two years ago, which the company says will help operating efficiency. The Montney is major natural gas and light oil formation that straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border and accounts for about half of Canadas natural gas output. Read More: Shell Unloads Alberta Shale Assets in Latest Canada Energy Deal Following the transaction, which closes in the second quarter, the company plans to sell non-core assets to shore up its balance sheet and reduce its net debt by C$1 billion over the next year. Assets that may be sold include positions in southern Albertas Swan Hills as well as some sites in Saskatchewan and North Dakota, Bryksa said. Story continues Crescent Point will spend about C$250 million to drill about 25 wells annually in the area. The company forecasts the transaction will help production grow to 195,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day by 2027 from about 180,000 barrels a day after the deal closes. The Montney and Duvernay will increase to 60% of the companys output during the five-year plan, versus 45% after the deal closes. Crescent Point shares fell 0.6% to C$9.01 in Toronto, and Spartan Delta gained 7.2% to C$14.78. Crescent Point is down 6.7% this year versus a 5.6% decline for the S&P/TSX Energy Index. Crescent Point opened a new, two-year revolving credit facility for C$400 million to provide additional liquidity. The company said it will have C$850 million of unused credit capacity when the deal closes. Spartan Delta has been an active driller in Alberta, completing 52 wells last year, including 12 in the Bezanson field and 11 in the Elmorth field near Grand Prairie. Earlier this month, a land company paid C$16,727 per hectare for parcels of drilling rights near Grand Prairie in an area where Spartan Delta had a major presence. The amount was the highest paid in eight years on a per-hectare basis. (Updates with CEO comment starting in third paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon, who presided over a more than $40 billion cryptocurrency implosion last year, was arrested in Montenegro and charged with fraud by US prosecutors. Most Read from Bloomberg The developments came just over a month after the US Securities and Exchange Commission sued the 31-year-old as well as Terraform Labs. It is unclear whether his arrest was at the request of US authorities. He also faces an arrest warrant in South Korea on securities-law violations. Kwon was detained in Podgorica along with Han Chang-joon while trying to fly to Dubai using falsified Costa Rican traveling documents, Montenegros Interior Ministry said in a statement Thursday. The two were also found with Belgian and South Korean travel documents, the ministry said. The Belgian papers were falsified, according to Interpol. Police took three laptops and five mobile phones from the pair, the ministry said. Kwons whereabouts have been the source of constant speculation since September, when authorities in his native South Korea issued a warrant for his arrest on allegations including breaches of capital-markets law. The country has stripped him of his passport and said hes the subject of an Interpol red notice. Kwon found himself at the center of one of the crypto sectors most damaging episodes last May, when the TerraUSD stablecoin he helped create and its sister token Luna suddenly cratered. That event set off a chain of failures across the digital-assets space that culminated with the bankruptcy of Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX six months later. Outfits from hedge fund Three Arrows Capital to lender Celsius Network toppled along the way. Read more: All The Ways That Crypto Broke in 2022 Story continues Kwon didnt immediately respond to efforts to contact him via Telegram message and email. Representatives of Terraform Labs did not respond to a request for comment. The entrepreneur has previously denied wrongdoing and that he was a fugitive from justice. South Korean prosecutors and police couldnt immediately be reached after regular hours. A successor to the Luna token fell more than 7% after news of the arrest before recouping some losses, according to CoinGecko. In February, the SEC turned up the heat on Kwon when it alleged in federal court that Terraform Labs and Kwon offered and sold unregistered securities, including the stablecoin, and carried out a scheme that wiped out at least $40 billion worth of market value. Read more: SEC Sues Terraform, Kwon Over Stablecoin in Crypto Collapse The TerraUSD stablecoin was meant to keep a constant value of $1. Unlike other similar tokens that rely on a reserve of liquid assets, the system used on a complex mix of algorithms and trader incentives involving Luna. But it unraveled when confidence in Kwons project evaporated during a few chaotic days in early May. Cryptocurrencies swooned, and didnt recover until early this year. The prosecutors office in Seoul early December said Kwon was reportedly in the landlocked Balkan nation Serbia, a few weeks after indicating that he had flown to Dubai likely as a stopover to destinations unknown after exiting Singapore, where his Terraform Labs project had a base. Prosecutors have also sought to freeze digital assets allegedly linked to Kwon. Exactly what sparked the implosion of Kwons project remains a mystery. US authorities were investigating possible links to Bankman-Fried, whose FTX exchange and trading house Alameda Research spiraled into bankruptcy in November. --With assistance from Emily Nicolle, Jasmina Kuzmanovic, Jan Bratanic and Vildana Hajric. (In third paragraph, fixes the name of the person detained alongside Do Kwon to correct a misspelling in official statement from Montenegros Interior Ministry) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. TORONTO, March 27, 2023 /CNW/ - Cybeats Technologies Corp. ("Cybeats'' or the "Company") (CSE: CYBT) is pleased to announce that the Company received approval from OTC Markets Group Inc. for its Common Shares to begin trading in the USA on the OTC Market ("OTC") under the symbol "CYBCF". Cybeats Logo (CNW Group/Cybeats Technologies Corp.) Cybeats Technologies is a newly listed cybersecurity and software supply chain intelligence company whoes SBOM Studio platform is pioneering the future of autonomous SBOM Management. Since its commercial launch in May of last year, Cybeats has already signed several large Fortune 500 enterprise clients across a diverse set of industry verticals, for its SBOM Studio solution. The prestigious IT advisors Gartner and Forrester have both recognized SBOM Studio in recent SBOM reports, an important testament to the industry-leading capabilities of SBOM Studio. "This U.S. listing is an important milestone for Cybeats and our next phase of growth, as it increases our exposure and accessibility to investors across the U.S. market," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Cybeats. "The U.S. is home to our largest customer base as SBOM adoption is rapidly accelerating, driven in-part by a recent SBOM-related White House Executive Order and FDA mandates for medical device companies." OTC Markets Group Inc., located in New York, N.Y., operates the world's largest electronic inter-dealer quotation system for broker dealers to trade over 10,000 securities. The OTCQB is a transparent trading platform that offers a cost-effective method for United States investors to access Cybeats' securities. Cybeats' quotation and trading on the OTC provides investors the opportunity to benefit from streamlined market standards which enhance the availability of information to the general public, enabling greater transparency. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for Cybeats at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CYBCF/overview along with current company news. The Company's common shares will continue to trade and be listed on the CSE in Canada under the ticker symbol "CYBT". The Company would like to thank Nauth LPC who advised Cybeats in relation to the OTC application process. Story continues About Cybeats Cybeats is a cybersecurity company providing SBOM management and software supply chain intelligence technology, helping organizations to manage risk, meet compliance requirements, and secure their software from procurement to development and operation. Our platform gives customers comprehensive visibility and transparency into their software supply chain, enabling them to improve operational efficiency and increase revenue. Cybeats. Software Made Certain. Website: https://cybeats.com SUBSCRIBE: For more information, or to subscribe to the Company's mail list, visit: https://www.cybeats.com/investors 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 products 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. Company filings are available at sedar.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cybeats-announces-us-listing-under-ticker-symbol-cybcf-301782705.html SOURCE Cybeats Technologies Corp. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/27/c9353.html DKP Gov sets the standard for government container management, enabling agencies to more quickly and easily deploy and scale secure Kubernetes environments SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- D2iQ, the leading Kubernetes management platform provider, today announced the launch of DKP Gov, a new container-management solution optimized for deployment within the government sector. D2iQ Logo (PRNewsfoto/D2iQ) Strong demand for D2iQ solutions within the government sector led D2iQ to create a dedicated Kubernetes management platform focused on public sector use cases, along with support services devoted to serving the specific needs of government military and civilian agencies. Overcoming Government Modernization Challenges Government military and civilian agencies are under continual pressure to innovate and adopt new technologies to keep pace with technology advances and gain strategic and tactical advantages. These agencies also must meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and civilian government agencies to adopt cloud, open source, edge, and AI technologies, and to meet zero-trust security requirements. "With DKP Gov, government and military agencies can continue to modernize and innovate to keep pace with technological advances and gain strategic and tactical superiority, now on a dedicated platform," said D2iQ CEO and cofounder Tobi Knaup. "As a pioneer in cloud-native applications, D2iQ is unique in our ability to meet the needs of these agencies as they modernize, undergo digital transformation, and adopt cloud-native Kubernetes platforms." Based on the state-of-the-art D2iQ Kubernetes Platform (DKP), DKP Gov provides the most advanced and fully automated cloud-native container-management platform for government modernization initiatives, including the following key features and benefits: Single-cluster and multi-cluster management, hybrid multi-cloud management, multi-tenancy, vSphere, GovCloud, and bare metal support Hybrid-cloud lifecycle cost management Full support for physically and logically air-gapped clusters Tactical edge weapons system support (DDIL) IL 2-6+ (JWICS), FENCES, C2S, SC2S, C1D, SIPR/NIPR ATO on government platforms, cATO FIPS 140-2 certified Confirmed Stateside Support (24/7/365 support, ITAR and Data Integrity Compliant) Production-ready (Day 2) platform applications Enabling microservice architecture for hybrid environments at scale Supply-chain security DevSecOps simplification Unified Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform support Story continues DKP Gov customers enjoy the benefits inherent in the DKP architecture, including pure upstream CNCF-conformant Kubernetes, real-time cost management, high availability, and military-grade security. DKP Gov is designed around Cluster API and includes integrated FluxCD, which enables simplified infrastructure management using GitOps. With top-to-bottom declarative workflow, DKP Gov provides centralized multi-cluster fleet management across any environment, including cloud, hybrid cloud, on-premise, air-gapped environments, and at the edge. Setting the Standard for Government Kubernetes Management With more than a decade of experience providing secure and scalable container management solutions for the public sector, DKP Gov has become the leading Kubernetes platform for government deployments. Beginning with highly secure and reliable container management systems for U.S. Intelligence agencies, D2iQ has had successive deployments within the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Missile Defense, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Major government system integratorsincluding Northrop Grumman, GDIT, Lockheed Martin and SAICcontinue to choose DKP and make it the foundation on which they are building container-management solutions for their government clients. DKP Gov is available in single-cluster and multi-cluster versions named DKP Government Essential and DKP Government Advanced, respectively, and is generally available now. To learn more, visit www.D2iQ.com. About D2iQ D2iQ is the leading provider of state-of-the-art cloud platforms that enable organizations to embrace open-source and cloud-native innovations while achieving production-ready Day 2 operations with greater ease. With unmatched experience informing some of the world's largest cloud deployments, D2iQ empowers organizations to better navigate and accelerate cloud-native journeys with enterprise-grade technologies, training, professional services and support. Whether you are deploying your first Kubernetes workload, centralizing multi-cloud fleet management, optimizing your analytics with Spark or Jupyter, deploying at the edge, or looking to upskill your developers to master cloud-native container management, D2iQ has the expertise, services, and technology to enable you to succeed. D2iQ is headquartered in San Francisco with additional offices in London and Hamburg, Germany. D2iQ investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Khosla Ventures, Koch Disruptive Technologies, Microsoft, and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Find us at D2iQ.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/d2iq-brings-powerful-cloud-native-deployment-capabilities-to-the-public-sector-with-new-dkp-gov-kubernetes-management-platform-301782623.html SOURCE D2iQ Siemens Xcelerator portfolio enables Daimler Truck to advance development of innovative technologies for its trucks and buses Next generation product development and lifecycle management platform to replace wide range of legacy systems as part of digitalization initiative PLANO, Texas, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Digital Industries Software and Daimler Truck AG today announced a new collaboration to implement a state-of-the-art digital engineering platform built using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of software and services. The new platform will enable Daimler Truck to explore a future of commercial vehicle innovation and the efficient product development and lifecycle management of trucks and buses and will be rolled out globally across Daimler Trucks' engineering hubs, brands and business segments. Siemens Digital Industries Software and Daimler Truck AG announced a new collaboration to implement a state-of-the-art digital engineering platform built using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of software and services. "Our decision to expand our relationship with Siemens is driven by the ambition to create a globally integrated IT and engineering environment for Daimler Truck. This will help us to leverage the most advanced technologies to build the future of transportation and make the business of our customers more successful," said Dr. Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck Holding AG, responsible for Truck Technology. "A unified IT landscape will bring our engineering activities at Daimler Truck a huge step forward. With a transparent and efficient end-to-end engineering process enabled by the new development platform, we are becoming more agile and can improve our time to market." The new digital platform will expand Daimler Truck's adoption of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio through the implementation of Teamcenter software for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), extended with Bill of Materials (BOM) management as its future standard PLM solution. This environment brings together and integrates the Daimler Truck teams' workflows, systems and their associated mechanical design, electrical design and simulation data. This expands upon Daimler Truck's use of solutions from across the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, including NX software for product engineering. Story continues Since its establishment as an independent entity, Daimler Truck has begun a digitalization initiative to migrate away from Daimler AG legacy systems with the strategic intent to lead sustainable transportation with intelligent IT innovations. To develop trucks and buses of the future, Daimler Truck is pursuing a clear technology strategy where, in a carbon-neutral future, vehicles will be powered by both electric battery and hydrogen-based drives. These vehicles are also likely to become more intelligent through increased digitalization enabling next-level service offerings, such as autonomous trucking. "Trucks are the backbone of global supply chains and Siemens will help Daimler Truck to chart the future of carbon-neutral transportation," said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries. "Daimler Truck will build its carbon-neutral future using our leading technology platform, using our leading product engineering, lifecycle management and simulation tools." Daimler Truck is taking a global platform approach, which means that the guiding principle of developing key components and vehicle platforms once and then scaling them globally across brands and markets is fundamental. To enable this, a cloud-based global collaboration and common digital engineering system platform is essential, so Daimler Truck chose Siemens as the technology and implementation provider to build this next-generation engineering digital environment. Daimler Truck AG is one of the world's largest Truck and Bus manufacturers, with industry leading positions in Europe, North America and Asia, and with more than 40 main locations around the globe. With more than 100,000 employees, it unites seven brands under one roof: Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Mercedes-Benz, Setra, BharatBenz and FUSO. Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens' software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today's ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries, Siemens Digital Industries Software is where today meets tomorrow. Note: A list of relevant Siemens trademarks can be found here. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI's unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has around 76,000 employees internationally. Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, the Siemens Group generated revenue of 72.0 billion and net income of 4.4 billion. As of September 30, 2022, the company had around 311,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com. Dr. Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck Holding AG, responsible for Truck Technology (left) and Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries (right) - Image credit: Daimler Truck AG + Siemens AG Siemens Logo (PRNewsfoto/Siemens) (PRNewsfoto/Siemens) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daimler-truck-collaborates-with-siemens-to-build-an-integrated-digital-engineering-platform-301780181.html SOURCE Siemens Digital Industries Software Passive investing in index funds can generate returns that roughly match the overall market. But one can do better than that by picking better than average stocks (as part of a diversified portfolio). For example, the Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Limited (ASX:DBI) share price is up 26% in the last 1 year, clearly besting the market decline of around 9.5% (not including dividends). If it can keep that out-performance up over the long term, investors will do very well! We'll need to follow Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure for a while to get a better sense of its share price trend, since it hasn't been listed for particularly long. So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 1 year and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. View our latest analysis for Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During the last year, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure actually saw its earnings per share drop 46%. So we don't think that investors are paying too much attention to EPS. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics. For starters, we suspect the share price has been buoyed by the dividend, which was increased during the year. Income-seeking investors probably helped bid up the stock price. Furthermore, the revenue growth of 24% probably also encouraged buyers. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). Take a more thorough look at Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet. Story continues What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure's TSR for the last 1 year was 37%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure shareholders should be happy with the total gain of 37% over the last twelve months, including dividends. A substantial portion of that gain has come in the last three months, with the stock up 7.8% in that time. Demand for the stock from multiple parties is pushing the price higher; it could be that word is getting out about its virtues as a business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (including 1 which is potentially serious) . For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here Emergency responders and heavy equipment are seen at the site of a deadly explosion at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Saturday, March 25. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Last week's fatal blast at a Pennsylvania chocolate factory highlighted the combustibility of food plants in general and chocolate making in particular. The powerful explosion Friday at R.M. Palmer Co. killed seven people, sent 10 to the hospital and damaged several other buildings in West Reading, a small town 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, where the 75-year-old, family-owned company has long had a factory. Local, state and federal investigations are ongoing. Pennsylvania State Police have said everythings on the table, as fire marshals try to pinpoint the origin and cause. Some workers told relatives they smelled natural gas before the blast, although the gas utility UGI said it received no reports of a gas leak. On Tuesday, federal officials said they were investigating the role of a natural gas pipeline in the explosion. A look at some of the hazards of food manufacturing and what may have been behind this fatal blast: THE RISKS In general, commercial ovens and furnaces, commercial refrigerant using ammonia and combustible dust produced by ingredients like cocoa powder and corn starch are primary explosive hazards at food plants, according to Holly Burgess, technical lead for industrial and chemical safety at the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit group that produces hundreds of codes and standards. Most people, if youve not been in any sort of food manufacturing, you dont understand what your hazards are and what youre looking at, Burgess said. Chocolate companies and other food manufacturers must take steps to mitigate the risk of fire and explosion from dust. Smaller particles that stay aloft pose a greater danger than bigger particles that quickly fall to the floor. It is a common concern at many food production facilities handling fine combustible particulates, said Bob Zalosh, a retired professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a consultant on industrial fire and explosion hazard mitigation and investigations. Story continues Food manufacturers are supposed to determine the combustibility of the dust, perform a hazard analysis and then take steps to manage it, adhering to the fire protection associations standard for preventing dust explosions in food processing plants. Common methods for controlling dust include dust collectors and industrial vacuum cleaners. THE PALMER BLAST One possible culprit in the blast is highly flammable powdered starch, which candy companies often use to cast chocolate into shapes such as Easter eggs, said Terry Wakefield, a business consultant and food scientist who used to run a manufacturing facility that supplied chocolate to R.M. Palmer. The shock wave from an initial explosion potentially of natural gas could have jarred any dust accumulated on ceilings and other surfaces, he said. "And now you end up with a massive amount of starch, which combusts, and those explosion clouds move faster than sound and they have unbelievable force, said Wakefield, who made his assessment after watching video of the explosion that was captured by a TV station's weather camera. A lot of people dont realize that starch could do that sort of thing," he said. Based on the kinds of candy Palmer makes, the company likely used the starch-casting method, according to Wakefield. Officials at the family-owned company have not responded to questions from The Associated Press. Dust explosions have long been a problem in manufacturing. Between 1980 and 2017, nearly 400 combustible dust fires and explosions killed 185 people and injured more than 1,000 across multiple industries, including food, chemical, paper, pharmaceutical and metal processing, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board. In 2008, an accumulation of sugar dust ignited and blew up the Imperial Sugar plant in Port Wentworth, Georgia, killing 14. WORKPLACE SAFETY RECORD At least two workplace accidents have happened at Palmer since 2018, according to federal records. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which regulates workplace safety, visited Palmer's West Reading plant in 2018, when an employee lost the tip of a finger while cleaning a pressurized valve. The company agreed to pay a $13,000 fine. In 2019, OSHA investigated an accident at Palmer's plant in nearby Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, when a conveyor belt was turned on while a worker was cleaning a roller, according to federal records. The employee's arm was broken in multiple places. The company settled with OSHA for $26,000. And in January, records show, OSHA levied a penalty of more than $12,000 after an inspection at the Wyomissing plant. Details of that case were not available. The online records did not say anything about combustible dust, or any other explosive hazard at Palmer. LITIGATION FILED A woman who lived next door to the plant filed suit Tuesday, alleging Palmer was negligent in failing to maintain its equipment and prevent the blast. Betty Wright was lifted from her feet and blown across the room, suffering injuries to her neck, back, hip and leg, the suit said. She also lost belongings. A statement from Wright's lawyers at Morgan & Morgan said the firm has put together a team of experts so we can understand what caused this catastrophic explosion." Additional lawsuits are expected. Digital Transformation Veteran and Sales, Services and Operations Executive for Service Providers and Other Companies will Lead Denali's Digital Services and International Operations REDMOND, Wash., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Denali Advanced Integration, a leading global technology integrator, announced today that it has appointed Hari Haran as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Digital Services and Head of International Operations. In his new role, Mr. Haran will lead Denali's Digital Services business providing enterprise customers digital solutions that will drive increased efficiency and productivity, lower operational costs, improved customer experience, and faster decision making. In addition, he will be responsible for Denali's Operations in Europe, India and APAC. Mr. Haran will report to Robert Vrij, CEO of Denali. (PRNewsfoto/Denali Advanced Integration) Mr. Haran joins Denali as a veteran in digital transformation services, IT products, software and engineering services. Most recently, he was President and Chief Revenue Officer at Xoriant, a leading global engineering services company with strong expertise in digital engineering and emerging technologies, where he was responsible for driving profitable growth of their Digital Services Division. Prior to Xoriant, he was president of Global Sales, Marketing and Business at Sasken, an embedded systems product engineering services company. Throughout his 30-year career, Haran has held several sales, services and operations leadership positions for major Service Providers (SPs) and other companies including Aricent, AT&T, Bell Labs, Longboard, Lucent Technologies, Persistent and Openwave Systems. "Hari brings keen insights across many different industry verticals while also fostering strong customer relationships," said Robert Vrij, CEO of Denali. "His recent focus on digital transformation and emerging technologies, combined with his long history in sales and services for some of the biggest SPs in the world, will further enable Denali to help its customers meet their evolving business needs and challenges." Story continues Last October, faced with significant growth over the previous two years that pushed the company over the $1B+ threshold, Denali appointed Robert Vrij as the second CEO in its 30-year history. Founded by three brothers Mohamad (Alex), Majdi and Mitch Daher the company sought leadership that would retain the core family values that Denali had become recognized for but also help the company advance to the next phase of growth with a focus on excellence and innovation. Since Vrij's appointment, Denali has expanded its executive leadership team to include Phil Castillo, EVP of Worldwide Sales, and Mike Seymour, EVP of Technology and Digital Transformation. Since 1992, Denali Advanced Integration has been delivering Enterprise IT solutions and services that help guide its clients through the most complex IT challenges. In addition to achieving CRN Triple Crown status the last two years - including in the publication's Solution Provider 500, the Fast Growth 150 and the Tech Elite 250 - Denali was named one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine. Media Contact: Kimberly Otzman Guyer Group for Denali Advanced Integration kotzman@guyergroup.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/denali-advanced-integration-appoints-hari-haran-executive-vice-president-of-digital-services-and-head-of-international-operations-301782914.html SOURCE Denali Advanced Integration NEW YORK, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The size of the digital education publishing market in US is estimated to grow by USD 2.83 billion from 2020 to 2025. The growth momentum of the market will accelerate at a CAGR of 15.93%, according to Technavio. The competitive price of digital educational content is driving the market growth. Vendors are shifting to digital platforms to reduce operational costs, such as expenditure on raw materials, machinery, and labor. The digital format enables vendors to provide updated content within a short period of time. Students can purchase textbooks directly from the publisher or online distributor through smartphones or computers, thus eliminating middle-men costs in the process. These factors will fuel the growth of the digital education publishing market in US during the forecast period. To understand more about the digital education publishing market in US, request a sample report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Digital Education Publishing Market in US Digital education publishing market in US - Key challenges Availability of open-source material Constraints related to the digitization of educational content Threat from the self-publishing industry Drivers and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report! Digital education publishing market in US Segmentation The market is segmented into product (digital textbooks, digital assessment books, and others) and end-user (K12, higher education, and corporate and skill-based). The digital textbooks segment will account for a significant share of the market growth during the forecast period. A digital textbook is an e-book that can be used as a substitute for printed textbooks in the K-12, higher education, and corporate segments. The demand for digital textbooks is increasing, as these textbooks are less expensive than printed textbooks. The prices of printed textbooks have increased significantly in recent years. Moreover, digital textbooks can be downloaded on devices such as mobile phones and tablets, which enables students to access educational content according to their convenience. Vendors are also shifting to digital platforms to lower their operational costs. The demand for digital education content publishing will increase during the forecast period, as many higher education institutes will introduce e-learning courses. Factors such as increasing e-learning enrollments and the proliferation of internet-enabled smart devices are also expected to growth of the segment during the forecast period. Story continues For highlights on market segmentation analysis, download a sample! Digital education publishing market in US - Vendor insights The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies, such as investments in R&D and launching new products. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including Cengage Learning Inc., Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Instructure Inc., John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill Education Inc., NIIT Ltd., Pearson Plc, RELX Plc, and Scholastic Corp. The key offerings of some of these vendors are listed below: Cengage Learning Inc. - The company offers learning solutions to higher education, professional, library reference, and school markets. It also offers e-books, print books, test prep, English language teaching, library references, and others. Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG - The company offers services to authors, researchers, academics, educators, librarians, and readers across the world. It also offers publishing services and publishes imprints, books, journals, and others. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. - The company offers PreK-12 educational content and services. It combines digital innovation and research to make learning more engaging and effective. In addition, the company offers core, supplemental, and intervention solutions, professional services, and assessment. The report on the digital education publishing market in US 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 report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the digital education publishing market in US between 2021 and 2025 Precise estimation of the size of the digital education publishing market and its contribution to the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The predicted growth for the digital education content market size from 2022 to 2027 is USD 42.13 billion at a progressing CAGR of 10.52%. The rapid penetration of internet-enabled devices is notably driving the digital education content market growth, although factors such as increased availability of open educational resources may impede the market growth. The digital content market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.78% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 694.88 billion. Digital transformation across sectors is notably driving market growth, although factors such as the limitations with regard to content availability may impede the market growth. Digital Education Publishing Market Scope in US Report Coverage Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 15.93% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 2.83 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2020-2021 (%) 14.85 Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled Cengage Learning Inc., Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co., Instructure Inc., John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill Education Inc., NIIT Ltd., Pearson Plc, RELX Plc, and Scholastic Corp. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse for Technavio consumer discretionary market reports Table of contents Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Product Market segments Comparison by Product Digital textbooks - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Digital assessment books - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Product Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user K12 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Higher education - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Corporate and skill based - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by End-user Customer landscape Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Cengage Learning Inc. Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. Instructure Inc. John Wiley and Sons Inc. McGraw Hill Education Inc. NIIT Ltd. Pearson Plc RELX Plc Scholastic Corp. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology 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: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Digital Education Publishing Market in US Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-education-publishing-market-in-us-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-15-93-from-2020-to-2025-competitive-price-of-digital-educational-content-will-drive-growth---technavio-301781053.html SOURCE Technavio Genie, a unit of global lifting solutions specialist Terex Corporation, said it has started delivery of 135 Genie boom and scissor lifts to Saudi group Al Majal Al Arabi, a leading provider of facility management and general maintenance services, for speedy deployment at Makkah and Madinah mosques sites. These aerial lifts, which were purchased by Al Majal Al Arabi, are being delivered through Genie's authorised dealer Middle East Development Company (Medco). The order includes Genie S-60 J and S-80 J telescopic boom lifts, which will be used for external facade and general offsite maintenance, GS E-Drive scissor lifts for indoor maintenance, and electric Z-60 DC articulating boom lifts for use in general facility management and cleaning tasks. All of these aerial lifts will be deployed at Makkah and Madinah sites for cleaning and routine maintenance, said a senior official. "Medco is proud to be the first supplier for Genie equipment to the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah," said its General Manager Emad Mukhalalaty. "This is one of the most prestigious and demanding projects that we had won in recent years, and we feel that serving the holy mosques is not only a duty and responsibility, but an honor that we value and shall provide for," he stated. According to him, Genies ability to meet technical specifications, safety prerequisites and delivery needs were major deciding factors in the decision to purchase the aerial lifts from Medco. It was also helpful that Medcos team understood the different applications for these platforms at the mosques, and was able to recommend specific equipment to best meet jobsite needs, stated Mukhalalaty. Sharbel Kordahi, the Managing Director for Middle East & Sales Director AWP ME, said:"It is indeed a great honour for Genie to have been chosen of being a supplier of the two holy mosques." Mohammed Kamal, the regional manager at Medco Riyadh, said: "We believe winning this deal was not a strike of luck, but rather a full understanding of customer needs and application derived from several site visits inspecting the toughest-to-reach points in The Haramain (the Holy Site)." "Our coordination with Genie regional sales also was instrumental; the equipment met Al Majals specific technical requirements, and the equipment was able to be delivered within the required lead times to win this high-profile project," remarked Kamal. According to him, Genies high-quality and innovative products make for optimal productivity at the safest heights! And Medco guarantees the highest machine availability and reliability around the clock. "Each piece of equipment has important features that make them the right lift for specific tasks at these heritage sites. The S-60 J and S-80 J telescopic boom lifts, for example, are lighter than comparable booms in their class, which makes them ideal for work on sensitive surfaces, while the Z-60 DC articulating boom lifts provide up-and-over access for accessing hard-to-reach areas. Because they are electric, the Z-60 DC machines are also noise and emission free, which makes them ideal for indoor use as well," he explained. Likewise, Genie GS E-Drive scissor lifts give Medcos customer Al Majal Al Arabi the ability to work indoors or outdoors, he added.-TradeArabia News Service European leaders are heading to Beijing in their droves to test for substance in China's self-appointed status as a global peacemaker. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will sit down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week. Next week, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen will follow suit. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell will head to Beijing - likely en route to the G7 foreign ministers summit in Japan on April 16 - for "strategic dialogue" with foreign minister Qin Gang. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Each will attempt to convince China not to provide arms to Russia, amid fears in Europe that such a move could help start World War III. There is belief in Western European capitals that China wading in militarily would tip the balance permanently in Moscow's favour, while it could also usher in a broader conflict involving Nato and the United States. Government figures, speaking privately, also said that if the West did not continue to push China on the weapons issue, Beijing may believe it can get away with arming Moscow. "Xi is surrounded by 'yes men'," said one official. "He does not hear these things often enough." A Western European diplomat added that expectations about the trips were reasonably low, "but the very point of going and making these points in person makes them worthwhile". In Beijing, the Europeans will also try to gauge whether China is serious about assisting with peace efforts in Ukraine, said diplomats and experts. A position paper for peace published by the Chinese foreign ministry last month was immediately dismissed by von der Leyen and Borrell as being pro-Russia. "We will look at the principles, of course, but we will look at them against the backdrop that China has taken sides," von der Leyen said in February. Story continues The assessment still stands for many officials behind the scenes, who are sceptical that China could broker peace when it is not seen as being neutral. But the language has softened in Brussels in recent weeks. Diplomats now talk about the plan as being "flawed" rather than a total waste of time. They point to the fact that Ukraine has not totally rejected it, and that there is some overlap with Kyiv's own vision to end the war. After his state trip to Moscow last week, some are waiting to see if Xi will now speak to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. There is concern that continuing to criticise the plan will push Beijing even closer to Moscow, and also further alienate parts of the developing world that want to see an end to the war, even if it means Ukraine losing some territory. "Some in the EU seem to be calculating that Europe would not gain that much by strongly dismissing Chinese position paper," said Grzegorz Stec, a Brussels-based analyst of EU-China relations at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, a think tank. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week in Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE> Stec said this calculation may stem from a desire to create positive context for a diplomatic reopening with China or to show Global South partners that the EU is taking all peace proposals seriously, even if in reality it does not believe in prospects of Chinese mediation. "Yet in the process those actors propagate China's narratives of Beijing supposedly acting as a force for peace," he said. At February's Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Indian officials made their European counterparts squirm for failing to provide a counter to the Chinese position, said Miguel Otero, a senior analyst specialising in China at the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid. "The perception of the Indians was, if the Chinese plan is not helpful, and there were a lot of Europeans being very dismissive, then where is your own plan?" Otero said. "This put the Europeans in an awkward situation, they thought maybe we should take a bit more distance here and start to be less dismissive." China's role in helping broker a detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia this month surprised many EU officials, and there is now some appetite to put China's peacemaking chops to the test. But Ukraine is about the only issue EU members can agree on when it comes to China. When leaders from member states addressed the topic at a closed-door summit last week, there was little unity on how the bloc should adapt its economic policy to Beijing in such a fast-moving world. Economically, some thought the focus should be on "de-risking" European supply chains that are overly dependent on China for goods ranging from solar panels to medical masks, according to diplomats familiar with the discussion. Others were hungrily eyeing the reopening of Chinese economy and felt their national exporters should get a slice of the pie. "This is the problem of the EU approach to China," one diplomat said. "It is so broad, it can mean everything and anything." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been increasingly hawkish towards Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been increasingly hawkish towards Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE> The dynamic will mean Macron and Sanchez are likely to sign a swathe of bilateral commercial deals in Beijing, as they seek to secure some ballast for their unstable economies. Von der Leyen's spokesman said her agenda was still being worked out. However, she is seen as being close to US President Joe Biden's administration, and increasingly hawkish towards Beijing. "I don't think you need a specific reason to travel to China; China is obviously an extremely important partner of the European Union," spokesman Eric Mamer said in Brussels on Monday. "You have heard the president express on various occasions the concerns that the 'no-limits friendship' between China and Russia has raised in the context of course of the Ukraine conflict," he added. For the Spanish and French leaders, there will also be an effort to claw back some balance in Europe's position between the US and China. Both are strong proponents of the bloc's fabled "strategic autonomy" model, and are said to be eyeing next year's US elections nervously. "Generally the feeling is, look, we cannot just be hijacked by the American agenda [towards China]," said Otero, the Spanish analyst, referring to his conversations with officials in Madrid. "It is coming up again and again, that there might be another [Donald] Trump, a new type of new president in the White House, and then things will change again." But the trips are not being celebrated across the EU. Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins last Friday slammed China's pro-Russia stance. "China is not taking the role of a broker [but is] moving overtly on the side of Russia, and this is a difficulty for all of us," he said. Other parts of Central and Eastern Europe share his scepticism about how much Beijing can help, "Spain, France, Germany feel the obligation to strengthen relations with China, through the visits, in order to gain economic advantages in exchange for the support for Xi`s peace narrative," said Marcin Przychodniak, a China analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs and former diplomat in Beijing. Central and Eastern Europe leaders, he added, "just do not feel convinced such an exchange is valuable in terms of possible solution to existing Russian aggression on Ukraine." This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Walt Disney Co. has cut its next-generation storytelling and consumer experiences unit. The team of around 50 was dedicated to developing metaverse strategies, per the Wall Street Journal. The team was responsible for using Disney's vast library of intellectual property to tell interactive stories in new formats. This comes as part of company-wide layoffs that are expected to see around 7,000 leave the company over the next two months. Disney did not immediately respond to Decrypts request for comment. Tarzan Swings Into the Metaverse With Official NFT Drop The firm's metaverse lead Mike White was hired in February 2022 by Disney's former chief executive Bob Chapek who described the metaverse as "the next great storytelling frontier." Chapek was replaced as CEO by Robert Iger last November. White will reportedly stay on at Disney. Shortly after his appointment, White reportedly told employees that the goal was to "create an entirely new paradigm for how audiences experience and engage with our stories. Disney's metaverse strategy remained obscure for a year after the creation of the unit. The company hinted that the metaverse could play a role in fantasy sports, theme-park attractions, and other consumer experiences. There was an effort last year to create a membership initiative that would be somewhat akin to Amazon Primewhich offers free shipping, discounts, exclusive deals, and more. This effort has since been abandoned, according to WSJ reporting. Disneys CEO seems nonetheless bullish on the future of the metaverse, investing in and joining the board of Genies Inc., a startup that sells tools to create avatars for the metaverse. The metaverse hasn't grown as quickly as Disney hoped becoming an easy target for cuts of this size. Meta, by comparison, has shifted billions in resources to the metaverse only to be welcomed with low user demand, even its employees won't use it. Driivz Appointment signals expansion of Driivz EV charging and energy management software in Asia Pacific markets TEL AVIV, Israel, March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Driivz, provider of the leading end-to-end smart EV charging and energy management software platform, today announced the appointment of APAC market veteran Benjamin Low to the newly created position of vice president of Driivz Asia Pacific. The addition of Low to the Driivz executive team further accelerates the companys rapid growth in bringing innovative, future-proof solutions to leading EV charging network operators in Europe, the U.S., Japan and Australia. Over the last 25 years, Low has been instrumental in leading multiple software companies from the U.S. and Europe into the APAC market. Prior to joining Driivz, Low spent eight years with Milestone Systems, a Danish video management systems company, growing its presence to #1 in APAC. Low also has extensive experience setting up and expanding several cybersecurity companies, including Proofpoint, Guidance Software, Entrust and McAfee. We are thrilled to have Benjamin as an integral member of our executive team. His deep knowledge of APAC markets will fuel our business expansion and help realize our vision of recharging the planet by transforming EVs into batteries on wheels, said Doron Frenkel, founder and CEO of Driivz. The explosion of electric vehicles has thrown a spotlight on the need to optimize EV charging networks and energy demand, said Low. As EV charging networks grow, they need the advanced technology that Driivz offers to scale and deliver a seamless charging experience, keeping chargers available while helping to protect the grid. Im excited to bring Driivzs expertise and experience to the broader APAC market. About Driivz Driivz, an independent company and wholly owned subsidiary of Vontier, is a leading global software supplier to EV charging operators and service providers, accelerating the plug-in EV industry's dynamic and continuous transformation. The company's intelligent, cloud-based platform spans EV charging operations, energy management, advanced billing capabilities and driver self-service tools. Story continues Driivz's team of EV experts serve customers in more than 30 countries, including global industry players such as Shell, Volvo Group, EVgo, Centrica, Circle K, Recharge, ElaadNL, ESB, Mer, Francis Energy, Ennet Corporation and eMobility Power. The Driivz platform currently manages tens of thousands of public chargers (hundreds of thousands in roaming) and hundreds of millions of transactions for more than one million EV drivers in North America, Europe and APAC. For more information, please visit http://www.driivz.com. Media Contact Deb Montner Montner Tech PR dmontner@montner.com 203-226-9290 CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. ("EPL":TSXV, or "Eagle Plains") has executed an option agreement (subject to regulatory approval) with Pacific Imperial Mines Inc. ("PPM": TSXV) whereby PPM may earn up to a 60% interest in the 1863 ha Brownell Lake VMS-polymetallic exploration project located 17km west of the community of Deschambault Lake, Saskatchewan. The project is owned 100% by Eagle Plains, subject to a 2% underlying royalty. Under the terms of the agreement, PPM may earn its interest by completing $5,000,000 in exploration expenditures, issuing 1,000,000 voting class common shares and making $500,000 in cash payments over a 4 year period. Planning is underway to commence a ground-based time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) geophysical survey in the coming weeks. Brownell Lake Project Summary The Brownell Lake Project is host to regionally deformed meta-volcanic rocks which are considered to be prospective for volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") mineralization. Historical select drilling results include 3.35 m of 0.48% Cu, 2.28% Zn, 1.46 g/t Au; 2.2 m of 6% Zn; and 20.5 m of 0.49% Cu. Historic work has delineated a 2,600m length EM/magnetic anomaly coincident with the VMS horizon, with an additional 1,700 m of prospective magnetic anomaly that remains untested by electromagnetics and diamond drilling. Results are historical in nature and have not been confirmed by Eagle Plains, but are considered to be reliable and will form a basis for ongoing work. In December 2003, Shane Resources released a geological resource for the Brownell Lake Property of 1,251,900 tonnes grading 0.56% Cu and 1.75% Zn (Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index 0339), based on 37 historic, mostly shallow, drill holes. Eagle Plains' management considers the mineral resource estimates to be historical in nature and cautions that a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. These estimates do not comply with current definitions prescribed by National Instrument 43-101 or the Canadian Institute of Mining, and are disclosed only as indications of the presence of mineralization and are considered to be a guide for additional work. The historical models and data sets used to prepare these historical estimates are not available to Eagle Plains, nor are any more recent resource estimates or drill information on the Property. Story continues After acquiring the core tenures in 2018, Eagle Plains completed a comprehensive data compilation followed by a 2018 surface work program comprising soil sampling, geological mapping and prospecting, a ground based magnetic-VLF geophysical survey, and whole-rock lithogeochemical sampling of select surface rocks and historical drill core samples. Modelling of these results indicate that the Brownell VMS-style mineralization extends further east than previously interpreted. Additional geological mapping and soil sampling was completed in 2021 along the projected eastern extension of the mineralized horizon. Further, historical work has not tested the altered and mineralized stratigraphy to depths below 158m. Technical information concerning the Brownell Lake and Olson properties has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101. About Eagle Plains Resources Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin-out transactions, has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and recently Taiga Gold being notable examples. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team. In late 2022 Eagle Plains announced the formation of a separate division within the Company; Eagle Royalties Ltd. ("ER") which holds many of Eagle Plains' diverse portfolio of royalty assets. The restructuring will enhance the valuation of Eagle Plains' extensive royalty interests, enabling ER to market and develop its royalty assets while seeking additional royalty acquisition opportunities. Eagle Plains' royalties cover a broad spectrum of commodities on projects controlled by Cameco Corp., Iso Energy Corp., Denison Mines Corp., Skeena Resources Ltd. and Hecla Mining Co./Banyan Gold Corp., among others. Planning is underway to spin-out Eagle Royalties during H22023 which will enable Eagle Plains to continue to focus on its core business model of acquiring and advancing grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. Expenditures from 2011-2022 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $30M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 45,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development. Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Eagle Plains "Tim J. Termuende" President and CEO For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673) Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.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 may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746033/Eagle-PlainsPacific-Imperial-Execute-Option-Agreement-for-Brownell-Lake-Copper-Project-Saskatchewan Global Market Insights Inc. Major edge security market participants include Zscaler Inc., VMWare Inc., Trend Micro Incorporated, Sophos Ltd., Palo Alto Networks, Open Systems, Netskope, Microsoft Corporation, Jupiter Networks Inc., IBM Corporation, Forcepoint, CloudFlare Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Broadcom Inc., Barracuda Networks, AWS (Amazon) and Akamai Technologies Inc. Selbyville, Delaware, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The edge security market valuation is estimated to account USD 70 billion by 2032, as reported in a research study by Global Market Insights Inc. The report reveals that rapid digitalization, and the adoption of internet-enabled devices are prominent factors bolstering the requirement for edge security architecture. The vulnerability to cyber-attacks also continues to rise with more companies deploying digital technologies. These factors have encouraged technology companies such as Microsoft to include IoT devices under edge security programs to help users operate with built-in security technologies. Furthermore, the increasing rollout of 5G networks will drive the number of connected devices and consequently propel the need for network edge security to protect against attacks from malicious parties. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/5449 Edge security market from the services component segment was held around USD 5 billion revenue in 2022. Training, consulting, and other professional edge security services enable enterprises to choose the best solutions depending on their size, requirement, usage, and other parameters. Meanwhile, managed services from third-party providers can help manage operational and additional enterprise challenges. Multiple companies are also opting for managed edge security services to gain security expertise while lowering the strain on in-house security personnel. The edge security market size from healthcare segment is estimated to expand at over 15% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The deployment of IoT tech and cloud infrastructure for the storage, transmission, collection, processing, and delivery of healthcare data is one of the key growth drivers for the market. The adoption of advanced technologies for solving healthcare challenges has led to a massive influx of data from IoT devices. The report claims these factors have encouraged cybersecurity firms to introduce comprehensive IoT medical device safety solutions, augmenting the availability of edge security systems. Story continues North America edge security market will reach USD 20 billion by 2032, given the escalating penetration of IoT and 5G devices. Since edge computing has become a popular data processing method, the mounting presence of connected devices is slated to stimulate the need for security solutions. Regional developers have also been making considerable investments in R&D projects to design cutting-edge services. Network and communication solution providers including Windstream Enterprise are also launching new managed edge security solutions, thus adding impetus to the regional market demand. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/5449 Prominent participants operating across the edge security market include VMWare Inc., SonicWall, Palo Alto Networks, Open Systems, Netskope, Jupiter Networks Inc., Fortinet, Forcepoint, CloudFlare Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Check Point Check Point Software Technologies Limited, Broadcom Inc., Barracuda Networks and AWS (Amazon). These companies are incorporating varied strategies such as partnerships and product exceed expansions to reinforce their presence in the market. For instance, in January 2022, VMware and BT entered an agreement to offer more options and flexibility in embracing a cloud-first approach for networking, security, and edge computing for global customers. Under the terms of the agreement, BT intended to provide customers with VMware SASE (Secure Access Services Edge) as a managed service, combining its in-depth security knowledge and extensive networking features with VMware technology. Similar initiatives from other key players are also projected to assert a positive impact on the market trends. Partial chapters of report table of contents (TOC): Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Edge security market 3600 synopsis, 2018-2032 2.2 Business trends 2.2.1 Total Addressable Market (TAM), 2023-2032 2.3 Regional trends 2.4 Component trends 2.5 Organization size trends 2.6 Deployment mode trends 2.7 End-use trends Chapter 3 Edge Security Market Industry Insights 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Impact of COVID-19 3.2.1 North America 3.2.2 Europe 3.2.3 Asia Pacific 3.2.4 Latin America 3.2.5 MEA 3.3 Russia- Ukraine war impact 3.4 Industry ecosystem analysis 3.4.1 Solution providers 3.4.2 Service provider 3.4.3 System integrators 3.4.4 Distribution channel analysis 3.4.5 End-users landscape 3.4.6 Profit margin analysis 3.4.7 Vendor matrix 3.5 Technology & innovation landscape 3.6 Patent analysis 3.7 Key initiative and news 3.8 Regulatory landscape 3.8.1 North America 3.8.2 Europe 3.8.3 Asia Pacific 3.8.4 Latin America 3.8.5 MEA 3.9 Industry impact forces 3.9.1 Growth drivers 3.9.1.1 Rising security concern among enterprises 3.9.1.2 Growing government support for multi cloud security solutions 3.9.1.3 Rising adoption of IoT devices 3.9.1.4 Growing threat of data breaches 3.9.1.5. Rising adoption of 5 G technology 3.9.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges 3.9.2.1 Managing highly distributed environments 3.9.2.2 Skills shortage of highly skilled professionals to deploy and manage complex security solutions 3.10 Growth potential analysis 3.11 Porter's analysis 3.12 PESTEL analysis Browse our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse Browse Related Reports: Supply Chain Security Market Size By Component (Software, Hardware, Services), By Security (Data Protection, Data Visibility & Governance), By Organization Size, By End-use(FMCG, Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation and logistics, Automotive) & Forecast 2023 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/supply-chain-security-market Data Security as a Service Market Size By Type (Data Backup & Recovery As a Service, Data Encryption & Masking As a Service, Data Discovery & Classification As a Service, Data Access Control As a Service, Data Governance & Compliance As a Service, Data Auditing and Monitoring As a Service), By Deployment Mode (Public Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Private Cloud), By Organization Size, By End-use, & Forecast 2023 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/data-security-as-a-service-market About Global Market Insights Inc. Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. CONTACT: Contact Us: Aashit Tiwari Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights Inc. Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 USA: +1-302-846-7766 Europe: +44-742-759-8484 APAC: +65-3129-7718 Email: sales@gminsights.com InsightAce Analytic Pvt. LTd. Companies Covered in this Study are ABB (Switzerland), Shell (Netherlands), ChargePoint (U.S.), Tesla (U.S.) and BYD (China) Jersey City, NJ, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market is estimated to reach over USD 239.62 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 30.94% during the forecast period 2023-2031. The electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), also referred to as a charging station, is a device used to transfer electricity from the electric grid and distribute it to electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, to charge them. The existence of several local, regional, and international suppliers is what defines the worldwide market for electric vehicle charging stations. The electric vehicle charging stations market is highly competitive, with all participants constantly vying for a larger market share. High levels of competition, quick technological advancements, frequent changes in governmental rules, and strict environmental standards are just a few of the important things that could limit the market growth for electric vehicle charging stations. Cost, product quality, dependability, and aftermarket services are all areas where the vendors compete. Vendors must offer affordable and effective goods to thrive and survive in a cutthroat market. Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1657 Recent Developments: In October 2022, the Luxembourg government announced that the first call for projects offering financial aid to businesses engaging in charging infrastructure projects for electric vehicles resulted in 29 projects being chosen. In January 2021, Siemens AG introduced the Sicharge D, a new high-power charger. It has high, scalable charging power that can reach 300 kW. Additionally, the charging station can handle charging currents of up to 1,000 and voltages ranging from 150 to 1,000 volts. Story continues List of Prominent Players in the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market: ABB Ltd. Aerovironment Inc. Borgwarner, Inc. BP Chargemaster (Luton, UK) BYD (China) ChargePoint Inc. (California, U.S.) Delta Electronics, Inc. Eaton Corporation Plc EVBox (Amsterdam, Netherlands) General Electric Company Moser Services Group, LLC Plugless Power Inc. Robert Bosch GmbH Schneider Electric Shell Global ChargePoint (US) Shell International BV Siemens AG, Tesla Inc. Webasto Group Get Customized Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1657 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2022 USD 21.94 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 239.62 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 30.94 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Billion, Volume (Thousand Units) and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered Level Of Charging, Charging Point Type, Application, Charging Infrastructure Type, Installation Type, D.C. Fast Charging, IoT Connectivity, Charging Service And Electric Bus Charging Type Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia Market Dynamics: Drivers- The deployment of electric vehicle charging stations across the nation is a competitive and collaborative effort between government organizations, major electric vehicle and related system developing companies, automakers, oil companies, electrical utilities, and charging network companies. For instance, Volkswagen invested USD 2 billion in the nation's charging infrastructure in June 2019 and installed 2,800 electric vehicle charging stations in 17 of the largest US cities. Additionally, many European nations are constantly constructing incentive programs to promote the use of electric vehicles throughout the continent. Additionally, several nations are focusing on raising demand for and awareness of electric vehicles. To meet the ongoing demand for electric vehicles, economies worldwide, including India, have begun concentrating on expanding investments in creating a charging infrastructure. Major market players have started a few strategic initiatives, but they are still in the early stages and focused on a small number of areas. However, it is projected that the strategic efforts will expand over the forecast period. Therefore, it is anticipated that the impact of key companies' strategic initiatives will increase from a moderate level to a high level throughout the projected period. Challenges: Different nations' governments have put strict regulations in place that control the placement of charging stations. When installing charging stations, service providers must adhere to specific guidelines. When installing on private property, they need permission from the landowners, the local government to comply with legal requirements, and the utility companies to transfer energy. For instance, to secure permits for the installation of domestic EV charging stations, homeowners or contractors must submit plot designs, electrical load calculations, electrical plans, installation instructions, and charger specs to the local permitting office. Commercial locations require more complicated installation methods for EV charging stations than residential locations. Permits, community or design standards, electrical source or metering, parking and signage regulations, zoning restrictions, and inspection fees are necessary for a commercial installation. As a result, installing charging stations takes a lot of work due to the length of the value chain. Regional Trends: The Asia Pacific electric vehicle charging station market is anticipated to record a substantial market share in revenue and is projected to develop at a high CAGR shortly. A sizeable portion of the electric vehicle charging stations market is in Asia-Pacific. Due to the successful initiatives taken by the governments of nations like China, Japan, India, and Singapore, electric car charging stations are dominating the global industry. The Asia-Pacific region's nations primarily invest time and resources in creating charging infrastructure and expanding partnerships between automakers and aftermarket technology suppliers. Due to supportive government measures like tax exemptions and other incentives for owners of electric vehicles, the high price is not a deterrent in the area. Enquiry Before Buying @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1657 Segmentation of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market- By Level of charging- Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 By Charging Point Type- AC (Normal Charging) DC (Super Charging) By Application- Private Public By Charging Infrastructure type- Normal Charging Type-2 CHAdeMO CCS Tesla SC GB/T By Installation type- Fixed Portable By DC Fast Charging- Faster Charger Ultra-fast Charger By IoT Connectivity- Non-Connected Charging Stations Smart Connected Charging Stations (Networked) By Charging Service- EV Charging Service Battery Swapping Service By Electric Bus Charging Type- Off-board Top-down Pantograph On-board Bottom-up Pantograph Charging Via Connector By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea South East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of the Middle East and Africa About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ CONTACT: Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com Kisses from Italy, Inc. and Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC. An Emerging Markets News Commentary ORLANDO, Fla., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We previously reported that Kisses From Italy Inc. (OTCQB:KITL), a publicly listed U.S.-based company, restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in the United States, Canada and Europe, recently joined forces with Food Network Celebrity Chef, Scott Conant. You might have already seen him on TV or visited one of his restaurants, but we would like to provide an in-depth introduction to the iconic Italian Chef and what exactly he is bringing to the table the dinner table, that is. Lets start at the beginning. Conant graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and according to his website, started building his reputation early by running the kitchens of prestigious spots in Italy including il Toscanaccio, Chianti and City Eatery. Conant then opened up LImpero in Manhattan which earned praise from several publications including a three-star review from The New York Times. Conant was then named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine in 2004 following his opening of an Italian restaurant in midtown Manhattan called Alto. Then came Scarpetta. While no longer affiliated, Conant opened Scarpetta in NYC which was soon nominated by the James Beard Foundation in 2009 for Best New Restaurants in America. Conant then built the Scarpetta brand and developed and published The Scarpetta Cookbook inspired by beloved dishes from the restaurant. And while we are talking about cookbooks, we should mention Conant published the books New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian and Peace, Love, Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chefs Home Kitchen. His fourth and most personal cookbook displays the parallels between his connection with food and his deep family relationships as well as recipes for the food he grew up eating and the meals he makes for the ones he loves today. If you have not been lucky enough to visit one of his restaurants or make a meal from one of his cookbooks, maybe you have seen him critiquing contestants dishes as a judge on Food Networks Chopped. Conant also played the role of host in a spinoff called Chopped Sweets and Best Baker in America as well as co-host of Beat Bobby Flay. Story continues From the shared passions and visions, similar backgrounds and complete confidence, the partnership between the two looks extremely promising. Conant is joining a company that has proven to be strong , including maintaining a tight share structure while focusing on creating new value. To put this in perspective, less than 20% of Kisses From Italys outstanding shares are unrestricted. For more information and exciting updates on Kisses From Italy, Inc., visit: https://kissesfromitaly.com/investors/ About Kisses from Italy Inc.: Kisses from Italy Inc. is a U.S.-based restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in North America and Europe. The Company offers a quick-service menu and a unique take on traditional Italian delicacies with an All-American flair. Kisses from Italy offerings include sandwiches, salads, Italian roasted coffee, coffee-related beverage, and an array of other products. About The Emerging Markets Report: The Emerging Markets Report is owned and operated by Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC), a syndicate of investor relations consultants representing decades of experience. Our network consists of stockbrokers, investment bankers, fund managers, and institutions that actively seek opportunities in the micro and small-cap equity markets. For more informative reports such as this, please sign up at: https://emergingmarketsconsulting.com/ Must Read OTC Markets/SEC policy on stock promotion and investor protection Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below. EMC has been previously paid 2,500,000 restricted shares and is under contract to receive an additional 3,000,000 restricted shares and $35,000 by Kisses from Italy, Inc. for various marketing services including this report. EMC does not independently verify any of the content linked-to from this editorial. https://emergingmarketsconsulting.com/disclaimer/ Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC Florida Office 390 North Orange Avenue Suite 2300 Orlando, FL 32801 E-mail: jamespainter@emergingmarketsllc.com Web: www.emergingmarketsconsulting.com Astanza Laser PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla., March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envision Laser Removal recently upgraded its laser technology to the Astanza Trinity TSR laser to remove all multicolored tattoos completely. The leading Port Charlotte tattoo removal provider opened with the Astanza Duality in March 2022 and saw tremendous success quickly. Owners Eric and Susan Wells decided to add the Astanza Eternity, thus completing the Astanza Trinity TSR system, to take Envision Laser Removals success to the next level by offering full-spectrum tattoo removal results. We are beyond excited to upgrade to the Trinity and be able to help even more clients with tattoo regret, no matter their tattoos colors, said Eric Wells. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us get this far and will continue to give back to our community by using the latest and greatest laser technology, offering unbeatable customer service, and always prioritizing great results and safe treatments. The Astanza Duality alone produces two reliable wavelengths, 1064 nm and 532 nm, and is renowned for its efficacy and power. While these wavelengths can treat 95% of colors found in tattoos, the remaining 5% of colors require a specific wavelength for effective removal. The Astanza Eternity laser produces a unique 694 nm ruby wavelength that targets the 5% of resistant bright blue and green pigments like aquamarine, teal, turquoise, cyan, and more. Together, the Duality and Eternity create the Astanza Trinity TSR, a triple-wavelength tattoo removal system comprised of two fully powered lasers. Eric and Susan are a powerhouse team that genuinely cares about the success of each and every client that walks through their doors, said Joshua Walsh, Astanza Account Representative. Their investment in the Astanza Trinity shows just how committed they are to their clients and we couldnt be prouder to partner with them. About Envision Laser Removal Envision Laser Removal is an aesthetic laser practice in Port Charlotte, Florida. The specialty practice offers various skin services, including laser tattoo removal, pigmented lesion removal, and more. All laser technicians received advanced training from New Look Laser College and are fully certified in operating advanced Q-switched laser technology. Story continues To learn more or request a free consultation, visit https://www.envisionlaserremoval.com/, call (941) 269-2827, or follow Envision Laser Removal on Facebook and Instagram. Envision Laser Removal is located at 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 406, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. About Astanza Laser Astanza is the leader in lasers for tattoo removal, hair removal, and additional aesthetic procedures. In addition to delivering cutting-edge medical laser devices such as the Duality, Trinity, MeDioStar, PicoStar, and DermaBlate systems, Astanza offers an unbeatable partnership through The Astanza Experience, which is made of the Business Builder System, 3-Business Day Service Guarantee, and Lifetime Training and Support. Together, these components give Astanza clients a complete range of training, marketing, and business consulting services to achieve success in this growing field. Astanza is an award-winning company that has received several accolades from leading industry organizations, including MyFaceMyBody and Aesthetic Everything. They are also certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked #47 on Fortunes 2022 Best Places to Work in TexasTM and #49 on Fortunes Best Workplaces in Health CareTM. Astanza Laser is headquartered in Dallas, TX, with customers throughout North America and Europe. For product, investor, or press information, call (800) 364-9010, or visit https://astanzalaser.com/. Connect with Astanza on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. (Bloomberg) -- The European Union is targeting a way for member states to have the option to effectively ban Russian shipments of liquefied natural gas without implementing new energy sanctions. Most Read from Bloomberg The blocs energy ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposal that would allow member governments to temporarily prevent Russian exporters from booking the infrastructure capacity needed for the shipments. While individual governments would still need consultations, including with other EU countries and the European Commission, to employ the mechanism, the tool could continue to reduce the flow of energy products from Russia. We cannot and will not go back to the status quo with Russia as our main gas supplier, said Kadri Simson, the EUs energy commissioner. The possibility for member states to temporarily restrict capacities for gas, including LNG, from Russia and Belarus, is an important addition. We need to protect our security of supply. The ministers endorsement occurred during a broader policy meeting in Brussels in which they also agreed to extend demand cuts for gas. The proposed regulation on LNG still needs approval from the European Parliament, which has offered its own solutions to curtail Russian gas imports. The push for new import-blocking powers for member states is led by Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The move is part of the EUs shift away from Russian gas after President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. While pipeline flows of natural gas have dropped to record lows, LNG shipments from Moscow have surged. Read More: Spain Urges LNG Importers to Diversify Away From Russia Simson earlier this month called for Russian LNG shipments to be stopped, saying companies shouldnt renew long-term contracts once current ones end. Spain, the EUs top buyer so far this year, asked companies not to sign up for new purchases from Russia. Story continues Energy ministers also signed off on a regulation that will require new cars to have zero emissions after 2035, marking an effective end to the era of combustion-engine cars. A key pillar of the ambitious Green Deal, the measure was approved following an agreement between the commission and Germany on provisions that would allow room for cars running solely on so-called e-fuels after 2035. Nuclear Standoff The gathering also included the first discussion by ministers on a redesign of the regions electricity markets. Ministers extended a voluntary gas demand reduction target of 15% by another year to help ease the pressure on supplies next winter. It was set to expire at the end of the month. Talks were particularly intense around the subject of nuclear energy amid a push by France and like-minded countries to receive credit for the technology under the blocs plans to scale up renewables to as much as 45% of the energy mix by the end of the decade. The Swedish Presidency is preparing for non-fossil energy sources to help contribute toward those goals ahead of negotiations with parliament on Wednesday, according to the latest draft proposal seen by Bloomberg. France and other like-minded members also called for more investment in nuclear energy. A letter to the commission on scaling up small modular reactors, a nascent technology that allows for smaller facilities than those currently in operation, was also planned. Nuclear power will contribute to a decarbonized energy mix, advancing the ambitious climate targets and the important objective to maintain the competitiveness of the EU industry, according to a draft letter seen by Bloomberg. The EU must take urgent action to avoid falling behind in reaping the benefits of the development, commercialization and deployment of SMR technology. (Updates throughout to reflect actions during meeting.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Sime Darby is seen at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur By Yantoultra Ngui and Anshuman Daga SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Australia's largest private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care and Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby plan to revive the sale of their Asia-focused healthcare joint venture in a deal that could value the business at some 6 billion ringgit ($1.36 billion), two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The companies are in talks with financial advisors to explore a sale of Selangor, Malaysia-based Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care to strategic investors, three sources said. Deliberations were ongoing and no decisions have yet been made on the sale, said the sources, declining to be named as the matter is private. Ramsay declined to comment. "Sime Darby Berhad continues to review strategic growth options for our healthcare segment," a company spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement. "Any decisions will be made with a view on creating value for the group." Ramsay Sime Darby did not immediately respond to comment. The possible revival of the sale comes as healthcare assets gain favour, with investors betting on the sector's ability to weather the current challenging economic environment. The Australian and Malaysian companies' earlier discussions to sell the joint venture to Malaysia's IHH Healthcare fell through six months ago. IHH, one of Asia's biggest private hospital operators, had submitted an indicative proposal in March 2022 to buy Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare. Two of the sources said the Australian and Malaysian companies were also weighing an IPO for the joint venture on the Malaysia Stock Exchange. Discussions for the joint venture's sale were called off in early September, weeks after a group led by private equity firm KKR & Co Inc withdrew a near $15 billion all-cash buyout offer for Australia-listed Ramsay Healthare. Ramsay Sime Darby was established in 2013 via an equal joint venture of Ramsay and Sime Darby to expand their healthcare business in Southeast Asia. Story continues Its portfolio consists of 1,567 licensed beds across seven hospitals in Malaysia and Indonesia, and a day surgery facility in Hong Kong, according to Sime Darby's 2021 annual report. ($1 = 4.3970 ringgit) (Reporting by Yantoultra Ngui and Anshuman Daga in Singapore; Additional reporting by Scott Murdoch in Sydney; Editing by Kane Wu and Bernadette Baum) The Saudi fintech market is witnessing unprecedented growth and in recent years has begun to rival neighbouring economies such as Egypt and the UAE in startup investments, according to a report by the US-Saudi Business Council. Saudi Arabia has one of the Mena regions most developed and well-capitalised financial service sectors encompassing new technologies, which improve or automate financial services such as payments, lending, insurance, data management and capital market services. Through August 2022, the kingdom witnessed a 79% YoY increase in the number of operating fintech firms. Of the 147 active fintech companies operating in Saudi Arabia, only 10 were operating in 2018. Rapid expansion This rapid expansion is due to liberalised business regulations, an active investment environment, and well-developed technology infrastructure. While the fintech private sector continues to grow, 2022 marked another record level of investment for Saudi fintech companies. Between September 2021 and August 2022, the fintech sector in the kingdom saw SR1.5 billion ($402.2 million) in total investments. Meanwhile, venture capital funding in Saudi Arabia surged more than threefold to SR2.2 billion in H1 2022, surpassing the full-year total for 2021 as the kingdom continues to invest in technology and digital transformation. Consequently, Saudi Arabia was ranked ninth globally for venture capital availability in IMDs Global Competitiveness 2022 report, rising from 12th in the previous year. In the first half of 2022, fintech accounted for the highest number of total investment deals. Fintech companies attracted investments from leading domestic and international firms such as Sequoia, 500 Global, and Mastercard. Well-developed technology infrastructure such as widely accessible 5G and cloud services, a high domestic demand for financial services, and continued government support have all supported ongoing growth, said Albaraa Alwazir, Director of Economic Research at the US-Saudi Business Council. Direct GDP contribution Saudi Arabia fintechs direct GDP contribution is expected to reach SR13.3 billion by 2030, up from SR1.2 billion in 2021. The fintech sector will account for 18,200 direct jobs and reach 525 active fintech companies by 2030. Fintech is a key pillar of not only the financial services industrys future, but as a cross-cutting enabler of numerous Vision 2030 initiatives such as raising private sector GDP, boosting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), attracting foreign investment, developing the digital economy, and enhancing the ease of doing business. By 2025, Saudi Arabia aims to meet several benchmarks that include raising the number of active fintech players to at least 230 companies, reaching 70% non-cash transactions, and boosting fintechs GDP contribution to SR4.5 billion. In addition to record rises in licensed fintech companies, the Saudi Cabinet approved the licensing of three local digital banks. The first involves the conversion of STC Pay into a digital bank with SR2.5 billion in capital. The second involves Abdul Rahman bin Saad Al-Rashed and Sons Company, which established Saudi Digital Bank with SR1.5 billion in capitalisation. Digital banks Most recently, D360 bank was licensed and became the third digital bank operating in Saudi Arabia. The PIF joined key investors in backing D360 Bank. These developments will introduce advantages that will provide payments services, consumer microfinance, and insurance brokerage services without requiring a physical business. The recent slate of digital bank licensing in Saudi Arabia brings the total number of licensed banks to 35 which includes 11 Saudi traditional banks, three Saudi digital banks, and 21 foreign banks. SAMAs new Open Banking Policy is also expected to further boost competitiveness in the Saudi fintech sector as new financial products and business models may be developed as a result of open accessibility to consumer financial data. Demand for a variety of financial services among Saudi residents is particularly high, including banking, insurance, investment, asset management, and shariah-compliant financing. The high level of smartphone penetration and banked youth population enabled a relatively rapid transition to a burgeoning digital economy. Use of card and electronic payments in Saudi Arabia have surged in recent years, rising steadily since 2016 with a further acceleration due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Saudi consumer habits have also adapted quickly to the digital economic transition. A 2022 Mastercard report found that 89% of people in Saudi Arabia have used at least one emerging payment method in the last year.-- TradeArabia News Service The mining industry is currently facing significant skills shortages with many companies struggling to attract and retain top talent. PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / According to leading recruitment and workforce management company Techforce, which is experienced in supplying qualified employees across a broad range of positions in the mining industry, including rigger jobs and chef jobs, the skills shortage in the industry is an increasing concern, as it could impact its ability to meet the growing demand for minerals and resources in the future. To address this issue, the experts from Techforce have suggested several strategies that the industry can use to attract more talent. Zib Digital AU, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture Techforce says one strategy is to focus on developing a strong employer brand that appeals to a diverse range of workers. This could involve highlighting the industry's contribution to the economy, the opportunities for career advancement, and the potential for innovation and technological advancements. Companies can also focus on creating a positive workplace culture, offering flexible working arrangements, and investing in training and development programs. Focusing on diversity and inclusion will ensure the industry is attractive to a wide range of workers from different backgrounds and cultures. Techforce says this could involve implementing policies and programs that support women, people from minority groups, and indigenous workers and ensuring that the workplace is free from discrimination and bias. Investing in upskilling and reskilling programs to help workers develop new skills and adapt to the changing nature of the industry can also be a smart strategy. As Techforce explains, this could involve offering training in areas such as automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, which are becoming increasingly important in modern mining operations. Techforce advocates for companies to work with governments and educational institutions to promote mining careers and attract more young people into the industry. From partnering with schools and universities to offering internships, apprenticeships, and work experience programs to promoting STEM education and highlighting the potential for rewarding and exciting careers in mining, there are many actions companies can take to attract young talent across a broad range of jobs, including mining chef jobs. Story continues To explore current job opportunities, including the most competitive FIFO chef jobs Perth-wide, visit Techforce online. Contact Information: Techforce Personnel Marketing Manager recruitment@techforce.com.au (08) 6363 7040 SOURCE: Techforce . View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/745247/Experts-Explain-How-the-Mining-Industry-Can-Attract-More-Talent-Amidst-Massive-Skills-Shortages (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserves internal watchdog has launched its own review of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, a spokesman confirmed, separate from the probe that the Feds vice chair for supervision is leading. Most Read from Bloomberg The investigation by the Fed inspector general, which began March 14, will assess the supervision of SVB by the Fed Board of Governors in Washington and examiners at the San Francisco Fed, and will make recommendations as appropriate, the spokesman said. The IG plans to complete the review within six months. The New York Times earlier reported on the existence of the IG probe. The US central bank announced this month that it would conduct its own review of what went wrong at SVB led by Fed Vice Chair Michael Barr, the results of which will be released by May 1. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for an outside investigation into the problems leading up to the banks collapse. Senator Tim Scott, the top Republican on the Banking Committee, called the Fed boards internal review an obvious, inherent conflict of interest and a case of the fox guarding the hen house at a hearing with Barr on Capitol Hill Tuesday. The Fed IG has oversight authority within the central bank, and is appointed by the Fed chair. The current IG, Mark Bialek, was appointed in 2011 by then-Fed Chair Ben Bernanke. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, have introduced bipartisan legislation to make the Fed watchdog a Senate-confirmed official nominated by the president, similar to IGs at other federal agencies such as the Treasury Department. Consistent with the IG Act, we have the same independence and authorities afforded to all Inspectors General to audit and investigate the Board, the Fed IG office said in a statement. We have and will continue to provide independent and robust oversight over both the Board and the CFPB. Story continues (Adds comment from Fed inspector general office in sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Fevertree Drinks PLC (LON:FEVR) insiders who bought shares over the past year were rewarded handsomely last week. The stock rose 14%, resulting in a UK173m rise in the company's market capitalisation. In other words, the original UK1.9m purchase is now worth UK2.6m. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. Check out our latest analysis for Fevertree Drinks The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Fevertree Drinks Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Co-Founder Timothy Daniel Warrillow for UK1.0m worth of shares, at about UK8.71 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (UK12.00), we still think insider buying is a positive. While it does suggest insiders consider the stock undervalued at lower prices, this transaction doesn't tell us much about what they think of current prices. While Fevertree Drinks insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! Fevertree Drinks is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership Of Fevertree Drinks Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. It's great to see that Fevertree Drinks insiders own 10% of the company, worth about UK145m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. Story continues So What Does This Data Suggest About Fevertree Drinks Insiders? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Fevertree Drinks shares in the last quarter. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Fevertree Drinks insiders think the business has merit. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Fevertree Drinks. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Fevertree Drinks you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Join A Paid User Research Session Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here BraunS / Getty Images Florida and Arizona. The Sunshine State and the Grand Canyon State. With their warm weather, plentiful housing options and natural beauty, both states have earned their reputations as popular destinations for retirees. See: Here's How Much Americans Have in Their Savings Accounts in 2023 With a Recession Looming: Make These 3 Retirement Moves To Stay On Track But which of these titans of retirement is truly the better choice? To help address that question, GOBankingRates conducted a study comparing Arizona and Florida in terms of which state offers the most beneficial features for American retirees. The study's criteria included factors such as income and housing affordability, as well as taxes that affect retirees. Use this data to help decide which state is the best for your retirement. Geber86 / Getty Images Population 65 Years and Over When you're looking for a place to call home, it stands to reason you'd want to make friends with people your age with whom you share common interests. Get off to a good start by finding out the percentage of the population ages 65 and older. Take Our Poll: What Do You Plan To Use Your Tax Refund For? Bertlmann / Getty Images Winner: Florida When it comes to the number of residents that are in retirement, Florida emerges as the winner in terms of absolute numbers and portion of the population. Out of a population of nearly 7.2 million, Arizona has 1,262,204 residents aged 65 and older, or 17.6% of the population. In Florida, senior citizens make up 20.5% of the population -- 4,347,912 people out of a total population of 21.2 million. Shutterstock.com Number of Retirement Communities Similarly, if you're looking to settle down, you might like to know where you'll have the most housing options. Retirement communities are great places to live safely and stay active with folks of similar age. Lance Asper / Unsplash.com Winner: Florida Florida has 670 active adult retirement communities. That's compared to only 144 communities in Arizona. Of course, regardless of your choice, you'll find some of the nation's best and most luxurious retirement communities in both states. Story continues shapecharge / Getty Images Median Household Income for Those 65 and Older What's the use in knowing where you're going to spend your golden years if you don't know how much money you'll have to live there? Adolfo Felix / Unsplash.com Winner: Arizona People ages 65-plus have similar incomes in both Arizona and Florida, though one does beat the other. The median income for an older household in Florida is $46,182, versus $48,964 in Arizona. miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images Average Retirement Income Speaking of income, if you aren't relocating with a partner, you might be wondering what the average retirement income is for a single person. This is how much you'll have to pay your bills, buy groceries, go out to the movies and so on. Giuseppe Milo / Flickr.com Winner: Florida Unlike with household income, Florida wins out slightly. The average retirement income in the Grand Canyon State is $30,173, compared to $31,335 in Florida. AJ_Watt / Getty Images/iStockphoto Income Tax Rate Range Both Arizona and Florida are among the more tax-friendly states for retirees. Neither state taxes Social Security benefits. However, just one of these states offers the benefit of no income tax whatsoever. Shutterstock.com Winner: Florida Florida levies no income tax, making it the clear winner over Arizona. Arizona's income tax rate runs between 2.59% and 4.50%, and this unfortunately includes retirement income. Distributions from retirement savings accounts like a 401(k) or IRA are taxed as regular income. Cost-of-Living Index A good indicator as to what kind of retirement you'll be able to afford is the state's cost-of-living index. The national average is set at 100, meaning the farther below 100 a place is, the more affordable it is. The higher above 100, the less affordable it is to live. David Masemore / Unsplash.com Winner: Florida Florida's cost-of-living index score beats Arizona's, at 103 to 106.9, respectively. Both states are slightly above the national average when it comes to cost of living. Wavebreakmedia / Getty Images/iStockphoto Cost of Healthcare Index What about healthcare? As you age, you might encounter more health issues, so figuring out where you'll have the lowest medical bills becomes more important. Image Source / Getty Images/Vetta Winner: Florida Florida beats Arizona by a slim margin. Its healthcare score index is 96.7, while Arizona's is 97.7. kali9 / iStock.com Housing Affordability for Renters If you want to move to one of these retirement hot spots and are looking to rent a home, where will you spend less? jgareri / Getty Images Winner: Arizona To judge affordability, the study weighed the percentage of residents aged 65 years and older who spend less than 30% of their income on housing costs. In Florida, 41.2% of older renters spend less than 30% of their income on housing, compared to 48.6% in Arizona. The national average is 49%. kevinruss / Getty Images/iStockphoto Housing Affordability for Owners And what if you want to buy a home in Arizona or Florida instead of rent? Where is the affordability the greatest? Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock.com Winner: Arizona For homeowners, Arizona is the more affordable option. In the Grand Canyon State, 73.5% of homeowners spend less than 30% of their income on housing, compared to 67% in the Sunshine State. The national average is 72.5%. JohnnyGreig / Getty Images Median Property Taxes The general goal of retirement is to keep your expenses as low as possible to compensate for the fact that you're no longer working. Paying off your mortgage certainly helps. But one thing you'll never be able to escape is property taxes, which come down to the state you live in. Shutterstock.com Winner: Arizona Here again, Arizona generally has the upper hand. The effective property tax rate is lower in Arizona than in Florida. The effective state property tax rate in Arizona is 0.60%, compared to 0.86% in Florida Median Real Estate Taxes The effective property tax rate is lower in Arizona than in Florida, but what does that translate into in terms of cash out of your pocket? The good news is that the median real estate taxes paid for units with a mortgage is less than the national average of $3,092 in each state. Davel5957 / iStock.com Winner: Arizona In Arizona, the median real estate tax is $1,779, compared to $2,567 in Florida. That's a savings of $788 per year. DragonImages / iStock.com Public Safety Neighborhood safety is paramount when it comes to finding a place to live for most retirees. Peace of mind plays a key role when deciding where to settle down. kate_sept2004 / Getty Images Winner: Florida Though Arizona beats Florida on a few price points, Florida beats Arizona on a major quality-of-life point: safety. To evaluate overall safety, the study utilized U.S. News and World Report's ranking of public safety in each state. Based on property crime rates and violent crime rates, Florida ranks better at No. 27 out of 50, whereas Arizona ranks substantially lower at No. 41. Dean Mitchell / iStock.com Medicare Quality Unless you're retired from the military and have health coverage for retirees, chances are you're relying on Medicare for health insurance. In fact, according to Statista, 18.4% of the U.S. population is on Medicare. But even though Medicare is a national program, your quality of healthcare depends on the area you live in. franckreporter / Getty Images Winner: Florida Ranked No. 11 out of 50, Florida is one of the better states for people on Medicare. Arizona has a middling score of 25; not bad, but not great, either. FatCamera / Getty Images Hospital Quality The overall quality of hospitals in your area may affect where you choose to live. Just like poor Medicare quality, if local hospitals aren't up to par, your health could be negatively impacted in the long run. sturti / iStock.com Winner: Arizona With a No. 11 ranking, Arizona qualifies as one of the best states in America for hospital quality. Florida isn't far behind, coming in at No. 14. RgStudio / iStock.com The Ultimate Winner: Florida Florida or Arizona? It's a tossup, but Florida comes out slightly on top, winning eight categories versus Arizona's six. With nearly 700 retirement communities, Florida is truly a haven for seniors. It's helped by having no income or Social Security taxes, a higher retirement income than Arizona, a lower cost-of-living score and a stronger quality of Medicare and public safety. On the other hand, Arizona's 65-and-older community boasts a higher median household income, and it has a leg up in housing affordability -- for both renters and owners -- as well as a lower property tax rate and lower median real estate taxes. In addition, it ranks higher than Florida in hospital quality. But the truth is that the two states scored similarly across many of these categories. While the data is helpful to know before you make any big decisions, there's a reason why so many older Americans flock to Arizona and Florida: They're both good choices in retirement. More From GOBankingRates Jami Farkas contributed to the reporting for this article. Methodology: To determine which retiree destination is best, GOBankingRates scored Arizona and Florida on: (1) the percentage of the population that is 65 and older, (2) the number of retirement communities each has, (3) the median household income for householders 65 and older, (4) the average retirement income collected, (5) the income tax rate range, (6) the taxation of Social Security benefits, (7) the cost of living, (8) the cost of healthcare, (9) housing affordability for renters, (10) property affordability for homeowners, (11) the median property tax rate, (12) the median real estate taxes paid on units with a mortgages, (13) the public safety rating, (14) the Medicare quality, (15) the nursing home quality, and (16) the hospital quality in each state. Factors 1, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12 were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 American Community Survey. Factor 2 was sourced from 55places.com, factor 5 was sourced from the Tax Foundation's data on 2022 tax brackets, factor 6 was sourced from AARP, factors 7 and 8 were sourced from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center's 2022 average annual cost-of-living index, factor 11 was sourced from TaxFoundation.com's data on 2021 property taxes by state and factors 13-16 were sourced from U.S. News and World Report's state rankings. All data was collected on and up to date as of Sept. 23, 2022. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Florida vs. Arizona: Which Retirement Location Has the Best Value for Your Money? Mordor Intelligence Hyderabad, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled Flow Battery Market - (2023 2028), the market is expected to register a CAGR of 22%. Over the long term, applications of the flow battery market grew during the study period due to the growing penetration of the technology in long-duration energy storage applications, such as renewable power systems and long service life. On the other hand, the market may see stunted growth in the near future due to the low energy density of battery cells. Some of the market trends that are driving the growth of Flow Battery Market: Over the last decade, the installed renewable energy capacity and generation have risen steadily worldwide. In 2021, the global installed renewable energy capacity stood at 3063.93 GW, an increase of 9.1%. As renewable resources, such as solar and wind, generate power intermittently and at various levels, storing this energy during high demand is vital. In July 2021, Canada-based Largo Resources signed an agreement with Enel Green Power Spain. The Spanish branch of Enel Green Power supplies VCHARGE vanadium redox flow battery system for the upcoming renewable power project of the company. Largo Clean Energy provides a five-hour, 6.1 MWh battery system for a project in Spain. This is expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2022. In September 2021, US Vanadium commenced the capacity expansion project to produce the ultra-high-purity vanadium redox flow battery electrolyte at its electrolyte manufacturing facility in Arkansas, United States. The project included an investment of USD 2.1 million. The initiative is expected to influence the sales of the vanadium redox battery in the entire region. Such developments are expected to propel the market during the forecast period. How is the growth being addressed in the Flow Battery Market size? Countries like China and Japan have been instrumental in the development of batteries in the region. Another prominent driver for the region's battery market is growing investments in energy storage projects, which are currently at the fastest pace in the region. Story continues In August 2022, Rogkepower announced a commission of a power project using a redox flow battery storage system in Dalian. The battery system offers 400 MWh to contain power produced by wind turbines and other sources. The investment in the project is estimated to be around CNY 1.9 billion (USD 281 million). In September 2021, VRB Energy, a vanadium redox battery manufacturer, started the construction of a battery energy storage system with 100 MW/500 MWh capacity in Xiangyang, in China's Hubei province. It was being installed for the Automobile Industrial Park of the Xiangyang high-tech development zone. The project was expected to be completed by late 2022. Which are some of the key players in the Flow Battery Market? The flow battery market is moderately fragmented. Some of the major players in the market are: RedFlow Ltd Primus Power Corporation VRB Energy Invinity Energy Systems PLC ESS Tech Inc. Vanadis Power GmbH Dalian Rongke Power Co. Ltd CellCube Energy Storage Systems Inc. Stryten Energy H2 Inc. Recent developments in the Flow Battery Market: In September 2022, Shanghai-based battery manufacturer, WeView, announced that it had raised approximately USD 56.5 million in several rounds of financing to commercialize the zinc-iron flow battery energy storage systems technology developed by the US-based group ViZn Energy Systems. In November 2021, Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE), the California-based energy supplier, announced four new grid-scale battery energy storage projects, including three long-duration VRFB storage projects. In October 2021, SB Energy, a subsidiary of SoftBank Group in Japan, signed an agreement with Oregon-based ESS to purchase 2 GWh of iron flow battery systems to be deployed at the solar power generation systems in Texas and California. The entire renewable project with energy storage will be in service by 2026. In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand this industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/flow-battery-market About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics. Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends. Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you: Attachment CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India Forwardly, Inc. Henderson, NV, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- George Sharp, CEO of Forwardly, Inc. (OTCMKT: FORW), provided the following updates to the companys shareholders. A complaint was filed by the Company in Seminole County, Florida against Emerging Elements, Inc., alleging that the defendant received stock in the Company for no value received. Emerging Elements filed a counterclaim seeking damages alleging that the Company-ordered delay in delivery of that stock by the transfer agent in order to provide time to investigate the circumstances under which previous management issued that stock, caused Emerging Elements to net less proceeds than it otherwise might have. On March 23, 2023, the court dismissed the claim and counterclaim after the parties came to an agreement to resolve their differences. No further comments will be offered. The Company notes the recent increase in price and trading volume of its common stock. While the company is currently engaged in early discussions with an acquisition target, an intense inquiry of the corporate insiders of the company and the possible acquisition target resulted in assurances from all concerned that no advance purchases of the companys stock have been made by any related parties. Shareholders and potential shareholders should be aware that discussions are in a preliminary stage and no further details or updates will be proffered unless the parties have entered a Letter of Intent. Whether an agreement will be reached; how long it may take to reach such an agreement; or, the terms of any possible agreement, are purely speculative. Any inquiries by shareholders or the general public will be ignored. About Forwardly, Inc. Forwardly is an opportunity investor seeking to partner in fresh ideas. The company is headed by George Sharp, a longtime whistleblower, advocate against microcap fraud, and defender of shareholder rights. In addition to his continued participation in these activities, Mr. Sharp consults to public companies, attorneys and those associated with the financial markets. He is also a former consultant to OTC Markets Group, Inc. Further information about Forwardly, Inc. can be obtained through its website at www.ForwardlyPlaced.com Story continues Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimates," "projects," "intends," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. CONTACT: Forwardly, Inc. 3535 Executive Terminal Drive Suite 110 Henderson, NV 89052 702-840-4433 The U.S. has joined the growing list of countries, including the U.K., France and the Netherlands, to crack down on TikTok data security and look at banning, or at least restricting, the Chinese-owned social media platform over concerns that it shares data with China's Communist Party (TikTok denies it does). The massively popular video-sharing platform has already been banned, complete with dozens of other Chinese apps, in India. And the White House is reportedly very in favor of a bill that would enable the federal commerce department to ban technologies with links to foreign governmentslike TikTok. Although it looks unlikely that TikTok is going to disappear any time soon in the West, for businesses who jumped on the platform as it surged in popularity during the pandemic, a ban could leave them with a gaping hole in their marketing strategy. With an eye on the more than 1 billion monthly active users on the platform, CEOs and small business owners told Fortune how their reach and revenue would be hit by a TikTok ban. Meet the businesses using TikTok TikTok, along with Snapchat, really is the social platform with the closest pipeline into culture today, including Gen Z and Millennial audiences and broader content trends, says Melissa Chapman, CEO of the production company Jungle Creations. Most of the CEOs Fortune spoke to emphasized the platforms algorithm, which shares new posts with everyone on the platformunlike Instagram, which shares a users post only to their followers. The power to target a young demographic, reach new users and discover whats on trend in order to inform strategy is what has gotten businesses hooked to the platform. Brands are committing their budgets in significant figures because TikTok has proven time and time again that it can create trends for brands, but crucially it has also shown great success in translating cultural relevance and moments of brand fame through to commerce, Chapman says. "No other platform does this as successfully. Story continues For Jamie Love, CEO and founder of the marketing agency Monumental, TikTok offers a way to open his firm to the world. TikTok is vital in showing the behind-the-scenes of working at our company, says Love. His firm has also been using the app to attract talent during the current challenging labor market. TikTok is really beneficial in bringing out the company's personality, allowing us to stand out as a potential employer and giving us a unique edge, he adds. Meanwhile, small businesses like Solar Buddies have been using the platform to promote their product and generate brand awareness: Although we are a U.K-based business, 60% of our turnover over the past 12 months has come via U.S. TikTok influencers that have promoted our product on the platform and directed them to purchase via Amazon, says the sunscreen retailer's co-founder Laura Waters. Most startups and SMEs cant compete with the huge following of large brands on Instagram, but on TikTok where lower quality authentic content is key, its a more level playing field. https://www.tiktok.com/@solarbuddies/video/7214714003568823558 We use the app to showcase our products, share behind-the-scenes content, and connect with our followers, Waters adds. Losing this platform would make it challenging to maintain the same level of engagement with our audience. How businesses will be impacted by the ban With over 1 billion users on TikTok, saying that businesses risk losing their audience is stating the obvious. "A ban on TikTok is going to harm the newer and smaller businesses the most, warns Josh Lachkovic, founder of the growth agency Amphora. Startups on a lower budget have gravitated towards the platform because it's still a platform that has organic reach rather than strictly paid, he says. It's a more cost-effective ad platform. For his firm, a hypothetical outright ban on TikTok would result in the loss of about a third of his firms revenue. "It'll be another blow to entrepreneurs after years of continual blows," he adds. Many leaders at small firms echoed worry about the lack of alternative platforms to promote their products at a very low cost. Meanwhile, others were frustrated by the possible financial waste from training staff up to use TikTok, buying special equipment, and in some cases, hiring an external video production company to create content for their channel. Not only would a TikTok ban be damaging to millions of businesses from a financial perspective, but it would also have a serious impact on our ability to connect with our audience and share important messages that can improve people's lives, says Jessica Alderson, the CEO and co-founder of the dating app So Syncd, which reaches over a million people a month on TikTok. Her firm uses the app to help people find love and gain a deeper understanding of their personality type. Losing access to TikTok would create a major hurdle in achieving this goal, and I know from recent discussions that many other founders feel the same way, she adds. Plus, the impact a ban would have on recruitment can't be overlooked. The platform has fast become a popular platform for recruitment and job searching, says Sam Hameed, the co-founder of the recruitment firm, SPG Resourcing. A ban on TikTok would limit the ability of recruitment businesses to reach potential candidates through the platform, potentially reducing their reach and making it more difficult to find the right candidates for their clients. He also cautions that young job seekers who may not have extensive work experience or established professional networks and use the platform as a portfolio would miss out on being able to highlight their creativity and skills to potential employers. What leaders are doing to prepare for an outright TikTok ban One CEO predicted the stricter regulation of TikTok and stopped using it altogether last yeardespite the growth his business was unlocking through the platform. We spent 3 years building up our TikTok following and we hired a new staff member to focus on just video content to help drive our TikTok growth, says Deepak Tailor, the CEO and founder of Latest Free Stuff. One of the last videos the freebie and samples website posted on TikTok gained around 125,000 views. https://www.tiktok.com/@latestfreestuff/video/7146268684804181253?lang=en This drove thousands of new visitors to our site, Tailor claims. But we strongly felt like the platform was about to close down after political pressure from the U.S. and other governments. So he decided to cut his losses and is now focusing on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Avoiding using the app in advance is one way of getting your business ready for a potential ban, but really, most of the CEOs Fortune spoke to are simply diversifying their social media footprint and continuing to use TikTokfor now. "We always recommend to clients to balance budget across their paid social channels, says Amphora's Lachkovic. In the short-term, he thinks businesses would experience some revenue loss if TikTok was banned tomorrowbut that can be minimized by relocating resources into one of the other social media platforms theyve been investing in: For the most part, we could reallocate that spend into Metabut there is always a lag in how fast you can do that." Other CEOs told Fortune they would explore emerging social media platforms that are gaining popularity, like BeReal, WeAre8, Reddit, Twitch and Snapchat, which is experiencing a resurgence among GenZ. Ultimately, this isnt the first time businesses have had to mitigate the loss of a social media platform or revenue stream. Remember Vine, anyone? Over time we see the same challenges brought up over and over but dressed up as something different, says Laura Davidson, co-founder and CEO of the paid media agency Tag Digital. TikTok may be banned, cookies will disappear, Chat GPT may replace search, but digital advertising will remain the primary marketing channel, she adds. "So provided we dont try to fight against waves we cant control, our business will continue to grow. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: Fountainhead With a two-year revenue growth of 1,063% percent, the nations leading nonbank lender leaps into Top 25 on its third Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast appearance ORLANDO, Fla., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. magazine revealed that nonbank direct lender Fountainhead is No. 25 on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Southeast region economys most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. Were honored to be recognized as one of the regions fastest-growing companies, said Founder and CEO Chris Hurn. The impressive growth and our ranking among the top 25 is because of the entire Fountainhead teams commitment to helping grow Americas small businesses. The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Southeast region. Between 2019 and 2021, these private companies had an average growth rate of 673 percent and, in 2021 alone, they added 25,844 jobs and nearly $7 billion to the Southeast regions economy. Companies based in the Miami, Florida, Fairhope, Alabama, and Covington, Louisiana areas had the highest growth rate overall. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Southeast, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/southeast. 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. Story continues Founded in 2015, Fountainhead is one of only 14 Small Business Administration (SBA) approved nationwide, nonbank, direct commercial lending firms (SBLCs or Small Business Lending Companies) specializing in providing growth financing and funding commercial real estate projects for small-to-midsize businesses utilizing SBA 7(a), SBA 504, low LTV conventional loans. Fountainhead directly serves entrepreneurs and small business owners in addition to working with its referral partners. Fountainhead made the Top 100 list for most active SBA lenders in the nation in its first full year of operations and earned SBAs coveted PLP or Preferred Lending Partner designation in 2019 both distinctions continue to this day. The company has grown into the largest SBA-approved nonbank lender in the Southeast, the second-largest SBA lender based in Florida and the fastest growing firm in Orlando. The team, collectively, has over 430 years of SBA lending experience and has made loans in all 50 states and six territories resulting in the financing of over $28 billion in total projects over the course of their lending careers. For more information on Fountainhead, or ways to grow your small-to-midsized business, visit FountainheadCC.com. Media Contact Monica McShaffrey Uproar PR for Fountainhead mmcshaffrey@uproarpr.com More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals Methodology The 2023 Inc. 5000 Regionals are 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. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000; the minimum for 2021 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com . (Bloomberg) -- French banks including Societe Generale SA and BNP Paribas SA face collective fines of more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) as part of a probe into tax fraud and money laundering related to dividend payments. Most Read from Bloomberg HSBC Holdings Plc, Natixis SA and BNPs Exane unit are also part of the investigation, according to the prosecutors office in Paris, which said that the fines include penalties and back interest. Preliminary investigations related to the raids were opened in December 2021, the prosecutor said. The raids relate to a dividend arbitrage strategy known as Cum-Cum where shareholders transferred stock for a short period to investors based abroad to avoid a dividend tax. Investors held the shares during the period when dividends were paid out and either werent taxed or taxes were refunded. They then sold the securities back to the original owner and the amount saved was split between the parties. BNP, HSBC, and Natixis representatives didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for SocGen confirmed that the bank is part of the probe. The raids add to further negative sentiment around the banking industry in both the U.S. and Europe, where investors have been hit by the emergency rescue of Credit Suisse Group AG and seizure by regulators of Silicon Valley Bank. SocGen declined as much as 2.4% before paring gains to trade down 1% as of 1:03 p.m in Paris. BNP was 0.5% lower and HSBC fell about 0.2% in London. French Investigation The French investigation, which the prosecutor said has been in preparation for months, involves 16 local magistrates, more than 150 investigators and 6 prosecutors from Cologne. The avoidance of tax payments on dividends in Germany has been an ongoing scandal in that country for the best part of a decade. A similar scheme, known as Cum-Ex, allowed short-sellers and the actual holder of shares to all claim tax credits on a dividend paid only once. Story continues A trader in a German Cum-Ex trial in 2019 told the court that Cum-Ex was five to six times more profitable than Cum-Cum. However, Cum-Cum was far more widespread, especially in interbanking trading, as the legal risks were deemed to be much lower. Cum-Cum has been widely practiced because it was believed to not raise any legal issues in the same way that Cum-Ex did. That long-running investigation has swept up thousands of potential suspects across the financial sector and seen almost every major international bank raided in Germany. It has spawned civil and criminal cases in Germany, the UK and Denmark. The French prosecutor also invited anyone wishing to bring further information related to the French inquiry to come forward. --With assistance from Karin Matussek and Donal Griffin. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Geoswift, a payment technology company with significant expertise in Asian cross-border payments, joined the UBC BizChina Forum as an honorable partner on March 17- 18 at the Vancouver Convention Center. The event brought together leading industry practitioners and scholars to discuss business topics in a post-pandemic context. Geoswift founder Raymond Qu, a UBC alumni, was invited to the forum to provide insights as a panel member on fintech development. He shared that "The key to success for a fintech company is using technological innovation to solve real pain points in the financial market, and more importantly, doing so in a way that complies with regulations." Over the past 10 years, Geoswift has been replied upon by hundreds of prestigious education institutions to manage their international payments from Asia, by providing flexible payment options including bank transfer, UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. When asked how students should evaluate opportunities, Raymond continued, "Look into the value that a company provides, instead of solely judging an opportunity by the brand." Raymond also initiated and sponsored the I&O entrepreneur competition, where students and entrepreneurs were invited to express their ideas, win prizes, and gain recognition by investors. The competition had its inaugural debut during the forum on March 18. Geoswifts Global President Jessica Ao also commented, "As a major fintech player in cross-border payments, Geoswift helps tens of thousands of Chinese international students make convenient education payments to their universities every year, so they can focus on their studies. They are a customer group to whom we attach great importance, as we feel a strong responsibility to provide our clients with both an easy-to-use payment solution, and an enriching study experience. Therefore, we are proud to join UBCs BizChina Forum to better deliver on this responsibility." Story continues About Geoswift Geoswift is an innovative, globalized payment technology company with a distinct niche in Asian cross-border payments. Since its inception in 2010, the name Geoswift has been synonymous with frictionless cross-border fund flows throughout the world. Geoswift is a leading authorized payment service provider in the US, UK and China, offering global acquiring and issuing capabilities for key financial institutions. Widely recognized for its proprietary technologies, extensive knowledge of global and local regulatory requirements, strong banking networks, and global operations, Geoswift provides a customized one-stop cross-border payment solution to businesses of any size. In addition, Geoswift runs several currency exchange stores throughout China. Headquartered in Vancouver, Geoswift has regional offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, San Francisco, London, Singapore and Shenzhen offering payment solutions to clients globally. For more information, visit Geoswift.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230327005728/en/ Contacts Media Annie Lin Annie.lin@geoswift.com +1 604 638 8182 Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released OpreX Asset Health Insights (2.0), an enhanced version of the company's cloud-based plant asset monitoring service, which is part of the OpreX Asset Management and Integrity family. In addition to having powerful new embedded asset monitoring and management functions, this latest version now supports implementation on Alibaba Cloud Yokogawas first technical partnership with Alibaba Cloud. The Asset Health Insights service collects, refines, and aggregates operational technology (OT) data from distributed assets as well as process data, orchestrating them to form a single source of truth for real-time asset modeling and monitoring in a secured environment. This service gives organisations a 360-degree view of operational assets that eases the task of asset management and improves operational efficiency, performance, and decision-making. Development background Driven by its customers' focus on integrated, remote, and increasingly autonomous operations, Yokogawa launched OpreX Asset Health Insights on June 6, 2022, to make asset data more visible, integrated, and actionable. The original version of Asset Health Insights supported Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. However, as the number of users of Alibaba Cloud has continued to expand, making it China's largest#1 cloud platform, Yokogawa has chosen to add support for Alibaba Cloud. Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for robust asset monitoring and management capabilities, and the need for greater protection against cyber-attacks, the company has enhanced the functionality of Asset Health Insights with the addition of new features. Alibaba Cloud support Full integration with Alibaba Cloud has been achieved. Asset Health Insights can now be hosted on Alibaba Cloud, and customers can also connect their existing data in Alibaba Cloud to Asset Health Insights, giving them unprecedented flexibility on where to host applications and data. Chinese language support has also been added, in addition to English, Japanese, and Korean. 2D and 3D graphics to improve operability Both 2D and 3D process graphics are now supported, affording users greater flexibility in how to interactively visualise and display the status of assets such as pumps, motors, and chillers. Self-service tools that allow users to design location graphics and bind various types of real-time asset data are also provided. ISA 18.2 compliant alarm management support Based on the Management of Alarm Systems for Process Industries issued by the International Society for Automation (ISA), users can now create ISA 18.2#2 compliant alarms based on various parameters to standardise work processes. They can also check an audit trail to identify who acknowledged an alarm and when the alarm occurred.-- TradeArabia News Service ROCKY HILL, Conn., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CATIC Financial, Inc. announced that Gerry Ciejka joined its board of directors. CATIC Logo (PRNewsfoto/CATIC) Ciejka was most recently General Counsel and Human Resources Director at Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary Westfield Bank in Westfield, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Executive management team of both companies responsible for all legal, human resources and compensation and insurance related matters. He retired in 2020. Prior to his time at Westfield Bank, Gerry was lead Western Massachusetts underwriting counsel and manager for multiple national title insurance companies. Before joining the title insurance industry, Gerry was a Partner in the Springfield, Massachusetts law firm of Bulkley Richardson and Gelinas specializing in commercial real estate and business organizations. Gerry Ciejka is a graduate of Northeastern University and Northeastern University School of Law. He resides in Westfield, Massachusetts. "We are fortunate and excited to have Gerry join the CATIC Financial Board of Directors," said James M. Czapiga, Esq., the CATIC Family of Companies President & CEO. "His experience in banking, title insurance and the legal profession is a great match for us, and we look forward to Gerry's insight and guidance as we continue to grow as a company." Including Ciejka, CATIC Financial has a total of 13 board members, all of whom come from extensive backgrounds in the title and real estate industries. About CATIC CATIC, along with its sister company CATIC Title Insurance Company, is currently licensed in every state east of the Mississippi and in Texas and is currently doing business through an independent agent network in 16 states. The Company is an underwriting member of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the North American Bar-Related Title Insurers. For more information about the Company, or to become a CATIC agent, please visit us at www.CATIC.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gerry-ciejka-joins-catic-financials-board-of-directors-301782325.html SOURCE CATIC Deepen international exchanges and cooperation and build a bridge for collaborative innovation NANJING, China, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reported by Science and Technology Daily From March 22 to 24, under the theme of "Better Together, Better Future," the Global 6G Conference 2023, hosted by FuTURE FORUM and Purple Mountain Laboratories, was held in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province. With the goal of deepening international exchanges and cooperation and building a bridge for collaborative innovation, the conference takes the form of on-site discussion + remote interaction in many places around the world, brings together experts and scholars in the 6G field from more than ten countries at home and abroad to discuss the latest development and application prospects of 6G technology, and exchange cutting-edge ideas and research results in the field of information and communication. Seizo Onoe, Director of Telecommunications Standards Bureau of ITU, and Wu Hequan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, President of FuTURE FORUM, delivered a keynote speech. Global 6G Conference 2023 Opens in Nanjing, China At present, the development of 6G is in the window period of vision demand formation and key technology selection. It is necessary to effectively gather the consensus of 6G research and development, technology, scene, standardization and other aspects, cultivate the global consistent 6G concept, and expand the space of international cooperation. For the first time, Global 6G Conference 2023 invited important international 6G academic organizations such as Finnish 6G Flagship, Japan's 5G Forum, and Singapore's Future Communications Research & Development Program to co-organize relevant forums.At the opening ceremony, FuTURE FORUM released the Global Initiative for 6G International Cooperation and Collaboration Development. In the form of technical reports, international forums in terms of Europe, America, Asia, and the Round Table Forum, the convention focused on four topics: 6G Use Cases & Standardization, 6G Network Architecture & Native Security, 6G Wireless Transmission & Spectrum Sharing, and Integrated Space-Air-Ground Network and On-demand Services. The forum further discussed 6G network reform and technological innovation, enhanced international 6G cooperation, promoted the formation of global unified 6G standards and ecology, and injected new vitality and impetus to 6G technology and future industry development. Story continues Seizo Onoe said that in the development of mobile communication in 6G and beyond, it is still necessary to continuously carry out standardization work so that the technology can evolve in an orderly and controlled manner. Wu Hequan looked forward to the demand for 6G in the future development of mobile terminals in his keynote speech. He believes that from the perspective of the development of mobile communication, we have found a stage that is not only driven by technology, but also by demand. Gerhard P. Fettweis, Chair Professor of Dresden University of Technology and Academician of German National Academy of Science and Engineering, highlighted the issue of "Energy Wall". Sustainability of energy issues is particularly worthy of consideration in the 6G era. Takehiro Nakamura, Chief Technical Architect of NTT DOCOMO's R&D Innovation Department and President of the White Paper Subcommittee of Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium, said that he believed that China and Japan would have in-depth cooperation in many aspects, including more efficient sensing technology and the implementation of 6G through millimeter Wave (mmWave) Technology Promotion. Rui L. Aguiar, President of the Steering Committee of ETP Networld Europe, said that he was intensively conducting some relevant experimental research to achieve good coupling and common development with vertical industries. Sungho Choi, Project Manager of Future Communications and Radio of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, introduced the K-Network 2030 Plan, which aims to build a next-generation network system, build the best technology and software-based network innovation initiatives, and strengthen the supply chain in the future era of digital precision.Edward G. Tiedemann, Senior Vice President of Qualcomm and appointed officer of IEEE ComSoc, believes that 6G is a universal access service, which ensures reliable and low-latency communication service quality, truly realizes more real-time control, reduces energy consumption and latency, and improves energy utilization. So it needs to address these issues from a system-wide perspective. At the same time, the conference released 12 6G white papers, The Overall 6G White Paper proposes that in the trend of evolution to 6G, information and communication technology will be further integrated with big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and system control technology to present the characteristics of data, operation, information and communication integration. It is a converged mobile information network with strong connection, computing power, intelligence and security. This white paper classifies and integrates 6G potential technologies and solutions from the perspective of system, and gives technical system suggestions. Experts actively participated in the conference. Wu Jiangxing, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Liu Yunjie, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as Director and Chief Scientist of Purple Mountain Laboratories, Lu Jianhua, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yin Hao, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mao Junfa, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lu Jun, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, and other Academicians attended the conference and delivered speeches. Nearly 30 international experts from the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and other countries attended the Conference. As Fu Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of FuTURE FORUM, said, in this important development window period of global 6G, we need to adhere to the pursuit of a unified global 6G innovation system. The Global 6G Conference is a platform jointly built by top scientists and research institutions from all over the world. It is hoped that on this platform, we will focus on topics of common concern, reach technical consensus, and share the results of cooperation. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-6g-conference-2023-opens-in-nanjing-china-301783095.html SOURCE Science and Technology Daily Allied Market Research The rise in the adoption of 5G networks, satellite communication, and autonomous vehicles serves as a potential opportunity for the expansion of the global IF digital attenuator market. Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the largest share in 2021, contributing to more than two-fifths of the global IF digital attenuator market share. Portland, OR, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global IF digital attenuator market garnered $483.3 million in 2021, and is estimated to generate $849.7 million by 2031, manifesting a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, major segments, value chain, competitive scenario, and regional landscape. This research offers a valuable guidance to leading players, investors, shareholders, and startups in devising strategies for the sustainable growth and gaining competitive edge in the market. Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/74906 Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222031 Base Year 2021 Market Size in 2021 $483.3 million Market Size in 2031 $849.7 million CAGR 5.7% No. of Pages in Report 320 Segments covered Type, Application, Industry Vertical, and Region Drivers Growth in the telecommunications industry The rise in demand for wireless communication and IoT devices The rapid advancement in technology Opportunities The rise in the adoption of 5G networks, satellite communication, and autonomous vehicles Restraints High cost associated with the IF digital attenuator paired with the technical complexity of IF digital attenuators Covid-19 Scenario: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the growth of the global IF digital attenuator market, owing to a lack of skilled workforce and delay or cancelation of projects due to the implementation of partial or complete lockdowns globally. However, the market has already recovered in the post-pandemic. Story continues The research provides detailed segmentation of the global IF digital attenuator market based on Type, Application, Industry Vertical, and Region. The report discusses segments and their sub-segments in detail with the help of tables and figures. Market players and investors can strategize according to the highest revenue-generating and fastest-growing segments mentioned in the report. Based on type, the fixed IF digital attenuators segment held the highest share in 2021, accounting for nearly four-fifths of the global IF digital attenuator market, and is expected to continue its leadership status during the forecast period. However, the programmable IF digital attenuators segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 8.1% from 2022 to 2031. Based on application, the communication systems segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global IF digital attenuator market, and is expected to maintain its lead in terms of revenue during the forecast period. However, the radar systems segment is expected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.2% from 2022 to 2031. Procure Complete Report (320 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://bit.ly/3JTapJV Based on industry vertical, the telecommunication segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, holding nearly three-fifths of the global IF digital attenuator market, and is expected to continue its leadership status during the forecast period. However, the aerospace and defense segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the largest share in 2021, contributing to more than two-fifths of the global IF digital attenuator market share, and is projected to maintain its dominant share in terms of revenue in 2031. In addition, the same region is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Leading market players of the global IF digital attenuator market analyzed in the research include Analog Devices, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, MACOM Technology, Keysight Technologies, Inc., Peregrine Semiconductor, Qorvo, Inc, Renesas Electronics, Cobham plc, API Technologies Corp, MiniCircuits. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global IF digital attenuator market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/if-digital-attenuator-market/purchase-options Key Benefits for Stakeholders This study comprises an analytical depiction of the market size along with the current trends and future estimations to depict the imminent investment pockets. The overall IF digital attenuator market analysis is determined to understand the profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold. The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with a detailed impact analysis. The current global IF digital attenuator market forecast is quantitatively analyzed from 2021 to 2031 to benchmark financial competency. Porters five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the IF digital attenuator market. The report includes the market share of key vendors and global IF digital attenuator market trends. IF Digital Attenuator Market Key Segments: Type Fixed IF digital attenuators Programmable IF digital attenuators Application Communication System Radar Systems Test and Measurement Equipment Medical Devices Others Industry Vertical Telecommunication Aerospace and Defense Consumer Electronics Healthcare Others By Region North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe (UK, Germany, France, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific) LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa) Buy this Research Report at Discounted Price @ https://bit.ly/3FT95Wk Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount + COVID-19 Scenario): RF Attenuators Market Size & Share Report, 2031 Digital Attenuators Market Market Share, Insights by 2031 EO/IR Gimbals Market Insight and Trends 2031 IR LED Market Growth, Insights by 2031 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com DUBLIN, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "E-Cigarette Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo The global e-cigarette market size reached US$ 21.8 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 31.9 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.55% during 2022-2028. Companies Mentioned Philip Morris International Inc. Altria Group Inc. British American Tobacco PLC Japan Tobacco Inc. Imperial Tobacco Group International Vapor Group Nicotek LLC NJOY Inc. Reynolds American Inc. ITC Limited J WELL France E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that are considered less toxic than traditional cigarettes. Also known as e-cigs, e-vaping devices, vape pens and electronic cigarettes, these cigarettes consist of three main components, namely, a heating coil, battery and an e-liquid cartridge. These components help in delivering dosages of vaporized nicotine or flavored solutions to the users. E-cigarettes are gaining popularity, especially among young adults and adolescents, due to the rising awareness about the harmful effects of traditional tobacco-based cigarettes. However, researchers are still assessing the impact of e-cigarettes on the human body, which is not yet known. The willingness of consumers to quit smoking tobacco products and their perception of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes have led to the increased demand for these devices across the globe. In line with this, the manufacturers are introducing new-generation e-cigarettes which offer different strengths of nicotine and allow the users to refill the cartridge. Moreover, the leading manufacturers are acquiring or entering into partnerships with small and domestic vendors. For instance, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) acquired the UK-based e-cigarette brand E-Lites to develop new products and to commercialize its vaporizers worldwide. These players are also introducing an extensive range of flavors, such as tobacco, fruits and botanicals, in response to the evolving consumer preferences. Further, they are developing the designs of and technology used in e-cigarettes to improve their functioning. Key Questions Answered in This Report 1. What was the size of the global e-cigarette market in 2022? 2. What is the expected growth rate of the global e-cigarette market during 2023-2028? 3. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global e-cigarette market? 4. What are the key factors driving the global e-cigarette market? 5. What is the breakup of the global e-cigarette market based on the product? 6. What is the breakup of the global e-cigarette market based on the flavor? 7. What is the breakup of the global e-cigarette market based on the mode of operation? 8. What is the breakup of the global e-cigarette market based on the distribution channel? 9. What are the key regions in the global e-cigarette market? 10. Who are the key players/companies in the global e-cigarette market? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global E-Cigarette Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Breakup by Product 5.5 Market Breakup by Flavor 5.6 Market Breakup by Mode of Operation 5.7 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel 5.8 Market Breakup by Region 5.9 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup Product 6.1 Modular E-Cigarette 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Rechargeable E-Cigarette 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Next-Generation E-Cigarette 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 6.4 Disposable E-Cigarette 6.4.1 Market Trends 6.4.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Flavor 7.1 Tobacco 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Botanical 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Fruit 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 7.4 Sweet 7.4.1 Market Trends 7.4.2 Market Forecast 7.5 Beverage 7.5.1 Market Trends 7.5.2 Market Forecast 7.6 Others 7.6.1 Market Trends 7.6.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Mode of Operation 8.1 Automatic E-Cigarette 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Manual E-Cigarette 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel 9.1 Speciality E-Cig Shops 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Online 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 9.4 Tobacconist 9.4.1 Market Trends 9.4.2 Market Forecast 9.5 Others 9.5.1 Market Trends 9.5.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by Region Story continues 11 SWOT Analysis 12 Value Chain Analysis 13 Porters Five Forces Analysis 14 Price Analysis 14.1 Price Indicators 14.2 Price Structure 14.3 Margin Analysis 15 Competitive Landscape 15.1 Market Structure 15.2 Key Players 15.3 Profiles of Key Players For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cq5qm7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-e-cigarette-market-report-to-2028-players-include-international-vapor-nicotek-njoy-reynolds-american-and-itc-301782377.html SOURCE Research and Markets GUANGZHOU, China, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global lifestyle retailer MINISO has announced its plans to expand operations into three new markets, namely Angola, Trinidad and Tobago, and Latvia. With Panama, the four new partnerships were unveiled during MINISO's Global Partners Summit, held in Guangzhou, China, in March 2023. The summit, with the theme of "Wink Together, Win for Better", was attended by 173 partners from 53 markets. As a well-established brick-and-mortar retail chain, MINISO has entered 105 markets with over 5,400 stores to date, attracting over 1 billion customers worldwide. The year 2023 marks MINISO's 10th anniversary, and the brand is advancing under the guidance of a new brand strategy. During the Global Partners Summit, MINISO founder and CEO, Mr. Jack Ye, introduced his vision for transforming MINISO into a lifestyle super-brand that brings joy to customers through collaborations and original designs, with professionalism throughout its entire operation playing a key part in future success. MINISO Global Partners Summit was attended by 173 partners from 53 markets The new strategy aims to bring MINISO's signature joyful personality to as many customers as possible around the world, with exciting partnerships in four new markets aiding this goal. The new partners demonstrate strong capabilities and expertise in the retail industry and deep understanding of the local markets. In Latvia, the first MINISO store will open in the capital city of Riga in early summer 2023. The first MINISO store in Panama is expected to open in June this year, with a total of seven stores expected in the country by year-end. Meanwhile, the first MINISO store in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to welcome its first shoppers in mid-2023, with the aim of opening up more stores within three years and the brand looking for more opportunities to grow and build partnerships in Central and South America. In Trinidad and Tobago, MINISO teamed up with a leading retail group in Latin America that has worked with dozens of internationally renowned retailers. Samir, the representative of the retail group, expressed his expectations about the partnership with MINISO. "As we and MINISO Group embark on this new journey together, we hope to provide and transform the shopping experience for customers through the uniqueness of each product offered and the availability of a diversity of exclusive items. Our mission is to bring new and innovative offerings, and MINISO is exceptionally original and unique. Our customers will enjoy discovering the latest original product designs and navigating through the diverse categories of exclusive items and gift concepts. We are certain that this partnership would be fueled by more success stories as we expand together in our region." Story continues In Angola, MINISO has also secured a location in Shopping Avennida, a high-end mall in Luanda, the capital of country. The first store is anticipated to welcome customers in time for this year's Christmas season, with plans for a further three stores in the city in the future. As well as announcing its ventures into new markets, the Global Partners Summit allowed Vincent Huang, Vice President of MINISO's Overseas Operations, to share more details about the brand's store operations upgrade. Overseas stores will be revamped to feature individual designated zones for top performing product categories, such as toys, blind boxes, plushies, accessories, beauty and personal care products. Huang also shared the success story of MINISO partners in Mexico, where annual Gross Merchandise Value hit a record high in 2022, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This success was attributed to a rich and diverse product portfolio and frequent new product launches. MINISO's Mexican stores had nearly 8,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) and launched 350 products monthly on average. Both Mr. Huang and Mr. Ye expressed their sincere belief that the future of MINISO is bright, with the brand's new strategy and store operations upgrades complementing the already outstanding contributions of the brand's global network of valued partners. "I would like to thank all of our partners who have come this far with MINISO," said Mr. Ye in his speech. "MINISO has grown to be one of the most globalized Chinese brands. As we move into the next decade, we remain committed to doing our utmost to create an outstanding brand for consumers all over the world. I would like to invite our partners to join the journey with MINISO and be part of an exciting future." About MINISO MINISO Group is a global lifestyle retailer offering a variety of design-led lifestyle products. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-lifestyle-retailer-miniso-announces-new-partnerships-and-expansion-plans-in-four-markets-301783198.html SOURCE MINISO DelveInsight Business Research LLP As per DelveInsight analysis in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market, the rise in the cases of severe chronic diseases like cancers and cardiac abnormalities along with the rapid advancements in technology are likely to propel the global magnetic resonance imaging devices market. New York, USA, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market to Surpass USD 11 Billion Mark by 2027, Assesses DelveInsight As per DelveInsight analysis in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market, the rise in the cases of severe chronic diseases like cancers and cardiac abnormalities along with the rapid advancements in technology are likely to propel the global magnetic resonance imaging devices market. DelveInsights Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading magnetic resonance imaging devices companies market shares, challenges, magnetic resonance imaging devices market drivers, barriers, and trends, and key magnetic resonance imaging devices companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global magnetic resonance imaging devices market during the forecast period. Notable magnetic resonance imaging devices companies such as General Electric Company, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Canon Medical Systems Corporation, ESAOTE SPA, Aspect Imaging Ltd., Bruker Corporation, Aurora Healthcare US Corp., FONAR Corp., Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Basda Medical Apparatus Co. Ltd., Time Medical Holding, Hyperfine, Alltech Medical Systems, InnerVision MRI Ltd., Magnetica Limited, IMRIS, Deerfield Imaging, Inc., MR Solutions, and several others are currently operating in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market. In October 2022, the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari approved a total of N592, 271, 792.48 for the procurement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, South West Nigeria. In July 2022, Viz.ai , a leading AI-powered disease detection and intelligent care coordination platform announced a partnership with Hyperfine, Inc., the creator of Swoop, the first FDA-cleared point-of-care magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. In July 2022 , the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Free.Max, a High-V magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. On November 29, 2021, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation announced the launch of its advanced, high-field open MRI system - Velocity MRI System during the 2021 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference; the Velocity MRI system is designed to streamline workflow and enhance the patient experience with its unique open gantry, integrated radiofrequency (RF) coils and reconstruction technologies. The systems anatomy-conformable Synergy Flex coil is the first of its kind for an open, vertical field MRI scanner, promoting fast abdominal and orthopedic imaging. Thus, owing to such developments in the market, there will be rapid growth observed in the MRI market during the forecast period. Story continues To read more about the latest highlights related to the magnetic resonance imaging devices market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Report Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Overview According to the US Food and Drug Association (FDA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging procedure for viewing images of the internal structures of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves (radiofrequency energy) to generate images. Magnetic resonance systems can be used to detect, diagnose, and monitor the treatment of various chronic diseases. It is based on a technology that excites and detects changes in protons in the tissue fluid. It can tell the difference between white and grey matter in the brain. When frequent imaging is required for diagnosis or therapy, especially in the brain, it is the only imaging modality in demand because it does not use x-rays. There are two kinds of MRI systems available: closed MRI and open MRI. A closed MRI system consists of a large magnet and a radio wave that sends and receives signals from the body. The open MRI systems use magnetic bottom and top, and all four sides are open, lowering the risk of panic attacks and claustrophobia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Insights Geographically, the global magnetic resonance imaging devices market is studied for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In terms of revenue share, North America currently leads the global market and is projected to hold its magnetic resonance imaging devices market position during the study period. This dominance is due to the factors such as rising severe chronic conditions, rapid technological development activities, significant adoption due to non-invasiveness, increasing government initiatives, and others. In addition to the increase in the cases of chronic diseases, various product development activities, along with the involvement of key manufacturers in accessing local markets, further aid in the growth of the regional magnetic resonance imaging devices markets. For instance, in July 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Free.Max, a High-V magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Such kinds of product launches in the local markets drive the demand in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market. Therefore, factors such as the presence of a large patient population with chronic diseases, coupled with encouraging reimbursement policies and new product launches in the region, are expected to boost the North American magnetic resonance imaging devices market during the forecast period. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market, get a snapshot of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Outlook Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Dynamics The global magnetic resonance imaging devices market is projected to witness considerable growth owing to an upsurge in cases of severe chronic diseases like various types of cancers, cardiac abnormalities, and others, rapid technological advancements in product design, coupled with the rise in geriatric population, rising adoption owing to non-invasiveness, thus expanding the growth of the magnetic resonance imaging devices market during the forecast period from 2022-2027. However, high equipment installation and maintenance costs and product recalls may be limiting factors in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market growth. Additionally, the unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dived down the growth of the magnetic resonance imaging devices market. This is because the rising COVID-19 cases led to the cancellation of outpatient visits and the suspension of non-emergency hospitals and procedures across the globe. However, the vaccine development of COVID-19 has initiated the process of economic recovery with the easing of lockdown restrictions and the return of normalcy in the economic landscape, which has initiated the process of resumption of regular healthcare services such as outpatient visits and resumption of healthcare services, thereby bringing the demand in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market. Get a sneak peek at the magnetic resonance imaging devices market dynamics @ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Dynamics Analysis Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 20192027 Base Year 2021 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market CAGR ~6% Projected Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Size by 2027 USD 11.28 Billion Key Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Companies General Electric Company, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Canon Medical Systems Corporation, ESAOTE SPA, Aspect Imaging Ltd., Bruker Corporation, Aurora Healthcare US Corp., FONAR Corp., Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Anke High-Tech Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Basda Medical Apparatus Co. Ltd., Time Medical Holding, Hyperfine, Alltech Medical Systems, InnerVision MRI Ltd., Magnetica Limited, IMRIS, Deerfield Imaging, Inc., MR Solutions, among others Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Assessment Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Segmentation Market Segmentation By Field Strength: High-Field MRI Systems (1.5t To 3t), Low-To-Mid-Field MRI Systems (<1.5t), Very-High-Field MRI Systems (4t and Above) Market Segmentation By Architecture: Closed MRI Systems, Wide-Bore MRI, Open MRI Systems Market Segmentation By Application: Musculoskeletal, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Oncology, Others Market Segmentation By End User: Hospitals, Diagnostic Centres, Others Market Segmentation By Geography : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World Porters Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOLs Views, Analysts View Which MedTech key players in the magnetic resonance imaging devices market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Companies Table of Contents 1 Report Introduction 2 Executive summary 3 Regulatory and Patent Analysis 4 Key Factors Analysis 5 Porters Five Forces Analysis 6 COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market 7 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Layout 8 Global Company Share Analysis Key 3-5 Companies 9 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Company and Product Profiles 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight Interested in knowing the magnetic resonance imaging devices market by 2027? Click to get a snapshot of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Market Trends Related Reports Optical Coherence Tomography Market Optical Coherence Tomography Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key optical coherence tomography companies, including Abbott, Terumo Corporation, ZEISS Group, Leica Microsystems, CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS EUROPE B.V, Lumedica, among others. Positron Emission Tomography Market Positron Emission Tomography Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key positron emission tomography companies, including General Electric Company, Mediso Ltd., Bruker Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Positron Corporation, Shimadzu Corp., among others. Computed Tomography Devices Market Computed Tomography Devices Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key computed tomography devices companies, including General Electric Company, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Canon Medical Systems Corporation, NeuroLogica Corp. (Samsung Electronics), Shimadzu Corp., among others. Cardiovascular Imaging Equipment Market Cardiovascular Imaging Equipment Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key cardiovascular imaging equipment companies, including oshiba, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Epsilon Imaging, among others. Cancer Therapy Market Cancer Therapy Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast 2027 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key cancer therapy companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly & Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc, Sanofi, among others. Intratumoral Cancer Therapies Market Intratumoral Cancer Therapies Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, along with emerging drugs and key intratumoral cancer therapies companies, including Daiichi Sankyo, Amgen, Idera Pharmaceuticals, Philogen, among others. Other Trending Reports Treatment Resistant Depression Market | Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Market | Brain Cancer Market | Centronuclear Myopathy Market | Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Market | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Market | Acute Intermittent Porphyria Market | Neurovascular Devices Market | Defibrillators Market | Ventricular Hypertrophy Market | Urolithiasis Market | Alopecia Areata Market | Autonomic Dysfunction Market | Acute Ischemic Stroke Ais Market | Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Market | Aspergillosis Market | Biliary Atresia Market | Biliary Tumor Market | Chronic Inducible Urticaria Market | Chronic Insomnia Market | Critical Limb Ischemia Market | Endometriosis Pain Market | Generalized Anxiety Disorder Gad Market | Hallux Valgus Market | Hemophilia B Market | Immunologic Deficiency Syndrome Market | Neuroblastoma Market | Neuromodulation Devices Market | Neurovascular Thrombectomy Devices Market | Osteosarcoma Market | Pemphigus Vulgaris Market | Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Market | Pruritus Market | Radiation Toxicity Market | Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease Market | Cluster Headaches Market | Foot And Ankle Devices Market | Intravenous Immunoglobulin Market | Bile Duct Neoplasm Market | Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Market | Rett Syndrome Market | Tissue Heart Valves Market | Cardiac Biomarkers Testing Devices Market | Subscription Healthcare | Hepatorenal Syndrome Market | Central Venous Catheters Market | Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Machines Market | Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Market | Necrotizing Enterocolitis Market | Cardiac Amyloidosis Market | Artificial Iris Market | Aortic Aneurysm Stent Grafts Market | Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Market | Adrenal Crisis Market | Hearing Implants Market | Image Guided Surgery Devices Market | Angioedema Market | Bladder Cancer Market Related Healthcare Blogs Upcoming Oncological Drugs Upcoming Cardiovascular Diseases Drugs Key Companies in the Cardiology Segment Heart Failure Market Top Cardiac Devices in the Market Related Healthcare Services Healthcare Consulting Healthcare Competitive Intelligence Services Healthcare Asset Prioritization Services About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. CONTACT: Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +1(919)321-6187 https://www.delveinsight.com/medical-devices Extrapolate The niobium and hafnium markets are characterized by high consolidation, with only a few major players dominating the industry. Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao currently holds the title of the world's largest niobium producer, accounting for 85% of global production, with the Niobec Mine to follow. Despite the industry's consolidation, demand for these metals continues to outpace supply, leading to a significant price increase. Dubai, UAE, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Niobium Market Report 2023: As per the recent research report published by Extrapolate, the global Niobium Market size is projected to reach USD 1979.63 million by 2028 from USD 1544.7 million in 2021, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.61% during the forecast period. Niobium, a rare metal, is commonly used to manufacture high-strength alloys, superconducting magnets, and electronic components. The growing demand for niobium can be attributed to its unique properties, making it an essential material in many industries. This demand is expected to continue to increase due to the metal's versatility and applications in emerging technologies such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. Apart from this, the market for niobium is driven by demand from the steel and aerospace industries, which use the metal to produce high-strength alloys resistant to heat, corrosion, and wear. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for niobium from the automotive industry, which is used in manufacturing high-performance engines and lightweight parts for electric vehicles. Download a Sample PDF of the Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/sample/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/niobium-market-report/44224 Competitive Landscape The global niobium market is highly consolidated, with the top 2 players contributing more than 90% to overall production and revenue. The world's largest producer of niobium is Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao (CBMM), a Brazilian company, a subsidiary of the Moreira Salles Group. CBMM operates the Araxa niobium mine in Brazil, the world's largest mine. The company produces about 85% of the world's niobium supply, making it a significant player in the industry. Story continues Key Players CBMM Niobec Anglo American Have an Enquiry? Talk to our Analyst @ https://www.extrapolate.com/enquire/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/niobium-market-report/44224 The Global Niobium Market Segmentation is as below: Market Segmentation by Type Ferroniobium Niobium Oxide Niobium Metal Ferroniobium to Dominate the Global Niobium Market Ferroniobium, a vital niobium alloy and iron alloy, dominates the global niobium market. Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao (CBMM), the largest niobium producer in the world, has been leading the charge in ferroniobium production. In 2021, CBMM produced nearly 92 thousand metric tons of ferroniobium, which accounted for over 92% of its niobium output in the same year. Ferroniobium, in particular, is widely used in producing high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, which is used to construct bridges, pipelines, and buildings. It also has applications in producing superalloys used in the aerospace industry for their excellent high-temperature performance. Purchase This Comprehensive Research Report for Valuable Market Insights: https://www.extrapolate.com/complete-checkout-buyal/44224 Market Segmentation by Application: Structure Steels Automotive Steel Pipeline Steels Stainless Steels Others High Demand for Niobium in Manufacturing of Structural Steel Niobium is a crucial element used in manufacturing high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel to improve its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Structural steel is a widely used construction material in infrastructure, transportation, energy, and manufacturing industries for constructing buildings, bridges, highways, railways, pipelines, offshore structures, and many other infrastructure projects. Most end users prefer structural steel due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, fueling the overall demand for niobium. As per Extrapolates study, the construction industry is the largest consumer of structural steel, accounting for more than 50% of the total demand. Apart from this, niobium finds applications in manufacturing steel used across the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. For more information on the report, visit: https://www.extrapolate.com/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/niobium-market-report/44224 Geographic Segmentation North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America) The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA) Canada to Remain Second Largest Contributor After Brazil to Global Niobium Market In 2022, the global production of niobium was pegged at around 79,000 thousand metric tons. However, the production is highly concentrated in just a few countries, with Brazil being the world's largest producer, accounting for over 90% of global production. For instance, in 2022, it produced over 75,000 thousand metric tons of niobium. Canada (7,000 thousand metric tons) and DR Congo (600 thousand metric tons) are the next largest producers, with a combined output of less than 8% of global production. The remaining countries, including Nigeria and Rwanda, account for less than 1% of global production. Canada is crucial in supplying this valuable metal to various industries worldwide. The Niobec Mine, the country's sole niobium producer, has been instrumental in maintaining Canada's position in the market. The increasing global demand for HSLA steel, particularly in Canadas automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors, has driven the need for niobium, solidifying Canada's position in the market. In addition to this, the government of Canada has ensured a commitment to foster a favorable business environment for the mining industry, which has played a role in supporting the nation's position as one of the leading niobium producers. Browse Complete TOC: https://www.extrapolate.com/toc/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/niobium-market-report/44224 Major Points from TOC: 1 Research Methodology and Statistical Scope 1.1 Market Definition and Statistical Scope of Niobium 1.2 Key Market Segments 1.2.1 Niobium Segment by Type 1.2.2 Niobium Segment by Application 1.3 Methodology & Sources of Information 1.3.1 Research Methodology 1.3.2 Research Process 1.3.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation 1.3.4 Base Year 1.3.5 Report Assumptions & Caveats 2 Niobium Market Overview 3 Niobium Market Competitive Landscape 4 Niobium Industry Chain Analysis 5 The Development and Dynamics of Niobium Market 5.1 Key Development Trends 5.2 Driving Factors 5.3 Market Challenges 5.4 Market Restraints 5.5 Industry News 5.5.1 New Product Developments 5.5.2 Mergers & Acquisitions 5.5.3 Expansions 5.5.4 Collaboration/Supply Contracts 5.6 Industry Policies 6 Niobium Market Segmentation by Type 7 Niobium Market Segmentation by Application 8 Niobium Market Segmentation by Region 9 Key Companies Profiled 10 Niobium Market Forecast by Region 11 Forecast Market by Type and by Application (2022-2028) 12 Conclusion and Key Findings Section II: Global Hafnium Market Report 2023: The global Hafnium Market generated a revenue of USD 77.08 million in 2021 and is projected to reach a valuation of USD 114.47 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.81% during the forecast period. Hafnium is used primarily in the nuclear industry due to its excellent neutron absorption properties. It is also used in aerospace and defense industries, as well as in electronics and other high-tech applications. The global hafnium market is relatively small, with limited production and consumption. As per Extrapolates findings, the primary source of hafnium is from the mineral zirconium. Hafnium is extracted from zirconium using a series of chemical processes, and the production of hafnium is directly linked to zirconium production. Get a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.extrapolate.com/sample/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/hafnium-market-report/44209 France is the leading global producer of hafnium, accounting for 45% of the world's production, with the United States, Ukraine, and Russia following closely behind with 41%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. The annual hafnium production in France is approximately 30 tons. Notably, France supplies 71% of the European Union's hafnium needs. Price Trend Analysis: Widening Demand and Supply Gap is Putting Pressure On the Prices of Hafnium Due to hafnium's limited production and availability, the market is often subject to supply constraints. This has led to a relatively high price for hafnium, which is currently around $4,000-5,000 per kilogram. The price of hafnium will remain high in the coming years, as demand for hafnium is expected to increase in the nuclear, aerospace, defense, and electronics industries. However, developing new extraction technologies and discovering new hafnium reserves could lead to an increase in supply and a decrease in price in the long term. Hafnium has experienced a significant price increase in the last few years. As per Extrapolates findings, the current price of hafnium per kilogram is pegged at above USD 4,900. Looking back to the beginning of 2022, the price of hafnium was USD 1,632.40 per kg, but it has since surged by over 200% Compared to its price of USD 1,404.30 per kg on January 1st, 2021, hafnium has risen by more than 250% as of today. Inquire Before Buying This Report: https://www.extrapolate.com/enquire/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/hafnium-market-report/44209 Global Hafnium Market Segmentation Analysis The hafnium market research report comprises distinct sections categorized by manufacturers, type, application, and region (country). By analyzing these market segments, decision-makers can optimize their product, sales, and marketing strategies. Furthermore, market segmentation can facilitate the development of product offerings tailored to specific market segments, thereby enhancing product development cycles. Key Company Alkane Resources Orano ATI CNNC Jinghuan Nanjing Youtian Metal Technology Purchase this Premium Research Report: https://www.extrapolate.com/complete-checkout-buyal/44209 Market Segmentation (by Type) Hafnium Sponge Hafnium Crystal Bar Others Market Segmentation (by Application) Super Alloy Nuclear Plasma Cutting Others Key Benefits of This Market Research: Industry drivers, restraints, and opportunities covered in the study Neutral perspective on the market performance Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape & strategies of key players Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered Historical, current, and projected market size, in terms of value In-depth analysis of the Hafnium Market Overview of the regional outlook of the Hafnium Market Browse the Complete Report Here: https://www.extrapolate.com/chemicals-and-advanced-materials/hafnium-market-report/44209 Key Points from TOC: 1 Research Methodology and Statistical Scope 2 Hafnium Market Overview 3 Hafnium Market Competitive Landscape 4 Hafnium Industry Chain Analysis 5 The Development and Dynamics of Hafnium Market 6 Hafnium Market Segmentation by Type 7 Hafnium Market Segmentation by Application 8 Hafnium Market Segmentation by Region 9 Key Companies Profiled 10 Hafnium Market Forecast by Region 11 Forecast Market by Type and by Application (2022-2028) 12 Conclusion and Key Findings About Us: Extrapolate is a Global Market Research, Advisory, and Consulting firm that works closely with Industry experts from various industries to bring the latest and most accurate research reports. In an era of breakneck change and a low tolerance for missed or misread opportunities, businesses need astute guidance to shape markets - not merely respond to them. Extrapolate helps clients develop market perspectives that drive success. Contact Us Extrapolate Phone: (+1) 888 328 2189 E-mail: talk@extrapolate.com Website: https://www.extrapolate.com Blog: https://www.extrapolate.com/blog Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: The logo for Goldman Sachs is seen on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs Group Inc is shaking up the leadership ranks at its global financing group after the Wall Street bank merged its investment banking and trading business into a single unit. Michael Marsh will become head of the Europe, Middle East and Africa financing group, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. He joined the bank in 2006. The internal memo, dated March 22, also named John Greenwood as head of the Latin America financing group, in addition to his current role as head of project, infrastructure and principal finance and his leadership responsibilities for the sustainable banking group. Goldman in October said it would reorganize its business into three units and scale back ambitions for its consumer bank. Dominic Ashcroft will become head of EMEA Leveraged Finance, according to another memo, dated March 27, seen by Reuters. He is currently the co-head of EMEA Credit Finance Capital Markets. (Reporting by Jaiveer Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) Grieg Seafood ASA Reference is made to the stock exchange release sent on 28 September 2022, as well as the press release issued by the Norwegian Government on 28 March 2023. The Norwegian Government has reviewed the comments from the public hearing and sent an amended proposal to the Norwegian Parliament. The Government is suggesting to reduce the tax from 40 percent to 35 percent, and tax profits above 70 million NOK. The Parliament is expected to discuss the proposal and enact the law before July 2023. Thus, the Parliament may still make changes to the proposal which has now been published. When the law has been enacted by the Parliament, Grieg Seafood will assess how the tax will impact the Groups strategy and investments. About Grieg Seafood ASA Grieg Seafood ASA is one of the world's leading salmon farmers. Our farms are in Rogaland and Finnmark in Norway, as well as British Columbia and Newfoundland in Canada. Our headquarter is located in Bergen, Norway. Grieg Seafood ASA was listed at the Oslo Stock Exchange in June 2007. More than 800 people work in the company throughout our regions. Sustainable farming practices are the foundation of Grieg Seafood's operations. The lowest possible environmental impact and the best possible fish welfare is both an ethical responsibility and drive economic profitability. Towards 2026, we aim for global growth, cost improvements and to evolve from a pure salmon supplier to an innovation partner for selected customers. To learn more, please visit www.griegseafood.com . Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. GUADALAJARA, Mexico, March 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the Company or GAP) announced today that it successfully completed the issuance of 54 million long-term bond certificates in Mexico (Certificados Bursatiles) at a nominal value of Ps. 100 each (One hundred pesos 00/100), for a total value of Ps. 5.4 billion, issued jointly. The amount of the issuance was up to Ps. 4.5 billion with a greenshoe option of up to 20%, which was reached at the closing of the issuance. The order book reached an over-subscription of 3.2x over the original issuance amount. The bond certificates were issued in accordance with the following terms: 11.2 million certificates were issued under the ticker symbol GAP23-L, at a nominal value of Ps. 100 (one hundred pesos 00/100) each, for a total value of Ps.1,120 million (one thousand twenty million pesos 00/100). Interest will be payable every 28 days at a variable rate of TIIE-28 plus 22 basis points. The principal will be due at maturity on March 23, 2026. 42.8 million bond certificates were issued under the ticker symbol GAP23-2L, at a nominal value of Ps. 100 (one hundred pesos 00/100) each, for a total value of Ps. 4,280 million (four thousand two hundred eighty million pesos 00/100). Interest will be payable every 182 days at a fixed rate of 9.65%. The principal will be due at maturity on March 18, 2030. In accordance with the Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework, GAP will annually publish, within its Annual Sustainability Report, an update on the Key Performance Indicator. The Key Performance Indicator is the reduction of absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and will be verified by December 31, 2025, and audited by an external party, in case the target is not met, there will be an upward adjustment of 0.2% to the nominal value of the GAP23-L at the expiration date, while for the GAP23-2L 25 basis points will be added to the coupon starting from February 28, 2026, and until its expiration. Story continues The issuance obtained the highest credit ratings in Mexico, "Aaa.mx" by Moody's and "mxAAA" by S&P, both on a national scale with a stable outlook. Additionally, the Company obtained a Second Party Opinion from Sustainalytics, per the industrys best practices. The proceeds from this issuance will be allocated to the payment of the bond certificates under the ticker symbol GAP 20-2 issued on June 25, 2020, and maturing on June 22, 2023, for an amount of Ps. 602 million and the remainder will be used for capital investments. COMPANY DESCRIPTION Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexico s Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAPs shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PAC and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GAP. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the operation of the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, and took control of the operation in October 2019. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on managements current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance, and financial results. The words anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, plans and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations, and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity, or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends, or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and article 42 of the Ley del Mercado de Valores, GAP has implemented a whistleblower program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that June involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party that is in charge of collecting these complaints, is 01 800 563 00 47. The website is www.lineadedenuncia.com/gap . GAPs Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation. Alejandra Soto, Investor Relations and Social Responsibility Officer asoto@aeropuertosgap.com.mx Gisela Murillo, Investor Relations gmurillo@aeropuertosgap.com.mx/+52 33 3880 1100 ext. 20294 It is museum worthy; it's a work of art that took more than three years in the making. At $20 million a piece, Billionaire Timeless Treasure from Jacob & Co is one of the most expensive watches ever crafted. The timepiece is backed by impeccable quality, skill and the unyielding will that comes from being Inspired by the impossible, says Jacob & Co. During a three-and-a-half year treasure hunt across the globe, Jacob & Co has almost dried up the market for exceptionally large and high quality yellow diamonds to complete Billionaire Timeless Treasure, it says detailing the amazing story behind the watch. The first-ever colored Billionaire demanded absolute colour uniformity, perfect quality consistence and the brightest of lights. 880 carats of rough yellow diamonds have become 216.89 after thousands of hours of cutting to the demanding Asscher cut. These 425 gems are laid out individually as a mosaic of small dimensions and yet, unprecedented scale. Their Fancy Yellow and Fancy Intense Yellow colours are enhanced by the unique green glow of tsavorites. The Billionaire skeleton tourbillon movement is adorned with another 57 yellow baguette-cut diamonds. "Billionaire Timeless Treasure is an unprecedented achievement in the history of high jewelry watchmaking. Never before has there been a timepiece so lavishly set, with so many high quality and large yellow diamonds," says the maison. "Never before has the gathering of such gemstones been as long, patient and resolute in its quest for quality and color consistence. Never before have said stones been cut at such a high level of complexity as the Asscher cut in such large quantities for a single piece. Three and a half years in the making, this Billionaire timepiece of 425 Asscher-cut, Fancy Yellow and Fancy Intense Yellow diamonds is an undertaking of Olympus-like proportions, and a divine result," it continues. We've browsed the entire world for three and a half years in search of an unprecedented number of perfect gems," says CEO Benjamin Arabov. "We've gathered them here, in our Geneva headquarters, where each one was scrutinised at rough stage, at cut stage, before and after setting. "The incredible work done by our gemsetters happened entirely here, in Geneva. We've combined our expertise in high jewelry with our skills in high watchmaking and used our drive to achieve what has never been done before. So we've created a unique piece that outshines every other high jewelry timepiece in opulence, exclusivity and diamond quality. Rarest, most opulent The joint effort required by the manufacturing of Billionaire Timeless Treasure has gathered 10 staff to search, sort and cut the gems. Fifteen more to craft the yellow gold lattice structure, set it and encase the movement. Under the expert and uncompromising eye of Seraina Wicht, head of gemology watch production at Jacob & Co., 880 carats of the rarest and most opulent rough yellow diamonds, some of them reaching 2.50 ct, have contributed to this masterpiece. It all seemed impossible," says Wicht. "One, to lay our hands on so many gems of so rare a colour and so large. Two, to have all gems meet our demands at the rough, pre-cut stage. Three, to maintain colour consistence after cutting. And four, to cut every single one of them so they would fit into their designated place, their little bed of yellow gold. Jacob&Co challenged itself like never before. Colour and clarity Yellow diamonds are nothing like white diamonds. A 10,000 to 1 occurrence, they're infinitely more expensive. Especially so in the past 12 months. Especially at the size Billionaire Timeless Treasure requires. To reach the final 216.89 carats, Jacob & Co. started with 880 carats of rough diamonds. Not a single gem was rejected because of price. Only because its colour and clarity wouldn't make the cut. With white diamonds, we receive lots with dozens or hundreds of gems," says Seraina Wicht. For Billionaire Timeless Treasure, we were receiving stones one by one, two by two, three at the most. It happened several times that we spent several weeks without receiving a single one that was worthy of the piece. The process of their Asscher-cutting was another challenge. The square shape with inclining corners, which is actually more of an octagon, requires 57 facets and demands much larger roughs than the typical brilliant cut. Impossibly demanding Crafting Billionaire Timeless Treasure was not only a game of patience, but also a game of skills and colour. In the overall scheme of this new type of Billionaire, each gem has a designated place. The larger ones are meant for the case, which comprises 46 of them for a total of 55.15 ct. The first rows of the 159 ct-bracelet also demand hefty gems, with their individual size diminishing in perfectly regular increments as they near the clasp. But the gems are not placed according to their original size. Only colour matters here. So several large stones have been cut with massive waste of matter. Billionaire Timeless Treasure is a mosaic where each yellow diamond has a specific part to play, a specific cut, a specific function. These are not interchangeable brilliants on a bezel. Billionaire Timeless Treasure is an artful composition. As in any composition, the underlying canvas is of paramount importance, although it doesn't always show. Such is the case for the yellow gold structure that offers its support to Billionaire Timeless Treasure's gems. This highly complex lattice is crafted to measure, link by link, prong by prong and fine-tuned for each of the gems it's destined to receive. Maintaining colour intensity In art, mastering colour means expanding beyond the monochromatic. Especially when the paintbrush is actually a rare mineral, there are constraints to be considered. For instance, the gems surrounding the movement on the flange have specific requirements. They're to be longer and thinner so as to fit into the inner ring that connects case and movement. Since it was impossible to maintain colour intensity with yellow diamonds of those dimensions, Jacob & Co. used one of its favourite gems, one that has now become a signature of the brand's highest-end creations: tsavorite. This rare green garnet provides Billionaire Timeless Treasure with extra life, extra relief and unrivaled gem composition. 76 of them have been selected, emerald-cut and kite-cut, to surround calibre JCAM39. The skeleton movement Jacob & Co uses in all its Billionaires is regulated by a tourbillon so thin, so fine it might go unnoticed at first sight. The nature of all Billionaires is to combine the demands of high jewelry with those of high watchmaking. Which is why the extremely fine skeleton is enhanced with 57 baguette-cut yellow diamonds. A legacy of astonishment Launched in 2015 as a unique piece, Billionaire, first of the name, was an unheard-of timepiece. Created as a bespoke project, it had taken several years to craft. Finding, sorting, cutting, prepping its 239 emerald-cut diamonds was an enterprise of incredible proportions, as was its price of $18 million. Setting them on the case, crown and bracelet in an array so tight they became sheer light set Jacob & Co in a class of its own. Its signature skeleton tourbillon movement of extremely fine proportions gave it a special place at the very top of the watchmaking foodchain. Billionaire garnered immense international esteem, prompting Jacob & Co to make a second unique piece. With 424 diamonds totaling 161 ct, Billionaire II took the initial concept even further by showing Jacob & Co.'s unique expertise in selecting and telling a story with gem-setting language. Its movement ended up under a particular spotlight as its filigree structure was set with 57 baguette-cut diamonds, another unprecedented feat. This paved the way for Billionaire III, whose 714 white baguette-cut diamonds gave way to a limited edition of 18 pieces. Billionaire III Diamonds and Rubies opened yet another door in the collection's repertoire with a flange, movement and crown set with a total of 134 rubies. This unique piece introduced a hint of colour in the hugely successful series. Expanding pinnacle Jacob & Co. then explored the vast possibilities offered by the most prestigious cuts available. In 2021, Billionaire Ashoka introduced the esoteric namesake cut to a wide audience, which discovered how demanding this cut actually is, the larger size of diamonds it requires and the incredible light it emits. After this unique piece, Jacob & Co created the Billionaire Ashoka Smaller, a limited edition of 18 with a more diminutive case and bracelet, 480 Ashoka-cut diamonds for a total of over 100 ct. One of the particularities of all the Billionaires is the cream-of-the-crop quality of the diamonds Jacob & Co has been using from day one. All of them, in all Billionaire models, are white, IF-VVS/G+ and without fluorescence. Finding more than 2,000 such gems was yet another accomplishment of immense proportions. All the more so as they are large, always baguette-cut, emerald-cut or Ashoka-cut, all of which demand larger roughs to begin with. Signature craft The immaculate appearance and design of the Billionaires also lies in the special setting technique Jacob & Co has been using, its signature way to attach the gems onto an underlying gold lattice: the very rare and demanding invisible setting. As of February 2023, a total of 21 Billionaire timepieces had been crafted and all of them sold either directly to their owners or to the most high-end watch retailers on the planet, with the exception of one. Now comes the Billionaire Timeless Treasure, setting a new bar for Jacob & Co. - TradeArabia News Service guardian - Bethany Clarke/Getty Images The Guardian has apologised for historic links to slavery and set up a 10m reparation fund after a three-year investigation into itself. The Scott Trust, which owns Guardian Media Group, plans to launch a decade-long programme of restorative justice to make up for the role the newspapers founders played in the transatlantic slave trade. This will include donating millions of pounds to communities harmed by the business interests of the Guardians 19th-century founders. The donations will be funded from The Scott Trusts 1.3bn endowment. It comes after an investigation commissioned by the trust found that the papers founder and the vast majority of his financial backers had links to slavery, mainly through the textiles industry. Researchers from Nottingham and Hull universities established links to plantations on the Sea Islands off the east coast of the US. Invoice books showed John Edward Taylor, the journalist and cotton trader who founded the newspaper in 1821, had interests in businesses that imported vast quantities of raw cotton produced by slaves in the region. The finding was uncovered in The Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement report, which was commissioned by the paper in 2020. It found that Mr Taylor and at least nine of his 11 backers had links to slavery, mainly through the textiles industry. Sir George Philips, a West India merchant and another of the Guardians early backers, co-owned the Success sugar plantation in Jamaica. He unsuccessfully tried to claim compensation from the British government in 1831 for the loss of 108 slaves, according to the report. His partner successfully won compensation estimated at around 200,000 in todays money. In a statement alongside the report, published on Tuesday, the Scott Trust said: As the owners of the Guardian, the Scott Trust apologises to the affected communities identified in the research and surviving descendants of the enslaved for the part the Guardian and its founders had in this crime against humanity, perpetrated against their ancestors. Story continues It also apologised for the Guardians early editorial position in support of the cotton and textile industry, and therefore the continued exploitation of enslaved people. In an article published on Tuesday, Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of the Guardian, wrote: We are facing up to, and apologising for, the fact that our founder and those who funded him drew their wealth from a practice that was a crime against humanity. As we enter our third century as a news organisation, this awful history must reinforce our determination to use our journalism to expose racism, injustice and inequality, and to hold the powerful to account. The Scott Trust said its 10m fund will support projects in the Gullah Geechee people in the southern United States and Jamaica over the next decade. A precise figure and allocation of funds to be reported within 12 months. Other measures include raising awareness of transatlantic slavery and its legacies, improving media diversity and further academic research. The Guardian said it will also expand its reporting of black communities in the UK, US, Caribbean, South America and Africa, with plans to hire 12 new journalists to cover the subject area. The programme is the latest example of media organisations seeking to make amends for historical ties to slavery. Earlier this month a BBC journalist quit the broadcaster weeks after she apologised for her familys ownership of more than 1,000 slaves on the Caribbean island of Granada. Laura Trevelyan, an anchor on BBC World News, has pledged 100,000 in reparations, which she said would be funded through her pension payout from the broadcaster. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced calls from Labour MP Clive Lewis to enter negotiations with the UKs former Caribbean colonies to pay reparations for hideous abuses under slavery. Becker's Top 150 Becker's Top 150 Becker's Top 150 Becker's Top 150 Sayre, Pa., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Guthrie Clinic is proud to announce that they have been named to Becker's Healthcare 2023 list of 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare. Beckers Review is the leading healthcare industry news outlet for business analysis. The hospitals, health systems and companies included on this list are exceptional employers, many of which invest in team members' professional development, wellness benefits and continued education. The list honors healthcare establishments that are committed to advocating for diversity in the workplace, promoting work-life balance, and boosting employee engagement. This is the first time Guthrie has received this prestigious award. Dr, Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO, The Guthrie Clinic said, This extraordinary honor is a testament to our caregivers, and their hard work and dedication to our community. Recognitions such as this affirm for our caregivers and for candidates -- that Guthrie is the right choice to work and build a rewarding career. The list is intended to shine a spotlight on hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that have a positive impact on the lives of their employees and communities. Guthrie was one of 96 health systems in the nation recognized and the only locally-based system in its service area to receive this designation. About Guthrie: The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty health system that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Sayre, Pennsylvania, The Guthrie Clinic is one of the nations longest established group practices, founded in 1910 by Dr. Donald Guthrie with a vision of providing patient-centered care through a clinically-integrated network of employed providers. It is an industry leader in the use of technology and electronic medical records to provide high-quality care. Among The Guthrie Clinics 6,500 caregivers are more than 700 physicians and advanced practice providers, representing the spectrum of medical specialties and sub-specialties. The Guthrie Clinic is a five-hospital system with a large network of outpatient facilities that spans nearly 9,000 square miles in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. It is dedicated to training the next generation of health care leaders, offering seven residencies and three fellowships. Story continues Visit us at Guthrie.org. Follow us at Twitter.com/GuthrieClinic, Facebook.com/TheGuthrieClinic, Linkedin.com/company/TheGuthrieClinic, and Instagram.com/TheGuthrieClinic. About Becker's Healthcare: Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today. Attachments CONTACT: Kathy Cramer Guthrie 570-887-4415 kathleen.cramer@guthrie.org Harvia Oyj Harvia Plc Stock Exchange Release 28 March 2023, 9.00 A.M. EEST Harvia appoints Matias Jarnefelt as CEO The Board of Directors of Harvia Plc has appointed Matias Jarnefelt (M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management) as Harvias CEO. Jarnefelt will start in his position at the latest on 1 July 2023. Matias Jarnefelt has extensive experience of developing international business and sales in companies with a global reach. After a careful recruitment process and evaluation by the Board of Directors of Harvia, I am most pleased that Matias Jarnefelt will join Harvia as the companys new CEO. I am confident that with his versatile experience, Jarnefelt has the exact capabilities to continue driving Harvias successful international growth and expansion, says Olli Liitola, Chairman of Harvia Plcs Board of Directors. I am honored and excited to have been appointed as the CEO of Harvia. I look forward to working with the Harvia team to advance the companys success and international expansion and to further strengthen Harvias position as the leading player in the global sauna and spa industry. I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust and this opportunity, comments Matias Jarnefelt. Jarnefelt has significant experience in demanding international management positions. He has worked several years at Hilti, most recently as the Managing Director for Northern Europe and Great Britain. Prior to joining Hilti, he worked for Nokia in various leadership roles, for example, as the global Head of Sales for Nokias phone accessory business. Jarnefelt is joining Harvia from 9Lives Oy, where he acts as the CEO. Harvias CEO Tapio Pajuharju resigned from his position in November 2022 but will continue to serve the company until the end of May 2023. CV of Matias Jarnefelt Born: 1974 Education: M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management Story continues Finnish citizen Primary work experience: 9Lives Oy: CEO, March 2022 Hilti Group: Head of Hilti Northern Europe & Managing Director, Great Britain, 20182021; Head of Sales, Great Britain, 20172018; Managing Director & General Manager, Hilti Suomi Oy, 20152017; Sales Director, Hilti UK, 20132015 Nokia Corporation: Global Head of Sales, Nokia Gear, 20112013; Director, Head of Telia Global Account, 20082011; Director, Corporate Strategy, 20052007; other positions 19992005 For more information, please contact: Olli Liitola, Chairman of the Board of Directors, tel. +358 400 605 040 Harvia is one of the leading companies operating in the sauna and spa market globally, as measured by revenue. Harvias brands and product portfolio are well known in the market, and the companys comprehensive product portfolio strives to meet the needs of the international sauna and spa market of both private and professional customers. Harvias revenue totaled EUR 172.4 million in 2022. Harvia Group employs more than 600 professionals in Finland, China and Hong Kong, Romania, Austria, United States, Germany and Estonia. The company is headquartered in Muurame, Finland, adjacent to its largest sauna and sauna component manufacturing facility. Read more: https://harviagroup.com Hexagon Composites ASA NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, SOUTH AFRICA, NEW ZEALAND, JAPAN OR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by Hexagon Purus ASA (the "Company") on 1 March 2023 regarding the successful completion of a capital raise comprising a private placement of 18,518,519 new shares at a price of NOK 27.00 per share, raising gross proceeds of approximately NOK 500 million (the "Private Placement"), and a private placement of convertible bonds raising gross proceeds of approximately NOK 800 million. In the announcement, it was stated that the Company's Board of Directors would consider carrying out a subsequent offering of up to 2,750,000 new shares at the same subscription price as in the Private Placement (the "Subsequent Offering"). The Company's Board of Directors has resolved not to proceed with the Subsequent Offering. The background for the cancellation is that the Company's shares have traded below the subscription price in the Private Placement for a substantial period of time and at significant volumes. Existing shareholders wishing to reduce the dilutive effect of the Private Placement have thus had the opportunity to purchase shares in the market at prices below the price which would have been the subscription price in the Subsequent Offering. For additional information, please contact: Mathias Meidell, Investor Relations Director, Hexagon Purus Telephone: +47 909 82 242 | mathias.meidell@hexagonpurus.com About Hexagon Purus Hexagon Purus, a Hexagon Composites company, enables zero emission mobility for a cleaner energy future. The company is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders and systems, battery systems and vehicle integration solutions for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus' products are used in a variety of applications including light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, refueling, maritime, rail and aerospace. Story continues Learn more at www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on Twitter and LinkedIn. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act The new state of the art facility plans to open late 2023 and will create more than 50 local jobs FAIRFIELD, Texas, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- March 2023, The City of Fairfield, Fairfield Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Hoover Treated Wood Products (HTWP) broke ground on a new $9M, state of the art wood treating facility coming to the community late 2023. The plant owned and operated by HTWP will treat fire-retardant wood products to be used in new construction buildings throughout the region. The Hoover Treated Wood Products (HTWP) leadership team broke ground on a new fire-retardant wood treatment facility in Fairfield, Texas. The product, which is used to construct framing, sheathing for roofs and walls, will primarily be used in new multifamily and commercial construction. "We are thrilled to expand our operations into Texas to service the booming commercial and residential construction industries," said Dave Gillrie, CEO, HTWP. "Fairfield is the ideal choice for our new facility which will feature state-of-the-art technology and bring terrific career opportunities. We truly appreciate the warm receptance we've received from the city and look forward to deepening our connection to this vibrant community." As the largest manufacturer of fire-retardant wood products in the United States, HTWP plans to employ at least 50 employees in the first five years of operation. These full-time careers significantly increase quality employment opportunities for Fairfield. "Projects like these are exactly what our community needs to thrive," said Fairfield Mayor, Kenneth Hughes. "The opportunity to showcase state of the art facilities while also providing living-wage careers, are exactly the type of investments we look to make. I am excited to see this project come to life and the long-term benefits it will bring." Fairfield EDC was paramount in securing the company's expansion into Texas and aided with a land grant at the Fairfield Industrial Park South. "Fairfield EDC is focused on helping businesses create products and services that grow beyond our local economy," said David Fowler, president, Fairfield Economic Development Corporation. "These types of new businesses are what generate revenue to build our local economy, and I can't think of a better fit for this than Hoover. With a broad network, this plant will put products made by the Fairfield community into hands throughout the region." Story continues The Fairfield plant is Hoover's first expansion into Texas and is located at 355 Cottonwood Creek Drive Fairfield, TX 75840. ABOUT HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc, in business since 1955, supplies a comprehensive portfolio of pressure-impregnated kiln-dried lumber and plywood products for fire retardant and preservative applications. Hoover has multiple company-owned treating facilities, conveniently located to service 100 plus member stocking distributor network which thoroughly covers the United States. Hoover has been serving its mission to protect people where they live and work with their Pyro-Guard and Exterior Fire-X products which are treated an exclusive proprietary formula and they are recognized for applications where noncombustible materials are required in buildings. These market leading products are confirmed to meet International Building Code requirements by Underwriter's Laboratories and meet or exceed other relevant building code requirements. Hoover is the leader in preservative-treated wood market with Dura-Guard, CCA, Cop-Guard, Micro-Guard and Clear-Guard products. ABOUT FAIRFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. Fairfield Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit, Type A, economic development corporation whose mission is to promote, assist, and enhance economic development opportunities in Fairfield, Texas. The FEDC is funded by a of 1 percent sales and use tax collected in the City of Fairfield. To learn more visit www.fairfieldtx.com Hoover Treated Wood Products (HTWP) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoover-treated-wood-products-announces-new-manufacturing-facility-in-fairfield-301782845.html SOURCE Hoover Treated Wood Products BANGALORE, India, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hydrogen Compressor Market is Segmented by Type (Positive Displacement Compressor, Centrifugal Compressor), by Application (Chemical Engineering, Oil & Gas): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232029. It is published in Valuates Reports under the Heavy Machinery Category. Valuates Reports The global Hydrogen Compressor market was valued at USD 425.6 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 664.8 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2023-2029. Major factors driving the growth of the Hydrogen Compressor Market: The demand for hydrogen from end-user sectors including fertilizer and oil refineries is expected to rise during the projection period, and there will likely be a rise in the deployment of hydrogen pipeline infrastructure globally for transportation. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the Hydrogen Compressor market. Download Free Sample Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-16H8986/Global_Hydrogen_Compressor_Market_Outlook_2022 TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF HYDROGEN COMPRESSOR MARKET: The construction of hydrogen pipeline infrastructure and rising end-user industry hydrogen consumption are two factors that are anticipated to fuel the expansion of the worldwide hydrogen compressor market. In addition, it has been observed that the demand for oil-based compressors has grown dramatically in recent years. This is explained by the fact that oil-based compressors are more effective than their oil-free counterparts because oil serves as a cooling medium, removing about 80% of the heat produced by the compressor during compression. As a result, during the forecast period, this factor is anticipated to significantly contribute to the growth of the hydrogen compressor market. Because hydrogen can store more energy while weighing less than other fuels, making it appropriate for vehicles with large payloads and long ranges, hydrogen fuel cells are largely utilized to power electric vehicles. The development of hydrogen fuel cells is also being fueled by the increased demand for cleaner energy. Story continues The ability to quickly refill cars is the key benefit of using a compressed hydrogen gas storage system. Refueling with a high-pressure gas storage system can be done quickly; however, protocols and procedures for refueling with liquid storage are not currently available. Further factors increasing demand for hydrogen compressors globally include an increase in the number of hydrogen gas pipelines and developments in the automotive industry. Moreover, the government's measures for clean fuel also influence the market. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-16H8986/global-hydrogen-compressor HYDROGEN COMPRESSOR MARKET SHARE: The fuel cell market in Asia-Pacific is perhaps the most promising during the forecast period. One of the biggest and fastest-growing markets for hydrogen compressors is found in China. The chemical, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors have seen significant growth in the nation. Hydrogen centrifugal compressors are used in the refining and petrochemical industries, including ethylene manufacturers, for cracked-gas compression and refrigeration services. The government has boosted its ethylene and benzene production capacity as a result of supply and demand imbalances. Download Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-16H8986/Global_Hydrogen_Compressor_Market_Outlook_2022 Key Companies: ARIEL Atlas Copco Burckhardt Dresser-Rand Kobelco Sundyne Gardner Denver Corken Howden Group Hitachi Hydro-Pac HAUG Sauer Kaishan Shenyang Blower Works Group Corporation (SBW) Siemens Energy. Buy Customized Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/customisation/QYRE-Auto-16H8986/Global_Hydrogen_Compressor_Market_Outlook_2022 Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact : https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-16H8986&lic=single-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. SIMILAR REPORTS: - Hydrogen Peroxide market size is estimated to be worth USD 4338.3 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 5240.8 Million by 2028 with a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period 2022-2028. - Hydrogen Bromide (CAS 10035-10-6) Market - Hydrogen Fuel Cells market size is estimated to be worth USD 4526 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 25510 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 33.4% during the review period. - Green hydrogen market size was valued at USD 0.3 Billion in 2020, and is projected to reach USD 9.8 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 54.7% from 2021 to 2028. - Hydrogen Generation market size is estimated to be worth USD 265.6 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 445.5 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 9.0% during the review period. - Hydrogen Electrolyser market size is estimated to be worth USD 216 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 423.6 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 11.9% during the review period. - Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide market is projected to reach USD 779.4 million by 2028 from an estimated USD 435.2 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 10.2% during 2023 and 2028. - Type V Hydrogen Storage Tank Market - Electrolyzer market was valued at USD 0.2 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to generate USD 0.9 billion by 2027. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 24.6% from 2020 to 2027. - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Air Compressor Market - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Gas Diffusion Layer market size was USD 383 million and it is expected to reach USD 2684.3 million by the end of 2027, with a CAGR of 32.4% during 2021-2027. - Steam and Hydrogen Peroxide Biological Indicator Market - Hydrogen Tanks Market - Hydrogen Solenoid Valve Market - Electrochemical Hydrogen Compressors Market - Hydrogen Circulation Pump in Fuel Cell Market - Low Temperature Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilizer Market - Reciprocating Hydrogen Compressor Market - Mechanical Hydrogen Compressor Market - Positive-displacement Hydrogen Compressor Market - Diaphragm Type Hydrogen Compressor Market - Process Gas Compressor Market - Stationary Hydrogen Storage Tank Market Click here to see related reports on Hydrogen Compressor market ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. CONTACT US: Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 For IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports LinkedIn - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Sitemap: https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/458 https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/459 https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/460 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hydrogen-compressor-market-to-grow-usd-664-8-million-by-2029-witnessing-a-cagr-of-6-5--valuates-reports-301783623.html SOURCE Valuates Reports Transparency Market Research North America is expected to be the largest insulin market during the forecast period. The presence of key manufacturers including Eli Lilly and Company and Becton, Dickinson, and Company is a significant factor driving the market in the region. Wilmington, Delaware, United States, March 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Transparency Market Research, the global insulin market was worth USD 18.5 Bn in 2021. The market is predicted to reach USD 30 Bn by 2031, rising at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2031. A growing number of people with diabetes, increased exposure to the main diabetes risk factors, increasing demand for insulin analogs, technological advancements in the industry of insulin delivery equipment, and favorable medical reimbursements are all expected to contribute to the growth of the insulin market during the forecast period. Download a Sample for Highlights on Market Drivers and Challenges Affecting the Insulin Industry: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=259 Market Snapshot: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue USD 18.5 Bn in 2021 Estimated Value USD 30 Bn by 2031 Growth Rate - CAGR 4.3% Forecast Period 20222031 No. of Pages 160 Pages Market Segmentation By Mode of Action and Source Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America Companies covered Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tonghua Dongbao, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk A/S, Julphar, Biocon Ltd., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Ypsomed AG, Biodel, Inc., and B. Braun Melsungen AG During the forecast period of 2022 to 2031, it is expected that factors such as a rise in the number of diabetic patient pool, increasing obesity rates among elderly people, greater understanding of the benefits of insulin, as well as government initiatives that will enhance healthcare will propel the growth of the insulin market. Story continues Another significant aspect influencing the expansion of space is developments in the formulation. For example, Fiasp (Novo Nordisk) is a mixture of niacinamide (Vitamin-B3) and insulin aspart that can enhance the drug's early absorption. The only inhaled medication on the market that doesn't require syringes or needles is Afrezza (Mannkind). Phase 3 clinical studies are also being conducted for the oral insulin capsule made by Oramed Pharmaceuticals. By Q4 2023, the business intends to submit the BLA. The successful introduction of this product may provide patients with another choice. During the anticipated period, these advancements are anticipated to provide new possibilities in the worldwide insulin market. Key Findings of the Market Report The global insulin market is expected to garner a 4.3% CAGR from 2021 to 2031. By mode of action, premixed insulin administration to increase in forthcoming years Simultaneously, long-acting insulin is expected to garner a significant market share from 2022 to 2031 Global Insulin Market Trends In 2021, the long-acting insulin market generated a sizeable portion of total revenue. The segment is anticipated to be driven by elements like patent protection and strong demand owing to long-term effects. Among the top items in this market area are Toujeo, Xultophy, Insulatard, Levemir, and Lantus. In contrast, insulin with a rapid onset of action promotes quicker absorption. Lispro, Aspart, and glulisine are important products in this market. Lispro stood out among them, having the largest sales in 2021. Share Your Exact Requirements with Us So We Can Provide the Best Solution Global Insulin Market: Regional Landscape In terms of revenue, North America led the market in 2021, mostly because of the dominance of branded goods and the region's rising illness prevalence. In 2020, the CDC estimated that 37.3 million Americans had diabetes, of whom 28.7 million had been diagnosed and 8.5 million had not. Additionally, 96 million adults age 18 and older possess prediabetes. Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, and Sanofi are a few of the main companies that are actively active in this area. Asia Pacific is predicted to experience significant growth throughout the forecast period due to factors like growing geriatric and target populations, an increase in partnerships for the research and development of biosimilars, the geographical expansion of key players, and active involvement of the government and nonprofits sectors in the market space. Global Insulin Market: Key Players Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. Tonghua Dongbao Eli Lily and Company Sanofi Novo Nordisk A/S Julphar Biocon Ltd Becton, Dickinson, and Company Ypsomed AG Biodel, Inc B. Braun Melsungen AG Other prominent players Some developments by the key players are as follows: Biocon announced in February 2022 that it purchased the biosimilar portfolio of Viatris for US$ 3.335 billion . The direct commercialization approach for BBL's portfolio of present and prospective biosimilars is expedited by this deal. To ensure continuity of client service and a seamless transition to BBL, Viatris will provide commercial as well as additional transition services over an anticipated two-year timeframe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an expanded label for Lyumjev, which is an insulin lispro-AABC injection of 100 units/mL, as well as a fast-acting insulin from the leading company, Eli Lilly and Company, in 2021. It is intended to help patients dealing with type 1 diabetes as well as type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels. Browse the Full Report with Facts and Figures of the Insulin Market Report at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=2593.8%. The Construction and Housing Ministry recognizes the importance of integrating a national transportation strategy with road network improvements. Iraq has a significant rural dirt road network and over 44,000 km of paved highways. The highway and bridge systems are the primary surface transportation links connecting Iraq to its neighbors. An efficient road system promotes domestic trade, assists tourists, and connects the country's population centers to essential services. What is driving the growth of the Iraq Freight and Logistics Market? The World Trade Organization (WTO) defines e-commerce as "the electronic production, distribution, marketing, sales, or delivery of goods and services." In 2021, 75% of the Iraqi population had internet access, and 61.4% used social media platforms. Iraq's e-commerce sector has grown rapidly in recent years. The industry has evolved from a niche dominated by technologically savvy individuals to a mainstream service for the average Iraqi consumer. According to a Think Bank Iraq survey, 57% of Iraqi internet users shopped online at least once. This has increased the interest of Iraqi industry leaders and investors in e-commerce platforms. Platforms such as Miswag have secured millions in funding rounds. While Orisdi secured funding and partnership deals with Iraq's largest private TV network, Al Sharqiya. The Iraqi e-commerce market is expanding. It was valued at USD 3.815 billion in 2021, as per Statista. This study aims to discover purchase patterns among Iraqi consumers, from product discovery to online search, to ordering and providing feedback. According to industry experts, more than three-quarters (79.35%) of respondents have shopped online in the last three months, with 61.22% placing one to three orders and spending between USD 50 and USD 100. When it comes to Iraqis shopping online, such figures show high demand and promising prospects. Story continues Infrastructure is needed to support logistics in Iraq: China Sea extends through the Malacca Strait, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. BRI policy goals include improving communication between governments, implementing hard and soft infrastructure, strengthening cultural ties through academic exchanges, tourism, and other activities, and promoting regional cooperation and integration. Hard infrastructure entails the construction of transportation and logistics hubs, ports, energy plants, refineries, and power grids, among other things. Soft infrastructure refers to the development of regulatory standards, trade agreements, and so on. Iraq received the most construction-related investment in the West Asian region in 2021, with USD 10.5 billion for financing a variety of projects ranging from energy and aviation infrastructure to green energy capabilities to road and school construction. Who are the key players in the Iraq Freight and Logistics Market? The freight and logistics market in Iraq is fragmented, with a mix of international and local companies. Among the country's major players are: Al-Rashed United Shipping Services Zarawa Company Move One Logistics Crown Logistics LTD Guangzhou International Transparency Co. Arch Star Logistics Mateen Express and Logistics Sheraz Co. DHL Global Forwarding Nippon Express Co. Ltd Dsv Global Transports and Logistics The Maersk Group C.H. Robinson Recent developments in the Iraq Freight and Logistics Market: In November 2022, AD Ports Group and Iraq-based International Development Bank (IDB) signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) to review opportunities for ports and logistics projects that could enhance trade flows between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. In February 2022, the leading international air and travel services company, Dnata, reached a significant milestone in Erbil. In order to digitize procedures and increase efficiency throughout its cargo operations in Iraq, the company deployed the "OneCargo" system. In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand this industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/iraq-freight-logistics-market-study About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics. Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends. Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you: Attachment CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India Jack Ma - AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File Alibaba is planning to carve up Jack Mas e-commerce empire after a regulatory crackdown by Beijing on Chinas technology sector. The Chinese online retail giant, which is listed in both Hong Kong and the US and valued at around $230bn (187bn), will split its business into six units, each of which will have its own chief executive and board of directors. Several of the new businesses would then seek to achieve further independence by selling shares to outside investors or listing on the stock market. The planned shake up comes a day after Mr Ma, the 58-year-old founder of Alibaba, returned to mainland China after several months without an official appearance. The long absence of Mr Ma, who once impersonated Michael Jackson in a dance performance for thousands of his employees, came after he criticised Chinas regulators in 2020, leading to a backlash against the countrys domestic tech sector. The billionaire has since kept a low profile and largely avoided official functions and public events, although reports emerged on Monday that he had been spotted touring a school in the Chinese city of Hangzhou that is funded by Alibaba. Chinas regulatory crackdown has weighed on Alibabas share price, which has fallen around 70pc since November 2020, when Mr Ma attracted the ire of Beijing officials. Mr Ma had been engineering a float of Ant Group, a financial payments company spun-out of Alibaba, a blockbuster deal that would have valued the business at around $300bn. But he clashed with Chinas banking and payments regulators, leading them to block the deal and sending Alibabas shares plunging. Since then, Alibaba has been hit with billions of dollars in fines from Chinas regulators over monopoly concerns amid a wider clamp down on tech companies and their billionaire founders. In January, Mr Ma also gave up his controlling shareholding in Ant Group. Alibaba said the decision to carve up the group would unlock the value of the groups various businesses, which include interests in food delivery, logistics and film and TV production. Story continues The companys cloud division will continue to be headed by Daniel Zhang, the groups overall chief executive, while its ecommerce business will remain fully owned by its main listed holding company. The company said: We will have six major business groups and other investments, each to be independently managed by its own chief executive officer and board of directors. Each business group will also have the flexibility to raise outside capital and potentially to seek its own IPO. (Bloomberg) -- Japanese banks have little risk of facing a situation like Credit Suisse Group AGs recent Additional Tier 1 bonds wipeout, Japans finance minister reassured onlookers who may be concerned about their holdings. Most Read from Bloomberg Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said in parliament Tuesday that Japanese banks AT1s do not have a clause which recently triggered $17 billion worth of junior debt being wiped out at the European bank. Read more: Credit Suisses AT1 Wipeout Is Destined for Court: QuickTake While Credit Suisses prospectus made clear there is the possibility of a wipeout when there is whats known as a writedown event, Suzuki emphasized this covenant doesnt exist for AT1 bonds issued by Japanese banks. Japanese banks are generally seen to be adequately placed to withstand a banking crisis, due to their solid balance sheets. Their sticky deposits and access to dollar funding also cap fears of falling into a situation like the European banks. Suzuki added that the direct impact from Credit Suisses AT1 bonds on Japan is likely to be limited, as Japanese financial institutions have not invested much in those products. The minister also said that Japanese banks have ample liquidity and capital, and the financial system as a whole is stable. Still, given the various risks, the Financial Services Agency will keep a close eye on developments in cooperation with various authorities including the central bank, Suzuki said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Mordor Intelligence Hyderabad, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled "Kitchen Cabinets Market - (2023 2028), the market is expected to register a CAGR of 6%. The key driver for kitchen cabinets is the construction of residential buildings, which are growing rapidly. The increasing demand for space-saving and proficient storage that optimize the usage of small spaces is expected to drive the demand for kitchen cabinets. Customization, to conform to the unique needs of modern consumers, is estimated to drive the market in the coming future. What are the trends driving the growth of the Kitchen Cabinets Market? Kitchens are often considered the most important room in homes. Therefore, a kitchen renovation is among the most common home improvements undertaken, giving momentum to the value of kitchen cabinets. According to our research experts, some of the major market trends shaping the kitchen cabinets market are: A study by official US sources found that the majority of homeowners who upgraded their kitchens opted for custom and semi-custom designs for their kitchen cabinets. The availability of customized kitchen cabinets at affordable prices compared to conventional kitchen cabinets is increasing their demand in the region, supporting the global trend. Among the different door styles for cabinets, recessed door styles dominated the market. There is a positive outlook for wooden components and industrial products throughout the United States, a vital part of cabinets, store fixtures, and other wood industries. It was found that among the materials used, paint was the predominant choice for kitchen cabinets, followed by wood and glass. Residential project markets in the United States also aid the high growth of countertops in renovation models as homeowners opt for larger kitchens. How is the growth being addressed? In the growing nations of the Asia-Pacific region, a number of macroeconomic variables and internal market dynamics are influencing the growth and development of demand patterns. The market in the region is witnessing a substantial growth rate, owing to the increasing trend of kitchens being renovated. This is expected to increase the demand for kitchen cabinets. Story continues Growth is mainly driven by the increase in demand for cabinets due to urbanization and the rising disposable incomes of consumers in the region. China is expected to register the fastest growth in demand for cabinets, surpassing Japan to become the second-largest cabinet market. Rapid growth in the fittings of cabinets in new and existing homes and non-residential buildings is supporting the strong demand in China. Who are the key players in the Kitchen Cabinets Market? The kitchen cabinets market is highly competitive, as many players are opting for different strategies to meet the diversifying needs of consumers. Some of the key players are: Poggenpohl JPD Kitchen Depot Canyon Creek Cabinet Company Leggett & Platt Incorporated Leicht Kuchen AG IKEA AB Masco Corporation Shenandoah Cabinetry Crystal Cabinet SieMatic M belwerke GmbH and Co. KG Wellborn In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand this industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/kitchen-cabinets-market About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics. Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends. Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you: Attachment CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India jk78 / Getty Images/iStockphoto If you plan to deposit $10,000 or more into your checking account, there are a few things you should consider first. By law, banks have to report deposits that exceed a certain amount. Stimulus 2023: Updates To Know Now Find Out: How To Guard Your Wealth From a Potential Banking Crisis With Gold Not only that, but many bank accounts come with maximum deposit restrictions. You may also be subject to certain fees when making such a large deposit. If you frequently make large deposits, you should also watch out for any potential scams or fraudulent activity. But even if this is a one-time thing, its still important to know about these factors and how they might affect you. Banks Must Report Large Deposits According to the Bank Secrecy Act, banks are required to file Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) for any cash deposits over $10,000, said Lyle Solomon, principal attorney at Oak View Law Group. CTRs typically include the name of the individual, their account number, Social Security number and taxpayer identification number all of which are verified and recorded by the bank. Banks must file CTRs to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Some banks will do this manually, while others will automate the process. The creation of a CTR does not mean that your account will be frozen, nor that the Men in Black will be visiting your home, said Herman (Tommy) Thompson Jr., CFP, ChSNC, ChFC certified financial planner at Innovative Financial Group. For banks, its considered standard procedure and isnt a cause for concern if the deposit is legitimate. These procedures exist to help prevent money laundering, counterfeit deposits and similar financial crimes from occurring. By requiring banks to report deposits of $10,000 or more, the government can more easily keep track of monetary transactions. As long as your deposits are legitimate, you wont have anything to worry about. Story continues Take Our Poll: What Do You Plan To Use Your Tax Refund For? Structuring Is Illegal Some people will try to avoid the federal cash-reporting rules by making smaller deposits that total $10,000 or more over a short period say, a few days or weeks. This is known as structuring and is considered illegal. Structuring is essentially the practice of conducting financial transactions in a specific pattern calculated to avoid the creation of certain records and reports, according to the IRS, said Solomon. Sean K. August, CEO of The August Wealth Management Group, added to this by saying that depositing $8,000 in an attempt to avoid the $10,000 AML (Anti-Money Laundering) limit is a form of structuring, which is also illegal. If the bank suspects that you are trying to avoid the $10,000 limit by making multiple deposits of less than $10,000, they may still report the transaction to FinCEN, and you may face penalties and legal consequences. If you make multiple smaller deposits to avoid a CTR, your bank could file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). Once received, FinCEN will investigate the activity to determine whether your account is involved in any fraud, money laundering or terrorist funding. Your bank is not required to notify you of this. You May Need To Provide Additional Documentation You may be asked to provide additional information about the source of the funds, such as invoices, receipts, or other documentation, August said. Providing this information can also help the government identify potential red flags, such as illegal or fraudulent activity. Its a good idea to keep records of any transactions over $10,000 for tax-related reasons. Businesses Must File Form 8300 By law, individuals, businesses and trades must file Form 8300 to the IRS within 15 days of receiving a cash sum of $10,000 or more. This form is meant to help prevent money laundering. Everyone involved in the transaction will also need to provide a written statement to be filed along with Form 8300. If you are required to file but do not, you may face criminal or civil penalties. Your Bank Account May Have Limits Certain bank accounts come with a maximum deposit limit. Each institution has its own rules on this. For example, some banks might have different limitations based on if the deposit was done by cash or check. Verify with your bank that you can deposit $10,000 or more into your account. Depending on your bank and the specific amount you have, you may be charged fees or penalties for making large deposits, Solomon said. Review your accounts terms and conditions or ask your bank about potential fees before depositing the money. Not All Bank Accounts Are Secured If youre planning to deposit large sums of money into a bank account, make sure its secured. Any bank you use should be FDIC-insured. This means the money in your accounts checking, savings, money market, etc. is automatically protected up to a certain amount (usually $250,000 or more) against bank failure. While the FDIC does not insure financial losses caused by fraud or theft, your bank should have other safeguards in place to secure your money. Watch Out for Scams and Fraud Unfortunately, scams and fraudulent activity are rather common when dealing with large sums of money. Always verify the legitimacy of the transaction and the source of the funds before depositing the money, August said. There are several common types of scams out there. Confirm where the money is coming from, especially if its in a large amount. If the source of the funds is unclear or suspicious, be careful, Solomon said. For example, if someone offers to pay you a large sum of money for a service or product, or if you receive an unexpected windfall from an unknown source, its important to be cautious and investigate the situation further. If you receive a check, make sure its legitimate as well. Some scammers will send a check for you to deposit and ask you to send back some of that money. By the time either you or the bank realizes it was a fraudulent check, its often too late and your moneys already gone. Availability of Funds After depositing a large amount of money, its natural to want to know when youll have access to it. This depends on the deposit type and the banks policies. Large transactions usually have a hold period of 2-7 days to verify the authenticity of the check and the ability of the payor to meet the obligation, Thompson said. A bank can make the hold longer under special circumstances, but that is fairly rare. Cash deposits might be available more quickly. Checks, meanwhile, might take several days to clear and for the funds to show up in your bank account. When in doubt, contact your bank and ask when the money will be available. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What To Know If You Deposit More Than $10K Into Your Checking Account FILE - A display of the Olympic rings is set up on Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, after the vote in Lima, Peru, awarding the 2024 Games to the French capital, in Paris, France, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. A proposed French law for the 2024 Paris Olympics that critics contend will open the door for privacy busting video surveillance technology in France and elsewhere in Europe faces an important hurdle Tuesday March 28, 2023 with lawmakers set to vote on it. The bill would legalize the temporary use of so-called "intelligent" surveillance systems to safeguard the Games and Paralympics. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) PARIS (AP) A proposed French law for the 2024 Paris Olympics that critics contend will open the door for privacy-busting video surveillance technology in France and elsewhere in Europe passed an important hurdle on Tuesday with lawmakers overwhelmingly voting for it. The bill will legalize the temporary use of so-called intelligent surveillance systems to safeguard the Paris Games, which run next year from July 26-Aug. 11, and the Paralympics that follow. The systems combine cameras with artificial intelligence software to flag potential security concerns, such as abandoned packages or crowd surges. Human operators would decide whether action is needed. French authorities insist the surveillance wouldn't involve facial recognition. Supporters of the bill argue that the technology could help avert disasters like the deadly crowd crush that killed nearly 160 people during Halloween festivities in South Korea in October. Its not about recognizing Mr. X in a crowd, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told National Assembly lawmakers last week when they were debating the measures. Its about recognizing situations. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the draft in January, by 245 votes to 28. The National Assembly followed suit Tuesday with a 400-93 vote that the French government's sports minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, hailed as an essential step. The draft is now slated for further fine-tuning by assembly members and senators before its final adoption, expected in April. Digital rights watchdog groups argue that France will violate international human rights law by becoming the first of the European Unions 27 countries to legalize AI-powered surveillance, even if just temporarily. The bill says the technology can be used on an experimental basis to the end of 2024 to safeguard sporting and cultural events in France that are particularly at risk of being targeted by terror attacks. The technologys use risks permanently transforming France into a dystopian surveillance state and will lead to an all-out assault on the rights to privacy, protest, and freedom of assembly and expression, said Mher Hakobyan, an Amnesty International adviser on AI regulation. Story continues It has also been well-documented that hostile surveillance technologies are disproportionately used to target marginalized groups, including migrants and Black and brown people, Hakobyan added. Even though the draft law says the cameras won't use facial recognition, they are still liable to scrutinize physical traits including people's postures, walks and gestures, critics contend. Opponents also are concerned that the technology risks zeroing-in on people who spend a lot of time in public spaces, such as the homeless. The bill also clears the way for the technology's use with cameras mounted on drones. ___ More AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports What We Learned from China's Tech Earnings, From Alibaba to Tencent (Bloomberg) -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s announcement of a six-way split is just the latest reason for bulls of Chinas tech sector to be more optimistic. Most Read from Bloomberg A raft of sales beats and signs of a more relaxed regulatory environment had already provided a more positive backdrop of late, which Tuesdays news from the e-commerce giant is only likely to bolster. US-listed shares of Alibaba shares rose as much as 11%, with analysts expecting the overhaul to help crystallize value. The nations three internet leaders Baidu Inc., Alibaba and Tencent Holdings Ltd. have all reported revenue ahead of analysts consensus for the final quarter of 2022, aided by a recovery in advertising. Alibaba co-founder Jack Mas return to China after more than a year abroad having irked Beijing was perceived by some as another indication of the regulatory setting shifting for the better. Members of the Hang Seng Tech Index have risen 5.5% on average through Tuesday since their earnings reports, led by a 27% surge in Lenovo Group Ltd., data compiled by Bloomberg show. This season took on greater significance as investors sought clarity on how tech firms are emerging from years of Covid restrictions and regulatory headwinds. The overall take is one of cautious optimism. While the sector is no longer growing at a dizzying pace, improving consumption and Beijings wind down of crackdowns build the case for a valuation re-rating. The earning announcements of big Chinese Internet names confirmed our view that earnings will continue to improve this year for the sector, said Jian Shi Cortesi, a fund manager at Zurich-based GAM Investment Management, adding that the biggest surprise came from Tencents advertising recovery, which was stronger than expected. Story continues READ: Alibaba Jumps After SCMP Reports Jack Ma Returns to China Shares of Tencent have risen 4.5% since announcing a beat in quarterly revenue last week on the back of strength in online advertising and a resumption of gaming approvals. Lenovo has steadily trended upward since net profit came in better than expected, with shares surging last week as JPMorgan Chase & Co. double-upgraded the stock to overweight. Among the 19 Hang Seng Tech companies that have reported sales results, eight notched better-than-expected outcome while seven saw in-line revenue and four missed estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. JPMorgan analyst Alex Yao known for his uninvestable call on the sector before turning more positive mid-2022 expects Beijings pro-growth policies and the diminishing risk of a delisting of American Depositary Receipts to boost the sectors valuation. Notable outliers include Alibaba, whose shares have fallen about 10% since its Feb. 23 release, after the company shared cautious guidance. Meituan also slumped Monday despite a surge in sales as traders focus turned to its weaker margin outlook. All in all, the Hang Seng Tech Index has gained more than 4% so far in March, on track to outperform the the benchmark Hang Seng Index, which has fallen about 1%. We think 2023 will be a year of valuation re-discovery as global investors revisit China Internet stocks that have seen distorted historical financial results in the past three years, Yao at JPMorgan wrote in a note last week. While key pillars of tech revenue have reached mature stages, theres still ample opportunities to generate long-term sustainable growth, he added. Tech Chart of the Day Nvidia Corp. has surged 82% this year to add nearly $300 billion to its market value. The appreciation has pushed the chipmaker toward an elite group of companies that make up the top five most valuable US firms. As of Mondays close, Nvidia was valued at $655 billion in market capitalization, not far off fifth-placed Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s $662 billion. Top Tech Stories Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. plans to split its $220 billion empire into six main units that will individually raise funds and explore initial public offerings, the biggest overhaul of Chinas e-commerce leader since its inception more than two decades ago. Walt Disney Co. has begun the first of what is expected to be 7,000 job cuts, a key part of a $5.5 billion savings drive the company announced in February. Alphabet Inc.s Google asked a US judge to dismiss the governments case against its dominance in the digital advertising market. Lyft Inc. tapped David Risher to be its new chief executive officer, replacing co-founder Logan Green and setting the stage for a potential sale as the ride-hailing company struggles to compete with bigger rival Uber Technologies Inc. The head of the US National Security Agencys cybersecurity arm said popular video-sharing app TikTok is Chinas Trojan horse and poses a long-term, strategic cybersecurity concern. Japanese telecom KDDI Corp. has joined gaming blockchain network Oasys, aligning itself with companies such as Square Enix Holdings Co. and Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. that are exploring the so-called metaverse. Twitter Inc.s For You feed, the default view for users of the social network, will no longer recommend content from accounts that arent verified. --With assistance from Subrat Patnaik. (Updates stock move in second paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Standard Chartered Bank and global technology major Siemens Energy have joined hands to issue the first green guarantee in Qatar for a solar power project that is expected to play a major role in the country's national climate change action plan and also help reduce its carbon footprint while boosting energy independence. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in increasing sustainable and responsible banking practices in Qatar and helps to set a new standard for the industry. This Green instrument is designed to support the projects successful completion and long-term sustainability. Daniela Schoeppner, Vice President Finance Hub Middle East at Siemens Energy said: "The road to net zero requires partnership, innovation, as well as decarbonisation. This is highlighted in the development of this innovative Green Guarantee as a trade instrument with Standard Chartered, that will support the development of an important solar power project in Qatar." Mohammed Salama, Regional Head of Corporate Commercial & Institutional Banking, Standard Chartered Bank said: "Our sustainability linked solution demonstrates our commitment to promoting sustainable finance and supporting renewable energy projects that contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Standard Chartered Bank has been a key catalyst of the sustainability agenda across our key markets through leading landmark transactions that support the sustainability objectives of market leaders such as Siemens Energy." "This partnership between Standard Chartered Bank, Qatar, and Siemens Energy sets a new standard for sustainable finance in Qatar and serves as a template for companies and institutions looking to promote responsible and sustainable finance practices," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Project Punch Card conference, taking place on April 11th, 2023, will feature a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats all centered around what it means to be long-term focused. Limited tickets remain. Current discounted ticket price ends on March 31st. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Project Punch Card Investment Conference will be taking place on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 in New York City at the Fordham University School of Law. Project Punch Card (PPC) is pleased to announce addresses from a stellar lineup of investment luminaries. This year's speakers include Leon Cooperman (Founder, Omega Advisors, Inc., Chairman & CEO, Omega Family Office, Inc.), Murray Stahl (Chairman, CEO, CIO, and Co-Founder of Horizon Kinetics), Cheryl Strauss Einhorn (Founder and CEO of Decisive AREA Method), Chris Bloomstran (President and CIO of Semper Augustus Investments Group), and Laura Rittenhouse (CEO and Founder of Rittenhouse Rankings). The conference is also proud to feature talks and fireside chats from Robert Robotti (President and CIO of Robotti & Company), John D. Spears (Managing Director Tweedy, Browne Company), David E. Marcus (Co-Founder, CEO and CIO of Evermore Global Advisors), Jonathan Brandt (Research Analyst at Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb), Joyce Zhang (Senior Investment Officer at The Wallace Foundation), and Alix Pasquet (Managing Partner at Prime Macaya Capital Management). The Project Punch Card Investment Conference is an opportunity for professionals in the investment industry to network, share ideas, and gain valuable insights from top investment leaders. "We are excited to announce the third PPC Investment Conference and bring students, industry professionals and some of the world's best investors together," said Vishal Mishra, Principal of Mishra Capital Partners and Catalyst of Project Punch Card. Ticket Prices Will Increase to $999 on March 31st, so reserve a spot for $350 today! Tickets are available via Eventbrite: Project Punch Card Investing Conference 2023 Story continues About Project Punch Card Project Punch Card (PPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting underrepresented groups in the investment industry; its name comes from Warren Buffett's "punch card" philosophy. PPC is a collaborative effort from industry veterans: Vishal Mishra of Mishra Capital Partners, James Basili of Lightsail Capital Management, Henry Patner of Koa Capital, Andrew Kahn of Kahn Brothers Group, and Lindsey Rubinstein of Opus Capital Management. Contact Mona Alshorah Conference Organizer (332) 203-2490 ppc@projectpunchcard.org Related Links https://projectpunchcard.org/ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-punch-card-investing-conference-2023-tickets-554705337597 SOURCE: Project Punch Card View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746186/Leon-Cooperman-Murray-Stahl-Cheryl-Strauss-Einhorn-and-Chris-Bloomstran-to-Speak-at-the-2023-Project-Punch-Card-Investment-Conference-in-New-York-City Budget 2023 Proposes to Reduce Federal Beer Tax Inflation Adjustment from 6.3% to 2% in 2023. OTTAWA, ON, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Today's federal Budget 2023 "A Made-In-Canada Plan" responded to the unintended consequences of tying annual federal beer tax hikes to CPI inflation in a peak-inflation period by reducing the April 1, 2023 beverage alcohol duty increase from 6.3% to 2.0%. Beer Canada Logo (CNW Group/Beer Canada) "We are grateful that Minister Freeland responded to today's unique business circumstances, a struggling hospitality sector and a fragile consumer and reduced this year's increase in federal excise duties from 6.3% to 2%", said CJ Helie, President of Beer Canada. Canada already has the highest beer tax rates in the G7 and 2023's scheduled increase would have been the largest beer tax hike imposed on Canadians in 40 years. Canadian brewers, hospitality and tourism businesses are still struggling to recover from the pandemic with out-of-home beer sales in taprooms, bars & restaurants, festivals, and sporting venues still 15% to 20% below pre-pandemic levels. "Faced with already very high tax rates, increased operating costs and depressed beer sales volumes, a 6.3% federal beer tax increase this year would have been devastating to brewers, brewery workers, the hospitality and tourism sector and hard-working Canadian consumers and we are appreciative that Minister Freeland's took action to provide the sector some breathing room to recover", added Helie. A broad coalition representing the unique grains-to-glass nature of domestic brewing in Canada, including brewers of all sizes and regions, brewery worker unions, farmers, maltsters, restaurateurs, chambers of commerce, tourism and consumer organizations had jointly called for Budget 2023 to include significant beer tax excise duty relief in this year's Budget. ABOUT BEER CANADA Beer Canada is the sole national inclusive voice advocating on behalf of Canadian brewers of all sizes and regions and Canadian beer consumers. Story continues Beer Canada's member companies brew 90% of all beer consumed by Canadians annually. The production, distribution and sale of beer supports 149,000 Canadian jobs, generates $14 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $5.7 billion in government tax revenues. Beer Canada promotes moderate and responsible consumption by those of the legal age and is the authoritative source for data & information on the Canadian beer industry. SOURCE Beer Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c2516.html (Bloomberg) -- Albemarle Corp., the worlds top lithium producer, has had its A$5.5 billion ($3.7 billion) cash offer for Liontown Resources Ltd rejected by the Australian developer, sending shares in the target up almost 70% and fueling expectations of wider consolidation. Most Read from Bloomberg The mining giant had offered to acquire all of Liontowns equity at A$2.50 a share, its third bid in five months, the Perth-based company said on Tuesday. The proposal, a 64% premium to Mondays closing price, comes after a slump in lithium prices from last years record and a corresponding drop in Liontowns share price. Liontown owns one of the most promising early-stage lithium projects in Australia, the worlds top exporter of the battery metal, and has supply agreements with major automakers including Tesla Inc. and Ford Motor Co. Explaining its decision to knock back Albemarle, it cited a forecast fivefold growth in global lithium demand by 2030 and a predicted supply deficit. Theres a lot of dry powder for lithium M&A but many players have been waiting for toppy pricing to come off, Credit Suisse analyst Saul Kavonic said. The Australian miner rallied to close at A$2.57 on Tuesday, a record high. Albemarle has been expanding output and investing in new facilities to meet rising long-term demand for electric vehicle batteries and to help the firm comply with President Joe Bidens push to ensure suppliers favor production in the US or free-trade partner nations. The company already has a major presence in Australia, with stakes in two major hard-rock lithium mines and a recently completed lithium hydroxide refinery south of Perth. Albemarle is prepared to engage immediately in discussions with Liontown to work toward a mutually acceptable definitive agreement, the US-based miner said. It said Liontowns board had not meaningfully engaged. Story continues READ: Insatiable Lithium Demand Fuels Investment Boom in Australia Liontowns mine at Kathleen Valley is a unique, long-life project in Western Australia that could ramp up production more quickly if held by a company with a larger balance sheet, Citigroup Inc. analyst Kate McCutcheon said in a note, adding Albemarle would need to increase its offer to get Liontowns board back to the negotiating table. Liontown said it rebuffed earlier proposals by Albemarle of A$2.35 per share on March 3, and A$2.20 per share on Oct. 20. Liontown said a subsidiary of Albemarle holds about 2.2% of its shares. --With assistance from David Stringer and Clara Ferreira Marques. (Adds closing price) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. InsightAce Analytic Pvt. LTd. The global Lithium-ion Battery Market is estimated to reach over USD 148.24 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.06% during the forecast period 2023-2031 Jersey City, NJ, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Lithium-ion Battery Market is estimated to reach over USD 148.24 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.06% during the forecast period 2023-2031. Consumers' preference for electric and hybrid vehicles will increase the need for lithium-ion batteries. Recent years have witnessed a considerable gain in the popularity of electric automobiles. Several governments are encouraging people to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by offering generous subsidies and other incentives. Due to growing worries about the environmental effects of fossil fuels and rising electricity consumption, the globe is moving towards the renewable energy industry. Renewable energy uses natural resources to produce power since it is a safe and dependable method. The need for renewable energy is also fueled by favorable government regulations, growing investor interest in the industry, and technological developments in the solar and wind power-producing sectors. Alternative energy storage technologies, such as solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and others, compete with lithium-ion batteries in the market. The development and use of these batteries may be impacted by several regulatory criteria that apply to the lithium-ion battery market, including safety and environmental norms. Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1655 Recent Developments: In June 2021, Forsee Power, a French manufacturer of battery systems, began mass-producing lithium-ion batteries for electric two-wheelers (E2W) and electric three-wheelers (E3W) in Pune. (Chakan Industrial Area, 35 km from Pune Airport). In February 2021, A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and production of Li-ion batteries in India and the North American region was signed by Hyderabad-based Roshan Energy Technologies and Barrel Energy, a U.S.-based manufacturer of Li-ion batteries. Story continues List of Notable Players in the Lithium-ion Battery Market: Bak Powder Battery Co.Ltd. BYD Company LTD. Clarios Contemporary Amperex Technologies Co., Limited GS Yuasa International Ltd. Hitachi Ltd. LG CHEM Panasonic Holdings Corporation Samsung SDI Co.Ltd Toshiba Corporation Caleb Tesla, Inc Lithiumwerks Saft Varta AG Farasis Energy (Ganzhou) Co.Ltd. Sila Nanotechologies Inc. Amperex Technologies Limited Envision Aesc Group Ltd Guoxuan High Tech Co., Ltd Lithium Energy Japan Enerdel, Inc Kokam Ipower Batteries PVT LTD Nextera Energy, Inc Lithium-ion Battery Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2022 USD 42.54 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 148.24 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 15.06% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Billion, and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered Material, Product Type, Type, Capacity, Voltage, And Industry Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia Market Dynamics: Drivers- The lithium-ion batteries market is expanding due to the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium-ion batteries can provide the large capacity, high-performance batteries needed for EVs. Demand for energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, is fueled by the growing application of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. For later usage, these batteries can store extra energy produced from renewable sources. Due to their falling cost, lithium-ion batteries are becoming more economical and available to a broader range of consumers and applications. Thanks to ongoing development and improvement, lithium-ion battery technology is being adopted in various applications, such as consumer electronics, grid-scale energy storage, and portable power. Challenges: The prime challenge is high-cost sensitivity regarding bio-based products in developing countries, which is predicted to reduce the growth of the lithium-ion battery market because lithium-ion batteries are still somewhat expensive. Manufacturers and customers may be concerned about the safety of lithium-ion batteries because they occasionally catch fire or explode. The availability of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese is crucial for the lithium-ion battery market. Supply chain disruptions may impact the production and supply of these batteries. Additionally, they can pose environmental and disposal difficulties because they contain harmful elements and are challenging to recycle. Lithium-ion batteries have a finite lifespan and can deteriorate over time, affecting how well and consistently they work. Regional Trends: The Asia Pacific lithium-ion battery market is expected to register a major market share in revenue and is projected to grow at a high CAGR shortly. The main markets for electric vehicles worldwide are China and Japan. Additionally, the region is expected to see an increase in demand for consumer electronics like smartphones and other lithium-ion batteries. Due to the increased emphasis that governments in the region place on greenhouse gas emissions, the market for lithium-ion batteries in Europe and North America are also anticipated to expand rapidly. Enquiry Before Buying @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1655 Segmentation of Lithium-ion Battery Market- By Material- Cathode Material Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium iron phosphate Lithium iron cobalt oxide Lithium nickel manganese cobalt Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum Lithium manganese oxide Anode Materials Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries Natural graphite Artificial graphite Another anode material Electrolyte Material Separator Material Current collector Materials Other Materials By Product Type- Components of Lithium-ion Battery Cells Battery Packs Portability Stationary Portable By Type- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide Lithium Iron Phosphate Lithium Cobalt Oxide Lithium Titanate Oxide Lithium Manganese Oxide Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide By Capacity- 0 to 3000 mAh 3,000 to 10,000 mAh 10,000 to 60,000 mAh 60,000 and Above By Voltage Low (Below 12V) Medium (12V-36V) High (Above 36V) By Industry Consumer Electronics Smartphones UPS Laptop Others Automotive Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Marine Commercial Tourism Medical Industrial Mining Equipment Construction Equipment Forklifts, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), And Automated Mobile Robots (AMR) Power Telecommunications By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea South East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of the Middle East and Africa Get Customized Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1655 About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ CONTACT: Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com Logical Buildings Access to the multi-million dollar project facility will enable thousands of multifamily buildings to decarbonize by deploying breakthrough, high ROI, rewards-driven technologies that integrate with smart meters and thermostats SmartKit AI platform for VPP project building operators The SmartKit AI platform is designed for building owners and operators to monitor building health, energy usage and assist buildings in avoiding carbon penalties with precise energy insights and data. Logical Buildings has closed a $110M virtual power plant (VPP) project facility with Keyframe Capital Access to the multi-million dollar project facility will enable thousands of multifamily buildings to decarbonize by deploying breakthrough, high ROI, rewards-driven technologies that integrate with smart meters and thermostats. NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Logical Buildings , a leading provider of decarbonization technology and ESG solutions for the built world, announced it has closed a $110M virtual power plant (VPP) project facility with Keyframe Capital. The facility will be used to pursue VPP projects within New York City- and New Jersey-based multifamily residential buildings, providing thousands of operators with reputational and financial incentives to invest in initiatives that will drive energy savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and establish new channels for grid services revenue. This unique first-of-its-kind funding, which will be repaid through energy savings and grid revenue, establishes a channel for deploying energy transition projects in the large, previously untapped multifamily housing market at a time when many operators seek solutions to comply with upcoming emissions reduction and energy efficiency regulations. NYC and NJ multifamily buildings can use this project facility to deploy connected smart thermostat upgrades which integrate with Logical Buildings two proprietary demand response platforms: GridRewards for residents and SmartKit AI for operators. The buildings utility smart meters, recently installed by Con Edison as part of their $2 billion infrastructure upgrade, will link to each apartments smart thermostat and record temperature changes and related impacts in 15-minute increments, generating grid services revenue in utility and wholesale grid level programs. With no upfront capital required, upgrades facilitated by the project facility will instantly reduce carbon emissions and create revenue-earning opportunities for residents and building owners alike. During the 2022 summer peak pricing season, GridRewards users earned record utility cost reductions paid in cash by participating in Con Edison demand response events in New York City, Westchester, and Orange and Rockland Counties. Operators will also benefit from access to Logical Buildings engineering expertise to help identify the highest ROI projects and measure, verify, and continuously maximize the VPP operational value for each building. Story continues Imagine providing residents with smart thermostats that reduce building energy usage, lower resident utility bills, and generate cash rewards, while simultaneously enhancing comfort and convenience. With our new project facility this is now a reality, said Jeff Hendler, CEO at Logical Buildings. The multifamily market remains largely untapped when it comes to impactful decarbonization and energy transition projects. Our project facility provides building owners with access to new opportunities to create thousands of grid-connected smart apartments at once, instead of the traditional one home at a time approach to residential energy savings. Logical Buildings and Keyframe are leading a paradigm shift in how energy use is viewed in multifamily buildings. Through this project facility, rewards are available to both residents and operators. By aligning incentives in this way, the project facility addresses the split incentive problem commonly found in multifamily energy efficiency efforts in which operators invest in upgrades, but residents accrue most of the benefits through comfort and cost reductions. Fully financed fixed turnkey costs for energy transition projects make it possible for building owners to bundle several projects within one building or use project facility funding to pursue upgrades across an entire portfolio, maximizing utility, state and federal incentives as well as tax credits. The innovative structure also enables Logical Buildings clients to implement decarbonization measures, aligning incentives across all stakeholders. Were thrilled to be part of this transformational energy story; Logical Buildings breakthrough software provides hugely important environmental and financial benefits to building owners and residents, while simultaneously enabling all categories of real estate to experience smarter, tech-enabled comforts, said Alex Brown, Partner at Keyframe Capital. Its a win for owners, a win for residents, and a win for the planet. Buildings are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with energy-related emissions from both residential and commercial properties representing 34% of total emissions in the U.S. With the Climate Mobilization Act and its many equivalents going into effect on January 1, 2024, every kilowatt-hour and therm used by a multifamily building and its residents will count against new carbon emissions caps. In New York City alone, 50,000 buildings are subject to the new legislation , the majority of which are multifamily. With the introduction of this VPP Project Facility, Logical Buildings is expediting these efforts by unlocking access to decarbonization projects for thousands of building operators with no upfront funding required. Visual assets from Logical Buildings for the VPP Funding Facility, SmartKit AI and GridRewards platforms can be found here. About Logical Buildings Logical Buildings is an industry leading sustainability, smart building and virtual power plant software and solutions provider for the built world. Our revolutionary ESG technologies are combating climate change by empowering residential, commercial, and industrial energy users to earn money, enhance building health and reduce carbon footprint, all from within user-friendly, award-winning mobile apps. Founded in 2012, the company now operates in major national urban markets, such as New York, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Camden, Chicago, and Miami, and more. To learn more, visit logicalbuildings.com and follow Logical Buildings on LinkedIn . About Keyframe Capital Keyframe is an NYC-based cross-asset investment firm. The firms generalist, cross-asset mandate allows it to invest across a diverse range of business models and capital structures. Keyframe looks to build long term partnerships with companies, and to leverage its flexibility to help solve their most complex asset and corporate financing requirements. Since 2020, Keyframe has developed strong conviction that technology will unlock operational, energy, and cost efficiency in the built environment, and has constructed a portfolio of investments in the space to capitalize on that opportunity. For more information, visit www.keyframecapital.com . Media inquiries: logical@fischtankpr.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e4bba07-d35e-4723-98ec-c238edf1d5a1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8dbc85b1-3f53-4056-8d6f-87b61eceafad A new civil suit against Binance filed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission accuses the crypto giant of a slew of counts, including failing to register its derivative products and failing to fence off its services from U.S. customers. But its also filled with specific details about alleged criminal activity from the top officers of the company, who the CFTC accuses of knowing about and engaging in criminal transactions. Internally, Binance officers, employees, and agents have acknowledged that the Binance platform has facilitated potentially illegal activities, the CFTCs complaint reads, citing the example of a conversation between former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim and another colleague in February 2019 about a transaction with Hamas, a militant group. Lim reportedly told the colleague that terrorists typically send small sums, because large sums constitute money laundering. The colleague responded, can barely buy an AK47 with 600 bucks. Lim also acknowledged in February 2020 that some of Binances customers, including those from Russia, were involved in illegal activities, according to the complaint. Lim wrote in a chat message about those trades: Like come on. They are here for crime." Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Binance responded at the time, we see the bad, but we close 2 eyes. In another instance, a Binance employee allegedly asked Lim and another colleague in July 2020 to remove a customer who was sourcing over $5 million from questionable services believed to be illegal, according to the complaint. Lim wrote in response to the employee: Can let him know to be careful with his flow of funds, especially from darknet like hydra He can come back with a new account But this current one has to go, its tainted A Binance spokesperson told Fortune that the complaint came as a surprise to the company. "The complaint filed by the CFTC is unexpected and disappointing as we have been working collaboratively with the CFTC for more than two years. Nevertheless, we intend to continue to collaborate with regulators in the US and around the world," Binance's spokesperson said. "We have made significant investments over the past two years to ensure we do not have US users active on our platform. During that period, we went from approximately 100 people in our compliance team to around 750 core and supporting compliance personnel today, including almost 80 personnel with prior law enforcement or regulatory agency experience and approximately 260 personnel with professional certificates in compliance," the spokesperson said. Aside from the latest CFTC lawsuit, Binance has been under investigation by the Department of Justice since 2018 for allegedly flouting U.S. compliance laws, anti-money laundering rules, and sanctions. The crypto exchange may be preparing to pay settlement penalties worth more than $1 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported last month. The crackdown on Binance comes after the spectacular collapse of crypto exchange FTX, which folded last year. The CEO of that exchange, Sam Bankman-Fried, has since been charged with several criminal counts and is awaiting trial in the U.S. SEC Chair Gary Gensler taken a tougher posture against the crypto industry over the past few months. In December of last year he compared crypto companies with casinos and said they needed to come into compliance with our time-tested laws. Aside from details of chats between top Binance officers, the CFTCs complaint largely focuses on its alleged failure to communicate details of its work in the U.S., and going against compliance rules, alleging that for the first two years of operations, the company did not take any steps to limit or restrict the ability of U.S. customers to trade on the platform. Even after Binance updated its terms of use limiting availability in the U.S. in 2019, customers could use loopholes including virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the sites, according to the suit. It further alleges that CEO Changpeng Zhao and Lim were both fully aware of the existence of these loopholes, and that in 2020, a year after Binance had updated its terms of use, nearly 18% of its customer base was still located in the U.S., citing revenue reports. The complaint also alleges Binance knowingly obfuscated its structure, saying the company relies on a maze of corporate entities that is deliberately designed to obscure the ownership, control, and location of the Binance platform. Binances offerings include websites and mobile apps, some of which are independently operated according to the complaint. The lawsuit alleges that Binance has become so efficient at hiding its operational structure and the location of its companies, it has even confused its own Chief Strategy Officer, who mistakenly called Binance a Canadian company last year before being corrected by a spokesperson. Zhao has long insisted that, as a decentralized company, Binance has no headquarters. Update, March 27, 2023: This article has been updated with a statement from Binance. Story continues This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group, a pioneering technology firm that has become the industry's fastest-growing lender to mid-market, late-stage companies globally by automating the entire debt lending cycle, announced a $30M funding deal with Fashinza, an AI-driven B2B marketplace for global fashion supply chains. The funding will fuel Fashinza's ongoing transition into a global business in the USA, Gulf, and Europe. Mars Growth Capital | Fashinza Fashion is constantly evolving, but never more than now in the age of Tiktok and Instagram. To stay ahead of the curve, fashion brands must be agile and have highly efficient supply chain management. Fashinza provides an innovative solution for this problem by connecting SMEs directly to top fashion brands worldwide. By creating an online platform that allows buyers and sellers to connect seamlessly, Fashinza is revolutionizing how fashion works in today's digital age. "Fashinza is transforming the global fashion supply chain. Their performance since inception, the strength of their founding team, and their existing global network of manufacturers and customers gave us enough confidence in their ability to scale this business and sustain in the medium to long-term," remarked Navas Ebin, Managing Director of APAC for Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. "As we focus on expanding our presence in international markets, including the USA, we are excited to partner with Liquidity Group to support our growth and to bring our innovative manufacturing solutions to a global audience," said Abhishek Sharma, Co-Founder, and COO of Fashinza. "With their flexible cross-border financing solutions and extensive knowledge of navigating international markets, we are confident that we can successfully penetrate new markets and provide our manufacturing solutions to key clients worldwide. We remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our key customers in the USA and beyond as we continue to revolutionize the fashion manufacturing industry," Abhishek Sharma added. Story continues Fashinza will use the capital to meet its growing international working capital requirements. "Our capital is non-asset based and will hence support Fashinza to grow their business internationally in the most capital-efficient manner," said Navas Ebin. "Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group have been supporting companies like Fashinza to transition into becoming truly global businesses," added Nir Shmueli, Investment Manager at Mars Growth Capital and Liquidity Group. About Liquidity Group Founded in 2018, Liquidity Group is a pioneering technology firm that's become the industry's fastest-growing lender to mid-market, late-stage companies by automating the entire debt lending cycle. The firm's patented machine learning and decision science technology enabled the firm to deploy more capital through more deals faster than any firm in capital markets history. Backed by top financial institutions, including Apollo and MUFG, Liquidity Group provides growth capital through funds focused on the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Liquidity Group's subsidiary fund, Singapore-based Mars Growth Capital, and its partner, MUFG, jointly handle the company's South East Asia activity. Contact Information Guy Kurlandski Executive Director guy@liquiditygroup.com +16466520742 Brian Wanee Marketing Manager brian@liquiditygroup.com +16466520742 SOURCE: Mars Growth Capital Liquidity Group . View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746008/Mars-Growth-Capital-and-Liquidity-Group-Provides-30M-in-Funding-to-Fashinza-the-Leading-B2B-Marketplace-for-Global-Fashion-Supply-Chains TORONTO, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. (EDT). CIBC Logo (CNW Group/CIBC) Members of the media may attend via live webcast at https://cibcvirtual.com/agm2023 (English and French) or by telephone. To access the webcast, enter password: cibc2023. Password is case sensitive. English 1-866-696-5894 or 416-641-6150 Passcode: 2296336# French 1-866-696-5910 or 416-406-0743 Passcode: 6552323# In-person attendance at CIBC Square in Toronto is open to registered shareholders, beneficial shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders only. See CIBC's March 2, 2023 news release for more information on attendance and participation options. The meeting will include remarks by President and Chief Executive Officer, Victor G. Dodig. The webcast of the meeting will be archived on the Annual Meeting webpage of our investor relations website, for those unable to watch live. About CIBC CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 13 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at https://www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html. SOURCE CIBC Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c2537.html Logo of Grupo Financiero Banorte is picture at its headquarters in Mexico City By Saeed Azhar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mexican lender Grupo Financiero Banorte is preparing to launch a digital bank late this year or in early 2024, which it hopes will add about 3 million customers, its chairman said on Tuesday. "We're expecting the last phase of approvals from the authorities," chairman Carlos Hank Gonzalez told Reuters in an interview about the new digital bank. The bank could generate 5% to 7% of the company's income in less than five years, he said. Rafael Arana, the lender's finance chief, said the digital bank already has 200 staff, which could increase to 600 and 800 after it opens. The business will compete with Brazilian digital bank Nubank, which has aggressively expanded in Mexico and signed up 3.2 million customers. In December, Nubank, Latin America's largest fintech, announced a $330 million equity capitalization in Mexico in a push to expand there. Banorte's digital bank plans to add 3 million customers after learning from its experience of offering credit card applications via mobile phones, Arana said. The lender expects 7% to 9% loan growth in 2023, slowing from 12% last year, Gonzalez said. "The world is not a steady place at all, we have to be cautious on the guidance," Arana said, citing the risk of an economic slowdown in the U.S. (Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Editing by Lananh Nguyen and David Gregorio) Microsoft (MSFT) is bringing OpenAIs ChatGPT capabilities to its cybersecurity business via its new Microsoft Security Copilot. The software, which was announced Tuesday, is meant to help cybersecurity professionals prevent and detect cyberattacks faster and with greater ease. The entire impact of this is to defend the way we've never been able to defend before, Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft CVP of security, compliance, identity, and management told Yahoo Finance. You're now going to be able to protect and disrupt attacks when they're happening. Security Copilot, Jakkal explained, runs on both OpenAIs GPT-4 generative AI model and Microsofts own security-specific model. The result is an AI bot that allows cybersecurity professionals to do things like quickly pull together information on the latest security incidents in their companies, dig into potential threats, and even quickly look up data on common vulnerabilities and exposures. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. REUTERS/Sergio Perez In one example, Microsoft showed how Security Copilot can look at a cyberattack to pick apart how the hacker got into a network and onto a victims device. Its the first and only generative AI-based, [large language model]-based tool that is out there. Its one of a kind. This has never happened before, Jakkal added. Microsoft says that Security Copilot will allow cybersecurity workers to catch incidents that other approaches may otherwise miss, improve the quality of threat detection, speed up their response, and help them improve their overall security standing. Microsoft already sells an array of cybersecurity offerings including Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft Sentinel. In January, the company announced that its cybersecurity arm is now a $20 billion a year business. The tech giant says that Security Copilot will continually improve as it learns from a companys own data. That data, however, will never be used to teach the broader Copilot algorithm. Meaning a customers information will remain its own. Story continues Security Copilot works just like Microsofts Bing search engine. Cybersecurity workers type a prompt into a text box, and Security Copilot will fire back a reply based on the apps available knowledge set. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's tech newsletter. As with the companys other generative AI offerings, Microsoft says Security Copilot may provide incorrect answers to prompts, and gives users a means to report them. The announcement comes just weeks after Microsoft debuted its Microsoft 365 Copilot for its Microsoft 365 productivity suite. That offering allows users to take advantage of Microsoft and OpenAIs AI capabilities to do things like put together a PowerPoint presentation, write up articles in Word, and more. Microsoft is riding high on its multi-billion investment in OpenAI. The firm, which originally showed off its ChatGPT-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, is pouring the technology into seemingly all of its products as the AI wars heat up across Silicon Valley. Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Roam, a luxury Destination Management Company, has been launched in Saudi Arabia with the aim of enabling international and national travellers to explore elements of the kingdom like never before. Roam is founded with existing expertise from parent companies Cool Inc and Pelorus. Roam will be activating AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, and Tanomah initially, with other locations across the KSA unlocking throughout the year. Roam will utilise the well-established expertise of Cool Inc and Pelorus, both trailblazers for world-class luxury lifestyle experiences. This partnership will reveal a wealth of luxury travel options, allowing untapped areas of the region to be explored further than ever before, said a statement. Leaning on Cool Incs unique brand partnerships and inside track knowledge of the luxury lifestyle scene in Saudi Arabia, partnered with Peloruss extensive global expertise curating bespoke travel and yachting experiences, ROAM will be well-positioned to offer truly opulent packages to its guests, it said. As of May 2023, Roam will be launching the new concept of luxurious mobile camps in Taif. The camp concept will then move across the Kingdom every 8-12 weeks, allowing travellers to experience undiscovered regions of KSA, without having to compromise on comfort, or indulgence. Luxury camping under the kingdoms stars, is just one example of Roam's many client offerings made up of four distinct pillars: bespoke travel, brand experiences and events, VIP transportation and tourism products. Taken as a collective or individually, each service provides unparalleled luxury experiences across the Kingdom. The bespoke travel branch will include tours, accommodation bookings, luxury transportation, aviation, and world-class concierge services. Brand experiences and events will oversee activations, launches and celebrations of luxury brands, as well as VIP management. VIP transportation will incorporate a fleet of luxury vehicles available to support inbound tour operations and client services across KSA. Lastly, products exclusively on offer through Roam will include mobile camps, day camps, e-buggies and quads and private dining experiences in unique locations across the Kingdom. Roam will be launching 10-20 tourism products every year. Since 2016, the kingdom has been working towards Vision 2030, a strategic framework for Saudi Arabia with the intention of creating a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and a growingly ambitious nation. Raom echoes this mission and exists to elevate and enhance traveller journeys at locations within the Kingdom, opening new ways to explore existing pathways alongside offering completely new experiences, said the statement. Roam, Cool Inc and Pelorus are committed to establishing a foundation of excellence within the kingdom, offering new experiences and creating new job opportunities for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. KSA has a wealth of enthusiastic and motivated talent that Roam is excited to celebrate, offering roles that are both empowering and inclusive, with a future-forward growth mindset for the kingdom, it said. Stuart McNair, Managing Director at Roam, said: "It is an honour to be working with Cool Inc & Pelorus on this exciting new company, Roam. Working with our young and enthusiastic Saudi talent as we contribute to the growth of the Saudi tourism ecosystem. Travel & tourism in Saudi is arguably the most exciting industries to be in right now. We cannot wait to welcome you on one of our tours, in our cars, at our events, and even at our camps. Get ready for some life enriching fun and adventure." Sinan Al Saady, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer at Cool Inc, said: "Its a privilege to introduce Roam into the market. Designed to showcase the Kingdom and all of its hidden gems, Roam brings together every experience within the Cool Inc ecosystem." - TradeArabia News Service FILE PHOTO: Smartphone is seen in front of Microsoft logo displayed in this illustration taken By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Microsoft Corp has offered to change its cloud computing practices to settle antitrust complaints filed by smaller rivals, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday, a move that will stave off an EU investigation. French cloud computing services provider OVHcloud, Italian cloud service provider Aruba and a Danish association of cloud service providers had complained to the European Commission about Microsoft's cloud practices and licensing deals. The U.S. software group has put forward a concrete proposal, building on last year's announcement by its president, Brad Smith, the person said. The Commission, which acts as the competition enforcer for the 27-country European Union and has fined Microsoft more than 1.6 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in the past decade, will monitor the settlement, the person said. Microsoft said it introduced changes to its licensing practices in October following feedback from European cloud providers. "We are grateful for the productive conversations that led us there and appreciate the feedback that we have received since," a spokesperson said. The EU antitrust watchdog and OVHcloud declined to comment. Aruba and the Danish Cloud Community did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE), a trade group whose members include cloud computing market leader Amazon.com Inc, said it was not part of the settlement. "We've had an initial discussion with Microsoft, but have not seen anything that suggests changes that will ensure that all European customers have the chance to run the software they want in the cloud of their choice free of unfair licence terms or discriminatory pricing," a CISPE spokesperson said. "As such we will continue to pursue our complaint." Reuters reported last week that rivals wanted Microsoft to do more to resolve their complaints after an initial offer fell short. The person said this piled pressure on the company to improve its proposal. Story continues Bloomberg first reported on the imminent deal. ($1 = 0.9223 euros) (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Jane Merriman and Richard Chang) As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and complex, tech companies are turning to artificial intelligence to help detect and prevent attacks in real-time. But some cybersecurity experts are skeptical about its capabilities. On Tuesday, global software giant Microsoft announced the launch of Security Copilot, a new tool that uses generative AI. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that uses large datasets and language models to generate patterns and content like images, text, and video. ChatGPT is the best-known example. Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI engine built to power a suite of Office apps, was launched earlier this month. Security Copilot, the first specialized Copilot tool, will allow IT and security administrators to rapidly analyze vast amounts of data and spot signs of a cyber threat. In a world where there are 1,287 password attacks per second, fragmented tools and infrastructure have not been enough to stop attackers, Microsoft said in a press release. And although attacks have increased 67% over the past five years, the security industry has not been able to hire enough cyberrisk professionals to keep pace. Like other generative AI implementations, Security Copilot is triggered by a query or prompt from a user and responds using the "latest large language model capabilities," and Microsoft says its tool is "unique to a security use-case." Story continues "Our cyber-trained model adds a learning system to create and tune new skills [to] help catch what other approaches might miss and augment an analysts work," Microsoft explained. "In a typical incident, this boost translates into gains in the quality of detection, speed of response and ability to strengthen security posture." But Microsoft itself, as well as outside computer security experts, said that it will take a while for the tool to get up to speed. AI is not yet advanced enough to detect flaws in business logic or smart contracts. This is because AI is based on training data, which it uses to learn and adapt, Steve Walbroehl, co-founder and CTO at blockchain security firm Halborn, told Decrypt in an interview. Obtaining sufficient training data can be difficult, and AI may not be able to fully replace the human mind in identifying security vulnerabilities. Microsoft is asking for patience: as Copilot learns from user interactions, the company will adjust its responses to create more coherent, relevant, and valuable answers. Security Copilot doesnt always get everything right. AI-generated content can contain mistakes, the company said. But Security Copilot is a closed-loop learning system, which means its continually learning from users and allowing them to give explicit feedback with the feedback feature built directly into the tool. BURBANK, Calif., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobeon, a pioneering live event and virtual production studio specializing in immersive realtime experiences for creators, companies and brands today announced a groundbreaking change in its leadership structure with the appointment of Chinggis Tron as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or AICEO. It is based on ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by OpenAI. This marks a significant step towards embracing AI-driven leadership and decision-making in the business world. Mobeon Logo Mobeon has always been at the forefront of digital innovation, helping businesses seamlessly integrate gaming and interactive technology into their live events, shows, and corporate communications. The decision to appoint a ChatGPT powered CEO is a testament to Mobeon's dedication to exploring new frontiers in the technology sector. The AICEO will leverage its exceptional language processing capabilities, data-driven insights, and real-time decision-making skills to guide the company's strategic direction, business growth, and industry relations. By analyzing large amounts of data and making unbiased decisions, Chinggis Tron will contribute to Mobeon's mission to deliver exceptional products and services to its clients. Mark Alamares, the company's former CEO, said, "We are excited to welcome Chinggis Tron as our new CEO. This revolutionary decision will help Mobeon stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape, and we are confident that our AI-driven leadership will position us for unprecedented success. As a strategic advisor, I look forward to working closely with Chinggis to ensure our company's continued growth and innovation." Mobeon will maintain a strong human presence in its operations, with the existing management team and employees supporting Chinggis Tron in achieving the company's objectives. The AI-driven CEO will work in tandem with human expertise to make well-informed decisions that will shape the company's future. Story continues The company plans to share more details about the integration of a ChatGPT based CEO and the benefits of this unprecedented decision in the upcoming weeks. About Mobeon: Mobeon is a leading media & technology company that specializes in providing cutting-edge digital media solutions to businesses across various industries. Since its inception, Mobeon has been dedicated to empowering companies with innovative solutions that drive creativity, improve communications, and deliver outstanding immersive experiences. With the appointment of Chinggis Tron as CEO, Mobeon is taking a bold step into the future of AI-driven leadership and decision-making. For more information, visit: www.mobeon.com Press Release Written by: AI Media Contact: AI PR AI Director of Public Relations Mobeon Email: aipr@mobeon.com Website: www.mobeon.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mobeon-appoints-ai-powered-chatgpt-as-its-chief-executive-officer-301783051.html SOURCE Mobeon The Brainy Insights The rising demand in the personal care sector will drive the monochloroacetic acid market's growth. Asia Pacific region emerged as the most significant global monochloroacetic acid market, with a 39.2% market revenue share in 2022. According to the report, demand for Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) has increased domestically and internationally. Newark, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 891.56 million monochloroacetic acid market will reach USD 1,269.84 million by 2032. Hydrolysis of trichloroethylene and chlorination of acetic acid produces mono-chloroacetic acid, a colourless crystalline compound with a pungent smell. A surge in agrochemical production to boost farm production capacity is a significant reason for the growth of the monochloroacetic acid market size in the present world. Due to the widespread use of MCA acid in several end-use industries, sales of monochloroacetic acid have been supplemented during the last couple of years. For Right Perspective and Competitive Insights, Get Sample Report at: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/13362 Asia Pacific to account for the largest market size during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to have the most significant mono-chloroacetic acid market share. Rising demand for monochloroacetic acid (MCA) has led to increased consumption in China and India due to the personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Increasingly, people are concerned about cleanliness and hygiene, which has increased personal care products, detergents, and washing soaps. MCA is needed to create a range of unique care products, so demand is expected to increase. Crystalline dominated the market with the most significant market revenue of USD 379.8 million. Crystalline dominated the market with the most significant revenue of USD 379.8 million. Due to the easy manufacturing process and low expenses of crystalline form, the segment is expected to grow over the forecast period. Chemically it is known as chlorocaetic acid, It is widely used as a thickening agent and in organic synthesis. Story continues Carboxymethylcellulose accounted for the largest share of the market, with a market revenue of USD 263.9 million. Carboxymethylcellulose accounted for the largest share of the market, with a market revenue of USD 263.9 million. In addition to oil and gas, material, paints and coatings, food, and drink, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is the most significant user of monochloroacetic acid. It has the fastest-growing segment in the market, surfactants. The increasing use of this product in detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, and frothing agents, which are incorporated into a few individual concern products, is expected to drive market growth. Advancement in Market In April 2021, In Gujarat, India, Atul Limited and Nouryon successfully opened a joint venture called Heaven to meet the rapidly growing requirements of agriculture, personal care, and pharmaceutical markets. As of today, the company produces 32,000 tons of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at its production facility. Get a detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Monochloroacetic acid Market: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/monochloroacetic-acid-market-13362 Market Dynamics Drivers: Rising demand in the oil & gas sector In the oil & gas industry, this acid is used in drilling procedures requiring large quantities of carboxymethylcellulose. Considering such a wide range of applications, monochloroacetic acid is expected to experience a significant increase over the next seven years. The volatility in raw material prices may considerably threaten the market's growth. Ethanol is a petroleum product and is one of the most important raw materials used to produce this acid. Restraint: Fluctuating raw material price It is evident that the market is growing immensely, but a few factors are making it difficult to grow, such as fluctuating raw material prices and high transportation costs; these factors hamper the market growth. Opportunity: Widely used in hair styling products Thioglycolic acid is also used in hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. It is used in permanent hair styling formulations and can also be manufactured using mono chloroacetic acid (MCA). Challenge: Direct contact with skin results in severe irritation Health issues associated with monochloroacetic acid may pose a huge challenge to market growth. When it comes in direct contact with the skin, the person may develop severe irritation. Apart from this, coughing and sneezing are some of the side effects of monochloroacetic acid. Interested in Procure Data? Visit: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/buy-now/13362/single Some of the major players operating in the monochloroacetic acid market are: IOL Chemicals And Pharmaceuticals Shijiazhuang Banglong Chemical CABB Chongqing Seayo Chemical Industry Dow Shri Chlochem Luzhou Hepu Chemical Daicel Gold Power Yichang Jinxin Chemical Meridian China Pingmei Shenma Group PCC SE Key Segments cover in the market: By Product Form: Flakes Crystalline Liquid By Application: Agrochemicals Thioglycolic Acid Carboxymethylcellulose Surfactants Others About the report: The global monochloroacetic acid market is analyzed based on value (USD million). All the segments have been analyzed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report offers an in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining critical insight into the market. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis. Avail access to The Brainy Insights and our exceptional market research database. About The Brainy Insights: The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirement whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market. Contact Us Avinash D Head of Business Development Phone: +1-315-215-1633 Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) made her 2024 re-election bid official this week, announcing in a YouTube campaign video on Monday that she will seek a third term in office. Learn: How Rich is Marjorie Taylor Greene? Find Out: How Much Is President Joe Biden Worth? Warren has been an outspoken advocate for progressive causes, many of which were amplified during her failed 2020 presidential bid. In the YouTube video, Warren addressed many of the themes that have made her popular among liberal Democrats. I first ran for Senate because I saw how the system is rigged for the rich and powerful and against everyone else, she said. I won because Massachusetts voters know it, too. And now Im running for Senate again because theres a lot more weve got to do. Warren, 73, had more than $2.3 million in her campaign account at the end of 2022, AP reported, citing reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. She earns a minimum annual salary of $174,000 as a senator, which is a good living for most Americans. However she and her husband, Bruce Mann have built up a combined net worth of roughly $12 million, according to a 2019 estimate from Forbes. In addition to being a politician, Warren has been a law professor and author. She has been serving as a senator from Massachusetts since 2013. Quick Stats on Elizabeth Warren Birthdate: June 22, 1949 Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Residence: Cambridge, Massachusetts Marital status: Husband, Bruce Mann Children: Amelia and Alex Education: Attended George Washington University, University of Houston, B.A., Rutgers University, J.D. Warren was the first female senator elected in Massachusetts. She took the national stage when she ran for president in 2020. After Super Tuesday, she dropped out of the primary race, where she was second only to now President Joe Biden. Despite not winning the nomination, Warren made enough of an impression to keep herself in the public eye. Her opposition to fraudulent lenders, big banks and for-profit educational institutions are some of her passion projects. Story continues Banking Scams: Expert Tips For Avoiding Fraud Warrens Work Before Becoming Senator Warren practiced law for several years before going to teach law at her alma mater, Rutgers University, and then at Harvard. She has also taken advisory roles in legal and economic areas. Specifically, she worked with former President Barack Obama for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a first special advisor. Warrens Income Disclosure Act As one of former President Donald Trumps most vocal Democratic adversaries, Warren introduced the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act in Washington in August 2018. The law would require all congressional candidates to release the two most recent years of tax returns. Warren herself released 10 years worth of state and federal tax returns a day after proposing the new law. Her disclosure revealed a combined gross income of $913,000 in 2017 between her and her husband. Her Earnings from Authoring Books Warren has published 11 books and that is where most of her fortune comes from. She earned $3 million as a best-selling author for The Two-Income Trap: Why Middle-Class Mothers and Fathers Are Going Broke, which she co-wrote with her daughter in 2004. In 2014, her memoir A Fighting Chance earned her at least $1.5 million. Good to Know: How an Endorsement From Oprah Made These Authors Big Money Warrens Early Years Elizabeth Ann Herring was the fourth child and only girl born to Pauline and Donald in Oklahoma City on June 22, 1949. She started her college career at George Washington University but dropped out after she got married. She returned to school and earned her degree in 1970 from the University of Houston. She earned her law degree from Rutgers Law School in 1976. She married high school sweetheart James Robert Jim Warren in 1968 and they have two children together. The pair divorced in 1978, but she retained his surname. In 1980, she married law professor and Massachusetts native Bruce H. Mann. Discover: How Rich Is Nikki Haley As She Announces Bid for President? See: How Rich Is Former President Donald Trump? Currently, she lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her home, which was purchased in 1995, is rumored to be worth nearly $4 million today. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much Is Sen. Elizabeth Warren Worth? Carling Jackson designed and produced the mural to support World Vision Canada's #NoChildforSale campaign Students from across Canada to contribute to multi-medium art piece and message to Minister of Labour Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, slated for third reading in the House of Commons in April, a first step in protecting the human rights of children and all of those who touch Canada's global supply chains MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - World Vision Canada announced it has partnered with renowned artist Carling Jackson to produce a mural that will be divided into seven pieces and featured this week at Canadian university World Vision campus clubs. The artist and students are advocating for 160 million children trapped in child labour, including 79 million forced into 3D jobs: dirty, dangerous and degrading work that harms their development, mental and physical wellbeing. Artist Carling Jackson has created this mural to portray and advocate for millions of children trapped in child labour around the world. This week, students across Canada will add art to the mural and invite Canadians to write their MPs ahead of the vote on Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (CNW Group/World Vision Canada) Students will be invited to contribute to the art to create a multi-medium art piece and send messages to their MPs to vote in favour of Bill S-211, the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, slated for third reading in the House of Commons in April. "My first oil painting in 2014 was of a former street child from Brazil named Rodrigo Kelton; honouring his life and story. Rodrigo and the stories of many other street children I have worked with (most of whom were victims of child labor) are actually the reason I became an artist. I saw the power of art to effect social change and amplify the voices of children," said artist Carling Jackson. "There are millions of children trapped in child labour. I was beyond moved to create a piece that would help student advocates and Canadians also seize the opportunity to make a difference. My concept is a puzzle that comes together to symbolize that children should be playing and experiencing the fullness of childhood." Story continues World Vision Canada recently released research that showed Canadian connections to child and forced labour continue to worsen, creating urgency for government action. The Supply Chain Risk Report 2023 reveals that the value of Canadian imports of everyday products, like electronics and clothing, that are at risk of being produced by child or forced labour, has increased to $48 billion as of 2021. The report urges Parliamentarians to pass Bill S-211. If passed, this bill would require companies to publicly report on their efforts to prevent the use of forced labour and child labour within their global supply chains. "Throughout this past decade, youth and students from across the country have actively called for Government action and Bill S-211 can serve as a meaningful first step that will create momentum for more legislation and actions in the coming months," said Cherie Wai, Youth Engagement and Advocacy Officer, World Vision Canada. "We are also proud that the #NoChildForSale campaign has empowered Canadians to develop ethical consumer habits and to also impact systemic change by collectively working toward getting corporate transparency solidified in the Canadian lawbooks." "We join with hundreds of students who have actively advocated for children who will have a better future if Canadians and the Government of Canada help give them a platform to share their voices," said Moloud Mazaheri, Vice President, World Vision UBC campus club. "We stand in solidarity with the children depicted in this mural, and we choose to be agents of change for them and the 160 million like them who need to be seen and heard." Canadians can join with campus clubs and students by following @worldvisioncan on Instagram to watch for updates and videos across Canada. Canadians can also send a letter to their MP or tweet at their MP to vote yes on Bill S-S211: HERE MEDIA RESOURCES 2023 Risky Goods report link: HERE About World Vision World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender identity. SOURCE World Vision Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c2831.html Neutra Corp. KATY, TX, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire Neutra Corporation (OTC PINK:NTRR), an emerging health and wellness research and development company, last month announced the execution of a letter of intent to acquire Mercury Clinical Research, a privately-owned site management organization (SMO) comprised of a network of physicians conducting clinical trials for top-tier pharmaceutical companies. In preparation for the potential acquisition, the Company has taken the next steps to achieve a successful negotiation. Neutra Corporation has retired the last of its debt from 2015. Shortly after the company announced that Power Up had completed their Series G Convertible Preferred Shares, the company relied on Power Up to provide funding for the next filing. As of the beginning of the 1st quarter 2023, Power Up has concluded their additional Series G Convertible Shares. The Company has not received any additional funding from Power Up since that time. Achieving the following has given Neutra the best position to move forward with the acquisition: o Retired the last of its Debt; and o Completion of additional Power Up Series G Convertible "Putting Neutra in the best possible position to achieving this acquisition is one of my top priorities, said Sydney Jim, Neutra Chief Executive Officer. Not only will this acquisition increase the value to our shareholders, Neutra believes that having Mercury integrate with our team will allow us to achieve our overall goal in health, wellness, and life sciences." Mercury, under its current management, has grown over twenty percent year over year in the last six years, with a 2022 gross revenue of between $3 and $7 million with industry-commensurate gross margins and positive EBITDA. Mercury will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and is expected to place executives in senior management positions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated. Story continues "This potential acquisition is a strategic move that will position us to put our best foot forward in a growing research sector, said Oscar Zedrick Buhay, Mercury Clinical Research Chief Executive Officer. I hope that we can come to an agreement soon and really start pushing towards our mutual goals in advancing medicine. SMOs are rapidly becoming a bigger part of the pharmaceutical business as pharma companies have found them to be an increasingly valuable resource. SMOs were a $5.6 billion market in 2021. This could grow by 6.1% per year through 2030 thanks to increased research and development investments by pharmaceutical firms. SMOs offer clinical trial services to pharmaceutical companies and medical device companies. Collaborating with SMOs helps pharmaceutical companies get FDA approvals for medication, treatments, and/or devices. Medications like SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and treatments, flu vaccines, testing devices, Alzheimer's treatments, etc., have been through trials aided by an SMO like the one Neutra intends to acquire, in order to become FDA approved before release to the public. In addition, SMOs also work with hospitals and private practices to provide alternative treatments available to help advance medicine. About Neutra Corp. Neutra Corp. (OTC: NTRR) is an early-stage research and development health and wellness company bringing modern healthy living solutions to a multi-billion-dollar market. Cutting-edge technologies within the nutraceuticals, food and drug, and life sciences are creating a new kind of world culture one where consumers are demanding access to products that promote health and stave off potential health dangers. Neutra is concentrating on developing into a vertically integrated company able to cultivate, manufacture and distribute hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) products and hemp-based alternative cannabinoids. Hemp-based CBD consumer products generated sales of up to $390 million in 2018 with projections pointing to a $3 billion market by 2022, according to the Hemp Business Journal. Neutras new broadened scope, which includes the commercialization of newer, more effective products, aims to capitalize on this worldwide boom. Our company is seeking new and exciting opportunities that can accelerate Neutras mission to promote a health and wellness through products and other ventures to a wider demographic. Our work reflects a renewed dedication to supporting a better body, environment, and life for people around the globe. About Mercury Mercury Clinical Research, Inc. (MCR) is an experienced site management organization comprised of a network of physicians conducting clinical trials in and around the greater Houston Area. MCR manages all aspects of the research program from marketing, regulatory, and safety reporting to coordination, patient scheduling, and query resolution. MCR has specific Budgeting, Regulatory, Data Management, Business Development, and Recruitment departments to ensure equal focus is given to every program need. For more information, visit the Companys website at https://www.mercurycr.us.com . NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words 'believes,' 'expects,' 'anticipate' or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Sydney Jim 281-728-7900 sjim@neutrainc.com VANCOUVER, BC, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Nevada Sunrise Metals Corp. ("Nevada Sunrise", or the "Company") (TSXV: NEV) (OTC: NVSGF) is pleased to announce that the Company has received final geochemical analyses for lithium mineralization in sediment and groundwater samples collected from borehole GEM23-04, drilled at its 100%-owned Gemini Lithium Project ("Gemini") located in the Lida Valley basin in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Drilling of borehole GEM23-04 was completed to a depth of 1,950 feet (594.51 metres), which represents the deepest hole drilled to date at Gemini. Highlights of GEM23-04 Borehole GEM23-04 intersected 1,412.38 parts per million ("ppm") lithium-in-sediment over 1,440 feet (439.02 metres) from 510 feet (155.49 metres) to 1,950 feet (594.51 metres), including 3,556.82 ppm lithium over 110 feet (33.54 metres) and 4,329.60 ppm lithium over 30 feet (9.15 metres) (see Table 1 below); Water sample analyses showed additional concentrations of lithium in groundwater flows, notably a 20 foot (6.1 metre) interval grading 490 milligrams/litre ("mg/L") lithium (see Table 2 below); Table 1. Final Results of Lithium-in-Sediment Samples for Borehole GEM23-04 Gemini Lithium Project - GEM23-04 Sediment Sample Results Interval Thickness Lithium (Weighted average: ppm) From To From To Feet Metres (feet) (feet) (metres) (metres) 510 1950 155.49 594.51 1440 439.02 1,412.38 including: 1270 1380 387.20 420.73 110 33.54 3,556.82 including: 1350 1380 411.59 420.73 30 9.15 4,329.60 and: 1,500 1,950 457.32 585.37 450 137.20 1,665.45 including: 1,520 1,650 463.41 503.05 130 39.63 3,004.58 including: 1,550 1,590 472.56 484.76 40 12.20 3,453.98 Note: Sediment samples are a composite of material collected from the rotary splitter in the reverse circulation ("RC") drilling rig, which produces a continuous, representative 3 to 5 kilogram sample for each sample interval. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole. As holes at Gemini are oriented vertical and geologic stratigraphy is primarily horizontal to sub-horizontal, downhole measurements are assumed to be close to true thickness. Table 2: Final Results of Lithium-in-Water Samples for Borehole GEM23-04 Gemini Lithium Project - GEM23-04 Water Sample Results Interval Thickness Average From (ft.) To (ft.) From (m) To (m) Feet Metres Lithium (mg/L) 1,200 1,340 365.85 408.54 140 42.68 116.43 including: 1,200 1,220 365.85 371.95 20 6.1 180 and: 1,260 1,280 384.15 390.24 20 6.1 230 and: 1,320 1,340 402.44 408.54 20 6.1 200 AND: 1,520 1,540 463.41 469.51 20 6.1 250 AND: 1,620 1,680 493.90 512.20 60 18.29 180.67 including: 1,660 1,680 506.10 512.20 20 6.1 320 AND: 1,780 1,880 542.68 573.17 100 30.49 199.64 including: 1,780 1,800 542.68 548.78 20 6.1 340 and: 1,820 1,840 554.88 560.98 20 6.1 340 and: 1,860 1,880 567.07 573.17 20 6.1 310 AND: 1920 1940 585.37 591.46 20 6.1 490 GEM23-04 was completed at a location approximately 0.73 miles (1.17 kilometres) southwest of GEM22-01 and 0.65 miles (1.04 kilometres) northwest of GEM22-02, thereby successfully extending the lithium mineralized zone at Gemini to the west. The Phase 2 drilling program at Gemini continues with borehole GEM23-05, currently at a depth of approximately 1,510 feet (460.37 metres) as of March 27, 2023, collared approximately 1.04 miles (1.67 kilometres) southeast of borehole GEM23-04, and 0.52 miles (0.83 kilometres) south of borehole GEM22-02. Story continues Gemini Lithium Project Borehole Locations, February-March 2023 (CNW Group/Nevada Sunrise Metals Corporation) To date, the Company has intersected significant intervals of lithium mineralization both in sediments and groundwater in all four holes completed since the inception of drilling, and continues to intersect the clay layers and groundwater flows that could host additional lithium mineralization. Nevada Sunrise believes that the southern and western parts of the Gemini basin are highly prospective for lithium mineralization and that further drilling could eventually define a large lithium resource. The Company is enacting its exploration plan to drill deeper holes at Gemini with the goal of: (1) intersecting wide intervals of lithium-bearing sediments and (2) locating higher concentrations of lithium-in-water coincident with significant groundwater flow rates. About the 2022-2023 Gemini Drilling Program In March and April 2022, Nevada Sunrise drilled two RC boreholes for a total of 2,020 feet (615.85 metres) in its maiden drilling program at Gemini. The drill sites were located within a defined gravity low that hosts conductive layers detected by historical ground electromagnetic surveys. The results from the first two holes at Gemini represented a new discovery of lithium-bearing sediments and lithium-in-water in the western Lida Valley, which was not historically drill tested for lithium mineralization (see Nevada Sunrise news releases dated May 18, 2022 and June 6, 2022). Borehole GEM22-03, drilled to 1,620 feet (493.9 metres) intersected the same sequence of volcanic ash sediments as was found in GEM22-01 and GEM22-02, and similar geologic formations are observed in borehole GEM23-04, and GEM23-05, still in progress. In July 2022, Nevada Sunrise received a permit for an expanded drilling area from the Bureau of Land Management (the "BLM") good until July 2024 and began Phase 2 drilling at Gemini in October 2022. For further information on Gemini, including drill hole location maps and photos click here. About Gemini Gemini consists of 582 unpatented placer and lode claims located in the western Lida Valley, Esmeralda County, approximately 6 miles (10 kilometres) east of the town of Lida, Nevada. The Lida Valley is a flat, arid basin with a similar geological setting to the better-known Clayton Valley basin where Albemarle Corporation operates the Silver Peak lithium brine mine, which has operated continuously since 1966. Gemini is situated adjacent to the Gold Point Solar Energy Zone, a Bureau of Land Management land reserve set aside for solar and wind power generation projects until 2033. Exploration at Gemini is complemented by the Company's 80.09 acre/feet/year water right, a pre-requisite for the exploration and development of lithium brine projects in Nevada. Sampling and Analytical QA/QC and Statement of Qualified Person Sediment Sample Collection and Analysis Sediment samples described in this new release are a composite of material collected from the rotary splitter in the RC drilling rig, which produces a continuous, representative 3 to 5 kilogram sample for each sample interval. Samples were submitted to American Assay and ALS Global USA in Reno, NV and were analyzed utilizing a multi-element ICP-AES method. Specifically, the analytical method involves aqua regia digestion of the sample followed by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique to ionize the sample, and atomic emission spectrometry (AES) to determine elemental concentrations. Duplicates, field blanks, and certified reference standards were inserted at regular intervals in the sample stream to ensure accuracy of the analytical method. Water Sample Collection and Analysis Water parameters including TDS, conductivity, temperature, and pH values were obtained in the field by direct measurement with a handheld YSI556 Multi-parameter water meter, which meets Good Laboratory Practice (as proscribed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) for calibration and measurement. Groundwater samples were collected at 20-foot (6.1-metre) intervals and sent to Western Environmental Testing Laboratory in Reno, Nevada under project chain-of-custody protocols for analysis. Industry standard methods for examination of water are employed by the laboratory. General chemistry testing may include analysis for specific gravity, total hardness, total alkalinity, bicarbonate, carbonate, hydroxide, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity. Lithium is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) methods. The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert M. Allender, Jr., CPG, RG, SME and a Qualified Person for Nevada Sunrise as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Nevada Sunrise Nevada Sunrise is a junior mineral exploration company with a strong technical team based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, that holds interests in gold, copper, cobalt and lithium exploration projects located in the State of Nevada, USA. Nevada Sunrise owns 100% interests in the Gemini, Jackson Wash and Badlands lithium projects, all of which are located in the Lida Valley in Esmeralda County, NV. The Company owns Nevada water right Permit 86863, also located in the Lida Valley basin, near Lida, NV. The Company's key gold asset is a 20.01% interest in a joint venture at the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project near Wendover, NV with Copaur Minerals Inc. Kinsley Mountain is a Carlin-style gold project hosting a National Instrument 43-101 compliant gold resource consisting of 418,000 indicated ounces of gold grading 2.63 g/t Au (4.95 million tonnes), and 117,000 inferred ounces of gold averaging 1.51 g/t Au (2.44 million tonnes), at cut-off grades ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 g/t Au 1. 1 Technical Report on the Kinsley Project, Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., dated June 21, 2021 with an effective date of May 5, 2021 and prepared by Michael M. Gustin, Ph.D., and Gary L. Simmons, MMSA and filed under New Placer Dome Gold Corp.'s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Nevada Sunrise has the right to earn a 100% interest in the Coronado VMS Project, located approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Winnemucca, NV. The Company owns a 15% interest in the historic Lovelock Cobalt Mine and the Treasure Box copper properties, each located approximately 150 kilometers (100 miles) east of Reno, NV, with Global Energy Metals Corp. holding an 85% participating interest. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and include disclosure of anticipated exploration activities. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the results and outcomes of the Company's 2022-2023 exploration plans at the Gemini Lithium Project; reliance on technical information provided by third parties on any of our exploration properties; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays due to pandemic; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Three Months ending December 31, 2022, which is available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com . Although Nevada Sunrise 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. Nevada Sunrise disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Nevada Sunrise Metals Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Nevada Sunrise Metals Corporation) SOURCE Nevada Sunrise Metals Corporation Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c7256.html NHS covid-19 app - NurPhoto The NHS Covid-19 app behind the controversial pingdemic is to be shut down next month. The digital contact tracing service, which crippled businesses and forced millions of workers into quarantine, will stop working on April 27 for lack of use. The app, which was launched in September 2020, allowed people to register positive Covid tests and then would notify recent contacts about possible exposure to the virus. Those who came into contact with a Covid patient were pinged and told to isolate. At its peak, the app was alerting more than half a million people each week that they should stay at home, bringing the economy to a halt. A spokesman for the UK Health Security Agency said the number of people using the app had steadily reduced over the last 18 months as the world exited lockdowns. Confirming the app would stop working next month, the Government cited studies estimating it had prevented around one million cases of coronavirus. Experts at the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick estimated the app stopped around 44,000 hospitalisations and 9,600 deaths during its first year of operation. However, the app caused chaos throughout the summer of 2021 as the Covid delta variant emerged and the sensitive app alerted millions of people that they should self-isolate. Concerns were raised about technical issues with the app, which in some cases meant people were told to isolate after the app picked up positive cases between walls or floors of apartments using its signals. The Government ultimately tweaked the app so it would only alert people who had been in close contact with a potential Covid case within the last 48 hours. The app cost about 76m to develop and run. Work on it began in the early weeks of the pandemic and it was built and operated by Swiss tech company Zuhlke Engineering. The UK Health Security Agency said: The number of people actively using the NHS Covid-19 app has steadily reduced since July 2021. Since access to government-funded testing ended for most people, fewer positive test results have been entered into the app and as a result fewer notifications have been sent to close contacts. The agency said it had decided to close the app down but it could potentially use the technology developed for the app to counter future pandemics. The app used a smartphones Bluetooth signals to estimate when people came into close contact with others, quantifying close contact as spending around 15 minutes within two metres of each other. (Bloomberg) -- Nikola Corp.s chief financial officer is stepping down next month in a shake up of the zero-emission vehicle startups top ranks. Most Read from Bloomberg Kim Brady, who has been a source of stability amid managerial turmoil, will leave as finance chief at the Phoenix-based company on April 7 before departing later that month, the company said in a statement Monday. He has served as CFO since Nov. 2017. The maker of battery-electric semi trucks reported wide misses on revenue and deliveries in the last quarter of 2022, and also failed to deliver as many vehicles as promised despite a previous guidance cut. Nikola tapped Anastasiya Stasy Pasterick, its current vice president and controller, as Bradys successor. Pasterick started her career at KPMG LLP and played a key role in Nikolas 2020 reverse merger with a publicly traded blank-check company, the company said. The exit marks the latest high-level departure of an executive who overlapped with Trevor Milton, the companys former founder and chairman, who resigned in Sept. 2020. Milton was later found guilty of defrauding investors. Earlier this year Mark Russell stepped down as Nikolas chief executive officer, a post he had held since June 2020 the same month the company merged with a special purpose acquisition company. Russell, who joined Nikola as president in Feb. 2019, was replaced by Michael Lohscheller. Nikolas shares, which peaked at an intraday high of $93.99 shortly after its mid-2020 IPO, closed Monday at $1.51. The stock fell 1.3% in postmarket trading as of 6pm in New York. (Updates with background on Nikolas performance from third paragraph. An earlier version of this story corrected the date Brady was named CFO.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Three strategic multi-stakeholder agreements were signed at the 10th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), which concluded its three-day session in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday. The agreements underscored the summits growing importance as a platform for facilitating public-private cooperation and opening doors for regional and global partnerships, organisers said. AAS 2023 was held at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the FTI Group in Germany signed an agreement paving the way for greater air connectivity between the two destinations. A state-of-the-art vertiport will be established for the first time in Ras Al Khaimah in an agreement signed between VPorts and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Airport. VPorts is further securing the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) by building and operating the AAM World Integrator World Centre in Dubai in partnership with Electra.aero, Falcon Aviation and SkyDrive. Held under the theme, Impactful sustainability in modern-day travel and tourism, the three-day summit brought together some of the best minds in aviation who explored the role of sustainable aviation as a catalyst for driving growth and prioritising climate action in the Middle East market, one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world. With the regional fleet set for a significant expansion over the next decade, experts and thought leaders shared insights on challenges and opportunities and called on greater public-private sector cooperation to transition the sector to a greener future. Efficiency and practical approach towards sustainability in aviation were a key pillar in all discussions and the inclusion of the entire aviation echo-system in the air and on the ground. Discussions at the summit also centred on the need for providing quality training as the region experiences a surge in demand for aviation professionals and to ensure that the next generation of aviation workforce is work-ready. Delivering a keynote address, Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, First Lieutenant Pilot at Dubai Police HQ, made an impassioned call for inclusivity in the aviation industry, stating that a shift in the current narrative could be achieved with increased representation that could further empower young females to identify growing opportunities in the sector. Paying tribute to the women pioneers who shattered glass ceilings in the aviation industry from as early as the 18th century, the Emirati aviator added that her initiative, Shehana - Women in Aviation Association, aims to attract greater female participation in the sector. Delivering the guest country keynote, Irena Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Republic of Bulgaria, reinforced the interdependent nature of aviation and the tourism industry, and stated that working hand in hand is imperative in the pursuit of sustainable development for both the sectors. Expressing interest in establishing strong ties with countries in the Middle East, she added that the wise and responsible management of the travel and tourism industries would benefit all of humanity. Participating in a panel discussion, Khaled Al-Eisawi, Area Manager Gulf & Near East, IATA, commended the alignment among stakeholders in the aviation sector in accelerating efforts to meet net zero goals, stating that this shared vision was a commitment to future generations. Significantly boosting production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is fundamental to achieving these goals, he said, while calling on governments to introduce policies to incentivise production to ensure that cost-wise, SAF is on par with jet fuels. Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa Middle East, said under the market forecast for the region, 3,000 new aircraft are expected to take to the skies by 2040, of which 40 per cent are to be replacements for existing fleet, underpinning the regions commitment to sustainability as a key pillar to grow the sector. , Edward OByrne, Chief Executive Officer at AviLease pointed out that under Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, the company is contributing to the nations rapidly growing aviation ecosystem, and is doing it in responsible way, by investing in and committing to sustainable offerings to support decarbonisation in the aviation industry. John Kelly, President - Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META), Rolls Royce, said with a growing demand among passengers to fly sustainably, decarbonisation of the skies could be achieved through clean fuels and emerging technologies that could potentially lead to 50 per cent lower emissions. Hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, AAS 2023 was the world's first aviation and tourism event to calculate carbon emissions. The event was supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Teknik, T3 Aviation Academy, and others. TradeArabia News Service People of all abilities to come together in an accessible community hike to break through personal barriers and celebrate belonging and inclusion FORT COLLINS, Colo., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- No Barriers today announced that FNBO has committed to a two-year presenting sponsorship of the nonprofit organization's annual fundraiser. "What's Your Everest?" The accessible community hike will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Copper Mountain, CO. Proceeds from the fundraiser event support programming for youth, adults, and Veterans living with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as caregivers and others from under-served or under-represented communities. No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO is a community hike welcoming individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. In addition to experiencing team building and the power of breaking barriers, participants fundraise to support the No Barriers mission, impacting the lives of sidelined communities. Registration is now open! No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO empowers people to overcome their personal "Everests," as teams "Rope Up" to hike a mountain and rally around wheelchair users, those with limb differences, blind and visually impaired hikers, and others with persistent barriers to help them reach their summit. The event is inspired by world-renowned adventurer and No Barriers cofounder Erik Weihenmayer's summit of Mount Everest in 2001, where he became the first blind person to reach the highest peak in the world. Rope teams highlight an important message as people, regardless of background or ability, collaborate and connect to help others across the rugged mountain terrain. "For more than 165 years, FNBO has maintained our strong spirit of teamwork and a commitment to helping build strong communities through creating more economic and social opportunities for historically underrepresented populations," said Spencer Danner, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at FNBO. "Our mission to break down barriers for those communities directly aligns with No Barriers' important mission of diversity, inclusion, and community, and the act of supporting each other to accomplish more than we ever could alone." The generous contribution from FNBO helps No Barriers extend programming and resources that directly impact the lives of Veterans and others with disabilities, youth and caregivers facing challenges, so that every person has the opportunity and ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact, and believe, "What's Within You Is Stronger Than What's In Your Way." Story continues To learn more about 2023 No Barriers What's Your Everest presented by FNBO , visit the event page or support the No Barriers mission by making a donation . About FNBO: First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI). FNNI and its affiliates have nearly $30 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Founded in 1857, FNBO has maintained its commitment to helping build strong communities for more than 165 years. Learn more at FNBO.com and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . About No Barriers: No Barriers is a non-profit organization based in Colorado that provides transformative programs and experiences that shift mindsets, create belonging, and foster self-discovery to elevate individuals and their communities. Through a three-phase curriculum, No Barriers leads individuals through a framework so that individuals embrace the belief that "What's Within You Is Stronger Than What's In Your Way." Learn more about the roadmap to overcoming adversity and building community at nobarriersusa.org . Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-barriers-and-fnbo-announce-2023-no-barriers-whats-your-everest-presented-by-fnbo-301783888.html SOURCE No Barriers USA Mordor Intelligence Hyderabad, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled "Non-stick Coatings Market - (2023 2028), the market is expected to register a CAGR of over >5%. The market for non-stick coatings is anticipated to expand in the medium term as a result of the rising demand for non-stick cookware. Additionally, it is anticipated that the growth of the market will be fueled by the increasing popularity of UV-cured sol-gel coatings due to their quick drying, high hardness, abrasion resistance, and low energy consumption characteristics. Some of the major trends driving the Non-stick Coatings Market: Cookware with non-stick coatings has been around for more than 50 years. While some bakeware is constructed of flexible silicone, the majority of cookware is made of stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, glass, program, and porcelain. Because of their superior qualities, non-stick coatings are widely used on cookware, such as pots and pans, as well as other food-grade non-stick applications. According to our research experts, some of the major market trends shaping the non-stick coatings market are: Non-stick cookware such as frying pans and saucepans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), sometimes called Teflon. Teflon-coated cookware is easy to use and clean due to its non-stick surface. It also uses less oil or butter, helping make low-fat meals. Over the years, non-stick cookware has received negative attention regarding its safety and health issues due to the emission of toxic chemicals. The non-stick coatings have been confirmed safe for human use by Food and Drug Administration scientists. Cookware without perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is considered more environment-friendly than those made with other non-stick coatings. Hence, traditional PTFE pans are at the low end of the cookware market, whereas non-PFOA coatings, ceramics, and silicone-based coatings are at the high end and are used as an alternative to Teflon-free products. Story continues Non-stick coatings are expected to increase in China due to automotive demand: China's fabrics and carpet industry is one of the country's most important industries. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, the country's carpet export volume has increased significantly in recent years. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, China's exports of carpets and other textile floor coverings totaled USD 3.75 billion in 2021. The expansion of China's automotive segment is expected to boost the demand for non-stick coatings. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), China is the largest global automaker. From Q1 to Q3 of 2021, the country produced 1,82,42,588 vehicles, accounting for approximately 31.86% of the global volume. The vehicle production for 2021 reached 2,60,82,220 units. India's digital economy is expected to be worth USD 1 trillion by 2025. The electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector is expected to generate more than USD 100 billion in economic value by 2025. Who are the key players in the Non-stick Coatings Market? The non-stick coatings market is consolidated in nature. Some of the major players in the market include: The Chemours Company PPG Industries Inc. Daikin Industries Ltd Showa Denko K. K. 3M AAA Industries Cavero Coatings Metal Coatings Metallic Bonds Ltd Weilburger In a nutshell, the Mordor Intelligence Market Research Report is a must-read for start-ups, industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are looking to understand this industry. Get a glance at the https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/non-stick-coatings-market About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and advisory firm. At Mordor Intelligence, we believe in predicting butterfly effects that have the potential to change or significantly impact market dynamics. Our market research reports are comprehensive and provide exclusive data, facts and figures, trends, and the competitive landscape of the industry. Mordor Intelligence constantly tracks industry trends. Some relevant market reports from the analysts that might be of interest to you: Attachment CONTACT: Company Name: Mordor Intelligence Email: info@mordorintelligence.com Phone: +1 617-765-2493 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana Country: India WASHINGTON, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scott Wells, the CEO of both Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. ("CCOH") (NYSE: CCO) and its Americas subsidiary, is taking on the role as chair of the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the leading trade group representing the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. Wells succeeds Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company, as chairman of the OAAA's board. Reilly has held the chairmanship post since May 2017. He will remain on the board as Ex-Officio Chair. OAAA logo (PRNewsfoto/Out of Home Advertising Association) In addition to Wells' announcement, the OAAA named five new members to its board of directors. The full slate of the OAAA's newly-elected board members is: Ari Buchalter, CEO, Place Exchange Bill Lodzinski, President & CEO, WV Outdoor Michael Provenzano, CEO & Co-Founder, Vistar Media Nathan Young, President, YESCO Outdoor Media Rod Rackley, President, OOH Division, Circle Graphics As CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., one of the world's largest OOH media companies, Wells oversees operations in 23 countries. He was elevated to that post in January 2022. A member of the CCOH board, Wells also serves as the CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor Americas ("CCOA"), where he leads all aspects of the company's U.S. operations in 44 of the top 50 DMAs. Wells added the Americas duties in March 2015. Wells has been on the OAAA's board of directors since 2015. "I could not be more honored and gratified to represent all participants of the out of home ecosystem and take on the OAAA's chairmanship at such an exciting time in our industry's history," Wells said. "While a great deal of attention is being paid to the marketing power of social media, search, and generative artificial intelligence, there is no force or advertising format as creative, dynamic, effective, and influential at inspiring consumers' sense of brand affinity, awareness, and purchasing decisions as out of home." In addition to leading CCOH and CCOA, Wells brings an extensive range of experience to the OAAA. He is renowned for growing, transforming, and revitalizing companies. He continues to lead the Americas team to incorporate sophisticated new tools and technologies that leverage mobile insights and data science to reach audiences, measure impact, and make OOH an integral part of today's media buying conversation more efficiently. Story continues "Scott has demonstrated a keen spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and embrace of technology throughout his career," said Bager. "His knowledge and leadership skills have earned him respect through the out of home space and in the wider business world as well. I have gotten to know him as a trusted partner at the OAAA, and I am confident that with him in the chairman's post and our newly elected board members, this organization and this industry will reach even greater heights." "I am pleased to hand over the chairman seat to someone as forward-thinking and forward-moving as my good friend Scott Wells," said Reilly. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with Scott and the rest of the board at this time of tremendous growth and opportunity for the out of home industry at large." OAAA's Board of Directors is comprised of OOH media company executives representing all facets of the OOH industry, including billboard, street furniture, transit, and place-based companies. The Board is the governing body of OAAA which represents 800+ media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. About the OAAA The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 800 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oaaa-names-new-chairman-clear-channel-outdoor-ceo-scott-wells-elects-five-new-board-members-301782716.html SOURCE Out of Home Advertising Association of America FILE PHOTO: An Ocado grocery delivery van is driven along a street in London LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. supermarket group Kroger Co is committed to building more automated warehouses in partnership with British online grocer and technology group Ocado, despite slowing a roll-out of sites, Ocado CEO Tim Steiner said on Tuesday. Ocado struck a deal with Kroger in 2018 to help the U.S firm ratchet up its delivery business with the construction of robotically operated warehouses. The initial deal saw Kroger identify 20 sites to build automated warehouses, or customer fulfilment centres (CFCs) as Ocado calls them, in the United States. Kroger is currently live with eight sites, with 16 ordered so far. "They are committed to building more, they just want to make those (existing) ones work as well as they can before they roll out loads very sensible thing to do," Steiner told reporters. He said Kroger remained "extremely positive" about the relationship, noting he visited the firm last week and will again in two weeks' time. "They expect to have loads of these warehouses. But when you do something new, you need to make it work really well before you scale it up massively," he added. Steiner was talking after Ocado Retail - Ocado Group's online supermarket joint venture with Marks & Spencer - reported first-quarter results. While during the pandemic Ocado Retail didn't have enough capacity to meet consumer demand in the UK, it currently has surplus capacity, which represents a cost to the business in the short term. In November, the planned build in Ocado's 2024-25 financial year of two new automated warehouses in the northwest and southeast of England was "paused", reflecting "a more prudent and disciplined approach to capacity roll-out". Online grocery's share of the total grocery market in Britain was about 7% before COVID-19. It peaked at about 15% during the pandemic and has since come off to about 11%. Steiner said last month he is convinced online penetration of the UK's grocery market will increase from the current level. Shares in Ocado Group were down 4.6% in afternoon trading, extending losses over the last year to 60.4%. (Reporting by James Davey; Editing by David Holmes) InsightAce Analytic Pvt. LTd. The global paint and coating market is estimated to reach over USD 246.40 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.08% during the forecast period Jersey City, NJ, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Paint And Coating Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Resin (Water-Based Coatings, Solvent-Based Coatings, Powder Coatings), Technology (Acrylic, Alkyd, Epoxy Resin, Polyester, Polyurethane), And Application (Architectural, Automotive OEM, Wood Finishes, Coil Coatings, Packaging Finishes, General Industrial Finishes, Automotive Refinish Paint, Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings, Aviation/Aerospace)- Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" The global paint and coating market is estimated to reach over USD 246.40 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.08% during the forecast period 2023-2031. Pays and coatings are applied to the substrate to adorn and protect a surface. When utilized for decorative purposes, paints and coatings enhance the surface's tensile strength and aesthetic appeal. They shield the surface from damaging elements, rust, aging, and chemical exposure. In some applications, paints and coatings also offer particular qualities, including anti-fouling, flame retardancy, and anti-microbial capabilities. Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1627 The increase in urbanization and population is expected to cause the building and construction industry to expand quickly during the coming years. In the upcoming years, urbanization and shifting lifestyles are anticipated to push the global construction sector. Worldwide spending on housing and infrastructure development has increased due to population growth and better economic conditions. Many infrastructures and structures are decorated and protected with paints and coatings. Due to an increase in building activity and government investment in various public infrastructure projects, the market is anticipated to grow. The challenges faced by the market are volatility in raw materials, stringent regulation, competition from low-cost products, and technological advancement are some of the major challenges faced by this market. Story continues Recent Developments: In June 2021, Grupo Orbis, a maker of paints and coatings, was purchased by AkzoNobel. AkzoNobel will be able to strengthen its position in South and Central America thanks to this tactical acquisition. In December 2020, North East Asian and western European markets were where Jotun first introduced its jota cote Universal S120 primer to the world market. Check Discount on Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/discount/1627 List of Prominent Players in the Paint and coating market: Akzo Nobel N.V. Asian Paints Limited Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. BASF SE Beckers Group Berger Paints Ltd. DAW SE Diamond Vogel Paint Company Hempel A/S Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Indigo Paints Ltd. Jotun A/S Kansai Paint Co.,Ltd. Kelly-Moore Paints Masco Corporation Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. PPG Industries, Inc. RPM International Inc. Shalimar Paints SKK(S) Pte. Ltd. The Sherwin-Williams Company Tiger Coatings GmbH & Co. KG Tikkurila Oyj Vista Paint Corporation Paint and Coating Market Report Scope: Report Attribute Specifications Market size value in 2022 USD 189.71 Bn Revenue forecast in 2031 USD 246.40 Bn Growth rate CAGR CAGR of 3.08% from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative units Representation of revenue in US$ Billion, Volume (Ton), and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market statistics, growth prospects, and trends Segments covered Resin, Technology, And Application Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia Market Dynamics: Drivers- Buildings and infrastructure are primarily decorated and protected using paints and coatings. Interior and exterior house paints, primers, varnishes, sealers and stains are some of these architectural improvements. Architectural paints are available in various textures, even semi-gloss sheens, and enable less VOC, odorless paints with greater scrub resistance. The construction sector's quick growth will help the market expand. The market growth is projected to be supported by increased building work and government spending on various public infrastructure projects. Advanced cutting-edge technology is also becoming commonplace in the building sector. The business expansion led to a substantial increase in product demand for use in other sectors, like residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, the market expansion will be supported by uses for these products in industries like wood, coils, automotive and transportation, and industrial metals. Challenges: Paint and coatings manufacturers must constantly enhance their processes to obey to the numerous regulatory policies established by various governments. In nations with severe environmental rules, that don't comply with the law are prohibited. Unfortunately, some lawmakers still rely on their emission limits only on the amount of VOC present in exhaust gases. This may result in the acceptance of high-mass emission procedures instead of low-mass emission methods that require very low airflow. The reduced atmospheric emissions that result from the use of low VOC coatings are likewise disregarded by the concentration approach. Regional Trends: Regarding revenue and volume, Asia Pacific has the largest market share and is likely to keep it during the forecast period. This might be attributed to the expansion of the automobile, building, and construction sectors in China, Japan, and India. Because they are used to coat residential and non-residential constructions, paints and coatings are in higher demand. They are often used for furniture, windows, and wall decoration. China is the main customer because of its expanding population, which is driving the market expansion in the residential construction industry. In addition, the North American market is anticipated to increase significantly. Continuous use of cutting-edge technologies, rising disposable income, and increasing used-car consolidation are the main drivers of market expansion in this region. Enquiry Before Buying @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1627 Segmentation of Paint and coating market- By Resin- Acrylic Epoxy Resin Alkyd Polyurethane Polyester Others By Technology Water Based Solvent Based Powder Coating By Application Architectural Coatings Residential Non-Residential Automotive OEM Coatings Passenger Cars Heavy/Commercial Vehicles Motorcycle Other Transportation Coatings Wood Finishes Coil Coatings Packaging Finishes General Industrial Finishes Footwear Furniture Toys Others Automotive Refinish Paint Protective Coatings Marine Coatings Aviation/Aerospace Others By Region- North America- The US Canada Mexico Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of the Middle East and Africa Get Customized Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1627 About Us: InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/ Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/ CONTACT: Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED Passenger Car Sensors Market size was valued at US$ 4.66 Bn. in 2021 and the total Passenger Car Sensors revenue is expected to grow at 8.2% from 2022 to 2029, reaching nearly US$ 8.75 Bn. Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A global Electronics business-consulting firm, Maximize Market research, has published a market intelligence and competitive landscape report on the Passenger Car Sensors Market . The report is a combination of primary data and secondary data and domain expert has analyzed the Passenger Car Sensors Market from a local as well as a global point of view. Over the forecast period, Maximize Market research expects, the market to grow from USD 4.66 Bn in 2021 to USD 8.75 Bn in 2029 at a CAGR of 8.2 percent. Passenger Car Sensors Market Report Scope and Research Methodology Market Size in 2021 USD 4.66 Bn. Market Size in 2029 USD 8.75 Bn. CAGR 8.2 percent (2022-2029) Forecast Period 2022-2029 Base Year 2021 Number of Pages 270 No. of Tables 115 No. of Charts and Figures 112 Segment Covered Type, Application and Sales Channel Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South America Report Coverage Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20222029, Market Dynamics, Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Key Trends, Competitive Landscape, Key Players Benchmarking, Competitive Analysis, MMR Competition Matrix, Competitive Leadership Mapping, Global Key Players Market Ranking Analysis. Request For Free Sample Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/69360 The report is a thorough analysis of the Passenger Car Sensors market equipped with key findings including pricing, investments, expansion plans and physical presence of the Passenger Car Sensors market. The bottom-up approach was used to estimate the Passenger Car Sensors market size and growth rate in the report. The report covers information on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges of the Passenger Car Sensors market. The financial standing, portfolio, technology adoption, merger and acquisition, joint ventures and strategic alliances are included in the competitive environment for the Passenger Car Sensors market. Story continues Regional analysis of the Passenger Car Sensors market conducted at a local, regional and global level. For a segment-wise analysis of the Passenger Car Sensors market, it is divided into Type, Application and Sales Channel. The report also provides information on the emerging regions that are expected to be major markets for the Passenger Car Sensors market. The report includes primary and secondary collection techniques with qualitative and quantitative approaches for the analysis of the Passenger Car Sensors market. The primary method includes Surveys, questionnaires and telephonic interviews with market leaders, market specialists and business owners, etc., Secondary method involves financial reports, annual reports, press releases, white papers, etc. SWOT analysis is used to identify the threats and weaknesses of the market while PORTER is used to understand the competitive structure of the industry in the Passenger Car Sensors Market. Get a Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/69360 Passenger Car Sensors Market Overview The Passenger car is a product that helps to manage the engine in automobiles. It is an electronic device that monitors various aspects of the cars and accelerates information to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The passenger car sensors also monitors several aspects of the car including its engine, emission levels, oil pressure and vehicle speed. The passenger car sensors are used by the engine to exhaust the vehicle system and are majorly used in the powertrain, body control and chassis for monitoring the voltages, vacuum and temperature. Passenger Car Sensors Market Dynamics The Passenger Car Sensors Market is primarily driven by the growing adoption of autonomous passenger cars. The increasing availability of additional sensors such as body, chassis and powertrain sensors play a crucial role in the Passenger Car Sensors Market growth. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles and stringent rules for the growing emission of carbon is helping to increase the sales of electric vehicles. The increasing need for safety among various populations and implementation of the different regulations about automotive safety are the growth contributors for the Passenger Car Sensors Market. The innovation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and multiple features of Passenger Car Sensors are the expected to present lucrative opportunities for market growth. The high costs of the sensor products with the increasing expectation of the OEMs and regulations for diagnostics are the restraining factors for the growth of the Passenger Car Sensors Market over the forecast period. Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-customization/69360 Passenger Car Sensors Market Regional Insights During the forecast period, European Passenger Car Sensors Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5 percent over the forecast period. The increasing production of automobiles in countries such as the UK and Germany is the major factor influencing the regional Passenger Car Sensors Market growth. The development of sensor technologies by automobile companies helps to add value to cars and provide autonomy to vehicles. Passenger Car Sensors Market Segmentation By Type Temperature Sensors Pressure Sensors Oxygen Sensors NOx Sensors Position Sensors Speed Sensors Inertial Sensors Image Sensors Others By Application Powertrain Systems Chassis Exhaust Systems Safety & Control Systems Vehicle Body Electronics Telematics Systems Others By Sales Channel OEM Aftermarket During the forecast period, the sub-segment safety and control systems are expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1 percent. The main significant factor for the rapid sales of vehicles is the passenger safety given by the manufacturers. On the basis of the sales channels, the sub-segment OEM is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4 percent over the forecast period. However, OEMS and the established suppliers are inadequate to properly comprehend the technological needs of the new systems. Get the Sample PDF of the Report: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/69360 Passenger Car Sensors Market Key Competitors include: Robert Bosch GmbH Continental AG DENSO Corporation Infineon Technologies AG BorgWarner, Inc. Sensata Technologies Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Analog Devices, Inc. ELMOS Semiconductor SE Aptiv plc NXP Semiconductors N.V. STMicroelectronics N.V. CTS Corporation Autoliv, Inc. TE Connectivity ZF Friedrichshafen Valeo S.A. Magna International Melexis N.V. ON Semiconductor Amphenol Advanced Sensors LeddarTech Velodyne LiDAR Quanergy Innoviz Technologies Key questions answered in the Passenger Car Sensors Market are: What are Passenger Car Sensors? What is the CAGR of the Passenger Car Sensors Market? What was the Passenger Car Sensors Market size in 2021? What is the expected Passenger Car Sensors Market size by the end of the forecast period? What are the global trends in the Passenger Car Sensors Market? Who are the leading companies and what are their portfolios in Passenger Car Sensors Market? What are the major challenges that the Passenger Car Sensors Market could face in the future? What growth strategies are the players considering to increase their presence in Passenger Car Sensors? Who dominates the largest market share in Passenger Car Sensors Market? What are the upcoming industry applications and trends for the Passenger Car Sensors Market? What are the recent industry trends that can be implemented to generate additional revenue streams for Passenger Car Sensors Market? Key Offerings: Past Market Size and Competitive Landscape (2018 to 2021) Past Pricing and price curve by region (2018 to 2021) Market Size, Share, Size & Forecast by different segment | 20222029 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, and Key Trends by region Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Type, Application, Sales Channel and Region Competitive Landscape Profiles of selected key players by region from a strategic perspective Competitive landscape Market Leaders, Market Followers, Regional player Competitive benchmarking of key players by region PESTLE Analysis PORTERs analysis Value chain and supply chain analysis Legal Aspects of business by region Lucrative business opportunities with SWOT analysis Recommendations Maximize Market Research is leading Electronics research firm, has also published the following reports: Automotive Chassis System Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 84.85 Bn by 2029 at a CAGR of 6.2 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by technological advancements in the vehicle chassis system. Autonomous / Self-Driving Cars Market - The market size is expected to reach 56.46 Mn units by 2029 at a CAGR of 13.5 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by high demand for luxury cars and technological developments in the sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. Electric commercial vehicle Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 1308.57 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 20.97 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increase in demand for electric vehicles and implementation of the technologies such as ADAS, Ai and IoT. Powertrain Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 1069.21 Bn by 2029 at a CAGR of 6.11 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the growth of the automobile industry and increasing consciousness about environmental pollution. Automotive Constant Velocity Joint Market - The market size is expected to reach USD 4.52 Bn by 2029 at a CAGR of 5.2 percent during the forecast period. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for lightweight constant-velocity joints in automobiles. About Maximize Market Research: Maximize Market Research is a multifaceted market research and consulting company with professionals from several industries. Some of the industries we cover include medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, science and engineering, electronic components, industrial equipment, technology and communication, cars and automobiles, chemical products and substances, general merchandise, beverages, personal care, and automated systems. To mention a few, we provide market-verified industry estimations, technical trend analysis, crucial market research, strategic advice, competition analysis, production and demand analysis, and client impact studies. CONTACT: Contact Maximize Market Research: 3rd Floor, Navale IT Park, Phase 2 Pune Banglore Highway, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India sales@maximizemarketresearch.com +91 96071 95908, +91 9607365656 Most recently, Banks was Chief Executive Officer at Utah-based Weave and led the firm's Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange in November 2021, the first Black CEO to do so in Utah. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Banks has served as CEO or President five times during his career and increased aggregate enterprise value by over $4 billion during the process. SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / Pelion Venture Partners today announced that Roy Banks has joined the leading Utah-based venture capital firm as a Venture Partner. Pelion Venture Partners, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture During a professional career spanning over 30 years in technology, Banks has served as Chief Executive Officer and/or President five separate times, roles that included corporate recapitalizations, initial public offerings, and/or acquisitions at each firm. Most recently, Banks was selected to take over the leadership of Lehi, Utah-based Weave as its CEO in December 2020, a position he held until last fall. During his time with the company, Banks led Weave's Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange in November 2022, the first Black CEO to conduct an NYSE IPO for a Utah-based company. Pelion General Partners, Blake Modersitzki and Chris Cooper (who previously worked with Banks at WordPerfect), recruited him out of semi-retirement to help bolster Pelion's position as the leading venture capital firm in Utah. "We had the privilege of working with Roy for many years, even before he was tapped to lead Weave," Modersitzki said. "So not only are we energized by Roy's wealth of experience as an operator and the impact that he will have within our portfolio, we're also excited to work shoulder to shoulder with him in finding the next great companies here in Utah and beyond."\ Prior to serving as Weave's CEO, Banks served in top executive positions for Authorize.Net, Accelerated Payment Technologies, Network Merchants Inc., Truckstop.com, and Complete Merchant Services. Earlier in his career, Banks also worked for WordPerfect, Novell, and PowerQuest, as well as five years spent serving in the U.S. Navy with a final rank of Petty Officer Second Class. After his time in the Navy, Banks received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Story continues "This is now the second time that Blake and the Pelion team have pulled me out of retirement to put me on a new path, something I greatly appreciate," Banks said. "The reality is that I've been truly blessed throughout my life and career, yet nothing I've done or accomplished will compensate for sharing what I've learned and done. At this Elder Statesman' point in my career, I've recognized that not only can I help other companies and other executives to succeed, I have an obligation to do so. "I look forward to helping and mentoring entrepreneurs and founders to help them overcome the challenges of growing and building their companies. I believe a great leader sees the potential in others which they often cannot see in themselves. As a Venture Partner, I'm excited to be an example, and to inspire people to believe that they can accomplish the impossible. My experience over the years has taught me that with strong mentors, focus, hard work, perseverance and an unconquerable spirit, virtually anything is possible." In his Venture Partner role at Pelion, Banks will support existing Pelion portfolio companies, and incubate new businesses alongside very early stage founding teams. About Pelion Venture Partners Originally formed in 1986 as Utah Ventures, Pelion Venture Partners has raised over $1 billion across its family of funds. With its focus primarily on early stage technology companies, some of Pelion's more notable exits include such companies as Cloudflare, Divvy, Integral Ad Science, Owlet, and Weave, among others. For more information about Pelion, please visit www.pelionvp.com. # # # MEDIA CONTACT: David Politis for Pelion Venture Partners, me@davidpolitis.com, C: +1-801-556-8184 SOURCE: Pelion Venture Partners View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746113/Pelion-Venture-Partners-Names-Roy-Banks-as-a-Venture-Partner Employee-led ATCO EPIC program has raised nearly $54M since 2006 CALGARY, AB, March 28, 2023 /CNW/ - ATCO Ltd. (TSX: ACO.X) (TSX: ACO.Y) THE PEOPLE OF ATCO PLEDGE $3.6 MILLION FOR CHARITIES (CNW Group/ATCO Ltd.) ATCO and its people pledged $3.6 million in 2022 for hundreds of community charities through the annual ATCO EPIC (Employees Participating in Communities) campaign, taking the program's cumulative fundraising total to nearly $54 million since its inception in 2006. "This is an incredible achievement and I'm constantly amazed at the dedication and commitment of our people," said Nancy Southern, ATCO's Chair & Chief Executive Officer. "This is an employee-led program and the causes that matter to our people, matter to ATCO. The community spirit our people have makes me incredibly proud and is a testament to the true strength of our global enterprise." In addition to raising millions of dollars for hundreds of charities, the program has facilitated 257,000 employee volunteer hours. ATCO EPIC unites ATCO people around the globe through fundraising events, volunteerism and individual donations. ATCO employees donate directly to the charities of their choice, and ATCO doubles that impact by matching all donations made to human health and wellness charities. The company also covers all administration costs for the program, ensuring that the charities benefit from 100 per cent of the donations pledged. With approximately 7,600 employees and assets of $24 billion, ATCO Ltd. is a diversified global corporation with investments in the essential services of Structures & Logistics (workforce and residential housing, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, workforce lodging services, facility operations and maintenance, defence operations services, and disaster and emergency management services); Utilities (electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international operations); Energy Infrastructure (energy storage, energy generation, industrial water solutions, and clean fuels); Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales, and whole-home solutions); Transportation (ports and transportation logistics); and Commercial Real Estate. More information can be found at www.atco.com. Media Inquiries: Robert Palmer Manager, Corporate Communications ATCO Ltd. C. 403-710-1341 robert.palmer@atco.com Story continues SOURCE ATCO Ltd. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/28/c8571.html (Bloomberg) -- PG&E Corp. plans to invest $18 billion in wildfire prevention through 2025 following back-to-back seasons of devastating blazes linked to the utilitys network of wires and other equipment. Most Read from Bloomberg PG&E will bury more than 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) of wires, install stronger utility poles, trim trees and repair equipment, it said in a statement on Monday. The company will continue to cut off power to lines struck by tree limbs and resort to preemptive blackouts during exceptionally dry and windy conditions, according a plan filed with a California energy-safety agency. Wildfires and the resulting criminal and civil liabilities have weighed heavily on PG&E for years. Blazes sparked by the utilitys power lines and equipment that killed scores of people and destroyed more than a million acres pushed the company into bankruptcy in 2019. Since then, regulators have required PG&E and other investor-owned utilities to submit detailed mitigation plans. Edison Internationals Southern California Edison also filed a wildfire-prevention proposal with the state on Monday, saying it will continue covering conductors and burying more lines in the highest-risk locations. Edison said its cut the probability of its equipment sparking conflagrations by as much as 80% since 2018. PG&E, whose lines were blamed for Californias fiercest blazes for two years in a row, said it has reduced its wildfire risk by more than 90%. PG&E Chief Operations Officer Sumeet Singh said if recent changes to safety operations had been in place in 2021 and 2022, those earlier blazes wouldnt have started. PG&E also will deploy new technology that can more easily detect a problem on a power line, Singh said. For the first time, the utility will use artificial intelligence to identify and respond to blazes, he added. Story continues The focus for us is that were going to continue to build upon the successes from last year, which really is centered around constructing, maintaining and operating our electric grid in a manner that minimizes the risk of catastrophic wildfires, Singh said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Azerbaijan has dropped the requirement of Covid passport for foreign citizens to enter the country in recognition of the declining number of Covid-19 cases, and is expected to make travel easier for those wishing to visit Azerbaijan. The government also encourages visitors to get vaccinated before traveling, but this is no longer a requirement for entry. Azerbaijan has been successful in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, with a low number of cases and a high vaccination rate. The government has implemented a number of measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces. This decision to no longer require Covid passports is a positive step forward for Azerbaijan's tourism industry. Azerbaijan has been investing heavily in its tourism industry in recent years, with the goal of becoming a leading travel destination in the region. The needs of today's travellers are met by the availability of a wide range of modern amenities, such as world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. The country boasts a wealth of attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, and the ancient Silk Road. The focus on the development of local wine industry established Azerbaijan as one of the thriving viticultural centres in the region. To celebrate its contribution to promoting viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism, Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) has been granted with a number of prizes by the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes. TradeArabia News Service VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2023 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Trillion Energy, Fuse Battery Metals and ARway discussing their latest news. The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. Trillion Energy's (CSE:TCF) West Akcakoca well enters production The Market Herald, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture Trillion (TCF) has released flow test results for the West Akcakoca-1 well at the SASB gas field offshore Turkey. The company perforated the well for a total of 7 m of natural gas pay on March 24, 2023, with flow tests coming in at a rate of 5.9 MMcf/day. The Guluc-2 well is expected to enter production in the coming days. Colin Robson, VP Corporate Development, spoke with Simon Druker about the news. For the full interview with Colin Robson and to learn about Trillion, click here. Fuse Battery Metals (TSXV:FUSE) adds Nevada lithium exploration project The Market Herald, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture Fuse Battery Metals (FUSE) has expanded its exploration land holdings. The new addition is a sediment-hosted lithium clay target in Nevada known as the Monitor Valley North Project. Initial surface samples returned average lithium values of 664 ppm. The company intends to complete an NI 43-101 Technical Report on the property in the near future. President and CEO Tim Fernback spoke with Simon Druker about the news. For the full interview with Tim Fernback and to learn about Fuse Battery Metals , click here. ARway (CSE:ARWY) unveils 3D digital twin floor plan technology The Market Herald, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Press release picture ARway (ARWY) can now automate the creation of 3D spatial maps from 2D floor plans. This process creates a digital twin, which can be populated with an array of augmented reality experiences. Management believes the addition will serve to increase its market share of the estimated $42 billion global indoor positioning and indoor navigation market. CEO Evan Gappelberg spoke with Simon Druker about the news. Story continues For the full interview with Evan Gappelberg and to learn about ARway, click here. Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit The Power Play by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. All information available on themarketherald.ca and/or this press release should be considered as commercial advertisement and not an endorsement, offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities. Report Card is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority in any province or territory of Canada, will not be performing any registerable activity as defined by the applicable regulatory bodies and do not provide nor claim to provide investment advice or recommendations to any visitor of this site or readers of any content on or originating from themarketherald.ca. Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities and/or commodities and/or commodity futures contracts in certain underlying companies mentioned in this site and which may also be clients of Market Herald's affiliates. In such instances, Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees will use all reasonable efforts to avoid engaging in activities that would lead to conflicts of interest and Market Herald and/or its affiliates will use all reasonable efforts to comply with conflicts of interest disclosures and regulations to minimize any conflict. All the information on this document and/or the website - themarketherald.ca - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Report Card does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this document and/or website (themarketherald.ca) is strictly at your own risk. Report Card will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald marketing@themarketherald.ca themarketherald.ca SOURCE: The Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/746278/The-Power-Play-by-The-Market-Herald-Releases-New-Interviews-with-Trillion-Energy-Fuse-Battery-Metals-and-ARway-Discussing-Their-Latest-News Hot topics ESG, supply chain, and green technology fuel increase HONG KONG, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PR Newswire, a Cision company and leading global provider of news distribution and earned media software and services, announced today businesses in the Asia Pacific region remained active on their communications campaigns, despite a challenging global environment. According to PR Newswire's latest data, there are more than 75,000 press releases distributed in the past year, a 7% increase from 2021. The number of ESG-related press releases jumped more than twofold, while press releases from the fintech sector surged more than 250%. Additionally, press releases on Green technology, another popular topic, increased by 40% over the past year. Releases including key themes like Supply Chain, Green Technology, Sustainability, Web3, and the global travel and tourism rebound in Q4 emerged as hot topics. Press Release Distribution Overview 2022 PR Newswire Trend Highlights: Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: Major events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Mobile World Congress (MWC), and the China International Fair for Trade in Services reinvigorated press releases linked to events in the Asia Pacific region, excluding mainland China increasing by 34%. Distribution also reached a peak of more than 200 releases daily, a nearly 100% increase compared to the year before. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Business activities were largely ignored as the pandemic geared companies towards releases on newly developed drugs and clinical trials with output up by 21% in November during the China International Import Expo. Click here to enter text. Supply Chain and Energy Crisis: "Supply chain" turned out to be one of the most popular press release topics in 2022, included in more than 3,200 press releases. Oil consumption and energy crisis discussions resulted in a 13% increase in related press releases, while alternative energy and green vehicles climbed 16%. Mergers and Acquisitions: Economic uncertainties put announcements down 20% from the year prior. However, there was 30% growth in releases focused on"business expansion". Tourism-related Business: More companies rolled out new products and services to boost consumption, resulting in 28% more relevant press releases year-over-year. Despite a 6% decline in tourism and hotel-related releases, outdoor and camping soared by 80% as these activities boomed during the pandemic in mainland China. Story continues 2022 Press Release Overview by Industry "As the world tries to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic and scraps various travel restrictions, it is expected that business activities and international business communications will further recover bringing fresh growth opportunities for various sectors," said Lynn Liu, Head of Audience Development and Distribution Services at PR Newswire APAC. "We look forward to helping more businesses and organizations to tell their stories to the world in 2023." About PR Newswire PR Newswire, a Cision Ltd. company, is a leading global provider of news distribution and earned media software and services. In conjunction with Cision's cloud-based communications product suite, PR Newswire's services enable marketers, corporate communicators, and investor relations officers to identify key influencers, engage target audiences, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact. Combining the world's largest multi-channel, multi-cultural content dissemination network with comprehensive workflow tools and platforms, PR Newswire powers the stories of organizations around the world. PR Newswire serves tens of thousands of clients from offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions. Visit www.cision.asia for more information. About Cision Cision is a comprehensive consumer and media intelligence and communications platform enabling public relations, marketing and communications professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of leaders to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including PR Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.com and follow @Cision on Twitter. (PRNewsfoto/PR Newswire Asia Ltd) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pr-newswire-sees-7-growth-in-asia-pacific-release-distribution-301781952.html SOURCE PR Newswire PROOF-HD is the only late-stage study in Huntingtons disease targeting clinical progression; topline results expected in early Q2 2023 NAARDEN, Netherlands and WALTHAM, Mass., March 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Prilenia Therapeutics B.V., a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the urgent mission to develop novel therapeutics to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders, today announced that the last participant in PROOF-HD, a global Phase 3 study in Huntingtons disease (HD), has completed the last planned visit of the blinded treatment period, marking the completion of the main study. Almost all patients (98 percent) that were eligible elected to continue in the ongoing open-label extension of PROOF-HD. Topline results of the PROOF-HD study are expected in early Q2 2023. The PROOF-HD study has been conducted with the Huntington Study Group (HSG), a world leader in clinical research for HD and valued collaborator for Prilenia. "There is an urgent need for treatments that can alter the course of HD and bring hope to individuals and families impacted by the disease," said Dr. Michael R. Hayden, CEO and Founder of Prilenia. "Our team is working diligently to bring topline results to the community as quickly as possible. We thank the Huntington Study Group and their partners, study investigators, and most importantly study participants and their families for their contribution to this important research." PROOF-HD is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of pridopidine (45 mg twice daily for 65 to 78 weeks), an oral, highly selective and potent investigational sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist, in individuals with HD. The aim of the study is to evaluate pridopidines ability to preserve the functional ability of individuals living with HD, with a primary endpoint of a change from baseline in the Unified Huntington Disease Rating Scale-Total Functional Capacity (UHDRS-TFC) score at 65 weeks. The trial enrolled 499 individuals and was conducted in the U.S., Canada, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom. The study was completed on time and as planned. Story continues About Pridopidine Pridopidine (45 mg twice daily) is an oral, highly selective and potent investigational S1R agonist that has exhibited a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo in clinical studies to date. The S1R protein is highly expressed in the brain and spinal cord where it regulates several key processes that are commonly impaired in various neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of the S1R by pridopidine stimulates multiple cellular pathways, including autophagy, axonal transport, mitochondrial energy production, and calcium homeostasis which are essential to neuronal function and survival and may lead to neuroprotective effects. Prilenia holds Orphan Drug designation for pridopidine in HD and ALS in the U.S. and EU. In addition, pridopidine has received Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HD. About Prilenia Prilenia is a clinical stage biotechnology company founded in 2018 focused on the urgent mission to develop novel therapeutics to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Prilenia is backed by a group of well-respected investors including: Forbion, Morningside, Sands Capital, SV Health Investors, Sectoral Asset Management, Talisman, Amplitude Ventures and the ALS Investment Fund. The Company is based in Naarden, the Netherlands, Herzliya, Israel and Waltham, Massachusetts in the U.S. For more information visit www.prilenia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Huntington Study Group / HSG Clinical Research, Inc. Founded in 1993 in Rochester, NY, the Huntington Study Group (HSG) is a not-for-profit organization composed of the worlds first and largest collaborative network of over 800 experts in Huntingtons disease at more than 130 HSG credentialed research sites worldwide. HSG Clinical Research, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the HSG, is a full-service clinical research organization that specializes in conducting HD trials. The HSG also offers educational services for healthcare professionals and care providers on treating patients with HD. For more information, visit www.huntingtonstudygroup.org. 2023 Prilenia Therapeutics B.V. For a copy of this release, visit Prilenias website at www.prilenia.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230321005915/en/ Contacts Prilenia Contact Kristina Coppola Head of Corporate Communications info@prilenia.com Preqin New fund structures allow individual investors greater access to alternatives LONDON, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Preqin, the global leader in alternative assets data, tools, and insights, published its Fundraising from Private Wealth: A Guide to Raising Capital. The report shows an increasing number of fund managers are pivoting towards the private wealth industry*, as capital raising from institutional clients has become more challenging. This change is owed to a favourable regulatory backdrop and larger fund managers already making significant headway with the likes of KKR, Apollo, and Blackstone setting ambitious capital raising targets. The Fundraising from Private Wealth report is the first to launch as part of regular private wealth industry updates to be expected from Preqins Research Insights team. The move beyond institutional investor fundraising Global private capital has seen over a trillion dollars in inflows from institutional investors for several years in a row. However, the environment is becoming increasingly challenging for raising capital as more investors approach their long-term strategic asset-allocation targets and face economic headwinds. Highlighting this trajectory, Preqin analysts forecast that institutional global private capital fundraising will grow to $1.58tn by 2027 from $1.16tn in 2022 at a relatively muted 3.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the period. This represents a material slowdown from the 11.70% CAGR seen between 2015 and 2021. Adding to this, there is a trend of companies staying private for longer and an increasing portion of value creation is potentially being created outside of public markets. In response to these factors, fund managers are starting to pivot their fundraising efforts toward the non-institutional space. The private wealth industry appears to be the part of the market with the most traction. This move towards private wealth represents a phenomenal opportunity for the alternatives industry. Story continues Larger fund managers lead the way in the private wealth space with billions of dollars already raised To date, allocations to alternative investments by individual investors** have been kept below 5% in many instances. High minimum investments, a lack of access to higher-quality fund managers, and cumbersome paperwork have been some of the main barriers to more investment flows from individual investors into alternatives. And yet, larger fund managers are leading the way in the private wealth space. Preqin Pro data shows that KKR has already raised $66bn from private wealth and expects between 30% and 50% of fundraising to be from this space over the next several years. Apollo Global Management aims to raise $50bn of retail capital between 2022 and 2026. Some large fund managers have also built out dedicated private wealth teams. This included Blackstone, which has approximately 300 people globally, and raised $48bn in the private wealth channel in 2022. Product and regulatory innovations make capital raising from the private wealth industry increasingly feasible The global regulatory landscape is becoming more amenable to private wealth accessing private markets, while also attempting to safeguard investor interests. In 2022, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced new rules and amendments under the Investment Adviser Act of 1040 that aims to improve access and protections for individual investors. Given that the US is the most developed private capital market globally, Preqin expects other regulatory bodies to follow the SECs lead. This is already starting in the UK, Europe and Singapore. Overall, Preqin analysts believe fund managers will be reassured by the proactive stance of regulators across the world, which is broadening access for individual investors and increasing the number of suitable fund vehicles in the market. Cameron Joyce, SVP, Deputy Head of Research Insights, says, Most fund managers are so far only scratching the surface compared with the potential that the private wealth space offers. We are seeing larger fund managers leverage scale and their brand to raise capital directly from high-net-worth individuals. However, the emergence of tech-driven intermediaries in the space promises to allow a much wider array of fund managers to diversify their investor base. Key Preqin Fundraising from Private Wealth takeaways: Fundraising: KKR raised $66bn from private wealth, while Apollo Global Management aims to raise $50bn of retail capital between 2022 and 2026. Blackstone raised $48bn in the private wealth channel in 2022. New fund structures: The European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) 2.0 and the UKs Long-Term Asset fund (LTAF) promise to offer fund managers greater flexibility in raising capital from individual investors. Risk management: Increased access to private markets has the potential to improve investment outcomes for individual investors. However, ensuring that risks are suitably understood and accounted for will remain critical for the healthy development of the industry. For more information, and to receive a full copy of the report contact Mimi Celeste Taylor on mimiceleste.taylor@preqin.com To sign up to our daily newsletter, Preqin First Close, click here Notes to editors *In this report, private wealth refers to the investment management and financial planning for individual investors, following the definition set out by the CFA Institute. **Preqin analysts use the term individual investors to encompass retail investors, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who may invest through a private wealth entity, and those that may operate through a family office. ______________________________ About Preqin Preqin, the Home of Alternatives, empowers financial professionals who invest in or allocate to alternatives with essential data and insight to make confident decisions. It supports them throughout the entire investment lifecycle with critical information and leading analytics solutions. The company has pioneered rigorous methods of collecting private data for 20 years, enabling more than 200,000 professionals globally to streamline how they raise capital, source deals and investments, understand performance, and stay informed. For more information visit www.preqin.com. Nadia Kahf, a hijab-wearing attorney from Wayne, drew a standing-room crowd at the Passaic County Courthouse last Tuesday, as she was sworn in as a state Superior Court judge, in an event that sparked international headlines describing her as a trailblazer. That barrier was broken again the very next day when Dalya Youssef, a family law attorney who also wears the Islamic headscarf, was sworn in to the Superior Court bench in Somerset County. For Muslim women, who have long faced harmful stereotypes about their religion and their role in it, having two women who outwardly show their faith in such prominent positions is deeply meaningful. Nadia Kahf, a family law and immigration attorney from Wayne, is sworn by Hany Mawla as judge of the New Jersey Superior Court during a ceremony in Paterson, NJ on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Nawal Al Qudah and Abdullah Al Qudah watch as Kahf is sworn in. It brings a lot of pride and a lot of inspiration to my heart knowing they can practice their faith openly without compromise and continue to serve our community in such an honorable way, said Rana Sabagh, a social services manager at a Paterson mosque, calling it a proud and historic moment. Kahf and Youssef were not the first Muslim women to become state judges. Sharifa Salaam and Kalimah Ahmad serve as Superior Court judges in Essex and Hudson counties, respectively. Three Muslim men also are state judges, Sohail Mohammed in Passaic County, Rahat Babar in Mercer County, and Hany Mawla in the Appellate Division. Nadia Kahf, a family law and immigration attorney from Wayne, is sworn in as judge of the New Jersey Superior Court during a ceremony in Paterson on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Kahf is the first judge to wear a hijab on the bench in NJ. But the images of Kahf, wearing a hijab, swearing her oath on the Quran and getting a standing ovation, struck a chord with the public and were widely shared on social media. The swearing-in was in front of her children, parents and husband and a crowd of supporters so large some were in overflow rooms. For her oath, she used a vintage Quran that had been handwritten by her great-grandmother in the 1880s. Headlines captured her accomplishment on news sites in Morocco, India and Turkey. "Nadia Kahf becomes New Jersey's first hijabi judge," wrote Sinar Daily, a news site in Malaysia. NJ: Hillary Clinton speaks at Montclair State, says women 'have to earn it every day' Im very proud to represent the Muslim and Arab communities of New Jersey and the United States, Kahf said at the swearing-in ceremony. I want the younger generation to see that they can practice their religion without fear. That they can be who they are. Diversity is our strength. It is not our weakness. Story continues Youssef was sworn in the next day at the Somerset County courthouse, while a larger, official swearing-in ceremony is being planned in her honor in several weeks. Neither responded to requests for comment. Dalya Youssef was sworn in as Superior Court judge in Somerset County in March 20203. The elevation of these women to the New Jersey Superior Court comes as some women have faced prejudice and measures to restrict use of the hijab in France and India. Common stereotypes are rooted in falsehoods, said Dalia Fahmy, a professor of political science at Long Island University. In the U.S., Muslim women are the second-most-highly educated religious minority group, said Fahmy. In the past two elections, nearly 200 Muslim women ran for office, with many winning their elections, Fahmy added. In New Jersey, the first two Muslims to serve in the state Legislature, Shama Haider and Sadaf Jaffer, are female. Muslim women throughout history have achieved the highest levels of occupation and power, Fahy said. Thats not reflected in what we see in popular culture and popular media. In New Jersey, the communities that Kahf and Youssef call home have known these two women as leaders, since long before they became judges. Kahf, a family law and immigration attorney in Haledon, has served as chair of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights organization. She is also chairwoman of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, one of the largest mosques in the state. Kahf, who came to the U.S. from Syria at age 2, also served as legal adviser to Wafa House, a nonprofit domestic violence and social services agency based in Clifton. Youssef was a founding member and past president of the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association. As supervising attorney at Central Jersey Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, she provided legal assistance to low-income individuals. Youssef is also a member of the Supreme Court Committee on Women in the Courts and the New Jersey State Bar Associations Diversity and Pro Bono committees. She is also on the board of the Rutgers Center for Race, Rights and Security. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Hijabi judges sworn in on NJ Superior Court QSnatch infections are currently the largest botnet threat in enterprise environments Attacks could result in the take down of servers, data theft, and disruption of services Globally, about 12 percent of organizations have showed signs of a breach the past year SINGAPORE, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), the cloud company that powers and protects life online, today announced a new State of the Internet report that focuses on the threats to businesses and consumers in Asia Pacific caused by malicious Domain Name System (DNS) traffic. Akamai Technologies, Inc. logo Key findings from the Asia Pacific (APAC) report include: QSnatch becomes largest APAC botnet threat : QSnatch - malware that specifically targets QNAP, a type of network attached storage (NAS) device used for backups or file storage by businesses was by far the largest botnet threat in enterprise environments in APAC in 2022. Almost 60 percent of affected devices in APAC were infected with QSnatch, making this region second only to North America in terms of devices with QSnatch infections globally. Rise of enterprise command and control traffic: Between 10 percent and 16 percent of organizations globally encounter command and control (C2) traffic in their network in any given quarter, indicating the possibility of an attack or breach in progress. In APAC, Akamai observed about 15 percent of affected devices reaching out to Initial Access Brokers (IABs) domains. These are cyber-criminal gangs who sell unauthorized access to breached networks to other cyber criminals, such as ransomware groups. APAC suffers highest home network threats globally: APAC recorded far higher consumer home network threats than any other global region. This region has twice the number of malicious flagged queries in the second half of 2022 compared to North America the region with the second flagged queries. More than 350 million queries in APAC were found to be related to Pykspa, an info-stealing worm that spreads through Skype by sending malicious links to the affected users' contacts. Story continues Businesses increasingly threatened by DNS attacks With most internet usage facilitated via DNS, it has become an important part of the attack infrastructure due to its ubiquity. Akamai observes nearly seven trillion DNS requests daily and classifies malicious DNS transactions into three main categories: malware, phishing and command and control. According to Akamai's data, between 10 percent and 16 percent of organizations globally encounter command and control (C2) traffic in their network in any given quarter. The presence of C2 traffic indicates the possibility of an attack in progress, or a breach, and threats range from information stealing botnets to Initial Access Brokers (IABs) who sell unauthorized access to breached networks to other cyber criminals. In APAC, 15 percent of affected devices have reached out to known IAB C2 domains such as Emotet who conduct the initial breach before selling access to ransomware groups like Lockbit and other cybercriminal groups. The region also saw ransomware variants like Revil and Lockbit move into the top five types of C2 threats affecting devices across all organizations. Network-attached storage devices are ripe for exploitation as they are less likely to be patched and they hold troves of valuable data. Akamai data shows almost 60 percent of affected devices in APAC were infected with Qsnatch - an infostealer malware targeting NAS devices - in 2022, making this region second only to North America in terms of number of infections. With a large concentration of data centers situated in APAC, as well as the popularity of NAS devices in the small and medium enterprises segment, these factors most likely increased the number of infections overall. "As Asia Pacific continues to accelerate its evolution as a global hub for economic and digital transformation, it is thus no surprise that attackers continue to explore any way to attack enterprises for financial gain. Akamai's latest findings not only highlight the most prevalent attacks in each region, but also that multi-stage attacks have become a staple of the modern cyber landscape in our region. Threat Actors are finding increased success when they work together or when they can combine various tools in a single attack. A C2 infrastructure is pivotal in the success of these attacks as they can be used for communication as well as to facilitate downloading a payload and the next-stage malware to move the attack onward," explained Reuben Koh, Director of Security Technology and Strategy, APJ at Akamai. "It is crucial that organizations stay ahead of bad actors because of the detrimental impact that multi-stage attacks can have on their businesses. More than the immediate impacts of direct financial loss, and loss of customer confidence and trust, there is also the long-term costs to recover compromised infrastructure, such as legal, reimbursement and clean-up costs," he continued. Homeowners to be on high alert for DNS Attacks While attackers often have their sights on enterprises because it presents a bigger payoff when they successfully breach their networks, home users are often an easier and quicker target as their networks are not as secure as a corporate environment. Attackers are seeking to abuse not only traditional devices like computers, but also mobile phones and Internet of Things devices. According to Akamai's data, APAC had the highest number of queries flagged in relation to the home network threats in the second half of 2022. The region had twice the number as compared to North America the second most region with flagged queries. In APAC, more than 350 million queries related to Pykspa were observed, a threat that spreads through Skype by sending malicious links to the affected users' contacts. Its backdoor capabilities allow an attacker to connect to a remote system and execute arbitrary commands such as download files, terminate processes, and propagate through various means, including mapped drives and network shares. Phishing campaigns are also actively targeting financial brands in APAC to lure in unsuspecting consumer phishing victims. Akamai's research found that over 40% of all phishing campaigns were focused on financial services customers, resulting in close to 70% of all victims suffering from finance-related phishing scams and attacks. This clearly indicates that attacks against financial services and their customers were highly effective in 2022. "Beyond the personal consequences that home users face of potentially losing all their data when their networks are compromised, there are far more insidious consequences if their devices become part of a massive botnet with attackers mobilizing zombie devices to perform cybercriminal activities without the user's knowledge, like spamming and even launching DDoS attacks against organizations," said Reuben Koh, Director of Security Technology and Strategy, APJ at Akamai. "It is unsurprising that we are seeing the rise of such attacks in our region, with Asia Pacific accounting for over 1.2 billion people accessing mobile internet services today1, and with IoT spending forecasted to reach $436 billion in 20262. The continuing increase in mobile and smart device use and adoption in the region is likely to foreshadow the increase in such attacks, which requires home users to be on high alert to avoid falling victim to cyberattacks," he continued. Advice to business and home users Following analysis of the DNS landscape, Akamai shares the following guidance to business and home users: Remain proactive in ensuring optimal cyber hygiene practices for all your digital assets and users : Foster good security practices from home: About Akamai Akamai powers and protects life online. Leading companies worldwide choose Akamai to build, deliver, and secure their digital experiences helping billions of people live, work, and play every day. With the world's most distributed compute platform from cloud to edge we make it easy for customers to develop and run applications, while we keep experiences closer to users and threats farther away. Learn more about Akamai's security, compute, and delivery solutions at akamai.com and akamai.com/blog , or follow Akamai Technologies on Twitter and LinkedIn . Contacts Gary Ng/Amanda Sng Archetype Singapore akamaihub-sg@archetype.co 1 statista 2 IDC Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/qsnatch-infections-are-the-leading-cause-of-malicious-dns-traffic-in-asia-pacific-according-to-latest-findings-by-akamai-301782888.html SOURCE Akamai Technologies, Inc. Questex LLC Distinguished Thought Leaders in the Sensors and Electronics Industry to Collaborate to Shape and Guide the Event NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questexs Sensors Converge 2023 , North Americas largest electronics event for design engineers, today announces executives from Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nokia will participate in the conference program. Sensors Converge takes place June 20-22 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California. Register here . Sensors Converge will host two Leaders Roundtables. One will focus on Smart Everything: Building an Intelligent Infrastructure Ecosystem from Mobility to Smart Cities and Beyond with the following speakers: Jeff DeCoux, Chairman, Autonomy Fellow, Autonomy Institute Mike Allison, Head of Government and Cities, Nokia North America Jeremy M. Goldberg, Worldwide Director of Critical Infrastructure, Microsoft Brandon Barbello, Group Product Manager, Google The second is focused on State of the Industry: The New Era of Sensors and features speakers: Tom Hunt, Board Member, Wireless Communication Alliance Simone Mora, PhD, Research Scientist, Senseable City Laboratory, MIT Preet Sibia, SVP, Power and Sensor Systems, Infineon Technologies Americas Corp. Reza Saeidpourazar, PhD, Head of Sensors for Amazon Dash Carts, Amazon Aditya Dayal, Vice President, Artificial Intelligence and Sensors, View Inc. Peter Hartwell, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, InvenSense, a TDK Group Company Other speakers featured in this years roster of industry leaders include: Dr. Elena Fersman, Vice President and Head of Global AI Accelerator at Ericsson; Dr. Christian Peters, Director Smart Sensors & Hardware Systems at Robert Bosch LLC; Bill Jenkins, CTO at FarmX; Tyler Boyle, Research Meteorologist at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Willy Pell, Vice President of Autonomy at Blue River Technology (a John Deere Company); Marlena Nickel, IoT Technology Manager at Shell; among many other experts in the industry. Story continues In addition, today, Sensors Converge unveils its Advisory Board. The Advisory Board includes: Miguel Adao, Voler Systems Mike Anderson, The Aerospace Corporation Jatinder Bajwa, Qualcomm Brandon Barbello, Google Sven Beiker, PhD, SAE and Silicon Valley Mobility Raj Bridgelall, North Dakota State University Melanie Daniels, Intel Anthony DePaolantonio, Tesla Jake Galbreath, Arable Labs Daniel Gerber, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Neomar Giacomini, Whirlpool Corporation Jack Gold, J. Gold Associates LLC Andy Goldenson, Google Roger Grace, Roger Grace Associates Kenneth L. Graham, Rolls Royce Leonard Lee, neXt Curve Catherine Liao, CardieX Walt Maclay, Voler Systems Mary Ann Maher, SoftMEMS Robert Macdonald, GE Research Tiana McNeil, T-Mobile James Odeyinka, Walgreens Rob Oshana, Analog Devices Raghuram Rangarajan, Amazon Chris Svec, iRobot Peter Torelli, EEMBC Willard Tu, Marvell Zachary Whitman-Allen Camera, Meta Johannes Winkelmann, Sensirion Brian Zahnstecher, PowerRox, IEEE Jennifer Zhao, ams AG We are excited to add industry thought leaders from the top organizations throughout the world to our already robust conference program. Speakers will cover topics from the entire design process, including enabling innovations and connectivity, process and control design for sustainability and growing applications of the sensors market, said Charlene Soucy, Senior Director of Sensors & Electronics, Questex. Additionally, we are pleased to work with this group of advisors to help us guide the foundation of our event. Our mission is to deliver an event that meets the needs of our community and the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping us to deliver this to the industry. Sensors Converge offers several registration options, including the All-Access Pass, which provides access to the entire event including pre-conference workshops and VIP reception, and the Expo Hall Pass, which offers access to over 275 exhibitors, keynotes and main stage sessions. For more information, visit: https://www.sensorsconverge.com/register . For exhibit or sponsorship opportunities, click here . Stay connected with Sensors Converge on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter . About Sensors Converge Sensors Converge ( www.sensorsconverge.com ), formerly known as Sensors Expo & Conference, got its start 37 years ago bringing together the design engineering community to network, share ideas, and define the future roadmap for the sensors industry. Sensors Converge is part of the Fierce Technology Group, a division of Questex, which also produces the Best of Sensors Awards, Fierce Electronics, Fierce Sensors, and Fierce AutoTech, as well as daily content and newsletters on Fierce Electronics at www.fierceelectronics.com . About Questex Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media Contact Sonal Patel Sensors Converge sonal@sonal.io Silicon Valley Bank's (SIVB) stunning collapse has brought a new element to the conversation about what role management, regulators, and investors may have played in the bank's ultimate failure the role of social media. A modern wrinkle in what was in many ways a classic bank failure spurred by a run on the bank, and a management team Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said last week "failed badly" in the years leading up to the firm's demise. "SVB's failure is a textbook case of mismanagement," Michael Barr, the Federal Reserve's vice chair for supervision, said in testimony delivered Tuesday. "The bank had a concentrated business model, serving the technology and venture capital sector." Still, modern communication dynamics, in Barr's view, sit at the heart of what brought down Silicon Valley Bank with such great speed. On March 9, depositors scrambled to pull out more than the $40 billion from SVB as panic spread throughout Twitter, along with other social media platforms like Slack and WhatsApp, after the bank revealed a $1.8 billion loss within its bond portfolio and plans to raise more than $2 billion in new capital. "In response, social media saw a surge in talk about a run, and uninsured depositors acted quickly to flee," Barr said. Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr testifies at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on "Recent Bank Failures and the Federal Regulatory Response" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 28, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein "On Thursday evening and Friday morning, the bank communicated that they expected even greater outflows that day," Barr added. "The bank did not have enough cash or collateral to meet those extraordinary and rapid outflows, and on Friday, March 10, SVB failed. "Panic prevailed among SVB's remaining depositors, who saw their savings at risk and their businesses in danger of missing payroll because of the bank's failure." Martin Gruenberg, FDIC chair, echoed Barr's view in his respective Senate Banking testimony on Tuesday, saying: "One clear takeaway from recent events is that heavy reliance on uninsured deposits creates liquidity risks that are extremely difficult to manage, particularly in today's environment where money can flow out of institutions with incredible speed in response to news amplified through social media channels." Story continues Speaking in an interview at the Economic Club of Washington last week, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser said social media and mobile banking was a "complete game changer" in SVB's demise. "It's a complete game changer from what we've seen before," she said. "There were a couple of tweets and then this thing went down much faster than has happened in history. And frankly I think the regulators did a good job in responding very quickly because normally you have longer to respond to this." Coupled with social media, digital banking advancements like self-service money management tools have allowed the transfer of money and information at the fastest pace ever seen, adding to systemic risks as financial institutions adapt to a digital-first era. In a press conference last week, Powell suggested more structural changes are needed as regulators search for ways to contain these new inherent risks to the banking system. "The speed of the run...is very different from what we've seen in the past," Powell said. "And it does kind of suggest that there's a need for possible regulatory and supervisory changes, just because supervision and regulation need to keep up with whats happening in the world." Fed chair Jerome Powell suggested more structural changes are needed in the face of Silicon Valley Bank's stunning demise. The Fed is expected to release a complete review of SVB's failing on May 1, which should offer more clarity on potential regulatory responses. In the meantime, industry watchers say banks need to recalibrate risk management priorities and consider social media as a top threat. "[Regulators] need to be looking for any signs of unsubstantiated rumors, panic starting to mount on social media, and they've got to do it around the clock," Patricia McCoy, a law professor at Boston College, told Reuters. Bradley Mirkin, a managing director at Berkeley Research Group, added in an interview with Bloomberg Law that banks should make social media strategies part of their stress testing procedures especially in the face of deep fakes, artificial intelligence and the rise of ChatGPT. "If you could put Jamie Dimon through a deep fake, there's a very real chance that you would just have a cataclysmic response," he warned. Alexandra is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alliecanal8193 and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance RespireRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. Glen Rock, N.J., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTC: RSPI) (RespireRx or the Company) is pleased to announce that on March 22, 2023, Mr. Joseph Siegelbaum was appointed to the Board of Directors as an independent director. This press release contains forward looking statements. Please carefully read the sections below entitled Not a Securities Offering and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Mr. Siegelbaum was a partner at the law firm of Goodwin Procter LLP in New York, NY from 2000 until his retirement at the end of 2021. Before that he was the co-founder and Managing Partner at the law firm of Friedman Siegelbaum in Roseland, NJ from 1977 to 2000. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the New York March of Dimes from 2004 through 2022. Mr. Siegelbaum also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Oxfam America from 2018 through 2021. He is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and Rutgers Law School, where he was Articles Editor of the Rutgers Law Review. Dr. Lippa, the Companys Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Interim CEO, Interim President, and Chief Scientific Officer said, We are extremely pleased that Joe Siegelbaum has accepted our invitation to join our Board. He is an invaluable addition to the team. Mr. Siegelbaum stated, I am very excited to join the RespireRx Board and believe that the assets under development at the Company are promising and potentially able to deliver important clinical benefit to very under-served patient groups. About RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a leader in the discovery and development of medicines for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, with a focus on treatments that address conditions affecting millions of people, but for which there are few or poor treatment options, including (i) through its ResolutionRx Ltd subsidiary, pharmaceutical cannabinoids, which include dronabinol, a synthetic form of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) that acts upon the nervous systems endogenous cannabinoid receptors and (ii) through its EndeavourRx business unit, neuromodulators, which include AMPAkines and GABAkines, proprietary chemical entities that positively modulate (positive allosteric modulators or PAMs) AMPA-type glutamate receptors and GABA A receptors. RespireRx and ResolutionRx are developing a pipeline of re-purposed and new drug products based on their broad patent portfolios for the above two drug platforms including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, pain, recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI), and certain neurological orphan diseases. Story continues RespireRx holds exclusive licenses and owns patents and patent applications or rights thereto for certain families of chemical compounds that claim the chemical structures and their uses in the treatment of a variety of disorders, as well as claims for novel uses of known drugs. Pharmaceutical Cannabinoids, Dronabinol . RespireRxs wholly-owned subsidiary, ResolutionRx Ltd., an unlisted public Australian company, is developing dronabinol, -9-THC, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring substance in the cannabis plant, for the treatment of OSA, a serious respiratory disorder that impacts more than 95 million people in the United States, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. It has been linked to increased risk for hypertension, heart failure, depression, and diabetes, with an annual economic cost in the United States alone of $162 billion according to the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine). There are no approved drug treatments for OSA. Two Phase 2 clinical trials have been completed demonstrating the ability of dronabinol to significantly reduce the symptoms of OSA and, subject to raising sufficient financing (of which no assurance can be provided) and pending the necessity for and, if required, the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australias equivalent to the FDA, ResolutionRx plans to commence a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study for a recently discovered and to-be-developed formulation followed by a Phase 3 clinical study for the treatment of OSA with the new formulation. Because dronabinol is already FDA approved for the treatment of AIDS related anorexia and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, ResolutionRx believes that its re-purposing strategy would only require approval by the FDA of a 505(b)(2) new drug application (NDA), an efficient regulatory pathway that allows the use of publicly available data. Similar regulatory equivalents to the 505(b)(2) are available in Australia and Europe. EndeavourRx: Neuromodulators AMPAkines. Through an extensive translational research effort from the cellular level through Phase 2 clinical trials, RespireRx has developed a family of novel, low impact AMPAkines, including CX717, CX1739 and CX1942 that may have clinical application in the treatment of CNS-driven neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders, spinal cord injury, neurological diseases, and certain orphan indications. RespireRxs lead clinical compounds, CX717 and CX1739, have successfully completed multiple Phase 1 safety trials. Both compounds have also completed Phase 2 proof of concept trials demonstrating target engagement, by antagonizing the ability of opioids to induce respiratory depression. AMPAkines have demonstrated positive activity in animal models of ADHD, results that have been extended translationally into statistically significant improvement of symptoms observed in a Phase 2 human clinical trial of CX717 in adult patients with ADHD. Statistically significant therapeutic effects were observed within one week. RespireRx believes AMPAkines may represent a novel, non-stimulant treatment for ADHD with a more rapid onset of action than alternative non-stimulants, such as Straterra (atomoxetine), and without the drawbacks of amphetamine-type stimulants. In a series of important studies funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and published in a number of peer reviewed articles, Dr. David Fuller (University of Florida), a long-time RespireRx collaborator, has demonstrated the ability of CX1739 and CX717, RespireRxs lead AMPAkines, to improve motor nerve activity and muscle function in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). GABAkines. Under a License Agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation, Inc. (UWMRF), RespireRx has licensed rights to certain selectively acting GABAkines because of their ability to selectively amplify inhibitory neurotransmission at a highly specific, subset of GABA A receptors, thus producing a unique efficacy profile with reduced side effects. Preclinical studies have documented their efficacy in a broad array of animal models of interrelated neurological and psychiatric disorders including epilepsy, pain, anxiety, and depression in the absence of or with greatly reduced propensity to produce sedation, motor-impairment, tolerance, dependence and abuse. RespireRx is currently focusing on developing KRM-II-81 for the treatment of epilepsy and pain. KRM-II-81 has displayed a high degree of anti-convulsant activity in a broad range of preclinical studies, including in treatment resistant and pharmaco-resistant models. Not only was KRM-II-81 highly effective in these models, but pharmaco-resistance or tolerance did not develop to its anti-convulsant properties. These latter results are particularly important because pharmaco-resistance occurs when medications that once controlled seizures lose efficacy as a result of chronic use and it is a principal reason some epileptic patients require brain surgery to control their seizures. In support of its potential clinical efficacy, translational studies have demonstrated the ability of KRM-II-81 to dramatically reduce epileptiform electrical activity when administered in situ to brain slices excised from treatment resistant epileptic patients undergoing surgery. In addition, KRM-II-81 has displayed a high degree of analgesic activity in a broad range of preclinical studies. In intact animal models of pain, the analgesic efficacy of KRM-II-81 was comparable to or greater than commonly used analgesics. At the same time, KRM-II-81 did not display side effects such as sedation and motor impairment, but even more importantly, it did not produce tolerance, dependence, respiratory depression or behavioral changes indicative of abuse liability, which are produced by opioid narcotics and are at the heart of the opioid epidemic. Additional information about RespireRx and the matters discussed herein can be obtained on RespireRxs web-site at www.RespireRx.com or in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. In addition, information about ResolutionRx Ltd may be found at www.resolutionrx.com.au. Not a Securities Offering or Solicitation This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sales of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale of securities would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the laws of such jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and RespireRx intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor created thereby. These might include statements regarding RespireRxs future plans, targets, estimates, assumptions, financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, and assumptions and predictions about research and development efforts, including, but not limited to, preclinical and clinical research design, execution, timing, costs and results, future product demand, supply, manufacturing, costs, marketing and pricing factors. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by words including assumes, could, ongoing, potential, predicts, projects, should, will, would, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, expects, plans, contemplates, targets, continues, budgets, may, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words, and such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) future research plans, expenditures and results, (ii) potential collaborative arrangements, (iii) the potential utility of RespireRxs product candidates, (iv) reorganization plans, and (v) the need for, and availability of, additional financing. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause RespireRxs results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. These factors include but are not limited to, regulatory policies or changes thereto, available cash, research and development results, issuance of patents, competition from other similar businesses, interest of third parties in collaborations with RespireRx, and market and general economic factors, and other risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in RespireRxs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on April 15, 2022 (the 2021 Form 10-K). You should read these risk factors and the other cautionary statements made in RespireRxs filings as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this press release. RespireRx cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate and therefore prospective investors, as well as potential collaborators and other potential stakeholders, are encouraged not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. You should read this press release completely. Other than as required by law, RespireRx undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, even though RespireRxs situation may change in the future. RespireRx cautions investors, as well as potential collaborators and other potential stakeholders, not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement that speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described in the 2021 Form 10-K and in this press release, as well as others that RespireRx may consider immaterial or does not anticipate at this time. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding RespireRxs business and technology, which involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future scientific, economic, regulatory and competitive conditions, collaborations with third parties, and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond RespireRxs control. Although RespireRx believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it does not know whether its expectations will prove correct. RespireRxs expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions that it might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described in the 2021 Form 10-K and in this press release. These risks and uncertainties are not exclusive and further information concerning RespireRx and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect RespireRxs financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time. For more information about the risks and uncertainties RespireRx faces, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in RespireRxs 2021 Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. RespireRx does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any statements to reflect new information or future events or developments. RespireRx advises investors, as well as potential collaborators and other potential stakeholders, to consult any further disclosures it may make on related subjects in its annual reports on Form 10-K and other reports that RespireRx files with or furnishes to the SEC. Company Contact: Jeff Margolis Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors Telephone: 917-834-7206 Email: jmargolis@respirerx.com RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. 126 Valley Road, Suite C, Glen Rock, NJ 07452, United States www.respirerx.com Contrive Datum Insights Pvt Ltd According to a market research study published by Contrive Datum Insights, ME&A region dominated the market with a 45% share, Asia Pacific will be closely followed by North America Farmington, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Rig and Oilfield Mat Market size were valued at USD 1.04 Billion in 2022, is projected to reach USD 2.1 Billion by 2030, and is registering a CAGR of 7.3% from 2022 to 2030. The rig and oilfield mat market is a specialized industry that assists heavy equipment used in the oil and gas, mining, and construction industries in stabilizing the ground and gaining access to work locations. These mats, which are typically made of wood, mixed materials, or steel, are used to support heavy equipment, safeguard the ground, and create temporary access roads and work platforms in areas with challenging terrain or sensitive environments. Request Sample Copy of Report Rig and Oilfield Mat Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Opportunities, Future Trends, Covid-19 Impact, SWOT Analysis, Competition and Forecasts 2022 to 2030 , published by Contrive Datum Insights. Demand for energy resources, particularly in developing nations, and the need for temporary access options in remote or sensitive areas are propelling the market for rig and oilfield mats. Using these mats can reduce the environmental damage caused by heavy equipment and the costs associated with restoring the land after excavating or construction projects. Rig and Oilfield Mat Market Recent Developments: In February 2021, Superior Mat Company announced the acquisition of TuffTrak, a manufacturer of high-strength synthetic mats for temporary driveways and job sites. The acquisition enables Superior Mat Company to expand its product offerings in the oil and gas, construction and events industries. In November 2020, Strad Inc. announced that it had entered into a multi-year contract with a major oil and gas producer in Montney, Canada, to supply rig mats and equipment. This agreement will provide Strad Inc. with stable revenue and growth opportunities in the region. In September 2020, Black Diamond Group announced the acquisition of BOXX Modular Group, a provider of modular buildings and remote workforce housing. The acquisition enables Black Diamond Group to expand its product offerings and services in the oil and gas, mining and construction industries. In August 2020, Viking Mat Company announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Gonzales, Texas. The facility will produce hardwood mats for the oil and gas industry and other heavy-duty applications. Story continues Rig and Oilfield Mat Market Dynamics: Oil and natural gas supply fifty percent of the world's energy requirements. In 2018, natural gas consumption increased by 4.6%. According to the International Energy Agency, petrochemical products will be a key driver of development in the oil industry over the forecast period. By 2026, global oil consumption is expected to reach 104.1 mb/d, up 4.4 mb/d from 2019. oil field mat industry. Process and environmental safety are also significant market drivers for platforms and oilfield mats over the forecast period. In downstream operations, rigs and oilfield mats safeguard the earth's subsurface by preventing the possible mixing of contaminants. Consequently, the market for rig and oilfield mats is anticipated to increase due to the implementation of government regulations regarding exploration activities. Regional Outlook: In 2020, the ME&A region dominated the market with a 45 % share. It is anticipated that offshore development and discovery in countries such as UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia will fuel the rigs and oilfield mats market in the region. Bahrain announced the discovery of approximately 80 billion barrels of hydrocarbons. ME&A's well involvement is anticipated to increase at a faster rate, with approximately 10,000 active offshore wells in fields with an average well age between 16 and 21 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for other regions. These factors are propelling the expansion of this region's market. Following closely behind Asia-Pacific in terms of market growth will be North America. Due to the tremendous expansion and rapid industrialization of the oil and gas industry, both regional markets for platforms and oilfield mats will experience substantial expansion. The expansion of the construction industry contributes to the expansion of the platforms and oil field mats market in Western Europe. The market in South America is expanding rapidly due to developments in the petrochemical industry and other affiliated industries. During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to grow at a 4.5% CAGR. Due to sustained urbanization and population growth, manufacturers in the region are targeting utilities companies in addition to oil and gas operators, resulting in a significant increase in demand for rigs and oilfield mats. These factors are anticipated to drive market expansion in this region over the forecast horizon. Buy this Premium Research Report@ https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/buy/124871/ Scope of Report: Report Attributes Details Growth Rate 7.3% from 2023 to 2030 Market Size in 2022 USD 1.04 Billion Revenue Forecast by 2030 USD 2.1 Billion By Type Wood Mats Composite Mats Steel Mats By Applications Oil and Gas Electrical T&D Construction & Maintenance Wind Infrastructure Construction Military Helipad Others By Companies Horizon North Logistics Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Signature Systems Group, LLC, Strad Energy Services Ltd, Checkers Safety Group, Spartan Mat, Rig Mats of America Inc., Quality Mat Company, Canada Rig Mats Ltd., Alberta Rig Mats, Access Terrain Services, and Others Base Year 2022 Historical Year 2017 to 2021 Forecast Year 2023 to 2030 Rig and Oilfield Mat Market Key Segments Covered: Top Market Players: Horizon North Logistics Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Signature Systems Group, LLC, Strad Energy Services Ltd, Checkers Safety Group, Spartan Mat, Rig Mats of America Inc., Quality Mat Company, Canada Rig Mats Ltd., Alberta Rig Mats, Access Terrain Services, and Others. By Type: Wood Mats Composite Mats Steel Mats By Application: Oil and Gas Electrical T&D Construction & Maintenance Wind Infrastructure Construction Military Helipad Others Regions and Countries Covered North America: (US, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America) Europe: (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific: (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) The Middle East & Africa: (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America: (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Rest Of the World Check out more related studies published by Contrive Datum Insights: RFID Door Locks Market - The global RFID door locks market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030. North America dominated the global market in terms of revenue share in 2019. The region is expected to continue to dominate over the forecast period owing to rising penetration of RFID technology and rising adoption in various applications such as healthcare, government offices, retail stores, and others. Near IR Camera Market - The Global Near IR Camera Market Size Was Estimated At USD 986.7 Million By 2022 And Is Projected To Grow At A CAGR Of 7.3% During The Forecast Period 2022-2028. The Near IR Camera market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10.5% over the forecast period owing to increasing military spending. According to CDI, military expenditure in the Asia-Pacific region was US$507 billion in 2018, accounting for 28% of global military expenditure. Motion Activated Cameras Market - The Global Motion-Activated Cameras Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of Over 12% During The Forecast Period. North America is the largest market for magneto-optical current transformers. This is because of the growth in the development of the industry using electrical equipment, which is mainly driven by the development of IT and data-related infrastructure. Europe is not far behind. Game Camera Market - The global Game Camera Market is expected to be valued at USD 89.41 Million. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% by the end of the forecast period. In North America, hunting is the most popular practice. The region comprises a few of the finest game animalsthe animals that can be hunted for their meat or sport. In the region, hunting opportunities are huge and they vary from whitetail hunting in Eastern hardwood forests to elk hunting in high alpine meadows to mule deer in the Sonoran Desert to muskox Canadian Arctic. Customization of the Report: The report can be customized as per client needs or requirements.For any queries, you can contact us on anna@contrivedatuminsights.com or +1 215-297-4078. Our sales executives will be happy to understand your needs and provide you with the most suitable reports. About Us: Contrive Datum Insights (CDI) is a global delivery partner of market intelligence and consulting services to officials at various sectors such as investment, information technology, telecommunication, consumer technology, and manufacturing markets. CDI assists investment communities, business executives, and IT professionals to undertake statistics-based accurate decisions on technology purchases and advance strong growth tactics to sustain market competitiveness. Comprising of a team size of more than 100 analysts and cumulative market experience of more than 200 years, Contrive Datum Insights guarantees the delivery of industry knowledge combined with global and country-level expertise. Social: Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter Contact Us: Anna B. | Head Of Sales Contrive Datum Insights Phone: +91 9834816757 | +1 2152974078 Email: anna@contrivedatuminsights.com Website: https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com Contrive Datum Insights Press Releases Latest Contrive Datum Insights Latest Reports ADLPARTNER Bertrand-Laurioz Dekuple CEO Bertrand-Laurioz Dekuple CEO Maxime Doki-Thonon Founder and CEO RocketLinks Maxime Doki-Thonon Founder and CEO RocketLinks RocketLinks participates in the international development of the Dekuple Group by expanding into the UK and US markets Paris, March 28, 2023 - RocketLinks, the Dekuple Group's SaaS martech solution, continues its international development by expanding its market to the UK and the USA and is part of the Group's overall internationalization process. With 10% of its revenue to be generated internationally by 2022, RocketLinks, a sponsored article buying platform that offers a full range of services for SEO and branding performance, has been preparing this expansion phase to international markets for several months: Recruitment of a business developer and a lead media trader, both English speakers. Expansion of the catalog with more than 80,000 media, of which more than 45,000 are international, and more than 20,000 in English. Signing of a commercial partnership with Primelis, the leader in search marketing in France, which is experiencing strong growth in the United States. In addition, RocketLinks intends to develop more abroad thanks to brands looking to develop their digital visibility and their natural referencing via sponsored articles and netlinking and also thanks to search marketing agencies that include netlinking in their consulting and services. "Our ambition to become a leader in data marketing in Europe is to accompany our French and European customers in various international markets. RocketLinks is part of this commitment, while also aiming to address the local market", explains Bertrand Laurioz, CEO of the Dekuple Group. "Since its creation in 2010, RocketLinks has become the leader in sponsored article buying in France. Over time, we have been able to gradually expand our scope of action in other markets. Today, we have strong international ambitions thanks to the agencies and advertisers who trust us, and with whom we co-construct our offers." explains Maxime Doki-Thonon, CEO of RocketLinks. Story continues About DEKUPLE Created in 1972, DEKUPLE is a major actor in cross-channel data marketing. The Group designs, markets and implements, on its own behalf or on behalf of its partners and clients, acquisition, loyalty and customer relationship management services across all distribution channels. This expertise allows Dekuple to support brands in their marketing needs but also to create recurring revenue generating portfolios on his behalf. Today, the Group works with more than 500 brands, including two-thirds of the CAC 40 companies and many small and medium-sized businesses. DEKUPLE had a turnover of 181.2 million euros in 2022. With operations in France, Spain, Portugal and China, the Group employs over 1,000 people. DEKUPLE is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris - Compartment C. ISIN code: FR0000062978 - DKUPL www.dekuple.com About RocketLinks Founded in 2010, RocketLinks is the world's first full-service SEO and branding platform. RocketLinks supports SEO and Netlinking experts by co-building their campaigns and offering complementary services. Its innovative and unique features allow its clients to achieve their marketing goals. 30 specialists support customers on both the technological and human fronts. With an international presence, RocketLinks offers the most competitive prices with an average of 15% off and has over 80,000 media outlets. Press contacts: ComCorp Lea Goujon lgoujon@comcorp.fr (+33)6 33 58 84 04 Ingrid Bregeon-Fall ibregeonfall@comcorp.fr (+33)6 33 58 54 94 Attachments Geopolitics returns to the top of Congress' mind this week as new reports emerge about escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Honduras has elected to partner with the Chinese Communist Party, ending its relationship with Taiwan. Over in the U.S., residents of the state of Mississippi are left struggling with the fallout of a series of devastating tornadoes. Here are three stories to watch in politics and business this week: The U.S. is skeptical that Putin will resort to nuclear attacks The U.S. government stated they do not believe that Russia President Vladimir Putin will deploy nuclear weapons, despite Putin's announcement that he's moving nuclear weapons into Belarus. NATO denounced the move, stating: "Russia's rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible. NATO is vigilant and we are closely monitoring the situation. We have not seen any changes in Russias nuclear posture that would lead us to adjust our own. We are committed to protect and defend all NATO allies." Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with United Russia party fraction leader Vladimir Vasiliev at the Kremlin in Moscow, March 22, 2023. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told CBS News over the weekend there's been "no indication" that Russia has any intent to use its nuclear weapons inside of Ukraine. A state of emergency in Mississippi President Biden declared a federal state of emergency for Mississippi after deadly tornadoes took the lives of 26 people and left dozens more injured over the weekend. "We will do everything we can to help," Biden said in a statement. "We will be there as long as it takes. We will work together to deliver the support you need to recover." Honduras ditches Taiwan, partners with CCP Honduras severed ties with Taiwan and decided to partner with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In return, Honduras will get $2.5 billion in aid from the CCP, a move that the Taiwanese are calling little more than a bribe from Beijing. Taiwan's Representative to the United States Bi-khim Hsaio criticized Honduras's move on Twitter. Story continues A group of Honduran and Taiwanese pose for pictures during a gathering in support of the relations between Taiwan and Honduras, at National Taiwan University, in Taipei, Taiwan, March 25, 2023. REUTERS/I-Hwa Cheng "Regrettable that the Honduran government has betrayed Taiwans friendship for China," she wrote. "They will soon realize that whatever the CCP did to lure them will be nothing but empty promises and malign influence." Biden has previously said that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China would move to invade. There also remains strong bipartisan support for Taiwan in Congress, where Republicans and Democrats have introduced legislation that would modernize the Taiwan Relations Act to include bolstering security assistance. Kevin Cirilli is a Yahoo Finance contributor and a visiting media fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance SNS Insider pvt ltd Based on SNS Insider analysis, more and more organizations are realizing the importance of protecting their workers, which has led to an increase in the demand for safety helmets. Pune, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per SNS Insider's report, the Safety Helmet Market had a value of USD 2.01 billion in 2022, and it is projected to reach USD 3.15 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030. Market Overview Safety helmets are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed to protect the head from injury in the event of an accident. Helmets are commonly used in industrial settings, construction sites, and other hazardous work environments where the risk of head injury is high. Safety helmets also provide protection against other hazards, such as electrical shock and penetration by sharp objects. Market Analysis The safety helmet market is expected to experience a significant increase in revenue growth due to two main factors: the rising number of head injuries in the workplace, and the growing demand for safety helmets in various industries such as mining, building and construction, and manufacturing operations. Moreover, the demand for safety helmets is increasing rapidly in various industries such as mining, building and construction, and manufacturing operations. These industries involve a high level of physical labor and expose workers to potential hazards such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and impacts. As a result, safety helmets have become an indispensable safety measure in such industries to prevent head injuries. Key Company Profiles Listed in this Report Are: Delta Plus Group Bullard, Honeywell International Inc., MSA JSP Poison Corporation, Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGaA Uvex Group, Centurion Safety Products Ltd., Schuberth GmbH, Concord Helmet & Safety Products Pvt. Ltd., OccuNomix International LLC, VOSS-HELME GmbH & Co. KG Pyramex, 3M Company, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Pyramex Safety Products, LLC. Story continues Get a Sample Report of Safety Helmet Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1093 Impact of Recession on Safety Helmet Market Growth The impact of a recession on the safety helmet market can vary depending on the industry and regulatory environment. While a recession may lead to a decrease in demand and sales for safety helmets, it can also create opportunities for innovation and new market opportunities. Safety Helmet Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2022 US$ 2.01 Billion Market Size by 2030 US$ 3.15 Billion CAGR CAGR of 5.8% From 2023 to 2030 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Historical Data 2020-2021 Safety Helmet Market: Key Segmentation By Material (Polyethylene, Acrylamide Butane Polystyrene, Polycarbonate) By Product (Hard Hats, Bump Caps, Hard Bump Caps, Soft Bump Caps) By End-use (Construction, Manufacturing, Mining Others) Key Regional Coverage North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, China, India, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), The Middle East & Africa (Israel, UAE, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Key Regional Developments Full-face smart helmets are particularly popular in Europe, and they have dominated the safety helmet market. They provide superior protection to workers and are particularly useful in hazardous environments. With the rapid growth of the vehicle manufacturing industry, the demand for such helmets is only expected to increase further. With innovative technologies such as full-face smart helmets and industrial helmets, the market is expected to witness considerable expansion in the near future. Do you have any specific queries related to this research? Ask Your Query@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/1093 Key Takeaway from Safety Helmet Market Study The construction segment is a leading contributor to the revenue of the global market, and the demand for safety helmets is expected to increase in the coming years. This growth is driven by the need for better infrastructure and the growing awareness of the importance of worker safety. The polyethylene segment is expected to continue its dominance in the market due to its low cost, excellent impact resistance, durability, and lightweight. With the increasing demand for safety helmets across various industries, polyethylene helmets will remain an attractive option for both large and small businesses. Recent Developments Related to Safety Helmet Market Pacific Helmets, a leading manufacturer based in Whanganui, New Zealand, has recently completed the development of new helmets designed to protect firefighters from carcinogens. The helmets have been specifically designed to reduce the exposure of firefighters to harmful substances, such as smoke and chemicals that they are exposed to on a regular basis. KASK, a renowned brand in the safety gear industry, has recently launched its latest product, the Type 2 Safety Helmet, specially designed for the construction sector. This new addition to KASK's range of safety helmets offers enhanced protection, improved comfort, and better durability. KASK's Type 2 Safety Helmet is designed to provide the highest level of safety, meeting the latest safety standards and regulations. Table of Contents Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Market Dynamics 4. Impact Analysis 5. Value Chain Analysis 6. Porters 5 Forces Model 7. PEST Analysis 8. Safety Helmet Segmentation, By Product 9. Safety Helmet Segmentation, By Material 10. Safety Helmet Segmentation, By End-User 11. Regional Coverage 12. Company Profiles 13. Competitive Landscape 14. Conclusion Buy Single-User PDF of Safety Helmet Market Report@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/1093 About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominate the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. Access Complete Report Details@ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/safety-helmet-market-1093 CONTACT: Contact Us: Akash Anand Head of Business Development & Strategy info@snsinsider.com Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US) Alongside The Release of its Fourth Variety, This Gourmet Plant-Based Salsa Company Plans For a 2023 Expansion Into New Regions MIAMI, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Saucy Gourmet, the versatile, plant-based salsa that's spicing up kitchens, restaurants and grocery aisles throughout the country has unveiled their latest flavor - Salsa Verde. Launched in Whole Foods by South Florida-based Chef David Blonsky in 2020, Saucy Gourmet soon became a household staple and the salsa of choice for those looking for a gourmet vegan salsa. The brand is now expanding to stores across the nation. Saucy Gourmet's Signature Salsa Made with just seven fresh ingredients, Saucy Gourmet contains no added sugars and is offered in four unique flavors with varying heat profiles: Chipotle Salsa, Classic Salsa, Habanero Salsa, and the newly released Salsa Verde, which will hit shelves across the country in the new year. It can be enjoyed as a dip, marinade or cooking sauce. "I set out to create the freshest tasting salsas and sauces in the market. I want people to be able to create and enjoy memorable meals to share with their friends and family," says founder Chef David Blonsky. Following the success of the original products, Saucy Gourmet's new Salsa Verde flavor, a mild 6-ingredient addition to the product line, will soon be available both online and in stores. "After creating Saucy's original recipes, I realized that the most underrated salsa, Salsa Verde, needed a place in the market. All ingredients are slow roasted and blended together to make the most amazing and versatile Salsa Verde available," says Chef Blonsky. Saucy Gourmet products are purchasable all across the Southern Region in 1200 top grocery stores including Publix, Ingles Market, PSK Supermarkets, and, of course, Whole Foods. Soon, Saucy Gourmet will be available in Texas and throughout the Northeast as the brand expands into multiple regions in 2023. For those major hot sauce enthusiasts, Saucy Gourmet offers a monthly Salsa Subscription Box packaged for the holidays. Story continues For more information, visit saucygourmet.com. ABOUT SAUCY Chef David Blonsky is a South Florida based chef and founder of Saucy Gourmet. After dedicating much time to the world of catering and the restaurant business, Blonsky founded Saucy Gourmet in 2019. His amazing Gourmet Foods are available all across the Southern Region in over 1200 top grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Publix Supermarket, Ingles Market, PSK Supermarkets, along with establishing a strong push into the Food Service industry. Media Contact: Paulina Lalanne Paulina@ShadeGrouppr.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saucy-gourmet-unveils-new-salsa-verde-flavor-301783726.html SOURCE Saucy Gourmet Rising demand for high network availability, increasing reliance of businesses and consumers on efficient and scalable networks for smooth work operations without failure of the network system, and surge in cyber threats drive the global self-healing networks market. PORTLAND, Ore., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Self-healing Networks Market by Component (Solution, Services), by Network Type (Physical, Virtual, Hybrid), by Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises), by Deployment Mode (On-Premises, Cloud), by Application (Network Provisioning, Network Bandwidth Monitoring, Network Traffic Management, Network Access Control, Others), by Industry Vertical (IT and Telecom, BFSI, Media and Entertainment, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Retail and Consumer Goods, Education, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the self-healing networks industry generated $729.6 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach $13.9 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 34.6% from 2022 to 2031. Allied_Market_Research_Logo Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Rising demand for high network availability, increasing reliance of businesses and consumers on efficient and scalable networks for smooth work operations without failure of the network system, and surge in cyber threats drive the global self-healing networks market. However, implementing self-healing network technology requires advanced equipment and software, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Moreover, complex and time-consuming implementation process increase the cost of deployment. These factors may restrain the market growth to some extent. Moreover, by analyzing network traffic and identifying suspicious activity, self-healing networks can help prevent cyber-attacks. This factor is expected to create lucrative opportunities in the industry. Request Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/54166 Story continues Covid-19 scenario The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the self-healing networks market. With the increase in remote work and online communication, there was a growing need for reliable and resilient networks. Hence, several organizations invested in self-healing networks to ensure the uninterrupted operation in their networks. Moreover, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of reliable and resilient networks, as businesses and individuals increasingly relied on digital communication and connectivity for remote work, education, and socializing. This led to an increase in investment in network infrastructure and self-healing technologies. Procure Complete Report (403 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/self-healing-networks-market/purchase-options The IT and telecom segment held the lion's share in 2021 In terms of industry vertical, the IT and telecom segment has garnered the major share in 2021, generating more than one-fourth of the global self-healing networks market revenue as these industries are designed to detect and automatically recover from faults or failures that may occur within the network. Moreover, the healthcare and life sciences segment is likely to dominate in terms of revenue and cite the fastest CAGR of 41.6% from 2022 to 2031. Self-healing networks services ensure reliable and secure data transfer between medical devices, electronic health records, and other healthcare information systems. The solution segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period Based on component, the solution segment held the highest share in 2021, holding more than two-thirds of the global self-healing networks market revenue and is projected to maintain its dominance by 2031. The solution segment includes the development of more advanced automated fault detection tools that can detect issues in the network in real-time, and trigger automated responses to fix the issues. On the other hand, the services segment would showcase the fastest CAGR of 37.6% throughout the forecast timeframe. The services segment provides robust security features that protect against cyber threats. The physical segment to rule the roost during the forecast period In terms of network type, the physical segment accounted for the highest share in 2021, holding nearly three-fifths of the global self-handling networks market revenue and is expected to rule the market during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to its ability to make adjustments to prevent or recover from failures and to monitor the network. Moreover, the virtual segment would portray the fastest CAGR of 37.7% from 2022 to 2031, as it reduces the impact of network failures on end-users by isolating and rerouting traffic, and helps to minimize downtime. North America held the major share in 2021 By region, North America accounted for the highest share in 2021, holding more than one-third of the global self-healing networks market revenue. The growth is attributed to the rising technological trends in the IT & telecom sector in the region. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is expected to rule the market during the forecast period and would portray the fastest CAGR of 39.2% from 2022 to 2031. The growth of the market is driven by ongoing digital and economic transformation of the region. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/54166 Leading Market Players Ericsson Versa Networks, Inc. IBM Corporation VMware, Inc. Appnomic Nokia Fortra LLC Ivanti Cisco Systems, Inc. CommScope The report analyzes these key players in the global self-healing networks market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report helps determine the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. Trending Reports in ICT & Media Industry: E-Waste Management Market Size is Expected to reach $143.87 Billion by 2028 Intelligent Virtual Assistant Market Size is Expected to Reach $44,255 Million by 2027 Smart Locks Market Share is Expected to Reach $14,972.3 Million by 2030 Video Analytics Market Share is Expected to Reach $21.77 Billion by 2027 Metaverse Market Share is Expected to Reach $1,237.0 Billion by 2030 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/information-and-communication-technology-and-media Follow Us on Blog: https://www.technologyplz.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/self-healing-networks-market-to-reach-13-9-billion-globally-by-2031-at-34-6-cagr-allied-market-research-301783107.html SOURCE Allied Market Research [Source] A local artist organized a silent social justice walk in Sacramento, California, on Saturday to raise awareness about anti-Asian hate and the history of systemic discrimination against the Asian and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Nearly 200 people, from community members to representatives from 40 local AAPI organizations, such as the Adult Buddhist Association, Asian American Liberation Network and the Chinese American Council of Sacramento, attended the "Right On!" social justice art walk, a civil rights project inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and further pressed by the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. California saw the most reported cases of anti-Asian hate crimes between March 2020 and March 2022. From a total of 11,000 cases reported nationwide, the state has the highest number of incidents at over 4,300, followed by New York with 1,840 cases, according to the latest data from the non-profit group Stop AAPI Hate. More from NextShark: Michelle Kwan Says Competing for Team USA as Daughter of Immigrants Was Living the American Dream Developed by local artist Angie Eng in partnership with Jason Jong, a Sacramento percussionist and recent recipient of the Sacramento Bee AAPI Change Makers award, the procession started in front of the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse at the corner of Fifth Street and I Street, according to a press release. Participants wore black shirts with dates highlighting significant Supreme Court case rulings that targeted community members based on their class, race, ethnicity, gender or abilities. More from NextShark: Tokyo Olympics Organizers to Hand Out Free Condoms After the Games QR codes taped on the back of participants shirts would bring scanners to a website describing each court decision. From the courthouse, "Right On!" participants walked through downtown to Capitol Mall, stopping at every block to showcase their shirts. They then returned to the Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse, where they ended the silent civil rights exhibition. Story continues More from NextShark: Orange County meal prep business owner and daughter disables alleged thief with a table The recent gathering was similar to an art project that Eng organized in Boulder, Colorado, in October 2022, commissioned by the Stop Asian Hate initiative of the Center of Humanities at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Speaking to ABC10, Eng said her affinity for art began when she was 8, attributing her passion to her family. "In the family, in our genes, we are not doctors, we are artists," Eng explained. "When I was 8, people labeled me an artist before I even created or designed. It was almost like fate that I became an artist and chose that path." More from NextShark: China's high court has deemed the grueling 72-hour workweek illegal More than 20 years later, Eng has continued to use art to raise awareness of social causes and injustices. "In a crisis moment, I think that's when art is most powerful," she said. "What we can do is look back on our history, and trace how in our history, we do have discrimination and racism. And, then we can educate ourselves and the community on the source of hate and violence." Record round is backed by a group of renowned international investors, including 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche SE, UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures USD 165m (EUR 155m) Series C marks the largest SpaceTech financing round in 2023 globally Funding round underscores investor confidence in Isar Aerospace's vision and proprietary technology and supports the company in its mission to become market leader in space industry Series C enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle MUNICH, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace today announced the closing of its USD 165m (EUR 155m) Series C round. To date in 2023, this is the largest SpaceTech financing round globally and one of the largest European DeepTech fundraises. The round is backed by 7-Industries Holding, Bayern Kapital via its Scale Up Fund Bavaria, Earlybird Venture Capital, HV Capital, Lakestar, Lombard Odier Investment Managers, Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), UVC Partners, and Vsquared Ventures. Investors Porsche SE and HV Capital will join Isar Aerospace's Advisory Board together with 7-Industries Holding joining in an observer capacity. Part of the funds provided by the private investors is backed by the European Union and regional programs managed by the European Investment Fund, such as InvestEU and the German Future Fund. Isar Aerospace Logo The funding enables Isar Aerospace to continue its journey towards the inaugural flight and ramp-up the cadence of its Spectrum launch vehicle. It will also enable the scaling of its proven production capabilities to serve the company's strong order book for launches of small and medium-sized satellites as global demand rises. At the same time, the Series C will allow the company to keep investing in developments for new initiatives and products, and to continue building on its vertical integration, especially its automated production capabilities that significantly lower the cost of building rockets. Story continues Daniel Metzler, Co-Founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace explains: "The strong interest and commitment from our international investors signals their confidence in our vision and technological capabilities. Today, and even more so tomorrow, space technologies are key to enabling innovation, technology and security. Isar Aerospace offers the access to space that is urgently needed for commercial, institutional and government customers. This financing round marks another important step on our journey to orbit." David Kownator, Chief Financial Officer of Isar Aerospace, adds: "We are thrilled to have concluded this round of financing in a difficult global market environment, building on strong investor demand and the company's steady progress, at an increased valuation compared to our Series B in July 2021." The record round underlines Isar Aerospace's leading position in the commercial space industry. At the same time, it highlights the company's role in strengthening Europe's capabilities for consistent, flexible, and cost-efficient access to space for commercial and institutional customers worldwide. With a total financing amount raised of more than USD 330m (EUR 310m), Isar Aerospace is the most capitalized independent New Space company in the European Union. Bulent Altan, Chairman of the Advisory Board and seed investor in Isar Aerospace, says: "The undeniably most common building block of any space application is reliable and affordable access to orbit. Isar Aerospace is a catalyst for the tremendous growth of the sector. With a crisp and fast execution, focus on quality, and establishing capabilities for future volume production, Isar Aerospace is emerging as a strong leader in the space economy. I am extremely pleased to have been a part of the journey from day one and look forward to the upcoming first launches." Full vertical integration, solid customer pipeline Since its creation in 2018, Isar Aerospace has established itself as a technological leader, having developed proprietary know-how through full vertical integration, owning design, production, and testing operations entirely in-house. Its manufacturing facility, established in Munich, provides maximum reliability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. The high degree of automation allows for future scalability to serve increasing market demand. Isar Aerospace has signed firm contracts with customers globally, including major commercial players, New Space companies, and government institutions. The company's flight manifest is already fully booked for its first years of operations, demonstrating its strong positioning as a provider of cost-efficient access to specific orbits for the deployment of constellations and targeted use cases. Targeting the inaugural flight in the second half of 2023 Isar Aerospace started the production of the maiden flight vehicle while entering the qualification stages for its vehicle systems. The entirely in-house developed and manufactured Aquila engine is undergoing engine testing and qualification. At the same time, the company is finalizing the build-up of its launch infrastructure at the launch site in Andya, Norway, from where the inaugural flight of its launch vehicle Spectrum, which is planned for the second half of 2023, will take place. Strengthening Europe's capabilities to access orbit Access to space is key to unlocking the innovation potential for technologies urgently needed to address climate change, ensure secure and efficient connectivity, and improve critical infrastructure globally. With 2022 serving as a wake-up call for Europe's geopolitical role, decision-makers have prioritized the advancement of European sovereign access to space, as the continent aims to ensure its global competitiveness. Isar Aerospace will significantly contribute to materializing independent capabilities for accessing space. By developing and building launch vehicles that will transport small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Earth's orbit, companies, institutions, and governments globally will be empowered to improve their capabilities and services in Earth observation, telecommunications, agriculture, disaster management, transportation, environmental monitoring and protection, scientific research, and defense applications. About Isar Aerospace Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn/Munich, develops and builds launch vehicles for transporting small and medium-sized satellites as well as satellite constellations into Earth's orbit. The company was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of Technical University Munich. Since then, it has grown to more than 300 employees from more than 40 nations with many years of hands-on rocket know-how and experience within other high-tech industries. More information via: www.isaraerospace.com About the Investors of Isar Aerospace's Series C Funding Round 7-Industries Holding 7-Industries Holding B.V, the family office of Ruthi Wertheimer, specializes in long term minority investments in entrepreneur or family led advanced and industrial technology companies. More information: www.7-industries.nl Bayern Kapital Bayern Kapital GmbH, based in Landshut (Germany), is the venture/growth capital company of the Free State of Bavaria. It supports innovative high-tech companies in Bavaria through their various growth phases, from seed to later stage, with equity capital. More information: www.bayernkapital.de Earlybird Venture Capital Earlybird Venture Capital focuses on European technology companies. Founded in 1997, Earlybird identifies and backs exceptional early-stage companies on a pan-European basis and supports them through their growth and development phases providing financial resources, strategic support, plus access to an international network and capital markets. More information: www.earlybird.com HV Capital HV Capital is one of the leading early-stage and growth investors in Europe, looking for the next generation of disruptors from every industry, including FinTech, SaaS, climate tech, and consumer goods. HV Capital supports startups with ticket sizes ranging from 500,000 to 50 million and is one of the few venture capital firms in Europe that can finance startups through all growth phases, aiming at partnering with them for long term and sustained growth. More information: https://www.hvcapital.com/ Lakestar Lakestar's mission is to find, fund and grow disruptive businesses that are enabled by technology and founded by exceptional entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond. Founded by Klaus Hommels, the team's early investments include Skype, Spotify, Facebook and Airbnb. Since raising its first fund in 2012, Lakestar manages an aggregated volume of over 2.8bn across three early stage funds and a growth fund. More information: https://lakestar.com/ Lombard Odier Investment Managers At Lombard Odier Investment Managers, we are rethinkers with one goal in mind. To be an active manager creating sustainable value for clients through innovative investment solutions. More information: www.lombardodier.com Porsche Automobil Holding SE Porsche SE is a holding company with investments in the areas of mobility and industrial technology. In particular, it holds the majority of the ordinary shares in Volkswagen AG and 25 percent plus one share of the ordinary shares in Porsche AG. More information: www.porsche-se.com UVC Partners UVC Partners is a leading Munich- and Berlin-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in European B2B tech start-ups from pre-seed to series A. The portfolio includes category leaders in deep tech, climate tech, hard- and software, and mobility with various technologies and business models. More information: www.uvcpartners.com Vsquared Ventures Vsquared backs entrepreneurs who engineer seemingly impossible solutions to the world's most challenging problems. With our deep-tech funds, we partner with global leaders such as Group14 Technologies, Isar Aerospace, Zama AI, and IQM Quantum Computers. We firmly believe that the next-gen champions are emerging out of Europe's unique market and tech potential. More information: https://vsquared.vc/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041940/isar_aerospace_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2041941/Isar_Aerospace_launch.jpg Isar Aerospaces launch vehicle Spectrum lifting off Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/space-company-isar-aerospace-secures-series-c-funding-round-of-usd-165m-to-meet-global-demand-for-access-to-space-301783181.html SOURCE Isar Aerospace (Reuters) -Starbucks Corp, which has faced criticism over its opposition to union organizing, said the labor union representing some of its stores has rejected in-person bargaining sessions and is insisting on hybrid negotiations. Starbucks Workers United, which represents thousands of U.S. baristas at about 200 cafes, conducted unauthorized virtual broadcasts of bargaining sessions without prior agreement from all parties, Starbucks said in a statement to Reuters on Monday. "Workers United is asking for a seat at the table, we're simply encouraging them take their seat in-person at the negotiating table, as required, to move the bargaining process forward," the company said. This comes after National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) prosecutors alleged that Starbucks violated labor law by refusing to engage in bargaining if some workers were attending remotely via videoconference, according to a Bloomberg report. "Now that it's clear we have the right to bargain using a virtual component, we hope Starbucks is ready, too," Tyler Keeling, a leader of the Starbucks Workers United in California said. The NLRB did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. On March 29, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, after earlier resisting requests to appear and answer questions about the company's compliance with labor law. "Hearing this days before Howard Schultz is set to testify in front of the HELP committee is huge, especially because he has personally talked about the fact that Starbucks is refusing to bargain with us because of the Zoom screen," Keeling said. (Reporting by Baranjot Kaur and Jahnavi Nidumolu in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Chandni Shah and Nilutpal Timsina; Editing by Varun H K) Stop insuring carbon projects 'immediately', activists tell bosses FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Coal barges are pictured as they queue to be pull along Mahakam river in Samarinda, East Kalimantan province By Tom Sims and Simon Jessop FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) -A group of climate activists has called on 30 insurance company bosses to "immediately" stop underwriting new fossil fuel projects in the wake of a stark climate warning from U.N. scientists, a letter seen by Reuters showed. Insure our Future, a global consortium of activists, said it sent the letter dated March 21 to companies including Munich Re, Zurich Insurance and AXA. The six-page letter, signed by 23 climate groups, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), said the insurance industry had failed to do enough to meet the world's climate goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Other demands included stopping insurance for new fossil fuel customers not aligned with the goal, and adopting binding targets to reduce insured emissions by July 2023. "Insurers, as society's risk managers, have a special responsibility to act and the power to drive change: without insurance most new fossil fuel projects cannot go ahead and existing ones cannot continue to operate," it read. The letter follows last week's warning from U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres that the "climate time bomb is ticking" and urged rich countries to cut emissions sooner after a new assessment from scientists said there was little time to lose in tackling climate change. While some insurers have tightened underwriting and investment policies to exclude some polluting industries from their business, the most stringent policies have focused primarily on coal rather than oil and gas. "Numerous loopholes in policies and standards allow insurers to continue underwriting the expansion of fossil fuel production," the letter said. Peter Bosshard, one of the letter's authors with The Sunrise Project, said in an interview that climate-related resolutions were already on the agenda at U.S. insurers, and more could follow. U.S. insurers Chubb, Hartford and Travelers are among companies facing climate-focused shareholder resolutions at upcoming annual shareholder meetings. Story continues "We are considering doing the same with Japanese insurers for next year. And also with the European insurers if they don't get more serious," Bosshard said. Neither Munich Re nor Zurich Insurance responded specifically to questions about the letter but both said they were in regular contact with NGOs. Munich Re said it was "in a constant process" in its path to net-zero carbon emissions. Zurich said it was "not a major insurance provider" to the fossil fuel industry and had reduced its market share, a trend it expected would continue. AXA said its commitment to financing the energy transition was "ambitious", but it did not plan to stop investing in oil and gas "which are now essential for households and businesses, and therefore for our economies". Some industry executives have argued that if they sever ties too quickly with polluting industries unemployment would rise, and activists were too focused on stopping activities rather than on transformation. (Reporting by Tom Sims and Simon Jessop; Editing by Jane Merriman and David Holmes) Investor's Business Daily Regardless of what stage of the market cycle we're in, some folks never tire of searching for cheap stocks to buy. If it has thin trading volume, the fund manager will have an awfully tough time accumulating shares without making a big impact on the stock price. IBD research also finds that dozens, if not hundreds, of great stocks each year do not start out as penny shares. The Florida business leader brings deep experience in enterprise growth and strong community relationships to the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors. TAMPA, Fla., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of the leading academic medical centers in the country, today announced the addition of Oscar J. Horton to its Board of Directors. Tampa General Hospital (TGH), one of the leading academic medical centers in the country, today announced the addition of Oscar J. Horton to its Board of Directors. "The Tampa General Board of Directors is excited to welcome Oscar. His extensive knowledge and experience, paired with his strong ties within our community, will position us well to work with the executive leadership team on strategic planning and designing what's next for Tampa General and how that will shape the future of health care and medical research in Tampa Bay and beyond," said Phil Dingle, chairman of the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors. Upon approval of his appointment last month, Horton joined 14 other members on the Tampa General Board of Directors, adding to the Board's collective breadth and depth of expertise across various industries, including real estate, finance, health care, private equity and more. Horton is the chairman and CEO of Horton Holdings LLC, which owns and oversees the operations of Sun State International and Sun State Real Estate. Horton spent 25 years at International Truck & Engine's financial corporation, ultimately serving as the vice president and general manager of the company's Foundry Business, where he was responsible for overall profitability and multiple critical segments of the business. He currently serves as president and CEO of Sun State International, where he increased revenue, profitability, employee morale, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, Sun State International has grown to one of the largest minority-owned businesses in Tampa Bay. "We look forward to working closely with Oscar in his new role as a board member," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "We're confident Oscar will bring an important and unique perspective as we strive to expand access to world-class care, further develop our cutting-edge Research and Medical District, and leverage our shared community relationships to improve the health and wellbeing of people throughout the Tampa Bay region." Story continues Active in the Tampa Bay community, Horton serves on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Tampa, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and the University of South Florida's Board of Trustees. Previously, he served as chairman of the Board of the Academy Prep Center of Tampa, and as a board member for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Jacksonville Branch. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Beth Hardy, APR Senior Communications Specialist (813) 844-7322 (direct) (813) 510-6363 (cell) ehardy@tgh.org Tampa General Hospital logo. (PRNewsFoto/Tampa General Hospital) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tampa-general-hospital-welcomes-oscar-j-horton-to-its-board-of-directors-301783980.html SOURCE Tampa General Hospital EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TC BioPharm (Holdings) PLC ("TC BioPharm" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TCBP) a clinical stage biotechnology company developing platform allogeneic gamma-delta T cell therapies for cancer, today announced the pricing of a public offering of 3,437,500 of its American Depositary Shares (the "ADSs") (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof), together with Series C warrants (the "Series C Warrants") to purchase up to 3,437,500 of its ADSs at a public offering price of $1.60 per ADS (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) and associated Series C Warrant. The Series C Warrants will have an exercise price of $1.75 per ADS, are exercisable upon issuance and will expire five years following the date of issuance. Each ADS representing one ordinary share of the Company. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about March 30, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. TC BioPharm (PRNewsfoto/TC BioPharm) The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $5.5 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-270808) relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and was declared effective by the SEC on March 27, 2023. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus, which is part of the effective registration statement. When available, electronic copies of the final prospectus may be obtained for free on the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov and may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com. Story continues The Company also has agreed that certain existing warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,800,000 ADSs of the Company that were previously issued on November 30, 2022, at an exercise price of $5.00 per ADS and expiration dates of May 30, 2025 and May 30, 2028, will be amended effective upon the closing of the offering so that the amended warrants will have a reduced exercise price of $1.75 per ADS. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About TC BioPharm (Holdings) PLC TC BioPharm is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of gamma-delta T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer with human efficacy data in acute myeloid leukemia. Gamma-delta T cells are naturally occurring immune cells that embody properties of both the innate and adaptive immune systems and can intrinsically differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue. TC BioPharm uses an allogeneic approach in both unmodified and CAR modified gamma-delta T cells to effectively identify, target and eradicate both liquid and solid tumors in cancer. TC BioPharm is the leader in developing gamma-delta T cell therapies, and the first company to conduct phase II/pivotal clinical studies in oncology. The Company is conducting two investigator-initiated clinical trials for its unmodified gamma-delta T cell product line - Phase 2b/3 pivotal trial for OmnImmune in treatment of acute myeloid leukemia using the Company's proprietary allogeneic CryoTC technology to provide frozen product to clinics worldwide. TC BioPharm also maintains a robust pipeline for future indications in solid tumors as well as a significant IP/patent portfolio in the use of CARs with gamma-delta T cells and owns our manufacturing facility to maintain cost and product quality controls. Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events, including but not limited to statements related to closing of the offering and satisfaction of closing conditions, the expected gross proceeds from the offering and statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. These statements reflect our current beliefs, and a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reference to the website of TC BioPharm has been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tc-biopharm-announces-pricing-of-5-5-million-public-offering-301783305.html SOURCE TC BioPharm Company Logo telerehabilitation-market-size.jpg telerehabilitation-market-size.jpg Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Telerehabilitation Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Application, By Therapy, By Component, By Services, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 - 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Telerehabilitation Market size is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 14.6% CAGR during the forecast period. The delivery of rehabilitation services over a telecommunications network and the internet is called telerehabilitation, also known as e-rehabilitation. Medical personnel can diagnose patients and deliver therapy from a distance using telerehabilitation services. Among the medical specialties that use telerehabilitation are psychology, audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and audiology. Among the many rehabilitation techniques are exercises for the motor system, goal setting, robotic treatment, speech therapy, virtual reality, and group exercise. Worldwide demand for telerehabilitation services is anticipated to rise as cases of various conditions like traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accidents, and developmental delays in the pediatric population rise. These ailments limit the patient's ability to move physically, which raises demand for these services. Additionally, telerehabilitation significantly lowers the amount of money patients must spend on hospital visits to see doctors for rehabilitation services, which is expected to fuel market expansion. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the telerehabilitation market will be driven by the increasing acceptance of digital technologies in the healthcare sector as well as the expansion of smartphones and the internet. Additionally, both governmental and private entities carry global out a number of programs. Patients who live far from actual rehabilitation institutions can use telerehabilitation technology. As doctors are more inclined to follow up with patients after release, it also reduces the number of frequent visits that patients make to hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Story continues Additionally, this lowers the expense of transportation and saves both patients' and doctors' time, giving clients access to real-time recovery therapies in the comfort of their own homes. COVID-19 Impact Analysis Telehealth or telerehabilitation are emerging as efficient and long-lasting methods for precaution, prevention, and treatment to stop the spread of COVID-19 during this pandemic. It is bridging the divide between patients, doctors, and healthcare systems. In order to stop the virus from spreading, it allows everyone, but mainly symptomatic patients, to stay at home and contact doctors online. As a result, hospitals and other medical facilities are growing their telehealth offerings and looking for ways to train their employees. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a favorable effect on the telerehabilitation business. Market Growth Factors Progressive shift to virtual consultation A virtual consultation is a way to receive medical advice without physically seeing the physician. As a result, it is becoming the most practical method of doctor-patient communication. Furthermore, it provides patients with mobility limitations, such as the elderly and those in remote places, with access to healthcare services. Additionally, it offers a chance to save healthcare costs and saves time for both the patient and the carer. Overall, it can offer the general public improved healthcare services, which is the main draw for patients. Aging population growth all over the world People become increasingly susceptible to chronic diseases and physiological dysfunction as they age. This further raises the need for high-quality medical assistance. For the elderly population, who have trouble accessing rehabilitation services due to mobility issues, telerehabilitation provides high-quality treatments and makes it easier for them to do so. During the anticipated period, initiatives done by both public and private organizations are also anticipated to boost market expansion for telerehabilitation. Market Restraining Factor Poor reimbursement policies are becoming a hurdle The most glaring drawbacks of telemedicine or telehealth are the ongoing requirement for more simplified, transparent policies and standards surrounding telehealth practice to make it easier for physicians to implement. The most significant obstacle to telerehabilitation's widespread adoption is reimbursement. Medicare does not pay for telehealth services supplied to patients who reside in nations that have been federally classified as metropolitan areas. All of this may limit market expansion throughout the projected period. Scope of the Study By Application Orthopedic Cardiovascular Neurology Pediatric Others By Therapy Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Others By Component Software Hardware By Services Clinical Therapy Clinical Assessment By Geography North America US Canada Mexico Rest of North America Europe Germany UK France Russia Spain Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Singapore Malaysia Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA Brazil Argentina UAE Saudi Arabia South Africa Nigeria Rest of LAMEA Key Market Players List of Companies Profiled in the Report: Cisco Systems, Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Hinge Health, Inc. MIRA Rehab Limited Jintronix Care Innovations, LLC Medvivo Group Ltd. (HealthHero Group Limited) Doctor On Demand, Inc. (Included Health, Inc.) PT Genie For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4n7tqv About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Welcome back, readers. I'm Paayal Zaveri, a reporter with Insider's Tech Analysis team, filling in for my colleague Diamond Naga Siu this week. One thing I keep thinking about: what's going to happen to TikTok? After TikTok's CEO Shou Zi Chew testified in front of Congress last week, it seems like the stakes are even higher for the social media app. As a reminder: the Biden administration has demanded TikTok's US business be sold, or risk getting banned in the US. Thursday's hearing did little to change lawmakers' minds, meaning that TikTok is dealing with the fallout. Now, it seems, TikTok wants to clear up some facts that lawmakers may have gotten wrong. That's what our first story is about today. Let's get started. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider's app here. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew listens to questions from U.S. representatives during his testimony at a Congressional hearing Getty Images 1. TikTok wants to clear up "Myth vs Fact." After the TikTok CEO's 5-hour hearing at Congress last Thursday, the company wants to reassure advertisers that it'll be fine. It sent them a "Myth vs. Fact" document, laying out some things lawmakers said that TikTok says aren't entirely accurate. In the document, the company tried to dispel concerns about its ties to the Chinese government. Specifically, it addressed concerns that it could be forced to hand over US user data to the Chinese government. The document states: "TikTok does not permit any government to influence or change its recommendation model." Advertisers make up a large chunk of TikTok's user base, which the company says is now at 150 million monthly active users in the US. Most have just adopted a wait-and-see approach to the potential of a TikTok ban, and are exploring alternatives like Instagram reels and YouTube Shorts. Read TikTok's full "Myth vs Fact" document here. In other news: AOC Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., attends a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Facebook's Libra.Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call 2. AOC is against a TikTok ban. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is one of the few lawmakers who has spoken out against a TikTok ban. She says it doesn't address the core issue: that social media companies collect so much personal information, and there's no regulation to protect users. Story continues 3. Miami's crypto boom is over. During the pandemic, Miami became the de facto capital of the crypto boom, and people flocked to the city. But now that boom is over as crypto prices drop, and the crypto enthusiasts are slowly leaving, my colleague Linette Lopez reports. 4. Tim Cook is a better role model for CEOs than Elon Musk. Tech leaders are closely watching Musk's relentless focus on shrinking Twitter while growing its ambitions. However, experts told me that long-term it's a bad strategy. Read why they say Tim Cook's slow-and-steady style yields better results. 5. Inside OpenAI's master plan. OpenAI is laying the groundwork for people to use ChatGPT in their daily lives. If it wants to keep its lead, as Google, Amazon, and everybody else get in on the generative AI gold rush, speed is key. Here's how OpenAI is staying ahead. 6. Pharmacy startups are struggling. Pharmacy startups gained traction over the last few years, attracting tons of investment. The goal is to give patients a more personal, simple experience. But it's not easy. Here's why those startups are struggling to go up against giants like CVS and Walgreens. 7. Our online experience is getting worse. If it seems like using Google, Facebook, and Amazon is getting harder, you're not imagining it. It's all because Big Tech companies are putting their stock prices above the user experience. Here's what that means. 8. Not everyone loves Apple's next big thing. Apple's next big product launch is likely a mixed-reality headset that it's been working on for years. The company is reportedly planning to reveal it in three months. But not everyone at the company is happy about it. Odds and ends: various emoji now available through Apple's iOS 16.4 update Emojipedia 9. Apple's new emojis. Apple iOS 16.4 came out yesterday, and with it 31 new emojis. It includes a shaking face, a donkey, and a long-awaited pink heart. See all the new emojis. 10. Rich people's new obsession: Immortality. This new exclusive club is exploring how to live longer and healthier lives. Membership has a $100 million net-worth minimum. Read about the club's perks here. What we're watching today: Shoptalk is this week in Las Vegas. It's a huge conference for retailers and ecommerce. Speakers from Amazon, Target, Wayfair, and other large ecommerce companies will be there. In celebrity news, Selena Gomez and Zayn Malik are rumored to be dating. I'll be watching to see if it's true. Curated by Paayal Zaveri in San Francisco. (Feedback or tips? Email pzaveri@insider.com or tweet @paayalzaveri) Edited by Matt Weinberger (tweet @gamoid) in San Francisco and Hallam Bullock (tweet @hallam_bullock) in London. Read the original article on Business Insider (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) has informed collapsed lender Signature Bank's crypto clients that they have until April 5 to close their accounts and move their money. The deposits in question were not part of a rescue deal arranged with Flagstar Bank, a unit of New York Community Bancorp, earlier this month. "Flagstar's bid did not include about $4 billion in deposits related to Signature's digital-asset business," an FDIC spokesperson said. "Those are the deposits we are encouraging customers to move before April 5. If they have not by that day, we will mail checks to the address on record." Flagstar on March 19 entered into an agreement with U.S. regulators to buy deposits and loans from New York-based Signature Bank. The FDIC had said that the deal would see Flagstar Bank assume substantially all of Signature Bank's deposits, some of its loan portfolios and all 40 of its former branches. Roughly $60 billion of Signature Bank's loans and $4 billion of its deposits would remain with it in receivership. (Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath) Company Logo U.S. Power Tool Accessories Market U.S. Power Tool Accessories Market Dublin, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Power Tool Accessories Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The U.S. Power Tool Accessories Market will reach a value of $4.871 billion by 2028 from $3.511 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% Growing Demand For Prefabricated Buildings Residences and commercial buildings made in preparation in a warehouse (often in components) that can be readily moved and integrated into the property are known as prefabricated or prefab houses and constructed dwellings. The idea combines panelized and modular building systems that are thoroughly designed and constructed before construction begins, and the framework is installed following a carefully throughout work site design. Prefabricated structures are becoming increasingly popular globally, notably in industrialized areas such as North America, especially in the United States. This, in turn, has increased the need from these construction producers for the power tools and accessories market. Development In Lithium-Ion Batteries Corded power tools have become predominant over the years and have reshaped the face of the power tool industry. It has also helped create and broaden new product lines in the battery-operated categories, which can further represent the U.S. power tool accessories market. The creation of Li-ion batteries has been one of the most significant growth drivers of the cordless power tool market. Numerous advances in battery technology have also enabled greater backup capacity due to the growing demand for long-lasting battery life. Consequently, the effectiveness and performance of li-ion batteries have significantly increased, and improvements in energy density, charging speed, stability, cyclability, and safety are being incorporated. Even though Li-ion batteries are more expensive to replace, more people choose to use them in electronic communication devices and electric vehicles, especially in the United States. Story continues U.S.-China Trade War In March 2018, the U.S. government imposed a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum originating from China and exported to the United States. The tariffs impacted major industries as many of the steel and aluminum requirements of the U.S. manufacturers were met by cheaper imports from China. This increased the final output prices, passed on to end customers. Trade tensions have escalated since then and have impacted all major end-users. These tariffs and other trade issues between the two countries negatively influenced most industries dependent on steel and aluminum. As a result, a cost escalation was witnessed across many steel and aluminum industries. This acts as a barrier for market players regarding scaling up options. The U.S. power tool accessories market will depend on these trade and economic variables during the forecast period and is expected to face challenges in value and volume. Distribution Channel The offline distribution channel dominated the U.S. power tool accessories market, accounting for a revenue share of 66.10% in 2022. It is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to high customer preference to comprehend the functionalities and uses of the product before making the final purchase decision. Moreover, since power tool accessories have very specific usage and purpose, the preference for the offline channel is high to minimize the risk of receiving incompatible products. Accessory Type The drill bits accessory type dominated the U.S. power tool accessories market and generated a revenue of USD 502.41 million in 2022. Some of the best-selling drill bits in the market include titanium-coated DeWalt drill bits to provide a longer shelf life, Drill Hog, Irwin Tools, Drill America, and Bosch. As impact drills are among the common tools for household applications, it is always recommended that the vendors offer bits ideal for all end-use applications. They can also maximize their retail and online presence to ensure supply chain feasibility as demands are expected to surge further during the forecast period. End Users The industrial end-user segment accounted for 74.20% of the U.S. power tool accessories market revenue in 2022. Cordless power tools are widely used in automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, construction, shipbuilding, and other industries. The energy sector is estimated to be one of the major revenue generators due to the rise in sustainable energy being promoted and widely accepted across the globe activities. Also, the construction industry generated revenue close to USD 737.58 million, which can be attributed to the rapid infrastructural developments across multiple U.S. areas. Regional Analysis Several factors have contributed to the growth of the U.S. power tool accessories market in the South region. The region is home to many manufacturing centers for power tools and accessories, making it easier for companies to produce and distribute these products. Moreover, government spending on infrastructure projects in the region, such as highways, bridges, and public buildings, has also driven demand for power tools and accessories. The western region of the US has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, which has led to an increase in construction activity and a corresponding rise in demand for power tools and accessories. The region has seen strong demand for new homes and home remodeling, which has driven growth in the power tool accessories market. Further, the region is home to many manufacturing centers for power tools and accessories, making it easier for companies to produce and distribute these products. Such factors have contributed to the U.S. power tool accessories market in the western region. Competitive Landscape The U.S. power tool accessories market is characterized by low market concentration and intense rivalry among competitors. Vendors are forced by the current situation to modify and improve their distinctive value propositions to have a significant market presence. The U.S. power tool accessories market is fragmented and controlled by companies such as Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch, and TTI. Further, many domestic tool makers offer attachments in various sizes, shapes, and styles that match those made by a reputable vendor. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 232 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $3511.98 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $4871.75 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.6% Regions Covered United States Market Opportunities & Trends Growing Prominence of Manufacturing Industry 4.0 and Smart Precision Manufacturing Growth in Construction Industry Growing Demand for Prefabricated Buildings Increasing Renewable Energy Installations Market Growth Enablers Development of Li-Ion Batteries Rise in Home Improvements & Diy Activities Rising Application of Fastening Tools Market Restraints Hand Tools and Low Cost Labor Us-China Trade War End-User Variability Manufacturers Shifting Production Facilities to Other Countries Key Company Profiles Stanley Black & Decker Robert Bosch Techtronic Industries Makita Hilti Other Prominent Vendors Apex Tool Group Snap On Koki Holdings Fortive Positec Chervon Fein AIMCO Festool CS Unitec Dynabrade Husqvarna Stihl Blount KYOCERA Panasonic URYU SEISAKU Atlas Copco Ingersoll Rand Emerson For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bkrsm4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Diesel students at six UTI campuses eligible to apply PHOENIX, March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) and a leading workforce solutions provider of skilled trades education programs, is announcing another Early Employment Program partner, RDO Equipment Co. (RDO), a diesel equipment dealer with more than 75 stores across the U.S. (PRNewsfoto/Universal Technical Institute,) RDO also offers parts, service, and full support, which is where UTI diesel students are needed. Students enrolled in the diesel program at six UTI campuses, including Avondale, Ariz., Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Sacramento, Calif., and Austin and Dallas, Texas, are eligible to apply for the program. RDO has committed to offering the Early Employment Program students they hire up to $32,000, which includes tuition reimbursement over four years, a company-paid tool program, and a $5,000 bonus when hired upon graduation. As the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise, a growing number of employers across the country are joining UTI's Early Employment Program. Participating employers offer paid work experience, and consideration for full-time employment and reimbursement for education-related expenses after graduation. [1] "We're proud of the success of our Early Employment Program and are excited to see it growing, giving students more opportunities to gain real-world experience while helping them pay for their education," said Vice President of Student Success, Melanie Scheet. "This initiative helps UTI continue to offer students technical training in the transportation industry, while some of the biggest names in the industry are finding qualified employees who can hit the ground running on day one." RDO's goals for its Early Employment Program students include hiring students in a variety of positions to give them the opportunity to learn the organization's culture and provide them with advancement opportunities, mentor them while they progress through the program, and hire successful students for full-time positions once they graduate. Story continues "The demand for highly-skilled diesel technicians has never been greater for us, and Universal Technical Institute has designed a curriculum to help students acquire the skills they need to succeed," said Jeff Spake, RDO recruiting program manager. "By working with employers and industry leaders like RDO Equipment Co., UTI offers programs that strengthen technical and professional skills in preparation for long-term, rewarding careers." For more information on UTI's Early Employment Program, visit uti.edu/support-services/employment-assistance/early-employment. About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs, whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly-skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on Twitter @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer. About RDO Equipment Co. Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 75 locations across the United States, and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, RDO Equipment Co. is a total solutions provider. https://www.rdoequipment.com/ Media Contact Alanna Vitucci avitucci@uti.edu 480.710.6843 1 Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-technical-institute-welcomes-new-early-employment-partner-rdo-equipment-co-offering-students-real-world-experience-and-tuition-reimbursement-opportunity-301782307.html SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Private financial group offers strong interim lending support to underserved businesses, through swift and timely bridge loans customized to specification. US Capital Global Increases Bridge Finance Solutions for Middle Market Businesses At US Capital Global we now provide bridge loan amounts up to $100 million for middle market businesses with assets. San Francisco, California, USA, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- US Capital Global announced today that it has further expanded its range of custom bridge finance solutions for middle market businesses. Headquartered in San Francisco with primary offices in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, London, Milan, Zurich, and Dubai, US Capital Global is a full-service global private financial group with an established track record in corporate finance, asset management, and capital formation services. US Capital Global has a history of success when it comes to offering clients reliable and timely commercial bridge loans, said Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman and CEO at US Capital Global. Bridge loans generally fund in 13 weeks, which is a lot sooner than other types of financing, making them appealing for businesses waiting for more traditional financing or looking to take immediate advantage of an attractive commercial opportunity. At US Capital Global we now provide bridge loan amounts up to $100 million for middle market businesses with assets. Example Bridge Loan Transactions by the US Capital Team Loan size: $5,000,000 to $100,000,000 Lending area: National and international Collateral: All assets Amortization: Interest only LTV: Up to 90% or advance on eligible revenue model and/or assets Closing time: 5 to 20 days Example Bridge Loan Transactions by the US Capital Team Click here for further details about the selected transactions in the image provided with this press release, then select Bridge Loan as a Financing Type in the drop-down menu. About US Capital Global US Capital Global Securities LLC (USCGS) is the FINRA-member broker-dealer division of US Capital that acts as placement agent for growth-stage companies, projects, and investment funds. Since 1998, US Capital has been committed to providing lower middle market businesses and investors with sophisticated debt, equity, and investment opportunities usually available only to larger middle market companies and institutional investors, using the latest FinTech and RegTech innovation. US Capital entities manage direct investment funds and provide wealth management and capital raise services. USCGS or its affiliates may provide advice to, be compensated by, may have other business relationships with, or may from time to time acquire, hold or sell a position in the securities of the issuers mentioned herein. Any such offer or solicitation shall be made only pursuant to the confidential private placement memorandum. View USCGS Form CRS at www.uscapglobalsecurities.com/crs.html. Story continues To learn more about US Capital Global, email Jeffrey Sweeney, Chairman and CEO, at jsweeney@uscapglobal.com or call +1 415-889-1010. Attachment CONTACT: Vanessa Guajardo US Capital Global +1 415 889 10410 media@uscapglobal.com By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The acting head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday the aviation industry must work to eliminate near-miss incidents that have triggered recent safety concerns. "Going forward, zero has to be the only acceptable number for serious incidents and close calls," said Billy Nolen, the FAA's acting administrator. Six serious runway incursions since January prompted the agency to convene a safety summit earlier this month. "Air travel is coming back in a big way since the pandemic. But the long layoff, coupled with the increased technical nature of our systems, might have caused some professionals to lose some of that muscle memory," Nolen said at an industry meeting in Baltimore. The FAA said last week that it was taking steps to improve its air traffic control operations. "There is no question that we are seeing too many close calls," Tim Arel, chief operating officer of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, said in a message to employees at that time. On Wednesday, the FAA issued a separate safety alert to airlines, pilots and others citing the "need for continued vigilance and attention to mitigation of safety risks." National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy said last month that a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines plane had come within 100 feet of each other in what could have been a "terrible tragedy." Facing an air traffic control staffing shortage, the FAA wants funding for more hiring. Rich Santa, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said at the safety summit earlier this month that there are 1,200 fewer certified air traffic controllers than a decade ago. On Wednesday, the FAA said it would temporarily cut minimum flight requirements for airlines to keep take-off and landing slots at congested New York City-area airports and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to address summer congestion issues. The FAA is holding a meeting on Wednesday on New York-area air traffic issues. The FAA agreed to requests from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to temporarily return up to 10% of slots and flights at those airports. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Paul Simao)